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Monday, July 3, 2017 MOTOGP Shawwal 9, 1438 AH Eighth win in a GULF TIMES row for Marquez at Sachsenring SPORT Page 2 BOXING Horn stuns Pacquiao to win WBO welterweight crown Three judges score in Australian’s favour in controversial bout; Pacquiao talks of rematch in the Philippines

AFP Brisbane, Australia

ormer schoolteacher Jeff Horn stunned world champion Man- ny Pacquiao to win the World Boxing Organisation welter- weightF crown with a controversial unanimous points decision in Brisbane yesterday. Given no chance by most observers, the 29-year-old Horn’s ultra-aggres- sive style rocked Pacquiao, with the three judges scoring the fi ght 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 to the Australian af- ter 12 rounds. Pacquiao’s camp and observers in- cluding Lennox Lewis slammed the decision, as the eight-weight world champion said on Filipino TV: “We thought that we won this fi ght.” “There is no problem with me if there’s a rematch,” he added. “It would be better if the rematch would be held in the Philippines.” Pacquiao, 38, is considered one of the greatest fi ghters of his generation. His camp had predicted a “short and sweet” win over Horn, a 2012 Austral- ian Olympian. But Horn showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion, relentlessly Manny Pacquiao (right) of the Philippines and Jeff Horn of Australia in action during their World Boxing Organization (WBO) Manny Pacquiao in the ring after his defeat to Jeff Horn in their World Boxing taking the fi ght to the Filipino great and welterweight bout at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) Organisation welterweight bout yesterday. (AFP) not allowing him to fi nd any rhythm. “I feel like he couldn’t get a hold left jabs in the opening rounds to take “The size diff erence helped too.” “The ref came over (at the end of the heart that kept me going,” he said. neck pace, but Horn’s early lead proved of my gap. I was feinting a lot, trying the early points, but Horn refused to Pacquiao, bleeding profusely from round) and said ‘show me something or “He got me with a couple of good too much to peg back as he claimed the to upset his rhythm and I think that back away and his brawling tactics paid cuts high above both eyes caused by ac- I’ll stop the fi ght’,” Horn said. shots and I did go backwards more in biggest win of his career. was working throughout the majority dividends through the middle stages. cidental head clashes, launched a sav- “I thought, ‘Hang on, hold your that round than in any other round in Pacquiao had been hoping to set up of that fi ght,” said Horn, who stands “He was quick when he put combi- age counter-attack in the ninth round horses — I’m not that bad, I can keep the fi ght, but I still felt good. But I came a second big-money showdown with three-and-a-half inches (nine cm) nations together but I felt controlling and appeared to have Horn in trouble going for sure’.” back in the 10th, 11th and 12th.” Floyd Mayweather, but it was Horn taller than Pacquiao. the gap made it easier to see the punch- with some massive blows that left the Horn recovered and came out Both fi ghters began to tire in the fi nal who called for a fi ght with the unbeaten Pacquiao did manage to land some es coming,” Horn said. Australian staggering. strongly in the 10th. “That was just my stages of a contest fought at a break- American immediately after his win.

FOOTBALL Sanchez temporarily appointed Qatar national team coach

Stindl tap-in gives Confed Cup QNA Doha AFP Sanchez could not connect with the Saint Petersburg loose ball. It proved costly as Diaz’s calami- atar Football Association (QFA) tous mistake and Werner’s quick president Sheikh Hamad bin ars Stindl’s simple tap-in, thinking led to Stindl’s match-win- QKhalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani an- following a costly fi rst-half ner. nounced the temporary appointment blunder by Marcelo Diaz, was Diaz dithered on the ball on the of Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, head enough to give Germany a 1-0 edge of his own box, allowing Wern- coach of Qatar’s U23 team, as Qatar winL over Chile in the Confederations er to pounce. He then drew lunging national team coach. Cup fi nal yesterday. Chile goalkeeper and Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati had re- Diaz’s momentary lapse in con- squared to Stindl, who tapped home. signed as head coach after Qatar beat centration let rob him Having fallen behind, Chile upped South Korea 3-2 in a 2018 FIFA World of possession, draw the goalkeeper the pressure to force an equaliser Cup qualifying match. and pass to Stindl, who scored into which left space at the back for Ger- In a statement yesterday, Sheikh an empty net on 20 minutes in Saint many to counter-attack. Hamad said the national team will Petersburg. fi red wide of the post, be managed by Sanchez in their two This is the fi rst time Germany, the then Goretzka, who scored twice in the remaining 2018 FIFA World Cup qualify- defending world champions, have 4-1 semi-fi nal win over Mexico, wasted ing matches against Syria and China. won the Confederations Cup in the a great chance by fi ring straight at Bra- He added that there were other senior eighth edition of the pre-World Cup vo just before the break. coaches being considered for selection tournament. Chilean tempers started to fray, and contract signing. The video assistant referee (VAR) and approaching the hour mark again came into the spotlight as squared up to Vidal, Qatar’s Al Arabi beat Chile’s Gonzalo Jara was lucky not to who pushed the German away. The be sent off in the second half. Bayern Munich teammates were both Vietnam SC in Asian Despite his elbow in the face of booked. club volleyball Werner midway through the second Then Werner was left clutching his half being reviewed by the VAR, the jaw after an elbow in the face from QNA defender was only booked. Jara near the touchline, the Serbian Hanoi Werner, Stindl and referee deciding to award a yellow all fi nished with three goals but RB card to the defender after reviewing Leipzig striker Werner took the top the incident. atar’s Al Arabi started their scorer’s prize by virtue of also sup- Germany players celebrate with the trophy after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup by beating Chile 1-0 in the final in The South Americans battered the last-eight stage campaign at the plying two assists. Saint Petersburg, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters) German goal in the fi nal 20 minutes Q2017 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Despite dominating for long spells, but Sanchez’s shot was blocked and Championship, with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, Chile failed to turn 61 percent pos- a goalless draw in the semi-fi nals. Chilean fans turned the Saint Pe- shot on 11 minutes which fl ew into the Ter Stegen then saved from Eduardo 25-22) win over Vietnam Sports Club in session and 20 shots – compared to Meanwhile, Germany’s only tersburg Stadium into a sea of red and grateful arms of Germany goalkeeper Vargas. Ninh Binh, Vietnam, yesterday. Arabi, the Germans’ eight – into goals. change from the team which beat merciless pressing by La Roja early on Marc-Andre ter Stegen. With time running out, both Vidal who finished second in Group C in the The South Americans kept the Mexico 4-1 in the last four saw de- saw Charles Aranguiz and Arturo Vidal The South Americans then wasted and substitute Angelo Sagal fi red over preliminary round, will play Al Bahri SC same team which squeezed past Por- fender Shkodran Mustafi replace cause havoc in the Germany defence. a golden chance when Vidal’s shot the bar, but the German defence held of Iraq in their second match today. tugal 3-0 on a penalty shoot out after . Eduardo Vargas had the fi rst clear was blocked by Ter Stegen and Alexis fi rm. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 3, 2017 SPORT

MOTOGP RALLYING Neuville avoids Eighth win in a trouble to win in Poland AFP row for Marquez Mikolajki, Poland hierry Neuville cranked up the pressure on four-time defending world rally cham- pion Sebastien Ogier by Tcharging to a third win of the season in Poland. at Sachsenring The Belgian entered yesterday with a 3.1-second lead over Ott Tan- ak, but the Estonian’s hopes evapo- Local hero Folger pushes Spaniard hard but only manages stirring second rated on the penultimate stage as he was forced to abandon the rally after outscore Seb, which we did, and we Reuters slamming into a bank. have closed the gap in the champi- Berlin Neuville won two further stages on onship for the second rally in a row,” the fi nal day — posting the quickest added Neuville, runner-up to Ogier time in nine of 22 specials in total — in the championship in both 2013 and onda’s Marc Marquez extend- to fi nish 1min 23.9sec clear of fellow 2016. ed his reign as ‘King of the Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon of Ogier, who damaged his Ford Fi- Sachsenring’ with an eighth New Zealand. esta early on Saturday and lost more successive win at the German “What a great result for the whole than 30 seconds as he skidded off the HGrand Prix that sent him back on top of team!” said Neuville. “I am really de- road, was just relieved to have made it the MotoGP championship standings lighted for everyone involved. It was over the fi nish line. yesterday. a closely fought battle this weekend, “I’m just happy to have fi nished it. The Spaniard, who has also started as it seems to have been for the past This podium isn’t deserved but that eight times in a row from pole position few events. happens sometimes and you have to in Germany, was pushed hard by local “It was certainly a relief to re- take it,” said Ogier. hero Jonas Folger who fi nished a stir- take the lead after Ott’s retirement “I’m sorry for Ott, he had done ring second for the non-works Yamaha this morning, as it allowed us some fantastic work and was very quick. Tech3 team. breathing space in the fi nal stages.” It’s a shame things fi nished like that Folger, a rookie who started fi fth, be- While Hayden posted his best per- for him.” came the fi rst German to stand on the formance of the season, Ogier took Tanak, who was chasing a second podium in his home grand prix in the third ahead as Finland’s Jari-Matti successive victory after his maiden MotoGP era with his fi rst top-three Latvala was forced out while less triumph in Italy last month, accepted fi nish since graduating from the Moto2 than 15 seconds off the lead on Satur- his misfortune was part and parcel of class. day due to mechanical problems. rallying. Dani Pedrosa, Marquez’s teammate Neuville, a winner in France and “It happens. You have to push very and compatriot, fi nished a distant Argentina earlier this season, trails hard if you want to win,” Tanak said, third. Ogier by just 11 points with fi ve races who was cruelly denied victory in last The win was triple champion Mar- left on the calendar. year’s Rally of Poland after suff ering a quez’s second of the season and sent “Our goal for the weekend was to puncture on the fi nal day. him clear at the top with 129 points, fi ve ahead of Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales, who fi nished fourth and is on 124 after REACTION nine races. Italian Andrea Dovizioso, the pre- vious leader, slipped to third on 123 points after crossing the line in eighth Pacquiao camp, social place. Compatriot Valentino Rossi, Repsol Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez (also below) celebrates with trackside marshals after winning the MotoGP race at who fi nished fi fth, is fourth overall on the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) 119 points. media slam judges “It was a really fast race, the rhythm Italian Fenati fi nished second at the was incredible,” said Marquez. “I was Sachsenring as Mir hung on from pole AFP “Boxing is a joke, and it proves pushing but he (Folger) was just follow- position to win by 0.121 seconds. Brisbane, Australia it again tonight. Are you kidding ing me. Marcos Ramirez completed the po- me with those scorecards? #joke “I’m really happy to go now on the dium. Mir, 19, now leads Fenati by 37 #rigged,” Rodgers said on Twitter. summer holidays leading the champi- points in the championship, with Can- anny Pacquiao’s camp Baseball and NFL legend Deion onship,” added the Spaniard, who was et a further 18 adrift. yesterday slammed the Sanders said: “@mannypacquiao 37 points adrift three races ago. The offi cials after the Filipino was robbed! I’m really upset right next race is at Brno in the Czech Repub- MOTOGP RESULTS (TOP 10) great lost his World Box- now. Really. This is ignorant. God lic on Aug. 6. Ming Organisation welterweight title in bless u Manny and all u do for your 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 40:59.525 Marquez’s run of success at the 2. Jonas Folger (Yamaha Tech3) +3.310sec a controversial unanimous decision country. #Truth.” Sachsenring, near Chemnitz, started in 3. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) +11.546 to Australia’s Jeff Horn. The fi ght statistics seemed to back 2010 when he was in the 125cc category. 4. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) +14.253 “The referee was sketchy, the the belief that Pacquiao had done He won in Moto2 in 2011 and 2012 be- 5. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) +14.980 judges were crazy,” fumed Pacquiao’s more than enough to win. fore his streak of fi ve victories in Mo- 6. Alvaro Bautista (Ducati Aspar) +16.534 strength and conditioning coach Jus- Broadcaster ESPN said that Pac- toGP. 7. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) +19.736 tin Fortune, who is a former Austral- quiao had landed 182 punches to He led into turn one on Sunday, with 8. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) +20.188 ian heavyweight champion. 82 from the challenger over the 12 Pedrosa slotting in behind but Folger 9. Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) +21.138 “Manny lost the fi ght, but Jeff rounds in front of more than 51,000 stayed in touch and moved up to third 10. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) +24.210 Horn looks like a pumpkin,” Fortune fans in Horn’s home town of Bris- before then passing Pedrosa. MOTOGP STANDINGS (TOP THREE) added, referring to Horn who fi n- bane. The German took the lead on lap fi ve 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 129 pts ished the fi ght with a badly swollen Fortune, who once fought against and stayed in front for fi ve laps before 2. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 124 face and needing stitches over his Lewis and has been with Pacquiao running wide as Marquez went through 3. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 123 right eye. since 2002, said Horn had been al- and pulled away. The three judges scored the fi ght lowed to get away with a host of il- “I don’t know what to say really,” said MOTO2 RESULTS (TOP THREE) 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 to Horn. legal tactics as he brawled his way to Folger, who fi nished 3.310 behind Mar- 1. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 41:05.137 “Those scores, that card? It should victory. quez. “I never expected this today. 2. Miguel Oliveira (KTM) +0.066sec be the other way around,” said For- “That’s what you get down here,” “I was behind him (Marquez), trying 3. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) +0.574 tune. he said of the tactics. to save the tyres and suddenly I made MOTO2 STANDINGS (TOP THREE) The result that caused dismay “You’d never get away with that one big mistake into turn one, I tried to 1. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 173 pts on social media among boxing and anywhere else in the world. You’d be recover and I burned the tyre. 2. Thomas Luethi (Kalex) 136 sporting greats. penalised points. “But really I thought I could beat him 3. Miguel Oliveira (KTM) 114 “This is what’s wrong with box- “I don’t have a problem with dirty today. I had a good rhythm but two laps gal’s Miguel Oliveira to the line at the MIR GRABS FIFTH MOTO3 WIN ing,” tweeted former undisputed fi ghting and that’s what it was, a before (the end) the tyre gave up.” Sachsenring by just 0.066 seconds, as Spaniard Joan Mir claimed his fi fth MOTO3 RESULTS (TOP THREE) world heavyweight champion Len- fi ght. You do what you have to to Francesco Bagnaia fi nished third. Moto3 victory of the season yesterday 1. Joan Mir (Honda) 39:34.755 nox Lewis. win.” MORBIDELLI EXTENDS MOTO2 LEAD The 22-year-old Morbidelli now to extend his world championship lead. 2. Romano Fenati (Honda) +0.121sec “Horn was very game but I’m hard Two of the judges, Waleska Roldan Italian rider Franco Morbidelli edged to leads the riders’ standings by 37 points, The Honda rider saw his overall ad- 3. Marcos Ramirez (KTM) +0.218 pressed to see how he could have won and Chris Flores, were from the his sixth Moto2 win of the year in the after his title rivals Thomas Luethi and vantage cut by Aron Canet last time out MOTO3 STANDINGS (TOP THREE) that fi ght by any stretch!” United States while the third, Ramon German Grand Prix to extend his world Alex Marquez both failed to fi nish. when he fi nished ninth in Assen, but his 1. Joan Mir (Honda) 165 pts American football quarterback Cerdan, was from Argentina. The championship lead yesterday. Oliveira is fourth overall after his compatriot retired to slip behind Romano 2. Romano Fenati (Honda) 128 Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay referee, Mark Nelson, was also from The Kalex rider pipped Portu- third top-three eff ort of the season. Fenati to third in the riders’ standings. 3. Aron Canet (Honda) 110 Packers was equally forthright. the US.

BOTTOMLINE Pacquiao loss leaves war-weary Filipinos in disbelief

AFP somehow get joy and help,” displaced Pacquiao had bled profusely from in the Philippines time zone, in pub- Marawi, Philippines resident Moktar Sunggod, 42, told AFP cuts to the head high above both eyes, lic places, including in restaurants and after watching the fi ght in an evacua- prompting boos from crowds gathered watering holes. tion centre near war-ravaged Marawi in gymnasiums in the capital. However crowds have gradually be- illions of boxing fans in city. “Pacquiao lost, but a battle is really come thinner as Pacquiao hits the twi- the Philippines, including Islamist militants who went on a like that. He is a true soldier because light of a glittering career. those displaced by fi ght- rampage in Marawi on May 23 have even if he is wounded he keeps attack- Pacquiao, who briefl y retired last ing with Islamist militants, triggered weeks of intense fi ghting with ing the opponent,” armed forces chief year before making a successful come- Mwalked away in stunned disbelief as the country’s military that has killed General Eduardo Ano told reporters. back against Jessie Vargas in November, national hero Manny Pacquiao lost his more than 400 people and forced near- had been expected to knock out Horn in world title to Australian Jeff Horn in a ly 400,000 people to fl ee their homes. WEAR AND TEAR a “short and sweet” fi ght, according to major upset yesterday. The outcome of the fi ght added to the Pacquiao, a staunch ally of President his trainer. Pacquiao, 38, is an elected senator misery of Marawi residents but author- Rodrigo Duterte, received praise from “I don’t think he lost. He was cheat- and a unifying fi gure in the Southeast ities drew parallels between Pacquiao’s the presidential palace. ed! He still came out a strong fi ghter,” Asian nation beset by confl ict, grinding loss and people’s struggle to recover “Nothing will change: Senator Man- construction worker Rudy Merano, 30, poverty, and frequent natural calami- from the confl ict. ny Pacquiao will remain our people’s told AFP in a public square of Manila’s ties. “Our morale is at its lowest but Pac- champ, national fi st, and treasure,” said Marikina suburb. Residents of a war-torn southern city quiao remains a symbol of resilience. In Duterte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella. “But I think Pacquiao should retire had hoped for a respite by watching the the same way that he is already a boxing Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story, and just focus on being senator.” 12-round fi ght in displacement camps icon, this crisis does not defi ne who we from high school dropout to millionaire Boxing analysts said Pacquiao should but their idol’s defeat silenced cheers and are,” provincial government spokesman world boxing champion in an unprece- think hard about a possible rematch prompted many to stand up even before Zia Alonto Adiong told AFP. dented eight weight divisions, is a huge with Horn. the announcement was over. In Manila, soldiers wounded from source of pride in the Philippines. “It’s the wear and tear. He might be “It pains our hearts so much. Pac- the clashes in Marawi watched a blood- In keeping with tradition, many Fili- in self-denial but Manny Pacquiao was quiao lost and we are thinking about ied Pacquiao from screens set up in a pinos watched Pacquiao’s fi ght, which too old in this fi ght,” said boxing analyst Wounded soldiers from war-torn Marawi watch the bout between Manny Pacquiao our burned houses. We hoped we could military hospital. took place around midday on Sunday Ed Tolentino. and Jeff Horn at the army hospital in Taguig City, Philippines, yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Monday, July 3, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Blatter regret at overstaying Portugal beat Mexico to FIFA tenure

Geneva: Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, forced out as head of world football’s governing body fi nish third at Confed Cup amid a corruption scandal in 2015, admitted yesterday he regretted not stepping down earlier. The 81-year-old was Portugal were without Ronaldo, who returned home to meet his newborn twins banned over ethics breaches, bringing an end to his 17-year reign as FIFA chief, following a suspect 2mn Swiss franc ($2mn) payment to ex-UEFA president Michel Platini. “I should have stopped my- self earlier,” Blatter said in an interview to Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick, adding that his ousting as FIFA boss was “a relief”. Blatter, who was re-elected for a fifth term in May 2015 before promptly an- nouncing his plans to resign, recalled the editor-in-chief of a Swiss magazine warning him the role of FIFA president had an expiration date. “’At your place the date is 2014’, he told me, and I said to him that sometimes it’s writ- ten that the product can be consumed beyond this date if it’s stored in a cool place,” Blatter said. Blatter was also asked about a report in German newspaper Der Spiegel that current FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had feared being dismissed as the subject of another ethics committee investigation. Infantino was cleared last year by FIFA of ethics violations after investi- gating him over his use of pri- vate jets, personal expenses, hiring methods and a contract dispute. But FIFA assured last month “no investigation” had Portugal’s players celebrate with their bronze medals after finishing third in the Confederations Cup at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) been opened into Infantino after sources said his role in AFP box on 104 minutes, while both sides ter the Real Madrid star was released kick round the post. as Pepe lunged to get on the end of the Confederation of African Moscow fi nished with 10 men as Nelson Semedo from the squad to return home to meet Rui Patricio produced a sharp stop to Ricardo Quaresma’s curling right-wing Football’s presidential elec- was dismissed for Portugal before Raul his newborn twins. Portugal and Mex- deny Javier Hernandez, Mexico’s all- cross to force extra time. tions was being looked into. Jimenez saw red for Mexico. ico drew 2-2 in the opening game of time leading scorer, from close range on Silva, on as a substitute, then grabbed “I don’t know about that, drien Silva scored an extra- “It was a really tough battle but we the group stage, when Hector Moreno the half hour, but the Portugal keeper the winner just before the end of the I only know that former time penalty as Portugal re- played very good in attack, we managed salvaged a last-gasp point for the Gold was beaten shortly after the break. fi rst period of extra time, burying a FIFA colleagues addressed covered from a goal down to to create plenty of chances and I think Cup winners, but were left fi ghting for a Hernandez’s cross from the byline penalty after Miguel Layun handled in themselves because of him beat Mexico 2-1 in yesterday’s it’s a deserved win for us,” said centre- consolation prize in the Russian capital. fl oated beyond Carlos Vela and Patricio, the box. Semedo was then sent off on to the ethics committee and third-placeA play-off at the Confedera- back Pepe. “Of course we wanted to play Portugal should have gone in front in with Zenit St Petersburg centre-back 106 minutes after picking up a second that three or four weeks later, tions Cup in Moscow. Luis Neto bun- in the fi nal, to clash for the Confedera- the drizzling rain on 17 minutes when Neto unwittingly turning the ball home. yellow card, but Mexico’s numerical they were thrown out of FIFA,” dled into his own net to hand Mexico tions Cup. But after we failed to get that Andre Silva was upended by 38-year- Portugal went in pursuit of an equal- advantage was swiftly wiped out when Blatter said. a 54th-minute lead, but Pepe stabbed result, we needed to show our best in old Rafael Marquez, with the video iser and Gelson Martins — replacing Jimenez received his marching orders. Ethics chiefs Hans-Joachim home a stoppage-time equaliser to force the third-place game. Luckily we did assistant referee stepping in to award Ronaldo in attack — was denied by an “Both teams played some intelligent Eckert and Cornel Borbely an extra 30 minutes at Spartak Stadium. everything right.” the spot-kick. But Mexico goalkeeper excellent save from Ochoa with just football today but Portugal were just were replaced in May at the Silva then struck his fi rst interna- European champions Portugal were Guillermo Ochoa fl ung himself superbly over an hour played. But Ochoa was slightly better,” Ochoa admitted. “We annual FIFA Congress. tional goal after a handball inside the without captain Cristiano Ronaldo af- to his right to tip Andre Silva’s low spot- beaten in the fi rst minute of injury time did put them under pressure."

ROUND-UP FOCUS West Bromwich sign Rodriguez Debutants strike as United States down Ghana from Southampton for £12mn AFP ed challenges fl ying in throughout the game. Ghana Washington goalkeeper Richard Ofori was lucky to stay on the West Bromwich Albion have signed striker pitch after a wild lunge on Dwyer as the striker raced Jay Rodriguez (right) from Southampton, in on goal midway through the fi rst half. Dwyer, the Saints said yesterday. “#SaintsFC can nglish-born striker Dom Dwyer scored a who moved to the United States to pursue football confi rm that @JayRodriguez9 has today goal on his international debut as the United after being told as a teenager in England he would completed a move to #WBA,” they said on States defeated Ghana 2-1 in a friendly in- not be able to play professionally, enjoyed an im- twitter. Although no fee was mentioned, ternational on Saturday. pressive fi rst appearance for his adopted homeland. British media said the deal was worth ESporting Kansas City forward Dwyer, who be- The 26-year-old was a lively presence through- £12mn ($15.63mn). came a US citizen three months ago, lashed home a out until he was substituted midway through the The 27-year-old’s career has been dis- fi rst-half volley to fi re the Americans ahead as they second half. Dwyer’s had already twice threatened rupted by a series of injuries which saw him build towards this month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. the Ghana goal before scoring his opener in the 19th miss the whole of the 2014-15 season and Another debutant, FC Dallas’s Kellyn Acosta minute. Jorge Villafana cut in from the left and saw struggle to break back into the Southamp- scored the American side’s second goal on 52 as his shot defl ected by team-mate Joe Corona, falling ton fi rst team. He scored 32 goals in 126 Bruce Arena’s team — with several fi rst-choice into the path of Dwyer who buried his fi nish from appearances for Southampton, whom he players rested — claimed a well-earned win. Gha- close range. joined for seven mn pounds from his home- na’s veteran forward Asamoah Gyan pulled a goal US keeper Brad Guzan meanwhile saved a penalty town club Burnley in 2012. Rodriguez has back for the visitors with a stunning free kick in the on the stroke of half-time to preserve the American one cap for England. 60th minute but the US held on for victory. lead at the break. Early in the second half, Acosta Although a friendly international, the game pit- then curled in a low free-kick from just outside the CHELSEA SNAP UP VETERAN ted two sides who have battled against each other in area to make it 2-0. Gyan made amends for his ear- KEEPER CABALLERO memorable World Cup encounters during the 2006, lier penalty miss with a thunderbolt free-kick into Premier League champions Chelsea signed 2010 and 2014 fi nals. the top corner to give Ghana hope — his 51st inter- Argentinian goalkeeper Willy Caballero The rivalry was evident at East Hartford’s Rent- national goal — but US fi nished strongly to close out on a free transfer on Saturday to provide schler Field on Saturday with a series of full-blood- the win. back-up to Thibaut Courtois. The 35-year- old had been a free agent since Manchester City let him go at the end of last season and Chelsea had a spare goalkeeping spot after “I am so happy that I could join a club history – that will run until June 2026. The Asmir Begovic left for Bournemouth. like Southampton,” Bednarek told the club 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most “I am very happy to join Chelsea, the website. “This is the moment I have worked exciting midfi eld talents in Europe over the champions of England,” Caballero said. “I for that makes my dreams come true. It past two seasons and was a key player dur- am looking forward to meeting the guys and only gives me motivation to work hard, to ing Atletico’s run to the Champions League helping the club achieve more success in the show my skills and to help Southampton to semi-fi nals last season. coming season.” get better and better. I think it’s a good step Niguez played 53 games for Atletico last Caballero — who will also vie with Por- for me, because I have heard Southampton season, scoring nine goals, four of which tuguese goalkeeper Eduardo for second- is such a good club for young players, so I were in the Champions League, and the choice keeper — experienced his best can improve here.” length of the deal is shows how highly he moment with City when he saved three Southampton also announced on Satur- is rated by the manager, Diego Simeone. “I penalties in the shootout win over Liverpool day another defender Jack Stephens — who am very happy because at Atletico we are in the 2016 League Cup fi nal. “We are very became a fi rst team regular after Virgil van a family and there is no better place to be,” happy to have Willy on board. He knows the Dijk was injured in January — had agreed Niguez said in a statement. Premier League and is tried and tested at a new fi ve-year contract. The 23-year-old “I will work my full potential on the fi eld the top of the game,” said Chelsea technical former England Under-21 player has been as always to pay back the trust that the director Michael Emenalo. with Saints since he was 17. club is giving to me. I’d like to thank all my “It feels like home to me. I have really teammates and the coaching staff for their PELLEGRINO MAKES POLE FIRST enjoyed my time here and am now looking help day by day so that I can be the player I SIGNING AS SAINTS MANAGER forward to the next fi ve years,” he said. “It’s am today.” Poland Under-21 international defender a massive platform for me now because it Niguez excelled for Spain at the European Jan Bednarek became new Southampton just shows how much faith the club have Under-21 Championship and received the manager Mauricio Pellegrino’s fi rst signing put in me.” Golden Boot for scoring fi ve goals in fi ve on Saturday. The 21-year-old centre-back matches as well as a runners-up medal. — who has been on duty for his country at NIGUEZ SIGNS NEW NINE-YEAR Atletico are subject to a transfer ban until the European Under-21 championships — CONTRACT AT ATLETICO MADRID January 2018 so keeping Niguez and An- signed a fi ve-year contract with the Saints The coveted Atletico Madrid midfi elder toine Griezmann, who signed a one-year paying a reported £5-million ($6.5mn, Saul Niguez has signed a new nine-year extension this summer, were key for their Dom Dwyer (centre) of the United States vies for the ball with Ghana defenders John Boye (left) and Jerry 5.7mn euros) fee to Lech Poznan. contract – one of the longest in football early-season hopes. Akaminko during an international friendly at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 3, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ozil wants superstar wages from Arsenal, but who else wants him?

The German’s contract standoff with Arsenal Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal contract has a year left to run, and the German is asking for a massive has echoes of Samir Nasri and Robin van pay rise before he will sign a new one. Persie – until you count the big clubs currently interested in signing him

By David Hytner on your viewpoint, may or may not have justi- The Guardian fi ed his billing, who wants superstar wages but is currently unwanted by the superstar clubs. The starting point for any analysis of Ozil’s rsene Wenger was asked about the strategy must be what Arsenal are prepared to Mesut Ozil contract issue after Arse- off er him, and, happily for all parties, it appears nal’s 3-2 home win over Swansea City that they do know a good bank. Their proposal last October. It was not the fi rst time is, reportedly, in the region of £280,000 a week thatA the manager had been pressed on it and, – in other words, a 100% rise, which would add goodness knows, it would not be the last. up to an extra £7.3mn per year, before tax. Type “Ozil” and “contract” into an online But Ozil and his people are stalling. In Janu- newspaper archive and, at the time of writing, ary, Ozil suggested that he wanted to know it brings up 4,117 hits from the British national whether Wenger would stay on for another cycle press over the past year. “I don’t think Mesut before he extended his own contract. The man- needs convincing to stay,” Wenger said, back ager committed to another two years on 31 May then. “He wants to stay here. If you have a good yet that seems to have done little to accelerate bank, call me.” the negotiations with Ozil. Wenger’s quip gave the story one of its prin- One of the big questions for the Germany cipal drivers, even if high fi nance tends to go midfi elder concerns why he should sign a new hand-in-hand with the career direction of the deal during this window – in the absence of a modern Premier League footballer. viable off er from elsewhere. It is the question As has been endlessly reported, Ozil now has that his representatives are asking and it is un- one year to run on his £140,000-a-week con- derstood that they have resolved to sit tight until tract and he wants a massive pay rise before he January 2018. commits to another one at the club. At that point, Ozil would have six months to Yet this is a situation that stands apart from so run and he would be able to discuss a free trans- many of its ilk, including those of the former Ar- fer for the summer with interested overseas senal players Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie clubs. He could even agree a pre-contract and, and Ozil’s current team-mate Alexis Sanchez. in those circumstances, would expect to receive Nasri and Van Persie left the club in 2011 and a huge signing-on bonus, similar to what the 2012 for Manchester City and Manchester Unit- buying club would save in transfer fees. ed respectively, when they each had one year to Would this bonus be more than £7.3mn or run on their deals, while Sanchez is expected to the sum that Ozil would forfeit by remaining on leave this summer, with City increasingly con- his current salary for another year? Surely yes, fi dent that they will get him. Sanchez has one even if it is unclear how much a club would pay year to go on his contract. for Ozil in terms of the transfer fee. In cases that The market was hot for Nasri and Van Per- involve colossal wages, the fee can be squeezed. sie and it is red hot for Sanchez, with Chelsea, Were Ozil, as is expected, to wait it out, he Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain hav- would hope not so much to keep his options ing also shown an interest in him. Arsenal’s di- open – with re-signing at Arsenal in the end still lemma with Nasri and Van Persie was that both among them – but to broaden them. players had refused to sign new contracts and so He would back himself to excel in a World Cup they had to cash in or risk losing them on free year and tempt some of the elite clubs out of the transfers the following year. The situation is the woodwork. same with Sanchez. On the other hand, anything can happen in But what of Ozil? Which of the rival European the coming months and that includes things clubs that could meet his salary demands actu- going wrong. Ozil could get injured or he might ally want him? There are only seven that can of- play badly and see his value drop. fer weekly wage packets of more than £200,000 He could worry about injury and play within a week – the Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Real himself. If the grass does not prove greener on Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern and PSG. And, at the other side of the conundrum, he would have present, Arsenal have fi elded no concrete in- lost money and put needless pressure on the re- quiries from any of them. lationship with Wenger, his team-mates and the It has served to leave Ozil in a curious posi- Arsenal support. tion. This is a superstar player who, depending For Ozil, the clock is ticking. Loudly.

FOCUS Rules put brakes on China's megastar transfers

By Paul MacInnes the plug on the deal. Almost imme- bore the sassy legend ‘nothing to do, The Guardian diately, rumours surfaced that Tian- nothing to say’). Oscar’s manager An- jin had turned their attentions to last dré Villas-Boas was also suspended, for season’s top scorer in the , criticising the ban in an Instagram post. Great Wad of China”, “Great Walk Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, with a As yet foreign managers are not subject of China”, “Chinese Takeaway” proposed £71mn transfer fee and wag- to a transfer levy. “Forbidden City!” (for a story about es worth £500,000 a week. That said, “High cost ‘A-List’ foreign players Kasper Schmeichel not leaving there is yet to be a single foreign trans- have often fl opped in China,” says Sul- ‘Leicester), “China Crisis!” “There is no fer of note to the CSL this window. livan. “On the other hand, the most China Crisis!” A genre of UK headlines It may turn out that luring megastars successful foreign imports are relative- could soon become redundant after the on mega money is not the only way to ly unknown Brazilians like Guangzhou latest intervention by the Beijing gov- improve the standard of, and engage- Evergrande’s Elkeson and Ricardo ernment in their fl agship football com- ment with, Chinese football. “I think a Goulart, top scorers and MVPs in the petition, the Chinese Super League, period of consolidation is a good thing last three years. Elkeson was bought came into force. for the CSL,” says Sullivan. for £4m from Botafogo and Ricardo At the midpoint of the CSL sea- “The authorities and clubs need to Goulart was £10m from Cruzeiro. For son Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou Ev- fi gure out what regulations work best a growing league like CSL, the value in ergrande, champions for the past six for all concerned, including fans, the performance lies in the kind of foreign seasons, are four points clear at the development of Chinese players and players you can pick up for fees under top; Jiangsu Suning, coached by Fabio the quality of the on-fi eld product. the Chinese FA’s new threshold.” Capello, are in the relegation zone. But, There is a concern that the CSL is a Signing lower-profi le names may in in the middle of a month-long transfer two-speed league with some excep- turn bring other outcomes that benefi t window (the equivalent of the January tional foreign talent amid a morass of the grand Chinese plan. Fewer megas- market in the Premier League) excit- players who would struggle in the lower tars who are far too good for the league able rumours linking European-based leagues in Europe.” A factor that has ex- (and who know it) may help make players with moves to the Far East have acerbated the problem is foreign talent matches more competitive. been notable by their absence. having been anything but exceptional. This in turn would help with the de- This, in no small part, is down to the Nicolas Anelka became the highest- velopment of Chinese players and per- latest in a number of rule changes im- paid player in Chinese history when he haps help persuade more Chinese fans posed by the Chinese government on joined Shanghai Shenhua in 2012. to take an interest in a league which their own brainchild. As of this month, He will, however, be remembered currently languishes well below foreign the transfer of a foreign player will not for the paltry total of three goals he football and the NBA in their aff ections. carry a levy. If the transfer fee paid by scored but for having been fi rst given This journey would be comparable to a CSL club is less than €6mn (£5.3mn), and then removed from the responsi- that experienced by Major League Soc- the same amount of money must be put bilities of player-coach after the sack- cer, a league that has largely weaned into the club’s youth system. If the fee is Brazilian midfielder Oscar (second right) made a £60mn switch to Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea in January this year. ing of Jean Tigana. itself off highly paid super-annuated greater than €6mn, however, the same The man who now holds Anelka’s foreigners and is now the third-biggest amount must be given to the state’s it would not play for any points). The an imported Brazilian midfi elder; im- are interlinked. Following this ever- mantle of all-time highest-paid, Carlos sport in the United States in terms of football development fund. In eff ect, recent history of Chinese football has provising its way to success. This, ac- twisting thread is something especially Tevez, looks unlikely to be remembered live attendance. foreign transfer fees have doubled. been one of sudden, dramatic changes. cording to Sullivan, is at least in part important for the number of clubs any more fondly; with one goal in seven Whatever the future brings there will If this seems a screeching handbrake “All policy in China is experimental because the defi nition of what con- owned by Chinese corporations (such appearances he has told Argentinian be one certain winner in the short term. turn from a league that only fi ve months and fl exible,” says Dr Jonathan Sullivan, stitutes success in China can quickly as Alibaba, the internet giant that owns media he may return home after one Yes, you guessed it, the players. Those ago looked set upon overturning foot- director of the China Policy Institute at change. One of the aims announced by Guangzhou Evergrande) for whom in- season. Finally, a mention for £60mn on the books of CSL clubs will soon be ball’s established order, it is. But it is at the University of Nottingham. Beijing in its much-trumpeted Football terpreting the will of the Chinese Com- Shanghai SIPG signing Oscar. The on the phone to their agents, if they are least consistent. Only at the start of this “The party sets out a general goal Reform Plan last year, for example, had munist party is central to their contin- former Chelsea midfi elder earned the not already. “There is a possibility clubs year, rules regarding the number of for- which state departments are charged been to establish the national team as uing success. CSL worldwide attention last month, will now be willing to pay a premium for eign players allowed in any matchday with writing up into executable policy. a world power by 2050 and one of the But what impact will the latest rule but not in the way his employers had Chinese national team players, not just squad were changed reducing the total Government bureaux, provincial gov- best in Asia within 15 years. At the mo- change have on the pitch? If a club so hoped. The midfi elder made one rash for their relative footballing value but from four to three, while the required ernments, private commercial actors ment that looks a long way off , with desired, they could still spend big mon- challenge, although he connected with to capitalise on fan patriotism,” says number of Chinese nationals increased all interpret it in slightly diff erent ways. a 2-2 draw against Syria last month ey, but as yet they have not. Anthony ball not man, and then kicked the ball Sullivan. commensurately. The latest announce- Often policies as executed don’t have leaving them unable to qualify for the Modeste, the French striker who came at another player. For those off ences, “A further possibility is that foreign ment meanwhile, was accompanied the party’s intended eff ects, or there is World Cup fi nals next summer. third in the Bundesliga scoring charts which started a mass brawl, Oscar was players will use the new regulations to by a proposed innovation; the German unexpected negative reaction or what- The fact the new transfer levy con- last season, looked set to move to Tian- banned for eight matches. Last week improve their deals, knowing that re- FA is considering allowing the Chi- ever – at which point it is adjusted in an nects the import of foreign players to jin Quanjian for £30mn. Hulk and Wu Lei were then suspended placements are now prohibitively ex- nese Under-20 national side to join ad hoc way.” the development of young Chinese tal- The transfer collapsed last week for two matches after wearing T-shirts pensive.” Consider it the yin and yang the fourth tier of the Bundesliga (only In other words, China is acting like ent shows how these various priorities when Modeste’s club Cologne pulled in support of their team-mate (they of Chinese football. Gulf Times Monday, July 3, 2017 5 SPORT

RUGBY Stallions embark on Boost for Lions as fi rst Australia tour Williams banned, O’Brien cleared ‘They’ve come to the conclusion that it was reckless, that it wasn’t intentional’

AFP Wellington By Sports Reporter experience for our players and Doha its also a great opportunity for us to carry Qatar’s name to the ed-carded All Blacks international cricketing circle.” centre Sonny Bill Wil- fter very success- Stallions Sports Services is liams was suspended for ful tours of England, the leading sports academy four weeks yesterday, Dubai and Sri Lanka, in Doha, currently providing butR British and Irish Lions fl ank- Qatar’s leading crick- coaching in cricket, basket- er Sean O’Brien escaped a ban in etA academy Stallions Cricket ball and badminton for juniors a boost for the tourists as they Academy have left for Australia from the age of six years and chase a historic series victory. on a two-week tour. above through experienced Williams said he had no argu- During the trip Stallions will team of coaches. ment with his ban after he be- play 14 matches with leading The academy has already came the fi rst New Zealander to clubs and academies in Bris- done many cricket tours to be sent off in a home Test during bane. The touring consists of England, Sri Lanka and the Saturday’s series-levelling, 24- more than 50 people, including UAE during the past two years 21 Lions win. players, coaches and parents. and planning to tour Oman in Later O’Brien, who was cited During the tour, qualifi ed December 2017 and South Af- for an alleged strike on Waisake senior coaches Ashan Perera, rica in March 2018. Naholo, avoided punishment Saman Fonseka, Haresh Rath- The academy in Qatar was when the complaint was dis- nayake, Shivani Mishra and launched with the purpose of missed by the judicial panel. head coach Sidath Tennakoon developing the game here, and It was a helpful turn of events are accompanying the squad. to provide opportunities to as- for the visitors, who retain the Commenting on the tour, piring young players to learn infl uential O’Brien while the All Sidath Tennakoon, the head from qualifi ed and experienced Blacks will have to do without coach of Stallions, said, “This coaches. the hulking Williams in Satur- tour will provide our players a The academy has already day’s third Test. rare opportunity to experience produced 18 players (both girls “Just fi nished my hearing, the longer version of the game and boys) for various Qatar na- ended up getting four weeks. against quality opponents in tional cricket teams. Obviously really disappointed, top facilities in Brisbane as The new cricket season for but happy with being able to we intend to play ten 40-over Stallions will start in Septem- get in there and say my piece,” games and four T20s. ber 2017 at their fully equipped Williams said after nearly three “Our tours provide a lifelong practice locations in Doha. hours in front of a judicial panel. O’Brien was later cleared when the all-Australian panel said the complaint against him Shattenkirk joins Rangers had been dismissed. as free agency opens “Firstly, I hope Waisake is OK,” he said in a statement. “I’d Veteran NHL defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk signed a four-year like to thank the panel for care- deal with his hometown New York Rangers on Saturday as fully considering the case and I free agency began for the 2017-18 NHL season. The contract, am looking forward to re-joining New Zealand All Blacks’ leaves the NZRU headquarters after his judicial hearing in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) worth a reported $26.6mn, was among the top deals as major the whole squad to prepare for off -season moves began, with Shattenkirk having netted 13 the fi nal Test.” confi rmed before the hearing ward pack. “He’s the barometer Hansen sees series decider as great for world rugby goals and set up 43 more for St. Louis and Washington last Williams, the code-hopping that Williams would plead guilty. of our energy and aggression in season. Washington, which had the NHL’s best regular-season double World Cup-winner, was “There’s a (judicial) process, we the game,” Lions assistant coach The second test loss to the British and Irish Lions has ratcheted record last season but lost to eventual NHL champion Pitts- red-carded 25 minutes into the trust the process. Sonny’s paid a Graham Rowntree said. up the pressure on the All Blacks ahead of what promises to be a burgh in the second round of the playoff s, also parted ways Test after a shoulder charge to big price. The team’s paid a big “His ball-pressure, his tack- historical series decider, New Zealand coach has said. with forward Justin Williams, who signed a two-year deal with the head of Lions wing Anthony price for him making a mistake,” ling, his carrying — he’s been The Lions took full advantage of a man advantage for 55 minutes his former club, the Carolina Hurricanes. Watson. Hansen said. outstanding.” after Sonny Bill Williams was dismissed for a dangerous shoulder He had 81 goals over five seasons with Carolina and netted He did not contest the charge “He’s disappointed. Not for Although the All Blacks were charge on winger Anthony Watson to keep the series alive with a 24 in 80 games last season for the Capitals. Washington also when he appeared before the ju- himself, he accepts he’s made a forced to play with 14 men for 55 24-21 win, setting up a decider at Eden Park. lost defenseman Karl Alzner, who inked a reported five-year, dicial panel at the New Zealand mistake, but he’s disappointed minutes after Williams was sent The All Blacks won the first game 30-15 and British media had $23.125mn contract with Montreal. Rugby offi ces on Sunday. because he’s let the team down.” off , the Lions did not hit the lead reported that northern hemisphere club administrators were raising Forward Patrick Sharp, 35, signed a one-year deal with the Chi- The All Blacks have already until three minutes from time doubts over future Lions tours and a series loss before the third test cago Blackhawks, returning the to club where he played for 10 ‘I let my brothers down’ called Otago Highlanders cen- when Owen Farrell landed the would have intensified their opposition further. The world champi- seasons and won Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015 before “They’ve come to the conclu- tre Malakai Fekitoa into the match-winning penalty. ons have also been riding an unprecedented wave of success in the spending the past two campaigns in Dalls. Sharp netted 239 sion that it was reckless, that it squad as Williams’ replacement Williams is only the third All past five years, with the loss at Wellington Regional Stadium just goals in 679 games for the Blackhawks. Anaheim signed goal- wasn’t intentional,” Williams with senior midfi elder Ryan Black ever to be sent off , follow- their fifth in 71 tests since Hansen took over in 2012. tender Ryan Miller to a two-year deal worth a reported $4mn. said. Crotty already sidelined by a ing Cyril Brownlie in 1925 and “Everyone will be excited next week, it’ll be great,” Hansen told Miller went 18-29 with six overtime losses for Vancouver “I’ve got in contact with An- hamstring injury sustained in Colin Meads in 1967. reporters yesteday. “Rugby’s been needing something like this for last season with a 2.80 goals-against average and.914 save thony and I’ve apologised to him the fi rst Test. The Lions will seek their fi rst a while. “It’s now got it, so everyone will be a bit nervy about that, percentage over 54 games. Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh but I’m very disappointed that I O’Brien has been a stand- series win in New Zealand since because it could go either way. It’s moments like these that go down lost two free agents as forward Nick Bonino signed a four-year was sent from the fi eld last night out performer for the Lions in 1971 next week at Eden Park, in history which excite young people to say ‘I want to be part of this, deal worth $16.4mn with Nashville, the team the Penguins and that I let my brothers down.” the fi rst two Tests and is seen where the All Blacks are unbeat- not only as a player but also as a fan’. beat in the Stanley Cup Final. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen as a key member of their for- en in 24 years.

MLB Yankees bullpen falters in 7-6 loss to Astros

By Pete Caldera RESULTS belted his fi rst career grand slam “When he came up and tapped The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) and Jordan Montgomery lasted me on the shoulder, I thought, Arizona 6 Colorado 2 51/3 innings, giving up a two- ‘This is it. I’m going up,’ “ Frazier LA Dodgers 8 San Diego 0 run homer to Gurriel and a solo said. But, “he defi nitely didn’t lint Frazier had already LA Angels 4 Seattle 0 shot by Carlos Correa. make me think I was going up toned down some of his Minnesota 10 Kansas City 5 Batting ninth, Frazier struck when (we) sat down and started spring training brash- Cleveland 4 Detroit 1 out in his fi rst big-league at-bat, talking.” ness before Saturday Houston 7 NY Yankees 6 whiffi ng on a slider after being In a serious tone, Pedrique afternoon,C when he re-entered St. Louis 2 Washington 1 ahead 3-and-0 on right-handed told Frazier all the things he Yankees Universe as a full- Cincinnati 5 Chicago Cubs 3 starter Francis Martes. But lead- needed to work on, including fl edged major leaguer. Milwaukee 8 Miami 4 ing off the sixth, with the Yanks “being a good teammate” before Still, “if I clip my own wings, NY Mets 7 Philadelphia 6 trailing 2-0, Frazier lined one telling him he’d be working on I’m not going to be able to play Atlanta 4 Oakland 3 just under the glove of diving left those things as a Yankee on Sat- the way that I want to,” Frazier San Francisco 2 Pittsburgh 1 fi elder Marwin Gonzalez for a urday. said at Minute Maid Park of fi nd- (11 innings) two-base hit. “I’m glad we had that conver- ing that happy medium. “As long Tampa Bay 10 Baltimore 3 Gary Sanchez’s bases-loaded sation,” said Frazier, the key top as I can be myself without be- Kansas City 11 Minnesota 6 single scored Frazier ahead of prospect acquired from Cleveland ing a distraction or cause harm Texas 10 Chicago W Sox 4 Gregorius’s line drive into the in last summer’s trade that sent to the clubhouse or the team, I Detroit 7 Cleveland 4 lower right-fi eld seats off righty lefty Andrew Miller to the even- think I’ll be in good shape.” Boston 7 Toronto 1 Will Harris, the second grand tual AL champs. “Looking back Once the game began, Frazier slam in as many nights for the on last year, I tried to prove I was provided an appealing look at Yanks; Brett Gardner hit one in the guy that I got traded for and I how he might fi t into a pennant would homer in his debut. “I Friday’s 13-4 win. think I struggled doing that.” race. After doubling to start a got a good feeling about him to- Leading off the seventh against Those struggles continued key sixth-inning rally on Satur- night.” lefty Tony Sipp, the 22-year-old into April. “I just needed to real- day night, Frazier drilled his fi rst For the second straight night, Frazier lashed an outside fastball ize that there are things (I need) home run in the seventh – a solo the Yankees (43-36) scored a over the high left fi eld wall. As he to work on to be the player I’m shot – though the Astros pre- fi ve-run sixth inning against entered the dugout, Frazier en- capable of being.” vailed 7-6 before 41,010 fans. the Astros (55-27), only to watch countered the old “silent treat- Part of the maturation proc- That gathering included Fra- Dellin Betances and Aroldis ment” gag before his teammates ess came from the March fl ack zier’s parents, sister and girl- Chapman blow it. Charged with surrounded him congratulatory caused by his fl owing red hair. “I friend, all witnesses to a home four runs, Betances was lifted pats and fi st-bumps. needed to get called out to real- run that Aaron Judge more or with runners at the corners in the Frazier had already been sub- ize I was the black sheep in the less predicted hours before. eighth for Chapman, who gave ject to an odd exchange on Friday crowd,” said Frazier, who was “I think he might,” Judge said up a go-ahead, two-run double by Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes- given No. 30. “But I’m ready. I New York Yankees centre fielder Clint Frazier runs to home plate after hitting a home run during the seventh of the possibility that Frazier to Yuri Gurriel. Didi Gregorius Barre manager Al Pedrique. want to help this team.” inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 3, 2017 SPORT

GOLF Struggling Lingmerth clings to PGA National lead

AFP 2006. And he’s chasing his fi rst gey, trimming his edge to one played today,” Lingmerth said. “I 65-65-73 Potomac, United States wire-to-wire victory. shot. “Got off to a bit of a rough think I can go out there tomor- 204 - Daniel Summerhays 66- “It’s a situation I haven’t pre- start,” said Lingmerth. “Missed a row and shoot another 65.” 68-70 viously been in,” Lingmerth said. couple tee shots to the left, which 205 - Spencer Levin 70-70-65 weden’s David Ling- “I haven’t had the wire-to-wire is something I don’t usually do, ‘My putter was hot’ 206 - Curtis Luck (AUS) 68-71-67, merth stumbled to a scenario in my career, but a lot of and it maybe got me a little un- Summerhays, third in last Kang Sung (KOR) 66-69-71, Geoff three-over par 73 Satur- great players have won tourna- nerved with tee balls for the rest year’s PGA Championship, made Ogilvy (AUS) 67-65-74 day but clung to a one- ments that way and I would like of the day because I didn’t hit as a 13-foot birdie putt at the fi fth 207 - Kyle Stanley 70-70-67, strokeS lead over American Dan- to do it as well. I’m feeling like I’m many fairways as I usually do. but made bogey at 11, hitting the Charles Howell 71-69-67 iel Summerhays after the third up for the challenge. I think it’s a “I managed somehow to miss cart path well right off the tee. 208 - Martin Laird (SCO) 67-72- round of the US PGA National. great opportunity.” in decent spots where I was able Levin, the world number 369 69, Andrew Loupe 70-69-69, Lingmerth had two birdies, Summerhays shot 70 to stand to scramble pretty good.” who hasn’t managed a top-10 Johnson Wagner 66-71-71 three bogeys and a double bogey second with compatriot Spencer Lingmerth began the back nine fi nish in more than a year, bird- 209 - Kevin Streelman 68-72- over the 7,107-yard TPC Potom- Levin fi ring the day’s low round, with a bogey, taking fi ve shots ied three of the last six holes to 69, Keegan Bradley 71-68-70, ac layout to stand on seven-un- 65, to reach third on 205, one to reach the green after fi nding move into contention for his fi rst Michael Kim 69-69-71, Ricky der 203 after 54 holes. stroke ahead of South Korea’s rough, native grass and a bun- PGA victory, making six birdies Barnes 68-68-73, Harris English “Long, hard fought day for me Kang Sung and Australians Geoff ker. “Defi nitely a diff erent way of in all. “My putter was hot,” he 70-67-72, Nick Taylor (CAN) and here I am,” Lingmerth said. Ogilvy and Curtis Luck. playing it,” Lingmerth said. said. “I was really happy with the 66-70-73 “I’m still right where I need to Severe thunderstorms caused He answered with a birdie at way I rolled it.” 210 - Patrick Rodgers 71-73-66, be for tomorrow and I’m not too a 91-minute delay and together the 299-yard par-4 14th, nearly Levin could claim one of four An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 70-74- worried about the way I played with afternoon heat provided driving the green and leaving his spots on off er in the British Open 66, Jason Gore 69-74-67, Rickie today. I think I can come back tougher conditions for the lead- second shot inches from the cup. later this month at Royal Birk- Fowler 70-72-68, Brian Gay 70- tomorrow better.” ers. Lingmerth opened with a But Lingmerth, who began the dale. “Securing a spot for the 71-69, Zac Blair 67-74-69, Seamus Lingmerth, seeking his second bogey but birdied the par-fi ve tournament with back-to-back Open, if I can do that, that would Power (IRL) 72-69-69, Bill Haas PGA title after taking the 2015 second after dropping his third 65s, made bogey at the par-3 be awesome,” Lingmerth said. 69-70-71, Marc Leishman (AUS) Memorial, won a 2012 develop- shot four feet from the cup. 17th, fi nding a bunker off the tee 66-72-72, Kyle Reifers 70-68-72, David Lingmerth of Sweden reacts after finishing on the 18th green mental tour event on this course, He then found water off the and missing a fi ve-foot par putt. LEADING SCORES Danny Lee (NZL) 70-68-72, Arjun during the third round of the Quicken Loans National in Potomac, hosting its fi rst PGA event since fourth tee and made double bo- “I’m not worried about the way I 203 - David Lingmerth (SWE) Atwal (IND) 68-67-75 Maryland. (Getty Images/AFP)

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE SPOTLIGHT Fleetwood storms Froome overcomes to French Open title AFP Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France

nglishman Tommy Fleetwood fi red a bogey-free fi nal round of 66 to win the French Open at Le Golf National by one shot yesterday. The 26-year-old fi nished on 12 under par for the tour- crash scare as Kittel Enament after his fi ve-under closing eff ort, edging out American Peter Uihlein, whose charge came too late. It was a third European Tour title for Fleetwood, who fi nished fourth at the US Open last month. He will head to the British Open, which starts on July 20 in his hometown of Southport, expecting to signifi cantly improve his record of three straight missed cuts. Fleetwood also took the lead in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai from Masters champion Sergio Garcia, and on current wins second stage form looks a good bet to qualify for Thomas Bjorn’s European Ry- der Cup team to take on the Americans at the same course to the ‘It’s all good, it’s a nice bonus to keep the jersey for another day’ southwest of Paris next year. Fleetwood, who began the day a stroke behind joint-overnight AFP leaders Peter Uihlein and Alexander Bjoerk, started well with Liege, Belgium birdies on the second and third holes to take the lead. The world number 21 added his third birdie of the day on the par-fi ve ninth, before two more at 13 and 14 opened up a three- erman Marcel Kit- shot advantage over Uihlein. He parred his way in to set an im- tel broke down in tears posing clubhouse target. Uihlein had started poorly in playing the after winning his 10th fi rst fi ve holes in two over par, but a run of three birdies in four Tour de France stage in holes from the 11th gave him an outside chance of a second Euro- GLiege yesterday. pean Tour title. He poured in another on the 17th to head down the Reigning champion Chris diffi cult last needing a birdie to force a play-off , but failed to hole Froome suff ered a scare on the out from the greenside bunker. 203.5km second stage from Dus- Sweden’s Bjoerk rattled in a long birdie putt on the fi nal green seldorf, crashing 30km from the to grab one of the three British Open places on off er. With the end but he got up to fi nish safely top three fi nishers in the top 10 who were not yet exempt given in the peloton, alongside race invitations to play in the years’ third major tournament, Uihlein leader Geraint Thomas. French- and Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera joined Bjoerk in booking their man Arnaud Demare was second spots for Royal Birkdale. Dane Thorbjorn Olesen carded eight and German Andre Greipel third birdies in a six-under-par fi nal round of 65 to catapult himself in the bunch sprint, with Briton into a share of third place with Lorenzo-Vera and Bjoerk. Mark Cavendish fourth as he challenged for a 31st stage win. Leading scores after the final round “I dont know what to say... It 272 - Tommy Fleetwood 67-68-71-66 was an incredible start in Ger- 273 - Peter Uihlein (USA) 67-67-71-68 many with so many people,” said 276 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 71-69-70-66, Thorbjorn Olesen an emotional Kittel. “Great! I’m (DEN) 69-69-73-65, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 66-69-70-71 super happy, super proud be- 277 - Ryan Fox (NZL) 73-67-70-67 cause it was for me a very special 278 - Ross Fisher 70-67-71-70, Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 68-66-74-70, win today after we had the Grand Li Haotong (CHN) 71-70-70-67 Depart in Germany.” 279 - Lee Westwood 71-67-71-70, Alex Noren (SWE) 69-71-69-70, But the main drama happened Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-69-71-69 30km from the fi nish as the pelo- 280 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 66-71-69-74, Andy Sullivan 68-70-68- ton chased down a four-man 74, Paul Dunne 70-72-73-65 breakaway. A rider from the Katu- 281 - David Drysdale 70-69-70-72, Pablo Larrazabal 68-73-72-68, sha team trying to set up Alexan- Paul Waring 64-72-72-73, Maximilian Kieff er (GER) 71-68-72-70, der Kristoff for the fi nish slipped Gary Stal (FRA) 69-73-69-70, Kristoff er Broberg (SWE) 68-71-70-72, on a wet bend and crashed, taking Adrien Saddier (FRA) 68-73-68-72 down around 15-20 riders. Selected: Froome and yellow jersey wear- 286 - Francesco Molinari 71-70-71-74 er Thomas were among them, 287 - Ian Poulter 72-69-71-75 with the champion suff ering cuts Germany’s Marcel Kittel celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of France’s Arnaud Demare (2nd left) and Germany’s Andre Greipel (4th right) 290 - Martin Kaymer (GER) 69-73-77-71 to his lower back and seeing his at the end of the 203,5km second stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France in Liege, Belgium, yesterday. (AFP) 292 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 72-71-75-74 shorts shredded. He got back on his bicycle to Kittel, who hit 69.19kph in the position when me and Froomey went down quite a lot harder. of the mountain points available chase the peloton but was forced sprint fi nish according to offi cial crashed, in the top 10 or 15. “A few I fortunately landed on top of and will wear the polkadot jersey into a bike change before fi nally Tour data, is now up to third over- guys went down in front of us them,” said the BMC team leader. today. latching back onto the pack with all at 6sec after taking a 10-sec- and there was nowhere to go.” Kittel’s stage victory meant he The third stage today is a 20km left. ond time bonus on the line. Australian contender Richie took the sprinter’s green points lumpy one of more than 210km Thomas seemed unscathed and “It’s all good, it’s a nice bonus Porte was another to crash, but jersey as well, while American with a short climb to the fi nish maintained his fi ve-second lead to keep the jersey for another day,” he said he escaped the worst of it. Taylor Phinney, who was in the which will favour punchy riders over Swiss Stefan Kung, although said Thomas. “We were in a good “I’m ok, theres a few guys that breakaway, claimed all the king rather than pure sprinters. Tension building up over Team Sky’s time trial jerseys Tension was building up around Team Marien told Reuters yesterdayy. it had had on his performance, Thomas Sky after two days on the Tour de France “We summoned the team’s sports direc- replied with sarcasm, saying: “You can as rival teams complained that the tors to check the jerseys. Nothing was borrow the suit if you want, see what jerseys they used for the opening time added to them,” said Marien. time you do.” Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood poses with the trophy after winning trial had been designed to illegally boost Some teams, however, were not happy Asked again, he said: “I used it at the Giro the HNA Open de France in Guyancourt, near Paris. (AFP) aerodynamics. with the jury’s view. Reuters learnt that (in May).” The British team put four riders in the at least two rival teams had complained While some believe Team Sky are top eight of Saturday’s opening time about the Team Sky jerseys ahead of bending the rules, their sports director Kang, Choi share 54-hole lead trial, with Geraint Thomas taking the yesterday’s 203.5-km ride to Liege. Nicolas Portal said they were ‘working’ race leader’s yellow jersey. “It’s enhanced aerodynamics and the them. Danielle Kang stayed in 68 on a breezy afternoon at Little bubble pads were seen on the up- regulations forbid it,” said Frederic “There are other teams who have been contention to make her first Olympia Fields. South Korean per arms on the jerseys of several Team Grappe, performance director at the FDJ using it. Other big teams have been us- professional victory a major Choi bookended her round Sky riders, including that of defending team. ing it,” the Frenchman said. after finishing tied for the lead with birdies at the par-five champion Chris Froome. “According to studies, the estimated gain “It’s legal. Everybody knows the rules. It with Chella Choi in the third first and 18th holes for a 67, International Cycling Union (UCI) is about four to seven percent. It’s huge.” does not give you a big advantage but round of the KPMG Women’s joining Kang at 10-under 203 regulations state: “Garments must not Italian Marco Pinotti, a coach at BMC it’s those little things... so why not use PGA Championship. Califor- with one round remaining. be adapted in any way such that they di- Racing, told Reuters: “It seems to me this them? nian Kang avoided potential They lead by two strokes from verge from their use purely as clothing. ‘equipment’ is on the border line with “Everything has been validated. We disaster at the 12th hole, chip- South Korean Shin Ji-yai, who The addition of any non-essential ele- the rules but if it’s judged compliant with would not take the risk to cheat and lose ping in for par after fluff ing shot a best-of-the-day 64, ment or device to clothing is prohibited.” the rules then I accept it.” everything on the first day. We abide by her first shot from the deep while defending champion “It is an actual part of the jersey, it was Asked by a reporter if he had used the the rules. Every team needs to work on Team Sky rider Sergio Henao of Colombia during rough, en route to an other- Brooke Henderson, of Canada, not added,” race jury president Philippe jersey before Saturday and what eff ect the rules.” the first stage of the Tour de France . (Reuters) wise steady three-under-par is three behind the leaders. Gulf Times Monday, July 3, 2017 7 TENNIS

WIMBLEDON PREVIEW ALL SET Federer poised for Murray insists he’s record triumph fi t for title defence ‘I just tried to think positively. I tried to make the best decisions along with my team to give myself the best chance to feel good on Monday. I feel like I’ve done that’

Switzerland’s Roger Federer addresses a press conference.

AFP to win. It’s that simple. It’s the London same for Novak and the same for Rafa,” said Federer who will start his Wimbledon campaign welve months after against Alexander Dolgopolov of shutting down his sea- Ukraine. son in the wake of a “I think it’s very even when we devastating semi-final put it all out on the line. Every- Tdefeat, Roger Federer returns to body has their own little story Wimbledon as favourite to cap- right now.” ture a record-breaking eighth title and become the tourna- BITTERSWEET FOR NADAL ment’s oldest champion. For tennis storylines of 2017, The evergreen Swiss, who Federer shares top billing with turns 36 in August, has stunned Nadal after the Spaniard defi ed the critics who wrote him off as the doubters to win a 10th French yesterday’s man when he went Open. down to Milos Raonic in fi ve That took him to 15 Grand Slam gruelling sets on Centre Court in titles, one ahead of Sampras and 2016. just three behind Federer. The loss forced him off tour for But for Nadal, Wimbledon has the remainder of the year to rest always been bittersweet. a knee injury, leaving his Grand He was champion in 2008 — Slam title count on 17 where it where he beat Federer in a fi nal had been since 2012. widely regarded as the greatest Fast forward a year and Federer ever played — and 2010 as well is poised to break the tie for seven as fi nishing runner-up in 2006, Wimbledon titles he shares with 2007 and 2011. Pete Sampras and take his career Injury forced him to skip tally at the majors to 19. Wimbledon in 2009 and 2016 With eternal rivals Andy Mur- while the years 2012-2015 saw ray and Novak Djokovic in slumps him lose to Lukas Rosol (world of varying degrees, and Rafael ranked 100), Steve Darcis (135), Nadal fretting over whether or Nick Kyrgios (144) and Dustin not his knees will bear the stress Brown (102). of grass courts, it is Federer once A fourth round run in 2014 again in the box seat. represents his best recent eff ort. Federer, who captured a fi fth Nadal admits that if he suff ers Australian Open in January, will a new problem with his knees on go into Wimbledon buoyed by a the Wimbledon grass, where the ninth title on the grass of Halle lower bounce of the ball piles and refreshed by skipping the more pressure on the legs and claycourt season. joints, then his visit to London However, he will not write off may again be short-lived. his three major rivals with whom “If I have pain in the knees, he has shared all the Wimbledon then I know from experience that titles since his maiden triumph it’s almost impossible,” said the Britain’s Andy Murray practices at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon on the eve of the start of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament. in 2003. 31-year-old. “If Andy is anything close “If I am able to go through at AFP practise for a few days. Today’s order of play fully that’s not the case.” to 100% physically, I consider the beginning, I think I’m with London “You really want to be preparing, Murray also went into the French Open him one of the big favourites confi dence,” he added. training as much as you can to get ready Wimbledon order of play (key match- with concerns over his form and fi tness, and make you feel better, especially when es) today on the show courts at the All but gradually played his way back to his ndy Murray insisted he is fi t you hadn’t had any matches. England Club, the first day of the 2017 best en route to the semi-fi nals. OPEN SEASON enough to start the defence of “I just tried to think positively. I tried championship (x denotes seeding): The three-time Grand Slam winner is his Wimbledon title today de- to make the best decisions along with my hoping for a similar scenario at Wimble- spite his recent struggles with team to give myself the best chance to feel Centre Court (1200 GMT) don. aA hip injury. good on Monday. I feel like I’ve done that.” “It’s been slightly stop-start prepara- Andy Murray (GBR x1) v Alexander Wimbledon braced Murray sparked concerns he might Facing world number 134 Bublik should Bublik (KAZ) tions. But each day I’ve felt better, a little have to withdraw from Wimbledon af- be a gentle introduction to the tourna- Petra Kvitova (CZE x11) v Johanna bit like at the French Open,” he said. ter cancelling two scheduled exhibition ment for Murray, who is desperately short Larsson (SWE) “I didn’t come in as well-prepared, for women’s shock matches this week due to his sore hip. of match practice on grass after a shock Stan Wawrinka (SUI x5) v Daniil but I still found a way with each match to The world number one was seen limp- Queen’s Club fi rst-round loss against unh- Medvedev (RUS) feel a bit better, and built confi dence each AFP ing while practising at Wimbledon over eralded Australian Jordan Thompson. day. I’m hoping that’s the case here.” London the weekend, but he is convinced he can Court One (1200 GMT) When Murray last defended the Wim- make it through two weeks of the grass ‘CONFIDENCE’ Venus Williams (USA x10) v Elise bledon title in 2014, he slumped to a court Grand Slam. Crucially, the Scot said his injury has Mertens (BEL) disappointing quarter-fi nal exit against ith Serena Wil- “I’ll be fi ne to play the event and play started to feel better after lengthy treat- Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) v John Millman Grigor Dimitrov, but he expects to cope liams preparing for seven matches,” Murray told reporters at ment and prolonged periods of rest over (AUS) better with the pressure this time. the birth of her fi rst Wimbledon yesterday. the last week. “Obviously a little bit more experi- child and Maria Murray, a two-time Wimbledon “It’s just been very sore the last few ence, a bit older now. Hopefully I’m WSharapova sidelined by a thigh Court Two (1030 GMT) champion, will play the fi rst match on weeks and was giving me quite a lot of Simona Halep (ROM x2) v Marina able to deal with things better this time injury, the race to be crowned Centre Court today against Kazakhstan’s trouble, moving to certain shots and get- Erakovic (NZL) round,” he said. Wimbledon champion is the Alexander Bublik. ting to certain positions,” he said. “Maybe it adds a little bit extra pres- most wide-open in a generation. That will be a huge lift for Murray, who “That was why I had to take the break Court Three (1030 GMT) sure, especially at this slam with the way Williams, who won Wimble- admitted he had been worried the hip pain to try to give it a chance to settle down, Nick Kyrgios (AUS x20) v Pierre-Hu- the scheduling is, that you’re the fi rst one don in 2015 and 2016, has created wouldn’t ease off in time for Wimbledon. calm down a bit. gues Herbert (FRA) out there on Centre Court. a power vacuum at the top that “You never know. I haven’t been in that “It’s felt a lot better in the last few Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x13) v Aliak- “You feel like you’re opening up the Sharapova was expected to fi ll File picture of Jelena Ostapenko sort of position too often, only a few days days. Practice each day has got a little bit sandra Sasnovich (BLR) tournament a little bit, and that adds a when the Russian returned from of Latvia holding the 2014 before a Slam and not felt good at all,” he better. few more nerves. But I feel okay. her doping suspension. Wimbledon junior trophy. said. “If I feel like I am today, I’d be delight- Court 12 (1030 GMT) “I’ve felt fairly calm the last few days, Instead, Sharapova lasted just “Obviously this is an extremely im- ed and have no issues getting through. Kei Nishikori (JPN x9) v Marco Cecch- considering how I’ve been feeling. I’m three tournaments before a mus- a surface she once thought was portant tournament, so you worry a lit- “If necessary, I can take some antiin- hinato (ITA) going out there trying to win Wimble- cle injury in Rome forced the only “for soccer”. tle bit. It’s a little bit stressful if you can’t fl ammatories if my hip fl ares up. Hope- don again.” fi ve-time major winner to with- While Ostapenko, who faces draw from the Wimbledon quali- Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the fi rst fying tournament. round, arrived in London on a BOTTOMLINE In the absence of Ameri- wave of post-Paris euphoria, sec- can great Williams, who has 23 ond seed Halep is still struggling Grand Slam titles on her CV, and to come to terms with her failure the headline-grabbing Sharapo- to win her fi rst Grand Slam. va, women’s tennis has an unde- Three games away from the title niable lack of star power heading and the world number one rank- into Wimbledon. ing, Halep crumbled to her sec- Fearless Kvitova ready to battle But the fl ip-side is the oppor- ond major fi nal defeat — the other Reuters of what happened, but maybe “It’s tough to say the level tunity for the sport’s less heralded coming at the 2014 French Open. London I feel a bit fearless because of of my game. As I said, in Bir- names to seize the spotlight, as The 25-year-old Roma- what happened. mingham, it was going up. I will Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko showed nian, who has never been past “I fi nd out what’s important see how I wake up on Monday. with her unexpected breakthrough the semi-fi nals at Wimbledon, etra Kvitova says she and what is not. Sometimes I’m Wimbledon feels like my second triumph at the French Open. opens her campaign against Ma- feels “fearless” as she thinking on the court that I al- home. It feels great to be here “Of course, it’s diff erent if rina Erakovic. returns to the venue ready won the biggest fi ght, and again. Serena is not here. Everything is Kerber, who starts against Iri- that is like a second if I fi ght in the match, it doesn’t “I think we still do have a possible, in two weeks especial- na Falconi, needs to improve dra- Phome to her in search of another matter if I win or lose the last great players in the draw, even ly,” world number one Angelique matically after making unwanted Wimbledon title. point. I will still be happy to if (defending champion) Serena Kerber said. history when her defeat against The Czech, who reckoned it play.” (Williams) is not playing. I think “There are so many good play- Ekaterina Makarova made her was “great to be back” just six This attitude of being some- there’s a few favourites but it’s ers right now, they can win the the fi rst top-ranked woman in months since her career was how freed to play uninhibited very open. So who knows who big tournaments.” the Open era to fall in the open- left hanging in the balance after tennis has already served the going to win?” Ostapenko, 20, shot up to ing round at Roland Garros. an attacker stabbed her play- left-hander well as evidenced If Kvitova prevails, it would be 13th in the world from 47th after Beaten by Serena in the Wim- ing hand, explained on Saturday by victory in the warm-up Edg- a fairytale comeback, and she is coming from a set and 3-0 down bledon fi nal 12 months ago, Ker- how life had been put into per- baston grasscourt tournament adamant she has never lost the to defeat Simona Halep in the ber, who won the Australian and spective for her by the trauma. in just the second event of her “passion” for the task at hand. Roland Garros fi nal. US Opens last year, has yet to “I think I am little bit diff erent comeback. “I found out how I missed Now she has to prove that claim a single WTA title in 2017. on the court and off the court, “I felt very surprised. I’m still tennis through the period I stunning success was more than Five-time Wimbledon winner too,” said the 27-year-old, who Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova addresses a press conference. surprised,” she said. “I think the didn’t play. It was a diffi cult time a fl ash in the pan. Venus Williams, aged 37, will be hopes that the three-year gap grass is always giving me extra to watch girls playing on the TV, A junior Wimbledon champi- another sentimental favourite. between her titles in 2011 and from a little bit diff erent angle There’s things in the life that confi dence. Through the tour- me sitting on the sofa with the on in 2014, Ostapenko’s game is Former world number one 2014 could prove a happy omen than before. Before, I was very should be more important than nament, I felt like every round I hand in a splint. I fi nd out then well suited for the low-bouncing Victoria Azarenka is back in ac- in 2017. nervous before every match. just tennis. played better and better, which how I love this sport. I still do lawns of the All England Club, tion after taking a year off to be- “I think I see life and tennis Now I see that I shouldn’t be. “I’m not sure if it is the result is always good sign. have the passion.” now that she has learned to enjoy come a mother. Monday, July 3, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ZIMBABWE TOUR OF SRI LANKA Hasaranga bags debut hat-trick as Sri Lanka Australian players crush Zimbabwe to boycott ‘A’ tour of South Africa ‘They don’t intend to tour but the reality is they don’t fly out until Friday. So players are going to go into camp as planned and hopefully we can make some progress...’ Sri Lanka’s Wanidu Hasaranga (R) celebrates with his teammates after he dismissed Zimbabwe’s Tendai Chatara yesterday.

AFP balls but tore through Zimba- Galle bwe’s tail. Malcolm Waller hit Hasaranga for four but was bowled the next eenager Wanidu ball going for another big hit. Hasaranga took a hat- The teenager then snapped up trick on his international Donald Tiripano and Tendai Ch- debut as Sri Lanka took atara with googlies. Trevenge on Zimbabwe with a Mathews won the toss and put seven drubbing in their Zimbabwe into bat. second one day international Hasaranga replaced Lahiru yesterday. Madushanka with fast bowler Fellow-spinner Lakshan Dushmantha Chameera and Sandakan also took four , Sandakan coming in for Amila to earn the man-of-the-match Aponso and Akila Dananjaya. award, as Sri Lanka hit back at Zimbabwe looked rocky from their critics with a confi dent the start. performance in Galle. Solomon Mire, who scored his Sri Lanka bowled out Zimba- maiden one-day century in Fri- bwe for 155 and then reached 158- day’s win, was out for zero after 3 in 30.1 overs. facing just fi ve balls. Upul Tharanga ended unbeat- Hamilton Masakadza scored a en on 75. patient 41 and Waller hit out for The win relieved pressure on his late 38. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Math- But Zimbabwe never got to ews after the squad was accused grips with Sri Lanka’s spinners. of being unfi t by the country’s “We thought the wicket was sports minister. a bit diff erent. Maybe 230 would “I wouldn’t call it a clinical have been a good score,” said Zim- performance,” he said. “We still babwe captain Graeme Cremer. “It dropped catches.” was just one of those days.” But Mathews said Sri Lanka’s Zimbabwe could have wor- “attitude and intensity was su- ries over bowler Tendai Chatara perb. We just need to regroup, and before the third of the fi ve inter- it was great eff ort from the boys.” nationals on Thursday in Ham- The captain hailed Sandakan bantota. and Hasaranga, two of the three Charata walked off with a sus- changes made after Zimbabwe pected knee injury. tore apart the Sri Lanka bowlers The two sides will also play a in their six wicket win on Friday. Test during Zimbabwe’s tour. Cricketer players Usman Khawaja (L), Clea Smith (2/L), Shane Watson (R) and Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson during a press conference. “Sandakan was brilliant, so was Wanidu. Credit should go to BRIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 158 AFP fi xtures including this year’s prestige negotiations in the best interests of the absent MoU there are no professional the selectors to pick him. I, hon- for 3 (Tharanga 75*, Dickwella Sydney home Ashes series. players and the game.” cricketers presently obliged or available estly, haven’t seem him much,” 35, Chatara 2-33) beat Zimbabwe “They don’t intend to tour but the re- to tour.” Mathews said of the newcomer. 155 (Masakadza 41,Waller 38, ality is they don’t fl y out of the country PLAYERS ‘VERY UNITED’ Australia’s Test tour to Bangladesh is Nineteen-year-old all-round- Sandakan 4-52, Hasaranga 3-15) layers will boycott an Australia A until Friday,” Nicholson told reporters of The players’ union decision also includes from August and the one-day interna- er Hasaranga bowled only 16 by seven wickets tour of South Africa this month the Australia A tour. players who are on multi-year deals with tional series is in India in September. in an escalation of their bitter dis- “So the players are going to go into camp their respective state teams and who will In the absence of a new deal the players pute with Cricket Australia unless as planned and hopefully we can make refuse to play without an MoU. also discussed the prospect of the ACA INDIA TOUR OF WEST INDIES Pa new pay deal is agreed, the Australian some progress with regards to the MoU. “It’s not an easy thing to do... but we taking control of their playing rights and Cricketers’ Association said yesterday. “There would need to be a signifi cant are very united,” Australia A captain Us- selling them to the governing body. The players’ union held an emergency breakthrough on the key issue of the rev- man Khawaja told reporters. “The venues are all booked. The meeting in Sydney where they decided to enue sharing model.” “We’re still going to be training this schedule is there. It’s just a diff erent way Struggling Windies take action for the tour beginning on July CA said in response it would never week. Hopefully something can be re- to get the players playing cricket,” Ni- 12 unless a new Memorandum of Under- force any players to play for an Austral- solved, but if it’s not, it’s a tough decision cholson said. “An agreed MoU remains standing (MoU) was signed with CA by ian team. that sort of has to be made,” he said. the clear preference.” set India 190 to win Friday. “Australia A is a development tour “Not to go is a sacrifi ce in some re- Looking further ahead, the ACA said ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson which gives players an opportunity to spects, but we see the broader picture.” that in the event of a dispute which could said a “signifi cant breakthrough” was perform at a high level,” CA said in a The ACA also warned that upcoming threaten this year’s Ashes series with one-day series needed for the South Africa tour to pro- statement. Australian tours to Bangladesh and India England, the association would look at ceed. “It is therefore surprising that players were also under threat. off ering the players back to CA “on the The latest development in the stalled would elect not to tour, however CA has “Players expressed a strong desire right terms”. pay row comes after both parties failed to never, and would never attempt to force to tour both Bangladesh and India and CA and the players’ union have hit an reach an agreement on a new MoU before anyone to play for an Australian team urged CA to support them by renewing impasse after the board attempted to Friday’s deadline after months of pro- who is unwilling to do so. an MoU on fair terms, allowing the tours scrap the 20-year-old arrangement of tracted negotiations. “CA remains ready to negotiate a new to proceed,” the ACA said. giving players a fi xed share of revenues, It leaves as many as 230 male and fe- MoU and has again called on the ACA to “However, due to the fact of unem- in favour of dividing surpluses among male players unemployed and threatens show genuine fl exibility and commence ployment and the resolution and an elite players and off ering a pay rise.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

India’s Umesh Yadav (C) celebrates with captain Virat Kohli (L) after out West Indies’ Evin Lewis yesterday.

Bisht helps India down Pakistan pick up the pace. AFP IANS partnership. Yousuf two. North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda None managed to do so for Derby India then collapsed to 94/4 any sustained period with Pan- in 27 overs but got a boost from BRIEF SCORES: India 169/9 in dya and Kuldeep doing the bulk lower-order players Sushma Ver- 50 overs (Punam Raut 47, Deepti ndia’s professionalism of the damage to the West In- eft-arm spinner Ekta ma and that saw Sharma 28; Nashra Sandhu 4/26) and effi ciency suff ocated a dies batting line-up early on, Bisht picked up a fi ve- them post a total of 169 runs. beat Pakistan 74 in 38.1 overs downcast West Indies team before Umesh ensured there was wicket haul as India de- For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu (Nahida Khan 23, San Mir 29, in limiting them to 189 for to be no threat from the reputed feated arch rivals Paki- claimed four wickets and Sadia Inine batting fi rst in the fourth lower-order big-hitters as he ac- Ekta Bisht 5/18, Mansi Joshi 2/9). Lstan by 95 runs in a group match fi xture of the fi ve-match one- counted for Jason Holder, Rov- of the Women’s cricket World West Indies 48 all out in thrashing by South Africa day international series in Anti- man Powell and Ashley Nurse in Cup at the County Ground here gua yesterday. his second spell towards the end yesterday. West Indies collapsed to 48 all But the real damage to the Pacers Umesh Yadav and of the innings. Electing to bat fi rst, India pro- out in a 10-wicket defeat by West Indies’ hopes was done Hardik Pandya claimed three Holder’s decision to bat fi rst duced 169/9. In reply, Pakistan South Africa as their Women’s by and Shab- wickets each, while wrist-spin- looked a sensible one given the were bundled out for 74 runs World Cup campaign suff ered a nim Ismail, who reduced the ner Kuldeep Yadav again teased batting-friendly conditions. with Bisht doing most of the new low in Leicester yesterday. Caribbean side to 16 for five. and tormented the batsmen in The Caribbean team retained damage with fi gures of 5/18. The reigning World Twenty20 Kapp took four for 14 and van adding two more victims to his the same batting line-up that This was the third consecutive champions, who’ve now lost all Niekerk an astonishing four for series haul at the Sir Vivian Ri- failed to deliver in pursuit of a victory in this tournament for India’s Ekta Bisht celebrates dismissing Pakistan’s Iram Javed. three of their group matches none in 3.2 overs. chards Stadium. target of 252 two days earlier. India. They had defeated hosts so far this tournament, posted “It was quite surreal, if I could While each of the West Indies Their only change was the in- England by 35 runs in the open- also bowled economically, clinch- tinued to lose wickets at regular the sixth lowest completed script it I would not have top fi ve managed to get a start, clusion of young fast bowler Al- ing match of their campaign be- ing two wickets while giving away intervals. one-day international total in written it like that,” said van none could get past 35 as India zarri Joseph on his home ground fore thrashing the West Indies just nine runs in her 6.1 overs. Skipper was the women’s cricket. Niekerk. exerted almost complete control in place of medium-pacer by seven wickets. Chasing a low-target of 170 highest scorer for Pakistan with Chedean Nation, with 26, was Meanwhile, England cruised over a line-up that lacked the Miguel Cummins. Indian skipper Mithali Raj runs, Pakistan failed to get going 29 runs. the only West Indies batsman to to a seven-wicket win over Sri inspirational spark to put the op- India rang the changes with used her bowling changes well right from the start. Earlier, India posted 169/9 make double figures as South Lanka. Laura Marsh produced position under pressure. Dinesh Karthik replacing Yu- as the bowlers clinched break- When Bisht sent back Iram after skipper Mithali decided to Africa captain a four-wicket haul to restrict Openers Evin Lewis and Kyle vraj Singh in the middle-order, throughs at regular intervals. Javed in the seventh over, almost bat fi rst after winning the toss. became the first bowler, in either Lanka to 204. Half-centuries Hope were the joint topscorers Ravindra Jadeja coming in in- Bisht maintained a tight length the entire Pakistan top order had India lost opener Smriti men’s or women’s international from Heather Knight and Sarah with 35 a-piece although their stead of Ravichandran Ashwin, which did not allow the Pakistan returned to the pavilion with Mandhana for just two runs but cricket, to take four wickets Taylor helped England to a pedestrian rate of progress - the and Mohammed Shami getting batters to open up their arms just 14 runs on the board. Deepti Sharma (28) along with without conceding a run in her commanding win with almost opening stand of 57 was broken his fi rst taste of ODI action since and score easily. Pakistan did not quite recover Punam Raut (47) stabilised the final figures. 20 overs to spare. in the 18th over - meant those the 2015 World Cup as Bhuv- Medium-pacer Mansi Joshi from those early blows and con- Indian innings with a a 76-run who followed were required to neshwar Kumar was rested.