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Friday, July 28, 2017 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 5, 1438 AH Philander at the GULF TIMES double as Cook defi es South Africa SPORT Page 2 FOCUS Qatar athletics team preps

Barshim, Elseify, Bader, Haroun, for London Worlds Samba focused on the big event

QNA ers for the event. Doha He announced himself on the elite scene in his next performance at the XL Galan in February 2015 by running an ith a week to go before the Asian indoor record of 45.39 seconds, IAAF World Champion- which was also the third fastest ever by ships in London, the Qa- a junior category athlete and the fastest tar national athletics team ever indoor debut. Wcontinues its preparations for the event Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) that will see over 1,900 athletes from general secretary Mohamed Issa al- over 200 countries vie for glory. Fadala said, “Qatar’s athletes are de- The Qatar team for the event that termined and will put in all their eff orts runs from August 4-13 includes Rio to achieve what we all hope for and take Olympics silver medallist high jumper podium positions. Mutaz Barshim, two-time world junior “We will work hard to boost the suc- gold medallist hammer thrower Ashraf cess of Qatari athletics, especially as Elseify; javelin thrower Ahmed Bader, Qatar will host the 17th edition of the world indoor 400m silver medallist IAAF World Championships in 2019 Abdalelah Haroun and 400m hurdles and then participate in the 2020 Tokyo athlete Abderrahman Samba. Olympic Games.” National and Asian record holder For his part, QAF board member and Barshim, who jumps off his left foot Ahmed Bader is first-ever Qatari to compete in javelin throw at Olympics. national team head Khalifa Abdulmalik using the Fosbury Flop technique, has said that the team will head to London won all four Diamond League events he next week after completing their Euro- has participated in this season with a pean camps, while Abdalelah Haroun, best of 2.38m in Oslo. who is currently training in Doha, will Barshim’s personal best is 2.43m, join them there. which he jumped in Brussels in Sep- Abdulmalik said that the athletes’ tember 2014. He followed up his bronze participation in the IAAF Diamond in 2012 London with a silver medal in League has only added to their confi - Rio last year. dence and performance. Bader’s qualifi cation for the Rio Veteran athlete, QAF board member Games was remarkably his fi rst-ever and head of the Qatari delegation at the senior participation and he was the World Championships, Talal Mansour youngest competitor in the discipline. said that Qatar athletics has always He also became the fi rst-ever Qatari to strived to off er joy to the people of Qa- compete in javelin throw at an Olympic Qatari high jumper Mutaz Barshim has topped all four Diamond League events he tar thanks to their superior perform- Games. has taken part in this season. ances in major tournaments and Olym- The young javelin thrower proved to pic Games. be a formidable competitor after quali- 2014 edition of the championships with onds, while American Kerron Clement Mansour, who has never been absent fying for Rio with an incredible throw an 84.71m throw. (49.40) and South African L J van Zyl from Qatar’s national athletics since of 84.74 metres. He has since fi nished second at the (49.49) came in second and third. he was 14 years old when he started his He recently qualifi ed for the London 2015 Asian Championships in Wuhan, Samba cruised to victory in the Sas- career as an athlete, pledged that Qatar 2017 World Championships during the China, and third at the Islamic Solidar- ol-NWU International athletics meet- will win three medals at the 2019 World 16th GCC Athletics Championship. ity Games in Baku this year. ing earlier in March in South Africa Championships in Doha. Qatari hammer thrower Elseify, an Another Aspire Academy gradu- with 48.31 seconds. Abdalelah Haroun, who specialises in 400 metres, is the 2015 Asian champion in QAF board member Khalid Rashid Aspire Academy graduate, impressed ate, Samba claimed top honours in Haroun, who specialises in 400 the event. al-Marri too praised the athletes and many after his 2012 world junior cham- the 400m hurdles event at the Doha metres, is the 2015 Asian champion in added that the federation has been pionship eff ort of 85.57m, which is a Diamond League this year, power- the event and holds the Asian indoor His fi rst recorded performance was a 2014, which placed him among the moving ahead according to plan as has world junior record. He then topped the ing to victory in a time of 48.44 sec- record. time of 45.74 seconds in Doha in April world’s most promising young sprint- been shown by recent performances.

CRICKET India leave Sri Lanka reeling at 154-5 in fi rst Test

AFP Mukund, fi elding at silly point, also Hardik Pandya struck a half-century A. Mukund c Dickwella b Pradeep 12 Galle, Sri Lanka took a fi ne one-handed catch off Ravi- on debut as India’s last two wickets C. Pujara c Dickwella b Pradeep 153 chandran Ashwin to send back Niro- added a quickfi re 83 runs in 71 balls to V. Kohli c Dickwella b Pradeep 3 shan Dickwella (eight) and reduce the lift the side from 517 for 8. A. Rahane c Karunaratne b Kumara 57 ndia’s bowlers tore through the Sri hosts to a shaky 143-5. Shami hit Rangana Herath for three R. Ashwin c Dickwella b Pradeep 47 Lankan top order to put the visitors Yadav gave his side an early break- sixes while Pandya lofted Pradeep for W. Saha c Perera b Herath 16 fi rmly on top on the second day of through after the Indian lower-order as many sixes in an attacking batting H. Pandya c sub (de Silva) b Kumara 50 the fi rst Test in Galle yesterday. batsmen scored at a quick pace despite display by India’s lower order batsmen. R. Jadeja b Pradeep 15 IPaceman Mohamed Shami picked losing wickets at regular intervals. Ajinkya Rahane (57) looked solid M. Shami c Tharanga b Kumara 30 two wickets in the same over and Yadav had Karunaratne trapped leg but was sent back to the pavilion after U. Yadav not out 11 Umesh Yadav got rid of opener Dimuth before and although the batsman went Karunaratne dived for a low catch on Extras (w6, nb3, lb5, b2) 16 Karunaratne after India posted a com- for a review, the decision was upheld his right off fast bowler Lahiru Kumara. Total (all out; 133.1 overs) 600 manding 600 all out, their biggest total after replays showed the ball pitching Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha FoW: 1-27 (Mukund), 2-280 (Dhawan), in Sri Lanka. on the middle stump. struck back with a sixth-wicket stand 3-286 (Kohli), 4-423 (Pujara), 5-432 Former captain Angelo Mathews was Shami, making his Test comeback of 59, but India’s counter-attack un- (Rahane), 6-491 (Saha), 7-495 (Ashwin), batting on 54 with Dilruwan Perera on after an injury layoff , then dismissed ravelled as Sri Lanka dismissed the duo 8-517 (Jadeja), 9-579 (Shami), 10-600 six when stumps were drawn for the debutant Danushka Gunathilaka for in the space of six balls. (Pandya) day, with Sri Lanka still trailing by 446 16 and Kusal Mendis for a duck in the Ashwin (47) fell short of a well-de- Bowling: Pradeep 31-2-132-6, Kumara runs with fi ve wickets in hand. space of four balls. served half-century while Saha (16) 25.1-3-131-3, Perera 30-1-130-0, Herath Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, became the fi rst victim of skipper Her- 40-6-159-1, Gunathilaka 7-0-41-0 who struck a solid 153, said he was pleased PRADEEP HEROICS ath (1-159). Things got worse for Sri that India had lived up to its billing as the Earlier, paceman Nuwan Pradeep Lanka, with a statement from the na- SRI LANKA 1st inns number one Test side in the world. clinched his maiden fi ve-wicket Test tion’s cricket board saying that doc- D. Karunaratne lbw b Yadav 2 “We would like to maintain that haul, putting the brakes on India’s free tors had confi rmed all-rounder Asela U. Tharanga run out 64 standard. We have scored enough runs, scoring. Pradeep (6-132) dismissed Pu- Gunaratne was out for the remainder of D. Gunathilaka c Dhawan b Shami 16 and we’ve got fi ve wickets today. We are jara for 153, triggering a batting collapse the Test series with injury. A. Mendis c Dhawan b Shami 0 very well poised at this stage. which saw the tourists lose four wickets Gunaratne suff ered multiple frac- A. Mathews not out 54 “I think the key for us, even in the in a lively fi rst session after resuming tures on his left thumb while trying to N. Dickwella c Mukund b Ashwin 8 last season, was that we’ve bowled re- the day at 399-3. take a catch off Shikhar Dhawan on the D. Perera not out 6 ally well. Our bowlers are bowling good “Though I didn’t start well, I thought India captain Virat Kohli (second from right) and Ravichandran Ashwin (right) fi rst day of the match Wednesday. He is Extras (w1, lb3) 4 lines and lengths,” he said referring to I got better as I kept bowling. I got some celebrate the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella with teammates on day two expected to return to full mobility after Total (for 5 wkts, 44 overs) 154 India’s 10 wins in the last 13 Tests. rhythm,” said Pradeep who last played a of the first Test in Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (Reuters) a period of rehabilitation. FoW: 1-7 (Karunaratne), 2-68 (Gunathi- Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga Test in January. “We came to the match laka), 3-68 (Mendis), 4-125 (Tharanga), struck a defi ant 64 off 93 balls but was with a plan. But the way the match went didn’t work... But cricket is like that, at knock to match his previous Test best SCORECARD 5-143 (Dickwella) run out thanks to a quick piece of fi eld- and given the state of the pitch, we had least we could get them out for 600.” of 153 against South Africa at Johan- INDIA 1st inns (o/n: 399-3) Bowling: Shami 9-2-30-2, Yadav 8-1-50- ing by Abhinav Mukund. to change our plans. A lot of our plans Pujara hit 13 fours in his 265-ball nesburg in 2013. S. Dhawan c Mathews b Pradeep 190 1, Ashwin 18-2-49-1, Jadeja 9-1-22-0 Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 28, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET / ENG VS SA, DAY 1, 3RD TEST SPOTLIGHT Cricket Australia Philander at the proposes double as Cook arbitration in pay dispute

Reuters tralian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) Melbourne later on Thursday illustrated that defi es South Africa Sutherland’s comments had done lit- tle to ameliorate the acrimony of the ricket Australia has pro- nine-month dispute. Cook unbeaten at 82 as hosts struggle at 171 for four at stumps on Day One posed taking their pay dis- “Cricket Australia has lost the pute with the nation’s elite players and most of the game’s stake- AFP players to arbitration if there holders in the (dispute),” the union isC no resolution by early next week, said in a statement. London chief executive James Sutherland “And now, after pushing the play- said yesterday. ers into unemployment, an extended ernon Philander again proved Australia’s top players have ef- period of a lack of fi nancial transpar- a thorn in England’s side fectively been unemployed since the ency, after three months of rejecting as Alastair Cook held fi rm previous fi ve-year pay deal expired mediation and only after the recent against South Africa in the on June 30, forcing the cancellation arrival of the CA CEO into talks, CA Vthird Test at The Oval yesterday. of the ‘A’ tour of South Africa as the discovers the need for urgency.” England were 171 for four at stumps, acrimonious negotiations continued. Australia vice captain David Warn- having won the toss, with 31 of the Sutherland said the impasse er blamed the board for the impasse. scheduled 90 overs lost to bad weather threatened next month’s tour of “This Baggy (Green) means the on the opening day of the 100th Test at Bangladesh, the one-day series in world to me. Myself and all the other The Oval. India that follows and even the home cricketers female and male want to get Pace bowling all-rounder Philander Ashes series at the end of the year out there and play,” the left-handed had superb fi gures of two wickets for 17 and it was “time to get the show back opener said on his Instagram account. runs in 12 overs, including fi ve maidens, on the road”. “We off ered $30mn of our money despite a stomach bug. “We see the increasing need for ur- to grassroots as a peace plan. It was That followed his man-of-the- gency to get this matter resolved,” he ignored. We asked for mediation match display with both bat and ball in told reporters in Melbourne. twice before and it was rejected. Now South Africa’s crushing 340-run vic- “We’re proposing in the short- CA says there is a crisis. tory in the second Test at Trent Bridge term that both parties get together “The players are unemployed and last week — a result that left the four- with really strong intent to get this some are hurting fi nancially but con- match series level at 1-1. deal sorted by early next week. In tinue to train. Administrators all still But former England captain Cook the event that it’s not resolved, we’re being paid. How is it our fault no deal was 82 not out at yesterday’s close. proposing any residual matters be is done.” Already England’s leading Test run- sent to arbitration. Despite preferring mediation to scorer, the left-handed opener spent “We’re prepared to accept what- the “adversarial process” of arbitra- more than four-and-a-half hours at ever decision comes. In cricketing tion, the ACA said it would never- the crease to be in sight of his 31st cen- parlance, we will accept the umpire’s theless study the proposal and “con- tury at this level. decision and move on.” tinue to work intensively” on the Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 21. Sutherland, who suggested the negotiations. England had been heavily criticised union had been guilty of delaying At the heart of the dispute is CA’s by several former captains for an in- tactics, said if the dispute went to ar- insistence that the two-decade-old ability to bat time and wear down the bitration, players could immediately model under which players get a fi xed Proteas at Trent Bridge, where they be contracted on a short-term basis percentage of revenue should be jet- were twice bowled out cheaply and South Africa’s Vernon Philander (second from left) celebrates the wicket of England’s Keaton Jennings with his teammates on to allow them to tour Bangladesh. tisoned. folded for just 133 in their second in- the first day of the third Test at The Oval cricket ground in London yesterday. (AFP) The test squad for that tour, which CA believe the revenue-share nings. has not yet been announced, is model is unfi t for modern times and Although the overcast conditions scored a hundred against South Africa at Lord’s, then got in on the act. scheduled to gather in Darwin for a is starving grass-roots cricket of and green-tinged pitch promised to as- for the second-string England Lions, The fast bowler produced a superb training camp in the second week of funding, while the players say it has sist pace bowlers, England captain Joe then cover-drove and on-drove left- inswinging yorker that knocked Dawid August. underpinned the game’s growth and Root opted to bat fi rst after winning the arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for two Malan, another of England’s debutants, The scathing response of the Aus- prosperity. toss, just as South Africa captain Faf du well struck boundaries in an over. off his feet before crashing into middle Plessis had done in a similar situation Cook had made 28 when South Afri- stump. in Nottingham. ca quick Chris Morris appealed for lbw, Middlesex left-hander Malan, born but a review of umpire Joel Wilson’s not in London but brought up in South Af- JENNINGS DUCK out decision showed the batsman had rica, was out for one and England were Root clearly hoped England could come got an edge. 120 for four, with the Proteas hoping through some early adverse circum- England were 62 for one at lunch, Rabada’s joyful celebrations did not stances and may also have wanted to with Cook 34 not out. contain any obscene words on this oc- show confi dence in his under-fi re bats- Westley, however, had added just one casion. men. to his interval score when, four balls But it was not long before England after the break, he nicked a Morris de- SCORECARD lost their fi rst wicket. livery that curved away to du Plessis at ENGLAND 1st Inns Keaton Jennings, battling to re- second slip. A. Cook not out 82 tain his place, was repeatedly beaten It was the end of a promising innings K. Jennings c Elgar b Philander 0 outside off stump by Philander and it of 25 and a second-wicket stand of 52 T. Westley c du Plessis b Morris 25 was no surprise when the South Afri- with Cook. J. Root c de Kock b Philander 29 ca-born opener eventually edged the Star batsman Root then made 29 D. Malan b Rabada 1 seamer low to Dean Elgar at third slip before he edged an excellent Philander B. Stokes not out 21 for a nine-ball nought. ball that moved away off the seam and Extras (b7, lb3, w3) 13 Tom Westley, one of three England England’s Alastair Cook is unbeaten at was brilliantly caught one-handed by Total (4 wkts, 59 overs, 272 mins) 171 debutants, joined Essex teammate and 82. (AFP) wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, diving Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Jennings), 2-64 mentor Cook with the hosts 12 for one. across fi rst slip. (Westley), 3-113 (Root), 4-120 (Malan) The 28-year-old right-hander, se- mark with a composed legside four off Kagiso Rabada, returning after be- Bowling: Morkel 16-4-48-0; Philander lected after a fi nger injury ruled out the fast bowler Morne Morkel. ing banned from the second Test for 12-5-17-2 (1w); Rabada 13-4-32-1; Maharaj struggling Gary Ballance, got off the Westley, who earlier this season swearing at Stokes in the series opener 7-1-16-0; Morris 11-1-48-1 (2w) Australia vice captain David Warner blamed the board for the impasse.

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Ireland want Russia making progress but still needs Bracewell’s to admit doping past: WADA president replacement by November Reuters as non-compliant. London “One of the conditions for renewed compli- AFP ance is actually an admission that there was London a problem and hopefully some declaration of ussia has made progress in its fi ght contrition,” Reedie said. “And that’s a condi- against drug cheats, but still needs to tion that’s applied by the IAAF and it’s a con- reland chiefs say they hope to hire a succes- admit it had a problem before it can be dition applied by the International Paralympic sor to departing head coach John Bracewell by declared completely compliant, the Committee, as well as by WADA. So the Rus- November. presidentR of the World Anti-Doping Agency sian authorities are aware of that and we en- Bracewell is set to leave at the end of his (WADA) Craig Reedie told Reuters yesterday. courage them to do something about that and Itwo-year contract in December, only six months It is one month since WADA lifted its sus- I hope they do it as soon as possible because after Ireland were granted full-member Test sta- pension of RUSADA, Russia’s anti-doping that’s another box ticked and we can move on.” tus alongside Afghanistan. agency, which was banned from testing in Russian President Vladimir Putin denied in The New Zealander took over from Phil Sim- November 2015 after an independent inves- December last year the existence of a state- mons after the 2015 World Cup and, despite a tigation accused it of systematically violating sponsored doping programme, or that the mixed record over the past year, the International anti-doping regulations. government had ever supported the doping of Cricket Council rewarded Ireland with Test sta- That was before the release of a more thor- its athletes. tus in June. ough and damning WADA commission report He did, however, say that Russia, like every Ireland tour the United Arab Emirates in No- last year by Richard McLaren. This alleged a other country, has experienced problems with vember and performance director Richard Holds- state-sponsored doping programme in Russia, doping. worth intends to fi nd Bracewell’s replacement by which the Kremlin has denied. “If that’s an admission, then it’s an admis- then to give the new man time to assess his squad. RUSADA is still deemed non-compliant by sion,” Reedie said. “Other people wouldn’t re- “We will be conducting a global search in an ef- WADA but is now able to resume testing, un- gard it as a suffi ciently full admission. I don’t fort to make certain we get the right candidate for der the supervision of international appoint- think there’s much doubt in our minds that the head coach role,” Holdsworth said on yester- ed experts and the UK anti-doping agency they know what they have to do and we await day. “We hope to have the successful applicant in (UKAD), after meeting conditions set down by more people to do it. One of the problems we that there was still a crucial element that their response with interest.” place for the tour to the UAE in late November, so the global anti-doping body. had, was there simply wasn’t enough capacity needed to be fulfi lled before Russian teams A total of 19 Russian athletes have been ap- they can take over the reins from John at the con- Reedie said that there were now crucial re- in Russia to do all the checks that we wanted. could once again compete in athletics or the proved by the IAAF to compete under a neutral clusion of the ICC InterContinental Cup game sources in place to root out drug cheats. There aren’t enough independent testers in Paralympics. fl ag at next month’s world athletics champi- against Scotland. “There’s progress from our point of view... Russia,” said Reedie. Both the International Association of Ath- onships in London, after demonstrating they “We’re looking for a coach with a broad spec- So there’ll be a much, much bigger and strong- The 76-year-old, who is also a member of letics Federations (IAAF) and the International have been operating within an eff ective testing trum of skills and ambitious plans as to how they er testing exercise in Russia now that there are the International Olympic Committee, said Paralympic Committee (IPC) still regard Russia system. will build further success for Irish cricket.” Gulf Times Friday, July 28, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLY Two-goal Eder Neymar scores in sinks Bayern AFP added it was a “small problem” Singapore and the player would be back in action in three to four days. Eder did not get the chance to der scored two headers to complete a hat-trick as he was Barca’s United win lead Inter Milan to a 2-0 taken off on 50 minutes by In- victory against a lacklus- ter coach Luciano Spalletti for tre Bayern Munich yes- Gabriel Barbosa. Bayern grew After a bright start United struggled to contain Barcelona’s Neymar and Messi terdayE in a pre-season friendly into the game but never looked game in Singapore. completely comfortable, even There was a scare for the Ger- with the introduction of Thomas man champions when Franck Mueller, who scored two goals in Ribery limped off towards the the side’s 3-2 victory over Chel- end of the fi rst half, but coach sea in a friendly match in Singa- Carlo Ancelotti said later he suf- pore Tuesday. fered a minor ankle injury and The result was a boost for In- would be back in action in days. ter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti, Bayern dominated early on but who took over at the club last it was Inter that managed to get a month. “Overall, Inter played a goal in the eighth minute against very good game,” he said after the run of play. the match. “I’m very proud of my An Antonio Candreva cross team. We played very well on the found 30-year-old Eder, who defence line as well as the for- dispatched his header past the ward line.” Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. Despite the disappointing re- Playing in front of a crowd of sult, Bayern boss Carlo Ance- about 23,000 in the city-state’s lotti praised the performance of main stadium, Inter scored their Renato Sanches, who came on second in the 30th minute on an- as a second-half substitute. The other quick counter attack. Portuguese midfi elder had a dis- Croatian winger Ivan Perisic appointing fi rst season at Bayern picked out Eder with a pin-point and AC Milan and Manchester cross, leaving the striker to score United are rumoured to be chas- his second header of the game. ing him. Ribery had seemed the biggest “I’m really happy for him be- threat for Inter, although the cause he had this quality also German champions seemed to last year but he was not able for lack their usual cutting edge. some reason to show this, now he But four minutes after the sec- is showing this and he is an im- ond goal, he left the pitch with an portant player for us,” said An- injury, with the Frenchman sub- celotti. The game was part of the stituted for Milos Pantovic. Bay- International Champions Cup, ern said Ribery needed stitches which brings together top-tier for a cut to an ankle but Ancelotti teams from Europe.

Barcelona's Neymar scores past Manchester United defenders during the International Champions Cup friendly match in Landover, Maryland. (AFP)

AFP Washington Man Utd far from the level of Barca: Mourinho

eymar, serene amid a frenzy of Washington: Pre-season matches knowledged, Real Madrid and Barcelona it’s great to see their relationship with transfer speculation, scored against star-studded Real Madrid and have the edge. the ball,” he said. the fi rst-half goal that gave Barcelona were good preparation for the “I think at this time, the best players In the eyes of Mourinho, only French- Barcelona a 1-0 victory over rigours of the Premier League even as are in these two clubs,” he said. “We man Paul Pogba in the United squad NManchester United on Wednesday in an they demonstrated the Spanish giants’ have to accept that as a reality. For us “showed that he had this level”. International Champions Cup friendly. superior level, Manchester United coach to play against both in a pre-season Nevertheless, Mourinho said he Inter Milan’s Eder Martins celebrates after scoring against Bayern The Brazilian striker, reportedly ponder- Jose Mourinho said on Wednesday. without any kind of pressure was very departs the US confident that his team Munich in a pre-season friendly in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) ing a 222-million euro ($256.8mn) move With a goal from Brazilian striker good for us.” have the qualities needed to thrive in to Paris Saint-Germain, showed why Neymar, Barcelona defeated Manchester “Both played with their best team — the upcoming Premier League cam- the French club would be willing to pay a United 1-0 on Wednesday, handing the (it’s) very, very good for us to measure paign. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING world-record price to get him. Red Devils the first defeat of their US against them,” he said, but added: “We prefer to compare with the teams He delivered his third goal in two Tour. It came on the heels of a penalty “There is only one (Lionel) Messi. There we play weekly in the Premier League. matches in the exhibition tournament as shootout victory over Real Madrid after is only one Neymar. You can work very And we’re much more prepared for Barcelona handed the English Premier- the teams drew 1-1 in their International hard tactically to try to improve your that very hard competition, which is a Balotelli on target, ship club their fi rst defeat of the pre- Champions Cup friendly match. team, but there are players who are spe- competition with a diff erent style, with a season. After a bright start Manchester In terms of sheer talent, Mourinho ac- cial. Even as an opponent on the bench, diff erent kind of players,” he said. United struggled to contain Barcelona’s Celtic held in Europe star duo of Neymar and Lionel Messi. Neymar broke through in the 31st, retain their starting spots. Brazilian three minutes later. Valencia tial, Andreas Pereira and Pogba all threat- AFP after the break following a poor stripping the ball from Antonio Valencia It was Manchester United who threat- had got control of a pass from Messi, ened, but Manchester United were unable Paris punch from Yoan Cardinale. in the penalty area, turning and fi nding ened fi rst, when Rashford’s cross found but Neymar was there to regain the ball, to fi nd an equalizer. In Glasgow, Celtic struggled the net. The goal proved enough to give a Romelu Lukaku in the area, but the Bel- turning in close quarters and fi ring past The match was the last of Manchester to break down Norwegian op- second straight victory to new Barcelona gian couldn’t fi nd the net. de Gea to the delight of the Barcelona fans United’s US tour — which included wins ario Balotelli scored ponents Rosenberg without the coach Ernesto Valverde. Barcelona inexorably took control, among the 82,000-strong crowd at Fed- over Real Madrid, Manchester City and for Nice in a 1-1 draw injured Moussa Dembele and Lee Valverde made sweeping changes to the and United goalkeeper David de Gea was ExField — home of the NFL’s Washington Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and at home to Ajax while Griffi ths, who was banned for team that beat Juventus 2-1. Luis Suarez, given plenty of work by Neymar, Messi Redskins. Los Angeles Galaxy. Celtic laboured to a one match by UEFA for “provok- Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti, Nelson Se- and Suarez. Messi came close in the 12th Three minutes before the break de Gea They are due to take on Valerenga in M0-0 stalemate against Rosenborg ing spectators” in the previous medo, Sergio Busquets and 19-year-old minute, his low eff ort sliding wide. A parried Suarez’s scissor-kick to keep it Oslo on Sunday and then Sampdoria in in the fi rst leg of Wednesday’s round against Linfi eld. Celtic midfi elder Carles Arena were included in long-range eff ort from Lukaku, a ercefi 1-0 to Barcelona at halftime. Ireland before facing Real Madrid in the Champions League third quali- goalkeeper Craig Gordon pro- the lineup headed by Messi and Neymar. blast from Paul Pogba and a curling eff ort Both coaches rang the changes at halft- UEFA Super Cup on August 8. fying round. duced a series of excellent stops There were eight changes to the Man- from Rashford all tested Barcelona keeper ime, with Valverde replacing 10 players — Barcelona, meanwhile will take on Italy striker Balotelli tapped to deny former Arsenal striker chester United team that defeated Real Jasper Cillessen in the space of minutes. only leaving Cillessen in goal. Jose Mour- Spanish rivals Real Madrid in a pre-sea- home a cross from Jean Seri to Nicklas Bendtner, Anders Kon- Madrid on penalties on Sunday, with But from there Barcelona dominated. inho made fi ve changes in his Manchester son “Clasico” in Miami tomorrow — ap- fi re Nice ahead on 32 minutes at radsen Matthias Vilhjalmsson, captain Michael Carrick, Marcus Rash- De Gea denied Neymar from close range United side, and the second half moved at parently still uncertain just how long they the Allianz Riviera, but Donny with the hosts fortunate to es- ford and Jesse Lingard the only players to in the 28th, but had no answer for the a slower, less fl uent pace. Anthony Mar- will have Neymar to rely on. van de Beek levelled for Ajax just cape without serious damage.

FOCUS UNSETTLED Chelsea's Conte questions Sanchez due back with Arsenal on Sunday AFP Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi , London who also missed Arsenal’s tour after Con- federations Cup duty, is scheduled to return Tottenham’s ambition to training alongside Sanchez. “Alexis and Reuters ambitions are to fi ght for the title mid persistent reports that Alexis Mustafi , their fi rst training session will be London or win the Champions League, Sanchez wants to leave Arsenal, on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla you must buy expensive players. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger says (in the Emirates Cup). They are practising Otherwise you continue to the Chile forward will return to on the day,” Wenger said. helsea manager Anto- stay in your level. It’s simple. My trainingA on Sunday. Sanchez missed Arse- Wenger will keep close tabs on Sanchez nio Conte has ques- question is this: What are Tot- nal’s pre-season tour to Australia and China and Mustafi ’s fi tness before deciding tioned the ambition of tenham’s expectations?” while he rested after playing for his country whether to include them in the FA Cup hold- Premier League title In marked contrast to Totten- at the Confederations Cup. ers’ starting line-up when they face Premier rivalsC Tottenham Hotspur af- ham, the other clubs expected The former Barcelona star’s absence League champions Chelsea in the Commu- ter a summer of inactivity in the to fi ght for the title have been couldn’t quell speculation he could be on nity Shield at Wembley on August 6. Arse- transfer market for the north spending heavily. Manchester the way out of the Emirates Stadium after nal kick off their Premier League campaign London club. Tottenham were United bought signed Romelu refusing to accept Arsenal’s off er of a new against Leicester at the Emirates Stadium on champions Chelsea’s closest Lukaku from Everton for a re- contract. Sanchez’s current deal runs out at August 11. pursuers last season, fi nishing Champions League, it’s not a ported 75mn pounds while Man- the end of the forthcoming season and with “First of all you make a really good check seven points behind, but have tragedy. If they go out in the fi rst chester city have splashed out Arsenal so far unable to meet his reported up of where they are, how much they have failed to strengthen with chair- round of the Champions League, in excess of 150mn on the likes demand for wages of £300,000-per-week worked during their break,” Wenger said. man Daniel Levy saying the it’s not a tragedy. If they go out of Walker and Monaco duo Ben- ($393,000, 336,000 euros), he has been “After, once you know where you stand, they transfer spending in the Premier after the fi rst game that they play jamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva. linked with Paris Saint Germain, Manches- need an adjusted programme and to see how League is “unsustainable”. in the Europa League, it’s not a Conte said Tottenham still had ter City, Juventus and Bayern Munich. quickly you can fi t them in again. Of course Tottenham’s only transfer ac- tragedy.” a strong team “if they are able to Despite Sanchez’s apparent desire to it depends as well on what is the need in tivity has selling England right Conte said for Chelsea, Arse- keep all their players”. Tottenham leave, Wenger, who reportedly clashed with the squad, what is their quality. All of these back Kyle Walker to Manchester nal, Manchester City, Manches- are in building a new stadium the striker after dropping him for a match at things together make your decision. City for a reported 45mn pounds ter United and possibly Liver- at an estimated cost of 800mn Liverpool last season, has remained stead- “Do you put them on the bench when they ($59mn). “If (Spurs) don’t win pool, those kind of failures were pounds and are planning to move fast in his belief he will be able to persuade are not ready? It is easier to put a striker on the title, it’s not a tragedy,” Conte tragedies. “Every team has to into it for the start of the 2018- the 28-year-old to stay. Sanchez won’t fea- £50 million-rated ($65mn, 56mn euro) star the bench than a defender, sometimes. Be- was quoted as saying by the BBC. understand what their ambitions 19 season. They will play home ture in this weekend’s Emirates Cup friendly will link up with his teammates at their Lon- cause in a short period they can make an im- “If they don’t arrive in the are,” the Italian said. “If their matches this season at Wembley. tournament at Arsenal’s stadium, but the don Colney training base. pact. We’ll see.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 28, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT USA beat Jamaica with late strike to clinch sixth Gold Cup Since the inception of the Gold Cup, Mexico and the US have won all but one edition, with Canada triumphing in 2000

AFP Santa Clara, United States

ordan Morris’s late strike lifted the Unit- ed States to a 2-1 victory over Jamaica on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Jfi nal. The United States captured their sixth Gold Cup crown — one shy of Mexico’s record seven victories in the regional champi- onship for North and Central America and the Caribbean. Morris sealed it in dramatic fashion with a goal in the 89th minute. A misdirected Jamaican clearance was knocked down by US super-sub Clint Dempsey near the penalty spot and Morris blazed a right-footed shot past Jamaican keeper Dwayne Miller and inside the right post. Jozy Altidore’s superb free kick had put the United States ahead in the 45th minute, but Ja- maica’s Je-Vaughn Watson equalised in the 50th as the underdog Jamaicans pushed the US hard. Jamaica were playing in their second straight Gold Cup fi nal, after falling to Mexico in 2015. That year they ousted the United States in the semi-fi nals, while this year they sent the Mexi- cans packing. Although they have joined the US and Mexico as the only teams to reach back-to- back fi nals, they are now just the second team to lose consecutive title matches. Since the inception of the Gold Cup, Mexico and the US have won all but one edition, with Canada triumphing in 2000. Jamaica lost their talismanic goalkeeper, Andre Blake, to a hand injury early in the contest. Miller was in goal as halftime approached, The United States players and off icials celebrate after beating Jamaica to win the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Wednesday. (AFP) when US captain Michael Bradley was fouled in mid-fi eld and Altidore curled the ensuing free So I was trying to make up for that any way I the rebound, the United States’ Kellyn Acosta play with a young, inexperienced squad, but “We had a tournament where we scored by far kick over the wall and into the top corner of the could. Obviously, I take responsibility for it, but crashed into Blake, whose right hand was in- Arena called in veteran stars for the knockout the most goals of any team, were second in goals net. Miller soared to get his fi ngertips to the ball luckily I could put it in the back of the net.” jured badly enough to take the Jamaican captain rounds, adding Altidore, Dempsey, Michael conceded, got fi ve wins and used 27 players,” but couldn’t keep it out of the net. For Jamaica, however, Morris’s goal was “like out of the game. Bradley and goalkeeper Tim Howard. Arena said. Jamaica pulled level when Watson bulled his a dagger in the heart,” Jamaica coach Theodore He had led Jamaica to three shut-out victories “This means everything,” said the 38-year- “It was an exercise that was outstanding for way past Morris on a Kemar Lawrence’s corner Whitmore said. “But again, this is football,” he in the tournament, including a 1-0 triumph over old Howard, who hadn’t allowed a goal in the our program. Certainly not perfect, but for what kick to volley a short shot past US goalkeeper said.”If you look in the semi-fi nal against Mexi- defending champions Mexico in the semis. The tournament until Wednesday. “As you get older we were trying to accomplish, we (succeeded at) Tim Howard. Morris admitted that he was stung co, the same thing happened in that game (when United States are now unbeaten in 14 matches and get to fi nals, there’s so much pressure to win that. We’ve made progress, but have a long way when the man he was marking scored — and Jamaica scored an 88th-minute winner).” since Bruce Arena returned for a second spell as because I don’t know how many more fi nals I’ll to go. Certainly, we need to integrate our (absent relieved he could make up for it with the game- The fi rst real chance for either team had come coach, taking over from Jurgen Klinsmann after come back to.” European-based) players, which is diffi cult. I’ve winner. “Credit to Jamaica — they made it very in the 19th minute, and the play proved costly the German was sacked in the wake of a 4-0 loss Arena said the tournament showed the US got to fi nd the right blend. We’re a long way tough for us,” Morris said. “I was nervous — it for Jamaica. Altidore fi red a 25-yard blast and to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying last year. were heading in the right direction, with World from qualifying for a World Cup, and that’s the was my guy that scored on the (Jamaican) goal. Blake rose to make the save. Trying to score from The US were less than convincing in group Cup qualifying set to resume on September 1. objective for sure.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP Ederson performance Villar resigns from FIFA and UEFA against Real sign of things eposed Spanish football boss Angel Maria Villar, in custody on corrup- tion charges, has resigned as vice- to come: Guardiola Dpresident of both FIFA and UEFA, the two governing bodies announced yesterday. AFP corners with centre-halves Otamendi and The 67-year-old’s near three-decade tenure as Los Angeles John Stones both getting on the scoresheet. head of the Spanish federation ended this week Those two strikes were sandwiched by a cool when he was suspended following his arrest on fi nish from substitute Raheem Sterling after July 18. derson will reap the rewards from the impressive Kevin De Bruyne had a hand “Mr Villar has stood down from his post as thwarting European football’s most in all three goals. “When Kevin’s mood is op- senior vice-president at FIFA,” a spokesperson potent attacking force, Manchester timistic, he puts in performances like this,” for world football’s ruling body said. At UEFA, City boss Pep Guardiola believes. City Guardiola said. “It’s diffi cult to fi nd a player European football’s governing association said rompedE to a 4-1 win over Champions League with his quality, fi ght and movement anywhere his resignation tendered “with immediate ef- holders Real Madrid in Los Angeles on Wednes- in the world. He’s a guy who fi ghts, passes and fect” on Wednesday had been accepted by the day night, after a second half blitz saw Guardi- assists and many other things. Hopefully he organisation’s president Aleksander Ceferin. ola’s side secure a fi rst pre-season victory. can be positive like the last three weeks.” Villar, who denies all charges against him, However, prior to defender Nicolas Ota- After going 3-0 up, City were twice denied was detained with his son as part of a fraud mendi breaking the deadlock and changing by the woodwork. Francisco Casilla produced probe launched last year. Also arrested in a the course of the game with the opening goal a stunning fi nger-tip save to push De Bruyne’s series of early morning raids on federation early in the second half, City had been indebt- free-kick onto the post and then Leroy Sane headquarters and other sites last week were the ed to new goalkeeper Ederson making several smashing the ball against the near post within Spanish federation’s fi nancial vice-president superb saves. Ederson, signed for 40mn euros seconds of entering the fi eld. Juan Padron and Ramon Hernandez Baussou, level to ensure he continues to be fi rst choice at Palmeiras’ Allianz Parque, meaning Sao in June, prompted some question marks after But teenage substitute Brahim Diaz even- general secretary of the Tenerife federation. for England. The 30-year-old, who has 71 caps Paulo will have hosted two games following the a costly error in last week’s defeat to Man- tually added a fourth for City with a superb They face charges including falsifying docu- and made 348 appearances for City, appears to 3-0 win over Paraguay at the Corinthians arena chester United. Yet Guardiola is in no doubt fourth goal, before Oscar Rodriguez grabbed ments, misappropriation of funds, collusion have been deemed surplus to requirements by in March. Brazil will play their penultimate that the 23-year-old is on course to become a late consolation for Real with an even bet- and administrative breaches linked to skim- manager Pep Guardiola and spent last season home game against Ecuador at Porto Alegre’s Brazil’s fi rst-choice stopper. ter strike. Despite such an emphatic scoreline ming profi ts from international friendly games. on loan at Torino. Gremio Arena in September. “Of course it’s important for him,” Guar- against the two-time reigning Champions Villar has headed the Spanish federation for “I’ve said before, there’s absolutely no diola said of the strong performance on League winners, Guardiola refused to get car- the past 29 and under his watch Spain became chance I’d play for England without playing WATFORD GOALKEEPER GOMES Wednesday.”We knew his quality. To make a ried away by the magnitude of the victory. one of the dominant forces in world football, for a team,” Hart said. “To be playing for the SIGNS NEW CONTRACT performance like today, helps us a lot. Sooner Zidane wasn’t too disheartened, drawing winning two European championships and the national team you have to be playing, especially Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes signed a or later, he will become the Brazil national the positives from the opening 45 minutes. 2010 World Cup. But his critics say his period for a team as high quality as England. That was two-year contract extension with the Premier team keeper. He saved many, many balls. He “Ultimately it’s a bad result, but not a bad in charge was marked by ethical issues and an part of the thought process, but it’s a short League club. Gomes’s deal was given the green has the quality to read the situations and he game,” Zidane said. “My job is to look to- autocratic management style. career and I love football. I didn’t really stand a light by new Watford manager Marco Silva and put in a good performance.” wards the next match and improve. I’ve been chance of playing at my previous club, so there will keep the Brazilian at Vicarage Road until Two of City’s four second-half goals in the impressed by the youngsters. I’m very happy ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY WANT was no point hanging around. I want to play for June 2019. International Champions Cup tie came from with all of them.” TO CO-HOST 2030 WORLD CUP a team that wants me, wants me to play and I Gomes joined Watford from Tottenham in Argentina and Uruguay plan to apply to co-host want to give that back to them.” 2014 and has made 122 appearances for the football’s 2030 World Cup, according to state- Hart said he would have preferred a perma- Hornets. The 36-year-old was voted the club’s ments made by an Argentinian government nent deal but maintains he is fully committed to player of the season in 2016 and has won the offi cial to local media on Wednesday. “We are every team he plays, for no matter the contract players’ player of the year award for the last two absolutely determined to raise this issue with situation. seasons. FIFA,” Argentinian sports secretary Carlos Mac Gomes played a key role as Watford secured Allister told Argentinian newspaper La Nacion MARACANA TO STAY UNUSED IN BRAZIL’S promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and on Wednesday, after a meeting with Uruguayan WORLD CUP QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN has helped them preserve their top-fl ight status football offi cials. Brazil are to play their fi nal home game of for the last two seasons. The paper reported that the countries’ the 2018 World Cup qualifi ers in Sao Paulo, two presidents, Mauricio Macri and Tabare the Brazilian Football Confederation said on PATRICK KLUIVERT’S SON LANDS FIRST Vazquez, could meet in Montevideo on August Wednesday, meaning the famous Maracana SPONSORSHIP DEAL — AT AGE 9 31 to discuss the bid, ahead of a 2018 World Cup stadium will have not hosted a single match in Shane Kluivert, the son of former Netherlands qualifi er between the two nations. the campaign. striker Patrick Kluivert, has landed his fi rst Uruguay hosted the fi rst football World Cup The Oct. 10 game against Chile was expected sponsorship contract — at the age of 9. “Very tournament in 1930, eventually winning the to take place at the iconic venue that hosted the proud signed my fi rst contract with Nike,” the fi nal against Argentina 4-2. So far only South fi nal match of the 1950 and 2014 World Cups. young Kluivert said on his Instagram account Korea and Japan have co-hosted a World Cup, Yet Rio de Janeiro is in the midst of a crippling on Wednesday after signing the deal with the in 2002. China and England are also reportedly economic and public security crisis and the American sports goods giants. Father Patrick interested in hosting the 2030 tournament, Maracana has been the subject of legal fi ghts said on Twitter: “My son so proud of you.” while the 2026 World Cup is expected to go to over who has the right to manage it. Shane Kluivert is seen as a big football talent co-hosts United States, Canada and Mexico. The ground lay abandoned for months after and currently plays in the junior ranks at French the 2016 Olympics and has been used sparingly top club Paris Saint-Germain where Patrick HART KEEN TO RETAIN ENGLAND by Rio’s soccer clubs this season. Brazil, who Kluivert was technical director until summer. GLOVES AFTER WEST HAM MOVE have already qualifi ed for the 2018 tournament The young one has more than 128,000 follow- Goalkeeper Joe Hart says his loan move to in Russia, try to play their home qualifi ers in ers on the Instagram account managed by a Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (centre) in action during the pre-season friendly West Ham United from Manchester City was diff erent cities so fans across the nation can see brother. His YouTube videos, which include against Real Madrid in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. (Reuters) aimed at getting regular playing time at club them. The fi nal Chile game will now be played cooking sessions, are also widely popular. Gulf Times Friday, July 28, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NFL Jet ski jaunt costs Falcons’ Jones Dodgers rally from $150,000 earring

Agencies for 4,317 yards with 20 touch- Los Angeles downs and 15 interceptions as the Ravens missed the posts- eason for the third time in four tlanta Falcons wide years. fi ve-run defi cit for receiver Julio Jones’s Veteran backup Ryan Mal- jet ski jaunt on a lett and Dustin Vaughan are AGeorgia lake this the only other quarterbacks on week came with a price – a the Ravens roster heading into $150,000 diamond earring. camp ahead of the new season. The All-Pro receiver, part of the Falcons team that suf- Virginia police clear fered a heartbreaking Super Cowboys Whitehead win over Twins Bowl loss to the New England A shoplifting charge that Patriots in February, realised prompted the NFL’s Dallas ‘That’s really cool. Be even cooler at the end of the season. I’m in a good spot now’ he’d lost the bauble when he Cowboys to cut receiver Lucky emerged from Lake Lanier. Whitehead was a case of mis- His jeweler told WXIA-TV in taken identity, police in Vir- Atlanta the earring was worth ginia said. about $150,000. “Upon reviewing the June “It was worth a little bit,” 22, 2017 arrest of an individ- Jones himself told a televi- ual named ‘Rodney Darnell sion interviewer. Jones, who Whitehead, Jr.’, the police de- has earned $51.71 million since partment is confi dent that the entering the NFL as the sixth man charged with petit lar- overall draft pick in 2011, hired ceny, and who is subsequently a dive team to retrieve the gem. being sought on an active war- But the expedition came up rant for failure to appear in empty. court, is not Lucky Whitehead “It’s down in crevasses and of the Dallas Cowboys,” Prince nooks and crannies,” salvage William County Police Ser- diver Richard Pickering said. geant Jonathan Perok said in a “It’s impossible – absolutely statement. impossible.” The department said it re- Jones, due to report to gretted the impact its errors Falcons training camp on had caused Whitehead and his Wednesday, told WXIA he was family. The Cowboys, who have just happy he wasn’t hurt when seen a string of players arrested he fell off the jet ski. “As long since the end of last season, as I’m good, it’s materialistic wasted little time in saying stuff ,” he said. “You can always Monday they would release get that kind of stuff back.” Whitehead, a Virginia native, after reports that he was ar- Ravens’ Flacco may miss rested for shoplifting on June up to 6 weeks with back issue 22 and had failed to appear for Baltimore Ravens starting a scheduled court date earlier quarterback Joe Flacco is ex- this month. pected to miss between three Whitehead insisted it was a and six weeks of action due to a case of mistaken identity, and disc issue in his back, the NFL his agent produced an airplane said on its website on ticket that showed Whitehead Wednesday. was still in Dallas at the time of The 32-year-old, who is set the alleged theft. Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Logan Forsythe (left), centre fielder Enrique Hernandez and catcher Austin Barnes (right) celebrate a walk off win against the Minnesota to enter his 10th season, played The police said the man who Twins at Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports in all 16 games in eight of his was arrested wasn’t carry- nine seasons, only missing ing identifi cation, but gave his By Andy McCullough Grandal and Forsythe helped He also had not thrown more Darvish’s last outing in a Rang- game, of course I thought about time in 2015 with a knee injury. personal information verbally Los Angeles Times reduce the defi cit in the seventh. than 3 1/3 innings in one ap- ers uniform. (trade rumours) a little bit,” he Last season, Flacco threw to offi cers. The Dodgers had gotten on the pearance this season. Before the Miami broke down Darvish in said. “But today, going to the board with solo homers from Joc game, manager Dave Roberts a nine-run fourth inning. game, I was able to focus on just fter his hit rolled into Pederson and Yasiel Puig earlier suggested Stewart would throw All nine starters in the Mar- today’s game.” Atlanta Falcons’ wide the outfi eld, Justin in the night against starter Ervin 45 to 50 pitches. Stewart made it lins’ lineup had at least one hit Darvish was battered for 3 2/3 receiver Julio Jones Turner disappeared Santana. In the seventh, after to 55 before exiting with two outs and one run-batted-in in an of- innings, giving up 10 runs on inside a cloud of resin singles by Grandal and Forsythe, in the fourth inning. fensive onslaught that produced nine hits and two walks before powderA and a mob of teammates. Chase Utley walloped a two-run The Twins had scored three a club record for runs and a sea- departing the game. In the fi nal act of a comeback double off the wall to trim Min- runs before Stewart left. His de- son high for hits (22). Miami pounded out eight from a fi ve-run defi cit, Turner nesota’s lead to one run. fense did him few favours in the Dee Gordon, Christian Yelich, hits in the fourth, seven of them smacked a walk-off single to The Dodgers tied the score third inning. JT Realmuto and Giancarlo against Darvish, and sent 13 bat- secure a 6-5 Los Angeles Dodg- in the eighth. Turner led off After a single by catcher Jason Stanton all hit home runs for ters to the plate. ers victory over Minnesota on with a walk and jetted to third Castro, Grandal bounded from Miami. Stanton leads the majors Wednesday night. on a single by Enrique Hernan- behind the plate to grab a bunt with 33 homers. RESULTS The Dodgers are in the midst dez. Forsythe fl ied out to centre by Santana. Grandal tried to cut “That’s really cool,” Stanton Marlins 22 Rangers 10 of a fi ve-game winning streak fi eld, deep enough to bring home down Castro at second base but said. “Be even cooler at the end Royals 16 Tigers 2 after sweeping the Twins. Turner – and draw a wild throw the throw eluded shortstop Co- of the season. I’m in a good spot Dodgers 6 Twins 5 The outcome appeared un- from outfi elder Zack Granite, rey Seager. The error hurt Stew- now, just got to keep it going.” Blue Jays 3 Athletics 2 likely - at least, for those unfa- who threw the ball toward an art. Two batters later, Granite Derek Dietrich and Marcell Red Sox 4 Mariners 0 miliar with the 2017 Dodgers. unoccupied third base. delivered a run-scoring single. Ozuna each drove in fi ve runs for Cubs 8 WhiteSox 3 Minnesota taxed Dodgers pitch- Stewart was making his fi rst Joe Mauer, the former Ameri- the Marlins. Darvish dropped to Indians 10 Angels 4 er Brock Stewart for fi ve runs be- start of the season. He got pro- can League MVP, provided a 6-9 after a season-worst per- Yankees 9 Reds 5 fore he left in the fourth inning. moted out of the bullpen after two-run single soon after. formance. The 30-year-old right- Nationals 8 Brewers 5 All fi ve were classifi ed as un- the team put Clayton Kershaw hander is the subject of rampant Cardinals 10 Rockies 5 earned, as they occurred after a (lower-back strain) and Bran- Marlins 22, Rangers 10 speculation going into Monday’s Phillies 9 Astros 0 throwing error by catcher Yas- don McCarthy (blisters) on the The Miami Marlins pum- non-waiver trade deadline. Rays 5 Orioles 1 mani Grandal in the third and a 10-day disabled list. Stewart had melled the Texas Rangers 22- Darvish admitted to hearing Diamondbacks 10 Braves 3 fi elding error by second baseman not given up a run in 13 innings 10 on Wednesday in what may the chatter surrounding him. Padres 6 Mets 3 Logan Forsythe in the fourth. this season. have been Japanese pitcher Yu “Yesterday, the day before the Giants 2 Pirates 1

NBA Cavs downplay tension between James, Irving

AFP June – said reports of friction between Los Angeles James and Irving were “overblown”. “I think the people who are in this LeBron James (left ) and Kyrie Irving building every day haven’t seen any of leveland Cavaliers owner Dan that animosity,” Altman said. Gilbert and general manager “This is, along with Kevin Love, this Koby Altman downplayed re- is a group that got us to three straight Cports of tension between su- Finals and won an NBA championship perstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving together. They play great together on the Wednesday, but neither confi rmed nor fl oor and a lot of that I do think is over- denied that Irving had requested a trade. blown.” “These things are fl uid,” Gilbert said Warriors All-Star forward Draymond of Irving’s situation at a press conference Green faces a lawsuit that alleges “as- at the team’s Ohio training facility, Alt- sault, battery and related claims based man’s fi rst since he was confi rmed as the on his alleged acts of violence against a team’s new general manager on Monday. young man and woman.” Numerous US media outlets have re- The plan to fi le a lawsuit was made ported that Irving has requested a trade, public in a press release on Monday from indicating he wanted to join a team Lisa Bloom, a lawyer representing the where he could emerge from James’s plaintiff s. She also claims Green made shadow and become the focal point of “misleading statements” about the suit. the off ense. She said she would be fi ling the lawsuit “We think that Kyrie Irving is one of Tuesday. the best guards in the NBA,” Gilbert said. The lawyer did not indicate when the “He was part of a championship, three incident occurred or whether anyone years straight to the Finals and we value was arrested. his talent signifi cantly.” Meanwhile Phoenix Suns guard Bran- Irving played the last three NBA Finals don Knight sustained a torn ACL in his alongside James with Cleveland, win- left knee that will require surgery, and ning the title in 2016 and falling to the he is expected to miss the entire 2017-18 Golden State Warriors in 2015 and this season. year. He has two seasons left on his con- The injury occurred last week while tract and a player option for 2019. Knight was playing in South Florida. Whatever his reason for wanting to Following an examination by head team leave, Altman – who served as assistant physician Dr Tom Carter, it was deter- GM under Dan Gilbert, who departed in mined that surgery was necessary. Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 28, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE SPOTLIGHT Australia skipper Moore to retire from Hamilton aims to Tests at end of year take lead before holidays begin The Briton, a point behind leader Vettel after 10 of this year’s 20 races, has already won a record five times at the tight, dusty and technical Hungaroring circuit

AFP Budapest

ewis Hamilton would head off for Formula One’s annual European summer holidays on top of the drivers’ world championship with aL record sixth victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. The three-time world champion could also draw level with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher in the record books with his 68th pole position, if he produces another signature demonstration of one- lap pace for Mercedes in Saturday’s quali- fying. The 32-year-old Briton, one point behind leader Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari after 10 of this year’s 20 races, has already won a record fi ve times at the tight, dusty, slow and technical Hungaroring circuit. After his supreme performance in dom- A file photo of Stephen Moore. inating the British Grand Prix, Hamilton will arrive full of confi dence, but mindful Reuters row, shoring up an oft-criticised of the dangers of complacency, thanks to Sydney unit with his power in the scrum a timely reminder from Mercedes team- and providing plenty of ‘go-for- mate Valtteri Bottas. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in Budapest yesterday. ward’ with ball in hand. The Finn, who has shown a liking for tephen Moore is stepping Born in Saudi Arabia to Irish similarly demanding tracks this year, no- have still work to do and plenty of things front of a rapturous home crowd, Hamilton Wolff , who said also that he felt Hamil- down as Wallabies cap- parents who subsequently emi- tably by winning the Russian Grand Prix at we need to improve on.” will hope to carry on where he left off last ton’s form this year showed he is “build- tain with immediate ef- grated to Australia, Moore was Sochi, has warned his team not to believe Bottas’s caution is well-placed as Ger- time out. “There’s lots more things that ing a legacy as one of F1’s greatest drivers”, fect and will call time on raised in Brisbane and established that their one-two at Silverstone signalled man Vettel and Ferrari are sure to launch a can come up in the future but I think the will be sure to keep a close eye on not only hisS 12-year international career at his reputation at the Queensland they had overhauled Ferrari. fi ghtback and will be focused on prevent- team’s really energised,” he said. “So I hope Vettel, who won in 2015, but also his Ferrari the end of the season, the hooker Reds. He was handed his fi rst cap “We can’t get that kind of thing to our ing Hamilton and Mercedes securing any we can take that into the next races.” team-mate Kimi Raikkonen. said yesterday. by Eddie Jones, making his debut mind that we are quicker,” said Bottas. kind of advantage. Like Bottas, Mercedes team chief Toto Like his compatriot Bottas, Raikkonen, Moore is the 10th most capped from the bench alongside his now “We don’t want to do that. We want to Vettel has led the championship since Wolff is wary of over-confi dence or talk of the 2005 winner, will have noisy support player in the history of the game long-retired predecessor as Wal- be feeling on our back foot, we want to be the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, his squad taking over as favourites. at the circuit which the visiting Finns turn and his 120 Test appearances is labies skipper, Rocky Elsom, in a able to improve the car and we know it is but has not won in four outings since the “The moment you say that, you go to the into a home race for their drivers. second only to George Gregan 74-7 victory over Samoa in Syd- very track specifi c. Monaco event in May. next race and are slapped in the face,” he Red Bull are also certain to be a threat as (139) among Australian players. ney. “That’s a fact because we’ve had quite A return to a slower and lower-grip said. “It is tricky. Our car is not always easy Dutch teenager Max Verstappen and his The 34-year-old made his de- Jones was the fi rst of fi ve Wal- high-speed circuits now the last two races. track, in hot conditions, will encourage to set up and we have become much better team-mate Daniel Ricciardo revel in the but against Samoa in 2005 and labies coaches Moore has played Baku was a special one, but the next race in Ferrari to believe they may gain the ini- at doing so in a great team eff ort. atmosphere and the challenge. played at three World Cups for under, with Ewen McKenzie fi rst Budapest is completely diff erent. tiative, but they know too that Bottas and “But I’d like to see Budapest and how “I love that track,” said the Austral- the Wallabies, the highlight of elevating him to the captaincy for “It’s got very slow speed corners, really Mercedes have been the top combination the car works on a low-speed, high tem- ian, who won in Hungary three years ago. his career being when he led his the 2014 June test series against high temperatures, so we are not going to since Monaco. Fuelled by the energy and perature track and then maybe have a more “We’ve got more grip this year — so it will country to the fi nal against New France. be too confi dent there. We know that we confi dence generated by his triumph in complete picture.” be fun.” Zealand in 2015. Moore’s participation in that “It was a very tough decision series lasted just a matter of sec- but you talk to people who’ve onds, however, as he suff ered a PATCH UP SUPER RUGBY done it and they say ‘you know knee injury that wiped out the when it’s time’ and I think I’ve rest of his season. got that feeling,” Moore told re- Cheika restored him to the role porters. the following season and it was Grosjean Crusaders to approach semis cautiously “I just thought now was the Moore who led the team to the right time, fi nish the year strong- title in a truncated Rugby Cham- Reuters be right,” he told reporters yesterday. put out the same team that beat the Otago ly and let the next crop of players pionship and to the World Cup makes Wellington “They can turn up and climb into us, like Highlanders 17-0 in last week’s quarters, take the team forward.” fi nal. “His contribution to this they have done in years gone by.” the Chiefs will welcome back centre Charlie “I just didn’t feel I could give current team cannot be under- Having beaten the Stormers 17-11 in Cape Ngatai from an ankle injury and have brought it all I had until (the) 2019 (World stated,” Cheika said. peace he Canterbury Crusaders are taking Town last weekend, the Chiefs will now be winger Tim Nanai-Williams off the bench. Cup). I think it’s a smart decision “What he’s achieved on the a cautious approach to tomorrow’s looking to restore their recent dominance It is up front, though, that the Chiefs personally and also for the team, fi eld is no mean feat but it’s his all-New Zealand Super Rugby semi- over the Crusaders. might face their toughest battle as they take which at the end of the day is my work off the fi eld in his role as with fi nal against the Waikato Chiefs de- The Crusaders’ 31-24 victory in Suva in on a Crusaders pack which includes seven priority.” captain of Australia that has re- spiteT their opponents having made the trek May ended a run of four defeats to the Chiefs All Blacks starters and a further two interna- Flanker Michael Hooper is his ally impressed me. back from South Africa this week. stretching back to 2014. tional forwards on the bench. most likely successor, having “We now have to make sure we Wolff The long haul trip from Australasia to The Hamilton-based Chiefs have won “As long as I can remember they’ve always performed the same role under send him off in the best way pos- Africa and back has almost always proved nine of the 13 meetings between the teams had the best pack in the competition,” Ren- coach Michael Cheika at the New sible this year.” Reuters fatal come the playoff s but the Chiefs have since Dave Rennie took charge in 2012, in- nie said. South Wales Waratahs and for the Although nicknamed “Squeak” Budapest become something of a bogey team for the cluding semi-fi nal match-ups that year and “They drive well, they’ve got a great de- Wallabies on a stand-in basis on from his high school days, Moore Crusaders in the nine years since the seven- in 2013 when they went on to secure their two fensive lineout. We’ve always known what several occasions. has always been highly respected times champions last won the title. Super Rugby titles. that challenge is and we’ve got a group of Australia play world cham- and it was his leadership as much rench Formula One So while a 14-1 regular season record Unlike those matches, however, the Cru- men who are keen to measure themselves.” pions New Zealand twice next as his playing skills that made driver Romain Grosjean makes the Crusaders strong favourites to saders will be playing in Christchurch to- Having slipped up in their last match of month to open their Rugby him so attractive to the Reds has made his peace with progress to a fi nal against the Lions or Wel- morrow. “They used their home ground the regular season against the Hurricanes, Championship campaign but when he was looking to leave the Toto Wolff after anger- lington Hurricanes, coach Scott Robertson is advantage on those occasions, but this time the Crusaders will be relying on the reigning Moore is not expected to start Brumbies last year. Fing the Mercedes team boss by taking nothing for granted. we have earned the chance to play in front of champions to beat the Lions in Saturday’s with Tatafu Polota-Nau taking Already the second-most saying title contender Lewis “Even though they are fl ying back it our own supporters and that means a lot to other semi-fi nal in Johannesburg to give the number two shirt from him in capped player in two decades of Hamilton should have been doesn’t mean the old mindset isn’t going to us,” said Robertson. While the Crusaders will them a chance of a home fi nal. recent tests. Super Rugby, Moore will play punished for impeding him in For more than a decade, one more season with the Reds British Grand Prix qualifying. though, Moore was an ever- in 2018 after his international re- The Haas driver told report- BOTTOMLINE present in the Wallabies front tirement. ers at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he had telephoned Wolff after Silverstone and the Aus- Froome eyes historic double in ‘vicious’ Vuelta trian had called him back. Japan still have a long way to go “We had a great phone call. London: Chris Froome has set I enjoy. We respect each other. There are Reuters “Right now SANZAAR (South Africa, of their players are contracted to top his sights on an historic double “I’ve come second three times tensions and they are fi ghting Wellington New Zealand and Australia Rugby) and is domestic clubs in Japan where the season as the Tour de France champion now and I’d love to win. To win for a world championship,” said focused on ensuring the Sunwolves can does not end until February, meaning the confirmed he will race in the both the Tour and the Vuelta in Grosjean. compete in Super Rugby. That’s the fi rst Sunwolves have less time to work with ‘vicious’ Vuelta a Espana. one year would be absolutely “Probably some of my words apan may one day be considered for step, and they’ve clearly got a way to go.” their players in pre-season, which greatly Froome claimed his fourth incredible.” were reported to Toto in a dif- inclusion in the Rugby Championship The Sunwolves were introduced into aff ects their Super Rugby preparations. yellow jersey in Paris on Sunday The Vuelta is the third of cy- ferent way and then he got a bit but the current focus is on improving Super Rugby last year when it was ex- Tew said that while Japan, who shocked and now he hopes to become cling’s three Grand Tours, along upset. I did not mean anything Jthe competitiveness of the Tokyo- panded to 18 teams and have struggled to South Africa 34-32 at the last World Cup, the first rider in 22 years to win with the Giro d’Italia and Tour against Lewis or Mercedes. I based Sunwolves in Super Rugby, New get to grips with the intense competition, would become part of the conversation both the Tour and the Vuelta in de France. was just saying that it cost me Zealand’s Steve Tew has said. winning just three of 30 games in two sea- about potential expansion of the Rugby the same year. No British rider has ever won two positions on the grid.” With Japan hosting Asia’s fi rst World sons so far. Championship, he added that other sides The 32-year-old has finished the Vuelta a Espana, which Hamilton won his home race Cup in 2019, World Rugby vice chairman SANZAAR has decided to reduce the in North America and the South Pacifi c second three times in the this year starts on August 19 in from pole position and is now Agustin Pichot has been vocal about ex- competition to 15 sides from next year, could also be considered. Vuelta and believes he can go Nimes and ends on September only a point behind Ferrari’s panding the opportunities for second-tier with an Australian and two South African “Their entry into a regular competition one better this time despite the 10 in Madrid. championship leader Sebastian countries in a bid to grow the game glo- teams being axed, but the Sunwolves are is a matter of time but... it’s not just Japan formidable test provided by the Froome does not have long to Vettel going into Sunday’s Hun- bally. safe until at least 2020. we need to be taking into account,” Tew Spanish race. recuperate but Team Sky prin- garian Grand Prix. However, while New Zealand Rugby The Sunwolves ended this season on a said. Romain Bardet, Fabio Aru, and cipal Dave Brailsford believes Grosjean fi nished 13th and (NZR) Chief Executive Tew recognised Ja- high by thumping the Auckland Blues 48- “We’ve got USA and Canada; Georgia Alberto Contador are all ex- his star rider is capable of a was lapped. pan would benefi t from regular competi- 21 for their fi rst win over a New Zealand in Europe and so how do you fi nd regular pected to ride, while Vincenzo memorable double. He had expressed surprise tion, he said it was too soon to talk about side, but there has been little else to smile competition for those teams to develop Nibali, who missed the Tour, “There’s no reason why not. that stewards had made their them joining the All Blacks, Australia, about. and be truly credible threats at Rugby may also be a strong contender. We’ve got four weeks to the decision without listening to his South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby They endured embarrassing defeats to World Cup? That’s the challenge for World “I’ve got the opportunity and start of the Vuelta,” Brailsford side of the story but Wolff gave Championship. the Wellington Hurricanes (83-17) and Rugby. I’m certainly going to go for said. that short shrift. “At some stage Japan being considered Lions (94-7) and conceded 671 points in “If we’re going to expand in this part of it,” Froome said on Team Sky’s “We’ve got a couple of races “There are some that moan for the Rugby Championship would be on their 15 regular season matches, fi nishing the world the Pacifi c Islands are a consid- website. in between but we’ll dust our- all the time,” Wolff had told re- the table but, clearly, that has to come at a 2-13 for the season. eration but they have to come back and “The Vuelta is a race I love, it’s selves down a little bit and go porters when told of the French- time when they were able to compete,” he The Sunwolves are also hampered by prove its right for them and the competi- vicious but it’s three weeks that and do it all over again.” man’s complaints.” told the New Zealand Herald yesterday. contract issues. tion.” Gulf Times Friday, July 28, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS Coach Sanchez names Qatar squad for Syria Djokovic hopes to imitate and China World Cup qualifi ers

Doha: Qatar’s national team head coach Felix Sanchez has named a 30-player take-a-break Federer squad for a training camp in Nottingham, England ahead of 2018 World Cup qualifiers ‘My body has its limits, and I have to respect that and be grateful for all that I have achieved so far’ against Syria and China. The Maroon are sched- AFP uled to play Syria on Aug. 31 Paris in Malaysia before hosting Twelve-time Grand Slam champion Novak China on Sept. 5 in Group A Djokovic will miss rest of the season to that also features Iran, South uly 26, 2016: Roger Federer announces he is recover from an elbow injury. (AFP) Korea and Uzbekistan. Striker shutting down his season to rest a knee in- Sebastian Soria, midfielder jury and will return in January 2017. Rodrigo Tabata and defender July 26, 2017: Novak Djokovic announces Mohammed Kasola were all Jhe is shutting down his season to rest an elbow in- omitted from the squad. jury and will return in January 2018. Same day of The national team’s train- the year, similar injury-connected storyline — but ing programme, which runs identical outcome? from Aug. 2 to 17, features Djokovic, struggling on and off for 18 months three friendlies starting with with a right elbow injury, and without adding to his Leeds United on Aug. 9, then 12 majors since completing the career Grand Slam Nottingham Forest on Aug. at the 2016 French Open, announced on Wednes- 13 before wrapping up the day that he won’t play again in 2017. It will rule him camp with a friendly against out of the US Open where he has twice been cham- Andorra three days later. pion and made six of the last seven fi nals as well as Trainings will take place on Serbia’s Davis Cup semi-fi nal against France. His a daily basis until the team’s absence from New York will be the fi rst time he has return to Doha on Aug. 17, missed a Slam since 2004, ending a run of 51 suc- with the squad resuming cessive majors. training the next day for five When Federer skipped the 2016 French Open, days. The team will fly to it ended his majors streak at 65. Djokovic, 30, will Malaysia on Aug. 29 for the eventually see his world ranking slip to around the Syria tie before returning to 15 mark — his fi rst trip outside the top 10 since Doha on Sept. 1 to prepare for March 2007. the final round match against Federer, fi ve years his senior, was 17 in the world China four days later. when he won the Australian Open this year and is Players will then be now back at three. So there is plenty of encourage- released to join their teams ment there for Djokovic who will be a dangerous ahead of the new domestic last-16 opponent for one of his top rivals at the season. Qatar are currently 2018 Australian Open where he has won six titles. fifth in the World Cup quali- “My body has its limits, and I have to respect fiers group on seven points. that and be grateful for all that I have achieved so QATAR SQUAD far,” said Djokovic, admitting that his on-court Hassan al-Haydos, Saad troubles are a brutal legacy of over-playing. When al-Sheeb, Ibrahim Majid, Ali Federer called time on his 2016 campaign, he had Asad, Salem al-Hajri, Boualem played just 28 matches. While he rested up, Andy Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Musab Murray and Djokovic battled over three continents Khader, Murad Naji, Karim for the world number one spot. Boudeif, Mohamed Ahmed British star Murray ended the year having fought Bakri, Abdullah Abdel Salam through 87 matches while Djokovic played 74 al-Ahraq, Moaez Ali, Ahmad Su- times. In 2017, Federer has featured in just seven injury which could yet see him also sit out the US they completely lose touch with the racquet and the age of 35 because he has got everything right in fian, Ismail Mohammed, Mahdi tournaments, winning the Australian Open, Indian Open. Djokovic has slugged through 12 tourna- the ball, the body goes all funny on them,” said Fe- the rest of his life too,” said Becker. “Maybe that is Ali, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Ahmad Wells and Miami Masters, the Halle grass-court ti- ments, including two trips to the Davis Cup. He has derer. a lesson for Andy and Novak to really take care of Alaa, Tamim Mohammed tle and his record eighth Wimbledon. 32 wins on the season and eight losses. When Djokovic retired from his Wimbledon their bodies — take their time and get healthy, and al-Muhaizah, Ahmed Abdul His win loss-record for the year is currently 31- Federer, who may play just one warm-up event quarter-fi nal against Tomas Berdych with the right don’t play when they can’t.” Maqsoud, Omar Bari, Ahmad 2. Federer also skipped the 10-week clay-court before the US Open which he has won fi ve times, elbow injury which has now ended his season, it Djokovic has now heeded the German’s advice al-Saadi, Abdul Karim Salem season which culminated in Rafael Nadal strolling believes his 2016 sabbatical has helped extend his completed a miserable year at the majors for the although he will still have his hands full with wife al-Ali, Akram Afif, Abdel Karim to a 10th Roland Garros title. Murray, whose Wim- career despite his 36th birthday fast approaching Serb. He was a second-round loser at the Austral- Jelena soon to give birth to the couple’s second Hassan, Assem Madbo, Ahmed bledon title defence ended in a quarter-fi nal loss to on August 8. ian Open and a quarter-fi nalist at Roland Garros. child. “It is important for me to recover, to be able Yasser, Ahmed Moien, Khaled Sam Querrey, has taken part in 11 events this year But he doesn’t advocate lengthy breaks for all Former coach Boris Becker told Djokovic at to play injury free for as long as possible, to com- Mounir and Tariq Salman. with a win-loss ratio of 25-10. players. “Some players just need to play. They need Wimbledon that he needed to step back from the pete in the sport that has given me so much, the Coach: Felix Sanchez The world number one is also carrying a hip to play every other day, otherwise they feel like sport. “Federer is playing the best tennis ever at sport I love,” said Djokovic.

SPOTLIGHT QSL Sharapova given wildcard Qatar SC announce Gallo signing

By Sports Reporter for Cincinnati Open Doha

AFP atar SC have signed Brazilian mid- Los Angeles fi elder Bruno Gallo on a season long deal. The club confi rmed in a press conference yesterday after- aria Sharapova was noonQ the capture of the 29-year-old from yesterday handed Brazilian Serie A side Vasco da Gama. a wildcard into the The experienced central midfi elder is Cincinnati WTA the club’s second signing in this summer’s Mtournament, a key warm-up for transfer window. A host of club offi cials at- the US Open, the season’s fi - tended the ceremony, including Qatar SC nal Grand Slam which has yet president Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin to guarantee the Russian star Nasser al-Thani. The Brazilian playmaker a place. Former world number revealed his excitement to be playing foot- one and fi ve-time Grand Slam ball in Qatar. “I am very happy to join Qatar title winner Sharapova is still SC. I will give my best for the club to reach rebuilding her career following its objectives. And I would like to thank the a 15-month doping ban which club administration for all the support they ended in April. have given to me,” he said. Injury then ruled her out of Gallo added that he is looking forward to contention for Wimbledon where playing in a new league said. “I have experi- she had been due to play qualify- ence playing in Portugal and Brazil and now ing after French Open organisers I will play in Qatar. It is a new challenge for had refused her a wildcard. me and I am looking forward to it,” the Bra- The Cincinnati event, which zilian added. runs from August 12-20, also The 29-year-old joins the Kings from granted a wildcard to Victoria Brazilian Série A side Vasco da Gama. Gallo Azarenka, the two-time major has been handed the number 20 jersey by winner who only recently re- the Qatar SC. The left footed central mid- Brazilian midfielder Bruno Gallo (right) poses with his jersey and off icials after signing up turned to the tour after mater- year suspension, but the Court her for the ban and her sub- fi elder will be one of the four professional for Qatar SC in Doha yesterday. nity leave. “The addition of these of Arbitration for Sport reduced sequent wildcard entries and players for Qatar SC next season. players add to our already strong the ban on appeal. On her return Sharapova admitted that the On their return to the QSL, the team has deron, Iranian defender Mohammed Tayebi ers including Fahad Khalfan and former Al player fi eld,” said tournament di- to the sport in Stuttgart in April, increased scrutiny aff ected her. signed a new head coach in Gabriel Cal- and have also signed a number of local play- Arabi defender Ali Jassimi. rector Andre Silva. she reached the semi-fi nals. “I’m not oblivious. I’m aware of “We anticipate the WTA’s No. However, she has relied on wild- what many of my peers have said 1 ranking to be on the line during cards to play in events with many about me, and how critical of me ROUND-UP the tournament and adding play- players critical of the decision to some of them have been in the ers of this calibre will make the invite her against the background press... battle for the top spot even more of her doping ban. I don’t think that sort of thing compelling.” Sharapova said her strug- will ever fully be possible to ig- Qatar youth handball team beat Chile Sharapova, 30, was champion gles over the past two years have nore,” Sharapova added. in Cincinnati in 2011 with Aza- made her stronger. “These last “But at the same time I’ve al- he Qatari youth handball team defeated Chile 29-22 in the World Games in Warsaw, Poland. After having lost the fi rst set renka taking the title two tears two years have been tougher — so ways tried to keep a generous at- President’s Cup, as part of the World Championships being 22-23, Qatar made an excellent recovery in the second to win 17-16 later. Sharapova, now ranked 173 much tougher — than I ever could titude toward critics in general. held in Algeria. At the end of fi rst half, Qatar were trailing before beating Brazil 9-6 on penalties. in the world, hasn’t played since have anticipated my passion for I’ve never wanted to respond to 12-13, but they improved their performance in the second This victory meant Qatar led Group B with three wins against being injured in Rome in May but the game has never wavered. If the people trashing me by trash- Thalf, with seven clear goals. Australia (2-0) and Uruguay (2-0). They will play fourth-placed will return next week at the Stan- anything, it’s only grown strong- ing them back; that’s always been The fi rst half saw intense competition, as both teams exchanged team from Group A, which includes Croatia, Hungary, Poland and ford tournament. er,” Sharapova wrote in a column important to me. I’ve always the control of the game, and the Chilean team was able to end the Egypt in the quarter-fi nals scheduled for today. The Russian star tested posi- for The Players’ Tribune. wanted to face my critics by sim- half with a one goal lead 13-12. The situation in the second half was tive for meldonium, a heart and “I’m getting ready for the ply taking the high road. And by quite the same during the fi rst 20 minutes of the half, but in the last AL ANNABI LOSE TO SRI LANKA blood boosting drug, at the 2016 North American hardcourt sea- showing them, by showing eve- 10 minutes Qatar controlled the game and was able to end the game Qatar volleyball team lost to Sri Lanka 2-3 in the match to decide Australian Open. She said that son now, one of my favourites. ryone, that taking the high road with seven clear goals with a score of 29 to 22, to secure its fi rst the 9th-16th position at the 2017 Asian Senior men’s volleyball she had taken it for several years I’ll play Stanford, then Toronto is a choice.” win in the championship. In their second match, Qatar will face championship in Surabaya, Indonesia. Sri Lanka closed out the and did not know it had been — and I’m going to give it every- After the Stanford tourna- Morocco, who beat Burkina Faso 42-21 on Wednesday. match with a 25-19, 24-26, 20-25, 25- 23, 12-15 scoreline. placed on the banned list at the thing I have.” ment, the former world number Qatar will next play against Vietnam. Al Annabi ended third in beginning of 2016. Players, both current and one will play the Rogers Cup in WORLD GAMES: QATAR BEACH HANDBALL TEAM WIN Group A in the group stages with only one win against Saudi Arabia Sharapova was issued a two- former, and pundits criticised Toronto, starting on August 7. Qatar national beach handball team beat Brazil 2-1 at the 10th (3-0) and two defeats against Kazakhstan (2-3) and Indonesia (2-3).

Friday, July 28, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SWIMMING Ledecky, Dressel make it a golden feast for America Ledecky has now won five medals at these championships after gold in the 400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, the 4x100m, plus that 200m silver. Another gold beckons for her when she defends her 800m freestyle crown

AFP solutely speechless and I am so happy,” Budapest said Hentke, who claimed Germany’s fi rst swimming medal in Budapest. “When I saw the line-up for the fi nal atie Ledecky led the USA to I was sure that only Mireia Belmon- the women’s 4x200m free- te, Katinka Hosszu and me can take a style title at the world cham- medal, but I still can’t believe it that I pionships yesterday with a got the silver.” Kpowerful anchor leg to win her fourth Meanwhile, Brazil’s Etiene Medeiros gold medal in Budapest. won the women’s 50m backstroke gold Ledecky touched the wall at sev- in a desperately tight fi nal which she en minutes, 43.39 seconds while Li won on the wall. Bingjie, who took silver for China, fi n- Medeiros clocked 27.14 seconds, a ished at 1.57 secs back and Adriane Tit- new Americas record just 0.08 away mus earned bronze for Australia at 5.12. from the world record set in 2009, Victory marked a great night for the while China’s Fu Yuanhui took silver at United States after Chase Kalisz earlier 0.01 back. won the men’s 200m individual medley Bulgaria’s Aliaksandra Herasimenia gold. earned bronze at just 0.09 behind as Then Caeleb Dressel and Nathan all eight swimmers in the fi nal fi nished Adrian came fi rst and second respec- within half a second of Medeiros. tively in the men’s 100m freestyle fi nal. Having won silver at the Kazan world Ledecky swung the relay for the USA championships two years ago, the quartet when she dived in for the fi nal Earlier, Spain’s Mireia Belmonte won 26-year-old Medeiros went one better leg. the women’s 200m butterfl y title to add in Budapest having also come within She was on Li’s shoulder for the fi rst to her Olympic gold medal. 0.12 of the world record on Wednesday. 50 metres, but made her move at the Belmonte touched the wall in two In the semi-fi nals, Fu had also been fi rst turn and ended up fi nishing a full minutes, 05.26 seconds with Germa- just 0.01 seconds behind Medeiros. length ahead of the Chinese. ny’s Franziska Hentke taking silver at “I’m so happy. Two years ago I was Having been beaten into joint second 0.13 back and Hungary’s Katinka Hoss- second, but now I’m the champion, by Federica Pellegrini in Wednesday’s zu earning bronze at 0.63. so this is so important in my life,” said 200m freestyle — Ledecky’s fi rst de- Having won world silver at home Medeiros. “I want to thank to my coach feat in 13 fi nals at world championships in Barcelona four years ago, Belmonte – this year has been so diff erent for me. — the 20-year-old freestyle queen Gold medallists USA’s Katie Ledecky, Melanie Margalis, Mallory Comerford and Leah Smith celebrate on the podium after has gone one better a year after being “Now I’m so relaxed. Last night was bounced back in style. winning the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay final at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest yesterday. At right, crowned Olympic champion in Rio. so hard for me, because I was thinking Ledecky has now won fi ve medals at Caeleb Dressel “This is one of the best moments of about the fi nal. these championships after gold in the my life,” said the Spaniard. “This gold- “I wasn’t confi dent of winning after 400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, the “Right now, it’s all smiles,” said Dres- Budapest by swimming the third leg of “We’re fi ne with the silver we’re en medal was the last which was miss- last night’s semi-fi nals and the Chinese 4x100m, plus that 200m silver. sel. “I’ll let it sink in a bit, it’s my fi rst the mixed medley relay on Wednesday, stoked to see team USA go one-two,” ing from my collection. was very strong today. Another gold beckons for her on and last event tonight, so I’m excited. which lowered the previous mark both said the 28-year-old Adrian. “Rio is the best moment in my life, “I was a bit nervous, but I took time Saturday night when she defends her “Man – it’s nice to go one-two with in the morning’s heats and fi nal. “I was starting to see some chirrups but this is an important moment. The to relax and just be happy and it worked 800m freestyle crown as the reigning Nathan, there’s nothing like seeing “I’m on top of the world right now,” on Twitter about Team USA not bring- key to win this fi nal was the fi rst 100 out.” world and Olympic champion. Americans on top. said Dressel. ing home the medals, so I was glad metres.” Having been so narrowly beaten, Fu Earlier Dressel won the men’s 100m “I just want to do my best each time “If you had told me this would be my to step up and get a medal and watch This was Belmonte’s second medal of is edging her way towards her fi rst ma- freestyle fi nal at the world champion- with I go into the water with the fl ag on fi rst world title, I would defi nitely have Caleb and Chase do their thing. these championships after she took sil- jor title. “It was a very tight fi nish, but ships yesterday to bag his third title in my cap.” laughed at you four months ago – I was “The 100 freestyle was always going ver in the 1500m freestyle on Tuesday in backstroke, this is absolutely nor- Budapest and give the United States the The 20-year-old completed his hat- over three seconds slower,” he added. to be close, it’s just the nature of that – fi nishing 19 seconds behind gold- mal,” said Fu. gold and silver. trick of world golds by powering home Silver-medallist Adrian was pleased event. medallist and long-distance queen Ka- “I’m not completely satisfi ed with Dressel touched the wall fi rst at over the fi nal 50 metres in a command- to see the USA claim fi rst and second “It’s a crazy event, there’s a lot going tie Ledecky of the USA. my result, but, of course, I’m happy 47.17 seconds with compatriot Nathan ing display having already been part of on the podium to silence critics on so- on in the pool. Hentke, 28, the European champion about my silver medal. Adrian, the 2012 Olympic champion, the victorious 4x100m freestyle and cial media, especially after comptriot “If you don’t have a good view, you in 2016, was stunned by her silver, the “Unfortunately, I couldn’t swim my second at 0.70 back as France’s Mehdy mixed 4x100m medley relay squads. Chase Kalisz had earlier won the men’s don’t even know what’s going on, but fi rst major medal of her career. personal best, so I have a little feeling of Metella earned bronze at 0.72. Dressel also broke a world record in 200m IM gold. it’s really fun to be part of it.” “I don’t know what to say, I am ab- wanting more.”

FUTSAL FOCUS Sweden’s Sjostrom Rayyan book semi-fi nal spot can get even faster, with thrilling win over Dhafrah says legend Spitz Reuters Budapest

merican great Mark Spitz believes Sarah Sjostrom, Sweden’s sprint sensation, can swimA even faster after she be- came the fi rst woman to go un- der 52 seconds for the 100 me- tres freestyle. Spitz, who won seven golds at the 1972 Munich Olympics, was left in awe of Sjostrom, who of her races,” said Spitz, who dipped under 52 seconds when was also a freestyle and butterfl y leading off Sweden in the wom- specialist. en’s 4x100m relay at the world “There are no tactics with championships on Sunday. her and she’s out in front at the Spitz himself became the fi rst start.” man to break 52 seconds in 1970 Spitz is in Hungary as an before posting 51.47 seconds in analyst for Brazilian channel the blue riband event ahead of SportTV and has been continu- his Munich tilt. ally asked this week who could “In the 47 years it has taken replace Michael Phelps as swim- a woman to go as fast as a man ming’s next male superstar. there have been three of four “There is a big absence with Glimpses from yesterday’s match between Al Rayyan and Al Dhafrah in the AFC Futsal Club Championship in Vietnam. generations that have come and Michael. Who can take his gone since I retired,” Spitz told place? Well, it took 36 years to AFC later after some neat passing by Lucas Oliveira and Fla- greater intent to narrow the gap and were duly rewarded Reuters on the sidelines of the fi nd somebody to take my place,” Ho Chi Minh City vio Barreto Arantes to fi nd the Brazilian who still had four minutes later when Vassoura snatched his second of world championships. the 67-year-old said. plenty to do, brushing challenges from three Al Dhafrah the match with a carbon copy of his fi rst – Henmi once “There will always be a com- “It will be safe to say that it l Rayyan clinched their spot in the last four defenders, before powering home. again the provider. parison where a woman can be will take more than one year af- of the AFC Futsal Club Championship Viet- Henmi then came close to pulling one back, after a Al Rayyan would then capitalise on Al Dhafrah’s hunt as fast as a man but it’s now tes- ter the Olympics to fi nd the next nam 2017 after defeating Al Dhafrah 4-3 in the quick kick-in by Mohamed Hassan sent the Japanese on for an equaliser, catching them on the counter to add tament to new types of training Phelps.” quarter-fi nal yesterday. his way much like a bullet train down the middle, before their fourth, when Hazem Samy dispossessed Henmy and cross-training. It’s exciting.” Spitz, who retired aged 22, says AAl Rayyan head coach Carlos Cesar Gago had ear- unleashing a roaring eff ort that looked destined for the to fi nd Lucas Oliveira who teed-off to Flavio Barreto Sjostrom also became the fi rst the sprint calibre of 20-year-old lier emphasised on the deadly duo of Rafael Henmi and net, if not for an acrobatic save by Ibrahim. Arantes, the forward making no mistake with only the woman to win four gold medals American Caeleb Dressel could Williams Oliveira Do Nascimento (Vassoura) during his Ibrahim was helpless to stop Vassoura’s eff ort though, keeper to beat for Al Rayyan fourth. in the women’s 100m butterfl y lift him up the ranks. pre-match interview, his words ringing true as the pair six minutes later, as the Brazilian-born Azerbaijan in- Henmi pulled a goal back in virtually the last second — her fi rst coming in 2009 as “He does 50 and 100 fl y, 50 combined to create Al Dhafrah’s fi rst chance, with Vas- ternational played a neat one-two with Henmi from a but it would do little to dislodge Al Rayyan’s victory. a 15-year-old — while the gar- and 100 free and swims in the soura forcing a fi ne save from Ali Ibrahim in the opening free-kick, feigning Said Ghulamnabi before dispatching Al Rayyan Head Coach Carlos Cesar Gago was re- landed 23-year-old has the 50m relays. Right there you have one minutes. a right-legged thunderbolt. lieved his team pulled through a tough match. in both freestyle and butterfl y person who can swim in seven It was Henmi’s turn then to come close, the Japanese The second-half opened to a cautious and patient ap- “We are exhausted after the match but we played well still to come. events,” Spitz said. international outpacing Mohamed Taheri down the left, proach adopted by both sides, with neither being able to today against a good team. One more match to go to the Sjostrom began her 100m indi- Spitz even forecast that before letting loose a powerful shot, which grazed across dominate the proceedings. fi nal. But each game gets more diffi cult. The most im- vidual bid on Thursday by easing Phelps, who broke his record Ibrahim’s goalmouth. With the match craving a moment of individual inge- portant thing today apart from the result was that no into semi-fi nals in 53.01 seconds. with eight gold medals at the But it was Al Rayyan’s foreign import – Diego Costa – nuity, Taheri stepped up to drive home a spell-bounding one was injured,” Gago said. Spitz blitzed to Munich gold in Beijing 2008 Olympics, could who would steal the show, snatching the lead for his side powerful free-kick, leaving the Al Dhafrah defence root- “You could also say we are getting better with each 51.22 and admits Sjostrom has make a comeback in Tokyo. after overpowering and dispossessing Hamdan Abdulla ed to the court, reclaiming Al Rayyan’s two-goal cush- game and it is more preparation for the next. We are the capability to make further in- “You never know. He may from the centre before placing a cool fi nish in the ninth ion in the 25th minute. confi dent we can make it into the fi nal.” roads on his Olympic mark. think it’s easier to swim one minute. The goal opened up the game, as Al Dhafrah aban- Al Dhafrah coach Rui Daniel Guimaraes also praised “Sarah has raw speed and isn’t event rather than six or four,” he Diego Costa would add his second just two minutes doned their conservative style, driving forward with Al Rayyan. afraid to use it at the beginning mused.