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Thursday, July 12, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 28, 1439 AH Belgium will GULF TIMES be back for tilt at Euro glory in 2020 SPORTSPORT Page 2

REPORT CRO 2-1 ENG Mandzukic dashes England’s hopes, fi res Croatia into fi nal Juventus forward scores in extra time to edge Southgate’s men out in the semi-final; Croatia to face France on Sunday

AFP Moscow

ario Mandzukic scored the winning goal deep in extra time as Croatia beat Eng- land 2-1 in an utterly grip- Mping World Cup semi-fi nal in Moscow yesterday to set up a fi nal date with France. The Juventus forward netted in the 109th minute to complete a remark- able comeback from a shattered Croatian team and take the nation of little more than 4mn people into the World Cup fi - nal for the fi rst time in their short history. Kieran Trippier’s magnifi cent early free-kick had seemingly set England on course to reach their fi rst fi nal since they lifted the trophy on home soil back in 1966. But it wasn’t to be, as Croatia came roaring back in the second half and equalised through Ivan Perisic before somehow fi nding the energy to win de- spite being taken to extra time for the third time in 10 days. The biggest winners of the night could well be France, who have had an extra day’s rest for Sunday’s fi nal after edging out Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday. That will not matter too much right now for Croatia, who are the smallest Croatian players celebrate their victory in the FIFA World Cup semi-final against nation to make it to the fi nal since Uru- England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) guay back in 1950. England had been the ones hoping to make history, in what was their fi rst ap- pearance in the semi-fi nals in 28 years. Then they were beaten on penalties by West Germany. Having ended their famous penalty curse by beating Co- lombia in a shootout in the last 16, they might have fancied repeating here. Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic (centre) shoots to score past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (left) during the FIFA World Cup But Croatia, having won on penalties semi-final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, yesterday. (AFP) against Denmark and Russia in the last two rounds, saw the game out, dousing It was a fantastic curling eff ort from work on the half-hour mark. Unable to get the second goal while the World Cup dream of Gareth South- 25 yards from the Tottenham Hotspur Croatia hung on and it was to their they were on top, Croatia were forced gate’s side that had gone from the im- full-back, and England’s fi rst goal di- immense credit that they turned the into extra time again. probable to the possible over the last rect from a free-kick at the World Cup tide after the break in what developed Vrsaljko cleared a John Stones header month in Russia. since David Beckham against Ecuador into an epic encounter. away from in front of the line, but Eng- Southgate stuck with the same starting in 2006. Shooting towards the end of the land had Pickford to thank for a bril- line-up as that which eased past Sweden England could not have imagined a Luzhniki Stadium where most of their liant save as Mandzukic connected in the quarter-fi nals, while Inter Milan’s better start. fans were gathered, they equalised with a devilish Perisic cross. Marcelo Brozovic replaced Andrej Kra- Croatia were stunned, and Ivan Rak- in the 68th minute, as Sime Vrsaljko It was a wonder the Juventus for- maric in the Croatian line-up. itic, usually so accomplished, was es- crossed from the right and Perisic stole ward did not break a limb as Pickford pecially off his game. in front of the stooping Kyle Walker to crunched into him. ENGLAND’S DREAM START Zlatko Dalic’s side did gradually grow score with his left foot. He managed to carry on after treat- They were looking to the inspirational into the contest, but they could still be Having looked so comfortable earlier, ment, and he was on hand to sweep the Luke Modric to control the game, but relieved to go in at half-time only one England’s young side were rattled, and ball low past Pickford after Perisic’s instead it was he who gave away the goal down, especially as they were lucky not to go behind soon header back into the area caught the early free-kick from which Trippier put was denied by a combination of goal- after as Perisic sent a low shot across England defence on the hop to fi nally England manager Gareth Southgate (right) consoles captain Harry Kane at the end England ahead. keeper Danijel Subasic and the wood- Jordan Pickford and off the far post. decide a brilliant contest. of the match yesterday. (Reuters) Kane says England defeat will hurt for a long time

England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia will hurt for a long time, striker Harry Kane said after their 2-1 extra-time defeat yesterday. “It’s tough, we’re gutted,” he said. “We worked so hard, the fans were amazing, it was a tough game, a 50-50 game, when we look back we will think there’s stuff we could have done better. “We worked as hard as we could... it hurts, it hurts a lot and it will hurt for a long time. We have had a fantastic journey, fur- ther than we thought,” he added. “We created some good chances when we were 1-0 up, maybe we dropped a little too deep but we didn’t get enough pressure on the ball. There are a lot of ifs and buts, in these games it’s small margins.” “It’s hard to say (what went wrong). There’s a lot we could have done better. They played well and made it diff icult for us... England fans react to the loss to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final yesterday. (Reuters) Croatia’s supporters celebrate the win over England in Zagreb, Croatia, yesterday. (Reuters) it’s hard to put your finger of it.” Didier Deschamps is the fourth manager to lead his team to a World Cup fi nal aft er playing in one as a player 2 Gulf Times Thursday, July 12, 2018

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT French media see World Cup Belgium coming home AFP but a bunch of great players sur- Paris rounded by good players. It’s more of a team, a collective in- stead of a group gathered around rance’s march into the a genius.” World Cup fi nal domi- “There’s still one match to go, target nated the nation’s head- but they’ve got a freeway in front lines yesterday, with of them and no more toll booths,” Fmany already predicting a sec- Yeo Mariba, the mother of mid- ond title for Les Bleus in Moscow fi elder Paul Pogba, told the pa- on Sunday no matter who they per while leaving the stadium in face. Saint Petersburg. “The Blue Dream Continues” Sports daily L’Equipe, hailing wrote Le Figaro after a night of the team’s “spectacular mastery Euro celebrations by fans who poured of the ball and strategy, also said into the streets after the 1-0 win a second “star” was in reach. over Belgium, watched by 19mn “A second star which would according to French broadcaster propel them into another gal- TF1. axy, that of repeat world cham- “Didier Deschamps is still on pions, alongside Italy, Uruguay, track to join Brazilian legend Brazil, Germany and Argen- glory Mario Zagalle and Germany’s tina,” it said. Franz Beckenbauer, the only two Papers also lavished praise on heroes who have reigned over Samuel Umtiti, a player more planet football as both player and used to blocking goals than scor- coach,” the broadsheet wrote. ing the one that knocked Belgium Deschamps was captain when out of the running on Tuesday. France won its fi rst World Cup in “It’s a player who’s injured, in 2020 1998, a victory which sparked an getting treatment every day outpouring of national pride and since he landed in Russia, who Players like captain Hazard, jubilation still vivid for millions. has opened the doors to the fi - “Les Bleus grabbed the Dev- nals,” wrote Liberation. De Bruyne, Lukaku and ils by the tail in a spectacular President Emmanuel Macron, match,” wrote Le Parisien, con- who attended Tuesday’s match, Courtois are still aged fi dent the team is already “at the plans to return to Russia for the gates of paradise”. fi nal with his wife Brigitte on under 28 and will be eager No matter if they end up facing Sunday, his offi ce told AFP yes- England or Croatia, “they’ll be terday. to have another chance the favourites for the ultimate ti- “We’re in the fi nal. Rendez- tle,” the paper claimed, dubbing vous Sunday to bring it home,” the team “The Incredibles”. the president, a football lover, “There’s no Zinedine Zidane tweeted.

Belgium’s (left), (foreground), (top) and look dejected after the semi-final loss to France in the FIFA World Cup match in St Petersburg, Russia, on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Reuters be that many will return to try again at to become stronger from tournament to “The disappointment is massive but St Petersburg, Russia the Euro 2020 tournament where, should tournament. There is the drive and ambi- we must be realistic. We have had a good they qualify comfortably, Belgium will be tion,” he added. tournament, even the match against among the favourites. Belgium play on Saturday against the France was good, and we can be proud “Belgian football has got a wealth of loser of yesterday’s semi-fi nal between despite the fact that we lost,” said De itter defeat for Belgium in the young talent coming through and in my Croatia and England in the third place Bruyne. World Cup semi-final is tem- role, I’ve got an eye on the Euros in 2020,” playoff . “There was little diff erence between us pered by the fact that influen- said coach Roberto Martinez, who signed and France and, in the end, it was just one tial squad members will likely a two-year contract extension to take him “The disappointment is massive corner that proved decisive.” stillB be around in two years’ time for the through to 2020 just weeks before the Belgium’s best international perform- but we must be realistic. We have European Championship where they World Cup kicked off . had a good tournament, even the ances have been European Championship will have another realistic chance at a “It’s too early to make a sort of assess- match against France was good, runners-up in 1980 and now two World major title. ment of the (Russia) tournament at the and we can be proud despite the Cup semi-fi nals, the fi rst of which was in The country’s ‘golden generation’ had moment, we need to focus on that fi nal fact that we lost,” said De Bruyne 1986. high hopes of a fi rst-ever appearance game, coming back to St Petersburg and Asked whether being knocked out in a World Cup fi nal but came up short facing the opportunity of fi ghting for that Players like captain Eden Hazard, of the World Cup represented the last on Tuesday as neighbours France edged third place. Kevin De Bruyne, and chance for a talented group of players them 1-0 at the Saint Petersburg Sta- “Then we’ll need to regroup again, as it goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are still aged who have promised much in recent years, dium. happens after any tournament, we need under 28 and will be eager to have another Courtois said: “I don’t know. The Euros In this July 12, 1998, picture, French player Didier Deschamps and But if there is any consolation, it will to look at the younger generation and try chance. are only two years away.” teammates celebrate their World Cup win at the . (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE France holds collective breath as WCup feats fuel joy and hope

Reuters Paris ‘France were lucky,’ Belgian PM tells Macron illions of jaded but jubilant French were Reuters must go on setting aside diff er- recovering yester- Brussels ences to protect each other. day after a night of Then he added: “Yesterday in Mcelebration following the team’s Russia, Belgium played a great 1-0 World Cup semi-fi nal win he Belgian prime minister game against France. Belgians against Belgium, a victory that told French President are generally not too chauvin- has generated a rare but conta- TEmmanuel Macron ist but frankly, Emmanuel, gious mood of optimism. yesterday that France had been yesterday, the French team was For those who returned to very fortunate to beat Belgium very lucky. work, many had barely slept af- and reach the World Cup final “Like in football, fair play and ter the spontaneous explosions in Russia. team spirit are what we need of revelry, dancing and car-horn Welcoming fellow leaders more than ever.”. blaring from the streets of Paris including Macron and US Presi- Macron attended the semi-final to the smallest village squares of dent Donald Trump to a sum- in St. Petersburg along with the a nation heaving to the beat of mit of the Nato defence alliance Belgian king and saw France football chants. in Brussels, premier Charles win 1-0 to earn a place in Sun- The Champs Elysees and the Michel said the Western bloc day’s final in Moscow. vast circle around the Arc de Triomphe were packed with an estimated 200,000 fans, who er side of the channel, saying: lightning fast striker Kylian danced, sang and drank late into “Just spoke to an English friend. Mbappe, one of the stand-out the night. He tells me England’s playing stars of the tournament. In The immediate question on Croatia on Wednesday. So I’m Paris, graffi ti popped up on one most people’s minds yester- like, ‘What a coincidence. We’re wall reading “Liberte, Egalite, day was who will reach the fi nal playing them on Sunday.’” Mbappe!”, a play on the national to face Les Bleus. England and French TV channels and ra- motto of “Liberte, Egalite, Fra- Croatia were scheduled to play in dio stations talked about little ternite” (Freedom, Equality, the other semi-fi nal in Moscow but football, relegating cover- Brotherhood). later yesterday. age of weightier issues such as a In the Belgian capital Brussels, There was no consensus about fractious Nato summit to a few yesterday morning commuters which team would be a preferable seconds. An estimated 19mn had to endure more than the pain — meaning easier — opponent for of France’s 67mn population of the previous evening’s loss. France and its hopes of triumph- watched the Belgium game, with Honouring a bet between the ing in a competition it has won just France fans celebrate the FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over Belgium on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Tuesday. (Reuters) that number only likely to grow cities’ respective metro opera- once before, on home soil in 1998. for the fi nal. tors, the Brussels subway train On social networks, football some of whom were more inter- off between arch-rivals England land would be sublime, but losing ter fan by the name of Antoine. Football pundits and celeb- company piped music by late buff s shared space with more ested in the historical and politi- and France. to them would be so awful that I’m Another contributor made rities waxed lyrical about the French singer Johnny Hallyday light-hearted commentators, cal ramifi cations of a fi nal face- “Winning the fi nal over Eng- hoping for Croatia,” said one Twit- fun of France’s rivals on the oth- young French side, particularly over its sound system. The only manager to win successive World Cups was Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938 3 Gulf Times Thursday, July 12, 2018

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT French defensive strength key to Deschamps says World Cup charge

AFP tain Hugo Lloris has come up with Saint Petersburg big saves against Uruguay and Belgium. Deschamps’ cautious approach does not win admirers rance have a much- from all quarters. France can ‘write the vaunted attack but it is Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut their defence marshalled Courtois declared the result “a by Samuel Umtiti and shame for football”. FRaphael Varane that is impress- But the success of reaching the ing at the World Cup - at both World Cup fi nal after also play- ends of the pitch. ing in the Euro 2016 fi nal is hard Centre-back Umtiti scored the to argue with. only goal in Tuesday’s semi-fi nal most beautiful page’ to condemn Belgium’s ‘golden ‘More mature’ generation’ to the third-place As France look to make amends ‘It’s sport, we have this privilege to give happiness to the French people and the public’ playoff in Russia. for losing to Portugal on home For the third straight knockout soil two years ago, the presence match, France needed a game- of Varane could make the dif- changing goal from a defender ference. Fresh from winning his despite boasting a fearsome at- fourth Champions League title at tacking pair of 19-year-old sen- just 25 with Real Madrid, Varane sation Kylian Mbappe and Euro missed the Euros two years ago 2016 Golden Boot winner Anto- due to a thigh injury. ine Griezmann. Rivals at club level, he and Right-back Benjamin Pavard’s Barcelona’s Umtiti have formed stunning long-range eff ort from a strong partnership with a com- left-back Lucas Hernandez’s cross bination of aerial power and levelled Les Bleus’ last-16 tie with speed across the ground. “ Argentina at 2-2 after Didier De- As in 2016, the dynamic with- schamps’ side fell behind for the in the team is very good, but the fi rst time in the tournament. team is more mature. There is Mbappe then took centre- more experience,” said Varane. stage in a thrilling 4-3 win on the Umtiti was drafted in for his only occasion the French defence international debut to cover for have looked vulnerable in Rus- Varane two years ago, and is de- sia. Varane headed the opener in termined not to suff er another a 2-0 quarter-fi nal win against disappointment in a fi nal. Uruguay as Luis Suarez was shut “I’m not a lucky charm,” he out. And Eden Hazard, Kevin said. “We did not win the fi nal De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku at the Euros - that’s why it’s im- could not break through in Saint portant for me to reach the World Petersburg as France registered Cup fi nal. I hope it will be diff er- a fourth clean sheet in six World ent and we can bring it back to Cup games to reach the fi nal. France.” “The defence was excellent,” Either side of Varane and Um- said Deschamps when asked if titi, Deschamps’ decision to use Tuesday’s performance was the 22-year-old converted centre- best defensive display during his backs Hernandez and Pavard reign. instead of Benjamin Mendy and “We had to defend deep, very Djibril Sidibe for their better de- deep at times because Belgium fensive qualities has been thor- have technical quality. The idea oughly justifi ed. was not to give them space be- Deschamps’ France may not cause they’ve rolled over every- enthral like the World Cup-win- one (in reaching the semi-fi nals), ning side of 1998 he captained, even Brazil.” but they will be hard to beat for France’s coach Didier Deschamps blows kisses as he celebrates at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. (AFP) On the few occasions the French England or Croatia come Mos- defence has been breached, cap- cow on Sunday. Nick Ames gium to earn their shot at a press conference, to which he but saw pictures. It belongs to His counterpart, Roberto The Guardian second world title he explained arrived more than an hour after a lot of French people that lived Martínez, said the “disappoint- the experience made their their 1-0 win. He sought to play through it but not the young ment is huge” and he was left England, Uruguay fi ned for breaching marketing rules present achievement feel even down any infl uence that could generation. I’m here to write a to regret the fi ne margins – lax rance’s run to the World sweeter. have on his players, pointing out new page in history, the most defending that allowed Samuel England were fined 70,000 Swiss francs ($70,585.9) and Uruguay Cup fi nal presents an “I was there two years ago that their memories will gener- beautiful page. Umtiti to head the only goal were given a 50,000 Swiss francs sanction for breaking media and opportunity to erase the with my staff ,” Deschamps said. “ I’m not saying I’m not proud which consigned Belgium to the marketing rules during the World Cup, FIFA said yesterday. pain of Euro 2016, ac- “It was so painful we really Deschamps was in charge of what we did 20 years ago. No- third place play-off on Saturday. “Several members of the English national team continued to display cordingF to Didier Deschamps, want to taste the victory to- body will be able to erase it. But “Losing or winning was down when France, favoured to unauthorised commercial branding on playing equipment items be- who believes his players can night. It’s not nothing to win win their home tourna- we can’t look back and see what to just one deadball situation fore and during the World Cup quarter-final match between Sweden write “the most beautiful page” the semi-fi nal of the World Cup ment, fell at the fi nal hurdle is in the rear-view mirror.” and that shows how close the and England,” world Soccer’s governing body said. in the football history of their after losing the fi nal of the Euro. against Portugal Deschamps was thrilled with game was,” he said. FIFA added that the Football Association had previously been asked country when they face England It’s sport, we have this privilege the way France nullifi ed a Bel- “We couldn’t fi nd that bit to desist. or Croatia on Sunday. to give happiness to the French ally be minimal. gium side he described as being of magic in front of goal, that No specific details were given but Croatia and Sweden were previ- Deschamps was in charge people and the public.” “You have to live in your own “like lightning rods” if given bit of luck. But I’m so proud of ously fined because players wore unauthorised ankle socklets over when France, favoured to win Comparisons with the World times: I never, never, never space. “When it comes to men- the players. If you’re going to their team kit or took a drink with a non-sponsors’ logo onto the their home tournament, fell at Cup-winning side Deschamps mention my own history,” Des- tal strength and solidarity my lose, you lose giving everything field. Uruguay were fined for a similar off ence plus for arriving late the fi nal hurdle against Portugal. captained in 1998 arose fre- champs said. team demonstrated everything you’ve got and drive until the for one of their matches, which FIFA did not detail. After his side overcame Bel- quently during his post match “Some of them were not born is positive,” he said. last second.”

ANALYSIS Set-piece decider proves it is still a simple game Reuters ter-attacking. St Petersburg Eden Hazard with the ball at his feet on the edge of the area and Kevin de Bruyne dictating play or all the intricate plan- are dangerous prospects and it ning, cagey tactics and was risky business for the French, chess-like choreography, but when they did get a chance to the simplicity of football counter, they were frighteningly wasF again emphasised as France quick and equally dangerous. secured a place in the World Cup It was like watching two heavy- fi nal from a basic set-piece. weight boxers eyeing each other ’s near- out and waiting for the fi rst to post corner was fi rmly glanced in blink. When the breakthrough by Samuel Umtiti as he beat Ma- came it was not from a fl owing rouane Fellaini in the air to earn move or piece of individual skill France a 1-0 win over Belgium on but rather a standard situation Tuesday and a place in Sunday’s - one that is still proving unusu- fi nal against Croatia or England. ally decisive at the highest level of The 51st-minute goal proved the game. the uncomplicated diff erence in a As football grows increasingly match where a rich cast of excit- sophisticated with cutting-edge ing footballers held out the prom- science and video technology, it ise of exquisite skills, devastating was a vivid reminder of how sim- movement and brilliant fi nishing. ple a sport it still remains. “We have been strong at de- The goal gave the French license fending dead ball situations but for a more expansive approach but today it was unfortunate. We got not at the expense of keeping their our (defensive) structures right at defensive shape and they turned that corner but it was just a mat- the screws on De Bruyne and Haz- ter of centimetres,” Belgium coach ard by quickly closing them down. Roberto Martinez said. France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris Kylian Mbappe’s run down did make a world-class save to the right inside the fi rst 15 sec- deny in the onds suggested France planned fi rst half but after the interval he to run the Belgians ragged but it only had to deal with ’s was a fl eeting illusion as France long-range thunderbolt as his employed exactly the opposite team mates controlled the game. tactics. Criticised for a slow start to the They sat back, sometimes dan- tournament, France seem to be gerously deep on the edge of their peaking at exactly the right time penalty area, and let Belgium have and they might well look to keep it the ball, opting instead for coun- simple again in the fi nal. France’s defender Samuel Umtiti (top) heads the ball to score the opening goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium in Saint Petersburg. (AFP) The record for the lowest attendance was for the match between Peru and Romania in 1930, where just 300 people watched the game 4 Gulf Times Thursday, July 12, 2018

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Belgium’s Martinez says disappointed French star Pogba team must try to fi nish at third spot

Reuters Eden Hazard on the opposite side St. Petersburg of the pitch to the one he was sta- looks to be WC hero tioned on, and Belgium missed his ability to pick a pass, with striker ‘I’ll be 29 in four years; who knows if other young players will come through to take my place’ elgium paid the price Romelu Lukaku mostly deprived for failing to take their of service. chances against France After his team fell behind, but will now have to Martinez took off Dembele and Bshake off their disappointment pulled De Bruyne back into cen- and focus on fi nishing third tral midfi eld, and though Belgium at the World Cup, their coach did not get a goal, they controlled Roberto Martinez said after his the play better and created more team’s defeat in the semi-fi nal. chances. Samuel Umtiti headed in from “I didn’t see France running a corner for the only goal of the away with the game,” Martinez game to knock Belgium out, and added. “It came down to a corner Martinez said that while he was kick. That’s why I don’t think the pleased his team negated France’s performance came down to indi- threat on the counter-attack, his viduals.” players did not show their usual From dreaming of a fi rst World fi nesse in front of goal. Cup fi nal, Belgium will now have “It was a tight game,” the to be content with a playoff for Spaniard told reporters. “There third place, but Martinez said weren’t many big moments... The he was proud of his players and diff erence between defeat and would do all he could to get them winning was just one dead ball ready for their fi nal match of the situation. tournament. “We controlled their counter- “The disappointment is huge... attacks. We had the ball but have It’s a very sad dressing room right to give credit to the way France now,” he said. “I don’t want any defended, and we couldn’t fi nd of my players to be frustrated and that little bit of magic in front of disappointed. goal.” “It’s a diffi cult emotion to The match was a fascinating manage. You’re disappointed be- tactical battle, with France con- cause you lose the semi-fi nal, and tent to surrender possession and it’s very diffi cult to see the oppor- looking to use Kylian Mbappe’s tunity of playing another game as pace to hurt Belgium on the coun- a positive. ter-attack. “We need to regroup and re- Martinez said his team had cover and see the opportunity. France’s midfi elder Paul Pogba celebrates aft er done well to nullify the French To try to fi nish third in the World defeating Belgium at the Russia 2018 World Cup threat from open play and denied Cup doesn’t happen often. The semi-fi nal at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in that his decision to start Mousa only time it happened in Belgian Saint Petersburg. (AFP) Dembele in midfi eld had a major football was in 1986, when we eff ect on the outcome. fi nished fourth. Dembele was a surprise selec- “We need to understand it’s an tion in place of wide man Yannick important game, but I accept it’s Carrasco, with Martinez opting to very diffi cult after a game with start playmaker Kevin De Bruyne the emotions we had today. When on the right side of attack instead you had the ambition of getting to of the middle of the park. the fi nal, it’s tough individually But De Bruyne’s best moments and collectively to prepare for the came when he combined with next game.”

IANS “He has grown in the team, events, with a possible seven Pogba dedicates France semi win to St. Petersburg he’s an expressive player and his games in a month compressing rescued Thai boys performance only increases his development in a short space of importance to the side,” time, and Pogba has grown as France Paul Pogba dedicated his side’s World Cup 1-0 arlier in this World Cup, Deschamps said. It all shows France has progressed. semi-final win over Belgium to the 12 Thai boys who were rescued 25-year-old French star how a World Cup can turn a play- Of course it helps that he has from a flooded cave along with their coach on Tuesday. Paul Pogba said that it er’s fortunes around in a short N’Golo Kante at his side. Pogba “This victory goes to the heroes of the day, well done boys, you could be the last time he period of time. Pogba travelled can play knowing the Chelsea are so strong,” Pogba wrote on his off icial Twitter account after appearedE in the tournament. If to Russia after a diffi cult season holding midfi elder will be scur- Samuel Umtiti’s headed goal put France in Sunday’s World Cup that is the case, he will be bowing with Manchester United, where rying around fi lling any gaps be- final in Moscow. out young but on a high. he often seemed at odds with hind him, sweeping the ball up The “Wild Boars” football team, aged between 11 and 16, and their “I’ll be 29 in four years; who manager Jose Mourinho’s plans. and feeding him with a simple 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23 while exploring knows if other young players will pass, allowing him to stride for- the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai when a come through to take my place?” If he continues to play like ward rather than being caught in rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels. Pogba said. he has in his last two an attack-nor-defence no-man’s Yesterday, said they had invited the boys and their coach If he continues to play like he appearances for his coun- land in midfi eld. to Spain to attend a Spanish top flight game in the future when has in his last two appearances try, it is the younger players An intelligent man, who they have fully recovered from the ordeal. for his country, it is the younger who should be worried speaks English, French, Ital- La Liga’s president Javier Tebas said: “When the moment is right players who should be worried, ian and Spanish (even though he and everyone is ready I would like to invite the children and their reports Xinhua news agency. Perhaps because of his club is- has never lived in Spain), Pogba coach to go to a Liga game. “He’s a monster,” said France sues, he also struggled to make an dedicated Tuesday’s win to the 12 “We would like to host them and share with them the happiness coach Didier Deschamps fol- impact in France’s opening game boys rescued from a cave in Thai- of football, hoping that this can go some way to helping them lowing his team’s 1-0 win over in the World Cup, even prompting land. Pogba will be in the side after everything they’ve been through in the last few weeks.” Belgium in Tuesday’s semi-fi nal. the call from the French fans and when France take the fi eld for the FIFA had invited the boys to Sunday’s World Cup final although Deschamps, nicknamed “the wa- media for him to be dropped, which World Cup fi nal on Sunday and the world organising body said that due to medical reasons the Belgium’s midfielder Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (left) is consoled ter carrier” during his interna- is probably what had him mulling it’s clear that in this tournament, boys would not be in a position to travel to the game, although by Belgium’s coach Roberto Martinez at the end of the Russia 2018 tional career as a player, knows a over his international future. it’s not how you start, it’s how they would invite them to an event in the future. World Cup semi-final against France at the Saint Petersburg Stadium bit about playing in midfi eld. But World Cups are special you fi nish. in Saint Petersburg. (AFP)

FOCUS French fans get new angle on Russia at WCup IANS country were lavish with compliments. FIFA’s Samoura says Russia Moscow “We’re impressed. This is a wonderful city, very beautiful, very clean. Russians sets bar high for Qatar 2022 are very nice,” Margerie and Alain from FIFA Secretary General Fatma rance, like many other countries, Lille said. Samoura said yesterday that Russia’s has sent thousands of ambassadors When asked about what was her biggest staging of the soccer World Cup had to Russia to root for the national impression in Russia, Margerie respond- set the bar high for Qatar, the tourna- team at the World Cup. ed, after a pause, “Cleanliness. It is much ment’s next hosts in 2022. FSome fans have talked to Sputnik news cleaner here than in France. The organisa- “I feel for Qatar, because (Russia) has agency and shared their impressions of the tion is another thing, everything is awe- set the bar very, very high,” Samoura, country, recommending that anyone in- some.” referring to the next World Cup in four terested should see for themselves. Maxime from the town of Huez, Isere years’ time, said at a meeting with An overwhelming majority of the France department praised Moscow’s architec- Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the fans who talked to Sputnik in Moscow’s ture. “There are many buildings here that upper house of Russia’s parliament. streets were making their fi rst-ever visit were constructed in the past hundred Samoura asked Matviyenko to convey to the capital. The World Cup gave them a years. There are more historic, older build- to Russian President Vladimir Putin unique opportunity to see things from an- ings in France,” Maxime said. FIFA’s “profound appreciation for other perspective. “Those that were built in the Soviet era everything that he has done to make “We were told that Russians would be represent a culture that is closer to us than it possible for the world to watch the fi ghting with fans all the time. It turned out the French culture in general.” beautiful game.” that this was not true! They are normal! Maxime has already visited Red Square, “I’d like to express to Russia the dear, No, this is a good country,” said Loic who had a tour of several churches and land- heartfelt thanks of FIFA,” Samoura came to Russia from Nice. marks, and has been to a market. said. The tournament has left visitors “We hosted Euro 2016, but the atmos- “The atmosphere (here) will show Rus- with good memories, Samoura said, phere here is much better than in France,” sia from another side, not the one dis- adding that she thought the doping noted a Frenchman. He pointed to a big played in the mass media. The media only level has been at record lows. number of South American fans, regret- talk politics, but when you come to Russia, Russia is hosting the tournament for ting that there were only “a few French you see the Russian people and everything the first time, in 12 stadiums spread people.” else, and this is a big pleasure,” Maxime across 11 cities including Moscow, St France fans are in the minority at the said. Petersburg and Sochi. ongoing World Cup. According to the He also gave a thumbs-up to the security France will take on either Croatia or French Football Federation and FIFA, Rus- during the World Cup. “You should come England in the final at Moscow’s Luzh- sia welcomed from 17,000 to 20,000 fans and see Russia, see other cultures, and France’s supporters celebrate France’s 1-0 victory over Belgium in the World Cup semi-final outside the Saint Petersburg niki stadium on Sunday. (Reuters) from France. Those who made it to the host form your own opinion,” he believes. Stadium. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, July 12, 2018 5 SPORT

HORSE RACING Countdown on for Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018 Denise Marray The Duke of Richmond has viv- over £5.5million, with three pres- London id childhood memories of sum- tigious Group 1 races and one mer days of racing. Group 1 PA race taking place over “The Queen and the Duke of the fi rst three days of the meeting. he countdown is now on Edinburgh used to stay with my The opening day, Tuesday, July for the Qatar Goodwood grandparents every year. They 31, features the Qatar Goodwood Festival which runs for stayed Tuesday to Friday, and it Cup, a two-mile race with a rich fi ve days from July 31 to was a big party,” he recalled. history, which was last year up- AugustT 4. Speaking of His Excellency graded from Group 2 to Group 1 This great annual celebration of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, status. racing is one of social highlights owner of Al Shaqab Racing, The The richest individual race in the UK. Elegant fashion, com- Duke of Richmond said: “Sheikh of the week is the Qatar Sussex bined with some of the greatest Joaan has a lot of vision. I think he Stakes on Wednesday, August 1, races in the world, create a festival feels that with Goodwood it is pos- with prize money of £1million. week like no other. sible to do something exceptional. Some of the most celebrated The 10-year partnership with We have a good understanding.” trainers in the world saddle horses the Qatar Racing and Equestrian The Duke of Richmond and his for this prestigious race and there Club (QREC), now in its fi fth year, team also work closely with Hamad is an unmissable buzz around the has taken Goodwood to a new level al-Attiyah, President of the Qatar Parade Ring beforehand. in terms of its ability to attract top Equestrian Federation (QEF). Es- Also staged on the Wednesday trainers and horses from around tablished in 1979, QEF is dedicated will be the Qatar International the world. Prize money has grown to celebrating and encouraging the Stakes, a Group 1PA race for pure- signifi cantly since before the deal country’s equestrians. bred Arabian horses. The fi eld for and there is an increasing number A member of the Federation this race typically lives up to the of international horses entering Equestrian International (FEI) name, with horse travelling from and running. since 1980, QEF is focused on the France, the Netherlands and Qatar Horses and Goodwood are in- advancement of good horseman- to compete. extricably linked, and it is his Qa- ship, and good sportsmanship, in The third Group 1 of the week is tari partners’ love of horses that a family orientated environment. the Qatar Nassau Stakes for fi llies The Duke of Richmond, Chairman The Federation has a focus on and mares, and in 2018 the entries of Goodwood Racecourse West building courage, confi dence and include the winners of the 2,000 Sussex, most appreciates. “What commitment within its riders; Guineas at Newmarket and the is really refreshing is that we are and this dedication has catapulted Oaks at Epsom. working with partners who truly Qatari athletes to the world stage. As well as the top-level races, value and prize the horse,” he said. In recent years equestrians from there are a number of hugely “My mother was mad about the country have qualifi ed for the competitive handicaps, includ- Arab horses, and she created the Asian, Olympic and World Eques- ing the Stewards’ Cup, in which dressage element here. We had the trian Games. nearly 30 horses will charge down World Championships and Olym- Prize money for the Qatar Goodwood’s straight at speeds of pics here,” he explained. Goodwood Festival now totals around 45mph. His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani with Chairman of Goodwood Racecourse West Sussex The Duke of Richmond.

FOOTBALL NBA Magic waited outside LeBron’s house for Italian media hail free agency to start

Reuters ron and his camp was meeting Los Angeles with another team that day,” Pelinka said. “At about 5pm, I got a text from LeBron’s agent, agic Johnson is Rich Paul, and the text just Ronaldo signing nothing if not said ‘Congrats.’ And it had bal- punctual. loons. ‘Just think that he has more than 300 million followers on social networks, that he is known in The Los Angeles “It was one of those mo- Lakers’M president of basketball ments in life you’ll never, ever every corner of the globe and that he is one of the five most famous celebrities on the planet’ operations sat in a car for an forget. Everything went into hour outside LeBron James’ slow motion. ‘Does this mean AFP Southern California home on what I think it means?’ He Rome the night of June 30 before called seconds later with the the NBA’s free agency period offi cial news.” opened. Meanwhile Lance Stephen- talian media was bubbling The meeting started son, who once blew in the left with enthusiasm yesterday promptly at 9:01pm PT, and ear of LeBron James trying to after Serie A club Juventus the next day, James announced disrupt the NBA superstar, announced the 100 million- that he was leaving the Cleve- signed a new contract Tuesday Ieuro “deal of the century” and land Cavaliers to sign with the to join James on the Los Ange- wrestled superstar Cristiano Ro- Lakers. Johnson told Spectrum les Lakers. naldo from European champions SportsNet on Tuesday of his The 27-year-old Ameri- Real Madrid. talk with James, “We had a can guard played for Indiana The country’s number one great time of going back and the past two seasons, each daily the Corriere della Sera led forth, here we are, two guys, campaign ending with a fi rst- the cries of joy at Ronaldo’s ar- similar. Both from the Mid- round playoff loss to James and rival by acclaiming a “dream west. Both grew up poor. Both the Cleveland Cavaliers. come true”, while La Repub- love to compete. Both love to Stephenson has a history blica hailed a “117 million-euro win, and I think both excel with James, including a choke dream”, referring to the huge in- at the highest level. We con- sign to Miami’s bench after vestment Juventus will make in nected right when I walked in James missed a late free throw their marquee signing. the door. Just two guys that in a lopsided Indiana playoff La Repubblica breaks down the talk free to each other, and talk win in 2012, trash talk and the cost of the deal to Juventus as 100 basketball, and that’s what I ear-blow incident when Mi- million euros going to Real Ma- love about LeBron.” ami met Indiana in the 2014 drid, a fi ve million-euro “solidar- James didn’t need to be sold Eastern Conference fi nals and ity contribution” paid to FIFA and on the Lakers, according to striking James in the groin 12 million “incidental costs”. Johnson. when the star drove to the hoop The Corriere della Sera be- “He already knew the team. in a game last November. “It’s lieves that the latter sum is ac- Almost better than I did,” actually funny that I’m actu- tually the commission being Johnson said. “He broke the ally on the same team as him. paid to those who facilitated the roster down right in front of I’m very excited to see what transfer - principally Ronaldo’s me. ‘Kuz likes to do this, so and that brings,” Stephenson said. agent Jorge Mendes. so likes ... oh I can’t wait, this “It’s going to be amazing.” guy is this.’ I was like, man, he The deal, reportedly for one Spark lit knows the entire roster. Loves year at $4.5 million, unites The front page of Italy’s prin- (coach Luke Walton’s) system. Stephenson with fellow Lak- cipal sport daily Gazzetta Dello He said Earvin, you know, I ers free agent signings James, Sport has Ronaldo exclaim- just want to come and be able 2008 champion with Boston ing “I’m coming!” after what it to just play basketball and be and four-time All-Star Ra- calls “the coup of the century”. me. And you have the type of jon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Rome-based paper Il Messaggero roster, I think, that I think I Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. In meanwhile acclaimed club pres- Italian newspapers front pages yesterday enlightening the arrival of Portugal’s at the Italian Serie A club Juventus. (AFP) can do that.” eight career NBA seaons, fi ve of ident Andrea Agnelli for pulling In the same Spectrum them with Indiana, Stephen- of the “deal of the century”. muscles,” continued Battista. Turin-based daily La Stampa, every corner of the globe and that there be light” and the world fa- SportsNet interview, Lakers son has averaged 8.8 points, “A spark has been lit, let us “But he was applauded by the owned by the Fiat Chrysler Au- he is one of the fi ve most famous mous car brand. Italian media general manager Rob Pelinka 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists a rejoice,” said Corriere Della Sera whole stadium for a scissor kick tomobiles group that is in turn celebrities on the planet. Suffi ce reports that Ronaldo will be un- detailed how he learned the game. After four seasons with columnist and Juventus fan of absolute beauty that he in- the majority shareholder in Ju- to say that there will be a positive veiled, after a medical, on Mon- franchise-changing news that Indiana, he played for Char- Pierluigi Battista. fl icted on Juventus (in the fi rst ventus, claimed that “everyone impact not just for Juve but for day morning at Juve’s state-of- James was joining the club. “I lotte, the Los Angeles Clippers, “And to think that we saw him leg of the quarter-fi nal of last will watch us”. the whole of Italian football.” the-art Allianz Stadium, where was outside around 4 or 4:30 Memphis, New Orleans and as unpleasant, CR7 ... with his season’s Champions League). “Just think that he has more Sports daily Corriere dello he is set to receive more stand- p.m. (on July 1), saying, ‘I won- Minnesota before rejoining the arrogant attitude, statuesque We understood that this beauty than 300 million followers on so- Sport led with “Fiat Lux”, a play ing ovations like the one given to der when we’re going to fi nd Pacers just ahead of the 2017 posing and perfectly defi ned could and should be ours.” cial networks, that he is known in on the Latin phrase meaning “let him by Juve fans in the spring. out the answer?’ because LeB- playoff s.

Teenager Guendouzi achieves childhood dream in joining Arsenal Dortmund sign Hakimi French teenage midfielder Matteo Guen- est to my heart and a side I’ve wanted to “He is a talented young player and a lot of Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Morocco douzi says he wants to become part of join since I was a child,” said Guendouzi. clubs were interested in him,” said Emery. international Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid on a two-year loan the history of side Arsenal “It gives me great pride – it’s incredible. I “He has big potential and gained good deal, the club announced yesterday. An attacking after signing for them yesterday for a fee hope I can do great things here. first-team experience last season with full back, Hakimi started all three of Morocco’s games at the reported to be £7million ($9.2million). “It doesn’t get any better than coming to Lorient (in all he made 26 appearances World Cup in Russia before they were eliminated in the group The 19-year-old – Arsenal’s fifth signing a club like this, with so much history, like since he made his debut in 2016). stage. The 19-year-old Real Madrid academy graduate made nine since Unai Emery was appointed Arsene Arsenal. I’m hugely proud. “He wants to learn and improve and will league appearances for the Spanish club under Zinedine Zidane Wenger’s successor in late May – joins “I want to become part of the club’s his- be an important part of our first-team last season, as well as playing five times in the King’s Cup and from Ligue 2 outfit Lorient tory and to achieve great things here.” squad.” twice in the Champions League. “Achraf Hakimi is a young, very Guendouzi, who began his career in the Emery, who was appointed to the Gunners Guendouzi joins Uruguayan international dynamic full-back who has played at the very highest level with youth system at Paris Saint Germain post after he lost his job at Paris Saint Ger- midfielder Lucas Torreira, veteran Swiss Real Madrid and the Morocco national team,” Dortmund sporting before moving to Lorient in 2014, told main, said Arsenal had fended off several defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, German director Michael Zorc said in a statement. Hakimi is new manager Arsenal’s website for him the move is a other clubs in securing the signature of goalkeeper Bernd Leno and experienced Lucien Favre’s latest acquisition in a busy close season follow- dream come true. Guendouzi, who has been capped at three Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopou- ing the arrival of goalkeepers Marwin Hitz and Eric Oelschlagel, “Arsenal have always been the team clos- diff erent age categories by France. loss as new arrivals at the Gunners. Thomas Delaney and Marius Wolf and defender Abdou Diallo. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 12, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Ahli unveil Dutch Sensational Sagan midfi elder De jong l Ahli unveiled Dutch Qatar SC coach Abdullah Mu- player Nigel de Jong baraq opportunities to all his for the new QNB Stars players in the friendly clash. Bra- League season that zilian striker Dudu and Youssef kicksA off next month. The former Kubaisi scored goal apiece in LA Galaxy and Galatasaray mid- each half. The team will continue clinches another fi elder was presented in front of preparations at the pre-season the media at the club headquar- camp in Serbia. ters. The club said the 32-year- The QNB Stars League out- old had passed the medical. fi t will play four more friendly “I am delighted to join Al Ahli matches with Serbian teams, and to feature in the QNB Stars the club said. Qatar SC will kick League,” De Jong said. “I have off their new season campaign Tour de France stage been warmly received from the against Al Gharafa on August 4. moment I landed at the airport right until the medical was con- UMM SALAL ARRIVE Olympic road race champion of BMC retains the yellow jersey ducted,” he added. IN SLOVENIA FOR Al Ahli had fi nished last season PRE-SEASON TRAINING in 9th place and will be hoping Umm Salal arrived in Slovenia for their new signing can improve their pre-season training camp their fortunes. on Tuesday. The Umm Salal con- De Jong said he sees playing tingent arrived in Slovenia after a in Qatar a good thing for pro- fl ight from Doha to Croatia and fessional players, noting that then to Slovenia by bus. Umm football in the Gulf region has Salal will remain in Slovenia until evolved a lot. He also said the July 25. The delegation is headed presence of Spanish legend Xavi by Nasser al-Fadala, the team’s in the QNB Stars League had manager. presented a positive image of the French coach Laurent Banide league across the world. preferred not to train after the Arif Abdul Rahman, CEO of arrival at the team’s hotel to al- Al Ahli, said: “De Jong is a great low players some much needed addition to our team. He will be rest. The fi rst training session a great asset for us as we play our was held yesterday morning. matches. He will be with our side The team will play four friend- for the pre-season training camp ly matches during the camp with as soon as possible.” teams from Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey. Coach Banide confi rmed the QATAR SC HELD BY players will undergo training SERBIAN CLUB twice a day so that the squad Qatar SC played a 2-2 draw quickly gets into the groove against Serbian club FK Mladost ahead of the new season in Qa- in what was the fi rst pre-sea- tar. Umm Salal play Al Sailiya in son friendly for the QNB Stars the season-opener on August 4 League outfi t. at Khalifa International Stadium.

Peter Sagan of Slovakia (centre) sprints to win ahead of Sonny Colbrelli (second right) of Italy and (right) of Belgium during the 204.5-km fifth stage from Lorient to Quimper in France at the Tour de France cycling race yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP the yellow jersey had helped land him the ent aff air. On paper, it looks a step too far ear and out the other for those who don’t Quimper, France stage. for Sagan. Lighter, more agile riders like appreciate what we’re doing.” “I’d like to thank Greg (van Avermaet) Van Avermaet, Aejandro Valverde, Julian because he did me a favour when he went Alaphilippe and Gilbert are expected to STAGE FIVE STANDINGS lovakia’s Peter Sagan clinched his for it, I don’t know if he did it on purpose shine. “Tomorrow’s fi nish will be very 204.5km ride from Lorient to Quimper second stage win of the 2018 Tour but he dropped a lot of people,” said Sa- diffi cult to control over the fi nal 2km,” 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) 204.5km in 4hr de France yesterday, beating Son- gan, who has tightened his grip on the Sagan said.”I’ll try my best to win but you 48min 06sec ny Colbrelli and Philippe Gilbert points classifi cation’s green jersey. saw all that today.” 2. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAH) at 0sec. atS the uphill fi nish of stage fi ve. Asked if it would be a battle all the way “The Mur de Bretagne is much harder 3. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/QST) 0. Defending champion Chris Froome to Paris with Fernando Gaviria for the than this,” said Van Avermaet, who would 4. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 0. (Team Sky) and the other overall con- green jersey prize, Sagan said: “I hope not rule Sagan out of contention for the 5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) 0. tenders fi nished in or close to the main not!” sixth stage. “Valverde or Alaphilippe will 6. Daniel Martin (IRL/EAU) 0. group as overnight leader and Olympic The pair have two stage wins each from be there, it’s their kind of race,” he said. 7. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) 0. road race champion Greg van Avermaet the fi rst fi ve and Sagan had predicted “But Gilbert and Sagan will be there until 8. Soren Kragh Andersen (DEN/SUN) 0. (BMC) retained the yellow jersey. Tuesday the Colombian might struggle the end.” 9. Andrea Pasqualon (ITA/WGG) 0. Belgian Philippe Gilbert sparked the with the climbs. “The fact he wasn’t in The double ascent of the Mur may 10. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 0. hostilities early on the uphill fi nish of the the sprint was good for me,” Sagan said. tempt a yellow jersey contender to steal 204.5 km ride from Lorient, but the Quick With fi ve categorised climbs to be ne- a march on his many GC rivals, and is TOP 10 OVERALL STANDINGS Step rider failed to open up a signifi cant gotiated over the narrow, tree-lined Brit- keenly awaited as a key stage on the Tour. 1. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) 18hr 22min gap on the chasing bunch. tany roads a breakaway was to be expect- Sky were omnipresent over the fi nal kilo- 00sec, Van Avermaet, wearing the yellow ed. An escape group featuring Sylvain metres of racing and Luke Rowe said he 2. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) at 2sec. jersey, then pulled to the front in a bid Chavanel embarked on a long range bid felt they had been getting a more posi- 3. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/QST) 3. for the stage win as the fi nish line ap- with Van Avermaet’s BMC doing most of tive reaction from the crowds after being 4. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) 5. proached but peaked too early. the work at the head of the chasing pelo- booed at the presentation. 5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) 6. The race leader was left powerless ton, and Bora joining the chase late. “We have actually been getting quite a 6. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) 9. when Sagan sped past on his left. Col- Today’s sixth stage is expected to shake complimentary reception, of course for 7. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) 13. brelli pushed the Slovakian all the way up the peloton as it culminates in the every thousand cheers you might get one 8. Soren Kragh Andersen (DEN/SUN) 13. but, as he did on stage two, fi nished sec- double ascension of the feared Mur de negative person but you take that in your 9. Rigoberto Uran (COL/EFD) 37. ond best to Sagan. Sagan said following Bretagne climb, a 2km long 6.9% gradi- stride, I’ve got broad shoulders, its in one 10 Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 52. Nigel De Jong poses with his Al Ahli jersey.

US PGA ANNOUNCE REVAMPED 2018-19 QATAR ROUND-UP SCHEDULE WITH SHORTER PLAYOFFS Mubarak wins club tournament in France Miami: A revamped US PGA Northern Trust, which will be Detroit and the 3M Open at TPC Tour schedule for the 2018-19 played near New York in 2019 Twin Cities in Minnesota will be atar’s Mubarak Shanan claimed season, with a shortened playoff and Boston in 2020 as the cities staged the following week. the title at the US PEQO Tennis race and a campaign ending exchange host rights each year The Canadian Open will move Club Tournament held in Cannes, in August, was unveiled on rather than each hosting a play- from late July to June 6-9 as a France, where the Qatar team is holdingQ a training camp. Mubaraka al-Nai- Tuesday by tour commissioner off event as they will this year. lead-in to the US Open the fol- Jay Monahan. Next year’s playoff s will con- lowing week. mi had also clinched the title at Opio Tour- Triggered in part by the shift- tinue with the BMW Champion- The Jack Nicklaus-hosted Me- nament earlier this week. ing of golf majors with the PGA ship at Medinah near Chicago morial tournament remains the Coached by Younes El Aynaoui, the Qa- Championship moving from Au- and conclude the following top US Open tuneup May 30- tari squad includes Mousa Shanan, Mubarak gust to May starting in 2019, the week at the Tour Championship June 2. The Puerto Rico Open Shanan, Issa Shanan, Jabor al-Mutawa, season will end before the start in Atlanta on August 22-25. will return after being cancelled Rayene Alami and Mubarak al-Sulaiti. of the television-dominating “We’re extremely pleased this year due to the devastation Ibrahim al-Khelaifi , Deputy Head of Na- NFL season. with the way the schedule has from Hurricane Maria. tional Teams Committee at the Qatar Ten- A 46-tournament schedule come together, particularly with It will be February 21-24, the nis, Squash and Badminton Federation begins the week after the Ryder the number of changes that same week as the World Golf (QTSBF) is heading the Qatari delegation. Cup in France with the Safeway were involved and the strength Championships Mexico Cham- Khalid al-Khelaifi , the QTSBF Board Open on October 4-7 in Napa, of the partnerships required to pionship. Member and Head of National Teams Com- California, followed by stops achieve this new look,” Mona- The WGC will play in Akron, mittee, said: “The men’s team training camp in Malaysia, South Korea and han said. “By concluding at the Ohio, for the final time next being held in France comes as a part of the Shanghai among eight 2018 end of August, the FedExCup month as the event moves to plan developed by the federation to provide events, which top stars typically playoff s no longer have the Memphis for the WGC St. Jude its players with opportunity to compete skip. The season resumes in challenge of sharing the stage Invitational, replacing a regular with players from other countries. We are January with the Tournament of with college and professional tour event, next July. impressed with their performances in club Champions in Hawaii, features football.” The Arnold Palmer Invita- tournaments so far.” The Players Championship shift- The revamp avoids tight tional at Bay Hill will be played ing to March from May to avoid scheduling around the season the week before the Players QATAR TO PLAY THREE FRIENDLIES the PGA Championship and finale at the Ryder Cup and while the WGC Match-Play AHEAD OF 2019 AFC ASIAN CUP again sees the Masters open the Presidents Cup dates as well Championship and a PGA event Qatar’s senior football team will play three Mubarak Shanan major schedule April 11-14. as provides options around the in the Dominican Republic come international friendly matches as part of The 101st PGA Champion- Olympics, which saw golf return two weeks before the Masters, their preparation for the 2019 AFC Asian ship will be staged May 16-19 at Rio in 2016. The Houston whose lead in remains the Texas Cup to be held in January in United Arab at Bethpage Black with the US Open and Greenbrier Classic Open. Emirates. Open four weeks later at Pebble will move to the fall schedule The PGA plays May 2-5 at Qatar squad take on China in the fi rst Beach June 13-16 and the British in 2019 with new US Midwest Quail Hollow, host of last year’s friendly game on September 7 at Khalifa In- Open concluding the major events added. PGA Championship, two weeks ternational stadium, followed by a second schedule July 18-21 at Portrush The Rocket Mortgage Classic, before next year’s PGA Cham- friendly against Palestine on September 17. in Northern Ireland. which replaces the Tiger Woods- pionship, which splits the tour’s The third game will be played against Ecua- QATAR BEACH VOLLEYBALL placed 16th in the FIVB World Rankings. The US PGA playoff s will hosted National near Washing- two events in the Dallas-Fort dor October 2. Currently, the Qatar national TEAM RISES TO 16TH RANK They had fi nished fi fth at the Espinho tour- now start August 8-11 with the ton, will be played June 27-30 at Worth area. team is undergoing intensive training pro- Qatar beach volleyball team duo of Sharif nament recently held in Portugal. The world gramme in Austria. Younis and Ahmed Tijana are currently ranking is led by the Poland. Gulf Times Thursday, July 12, 2018 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Pakistan’s Shehzad provisionally England series suspended over failed dope test akistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has useful World Cup been provisionally suspended and charged Pwith violating anti-doping regu- lations after he tested positive for a prohibited substance in May, the cricket board (PCB) has said. The 26-year-old’s in-competition urine sample, rehearsal: Rohit which was collected during the domestic Pakistan Cup tourna- ment in May, tested positive and ‘In the last year or so we have played some good cricket, in and out of India’ an independent review board confi rmed the result in June. AFP “He has been given till July London 18 2018 to advise whether he Ponting, who captained wishes to have his B Sample Australia in their 2003 and tested and till July 27 to respond 2007 World Cup victories, said ndia can use the three-match One to the charges levelled in the the ODI series against England Day International series with Eng- Notice of Charge,” the PCB said helped young players to get land as a useful learning curve ahead in a statement on its website. some games and he believes the of next year’s World Cup, says the “The PCB has also provi- team will keep producing great Itourists’ vice-captain Rohit Sharma. sionally suspended Ahmed players. “One thing I do know is England and Wales are hosting the Shehzad pending the outcome we’ve got still the best depth of quadrennial one-day tournament and of the charges.” Shehzad most any cricket nation in the world Sharma told the media on the eve of their recently played for Pakistan in and I will continue to say that,” fi rst ODI game at Trent Bridge, Not- the two-match Twenty20 series he added. tingham, the series will tell them much in Scotland in June. Australia will host South about how they are placed in their bid to Africa in November for three be crowned world champions for a third SRI LANKAN SPINNER ODIs and one Twenty20 and will time. “It is very important, since the HERATH CONTEMPLATING then host Virat Kohli-led India World Cup is going to be played in this RETIREMENT IN NOVEMBER for three T20s, four test matches part of the world,” said Sharma. Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath and three ODIs. “In terms of preparation it’s very im- might retire from international portant, in terms of our combinations cricket after the three-match FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN and what our targets are going to be. We Test series against England in BOYCOTT RECOVERING have seen England against Australia and November, the left-arm spinner AFTER HEART SURGERY they were really high scoring games, it’s has said. Herath has notched up Former England Test captain gong to be crucial to see where we are as a 418 wickets in 90 test matches Geoff rey Boycott is recover- team. In the last year or so we have played for Sri Lanka and is the coun- ing after undergoing quadruple some good cricket, in and out of India, try’s highest wicket-taker after heart bypass surgery and will this tour brings another challenge for us.” Muttiah Muralitharan, who has miss commentating on Eng- Sharma, who comes into the ODI series a staggering 800 test wickets to land’s fi rst two tests against in fi ne fettle having scored an unbeaten his name. “Maybe my fi nal series India next month. The 77-year- 100 in India’s seven wicket T20 series will be the England series later in old, who scored 8114 runs in 108 clinching win over England last Sunday, the year,” the 40-year-old said. tests and led England in four of says he and his teammates would not be “There comes a time for every them, had the operation on June intimidated even if the hosts post a high cricketer, when they have to stop 27 and spent 10 days recovering target. playing. I think that time has in hospital. England scored a world record 481 runs come for me.” “The surgeon says the opera- in their last ODI match at Trent Bridge, Herath, who retired from one- tion was a success and has now admittedly against an under-strength day and Twenty20 internation- allowed him home to recover,” Australian side, who were white-washed als in 2016, is in the squad for Sri Boycott’s daughter Emma said 5-0 in the series. “This team (India) likes Lanka’s two-match Test series in a statement on behalf of her chasing down targets,” said Sharma. against South Africa, which father on his offi cial Twitter “Whatever we do we don’t go out and kicks off today in Galle. account. The statement also bat like we have to score 400 runs. We India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and his England counterpart Eoin Morgan pose with the trophy yesterday, ahead of the With spinners like Dilruwan said that Boycott was hopeful bat normally and see where you are at three-match ODI series beginning at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Britain, today. (Reuters) Perera, Akila Dananjaya and of returning to the commentary 30 overs and analyse it. We noticed the Lakshan Sandakan in the na- box for the third Test of the fi ve- last series played here it was high scoring England batsman Joe Root — the na- ping the score they posted against the “One thing we have been good at is as- tional side, Herath believed Sri match series between England games and this is where they scored 481 tional side’s Test captain but who re- Australians. sessing things early on and planning an Lanka would be in good hands and India at Nottingham. The runs. I’m expecting nothing else than a verts to the ranks for the shorter format “It’s dangerous to think too far ahead,” innings. It might be the case, it might not, post his retirement. fi rst Test starts in Birmingham high-scoring series. It’s always nice to see versions of the game when Eoin Morgan said Root, who will hope to retain his but ultimately it’s about winning the se- on Aug. 1. the score in front of you and see how you is the skipper — said he wasn’t going to place in the ODI line-up after being ries and coming out of what has been an PONTING BACKS can bat.” make any wild predictions of them top- dropped for the fi nal T20 match. impressive white-ball summer.” AUSTRALIAN TURNAROUND INDIAN WOMEN’S CRICKET AT WORLD CUP COACH QUITS OVER Australia still have the best ‘TRAINING METHODS’ depth of any cricket nation, The Indian women’s cricket former skipper Ricky Ponting coach has quit just over year DOOR NOT CLOSED ON MY T20 CAREER, SAYS ENGLAND'S ROOT has said while backing them to into the job after a string of turn around their poor one-day defeats and apparently alienat- London: England’s Test captain Joe Root says his around playing for England. Until there’s a really international form in time to ing players, four months before career in the T20 format is far from over despite good block for me to go and play T20 cricket defend their World Cup title in the World Twenty20. Tushar being dropped for last Sunday’s third and final somewhere in a domestic tournament, it’s going England and Wales next year. Arothe, who was instrumental game with India. The 27-year-old batsman says it to be hard to get a string of games to put that case Five-time World Cup winners in India reaching the fi nal of the will be hard for him to gain much-needed experi- (that he deserves a place in the T20 team) across.” Australia were whitewashed women’s World Cup in England ence in the lucrative T20 leagues around the world Root, whose top T20 score is 90 not out, says 5-0 by hosts England in the ODI last July, stepped down from his because he prioritises playing for England. he needs to show he is worthy of a place in the series which concluded last post citing “personal reasons”. Root’s omission didn’t have a beneficial eff ect side by impressing when he does get a chance, month, extending their poor But a senior offi cial in the on England as they lost both the match — by seven but understands why he was left out. “I’m fully ODI run having won only 16 of Board of Control for Cricket in wickets — and as a result the series 2-1. “I don’t have confident in the ability I have in that format,” said their last 18 matches. “There India (BCCI) said that a few sen- any fears about it, I want to see us being as com- Root. “I can perform in T20 cricket. I don’t see it as are 16 one-dayers to be played ior players were not happy with plete a side as possible in all three competitions, a closed door for me, but I have to make sure, in between now and the next World Arothe’s style of training. “Some but I want to be a part of them,” said Root ahead of the limited opportunities I have, to keep perform- Cup,” the 43-year-old said. “I’ll players and selectors met BCCI the first one-day international against India at Trent ing. I fully understood the decision, that’s part of guarantee you when you put the administrators to convey that Bridge today. having a really strong squad. You never like it as a Australian group of 15 players they were not comfortable with “Playing for England comes first. All the do- player, but having been captain myself I know how down on a sheet of paper, that Arothe’s method of training,” mestic tournaments around the world have to fit hard it can be.” group will line up as good as any the offi cial said on condition of other team in the world.” anonymity.

FOCUS FIRST TEST QCA holds umpiring course Steyn set to roar back in Sri Lanka Tests he Qatar Cricket Association hosted a four- credited by the QCA for next step – Level 1 Umpir- AFP KG (Rabada) is how quickly day Umpiring Course for the local male and ing Course. Galle, Sri Lanka he learns. He has the ability to female candidates in Doha. The purpose of At a simple ceremony, successful candidates were swing the bowl both ways which the course was to create a group of keen and presented with certifi cates. Hamad Abdulla Anbar, I think not many bowlers have,” Tenthusiastic aspirants who wish to serve the game Administration Head of the Qatar Rugby, Hockey outh Africa skipper Faf said Du Plessis. “KG will take as umpires. and Cricket Federation, Amin-Ul Islam, Member of du Plessis yesterday over that mantle (from Steyn). As many as 35 candidates were registered for the QCA School Boys Cricket, Mohaed Asif Raza, QCA backed “dangerous” He has got the skills, pace and basic course, which was held at the Qatar Olympic Finance & Logistics Manager, Jamshaid Ahmad, Spaceman Dale Steyn and control to do well in all the con- Committee headquarters from July 1 to 4. Riyaaz Supervisor Teams and Players at QCA, and Paramjit the rest of his bowlers to wreak ditions of the world,” he added. Kurupkar and Shivani Mishra provided the guid- Kaur Bhullar, Women’s Wing Umpire, attended the havoc in Sri Lanka on the eve of But Sri Lankan batsman Ro- ance to the participants and 32 of them were ac- closing ceremony. the fi rst Test. shen Silva also struck a confi - Steyn “gets one wicket and he dent note, saying they will make is up there with the most dan- most of the home advantage gerous bowlers in the world be- in conditions that favour spin cause he is so skilful. I am hop- more than seam. ing to see Dale bowl really quick “At the moment they, South again,” du Plessis said. “In our Africa, are the number two team bowling attack that we have, we in ranking. We expect them to have the ability to get 20 wickets come really hard at us. (But) we on whatever the surfaces. I think have prepared and we will give this series will be won where the our best,” said Silva, who has batters need to stand up for both South Africa’s fast bowler Dale Steyn (second left) trains with his played six Tests since making teams,” he said. teammates in Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) his debut in India last year. Steyn, who is returning from “If you take Bangladesh and an injury and last played a Test tired quick Shaun Pollock (421) shoes as their foremost attack in India, we did well (during in January, is expected to be to become South Africa’s lead- paceman. Rabada, 23, is return- those tours). We will gave a good a part of South Africa’s po- ing wicket-taker in the fi ve-day ing from a lower-back injury fi ght and we hope to win the tent pace attack in the fi rst of format. that saw him miss the Indian series.” The two sides are also two Tests starting in Galle to- Du Plessis said he was also Premier League, but is still the scheduled to play fi ve one-day day. The 35-year-old speedster banking on Kagiso Rabada to year’s leading wicket-taker with internationals and one Twen- QCA off icials and instructors pose with Umpiring Course candidates after the closing ceremony at the needs three wickets to add to swing it South Africa’s way and 38 in seven Tests. ty20 international after the Test Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. his 419 scalps and surpass re- eventually to step into Steyn’s “The remarkable thing about series.

Thursday, July 12, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN GAMES Goal is to make our nation proud, say Qatar athletes By Sports Reporter Doha

ix of Qatar’s most talented and ambitious athletes outlined their hopes and aspirations for the Asian Games today, in a livelyS question and answer panel ses- sion hosted by The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) at Olympic Tower. The session, threw a light on what it takes to prepare for the Asian Games, the second biggest multi-sport events in the world after the Olympics, which will take place in Jakarta and Palem- bang, Indonesia from 18th August – 2nd September and involve over 250 athletes from Team Qatar across 30 dif- ferent sports. Taking part in the session were three talented shooters including Reem al-Sharshani, Matara al-Aseiri and Ahmed Mohsen al-Ali, Team Qa- tar boxer Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq and Team Qatar Olympic football team member Hatem Kamal. Speaking at the event, Ahmed Dar- wish – Deputy Head of Administra- tive Delegation, said: “We are now at the fi nal stage of preparations and we are working with all participating fed- erations to confi rm the fi nal list of all participating athletes. Qatar will par- ticipate with 245 athletes competing in 30 sports. Our athletes are currently attending training camps to be well prepared for the games in Indonesia. We will have two delegations, one for competitions that will take place in Ja- karata and one for the competitions in Palembang. Our united goal is to repre- sent Qatar in the best way possible and for Qatar we do anything.” Qatar’s shooters Reem al-Sharshani, Matara al-Aseiri and Ahmed Mohsen al-Ali, boxer Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq and footballer Hatem Kamal pose with the QOC off icials yesterday. Hatim Kamal spoke about the rela- tionship between his team members, world and this enriches our experience. sport in 2001 when I used to go with my needed in achieving my goals for the each hand. I managed to achieve 132 know their opponents before a cham- saying: “Our relationship is very strong Our federation is committed to organ- sister to practice. Then I joined the fed- future. I am juggling between my stud- push-ups in one minute. The previous pionship: “We usually check the list of as a team; we work and train together ise local and international champion- eration and I participated at a Champi- ies and my sport, hoping I can graduate record was 124 in one minute. My goal boxers in the championship’s website as one family. We look forward to com- ships and we have recently got Al Nis- onship held in Iran. My best achieve- and still practice shooting. I am always to achieve more records.” and then we search about their playing peting at the Asian Games where it’s han Shooting championship which is a ment was in 2011 when I won team gold giving fair attention to both my train- About his training, he added: “An style. Is my opponent left-handed or an opportunity for the team to gain strong competition and a great oppor- in the Arab Championship and the 2nd ing and my studies because I want to athlete has to dedicate enough time for right-handed? Does he depend on de- experience and help us prepare for the tunity for all shooters in Qatar to gain place in the individual category. There excel in both. I even train during exam training if they want to achieve great- fence or attack during a match? So this Asian Cup.” Speaking about her great- points and for the amateurs to partici- were strong opponents from Kuwait periods.” ness and this comes with the support of way we can be more prepared.” est achievement and the local competi- pate. It is also an opportunity for peo- and Egypt but the team and I gained Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq who his family and coach. “Before the games, Fans can follow Team Qatar’s prepa- tions organised by the shooting federa- ple here to know more about diff erent great experiences.” holds a gold medal from Qatar boxing we have to have enough rest, and during rations for the Asian Games on the tion, Reem al-Sharshani said: “I won a shooting weapons.” About his hopes for the Asian Games open 2018 and has a Guinness record, the game, we have to apply all the tips Team Qatar social media channels and team gold medal at the Asian Champi- Matara al-Aseri, also a shooter who and the future, aspiring shooter Ahmed spoke about his achievement and goals and instructions all in one minute that website, where further information and onship. We competed against best ath- competes in the air rifl e said about her al-Ali said: “The Asian Games is a great by saying: “I achieved this record in could make a huge diff erence.” insights about their journeys and their letes from both Asian and International beginning with the sport: “I stared the opportunity to gain the experience 2009 in push-ups on two fi ngers of When asked about how boxers get to achievements are shared regularly.

TENNIS PREVIEW Williams serene Anderson stuns at Wimbledon AFP London

erena Williams may Federer in quarters be on the verge of mak- ing history at Wimble- don, but the stress-free Nadal to face Djokovic in semi-finals; Isner sets up Anderson clash after beating Raonic formerS champion insists she doesn’t feel under any pressure. AFP Williams reached her 35th Grand London Slam semi-fi nal with a gritty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 quarter-fi nal win over Camila Giorgi. ight-time champion Roger Fed- The American star faces Ger- Wimbledon in 2015 and 2016, erer was sensationally knocked man 13th seed Julia Goerges to- Williams, who missed last year’s out of Wimbledon yesterday, sur- day hoping to book a 10th fi nal tournament due to her preg- rendering a two-sets lead and a appearance at the All England nancy, has extended her winning matchE point at the hands of South Afri- Club. Williams, a seven-time streak at the All England Club to can giant Kevin Anderson. Wimbledon winner, was out- 19 matches. World number one Rafael nadal set-up wardly full of fi re as she shrieked In contrast, Goerges is in the a mouthwatering semi-fi nal against old her way to victory against the Wimbledon semi-fi nals for the rival Novak Djokovic after battling back unseeded Italian. fi rst time. The 29-year-old had to beat Juan Martin del Potro in a Centre But beneath the surface, the suff ered fi ve successive opening Court thriller. Nadal triumphed 7-5, 6-7 36-year-old insisted she is feel- round defeats at the All England (7/9), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 after four hours and ing unusually calm as she enters Club before this year. It also took 48 minutes to reach his sixth Wimbledon the business end of the tourna- her until her 42nd Grand Slam semi-fi nal and 28th at the majors. ment. “It’s weird. Sometimes I appearance to fi nally get through The two-time Wimbledon champion feel, ‘Man, I’m in trouble’. Some- to the last four at a major. will face Djokovic, a three-time winner times I feel I can fi ght. For what- Yet Goerges insists she can at the All England Club, for a place in ever reason, I was so calm,” Wil- cause an massive upset against Sunday’s fi nal. Djokovic leads their epic liams said of her emotions as she Williams. “It is a great oppor- head-to-head rivalry 26-25. battled back against Giorgi. tunity to play Serena here where Defending champion Federer, chas- “It was just the way I felt. I she has won so many times and ing a 21st Grand Slam title, lost a Court never felt it was out of my hands. is a great champion. I think eve- One epic, 2-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 It’s weird. I can’t describe it. I ryone here has a great chance so as 32-year-old Anderson became the fi rst just felt calm. I’m hoping I can you have to take it,” Goerges said. South African in the Wimbledon semi- channel that all the time, but one Angelique Kerber, the German fi nals since Kevin Curren in 1983. “Down day at a time. “I’m hoping this 11th seed, faces former French two sets to love I tried my best to keep is like a new thing. Honestly, I Open champion Jelena Ostapenko fi ghting. Beating Roger Federer here at highly doubt it!” in the other semi-fi nal. Ostap- Wimbledon will be one I remember, es- Serena hasn’t won a Grand enko struggled with the pressure pecially in such a close match,” Anderson Slam since the birth of daugh- of defending her maiden Grand said. “I kept telling myself to keep believ- ter Olympia in September and Slam title, losing in the fi rst round ing. I said today is going to be my day.” her last trophy came at the 2017 of the recent French Open. But In a nail-biting four hour and 13 minute South Africa’s Kevin Anderson celebrates after his shock win over Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Wimbledon yesterday. (AFP) Australian Open. Having shaken that lifted a weight off her shoul- classic, it was 36-year-old Federer’s ear- off the rust following her lengthy ders at the All England Club, liest exit at the All England Club since his years by seeing off Japan’s Kei Nishiko- off Federer in their previous four meet- two code violations and accusing umpire lay-off after the complications where she has become the fi rst shock second round defeat against Sergiy ri 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. he 12-time Slam ings. Yet once he had ended Federer’s run Carlos Ramos of “double standards”. with Olympia’s birth, Serena Latvian to make a Wimbledon Stakhovsky in 2013. “Sometimes you champion will face either world number of holding serve for 85 consecutive games “I think the fi rst warning was unneces- is on the verge of a 30th Grand semi-fi nal. The 21-year-old is the don’t feel good, and you try your best. one Rafael Nadal or Juan Martin del Potro — a streak dating back to last year’s semi- sary,” said Djokovic, who was sanctioned Slam fi nal berth. only female player yet to drop a set Today was one of those days. I didn’t see for a place in the fi nal. fi nal — Anderson’s confi dence soared. in the second set for spearing his racquet She is aiming to win a 24th in this year’s tournament. it coming,” said Federer. “I think it went For the only the second time at Wim- Only once before had Federer played into the court. major title, which would move “At the French Open a couple in spells a bit also, how I was able to re- bledon, Federer was beaten after holding a more games at a Grand Slam and on that “It didn’t harm the grass. Kei did the her level with record holder Mar- weeks ago I had so much pres- turn his serve. “I had moments where two-set lead, with his previous loss from occasion, he prevailed 16-14 in the 2009 same in the fourth set but wasn’t warned. garet Court on the all-time list sure. It’s now all gone,” Ostap- I was great, I felt like I was reading his that position coming against Jo-Wilfried Wimbledon fi nal against Andy Roddick. The umpire said he didn’t see it. I don’t of women’s singles champions. enko said. “I’m just enjoying the serve, other moments where I don’t know Tsonga in the 2011 quarter-fi nals. But this time Federer cracked, serving think it’s fair but it is what it is.” “You’re only as good as your last moment. It’s so much fun.” where the hell I was moving to.” The 20-time Grand Slam champion his fi rst double fault at 11-11 in the decider Despite his anger — and picking up a win. It’s been a while since I’ve However, Kerber, beaten by Eighth seed Anderson will play Ameri- appeared to be moving towards his fi fth to give Anderson the crucial break that time violation in the fourth set — 12th won a championship,” Williams Serena in the 2016 Wimbledon can ninth seed John Isner tomorrow for a successive Wimbledon semi-fi nal after ushered the Swiss to the exit door. seed Djokovic still reeled off 10 of the said. “Everything right now is a fi nal, doesn’t believe Ostapenko place Sunday’s fi nal. Isner won the battle taking the opening two sets. Djokovic reached his eighth Wimble- last 12 games. Nishikori was bidding to little bit of a surprise, to be here, will be able to play completely of the big servers against Milos Raonic. That initial burst gave Federer 34 suc- don semi-fi nal and 32nd at the majors become the fi rst Japanese man to make to be in the semi-fi nals,” she said. free of anxiety with the title Isner’s 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-3 vic- cessive sets won at Wimbledon, equal- after a stormy Centre Court clash against the semi-fi nals in 85 years. “Well, maybe “I always say I plan on it. But match within touching distance. tory in the quarter-fi nals booked his fi rst ling his own record set between 2005 and Nishikori. It will be the 31-year-old wasn’t my best, but I thought I was play- when it actually happens, it still Kerber, the 2016 Australian and appearance in the last four at a Grand 2006. But, playing on Court One for the Serb’s fi rst semi-fi nal at a Slam since the ing good enough,” said Nishikori. “But he is, like, Wow, this is really hap- US Open champion, said: “I Slam. Three-time champion Novak fi rst time in three years, Federer was unu- 2016 French Open when he completed was making me run all the time. Espe- pening.” mean, the pressure is not always Djokovic, meanwhile, reached his fi rst sually error-prone. the career Grand Slam. The 12-time ma- cially with his backhand, he can go both Having won the title in the on my side. She (Ostapenko) won semi-fi nal at the majors in more than two Anderson had failed to take a single set jor winner prevailed despite picking up ways. That gave me real trouble.” previous two years she played a Grand Slam, as well.”