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Sunday, July 22, 2018 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Qa’da 9, 1439 AH Vettel claims pole GULF TIMES in Hockenheim, woe for Hamilton SPORT Page 3 ATHLETICS / LONDON DIAMOND LEAGUE Qatar’s Haroun runs national record to win 400m in London Haroun wins in 44.07secs as compatriot Samba in fifth; World champ Warholm wins 400m hurdles in Samba’s absence

Agencies London

atar’s Abdallelah Ha- roun ran a personal best of 44.07 seconds, also a national record, toQ win the 400m event at the London Diamond League meet- ing at Olympic Park yesterday. The victory was Haroun’s fi rst at a Diamond League meeting this season, having shown a lot of promise in the year that also fea- tures the Asian Games with sec- ond place fi nishes in Doha, Rome and Rabat, and a third place fi n- ish in Shanghai. The 2017 World Champion- ships bronze medallist also had Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates after winning the 100m compatriot Abderrahman Samba event in London yesterday. (AFP) for company in the line-up. Haroun, who had won his Lon- don bronze at the same venue last year, fi nished ahead of American Paul Dedweo, who ran a personal best 44.43, and Grenadian James Kirani (44.50), who was making a return to Diamond League action for the fi rst time in two years. “Before I came here I was train- ing so hard and my coach told me that was because he wanted me to do the best once again and not to care about anyone else. In the fi nal 150m it’s always so diffi cult to push but I gave it everything and to have the national record is something special,” Haroun said after the victory. “The fi nals won’t be easy be- cause we also have the Asian Games at the same time but I love Qatar’s Abdallelah Haroun celebrates winning the men’s 400m at the London Diamond League meeting yesterday. (Reuters) racing full stop so every race to me is a huge fi nal.” NEW MUM FRASER-PRYCE child last August and has vowed to second Olympic gold and a 200m 11.07 personal best. Norwegian world champion BACK UNDER 11 SECONDS get back into the medal mix. silver at the stadium in 2012. Season leader Marie-Josee Ta Norway’s Karsten Warholm celebrates his 400m hurdles win. (Reuters) Karsten Warholm claimed an- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s post- “I’m so excited, that is so “I’m used to sacrifi cing and Lou, her Ivory Coast team mate other national record of 47.65 in pregnancy climb back to the top good,” said the Jamaican. “I took making sure that my path is Murielle Ahoure and Jamaican winner Akani Simbine (9.94). There is a lot of competition.” winning the 400m hurdles. of women’s sprinting took an- the time off , I didn’t pay any at- right. Being a mother is my fi rst Elaine Thompson all opted to “I knew this was a fast track World indoor 60m champion He took full advantage of the other signifi cant step yesterday tention to what others said about priority and to come back and be run the 100m in the Monaco Dia- and I felt fast today,” said Baker Christian Coleman had been due rare absence of Samba, winner when she dipped under 11 sec- my comeback. fl exible with my training is won- mond League on Friday night. after a race where six men broke to race but aggravated a hamstring of all six of his Diamond League onds for the fi rst time this season “I continued to work hard and derful and I’m so excited about American Ronnie Baker took a 10 seconds. “Two 9.90s today injury while warming up for his races in the event this season, who to win the 100 metres. London is defi nitely the best next year now.” close men’s 100m in 9.90, hold- (his heat time) and I know con- heat and was forced to withdraw. opted for a run over the fl at where The 31-year-old double Olym- place and to come here and win, American Dezerea Bryant took ing off fast-fi nishing Briton sistency means that a drop in The meeting continues today a personal best of 44.62 was good pic and triple world champion over with my fi rst sub-11, is fantastic,” second in 11.04 ahead of Jamai- Zharnel Hughes (9.93) and South time is coming. Hopefully I can where the men’s and women’s enough for fi fth in a rapid race. the distance gave birth to her fi rst added the Jamaican, who won her ca’s Jonielle Smith, who ran an African Commonwealth Games take that world lead and better it. 200m will be the main attraction.

RALLYING Al-Attiyah edges into slender Silk Way Rally lead

Agencies al-Rajhi fi nished the fi rst of seven place. The Qatari maintained his Astrakhan, stages in Russia 20min 27sec behind lead to the stage fi nish and a liaison in third position. of 26.11km back to Astrakhan. Frenchman Matthieu Serradori Today, teams will embark upon atar’s Nasser Saleh Al-At- ceded fourth to the Russian driver the fi rst half of a Marathon stage to tiyah and French co-driver Dennis Krotov after running out of the town of . Service assistance Matthieu Baumel stayed fuel 20km from the stage fi nish. He will not be permitted and it will be clear of trouble and moved was then towed to the end of the imperative for crews to carry vital intoQ an outright lead of 2min 30sec timed test by rival Andrey Rudskoy spares in the car and be able to eff ect after a challenging loop stage of 311 and slipped to sixth place behind the emergency repairs when necessary. kilometres through the Takyr desert Russian. around Astrakhan in southern Rus- After a short liaison of 25.67km, POSITIONS AFTER SS1 (TOP FIVE) sia yesterday. al-Attiyah was fi rst into the opening 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ Overdrive Racing’s al-Attiyah, Astrakhan loop stage in his Matthieu Baumel (FRA) who drives a Toyota Hilux with sup- and was given the task of navigat- Overdrive 3hrs 36min 23sec port from Red Bull, the Qatar Motor ing and opening the road. The crew 2. (GBR)/Sebastien Delau- and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), began well and began to edge away nay (FRA) 3008 DKR 3hrs Ooredoo Qatar and Toyota GAZOO from the chasing pack, as rival Harry 38min 53sec Racing, led the stage from start-to- Hunt stopped to change a puncture 3. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo fi nish and overcame any navigation- and Joan Roma was forced to retire Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper al hurdles to set the winning time of through pain caused by an ongoing Works Rally 3hrs 56min 50sec 3hrs 36min 23sec. neck injury sustained at the Dakar 4. Dennis Krotov (RUS)/Dmyrro Tsyro That gave the two-time in January. (UKR) BMW X5 4hrs 16min 52sec Rally winner a 2min 30sec advantage Al-Attiyah reached PC1, after 5. Andrey Rudskoy (RUS)/Evgenii over England’s Harry Hunt at the 118km, 2min 33sec in front of Hunt Zagorodniuk (RUS) G-Force Proto end of the day. Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed and well clear of al-Rajhi in third 4hrs 31min 34sec Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 22, 2018 SPORT

GOLF / THE OPEN SPOTLIGHT LPGA star Lincicome Spieth cards 65 to breaks par to cap PGA Tour debut

AFP share lead with Washington rittany Lincicome holed out for an eagle and added fi ve birdies in a one-under par 71 yes- Bterday to cap her appearance in the PGA Tour Barbasol Champi- onship in Kentucky. Schauff ele, Kisner It wasn’t enough to make Lincicome the second woman to make the halfway cut in a US Woods cards 66 that pulls the 14-major winner within four strokes of the lead PGA Tour event, but it improved on the fi rst-round 78 she pro- duced on Thursday — when she admitted she was battling nerves as just the sixth woman ever to tee it up on the US men’s tour. Lincicome highlighted her “I felt a lot calmer today,” said round with an eagle at the par- Lincicome, who never teed off on fi ve 17th, where she holed her Friday as electrical storms dis- third shot. rupted play and wreaked havoc “Oh, my gosh,” Lincicome on an already soaked Keene Trace said. “It was 110 yards, which a Golf Club course in Nicholas- great little grip gap wedge. ville, Kentucky. “Right when I hit it I thought Spectators weren’t admitted I hit it a little short. I thought it until after 9am yesterday. was going to spin back a little bit “I think maybe because the on me. Then when it landed I was spectators couldn’t come out as like, ‘OK, it’s on top,’ and then it much, so it was a little bit calmer rolled back and I was like, ‘Oh, feeling this morning,” Lincicome my gosh!’ said. “But my putter, obviously “The highlight of my week,” I was hitting it closer, which added Lincicome, who also helped. And then my putter, I rolled in three straight birdies on made a lot of really good putts, the front nine. “So cool.” so that was nice. Nice to have a Lincicome, whose eight LPGA bunch of birdies today.” titles include two majors, was Lincicome fi nished 36 holes on among the leaders in the fi eld in fi ve-over 149 — twenty strokes driving accuracy through two behind 36-hole leader Troy Mer- rounds, hitting 22 of 28 fairways. ritt, who managed to get his sec- She found just 16 of 36 greens in ond round completed on Friday. regulation.

Langer shows old swingers can still shine in majors

erman golfing great Bernhard Langer is Gthreatening to make what could be his last British Open a memorable farewell after a fine third round yes- terday. Jordan Spieth of the US in action during the third round of The Open in Carnoustie, Scotland, yesterday. (Reuters) Looking sprightly for 60, and still with flowing blond locks, Reuters gallery with a 66 that pulled the 14-ma- He vaulted into a tie for sixth in a group he carded a three-under-par Carnoustie, Scotland jor winner within four strokes of the lead, that includes Rory McIlroy (70) and Tom- 68 at Carnoustie to move to Spieth, with three majors already, showed my Fleetwood (71), who were left by the one-under in a tournament he again that he is the man to beat of the wayside on a day of low scoring. ruefully admits is the one he efending champion Jordan current generation. “I’m right there. I’ve got a chance at really wanted but got away Spieth never looked back after Unhappy with his swing during the this, which is great. I had to stay within during his stellar career. said. “I’ve looked at it, and I’ve making a “dream start” eagle at fi rst two days, the 24-year-old found a reach,” Woods continued. “It could well be my last,” had seconds and thirds, several the fi rst to vault into a tie for the slight adjustment did the trick, and the He got a lucky break at the last, where said Langer, twice a Masters of them. Came close. It’s the one third-roundD lead with Xander Schauff ele fi rst hole provided a massive jolt of con- his pulled tee shot came within inches of champion and twice an Open I wanted, and I didn’t get. What and Kevin Kisner at the British Open yes- fi dence. landing in the Barry Burn. runner-up, of his appearance can you do? I’ve been blessed terday. “With the wind we had today it was a here this year. with two Masters titles and In Carnoustie conditions that were no-brainer for me,” he said. ‘TERRIBLE’ TWO-IRON He qualified for Carnoustie many other victories.” perfect for low scoring until a brisk breeze “I feel like I’ve been improving each “I didn’t know if I carried it or not, if it thanks to his victory in last The most recent of those titles sprang up just as Spieth was fi nishing, the day (but) I know as well as anyone that was in the hazard or rough. It was a ter- year’s Senior Open, entering came in 1993, and Langer 24-year-old Texan drove the fi rst green anything can happen at an Open on Sun- rible two-iron,” Woods said. the field with fellow 60-year- turned professional in 1972. and sank a 12-footer before adding four day. “I really didn’t feel like I really made a old Sandy Lyle, another That highlights the unique birdies for a six-under-par 65. “I got a couple of good breaks but I bad swing until 18.” former Masters champion who nature of a sport that allows He earned the 54-hole lead at a ma- wouldn’t say I drew on anything except His ball stayed dry but with 246 yards missed the cut on Friday. players of his age to keep com- jor for the sixth time in his young career, the adjustments I’ve made during the left to the hole he decided to lay up from “That’s the only way I’m going peting with those far younger. giving himself a chance of becoming the week on my game. the rough before punching a 100-yard to get back in the tournament “You can really only do that in fi rst since Tiger Woods in 2005-06 to go Tiger Woods of the US gestures during the wedge to three feet and saved par. is by winning the Senior Open the game of golf,” said Langer, back-to-back at the Open. ‘NOTHING TO PROVE’ third round of The Open. (Reuters) Earlier, Justin Rose set the tone with Championship because I’m not who was 47 when he finished Schauff ele birdied the last for a 67, “I felt like I had something I had to prove the lowest score in Carnoustie’s British going to go qualify.” tied for fifth in the 2005 British while Kisner shot 68 as the two Ameri- to other people at last year’s Open, really he seeks to end his decade-long major Open history, a fl awless 64 that by day’s Langer, who also made the cut Open. “Golf, there’s a lot more cans joined Spieth at nine-under 204. to myself more than anything. I don’t feel drought. end had lifted him within fi ve of the lead. at this year’s Masters, said rue- to it. And especially on links They have a two-shot edge over Amer- I have to prove anything to anyone at this “It’s been a few years since I’ve felt like “It was a beautiful morning to play fully he would have loved to golf, you can play every hole ican Kevin Chappell, and a three-stroke point.” this,” he said after his best score in a ma- golf. The greens were somewhat recep- have lifted the Claret Jug once. three diff erent ways or two cushion over Italian Francesco Molinari. Woods, meanwhile, was delighted to jor since another 66 in the second round tive, and the pins weren’t as tough as “Yeah, it’s been a good run,” he diff erent ways for sure.” On a day when Woods electrifi ed the put himself within striking distance as of the 2011 Masters. maybe the fi rst couple of days,” Rose said.

RALLYING Qatar’s Adel Abdulla snatches early T2 lead in Baja Aragon

Agencies none of our rivals. I knew we were san Pathfi nder, but Adel Abdulla Teruel, Spain doing well. Almost in the middle was in good form and posted the of the stage we had a fl at tyre and target T2 time of 3hrs 35min 19sec. we changed it and we continued Baronowski was the next T2 atar’s Adel Abdulla fol- pushing not so hard. driver to cross the fi nish line in 3hrs lowed up his fastest time “The stage was very tough. There 43min 40sec, although earlier road on the opening super were a lot of stony places. It was penalties pushed the Pole down to special stage to extend much more diffi cult than last year third place behind Svensson. hisQ lead in the T2 category after the and the year before. Fifty fi ve km Adel’s challenge for T2 honours fi rst selective section of the Baja from the end we had a problem with is being supported by the Qatar Aragón Teruel in the punishing the four-wheel drive sensor and the Motor and Motorcycle Federation heat of Spain yesterday. car went into rear-wheel drive. We (QMMF), Ooredoo Qatar and Nis- Fresh from renewing his con- managed to fi nish the stage.” san Qatar. tract with Qatar to run a The opening Alfambra super The action in Baja Aragón Teruel Nissan Patrol Y62 in the category special stage Friday evening was concludes with a 127.45km section for series production cross-coun- shortened to 12.81km. Adel Abdul- between Barrachina and Alfambra try vehicles at the seventh round la carded a time of 11min 20.1sec today morning. of the FIA World Cup for Cross- and that catapulted the Qatari into Country Rallies, the Doha-based the T2 lead, the time enabling Adel T2 POSITIONS AFTER SS2 driver drove at a measured pace to take a four-second lead over 1. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean-Michel to carve out an unoffi cial lead of Saudi Arabian rival Ahmed al- Polato (FRA) Nissan Patrol Y62 25min 45sec over the Swedish Shegawi into the overnight halt. 3hrs 46min 39sec driver Anders Svensson. Sweden’s Anders Svensson 2. Anders Svensson (SWE)/João The QX Rally Team driver is was a distant third, Domingo Ro- Carvalho (PRT) Isuzu D-Max 4hrs tackling his second event with man was fourth and Tomasz Bar- 12min 24sec French navigator Jean-Michel Po- onowski incurred time penalties of 3. Tomasz Baronowski (POL)/ lato and the duo worked well again, 40 minutes for failing to complete Grezegorz Konczak (POL) Toyota despite the dust and the baking the stage. Land Cruiser 4hrs 23min 40sec heat to set the quickest time. The opening selective section Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU)/Laurent Adel said: “Today we did 215km yesterday morning was the longest Lichtleuchter (FRA) Toyota Land and we pushed very hard from the of the event and ran for a slightly Cruiser AWAITED start and we set a very good time. shorter 215.62km between Alfam- Domingo Roman (ESP)Pedro We stopped twice because the bra and Cella. Roman was not per- Pecero (ESP) Nissan Pathfinder Qatar’s Adel Abdulla in action during the Baja Aragon Teruel in Spain yesterday. bonnet lock was loose. We saw mitted to start and retired his Nis- RETIRED Gulf Times Sunday, July 22, 2018 3 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Top seed Chou in Singapore Open fi nal Vettel claims home semifi nals in May. AFP Singapore “Uber Cup was a pain- ful lesson. After that defeat, I learned how to better maintain aiwanese shuttler my composure in big tourna- Chou Tien-chen pow- ments, which helped me to ered into the fi nals of win today,” Gao said after the the Singapore Open match. pole in Hockenheim, Tafter a thrilling 21-12, 18-21, She will take on Japan’s Say- 21-16 win over ’s Qiao aka Takahashi, who toppled Bin yesterday. China’s 21-18, 21-14. The top seed dominated the In the women’s dou- fi rst game of the men’s singles bles, Japanese duo Ayako semi-fi nal match, wrapping it Sakuramoto and Yukiko Taka- up in just 12 minutes. hata ousted top seeds Jongkol- While a spirited Qiao fought phan Kititharakul and Rawin- woe for Hamilton back to claim the second game, da Prajongjai of Thailand Chou’s swift refl exes saw him 21-17, 21-19. Hamilton sidelined by hydraulics issue, Bottas on front row for Mercedes out-rally his unseeded oppo- The Japanese pair will be nent in the rubber to secure a up against compatriots Nami spot in the fi nals today. He will Matsuyama and Chiharu Sh- face compatriot Hsu Jen-hao, ida, who beat Germans Isabel who beat Vietnam’s Nguyen Herttrich and Carla Nelte 21- Tien Minh 21-15, 21-11. 18, 17-21, 21-16. “I’m very excited to be in the In the men’s doubles, the fi nals, my hard work had paid Indonesian duo of Mohamed off . I have to focus on my shots Ahsan and if I want to win,” said the world will face China’s Ou Xuanyi and number 7 after the match at in the fi nals after a the Singapore Indoor Stadium. convincing 21-16, 21-13 victory Chou is gunning for his over compatriots Angga Prata- second title of the year after ma and Rian Agung Saputro. winning the German Open in Olympic mixed doubles March. champions Tontowi Ahmad In the women’s singles, and Liliyana Natsir continued China’s Gao Fangjie exacted their dominant form, edging revenge on second seed Nitch- out fellow Indonesians Akbar aon Jindapol with a 21-15, 12- Bintang Cahyono and Winny 21, 21-14 win to advance to Oktavina Kandow 26-24, 21- the fi nals. Seventh seed Gao 17. They will meet Malaysia’s had lost to her Thai opponent Goh Soon Huat and Shevon at their last encounter in the Jemie Lai in the fi nals.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates after qualifying in pole position with second-placed Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (L) and third-placed Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. (Reuters)

Reuters GRID FOR THE GERMAN GRAND PRIX Hockenheim, Germany 1st row Nico Hulkenberg (GER/) Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) arlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) 8th row ormula One leader Se- Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 5th row Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) bastian Vettel put Ferrari 2nd row Charles Leclerc (MON/Sauber-Ferrari) Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) on pole position for his Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India-Mercedes) 9th row home German Grand Prix Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Renault) 6th row Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso-Honda) yesterdayF after title rival Lewis 3rd row Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Renault) Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) Hamilton’s Mercedes broke down Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams-Mercedes) 10th row on track in dramatic fashion. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) 7th row Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Renault) The pole, in a track record time 4th row Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber-Ferrari) Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) of one minute 11.212 seconds, drew a huge roar from the crowd on a damp day at Hockenheim. “It was tas will start alongside Vettel on been wheeled off . “I didn’t really Wolff said the car could have Hulkenberg, the only German amazing to see so many red fl ags, the front row, with Ferrari’s Kimi understand exactly what had hap- been damaged jumping over a driver other than Vettel, and German fl ags, so much support Raikkonen third and Red Bull’s pened so in my mind I was think- kerb. Hamilton felt the problem Spaniard were sev- Chou Tien-chen of Taiwan competes against Qiao Bin of South around the track,” said the four- Max Verstappen fourth on the ing get the car back to the track, was evident before then, how- enth and eighth. Korea during their men’s single semi-final at the Singapore Open times world champion, who has grid. Bottas had briefl y held the but they asked me to turn the car ever. “You use the kerb the same Sauber’s Monegasque rookie in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) yet to win a grand prix at the cir- provisional pole before Vettel’s off ,” said Hamilton, his dreams of every lap. Just before the kerb Charles Leclerc produced an- cuit nearest to where he grew up. fi nal eff ort secured the German a a record-equalling fourth German I think the steering broke so I other fi ne performance with His only previous German vic- 55th career top starting slot. GP win seemingly in tatters. think that’s the issue,” he told ninth on the grid for the Swiss TABLE TENNIS tory was at the Nuerburgring in Hamilton, also a four-times “I jumped out and wanted to Sky Sports television. team, ahead of Mexican Sergio 2013 but he will be the clear fa- champion and eight points be- push it back but it was so far to “This is one of the worst Perez in 10th for Force India. vourite today to extend his over- hind Vettel, qualifi ed 14th – as- go. I saw there was leaking oil tracks for overtaking, so I’ll do The session was red-fl agged all lead in the championship. suming he does not need a new and I knew that I had to stop and what I can from there.” for nine minutes in the second Joint Korea team “It just kept getting better and gearbox – after being sidelined let them put the car away some- Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen phase after Leclerc’s Swedish better, and I knew in the last lap I by a hydraulics problem. where. I have the will to not want made the most of Hamilton’s teammate Marcus Ericsson went had more in me and I was able to The Briton tried in vain to push to give up. I just want to keep absence from the fi nal phase off , sending a shower of gravel wins mixed doubles squeeze everything out,” Vettel the stricken car back to the pits, pushing.” by putting his Ferrari-powered across the track. said of his lap. with the help of some marshals, Haas into fi fth place with French McLaren’s Fernando Alonso AFP War ended with an armistice Reigning champion Hamilton’s before then crouching in some STEERING WORRY teammate Romain Grosjean qualifi ed 11th but Belgian team- Seoul instead of a peace treaty – is Finnish teammate Valtteri Bot- distress next to it after it had Mercedes team boss Toto sixth. Renault’s pairing of Nico mate Stoff el Vandoorne was last. banned. But North Korea’s decision joint table tennis to participate in the Winter TRIBUTES team from the two Olympics in the South last Koreas yesterday won February triggered an ongoing the fi nal in mixed rapprochement between the doublesA at the Korea Open, two nations. claiming the fi rst gold in the Athletes from the two Ko- latest instalment of sporting reas marched together behind diplomacy on the peninsula. a unifi cation fl ag at the Games’ Thousands mourn Kazakh hero Jang Woo-jin, a male player opening ceremony, while the Reuters nady Golovkin who trains in the from the South, and Cha Hyo South’s President Moon Jae-in United States. Ten became the Sim, a female player from the seized the opportunity to bro- fi rst skater from Kazakhstan to North, defeated China 3-1 at ker talks between Pyongyang win an Olympic medal when he the mixed doubles fi nal at the and Washington. Moon also housands of mourners got his bronze at the 2014 international tournament held held a summit with the North’s packed into a sports hall games. He was then dogged by in the South’s city of Daejeon. leader Kim Jong-un in April, to remember Kazakh injury, but competed this year It was the fi rst gold medal won during which the two men fi gure skater Denis Ten at the Pyeongchang Olympics by an inter-Korea sports team vowed to strengthen coopera- yesterday,T two days after he was where he was cheered by local in nearly three decades after tion in sports. stabbed to death in the street fans because of his Korean roots a women’s joint table tennis The two Koreas have often in Almaty. The Olympic bronze and fi nished 27th. Two suspect team scored a shock victory used sports to break ice on the medallist, who turned 25 in June, have been detained over the kill- over reigning champion China volatile inter-Korea relations was knifed in broad daylight ing, police said. in the world championship in - by forming joint teams for in- during a struggle with two men Retired Canadian fi gure skater Japan in 1991. ternational competitions from he had caught trying to steal the Patrick Chan, who two silver The Chinese pair of Wang soccer to ice hockey. mirrors on his car, police said. medals in Sochi and gold in the Chuqin and Sun Yinsha won the Eight female and eight male Fans, some of them crying, team event at the Pyeongchang fi rst set 11-5 before the Korean table tennis players from the carried fl owers and held up ban- Games, wrote on Twitter he was team thrashed them 11-3, 11-4 North, including Kim Song I – ners with the message “Forgive “so honoured and grateful to and 11-8 in consecutive sets as a bronze medallist at women’s us, we couldn’t save you” at the have shared with ice” with Ten. some South Korean fans chant- singles at the 2016 Rio Sum- memorial service at the capital’s “He was so kind to everyone ed in unison “We are one!” mer Games – competed in the Palace of Sport. They listened to and a huge inspiration to me and “I really wanted to win this Korea Open, some jointly with a recording of a song he wrote so many other people,” Ameri- game... and the cheers from Seoul’s players. Four joint teams soon before his death, called can fi gure skater Adam Rippon the crowd gave me goose- – men’s and women’s doubles “She Won’t Be Mine”. wrote on Twitter. “Denis, thank bumps,” Jang told reporters as well as two mixed doubles – “He was an outstanding per- you for showing us how to be a after the game. were formed. sonality, the real patriot of Ka- champion.” “I saw Hyo Sim crying dur- The men’s doubles team zakhstan,” President Nursultan International Olympic Com- ing the ceremony and it broke won bronze on Friday. The Nazarbayev said in a message mittee president Thomas Bach my heart that we have to say two Koreas also recently an- read out at the event. said, “Ten was a great athlete goodbye soon,” he said. nounced they would fi eld joint Several sports personalities and a great ambassador for his All civilian communication teams in three sports – canoe- from Kazakhstan fl ew in from sport ... A warm personality and between the two countries – ing, rowing and women’s bas- abroad, including world middle- a charming man. Such a tragedy People attend the memorial service before the funeral of assassinated Kazakhstan’s Olympic figure skater which remain technically at ketball – at next month’s Asian weight boxing champion Gen- to lose him at such a young age.” Denis Ten in Almaty, Kazakhstan, yesterday. (Reuters) war after the 1950-53 Korean Games to be held in Indonesia. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 22, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Wiggins wants ‘sinister’ Jiff y bag Fraile ends Belgian details made public

AFP actually and it’s very sinister. London ‘Shocking’ “We’re still not at the bot- radley Wiggins has tom of it, we’re fi nding new hopes with maiden said he’s discovered stuff out daily to do with the “very sinister” details package that never was and all relating to the leak of this stuff and it’s quite fright- ‘It’s a dream. Soloing over the finish line was hisB Therapeutic Use Exemp- ening actually. tions (TUEs) and the so-called “We’re still working on it, incredible. I think when a cyclist wins on the ‘Jiff y bag’ case which he now still trying to piece it all to- wants made public. gether. Not a legal team, just Tour de France it’s fabulous ’ Two years ago, the ‘Fancy other people coming to us now Tour win Bears’ hacking group, believed and saying, ‘You know this has to be a Russian-based organi- happened, don’t you?’ sation, released information “We can debate TUEs and showing that now retired Brit- that’s one thing, but where it ish cycling great Wiggins was went after that with every- allowed to use triamcinolone, thing else - there is a fi lm to be an otherwise banned drug, made there.” ahead of his major races in Wiggins added: “God yeah, 2011, 2012 and 2013, including I’d love it to all come out. Once the 2012 Tour de France which it’s all stacked up and pieced he won. together, it’s quite shocking. TUEs allow athletes to use “There are a few people otherwise banned drugs to bricking it (who are extremely treat recognised medical con- nervous) at the moment, I ditions. know that for sure. The publication of Wig- “I hope it comes out of its gins’s TUE history was fol- own accord but it is in certain lowed by a 14-month inquiry people’s interest for it not to by United Kingdom Anti- come out and get buried. Doping (UKAD) into whether a “We’ll see. It’s all gone very package delivered to Wiggins’s quiet at the moment.” Team Sky at the 2011 Crite- Wiggins’s TUEs did not rium du Dauphine - a race contravene any existing rules he won - contained the same but led to a wider debate on drug. whether the system was ca- UKAD, however, closed the pable of being abused and to case earlier this year without some calls for all riders’ TUE coming to a conclusion be- history to be made public. cause of missing Sky medical But Wiggins insisted: “I records. don’t think it would help pub- Wiggins, speaking during lishing riders’ TUEs as some coverage of this year’s ongo- people will have embarrass- ing Tour de France on British ing things they don’t want out broadcaster ITV4 on Saturday, there. said: “There are things that “What if a rider has an aff air have come to light with this and gets a sexually-transmit- whole thing that we’ve found ted disease and there is medi- out since that are quite scary cation for that on his records?”

‘Warburton retirement a ‘red fl ag’ for Rugby’ World Rugby chiefs have warned that Sam Warburton’s pre- Spain’s Omar Fraile celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 14th stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de France cycling race yesterday. (AFP) mature retirement from the sport is a “red flag” and say that players may need to adjust gruelling training regimes to protect AFP With four days of climbing in important race in the world.” decided to go for it. In the end, it Carcassonne. It includes three their careers in future. Former Wales and British Lions Mende, France the Pyrenees yet to decide the When Jasper Stuyven (Trek) went well.” categorised climbs, including Warburton stunned Rugby this week after hanging up his boots outcome of the yellow jersey, the capitalised on a mid-race spat The Spaniard dug deep on the the 12.3km-long Pic de Nore, at the age of 29, citing an inability to recover from a litany of main peloton and all the race fa- between Gilbert and Fraile to climb, whose average gradient is whose summit is 40km from the injuries that have blighted his career. paniard Omar Fraile vourites were happy to allow an break away on his own with over a punishing 10.1 %, and soon had downhill fi nish line. World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot said Warburton’s ended Belgian hopes of early breakaway escape in the 30km to race, it looked like Bel- Stuyven in his sights. retirement was a warning in an era when professional Rugby a Tour de France victory opening kilometres. gium would have reason to cel- When he overtook the Bel- RESULTS has become increasingly demanding for elite athletes. on their national holiday Intentions seemed clear on ebrate. But Stuyven, a one-day gian with two kilometres to race, STAGE “The red flags are there - Sam is one red flag - there was a tweet I withS a gutsy, maiden win on the Belgium’s national holiday after classics specialist who fi nished Fraile did not look back. 1. Omar F raile (ESP/AST) 188.0km saw about the number of injuries he has had and it was frighten- race on the 14th stage yesterday. seven Belgians got in among a in the top ten of Paris-Roubaix He came over the fi nish line in 4hr 41min 57sec ing,” Pichot told reporters in San Francisco at World Cup Sevens. Britain’s Geraint Thomas, group of 32 frontrunners includ- and the Tour of Flanders earlier with room to spare, fi nishing (average: 40,1km/h) “He had an outstanding career, but a number of injuries. We of Team Sky, retained the race ing Philippe Gilbert and yellow this season, fell victim to his lack six seconds ahead of Frenchman 2. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) have to take care of the future generations.” leader’s yellow jersey after jersey holder Greg Van Averma- of climbing prowess. Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step), at 6. Pichot said World Rugby was in discussions with the Interna- crossing the line with teammate et. But Astana rider Fraile, who He held a 1min 40sec lead on with Stuyven in third place. 3. Jasper Stuyven (BEL/TRE) 6. tional Rugby Players Association about setting guidelines which Chris Froome and Dutch rival claimed his maiden Giro d’Italia a group of chasers with 10km “Afterwards you can always 4. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) 12. would limit the workloads of top-level players. Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) just stage last year following a long to race, with the main peloton say it was too early, this and that, 5. Damiano Caruso (ITA/BMC) 17. The former Argentina captain acknowledged, however, that over 18 minutes in arrears. breakaway, was intent on ruining and Thomas at over 20 minutes but it was a big group with some Overall achieving uniform rules would be complicated given the often Froome, the four-time cham- their party. in arrears. But on the fi nal, 3km strong climbers, and I had to go 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) conflicting demands on players of clubs and country. pion, remains 1min 39sec behind “It was one of the stages I climb leading to the fl at fi nish at before and not wait until they 58hrs 10min 44sec. “We are working towards a training-load system,” Pichot said. with Dumoulin, arguably Team had marked and when I saw the Mende Fraile launched an auda- ripped it apart,” said Stuyven. 2. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) at “We have to learn how to integrate not only the unions but the Sky’s biggest threat over the fi nal breakaway go, I told myself that cious counter-attack. “I played, I went all-in, and I 1:39. clubs - don’t forget that. You can tell a union that players should stages, at 1:50. I had to get in it,” he said. “It’s “I knew Stuyven had spent a lost.” 3. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) only train 10 hours a week - say - but maybe the coaches at the “I felt good today. Obviously a dream. Soloing over the fi nish lot of energy attacking on the fl at The 15th stage today is a 1:50. clubs train them more. The coaches and owners will want them it was tough, but it was pretty line was incredible. I think when (section),” added Fraile. “There 181.5km trek from Millau, site of 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) 2:38. to play every single week because they want to win to make good,” said Thomas. “I think we a cyclist wins on the Tour de was also a headwind, so once the world-famous Millau via- 5. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) money. It has to be addressed.” can be satisfi ed with our run.” France it’s fabulous. It’s the most we got on the foot of the climb I duct, to the medieval town of 3:21.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP England come from behind to draw with India IANS to create pressure in the next for an equaliser. London couple of minutes with the Eng- The World No 2 side made 11 lish defenders misplacing their circle entries in the third period, passes and losing possession, but could only take three shots, ndia started off their cam- but neither team could take the which were well kept out by a paign in the hockey women’s lead in the opening quarter. resolute Indian defence. World Cup with a 1-1 draw The second quarter saw a sim- It was the last quarter where against World No 2 England ilar story for both the teams as England dominated posses- Iin a Pool B match at the Lee Val- England dominated the fi rst few sion and tested India’s nerves ley Hockey and Tennis Centre minutes, winning themselves through some strong forward yesterday. three PC’s in the fi rst 10 minutes. play. The match saw the Indian But Savita made brilliant re- The 48th minute saw India’s team take the lead in the 25th fl ex saves on all three occasions Sunita Lakra deny England again minute through Neha Goyal, to deny the hosts any chance of from their sixth PC as she made a but England’s constant pressure taking the lead. save on the line. towards the end of the match India looked content on ab- However, the hosts were saw them earn an equaliser in sorbing the pressure, and were awarded another PC but India’s the 54th minute through Lily looking to attack the English on defence managed to win a free- Owsley. the counter. hit after Savita had made anoth- It was a diffi cult start to the The strategy worked in the er save off Grace Balsdon’s shot. match for the Indians as the 25th minute when India’s press- In the 52nd minute, India had hosts looked to attack them in ing in the attacking half helped a chance to extend their lead as front of a packed stadium, win- them regain possession and con- their forward Lalremsiami was ning a Penalty Corner in the vert it into a goal as Nikki Prad- found inside the striking circle opening minute. han’s ball into the striking circle by Neha’s pass but the young However, the resulting drag- was defl ected off an English foot, striker failed to defl ect the ball fl ick was brilliantly saved by and onto Navjot Kaur, whose in- onto the target as England con- the India goalkeeper Savita, and jection towards the goal was de- tinued to attack. cleared away by the defenders. fl ected into the back of the net by In the 54th minute, England The next few minutes saw Neha Goyal to give India an im- won back-to-back PCs and the India dominate possession and portant lead. second one was put into the back create a couple of circle entries, Hosts England tried to create of the net by Lily Owsley to bring but could not take a shot at goal. chances towards the end of the the scores level at 1-1. In the 8th minute, Hannah second quarter, but India’s de- The fi nal few moments of the Martin won England’s second fence made sure that they took match saw both the teams look PC off the foot of an Indian de- their one-goal lead into the half- for a winner, but defenders from fender, but the resulting drag- time break. either side denied any inroads to fl ick was scuff ed. The third quarter was domi- the opponents as both the sides World No.10 India also tried nated by the hosts as they looked settled for a draw. India and England players in action during their Pool B World Cup opener yesterday. Gulf Times Sunday, July 22, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB NFL ‘No meaningful progress’ on QB Carpenter crushes Rodgers’ extension

Reuters wards it and we’e confi dent New York we’ll come to an agreement soon,” Gutekunst said on May 3, hours before Ryan became he Green Bay Packers the NFL’s highest-paid player. three homers as and quarterback Aaron “We’re pretty confi dent that Rodgers have had “no this is something that’s taking meaningful progress” its normal course, its normal Tin contract extension talks re- time.” cently, according to a ProFoot- Rodgers has not been par- ballTalk report on Friday. ticularly vocal about wanting Per the report, that could a new deal. change, but any deal is unlikely A Yahoo Sports report in Cardinals rout Cubs to happen soon. April suggested the signal- Rodgers, 34, still has two caller was unhappy with his ‘I’m having a hard time coming up with the words to describe a day like this’ years remaining on his con- lack of infl uence in person- tract, but his $22 million an- nel decisions that aff ect him Reuters nual average now ranks 10th - like the release of longtime New York among all quarterbacks, trail- wideout Jordy Nelson - and ing Atlanta’s Matt Ryan by $8 said it could factor into future million annually. Rodgers can contract discussions. Rodgers, att Carpenter hit make a little over $20.5 mil- however, dismissed the report three home runs and lion this season and $21.1 mil- as “click bait” in an Instagram drove in seven runs lion in 2019 before his contract post later that day. to back fi ve strong expires, including roster and The six-time Pro Bowl pas- inningsM of pitching from Jack workout bonuses. ser missed nine games last Flaherty as the St. Louis Cardi- New Packers general man- season with a broken collar- nals powered their way past the ager Brian Gutekunst told PFT bone but is the odds-on fa- host Chicago Cubs 18-5 on Fri- Live in May that he expected vourite in Las Vegas to win the day afternoon at Wrigley Field. an extension with Rodgers to league’s MVP award in 2018, Carpenter also slugged two happen sooner than later. at plus-550 compared to plus- doubles as part of his 5-for-5 per- “Both sides are working to- 800 for Tom Brady. formance, becoming the second player ever to hit three homers and two doubles in the same game. AARON RODGERS “I’m having a hard time coming up with the words to describe a day like this,” Carpenter said. The Cubs’ Kris Bryant fi rst ac- complished the feat in 2016. Carpenter tied the major league record with fi ve extra- base hits in a game, and he’s the fi rst player to record the feat in the fi rst six innings of a game. He was replaced defensively in the bottom of the sixth with the Cardinals leading 15-1. He tied former Cardinals great Lou Brock’s franchise mark with his 21st leadoff home run of his career off the Cubs’ Jon Lester to begin the game. Carpenter slugged his second homer, a two-run shot, in the second inning, and he added to his hit total when he racked up a pair doubles in the fourth as St. Louis marched 11 batters to the plate in the frame while scoring St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter (right) celebrates his three run home run during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at seven runs. He opened the inning Wrigley Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with a double to left and capped Colts QB Luck avoids camp PUP list the scoring in the frame with an hits, one run) came to the mound ers 6-4 at Miller Park. Machado, Jansen. A decade ago another the Dodgers are hoping he can RBI double to right-center. fi rst, followed by catcher Vic- who started at shortstop, batted Manny, Manny Ramirez, led the maintain that blistering pace. Andrew Luck avoided the physically unable to perform list to Then in the sixth, Carpen- tor Caratini (two hits, two runs) second in the order and wasted no Dodgers to the National League “We think Manny was the begin training camp with the Indianapolis Colts after missing the ter bashed a three-run homer, and outfi elder Ian Happ (one time making an impact with a sin- championship series. most impactful player on the entire 2017 season. Luck, whose recovery stalled multiple times his 23rd of the season, to end hit, no runs). Tommy Pham had gle in his fi rst at-bat off Milwau- Machado slides into the short- market at the time, and any con- following January 2017 shoulder surgery, sat out the preseason his record performance. He has three hits and three RBIs for St. kee starting pitcher Wade Miley stop position with Corey Seager tender could see he could make a and regular season but has slowly progressed since. He’s less homered in four straight games Louis, while Kolten Wong ripped in the top of the fi rst. Considered out after undergoing season- positive impact for him,” general than two months into a throwing program, but general manager for the fi rst time in his career. two hits and drove in one. Dexter one of the prize catches on the ending elbow surgery in May. “For manager Farhan Zaidi said. Chris Ballard said Luck is following the prescribed routine to be Carpenter was not the only story Fowler had two hits and plated Major League Baseball trade mar- seven years I put on the same uni- ready for Week 1 of the 2018 regular season. Those orders will in this game, as Flaherty (4-4) two, and Greg Garcia had a solo ket this season, Machado was ac- form,” Machado said. “I fi nally got RESULTS include missing multiple days of practice during training camp. earned the win while allowing home run for the Cardinals. quired from the Baltimore Orioles traded and everything is behind Cardinals ...... 16 Cubs...... 18 At minicamp, Luck threw a Wilson TDS 1205, a standard high one run and just two hits in his Yairo Munoz added a two-run on Wednesday in exchange for fi ve me now. I feel great. I was pretty Dodgers ...... 6 Brewers ...... 4 school football that is lighter than NFl footballs, before starting 110-pitch outing that included blast in the eighth. Kyle Schwar- prospects. nervous about it at fi rst but that Astros ...... 3 Angels ...... 1 to throwing an NFl ball. He said the latter “felt great,” despite a nine strikeouts and four walks. ber and Albert Almora Jr. each “This is a great team and I am blue (jersey) looks good on me.” Mets ...... 7 Yankees...... 5 bit of a mental block building back up to it. He was working to Lester (12-3), who had been had two of Chicago’s 10 total looking forward to the rest of Machado chose to wear Red Sox ...... 1 Tigers ...... 0 “bridging” the gap between the lighter footballs and a regula- brilliant in winning eight of his hits, with Schwarber driving in the season,” said Machado who number eight for the Dodgers as Pirates ...... 12 Reds ...... 1 tion ball, also working in overhead tennis serves and throws past nine starts, took the loss two runs. Bryant added a solo fi nished two-for-three at the a homage to his favourite NBA Braves ...... 8 Nationals ...... 5 with round balls to make the same motion with less stress on after surrendering eight runs, home run in the seventh, when plate. “They made me feel right player Kobe Bryant. Phillies ...... 11 Padres ...... 5 the shoulder. In an attempt to simulate a typical week during the all earned, on seven hits and fi ve the game was long over. at home the fi rst day here.” “My dog is named Kobe,” he Rockies ...... 11 Diamondbacks 10 regular season, the Colts had Luck throwing four days a week: walks in three innings of work. Machado walked in his next said. No doubt that was a relief Blue Jays ...... 8 Orioles ...... 7 Three days in a row to simulate a typical practice week, and then He struck out just one batter. ‘Mannywood’ makes an two at-bats and delivered his for the Dodgers’ Max Muncy who (10 innings) an off day before a fourth day to approximate games. In an eff ort to conserve his impact in Dodgers debut second single in the seventh in- wears the No 13 that Machado Indians ...... 9 Rangers ...... 8 The team has taken a very conservative approach in getting bullpen for a doubleheader Sat- Manny Machado made a splash ning off relief pitcher Taylor donned during his time with the (11 innings) Luck healthy after the QB suff ered pain in his throwing shoulder urday, Cubs manager Joe Mad- in his debut on Friday in the home Williams in front of a Milwaukee Orioles. Mariners ...... 3 White Sox ...... 1 in his return to practice last October, nine months removed from don used three position players of Hollywood with a multi-hit crowd of 36,800. Machado was hitting .315, Marlins ...... 6 Rays ...... 5 shoulder surgery to correct an injury he originally suff ered dur- to pitch the fi nal 3 1/3 innings. game as the Los Angeles Dodgers “He’s our new Mannywood,” with 24 home runs and 65 RBIs Royals...... 6 Twins ...... 5 ing the 2015 season. Infi elder Tommy La Stella (three defeated the Milwaukee Brew- said Dodger pitcher Kenley for the Orioles this season and Giants ...... 5 Athletics ...... 1

NBA Lakers and Beasley agree to one-year deal By Tania Ganguli Minnesota on July 12, 2010, just any marijuana incident or inci- Los Angeles Times four days after James announced dent period. But it’s all anybody he was taking his talents to speaks about. I’ve grown up. MICHAEL BEASLEY South Beach. Now it’s time for you to grow up.” he Lakers added one Beasley returned to Miami more veteran to their in James’ last season there and Ferrell to join Kings roster on Friday, signing played 55 games, but just four in Free agent guard Yogi Ferrell forward Michael Bea- the postseason, where the Heat will sign with the Sacramento Tsley to a one-year deal worth advanced to the NBA Finals and Kings for two years and $6.2 mil- $3.5 million, according to people lost to the San Antonio Spurs. lion, according to a Yahoo Sports familiar with the deal who were Beasley bounced around the report, hours after he spurned not authorized to speak publicly. NBA, getting a third stint in Mi- a reported deal to return to the Beasley joins an overhauled ami, and played in China. De- Dallas Mavericks. roster headlined by LeBron spite his promise and potential, Ferrell’s agent, Cervando Te- James, along with several other he’s never played more than two jeda, told Yahoo Sports eight veterans the Lakers have signed consecutive seasons with the hours before news of the Kings’ to one-year deals: guards Rajon same team. He signed a three- agreement that his client, after Rondo, Lance Stephenson and year contract with Phoenix in sleeping on it, decided to back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and 2012 but was waived a year later out of a two-year, $5.3 million centre JaVale McGee. after an arrest for marijuana deal he agreed to with the Mav- Beasley, 29, is a former No possession. ericks. 2 overall draft pick joining his Beasley’s reputation has suf- The Mavericks rescinded Fer- seventh team in 11 seasons. He fered over rumours of marijuana rell’s $2.9 million qualifying of- jump-started his career last sea- use, something he has spoken fer last Friday, a move that made son with the New York Knicks, out against in recent years. the 25-year-old an unrestricted averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 “My past is my past,” Beas- free agent. The move had been rebounds in 74 games. He shot ley said last year, according to viewed as a formality with Fer- 50.7 percent from the fi eld, 39.5 the New York Post. “They keep rell close to agreement on the percent on 3-pointers and 78 harping on it. Everyone wants new deal that averaged less an- percent from the line. me to grow up and learn from my nually ($2.65 million) than the Beasley was drafted by Miami past, learn from my mistakes. qualifying off er. Ferrell averaged out of Kansas State in 2008 but But you guys should do the same 10.2 points while playing in all never got to win championships thing. 82 games for the Mavericks last with James. He was traded to “I’m years removed from season. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 22, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT As a child, I played in the streets wearing a Liverpool shirt: Keita Midfielder idolised Gerrard while growing up in Guinea – now he has taken on his No. 8 shirt and has made an immediate impact

By Andy Hunter last summer but, even before witness- The Guardian ing the team’s exhilarating run to the Champions League fi nal, he was con- vinced Anfi eld should be his next step. wood Park on Thursday night “It’s true there were other teams in- and it is not only updates on volved like the ones you mention but a Alisson’s world-record move big part of my decision was the role of to Anfi eld that is enthralling the coach,” he says. thousandsE of Liverpool fans in the Dar- “We had good conversations. The wen End stand. The second-half per- words he spoke to me about this project formance of Naby Keita against Black- really convinced me. I could see how burn Rovers suggests that for Liverpool the club was developing and I spoke at and Jurgen Klopp here is another high- length with Sadio (Mane). Sadio is like profi le transfer worth the wait. a brother to me. We had nine months Yes, it was a pre-season friendly together at Salzburg and built up a good against Championship opposition rapport. We have been great friends and judgment should be reserved. But since that time. He told me what a great early impressions count. Within min- club this was and how the team was utes of his introduction the captain of progressing and had great potential.” Guinea freed Daniel Sturridge behind Adapting to the physicality of Eng- the Blackburn defence with a slide- lish football should not be an issue for rule, diagonal pass. His composure on Keita who, despite his admiration for the ball, distribution and movement players such as Iniesta and Deco, read- impressed throughout. One year after ily admits to revelling in the aggressive agreeing a complex deal with RB Leip- side of the game. Four red cards last zig for the midfi elder, one that eventu- season suggest revelling in it a bit too ally rose to £52.75mn, Liverpool are dis- much. covering why the 23-year-old’s father “I think I might have been a bit un- called his son Deco when they played fortunate with a couple of those reds,” football on the streets of Conakry, the he says, with a laugh. “The main thing capital of Guinea. In Keita’s eyes he is that they were not for losing my dis- was a Steven Gerrard or Andres Iniesta. cipline or anything like that. It was just Klopp will be beside himself if he has a tackle that was judged to be a little bit landed a combination of the two. stronger than it was. “Since I signed for Liverpool my dad “I am someone who has a real win- has spoken to me a lot about how much ning mentality. I have a huge desire he loved them,” says Keita. “As a kid to win. That is why I am aggressive in we used to play in the streets wearing Liverpool’s Naby Keita pictured at the a positive sense on the fi eld. My fi rst a Liverpool shirt. He had that love of club’s training ground at Melwood. mindset when I am out on the fi eld is to Liverpool back then when I was 11 or 12 defend well and not concede. As a mid- years old. Because I’m a midfi elder and fi elder, when you have sealed things up Steven Gerrard was always the boss of at the back, my job is to provide the am- the team I couldn’t be anyone else but munition for the strikers and forwards, Steven Gerrard when I played. to create opportunities for them. “My overall favourite player would “I am a team player. My long-term be Iniesta. It is his fi nal ball, obviously, aim has always been to play football at his skill and his ability. I know he is not He started calling me Deco as a nick- top of his £48mn release clause – a but he did play at a decent level for an back. “I didn’t know that Steven would the highest level I possibly could for known for his aggression but that is name around the house.” club-record fee at the time. amateur team in Conakry. I am aware be at Melwood so it was a big shock and a big club. When that is in your mind something I have added to my game, Sekou Keita’s infl uence on his son’s “Eight was always the number I liked that it’s a big number here at Liverpool exciting to be presented with the shirt you don’t give up, you constantly fi ght even if it is not one of his traits. I think career continues to this day. Gerrard going back to my childhood,” says the and I am very excited to wear it. I know by him. Steven said: ‘Everyone will be and battle to make that happen. But as a midfi elder you need to have that was at Melwood last month to hand Guinea international. “It’s also the it was Steven’s number but I am not go- here for you and help you to develop.’ I that isn’t to say that now I am at a mas- aggression as part of your game. But I over his old No. 8 shirt to Keita after number my dad wore when he played ing to put any extra pressure on myself. am here to learn and grow as a player.” sive club I am going to relax and to stop always admired Deco too. It was funny Liverpool fi nally broke the deadlock football so it’s special to me. He wasn’t What is more important is contributing Barcelona and Bayern Munich ri- fi ghting and battling. I am still going to because my dad loved Deco as a player. with Leipzig by paying a premium on fortunate enough to play professionally for this team than the number on your valled Liverpool for Keita’s signature be the same.”

FOCUS TRANSFERS Dortmund ease past Man City Alisson move to Liverpool could in Champions Cup opener spark keeper merry-go-round

AFP ford Bridge and his family in Madrid. “My London personal situation is related to the city of Madrid, it’s known. My two children live there with their mum,” he told Belgian mag- iverpool’s world-record signing of azine Sport back in February. Alisson could trigger a reshuffl e of “Yes, my heart is in Madrid. It is logical goalkeepers at top clubs across Eu- and understandable.” rope, with several others seemingly Courtois shone at the World Cup, win- Lset for a move on the merry-go-round. Liv- ning the Golden Glove for goalkeeper of the erpool signed Brazil international Alisson tournament as Belgium fi nished a best-ever from Roma on Thursday in a deal valued at third. However, with his contract running 72.5mn euros — a record for a goalkeeper — down, he has been linked with a move to beating Chelsea to his signature. Spain. Were Courtois to head to Real Ma- Liverpool swiftly sold reserve goalkeeper drid, the future of their current number one Danny Ward to Leicester City on Friday. Keylor Navas would be in doubt. Stoke City’s Wales international Ward had been back-up England back-up goalkeeper Jack Butland to Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius, who could be a prime target for pre-season shop- made two costly blunders in Liverpool’s pers at wealthier clubs. 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions Meanwhile at Arsenal, Petr Cech, the Eng- League fi nal in May. lish Premier League’s all-time clean sheet Mario Gotze (second left) of Borussia Dortmund in action against Manchester City during an International Ward going to Leicester could either pro- record holder, could be another target after Champions Cup match at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday night. (AFP) vide competition or back-up to the Foxes’ Berd Leno’s arrival at the Emirates. Man- Kasper Schmeichel — or see the Denmark chester City manager Pep Guardiola says he AFP With the bulk of his Premier forced a great save from Dort- goalkeeper on his way. Sky Sports News re- wants to “fi nd a solution” for Joe Hart so the Chicago League title-winning squad en- mund keeper Marwin Hitz. Nev- ported that Chelsea are interested in Sch- former England keeper does not have to see joying an extended break after ertheless, Guardiola would have meichel after a series of impressive perform- out the fi nal year of his contract in the re- their exertions at the World Cup, been all too aware of his side’s ances at the World Cup. serves, having spent two seasons on loan at ep Guardiola’s start to it was a vastly inexperienced side lack of killer instinct. The Blues could be in need of a new goal- Torino and West Ham. The English transfer his pre-season cam- sent out by the Spaniard at Sol- Jadon Sancho, who quit the keeper. Thibault Courtois has been openly window closes on August 9, although players paign ended in defeat dier Field. Mahrez, the $75mn Premier League club for Dort- torn for months between his post at Stam- can move to other countries up to August 31. as Borussia Dortmund signing from Leicester, made mund last August following a Pcaptain Mario Gotze’s fi rst half his debut while the precocious fall-out with Guardiola, was in- penalty was enough to see off young English midfi elder Phil troduced in the second half and BOTTOMLINE the Premier League champions Foden also started. began promisingly. Joe Hart, Manchester City 1-0 at Soldier There was a healthy crowd of the former England keeper, was Field in Chicago on Friday night. 34,629 inside Soldier Field and making his fi rst City appearance Guardiola was able to call on although a young City side held since August 2016 but it was op- Aston Villa receive signifi cant investment the likes of new signing Riyad their own early on, Dortmund posite number Hitz who was al- Mahrez and German Leroy Sane created the better chances with most beaten on 55 minutes when The Guardian Sawiris is worth a reported £5.2bn, ac- following a slow start to the summer which but his otherwise highly inexpe- Gotze pulling the strings to- another Mahrez set-piece fl ew London cording to Forbes. His co-investor, Edens, has seen no new arrivals due to the fi nancial rienced, young team were unable gether with Pulisic. Mahrez was just past the post. has experience in sport, as he co-owns bas- constraints at Villa Park. John Terry de- to get the better of a Dortmund City’s best player, who show- Guardiola said his team played ketball franchise the Milwaukee Bucks. Xia parted and key midfi elder Jack Grealish was side who have already played one cased his attacking threat with well despite not having a lot of ston Villa will receive “signifi cant said: “I am extremely pleased to have formed heavily linked with a move away, as the club game this summer and looked far a decent run and cross midway time to train together. “It was re- investment” from NSWE, a com- a strategic partnership with Nassef and Wes. looked to reduce costs. sharper in the opening match of through the fi rst half. ally good for their futures because pany controlled by billionaires We have a common goal of delivering future Sawiris and Edens said: “As lifelong foot- this year’s International Cham- But on 28 minutes the Germans we played one of the best teams in Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the success for Aston Villa and I look forward to ball fans, we are excited and privileged to pions Cup tournament. were ahead. Alex Zinchenko, who Germany and we did many good ChampionshipA club have announced. The working together to achieve this aim. have become part of this great club. We be- Gotze’s winner came in the is set to leave the club before the things,” he said. “The courage, club’s owner, Dr Tony Xia, engaged in talks “To have come so close to achieving pro- lieve that together we bring business and 28th minute when American in- start of the English domestic intensity and desire to play was with the Egyptian group, eventually agree- motion last season was a humbling expe- sports experience that will help strengthen ternational Christian Pulisic was season, brought down the lively very good. I’m so satisfi ed.” ing to a co-ownership model. Xia will re- rience. In fi nding such strong partners as the club to ensure Aston Villa can return to hauled down in the box allow- Pulisic in the box and Gotze beat The Algerian’s cute pass set main on the board at Villa Park and become Nassef and Wes we’re gearing up to fi ght its rightful place in the upper echelons of ing the midfi elder who famously Bravo from the spot before Al- Lukas Nmecha through on 70 co-chairman. again and bring back the success that this English football. scored the winning goal in the exander Isak almost made it two minutes but his fi nish was lack- Since Aston Villa lost the play-off fi nal club deserves and we all so want to provide “Our goal is to bring sustainable success 2014 World Cup fi nal to beat soon after. ing before Hart produced an ex- against Fulham in May, Xia has been seek- it with. The future is exciting on a number to the club, building on its rich history while Claudio Bravo. Mahrez showed Jack Harrison should have cellent point blank save to deny ing investment. The club missed a £4mn of fronts and I look forward to exploring fur- respecting its loyal fan base and unique cul- fl ashes of his quality yet Guar- done better just before the inter- Mahmoud Dahoud. Dortmund, payment to HMRC and have relied on Xia to ther business collaborations.” ture. We understand that we are stewards of diola will be disappointed about val when he miscued a shot from however, held fi rm to seal a de- cover fi nancial shortfalls, which reached a Now that the deal is in place, the club’s Aston Villa on behalf of the fans and we take the lack of cutting edge on show. close range and then Mahrez served win. reported £40mn. hierarchy hope to start making signings, that responsibility seriously.” Gulf Times Sunday, July 22, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Africa looks for answers aft er disastrous World Cup I am looking forward Rabat: African football will conduct a soul-searching ses- sion at a two-day symposium in Morocco after all five of the continent’s sides failed to get over the first hurdle at the World Cup. Egypt, to achieve victories Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria and Senegal were all eliminated in the group phase in Russia, leaving Africa without a rep- resentative in the knockout rounds for the first time since the 1982 finals in Spain. together: Al Sadd’s Gabi Coaches and off icials of the five countries will discuss the disappointing results at a debrief in Rabat organ- ‘Sadd are big team and its aim will always be to win titles. We will aim to win all the championships’ ised by the Confederation of African Football and the By Sports Reporter level of football before the next Moroccan Football Federa- Doha World Cup.” tion today and tomorrow. “It Gabi also shared his thoughts was a disappointment for the on his former team Atletico African teams and the African ew signing Gabi Fern- Madrid. “What distinguishes continent,” said former Ni- andez has praised his Al Atletico Madrid is the solidarity geria international Emmanuel Sadd teammates after of the players. They are always Amunike, who was part of getting to know them united in their eff orts to reach FIFA’s technical study group Nduring the ongoing 2018-19 pre- their specifi c goals and I hope analysing the World Cup and season training camp in Bad Ha- to see this unity and solidarity will be at the symposium. ring, Austria. Having joined the among the players of Al Sadd, so “A lot of people were club in the summer after leaving that we can move forward in the expecting African teams his longtime home in Atletico path of victories and win cham- to progress beyond what Madrid, Gabi feels that his new pionships. they have done previously, team is working hard towards a “Every season, Atletico Ma- but unfortunately it didn’t great start to the season. drid puts forward a plan to win materialise. The truth is that Speaking to the club website titles. The fans and the manage- we all are aware that football on the sidelines of a training ses- ment both want to win the league has developed a lot and will sion, Gabi said: “I am very happy and the Champions League.” continue to change, and we to start training with Al Sadd. When asked about Atletico in Africa, if we don’t embrace Practice has been excellent and forward Antoine Griezmann, he the responsibility and see our goal has been to reach peak said: “I think that Griezmann is how we can develop our levels of technical and physical currently one of the best players youth, will continue to live fi tness ahead of the new season. in the world and his decision to on dreams. I can tell you that It feels great, the team is training stay at Atletico could strengthen there is a lot of raw talent but as a single group, as a family that the team’s chances of winning raw talent, without polish- is looking to achieve victories to- titles and competing for the ing them, will not give you a gether.” Champions League.” result,” he said. “I have been working with a He added: “Atletico Madrid FIFA President Gianni great group of players and coach- have some very good young play- Infantino said last week that ing staff . I feel part of the group,” ers in all the age categories. Toni Africa’s failure to get a team added the 35-year-old midfi eld- Moya is a really capable player past the first round had been er. “Also, the venue of the camp is and will be my successor in the discussed by the game’s top great and it has helped us to pre- team.” off icials and was a concern. pare well. The last fi ve days that Gabi was also asked about “You need a little luck to get I have spent with the team have Spain’s performance at the re- past the first round at a tour- went well. The level of training cently concluded FIFA World nament like the World Cup. is high, especially as there are Cup in Russia. “The World Cup in Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria many excellent players in the Russia was very diffi cult because all played very good football. team, such as the captain Xavi, all the teams have improved. The But this is a concern and we the striker Baghdad Bounedjah, new coach Luis Enrique has had have been talking about it Akram Afi f and others. I expect some excellent results with Bar- with the president of CAF and the co-ordination between the celona and I wish him good luck we will intervene,” he told players to improve further as we with the national team.” reporters in . near the start of the competition. The Spanish league has just “To have success on the “Al Sadd are big team and its lost Cristiano Ronaldo after the pitch, you have to do well off aim will always be to win titles. Portuguese star moved to Ital- it and it is essential to work So, this season we will aim to win ian side Juventus, and Gabi said: with the African federations all the championships.” “Cristiano is a huge player and he to ensure everything is doing Asked about his view on the has moved from one big club in well with their organisation.” 2022 World Cup, Gabi said that Spain to another big club in Italy. Egypt were the first African he has realised the passion of the He will look to win the Cham- country to play at a World Cup Qataris for football and that he pions League with Juventus and in 1934 and since 1970 there is confi dent about their capabil- he will be a great addition to the has been a consistent African ity to host the tournament. “I am Italian league.” presence at the tournament, sure that the organisation (of the As whether it’s Ronaldo or Gabi joined the club in the rising to six teams in 2010 2022 World Cup) in Qatar will Messi who is the best player in summer after leaving his when South Africa hosted be at a high level, like the one in the world, Gabi said: “For me, the longtime club Atletico Madrid. the finals. But none have Russia, or even more because of best in the world now is Griez- reached the final four and the importance Qataris give to- mann!” Gabi concluded his talk only three African sides have wards organising a model tour- by saying: “My goal is to always got as far as the quarter-finals: nament. Also, I think the pres- play to win and this is what we Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in ence of international stars in the are working towards at AlSadd, 2002 and Ghana in 2010. league will help in developing the as we go in search of titles.”

ROUND-UP Bayern Munich dominate PSG in pre-season friendly erman champions Bayern Europe’s top club competition, but it fi rst leg of their Europa League second Munich hit three second-half has failed to win any major silverware qualifying-round tie against Aber- goals as they beat French ti- since 2011. deen on July 26, two weeks before the tlists Paris Saint-Germain, Elliott has committed to a 50mn Premier League’s transfer deadline on G3-1, yesterday in a friendly in Klagen- euro ($59mn)capital injection, Aug. 9. Their league campaign begins furt, Austria. PSG were without their prompting the Court of Arbitration for on Aug. 12, when they visit Southamp- World Cup winners, but they did start Sport on Friday to overturn a decision ton. While Dyche is not worried about Adrien Rabiot, who refused to serve as by European soccer body UEFA to ban his thin squad, the English boss says a reserve for the French squad. Bayern AC Milan from the next Europa League the rising transfer fees is a concern were without their legion of German competition due to its poor fi nances. for every club in the league. “Teams internationals, despite the national “This is a critical moment in the club’s are waiting and waiting to push the team’s early exit in Russia. storied history, and we’re all grateful to margins,” he added. PSG had the best of the fi rst half and have a new owner committed to return “Clubs that do get the money in, took the lead with a 31st minute goal by AC Milan to its former glory,” Scaroni you know they’ve got to put it back out American Timothy Weah, the 18-year- said in the statement. there. It’s just tough for everyone — it’s old son of African legend George Weah. not just us, by the way. We have our Bayern dominated the second half DYCHE UNCONCERNED BY challenges, we know that — it’s well and struck three times in 18 minutes. BURNLEY’S TRANSFER INACTIVITY documented about our fi nancial model Spaniard Javier Martinez opened the Burnley’s lack of new signings in the compared to others — but it doesn’t scoring past Gianluigi Buff on, the transfer window does not faze man- make it easy for anyone.” Italian veteran who joined PSG this ager Sean Dyche, who says the club summer. Portuguese midfi elder Renato have “been down this road before”. LEICESTER SIGN GOALKEEPER Sanchez and 17-year-old Dutch striker The Lancashire outfi t are one of only WARD FROM LIVERPOOL Joshua Zirkzee added the other two, three Premier League teams yet to add Leicester City have signed goalkeeper after Buff on had gone off . to their squad, along with Everton and Danny Ward from Liverpool on a four- Tottenham Hotspur, and despite media year contract, both clubs confi rmed WATFORD’S CLEVERLEY reports linking several players with a on Friday. Financial terms of the deal TO MISS START OF SEASON move to Turf Moor, a deal is yet to ma- were not disclosed, but British media Watford midfi elder Tom Cleverley terialise. Burnley have thrived despite reported Leicester paid around 12.5 will miss the start of the new Premier Paris Saint-Germain’s Timothy Weah (left) vies for the ball with Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic during the International their fi nancial limitations, with Dyche million pounds ($16.41 million) for the League season after Achilles surgery. Champions Cup match at the Worthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria, yesterday. (AFP) leading the team to seventh place 25-year-old. Cleverley went under the knife to last season. “There’s lots of diff erent Ward, who joined Liverpool from fi x the long-standing issue and the ford last year, having failed to establish control. AC Milan said Paolo Sca- over the indebted soccer club after changes in the market every window, it Wrexham in January 2012, made only 28-year-old hopes to return to action himself at Everton. Cleverley has won roni, the longtime CEO of Italian oil Yonghong Li, who last year had bought seems,” Dyche said. three fi rst-team appearances for the after the early weeks of the campaign. 13 England caps, but hasn’t played for group Eni and now deputy chairman AC Milan from former Italian Prime “The bar got set high here with one Merseyside club, and was the third- “This is something I’ve put up his country since November 2013. of investment bank Rothschild, had Minister Silvio Berlusconi, failed to of the fi rst domestic transfers with choice keeper behind Loris Karius and with during my career, so it’s good to been named as executive chairman honour a repayment that was due to James Maddison going (from Norwich Simon Mignolet last season. get it sorted,” Cleverley said. “I had MILAN NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN and would take on interim manage- the US fund. City) to Leicester... I think that pushed Ward, capped four times by Wales, been used to playing with pain in my AFTER ELLIOTT TAKES CONTROL ment of the club. His appointment AC Milan said the board would the boundaries and then it’s a knock- will compete with fi rst-choice Kasper ankle. Now that’s going to be a thing AC Milan said yesterday a former oil was announced as the club named a meet again shortly to discuss a new on eff ect — everyone wants everything Schmeichel and Eldin Jakupovic of the past, I’ll be fi t and raring to win company boss had been put in charge new board. CEO Marco Fassone, who business plan and defi ne a strategy to they can get. It does make it diffi cult in manager Claude Puel’s squad. my place back once I’ve fi nished my of the top-ranked Italian soccer club was hired last year by the club’s former regain Champions League status. The but it’s not new to us, we’ve been down Leicester kick off their Premier League rehab.” The former Manchester United while it searched for a new chief Chinese owners, has stepped down loss-making club is second only to this road before.” campaign with n away game against youth academy graduate joined Wat- executive, after US fund Elliott took with immediate eff ect. Elliott took Real Madrid in the list of winners of Burnley open their season with the Manchester United on Aug. 10.

Sunday, July 22, 2018 GULF TIMES

SECOND TEST SPOTLIGHT Rashid set for build recall to England Test team By Chris Stocks just a day before the trial starts it The Guardian would be understandable if Eng- land decided to overlook Stokes. domineering lead However, Bayliss said: “Ben’s the revor Bayliss has indi- all-round package and just lifts cated Adil Rashid is in everyone. Look, it’s not the best line for a Test recall for situation not having him there the series against India for Lord’s but we want him avail- Tdespite the fact the leg-spinner able for as many games as pos- opted out of playing red-ball sible.” cricket. The England head coach Meanwhile, England have over South Africa was glowing in his praise of confi rmed a schedule for next Rashid after he starred in the ODI summer that includes an his- series, the highlight of which toric four-day fi rst Test against Hosts spinners skittle out South Africa for just 124 in their first innings was an outrageous that Ireland. The four-day contest at bowled Virat Kohli in the decid- Lord’s, starting on 24 July, will ing match on Tuesday. be England’s fi rst Test scheduled The 30-year-old made the last to last fewer than fi ve days since of his 10 Test appearances against 1971. Ireland, who gained Test India in Chennai in December status last year and lost their fi rst 2016 and had seemingly aban- match against Pakistan in May, doned his ambitions to play any will act as an Ashes warm-up more when he signed a white- for England. That series against ball-only contract with Yorkshire Australia, the fi rst to be played as at the start of the summer. part of the new ICC Test Cham- Speaking the immediate af- pionship, will start at Edgbaston termath of England’s win at on 1 August, with further Tests at Headingley, Rashid indicated he Lord’s, Headingley, Old Traff ord would reconsider that stance, and The Oval. saying: “At this moment in time Meanwhile, England’s - I’m just concentrating on white- keeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow ball cricket. But in the meantime has urged his side to carry for- if something comes about I’ll be ward the momentum of their happy.” ODI series win. “There’s an over- Bayliss has said chief selector lap of players between the Tests Ed Smith, who picked Jos But- and the one-dayers, so coming tler based purely on white-ball off the back of a series win is go- form for the fi rst Test series of ing to naturally boost your confi - the summer against Pakistan, is dence,” Bairstow said. likely to have a conversation with “Playing against the number Rashid to gauge his appetite for a two side in the world when you’re return – potentially for the fi rst ranked at one there’s always Test at Edgbaston starting on 1 pressure on it and to win that se- August. “That’s a decision Adil’s ries was something we set out to got to make,” said Bayliss. “I’m do. We will take confi dence from not sure whether Ed Smith’s had that into the Test team but at the a chat with him or not. Could same time it’s something that we he get picked in the Test team know with is com- on white-ball form? It’s already pletely diff erent. It’s a diff erent happened once this year. I’m formula, a diff erent game and sure he’ll be up for discussion, diff erent personnel within the defi nitely. This year is probably team,” he added. the best we’ve seen him bowl. Asked about Test skipper Joe His control and his consistency Root’s ‘mic-drop’ celebration has been top class.” after scoring a series-winning Bayliss confi rmed Ben Stokes century at Headingley, Bairstow will play in the fi rst Test against said: “I know he’s copped a lot of India despite fears he could be stick for it. I don’t think that’ll be distracted by his impending coming out anytime soon! It was court case. The all-rounder will good fun and he deserved to get miss the second match of the man of the series the way that he series at Lord’s as it clashes with went out and guided us through, his trial at Bristol Crown Court especially at Headingley. Hope- Sri Lankan spinner (centre) celebrates after dismissing South Africa’s Dale Steyn during second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) on a charge of aff ray. fully he goes out and keeps scor- Given the scheduled conclu- ing the runs that he’s scored in AFP ing session as they added 61 runs to the on four for 40. The only batsman to put T. de Bruyn c Dickwella b Dananjaya 3 sion of the Edgbaston Test is the last two games.” Colombo overnight total. Left-arm spinner Kes- any pressure on Sri Lanka was du Plessis, H. Amla c Mendis b Perera 19 hav Maharaj eventually dismissed Herath who attacked the spinners after lunch, as F. du Plessis c Dickwella b Perera 48 to end the innings, and complete a haul he struck eight fours and a six. Du Plessis T. Bavuma c Mendis b Perera 11 ri Lanka surged to 151 for 3 in their of nine for 129 — the second-best for a and Hashim Amla put on the best part- Q. de Kock lbw Dananjaya 32 second innings yesterday — a 365- South Africa bowler and the best since nership of 55, but Perera dismissed them K. Maharaj c Karunaratne b Dananjaya 2 run overall lead — as they sought the country made a post-apartheid re- both within four overs of each other. De- K. Rabada c Mathews b Perera 1 a whitewash triumph over South turn to Tests in 1991. spite de Kock’s aggressive innings, the D. Steyn lbw Dananjaya 0 AfricaS in their two-Test series. After their But Sri Lanka’s 338 was always going to remainder of South Africa’s batting were L. Ngidi not out 0 spinners had skittled out South Africa for be a challenge and Dananjaya, Herath and easy meat when Dananjaya came back. Du Extras (1nb) 1 just 124 in their fi rst innings, Sri Lankan Dilruwan Perera then tore through the Plessis left the fi eld at the end of the day Total (All out 34.5 overs) 124 openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Di- South African batting, already exposed by with a worried look on his face. Fall of : 1-4 (Elgar), 2-8 (de Bruyn), muth Karunaratne put on a quickfi re 91 their defeat in the fi rst Test in Galle. Dan- 3-15 (Markram), 4-70 (Amla), 5-85 (du Ples- to set the foundation for another strong anjaya took his second fi ve-wicket haul SCOREBOARD sis), 6-114 (Bavuma), 7-119 (Maharaj), 8-124 (de score on the Colombo pitch. in Tests while Herath and Perera shared SRI LANKA I INNINGS (OVERNIGHT 277-9) Kock), 9-124 (Steyn), 10-124 (Rabada) Gunathilaka was Sri Lanka’s primary the remaining fi ve South African wickets. A. Dananjaya not out 43 Bowling: Perera 12.5-1-40-4, Dananjaya 13-2- aggressor, hitting six fours and two sixes Stand-in captain was R. Herath c Elgar b Maharaj 35 52-5, Herath 9-1-32-1 in his 61 off 68 balls after tea on the sec- not required to deliver a single ball. Only Extras (4b, 2lb, 8w, 1nb) 15 ond day. Keshav Maharaj struck twice to South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and Total (All out, 104.1 overs) 338 SRI LANKA II INNINGS remove Gunathilaka and Dhananjaya da wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock showed Fall of wickets: 1-116 (Karunaratne), 2-117 D. Gunathilaka c Elgar b Maharaj 61 Silva, for a duck, but Karunaratne pro- resistance, making 48 off 51 balls and 32 (Gunathilaka), 3-153 (Mendis), 4-169 D. Karunaratne not out 59 gressed smoothly at the other end to off 31 respectively. (Mathews), 5-223 (Silva), 6-238 (Dickwella), D. de Silva lbw Maharaj 0 reach 59 while Angelo Mathews had 12. South Africa lasted only 34.5 overs, af- 7-247 (de Silva), 8-264 (Perera), 9-264 K. Mendis run out (Markram) 18 The hosts built up their domineering ter Sri Lanka had batted for 104.1 overs in (Lakmal), 10-338 (Herath) A. Mathews not out 12 lead at the end of a day in which their 10th their fi rst innings. Dananjaya, left out for Bowling: Steyn 17-3-60-0, Rabada 20-3-55- Extras: (1 nb) 1 wicket pair added valuable runs to build the fi rst Test at Galle, struck with his sec- 1, Ngidi 14.2-1-54-0, Maharaj 41.1-10-129-9, Total (3 wickets, 34 overs) 151 a fi rst innings of 338. South Africa were ond ball of the match, having Dean Elgar Markram 8.4-1-24-0, Elgar 3-1-10-0 Fall of wickets: 1-91 (Gunathilaka), 2-102 then routed by Sri Lanka’s spinners with caught at gully with a turning off break. (de Silva), 3-136 (Mendis) Akila Dananjaya taking fi ve for 52. He got Theunis de Bruyn edging be- SOUTH AFRICA I INNINGS Bowling: Maharaj 17-0-90-2, Rabada 4-0-22- Dananjaya and Rangana Herath frus- hind in the next over, and Perera picked A. Markram lbw Herath 7 0, Markram 3-1-9-0, de Bruyn 3-0-13-0, Steyn England’s Adil Rashid (right) made the last of his 10 Test appearances trated South Africa through the morn- up the South Africa middle order to fi nish D. Elgar c de Silva b Dananjaya 0 4-1-11-0, Ngidi 2-1-4-0, 1-0-2-0 against India in Chennai in December 2016. (AFP)

OPINION FOCUS Batsmen need to deliver if India are to Warner sets World Cup win Test series in England: Ganguly in runs between the top two scorers, Root goal aft er fi rst home hit-out IANS Kolkata (518 runs) and Gary Ballance (503 runs), AFP “If you look at the last 12 months, I played basi- with third-placed India’s Murali Vijay (402 Darwin cally every game (for Australia) and didn’t get a rest. runs) was more than 100 runs underlining I had a fi ve-day turnaround before the fi rst Test he batsmen need to deliver and the failure of the visiting batters to get runs. in South Africa and I led the team in (the T20 tri- amass 400-450 runs in the fi rst in- Talking about Dhoni, who now only plays anished opening batsman David Warner series in Australia and) New Zealand when some of nings for India to win the fi ve-match white-ball cricket, Ganguly did not want says he is looking to be part of Australia’s the other guys had a rest. So I know that the breaks Test series in England, former India to delve too much into the former captain’s World Cup defence in England next year do me (good), and you don’t lose form overnight.” Tcaptain Sourav Ganguly said yesterday. lean patch with the bat and calls for the after his fi rst hit-out at home yesterday. Warner said he would have the opportunity of “(It will depend) on the batsmen. You 37-year-old to call it a day. “Whatever he BThe pugnacious Warner smacked 36 runs off 32 warm-up games before the World Cup in May-July have to score 400 runs in Test cricket. If does, it’s his decision (on retirement). I am balls in the Northern Territory Strike League in next year. “You’ve got plenty of warm-up games they get 400 runs in the fi rst innings, they sure he will get back to scoring runs.” Darwin as he searches for match practice to gear for before the World Cup, and I’ll be playing the IPL will win test matches,” Ganguly told report- On Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Sa- his return to top-level cricket early next year. (Indian Premier League T20 competition) as well ers at the Eden Gardens. “They are a good ha’s injury conundrum, Ganguly said he had Warner, 31, was handed a one-year ban from in- leading into that,” he said. team. If they bat well, they will do well in From August 1, a new-look England test no clue about the series of developments ternational and state cricket by Cricket Australia for Warner confi rmed his intention to continue at England. They can win the Test series. India side will look to improve their recent record which led to the BCCI issuing a timeline his role in helping to devise a plan to rub sandpaper international level once his suspension is complet- has got a big chance of winning,” he added. in the longest format over fi ve matches. The of events. “I don’t know what happened. I on the ball during a Test match against South Africa ed, and for some time into the future. “I wouldn’t England recorded a resounding come- Joe Root-led England side is ranked fi fth in hope he recovers in time,” he said. in March. He had pledged to play in the cricket out- be here today and working my backside off to keep from-behind 2-1 ODI series win recently. the world and have failed to win any of their Saha will undergo surgery on his right post while he was involved in community coaching scoring as many runs as I can for each team that I After pocketing the T20 series and winning last three series with just one match won. shoulder in Manchester at the end of this work earlier this year as part of the terms of his ban, play for if I didn’t love it — I’d probably retire,” he the fi rst 50-over encounter convincingly, The last time India toured England under month or starting of August. It is unlikely and made good his off er in his side City Cyclones’ said. “But I’ve still got plenty of fuel in the tank and Virat Kohli and company slumped to heavy the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, that the Bengal stumper will be able to even comfortable win against Northern Tide in a 50-over I’m excited.” back-to-back reversals to lose their grip on they lost the fi ve-game Test series 3-1 after lift a bat for two months after going under fi xture. “I’m pretty good when I’m fresh,” Warner Warner will play for the St Lucia Stars in next the three-match rubber. the fi rst tie ended in a draw. The diff erence the knife. told reporters. month’s Caribbean Premier League.