NHL | Page 5 FOOTBALL | Page 2 Durant Egypt powers and Nigeria Warriors to splutter in brink of crown warm-ups

Friday, June 8, 2018 FORMULA ONE Ramadan 23, 1439 AH Briton Hamilton GULF TIMES returns to favourite hunting ground SPORT Page 7 TENNIS/FRENCH OPEN Nadal and Del Potro set for semi-fi nal thriller in Paris HALEP, STEPHENS TO CLASH IN WOMEN’S FINAL SPOTLIGHT Same routine, diff erent result hopes Halep

Reuters victory, because it’s a great match. Paris “And I have two more days until I will play the fi nal. So I will stay chilled. I will relax. And then we will see what is going omanian Simona Halep said the to happen Saturday. For sure I will fi ght for only thing she intends to change every ball.” in her fourth Grand Slam fi nal ap- By most people’s reckoning, Halep is Rpearance is the result. the best player of her generation still to The 26-year-old world number one land a Grand Slam, but contrary to what outplayed Garbine Muguruza in the one might expect she does not lay in bed at French Open semi-fi nal yesterday, win- night worrying about it. ning 6-1 6-4 to put herself back within “So I lost three times until now and no touching distance of fi nally lifting one of one died, so it will be okay,” she smiled. the sport’s biggest prizes. “Of course, it’s a big opportunity, it’s a big She has been there before of course and chance, but you never know. always fallen just short — most notably “But I will be more confi dent because last year at Roland Garros when she was a I have a lot of experience? In tennis, you set and 3-0 to the good against Latvian Je- never know, so I will stay chilled.” lena Ostapenko before being overwhelmed Halep also lost the 2014 fi nal in Paris to by an onslaught of winners. Maria Sharapova and suff ered more heart- As she did last year she will start as fa- break on a sweltering night in Melbourne vourite against American Sloane Stephens. in January when she went down in three Asked what she will do to avoid a fourth sets to Caroline Wozniacki. runners-up cheque she said: “I don’t Asked again, however, what she had know what I will change. Probably noth- learned from those losses she quipped: ing, because I will keep my routine,” she “Can we change the subject? Let’s talk Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman during their men’s singles quarter-final match on day twelve of the 2018 French told reporters. about the beautiful weather! I will answer Open tennis tournament in Paris yesterday. At bottom, Del Potro in action during his match against Cilic. “I have more experience now. I feel this question after the fi nal. If I win, I will calm. I feel that I have to enjoy it today, the tell you.” DPA RESULTS everything I can.” Paris Schwartzman, ranked at number Women (semi-finals): Simona 6-2, 6-2; 12 in the world, had four chances to Halep (ROM x1) bt Garbine Mu- Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x5) break Nadal back in the third set, afael Nadal rallied back guruza (ESP x3) 6-1, 6-4; Sloane bt Marin Cilic (CRO x3) 7-6 (7/5), but the world number one displayed to beat Argentina’s Diego Stephens (USA x10) bt Madison 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 impeccable defence, armed with a Schwartzman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Keys (USA x13) 6-4, 6-4 Mixed doubles (Final): Latisha thunderous top-spun forehand in 6-2 and conclude their rain- Men (Quarter-finals): Chan/Ivan Dodig (TAI/CRO x2) bt exhilarating exchanges for a 2-1 set Rhit French Open quarter-fi nal yester- advantage. Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Diego Gabriela Dabrowski/Mate Pavic day for a place in the elite fi nal four. Schwartzman (ARG x11) 4-6, 6-3, (CAN/CRO x1) 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 10-8 Nadal’s opponent crumbled with He will now face another Argen- a stack of errors in the fourth to con- tine, Juan Martin del Potro, in today’s cede a double break, but after the semi-fi nal, after Del Potro conquered last year,” said Halep. “She’s a strong lep is searching for her maiden major Argentine off ered some resistance, Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 in opponent.” title after failing in her three previous Nadal went in for the kill with a fi erce the other quarter-fi nal aff ected by Halep earned a 4-0 head start in the attempts, including last year’s French forehand to complete a three-hour- the weather. opening 20 minutes as she stormed to Open fi nal against then-19-year-old and-42-minute battle. A heavy downpour on Wednesday the fi rst set advantage with spiteful Jelena Ostapenko. “The stop yesterday helps, be- evening halted the men’s contests strokes, despite handing Muguruza a “I will try my best to win,” Halep cause it was in a tough moment of my after Nadal had dropped a set for the single break with rushed serving. said. “This is my favourite grand slam match,” Nadal said. “He was playing fi rst time at this year’s Roland Garros Muguruza, who won the Roland and hopefully I will be better than last great, and I was playing too defen- tournament, but he fought back to Garros event in 2016, found her year. sive. I felt that I was playing a little bit within two points of restoring parity rhythm and gained a 4-2 advantage in “I will focus on myself, like I did under more stress than usual. I think in the second set at 4-6, 5-3 (30-15). the second set, but Halep roared back every match here. And I will try just after that I changed, I increased the However, the 32-year-old, who to take the match in 92 minutes. Ha- to be calm during the match and try intensity, increased the determina- has won 16 grand slam titles, includ- tion on how to play my shots, so the McEnroe predicts tough return for Murray at Wimbledon ing 10 on the famous red clay, showed match changed drastically.” no signs of weakness when play re- Del Potro, the tournament’s fi fth Paris: John McEnroe expects Andy Murray harder than ever — even when I was play- sumed on Court Philippe Chatrier as seed, was pegged at 6-6 and 5-5 in a to battle past his hip problem and play at ing... If you are not feeling quite right, it can he grabbed 12 of the fi rst 13 points to fi rst-set tie-break with Cilic, seeded Wimbledon this year but has warned the be tough.” Seven-times grand slam winner lead by a break after he capped the third, before the rain came. The Ar- Briton that he faces a tough test against McEnroe says Murray will keep fighting to second set. gentine won the fi rst two points to hard-hitting opponents. reclaim his position in the sport even if the In the women’s draw, world round off the fi rst set and outlasted Former world number one Murray has not three-times major champion risks “semi- number one Simona Halep is through his Croatian opposite in lengthy ral- played a competitive match since losing in humiliation”. to her fourth grand slam fi nal after lies to win in three hours and 50 the Wimbledon quarter-finals last July and is “You keep giving yourself reasons as to why she overpowered Spain’s Garbine minutes. Nadal beat Del Potro in the on the mend after undergoing hip surgery it’s worth it, the upside. You know, it’s worth Muguruza 6-1, 6-4, in their semi- semi-fi nals of last year’s US Open and in January. taking semi-humiliation. You’re still out there fi nal clash in Paris. holds nine previous triumphs over The 31-year-old withdrew from this month’s doing something you love, in a way. You’re “I’m really happy I won this match, the world number six, and he says Rosmalen grasscourt tournament and could not as good as you were,” the American it was very important for my mind to he is now thriving off the pressure also skip the Queen’s Club competition as said. know I can beat a great opponent,” placed upon him to defend his French he aims to return for the third grand slam “I’m not even saying he won’t be (as good said the 26-year-old Romanian. She Open crown for an 11th Roland Garros event of the year, which kicks off on July 2. as he was). I don’t know what will happen, will meet current US Open champion success. “He’s gonna play because he loves to play,” but it will be pretty tough to come back and Sloane Stephens after the 25-year- “Pressure is part of the sport in McEnroe told British media. “But I’m sure he be better than he was...” old world number 10 dismissed com- general. I don’t feel the pressure now would be realistic about what he could do if McEnroe, 59, compared Murray to Swiss patriot Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4, in a in semi-fi nals,” Nadal said. “I feel the he did play. It would be tough to go a long ace Roger Federer and Serbian Novak repeat of last year’s American major pressure every day, but not here. Del way if he hasn’t played. Djokovic to highlight his point that some top fi nal in New York. Potro has achieved great victories “I had some hip issues... It’s not a good players fully recover from serious injuries “I will be similar to today. I will play this year. This is an important event feeling, particularly when guys are hitting it while others struggle. my game against [Stephens] as I did for me.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS ARRIVALS Spain, Panama Egypt and Nigeria arrive in Russia AFP — a June 15 clash against Iberian rivals Portugal in the 2014 Win- ter Olympics host city Sochi. The winner will be in pole ormer World Cup win- position to come out on top in a ners Spain and debu- Group B that also includes Mo- continue to splutter tants Panama arrived in rocco and Iran. Russia yesterday for the Panama snuck past the United F21st edition of the global football States and Honduras to clinch Belgium ease past Egypt spectacle. their fi rst World Cup appearance The pair and Saudi Arabia on a dramatic last day of qualifi - 3-0 to extend latter’s winless complete a trio of teams to have ers in the CONCACAF region. made it to Russia one week be- Panama will have to score streak since qualifying for WC fore next Thursday’s kickoff in more upsets to progress in a in warm-ups Moscow. Group G that includes Belgium Spain won the World Cup in and as well a highly 2010 and are one of the tourna- touted Tunisia side now ranked ment’s favourites. They remain 14 by FIFA. unbeaten in 19 matches under The Central Americans’ prep- coach Julen Lopetegui, who took arations ended on a sour note in over the reins following the 2016 Oslo on Wednesday: they lost Euros. 1-0 and saw their hotel rooms get Spain were seen off personally robbed during the game. by King Filipe VI and will play Police said objects worth their fi nal warmup against Tuni- around 53,000 euros ($63,000) sia tomorrow by their base camp were taken. in the southern city of Krasnodar. Both teams’ arrival was carried The Spaniards launch their live by Russia’s national rolling campaign with one of the more news channel. anticipated group stage matches

(From left) Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales and team Sergio Ramos arrive at Krasnodar airport in Russia yesterday. (AFP)

Amazon.com to screen Premier League for fi rst time

Reuters new partner”, and its Prime London Video would provide “an excel- lent service on which fans can consume the Premier League”. mazon.com has won The deal underlines Amazon’s rights to show 20 ambition to take on traditional AEnglish Premier League pay-TV broadcasters in the Belgium’s forward Eden Hazard (centre) vies for the ball with Egyptian players during the international friendly at the King Baudouin Stadium, in Brussels, on Wednesday. (AFP) soccer matches a season from multi-billion dollar battle for 2019, giving its Prime Video sports rights. Reuters their status as one of the favourites in Czechs dominated. forced them to cancel a match in Jerusa- online streaming service a Amazon Prime, which includes Cape Town Russia. The Nigerians stepped up the pace in lem, including Palestinian calls to burn foothold in the most watched free on purchases as Egypt were missing injured forward the second half — briefl y interrupted by replica shirts of if he played. sports league in the world. well as music and video con- Mohamed Salah but their coach Hector a rain delay — and created a few chances But Palestinian football offi cials The US company secured tent, costs 79 pounds ($106) a gypt and Nigeria continued their Cuper said his talisman might be fi t for but could not fi nd the net against a Czech praised World Cup-bound Argentina one of two previously unsold year in Britain. recent poor form in World Cup the opening Group A game against Uru- side who conceded four goals against and their captain Messi for calling off the three-year packages for UK BT won the rights to show warm-up games on Wednesday guay on June 15. Australia last week. friendly, which Israel had moved to Jeru- rights, the Premier League an additional 20 matches ahead of their bids to become the Nigeria turned in a disappointing per- Also playing on Wednesday were Pan- salem from the coastal city of Haifa. said yesterday, with BT picking a season for 90mn pounds fiE rst African side to reach the semi-fi nals formance in their fi nal tune-up, losing ama, whose preparations ended on a low “The Israelis tried to use Messi and up the other to increase its ($121mn), taking its total to of the global showpiece event. 1-0 to the Czech Republic who failed to note as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat by those stars from Argentina, and I would access to live action. 52 games at a cost of 975mn Belgium eased past Egypt 3-0 in Brus- qualify for the World Cup. Norway after an early goal by Joshua King. like to thank them and appreciate their Amazon said it would make pounds for three years. sels to extend the north African side’s Tomas Kalas gave the Czechs a de- decision,” Palestinian Football Associa- two rounds of games — the Sky will continue to show the winless streak since qualifying for the served lead in the 25th minute in Schwe- PHYSICAL POWER tion President Jibril Rajoub told a news early December midweek most games after agreeing tournament in Russia starting next week. chat, near the Austrian capital of Vienna, Worryingly for the Panamanians, who conference in the West Bank city of Ram- games and the Christmas in February to pay 3.58bn Eden Hazard provided the sparkle as after he fi red home a rebound following a face Belgium, England and Tunisia in allah. bank holiday games — and pounds for 128 matches a sea- Belgium dominated. The Chelsea for- corner to beat sprawling Nigerian goal- Group G in their fi rst World Cup fi nals Israeli Sports Minister Miri Regev, weekly highlights available to son for three years, including ward set up Romelu Lukalu for the fi rst keeper Francis Uzoho. appearance, they struggled to deal with who pushed for the game to be moved its Prime members in Britain new Saturday evening fixtures. goal and netted the second himself before Nigeria, who have lost three of their Norway’s physical power, but they did from Haifa to Jerusalem, dismissed ac- for free. Amazon.com and the Premier halftime. last four games and drawn the other, kick create decent chances in the second half. cusations that her demand had caused Premier League Executive League did not disclose the Marouane Fellaini added a third in off their World Cup campaign against Earlier on Wednesday, Israel demand- its cancellation and said Messi, his team Chairman Richard Scudamore price achieved for the final stoppage-time to complete a strong per- Croatia on June 16, but they looked dis- ed that FIFA investigate what it said were mates and his family had been threatened said Amazon was an “exciting package. formance by the hosts, who underlined interested during the opening half as the threats against Argentina players that by “terror elements”.

BOTTOMLINE Injured Ozil to miss Germany’s fi nal World Cup warm-up

AFP World Cup game against Mexico in Berlin Moscow on June 17 having also drawn South Korea and Sweden in Group F. Sane’s Germany snub makes no Germany, who are winless in their sense, says Ballack rsenal star Mesut Ozil will last fi ve games, are set to name a full miss Germany’s fi nal warm- strength side against Saudi Arabia, Reuters up match today with a knee who play hosts Russia in the World Bengaluru injury, but the attack- Cup opener next Thursday. ingA midfi elder’s participation in the Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng World Cup is not in danger, according could play his fi rst game since suff er- ermany manager to the German Football Association ing a groin injury in April, “we assume Joachim Loew’s decision (DFB). that Jerome is now 100 % fi t”, said Gto pick Julian Brandt Ozil, 29, will sit out the friendly Bierhoff , but a fi nal decision has not over Leroy Sane in the nation’s against Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen been taken. 23-man squad for the World with light bruising to his left knee, but With Ozil out, Paris Saint-Ger- Cup makes no sense, former was able to run in training yesterday. main’s Julian Draxler is set to fi ll the captain Michael Ballack has “I didn’t take part in fi nal team attacking midfi eld role with Chel- said. squad, to say you only see him training today, but some running ex- sea’s Antonio Ruediger stepping in for Sane had his best season for in the position Julian Brandt is ercises were possible again,” he wrote Boateng if needed. Manchester City last campaign, playing — you have to have a on his offi cial Twitter account. World Cup winners Toni Kroos, scoring 10 goals to help the fantasy to believe that. The midfi elder, who picked up the Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller club seal the Premier League “Brandt is a good, talented injury in Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat are all set to return having sat out the title and earning a PFA Young player... But he didn’t play away to Austria, has not taken part in Austria defeat with Timo Werner as Player of the Year award in the on the level that Leroy Sane full training over the last four days at the lone striker. process. played. Sane was at a bigger Germany’s pre-World Cup camp in Having thrown away the lead However, Loew said a “tight de- club, with bigger expectations, Eppan, north Italy. against Austria, who enjoyed their cision” had to be made between with better players. Nothing “It’s nothing dramatic, we just fi rst victory over their neighbours for him and Bayer Leverkusen against Julian Brandt, but I can’t don’t want to take any risk and he was 32 years, world champions Germany winger Brandt for Germany’s explain why Loew compared able to sprint in training. I assume know they need to produce a good World Cup contingent. the two.” he will be okay for the World Cup,” performance in their fi nal game before “I can’t explain that. For me Holders Germany kick-off their said Germany’s team director Oliver fl ying to Russia on Tuesday. there is no photo finish. I can’t World Cup campaign against Bierhoff . “We’ve worked through the defeat, see it,” Ballack told British Mexico in Group F on June 17. Ozil, who fi nished the 2017/18 sea- taken our mistakes to heart — tomor- media. Sweden and South Korea are son with a back injury, faces a race to row we want to do a much better job,” Midfielder Mesut Ozil stretches during a training session for the German national football team “There’s 23 players in the the other teams in the group. get his knee ready for Germany’s fi rst said left-back Jonas Hector. at the Rungghof training centre in Eppan, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, June 8, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SETBACK SHOCKER RECOGNITION MOVE SCANDAL Russia drop to World Cup ‘We were robbed!’ Panama Lewandowski voted Best Rangers to sign Liverpool’s Ghana execs caught on video low in FIFA rankings team hotel raided Player in Bundesliga Ejaria on loan: report allegedly taking bribes

Hosts Russia will begin next week’s World Cup as At around the time that World Cup minnows Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was Scottish club Rangers are close to completing a An explosive documentary has rocked Ghana’s the lowest-ranked of the 32 teams participating Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves named best player of the Bundesliga season season-long loan deal for Liverpool’s Ovie Ejaria, football association, showing executives including in the tournament, according to FIFA’s latest were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms, police in a poll by the German union of professional according to reports. The 20-year-old midfielder the organisation’s head allegedly proposing bribes world rankings announced yesterday. Russia, told AFP yesterday. The Panamanian football footballers (VDV). The Polish attacker got 27.7 is known to new Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, worth millions of euros. Ghana Football Association who suff ered a 1-0 loss to Austria in a friendly federation tweeted: “Three #Panamayor hotel percent of the vote to rank ahead of his Munich who was in charge of Liverpool’s academy prior president Kwesi Nyantakyi was caught suggesting last month, slipped four places to 70th in the rooms were robbed in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian teammate James Rodriguez (13.8 percent) and to his move to Scotland. Ejaria has made eight lucrative deals to undercover journalists posing standings, behind Saudi Arabia at 67th. The two police are at the scene looking for clues.” Schalke defender Naldo (8 percent), VDV said. senior appearances for the Merseyside club but as “investors” in the film Number 12. Other Ghana lowest-ranked teams will kick off the World Cup Police say objects worth around 53,000 euros Outgoing Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes was spent the second half of last season on loan at FA executives were also filmed accepting bribes at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14. World ($62,000) were taken from three rooms in a also voted best coach with 36.7 percent of the Sunderland. If the deal goes through, he will be influencing player selection for various national Cup holders Germany stay top after the latest downtown Oslo hotel, explaining thieves are vote, followed by Schalke’s Domenico Tedesco Gerrard’s fourth signing, after Burnley midfielder teams. And 15 referees were even caught on round of international fixtures while the rest of thought to have used an old magnetic room key (25 percent) and Munich-bound Niko Kovac (18.1 Scott Arfield, Hull City goalkeeper Allan camera allegedly accepting just $100 to rig Ghana the top seven remained unchanged from May’s or a stolen one and that video footage would be percent) from cup winners Eintracht Frankfurt. McGregor and Brighton winger Jamie Murphy. Premier League matches — with their assistants rankings. Poland’s recent form has helped them examined. Police spokeswoman said the robbery Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey was the best Ejaria, who won the FIFA under-20 World Cup taking $50. The project is the result of two years climb into eighth position at the expense of probably took place at the same time as Panama newcomer in the annual poll among active in South Korea in 2017, scored one goal in 11 work by an undercover investigative journalist who Spain, who have dropped to 10th. were being beaten by Norway on Wednesday. football professionals. appearances for Sunderland. goes by the pseudonym Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT WC stadiums must Brazil still to gel ahead of not turn into fl ea World Cup, markets: Putin says Pele Reuters Russia has spent at least $4bn either building or refurbishing 12 arenas in 11 cities Sao Paulo

AFP razil may be fi ve-time Moscow winners of the World Cup and joint favourites to make it six in Russia resident fi rmly Bthis year but the South Ameri- told regional leaders yesterday cans do not yet have the right not to turn World Cup arenas blend for success, three-time into fl ea markets once the foot- World Cup winner Pele said on Pball showpiece wraps up next month. Wednesday. Space around stadiums such as Mos- Brazil have lost once in 20 cow’s Luzhniki became bustling hubs games since coach Tite took over that sold everything from fruit to clothes almost two years ago but he has during Russia’s post-Soviet economic been forced to chop and change striker was capable of inspiring crisis in the 1990s. his side in recent friendlies due Brazil to the title in Russia. The money helped pay for the land — to injuries. “Neymar is to me one of the but also fed unregulated and crime-driv- “I have the utmost confi dence best players in the world,” Pele en trade. in Tite’s ability,” Pele told Reu- said. “Today he is more mature The authorities tore them down once ters. and he has more experience but growth picked up and Moscow acquired “My worry is about one thing; he isn’t going to win the World Western-style shopping centres. there are only a few days until Cup on his own. It’s teams that The one in Luzhniki only closed its the World Cup starts and we still win the World Cup. doors in 2011. don’t have the right team. Indi- “The greatest Brazil team of Putin told an annual televised phone- vidually all the players are very all-time was the one in 1970, in that the World Cup kicking off next good. But we’re not a team.” with Tostao, Rivellino, Gerson Thursday must leave a lasting sports Talismanic forward Neymar and Pele all wearing the number legacy in which the new arenas play an injured a foot and ankle in Feb- 10 shirts for their clubs. In the integral part. ruary and full back 1970 World Cup we spent more “I want to address colleagues from the dropped out the squad due to a than six months together. That’s regions — no matter what, you cannot knee injury. Renato Augusto and why it worked.” allow these venues to suddenly turn into Douglas Costa picked up strains Brazil have played only three some sort of markets like those in the mid that kept them out of Sunday’s friendlies this year and face one 1990s,” Putin said. 2-0 win over Croatia. fi nal warm-up match on Sunday “That is categorically inadmissible.” Neymar returned at halftime against Austria in Vienna. Russia has spent at least $4bn (3.4bn in that match to lead Brazil to They kick off their World Cup euros) either building or refurbishing 12 victory and Pele, the only player campaign against Switzerland on arenas in 11 host cities for the month- to have won the World Cup three June 17, before facing Costa Rica long celebration of the world’s most pop- times, said the Paris St Germain and Serbia in Group E. ular sport. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said in a statement issued by the world football governing body on Wednesday that Rus- sia was “100% ready” as hosts. “The whole world will see what a hos- pitable country Russia is, how well every- thing is organised,” said Infantino. In this September 9, 2017, picture, Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin as they inspect the But the World Cup’s entire budget adds Luzhniki Stadium, which will host matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, in Moscow. (Reuters) up to more than $13bn and FIFA is keen to see the investment pay dividends for played top fl ight football for years and to make sure that all this infrastructure the coming fi ve years. Russia that make other nations want to draw just a few thousand people on the works first and foremost for the devel- Putin’s plan for using as little of that stage future tournaments. best of days. opment of sport,” said Putin. money as possible included using the The question of what happens to the The head of Russia’s Premier League “And it has to be popular sport, chil- space inside the arenas for retail. huge arenas after the July 15 fi nal has been has also questioned why organisers de- dren’s sport. We have to create children’s “A modern stadium is not just a foot- hounding Russia since it won the hosting cided against fi tting the arenas with roofs and youth teams, leagues and organised ball pitch,” he said. rights over England in 2010. that make watching games more inviting competitions.” “You can put anything you want there. Host city Sochi did not even have a for fans in colder northern cities. Putin also stressed that the stadiums You can install stores, cafes, restaurants... football club until a second division side have to become “self-suffi cient”. and special gyms,” said Putin. Brazil’s striker Neymar (second from right) sits with teammates as was moved there this week. ‘CHILDREN’S SPORT’ Russia had earlier earmarked $190mn “Much will depend on regional lead- they listen to Brazil’s head coach Tite (centre) during a team training Others are home to teams that have not “We spent a lot of money and we need to help pay for the their operations over ers.” session in north-east London on Tuesday. (AFP)

Royal visit ANALYSIS Europe’s ‘big fi ve’ continue to fl ex fi nancial muscle

DPA League. London Bolstered by a three-year, 5.1bn pounds (6.9bn dollars) TV deal signed in 2015, Premier League top the list at uropean football continues to 5.3bn euros. fl ex its fi nancial muscle as the “The fi nancial results for the 2016- continent’s top fi ve leagues 17 season fully affi rmed the English posted record revenues for the Premier League’s position as the mar- 2016-17E season. ket leader as every one of the 20 clubs Analysis from professional service set their own personal annual revenue company Deloitte released yester- record,” Deloitte’s Dan Jones said. day showed clubs in the top divisions “It is a far cry from a decade ago when in England, Spain, Germany, Italy 60 per cent of the Premier League’s and France had combined revenues of clubs were making operating losses 14.7bn euros (17.3bn dollars), a 9 per- and the vast majority of any revenue cent increase over the previous year. increases were being paid out in wages, “The 2016/17 season saw a continu- prompting concerns over long-term fi - ation of the trend of polarisation within nancial sustainability.” the European football market, with the Spain’s La Liga (2.9bn euros) moved ‘big fi ve’ leagues and the UEFA Champi- into second above the German Bundes- ons League growing at a rate unmatched liga (2.8bn euros), which remains Eu- by other leagues,” Deloitte said in its 27th rope’s best-attended league with aver- Annual Review of Football Finance. age crowds of more than 44,000. Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (centre), President of the Football Association, shakes hands with England’s striker Harry Kane (left) as England’s The total revenue of 25.5bn euros for The Italian Serie A (2.1bn euros) and manager Gareth Southgate looks on at the England football training base near Leeds in England, yesterday. (AFP) all European clubs, a 4 percent increase France’s Ligue 1 (1.6bn euros) round of from 2016, was led by the Premier the top fi ve. Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS IMAGE Salah’s Iraqi lookalike dreams of glory Bend it like Einstein: at football matches. When AFP Baghdad Ali’s team played against the Lebanese club Al-Ahed, “peo- ple were taking photos with ith his black me for an hour and a half,” he beard, curly hair said. and football shirt, Last month Ali joined a Iraqi striker Hus- group of supporters in the city Science and the Wsein Ali is often mistaken for centre to watch Salah’s Liv- one of the world’s top players: erpool take on Real Madrid in ‘In other words, it is expected that a Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. the Champions League fi nal. In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, “When Mohamed Salah was set-piece situation such as a free kick or 20-year-old Ali is frequently injured, there were some who stopped in his working-class came to see me as if it was me corner kick, or an intermediate-range Hurriya neighbourhood by who was suff ering,” he said. people wanting a photograph “In my neighbourhood, World Cup strong shot, may be eff ective’ with their idol. over a number of days, people Although he is himself a who passed me would say ‘Get AFP striker, for the Al-Zawraa well soon’,” he remembered, Paris club, it is Ali’s likeness to Salah laughing. While such confu- which piques Iraqis’ interest. sion amuses him, Ali’s simi- “At the fi rst training ses- larity to Salah has prompted ootball fans won’t be sion, he introduced himself him to rethink his own life. alone when they sit glued as ‘Hussein Ali’. I replied, ‘No, to their TV sets for the no, you are Mohamed Salah,” ‘Imitate and copy’ 2018 World Cup. said Ali’s coach Adnan Passionate about football FScientists, too, will follow Mohamed. since his was little, Ali made it every move of the players and Back when Salah was play- onto the B team of Al-Zawraa, ball, probing all facets of the ing for AS Roma, Ali was Iraq’s most decorated club. beautiful game for insights into aware of the resemblance but One day he hopes to live the disciplines as divergent as aero- took the comments as “a joke”. same dream as Salah, who was dynamics, psychology and the But when the Egyptian shot thrust from his Nile Delta vil- human physique. to global fame in the Pre- lage into the heart of interna- mier League – becoming “the tional football. “We play in the On the ball number one footballer for all same position and I do every- With just about every World Arabs” according to Ali – his thing to imitate and copy his Cup, there seems to be grumbling Iraqi doppelganger started to movements,” said Ali, smiling about the ball, which has seriously work on his image. widely. designed for the four-yearly FIFA Since then, he has started The Iraqi player is also keen tournament since 1970. Already, wearing the red shirt of Salah’s to follow Salah’s example off this year’s off ering, Telstar 18, club Liverpool. the pitch, which in the past has been criticised by some goal- “It’s the real shirt, bought has led English fans to adopt keepers for being too fl ighty and from an offi cial supplier,” he an “I’ll be Muslim too” chant hard to grip. But scientists say said proudly from his small praising the footballer. the new sphere is actually quite house, where the shutters are “He reads the Qur’an and stable – certainly more so than closed against the Baghdad he asks God to help him be- Jabulani, the much-denigrated heat during the long hours of fore his matches. I also read offi cial ball for the 2010 World electricity cuts. the Qur’an and pray, like Abu Cup in South Africa. Makka,” said Ali, using a nick- The Telstar 18 is a nostalgic Centre of attention name for the Liverpool striker nod to Adidas’ fi rst-ever World Ali said he paid $40 for the who named his daughter af- Cup ball, the Telstar, used in shirt, which he takes carefully ter the Muslim holy city of Mexico for the 1970 World Cup. from its hanger, while working Makkah. That was the fi rst black-and every day to support his large After Salah’s injury fans white sphere made for a World family and without a wage globally were on tenterhooks Cup – designed for better vis- from playing football. to fi nd out if their hero would ibility on monochrome TV Lately, the “Mohamed Salah be going to the World Cup screens – and sported the mix of of Iraq” can’t leave his house which kicks off on June 14. pentagonal and hexagonal pan- without being stopped for He has now been included els that has become synonymous photographs or approached by in The Pharaohs squad and with soccer balls. The latest of- football fans who mistake him Egyptians will be hoping he fering is white, black and grey, In this file photo taken on May 9, 2018 an ‘ 18’ football of German sporting goods firm Adidas, the off icial ball for the 2018 FIFA for the Egyptian star. can continue his record goal- with gold lettering. Football World Cup, is pictured on the sidelines of the company’s annual general meeting in Fuerth, southern Germany. (AFP) “The day before yesterday scoring streak in Russia. Eric Goff , a physics professor I was in a mall; the security For Ali, his hopes will rest in at the University of Lynchburg in sity of Tsukuba’s sports science and goalkeepers benefi t from – play in red. But this does not “elastico” dribble that makes a guards, the shop workers and one day coming face-to-face Virginia, was part of a team that faculty in Japan, said kicking being decked out in ruby regalia. explain the phenomenon that defender believe the ball is com- the clients, everyone wanted with his hero: “My life’s dream analysed the ball using wind- robot tests revealed the Telstar The studies suggest that play- is Brazil – holder of the most ing right at them only for it to to take a photo with me... even is to meet Mohamed Salah... tunnel experiments and surface 18 has “a very stable trajectory ers in red jerseys are viewed as World Cup titles with its iconic be pulled back... these are tricks the girls!” said Ali. Perhaps he will invite me to measurements. Compared to the compared to the previous balls”. more dominant and skilled – yellow jersey. And the defend- designed not only to entertain He attracts similar attention the World Cup in Russia?” Brazuca, its predecessor used in “In other words, it is expected both by themselves and by oppo- ing champions, Germany, wear the hoards. Brazil in 2014, the Telstar 18 ex- that a set-piece situation such as nents who may be more anxious white. One study found that “High creativity” is, in fact, a periences more “drag” or resist- a free kick or corner kick, or an and perform less well as a result. white kits are the most visible on good predictor for victory, said ance as it fl ies through the air, intermediate-range strong shot, One theory, Greenlees told AFP, a green football fi eld, and could a study in the Journal of Sports the researchers found. may be eff ective,” he told AFP. is that humans have evolved to “increase the amount of com- Sciences in April. Researchers This means it will travel short- “I don’t think there will be as associate red with danger, being pleted successful passes”. analysed all 311 goals scored dur- er distances – about eight to ten many irregular moves” as with the colour of blood, or with ag- Green, however, could boost a ing open play in 153 matches in percent less than Brazuca – when Jabulani, added Hong. “I don’t gression – think of a face red- team’s defence, being harder for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups kicked at high impact speeds think there will be any disadvan- dened in anger. opponents to see against a green and the 2016 UEFA Euro. of more than 90 kilometres (56 tage to the goalkeeper.” “An alternative explanation is background. Greenlees points They looked specifi cally at miles) per hour, Goff told AFP. Compared to Jabulani, the that we have simply learnt from out that the overall impact of any the eight actions before each “That could be bad for strikers Telstar 18 should display much a very young age that red is as- colour would be small. goal, and rated them from zero who kick from a great distance less of the “knuckleball” eff ect sociated with danger (warning “A good team wearing white/ to 10 for creativity, described as and must therefore kick the ball that makes balls launched with signs are red) and failure (teach- blue/green should still outper- a combination of “surprising, very hard,” he explained. But po- no surface spin start zig-zagging ers may mark with a red pen),” he form an average team wearing original and fl exible” ball use. tentially good news for goalies, wildly in fl ight. said. And then there is the hy- red,” he said. But if teams are High creativity in the last two as it means balls kicked at high pothesis that red is more visible equally matched in other de- actions before the shot on goal speed “will reach the goal a little Seeing red and draws an opponent’s atten- partments, jersey shade may just “proved to be the best predictor slower than Brazuca did in 2014.” A winning formula requires tion, breaking their focus. tip the scales. for game success,” they found. Like Brazuca, Telstar 18 has not only the best players, coach- There is certainly anecdotal The study found that highly six panels, compared to Jabu- es, and a good combination of evidence for scarlet success. Surprise! creative moves were rare during lani’s eight – far fewer than the skill and luck. A team’s kit, re- The English football team, Pele had it. Messi has it. So matches – fewer than one in 10. traditional 32-panel recipe long search has shown, can give it an which traditionally plays home does Ronaldo and Neymar. But almost half of goals scored followed. But Telstar 18’s panels edge. games in white, won its only The fl amboyance, that ele- included one or more highly cre- are shaped diff erently, and the Particularly if it’s red. World Cup title in its red “away” ment of skilful surprise that can ative actions.“Tactical creativity seam that holds them together Iain Greenlees, a sports psy- kit at Wembley Stadium in 1966 change a match from one second seems to be a crucial factor for is 30 percent longer in total than chologist with the University of against white-shirted West Ger- to the next and fi res up the fans. team success,” said the research- Brazuca’s, though also narrower Chichester in England, has co- many. Some of the country’s top The over-the-head bicy- ers, meaning it was important in A fan takes a selfie with Iraqi footballer Hussein Ali, who plays for and more shallow. authored research papers con- football clubs – Liverpool and cle kick made famous by Pele, selecting players, and should be the Iraqi Al-Zawraa FC and is a lookalike of Liverpool’s Egyptian Sungchan Hong of the Univer- cluding that both penalty takers Manchester United for example no-look or dummy passes, the “increased via training”. forward Mohamed Salah, in Baghdad. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT What sort of welcome will visitors get in Russia? AFP The fi gure of one million tels have been built in host cit- Evain, head of Football Support- Language barrier “The rainbow fl ag will be al- Moscow seems to have been reached ies,” Sorokin said in May, adding ers Europe (FSE), an umbrella and human rights lowed in stadiums for example. by a surprisingly unscientifi c that “14 hospitals have been re- organisation of supporters in 40 The question of how foreign Is it solving all the issues of Rus- manner. FIFA has deducted the equipped for the tournament.” countries. visitors will be received in Russia sia with gay people? No, but it is orld Cup organisers number of tickets sold to Rus- “Nothing is superfl uous,” he remains to be seen. a step,” Infantino told AFP. say the competition sians, 872,578, from the two said. “We needed them.” Accommodation concerns “A lot has been done to train Schenk, from Transparency will draw more than million it says have been sold in “This fulfi ls a regional plan- This could be a concern be- volunteers and the security forc- International, said: “There will one million fans to total. ning objective which is in eff ect cause some owners of apart- es to avoid racism,” said Sylvia also be a ‘House of Pride’ in WRussia, creating challenges that The biggest demand, outside catching up on the lack of in- ments in host cities have sharply Schenk, of Transparency Inter- Moscow run by Russia NGOs range from the logistical to the the host nation, has come from vestment over the last 20 years,” increased their prices. national who also sits on a FIFA and FIFA, and the authorities cultural for the hosts and their the United States, whose team said Jean-Baptiste Guegan, one Some owners have cancelled committee on human rights. have confi rmed that no-one will guests. failed to qualify, with 86,710 of the authors of a book investi- bookings, and are now demand- But in a country where black be prosecuted.” sold. Then comes Brazil (71,787), gating Russian football. ing higher prices than they orig- footballers are still occasion- In terms of the training of One million expected Colombia (64,231) and Germany He added that the goal was inally advertised. ally subjected to monkey chants, volunteers, “many have not There won’t be an “Oranje” (60,457). The English are not also to present a “radiant and at- Many fans complained of there is an obvious risk of racist been given any training in Eng- army in Russia, because the even in the top ten. tractive” image and give visitors similar tactics in the Ukrainian incidents. lish”, Evain from the Football Dutch failed to qualify, but there Russia’s objective, organising the best possible experience so capital Kiev in May when Liver- A 2013 law in Russia makes Supporters Europe (FSE) group will still be the clapping Iceland- committee chief Alexei Sorokin they would go home and recom- able to get between the host cit- pool played Real Madrid in the homosexual “propaganda” a said. ers, the chanting English and the said, is to show fans “an unfor- mend Russia as a tourist desti- ies on trains, although in real- Champions League fi nal. criminal off ence if it is distrib- “It won’t necessarily be a distinctive personalities of the gettable, colourful Russia.” nation. ity the vast majority who benefi t Evain said: “In Moscow, uted to young people. FIFA has problem unless there is a prob- supporters of the other 29 visit- will be Russian nationals. So- things are starting to balance out succeeded in negotiating with lem like an illness or a specifi c ing countries. $13 billion in infrastructure Free transport and Fan ID rokin said 700 additional trains because there is an enormous Russian authorities so that the request from an elderly sup- The diff ering languages, Russia has spent a whopping FIFA president Gianni Infan- would be laid on. choice of accommodation, but rainbow fl ag, the symbol of les- porter, for example, bearing in songs, fl ags and fan cultures $13 billion (11 billion euros) on tino told AFP this week that “I “It’s a good system but what in cities which are not as used bian, gay, bisexual and trans- mind that security measures of the world will energise the infrastructure. have never seen a country that they are off ering is insuffi cient to having tourist visitors, like gender pride, can be displayed mean spectators might have to streets of Russia’s host cities un- “The airports in six cities has done so much to welcome and the vast majority of trains Saransk and Nizhny Novgorod, in stadiums during the tourna- walk several kilometres to the til the middle of July. have new terminals, 21 new ho- the fans”. They will certainly be are already reserved,” said Ronan prices are shooting up.” ment. stadium.” Gulf Times Friday, June 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Durant’s heroics power Warriors to brink of crown Cavaliers face an uphill task as no team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series

AFP Cleveland

efending champion Golden State, powered by 43 points from Kevin Durant, moved to Dthe brink of a third NBA title in four seasons yesterday by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-102. The Warriors seized a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals and by winning game four today would complete the fi rst championship series sweep since Cleveland was blanked by San Antonio in 2007. “I don’t want to downplay anything but I don’t want to act like this is the end of the road,” Durant said. “We did some things that we need to correct if we want to win the next game. I’ve just got stay locked in.” No team has ever recovered from a 3-0 defi cit to win an NBA playoff series, but the Cavaliers made the top come- back in NBA Finals history in 2016 from 3-1 down to swipe a title from Golden State. “It’s a tough loss,” said Cavaliers star LeBron James. “We had our chanc- es. But we have another opportunity on Friday to extend the series but we’ve got to come out and play 48 minutes.” Durant added 12 rebounds and seven assists to his top playoff scoring total, but it was not until his 3-pointer with 49 seconds remaining to give the War- riors a 106-100 lead that Cleveland’s fate was sealed. “That was amazing what he did out there,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Some of those shots, I don’t think anybody in the world but him could have made those shots. He was incredible.” Durant’s last basket was eerily like a 3-pointer he made late in game three last year against the Cavs that clinched a Golden State victory. “He’s defi nitely an assassin and that was one of those assassin plays right there,” James said. “It was like deja vu seeing that shot again,” Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said. It was another dagger in the ti- tle hopes of James, who had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists while Kevin Love added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers. “It was a big shot,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. Kevin Durant (right) of the Golden State Warriors attempts a jumper over Jeff Green of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday night. (AFP) “He was four or fi ve feet behind the (3-point) line and he raised up and But the Warriors improved to 10-2 bound early in the second quarter and half-time after trailing by as many as 13 saw it grow to a team-best 69-64. The Curry had 11 points while McGee, made a big shot for them. So, you know, against the Cavaliers since Durant limped on his right ankle, but the four- points. “Kevin was the story in the fi rst Cavaliers battled into the fi nal seconds Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and kind of like he did last year.” joined Golden State before last season. time NBA Most Valuable Player kept half just keeping us in the game,” Kerr but Stephen Curry, who missed 13 of his Jordan Ball all had 10. Warriors forward The Cavaliers had been 8-1 at home “His overall game was ridiculous — the the Cavaliers in contention to the end. said. “And then he was the story in the fi rst 14 shots, connected on a layup and Andre Iguodala, the 2015 NBA Finals in the playoff s with eight wins in a row passing, the rebounding, the scoring,” “I twisted it pretty good,” James said. second half as well, closing it out.” 3-pointer back-to-back to give Golden MVP, returned to Golden State’s lineup since losing their fi rst-round opener to Kerr said. “It wasn’t just the number “But I’ll be in the lineup on Friday.” JaVale McGee scored six points and State the lead for good. “As usual he hit after being sidelined by a left leg bone Indiana. “We feel like we’ve been right of points. It seemed like every time we Durant scored nine points in a 15-8 Durant added fi ve in a 15-3 Golden a big one,” Kerr said. “He always fi nds bruise. He suff ered a bruised right leg in there,” Love said. “We just have to come needed a bucket he got it for us.” run to close the second quarter that State run early in the third quarter that a way to make big plays even on his the second quarter but returned in the out Friday and not give in.” James landed badly going for a re- pulled Golden State within 58-52 at produced the Warriors’ fi rst lead and toughest nights.” fourth quarter.

BASEBALL Cubs’ Heyward hits walk-off slam in win over Phillies Reuters pitched around a double by Ken- Mets fell to 0-6 on a nine-game Gallo and Ronald Guzman also Chicago drys Morales — Toronto’s fourth homestand that concludes this went deep for the Rangers, who hit of the game — in the bottom weekend against the New York homered nine times in sweeping of the 13th to notch his 15th save Yankees. The Mets have scored the two-game series from the A’s. ason Heyward hit a game- of the season. just seven runs in the six games Texas’ fi rst 13 runs of the series winning grand slam with and only two runs in the last four. scored exclusively on homers be- two outs and two strikes ANGELS 4, ROYALS 3 fore Profar knocked in two with in the bottom of the ninth Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton RED SOX 7, TIGERS 1 a single in the seventh inning. inning,J lifting the Chicago Cubs hit home runs, and Los Angeles Eduardo Rodriguez pitched 5 Bartolo Colon (3-3) made his way to a 7-5 win over the Philadel- survived the early departure of 2/3 innings of one-run ball, An- through fi ve innings to pick up his phia Phillies on Wednesday night starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani in drew Benintendi and Christian 243rd career win, permitting two at Wrigley Field. Teammates a win over Kansas City at Ana- Vazquez each knocked solo home runs on six hits. Colon earned his mobbed Heyward near home heim, California. Ohtani gave up runs, and host Boston beat De- 243rd career win, tying him with plate after the towering, walk- one run on four hits and three troit for its four straight victory. Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for off blast, which marked his third walks while making 63 pitches in Rodriguez (7-1) gave up fi ve hits, the most by a Dominican pitcher. career grand slam. He drilled a four innings before leaving due to walked one and struck out fi ve. high fastball into the right fi eld a blister on his right middle fi n- Benintendi, Vazquez and Xan- ASTROS 7, MARINERS 5 bleachers to even the series at one ger. He was also forced out of an der Bogaerts (3-for-4) all fi n- Yuli Gurriel extended his hitting game apiece. Anthony Rizzo also April 17 start because of a blister ished with a pair of RBIs as the streak to 12 games with a two-run homered for Chicago. on the same fi nger. Kinsler’s two- Red Sox improved their record single that capped a turnaround The Cubs trailed by two runs run homer in the sixth inning to a major-league-leading 43- four-run seventh inning as host before loading the bases in the broke a 1-1 tie, and Upton added 19. Jose Iglesias hit an RBI single Houston rallied to a victory over ninth to set up Heyward’s hero- a solo shot in the seventh. for the Tigers, who have dropped Seattle. The Astros capped their ics. The blast spoiled a milestone four of fi ve. Detroit starter Blaine six-game homestand 3-3 and night for Phillies rookie Dylan GIANTS 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4 Hardy (2-1) allowed fi ve runs on a 13-game stretch against stiff Cozens, who hit his fi rst career Brandon Crawford followed An- eight hits with no walks and two competition with a 6-7 mark. homer, a tiebreaking, two-run drew McCutchen’s two-out dou- strikeouts in six innings. The Mariners had their fi ve- shot in the top of the ninth to give ble with a walk-off single in the game winning streak snapped the Phillies a 5-3 lead. The homer 10th inning, capping a rally that PIRATES 11, DODGERS 9 despite rallying to the lead in the came in the sixth career at-bat gave host San Francisco a vic- Josh Harrison was 2-for-3 with top of the seventh against Hou- for the 24-year-old. tory over Arizona. Pinch hitter three RBIs, and Corey Dickerson ston starter Lance McCullers. Alen Hanson’s two-out, two-run was 3-for-4 with four runs as Evan Gattis hit a two-run homer YANKEES 3, BLUE JAYS 0 homer in the bottom of the ninth Pittsburgh halted a three-game for Houston. Seattle got homers Aaron Judge hit a two-run home off Diamondbacks closer Brad Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward celebrates after scoring a game-winning grand slam home losing streak in a slugfest over from Nelson Cruz, Denard Span run in the 13th inning, and Gian- Boxberger tied the game at 4-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) visiting Los Angeles. Pittsburgh, and Kyle Seager. carlo Stanton added a solo blast and prompted extra innings. which had been shut out in two to give New York a victory at McCutchen’s double, his sec- nings and drove in two runs as produce most of the Nationals’ ORIOLES 1, METS 0 games in a row, had 10 hits and MARLINS 11, CARDINALS 3 Toronto and a sweep of the two- ond of the game, came after An- host Washington jumped out to a off ense. The Rays tried to go with Dylan Bundy tossed seven score- drew 10 walks. Matt Kemp went Derek Dietrich drove in three game series. Judge’s 17th homer drew Chafi n (0-2) retired the fi rst big early lead in a rout of Tampa their bullpen starter experiment less innings as Baltimore beat 3-for-5 with fi ve RBIs, includ- runs and Lewis Brinson homered of the season came against Joe two batters he faced in the last of Bay. Roark allowed two runs on again as Jonny Venters (1-1) got reeling host New York to sweep a ing a three-run homer, to pace twice as Miami rolled to a win at Biagini (0-5), who had allowed a the 10th. With fi rst base open, six hits with four strikeouts and a his fi rst major league start after two-game series. Manny Mach- the Dodgers, who had their four- St. Louis. Dietrich went 4-for-5, one-out single to Brett Gardner. Crawford worked a full count walk in six innings. being a career reliever. ado’s sacrifi ce fl y in the top of the game winning streak broken. including a two-run homer, as Stanton hit his 13th homer of before coming through with his He hit a two-run single in the Venters lasted six batters and eighth put Bundy in line for the part of Miami’s season-high, 17- the season with two outs. David game-winner to right fi eld. fi rst inning to combine with An- gave up fi ve runs on three hits win and gave the Orioles, who RANGERS 8, A’S 2 hit attack. Starlin Castro went Robertson (4-2) pitched a per- thony Rendon (4-for-5, four before Ryan Yarbrough took over. have the worst record in baseball, Jurickson Profar homered twice 4-for-6 with three doubles, and fect 12th with two strikeouts to NATIONALS 11, RAYS 2 runs, three RBIs) and Michael A. Tampa Bay’s losing streak stands consecutive victories for just and knocked in fi ve runs as Texas JT Realmuto went 3-for-4 with a earn the win. Aroldis Chapman Tanner Roark threw six solid in- Taylor (3-for-5, three RBIs) to at six games. the fourth time this season. The routed visiting Oakland. Joey triple and two doubles. Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 8, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY BOXING Golovkin stripped of Astonishing rise of fi rst middleweight IBF title

Reuters London black Springbok captain he International Box- ing Federation (IBF) has stripped Gennady Golovkin of his mid- Since the age of eight, Kolisi had a firm Tdleweight title after he failed to set up a mandatory defence understanding of the game thanks to against Ukrainian Sergiy Der- evyanchenko. Golovkin was his father Fezakele, who played centre scheduled for a rematch against his WBC mandatory challenger for the local team Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on May 5 but the Mexican withdrew from AFP middle of the year to participate in pro- the fi ght after being suspended Johannesburg vincial trials. “I’ll never forget those tri- by the Nevada State Athletic als because I was playing in silk boxers Commission in April. because I didn’t have shorts.” Golovkin, who had held the outh Africa’s fi rst black Test At the age of 12, he made the B team IBF title since October 2015, de- rugby captain, Siyamthanda and was spotted by Andrew Hayidakis, fended his WBA, WBC and IBO ‘Siya’ Kolisi, had a tough child- who enticed him with a full rugby belts against Vanes Martirosyan hood much like the millions of scholarship to attend Grey High School. instead in a fi ght that was not poorS black children in the coastal East- “Coming from the township, not hav- sanctioned by the IBF. ern Cape province. And his astonish- ing a lot and coming to Grey, your The IBF’s mandatory chal- ing rise to the top will inspire millions dreams start becoming much bigger lenger bout was next in the rota- of young aspiring players for years to because you have everything you need tion and the organisation ruled come, rugby analysts say. to be whatever you want to be. I started in a meeting on May 22 that Born to teenage parents, Siya was the dreaming big,” recalled Kolisi. Golovkin had until June 6 to eldest of three children. He was raised He later went on to play for the school agree fi ght terms with Derevy- in Zwide township near Port Elizabeth fi rst team, then rose to represent re- anchenko. by a grandmother who took odd jobs as gional teams like the Eastern Province “After a lengthy review and a domestic worker wherever she could Kings. In 2012 he made his debut for period of deliberation, the Inter- to provide for the family. Cape Town-based Super Rugby side national Boxing Federation has “My mom was too young to raise Western Stormers and was named cap- vacated the IBF Middleweight me,” loose forward Kolisi said ahead of tain last year. title held by Gennady Golovkin,” his debut as captain tomorrow against The 26-year-old has worked hard to the IBF said in a statement on England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. bring his big dreams to life, both on and Wednesday. “I grew up in a very diffi cult (environ- off the fi eld. He married the love of his “The IBF had to enforce ment) — not the worst but it was diffi - life Rachel Smith in 2016. In the four the penalty under Rule 5H for cult for me going to school and every- years leading up to tying the knot, the Golovkin having participated in thing.” couple adopted his two half-siblings an unsanctioned contest within The cruel, jarring conditions of the and had a child of their own. his weight class and declare the township meant it was diffi cult for the However, the mixed-race couple have IBF Middleweight title vacant. little boy to even dream of making it had to deal with racial slurs and insults “The IBF will identify the two as a provincial rugby player, let alone from the public on both sides of the di- leading available contenders and captaining the Springboks, a team tra- vide in a country with a troubled racial order them to negotiate to fi ght ditionally dominated by white players. past. One critic on social media referred for the vacant title.” “When you are in the township, you just to Rachel as “a waste of good genes” be- don’t dream like that.” cause she married a black. Although fi nancially poor, the house- While South Africa has been a demo- hold’s love of rugby was abundant. cratic, multi-racial society since 1994, Since the age of eight, Kolisi had a fi rm racial tensions have spilt into the post- understanding of the game thanks to his apartheid era and remain strong. But no father Fezakele, who played centre for one was more thrilled when Siya was the local team. Kolisi played rugby for named captain than his wife. “When his school with great passion, despite I told my wife she put the phone down poor equipment and infrastructure. on me. But she called me back and asked “I see something in you.” Those were me to repeat what I was saying,” Kolisi the words of veteran coach Eric Song- said. “Obviously, it was before it was wiqi that catapulted Kolisi’s career. announced, but she was so happy that The coach recalls the moment vividly. she wanted to tell people.” Songwiqi’s school had just thrashed South African editor Pieter du Toit Kolisi’s team 50-0, but the coach spot- wrote: “He (Siya) will also represent ted the fi re and raw talent of Siya and generations of men who were denied approached him. “That, for me, was the the opportunity to don the old green biggest moment in my life.” jersey.” Kolisi will bring a sense of heal- Kolisi grabbed the opportunity with ing to a sport and nation scarred by ra- South Africa’s first black Test rugby captain, Siyamthanda ‘Siya’ Kolisi, had a tough childhood much like the millions of poor both hands and left his school in the cial inequality and social injustices. black children in the coastal Eastern Cape province. And his astonishing rise to the top will inspire youngsters. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Wallabies bulk up for Six From fat to fi t on road to the All Nations champs Ireland Blacks for prop Tu’inukuafe

AFP AFP when asked how it felt to be propelled into “It was one of those seasons for the Chiefs Brisbane, Australia Auckland the All Blacks spotlight. If it were not for the where they’ve had a humongous amount of All Blacks he would most likely be at his se- injuries, particularly at loosehead prop, and curity job this weekend. they had to go deep into the well. When I oach Michael Cheika has our years on from being told he was “It was mostly a desk job but I’d get on the say I hadn’t heard of him, I mean he wasn’t shown his hand by pick- a prime candidate for a heart at- doors at night sometimes to get some extra someone who was sitting on top of our ra- ing a forwards-domi- tack, former nightclub bouncer Karl money in for working at clubs and stuff ,” dar. Obviously we knew he had played rugby nated Wallabies squad Tu’inukuafe is 40 kilos lighter and he said when explaining his previous life. before and we knew a little bit about him but toC take on Six Nations champi- onF the verge of making his All Blacks debut. “From my heaviest before coming back to he’s not someone you’d say, ‘Hey let’s keep ons Ireland in the fi rst of three The giant loosehead prop still has to pinch rugby, probably (I’ve lost) about 30, maybe an eye on this guy because he’s going to be Tests in Brisbane tomorrow. Australia Coach himself to make sure his whirlwind rise to 40 kilos. It was 2014. The doc was telling the future’,” he added Cheika, who coached Leinster to Michael Cheika. the top is not a dream, while even All Blacks me to lose weight. I was complaining about Hansen added his progress was fastracked their fi rst-ever European Cup in coach Steve Hansen was asking “Karl who?”. a bit of pain in my legs and stuff and he was by others’ injuries but said Tu’inukuafe had 2009, knows well the challenges There was a season in France with Nar- explaining about all the bad health deci- seized the opportunity. “He’s raw, as you’d of playing the Irish — currently bonne and a some domestic rugby in New sions, like eating and stuff was just leading expect with the history he’s got, but he’s a ranked second in the world and Sexton, who looms as the dan- really competitive,” Murray said. Zealand before a string of injuries to the to a heart attack. So when he told me to lose good scrummager.” unbeaten in their last 12 interna- ger man for the Wallabies in this “It’s a challenge to come here Waikato Chiefs saw him promoted to Super weight the easiest way was to play rugby Tu’inukuafe said that being an All Black tionals. series having recently steered against one of the big-dog teams Rugby as a fi ll-in prop three months ago. A with my brothers and my family.” gave him a chance to repay New Zealand The Wallabies mentor has gone Leinster to a record-equalling and put down a marker and to get further injury to All Black prop Tim Perry Hansen said Tu’inukuafe’s story was for the opportunities given to his parents. with a physical approach to tame fourth European Champions a result down here is something and the 25-year-old giant was rushed into proof that a player did not have to be noticed “I was born here but my parents were born them, backed up by the attacking Cup, was named among the re- everyone in our group wants to the Test squad with a seat on the bench for young and be put through an academy to in Tonga, (and) grandparents born in Tonga, potency of Will Genia, Bernard serves for tomorrow’s Test. do. It’s a really competitive envi- the fi rst Test against France in Auckland to- make it to the All Blacks. “I’d never heard of but this country gave them opportunities Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel “They heavily rely on his kick- ronment and I think we’re really morrow. him before he got to the Chiefs and I don’t for a better life and to play for this jersey, it Folau. He has called up Queens- ing game,” Wallabies playmaker good at that, just moving on and “You have to do the job fi rst and I’ll think think the Chiefs had until they had to go and is a huge privilege and honour to do that for land Reds duo, hooker Brandon Kurtley Beale told reporters. looking at the next target, our about it later,” Tu’inukuafe said yesterday fi nd him,” Hansen said. what they did for my family.” Paenga-Amosa and No.8 Caleb “He’s their main creator in the next challenge.” Timu, to make their interna- team. Whenever they do have tional debuts and has gone with ball in hand, a lot of the time he TEAMS (15-1) a six-two forwards-backs bench, is their go-to guy to release pres- Australia — Israel Folau; Marika Ko- If it were not for the All Blacks, Karl featuring another potential deb- sure by putting balls in the cor- roibete, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Tu’inukuafe would most likely be at utant in backrower Pete Samu. ner. That’s something we’re very Dane Haylett-Petty; Bernard Foley, his security job this weekend. The Irish, who haven’t won aware of but he certainly plays a Will Genia; Caleb Timu, Michael a Test in Australia since 1979, dominant role with the way they Hooper (capt), David Pocock; Adam are an attritional combination, play with ball in hand and cer- Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope playing patient buildup rugby tainly the way they exit their own Kepu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and probing for weaknesses with half.” Scott Sio. their pinpoint kicking game. The Munster-bound Joey Carbery, Reserves: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Wallabies might have their best who has only started in two of Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, chance of an upset in the open- his previous 10 caps — against Lukhan Tui, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, ing game of the series with Ire- the United States and Fiji — got Reece Hodge. land starting without six players the nod ahead of Sexton for the Ireland — Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, from the Grand Slam side that fi rst Test alongside Conor Mur- , Bundee Aki, downed England at Twicken- ray. Murray is determined that Jacob Stockdale; Joey Carbery, ham in March. Irish coach Joe Ireland build on their Six Nations Conor Murray; CJ Stander, Jordi Schmidt left out Johnny Sexton, win earlier this year. Murphy, Peter O’Mahony (capt); Iain , Dan Leavy, Cian “This group, the success that Henderson, James Ryan; John Ryan, Healy and from we had the last time we were to- Rob Herring, Jack McGrath. his starting side along with in- gether was fantastic, we’ve all Reserves: Sean Cronin, , jured captain Rory Best following been aiming for that for quite a Tadhg Furlong, Quinn Roux, Jack Leinster’s successful European while but we all want to fi nish Conan, Kieran Marmion, Johnny and Pro 14 campaigns. this season on a high and we’re all Sexton, . Gulf Times Friday, June 8, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 BOXING Parker looking forward to ‘war’ Hamilton returns to with Whyte

AFP London

ew Zealand’s former world heavyweight cham- happy hunting ground pion Joseph Parker says he is willing to wage war with next opponent Englishman Dillian ‘We can see that we are in a stronger position in both championships than we were 12 months ago, but Whyte and the hope it earns the winner a world Ntitle bout. Parker, who lost his WBO belt to Britain’s we know the battle is more fierce with ourselves, Ferrari and Red Bull in contention every weekend’ world champion Anthony Joshua in their bout in Cardiff in March, has accepted a tough clash with Whyte in Lon- AFP don on July 28. Montreal However, the 26-year-old Kiwi has no regrets about accepting the challenge against the 30-year-old Jamai- ca-born pugilist, who like Parker has lost to Joshua but ewis Hamilton returns pre the latter becoming world champion. “The last time to his happiest stomping I was here it was a great experience fi ghting in Cardiff ,” ground this weekend when said Parker at a press conference in London announcing he seeks to extend his world the fi ght yesterday. “We didn’t get the result but I feel it’s Lchampionship lead with a record- a great time to come back. equalling seventh triumph at the “Credit to Dillian and myself for putting our hands Canadian Grand Prix. up to fi ght each other. I’m looking forward to going back The defending four-time cham- to training, and burning off the pies I’ve eaten in New pion, who leads nearest rival and Zealand. “He looked tremendous in his last fi ght (when fellow four-time champion Se- stopping Lucas Browne); he said he wants a war, let’s bastian Vettel by 14 points after six make it happen.” races, claimed his maiden Formula Whyte, who has overcome a violent and troubled ado- One win at the Circuit Gilles Ville- lescence becoming a father aged just 13 and has admitted neuve in 2007. but for boxing he would either be dead or in prison, be- Since then Hamilton has added lieves Parker missed an opportunity against Joshua and fi ve more wins including a hat- he will not be getting a second chance. trick of Mercedes triumphs “He had his big moment, and he didn’t do enough,” in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to move said Whyte, who is the number one challenger to Deon- within reach of becoming the fi rst tay Wilder’s WBC belt. “I’m here to fi ght, I want to fi ght, man to secure four straight pole give the fans big fi ghts, this is a great fi ght, Joseph Parker positions – he converted pole in will be hungry, motivated.” each of those years - and four Whyte, who is on a run of seven successive victories consecutive wins. with his last bout an eye-catching sixth round knockout Hamilton’s pole success last of Australia’s former WBA titleholder Lucas Browne in year enabled him to equal three- March, taunted Parker over what he claims is a reluc- time champion Ayrton Senna’s tance to go toe to toe once in the ring. record of 65 pole positions, a feat “I just hope he leaves his running shoes at home on that saw him presented by the July 28 and comes to fi ght,” said Whyte. Senna family with a helmet worn “Massive respect to him, he could have had a couple by the great Brazilian. of easy fi ghts but he wants a challenge. It’s a big mistake That display of emotion con- but I’m sure he thinks diff erently. It’s the biggest (heavy- fi rmed Hamilton’s unchallenged weight) fi ght outside the champions.” supremacy in Montreal, but he faces a much more diffi cult chal- lenge from rivals this weekend as the leading teams take their sched- uled revised second engines of the season. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said: “We expect a number of teams to take their second power units, including all the Mercedes Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker (right) pose after the cars. We are pushing for more per- press conference in London yesterday. (Reuters) formance as soon as possible. “We can see that we are in a stronger position in both champi- Woods to stay on yacht during US Open onships than we were 12 months ago, but we know the battle is more fi erce Tiger Woods is planning to stay on board his $20 with ourselves, Ferrari and Red Bull Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix in Montreal, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP) million super-yacht during next week’s US Open at in contention every weekend.” Shinnecock Hills, it was reported on Tuesday. The New Like Mercedes, both Red Bull this year. America where he has additionally Hamilton will know he and ando Alonso, who is entered for his York Post’s Page Six celebrity news site said Woods had and Ferrari are expected to use new “We need to make sure we get won the United States Grand Prix Ferrari remain a serious threat in 300th Grand Prix and, potentially, decided to spend the week of the tournament on his engines, but Red Bull technical the most from all the tyre com- four times, arrived in Montreal on what is expected to be a far more his 298th start. 155-foot yacht named “Privacy”. boss Adrian Newey downplayed pounds, including the ‘hyper-soft’, Tuesday night after visiting Cali- entertaining aff air than the dull He will join Brazilian Rubens Woods’ yacht is docked at the exclusive Montauk Yacht expectations, notably because if we want to come out on top.” fornia, reportedly to check on his procession in Monte Carlo, even if Barrichello, Briton Jenson Button, Club, about an hour away from Shinnecock in South- Monaco victor Daniel Ricciardo The team’s struggles with the dogs Roscoe and Coco, and New Kimi Raikkonen faces a potential the 2009 champion, and ampton. The former world number one’s boat off ers faces grid penalties for other tech- ‘hyper-soft’ tyre in Monte Carlo York. distraction after a Canadian wait- seven-time champion Michael 6,500 square feet of living space, including a master nical power-unit changes. undermined them in qualifying, Vettel, winless in four races, fi n- ress fi led a lawsuit against him for Schumacher in the exclusive ‘300’ suite and six other bedrooms. The vessel also includes Newey suggested that Renault but their strategic approach ena- ished second for Ferrari in Monaco. touching her inappropriately in club. a gym, movie theatre, full bar, eight-person hot tub would gain only around one-tenth bled Hamilton to fi nish third and He has won before in Montreal, in 2016. “It is going to be challenging,” and a scuba decompression chamber. Woods, 42, will of a second per lap on a power- extend his record run of points- 2013 with Red Bull, and was The Finn, 38, has denied the said the McLaren man. be chasing his fourth US Open title at Shinnecock Hills hungry track that suits Mercedes, scoring races to 31. unlucky that a tactical error un- claims and fi led a counterclaim. “It’s a tough circuit with long next week as he continues his comeback after nearly but Wolff warned “past perform- The 33-year-old Briton, who did Ferrari’s strategy with him in It will be a memorable weekend straights and our lack of speed may two years out injured. ances are no guarantee of success loves spending time in North 2016. also for two-time champion Fern- be a penalty for us.”

CYCLING Saleem, Asif shine for their Alaphilippe pips Martin teams in Ramadan Cup By Sports Reporter (27), Talha (17) and Khalid (14) Doha were the main scorers. Shihab and Sherin accounted for two at Criterium summit scalps apiece. AFP aleem unleashed a Selex needed 12.4 overs to Lans-en-Vercors, France fl urry of thrilling collect the victory after Asif strokes and his 90- Ashraf cracked three sixes run knock engineered and four boundaries to get uick Step’s Julian Alaphilippe beat aS comfortable six- 51. Shihab added an unbeaten a bevvy of top-drawer climbing victory for Friends XI against 26, while Suresh also fi nished talent to win the fourth stage of the QIE in the Ramadan Cup with 14 . Talha and Criterium du Dauphine in a sum- Cricket Tourna- Khalid got one wicket each. mitQ fi nish in lashing rain yesterday. ment, hosted by the Qatar Asif Umer was declared Sky’s Gianni Moscon emerged as the new Cricket Association. the man of the match for his yellow jersey after fi nishing in the win- At the Asian Town Cricket splendid bowling. ning pack along with Ireland’s Dan Martin, Stadium on Wednesday, QIE Welshman Geraint Thomas and the great managed 130 for fi ve in 15 BRIEF SCORES French hope Romain Bardet of AG2R. overs after fi rst. Javed B & C Divisions This fi rst foray into the Alps saw an early was instrumental in limiting Friends XI beat QIE by six escape which only ended with 400m to go them with his three for 29. Saleem and Asif Umer (below) were when Martin dug in and caught the last sur- Rahul hit two sixes and three QIE: 130 for five in 15 overs given Man of the Match awards in vivor the Italian Dario Cataldo of Astana. fours in 33 and Shrikant had (Rahul 33 in 26 balls, Shrikant their respective matches. Martin, who rides for Emirates, went for the two sixes and a four in 31. In- 31 in 19 balls, Intihan 22 in line setting a pace too hot for overnight leader tihan and Aziz collected 20 20 balls, Aziz 18 not out in 13 Michal Kwiatkowski. Despite losing a little and 18 not out, respectively. balls; Javed 3/29, Arshad 1/12) ground, the Pole is still level second with Sky Saleem, the man of the Friends XI: 131 for four in 11.5 teammate Geraint Thomas at 6sec in the over- match, went on a rampage overs (Saleem 90 in 43 balls, all classifi cation. Martin, Bardet and Thomas during the chase. The open- Alam 23 in 15 balls, Nuwan were all overtaken a couple of metres before er blasted eight sixes and 2/20) the fi nish line as Alaphilippe, who rides for seven boundaries to bolt to Man of the match: Saleem Quickstep, timed his late burst to perfection. 90 in 43 deliveries. His 85- (Friends XI) “I felt great and knew I had a chance to run stand for the fi rst wicket Selex beat Masters Club by win just looking at the race profi le before the with Alam, who made 23 with eight wickets race,” said the Frenchman who is fourth in three fours, set up the win in Masters Club: 109 for nine in the overall at 48sec. 11.5 overs. 15 overs (Rabie 27 in 20 balls, “I was uncomfortable in all that rain but In another match, Asif Talha 17 in 18 balls; Asif Umer I just gave it everything I had in the last 50 Umer (four for 17) joined 4/17, Shihab 2/13, Sherin 2/22) metres,” he said. Friday’s stage culminates hands with Shihab and Sher- Selex: 112 for two in 12.4 overs with a 12.7km climb at an average gradient in to spark Selex to a fi ne (Asif Ashraf 51 in 31 balls, of 7 percent, which may suit a climber such eight-wicket triumph against Shihab 26 in 20 balls; Talha as Briton Adam Yates of Mitchelton or Bar- France’s Julian Alaphilippe celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fourth stage of Masters Club. The bowling 1/17, Khalid 1/21) det, who are 7th and 9th respectively at 1min the 70th edition of the Criterium du Dauphine cycling race between Chazey-sur-Ain and trio limited the opponents to Man of the match: Asif Umer 11sec and 1min 49sec. Lans-en-Vercors yesterday. (AFP) 109 for nine in 15 overs. Rabie (Selex)

Friday, June 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIRST TEST ON THE BALL Dowrich powers Windies to 350 for 7

AFP a considerable degree. sion during which time Dowrich Port of Spain Dowrich’s partnership with and Bishoo added 22 runs with- Bishoo was worth 102 for the out ever looking to be in any real seventh wicket, an eff ort which discomfort. A brighter after- hane Dowrich compiled began late on the fi rst day and noon appeared to work in favour a patient, invaluable continued deep into the after- of the batsmen as the bowlers hundred and enjoyed noon session of day two when failed to present any eff ective stubborn support from the lower-order player eventu- challenge to the pair. DevendraS Bishoo in frustrating ally fell for a vital innings of 40. As is his tendency, Bishoo oc- ’s bowling and lifting seamer took casionally fl irted with danger in SPOTLIGHT HONOUR the West Indies to 350 for seven a deserved second wicket of the attempting to take on the occa- at tea yesterday. innings via a catch at gully by sional short-pitched deliveries, In the face of mounting criti- Roshen Silva as Bishoo fl ashed more than once getting a top- cism over his place in the team, once too often at the faster edge that fell clear of the desper- Sri Lanka Kohli named Indian cricketer especially after vulnerability to bowlers to again fall short of a ate fi elders. short-pitched bowling was ex- maiden Test half-century. When his luck eventually ran posed in the two-match series in concerns over the fi tness of out, new batsman Kemar Roach plans of the year for the fi ft h time New Zealand six months earlier, Lakmal and champion left-arm played with typical stoicism in Dowrich responded in the best spinner Herath clearly ham- support of Dowrich’s quest for a AFP in India (BCCI) function in possible manner with a deter- pering his ability to engage his hundred. tougher New Delhi Bangalore on June 12. mined eff ort on the second day bowling resources as eff ectively Nerves were getting the better He previously won the award of the fi rst of three Tests. as he wanted to, Sri Lankan of the wicketkeeper-batsman in in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017. He reached his second Test captain em- the fi nal over before tea, though, laws irat Kohli won In- The prize is not granted in century off the fi nal ball of the ployed his other options without when a sweep was top-edged dia’s cricketer of the every calendar year, due to session at the Queen’s Park Oval success. out of the reach of the close year award for the scheduling issues, and is de- in Trinidad, turning a delivery Seamers Lahiru Gamage and fi elders. It brought him two runs AFP fi fth time yesterday termined on previous seasons’ from through Lahiru Kumara, who picked up to take him to 99 and it was with Vfor outstanding performances performances. square-leg to reach the land- three wickets and was by far the a mixture of relief and celebra- over the past two seasons. Known as “King Kohli” in mark off the 282nd delivery he best of the bowlers on day one, tion that he greeted the single Kohli became India’s captain his home country, the player faced and after more than fi ve together with off -spinner Dil- that took him to the landmark. ri Lanka will enact in 2015 and led his team back to was recently ranked the high- hours in the middle. ruwan Perera failed to make any Lakmal, the lone wicket- tougher laws and create number one place in the Test est paid cricketer in the world, There were ten fours to em- real impact on the overnight pair taker for the day, has been by a special police unit to rankings the following year. at 83rd in the Forbes’ list of big bellish an innings that will nev- as batting conditions improved some distance the pick of the Sri Sdeal with match-fi xing The 29-year-old, who was In six Tests in 2017-18, the earning athletes. ertheless be remembered more through the day. Lankan bowlers on day two with following a TV documentary also named International star batsman has scored 896 It estimated his annual earn- for its doggedness than the ex- Rain had limited play to just Herath still looking a bit short of exposing global corruption in Cricket Council player of the runs at an average of 89.6. ings at $24mn. travagance which he curtailed to 43 minutes in the morning ses- work despite bowling 27 overs. cricket, the sports minister said year in January, amassed 1,332 Kohli will receive the pres- In line with his status as a yesterday. runs in 13 Tests in 2016-2017. tigious Polly Umrigar award, national hero, a wax effi gy of Faiszer Musthapha said exist- He also averaged 84.22 for named after a former India Kohli was unveiled on Wednes- ing laws were inadequate to deal his 1,516 runs in 27 one-day in- captain, and a $45,000 prize at day at the Madame Tussauds with match-fi xing and other ternationals. a Board of Control for Cricket museum in New Delhi. forms of cheating exposed in the Al Jazeera documentary. The minister said the Interna- FOCUS tional Cricket Council (ICC) had advised him to legislate against the practice after three Sri Lanka offi cials were fi lmed agreeing to Tendulkar junior picked sway matches. “I am getting new laws drafted for this purpose and I am also for India Under-19 team proposing a special police unit to enforce the proposed legisla- AFP Lord’s Test between England tion,” Musthapha told reporters New Delhi and South Africa in 2017. in Colombo after returning home Arjun was however over- from talks with the ICC in Dubai. looked for the fi ve one-dayers Sri Lanka’s cricket board has rjun Tendulkar, son which the juniors will play dur- already suspended three of its of Indian batting great ing the July 11-August 11 tour employees — two coaches and Sachin Tendulkar, was after the four-day games. the curator of an internation- yesterday named in an Sachin, revered in cricket- al stadium — after they were Under-19A squad for two four- mad India, also began his career caught in the undercover sting day matches in Sri Lanka. with Mumbai’s junior team be- by Al Jazeera. The board has also Arjun, 18, was picked as part fore being picked for the senior lodged a complaint with police, of a 15-member squad by the side at the age of 15. who have launched a criminal country’s junior selection com- He scored an unbeaten cen- investigation. Cricket’s Match- mittee, according to a press tury on his debut in the Ranji Fixers, broadcast on May 27, sug- release by the Board of Control Trophy, Indian cricket’s inter- gested that England and Austral- for Cricket in India (BCCI). state championship. ia players had also been involved An all-rounder who bowls He won his fi rst cap for In- in match-fi xing in India. and bats left-handed, Arjun domestic matches at the U-19 dia a year later before going on England captain Joe Root and has been playing junior cricket level including a fi ve-wicket to become the highest scorer Australia skipper Tim Paine have for Mumbai. haul. in the history of as dismissed the allegations relat- Standing at over six feet, He came under the interna- well as the fi rst player to score Shane Dowrich of West Indies bats on the way to his century against Sri Lanka at the Queen’s Park ing to their respective teams. the left-arm quick bowler has tional spotlight when he bowled 100 international centuries. He Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, yesterday. claimed 18 wickets from fi ve in the nets in the lead-up to the retired in 2013.

BOTTOMLINE England’s Rhodes named Khan spins Afghans to T20 sweep over Bangladesh new Bangladesh coach AFP, Dhaka: Bangladesh yes- nament in Sri Lanka in March. AFP terday named former England Walsh is also in charge of the Dehradun Test cricketer as team in the ongoing Twenty20 head coach, ending a long hunt international series against for a successor to Sri Lankan Afghanistan in India, which pin sensation Rashid Khan . Bangladesh have already lost. bowled an excellent last over to Rhodes, 53, told reporters The help Afghanistan eke out a thrill- in Dhaka that Bangladesh is hired South African Test ing one-run win over Bangladesh “a wonderful cricket nation. cricketer Gary Kirsten as its andS complete a series whitewash in the The support that the boys consultant to help it find the third Twenty20 international yesterday. get in the Bangladesh team is right person for the job. Chasing 146 for victory, Bangladesh tremendous.” “Steve Rhodes was on top of required nine in the 20th over but Khan “Personally to be involved in our list. His name was also in held his nerve to restrict Bangladesh to a major role, to be given the Kirsten’s list. We spoke to him 144-6 in the north Indian city of Dehra- responsibility by the Presi- face to face today and we are dun. dent and Board, is a fantastic satisfied fully,” BCB head Naz- The Asghar Stanikzai-led Afghani- honour and it’s a privilege to mul Hassan told reporters. stan, who await their Test debut against be involved in Bangladesh Wicketkeeper-batsman India on June 14 in Bangalore, triumphed cricket,” he added. Rhodes, who played 11 Tests 3-0 after winning the fi rst two games Bangladesh have been without and nine one-day internation- comprehensively. a coach since Hathurusingha als for England, has been given Mushfi qur Rahim, who hit 46, and stepped down in October after a two-year contract lasting Riyad, who made 45, put a successful three-year stint. until the 2020 ICC World together a gritty 84-run fi fth-wicket the fi rst delivery of the fi nal over. The 19-year-old Khan, who topped the his side to 145-6 after they elected to bat West Indies great Courtney Twenty20. partnership to give Bangladesh hope of a Mahmudullah tried to get four off the bowling chart with eight wickets and the fi rst. Walsh, in charge of the team’s He coached Worcestershire consolation win. fi nal ball but Shafi qullah Shafi q’s acro- man of the series award, returned fi gures Afghanistan were in trouble at 101-4 in unit, was given county team in England for 11 Mushfi qur, who was named man of the batic work at the long-on boundary got of 1-24. the 15th over against a disciplined Bang- interim overall responsibility years until being sacked last match, smashed fi ve fours in the penul- the batsman run out in a dramatic fi nish Earlier Afghanistan batsman Samiul- ladesh bowling attack but Shenwari’s 28- during a T20 tri-nations tour- year. timate over but fell to Khan’s leg spin on to the game. lah Shenwari made an unbeaten 33 to lift ball knock gave them a winning total.