NHL | Page 6 RUGBY | Page 7 Capitals down Vermeulen Knights to hails new move closer vibe in to crown Boks camp
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 21, 1439 AH Concussion GULF TIMES may have caused Karius woes in fi nal SPORT Page 3
TENNIS/FRENCH OPEN Cecchinato stuns Djokovic in epic match to reach semis In a tense encounter, both men were slapped with code violations for coaching before Cecchinato saved three set points
AFP were slapped with code violations for Paris coaching before Cecchinato gallantly saved three set points. Italy’s Marco Cecchinato celebrates winning He made Djokovic pay for that fail- orld number 72 Marco his quarter-final match against Serbia’s Novak ure to convert when he reeled off four Cecchinato became the Djokovic in the French Open yesterday. At right, successive points in the ensuing tie- fi rst Italian man in 40 Djokovic shows his frustration. breaker. years to reach a Grand In a topsy-turvy afternoon on Court SlamW semi-fi nal yesterday with a Suzanne Lenglen, Djokovic raced breathtaking 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 7-6 through the third set in just 27 minutes (13/11) victory over 12-time major win- before requiring further medical at- ner Novak Djokovic. tention, this time for a right leg injury. Cecchinato, who had never won a While that was happening, Cecchi- Grand Slam match in his career before nato was docked a penalty point for Roland Garros, goes on to face Aus- unsportsmanlike conduct after a trian seventh seed Dominic Thiem for lengthy argument with the umpire and a place in Sunday’s fi nal. supervisor for leaving the court with- In an epic fourth set tiebreaker, out permission. Djokovic saved three match points Djokovic sprinted out to 5-2 but was but wasted three set points as Cecchi- reeled back in to 5-5, having squan- nato became the lowest-ranked man in dered three points for a double break in the semi-fi nals in Paris since 100th- the sixth game. ranked Andrei Medvedev in 1999. In a nail-biting tiebreaker, Djokovic In a roller-coaster of a quarter-fi nal, saved the fi rst match point with a no- both men were warned for coaching, 2016 look backhand volley before throwing champion Djokovic required two medical away his third set point with a ballooned timeouts while the Italian was docked a forehand with the court at his mercy. point for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Thiem reached his third successive Djokovic had also squandered three French Open semi-fi nal with a 6-4, set points in the second set and failed 6-2, 6-1 demolition of a hobbled and to serve out the fourth in the ninth exhausted Alexander Zverev who ad- Putintseva 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. game after being 5-2 in front. mitted he was close to quitting the tie. “I’m excited to play my good friend In an extraordinary post-match German second seed Zverev simply in the semi-fi nals, we’ve already played press conference, Djokovic then said ran out of gas, paying a heavy price in the US Open fi nal and it’s really good he may even skip Wimbledon where he for needing three successive fi ve-set for American tennis,” said Stephens. has been champion three times. matches to reach his fi rst Grand Slam The 25-year-old, who was ranked “I don’t know if I am going to play quarter-fi nal. 957 just six weeks before her maiden on grass,” said the Serb. His Roland Garros marathon also left Grand Slam triumph last year after a Cecchinato said he was stunned by him physically drained – he needed his series of injury problems, is now into left thigh strapped in the second set. the semi-fi nals of a major for the third Meanwhile, US Open champion time. RESULTS Sloane Stephens brushed aside Rus- The two players traded breaks early Men (Quarter-finals) his triumph, coming just two years after breaker and I had two or three match Djokovic, bidding to reach a 32nd sian Daria Kasatkina in the French in the match, before Stephens pro- Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Novak his career was almost derailed when he points and then on the fourth one I was Grand Slam semi-fi nal, hit just three Open quarter-fi nals to set up a repeat duced some ferocious hitting at the Djokovic (SRB x20) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), became embroiled in match fi xing al- very tired.” winners in the fi rst set. of last year’s Flushing Meadows fi nal end of a marathon eighth game to 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) legations. Djokovic saluted Cecchinato who he The 31-year-old also needed a with fellow American and good friend give herself the chance to serve for the Dominic Thiem (AUT x7) bt Alex- “Maybe I’m sleeping. It’s amazing, warmly embraced at the net. medical timeout to treat a neck injury Madison Keys. opening set. ander Zverev (GER x2) 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 it’s unbelievable for me. I’m very happy “He played amazing, so congratula- which looked as if it would derail him The 10th seed produced a clini- She did just that, with the help of a because it’s unbelievable to beat Novak tions for a great performance,” he said. when he slipped 0-2 down in the sec- cal performance to down Kasatkina, sumptuous backhand drop shot. Women (Quarter-finals) Djokovic in a quarter-fi nal at Roland “I struggled at the beginning and ond set to the Italian outsider. the conqueror of world number two The 14th-seeded Kasatkina kicked Madison Keys (USA x13) bt Yulia Garros. It’s amazing,” said the 25-year- also had a little injury at the beginning. However, Djokovic levelled at 2-2 Caroline Wozniacki, 6-3, 6-1 on Court off the second set with a solid hold of Putintseva (KAZ) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 old who is the fi rst Italian to get this far After then I warmed up and it was bet- and then survived two break points – Philippe Chatrier. serve, but Stephens broke in the third Sloane Stephens (USA x10) bt at a Slam since Corrado Barazzutti at ter, but yeah, just a pity that I couldn’t and a 30-stroke rally – in the seventh Earlier in the day Keys, the 13th seed, game with a venomous cross-court Daria Kasatkina (RUS x14) 6-3, 6-1 Roland Garros in 1978. capitalise on some break points at 4-1 game. reached the semi-fi nals for the fi rst forehand and eased to victory after just “I was two breaks down on the tie- in the fourth set.” In a tense encounter, both men time by seeing off Kazakhstan’s Yulia an hour and 10 minutes of play.
ATHLETICSSPOTLIGHT All eyes on Samba-Warholm clash in Oslo IAAF arriving with that kind of form would In the men’s high jump, the clash of the crowd will be fi rmly behind the Oslo make him a virtual shoo-in for vic- between Mutaz Essa Barshim and Danil Ingebrigtsen brothers, Filip and Hen- tory, but not here, with world cham- Lysenko will ensure no eyes are droop- rik. Britain’s Jake Wightman is another pion Karsten Warholm in the line-up, ing as night arrives in the land of the with form in this arena, having won the f all the clashes to savour at an athlete who will prove particularly midnight sun. They served up a riv- 1500m here last year in 3:34.17, and he the Bislett Games tomor- hard to slay on home turf. eting duel at the IAAF World Indoor should make a bold bid having chased row night in Oslo, one stands We know Warholm likes it in the Championships back in March, where Manangoi home in the 1500m at the clear above the rest – a race Bislett Stadium, having announced his Lysenko claimed gold, but Barshim Commonwealth Games in April, where thatO will draw a rapturous reception outrageous talent here last year when took some revenge at the Eugene Dia- he fi nished third. from the Oslo crowd at what will be the he set a national record of 48.25. mond League last month, the Qatari Though not a Diamond League fi fth meeting of this year’s IAAF Dia- Last week in Rome, Warholm ripped going over 2.36m to beat Lysenko’s best event, many will look forward to the mond League. through the fi rst 300 metres at a freak- of 2.32m. men’s 1500m earlier in the programme, One lap, 10 barriers, two 22-year- ish pace, but conceded the lead to Barshim is the 2017 Male Athlete of where Jakob Ingebrigtsen, fresh from old athletes in the form of their life, a Samba late on, still charging to the fi n- the Year and cleared 2.40m in Doha last his breakthrough 3:52.28 mile in Eu- hero and anti-hero for the locals to root ish in 47.82 to smash the Norwegian month, but will likely have his hands gene, will take on an international fi eld for/against – the men’s 400m hurdles record. Yasmani Copello of Turkey and full against Lysenko, who cleared 2.37m that includes Britain’s Chris O’Hare will have everything you could wish for Kerron Clement, the reigning Olym- indoors and will have blown away the and US athlete Robby Andrews. in a race, all passing in one brilliant, pic champion, are also in the line-up, cobwebs in his outdoor debut in Eu- The women’s 3000m steeplechase 47-second blur. though few eyes will be trained any- gene. Another worthy of respect is Be- should prove an intriguing contest, The favourite, at least on paper, is where but the big two: Warholm and larus’s Dzmitry Nabokau, who cleared pitting US athletes Emma Coburn and Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba, who Samba. With warm, sunny conditions a national record of 2.36m last month. Courtney Frerichs – who went 1-2 at has screamed out of the blocks so far forecast, a swift time is sure to be on This being Oslo – home of the Dream last year’s IAAF World Championships this year and has cracked 48 seconds the cards. Mile, capital of the country that pro- – against home heroine Karoline Bjer- on each of his three outings at the dis- Elsewhere, there is the usual embar- duced the Ingebrigtsens – the con- keli Grovdal, who has a best of 9:13.35. tance. The most recent of those came rassment of riches you’d expect from cluding event of the night should prove However, the favourite may well be in Rome last week, where Samba came a meeting with such history and pres- a fi tting climax. Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng, who made the from behind to win in an Asian record tige, which this year gathers 20 world This year’s Dream Mile will be head- best of Coburn’s late-race fall to sprint of 47.48. champions and eight Olympic gold lined by world 1500m champion Elijah to victory in Rome last week in 9:04.96, On any other day, in any other place, medallists. Manangoi of Kenya, though the cheers a world lead. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 FOOTBALL
WORLD CUP Turkey hold Russia in warm-up match ‘England must believe Moscow: Russia extended their winless streak to seven matches with a 1-1 home draw against Turkey yesterday in their last warm-up game just nine days before the World Cup kick-off . Midfielder Yunus Malli Russia will be diff erent’ came off the bench at half- time to cancel out Alexander Samedov’s 35th minute Captain Kane hopeful that inexperience will also mean Southgate’s squad will also be less fearful opener and deny Russia a first win in eight months. AFP Turkey, who are rebuilding Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom after failing to make it into the World Cup finals in Rus- England’s Harry Kane looks on during a press sia, started in a lively fashion arry Kane has urged his Eng- conference at St. George’s Park, Burton Upon seeking an early opener but land teammates to put the Trent, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) failed to create any serious negativity that has blighted threat in the opening quarter- previous campaigns behind hour. Russia, spurred by the Hthem as a new-look squad look to make capacity 30,000 crowd at an impact at the World Cup in Russia. VTB Arena, CSKA Moscow’s Kane will captain a youthful group with home ground, soon took only Chelsea defender Gary Cahill hav- over the initiative pinning ing won more than 50 caps. the visitors back but Turkey England haven’t won a major tour- defended stoutly stifling the nament since the 1966 World Cup and hosts’ attacks into poorly Tottenham striker Kane is hopeful that targeted crosses. inexperience will also mean Gareth The hosts broke the dead- Southgate’s squad will also be less fear- lock in the 35th minute when ful. “The main thing is to believe it can they intercepted the ball just be diff erent,” he said at England’s media outside the visitors area and day yesterday. CSKA playmaker Alan Dza- “It’s been tough because for the last goev found Samedov in the 50 years we haven’t won anything. area and he kept his cool to We’ve got to stay focused on ourselves send the ball into the net with and not worry about the teams in the an angled close-range shot. past. We’re our own team and our own After the break Mircea Lu- identity. We’ve got to enjoy the occa- cescu’s side poured forwards sion and we can’t wait to get out there in attack in search of an and get started.” equaliser and Malli pulled the Kane will not only carry the burden scores level beating Russian of leadership, but will also be expected ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev with a to score the goals to carry England deep low shot from 25 yards out into the tournament after a best ever re- just before the hour mark. turn of 41 this season, despite suff ering Krasnodar forward Fyodor an ankle ligament injury in March. Smolov, Russia’s top scorer in The 24-year-old took a few weeks to 2016-17 and second this year, refi nd his best form on his return from a missed a chance to restore three-week layoff . But after ending the the hosts lead in the 72nd club season with fi ve goals in six games, minute when he sent the he also netted his 13th international goal ball just inches wide of the as England beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley right post with a 12-yard shot. on Saturday. joint heaviest player in the tournament stone,” he added. “I’m normally about ling said the “unfi nished” tattoo refer- really been that tough,” said Sterling. Russia now have five wins, six “I feel really good and training has when all 32 nations’ squad lists were re- 89 or 90 kilos. We weigh most days ences the shooting of his father who “I just got on with my day. I spoke draws and 10 defeats since been of a high intensity,” he added. “It’s leased on Monday. But he insisted he is a when we get up and that’s normally my was gunned down in Jamaica when the with my mum and she was OK. My Stanislav Cherchesov took been a tough camp and that’s what we good six kilos lighter than the 96 kilo (15 fi ghting weight.” Manchester City winger was just two daughter and my son are OK, I’m fi ne. over in August 2016. all needed. It was good to get some min- stone) weight listed by world football’s So far the only negative publicity sur- years of age. That was the least of my worries. It’s Russia kick off their World utes on the weekend and I’m fully re- governing body. rounding England’s preparations was However, Sterling insisted he hasn’t obviously bad to see yourself spoken of Cup campaign against Saudi freshed.” “I don’t know if it’s been changed the criticism Raheem Sterling received been distracted by the coverage sur- in that light, but it’s not something that Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium. Kane had been listed by FIFA as the but I’m defi nitely not 15-and-a-half- for having a gun tattoo on his leg. Ster- rounding him in the past week. “It’s not gets me down.”
SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rojo wants World Cup reversal of fortune ‘No chance’ for Glik to make
AFP London World Cup: Poland’s football chief
AFP arcos Rojo wants to feel like Varsovie, Poland what it is to win a World Cup rather than the agony he ex- perienced for Argentina when oland’s Monaco defend- Mthey lost to Germany 1-0 after extra-time er Kamil Glik has “no in 2014, he said yesterday. The 28-year-old chance” of competing Manchester United defender, who has over in the World Cup after 50 caps to his name, said hopefully Argen- Pseriously injuring his shoulder, tina would perform better than they did in according to Polish Football Fed- sneaking through in qualifying. eration (PZPN) offi cials ahead of Rojo — who signed a new contract with a fi nal decision due tomorrow. United in March this year which will keep “There’s no chance. Kamil Glik him at the club till 2021 — will face Nigeria hurt himself. He won’t be going in the group stage, a side he scored his fi rst to the World Cup,” PZPN presi- international goal against in the 2014 fi nals. dent Zbigniew Boniek tweeted “Obviously, it’s a really important thing yesterday in Italian, which he and a big deal for any Argentinian to wear picked up years ago playing for that shirt,” he said. Juventus and AS Roma. Polish decision for now,” he added. hand, we can’t think that we “We really feel the shirt a lot and we de- team doctor Jacek Jaroszewski If his injury is serious, Glik will won’t manage,” he said, stress- fend our colours. We give everything when added: “An injury like this needs be replaced by Stuttgart’s Marcin ing: “We have to think positively we are wearing it and we want payback for long-term treatment (or) almost Kaminski, Poland head coach and be positive that someone else the way things happened at the last World certain surgical intervention.” Adam Nawalka said on Monday. will jump into the lineup.” Cup. We will do everything to give our fans Glik suff ered an injury to the “If Kamil isn’t be able to play at Glik got injured in training on the possibility to celebrate winning the tro- acromioclavicular joint ligament the World Cup, it’ll be a great Monday, shortly after coach Na- phy again.” in his shoulder, according to an loss,” Poland captain Robert walka had submitted his squad Rojo, who joined United in 2014 for £16mn offi cial statement. Lewandowski told Polish media, list to FIFA. World Cup rules al- from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, said “Even if the intervention remaining optimistic however low the fi nal squad to be named much would depend on their superstar Li- doesn’t happen, Kamil will be out that someone would step in to fi ll 24 hours before the fi rst game onel Messi. Messi has won everything at Argentina’s (from left) Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Otamendi and for at least six weeks,” Jarosze- the void. starts. Poland play Senegal in club level with Barcelona but is still without Angel Di Maria train in Barcelona yesterday. (Reuters) wski said, adding that Monaco “He’s the backbone of our Group H on June 19 before facing a Copa America or World Cup winners med- decided to have Glik undergo in- defence. He’s a key fi gure in key Colombia and Japan. al having fi nished on the losing side in three fi cult group,” said Rojo. “Croatia and Iceland their fi nal pre-World Cup match against Is- depth examination in Nice. “A parts of the game,” said Bayern Before that, they play friendly Copa fi nals and in the 2014 World Cup fi nal. are in there too. Hopefully, Lionel Messi will rael this Saturday with their campaign kick- defi nitive diagnosis will be issued Munich striker Lewandowski, warm-up matches against Chile “I think it’s three or four times now we’ve be in form and can do something for us.” ing-off against Euro 2016 quarter-fi nalists on Thursday, which is why we are who was also the Bundesliga’s top on Friday and Lithuania next been drawn with Nigeria and it will be a dif- The two-time World Cup winners play Iceland on Saturday June 16. refraining from making our fi nal scorer this season. “On the other Tuesday.
FRIENDLY Lukewarm Serbia stumble at home to Chile, Morocco impress
Reuters champions — who surprisingly failed to der in training on the same day as being he went off early in the game in Kiev as Zurich qualify for the World Cup — came for- named in their 23-man squad. Liverpool lost to Real Madrid. Egypt ward. Coach Adam Nawalka said the are hoping he will recover within three Guillermo Maripan headed in an 30-year-old, who fell awkwardly after weeks, which could leave him fi t to play ukewarm Serbia stumbled to a 89th-winner for Chile, a fair reward attempting an overhead kick, would be in their fi nal group match against Saudi 1-0 home defeat by Chile in a for their more adventurous display. replaced by VfB Stuttgart’s Marcin Ka- Arabia on June 25. World Cup warm-up on Mon- Morocco, who face Iran, Portugal and minski if he did not recover in time to Egypt’s squad also includes veteran day night while Morocco were Spain in World Cup Group B, produced travel to Russia. goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who will Lfar more impressive in a 2-1 win over plenty of slick passing against Slovakia Egypt gambled on Mohamed Salah be 45-years-old when his side play Slovakia in the other match involving a as they extended their unbeaten run to returning to fi tness by naming him in Uruguay. Should he feature, El Hadary fi nalist. 11 matches. their fi nal squad, while Mohamed El- would become the oldest player to fea- Meanwhile, Italy and the Nether- Although they fell behind to a long- neny, the midfi elder who has not played ture in the World Cup, lands, two of the biggest names to miss range Jans Gregus eff ort in the 59th since April after suff ering an ankle in- Belgium coach Roberto Martinez out on Russia, continued their rebuild- minute, Morocco replied with goals jury in action for Arsenal, was also in- gave Vincent Kompany two weeks to ing work with a 1-1 draw in Turin. Ser- from Ayoub Kaabi and Younes Belhanda cluded. recover from a groin injury in time for bia, who face Brazil, Costa Rica and in a 10-minute spell. Poland’s prepara- Salah is still recovering from the the tournament, retaining the Man- Switzerland in their group, looked vul- tions suff ered a blow when defender shoulder ligament injury suff ered in last chester City captain in his squad but Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic (centre) vies for the ball with Chile’s captain Enzo nerable every time the South American Kamil Glik seriously injured his shoul- month’s Champions League fi nal when putting Laurent Ciman on standby. Roco (right) and Gillermo Maripan during the friendly match in Graz, Austria. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, June 6, 2018 3 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT PREMIER LEAGUE Man United agree Concussion may have deal to sign Brazil midfi elder Fred led to Karius’ woes in A stunning free-kick in the AFP London fi rst leg of that tie was a glimpse of what Fred’s talented left foot can produce. However, he is far anchester United an- more of a creator than goalscorer nounced yesterday as his record of just 15 goals in Champions League they have agreed a fi ve years at Shakhtar suggests. deal to sign Brazil- United are in need of midfi eld Mian international midfi elder Fred reinforcements with Michael The Liverpool goalkeeper made two major errors that contributed to Real’s victory from Shakhtar Donetsk as Jose Carrick retiring and Marouane Mourinho seeks the magic for- Fellaini out of contract. Mour- By Andy Hunter mula to topple Premier League inho’s task will now be to har- The Guardian Champions Manchester City. ness Fred’s passing ability, while The 25-year-old will cost the also fi nally getting the best out of English giants a reported fee of Pogba in his third season since an oris Karius’s calamitous perform- more than £50mn ($67mn) and £89mn move from Juventus. ance in the Champions League give Mourinho a powerful-look- Fred will hope to make the fi nal could have been a result of ing midfi eld, with the Brazilian same impact on the Premier concussion he sustained against set to slot in alongside Paul Pog- League as Brazilian international LReal Madrid, a doctor who assessed the ba and Nemanja Matic. teammates Willian and Fernand- Liverpool goalkeeper in Boston has said. United announced the deal in inho, who also arrived in England Liverpool sent Karius for a head scan a brief statement on their offi cial via spells with Shakhtar. United at Massachusetts General Hospital last website, which read: “Manches- fans are unlikely to get much of a Thursday amid concern at his reaction ter United is delighted to an- glimpse of Fred at the World Cup to a collision with Real’s captain, Sergio nounce it has reached agreement in Russia, though, as he is yet to Ramos. The 24-year-old made two major with Shakhtar Donetsk for the start an international under cur- errors that contributed to Real’s 3-1 vic- transfer of Frederico Rodrigues rent coach Tite. tory. The fi rst presented Karim Benzema de Paula Santos (Fred). A further Handed his debut by Dunga with the opening goal and came soon af- announcement will be made in in 2014, Fred’s international ca- ter he received a blow to the head from due course.” reer was disrupted after testing Ramos as they challenged at the near Fred becomes the fi rst major positive for the diuretic hydro- post. Later Karius allowed Gareth Bale to summer signing by United boss chlorothiazide during the 2015 put the contest beyond Liverpool with a Mourinho, who is also report- Copa America. He was banned long-range shot that squirmed through edly closing in on a deal for Porto from international football for a his hands. defender Diogo Dalot. United year by South America’s govern- The German fl ew to the US on holiday fi nished second in the Premier ing body CONMEBOL, but only after the fi nal but Liverpool’s medical League behind City but were a missed four months for Shakhtar department was suffi ciently concerned whopping 19 points behind their as FIFA did not extend the ban about the impact of Ramos’s challenge fi erce rivals. to cover all confederations until that it arranged a scan in Boston. Karius Despite their highest league February 2016. had a consultation with Dr Ross Zafonte, fi nish since Alex Ferguson re- Fred did not return to the na- an authority on head-trauma injuries tired, Mourinho was heavily tional team until a 3-0 friendly suff ered by NFL players and the chief of criticised for adopting cautious win over Russia in March and physical medicine and rehabilitation at A distressed Loris Karius after Liverpool’s loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. tactics in several big games as Tite was keen for his transfer to Massachusetts General. United were often made to look be completed before the World A statement released on Monday by contact subjective symptoms – physi- would aff ect performance. California following the assessment in ponderous in comparison to styl- Cup starts on June 14. “Play- the hospital on Dr Zafonte’s behalf and cal examination and objective metrics, “We also note that Mr Karius has re- Boston and is due to return to pre-season ish City’s commitment to attack. ers are always thinking of their with the player’s permission confi rmed we have concluded that Mr Karius sus- ported signifi cant and steady improve- training with Liverpool on 2 July. And beating City to the signa- careers. What you say is please that Karius had been concussed. It read: tained a concussion during the match 26 ment since the concussive event, and we The Anfi eld club have been fi ned ture of Fred, who was a target for resolve it as soon as possible so “On May 31, 2018 Mr Karius underwent May 2018. At the time of our evaluation expect him to make a full recovery based €20,000 (£17,567) for disturbances at the the English champions in Janu- we can get them focused back on a comprehensive examination by Dr Ross Mr Karius’s principal residual symptoms on the results of the examination. We ex- Champions League quarter-fi nal fi rst leg ary, could prove to be a signifi - the task in hand with the national Zafonte and Dr Lenore Herget in Boston and objective signs suggested that visual pect that with treatment and by follow- in April, which included an attack on the cant fi rst step. Fred caught the team,” he said after Saturday’s at Massachusetts General Hospital and spatial dysfunction existed and likely oc- ing prescribed activity protocols he will Manchester City bus, Uefa announced eye in Shakhtar’s run to the last- 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfi eld, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. After curred immediately following the event. continue to improve. We have encouraged on Monday. They were also fi ned €9,000 16 of the Champions League, in which Fred featured as a sub- carefully reviewing game fi lm and inte- Additional symptomatic and objectively vigilance and an emphasis on safety in his (£7,904) over the setting off of fireworks where the Ukrainians only lost stitute. “If I was a club manager, grating a detailed history – including his noted areas of dysfunction also persisted. eventual return to full activity.” in the second leg with City and in the sec- out on away goals to Roma. I would be looking to sign him.” reported present and immediate post- It could be possible that such defi cits Karius has continued his holiday in ond leg of the semi-fi nal at Roma.
Real Madrid’s Ramos hits back over Salah and Karius criticism
London: Sergio Ramos has dismissed my sweat landed on him,” he said. suggestions that he was to blame for the “Bloody hell, they have given this challenge that hurt Egypt star Mohamed Salah thing a lot of attention. I didn’t Salah in the Champions League final. want to speak because everything is Salah left the field in tears after injur- magnified. I remember the play well: he ing his left shoulder in a tussle with grabs my arm first and I fell to the other Ramos with the score 0-0 in the first side, the injury happened to the other half of the final between Real Madrid arm and they said that I gave him a judo and Liverpool in Kiev. Madrid went on to hold. After that the goalkeeper said I win the match 3-1 and their third straight dazed him with a clash. European title, with Ramos also accused Ramos added: “I spoke with Salah of deliberately elbowing Loris Karius – an through messages, he was quite good. incident that is believed to have caused He could have played on if he got an in- the goalkeeper to suff er concussion. jection for the second-half, I have done it But the 32-year-old, who is preparing to sometimes but when Ramos does some- play in his fourth World Cup finals with thing like this, it sticks a little bit more. Spain, insisted that he has been unfairly I don’t know if it is because you are at castigated. Madrid for so long and win for so long Sergio Ramos (left) said he was not responsible for Mohamed Salah’s injury in the “I am only missing Roberto Firmino that people look at it a diff erent way.” Champions League final in Keiv last month. saying he got a cold because a drop of The Guardian Brazil’s midfielder Fred takes part in a training in London. (AFP)
FOCUS ROUND-UP Real Madrid to get 50mn euros Arsenal sign Juventus and Switzerland without kicking a ball full-back Lichtsteiner on free transfer Reuters the biggest issue facing Euro- drid, Manchester United, Chel- The Guardian Bern pean football, but he concedes sea, Juventus, Porto, Arsenal London The 34-year-old attacking it cannot be changed overnight. and Benfi ca. full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner Champions League group All 32 teams in the group becomes Unai Emery’s first uropean champions stage participants next year will stage will also get a starting fee rsenal have announced the sign- signing at Arsenal. Real Madrid will get receive a starting fee — which of 15.65mn euros — which com- ing of the Switzerland defender around 50mn euros is the same for all teams — plus bined with the coeffi cient fee Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free ($58mn) without kick- bonuses for winning matches, means that Real will receive a transfer from Juventus. ingE a ball in the Champions additional payments calculated minimum 51.11mn euros. They AThe 34-year-old attacking full-back, League next season as a new on previous results (known as will also receive a share of the who becomes Unai Emery’s fi rst signing at revenue distribution system the coeffi cient ranking) and fi - 292mn euros in the market the club, won the domestic title in each of comes into eff ect. nally a share of the television pool, which is distributed in ac- his seven seasons at Juve and made 27 Se- Real Madrid beat Liverpool market pool. cordance with the value of each rie A appearances in the campaign that has 3-1 in the fi nal in Keiv, Ukraine The payments based on the national television market. just fi nished despite the arrival of Mattia De last month to take home their coeffi cient ranking — calcu- Teams will each receive a Sciglio from Milan. third straight European title. lated using results over the last bonus of 2.7mn euros for every He is closing in on a century of caps for Since their French coach Zin- 10 seasons in European compe- time they win a game in the Switzerland, appearing at two European edine Zidane resigned from the tition — are the newest and the competition and 900,000 eu- Championships and two World Cups. Em- post, saying the team needs a most contentious as they will ros for a draw. A further bonus ery said: “Stephan brings huge experience new thinking. benefi t the biggest clubs the will be paid every time they and leadership to our squad. He’s a player European football body UEFA most. UEFA said that 585.05mn progress to the next stage of with great quality with a very positive and said yesterday that 2.04bn eu- euros had been set aside for this the competition, ranging from determined attitude. Stephan will improve ros would be distributed among category and would be divided 9.5mn euros for the round of 16 us on and off the pitch.” the teams competing in its fl ag- into shares of 1.108mn euros and 15mn euros for the fi nal. Lichtsteiner told his new club’s offi cial ship tournament in 2018/19, each. In contrast, a club eliminated website: “It is a great moment for me, after although some will get consid- Of the 32 teams in the group in the third qualifying round Juventus, to come to Arsenal. It is a project erably more than others. Crit- stage, the lowest ranked-team would receive between 480,000 to come back into the Champions League, it ics say that the system creates a will receive one share, with euros and 1.37mn euros de- is hard to see a club like Arsenal that is not snowball eff ect as the clubs who an additional share added to pending on how many rounds playing in the Champions League if you see already have the highest rev- every rank so that the highest- they had played. the players, the club, the stadium. The big enue get the most money. ranked team receives 32 shares, UEFA estimated that its gross objective is to come back on the highest UEFA President Aleksander or 35.46mn euros. Real Madrid, commercial revenue from next level.” back Ryan Fredericks from Premier League “We’ve been speaking about it for a while Ceferin, who was elected short- winners for the last three sea- season’s Champions League, new boys Fulham. The 25-year-old will pen and trying to get things in place and fi nally, ly after the new system was ap- sons, top the coeffi cient rank- Europa League and Super Cup FREDERICKS AGREES FOUR-YEAR a four-year contract to become new manag- we’ve got it over the line,” Fredericks told proved in 2016, has said that the ings followed by Barcelona, combined was around 3.25bn DEAL WITH WEST HAM er Manuel Pellegrini’s fi rst signing when his the Hammers’ offi cial website. “It’s amaz- lack of competitive balance is Bayern Munich, Atletico Ma- euros. West Ham have agreed a deal to sign right- present terms with Fulham expire on 1 July. ing for this deal to fi nally happen.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Iran fi rst team to Deschamps’ France arrive in Russia ran became the fi rst team yesterday to arrive in Rus- have enough class to sia for the World Cup, a month-long celebration of Ifootball that kicks off in Mos- cow’s historic Luzhniki Stadium on June 14. Playing in their fi fth fi nals and ranked 36 by FIFA, Iran begin their campaign against Group B rivals Morocco succeed in Russia on June 15 in Nizhny Novgorod. They then travel to Kazan for a June 20 clash against former Twenty years after their only World Cup success, France believe the time for a repeat has come World Cup winners Spain, be- fore concluding their group By Richard Williams stage matches against Portu- The Guardian gal on June 25. The three-time Asian Cup winner easily quali- fi ed for their second successive apoleon met disaster in Rus- World Cup, going unbeaten in 10 sia after sending almost half matches in their Asian group. a million soldiers on an inva- Iran lost 2:1 to Turkey in their sion that began in the sum- last friendly on May 28, and Nmer of 1812 and ended in humiliation. have one last World Cup war- Didier Deschamps, with only 23 men in mup against Lithuania on June his Grande Armée, will be hoping for a 8. Coached by Portugal’s Car- better outcome in the coming weeks. los Queiroz, who has also man- For a start the inhabitants of Moscow aged his national side, Iran are are unlikely to have burnt the place to long-shots to make their fi rst the ground by the time his squad pitch knockout stage of a World Cup. camp next week in a Hilton hotel 50km European bookmakers put their west of the city walls. odds of winning the whole thing France are ranked fourth in the World at 500 to 1. Cup betting behind Brazil, Germany They will be based at the and Spain. Twenty years after their training facilities of the Russian only success in the competition they Premier League club Lokomotiv may even be justifi ed in examining their Moscow, on the Russian capital’s impressive resources and believing that southwestern outskirts. Group- the time for a repeat has fi nally come. ing 32 nations, the World Cup Last week L’Équipe reprinted the concludes in Moscow on July 15. edition published on Monday, 13 July, On Monday, Iran announced 1998, the morning after France dis- its fi nal 23-man line-up with covered that it was, after all, a foot- arguably its most accomplished ball nation. “Pour l’éternité” rang the squad ever and the wind in sonorous headline, and the team who its sails after an unbeaten run beat Brazil by three unanswered goals through qualifi ers. in Saint-Denis did indeed join the im- mortals – even Stéphane Guivarc’h, the UEFA BAN BUFFON FOR centre-forward whose selection for the THREE MATCHES AFTER fi nal provided a defi nition of the phrase REFEREE RANT faute de mieux”, meaning “for the lack Outgoing Juventus goalkeeper of anything better”. Gianluigi Buff on was yester- In eff ect France won the tournament day banned for three European without a functioning forward line. matches for his red card and Their three goals in the fi nal were scored comments about referee Michael by two midfi elders, Zinedine Zidane Oliver after the Italian side’s dra- and Emmanuel Petit. matic Champions League quar- Earlier their continued presence had ter-fi nal loss to Real Madrid. The been secured only by a central defender, 40-year-old had been charged Laurent Blanc, scoring the only goal in both with breaching UEFA’s an excruciating performance against “general principles of conduct” Paraguay in the round of 16, and a full- over his outburst and also for his back, Lilian Thuram, whose double de- red card for dissent. European feated Croatia in the semi-fi nal. football’s governing body an- Four years later in South Korea their nounced yesterday that Buff on main forwards, Arsenal legend Thierry was suspended for “three UEFA Henry, David Trezeguet and Djibril French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), his wife Brigitte Macron (centre, 2nd row), French Sports Minister Laura Flessel (second left), French Football Federation competition matches for which Cissé, could manage not a single goal President Noel Le Graet (second right) and France’s head coach Didier Deschamps (right) pose with France players in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines yesterday. (AFP) he would be otherwise eligible”. between them, despite being the lead- The last-eight clash between ing scorers in England, Italy and France Mbappé, Atlético Madrid’s Antoine mally in their stylish navy blue suits, Hugo Lloris, who is on schedule to win nation more aware of the existence and holders Real and Juventus was respectively. Griezmann and Barcelona’s Ousmane Kanté is invisible, hidden behind the his 100th cap in the group stage. contribution of others. Their succes- decided by a last-gasp Cristiano It had not always been so. Picking his Dembélé off ers speed of thought and prominent fi gure of Pogba. Only fi ve men – Lloris, Varane, Pogba, sors could reinforce the message with Ronaldo penalty after the Serie A all-time greatest France XI on this web- foot, with a 19-year-old and a 21-year- That is how he likes it, but his pres- Griezmann and Matuidi – who started goals from Griezmann (parents of Ger- champions had staged a remark- site at the weekend Marcel Desailly felt old fl anking a man who, at 27, has the ence gives the team a player who not their quarter-fi nal defeat by Germany man and Portuguese origin), Mbappé able comeback to wipe out a 3-0 able to omit both Just Fontaine, still the experience of 53 caps and three suc- only snuff s out imminent danger with in the Maracanã four years ago are likely (Cameroonian father, Algerian mother), fi rst-leg defi cit at the Santiago top scorer for a single competition with cessful seasons satisfying Diego Sime- the minimum of drama but launches in- to be named for France’s opening match and Dembélé (mother of Mauritian and Bernabeu. 13 goals in six matches during the 1958 one’s demands. And Olivier Giroud, if stant counterattacks with crisp passes against Australia on 16 June. Senegalese descent, father from Mali). But Buff on, who was sent off World Cup fi nals, and his great partner he does not start, can leave the bench to of perfect weight and angle. This turnover speaks clearly about As for the head coach, the shadow of in the aftermath of the penalty Raymond Kopa, the winner of the Bal- add physical presence. Kanté will be the dynamic soul of the volume of top-quality players con- his old teammate Zidane, suddenly at a decision, lashed out at Oliver’s lon d’Or that same year. In midfi eld they look equally well Deschamps’ France, his alertness and stantly produced by France’s clubs and loose end and known to fancy a crack at decision to award the spot-kick, And how diff erent, too, things look equipped with Paul Pogba and Blaise mobility vital factors in compensating the national training scheme centred on managing the national team, has fallen saying the English offi cial had a today, even in a side which Christophe Matuidi in front of N’Golo Kanté. for any fl aws in defence. Against Italy Clairefontaine, one of the wonders of over a contract due to expire after the “rubbish bin for a heart”. Dugarry, a veteran of 1998 turned radio The young Corentin Tolisso of Bayern the head coach deployed two fast and the football world 20 years ago and still Euros in 2020. The 2006 World Cup winner, pundit, claims to be lacking in “char- Munich is ready to play a part should attack-minded 22-year-old full-backs, a model for other nations. Deschamps, who can point to a record who did not renew his contract acter, mental strength and determina- Pogba, for example, disappoint, al- Benjamin Pavard of Stuttgart and Lu- The varied ethnic composition of the of leading France to the quarter-fi nals with Juventus, could however be tion”. though Deschamps described the Man- cas Hernández of Atlético, to promis- 1998 squad off ered another kind of ex- four years ago and fi nishing runners-up playing for Paris Saint-Germain In their last 13 matches Deschamps’ chester United player as “indispensa- ing eff ect. But Samuel Umtiti had an ample. The team of blacks, blancs and to Portugal at Euro 2016, is laughing off next season. men have scored 30 goals, displaying ble” following a mediocre performance unhappy night against the resurgent beurs (North Africans) may not have the inevitable questions. But if he need- He said on Monday he needed an attacking potency at least equal to in the 3-1 win over Italy in Nice on Fri- Mario Balotelli and Raphaël Varane is magically turned France’s suburbs into ed another incentive to take the coming a week before making a decision that of any other Russia-bound nation. day night. In an offi cial pre-tournament likely to return alongside Adil Rami in oases of multicultural tranquillity but campaign to a triumphant conclusion, on whether to head to French A possible front trio of PSG’s Kylian photograph of the squad posing infor- central defence in front of the captain, they certainly made some parts of the there it is. capital or not.
QATAR UNDER-21 TEAM FINISHES 12TH IN TOULON TOURNAMENT IN FRANCE
Qatar finished 12th in the under-21 Toulon tournament after losing to South Korean 1-2 at the Stade d’Honneur in Mallemort, France, yesterday. The victory gave South Korea a 11th-place finish. For Qatar, Abdulsalam scored, while South Korea’s two strikes came from Jeon and Cho. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 6, 2018 5 SPORT
NBA SPOTLIGHT Thompson’s dad hints son won’t sign Golden Warriors fi nd extension soon
Reuters tiations will probably continue New York in the summer of ‘19.” The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his con- he reigning NBA tract and could make a maxi- motivation in quest champion Golden mum of $121 million over fi ve State Warriors have years if he agrees to a four- reportedly been talk- year extension. If he plays out Ting about a new contract with his contract next season and All-Star shooting guard Klay then signs a fi ve-year deal Thompson since last month. with Golden State, Thomp- It may be another month, or son could make a maximum of more, until the two sides fi nd a $188 million in the new deal. to join immortals compromise to keep Thomp- If Thompson were to sign son by the Bay. elsewhere as a free agent af- ‘We’re all victims of our expectations that we’ve set. But we are all in this together’ The Athletic reported three ter next season, the maximum weeks ago that the Warriors deal he could get would be four AFP and the four-time All-Star years for $139 million. Cleveland have engaged in discussions on According to the Athletic a contract that would keep him report, Thompson is consider- in Oakland for at least another ing a four-year extension, but eeking a third title in fi ve years – at a discount rate worth only $92 million – a fi ve- four seasons and a place to also help the club retain All- year value of $111 million when among the NBA’s immor- Stars Kevin Durant and Dray- you include his 2018-19 salary. tal dynasties, the Golden mond Green for years as well. In an interview with Bleach- StateS Warriors have drawn mo- Thompson’s father, Mychal, er Report’s Ric Bucher after tivation from a dwindling list of was asked by 95.7 The Game news of the reported off er be- unachieved accomplishments. on Monday if a new extension came public, Thompson said In 2015, they won the team’s was close to being announced. “it would be hard for me to fi rst title in 40 years. In 2016, Mychal, who played 12 seasons envision going anywhere else.” they had the NBA’s best-ever in the NBA, played coy in in- The two-time NBA cham- season at 73-9 but fell one win sinuating that negotiations are pion shot a career-best 48.8 shy of a crown. In 2017, they had far from complete. percent from the fi eld this sea- a 16-1 playoff run, missing a per- “Klay defi nitely wants to son, including 44 percent from fect post-season with a penulti- play his whole career in Gold- beyond the 3-point line – also mate-game loss. en State and the Bay Area a career high. Thompson aver- Now matched against Cleve- - there’s no question about aged 20.0 points per game in land for the fourth consecu- that,” Mychal said. “He loves it the regular season, the fourth tive fi nals, the Warriors have a up there... loves the fans. consecutive season he has av- chance to join an elite set of clubs “But let’s just say that nego- eraged at least 20 ppg. with three titles in four seasons - the 1960s Boston Celtics dynas- ty, the 1990s Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and the Lakers from the Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson eras in Los Angeles and George Mikan’s 1950s team in Minneapolis. “It’s extremely hard,” said Warriors guard Shaun Living- ston, who joined Golden State before the fi rst title run. “This has been the hardest season, I think, as a team, just from our accomplishments - the journey, the longevity of it. It’s hard. Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry speaks to media following game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports “It sounds ridiculous, because we’re winning a championship. riors guard Stephen Curry said. “He has been there and says you have to accept what comes “That’s kind of the nature of It’s just mentally and emotion- “But we are all in this together. it’s just harder and it’s human with that.” the beast being on this stage four ally you put so much into the There’s not much anyone has to nature to let your guard down,” And with reaching four fi nals times in a row. You’ve always got game every year, going through go over or say.” Livingston said. “He under- in a row. to look at what you don’t have,” the ups and downs. Curry draws inspiration from stands what it takes and he un- “It’s obviously harder to get Curry said. “But I think we’re chasing recalling his 26-56 rookie cam- derstands the pitfalls that come here than performing when you “There’s always that thing greatness. We’re chasing his- paign in 2009-10. with it.” get to this stage, because you can about society always looking. tory, some of those things that “What we’ve been able to do Kerr also understands the play off adrenaline and knowing Can you attain more and more are achievable for a team like us. here from my rookie year, there’s great things on off er. the end is near helps,” said War- and more? That’s fi ne. It’s part of So that’s where we have to try to an awareness of where we were “This is fun,” Kerr said. “If you riors guard Klay Thompson. my motivation to try to get back fi nd the motivation. It’s kind of to where we are. And I appreci- can be part of a team that’s this “But getting to this point is a to this stage because I want more the game within the game.” ate it,” Curry said. “That’s why good and give yourself a chance, long grind and it should not be championships.” As the best-of-seven NBA Fi- when I get to this stage it’s al- that’s what you want. It’s devas- taken for granted that we’re here No one appreciates the War- nals shift to Cleveland for game ways like it’s brand new because tating when you lose, and it’s eu- for the fourth straight time. This riors’ hunger more than Cleve- three Wednesday, with Golden of how hard it was to get here in phoric when you win. But that’s is not normal. We’re going to land’s LeBron James, playing in State owning a 2-0 lead after a the fi rst place.” sports. make the most of it.” his eighth consecutive fi nal and 122-103 home victory Sunday, “We’re competing for some- ninth overall with a 3-5 record. the Warriors can start to ponder Euphoric and devastating thing that’s really important. We ‘One of the best ever’ “They’re great, actually,” their place among the all-time Warriors coach Steve Kerr was could all go do something else Curry laughs at the idea he is James said. “Golden State is one Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors attempts a layup best. a guard in Chicago’s dynasty run and live a much more balanced missing something without an of best teams I’ve ever played. over Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the “We’re all victims of our ex- and has warned players about life, but we all kind of like this NBA Finals Most Valuable Player It’s one of the best teams that has third quarter in game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena pectations that we’ve set,” War- letdowns. opportunity to compete. And award. ever been assembled.” in Oakland, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
FOCUS Cavaliers face now-or-never home stand AFP ing in front of our crowd will be sense of urgency to start,” War- Cleveland huge for us.” But the Cavaliers, riors forward Kevin Durant said. facing Golden State in the fi nals “They have only lost one game for the fourth year in a row, are so they are very confi dent there. efending champion only 4-4 against the Warriors at We’ve just got to come out, stick Golden State has seized home in all fi nals. to our game plan, keep playing command of the NBA “We have to do a better job hard and we’ll be fi ne.” Finals as the series at home,” Cavs guard JR Smith shiftsD to Cleveland, where the said. “We can’t keep taking pos- Warriors won’t relax Cavaliers must continue their itives from losses. We’re doing It will be hard for Golden State home playoff magic to sustain some good things, but it’s not to top game two, when Stephen any title hopes. translating into Ws so we’ve got Curry sank a fi nals-record nine The Warriors, seeking their to fi gure it out.” 3-pointers in a 33-point eff ort. third crown in four seasons, “We had some slip-ups and could complete a sweep in the James wants discomfort things we can correct going into best-of-seven showdown with The Cavaliers were the most game three,” Curry said. “But road wins Wednesday and Fri- recent victims of an NBA Finals the energy and eff ort and physi- day after taking a 2-0 edge with sweep, being blanked by San cality and all that from the jump a 122-103 home triumph Sunday. Antonio in 2007 in the fi rst fi - was pretty dialled in and it gave “I don’t think we’re close to nals trip for LeBron James, now us a lot of momentum and con- our ceiling, which is good for playing in an eighth consecutive fi dence.” us,” said Warriors forward Dray- fi nals and ninth overall. Warriors guard Klay Thomp- mond Green. “We can play so “It sucks to lose, that’s for son, playing despite a left ankle much better. We’re going to need sure, but it defi nitely won’t stop injury in the opener, says Golden that going out on the road.” me from preparing to be better,” State has a strong focus knowing While the Cavaliers made the James said. “We’ve played some the Cavaliers rallied from 2-0 greatest comeback in NBA Finals really good basketball on our down to beat Boston in the East- history from 3-1 down to beat home fl oor. But that shouldn’t ern Conference fi nals. Golden State in 2016, no team give us any comfort. We should “It’s nothing to feel happy has ever rallied from 3-0 down to still be uncomfortable. about being up 2-0,” Thompson win the title. “We have to make “Just because we’re going said. “This team plays great at sure that we really bring it in home doesn’t mean we can relax. home and we expect their other game three because that’s really This is the last team in the world guys to play even better at home, the game right there,” Cavs for- you want to relax against.” too, not just LeBron, so we’re not ward Kevin Love said. “This is a James won two titles with going to relax at all.” team you don’t want to be down Miami and achieved his goal of Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue 0-3 against.” bringing a crown to his home stressed the need for a body- The Cavaliers are 8-1 at home region, but the four-time NBA banging style from his squad. in this year’s playoff s, losing Most Valuable Player would fall “We have to start the game only in their fi rst-round opener to 3-6 in the fi nals with a loss better, being more physical,” Lue against Indiana. “We feed off our this year. The Warriors have im- said. “It was too easy for them. crowd. We really get up to play posed themselves upon the Cavs They ran around a little too free- at home. We know that come early and see that as crucial for ly. They might get some shots, Wednesday we’re going to have more success. but we’ve got to take away the Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James drives to the basket during the second quarter in game two of the 2018 NBA Finals against Golden to be better,” Love said. “Just be- “We’ve got to come out with a easy ones.” State Warriors at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 SPORT
NHL SPOTLIGHT Mayweather heads Forbes Capitals down Knights money list, but no women in top 100
AFP to move within one win Los Angeles oxer Floyd Mayweather reclaimed his place at the top of Forbes’ annual ranking of the 100 highest- paid athletes yesterday but no woman featured on the list for the fi rst time. BForbes reported that Mayweather, 41, topped sports highest-earners after banking $275 million dollars from his of Stanley Cup crown cross-combat superfi ght against mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in August 2017. ‘We hit two posts, we had some good chances and we got nothing out of it’ With an additional $10 million in endorsements, May- weather earned a total of $285 million between June 1 2017 AFP and June 1 2018, comfortably eclipsing the second-placed Washington fi gure on the list, football star Lionel Messi, who made $111 million. However, female athletes notably failed to break into the top 100 for the fi rst time since Forbes began pub- he Washington Capitals lishing its ranking. beat the Las Vegas Golden Tennis star Serena Williams, who last year was the only Knights 6-2 on Monday to woman to feature on the list at 51st place with earnings of move within one win of $27 million, dropped out of the rankings after taking a break Tthe fi rst NHL Stanley Cup cham- from the sport due to the birth of her daughter. pionship in their 43-year history. Former welterweight king Mayweather, who came out of The Capitals now lead the retirement to face McGregor in Las Vegas, topped the rank- best-of-seven Stanley Cup fi nals ings for the fourth time in seven years. three-games-to-one and will try McGregor meanwhile vaulted up the rankings to fourth to fi nish off the Golden Knights spot, thanks to his $85 million cut of the Mayweather purse. in game fi ve in Las Vegas on A further $14 million in endorsements took the Irish Thursday. fi ghter’s earnings to $99 million, just behind Real Madrid The Caps withstood a quick soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who was third with earnings opening barrage from Vegas, scor- of $108 million. ing three fi rst-period goals to Brazilian footballer Neymar was fi fth on the list with seize control. $90 million in earnings, his salary boosted by his record- Russian Evgeny Kuznetsov pro- breaking transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain duced four assists, including one last year. on T.J. Oshie’s power-play goal NBA icon LeBron James was the highest-paid basketball 9:54 into the fi rst period to open player to feature on the list, coming in at sixth with total the scoring. earnings of $85.5 million, just ahead of men’s tennis king Nicklas Backstrom with three Roger Federer, who earned $77.2 million. assists and Oshie with a goal and Swiss ace Federer remains the most attractive athlete for two assists had three points apiece sponsors, with endorsement deals accounting for $65 mil- and goalie Braden Holtby made 28 lion of his earnings. saves for Washington. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was the only “One win away – it’s the hard- other NBA player to feature in the top 10, with earnings of est one,” said Washington captain $76.9 million. Alex Ovechkin, whose assisted on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the highest Devante Smith-Pelly’s goal with earning NFL player, coming in at ninth with $67.3 million. 21 seconds left in the fi rst. Ryan’s earnings were swollen by a $45 million dollar signing That strike made it 3-0 after bonus after he agreed a new contract earlier this year. Tom Wilson’s goal at 16:26. Another NFL quarterback, the Detroit Lions’ Matthew The Golden Knights had looked Staff ord rounded out the top 10 with $59.5 million. more likely to take charge, pro- Elsewhere, Britain’s Formula One world champion Lewis ducing fi ve of the game’s fi rst Hamilton is the highest paid fi gure from motorsport to fea- seven shots. ture, coming in at 12th with $51 million. But James Neal missed from Tiger Woods, who has not won a tournament for fi ve point-blank range – just one of a years and who has barely played over the previous three string of Vegas shots to clank off seasons, remains the highest earning golfer with $43.3 mil- the post – and the close call ap- lion, with $42 million of it coming through endorsements. peared to galvanise the Caps. Oshie scored from the slot off the rebound of a Kuznetsov shot, collecting the puck with his skate and fi ring over Marc-Andre Fleury. Wilson scored off a give-and- go with Kuznetsov and Smith- Pelly scored from below the left circle.
A little luck Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (right) celebrates with center Evgeny Kuznetsov after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights “We knew this game was very in the first period in game four of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final at Capital One Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports important for us,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously we have a little bit of “I thought we played our best with goals from Neal and Reilly minutes remaining. Vegas have bound from a 3-1 series defi cit to luck on our side, they hit the post. period of the fi nals so far,” he said. Smith in the third. now lost three straight games – win the Stanley Cup was the 1942 But we just grinded it out, we use “We hit two posts, we had some Fleury made 17 saves for the after losing three games total in Toronto Maple Leafs – who rallied our chances, stick to the system, good chances and we got nothing Golden Knights, but Michal the fi rst three rounds of the play- from 3-0 down against the Detroit stick to the plan, and we get the out of it.” Kempny scored just 1:13 after off s.They face a mountain to climb Red Wings. The Capitals, mean- result.” John Carlson made it 4-0 with a Smith to stretch Washington’s to become the fi rst debut team in while, are on the brink of bringing Vegas coach Gerard Gallant one-timer from the left circle on a lead to 5-2 and Brett Connolly major US sports history to win the Washington its fi rst major sports called it a “frustrating” fi rst pe- power-play at 15:23 of the second scored a 5-on-3 power-play goal title in the fi rst season of their ex- title since the NFL’s Redskins won riod. before Vegas narrowed the defi cit to make it 6-2 with less than two istence.The last NHL team to re- the 1992 Super Bowl. Floyd Mayweather.
MLB Giants stay hot, rip Diamondbacks 10-3 Reuters struck out three. history Monday. Jays, 2005). San Francisco Giants starter Derek Holland The New York Yankees slugger Judge is no stranger to left for a pinch hitter in the fourth set a major league record by strik- strikeouts. He led the majors and thus did not qualify for the ing out eight times in a double- with 208 K’s as a rookie in 2016, ndrew McCutchen and win. He allowed two runs and header. though he also topped the Ameri- Brandon Crawford hit four hits in four innings, walk- He fi nished the day 0-for-9 as can League in home runs (52), back-to-back home ing one and striking out fi ve. Four the Yankees split a pair against runs (128) and walks (127). runs to ignite a seven- Giants relievers backed Holland the Tigers in Detroit. New York This month, he is 2-for-19 runA fourth inning Monday night, with fi ve innings of one-run re- took the fi rst game 7-4, then lost (.105) with one homer and 13 sending the San Francisco Giants lief. Pierce Johnson (3-2), the the nightcap 4-2. strikeouts, prompting Boone to a 10-3 victory over the visit- third Giants pitcher, got the win In the second game, Judge to say Judge might get a day off ing Arizona Diamondbacks in the after going two shutout innings, struck out in all fi ve of his at-bats. Tuesday. For the year, Judge is opener of a three-game series. striking out two. “That’s not just a rough day, batting .276 with 16 homers and Pablo Sandoval and Nick Hun- Sandoval had three hits while that’s a terrible day,” Judge said. 43 RBIs. dley also homered for the Giants, Posey and Crawford had two “But that’s the beauty of baseball, He has fanned 83 times and who won their fi fth straight while apiece for the Giants, who im- you get to start fresh (Tuesday) in walked 44 times in 57 games. snapping the Diamondbacks’ proved to 4-0 on their six-game Toronto. There’s nothing else you Teammate Giancarlo Stanton can winning streak at three. After Ke- homestand. Sandoval, Posey and can do.” understand what Judge is experi- tel Marte’s two-run double gave Hanson drove in two runs each, Yankees manager Aaron Boone encing. Arizona a 2-0 lead in the top of while Sandoval and Crawford said of the designated hitter/right He went 0-for-5 with fi ve the fourth, the Giants needed just scored twice apiece. The home fi elder, “That’s just the nature strikeouts on April 3 against six pitches to get even. McCutch- run was Sandoval’s third of the of his at-bats. He gets so deep in the Tampa Bay Rays, then went en belted Zack Godley’s fourth season. Hundley’s homer, which counts and he takes so many close 0-for-7 with fi ve whiff s on April off ering of the inning into the came in a pinch-hitting role, was pitches that he’ll have the occa- 9 against the Baltimore Orioles. bleachers in left fi eld, followed his sixth of the year. sional day like this. But he could “He’ll bounce back,” Stanton two pitches later by Crawford’s Marte’s double was one of just just as easily have put a big swing said of Judge, according to the blast to left-center. The hom- two extra-bases hits for the Dia- on one. I don’t think he’s fazed by New York Post. ers were the fi fth and seventh of mondbacks, who were opening a that at all.” “I’ve gone through it. He’s gone the season, respectively, for Mc- six-game trip after a 5-1 home- According to Baseball-Al- through it. He’ll bounce back for Cutchen and Crawford. stand. Jake Lamb drove in Arizo- manac.com, the doubleheader sure. Throw it in the trash and Pinch hitter Alen Hanson and na’s third run with an eighth-in- strikeout record of seven had he’ll help us in Toronto.” Buster Posey added two-run dou- ning single. The Diamondbacks, been held by Pat Seerey (Chicago bles before inning’s end, making who were out-hit 11-7, have lost White Sox, 1948), Dave Nicholson it a 7-2 game and sending Godley nine of their past 10 road games. (White Sox, 1953), Frank Howard RESULTS to an early shower. (Washington Senators, 1965), Bill Yankees 2 Tigers 4 Godley (5-5) went just 3 1/3 Tigers top Yanks, salvage Melton (White Sox, 1970), Mike Padres 11 Braves 4 San Francisco Giants outfielders left fielder Hunter Pence, centre fielder Gorkys Hernandez and right innings, allowing seven runs doubleheader split Vail (New York Mets, 1975) and Angels 9 Royals 6 fielder Andrew McCutchen during their MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park in and fi ve hits. He walked two and Aaron Judge whiff ed his way to Shea Hillenbrand (Toronto Blue Giants 10 Diamondbacks 3 San Francisco. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Wednesday, June 6, 2018 7 SPORT
RUGBY FOCUS Former world champ Fury back New skipper, new in love with boxing
AFP triot Anthony Joshua present- London ly holding the WBA, IBF and WBO belts whilst American Deontay Wilder is the WBC roubled former world titleholder. vibe in camp hailed heavyweight champi- “They are all afraid to fi ght on Tyson Fury equated one another,” said Fury. boxing to a marriage “If any of us are going to be andT that after a rocky period he great champions, let’s knock is back fully in love again with one another about. Let’s have the sport. Royal Rumbles. The days of The 29-year-old - who has Ali, when he fought, Frazier, battled with depression which Foreman, everyone. by Bok’s Vermeulen led to heavy drinking sessions “Ali had three years out of and taking drugs - is set for his the ring, had two fi ghts and ‘He’s a great choice. He’s a good leader and I think a lot of guys look up to him’ fi rst bout in over two-and-a- then lost to Frazier. Was it half years on Saturday against enough fi ghts on his return? I Reuters Albanian Sefer Seferi in Man- don’t know. But he got back to Johannesburg chester. his glory. Fury, who dramatically took “I’m not going to rush it. the world title (WBA/IBF/ “I’m 29, in the prime of my ey South African WBO belts) beating long-time life and have never felt fi t- looseforward Duane holder Ukrainian Wladimir ter, stronger or better. Rome Vermeulen says there Klitschko in November 2015, wasn’t built in a day. This is is a new positive at- told the BBC he has worked my second career now, coming Kmosphere around the Springbok hard to resurrect his passion back after nearly 1,000 days.” camp since a change of coach for boxing. and hailed the choice of former “Boxing is like a marriage - Meanwhile the father of Ol- Stormers team mate Siya Kolisi you have to work at it. You do ympic Boxing gold medallist as stand-in captain. fall in and out of love,” said Katie Taylor was injured in a Vermeulen, 31, was among Fury. shooting near Dublin yester- the top candidates to lead South “But I have spiced it back up day that left another man dead Africa in this month’s three- again, bought her some sexy and a third also injured, Irish Test series against England af- lingerie and we are back at it, police and media reports said. ter injury ruled out both Warren better than ever.” Irish police confi rmed in Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth, Fury, who was cleared to a statement that a 30-year- who had skippered the side over fi ght again last December by old man “has died following the last year. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after a shooting incident in Bray, But Kolisi was chosen ahead of accepting a backdated two- Country Wicklow”. him, the fi rst black player to lead year ban for testing positive “Two other men, aged 35 the Springboks in a symbolic for the banned steroid Nan- and 57, who were injured in the move that is wholly merited, ac- drolone, says this comeback incident, have been taken to cording to Vermeulen. is about “inspiring others who hospital,” the statement said. “He’s a great choice. He’s a are suff ering” with mental A police spokesman said the good leader and I think a lot of health issues. gunman, who wore a high- guys look up to him,” the Tou- “I woke up every day wish- visibility jacket, opened fi re lon player told a news confer- ing I would not wake up any just as a group of around 15 or ence in Johannesburg yesterday. more,” said Fury. “But I am 20 people were about to begin “I’ve got a lot of respect for him, living proof anyone can come a morning session at Bray Box- on and off the fi eld. He’s a really back from the brink. ing Club. great guy and a guy that can in- “There is a lot of people out The club is where Taylor spire this group of people. there suff ering with mental started her amateur career be- “I always knew that there was health problems who think all fore going on to win gold at the something special about Siya, their days will be grey, but life 2012 London Olympics. even during those early days at can improve again and you will The gym was established the Stormers. start to enjoy the little things by her father, Pete Taylor, “As it is with younger play- again.” who Irish media reported was ers, it took him a few seasons to Fury’s ambition is to regain the 57-year-old injured in the understand his game. That said, the world crown with compa- shooting. he’s always been someone I’ve respected both on and off the fi eld.” Vermeulen also praised the Fomer world No. 1 Scott gets US appointment of Rassie Erasmus Springboks’ Duane Vermeulen during the press conference at Tsogo Sun Montecasino in Johannesburg yesterday. Open spot via qualifier as coach in March for lifting the mood around the team. Vermeulen, whose three-year and done a full session by him- Shortening Premiership season for Former world number one Adam Scott is set to maintain his “Last year, it was almost as if contract with Toulon is up, is ex- self, we will monitor that as Lions would be ‘suicide’: McCaff erty 17-year streak of competing in major championships after the one coach was coming to the end pected to be named on Thursday it goes,” England scrum coach Australian secured a spot in next week’s US Open through of his tenure. I remember com- when Erasmus picks his side for Neal Hatley told reporters Curtailing English top-flight rugby’s season to give the British and a qualifying event in Columbus, Ohio on Monday. Scott has ing into the squad and you could the fi rst test at Ellis Park on Sat- yesterday. Irish Lions more time to prepare for their tour of South Africa in 2021 played in every major since the 2001 British Open and his 67 tell by the players’ body lan- urday. The 27-year-old Launchbury, would be “suicide” for the domestic competition, Premiership rugby consecutive starts puts him behind only Spaniard Sergio Garcia guage that they weren’t in a good who has 53 caps, was expected Chief Executive Mark McCaff erty has said. (75). After slipping to 64th in the world, Scott was not ranked space,” he said. England’s Launchbury to scrum down alongside Maro The Lions played 10 games in six weeks in New Zealand last year, in- high enough to be given an automatic berth in the year’s “There’s a new energy about doubtful for first Test Itoje in England’s pack. cluding one match just days after arriving, and there have been calls second major but earned his place at Shinnecock Hills by grab- the group this year, with a new England lock Joe Launchbury The tourists will be buoyed to give them more time to prepare when they travel to South Africa. bing one of 14 spots up for grabs in Columbus. Competing in a coach in place and a new style of is a doubt for Saturday’s fi rst by the fact number eight Billy However, McCaff erty told British media that the Lions had not even field of 120 players, Scott carded a six-under-par 66 for the first play on the cards. Test against South Africa in Jo- Vunipola took a full part in the broached the subject with club rugby and that paring back the round at Brookside Golf & Country Club and an even-par 72 at “I’ve got a burning desire to hannesburg due to a calf injury. session after playing through the season would hurt the Premiership. Lakes Golf & Country Club saw him squeeze into the qualifying play for the Boks. I’ve walked a It has forced him to train apart last weeks of the domestic sea- “To go in and out of diff erent formats is suicide,” McCaff erty said. spots with one stroke to spare. “It is a nice streak to keep going; long road with Rassie and he’s from the rest of the squad at son with a persistent hamstring “For a product as strong as the Premiership to mess around, it would it’d be better if I win the US Open,” said Scott. “I’m playing all taught me a lot about the game. England’s coastal base in Durban problem. massively damage the brand. “A bit like World rugby sometimes, these majors to try and win them, not just to show up. I’d like to He’s the right guy to take the as they prepare for the match Vunipola won the last of his the Lions seem to have a disdain about talking to the club organisa- make the most of this opportunity. Only the top 60 players in team forward. Even at this stage against the Springboks at Ellis 34 England international caps tions,” he added. “I think a lot could be improved if people actually the world are awarded a place in the US Open, and Scott’s five- of my career, I feel that I have Park. against Ireland in March last sat down, demonstrated a basic respect for the club game and said: year exemption into all the majors that came with winning the room to grow and that Rassie has “It’s diffi cult to say where we year and has been plagued by in- ‘How can we work together on this?” 2013 Masters expired after last year’s US Open at Erin Hills. more to teach me.” are at the moment. He’s trained juries since.
MOTORCYCLING PedrosaW to leave Honda team at end of sea- Reuters pion, which is why I came here. Now it’s too late. Paris There is nothing to be done.” When it became clear he could leave Ducati at the end of his current contract, Lorenzo emerged otoGP world champion Marc Mar- as a prime target for Suzuki but it has since elect- quez will have a new team mate next ed to pursue Moto2 ace Joan Mir instead. year after Honda announced yester- Consequently, Lorenzo has been working on a day that Dani Pedrosa was leaving at return to the Yamaha fold with what is believed to Mthe end of the season. be a Petronas-backed satellite ride alongside cur- The 32-year-old Spaniard, whose top fl ight ca- rent Marc VDS Honda rookie Franco Morbidelli. reer has been plagued by injury and operations, This remains an option for Lorenzo - but has spent his entire grand prix career with the should he elect to join forces with Honda, it Japanese manufacturer since his 125cc debut in would be logical that Pedrosa could end up on the 2001. satellite Yamaha instead. “I want to thank HRC (Honda Racing Corpo- In a separate statement following the an- ration) for all these years of great success. I have nouncement of his Honda departure, Pedrosa grown not only as a rider but also as a person with said further information on his future would be them,” said the rider, who was 125cc champion in disclosed at MotoGP’s next race weekend at Bar- 2003 and took 250cc crowns in 2004 and 2005. celona. “In life we all need new challenges and I feel it’s Honda signing Lorenzo would create a star- time for a change.” studded line-up for its works outfi t, with the Pedrosa has won 31 grands prix with Honda manufacturer having announced a new two-year and is a three times runner-up in MotoGP. contract for four-time champion and current He has yet to fi nish on the podium this year, points leader Marquez earlier this year. however, and is currently 12th. Asked about the identity of his next team- It has now emerged that Honda is keen on mate during his Formula 1 test outing in Austria, placing Lorenzo alongside reigning champion Marquez - who has only raced alongside Pedrosa Marc Marquez for 2019 - and that it has already since joining MotoGP - said: “It’s something that held preliminary talks with the 31-year-old. Honda is discussing, trying to fi nd the best team- Lorenzo, who won MotoGP titles with Yamaha mate. in 2010, ‘12 and ‘15, had struggled since joining “At the moment I don’t have the last news but Ducati last year, but took a breakthrough maiden I know that they were speaking with many many win in dominant style last weekend at Mugello. riders, as you know, as (previously) with (Johann) Shortly after his victory, Lorenzo told Spanish Zarco, (Andrea) Dovizioso. media: “My story with Ducati is over. “I think they will announce soon something. “A part of me is sad because I know that with But I don’t know, that’s something that Honda this bike I could have fought to be world cham- needs to answer, I cannot say anything.” Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa during qualifying round of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello Circuit, Scarperia, Italy, on Saturday. (Reuters)
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET
SPOTLIGHT ON THE BALL Smith ‘cried for four days’ aft er tampering scandal
AFP wave of sympathy. Sydney Smith said he was fortunate to have close family and friends for support, and now wanted to ormer Australian cap- send the message to youngsters tain Steve Smith ad- that “you know, as a man it’s mitted he cried for four okay to show emotion”. days after a ball-tam- While banned from state and peringF scandal in South Af- international cricket, Smith is rica that rocked the sport, as he allowed to appear at club level told children “it’s okay to show in Australia and in domestic emotion”. ney boy’s school on Monday to tournaments abroad. Australian cricket’s golden promote a men’s mental health He has been training private- boy was left devastated by the charity, where he provided an ly and is poised to return to the fall-out, breaking down at an insight into the toll it took. game at the inaugural Global emotional press conference on “To be honest, I probably T20 Canada event near Toronto his return to Sydney after being spent four days in tears,” he told from June 28-July 15, and said sent home in disgrace. the students, according to the he couldn’t wait. Along with David Warner, he Seven Network which obtained “Two months down and was banned from all interna- audio of his comments. counting,” he said of his ban. tional and domestic cricket for “I was really struggling “Hopefully by the time I get a year while opening batsman mentally. It certainly was the back to the game I’m fresh and Cameron Bancroft was exiled toughest thing that I’ve had to ready to perform at a really high for nine months for their part do.” level again.” in attempting to alter the ball The scandal initially un- Warner is also due to play at during the third Test in March. leashed a torrent of vitriol the Canada tournament while Part of their punishment against Smith, but his harrow- Bancroft is expected to make includes doing community ing and tearful Sydney press his comeback at a low-level service, and Smith attended a conference, where he was com- limited-overs event in Darwin function at an exclusive Syd- forted by his father, sparked a in July.
CRICKET PREVIEW Sri Lanka aiming to capitalise on rare Khan’s four-for visit to West Indies
AFP medium bowler Suranga Lakmal Port of Spain — only Mathews featured in the lone warm-up match ahead of the Tests, a drawn three-day est Indies and Sri fi xture against a Cricket West helps Afghanistan Lanka commence Indies President’s XI highlighted one of the most by captain Dinesh Chandimal’s infrequent of in- assured hundred. ternationalW cricket assignments All three are expected to play when the fi rst match of a three- key roles in the quest for a fi rst Test series begins today at the Test series triumph in the West Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. Indies although Sri Lanka’s se- More than 36 years since be- lectors have already indicated clinch T20 series ing granted Test status, this is that concerns over their long- just Sri Lanka’s fourth Test tour term fi tness are likely to result in Khan had also starred in Afghanistan’s opening win of the series of the Caribbean and the fi rst in- their being rested for at least one volving more than two matches. of the three matches. AFP Soumya Sarkar c Stanikzai b Khan ...... 3 On their last campaign to Despite a poor showing in Dehradun Mosaddek Hossain b Khan ...... 0 the region ten years earlier, the their most recent Test series in A. Hider not out ...... 21 team led by Mahela Jayawardene New Zealand last December, the N. Islam not out ...... 6 claimed their fi rst Test victory in West Indies selectors have re- pin sensation Rashid Khan Extras (b4, lb2, w2) ...... 8 the West Indies in a shared rub- tained the bulk of that squad in claimed four wickets to set up Total (8 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 134 ber. the expectation of returning to Afghanistan’s series-clinching Did not bat: Rubel Hossain Sri Lanka will be keen to ex- the level of competitiveness they Swin over Bangladesh in the sec- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Liton), 2-30 (Shabbir), tend the form of their last seven showed in earlier Test campaigns ond Twenty20 international yesterday in 3-75 (Mushfiqur), 4-93 (Mahmudullah), matches in which they were the north Indian city of Dehradun. 5-101 (Shakib), 6-103 (Tamim), 7-103 beaten just once, away to top- More than 36 years since Khan’s 4-12 helped restrict Bangla- (Mosaddek), 8-108 (Soumya) ranked India, and enjoyed an being granted Test status, desh to 134-8 as the hosts surpassed the Bowling: Rahman 4-0-15-0, Zadran historic 2-0 triumph over Paki- this is just Sri Lanka’s fourth modest total to win by six wickets and 4-0-42-1 (w1), Nabi 4-0-19-2, Janat 4-0-40-1, stan in the United Arab Emirates Test tour of the Caribbean take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three- Khan 4-0-12-4 (w1) while also prevailing at home and the fi rst involving more match series. Afghanistan (target 135) over an improving Bangladesh than two matches Samiullah Shenwari, who hit 49 off 41 M. Shahzad lbw b Abu Hider ...... 24 side by the same margin in their balls, and Mohamed Nabi, with an un- U. Ghani c Soumya Sarkar b Rubel last Test action in February. in 2017 against Pakistan, Eng- beaten 31, took Afghanistan home with Hossain ...... 21 However, their preparations land and Zimbabwe. seven balls to spare. S. Shenwari b Mosaddek Hossain ...... 49 for this series have been ham- Devon Smith, the 36-year- The Afghans seemed to be in trouble at A. Stanikzai st Mushfiqur Rahim b pered by unexpected setbacks old opening batsman, has been 79-3 in the 14th over but Nabi smashed Mosaddek Hossain ...... 4 involving key players. named in the 13-man squad on three fours and two sixes to ensure M. Nabi not out ...... 31 Concerns also linger over a the strength of a prolifi c fi rst- smooth sailing for his team during his 15- S. Shafiq not out ...... 0 number of seniors in the squad class season with the Windward ball blitz. Extras (lb2, w4) ...... 6 who are being managed very Islands. But it was the 19-year-old Khan who Total (4 wickets, 18.5 overs) ...... 135 carefully with a view to ensur- It remains to be seen if he can set up the victory with his triple strike Did not bat: N. Zadran, R. Khan, K. Janat, ing their readiness for the World earn a spot in the fi nal eleven at in an over and was poised to claim a hat- M. Ur Rahman, S. Zadran Cup in England in 11 months’ the expense of incumbent Kieran trick after sending back Tamim Iqbal, Afghan cricket players celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh cricketer Sabbir Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Shahzad), 2-57 time. Powell and extend a Test career who top-scored with 43, and Mosaddek during the second Twenty20 match against Bangladesh yesterday. (Ghani), 3-79 (Stanikzai), 4-115 (Shenwari) Opener Dimuth Karunaratne that looked over when he was Hossain on consecutive deliveries. Bowling: Nazmul 4-2-14-0 (w1), Shakib misses the tour because of injury, dropped following the second Abu Hider denied Khan the hat-trick Rahman went wicketless the teenager scheduled to play the fi nal match of the 4-0-37-0, Rubel 3.5-0-38-1, Abu 3-0-14-1 (w3), as do fast bowlers Dushmantha Test of the home series against and went on to hit an unbeaten 21 off 14 gave away just 15 runs in his four overs. series tomorrow at the same venue. Mahmudullah 1-0-9-0, Mosaddek 3-0-21-2 Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep. England in his native Grenada in balls to give the Bangladesh total respect Bangladesh off -spinner Mosaddek Toss: Bangladesh Emerging batting star 2015. after the visitors elected to bat fi rst. took two wickets to try and choke Af- BANGLADESH Result: Afghanistan won by six wickets Dhananjaya de Silva was due A Queen’s Park Oval pitch Khan, who had also starred in Afghan- ghanistan in their chase but the Bang- Liton Das c Khan b Zadran ...... 1 Series: Afghanistan lead the three-match in Trinidad on Monday having which has acquired an unfor- istan’s opening win of the series with his ladesh did not have enough runs on the Tamim Iqbal b Khan ...... 43 series 2-0 stayed at home when the tour- tunate reputation for a turgid three wickets, got his second man of the board for their bowlers to defend. Sabbir Rahman c Shenwari b Nabi ...... 13 Umpires: Izatullah Safi (Afghanistan), ing party departed Colombo surface encouraging neither fast match award. The Asghar Stanikzai-led Afghani- Mushfiqur Rahim st Shahzad b Nabi...... 22 Bismillah Jan Shinwari (Afghanistan) because of the shooting death bowlers nor attacking batsmen is Nabi also got two crucial scalps and stan, who are tuning up for their debut Mahmudullah Riyad b Janat ...... 14 TV umpire: Ahmed Shah Pakteen of his father, a local councillor likely to result in the sort of dour even though fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Test against India starting June 14, are Shakib Al Hasan c Najibullah b Khan ...... 3 (Afghanistan) in the Sri Lankan capital, the battle of attrition which will evening before they were due to examine both the stamina and start the journey to the West In- concentration of both sides. RAMADAN CUP dies on May 25. West Indies cricket remains It is unlikely that he will be in an almost perennial state of considered for the fi rst Test al- fl ux as their star players from the though he is expected to be back T20 franchise formats around in the key number three position the world continue to be ignored come the second Test in St Lucia by the selectors, sparking con- and the fi nal match in Barbados, siderable debate within the re- Khyber Club down Masters Club the fi rst-ever day/night Test to gion, while an investigation into By Sports Reporter Shahzad launched an onslaught on be played in the West Indies. alleged match and spot-fi xing Doha the Gulf Contracting bowlers, hammer- Of the trio of senior statesmen by the international news net- ing four sixes and half a dozen fours to in their side — left-arm spinner work Al Jazeera has thrown an compile 50 in just 24 balls. Mujtaba (19 Rangana Herath, former cap- unwanted spotlight on the Sri uftah claimed a hat-trick to with three fours) and Adnan (16 with four tain Angelo Mathews and fast- Lankan game. fi re Khan Youngsters to a sev- boundaries) enabled Khan Youngsters to en-wicket triumph over Gulf wrap up the match in 8.2 overs. Contracting Company in the In another match from the same cat- England call up Ball as cover for injured Woakes RamadanM Cup Twenty20 Cricket Tourna- egory, man-of-the-match Gul Hayat in- ment, organised by the Qatar Cricket As- spired a 13-run victory for Khyber Club England seamer Jake Ball has string tear. sociation. against Masters Club. Chasing a fi ghting been called up as cover for “Both players have commenced Batting fi rst in a B and C Divisions 148-run target, Hayat struck three blows all-rounder Chris Woakes, who their injury rehab programmes match at the Asian Town Cricket Stadi- for 28, while Waqas and Nouman picked will miss the first part of this and will be hoping to respond um, Gulf Contracting dismissed at 110 in one each to restrict them at 134 for fi ve in month’s one-day series against to treatment with the aim of 17 overs, failing to recover from the triple 18 overs.Omar Swadi made 33 with a six Australia due to a thigh injury. featuring in the latter stages strike by Muftah. and four boundaries and Khadeer got 32, Woakes, who sustained a right of the series,” the England and In his very second over, left-arm fast including three sixes. Ali chipped in with quad strain during last week’s Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said bowler man-of-the-match Muftah fi rst 26 in 36 deliveries. series-levelling Test win over on Tuesday. removed Sasnur for one and then sent Earlier, Ishtiaq and Murad set the tem- Pakistan, was already ruled Ball last played for England back Dinesh and Alam for ducks to have po for Khyber Club’s 147 all out. Ishtiaq out of the one-off ODI against in their 4-1 ODI series win at the rivals struggling at 13 for three. Pujari, hit two sixes in 18-ball 25, while Murad Scotland on June 10. Australia in January. who struck three sixes and two fours in 39, Muftah (L) and Gul Hayat. smashed a couple of sixes and a four in 23. The 29-year-old joins Ben England host Australia in five and Sudesh (20 in 25 balls with two fours), Nouman and Rahman added 19 each to Stokes on the sidelines as the one-day matches starting at held the middle-order together for some fi gures. Jeevan cracked a six and two fours tah, who fi nished with three for 31, Ibra- consolidate their team further. Khadeer, latter recovers from a ham- The Oval on June 13. time and helped the team move into three to make run-a-ball 16. Apart from Muf- him and Obaid got two each. Talha and Omer shared six scalps.