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Qatar set to dominate the Gulf again At the Asian Games, have traditionally done much better than their bigger neighbours

By Anil John athletes Sports Editor have been busy attend- physios and other ing various camps, ith the 18th Asian Games support staff could top fi ne tuning their bodies for in the Indonesian cities the 350 mark. the challenging task ahead. of Jakarta and Palem- “It’s safe to say that our delega- Al-Hashimi also said the bang less than three tion would be in the range of 350 year-long blockade imposed Wmonths away, Qatar have left no stone people. The exact number will be on Qatar by its neighbours has unturned in their quest to signifi cant- only known by mid-July because a had no impact on the prepara- ly improve upon their performance lot of things are still being fi nalised. tions for the Games. of 10 gold medals at the 2014 event in The respective federations are busy “Politics is one thing, sport is Incheon, South Korea. giving the fi nishing touches to their quite another. It has been Qa- The Qatar Olympic Commit- teams and other aspects of their tar’s policy never to mix the two,” tee’s (QOC) preparations for the preparations.” stressed al-Hashimi. continental sporting gala have been Six of Qatar’s 10 gold medals at “For sure the blockade makes no going on apace for several months the Incheon Asian Games came sense any which way you look at it, with the various federations tasked from track and fi eld and it’s only but we ensure that it never comes in with the responsibility of surpass- natural to expect the country’s trail- the way of our preparations. Also, ing their achievements in the 2014 blazing athletes, led of course by despite the issues on the diplomatic edition. Federation heads have been high jump world champion Mutaz and political front we still compete busy chalking up and implement- Barshim, to deliver the goods again. against the sportsmen from the Qatari athletes continue defying ing plans with the full backing of “Of course, our athletes are blockading countries. In that way, the QOC under the leadership of known all over the world. Barshim’s Qatar has not been impacted at all.” its President HE Sheikh Joaan bin domination of the high jump Elaborating on it he said that de- Hamad al-Thani as the country means Qatar is permanently in the spite the fact that the Saudi and UAE gravity and crossing hurdles seeks to prove its credentials as one spotlight when it comes to track and sports authorities tried their best to of the leading sporting nations of fi eld events across the world. Every have matches involving Qatari club ast year in April, Qatar’s Mutaz that 2017 was his fi fth consecutive sea- Ashgabat Asian Indoor Games in Turk- the continent. Qatari and Arab is proud of his teams in the Asian Champions League Essa Barshim began his season son of 2.40m jumps; a record streak for menistan in September. Qatar fi rst competed at the Asian achievements.” play at neutral venues, the Asian at the GCC Championships. any high jumper in history. He extended Haroun picked up gold in both the Games with a small delegation when Football Confederation (AFC) insisted The unbeaten season for the star the record to sixth straight season when events at the Asian Indoors in Tehran in the event was held in New Delhi in on maintaining the existing home and Lhigh jumper began with a 2.37m eff ort he jumped the height in the Diamond February this year, before topping 400m “Our preparations for the 1982. They won only one medal there Asian Games are now in the away format of the tournament. that earned him a win in Jeddah, Saudi League season-opener at home in at Sao Bernardo do Campo in Brazil. – a bronze in pole vault – but ever fi nal stages. We have been The decision to have the matches Arabia. last month. He then stitched together a string of since that Qatar has developed by focusing on it for several played on a home and away basis as Less than two months later, the then To top his unrivalled season in 2017, top three results in Diamond League, leaps and bounds in every aspect of months now, giving our earlier only vindicated Qatar’s moral 25-year-old registered his fourth victory he was presented with the IAAF World fi nishing runner-up in Doha and Rome, human endeavour. So much so, that athletes the best of facilities high ground on the crisis. Qatari of the season at the Municipal Athletics Athlete of the Year (Male) award. and third in Shanghai. it has been setting benchmarks for and training opportunities,” clubs travelled to the blockading Stadium in Opole, Poland, on June 4, 2017. “I’m really happy, and so proud. It’s Another Qatari athlete who has been other countries in the Gulf to follow. said Ishaq al-Hashimi, the countries and teams from the UAE And even though a lot changed for a moment of honour,” he had said, once in blistering form, barring a blip in Lon- “Our preparations for the Asian Chef de Mission of the Qatari and Saudi Arabia also visited Doha his country, for the GCC, for the region, told that he was the fi rst high jumper to don last year, is Abderrahman Samba. Games are now in the fi nal stages. contingent without any problems. the next day, what didn’t change was win the best male athlete accolade. “It’s Samba had four straight 400m We have been focusing on the event And, in what could be called poetic Barshim’s quest for success and his desire breaking ground. It shows if you work hurdles victories — two in South Africa, for several months now, giving our Barring illness or injury, justice, none of the clubs from Saudi to keep the Qatar fl ag fl uttering high. hard, have the right team around you, one at Doha Diamond League and one in athletes the best of facilities and Barshim’s gold medal is almost a Arabia and the UAE qualifi ed for the Barshim, an alumnus of Qatar’s ac- everything is possible.” Karlstad in Sweden — in the run-up to training opportunities,” said Ishaq certainty but that several other quarter-fi nals of the lucrative tourna- claimed Aspire Academy, then travelled He had none other than the Qatar London Worlds, where disaster struck al-Hashimi, the Chef de Mission of athletes are also capable of stellar ment, while two teams from Qatar to Norway for the Oslo Bislett Games, Olympic Committee (QOC) president for the then 22-year-old. the Qatari contingent that will take achievements. – Al Sadd and Al Duhail – easily made to France for the Paris meeting and to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani Just as he was readying for the fi nal part in the Games. Among them are Abderrah- the cut and now are in contention for Sweden for the Hassleholm HAIS-spelen, for company when he received the award push for a medal, Samba hit the fi nal Al-Hashimi, a former table tennis man Samba, the sensational 400m the prestigious trophy. notching up victories in the run-up to the at a star-studded gala in Monaco. hurdle, struggling for balance, and set- player who represented Qatar at the hurdler and 400m fl at specialist The situation could be somewhat IAAF World Championships in London. The 2018 season began with a win at tling for a seventh place fi nish. international level, is confi dent that Abdalelah Haroun. similar at the Asian Games where In London, on August 13, Barshim the Tehran Asian Indoor Championships Samba, however, bounced back with a Qatar would beat their Asian Games Samba, just about 23, shot to traditionally Qatar have done much became the world champion for the fi rst and in Malmo, Sweden, also indoors, be- win in the Zagreb World Challenge later best of 10 gold medals when they prominence at the Diamond League better than their bigger neighbours time with a 2.35m eff ort. sides two second-places at the Banska- in August. compete in the Games which will be meeting in Doha in 2017 where he at the Asian Games. “I was so determined to win it,” Bystrica High Jump Meeting in Slovakia This year, Samba has been unbeaten, held from August 18 to September 2. defeated a star-studded line-up to At the Incheon Games four years Barshim had said after his win in and World Indoors in Birmingham. and at the moment has the world leading “For sure, that is one of our ob- win the 400m hurdles in front of a ago, Saudi Arabia managed just three London. “I was expecting it tonight so Barshim has since gone unbeaten in time in 400m hurdles to his name, having jectives. With every event we want capacity crowd. gold medals along with three silver I am glad I managed to fulfi l my target the two Diamond League appearances — gone from strength to strength from 47.90 to improve exponentially. Sport is He defended his Doha title in and one bronze. The UAE fared even tonight.” Doha and Eugene. seconds at Potchefstroom to 47.57 seconds one area for which Qatar is known early May this year and went on to worse, with just one gold and three A week after his triumph in London, At the 2017 World Championships in Doha to 47.48 seconds in Rome. the world over. The QOC has never clinch the race at the Rome Dia- bronze. Bahrain, however, ran Qatar he jumped a world-leading 2.40m in in London, Barshim had compatriot “This year, my goal is to fi ght for compromised on its objectives mond league meeting last week to close, winning nine gold medals. Birmingham, followed it four days later Abdalelah Haroun for company in the honours in the Diamond League, the when it comes to sports,” added buttress his credential as the rising But with the blockade continuing, with a winning jump of 2.36m in Zurich medals tally after the 20-year-old Asian Games and the World Cup. I want al-Hashimi. star of athletics. Femi Ogunode, Qatar are determined to reassert to secure the IAAF Diamond League picked up a bronze in a high-octane to participate in all the competitions,” Qatar will be represented by about who won a sprint double at Incheon their authority as the leading sport- title before notching another 2.40m 400m fi nal. he had said ahead of his victory in Doha 250 athletes, around 50 of them and Mohamed al-Garni, who ing nation in the region. Eberstadt Internationales Hochsprung Haroun followed up his creditable last month. women, while the entire delegation, claimed the 5000m and 1500m gold “Insha’llah, we will strive for Meeting in Germany. performance at the Worlds with a 400m The plan for the Asian Games, he said, including coaches, trainers, offi cials, medals, are also in contention. The that,” smiled al-Hashimi. The jump in Birmingham also meant gold and a 4x400m relay silver at the was “for sure the gold medal”. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, June 5, 2018

‘International exposure to Qatari racing has increased’ QREC general manager talks about everything from Qatari presence in European racing to infrastructure at home

By Mikhil Bhat in the industry or even outside with the Breeders’ Cup, a part Sword Racing Festival, Qatar’s fected us because we have mostly Doha for that matter. It is something of the American Triple Crown, fl agship racing meeting, Qatar raced in the Kahayla Classic and that we Qataris look forward to presenting races at each other’s International Derby and other we have nothing left to prove every year,” al-Kaabi told Gulf fl agship meets — Qatar Racing meets attracting top interna- there,” he said. Qatar-owned resence in some of the Times. and Equestrian Club Juvenile Turf tional talent. horses have snapped up four out most prestigious race Not only have the two meet- Sprint Stakes in the US and Breed- “I think any administration in of last nine editions of the Group meetings in Europe, ings from either side of the ers’ Cup Dukhan Sprint in Qatar. the world is looking to go ahead. 1 race. attracting top interna- Channel seen a growth in profi le, “North American racing is an The international exposure to If not by attracting talent Ptional trainers to Qatar for fl ag- QREC also has been instrumen- exceptional horse racing indus- Qatari racing has been increas- and enhancing Qatar’s profi le, ship meets, developing relations tal in instituting the Doha Triple try, and has some of the most ing. Even the competition has infrastructure at home has also with one of America’s biggest Crown, a million-dollar bonus famous races like the Kentucky grown. I think it is healthy for been a focus. “Our racing has racing identities, top class Ara- for an Arabian horse that wins Derby and the Breeders Cup. the sport, healthy for Qatar, been growing in profi le. Our bian racing, growing footprint in the £400,000 Qatar Interna- Also, you can fi nd some amazing healthy for everybody involved infrastructure is growing. We Thoroughbred racing, growing tional Stakes (Gr1 PA), €1mn horses that have been bred there. in the sport here. I am personally have a new track in Al Uqda, and infrastructure at home, a lot is Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 For instance, many winners proud of this. there are talks of another pro- happening at the Qatar Racing PA) at the Arc meeting and $1mn and stallions in the world these “We had Tip Two Win here posed track in future somewhere and Equestrian Club (QREC). His Highness The Amir’s Sword days trace themselves back to this season. He won ( else. For us to grow, we need to And all this is making QREC (Gr1 PA) in Qatar. Northern Dancer (including Al Stakes winner) and fi nished be on the right foundation from general manager Nasser Sherida So far, it’s been a big ask for Shaqab Racing’s two-time Arc runner-up once. I think for us, the start. Al Uqda near Al Khor al-Kaabi a pleased man. any horse. star Treve),” he said. having horses come here, win is expected to be completed by “Qatar Goodwood Festival and “For us, in Qatar, Arabian rac- “So for us not to be associ- and then going back and also October. Al Rayyan is expected Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe ing is a major interest. For us to ated with them is not the correct winning quality races there is an to have major races because it is are some of the prestigious races keep it at the same level is very approach. Our vision has always QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi indication that our races are not within the city, while Al Uqda is around the world. As far as we important. The Triple Crown been to have good relations with any less.” expected to have racing in other are concerned, we want both is something special in itself, the Americans. big impact on racing across the revolves around Goodwood and Closer home, the unjust siege categories. The specifi cs of the the meetings to be the best they encouraging trainers to make an “But of course, the racing is world.” the Arc, also we have Breeders’ has done little to dampen the calendar are yet to be ironed out. can in terms of atmosphere or eff ort to fi nd or breed this great diff erent in America; they run As far as a more robust pres- Cup.” spirits. The facilities there are not any experience, whether it is for the Arabian horse that can win all on sand, while a lot of our rac- ence like in Europe is concerned, At home, QREC has organised “For us, we don’t mix politics less from Al Rayyan. For us our viewer, the horses, the riders, the three,” he said. ing happens on turf. But I think al-Kaabi said, “Maybe in the yet another successful season with sport. Not going to Dubai plan is to grow as much as we trainers, the owners, everybody QREC also has an agreement American racing does have a future. For now, our strategy with His Highness the Amir’s (World Cup meeting) has not af- can.”

Qatar Goodwood Festival will be held from July 31 to August 4 this year.

Qatar brushes siege aside, at home and away

he history of modern sport is Olympic Games in Tokyo. littered with high-profi le in- The blockade has also failed to stop cidents in which politics have the country from hosting major sport- played a major part. While ing events such as the Aspire Inter- Tsporting successes can off er politicians national Kite Festival 2018. “We have good PR and a valuable ‘photo op’, better and bigger events despite the there are often serious repercussions blockade and people in Qatar are able when the worlds of sport and politics to live normally,” Aspire Zone Founda- collide. tion CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi So it is never wise not to mix them. had said in February. “A lot of people are asking us about Refl ecting the nation’s tough stance the political blockade. But honestly, we in the ongoing diplomatic crisis, Qatar never mix politics with sports in Qatar. Volleyball Association (QVA) President For sure, we will try our best to go to Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari had threatened Dubai, race and try to win the rally,” legal action against the GCC volleyball Qatar’s ace rally driver Adel Abdulla body for cancelling regional tourna- had said while commenting on the ments. delay in getting a proper authorisation The QVA was scheduled to host the letter from UAE’s motorsport authori- GCC Junior Volleyball Tournament in ties for participation in Baja Dubai and September, but it was scrapped by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge rallies in GCC Volleyball Organising Commit- March. Abdulla eventually picked up QSAA president Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari (centre) and Trap Concaverde president Qatar’s Adel Abdulla (right) and co-driver Nasser al-Kuwari (left) picked up valuable tee in the light of the current political valuable points towards the champion- Ivan Karela (second from left) after the two organisations agreed on co-operation. T2 championship points with second place finishes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. situation in the region. ship standings at both the events with The events that have been cancelled two second place fi nishes. eyes on winning many medals at the “Trap Concaverde is a big and Karela was also of the opinion that Al-Kuwari also said that the Lusail include the senior men’s champion- And Qatar strongly believes in it upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia, famous range; one of the reasons is its the agreement would help both the Shooting Complex is now ready to host ship, which was to be held in Bahrain. and has created new vistas amidst the have a new facility at their disposal as location. It is situated close to all the nations. any world championship. The QSAA However, Qatar’s march remained unjust siege on the country. Qatar Shooting and Archery Associa- major gun and ammunition manufac- “There are many benefi ts for our president also stressed the association unaff ected as Al Rayyan in February Qatar, having always enjoyed tion (QSAA) in February agreed for a turers in Northern Italy and boasts of club on account of the tie up. Our is interested in age-group tournaments won the 36th Arab Club Volleyball unprecedented global recognition in multi-faceted programme to promote 12 Trench layouts,” he said. shooters can train at the beautiful and is working towards preparing for Championship in Tunis after beating sport in recent years, continued to the game with Trap Concaverde shoot- “Every year you will fi nd a World range in Qatar and witness the fan- further challenges. Al-Kuwari had Tunisia’s Esperance 3-0 in the fi nal of advance through targeted eff orts aimed ing range in Lonato, Italy. Championship or a World Cup, besides tastic hospitality. On the other hand, thanked the QOC for its continuous the tournament. at becoming a global sport hub. Speaking on the occasion, QSAA Ali local competitions there,” he said. Qatari shooters can practice at the Trap support for the activities organised by To support Qatar’s commitment to If anything, the siege has been a cat- Mohamed al-Kuwari had said, “It is a Holding national team camps at Concaverde in Lonato, another range, a the association. sport and pursue a healthy lifestyle, alyst for Qatari sport as QOC, national big step for us to enter into a partnership Trap Concaverde is also on the cards. beautiful range, for shooting practice,” He added the period following the Ashghal in collaboration with Qatar federations, sporting organisations and with the Italian range. The exposure will “QSAA and Trap Concaverde will he said. Asian Games will be a busy one for Cycling Federation (QCF) organised athletes have forged new alliances and help our shooters to compete strong and soon be sitting down and drawing out “This is the start of a project, the the Qatari shooters as they will be an event on the cycling lanes of Arab continue to enjoy great relations with acquire international expertise by going a comprehensive plan,” al-Kuwari fi rst step to a long lasting co-operation participating in many regional, local League Street in Duhail in February. the sporting world at large. against some of the world’s best shooters added. between our club and Qatar Shooting and international competitions with Ashghal has also built 242km of cycling Qatar shooters, who have set their in top-notch events. Trap Concaverde president Ivan and Archery Association,” he said. an eye to win qualifi cation for the 2020 tracks on expressways in 2018. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 5, 2018 3

QATAR - INDOMITABLE SPIRIT, SAGACIOUS LEADERSHIP

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Construction of Siege countries’ bid Education City Stadium on track he construction of Edu- Education City Stadium – to mix politics with cation City Stadium, nicknamed ‘The Diamond in a proposed 2022 FIFA the Desert’ – is located in the TWorld Cup Qatar host western area of Education City’s venue, remains on track follow- south campus. Revealed in a cer- ing the recent installation of 44 emony in 2014, the stadium’s V-shaped columns. design is inspired by complex More than 186,000m³ of rein- geometrical patterns that pay sports boomerangs forced concrete has been casted tribute to traditional Islamic ar- at the project site, while the in- chitecture. stallation of numerous vertical Once complete, the stadium elements, such as columns, re- will become the focal point for While boycotting countries refused to rise above their personal greed while using taining walls and core walls, has Education City’s sporting facili- been completed. ties and play a key role in Qatar football as means for their political good, Qatar chose not to mix politics with sports The next steps in the con- Foundation’s commitment to struction process include con- community development. In ad- By Sahan Bidappa creting the suspended slabs and dition to football, the stadium Doha installing the raker beams and will be able to stage leisure and bleachers. Eid al-Qahtani, the entertainment events as the Supreme Committee for Deliv- pitch and seating confi gurations Sports and politics don’t mix,” said ery & Legacy’s Education City can be altered accordingly. America’s champion speed skater Stadium Project Manager, said: The Education City Stadium Eric Heiden in 1980. Heiden’s fa- “We’re very happy with the project is being delivered by a mous quote is a truism that should progress made on the project so joint venture involving J&P Qa- hold“ good even today. But, quite evident- far. For me, 2018 will be an excit- tar WLL, Conspel Qatar WLL ly, it does not with Qatar’s neighbours. ing year and we’re determined and J&P Avax S.A. J&P (Over- It’s been a year since Saudi Arabia, the to keep up the pace of develop- seas) Ltd. is in charge of the main United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and ment.” construction. abruptly froze relations with Qatar. At fi rst, the four nations severed economic and diplomatic ties; then it soon spilled into sports, with the hostile countries refusing to send their teams to Qatar to participate in sporting events. With Qatar making rapid strides in football in the Gulf and having won the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Saudi and UAE conspired to target foot- ball tournaments hosted by Qatar. The fi rst indication of what they planned to do came in September 2017, when the UAE pulled its football team out of the AFC U-16 Championship quali- fi ers after the Asian Football Confedera- tion (AFC) rejected its request to not play against Qatar. Few days later, Saudi, the UAE and Bahrain refused to confi rm their participation in the Gulf Nations Cup, which Qatar was to host in December. Education City Stadium – nicknamed ‘The Diamond in the Desert’ – is The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federa- located in the western area of Education City’s south campus. tion (AGCFF), of which the president is Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad al- Thani, who also heads the Qatar Football Association (QFA), went ahead and con- ducted the draw ceremony. Qatar hosting 2022 WC As the boycotting countries refused to rise above their personal greed while us- Al Duhail entered the quarter-finals of the AFC champions League after thrashing UAE’s Al Ain 8-3 on aggregate in two legs. pride for Arabs: Benzema ing football as means for their political good, Qatar chose not to mix politics with the move was “not unexpected as it is in Champions league on neutral territory. matches involving Qatari teams in Ku- Kuwait City: Real Madrid Cup matches. sports. In a move which was commended line with Qatar’s commitment as the host They were also lobbying the AFC to wait, without any success. striker Karim Benzema has He expressed admiration for by the football governing body FIFA, Qa- country of the 2022 FIFA World Cup”. either have the home and away format of On the fi eld too, Qatari football clubs said that Qatar hosting the Qatar’s potential in the field of tar off ered to give up on hosting Gulf Na- Qatar had showed football is a platform the tournament changed or accept their enjoyed better success and showed their 2022 World Cup will be a sports, pointing out that he had tions Cup and agreed to move the 23rd to bring people together, and it should demand for neutral venues for matches domination over Saudi and UAE teams. Al matter of pride for the Arabs. visited Doha and participated edition of the tournament to Kuwait. stay away from any political ideology. involving Qatari and Saudi club sides. Duhail and Al Sadd were the only teams The Frenchman was speaking in a friendly match for Real It also played a key role in FIFA lifting a QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa But AFC refused to accede to their de- from the Gulf to qualify for the AFC during his visit to Kuwait. “The Madrid against Paris Saint- suspension imposed on Kuwait’s football bin Ahmed al-Thani had said: “This edi- mands. The AFC had sent a delegation to Champions League quarter-fi nals. Ironi- 2022 World Cup will be a great Germain few years back. association in 2015 over alleged govern- tion of the Gulf Cup of Nations is a cel- Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE led by its cally they beat Saudi and UAE teams on honour for Arab countries. I Benzema, who scored a goal ment interference. ebration for all the people of the Arabian senior vice-president Praful Patel. Dur- their route to last eight. can’t wait to see how good it in Real Madrid’s Champions FIFA President Gianni Infantino Gulf after lifting the international sus- ing his meetings, Patel had made it clear QNB Stars League champions Duhail will be organised,” he said. League win over Liverpool in thanked Qatar football offi cials for mov- pension on Kuwait.” that there was no question of the format won all six of their group matches and Benzema added the close the final, has been left out of ing the tournament. “I would like to con- While the tournament was held suc- of the tournament being changed. thrashed UAE champions Al Ain 8-3 on proximity of the stadiums in the France squad for the World gratulate and thank the Qatari football cessfully in Kuwait, Saudi and UAE au- Despite that Saudi Arabia and UAE aggregate in two legs of the Round of 16. Qatar would help the fans to at- Cup, which will begin in Russian authorities for their honourable ges- thorities were adamant their clubs would kept hoping that the AFC would accede On the other hand, Al Sadd beat Saudi tend the more number of World from June 14. ture,” Infantino had said. He added that only play against Qatari clubs in the AFC to their demand of playing their clubs’ Arabia’s Al Ahli 4-3 on aggregate.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar steaming ahead towards 2022 World Cup

By Sports Reporter The Supreme Committee for Deliv- materials from alternate suppliers. I’m Doha ery & Legacy (SC), the body tasked with An artist impression of Al very happy to say that our project scale delivering the event to FIFA’s exacting Thumama stadium. is on time and there is no signifi cant standards, has assured football fans impact on our projects.” ecember 2, 2010 was a red- that it is steaming ahead with its prepa- In another interview with Al Jazeera, letter day in the history of rations to deliver an outstanding World al-Thawadi called the World Cup “the sport. It was on this day that Cup that will leave behind an outstand- perfect tool to genuinely fi ght and the world woke up to the re- ing legacy for generations to cherish. stop the supply of terrorists” to armed alityD of a changing sporting dynamic “Our aim from the start was to make groups. “The World Cup is the quintes- exemplifi ed by Qatar winning the bid to sure we are fi scally responsible. We were sential opportunity, the quintessential host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. clear about our budget and determined platform for the region,” he told Talk To The stunning success came in Qa- not to exceed it. We were conscious of Al Jazeera, the Doha-based network’s tar’s fi rst attempt, sending shockwaves that (changing economic scenarios). fl agship interview programme. across football’s traditional bastions We were less focused on grandeur and “The World Cup has the ability to be and evoking awe and curiosity. Predict- more on the effi cient delivery of what an economic engine, or at least con- ably, it also triggered off a maelstrom we had promised and therefore we feel tribute to an economic engine through of conspiracy theories based on stere- very comfortable with our budget.” and a sports-integrated economy. It has the otypes, hate, fear and bias. keep reducing our expenses as much as opportunity to support the skills de- But with just four years to go for the possible,” Supreme Committee secre- velopment and … human capacity de- historic fi rst FIFA World cup in the tary-general Hassan al-Thawadi had velopment for the youth of the region,” Muslim world, there is much to cel- told journalists on the fi fth anniversary he said. The fact that Qatar 2022 will be ebrate. Of the eight World Cup sta- of Qatar winning the bid. the fi rst World Cup in the Middle East diums, one, the Khalifa Stadium, has Al-Thawadi added the fi ve years and the Arab World will allow the re- been built and work on six others is “were used to build the foundations gion “to showcase itself to the outside continuing at a brisk pace. The design for the World Cup. The next fi ve years world; showcase our richness in cul- of the Lusail Stadium, the last in line as we would be working to enhance those ture, our richness in heritage, our sense per FIFA’s directives, is expected to be foundations day by day.” of humour”, added al-Thawadi. announced soon. “Our vision, our legacy continues to “A lot of people are actually not This despite the fact that some of develop. The World Cup will go down in Qatar’s only land border and its air to the football tournament in 2022. contingency plans in place from the aware that we have a fantastic sense of Qatar’s neighbours have connived to history as an outstanding one.” and sea routes have been cut off , but “We have come under criticism and very start,” al-Thawadi said in an inter- humour ... In a time of divisiveness ... hold the country to ransom by impos- The blockade was designed to pres- World Cup organisers were quick to attack over the years, but we have al- view during a visit to London to attend we need every opportunity to celebrate ing a diplomatic and economic block- sure Qatar into compromising on its in- source alternative sources of materials ways faced our critics. “Our projects an exhibition by the Doha-based Aspire our diff erences and promote our com- ade on the country, a move triggered by dependent foreign policies which Saudi to complete the eight venues that will are going ahead as scheduled. This sports academy. “Once the blockade mon humanity.” greed, jealously and an unbridled lust Arabia and its allies the UAR, Bahrain host the tournament. (blockade) is no risk in relation to the came into play we contacted the main Al-Thawadi defended Qatar’s spend- for power and hegemony. If anything, it and Egypt view as a threat to their Al-Thawadi told the Associated hosting of the World Cup. Every project contractors; we put in place alternative ing on stadiums, saying they will be put has only further motivated Qatar dominance in regional aff airs. Press that the blockade posed “no risk” has contingency plans, and we have had supply chains, we sourced alternative to good use once the event was over. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, June 5, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WORLD CUP Belgium Salah included in fi nal include Injured Kompany

AFP Egypt World Cup squad Brussels

elgium coach Roberto Salah would be out for “not more” than three weeks, meaning he could miss Egypt’s opening match Martinez delivered a 24- man World Cup squad Agencies (Swansea/ENG), Wojciech Szczesny (Juven- yesterday with his iconicB but often injured captain London tus/ITA) Defenders (7): Jan Bednarek (South- Vincent Kompany on the roster, ampton/ENG), Bartosz Bereszynski accompanied by a potential re- iverpool striker Mohamed (Sampdoria/ITA), Thiago Cionek (SPAL/ placement. Salah was included yesterday in ITA), Kamil Glik (Monaco/FRA), Lukasz The Manchester City central Egypt’s 2018 World Cup squad Piszczek (/GER), Artur defender picked up an injury in a Ldespite still underdoing treat- Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw), Michal Pazdan friendly with Portugal on Satur- ment for a shoulder injury he suff ered in (Legia Warsaw) day and FIFA rules stipulate in- the Champions League fi nal, the Egyp- Midfielders (9): Jakub Blaszczykowski jured players can be replaced up tian Football Association said. (Wolfsburg/GER), Jacek Goralski (Ludog- to 24 hours before a nation’s fi rst Salah, who hit a stunning 44 goals orets Razgrad/BUL), Kamil Grosicki (Hull/ group phase game. Belgium play for Liverpool last season in all competi- ENG), (West Brom- a Group A game with Panama on tions, was forced out of the fi nal in tears wich Albion/ENG), Rafal Kurzawa (Gornik June 18 in Sochi. last month clutching his left shoulder Zabrze), Karol Linetty (Sampdoria/ITA), If Kompany is unfi t Martinez after being wrestled to the ground by Slawomir Peszko (Lechia Gdansk), Maciej will drop him in favour of Lau- Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. Rybus (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), Piotr rent Ciman, who plays for Los Salah has undergone treatment in Zielinski (Napoli/ITA) Angeles in the MLS. Valencia, Spain, in the hope of playing Forwards (4): Dawid Kownacki (Samp- “We are doing everything to a role in Egypt’s fi rst appearance in the doria/ITA), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern give Vincent his chance but one World Cup since 1990. On Wednesday, Munich/GER), Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli/ITA), thing is clear, if he’s not fi t in the federation had said Salah would be Lukasz Teodorczyk (RSC Anderlecht/BEL) time he’s not going to the World out for “not more” than three weeks, Cup,” said Belgium’s Spanish meaning he could miss Egypt’s opening BEHRAMI SET FOR SWISS RECORD coach Roberto Martinez. World Cup Group A fi xture against Uru- Midfi elder is set to be- Martinez proved his ruthless guay on June 15. Egypt then face Russia come the fi rst player to represent Swit- streak by earlier leaving Radja on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25. zerland at four World Cups after being Nainggolan out of the 27-man EGYPT SQUAD: included in the fi nal 23-man squad for provisional squad after a series Goalkeepers: (Al the tournament in Russia. of run ins with the Roma mid- Taawoun/KSA), (Al The 33-year-old, who set an unwant- fi elder, including missing train- Ahly), Sherif Ekramy (Al Ahly) ed record in a 2010 match against Chile ing. The three men trimmed Defenders: Ahmed Fathi (Al Ahly), Saad when he became the fi rst Switzerland from the Belgium squad were Samir (Al Ahly), (Al Ahly), (right) has undergone player to be sent off at the World Cup, misfi ring Crystal Palace striker Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion/ treatment in Valencia, Spain, in the hope has played in the last three global tour- , Watford’s ENG), (West Bromwich Albion/ of playing a role in Egypt’s first appearance naments plus two European Champi- and Jordan ENG), (Aston Villa/ in the World Cup since 1990. (AFP) onships. Lukaku of Lazio. The surprise ENG), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Al Fateh/ He will still have to battle youngster inclusion on the list is Adnan KSA), (Los Angeles/USA), for his place in the team Januzaj, a midfi elder formerly of (Zamalek) FRA), Lovre Kalinic (Gent/BEL), Dominik Oualid El Hajjam, a defender with Ami- (Ajax/NED), (Leganes/ESP), after an injury-plagued season at his Manchester United, who plays Midfielders: (Arsenal/ Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb) ens in France, as a reserve, leaving him Youssef En-Nesyri (Malaga, ESP). club Udinese. Seventeen of the 23-man for Real Sociedad in Spain. ENG), (Zamalek), Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv a squad of 24. The list only contains + 1 reserve: Oualid El Hajjam (Amiens, FRA). squad played at Euro 2016 as coach (Wigan/ENG), Mahmoud Abdel Razek (Al Moscow/RUS), Domagoj Vida (Besiktas/ two players from Morocco’s domestic Vladimir Petkovic opted for continuity. THE 24-MAN SQUAD: Raed/KSA), (Al Ahly), TUR), Ivan Strinic (Sampdoria/ITA), Dejan league. LEWANDOWSKI HEADLINES The squad included 10 players based Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels Mahmoud Hassan (Kasimpasa/TUR), Ram- Lovren (Liverpool/ENG), Sime Vrsaljko The Atlas Lions are led by Mehdi POLAND’S SQUAD, GLIK INJURED in the German and fi ve who (Wolfsburg/GER), adan Sobhi (Stoke City/ENG), (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Josip Pivaric Benatia, the Juventus defender involved Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewand- play in Italy’s . Midfi elders Silvan (Chelsea/ENG), (Atromitos/GRE), Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim (Dinamo Kiev/UKR), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer in a controversial penalty incident as owski headlined the 23-man Poland Widmer and Edmilson Fernandes, and (Liverpool/ENG) (Al Ittihad/KSA) Leverkusen/GER), Duje Caleta-Car (Salz- the Turin club lost to Real Madrid in squad for the World Cup in Russia, but goalkeeper were dropped. Defenders: Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/ burg/AUT) the Champions League in April. In their an injury to defender Kamil Glik handed Switzerland face Brazil, Costa Rica and (Tottenham/ENG), Dedryck Boyata ENG), (Al Ahly) Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ fi rst World Cup in 20 years, Morocco are manager Adam Nawalka a last-minute Serbia in Group E. (Celtic/SCO), (Los ESP), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona/ESP), Mateo in Group B and kick off against Iran in worry. SWITZERLAND SQUAD Angeles/USA - to replace Kompany CROATIA CUTS ONE PLAYER AS Kovacic (Real Madrid/ESP), Milan Badelj Saint Petersburg in June 15 before facing The 30-year-old Glik, a stalwart of Goalkeepers: (Borus- if unfit), Leander Dendoncker THEY NAME FINAL SQUAD (Fiorentina/ITA), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Portugal and Spain. the Polish defence, injured a shoulder a sia Moenchengladbach), Roman Buerki (Anderlecht), Vincent Kompany Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who had Milan/ITA), Filip Bradaric (Rijeka) MOROCCO SQUAD: little after the FIFA deadline for naming (Borussia Dortmund), (RB (Manchester City/ENG), Thomas named one extra player for his provi- Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus/ Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui (Numancia/ the fi nal squad. Leipzig) Vermaelen (Barcelona/ESP), Jan sional World Cup squad, yesterday an- ITA), Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan/ITA), Nikola ESP), (Girona/ESP), Ahmad The Monaco defender underwent Defenders: (Juven- Vertonghen (Tottenham/ENG) nounced that defender Matej Mitovic Kalinic (AC Milan/ITA), Andrej Kramaric Reda Tagnaouti (Ittihad Tanger) preliminary tests in Poland, but will tus), Michael Lang (FC ), Ricardo Midfielders: was the man being dropped. Mitrovic (Hoff enheim/GER), Marko Pjaca (Schalke/ Defenders: (Juventus/ITA), today fl y to Nice for further treatment Rodriguez (AC Milan), François Mou- (Dalian Yinfang/CHN), Nacer had not played for Belgian champions GER), Ante Rebic (Eintracht/GER) Romain Saiss (Wolves/ENG), Manuel Da before a decision is taken on his reha- bandje (Toulouse), (Borussia Chadli (WBA/ENG), Kevin De Club Brugge since April 19 and Dalic Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir/TUR), Nabil bilitation with a view to a return to full Dortmund), (), Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG), said that was one of the reasons the de- MOROCCO DROP DEFENDER Dirar (Fenerbahce/TUR), training. If Glik’s injury were to prove Fabian Schaer (Deportivo Coruna), Nico Mousa Dembele (Tottenham/ENG), fender was cut. AND ADD ATTACKER (Real Madrid/ESP), (Lille/ serious, he would be replaced by Stutt- Elvedi (Borussia Moenchengladbach) (Manchester Croatia are appearing at the World Coach Herve Renard made one switch to FRA) gart’s Marcin Kaminski. Midfielders: (Arsenal), United/ENG), Adnan Januzaj (Real Cup for the fi fth time and have been his provisional squad when he brought Midfielders: M’barek Boussoufa (Al Before heading to Russia on June 13, Valon Behrami (Udinese), Blerim Dzemaili Sociedad/ESP), Youri Tielemans drawn alongside two time former Malaga striker Youssef En-Nesyri into Jazira/UAE), (/ Poland have warm-ups against Chile in (Bologna), (Atalanta), Denis (Monaco/FRA), (Tianjin champions Argentina, Nigeria and Ice- Morocco’s fi nal World Cup 23-men NED), Youssef Ait Bennasser (Caen/FRA), Poznan on June 8 and Lithuania in War- Zakaria (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Quanjian/CHN), land in Group D. The Croatia squad is squad . The 21-year-old Malaga forward (Feyenoord/NED), Younes saw four days later. In Russia, Poland (Eintracht Frankfurt), (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) led by international stars Luka Modric, was a backup on the original list but Belhanda (Galatasaray/TUR), Faycal Fajr open their Group H campaign against (Stoke City), Forwards: (Borus- Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, but he has taken the place of , (Getafe/ESP), (Schalke/GER) Senegal in Moscow on June 19 before (Hoff enheim) sia Dortmund/GER), on Sunday it lost a warmup game, 2-0, a 24-year-old defender with Raja de Forwards: Khalid Boutaib (Yeni Malat- facing Colombia and Japan. Forwards: (Schalke 04); (Chelsea/ENG), Thorgan Hazard to Brazil in Liverpool. . yaspor/TUR), (St Pauli/ POLAND SQUAD Haris Seferovic (Benfica), Mario Gavranovic (Borussia M’gladbach/GER), Rome- CROATIA SQUAD: Renard dropped another backup, GER), (RS Berkane), Mehdi Goalkeepers (3): Bartosz Bialkowski (Dinamo Zagreb), Josip Drmic (Borussia lu Lukaku (Manchester United/ Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic (Monaco/ of Ajax, but kept Carcela (Standard Liege/BEL), (Ipswich Town/ENG), Lukasz Fabianski Moenchengladbach) ENG), (Naples/ITA).

SURPRISE FOCUS Neuer in Germany squad, Sane left out Indian fans fi ll stadium aft er AFP Berlin emotional plea by captain AFP ermany have included 2014 World Mumbai Cup-winning captain and goal- keeper Manuel Neuer in their fi nal squad for the 2018 tournament, housands answered India Geven though he has only just returned from captain Sunil Chhetri’s a long-term absence through injury. emotional plea for foot- But in a surprise omission, coach Joachim ball fans to turn out and Loew left Manchester City striker Leroy Tsupport the team in their inter- Sane out of his 23-player list despite a national against Kenya yesterday strong season with the after earlier matches saw scant champions. “Leroy has a huge amount of attendance. And Chhetri did not talent and he will be back in again because disappoint the home crowd with from September we will re-double our work two goals in his 100th interna- with him,” Loew said. “But in his games with tional appearance as India won Fans cheer during India’s match against Kenya in Mumbai. (AFP) the national team he hasn’t quite done the their second successive match of business.” the Intercontinental Cup with a Earlier Chhetri’s heartfelt ap- directed particularly at fans of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer made 3-0 victory. peal — backed by India’s cricket the big European clubs. “Agreed, his fi rst appearance since September in The 9,000-odd crowd went up heroes Virat Kohli and Sachin the level is not the same, not even the 2-1 defeat by Austria in a rain-delayed in unison as Chhetri scored the Tendulkar — went viral on social close but with our desire and de- friendly on Saturday and showed no ill- opening goal in the 68th minute media, prompting fans to shell termination, we will try our best eff ects. The 32-year-old who is considered via a penalty and then found the out for tickets. The cheering to make your time worth it.” key to Germany’s hopes of retaining the ti- An employee removes a poster bearing a portrait of Leroy Sane from the facade of the net in injury time. While tickets crowd at the Mumbai Football The national team are 97th in tle had been sidelined for eight months after Football Museum of the German Football Federation in Dortmund yesterday. (AFP) were sold out, there were some Arena was a turnaround from the FIFA rankings, having risen fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot last empty seats in the nearly 10,000 the mere 2,569 who turned out from 166th in 2015 when English September in a recurrence of the same in- der-20 team last week, the match in Klagen- Berlin), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Matthias Ginter capacity stadium as rains lashed to watch India thrash Taiwan 5-0 coach Stephen Constantine was jury he suff ered earlier in 2017. furt in Austria was his fi rst full appearance (Moenchengladbach), Mats Hummels (Bayern Mumbai and players battled last week. appointed. But cricket domi- Sane was cut from the squad with Timo since September. Munich), Niklas Suele (Bayern Munich), Antonio slushy on-fi eld conditions. A disheartened Chhetri, who nates Indian sport and they are Werner and the veteran Mario Gomez in- “I always thought I would be going to the Rudiger (Chelsea/ENG), Jerome Boateng (Bay- “We are defi nitely going to scored a hat-trick in that match, number one in the Test rankings. cluded as just two out-and-out strikers. World Cup and I didn’t want to take any ern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) fi ght and lose some games but if had said in a Twitter video: “To Only a few hundred turned up Neuer denied his inclusion was a risk, de- risk,” Neuer said. “Every training session Midfielders: Sami Khedira (Juventus/ITA), this is what we are going to get everyone who has lost hope in to see Kenya play New Zealand in spite his lack of match practice. “I’m not is a test for me. If I don’t feel good I tell the Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Toni then we are going to give our lives Indian football I request you to the four-nation tournament on worried. I am no more a risk than any other coach because the success of the team is the Kroos (Real Madrid/ESP), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal/ on the pitch. This was some- come and watch us in the stadi- Saturday. A popular Mumbai so- player,” Neuer said. absolute priority.” ENG), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Sebas- thing special,” said the 33-year- ums. It is not fun to criticise and cial media commentator, Nikunj The ‘keeper said his careful reintroduc- tian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Bayer old Chhetri. “So good to see a abuse on the internet, come to Lotia, said he had booked an en- tion had been a deliberate ploy — he didn’t GERMANY 23-MAN SQUAD: Leverkusen), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/ jam-packed stadium and I am the stadium and do it on our face. tire stand for Chhetri’s landmark play a single match for Bayern before joining Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), ENG), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Marco Reus so happy everyone had a good “Scream at us, shout at us, game. Lotia, whose YouTube up with the national squad. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (Barcelona/ESP), Kevin (Borussia Dortmund) night. Every time we are going to abuse us, who knows one day we channel Be YouNick has more Apart from an appearance in a specially- Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Forwards: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Mario play for our nation we are going might change you guys,” he add- than 1.7mn subscribers, invited arranged match against Germany’s Un- Defenders: Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Gomez (VfB Stuttgart) to give our 100%.” ed in the message that he said was fans to use the tickets for free. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 5, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NBA to test coaches’ challenges in Summer League Potentially following the lead of the NFL and Major League Baseball, the NBA is pondering a system in which coaches may challenge off icials’ rul- Curry’s 3-point dazzlers lift ings. NBA executive vice presi- dent of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said Sunday on Sirius XM NBA Radio that the league will experiment with a challenge format at the Las Vegas Summer League. “We’ve wanted to do it for Warriors halfway to title years,” VanDeWeghe said in the radio interview, according ‘It was big. Any of those moments when you can come down and answer and keep momentum on our side, it’s big’ to USA Today Sports. “The competition committee has AFP acclaim came after he fumbled been trying to figure out how Oakland, United States the ball, grabbed it, stepped we actually do this, because back with the shot clock about there’s some complications. to expire and fi red in a miracle It’s not quite as simple as you olden State sharp- with Cleveland’s Kevin Love de- might imagine. shooter Stephen Curry fending. “We’ve had it in the G League delivered a perform- “Tough shot taker, tough shot for a number of years now and ance for the ages Sun- maker,” said Warriors forward it’s been very eff ective. We’re Gday with an NBA Finals record Draymond Green. going to try it in a very limited nine 3-pointers powering the “The one where he was falling form in Summer League and defending champion Warri- away was like, ‘Oh, man, he’s re- we’re going to see how it goes. ors over LeBron James and the ally got it going.’ But we’ve seen We’re going to let everybody Cleveland Cavaliers. this before where he completely look at it.” Curry’s 33 points on 11-of- takes the game over with his VanDeWeghe indicated a 26 shooting, including 9-of-17 scoring ability, and he did that challenge system is unlikely to from beyond the arc, lead Golden tonight.” be in place when the next NBA State to a 122-103 triumph and a season starts in the fall. 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven fi - Curry’s ‘Miraculous shot’ “We are very careful in how we nals that continue Wednesday in Coming after a James dunk, implement things,” he said, per Cleveland. Curry’s 30-foot stunner gave the USA Today. “We would look at Teams that win the fi rst Warriors a 103-89 edge. Cleve- it for a year, in the G League as two games have won the NBA land never got within 12 again. well, and see what happens. A title 88 percent of the time, a “I was trying to get some lot of things that we’re always good omen for a Warriors club space,” Curry said. trying to innovate, we’re seeking a third crown in four “I thought I had a lay-up at always trying to improve the seasons. fi rst, and I fumbled the ball and game. We’re always looking at Curry, who already owns NBA tried to see where the defense new things. Summer League 3-pointer records for a season was. And Kevin Love was right is a great time to do that. G and consecutive games among on me. I actually lost the drib- League is a great place to do others, delivered defl ating blows ble for a hot second, and the only that.” time and again to the Cavaliers. way to get a shot was to keep go- USA Today reported that The 30-year-old maestro ing back. Dallas Mavericks head coach scored 16 points in the fourth “I try all sorts of shots at some Rick Carlisle, the president of quarter, answering a LeBron point or another, but at that the NBA Coaches Association, James 3-pointer with back-to- point it’s just feel and letting it backed VanDeWeghe’s plan. back 3s for a 96-83 lead. go, and thankfully it went in. A “For me, it’s not so much “It was big,” Curry said. big moment where we had a sig- about the power of having a “Any of those moments when nifi cant lead, we could extend it challenge, it’s really another you can come down and answer a little bit and create some sepa- layer of protection if a call is and keep the momentum on our ration. missed,” Carlisle said on Sirius side, it’s big.” “It was a cool moment for XM NBA Radio. “Off icials aren’t Curry added an epic despera- sure.” perfect. They’re men, not tion heave as the shot clock ex- Love could only watch in machines. If there’s any kind of pired, a corner 3-pointer while amazement. trigger or something that we being fouled and the record-set- “No matter where you are on can add into the game that’s ter with 3:30 remaining from the the fl oor, especially past half simple and eff ective and can left wing. court on their side, he always has potentially prevent us from the Curry broke the old mark of a chance to make a miraculous big bang, the call that’s really eight 3-pointers in a fi nals game shot,” Love said. the one that’s a destructive set by Boston’s Ray Allen in 2010. “I felt like it was well contest- thing, then I’m all in favor of it.” “That’s a pretty cool deal to ed. We played 23 1/2 good sec- In the G League, the NBA’s accomplish, knowing who has onds of defense, and he turned developmental circuit, each held the record for eight years,” around and hit a moon ball. team’s coach receives only Curry said. “It was a great night for him. one challenge per game, and “But at the end of the day, it’s It’s really tough to guard Steph it may be used only on fouls all about trying to get a win and anywhere out there on the fl oor. called, goaltending/basket in- doing whatever you can to make He’s just so good at fi nding him- terference and out-of-bounds that happen. If we focus on that, self open.” rulings. The NBA’s challenge good things happen individually Warriors guard Klay Thomp- format won’t involve the use all across the board. son could only marvel as he of a flag like the one that NFL “I never woke up and was like, watched. coaches toss, ESPN’s Brian ‘All right, let’s go get nine threes “He just kept going back- Windhorst reported. and get the record.’ It was more wards,” said Thompson. “But he Video review in the NBA so about playing the game the just threw it up and I don’t think became a hot topic in the past right way, having good inten- it had any chance of going in, but week when a crucial call was tions out there on the court and that was kind of like a dagger overturned in Game 1 of the good things happen.” shot, and it gave us all the mo- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith during the first-half in NBA Finals. The 3-pointer with the most mentum back.” game two of the 2018 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB Wacha fl irts with no-hitter in win over Pirates Reuters was at 107 pitches, but he wasn’t the fi rst inning after an injury St. Louis, USA coming out with a no-hitter go- to Washington starting pitcher ing. Jeremy Hellickson. Ozzie Albies In the St. Louis eighth, Mar- hit a grounder to fi rst baseman t. Louis Cardinals right- tinez hit a one-out double and Mark Reynolds, who fi elded the hander Michael Wacha Ozuna walked. An out later, Yai- ball and made a high throw to lost a no-hitter in the ro Munoz singled to bring home Hellickson covering the bag. He ninth inning on Sunday Martinez and make it 5-0. had to stretch to try to catch the whileS pitching his team to a 5-0 ball, which sailed over his head, win over the visiting Pittsburgh Culberson’s walkoff homer and the pitcher crumpled to the Pirates. lifts Braves past Nationals ground holding his right ham- Pinch-hitter Colin Moran Atlanta’s Charlie Culberson string. broke up the no-hitter when he has two home runs this season, Albies wound up on second led off the Pirates ninth by hit- both of them for walk-off vic- base and scored on a two-out ting a single to right on an 0-2 tories. Culberson delivered his hit from Nick Markakis off Jefry pitch. Wacha, up to 111 pitches, second game-winning shot on Rodriguez, who made his major left for reliever Jordan Hicks, Sunday with a pinch-hit homer league debut and threw 4 2/3 who preserved the shutout. with one out in the ninth inning scoreless innings. Marcell Ozuna hit a grand slam to give the Braves a 4-2 victory The Nationals took the lead in the fi rst for all the runs Wacha over the Washington Nationals in the third. Difo singled and and the Cardinals needed, and at SunTrust Park. scored when Trea Turner hit a they added another in the eighth. Culberson connected against two-run homer to left-center, The 26-year-old Wacha (7-1) reliever Tanner Roark (2-6), his seventh, to put Washington gave up the one hit, with eight who was the starting and losing ahead 2-1. strikeouts and two walks. pitcher in the fi rst game of the The Braves tied the game 2-2 Wacha was bidding to throw series on Thursday night. in the seventh when Swanson the Cardinals’ fi rst no-hitter Culberson’s homer scored hit a long solo homer to left, since left-hander Bud Smith Dansby Swanson, who reached his fi fth. The homer off Shawn against the San Diego Padres on second on a hustle double by Kelly snapped a string of 12 2/3 Sept. 3, 2001. sliding past the tag of Wilmer scoreless innings of work by the In September 2013, when he Difo. Swanson was originally Washington bullpen. was a rookie, Wacha got within called out, but the verdict was one out of a no-hitter before reversed on video review. RESULTS Ryan Zimmerman of Wash- The Braves won three of four Braves 4 Nationals 2 ington got a hit off of him. The games in the series and retained Cardinals 5 Pirates 0 last Cardinals pitcher to no-hit fi rst place in the National League Mariners 2 Rays 1 Pittsburgh was Hall of Famer East. Atlanta is 6-4 against the Twins 7 Indians 5 Bob Gibson in 1971. Nationals. The winning pitcher Giants 6 Phillies 1 St. Louis won three of four St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha is doused with water after pitching a one hitter into the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh was Arodys Vizcaino (2-2), who Red Sox 9 Astros 3 in the series. The Pirates have Pirates at Busch Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports pitched around a hit and a walk Cubs 2 Mets 0 lost 12 of 15. They went 3-7 in a to work a scoreless ninth. Dodgers 10 Rockies 7 stretch of 10 games against Na- (2-2) gave up four runs (three singled. Shortstop Sean Rod- Kingham’s fi rst pitch 425 feet to Francisco Cervelli drew a one- Atlanta starter Anibal Sanchez Angels 3 Rangers 1 tional League Central contend- earned) in fi ve innings, with fi ve riguez bobbled what could have left for his fourth career grand out walk. An out later, Gregory threw seven innings and allowed A’s 5 Royals 1 ers, including 2-5 against St. strikeouts and one walk. been a double-play grounder slam. It was his fi fth homer of Polanco also walked, but Rod- two runs, both unearned, on two Blue Jays 8 Tigers 4 Louis in that stretch. Matt Carpenter led off the rstfi by Jose Martinez, and the error the season. Pittsburgh got its riguez’s grounder ended the in- hits and one walk. He struck White Sox 6 Brewers 1 Pirates rookie Nick Kingham with a walk, and Tommy Pham loaded the bases. Ozuna sent fi rst baserunner in the fi fth when ning. After eight innings, Wacha out fi ve. The Braves scored in Padres 6 Reds 3 Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 5, 2018 SPORT

GOLF US WOMEN’S OPEN Ariya averts disaster DeChambeau claims to win in playoff Reuters Shoal Creek, Alabama.

riya Jutanugarn let a seven-stroke lead slip through her fi ngers at the US Memorial title in Women’sA Open on Sunday after a remarkable back-nine collapse but averted disaster by beating South Korean Kim Hyo-joo in a playoff to collect her second major title. Ariya Jutanugarn poses with Ariya became the fi rst the trophy after winning the player from Thailand to win 2018 US Women’s Open at three-way playoff the championship when she Shoal Creek, Alabama. parred the fourth extra hole at (Getty Images/AFP) DeChambeau earns second career PGA Tour title, Woods finishes tied 23 Shoal Creek after earlier fi n- ishing tied with Kim at 11-un- rean winner of the event in the Reuters der-par 277 in regulation. past 11 years. She was the sec- Dublin The 22-year-old Thai said ond Korean golfer to lose out a triple bogey at the par- in a playoff on Sunday after four 10th, where she pushed An Byeong-hun lost to Bry- ryson DeChambeau her drive into a hazard, had son DeChambeau at the PGA beat South Korean An drained her confi dence but Tour’s Memorial Tournament Byeong-hun and fellow that she had been determined in Dublin, Ohio. American Kyle Stanley to grab her second chance in Ariya collected $900,000 inB a three-way playoff to win the playoff . for the win and is projected to the Memorial Tournament in “That back (nine) got me a rise from fi fth to second in the Dublin, Ohio on Sunday as Tiger lot,” said Ariya, who won her world rankings. Woods’s victory hopes fell apart fi rst major at the 2016 Wom- Asked whether the win on the back nine. en’s British Open. would boost her fame back Overnight leader DeCham- “After you have seven-shot home, Ariya said: “I think I beau drained a 12-foot downhill lead and end up in playoff , I might get a little bit bigger,” birdie putt at the second playoff had no expectation because I before pausing, and adding, “I hole, the par-four 18th, at Muir- kind of got mad a little bit with hope.” fi eld Village Golf Club while An my back nine. settled for a par. Stanley was “I (told myself) I’m going to LEADING SCORES eliminated after a bogey at the make sure I do my best very fi rst extra hole. best, because I feel like I didn’t Leading final round scores “I can’t even describe it,” commit the back nine. I have 277-x-Ariya Jutanugarn DeChambeau, who shot a one- the last chance to make myself (THA) 67-70-67-73, Kim Hyo- under-par 71 for a 15-under 273, proud.” joo (KOR) 70-72-68-67 told reporters at the Jack Nick- Leading by seven with nine 281-Carlota Ciganda (ESP) laus-hosted event. “Just to win holes left, Ariya should have 73-68-71-69 his event is an honour. He’s the been marching to victory 285-Danielle Kang 69-77- greatest to play. I’m speechless, but instead stumbled into a 70-69 honestly.” tension-packed playoff as her 286-Lexi Thompson 71-75- DeChambeau, who began the game unravelled. 70-70, a-Patty Tavatana- day with a one-shot lead, had a Her cushion had been whit- kit (THA) 70-73-72-71, Hsu chance in regulation to secure tled down to two shots when Wei-Ling (TPE) 71-73-70-72, his second win on the PGA Tour she bogeyed the 12th, min- Sarah Jane Smith (AUS) but his celebration was put on utes after Kim had holed a 67-67-74-78 hold after he missed his par putt 40-footer putt, and when the 287-Park In-bee (KOR) 70- from eight feet at the last. Korean sank an even longer 71-71-75 After missing the green from putt, 50 feet from off the green 288-Michelle Wie 69-72- the fairway at the 18th on the at the 15th, Ariya’s lead was 76-71, Charley Hull (ENG) fi rst extra hole, DeChambeau re- down to one. 74-73-70-71, Nasa Hataoka turned and stuck his approach to After a long wait on the tee (JPN) 74-70-72-72, Angela 12 feet before sinking the putt for at the par-three 16th, Ariya hit Stanford 73-72-71-72, Nelly his fi rst PGA Tour title since his a magnifi cent seven-iron from Korda 70-74-71-73, Megan breakthrough win at last July’s 200 yards that covered the pin Khang 72-74-69-73, Kim Ji- John Deere Classic. the entire way before nestling hyun (KOR) 70-71-70-77 Stanley (70) appeared out three feet away and the birdie 289-Ko Jin-young (KOR) of contention when a double- restored a two-shot cushion 75-73-71-70, Lizette Salas bogey at the par-three 12th left Bryson DeChambeau poses with the trophy after winning The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) with two to play. 74-73-71-71, Su Oh (AUS) him fi ve shots off the lead, but But after appearing to have 70-68-78-73, Lee Jeong- four consecutive birdies from the season.” 11 under and within three shots LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES steadied the ship, Ariya made eun6 (KOR) 67-75-74-73, Ji the 14th, coupled with a bogey at Patrick Cantlay opened the of the lead. a mess of the par-fi ve 17th and Eun-hee (KOR) 73-72-70-74, 14 by DeChambeau, gave him a fi nal round with birdies on four But after a bogey-birdie start 273 - x-Bryson DeChambeau 69-67-66-71, An Byeong-hun (KOR) 68- was lucky to escape with a bo- Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) two-way share of the lead. of his fi rst eight holes to take the to the back nine, fi ve-times win- 67-69-69, Kyle Stanley 67-66-70-70 gey, then missed a 10-foot par 70-72-70-77 An (69), who was playing in lead but played his last 10 holes ner Woods dropped another shot 274 - Patrick Cantlay 68-69-66-71 putt at the last to win it, sign- 290-Ryu So-yeon (KOR) the penultimate group, bird- in three-over-par to fi nish one at the par-four 13th where his 275 - Peter Uihlein 69-70-70-66 ing off with a 73 and limping 73-70-72-75 ied two of his fi nal four holes in shot short of the playoff . drive went out of bounds and all 276 - Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 65-68-70-73, Justin Rose (ENG) 71-66- into a cumulative-score two- 291-a-Albane Valenzuela regulation and only got into the but ended his hopes of an 80th 69-70 hole playoff with Kim, who (SUI) 72-73-71-75 playoff after DeChambeau and Woods, in his last start be- PGA Tour victory. 277 - Dustin Johnson 72-66-72-67, Justin Thomas 72-69-68-68, shot a bogey-free 67. 292-Jennifer Song 72-71- Stanley each bogeyed the 18th. fore the June 14-17 US Open, Woods, in his last start before Patrick Rodgers 68-73-68-68, Rickie Fowler 72-69-68-68, Rory McIl- They were still locked to- 76-73, Brittany Lincicome Although the 26-year-old closed with an even-par 72 the June 14-17 US Open, closed roy (NIR) 74-70-64-69 gether after the two extra 75-72-71-74 South Korean fell short of a that left him six shots off the with an even-par 72 that left 278 - Matt Kuchar 71-68-72-67, Tony Finau 71-68-72-67, Phil Mickelson holes, at which point it went 293-Marina Alex 73-75- maiden PGA Tour title, he left lead and in a share on 23rd him six shots off the lead and in 74-66-70-68, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 71-66-72-69, Louis Oosthuizen to sudden-death. 76-69, Choi Hye-jin (KOR) Muirfi eld Village upbeat for the place a share on 23rd place. (RSA) 70-69-74-65, Tom Hoge 71-67-70-70, Ryan Moore 71-69-68-70, Ariya then made two superb 71-76-76-70, a-Kristen Gill- rest of the season. “I had some chances to shoot Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 71-68-69-70, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) up-and-down pars from bun- man 70-74-75-74, Teresa Lu “It is the best fi nish so far this Woods began his day fi ve shots some good rounds this week,” 65-71-71-71, JB Holmes 70-66-71-71 kers, fi rstly to halve the third 75-71-73-74, Kim Sei-young season which is good,” An said. behind DeChambeau and made Woods said. “Overall, my game 279 - Ryan Armour 68-70-72-69, Martin Laird (SCO) 72-66-72-69, extra hole before winning at (KOR) 70-71-76-76, Jenny “I am playing pretty well. Hit- an early move with an opening is where it needs to be head- Gary Woodland 69-68-75-67, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 72-69-68-70, the next. Shin 72-69-75-77, Jodi Ewart ting it well, putting well and so I birdie followed by another at the ing into the US Open, which is a Keegan Bradley 68-70-70-71, Tiger Woods 72-67-68-72 Kim had been on the verge Shadoff (ENG) 72-71-73-77 am looking forward to the rest of par-fi ve fi fth that brought him to positive.” of becoming the eighth Ko-

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Pratyush triumphs Tuisova fi res Fiji past Blitzboks for title AFP London

oulon winger scored a try to help fi re Fiji to a 21-17 victory over arch-rivals TSouth Africa to claim the Lon- don leg of the Seven Series. With just the Paris leg of the Series to play, next weekend, Fiji now stand atop the stand- ings on 167 points, with the Blitzboks in second on 160. Fiji’s players celebrate with the trophy after their victory over South Africa in the final game of the New Zealand sit in third on 133. at in London. (AFP) “There were a lot of new boys in the squad but we performed Geduld converting. Fiji did well, when Ruhan Nel expertly took Fiji back and man-of-the-fi nal as a team, that’s why we over- however, to absorb the Blitzbok a high pass one-handed and Radradra, who is quitting Top came South Africa today,” Fiji pressure when a man down, rode a tackle by Dranisinukula 14 club Toulon for Bordeaux- skipper said. and showed just why they av- to cross in the corner, Geduld Begles next season. Fiji beat Canada 40-7 in the erage just 23 passes per match missing the extras. But Fiji re- Ireland, a “non-core team” quarter-fi nals before seeing such is the effi cacity of their sponded perfectly, Jasa Ver- in their maiden Series appear- off Ireland 38-12 in the semis, strike power. Tuisova, also part emalua skilfully exchanging ance, marked a remarkable while South Africa edged New of the Fiji team that won Olym- passes with Josua Vakuruna- weekend by edging England Zealand 14-5 in the quarters pic gold in Rio in 2016 but not a bili to go over for Fiji’s third try, 21-19 to take third place. Jordan and England 29-19 in their regular on the circuit, muscled Nasilasila’s conversion taking Conroy scored a fi rst-half brace Pratyush Jain receives the winner’s medal from DGC Golf Operations Manager Jordan Massey. last-four play-off . his way past some weak defence the Fijians out to 21-12. of tries for the Irish, including Fiji’s hopes of a fourth for a try, converted by Amenoni Bok bounced one from 90 metres out, before By Sports Reporter Jain was victorious in Division the top in Division III, with a straight tournament win took Nasilasila, to pull the Pacifi c is- through a couple of desperate hit back with two of Doha I for the second week running, joint best of the day 66. Greame an early blow when Sevuloni landers level. tackles for a fi ne individual try his own. England speedster Dan shooting a superb gross 70 for a fi nished three strokes clear of Mocenacagi was yellow carded Paula Dranisinukula was the to set up a dramatic fi nale, but Norton then took his record nett score of 68 to beat Ben Cole- Richard Hallam. from the kick-off for taking fi nal recipient of an amazing Fiji won the restart and safely career try tally to 295 when he ratyush Jain made it man by one stroke. In Division II In the ladies division, Alex Lo- out in the air. display of off -loading Rugby ran the ball out to seal the win. crossed early in the second half. two wins in a week as Pavandeep Singh Soodan was the chhead stormed to a nine stroke South Africa immediately started by , “I found it tough today but I But Conroy showed all his 55 golfers braved the winner after a stunning nett score victory with a superb nett score made their numerical advan- crossing for Fiji’s second try got help from the boys and was gas by sprinting away for his hot weather to take part of 66. He fi nished fi ve strokes of 67. Doha Golf Club thanked tage count, with Nasilasila making no mis- hanging in there. I know we hat-trick, nail- Pin Doha Golf Club’s Megarme ahead of Stephen Playforth. the sponsor, Megarme, for their scything through the stretched take with a conversion in front trust each other and fi nally we ing a tricky conversion to seal a Monthly Medal on June 2. Graeme Aitken came out on continued support. defence for the opening try, of the posts. The Boks hit back get the win,” said free-running memorable win. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 5, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Buttler glad he can serve England again Pakistan skipper in Test cricket Sarfraz proud of England draw Pakistan slumped to 134 all out in 46 overs in the second innings to lose 2nd Test England’s Jos Buttler in action against Pakistan on Sunday.

AFP starring in Leeds. Leeds “There were lots of unknowns coming into this series so it’s es- pecially pleasing to have put in os Buttler believes he be- some decent performances and longs in Test cricket af- especially here to be part of a ter justifying the faith of winning side,” Buttler said. new national selector Ed Buttler’s 20-match Test ca- SmithJ during England’s drawn reer has often been overshad- series with Pakistan. owed by the question of whether Buttler’s blistering 80 not out he should keep wicket — Jonny was central to England’s innings Bairstow is now England’s red- and 55-run win over Pakistan ball gloveman — as he does in inside three days at Headingley one-day cricket. on Sunday that saw them end a But asked if he had proven to two-match series all square at himself he could succeed as a 1-1. Test batsman, Buttler replied: “I Having played himself in, think so. Buttler accelerated in style on “Over the last couple of years Sunday during an innings where I’ve had some great experiences he faced 101 balls in total, in- all round the world in diff erent cluding 11 fours and two sixes. competitions,” added the bats- Buttler was just fi ve runs shy man, who has also played in of equalling his Test-best score Australian cricket’s Twenty20 of 85, made on debut against ‘Big Bash’. India at Southampton in 2014, “That’s really helped. Com- when last man James Anderson ing into the series with someone was dismissed. (Smith) putting so much faith in Smith raised eyebrows by me as a real wildcard pick gave recalling talented ball-striker me a hell of a lot of confi dence, Buttler, who prior to the Paki- For someone to say ‘I’m backing stan series had last played Test you, you’re good enough’. cricket some 18 months ago, “I arrived confi dent having purely on the basis of his form in had a great few weeks in India, the Twenty20 IPL. so I felt in a really good place The 27-year-old Buttler hit and wanted to continue that and fi ve successive fi fties for the wanted to play the situations in Rajasthan Royals, culminating front of me.” with two unbeaten 90s. Buttler though could fi nd There were doubts though as himself in trouble with the In- to whether the white-ball form ternational Cricket Council after of Buttler, who has made 170 ap- television cameras highlighted a pearances in international lim- swear word written on the top of ited overs cricket, would carry his bat handle. over into the Test-match arena. All such “personal messages” But Buttler, given the freedom have to be approved by the ICC England’s Chris Woakes (L) celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed (R) for 8 on the third day of the second Test at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds on June 3. to attack as a specialist number — something highly unlikely to seven, made 67 in England’s have happened in Buttler’s case AFP typically good surface, overhead condi- this tour, Sarfraz was pleased with Paki- rect he is not in good nick but he scored a nine-wicket defeat by Pakistan — before they can be displayed Leeds tions quickly became humid and cloudy, stan’s progress. good fi fty at Lord’s,” said Sarfraz. in the fi rst Test at Lord’s before by a player. creating a swing-friendly environment “When we came here people thought As for his own batting, Sarfraz added: that made batting diffi cult. we will not win one game but the way we “I am not satisfi ed with my batting in the akistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed Even so, Pakistan would still have ex- played at Lord’s everything was perfect, series. Sri Lanka names new selectors insisted he was proud of his pected to have made more than their 174, our fast bowling was perfect, our batting “I committed mistakes and played a youthful side even after an in- which featured a third fi fty in as many and fi elding were perfect,” Sarfraz told few bad shots.” Colombo: Sri Lanka named a new announced the new selection panel nings and 55-run defeat at Head- Tests from teenage leg-spinner Shadab reporters. Pakistan arrived for this tour having selectors’ panel for the national after Sumathipala’s mandate ended Pingley denied them a Test-series victory Khan. “It’s disappointing that we had a gone several months without a Test since cricket team yesterday after gam- on May 31. The court has suspended in England. That total meant they were always chance to win the series but unfortunate- a 68-run defeat by Sri Lanka in Dubai and bling allegations against the sport’s elections till June 14 at the earliest, That overwhelming loss, completed chasing the game and, were just one indi- ly we didn’t play well here.” Sarfraz said playing three in relatively national board president prompted with no fresh date confirmed for inside three days on Sunday, meant the vidual eff ort away from conceding a large Overall there were still plenty of plus- quick succession was always likely to government intervention. the vote. two-match campaign ended all square at fi rst-innings lead. points for Pakistan, not least the bowling prove a tough challenge for his team. The sports ministry stepped in Former Test bowler Graeme La- 1-1 following what Sarfraz said was Pa- Having fi elded brilliantly as a side at of seamer Mohamed Abbas who took a “We played our last Test in October, to manage the Sri Lanka Cricket brooy remains chief selector, while kistan’s “perfect” nine-wicket victory in Lord’s, Pakistan saw Hasan Ali drop a match-winning eight for 64 at Lord’s. so it’s diffi cult when you play a Test after board last week, after an appeals former Test player Eric Upashantha the fi rst Test at Lord’s. routine catch when Jos Buttler was on “I am proud of my young team, the way fi ve or six months. Test cricket is a diff er- court suspended elections for the made his debut on the panel. Defeat left Pakistan still looking for four. Abbas is bowling, Shadab is doing well, ent format, you have to adjust to fi ve-day presidency to consider whether The new selectors will have to name their fi rst Test series success in England The dashing Buttler punished Pakistan Faheem Ashraf did well, so I’m really dis- cricket. If you have to fi eld for two three incumbent Thilanga Sumathipala a squad to host next month’s tour by since 1996, when fast-bowling greats with an unbeaten 80 in an England reply appointed that we didn’t win (at Headin- days, it’s tough,” explained Sarfraz. should be allowed to contest the South Africa who will play two Tests, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were in of 363. gley) but 1-1 is good for us,” said wicket- “The more you play Test cricket, you ballot. five one-day internationals and a the side. Pakistan, 189 behind on fi rst innings, keeper Sarfraz. get to mature as Test player. Now we have Sumathipala has been accused of al- one-off T20. Despite skittling England out for just then slumped to 134 all out in 46 overs Experienced opening batsman Azhar fi ve Tests in the UAE (two against Aus- leged links to gambling in breach of The new selection panel: Graeme 184 in their fi rst innings at Lord’s, Sar- second time around as their top order Ali averaged just 16.75 during the series tralia and three against New Zealand), International Cricket Council regula- Labrooy, Gamini Wickremasinghe, fraz elected to bat after winning the toss again failed to fi re. while Sarfraz averaged 10.33 — well below then we have three in South Africa and tions. He denies any wrongdoing. Eric Upashantha, Chandika Hathu- in Leeds. But having also overseen a victory over his career Test mark of 37.78. that will help us mature as a Test team,” Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha rusingha and Jeryl Woutersz. While the Headingley pitch provided a Test debutants Ireland in Dublin during “Azhar is our main batsman, it’s cor- he added.

BOTTOMLINE AZF concludes Ramadan Sports Festival spire Zone Foundation (AZF) marked the conclusion of its seventh Ramadan Sports AFestival in a grand awards ceremony on Sunday evening, to cel- ebrate the winners in seven team sports competitions, organised as part of the 12-day Festival. Awards were given to participants in the men’s and women’s volleyball tournament, and men’s bas- ketball, indoor hockey, cricket and foot- ball competitions, and the indoor futsal tournament, organised for Aspire Zone Foundation’s employees. In his welcoming remarks, Abdulla Nasser al-Naemi, Director General of Winners of the cricket, hockey and women’s volleyball tournaments pose with their prizes. Aspire Logistics, said: “I am delighted to be with you today to celebrate the and healthy during Ramadan, whilst still ceremony kicked off with a Table Tennis President of the Qatar Rugby, Hockey dies Volleyball tournament, followed Aspire Logistics, member of Aspire Zone seventh Ramadan Sports Festival and having fun, and added: “I congratulate competition between Qatar’s national and Cricket Federation (QRHCF) and by ALS team in second place and Bom Foundation and Shafeek Idrees, Market- the awarding of the winning teams. The all the teams that won and took part in table tennis player and Aspire Acad- Abdulla al-Mohannadi, Events Manager General team in third place. Khayriya ing Manager at Nissan awarded the win- 12-day Festival saw incredible participa- this year’s competitions. The true prize emy’s graduate, Abdulrahman al-Najjar, at Ooredoo awarded the winners. al-Absi, Sales Manager at Aspire Logis- ners. Doha Ballers team won fi rst place tion from diff erent segments and com- is that you all got to enjoy the competi- against Ismail Yousef, one of the par- Royal Phoenix team won fi rst place tics, member of Aspire Zone Foundation, at the Men’s Basketball tournament, munities in the society, including men, tions with which we wanted to encour- ticipants at the Table Tennis for people at the Men’s Cricket tournament, fol- and Alanoud Almesnad, Acting Head of followed by the Money team in sec- women, juniors and people with special age community members to be active with special needs competition. After lowed by the KCC team in second Events at Aspire Logistics, member of ond place and the Dreams team in third needs, for whom we allocated two events and healthy whilst enjoying the fun and the competition, al-Najjar dedicated his place. Youssef Jeham al-Kuwari and Aspire Zone Foundation, awarded the place. Ali Salem Afi fa, Deputy Director as part of Aspire Zone Foundation’s Cor- competitive environment. I’d also like to national shirt to Ismail. Al-Ajaeb team Abdulla winners. The Eagles team won fi rst place General of Aspire Academy, member of porate Social Responsibility (CSR) pro- extend my thanks to all the sports fed- won fi rst place at the Indoor Hockey al-Khater, Chairman of the Ramadan at the Men’s Volleyball tournament, fol- Aspire Zone Foundation, and Rashid al- grammes.” He remarked that the true erations in Qatar, and for the Festival’s tournament, followed by Al-Osood team Sports Festival 2018’s organising com- lowed by the Riders team in second place Khalifa, Deputy Operations Chief Offi c- prize of this festival is that it encouraged offi cial partners, Ooredoo and Nissan, in second place and Mesaieed team in mittee, awarded the winners. and Yafak team in third place. Ahmad al- er at Aspire Logistics member of Aspire community members to remain active for their support his year.” The awarding third place. Youssef Jeham al-Kuwari, Aktor team won fi rst place at the La- Sulaiti, Chief Administration Offi cer at Zone Foundation, awarded the winners.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING ATHLETICS Mission Impassible lands Gr2 race in Chantilly Qatar’s Haroun

By Sports Reporter Chantilly Cristian Demuro rides Mission Impassible to victory in the sets meet record Prix de Sandringham (Gr2) in Chantilly, France, on Sunday. PICTURE: Zuzanna Lupa ery unlucky after getting boxed in Hengelo in the Poule d’Essai des Pouli- ches (Groupe 1) in the latter IAAF stages, Mohamed bin Fahad Hengelo Val-Attiyah’s Mission Impassible put the wrongs to right by landing the Prix de ichael Cherry Sandringham (Group 2) at Chantilly on stormed out of the Sunday. blocks in the men’s Cristian Demuro managed to relax his 400m, but Qatar’s mount in the slipstream of the leader, AbdalelahM Haroun emerged as Efaadah, before the combination took the the dominant force on the home latter’s measure in the straight. Crown straight, winning the event Walk, coming off a maiden win, nishedfi at the IAAF World Challenge strongly to deprive Efaadah of second. meeting in Hengelo on Sunday. Mission Impassible is expected to race The world bronze medal- win in a meeting record of 50.88. at Deauville in the summer, but she is list won in a meeting record of The top three fi nishers were not expected to tackle the Prix de Diane 44.35, the second-fastest time all inside the previous meeting Longines or go to Royal Ascot. of his career and just 0.08 shy of record as Botlogetswe clocked a “When she worked at Deauville at the his personal best. PB of 51.00 and Poland’s Justyna beginning of the week, we didn’t overtax USA’s Paul Dedewo was sec- Swiety-Ersetic took third place her as she had raced three weeks earlier,” ond in a PB of 44.50 while Cher- in 51.48. trainer Jean-Claude Rouget said. ry fi nished third in 44.90. World Olympic champion Brian- “However, in the Poule d’Essai, she another chance. the victory. “I would like to dedicate this of the fi lly he had bought in November and Olympic triple jump cham- na McNeal breezed to victory was all dressed up with nowhere to go in “At present, I’m not thinking of going achievement to His Highness the Amir last year. pion Christian Taylor fi nished in the 100m hurdles in 12.66 the fi nal 200m. She needed to get a race to Royal Ascot with her as it will come Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Buoyed by the victory in Chantilly, he fourth in a PB of 45.07. (-0.6m/s). Queen Harrison was under her belt on her return and, what we too soon. Ditto the Prix de Diane. We are to the Qatari people,” he told Gulf Times is also looking forward to some positive In the women’s event, USA’s second in 12.93 while former are doing, is putting the pieces of the jig- going to train her with a view to going to yesterday. results from his other horses, including world indoor silver medallist heptathlete Nadine Visser was saw together. Today, she was a lot calmer Deauville and why not have a look at the “She had been unlucky at Longchamp the 2016 Qatar Derby winner Ateej, who Shakima Wimbley held off a third in 12.94, beating 2014 Eu- than in her previous two races. We want- British programme for fi llies?” but I am very happy that she recovered is expected run at Group level in England strong challenge from Botswa- ropean champion Cindy Roleder ed to be clear in our minds by giving her Al-Attiyah was palpably excited of well to win a Group 2 level race,” he said and in France. na’s Christina Botlogetswe to (12.95).

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Major letdown as ‘I don’t feel old’: injured Serena hands Sharapova Birthday boy Nadal last-eight spot says aft er 900th win Nadal powered 39 winners past Marterer, who pushed the Spaniard as hard as he could

AFP Paris

afael Nadal said he doesn’t “feel old”, after moving a step closer Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates to an incredible 11th French winning his fourth round match Open title yesterday by beating against Germany’s Maximilian Marterer at Serena Williams announces her decision to pull out of her fourth GermanR Maximilian Marterer to reach the French Open yesterday. round match against Maria Sharapova at the French Open yesterday. the quarter-fi nals the day after his 32nd birthday. AFP bledon,” Sharapova wrote in The world number one’s 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 Paris ‘Unstoppable’. (7/4) victory over the world number 70 “Not long after I heard Serena was his 900th win at tour level. told a friend, who then told me, It also saw him equal the record of 12 erena Williams an- ‘I’ll never lose to that little bitch last-eight appearances at Roland Garros, nounced her shock again’.” which was set by Novak Djokovic the day withdrawal from the Sharapova, the champion in before. French Open through Paris in 2012 and 2014, goes on Top seed Nadal, who celebrated his injuryS yesterday just minutes to play a fi rst quarter-fi nal at birthday on Sunday, is now on his own in before her scheduled fourth- the Slams since losing to Wil- third on the all-time list for most match round clash against long-time liams at the same stage at the wins at Grand Slam events with 234 vic- bitter rival and fellow Grand 2016 Australian Open. tories after passing Jimmy Connors. Slam icon Maria Sharapova. It was in Melbourne that “I don’t feel old. But I am 32, and I have The 36-year-old said she had Sharapova tested positive for been here since 2003, so it’s a long way, a suff ered a pectoral muscle inju- meldonium after which she lot of years,” he said. ry in her third-round win over served a 15-month doping ban. “I started very young. That’s a real Julia Goerges and “can’t serve The Russian will face 2016 thing. But, no, I feel happy to be here. Be- at all”. champion Garbine Muguruza ing honest, I am enjoying the day by day The 23-time Grand Slam who was 2-0 ahead or Lesia on the tour and I hope to keep doing this champion added that she would Tsurenko when the Ukrainian for a while.” stay in Paris for a scan on the quit having suff ered a leg injury. Nadal powered 39 winners past Mar- injury. “I was looking forward to my terer, who pushed the Spaniard as hard “I unfortunately have been match against Serena and am as he could without ever threatening an having some issues with my pec disappointed that she had to upset. muscle, and (it) has been get- withdraw,” said Sharapova in a He will face Argentinian Diego ting worse to the point where statement. Schwartzman for a semi-fi nal spot, after right now I can’t actually serve. “I hope she returns to the tour the 11th seed staged a thrilling comeback It’s kind of hard to play when I soon.” Despite playing just four to down sixth seed Kevin Anderson 1-6, can’t physically serve,” she ex- matches in 2018 before Roland 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2. plained. Garros, Williams played dou- “It’s always good to see him in the She was unable to say wheth- bles in Paris with sister Venus. quarter-fi nal because he’s a good friend, er or not she would be fi t for They had been knocked out on a good person. He’s a worker, and I’m Wimbledon which gets under- Sunday by Andreja Klepac and happy to see him having all this success. The 16-time Grand Slam champion raced RESULTS CHECK way in four weeks’ time. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez Hopefully not too much (though),” smiled through the second set in just 38 minutes, “I’m beyond disappointed,” with the American sisters get- Nadal, who had a brief practice session breaking his opponent’s serve twice. Men 4th rd Isner (USA x9) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 added three-time Roland Gar- ting a 6-0 bagel in the fi nal set. with Schwartzman last week. But Marterer — who was playing in the ros champion Williams who Serena’s withdrawal completely The 16-time Grand Slam champion has main draw for the fi rst time — moved into Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Maximilian Women 4th rd was playing in her fi rst Grand over-shadowed the remain- now won 37 consecutive sets at Roland a 3-1 lead early in the third as he threat- der of yesterday’s last-16 pro- Marterer (GER) 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) Slam since winning the 2017 Garros, just four short of Bjorn Borg’s ened to become the fi rst man to take a Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Elise Mertens Australian Open while two gramme. record set between 1979 and 1981. set off Nadal at Roland Garros since the Diego Schwartzman (ARG x11) bt Kevin (BEL x16) 6-2, 6-1 months pregnant. World number one Simo- Nadal was caught cold in the opening Spaniard’s 2015 quarter-fi nal defeat by Anderson (RSA x6) 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), Angelique Kerber (GER x12) bt Caroline She was also in just her third na Halep, twice a runner-up, stages as some big hitting from Marterer Djokovic. 6-2 Garcia (FRA x7) 6-2, 6-3 tournament of the year after needed less than an hour to brought him the fi rst two games. But the reigning champion quickly hit Marin Cilic (CRO x3) bt Fabio Fognini Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP x3) bt Lesia giving birth to daughter Olym- make the last-eight for the third time with a 6-2, 6-1 rout But it didn’t take Nadal long to fi gure back before securing a tie-break on his (ITA x18) 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 Tsurenko (UKR) 2-0 -- retired pia in September. out his opponent, reeling off four straight second match point when Marterer fi red Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) bt Serena “I gave up so much time with of Belgium’s Elise Mertens. games en route to an inevitable one-set long, celebrating with a trademark fi st Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG x5) bt John Williams (USA) -- walkover my daughter and time with my “I was a little bit stronger in lead. pump. family all for this moment. So the important moments,” said Schwartzman fought back from two it’s really diffi cult to be in this Halep who next faces 12th seed sets down to stun Anderson and reach the was looking to become the fi rst South Af- bio Fognini in fi ve sets.n situation.” Williams, whose Angelique Kerber. quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time. rican man to make the last eight in Paris Meanwhile, third seed Marin Cilic absence from the sport has The German, a former world He was totally outplayed in the fi rst two since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now overcame a typically colourful fi ghtback seen her ranking tumbling to number one and two-time ma- sets, but twice broke Anderson when the lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros from Fabio Fognini to make the French 451, has not lost to the Russian jor winner, reached the quarter- South African was serving for the match on four occasions. Open quarter-fi nals yesterday with a 6-4, since 2004, winning their last fi nals for the second time with to pull off a dramatic win. Fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 win. 18 matches. a 6-2, 6-3 win over France’s The 25-year-old, who stands at 5ft 7in brushed aside John Isner 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to Cilic fi red 44 winners past Fognini who It had been the most eagerly- Caroline Garcia. (1.7m), said that the story of David and reach the quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time twice needed treatment on an ankle in- awaited match of the tourna- Australian Open champion Goliath helped him believe he could down since 2012. jury. ment, coming just two days and second seed Caroline Woz- the 6ft 8in (2.03m) Anderson. The 29-year-old Argentinian was The former US Open champion next after Williams had blasted niacki was knocked out by Rus- “Did you read David and Goliath? knocked out in the third round at Roland faces fi fth seed Juan Martin del Potro who Sharapova’s autobiography for sia’s Daria Kasatkina 7-6 (7/5), That’s why. That’s why,” he explained. Garros last year after missing the previous brushed aside John Isner 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to being “100 % hearsay” when it 6-3. “I read it when I was young in the school, four tournaments in Paris through injury. reach the quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time came to references about her. Kasatkina will be playing and I just try to think that when I see Kevin Del Potro will next face either fellow since 2012. “I think Serena hated me for in her fi rst Slam quarter-fi nal Croatia’s Marin Cilic celebrates after his or the guys who have two metres.” former US Open champion and third seed Cilic trails the big Argentine 10-2 in ca- being the skinny kid who beat where she will face US Open win over Italy’s Fabio Fognini. World number seven Anderson, who Marin Cilic who defeated fi ery Italian Fa- reer meetings. her, against all odds, at Wim- champion Sloane Stephens.