Federer, Nadal Renew Wimbledon Rivalry

Home , Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Samuel Chukwueze

FRIDAY 12 JULY 2019 SPORT 17 Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar defends MS It’s not fair all the time to expect TENNIS MS Dhoni to come and finish the Dhoni after India lost to TENNIS Wimbledon, second game. He has done it time and New Zealand in the first Wimbledon, first semi-final: Rafael Nadal again. World Cup semi-final. semi-final: N. Djokovic vs ACTION vs Roger Federer

Bautista Agut TODAY’S Federer, Nadal renew Wimbledon rivalry

REUTERS of Wimbledon folklore. Centre Men’s tennis returns to the scene of its most silverware at stake today, with With the clock ticking on LONDON Court now has a retractable roof dramatic episode today when Roger Federer and the winner likely to play their careers, today’s clash could as does Court One, for a start, and Rafael Nadal meet for a place in the ﬁnal. defending champion Novak be his last chance to set the It has been a long wait but the Federer has two sets of twins. Djokovic, the Serb who could record straight, although he says most captivating modern rivalry Nadal’s knees are creakier, eventually surpass both of them Nadal is a far superior player to in men’s tennis returns to the his hair thinner and the the first Spaniard since Manolo third, and first since beatingting in thethe aall-timell-time GranGrandd SlSlamam titletitle the 2008 verversion.sion. scene of its most dramatic sleeveless tops and pirate pants Santana in 1966 to win the men’s Tomas Berdych in 2010. haul, in the final. “Haven’t“Haven’t played each other episode today when Roger he wore as a 22-year-old22 year tyro title, proving he was not just a Since then Wimbledon has ButBut it has the feel of a inin a long, long time on this FedererFederer and Rafael Nadal havehave been repreplaced by claycourt bully but had evolved often resembled a housee of final.final. surface,”surface,” Federer meet for a placeplace in the regular tennistenn attire. his topspin game after losing horrors for Nadal with shockhock Federer,Federer, bidding to said.said. Wimbledon final.final. TheyThey have consecutive Wimbledon finals to losses to journeymen like Steveteve reachreach his 12th WiWim-m- Much has bbothoth hadh dips Federer in 2006 and 2007. Darcis, Lukas Rosol and Dustinustin bbledonledon final, has changedchanged since and come- There have been memorable Brown. dropped two sets so that epic babacksc and clashes since -- the 2009 Aus- Irritated by being relegatedated far,far, and has SundaySunday nignightht bbothot have tralian Open final after which a to third seed behind Federer,erer, lookedlooked in ffineine in 2008 when, bbeen beaten Federer shed tears and despite being ranked two,, he fettle.fettle. as the last wrwritten off the 2017 Australian final when looks fired-up to reclaim the titletitle WhileWhile much strands ofof atat titimes.m But the Swiss ended a five-year wait and has dropped just one setet so waterwater has passedpassed daylight ebbed formform is tem- for his 18th Grand Slam title. far, against Nick Kyrgios in a ririv-v- underunder the bridge away,away, Nadal porary.pora Class They played last month in the eting second-round grudgeudge sincesince 2008, dethroneddethroned thethe endures.endu French Open semis when Nadal match. king ofof Centre FedererFe is blew Federer away in a gale on “Playing against Rogeroger Court in a rain- apprapproachingo his way to claiming a record- always is a unique situation,”on,” hit final that will hish i s 38th extending 12th Roland Garros Nadal said after beating Sam forever be partpart bbirthdayirthda and title. Querrey in the quarter-finals.ls. Nadal iiss 33, yet Today’s showdown will be “Excited to be back on thisthis theythey remainrem the the 40th meeting between the court against him after 11 years.ears. twotwo central pillars of duo with Nadal leading 24-15 “Means a lot for me and somewheresomewhere in men’smen’s tennistennis withwith 20 and and 10-3 in Grand Slams. probably for him, too. Alwaysays I the darkerdarker 18 GrandGrand SlamSlam titles Federer is seeking a ninth say the same: of course, the recessesrecesses of Fed-Fed- Rafael Nadal respectively.respectively. Wimbledon singles title which opportunities to play againstainst erer’serer’s mind will be They hhaveave met 22 would move him level on the all- each other every time are less,less, thethe bitterbitter imprint Roger Federer timestimes since that epepic five- time list with Martina Navra- but we are still here,” he said.d. ofof one of his most settersetter whenwhen NadalNadal became tilova while Nadal is eyeing his It is easy to forget there iiss no crushingcrushing defeats.defeats. Thomas silences Hamilton aims to bounce back doubters as Teuns with record sixth home victory wins Stage 6 at Tour AFP AFP seconds. Alaphilippe put in a SILVERSTONE Kubica hopes LA PLANCHE DES BELLES FILLES heroic defence of his lead, but missed out due to the bonus Lewis Hamilton is aiming to updates can Defending Tour de France seconds over the final two bounce back from a rare Mercedes’ kick-start champion Geraint Thomas summits saw the young Italian weekend of disappointment by British driver defied his doubters yesterday as edge ahead of him. winning his home British Grand Lewis Hamilton Williams’ Belgian Dylan Teuns won Stage The stage ended up as a Prix for a record sixth time this smiles 6 and his breakaway partner battle not only for the stage and weekend -- and in front of the during the poor season Giulio Ciccone snatched the the overall lead but for the psy- biggest crowd at the historic drivers’ press yellow jersey by just a few chological control of the race. Silverstone circuit in nearly three conference AFP seconds on an iconic mountain This was the 2019 Tour’s first decades. at Silverstone SILVERSTONE stage. foray into the mountains a stage After suffering in the heat Motor Racing Teuns won the ultra-tough that the defending champion, and rarefied atmosphere of Aus- Circuit in Robert Kubica is hoping that mountain stage to Planche des Welshman Geraint Thomas, had tria’s Styrian Alps, where he fin- Silverstone, an upgrade package intro- Belles Filles when he and described as ‘the big day’. ished a hot-and-bothered fifth central England, duced for the British Grand Ciccone crossed the summit Chris Froome won the first two weeks ago, the defending yesterday. Prix can kick-start Williams’ finish line as the sole survivors ever finish here in 2012 to world champion and his Mer- season and herald this week- of a mass breakaway. confirm his potential before he cedes team are expected to revel end’s celebrations of Frank “It was so steep, but I love went on to win the 2013 Tour, in the gentler undulations and Williams’ 50 years in charge. these kind of finishes,” said and Thomas must have sensed wider mix of corners in cooler The Pole, who has Teuns. something special. conditions in central England. returned to Formula One this “It was a good big Just behind the breakaway A sixth victory overall and most incredible few days. It is points adrift of Hamilton in the year after recovering from breakaway group,” said Teuns. pair, Thomas gave food for fifth in six years at a track he difficult to count what you gain title race. career-threatening injuries “That helped keep us out thought to those who had called loves would also be his seventh from all that positivity -- every- Victory in Austria lifted Ver- following a rally accident, ahead, five of us were Belgians him a one-hit wonder after his in 10 races this year and extend one’s energy is priceless.” stappen ahead of the German said it is important the too.” 2018 win, who raised eyebrows his 31-point lead ahead of team- If he wins, Hamilton will and he and Red Bull, based at upgrades work to help “When it came down to the when he lost a few seconds on mate Valtteri Bottas in the move clear of fellow Briton Jim nearby Milton Keynes, with big determine the team’s two of us, we stayed calm, we a climb at Epernay earlier in the drivers’ championship. Clark and Frenchman Alain local home support, may also be progress. talked about it,” said the winner, week and who had tipped Ineos “This is the race that has Prost, with whom he shares the a major threat to Hamilton’s “I hope, and this is the hinting the pair did a deal for a team-mate Egan Bernal. become the most anticipated current record of five wins. home-coming dream after flying plan, that this is a first step,” win-win instead of risking it all “I don’t listen to tips,” said event of the season for me and After suffering their first in from Los Angeles. he said. “We hope they will by not collaborating. Thomas. it is the weekend I always enjoy defeat after an unprecedented “Max has been the best in the work well and give us a step Ciccone was less calm about “I felt pretty good. I thought the most,” said Hamilton, who run of eight victories, Mercedes world, arguably, over the last 12 forward. Although it will not his feat. it would be more of a solid day.” was quick to celebrate Wednes- are keen to restore their months,” said his team boss be big, it’s still important.” “It’s just unbelievable,” said “I was feeling good but I was day’s confirmation of a new five- supremacy in the team’s home Christian Horner. Williams has struggled the Italian after taking the unsure. I thought the steep year contract that will keep the event -- both the car and engine “He is the coming man. This this year. The team is without overall lead from Frenchman climbs weren’t my cup of tea.” British Grand Prix on the Formula factories are based close to sport is crying out for more a point and has failed to Julian Alaphilippe by just six Thomas and Bernal, who One calendar until 2024. Silverstone. drivers like Max.” Beyond the top progress from Q1, but despite dropped nine seconds to the “Having the support of your “The high temperatures in three teams, McLaren will seek languishing in pursuit of their Welshman, were part of an country concentrated into one Austria exposed our vulnerability to make an impression notably rivals they remain defiantly impressive Ineos team effort weekend really makes for the and meant we could not chal- after confirming an unchanged optimistic 50 years on from that controlled the pace over the lenge to win,” said team boss driver line-up, including British their founder’s debut as team most of the course as the peloton WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Toto Wolff. rookie Lando Norris, 19, for next principal. crossed seven mountains. “But, fortunately, the English year. “We need to know they Thomas waited until first Drivers’ Standings summer is known for more mod- Silverstone officials believe deliver what we’re expecting Mikel Landa, then Thibaut Pinot 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 197 pts, 2. Valtteri Bot- erate temperatures so cooling the allure of the drivers and an so, in the future, we can build and, finally, the overnight leader tas (FIN) 166, 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 126, 4. should not be such a major issue. encouraging weather forecast up confidence and hopefully Alaphilippe himself had attacked Sebastian Vettel (GER) 123, 5. Charles Leclerc “We’ve had some of our best will result in the biggest start to move in the right before showing his form was (MON) 105, 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 43, 7. Carlos performances this year on tracks attendance since the days of direction. Hopefully, also, this back after a nasty fall in the Tour Sainz Jr (ESP) 30, 8. Lando Norris (GBR) 22, 9. with a wide range of corner ‘Mansell-mania’ in the early package can add some down- de Suisse in June. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 21, 10. Daniel Ricciardo speeds so, on paper, we should 1990s. Last year’s race-day force which is so helpful in F1.” Other good performances on (AUS) 16, 11. Nico Huelkenberg (GER) 16, 12. be in relatively good form.” crowd of 140,500 was the biggest Williams’ updates are the day came from Briton Adam Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 14, 13. Sergio Perez His Ferrari counterpart of the season and Silverstone concentrated on airflow Yates, Irishman Dan Martin and (MEX) 13, 14. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 10, 15. Alexan- Mattia Binotto played down their boss Stuart Pringle said he around the ‘barge-boards’ to Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, who chances of a repeat of Sebastian expects that to be beaten. aid aerodynamic per- der Albon (THA) 7, 16. Lance Stroll (CAN) 6, 17. grew up in the region. Vettel’s triumph last year, despite “This is going to be the formance. The team is using Romain Grosjean (FRA) 2, 18. Antonio Giovinazzi Three of the overall con- their stronger showing in Austria largest since Mansell brought its home race weekend to cel- tenders lost significant time as (ITA) 1 where Charles Leclerc finished people here in their droves in ebrate Frank Williams’ five 2014 champion Vincenzo Constructors’ Standings second from pole behind the tri- 1992,” he said. decades in F1, which began Nibali, Jumbo Visma captain 1. Mercedes 363 pts, 2. Ferrari 228, 3. Red Bull umphant Max Verstappen of Red The Silverstone circuit, once when he bought a Brabham Steven Kruijswijk and, to a 169, 4. McLaren 52, 5. Renault 32, 6. Alfa Romeo Bull. a wartime airfield, hosted the chassis to enter the 1969

greater extent, Frenchman Racing 22, 7. Racing Point 19, 8. Toro Rosso 17, 9. Four-time world champion first World Championship Grand championship after creating Dylan Teuns reacts after winning Romain Bardet suffered on the Haas 16 Vettel has gone 17 races since last Prix in 1950 and, along with Italy, Frank Williams Racing Cars. Stage 6 yesterday. slopes. August without a win and lies 76 has been an ever-present since. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 12 JULY 2019 Woakes hails ‘incredible’ England after big win AFP stars had been nervous ahead of BIRMINGHAM their country’s first World Cup semi-final since 1992, but they Chris Woakes saluted England’s quickly banished the butterflies “incredible” eight-wicket demo- I’m pretty speechless. with a blistering start. lition of Australia as the hosts It was an incredible “There were some nerves swaggered into their first World performance from the around this morning, a few Cup final since 1992. whole team, started anxious people in the dressing Woakes won the man-of- room but that’s natural,” Woakes the-match award at Edgbaston well with the bowling said. after taking 3-20 in a lethal and then the batting “I just got my length wrong eight-over spell that included the was outstanding: for the first ball. A world-class key wicket of opener David Chris Woakes player in David Warner is going Warner. to put that away. But I got my Thanks to Woakes and fellow length right after that and felt pacemen Jofra Archer, Australia the bowling and then the batting good.” collapsed to 14-3 and never was outstanding,” Woakes told England have lost all three of really recovered as they were Sky Sports. their previous World Cup finals, dismissed for 223. “The way we have produced against Pakistan in 1992, Aus- England took just 32.1 overs the goods shows how good we tralia in 1987 and the West Indies to reach their victory target and are and we’re really pleased. in 1979. book their final date with New “I don’t think it was a bad Asked how it felt to help take England’s Chris Woakes (left) celebrates with Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday. wicket, we just found the right England to within touching dis- team-mates after dismissing Australia’s Peter Woakes admitted it was a length and they had to rebuild tance of their first World Cup Handscomb during their World Cup semi-ﬁnal perfect day for England, who and we kept the pressure on. crown, Woakes said his team had in Birmingham, yesterday. have never won the 50-over “We got off to a flyer and tried their best to block out the World Cup. when chasing a relatively small potentially historic nature of “I’m pretty speechless. It was total, that’s the difference,” he their campaign. sunk in yet,” the fast bowler as favourites so it was important fashion against this Australia side an incredible performance from added. “We have tried not to think replied. to get to the semi-final in the first on the best ground in the world the whole team, started well with Woakes admitted England’s about getting to the final, it hasn’t He added: “We were tipped place and then to win this in this is amazing.” Fans shower Srikkanth wants praise on India to find Jadeja for his Group defeat no bother middle-order balance gutsy knock AFP for Kiwis ahead of final MANCHESTER AFP NEW DELHI AFP Krishnamachari Srikkanth says MANCHESTER India should hunt for a young Fans heaped praise yesterday option to settle their middle- on Ravindra Jadeja (pictured, New Zealand captain Kane order woes after the pre-tour- below) after the “bits and Williamson insisted the fact his nament favourites suffered a pieces” cricketer emerged as side lost to World Cup final shock World Cup semi-final the unlikely hero of a losing opponents England earlier in the exit on Wednesday. cause, silencing critics who had tournament would have no Virat Kohli’s side crashed questioned his place in the star- bearing on Sunday’s showpiece to an 18-run loss against New packed Indian team. match at Lord’s. Zealand at Old Trafford after The all-rounder top-scored The Black Caps, who only their batting fell apart against with 77 to take India tantalis- reached the last four on net run- some quality new-ball ingly close to a win in their rate, upset the odds to beat group bowling. World Cup semi-final against table-toppers India by 18 runs in Needing just 240 to reach New Zealand on Wednesday as a dramatic semi-final at Old Sunday’s final, two-time cham- they chased a modest 240. Trafford on Wednesday. pions India slipped to 24 for Although India fell 18 runs And after what New Zealand four with star batsmen Rohit short, Jadeja earned the respect media quickly dubbed ‘The Man- Sharma and Kohli back in the of fans for his lion-hearted chester Miracle’, the understated pavilion. effort in the high-stakes clash. Williamson insisted the 2015 Ravindra Jadeja made a “Jadeja showed his worth,” runners-up had every chance of valiant 77 and put on 116 with tweeted one user while another going one better and winning MS Dhoni for the seventh said his innings would be their first World Cup title. wicket, but the New Zealand “remembered for a long time Williamson is confident bowlers kept up the pressure New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson (centre) and team-mates wait for a review decision during to come” for its sheer grit and despite a 119-run loss to England to bowl India out for a total of the World Cup semi-ﬁnal against India in Manchester on Wednesday. tenacity. in the initial 10-team group stage. 221. Jadeja, 30, thanked fans for “Every game throughout the “We’re still struggling to get their support, promising to con- round-robin was worth a couple are pretty excited and, you know, Taylor top-scoring with 74 and direct hit from Martin Guptill. the right middle order combi- tinue giving his best “till my last of points so they were all another great opportunity to play Williamson contributing 67 as This has been a woeful tour- nation,” former India captain breath”. important,” Williamson said. in a World Cup final. the two senior batsmen showed nament with the bat for the Srikkanth wrote in his Interna- “Sports has taught me to “Obviously a semi-final is “Only every four years do their class again. opener, with Guptill -- the tional Cricket Council (ICC) keep on rising after every fall & worth a few more than two you get the opportunity to play But the crucial phase of the leading run-scorer at the 2015 Media column. never to give up,” he tweeted. points. But, you know, we’ll go in a World Cup, let alone make match came when Matt Henry World Cup -- out for just one, his “Rishabh Pant is good but Jadeja seemed all fired up into another match and try to a final,” added Williamson, as and Trent Boult ripped through fifth single score in this edition, at number five we need to find when he walked out to bat implement similar things that are wives and girlfriends of the New a much vaunted top order to when the rain-interrupted game someone as we’ve tried too Wednesday after being written important to our side, that gives Zealand squad, many clad in reduce India to 24 for four in 10 began on Tuesday. many people there. off as a “bits and pieces” player us the best chance of success. replica shirts, together with some overs. Not even a defiant rear- But Williamson said: “He’s “We’ve tried Dinesh by Sanjay Manjrekar, a com- Asked what this win would of the players’ children, mingled guard seventh-wicket stand of probably the only man on the Karthik, we’ve also tried mentator and former India mean for cricket in New Zealand, on the outfield at Old Trafford. 116 between veteran former pitch that could perhaps create Jadeja, we’ve tried Vijay batsman. where rugby union’s world “But at the same time, we just captain MS Dhoni (50) and all- that run-out. Shankar, three guys have been When he reached his half- champion All Blacks dominate want to reflect on the good things rounder Ravindra Jadeja (77) “Contributions can come in tried and they’ve not proved century, the 11th of his career, the sporting scene, Williamson we did in this match and the could deny New Zealand victory. so many different ways. For him useful so maybe we can find a Jadeja twirled his bat like a said: “I don’t think it will change things we want to improve on.” The game was still just to pull off what was a significant good youngster for No.5,” he sword -- his trademark cele- the number one sport. New Zealand made 239 for about in the balance when turning point in the match was added. bration -- and appeared to “I’m sure people back home eight on a tricky pitch, Ross Dhoni was run out by a brilliant special.” Pant fought back with a gesture towards the media box gritty 32 only to fall to left-arm where Manjrekar is usually spinner Mitchell Santner, who seated. also accounted for the wicket Jadeja also impressed with of Hardik Pandya. his bowling, giving away just 34 New Zealanders relish ‘Miracle in Manchester’ Srikkanth, a former runs while taking one wicket chairman of the India selection from 10 overs. REUTERS Media in New Zealand shower praise on the Robertson, who is also the committee, praised New Zea- “@sanjaymanjrekar got WELLINGTON team particularly for a one-handed catch by country’s finance minister, land’s pace attack but said Jadeja’s juices flowing! I am James Neesham and a run out by Martin Guptill wrote at the conclusion of the India’s batsmen should have certain it had a positive effect New Zealand’s victory over that swung the game in their favour. match. handled Santner better. on his game. Sometimes a kick heavy favourites India in the “What a game from Kane “I also thought Mitchell on one’s ego can have a pos- World Cup semi-finals was as Williamson with bat and with Santner bowled brilliantly, but itive impact,” tweeted India’s surprising to fans at home as it The New Zealand Herald A 116-run partnership captaincy. How proud? India gave him too much Olympic shooting medallist was to the thousands of Indian said Guptill’s run out of Dhoni, between Ravindra Jadeja (77) PROUD.” respect,” said Srikkanth. Abhinav Bindra. supporters at Old Trafford and arguably the world’s best fin- and MS Dhoni brought India Robertson’s fellow politi- “They should have played millions more watching on tele- isher in ODI cricket, was back into the game and the pair cians in Britain for their own more positively against Santner. vision. redemption for a poor run of looked well set to launch in the Parliamentary Cricket World When I say positively, that Kane Williamson’s side form with the bat, while Stuff final three overs. Cup told Radio New Zealand doesn’t mean hitting out, it’s produced an 18-run victory Media said he had gone “From Jadeja’s dismissal in the they had descended on a local showing some sort of positivity over India to advance to Sun- zero to hero”. 48th over, then Dhoni’s run out pub to watch the game and against Santner, putting him day’s final at Lord’s against Just a few hours earlier, few from a direct hit by Guptill four erupted into cross-party hugs under pressure,” the former either Australia or hosts had given the team much hope balls later effectively ended and high fives after the result. Indian batsman added. England. after they stumbled into the India’s chances of reaching the Grant Elliott, who hit a six “Miracle in Manchester”, semi-finals on the back of three 240 needed. off the penultimate ball in the several media outlets used as successive losses. Fans in New Zealand stayed 2015 semi-final against South the headlines for their online Superb swing bowling by up into the early hours Africa that propelled them to reports yesterday, with special Matt Henry and Trent Boult, watching the India innings the final against Australia, had praise reserved for a one- however, reduced India to 5-3 unfold, with the country’s a message for the team. We’re still struggling handed catch by James before arguably the catch of the Sports Minister Grant Robertson “Finals time!” the all- to get the right middle Neesham and a run out by tournament by Neesham left providing a running com- rounder wrote on Twitter. order combination: Martin Guptill that swung the the 2011 champions in trouble mentary on his Twitter feed. “Let’s go one better than game in their favour. at 24-4. “One for the true believers,” 2015.” Srikkanth FRIDAY 12 JULY 2019 SPORT 19

Samba set for Monaco Al Attiyah extends lead with Diamond League fifth successive stage win

THE PENINSULA 2019 SILK WAY RALLY – POSITIONS AFTER SS5 The fourth special comprised a MANDALGOVI, MONGOLIA 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 11hrs 46min 41sec loop around the vast terrain to the east of Ulaanbaatar. In a day’s route 2. Kun Lui (CHN)/Pan Hingyu (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 12hrs 24min 06sec Overdrive Racing’s Nasser Saleh Al of 476.96km, 470.19km were timed 3. Jérôme Pelichet (FRA)/Pascal Larroque (FRA) Optimus 12hrs 29min 55sec Attiyah and French navigator against the clock in the longest timed Matthieu Baumel extended their 4. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Dmytro Tsyro (RUS) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 12hrs 32min 43sec section of the entire event. outright lead in the 2019 Silk Way 5. Han Wei (CHN)/Liao Min (CHN) Geely SMG Buggy 12hrs 34min 06sec Overdrive Racing completed a 1-2 Rally to 37min 25sec after claiming a 6. Zi Yungang Zi (CHN)/Wang Zengrong (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 12hrs 39min 34sec finish on SS4 with Al Attiyah again the fifth successive stage win on the class of the field and completing the 364.59km timed section between high-speed section 4min 13sec ahead Ulaanbaatar and Mandalgovi Dutchman Erik van Loon and despite a flat tyre, and extended his of Van Loon. The stage win also yesterday. Frenchman Sebastien Delaunay are outright lead over Kun Lui to 21min enabled the Qatari to extend his Mandalgovi is the capital of the crewing the second of the Overdrive 10sec. overall lead over Lui Kun to 26min Dundgovi Province of Mongolia and Toyotas and are fighting back well The Qatari said: “Whenever we 41sec. Van Loon moved up to 32nd lies around 300km south of the from time delays on stage two. Van find ourselves in good conditions we overall in the car category. capital on the border of the Gobi Loon was third fastest on the fifth try to push. We were trying to make Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi Desert. stage as he continues to push his way a gap at the front. It is never easy to and German navigator Dirk von Al Attiyah has been in a class of back towards the top 15 with five open the track but I trust my co-driver Zitzewitz were forced out of the rally his own this week, as he closes in on stages to run in Mongolia and China. Matthieu.” in the third Overdrive Racing car after a first ever victory for himself and He was classified in an unofficial 21st Van Loon suffered serious trans- terminal mechanical problems Toyota at the gruelling Silk Way Rally. overall after SS5. mission issues on the second stage thwarted their progress on the second The Qatari beat closest rival Matthieu Al Attiyah won his third suc- and lost his chance of winning the stage between Baikalsk and Ulan-Ude Serradori by 3min 07sec to claim the cessive section with a stage win on event. The Dutchman bounced back in Eastern Siberia. stage win and extend his outright lead the 243km stint into the Mongolian with the fifth quickest time on the Today, teams tackle a special over the chasing pack headed by capital of Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday. third stage into the Mongolian capital stage of 408.15km in a day’s route of China’s Kun Lui and Frenchman The Qatari finished the special 6min but he was still in the lower reaches 411.75km between Mandalgovi and Jérôme Pelichet. 13sec in front of Russia’s Denis Krotov, of the leader board. Dalanzadgad in Mongolia.

Qatari athlete Abderrahman Samba trains with his coach ahead of the Monaco Diamond League Overdrive meet, yesterday in Monaco. The 400m hurdles Racing’s Qatari specialist will be attempting to beat his personal driver Nasser best in the men’s 400m event, set earlier this Saleh Al Attiyah year (44.60) when he gets off the blocks at the on his way to win newly constructed Stade Louis II. He will count on the ﬁfth stage of some sterling opposition from Steven Gardiner, the Silk Way Rally reigning world number two (personal best of in Mandalgovi, 43.87 in 2018) and Davide RE, Italian record Mongolia, holder in a time of 44.77. yesterday.

Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong (left) scores their second goal against FIFA reveals AS Roma unveil new South Africa during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-ﬁnal match on away kit sporting Wednesday. harsher Qatar Airways logo punishment for racist behaviour

AFP PARIS

FIFA wants teams to auto- matically forfeit matches if their supporters are found to be guilty of racist and other discriminatory behaviour, world football’s governing body has Nigeria grab late winner to reach announced. “Unless there are exceptional circumstances, Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals if a match is abandoned by the referee because of racist REUTERS Bongani Zungu headed an equaliser in too strong all-round for their rivals and and/or discriminatory CAIRO the 71st minute with South Africa’s first nearly extended their lead early in the conduct, the match shall be shot on target. The goal was initially second half with a 25-metre free kick declared forfeited,” FIFA Nigeria sneaked into the Africa Cup of ruled offside but then awarded after a from Oghenekaro Etebo but Ronwen say in their new Disci- Nations semi-finals when defender VAR check - the first major intervention Williams turned it on the bar. plinary Code launched William Troost Ekong scored with one by technology since it was introduced South Africa, who sensationally yesterday. minute remaining to give them a 2-1 for the quarter-finals. knocked out hosts Egypt in the previous The measure can be win over a gallant South Africa as the Nigeria, who will meet Ivory Coast round, struggled to get a look-in but the applied after the referee has tournament served up more drama on or Algeria in the last four, went ahead Super Eagles repeatedly failed to turn applied the “three-step pro- Wednesday. with the first really dangerous attack of the mazy runs of Ahmed Musa and cedure” for such incidents, An AS Roma player wearing the new away kit Troost Ekong, left unmarked, turned the match. Alex Iwobi burst down the Chukwueze into goals. which includes requesting of the Italian football giants, sporting Qatar the ball in with his knee from a corner left and pulled the ball back into the Then, from out of the blue, South a public announcement to Airways logo. AS Roma and Qatar Airways last to leave the South Africans heart- area to Chukwueze whose first effort Africa equalised as Percy Tau lofted a call for any such behaviour year announced a multi-year partnership that broken after they had fought their way was blocked by a defender but scored free kick into the area, it was flicked on to cease, suspending the sees Qatar Airways become the club's official back into the match which seemed to after it rebounded back to him. and superbly headed in by Zungu. It was match until it stops, and shirt sponsor. The sponsorship, the largest ever be out of their reach. Chukwueze, overlooked for the 3-2 initially disallowed but then given by a finally, abandoning the signed by the club and one of the biggest ever Samuel Chukwueze put the Super last 16 win over Cameroon, was a con- VAR check that took nearly three match altogether. agreed by an Italian football club, will see the Eagles in front when he scored at the stant menace down the right and created minutes. Extra-time was looming until The updated Disci- airline’s logo adorn the front of the ﬁrst team’s second attempt in the 27th minute. another chance after skipping past his Nigeria won a corner on the left, Wil- plinary Code expands the shirts until the end of the 2020-21 season. Nigeria stayed in control, missed marker but Dean Furman made a timely liams missed the ball and Troost Ekong scope of what is considered chances and paid the price when interception to deny him. Nigeria looked prodded it home. discriminatory behaviour to anything related to “race, skin colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, dis- S Africa need to put plans into action: Coach Baxter ability, language, religion, political opinion, wealth, REUTERS youth development of the country, you irritation with the governing body, telling stint in charge of the side in May 2017. birth or any other status or CAIRO are talking about talent identification, them last year to “get their house in order” He began with a shock away win to any other reason”. coach education,” he said. after they dallied over setting up friendly Nigeria in their opening Afcon qualifier The Disciplinary Code South Africa have impressive plans for “So we have some very good plans in internationals. but that was followed by a disastrous only applies to official FIFA the development of soccer in the country South Africa but the word implementation South Africa, who won Afcon at the World Cup qualifying campaign where competitions, including the but need to be better at putting them into needs to be stronger.” first attempt in 1996 but have not been home-and-away defeats by Cape Verde qualifiers for the 2022 practice, according to national team coach Baxter added: “I think if we can con- able to replicate that success, made it out scuppered their chances of going to World Cup. Stuart Baxter. tinue the development programme, the of the group phase for only the second Russia. Earlier this year, Mon- After seeing his side knocked out of Bafana Bafana will gain from that -- but time since the 2002 finals. However, they then went on a tenegro were ordered by the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in a 2-1 it needs supporting. Any strategies we They sneaked into the last 16 as the 15-match unbeaten run which ended with European governing body defeat by Nigeria on Wednesday, the Eng- have to develop football needs to be sup- fourth best of the six third-placed teams defeat to Ivory Coast in their opening UEFA to play a home game lishman began addressing the “big ported by everybody.” in the group stage with performances Afcon match. behind closed doors as pun- question” of the team’s future. Although Baxter did not mention the which earned some fierce criticism back “Since we played that game in Nigeria, ishment for racist chants by “It’s not only talking about Bafana South Africa Football Association (SAFA) home but then stunned hosts Egypt 1-0 there has been a massive change in the supporters during a Euro Bafana as a team, you are taking about directly, his remarks appeared aimed at before losing to a late Nigeria goal. face of the squad,” said Baxter. “I think 2020 qualifier against individual players, their experiences them. Baxter said it had been a “long and we have had 30 debutants during the last England. playing abroad, you are talking about the He has never been afraid to hide his difficult” journey since he began a second two years.” FRIDAY 12 JULY 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Hamilton aims Al Attiyah storms to bounce back ahead with with record ﬁfth successive sixth home win stage win New World Cup champions guaranteed as hosts book title clash with Kiwis England thump Australia to reach final

AFP SCOREBOARD Australia suffer their England’s Eoin BIRMINGHAM Morgan and Joe AUSTRALIA Bowling: Woakes 8-0-20-3, Archer 10-0-32-2 (w2), first loss in eight World D. Warner c Bairstow b Woakes ...... 9 Stokes 4-0-22-0, Wood 9-0-45-1 (w4), Plunkett Root celebrate England booked their place in the Cup semi-finals. A. Finch lbw b Archer ...... 0 8-0-44-0 (w3), Rashid 10-0-54-3 (w1) after winning World Cup final against New S. Smith run out (Buttler) ...... 85 ENGLAND (Target 224) their ICC Cricket Zealand with a dominant eight- P. Handscomb b Woakes ...... 4 J. Roy c Carey b Cummins ...... 85 Jason Roy hits a blistering World Cup semi- wicket win over reigning cham- A. Carey c sub (Vince) b Rashid ...... 46 J. Bairstow lbw b Starc ...... 34 85 as England reach a final against pions Australia at Edgbaston M. Stoinis lbw b Rashid ...... 0 J. Root not out ...... 49 victory target of 224 with Australia in yesterday. G. Maxwell c Morgan b Archer ...... 22 E. Morgan not out ...... 45 Edgbaston, Jason Roy hit a blistering 85 as P. Cummins c Root b Rashid ...... 6 Extras (lb1, w12) ...... 13 107 balls to spare. Birmingham, England reached a victory target of M. Starc c Buttler b Woakes ...... 29 Total (two wickets, 32.1 overs) ...... 226 Britain, 224 with a mammoth 107 balls to J. Behrendorff b Wood ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-124, 2-147 England, losing finalists in yesterday. spare after restricting Australia. N. Lyon not out ...... 5 Did not bat: B. Stokes, J. Buttler, L. Plunkett, C. 1979, 1987 and 1992, will Openers Roy and Jonny Extras (lb6, w10) ...... 16 Woakes, A. Rashid, J. Archer, M. Wood Bairstow (34) put on 124 for the Total (all out, 49 overs) ...... 223 Bowling: Behrendorff 8.1-2-38-0 (w1), Starc 9-0- now face New Zealand, first wicket, their fourth consec- Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-10, 3-14, 4-117, 5-118, 6-157, 70-1 (w3), Cummins 7-0-34-1 (w2), Lyon 5-0-49-0, who have also yet to utive century stand. 7-166, 8-217, 9-217, 10-223 Smith 1-0-21-0 (w1), Stoinis 2-0-13-0 (w1) win the World Cup after England, losing finalists in 1979, 1987 and 1992, will now face finishing runners-up to New Zealand, who have also yet Australia were in desperate as Roy hit three huge straight sixes Australia four years ago, to win the World Cup after fin- need of early wickets after suf- in as many balls. in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. ishing runners-up to Australia four fering a top-order collapse on the Bairstow fell lbw to Starc, who years ago, in Sunday’s final at way to being dismissed for 223, in the process set a new record for Lord’s following the Black Caps’ with the record five-time cham- most wickets at a single World Cup Woakes struck twice early surprise semi-final win over India. pions thankful for Steve Smith’s of 27. on at his Warwickshire “I’m pretty speechless,” said battling 85. Roy was in sight of a hundred home ground as Aus- man-of-the-match Chris Woakes. All three of England’s defeats when he was given out caught behind tralia slumped to 14-3 “It was an incredible performance this tournament -- including a down the legside by wicketkeeper after winning the toss. Australia’suusststrraaalliaa’’’s from the whole team. It started 64-run group- stage loss to Aus- Alex Carey off fast bowler Pat prolific opening pair off DDaDavidaavvidd with the bowling performance and tralia -- have come batting Cummins. The batsman was visibly Warner and Finch, as welll aass PPePeteretteerr then the way they knocked that off second but Roy and Bairstow angry and had to be ushered away Handscomb, were all backcckk iinn ththehehe was outstanding. showed few signs of nerves in from the crease by square leg umpire pavilion by the seventh over.veer. “There were some nerves Birmingham. Marais Erasmus. England had earlier Warner, who like SSmSmithmmiitthh around this morning but that’s Australia captain Aaron Finch squandered their lone review. walked out to boos becausee ooff hhisis natural going into a semi-final. The turned to Steve Smith’s occasional Test skipper Joe Root (49 not role in the ball-tamperingpeperiperierriinngg way we produced the goods just leg-spin in a desperate bid to break out) and England captain Eoin scandal, returned to even louderouderudeder showed how good we are and the partnership. Morgan (45 not out) finished the job cat-calls after being dismissedissedede where we are at as a team.” Smith was booed by a large as the crowd chanted “cricket’s for nine. Smith and Alex CarCaCareyarreyey Roy, who missed three matches crowd, a reflection of the former coming home”. steadied the innings withth a earlier in the tournament with a Australia captain’s role in a ball- Defeat meant Australia suffered fourth-wicket stand of 1033 butbutut torn hamstring, was in particularly tampering scandal in South Africa their first loss in eight World Cup wickets tumbled at regulargugululaarr good form, hitting left-arm fast that saw him banned for 12 semi-finals. intervals and Australia werewwewerrree bowler Mitchell Starc and Nathan months. Earlier, Woakes and Adil Rashid unable to set England a testingststingi g Lyon for sixes. But the jeers turned to cheers each took three wickets apiece. target.

WIMBLEDON: Serena sets up Halep showdown WOMEN’S SEMI-FINALS Serena Williams (USA x11) bt Barbora Strycova (CZE) 6-1, 6-2

Simona Halep (ROM x7) bt Elina with record Slam haul in sights Svitolina (UKR x8) 6-1, 6-3 AFP don’t give up anymore,” se said. she netted a simple volley and LONDON “I plan to be the best version lashed out, kicking the ball into of myself and fight to the end.” the net. Simona Halep is the last woman The easy manner in which Worse was to come for Svi- standing between Serena former world number one Halep tolina on her next service game Williams and achieving her long wrapped up the match had not wheh Halep produced a stunning held ambition of equalling looked on the cards at the outset. shot to go 5-1. It feels good to be in Margaret Court’s Grand Slam title Svitolina, the first Ukrainian The 27-year-old Romanian the final again after record after both recorded easy woman to reach a Grand Slam dashed across court to get to Svi- the year I have had. victories in their Wimbledon semi-final, and Halep traded tolina’s drop shot and flashed it I have just needed semi-finals yesterday. shots aplenty and break points in cross court. Seven-time champion Wil- the opening two games which Halep, who had not faced a matches to feel liams made short work of plucky took over 20 minutes to complete seeded player until Svitolina, good and do what I unseeded Czech Barbora but Halep emerged on top with faced some resistance as she do best and that is Strycova, whose experience of a 2-0 lead. served for the set eventually play tennis. I love her first ever Grand Slams singles Svitolina, being watched from taking it on her sixth set point. semi-final in her 53rd campaign the players box by her English Although Svitolina stayed what I do. I have a lasted just under an hour as she coach Andy Bettles and French with Halep for the first part of the great job and I am lost 6-1, 6-2. boyfriend and ATP star Gael second set, the self-belief and still pretty good at Former world number one Monfils, briefly raised her game fight had gone and when the it. I get a remarkable Halep’s clash with Ukrainian to break back. Romanian broke for 4-3 it was Serena Williams in action experience every Elina Svitolina lasted a bit longer during her Wimbledon women’s However, Halep broke again game over. but the 27-year-old ran out a 6-1, singles semi-final match against immediately and 24-year-old All that was left was for Halep time: Williams 6-3 victor to become the first Barbora Strycova. Svitolina gave an indication of to blow a kiss skywards in cele- Romanian woman to reach the her increasing frustration when bration on sealing the match. Wimbledon final. Williams has missed the which has not always been the am also excited and nervous. It Romania’s Simona Halep in chance to equal Australian case during the Championships is one of the best moments of my action against Ukraine’s Elina Court’s record on two occasions and she said she would not be life,” said Halep. Svitolina during their semi- since returning from giving birth taking seventh-seeded Halep “The match was not easy, the final match, yesterday. -- losing last year’s Wimbledon lightly. games were long and went deep. final and then a bad-tempered “She’s a tough opponent,” “I fought hard to win this defeat in the US Open final. said Williams. “We always have match and I was strong mentally “It feels good to be in the final great matches. I look forward to and physically and had the right again after the year I have had,” it.” tactics.” said 37-year-old Williams. Strycova, who never Halep, who had knocked out “I have just needed matches managed to impose her delightful new star, 15-year-old Coco Gauff to feel good and do what I do best stroke-filled game on her in the last 16, lost in her previous and that is play tennis opponent, at least has the conso- semi-final appearance at Wim- “I love what I do. I have a lation of perhaps winning the bledon to Eugenie Bouchard in great job and I am still pretty women’s doubles. 2014. good at it. I get a remarkable Halep, who was French Open However, she said she was a experience every time.” champion in 2018, will be playing different player now and had Williams produced a dom- in her fifth Grand Slam final. taken to grass. inant performance on Thursday “It’s an amazing feeling but I “I have more experience, I