Aspetar Provides Medical Support QFA Vice President Meets Algerian and Maldives Offi Cials for Algerian Football Team FA Vice President Saud Them in the Near Future

NBANBA| Page 5 TENNIS | Page 4 Shooting at Sharapova victory parade in winning mars Raptors return at celebration Mallorca

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 CRICKET Shawwal 16, 1440 AH Morgan rains sixes GULF TIMES as England sail past Afghanistan SPORT Page 2

FOCUS 2022 World Cup will be the ‘best ever’ in history, says Algerian star Mahrez lgerian football star Ri- one,” said Mahrez. “It’s a massive amazing.” Belmadi also said the his nation’s chances. yad Mahrez has said he organisational task, an unbeliev- visit had acted as the perfect mo- “It will be diffi cult, but we are all expects the 2022 FIFA able one. We came here to see close tivational tool for his team, who very conﬁ dent,” he added. “We are World Cup in Qatar to be up how it will be and I think it will kick off their African Cup of Na- training very hard to be ready, we Athe ‘best ever’ in history. be one of the best World Cups we tions campaign against Kenya on came here to have the same weath- The Manchester City winger, have ever seen. We are all looking June 23. er as in Egypt so that we can adapt a Premier League winner in 2016 forward to it.” “We are all very keen to partici- ourselves and ensure we have done and 2019, visited the SC’s Legacy Algeria coach Belmadi, who has pate in this World Cup – whether everything we can to be ready for Pavilion with his Algeria coach – also managed Qatar and top sides it’s directly or indirectly,” he con- our ﬁ rst game.” and former Qatar national team Lekhwiya and Al Duhail in the tinued. “I talked to the players such As well as Algeria, a number boss – Djamel Belmadi while in the past, also spoke of his excitement as Riyad Mahrez and they said that of other African Cup of Nations country preparing for the upcom- for the tournament. when they saw the stadiums and teams – including Burundi, Cam- ing Africa Cup of Nations. He said: “It has come around how this event will be organised eroon and Mali – are also in Qa- After being shown the plans for so fast. I remember the day that they just want to be involved and tar making use of the world-class the tournament – and beyond in Qatar won the rights [to host the participate. So as a coach, it’s good training facilities ahead of the legacy mode – the 28-year-old World Cup] and it seems like it was for me as it has provided a great competition. said he was excited by what he yesterday. motivation for them.” The visits were facilitated by had seen, and spoke of the impor- “There are just three more years Algeria have not won the Afri- the Qatar Football Association tance of the Arab world being able until the World Cup and I’m sure can Cup of Nations since claiming (QFA) and made possible due to its to host football’s most prestigious that will go very fast too. When I the title on home soil in 1990, but ongoing close relationships with tournament. see how quickly they are organis- Algeria star Riyad Mahrez (third from right) and coach Djamel Belmadi (R) pose at the Supreme following the Qatar training camp, numerous associations across the “It’s very important for every- ing and preparing for this, it’s just Committee’s Legacy pavilion along with other players and off icials. Mahrez was in optimistic mood for region.

FOOTBALL RALLYING Adel Abdulla back Qatar face tough in action in Italy Colombia in Copa Colombia had beaten Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the tournament earlier

By Sports Reporter Sao Paulo

fter a 2-2 draw against Paraguay, which coach Felix Sanchez described as “positive”, Qatar will face a much sterner test when theyA lock horns with Colombia in their Adel said: “The last race in By a Correspondent second Group B clash in the Copa Amer- Pordenone, Italy the Baja series in the new T3 ica tonight (12.30am, Thursday, Qatar category was three months Time). ago. I won the Dubai Interna- The Asian Cup champions, one of the fter a gap in the cal- tional Baja. Now we are looking two guest teams in the South American endar of over three forward to the third round in tournament along with Japan, displayed months, Qatar’s Adel Italy after the long break. grit and gumption to bounce back from Abdulla returns to “It will not be easy because two goals down to hold the Paraguayans actionA in the FIA World Cup of the calendar. We have pre- at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. for Cross-Country Bajas at this pared well. I have tried to keep Tonight’s match against the Colombians weekend’s Italian Baja, round fi t and have been training for at the Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo three of the eight-event series. this round. I think it will be a (Morumbi) will be the fi rst-ever meet- The experienced Doha- diffi cult race. ing between the two teams and provides based driver will again team up “I see from the entry list a golden opportunity for Qatar to get ac- with French co-driver Jean- that there are around 14 in the quainted with a fl amboyant style of play Michel Polato as he attempts T3 category and all of them are they are not too familiar with as they gear to add a maiden FIA T3 World good drivers. Some of them are up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Championship to the FIA T2 local people. They will be fast. Colombia, playing their fi rst competi- series title he secured two It will be exciting to face this tive match under new coach Carlos Quei- years ago. challenge. roz, laid down a statement of intent in their Adel is driving a Can-Am “I hope everything goes opening Copa America clash, defeating Maverick X3 on rounds of the well. The diffi cult thing in Italy Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-0. Baja series this season and will be the river crossings. The The 66-year-old handler has been heads to Pordenone in north- water is always causing some quick to make his mark on a team that was eastern Italy with an X3 being problems with the cars. I hope knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in Rus- This combination of pictures shows Qatar forward Almoez Ali (L) during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup group E football match between run on events by the Spanish nothing happens and we are sia at the last-16 stage. Saudi Arabia and Qatar at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on January 17 and Colombia’s James Rodriguez during the FN Speed Team. able to take the 25 points.” The former Real Madrid coach, and as- international friendly football match at the Nemesio Camacho stadium in Bogota, on June 3. They will be the ones to watch as Adel has support from the In addition to title rivals, Ci- sistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester Qatar and Colombia clash in the Copa America tonight. team itself as an offi cial FN notto, al-Zubair and Vorobyev, United, only took over the reins in Feb- Speed driver, in addition to Adel faces competition from ruary after leaving his job as Iran coach the media. “It was a good result against Ooredoo, the Qatar telecom- the Italian drivers Amerigo having just led the team to the Asian Cup Paraguay but we need to forget that match. munications company. Ventura, Nicolo Algaretto and semi-fi nals. We lost many chances to score. Now we Adel missed the opening Rubens Visconte, in addition He was lauded by the Colombian press need to manage another fi ghting perform- round in Russia in February but to the likes of Belgian driver on Sunday for putting in place “the perfect ance against Colombia,” al-Rawi said. outright victory at the Dubai Ghislan de Mevius, Latvia’s plan,” according to El Tiempo, and ending “We are playing the Copa America International Baja at the start Alexsandr Dorosinskiy and a winless run against Argentina that had event. It shows we belong at this level and of March earned him 25 cham- Polish driver Michal Goczal. lasted more than 11 years. we are exhibiting a strong image of our pionship points and he will line The three-day Italy round of Roger Martinez opening the scoring on country. We are refl ecting a strong brand of up on the gravel fl ood plains the Baja series features 430.64 72 minutes and Duvan Zapata sealed vic- football since we played in similar fashion that are a feature of this round competitive kilometres in a tory three minutes from time. at the Asian Cup,” the youngster added. of the series lying fourth in route of 827.10km. Colombia have lost only one of their last “We should play without fear. We the T3 title race behind Italy’s Action gets underway with ten outings, going down to South Korea in should play like we did at the Asian Cup. Michele Cinotto and a tying a 12.5km super special stage at a friendly, and their win over Argentina “We have the talent and the desire to Oman’s Abdullah al-Zubair Murlis on Friday, June 21 and will have raised their confi dence a notch. do well at such events. Playing at Copa and Russia’s Fedor Vorobyev. this is followed by two days Qatar, however, have also shown great America will make us a strong side for the Cinotto claimed maximum of gravel action on the fl ood spirit, scoring two goals in less than 10 future.” points in Russia and fi nished plains of northern Italy. minutes against the Paraguayans through “The match against Colombia will re- fourth in Dubai, while al-Zu- There are three runs through Almoez Ali and Boualem Khoukhi, but will quire a double eff ort and I hope that we bair has one more point that a gravel special of 95.18km that have to summon up all their physical and will be able to succeed and show a remark- the Qatari after a second place loops around Barbeano on Sat- mental attributes to stun the Colombians able level against a strong team,” al-Rawi in Russia and a points-scoring urday, June 22 and these are who at one point of time were ranked third added. fi nish in Dubai. Vorobyev also followed by two further timed in the world. After their match against Colombia, has 26 points and was sec- loop sections of 66.30km that Qatar defender Bassem al-Rawi is hop- Qatar take on former FIFA World Cup Qatar’s Bassem al-Rawi (L) and Abdelkarim Hassan arrive at their team hotel in ond in Dubai and scored eight start and fi nish in Gradisca on ing for exactly that in his interaction with champions Argentina on June 23. Sao Paulo on Monday night. points in Russia. Sunday, June 23. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 19, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT FOCUS Naib defends Captain Morgan’s Rashid aft er mauling batting blitz blows you do well, sometimes this kind Reuters Manchester, United Kingdom of stuff happens. I’m happy with him. I don’t think it’s a big deal.” Rashid did create an opportu- fghanistan captain Gul- nity when he induced Morgan, badin Naib defended then on 28, into a slog-sweep spin spearhead Rashid but Dawlat Zadran misjudged Khan after the 20-year- the skier and spilled it near deep Afghanistan away Aold bore the brunt of Eoin Mor- midwicket boundary. gan’s record-breaking assault in Morgan went on to blast a ca- their World Cup loss to England reer-best 148, which included a ‘It was a special day. It’s the World Cup. We’re loving playing in it’ yesterday. record-shattering 17 sixes, includ- The spin-heavy Asians pinned ing seven off Rashid’s bowling. their hopes on Rashid, the poster Naib felt it was the turning Scorecard boy of Afghan cricket, who tops point in the match. the list of T20 bowlers and is “We missed a catch of Morgan, ENGLAND G. Naib c Buttler b Wood 37 ranked third in the ODI list, to maybe we lost the game there,” J. Vince c Rahman b D Zadran 26 R. Shah c Bairstow b Rashid 46 contain England’s formidable said the Afghan captain who batting order. claimed 3-68. J. Bairstow c&b Naib 90 H. Shahidi b Archer 76 But as he embarked on the job, England were 164-2 after 30 J. Root c Shah b Naib 88 A. Afghan c Root b Rashid 44 the spunky leg-spinner soon overs before Morgan exploded, E. Morgan c Shah b Naib 148 M. Nabi c Stokes b Rashid 9 found himself in the fi ring line with the hosts plundering 142 of Morgan’s six-hitting spree runs in the last 10 overs. J. Buttler c Nabi b D Zadran 2N. Zadran b Wood 15 and eventually logged the worst “Had we taken that catch, B. Stokes b D Zadran 2R. Khan c Bairstow b Archer 8 bowling fi gures in World Cup they would not have scored this M. Ali not out 31 I. Alikhil not out 3 history — 110 runs off nine overs much. They are a strong side, C. Woakes not out 1D. Zadran not out 0without a single wicket. they did not give us any chance Naib said he had not seen a in the match,” Naib said. Extras (lb1, nb1, w7) 9 Extras (lb1, 8w) 9 knock like Morgan’s and what “Credit goes to Morgan. He Total (six wickets, 50 overs) 397 Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 247 Rashid endured could happen to showed his class. I’ve never seen Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Vince), Fall of wickets: 1-4 (NA Zadran), any player. this kind of batting,” Naib said. 2-164 (Bairstow), 3-353 (Root), 2-52 (Naib), 3-104 (Shah), 4-198 “Not really,” Naib told a news Afghanistan stay rooted to the 3-359 (Morgan), 5-362 (Buttler), (Afghan), 5-210 (Nabi), 6-234 conference when asked if Rash- bottom of the points table af- 6-378 (Stokes) (Shahidi), 7-234 (N Zadran), id had disappointed him at Old ter their fi ve defeats in as many Bowling: Rahman 10-0-44-0 8-247 (Khan) Traff ord. matches but their 247-8 was “He’s one of the best spinners, their highest total in World Cup (2w); D Zadran 10-0-85-3 (4w); Bowling: Archer 10-1-52-3 (2w), Nabi 9-0-70-0; Gulbadin Naib he’s a star player in world cricket. and also the fi rst time they batted Wood 10-1-40-2 (1w), Rashid 10- It can happen with any player, out full 50 overs. 10-0-68-3 (1nb); Shah 2-0-19-0; 0-66-3 (1w), Ali 7-0-35-0, Stokes Khan 9-0-110-0 not just Rashid. “We’re improving everyday, 4-0-12-0, Woakes 9-0-41-0 (2w) “Everyone knows how good we trying to do well every day. AFGHANISTAN RESULT: England won by 150 he is and how he bowls. I think it It’s a good thing for the team that runs was not his day today. we played 50 overs today. I think NA Zadran b Archer 0 “But it’s cricket, sometimes it’s a positive sign.”

so congratulations to him” Jonny Bairstow had got Eng- Hashmatullah Shahidi com- land off to a solid start, with pleted a gutsy 68-ball fi fty on England accelerating after his way to 76, while his fourth- James Vince fell for 26 when he wicket stand of partnership of mishooked paceman Dawlat Za- 94 with Ashgar Afghan (44) was dran to short fi ne-leg. a record for any Afghanistan In sight of his eighth ODI cen- wicket at a World Cup. tury, Bairstow’s 99-ball innings Earlier, Morgan, dropped on ended when he chipped a return 28, dominated a third-wicket catch to Naib. stand of 189 with Joe Root (88), Morgan should have been out whose contribution to their when he skied Rashid, only for England’s captain Eoin Morgan (right) plays a shot during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against partnership was a mere 43. Zadran at deep midwicket to Afghanistan at Old Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) make such a mess of the catch MORGAN RUNS RIOT that the ball bounced out of his AFP sixes, which was also a new ODI the big stage, it is nice to do.” Afghanistan star leg-spinner hands and over the rope for four. Manchester, United Kingdom innings record. Morgan’s masterclass was the Rashid Khan set an unwanted Root was denied a second suc- The Dubliner’s innings, which centrepiece of England’s 397-6. record with 0-110 in nine overs cessive hundred and third of the featured 118 runs in boundaries, That was the highest total of — the most expensive return at a tournament when he holed out off ngland captain Eoin was all the more impressive as the tournament so far and the World Cup and second costliest Naib, whose 3-68 was a creditable Morgan set a new world Morgan had been doubtful for largest England had made at in all ODI cricket. return in the circumstances. record of 17 sixes in an this match with a back spasm any World Cup, surpassing their Morgan’s tally surpassed the But the sixes kept coming, individual one-day in- suff ered in England’s win over 386-6 against Bangladesh in record of 16 sixes in an ODI in- Morgan’s 11th bringing up a ternationalE innings as the World the West Indies, in which he Cardiff 10 days ago. nings previously shared by In- hundred in 57 balls, with only Cup hosts thrashed Afghanistan could not bat. Even though bottom of the dia’s Rohit Sharma, South Af- Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien, Aus- by 150 runs yesterday. “I had an extremely bad back table Afghanistan, suff ering rica’s AB de Villiers and West tralia’s Glenn Maxwell and Victory at Old Traff ord saw after the last game but our their fi fth defeat in fi ve matches, Indies’ Chris Gayle. South Africa’s AB de Villiers favourites England go ahead of medical staff have done won- posted their highest World Cup He broke the record when he having scored faster centuries at holders Australia to sit top of the ders with medication and ex- total of 247-8 they were never up launched Naib for a fl at straight a World Cup. World Cup group table on net tensive treatment. I have pret- with the required run-rate. hit over his head. England set the ODI team run-rate. ty much been living with the Afghanistan captain Gulba- But the very next ball saw record for sixes when Moeen Ali Morgan’s six-hitting spree in physio,” Morgan said. “It was a din Naib saluted Morgan, say- Morgan hole out off Naib to end launched the penultimate deliv- his career-best 148 set the tone special day. It’s the World Cup. ing: “It was one of the best in- a 71-ball innings that also fea- ery of the innings, from Zadran, England’s Mark Wood (left) celebrates taking an Afghan wicket as for England’s team total of 25 We’re loving playing in it. On nings I’ve ever seen from Eoin tured four fours. over long-on. Rashid Khan looks on during the match yesterday. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE Morgan surprises himself with sixes record AFP straight, you’re the only person “Turning and stuff there was Manchester, United Kingdom that knows at the time. It’s a very a little (issue), yeah. It took a bit special feeling.” of time before I could get confi - Morgan’s feat saw him sur- dence in moving,” added Morgan, oin Morgan said he had pass the previous record of 16 who said he had not had any in- 19 - 06 - 2019 exceeded his own ex- sixes in an ODI innings shared by jections on the morning of the pectations after hitting a such renowned big-hitters Rohit game. record-breaking 17 sixes Sharma, AB de Villiers and Chris Yesterday’s innings saw Mor- inE a one-day international in- Gayle. gan hit his 13th ODI hundred but nings during England’s World “It’s weird, very strange,” said 12th for England after one for his Cup thrashing of Afghanistan. Morgan. “It’s something, along native Ireland. Morgan’s aerial assault helped with the innings, that I never Morgan was once best known the England captain to a career- thought I’d do.” for unorthodox shots attributed best 148 as the hosts piled up 397 to his childhood exposure to the for six at Old Traff ord yesterday. LEADERSHIP AND BELIEF Gaelic game of hurling. Bottom of the table Afghani- The 32-year-old Morgan’s lead- But a signifi cant feature of his stan were never in the hunt, with ership and his belief in aggres- Afghanistan demolition job was pre-tournament favourites Eng- sive cricket have been behind the number of textbook straight land winning by 150 runs to go England’s rise to the top of the sixes he hit. top on net-run rate from cham- ODI rankings after a woeful fi rst- “I think I scored a lot squarer pions Australia. round exit at the 2015 World Cup. early on in my career whereas I “Never have I ever thought I But when it was suggested look a little bit more down the could play a knock like that. I’m the left-hander had ignored ground now,” he said. delighted that I have,” Morgan, his own advice by doubting his Morgan made his England de- who came in at 164-2, told re- ability to play Tuesday’s in- but in 2009 after helping Ireland porters. nings, Morgan replied: “To be qualify for the 2011 World Cup. “Coming at a time when it was fair, the last four years, I’ve After a brief, 16-match Test a 50-50 shout whether myself probably played the best in my career, a key factor reason be- or Jos (Buttler) went in probably career, but that hasn’t involved hind his switch, he became one helped because after I’d faced a a 50 or 60-ball hundred. of England’s pioneering limited few balls I had no choice. “I thought I could — I would overs specialists and a regular in “I had to start taking risks be- have it in the locker somewhere, the Indian Premier League. cause of him coming in next. Af- but it’s never happened. So I sort Now he is looking to lead Eng- ter I got dropped (on 28) it was of gave up on it a little bit.” land to their fi rst World Cup title, just a matter of keep going. One Morgan’s 71-ball masterclass with Sri Lanka next up for his of those days.” was all the more impressive as he side at Headingley on Friday. Asked about the feeling of hit- had been doubtful for the match “If we can produce the level of ting a six, Morgan said: “It’s like with a back spasm that prevented intensity at which we operated hitting a golf ball off the tee. him batting during England’s win today, it will leave us in a really “If you think it’s going over the West Indies on Friday. good place,” Morgan said. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 19, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS De Kock urges SA to keep calm as pressure mounts Proteas cannot aff ord any more slip-ups in their remaining games against New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom New Zealand expect South Africa to go for broke in World Cup clash: Boult

uinton de Kock has AFP the past World Cups, and the last told his South Africa Birmingham, United Kingdom time that we met each other in teammates to keep 2015, the semi-final at Eden Park, their heads when they was one of the greatest games faceQ New Zealand in a must-win ew Zealand pace bowler that the Kiwis have played,” he World Cup match today. Trent Boult has warned said. South Africa’s hopes of making Nhis side not to underesti- “It obviously got a lot of atten- the semi-fi nals would eff ectively mate “hungry” South Africa as tion back home and it was a cool be over if they lose at Edgbaston their troubled opponents fight one to be a part of. after a wretched start to the tour- for World Cup survival today. “It’s a chance for us to go out nament. The Black Caps will go top of the there and perform and show Defeats to England, Bangla- World Cup group table if they we can bring the game and the desh and India have left South beat South Africa at Edgbaston. style that we play back home in Africa wicketkeeper-batsman But the Proteas, with just one New Zealand very well, to test it De Kock billing the New Zealand win from five matches, know against quality players in foreign match as a “quarter-fi nal”. they cannot aff ord another conditions on a big stage, so we A nine-wicket victory over Af- defeat if they want to maintain can’t wait.” ghanistan on Saturday was their their slender hopes of a semi- Unbeaten New Zealand have fi rst win in this World Cup in final place. defeated Sri Lanka, Bangladesh England and Wales. “It’s a must-win in their tourna- and Afghanistan so far in the The Proteas cannot aff ord any ment,” Boult said. “We’re looking tournament, with their game more slip-ups in their remain- forward to facing them and I am against India washed out. ing games against New Zealand, sure they are eager and hungry The impressive form of Boult Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia to put in a good performance, and his fellow pace bowlers Mat- if they are to maintain slender because it’s a big one for them.” thew Henry and Lockie Ferguson hopes of a semi-fi nal berth. The stakes are not as high as in has been key to each victory. De Kock admits South Africa’s their meetings at the past two “As a unit we’ve been going chances of avoiding an embar- World Cups, with New Zealand really well. With the ball, we’ve rassingly early elimination will be winning the quarter-final clash in put it where we wanted and wrecked if they do not cope with 2011 and a semi-final showdown we’ve put a lot of pressure on the stress of playing in a do-or- in 2015. the teams that we’ve come up die situation. Boult has fond memories of New against,” Boult said. “Obviously it’s a big game for Zealand’s run to the World Cup “If we can continue to do it as a us but, in saying that, our next final four years ago and hopes unit and obviously give us some three or four games that we have, his team can make another lower totals to chase, then I will they are all going to be big games strong showing in the current be happy. for us for the rest of the tourna- edition. “I think we’ve been lucky ment,” he said. “There have always been enough to be on a couple of new “We’re just going to have to go exciting games between New surfaces that have off ered a lot out there, keep our heads steady Zealand and South Africa over to our style of bowling.” New Zealand’s Trent Boult takes part in a press conference at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham yesterday. (AFP) and play freely. “Tomorrow is a quarter-fi nal, I guess you could say it, but if we “I think before our fi rst game do win it, then it’s another big that we played against England, game again. we were in a pretty good space “We have to win all the games, also then, mentally and with our not just focus on tomorrow. But preparation,” he said. in saying that, we know how “Then obviously, during the good New Zealand are playing at course of the tournament, obvi- the moment. They are a big team ously after losing all the time, in World Cups. They always seem there’s always a bit of a slump in to step up.” being mentally strong. Unbeaten New Zealand are “Getting a win again has given favourites to push South Af- us high hopes. It just becomes a rica towards the World Cup exit mental game at a World Cup, try- door and De Kock admits morale ing to deal with all the pressures among Faf Du Plessis’s squad has and stuff . not been as high as he would like. “We’ve put a lot of empha- But he hopes the comprehen- sis on our energy going into the sive victory against minnows Af- games, and the situation we’re in ghanistan will provide a much- right now, our energy needs to be needed spark in the nick of time. better than ever.” South Africa coach Ottis Gibson (centre) speaks to his players during a training session at Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Windies must fi nd solutions, Calm dressing room key not excuses, says coach

AFP to Bangladesh win: Shakib Taunton, United Kingdom

Reuters est Indies assistant London coach Roddy Est- wick has warned his side the time for angladesh’s successful Wexcuses is over after defeat to run chase against West Bangladesh left their World Cup Indies at the World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. on Monday was aided The Caribbean team started byB a calm and confi dent dress- their campaign in England and ing room atmosphere that the Wales in impressive style, beat- players were able to replicate on ing Pakistan by seven wickets the pitch, all-rounder Shakib Al but have since lost to Australia, Hasan has said. England and Bangladesh. Shakib scored his second With games to come against century in a row as Bangladesh fancied New Zealand and Virat pulled off the second highest Kohli’s powerful India, the West successful run chase in the tour- Indies’ chances of progressing nament’s history to beat twice to the semi-fi nals from the 10- champions West Indies by seven team round-robin phase look wickets. bleak. Sent in to bat fi rst, the West West Indies scored 321-8 in Indies set a target of 322 but Taunton on Monday only to be Shakib, who scored an unbeaten undermined by an under-par West Indies’ Chris Gayle (left) leaves the pitch after losing the 2019 124 off 99 deliveries, and Liton bowling display as Bangladesh ICC Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh in Taunton, United Das, who smashed 94 not out, cruised home with seven wickets Kingdom, on Monday. (AFP) guided Bangladesh home with 51 to spare. balls to spare. Former Barbados player Est- through. We’ve got to stop look- against Bangladesh, everyone “At the end of the fi rst in- wick stressed the importance of ing for excuses and start fi nding would have said that we should nings, we thought it would be the two-time world champions solutions.” have stuck to our strengths. tough but everyone was com- Bangladesh’s player Shakib Al Hasan smiles during a training session in Taunton, United Kingdom, on sticking together in the face of Estwick paid tribute to Bang- “Four games down the road, fortable and chilling,” Shakib, Sunday. (AFP) adversity. ladesh, who kept their own it’s the worst tactic in the world. who scored 121 against England “We can stand here, saying World Cup hopes alive by tam- Give Bangladesh credit. They in his last innings, told report- cause of the way we paced the tomorrow. “We’ve faced some of the ‘if this’ and ‘if that’ — we didn’t ing the West Indies pace attack, played well and they’re an im- ers. innings. I was never in a rush. I In Mitchell Starc and Pat best fast bowlers in the last play well, we’ve lost the cricket while also promising his own proving side. “There was a lot of confi dence was patient to wait and put the Cummins, Australia have two four matches — every team has game and that’s that,” he said. side would come back with re- “They’ve played us now fi ve and belief that we could chase it. bad ball away. Every time I did of the top three wicket-takers at least two bowlers who bowl “We’ve got to come back newed vigour. times in the recent past and have Once we started batting, every- that quite well.” at this World Cup but Shakib 140kph and we’ve coped well so stronger. We’ve still got four “Four years ago, everyone was beaten us every time. We just have one felt comfortable and relaxed The victory kept fi fth-placed said his team showed they could we’re not worried about that,” games left in the tournament and saying how exciting and refresh- to go away and put our heads to- in the dressing room which Bangladesh fi rmly in the hunt handle the best quicks in the he added. we can’t point fi ngers or appor- ing West Indies cricket looked,” gether and fi nd a solution. helped us a lot. At no point did for a semi-fi nal berth ahead of world against South Africa, New “We are a skilled team and we tion blame to anyone. he said. “We’re not down and out yet. we have to panic. their next match against table- Zealand, England and West In- are capable of countering those “We have to stick together, “Hindsight is a wonder- We’re going to fi ght and come “It is one of the best wins be- toppers Australia at Trent Bridge dies. challenges.” that’s how good teams pull ful thing. If we’d bowled spin back harder.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 19, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS Federer opens grass season with victory over Millman ‘It is always important to win your first game on grass, because otherwise the grass season can be very short’

SPOTLIGHT Sharapova makes winning return in Mallorca

AFP Madrid

aria Sharapova made a winning return from injury yesterday by Mbeating Viktoria Kuzmova 7-6 (10/8), 6-0 to reach the second round of the Mallorca Open. The fi ve-time Grand Slam champion has not played since the end of January after taking time out to recover from a shoulder injury, but edged a tight opening set against Kuz- mova before strolling through the second. Victory on the grass will come as a timely boost to morale for Sharapova, with the start of Wimbledon now less than two weeks away. “It’s my fi rst win in about three or four months,” Shara- pova said afterwards. Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts after beating Australia’s John Millman in the first round of ATP Open tennis tournament in Halle yesterday. “It’s great to be here in Mal- lorca. What a great place to Russia’s Maria Sharapova celebrates after winning against AFP “something special” to face Fed- Last year’s winner Borna Coric Haase on Monday, remains in the train and have a warm-up tour- Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova in the first round of the Mallorca Halle Westfalen, Germany erer after he beat compatriot Be- eased to a 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 win over singles draw and is due to face nament. It’s been amazing for Open yesterday. noit Paire 6-4, 7-5 yesterday. Spain’s Jaume Munar in his fi rst- American Steve Johnson tomor- all of us here, and it’s just been The 30-year-old Paire, infa- round tie, while home favourite row. nice to experience it for the fi rst Garcia maintained momen- the grasscourt tournament with oger Federer began his mous for his on-court tantrums, Jan-Lennard Struff beat Serbia’s Moraing lost 4-6, 6-7 (4/7) time.” tum with an impressive victory a hard-fought 6-1 4-6 6-3 win. run-up to Wimbledon was given a warning in the fi rst Laslo Djere 6-4, 6-4 to claim his to Italy’s Andreas Seppi while Angelique Kerber could now over the Belarusian, fresh from In her fi rst match since her with a win as he beat set after throwing his racket, but fi rst ever singles victory in Halle. Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky await Sharapova in round two, winning her fi rst title of the year third-round exit at Roland Gar- Australian John Mill- had the crowd laughing in the “I used to live nearby. I would came from behind to beat Molle- with the top-seeded German up and seventh of her career at the ros earlier this month, 21-year- manR in straight sets to reach the second when he and Tsonga en- come here every year and lose, ker 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-2. against Belgium’s Ysaline Bon- Nottingham Open on Sunday. old Osaka struggled with her second round of the ATP tourna- gaged in a spontaneous keepy- so it is great to have fi nally won,” Gojowczyk was crushed 6-3, aventure later yesterday. The world number 28 will fi rst serve against the world ment in Halle yesterday. uppy rally. said Struff . 6-4 by France’s Richard Gasquet. Kerber has struggled for form now face Spain’s Paula Badosa number 33 and took two hours Federer won his fi rst grass- “I am happy to have won be- There was to be less joy for the Gasquet will face seventh seed herself this year but is likely to Gibert for a place in the third to dispatch her Greek oppo- court game of the season 7-6 cause Benoit is a dangerous play- Halle crowd as Germans Mats Roberto Bautista Agut in the off er a sterner test than Kuz- round. nent. (7/1), 6-3 on a muggy evening in er. It is always diffi cult to domi- Moraing, Peter Gojowczyk and second round after the Spaniard mova, the Slovak ranked 46th However, the Japanese, who Halle to set up a second-round nate against him, you always feel Rudolf Molleker were all knocked cruised to a 7-6 (12/10), 6-0 vic- in the world and who is still OSAKA THROUGH lost to Sakkari prior to her US meeting with French veteran Jo- like the game can change at any out yesterday. tory over American Taylor Fritz. only 21. In Birmingham, world Open title run last year, did Wilfried Tsonga. moment,” Tsonga told AFP. On top of that world number Elsewhere, Belgium’s David Earlier, another former ma- number one Naomi Osaka was manage to fi re seven aces and “It is always important to win The Frenchman faces Federer fi ve and rising star Alexander Goffi n thrashed eighth seed Gui- jor champion crashed out as tested by Maria Sakkari in her won fi ve break points to clinch your fi rst game on grass, because tomorrow, and can boast of a Zverev pulled out of the doubles do Pella 6-1, 6-1, while Italy’s France’s Caroline Garcia came fi rst-round match at the Nature victory on a surface she had otherwise the grass season can be perfect record against the Swiss tournament with a knee problem. Matteo Berrettini beat Georgian from behind to beat Victoria Valley Classic but eventually previously admitted was not very short,” said Federer. on grass, having won their only Zverev, who hurt his knee dur- seventh seed Nikoloz Basilashvili Azarenka 1-6, 6-4, 7-5. went through to the last-16 of her strongest. Tsonga, 34, said it would be meeting on the surface in 2011. ing a fi rst-round win over Robin 6-4, 6-4.

CYCLING ATHLETICS Ineos rocked as Thomas crashes out of Tour de Suisse Semenya to run

Froome to leave intensive care Saturday 800m in California Saint-Étienne, France: champion, Froome’s Ineos Stricken four-time Tour de teammate Geraint Thomas, was France winner Chris Froome sent to hospital in Switzerland will leave intensive care in after hurting his shoulder in a France at the weekend but will fall in the Tour de Suisse. continue treatment at the same Froome, 34, was airlifted to Saint-Etienne hospital, medical hospital in Saint-Etienne for sources said yesterday. emergency surgery after slam- The Briton fell in training last ming into a wall at high speed Wednesday and suff ered during practice on Wednesday multiple serious injuries that ahead of the fourth stage of the required over six hours of Criterium du Dauphine race in surgery. central France. The source at Saint-Etienne The force of the impact frac- hospital told AFP Froome tured his pelvis, right femur, hip, would leave intensive care in right elbow and left him with Reuters personal best of 1:54.25, with the the coming days, most likely broken ribs. Johannesburg world record 1:53.28. Saturday, but would continue “I know how lucky I am to be The Court of Arbitration for more conventional treatment here today and how much I Sport (CAS) last month rejected on another ward. owe to all the paramedics and aster Semenya will get her appeal against the rules, which The news comes on the same medical staff on the race,” said another chance at her mean middle distance female ath- day reigning Tour de France Froome. favourite event, the 800 letes with a high natural level of metres, when the South testosterone must take medica- AfricanC competes in the June 30 tion to reduce it. Thomas, a highly popular during practice last Wednesday Prefontaine Classic in California, Semenya has defi antly refused Tour de France winner in 2018, ahead of the fourth stage of the her agent and meeting offi cials to take medication and appealed came down heavily in the pelo- race in central France. told Reuters yesterday. to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, ton’s high-pace pursuit of an Yesterday’s stage on the Tour The race will be the fi rst at the which earlier this month said the Britain’s Geraint Thomas. escape. de Suisse was won by Italian Elia distance for the double Olympic South African will be able to run Medics swiftly removed the Viviani of Deceuninck-Quick champion since the Swiss Fed- in the 800m without medication AFP Ineos said on Twitter that “He got a little cut over his 33-year-old’s helmet and gin- Step, who outsprinted Aussie eral Tribunal issued a stay of new until her appeal is ruled on by the Lausanne Thomas “has been forced to eyebrow which was bleeding. gerly examined the road rash on Michael Matthews and Peter IAAF regulations for XY chromo- tribunal on June 25. abandon the #TourDeSuisse. The doctor felt it was safest to his back and gently manipulat- Sagan, who held on to the yellow some athletes like Semenya with The ruling applied only to Se- He was alert and speaking to the take him to the hospital for fur- ed his shoulder before making a jersey. diff erences in sexual development menya, the IAAF said. ix days after losing Chris team after the crash and will be ther checks. decision to take him to hospital. Ineos still have Colombian (DSDs) who compete in events “Nothing changes from our Froome for the Tour de taken to hospital for checks”. “We’ll have to wait until they Even if the Welshman has not protege Egan Bernal in the run- ranging from 400 metres to a point of view,” an IAAF spokes- France, Team Ineos were Ineos later reported that check him properly and then fractured his collarbone, the ning for victory here, he showed mile. woman said yesterday when asked holding their breath yes- Thomas had “abrasions to his we’ll know more.” crash will severely hinder his true class when winning Paris- “Caster’s representation re- for comment on Semenya deci- terdayS over Geraint Thomas’s shoulder and a cut above his Rasch suggested the tough as chances of reaching peak fi tness Nice in March, and the 22-year- quested that she be removed from sion to run in the Diamond League shoulder as he was rushed to right eye,” which were visible teak champion had wanted to for a defence of his title starting old all rounder is the bookies the 3,000 metres (where she was race. hospital for tests after crashing as he gazed into space sat on the get back in the saddle. on July 6. favourite for victory in France originally entered) to the 800 me- “The IAAF continues to comply out heavily at the Tour de Suisse. road where he fell. “I think all riders are the The incident comes less than this July. tres and we are happy to comply,” with the Swiss Federal Tribunal’s The accident happened 30km “He was part of a two-man same. They want to go back to a week after his Ineos teammate, Bernal himself had been meet director Tom Jordan said in a order dated 31 May to suspend the from home on stage four with crash,” Ineos said after it ap- the bike and race. But thank- four-time Tour de France cham- slated to take part in the Giro telephone interview. DSD Regulations in as far as they reigning Tour de France cham- peared Thomas was brought fully we have a doctor in the car pion Froome broke a leg, hip, el- d’Italia, but broke a collarbone “Indications are she will be go- apply to the appellant. It should pion Thomas in a good position down by Astana’s Andrey Zeits. and it’s his decision to make.” bow and ribs in a horrifi c fall in while training in early May. ing for a fast time,” said Jordan, be noted that the Diamond League for overall victory in the nine- “There was a lot of road fur- Ineos described Thomas as the Criterium du Dauphine. The Tour de Suisse continues who was busy lining up a compet- meetings are not organised by the day Tour warm up in the Alps, niture about and a rider crashed clearly disappointed, but said Froome, 34, was airlifted to until Sunday with three crunch itive fi eld for the race at Stanford IAAF. Entry for any athlete into but was left ashen-faced, dazed, in front of Geraint,” Ineos he “was quickly sat up and hospital in Saint-Etienne for mountainous stages and an in- University. a Diamond League meeting is by badly grazed and nursing his sports director Gabriel Rasch speaking to team and race med- emergency surgery after slam- dividual time-trial still on the Semenya, unbeaten at the dis- invitation only from the meeting right shoulder. said. ical personnel at the roadside”. ming into a wall at high speed menu. tance in 30 fi nals since 2015, has a organiser.” Gulf Times Wednesday, June 19, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Shooting at parade mars Raptors’ title celebration A crowd estimated at more than 1mn people gathered across downtown Toronto for a parade in tribute of the team

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (centre) with his daughter during the victory parade in Toronto. (USA TODAY Sports)

body got the day off . Look at it. It’s cra- supporters with champagne. “I didn’t zy. Thank you Canada for the support. think there were this many people,” We did it.” NBA Finals Most Valuable Raptors swingman Danny Green said. Player Leonard said the team has been “It’s amazing. This is our way of trying celebrating ever since they ran off the to give back to them. It’s special.” court in Oakland. “The last few days Toronto Mayor John Tory declared have been amazing,” Leonard said. “No on Monday “We The North” Day in To- sleep. A lot of celebrating. And we’re ronto, using the team’s slogan. Spanish going to keep going.” centre Marc Gasol looked out over the Players wore T-shirts, sunglasses sea of humanity and marvelled at the and held cigars and champagne as they scene. “How much joy you see on peo- watched people line Lake Shore Boul- ple’s faces,” Gasol said. “It has been a evard and York Street. “This is why we great ride. I can’t imagine a better end- wanted to win a championship,” Rap- ing to it.” tors guard Kyle Lowry said. “This is Crowds were so huge on Univer- unbelievable. And we ain’t even close to sity Avenue they fi lled the street and being done.” blocked the path of the parade for more Raptors superfan rapper Drake called than half an hour. “This is crazy man. it, “One of the most important mo- I don’t know what else to say. It’s cra- ments I’ve ever been on stage.” In the zy,” said Cameroonian forward Pascal ceremony, a roadway near the arena Siakam. “It’s an amazing moment.” Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry shows the Larry O’Brien trophy to fans during a parade through downtown Toronto to celebrate their NBA title triumph. (USA TODAY Sports) was renamed “Raptors Way” and Leon- Infl atable Raptors balloons and gi- ard accepted the key to the city on be- ant signs were waved above the mas- AFP a parade in tribute of the team, but the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Tru- after more than two hours of delays half of the team to chants of “M-V-P.” sive crowd. “There’s so much energy, so Toronto, Canada victory rally at the jam-packed square deau joining the team on stage to cel- because spectators spilled onto the “This thing is so special because of much buzz,” said Raptors reserve Jer- was briefl y halted by gunshots. Toronto ebrate the Raptors’ success. parade route to witness players ride by you guys,” Nurse told the crowd — mo- emy Lin. “We’re defi nitely very grateful police tweeted that two victims had se- “Raptors fans, every day you showed on open-topped buses. “You think the ments before the shooting briefl y halted for our fans. This is defi nitely a once in a giant parade to celebrate rious but not life-threatening injuries, what Canada is made of, people who parade is going to be amazing and you festivities. The last time Toronto cel- lifetime opportunity to enjoy this with the Toronto Raptors win- two people were in custody as a result believe,” Trudeau told the rally. People can’t even picture this,” Raptors coach ebrated a major North American sports our fans.” ning their fi rst NBA title of the incident and two fi rearms had had begun camping out overnight to Nick Nurse said. “It’s pretty cool.” title was in 1993 when the Toronto Blue It was the fi rst title of Lin’s nine-year was marred on Monday by a been recovered. fi ll the square, so many that police told The Raptors beat defending champi- Jays won baseball’s World Series. career, the fi rst US player of Chinese or shootingA behind the downtown stage Footage shared on social media people to avoid the area. Subway sta- on Golden State 114-110 on Thursday in Canada, a country of 37mn, had Taiwanese heritage to play in the NBA. at Nathan Phillips Square — which left showed dozens of people scattering tions were closed to limit access. California to capture the best-of-seven 20mn people watching the telecast of Lin wore a purple Raptors jersey with two people badly injured and sent rev- from the area behind the stage. But In a super-sized version of the NBA Finals four games to two. “It’s game six. Fans enjoyed their moment a team logo and Chinese characters. ellers fl eeing in panic. A crowd esti- with a crowd of 65,000 packing the crowds that packed “Jurassic Park” amazing,” Raptors star Kawhi Leonard with players on Monday, with chants “It has been an incredible journey,” Lin mated at more than one million people square, the celebration went on with outside the team’s arena to watch game said. “Everybody is out. I don’t think of “Let’s Go Raptors” popping up along said. “And I’ve had a lot of fun along the gathered across downtown Toronto for only a delay of about two minutes, with telecasts, supporters fi lled the square anybody went to work today. Every- the route, players at times spraying way.”

MLB Tanaka pitches Yankees to big victory over Rays Reuters New York innings, Matt Carpenter and Dexter moments in the latter innings for a and Blake Treinen on a three-hitter, Fowler slugged home runs, and host St. victory over Houston. Castillo (7-1) helping the A’s turn back the Orioles for Louis earned a win over Miami. Miko- walked a career-high six batters, but he the fourth time in fi ve tries this season. asahiro Tanaka pitched a las (5-7), a native Floridian who lost to allowed only two hits and fanned seven Oakland’s Matt Olson hit an RBI two-hitter and was backed his hometown Marlins last week, was while working six-plus innings. double in the fi rst inning, but Baltimore by two homers, as the New much better this time around, allow- Michael Lorenzen got the last two replied with two unearned runs in the York Yankees opened a 10- ing six hits — all singles — and no walks outs for his third save. The Reds scored second thanks to a three-base throwing Mgame homestand with a 3-0 victory while striking out four. all of their runs in the fi fth inning, on a error by A’s third baseman Matt Chap- over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday He combined with three relievers two-RBI single from Nick Senzel and man. Orioles catcher Chance Cisco night. Tanaka (5-5) turned in a third on an eight-hit shutout and ended his an RBI hit from Eugenio Suarez. committed a third-inning throwing er- straight strong start against the Rays, personal fi ve-decision losing streak. ror that allowed two runs to score. allowing only a leadoff single to Austin Carpenter went 3-for-4 with his 10th ANGELS 10, BLUE JAYS 5 Meadows in the fourth and a two-out homer of the season, a double and two Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani each PADRES 2, BREWERS 0 single to Willy Adames in the fi fth. runs, helping the Cardinals improve to homered and had three RBIs, Felix Pena Joey Lucchesi allowed just three hits In three starts this season against 6-2 in their past eight games. The Mar- pitched six-plus innings in relief, and and three walks over seven scoreless Tampa Bay, Tanaka has allowed one run lins have dropped nine of their past 11 Los Angeles won at Toronto. Trout had innings as San Diego shut out visiting on 10 hits and one walk in 22 innings, games. four hits, including a two-run double. Milwaukee. Lucchesi (6-4) had fi ve with 23 strikeouts. Tanaka struck out Justin Upton and Kole Calhoun also strikeouts while throwing a season- 10, walked one, threw 76 of 111 pitches RANGERS 7, INDIANS 2 homered for the Angels. high 103 pitches. for strikes, faced two above the mini- Danny Santana belted a two-run hom- Pena (5-1) allowed four runs, six hits Two of the six Brewers who reached mum and produced his 14th career er, and Lance Lynn struck out nine and and three walks while striking out fi ve. base against Lucchesi were eliminated double-digit strikeout game. allowed just one run in seven innings as Cavan Biggio hit two home runs and on double plays. Padres reliever Craig DJ LeMahieu and Cameron Maybin Texas defeated Cleveland in Arlington, had three RBIs for Toronto, and Randal Stammen allowed the Brewers’ other went deep for the Yankees, who homer- Texas. Grichuk added a two-run homer. hit, a single in the eighth, and Kirby ed for the 20th straight game. It is the Elvis Andrus ripped a two-run dou- Yates pitched a perfect ninth for his second-longest streak in team history, ble, and former Indian Shin-Soo Choo GIANTS 3, DODGERS 2 25th save. Manny Machado, playing behind only a 25-game streak from June and Jeff Mathis each drove in a run for Rookie Tyler Beede gave up just one run while appealing a one-game suspen- 1-29, 1941. the Rangers, who scored all seven of over six innings to earn his fi rst major sion issued for allegedly bumping an their runs with two outs. league victory as San Francisco won at umpire on Saturday, hit a third-inning RED SOX 2, TWINS 0 Francisco Lindor and rookie Oscar Los Angeles. Brandon Crawford deliv- homer. The game’s only other run came JD Martinez and Xander Bogaerts each Mercado each belted a solo homer for ered a two-run double in the second in- on a fi rst-inning wild pitch from Jhoul- went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Rick the Indians, who fell for just the fourth ning to help the Giants even the season ys Chacin (3-8). Porcello threw seven shutout innings time in 12 games. series against their longtime rivals after to outduel Jose Berrios and lead Boston 10 games. ROYALS 6, MARINERS 4 past Minnesota in Minneapolis. It was BRAVES 12, METS 3 Max Muncy hit a second-inning Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, two-run a season-high sixth straight victory for Ronald Acuna Jr. continued his torrid home run for the Dodgers, his 17th long homer in the eighth inning as Kansas Boston, which also moved six games off ensive pace with three more hits, in- ball of the season and fi fth over his past City rallied to win at Seattle. Martin above.500 for the fi rst time this season. cluding a leadoff home run, and Atlanta eight games. Chris Taylor added an RBI Maldonado homered in the ninth in- Porcello (5-6) allowed four hits and defeated visiting New York. Acuna was fi elder’s choice in the eighth inning, but ning for the Royals, who won for just a walk while striking out eight to pick 3-for-5 with his 17th homer and two Los Angeles lost for the second time in the 10th time in 35 road games this sea- up his fi rst road victory in four deci- RBIs and extended his hitting streak to three games. son. They were the last team in the ma- sions. Ryan Brasier pitched a 1-2-3 nine games, matching his season best. New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches against the jors to reach double digits in victories ninth to earn his seventh save. Berrios Acuna, who was 4-for-5 on Sunday, Tampa Bay Rays in New York on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) A’S 3, ORIOLES 2 away from home. (8-3) gave up one run on fi ve hits with is hitting.409 (18-for-44) with three Mike Fiers outdueled Andrew Cash- With two outs in the eighth, Alex 10 strikeouts over eight innings. homers during the streak. homers for the Braves in the eighth in- REDS 3, ASTROS 2 ner in a battle of veteran right-handers Gordon grounded a single into left fi eld He lifted his batting average to.301. ning. Atlanta has won 10 of its past 11 Luis Castillo overcame errant com- handcuff ed by shaky defenses, and host against Anthony Bass (1-2). Soler then CARDINALS 5, MARLINS 0 Brian McCann and Ozzie Albies also games. The Mets have lost four of their mand of the strike zone, and host Oakland held on to beat Baltimore. went deep to right-centre fi eld, his 19th Miles Mikolas pitched six scoreless had three hits and struck back-to-back past fi ve. Cincinnati held on through some tense Fiers combined with Liam Hendriks home run of the season, for a 5-4 lead. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 19, 2019 FOOBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Loan move for Madrid’s Bale ‘not on Norway enter last 16 as the menu’, says agent

Madrid: Gareth Bale’s agent has dismissed suggestions the Wales forward could leave Real Madrid on loan and said France and Germany it would take “something exceptional” for the player to leave the Spanish capital. He started only five of Hosts France will take on one of the four Madrid’s last 11 games of the season and his chances of best third-placed finishers following their holding down a place in the top groups side next season look to have 1-0 victory over Nigeria been further compromised by the arrival of Eden Hazard for AFP 100mn euros ($112mn) from Reims, France Chelsea and Brazilian Ro- drygo for 45mn from Santos. Bale’s high wages — re- orway went through to the last ported by British media to be 16 of the Women’s World Cup 600,000 pounds ($753,000) alongside China and Spain per week — mean few clubs on Monday night after beat- would be capable of sign- Ning South Korea 2-1, while France and ing him permanently, but Germany topped their groups with wins his agent Jonathan Barnett over Nigeria and South Africa. ruled out the chances of him Caroline Graham Hansen gave Nor- going out on loan and said way an early lead from the spot af- the player is happy to stay at ter Cho So-hyun was judged to have Madrid. “I don’t think he wants grabbed Maria Thorisdottir in the third to go out on loan. He’s got a minute, before winning the decisive lovely life and home in Spain. second penalty shortly after the break I think it would take some- when she was chopped down by Kang thing exceptional for him to Chae-rim. leave and loans are not on The Barcelona attacker had to watch the menu,” Barnett told Sky while she received treatment on the Sports News yesterday. sidelines as Isabell Herlovsen just Bale, 29, has won four squeezed home Norway’s second to se- Champions League titles cure the points from a nervy encounter since joining Madrid from and seal second place in Group A, de- Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 spite Yeo Min-ji’s poked fi nish 12 min- for a then world record fee utes from time. of 100mn euros. But he was Asked by reporters if she would be heavily criticised by fans and available to play in the next round, in the Spanish media last sea- Hansen said: “I don’t know yet, but the son after failing to fill the void doctors are positive we’ll be OK. The left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Koreans were better than we expected, departure to Juventus as but we were not good today so we’re Madrid failed to win a trophy happy that we’re through.” and came third in La Liga, They also survived a late scare from 19 points behind champions the impressive Koreans, who are none- Barcelona. theless out after fi nishing bottom with Manchester United are one no points, when Min-ji headed a frac- of the few clubs who have the tion wide in stoppage time. In the next financial might to sign Bale round Martin Sjogren’s side will take on but Barnett did not think a one of Italy, Brazil or Australia, who go move to Ole Gunnar Solsk- into the last round of group matches in jaer’s Premier League side Group C last night with fi rst place and was realistic. “He could fit in a potential two further last 16 places there. I think he could do very up for grabs. “We’ll have to see who we well — he is still one of the meet, but I think Italy have really im- best players in the world. But pressed me,” said Sjogren. it is very unlikely,” he added. Outsiders Italy need just a point against Brazil to top the group while the Australians can snatch second place if they beat point-less bottom side Jamai- ca and the Brazilians — in second level on three points with the Aussies — fail to win. France meanwhile will take on South Korea’s Cho Sohyun (right) and Norway’s Ingrid Syrstad go for a header during the Women’s World Cup Group A match in Reims, France, on Monday. (Reuters) one of the four best third-placed fi nishers following their 1-0 win, but face the encroached for Renard’s fi rst eff ort, nine points following a comprehensive out phase from Group B, and they tran- from Melanie Leupolz, Sara Daebritz, prospect of tackling defending champi- which hit the post. “I thought to my- 4-0 win over South Africa earlier on spired to play out a stalemate. Alexandra Popp and Lina Magull. ons the USA in the quarter-fi nals should self ‘this is not my day...’ (but) I took my Monday. It could instead be Spain, who China fi nished behind Spain on goal Germany go into a last-16 tie on the Americans as expected top Group F responsibility and I decided to retake qualify for the next round in second diff erence but will progress as one of the Saturday in Grenoble against an as yet and win their subsequent last 16 tie. it,” said Renard. “In high level sport if place behind the Germans after a goal- best third-place fi nishers. unknown third-place fi nisher from an- The French needed a point to take you’re not mentally prepared there’s no less draw with also-through China, to Former world champions Germany other group. Spain will play in Reims on fi rst place in the group but Renard gave point you being there.” play the world’s best team. had no trouble dispensing with South June 24 against either the United States them all three from the spot at the sec- Germany meanwhile ensured they Both the Spaniards and former run- Africa in Montpellier, as the Banyana or Sweden, while China must wait to ond attempt, after Nigeria goalkeeper missed the Americans in the next round ners-up China knew a point in Le Havre Banyana go home from their fi rst World fi nd out which group winner they will Chiamaka Nnadozie was judged to have after they topped Group B with a perfect would take them through to the knock- Cup without a point thanks to goals come up against.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Own goal relief for Cannavaro’s Atletico closing in on Portuguese star Felix tletico Madrid are set to sign come as a signifi cant boost to Atletico, who DORTMUND COACH FAVRE Guangzhou in AFC last 16 teenage sensation Joao Felix from are expecting to lose Antoine Griezmann EXTENDS CONTRACT UNTIL 2021 Benfi ca for 120mn euros ($134mn), this summer after the Frenchman said he is Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre AFP according to reports in Portugal seeking a new challenge. Griezmann’s release has extended his contract until the end of yesterday.A The fee would make Felix the fi fth clause will decrease to 120mn euros on July 2020/21, the Bundesliga club confi rmed. Kashima, Japan most expensive signing of all time after Ney- 1, with his projected sale likely funding Favre, 61, took the reins at Dortmund at the mar, Kylian Mbappe, Philippe Coutinho and Atletico’s sizeable bid for Felix. Griezmann is beginning of last season and led the club to bizarre own goal 10 Ousmane Dembele. Three Portuguese sports expected to join Barcelona. Felix, a forward a second-place Bundesliga fi nish behind minutes from time newspapers — A Bola, Record and O Jogo — who can play on either fl ank or centrally, perennial title winners Bayern Munich in his gave two-time cham- claim the 19-year-old has accepted an off er has just enjoyed a breakthrough season at fi rst year in charge. pions Guangzhou of a fi ve-year contract from Atletico, with Benfi ca, scoring 20 goals in 43 competitive The Swiss coach’s contract was set to EvergrandeA a 2-1 win over a net annual salary worth 6mn euros. Felix games and helping the club win the Por- expire at the end of next season, but will Shandong Luneng, while title has been linked with a number of Europe’s tugese league title. He also made his debut now run until June 30 2021. Favre said he holders Kashima Antlers edged leading clubs including Manchester City, for Portugal earlier this month, starting was looking forward to “constructive and Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 as the Manchester United and Juventus. alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in their Nations successful work with the whole Borussia AFC Champions League last 16 Winning the race for his signature would League semi-fi nal win over Switzerland. Dortmund team” in the coming years. kicked off yesterday. Shandong looked like they had snatched a draw against Fabio Canna- FOCUS varo’s injury-depleted side when Zhang Chi lashed home a second-half equaliser, set up by the former Manchester United Hiroshima’s Kohei Shimizu jumps over Kashima’s Ryohei Shirasaki Rodrygo ready to wait for his chance midfi elder Marouane Fellaini. during the AFC Champions League round of 16 match. (AFP) Evergrande, with fi rst-choice AFP Spain, just two years after he joined Paris strikers Talisca of Brazil and Gao After Zhang’s equaliser gave when a long clearance fell to the Madrid Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world Lin missing, had started with an Shandong a crucial away goal, Kashima’s Shoma Doi. The at- record 222mn euros. Asked if he would like inexperienced frontline of Wei the match seemed to be head- tacking midfi elder drove down either to play alongside or emulate his com- Shihao and Yang Liyu up front. ing for a draw until the 80th the left and into the Hiroshima eal Madrid’s new signing Rodrygo patriot, Rodrygo said: “Neymar is a great The 24-year-old former Shan- minute. Yang Liyu’s speculative box where his cross looped up has said he models his game on Ney- player but he’s on another team and I can’t dong academy player Wei blew cross from the right touchline off Yuki Nogami’s attempt- mar and Robinho as the 18-year-old talk about him. No, I would like to be the Ro- a golden chance to score against took the slightest of defl ections ed block for Brazilian striker yesterday became the latest arrival drygo of Madrid. There is only one Neymar, his old club when he blazed from defender Zheng Zheng’s Serginho to head in from close unveiledR at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid there can’t be another.” over when put clean through outstretched foot. range for his third goal of this completed a 45-million-euro ($50.3mn) deal Madrid struggled for goals last season in by veteran skipper Zheng Zhi But that proved enough to year’s competition. for Rodrygo Silva de Goes in June last year but the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to after 20 minutes. But he made beat Wang, who had inexpli- Douglas Vieira enjoyed the agreed to let the Brazilian striker stay at San- tilla, the club’s B side, to gain experience. Juventus, despite another Brazilian teenager, amends 15 minutes later, when cably vacated his near post and best chance for the visitors, tos for another season. He is the fi fth player After being presented in the stands by club Vinicius Junior, enjoying an impressive fi rst former Barcelona and Spurs could only watch helplessly as but turned and blasted waste- to join Madrid this summer, following Eden president Florentino Perez, Rodrygo emerged year in the Spanish capital. Vinicius began the midfi elder Paulinho broke pow- the ball squirmed across the fully over the bar when fi nding Hazard, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu, where season playing for Castilla but was promoted erfully down the right and cut line for the winner. In the fi rst himself unmarked on the pen- Luka Jovic for a minimum transfer outlay he kicked balls into a crowd of around 2,000 by coach Santiago Solari. back from the byline. Goal- all-Japanese last 16 clash since alty spot from a 38th-minute to 300mn euros. “For me it is a dream come fans. “I’m a fast striker, I score and dribble,” Rodrygo hopes to follow suit. “I have spo- keeper Wang Dalei failed to deal 2011, Sanfrecce Hiroshima fi n- corner. The in-form Sanfrec- true,” Rodrygo said at a press conference. “I he said. “I’m Brazilian and we’re a bit like ken to Vincius since I signed and when we with the cross and Wei gleefully ished with 10 men after Sho ce arrived on the back of fi ve have always said it is the dream of every child that, like Robinho and Neymar, I identify a met in the national team we talked about the poked home from seven yards to Inagaki received a second yel- consecutive AFC Champions in Brazil and the world. I’m living a dream, it’s little with them. I like to play on the wings, on club,” Rodrygo said. “Madrid always has the give the home side the lead, below card in the 86th minute at League victories, but they rare- the happiest day of my life.” the left especially, but I have no preference. best players in the world, I know there will be fore leaping into manager Can- Kashima. The visitors conceded ly threatened Kashima’s Korean Rodrygo has signed for Madrid’s fi rst team I’m ready to play.” a lot of competition but I am available to the navaro’s arms in celebration. the only goal in the 24th minute goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae. but said he would be happy to play for Cas- Neymar has been linked with a return to club to play in the fi rst team or for Castilla.” Gulf Times Wednesday, June 19, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

COPA AMERICA SPOTLIGHT Concern over poor Vargas scores brace ticket sales grows at Copa America Reuters 2-2 with Paraguay. “Of course, Sao Paulo it’s worrying because you want lots of people to see the best players in the world in action, as Chile rout Japan he organisers of the Copa because South American players America expressed con- are the best in the world,” Alejan- cerns over poor attend- dro Dominguez, president of the ance at initial games on South American Football Con- Chile join Uruguay at the top of Group C, level on points and goal diff erence TMonday and said they must cor- federation CONMEBOL, told re- rect errors in the ticketing proc- porters on Sunday. AFP ess to ensure more fans have ac- “This is a country which lives Sao Paulo cess to matches in this month’s for football and we would like tournament in Brazil. to see more people participate. The issue cropped up after Some games have had many peo- duardo Vargas scored twice as Friday’s opening match between ple, others unfortunately have Chile launched the defence of Brazil and Bolivia saw empty not had so many. But, overall, their Copa America crown with spaces in the stands and the con- the feeling is very positive and I an emphatic 4-0 defeat of Japan troversy grew on Monday. think it’s going to get better.” inE Sao Paulo on Monday night. Vargas, The 65,601-capacity Morumbi The COL said it would publish who plays for Mexico club Tigres UANL, stadium was fi lled with only full details of sales on the tour- netted twice in the second half as Chile 47,260 spectators, even though nament’s website but the infor- gradually overpowered a skilful but lim- organisers had said the game was mation was not available while ited Japan, who are playing in the South sold out. they did not respond to requests American showpiece as one of two invit- Fans trying to buy tickets for for details on overall ticket sales. ed teams from Asia. Brazil games in advance faced Some fans blame the organis- Erick Pulgar had opened the scoring diffi culties and the Local Or- ers for mishandling ticket sales for Chile in the fi rst half before Vargas ganising Committee (COL) said while others blamed saturation doubled the 2015 and 2016 champions’ they had held some tickets back with the ongoing edition of the advantage with a defl ected second- that later went unsold. “We will Copa America being the third in half strike. Manchester United’s Alexis perfect this to make the returns fi ve years. Sanchez then took his Chilean record process quicker,” the COL said in Expensive tickets could also be goals tally to 42 after diving to head home a statement. a cause of poor attendance. Cost in the 82nd minute before Vargas scored The problem of poor sales was of tickets for the Brazil-Bolivia the pick of the goals moments later with particularly evident on the sec- game ranged from 190 reais to a deft lob over Japan goalkeeper Keisuke ond and third days of the tour- 590 reais (about $49-$152), while Osako. The win saw Chile join Uruguay nament when three of the four the lowest for most other games at the top of Group C, level on points and games had attendances below is 120 reais — still a considerable goal diff erence. “The important thing is 20,000. Just 11,107 fans turned amount of money in the devel- that we move on now with humility,” said out for the match between Peru oping nation. Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda. “This win and Venezuela in Porto Alegre, The 22mn reais ($5.66mn) doesn’t suddenly make us a dream team, and 13,611 watched Uruguay’s from ticket sales for the opening just as we weren’t the disaster that our 4-0 win over Ecuador in Belo match, even with partly empty critics were saying we were before.” Horizonte. Only 19,162 people stands, were the highest for a The scoreline was harsh on Japan, who were in the 78,000-seat Marac- football match in Brazil, accord- had carved out several promising chances ana stadium to watch Qatar draw ing to local media. but were let down by poor fi nishing from young striker Ayase Ueda. “We deserved to score a goal,” said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu. “The diff erence was that they were clinical and took their chances. We’re sad to lose but proud that we really took it to them.” Japan had started confi dently, domi- nating territory and possession albeit without threatening the Chile goal. Their best early chance came after nine minutes when Shoya Nakajima let fl y after burst- ing forward only to see his shot saved by Chile’s Eduardo Vargas (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Copa America Group C match against Japan at Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias. the Cicero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Monday night. (AFP) As the fi rst half wore on, Chile looked increasingly more threatening, and Japanese area, and Bologna midfi elder closed with Chile threatening to add to Once again, though, a Chilean goal was Sanchez sounded the alarm in the Japa- Pulgar leapt high above Yuta Nakayama their lead, Sanchez’s header from close followed by an opportunity Japan again nese defence in the 35th minute when his to head home. The goal refl ected Chile’s range saved by Osako. squandered. Shibasaki’s fi ne cross picked low shot fl ashed just wide. Sanchez then dominance, but Japan were given a glo- Chile picked up where they left off as out an unmarked Ueda at the back post almost played in Charles Aranguiz but rious opportunity to equalise just before the second half got under way, stroking but the youngster’s composure again de- the Bayer Leverkusen midfi elder took too half-time. Chile coughed up possession the ball around confi dently to deny Japan serted him, hooking his shot wide with long to get his shot away, allowing Japan inside their own half and Gaku Shibasaki possession. In the 54th minute the Chil- Arias and the Chile goal at his mercy. to defl ect behind from a corner. released Ueda on goal. eans doubled their lead. A fl uent build- Ueda missed another chance in the 69th Aranguiz made amends, though, in the The 20-year-old Ueda was unable to up saw Mauricio Isla go clear down the minute but Chile slammed the door shut 41st minute by delivering the set piece make the chance count, though, round- right and he squared for Vargas, whose on hopes of a revival when Sanchez head- Japanese fans watch their team’s Copa America Group C match which gave Chile the lead. A whipped ing Arias but failing to fi nd the empty net shot took a wicked defl ection off Takehiro ed in Aranguiz’s cross on 82 minutes be- against Chile at the Cicero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium, in Sao Paulo, corner from the right caused havoc in the with his shot from a tight angle. The half Tomiyasu on its way into the net. fore Vargas made it 4-0 a minute later. Brazil, on Monday night. (AFP)

AGREEMENT FOCUS Aspetar provides medical support QFA vice president meets Algerian and Maldives offi cials for Algerian football team FA vice president Saud them in the near future. Qatar, camp against Burundi and Mali, al-Mohannadi on hosts of the 2022 FIFA World will leave for Cairo on June 18 for spetar, the orthopaedic and sports Monday met with of- Cup, are keen to develop the the 2019 African Cup of Nations. medicine hospital in Qatar, signed fi cials of Algerian and game in both countries, QFA of- ‘The Desert Warriors’ will play in an agreement with the Algerian MaldivesQ Football Federation at fi cials said. Group C alongside Senegal, Ken- Football Federation (FAF) yester- Al Bidda Tower. The Secretary- Al-Mohannadi assured the ya and Tanzania. dayA at Aspetar, under which the leading General of QFA Mansoor al- delegation of QFA’s full support Later, al-Mohannadi also hospital in the fi elds of orthopaedic and Ansari was also present during to have exchange programs and received Bassam Adeel Jaleel, sports medicine will provide its world-class the meeting along with Ahmed ways to develop the world’s most Chairman of the Football Associ- medical services to Algerian football play- Khalil al-Abbasi, QFA Director of popular sport in the two coun- ation of Maldives (FAM), and his ers. The agreement was signed by the acting National Teams Operations. tries and the region. The Algerian deputy Hussein Jawaz. The visit Chief Executive Offi cer of Aspetar, Dr Abdul The Algerian Football Federa- delegation expressed its thanks comes within the framework of Aziz Jaham al-Kuwari and the president of tion (AFF) delegation was headed and appreciation to QFA Presi- the distinguished relations be- the Algerian Football Federation, Kheired- by president Kheireddine Zetchi, dent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa tween the two federations which dine Zetchi, in the presence of the Algerian team manager Hakim Meddane bin Ahmed al-Thani for ‘Qatar’s were launched a number of years players Riyad Mahrez and Yacine Brahimi and team coach Djamel Belmadi. generous support for football’ ago. along with a number of representatives from The two bodies discussed Al- and for ‘hosting top fl ight foot- In the past two parties nu- both sides. gerian team’s presence in Doha ball in the country’. merous agreements to develop The agreement revolves around the pro- for the preparations of the Afri- The Algerian delegation the sport in Qatar and Maldives. vision of Aspetar’s excellent services, such can Nations Cup to be hosted by wished Qatar rapid progress in The offi cials discussed ways and as sports medicine, surgery and its reha- Egypt from June 21 to July 19. their preparation in hosting the means to back youth football in bilitation programme. In addition, FAF will During the meeting, the offi - 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Al- both countries. The idea of hav- benefi t from Aspetar’s latest research in the cials discussed issues of common gerian team, which has played ing exchange programs was also fi elds of performance and sports, as well as interest and ways of activating two matches during a training discussed in detail. other services delivered by Aspetar, the FIFA accredited hospital. Commenting on the agreement, al-Ku- wari, said, “We are proud to continue our journey of cooperation with the Algerian The agreement was signed by the acting Chief Executive Off icer of Aspetar, Dr Abdul Aziz Football Federation, now in its ninth year. Jaham al-Kuwari and the president of the Algerian Football Federation, Kheireddine Zetchi, Throughout this journey, Aspetar has ac- in the presence of the Algerian players Riyad Mahrez and Yacine Brahimi. companied the Algerian national football team during regional and international greatly from the agreement especially be- performance during competitions.” events, like 2010 FIFA World Cup South Af- cause Aspetar embeds experts in the sports Riyad Mahrez, the star of the Algerian rica and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.” and medicine fi eld. I would like to thank the team and Premier League champions Man- Al-Kuwari added: “Today we continue Qatar Football Association for everything chester City, said; “We are delighted to sign our mission to support the Republic of Al- they have provided to the national team, es- this agreement with Aspetar and I think it geria in achieving its football ambitions by pecially in this training camp before travel- will be of great benefi t to the team. Aspetar providing the best specialized services to ling to Egypt to participate in the Africa Cup has a good reputation. It is no secret the im- the Algerian national team, and we wish of Nations.” portance of sports medicine for the players them the best of luck in the 2019 Africa Cup Yacine Nasr Eddine Brahimi, who plays due to its great role in supporting the players of Nations.” for FC Porto and the Algeria, said, “Today in any circumstances they may be exposed Commenting on the agreement, the is a big day for the Algerian Football Federa- to. I believe that the Aspetar team has excel- president of the Algerian Football Federa- tion as we sign this agreement with Aspetar. lent services and support and to me, they are tion Zetchi, said; “We are delighted to be I think it is an important step and a distinct the best in the world.” here today as we sign this agreement with alliance between the two parties and I hope Since its establishment in 2007, Aspetar Aspetar and we hope that it will be of great it will last for a long period of time. The has been working to provide the highest QFA vice president Saud al-Mohannadi (third left), QFA Secretary-General Mansoor al-Ansari (right), benefi t to the two parties. We also aspire to team is always preparing for major tourna- level of service for treating sports injuries, QFA Director of National Teams Operations Ahmed Khalil al-Abbasi (left), Algerian Football Federation rich knowledge exchange between us. The ments and Aspetar provides the necessary using state-of-the-art facilities with the president Kheireddine Zetchi (second left), team manager Hakim Meddane (second right) and coach Algerian Federation is expected to benefi t medical tests and preparation to benefi t our support of world-class medical personnel. Djamel Belmadi pose after the meeting. Wednesday, June 19, 2019 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

Countdown begins... With the wait for the biggest athletics event down to double digits, here’s a ready reckoner for the championships Doha 2019 in numbers What is the IAAF Who is competing? Who said what? World Athletics rom Jamaican flair and USA throughout the competition, sprint- Championships 10 22 power, through to Asian ers such as USA’s Christian Coleman days diff erent disciplines Fspice and African dance, and Michael Norman will wow the Doha 2019? the Championships is on song to crowds with bustling shows of pace, entertain with the world’s best whilst long distance runners such as n just 100 days’days’ time, the male and female athletes arriving Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang and Ethio- Middle Eastst willwill hosthost thethe 49 2000 in Doha ahead of the competition pian star Mosinet Geremew will be Ibiggest everer athleticsathletics event goldgold memedalsdals athletesathleetes for their training camps. With 213 looking to the crowds to spur them to come to thee region, witwithh tthehe diff erent countries represented on during long distance events. world’s finest athletes compet-competing to win gold.d. Qatari 400m The city of Dohaoha is also getting 128 213 hurdles star ready to deliverer a winning eventsevents countriescounntrieies rerepresentedpresented Abderrahman performance, welcoming over Samba 3,500 athletes,s, coaches and off icials to thee sporting spec- tacle which getsets ununderwayderway oonn Sport unites people in such a special way, Saturday, Septembertember 2828,, until bbringing all cultures together and creating Sunday, Octoberber 66.. friendships that last a lifetime. The World Fans can expectect a packedpacked ‘ Athletics Championships is the pinnacle of timetable of actionction in bbothothth trtrackack ththee world’s best athletes so for sure, people will and field eventsnts inclincludingudidinng the US sprinter wawantn to be at one of the greatest sporting events highly anticipatedated 10100m000m and Christian Coleman in theth world. 200m sprints,, throughthrouugh to thethe Dahlan al-Hamad dizzy heights ofof thethe pole vaultvault IAAF Vice-President jump and highh jjumpummp anandd sshowhow of sheer strengthgth with hammerhammer What I’m looking forward and shotput throws.hrowws. to the most in the World The competition,ion, wwhichhich ttakesakes Championships is defi - place every twowo yeyyears,ars, wwillill bbee nitely the atmosphere. I’m the 17th editionon ooff the chachampi-mpii- ‘ alalsoso looking forward to shar- onships whichh hhaveaave a hhistoryistory iingng what I’ve been working on of delivering iconicconnic athathleticsletics fforor thet past two to four years moments whichch iincludenclude gogoldldd wwithith the world. My ultimate medal wins foror ssprsprintinginting lelegendgeend ggoaloa is to come and throw Usain Bolt andd lolong-distanceong-distance rereallyal far. champions Sirr MMoo FFaraharah aandnd Qatari high jump Ryan Crouser Tirunesh Dibaba.abaa. world champion UnitedUni States, Olympic Gold Medal Mutaz Barshim shot-putter

The Khalifaalifa InternationalInternational SStadiumtadium aandnd WWorldorld AthlAthleticsetics VVillageillage A MMarathonarathon HowHow cancan yyouou bbee he iconicc ststadiumaadium wiwillll pplaylay ttoo rrememberemember there?there? host to thehe ChChaChampionshipsmpionships WithWith ten eveeveningsnings ooff actactionion Twith the aall-seaterll-seeatea r venuvenuee hilst the throughout the cocompetition allowing spectatorsators ttoo ggetet up majority of there are plenty of opportuni- close to their favouriteavourite atathletes,hleh tes, Wthe competi- ties for people to attend and allowing fans to purchase tickets tion takes place in the watch finals on every night. in dedicated areas close to the Khalifa International Gold medals will be handed out action they want to witness. Stadium, the cham- to 22 athletes and you can be Host of the IAAF Diamond League pionships will see there to watch world champi- meeting and Asian Athletics the male and female ons claim their glory. If anybody doesn’t have a ticket for the Championships earlier in the year, marathon take place For the first time, fans can also Championships, I’d say defi nitely jump on Khalifa International Stadium along the Corniche… get the best seat in the house that right now – get involved! Come out and won plaudits from athletes across at midnight! with finish line tickets available, see us! Enjoy the city of Doha and the Cham- the world for its fine facilities The midnight mara- ensuring you are up close to ‘ pionships. It’s not to be missed. including the air cooling system, thon will be a world those memorable moments. which allows for the optimum first, with Doha’s A limited number of majles Lorraine Ugen temperatures for competing stars, impressive West Bay seating options are available Great Britain, long jumper as well as for the thousands of fans lighting up to provide within the stadium too, so spec- packed into the venue. the perfect backdrop tators can sit back and watch all The Khalifa Stadium is impressive – really Throughout the ten days, the Khalifa International Stadium won plaudits from athletes across the for competitors, whilst of the action in true comfort. huge. The Aircon facilities look like they excitement begins before fans world for its fine facilities including the air cooling system. spectators will be able Most days get underway are going to be amazing. I love how there is even enter the stadium with the to witness the event from 4.15pm with 3-4 hours of ‘ a single runway. You don’t really have that world Athletics Village greeting from diff erent continents as the ics skills as well as competitions up close with view- competition and tickets priced oft en – which is really exciting for a jumper. fans on arrival. world comes to Khalifa Interna- throughout the evenings. Visitors ing throughout the from just QR60. Tickets can be Makes it more intimate and more focused on With live entertainment from dif- tional Stadium. Fun for all the can enjoy the World Athletics looped course which bought online easily via https:// your event. ferent cultures, visitors can join in family will also see activities to Village daily each afternoon from starts and finishes at iaafworldathleticschamps.com/ Naa Anang the fun as well as sampling food compete in and test your athlet- 5 to 10pm. the Corniche. doha2019/tickets Australia, long jumper

Khalifa International Stadium will host the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.