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Tuesday, June 28, 2016 FOOTBALL Ramadan 23, 1437 AH Italy outclass GULF TIMES Spain to reach Euro quarters SPORT Page 3 Heart-broken Messi quits internationals Argentina star says ‘it’s hard not to be champion’ after being booked and missing penalty in Copa America final defeat to Chile

AFP Martino said. Higuain had time and space but opted to lift East Rutherford, United States “Certainly to lose again is too painful to act his shot over the advancing Claudio Bravo any diff erently.” and it rolled wide of the post in a huge let- It was a carbon copy of last year’s Copa off for Chile. ionel Messi sensationally an- America final, also won by Chile on penalties It was a nightmarish case of deja vu for nounced his retirement from inter- after a goalless draw. Higuain, who missed potentially match win- national football here Sunday after “The final result is all that counts and the ning chances in both the 2014 World Cup LArgentina crashed to defeat against final result is Chile winning by penalties final and last year’s Copa America. Chile in the Copa America Centenario final. so there’s not much to analyse,” Martino Seven minutes later Chile were left rocking A crestfallen Messi confirmed his decision to said. “We lost the game and we left empty- when Messi burst forward only to be body- quit after yet another agonising near-miss handed.” checked blatantly by Diaz, who collected a with Argentina, who have now lost three Jubilant Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi second yellow to see red. major tournament finals in a row since 2014. meanwhile said he hoped his side would It ought to have been a warning to both “It’s a hard moment for me and the team, continue to improve after clinching back-to- sides but the spiteful tone continued for the and it’s diff icult to say, but its over with the back Copa America crowns. remainder of the half, with Javier Mascher- Argentina team,” said Messi, who was also “We’re going to enjoy this,” said Pizzi, an ano and Arturo Vidal next into the book in on the losing side in the final of the 2007 Argentine. the 37th minute. Copa America. “I hope the team will continue growing and The next flare-up came on 40 minutes “I’ve done all I can, I’ve been in four finals evolving. This group of players has been when Messi darted into the box at high and it hurts not to be a champion,” the really pushing the ceiling of its abilities – speed and tumbled over following a colli- 29-year-old five-time world footballer of the let’s hope we continue to keep pushing sion with Jose Pedro Fuenzalida. year added. ourselves to achieve more.” Chile’s players surrounded Lopes demand- Messi had earlier been left distraught after As well as sending Messi into retirement, ing a yellow card for a dive and Messi was missing Argentina’s opening penalty in the the defeat ensured Argentina’s 23-year wait duly booked. shoot-out at MetLife Stadium after the two for a major title continued. Two minutes from half-time and Lopes was teams had finished extra-time deadlocked The final had gone to penalties after finish- reaching for a red card, this time sending at 0-0. ing level at 0-0 after 120 minutes. off Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo for a Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero had Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the reckless tackle on Vidal. got the shoot-out off to a dream start by first half as Brazilian referee Heber Lopes The cards continued in a fractious start to saving Chile’s opening spot-kick but Messi struggled to get a grip on an ill-tempered the second half, Jean Beausejour booked for then surrendered the initiative by blazing contest played in front of a crowd of 82,026. hacking at Gabriel Mercado. wildly over the bar. The first yellow card of the match came in A cynical foul on Messi by Charles Aranguiz A further miss by Lucas Biglia put Chile in the 16th minute when Marcelo Diaz brought resulted in another yellow card. the box seat and they duly held their nerve down Messi with a cynical hack across the Chile striker Eduardo Vargas went close on to win 4-2. thighs as the Barcelona star advanced on the 80th minute, thumping a fierce low shot Argentina coach Gerardo Martino had given the Chilean goal. that Romero did well to block at his near no inkling of Messi’s decision in a post- Argentina should have taken the lead on post. match press conference but sympathised 21 minutes when a defensive blunder from Sergio Aguero had a chance to steal victory with his captain. Gary Medel, miscontrolling a back pass, al- in the 84th minute when he was worked “He feels the way any football player must lowed Gonzalo Higuain to go clean through into space on the right of the box but he feel when he gets to a final and then loses,” on goal. blazed his shot high and wide.

Top: Messi reacting after Argentina were beaten by Chile in the 2015 Copa America final. At bottom, Messi showing his disappointment after Argentina’s defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final. With the latest loss in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday, Messi has failed to deliver a trophy for his country for the third time in two years.

Deja vu: Lionel Messi reacts after missing his shot in the penalty shootout against Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

ACHIEVEMENT Chile prove a hard nut to crack for S America’s best A second successive victory on penalties in the final against their trans-Andean rivals, this time in the centenary tournament in the United States on Sunday, has cemented Chile’s status as one of the world’s top teams

Reuters Messi has now lost four major fi nals East Rutherford with Argentina, three in the last two years including the 2014 World Cup decider against Germany in Rio de Ja- hile have never beaten Ar- neiro, leaving them still looking for gentina in open play in 27 their fi rst major trophy since 1993. Copa America meetings in He often looked cut off from his team C100 years yet have twice in at a packed Metlife in East Rutherford, 12 months dashed the hopes of Lionel New Jersey and cut a dejected fi gure at Messi’s team of lifting a major trophy. the end after his penalty miss and amid A second successive victory on pen- Chile’s victory celebrations. alties in the fi nal against their trans- Bielsa, who was Argentina coach Andean rivals, this time in the cente- from 1999 to 2004, revolutionised nary tournament in the United States Chile’s training methods and tactics on Sunday, has cemented Chile’s sta- and led them to the 2010 World Cup in tus as one of the world’s top teams. South Africa after being absent from A further irony is that the revolu- the tournament since 1998. tion that has transformed the team is He and successor Jorge Sampaoli the work of Argentine coaches start- were instrumental in developing mid- ing with the visionary appointment fi elder Arturo Vidal and forward Alexis in 2007 of Marcelo Bielsa, who has Sanchez as world class players while earned cult status in Chile. Claudio Bravo has proved a top notch “(Chile) have become audacious goalkeeper. in the way they impose their game on Sampaoli improved his mentor any fi eld, against any adversary,” Di- Bielsa’s work on a high pressing game, ego Latorre, who was in the Argentina steered Chile to the round of 16 in Bra- squad that won the Copa America in zil and masterminded their fi rst ever Chile in 1991, said on Saturday. Copa America success at home a year “This was unheard of in previous ago. Chile teams prior to the Marcelo Bielsa Argentina had never lost a competi- era,” he wrote in his column in the Ar- tive match to Chile until 2008 and had gentine daily La Nacion. beaten the team now coached by Juan Argentina, boasting one of the Antonio Pizzi twice in the last three world’s top players in Messi and ranked months – in a World Cup qualifi er in number one in the world, were expect- Santiago in March and their opening ed to avenge last year’s loss to Chile in group game of this tournament in San- Santiago having already beaten them ta Clara three weeks ago, both times twice this year. 2-1. Chilean players celebrate with the Copa America trophy on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT MESSI FACTFILE Despairing Argentina fans urge Messi to keep playing

AFP Buenos Aires/Santiago

rgentines begged Lionel Messi yesterday not to aban- don the national team before Factbox on Barcelona and Argentina of 2014. Has since been overtaken Athe 2018 World Cup after he forward Lionel Messi, who said he by current Real forward Cristiano tearfully announced his retirement in was quitting international soccer Ronaldo. frustration at another last-gasp inter- after Sunday’s loss on penalties to * Turned in a series of scintillating national defeat. Chile in the Copa America Cente- performances in 2014-15 as Barca As Chileans danced in the streets nario final and failing again to lift a romped to a treble of Champions and honked their horns to hail their major trophy with his national team. League, La Liga and King’s Cup titles. team’s victory by penalties in the Copa Born June 24, 1987 in Rosario, * Won his eighth La Liga title and American Centenario, the rainy streets Argentina. fourth Spanish Cup with Barcelona of Buenos Aires were deserted. EARLY CAREER in 2015-16 Apart from the humiliation of being * Joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old ARGENTINA beaten on penalties for a second time in 2000 and shone in the youth * Led Argentina to the title at the by their neighbours, they were gut- ranks before then-coach Frank 2005 World Youth Championship, ted at the news of what online wags Rijkaard gave him his senior debut scoring two penalties in a 2-1 victory were calling “LeoMexit” – Messi’s at the age of 16 in a friendly against over Nigeria in the final. announced retirement from interna- Porto in 2003. * Made his debut for the senior side tional service. Argentine fans show their disappointment in Buenos Aires on Sunday night. * Made his La Liga debut in October in a friendly against Hungary in A hashtag in Spanish reading “Don’t 2004 and scored his first La Liga August 2005 but was sent off less Go, Leo” spread on Twitter in the 47, a passerby in a rainy Buenos Aires their team “losers” and “feeble”. Bayern Munich. goal the following May in a match than a minute after coming on as a hours after the 29-year-old star strik- on Monday morning. Chileans meanwhile celebrated “We are so happy at all this passion against Albacete at the Nou Camp. substitute for elbowing an opponent er said he was quitting the squad. As for the star striker, “He will not their second Copa America triumph that our Chilean team has given us re- * Scored six goals in 17 appearances who had pulled his shirt. “Don’t go,” echoed the popular leave – you will see,” Miranda added. in a row after last year’s win on home cently,” said one reveller in Santiago, in 2005-06 as Barca won La Liga for * Played only a bit-part role at the sports newspaper Ole in its front-page Some media blamed the players soil – also by penalties over Argentina. Edison Tapia. the second year in a row but did not 2006 World Cup. Argentina were headline. Messi left the pitch in tears however for failing to land a killer blow Fans in red team shirts poured out The television screens showed a feature in their 2-1 victory over Arse- knocked out in the quarter-finals having missed a penalty in Argentina’s in the fi nal after an impressive Copa of bars into the streets cheering and devastated Messi with head bowed nal in the Champions League final. by hosts Germany after a penalty 4-2 loss in the fi nal shoot-out. campaign. Others branded Argentina’s weeping with joy after Francisco Silva after missing his penalty at Sunday’s * Messi played a key role as Barca shootout. It was the fourth time he had lost 23-year drought of international titles scored the winning penalty. game in the United States. claimed six trophies in the calendar * Led Argentina to the gold medal at the fi nal of a big tournament with a “curse”. “Chi, chi, chi... le, le, le!” they For Chilean fans, their victory was year of 2009 including the Champi- the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Argentina and the third in a row after “The worst thing about this situa- yelled as the party stretched into the all the greater for being against the ons League, La Liga, the King’s Cup * Part of the Argentina side coached defeat by Germany in the 2014 World tion is that no other player was able to early hours yesterday. Chile may not Barcelona player widely rated the best and the Club World Cup. by Diego Maradona at the 2010 Cup fi nal and Chile in last year’s Copa take advantage of the talent of the best share the footballing heritage of its on Earth and one of the best ever. * Won the first of four consecutive World Cup that was beaten 4-0 by America. player on the planet to bring Argentine World Cup-winning neighbour Ar- “Our team are 11 warriors, against World Player of the Year awards. Germany in the quarter-finals. Messi “It is really unfair. Messi played football home from exile,” wrote lead- gentina. But it is enjoying a golden the best player in the world, Lion Mes- * Won La Liga again in 2010 and failed to score and struggled to find well. It was the coach’s mistake to fi eld ing newspaper Clarin. generation of players such as Alexis si,” said jubilant Chile supporter Juan retained the World Player award, his best form at the tournament in injured players,” said Ricardo Miranda, Other angry web users branded Sanchez of Arsenal and Arturo Vidal of La Barrera. beating shortlisted Spanish World South Africa. Cup winners and Barca team mates * After a season disrupted by injury, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. captained Argentina to the final of BOTTOMLINE * Inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where against Manchester United in the they lost 1-0 to Germany. Messi, who 2011 Champions League final, scor- scored four goals at the finals, won ing one goal and creating another. the Golden Ball award for the tourna- Spanish press reserve sympathy for Leo * Helped Barca to a third consecu- ment’s best player. tive La Liga title in 2010-11 and was * Played his second Copa America on the scoresheet as they beat San- final for Argentina in Chile in 2015, AFP nal while representing Argentina. By contrast the and in Barcelona, Messi is God. But not in Argenti- tos 4-0 to win the Club World Cup. losing the final on penalties to the Barcelona 29-year-old forward has won 24 titles since joining na,” continued Mascaro. “Leo will not return to the * While Barcelona failed to retain host nation. Barcelona in 2004 including eight Liga crowns and national team, he’s reached a point where he has the either La Liga or the Champions * Scored a hat trick in 18 minutes four Champions League trophies with Barcelona. impression that everything is his fault,” wrote jour- League, Messi completed 2012 with after coming off the bench in ionel Messi’s shock international retire- “There is no explanation or advice possible, we nalist Cristina Cubero in El Mundo Deportivo. an extraordinary total of 91 goals Argentina’s 5-0 win over Panama in ment after Argentina’s Copa America fi nal know very well that Leo is the X factor of this team. According to Cubero, the fi ve-time Ballon d’Or in all competitions, a record for a the 2016 Centenary Copa America in defeat generated surprise and sympathy in His trophy cabinet is full with the Blaugrana (Barce- winner has always been hampered by comparisons calendar year. Chicago. Lthe Spanish press for a superstar who has lona), but the one he reserves for Argentina is empty, with Diego Maradona. * He smashed the La Liga scoring * Set a record of 55 goals for Ar- won everything with Barcelona and nothing with his and it’s not for lack of trying,” Marca added. “Maradona gave Argentina what Leo Messi could record for one season in 2011-12 with gentina when he scored in the 4-0 country. “Messi was clear, Argentina will never be Barca,” never give on the pitch, even being the best footballer 50 goals. win over the United States in the “Leo Mexit” was the main headline on the website wrote the deputy director of Sport, Lluís Mascaró, in in the world. And Leo said ‘enough’. No more tears, * Equalled the Champions League semi-finals. of sports daily Marca. “The curse of Argentina and an editorial. no more suff ering and guilt.” scoring record of 71 goals set by * Was on the losing side again after Messi has no end.” “For his club, Messi has won everything, and had “The latest failure of Argentina in the Copa Amer- former Real Madrid and Schalke 04 a penalty shootout defeat by Chile in Messi was distraught after missing a spot-kick as everything he needed to succeed... (in Argentina) he ica was the fi nal straw for Messi. He quits Argentina forward Raul when he struck twice the centenary final and said he was Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out in New could never benefi t from a football which protected to focus in what really makes him happy: playing in against Ajax Amsterdam at the end retiring from internationals. Jersey – Messi’s fourth straight defeat in a major fi - him and allowed him to play at his best level. At Barca Barcelona.” Gulf Times Tuesday, June 28, 2016 3 EURO 2016

FOCUS Italy break jinx to end Spain’s long European reign Goals by Chiellini and Pelle set up Italy’s first competitive win over Spain since 1994 WC; Conte’s men face Germany next

AFP Paris

iorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle scored the goals as It- aly exacted revenge for their Euro 2012 fi nal hammering by Gdumping Spain out of Euro 2016 with a deserved 2-0 last 16 win in Paris yes- terday. The Italians, who had not won a competitive match against Spain since the 1994 World Cup, were the better side, especially in the fi rst half, on a damp evening. Chiellini forced home the winner from close range after goalkeeper David de Gea could only parry Eder’s fi ercely struck free-kick. Pelle volleyed in a de- fl ected cross in injury time to complete Spain’s heartbreak. After crashing out of the World Cup in the fi rst round, Vicente del Bosque’s team have now failed to get to the Euro quarter-fi nals. A series of De Gea saves kept Spain in the game, but their quest for an un- precedented third consecutive Euro title peetered out as Gianluigi Buff on Italy coach Antonio Conte celebrates saved from Andres Iniesta and Gerard his team’s win over Spain. (Reuters) Pique late on to set up a mouthwatering quarter-fi nal clash with Germany on golden chance straight at Buff on. Saturday in Bordeaux. De Gea was called upon once more Spain had lost just one of their pre- to block from Eder when the Brazil- vious 11 meetings with Italy, including ian-born Inter Milan forward burst a 4-0 win in the Euro 2012 fi nal. But clear on goal with the chance to dou- the Azzurri were by far the better side ble Italy’s advantage. in the opening 45 minutes and could Another Italy counter-attack then have been more than one goal up at the caused chaos in the Spanish defence as break. Mattia de Sciglio’s low cross ricocheted De Gea had been much-criticised around the box before being cleared. for his performance as Spain’s 15-game Aduriz swept the ball wide and Ra- unbeaten in the Euros came to an end mos headed over from a corner as Italy on Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia began to settle on their one-goal lead in Italy’s players celebrate after beating Spain in their Euro 2016 Round of 16 match in Saint-Denis, near Paris, yesterday. (AFP) which cost them top spot in Group D. the fi nal quarter. However, the Manchester United Iniesta’s rasping volley was tipped stopper more than made amends when over by Buff on, before Pique’s long- he turned Pelle’s bullet header wide on range eff ort stung the palms of the eight minutes. 38-year-old. Emanuele Giaccherini’s acrobatic ef- However, with Aduriz having to be fort was then turned onto the post by replaced by Pedro Rodriguez due to a De Gea, albeit referee Cuneyt Cakir had head knock, Spain didn’t have a rec- already blown for a foul as Italy contin- ognised striker in their search for an ued to dominate the early exchanges. equaliser in the fi nal 10 minutes. It took Spain 28 minutes to even have Italy comfortably held on and Pelle an eff ort on goal as Iniesta’s weak shot doubled the lead with his poacher’s was straight at Buff on. strike in the fi rst minute of injury time. Antonio Conte’s side fi nally made the breakthrough 12 minutes before half- ITALY COACH CONTE FULL OF time when Spain captain Sergio Ramos PRAISE AFTER BEATING SPAIN unncessarily dived in on Pelle to con- Italy coach Antonio Conte heaped cede a free-kick on the edge of the box. praise on his team after they ousted Eder’s powerful eff ort was parried by two-time defending champions Spain De Gea only as far as Giaccherini and he out of Euro 2016. nudged the ball into Chiellini’s path to “I knew it was an extraordinary bundle home. team, I said it before the game,” he said after Italy’s 2-0 win in the last 16. “We SAVING GRACE showed that Italy is not just catenac- Only a De Gea wonder save to tip a cio.” fi ercely dipping drive from Giaccherini Giorgio Chiellini, who scored the over kept Spain in the game before half- opening goal in the Stade de France, time. said: “We suff ered in the last 15 min- Spain coach Vicente del Bosque in- utes. We would have deserved to decide troduced the more physical presence the game earlier. It was our revenge of 35-year-old striker Aritz Aduriz for after many years in which they domi- Nolito at the break. nated.” And it nearly paid dividends straight Man-of-the-match and fellow de- away as Alvaro Morata — kept quiet in fender Leonardo Bonucci said: “We the fi rst 45 minutes by former Juventus played football, did everything we tried teammates Chiellini, Andrea Barza- to do. The fans enjoyed two top sides gli and Leonardo Bonucci — headed a coming at each other.” Spain’s players react to Italy’s victory at the end of their match yesterday. (AFP) Spain’s coach Vicente Del Bosque

BOTTOMLINE Flexibility is the name of the game as Germany set marker

Reuters ward grabbing the winner. Evian, France Even his earlier shifting in the cen- tral defence with Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Hoewedes and ermany coach Joachim Loew Shkodran Mustafi brought results as has not used the same start- Germany have yet to concede a goal. ing 11 in any of his team’s four “Starting 11? It is diffi cult to say if matches at the Euro 2016 so there is one,” said Boateng. “It depends Gfar and is unlikely to do so in their quar- a bit on the opponent and how the ter-fi nal clash with Italy. coach wants us to play. That is why we The world champions cruised past have diff erent player types.” Slovakia 3-0 on Sunday, playing their Critics back in Germany saw Gomez’ most attractive football yet in the tour- return to the team after two years as a nament and staking a claim for a fourth step back. European title. The 30-year-old had missed their “There is not one single team,” Loew 2014 World Cup run through injury said, after dropping Mario Goetze in and his international career looked over favour of a speedy Julian Draxler, who as Loew opted to mostly use attacking scored one goal and set up another in midfi elder Goetze as a striker in the the game. past two years. “I do not know who will play in the However, Gomez rekindled Loew’s next game. We have to wait and see be- interest this season when he topped cause with either Spain or Italy we will the Turkish league scorers’ list and has be facing a team of a completely diff er- continued his run at the Euro, also net- ent calibre.” ting once against Slovakia. Loew has been tinkering with a start- With an abundance of talent and ing lineup for months but the injuries options on the bench that other teams of Marco Reus and Ilkay Guendogan, Germany’s coach Joachim Loew (fourth from left) talks to his players during a training session in Evian-Les-Bains, France, yesterday. (Reuters) can only dream of, Loew may con- among other, prior to the tournament tinue playing the flexibility card as forced him to abandon hopes of fi elding He now looks to have embraced the within a game from a sixth consecutive The decision to start Draxler paid Gomez, in their fi nal group match he shifts and tweaks his lineup on his his ideal team in France. concept of fl exibility as Germany are semi-fi nal spot in a major tournament. off as did his choice of striker, Mario against Northern Ireland with the for- way to the title. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 EURO 2016

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Wales captain Belgium in awe Williams fi t for Belgium, as Hazard fi nally says Coleman

Reuters stop player like that — in a split Paris second he can disappoint those plans,” he said. “He’s a great player. turns on style ales captain Ash- “We’ve faced him before but ley Williams will be we won’t have special plans for fi t to face Belgium one player. Hazard scores his maiden goal of the tournament to lead Belgium into last eight in the Euro 2016 “We know areas he likes to at- Wquarter-fi nal on Friday, manager tack and positions to take up — Chris Coleman said yesterday. but the fact we know it doesn’t The defender injured his mean we can stop it all the time. I shoulder colliding with team- watched the game last night. Yes mate Jonny Williams in the 1-0 they are a good team but there’s win over Northern Ireland on nothing for us to fear.” Saturday. Wales will draw confi dence Although Ashley Williams from beating Belgium 1-0 in their stayed on the fi eld, he was seen Euro 2016 qualifi er last year, a re- wearing heavy strapping after sult that helped them fi nish run- the game and there were fears he ners up to Marc Wilmot’s side in would miss the match in Lille. Group B. But Coleman confi rmed his “Belgium have players that fi tness for Wales’ biggest game would grace any international since their 1958 World Cup quar- team, but in four years we’ve had ter-fi nal with Brazil. four meetings and won one and “He’ll be ok, it was the way he drawn two,” Coleman said. landed,” Coleman told reporters Coleman said his team, who yesterday. “He hasn’t dislocated surprised many by fi nishing top his shoulder. He is not a worry of Group B in France, are enjoy- or a doubt. We know we need to ing being in the shakedown for a look after him.” major international tournament. Belgium confi rmed their place “I don’t think we can under- in Friday’s quarter-fi nal on Sun- stand it totally because we’re in a day when they thrashed Hungary bubble. We can only imagine it. It 4-0 with a standout perform- is great for Wales, for the nation, ance from Eden Hazard. they deserve it,” he said. But Coleman said they have no “You don’t expect anything in particular plans for dealing with football because it’s a game that the Chelsea midfi elder who many can turn quickly, but I know the of his players compete against in group we have is very good. You England’s Premier League. need luck, you need perform- “You can spend a month in ances at maximum and if you get defensive situations to try and that you always get a chance.”

Belgium’s Eden Hazard (right) shoots to score his team’s third goal against Hungary during their Euro 2016 Round of 16 match in Toulouse on Sunday. Belgium won 4-0. (Reuters)

AFP “If we want to go all the way, we need band by coach Marc Wilmots, and the his fi rst touch after coming on as a late Toulouse, France Eden to be playing like he did tonight,” 25-year-old responded by producing substitute. said Zenit Saint Petersburg midfi elder what he said was his best performance in “Eden did a magnifi cent job,” said the Witsel. a Belgian shirt. midfi elder. den Hazard could eclipse his “dif- “He’s getting better match by match, Wilmots said he told Hazard to do the “On the goal that he set up for me, but fi cult” season with Chelsea by and it’s good for us. He has all the quali- talking with his boots. also defensively and off ensively, he was taking Euro 2016 by storm, ac- ties needed to win the (FIFA) Ballon d’Or “Everyone knows he talks a lot, but a superb. cording to Axel Witsel. (award) or to become the world’s best captain can’t just talk about scoring,” said “He dribbled past two players to give EHazard struggled to make his mark for player. the Belgium coach. me the ball. I was unmarked and all I had Belgium as they fi nished runner-up place “For me, he’s already among the “I told him I wanted him to score a goal, to do was stick it in the net. in Group E behind Italy. world’s best. After his diffi cult season at that he didn’t shoot enough. And tonight, “I’ve got only one thing to say to him: But in a man-of-the-match perform- Chelsea. He’s playing a lot more freer, his feet did the talking. But I’m not sur- thanks captain.” ance against Hungary in Toulouse on scoring goals and giving assists.” prised. I know what he’s capable of.” Hazard, meanwhile, was quick to salute Sunday, Hazard, captain for the night, Chelsea teammate and goalkeeper After Belgium spurned a host of chanc- Belgium’s “collective” display. turned on the style to score his maiden Thibaut Courtois had little to do in a one- es in the opening half, they responded to a “Doing better than tonight would be goal as his country secured a last eight sided performance that saw Tottenham brief Hungary fi ghtback after the interval diffi cult, I think. Everything was almost fi ght against Wales in Lille. defender Toby Alderweireld head a 10th in style. perfect. We scored goals, we created a lot It will be the Red Devils’ fi rst European minute lead before Belgium added three Michy Batshuayi, with his fi rst touch as of chances, we helped Thibaut (Courtois) Championship quarter-fi nals since they more goals in the second half. a substitute, Hazard and Yannick Carras- keep a clean sheet,” he said. lost the 1980 fi nal. Their driving force, he said, was Haz- co scored in the last 12 minutes to wrap up “All in all it was a great night, but we Although Hazard warned Wales will ard. “Hazard was fantastic,” said Cour- the win in the tournament’s fi nal match in made it easy for ourselves.” be a “complicated” side to play, Belgium tois. “When he wants to, he’s one of the Toulouse. “In the second half we killed off the are now waiting for a repeat performance best players in the world.” Hazard did all the creative work for match. To do better (against Wales) will against Gareth Bale’s side on Friday. Hazard was handed the captain’s arm- Batshuayi’s 78th minute goal on what was be hard. But we’ll try.”

BOTTOMLINE Hungary bow out with heads high, looking to future

Reuters Wales’ Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams (foreground) celebrate their win Toulouse, France over Northern Ireland in their Euro 2016 Round of 16 match in Paris on Saturday. (Reuters)

ungary may have been trounced by Belgium in Toulouse on Sun- day, but as the Magyars bow UEFA takes no action following out of Euro 2016, they can look Hforward to a brighter future, coach Bernd fan’s selfi e with Ronaldo Storck said. The little-fancied Hungarians, lacking big international names, turned out to be UEFA has decided to take no action against the Portuguese one of the surprise teams of the tourna- football federation after a fan invaded the pitch and took a ment before they fi nally succumbed to a photo with Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of their Euro 2016 game rampant Belgium team. against Austria. But they can draw experience from the European football’s organising body said yesterday it was defeat, their German coach said. decided to close proceedings on charges relating to a pitch inva- “We can leave with our heads held sion on June 18 in Paris. high. We have never played against a side The Belgian federation was meanwhile fined 5,000 euros (5,500 like that. But we have learnt a great deal dollars) over incidents in the match against Ireland. for the future and I really enjoyed the The Belgian federation was charged after fans set off fireworks match, particularly the second half when and the throw of objects in the match won 3-0 by Belgium in we could have equalised,” Storck said. Bordeaux on June 18. The fi nal result of 4-0 might also be something of a cruel refl ection on a side which fought back hard in the second half and might have grabbed an equaliser until Eden Hazard turned on the magic. “In the fi rst half I wasn’t happy, be- cause we weren’t as brave as were previ- ously”, the Hungary coach said. “There was a slight lack of confi dence. At half- time I said we needed to be braver. We came close to scoring but just as I wanted to risk things we conceded a second goal. But we didn’t give up and we were left a little open at the back.” Hungary’s players greet the fans after their defeat to Belgium in their Euro 2016 Round of 16 match in Toulouse on Sunday. (AFP) Storck’s team suff ered a blow when infl uential midfi elder Laszlo Kleinheisler “They showed they can play football, Hungary’s good showing. “I think we set a very good example for was injured in the pre-match warm up they no longer look backwards and have “I was always aware of the potential youth development,” Storck said. “We and had to be replaced by Adam Pinter. a bright future,” he said. performance of my side, we really pro- need to work more professionally within This was Hungary’s fi rst major tourna- Hungary won Group F after beating gressed. It was an interesting game to- the club structure. It would good for them ment in three decades and the glory days Austria and drawing with Iceland and night with action at both ends of the to play at least in the Europa League. of the magnifi cent side of the 1950s are Portugal — that last game a thrilling 3-3 fi eld,” he said. “We need to get as much international A fan clicks a selfie with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the ancient history to most Hungarians. But draw. Still, work lies ahead if Hungary are to experience as possible against top sides, Euro 2016 match against Austria on June 18, 2016, in Paris. now should be a new era, Storck said. Storck said he was not surprised by enjoy a new golden era. so this has been good for us.” Gulf Times Tuesday, June 28, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

EURO 2016 SPOTLIGHT Slovakia call Euro ‘Crazy’ France seek a success despite Germany defeat

Reuters balance for quarters Lille, France lovakia coach Jan Kozak ‘We sometimes need to shake things up and the second half was a lot more fluid’ said his side should con- sider their performance AFP at Euro 2016 a success despiteS a humbling 3-0 defeat Lyon to world champions Germany in the round of 16 on Sunday. idier Deschamps says ‘crazy’ Slovakia qualifi ed third in a France must strike a balance for group containing England, Rus- the Euro 2016 quarter-fi nals af- sia and Wales, but were totally ter a half-time bust up inspired outclassed by a German side, theirD 2-1 comeback win over Ireland. that could even aff ord to miss a There were heated words in the French penalty. allow them to link up”, he said. “I dressing-room in Lyon at half-time af- Asked if Slovakia should re- think we played with a little bit of ter an early Robbie Brady penalty put the gard their progression to the last fear. They showed so much qual- Irish 1-0 up at the break. 16 a success, Kozak said yes. ity, it was diffi cult to do anything With the hosts starring down the bar- “Any defeat is painful but there about it.” rel of an early exit, Deschamps read his should be a good feeling that we “If you have two or three play- side the riot act, while senior players de- got to the last 16 and played the ers not fully concentrating and manded more from Les Bleus. world champions,” he said, noting not following instructions, it “We had a bad fi rst half, but a few things that Germany’s last loss had come makes it very diffi cult,” he added, were said at half-time,” said Griezmann, against Slovakia, a 3-1 defeat in a without naming anybody. the man-of-the-match, who scored both friendly on May 29. Midfi elder Marek Hamsik their goals. “It was stormy.” “We’ve played them twice agreed that Slovakia could have Deschamps admitted he raised his now. One win and one loss, so done better, but should be satis- voice at half-time to demand his side that’s okay,” he said. fi ed with what they had achieved. raise the tempo as fl ared tempers trans- Kozak said the match had “We might have done more to lated into a swift fi ght-back. opened his eyes and given him attack but we have a strong team The call-to-arms was answered in a better insight into his players’ and things to build on,” he said. emphatic style as Deschamps deployed character. “We need to just cheer up and Kingsley Coman on the right wing and “It’s been very instructive”, he look to the future.” moved Griezmann closer to striker Ol- said. That future will start in Sep- ivier Giroud. Letting in a fi rst goal inside tember when they host England The tactical switch worked a treat as eight minutes had left his side in a World Cup qualifi er, in a Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann powered his with too much to do, he added. group also containing Scotland, header home on 68 minutes. “We gave too much space to Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta. Ireland struggled to contain France’s new-found energy. Giroud headed down into Griezmann’s path, who slammed home the winning goal four minutes later. Iordanescu to step down as The Irish were reduced to ten men af- France’s head coach Didier Deschamps (right) talks to player Patrice Evra during their Euro 2016 Round of 16 match against Republic ter Shane Duff y’s red card for a foul with of Ireland in Lyon on Sunday. (Reuters) Romania coach Griezmann through on goal. France could, and should, have scored Romania coach Anghel Iorda- ing us to a first major tourna- a third, but only their fi nishing let them France’s Antoine Griezmann nescu is leaving his post, end- ment in eight years,” Burleanu down, which is a concern for the quarters. celebrates after scoring the ing his third spell in charge, the told a news conference. Freed of his duties on the right wing second goal against Republic of domestic football federation’s Burleanu said he will announce and moved into the forward position he Ireland during their Euro 2016 (FRF) president said yesterday. Iordanescu’s successor at the fi lls at Atletico, Griezmann cut an im- Round of 16 match in Lyon on Razvan Burleanu said the FRF end of the European Cham- pressive fi gure in the second half. Sunday. (Reuters) had agreed with 66-year-old pionship, adding that former He wants to continue in the role in next Iordanescu to part ways after Steaua Bucharest and Saudi Sunday’s quarter-fi nal against England Romania’s failure to make it Arabia coach Cosmin Olaroiu or Iceland. past the European Champi- had turned down an off er to onship group stages. They take the job. COMPLICATED FORMATION finished bottom in Group A “We want a coach with more “The manager brought Kingsley on, he after losing to hosts France than 10 years experience at caused some damage, I was closer to the and Albania, and drawing with high level,” Burleanu said. striker and I hope we continue that way,” Switzerland. “Someone who has won tro- said Griezmann. “I want to thank Iordanescu for phies and will be able to lead “I don’t care if I play on the left or right taking a great responsibility the national team to the (2018) or in the middle. But it’s true that being after the departure of (former World Cup though the qualify- further up the pitch is where I normally coach) Victor Piturca and lead- ing campaign,” he added. play, so it’s easier for me.” After four matches at Euro 2016, De- schamps is still undecided on his ideal starting side. While he has played the CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE same back four in all of their games he has tinkered with the midfi eld and attack. Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko is knocking on the door in midfi eld having Al Ahly cannot impressed in the goalless draw with Swit- zerland. Changes will be enforced for the last celebrate Egypt title eight with midfi elder N’Golo Kante and defender Adil Rami suspended after bookings against the Irish. as CAF test looms “It’s complicated,” said Deschamps. “Just look at the Germans, they have and the second half was a lot more fl uid. and who to play in the quarter-fi nal.” we’re better when we go a bit crazy,” said AFP Antwi could not prevent Ahly also changed things around a lot. Antoine showed his skills in front of goal. France will hunt a semi-fi nal place next the French boss. Johannesburg losing 3-2 away to Zesco United “Our opponents only have to look at “I know he likes to play up front, but we Sunday at the Stade de France and Des- “We really speeded things up and that’s of Zambia on matchday 1 this the TV to see the way we are playing, so need to fi nd a balance, we were more bal- champs expects more drama. when we are most dangerous.” month. it’s important to have diff erent solutions. anced up front in the second half. “You shouldn’t be too calculated. The “This team is making the crowd fall in l Ahly have put Egyp- Goal-shy ASEC fell 1-0 at “We sometimes need to shake things up “Now we’ll have to think about how players need discipline but sometimes love with them.” tian title-winning cele- home against Wydad Casablanca brations on hold as they of Morocco, who eliminated de- host Ivorian club ASEC fending champions TP Mazembe MimosasA today in a crucial CAF of the Democratic Republic of BOTTOMLINE Champions League fi xture. Congo in a qualifi er. Both teams lost their opening Antwi is the leading Ahly scor- Group A games this month and er in the competition this season another defeat for either would with three goals while only Yan- Hodgson dismisses report of Rooney-Vardy rift severely dent hopes of a two-two nick Zakri has scored twice for fi nish and qualifi cation for the ASEC. Reuters progress as well,” Hodgson said. semi-fi nals. Wydad host Zesco Wednesday Paris “But we know, perfectly well, that Ahly regained the league title in a match set to fi nish around whether we title them favourites or un- they lost to bitter rivals Zamalek midnight owing to the Muslim derdogs, it is going to be a very, very dif- last season by winning away to holy month of Ramadan, during ngland manager Roy Hodgson fi cult game for us and they are going to be Ismaily at the weekend to take which eating and drinking is for- has dismissed “salacious” sug- a hard team to beat.” an unassailable seven-point lead bidden from dawn to dusk. gestions of a possible rift be- with two rounds remaining. Footballers can be excused, but tween forwards Wayne Rooney CAPELLO IMPRESSED BY CALLOW But celebrations were short- most observe the fast, leading to andE Jamie Vardy and said the team were ENGLAND lived because of the showdown late kick-off s of CAF matches in fully focussed on the Euro 2016 round of Italian coach Fabio Capello is intrigued with ASEC at the Borg El Arab Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and 16 match against Iceland, scheduled for by the make-up of England’s Euro 2016 Stadium near Mediterranean city Egypt. later yesterday. squad but fears a lack of experience could Alexandria. Zesco have been the surprise Reports surfaced midweek that cap- prevent the national team he once man- “We had to cut short the cel- side of the 2016 competition, tain Rooney and Vardy had a dispute over aged from scaling the heights in France. ebrations to focus on the ASEC winning fi ve of six qualifi ers be- the Twitter prominence of Vardy’s wife Hodgson is overseeing the youngest fi xture,” Ahly football director fore a Cletus Chama brace helped Rebekah, which could be an unwelcome England squad in a competitive tourna- and former star Sayed Abdel Ha- upset Ahly. distraction for the team. ment for 58 years, with an average age of feez told the Egyptian media. Chama and DR Congo-born “I haven’t got a clue what you are refer- 25 years and 10 months. “Time will be found later to Idris Mbombo have scored four ring to. There are absolutely no problems “They are young, daring, very danger- celebrate our league success. CAF goals each while Wydad in football terms between Wayne Rooney ous in attack and they defend very well,” “There are two more titles in sharpshooter Reda Hajhouj has and Jamie Vardy,” Hodgson told British Capello, who led England from 2008 until our sights — the CAF Champions notched six, one less than lead- media. 2012, told Spanish newspaper Marca. League and the Egypt Cup. ing scorer Mfon Udoh of Nige- “In fact quite the reverse, they are very “They are a national team without ex- “It is our destiny to try and rian club Enyimba.. close friends, both on the fi eld and off the perience. We shall see how far they go.” win every competition we are in- Udoh and his teammates are fi eld. I have got no idea what you are re- England went into the tournament volved in,” added Hafeez. in South Africa to face Mamelodi ferring to. with fi ve wins in their previous six games. Ahly have been African cham- Sundowns tomorrow in the only “I certainly would advise Wayne to They fi nished second in Group B after a pions a record eight times, most Group B fi xture after Algerian give no comment to it, because it is ob- victory over Wales and draws with Russia recently in 2013 when they de- outfi t Entente Setif were dis- viously one salacious story that some- and Slovakia. feated South African opponents qualifi ed over a pitch invasion. one has managed to spin. It is of no in- Hodgson, who took over from Capello, Orlando Pirates 3-1 over two legs. Sundowns won 2-0 at Setif terest to us.” England players Adam Lallana, James Milner, Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy talk led England to the quarter-fi nals of Euro ASEC can boast of just one only for the match to be declared England have come under pressure af- ahead of a training session in Nice, France, on Sunday. (AFP) 2012 where they lost to Italy on penalties. Champions League title, beating “null and void” while Enyimba ter scoring three goals so far and Hodgson They were eliminated from the 2014 Zimbabwean outfi t Dynamos 4-2 were surprise 1-0 losers at home expected a diffi cult encounter against “The character of the Icelandic peo- survive through hardships — I am cer- World Cup two years later at the group overall in 1998. to Zamalek of Egypt, who have a Iceland. ple, their determination, their ability to tain that has been a major factor in their stage. A brace from Ghanaian John matchday 2 bye. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

BREXIT SPOTLIGHT Arabi sack coach Zola

AFP Clubs hope transfers Doha ormer Italy and Chel- sea star Gianfranco Zola has been sacked as coach of Al Arabi, a spokesmanF for the Qatari Stars League side said yesterday. Zola, who lasted just one don’t take pounding season in Qatar, will be re- placed by veteran Uruguayan coach, Gerardo Pelusso. ‘If the pound continues to fall, then foreign talent will become more expensive’ “Our president has said he is going to change the coach,” the spokesman for Al Arabi told AFP AFP. was the 12th coach at the club London Asked if Zola, who signed in just the past six years. a two-year contract with the Previous Al Arabi coaches Doha-based club in July 2015, included Zola’s former Chelsea he shockwaves felt after had been sacked, the spokes- teammate Dan Petrescu and Britain voted to leave man replied: “Yes.” Germany’s Uli Stielike. the European Union are Despite being one of the Zola, who was voted Chel- set to have a dramat- biggest names in the Qatari sea’s greatest ever player by Tic impact on the transfer fees league, the Italian, who cel- fans after almost seven years splashed out by cash-rich Pre- ebrates his 50th birthday next at the London club, has been mier League clubs for leading week, appears to have paid the linked to a return in England. European players. price for Al Arabi’s poor league Recent media reports have One question is whether form. claimed that he could become players like French Manchester The club fi nished eighth in the next manager at former United target Paul Pogba would the 14-team league, exactly European champions, Not- be eligible to play in Europe’s the same position and with the tingham Forest. most high-profi le and competi- same number of points, 35, as Al Arabi will be the 22nd tive league, given that talks on the previous season. club for Pelusso as coach. Britain remaining in the single The decision to replace Zola The 62-year-old Uruguayan market could drag on for at least comes after the club installed a has previously been in charge two years. new president, Sheikh Khalifa of the Paraguayan national More immediately, the decline bin Jabr al-Thani. team and was most recently in the value of the pound will Managerial changes are the coach of Colombian side, make transfer targets more dif- common at Al Arabi and Zola Santa Fe. fi cult to acquire.

Foreign players more EPL expensive “If the pound continues to fall, then foreign talent will become more expensive. That could Saints striker Mane have a huge knock-on eff ect in the summer transfer window,” Simon Chadwick, professor of to seal multi-million sports enterprise at the Univer- sity of Salford, told The Times. While fl uctuations in the ex- move to Liverpool change rate shouldn’t unduly concern the wealthiest clubs AFP Lambert was also at Liverpool such as Manchester City and London but has since moved on. cross-town rivals United, the Mane, who scored 11 goals mid-level Premier League teams West ham made a 40-million off er for Marseille’s Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi. last term, is the second star will notice a diff erence. enegalese international name to leave managerless Even with cash from a new striker Sadio Mane is Southampton in the past week record television deal coming in, Minnows grab slice of Champions League pie on the verge of sign- after Kenyan midfi eld enforcer a bid of £10mn (12.1mn euros, ing for English Premier Victor Wanyama joined Spurs $13.4mn) for a European player LeagueS giants Liverpool from for £11million. It is barely a month since Real Madrid lifted round of qualifiers would be worth 700,000 and they reached the third qualifying round rose by as much as £900,000 the Champions League trophy, Euro 2016 euros ($780,000 or £570,000) to the club in 2010 before going down to Anderlecht. Southampton, according to Southampton, who did dip in the past two days, due to is only now warming up and the rest of the — enough to cover TNS financially for the Making it as far as the group stages of the British media reports. into the transfer market on the slump in the pound’s value continent’s footballers have their feet up at season. “If we don’t get through it will be competition for the first time is almost The 24-year-old — who Saturday buying winger Nath- against the euro. the beach. But Europe’s premier club com- disappointing,” Harrison told AFP, saying that certainly out of the question. But Harrison would become the fi fth player an Redmond for £10million West Ham’s largest share- petition revs up all over again this week with irrespective of the financial benefits, as play- hopes TNS can spring a surprise and get into from Southampton to sign for from relegated Norwich City, holder David Sullivan — whose the first qualifying round, the opening salvos ers and coaches it is all about being involved the group stages of the Europa League, the Liverpool in the past two seasons have been without a manager club had before Thursday’s of a glamour tournament that will reach its in the Champions League, even if is at the ugly sister competition of the Champions — will reportedly cost £34mil- since Dutchman Ronald Koe- shock vote made a 40-million denouement in Cardiff on June 3, 2017. Talk lowest rung of the competition. League which teams tumble into after failing lion (40.7mn euros, $44.7mn) man left to take over at rivals euro off er for Marseille’s Bel- about the long road to Champions League “To be involved in the best club competition in the Champions League. Harrison takes subject to passing a medical. Everton earlier this month. gian international striker Michy glory. The opening qualifying round, a rare in the world is still very important.” Harrison, inspiration from Shamrock Rovers, the Irish To fi nance part of the deal, Batshuayi — refl ected this con- chance for Europe’s minnows to enjoy a tiny whose playing career involved stints with side which went on a fairytale run into the Liverpool — who unlike South- cern. “There are going to be a lot slice of Champions League glory, reads like a Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace, has not Europa League group stage in 2011, facing ampton failed to qualify for of implications for the Premier football trivia quiz book: Anyone for B36 Tor- seen Tre Penne first hand but got his hands the likes of Premier League Tottenham. It is European competition — are League and football in general,” shavn? (Answer: Faroe Islands). Or Alashkert? on recent footage of them and describes his proof that for TNS, Tre Penne and the rest believed to be ready to sell out- he wrote on the club website. (Armenia). How about The New Saints? club as “overwhelming favourites, though we setting out in the Champions League qualifi- of-sorts Belgian international “If... sterling continues to fall The perennial Welsh Premier League win- are taking nothing for granted.” ers the big boys of Europe are within sniff ing striker Christian Benteke, who against the euro, players at Eu- ners, also known as TNS, host San Marino’s It is not arrogance: UEFA’s coeff iciency rank- distance. TNS were back in training less than failed to sparkle last term fol- ropean clubs will become more Tre Penne on Tuesday with the winner over ings, based on results in the last five years in three weeks after winning the Welsh Cup on lowing his £32.5million trans- expensive as that impacts our two legs going up against relative heavy- Europe, put the Welsh side nearly 200 places May 2, making it a severely curtailed summer fer from Aston Villa. buying power. weights Apoel from Cyprus. TNS are based in higher than their San Marino rivals. for the coaching staff and players, who are Should Mane — who will “Even at this present time, the ancient English market town of Oswestry, full-time professionals. Not that anyone is bring Southampton a huge where we currently owe instal- on the border with Wales, and they hope Emulating Shamrock complaining. “It’s habit now,” said Harrison. profi t on the £10million they ments to clubs who we have to pack 2,000 fans into their tidy Park Hall Their achievements might seem trivial by “It’s five years now that it’s been like this. To paid Austrian side Salzburg signed players from, we will Stadium for the clash with Tre Penne. It may the standards of Europe’s elite, but TNS have be involved in the Champions League, it’s a in 2014 — pass the medical he also lose out if the value of ster- be a world away from Milan’s San Siro, where a history of modest success in Europe that small sacrifice to make.” will join former Saints stars ling falls, but every club is in the more than 70,000 saw Real beat Madrid they are proud of and determined to improve The other first qualifying round games are Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren same boat.” rivals Atletico on penalties in the May final, on. Their Champions League experience Flora Tallinn (Estonia) vs Lincoln (Gibraltar), and Nathaniel Clyne at the Aside from transfer fees, Eu- but make no mistake: livelihoods are at stake over the past decade includes a respectable Valletta (Malta) vs B36 Torshavn and Santa club, whilst another former ropean-based players may also and ambition burns brightly. TNS boss Craig 6-0 defeat over two qualifying legs in 2005 Coloma (Andorra) vs Alashkert. The second Southampton player Rickie demand higher salaries due to Harrison says that making it into the second to Liverpool, then the reigning champions, legs are on July 5-6. their euro expectations. “The Premier League is al- Rajevac confi rmed as new coach of Algeria ways going to be a net importer. rope’s single market — which matches. Gaining a British work an integral player in Leicester’s consider their transfer targets It depends now on whether the usually requires that a country permit would also depend on fairytale Premier League ti- and policies once the position Serbian Milovan Rajevac has been appointed the new coach of transfer fee is paid in pounds or allows freedom of movement their country’s FIFA ranking tle last season, would not have becomes clearer over the coming Algeria, the country’s Football federation has confirmed. whether it is paid in euros,” Dan- — would be a blessing, or — as over the previous two years. passed the test. years,” said Dan Lowen of sports Rajevac came close to helping Ghana become the first African iel Geey, from sports law fi rm leading Brexiteer Michaael Gove If the non-EU rule was im- For some, not being in the sin- law fi rm Couchmans. side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and takes Sheridans, told the Daily Mail. feels — it is better to try one’s posed, over 400 players plying gle market would be a blessing, “We can expect the Premier over from Christian Gourcuff , who resigned in April ahead of a “Likewise with wages for Eu- luck outside it. their trade in the top two leagues as it would allow young English League to do all they can to en- move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. ropean players, they could be If Britain left the single mar- in both Scotland and England talent a chance to shine more courage the government to make Rajevac, 62, will be expected to lead Algeria to the World Cup in paid as a guaranteed mark in ket, players coming in would would fail to meet the require- regularly at the elite league level whatever changes are neces- Russia but faces a diff icult qualification group that also contains euros and then converted into have to meet stringent rules for ments.Among them, France’s rather than being loaned out to sary to work permit rules, to Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. Only the top team advances to pounds afterwards.” non-EU players — who must star player at the Euro 2016 fi nals second tier teams to gain fi rst ensure British clubs’ ability to the finals. Algeria have already qualified for the African Nations There are diff ering opinions have played in a certain per- Dimitri Payet of West Ham and team experience. sign top European talent is not Cup finals in Gabon starting next January. over whether remaining in Eu- centage of their national team’s midfi eld enforcer N’Golo Kante, “Clubs will certainly need to diminished.”

BOTTOMLIME PSG part company with Blanc amid Emery talk

AFP Emery, 44, is tipped as the favourite to signed a two-year extension with the club that Blanc’s time was up. Paris take over from Blanc having guided the in February. “The players, the coach, the manage- UNAI EMERY Spanish side to three successive Europa A statement read: “In a respectful at- ment, we need turnover, a new cycle,” he League titles. mosphere, negotiations were completed told the Le Parisien newspaper. aurent Blanc left his role as Paris French sports daily L’Equipe had said on on 27 June. An agreement, by common Khelaifi was particularly unimpressed Saint-Germain coach yesterday, Thursday that Blanc would pocket 22mn accord, preserves the interests of both with the limp manner PSG lost to Man- the French Ligue 1 champions euros ($24mn) as part of his severance parties.” chester City in the Champions League announced, with former Sevilla package, but the club did not reveal any Assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and this season. Lcoach Unai Emery widely expected to re- fi nancial details. fi tness trainer Philippe Lambert also left “This elimination is the worst moment place him. Blanc arrived at PSG in 2013 and won the club as part of the deal that was struck. since I came to Paris,” he said of that 3-2 “My collaboration with PSG ends to- the domestic treble in each of his last two “As we embark on a new chapter in the aggregate defeat in April. According to day,” said Blanc, 50. seasons with the club. But it was his fail- development of the club, I would like to Spanish media, Emery asked to termi- “I would like to thank all the people ure to make substantial progress in the thank Laurent Blanc for everything he has nate his contract with Sevilla just over a who’ve worked alongside me. Champions League that proved his undo- achieved over the last three years, both fortnight ago after receiving an off er from “I spent three seasons here that were ing. in terms of the playing style and results,” PSG that was “too good to refuse”. fulfi lling on a human and professional The former France defender, a World Qatari club owner Nasser al-Khelaifi said. Emery has a wealth of coaching experi- level, littered with numerous trophies. Cup winner in 1998 and Euro 2000 cham- “I wish him the best for his future chal- ence including Valencia, Spartak Moscow “I wish the best for PSG and its support- pion, took over PSG after two years in lenges.” and Almeria, although his only silverware ers as well as good luck for my successor.” charge of the French national side and had Khelaifi had hinted earlier this month has been with Sevilla. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB USA Basketball announce Rio squad lacking LeBron LeBron James, who ce- mented his status as an NBA great in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the champion- ship this month, won’t play for Beltre leads by example the USA at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. USA Basketball named a 12-man squad for the Games yesterday that didn’t include James, confirming last week’s reports that he had withdrawn from consideration for the as Rangers beat Red Sox team. Cleveland star guard Kyrie Irving, who played a key role ‘When your leader does things right that’s where the identity of your ball club comes from’ alongside James in bring- ing the first sports title to Cleveland since 1964 with the By Stefan Stevenson Cavs’ seven-game NBA Finals Fort Worth Star-Telegram victory over the Golden State Warriors, is on the 12-man squad that will try to bring a t’s talked about all the time, espe- third straight Olympic gold cially in the Texas Rangers’ club- home to the United States. house. Teammates are constantly Irving was the Most Valuable heaping praise on Adrian Beltre, Player in the 2014 FIBA Cup. Inot for just the player he is, but for the The New York Knicks’ Car- leadership he brings to the club. melo Anthony becomes the His leadership, for both experienced first man to represent USA veterans and fresh-faced rookies, at Basketball in four Olympics times can feel like a nebulous abstract and will try to become the concept. first American man with three And then there are moments like in gold medals after playing on the sixth inning Sunday when his work victorious US teams in Beijing ethic and hustle collided on a routine in 2008 and London in 2012. play for all to see. And Oklahoma City star Kevin Leading off the inning, Beltre ran Durant will go for another hard out of the box on what typically gold. would be a 6-3 groundout in the box As the NBA playoff s were score. Instead, Beltre’s hustle forced winding up, however, news shortstop Xander Bogaerts to rush of the Olympic team focused his throw, which pulled fi rst baseman largely on who wouldn’t play. Hanley Ramirez off the bag long enough A flurry of reports last week for Beltre to beat it by half a step. signalled that James was join- It was ruled an E6 and the next batter ing an All-Star lineup of talent Prince Fielder roped a two-run homer in opting out. that increased the lead to the four as the “I could use the rest,” James Rangers beat the Red Sox 6-2 at Globe told Cleveland.com of his deci- Life Park to fi nish up a six-game home- sion, citing the grind of having stand. Texas starts a 10-game road trip logged so much court time to fi nish up the fi rst half with the fi rst through six consecutive trips of four in New York against the Yankees to the NBA Finals. Monday evening. NBA Most Valuable Player and “When your leader does things right scoring leader Stephen Curry that’s where the identity of your ball of Golden State said during club comes from,” Rangers coach Tony the finals that he would not Beasley said. “Adrian did not assume an play in Rio. out, he ran hard through the base. If he Star guards Russell Westbrook wasn’t running hard, that doesn’t hap- of Oklahoma City, Chris Paul of pen and Prince doesn’t hit a two-run the Los Angeles Clippers and homer. It’s all crucial. He understands James Harden of Houston also that and it sets up something bigger to backed out of consideration, happen. That’s what we did today.” as did San Antonio forward It’s another example of why his LaMarcus Aldridge, Wash- teammates so respect Beltre, 37, who ington forward John Wall, was 2 for 4 with two RBI. He moved past Clippers forward Blake Griff in Carlos Delgado into 52nd place with and Anthony Davis of New 1,513 career RBI. He needs six more to Orleans. pass Jeff Kent for 51st. Portland’s Damian Lillard opt- “I think if he was 50 and playing he’d ed out in order to rehabilitate still give his best shot to beat it out,” said a plantar fascitis injury. Utah Fielder, who had his second consecu- forward Gordon Hayward and tive multi-hit game and extended his San Antonio forward Kawhi season-best hit streak to eight games. Leonard also withdrew from “That’s just the way he is. You can’t consideration. teach that. It’s the reason why he’s our leader and a future Hall of Fame player.” The Rangers jumped on Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz with three runs in the fi rst. The six batters reached, in- cluding run-scoring singles by Nomar Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Mazara, Beltre and Rougned Odor. Bel- tre’s run-scoring single in the seventh game hit streak. “I know because I’m an majors with just two errors. The Rang- “I think Adrian is a perfect exam- Baltimore 12 Tampa Bay 5 gave Texas a 6-1 lead. That was plenty infi elder. For me, when I guy who runs ers didn’t make an error during the 4-2 ple of that. He goes out there and just Chicago White Sox 5 Toronto 2 for left-hander Martin Perez, who won slow and doesn’t hustle I know that homestand and have made just two er- grinds. We all feed off it.” Washington 3 Milwaukee 2 his sixth straight start after holding I have more time, time to grip the ball rors in their last 10 games. Kansas City 6 Houston 1 the Red Sox to a run on six hits and two better and make a better throw. If he’s “I give the credit to management and RESULTS Texas 6 Boston 2 walks. fast you don’t have time to do that.” ownership for searching out character Minnesota 7 NY Yankees 1 LA Angels 7 Oakland 6 “If there’s a chance I can make it hard Beltre’s leadership extends onto the guys and making sure that character Cleveland 9 Detroit 3 San Francisco 8 Philadelphia 7 on the infi elder, I try to run to make the fi eld, of course, too. He leads Ameri- guys stay,” said Ian Desmond, who sin- MIAMI 6 Chicago Cubs 1 Colorado 9 Arizona 7 play close and if he screws up I can get can League third baseman with a.990 gled in the fi rst to extend his hit streak Cincinnati 3 San Diego 0 St. Louis 11 Seattle 6 there safe,” said Beltre, who has a fi ve- fi elding percentage and is second in the to eight games. Atlanta 5 NY Mets 2 Pittsburgh 4 LA Dodgers 3

HORSE RACING Umm Qarn’s Majeed wins in Duindigt

Agencies Duindigt, Netherlands

ajeed, who represents Umm Qarn’s colours, raced to victory in the Sheikh Za- yed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan MCup (Gr3 PA) in Duindigt, Netherlands, yesterday. Alban de Mieulle’s pupil was up against a high quality lot and had to battle for victory against Sir Bani Yas, winner of the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1 PA) last year. Lightning Bolt fi nished third. Majeed had already won on this track, very easily but at a lower level, two weeks ago. After an excellent sea- son in Qatar, where he won two races, Majeed has continued performing well in the season. “The horse already knew the race- course because he won here two weeks ago,” said Frenchman De Mieulle. “But the level of his rivals was much higher this time. The pace was maybe not fast enough for him, but he did it well and Gaetan Faucon rode him well, coming progressively. He has kept pro- gressing well with age. He needs a good ground. The rest of his programme could be in Newbury, but we will see how he recov- ers from this race and how the ground is. He has won his ticket to the Qatar Jockey Gaetan Faucon (left) rides Umm Qarn’s Majeed to victory in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr3 Arabian World Cup.” PA) ahead of Sir Bani Yas, ridden by Richard Mullen, in Duindigt, Netherlands, yesterday. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 SPORT

FUTSAL INTERCONTINENTAL CUP Al Rayyan edge past Benfi ca in thriller to enter semi-fi nal In the semfinal today, Rayyan will take on Brazilian giants Carlos Barbosa

Al Rayyan players celebrate after their 3-2 win over SL Benfica at the Futsal Intercontinental Cup at Ladies Sports Club, Aspire Academy. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

By Sports Reporter the possession as Al Rayyan fought off a series of at- shot the ball past the goalpost. Barbosa’s Murilo Doha tacks to close the fi rst half without a goal. Saad produced a powerful shot in the 10th minute In the second half, Benfi ca’s Bruno Rocha fl icked but his smash fl ew just above the Lassa crossbar. one into Al Rayyan net following a lob ball from his Wilde, a runner with endless supply of stamina, late strike from T Grippi helped Qatar’s Al teammate in the 23rd minute. fl icked one from close range a minute later but his Rayyan on Sunday beat SL Benfi ca 3-2 in a Al Rayyan’s Sergio Locho produced a spectacular shot also missed the target. thrilling Group A clash on day three of the long-range goal in the 32nd minute as the home side In the 14th minute, Martinez ran solo with the AFutsal Intercontinental Cup. Grippi scored drew level in the intense game. A minute later, Diego ball for a few meters before unleashing a powerful the game-winning goal at Ladies Sports Club at As- Costa scored off a free kick in the 33rd minute to give shot into the net for his side’s second goal. pire Academy as the home side reached the semi- Al Rayyan the lead. Within a few seconds later, Wilde found the net fi nals after braving an attacking onslaught from the Fabio Cecilio scored Benfi ca’s second goal in the for the second time with a well-placed shot a few Portuguese side. In the seminal today, Rayyan will 36th minute as the game headed into the last few meters away from the goalline as Lassa went 3-0 up. take on Brazilian giants Carlos Barbosa. minutes. Rayyan’s Grippi scored in the 39th minute Barbosa reduced the defi cit when Rafael dos San- Earlier in the fi rst half, Benfi ca’s Alan Brandi took to guide the home side to win and semi-fi nals. tos beat his marker and slotted home his side’s fi rst aim at the goal but Al Rayyan goalkeeper Pereira goal in the 23rd minute. A minute later Dos Santos Da Silve produced a well-timed save in the second BARCELONA SEAL SEMIS BERTH scored his team’s second goal with a slick move. minute as the Portuguese side built pressure on the AFTER FEISTY DRAW Barbosa’s Vinicius Renne Dias scored off a spec- home team. A minute later, it was the same combi- Meanwhile, Spanish giants FC Barcelona Lassa were tacular free kick to draw level with Lassa in the 36th nation as Brandi fi red one at Al Rayyan goal but Da held to a 3-3 draw by Carlos Barbosa at Ali Bin Ha- minute. Silva pouched the ball. In the 8th minute, Al Rayy- mad Al Attiya Arena. Meanwhile, a second-half goal by Keko powered an’s Ali Ibrahim went for a long-range shot but the Despite the draw, FC Barcelona Lassa remained Magnus Futsal of Brazil to a 1-0 win over Spanish ball missed the target by a whisker. undefeated in three games and secured the semi- giants Movistar Inter. By virtue of the win, Magnus Benfi ca’s Nelson Santos dribbled past a defend- fi nals berth with 7 points. Carlos Barbosa fi nished fi nished with four points after three games in Group er but his shot on the edge of the box was saved Al with 4 points from three games. B. Inter also fi nished with 4 points after three games Rayyan goalkeeper by Da Silva in the 9th minute of Wilde Gomes Da Silva opened the scoring for the but Magnus ended with a superior goal diff erence the Group B clash. Al Rayyan’s Ali produced another Spanish giants with a well-placed goal in the 4th and qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals. solo run but his shot above the Benfi ca goalkeeper minute in the Group A clash. TODAY’S SCHEDULE Euclides Vaz went agonizingly close to the goalpost In the 8th minute, Lassa’s Sergio Lozano Martín- At Ali Bin Hamad Al attiya arena Magnus Futsal of Brazil beat in the 10th minute as the home side upped the ante ez missed one of easiest chances ever with Barbosa FC Barcelona Lassa vs Magnus Futsal at 9pm Spanish giants Movistar Inter. after a subdued start. Benfi ca enjoyed 56 percent of goalkeeper embarrassingly out of place. Martinez Al Rayyan vs Carlos Barbosa at 11pm

CYCLING ROUND-UP MOODY SIGNS WITH Bouhanni to lead Cofi dis in Tour de France NZ RUGBY UNTIL 2019 Wellington: New Zealand’s AFP son. Two other former Tour stage win- planning for their 2019 Rugby Paris ners are included in the shape of Nor- World Cup defence received wegian champion Edvald Boasson Hagen another boost yesterday when and Briton Steve Cummings. All Blacks prop JOE MOODY rench rider Nacer Bouhanni was Eritrean Daniel Teklehaimanot, who signed a contract extension named yesterday as team leader last year wore the jersey for best climb- until after the tournament in of Cofi dis for the Tour de France. er, will line up with compatriot Natnael Japan. The announcement comes a day Berhane, making his Tour debut. South The 27-year-old loosehead’s afterF Bouhanni was forced to pull out of African Reinardt Janse van Rensburg original contract was due to the French national championships af- completes the line-up. expire at the end of this year ter injuring his hand in a fi ght the night Dimension Data team: Natnael Berhane but he has decided to re-sign before. (ERI), Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), Mark with New Zealand Rugby and Bouhanni’s Cofi dis team said in a Cavendish (GBR), Steve Cummings (GBR), the Canterbury Crusaders for statement afterwards that the 25-year- Bernhard Eisel (AUT), Reinardt Janse van another three years. first choice loosehead prop. old had been “assaulted by drunken peo- Rensburg (RSA), Serge Pauwels (BEL), Mark “I am loving my rugby at All Blacks coach Steve ple”. The 2012 French champion was vis- Renshaw (AUS), Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI) the moment,” Moody said in a Hansen has not yet commit- ibly struggling with his hand injury but statement. “The All Blacks and ted until the World Cup but Cofi dis said his Tour de France participa- QUINTANA HEADLINES Crusaders both have fantastic NZR chief executive Steve Tew tion was not in doubt. MOVISTAR’S TOUR TEAM forward packs and I have learnt and senior All Blacks have all The Grand Boucle begins on Saturday Colombian Nairo Quintana will head- a lot and progressed my rugby said they want him to stay on at Mont St Michel with a fl at stage ex- line the Movistar team in his bid for the significantly in both environ- beyond the end of his contract, pected to end in a bunch sprint, in which Tour de France’s yellow jersey after two ments. I want to continue to which expires at the end of Bouhanni would be one of the favourites. second-places in 2013 and 2015. improve my game and, from 2017. The All Blacks began their It will be a third Tour de France for Bou- Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who was a Super Rugby point of view, 2016 international season with hanni after 2013 and 2015, as he bids for a third in 2015, is also included in the team the Crusaders is the best team a 3-0 sweep over Six Nations fi rst stage win in the race. but has said he has no personal ambitions for me to do this so re-signing runners-up Wales, concluding Cofidis team : Nacer Bouhanni (FRA), Borut on the Tour. Colombian climber Winner for a team I love was an easy the series with a 46-6 final test Bozic (SLO), Jerome Cousin (FRA), Arnold Anacona, Portugal’s time-trial champi- decision.” victory in Dunedin on Saturday. Jeannesson (FRA), Christophe Laporte on Nelson Oliveira, and four other Span- Moody, who made his test Super Rugby, which had a (FRA), Cyril Lemoine (FRA), Luis Angel Mate Nacer Bouhanni was forced to pull out of the French national championships after iards, including Ion Izagirre and Dani debut in 2014, was called into break for the June internation- (ESP), Daniel Navarro (ESP), Geoff rey Soupe injuring his hand in a fight the night before. Moreno, make up the team. the All Blacks World Cup squad als, resumes on Friday with (FRA) Movistar team: Nairo Quintana (COL), Win- as a replacement for the in- the table-topping Crusaders by two Eritreans in South African team d’Italia and can count on usual team- ner Anacona (COL), Imanol Erviti (ESP), Je- jured Tony Woodcock last year (45 points) facing the second- TWO ERITREANS JOIN CAVENDISH Dimension Data’s Tour de France outfi t. mates Bernhard Eisel of Austria and Aus- sus Herrada (ESP), Gorka Izagirre (ESP), Ion and started the final. He has placed Waikato Chiefs (42) in IN DIMENSION’S TOUR TEAM Cavendish, 31, has won 26 stages on the tralian Mark Renshaw, who also signed Izagirre (ESP), Dani Moreno (ESP), Nelson since cemented himself as the Suva. Sprinter Mark Cavendish will be joined Tour de France as well as 15 on the Giro for the South African team in the off sea- Oliveira (POR), Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Gulf Times Tuesday, June 28, 2016 9 SPORT

CRICKET GOLF Tiger says he might not play Amir can still be again this year

AFP on a regular basis.” Bethesda, USA That, Woods said, requires getting into golf shape. That means even though he is play- world’s best, says iger Woods said yes- ing 18 holes now on consecutive terday he might not re- days, he must be able to handle turn to competitive golf all the stresses of tournament this year following back play over 72 holes. Tsurgery nine months ago, but “I still need to be golf fi t, hit he’s counting on the wait being ball after ball to have my golf worthwhile by producing im- muscles back,” Woods said. pressive form. “I am playing, just I need captain Misbah The 14-time major champion more time, I still need to get to updated his recovery status after get stronger, need to recover Sunday’s fi nal round of the US faster. Unfortunately it will take ‘The best way is to concentrate on your skills and your duties and Amir PGA National at Congressional time. Country Club, which benefi ts his “I’m older. It takes longer to has to focus on his game and what he has to do. He is doing well’ charity foundation. recover. I want to do it right so I “I’m trying to get back as fast don’t have another surgery.” as I can,” Woods said. “It’s frus- South Africa’s Ernie Els, a trating not being able to play, es- four-time major winner who pecially at my own event. I miss played in Sunday’s fi nal group, being out here.” made it clear he wants to see Asked if there was a chance Woods return. he might not play again this “When Ernie walked off , he year, Woods said, “I don’t know. made a beeline over to me and I want to play. I don’t know if gave me a big hug and said, ‘Get I will. But I am trying to... I’m back out here,’” Woods said. working my tail off .” “That’s awfully special because The British Open is only three we’ve been going at it for such a weeks away and the year’s fi nal long time.” major, the PGA Championship, Woods, 40, was able to show is less than fi ve weeks away. his children Els and try to ex- Woods never mentions a spe- plain how they have been rivals cifi c event when asked about a for nearly two decades. comeback timetable and he has “I was trying to explain to admitted downplaying his status Sam and Charlie – ‘See that big in comments about past injuries. guy over there on the 18th green? But he talks time and again I’ve been battling him for the last about having learned from past 19 years,’” Woods said. “That attempts to return too quickly was really cool.” from injury and setbacks he has Woods has won 79 US PGA suff ered as a result. events, three shy of Sam Snead’s “I would like to say next week. all-time record, and his major But I can’t,” Woods said. “It’s not total is four shy of the all-time fun. It’s a tough road. I know I’m record 18 won by Jack Nicklaus. getting better. I’m progressing, But Woods, nagged by back but still I’m just not quite ready and leg injuries, has not won a to be out here. major since the 2008 US Open “I can play with these guys. I and has not won any title since know I still can. I just need to get the 2013 World Golf Champion- healthy enough where I can do it ships Bridgestone Invitational.

File photo of Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir celebrating taking the wicket of England’s Matthew Prior (not pictured) on the second day of the fourth Test match between the two PGA countries in 2010 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Amir, 24, is expected to make his return to Test cricket next month against England at Lord’s, ‘the home of cricket’, where his exciting career came to a shuddering halt in 2010.

AFP for Pakistan, but his career could come full lems, and show the world he is there to “The way he’s trying to handle that is to Hurley rises from Southampton circle when the fi rst of a four-Test series perform and deliver for the team. let his performances do the talking.” against England starts at Lord’s, ‘the home “It is a chance to win back all his fans. This is Pakistan’ fi rst full of tour of Eng- of cricket’, on July 14. It’s a great opportunity and he’s working land since their infamous 2010 visit. tragedy to take ohamed Amir can still be- Misbah believes Amir, who was one of hard.” As for Amir receiving a potentially Pakistan, however, have won their last come the best bowler in the the hottest properties in world cricket at hostile reception from English spectators, two Test series against England, in 2012 world despite serving a fi ve- the time of his ban, has lost none of his Misbah said: “It might happen – you can and 2015, both of which took place in the emotional fi rst win year ban for spot-fi xing, Pa- skill. always hear voices. United Arab Emirates. Mkistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said yes- “If you look at his bowling speed, “The best way is to concentrate on your England defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in a terday. swing and control – it’s there,” said Mis- skills and your duties and Amir has to fo- three-Test series that concluded with a AFP an eight-year win drought con- Left-arm fast bowler Amir, 24, is ex- bah at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground cus on his game and what he has to do. He rain-marred draw at Lord’s earlier this Bethesda, USA tinues. pected to make his return to Test cricket near Southampton, where Pakistan were is doing well.” month. “Came here with a good frame next month against England at Lord’s, training yesterday. “He can still be the best Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said he But Arthur said he took heart from the of mind and produced,” Singh where his exciting career came to a shud- bowler in the world,” he added ahead of had been impressed by Amir’s attitude vulnerability of England’s top order. illy Hurley rose from a said. dering halt in 2010. During that year’s Pakistan’s opening three-day tour match since taking charge of the side just over a “I do (see weak links) in the top order. family tragedy to com- “I was calm, which was Test against England at Lord’s, Amir and against Somerset at Taunton starting Sun- month ago. Alastair Cook and Joe Root play such a vi- plete a shocking triumph strange being in contention for Pakistan new-ball partner Mohamed Asif day. “His training has been excellent, he’s tal role in that set-up. Sunday by capturing the the fi rst time in a while. Never bowled no-balls to order on the instruc- “Whatever form of the game he has fi tted back into the team exceptionally “I know Jonny Bairstow has played ex- NationalB for his fi rst PGA title, a had any nerves. I feel as strong as tions of their captain Salman Butt as part played since his comeback, he has done well,” explained Arthur. ceptionally well against Sri Lanka but we tribute to his late father Willard. I did when I was playing well six of a sting operation carried out by a tabloid well,” said key batsman Misbah of Amir, “It’s up to me and the coaching staff to don’t know who will replace Nick Comp- Hometown hero Hurley, whose or seven years ago.” newspaper. who in his 14 Tests before his ban took 51 make him the best he can possibly be in ton and James Vince is still trying to fi nd golf-teacher father died last Au- One stroke back were 21-year- All three received fi ve-year bans from wickets at an average of under 30 apiece. these conditions,” said Arthur, who previ- his way. gust of a self-infl icted gunshot old Spaniard Jon Rahm in his cricket and, together with sports agent “He knows he is under pressure but he ously coached Australia after making his “If we can put their top-order batting wound, was part of a tearful professional debut and Ameri- Mazhar Majeed, jail terms. is handling it well,” the Pakistan captain name internationally when in charge of his under real pressure, we also have a world- family celebration at Congres- can Bill Haas. Els, who won the Amir, who served three months in an insisted. native South Africa. class leg-spinner in Yasir Shah. sional Country Club in suburban 1997 US Open at Congressional, English young off enders institute, has “This is a good chance for him to come “We all understand he’s going to be under “So whenever we bowl, there will be no Washington after some support was fi fth on 272 after six birdies, only played limited overs internationals here, the place where he had those prob- the microscope and he realises that too.” easy period for batsmen.” from playing partner Ernie Els, six pars, fi ve bogeys and a double a four-time major winner from bogey. South Africa. “I want to still play at a high BOTTOMLINE “Ernie said to me after I holed level,” Els said. the last putt, ‘I think your dad is “I still have something to of- looking down and is really proud fer the game and maybe squeeze of you,’” Hurley said. something out of it before I’m Marsh powers Australians to Tri-Nation victory “Certainly my dad helped me. really over the hill. I feel physi- He started me well. I certainly cally fi ne and the technical side is wish he was here today.” coming back.” Like his Australian counterpart, Denesh Hurley, ranked 607th, sank an At last year’s National, Hur- AFP SCORECARD Bridgetown, Barbados Ramdin attempted to engineer a recovery. astonishing 35-yard wedge shot ley appealed for help to fi nd his His captain, Jason Holder, dominated a to birdie the 15 hole and a 27-foot missing father, who was located Australia Innings D. Bravo c wkpr Wade b Marsh 6 43-run stand in contributing 34 before birdie putt at 16 to hold off Els only for him to take his own life itchell Marsh emerged as the U. Khawaja c wkpr Ramdin b Holder 14 M. Samuels c Bailey b Marsh 6 falling to Nathan Coulter-Nile. and Vijay Singh and win the Ti- weeks later. unlikely bowling hero for A. Finch c Samuels b Pollard 47 D. Ramdin b Hazlewood 40 A couple big hits by Carlos Brathwaite ger Woods-hosted event by three “It has been a hard year,” Hur- Australia as the World Cup- S. Smith c Samuels b Gabriel 46 K. Pollard c Hazlewood b Zampa 20 then generated some excitement before strokes, fi ring a fi nal round two- ley said. “It’s nice to have some- holders defeated the West G. Bailey b Brathwaite 22 J. Holder c Finch b Coulter-Nile 34 he was bowled by Hazlewood and from under par 69 to fi nish on 17-un- thing to be happy about.” IndiesM by 58 runs in the fi nal of the Tri- that point on, the favourites closed out the der 267. Hurley’s breakthrough came M. Marsh b Benn 32 C. Brathwaite b Hazlewood 14 Nation One-Day International Series. G. Maxwell lbw Gabriel 4 S. Narine c Smith b Hazlewood 23 match, Ramdin being eighth out for 40. “Billy played well,” Singh said. in his 104th PGA event, his best Set a challenging target of 271 after M. Wade not out 57 S. Benn c Maxwell b Hazlewood 2 Hazelwood took the Man of the Series “He has total control of his game prior tour fi nish a share of fourth. wicketkeeper Matthew Wade’s unbeaten M. Starc stpd wkpr Ramdin b Narine 17 S. Gabriel not out 1 honours. Ironically, it was Marsh’s dis- and it’s good to see that.” He had not fi nished in the top 30 57 led an Australian lower-order revival N. Coulter-Nile c Bravo b Holder 15 Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-9) 12 missal to spinner Sulieman Benn in the Singh, a three-time major of a stroke-play event for more from 173 for six to a fi nal total of 270 for A. Zampa run out 5 Total (45.4 overs, all out) 212 37th over that raised Caribbean hopes winner ranked 210th, matched than a year. nine off 50 overs, Marsh claimed the J. Hazlewood not out 0 Fall of wickets: 1-49 (Fletcher), 2-62 of upsetting the fi ve-time World Cup- the day’s low round with a 65. “Couldn’t think of a better prized wickets of Darren Bravo and Mar- Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-8) 11 (Bravo), 3-68 (Samuels), 4-72 (Charles), winners who were then in danger of being He could have become the old- tournament for my fi rst PGA lon Samuels, adding the scalp of opening Total (50 overs, 9 wickets) 270 5-105 (Pollard), 6-148 (Holder), 7-185 dismissed for under 200 and confounding est winner in PGA history at age Tour win. I’m thrilled I could get batsman Johnson Charles for good meas- Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Khawaja), 2-69 (Brathwaite), 8-194 (Ramdin), 9-211 (Nar- Steve Smith’s decision to bat fi rst. 53 but settled for his 28th career it done,” Hurley said. “It’s a cli- ure to eff ectively short-circuit the home (Finch), 3-120 (Bailey), 4-152 (Smith), 5-156 ine), 10-212 (Benn). Yet Wade somehow managed to sur- runner-up showing on 270 and che but a dream come true.” side’s pursuit. (Maxwell), 6-173 (Marsh), 7-211 (Starc), Bowling: M. Starc 8-0-32-0 (3w), J. vive against his nemesis, mystery spinner His disciplined medium-pacers real- 8-238 (Coulter-Nile), 9-264 (Zampa). Hazlewood 9.4-1-50-5, N. Coulter-Nile 8-0- Sunil Narine, and prospered against the ised miserly fi gures of three for 32 with the Bowling: J. Holder 10-1-51-2 (2w), S. 46-1 (3w), M. Marsh 10-1-32-3 (1nb, 1w), A. seamers, crashing three sixes to complete Hot start propels Ko to Arkansas title West Indies unable to recapture the im- Gabriel 7-0-58-2 (1w), C. Brathwaite Zampa 10-0-50-1 (1w). a recovery that saw 97 runs added over the pressive batting form of earlier matches 8-2-32-1, K. Pollard 5-0-33-1 (1w), S. Narine Toss: Australia last 13 overs. Los Angeles: Lydia Ko with- second with Taiwan’s Candie in being dismissed for 212 off 45.4 overs at 10-1-55-1 (3w), S. Benn 10-0-38-1 (1w). Result: Australia won by 58 runs West Indies were hampered by the ab- stood a late stumble on the last Kung at 199. Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday. West Indies Innings Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), sence of Shannon Gabriel at the end of hole on Sunday to record her World number one Ko went into Josh Hazlewood polished off the tail to A. Fletcher c Smith b Hazlewood 9 Joel Wilson (TRI) the innings with the tearaway fast bowler third victory of 2016 by winning the par-five 18 with a comfort- fi nish with the best fi gures of fi ve for 50, J. Charles lbw Marsh 45 Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) leaving the fi eld after completing seven the LPGA Tour’s NW Arkansas able four shot lead but tried to but it was Marsh’s spell that made the dif- overs. Championship. lay up with a six-iron and put ference when it mattered most. “We missed having Shannon available The New Zealand teenager has her shot into the water. “We really fought well tonight and I al- They weathered the early assault from Charles leg-before within the space of ten at the end of the innings,” Holder observed. now won 13 times on the Tour She blasted her next iron ways felt we could defend that total,” said Mitchell Starc but it was fellow new ball runs. “I felt he was our best chance of knocking before her 20th birthday as she over the green but it hit the victorious captain Steve Smith. “It’s just bowler Hazlewood who prised out Fletcher At 72 for four and with the top bats- off their lower order.” finished with a three-under 68 bottom of the grandstand and the way we play. We believe in ourselves in the 11th over of the innings. men gone, West Indies’ chances of victory His fi rst four overs had proved expen- for a three round score of 196 bounced back, leaving her with and go hard at the opposition every time.” Marsh, adjudged Man of the Match, had lurched into improbability, especially sive but Gabriel returned midway through at the Pinnacle Country Club a somewhat tricky downhill put Charles topscored with 45 and featured then cemented Australia’s control of the when leg-spinner Adam Zampa lured the the innings to account for Smith (46) and course. from off the green. Ko then two in an encouraging opening partnership of match when he had Bravo caught behind, big-hitting Kieron Pollard into hoisting a the dangerous Glenn Maxwell in the same Morgan carded a 71 to tie for putted for the win. 49 with Andre Fletcher. Samuels taken at short extra-cover and catch to long-off . over. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 SPORT

SWIMMING FOCUS King may appeal against Rio snub Kalisz claims fi rst Rio Reuters a fair explanation as to why London I haven’t been selected to be completely honest.” Rio stages the Olympic lympic champion Games from August 5-21. Dani King is con- sidering appealing Tottenham’s Son to lead S Oagainst the British Korea’s bid for soccer medal ticket as Lochte fades Cycling decision to leave her out of the country’s road race South Korea have named team for the Rio Olympics, the Son Heung-min as one of the ‘This is the one thing I wanted to accomplish, anything after that is going to be a bonus’ rider has said. three overage players in their King, who won the track 18-man squad for the Rio Ol- team pursuit gold at the 2012 ympic Games, hoping the London Games, is the second- Tottenham Hotspur striker highest ranked British woman can help them improve on on the UCI World Tour behind the bronze medal they won in world road champion Liz- London four years ago. zie Armitstead, who leads the The 16-team Olympic foot- women’s squad with Emma ball competition is open to Pooley and Nikki Harris occu- players under the age of 23, pying the other spots. and permit only three overage “Initially I was told that I players as “wild cards”. couldn’t appeal as I wasn’t a FC Porto forward Suk Hy- programme rider. I’m going un-jun and Guangzhou R&F to explore that option,” the defender Jang Hyun-soo are 25-year-old, who recovered head coach Shin Tae-yong’s from serious injuries suff ered other wild-card selections. in a training crash in 2014, told “We may not have renowned the BBC. players like we had in London,” “I haven’t really been given Shin said at a press conference a fair explanation as to why in Seoul. I haven’t been selected to be “But I want fans to have completely honest. I was given trust in our players and watch nine criteria at the start of the how they fulfi l expectations.” year which I’ve been working South Korea have been toward and I’m absolutely gut- paired with world champions ted.” Germany, 2012 gold medallist “I haven’t really been given Mexico and Fiji in Group C.

Rio mayor delivers last major Olympic Park installation Rio de Janeiro’s mayor hand- The velodrome ceremony ed a still not entirely finished was originally scheduled for cycling arena to organisers Saturday but was pushed on Sunday, inaugurating back a day to give workers the last major installation in more time. the Olympic Park just over The city government a month before the summer cancelled its contract with games begin. the company constructing Organising committee rep- the 150 mn reais ($45mn) resentatives said temporary velodrome after the firm filed installations and decorations for bankruptcy protection would be completed in com- several weeks ago. A subcon- ing days, and coloured fabric tractor stepped in to finish covered up pieces that were the project. not quite finished. A test event had to be can- Rio de Janeiro will host celled in April, though ath- South America’s first ever letes were invited to try out Olympics in the middle of a the track over the weekend. state financial crisis, a health Mayor Eduardo Paes told scare over the Zika virus, an close associates the velo- investigation of corruption drome cost him the ability to on Olympic contracts and say the city met all deadlines Chase Kalisz of the United States participates in the medal ceremony for the men’s 400m Individual Medley during Day One of the 2016 US Olympic team swimming trials at Cen- impeachment proceedings on Olympic venues. turyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. (Getty Images/AFP) against suspended President “We can’t say that the Dilma Rousseff . velodrome was finished on Reuters fastest in the world this year. ing scratching but you know, it’s Eighteen-time Olympic who has been routinely exposed On Friday, the World Anti- time, but as I’ve said with the Omaha, Nebraska “This is the one thing I wanted the Olympic trials,” said Lochte. champion Phelps begins his bid to Phelps’s other-worldly stand- Doping Agency suspended other projects, it was within to accomplish, anything after “If I had broken a leg I would still for a fi fth and what he says will ards. the credentials of a testing budget,” mayor Paes told that is going to be a bonus. go out there and swim. be his fi nal Olympic team with “When Michael gets on you, laboratory in Rio de Janeiro journalists on Sunday. ewcomer Chase Kalisz “I’ve got a lot more in the tank “I’m going to keep working on the 200 freestyle. it’s pretty severe,” said Bowman. for failing to comply with in- The city is also scrambling outduelled Olympic going forward to Rio.” it day in and day out and hope- Opening night featured two “It’s kind of like nonstop for a ternational standards, though to finish a subway line that champion Ryan Lochte Lochte led by nearly two fully it gets better.” other fi nals at the soldout Cen- while. it has arranged for testing would take fans to the Olym- in the men’s 400m in- lengths after the butterfl y and Michael Phelps, who dropped turyLink Center with Maya “When I do it it’s like a nuclear elsewhere. pic Park. Ndividual medley fi nal at the US backstroke. the 400IM in which he still owns DiRado qualifying for her fi rst bomb got dropped on your head Olympic swim trials on Sunday, But he faded badly in the back the world record, clearly felt no Olympic team with a victory in for about two and a half minutes, clinching the fi rst ticket to the half to fi nish third as 20-year- remorse about giving up what is the women’s 400 IM holding off but after that it’s over. Rio Games. old Jay Litherland powered past considered swimming’s tough- 2012 silver medallist Elizabeth “Michael kind of keeps it go- The stage was set for the the fi ve-time Olympic champion est test, smiling as he arrived on Beisel. ing. So I think it really pushed opening showdown of the trials in the freestyle fi nal leg to also the pool deck to watch his old foe Connor Jaeger, who narrowly him (Kalisz) and really got him in the morning heats when Ka- likely grab a Rio berth. Lochte and training partner Ka- missed out on a medal in the out of his comfort zone.” lisz narrowly pipped Lochte at The winner in each event au- lisz battle. 400 freestyle at last year’s world Like most competitive swim- the wall but the 22-year-old left tomatically qualifi es for Rio in “I was so happy for Chase, championships fi nishing fourth, mers, Kalisz has lived in Phelps’ no doubt in the fi nal as he pulled August, with second place fi n- I was crying when I was hug- will have a shot at the Olympic long shadow but it is a place he away from the 2012 London gold ishers also usually earning tick- ging him,” said Phelps, who now podium after taking the evening has always felt comfortable. medallist over the fi nal two legs ets. trains in Arizona with Kalisz un- fi nal ahead of Conor Dwyer. “Michael told me how proud clocking four minutes, 9.54 sec- Lochte, an 11-time Olympic der coach Bob Bowman. Taking on the role of older he was of me and that meant a onds. medallist seeking to make his “He is like my brother and brother, Phelps, as demanding lot,” said Kalisz. “Michael is the “I’m glad to get this one out of fourth US team, said after the watching him to be able to do on Kalisz as he is on himself, has greatest of all time, and I know the way, this one for me was a lot race he had pulled his groin in that is a very special moment. not been shy sharing his opin- no matter what I do I will never more stressful than I could im- the morning heat, leaving some “I know Chase is very deter- ions when it comes to what he top his accomplishments. IOC executive director Christophe Dubi (L) and Rio’s mayor agine Rio could be,” Kalisz, who question as to whether he will be mined. I’ve trained with him expects in and around the pool. “I’m looking forward to see- Eduardo Paes during the inauguration of the Velodrome of is headed to his fi rst Olympics, able to compete in all his races. every day and the kid works his Even Bowman, a tough task ing him swim later in the week, I the Olympic Park, in Rio de Janeiro. (AFP) said after becoming the second “I thought about it this morn- butt off .” master, felt sympathy for Kalisz, know he’s going to do awesome.”

SPOTLGIHT New dad Phelps having a blast with baby Boomer

AFP the US swimming trials. “I’ve be able to watch me at some of tales. Omaha, United States learned which cry means what. my last competitions,” Phelps “I have had a poopy diaper If he needs a diaper change, if said. pooped on my shirt, so I have he needs mom, all of these dif- “I think that is pretty spe- experienced that already!” ichael Phelps is ferent cries.” cial.” Schmitt said with a laugh. viewing what he Boomer Robert Phelps was Phelps’s training regimen “But it’s awesome to see the vows is a last Ol- born on May 5, his name chosen has kept him away from home a family together, to see the three ympic campaign because Phelps liked the sound lot since the birth, but he’s get- of them. It’s fun to see Michael Mthrough a fresh set of eyes, of it when he heard former NFL ting plenty of updates. as a dad, and I can just see how thanks to the arrival of baby player and current broadcaster “Nicole and I are so stoked. happy he is. You can see it every son Boomer last month. Boomer Esiason on television. I get 30 photos a day when I’m day, even when he comes into The 30-year-old superstar, “I was like, ‘Boomer is kind out of town,” he said. “It’s fun practice. He’s like a new per- who has displayed a steely of cool,’” Phelps said. watching him grow up. He’s son, a new father.” competitive streak in winning “It’s diff erent. We don’t re- only seven weeks, but (we’re) And the newest Phelps is a jaw-dropping 18 Olympic ally know many Boomers.” watching him gain weight and right at home in the water. gold medals over four Games, Johnson, who also wanted grow hair and see his eyes start “We will give him a bath and is a downright softie when de- to stay away from ordinary to change color.” sometimes he’s happy — and scribing his seven-week old names, agreed. While Phelps sometimes he starts crying son. knows Boomer won’t remem- Like a new person when he gets out because he “When I’m holding him or ber it, he’s delighted the infant The new addition is making likes the water,” Phelps said. laying on the couch with him, will see the last laps of his ca- an impact on Phelps’s swim- Bowman can’t help imagin- it’s just awesome,” Phelps said reer, not only in Omaha but also ming family as well. ing the possibilities. as he looked forward to the ar- in Rio, which Phelps plans to Longtime coach Bob Bow- “He has a long body and little rival of fi ancee Nicole Johnson make a family aff air. man can now claim the aff ec- legs,” Bowman said of the baby. and their little one in Omaha, “I’m looking forward to hav- tionate honorifi c “Grandpa” “I keep trying to move them where Phelps will vie this week ing him here and just being able and training partner Allison in a breaststroke motion, you to make a fi fth Olympic team at to have my son, my fi rst child, Schmitt has her share of baby know, start early?” Gulf Times Tuesday, June 28, 2016 11 TENNISSPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Injury forces Venus rolls back the Ivanovic to rest until Olympics years at Wimbledon AFP Ivanovic added that she has London no worries about playing at the Olympics despite fears over the Zika virus which has prompted a ‘You have this infinity inside of you that feels like you could go forever’ ormer world number host of sports stars to pull out of one Ana Ivanovic was the Games. Fears over the packed Reuters knocked out of Wim- playing schedule have also led to London bledon in the fi rst round a number of no-shows in Brazil. Fyesterday and then revealed she Fellow players John Isner, won’t play again until the Ol- Dominic Thiem, Bernard Tom- here mortals wilt in the ympics to recover from a wrist ic, Nick Kyrgios and Feliciano spotlight, champions bask. injury. The 2008 French Open Lopez have all opted not to take And so it was yesterday champion was stunned by Rus- part. Czech world number nine, Wwhen Venus Williams, as sia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, the and former Wimbledon fi nal- she has done for most of the past 18 sum- world 223, losing 6-2, 7-5 to the ist, Tomas Berdych has admitted mers, took a large, languid stride into the Grand Slam debutant. But the that the virus could also force second round of Wimbledon. 28-year-old Serb blamed only him to skip the Olympics. The scoreline of her 7-6(3), 6-4 vic- her second opening round loss at “It’s a great honour for me tory over Croatian Donna Vekic told one the All England Club in 12 visits to represent my country,” said story, and many points were tight. But on a right wrist injury. Ivanovic. “I was already a couple the ones that really mattered could hardly “It was very hard to acceler- of times a member of the team. have been more one-sided. That ability to ate on my forehand. I tried to do To play Rio, it’s been my big instantly switch to the sublime explains everything possible to be fi t and dream, to be part of it. I’m very, how Williams has won as many singles recover and tape it and so on,” very thrilled.” titles here – fi ve – as Bjorn Borg, and can said Ivanovic, who reached the On fears over the Zika virus, rightly be considered grasscourt royalty. semi-fi nals at the All England she added: “Well, I’m happy It is why the Court One crowd crackled Club in 2007. Ivanovic admitted to go and play. I feel it’s safe with excitement when she emerged from that she had considered pulling enough.” the players’ tunnel. And it is why, despite out of Wimbledon after the wrist Alexandrova had won just being the oldest woman in the singles became infl amed when she was one match on the main tour in draw at 36, she looks in good shape to go playing at the Mallorca warm-up her entire career before yester- deep in her favourite grand slam. event. “I think I’m going to take day’s shock win over the 23rd “I still feel 26,” the American smiled some time off . My next tourna- seed. The 21-year-old, whose to reporters. “You know, I don’t think ment will be the Olympics. So career prize money of just under anyone feels older. You have this infi n- hopefully that will give it enough $60,000 paled in comparison to ity inside of you that feels like you could time to settle down. Hope to do Ivanovic’s $15 million, goes on go forever. That’s how I feel on the court. an MRI and see what’s going on,” to face Germany’s Anna-Lena As long as I’m halfway decent, can get she said. Friedsam in the second round. my racket on the ball, I think I can make something happen. So far so good.” The sun had shone on an excitable crowd as Williams signalled her inten- tions. On the front foot, aggressive from the off , her fl uid long limbs delivered an ace on the fi rst serve of the match – point made. At times Vekic was not so much returning the ball, as defending her- self. The Williams serve bit the turf and turned into the Croatian. She ducked, she skipped out of the way, and she rocked US player Venus Williams whips a forehand during her win over Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the first round match of the Wimbledon back on her heels, swatting the ball away Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in southwest London yesterday. (AFP) from her face with her racket. Games went with serve until the sev- her shoulders, as though Williams was haps fi ttingly on a double-fault. At this Williams, incredible power play inter- enth when Vekic, every emotion on her somehow using an unfair advantage. point the kind of heart might say Venus spersed with what looks like I-can’t-be- face, broke to take a 4-3 lead. A casual ob- The set entered a tiebreak and here the was looking languid – the less kind per- bothered movement. Point by point it can server might have got carried away. The American’s mental strength set her apart haps would have described her movement change. inscrutable Williams trudged back to her – perhaps no surprise given she is playing as laboured. It is mentally exhausting to watch, let seat before breaking straight back. her 71st grand slam singles tournament, a But do not be fooled by the fact she is alone play against. Certainly Vekic looked When things get tight, she fell back on record among current female players. the oldest woman in the main singles shattered. She quite simply melted as an additional weapon – she knows how Williams forced the pace, upped her draw: Williams aff ected that same pon- Williams sauntered on. It had taken al- to volley. It was a tactic that at times had power, moved her opponent. It all proved derous movement during her fi rst visit most two hours but fi nally, as she left the Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic lost to Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Vekic looking to the skies and shrugging too much for Vekic who lost it 7-3, per- here in 1997. It is just what you get from court, Williams smiled. first round match at Wimbledon yesterday. (AFP)

CONTROVERSIAL DRESS ROUND-UP Wimbledon stars give dressing Cancer survivor Duval down to revealing ‘baby doll’ kit weeps on return

Agencies London Vicky Duval was only a teenager when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s icky Duval was re- lymphoma during duced to tears as she the 2014 Wimbledon returned to Wim- qualifying stages. Vbledon for the fi rst time since getting a clean bill of health following her battle with cancer. Duval was only a teen- ager when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma dur- ing the 2014 Wimbledon quali- fying stages. After undergoing chemo- therapy, the 20-year-old Amer- ican is healthy again and her appearance in the grass-court Grand Slam yesterday was a major boost to her a comeback, which has also been hampered by a knee injury. Duval, tipped for the top un- til the illness struck, is a lowly Sabine Lisicki made it clear it was too 572nd in the world rankings as risqué for her taste after opting not to she tries to work her way back wear ‘baby doll’ dress yesterday. (AFP) to peak form. And the emo- tion of returning to Wimbledon at this year’s Wimbledon and and the recent success in dou- AFP ter opting not to wear it during the German’s teenager Vekic, who opted to wear the baby proved too much as she sobbed has backed some of the other bles for my brother Jamie and London fi rst round win over Shelby Rogers. “Yes I doll dress. on court after just three games 14 local hopefuls to make their Dominic Inglot, it does feel like did (try the dress). I didn’t feel comfortable The 36-year-old American, the oldest of her 6-0, 7-5 loss to Russia’s mark at the grasscourt grand there’s a bit of a feelgood factor showing that much (fl esh),” she said. woman in the draw, said she was keen to re- Daria Kasatkina. slam. Murray, who has long around British tennis at the mo- imbledon stars have joined forc- Describing why she chose to wear a more main fashionable but valued a practical outfi t “At about 3-0 in the fi rst set, been the sole focus of hopes of ment,” Murray wrote in a BBC es to slam the controversial dress restrained skirt and vest top, the 26-year-old as well. “I’ve had a lot of fashion adventures, I just felt really overwhelmed. British success at the All Eng- column. causing a stir among female added: “I felt comfortable in it. For me, the that’s for sure. But it’s never stopped me on I wanted to crawl into a ball,” land Club, is almost certain “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not players shocked by its revealing most important thing is to feel comfortable the court. I’ve been able to play my best. It Duval said. “Obviously I’m su- to reduce that number by one perfect, but this tournament is W‘baby doll’ style. and not to think about anything, and with hasn’t been an issue,” Venus said. per happy to be here but inside I when he meets English wildcard a big chance for some of them Kit manufacturers Nike have been keen this I feel great. I like it. I think it looks good. “Fashion is very important for me, so it al- was driving myself crazy. It took Liam Broady in the fi rst round to make their mark and you just to push their ‘Premier Slam’ dress during It’s classic. So that’s why I picked that one.” ways has to be fashionable. But clearly it has a set to get me out of it. In the of the men’s singles. hope they do themselves jus- the grass-court Grand Slam, but the outfi t Even defending Wimbledon champ Serena to be functional. They go hand-in-hand. I second set I pulled a towel over Wildcard James Ward did tice, because it’s tough working has been deemed too skimpy by the likes of Williams, Nike’s highest profi le client, will wouldn’t say one is ahead of the other. But it’s my head in case something was not last long either, having lost your way up through the rank- former Wimbledon fi nalist Sabine Lisicki. wear a slightly adapted version of the outfi t, easy to design something functional with- going to happen. I was like, ‘I to world number one Novak ings.” Concerned that the dress shows too much the ‘Nike Women’s Premier Wimbledon Ser- out being fashionable. It’s about challenging don’t want anybody to look at Djokovic in opening round yes- Among others from the fl esh when it fl ies up above the waistline, ena SW19 Dress’, when she plays today. yourself to push it a little bit.” me’. It was just a lot of emotions terday. Murray’s brother Jamie, country, British women’s several players with Nike contracts report- The outfi t is said to be more structured and Sara Errani, the Italian 20th seed, also and they were mostly positive however, will be looking for a number one Johanna Konta has edly asked for the kit to be altered ahead of features a nipped in waist and a higher neck- opted to snub the dress for her fi rst round win but I know what I’m capable of second grand slam doubles title been seeded 16th, while Heath- Wimbledon. Although Wimbledon has a line. Serena’s sister Venus is well versed in the against Patricia Maria Tig. “They (Nike) give and the fact I’m not there is eat- of the year with Brazilian Bruno er Watson and Naomi Broady notoriously strict attitude to players’ dress, fashion world as the fi ve-time Wimbledon you the option what you prefer, and I prefer ing inside of me.” Soares, while Dominic Inglot are in also in the women’s main All England Club offi cials passed the design champion’s EleVen company design clothes the one that I wear today,” Errani said. won a doubles title with Cana- draw. Murray, who lifted a because it complies with their all-white kit for the “fashion-forward athletic woman”. “They are fl exible. I mean, if you don’t feel MURRAY DETECTS dian Daniel Nestor in Notting- record fi fth Queen’s title earlier rules. However, the players themselves are Venus caught the eye with a new haircut really comfortable with something you can BRITISH BUZZ ham earlier this month. this month, has been reunited less impressed with the ‘baby doll’ outfi t. featuring dyed red weaving during her fi rst ask them and it’s no problem. The important World number two Andy “With 15 British players in- with Ivan Lendl, the former Lisicki, the 2013 Wimbledon runner-up, round victory against Donna Vekic. But her thing is to be comfortable on the court and Murray believes he might not be volved in the singles competi- Czech great who coached him made it clear it was too risqué for her taste af- outfi t was more conservative, unlike Croatian feel good to play.” the only British player to thrive tions at Wimbledon this year to Wimbledon glory in 2013. Tuesday, June 28, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

WIMBLEDON Top seed Djokovic surprises himself with runaway start The 2015 finalist Muguruza battles for two and a half hours to overcome Italian Giorgi 6-2, 5-7, 6-4

DPA London Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return during his win over Great Britain’s James Ward at ovak Djokovic had it all his way yester- Wimbledon yesterday. (Reuters) day as he reached the second round at the Wimbledon Championships 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 over Briton James Ward Nto begin his title defence in commanding style. The number one raced away by winning the fi rst nine games, then lost two in a row in the only competitive set of the match. “I honestly didn’t expect myself to start that well - nine games in a row, 6-0, 3-0,” the top seed said. “It was just a matter of time when James would win his fi rst game.” The Serb, who is looking for his fi fth grand slam title on the trot, claimed victory in a shade over two hours with an ace on match point. Ward, ranked 177th, now goes back to the Chal- lenger ranks after his annual showing at the All England Club. The 29-year-old will be hit with a massive rankings drop of around 100 places after mak- ing a surprise third-round appearance a year ago. Djokovic, who has only lost twice in 47 fi rst-round matches at the majors, could not have been more pleased with his showing. “For the fi rst nine games, there was not much to say about my game. It was fl awless and felt great. I put in a very solid performance.” Djokovic was charmed to open the fortnight as defending champion, with the winner’s match always the fi rst on Centre Court. “This is the most unique experience in tennis, playing the fi rst match on untouched grass on the fi rst Monday. It is really special to feel this tradition and history.” Djokovic next faces Frenchman Adrian Man- narino, who beat the day’s second Briton, Kyle Edmund, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. Japan’s fi fth-seeded Kei Nishikori beat Australian Sam Groth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5, while sixth seed Milos Raonic, with advisor John McEnroe in his corner, started with a de- feat of Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-4. Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France knocked fi nalist Garbine Muguruza battled for two and Five-time winner Venus Williams, aged 36, androva of Russia 6-2, 7-5. “It was very hard to The 2014 US Open winner and ninth seed out Stuttgart fi nalist Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, a half hours to overcome Italian Camila Giorgi proved her eighth seeding as she beat Croatian accelerate on my forehand. Marin Cilic, seeded ninth, was knocked out by 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; Ivo Karlovic won a match with 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. “This was a very tough fi rst match Donna Vekic, Croatia 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. Number I tried to do everything possible to be fi t and Brian Baker 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 while Belgian number fellow Croatian Borna Coric 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (9- and a diffi cult opponent,” said the Spaniard, nine Madison Keys advanced over German Lau- recover and tape it. During Mallorca tourna- 11 David Goffi n stopped Alexander Ward of Brit- 7), 6-4. Grigor Dimitrov stopped the rot in a six- who lost to Serena Williams in the fi nal a year ra Siegemund 6-3, 6-1. Spanish 12th seed Carla ment (a week ago) it really got infl amed. ain 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. Spanish 13th seed David Fer- match loss streak, defeating US qualifi er Bjorn ago. “I like to play tough marches, this gets me Suarez Navarro beat Zhang Shuai 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. “It start to calm down a little bit, but every rer, who missed the event a year ago with an Fratangelo 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. In women’s play on a into the tournament and gives me confi dence. Ana Ivanovic fell victim to a wrist injury time I would start hitting, it would fl are up. I elbow injury, hammered Dudi Sela 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 day which was forecast to likely be the only sun- We all start from zero here, it is so much more which bothered her in recent weeks and almost will rest until my next tournament, which is the for a second-round spot. ny one of what should become a wet week, 2015 diffi cult on grass.” forced a pullout, going down to Ekaterina Alex- Olympics.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar runners on track for Rio glory Al-Attiyah extends ith less than 40 days to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, World Cup lead Qatar’s talented Athletics Wtrack team are in the fi nal stages of their intense training for Olym- pic glory. at Italian Baja Consisting of the fastest man in Asia - Femi Ogunode, World Indoor 500m By Sports Reporter delivering winning results for Champion Abdelalah Haroun, multiple Doha their new team throughout the Asian Champion Mohammed al-Garni year. This latest dominant per- and up and coming young talent AbuBak- formance follows on from vic- er Haydar, the quartet have high hopes of asser al-Attiyah and tories in the UAE and Qatar this making the podium. co-driver Mathieu season. The Rio 2016 Olympic Games will mark Baumel set a blistering The notoriously unpredict- the fi rst time the Olympics are held in pace at this weekend’s able and technically challenging South America and will see over 10,000 NItalian Baja to win the race and Italian Baja certainly lived up athletes from 206 nations compete in Rio increase their FIA Cross-Coun- to its fearsome reputation this de Janeiro. The best athletes from around try Rally World Cup lead. weekend. Nasser’s skills behind the globe will challenge themselves to the The Qatari driver and his the wheel were tested to the limit absolute limit of their ability before a glo- Qatar's Femi French navigator secured their as he weaved his Toyota through bal TV audience of 4.8 billion people. Ogunode is third win of the season in trade- the narrow, dusty tracks in the Qatar will send its biggest delegation to the fastest mark style as they attacked from Pordenone region of Italy. The the Olympic Games since its debut in Los man in Asia the front during the 400km race pressure was also on co-driver Angeles 1984. Recent qualifi ers in boxing, in northern Italy. Mathieu during the contest with beach volleyball and weightlifting have There were also impressive pinpoint navigation required to taken the Team Qatar tally to 40 athletes performances from fellow Red maintain the stunning pace that across 10 sports – with other sports in- Bull Desert Wings Marek Dab- was required to win the event. cluding athletics, swimming, shooting, rowski and Bryce Menzies who There was also plenty to cele- handball, equestrian, table tennis, judo fi nished up in fourth and fi fth brate for Polish pair Marek Dab- and weightlifting. place respectively within a world rowski and Jacek Czachor as they To support its athletes on their jour- World Indoor class fi eld of opponents. brought home their own Hilux in ney in Rio, the QOC has launched the 500m Champion Nasser and Mathieu are at the fourth place overall. #YallaQatar campaign across its social Abdelalah Haroun controls of a diff erent vehicle to Marek and co-driver Jacek media channels with the aim of showcas- when they won the Italian Baja fi nished their fi rst Dakar to- ing Qatar’s athletes and their incredible and also the Cross-Country Ral- gether on four wheels inside the feats. The Olympic Dreams fi lm series are ly World Cup last year, but the top 10. profi ling each team and athlete, and ex- League in May 2016. “We train twice a dream to be a track and fi eld athlete and in the Olympic Games and I will give eve- switch in machinery has not cost Now this result in Italy will ploring the highs, lows, motivations and day, every day - except Fridays and Sun- by persistence I managed to make it come rything that I have to raise Qatar’s fl ag.” them a second of speed. have confi dence growing inside dreams of Qatar’s Olympians. days. On those days we train in the morn- true,” he said. “It is such a big thing to Along with Ogunode, each of the Qa- The 2015 Dakar Rally winners the Orlen Team that the duo can Qatar’s runners have dominated the ing but rest in the evenings” Haydar said, compete in the Olympics for the fi rst time tar’s accomplished track team have their now compete in a Toyota Hilux surpass even that impressive regional stage in their lead up to Rio, with adding, “The hardest part about training and I have to do my absolute best.” own clear dreams for Rio. For al-Garni, it and they have been consistently achievement in the near future. 1500m and 5000m runner al-Garni – is never giving up.” Despite his young age Haroun is al- is about using London 2012 as a learning who is heading to his second Olympics For Haydar, his positive attitude is ready quite an accomplished athlete, experience: after reaching the semi-fi nals in London in large part thanks to his education at having set the world record for the indoor “I will make sure to avoid the mistakes 2012 - racking up over 10 medals in in- Doha’s Aspire Academy: “They taught 500m race in 2015 and winning the silver that I made in London and to improve on Nasser al-Attiyah door and outdoor Asian competitions. us to love sports,” he said, adding, “As- medal in a stunning 2016 World Indoor my performance,” al-Garni said, adding, in action. Al-Garni, 24, recalls London 2012 pire Academy is my foundation – they’ve Championship fi nals, showing that he is “I have higher ambitions to be in the top fondly and hopes to leverage his experi- supported me from the ground up and of- in phenomenal form ahead of this sum- three in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.” ence there to put him on the podium in fered us everything we need.” mer’s Olympics. Haroun also has eyes on the podium Rio 2016. “London 2012 was special for The young 800m runner is one of three Joining al-Garni, Haydar and Haroun despite it being his fi rst Olympic Games: me – I was young and I tried to do my Aspire Academy alumni to head to the Rio is the Femi Ogunode, 25, who current- “It is such a big thing to compete in the best in the semi-fi nals. Now I have the 2016 Olympic Games – along with world ly holds the Asian 100m record with a Olympics for the fi rst time and I have to experience – I know what the Olympics indoor champion and Olympic bronze blistering 9.91 seconds. Ogunode alone do my absolute best. In Rio I would like to are like,” he said. “I’m heading to Rio 2016 medallist Mutaz Barshim and two-time has won a staggering fi ve gold medals in win a medal.” with more concentration, enthusiasm, World Junior Hammer throw champion Asian Championships including the 2010 Haydar’s dreams, while seemingly and excitement.” Ashraf Elseify – a testament to Aspire’s and 2014 Asian Games. more modest, still share the same yearn- Haydar, 19, who will compete in the commitment to holistically developing a “My coaches and I have been preparing ing for glory: “My wish is to get as far as I 800m event in Rio, trains relentlessly new generation of sporting heroes. every day and I’ve been training hard to possibly can in Rio – which is the fi nal.” to achieve his dreams and his hard work For 400m runner Haroun, 19, ath- make sure I am in the best possible shape Haydar said, adding, “Once you get to paid off when he qualifi ed for the Olym- letics was literally the realisation of his for the Olympics,” Ogunode said, adding, the fi nal - everyone has a chance to get a pics in the Doha leg of the IAAF Diamond dream: “I love athletics because it was my “This will be the fi rst time I ever compete medal.”