RUGBY | Page 4 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Emotional Shafi q and Fiji hammer Younis put To Advertise here Britain for Pakistan in Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 historic gold control

Saturday, August 13, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 10, 1437 AH SWIMMING Ruthless Phelps TIMES sweeps to 22nd Olympic gold Page 3

BEACH VOLLEYBALL Medals tally

Country G S B T 1. United States 16 12 12 40 2. China 11 8 12 31 Qatar out aft er losing to Russia in Rd 2 3. Japan 7 2 13 22 4. Great Britain 6 6 6 18 tant to us, to raise the (level of this) sport in Agencies 5. Australia 5 5 6 16 Rio de Janeiro Qatar.” Younousse added: “I’m really going to miss 6. South Korea 5 3 4 12 this kind of competition. And the people. I 7. Germany 5 3 1 9 atar’s beach volleyball team crashed don’t know if I’ll ever play in this kind of com- out of the second round of the Rio petition again. I will never forget this moment 8. Hungary 5 1 1 7 de Janeiro Olympics after losing 2-0 in my life. I am very proud. We could have 9. Russia 4 8 8 20 to Russia twice coming down on the made the quarter-fi nals. I’m very happy and 10. Italy 4 7 4 15 losingQ side in each game with a score line of I’m very proud of our team.” 21-13. With their 2-0 (21-13, 21-13) win in 32 min- 11. France 3 4 5 12 The Qatari players, Cherif Younousse and utes over Jeff erson Santos Pereira and Cherif 12. Kazakhstan 2 2 3 7 Jeff erson Pereira, had some great perform- Younousse of Qatar, Krasilnikov and Semenov 13. Netherlands 2 2 2 6 ances in Qatar’s fi rst Olympic participation in become the fi rst Russian men’s or women’s beach volleyball. Beach Volleyball to advance to the quarter- 14. Thailand 2 1 1 4 The Maroon played in Pool F alongside fi nals in Olympic competition. 15. Spain 2 0 1 3 Spain, Austria and the United States, losing Yesterday’s win was also the third interna- 15. Switzerland 2 0 1 3 against the latter before overcoming Spain tional victory for the Russians over Jeff erson and Austria 2-1 in both matches. and Cherif in as many tries as the two teams 17. Croatia 2 0 0 2 “We didn’t play very good today, but the also played each other on Copacabana last 18. New Zealand 1 5 0 6 Russian team is very strong,” Pereira was March with Krasilnikov and Semenov post- quoted as saying by FIVB.com. ing a 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) pool play win in the Rio 19. Canada 1 2 5 8 “We had a good tournament, and we are Grand Slam. 20. Sweden 1 2 1 4 happy about the tournament, but we are upset Meanwhile, Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar Ab- 21. Belgium 1 1 1 3 because we lost right now. dalla fi nished 28th overall in the qualifi cation “I think we made something huge now. We for men’s 800m with a timing of 1:47.81. 21. Brazil 1 1 1 3 can start developing the sport in Qatar and the Abdalla fi nished fi fth in his heat, which was 21. Slovenia 1 1 1 3 kids can start to play the sport. This is impor- won by Canada’s Brandon McBride (1:45.99). Qatar’s Jeff erson Pereira (left) and Cherif Younousse react during their match against Russia yesterday, (AFP)

ATHLETICS STAR OF THE DAY Ayana shatters Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia Today’s Star of the Day is Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia, who smashed a 23-year-old world record to win the greatest-ever women’s 10,000 metres. The world 5,000 metres champion, running world record to only her second 10,000 metres, ripped the field apart to finish in 29 minutes 17.45 seconds, an incredible 14 seconds inside the previously untouchable 29:31.78 set by China’s Wang Junxia in 1993. No woman had gone under 30 minutes in win 10,000m the last seven years, but the first four all did yesterday. Ethiopian Dibaba takes bronze behind Kenya’s Cheruiyot “It’s amazing — I saw the record after the race. My only plan was to win the race,” Ayana told reporters. “This means everything to me. Getting to this point is a dream come true, I never thought it would happen and I’m so in awe.”

Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana (left) is congratulated by compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba after the former set a new world record to win the women’s 10,000m gold yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters It was the fi rst time in seven years the BBC. “I’m not sure that I can un- Rio de Janeiro that a female athlete had run 10,000m derstand that.” in under 30 minutes and the fi rst four Cheruiyot, Kenya’s most decorated all achieved the feat. The fi rst 13 wom- female athlete, also fell short in the thiopia’s Almaz Ayana en across the line clocked personal be- 2012 London Games where she took smashed the world record to sts, including fi ve national records. bronze, meaning the east African win the Olympic 10,000 me- Kenya’s world 10,000m champion country’s wait for its fi rst women’s tres title yesterday, blowing Vivian Cheruiyot tried in vain to keep 10,000m gold medallist continues. awayE the competition in one of the up with Ayana but had to settle for sil- The 31-year-old Dibaba, who re- greatest ever long-distance races at ver while Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba, turned in 2016 from a two-year lay- the Games. the defending Olympic champion, off following the birth of her son, was In only her second competitive grabbed bronze. seeking to become the fi rst woman in 10,000m, Ayana dominated from the All three women ran inside the old Olympic history to win an individual start and halfway through the race she Olympic 10,000m record. athletics event three times in a row. surged away from the leading pack, in- Ayana’s staggering world-record time Ayana will now turn her attention jecting staggering pace to fi nish in 29 was made even more unique by being set to her preferred 5,000m distance, in minutes 17.45 seconds. at the Olympics, where races tend to be which she is favourite to win and be- Her time was 14 seconds inside the cagey, tactical aff airs and long-distance come only the second woman after 29:31.78 set by China’s Wang Junxia in records are seldom bettered. Dibaba to claim gold in both the 5,000 1993. “When I saw the world record set in and 10,000 in the same Games. “This means everything to me,” 1993, I couldn’t believe what I was see- The 24-year-old won the 5,000m Ayana told reporters. “Getting to this ing. And Ayana has absolutely blitzed title at the 2015 Beijing world champi- point is a dream come true, I never that time,” Paula Radcliff e, the former onships and in June came within four thought it would happen and I’m so in British runner who still holds the seconds of breaking Dibaba’s 5,000m awe.” women’s marathon world record, told world record set in 2008. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 13, 2016

QATAR AT RIO FOCUS Rudisha cruises, Ogunode, Barshim, keeps mum on disgraced coach

AFP rian. Rio de Janeiro Botswana’s Commonwealth equestrian team champion and 2012 Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos, avid Rudisha cruised however, failed to make the cut, into the semi-fi nals of fading down the home stretch the men’s 800m yes- to come in 5sec down on the lead terday but kept mum time. onD the Kenyan coach sent home “It was good,” said Rudisha, get ready for action in disgrace after having tried to whose world record, gold med- impersonate an athlete for a dop- al-winning run at the London ing test. Games was one of the perform- Agencies Sprint coach John Anzrah of- ances of those Olympics. Rio de Janeiro fered a urine sample in place of “It was just cruising to qualify 800m medal hope Ferguson Rot- for the semis tomorrow, which is ich, who fi nished fourth in last main part of the competition as n exciting couple of days of Ol- year’s world championships in you have to secure your place in ympic competition await Team Beijing. the fi nal. Qatar with London 2012 bronze Anzrah was immediately sent “I’m in good form, there’s no medallist Mutaz Barshim in home by the Kenyan Olympic doubt about that. I’m very confi - action,A the show jumping team making Committee, but with no action dent because I’m fi nding my fi n- their Olympic debuts, and Asia’s fast- having yet been taken against ishing power in the last 100m, so est man, Femi Ogunode, lining up in the Rotich, the 800m runner com- I think I’m in a position to con- 100m. peted in yesterday’s heats and trol my races again.” Today, Ogunode will take to the track duly qualifi ed for today’s semi- Rudisha admitted to feeling for the fi rst time at Rio 2016 between fi nals. the pressure of defending his ti- 15:30 and 15:51 Doha time. With a blister- Rotich did not linger long un- tle over the two-lap race. ing personal best of 9.91 seconds, Ogun- der the eye of the media, sprint- “There is a lot of pressure, of ode will be looking to progress to the next ing past awaiting journalists af- course, coming here as defend- round. ter his race. ing champion, as a world record The youngest member of Team Qatar, A third Kenyan, Alfred Kipket- holder and as a world champion. 16-year-old Dalal al-Ajmi, will make her er, also shook off questions. There’s a lot of expectation,” he Olympic debut on the same night as she “I don’t know, I don’t know,” said. competes in the Women’s 400m heats a fl ustered Kipketer answered “Last year and this year are from 17:00-17:42 Doha time. when asked about the Rotich completely diff erent. I feel like Meanwhile Team Qatar’s handball situation. I’m in better form, almost like team will face off against Denmark at Rudisha fi red out a warning to my good years between 2010-12. 20:40 Doha time today, after their hard- rivals on the track at the Olympic “My training’s been going earned tie with Tunisia on Thursday. The Stadium, pulling away at 600m well. I haven’t been performing team lagged behind Tunisia until the very to clock the fastest qualifying well in some of the races I’ve had. end of the second half, when the team, time of 1min 45.09sec and will “I had a bad start in Shang- led by captain Abdulrazzaq Morad, pulled be joined in the semi-fi nals by a hai, I came to Stockholm in bad through to tie 25-25 in the fi nal minute. host of favourites including Dji- weather. It only improved in Qatar’s equestrian team will take the bouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman, Bos- Birmingham in the 600m and reins tomorrow as they compete in the nian Amel Tuka, Poland’s Adam Budapest where I ran the world show jumping qualifi cations at 16:00 Kszcot and American Boris Be- leading time.” Doha Time. Qatar’s show jumping ath- letes include Ali al-Rumaihi, Bassem Mohamed, Faleh al-Ajmi, Hamad al-At- tiyah and fl ag bearer Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani. The team made history when they became the fi rst Qatari show jump- ing team to qualify to the Olympics, after winning the second stage of the FEI Na- tions Cup in Abu Dhabi last year. Speaking before his competition Sheikh Ali said: “Qualifying for Rio was an indescribable feeling. We worked hard to achieve this goal and we succeeded. We were incredibly happy to be the fi rst ever Qatari show jumping team to qualify to the Olympic Games. As teammates we have a very strong relationship which makes us a strong, competitive team. We hope to get a gold medal and make Qatar proud.” Star high jumper Barshim, who won “To represent Qatar at the second time Hopefully I don’t want to be injured before heading for Rio. bronze in the London 2012 Olympic at the Olympics is amazing. The fi rst time now, hopefully I’m going to be there full August 14 is slated to be an exciting Games and cleared the second highest I was very happy and I look forward to Rio strength. And I will use all my experience night as the world’s fastest men compete jump in history with 2.43m in 2014, will 2016 and represent in the best way pos- from all the last 4 years to try and accom- head-to-head in the 100m semi-fi nal and take to the Olympic stage once more to- sible. I don’t think my experience from plish good result at Rio 2016. I think my fi nal at 03:07 and 04:25 Doha time re- morrow at the men’s high jump qualify- 2012 will help a lot so I’m not going to rely biggest rival in Rio is myself – if I beat spectively, with medal-hopeful Ogunode ing event at 02:30 Doha Time. on it. It was a special case. I was injured. myself then that’s it,” Barshim had said possibly amongst the start lists.

Ennis-Hill third aft er two events of Olympic heptathlon Kenya’s David Rudisha competes in the men’s 800m Round 1 heat at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP) British heptathlon star Jessica Ennis- year, is bidding to become only the third However, Ennis-Hill saw her lead whit- Hill made a smooth start to the defence woman to retain an Olympic athletics tled away in the high jump despite of her Olympic crown yesterday, sitting title after giving birth. landing a season’s best of 1.89m, the in third place after the opening two Hurdler Shirley Strickland achieved the highest she has jumped since the Lon- Mairaj fi nishes 10th in Skeet qualifi cations events of the gruelling discipline. feat in 1952 and 1956 before triple jump- don Games. Ennis-Hill landed an early psychological er Francoise Mbango Etone emulated it Belgium’s Nafi Thiam and Briton Kata- Indian shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan produced a creditable per- blow on Canada’s Brianne Theisen- with victories in 2004 and 2008. rina Johnson-Thompson both cleared a formance to finish 10th in the qualification round of the men’s Eaton with an impressive 100m hurdles Theisen-Eaton, who took silver behind world heptathlon best of 1.98m. Skeet event at the Rio Olympics here yesterday. Khan had scores victory. Ennis-Hill at last year’s World Champion- Johnson-Thompson’s eff ort saw her take of 24, 25 and 23 in the three rounds to amass a total of 72 points In blustery, overcast conditions, Ennis-Hill ships in Beijing, was left trailing in the the lead on 2,264 points, with Thiam at the Shotgun Range of the Olympic Shooting Centre here. The produced a blemish-free performance to Briton’s wake, finishing in sixth place. in second (2,252) and Ennis-Hill third 40-year-old from Bulandshar district of Uttar Pradesh has strong win her race in 12.84sec at the near-empty Ennis-Hill’s run earned her 1,149 points, (2,242). chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Marcus Svensson of Rio Olympic Stadium. It was her third fast- putting her into the early lead of the Theisen-Eaton’s time of 13.18sec in the Sweden took the top spot in the qualification round while Kuwaiti est time since winning in London. seven-discipline event. hurdles and 1.86m in the high jump left shooter Abdullah al-Rashidi, who is representing the Interna- The 30-year-old darling of British track Akela Jones of Barbados was just be- her in fifth place overall behind Barba- tional Olympic Association (IOA) team, finished second. Azmy and field, who became a mother last hind after clocking 13sec for 1,124pts. dian Jones. Mehelba of Egypt was third. Svensson scored 25 in each of his three rounds for a total of 75 points. Al-Rashidi (24, 25, 25) and Mehelba (25, 24, 25) had identical totals of 74 points.

SPOTLIGHT ACTION Rower Dattu qualifi es for Final C Rower Dattu Bhokanal qualified for Final C after finishing second in men’s singles sculls semi-final C/D 2 at the Rio Olympics here Danekova ‘shocked’ at positive test IAAF suspends chief yesterday. The 25-year-old put in a time of 7:19.02 minutes — far from his best — but lead the race throughout only to lose out Reuters nated food supplement. Bulgaria’s Sports Ministry in the very final second. Hungary’s Bendeguz Molnar Petervari Sofia EPO, which increases the said it condemned the taking of of Kenyan athletics came on top with a time of 7:18.88 minutes. Bhokanal, who is number of red blood cells, has banned substances. competing in his maiden Olympics, will now fight for a world been used mostly by endurance “Ministry of Youth and Sports DPA being caught on hidden cam- ranking between 13 and 18. Bhokanal, who set his Olympic best ulgarian runner Silvia athletes such as middle and long- strongly condemns the behaviour Rio de Janeiro era by undercover reporters in the quarter-final with a 6:59.89 minutes, took 1:44.88 minute to Danekova has denied distance runners and cyclists. of the athlete Silvia Danekova, as off ering to inform athletes cover his first 500 metres before completing the 1,000m mark in taking performance en- “I’ve been tested four times af- implicated in the use of prohibited about upcoming tests for 3:37.00 minutes. He was leading till the 1,500m mark, covering it hancing drugs and said ter entering the Olympic Village,” substances during the Olympic enyan athletics 9,000 pounds sterling for a in 5:30.35 minutes before the Hungarian overtook him with only sheB was shocked at testing posi- Danekova, who faces a four-year Games in Rio de Janeiro,” the min- chief Michael Rot- period of three months. The a handful of meters left in the race. tive for the banned blood booster ban if found guilty, told Bulgarian istry said in a statement. ich has been provi- IAAF said it is investigating erythropoietin (EPO) a few days television on Friday. “It is unacceptable to destroy sionally suspended “in relation to potential sub- India held by Canada 2-2 after her arrival in Brazil for the “(Results) of the three of the Bulgaria’s image and put a stain Kin connection with doping- version of the anti-doping Rio Olympics. samples were negative. It’s an in- on the entire Bulgarian sport in related accusations, the eth- control process in Kenya.” India’s men’s hockey team was held 2-2 by lower-ranked side The 33-year-old, who was credibly big shock.” such way.” ics board of the sport’s ruling More than 40 Kenyan ath- Canada in its final group phase game that failed to guarantee it due to compete in the women’s Danekova, who failed to get be- Bulgarian athletics has been body IAAF said yesterday. letes have failed tests since a third place in the Pool B of the Olympic Games here yesterday. 3,000m steeplechase on Mon- yond the heats in the steeplechase marred by doping over the years. The ethics board said in a 2011, and Kenyan athletes Already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, world No.5 India day, has been suspended after at the 2012 London Olympics, Sprinters Tezdzhan Naimova statement Rotich was sus- have been heavily tested in played an attacking game but had to wait for 33 minutes to break failing an out-of-competition said: “I don’t feel guilty. I cannot and Inna Eftimova, middle-dis- pended from all positions in the run-up to the Rio Games. the deadlock. Akashdeep Singh made it 1-0 for India after scoring test on August 1, the Bulgarian tell you how humiliated I feel. tance runners Daniela Yordanova, Kenyan and IAAF athletics Kenyan athletics coach on a penalty corner rebound. But world No.15 Canada took few Olympic Committee (BOC) said “I feel robbed emotionally,” Vanya Stambolova and Teodora “in the interests of the in- John Anzrah has also been second to make it 1-1 with a successful penalty corner conversion in a statement. she said. “But we’re coming from Kolarova, high jumper Venelina tegrity of the sport” for 180 sent home after drug test- from captain Scott Tupper. Ramandeep Singh deflected a ball in The B sample had also tested the east (eastern Europe), we’re Veneva and hammer thrower An- days, pending a probe into ing offi cials said that Anzrah near the right post from a long slap from V R Raghunath to make positive, the BOC said. too close to Russia...” drian Andreev have all tested posi- “serious matters which have was caught providing a urine it 2-1 for India in the 41st minute. Tupper brought Canada on level Danekova said the only logi- Virtually all of Russia’s track tive in the past decade. come to the attention of the sample and signed in the with a successful penalty corner conversion in the 52nd minute. cal explanation she could give and fi eld team have been excluded The country’s weightlifting IAAF Ethics Board.” name of 800m runner Fergu- Latter, India got plenty of opportunities but failed to scored the for the positive test was that the from the Rio Games following rev- team were banned from Rio for Rotich was sent home son Rotich. The athlete com- winner. substance came from a contami- elations of state-backed doping. repeated doping off ences. from Rio and arrested after peted yesterday in the heats. Gulf Times Saturday, August 13, 2016 3

SPOTLIGHT NOT DONE Lochte not ready for Ruthless Phelps retirement yet sweeps to 22nd

Olympic gold Ryan Lochte of USA after the 200 metres individual medley event. Reuters “I had to work at it every Rio de Janeiro day for many years. I just ‘My body doesn’t feel like an 18 year old now. It’s more painful getting out of the pool. wish I would have ended up better,” Lochte said. “I But it’s just as sweet standing on the podium hearing your national anthem play’ yan Lochte’s last indi- was a little bummed about vidual event at the Rio my performance, but I was de Janeiro Games, and happy for him (Phelps) to possibly of his Olympics get the gold” career,R did not end the way he wanted to. have ended up better,” Lochte said. Whether it is enough motiva- “I was a little bummed about my tion to push his body for a further performance, but I was happy for four years through to the Tokyo him (Phelps) to get the gold. Games in 2020 only remains to “We’ve always pushed each be seen. other (and) he’s one of the best, “I can’t say this is over. If any- not swimmers, but athletes in thing, that race, it helped moti- the Olympics.” vate me,” the 32-year-old Lochte Part of confronting that chal- told reporters after he fi nished lenge has led to Lochte’s success fi fth behind compatriot Michael as one of the all-time greats in Phelps in the 200 metres indi- swimming. vidual medley fi nal. He has 12 Olympic medals, six “There’s a lot of things that I gold, and sits only behind Phelps need to change in the next four in terms of being the most suc- years if I want to come back to cessful male swimmer in Olym- the sport.” pic history. Lochte’s performance at Rio He has also won 27 world was far from the heights he would championships medals in the have expected, particularly given 50-metre pool and even more it was his only individual event at in the short course (25m). Had it his fourth Olympics. not been for Phelps, it’s likely the When he touched the wall on native New Yorker would have Thursday, it was nearly three ended with even more. seconds behind Phelps. “That’s the longest continu- Having led by 0.01 seconds at ous competitor I’ve ever had,” half-way, and in third place after Phelps said of the friendly rivalry the breaststroke, Lochte struggled with Lochte that began in 2004. on the fi nal freestyle lap and fi n- “And one of the toughest too.” ished without an Olympic medal Knowing he was one of the few for the fi rst time in the event. to push Phelps continuously for He clinched silver in 2004 and his entire career may be something 2012 and bronze in Beijing in Lochte can smile about when he 2008. does eventually call it quits. Phelps won gold each time. For now he just needs a break. He told reporters that his per- “Who knows, it could be for formance on Thursday would be a day,” he said. “It could be for among those he most regretted. 10 days, two years. I just know I “I had to work at it every day need physically and mentally to for many years. I just wish I would take a break.” USA’s Michael Phelps competes in the Men’s 100m Butterfly semi-final at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

AFP Competing in his fi fth and fi nal Olym- 100m butterfl y fi nal — another event he of the medals in fourth. RARITY Rio de Janeiro pics, Phelps joined Al Oerter in the dis- won in Athens, Beijing and London. Manuel became the fi rst American cus (1956-68) and Carl Lewis in the long “It’s been a hell of a career,” said woman to win the 100m free since the jump (1984-96) as the only members of Phelps, who could still equal his Athens 1984 Los Angeles Games, which was ichael Phelps swept to a jaw- the exclusive four-in-a-row club. tally of six gold medals, two shy of his also a tie — between compatriots Nancy Oleksiak and dropping 22nd Olympic gold Phelps utterly dominated a fi nal which epic Beijing haul. Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer. as China’s Chen Xinyi failed crackled with tension and brought the “It’s crazy to think about but It’s also “When I hit the wall I was just trying to a doping test to cast a shadow curtain down on his 12-year rivalry with really cool because I’ve been able to do catch my breath,” said 16-year-old Olek- Manuel tie for 100m Mover the Rio swimming competition. fellow American Ryan Lochte. everything that I ever wanted,” he added. siak after becoming the fi rst Canadian to While Phelps became one of only three After a strong start from local favourite “It all started as just a kid who wasn’t win four medals in a single Games. athletes to have won titles in the same Thiago Pereira, Phelps took charge on the afraid. My body doesn’t feel like an 18 “I saw Simone’s name and I thought I freestyle gold individual event at four straight Games, backstroke leg before powering away to year old now. It’s more painful getting out came second, then I saw ‘Olympic record’ Chen tested positive for a diuretic, the win in one minute, 54.66 seconds -- al- of the pool. But it’s just as sweet standing by both names and I thought: ‘That’s cra- Chinese Swimming Association told most two seconds clear of Japan’s Kosuke on the podium hearing your national an- zy, no one ties at the Olympics.’” state media. Hagino in second. them play. That’s something I will miss.” Japan’s Rie Kaneto blazed to gold in There was a stunning upset in the Hagino, who won the 400m medley Campbell turned 0.12 inside her own the women’s 200m breaststroke, clock- women’s competition as Australian world last weekend, produced a quick fi nish world record before being caught by ing 2:20.30 to deny two-time doping of- record-holder Cate Campbell inexplicably to pinch silver in 1:56.61, with China’s the two women on either side of her — fender Yulia Efi mova. fl opped in the 100m freestyle which ended Wang Shun coming through for a sur- American Simone Manuel and Canadian American Ryan Murphy completed a in a dead heat for gold, but there was no prise bronze in 1:57.05. schoolgirl Penny Oleksiak, who shared Rio double after bullying world cham- escaping Phelps as he romped to his fourth Lochte, a six-time Olympic champion, gold in a 52.70sec dead heat. pion Mitchell Larkin in the men’s 200m gold of the Rio Olympics. could only fi nish fi fth, while Pereira fad- Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom also crept by backstroke, winning in 1:53.62 to under- The record-breaking American ed badly and he trailed home seventh. her to take bronze to complete her collec- line US dominance of the event. stormed to victory in the 200m individ- A little more than half-an-hour later, tion after winning gold in the 100m fl y Australian Larkin, who failed to medal ual medley to match his London tally four having collected his gold medal, Phelps and silver in the 200m free. in the 100m, took silver and Russia’s Evg- years ago. returned to qualify fi fth fastest for Friday’s Campbell, incredibly, fi nished outside eny Rylov the bronze.

BOTTOMLINE Gold medallists USA’s Simone Manuel (L) and Canada’s Penny Oleksiak pose on the podium of the women’s 100m freestyle final.

Reuters Rio de Janeiro after the timing was reduced from a thousandth of a second to a hun- dredth following a controversial Manuel awaits day when anadian Penny Oleksiak dead-heat in the 1972 men’s 400 and Simone Manuel of individual medley. the United States were Then, Sweden’s Gunnar Lars- inseparable at the fi nish son was awarded the gold ahead Cand even more united in joy after of Tim McKee of the US. colour of medal matters most a stunning 100 metres freestyle At the 2000 Sydney Games, dead-heat rewarded both with another 21.98 second dead-heat AFP where there are more of us and “I would like there to be a Olympic gold on Thursday. saw Anthony Ervin of the United Rio de Janeiro it’s not Simone ‘the black swim- day where there are more Both women, one 16 and the States and team mate Gary Hall mer,’” she told a news confer- of us and it’s not Simone other 20 and very much part of a Jr each awarded the 50m free- ence after her victory. ‘the black swimmer’” new wave in swimming, touched style gold. s the fi rst African- “Because the title ‘black the wall in 52.70 seconds as the “It’s amazing to tie for gold. I American woman to swimmer’ makes it seem like I’m woman in 32 years to win gold in crowd gasped at the times fl ash- never thought I’d win. She de- win gold in an individ- not supposed to be able to win the 100m freestyle when she tied ing up on the scoreboard. serves it as much as me,” said Ole- ual Olympic swimming a gold medal, I’m not supposed with Canadian teenager Penny Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, the ksiak, the fi rst athlete born in the event,A Simone Manuel knew the to break records, and that’s not Oleksiak, said she hopes there Olympic 100m butterfl y cham- 21st century to claim an Olympic colour of her skin would gener- true because I work just as hard would be plenty more African- pion who took the bronze in gold in an individual event. ate more interest than the colour as anyone else and I love the Americans to follow. 52.99, was astonished. “I’m only 16 so it’s pretty in- of the medal she had just won. sport and I want to win just like “This medal is not just for “I think that was a big shock sane to win a gold medal in your Proud of her achievement, everybody else.” me, it’s for some of the African- for everyone in the fi nal. Every- fi rst Olympics.” she said she hoped her historic Only a handful of black swim- Americans who came before me one had to watch the result many She was only seventh at the win in the women’s 100 metres mers have represented the Unit- and have been an inspiration to times before we understood what turn but powered back on the freestyle at the Rio Olympics on ed States at the Olympics and me,” she said. happened... the biggest surprise final 50 metres with a frenzied, Thursday would pave the way few of them have won medals. “I hope that I can be an inspira- so far in this competition,” Sjos- head-down final 15 metres to for other African-American The fi rst was Anthony Ervin at tion for others, so this medal is for trom said. the wall. swimmers to succeed. Sydney in 2000. the people who come behind me.” It was the second time the Oleksiak has now collected But the 20-year-old, whose Four years later at Athens, “I think it means a lot, espe- women’s 100 freestyle had ended four medals from Rio — the win was all the more remark- USA’s Simone Manuel cries after she won the women’s 100m Maritza Correia became the fi rst cially with what’s going on in the in such a fashion — the 1984 Los most by a Canadian at a summer able because she was involved freestyle final at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. female medal winner, collecting world today, a lot of the issues, Angeles Games saw a tie between Games — winning a 4x100 free- in a rare dead-heat for gold, also a relay silver. especially police brutality. Americans Nancy Hogshead and style bronze on the opening day hoped the day would come when pool rather than her ethnicity. others and hopefully diversify Cullen Jones and Lia Neal have This win kind of brings hope Carrie Steinseifer in 55.92. of the competition, followed by a questions about her race would “I’m super glad with the fact the sport. But at the same time also won medals and Manuel, and change to some of the issues That was the fi rst double gold 100 butterfl y silver and another refer to what happened in the that I can be an inspiration to I would like there to be a day who became the fi rst American that are going on in the world.” in Olympic swimming and it came bronze in the 4x200 freestyle. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 13, 2016

RUGBY LOOKING AHEAD Rugby aims at Olympic core aft er Emotional Fiji successful debut

AFP and we thank the IOC for that. Rio de Janeiro We’ve got Tokyo in four years’ time, a year after the Rugby World Cup in Japan so I can only ugby leaders are count- see rugby expanding in both hammer Britain ing on the success of Fi- forms of the game, both 15-a- ji’s men and Australia’s side and sevens. women at the Rio Ol- “Hopefully it’s been the cata- ympicsR to break down more bar- lyst in South America with com- riers for the sport and cement its ing here and when we go to Tokyo place in Tokyo 2020 and beyond. it will enable us to expand the The sight of Fiji captain Osea game more in Asia.” Kolinisau dancing past belea- Beaumont said World Rugby’s for historic gold guered British defenders bring- hopes of seeing sevens being ac- ing another country a fi rst gold cepted as a core Olympic sport medal is a boost for the Olympics will be decided at an IOC general ‘I’m a little bit lost for words. The boys were on another scale of phenomenal. They and rugby’s future. session in Lima in 2017. “In rugby you tend to think that “There’s noone in World Rug- were just stratospheric and they saved the best until last’ we know it all,” said World Rugby by conceited enough to think we president Bill Beaumont. have a divine right to be here but “Then you come to events that hopefully we’ve showcased our are far bigger than anything we sport on the world stage,” the normally stage and to be a part former captain of England and of it has been fantastic and for us the British and Irish Lions said. to show the Olympic family what “If you think about the semi- we can do with our sport.” fi nals there were countries from Men and women’s sevens tour- Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa naments, ran over six days, marked (Japan, Britain, Fiji, South Af- the fi rst time since 1924 that rugby rica).If my geography’s any good, has been played at the Olympics. that’s not bad for a global game The previous four tourna- so from that point of view that’s ments were 15-a-side. been good. While the temporary “Hopefully we’ve earned the 15,000-seater Deodoro Stadium right to be a permanent sport and remained half-empty for earlier we’ll be trying like mad to retain women’s sessions, ticket sales our status.” gradually picked up, spiking the Beaumont said everyone at the atmosphere. Olympics had been “nothing but World Rugby chief execu- encouraging”. tive Brett Gosper said getting Japan’s men pulled off a shock a foothold in the International result with a 14-12 victory over Olympic Committee (IOC) door New Zealand in their opening was the best thing that has hap- match. That echoed the Brave pened to rugby. Blossoms’ famous victory over “Already the Olympics is pro- South Africa in the 15-a-side viding us more money into the World Cup last year, the biggest sport through NOCs (National Ol- upset the sport has seen. ympic Committees) and govern- It could not have been better ments. This is the best advertise- scripted for World Rugby, with ment we could have for the game the next World Cup in Japan. across the board,” Gosper said. “It’s fantastic what Japan have Rugby is anxious to fi nd new done in this tournament,” Beau- markets like Brazil, the land of mont said. football. World Rugby hopes that “On the back of how well they Fiji’s players pray after victory in the men’s rugby sevens gold medal match between Fiji and Britain at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. its World Cup in 2019 followed did in the 15-a-side game last by the Tokyo Olympics will sign year in England. It’s been phe- AFP cluded IOC president Thomas Bach, Fi- new converts. nomenal how they’ve performed. Rio de Janeiro jian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama Brazil’s women fi nished ninth, “Japan becoming a real pow- and Britain’s Princess Anne. getting a place as a core team on erhouse in world rugby will grow next season’s Sevens World Series. the game even bigger in Japan and tratospheric Fiji claimed their BLITZBOK BRONZE Beaumont said even the men throughout Asia. They could be fi rst Olympic medal ever by ham- “That was probably one game too far for had been competitive. the role model for many countries mering Britain 43-7 to win the in- us,” said Britain’s James Rodwell. “We’ve had the opportunity which want to play the game.” augural men’s rugby sevens fi nal “Credit to Fiji. They have played an ab- Sat the Rio Games on Thursday. solute blinder in that fi nal. Untouchable Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau led the de- really in certain aspects of the game.” fending Sevens World Series champions It was certainly the perfect publicity Olympic weightlifting champion as they ruthless won the fi rst Olympic for World Rugby as they seek a perma- rugby competition in 92 years. nent place for rugby sevens on the Ol- Zielinksi fails doping test He got the fi rst of fi ve fi rst-half tries, two ympic programme, the 15-a-side format Poland’s Adrian Zielinski, On Tuesday, the Polish converted, for a 29-0 lead that a leaden- having last featured in 1924. an Olympic champion in weightlifting federation footed Britain never looked like matching. The bronze medal match also proved to weightlifting four years ago in said that Zielinski’s brother “I’m a little bit lost for words. The boys be one too many for Japan, shock winners London, has been sent home Tomasz had also been sent were on another scale of phenomenal,” over fancied New Zealand in their open- from the Rio Games after test- home after testing positive for Fiji’s English coach Ben Ryan said. “They ing pool match, as South Africa crushed ing positive for nandrolone, nandrolone. were just stratospheric and they saved them 54-14. the Polish anti-doping agency Adrian Zielinksi won goal in the best until last. A Rosko Specman hat-trick and a Cecil said yesterday. the 85kg category in London “They played some high-risk rugby Afrika double proved the bedrock for the Zielinski had failed a test in and had moved up to the next there and they were outstanding and, convincing victory for the reigning Com- Poland before the Games, weight category, 94kg, for Rio. hopefully, we showcased Fijian rugby and Britain’s Mark Robertson (lower) is tackled by Fiji’s Josua Tuisova. monwealth champions and second seeds. Michal Rynkowski, director of On Wednesday, he had dis- everybody who was watching, maybe even “We’re not the biggest or the fastest Poland’s Commission Against missed suggestions that he the British supporters, can have a smile. every re-start and refusing to panic on 29-0 half-time lead. team but we work hard for one another Doping in Sport, told reporters had failed a test. Just the way we wanted to play the game. the few occasions they threatened. Another Semi Kunatani off -load saw and we managed to get fourth. It’s not of- in Warsaw. “I can clearly con- “I deny taking anything. It’s “It’s always been our plan for three years, The outstanding Kolinisau got his side blockbusting Toulon winger Josua Tu- ten that Japan ranks higher than Australia firm that a urine sample taken impossible,” he said. get them back to number one, win world ti- on the scoreboard, riding Tom Mitchell’s isova go in under the posts, the British and New Zealand in rugby,” said Japan from Adrian Zielinski gave a “We would be absolute idiots tles and then claim this fi rst gold medal.” tackle to touch down in the corner. defence left clueless at their rivals’ cool, playmaker Lomano Lemeki. positive result for nandrolone. with my brother to take nan- In a sevens masterclass, the Fijians Jerry Tuwai followed soon after with deft play. “The intensity and the way that South Its concentration was nearly drolone, which remains in the avoided contact and the long-pass game, Britain’s defence failing to cope with the Dan Norton claimed a consolation try Africa played, right from the very fi rst twice the permissible norm,” body for 17 months, and go to putting faith in Ryan’s “no reward with- Pacifi c islanders’ off -loading brilliance. but it was all about Fiji, their bench left kick-off , had us on the back heel the he said. the Olympics. It’s ridiculous. out risk” gameplan of off -loading to keep Jasa Veremalua, Leone Nakarawa and in tears long before the game had ended. whole time. We were deeply disappoint- “Today we have received con- It’s some kind of manipulation. possession. Vatemo Ravouvou all crossed in quick Viliame Mata rubbed salt into the ed in the manner that we played in the firmation. The athlete faces a Something had to be added to The Pacifi c islanders starved the Brit- succession, two conversions from skip- wounds with a seventh fi nal try to the semi-fi nal, but a bronze medal is a fan- four-year suspension,” he said. our conditioners.” ish of the ball, competing successfully at per Kolinisau handing Fiji the mammoth delight of the partisan crowd that in- tastic fi nish for us.”

BOTTOMLINE Tears of joy as Fiji celebrates ‘biggest day’

AFP the team arrive home. were already celebrating. It was amaz- won by a South Pacifi c island nation, fol- Suva, Fiji In a message to the nation Bainima- ing,” Khalil said. lowing the silver claimed by Tongan box- rama said “every Fijian is rejoicing” Traffi c was gridlocked in the capital er Paea Wolfgramm who lost the super around the world. Suva where the streets were fi lled with heavyweight fi nal to Wladimir Klitschko ijians erupted in celebration “Never before has the Fijian spirit people singing and dancing. at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. yesterday, setting off fl ares and soared so high as it does today. Never In the rugby-obsessed island na- Wolfgramm, now a sports ambas- dancing in the streets while a have we stood so tall as a nation.” tion, the gold medal victory was also sador for Tonga, said it was a “bitter- national holiday was declared Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John seen as a chance to put behind them the sweet moment” that it took 20 years for afterF the tiny nation won its fi rst ever O’Connor told AFP nearly all of Fiji’s memories of four coups over the past a second Pacifi c medal, but said he had Olympic medal — and gold at that. 900,000 residents would have gathered 30 years of political upheaval. backed Fiji to win. The South Pacifi c island country around television sets in the 110 popu- “The win was truly a historic mo- Fiji coach Ben Ryan expected the came to a standstill at the start of the lated islands to watch the historic event. ment for Fiji,” said Shailendra Singh, a partying to continue for a long time in a rugby sevens fi nal against Great Brit- “Everyone is very excited. Wherever former sports journalist and now head country where the players are national ain, and by half-time the fi reworks had there was a TV in a village there were of journalism at the University of the superstars. started and there was a monumental people gathered round. There were about South Pacifi c in Fiji. “The boys are front page, back page chorus of car horns as it became evi- 2,000 people packed in the main stadium “The sevens game is more than a game news, 6 o’clock news, you come out of dent Fiji would win and create history. watching the game on the big screen. in Fiji and it is a major unifying force. the airport there’s a 20-foot billboard “This is the biggest day in Fiji’s his- “Some people may go to work now “The entire nation, young, old, men, of them and that continues all the way tory. Everyone is celebrating,” said pho- but I don’t think they will be very pro- women, children and adults and peo- through (the country). tographer Feroz Khalil who watched the ductive.” Many who did go to work ple from across the political divide will “It’s a passion, it’s a national sport.” fi nal on the big screen at the main sta- fi nished early to join the festivities as come together in celebration.” Meanwhile, amid the partying on dium in Suva. the blue Fijian fl ag fl ew proudly from University vice chancellor Rajesh the streets of Suva, diehard rugby fan “It was crazy. There were people homes, businesses and vehicles. Chandra said the victory also showed Dan Nabuli grinned broadly as he pro- chanting, crying, tears were fl owing. that a small Pacifi c island nation “can claimed the victory would be cherished I’m feeling so happy.” HISTORIC MOMENT overcome our limitations of size, low for a long time. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Fiji scored fi rst after just 55 seconds, led income, and many other vulnerabilities “This victory will be best remem- who was in Rio de Janeiro to watch the 29-0 at half-time and fi nished up thrash- and handicaps and take on the big boys bered by everyone, our children in par- fi nal, announced there would be a pub- Fijians celebrate the victory of their Sevens rugby team against Britain in the final ing Great Britain by an emphatic 43-7. internationally”. ticular, as a small Pacifi c island nation lic holiday on August 22, the day after at the Rio Olympics, inside ANZ stadium in Suva. “By the time it was half-time people It is only the second Olympic medal has won the gold.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 13, 2016 5 OLYMPICS

FOCUS Moms on Olympic mission leaving kids back home It’s a classic heart-and-mind conflict—number of women athletes in Rio are mothers. Their hearts may be with their children back home, but in order to compete they have to have a clear head. Then there is one Rio athlete who is also a grandmother

DPA swimmer Dana Vollmer gave birth to A typical son, Machawariani em- Rio de Janeiro her son Arlen in April 2015. phatically contradicts her: “No, mom, Vollmer, a gold medal winner in London these aren’t your last Games.” four years ago, created her Twitter hash- Australian dressage rider Mary Han- an Ying looks a bit sad when tag #MommaOnAMission and she will be na is not only, at 61, the oldest Olympic talking about her four-year- returning to Arlen with at least a bronze competitor ever in her country’s histo- old daughter Leonie. medal from the 100 metres butterfl y. ry, but the mother of two also has three “I dreamed that she has Then there is the fi rst-ever Olym- grandchildren. “If the whole family Hgrown so tall that I almost didn’t recog- pic mother-and-son team in Rio. Nino were to come to Rio, I would be worry- nise her. Suddenly 1.6 metres! I wanted Salukwadse of Georgia, already a gold ing too much. I couldn’t then concen- to hug her and thought, she’s not a child medal winner in the sport pistol at the trate on the competition,” she says. any more.” 1988 Seoul Olympics and now attend- Germany’s shooting team has four The German table tennis player, 33, ing her eighth games, has been joined by women who are moms. Four-time skeet admits that it is tough not having Leo- her son Tsotne Machawariani. “My son world champion Christine Wenzel al- nie nearby, and in this regard she is in is giving me additional motivation,” the ready had this experience four years good company. At the Rio Olympics, 47-year-old psychologist says about her ago in London. Then, as now, she has there are any number of mothers who 18-year-old, who is competing in both left her son Tobias back home with his are competing for the medals while the air pistol and sport pistol events. grandparents. their darlings are far away. Nino Salukwadse said of her son’s Teammate Monika Karsch also left The Americans have 10 mothers on competing in Rio: “This was my father’s fi ve-year-old Bruno and Lina, three, their team, including high-jumper dream. Actually it should have been at home. “Some of my thoughts are al- Chaunte Lowe, who has three children. fulfi lled in 2020 in Tokyo, but Tsotne ways back home,” she says. It evidently Olympic long jump champion Brit- worked very hard.” She says this will did not impair her performance in Rio, Georgia shooters Nino Salukwadse and Tsotne Machawariani are the only mother-and-son Olympic team in Rio. The 47-year- tney Reese adopted an eight-year-old probably be her last Olympics, citing as she went on to win the silver medal in old Salukwadse, a psychologist by profession who is competing in her eighth Olympic Games, won the sport pistol gold at the boy, Alex, at the start of the year, while problems with her eyes. sport pistol event. 1988 Seoul Olympics. Her 18-year-old son is competing in both the air pistol and sport pistol events in Rio. ROUND-UP Egyptian judoka jeered aft er Israeli India’s dismal run handshake snub continues in Rio Shuttlers Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa crash out in preliminary stage of women’s doubles after second straight defeat; archer Atanu Das goes down fighting; shooter Gagan Narang and shot-putter Vikas Gowda further add to the country’s flop show

IANS Rio de Janeiro AFP Islamist groups in his homeland Rio de Janeiro to withdraw from the fight. He ndia’s fl op show at the 31st Rio Olym- refused to speak to journalists pics continued yesterday with shut- after his defeat. tlers Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponap- gyptian judoka Islam El Unlike some other Muslim pa crashing out from the preliminary Shehaby (in blue) was and Arab nations, Egypt has no Istages while archer Atanu Das went down Ejeered out of the Olympic history of withdrawing from judo fi ghting as shooter Gagan Narang and arena in Rio yesterday after bouts against Israelis. Sasson has shot-putter Vikas Gowda also added to the refusing to shake hands with his faced another Egyptian, Ahmed country’s woes here. Israeli opponent. Wahid, twice in the last year, Athletes Manpreet Kaur and Jinson El Shehaby was beaten by Or each fighter winning once. The Johnson also added to the disappointment Sasson (white) in their heavy- Egyptian Olympic Committee after failing in their respective disciplines weight first-round encounter but had insisted before the fight that as shooter Chain Singh fi nished a disap- at the end of the bout, he refused El Shehaby would compete. pointing 36th to negate his chances for to either bow to the Israeli or Last Sunday, Saudi Arabian 50-metre Rifl e Prone fi nals. shake his hand. In judo it is cus- Joud Fahmy withdrew from her Starting the day, Atanu crashed out of tomary to both bow to opponents 52kg first-round bout against the men’s Individual 1/8 Eliminations to — a sign of respect in Japan — and Christianne Legentil of Mauritius end India’s campaign in archery at Rio. shake hands after a bout is over. ahead of a possible second- The 24-year-old from Bengal fought El Shehaby had been well round clash with Gili Cohen of valiantly, but ultimately went down 4-6 beaten but stood impassively Israel. The Saudi Olympic Com- (28-30, 30-28, 27-27, 27-28, 28-28) to as Sasson tried to shake his mittee claimed she was injured. South Korea’s Seungyun Lee. hand. As he left the mat area, El Most famously in the Olympic It was a neck-and-neck contest at the Shehaby was called back to the dojo, then-world champion Arash Sambodromo that began brightly for At- centre by the referee to bow. But Miresmaeili pulled out of the anu, who scored a perfect 10 in the fi rst set, he was then loudly jeered out of competition after failing to make before being overpowered by Lee who hit the arena by angry supporters. the 66kg weight limit after being three consecutive perfect 10s in the fi rst International Judo Federation drawn against Israeli Ehud Vaks set to take a two-point lead. spokesman Nicolas Messner in the first round. The Iranian Atanu responded strongly with three said fighters were not obliged to delegation claimed he was ill straight 10s of his own to take the second shake hands after a bout. “In the and could not make the weight, set 30-28 and square the contest at 2-2 be- past, it is not sure that a fight be- although an inside source said fore squaring off the third set. tween those two athletes would he had failed the weight by more Atanu fl inched just once, in the fourth have taken place. This is already than 5kg — an incredible amount. set, to go down 27-28. That single point a big improvement that Arabic Back home in Iran he was feted proved to be fatal as both archers hit one countries accept to be opposed for his personal “sacrifice” and 10-pointer in the fi fth and fi nal set to to Israel,” he said. awarded the same prize as gold square it 28-28, allowing Lee to claim the “There is no obligation for medallists. match by the narrowest of margins. shaking hands at the end of the Iran openly refuses to allow its India then received another jolt as fight, but it is compulsory to citizens any contact with Israelis. shooter Gagan Narang along with Chain bow, that’s why the Egyptian was Iranian Javad Mahjoub pulled Singh failed to reach the fi nals of the men’s called back to bow and he did. out of a fight with Sasson at the 50-metres Rifl e Prone competition. Nevertheless, his attitude will be Tashkent World Cup in 2011. Narang, a bronze medallist in the 2012 reviewed after the Games to see A year later Mahjoub also with- Games in the 10-metres Air Rifl e, fi n- if any further action should be drew from the London Olympics ished 13th in the qualifi cation with a total taken,” Messner added. with a “gut infection” before of 623.1 points. The 33-year-old scored The 32-year-old El Shehaby, a the draw was even made — 104.7, 104.4, 104.6, 103.0, 104.0 and 102.4 world championship medallist Israeli Ariel Ze’evi was one of the in the six series. in 2010, had faced pressure on favourites for gold in his weight Chain fi nished 36th with a total of 619.6 social media and from hardline division, the under-100kg. points. Chain posted scores of 104.1, 101.0, 104.4, 102.4, 103.9, 103.8 over six series. As the action shifted to the badmin- ton court, the women’s doubles combo of Jwala and Ashwini once again failed in their second Group A match to bow out of Indian tennis duo of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna have made it to mixed doubles quarter-finals with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Samantha the Games. Stosur and Jonathan Peers of Australia. The Indian pair will next meet the British combination of Andy Murray and Heather Watson. The Indian duo suff ered a 16-21, 21-16, 17-21 defeat against the Dutch pair of Eefj e 1:47.27 minute to cover the distance. tory over Samantha Stosur and Jonathan Olympics after a gap of 36 years, thus suf- Muskens and Selena Piek in a contest that More disappointment was in store for Peers of Australia. fered their third loss in four matches. They lasted more than one hour. the Indian contingent as medal hope dis- The Indian pair overcame a strong chal- had started their campaign with a 2-2 draw The mood was further dampened after cus-thrower Vikas Gowda failed to qualify lenge from their Australian opponents in against Japan before losing to Britain and athlete Manpreet Kaur failed to get past in the qualifying round, securing 28th po- the fi rst set to carve out a 7-5, 6-4 victory Australia. the women’s Shot Put qualifying round. sition among 35 athletes. to make the quarter-fi nals. Sania and Bo- On the golf course, India’s Anirban The qualifying mark for the 18 shot putters The qualifying mark for the 18 shot- panna next take on the British combina- Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia scored three- in Group B was to achieve a throw of 18.40 putters in Group B was to achieve a throw tion of Andy Murray and Heather Watson over 74 and 71 respectively in the open- metres or at least the 12 best performers of 65.50 metres or at least the 12 best per- for a place in the semi-fi nals. ing round. World No. 69 Lahiri got off to a advanced to the fi nal round. formers advanced to the fi nal round. Meanwhile, the Indian women’s hockey poor start as he bogeyed the fi rst hole. He Manpreet scored 16.68 metres in her Gowda threw 57.59 metres and only team continued their dismal campaign, continued to struggle by making bogeys on fi rst attempt and improved to 17.06 metres 58.99 in his fi rst attempt. The 33-year-old suff ering a 0-3 defeat to the US in a Pool the sixth, eighth, 11th and 12th holes. He in her second attempt. She secured only only managed a paltry 58.70m throw in his B encounter. somehow recovered to make two birdies on 16.76m in her third attempt to fi nish a dis- third attempt, which was way below the Kathleen Bam (14th, 42nd minutes) the 15th and 18th holes to bag a 74. appointing 23rd. desired mark. struck twice for the Americans while His teammate Chawrasia got off to a Egypt’s Islam El Shehaby was well beaten by his Israeli opponent Or Another athlete Jinson Johnson’s cam- On Thursday, the tennis duo of Sania Melissa Gonzalez (52nd) scored the third strong start, making birdies on the sec- Sasson but stood impassively as Sasson tried to shake his hand. As paign ended after he fi nished fi fth in the Mirza and Rohan Bopanna started their goal to hand the Indians their third con- ond and fi fth. However, two bogeys on the he left the mat area, El Shehaby was called back to the centre by the qualifi cation round of the men’s 800 me- campaign in the mixed doubles category secutive defeat. seventh and 10th followed, disrupting the referee to bow. But he was then loudly jeered out by the angry crowd. tres Heat 3. The Kerala athlete clocked on a positive note with a straight sets vic- The Indians, who have qualifi ed for the good work done in the beginning. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 13, 2016 OLYMPICS

European Tour players TENNIS shine on rainy day in Rio

Reuters Bourdy said that European Rio de Janeiro players did not necessarily have an edge in Rio, even though the course, designed by Gil Hanse, Nadal eyes golden ustralian journeyman was a links-style venue. Marcus Fraser was work- “We never know in golf. We Aing to preserve his lead say every year that the British on the second day of Olympic Open is good for the European golf yesterday, although several guys but the Americans always European players including Swe- are in the top three or five and den’s Henrik Stenson were in they don’t play all year on links pursuit as soggy conditions set courses,” Bourdy said. double aft er pulling in after morning rain. Britain’s Justin Rose, who hit Fraser, who plays on the Eu- a hole in one on Thursday, was ropean Tour, had a three-stroke tied for third near the end of his lead as he headed onto the back round. Golf’s first gold medal nine of the course. Some of Fra- in 112 years, after the sport was ser’s European Tour rivals, such reintroduced to the Olympics in as Belgian Thomas Pieters and Rio, will be awarded tomorrow France’s Gregory Bourdy, also after two more rounds of play. out of mixed event carded solid scores after a rain spell that had the caddies whip- ‘My only priority is that I have a silver medal for sure. For us, it’s a dream come true. It’s ping out their umbrellas. Stenson, this year’s British time to enjoy it. I’m also in the quarter-finals in singles, which is also very important, but I Open winner, was doing all he could to catch Fraser. He came here not expecting anything, having practised almost zero for the last two months’ grabbed the crowd’s attention early on by draining a 90-foot putt after hitting a hazard on the third hole. Spain’s Rafael Nadal (left) Stenson took some risks and celebrates with doubles often found himself in wild, teammate Marc Lopez after grassy areas. With a handful beating the Canadian pair of of holes to go, the Swede was Vasek Pospisil and Daniel second. France’s Gregory Bourdy, Nestor to make the final of who had a two-under 69, said tennis competition in Rio. (AFP) he had been expecting better weather with an early tee time but the course became tougher after the rain.

SPOTLIGHT USA inch closer to milestone 1,000th Olympic gold medal

Reuters the swimming pool and gymnas- Rio de Janeiro tics, the milestone could go to one of the Rio Games biggest names like Michael Phelps or Simone riple-jumper James Biles or it could belong to an un- Connolly won the United known competing in men’s Greco- States’ fi rst gold medal at Roman wrestling or sailing. the 1896 Summer Games It would seem likely the his- Tand it is expected that by tomor- toric moment will come in the row or Monday a still unknown pool or athletics stadium with American will claim a milestone those two sports accounting for 1,000th gold to bookend 120 more than half the US gold pro- years of Olympic domination. duction. To underscore the United Phelps, the most decorated States’ status as the Olympics Olympian ever, has made the undisputed superpower, at the biggest individual contribution, current rate of winning medals chipping in with 22 golds and (going back to 2000) it will take counting. almost a century and 21 more The Unied States’ Olympic Summer Games for the next na- domination has not been all- tion to reach the 1,000 gold pla- encompassing. No American has teau, with China fi nally hitting ever stood atop the podium in AFP forced him out of the French Open, start- most zero for the last two months.” drej Martin of Slovakia 6-2, 6-2. He next the mark in 2100. fi eld hockey, triathlon, badmin- Rio de Janeiro ed the day staring at a gruelling 10-match Nadal, the 2008 Olympic singles cham- faces fl amboyant French shotmaker Gael The 1,000 medals would also ton, handball, table tennis and schedule in just four days if he was to win pion, defeated French 15th seed Simon 7-6 Monfi ls who beat 2014 US Open cham- represent almost one-quarter modern pentathlon as well as polo three golds. (7/5), 6-3 and faces Brazilian number one pion Marin Cilic 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-4. of the total gold awarded at the and lacrosse, which are no longer afael Nadal gave up his ambitious But having already spent eight hours on Thomaz Bellucci, who beat Belgian eighth Juan Martin del Potro, who put out Summer Olympics with no oth- on the Olympic programme. dream of an Olympic golden court this week, followed by four more on seed David Goffi n 7-6 (12/10), 6-4, in the world number one Novak Djokovic in the er country even reaching half The United States has hosted treble on Thursday after spend- Thursday, the 14-time major winner ran quarter-fi nals. fi rst round, made the last-eight with a 6-7 that number. The US arrived in four Summer Games in St. Louis ing an exhausting four hours on out of gas, his plans not helped by all of Andy Murray, the second seed and bid- (4/7), 6-1, 6-2 win over Taro Daniel of Ja- Rio sitting on 977 gold and, ac- (1904), Los Angeles (1932, 1984) courtR to reach the singles quarter-fi nals Wednesday’s schedule being washed out. ding to be the fi rst player to defend an Ol- pan to set up a quarter-fi nal with Spain’s cording to Olympstats.com, the and Atlanta (1996). The fi rst and men’s doubles fi nal. Nadal had hinted that he was unlikely ympic singles title, came back from 3-0 Roberto Bautista Agut. former Soviet Union with 473 Games of the Modern Olympics The 30-year-old Spaniard was set to to fullfi l his mixed doubles commitments down in the deciding set to defeat Italy’s Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra ranks second with Germany a produced the fewest golds (11) partner French Open champion Garbine just after seeing off Nestor and Pospisil Fabio Fognini. The Wimbledon champion Kvitova made the women’s semi-fi nals by distant third with 288. while the Soviet-boycotted 1984 Muguruza in the mixed but withdrew just 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/4) to set up the gold med- won 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 and will next face Amer- defeating Elina Svitolina, the conqueror “I was at the Casa Italia event Los Angeles Olympics generated moments before they were to face Lucie al clash against Florin Mergea and Horia ican 12th seed Steve Johnson who brushed of defending champion and world number the other night and they were ap- the most (83). Hradecka and Radek Stepanek in a fi rst- Tecau of Romania. aside Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy 6-1, 6-1. one Serena Williams, 6-2, 6-0 in just 48 proaching their 200th gold medal, “I think what it means is we round tie. When asked if it was possible to win Murray later partnered Heather minutes. Kvitova next faces Monica Puig I think they have one more to go, have just a great sporting culture The eff ort of downing Gilles Simon in three golds, he replied: “No, no, that’s im- Watson in the mixed doubles after Mon- who beat Germany’s Laura Siegemund so it just goes to show the scale of and a really amazing system of the singles followed just a couple of hours possible.” ica Niculescu and Mergea withdrew. The 6-1, 6-1 as she continues her push to be accomplishment our athletes have sport in our country,” said Alan later by teaming with lifelong friend Marc He added: “My only priority is that I British pair, silver medallists in London Puerto Rico’s fi rst gold medallist. achieved over the many years,” Ashley, the USOC chief of sport Lopez to beat Daniel Nestor and Vasek have a silver medal for sure. For us, it’s a four years ago, made the most of their late American seventh seed Madison Keys said United States Olympic Com- performance. “It is very exciting Pospisil to make the gold medal doubles dream come true. It’s time to enjoy it. I’m call-up, beating David Ferrer and Carla saw off Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-1. mittee chairman Larry Probst. to think of it in those terms and to match proved too much. also in the quarter-fi nals in singles, which Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-3, 6-3. She will face second seed and Australian With the US medal machine al- realise that we are on the doorstep Nadal, playing for the fi rst time in two- is also very important, but I came here not Elsewhere in the men’s singles, Japan’s Open champion Angelique Kerber who ready humming, piling up gold in of that amazing achievement.” and-a-half months after a wrist injury expecting anything, having practised al- fourth seed Kei Nishikori eased past An- beat Britain’s Johanna Konta 6-1, 6-2.

FOOTBALL Neymar renews bruising Colombian rivalry AFP will be who to leave out as midfi elder Thiago smashed Germany 5-0 in last year’s Europe- Rio de Janeiro Maia returns from suspension for a much an under-21 championship semi-fi nals went Neymar has yet to find the net for tougher test posed by Colombia who were on to star in France last month, whilst others Brazil who staved off a humiliating unbeaten in their three group games have shone in Brazil. early Olympic exit on home soil with razil superstar Neymar renews his Micale used a daring 4-2-4 formation Porto’s Goncalo Paciencia has scored in a 4-0 win over Denmark to kickstart bruising rivalry with Colombia in against the Danes, but one of Manchester all three Games as Portugal dumped out a stuttering campaign. (AFP) today’s Olympic Games quarter- City’s Gabriel Jesus or Luan—both of whom Argentina on their way to the last eight and fi nals while Germany face Portugal scored on Wednesday—is likely to be sacri- believes a summer of unparallelled success inB a clash of world and European champions. fi ced for Maia. shouldn’t come as a surprise. Neymar again failed to fi nd the net as Colombia will also have the World Cup “It’s only a surprise to people on the out- Brazil staved off a humiliating early exit on from two years ago on their minds as an im- side. We’ve always known that we have a home soil, but was the creator-in-chief as pressive run to the quarter-fi nals was ended quality side,” he said. Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa struck twice in by Brazil in a brutal clash in Fortaleza. The “It’s another example of the excellent a 4-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday to rough treatment dished out by both sides work Portugal have been doing. kickstart a hitherto stuttering campaign for ended Neymar’s World Cup as he was stretch- “If a lot of these players are unknowns, a fi rst football gold. ered off with two broken vertebrae in his back. then it’s because there’s so much quality Relief was the buzzword for a Brazilian And Colombia’s star at the Games, play- around and they’ve had to wait a long time squad booed off in their opening two 0-0 maker Teo Gutierrez, said his side will be up to get their chance.” draws with Iraq and South Africa and seek- for the fi ght again to “leave their names in Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry has been revital- ing to heal the pride of the national team just the history of Colombian football”. ised at the Games after a stagnant couple two years after being thrashed 7-1 at their The winners in Sao Paulo will move on to of years with fi ve goals to lead the scoring own World Cup by Germany. face South Korea or Honduras, who meet in charts alongside German teammate Nils Pe- “The criticism did us good. We had to Belo Horizonte. tersen. Gnabry was part of the German team make the most of it to turn the situation The tantalising prospect of Brazil facing thrashed by Portugal last year, but played around,” said Paris Saint-Germain defender Germany once more with a gold medal on down the importance of revenge. “We Marquinhos. the line is in play, but fi rst the world cham- played with a completely diff erent team last “We have achieved our objective by play- pions have to negotiate their way past a Por- year, just like Portugal did,” he said. ing collectively, which is what we lacked, but tugal side still riding the wave of their senior A semi-fi nal clash against either Nigeria playing like this we can go even further.” side’s success at Euro 2016. or Denmark is the prize for the winners in The question for coach Rogerio Micale Many of the Portuguese players that Brasilia. Gulf Times Saturday, August 13, 2016 7 SPORT

CRICKET MOTORCYCLING Austria set for action aft er Shafi q, Younis put 18-year gap

AFP The Yamaha rider and defend- Spielberg ing champion admitted the “sit- uation is tricky because Marc has such a big lead, but I’m going Pakistan in control fter a three week sum- to do my best and fi ght to the end mer break the MotoGp to reduce that gap.” returns to action to an Rossi aims for the podium Shafiq, 30, was dropped off a far harder slip chance by James Anderson on seven unfamiliar location, Italian superstar Valentino Ros- AAustria, which hasn’t hosted a si, currently third in the cham- — the toughest of the three chances England missed yesterday motorbike grand prix for the last pionship, 59 points behind Mar- eighteen years. quez, is the only rider to have The new Red Bull Ring in already raced in Spielberg back Spielberg promises some explo- in 1996, although on a very dif- sive excitement, the track de- ferent track layout. scribed as “breathtakingly fast” Rossi was fast during the test- by MotoGp commentator Matt ing, and has expressed his desire Birt. The new track will guar- have a rapid start to the second antee mistakes and turnarounds half of the season. This is a par- Birt saying “It is a layout where ticularly special place for the braking stability, top speed and Italian who raced to the fi rst po- low gear acceleration are the key dium of his career here in Austria to a fast lap time.” in 1996 before going on to win The riders are also looking the championship nine times. forward to getting out on the Red The 37-year-old said it was Bull Ring and had a chance to urgent to close the gap on Mar- test the track during two private quez but that the track didn’t sessions at the end of July. really suit the Movistar Yamaha Overall leader Marc Marquez rider’s style. is one of the favourites to win “The two straight stretches this fi rst race in Spielberg but the are very long which doesn’t help Spaniard is wary of the novelty us, but we will have the oppor- course. tunity to get to grips with them “You approach the race in during the weekend.” said Rossi. a diff erent manner on a new Spotlight on Ducati Another course because you need to team looking to start the sec- adapt yourself as fast as possi- ond half of the season in top gear ble” said Marquez. is Ducati. The Bologna outfi t “Some sections remind me haven’t won a GP since 2010, of Austin. You need to break re- when Casey Stoner stormed to ally hard to slow the bike down victory at Philip Island. and then turn quickly. Then Some 2128 days later Ducati we have the last segment of the have a real chance to end a 100 race which is really, really, fast. race winless streak. Their bike I think this is a fantastic venue dominated the Red Bull Ring for MotoGp, I’m impatient to get tests with Ducati occupying out there.” said the Honda pilot seven of the top eight places. A who has a 48 point advantage chance for Andrea Dovizioso and over his fellow Spaniard Jorge Andrea Iannone to put an end to Lorenzo. Ducati’s troubles.

STEADY West Indies make solid Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq celebrates his century as Younis Khan looks on during the third day of the Fourth Test match at the Oval in London yesterday. progress in 3rd Test AFP catching has let them down throughout SCORECARD London the series — dropped Moeen Ali on nine and then saw him make 108 in a total of England 1st Innings 328 (M Ali 108, J To bat: Wahab Riaz, Mohamed Amir, AFP Not for the fi rst time in the 328. Bairstow 55; Sohail Khan 5-68) Sohail Khan Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia series, Darren Bravo fell to a sad Shafi q and Younis Khan Shafi q, 30, was dropped off a far harder Pakistan 1st Innings (overnight: 3-1) Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Aslam), 2-52 (Shah), short-pitched delivery, miscu- both scored hundreds as Paki- slip chance by James Anderson on seven Sami Aslam lbw b Broad ...... 3 3-127 (Azhar), 4-277 (Shafiq), 5-316 (Mis- ing a hook off fast bowler Ishant stan built a slender fi rst-innings — the toughest of the three chances Eng- Azhar Ali c Bairstow b Ali ...... 49 bah), 6-320 (Iftikhar) arlon Samuels and Sharma to be caught by Ajay lead on the second day of the land missed yesterday. Yasir Shah c Root b Finn ...... 26 Bowling: Anderson 19-6-58-0; Broad Jermaine Blackwood Jadeja on the fi ne-leg boundary fourthA Test against England at The Oval His innings was all the more poignant held up India’s push for 29. Asad Shafiq c Broad b Finn ...... 109 19-5-59-1 (1nb, 1w); Finn 19-1-71-2; Woakes yesterday. as fl ags above The Oval pavilion were fl y- Younis Khan not out ...... 101 17-4-52-2; Ali 16-0-83-1 (1nb); Root 1-0-5-0 for a fi rst-innings There was a moment of con- At stumps, Pakistan were 340 for six, ing at half-mast in honour of Pakistan advantage,M as the West Indies tention though when television Misbah-ul-Haq c Hales b Woakes ...... 15 Match position: Pakistan lead by 12 12 runs in front, with Younis ending a run legend Hanif Mohamed, who died aged Iftikhar Ahmed c Ali b Woakes ...... 4 runs with four first-innings wickets reached 194 for three in reply to replays seemed to suggest that of low scores with 101 not out after shar- 81 on Thursday. Sarfraz Ahmed not out ...... 17 standing. Toss: England the tourists’ fi rst innings total of Sharma had delivered a no-ball ing a fourth-wicket partnership of exact- One of cricket’s greatest batsmen, Extras (b9, lb3, w2, nb2) ...... 16 Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS), Marais 353 at lunch on the fourth day of although television offi cial Gre- ly 150 with Shafi q (109). Hanif had said the equally diminutive Total (6 wkts, 91 overs, 404 mins) .. 340 Erasmus (RSA). the third Test in St Lucia yester- gory Brathwaite ruled the deliv- This was Younis’s 32nd century in 108 Shafi q’s technique was as close as anyone day. ery to be legitimate. Tests. had come to his own. With the entire third day lost India were on the verge of It was also the 30th successive occa- Azhar, promoted to open after his cen- But Shafi q and Younis both lofted off - tine — a tribute to the military staff who to rain, a draw remains the most triggering a collapse when sion that Younis had converted a Test tury at Edgbaston, and Yasir Shah were spinner Ali for huge straight sixes over had helped the squad get fi t during a pre- likely result unless either team Kraigg Brathwaite fell shortly innings of 90 plus into a hundred — one both nought not out. long-on. tour boot camp. can earn a distinct advantage by afterwards, caught down the more than Australia’s Don Bradman, But having done his nightwatchman Younis, who had been hopping about Shafi q was out soon afterwards when stumps with one day of play left leg-side by wicketkeeper Wrid- widely regarded as cricket’s greatest duty by getting through the fi rst hour, the crease during a series where his pre- a pull off Finn was brilliantly caught by in the penultimate match of the dhiman Saha off spinner Ravi- batsman. Shah fell for 26 when he nicked fast bowl- vious best score was 33 in Pakistan’s win Stuart Broad, diving to his left at short series. chandran Ashwin. Sarfraz Ahmed was 17 not out as Paki- er Steven Finn to second slip Joe Root. in the fi rst Test at Lord’s, looked far more mid-wicket. Samuels (39 not out) and His typically patient innings stan fought to level the four-match series The blue and sunny skies above The in control on Friday. Woakes then struck twice in an over Blackwood (20 not out) will of 64 occupied 164 balls and in- at 2-2. Oval, allied to a good pitch, off ered some His square-cut four off Anderson saw with the new ball to remove skipper resume in the afternoon seeking cluded six fours. Earlier, Shafi q put the pain of a pair last of the best batting conditions this series. him to an 86-ball fi fty in two hours. Misbah-ul-Haq and debutant Iftikhar to extend a fourth-wicket part- But Samuels and Blackwood, time out behind him in style. Shafi q avoided a third straight nought Shafi q spent 17 balls on 99 before a Ahmed. nership already worth 59 runs. who came together with the Promoted up the order from number by getting off the mark with a cover-driv- quick single took him to a hundred in just Younis, 38, got to his hundred in 139 Their eff orts proved invalu- score at 135 for three, kept the six, Shafi q’s century came immediately en four off Finn. over fi ve hours off 164 balls with 12 fours balls with 15 fours and a six. able in keeping the Indian bowl- Indians at bay until the lunch after he twice made nought during Eng- Finn put down a caught and bowled and two sixes. The conductor of Pakistan’s victory ers at bay after the dismissal of interval, although both ap- land’s 141-run win in the third Test at chance from Azhar, then on 35, before the Unlike previous Pakistan hundreds press-up celebrations across London at the overnight pair within the peared to be fortunate to have Edgbaston. batsman was caught behind on 49 glov- this season, Shafi q opted against cele- Lord’s, Younis marked his century more fi rst hour of an extended session LBW appeals against them On Thursday, Pakistan — whose close ing a sweep off Ali. brating with a fl amboyant press-up rou- modestly by kissing the Oval turf. of play. turned down.

BOTTOMLINE Sri Lanka lick lips over ‘spinners’ paradise’

AFP ners from the off as he made clear Sri injuries to their fast bowlers, could or England, who are leading their re- Colombo Lanka were in no mood to go easy on call up medium-pacer Suranga Lakmal spective series against the West Indies their visitors. in place of Vishwa Fernando in their and Pakistan. “It’s going to be a turner. SSC tradi- starting XI.His opposite number Steve “I haven’t really thought about the ri Lanka’s captain Angelo Math- tionally has been good for batting, but Smith held back from naming his line- ranking to be perfectly honest with ews predicted more trouble since late it has helped spin bowling a up as he revealed that batsman Adam you,” Smith said. ahead for Australia’s belea- lot,” Mathews told reporters on the eve Voges was an injury doubt. “It’s been a disappointing series from guered batsmen in the fi nal Test, of the match. “We will wait till the toss. We are all aspects so far, so this is another op- sayingS the pitch in Colombo would be a “It will turn from day one and it will waiting on Adam Voges who has some portunity to play in the sub-continent “spinners’ paradise”. be a spinners’ paradise once again.” issues with his hamstring from the last on what looks like another tough wick- Mathews’ side have already taken After being soundly beaten in the fi rst game, so we will see how it goes,” Smith et. an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three- two Tests in Pallekele and Galle, the said. Australia, who were handed a cer- “I dare say it will take a bit of spin like match series and now have the chance Australians are now in danger of los- emonial mace at the start of the series the last two ones. So for us we haven’t to register their fi rst whitewash against ing their status as Test cricket’s number to mark their ascent to the top of the been good enough on these wickets so a major team since gaining Test status one ranked side if they go down 3-0. Test rankings, could be overtaken by far.” in 1981. “We are not satisfi ed with 2-0 we both England and India by the time they Despite their struggles in the fi rst Australia’s batsmen have found Sri need to go for a 3-0 whitewash,” Math- return home. two Tests in Pallekele and Galle, Smith Lanka’s trio of spinners — Rangana ews said. “We are excited. Everyone is A whitewash would revive unfortu- said Australia’s batsmen would still Herath, Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan geared up and not taken the foot off the nate memories of their last tour of the play with a positive mindset. Sandakan — unplayable at times and gas.“We have trained extremely hard in sub-continent in 2013, when they lost “You have to think proactively. If have only scored one half-century be- the last couple of days. Hopefully we all four Tests against India in a series you sit there and try and defend all day, tween them in the fi rst two Tests. can go out there once again and beat the which was marred by a spat between one’s going to have your name on it. So The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) is Aussies again.” senior players. you have to be willing to play with a bit traditionally a high-scoring venue but Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews plays a shot during a practice session at The Mathews indicated that Sri Lanka, Smith played down the signifi cance of courage to take the game on,” said Mathews expected it to assist his spin- Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo yesterday. who have been troubled by the recent of losing the number one spot to India Smith.

Saturday, August 13, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SETBACK SPANISH SUPER CUP PREVIEW Pogba Barcelona pinning out of their hopes on Ranieri calls fi rst EPL new-look Messi home as title match defence starts ‘The big teams are ready to fight for the title and we are ready to defend our title’ Sampdoria’s goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano (L) tries to stop Barcelona’s AFP Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during the annual 51st Joan Manchester Gamper Trophy friendly football match beteen Barcelona FC and UC Sampdoria at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 10. This file photo taken on August 7, 2016, shows Leicester City’s Italian anchester Unit- DPA drid, with so much enthusiasm manager Claudio Ranieri during ed will be without Madrid and clarity,” said Sevilla’s new the FA Community Shield football world record signing Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli. match between Manchester United MPaul Pogba for their “The result was a disappoint- and Leicester City at Wembley Premier League opener against ll eyes will be on Lionel ment, of course. But I am tak- Stadium in London. Bournemouth tomorrow due to a Messi tomorrow when ing a lot of positives from that suspension, the Football Associa- Barcelona visit Sevilla game.” tion said on yesterday. Afor the fi rst leg of the For the fi rst leg in Sevilla’s Es- Pogba signed for United for Spanish Super Cup — and not tadio Sanchez Pizjuan, the hosts 89mn pounds ($115mn)on Tues- only because of his excellent pre- will be without injured defender day, but will have to wait to make season form. Nico Pareja, which will open his debut after the FA named the Messi raised eyebrows in the the door for Adil Rami. Daniel France international as one of four Camp Nou Wednesday with Carrico and Vicente Iborra are players who will be suspended for his new-look dyed blond hair. also doubtful after taking heavy the opening weekend. Pogba’s sus- Maybe his new image is part of knocks Tuesday. Meanwhile, pension has been carried over from a campaign to get over his latest Barca will be without goalkeeper Juventus’ Italian Cup campaign last disappointment with Argentina Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who season where he picked up book- — another defeat in the fi nal of suff ered a twisted left knee in ings in the semi-fi nal against Inter the Copa America against Chile training Thursday and will be Milan and the fi nal victory over AC in June. The Barca megastar out for around three weeks. Milan. seems to be fi rm in his deci- Ter Stegen’s injury is good Manager Jose Mourinho only sion not to play for his coungtry news for Chilean veteran Clau- learned two days ago that he would again, despite the eff orts Thurs- dio Bravo, who was worried be without his marquee summer day of new Argentina coach about the young German tak- signing for his new club’s opening Edgardo Bauza to persuade Messi ing over his position as Barca’s fi xture. to return to the fold. number one between the sticks. “I knew the situation with the On Wednesday Bauza saw On the Barca subs bench, hoping yellow cards but I didn’t know if an Messi score two goals and set up to make his offi cial debut, will accumulation would bring a sus- the other one in the 3-2 friendly be midfi elder Denis Suarez, who pension,” he told journalists yes- defeat of Sampdoria. “Messi did so well while on loan at Se- terday. looks diff erent now and seems villa two years ago. “I have great “I didn’t know if a suspension even more determined than ever memories of my team at Sevilla,” from Italian football would be for to do well for Barca,” commented the promising Suarez said. the corresponding competition in Catalan radio RAC1. “But now I am a Barca player AFP season of uncertainty at the renamed England, which would be the fi rst Which could be bad news for and I want to help the team in any Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom FIXTURES KCOM Stadium. FA Cup match.” Sevilla, who are still licking their way I can. “We are really looking Promotion back to the top fl ight at the Regardless of the suspension, it wounds after Tuesday’s agonis- forward to the Super Cup, be- fter watching their team com- Today: Hull City v Leicester City fi rst attempt, albeit via the play-off s, was unlikely that Mourinho would ing late 3-2 defeat against Real cause it is the fi rst chance for us plete a footballing miracle in (1130) Burnley v Swansea City (1400) could have been used as a platform for have handed the 23-year-old his Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup to win a trophy this season...It May, Leicester City’s fans will Crystal Palace v West Bromwich progress. debut, with Pogba only recently re- showpiece in Norway. will be important for us to score be cautious about writing off Albion (1400) Everton v Tottenham But the resignation of popular man- turning from his holiday. “It was great to see the team at least one goal, and if possible Athe Premier League champions’ hopes of ager Steve Bruce, following an apparent Pogba’s new United teammate play like that against Real Ma- win, in the fi rst leg on Sunday.” Hotspur (1400) Middlesbrough v a repeat. Stoke City (1400) Southampton v breakdown in his working relationship Chris Smalling, Tottenham Hot- Manager Claudio Ranieri, however, is Watford (1400) Manchester City v with vice-chairman Ehab Allam, put a spur’s Mousa Dembele and Robert happy to dismiss the Foxes’ chances of a Sunderland (1630) stop to that prospect. A permanent re- Huth of Leicester City are the other HOPEFUL second fairytale out of hand. Tomorrow: Bournemouth v placement is still to be appointed. players who will miss this week- Having spent last season success- Manchester United (1230) Arsenal v With Hull also up for sale and the sub- end’s kick off due to suspension. fully playing down expectations until Liverpool (1500) ject of takeover talks with a Far East-led Pogba is now in line to make his his team completed one of sport’s most Monday: Chelsea v West Ham consortium, the state of limbo has per- United debut in their fi rst home Mourinho unlikely triumphs, the Italian has adopt- United (1900) sisted. game of the season, against South- ed a similar trick on the eve of the new Former assistant manager Mike Phe- ampton on Aug. 19. campaign. lan will be in charge for the visit of the Meanwhile, Belgian winger Ad- claims United Ahead of his side’s season opener at than last season. It is easier for ET to champions after a failed attempt to try nan Januzaj has joined Sunderland Hull City today, the amiable Italian used come to Piccadilly Circus!” and lure Chris Coleman from his job as on a season-long loan from Man- a typically colourful analogy to empha- Ranieri’s squad has a clean bill of Wales manager. chester United, his new club an- are title contenders sis his point. health ahead of the trip to Humberside, So far Phelan has not signed any play- nounced yesterday. “The big teams are ready to fi ght for with Riyad Mahrez expected to start. ers to add to a squad already severely de- The move will reunite Januzaj, the title and we are ready to defend our The Algerian winger has been at the pleted by injuries and weakened by the 21, with Sunderland manager David AFP title,” he said. centre of intense speculation about his departure of key midfi elder Mohamed Moyes, who gave him his United Manchester “But we know it is a diff erent gap now. future, with strong claims in France that Diame to Newcastle United. debut in August 2013. Last season we did something unbeliev- he is keen to leave for Arsenal. Goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defend- Januzaj made a strong impres- able, but now the big teams are back, I “Never has Riyad come to me and said, ers Alex Bruce and Michael Dawson and sion in the 2013-14 season, but ose Mourinho insisted am sure. Now we have to fi ght. Our tar- ‘Coach, I want to go’ because I’ll kill him wide player Moses Odubajo are all long- failed to hold down a fi rst-team yesterday that Manches- get is 40 points, then see what happens. before he tells me this!” joked Ranieri, term absentees, while fans are planning place at United and spent the fi rst ter United will be con- “Of course they (big clubs) are strong- making a strangling motion. to protest at Saturday’s game at the way half of last season on loan at Borus- tenders for the Premier er because they can’t have a mistake an- “It’s not a problem. When there is all the club is being run. sia Dortmund.“Adnan will give us LeagueJ title in his fi rst season in other year. this attention around your name, it’s be- Phelan hopes the team he puts out is a diff erent variation,” Moyes told a charge at Old Traff ord, and criti- “They lost one season, and in the life cause you are doing well. able to thrive in the face of adversity. press conference. “I have to get him cised some of his rival managers of those big teams that can happen, but “The speculation is normal. He is a big “You’re going into a new season hav- back to the level he played at two for not being brave enough to altogether it only happens once in a life- player and he needs to feel there are oth- ing earned the right to be in the Premier years ago. make the same claim. time. er teams and managers who want him. League and we shouldn’t forget the work “He will get every opportunity United have not won the “I am very curious. All the world is “I don’t know, who is interested? Tell that was put in last year to get us up,” he to do the business. I’m hoping the league title since Alex Ferguson’s curious (about) what will happen with me if there is one. Arsenal? No. Riyad said. Sunderland fans will see the real last season at the club in 2013, Leicester. I think the bookmakers have will stay with us.” “I think the players have come to- Adnan Januzaj.” Sunderland have with David Moyes and Louis to make it 6,000-1 now. Hull could hardly be going into the gether and been a close unit over the last not revealed if the deal contains an van Gaal both failing to mount a “It is impossible. It is more diffi cult new season in worse shape after a close few weeks.” option to buy. challenge during their spells as think that’s Manchester United. managers. I think Manchester United has to Finishing fi fth in the Premier say we want to win the title. League last season signalled the “We have all the respect for QATAR TAKE ON REAL BETIS IN ZURICH end of Van Gaal’s two-year stay, the others and maybe we don’t but Mourinho clearly expects to win, maybe we arrive end of sea- do far better and has not been son and are happy to fi nish top frightened to make his inten- four. It depends on how the sea- tions clear. son goes. Mourinho — who won the title “But in this moment when I three times in his two spells as speak to you, I speak to my play- manager of Chelsea — said: “We ers too, and I cannot speak dif- feel that we are candidates to win ferently.” the title. United will begin their title “We know that not one or two challenge at Bournemouth to- or three more than that have morrow without world-record the same ambitions. We cannot signing Paul Pogba, who must speak diff erently. We want to serve a one-match ban for col- fi ght for the title. lecting two yellow cards play- “If at the end of the season ing for Juventus in last season’s we are not champions because Coppa Italia. someone is better than us then Pogba, who cost United great, that’s football. £89mn ($115.3mn) to bring back “But at Manchester United to Old Traff ord for a second Football Club you cannot say spell, may not have been match- diff erently, we have to fi ght for fi t, having only completed his the title. protracted transfer last Monday, “Many more think the same although Mourinho admitted he way as us but they are afraid to was not aware of the ban until say it. They prefer to play a de- two days ago. fensive game in words. Mourinho added: “I don’t Qatar coach Jose Daniel Carreno leads a team training session in Zurich yesterday. Qatar, who are preparing for the final round of World Cup qualifying from Asia, take on “They prefer to say or to hide speak about suspended or in- Spanish la Liga side Real Betis in a friendly match today. or to play defensively with the jured players. I speak about the words, that’s not our way. I don’t ones that are ready to play.”