NBA | Page 4 GOLF | Page 6 Is Irving China’s Dou part of NBA’s earns historic new rental PGA Tour market? card

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 ATHLETICS Dhul-Qa’da 9, 1438 AH Bolt departure GULF TIMES great for rivals, bad for athletics SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL TRANSFER NEWS Neymar expected in Doha for PSG medical? Agencies Nasser al-Khelaifi . A training spat with new Barcelona before attending an evening event for a Doha The news outlets reported al-Khelaifi signing Nelson Semedo during that clothing brand. as saying that he was optimistic of sign- pre-season tour in Miami ramped up Neymar also posted on Weibo a pic- ing Neymar for the coming season. chatter that Neymar could be about to ture of himself with fellow Brazilian eymar hit the red carpet in “Neymar’s deal is going well, I am con- swap Spain for the French capital. forward Hulk, who plays in the Chinese Shanghai yesterday as specu- fi dent,” al-Khelaifi was quoted as saying. Super League for Shanghai SIPG. lation mounted that the Brazil Neymar is currently in China on a SHANGHAI SOJOURN Even following the training-ground star could be set to quit Bar- promotional trip and will stop over in Neymar, who has remained tight- bust-up in the United States, after celonaN for Paris Saint-Germain for a Doha today on his way back for fi nal lipped about the transfer rumours, which Neymar appeared to storm off , world-record 222 million euros. negotiations and medical check-ups, posted a message for Chinese fans on his Barcelona team-mates said they The 25-year-old striker is at the cen- the newspaper added. Weibo, China’s equivalent of Twitter, wanted him to stay at the Camp Nou. tre of an apparent tug of war between the The Brazilian was the key perform- after arriving for a promotional visit. “Neymar and I, we are very close and two European giants in what would be er for Barcelona’s famous Champi- “Ni Hao China! I’m Neymar Jr. and I want him to stay and I know the situa- the most expensive transfer fee in foot- ons League comeback against PSG in I’ve just arrived in China,” he wrote. tion,” defender Gerard Pique told ESPN ball history. The fee would be more than March and has scored over 100 goals in “I’m in Shanghai at the moment. I FC. “Right now he doesn’t know what double what Manchester United paid Ju- all competitions for the Spanish giants. would like to send a huge hug to all my to do and we are trying to help him — the ventus for Paul Pogba last summer. The player who Barca signed from Chinese fans, thank you very much for ones (on the team) that are more close to The record transfer appeared to be Santos in 2013 also put in a strong per- your support.” him — to take the right decision.” moving closer yesterday after several formance during his team’s 3-2 friendly He later posed for a scrum of pho- Despite that it seems like Neymar is news outlets reported that he was due victory over LaLiga arch-rivals Real tographers and television journalists ready to leave Barcelona and head to in Doha for talks with PSG president Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. poses for a photograph in Shanghai yesterday. Madrid in Miami on Saturday night. and answered questions about fashion, PSG. Wait and watch we shall.

CRICKET Ali hat-trick sees England England v South Africa 3rd Test scoreboard England 1st Innings 353 (B Stokes 112, A Cook 88; M Morkel 3-70, K thrash South Africa Rabada 3-85) South Africa 1st Innings 175 (T ‘At no point have we made excuses — we know Trent Bridge wasn’t good enough, we’ve responded’ Bavuma 52; T Roland-Jones 5-57, J Anderson 3-25) AFP London England 2nd Innings 313-8 dec (J Bairstow 63, T Westley 59, J Root 50; K Maharaj 3-50) oeen Ali became the fi rst bowler in The Oval’s 100 South Africa 2nd Innings Test-history to take a hat- (overnight 117-4, target 492) trick as England wrapped H. Kuhn b Broad 11 Mup a crushing 239-run win in the third D. Elgar c Stokes b Ali 136 Test against South Africa yesterday. H. Amla c Root b Roland-Jones 5 Victory put England 2-1 up in this Q. de Kock b Stokes 5 four-match series, with just the fourth F. du Plessis lbw b Stokes 0 Test at Old Traff ord starting on Friday T. Bavuma lbw b Roland-Jones 32 to come. V. Philander lbw b Roland-Jones 0 After having Dean Elgar (136) and C. Morris c Stokes b Ali 24 Kagiso Rabada (nought) caught at K. Maharaj not out 24 fi rst slip by Ben Stokes with the last K. Rabada c Stokes b Ali 0 two balls of his 16th over, off -spinner M. Morkel lbw b Ali 0 Ali ended The Oval’s landmark match Extras (b4, lb7, nb4) 15 when he had Morne Morkel lbw with Total (all out, 77.1 overs, 341 mins) 252 the fi rst ball of his next over — although Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Kuhn), 2-47 England had to fi rst review umpire Joel (Amla), 3-52 (De Kock), 4-52 (Du Ples- Wilson’s not out decision. sis), 5-160 (Bavuma), 6-160 (Philander), “I was very confi dent it was out, 7-205 (Morris), 8-252 (Elgar), 9-252 as soon as it hit his pad,” Ali told Sky (Rabada), 10-252 (Morkel) Sports of his hat-trick delivery. Bowling: Anderson 13-3-26-0; Broad “It was a great feeling.” 16-4-47-1; Roland-Jones 18-4-72-3; Ali’s treble saw him become the 13th Stokes 14-1-51-2 (4nb); Ali 16.1-5-45-4; England bowler to take a hat-trick at this England: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jen- level, with South Africa’s second innings nings, Tom Westley, Joe Root (capt), the fi rst in the 140-year history of Test Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny cricket to include four fi rst-ball ducks. Bairstow (wkt), Moeen Ali, Stuart South Africa, set a mammoth 492 for Broad, Toby Roland-Jones, James victory, were all out for 252 after lunch, Anderson with Worcestershire all-rounder Ali taking four for 45. Result: England won by 239 runs “What a way to celebrate the 100th Man-of-the-match: Ben Stokes Test at this ground,” said England cap- (ENG) tain Joe Root. Series: England lead four-match He added that England’s fi rst-innings series 2-1 batting, with man-of-the-match Stokes England’s Moeen Ali (C) and England cricketers celebrate victory on the fifth and final day of the third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval yesterday. making 112 and former captain Alastair Cook 88 in a total of 353, had laid the plat- the fi eld for much of this Test with a Hashim Amla cheaply for the second form for an emphatic success. viral infection. time in the match on Sunday, eventu- Moeen proves England’s man for the ages “I think the way we batted in the fi rst “It’s obvious to say that someone like ally ended a stand worth 108 runs. innings was really important and set a Vernon Philander missing out on that His full-length delivery struck Bavu- The Oval has extracted every last drop expect of such a deed. in this series. good benchmark for us. fi rst innings was costly, so they got 100 ma on the pad as the diminutive bats- of publicity from its 100th test but even Every now and then, cricket conjures Moeen has taken 18 wickets in the se- “Alastair Cook’s innings was crucial runs too many in that innings, but you man got only half-forward. the famous old ground’s PR depart- up days that span generations. ries at an average of under 15 in 2017. — we could have gone fi ve or six down have to say the English team batted well,” Aleem Dar ruled not out but England ment would have struggled to dream Within minutes of Moeen dismissing These impressive statistics reflect but the way he played was brilliant.” said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. reviewed the experienced Pakistani um- up an ending so dramatic it may be the unfortunate Morne Morkel, who the new-found confidence to deliver The way this series has see-sawed — South Africa resumed yesterday on 117 pire’s decision and Bavuma had to go for talked about 100 games hence. had earlier bowled superbly for South slower balls, often tossed up to keep England won the fi rst Test at Lord’s by for four, with left-handed opener Elgar 32 after a defi ant innings of more than After an unremarkable morning, Africa for no reward, statistics started the batsmen guessing. 211 runs and South Africa took the sec- (72 not out) and Temba Bavuma (16 not two hours. Philander didn’t stay too long. Moeen Ali bounced up to the crease as to drip feed out of computers. The more he has been dropped down ond at Trent Bridge by 340 runs — will out) having already helped the Proteas Elgar, batting with a bruised fi nger, the third English bowler to be on a hat- This was the third time a test had been the order the more he has accepted give the Proteas hope of bouncing back recover from 52 for four yesterday. battled on for his eighth century. trick in South Africa’s second innings of completed with a hat-trick and the first that his primary role is to take wickets. in Manchester. Victory was all but beyond South Af- But Chris Morris, who survived the third test. for 115 years. With 116 wickets, he could overhaul “At no point have we made excuses rica, with no side having made more to Roland-Jones’s hat-trick delivery, fell After a frenzied appeal, nail-biting Never before have four batsmen been spinners Phil Tufnell (121), Ray Illing- — we know Trent Bridge wasn’t good win in the fourth innings of a Test than to the last ball before lunch when he review and final finger of doom, Moeen out for golden ducks in the same test worth (122) and Phil Edmonds (125) by enough, we’ve responded,” said Root. the West Indies’ 418 for seven against edged Ali to man-of-the-match Stokes became the first player to achieve the innings. the time the summer is out. Australia at St John’s in 2003. to leave the Proteas 205 for seven. feat in a test at The Oval and the first Moeen will no doubt appreciate his Moeen still has a way to go before PHILANDER BLOW Middlesex seamer Toby Roland- Elgar’s more than fi ve-and-half English spinner to bag a hat-trick since place in history but yesterday it was all surpassing Derek Underwood’s 297 South Africa were hampered by key Jones, who had followed up his stun- hours at the crease ended when he Tom Goddard in 1938. about the here and now, a perform- victims but England’s history man will seamer Vernon Philander, the man-of- ning Test debut bowling innings return prodded forward to Ali and Stokes did The celebrations were all you might ance that confirmed his rapid progress do well to top his Oval performance. the-match at Trent Bridge, being off of fi ve for 57 by dismissing star batsman the rest. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, August 1, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EURO 2017: WOMEN Germany win not enough for us, says Ronaldo denies Denmark skipper tax fraud in court ‘I have never hidden anything, nor have I had the intention of evading taxes. I always voluntarily file my tax returns because I think we all must file a return and pay taxes...’

Denmark’s captain Pernille Harder (R) in action during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 quarter-final against Germany.

AFP Denmark lost to Norway on pen- Bavel, Netherlands alties in the semi-fi nals, the team is diff erent, Harder said. “We played diff erently back day after a stunning then, the tactic is diff erent, it win over eight-time was more like we’re really good at champions Germany possession, we had the ball more at the women’s Euro, in 2013, now we’re more direct.” DenmarkA skipper Pernille Harder Harder also has a new partner said the scalp had left her team in the attacking line, the Afghan- hungry for more. born Nadia Nadim, who was a “It was such a nice win, but substitute at the 2013 tourna- now we’re looking forward also,” ment but has become a perma- the 24-year-old forward told nent fi xture up front since then. AFP at Denmark’s training centre “She’s a really good player, a in Bavel. strong hitter, so it’s nice to know “It’s not enough for us, just to that there is a good hitter like her win against Germany.” in the box,” Harder said. Having conceded on three While Nadim scored against minutes, Denmark came back to Germany, Harder is still waiting nix Germany’s dreams of a sev- for her fi rst goal at the tourna- enth title in a row with second- ment — but she is not bothered half headers by Nadia Nadim and by her drought. Theresa Nielsen. “It’s important that we score Harder, who plays for Bundesli- as a team, and I will rather like to ga champions Wolfsburg, said this make assists than to score.” was the biggest win of her career. “Of course if the team needs “When I play in Germany it, I would love to score, but if I it’s more special, but it was just could choose whether to win the so nice to win the game so we title or score, I’d rather win the File picture of Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo gesturing during a training session during the Russia 2017 Confederations Cup. reached the semi-fi nal,” she title,” Harder said. added. In the August 3 semi-fi nal AFP euros ($17.3 million) in tax, he entered image rights when he moved to Real in ple lose their jobs and inequalities rise. Germany were unbeaten at in Breda, Denmark are facing Madrid and left the court in Pozuelo de Alarcon, 2009 but simply maintained the one set Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail Euro since July 3, 1993 when they Euro newcomers Austria, who a wealthy suburb of Madrid where he up in 2004 while he was at Manchester sentence and 2.09 million-euro fi ne last lost to Denmark 3-1 in the bronze won their group ahead of giants lives, via an underground garage to avoid United “long before I thought of coming year for tax fraud. medal game. France and beat another favour- eal Madrid forward Cristiano Ro- the press. to Spain”. His prison sentence has since been re- By making the semi-fi nals, ite Spain on penalties after a naldo denied hiding millions of Prosecutors allege he took “advantage This structure had been deemed “legal placed by another fi ne of 252,000 euros, Denmark have equalled their re- goalless draw in the quarter- euros in income at a court hearing of a company structure created in 2010 to and legitimate” by the British tax offi ce. which corresponds to 400 euros for each sult from 2013. fi nal. near the Spanish capital yesterday hide income generated in Spain from his The aff air has taken its toll on Ronaldo. day of jail. Harder said this was due to “They have been really good,” whereR he was charged with tax evasion. image rights from tax authorities”. According to press reports, Real’s all- Barcelona’s Argentine defender Javier “hard work and good discipline said Harder. The Portuguese — the world’s high- They say this was a “voluntary and time top goalscorer threatened to leave Mascherano, meanwhile, agreed a one- in defence and then a lot of speed “I think they have been a big est paid sportsman according to Forbes conscious breach of his fi scal obligations Spain over the aff air, giving supporters a year suspended sentence with authori- in the off ence.” surprise of the tournament, they magazine — is the latest football star to in Spain”. fright. ties for tax fraud last year. “As a team we can relax when have such a good defence and fall foul of Spain’s taxman. Prosecutors accuse the four-time He has since decided to stay on, ac- Brazil star Neymar, another Barcelona have time to relax and think the high pressure, and they have He follows in the footsteps of his arch- world player of the year of evading tax cording to Real coach Zinedine Zidane. forward, and his parents are also due to about other stuff than football some really good players in the rival, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who was via a shell company based in the British If he were put on trial and found guilty, stand trial for alleged corruption over his and then when we’re on the fi eld front when they win the ball.” found guilty of the same off ence last year. Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, Ronaldo would risk “a fi ne of at least transfer from Santos in 2013. we are doing it at 100 percent,” The two teams met in a friend- “I have never hidden anything, nor known for low corporate tax rates. 28 million” euros and could potentially Real have not been spared either. she said. ly on July 6 in Wiener Neus- have I had the intention of evading taxes,” In addition, they say the Real Madrid be jailed for three and a half years, the Apart from Ronaldo, former player “We’re never satisfi ed, we al- tadt, Austria, and the home side Ronaldo, 32, told the court, according to a striker only declared 11.5 million euros Gestha union of experts at Spain’s Inland Angel di Maria, Portuguese defender ways want to improve as a team earned a convincing 4-2 win. statement from the sports agency which of Spanish-related income from 2011 to Revenue has said. Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho, who and also as individuals and that’s “We lost in the friendly game represents him, Gestifute. 2014, while what he really earned during Since extending his contract last No- coached the club from 2010 to 2013, have key for us.” so of course we want a revenge,” “I always voluntarily fi le my tax returns that time was close to 43 million euros. vember until 2021, Ronaldo is the high- all been accused of tax fraud. Compared with 2013, when said Harder. because I think we all must fi le a return They also accuse him of “voluntarily” est paid sports star in the world with $93 All are clients of super-agent Jorge and pay taxes according to our income. refusing to include 28.4 million euros million earned in 2016-2017, according to Mendes, who was also questioned and Those that know me, know what I ask my in income linked to the sale of his image Forbes. put under offi cial investigation last INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP advisors: that they have everything up to rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Ronaldo is not the only footballer to month by a Spanish court investigating date and properly paid, because I don’t Spanish company. fall foul of authorities in Spain, which alleged tax evasion by Monaco’s former want problems.” Ronaldo told the court he did not cre- is only just recovering from a damaging Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, Accused of having evaded 14.7 million ate a “special structure” to manage his economic crisis that saw countless peo- another footballer in his stable. Juventus top Roma

TRANSFER NEWS on penalties Matic and Mourinho get back together at Man United AFP “This is a very exciting time for Chelsea relented. London the club and I am looking forward Matic enjoyed a far happier to playing my part in creating second spell at Chelsea than his more history for this great club.” fi rst one, winning the Premier erbian international mid- Matic’s arrival takes Mourin- League title twice and while fi elder Nemanja Matic ho’s spending to almost £150mn never a prolifi c goalscorer he signed for Manchester in the close season having out- scored one of the goals of last Juventus players celebrate after defeating Roma 6-5 via penalty United yesterday from laid £31mn for Swedish defender season in the FA Cup semi-fi nal shootout during the International Champions Cup 2017. PremierS League champions Chel- Victor Lindelof from Benfi ca and win over Spurs at Wembley. sea, the buying club announced, £75mn on Belgian international In all he scored seven times in AFP Croatian forward Mario Mand- for a reported fee of £40 million striker Romelu Lukaku from 154 appearances for Chelsea. New York zukic beat Federico Fazio onto a ($52.7mn, 44.7mn euros). Everton — though that could rise “The Serbian departs Stam- through ball from Alex Sandro, It is the second time United to £90mn with add-ons. ford Bridge having played a piv- dribbling around Roma goal- manager Jose Mourinho has in- Ironically Lukaku’s deal al- otal role in two Premier League uventus closed out the keeper Allison and fi ring to make vested in the 28-year-old’s tal- most put a spike in Matic’s title triumphs, as well as win- International Champions it 1-0 in the 29th minute. ents having brought him back to transfer to United as Chelsea ning the League Cup with the Cup friendly tournament Roma’s Diego Perotti and Dze- Chelsea in 2014 after a success- had ear-marked the striker as Blues,” said Chelsea in a long with a 5-4 win on penal- ko combined for three promis- ful spell with Benfi ca. their number one target and farewell statement. tiesJ over Roma after the Italian ing exchanges but were unable Matic signed a three-year were not best pleased when he “These trophies all came in clubs played to a 1-1 draw. to break through and Roma went contract with United with the was snatched from underneath his second spell at the club, af- Mario Mandzukic’s opening into the break a goal down. option to extend it by a year. their noses. ter re-joining Chelsea in early goal for Italian champions Ju- But Dzeko delivered the equal- “Nemanja is a Manchester File picture of Chelsea’s Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic. At one point it was thought 2014 to add steel and strength to ventus was cancelled out by Edin iser in the 74th, tapping in a cross United player and a Jose Mour- the Serbian, who had found life the midfi eld. We thank Nemanja Dzeko’s second-half strike. from Aleksandar Kolarov from inho player,” Mourinho told the Matic played just 65 minutes Manchester United. To work with increasingly diffi cult at Stam- for his fantastic service and wish The match, between last sea- close range. club website. for Chelsea in his fi rst period at Jose Mourinho once again was ford Bridge competing with him well for the future.” son’s top two teams in Serie A, of- But in the shootout, Marco “He represents everything we the club before being part of the an opportunity I couldn’t turn French star N’Golo Kante for the Mourinho’s spending may fered a tantalizing glimpse of the Tumminello’s miss proved too want in a footballer: loyalty, con- deal that saw David Luiz move to down,” he told the club website. central midfi elder role, would not be over yet as he is known upcoming domestic campaign. much to overcome and Juventus sistency, ambition, team player. Chelsea and him move in the op- “I have enjoyed my time at end up at Juventus instead. to cherish Croatian winger Ivan Managers Massimiliano Al- handed Roma a second shoot- “I would like to thank him for posite direction to Benfi ca in 2011. Chelsea and would like to thank However, once United were Perisic who is at Inter Milan but legri and Eusebio Di Francesco out defeat of the tournament. his desire to join us because with- He said Mourinho’s presence the club and the fans for their quoted £50mn for England de- United baulked at the initial de- named strong starting lineups. The match drew some 33,000 out that, it would be impossible to at United had made it an easy support. I cannot wait to meet fensive midfi elder Erik Dier by mand of £48.5mn although they Juventus were more active in fans to Gillette Stadium, home of have him here. I am sure our play- decision. my new teammates and to start Tottenham they switched their hope the Serie A side might low- the opening minutes and were the NFL’s Super Bowl champion ers and supporters will love him.” “I am delighted to have joined training with them. attentions back to Matic and er their price. rewarded in the 29th when New England Patriots. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 1, 2017 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CLASH Van Niekerk double bid could steal some Bolt departure of Bolt’s thunder great for rivals, bad for athletics Bolt’s rivals will be glad to see the back of a man who has dominated sprinting for so This file photo shows South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekerk (L) chatting long but athletics won’t be too keen about bidding farewell to the charismatic Jamaican with Usain Bolt of Jamaica during a press conference in Kingston.

Reuters Reuters that the 400m is not my favour- Zurich Cape Town ite distance. I know it’s a bit cra- zy. I enjoy the shorter distances,” he said. sain Bolt’s rivals will, for once, sain Bolt’s farewell will “I try to tell myself that I be glad to see the back of a man be the major narrative need to be more positive about who has dominated global at the world champion- the 400m, it is the race that has Usprinting for the last decade ships but South African placed me at the top.” but the sport of athletics will be far less speedsterU Wayde van Niekerk’s This time Van Niekerk at- enthusiastic about bidding a fi nal fare- bid for the 200 and 400m double tempts the 200-400m double well to the charismatic Jamaican. could steal some of his spotlight. that marked out Johnson as the Bolt has completed the sprint double The Jamaican great has dubbed star of the 1996 Atlanta Ol- at the last three Olympics and had he not the 25-year-old Van Niekerk as ympics after the ruling body been disqualifi ed ahead of the 100 metres the sport’s next superstar and of world athletics changed the fi nal at Daegu in 2011, the 30-year-old that is likely to be reinforced at London programme to make it could have matched that feat at the last the global showpiece event in possible. four world championships. London which starts on Friday. In June, he ran personal bests In an era blighted by doping scandals, But a showdown between the in both the 100m (9.94 seconds) the Jamaican has almost single-handedly pair, who are good friends and and 200m (19.84) and a world kept the sport afl oat but his commanding trained together in Jamaica this record 30.81 in the rarely run reign will come to an end when he retires year, will not happen with Bolt 300m. after this month’s world championships, running only the 100m and relay Van Niekerk is the only sprint- fi nally allowing other sprinters a look-in. to mark the end of his glittering er in history to have run the In the simple matter of who will take career. 100m in under 10 seconds, the his place at the top of the 100 metres po- “One person I know who will 200m in under 20 and the 400m dium, Canada’s Olympic sprint medallist step up, and he’s been doing good in sub 44. Andre de Grasse appears to be just ahead work, is Van Niekerk. He’s shown “I’m in great shape. My record of the pack as the leading candidate. that he really wants to take my of 300m has given me confi - “(De Grasse) shows up when it counts. place. dence, so I look forward to see That’s the mark of a veteran. Even though He’s been dominating in all how it translates into the other he has been in the sport not too long,” File picture of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt training at the University of West Indies in Kingston. events – I feel like if he runs the two events,” Van Niekerk added. Justin Gatlin, Olympic gold medallist in 800, he’d probably do well also,” His coach Ans Botha, a 2004 and runner-up behind Bolt in Rio AIM Bolt said before the Diamond 75-year-old grandmother, says last year, told Reuters. League meeting in Monaco last they have been training for both South Africa also has a new genera- week in which Van Niekerk won events since last year’s Olympics. tion of stars, led by Akani Simbine and the 400m with the best time of “It is the 400m that put him Thando Roto, although with their na- Time’s come to leave Bolt’s shadow: De Grasse the year. on the stage and which has made tional championships taking place in Cape Town-born Van Niekerk him strong mentally, but Wayde March, peaking twice in one season could AFP is the reigning world champion doesn’t like it,” she said. hinder their hopes of victory in London. London and he broke Michael Johnson’s “After Rio, he told me he need- “It’s diffi cult to be running fast in 17-year-old world record to win ed new challenges and that he March and having to peak for your na- Olympic Gold in Rio de Janeiro wanted to double at the World tionals and still fi nd a away to be ready amaican legend Usain Bolt is deter- last year. Championships. I’ve had to at the middle of August,” former 200m mined to bid a golden farewell to his All this in a race he dislikes. adapt my program because I’m world champion Ato Boldon told Reuters. lustrous track career at the World “I think most everyone knows there to share his dreams.” The door could also open for the JAthletics Championships in London United States, a traditional sprint pow- but Canada’s Andre de Grasse is eager to erhouse but largely forgotten as a threat gatecrash the party. More than 600 blood tests to be conducted before for a decade since Gatlin and Tyson Gay The 22-year-old — who signed the most the World Championships tested positive for illegal drugs. lucrative contract off ered to a track and However, Christian Coleman put him- fi eld athlete in 2015 for a reported £7.5mil- More than 600 blood samples championships to ensure that self on the map when he ran 9.82 seconds, lion (8.3mn euros, $9.8mn) with an extra will be collected prior to the athletes competing in London the fastest time this year, during the US £20mn in potential bonuses — is looking to IAAF World Championships, have been part of a robust collegiate championships, while Trayvon improve on his Olympic bronze in the 100m File picture of Canada’s Andre de Grasse. which get under way on Friday, testing programme.” Bromell won bronze at the world cham- and silver in the 200m last year. to tackle doping. That 10-month out-of-compe- pionships two years ago aged just 20. De Grasse, whose mother took on says he needs to beat Bolt before he can be around and gained a degree in sociology Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) tition testing strategy, which But whether any athlete can come two jobs to help him pursue his sport- described a rival. — he bears a tattoo of the word ‘Hope’ on and UK Athletics said those included more than 2,000 close to matching Bolt’s dominance and ing dreams, admits the contract off er put “It’s not a rivalry,” he told the Daily his inner forearm. samples would be used for blood tests and approximately charisma is a diff erent matter. pressure on him, especially as it was with Mail. “I don’t believe the world is fair,” he Athlete Biological Passport 3,000 urine tests, targeted “You would have to have someone who Bolt’s kit provider Puma. “He has dominated for so long. I’ve still said. profiling and to detect pro- athletes likely to compete in is dominating, no one is doing that,” said “To replace the greatest in Usain Bolt, I not beaten him — but I’d love to. To have a “I’ve seen things all over the world hibited substances, such as London in the August 4-13 Michael Johnson, former Olympic cham- knew what I was getting into,” De Grasse rivalry you have to have a back and forth. whether it is Doha or in Canada or Amer- human growth hormone. championships. pion in the 200 metres and 400 metres. told yesterday’s edition of the Daily Mail. “He is on his way out and a veteran. I’m ica. A further 600 urine tests for The AIU, an independent “You would have to have someone who “I did have a bit of hesitation. Everyone trying to prove myself.” “I see how people live. You drive detection purposes will also be body that manages all doping has something special he has in terms of can be nervous. De Grasse, who has shown some through neighbourhoods on your way to conducted in competition “in and non-doping integrity- personality,” the American told Reuters. “I was thinking: ‘Can I handle this and sparkling form this season running a events. order to detect a wide range of related matters for the sport of “In track and fi eld, after I left, it wasn’t take on the pressure?’ wind-assisted 9.69sec in the 100m at “Brazil was like that. You go past these substances including EPO and athletics, added that it would like somebody just stepped in. It was “I knew it would provide for myself and the Stockholm Diamond League meet- slum parts and it’s not fair. If these kids steroids”. continue the strategy first initi- eight years before Bolt came along.” my family. ing, has come a long way since a troubled had the opportunity or met someone to “The Athletics Integrity Unit ated by the IAAF at the World Johnson is one of those who feel the “I can’t have fears or hold back, I want adolescence and being laughed at when give them the opportunity, things would is pleased to announce a very Championships in Helsinki in sport needs to work harder at promoting to relish it,” added De Grasse. in his fi rst eff ort at the shorter sprint he be diff erent.” comprehensive intelligence- 2005, in which “all samples itself rather than waiting for a “new Bolt” . With Bolt opting not to run the 200m adopted a standing start. However, before De Grasse can turn his based anti-doping programme collected at the event will be “If the federations don’t want to have in London, De Grasse’s chance to deny “It was the sideways run-up like in attention to setting the world to rights, he for the IAAF World Champi- transferred to, and stored in, a to promote the sport itself, want to just the charismatic Jamaican a 12th world basketball,” said De Grasse. has other ambitions on the track. onships,” said AIU chairman dedicated and secure facility ride the coattails of a great athlete, it’s gold medal comes in the 100m, provided “People in the crowd were laughing. I “I want to be an Olympic champion, David Howman. for the purpose of re-testing going to be hard. It’s a great sport, if we he reaches Saturday’s fi nal. just looked down and ran.” world champion, maybe even a world “What is key to this pro- at a later date after the initial would just promote that, but that takes De Grasse, who only took up athletics He has barely looked back since then record. gramme is the significant analyses”. some work. It’s not that easy.” aged 17 after trying his hand at basketball, and off the track has turned his life “I’m determined to be the best.” work that has been done by That re-testing policy has to the Unit and its partners in the date seen 27 positive cases 10 months leading up to the since 2005. BOTTOMLINE Russia athletics chief Shlyakhtin heads to London in bid to end ban Russia’s head of athletics the floor to speak for the first Dmitry Shlyakhtin is travelling time and the (IAAF) Congress Rudisha out of worlds with injury to London this week to address will decide whether to keep the sport’s governing body the suspension or to extend it Reuters “We thought it was going to I am not settled since learning in a bid to have his country’s further,” Mutko was quoted as London take a few days before recovery. about this,” Kirwa said. international ban lifted. saying by TASS news agency It’s taking longer. We have been “It is now my duty to plan and Shlyakhtin, president of last week. trying to do treatment and phys- change the strategy, which we Russia’s athletics federation “Of course we would like to orld 800 metres io and everything and the prob- will do in consultation with the (RUSAF), will make a speech at hope for the positive decision. record holder David lem was still persisting. Today technical bench.” the International Association But I believe we can already Rudisha said yes- we went for an MRI scan, they Kirwa said the injury would of Athletics Federations (IAAF) guess the outcome — while terday he was sad- found that fl uid was coming out take at least two weeks to heal. Congress on Thursday, a day there is no decision from the Wdened and disappointed to have of the muscle,” he said. There are four other 800m before the World Champion- IOC (International Olympic pulled out of the world athletics “So I have been advised that I runners in Kenya’s team — Em- ships begin at the London Committee), everyone will championships due to a quad take it easy. If I push it with that manuel Korir, Michael Saruni, Stadium. keep waiting for it.” muscle strain. pain, it could damage me fur- Ferguson Rotich and 19-year- RUSAF has been banned since The Russian anti-doping agen- Rudisha, reigning Olympic ther... It is not the right thing old Kipyegon Bett. November 2015 after an inde- cy (RUSADA) is still deemed and world champion, is the fi rst to do, or I would run the risk of Rudisha, who missed out on pendent World Anti-Doping non-compliant by WADA even and only person to run under one missing the complete year.” the 2013 championships before Agency (WADA) inquiry ex- though it has been allowed minute 41 seconds for the 800m. File picture of Kenya’s David Lekuta Rudisha (C) celebrating as he The announcement of Rudi- reclaiming his 800m crown posed state-sponsored doping to resume testing under the He would have been one of the crosses the finish line to win the Men’s 800m at the Rio Games. sha’s withdrawal came 24 hours two years ago in Beijing, said he on a massive scale. supervision of international star names at the Aug. 4-13 glo- before the fi rst wave of Kenya’s aimed to be back competing for Russia’s deputy prime minister, appointed experts and the UK bal showpiece event in London. mileage. I damaged my quad, the same London Stadium where team were due to head to the the world title again in 2019. Vitaly Mutko, said last week anti-doping agency (UKAD), “It is obviously disappoint- and this saddens and disap- the world championships are British capital. “I have accepted my fate with that RUSAF was unlikely to after meeting conditions set ing and I am saddened. It was points me a lot,” the 28-year-old being held. Head coach Julius Kirwa said a very heavy heart and would be reinstated during the down by the global anti-doping (during) the time I was actually told Reuters. After suff ering the injury, the development would force a like to wish the team well. They Congress, although 19 Russian body. trying to engage more speed. In Rudisha won his fi rst 800m Rudisha said that the severity of last-minute change in the team’s can still make it,” he said. athletes have been given per- Both the IAAF and Interna- the process of doing that, I put world title in Daegu in 2011, a the grade one strain was realised strategy. “I will still come back stronger mission to compete as neutrals tional Paralympic Committee my muscle under (more) intense year before his world-record only when he went for an MRI “I am disturbed so much by and even challenge for the title in in London. (IPC) still regard Russia as non- stress than when doing normal performance at the Olympics in scan on Monday. this last-minute turn of events. the next world championships.” “He (Shlyakhtin) will be given compliant. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, August 1, 2017 SPORT

NBA Pouncey thought his career was Is Irving part of NBA’s over aft er injuries

Pittsburgh: A frightened Maurkice Pouncey thought his football career was over at age 26. It happened two years ago when a leg injury turned new rental market? into a terrifying ordeal. The fractured fibula and ankle sprain led to two diff er- It is not unusual for teams to seek guidance from a player or his agent about future plans ent infections including staph, prompted eight surgeries, By Ira Winderman in Miami trade instead of free agency was particu- the insertion and removal of Sun Sentinel larly valued, because you then could exceed metal plates and cancelled his the salary cap with Bird Rights to ensure a Kyrie Irving wants to join the entire season. continued relationship. New York Knicks after telling In the middle of the ordeal, t used to be that when you traded for Now there is enough money in the sys- the Cavs he wants out of it was not the 2015 season he a player, you traded for his future. tem, even with this summer nothing like Cleveland. was concerned about but the Now, it’s as if you’re bidding on years. the 2016 off season, that players can move rest of his career. IWith Paul George, the cost of a poten- on and still fi nd ample salaries without Bird “I thought football was tial one-year rental for the Oklahoma City Rights. Which leads back to Irving, and done,” Pouncey said at Steel- Thunder was the budget price of Victor whether the off ers have come down to bid- ers training camp. “Heck, Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the In- ding on two seasons of his services. yeah, it was serious. I was on diana Pacers. “The X-factor is if a guy is going to two PICC lines, infectious dis- With George Hill, the cost of a one-year leave,” an offi cial with an Eastern Confer- ease medicine. It was pretty rental for the Utah Jazz last season was the ence team said. “You’re just not going to serious.” No. 22 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, with Hill mortgage the future or the house for a po- That Pouncey is back at this month moving on to the Sacramento tentially disastrous situation, where the Saint Vincent College in Kings. With Serge Ibaka, the cost for what guy leaves. In Oklahoma City, it’s very in- Latrobe, Pa., for his eighth proved to be a four-month rental for the teresting, whether an L.A. guy (George) is training camp attests to his re- Orlando Magic was, ironically, also Olad- going to stay there for the duration. I think covery. That he made his fifth ipo and Sabonis, as well as Ersan Ilyasova, this is a new dynamic.” Pro Bowl in 2016 and came to the Thunder, with Terrance Ross from It is not unusual for teams to seek guid- within one game of the Super the Toronto Raptors as the return on that ance from a player or his agent about future Bowl with his teammates tells short-term investment for the Magic. plans. Yet Irving has been linked to suitors how well he bounced back. Which brings us to Kyrie Irving and what not necessarily on his wish list. In such cas- He credited his doctors for now has been a week’s worth of speculation es, the only givens are the two seasons left the recovery and to line coach about what the Cleveland Cavaliers can get on his contract before he can opt out in the Mike Munchak for his contin- for the disgruntled All-Star guard, if he, in- 2019 off season. ued success on the field. deed, is to be moved on per his request. For the Heat, such a gambit might make “He saved my career,” Initial reports, including the one on sense with Goran Dragic, who can opt out Pouncey said, describing Friday from ESPN, was a series of un- in the 2019 off season, as well. That also blocking techniques Munchak derwhelming proposals forwarded to the would be when Justise Winslow could enter showed him that would pro- Cavaliers. But that’s where the dynamic has free agency, depending on his intervening tect him more. changed, even with Cavaliers owner Dan rookie-scale options. The Heat, of course, Then there is the matter of Gilbert going on the record about the Pac- went public Friday that no such off er is on who saved his life, or at least ers’ limited return on George with, “I will the table. turned it in a diff erent direc- say Indiana could have done better than But there are off ers. And there are teams tion from where it was going. they did.” willing to take a risk in essentially purchas- Maturity, he said, did that. Yes, George as future asset was worth ing a two-year Irving timeshare, just as the No more big birthday far more than the Pacers received. Just as Thunder have with this possible one-and- bashes with twin brother Mike. a similar argument could have been made done season with George. No more partying that led with Ibaka, who ultimately wound up with “It’s also about teams taking a chance,” to some notorious episodes a three-year, $65 million deal with the Rap- said the Eastern Conference team offi cial, such as the alleged fight at a tors, a price that might have proven too rich not authorised by his team to comment Miami nightclub in 2014 that for the Thunder or the Magic. Or with Hill, publicly on such matters. “You only get so prompted a civil suit that was who received $57 million over three seasons many chances to win a championship, so settled out of court in March. from the Kings, albeit with a limited guar- you say, ‘We’re going to take a chance.’ But By Ed Bouchette antee in that third season. you’re also hedging your bets. What you’re Pittsburgh Post-Gazette At another time, securing a player in a doing is you’re buying a short-term asset.”

NFL NHL Future aft er this season Sheary agrees to a three-year in doubt for Chancellor contract extension with Penguins By Matt Calkins argue they did so with Marshawn Lynch after The Seattle Times the Super Bowl loss, but those were extenu- ating circumstances given the nature of that defeat. he hit on Vernon Davis. The strip So if you’re a super fan, the idea of parting of Calvin Johnson. The fumble that ways with a player as iconic as Chancellor may saved the season in Minnesota. The be hard to stomach. But it’s also a concept you Timpact Kam Chancellor has had might have to get used to over the next few on the Seahawks over the past seven years has years. The Seahawks have players such as Cliff cemented his status as one of the NFL’s best Avril, a 31-year-old defensive end whose con- defensive players this decade. tract is up in 2018. They have players such as And that’s why, at the end of this season, it Richard Sherman, a 29-year-old cornerback might be especially hard for fans to say good- who, in addition to coming off his most tu- bye. No, I don’t know what the future holds multuous season yet, also has a deal expiring for Chancellor in Seattle. The strong safety in two years. is signed through the end of this season, and There is no doubt that fans have developed though he has expressed his desire to fi nish his an emotional attachment to the Seahawks’ career as a Seahawk, the team hasn’t off ered core players over what has been the most him an extension. dominant stretch in franchise history. Soon, Teammate Michael Bennett has been vocal however, they may have to adjust to watching about how valuable Chancellor has been to those core players go. the team, and you have to think most 12s are Sunday, training camp begins for one of in agreement. But when it comes to contracts, the more intriguing teams in the NFL. And executives have to have the same mentality as whether it be their running game, the abil- poker players – you leave emotion out of it. ity of their quarterback, or chemistry issues, Here’s what we know about Chancellor: questions surround this group from every Despite his measurable productivity when he angle. One of the chief questions is whether was healthy last year, he did miss four games Chancellor will get his extension, but the due to injury. He missed three due to injury the more time that passes without a deal, the less previous season, and given his bone-crushing likely it looks as though it will happen. approach to every snap, it’s reasonable to as- There has been some debate as to just how sume he won’t be in uniform every Sunday in open the Seahawks’ “window” is. Some think 2017, either. it’s a centimetre or two from closing given the The Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to a three-year contract with forward Conor Sheary (centre) on Sunday to avoid arbitration. Also, the Seahawks went 2-1-1 when Chan- ages of many of their stars, yet ESPN ranked cellor was sidelined in 2016 – and managed to them No. 2 in their recent Future Power Rank- By Jason Mackey Sheary rebounded with two goals and four Sheary and Dumoulin aren’t the only ones, hold the Cardinals to six points in 75 minutes. ings list. Who knows? Maybe their future is Pittsburgh Post-Gazette points in his fi nal seven playoff contests, but either. Matt Murray signed his fi rst big exten- Here’s what else we know about Chancel- bright. But that bright future may not include that slump likely complicated Sheary’s contract sion in October 2016, while Bryan Rust is due a lor: He turns 30 next April. This wouldn’t be many of the players who brought them to situation. Was he really the player who slumped signifi cant pay increase after next year. All four a huge deal if he were a quarterback, place- prominence in the fi rst place. ne of Conor Sheary’s goals was ac- or the one who produced 23 goals, 53 points and were teammates – and close – with Wilkes- kicker or even wide receiver, but when you complished Sunday when he signed a plus-24 rating in 61 regular-season games? Barre/Scranton. “When you’re in Wilkes-Barre, play a position that endures as much pun- a three-year, $9 million contract It resulted in Sheary’s camp fi ling for arbi- you see all the guys in Pittsburgh and the suc- ishment as a strong safety, 30 tends to be the Oextension. Another remains. For as tration, although the Aug. 4 hearing date never cess they have and the contracts they sign,” new 50. So if you’re Seahawks general man- much as Sheary is thrilled for the biggest payday came. And that’s a good thing, as far as Sheary’s Sheary said. “You never really think that’s going ager John Schneider, you’re faced with a di- of his NHL career, he’s also intent on proving concerned. to be you or your teammates. lemma. You’re looking at a guy who played a that his late-season slump was a one-time deal. “I haven’t heard many good things about “To have all of us go through it, and all of us monumental role in leading your team to two “Coming off of last season, I don’t want to what comes of that,” Sheary said of arbitration. get pretty good deals, it’s exciting to see.” straight Super Bowls and has been a corner- have a slump and have everyone think it was a “There can be hard feelings because you’re try- In 105 career regular-season games, Sheary, a stone of the Legion of Boom. You’re looking at one-time thing,” Sheary said. “I want to be con- ing to prove one side or the other. I was glad that 25-year-old native of Winchester, Mass., has 30 a guy whose name has become synonymous sistent in my play. I want to make sure that I we were able to avoid that.” goals and 63 points. This past season, Sheary’s with big hits and clutch plays. You’re looking bring the eff ort and energy to help the team win.” As for the deal itself, Sheary called it “a nice 3.01 points/60 mark during fi ve-on-fi ve play at a guy who may very well have a future in the What Sheary is referring to involved roughly the cushion for myself and my family.” “I think I was was the best of anyone who saw enough ice time Seahawks’ ring of honour. fi rst 15 postseason games, when Sheary record- looking for term more than anything,” Sheary to qualify. Sheary’s best work came on a line And you’re also looking at a guy whose best ed just three assists and was a minus-8. He lost added. “I think we agreed to a pretty good con- with Crosby and Jake Guentzel – Sid and the days may be behind him. Again, I don’t know his spot on Sidney Crosby’s wing, then was a tract for myself and the team. I’m excited.” Kids. During one particular week (ending Jan. what the future holds for Chancellor. It might healthy scratch _ all while looking seriously lost With both Sheary and Brian Dumoulin avoid- 22), Sheary produced six goals and nine points. be impossible to say until we see how he plays at times. It wasn’t an injury issue, Sheary insist- ing arbitration, this is pretty much how this “There was a three- or four-week period this season. ed. The biggest part was mental, specifi cally as whole thing is supposed to work. Get the player there that Sid, Jake and Conor were really spe- But I suspect that between him, Justin Britt it related to his confi dence. young. Develop him. Have him produce at the cial,” Rutherford said. “They were really good and Jimmy Graham – all impact players whose “I think I had the wrong mindset,” Sheary NHL level. Then pay him fair, market value. together.” deals expire this season – Kam will be the one said. “I went into games thinking I was going to “That’s what you hope for,” general manager Why was that? “I think it’s the style of play who ends up becoming a free agent. produce, then I didn’t and was getting down on Jim Rutherford said. “If you’re not paying or that Sid likes – that fast game and quick plays,” The Seahawks don’t have a history of pay- myself. “It’s pretty easy to lose your confi dence keeping a player, then you’re disappointed in Sheary said. “I think both of us can play that ing players “thank you” money. You could that way.” him and you’re not projecting a good future.” game with him. I think he likes that, too.” Gulf Times Tuesday, August 1, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB Pearce walk-off slam saves Blue Jays, stuns Angels Toronto avoid a three-game sweep by Los Angeles with the biggest ninth-inning comeback victory in club history

Reuters last fi ve starts, covering 31 1/3 innings, has been Toronto in trade rumors over the last week. Four relievers picked up the last nine outs, with Trevor Rosenthal striking out the side in teve Pearce hit his second walk-off grand the ninth for his sixth save in eight tries. slam of the week, and Toronto scored Taijuan Walker (6-5) absorbed the loss for Ar- seven runs in the bottom of the ninth in- izona after allowing three runs on four hits and ning to defeat Los Angeles 11-10 in the striking out 10 over 5 2/3 innings. MajorS League Baseball on Sunday Pearce also had a game-ending grand slam on REDS 6, MARLINS 4 Thursday to beat the Oakland Athletics. Toronto Rookie Luis Castillo beat his former organiza- avoided a three-game sweep by Los Angeles tion, and Tucker Barnhart produced a season- with the biggest ninth-inning comeback win in high three RBIs as Cincinnati snapped a six- club history. Ezequiel Carrera and Kevin Pillar game losing streak. The Reds held on despite also homered for the Blue Jays, while Matt Der- Marcell Ozuna’s three-run homer with one out mody (1-0) allowed one run in three innings of in the bottom of the ninth. relief to earn his fi rst major league victory. The Castillo (2-4), traded with two other pros- Angels’ Albert Pujols had two homers, a single pects from the Marlins to Cincinnati in Janu- and four RBIs to end an 0-for-24 drought. ary, lasted a career-high eight innings. He gave up one run on three hits. Dan Straily (7-7), the DODGERS 3, GIANTS 2 (11 INNINGS) player Miami received in the Castillo deal, lost Kyle Farmer, in his fi rst major league at-bat, ri- his third straight start. He yielded two runs in fl ed a pinch-hit double into the right fi eld cor- six innings. ner to score two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning and give Los Angeles a walk-off win over PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 1 San Francisco. Freddy Galvis delivered an RBI single in the bot- The Dodgers completed a three-game sweep tom of the ninth to lift Philadelphia to its second and earned their eighth win in a row. With straight walk-off win over Atlanta. Galvis hit a two on and one out and the Giants leading 2-1, line drive to right fi eld to plate Andrew Knapp, Farmer hit a line drive into the corner off Albert who led off the inning with a double. Suarez (0-1) to score Corey Seager, who had The Phillies loaded the bases with nobody doubled, and Justin Turner, who had been in- out when Ty Kelly walked and Cesar Hernan- tentionally walked. dez reached on a bunt single before Galvis came through. It was the fourth straight win for the WHITE SOX 3, INDIANS 1 Phillies, who are 6-0 against the Braves at home Matt Davidson hit a walk-off , two-run homer as this season. The Braves took a fourth straight Chicago ended Cleveland’s nine-game winning loss and fell for the seventh time in eight games. streak. Davidson homered against reliever Bryan Shaw (4-5) on a 1-1 pitch as the White Sox won A’S 6, TWINS 5 (12 INNINGS) for only the second time in their past 16 games. Yonder Alonso hit a solo walk-off home run Chicago did not collect its fi rst hit until left with one out in the 12th inning, powering Oak- fi elder Leury Garcia smacked a solo home run land past Minnesota. Alonso launched reliever with two outs in the sixth inning, tying the game Tyler Duff ey’s fi rst pitch into the right fi eld seats at 1-1. The White Sox activated Garcia from the for his 22nd home run of the season. 10-day disabled list before the game to take the The Athletics beat Minnesota with a walk-off roster spot of leadoff hitter and off ensive cata- homer for the second straight game. Rajai Davis lyst Melky Cabrera, who was traded to Kansas hit a two-run shot in the ninth inning on Sat- City on Sunday in exchange for two minor urday. Jaycob Brugman and Alonso each had a league pitchers. Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Steve Pearce hits a walk off grand slam home run in the ninth inning during the Major League Baseball against homer and three hits for the A’s. Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) CUBS 4, BREWERS 2 PIRATES 7, PADRES 1 Rookie Victor Caratini hit a go-ahead home combined for fi ve scoreless innings of one-hit faced but left eight Houston runners on base in Howie Kendrick to ground into a double play to Andrew McCutchen had the third three-homer run in the seventh inning to lift Chicago over ball. Corey Dickerson had a two-run single and the fi rst four innings. secure his 33rd save in 34 tries. Ryan Zimmer- game of his career, and Gerrit Cole held San Di- Milwaukee. By taking the rubber match of a Evan Longoria had two hits for the Rays. Verlander is rumored to be a trade target be- man homered twice and drove in four runs for ego to one run on fi ve hits over seven innings as three-game series between the top teams in the fore the Monday deadline. The Tigers broke the the Nationals. Pittsburgh ended its fi ve-game losing streak. National League Central, the Cubs increased ROYALS 5, RED SOX 3 game open with three runs in the sixth, chasing McCutchen homered in the fi rst off Clayton their lead to 2 1/2 games over the second-place Alex Gordon smashed a two-run triple to cap Lance McCullers Jr.(7-3), who gave up at least NATIONALS 3, ROCKIES 1 (GAME 2) Richard (5-12).Then he went deep in the eighth Brewers. a four-run eighth inning as Kansas City rallied four runs in his fourth straight start. Edwin Jackson pitched seven strong innings, and and ninth off Jose Torres, the third homer hit- Caratini was in the Cubs’ lineup at fi rst base past Boston. Gordon’s heroics were preceded McCullers Jr. allowed eight hits, walked four, Adam Lind and Brian Goodwin both homered in ting the right fi eld foul pole. in place of Anthony Rizzo, who was unable to by a game-tying, two-run, bases-loaded sin- struck out four and was charged with fi ve runs the fi fth inning as Washington defeated Colo- Cole (9-7) issued two walks and hit a batter play because of back stiff ness. gle from Alcides Escobar, who had three RBIs in fi ve innings. rado to salvage of the doubleheader. while striking out eight. Normally the backup catcher, Caratini fell be- to help the Royals take the rubber match of the Jackson (2-1) matched his longest outing of hind 0-2 before fouling off a pair of pitches and three-game series. ROCKIES 10, NATIONALS 6 (GAME 1) the season, allowing a run on four hits and two MARINERS 9, METS 1 taking a ball before drilling a fastball from Zach Rafael Devers clubbed his fi rst career homer Colorado blasted Washington’s Erick Fedde in walks. He struck out six while lowering his ERA James Paxton pitched six scoreless innings and Davies (12-5) out to dead center fi eld for his fi rst at Fenway, a solo shot, and his second since his his major league debut, scoring seven runs off to 2.84 in three starts for the Nationals. Ryan set a franchise record as Seattle defeated New major league home run. major league debut last Tuesday after Boston the right-hander en route to a victory in the Madson pitched a perfect eighth inning, and York. Paxton (11-3) allowed six hits, didn’t walk brought him up from Triple-A Pawtucket. The opener of a day-night doubleheader. Nolan Are- Sean Doolittle retired the Rockies in order in the a batter and struck out eight as the Mariners RAYS 5, YANKEES 3 Red Sox have lost seven of their past 10 games. nado and DJ LeMahieu had three hits and two ninth to earn his third save with the Nationals. won two of three in the series. Jacob Faria and fi ve relievers combined on a RBIs apiece for the Rockies. Paxton broke the team mark for most victo- four-hitter as Tampa Bay salvaged the fi nale of TIGERS 13, ASTROS 1 Kyle Freeland (11-7) pitched fi ve innings to CARDINALS 3, DIAMONDBACKS 2 ries in a month by a pitcher. He fi nished July 6-0 the four-game series with New York. Faria did Justin Upton hit a grand slam and tied a career earn the victory, breaking a tie with teammate Lance Lynn checked Arizona on two runs over with a 1.37 ERA, with 46 strikeouts and six walks not qualify for the win after allowing three runs best with six RBIs, and Miguel Cabrera hit a Antonio Senzatela for the most wins among six innings in St. Louis’ victory. Lynn (9-6) gave in 39 1/3 innings. Nelson Cruz launched a three- and three hits in four-plus innings. milestone RBI double in Detroit’s rout of Hou- major league rookies. Colorado’s Greg Holland up four hits and issued a season-high fi ve walks, run shot into the upper deck in left fi eld off Mets Sergio Romo, Dan Jennings, Steve Cishek (2- ston. Justin Verlander (6-7) pitched six score- entered with the bases loaded in the ninth, and striking out three. starter Seth Lugo (5-3) in the fi rst inning, and 1), Tommy Hunter and Alex Colome (30th save) less innings. He retired the last seven batters he after allowing Anthony Rendon’s RBI single, got Lynn, who has allowed only four runs in his Leonys Martin homered in the second.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Beltre notches 3,000th career hit Hall of Fame inductees say AFP perseverance made it possible Los Angeles AFP New York exas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre joined Major League Base- ball’s exclusive 3,000-hit club on im Raines, enshrined in Sunday with a double in the fourth the Baseball Hall of Fame Tinning of a 10-6 loss to the Baltimore Ori- in Cooperstown, New oles. Beltre, 38, is the 31st major leaguer, and York, on Sunday after the the fi rst from the Dominican Republic, to Tmaximum 10 years on the ballot, post 3,000 hits in a career. was a fi tting fi nal speaker at Sun- Beltre, a 20-year major league veteran day’s induction ceremonies. who has played with the Los Angeles Dodg- But Raines wasn’t alone among ers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and the fi ve newest Hall of Famers to Rangers, has a.286 career batting average cite perseverance and persist- (from left) Bud Selig, Ivan Rodriguez, John Schuerhotz, Tim Raines and 454 home runs. He is now one of just 10 ence in putting them among the and Jeff Bagwell pose with their Hall of Fame plagues. players to amass at least 3,000 hits and at game’s greats. Raines was joined least 400 homers. by fellow former players Jeff necticut, said he listened to his ers in baseball history and the He had moved within one of the milestone Bagwell and Ivan Rodriguez as parents’ advice to never quit — position’s leader in hits (2,844), on Saturday night, when he then missed two well as two-time World Series- on or off the fi eld — as he tried to games caught (2,427) and Gold chances at hit No. 3,000. He struck out in his winning general manager John realize his dream of playing for Gloves (13), mostly with the Tex- fi rst at-bat on Sunday, but with the Rangers Schuerholz and former Major the hometown Boston Red Sox. as Rangers. “Well, look at me,” an trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth he League Baseball commissioner “I wish I had quit a couple of jobs emotional Rodriguez said.”The swung on a 3-0 pitch from Orioles pitcher Bud Selig in entering the Hall. that I had,” Bagwell said — re- kid hanging from that rope, the Wade Miley and hit a hard ground ball past Raines, who ranks fourth all- calling a dishwashing job in par- kid they called Pudge — I am third base for a stand-up double. time in stolen bases (808) and ticular. “Sometimes I probably here on this stage in this special The game halted briefl y as the Rangers is among the top 50 all-time in should have quit baseball, too,” place, this baseball heaven called celebrated the achievement and Beltre was Texas Rangers' Adrian Beltre runs down the first base line on his 3,000th Major League hit walks and times reached base, is said Bagwell, but he parlayed a Cooperstown.” congratulated on the fi eld by his teammates with a double against the Baltimore Orioles in Arlington, Texas. (USA TODAY Sports) the fi rst player to be inducted in 1990 trade from the Red Sox to Selig, owner of the Milwau- and his family. Fans had their phones out, his fi nal year of eligibility on the the Astros into a 15-season career kee Brewers before taking on the recording the moment and roaring their special for a number of reasons.” Whether that happens or not, the 3,000- baseball writers’ ballot since Jim in Houston, where he batted.297 role of commissioner from 1992- approval. Beltre is the fi rst player to reach The only other active player in the 3,000- hit milestone almost guarantees Beltre’s Rice, who was elected in his 15th with 449 homers and 202 stolen 2014, led the game through a 3,000 hits while in a Rangers uniform and hit club is the Miami Marlins’ Japanese out- election to the shrine after he retires. That, try in 2009. “I’ve been asked that bases. period that included the season- the fi rst to reach the plateau during a game fi elder Ichiro Suzuki, who is tied for 22nd however, could well be years away, given the question for the past 10 years: Rodriguez, nicknamed Pudge killing strike of 1994 and the in- at the team’s ballpark in Arlington, Texas. all-time with Hall of Famer Craig Biggio at way Beltre has played since recovering from ‘What is the reason why you because of his diminutive stat- fl ux of performance enhancing “I think it’s one of those days that as a 3,060. Beltre’s 3,000th hit came on the same nagging calf injuries in spring training. “I haven’t gotten in?’” Raines said. ure, recalled trying to make him- drugs. “The 1994 strike was the Ranger, you’ll forever remember that this is, afternoon as former Rangers’ catcher Pudge don’t see any diff erence from last year or “Thank God I don’t have to an- self taller as a child by hanging most painful experience of my on the calendar year, Ranger Day,” Rangers Rodriguez was inducted into the Baseball the year before,” Banister said of Beltre.”He swer that question anymore.” from a rope. He ended up as one life,” said Selig, who drew some manager Jeff Banister said. "Yeah, it’s pretty Hall of Fame. seems, at times, ageless.” Bagwell, who grew up in Con- of the best all-around catch- boos during his speech. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, August 1, 2017 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT China’s Dou earns Vegas retains Canadian historic PGA card AFP low Chinese Zhang Xinjun have Shanghai been travelling together this season and trying and earn their tour card. “It’s going to be pretty Open with playoff win ou Zecheng could big,” added Dou after the career- scarcely believe it as he changing victory. became the fi rst Chi- “We’ve been talking to the nese golfer to earn a Chinese media this year about a Vegas edges American Hoff man after both finish 72 holes on 21-under par 267 prizedD PGA Tour card, saying his Chinese player potentially get- rise to the world’s richest circuit ting to the PGA Tour, how soon was “going to be pretty big.” will they get their card. And I just It completes a historic month did it here. It just happened.” for Chinese golf after Li Haotong With rain washing out the fi rst fi nished third at the British Open day’s play on Thursday, the last at Royal Birkdale — China’s best two rounds were held back-to- performance in a men’s major. back on a marathon Sunday and Li’s remarkable 63 in his fi nal Dou made his charge early at the round saw him mentioned as a Nicklaus Golf Club at Lions Gate. future major-winner, but the He fl irted with a course record slight Dou — also known as Mar- during a third round of 61 before ty — stole the limelight on Sun- coolly closing out the win with day when the 20-year-old won a 66, fi nishing with a 25-un- the Digital Ally Open in Kansas der total of 259, three ahead of on the Web.com Tour. second-placed Americans Kyle He was the fi rst Chinese player Thompson, Luke Guthrie and to win on the tour, which is the Billy Kennerly. development competition for the Born in China’s heartland PGA, but his three-stroke vic- province of Henan but raised in tory came with an even greater Vancouver for part of his child- prize. “I was talking to my team hood, Dou turned professional and I didn’t know if I needed to at 17, electing to forgo university keep practising or get more ex- and return to his homeland to perience on the Web.com Tour hone his career. instead of trying to get to the Chinese golf has been hit hard PGA Tour so fast,” the fresh- by the ruling Communist Party’s faced Dou said. “I never thought crackdown on corruption, with I could win this year.” dozens of courses forced to close Dou, who only turned pro in in recent years. 2014 and has competed in the The PGA Tour China, a circuit PGA Tour China in the past few that off ers promising Chinese seasons, also banked a cheque golfers like Dou a chance to win of $117,000 with the Kansas a Web.com card, has struggled win. “It’s a big honour to repre- to get approvals for its tourna- sent China and come play in the ments, its managing director United States,” said Dou, who told US media in May. China speaks excellent English after has only a few hundred cours- spending more than fi ve years in es, most with exorbitant green Vancouver, where he took up golf fees well beyond the budget of seriously. “Playing and learn- common people. But a number Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela poses with his wife Hildegard and daughter Sharlene after winning the Canadian Open in Oakville, Canada on Sunday. (AFP) ing from the best, competing of the country’s young golfers and earning my tour card, it feels have continued to make steady AFP proved hospitable. “It’s magic, to be hon- people that way when they don’t deserve Charley Hoff man 68-66-65-68 amazing right now.” in-roads on the world’s leading Montreal est,” he said after capturing his third PGA it just to remain in power.” 268 - Ian Poulter (ENG) 67-69-68-64 The bespectacled Dou and fel- tours. Tour title. But Vegas was able to keep his mind on 269 - Gary Woodland 70-63-68-68 “I knew that I had to shoot a good the job, and closed with a seven-under 270 - Brandon Hagy 65-68-69-68, Tony Finau enezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas round today to have a chance to win par 65 to overtake third-round leader 69-67-66-68, birdied the fi rst playoff hole again. I just came out with an aggressive Hoff man. Hoff man was on the green in Robert Garrigus 70-69-62-69 on Sunday to win the US PGA mentality, just feeling really good about two at 18 in regulation, needing an ea- 271 - Dustin Johnson 67-69-68-67, Kevin Tour’s Canadian Open for the my game. When I started making a few gle to win. He fi nished with a birdie that Chappell 65-69-66-71 Vsecond straight year. Vegas edged Ameri- birdies, especially the putt for birdie on capped a 68 and forced the playoff . 272 - Sean O’Hair 69-68-70-65, Seamus can Charley Hoff man after both finished seven, I started feeling the same chills Vegas, who started the round three Power (IRL) 68-70-68-66, James Hahn 66-73- 72 holes on 21-under par 267. that I felt last year when I won, and I just shots off the lead, had powered up the 67-66, Andres Gonzales 67-69-66-70 Vegas was in a bunker and off the green knew that something good could happen leaderboard with six birdies in his fi rst 273 - Keegan Bradley 67-69-72-65, Vijay as the playoff opened at the par-fi ve 18th if I kept that going.” 11 holes. He had taken the lead with a Singh (FIJ) 66-68-71-68, J.B. Holmes 67-70- at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario. But In the midst of his title defense, Vegas birdie at 16, but couldn’t fi nd a birdie that 68-68, C.T. Pan (THA) 72-66-67-68, Matt Vegas chipped his third shot inches from said he’d been keeping an eye on the tur- would have given him more of a cushion Every 65-68-70-70 the hole and tapped in for the win. moil in Venezuela, where deadly violence at the par-fi ve fi nishing hole. England’s 274 - Kramer Hickok 67-71-67-69, Martin “I knew I had to stay aggressive,” Vegas marred elections to choose members of a Ian Poulter was alone in third after fi r- Flores 66-66-72-70, Tyrone Van Aswegen said of the near-disaster out of the bun- powerful assembly that President Nico- ing eight birdies in his eight-under 64 for (RSA) 66-70-67-71, Sam Saunders 68-67-67-72 ker. “I knew I could pull off the shot. A lit- las Maduro has tasked with writing a new 268. American Gary Woodland carded a 275 - Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-67-71-68, Chez tle lucky, to be honest,” he added. “Some- constitution. “It’s always on my mind,” fi nal-round 68 for 269. Reavie 67-69-69-70, Harold Varner 69-65-69- times you need that to win.” the US-based golfer said. “I have family 72, Rory Sabbatini (RSA) 70-66-67-72 Vegas, one of the longest drivers on that live there. It’s my country of birth. LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES 276 - David Lingmerth (SWE) 67-70-68-71, tour, arrived in Canada having missed It hurts a lot, seeing the country the (x-wins at first playoff hole, USA unless noted) Nick Watney 68-69-68-71, Smylie Kaufman fi ve straight cuts, but Glen Abbey again way it is, seeing a government that treats 267 - x-Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 66-69-67-65, 66-71-68-71 Dou Zecheng won the Digital Ally Open on the Web.com Tour.

TENNIS McIlroy fi res long-time caddie Isner clinches fourth ATP Atlanta title Cary, North Carolina: Rory McIlroy has sacked his long-time caddie JP Fitzgerald, a source familiar AFP with the matter told Reuters on Sunday, ending Washington a partnership that took the Northern Irishman to four major titles and the top of the world rankings. McIlroy will have a new caddie on his bag at the ohn Isner claimed his fourth ATP World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitation- Atlanta title on Sunday, saving a al this week after ending his nine-year relationship set-point in both sets en route to a with his fellow Irishman, the source, who did not 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7) win over Ryan want to be named, said. There was no immedi- Harrison.J Second-seeded American Isner ate response from McIlroy’s management to an notched his second ATP title in as many e-mailed request for comment late on Sunday. weeks afer lifting the trophy in Newport last Phil Mickelson parted ways with his caddie week. Atlanta was the perfect place for him Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay earlier this month after a to keep the momentum going. Isner, who 25-year partnership that netted the American five has reached the fi nal in seven of eight edi- major titles. Fitzgerald’s sacking, which McIlroy tions of the tournament, added a fourth title is expected to confirm on his arrival at Firestone Rory McIlroy (right) and JP Fitzgerald won four to those he won in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Country Club in Akron, Ohio, comes barely a week major championships during their time together. Harrison, seeded fourth, was denied a John Isner reacts after defeating Ryan Harrison to win the Atlanta Open. (AFP) after he publicly thanked his bagman for jolting second career ATP title, to go with his vic- him into gear when he made a poor start to the who delivered some blunt words to his boss after tory in Memphis in February. “There wasn’t broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set. But and went on to seal the victory his second British Open. the Northern Irishman started the tournament much that separated us at all,” Isner said. Isner broke back immediately, and they held match point with a forehand winner up the McIlroy, who won his last major at the 2014 with a string of bogeys. “So I’m happy to win that match in straight serve to another tiebreaker. line. “It was a battle and took every ounce of US PGA Championship, employed Fitzgerald in After fighting back to shoot one-over 71 in the sets... very happy to win today.” Harrison made Isner work for it, saving a my energy out there,” Isner said.”Just more 2008 shortly after turning professional. The pair first round, McIlroy told reporters that Fitzgerald Both players held serve throughout the match point with a forehand winner before importantly, I’m so happy to win this tour- enjoyed a brilliantly successful partnership as had done a “great job”. It now looks like the British opening set to force the tiebreaker, in which giving himself a set-point at 7-6. “We’ve nament again.” McIlroy took over from Tiger Woods as the game’s Open was Fitzgerald’s swan song with McIlroy, Isner faced a set-point at 5-6 but saved it both got that competitive side where we With the victory, Isner will move ahead dominant force and became world number one. who flirted with contention in the final round with a booming serve. He then converted a want to dig in and win,” Harrison said. “I of Jack Sock as the top-ranked US player. “He has taken me from 200 in the world to ma- before finishing equal fourth. set-point of his own at 7-6 with a forehand think there were times for each of us where “It feels pretty good for sure,” he said. “I’ve jor champion,” McIlroy said of Fitzgerald in 2011. Forbes estimated that Fitzgerald earned winner. Harrison ended Isner’s run of 75 things got a little frustrating, but we’re real- been the top American for the better part At the British Open at Royal Birkdale earlier this $1.65mn from his cut of McIlroy’s prize money straight service holds — dating back to last ly good friends so I really like John as a guy.” of six years now, so to be back in that spot month, McIlroy again heaped praise on Fitzgerald, over the 12 months to June this year. week’s Newport tournament — when he His friend Isner responded with an ace, is cool.”

FOCUS Novak Djokovic. Djokovic drops a place to fi ft h in ATP rankings AFP high eighth. Argentina’s Leonardo May- who moved up 17 places to 39th on the Djokovic (SRB) 5,325 (-1) ; 6. Marin Cilic Paris er was the biggest mover, up 89 places to back of victory in Bastad. (CRO) 5,155; 7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,065; 49th following his victory in the Ham- There was almost no change in the 8. Alexander Zverev (GER) 3,150 (+3); 9. Kei burg Open. And there was consolation top 20 meaning Czech Karolina Pliskova Nishikori (JPN) 3,140 (-1); 10. Milos Raonic ovak Djokovic dropped one for German beaten fi nalist Florian May- maintained the No.1 spot with a lead (CAN) 3,130 (-1) place to fi fth with Stanislas er, who still moved up 45 spots to 56th. of almost 1,000 points over Romania’s Wawrinka moving up to fourth Briton Andy Murray ramins top ahead of Simona Halep. Wimbledon champion TOP 10 WTA RANKINGS: 1. Karolína in the ATP rankings published Rafael Nadal with Roger Federer third. Garbine Muguruza is fourth with preg- Plísková (CZE) 6,751pts; 2. Simona Halep Nyesterday. Former world number one nant former world number one Serena (ROM) 5,770; 3. Angelique Kerber (GER) Djokovic will likely fall further by the PENG CLIMBS SEVEN PLACES Williams 15th. 5,626; 4. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 4,991; end of the year as he has already an- TO CLOSE ON TOP 20 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,935; 6. Caroline nounced he will not play again this sea- Victory in the Jiangxi Open on Sunday TOP TEN ATP RANKINGS: 1. Andy Mur- Wozniacki (DEN) 4,860; 7. Johanna Konta son due to an elbow injury. saw China’s Peng Shuai close in on the ray (GBR) 7,750pts; 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) (GBR) 4,665; 8. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) The main move saw German Alexan- top 20 in the WTA rankings. The biggest 7,465; 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,545; 4. 4,410; 9. Venus Williams (USA) 4,052; 10. der Zverev climb three places to a career mover was Czech Keterina Siniakova, Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 5,780 (+1); 5. Novak Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 3,940. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 1, 2017 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar fi nish 9th in Asian Volleyball Los Angeles in Championship

QNA rdi said achieving the ninth place was Surabaya far from the team’s ambition but the injuries that hit the team made it ex- tremely diffi cult. atar’s national volleyball Giaccardi said the focus now is on deal to host 2028 team took ninth place in the working to avoid the mistakes that 2017 Asian Men’s Volleyball emerged during the Asian tournament Championship, currently and to treat the injured players so that Qunderway in the Indonesian city of the team are physically and techni- Surabaya after beating Vietnam 3-1 in cally ready for the World League. the ninth place playoff . For his part, assistant coach Ali The y won 25-18, 25-22, 16-25 and Ishaq expressed his satisfaction over 25-15 as The Maroon wrapped up a the team’s performance in light of the Olympic Games diffi cult tournament that saw four of diffi cult circumstances in terms of in- their main players injured. juries that aff ected the performances. The team will kick off preparations Ishaq said the focus now is on the for the Volleyball World League 2017 World League, which the coaching Path cleared for Paris to host event in 2024, the 100th in Iran, which starts on Aug. 10. The staff aims for the team to be ready for, squad will leave Jakarta and head to adding that the Asian championship Turkey for a closed camp ahead of the is over and preparations will start for anniversary of the 1924 Games in the French capital World League. the Volleyball World League 2017 in Italian coach Massimiliano Giacca- Iran.

This file photo taken on May 11, 2017 shows facilities on the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus FORMULA ONE which will host the Athlete’s Village and provide training facilities for a number of sports, including tennis. McLaren set engine deadline amid Renault speculation

Reuters Honda’s power unit has been beset Budapest with problems since the partnership started in 2015, the engine neither reli- able nor competitive. cLaren say the next fi ve Hungary, the slowest permanent weeks will be the key to circuit on the calendar, reduced those deciding which engine shortcomings, but the next two races in Mthey will use next season, Belgium and Italy are two of the fastest, with speculation mounting that the where engine horsepower is of critical former world champions could ditch importance. Honda and switch to Renault. McLaren are Honda’s sole team in Chief operating offi cer Jonathan Formula One. A proposed partnership Neale told Reuters at the Hungarian with Sauber terminated last week with Grand Prix that “everybody is talking the Swiss team choosing to stay with to everybody”, but time was running Ferrari. out. A split from McLaren could force “We’ve got to land those decisions the Japanese manufacturer out of the in the next four or fi ve weeks,” he said, sport, but Neale hinted at an alterna- speaking from a design perspective and tive. because drivers like McLaren’s Fern- “You’ll have seen the media specula- ando Alonso were waiting to see what tion that there’s discussions with Toro AFP The deal also will bring the Sum- Games”. overcome, with Los Angeles need- engines teams had before committing Rosso,” he said. Los Angeles mer Olympics to Los Angeles for a The possibility that Los Angeles ing to make sure fi nancial deals it had to new deals. Toro Rosso use Renault engines, but third time, after the city staged the would abandon a 2024 bid and ac- secured for 2024 would still be viable “I think there is a solution out there for a switch to Honda — which could bring Games in 1932 and 1984. cept the 2028 Games instead has been four years later. everybody and I hope it’s one that will be welcome funding to a team whose Red os Angeles has agreed terms Los Angeles bid committee of- growing since the IOC decided in July Details of the agreement were not able to retain Fernando in this team.” Bull parent has considered a sale in the with Olympic offi cials on a fi cials did not immediately confi rm that it would award both the 2024 immediately available, and it was not McLaren scored their fi rst double- past — would free the French units for deal to host the 2028 Sum- any agreement had been reached, and 2028 Games in a vote in Lima in clear if LA 2024 had been able to se- points fi nish of the season in Budapest McLaren. mer Games, city offi cials told but an announcement from the In- September — eff ectively ensuring cure any additional funding or fi nan- on Sunday with double world cham- The Renault engine has won a race AFPL yesterday — clearing the way for ternational Olympic Committee was that the two candidates will each host cial concessions to off set any con- pion Alonso fi nishing sixth, a day after this season with Red Bull and could Paris to host the Olympics in 2024. expected today at a press confer- a Games. cerns raised by the delay. his 36th birthday, and Belgian Stoff el satisfy Alonso, who won both his titles Paris, Los Angeles’ only rival in ence with mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti The United States last hosted the Vandoorne 10th. with the French manufacturer. bidding for 2024, would then host the bid chief Casey Wasserman “to make said last week that the city “would be Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996, The nine points lifted McLaren off The other alternatives to Honda are Olympics on the 100th anniversary of an announcement about the City’s stupid” not to agree to host in 2028. while the Winter Games were held in the bottom of the standings just before Mercedes and Ferrari, but Neale rec- the 1924 Paris Games. bid for the Olympic and Paralympic But there were some hurdles to be Salt Lake City in 2002. the August break and factory shut- ognised that putting a Ferrari engine in down, a result that Neale compared to a McLaren, the Italian team’s historic scoring a goal before half time. arch-rivals, was highly unlikely. INITIATIVE Alonso’s future is a key concern, with “I’m hoping that by the time we the Spaniard out of contract and saying get through September, we’ll be able McLaren need to provide a competitive to come out and say something more NBA star Biyombo praises Generation Amazing’s car to keep him. publicly,” said Neale. football for development programme BOXING

QNA recently, Syria. Doha Spending time in Jordan reminded Bismack Biyombo of his own expe- riences while growing up in Africa asketball star Bismack Biyo- Spending time in Jordan reminded Biy- Beaten Zou mbo has praised Generation ombo, 24, of his own experiences while Amazing’s football for devel- growing up in Africa. Bopment programme during a “I could see myself a few years back recent visit to Al Baqaa refugee camp in some of these kids,” he explained. in Jordan. “Travelling to Jordan reminded me that vows to win Generation Amazing is the Supreme not everyone has the same opportuni- Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s ties in life. (SC) fl agship CSR initiative and cur- Opportunities vary depending on rently operational in fi ve countries. which part of the world you grow up Since its launch in 2010, it has directly in.” back title benefi ted more than 30,000 vulnerable Biyombo continued: “I just hope to people. be able to inspire and spread the im- AFP Zou, whose professional The programme in Jordan is man- portance of learning through sports Shanghai record now stands 9-2 (two KOs), aged by Generation Amazing’s delivery and play. I want to use my story and might be in the twilight of his partner, Right To Play, and as a new personal experience of growing up in career at 36 but he still wants Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, the DR Congo and achieving my dream to hinese boxing star Zou his belt back 6ft 7in Orlando Magic centre recently play in the NBA, to inspire kids around Shiming vowed yesterday to attended an all-girls session at the the world, regardless of the conditions “fi ght until my last breath” nant form of a hugely successful ama- camp. Afterwards, he said Generation they grow up in.” to recover the title he lost in teur career that included two Olympic Amazing is having a life-changing im- Rosa D’Alessandro, the SCs CSR ShanghaiC when he was knocked out in golds and three world titles. Bismack Biyombo pictured with girls during his visit to the Al Baqaa refugee pact on participants. camp in Jordan. International Project Manager, add- his fi rst defence of the WBO fl yweight Zou was too clever for the less ex- Biyombo, from DR Congo, said: ed: “Its great to see that Generation crown. perienced Kimura, 28, in the early “The fi rst thing that struck me was the as I can see why such an initiative can make it easier for girls to use the facil- Amazing participants at Al Baqaa were Two-time Olympic gold medal- rounds of Friday’s bout but the Japa- amazing energy all the kids and coach- have a life-changing impact on a kids ity, unrestricted by social and cultural inspired by Bismacks visit. His jour- list Zou was a strong favourite to beat nese — a part-time restaurant worker es had. Football, and sport in general, life.” pressures. ney shows whats possible if you have a Sho Kimura on Friday, but he ran out — kept coming forward and refused to are not accessible to everyone, and see- Generation Amazing launched its Al Two on-site Generation Amaz- dream and work hard to achieve it. of juice as the fi ght wore on and the be put off by a nasty wound he sus- ing these young girls getting a chance Baqaa programme in 2015 by building a ing ambassadors have helped to train “Bismack understands the power of younger Japanese silenced a rowdy tained above one eye. to participate, cheer for each other, football pitch and implementing foot- young people at the camp, which is sport and its ability to change peoples home crowd with an 11th-round up- Kimura, who improved to 15-1- compete and lead was really refreshing. ball for development training sessions. home to more than 100,000 refugees, lives. This is what Generation Amazing set victory. Zou, whose professional 2 (eight KOs), unleashed a fl urry of “I hope the programme continues The pitch was developed indoors to historically from Palestine and more is all about.” record now stands 9-2 (two KOs), punches in the 11th that stunned Zou, might be in the twilight of his career sending him to the canvas. at 36 but he still wants his belt back. Zou, who was promoting himself “I believe in fate, but am not re- for the fi rst time after parting with US Brazilian di Grassi wins season three Formula E title signed to it. I will go on fi ghting un- promoters Top Rank, was left in tears til my last breath,” he posted early on in the ring. Reuters Audi Sport, in a race won by Frenchman Jean-Eric mitments, was disqualifi ed from race one on Sat- Monday on Weibo, China’s equivalent His wife Ran Yingying, a former Montreal Vergne, to end with 181 points. urday for an underweight car. He was then caught of Twitter. television presenter who is heavily in- He became his country’s second champion in in a fi rst corner collision on Sunday before fi nish- “A man must keep fi ghting to re- volved in her husband’s new promo- the electric series after Nelson Piquet, who won ing 13th. cover what he has lost.” tion company, sent a similarly defi ant razilian Lucas di Grassi became the third the inaugural 2014-15 title. His Renault eDams team did take the team title Zou won the vacant World Boxing message in the early hours Monday on diff erent Formula E champion in three Outgoing champion Buemi, who had been 10 for the third time in a row, however. Organization (WBO) fl yweight belt Weibo. years on Sunday, winning the 2016-17 ti- points clear before coming to Montreal, was run- Di Grassi, who won only two races to Buemi’s in November in Las Vegas, but since “At dawn I heard a steadfast pledge. tle in the fi nal race in Montreal while rival ner-up with 157 points after a nightmare weekend. six, was tearful at the fi nish after a dream come turning professional in 2013 he has I also want to say: I believe in you, and SebastienB Buemi failed to score. The Swiss, who had to miss two races in New true. He had fi nished third in the fi rst Formula E largely failed to replicate the domi- I know you.” The ex-Formula One driver fi nished seventh for York due to World Endurance Championship com- season and second in the next.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SWIMMING FORMULA ONE A star is born as Vettel in fi ne fettle Dressel makes big for August break Reuters “It’s what I dream about, to be Budapest honest. I want to win so that’s splash at Worlds where you want to be,” he told reporters on Sunday when asked ebastian Vettel will enjoy whether the season so far had Dressel claimed his seventh of the week in the men’s 4x100m medley relay on Formula One’s August been more than he could have break as championship dreamed of after a barren 2016. Sunday to match Phelps’ record tally from the 2007 world championships leader but the Ferrari “The mission has been to get driverS knows the job is only half back to the top so obviously we done and it will not get any easier had a great year, I’m only two and in the months ahead. a half years in with the team,” he The German, a four-times added. world champion with Red Bull, “Over the winter I think we is unlikely to spend the vacation were the team that made the fretting about his future, how- least noise... I was very happy ever. that we just worked, we just kept Out of contract at the end of to ourselves and did the job. We the season, Vettel’s comments have a great car.” after winning in Hungary on Hungary, a slow circuit like Sunday did not sound like those Monaco where Ferrari also ex- of a man expecting anything celled, is very diff erent from the other than a continued spell at next two high-speed races — Spa Maranello. in Belgium and the fl at out blast Reports in Italy have al- of Italy’s venerable Monza cir- ready suggested that Ferrari, cuit. the sport’s most successful and Mercedes dominated in simi- glamorous team, will confi rm lar circumstances at Silver- both Vettel and Finnish team stone, where Hamilton savoured mate Kimi Raikkonen at their a home win, and the Briton can home Italian Grand Prix in Sep- hope to level the points tally by tember. the end of the fi rst week of Sep- Vettel has now won four of 11 tember. races this season, making 2017 He too will go away to recharge his best season with Ferrari, and his batteries for the battle ahead, has led the championship from ready to deny Vettel a fi fth title day one in Australia. and secure his own fourth. He is 14 points clear of Lewis “I defi nitely think it’s come at Hamilton, who shared the lead a good time,” he said of the break. with him briefl y after China in “It’s defi nitely been a diffi cult April but gifted Vettel three ex- season up to now. tra points on Sunday by handing “This break I think will be re- back third place to his Mercedes ally good for everyone to spend team mate Valtteri Bottas. some time with family, recharge Vettel does not have to worry and come back fresh. I truly be- about such displays of sports- lieve we have the capability of manship, the 30-year-old a clear winning this championship. Caeleb Dressel of the USA. number one at Ferrari, and can “But it’s going to take abso- be single-minded about the re- lutely 100 % of everyone’s eff ort AFP den’s sprint queen Sarah Sjostrom. maining nine rounds. to pull it off .” Budapest Dressel’s performances have been the World championships in numbers icing on the cake for the USA, who fi n- ished with 38 swimming medals in Buda- Budapest: The swimming section ith Michael Phelps back in pest — over fi ve times more than nearest of the world aquatic championships The amount of world gold med- retirement, Caeleb Dres- rivals Britain, who have seven. 14 sel stepped out of his idol’s Katie Ledecky also made history in Bu- finished on Sunday. Here is a look back als Katie Ledecky of the USA has in her shadow to match the US dapest as she fi nished with 14 world golds at the eight-day event in numbers: collection. The 20-year-old won five in Wlegend’s tally of seven golds at the world in her career to eclipse Missy Franklin, Budapest after winning four at Barcelona championships in Budapest. who has 11, as the most decorated female in 2013 and five in Kazan two years ago. Dressel became the fi rst swimmer to in championships history. 7 The number of gold medals Caeleb win three world gold medals in one ses- The 20-year-old freestyle queen won Dressel of the USA won in Budapest, sion on Saturday, then claimed his seventh fi ve golds, but by her own admission the equalling Michael Phelps’ record set The number of individual world of the week in the men’s 4x100m medley medal which stood out was her silver in 6 at the 2007 world championships in records which fell at the Budapest cham- relay on Sunday to match Phelps’ record the 200m freestyle — her fi rst defeat in 15 tally from the 2007 world championships. fi nals at a worlds, spanning three champi- Melbourne. Dressel’s haul includes pionships. Britain’s Adam Peaty, who Dressel’s tally includes three individ- onships. three individual titles in the 50m, 100m broke the men’s 50m breaststroke twice, ual titles in the 50m, 100m freestyle and “That will light some fi re under me for freestyle and 100m butterfly, plus relay and Sarah Sweden’s Sjostorm, who broke 100m butterfl y, plus four relays golds in the next couple of years,” said Ledecky af- golds in the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m the women’s 50m and 100m freestyle the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m mixed ter losing to Italy’s Federica Pellegrini over mixed freestyle, 4x100m mixed medley records, took two apiece. Lilly King freestyle, 4x100m mixed medley and 200m. and 4x100m medley. of the USA broke the women’s 100m Sunday’s 4x100m medley. Sjostrom underlined her status as the breaststroke record, while Canada’s It put him level with US legends like world’s best sprinter with freestyle world Phelps, Ryan Lochte, who won fi ve worlds records over 50m and 100m. Kylie Masse bettered the women’s 100m golds in 2011, and Mark Spitz, who win Sjostrom also set a new world record in 98 The number of minutes it took backstroke time. seven golds at the 1972 Olympics in Mu- the semi-fi nals of the 50m freestyle with a for Dressel to win three world gold med- nich. “This is probably one of the top-fi ve time of 23.67sec bettering the old mark of als on Saturday night. He won the men’s best swim meets ever by an American male 23.73sec set by Germany’s Britta Steff en in 50 freestyle and 100m butterfly finals in 0.01 The margin of defeat in — the other four going to Michael Phelps 2009. “I’m really happy I could erase one quick succession, then helped the USA seconds which cost China’s Fu Yuanhui and Ryan Lochte,” said the USA’s Olympic of those textile-suit records,” said Sjos- quartet in the mixed 4x100m freestyle gold in the women’s 50m backstroke backstroke champion Ryan Murphy. trom. “A lot of people thought those times HORSE RACING “To be in that company is no small from 2009 would be impossible to beat.” relay. final behind Brazil’s Etiene Medeiros achievement, hopefully this is just the Sjostrom claimed two of the seven in- No swimmer had ever won three golds in beginning for him and he can have a really dividual world records which fell at these one session before at a world champion- great career.” world championships. ships. 2 The number of years since teenage Preparations for Dressel’s feat — especially his jaw- British lionheart Adam Peaty claimed refugee swimmer Yusra Mardini slept dropping treble of golds over 98 min- two in one day when he smashed his own rough for a week in a Budapest train utes on Saturday night — is all the more 50m breaststroke in last Tuesday’s heats The age of Bahraini teenager station, temporarily stranded on her Qatar Goodwood remarkable given that he was virtually and then again in the evening’s semi-fi - 13 unheard of, even in the swimming com- nals when he became the fi rst swimmer to Ritaj Amin, the youngest swimmer at journey from Syria to Germany. Last munity, before these Budapest champion- go under 26 seconds. these championships, who raced in the week the 19-year-old Syrian returned Festival complete ships. The 22-year-old was peerless as he de- women’s 50m freestyle and butterfly to the Hungarian capital in diff erent “I don’t even know if he went to the Ol- fended his 50m and 100m titles, but by heats. circumstances: to compete in the 100m QNA Goodwood clerk of the course ympics last year? He has defi nitely taken his own admission, his thirst for world butterfly and 200m freestyle events. London Seamus Buckley spoke of prepa- a really big step this year,” admitted Swe- records is relentless. rations for the big event and said that the maintenance of the race reparations have been course was diffi cult due to the BOTTOMLINE fi nalised for the Qa- weather. The increased rainfall tar Goodwood Festival, last week then made it even more Pwhich will take place in diffi cult. He added that they are England starting today. It will always committed to having the Peaty can set 200m alight at Tokyo 2020: Kitajima conclude on Saturday with a race course in the best shape for host of the best racing horses the festival. Reuters With their 200m prospects “When I saw Adam do the 50 taking part. Since the partnership was an- Budapest enhanced in Budapest, the Japa- and 100m, it was incredible,” Ki- There will be at least seven nounced, the festival launched nese duo could now face one of tajima added. races a day on every day for the the Triple Crown race which swimming’s hottest talents in “If he does swim in the 200 competition. The year 2014 saw is one of the more prominent osuke Kitajima believes the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo then that is something Japanese the announcement of a partner- events for Arabian horses. The the men’s 200 metres Games. fans can look forward to. I don’t ship between Goodwood and Qa- event is a big one for racers and breaststroke fi nal will Peaty won 50m and 100m in- think we have a chance in the tar to sponsor the race. It was the fans alike, especially that its be “one of the biggest dividual gold in Budapest and 100, but maybe in the 200. It will biggest sponsorship agreements prize money has a million US Kraces to watch” at the Tokyo Ol- hinted that he would start to fo- defi nitely be one of the biggest of its kind for British races. They dollars. The event involves three ympics if Britain’s Adam Peaty cus seriously on the 200m dur- races to watch.” year 2015 saw the launch of the races in three diff erent coun- steps up to take on a dual Japa- ing this Olympic cycle, saying he Watanabe, who owns the festival as one of the most impor- tries. The second race is in the nese challenge at the distance. was ready to “branch out”. 200m breaststroke world record, tant of its kind in the world. Qatar International Equestrian Breaststroke master Kitajima “The long term goal is Tokyo,” underlined the symbolic impor- The festival organisers, top Festival in Paris. The third race secured Japan’s legacy in the he told British media. “I don’t tance of the event after winning owners of horses and coaches is HH The Emir International discipline when he won gold in want to jeopardise anything but his Budapest bronze. attended a press conference Equestrian Sword Festival in the men’s individual 100 and I don’t think it will be too hard “It is supposed to be a big several days ago to announce Doha. 200m at back-to-back Olym- bronze respectively in the longer “It’s the fi rst time they med- and I won’t have to change my strong point of Japanese swim- the countdown for the festival. The Goodwood festival is pics in 2004 and 2008. distance. alled at an international com- training.” ming,” the 20-year-old told There was a special announce- gaining European-wide media The 34-year-old retired after “Once I left swimming and petition and great for their The branching out could start Reuters. ment for the Qatar Interna- attention, with a number of net- failing to qualify for Rio but was the two Japanese boys came up confi dence. It makes me incred- as early as December when the “I didn’t medal at Rio and I tional Stakes race which off ers works broadcasting the event. present on Friday as Yasuhiro and did well, that was a source ibly happy and for me it’s really 22-year-old Briton is likely to feel the need to medal now. I 400,000 pounds and the Qatar There are also a number web- Koseki and Ippei Watanabe won of pride for me,” Kitajima told about what the actual time will compete in the Commonwealth want to be the Adam Peaty of the Sussex Stakes which awards has based media outlets that are world championship silver and Reuters. be when Tokyo comes.” Games trials. 200 breaststroke.” a a million pounds. covering the event this year.