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Saturday, August 12, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 20, 1438 AH Neymar in line for GULF TIMES debut as PSG go to Guingamp SPORT Page 7 2017 IAAF CHAMPIONSHIPS Qatar’s Barshim ready to

In-form Qatari breezes through qualification with hit new heights 2.31m eff ort for shot at world title tomorrow

Agencies by Germany’s Eike Onnen, Edgar Rivera of Mexico and China’s Wang Yu. Notable among the non-qualifi ers is Italy’s whose utaz Barshim leapt into to- comeback eff ort from injury and a pair morrow’s fi nal at of surgeries ran out of time. None- the World Athletics Cham- theless, he jumped a season’s best of pionships in the manner of 2.29m. Ma man ready to fi nally ascend to the very of the United States, who summit of his sport. won the Olympic silver in this arena fi ve The wiry Qatari, who has jumped years ago, had to pull out injured after higher than anyone in history ex- one unsuccessful attempt at his open- cept Cuban world record holder Javier ing height of 2.17m. Sotomayor, breezed through yester- “Obviously, the main goal this season day’s qualifi cation, clearing the auto- is the World championships in London, matic qualifying height of 2.31 metres but it’s not the only goal. This season with the greatest of ease. I want to have a diff erent and specifi c Barshim, whose only global title approach for every single competi- came at the world indoor champion- tion. Each time I want to be success- ships in 2014, demonstrated why he is ful, I want to be excellent,” Barshim had a warm favourite to win his fi rst major said after winning his fourth Diamond outdoor crown following silver and League event in with an eff ort of bronze at the last two Olympics. 2.35m earlier this year. The 26-year-old, who has an Asian “So far, I feel really comfortable with record best of 2.43m, is one of six ath- my running and that’s very important. letes who cleared 2.31 but the only one I can jump at full approach with eight to go through the morning without fail- steps. I haven’t really changed a lot ing on a single jump. of things in my training this year, just His main danger again looks set to some small touch,” he added. come from Ukraine’s Bohdan Bondar- The win in Paris gave Barshim a clean enko, who beat him to the 2013 title, sweep of all the high while Danil Lysenko, competing under jump events that have been held this a neutral fl ag following the Russian year. Federation’s ban, also qualifi ed easily The Qatari opened the season with after just one failure. a win in where he jumped 2.36m. There was delight for the home Barshim then headed to Shanghai and crowd as Robbie Grabarz confi rmed his here a 2.33-metre jump was enough to place in the fi nal amid plenty of cheer- hand him the gold. ing by going over 2.31m at the last at- After this the 28-year-old produced tempt. what has been his best show this year Countback determined the rest to in Oslo. Barshim cleared an impressive advance. Majd Eddin Ghazal of Syria, 2.38 metres to win gold and also regis- neutral athlete Ilya Ivanyuk and Bryan ter a meet record. In that event too he McBride of the US didn’t miss until had defeated Ukrainian Bondarenko, Qatar’s celebrates after clearing the automatic qualifying height of 2.31m during the men’s high jump qualification round at the 2017 IAAF World topping out at 2.31m. They’ll be joined like in Paris. Championships in London yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT IOC snubs Shock? Not to me says new 200m Infantino and world champion Guliyev Coe in new members list Reuters mer Universiade and the Islamic London Solidarity Games did not mark him Reuters down for glory and even his silver at last year’s European Champion- mong the eight sprint- ships came when most of the con- ers lined up at the start of tinent’s top talent had skipped the he presidents of world football body FIFA and the world 200 metres fi nal event to concentrate on the Rio Ol- the international athletics federation (IAAF) and the 56,000 people in ympics. have not been proposed for appointment to Athe crowd watching, only one man However, he reached last year’s the International Olympic Committee when probably thought Ramil Guliyev Olympic fi nal and has shown good theT IOC session votes in new members in September. would be the winner, and that was form this season, taking gold at the IAAF chief Sebastian Coe and Gianni Infantino, the Azerbaijani-born Turk himself. European Team Championships who heads FIFA, were passed over for a second year His faith was fully justifi ed as and beating a decent fi eld to win the running, as they battle doping and corruption scan- 20.09 seconds later he crossed the Paris Diamond League meeting. dals in their fi elds. Previous FIFA and IAAF presi- line ahead of a host of favoured ri- Perhaps people should have taken dents had seats at the IOC table for decades. vals to take the gold medal that had more notice of his impressive run to The IOC’s nine proposed new members include Luis been the property of Usain Bolt win his semi-fi nal heat on Wednes- Mejia Oviedo, head of the Dominican Republic’s Ol- since 2009. day, but instead the focus was on ympic committee, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Wayde van Niekerk, seeking a third-placed Van Niekerk and how Thai entrepreneur and head of her country’s badmin- 400/200m double had to settle for he had struggled because of his ton federation, International Equestrian Federation silver in 20.11, a thousandth of a 400m exertions, and on the re- chief Ingmar De Vos and world rowing president Jean- second ahead of Jereem Richards of markable exploits of Isaac Makwala. Christophe Rolland. Trinidad and Tobago. Those two were the centre of at- Infantino was elected head of FIFA in 2016 to suc- The result was universally ac- tention on Thursday, with the extra ceed scandal-plagued Sepp Blatter and lead the fed- claimed as a shock but Guliyev, who diversion for home fans of Netha- eration out of its biggest graft crisis. became a Turkish citizen in 2011 Turkey’s Ramil Guliyev celebrates his win in the men’s 200m final at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London neel Mitchell-Blake in land one. Former double Olympic champion Coe took over and was cleared to represent his on Thursday. (AFP) But with all eyes elsewhere, Guli- the IAAF in 2015 as a doping scandal unfolded, se- new country in 2013, was having yev ran his own race and earned the verely damaging the credibility of the organisation. none of it. the next competition everyone will ances as a teenager, particularly his LOST YEARS ultimate prize. Coe triggered the ire of the IOC when the IAAF “This is not a shock,” he said. “I look at me instead.” junior 200m world record of 19.93. Those lost years when he battled “I knew I came in the fi rst three blocked Russian track and fi eld athletes from com- have shown my best throughout this They certainly will and they It would have been a tough quiz with the sport’s offi cials to allow but wasn’t sure where,” he said, peting at the Rio Olympics over the doping aff air. competition. I delivered my best race probably should have been looking question before Thursday to name him to run for Turkey took him off which was no surprise when two Coe’s predecessor Lamine Diack faces a bribery and at the right time. I was competing a little closer this time. the second-fastest junior ever, but the scene but when he came back he hundredths of a second divided the embezzlement investigation in France. against some of the best athletes in Whenever people questioned it was Guliyev, who posted 20.04 was not exactly tearing up trees. medallists. Both Blatter and Diack were IOC members for years the world, so it didn’t bother me that Bolt’s amazing times his supporters as a 19-year-old when representing A collection of medals from the “It’s a dream for me and next it’s until 2015. Blatter’s predecessor at FIFA, Joao Have- the attention was on them. Maybe at pointed to his remarkable perform- Azerbaijan. , the Sum- the Olympics, I hope that’s possible.” lange, was an IOC member from 1963 to 2011. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 12, 2017 ATHLETICS

2017 IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS SPOTLIGHT Semenya strides Yet another world smoothly into fi nal Reuters matically. London Ajee Wilson, who set a US record of 1:55.61 last month and has been in hot form, looked superb in winning lympic champion Caster the fi rst heat in 1:59.21 from Melissa Semenya looked ominously Bishop, the 2015 silver medallist from title, but Taylor still comfortable in advancing to Canada who looked more like her the women’s 800 metres fi - normal self after labouring through nalO at the World Athletics Champion- the fi rst round. ships yesterday but a host of challeng- The United States have won only ers also looked impressive and should one medal in the event — Brenda push the South African all the way. Martinez’s bronze in 2013 — but Semenya, who won bronze in the 23-year-old Wilson is certainly in not a happy man 1,500 on Monday, as usual looked as the mix for another and will be joined if she was out for a weekend jog while in the fi nal by compatriot Charlene all around her were straining every Lipsey. sinew as she won the second of three Poland’s Angelika Cichocka pro- Edwards’ 22-year-old record of 18.29 metres is on triple-jumper’s mind heats in one minute 58.90 seconds. duced a remarkable fi nish, cutting “It would have been a waste of in from the outside of lane two to the Reuters time staying at home, doing nothing inside of lane one to sneak second London so I thought I’d come here to enter- place in heat two and an automatic tain you people,” Semenya said of her slot. decision to run the 1,500 as well. The fi nal will be without defend- ouble Olympic champion Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba and ing champion Marina Arzamasova of Christian Taylor continued powerful Kenyan Margaret Wambui, Belarus, who was eliminated in the his dominance of the triple silver and bronze medallists in last heats, and former champion Eunice jump when he won his third year’s Olympics, went one-two again Sum of Kenya, who withdrew due to worldD title on Thursday, once again in the third heat to progress auto- illness. beating fellow American Will Claye into second place. Taylor leapt 17.68 metres with his third attempt to win by fi ve centime- tres, clinching the title when Claye was given a red fl ag on his last attempt. Por- tugal’s Nelson Evora, Olympic champi- on in 2008, took bronze with 17.19. The 27-year-old Taylor became the fi rst triple jumper to win three world crowns, having also claimed victory in in 2011 and two years ago. He also took gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics with Claye fi nishing second on both occasions. But he had made it clear beforehand that his ambition was to break Jonath- an Edwards’s long-standing record of 18.29 metres, set in 1995. “I have this watch from my sponsor with 18.30 on it,” Taylor said. “I will try to fi ght, I will get this number. The Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba wins women’s 800m semi-final at the IAAF record is still on. I am still motivated to World Championships in London yesterday. (AFP) break that record. US athlete Christian Taylor competes in the final of the men’s triple jump event at the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the “My motivation is to be the best ath- London Stadium in London on Thursday. (AFP) lete. This was not the night, I am a little disappointed. But the season is not yet Claye led after the fi rst round with said. “If you do not have a rivalry — like better on the night. American Carter wins 400m hurdles from over.” 17.54 before Taylor took the initiative in I have with Will Claye — then the sport “You can never complain about the Edwards said beforehand that he the second with a jump of 17.57. is boring. silver medal,” he said. “But I felt like I outside lane thought his world mark could be under Claye briefl y regained the lead with “One month ago we did a competi- should have executed better today. threat. In the event, the contest turned 17.63 in the next round but Taylor im- tion in the mountains, we are trying “With Christian, we both were in a American Kori Carter pulled off another shock at the World Athletics into something of an anti-climax with mediately took it back with the decisive everything to do this number, even in good shape, he is not unbeatable. He Championships on Thursday, achieving the rare feat of winning the 400 both producing their best jumps in the jump. the mountains.” just executed better and I was missing metres hurdles title from the outside lane. All eyes had been on Carter’s third round. “Will makes it tough every time,” he Claye felt he should have performed fi ve centimetres.” US teammate, Olympic champion Dalilah Mohamed, who had been the favourite, but it was the former NCAA champion in lane nine who main- tained her form best as she raced to victory in 53.07 seconds. Mohamed, FOCUS the fastest in the world this year, earned the silver in 53.50 to complete a US one-two while Jamaican Ristananna Tracey, an Olympic finalist last year, took the bronze in 53.74. Czech Zuzana Hejnova, who had been seeking to achieve an unprecedented third successive one-lap hurdles Aussie great Pearson eases into 100m hurdles semis victory, had to settle for fourth, despite running a season’s best of 54.20. AFP rible fall at a meet. been a while since I’ve done a champi- stiff er opposition and be able to meas- Olympic champion Perkovic dominates London The perils of this event were evident onship race but I felt comfortable. ure herself against American world in the heats when Trinidadian Deborah “I feel I have more to give so I’m in- record holder Kendra Harrison. discus qualifying John crashed into the fi fth obstacle re- trigued to see what I can do.” Harrison looked good in her heat as ustralia’s 2012 Olympic quiring medical attention for over 10 Pearson, a two-time Commonwealth she fl ew from the blocks and crossed Double Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic looks set to land a second champion Sally Pearson’s bid minutes before being fi tted with a neck champion, admitted she had thought the line clear in 12.60sec, with Bela- world title to go with her global collection as she dominated qualifying to put behind her two years of brace and stretchered off the track. her championship days were over, es- rus’s 2015 world bronze medallist Alina in the discus yesterday. After an initial no-throw, the Croatian launched injury hell started well yester- Pearson looked in determined mood pecially after a hamstring injury ruled Talay edging Jamaica’s former world a huge second round throw of 69.67 metres, an eff ort that only she has dayA as she coasted into the 100 metres right from the outset, dominating her her out of the defence of her Olympic youth champion Yanique Thompson bettered this year, to lead the qualifiers into tomorrow’s final. Back in hurdles semi-fi nals. heat to take it in 12.71sec from Amer- title in Rio. for second. the stadium where she won Olympic gold in 2012, Perkovic’s eff ort was The 30-year-old — the 2011 world ica’s 2008 Olympic champion Dawn “You go through those thoughts Defending champion Danielle Wil- more than four metres longer than the next best, the 65.58m recorded by champion — missed both the 2015 Harper-Nelson. thousands of times but there is some- liams looked silky smooth in her heat, Cuban champion Yaime Perez. An even more relieved thrower was Cuba’s world championships and 2016 Olym- “It was a lot of fun out there,” said thing inside you which keeps you going the Jamaican gliding over the hurdles other major medal hope, reigning world champion Denia Caballero, who pics because of serious injuries, los- Pearson, whose Olympic triumph came and I’m glad I did,” she said. to win in 12.66sec ahead of promising was on the verge of elimination before surpassing the automatic qualify- ing out on the former after suff ering a in the same stadium. Pearson will reappear later on Friday German champion Pamela Dutkie- ing mark of 62.50m with her final attempt of 63.79. “bone explosion” in her wrist in a ter- “I was pretty nervous because it has for the semi-fi nals where she will face wicz.

BOTTOMLINE Russian dopers ordered to return Olympic medals, some say no

Reuters The federation is already suspended Women’s 4x400m relay withdrawn, ing promptly returned. over a 2015 World Anti-Doping Agency and is ordered to return these”. “Many athletes don’t give back their (WADA) report that exposed system- Firova said she has appealed the medals, not only athletes in Russia,” he atic state-sponsored doping in Russian decision but the outcome of her case told Reuters last month. he silver medals Russian athletics. It remains unclear if not re- would have little impact on her actions. sprinter Tatyana Firova won turning medals could lead to additional “From the very start of all this, I RECLAIMING PRIZES at the Beijing and London Ol- disciplinary measures or stop Russian made the decision not to give it back,” Organisers of other sports events have ympics are stored in a safe in athletes going to the Olympics. she said of her Beijing silver, although also faced obstacles in reclaiming medals Ther apartment near Moscow in defi ance It is also unclear whether the Inter- she might be willing to return the med- or prize money from Russian dopers. of the International Olympic Commit- national Olympic Committee can com- allist pin and diplomas. The London Marathon has been try- tee, which has wanted them back for pel athletes to return medals. ing to reclaim money from Russia’s months. “They are not a police force,” Ol- NOTIFICATIONS Liliya Shobukhova, who won the 2010 Firova is one of six athletes who told ympic historian Bill Mallon said of the Since Beijing and London, some Ol- title and was runner-up in 2011 before Reuters they had yet to return Olympic IOC. ympic medals and diplomas could have being banned for doping. medals and diplomas from the Beijing “I think all they’ll end up doing is been sold, misplaced or lost, compli- Shobukhova was sued in Britain and and London Games that were revoked reissuing the medals to the other peo- cating Russia’s eff orts to have them re- the marathon’s organisers are now over the last year after their samples, or ple and saying, ‘well, that person has a turned. waiting for a hearing in Russia to have those of relay teammates, tested posi- medal they don’t deserve’.” “I don’t know whether I’ve lost it or the judgement applied there. tive for banned substances. The fact many medals have not been not, but I haven’t seen it in a while,” “We will spend whatever money it Two of these athletes said they had returned points to a broader issue with former decathlete Alexander Pogore- takes to pursue her and get the money no intention of returning them, while the culture of Russian sport. letes refuse to return medals, saying it which has cleared dozens of Russians lov, who was stripped of his Olympic back, even if it makes no commercial three others said they would do so but While Russia has pledged to cooper- had already received a number of med- to compete internationally as neutral diploma for a fourth-place fi nish in sense,” the race’s chief executive Nick were unclear how to proceed, had lo- ate with global sports bodies over its als and was in contact with the relevant athletes. Beijing after turinabol was found in his Bitel told Reuters this week. gistical constraints or were awaiting anti-doping programme, it has never Olympic committees about the issue. A federation offi cial attributed the samples, told Reuters. Shobukhova declined to comment. the outcome of an appeal. Another ath- acknowledged state support for dop- The Russian Olympic Committee, resistance to the fact that many of these “But even if I did fi nd it, I probably Veteran US Olympic high jumper lete was undecided. ing. Many in Russian sport, from of- responsible for returning the medals to athletes no longer compete, meaning wouldn’t give it back because I think I Chaunté Lowe is in line to receive “I don’t want to return my medals fi cials to athletes and coaches, do not the IOC, did not reply to a request for they cannot be punished by measures earned it honestly,” said Pogorelov, who bronze from Beijing, her fi rst Olympic because I think no one would have de- believe there was wrongdoing, and say comment. such as exclusion from the national now heads the sports committee of the medal, after Russia’s Anna Chicherova served them more,” said Firova, who their country is being unfairly targeted. team. city of Bryansk. was stripped of it and the fourth and was stripped of her Beijing silver medal In a report last week, an Internation- RUSSIAN OBJECTIONS Firova, who also has to surrender her Some athletes said the Russian fed- fi fth place fi nishers were disqualifi ed in the 4x400-metre relay after banned al Association of Athletics Federations The IAAF said Russia’s athletics fed- 4x400-metre relay silver medal from eration had not asked for the return of for doping. substances, including the anabolic (IAAF) task force monitoring reforms eration had yet to meet several rein- London after a teammate’s samples medals and diplomas, which its presi- But Chicherova has appealed to the steroid turinabol, were found in her at the Russian federation said it had yet statement criteria, while WADA said were retested, said she was sentimen- dent denied. Court of Arbitration for Sport, saying samples. to demonstrate “that it has established Russian national anti-doping agency tally attached to her Olympic hardware. “They are lying about the fact they she would only return her medal if her Russia’s athletics federation told Re- a strong anti-doping culture within its RUSADA still had to meet 12 conditions “It’s the objective proof of my la- weren’t notifi ed,” athletics federation “guilt will be proven irrevocably”. uters that three stripped Olympic med- sport, or that it has created an open to regain accreditation. bour,” she said. president Dmitry Shlyakhtin told Reu- “Obviously it would have been a als and one diploma had been returned, environment that encourages whistle- The Russian athletics federation has In Firova’s case for the Beijing Games, ters, insisting it had contacted them by great feeling to be able to go to the Ol- and that several appeals were still being blowing”. warned athletes that their failure to the IOC ruled that she “has the medal, phone, e-mail and mail. ympics and experience having a cer- heard. In February, it said 23 medals The IOC did not respond to Reuters return stripped medals could hinder the medallist pin and the diplomas ob- Sports minister Pavel Kolobkov emony,” Lowe told Reuters. “A medal needed to be handed back. questions about what it could do if ath- its eff orts to be reinstated in the IAAF, tained in the Women’s 400m and the downplayed the issue of medals not be- doesn’t replace a ceremony.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 12, 2017 3 CRICKET

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Pay war break may benefi t Aussies, Sri Lanka eye says Lehmann

AFP Sydney

arren Lehmann win over India in promised Australia won’t be under-pre- pared for their tour of BangladeshD after a pay dispute left them temporarily unem- ployed — and said the enforced break may have even done them good. Jadeja’s absence But the coach said he would be sure to put his 14-man squad Left-arm spinner Jadeja was banned for one match for dangerous play in India’s through their paces at a one- week training camp in tropical Lehmann said the break from second Test win that secured the team an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series Darwin, before they leave for the playing and touring had even two-Test tour next Friday. benefi ted some players by re- injuries to key players in the series. The camp represents the fi rst freshing them mentally and Their bowling mainstay Rangana Her- formal cricket environment for physically heading into the ath will miss the third Test with a stiff Australia’s top internationals Bangladesh tour. back. since they were booted out of the “The break’s been good for Paceman Nuwan Pradeep, who Champions Trophy in June. some of them, they’ve been at the bowled only 17.4 overs in Colombo be- Since then, they were among back of a long summer with a lot fore pulling out with a hamstring inju- about 230 players who were of travel in the schedule so some- ry, and all-rounder Asela Gunaratne, technically unemployed for times a refreshed mindset is really are already out. more than a month over a long- important,” Lehmann said. “India is a really good team, espe- running pay dispute, which was “They’ve all come in really ex- cially in the last two to three years. But fi nally resolved last week. cited to get going again.” every time players of my team are get- But despite having only a week Lehmann added: “The Darwin ting injured. We cannot get the combi- to prepare for their fi rst Test tour camp wickets are very similar to nation right,” said Chandimal. of Bangladesh in more than a what we’ll get in Bangladesh — “But we don’t want to give excuses,” decade, Lehmann said the dis- they’re low and they’re slow, and added Chandimal, who was appointed ruption was not a concern. they will spin. Test skipper after Angelo Mathews “Until you get there you don’t “In terms of conditions and the quit following the team’s one-day se- know, but we’re squeezing heat and humidity that we’ll face ries loss against Zimbabwe last month. enough in this next week, and when we get there, it’s great prep- Fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera guys have been doing stuff with aration especially for those who and Lahiru Gamage have been added their (home) states,” Lehmann have come out of winter in the to Sri Lanka’s squad that has faced told the offi cial Australian crick- southern states (of Australia).” mounting flak for their poor showing et website late Thursday. “I think we’ll be fi ne, we’ve in recent months. “Even through the MoU (pay got a lead-up two-day game on Chandimal believes two good per- negotiations) they were train- a wicket which will be very simi- formances can give a crucial lift to ing and preparing as though they lar to what we encounter for the morale. were playing. fi rst Test then we’ve got training “It’s a big challenge for the whole “So in terms of fi tness, they sessions before that Test starts as team but if one or two youngsters can are probably ahead of the game, well.” come out and shine to a level that we they’re really strong and fi t Australia play Tests in Dhaka Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal (top) and his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli speak to the media ahead of the third Test in can win this game, it’s a great morale which is really pleasing. from August 27-31 and Chit- Pallekele yesterday. booster,” said Chandimal. “Now it’s just getting their tagong from September 4-8, “The series is not yet over. As a cap- skills up to the required level be- their fi rst in Bangladesh since AFP tain, I don’t like to lose, we are giving fore we leave.” 2006. Pallekele, Sri Lanka out our full effort but we cannot con- trol the ultimate result.” India skipper Virat Kohli warned his he absence of world number side against complacency in the final Owzat, 13-year-old bowler one allrounder Ravindra Jade- Test. takes six wickets in an over ja from India’s team has given Kohli, the only India captain to win Sri Lanka hope that they can two Test series in Sri Lanka, has led his London: A 13-year-old school- Meanwhile mother Helen was Tavoid a series whitewash in the third side to eight consecutive series wins boy cricketer in England has the first person to record her and final Test starting today, home since their 2015 triumph in the island taken six wickets in six balls, all son’s feat as she was scoring skipper Dinesh Chandimal said. nation. of them clean bowled. the match, while Luke’s young- Left-arm spinner Jadeja was banned “I personally feel that it’s just a dis- Luke Robinson produced his er brother Matthew was fielding for one match for dangerous play in traction that causes people to be over match-winning performance and grandfather Glenn was India’s second Test win that secured excited,” said Kohli. this week for Philadelphia watching from the boundary. the team an unassailable 2-0 lead in “I think we need to stay in the Cricket Club’s Under-13s, based “It was surreal,” said Stephen the series. present and treat every session with near Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne Robinson, who plays for the But despite the hosts suffering respect to win a Test match, and that’s and Wear in north-east England. senior side. “I have been play- huge defeats in the first two matches, exactly what we want to follow,” he His family were all on hand to ing for 30 years and have taken Chandimal is confident of pulling one added. witness his remarkable achieve- hat-tricks but never anything back against the world’s top Test side Kohli admitted that he is “not look- ment, with father Stephen hav- like this. in Pallekele. ing to make drastic changes” to his ing the best view of all — he was “Time stood still and I thought, “We are two down but still we are a winning combination. umpiring at the bowler’s end at ‘is this really happening?’” really good team and are hoping to win He virtually confirmed left-arm the time. this game. If we can do that, definitely wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s place in we can get more confidence and move the starting line-up in place of Jadeja. forward,” Chandimal said Friday. “He has proven himself in Dharam- “We all know he (Jadeja) is the sala which was not such a spin friendly MOVE number one bowler at the moment. wicket,” said the captain. It gives us a bit of confidence — bit “He turned the game around for us unfortunate for you (India) guys. As so he has ability, which is very rare to a team we have something up our find,” Kohli said of the young spinner India bid to reinstate sleeves,” Chandimal said. who made an impressive debut against Sri Lanka have suffered a string of Australia in March. Sreesanth fi xing ban BOTTOMLINEFOCUS BOTTOMLINE AFP India’s Mukund England skipper Root warns New Delhi ndia’s cricket board will ap- peal against a court order slams trolls for against hype over Crane that lifted fast bowler Shan- thakumaran Sreesanth’s Ilife ban for match-fi xing, a sen- comments on AFP lem position of Alastair Cook’s ior offi cial told AFP yesterday. London opening partner. The Board of Control for If both Crane and Stoneman Cricket in India (BCCI) does skin colour play against the West Indies, it not agree with the Kerala state ngland captain Joe will mean England have fi elded high court order that acquitted Reuters to achieve certain things only Root has warned not to fi ve Test debutants this season, Sreesanth for lack of proof, the Mumbai because I have spent hours expect too much from with Tom Westley, Dawid Malan offi cial said on condition of ano- outdoors.” Mukund, who hails EMason Crane after the and Toby Roland-Jones all hav- nymity. from Chennai, considered one leg-spinner received his fi rst ing won their fi rst caps in recent “We don’t agree with the or- ndia opening batsman of the hottest places in India, call-up into a Test squad. weeks. der. It defi nitely needs to be Abhinav Mukund has said he had been subject to a lot The 20-year-old Hampshire England would like to estab- challenged and within a week lashed out at social media of ‘name-calling’. rising star was something of a lish a settled side before they de- the appeal would be fi led in the Itrolls for comments he re- “There were many times surprise inclusion in a 13-man South Wales in more than 30 fend the Ashes in Australia later Kerala high court. ceived on his skin tone and has when I chose not to dignify squad announced Thursday for years, is in the England Test this year and Root, speaking at “We were always clear on this called for a change in people’s these insults with responses,” next week’s fi rst Test against the squad at such a young age, is an an event for sponsor Vitality case as the board is fi rm on its fi xing following a 2013 scandal in mindset. said Mukund, who is with the West Indies at Edgbaston — the enticing prospect. insurance, added: “Ideally we’d zero tolerance policy on corrup- the Indian Premier League. The 27-year-old Tamil Nadu Indian squad in Sri Lanka, add- fi rst fl oodlit and pink ball Test to “It’s exciting as a captain be- want to nail it down soon but it’s tion and match-fi xing,” the of- Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan and batsman posted a statement ing that the problem had grown be staged in Britain. cause he is a very talented young a great opportunity for players to fi cial said. Ajit Chandila were arrested along on Twitter late on Wednesday, with the rise of social media. England come into this three- cricketer and he’s got a very throw their hands up for what is Sreesanth, 34, slammed BC- with scores of bookies as part saying that he had wanted to “Today I am speaking up not Test campaign on the back of a bright future,” Root said yester- an exciting winter. CI’s decision to appeal the ver- of a probe into allegations that address the issue for a while. just for me but for many from 3-1 series win over South Africa. day. “Mark and Mason fully full dict and vouched to play again players had under-performed in “Ever since I was young, our country who experience For Crane to play at Edgbas- “But it’s important we don’t deserve their opportunities in for the country. return for cash. people’s obsession with my ridicule based on the colour of ton, it would likely mean Eng- put too much pressure on him the squad and there are three “Cmon @bcci this is worst u Criminal charges were later skin colour has always been a one’s skin. land reverting to the two spinner or expect too much from him at Tests here where they can po- can do to anyone that too who dropped, but the players re- mystery to me,” said Mukund, “Fair is not the only lovely or policy they employed early in such a young age. tentially put a strong case for- is proven innocent not just once mained banned for breaching the who has played seven Tests for handsome guys! Stay true, stay the South Africa campaign rath- “He is fully deserving of the ward for the winter. but again and again... don’t know BCCI’s code of conduct. India. focussed and be comfortable in er than sticking with Moeen opportunity he’s got in this “Tom Westley came in and why u doing this?” the cricketer On the day of the court ruling “Anyone who follows cricket your own skin.” Ali — man of the series against squad and I’m very excited to performed well against South tweeted. Monday, Sreesanth had said he would understand the obvious. He later clarifi ed his post had the Proteas — as their special- see him go about his business. Africa on some spicy wickets at “@bcci I’m not begging, I’m was hoping to get his career back I have played and trained day in nothing to do with the team’s ist slow bowler following the He’s a very confi dent young man the top of the order. It’s great to asking to give my livelihood on track and represent India at and day out in the sun and not dressing room or politics. India Worcestershire all-rounder’s and hopefully he has a lot to of- see guys putting their hands up back. It’s my right. U guys are not the next World Cup in 2019. even once have I regretted the captain Virat Kohli and team- starring role in wins at The Oval fer England.” Crane has come with strong performances like above God. I will play again.” Sreesanth, who is 13 short of fact that I have tanned or lost a mates voiced their support for and Old Traff ord. into the squad at the same time that and his challenge over the Sreesanth and two other Ra- 100 Test wickets, has played 27 couple of shades. Mukund’s stand. But that Crane, who last year as uncapped Surrey left-hander next three games is to drive that jasthan Royals players were Tests and 53 one-day interna- “It is simply because I love “Very well said Abhinav,” became the fi rst overseas player Mark Stoneman, the latest bats- forward and make some really banned for life over alleged in- tionals since making his debut in what I do and I have been able Kohli tweeted. to appear for Australia’s New man given a chance in the prob- big scores.” volvement in betting and spot- 2005. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 12, 2017 SPORT

MLB NBA Darvish not as sharp Celtics to play 76ers in but Dodgers still London

AFP who led Boston with a career-high New York 28.9 points a game last season, plus newly acquired All-Star Gordon Hayward from Utah and four-time beat Diamondbacks he Boston Celtics will meet NBA All-Star Al Horford, the team’s the Philadelphia 76ers at the top rebounder, from the Dominican Throws 106 pitches in five innings but remains unbeaten in his first two games O2 Arena in London in Janu- Republic. ary for a regular NBA game, “It’s very exciting for our team and Tleague offi cials announced Thursday. the whole Celtics organization to The game, to be played January compete in front of our loyal fans in 11, will be the Celtics’ second trip to London,” Thomas said. “I can’t wait London, having played Minnesota to connect with them at the NBA there in a 2007 pre-season contest, London Game 2018 and hopefully and the fi rst for the 76ers, whose pri- make new fans in the process.” or British experience was a 2013 pre- Counting pre-season contests, it season game at Manchester against will be the NBA’s 16th game in Lon- Oklahoma City. don. The league announced the Lon- “Our events have become an annual don game, its opening night contests opportunity for basketball fans across and Christmas Day games as part of a Europe to come together and share partial release of its 2017-18 schedule their passion for the NBA,” league on Thursday. commissioner Adam Silver said. Chris Paul will make his debut The Houston-Golden State con- with Houston on October 17 when test will not only feature nine-time the Rockets visit the Golden State all star Paul in a new uniform but Warriors on opening night. the Warriors will receive their NBA The 76ers boast some of the NBA’s championship rings for the second top young talent, including 2016 NBA time in the past three seasons. Draft top pick Ben Simmons of Aus- Gordon Hayward’s Celtics will also tralia, who missed all of last season take on LeBron James’s Cleveland with a foot injury, and 2017 top draft Cavaliers on opening night in a NBA selection Markelle Fultz as well as playoff semi-fi nal rematch. 2016-17 campaign All-Rookie selec- The NBA announced its fi ve tions Joel Embiid of Cameroon and Christmas Day matchups Thursday Dario Saric of Croatia. with an NBA fi nals rematch between “I look forward to coming back to the Cavaliers and host Warriors rep- London with the Sixers after visiting resenting the marquee contest. The for the fi rst time this summer,” Em- two teams have met in each of the biid said. “We are a young, hungry past three fi nals. team and will be sure to give the fans The remainder of the NBA sched- an exciting game against Boston in ule will be announced next week. January.” The October 17 opening is the earli- The Celtics feature two-time NBA est start since the 1980-81 campaign All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, began on October 10, 1980.

NBA preparing to approve ‘rest rule’ Fans get upset when a healthy superstar sits out a game for a day of rest, and the NBA apparently plans to do something about it this season. In September, the NBA owners are expected to approve rules designed to discourage teams from benching healthy players for regular-season In this multiple exposure image, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish throws in the third inning of their MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field games, USA Today reported Thursday. in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) The rules will be in eff ect at the start of the 2017-18 season, and teams will be penalized for not abiding by them. By Bill Plunkett Against the much more combative in Darvish’s two starts since they ac- ers needed every bit of the off ense. The specifics of the rules and the consequences remain unknown at this The Orange County Register (TNS) Diamondbacks, however, Darvish was quired him at the non-waiver trade Brock Stewart gave two of the runs point, however. forced to fi ght for every out. deadline and Darvish has not thrown a back on a homer by Iannetta in the Enforcing any rules regarding the resting of a healthy player may be dif- He went to the full count on each of pitch as a Dodger without the lead. bottom of the sixth. Ketel Marte drove ficult to do, starting with the problem of determining whether the player is he Dodgers have done eve- the fi rst six batters he faced and seven The Dodgers put three runs on the in two more with a single off Brandon actually healthy. rything they can to make Yu of the fi rst eight, searching for the board before he took the mound Thurs- Morrow in the eighth. But Tony Cin- Earlier this week, the league off ice announced scheduling improvements Darvish’s transition to a new strike zone with his fastball in particu- day. Kike’ Hernandez drove them all grani came in to strike out back-to- designed to provide more rest for players. Teams will no longer play four team easy, showering him with lar. The Diamondbacks had seven base- in with a bases-loaded double. Hern- back lefties, Gregor Blanco and David games in five nights, and the number of back-to-back games has been Tgood will and run support. runners in fi ve innings against Darvish andez has 29 hits against left-handed Peralta, with a runner on and Kenley reduced. It will require the regular season schedule to start a week earlier. It was Darvish who made things hard (fi ve hits, two walks), including the pitchers this season - 20 of them went Jansen closed it out in the ninth. Commissioner Adam Silver suggested changes might be in store during at on himself Thursday night. The right- leadoff man in three of his fi ve innings for extra bases (nine doubles, two tri- April news conference. hander was far from sharp and threw - twice on leadoff walks. ples and nine home runs). RESULTS “There is an expectation among partners that teams are going to act in 106 pitches in just fi ve innings. But the But the Diamondbacks went 2 for The Diamondbacks chipped away LA Angels 6 Seattle 3 appropriate ways, (and) find, as I said, that right balance between resting Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamond- 12 with runners on base. Seven of at that with single runs off Darvish in Baltimore 7 Oakland 2 on one hand and obligations to fans and partners on the other,” Silver said backs, 8-6, anyway. Darvish’s 10 strikeouts came in those the third and fourth innings (includ- LA Dodgers 8 Arizona 6 in April, according to USA Today. Darvish is unbeaten in his two starts situations. ing a solo home run by JD Martinez) Chicago Sox 3 Houston 2 (11 inns) “There is a recognition from teams that on one hand a certain amount with the Dodgers. But those two starts The only thing easy about Darvish’s but undid their own work in the fifth Minnesota 7 Milwaukee 2 of resting is just inevitable and appropriate to keep the players were as diff erent as the two opponents. night was the off ensive support. Only inning. Chris Taylor led off the in- St. Louis 8 Kansas City 6 healthy, but that they shouldn’t be resting multiple starters on the same Against the sagging New York Mets four times in his 22 starts with the Tex- ning with a solo homer but a walk, a Tampa Bay 4 Cleveland 1 night. in his debut, Darvish was dominant. He as Rangers this season did the Rangers throwing error by catcher Chris Ian- Toronto 4 NY Yankees 0 “And, incidentally, wherever possible, they should rest at home. Because allowed just three hits and one walk in score more than four runs for him - and netta and two infield singles led to Washington 3 Miami 2 there, while I feel for the home fans, just as much as the away fans, the seven scoreless innings, striking out 10 one of those was a 22-10 loss in his fi nal two more runs. NY Mets 10 Philadelphia 0 away fans may only get a chance to see that team once. And of course, the and cruising to the fi nish. He retired 20 Texas start Justin Turner drove in two more with a Pittsburgh 7 Detroit 5 home team home fans can see that team many times.” of the fi nal 22 batters he faced. But the Dodgers have scored 14 runs double in the sixth inning and the Dodg- Cincinnati 10 San Diego 3

BOTTOMLINE One year aft er anthem protest, Kaepernick frozen out of NFL

AFP quarterback as an American hero, a lot of these dudes starting.” Los Angeles civil rights icon willing to risk a lucra- For others, the fact that Kaepernick tive career by drawing attention to the remains unemployed while the NFL con- rights of oppressed minorities. tinues to off er a pathway to redemption ne year after refusing to stand for players accused of criminality, re- for a rendition of the US na- ‘CAREER WILDERNESS’ mains particularly galling. The New York tional anthem in a pointed Fears that Kaepernick may be placing Giants signed kicker Josh Brown to a new protest at racism and police his own career in jeopardy through his contract after he was arrested for domes- brutality,O Colin Kaepernick fi nds him- political activism appear to have been tic violence, and continued to employ self frozen out of the NFL. well-founded: 12 months on from his him following his suspension last year The former San Francisco 49ers quar- fi rst protest, the quarterback is in the before he was later released. terback convulsed America’s most popu- wilderness. Yet Giants owner John Mara, who has lar sport last year with his decision to In a sport where competent quarter- acknowledged that negative fan feedback sit through the playing of the Stars and backs are prized more than any other was a factor in Kaepernick’s inability to Stripes, triggering a raging national de- players, Kaepernick’s unemployment is fi nd work, denies that the quarterback bate about race and patriotism. strikingly anomalous. has been unfairly ostracised. Initially, when Kaepernick chose to It was only four years ago that Kaeper- “Anybody that thinks that there’s been remain seated for the anthem during a nick shined in a thrilling Super Bowl any conversations going on among teams pre-season game against the Houston comeback with the 49ers, coming within about Colin Kaepernick is crazy,” Mara Texans on August 14, and again against a whisker of overturning a 22-point defi - told ESPN radio’s Michael Kay Show. Denver six days later, the 29-year-old’s cit against the Baltimore Ravens while “That just is not the case... I think there protest went unnoticed. passing for more than 300 yards. are certain issues obviously that go along Yet an un upswell of outrage erupted But while free agent Kaepernick — A fan sits behind a sign referring to former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (right) in the second half of the with Colin Kaepernick and that may have after he sat again during a game against who in March assured potential future Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game in Baltimore, Maryland, on Thursday. (AFP) scared some teams away, but there is ab- Green Bay, and by the time he elected to employers he would no longer protest solutely no blackball going on here. I just take a knee during the anthem against the anthem — has failed to fi nd a team momentum by reports that Baltimore “My original position was I thought whether you agree with it or not.” don’t see that at all.” San Diego on September 1, a foaming tsu- willing to pick him up, dozens of less Ravens head coach John Harbaugh — that the situation last year with him Plenty of players remain uncon- nami of opprobrium was heading his way. accomplished practitioners have found the brother of Kaepernick’s former taking a knee didn’t have anything to ‘NOT ABOUT FOOTBALL OR COLOR’ vinced however that Kaepernick’s fate Legions of critics, including future themselves being off ered contracts. 49ers coach Jim — and general man- do with it,” Baldwin said. Baldwin’s teammate, the reliably is unconnected to his protest. US President Donald Trump, branded The fact that the Los Angeles Rams ager Ozzie Newsome were keen to sign “After viewing what’s going on, I’ve thoughtful, articulate Richard Sher- “I think it shows the racial divide in the athlete a traitor unworthy of US hired Dan Orlovsky as a back-up, a the player but had met resistance from got to take that back. I defi nitely think man, is in no doubt that Kaepernick is the league,” Seattle defensive linch- citizenship. “Maybe he should fi nd a 33-year-old journeyman most famous team owner Steve Bisciotti. that the league, the owners are trying to paying the price for his activism. pin Michael Bennett told USA Today. country that works better for him,” for going 0-16 with the Detroit Lions in Kaepernick’s continued isolation has send a message of, ‘Stay in between the “What is it about?” Sherman said. “There are rapists and drunk drivers in Trump remarked. 2008, is evidence, for some, that Kaeper- prompted some players, such as Seattle lines.’ It’s frustrating because you want “It’s not about football or color. It’s the league. Kaepernick didn’t do any- At the other end of the spectrum, nick is being blackballed by the sport. wide receiver Doug Baldwin, to revise to have guys who are willing to speak about, ‘Boy, stay in your place.’ He may thing. That’s why racism is the biggest Kaepernick’s defenders hailed the That viewpoint was given further their opinions. out about things that they believe in, not be the best, but he’s better than a issue in America.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 12, 2017 5 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Federer overcomes sloppy start to down Nadal’s pursuit of Ferrer in Montreal

Reuters Frustration boiled over for the Montreal Swiss in the second set after he misfi red with an overhead smash. Federer, who turned 36 this No. 1 derailed by orld number three week, responded by hitting a ball Roger Federer into the stands, earning a scold- dropped his fi rst ing but no offi cial ball abuse call set since June on from the umpire. WThursday but recovered to dis- The outburst appeared to patch Spaniard David Ferrer 4-6 steady the Swiss, whose serve 6-4 6-2 at their last 16 meeting and overall accuracy improved in the Rogers Cup. as the two-hour match pro- Canadian teen Federer was sloppy from the gressed. start on centre court, sending Ferrer has now lost all of his 17 routine forehands wide and pro- contests against Federer, who is ‘Worst loss of the year because I lost against a player with a lower ranking. viding the underdog Ferrer with vying to take the world number early break opportunities in the one spot from injured Briton At the same time because of the opportunity I had to get back to Number One’ ATP 1000 event in Montreal. Andy Murray. Ferrer capitalised by win- Next up for Federer is a quar- ning the fi rst set to end Federer’s ter-fi nal against 12th-seeded streak of 32 consecutive sets Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, won, a record that dates back to who defeated Frenchman Gael his defeat by Tommy Haas at the Monfi ls in a marathon match 4-6 Stuttgart Open on June 14. 7-6(5) 7-6(2) on Thursday.

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after recording match point against David Ferrer of Spain (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in Montreay. PICTURE: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Dovizioso fastest in Austrian MotoGP

AFP the pressure on Spanish world Spielberg championship leader Marc Mar- quez, who managed just seventh Denis Shapovalov of Canada reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal. fastest for Honda. PICTURE: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports taly’s Andrea Dovizioso Marquez — winner in Germa- topped yesterday’s fi rst two ny and the Czech Republic in the AFP “Worst loss of the year because I lost Nadal easily won the fi rst set but thought let’s go one more set and who free practice sessions for last two races — sits top of the Montreal against a player with a lower ranking,” couldn’t put the free-swinging Canadian knows, anything can happen.” this weekend’s Austrian standings with a 14-point lead Nadal said. “At the same time because away with a second set victory. Shapovalov blasted a total of nine aces. IMotoGP at Spielberg. on Vinales. of the opportunity I had to get back to The third game of the second set lasted He also had seven double faults and won Dovizioso, runner-up in Aus- “We’re satisfi ed with how it anadian teenager Denis Shapo- Number One.” 14 minutes with Shapovalov fi nally hold- 67 % of his fi rst serve points. tria last year behind Italian An- went today,” said Marquez. valov shocked top seeded Ra- Shapovalov’s biggest win of his young ing serve when Nadal’s volley sailed into “It is incredible. I can’t even talk right drea Iannone, clocked a fastest “The weather forecast shows fael Nadal to reach the quar- career against the 15-time Grand Slam the net. Shapovalov managed to win the now. I grew up watching Rafa so just to lap of 1min 24.46sec at the end possible rain for tomorrow Cter-fi nals of the ATP Montreal winner came as a result of some inspired game despite double faulting three times. be able to compete with him is one thing of the session run in cloudy and morning, but I decided to take , temporarily spoil- tennis in front of a boisterous home “Was it only 14 minutes?,” Shapovalov but to come out winning is a dream come wet conditions. that gamble because I wanted ing the Spaniard’s chances of returning crowd who cheered his every shot. asked. “It felt like three hours. true for me.” Nadal won 77% of his fi rst The 31-year-old fi nished to prepare well for the Sunday to world number one. “He won. It is an amazing for him. It is “I just kept fi ghting. I knew it was go- serve points, but had just two aces and six ahead of Spaniards Maverick race.” Italian veteran Valentino The 18-year-old Shapovalov contin- a great story. I am not happy to be part of ing to be really tough. I went for my shots double faults in the two hour, 45 minute Vinales, who clocked 1:24.280 Rossi, struggling with fl u symp- ued his giant killing form at the hardcourt this story,” Nadal said. in the big moments and I caught a couple centre court match. on a Yahama, and Honda’s Dani toms, was outside the top ten tournament by rallying to stun Nadal in Shapovalov, who is ranked 143rd in the of lines got a little bit lucky.” This is a setback for Nadal in the build- Pedrosa in 1:24.474. riders. three sets 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Thursday. world, quickly got on a roll in Montreal, Shapovalov said he didn’t think he had up to the US Open starting August 28 but “We’re starting with a good “When I woke up this morn- “I was just swinging for the fences,” beating Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva in a chance to win at all before the match. he still has a chance to regain No. 1. feeling again. Today we did a re- ing I also didn’t feel very well, said Shapovalov, who needed a wild card the opening round 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4. It wasn’t until he levelled the sets at one “The worst thing is playing bad in ally good job,” said Vinales. I didn’t have energy, it felt like to get into the tournament. He then defeated former US Open win- each that he realized he could beat the matches that really matter,” Nadal “Especially after the Brno test the fl u, so this morning was dif- The 31-year-old Nadal would have ner Juan Martin Del Potro in the second 10-time French Open champion. said. “You have to win these matches. we improved the set-up a lot. For fi cult,” said the Yahamha rider. returned to No. 1 in the world if he had round in straight sets 6-3 7-6 (7/4) to set “The whole day I was like — there’s no I didn’t today. I have another week in tomorrow, I think it will be very “This afternoon, unfortu- reached the semi-fi nals. up the showdown with Nadal. chance. I will go and have fun but there Cincinnati and then I have the Grand important to work further on the nately, in the end my position But Nadal struggled to get the ball to Shapovalov fell behind 3-0 before is no way I am beating this guy,” Shapo- Slam coming.” electronics and also on the ac- was not in the top-10, which was Shapovalov’s backhand and didn’t have winning seven of the fi nal eight points valov said. In other matches Thursday, Ger- celeration, which is really crucial the target, but we improved the an answer for the Canadian’s blistering of the third set tiebreaker. He closed out “I went up a break in the second set many’s Alexander Zverev defeated Nick here.”In the battle for the Mo- bike and we improved the feel- forehand winners. the match with a forehand winner down early and even though he broke me back Kyrgios 6-4, 6-3, Roberto Bautista out- toGP world title, Vinales upped ing.” Nadal described it as the worst loss of the line and celebrated by falling onto I felt like — OK, I am capable of breaking lasted Gael Monfi ls 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 the season for him for a number of rea- his back then covering his face with his him. (7/2) and Kevin Anderson of South Africa sons. hands. “So when I won that second set I cruised past Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-1.

BOTTOMLINE Pliskova reaches Rogers Cup quarters as retires

Reuters But the Dane closed out the match on Toronto the next chance with a stinging forehand winner. “We’ve known each other since we orld number one Karolina were fi ve and six years old so there are no Pliskova was dragged into secrets out there,” said Wozniacki, who a mighty battle before being has reached fi ve fi nals this season without granted a berth in the Rog- winning a title. Wers Cup quarter-fi nals when Japanese “It is always unfortunate to play a good Andrea Dovizioso (C) of Italy makes selfies with fans during the teenager Naomi Osaka retired with an ab- friend in such an early round but at the MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix weekend at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, dominal injury on Thursday. same time it is part of the game.” Austria yesterday. AFP Czech Pliskova, playing her fi rst tour- Czech Lucie Safarova also made the nament with the top ranking, was pushed last eight by outlasting Russia’s Ekaterina into a deciding set by qualifi er Osaka be- Makarova 6-3 6-7(3) 6-2, while France’s Qatar lose to China in volleyball qualifying fore the 19-year-old called for the trainer Caroline Garcia beat 18-year-old Ameri- when trailing 6-2 6-7(4) 1-0 and prompt- can Catherine Bellis 6-4 6-2. Lausanne, Switzerland: China ment after being beaten by ly withdrew. Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina broke Ameri- defeated Qatar 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, Qatar on the opening day on “She played well, especially in the can Venus Williams six times en route to a 25-22) in Pool A of the Asian Friday. second set she was fi ghting pretty hard, lanky Czech shot-for-shot in a gripping Pliskova will need to have her serve fi r- near-perfect 6-2 6-1 victory. qualifiers for the 2018 FIVB Jiang C. and Liu L.B. scored 14 much better than the fi rst,” said Pliskova. second set, then dominated the tiebreak. ing on all cylinders when she meets sixth Svitolina’s 40th win of the year booked Men’s World Championship at points each for China. “I was just trying to stay in the game, During the changeover, Osaka told her seed and former world number one Caro- her fi rst Rogers Cup quarter-fi nal appear- the 6,000-capacity Rezazadeh China wrapped up the opening the fi rst game of the third set was very coach that she was feeling discomfort and line Wozniacki in the last eight. ance. Stadium in the city of Ardabil. day with a 3-1 (25-15, 25-21, 22- tough I didn’t even know she was injured.” was told to withdraw if the pain persisted In a battle of former-Rogers Cup Unseeded American Sloane Stephens Iran, who rested on Day 1 of the 25, 25-23) win over Kazakhstan, Pliskova, playing her fi rst tournament to avoid the risk of further injury. champions, a ruthless Wozniacki showed upset former world number one Angel- competition Thursday, crushed led by Chuan Jiang’s 23 points since a shock second round defeat at Osaka did just that, calling for the no mercy by sweeping past her good ique Kerber 6-2 6-2 on Thursday as she South Korea Korea 3-0 (25-10, and another blocking party Wimbledon, had shown signs of rust in a trainer after dropping serve to open the friend Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3 6-1 in continues her comeback from a year-long 27-25, 25-18) with A. Ghafour with 16 stuff s. ragged opening win over Anastasia Pav- third set. just 78 minutes. absence due to a foot injury. scoring 13 points and M Ebadi- The top two teams of the lyuchenkova but looked more like a world “I think my game today was much bet- The only hiccup in an otherwise pol- Stephens will face Czech Lucie Safa- pour and F. Ghaemi adding Ardabil tournament qualify to number one as she swept four straight ter, especially my serve,” said Pliskova, ished eff ort against the 10th-seeded Pole rova in the quarter-fi nals. another 11 each. the 2018 World Championship, games to take the fi rst set from 50th- who clubbed 13 aces. “I didn’t lose my came when Wozniacki was up 5-0 in Fourth seed Garbine Muguruza dis- This was South Korea’s second which will be jointly hosted by ranked Osaka. serve in this match today, I’m happy with the second and squandered three match patched Ashleigh Barty of Australia 6-0 straight defeat in the tourna- Italy and Bulgaria next year. But the Japanese rallied to match the the way I was serving today.” points. 3-6 6-2 at their centre court meeting. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 12, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Kisner soars to four-shot PGA lead on eagle’s wings 'My bad shots are working out, my good shots are working out and I’m making putts. I’m loving playing right now'

AFP fairway, then rolling the ball to fi ve feet and Charlotte making his bogey putt. Kisner sank a fi ve-footer for birdie at the Kevin Kisner of the United States plays his par-5 15th then parred the next nine holes be- merican Kevin Kisner, seeking his fi rst shot out of the bunker on the 17th hole fore reaching the seventh, where his second major title, sank a 48-foot eagle putt during the second round of the 2017 PGA shot was just shy of the green, setting up the and seized a four-stroke clubhouse Championship at Quail Hollow Club in dramatic putt to a front pin position. He closed lead early in yesterday’s second round Charlotte, North Carolina, yesterday. (AFP) with back-to-back pars. Kisner, 33, endured ofA the 99th PGA Championship. Kisner’s spec- four runner-up fi nishes in 2015 before a break- tacular shot at Quail Hollow’s par-5 seventh through fi rst US PGA Tour victory at Sea Island, hole highlighted a second consecutive four- Georgia, in his 109th attempt. under par 67 that left the world number 25 on American DA Points, who won his fi rst US eight-under 134 for 36 holes in the year’s fi nal PGA title in four years in March at the Puerto major tournament. Rico Open, had closed within a stroke of Kisner “I’m hitting the ball really nice and things are with birdies on 14 and 15 only to stumble with going my way. I’m enjoying that,” Kisner said. back-to-back double bogeys at 16 and 17 to fi n- “My bad shots are working out, my good shots ish with a 73 and seven adrift. are working out and I’m making putts. I’m lov- McIlroy, who owns the course record of 61 ing playing right now.” from before the course revamp, began on the Kisner, a US PGA winner three months ago back nine and birdied the par-5 15th, but faded at Colonial, shared the 18-hole lead with Thor- with a run of four bogeys in fi ve holes on the bjorn Olesen, the Dane who stood second as front side, capped by a par putt lip-out at sixth. he teed off . “Kisner is on fi re right now,” said The 28-year-old from Northern Ireland an- fourth-ranked Rory McIlroy, who fi red a second swered with birdies at the par-5 seventh and consecutive 72. “I hope he slows down and gives par-4 eighth. “Tougher than yesterday,” McIl- the rest of us a chance.” roy said. “If anything the greens were a little Kisner off ered rivals little hope for a weekend fi rmer and some of the pin positions were really collapse or an attack of nerves leading his fi rst tough. I think anything under 71 today is a good major so late. “I’ll be plenty loose,” Kisner said. score. It’s amazing how they have been able to “I have a 3-year-old running around all day.” make this course so much tougher, with the Ber- Growing up only a two-hour drive south of muda grass and the putting surfaces.” the course, Kisner has long played on the Ber- US star Rickie Fowler fi red a 70 to stand on muda grass installed around much of the course 139, fi ve off the pace. South Korean An Byeong- ahead of hosting its fi rst major. He knows driv- Hun also eagled the par-5 seventh in a round of ing accuracy is crucial. “The ball is coming out 69 to fi nish on 140. World number two Jordan of the gun right where I’m looking at it,” Kisner Spieth, chasing his fourth career major title said. “The key around here is keeping the ball and completion of a career Grand Slam at age out of the fairway.” 24, would become the youngest player to win all Kisner began round two off the 10th tee and four majors at least once if he can lift the Wana- found a fairway bunker, but blasted out into the maker Trophy this weekend. fairway, dropped his approach 10 feet from the Spieth, coming off a British Open triumph last cup and sank the birdie putt to claim the lead month, teed off in the afternoon heat alongside alone. After sinking a six-foot birdie putt at the this year’s fellow major champions, US Open par-4 12th, Kisner gave one back on the par-3 champion Brooks Koepka of the United States 13th, missing the green, chipping back into the and Masters winner Sergio Garcia of Spain.

FOCUS FIBA ASIA CUP Quail Hollow takes revenge Guo scores 30 points to on record-holder McIlroy lead China past Qatar Agencies AFP Beirut, Lebanon Charlotte Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt at ilun Guo had a dominant individual per- ory McIlroy humbled Quail Hollow the PGA Championship formance to lead China past Qatar 92- on his way to two US PGA victories, yesterday. (AFP) 67 at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup basketball setting a course record of 62 then tournament yesterday. breaking it with a 61, but the course AGuo knocked down fi ve three-pointers on his isR taking its revenge this week at the PGA way to 30 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Championship. as China picked up their fi rst win after an opening Toughened for hosting its fi rst major tour- defeat to the Philippines. nament, the 7,600-yard, par-71 layout has It was not until the second half the Chinese played havoc with fourth-ranked McIlroy’s pulled away for good, momentarily falling behind title hopes, leaving the record scorecard post- midway in the second quarter before regrouping. ed in the clubhouse a relic of a bygone era. Abdulrahman Saad and Ali Saeed Erfan were the And the edge McIlroy was thought to have high men for Qatar with 19 and 18 points, respec- based on past success at Quail Hollow has tively. Qatar continue to look for their fi rst win in been shattered with the Northern Ireland star Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. fi ring back-to-back 72s to open the year’s fi - It's clear that Guo is the most important player China’s Ailun Guo attempts to score against nal major tournament. in this Chinese quintet, and no less than head Qatar during the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup basketball “I guess a low round used to be a 61 or a 62,” coach Du Feng knows that to be true. There are tournament in Beirut yesterday. McIlroy said. “A low round now is a 66 or a 67. still a lot of things China must do better to defeat You’re playing your ass off to get that.” some of the elite teams in this competition, but as Jordan the entirety of the game, though ulti- And the old chum of a course McIlroy had long as Guo is productive, they should be in a po- mately were plagued by turnovers, as Jordan reg- expected has been replaced by a monster. “It sition to win every contest. istered 12 steals on the game. Alawadi had 22 on surprised me. This is not the Quail Hollow we Philippines recovered from a slow fi rst half to 9 of 17 shooting and Ahmad Alhamarsheh had 13 have gotten to know over the last 10 years,” defeat Iraq 84-68 with a dominant third period. rebounds to go with his 8 points for Jordan. India McIlroy said. eight pars and a birdie at the par-5 15th. “I end which I needed,” McIlroy said. “I feel a lot A 26-7 third quarter run, whilst limiting Kevin were led by 17 points from Amjyot Singh Gill and “It’s a completely diff erent golf course. It’s was battling. I was scrambling well to be un- better about myself being 2-over instead of Galloway’s eff ectiveness, saw Philippines get the Aravind Annadurai’s 6 points. longer than before. One hole was broken into der par for that back nine,” McIlroy said. “I 4-over. I think it’s quite a big diff erence. cushion they need to stay perfect atop of Group New Zealand made a statement with a 86-82 two. And Bermuda grass was made the sur- probably didn’t quite hit it as well off the tee “But the four bogeys on the front nine, B at 2-0. Christian Karl Standhardinger had 16 win over hosts Lebanon, in what was one of the face to play upon. as I did yesterday and wasn’t putting myself that’s just down to being out of position off points and 7 rebounds for the Philippines, whilst games of the tournament so far. Fadi El Khatib’s “Even if they didn’t do anything else with in positions where I could go at a lot of pins. the tee and not being able to get it very close Terrence Romeo added 17 points and 4 assists. near triple double would not be enough for Leba- the golf course and just changed it to full Ber- But greens are fi rm. Some of the pin positions with my second shot.” Galloway did his best eff orts to keep Iraq in it, non; he was unstoppable with 33 points, 11 re- muda like it is now, all of a sudden makes the are really tricky. Anything under par today is McIlroy hasn’t given up hope of taking a fi nishing with 23 points (15 in the fi rst half), 14 bounds and 8 assists, as very little would separate golf course two shots more diffi cult, just with a really good score.” fi fth major title this weekend. “If I shoot two rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, but it the two sides throughout the majority of contest. the lies that you get in the rough, trickiness McIlroy made four bogeys in fi ve holes, the 67s over the weekend, I’m going to have a re- would not be enough. Illi led New Zealand’s charge with 22 points, around the greens,” McIlroy said. “After what last a lip out for par at the par-3 sixth. He an- ally good chance. A lot of golf to be played. I Meanwhile, Jordan improved to 2-0 with a 61- whilst Te Rangi and Smith-Milner added 15 each I’ve witnessed over the past two days, no, I’m swered with birdies at the par-5 seventh and still feel I’m right there in the tournament. It’s 54 victory over a much-improved India side. Af- for the young Tall Blacks squad. New Zealand im- not surprised to see so many guys be over par.” par-4 eighth but was 10 back of leader Kevin only going to get tougher as this course dries ter a mauling at the hands of Iran in their opener, prove to 2-0 in Group C, with the home side fall- McIlroy began on the back nine and made Kisner. “Had a little bit of a mini-rally at the up a little bit more.” India bounced back and managed to hang with ing to 1-1.

BOTTOMLINE Not even Michael Phelps could ease Spieth putting woes

AFP than-expected greens, which proved formidable career, and be the youngest to do it. couldn’t get the ball to go in on the greens, that said. “I had three looks (at birdies) and almost Charlotte despite absorbing an inch of rain at the start of “It was great,” Spieth said. “He has become is when I get the most frustrated I can get out got back all the way to even. I needed those from the week. “I can’t putt any worse than I did to- a good friend and mentor. It’s pretty awesome there,” Spieth said. short range because it seemed like the lid was on day,” Spieth said. to have a mentor like that. He texted earlier in “I don’t think I missed any short putts. I just today. I burned a lot of edges. Some were good ot even the inspiration of being “If you told me I was going to hit my driver the the week. I think he was here for an outing and had really poor speed on my really long ones. putts, some weren’t. Overall that’s what I’m go- watched by pal Michael Phelps, the way I did today, I would have defi nitely thought said he was going out to be out following today. Everything else was fi ne. It was just the putter.” ing to work on is hitting some more putts.” Olympic swim legend with a record 23 I shot a few under par, which was an awesome We’ve had dinner, talked through a lot of things Spieth began on the back nine and made the The late rally gave Spieth hope his victory gold medals, could help Jordan Spieth score. The score won’t be any higher than it was that I will probably just keep to myself. A lot of turn at level par but had three bogeys in the fi rst dream can still happen, but he knows it puts Nsolve his putting woes on Thursday at the PGA today if I’m driving the ball like today.” mental approach and preparation stuff .” six holes on the front, missing 10-foot par putts more pressure upon second round. “I’m still in Championship. World No. 2, seeking a career The disappointing score came as Phelps, who Such things are just what Spieth will need if in each case. A three-footer for birdie at the par- it but I know tomorrow’s round becomes that Grand Slam at age 24 after winning the British set a single Olympics record with eight gold he is to lift the Wanamaker Trophy and join Ti- 5 seventh and a tap-in birdie at eight lifted some much more important to work my way and stay Open last month, struggled to a one-over 72 in medals at Beijing in 2008, walked the course ger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Gary of the gloom. in it,” Spieth said. “I’ve got to make up ground. If the opening round at Quail Hollow. watching Spieth launch his bid to become only Player and Ben Hogan on the career Slam list. “If I were to fi nish par, par, par, I would have I’m fi ve back at the start of the day, I’ve got to be Jordan needed 32 putts to navigate the faster- the sixth man to win all four major titles in his “When I had the chances that I had and I just thrown myself out of the tournament,” Spieth less than fi ve back after Friday.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 12, 2017 7 SPORT

LIGUE 1 Monaco coach Jardim evasive on Mbappe talk Monaco: Monaco coach Leon- key players in their run to the Neymar in line for debut ardo Jardim insists he is not title. While they appear weak- worried by the ongoing specu- ened as a result, they have lation surrounding the future made a host of new signings, of star striker Kylian Mbappe including this week recruiting amid reports that he is close to Algerian international winger joining Paris Saint-Germain. Rachid Ghezzal, who was a free as PSG go to Guingamp “I am not going to talk agent after leaving Lyon. The about conjecture. I am staying transfer window shuts at the focused on my work and help- end of this month. ‘He’s a player who will help the club get to a higher level’ ing my team to evolve,” Jardim “I am waiting calmly for the told reporters yesterday. 31st. I like to make the most of Mbappe, 18, scored 15 times each day...we are here to make on Monaco’s remarkable run the best of Monaco,” added to the French title last season Jardim, whose team visit Dijon but has been constantly linked in Ligue 1 tomorrow. with a move away from the Jardim also evaded a ques- principality over the summer. tion as to whether Mbappe had Real Madrid and PSG are informed him of a desire to both reportedly desperate to leave the Stade Louis II. sign the young France interna- “The players come to talk to tional, who is valued at 180mn me. I have private conversa- euros ($212mn). tions with all of them. I try to It is understood that the listen to all of them about their player himself favours joining objectives and ambitions. It PSG, where he would team up is something I try to do about in attack with Neymar, signed once a month. And it is not just last week for a world record the case for Kylian.” 222mn euros. Mbappe hails Mbappe has started both of from the Paris suburbs. Monaco’s games so far this sea- On the possibility of Mbappe son, although he didn’t score joining the club Monaco in the 2-1 Champions Trophy pipped to the Ligue 1 crown in defeat to PSG or in last Friday’s May, Jardim recalled the day “a 3-2 win over Toulouse that leading director of a Portu- began their title defence. guese club, with whom I had a So is he disturbed by all the meeting, said to me: ‘The trans- talk about his future? fer market is not just made to “The start of the season strengthen your team, but also diff ers for every player. Every to weaken your rivals.’ I think player has a diff erent way of that is a strategy used by many. reaching the top of his form. But I am staying calm.” After that, when there is a lot This summer Monaco have of movement in the transfer already sold Tiemoue Bakay- market, the players cope with oko, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin more or less diff iculty. But that Mendy and Valere Germain, all is how it is.”

Paris St Germain’s Neymar (left), Dani Alves (centre) and Thiago Silva train at the Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP “Quite honestly it’s better if he’s there, pions League crown, their fi rst task this fi t will be expecting to make it two wins Paris much better,” said Guingamp coach An- term will be to retake the Ligue 1 title from two when they pay a visit to Dijon toine Kombouare, a former PSG player from Monaco. Coach Unai Emery has no tomorrow. and Paris coach from 2009 to 2011. doubt that his new arrival will help the Nice, who have the fi rst leg of their eymar is poised to make his “For us it is an extra source of motiva- team achieve those lofty goals. Champions League play-off against Na- much-anticipated debut for tion. We know that by beating PSG with “He’s a player who will help the club poli on Wednesday, kicked off the second Paris Saint-Germain tomor- Neymar it would be even more momen- get to a higher level,” said the Spaniard. weekend at home to promoted Troyes last row when they travel to Guin- tous. If Neymar is there it is all the better “Without Neymar PSG is a great club, but night without their two star players, the Ngamp in their second game of the Ligue for the spectacle, for the supporters and with Neymar it’s a little better. The way injured Mario Balotelli and new signing 1 season. The French Football Federation for those who want to see him play, but we will adapt being close to a player like Wesley Sneijder. fi nally received the necessary documents we will be ready with or without him.” him. The other players here are also some Marseille visit Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes to register the Brazilian yesterday after Neymar was unveiled to the PSG fans great players, so together we can get bet- today looking to build on their 3-0 win Barcelona confi rmed the 222 million-eu- at the Parc des Princes last weekend but ter and grow.” over Dijon last time out but with captain ro ($261mn) cheque used to pay his buy- was forced to watch from the stands as Once again, PSG’s main rivals for do- Dimitri Payet missing due to injury. out clause had cleared. his new teammates cruised to a low-key mestic honours appear to be Monaco, but “Neymar’s contract will be ratifi ed 2-0 win over newly-promoted Amiens they are in serious danger of losing rising Ligue 1 fixtures (all times GMT) during the afternoon. He will be able to in their Ligue 1 opener. The 25-year-old star Kylian Mbappe to the capital outfi t. Today: Nantes v Marseille (1500), Amiens play on Sunday,” said the LFP yesterday. Brazilian scored 105 goals in his four sea- The 18-year-old striker, who is also v Angers (1800), Bordeaux v Metz (1800), The world’s most expensive player should sons at Barcelona, and his new team will wanted by Real Madrid, started in their Caen v Saint-Etienne (1800), Toulouse v therefore run out into the mundane sur- be expecting him to score far more over opening 3-2 victory over Toulouse last Montpellier (1800) roundings of the Stade du Roduourou — the next few years. weekend, as captain Radamel Falcao Tomorrow: Strasbourg v Lille (1300), Dijon Monaco’s forward Kylian Mbappe takes part in a training session capacity just over 15,000 — in the tiny Although the main goal for the capital found the net. v Monaco (1500), Guingamp v Paris Saint- in La Turbie, near Monaco, yesterday. (AFP) Brittany town of barely 7,000 people. club is to fi nally challenge for the Cham- Leonardo Jardim’s principality out- Germain (1900)

SPOTLIGHT QSL Barca’s Valverde primed for baptism Al Sadd resume training in Doha QNA Al-Hajri suff ered an injury focusing in the fi rst part of the Doha during Al Sadd’s friendly match camp on the physical stuff . against Turkish side Gaziantep of fi re in Super Cup against Real on July 27. QATAR SPORTS CLUB SIGN atar Stars League side The goalkeeper joined Al Sadd RAJAB HAMZA Reuters Al Sadd continued this summer after the end of his Qatar Sports Club has an- Barcelona their training in Doha contract with Al Rayyan. nounced that they reached an after returning from agreement to sign former Al Austria,Q where they held their Arabi goalkeeper Rajab Hamza in RAYYAN TO FACE DUTCH oach Ernesto Valverde will get his pre-season camp from 20th July SIDE PEC ZWOLLE a one-season deal. Hamza signed fi rst proper taste of the scorch- to 5 August. Al Rayyan are set to take on PEC the deal in the presence of dep- ing rivalry between Barcelona and Al Sadd trained in the absence Zwolle in their third pre-sea- uty director of the football team Real Madrid when the two giants of of international players Saad al- son friendly match during their Rashed Shaheen al-Ateeq. SpanishC football meet tomorrow at the Nou Dosari, Pedro, Ali Asad, Khoukhi Dutch preparation camp. Rayyan The goalkeeper will join the Camp in the fi rst leg of the Spanish Super Boualem, Hassan al-Heidos, coach Michael Laudrup is aiming team’s training camp in Slovenia Cup. Barca beat Real 3-2 in a pre-season Musab Khader and Salem al- to make the most of this impor- tomorrow. Hamza expressed his ‘Clasico’ friendly in Miami in July but the Hajri, who are currently with tant match in the fi nal stages of happiness to sign for big team like stakes will be far higher in the Super Cup, the Qatar national team prepar- team’s Dutch camp. Qatar Club. the annual curtain raiser in Spain between ing for the last two rounds in the The coach will check on the Rajab Hamza refused to travel the Liga champions and King’s Cup holders. World Cup qualifi ers. technical and physical readiness with Al Arabi to their preseason The second leg takes place next Wednes- Al Sadd coach Ferreira has been of the players before returning camp, demanding the termina- day in Madrid. The two teams have not met keen on raising the fi tness level of to Doha on Monday. Al Rayy- tion of his contract. in the competition since 2012, which was the players, especially after they an played two friendly games, Hamza joined Qatar Club after the last time Real lifted the trophy. have returned from a break after which the Qatari side won both parting away from Al Arabi. For One of the most defi ning images in the re- the overseas training camp. Qa- of them. The team continues his part, deputy director of the cent history of the rivalry came in the 2011 tar and Al Sadd goalkeeper Saud its daily training on two morn- football team Rashed Shaheen edition, when Jose Mourinho poked Barca’s al-Hajri underwent a successful ing and evening sessions, during al-Ateeq said Rajab Hamza is a then assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye cruciate ligament operation at which the Danish coach focuses very experienced goalkeeper and as tensions boiled over following a dramatic the Aspetar hospital. more on the technical stuff , after a big addition to Qatar Club. 3-2 win for the Catalans. Barca beat Juventus and Manchester United in addition to the Spanish champi- FOCUS ons in a promising pre-season tour of the United States, but have since been rocked by losing Neymar, one third of the ‘MSN’ strike force including Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi Morocco to bid for 2026 WC that routinely battered Liga defences. Barca have so far failed in their eff orts to AFP Canada and Mexico had already Confederation in trying to win spend the 222mn euros Paris St Germain Rabat announced a joint North Ameri- the right to host the 1998 and paid them for Neymar, seeing bids rejected can bid to host the tournament. 2010 tournaments — something for Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho If successful, Morocco would that could prejudice any future and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembe- orocco’s football fed- become only the second African bid. But FIFA president Gianni le which leave the club wracked with doubts eration (FRMF) an- country to host football’s fl ag- Infantino has echoed Ahmad’s before facing a supremely confi dent Madrid nounced yesterday it ship event following South Africa endorsement, saying that Mo- side. With Paco Alcacer or Gerard Deulofeu had told the sport’s in 2010. rocco has the necessary “infra- as his only options to join Messi and Suarez Mworld governing body FIFA it The north Africans have re- structure and organisational ca- in a front three, Valverde may stray from the will bid to host the 2026 World ceived backing from African con- pacity” to host the World Cup. 4-3-3 formation his predecessor Luis En- Cup. It would be Morocco’s fi fth federation (CAF) president Ah- The 2026 tournament will be the rique preferred in order to bolster the mid- Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. candidacy having come up short mad Ahmad. “We are convinced fi rst with an expanded 48-team fi eld to counter Real. already in 1994, 1998, 2006 and that Morocco could organise this tournament, up from the current Madrid outclassed Manchester United such as Mateo Kovacic or new signing Dani on how to shackle Isco, the chief conductor 2010. competition just as was done by 32 qualifi ers. Morocco had won to win the European Super Cup 2-1 with a Ceballos, or revert to a front three to accom- of Real’s win over United and who has been “Morocco considers itself ca- South Africa in 2010,” said Mala- the right to host the 2015 Africa powerful four-man midfi eld although they modate Gareth Bale, with Cristiano Ronaldo in scintillating form in 2017. pable of organising a World Cup,” gasy Ahmad after he was elected Cup of Nations but pulled out will be without Luka Modric in the fi rst leg set to make his fi rst start for Real since the Zidane’s side, meanwhile, will be equal- youth and sports minister Rachid to succeed Cameroon’s Issa Hay- at the 11th hour over concerns due to a suspension dating back to Madrid’s Champions League fi nal. ly attentive to the movements of Messi, Talbi Alami told AFP. “We have atou as head of the African body. related to the Ebola outbreak in last appearance in the Super Cup in 2014. Ronaldo will be the centre of attention at the all-time top scorer in the Clasico who the necessary infrastructure in However, FIFA last year ac- western Africa at the time. But The Croatian’s absence gives Real coach the Nou Camp after a summer in which he stunned the Bernabeu with a last-minute terms of stadiums, transport, cepted that the country had paid the country has embarked on a Zinedine Zidane a dilemma over whether to reportedly threatened to leave Madrid al- 3-2 winner but who has not scored against hotel capacity and sanitation.” bribes to the former head of the professionalising drive to im- bring in another midfi elder against Barca, though Valverde’s tactics should also focus Real at the Nou Camp since 2012. In April, the United States, North and Central American prove its football infrastructure.

Saturday, August 12, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Giroud earns Arsenal madcap opening win over Leicester Wenger’s double change turned the game, Ramsey drilling in an 83rd-minute equaliser and Giroud notching the winner

AFP London

ubstitutes Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Gi- roud scored as Arsenal twice came from behind to beat Leicester City 4-3 yes- terday in a dizzily entertaining opening PremierS League game. Record signing Alexandre Lacazette put Arse- nal ahead after only 85 seconds at the Emirates Stadium, before a Shinji Okazaki header and a Jamie Vardy brace saw 2016 champions Leices- ter go 2-1 and then 3-2 up. But Arsene Wenger’s double change turned the game, FA Cup fi nal hero Ramsey drilling in an 83rd-minute equaliser and Giroud notching the winner two minutes later with a header that hit the bar and bounced over the line. The Ramsey-Giroud rescue act spared Ar- senal from a fourth season-opening defeat in fi ve campaigns and enabled Wenger to start the season with victory for only the second time in eight years. The Arsenal manager faced open dissent from fans last season as his side missed out on a place in the Champions League for the fi rst time in 20 years. But after winning a record seventh FA Cup with victory over Chelsea, he penned a new two-year contract and his side’s Houdini act against Leicester means that late-season mo- mentum remains intact, albeit only just. The fans at the Emirates were getting their fi rst glimpse of Lacazette in a competitive game and the £46.5mn ($60.3mn, 51.1mn euros) man needed less than two minutes to fi nd the net. From Hector Bellerin’s lay-off , Mohamed El- neny swept a fi rst-time cross into the box and Lacazette deftly glanced a header past Kasper Schmeichel before spreading his arms to take the acclaim of the crowd. Within three minutes Leicester were level. Following a short corner on the left, Marc Albrighton’s deep cross was headed back across goal by Harry Maguire and Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud (centre) celebrates after scoring the winner during the English Premier League match against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Reuters) Okazaki leapt to nod a header past Petr Cech. Arsenal stepped things up, Schmeichel sav- area that Vardy tapped home. “We’re gonna win from Kolasinac’s square pass after Lacazette’s Mahrez’s in-swinging corner from the right was back, a right-back — Bellerin — at left-back and ing from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and home the league!” sang the Leicester fans and they shot was blocked. Though Arsenal began the nodded in by Vardy. Schmeichel thwarted Ox- two left-backs — Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal debutant Sead Kolasinac, but they were careless almost had a third goal to cheer when Okazaki’s second half on the front foot, Leicester created lade-Chamberlain and Bellerin before Wenger — at centre-back. in possession and shortly before the half-hour, header from Christian Fuchs’s cross bounced the cleaner chances, Cech rushing out of his box turned to his bench in the 67th minute, pitch- It seemed an unlikely platform for victory, Leicester went in front. just wide of Cech’s left-hand post. to tackle Vardy and then tipping over a shot by ing Ramsey and Giroud into the fray in place of but Ramsey neatly controlled Xhaka’s dinked Granit Xhaka’s sloppy pass was picked up by After Wilfred Ndidi had survived a penalty Riyad Mahrez, and after 11 minutes they went in Elneny and Rob Holding. pass to drill in an equaliser and moments later Albrighton and he forged down the left fl ank shout for handball, Arsenal levelled in fi rst- front again. The ensuing reshuffl e left Arsenal with a Giroud’s header from Xhaka’s corner completed before bending a sublime cross into the danger half stoppage time, Danny Welbeck tapping in Again a set-piece proved Arsenal’s undoing as winger — Oxlade-Chamberlain — at right- a remarkable turnaround.

FOCUS Higuain snubbed for Argentina World Guardiola forecasts end to City spending spree Cup clashes AFP Guardiola said the current spike in football tainable. Sooner or later it’s going to fi nish. The Manchester, United Kingdom transfer spending, which culminated in Ney- fact that we signed earlier helped us avoid sign- Buenos Aires: Juventus strik- mar’s recent world record move from Barce- ing players who are so expensive like now. We go er Gonzalo Higuain was axed lona to Paris Saint-Germain for 222mn euros to sign and other clubs are always going to ask us by Argentina coach Jorge anchester City manager Pep Guar- (£200mn, $260mn), had been building for some for more.” Sampaoli yesterday for crucial diola has said the club will curb their time. After bolstering their squad, Guardiola’s side World Cup qualifiers against transfer spending in future years af- “It started with Real Madrid and Ronaldo go- — who came third last season — have been made Uruguay and Venezuela as the ter a huge outlay on players during ing for £80mn and then Bale for £85mn and eve- favourites to win the title, but the City manager South American giants look Mthe close season. Defenders Benjamin Mendy, rything went more expensive. Now with Neymar. said he could cope with that burden. “It’s the to resurrect their faltering Kyle Walker and Danilo have all arrived at the But it is going to fi nish, it is unsustainable. In the same pressure as I had last season,” Guardiola campaign. Etihad Stadium along with goalkeeper Ederson next three or four years Manchester City will buy explained. Higuain, who has scored 31 and midfi elder Bernardo Silva to take City’s ex- one, two, maybe three players. “We are here to win the games and titles. The international goals in 68 ap- penditure to £217mn ($281mn, 238mn euros). “We needed to do that because it was one of big fail now takes one week in football! The pres- pearances, failed to convince Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach the oldest teams in Europe, not just the Premier sure it’s never a big problem. I’m honest in my recently-appointed coach Guardiola claimed it was necessary to reinvigor- League, and we need to change it. We were not job. I will do my best like I did last season. I feel Sampaoli of his strengths in ate City’s ageing squad but he will only seek to able with those players to fi nd a solution. But the the same pressure at Barcelona when I arrived. two friendlies against Brazil add one or two new faces in forthcoming seasons. solution is not changing players every season. People say in my fi rst press conference we are in June. Argentina currently “Hopefully next season I will be here and we are The group of players this season are going to stay favourites. We have to deal with that and handle occupy fifth place in South not going to spend how we spent this season,” here for a long time. We will maybe change one that. We are going to see at the end of the season American qualifying for the Guardiola said yesterday on the eve of his side’s important player.” what happens, knowing how diffi cult it is.” 2018 World Cup to be held in opening game of the new Premier League season Despite making such signifi cant investments, Russia with just the top four at promoted Brighton and Hove Albion. Guardiola claimed City have actually saved mon- FIXTURES (1400 GMT UNLESS STATED): nations guaranteed to make “Six players were out of contract. In the last six ey by getting the majority of their transfer busi- Today: Brighton v Manchester City (1630 GMT), it through. The fifth-placed or seven years Manchester City didn’t buy full- ness done earlier in the close season. “We did it Chelsea v Burnley, Crystal Palace v Huddersfield, team will have to negotiate a backs. We didn’t have full-backs and you have to earlier and we are lucky because it would be more Everton v Stoke, Southampton v Swansea, Watford v play-off against the winners of buy full-backs,” the Spaniard added. “The mar- expensive now,” said the Catalan. Liverpool (1130 GMT), West Brom v Bournemouth the Oceania zone in order to ket is so demanding for all the teams, not just “The club was clever like that because we an- Tomorrow: Manchester United v West Ham (1500 reach Russia. Manchester City.” ticipated what we needed. But I think it is unsus- GMT), Newcastle v Tottenham (1230 GMT)

TRANSFER Coutinho going nowhere: Liverpool AFP Coutinho’s demand is believed to but maybe that’s not 100% clear.” can step in for Neymar alongside Lionel London have been rejected by Liverpool, who Liverpool launched their PR off ensive Messi and former Liverpool favour- only hours earlier had gone public with at the same time as Sky Sports News ite Luis Suarez in a star-studded front their intent to keep the playmaker at all reported a member of Coutinho’s fam- three, and could also provide cover for iverpool insisted yesterday that costs. A statement issued by Fenway ily had released a statement stating the 33-year-old Andres Iniesta in midfi eld. Philippe Coutinho would not be Sports Group, Liverpool’s US-based player’s case. “Philippe has tried very Although fi ve-time European cham- sold at any price amid reports owners, said: “We wish to off er clar- hard to fi nd an amicable solution to this pions, most recently in 2005, the last the Brazil star has submitted a ity as regards our position on a possi- situation but to no avail,” the statement of Liverpool’s 18 English league titles Ltransfer request in a bid to force a move ble transfer of Philippe Coutinho. The read. “He has tremendous love for the came in 1990 — before the start of the to Barcelona. Coutinho is Barcelona’s club’s defi nitive stance is that no of- club and its fans but, like Steven Ger- Premier League era. top target to replace Neymar following fers for Philippe will be considered and rard and Luis Suarez have pointed out Klopp, however, is determined to the striker’s world record move to Paris he will remain a member of Liverpool in the past, Liverpool does not let its show he is serious about bringing back Saint-Germain. Football Club when the summer (trans- players leave on amicable terms.” the glory days to Anfi eld by retaining After having two previous off ers re- fer) window closes.” Coutinho, who joined Liverpool from Coutinho, Liverpool’s top scorer with jected, the Spanish club are believed FSG’s statement was an endorsement Inter Milan for £8.5mn in 2013, signed a 14 goals in all competitions last season to have increased their bid for the Liv- of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s new fi ve-year contract with the north- when the Merseysiders fi nished fourth. erpool forward to £90mn ($117mn, previous comments that Coutinho west side in January that did not in- But Coutinho will be missing from 99mn euros). Liverpool are determined was not going anywhere. And the Ger- clude a buy-out clause. Barcelona want the Watford match with a back problem to hang onto Coutinho no matter what man boss, speaking at his pre-match Coutinho to replace Neymar follow- that could also rule him out of the fi rst Philippe Coutinho is Barcelona’s top target to replace Neymar following the off er Barca make, but the 25-year-old press conference ahead of Liverpool’s ing his compatriot’s 222 million-euro leg of the Champions League play-off striker’s world record move to Paris Saint-Germain. is keen to move to the Camp Nou and 2017/18 Premier League season opener transfer to PSG last week. away to German club Hoff enheim on reports yesterday claimed he tried to away to Watford today, said: “I think if They had two previous bids rejected Tuesday. Asked if Coutinho would play day. No he is not available, he is also “I can’t keep players happy. That’s how push his club into letting him leave by somebody, in this case FSG, is saying by the Premier League side but could at Vicarage Road today, Klopp replied: a doubt for Tuesday, unfortunately.” life is. It’s not about this, Phil is not sending an email containing the offi cial something like this it is the statement. yet come back with an off er in excess “No, he has back problems. Questioned on whether his job now was available for us, that’s the biggest issue transfer request. I think I have said it already a few times, of £100mn. Barca believe Coutinho He was not in training since last Fri- to keep Coutinho happy, Klopp added: that he’s not available to play.”