SPORT

Thursday 10 August 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Spieth, McIlroy hot New PCB HarounHa over the moon favourites as PGA boss eyes after making Championship tees offff international tours history for Asia Francis shocks Felix for 400m gold

London ’s Haroun gets his bronze medal Agencies Makwala reaches merican Phyllis Francis won the World Cham- 200m final, Van pionships final yesterday as Olympic champion ShaunaeA Miller-Uibo stumbled Niekerk scrapes in when seemingly certain of victory and dropped to fifth place. Francis looked out of it with 80 Reuters metres to go but maintained her form amid the carnage to post a otswana’s Isaac Makwala reached the World personal best time of 49.92 seconds Championship 200 metres final against all odds and take a shock gold medal. Byesterday, negotiating a solo heat before coming ’s Salwa Eid Naser, 19, through his semi-final via the difficult inside lane after claimed a brilliant silver in 50.06 gaining a reprieve from the IAAF. as defending champion Allyson South African Wayde van Niekerk, bidding for a Felix of the United States faded to double after his 400 metres gold, sneaked into the final get bronze in 50.08. as second of the two fastest losers after edging third Bahamanian Miller-Uibo, who place in his heat from Christophe Lemaitre by two hun- famously dived over the line to pip dredths of a second. Felix to Olympic gold last year, was Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, double Olympic silver med- clear with 20 metres left but as she allist on the same London Stadium track five years ago, tired and tied up she tripped on her failed to qualify after finishing third in his heat in 20.52. own foot, stumbling almost to a Bronze medallist Abdalelah Haroun of Qatar (right) Silver medallist Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas Makwala, one of the leading contenders for a race standstill as her rivals stormed past left wide open by Usain Bolt’s absence, was pulled out (left) and gold medallist Wayde Van Niekerk of South Africa pose with their medals during the victory her. of Monday’s heats by the IAAF for medical reasons after ceremony of the Men’s 400 metres of the IAAF Athletics World Championships at London Stadium Felix’s bronze took her world he was struck down with a stomach virus. championship medal haul to 14, yesterday. Having also been barred from Tuesday’s 400 metres matching the record of Jamaican final, he was given an unexpected reprieve on Wednes- sprinters Usain Bolt and Merlene fast-finishing European champion day when the IAAF said he was fit to run as he no longer Ottey. The American’s tally includes Copello and was fortunate to have considered an infection risk. But he still had a lot to do. nine golds. just enough left in his legs to take First, he had to run alone in the rain inside 20.53 Karsten Warholm of Norway third. seconds - the slowest of Monday’s qualifiers - to reach won the men’s 400 metres hurdles Warholm celebrated by don- the semi-finals. world title yesterday to give his ning a ‘Viking helmet’ on his lap of Although conditions were much worse than the country their first gold in the event. honour. competitors had in the first round two days ago with The 21-year-old produced a One of Qatar’s top medal pros- the rain teeming down in the London Stadium, Mak- stunning performance to lead from pects, Abderrahaman Samba lost wala sped round the wet track in 20.20 seconds. start to finish to win in 48.35 sec- his balance after clearing the final Barely two hours later, he had to run again in the onds with Turkey’s Yasmani hurdle, and was placed seventh, semi-finals where he was given the inside lane, made Copello taking second. clocking 49.74 seconds. even more difficult than usual by the accumulation of “I don’t know how I feel man, I ’s made the rain water. can’t believe it,” gasped Warholm. most of the absence of reigning But he still managed to finish second in 20.14 sec- America’s Olympic champion champion and onds, two hundredths of a second behind American and race favourite Kerron Clement four-time champion Isiah Young who was the fastest qualifier. took the bronze. to win gold in the women’s . “I’m still running with my heart broken, I was ready Warholm, a former decathlete, After claiming six major silver to run the 400, that’s the race I’ve been training for, I deployed similar tactics to his semi- or bronze medals since the 2008 don’t run the 200 very often,” Makwala said. final bursting from the blocks and , the 28-year-old “The crowd was amazing, they helped me to tearing away with Clement content Chinese athlete managed a best of Officials of the Qatari delegation pose for a picture with young believe.” to run at the pace that has brought 19.94 metres for her country’s first sprinter Abdalelah Haroun who won the bronze medal in the men’s Van Niekerk was sprawled on the track after fin- him two world titles as well as the gold medal of the champs. 400 metres event at the IAAF Athletics World Championships in ishing behind Turkey’s Ramil Guliyev (20.17) and Olympic gold. In difficult conditions under American Ameer Webb. London on Tuesday. Haroun made history by becoming Asia’s The Norwegian, who was also pouring rain at the London Sta- “It was tougher than I thought it would be, (I) had first podium winner in the men’s 400 metres at IAAF World Scandinavia’s first world champion dium, Hungary’s Anita Marton to dig quite deep,” he said. in the event, had tied up in the claimed silver with 19.49, while Championships. It was also Qatar’s first medal at the London track The impressive Young said: “To you guys it looks semi-final but this time he showed American Olympic champion and field event. fast, but when I was in the blocks I just wanted to get no signs of fatigue. Michelle Carter took bronze (19.14). up and out. He came to the final hurdle with Olympic silver medalist Paul hit the rain-drenched track and qualifiers from the two heats. “It felt slow to me but I just wanted to make sure I Clement having eased himself to Chelimo took a tumble with four somehow dragged Rutto down with Today, Qatar’s Ahmed Badir focused on my lane. I knew those guys behind me would within striking distance of him and laps to go in a tangle with Cyrus him. Both got up quickly and caught willtake part in the men’s javelin be coming. It felt slow but I’m happy to be through to looking dangerous. Rutto of Kenya, but both recovered the lead pack. throw qualification round. With 22 the finals. I’m confident and ready.” However, it was the 31-year- and qualified for tomorrow’s final Rutto finished third and was champions divided into two groups Blake finished behind Jereem Richards of Trinidad old American who faltered when it in the 5,000 meters at the world among the five automatic qualifi- (A, B), the best 12 Javelin champi- and Tobago and Japan’s Abdul Hakim Sani Brown in mattered, stumbling over the final championships. ers. Chelimo advanced by being ons will qualify for tomorrow’s his race. Britain’s Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake completed obstacle being passed by the With four laps to go, Chelimo among the top five non-automatic final. the line-up as the other fastest loser. Al Attiyah at the helm of Asian Equestrian Federation

Jakarta QNA

resident of Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Hamad PAbdulrahman Al Attiyah has been elected as President of the Asian Equestrian Federation in the elections held today in the Indonesian capital, , in the presence of 33 members of the AEF. In a new achievement The newly elected office bearers and members ofthe Asian Equestrian Federation pose for a photographhotograph durinduringg added to the Qatari sports the general assembly held in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. records, Al Attiyah managed to win at the expense of his UAE resignation of the former AEF aspirations of Member States. Al extraordinary meeting of the AEF,F, rival Ghanim Al Hajri. Al Atti- President. Attiyah’s program aims to bring Qatar succeeded in obtaining thee yah received 20 votes against The QEF President has made about reforms that restore Asian approval of the majority of thee five votes for Al Hajri. a strong and successful program equestrian, modernise the AEF members for holding an emer-r- Al Attiyah will complete the that could make radical changes and develop its administrative gency General Assembly of thee Asian Equestrian Federation President Hamad Abdulrahman remaining term of the council, in the AEF to reach the desired and technical structure. continental federation, within 600 Al Attiyah. which expires next year, after the level that is in line with the Two months ago, at an days, to elect a new President. SPORT 10 AUGUST 2017 THURSDAY 21

Players to watch at the Spieth, McIlroy hot favourites 99th PGA Championship JORDAN SPIETH Second-ranked Spiethpieth won llastast monmonth’sth’s BBritishritish OOpenpen for his third careerer mamajorjor title after the 2015 Masters and US Open andd at 24 could as PGA Championship tees off become the youngestyoungest player to completete a Ca- reer Grand Slam byby winwin-- Charlotte Jordan Spieth of the United States signs autographs for fans during a practice round prior to the 2017 AFP ning the PGA title thisthis PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday. week. Seeking hiss fourth title ordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy of the year after US PPGAGA Tour make their bids for golfing his- titles at Pebble Beacheach tory when the 99th PGA in February and thehe Championship tees off today at Travelers Champi-pi- JQuail Hollow with heavy rain onship in June. and storms in the forecast. World number two Spieth, who RORY MCILROY won his third major title two weeks A winner of US PGA Tour titles at Quail Hollow in 2010 and ago at the British Open, would 2015 and only lost in 2012 in a playoff. He broke his own become the youngest golfer to com- course record with a 61 in the third round two years ago. He plete a career Grand Slam by also owns two PGA Championship titles from 2012 and winning the year’s last major. The 24-year-old American, who 2014 but hasn’t won a major since lifting the Wanamaker also won the 2015 Masters and US TTrophyrophy three years ago. Wet and ssoggy conditions Open, could become only the sixth are expected all week, wwhich should play man to sweep the four major titles to his strengths as a lolong and accurate in a career after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger driver. His putter will bbee crucial. And it’s Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and hish first major Gene Sarazen. sinces he split Spieth would be 24 years and 17 wwith long-time days old on Sunday, about six caddiecad J.P. Fitzger- months younger than Woods -- the ald, with best pal youngest so far to win all four majors HHarryarry Diamond being -- was when he won the 2000 Brit- his bagman this ish Open to complete his career slam. wweek.e And Spieth could become the himself, McIlroy cited two wins in on this golf course,” he said. “I think eve of the Masters derailed his first player to complete a career slam eight starts at Quail Hollow - “8-2, it’s a little bit of both.” campaign. DUSTIN JOHNSON with a victory at the PGA decent odds. I’ve won a couple times. Changes have been made to the And he’s happy to have it wet so World number one saysy he’s almost back to the level where Championship. I like PGA Championship setups. layout since McIlroy’s victories in the course plays longer with the he was beforere ininjuringjuring his back on Fourth-ranked McIlroy, a They are fair,” McIlroy said. “If I’m 2010 and 2015, when he broke his greens holding better. the eve of thee Masters. He had won 28-year-old from Northern Ireland, the favorite, I’m the favorite. I’m own course record with a 61 in the “That there is going to cut the field could become only the third player happy with that, means I’m playing third round. in half,” Johnson said. “It’s hard. It’s at Riviera andnd taken the World to win five majors before turning 30, well.” “I think the changes are really long. You can’t fake it around here. Golf Championshipsonships Mexico and joining Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. McIlroy credits his improved good,” McIlroy said. “It makes the first Everything has got to be good. Match-Play titlesitles to top the rank- But McIlroy, missing only the form in recent weeks, a share of six holes a lot more challenging. “It’s a little soft. The greens will ings and becomeome a clear favourite. Masters to complete his own career fourth in last month’s British Open “I still feel like the golf course be a little more receptive. That doesn’t His long drivingng should Grand Slam, hasn’t won a major and of fifth in last week’s World Golf gives you plenty of chances. It’s going make it any easier. You’ve still got to keep him in the since the 2014 PGA Championships event in Akron, with to play long this week with the make your shots.” hunt despitee eex-x- Championship. confidence from casinos. weather. It will probably play a cou- And everyone will be watching pected wetwet What he has done, however, is “I think it’s partly to do with the ple of strokes harder than it used to Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama after his conditions. win twice at Quail Hollow and lost upturn in form that I’ve had over the play.” closing 61 to win the WGC Akron title another in a playoff. And shown he last few weeks and then my history The closing three-hole stretch at on Sunday. HIDEKI MATSUYAMA can play well in wet conditions, Quail Hollow, “The Green Mile,” offers notably in taking his first major title water and hazards galore in a classic He won last week’s WorldWor Golf Champion- at the 2011 US Open at tough finishing run. ships BridgestoneBridgestone InvitationalIn to serve Congressional. “It will be an exciting finish if notice he has ththee game for a break- Spieth shies from the favorite there’s a few guys up around the lead throughthrough major triumph at role, saying, “I’d say Rory is proba- at that point,” McIlroy said. QuailQuail HoHollow,l what would be bly the guy to beat.” World number one Dustin John- thethe first by any Japanese Las Vegas oddsmakers agree, son says he has once more found the man and oonly the second for giving McIlroy a 7-1 chance with Spi- form that delivered him three con- ananyy AsiaAsiann man after South eth at 8-1. secutive titles in February and March KKoreanorean Yang Yong-Eun at Asked what odds he’d give before a fall and back injury on the the 202009 PGA at Hazel- ttine.ine. Was US Open co- rrunner-upunn in June to BBrooksr Koepka at Erin HHills. Also won in February at Phoe- nix Open.

MATT KUCHAR The 39-year-old American enjoyed his best major finish with a runner-up effort behind Spieth at the British Open. Kuchar, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland who also shared fourth this year at the Masters, has nine plays his shot during a practice top-10s in majors without a victory. Could a major break- round prior to the 2017 PGA through be on tap at the PGA? The only PGA Championship Championship at Quail Hollow Club in winner since 2008 who wasn’t a first-time major winner Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday. was McIlroy in 2012 and 2014. Bouchard suffers shock exit in home tournament

Toronto finally have the home crowd,” and only once advanced past the Reuters said Vekic, who earned a second second round. round meeting with German third While her ranking does not ugenie Bouchard’s mid-sea- seed and former world number rate centre court status, Boucha- son nosedive continued on one Angelique Kerber. rd’s immense popularity does, the ETuesday as the Canadian “I hope I am going to have smiling 23-year-old stepping into was swept aside 6-3, 6-4 by support (in the) next match and I the sun-kissed arena to huge Croatian qualifier Donna Vekic hope we are going to play on this applause before exiting 94 min- despite having home advantage court again,” added Vekic. utes later with a blank face and a and the backing of an excited Bouchard, ranked as high as sheepish wave. crowd in a first round clash at the number five and hailed as the Former world No. 1 Caroline Rogers Cup. next big thing in women’s tennis Wozniacki opened her campaign Donna Vekic of Croatia With only one match win when she reached the Wimble- with a 6-3, 6-0 second round rout plays a shot against since her French Open second don final and the semi-finals at of Ekaterina Alexandrova. Eugenie Bouchard of round exit, Bouchard was hoping the Australian Open and Roland The Dane, who captured the Canada during the fourth a visit home would result in a Garros in 2014, has seen her rank- Canadian trophy in 2010, is still day of the Rogers Cup at return to the victory column. ing plummet to 70 in the world looking for her first title of the Aviva Centre in Toronto, But she drew little inspiration and needed a wildcard entry into season after being in five finals. Canada on Tuesday. The from the crowd as she added to her home tournament. Polish 10th seed Agnieszka a long list of disappointing efforts, The Rogers Cup, which alter- Radwanska, the Rogers Cup win- Canadian lost 6-3, 6-4. committing 32 unforced errors nates between Toronto and ner in 2014, kicked off her North and seven double faults while Montreal where Bouchard was American hardcourt campaign “In tennis you don’t have easy first round, you really have to play Catherine Bellis kept Tuesday being broken six times by a born and raised, has never exactly with a regulation 6-3, 6-3 win draws - you have bad ones, or your best game to win.” from becoming a complete wash- 21-year-old making a her first been home-sweet-home for the over American CoCo really bad ones,” said Radwan- Russian 16th seed Elena out for the United States as the appearance in the main draw. Canadian who has made seven Vandeweghe, who lost the final ska, who will next play either Vesnina was also an easy winner, 18-year-old battled back from a “I guess I am going to have to main draw appearances but four in Stanford on Sunday to compa- Hungary’s Timea Babos or Cana- dispatching another American set down to outlast ’s have a tournament in Croatia to times dropped her opening match triot Madison Keys. dian Bianca Andreescu. “From the Alison Riske 6-3, 6-3. Julia Goerges 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2017 England’s top order has ‘worst ever batsmen’

Sydney Not so good Reuters England needs ormer Australia quick three decent Damien Fleming (pic- batsmen in their F tured) says England’s top top six. Watching six contains some of the worst the South African batsmen he has seen play Test series, they’re some cricket and believes the home of the worst pace attack will run through batsmen I’ve ever them in the Ashes series at the end of the year. seen play Test A view of the ground where English county club Kent hosted the touring West Indies side for a tour match in Canterbury While Fleming conceded cricket, says former yesterday. West Indies, captained by Jason Holder, will play three Tests against England who have Joe Root as skipper. The that all-rounders Ben Stokes and Australian paceman first Test will start on August 17 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The second Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds (Aug 25-29) Moeen Ali, as well as wicket- Damien Fleming. while the third and the final Test will be staged at Lord’s (Sept 7-11). keeper Jonny Bairstow, would cause problems for Australia he was scathing in his assessment of Keaton Jennings, Tom West- ley and Dawid Malan. “England needs three decent Pakistan’s new cricket batsmen in their top six,” Flem- ing, who played 20 Tests and 88 one-dayers when Australia were in their pomp in the 1990s, told Melbourne’s RSN radio. boss eyes top flight tours “Watching the South Afri- can series, they’re some of the worst batsmen I’ve ever seen play Test cricket.” Lahore Pakistan are due to play a two-Test, three England beat South Africa Agencies one-day and two Twenty20 match series 3-1 in the just-completed series with Sri Lanka in September-October, which but Fleming said the retention ewly elected Pakistan cricket will likely be held in the United Arab Emir- for the Ashes of opener Jennings chief Najam Sethi (pictured) ates -- Pakistan’s neutral venue for its home and top order batsman Westley two years ago there?” Fleming vowed yesterday to bring inter- series since 2009. would offer plenty of opportu- said, referring to the batsman’s national competition back to the Pakistan’s deposed Prime Minister nities for the Australian axing after two Tests of the terror-hit country after years of Nawaz Sharif had appointed Sethi as mem- bowlers. 2015 Ashes. N isolation. ber of the board of governors last month. “(Jennings) scored 127 runs “He goes back in the Sethi made the promise after being It is mandatory, according to the PCB’s at an average of 15. I used to crease, he blocks half-volleys elected chairman of the Pakistan Cricket constitution, that the chairman should be bat nine in Test matches and I so he doesn’t hurt you. Board (PCB) for a three-year term. elected from the members of the board of would just be happy with that, “If you’re getting your half- Sethi, 69, will replace Shaharyar Khan, governors. averaging 15. Just be happy. volleys blocked you know it’s who quit because of health and personal rea- “Lots of people are disappointed but I He’s opening the batting,” only a matter of time before he sons after completing his tenure. request you to show some patience,” Sethi Fleming added. “I don’t like his nicks one or gets caught on the The new chief, whose first term as chair- said. “There are security issues, one day we technique, closed grip, he’s crease and (is trapped) LBW.” man in 2013 was marred by court wrangling, decide that a team will come and then some- going to nick people that can “Young Malan, 35 runs at said bringing international cricket back to thing happens (in Pakistan), but over the next angle the ball across him and an average of eight. There’s Pakistan would be a challenging but worth- 2-3 months you will hear some good bowlers that can actually get real opportunities for Australia while goal. XI in Lahore. However, the final dates and announcements.” the ball to shape back in, that to run through the top order.” “You know how much work we are doing which players are expected to come to Paki- Sethi was also a former caretaker chief gap between bat and front pad. Fleming said England still in this regard and soon the results will be in stan are yet to be decided. minister of the Punjab province and was the This is an opening batsman. had quality batsmen. front of you,” Sethi told reporters “We hope to bring a World XI for a three- key official behind the successful staging of “Westley has a similar “Where I will give England yesterday. match Twenty20 series and the next Pakistan’s domestic Twenty20 league. technique. He is squared up, a tick, their middle order all- “We need to show patience because it is two-three months will bring more good Although the two editions of Pakistan he has hands that are a long rounders and their related to the security situation in the coun- news,” said Sethi. Super League (PSL) were held in the United way in front of his body with a wicket-keeper Bairstow, try,” Sethi told media. The cricket boss said he will also attend Arab Emirates, Sethi staged the final of the closedcosed ggrip.p. Howow does he e hitit they’ret ey e stastars. s. They’re ey e fantastic a tast c Barring a limited-over series against an Asian Cricket Council meeting in Colombo second edition of PSL at Lahore in March. the ball throughthrough the off sidside?e? players,”players,” Flem- Zimbabwe in 2015, Pakistan has not hosted Saturday where he hopes to persuade Sri It will be Sethi’s second term as chair- He’sHe’s going to nick off or get in inging said.said. foreign squads since a militant attack tar- Lanka to send their team to Pakistan. man of the PCB after he was involved in a troubletrouble with the ballball thatthat “Stokes is a geted the visiting Sri Lankan team in 2009. “We have invited Sri Lanka to play a few legal battle over the leadership with former comescomes in.in. match-winnermatch-winner As part of the revival of international matches after their series with us and I will PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf. That ended in “Where“Where are 80 percent ofof withwith bbatat aandnd cricket in Pakistan, the PCB is also planning try to get a reply on that invitation,” said May 2014 when Sethi said he would not con- the deliveries goinggoing to be toto ballball andand he’she’s a to host a Twenty20 series against a World Sethi. test elections for the chairman’s post. JenningsJennings and Westley? OutsideOutside veryvery good offoff stump, mamaybeybe shapishapingng fieldsmanfieldsman as away.away. TheyThey don’t have a tech- well.well. Bairstow’sBairstow’s R anatunga urges ICC to niquenique to cope with that.”that.” probablyprobably the Yadav back in India WestleyWestley andand MaMalanlan mademade bestbest wicwicket-ket- theirtheir Test ddebutsebuts in tthehe tthirdhird keeperkeeper batsmanbatsman probe Sri Lanka chief test against thethe Proteas, wiwithth atat thethe moment.” thethe formerformer takingtaking over at “first“first England,Engl and , Colombo fold for third Test drop”drop” from the injured GarGaryy wwhoho won the AFP Ballance,Ballance, whowho diddid not escape 20152015 series 33-2,-2, Pallekele three-Test series in Sri Lanka, but the Fleming’sFleming’s brutal analysis.analysis. beginbegin their ormer skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has blamed AFP presence of world-number one Test “How“ H ow defencedefence ofof thethe Sri Lanka’s string of humiliating defeats on the bowler Jadeja and Ravichandran Ash- diddidd GaGaryry AshesAshes in BriBris-s- F country’s cricket chief and demanded his ndia’s Kuldeep Yadav said yesterday win denied him a slot in the starting Ballance banebane on Nov. investigation by the International Cricket Council. he felt both excited and nervous lineup. pplaylay TesTestt 223.3. In what could be the opening shots of a new bid Ibefore the final Test against Sri Lanka Despite being overshadowed, the ccricketricket to head Sri Lanka Cricket, Ranatunga, 53, said there as the left-arm wrist spinner prepared Kanpur-born player said exposure to agagaina i n was no “proper discipline” in the national team to fill in for suspended star bowler these two star spinners had served him afterafter thatthat which has had a horror run of results. Ravindra Jadeja. well. last serieseriess The team lost by an innings and 53 runs in the Yadav is expected to make the start- “Definitely you will have to wait for second Test against India on Sunday, after being ing XI in the Test at Pallekele starting your chance if the number-one and crushed in the first match by 304 runs. Saturday in place of Jadeja, who was number-two spinners are in the same Sri Lanka also suffered an early exit from the handed a one-match ban for dangerous squad as you,” said Yadav. Champions Trophy, and lost a one-day series at play in India’s last Test against Sri Lanka. “It is good that I have worked with home to bottom ranked Zimbabwe last month. The 22-year-old spinner made an them and I have been in the team with “There is no proper discipline in the team... (but) impressive Test debut against Australia them for last 6-7 months... I try to stay no point in blaming the cricketers when they get in India in March before going on to with them mostly and keep talking to involved in all these gambling things. First they have claim eight wickets in five one-day them and they help me a lot.” Keaton Jennings to get the officials in order,” Ranatunga said. international appearances between June Yadav, one of the few left-arm unor- There have been reports of attempts to approach and July against the West Indies. thodox spinners alongside Sri Lanka’s Sri Lankan players for alleged match-fixing. “If I get a chance to play in Sri Lanka Lakshan Sandakan and South African England’s Test batsmen and their digits this summer Several officials, umpires and players have been I will be very happy because I have been Tabraiz Shamsi, said the style was gain- suspended or fined for involvement in match-fix- working hard and this will be a result of ing in popularity. PLAYER TESTS RUNS AVERAGE ing or refusing to cooperate with investigations. that. So obviously excited,” Yadav told “When I started there were hardly KK Jennings 4 127 15.87 Ranatunga said the International Cricket Coun- reporters. any,” he said, adding cricket academies T Westley 2 122 30.50 cil should investigate Sumathipala over alleged “But also there is nervousness that I were honing more unorthodox bowlers. GS Ballance 2 85 21.25 gambling links and the conduct of the Sri Lankan should be able to perform.” It is a happy feeling that people have DJ Malan 2 35 8.75 board. Yadav joined the squad for the recognised this skill.” THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 23 Haroun over the moon after making history for Asia

Chinthana Wasala it was a big chance for me so, I for my country and an honour He broke the 500m indoorddooor The Peninsula am very happy to have taken the to take the bronze medal with world record with a timemme ooff opportunity,” Haroun, who took me,” Haroun said while cele- 59.83 seconds during the Globenobeen atari sprinter Abdalelah part in his maiden World Cham- brating the victory with a Qatari Galan annual indoor athleticseticcs Haroun made history on pionships, said after the event. flag on his hand. event in Stockholm in Januarynuary QTuesday by becoming The 21-year-old world jun- Before Horoun, no Asian 2016, becoming the first everever Asia’s first podium winner in the ior champion and Asian sprinter has won a medal in the runner to finish the race inn lessless men’s 400 metres at IAAF World champion Haroun gave his best men’s 400 metres at the World than a minute. Championships. It was also to book a podium finish on Championships since the inau- He also secured the 400m00m Qatar’s first medal at the Lon- Tuesday, coming from behind gural event which was held at gold at the 2015 Asian Athleticslleetics don event. in the final 70 metres, clocking the Olympic Stadium in , Championships with a timeme off The promising Qatari a seasonal best of 44.48 seconds Finland in August 1983. 44.68 seconds. sprinter was over the moon after behind Bahamas’ Steven Gar- Haround has previously Haroun, who only startedartr edd winning the bronze medal in his diner (44.41 secs) and gold won a silver medal at the 2016 practicing athletics three yearsyeaearss very first appearance in the medallist, the reigning Olympic IAAF World Indoor Champion- ago, had missed the previousvioouss prestigious event. champion and world record ships, gold at the 2016 IAAF edition of the World Athleticsetiicsc “The first thing I wanted to holder from South Africa, Wayde World U20 Championships and Championships, held in ,ijiingg, do was reach the final but I’ve van Niekerk (43.98 secs) another gold at the 2015 Asian China in August 2015, due to aann had to fight for a medal. I knew “It is a very special moment Athletics Championships. injury.

Qatari hammer thrower Ashraf El Seify in action at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in this file photo.

El Seify aims high

Abdalelah Haroun celebrates with a Qatari flag The Peninsula sleeping well, aandnd eating well. The most importantortant thing in after winning the bronze medal in the Men’s 400m eam Qatar’s Ashraf training is to haveave a clear and of IAAF Athletics World Championships London El Seify has been organised schedulehedule and to 2017 at London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth training relentlessly have a clear goaloal and to just Olympic Park in London, United Kingdom on towards one goal - keep training.” Tuesday. reaching the finals His hammermmer throwthrow T of the IAAF dreams will not stop at win- Championship. ning a medal in London, the El Seify is Qatar’s star Aspire Academy graduate hammer thrower and was the aims to continue building on Kipruto targets first junior hammer thrower his success at every major ath- to ever defend his World letics event, eventually leading Champion title back to back him to his ultimate ambition steeplechase world in 2012 and 2014 - setting a - breaking the world record. world junior record in the Speaking on his career, El process. Seify said: “I’m satisfied with record in Brussels El Seify went on to rank my performance so far, 6th in the Rio 2016 Olympic although I wanted to win London Games – his first ever partic- medals in my previous com- Reuters ipation in the flagship event, Qatari hammer thrower petitions. I have so much Kendricks wins and has only gained more Ashraf El Seify optimism in my new coach enya’s Olympic and newly-crowned world 3,000 momentum since by using the and I’m really keen to achieve metres steeplechase champion, Conseslus Kipruto, experience in Rio as a step- greater success. I will work Ksaid yesterday he would attempt a world record at pole vault gold ping stone to greater things. athletes ever in London 2017, hard to win a medal in the the final in Brussels on September 1. Last May, he snagged a bronze the third biggest sporting next IAAF World Athletics The 22-year-old Kipruto won silver in in medal in the Islamic Solidar- event in the world. Championships 2019, 2013 and in Beijing in 2015 behind compatriot Ezekiel London ity Games in Baku. Speaking ahead of his par- and in Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kemboi. Reuters “In Rio I learned that I ticipation in London, El Seify but my ultimate goal is to He continued his country’s dominance of the event should not be afraid. At the said: “I feel incredibly proud break the world record.” with a courageous victory at the World Championships merican Sam Kendricks capped his mem- start of the competition I was and excited to compete in Augmenting El Seify’s in London on Tuesday, just weeks after recovering from orable, unbeaten season by winning the afraid and stressed but I London and I hope to repre- drive and focus on his sport is an ankle injury. Apole vault at the World Championships learned how to conquer those sent Qatar to the absolute best his family, who have sup- “Now that I have the Olympic and world titles, I think on Tuesday as the title once again eluded world feelings. I learned to be more of my abilities. The Qatar Ath- ported him every step of the I am ripe for the world record, which I will attempt in record holder and former Olympic champion focused and to trust myself.” letics Federation has always way: “My family always Brussels on September 1,” Kipruto told Reuters. Renaud Lavillenie. El Seify said. supported me on all levels and encourage me to do my best. “I think I am still strong enough. I am not promising Kendricks, a first lieutenant in the US Army Since Rio, Qatar’s rising in every way – I am extremely They provide me with every- that it will happen, but trying something is not bad. I want reserve, cleared 5.95 metres while Poland’s Piotr hammer thrower has dedi- grateful for that and I hope to thing I need in the house, they it now (world record),” he said. Lisek took the silver and Lavillenie had to be cated his time to perfecting his make Qatar proud.” prepare my food and they Qatar’s Kenyan-born Saif Saaeed Shaheen set the content with a fourth world bronze despite pro- sport. The cornerstone of El Sei- understand what an athlete world steeplechase record of 7:53.63 on September 3, ducing his best leap of the season. He has spent a lot of the fy’s approach to sporting needs. My mother always 2004 at the same Van Damme Memorial event in Lisek, joint bronze medallist in Beijing two season so far in training camps success is his unshakable keeps up with my competi- Brussels. years ago, and Frenchman Lavillenie, who also - one in USA for two months, commitment to the funda- tions and she watches me on Kipruto’s ambition looks ambitious since his best time won silver in 2013, both cleared 5.89 but the another in Africa for one mentals: “There are three TV,” he said, adding, “They are this season is 8:04.63, although he has a personal best of Pole took silver on countback. month, and recently two things any champion should my biggest motivation.” 8:00.12. Kendricks, unbeaten in 2017 after 10 com- camps in Poland - all to be always be committed to main- Elseify competed in the American Olympic silver medallist Evan Jager, who petitions outdoors and one indoors, was again ready to represent Qatar tain their performance and hammer throw final on took bronze in London behind Kipruto and Morocco’s in imperious form as he moved through the first against some of the best improve: Training well, Saturday. Soufiane Elbakkali, has the world leading time of 8:01.29 five heights without a failure. and a personal best of 8:00.45. Qatar futsal squad announced Cilic, Querrey in Laver Cup teams Prague “To be representing Team Europe is a AFP huge honour for me.” for AFC Championship qualifiers The 29-year-old Querrey will join Milos orld number six Marin Cilic and Raonic, Jack Sock and John Isner on Team 20th-ranked Sam Querrey have World, captained by John McEnroe. Doha divided according to geographic regions. The quali- Wjoined the teams for September’s Borg and McEnroe have yet to announce QNA fiers will be held separately in four regions; Western inaugural Laver Cup in Prague, the organis- two captain’s picks to complete their six- Asia, Eastern Asia and ASEAN, as well as the joint qual- ers said on their website yesterday. member teams for the new tournament to atar futsal team coach Ahmed Al Mannai ifying for the Central Asia and Southern Asia regions. The 28-year-old Cilic, the 2014 US Open be played in Prague’s O2 Arena on Septem- announced a 24-player squad for the AFC Fut- The top four teams from the West, ASEAN, Cen- champion, will join Team Europe led by Swed- ber 22-24. Qsal Championship 2018 qualifiers which will be tral and South, the top three teams from East Asia, ish legend Bjorn Borg and also comprising Named after Rod Laver, the last man to held in October. and the host nation, will make up the 16 teams who Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Dominic achieve the calendar Grand Slam in 1969, The draw for the AFC Futsal Championship placed will reach the finals. Thiem. the Laver Cup will be held every year except Qatar in Group B for the West Asia region alongside Iran were the champions of the previous edition “I know how well Roger (Federer) is play- in an Olympic season, with four matches Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. of the in Uzbekistan last year after defeating the hosts ing this season so it will be nice to be on the each day - three in singles, one in There are 29 teams in the qualifiers and they were 2-1 in the final. same team in Prague,” Cilic said. doubles.