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Saturday, August 6, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 3, 1437 AH OLYMPICS Djokovic, Murray, Serena lead history charge in Rio Page 2

Qatar at the Games BASKETBALL US stars open Rio gold chase against China

Swimmers Noah al-Khulaifi and Nada Arakji pose with Qatar Swimming Association president Khalil al-Jaber at the Rio Olympic Village. (Right) Hamad Rashid of Qatar trains for the skeet competition at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. (AFP)

FOOTBALL Carmelo Anthony of the US is seen during training at the Flamengo Club in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the opening game against China. (Reuters)

AFP munity. I’ve learned about the beauty Rio de Janeiro of international play,” Krzyzewski said. “Over the last 11 years I’ve gotten bet- Brazil booed off as ter as a result of being given the honour t would be easy for the US team of coaching, so it has been a beautiful of NBA stars to overlook China in thing for me.” today’s opening game of the Rio Between fatigue after a long NBA Olympics after routing the Asians season and health concerns after talks Itwice in pre-Games exhibitions. with family, many top NBA players Neymar fl ops in draw But the Americans, who have not said no to Rio, including LeBron James, lost in 10 years, look at such games as Stephen Curry and James Harden. a chance to grow and build, fi rst and But former NBA Most Valuable Player 10-man South Africa play out goalless draw against hosts foremost by not taking anyone for Kevin Durant, who left Oklahoma City to granted in their path to a third consec- join Golden State last month, doesn’t see AFP utive Olympic crown. this team as any less formidable because Rio de Janeiro “Every team is a threat,” US guard it lacks a few familiar stars. Kyrie Irving said. “We understand it’s “It would be challenging even if they going to be a fi ght every single day and were here, but we have some great play- razil and superstar Neymar I’m looking forward to it.” ers here,” Durant said. “Just because were booed off as their quest The US squad ripped China 106-57 they haven’t been here before, or might for a maiden Olympic football at Los Angeles and 107-57 in Oakland not be MVPs, we’ve got some damn gold medal began with a 0-0 in warm-up games just after the squad good players on this team. It doesn’t Bdraw against 10-man South Africa on was selected. matter what anybody says, I got noth- Thursday. How well they do in their Group A ing but confi dence in everybody here, Barcelona ace Neymar is by far the match against China will tell how far and I feel as though we have a great biggest name in the competition and they have come. “These games are very chance to do something special.” has been tasked with restoring pride to important,” Irving said. “Every single And Irving, who teamed with James Brazilian football after a catastrophic game is a chance for us to get better. to mount the greatest comeback in NBA 7-1 semi-fi nal defeat to Germany on We have to fi nd out line-ups. We have Finals history and bring the Cleveland home soil at the 2014 World Cup. to fi nd out just what rhythm we want as Cavaliers the title, has ‘King James’ However, he endured a frustrating a team. And, going in, what we want to just a phone call away. “I’m talking to afternoon on a sandy and slow sur- expect from one another. In order to do him almost every single day while he’s face in Brasilia as South Africa held that, we have to play high level games somewhere doing some vacation stuff out despite Mothobi Mvala’s red card and against other great countries.” while I’m over here,” Irving said. half an hour from time prompting the And the Chinese squad has NBA expe- The US women’s streak is even long- crowd to jeer the hosts off on the fi nal rience in Yi Jianlian as well as experience er, with the team winning each of their whistle. on how to play the Americans already. last 41 Olympic games and every gold “For us the draw is a defeat,” said “They are physical. They play hard,” said medal since 1996. Anything other than Neymar. “The team went on the fi eld US center DeAndre Jordan. “We know Yi a gold this time would be seen as a na- to win, we know our responsibility, we Jianlian, who was playing in the league tional disappointment. know it isn’t going to be easy. It is not for a while. And I really like Zhou Qi, In the men’s competition, NBA expe- just a case of turning up and winning the young kid the (Houston) Rockets are rience is not be limited to the US team. the gold medal.” drafting. Both of the point guards are re- A record 47 active NBA players, spread Group A is now in a four-way tie on ally aggressive. They will defi nitely be across many countries, will compete. one point after Iraq and Denmark also Brazil’s Neymar vies for the ball with South Africa’s Lebo Mothiba during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games first round Group A a tough opponent. We can’t take those Spain, who won silver in 2008 and played out a scoreless draw. match at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Thursday. (AFP) guys lightly. We have got to come out and 2012, have fi ve NBA stars including In contrast to the swaths of empty play USA basketball.” Paul Gasol of the Chicago Bulls, a six- stands across the six cities being used stunning saves. Portugal’s stunning summer af- Peralta and Rodolfo Pizarro struck ei- Other Group A men’s games include time league All-Star. Argentina, who to host the men’s and women’s foot- And Khune said he would tell his ter winning Euro 2016 could get even ther side of Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry’s Serbia against Venezuela and Australia, upset the US to win the gold in 2004, ball tournaments on the opening two grandchildren of the day he stopped more golden as they saw off Argen- reply for Germany. with six NBA players, against hosts boast three NBA players including days, the hosts commanded a near- the Barcelona star. tina 2-0 to the delight of the Brazilian However, the only World Cup win- Brazil. two-time NBA All-Star Manu Ginobili, capacity 70,000 crowd. “I am so happy to make my appear- crowd in Rio. ner on show at the Olympics Mat- The US NBA squad has an 80-1 a member of that gold-medal team. However, the Brazilian side boast- ance, make my mark,” said Khune. Both sides are looking to the future thias Ginter, who fl ew 20,000km from record under coach Mike Krzyzewski, Australia, Brazil and France also have ing Neymar, Manchester City’s new “Defi nitely my grandchildren will with Lionel Messi having announced Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season tour the 69-year-old veteran from Duke large NBA contingents. £27mn ($35.4mn) signing Gabriel Je- watch the DVD of this match.” his international retirement with Ar- in China to Brazil, earned Germany a University who fi nishes as coach after On the women’s side, Australia have sus and Marquinhos of Paris Saint- South Africa dominated the early gentina after three fi nal losses and point. the Rio Games. proved the United States’ most con- Germain did not provide the expected stages of the second half with Moth- Portuguese hero Cristiano Ronaldo South Korea smashed Fiji 8-0 in “I’ve learned from my players. I’ve sistent rivals, with a podium spot in victory procession. iba and captain Keagan Dolly coming now 31. the other match in Group C with Ryu learned from the international com- every Olympics since 1996. South Africa’s Lebo Mothiba had a close. Gonzalo Paciencia’s low drive put Seung-Woo scoring a hat-trick. host of chances to cause an almighty But their chances appeared to have Portugal ahead before a horrible error Nigeria arrived in the Amazonian upset, but failed to make a rag- gone when defender Mvala was sent from Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo city of Manaus just hours before a ged Brazilian defence pay for early off for two quickfi re yellow cards. Rulli allowed Pite’s long-range eff ort thrilling 5-4 win over Japan as the Qatar in action today nerves. Brazil ramped up the pressure. Jesus to sneak between his legs to secure the original plane intended to take them “The fi rst game is always the most somehow turned the ball onto the post three points six minutes from time. from their training base in Atlanta on SWIMMING: Women’s 100m butterfly (Heats) diffi cult due to the anxiety of the com- with the goal gaping, whilst a dipping Honduras beat Algeria 3-2 in the Wednesday was deemed “too small” Athlete: Nada Arakji petition starting,” added Neymar. drive from Neymar landed on the roof other Group D game. for the squad and staff . “I think the anxiety hurt us a bit.” of the net. Germany played out a entertaining The delay didn’t seem to aff ect the BEACH VOLLEYBALL (Pool F) Neymar proudly sported the cap- However, South Africa resisted to 2-2 draw with 2012 gold medallists 1996 gold medallists as four goals from Qatar vs USA tain’s armband and had Brazil’s best add problems on the fi eld for the hosts Mexico under a torrential downpour Oghenekaro Etebo edged a memorable two eff orts of the fi rst half with strikes to a Games build-up already marred in Salvador. nine-goal thriller. BOXING: Men’s light 60kg (Round of 32) from outside the box that forced South by fears surrounding the Zika virus Three goals in 10 minutes in the sec- Sweden and Colombia drew 2-2 Hakan Erseker (QAT) vs Hurshid Tojibaev (UZB) African ‘keeper Itumeleng Khune into and Brazil’s political turmoil. ond half put Mexico 2-1 ahead as Oribe earlier in Manaus in Group B. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 6, 2016

CYCLING ARCHERY Brilliant Kim sets 72-arrow world record Froome

Reuters But the record should provide a mas- Rio de Janeiro sive spur for South Korea’s bid to win the men’s team gold today. Kim will spearhead the top-ranked aiming for outh Korea’s Kim Woo-jin team featuring Lee Seung-yun and Ku made the most of perfect shoot- Bon-chan, with the trio hoping to restore ing conditions to set a 72-arrow their nation’s dominance in the event af- world record in the Olympic ar- ter their run of three Olympic titles from Tour-Games cheryS at the Rio de Janeiro Games yes- 2000-08 was broken by the United States terday and fi re an ominous warning at in the semi-fi nals at London. challengers to his gold medal claims. Former world champion Brady Elli- The world champion’s total of 700 son of the United States was also in ex- points during the ranking round at the cellent touch in the individual rankings double Sambodromo venue eclipsed the previ- round, shooting 690 to fi nish second, ous record of 699 set by compatriot Im with Italian David Pasqualucci third AFP Dong-hyun, which was set in the Lon- with 685. Rio de Janeiro don Olympics’ preliminary four years more important,” the 24-year-old told which is decided on Aug. 12. “It’s really, really fantastic,” Pasqua- ago. reporters through a translator as sweat Kim’s enthusiasm may have been lucci told reporters of Kim’s record. Although he dazzled his Olympic ri- dripped from his brow under a hot sun. tempered by the knowledge that Im “I think three years or four years ago, hris Froome will lead vals and thrilled the small crowd in the “It’s just the ranking round... I want failed to win the individual gold after only the compound (bow) can do 700. the Great Britain team terraces, the poker-faced Kim played to focus on tomorrow, so today’s not re- setting his world mark with the Olym- “It’s amazing... The conditions were as he bids to emulate the down his achievement. ally big happy.” pic recurve bow at London. The title good, really good today. Only the last feat of decorated com- “Getting the world record is very The ranking round determined the went to another South Korean in Oh two or three ends, maybe we had more Cpatriot Bradley Wiggins when important but tomorrow’s matches are seedings for the men’s individual event, Jin-Hyek instead. wind but not really strong.” the Olympic cycling road race takes place today. Four years ago, Wiggins fol- lowed up becoming the fi rst ever TENNIS Briton to win the Tour de France by adding Olympic gold in Lon- don and later went on to be voted his country’s sportsman of the year. That fi nal accolade is one to have escaped Froome, despite his Tour dominance since Wiggins’s the 2014 world champion, will trailblazing success — Froome also likely be in the hunt, al- Djokovic, Murray, has won it three times in four though he’s not expected to rel- years. ish the 30+ degree Celsius heat The Sky team leader still does predicted for this weekend. not command the same admira- Ireland’s Dan Martin, a former tion or popularity as his more winner of the prestigious Liege- charismatic countryman. Bastogne-Liege one-day classic, He will have two bites at the and 2013 world champion Rui Serena lead history cherry in Rio as the Kenyan-born Costa of Portugal are others to 31-year-old is also entered in the keep an eye on. time-trial. Even if Froome were to win, he World No. 1 begins his But his best chance of gold will may still be upstaged by Wiggins likely come on the 241.5km hilly who is going for a fi fth Olympic Olympic campaign road race, that he himself de- title this year having made a re- against Del Potro today scribed as a climber’s route. turn to the track, where he will charge in Rio Froome is one of the best compete in the team pursuit, climbers in the world and he something he won at the 2004 AFP should be rubbing shoulders Games. Rio de Janeiro with the specialist punchers — one-day classics experts — when TWITTER SPAT today’s race gets to its business In the women’s race, which takes ovak Djokovic, Andy Mur- end with three ascensions of a place tomorrow but is around ray and Serena Williams lead 9km climb in the fi nal third. 100km shorter, there promises to a charge for Olympics history The smart money, though, is be a spicy battle between the last from today which will help lift on the likes of Spaniards Alejan- two world champions, incum- Nthe gloom caused by a raft of pullouts dro Valverde and Joaquim Rod- bent Lizzie Armitstead of Brit- from the Rio tournament. riguez, or Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali ain and Frenchwoman Pauline World number one Djokovic will be for the gold medal as all three ex- Ferrand-Prevot. looking to add a maiden gold medal to a cel in such lumpy fi nales with a The two have been involved sweep of the four majors he achieved at downhill fi nish. in a war of words lately over Ar- the French Open in June. “It’s a real climber’s course. It’s mitstead’s Rio inclusion despite Defending champions Murray and Ser- going to be hard,” said Froome. missing three doping tests. ena Williams, the injury-hit Rafael Nadal “For sure the Colombians will The 27-year-old was provi- and Venus Williams are all in a position to be good, Valverde, Nibali and sionally suspended by UK anti- become the fi rst players to win more than riders like that.” doping (UKAD) but appealed one singles gold since tennis returned to Colombia’s team looks im- to the Court of Arbitration for the Games in 1988. pressive despite the absence of Sport and won her case. Top seed Djokovic appears to have the Nairo Quintana, who was wide- That decision was highly criti- toughest task when he faces Juan Martin ly regarded as the world’s best cised by Ferrand-Prevot, who del Potro in his opener today. climber before a disappointing will also compete in mountain The Serb was defeated by the giant Tour where he failed to spark, biking in Rio, sparking a social Argentine in straight sets in the bronze although he subsequently com- media debate that even involved medal match four years ago. plained of suff ering from a mys- spurious accusations from Ar- Djokovic has an 11-3 record against Del tery allergy. mitstead’s husband. Potro, although the two have not met for Sergio Henao, Froome’s Sky “I never said she took some- three years. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball during a training session at the Olympic Tennis Center in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. (AFP) team-mate, Rigoberto Uran, sil- thing or that she has doped,” said Del Potro, the 2009 US Open cham- ver medallist in London, Jarlin- Ferrand-Prevot of her opposition pion, comes into Rio with a world rank- second Wimbledon in July. Troicki of Serbia. Venus for the doubles title. son Pantano and Esteban Chaves to Amritstead’s Games inclusion. ing of 145 having been as high as four in Nadal, the 2008 champion in Beijing, The sisters had also won doubles gold make up a formidable group of But she added: “The rules have 2011 before his career was almost ended GRAND SLAM BREAKTHROUGH had to sit out the 2012 Games with a knee in Sydney in 2000 and Beijing eight years strong climbers. to be respected, otherwise it’s a by four wrist operations. His Olympics victory in 2012 set the injury — a withdrawal which also meant later. France also have a talented free for all.” “This match is going to be completely foundation for his eventual Grand Slam he had to cede fl ag-bearing duties. The only blot on Serena’s Games record team in Romain Bardet, second Reigning champion Marianne diff erent. My game is not as good as I breakthrough. The Spaniard will get a second oppor- was having to miss the 2004 Olympics in to Froome at last month’s Tour, Vos should be a contender but played four years ago,” said Del Potro. After downing Federer for gold, he tunity on Friday to lead his team into the Athens with a left knee injury. Alexis Vuillermoz, Julian Alap- she herself believes Dutch team- Djokovic said he never had any inten- went on to become the fi rst British man to opening ceremony before facing Argenti- “I just don’t see a time when I say I hilippe and Warren Barguil. mate Anna van der Breggen is tion of pulling out of Rio where fi ve of win a Grand Slam singles title in 76 years na’s Federico Delbonis in the fi rst round. don’t want to do this anymore. I always Another Froome teammate in a better bet due to her superior the world’s top 10 — Roger Federer, Stan when he triumphed at the US Open. Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam title win- give my maximum and that’s what I Poland’s Michal Kwiatkowski, climbing skills. Wawrinka, Milos Raonic, Tomas Berdych The 29-year-old has backed that up ner, admitted his best medal chance may bring to the court,” said the 34-year-old and Dominic Thiem — will be missing. with the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon titles. be in the doubles where he is playing with America who faces Russian-born Daria “It’s my number one goal. It would “It was great winning Wimbledon but Marc Lopez and mixed with Garbine Mu- Gavrilova of Australia in the fi rst round. mean the world to me to crown my ca- time to move on now and focus on this guruza. Venus, the 2000 champion, is seeded US braces for 1,000th — or so — reer with gold, it would rank as one of my event and the next few months,” said the Serena Williams, fresh from a seventh fi fth and meets Belgium’s Kirsten Flip- highest achievements,” said Djokovic. Scot. Wimbledon title which took her level kens. gold medal at Rio Games Murray, too, always intended to play Murray, who is Britain’s fl ag-bearer with Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22 At 36, she will be the oldest player in an even though he has not set foot on a ten- at Friday’s opening ceremony, starts his majors, won her fi rst Olympic singles Olympics tennis event since its reintro- The International Olympic team which won combined nis court competitively since winning a campaign on Sunday against gritty Viktor gold in London and then teamed up with duction in 1988. Committee (IOC) says the exercises — which was given United States are closing in on to the US. their 1,000th gold medal at Other disciplines are deemed SWIMMING Summer Games in Rio but it is by the IOC to have been won hard to know for sure who will by mixed teams rather than have the honour of winning it. single countries when they “USA needs 22 more gold were made up of varying medals to become the first nationalities. NOC (National Olympic Com- There is also a dispute over Heartache driving Le Clos: coach mittee) to have won 1,000 wrestlers Charles Ericksen gold medals at the Olympic and Bernhoff Hansen who are AFP aware of the problems before Chad put Games,” is the off icial line from recognized as US gold medal- Rio de Janeiro out the release, so we knew everything the IOC, and the dominant lists despite reportedly being about it. Americans are certain to hit Norwegian citizens during the “I’ve been his coach for 16 years and that mark at some point in the Games. lympic champion Chad Le he’s basically like family to me,” added next two weeks. USOC chief marketing off icer Clos will be swimming for Hill. “We’re pretty close and everything’s But at a press conference yes- Lisa Baird said “something “other reasons” in Rio after his good with him. He’s a tough boy, a brave terday, US Olympic Commit- special” would be planned for parents were diagnosed with boy, and he’s in a good place.” tee (USOC) off icials admitted the 1,000th gold, whenever it cancer,O according to South Africa coach South Africa will bank on Le Clos and there was some doubt over happened. Graham Hill. Cameron van der Burgh, the reigning how many golds Americans And Alan Ashley, US chef de Le Clos has said he will not speak to Olympic 100m breaststroke champion, had actually won. mission, praised the impact the media in the build-up to the defence to deliver in Rio, although van der Burgh The confusion dates back of sport in defining American of his Olympic 200 metres butterfl y title. will expect fi erce pressure from Britain’s to the early editions of the culture. But Hill has paid credit to the swim- world champion Adam Peaty. Games when the nationality of “I think what it means is just mer’s courage after father Bert was found “It’s the same two big boys,” said Hill, athletes was less clear cut. a great sporting culture and to have prostate cancer and mother Ger- referring to South Africa’s only two Examples from the 1904 an amazing system of sport in aldine underwent a double mastectomy, swimming medallists in London. Games in St Louis include Aus- our country,” he said. predicting that the heartache could drive “We’ll look to the big swims from them trian Julius Lenhart winning “It’s diff erent than other places Le Clos on. last month, saying: “It has not been an exuberantly. and hopefully they can carry the young- gold in all-round individual in the world but it’s been a “He’s going to be swimming for other easy time but I am training hard for Rio. Both parents are regularly seen in the sters through and maybe we’ll have an gymnastics, while his medal really major contributor to our reasons now and maybe that will help More than anything else I want them to crowd cheering their son, who has also outside shot in one of our relays. was credited to the US tally as culture and to our country. him,” Hill said Thursday at the Rio Olym- win their battles. I also hope that they won three world titles and collected seven “We don’t like to set a target, a medal he was representing a Phila- And it’s very exciting to think pic pool. will be in Rio.” gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth count. But we’d obviously like to come delphia club. of it in those terms and to real- The 24-year-old Le Clos, who also won Father Bert melted hearts worldwide Games. away with one better than we did in Lon- The issue is further muddied ise that we’re on the doorstep silver in the 100m butterfl y at the 2012 four years ago when television images “We’ve had a bumpy road the last cou- don and so we’re shooting for something as Lenhart was part of the of that amazing achievement.” London Olympics, released a statement showed him celebrating Chad’s victory ple of months,” said Hill. “But we were in that region.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 6, 2016 3

BOXING SPOTLIGHT Crowdfunding Tommasone to get sends Uber driver to Rio to his moment of fame see son compete Italian lightweight will be first pro boxer to step into ring at an Olympic Games By Paul Campbell he happened to tell one of his The Guardian customers that his son, Darrell Reuters (shot put), is competing at Rio Rio de Janeiro this summer. When asked when ravelling to the Olympics he was fl ying down to Brazil to has never been an easy watch his boy, Ellis admitted lympic historians will record business. Edwin Flack that he would love to go but just 11.45 local time in Rio today as had to endure a six-day couldn’t aff ord such an expen- the moment boxing history was Ttrip to Athens for the fi rst mod- sive journey. made. ern Games in 1896. The young “It was devastating to hear OAccording to the schedule following athlete stockpiled holiday time that,” said the passenger, Liz Thursday’s draw, little-known Italian from the accountancy fi rm where Willock, in an interview with lightweight Carmine Tommasone will he worked in London and then People magazine. “Here’s this become the fi rst fully professional boxer snuck off to the Games without wonderful man, who has a close to step into the ring at an Olympic Games. telling his colleagues. Flack wor- relationship with his son, and I Facing the 32-year-old, who secured ried that his boss might see the know any parent would want to his slot last month in a special qualifying excursion as unduly frivolous see their son or daughter com- tournament reserved for professionals, in but, when he returned to London pete at the Olympics, but it was the fourth bout of the opening day’s ac- as a double Olympic champion, very understandable how that tion will be Mexican Lindolfo Delgado. the fi rm were more than im- could be out of reach.” Tommasone is one of three profession- pressed. Aff ected by his plight, she set als who have qualifi ed from outside the Athletes do not have to suf- up a crowdfunding page in the AIBA team and individual competitions fer days and weeks of sea sick- hope that people would come that allow boxers to retain their amateur ness on their way to the Games together and help raise enough status while fi ghting for prize money. these days – even if they should money to send Ellis to Brazil. She The others are Cameroon’s ex-WBO still keep an eye on their luggage thought it was only right that a interim middleweight champion Hassan – but travelling across the globe father should be there when his N’Dam N’jikam and Thailand’s 36-year- remains expensive and not all of son is becoming an Olympian. old former IBF fl yweight champion Am- their relatives can aff ord to make People seemed to agree. The nat Ruenroeng, who was beaten by Del- the trip to see them compete. news spread quickly and the tar- gado in the qualifying fi nal. Galal Yafai of United Kingdom will face Cameroon’s Semplice Fotsala in the opening bout of the boxing competition at Rio. (Reuters) Ellis Hill was in that position get was raised within a few days. Light-heavyweight N’Dam N’Jikam until he was touched by the un- Darrell will make his Olympics will also fi ght today, in the evening against likely kindness of a stranger. Hill debut in the shot put on Thurs- Brazilian Michel Borges, while Ruenroeng drives for Uber in Philadelphia day – and Ellis will be in the must wait until tomorrow evening for his Morocco boxer held over alleged sex attacks in Olympic Village and, while on a trip last week, crowd cheering on his boy. opening bout against Argentina’s Ignacio Perrin. Brazilian police arrested a Moroccan in the athletes’ village,” it said. for two weeks pending investigation, The men will be fi ghting without head- Olympic boxer yesterday for allegedly Police sources told the news site G1 that the statement said. guards for the fi rst time since the 1980 sexually assaulting two female cleaners Saada was accused of calling the clean- The International Boxing Association Moscow Olympics and the fi rst to do so in the athletes’ village in Rio de Janeiro. ers to his room on the pretext of asking lists Saada as a former Moroccan youth will be Britain’s light-fl yweight Galal Ya- Off icers arrested Hassan Saada, 22, from them a question and then improperly champion and “newcomer to the inter- fai and Cameroon’s Semplice Fotsala in Casablanca, on suspicion of committing touched them. The women managed to national scene.” the opening bout. the assault on Wednesday, said a police escape. He was to fight in the 81-kilogram Four of the fi ve returning Olympic statement released hours ahead of the The site said that two other athletes (178-pound) or light-heavyweight cat- champions received fi rst- round byes, Games’ opening ceremony. were allegedly in the room at the time egory in the Rio Games. their number including all three female “According to investigations, on August but did not react to the assault. Saada had been scheduled to fight Me- gold medallists from 2012. 3 the athlete sexually assaulted two Bra- A court granted a police request for hmet Nadir Unal of Turkey today in his Britain’s fl yweight champion Nicola zilian room cleaners who were working Saada to be held in preventive detention first bout of the Games, G1 reported. Adams, Ireland’s lightweight Katie Tay- lor and American middleweight Claressa Shields will all have to wait and see who ympic boxing. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association sources in Rio confi rmed that was cor- their fi rst opponents are going to be. The men’s middleweight draw could (IABA) has so far confi rmed only that one rect. All three need win only one fight to have a gaping hole in it after news that of their boxers tested positive, without O’Reilly had been given a bye in the be sure of at least a bronze medal, the Irishman Michael O’Reilly failed a dope giving a name, but Irish media have iden- draw and was not due to fi ght until Au- reward for losing semi-finalists in Ol- test before arriving in Rio. tifi ed 23-year-old O’Reilly and boxing gust 12.

IOC expresses disappointment over CAS rulings on Russians US shot putter Darrell Hill (Twitter) Agencies cana stadium, means the final start list final IOC decision. tee’s chief Thomas Bach. Rio de Janeiro for the Games is still not confirmed. The IOC confirmed the three cases dealt “We want to tell Bach: game over, you On Thursday, the CAS had ruled in the with by CAS Thursday are referred back may leave,” said Ines Geipel, a former FOCUS cases of rowers Anastasia Karabelshiko- to the sports federations for the other sprinter who now heads an association he International Olympic Com- va and Ivan Podshivalov, and swimming steps laid out by the IOC, which were to help the thousands of ex-athletes in- mittee (IOC) yesterday expressed world champion Yulia Efimova, that declared legal by CAS Thursday. volved in the former East German state’s Tdisappointment that the Court of the IOC decision not ban Russians with doping programme. “The consistently Arbitration for Sport (CAS) prevented expired doping sanctions “is unenforce- GERMAN OFFICIALS BLAST IOC cowardly manner in which the IOC deals Brazil athletes them banning Russian athletes with pre- able as it does not respect the athletes’ OVER RUSSIA VERDICT with Russia is no more than pure cyni- vious doping off ences from participat- right of natural justice.” German off icials, meanwhile, blasted the cism,” she charged, adding that “lies and ing in the Rio Games. Dealing with allegations of widespread IOC yesterday over its decision to allow cover ups are becoming the norm while “We are naturally disappointed that the and state-controlled doping in Russia 271 Russian athletes to participate in the Olympic charter and good sense is not tested ahead Court of Arbitration for Sport considered made in a report by World Anti-Doping the Rio Games despite accusations of a being turned into laughing stocks.” our measures against doped athletes too Agency investigator Richard McLaren, state-run doping programme. A board member of Germany’s National tough. We of course accept their judge- the IOC outlawed Russians with a dop- Top-ranking German sports off icials Anti-Doping Agency, Lars Mortsiefer, ment,” the IOC said in a brief statement. ing past while leaving sports federations decried the decision as a “poor signal”, also had strong words for the IOC, say- of Rio: report The decision, just hours before yester- to determine the eligibility of Russians while others demanded the resignation ing its decision “sends a poor signal for day’s opening ceremony in the Mara- for Rio, subject to strict criteria and a of the International Olympic Commit- clean and fair sports.” Reuters pics have been mired in a drugs Rio de Janeiro scandal with Russia’s track-and- fi eld athletes and weightlifters GYMNASTICS barred from the Rio Games over razil’s athletes were not doping off ences. subject to dope tests for The European country nar- almost a month before rowly avoided a complete ban the Rio Olympics, the over allegations its government Comaneci’s perfect 10 a distant Romanian memory Bcountry’s sports ministry has and FSB security service system- said while refuting allegations it atically covered up widespread AFP The children there work out on thread- was a political decision to ensure cheating. Bucharest bare mattresses and using 20-year-old the Games were not plunged fur- The International Olympic apparatus. ther into crisis. Committee (IOC) chose not to “Parents have to buy chalk powder, Brazil’s sports ministry con- impose a blanket ban on all Rus- orty years after Nadia Comaneci the outfi ts and actually pay for train- fi rmed no tests were carried out sian athletes but directed sports produced one of the all-time ing courses, whereas before the clubs fi - between July 1 and July 24 due federations to allow them to great Olympic exploits in Mon- nanced all that. So there is little surprise to a World Anti-Doping Agency compete if they met a set of cri- treal, hopes of Romania produc- seeing children go in for other sports out- (WADA) suspension on a drug teria, including a clean doping ingF another such gymnast are hamstrung side gymnastics,” she said. testing laboratory in Rio de Ja- past and suffi cient testing at in- by scant fi nances. “In the old days kids coming through neiro, The Times reported yes- ternational events. Such has been the exodus of top coach- into the national team just needed a bit terday. Luis Horta, the former head of es to better paid posts abroad that the of fi nishing, they were already high level,” WADA said it was “concerned” Portugal’s anti-doping agency Romanian women’s team failed to even she said explaining that the current crop and has sent a letter to Brazil’s who was given a role as an adviser qualify for the Rio Games. are far from the same level as in the gold- sports minister asking why the to Brazil, alleged he faced pres- They had previously been on the podium en years. tests had been stopped. sure from the country’s sports at every Olympics since Comaneci’s 1976 “We sent a letter to the min- ministry and Olympic commit- landmark uneven bars performance which EXODUS OF COACHES ister of sport and the executive tee to reduce testing. earned the sport’s fi rst ever perfect ten. Many Romanians such as Dumitru Pop, director of the Brazilian national A statement from Brazil’s “These days fewer and fewer girls who coaches the French women’s team, anti-doping agency, pressing sports ministry refuted the alle- want to do gymnastics,” lamented former and Mihai Brestyan, who works for the our concerns and demanding gations, while adding that three gymnast and current federal coach Anca United States women’s outfi t, were pushed to know why testing had been overseas laboratories were ap- Grigoras in an interview with AFP. out of their home system by low wages. stopped in Brazil,” WADA deputy proached but were unable to help Nearby, two nine-year-olds, the joyful In this August 1, 2016, picture, Romanian gymnasts perform during a training session at “In Romania a young coach earns director Rob Koehler told the with the testing of samples. yet breathless Iana and Luiza, were rest- Dinamo gymnastic club in Bucharest. (AFP) around 1,000 lei ($250) per month,” newspaper. “The Ministry of Sport and ing after their routines in the national Campeanu said, adding that it was main- “The response was not sat- the Brazilian Doping Control junior championships. system that replaced communism after cally reduced. ly men who had moved on and that their isfactory... the explanation that Authority strongly refute the ac- The pair insisted however that their the 1989 revolution. “The centres where the national teams strength, lifting and catching gymnasts it had come about due to the cusations made by Mr Horta,” it three hours per day workouts are far from “Kids have a variety of less demanding train lack for nothing,” insists Grigoras. on the bars, was badly missed. changing of the guard in the said. tiring, which is a far cry to the spartan re- activities on off er now,” she explained. “But at school level and at the clubs there But Campeanu said she felt Romania’s ministry and the agency was not “With the suspension imposed gime Comaneci came through. Under the former communist dictator- are grave problems.” failure to qualify for Rio had been a freak acceptable to us. by WADA to the laboratory on But Romania currently has just 300 ac- ship of Nicolae Ceausescu, gymnastics accident and pointed out that 28-year- “We informed the pre-Games June 22, the tests planned for the tive gymnasts and the feeling is that the was viewed as one of the rare opportuni- CREAKING APPARATUS old Catalina Ponor, a 2004 team gold task force and we told them to period between 1 and 24 July were life, and what has to be given up in pursuit ties to escape poverty, even if Romania’s The gymnastics facility at top club Di- medallist, had qualifi ed individually and ramp up increased tests. It was compromised (the suspension was of a medal for a hopeful gymnast, is too wealth remains relatively modest in 2016. namo Bucharest, whose Larisa Iordache could well get the nation a medal. unacceptable that it stopped. only lifted on July 20), as analyses much for most. Back in Comaneci’s day the sports won a team Olympic bronze in 2012 and a “We have shown that even under these That was not a good move... the could not be submitted. Grigoras pinpointed the change of po- academies took full charge of the young world championship bronze in 2015, “has circumstances Romania might win a fact no testing was happening “Therefore, the planned tests litical system and the wider opportuni- athletes. Now, sports funding by the state not been renovated for 30 or 40 years medal. The adversity maybe has a moti- was a concern.” ended up not being done in that ties off ered under the current democratic in all sports in Romania has been drasti- now,” coach Mariana Campeanu said. vating eff ect.” South America’s fi rst Olym- period.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 6, 2016 OLYMPICS

FOCUS American basketball stars cruise in amid village woes ‘It’s good. We live life. Like when you go home, except on a boat. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a cruise ship. It’s just a private environment for the USA basketball national team for women’s and men’s, our coaching staff . And then we have a cruise ship almost right next to us that has our family and friends. I enjoy sitting on my balcony, kind of looking out at the water’

DPA Rio de Janeiro Brazilian police guard the Silver Cloud cruise ship that houses the USA men and women basketball teams. (Reuters) luxury cruise ship called the Silver Cloud is anchored in Rio de Janeiro, serving as the tem- Aporary Olympic home of the US basketballers, and as a reminder that the team outshines its rivals in every aspect. Although the squad of NBA play- ers representing the United States at the Summer Olympics admit that they are the stars and favourites in Rio, they make an eff ort to appear humble. Team leader Carmelo Anthony, who makes his fourth Olympic appearance at these Games, said the beds were too short for basketball players on the ship, just like in the Olympic village where the other teams are staying. “I think we are all having sleeping problems,” he told reporters in Rio yesterday. US players were looking forward to mingling with other athletes in the Olym- pic village, the four-time Olympian added. The New York Knicks player was less humble about his ambitions in Rio though. “My goal is to lead this team to a gold medal and enjoy the process and enjoy the journey,” Anthony said. “We go out there, we play our own game, we do what we do, we try not to worry about anybody else,” the forward added. The US has won 14 out of 17 Olympic tournaments, and they plan to improve that record at the 2016 Olympics, where they will play their fi rst match against China today. So, is there anything that can stop the US from winning in Rio? “I don’t know. Nothing,” Anthony’s teammate Kyrie Irving said, even though they have to make do without stars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Coach Mike Krzyzewski nevertheless stressed that “we have the utmost respect for the game and for the international community. We know that there are great basketball players all over the world.” Nearly 50 National Basketball Asso- ciation (NBA) athletes are participating in Rio, of which only 12 play for the US. Australia, Brazil and France have sig- nifi cant numbers of NBA athletes. standpoint, this is a major step for me Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking water and see the scenery of Rio.” He and other US stars hope to see the setbacks. “Putting together a show- US player Klay Thompson named and the guys to come on here and rep- the Olympic host city. Extra security precautions surround some Olympic events. Irving wants to see er curtain so we can shower and not these teams as some of the toughest resent our country, especially during “It was so dark and then it was lit up,” the US squad, the cruise ships being swimming while forward Carmelo Antho- fl ood the place,” Bogut tweeted with a competitors at these Olympics, along times where so much is going on back in said US star Kevin Durant. “It was like another layer of protection for NBA ny wants to see the Brazil football squad. photo of him working on the curtain. with Serbia and Spain. The Golden our country,” he said. Jesus was fl ying over us. I want to go talent that has proven among the most Anthony, seeking a men’s record He has taken to posting dispatches State Warrior shooting guard is among Anthony has previously called on back and see it up close.” popular at any Olympics since the 1992 third gold medal and his fourth overall, with the hashtag IOCLuxuryLodging the many Olympic fi rst-timers from other athletes to be politically active Then they checked into luxury ac- original ‘Dream Team’. likes having a bed long enough to avoid to poke at the International Olympic the US in Rio. on issues that have been roiling the US, commodations on a 196-cabin cruise “It’s good. We live life. Like when you having his feet dangle over the end. Committee offi cials and their likely He acknowledged that the US team such as police violence and race. The ship similar to one used by the US team go home, except on a boat,” US guard And then there’s Andrew Bogut, who more luxurious digs. must act as one and not as a collec- team would “represent our country and in 2004 at Athens. “It’s pretty cool,” Kyrie Irving said. had been Thompson’s teammate at “At IOCLuxuryLodging we believe tion of stars if it wants to triumph be united and show the rest of the world said Durant. “We’re in a hotel on water.” “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a cruise Golden State this past NBA season. He a bed is not vital for sleep. Fine tuned once again. “We realise that individual that we are united, regardless of what’s US guard Thompson, whom Du- ship. It’s just a private environment for recovered from a serious leg injury to athletes can sleep standing up,” Bogut numbers and performances don’t re- going on,” he added. rant will play alongside next season at the USA basketball national team for compete for Australia in Rio and is stay- tweeted. “IOCLuxuryLodging will not ally matter unless you win a gold medal, Staying on the cruise ship Silver Golden State as well as for the next two women’s and men’s, our coaching staff . ing with the Boomers in the comment on our delegates penthouse so we all put our egos aside and we just Cloud is a major step up from their fel- weeks, likes the balcony views. “And then we have a cruise ship al- athletes village. villas in downtown Rio.” really wanna take the gold back to the low Olympians in the athletes village. “It’s nice. It’s like staying at a hotel,” most right next to us that has our fam- Bogut, one of six NBA players on the After that stirred the social media pot, United States,” he said. The US men’s collection of millionaire Thompson said. “We’ve all got our own ily and friends. It’s pretty cool for me. Aussie squad, has been pointing out the Bogut later posted: “People today really Such unity also carries a political NBA stars arrived by plane on Wednes- rooms. We’ve got a game room. I like I enjoy sitting on my balcony, kind of troubles in the village on Twitter, single struggle with 2 things: Sarcasm and sar- message, Anthony said. “From a career day, getting a good look at the famed the balcony. You can get out and see the looking out at the water.” beds and torn shower curtains among casm,” that fuelled more comments.

SPOTLIGHT Australia the team to beat in men’s hockey, Netherlands Gasol hopes to end runners-up streak are favourites for women’ title Reuters said Gasol, who will be making his Reuters Brazil. “When we go to the Olym- Rio de Janeiro fourth Olympic appearance in Rio. Rio de Janeiro pic Games as the Australian men’s “It would mean so much. But it’s hockey team we want to win, we extremely hard, that’s why it would don’t want to get bronze, just make fter losing the fi nal game mean so much if we could have a ermany might be the twice Olym- the semis or play off for fifth,” he said. of the Olympic basketball chance to get it.” Gpic champions defending their Britain, Belgium, Spain and the tournament to the United Gasol will be joined on the Olym- men’s field hockey title but top-ranked hosts are also in Australia’s group. States for the past two pic hardwood by fi ve fellow current Australia will be the team to beat when Germany, who triumphed in Olympics,A Spain’s star player and NBA players: Jose Manuel Calderon the competition begins in Rio today. Beijing and London, are ranked six-time NBA all-star Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers, Willy Since 1992 Australia have won a third in the world. The squad chosen hopes to break his team’s runners- Hernangomez of the New York medal at every Olympic tournament by head coach Valentin Altenburg up streak in Rio de Janeiro. Knicks, Nikola Mirotic of the Chi- and the World Cup winners will be contains five Olympic gold medallists Gasol is in good company, as he cago Bulls, Sergio Rodriguez of the the favourites to clinch what would from London. is one of a record-high 34 current Philadelphia 76ers and Ricky Rubio be their second gold medal. The champions have been pooled players from the National Basketball of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Kookaburras only managed with the Netherlands, Argentina, Association playing on teams hoping A seventh team member, Alex bronze four years ago in London de- India, Ireland and Canada, with the to outdo the US men, who have won Abrines, was chosen by the Okla- spite being overwhelming favourites, top four teams from each group gold in fi ve of the past six Olympics homa City Thunder in the 2013 NBA triggering a lot of soul searching from advancing to the quarter-finals. but lost out in 2000 to Argentina, a draft but has continued to play for the men in gold and green. Once-mighty India are the most result that led to deep soul-searching the Barcelona Lassa. Abrines is eli- “Yeah, we had to do a lot of long decorated nation in the sport’s Olym- and the reorganisation of the nation’s gible for the 2016-2017 NBA season. hard looking at ourselves, but it pic history but the South Asians won Olympic basketball programme. Spain will not immediately face paid off ultimately,” said 32-year- the last of their eight gold medals way A total of 46 current NBA play- their US rivals, tipping off tomorrow old Australia squad member Glenn back at the Moscow Games in 1980. ers including the 12-man US team, against Croatia and then going on to Turner. “Leading up to London we Their strong build-up, claiming or about one in three of all athletes, face Argentina, Lithuania and Brazil had trained really hard but there silver at the Champions Trophy, has will hit the hardwood during the in the initial round. was a very diff erent feel to the squad again boosted optimism among fans tournament, with 26 from its coun- Like most of the major US profes- compared to this time around.” in the nation of 1.25bn people. terpart the WNBA participating on sional sports leagues, the NBA has Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer, On the women’s side, the Neth- the women’s side. been building up its foreign pres- a five-time International Hockey erlands have captured seven world Emulating Argentina’s feat ence in recent years. Federation player of the year, provide titles and been to every Olympics against the nation that invented Last season, the league hosted Australia with a wealth of experience since 1984, winning three gold, one basketball would be a high honour, games in cities including London, with Rio being their fourth Games. silver and three bronze medals. said Gasol, a former Chicago Bulls Milan, Mexico City, Shanghai and Knowles said the team, who face The world’s top-ranked side are player who is heading to the San An- Shenzhen, China, and it has fl oat- New Zealand in their first match, heavy favourites to add to their gold tonio Spurs next season. ed the idea of holding its All-Star would settle for nothing but gold in medal tally in Rio. “It would mean the world,” weekend in Europe. Gulf Times Saturday, August 6, 2016 5 SPORT

GOLF Taylor charges into share of lead with Kelly, Loupe ‘I can’t say goodbye. There are four or five tournaments that have a pull on me. I will definitely stick around and play those’

Reuters Cromwell, Connecticut

merican journeyman Vaughn Taylor, making a long-awaited return to form, birdied fi ve of his last seven holes to rocket intoA a tie for the lead in Thursday’s opening round of the Travelers Cham- pionship in Cromwell, Connecticut. Taylor, whose 2016 campaign has veered between the brilliant and the frustrating, fi red a six-under-par 64 on a sunny day at TPC River Highlands to set the tournament pace with compa- triots Andrew Loupe and Jerry Kelly. Spaniard Jon Rahm, competing in his fi fth PGA Tour event since turn- ing professional in June, eagled the par-fi ve 13th on the way to a 65, ending the round level with Australian Marc Leishman and American Ben Martin. Twice Masters champion Bubba Watson, who won the Travelers Cham- pionship for a second time last year at one of his most treasured venues, launched his title defence with a 67. “I hit a lot of quality shots and hit a lot of greens, which you need to do around here,” Watson told reporters after being grouped with Matt Kuchar (69) and Patrick Reed (70), who will join him on the US Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro next week. “We’re good friends and we had a blast out there. Having a pairing like that, no matter if we were going to Rio or not, it’s a fun pairing.” Taylor, who has missed nine cuts on the PGA Tour since clinching his third career victory on the US circuit at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Febru- ary, caught fi re on his back nine after reaching the turn in one-under 34. With his approach play in sparkling order, he reeled off fi ve consecutive birdies from the par-four 12th to surge up the leaderboard. Bubba Watson of the United States hits out at the seventh hole during the first round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, on Thursday. Watson shot a 67 to lie tied fourth. (AFP) “I hit a good fairway bunker shot on nine, hit a good putt there and just kind ly, who has missed the cut in four of his Leading first-round scores land’s east coast. of got things going,” Taylor, 40, told last fi ve tournaments. The winner of that match will face PGA Tour Radio. “I was feeling good... “I also putted well. I hit a couple good 64 — Vaughn Taylor, Andrew Loupe, 36 holes as the round of 16 was brought you just get on a run sometimes and just shots that would roll off the greens, and Jerry Kelly forward in anticipation of high winds. kind of ride it.” then I would have very tough up and 65 — Ben Martin, Marc Leishman (AUS), Woods is looking for a victory this Taylor could certainly do with an ex- downs. I use the putter a lot from off Jon Rahm (ESP) week to cement his place on the European tended run of good form, having fi nished the green, which I’m fairly good at. It’s 66 — Daniel Berger, Carlos Ortiz (MEX) Ryder Cup team for Hazeltine before he no better than joint-33rd since he ended tough up and downs on some of these 67 — Steve Marino, Rory Sabbatini goes off to get married later this month. a PGA Tour title drought of more than a when you short side yourself.” (RSA), Russell Knox (SCO), David Toms, Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick beat Ryder decade with his Pebble Beach win. Kelly has three career PGA Tour Brooks Koepka, Vijay Singh (FIJ), Keegan Cup vice-captain Thomas Bjorn 4&3 to “I thought coming out of Pebble wins, the most recent coming in the Bradley, Rob Oppenheim, Hudson Swaf- set up a second-round tie against Matt my game was ready but it just wasn’t 2009 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. ford, Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA), Gary Ford. Battling to make it onto Darren quite there,” said Taylor, who missed Entering the tournament, Kelly was Woodland, Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Clarke’s team for the September 30-Oc- fi ve successive cuts after his triumph in struggling with his game. Robert Garrigus, Jamie Lovemark tober 2 event, Fitzpatrick was six up af- February. “I thought I was just going to He missed the cut at the Byron (USA unless stated, par-70 course) ter nine holes against Bjorn and held off keep it rolling but that’s golf, just when Nelson, Dean and Deluca Invitational, a fi ghtback to beat the veteran Dane. you think you’ve got it, you’ve got to re- St. Jude Classic and Barbasol Cham- Ryder Cup hopefuls Wood, “I played really nicely and made quite assess. It’s good this week... hopefully it pionship before tying for 26th in the Fitzpatrick win in matchplay a few birdies on the front nine. It was will keep going.” Canadian Open. Veteran Jerry Kelly of the good to get off to that fast start and sort Meanwhile, Father Time isn’t pre- He is looking ahead to a full-time US shot a first-round 64 to In Gullane, Scotland, English duo of just hold it together on the back nine,” venting Kelly from turning back the PGA Champions senior schedule but grab a share the lead. (AFP) Chris Wood and Matthew Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick told europeantour.com. “I clock. American Kelly, who is four hopes to still make some noise on the boosted their Ryder Cup hopes with think it was a good day and I’m just de- months away from qualifying for the regular circuit. wins in the opening round of the Paul lighted to get the win in the fi rst round.” senior golf tour, is making a run at his “I can’t say goodbye. There are four Lawrie MatchPlay on Thursday. Recent Scottish Open winner Alex fi rst PGA Tour win in seven years. or fi ve tournaments that have a pull Top seed Wood claimed a 4&3 win Noren of Sweden and tournament host The 49-year-old from Madison, on me,” he said. “I will defi nitely stick other Americans in the fi eld are, in- char are the other US Olympians. over Australia’s Brett Rumford to set up Paul Lawrie, the 1999 British Open Wisconsin, turned heads by shooting around and play those.” cluding world number six Watson who Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, Germa- a second-round meeting on Friday with champion, were among the other win- a six-under 64 to share the fi rst-round Kelly is not going to the Rio Olympics is the highest-ranked player taking part ny’s Alex Cejka and Ireland’s Padraig fellow countryman Daniel Brooks at the ners from the 32 ties played on the lead. “I hit a lot of good shots,” said Kel- once the tournament is over, but three this week. Patrick Reed and Matt Ku- Harrington are also Rio bound. Archerfi eld Links near Gullane on Scot- opening day.

Japan high school girl breaks NBA baseball rule by going on fi eld Westbrook inks 3-year Thunder extension AFP held at the stadium every year in the city AFP Tokyo of Nishinomiya is a key part of summer in Los Angeles baseball-mad Japan and many of the youth stars go on to storied careers in both Japa- Japanese high school girl who vio- nese and US professional leagues. ll-star point guard lated a rule banning females from be- Hidemasa Hori, who directs the separate Russell Westbrook A ing on a baseball field where boys are High School Girl’s Baseball Tournament, said signed a three-year, playing or practising has sparked debate in girls are more than up to the task of playing A$85mn contract extension the country. and assisting. with the Oklahoma City Thunder Momona Shuto, a third-year student at “I have never felt it is so dangerous for yesterday, one month after the team Oita High School in southwestern Japan girls to play baseball,” he said. “Girls also lost Kevin Durant to Golden State. and an assistant for its baseball team, was work hard to reach Koshien,” he added, re- “I am grateful to extend my helping during a team practice session at ferring to team assistants like Shuto. “I think contract with the Thunder and Koshien Stadium in preparation for Japan’s it is such an outdated idea to ban only girls.” continue to play with the only or- annual summer tournament, which starts Others took to social media to voice their ganization that I have played for tomorrow. anger over the incident. “This is outright and have loved being a part of since Wearing a team uniform, she had been discrimination,” said one Twitter user. “Poor I was drafted into the NBA,” West- throwing balls and assisting the team with girl... What a punishment, when we have brook said. batting practice — all part of her normal a female professional baseball league,” “I’m really excited about mov- job — when she was ordered off the field by tweeted another. ing forward with this group of guys tournament off icials earlier this week. But Takenaka denied that the rule was and continuing to play in front of The school team’s manager subsequently based on misogyny, which is often a point of the best fans in the world.” issued an apology, but the Japan High criticism in Japan’s national sport of sumo. Signing the fi ve-time All-Star School Baseball Federation, which organises Sumo dohyo, or rings, under the Japan was key for the Thunder after los- the tournament and sets the rules, defend- Sumo Association are seen as a sacred ing star forward Durant. ed its position, saying the ban was purely for places rooted in the indigenous Shinto faith Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, safety reasons. and women are barred from stepping in. 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds last “We have a rule that only boys play in The association’s rituals strictly forbid any season. games, which means those players are contact with blood, such as that shed by Westbrook has played all eight aware of the risk of injuries,” federation women during menstruation and childbirth. seasons of his NBA career with director Masahiko Takenaka said yesterday. “As far as the baseball games that the federa- Oklahoma City, averaging 21.5 “When girls are not supposed to play among tion oversees, girls are allowed on the bench points and 7.6 assists. Westbrook males, we cannot possibly allow a situation to keep records and to go onto the field be- was drafted fourth overall in 2008 where they get hurt,” he added. fore and after a game,” Takenaka said. “They by the Seattle SuperSonics, who The annual 15-day men’s tournament are not completely banned from the field.” moved to Oklahoma City that year to become the Thunder. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DEAL EPL’s West Brom announce sale to Qatar keeps eye on Chinese investors Belgium’s Eupen in new Europe season Today, Eupen, from Belgium’s small German-speaking community, play their first home game of the season at the 8,363-capacity Kehrwegstadion against a grand old name of A general view of The Hawthorns stadium in West Bromwich, West Belgian football and former winners of the old European Cup Winners’ Cup, Mechelen Midlands, England. AFP and Wolverhampton Wanderers London — both of whom play in the same Midlands region as West Brom — were both taken over by Chinese est Bromwich Al- investors in recent weeks. bion have agreed Wolves were bought last week to sell the club to by Fosun International, while Chinese investment Chinese businessman Tony Xia Wgroup Yunyi Guokai (Shang- took charge of Villa in June. hai) Sports Development Lim- Birmingham City, another ited, the Premier League side an- Midlands clubs, are currently in nounced yesterday. talks with Asian investors seek- No fi nancial details have been ing to buy the club from Hong announced, but former chair- Kong businessman Carson man Jeremy Peace was report- Yeung, who was jailed for mon- edly looking for 150mn pounds ey-laundering in 2014. ($197.1mn, 177mn euros) when Meanwhile, Manchester City he put the club on the market last announced a 265mn pounds in- year. vestment deal with Chinese con- The deal is subject to approval sortium CMC last December. from Britain’s Financial Con- Peace, who had been West duct Authority and the Premier Brom’s chairman for 14 years, League. said: “I believe this deal will ena- “I am proud that I will be the ble Albion to build on the strong, fi rst mainland-Chinese owner sustainable foundations that of a Premier League club,” said have been the cornerstone of the Chinese entrepreneur Guochuan club’s progress. Lai, who will become West “I have been chairman for 14 Brom’s new owner, in a state- years and I am obviously pleased ment. that in that time we have be- “This historic deal will result come an established top-fl ight in a rapid and signifi cant increase club. Now, having spent time in interest in the club in China, with Guochuan, I believe he is which should lead to attractive the right man to take Albion for- commercial opportunities.” ward.” Lai built up landscaping In an eff ort to reassure fans, fi rm Palm Eco-Town Develop- Lai vowed that he had “no in- ment Company Limited before Action from one of KAS Eupen’s matches last season. tention of changing the club’s retiring in May 2014 to focus on ethos”.Former owner Peace, who private investment. had held an 88 % stake in the Palm is listed on the Chinese club, has resigned as chairman Stock Exchange as being worth and will be replaced by former 1.8 bn pounds. Blackburn Rovers chairman and West Brom, English champi- chief executive John Williams. ons once in 1920 and fi ve-time AFP But Belgian football watchers believe velop young Qatari and international pen’s aim to produce players for Qatar’s The deal is the latest in a series FA Cup winners, were close to Doha Eupen have a good chance of survival. sports stars over the past 12 years. national side. Even so, it may be a signifi - of inroads made by China in Eng- being sold to a Chinese consor- “Only one team goes down this year Several of Qatar’s Olympic team about cant by-product. lish football. tium last year, before Peace broke and the sporting director said they to compete in Rio, including the coun- Last season, Aspire graduate Akram Second-tier clubs Aston Villa off negotiations. ith the resumption of 2018 will be taking things step-by-step,” try’s best hope for its fi rst ever gold, high Afi f scored eight goals for Eupen during World Cup qualifi ers on says Mark Rodden, who commentates jumper Mutaz Barshim, are Aspire gradu- their promotion push and the 19-year- September 1 and a possible television coverage of the Belgian Pro ates. old has been rewarded with a transfer Van Gaal was contender for Belgium job La Liga debut for the coun- League. But it has been most prominent in to Spain’s Villareal, who subsequently Wtry’s brightest young star, it’s a big few “They would be happy to stay up this football. loaned him for the season to La Liga rivals Brussels: Louis van Gaal was coach on Wednesday but had weeks for Qatar. season, giving them the platform to con- And Eupen has been the showcase for Sporting Gijon. a contender to take over as also discussed the post, which But just as important for the Gulf solidate their place in the top fl ight on a a signifi cant number of those who have If he plays at any point in La Liga, he Belgium’s coach but in the fell vacant when Marc Wilmots state’s football development is what hap- more long-term basis.” passed through Aspire. will be the fi rst Qatari ever to do so. end made himself unavailable, was sacked after the European pens at tiny Belgian Pro League club, KAS Club offi cials, though, claim that stay- “So far, in total, 13 Qatar Aspire talents Afi f has also just been drafted into Qa- Belgian newspapers reported Championship, with Dick Ad- Eupen. ing up is just one aim for the season. and 25 scholarships from the Aspire Foot- tar’s national squad as the country chases yesterday after two days after vocaat, Rolf Rangnick and Rudi It is the fi rst time ‘The Pandas’ have Asked what the target is for the cam- ball Dreams project are and have been its fi rst ever qualifi cation for the World Roberto Martinez was handed Garcia.Martinez had been out been in Belgium’s top tier — pitting paign, Aspire Academy’s Andreas Bleich- with KAS Eupen since 2012,” says Bleich- Cup in Russia in 2018. the post. Van Gaal, dismissed of work since being sacked by themselves against heavyweight clubs er responded: “Further individual devel- er, Aspire’s Chief Advisor of International Players from Belgium, Venezuela, Ni- by Manchester United despite Everton in May after a frustrat- such as champions FC Bruges and Ander- opment of the young talents... besides Football Aff airs. geria and Ivory Coast and Spanish man- winning the FA Cup in May, had ing season when they finished lecht — since being taken over by Qatar’s the team consolidating in the Belgian top Aspire Dreams is a scouting project, ager Jordi Condom contribute to the in- a discussion about the job with 11th in the Premier League amid Aspire Academy in June 2012. fl ight.” identifying talented 13-year-olds across ternational fl avour at Eupen, which may Belgian football association considerable supporter unrest Today, Eupen, from Belgium’s small Despite the high-profi le ownership 18 countries, mostly in Africa, including not be a coincidence, says Rodden. vice president Bert Verhaeghe, at Goodison Park. German-speaking community, play of Paris Saint-Germain by Qatar Sports Senegal, Mali and Gambia. “There are not as many restrictions on according to Het Nieuwsblad. His first match in charge will their fi rst home game of the season at the Investments, Qatar Airways’ shirt spon- Bleicher adds that 44 Aspire graduates non-EU players in Belgium. He decided not to pursue be against his native Spain on 8,363-capacity Kehrwegstadion against sorship deal with Barcelona and the pur- have represented 10 diff erent countries at “There’s a good tradition of young for- discussions, saying he would Sept. 1. a grand old name of Belgian football and chase of Malaga by a member of Qatar’s full national level. eign imports starting off in Belgium be- keep a promise to his wife Belgium boast a number of former winners of the old European Cup ruling family, Eupen is arguably the most This season four Qataris are expected fore moving on to bigger and better things to take a year away from the high-profile, talented players Winners’ Cup, Mechelen. interesting footballing acquisition by the to be in Eupen’s squad, including Fa- — think Yaya Toure at Beveren — and I game, but a future role was such as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard The season began badly with a 3-0 de- energy-rich Emirate which will host the had Al-Abdulrahman, a defender who think that’s probably the owners’ goal. not ruled out, reports added. and Thibaut Courtois and Man- feat at Zulte Waregem, compounded by 2022 World Cup fi nals. has represented his country at Under-23 “They’ll want to develop some of these The Belgians named former chester City’s Vincent Kompany the sending-off of Ghanaian winger, Eric The renowned Aspire Academy, based level. players over a couple of years and then Everton manager Martinez as and Kevin De Bruyne. Ocansey. in Doha, has spent millions trying to de- Bleicher insists it is not Aspire or Eu- sell them on for big money.”

SCOTTISH SCENE Old Firm rivalry resumes with Rangers back

AFP nious meetings between Rangers and quality competitive challenges with the failure. Glasgow their rival clubs during the course of squad that we have. “I know people talk about the level the season. “If we do that then we will be in a of Scottish football, but Celtic is one of Rangers’ absence from the Premier- good position come the end of the sea- the biggest clubs in the world, it is cer- ne of world football’s most ship has allowed Celtic to dominate son. But it is not for us to make rash tainly not a step down, it is an institu- intense and bitter rivalries with the Parkhead outfi t winning fi ve predictions. We know we are a strong tion,” Rodgers said. will be resurrected in this league titles in a row. However, Rang- squad that will get better and more “The objective is very clear, it is to season’s Scottish Premier- ers manager Mark Warburton restored united as the season goes through. We continue with the domination of Scot- shipO as Rangers return to challenge old some pride following his appointment will fi nish strongly, I’m confi dent of land and also make an impact on Euro- foes Celtic, now managed by former last season and led them to the Cham- that.”However, Celtic, who have ap- pean football.” Celtic, who have already Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. pionship title as well as a win over Celt- pointed Rodgers as the high-profi le re- beaten Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar Rangers won the second-tier Cham- ic on their way to the Scottish Cup fi nal. placement to Norwegian Ronny Deila in — although only after an embarrass- pionship last season and so the Glasgow The Englishman has strengthened the Parkhead hotseat, remain favour- ing defeat in the fi rst leg — and Astana giants will now compete in the Scottish his side well by adding the experience ites to defend their title. of Kazakhstan to reach the Champions top fl ight for the fi rst time in four years of former Manchester City midfi elder Rodgers will have to meet the high League play-off s, have added veteran following their fi nancial meltdown. Joey Barton and Croatian international demands that will be placed on him Ivorian defender Kolo Toure to their The Light Blues entered administra- Niko Kranjcar to his squad, and their after becoming the highest-paid man- squad along with young French forward tion in February 2012 over an unpaid tax presence should add more competi- ager in Scottish football history. Moussa Dembele from Fulham. bill during the short, but chaotic, reign tiveness to the league. His is a more diffi cult task than pre- The resumption of regular Old Firm of Craig Whyte. Liquidation followed “Our aim is to be more than highly vious Celtic managers have faced in the derby matches will see more fi ery en- in June 2012 to cap an amazing fall from competitive,” said the former Brentford past fi ve years when Rangers were ei- counters on the pitch and perhaps lead grace. boss, whose side start the league cam- ther in disarray or not involved. to the continuation of the two-horse Following heated discussions their Rangers manager Mark Warburton. paign at home to Hamilton Academical But the Northern Irishman, whose race that has seen the Glasgow clubs fellow top-fl ight clubs voted 10 to 1 today. side open their title defence away to win 100 league titles between them. against allowing Rangers’ application life again in the country’s bottom tier. lingers amongst the Ibrox club’s sup- “What we have to do is make sure Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, knows Scottish football, however, will surely to re-join the elite, forcing them to start Resentment about that decision still port and should lead to some acrimo- week in, week out, we deliver very high that no excuses will be accepted for be better for it. Gulf Times Saturday, August 6, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

DEAL DRAW Guardiola’s City draw Steaua in Berlusconi agrees Champions League

AFP Marcelino the Villarreal coach Paris was happy to avoid Roma but said Monaco would be a tough opponent. to sell AC Milan to ep Guardiola’s Man- “Roma were the most diffi cult chester City got a rela- and then you had Monaco, who tively easy tie as the were knocked out by Valencia Champions League last season, but they’re one of PGroup phase play-off s were the best sides in France,” he told drawn in Nyon yesterday as they UEFA. landed Romanians Steaua Bu- Two time UEFA Cup win- charest. ners the German outfi t Borus- Chinese investors “I wanted any team but City,” sia Mönchengladbach take on said a blanched Steaua coach Lau- Young Boys of Berne while Salz- rentiu Reghecampf, while City’s burg drew Croats Dinamo Za- The projected injections of funds will be a welcome boost for a club that remains one of the sporting director Txiki Begiristain greb, whom are unbeaten in their took a cautious approach. last four meetings with Dinamo. strongest brands in European football but no longer delivers the results to justify that status “It’s going to be a diffi cult tie Ajax face Russian club Rostov, because Steaua are on the up whose striker Dmitri Poloz was again in Europe and have a lot of delighted to have landed the leg- talent,” the Spaniard said. endary four time winners. The other British side in the “The Dutch are very good op- draw Scotland’s 1967 European ponents, it’s a great draw! Many Champions Celtic play Hapoel of us wanted Ajax,” he said. Beer-Sheva of Israel in their Copenhagen take on APOEL desert stadium, while Ireland’s Nicosia of Cyprus and Bulgar- Dundalk take on Polish Champi- ia’s Ludogorets take on Viktoria ons Legia Warsaw. Plzen of the Czech Republic. The plum ties cast 2004 The play-off s are contested Champions League winners over two legs on the 16/17th Porto against Italy’s Roma while and 23/24th of August with the Spain’s fourth placed side last winners going into the lucra- season Villarreal take on French tive Champions League groups third placed side Monaco. phase.

THE DRAW

The draw for the Champions (GER) League group stage play-off s Villarreal (ESP) — Monaco (FRA) to be played over two legs Ludogorets (BUL) — Viktoria 16/17 and 23/24 August made Plzen (CZE) at UEFA’s Nyon headquarters Celtic (SCO) — Hapoel Beer- yesterday. Sheva (ISR) Steaua Bucharest (ROM) — Man- Copenhagen (DEN) — APOEL chester City (ENG) Nicosia (CYP) FC Porto (POR) — Roma (ITA) Dundalk (IRL) — Legia Warsaw Ajax (NED) — FC Rostov (RUS) (POL) Young Boys Berne (SUI) — Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) — Salz- Borussia Mönchengladbach bourg (AUT)

NEW FRONTIER Celtic play-off in

This file photo taken on May 21, 2016 shows AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi (C), vice-president Adriano Galliani (L) and board member Barbara Berlusconi (R) arrive for Europe’s most the Italian Tim Cup final football match AC Milan vs Juventus at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Silvio Berlusconi agreed yesterday to sell more than 99 percent of AC Milan to a group of Chinese investors, announced Fininvest, the holding company of the Berlusconi family. southern stadium AFP A total of 100mn euros of the sale The buyers paid 15mn euros immedi- recently had open heart surgery and has Milan price is to be paid on completion, which ately to secure the deal and are due to pay been seeking to offl oad part or all of his is scheduled to happen by the end of this a further 85mn euros as a deposit within stake in Milan for over two years. AFP far colder climes, the weather year.Chinese and Italian authorities will 35 days. Even before that he had been scaling Jerusalem could be a hindrance — tempera- ilvio Berlusconi agreed yester- have to rubberstamp the deal but this is The projected injections of funds will back his fi nancial commitment to the tures in the summer can reach day to sell AC Milan to Chinese not expected to raise any signifi cant ob- be a welcome boost for a club that re- club he acquired in 1986, with serious over 40 degrees in August. investors under a deal set to end stacles. mains one of the strongest brands in Eu- implications for its ability to compete at hen Celtic play Ha- Even at the evening kick-off Shis trophy-laden three decades in The preliminary accord was signed by ropean football but no longer delivers the the highest level. poel Beer-Sheva of time it could be over 30 degrees. charge of the Italian giants by the end of Danilo Pellegrino, the Fininvest CEO, and results to justify that status. Andrea Pirlo was released to go after Israel in the play- The team won their fi rst title this year. Han Li, a representative of the Chinese The cash-strapped club struggled to a the last domestic title was secured in 2011 off round for the since the 1970s last year, seeing Fininvest, the Berlusconi family’s pri- investors. seventh-placed fi nish in Serie A last sea- because the president would not sanction WChampions League group stages, off more established Israeli clubs vate holding company, announced that “Throughout the negotiations Finin- son and last won a domestic title in 2011. any more than a one-year contract exten- it will in the most southernly sta- including Maccabi Tel Aviv and after months of negotiations a prelimi- vest has maintained its position estab- Seven times champions of Europe (fi ve sion for the Italy playmaker, who was to dium in UEFA’s history. Maccabi Haifa. nary agreement had been signed between lished by Mr Berlusconi to provide AC of those triumphs came under Berlusco- go on to help Juventus become the domi- The Israeli side were drawn It completed a remarkable the media tycoon and the prospective Milan with a structure from which it can ni), the Rossoneri lifted their last Cham- nant force in Serie A. against the Scottish giants on turnaround for Hapoel, having buyers. compete with the world’s top clubs,” Pel- pions League trophy in 2007. Zlatan Ibrahamovic and Thiago Silva Friday, with the winner qualify- avoided relegation by two points The deal values Milan, which has some legrino said. The group has been named Since then their fortunes have dwin- departed for Paris Saint-Germain a year ing for the group stages of Eu- in 2012. 220mn euros of debt, at 740mn euros as Sino-Europe Sports Investment Man- dled in parallel with those of the former later. rope’s top football competition. They are also the only major ($825.4mn), and will lead to a badly- agement Changxing, and includes busi- prime minister, who was barred from po- It was all a far cry from the money- Hapoel shocked Greek giants Israeli club owned by a woman, needed cash injection of 350mn euros nessman Yonghong Li, the Haixia Capital litical life after his 2013 conviction for tax no-obstacle approach Berlusconi took to Olympiakos in the third quali- with Alona Barkat, the wife of over three seasons, Fininvest said in a Capital group and other private and pub- fraud. assembling squads during Milan’s glory fying round and the total un- tech billionaire Eli, buying the statement. lic Chinese companies. Berlusconi turns 80 in September, has days. knowns are looking to make the club in 2007. group stages for the fi rst time in They had an average attend- their history. ance of 15,405 last season. BOTTOMLINE They play in the Turner Stadi- Uri Levy, chief editor of the um in the desert of southern Is- Jerusalem-based Babagol foot- rael, the most southerly stadium ball website, said they didn’t lose in European competition history, a game at home last season, with UEFA confi rmed. the fans known for making op- FIFA president Infantino For the Scottish club, used to position teams uncomfortable. SHORTLIST cleared of wrongdoing Ronaldo, Bale and

Reuters ics committee along with former Euro- Zurich pean soccer boss Michel Platini, who is Griezmann in hunt serving a four-year suspension. The ethics committee said that prelim- IFA President Gianni Infantino, inary investigations had focused on sev- for UEFA award elected in February to lead the eral fl ights taken by Infantino, the hiring global soccer body into calmer process for positions in the president’s waters after a series of corruption offi ce and his refusal to sign the contract Reuters fi nals at June’s European Cham- scandals,F was himself cleared of possible specifying his employment relationship pionship. Paris ethics violations yesterday. with FIFA. France striker Griezmann lost FIFA’s independent ethics committee Infantino’s conduct might have the Champions League fi nal said it had concluded a formal investiga- breached articles on code of conduct, eal Madrid duo Cris- with Atletico, and was also on tion into Infantino’s conduct which fo- loyalty, confl icts of interest and off ering tiano Ronaldo and the losing side in the Euro 2016 cused on some of the fl ights he had taken and accepting gifts, it said. Gareth Bale are in the fi nal, although he was crowned during the opening months of his presi- However, after formal proceedings running with Atletico top scorer with six goals and was dency and his failure to sign an employ- were opened, it was concluded that the MadridR striker Antoine Griez- named player of the European ment contract. fl ights “did not represent ethics viola- mann for the UEFA Best Player in Championship. The three fi nal- “It was found that no violation of the tions” and that benefi ts enjoyed by In- Europe Award, while Barcelona ists for the award were chosen by FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) had been com- fantino were not “improper” in the light pair Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez journalists from UEFA’S member mitted by Mr Infantino,” the ethics com- of applicable FIFA rules and regulations. have missed out on nomination. nations. Last year’s winner Messi mittee said in a statement. It said the hiring process and Infan- Ronaldo, who will be the fa- fi nished fi fth in the voting, one It said investigations were carried out tino’s employment contract were inter- vourite for the prestigious award, place below his Barcelona team “diligently over several weeks” and in- ecessor Sepp Blatter has been banned for corruption-related charges. nal compliance issues rather than ethical led Real to their 11th Champi- mate Suarez, who missed out on cluded “a large number of interviews with six years for ethics violations, was under The football body has also been forced matters. ons League win before playing a the top three despite scoring 59 witnesses and Mr Infantino himself.” investigation over fl ights he had taken on to investigate controversies surrounding FIFA’s statement said Infantino and his pivotal role in guiding Portugal goals in 53 appearances for the Infantino, in a statement issued by private jets. the awarding of its showpiece, the World administration would “continue to focus to their fi rst major international Spanish side. FIFA, said he was “pleased” with the out- FIFA has been in turmoil after a wave Cup fi nals, especially the decision to on developing football as well as their ef- trophy at Euro 2016. Ronaldo’s The winner will be announced come. of indictments of football offi cials in the grant the 2018 tournament to Russia and forts to improve the organisation.” team mate Bale, who also won a on Aug. 25, the day of the draw German media have been reporting for United States last year, including former the 2022 fi nals to Qatar. “This critical work will continue,” it Champions League medal, in- for the Champions League group several weeks that Infantino, whose pred- members of its executive committee, on Blatter was banned by FIFA’s own eth- said. spired Wales to reach the semi- stage. Saturday, August 6, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

GALLE TEST Lanka sniff series win aft er Herath hat-trick AFP Sri Lanka second innings as the paceman M Marsh c Karunaratne b Sandakan 27 Galle Starc bowled his heart out on a fl at pitch. P Nevill lbw Herath ...... 0 The left-arm paceman took six for 50 M Starc lbw Herath ...... 0 but the Sri Lankans were still able to set N Lyon c Mendis b Perera ...... 4 ri Lanka took three late wickets what should be a match-winning target. J Hazlewood c Mathews b Perera .....0 as they tightened the screws on “After 17 years we are on the verge of J Holland (not out) ...... 3 Australia in the second Test in winning the series. I am lost for words... Extras (b-5, lb-1) ...... 6 Galle yesterday after setting the winning against the number one team is Total (all out, 33.2 overs) ...... 106 touristsS a daunting target of 413 to save a big achievement,” said Herath. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-54, 3-59, 4-59, the series. Dilruwan Perera top-scored for Sri 5-80, 6-80, 7-80, 8-85, 9-89, 10-106 At the end of an action-packed sec- Lanka with 64 and he received good Bowling: V Fernando 2-0-16-1; R Herath ond day, which saw 21 wickets tumble support from his skipper Angelo Math- 11-2-35-4; D Perera 15-4-29-4; A Mathews and a hat-trick from Sri Lanka’s Ran- ews who followed up his half-century 3-1-13-0; D de Silva 2-1-7-0; L Sandakan gana Herath, Australia were 25 for three in the fi rst innings with 47. 0.2-0-0-1 in their second innings — still 388 runs Australia’s response got off to a Sri Lanka (2nd innings) short of their target. dreadful start when Joe Burns became K Silva c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 2 David Warner was unbeaten on 22 Herath’s fi fth victim of the day in the D Karunaratne c Marsh b Starc ...... 7 while skipper Steve Smith will resume opening over of the Australian sec- K Perera b Lyon ...... 35 on one as the tourists face an uphill ond innings. And the decision to send K Mendis c Nevill b Starc ...... 7 struggle to avoid an embarrassing loss in Nathan Lyon as a night-watchman A Mathews b Lyon ...... 47 within three days at the Galle Interna- backfi red when he was bowled for a D Chandimal c Nevill b Starc ...... 13 tional Stadium. duck before Khawaja followed him back D de Silva c Nevill b Starc ...... 34 Although Mitchell Starc took six to the pavilion one ball later. D Perera b Starc ...... 64 wickets as Australia restricted Sri Lan- “Disappointing. Full stop. Not up to R Herath b Holland ...... 26 ka to 237 in their second innings, the international standards that perform- L Sandakan (not out) ...... 0 tourists were eff ectively undone in the ance today,” Australian coach Darren Le- V Fernando c Voges b Starc ...... 0 fi rst session of the day when they were hmann said. “Obviously still a long way Extras (lb-1, w-1) ...... 2 skittled out for 106. to go, hopefully. But certainly we haven’t Total (all out, 59.3 overs) ...... 237 It was their lowest total in 28 Tests played as we would have liked. Sri Lanka Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-9, 3-31, 4-79, 5-98, against Sri Lanka who are on a high have played well and we haven’t.” 6-121, 7-172, 8-233, 9-237, 10-237 after winning last week’s fi rst Test in Australia, the world number one Bowling: M Starc 12.3-1-50-6; J Hazle- Pallekele. Victory in Galle would ensure Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath celebrates with teammates after taking the hat-trick wicket of Australian batsman Mitch- team, had only ever lost one Test against wood 9-3-13-1 (w-1); N Lyon 19-2-80-2; the Sri Lankans win the three-match ell Starc during the second day’s play of the second Test against Australia at Galle yesterday. (AFP) Sri Lanka before the current series. The J Holland 10-1-69-1; A Voges 1-0-4-0; M series with a game to play. fi nal match is due to be held in Colombo Marsh 4-1-7-0; S Smith 4-0-13-0 The 38-year-old Herath was the star batsman Usman Khawaja in his second only taken a hat-trick only playing for we had some big stars. Arjuna (Ranatun- from August 13. Australia (2nd innings; target 413) performer after picking up only the over of the day before Herath took his school and not anywhere else. So, very ga), Aravinda (de Silva) and Sanath (Ja- Scoreboard D Warner (batting) ...... 22 second Test hat-trick by a Sri Lankan. fi rst wicket by clean bowling Australian pleasing to do that against the number yasuriya). But we have not much expe- J Burns c de Silva b Herath ...... 2 Australia, who resumed at their skipper Smith. one-ranked team,” a smiling Herath rience here and I am really pleased with Sri Lanka (1st innings)...... 281 N Lyon c K Silva b Perera ...... 0 overnight score of 54 for two, strug- But it was Herath’s seventh over of told reporters. what I have done,” he added. Australia (1st innings) U Khawaja b Perera 0 gled throughout the morning session the innings which proved decisive as Herath, the only member from Sri Only Mitchell Marsh, who was the J Burns c Perera b Fernando ...... 0 S Smith (batting) ...... 1 against both Herath and his fellow spin he dismissed Adam Voges, Peter Nevill Lanka’s 1-0 series win against Australia last man out for 27, off ered some re- D Warner c Mathews b Perera ...... 42 Total (3 wickets, 6 overs) ...... 25 bowler Perera, the duo sharing eight and Starc off consecutive deliveries to in 1999, said winning the rubber with sistance for the Australians during the U Khawaja b Perera ...... 11 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-10, 3-10 wickets between them. put Australia on the mat. the current side would be more relishing. morning’s play. S Smith b Herath ...... 5 Bowling: R Herath 3-1-16-1; D Perera Off -spinner Perera bowled overnight “It was a good achievement. I have “First Test is always special. At that time, The visitors also struck early in the A Voges c Karunaratne b Herath...... 8 3-0-9-2

EDGBASTON TEST FOCUS Azhar in dreamland, Anderson apologises Openers Cook and AFP concern to a delighted Azhar, Birmingham, United Kingdom whose innings left the match in- triguingly poised, with the four- Test series all square at 1-1. zhar Ali said he had “As a batsman, you really need realised a “dream” in just to focus as much as you can scoring his fi rst Test on that,” the 31-year-old Azhar century outside of Asia told reporters after stumps. Hales defy Pakistan asA England great James Ander- “It’s always a dream for any son’s frustration boiled over at player to come in England and Edgbaston. score a hundred,” he added fol- Azhar’s 139 helped guide Pa- lowing his 10th century in 48 kistan to 257 for three at stumps Tests. This being my fi rst centu- on Thursday’s second day of the ry outside Asia makes me proud. third Test in Birmingham, just It could have been better had I 40 runs behind England’s fi rst survived the last ball.” with century stand innings 297. Together with Sami Azhar lamented the manner of Aslam (82), he helped rescue Pa- Aslam’s exit 18 runs shy of what kistan from the depths of none would have been a fairytale cen- It’s the first time in 18 innings that the opening pair posted a century partnership for one after Mohamed Hafeez’s tury. “It was unfortunate that he fourth-ball duck. got run out. I felt sorry for him Unfortunately for Pakistan, and would have loved him to have AFP Ali was out to the very last ball reached a hundred,” he said. Birmingham, United Kingdom England openers Alex Hales of the day, caught at fi rst slip by Meanwhile Anderson, for all (right) and Alastair Cook walk England captain Alastair Cook his regret, was left facing the pos- back after the end of the third as Chris Woakes struck with the sibility of disciplinary action from ngland captain Alastair Cook and day’s play of the third Test at new ball on his Warwickshire match referee Richie Richardson, Alex Hales’s fi rst century stand as Edgbaston yesterday. (Reuters) home ground. the former West Indies captain. an opening pair left the third Test Earlier, 20-year-old left- “I had a bad half-hour where I let against Pakistan at Edgbaston in- hander Aslam, recalled in place things get to me,” said Anderson. triguinglyE poised come the close of yester- of the struggling Shan Masood, “I’ve apologised to both umpires, day’s third day’s play. was run out in sight of a maiden because my behaviour wasn’t ac- At stumps, England were 120 without Test century following Azhar’s ceptable. I know I was out of order loss in their second innings, a lead of 17 poor call. But given Pakistan’s for the way I behaved.” runs. Cook was batting on 64 with Hales repeated top-order problem, “It wasn’t acceptable and it (50 not out), with two days left in the Aslam and Azhar’s second- was petulant,” added Anderson, match. It was the fi rst time in 18 innings as wicket stand of 181 was a much- reprimanded earlier this sea- a Test opening pair the duo had posted a needed morale boost. son for “disrespecting” Indian century partnership. Anderson may have struck umpire S Ravi in the Lord’s Test England were 103 runs behind on fi rst early to remove Hafeez but against Sri Lanka. innings after more than 10 hours in the England’s all-time leading Test Anderson’s mood would not fi eld. Yet Hales was soon into his stride wicket-taker found himself in- have been helped when Joe Root with a cover-driven four off left-arm volved in unpleasant scenes with dropped Azhar off his bowling at quick Mohamed Amir. on-fi eld umpires Bruce Oxen- second slip on 38. “It probably Meanwhile, Cook took advantage of ford and Joel Wilson. added to (the frustration), but you width from Sohail Khan with two square- Australia’s Oxenford twice of- have to deal with things in crick- cut boundaries in three balls. Cook complet- fi cially warned Anderson in one et,” said Anderson. “You won’t ed a brisk fi fty in 67 balls when Rahat Ali’s over for running on the pitch, get every catch taken, and there misfi eld at mid-on saw a drive by the left- with the Lancashire star risking will be times when the opposition hander go for his fi fth four of the innings. being barred from bowling again play well — which they did today.” Hales took England into the lead with in the remainder of the Pakistan Azhar marked his century an elegant back-foot forcing shot through innings if he receives another with the press-up routine and the covers off Sohail, who had marked his such caution. dressing room salute that have return to Test cricket by taking fi ve for 96 But it was his initial exchange become Pakistan trademarks in the hosts’ fi rst innings. And the last de- with West Indian offi cial Wilson, this series. livery of the day saw Hales complete a 116- who fi rst fl agged up the problem, England have not always ap- ball fi fty with a single off the tiring Sohail. that could yet land Anderson preciated the gestures but Ander- Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for in trouble after he appeared to son said: “It’s up to to them how 400 in reply to England’s fi rst innings question the umpire’s judge- they want to celebrate. I wasn’t 297 on the stroke of tea. After Azhar Ali, ment and snatched his cap from too fussed. Probably the look on whose 139 was his fi rst Test century out- him at the end of an over. my face was more of how the day side of Asia, and recalled 20-year-old struck drives, one through the covers and 56 he was bowled by Anderson, England’s Misbah-ul-Haq b Anderson ...... 56 That, however, was of little was going than his celebrations.” opener Sami Aslam (82) put on 181 for the the other down the ground. all-time leading Test wicket-taker, to end Asad Shafiq b Broad ...... 0 second wicket on Thursday, Pakistan saw Broad though found his range when a a stand of 62 with Ahmed. Sarfraz Ahmed (not out) ...... 46 skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (56) and wicket- full-length delivery smashed into Asad The fi rst ball of Anderson’s 30th over Yasir Shah (run out) ...... 7 keeper Sarfraz Ahmed (46 not out) frus- Shafi q’s off stump for an 18-ball nought saw him barred from bowling in the rest of Md Amir lbw Woakes ...... 1 trate England yesterday. to leave Pakistan 296 for fi ve, still one run the innings after he received a third warn- Sohail Khan lbw Broad ...... 7 Chris Woakes, in the all-rounder’s fi rst behind. Misbah’s single to third man off ing from West Indian umpire Joel Wilson Rahat Ali c Root b Broad ...... 4 Test match on his Warwickshire home Broad saw Pakistan into the lead. for running on the pitch, having been giv- Extras (b5, lb21, nb1) ...... 27 ground, led England’s attack with three Pakistan’s batsmen have found Moeen en two such cautions by Australia’s Bruce Total (all out, 136 overs) ...... for 79, while fellow paceman Stuart Broad Ali to their liking this series and Misbah Oxenford on Thursday. 400 took three for 83. reverse-swept him for four when the off - Pakistan were then 368 for eight. After Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-181, 3-257, 4-274, Pakistan resumed on 257 for three af- spinner came on before lunch. Wicket- Pakistan’s tenth-wicket pair had extend- 5-296, 6-358, 7-367, 8-368, 9-386, 10-400 ter Azhar had been dismissed off the last keeper Ahmed followed up with two swept ed the lead beyond 100, last man Rahat Bowling: Anderson 29.1-7-54-2; Broad ball of Thursday’s play. Younis Khan (21 fours in as many balls off Ali, whose 17 nicked Broad to Joe Root in the slips. 30-4-83-3 (1nb); Finn 27.5-7-76-0; Woakes not out) was joined in the middle by fellow wicketless overs cost 79 runs. 30-7-79-3; Ali 17-2-79-0; Vince 1-0-2-0; Root veteran Misbah. At lunch, Pakistan were 336 for fi ve, a lead 1-0-1-0 Woakes, who had dismissed Azhar, of 39 runs. Misbah was 44 not out and Ahmed Scoreboard England (2nd innings) struck again when he had Younis caught a typically brisk 20 not out off 27 balls. England (1st innings) ...... 297 A Cook (batting) ...... 64 behind for 31 glancing down the leg-side. After lunch Misbah — who scored a Pakistan (1st innings, overnight 257-3) A Hales (batting) ...... 50 It took the patient Misbah 40 balls to score century during Pakistan’s 75-run win in Md Hafeez c Ballance b Anderson ...... 0 Extras (lb4, nb2) ...... 6 his fi rst boundary yesterday. But he broke the fi rst Test at Lord’s — posted his third Sami Aslam (run out) ...... 82 Total (no wkt, 35 overs) ...... 120 the drought with two boundaries in three fi fty this series when he drove James An- Azhar Ali c Cook b Woakes...... 139 Bowling: Amir 11-2-28-0; Sohail 8-0-40-0 James Anderson shakes hands with Azhar Ali as rains stops play balls off Broad, courtesy of a pair of well- derson for a sixth four in 93 balls. But on Younis Khan c Bairstow b Woakes...... 31 (2nb); Rahat 5-0-20-0; Shah 11-1-28-0 during the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston (Reuters).