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Friday, June 11, 2021 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 1, 1442 AH Boult at the double GULF TIMES before England recover in 2nd Test SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL

Euro 2020 fi nally set for lift -off under Covid cloud

(Above) Jerseys The action in the continent-wide event kicks off today in of national teams hang in the Rome, where Italy take on Turkey in front of 16,000 fans streets of Baku, Azerbaijan, as part AFP also tested positive for the virus, favourites despite being one of UKRAINE, RUSSIA IN of promotions for Paris, France with six reserve players called up the few traditional giants not to SHIRT ROW the UEFA Euro on stand-by. have any games at home. The UEFA has also demand- yesterday. (AFP) But despite the ongoing threat, world champions’ fi rst match is ed that Ukraine makee he delayed Euro 2020 UEFA president Aleksander in Munich against Germany on changes to its jersey afterr will fi nally get under- Ceferin has been bullish, insist- Tuesday. Russia complained. way today, a year behind ing Euro 2020 will be safe. “All the other countries envy European football’ss schedule, with Covid “It will be the perfect oppor- us,” said a recent front page of governing body said thehe stillT set to cast a shadow over the tunity to show the world that Eu- French sports daily L’Equipe message “Glory to thehe tournament. rope is adapting,” he said. “Eu- underneath pictures of Kylian Heroes”, a rallying cry dur-ur- The continent-wide event, rope is alive and celebrating life. Mbappe, Karim Benzema and ing the 2014 anti-Russiasia fi rst envisaged by then-UEFA Europe is back.” Antoine Griezmann. protests in Ukraine thatt is president Michel Platini when The clearest illustration of that All eyes will be on 33-year- featured inside the shirt, was he announced the tournament is set to come from Budapest, old forward Benzema, who was “clearly political in nature”ture” would be held across Europe, where it is hoped the new Puskas recalled after an international and must be removed. will be played in front of limited Arena will be packed to capacity. exile of five and a half years fol- However, the Ukrainiankrainian crowds and with strict health re- But the majority of the 11 ven- lowing a prolific season for Real football association saidd it was strictions in place. ues, all in diff erent countries, Madrid. in talks with UEFA to reverseeverse its The action kicks off at Rome’s will only be partially-fi lled for Holders Portugal, with a star- decision. Stadio Olimpico, where Italy take matches, although Denmark studded squad led by Cristiano The association said toto AFPAFP on Turkey in front of 16,000 fans. yesterday announced it would Ronaldo, and Hungary complete that “earlier UEFA had appapprovedroved Spain’s preparations for the lift mask rules and allow 25,000 a tough-looking Group F. the new kit and every elementement ofof month-long tournament have fans, instead of 16,000, to attend The other likely contenders it, including the slogan”. been hit after two players, Ser- games in Copenhagen. among the 24 nations include The build-up to the tourna-tourna- gio Busquets and Diego Llorente, Munich aims to host a mini- Belgium, sweating over the fi t- ment has also seen controversyntroversy tested positive for the virus, al- mum of 14,500 fans — around 22 ness of key player Kevin De Bru- over the anti-racism gestureesture ofof though Llorente yesterday re- percent of the Allianz Arena’s ca- yne after he suff ered facial in- taking a knee, which manyny teams turned a negative test. pacity, the lowest of the stadiums juries in the recent Champions have said they will continuenue to do In this June 4, 2021, picture, the The team even had to name a being used. League fi nal, and usual suspects before games. UEFA European Championship “parallel” squad of 17 reserve play- Dublin and Bilbao were Spain and Italy. England players weree booed trophy arrives at Kings Cross Station ers, fearing a possible wider out- dropped from the list of hosts In England, there are hopes by some of their own supportersupporters in London on the final leg of the break in the offi cial 26-man squad. after being unable to give guar- Gareth Southgate’s young side for kneeling in their warm-upwarm-up trophy’s tour in preparation for the Although captain Busquets antees they could meet UEFA’s could take advantage of playing matches, while Croatia ssaidaid yeyes-s- UEFA Euro 2020. (AFP) still has Covid, Llorente’s test re- requirement of accommodating most of their games at Wembley. terday their players wouldould not sult will allay fears that the fi rst- limited numbers of spectators, England have never before be asked to make the gesturesture and choice side might have to miss but Seville stepped in for Bilbao reached a European Champi- Scotland said their teamm would Spain’s opening game against while Dublin’s games went to onship fi nal, but captain Harry stand. Sweden in Seville on Monday. London and Saint-Petersburg. Kane believes the team will start Hungarian Prime MinisterMinister Two Swedish players — for- their bid in a “better place” than Viktor Orban said he agreedreed with ward Dejan Kulusevski and mid- FRANCE THE FAVOURITES they were before reaching the supporters booing playersrs for the fi elder Mattias Svanberg — have On the pitch, France will be fi rm 2018 World Cup semi-fi nals. anti-racism protest.

Mancini targets semi-fi nals, urges Benzema should be fi t to face Spain will wait for Busquets, says Italy to entertain 2 Germany 2 coach 3 Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 11, 2021 EURO 2020

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Gundogan hoping to bounce back aft er CL Mancini targets fi nal defeat with City

AFP anticipation is huge – especially Herzogenaurach, Germany before tournaments like this. We can hardly wait,” added Gundog- an, who is expected to partner anchester City mid- Toni Kroos in Germany’s mid- semi-fi nals, urges fi elder Ilkay Gun- fi eld against France. dogan plans to use He anticipates a busy night his frustrations trying to stem the French at- Mat losing another Champions tack, featuring Kylian Mbappe, League fi nal to help Germany Antoine Griezmann and Karim fi nd form at Euro 2020. Gundog- Benzema, and expects a thor- an lost a Champions League fi nal ough test of the shaky German for the second time in his career defence, which has conceded 20 Italy to entertain when Premier League winners goals in 13 games this season. City were beaten by Chelsea a “You know that you are play- fortnight ago, with Germany ing against a team that has a lot Italy go into the Euros on a 27-match unbeaten run stretching back to 2018 team-mate Kai Havertz scoring of talented footballers. We may the winner for the Blues. not have much possession,” said The defeat in Porto was the Gundogan. “It is all the more im- second time Gundogan, 30, has portant that the guys at the back lost a Champions League fi nal support us. It could be a key to having also been on the losing the game, which could allow us side for former club Borussia to win a lot of ball and force the Dortmund when they were beat- French to run after us.” en by Bayern Munich at Wem- Gundogan hopes his personal bley in 2013. disappointment in Porto could “It’s not easy to lose a game even help Germany. “Winning like that,” Gundogan admitted the Champions League gives you yesterday at Germany’s Euro- a boost and self-confi dence, es- pean Championship base in Ba- pecially for Kai (Havertz), his varia. “We (City) were working goal will give him a lot of belief up to it for a year – even eight that the team could use,” he said. years in my case. I lost the fi nal “I’m pleased for the boys who again, so I’m extremely disap- won (the fi nal) — they deserve it.” pointed. Still, life goes on – that’s Leon Goretzka has been ruled the beauty of competitive sport. out of Germany’s opening Euro Now I’m focusing on the next 2020 match against world cham- tasks and I look forward to the pions France. The 26-year-old tournament (Euro 2020 fi nals) Bayern Munich midfi elder is despite the defeat.” back in training after a leg injury, Gundogan was City’s top scor- but will sit out Germany’s Group er last season with 17 goals in all F match against the French on competitions. He hit the net for Tuesday. his national side on Monday dur- Goretzka, who has scored ing a 7-1 thrashing of Latvia in 13 goals in 32 appearances for Germany’s fi nal warm-up game. Germany, faces a race against Germany open their Group F time to prove his fi tness as the campaign against world cham- ‘Mannschaft’ also host holders pions France on Tuesday in Mu- Portugal on June 19, then Hun- nich, where they also host hold- gary four days later in their other ers Portugal four days later. “The group games.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini (centre) looks on as players train yesterday in Rome, ahead of their Euro 2020 match against Turkey. (Reuters)

Reuters wonderful time for everyone over 90 the pitch when Italy drew 0-0 with Swe- because he is an important player and Rome minutes, we will give it everything. The den at San Siro in November 2017 to seal could operate in several positions,” Man- opening match is the hardest one, above a 1-0 aggregate loss in their World Cup cini said. “It is disappointing how it came all at the start of the tournament. We playoff . “We are very keen to bounce back about as he was on form. We’re very dis- taly coach Roberto Mancini hopes have to be free and try to have fun, that and play a starring role in a major compe- appointed for him as a player and a person his players can put on a show in the should be the aim.” tition,” Chiellini said. and it’s sad to leave the Italy squad on the opening game of Euro 2020 against Mancini has overseen a transformation “That defeat to Sweden at San Siro fi nal day.” Turkey and his ambition is to take of the national team since their humiliat- is still with us and we can’t erase that, Italy have submitted a request to UEFA Ithem to at least the semi-fi nals, he said ing failure to qualify for the 2018 World but we have been able to transform that to bring in Fiorentina’s Gaetano Castro- yesterday. The Azzurri face Turkey at Cup. He did not shy away from saying he disappointment into enthusiasm and a villi in their 26-man squad. Italy’s mid- Rome’s Stadio Olimpico today in the is targeting a trip to London next month, desire to do well. That feeling is not just fi eld also looks set to be without Marco tournament’s fi rst match. where the semi-fi nals and fi nal will take in us but with all the national team fans. Verratti, with Stefano Sensi also a doubt Mancini’s side come into the Euros on place. “I was confi dent three years ago You wouldn’t believe how many friends for today’s opener. a 27-match unbeaten run stretching back and I am more confi dent now. We have and family are galvanised by the national Verratti has returned to training af- to 2018 and have been tipped by many as worked very well, we have excellent play- team, waiting for this game that has been ter suff ering knee ligament damage last dark horses to win it. “I think after eve- ers and have forged a great team spirit,” missing for fi ve years. We are aware of month with his club Paris Saint-Ger- rything we have gone through, now is the Mancini said. “We have been working to- that and can’t wait to get out there and main, but is not expected to line up for time to try and put a smile back on faces,” gether for a long while and have enjoyed experience those emotions.” Italy before their second match against Mancini told a news conference. ourselves and want to go on enjoying our- There was one blow for Mancini on Switzerland on June 16 or Wales four days “That will be our aim over the next selves. Come the end of the tournament the eve of the tournament as Roma mid- later. Sensi suff ered a thigh muscle prob- Germany’s defender Robin Koch (left) and Germany’s midfielder Ilkay month, we want people to enjoy them- we would love to make it to London.” fi elder Lorenzo Pellegrini left the squad lem on the fi nal day of the season playing Gundogan attend a training session in Herzogenaurach, Germany, selves and have fun. I think it will be a Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini was on due to injury. “We are gutted for Lorenzo for Serie A champions Inter Milan. yesterday ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 competition. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Benzema should be fi t to face Germany rance forward Karim looking Group F at the Euros Benzema, who sustained with Hungary their fi rst op- a knee injury during a ponent on June 15 before they friendly on Tuesday, take on Germany four days later isF expected to take part in his and then the reigning World Cup team’s Euro 2020 Group F holders France June 23. opener against Germany, the French federation (FFF) said. DENMARK RAISES CROWD Benzema, who limped off the SIZE FOR EURO MATCHES pitch in the world champions’ Denmark yesterday announced 3-0 win over Bulgaria, has been the easing of several Covid training indoors and should be measures, regarding the use of fi t for Tuesday’s clash in Mu- face masks and crowd sizes at nich. France also face Hungary Euro matches as it prepares to and Portugal in the group stage. lift all restrictions by October 1. The Scandinavian country also RONALDO SCORES IN plans to phase out its “corona PORTUGAL'S WIN pass” required for some activi- Cristiano Ronaldo was on the ties by the same date. score-sheet as European cham- “We will be able to do every- pions Portugal beat Israel 4-0 on thing that we have missed, be- Wednesday in their fi nal warm cause we now have the epidemic up for the defence of their title. under control,” Health Minister Manchester United star Bruno Magnus Heunicke told reporters. Fernandes bagged twice as Ron- Masks will no longer be required aldo and Joao Cancelo added for as of June 14, except on public a comfortable win in Lisbon. transport during rush hour and Ronaldo’s 44th minute strike for standing passengers. That was his 104th international goal requirement will subsequently in 175 matches, and leaves him be lifted on September 1. fi ve short of the record held by Exceptionally, the four Euro Iran’s Ali Daei. “We put things 2020 matches to be played in right from the match against Copenhagen will be able to Spain,” Portugal coach Fernando welcome 25,000 spectators, up Santos said regarding the 0-0 from the 16,000 that had been draw with Spain in their previ- planned until now. However, ous match in Madrid. “I know given the short notice, Den- what we have to do to win, and mark’s football association said I have great confi dence in this the increase will not apply to team,” he said. the fi rst match tomorrow, when Portugal are in the tricky Denmark meets Finland. Gulf Times Friday, June 11, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Diff erent targets for Spain will wait for Oman, Afghanistan in crucial clash

AFC six matches. Afghanistan will Doha continue to rely on their Euro- pean-based players to see them Busquets, says coach through with Faysal Shayesteh, man will seek noth- Milad Intezar and captain Far- ing less than three shad Noor marshalling the mid- Busquets, who was named captain in Ramos' absence, has tested Covid-19 positive points when they face fi eld. Despite playing out a 1-1 Afghanistan in Group draw against Bangladesh last EO of the Asian Qualifi ers for the week, head coach Anoush Dast- Reuters Madrid FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and gir will be hoping that Afghani- AFC Asian Cup China 2023 to- stan can hold off the Omani at- day. Oman, second in the stand- tack for 90 minutes. pain coach Luis Enrique said yes- ings with 12 points, are still in the Oman, who have the second terday he will wait as long as it running for a place in the fi nal best scoring record in Group E takes for Sergio Busquets after his round of the Asian Qualifi ers for with 11 goals, come into the tie positive Covid-19 test, ruling out the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 having lost 1-0 against Qatar on replacingS the midfi elder even though he is as one of the best fi ve second- Tuesday and the West Asians will due to miss the opening Euro 2020 game placed teams. looking to bounce back against with Sweden. Fourth-placed Afghanistan Afghanistan. Busquets, who became captain after must win their next two match- In their previous encounter, Sergio Ramos failed to make the squad, es to fi nish third in Group E and Branko Ivanovic’s charges won tested positive on Sunday and was sent earn automatic qualifi cation into 3-0 at the Al Seeb Stadium in home to quarantine in Barcelona while the fi nal round qualifi ers for the October 2019, and the Croatian the rest of the squad went into isola- AFC Asian Cup China 2023. tactician will expect his team to tion. Luis Enrique has called up a paral- Afghanistan’s defensive re- be fi ring on all cylinders against lel squad to choose from in case anyone is solve will be put to test against Afghanistan. ruled out but he said Busquets, the only Oman at the Jassim Bin Hamad Striking duo Muhsen al-Ghas- surviving member of Spain’s 2010 World Stadium with the The Lions of sani and Abdulaziz al-Muqbali, Cup winners, was worth waiting for. Khorasan hoping to improve who have each scored twice in “I’m going to wait for him, we’re all go- their position in Group E, hav- the Asian Qualifi ers, should con- ing to wait for him. He has the advantage ing already conceded 12 goals in tinue to lead the line for Oman. that he was the fi rst player to test posi- tive and there’s still time. I’m certain he’ll remain in the squad,” Luis Enrique told a news conference. “Anyone who has watched football in the last 12 years can see what Busquets can contribute, every time the ball passes through him our play improves, he’s one of the leaders of this team.” Busquets was still asymptomatic and able to train at home and stay fi t, he add- ed. Defender Diego Llorente tested posi- Spain’s coach Luis Enrique gestures during the friendly match against Portugal in Madrid on June 4, 2021. (AFP) tive on Tuesday and was also sent into quarantine. But the Spain team said he which they won in 2008 and 2012. “We cumstances outside of football and all I no confi rmation when they would receive was due to return yesterday after negative complied with all the protocols and we can think is that positive and beautiful them. results in his last two tests, and serious were even stricter than UEFA had sug- things await us.” Spain are due to open their Euro cam- indications he had returned a false posi- gested, but everything changed after the Spain were given the green light by the paign on Monday, playing Sweden in tive. Luis Enrique admitted the results fi rst positive. Everything went downhill government on Wednesday to receive Group E in the southern city of Seville. had disrupted the team’s preparations from that day,” he said. Covid-19 vaccines although the coach – They will also face Poland on June 19 but said the setbacks made them even “But we have the hope of doing some- who said he had asked for players to be and Slovakia four days later, with both more determined for the tournament, thing great. We’ve always adapted to cir- inoculated from May 24 – said there was matches also being played in Seville. Afghanistan players train in Doha yesterday.

UEFA and beIN Sports agree major SPOTLIGHT three-year rights renewal until 2024 Sweden calls up six stand-by players Doha: UEFA and beIN Media the UEFA Women’s Champions the UEFA Nations League and Group, the global sports and League. beIN will exclusively all European qualifiers for the AFP entertainment group, an- broadcast the competitions FIFA World Cup 2022. beIN Stockholm nounced a major media rights in Arabic, English and French and UEFA will also continue agreement that will see beIN across all 24 countries of the their close partnership and al- Sports exclusively broadcast Mena region, from Morocco in liance on anti-piracy measures weden yesterday called up six reserve UEFA’s premium club competi- the west to Oman in the east in countries and regions all players for Euro 2020 after winger De- tions across the 24 country – and every Mena country in around the world. jan Kulusevski and midfi elder Mattias region of the Middle East and between. Outside Mena, beIN is UEFA’s Svanberg tested positive for Covid and North Africa (Mena) for the The new deal further trusted broadcast partner in a wereS ruled out of the team’s opener against period 2021/22 to 2023/24. strengthens and extends range of other continents, in- Spain next week. “We have assessed the situ- The three-year renewal the existing 12 year relation- cluding the off icial broadcaster ation in diff erent ways to see what we can do includes rights to the UEFA ship in Mena between UEFA of UEFA EURO 2020 to cover ourselves even more going forward. Champions League, Europa and beIN, where beIN is also and the UEFA Champions We’ve decided to create a reserve bubble,” League, Europa Conference the exclusive broadcaster of League in France, while also coach Janne Andersson told reporters. League and – importantly – UEFA national team football being UEFA’s club competition The extra players include Arminia Bielefeld new rights to UEFA’s premium tournaments, including UEFA broadcaster in a range of ter- defender Joakim Nilsson, attacker Isaac Kiese women’s football competition, EURO 2020, UEFA EURO 2024, ritories in Asia. Thelin who plays for Kasimpasa in Turkey, and Aalborg goalkeeper Jacob Rinne. Winger Sweden’s players attend a training session in Gothenburg yesterday. (AFP) Jesper Karlsson and defenders Mattias Jo- hansson and Niklas Hult were also called up. fi rmed, a team spokesman said. The team for the fi rst time yesterday since suff ering ROUND-UP The six will be kept apart from the team reinforced its Covid measures after the two the injury last Saturday at the Dutch train- and will practice separately. The team’s Euro cases emerged. ing camp in Portugal. “We’ll see how it feels basecamp is in Gothenburg on Sweden’s west Unlike other teams, most of Sweden’s play- on the day itself,” he said, “but Sunday is coast. The Swedish FA said it would decide at ers are not vaccinated yet, as the country has defi nitely my goal”. The 21-year-old is seen PSG sign Dutch star Wijnaldum the last minute whether add any of the six to chosen to give the jab to people in descending as one of the most exciting prospects for the their offi cial 26-man squad, and would sub- age categories. Sweden already lost star strik- European Championship and his participa- aris Saint-Germain mit its fi nal list to UEFA on Sunday. If any of er Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury several weeks tion in Sunday’s Group C game would boost have completed the the reserve players were to be called up, they before the start of the tournament. the Dutch, whose defence is already shorn of signing of Dutch in- would however not be available for Sweden’s fi rst choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and ternational midfi elder fi rst match against Spain in Seville on Mon- DE LIGT HOPEFUL OF RECOVERING captain Virgil van Dijk. PGeorginio Wijnaldum from day. Euro rules stipulate that a match must go IN TIME TO PLAY UKRAINE “It’s 50-50, but I feel good. Let’s say 60% Liverpool on a three-year deal, ahead as long as a team has at least 13 eligible Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt reck- chance I’ll make it,” De Ligt said, quickly the French club announced players, including a goalkeeper. ons he has a 50-50 chance of overcoming a upping the odds. Being inserted at the last yesterday. Wijnaldum, 30, is a New PCR tests on the Swedish players and groin injury and being fi t for his side’s open- minute would not be a concern, he added. “I free agent with his contract at coaches all came back negative yesterday, ing Euro 2020 against Ukraine in Amsterdam have played all the last 15 games season with Anfi eld expiring at the end of apart from the two cases previously con- on Sunday. De Ligt returned to full training Juventus, so I have match rhythm anyway." this month, meaning there will be no transfer fee involved. Barcelona had been keen FOCUS to sign the former Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and New- supremacy over bitter rivals a player-coaching role at rivals castle United player, and are Rangers after being named Aberdeen. understood to have been close manager yesterday. The Inter Miami in talks over Messi move to completing a deal before PSG 55-year-old Australian signed a CAS CUTS AJAX KEEPER persuaded him to move to the 12-month rolling contract and ONANA’S DOPING BAN TO AFP in our generation and will meet Parc des Princes instead. fi lls the vacancy on a per- NINE MONTHS Los Angeles with the ambitions of the owners “Signing for Paris Saint- manent basis left open when The Court of Arbitration for of Inter Miami to build a world Germain is a new challenge Neil Lennon resigned in late Sport yesterday reduced on class team.” for me,” Wijnaldum, who is February. appeal Ajax goalkeeper Andre ionel Messi could move Speculation about Messi’s currently with the Netherlands Postecoglou guided Australia Onana’s year-long doping ban to Inter Miami as part of future has intensifi ed with the squad preparing for Euro 2020, to its fi rst ever Asian Cup in to nine months. In a statement a new 10-year deal the 33-year-old out of contract said in a statement published 2015. His appointment ends a CAS said the it had “partially Argentinian superstar is with Barcelona at the end of this on PSG’s website. “I’m joining long-running saga for Celtic upheld the appeal and reduced Lnegotiating with Barcelona, the month. The six-time Ballon D’Or one of the best squads in Eu- who were keen to secure former the period” meaning his ban, owner of the Major League Soc- winner told Spanish television rope and I want to bring all my Bournemouth coach Eddie which began on February 4, cer side said on Wednesday. last December he hoped to play desire and commitment to this Howe. However, talks broke now ends on November 3 this The Miami Herald newspaper in MLS eventually. ambitious project.” down with the Englishman in year. reported that Inter owner Jorge “I always had the dream of Wijnaldum has spent the last late May. Traces of the banned diu- Mas and co-owner David Beck- being able to enjoy and have the fi ve seasons at Liverpool and Postecoglou faces many retic Furosemide were found ham have had “serious talks” experience of living in the Unit- was a key player in the side that challenges after Lennon paid in the urine of the 25-year-old with Messi about joining the ed States, experience what the won the Champions League the price for a disastrous league Cameroon international on Florida franchise for a short- league there is like,” Messi told in 2019 as well as the Premier campaign as their bid for a October 30 during an unan- term stint built into his new Bar- the La Sexta channel. League title last year. He is the 10th consecutive crown never nounced check-up, but Ajax celona contract. Inter co-owner Beckham fi rst signing made by PSG since took fl ight and they fi nished claimed that Onana felt ill and Reports in Spain have said that meanwhile said in February the they missed out on the Ligue 1 25 points adrift of the side accidentally took his wife’s under the new deal proposed by club was working to entice star title last month to Lille. managed by former Liverpool medicine. “In coming to its Barcelona, Messi will play two players of the calibre of Messi midfi elder Steven Gerrard. decision, the CAS Panel also more seasons with the La Liga Inter owner Mas told the Her- and Leo Messi is a generational and Cristiano Ronaldo to the POSTECOGLOU NAMED He arrives with the club in found that no ‘signifi cant fault’ giants through to the end of the ald on Wednesday that he was player, arguably the best player club. “We always want to bring CELTIC MANAGER full transition with chief ex- could be attributed to Andre 2022-2023 campaign before end- optimistic that Messi would of all time,” Mas said. in great players,” Beckham said. Former Australia national ecutive Peter Lawwell standing Onana who had ingested medi- ing his playing career with two eventually play in Miami. “Dav- “I am optimistic Messi will “Miami is a great pull for anyone coach Ange Postecoglou has down after almost two decades cation destined for another seasons in Miami. He would then id and I have been working re- play in an Inter Miami shirt be- and those kinds of players (Messi been set the task of restor- at Celtic and captain Scott person in error,” the statement return to Barcelona for six years ally hard, we have aspirations of cause I think it will complete and Ronaldo) are the kind we as- ing Scottish giants Celtic’s Brown leaving after 14 years for continued. in a “global ambassador” role. bringing the best players here the legacy of the greatest player pire to bring here.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 11, 2021 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Boult at the double before England recover in 2nd Test Hosts were 85-3 and 175-6 but Burns’ 81 and Lawrence’s 67 not out ensured the Black Caps did not dominate entirely

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom SCOREBOARD R. Burns c Latham b Boult 81 rent Boult took two wickets D. Sibley c Blundell b Henry 35 in two balls on his return to Z. Crawley c Mitchell b Wagner 0 New Zealand duty before Eng- land fought back to be 258-7 at J. Root c Blundell b Henry 4 Tstumps on the fi rst day of the second O. Pope c Blundell b Patel 19 and fi nal Test at Edgbaston yesterday. D. Lawrence not out 67 The hosts were 85-3 and 175-6 but opener Rory Burns’ 81 and Dan Law- J. Bracey c Mitchell b Boult 0 rence’s 67 not out ensured the Black- O. Stone lbw b Patel 20 caps did not dominate entirely. England’s last two wickets had so far M. Wood not out 16 added 83 runs, with Olly Stone (20) and Extras (b5, lb8, nb2, w1) 16 tailender Mark Wood, 16 not out off 58 Total (7 wkts, 90 overs) 258 balls at the close, delighting a crowd of some 17,000 following the easing of To bat: S Broad, J Anderson Covid-19 restrictions. Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Sibley), 2-73 Left-arm quick Boult, who had (Crawley), 3-85 (Root), 4-127 (Pope), missed last week’s drawn series opener 5-169 (Burns), 6-175 (Bracey), 7-222 at Lord’s, following a spell of family (Stone) leave, removed Burns and the luckless Bowling: Boult 23-4-60-2; Henry 22- James Bracey, out for a fi rst-ball nought 5-66-2 (2nb, 1w); Wagner 20-6-62-1; to follow his duck on debut at Lord’s, with successive deliveries in a return of Mitchell 11-2-23-0; Patel 14-4-34-2 2-60 in 23 overs. New Zealand XI: Tom Latham Matt Henry had done the early dam- (capt), Devon Conway, Will Young, age as England, who had been 72-0, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom lost three wickets for 13 runs shortly Blundell (wkt), Daryl Mitchell, Neil after lunch, with captain Joe Root out Wagner, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, for just four. The collapse started when Trent Boult Henry, in for the rested Tim Southee ahead of New Zealand’s appearance in next week’s World Test Championship son of former All Blacks coach John fi nal against India at Southampton, had Mitchell – holding an excellent catch at Dom Sibley caught behind off an away- third slip. swinger for 35. Lawrence hit several stylish drives England’s 72-1 became 73-2 as Zak while compiling a 75-ball fi fty includ- Crawley’s miserable form continued ing eight fours. when he was caught in the slips for a Meanwhile, James Anderson’s 162nd duck off left-arm paceman Neil Wag- appearance saw him become England’s ner – the only surviving member of New Zealand’s Matt Henry (centre) celebrates after dismissing England’s Dom Sibley on the first day of the second Test in Birmingham, central England. (AFP) most-capped Test player, breaking New Zealand’s attack from Lord’s. It the record he had shared with retired was Crawley’s ninth single-fi gure score that appeared to favour an England at- key batsman Kane Williamson (elbow), Patel and wicket-keeper Blundell caught by Latham in the slips. former captain Alastair Cook. in 11 Test innings since his stunning 267 tack, once again without a specialist spinner Mitchell Santner (cut fi nger) combined when Ollie Pope (19) was The Surrey left-handed opener faced Stone replaced Ollie Robinson, who, against Pakistan last year. spinner as well as injured all-rounder and BJ Watling (sore back) all missing. caught behind edging a cut off the 187 balls, including 10 fours. Burns’s following a successful on-fi eld Test Henry then captured the prize wicket Ben Stokes and the rested Jos Buttler, Their places were taken by Will Young, left-arm spinner. Boult then got in on exit came off the last ball of the 59th debut at Lord’s, was suspended from of Root, caught behind off a late-mov- Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes. Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell respec- the act when Burns, eyeing three fi g- over and the fi rst of the 61st saw Boult international cricket after the emer- ing outswinger. Root had won the toss New Zealand had to make three inju- tively, with Tom Latham captaining the ures again after his hundred at Lord’s, tempt Bracey into driving at another gence of historic racist and sexist Twit- and batted despite overcast conditions ry-enforced changes, with captain and team. drove at an away-swinger and was well outswinger, with Daryl Mitchell – the ter posts.

FIRST TEST PSL Nortje and Ngidi shine as Babar’s unbeaten 85 in vain as Sultans win

Agencies manullah Gurbaz early. Sohaib West Indies bundled out for 97 Abu Dhabi Maqsood and Mohamed Rizwan stitched a solid 36-run stand AFP for the second wicket off just 18 Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia hree wickets from Im- balls. Later, Rizwan was joined ran Khan and 44 each by Rossouw, who made 44 in from Khushdil Shah and just 24 balls. 44. Thisara Perera ungi Ngidi mowed through the lower half player of the match Rilee removed Rossou, while Rizwan of the West Indies batting order on the TRossouw helped Multan Sul- (29 off 23, two fours, one six) got way to a fi ve-wicket haul as South Africa tans to a 12-run win over Kara- run out. That the Sultans man- routed the home side for 97 after they chi Kings in the Pakistan Super aged to score 176 for fi ve was Lchose to bat fi rst on the opening day of the fi rst League in Abu Dhabi yesterday. largely because of late onslaught Test of the two-match series at the Daren Sammy Sultans restricted Kings to 164 in from young left-handed bats- Cricket Ground in St Lucia yesterday. their pursuit of 177. man Khushdil who returned un- South Africa lost their captain Dean Elgar to Kings had a poor start to their defeated on 44 off 32. Kemar Roach without scoring to the fi fth ball of run-chase and were reeling at their reply but they reached the tea interval with- 77 for three in 12 overs with 100 BRIEF SCORES out any further alarms at 30 for one. runs still required from eight Multan Sultans 176-5, 20 overs Elgar’s opening partner Aiden Markram and overs. Chadwick Walton joined (Khushdil Shah 44 not out, Rilee Keegan Petersen, one of two debutants in the Babar and the pair stitched a 77- Rossouw 44, Sohaib Maqsood Proteas line-up, will continue the visitors’ eff ort run partnership off 45 balls for Multan Sultans’ Rilee Rossouw plays a shot during the Pakistan Super 31, Mohammad Rizwan 29) bt into the fi nal session of the day. Ngidi’s haul of the fourth wicket to give Kings a League match against Karachi Kings in Abu Dhabi yesterday. fi ve for 19 was his second fi ve-wicket innings haul chance to cross the line, but they Karachi Kings 164-7, 20 overs in Test cricket, the bulk of his success coming in failed to control the surging re- Right-arm fast Imran Khan took Earlier, after being put into (Babar Azam 85 not out, Chad- the afternoon session after seamer Anrich Nortje quired run-rate. Babar remained three wickets for 28, while Imran bat, Sultans got off to a yingfl wick Walton 35; Imran Khan 3-28, pushed the West Indies on the back foot with unbeaten on 85 off 63 balls. Tahir took two for 27. start despite losing opener Rah- Imran Tahir 2-27) by 12 runs three of the four wickets to fall in the pre-lunch period and then added another amid the fi nal ca- pitulation to fi nish with four for 35. ROUND-UP That collapse featured a chaotic period either side of the lunch interval when the West Indies lost fi ve wickets for 11 runs, including three with the score on 56, to be dismissed for their lowest- Dhawan to lead India on tour to Sri Lanka ever Test innings total against South Africa, fall- Anrich Nortje of South Africa celebrates after ing fi ve runs below their score of 102 in the fi rst taking the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite of West Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Surya- features eight franchises all fi eld- AFP kumar Yadav, Manish Pandey, Test of the 2010 series in Trinidad, the last time Indies during the first Test in Gros Islet. (AFP) New Delhi ing men’s and women’s teams. they were on a bi-lateral tour of the West Indies. Hardik Pandya, Nitish Rana, Verma — the top-ranked batter Jason Holder was last out for a topscore of by opening batsman Kieran Powell. Ishan Kishan (Wicket-keeper), in women’s Twenty20 interna- 20, giving Ngidi the treasured fi fth wicket. It all De Kock, leader of South Africa in their previ- enior batsman Shikhar Sanju Samson (Wicket-keeper), tionals — replaces New Zealand’s looked very diff erent though when captain Kraigg ous four Tests, had earlier opted to neither take a Dhawan was yesterday Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Sophie Devine at Birmingham Brathwaite and opening partner Shai Hope suc- knee nor raise a right fi st, unlike his teammates named captain of a sec- K Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Kul- Phoenix. Devine, following the cessfully negotiated a testing fi rst 45 minutes un- on the fi eld before the start of play as the South ond-string Indian side deep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, logistical problems created by der overcast skies against opening bowlers Kagiso Africans joined with the West Indies team in ac- whichS includes a host of IPL per- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Vice-cap- the Covid-19 pandemic, has Rabada and Ngidi. But the introduction of Nortje knowledging the global Black Lives Matter move- formers for the limited-overs se- tain), Deepak Chahar, Navdeep opted out of the competition in brought almost immediate rewards with Hope ment and their concerns about racism and other ries in Sri Lanka next month. Saini, Chetan Sakariya order prepare for international bowled by the impressive, accurate seamer to end forms of discrimination. Nortje returned for a India will play three one-day Net bowlers: Ishan Porel, Sand- cricket, with the 50-over Wom- an opening partnership of 24. He then bowled second spell just before lunch and despatched internationals and three Twen- eep Warrier, Arshdeep Singh, Sai en’s World Cup due to be held in Brathwaite in his next opener, the phlegmatic an unsettled Kyle Mayers without too much dif- ty20 matches in the island na- Kishore, Simarjeet Singh New Zealand in February. right-hander paying the ultimate price for an er- fi culty and then triggered the fi nal early-after- tion starting July 13 in Colombo. Kaur will play for Manches- ror of judgement when he opted to off er no shot to noon capitulation with the wicket of Jermaine The Indian Test team led by Vi- ter Originals. And that means a delivering angling into him. Blackwood. That left Ngidi to feast on the rest of rat Kohli are in England to face INDIA WOMEN’S STARS she is set to play in the very fi rst Rabada had toiled impressively at the other end the batting and he did not waste the opportunity, New Zealand for the World Test TO FEATURE IN ENGLISH match of the tournament, a stan- without success, going past the outside edge on at reaping the rewards of a tight, disciplined line Championship fi nal between keepers. Dhawan, a left-handed CRICKET’S HUNDRED dalone women’s fi xture against least a dozen occasions until he got the deserved in prising out Roston Chase, Joshua da Silva and June 18-22 and then stay on for a opener, will be assisted by fast Five of India’s leading women’s the Oval Invincibles at Surrey’s reward of the wicket of Nkrumah Bonner. Roach in quick succession before adding Holder fi ve-Test series against the hosts. bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, internationals are to take part in headquarters on July 21. Mean- Struck fl ush on the helmet when he was late on to end the innings. Up and coming Indian Premier who has been named vice-cap- the inaugural edition of English while, Mandhana is set to form a hook shot fi rst ball at Nortje, he could do noth- League talent including Devdutt tain. The fi nal two ODI matches cricket’s new Hundred competi- an opening partnership with ing to a perfectly-pitched delivery from Rabada BRIEF SCORES AT TEA Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be played on July 16 and 18 tion, offi cials announced. Har- England’s Danni Wyatt at South- which took the edge through to wicketkeeper ern Brave, with Sharma joining West Indies 97 all out in 40.5 overs (J. Holder 20, Suryakumar Yadav, and Varun followed by the three T20 games manpreet Kaur, Smriti Mand- Quinton de Kock. Chakravarthy have been named on July 21, 23, and 25. hana, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah England captain Heather Knight K. Brathwaite 15, S. Hope 15; L. Ngidi 5-19, A. Nortje Bonner has since been diagnosed with concus- in the 20-member squad. Rodrigues and Shafali Verma at London Spirit and Rodrigues 4-35) vs South Africa 30 for 1 in 8 overs (K. Peter- sion and will take no further part in the match. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Sam- Squad: Shikhar Dhawan will all play in the pioneering 100 representing Northern Super- son 19 n.o., A. Markram 10 n.o.; K. Roach 1-13) His place in the West Indies eleven has been taken son have been picked as wicket- (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt balls per side tournament, which chargers. Gulf Times Friday, June 11, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Islanders oust Bruins, book semi-fi nal Suns scorch Nuggets clash with Lightning

AFP Dobson’s shot from the point. New York Marchand knotted the score at 1-1 on the power play with a wrist shot from the right face- rock Nelson scored off circle at 17:36 after the Bru- for 2-0 series lead two goals as the New ins failed to score on a 14-second York Islanders beat the two-man advantage. Boston Bruins 6-2 on Palmieri nearly gave the Is- ‘We just wanted to maintain home-court advantage and get the win’ WednesdayB to reach the NHL landers the lead in the fi nal sec- Stanley Cup playoff semi-fi nals. ond of the fi rst period, but his Kyle Palmieri scored his sev- turnaround shot in the left circle enth goal of the playoff s as the hit the crossbar. Islanders polished off their best- Nelson worked his way around of-seven series four games to defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and two. scored on the rush with a wrist The Islanders lined up a semi- shot from the slot to make it 2-1 fi nal meeting with the Lightning at 5:20 of the second. for the second consecutive sea- Varlamov maintained the ad- son. The Lighting beat the Caro- vantage with a pad save on a shot lina Hurricanes in fi ve games to from Charlie Coyle and Nelson advance. scored his second of the game Josh Bailey and Jean-Gabriel on a backhand to make it 3-1 at Pageau had two assists apiece for 12:39. the Islanders and Semyon Var- Palmieri stole the puck from lamov made 23 saves. Grzelcyk in front of the net and Brad Marchand scored twice, beat Rask to give the Islanders a and Tuukka Rask made 23 saves 4-1 lead before the second pe- for the Bruins, who have lost riod ended. in the second round for two Marchand cut the defi cit to straight seasons after reaching 4-2 with a power play goal at the Stanley Cup fi nal in 2019. 5:38 of the third. Cal Clutterbuck Travis Zajac gave the Island- and Ryan Pulock scored empty- ers a 1-0 lead at 8:52 of the fi rst net goals in the fi nal minute for period on the rebound of Noah the 6-2 fi nal.

Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders (left) celebrates after scoring against the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in New York. (Getty Images/AFP)

Austin Rivers of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball against Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Two of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. (Getty Images/AFP) Gobert named NBA Defensive Player of Year

AFP able Player award that Denver Leading 52-42 at halftime, from there. Michael Porter, Nuggets lost by the biggest mar- Utah center Rudy Gobert was NBA season, Gobert led the Los Angeles center Nikola Jokic received on the Suns pushed the lead to 60- who hurt his back in game one, gin they surrendered all season. named NBA Defensive Player league in defensive rebounds Tuesday. 43 with the help of two three- played 27 minutes and put up 11 “We’ve got a lot of guys that of the Year on Wednesday, the per game with 10.1, total defen- Devin Booker scored 18 points pointers from Jae Crowder. points – but connected on just played really bad tonight,” third time the Jazz’s French big sive rebounds with 720 and hris Paul scored 17 for Phoenix. Deandre Ayton Phoenix led 86-67 heading three of 13 shots from the fi eld. Malone said. man has earned the award. total blocked shots with 190. He points and handed out added 15 points and 10 rebounds into the fi nal quarter, when they Will Barton, sidelined since “And we allowed the impact Gobert, who also won the ranked second in blocked shots 15 assists Wednesday and also kept Jokic in check for pushed the lead to as many as 31 April with hamstring trouble, of not making a shot to aff ect award in the 2017-18 season and per game (2.70) and posted six to propel the Phoenix much of the night. Jokic fi nished with Jokic and Aaron Gordon on came off the bench in the first the other end. “This was just in 2018-19, is the fourth player games with at least 15 defensive SunsC to a crushing 123-98 win with 24 points, 13 rebounds and the bench. Gordon and Crowder quarter and scored 10 points in an embarrassing performance to win the award at least three rebounds and eight games with over Denver and a 2-0 lead in six assists, sitting out the fourth both received technical fouls af- 16 minutes. But Nuggets coach all the way around, from top to times, joining Dikembe Mutom- five or more blocks. Philadel- their NBA playoff series. quarter with Phoenix in full ter a testy exchange in the third Michael Malone was off ering no bottom.” bo and Ben Wallace – who both phia 76ers guard Ben Simmons Veteran point guard Paul was control. “It was a team eff ort, quarter, but the incident was excuses when he called the game After home games where they won it four times – and Dwight of Australia finished in second the keystone of the Suns’ domi- once again,” Paul said. just a blip in the Suns’ march. “embarrassing.” were buoyed by an enthusiastic Howard who won it three times. place with 287 points (15 first- nant victory, pulling down fi ve “We knew how important this The Nuggets clearly continue “I saw one team that wanted crowd, Paul said the Suns must The 7-foot-1-inch (2.16m) player place votes). Golden State War- rebounds and fi nishing the night game was,” he added, noting the to miss Jamal Murray – out with to be here, played with pur- “make sure we travel with the dubbed the “Stifle Tower” re- riors forward Draymond Green, without a turnover. Suns did not want to head to a torn knee ligament – and Jokic pose and urgency, and one team same energy.” ceived 84 first-place votes and the 2016-17 Defensive Player of Every Suns starter scored in Denver for game three on Friday got little aid from his banged-up that did not want to be here “We’ve been a really good earned 464 points from a glo- the Year, finished in third place double fi gures and Phoenix did with the series split. “We just supporting cast. Denver missed and played with no urgency – road team all season long,” Paul bal panel of 100 sportswriters with 76 points. not give the Nuggets a chance wanted to maintain home-court eight of their fi rst 10 shots and and that’s why we got our ass said. “We’ll rest and try to get and broadcasters. In his eighth (Reuters) to celebrate the NBA Most Valu- advantage and get the win.” things went downhill for them kicked,” Malone said after the ready for the Mile High.”

MLB Stanton drives in fi ve as Yankees top Twins Reuters Montreal Baseball Hall of Fame induction delayed until September New York Yankees legend Derek last year’s ceremony was called Atlanta and Milwaukee from iancarlo Stanton pro- Jeter and three others who have off , the first time since 1960 no 1968-1988 while Miller was a duced two home runs, a already waited almost a year to ceremony was staged. former executive director of the double and fi ve RBIs as be enshrined in the Baseball Hall No candidates were elected to MLB Players Association. the New York Yankees of Fame must wait a little longer. the Hall of Fame in 2021. “We are thrilled to be able to Gcruised to a 9-6 victory over the The Baseball Hall of Fame Jeter was a 14-time Major welcome our Hall of Famers, the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday announced Wednesday that League Baseball All-Star and living legends, and fans back to night in Minneapolis. induction ceremonies planned a member of five World Series Cooperstown to celebrate the Yankees starter Gerrit Cole al- for July 25 at Cooperstown, New championship teams with the Induction of the Class of 2020,” lowed two runs on fi ve hits over York, have been rescheduled for Yankees from 1995-2014. He’s Hall of Fame chairman Jane six innings en route to the win. September 8 at an outdoor cer- now the chief executive off icer Forbes Clark said. Aaron Judge had a homer and emony before a limited crowd of the Miami Marlins. “Returning the induction cer- double and Miguel Andujar also due to Covid-19 safety protocols. Walker, a Canadian outfielder, emony to an outdoor event will homered for New York, which The ceremony, adapting to New played for Montreal, Colorado provide the baseball community won its second straight game. York state and federal health and St. Louis and was the 1997 with the opportunity to visit Brett Gardner had three hits in- guidelines, will pay tribute to the National League Most Valuable Cooperstown and celebrate the cluding two doubles, and Gio Class of 2020 – which included Player and home run leader. induction of four of the game’s Urshela, Kyle Higashioka and Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Sim- Simmons was an eight-time All- greats.” Andujar each had two of the Yan- mons and Marvin Miller – after Star catch playing for St Louis, (AFP) kees’ 15 hits. Cole (7-3), pitching for the fi rst time since being linked publicly Gardner doubled home Hi- in the bottom of the ninth off re- (3-7) struggled against his old by Twins third baseman Josh gashioka, who had singled, in the liever Brooks Kriske, highlighted team as the Mets pounded him Donaldson to the potential use of second to extend the lead to 2-0. by an RBI single from Sano and a for seven runs and eight hits illegal sticky substances, struck Stanton made it 5-0 in the third two-run homer from Polanco. in three innings. Justin Turner out nine and didn’t walk a batter. with a three-run homer off the Meanwhile Kevin Pillar and homered twice to lead visit- Donaldson went 0-for-3 against batter’s eye in center. The 423- Billy McKinney each hit a pair ing Los Angeles over Pittsburgh. Cole, striking out twice, and foot drive drove in Judge, who had of home runs as New York went the pitcher glared at him as he doubled, and Gleyber Torres, who deep six times on the way to a RESULTS walked back to the dugout both had walked. victory at Baltimore. Yankees 9-6 Twins times. The Twins cut it to 5-1 in the Pillar went 3-for-4 with four Mets 14-1 Orioles Jorge Polanco hit two home bottom of the third on Polanco’s RBIs while McKinney fi nished Phillies 2-1 Braves runs, Miguel Sano homered and homer into the plaza behind the 3-for-5 with fi ve RBIs. Pete Dodgers 2-1 Pirates had three hits and Alex Kirilloff right-fi eld bleachers. Alonso hit a home run for the Cubs 3-1 Padres tripled and had two hits for Min- The Yankees broke the game third time in two games, and Nationals 9-7 Rays nesota. Randy Dobnak (1-6) took open with three more runs in Mason Williams also homered as Blue Jays 6-2 White Sox the loss after allowing eight runs the fi fth, on a two-run homer by New York banged out 16 hits. Athletics 4-0 D’Backs on 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings. He Stanton and a solo shot into the The Mets scored seven runs in Rockies 4-3 Marlins walked three without recording a center fi eld bullpen by Andujar. the fi rst three frames, plenty of Astros 8-3 Red Sox strikeout. Sano’s homer in the bottom of support for Taijuan Walker (5-2), Reds 7-3 Brewers The Yankees took a 1-0 lead in the fi fth cut New York’s lead to who went seven innings and gave Rangers 4-3 Giants the fi rst inning on Judge’s 392- 8-2. Andujar made it 9-2 with a up one run on fi ve hits with nine Mariners 9-6 Tigers foot line drive into the bleachers sacrifi ce fl y in the seventh. strikeouts. Cardinals 8-2 Indians Giancarlo Stanton of New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against Minnesota in left-center. The Twins scored four times Baltimore’s Matt Harvey Angels 6-1 Royals Twins in the fifth inning of the game at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 11, 2021 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Ineos’ Carapaz makes Tour statement DeChambeau feud at Swiss summit

AFP “We came here thinking about Paris preparing for the Tour. Of course, we wanted to try and win this,” said Carapaz. cuadorian rider Richard “We wanted to think about the good for the game, Carapaz won stage fi ve general classifi cation of course of the Tour de Suisse and the possibility of winning a on Thursday to take the stage was there. I did both so I’m ‘It doesn’t bother me, overallE lead in the race at a sum- happy.” mit fi nish at Leukerbad. Ineos have yet to name their honestly. It’s nothing I’m In a statement of intent for fi nal line-up for the Tour, but the Tour de France which starts Carapaz as co-captain with Ge- terribly upset about’ in two weeks, Ineos’ Carapaz raint Thomas looks likely. says Koepka showed dazzling form to seize Alpecin’s Dutch sensation the overall leader’s yellow jersey Mathieu van der Poel started the AFP with a gutsy stage win. day in yellow after two stage wins Washington The 2019 Giro d’Italia winner so far and attacked from 155km caught Astana’s Jakob Fuglsang out, only giving up the fi ght on the fi nal ascent and edged a 30km from the line. our-time major winner two-man dash for the line. Frenchman Alaphilippe was Brooks Koepka says his Thanks to his stage win, Cara- unable to follow Carapaz when feud with reigning US paz now leads the race by 26 sec- he made his move on the penulti- Open champion Bryson onds from Fuglsang. mate climb but crossed the fi nish DeChambeauF is “good for the Brooks Koepka of the United States lines World champion Julian Alap- line 37sec adrift of the winning game” and won’t be a US Ryder up a putt on the 15th green during the third hilippe would have been in third pair. Cup team distraction. round of the 2021 PGA Championship. at 33sec, but he was docked 20 Esteban Chaves of Bike Ex- Koepka, who shared second seconds for taking on water from change actually led the race over in last month’s PGA Champion- his team car in the fi nal 10km, that penultimate climb before ship at Kiawah Island, returns which is a safety off ence. missing a corner and running to South Carolina for this week’s Carapaz is being supported his bike into someone’s front PGA Palmetto Championship at at the Tour de Suisse by Ineos garden on the descent, while Congaree, which replaced the teammates Rohan Dennis, Luke under pressure from the chasing Canadian Open that was can- Rowe and Eddie Dunbar. Fuglsang. celled due to the Covid-19 pan- demic. The one-off event is the last PGA Tour stop before next Qatar’s al-Sahouti to take part in week’s US Open at Torrey Pines, where DeChambeau will defend European Talent Cup his fi rst major title. A video of Koepka being annoyed as De- Chambeau walked past at the PGA Championship went viral and has sparked a social media exchange that included Koepka off ering free beer for hecklers of DeChambeau tossed out of last week’s Memorial tournament. The attention to both golfers will help them in quest of a new pool of bonus money for popularity, but Koepka also sees the over- the-top rivalry as a boost to golf. “I think it’s good for the game. I really do,” Koepka said Wednesday. “The fact that golf’s on pretty much every news out- let for about two weeks pretty consistently, I think that’s a good thing. It’s growing the game. “I get the traditionalists who don’t agree with it. I understand that, but I think to grow the game Woods declines invitation to join booth for US Open you’ve got to reach out to the Still in recovery from a serious single-car Playing on an injured left knee, Woods won Woods is a 15-time major winner, with his younger generation... it’s reaching crash in February, Tiger Woods declined an the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in an most recent title coming at the 2019 Mas- out to a whole bunch of people. invitation to provide commentary for the 18-hole playoff that went one extra hole. ters. He has won the U.S. Open three times, It’s getting golf in front of people.” June 17-20 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Woods clinched the victory with a par 4 on also taking the title in 2000 and 2002. Jack It could also put them cen- Course in San Diego. the seventh hole. Nicklaus has the record for most victories in tre stage at the Ryder Cup, with News that Woods was off ered and rejected “He didn’t want to do it, and I totally un- a major with 18. In a February 23 car crash DeChambeau ranked second the assignment came during a confer- derstand his situation,” Hicks said. “There at Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., just outside in points and Koepka fi fth. Six ence call with NBC Sports broadcasters is a lot going on in his world right now and of Los Angeles, Woods veered off the road players will qualify on points who will call the action at the third major there’s also a part of Tiger that doesn’t want in an SUV loaned to him by the Genesis Invi- and US captain Steve Stricker tournament of the year. “... Who better, if he to become this, I don’t want to, for lack of a tational golf tournament at Riviera Country DOHA: Qatar’s young rider Hamad al-Sahouti is set to take part will have six captain’s choices. couldn’t be there to play it, to voice it and better word, a sideshow at an event where Club. The 45-year-old underwent surgery in the European Talent Cup in Spain. But Stricker might also have a have him a part of the show,” NBC’s Dan we should be concentrating on what’s hap- for multiple leg injuries and has been in Al-Sahouti will ride for Team Leopard in four races, with the first problem with poisoned chemis- Hicks said. “But we were rebuff ed.” pening.” recovery ever since. round to be held at Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya on June 13. try if DeChambeau and Koepka The talented Qatari will then take part in second race in Portimao bring a spat into the US locker on July 4, followed by races in Aragon (July 25) and Jerez (October room when the American team play with me, he takes care of his just how much time he and De- attention his feelings about De- was like screaming – he was say- 17). Al-Sahouti will skip the fifth round as it clashes with the Asian hosts holders Europe next Sep- match, and I would take care of Chambeau might be spending Chambeau have gotten since a ing something about how he hit Talent Cup. tember at Whistling Straits. my match, and I don’t know how around each other at the Ry- one-off moment last month. a perfect shot and it shouldn’t The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation’s (QMMF) Executive “I don’t see why it would,” that has any eff ect. What you do der Cup. “Everyone is just kind “It doesn’t bother me, hon- have been there – and it was just Director Amro al-Hamad said: “The collaboration between Leop- Koepka said of the possibility of off the golf course doesn’t have of around each other, between estly,” he said. very, very loud. ard and QMMF is a great milestone into hopefully a long lasting damaging US team chemistry. any eff ect on the golf course.” dinners, all the diff erent things “It’s nothing I’m terribly up- “Hey, look, we’re all kind of in journey. We have realised quite some time ago that Leopard has “There’s only eight guys that Koepka played on winning US we’ve got going,” Koepka said. set about. this area, just tone it down, and the winning formula when it comes to developing champions. are playing, four guys are sitting, sides at the 2016 Ryder Cup and “Yeah, we’re around each other.” “He didn’t say anything to it was just so loud. Then I think Unfortunately our plans were delayed because of Covid. Having whatever. I mean, I play with one 2017 Presidents Cup and was on me. I was right in front of the he realised that he had gotten Hamad enrol with a team with such experience is just the start to other guy. Let’s say I don’t play the 2018 US Ryder Cup squad ‘IT WAS JUST SO LOUD’ microphones where you guys all right behind me, and he toned it many more.” with Bryson or Bryson doesn’t that lost in France, so he knows Koepka said he didn’t mind the were, and I don’t want to say he down a little bit.”

RUGBY Umaga in Jones’ England training squad

squad but the challenge for them is to AFP Wallaby O’Connor set to return for France Tests London turn talent into performance. “We’re really looking forward to working with this group of young Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor is “We’ve probably got about 80 percent acob Umaga, nephew of New players and see where we can take expected to be fit for next month’s Test of the squad nailed and there’s a handful Zealand rugby legend Tana them. series against France after a neck injury of performances that are going to be Umaga, is one of 21 uncapped “They have the opportunity to take sidelined him from Super Rugby Trans- important this weekend to make our final players named by Eddie Jones on the world.” Tasman, Australia coach Dave Rennie decision,” he said. inJ a 34-man England squad for a Jones will be able to call upon the said Thursday. Rennie named an extended 40-man training week. players from the Premiership fi nal for O’Connor missed Queensland Reds squad for the France series in March but The 22-year-old England-born the two Tests in July – England host match against Auckland Blues last week- indicated a willingness to look beyond Wasps fl y-half – whose father Mike the United States at Twickenham on end, with Rennie revealing the in-form that group to bolster the Wallabies’ play- was capped by Samoa – played for July 4 and then Canada on July 10. fly-half needed rest after suff ering pains ing stocks. England Under-20s and has featured These tests replace England’s tour in his neck. He confirmed that options included lock before in a senior England squad. of North America which was aban- “He’s been getting stingers for the last Izack Rodda, returning from a short stint He earned his fi rst call-up in Janu- doned because of the coronavirus four or five weeks and it came to a head in France, and Reds hooker Brandon ary 2020 ahead of the Six Nations and pandemic. (so) he missed last weekend,” Rennie told Paenga-Amosa, who has signed for then in October for the climax of the reporters on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Montpellier next season. northern hemisphere championship SQUAD: where the Wallabies are setting up camp. But Rennie was against the widespread which had been halted by the corona- Forwards:Jamie Blamire, Callum “He’s going to miss this weekend (Reds v selection of overseas-based stars, saying virus pandemic. Chick, Trevor Davison, Charlie Ewels, Hurricanes) but we anticipate him being it was against the best interests of the Jones has brought in a swathe of Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Paul Hill, Ted all right (for the Tests).” game in Australia. untapped talent as he has lost 12 play- Hill, Lewis Ludlam, Lewis Ludlow, Rennie said O’Connor, who recently “If we’ve got our best players here play- ers to the British & Irish Lions tour of to family reasons is not picked either. players are available. George Martin, Chunya Munga, Beno signed a contract extension that will take ing with the kids coming through it’s South Africa. Leicester prop Ellis Genge is the “For this group it’s a chance to Obano, Miles Reid, Sean Robinson, him through to the 2023 World Cup, had going to improve the quality of the clubs He is also unable to call on players most experienced player in the squad come into the England environment Jack Singleton, Sam Underhill, Harry been “outstanding” this year for the Reds and our competition,” he said. from the four clubs – Exeter, Bristol, with 28 caps. and really show what they can do,” Wells, Tom Willis after leading them to the Super Rugby “If we pick wholesale, like South Africa Sale and Harlequins – involved in the The players from those who lose in Jones said in an England Rugby state- Backs: Josh Bassett, Joe Cokanasiga, AU title. and Argentina do from Europe and Japan, English Premiership play-off s. the semi-fi nals will become eligible ment. Tom de Glanville, Fraser Dingwall, While O’Connor’s place in the Test side players will leave in droves because Jones has also opted to rest other for a clash with Scotland A on June 27. “We expect them to be enthusias- Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, is seemingly locked in, Rennie said there they can earn three times the amount of regulars such as fl y-half George Ford Jones said the uncapped players tic, full of energy and we want them Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Max were still spots up for grabs as Super money.” and wing Jonny May whilst scrum- had been presented with a great op- to know there is no limit to their ho- Ojomoh, Tom Parton, Adam Radwan, Rugby Trans-Tasman enters its final The three-Test series against France half Ben Youngs, who ruled himself portunity to put themselves forward rizon. Dan Robson, Ben Spencer, Freddie regular-season round. begins in Sydney on July 7. out of selection for the Lions tour due for selection when all the other senior “There is a lot of talent in this Steward, Jacob Umaga. Gulf Times Friday, June 11, 2021 7 SPORT

ATHLETICS UPDATE Ingebrigtsen stars at Diamond League, Olympic chiefs propose Hassan and Asher-Smith impress Brisbane as host of 2032 Games AFP to an impressive victory in the 200m. name Hassan saw Ethiopian Letesenbet lympic chiefs have “Now it’s in the hands of the bid organisers. Florence, Italy All eyes in the men’s 5,000m were on Gidey set a new world best in the 10,000m in decided to propose IOC members to vote on this The awarding of the 2032 Ol- Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the reigning Hengelo on Tuesday just two days after she the Australian city proposal on July 21 in Tokyo,” ympics is the fi rst to take place world 10,000m champion who set new herself had knocked off more than 10 sec- of Brisbane as host Bach said, refusing to speculate with a new election method orwegian prodigy Jakob Inge- bests in the men’s 5,000m in Monaco, onds off the record, the world 1500m cham- ofO the 2032 Summer Olympic on a likely outcome of the vote. adopted in June 2019 in an at- brigtsen upstaged a host of more 10,000m in Valencia and 5km road, also in pion ran a world lead of 3:53.63sec. Games at next month’s Inter- “The unanimous decision tempt to counter application experienced runners to record a Monaco, last season. Rounding the corner to the fi nal straight, national Olympic Committee by the IOC executive board is a fees and a lack of serious bids. memorable victory in the men’s However, the Ugandan fell off the pace Hassan was level with Olympic champion session, IOC president Thomas credit to the years of work car- For the 2024 Games, Bach be- N5,000m at the Diamond League in Florence with just over a lap to go, Canada’s Moham- Faith Kipyegon, but in a sprint fi nish just Bach announced yesterday. ried out by Brisbane 2032, the moaned the process had “pro- yesterday. ed Ahmed and Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet edged the Kenyan, the latter bagging second The IOC’s 15-strong ex- Australian Olympic Commit- duced too many losers”, after Just six weeks out from the Tokyo Olym- taking up the lead. with a national and personal best, at 0.28sec, ecutive board approved the tee, and their partners, to test Rome, Hamburg and Budapest pics, a glut of top track and fi eld athletes But they had not counted on the 20-year- with European champion Laura Muir of Brit- Queensland city as the single every aspect of the project,” the all pulled out of the running. rewarded the crowd in the Italian city with old Ingebrigtsen, who stormed through the ain rounding out the podium (3:55.59). candidate for election. IOC added. In 2017, the IOC awarded the some stunning performances. fi eld for victory in an European record of World 200m champion Asher-Smith The 102 IOC members will The IOC had said in February 2024 Games to Paris and the Versatile Dutch runner Sifan Hassan came 12min 48.45sec. Remarkably it was his fi rst had complained of some rustiness after a now vote on the proposal at the that Brisbane was the preferred 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles. within half a second of a stunning world sub-13min time over the distance. coronavirus-aff ected year, but the 25-year- IOC session on July 21 in Tokyo candidate to host the Games, The IOC has since set up its record in the women’s 1500m, just fi ve days Ethiopian-born Hassan did not suff er the old Briton showed no such signs as she race ahead of this summer’s Olympic adding it would enter “targeted “future host” commission. after setting a short-lived 10,000m world same gripes as Cheptegei. to victory in 22.06sec, bettering the meet Games in the Japanese capital. dialogue” with the Australian (AFP) record, and Briton Dina Asher-Smith stormed With three world records already to her record set by Marion Jones back in 1999.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT India’s Olympic Tokyo to off er shots team to be fully vaccinated: offi cial

AFP New Delhi, India to younger people ndia’s Olympic contingent will be fully vaccinated by early July ahead of their jour- ney to Tokyo for the Games, Ithe country’s top sports offi cial Narinder Batra told AFP. India will send nearly 200 ath- as Olympics loom letes, coaches and support staff to the Tokyo Games scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8 Badminton player PV Sindhu had Estimated cost of Games, including $3bn due to last year’s delay, will be $15bn-plus after last year’s event was post- won one of India’s two medals at poned due to the coronavirus the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Reuters) Reuters pandemic. Tokyo, Japan Bach scraps plans “We had requested that all the “Our athletes have been going national sports federations get on in their bio-bubbles or wher- for quick visit, their athletes vaccinated even ever they are training overseas. he main coronavirus will be in Tokyo though the IOC (International So there’s no eff ect on our medal vaccination centre in Olympic Committee) says it is not prospects and how we feel — that the Japanese capital of in mid-July mandatory,” the Indian Olympic is, double digits.” Tokyo will begin book- Association president said. Four years ago, the team came Ting shots for people under 65 nternational Olympic “But we want our athletes to home from Rio with just two from tomorrow, media reported Committee President be safe and they should also be medals, with badminton cham- yesterday, as it ramps up inocu- IThomas Bach will arrive safe for others.” pion PV Sindhu clinching silver lation eff orts before the 2020 in Tokyo in the middle of Batra said half of the contin- and wrestler Sakshi Malik win- Olympics open next month. July ahead of the Olympic gent was partially vaccinated and ning bronze. Japan began vaccinating Games and will not visit the other half had received both Batra, who was re-elected front-line health workers and before, he said yesterday. doses. president of the International elderly people in February, but Bach had wanted to travel to “So by the fi rst week of July the Hockey Federation last month, the slow pace compared with Tokyo in recent months to entire contingent — athletes plus did not nominate the sports he other major industrialised na- monitor preparations ahead offi cials — should be double vac- thought would win gold, silver or tions has spurred calls for the of the postponed Olympics cinated,” he added. bronze. Tokyo Games to be delayed but those plans were put on But he expressed high hopes again or cancelled. hold due to the coronavirus HIGH HOPES FOR HOCKEY for the men’s and women’s fi eld Opening up vaccinations pandemic. While the pandemic had made hockey teams. to most citizens may help the He said he would arrive it harder for athletes to prepare The men’s team — the most government ease concern the prior to the July 23 start of for Tokyo, Batra said competitors successful in Olympic history — country is unprepared to host the Games, postponed last from all nations faced the same has won eight Olympic golds, but tens of thousands of foreign Workers install additional security fence outside Olympic Stadium for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, year due to the Covid-19 challenges, making it a “level- have not fi nished in the fi nal four athletes and Olympic offi cials as Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) outbreak. playing fi eld for all”. since 1980. its healthcare system struggles “This has been discussed He stuck to his prediction that The women’s team has not with a fourth wave of infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide its population with at least one In a sign of continued concern with Tokyo 2020 whether it India would take home at least 10 won a medal since the sport be- Vaccinations have mostly Suga said on Wednesday Japan dose. about the risk of more infections would really make sense to medals from the Summer Games. came an Olympic event in 1980. been left to local health authori- aims to fi nish vaccinating eve- Organisers will this month during the Games, however, the go back and forth,” Bach told ties to carry out with some cities ryone who wants a shot by Oc- decide whether to allow people governor of Chiba prefecture a virtual news conference. and towns vaccinating residents tober-November. That may re- in Japan to attend events. Spec- yesterday cancelled plans for an “Going to Tokyo, having to faster than others. quire about 1mn injections a day. tators from abroad are not al- outdoor Olympic viewing site respect the quarantine, to be New Zealand Olympic rowing great The Tokyo vaccination centre “I want to explain to the G7 lowed. in a park that would have drawn there for a couple of hours Drysdale retires will also begin taking appoint- about our measures to tackle The Games have become a big thousands of people. and then after two weeks go- ments by telephone for the fi rst infections and our intention to political issue for the govern- “We have decided to cancel ing again having to respect Two-time Olympic gold medal-winning rower Mahe Drysdale time from Saturday, in addition hold a safe and secure games and ment given widespread public plans for the live site,” Toshihito quarantine,” he said. of New Zealand announced his retirement yesterday, admitting to online bookings in a bid to win their understanding,” Suga opposition to holding them dur- Kumagai told a press briefi ng. “We came to the conclu- “time has beaten me” after failing to make the team for the Tokyo encourage more people to get told reporters as he left his resi- ing the pandemic. Near Tokyo, Chiba is due to sion that it would be better Games. Drysdale, 42, has competed at four Olympics, beginning shots, the Sankei newspaper re- dence in Tokyo for a G7 meeting The fi nancial stakes are also host four Olympic events — I arrive mid July in Tokyo, in Athens in 2004, collecting three medals including back-to- ported. in Britain. huge. surfi ng, fencing, wrestling and in time for the Games and back golds in the single sculls in London and Rio. He also won A spokeswoman at the Min- The organiser estimates that taekwondo — and four Paral- all the preceding meetings five world championships and was New Zealand’s flagbearer at istry of Defence, which operates POLITICS AND MONEY the cost of the Olympics, in- ympic events. On Wednesday, and visits and organisation the opening ceremony of the 2008 Games in Beijing. “While you the site, declined to comment on With less than 50 days before cluding $3bn resulting from last the prefecture recorded 106 new issues.” always dream of ending it with a fairytale, time has beaten me the telephone and did not im- the Olympics open, Japan has year’s delay, will be more than Covid-19 cases compared with (Reuters) on this occasion,” he said in a statement. New Zealand Olympic mediately respond to an e-mail. vaccinated just over a tenth of $15bn. 440 in Tokyo. Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith said Drysdale had inspired countless Kiwis over the year. “For the last two decades he’s been at the forefront of rowing and has shown time and time TENNIS again what an amazing competitor he is,” she said. Olympic sponsors hire consultants to Salisbury ends Britain’s wait for French Open success assess potential brand damage: FT

Reuters Mixed doubles, which fea- Japanese corporate 2020 Olympic sponsors have hired con- Paris, France tures only at the four Grand sulting firms to advise them on whether to push ahead with Slams and is not played on the Olympic-themed marketing plans or limit their association with professional tours, was not an event that could damage their brands, the Financial Times oe Salisbury ended Brit- played last year at Roland Garros reported. The consultants include Kantar Group from Britain and ain’s 39-year wait for a due to the Covid-19 pandemic. two Japan-based firms, Macromill Inc and Intage Holdings, the FT main draw title at the The match could have taken said, citing unidentified people. More than 60 Japanese compa- French Open when he a controversial turn when chair nies, such as Toyota Motor Corp and and beverage maker Asahi combinedJ with American De- umpire Carlos Ramos ruled an Holdings, have together paid more than $3bn to sponsor the To- sirae Krawczyk to win the mixed ace from Salisbury to have land- kyo Games. Most Japanese want the games cancelled or delayed doubles at Roland Garros yes- ed out on 40-0 in the second set again, amid concern that tens of thousands of foreign athletes terday. even as the team had taken their and Olympic off icials could bring new coronavirus variants and Krawczyk and Salisbury ral- seats for the break before the further pressure on an already stretched medical system. lied from a set down to beat the match tie-break. Russian pair of Elena Vesnina Salisbury argued that the French Paralympic team’s fl ag and Aslan Karatsev 2-6, 6-4, umpire was mistaken about the 10-5 to clinch the title on a sun- mark where the ball landed but bearers to be chosen online bathed Philippe Chatrier court. to no avail. The Russians looked in con- Salisbury ended up with a The French Paralympic team’s flag bearers for the Tokyo Games trol and broke their opponents’ double fault on that point, then will be designated through an online election as the national serve twice in the opening set to lost a second point on serve be- Olympic Committee looks to raise athletes’ public profile. The take the lead, before Krawczyk fore fi nally managing to level the vote to choose one woman and one man will be at www.por- and Salisbury converted their match on the third set point. tonsledrapeau.fr from today to June 30. The women candidates only breakpoint opportunity Salisbury said he had to com- are rower Perle Bouge, weightlifter Souhad Ghazouani, track late in the second set to take the pose himself following the argu- and field athlete Nantenin Keita — who is the daughter of Malian match into a deciding tie-break. Desirae Krawczyk (left) of the US and Britain’s Joe Salisbury celebrate with the trophy after winning the ment. “That was a strange one... singer-songwriter Salif Keita — and judoka Sandrine Martinet on They carried the momentum French Open mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. (AFP) I’m not sure how he thought the women’s side. On the men’s side, the candidates are track and into the tie-break and opened that that was the mark,” he told field athlete Pierre Fairbank, wheelchair tennis player Stephane up a 4-0 early lead, which was bination of sort of us getting with Krawczyk since the 2018 in mixed doubles when John reporters. “And especially after Houdet and swimmer David Smetanine. The Paralympic Games enough in the end. better, then they dropped their US Open. Lloyd partnered with Australian we kind of thought it was an ace, will be held from Aug 24-Sept 5. Flag bearers for the Olympics are “They killed us in the fi rst set, level a bit,” said Salisbury, who Britain’s last title at the clay- Wendy Turnbull to win one of we sat down, thought we’d won designated by fellow athletes. and I think that it was a com- has been playing mixed doubles court Grand Slam had also come the fi ve main draw titles in 1982. the set, had to get up again.”

Friday, June 11, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS / FRENCH OPEN Krejcikova saves match point to set up Pavlyuchenkova fi nal Russian, a quarter-finalist in Paris a decade ago, is the first woman to play more than 50 majors before making her first final

AFP Paris, France

arbora Krejcikova will play Anastasia Pavly- uchenkova in the French Open fi nal after the CzechB world number 33 saved a match point to defeat Greek 17th seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 4-6, 9-7 yesterday. Krejcikova, 25, is the fourth unseeded women’s fi nalist in fi ve years at Roland Garros. She won the French Open doubles title in 2018 but her best previous result in singles was a run to the fourth round here last year. It will be the sixth successive French Open to crown a fi rst- time women’s major champion. “I always wanted to play a match like this, when I was younger, playing juniors, I always wanted to play such a challenging match where we both had chanc- es and were playing so well,” said Krejcikova. “Even if I lost today I would be very proud of myself, because I was fi ghting. That is the most important thing, in here and in our own life.” Both players made a nervy start to their maiden Grand Slam semi- fi nal, with 17th seed Sakkari the fi rst to hold serve in the fourth game as she took a 3-1 lead. Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova serves the ball to Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek (not pictured) during their Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova returns the ball to Greece’s Maria Sakkari (not pictured) during their But Krejcikova picked up the French Open women’s singles semi-final at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP) French Open women’s singles semi-final yesterday. (AFP) next four, pulling 5-3 ahead with a sublime lob that left her serving The Greek fended off a spir- at 7-6, Sakkari saving a pair with Earlier, Pavlyuchenkova beat to fi ght very hard and to work on broke back, rewarded for her game to lead 2-0. Zidansek re- for the set. ited comeback from Krejcikova a crunching backhand winner world number 85 Tamara Zi- the tactical side. It is important to persistence and tireless defence sponded to get back on serve but The Czech was then broken to to force a decider after locking and an ace. dansek of Slovenia 7-5, 6-3 to stay focused and in the right zone — pulling off a remarkable back- was again broken as the Russian love as Sakkari rattled off eight down a third set point. Krejcikova held again with ease reach a fi rst Grand Slam fi nal for the fi nal on Saturday.” hand volley, throwing her racquet swept into a 4-1 advantage. points in a row to level at 5-5. A Sakkari broke for a 2-1 edge as and brought up another match at a record 52nd attempt at the The 31st seed dropped serve at the ball and watching in aston- Zidansek, twice two points routine hold from Krejcikova put Krejcikova dragged a backhand point on Sakkari’s serve. A fore- French Open yesterday. in the opening game on a sun- ishment as it caught the line. from defeat in the fi rst round the pressure back on Sakkari, who wide, saving a break point in the hand from the Greek was called Pavlyuchenkova, a quarter- drenched Court Philippe Chatri- Zidansek then carved herself here, continued to scrap hard and hammered a forehand long before next game to consolidate as the long, but the chair umpire dra- fi nalist in Paris a decade ago, be- er but capitalised on a fourth two break points at 5-5 but Pav- the nerves resurfaced for Pavly- surrendering the set as her shot fi nish line crept ever closer. matically overruled — even as TV came the fi rst woman to play more break point against Zidansek to lyuchenkova managed to hold, uchenkova as two double faults clipped the net and fl oated wide. The Greek had match point at replays showed the ball to be out. than 50 majors before making her break back for 2-2. and the Russian struck the fol- allowed the Slovenian to claw her Sakkari, who took down last 5-3 but the resilient Krejcikova Rather than dwell on her ap- fi rst fi nal, breaking the previous Pavlyuchenkova, a former jun- lowing game to wrap up the fi rst way back to 4-3. year’s runner-up Sofi a Kenin stayed alive with a sweeping parent hard luck, Krejcikova mark of 44 set by 2015 US Open ior world number one and Roland set as her opponent committed a But Pavlyuchenkova was not and then reigning champion Iga backhand volley, and then broke brought up a fi fth match point, runner-up Roberta Vinci. Garros girls’ singles fi nalist in costly double fault. going to be denied, as another Swiatek in the past two rounds, back before moving 6-5 in front. converting after three hours and “I am so tired and so happy, it 2006, surged 5-3 ahead as Zi- Pavlyuchenkova rolled that break left her serving for the regrouped and raced 4-0 ahead Krejcikova watched three 18 minutes with a backhand win- is very emotional,” said Pavly- dansek sprayed a forehand wide. momentum over into the second match, with victory assured in the second. match points of her own pass by ner down the line. uchenkova. “It was diffi cult, I tried But the Slovenian immediately set, breaking in a lengthy second when Zidansek fi red wide.

FOCUS Qatar trap team win bronze at Arab Chapter 58 for Djokovic, Shooting Championships in Cairo Nadal at French Open

AFP Paris, France

ovak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clash for the 58th time today on the same court where Nthey fi rst met 15 years ago with a place in the French Open fi nal at stake. It is tennis’s greatest mod- ern rivalry between two men who have harvested 38 Grand Slam titles between them and 72 Masters. Djokovic has spent more weeks at world number one than any other player while 13-time French Open winner Nadal has not been out of the top 10 in 16 years. Nadal will start today’s semi- fi nal as favourite, buoyed by his record of 105 wins and just two losses in his Roland Garros career. The 35-year-old also has the Qatar’s trap team comprising Saeed Abu Shareb, Nasser al-Hamidi and Rashid al-Athba won the edge over Djokovic on clay with a In this October 11, 2020, picture, Spain’s Rafael Nadal (right) and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic talk prior to bronze medal at the Arab Shooting Championships in Cairo yesterday. Egypt won the gold, while 19-7 career lead and 7-1 in Paris. their French Open final at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (AFP) Kuwait claimed silver. Djokovic hasn’t beaten Nadal on the surface since Rome in and become the fi rst man since ond-set blip in the quarter- in his third successive semi-fi - 2016. Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four fi nals against Diego Schwartz- nal at the Slams and took Djoko- He can, however, boast be- Slams twice. man, Nadal has reached his 14th vic to fi ve sets in the last four at ing one of only two men to have Victory for Nadal would give semi-fi nal relatively unscathed. Roland Garros in 2020. Kyrgios pulls out of Wimbledon build-up defeated Nadal in Paris, in the him a record-setting 21st ma- Despite his clay court stran- He arrived in Paris with clay quarter-fi nals in 2015. jor, breaking the tie with Roger glehold on Djokovic, Nadal isn’t court titles this year in Monte event due to neck pain “It’s a well-anticipated semi- Federer. getting too far ahead of himself. Carlo and Lyon and had a match fi nal and here we are,” said Djoko- “The vibes are diff erent walk- point to beat Nadal in the Barce- Reuters was due to make his return for make full impact on the tour.” vic of a rivalry which started on ing on the court with him,” add- ‘BIG DIFFERENCE’ lona fi nal. Bengaluru, India the grasscourt season after Kyrgios reached the Wimble- Court Philippe Chatrier in 2006. ed Djokovic. “But that’s why our “It is a semi-fi nal, not a fi nal. Zverev is in his fi rst semi-fi nal skipping the whole claycourt don quarter-finals in 2014 after “We had some battles over rivalry has been historic.” That’s a big diff erence,” he said. at Roland Garros having almost leg. the Australian, who was ranked the years on this court.” It’s been a topsy-turvy tour- The latest chapter of Djokovic fallen at the fi rst hurdle against ick Kyrgios has pulled “My tennis family, I’m sorry my 144th at the time, beat world Nadal defeated 2016 cham- nament for Djokovic. v Nadal has overshadowed Fri- 152nd-ranked compatriot Oscar out of next week’s return has been pushed back No.1 Rafael Nadal. pion Djokovic in straight sets in After racing through the fi rst day’s other semi-fi nal between Otte. NQueen’s Club Champion- as I am having some uncom- He has been replaced by last year’s fi nal, the Serb’s third three rounds, he had to come back Greek fi fth seed Stefanos Tsitsi- Whoever makes it to Sun- ships grasscourt event due to fortable pain in my neck at Spain’s Feliciano Lopez at the loss in the championship match from two sets down to defeat Ital- pas and sixth-seeded Alexander day’s fi nal will have their work neck pain, raising doubts about the moment,” the 26-year-old Queen’s Club Championships, in Paris to the Spaniard. ian 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti. Zverev of Germany. cut out. the Australian’s participation at wrote on Instagram. which are due to begin in There is plenty at stake today In the quarter-fi nals, he They have met seven times Tsitsipas is 2-7 against Nadal Wimbledon later this month. “I’m trying to get on top of it but London on June 14, two weeks as the two rivals close in on Sun- dropped the third set against but just once on clay in Madrid in and 2-5 playing Djokovic. Zver- Kyrgios, who last played at the as I can’t serve 100% I will only before the June 28-July 11 Wim- day’s fi nal. Matteo Berrettini. 2019 when Tsitsipas triumphed. ev is 3-6 when taking on Nadal Australian Open in February, be returning when I feel I can bledon Grand Slam. Djokovic can win a 19th Slam With the exception of a sec- The 22-year-old Tsitsipas is and 2-6 facing Djokovic.