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Saturday, June 3, 2017 TENNIS Ramadan 8, 1438 AH Nadal merciless as GULF TIMES Djokovic toils at Roland Garros SPORT Page 3 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 9:45PM (QATAR TIME) Juventus bar Zidane’s path to history with Real A beaten fi nalist in 2003 and 2015, the sharpest attack, Juve boast its meanest de- Zidane can become first manager to win back-to-back Champions 39-year-old Italy great dreams of adding the fence, having successively shut down the spar- ultimate club honour to the World Cup win- kling attacks of Barcelona and Monaco en route League titles as competition’s sharpest attack and its meanest ner’s medal he collected in 2006. to Cardiff . “For the past three or four months, Real Ma- Beneath a closed roof at the Principality Sta- defence collide in a classic contest in Cardiff today drid have been playing top-level football,” Buf- dium — a fi rst for a Champions League fi nal — a fon said. classic contest beckons. AFP ning successive fi nals) and we’re the fi rst to be With 10 goals to his name, he needs one “But we’re also in top form and that’s enough London so close to doing it for so many years. But we more to equal Messi’s tally in this season’s for me.” HEAD-TO-HEAD haven’t won anything yet.” competition and become a Champions League To prevail, Juve must shed their status of Juventus Draw Real Madrid Victorious against city rivals Atletico Ma- top scorer for the fi fth season running. perennial Champions League bridesmaids, 8 2 8 nly Zinedine Zidane’s former club drid in the 2014 and 2016 fi nals, Real are chas- “The team is in a sweet spot and we have to having fi nished runners-up on a record six oc- Juventus stand between the Real ing a third success in four seasons. take advantage of that,” Ronaldo told Real Ma- casions and lost their last four fi nals. FORM GUIDE (across all competitions) Madrid coach and football history It would allow them to proclaim European drid TV this week. Italian champions for the sixth year running Juventus WWWLW in today’s star-studded Champions dominance with a conviction they last pos- “We really wanted to win La Liga and that and Coppa Italia winners, the Turin giants are Real Madrid WWWLW LeagueO fi nal in Cardiff . sessed during Alfredo Di Stefano’s fi ve con- has taken a lot of pressure off us. Now we have also aiming to become only the eighth club to A head coach for only 17 months, the former secutive wins of the late 1950s. a unique opportunity to be the fi rst team to win complete the European Treble. Juventus will become the ninth European France playmaker can become the fi rst manag- Zidane, 44, has already led his team to glo- (the Champions League) on two consecutive They were pursuing the same milestone in side to record a treble if they beat Madrid, er to win back-to-back European Cups in the ry in La Liga, ending a fi ve-year league title occasions.” 2015, when they lost 3-1 to Barcelona in Berlin, having already won the Coppa Italia and Serie post-1992 Champions League era. drought, as well as the Club World Cup and but coach Massimiliano Allegri says his street- A this season. Zidane had a hand in Madrid’s ninth, 10th European Super Cup. ‘EYE OF THE STORM’ wise side are now ready to take the fi nal step. The Italians are seeking to become the and 11th European triumphs — as a player, as- Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, can claim a The fi nal could prove a glorious homecoming “There’s more conviction. Since Berlin, first team to lift the trophy unbeaten since sistant coach and head coach — and the quest fourth European crown, which would only en- for Madrid’s Cardiff native Gareth Bale, al- we’ve grown a lot — everyone — and that’s re- Manchester United in 2008. for the ‘Duodecima’ (12th) brings him up hance his chances of matching fi erce rival Li- though the Wales star is expected to start on assuring,” he said. This year’s Champions League saw 375 againstg an old fl ame. onel Messi’s haul of fi ve Ballon d’Or successes. the bench due to a calf injury. “We’re in the eye of the storm now and we’re goals scored in 124 games, with an average of “I playedplayed at JuventusJuventus forfor fi ve yearsyearss andand I’veI’’ve ThThee 32332-year-old-yyeeaar-olo d PoPortugueseortr ugueese hhasas eexplodedxpx looded WhileWWhile Zidane,Zidane, Ronaldo and Bale hope their happy to be here. For me personally, getting to 3.02 goals per game. gotgot goodgoodd memoriesmemorries of thatthat time.time. It’sItt’’ss a specialspep ciciala reportsreepoports off hishis ddemiseemise withwiith sstunningtunnini g hahat-trickst-tricckks goodgoood fortuneforortutunne inin theth competition continues, Ju- the fi nal is a great joy.joyo . I willwiwillll feelfeeeel luckylucky whenwhen I sitsitt IncludingIncncludingg thtthee kknockoutnocckouut sstages,tages, RealReal MadridMadridr fi nal,”nal,” saidsaaid thethe FFrenchman.renchman. againstaggaiainnst BaBBayernayyern MMunichunnich in tthehe qquarter-fiuarter-fi nalsnals ventusvventusus goalkeepergoalkkee Gianluigi Buff on is pray- in the dug-out onn Saturday.”Saturday.” are ththehehe hhighestiighest scorersscoreo rs att thisththit s year’syear’s competi-ccommpepetti- “We’re“We’e re veryverry closeclc oso e toto doingdoing iitt (w((win-wiinn- andanand AtleticoAtAtleticoo iinn thethe lalastst ffour.our. ingini g forfor a turningtut rni of the tide. While Madrid possessossess thetheh competition’scommpetitiion’ss tiottionn wwithithitth 3322 gogoals.alsa s.

Real Madrid Juventus coach coach Massimiliano Zinedine Allegri Zidane

Key duels duels in today’s fi nal

RONALDO v BONUCCI Real Madrid’s RAMOS v HIGUAIN MARCELO v ALVES MODRIC v PJANIC Ronaldo has never been fitter, fresher or in better Cristiano Higuain faces his old side hoping to dispel his Similar in style and personality, these two With so much attacking talent on both sides, form at the end of a season as he is now. He has Ronaldo reputation as a big game bottler and justify Brazilian full-backs will bomb forward at every op- Modric and Pjanic will be tasked with providing scored 14 goals in his last nine appearances, Juventus’s 90mn euro splash. A poor return on portunity to try and expose the other’s defensive the ammunition as the creative hubs in midfield. including hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and the Champions League stages was what led to Hi- shortcomings. No active player has beaten Ma- After a slow start to the season, Pjanic has Atletico Madrid in the quarter and semi-finals guain being sold by Madrid to Napoli in 2013. And drid more than Alves’s 22 victories during his time ensured Paul Pogba hasn’t been missed in Turin respectively. However, he is now faced with the he missed big chances to cost Argentina dear in with Barcelona and Sevilla. At 34, he has been despite Juventus receiving a world record fee meanest defence in the tournament led by one the finals of the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and reborn, scoring a sensational volley and providing for the Frenchman. Casemiro’s presence at the of the world’s best in Bonucci. Along with Giorgio 2016 Copa America. Ramos, by contrast, is the Juventus’s other three goals in their semi-final win base of the midfield gives Modric more freedom Chiellini and Gianluigi Buff on, Bonucci kept man for the big occasion. He is the only defender over Monaco. Marcelo’s supreme energy levels to roam forward and with the likes of Isco, Ro- Barca’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to have scored in two Champions League finals allow him to often cover the whole left wing to naldo and Karim Benzema to aim for, Juventus scoreless over 180 minutes in the quarter-finals. having netted against Atletico in 2014 and 2016. himself as Ronaldo drifts inside. can’t aff ord to give the Croatian any space. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 3, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Bouhaddi earns Lyon women’s Champions League Catalonia TV ad’s Juve Buff on eyes support stirs Spain anger

AFP fi nal ‘fairytale’ Madrid public TV channel in Spain’s Catalonia region, where a sepa- ratist movement is raging, has drawn criticism for broadcast- ingA an ad supporting Juventus, the Ital- ian team facing Real Madrid in today’s with Juventus Champions League fi nal. Goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi scored the win- The television spot announcing the ning spot-kick as Lyon retained the women’s ‘I’ve got back more than I gave. It would be the perfect finale’ fi nal in Cardiff opens on footage of the Champions League against domestic rivals Paris white-clad players of Real Madrid — Saint-Germain in Cardiff on Thursday. Moments AFP arch-rivals of Barcelona in Catalonia — after PSG’s own shot stopper Katarzyna Kie- Cardiff , United Kingdom lifting the trophy of a previous edition. drzynek had scuff ed her eff ort wide, Bouhaddi “There are only 11 men capable of avoid- stepped up to seal a fourth Champions League ing the unavoidable,” a voice-over says, as triumph for Lyon. After a goalless 120 minutes, eteran Juventus goal- images of Juventus players appear. the game went into a penalty shoot-out for the keeper Gianluigi “Eleven men prepared to change des- second year in a row and once again, Lyon held Buff on says today’s tiny and infl ict a nightmare evening on their nerve. Kiedrzynek initially looked set to be Champions League fi - the all-powerful white group,” it goes on the hero after making a stunning save to deny Vnal against Real Madrid will have to say. Eugenie Le Sommer, with some help from the “special” personal signifi cance The TV3 channel’s advertisement bar. But Bouhaddi kept out Grace Geyoro’s eff ort as he approaches the end of his comes as Madrid clashes with Catalo- and soon the shoot-out went into sudden death. storied career. nia’s pro-independence executive over its After 12 of 14 penalties had been successfully A world champion with Italy drive to separate from Spain. converted, Kiedrzynek faltered and PSG’s hopes in 2006 and eight-time Serie A The regional government wants to of a first continental triumph disappeared as winner with Juventus, Buff on hold an independence referendum in they lost 7-6 on penalties. fi nished on the losing side in his the autumn, but Madrid has repeatedly two previous Champions League countered that it will not allow a vote it Record pay-out for fi nals in 2003 and 2015. considers illegal and incompatible with champions Chelsea Now 39, he may never get a Spain’s Constitution. better opportunity to claim Eu- The TV spot has generated criticism English champions Chelsea received a record rope’s biggest prize and he con- and sarcasm in social networks, where Premier League pay-out of more than £150mn cedes it is a source of extra mo- some users have pointed out that Juven- ($190mn, 172mn euros) this season, nearly tivation. tus beat Barcelona in the Champions £60mn more than their predecessors Leices- “The emotions I feel might be League quarter fi nals. ter, after new TV deals came into force. The diff erent to any other guy who’s “TV3 is... a television fi nanced by the broadcast deals, including a bumper domestic younger, like Dani (Alves),” said taxes of those who vote for independence contract, ensured generous end-of-season Buff on, gesturing to his team- or against independence,” Carles Fran- payments for all 20 Premier League clubs who mate, who was sitting beside him cino, a journalist who supports Barcelona shared a total of £2.4bn. Figures on the league’s at yesterday’s pre-game press and former TV3 employee said on the Ca- website showed Leicester, who earned £93mn conference in Cardiff . Buff on dismissed suggestions he the match tomorrow.” and off the pitch, there’s a lot dena SER radio where he now works. after their stunning title success last year, “Dani has already won this might pip the pair to the sport’s more to him.” He added that it corresponded “to received £116mn this season, when they finished competition and he has four or top individual prize. PRESIDENT’S PROMISE Alves, meanwhile, played the annoying fi xation of us and them, of 12th. Second-placed Tottenham Hotspur earned fi ve years ahead in his career. I “I know that reporters have to Alves was on the winning side down the prospect of becoming friends and enemies that impregnates about £145mn — slightly less than Manchester have to rule out this possibility, write reports about these things when Barcelona defeated Buf- the fi rst player in history to win everything.” City and Liverpool owing to the diff erence in so yes, it will be much more spe- because it’s your job, but as far as fon’s Juventus in the 2015 fi nal in three European Trebles. Josep Lluis Garcia, a Catalan professor their “facility fees”, awarded for appearances on cial for me. I’m concerned, I’m not that con- Berlin, but will line up alongside “That’s for the history books,” and councillor for the pro-independence TV. Domestic rights to broadcast the Premier “I still feel like a young boy, ceited,” he said. him against Madrid. he said. “When you stop your ERC party, tweeted that the commercial League were sold for £5.1bn over three seasons, even though I’m 39 years old. “I wouldn’t dream of putting The Brazilian right-back won career, people will see what I’ve was “unnecessary and reprehensible.” dwarfing the previous deal. Tomorrow’s match is very im- myself on the same pedestal three Champions League titles achieved. For me, it’s really not Xavier Garcia Albiol, head of the ruling portant to me. as Cristiano. We play diff erent with Barcelona and when he much use. conservative Popular Party in Catalonia, Messi to build brand in China “I’ve played for Juventus for roles. My role is to defend and his signed for Juve last year, Buff on “Our objectives are much big- tweeted: “I’m not for @realmadrid, but many, many years. I’ve got back is to attack. sent him a text message telling ger than that. We have our ambi- this is the best example of the embarrass- with theme park more than I gave. It would be the “We are complete opposites. him to bring his expertise in the tion and will to win. We’re hun- ment that @tv3cat has become.” perfect fi nale. And people like The only thing I can do is try and tournament with him. gry. We have a plate of food in TV3 retorted that this was a case of Chinese fans will be able to celebrate the fairytales.” not concede goals. But he can “That’s the text message I sent front of us and we want to have creative advertising and not journalism, achievements of Barcelona soccer great Lionel One of Buff on’s chief respon- determine much more the out- when he signed for Juventus,” it.” designed to “create the maximum buzz”. Messi at a new theme park to be built in Beijing. sibilities at the Principality Sta- come of a match because of the Buff on said with a smile. He added: “The only extra “The Champions League is the most The Messi Experience Park, which is being dium will be keeping out Madrid role he plays and his history. “He’s a bit like me. He’s an op- motivation that might help is powerful sporting event which Catalonia launched by the five times world player of the talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who “I’m pleased the media see timist. He said, ‘Yes, I will help that the president (Andrea Ag- Television has rights to, but these are not year in collaboration with Chinese broadcaster is chasing a fourth success in the the game as a challenge between you win the Champions League.’ nelli) said maybe we might fi nd exclusive,” a spokeswoman said. Phoenix Group and Spanish media company competition and third in four myself and Cristiano, but it’s not “Until now he’s been a rev- some Ferraris that pop up. “That means we are in a highly com- Mediapro, is set to open in 2019 in the Chinese years. reality. elation for me. Not as a player. “That does motivate you a bit! petitive environment with regards to po- capital. The theme park will have 20 indoor and Ronaldo also dreams of equal- “As for the Ballon d’Or, it’s We’ve all seen what he can do I hope we bring the cup home sitioning our content, and that’s why the outdoor attractions in a 42,000 square metre ling his great rival Lionel Messi’s rewarding to hear it, but it’s not on the pitch. I was able to get to and the president is true to his strategy and creativity were more daring space which will “immerse visitors in Messi’s uni- tally of fi ve Ballons d’Or and important now. All that matter is know him in the dressing room word.” this time round.” verse,” a statement from the player’s Leo Messi Management group said. Messi, who earned the European Golden Shoe last season by finishing BOTTOMLINE top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues, attended a launch event in Beijing this week. Falcao extends Monaco deal

Monaco’s Colombian international Radamel Fal- cao has extended his contract with the newly- I made one fi nal promise to Barca crowned Ligue 1 champions until 2020, the club announced on Thursday. The 31-year-old club skipper — who scored 30 goals this season with six decisive passes in all competitions — said he was “happy to continue the adventure with board – ‘You’ll miss me’: Alves Monaco”. “After this incredible season during which I experienced every emotion, I wanted to By Nick Ames we were already up 3-0. We were so empow- continue this beautiful story.” According to re- The Guardian ered, so prepared, it felt like we were already ports, Falcao, under contract until 2018 with an winning.” annual salary of 14 mn euros ($15.7m), accepted Guardiola, who is under pressure to begin a considerable salary reduction to stay with the ani Alves came close to tears when replicating that success at Manchester City, Principality outfit. Juventus defeated his former club reshaped Alves’s understanding of foot- Barcelona in the quarter-fi nal of ball. “Pep was the fi rst coach in my life who Juventus stadium given name this season’s Champions League showed me how to play without the ball,” aft er 6 years butD says he felt disrespected by the Catalan he said. “And he wouldn’t just demand that club when he left Camp Nou for the Serie A his players change their game, he would sit Six years after its inauguration, Champions champions a year ago. us down and show us why we wanted us to League finalists Juventus’s home stadium in The right-back is expected to start against change with statistics and video. Those Bar- Turin has finally been given a name: the Allianz Real Madrid in the fi nal today and has been in ca teams were pretty much unbeatable. We Stadium. As of July 1, the German insurance exceptional form during Juventus’s European played by memory. We already knew what we firm’s name — which already adorns a number run, creating three of their four goals in the were going to do. We didn’t have to think.” of other sports stadiums, including Bayern semi-fi nal against Monaco and scoring the Alves played alongside Lionel Messi at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Nice’s Allianz Riviera, other. But, writing exclusively for the Play- Barcelona but believes Juventus have a com- and the Allianz Park in London of rugby club ers’ Tribune website, he explained his aff ec- parable talent in the Argentina forward Paulo Saracens — will be emblazoned on a ground un- tion for Barca led to some mixed emotions Dybala, who should start behind Gonzalo til now simply known as the Juventus Stadium. after the 3-0 aggregate win in April. “When Higuaín in Cardiff . Dybala scored twice in Media company Calcio e Finanza (football and we beat Barcelona in the Champions League the quarter-fi nal against Barça. “In train- finance) said Allianz will pay three mn euros I walked up to my brother Neymar and gave ing one day, I saw something in Dybala I had a year until 2023. In 2011, Juve had sold the him a hug,” he said. “He was crying and a part seen before in Messi,” he said. “It was not just naming rights to the 41,000-seater stadium to of me felt like crying too.” the gift of pure talent. I have seen that many Sportfive for 75mn euros over 12 years. Alves, who spent eight years at Barcelona times in my life. It was the gift of pure talent before departing on a free transfer with a combined with the will to conquer the world.” Favre not going to Dortmund, year left on his contract, says they are “still in Juventus seek their fi rst European Cup insist Nice my blood” and he remains frustrated by the since 1996 and Alves believes his team go manner of his exit. about things in a diff erent manner to the Nice yesterday announced it had rebuff ed “Was I disrespected by the board of direc- free-fl owing Barcelona of which he was an “solicitations” from Borussia Dortmund over the tors before I left the club last summer? Ab- integral part. Victory against Real would feel French club’s coach Lucien Favre, a decision it solutely,” he said. “That is simply how I feel sweet but the motivation has nothing to do added was “firm and unequivocal”. “It’s logical and you can never tell me any diff erent. But with his feelings towards his old club. that a coach of his calibre, coming off such a sea- you cannot play for a club for eight years and “At Barca, we played by memory,” he said. son at Nice, arouses interest from big European achieve everything that we did and not have “At Juve, it’s diff erent. It’s our collective clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, quarter-final- that club in your heart for ever. Managers, mentality that has carried us to the fi nal. ists in the last Champions League,” Nice said in players and board members come and go but When the whistle blows, we simply fi nd a way a statement. “It is equally legitimate that this op- Barca will never go away. Juventus’ Dani Alves (right), Tomas Rincon (centre) and Paulo Dybala take part in a training to win no matter what. Winning is not just a portunity could arouse the interest of Lucien Fa- “Before I went to Juventus, I made a fi - session at The National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff yesterday. (Reuters) goal at Juve, it’s like an obsession. There are vre. Nice have no diff iculty in understanding that. nal promise to the board at Barcelona. I said: no excuses. However, given the proximity of the resumption ‘You’re going to miss me.’ I didn’t mean as a blood I spilled every time I put on the shirt.” former manager as a “genius”. “This Saturday, I have a chance to win my of training (on June 19), the club doesn’t want to player. Barca have plenty of incredible players. Alves won 23 trophies there – with three “Pep would tell you exactly how everything 35th trophy in 34 years on earth. It is a special follow any negotiation concerning a transfer of What I meant was they were going to miss my European Cups and six La Liga titles. He was was going to happen in a match before it even opportunity for me, and it has nothing to do its coach, under contract until June 2019.” Nice spirit. They were going to miss the care I had for one of Pep Guardiola’s fi rst signings, arriv- happened,” he said. “The sensation when we with proving to the Barcelona board that they finished third in Ligue 1 last season the dressing room. They were going to miss the ing from Sevilla in 2008, and describes his left every one of his pre-match talks was like made a mistake in letting me go.” Gulf Times Saturday, June 3, 2017 3 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN SPOTLIGHT Nadal blasts court ‘danger’ aft er Goffi n Nadal merciless as freak accident

AFP revealed there was no break. Paris “The objective is to have op- timal safety for all players on the courts, and here at Roland afael Nadal and Gar- Garros the staff is professional Djoko toils in Paris bine Muguruza led a enough,” said Van Cleemput. wave of support for “Of course they have asked David Goffi n, who themselves all of these ques- ‘I expected a tough match, there were lots of exchanges from the baseline and conditions were heavy’ quitR his French Open third tions (about the position of the round match yesterday after rolled-up tarpaulin covers). hurting his ankle when he got I don’t think that this event AFP caught up in court covers will be followed by no conse- Paris Belgian 10th seed Goffi n was quences. There will be conse- leading Argentina’s Horacio quences.” Zeballos 5-4 when he chased Canada’s Milos Raonic said ine-time champion down the ball towards the back he had every sympathy for Gof- Rafael Nadal lost just of the Suzanne Lenglen court. fi n. “It’s a bad accident. It’s one game in a ruthless However, his right foot got very unfortunate,” said Raonic, display to reach the horribly jammed beneath the who made the last 16 on Friday NFrench Open last 16 yesterday, rolled-up tarpaulin covers be- also through a retirement when but title-holder Novak Djokovic fore he tumbled into the wall Guillermo Garcia-Lopez quit needed fi ve sets to survive. and a linesman’s chair. with an injury. Nadal demonstrated why Goffi n, 26, was helped from “When you’re getting in that he is once more considered the court by two offi cials and area there, whether it be in the the overwhelming favourite retired in the locker room. back of the court, or on the at Roland Garros with a brutal “It’s terrible. It’s really bad sides, there is some kind of I demolition of Georgia’s Nikoloz luck. I always thought that that guess exposure to danger. Basilashvili. tarp was dangerous and not in “But what happened even The Spaniard romped to a 6-0, the right place,” said Nadal. in that scenario, you can tell it 6-1, 6-0 win, narrowly missing “I’m really sorry for him, was a freak accident. I hope it’s out on becoming just the sixth because he was playing really nothing too serious for him.” man in the Open era to record a well, and he had every oppor- Zeballos, the world number “triple bagel”. tunity to get to the next round. 65, has now reached the last “Perfection? I don’t know He’s a great guy. I hope it’s not 16 of a Slam for the fi rst time about that,” said Nadal, who serious.” where he will play either plans to celebrate his 31st birth- Reigning women’s Roland Austrian sixth seed Dominic day on Saturday by watching Garros champion Muguruza Thiem or Steve Johnson, the Real Madrid take on Juventus in revealed she suff ered a similar 25th-seeded American. the Champions League fi nal. accident earlier in her career. “I think I played very well to- “Four years ago, I think, I day. The most important thing hurt my ankle on the court is to be through and I played my with a tarp, as well,” said Mu- best match in a while. guruza. “Tomorrow at 8.45 I’m going “I was trying to catch a lob, to be in front of the TV for sure and my ankle was caught un- supporting my team, hoping der the tarp. I saw the video. that Real Madrid will win an- It’s the same that happened to other time,” he added. Goffi n. Nadal will meet compatriot “On center court there is a Roberto Bautista Agut for a spot lot of room, so it is quite un- in the quarter-fi nals. fortunate. But maybe the tarp Reigning champion Djokovic Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his third round French Open match against Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) should be more to the side.” Belgium’s David Goff in reacts escaped trouble against Diego Goffi n’s coach Thierry van after falling during his match Schwartzman, the second seed 28 minutes. He will play Spanish Cleemput said the player had against Argentina’s Horacio Ze- rallying from two sets to one 20th seed Pablo Carreno Bus- undergone an MRI scan which ballos in Paris yesterday. (AFP) down to prevail 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, ta, who dumped out Bulgaria’s 6-1, 6-1. Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets, The 12-time major winner 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. was embroiled in a bitter spat Dominic Thiem, a semi- No-fee Agassi open to Wimbledon with umpire Carlos Ramos in fi nalist last year and the only the fourth set as Djokovic was player to beat Nadal on clay this role with Djokovic warned for unsportsmanlike season, brushed past American Andre Agassi revealed yesterday he is happy to work unpaid conduct after an earlier time 25th seed Steve Johnson 6-1, 7-6 as Novak Djokovic’s coach and said he would be open to violation. (7/4), 6-3. extending his relationship with the Serb at Wimbledon next But Djokovic eventually “He’s a very, very nice guy. It month. Eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi teamed up proved too strong for Schwartz- was, of course, very emotional with Djokovic ahead of the French Open, where the Serb is man, playing in the last 32 of a for him. But.... it also shows that attempting to defend his title. Slam for the fi rst time, and goes there are way more important Agassi, who won Roland Garros in 1999, said he is not being on to face Frenchman Lucas things than tennis,” the Austrian paid to mentor Djokovic but simply wants to help him find his Pouille or Spain’s Albert Ramos- told a news conference after the best form again. “For me, I do this on my own time and my Vinolas in round four. match. own dime,” said Agassi. “I expected a tough match, Belgian 10th seed David Gof- “I don’t want money, I want to help him. And it helps the there were lots of exchanges fi n suff ered a nasty ankle injury game. Him at his best is good for the game and it’s a way I can from the baseline and the condi- when he got caught up in court contribute.” tions were heavy,” said Djokovic. covers, forcing him to abandon Agassi initially committed to just a “few matches” with the “I congratulate Diego on a his third-round tie with Horacio former world number one, but the American told Eurosport he great battle. He played very, very Zeballos of Argentina. was open to working with Djokovic at Wimbledon. well.” Goffi n was leading 5-4 when “If he wants me there, yeah, I will come,” said 1992 Wimbledon he chased down the ball towards champion Agassi, speaking to Djokovic’s former coach Boris Goff in suff ers freak injury the back of the Suzanne Lenglen Becker. Canadian fi fth seed Milos court. However, his right foot “It’s a lot of responsibility so whatever’s practical and achiev- Raonic advanced to the last 16 got horribly jammed beneath able - 100 percent I will make the eff ort.” when Guillermo Garcia-Lopez the rolled-up tarpaulin before Becker gave up coaching Djokovic last December after three retired with a thigh injury in the he tumbled into the wall and a successful years together, while the 12-time major winner split second set. Raonic, a quarter- linesman’s chair. with long-time coach Marian Vajda last month. fi nalist in Paris in 2014, led 6-1, The 26-year-old was helped He then named Agassi after he lost to Alexander Zverev in the 1-0 before the veteran Span- from the court by two offi cials Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hugs Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman after defeating him in the third round Rome Masters final a fortnight ago. iard, ranked 153, quit after just and retired in the locker room. French Open match in Paris yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS ‘Kiki’ Mladenovic feeds off home crowd to advance

Reuters After easing past former runner- ovic went 5-2 down in the third un- Paris up Sara Errani in the previous round, der threatening skies. Mladenovic knew Rogers had the “When I was on my chair at that weapons to bother her, the Ameri- point, I thought it was over, but ristina Mladenovic took can having won their only meeting you gave me strength,” she told the her love aff air with Ro- 6-1 6-1 on a hard court. crowd. land Garros to a new level Clay made a diff erence as Mlad- The local favourite won 10 points yesterday, feeding off the enovic had more time to run around in a row to get back into the match Khome crowd to battle into the French and use her devastating forehand and it was eventually Rogers who Open fourth round with a 7-5 4-6 but, having been hampered by back cracked, dropping serve in the 13th 8-6 victory over American Shelby problems since day one, she was game. Mladenovic did not choke Rogers. shaky on serve - delivering 13 double and served out to seal victory after a “I have no words to describe the faults and winning 42 percent of her battle lasting two hours 46 minutes. love I have for you,” said Mladen- points on second serve. Muguruza gained further mo- ovic, who rallied from 5-2 down in “Physically I’m very confi dent. mentum in the defence of her title the third set to book a clash with I could have run for another hour,” with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Kazakh 27th defending champion Garbine Mu- said Mladenovic. seed Yulia Putintseva. guruza on Monday. “The back is another question, it’s The Spaniard closed out victory “Honestly, I went through so still there, I still struggle, especially with an ace in a match that fea- many emotions during this match with my serve. I just fi ght with eve- tured 11 breaks of serve in 20 games that I don’t know what to say. Your rything I have.” played. support helps me so much. I had Mladenovic hung on for most of “I think the more matches I play goose bumps.” the opening set but broke decisively and the toughest victories I think “Kiki! Kiki!,” the crowd chanted in the 11th game and held in the next gives you self-confi dence, success- again in an electric atmosphere, to move closer to a fi rst fourth- ful feeling out there,” said Mugu- declaring their love back to Mlad- round appearance at Roland Garros. ruza. enovic. Mladenovic seemed in control “I think it’s important with all the One of the favourites after reach- when leading 40-0 on Rogers’s serve three matches that I played that are ing the fi nal in the Madrid and at 3-3 in the second. The American, not easy at all.” Stuttgart claycourt tournaments, however, relied on her perfectly- Australian 23rd Samantha Stosur, the 13th-seeded Mladenovic is angled serve for a vital hold and took the 2010 French Open runner-up, looking to become the fi rst French the set when the Frenchwoman sent breezed into the fourth round with a woman since Mary Pierce in 2000 to a forehand wide. 6-2, 6-2 rout of American qualifi er France’s Kristina Mladenovic reacts after winning her match against US Shelby Rogers at the Roland Garros French Open in Paris lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup. Still struggling on serve, Mladen- Bethanie Mattek-Sands. yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 3, 2017 SPORT

FIVB WORLD LEAGUE: QATAR BEAT GREECE IN GROUP OPENER

Qatar defeated Greece 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-21) in the FIVB World League Group ‘3’ opener in Barcelona yesterday. One of Qatar’s three wins last year, its debut year, was against Greece. Mexico and hosts Spain are the other two teams in the group. (FIVB)

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Woods looks bewildered in police Lingmerth, Dufner breathalyser video

AFP ‘Full responsibility’ Miami The 14-time major cham- pion was taken into custody at 2:49am Monday, booked into new police video jail at 7:18am and released at lead Memorial as broadcast by US 10:50am. media on Thurs- Police records said that of- day shows a hand- fi cers discovered him asleep cuffA ed Tiger Woods trying to in his car in the right lane of a blow into a tube as he passes a road, his right turn indicator breathalyser test. blinking and the motor run- The video footage, taken ning. from inside the Palm Beach Both tires on the driver’s side Johnson stumbles County Sheriff ’s Offi ce during of Woods’s Mercedes were fl at Woods’s Monday arrest and at the time of his arrest, and posted on Golf.com, shows the there was damage to the front ‘Every time I’ve showed up here I’ve had good feelings about this place. I really love the greens’ golf superstar struggling to take and rear bumpers. the test and being helped back According the police report, to his seat by the jail offi cial who Woods told offi cers he was tak- Reuters administered the exam. ing several prescriptions, in- Washington In the video a barefooted cluding two painkillers. Woods slumps in a plastic chair “I understand the sever- before he gets up slowly and ity of what I did, and I take full wede David Lingmerth walks unsteadily to the testing responsibility for my actions,” and American Jason machine. The operator whis- Woods said in his statement. Dufner emerged from tles at the befuddled golf star “I want the public to know hibernation to share the to try to get his attention. that alcohol was not involved. fiS rst round lead at the Memo- “Make a tight seal with your What happened was an unex- rial tournament on Thursday as lips and blow directly,” she pected reaction to prescribed world number one Dustin John- says, but becomes frustrated medications.” son stumbled with a six-over- as Woods appears to ignore her. Woods’s arraignment in par 78 in Dublin, Ohio. “Watch, look. Blow directly Palm Beach County court is The 2015 champion Ling- into that tip until I tell you to scheduled for July 5. merth, who has not posted a stop.... blow, blow out, blow Woods announced last week top-10 fi nish on the PGA Tour out, don’t suck it, blow out.” he had undergone a fourth back this season, conjured some old Woods, 41, appears per- surgery in April that will keep magic on one of his favourite plexed but is co-operative. He him off the course for the rest courses to card a 65 at pristine then has trouble returning to of the 2017 season. Muirfi eld Village. his chair, so the operator grabs He attempted a comeback He plundered an eagle and him by both arms and guides after more than a year away eight birdies but also had three him back to the seat. from the game late in 2016, but bogeys, while Dufner was fl aw- Woods earlier took a fi eld so- played in just three tourna- less until the par-four 18th, briety test, but blew 0.0 on the ments. where he missed the green with breath test in jail. After playing in an unoffi - his approach shot for the fi rst Woods has blamed his con- cial event in December, Woods time all day, leading to a closing dition — which led to an arrest missed the cut in January at bogey. near his home and charges of the Farmers Insurance Open Lingmerth and Dufner led driving under the infl uence — on and withdrew after one round Americans Jordan Spieth and an adverse reaction to prescrip- of a tournament in Dubai in Daniel Summerhays by one tion medications. February. stroke on a day when Johnson endured a nightmare on the greens, taking 35 putts and not making a single birdie. Argentine great Roberto de Vicenzo Johnson’s round was marred dies at 94 by a triple-bogey at the par- three 16th, where his tee shot Argentine golfing great Roberto de Vicenzo died in Buenos found the pond guarding the Aires on Thursday at the age of 94, his son Eduardo said. green, before he compounded De Vicenzo started out as a caddie in 1932 but rose through his misery by three-putting. the golfing ranks to win the 1967 British Open, beating the Lingmerth had no such prob- likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. lems: “I caught some breaks He won 230 tournaments worldwide, including four PGA titles when I missed the fairway and throughout his career and alongside Antonio Cerda helped still had some fairly good oppor- David Lingmerth hits his second shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) Argentina win the inaugural World Cup of golf in 1953. tunities from the rough,” he told His outstanding senior career included a victory in the first US Golf Channel. when asked what he had done try Club in Fort Worth last week. title at Erin Hills in Wisconsin in Sam Saunders Senior Open, but he is also remembered for one of golf’s great “I consistently put myself in well. “I hit a lot of fairways, lot “My wedge play was awesome two weeks’ time. 69 — Jamie Lovemark, Nick Tay- gaff es. At the 1968 Masters, on his 45th birthday, de Vicenzo good spots around the greens of greens, which gave me a lot of last week and it continued this lor (CAN), Matt Kuchar, Brooks fired a final-round 65 and appeared headed for a playoff with and was able to roll a few in. I felt opportunities. I’ll take it. Sixty- week. We were pin-seeking with Leading first-round scores Koepka Bob Goalby. But it was discovered he had inadvertently signed good with the putter today and fi ve to start the tournament is a some of the wedges.” 65 — David Lingmerth (SWE), 70 — Ricky Barnes, Kyle Reifers, an incorrect scorecard — for a 66 that didn’t reflect one of his that really helps a lot out here. good place to be.” The Jack Nicklaus-founded Jason Dufner Patrick Rodgers, Marc Leishman birdies — and lost by one stroke. “This is a sad day, especially “Every time I’ve showed Spieth has also found form Memorial tournament has at- 66 — Daniel Summerhays, Jor- (AUS), Keegan Bradley, Kevin for golf in South America, where no player contributed more up here I’ve had good feelings recently. “It was a good fi ght. I tracted a stellar fi eld as usual in dan Spieth Kisner, Phil Mickelson, Pat Perez, to the growth of the sport in that part of the world than Rober- about this place. I really love the hung in there,” said the 2015 US what for many players is a fi nal 67 — Justin Thomas, Lucas Brian Stuard, Jim Herman, Rickie to de Vicenzo,” US PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said. greens.” However, since Ling- Open champion, who fi nished tune-up before the US Open, Glover Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN), “Roberto was a tremendous champion who, as amazing as it merth has struggled this season, equal second at Colonial Coun- with Johnson set to defend his 68 — An Byeong-Hun (KOR), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) may seem, won at least one tournament every year between he did not want to read too much 1942 and 1980 and was one of our sport’s great ambassadors. into one excellent round. Ko’s world number one reign set to end “When we were deciding what to name PGA TOUR Latinoa- “It’s a very humbling game. merica’s Player of the Year Award, there was really no discus- I’ve been working hard all year Lydia Ko will relinquish her pinch the top ranking if she wins LPGA Tour, I also dreamed about golf. I believe that will get me to sion. Calling it the Roberto de Vicenzo Award was our small and the results haven’t really world number one ranking on in New Jersey, finishes in a two becoming the number one number one.” way of honouring a man who did so many things in golf that been there but I’ve been stick- Sunday, ending an 84-week or three-way tie for second or player in the world,” Ryu told Ryu leads the LPGA money it’s diff icult to even attempt to mention.” ing with it. There’s a lot of work reign at the top of women’s golf. comes outright third. Otherwise, reporters at Stockton Seaview list after a stellar start to the Eduardo de Vicenzo said his father’s health had deteriorated ahead this week and (in) weeks The South Korea-born New Ariya will be number one. Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway season, highlighted by a victory since he suff ered a broken hip some months ago. to come obviously so I’m just Zealander is not playing this Either way, it will mark the 10th on the eve of the tournament on at the year’s first major, the ANA Nicklaus, hosting the Memorial tournament in Dublin, Ohio, trying to take one shot at a time.” week’s ShopRite LPGA Classic in diff erent number one since the Thursday. Inspiration, where her playoff this week, recalled his rival and friend fondly. Co-leader Dufner has also New Jersey, which means she is rankings were created in 2006, “I definitely want to become win over Lexi Thompson was “He was one of the really good guys,” Nicklaus said. had a quiet season, with just one certain to be overtaken by either after Annika Sorenstam, Lorena number one at some point, overshadowed by the Ameri- “I just always enjoyed his company. He was a nice man, and top-10, but one would not have Ariya Jutanugarn or Ryu So- Ochoa, Shin Ji-yai, Ai Miyazato, and I’m working really hard can’s penalty for replacing her you always miss nice guys.” known it by the way he disman- yeon, the LPGA announced. Cristie Kerr, Yani Tseng, Stacy for that, as well, but I think the ball in the wrong spot on a Besides his Open Championship victory, De Vicenzo also won tled Muirfi eld Village. With Thai Ariya also skipping Lewis, Park In-bee and Ko. more important thing is enjoy putting green during the third 15 other national opens a total of 43 times, while capturing an “Everything,” the 2013 PGA the event, South Korea’s Ryu can “Since I dreamed about the this moment and enjoy playing round. additional four PGA TOUR tournament wins. Championship winner said, Gulf Times Saturday, June 3, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Hicks, Sanchez Durant show powers star as Yankees beat Blue Jays Warriors rout over INDIANS 8, ATHLETICS 0 Reuters New York Corey Kluber came off the disa- bled list to pitch six scoreless in- nings, and Cleveland benefi ted aron Hicks had four from three errors by Oakland hits and six RBIs, Gary that led to fi ve unearned runs. Sanchez hit two home Kluber (4-2), making his fi rst Cavs in Finals opener runs, and CC Sabathia start since May 2, gave up two pitchedA into the seventh inning hits and struck out 10. Indians as the New York Yankees de- pitchers fanned 59 in the four- Durant is seeking his first NBA crown after leaving Oklahoma City for Golden State feated the Toronto Blue Jays 12-2 game series. in the Major League Baseball on AFP Thursday. ORIOLES 7, RED SOX 5 Oakland, United States Sanchez had three RBIs and Wade Miley allowed one run over Matt Holliday added three hits seven innings, and Mark Trumbo for New York. Sabathia (6-2) hit the fi rst of four home runs off olden State’s Kevin Durant struck out seven and has 2,779 Eduardo Rodriguez as Baltimore scored 38 points and sparked a career strikeouts, passing Frank Orioles defeated Boston Red Sox smothering defense that pow- Tanana (2,773) for fourth on the on Thursday. ered the unbeaten Warriors over all-time list for left-handed Chris Davis and Adam Jones Gdefending champion Cleveland 113-91 in pitchers. Kendrys Morales and homered for the second straight Thursday’s opening game of the NBA Fi- Ezequiel Carrera homered for night, and Jonathan Schoop hit a nals. The Warriors juggernaut matched Toronto, which was 18-10 in three-run shot in the sixth that the longest playoff win streak in NBA his- May. Blue Jays starter Marco Es- gave Baltimore a 7-1 lead. Miley tory at 13-0 and seized a 1-0 lead in the trada (4-3) allowed seven runs, (2-3) scattered fi ve hits, lowering best-of-seven championship series with nine hits and two walks in 3 his ERA to 2.82. game two tomorrow in Oakland. 2/3 innings. He served up both Durant, seeking his fi rst NBA crown Sanchez homers. DIAMONDBACKS 3, MARLINS 2 after leaving Oklahoma City for Golden Zach Greinke struck out eight State last July, hit 14-of-26 from the fl oor TWINS 4, ANGELS 2 and continued his mastery of and added eight rebounds and eight as- Jason Castro singled home two Miami as Arizona prevailed. sists, his early domination including six runs in the ninth inning as part Greinke (7-3) allowed four hits, fi rst-half dunks, more than in any prior of a three-run rally that helped two walks and two runs (one full playoff game. “If I see a lane, I just try Minnesota snap a four-game earned) in seven innings. to attack,” said Durant. “Just tried to be losing streak. The Angels took Greinke has lost to every team aggressive to the rim and loosen them up a 2-1 lead into the ninth on Kole in the majors except the Marlins. a bit. But it all starts from getting stops. Calhoun’s two solo home runs, He is 5-0 in nine career starts We worry about defense fi rst and off en- including the go-ahead blast in against them and will be hoping sively we can move the ball around, drive the eighth. he can carry that form. and kick and try to fi nd shots. I was more Los Angeles fi rst baseman focused on defense.” Jefry Marte had a rough night, ROCKIES 6, MARINERS 3 Durant’s defensive work helped frus- bouncing into a triple play in the Mark Reynolds and Nolan Are- trate Cleveland star LeBron James, who fourth inning and misjudging a nado hit home runs as Colorado fi nished with 28 points on 9-of-20 simple popup by Jorge Polanco defeated injury-plagued Seattle shooting with 15 rebounds and eight as- with one out in the ninth that led to salvage the fi nale of a two-city, sists in the fi rst game of his seventh con- to the Twins’ winning rally. The four-game inter-league series. secutive fi nals. But James also made eight Angels’ Albert Pujols, who is one Left-hander Kyle Freeland (6- of 20 Cleveland turnovers that led to 21 home run shy of 600 in his ca- 3) improved to 4-0 on the road Warriors points, seven of them coming reer, hit a single in four at-bats. while allowing two runs on six in the fi rst half, the second most in any hits in six innings for the Rockies. half of his epic career. “We were victims CARDINALS 2, DODGERS 0 of ourselves,” James said. “There’s no way Adam Wainwright belted a two- BREWERS 2, METS 1 you’re going to win a game with 20 turno- run homer and pitched six score- Chase Anderson threw seven vers against this team and on the road. I less innings as St Louis gained a scoreless innings for the sec- pride myself on not turning the ball over split of a four-game series with ond straight start as Milwaukee and I did it too much.” Los Angeles. Wainwright (6-3) edged New York to gain a split of The Warriors matched an NBA Finals won his sixth consecutive deci- their four-game series. record low with only four turnovers and sion, allowing four hits and two Anderson (4-1), who carried a struck for 56 points in the paint. Golden walks while striking out six in a no-hitter into the eighth inning State had 11 fi rst-half dunks in all, the 101-pitch outing. In his past four in his previous start, allowed most of any team in any Finals half in 20 outings, all wins, Wainwright three hits and one walk while years, Durant leading the way. “He was has permitted one run over 26 striking out seven. He retired 15 amazing and I expect nothing less in the 1/3 innings. of the fi nal 16 batters he faced. rest of the games,” said Warriors forward Draymond Green. “He came out ready to go and it was huge for us.” Golden State’s Stephen Curry, who had 28 points and 10 assists, sparkled in the third quarter, his two 3-pointers cap- ping a 13-0 run to start the second half that produced a 73-52 lead. The Cavaliers never seriously threatened again. “We have playmakers all over the fl oor. Just see who is going to draw attention, fi nd the open guy and knock down open shots. That’s the formula for us,” Curry said. “It’s going to get harder and harder as we go when the stakes rise, but you have to stay focused.” Golden State, trying to become the fi rst unbeaten playoff champion, matched the record 13-game post-season win streak set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988 and 1989 and matched by the Cavaliers this Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors attempts to dunk the ball during the first half of Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals year. “They’re the best I ever seen,” Cava- against Cleveland Cavaliers at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Thursday. (AFP) liers coach Tyronn Lue said. The Cava- liers saw their nine-game playoff road ving said.”They capitalized on our mis- Curry’s surge to open the second half 3-pointer and shook his head in awe of win streak snapped. It was the second- takes, a lot of easy baskets we can’t allow pulled the Warriors away to stay. After his hot hand. Durant joined Michael Jor- best in NBA history after the Los Angeles going into game two.” another 3-pointer later in the third, Cur- dan, Shaquille O’Neal and Rick Barry in Lakers took 12 in a row in 2001-02. James had 19 points and 11 rebounds in ry turned from the basket and kicked his scoring 25 or more points in his fi rst six Kyrie Irving added 24 points for Cleve- the fi rst half, the fi rst time in his career he feet into the air, celebrating his ability to NBA Finals games, the prior fi ve with land while Kevin Love had 15 points and managed a playoff double-double before seemingly score at will against the strug- Oklahoma City in a 2012 loss to the James- 21 rebounds for the Cavs, who outre- halftime. Andre Iguodala’s 3-pointer to gling Cavaliers. led Miami Heat. The Warriors beat Cleve- bounded the Warriors 59-50. Draymond end the fi rst quarter gave the Warriors a Late in the fourth quarter, a steal from land for the 2015 crown but squandered a New York Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks (31) hits a three run double Green led Golden State with 11 rebounds. 35-30 lead and Golden State stretched it James by Ian Clark set up a no-look 3-1 lead last year as the Cavs made the in the first innings against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in “There’s no time to be disappointed,” Ir- to 60-52 at half-time. pass from Curry to Durant, who sank a greatest comeback in NBA Finals history. Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports)

BOXING Stevenson eyes knockout in title rematch against Fonfara

AFP outs, stopped Thomas Williams in the fourth Fonfara, 29, brings a record of 29-4 with 17 Montreal Adonis Stevenson of Canada. round in his most recent title defense, on July 29 knockouts to the bout. Now living in Chicago, of last year. the Polish-born challenger says his move to While Fonfara is seeking a fi rst world title, respected trainer Virgil Hunter is paying divi- donis Stevenson says he’ll be going for Stevenson is already thinking about unifying the dends. Hunter coaches another pretty good a knockout when he defends his World division, saying he wants the winner of the up- light heavyweight and has for many years, uni- Boxing Council light heavyweight title coming bout between Sergey Kovalev and An- fi ed champion Andre Ward, the last US male Ol- against Andrzej Fonfara today. After dre Ward. “I want to unify the titles,” he said. “I ympic gold medal boxer. all,A as the late, great trainer Emanuel Steward think all the fans want that. I’m focused to win “I’m a much smarter fi ghter now,” Fonfara told him: “Knockouts sell.” this fi ght with Fonfara and then unify the title. I said. “Mentally, I’m much stronger and smarter. “When I get in the ring I’m going for a knock- started (my pro career) at 29 years old. I did not I bettered myself. Virgil has taught me a lot of out,” Stevenson said. “It’s not an option for me have a lot of amateur fi ghts. My body is still good new stuff . Some things worked in my last fight to go 12 rounds if it goes 12 rounds he’s going to compared to other fi ghters that are younger.” with Chad Dawson, some things didn’t. But get punishment the whole time. But I defi nitely Stevenson has set his sights on the winner of that was our fi rst fi ght together. Now I’m ready am going for the knockout.” Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev’s rematch, in to show everything in this fi ght.” The fi ght at Montreal’s Bell Centre will be a an undisputed unifi cation fi ght. Ward puts the Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) has much respect for rematch of their action-packed meeting in 2014, IBF, WBA and WBA ‘super’ titles on the line in Stevenson, but says the champ has his limita- when Fonfara sent Stevenson to the canvas but the eagerly-anticipated return against Kovalev tions. “Stevenson only has a good left hand,” he was knocked down twice himself as Stevenson on June 17, and Stevenson has already called out said. “He’s the champ and he’s a good fi ghter, won by scores of 115-110, 115-110 and 116-109. the winner. but his boxing isn’t amazing. He’s not easy, but That decision marks one of just two times in “My goal is to unify the titles with the win- he only has basic boxing skills. We must cut his the last 10 years that Stevenson has gone the ner of Kovalev and Ward,” he said. “I want the left hand and be ready to throw my right. We distance. He beat Sakio Bika by unanimous de- unifi cation, but if not I’ll make my mandatory. If need to control him. I must start good in the fi rst cision in April of 2015. The 39-year-old cham- Ward wins I want to fi ght him, if Kovalev wins I round and let him know that I’m here to win the pion, who boasts a record of 28-1 with 23 knock- want to fi ght him. I’m ready.” fi ght. And I’ll be the new champion.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 3, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY MOTOGP Crutchlow tops Lions expect a win practice, Rossi and much more struggles from tour opener Gatland knows the Lions will need to score points in increments of more than three

Repsol Honda rider Spanish Marc Marquez (top), Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso (centre) and Suzuki Ecstar rider Italian Andrea Iannone take part in the Moto GP free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello track yesterday. (AFP)

AFP The Spanish trio of Jorge Luco di Mugello, Italy Lorenzo of Ducati, champion- ship leader Maverick Vinales of Yamaha and Marc Marquez of al Crutchlow, riding a Honda could only fi nish 10th, Honda, clocked the fast- 11th and 13th. Vinales suff ered a The British and Irish Lions open their tour of New Zealand against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians today. est time in the opening heavy fall, which seemed to leave two practice sessions for him struggling to breathe before ers Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell in Gatland has said everyone in the squad massive. “We haven’t played any rugby Cthe Italian MotoGP at Mugello he found his way back onto the Reuters Wellington the matchday squad, Gatland knows the will get the opportunity to stake their yet but that will be the true test of where yesterday. The Briton timed 1min saddle. Home favourite Valen- Lions will need to score points in incre- claim before his fi rst choice team is pen- we are.” 47.365sec to fi nish ahead of Ital- tino Rossi, the seven-time world ments of more than three to beat the All cilled in for their match against the Maori TEAMS ian Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati), MotoGP champion, struggled in. That’s all British and Irish Blacks. In short, they need to score tries, All Blacks, a week before the opening test Lions: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Anthony Watson, who was fastest in the morning, with chest pains after a moto- Lions coach Warren Gat- probably a lot of them, and they will not at Eden Park on June 24. 13-Jonathan Joseph, 12-Ben Te’o, 11-Tommy with Germany’s Yamaha Tech3 cross training accident that saw land said he expected from get a better chance to show they can than “It’s about giving everyone an op- Seymour, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9-Greig Laid- rider Jonas Folger in third. him hospitalised last week. But his side in the tour-opening against the Barbarians. portunity, and keeping harmony in the law; 8-Taulupe Faletau, 7-Sam Warburton “I don’t feel fantastic with the he was eventually cleared to race Wclash against the New Zealand Provincial “It’s important we get the tour off to a squad, that’s paramount for these guys at bike, I’ve not been feeling great and was 14th fastest. (captain), 6-Ross Moriarty, 5-Iain Henderson, Barbarians today. good start,” Gatland told British media. the moment,” Gatland said. 4-Alun Wyn Jones, 3-Kyle Sinckler, 2-Rory over the past couple of days, but “Today’s sessions were very That may be Gatland’s bottom line but “There’s no hiding from that fact, and I “I think it’s important these guys are Best, 1-Joe Marler the overall performance today important to get an understand- much more will be expected of a vastly think the players are well aware of that. I putting themselves in the shop window. Replacements: 16-Jamie George, 17-Mako I was quite happy with,” said ing of my condition,” the Mo- experienced squad for the Whangarei said to them ‘if we’ve got a four-on-two They’ve got a chance to prove themselves Vunipola, 18-Tadhg Furlong, 19-George Kruis, Crutchlow. Dovizioso was satis- toGP star known as ‘the Doctor’ tour match against a team made up of on our goal line then you’ve got to move and with a little bit of luck they’re in con- 20-Justin Tipuric, 21-Rhys Webb, 22-Owen fi ed with his showing but warned told the sport’s offi cial website. players from the host country’s semi- the ball and do something. I don’t want tention for the tests.” Farrell, 23-Jared Payne there was work still to be done. “This morning I suff ered a lot, professional provincial competition. you to play by numbers, I want you to play His selection for the Barbarians game Coach: Warren Gatland “I’m really happy about the I had a lot of pain on the right, Pundits in rugby-mad New Zealand, what is in front of you’.” was ultimately forced upon him due to Barbarians: 15-Luteru Laulala, 14-Sam Vaka, feeling today, but it will not be especially on acceleration, but never afraid to play their part in boost- As an assistant on the 2009 tour of the limited build-up the team had to- 13-Inga Finau, 12-Dwayne Sweeney, 11-Sevu enough because tomorrow oth- this afternoon the situation was ing the national cause, have suggested South Africa before getting the top job gether, with the side chosen from the Reece, 10-Bryn Gatland, 9-Jack Stratton, ers will be able to improve and we a bit better. I struggled physical- that anything less than a 30-point dif- four years later in Australia, Gatland is players who were able to attend the train- 8-Mitchell Dunshea, 7-Lachlan Boshier, have to improve our speed in the ly, especially with my breathing, ferential should be considered a loss for well aware of the alchemy Lions coaches ing camp in Dublin. That, however, had 6-James Tucker, 5-Keepa Mewett, 4-Josh middle of the corner,” the Ducati because I’m not at 100%, but it is the tourists. Most importantly, the Lions have to practice in tour matches to get played into the Lions hands according to Goodhue, 3-Oliver Jager, 2-Sam Anderson- man said. getting better.” need to show they have come to New Zea- their best sides out for the tests. He needs experienced Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones. Heather (captain), 1-Aidan Ross. land with an attitude that will carry them to juggle the expectations of 41 highly “I think we have quite a diverse selec- Replacements: 16-Andrew Makalio, 17-Tolu through matches against fi ve Super Rug- competitive individuals all vying for a tion and the gelling together is the focus Fahamokoia, 18-Marcel Renata, 19-Matt by teams, the Maori All Blacks and three test jersey, while gelling combinations for us in this game,” he said. “We have got Matich, 20-Peter Rowe, 21-Richard Judd, tests against the world champions. and sorting out who is best to implement a good group of lads who are starting to 22-Jonah Lowe, 23-Junior Ngaluafe. Williams mark 40 years Despite having world class goalkick- the plan to beat the All Blacks. bond really well off the pitch and that’s Coach: Clayton McMillan with Silverstone special ATHLETICS Silverstone, England: Williams estimating 30-40,000 turned celebrated 40 years in Formula up. Williams have not won a One yesterday with a cast of race since Pastor Maldonado champions and tens of thou- triumphed in 2012, with the sands of fans watching cars Venezuelan present to catch up Van Niekerk jostling for Bolt’s crown from the British team’s glory with old friends, but their track years lapping a damp Silver- record is up there with Ferrari Reuters Olympic medallist from Trinidad and To- stone circuit. and McLaren and still miles Boston South African bago and NBC sports analyst. Nico Rosberg, who drove ahead of Mercedes. sprinter Wayde Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, who won silver for Williams between 2006-09 Only Ferrari have won more van Niekerk. at the London Games in the 100 and 200, but won his 2016 title with Mer- than Williams’s nine construc- resh off a record-breaking per- (Reuters) sees himself as Bolt’s “heir apparent” and cedes, joined champion father tors’ championships, between formance in the 400 metres at trained with the South African last year, Keke on a day of memories for 1980 and 1997. They also the Rio Olympics, South African said he was impressed by van Niekerk’s a team who once dominated have seven drivers’ titles and sprinter Wayde van Niekerk fi nds abilities. the sport but have had a leaner 114 race wins. Frank Williams himselfF among a crowd of athletes jos- “A lot of people want to take over but I time of late. and co-founder Patrick Head tling for the mantle of the retiring Usain think he’s in a good position,” Blake said. “Frank (Williams) gave me founded Williams Grand Prix Bolt, who has long outshone all his rivals. “Listen, he ran 43 zero. That’s almost in- the big breakthrough by taking engineering in 1977 and ran a The 24-year-old smashed American human. He has the platform, he has the me into Formula One. It was a March chassis in that season. Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old record body. And he can do it.” great time and I like to come Williams, now 75 and only in the 400 at the Rio Games with a time Van Niekerk, who admits to wearing back here and be thankful recently out of hospital where of 43.03 seconds, and is the only man to his fame uneasily, is aiming for double to the team,” said the Ger- he was being treated for break 44 seconds in the 400m, 20 sec- golds in the 200 and 400 in London, and man, who retired at the end pneumonia, made a rare public onds in the 200m and 10 seconds in the in an April interview with The Times of of last year. “They are the last appearance while Head flew in 100m. But even those performances pale London mulled the possibility of trying family-run team and it’s a very from Sicily. “People describe it beside the achievements of the Jamai- to break Bolt’s records in the 100 and 200. special connection,” said 1982 as the English version of Ferrari can great, whose reign at the top will end But observers say the South African champion Keke. but I think it’s better than that,” when he retires after the world champi- has not yet shown the speed to achieve Former Indian F1 driver said performance engineering onships in London in August. that. Van Niekerk’s 100 and 200 per- Karun Chandhok took Nigel head Rob Smedley, who previ- Bolt wrapped up his Olympic career in sonal bests — 9.98 and 19.90 — are well Mansell’s title-winning FW14B ously worked for the Italian Rio last year with a ‘triple-triple’ sweep off Bolt’s world records from 2009 of 9.58 car out on track for the first team with Brazilian Felipe of gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100 and 19.19. “He hasn’t shown that he has time since the 1992 season Massa. “I think the British fans relay for three straight games. He also that top-end speed over the 100 metres,” with the Briton on hand to are just much more passionate holds world records for the 100 and 200 said Maurice Greene, a four-time Ameri- reminisce. “I think the most and much more loyal.” as well as helping Jamaica set the 4x100 can Olympic medallist and former 100 amazing thing is the noise,” Formula One bosses Sean mark at the 2012 London Games. world record holder.”But I don’t put any- said Mansell. “The V10, when Bratches and Ross Brawn also “I have the utmost respect for Usain thing past an athlete.” that fires up properly, oh my attended. “This is representa- Bolt and what he’s done for the sport,” Van Niekerk’s coach Botha, agreed that goodness. The hairs stand on tive of what we should be van Niekerk said in an interview in Bos- as someone who inspires me,” added the charisma to dominate public perception the rising star’s strength is likely to lie in end. And it reminds us why our doing collectively as a sport,” ton, where he is preparing to compete South African, whose coach is 75-year- like Bolt. “I don’t think that’s a role that’s distances beyond the 100. “When you’ve hearing is perhaps a little bit Bratches said. “The responsibil- in this weekend’s Adidas Boost Boston old great-grandmother of fi ve Ans Botha. going to be fi lled by any one person, but reached a goal or a dream, you always impaired.” ity doesn’t just fall to Formula street meet. Long-time track observers and van Wayde van Niekerk is going to be one of have to strive for better,” Botha said.”I Some 50,000 fans registered One, it falls to the teams, to all “I’m not using him as someone whose Niekerk’s fellow competitors, say that the people who can hold the public’s at- think he will be a much better 200 me- for free tickets, with organisers the participants.” records I want to break, I’m using him no one athlete may have the speed and tention,” said Ato Boldon, a four-time tres, 400 metres athlete.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 3, 2017 7 CRICKET

PREVIEW PRAISE Classy Root adds silk to England’s Proteas eager to batting steel maintain Lanka run in C’Trophy ‘We’re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are File picture of England’s Joe Root (R) in action. quite a few reasons for us to be confident. But we’re still humble at the same time...’ Reuters ing a Rubel Hossain delivery into London the stands, but only after he had brought up his 10th one-day century and wanted to control ngland’s batting main- the asking rate. stay Joe Root’s elegant His calming presence allows century in Thursday’s the big-hitters around him a Champions Trophy freedom to play their natural openerE against Bangladesh will game and Alex Hales demon- reinforce the belief that sound strated the tactic impeccably by technique is a pre-requisite for smashing a belligerent 95 in his success across all formats. 159-run partnership with Root. A touch player in an England Root later combined with top-order replete with power- skipper Eoin Morgan to secure hitters, Root’s unbeaten 133 was the comprehensive eight-wicket a characteristically majestic in- victory with 16 balls to spare, nings by a batsman almost inca- giving England a perfect start pable of playing an ugly shot. to their bid to win a fi rst global England’s number three bat- 50-overs trophy. tled cramp to anchor a tricky “Joe is the glue in our side,” 300-plus run chase, construct- Morgan, who made a quickfi re ing his 129-ball knock in a me- unbeaten 75, said after England’s ticulous manner and staying at triumph at the Oval. the crease for almost 45 overs “He really has scored a lot of to score the winning runs with runs in the last couple of years back-to-back boundaries. and continues to do it.” “Whatever you throw at Joe Morgan also dismissed sug- Root, he proves that he can do gestions that Root was either too it,” former England captain Alec tardy for the format or incapable Stewart said on the BBC’s Test of big-hitting. Match Special. “He has mastered “It’s not slow, it’s actually at test cricket, 50-over and Twen- pace,” Morgan said. ty20 cricket. Whenever England “He has been working on his need him he scores runs. power hitting and today it paid “He plays safe shots and off . He hit a few into the stands scores at a run a ball. That is all which was outstanding.” you can ask.” England next play New Zea- Root did hit one six, deposit- land in Cardiff on Tuesday.

South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis (R) EXPANSION and David Miller during nets Refugees boost has AFP was the inaugural Champions Trophy in sons they’ve struggled in recent months Sri Lanka’s form ahead of the competi- London 1998. has been the absence of fast bowler La- tion has been mediocre, given they have South Africa also boast the world’s sith Malinga, who hasn’t played any ODI lost warm-up games to Australia, New Germany eyeing number one-ranked ODI batsman and cricket since November 2015 due to a Zealand and even Scotland. outh Africa begin their Champi- bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Ra- knee injury. They believe batting against spin ons Trophy challenge at the Oval bada respectively. The return of Malinga, whose unor- bowling is South Africa’s weakness, cricket’s top tier today by taking on a Sri Lanka In all they have four batsmen and two thodox, slingshot action makes him one however, and will look up to left-arm side against whom they have al- bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC of the most diffi cult bowlers to face in wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan to give readyS enjoyed overwhelming one-day rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka world cricket, would be a massive boost them the edge. international success this year. have none in either list. for Sri Lanka. The 25-year-old has played only six The Proteas whitewashed Sri Lanka “We’re still ranked the No 1 team in the “He has been our leading bowler for ODIs and the Sri Lankans believe his va- 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in world going into the tournament, so there many years and we missed him,” said riety will trouble their opponents. January. are quite a few reasons for us to be confi - captain Angelo Mathews. Sri Lanka arrived in England well in Sri Lanka were not alone in being a dent,” said South Africa ODI captain de “He is very keen to return to ODI advance of the Champions Trophy to ac- touring side routed in 50-over cricket by Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away cricket and we are looking forward to him climatize to the conditions and conduct- South Africa, with the Proteas previously to Champions Trophy hosts England in a performing again.” ed a week long residential camp in Kent. also hammering Australia 5-0. preceding three-match warm-up series. There are also question marks about Now they will hope that work pays Yet for all they are top of the one-day “But we’re still humble at the same all-rounder Mathews’s availability for dividends at the Oval, the south Lon- international rankings, South Africa have time and know that we have to work hard the South Africa match after scans re- don headquarters of Surrey — a county a reputation for under-performing in and take it one step at a time to win this,” vealed he’d suff ered a calf strain. for whom retired Sri Lanka great Kumar International Cricket Council tourna- he added. He didn’t play in Sri Lanka’s warm-up Sangakkara has been in prolifi c form this ments. Sri Lanka head into the tournament game against New Zealand and will go season, with fi ve successive fi rst-class The only ICC event they have won as underdogs and one of the key rea- through a fi tness test on Friday. hundreds.

BOTTOMLINE Players of the Marylebone Cricket Club and the German cricket team are pictured during a friendly match in Frankfurt am Main.

AFP gee projects were supported by Frankfurt am Main the German Cricket Federation (DCB) in 2016. Hundreds attend Aspire Zone’s Having scored his maiden in- magine it’s 2027 and Germa- ternational century for Ireland ny face England at Berlin’s against New Zealand a fortnight iconic Olympic Stadium in ago, Niall O’Brien hit 96 when the the fi rst one-day cricket in- MCC beat Germany by 76 runs in Ramadan Sports Tournament Iternational between the nations. Monday’s 50-overs match. By Sports Reporter class facilities. Some went on to Aspire Zone unveils additional Such an historic David versus “I’m from a smaller cricket- Doha say that they hoped the success RSF sporting activities next Goliath clash remains a distant ing nation with Ireland and have of the fi rst ever hockey tourna- In the upcoming days, seven pipe-dream, but with cricket been involved since it was a mi- ment and endorsement of the additional sporting activities booming in football-mad Ger- nor sport back home, so I know undreds of fans rushed sport by Aspire Zone would lead will be unveiled, including the many, it could be a glimpse of what the Germans are facing,” to Aspire Zone’s indoor others to follow by organising fi ve-day ladies’ volleyball tour- the future. said Ireland’s wicketkeeper. and outdoor pitches on tournaments throughout the nament, organised in partner- In Frankfurt on Monday, Ger- “It’s going to be a long road. Thursday evening to year for Qatar’s growing hockey ship with the Women’s Sports many hosted the world’s oldest “The numbers are growing - Hparticipate in the highly-antic- fan base. Committee, from 3-7 June at the club, the prestigious Marylebone which is a key thing - and stand- ipated Ramadan Sports Festi- Ladies Sports Club. Cricket Club, an invitational team ards are improving. It would be val (RSF), a two-week sporting Volleyball returns to Aspire for In Aspire Dome, boys aged be- made up of players with interna- great, in fi ve to ten years, to see spectacular that boasts the larg- the sixth year tween 14 and 16 years will be able tional and fi rst-class experience. them doing what Ireland or Af- est number of sporting events in The men’s volleyball resumed to participate in the junior fut- The MCC’s visit helps Germa- ghanistan are doing now.” Qatar during the Holy Month of for the sixth consecutive Ram- sal tournament, which will take ny prepare for next month’s Eu- For Englishman Brian Mantle, Ramadan. adan Sports Festival in Aspire, place from the 10-14 June. Else- rope Division One tournament in the CEO of the German Cricket with eight teams competing over where, 12 teams each made up of the Netherlands against fellow Federation (DCB), the challenge Fierce competition in cricket four games. The fi rst round of eight players will compete in the minnows like Belgium, France, is to meet the growing demand In collaboration with the Qatar competition was fi erce, which ig- basketball tournament, which Norway and Sweden. with limited resources. Cricket Association, the three- Snapshot from the cricket tournament at Aspire Zone’s RSF. nited the crowd’s enthusiasm as will run from the 10-14 June. After winning last year’s di- Nevertheless, Mantle is ex- day cricket tournament started they cheered friends and family. vision two tournament in Swe- cited by the prospect of German at 8:30pm on Aspire Zone’s Indoor hockey lovers praise 3-3, whilst Bright Stars Hockey Table Tennis for people with den, Germany hopes for another organisation blended with raw warm-up track. The beautiful Aspire Zone’s tournament secured a 9-6 win over Doha Futsal tournament for Aspire special needs promotion in Holland to reach Afghan talent. windy weather and large crowds Meanwhile at the indoor pitch- Hockey Club. In the second Zone’s employees AZF is once again collaborat- World League Division Five in “We have a big, big future. It’s of cricket fans, comprised mostly es in the Aspire Dome, four strong round, Mesaieed Hockey won Separately, Aspire Zone held a ing this year with the Qatar Par- South Africa in September — the too early to start thinking about of Asian community members in teams competed in the fi rst-ever 6-1 over Shine Star Hockey, and futsal tournament for its Aspire alympic Committee to organise fi rst rung on the ladder to the World Cups and Test cricket, but Qatar from cricket mad countries Ramadan indoor hockey tourna- Doha Hockey Club beat United Zone Foundation (AZF) employ- table tennis competitions for World Cup. we’re defi nitely growing,” said such as India, Pakistan and Bang- ment, which started at 9:30 pm Hockey Qatar 5-0. ees in the multi-purpose hall at people with special needs. The Mantle. ladesh, made the tournament and which was organised in col- Participants taking part in the Aspire Dome. Four games were one-day event will be held on 5 AFGHAN INFLUX “The Afghans tend to be a lot a great spectacle. The strong- laboration with the Qatar Hockey inaugural hockey tournament also played on the fi rst day of the June in the multipurpose hall, The 2015 refugee crisis meant faster, more dynamic, but they est teams will meet on Saturday Federation. certainly seemed impressed, competition. The competition and will be divided into three thousands of new arrivals from maybe need to learn a little more evening at 8:30pm to compete in In the fi rst round of the com- with many highlighting their will heat up in the next couple of categories – for people with cricket-mad Afghanistan. discipline and the tactics of the fi nals in hopes of winning this petitions, Lions Hockey and satisfaction with Aspire Zone’s days, with the fi nal being played learning disabilities, as well as New clubs are popping up cricket. It makes it a good mix - year’s title. Mesaieed Hockey teams drew logistical capabilities and world- on 7 June. visual and hearing impairments. nationwide and over 450 refu- we all learn from each other.” Saturday, June 3, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

CHAMPIONS TROPHY: REPORT CHARGED UP Pride and prejudice as Rain forces Aussies India, Pakistan clash and Kiwis to share

This file photo shows Indian fans waving national flags.

AFP not want to put more pressure on point in opener New Delhi him and the players”, said former India opener Chetan Chauhan. “It’s the rivalry between the Australia, set a revised target of 235 to win in 33 overs, were 53 for three off nine overs ndia have far more at stake two countries that gets people in tomorrow’s Champions excited. It is something like Eng- when the last of several rain interruptions took the players off the field Trophy match against arch- land-Australia. Nobody wants to rivals Pakistan than launch- lose to the other,” Chauhan, now Iing their title defence — even if sports minister in India’s north- skipper Virat Kohli insists it is ern Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP. “just another game”. “Every player wants to do his The cricket-mad neighbour- best against Pakistan and vice ver- ing countries rarely square off sa because that (performance) has and hundreds of millions of fans value and is remembered for a long are expected to tune in and watch time. It is a highly charged match.” the teams fi ght for national pride India have never lost a 50-over at Edgbaston in Birmingham. World Cup or Twenty20 show- “Don’t win the Champions down against Pakistan, and a Trophy, but just beat Pakistan win tomorrow would put them in and we will give you a grand good stead in a tough group also welcome back home,” Indian fan including Sri Lanka and South

This file photo shows Pakistani cricket fans celebrating.

Aman Sood told AFP, summing Africa. up the high-stakes contest. But Pakistan have won two Their few encounters are fre- of their three Champions Tro- quently poisoned by the political phy showdowns against India, rivalry of the day. ratcheting up the pressure on the For almost 18 years, wars pre- tournament’s defending cham- vented either side from visiting pions. the other until the ice was broken “It’s not cricket, it’s war. I New Zealand’s Kane Williamson plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and New Zealand at Edgbaston in Birmingham yesterday. in 1978, but even today matches hope Kohli’s men beat them fair are few and far between. and square in Birmingham,” said AFP rivals and tournament hosts England, the toss and, surprisingly, opted to bat in Cummins’s fi rst fi ve wicketless overs The two sides have not played cricket fan Bahjat Nomani. Birmingham who launched this year’s edition with an overcast conditions. had cost 52 runs. a bilateral series since 2012-2013, The element of surprise, once eight-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Luke Ronchi led the way with a dash- John Hastings, however, restored some and India have refused to con- a given between the two sides, Oval on Thursday. ing 65 that saw him launch Pat Cummins order for Australia when Ronchi found sider the idea without an end to has been eroded by technology, ain saw the Champions Trophy Earlier New Zealand captain Kane Wil- high over long-off for six. Glenn Maxwell at point to end a 43-ball in- “cross border terrorism” — code which allows the rivals to study one-day international between liamson made a brilliant century but then Australia had opted against fi elding nings featuring nine fours and three sixes. for militant incursions along the each other even without meeting Australia and New Zealand at saw his side suff er a dramatic batting col- all four of their out-and-out fast bowl- New Zealand were now 117 for two in disputed Kashmir border. on the pitch, said batting great Edgbaston yesterday end in a no lapse in their 46-over innings. ers, with James Pattinson the man who the 16th over after a stand of 77 in 60 The turbulent history places Sunil Gavaskar. result.R The Blackcaps were on course for a missed out yesterday. balls between Ronchi and Williamson. great pressure on Kohli in tomor- “Even without bilateral ties, Australia, set a revised target of 235 to score well above 300 while Williamson Cummins, however, had already They put on 99 for the third wicket be- row’s clash. there’s no surprise because of win in 33 overs, were 53 for three off nine was at the crease during a well-judged proved expensive by the time rain fore Ronchi fell for 46 when he holed out A victory is vital not just for videos and all, but yes playing overs when the last of several rain inter- innings of exactly 100. stopped play with New Zealand 67 for to mid-off against Hastings. diplomatic point-scoring but (against) new bowlers you don’t ruptions took the players off the field. But his run out sparked a slump that one midway through the 10th over. Williamson, however, hoisted Hast- potentially securing a berth in know what magic delivery they A minimum of 20 overs had to be saw the Blackcaps dismissed for 291 after The players were off the fi eld for nearly ings for a legside six to go into the 90s the semi fi nals. have,” Gavaskar said at the Aaj bowled in Australia’s innings for a result losing their last seven wickets for 37 runs two hours and when they returned, Ron- before a fl icked four and driven single Kohli “is right in calling it just Tak Salaam cricket convention to be possible but so severe was the fi - in 35 balls. chi carried on in a 15th over, bowled by off the same bowler saw him to a 96-ball another game, because he does in London. nal downpour that the umpires decided Josh Hazlewood was the chief benefi ci- Cummins, that yielded 15 runs. century, his ninth at this level, with eight there was no possibility of getting to that ary as several batsmen carelessly holed out, The third ball was crashed through the fours and three sixes. mark within the scheduled playing hours. with the fast bowler returning one-day in- covers for four by Ronchi, who should His second fi fty came off just 34 balls. OPINION Both teams received a point apiece for ternational best fi gures of six for 52. have been out for 54 when the next deliv- But he was then run out going for the no result from what was their open- Hazlewood took three wickets in four ery saw him miscue a pull only for Mitch- a sharp single by Moises Henriques’s ing match of the 2017 Champions Tro- balls to wrap up the innings with an over ell Starc to drop the catch at mid-on. throw to Cummins. phy, a tournament featuring the world’s to spare. Ronchi celebrated by fl at-batting a Hazlewood dismissed tailenders Adam Balanced India hold top eight one-day international teams. The Blackcaps made a brisk start either four before ending the over with a soar- Milne and Mitchell Santner as they went The main benefi ciaries were Group A side of a rain break after Williamson won ing straight six. for big hits. advantage: Afridi BOTTOMLINE IANS The former Pakistan captain London also praised the Indian bowling attack which includes Bhuv- neshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav ll-rounder Shahid Af- and Ravichandran Ashwin. ridi yesterday put his “While batting is India’s tra- weight behind the In- ditional strength, it is also fi eld- India cricket tension mounts dian cricket team and ing a balanced bowling attack saidA the Virat Kohli-led squad that includes some skillful bowl- holds an edge over Pakistan in ers led by the wily Ravichan- the upcoming Champions Tro- dran Ashwin. The off -spinner phy Group B match at Edgbaston has truly come of age and has aft er top administrator resigns tomorrow. become a pivotal part of India’s AFP “Clearly, the issue has been ‘SUPERSTAR SYNDROME’ India possess a formidable recent successes across the three New Delhi handled in an extremely insensi- The 59-year-old academic came batting line-up with the likes of formats,” The 37-year-old said. tive and unprofessional manner down heavily on Indian stars Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, “He gets great support from by the BCCI CEO and the BCCI including Sunil Gavaskar and Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, left-armer Ravindra Jadeja, who ension over the future of offi ce-bearers, with the COA, by Mahendra Singh Dhoni as well Mahendra Singh Dhoni and has been another vital cog in the India’s head coach Anil its silence and inaction, unfor- as the preferential treatment ac- Kohli, that can fl ay any bowling Indian line-up in recent years. Kumble grew yesterday tunately being complicit in this corded to them by the BCCI. attack on its day. The conditions in England might after a top cricket ad- regard,” said Guha. Guha slammed Gavaskar’s “As a passionate Pakistan sup- not suit spinners much but both Tministrator resigned slamming “Due process had to be fol- role in heading a company in- porter, it’s natural that I would Ashwin and Jadeja have the qual- the Indian board for its handling lowed since Kumble’s original volving Indian cricketers and want my team to fi nish on the ity and accuracy to make run- of the controversy. appointment was only for one commentating on them as a winning side against any team, scoring diffi cult for batsmen. Amid a reported battle be- year, why was this not done dur- BCCI TV analyst. and especially against India. “The spinners will be com- tween team captain Virat Kohli ing April and May, when the IPL He blamed the COA for not However, recent history and the plemented by what I feel is a and Kumble, a deadline for ap- was on?,” he added. taking action on such matters. depth of the India squad gives it more than capable seam bowl- plications to become head coach With India starting their de- He also criticised the Grade A a slight edge over Pakistan head- ing line-up led by Bhuvneshwar passed this week without any an- fence of the Champions Trophy contract given to Dhoni despite ing into the game,” Afridi wrote Kumar and Mohammad Shami,” nouncement by the Board of Con- against Pakistan on Sunday, Gu- the former captain having left in a column for the International he added. trol for Cricket in India (BCCI). ha’s resignation has reinforced Test cricket, saying the “super- Cricket Council (ICC). Death-overs specialist young Top names like Virender Se- the reports of a rift between star syndrome” is sending the “Kohli’s credentials as a top-or- pacer Jasprit Bumrah is also on hwag and Australia’s Tom Moody File picture of India coach Anil Kumble. Kumble and Kohli over tactics “wrong message”. der batsman are known to all and Afridi’s appreciation list. have reportedly applied for the job and training. Guha alongwith Rai, banker he has played some memorable Although, Bumrah has taken which comes vacant when Kum- criticised the BCCI as he gave Kumble helped India win all “If indeed the captain and the Vikram Limaye and former Indi- innings in the ODI format. I have only one wicket in the recent ble’s one-year term expires after reasons for quitting the post that fi ve Test series since his appoint- Head Coach were not getting an women’s captain Diana Edulji vivid memories of his sublime warm-up matches against New the Champions Trophy. he only took on January 30. ment in June last year, but the along, why was this not attended were appointed to run the BCCI century against us in the 2012 Asia Zealand and Bangladesh but the Kumble is also in the running. Guha confi rmed to AFP the BCCI has insisted it has followed to as soon as the Australia series after the Supreme court sacked Cup, while he was at his absolute pacer was very economical. Ramachandra Guha, who quit contents of the letter published routine procedure by inviting ap- was over in late March?. its top offi cials for failing to im- best in the ICC Cricket World Cup “I am hugely impressed by the a Supreme Court-appointed by Indian website Scroll.in. plicants for the coach’s job. “Why was it left until the last plement reforms. 2015 clash at Adelaide, laying the skillset and temperament of young four-member committee over- “The Indian team’s record this “In a system based on justice minute, when a major interna- Guha has said former Indian foundation of an Indian win with Jasprit Bumrah. He bowls what I seeing the BCCI, backed Kumble past season has been excellent; and merit, the head coach’s term tional tournament was imminent, paceman and ICC match referee a masterful hundred. call the ‘Pakistani Yorker’ almost to be given an extension. and even if the players garner would have been extended. In- and when the uncertainty would Javagal Srinath or any respected “For me, bowling to Kohli was at will. He reminds us of our pac- Guha, in a letter written to the bulk of the credit, surely the stead, Kumble was left hanging, undermine the morale and ability male cricketer should replace always a challenge and Pakistani ers of yore who had mastered the the committee of administra- head coach and his support staff and then told the post would be to focus of the coach, the captain him on the panel. Now to see bowlers would have to be on top of skill of bowling the perfect yorker, tors (COA) chairman Vinod Rai, also get some,” Guha wrote. re-advertised afresh. and the team?,” said Guha. what drama unfolds next. their game against him,” he added. especially during the 90s.”