FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 NNBABA | Page 5 Lampard has Cousins looking brought unity forward to to Chelsea: teaming with Azpilicueta Davis again

Friday, July 12, 2019 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 9, 1440 AH Thomas gains time GULF TIMES on rivals in brutal Tour stage fi nish SPORT Page 7

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP England thump Australia to set up New Zealand fi nal Woakes and Rashid scalp three each to restrict holders to 223 before Roy’s 85 propels hosts to their first final in 27 years AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom Scorecard

AUSTRALIA Bowling: Woakes 8-0-20-3, ngland booked their D. Warner c Bairstow b Woakes 9 Archer 10-0-32-2 (w2), Stokes place in the World Cup 4-0-22-0, Wood 9-0-45-1 (w4), fi nal against New Zea- A. Finch lbw b Archer 0 Plunkett 8-0-44-0 (w3), Rashid land with a dominant S. Smith run out (Buttler) 85 10-0-54-3 (w1) eight-wicketE win over reigning P. Handscomb b Woakes 4 champions Australia at Edgbas- ton yesterday. A. Carey c sub (Vince) b Rashid 46 ENGLAND Jason Roy hit a blistering 85 as M. Stoinis lbw b Rashid 0J. Roy c Carey b Cummins 85 England reached a victory target G. Maxwell c Morgan b Archer 22 J. Bairstow lbw b Starc 34 of 224 with a mammoth 107 balls P. Cummins c Root b Rashid 6J. Root not out 49 to spare after restricting Australia. Openers Roy and Jonny M. Starc c Buttler b Woakes 29 E. Morgan not out 45 Bairstow (34) put on 124 for the J. Behrendorff b Wood 1Extras (lb1, w12) 13 fi rst wicket, their fourth consec- N. Lyon not out 5Total (two wickets, 32.1 overs) 226 utive century stand. England, losing fi nalists in Extras (lb6, w10) 16 Fall of wickets: 1-124 (Bairstow), 1979, 1987 and 1992, will now Total (all out, 49 overs) 223 2-147 (Roy) face New Zealand, who have also Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Finch), 2-10 Bowling: Behrendorff 8.1-2- yet to win the World Cup after (Warner), 3-14 (Handscomb), 38-0 (w1), Starc 9-0-70-1 (w3), fi nishing runners-up to Australia 4-117 (Carey), 5-118 (Stoinis), 6-157 Cummins 7-0-34-1 (w2), Lyon 5-0- four years ago, in Sunday’s fi - (Maxwell), 7-166 (Cummins), 49-0, Smith 1-0-21-0 (w1), Stoinis nal at Lord’s following the Black 8-217 (Smith), 9-217 (Starc), 10- 2-0-13-0 (w1) Caps’ surprise semi-fi nal win 223 (Behrendorff ) RESULT: England won by 8 wkts over India. “I’m pretty speechless,” said man-of-the-match Chris Woakes. “It was an incredible performance from the whole team. It started with the bowling performance and then the way they knocked that off was outstanding. “There were some nerves around this morning but that’s natural going into a semi-fi nal. The way we produced the goods just showed how good we are and where we are at as a team.” Roy, who missed three match- England’s Chris Woakes (right) celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s David Warner during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final at es earlier in the tournament with Edgbaston in Birmingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) a torn hamstring, was in particu- larly good form, hitting left-arm showed few signs of nerves in sixes in as many balls. Test skipper Joe Root (49 not pair of David Warner and Finch, fast bowler Mitchell Starc and Birmingham. Bairstow fell lbw to Starc, who out) and England captain Eoin as well as Peter Handscomb, were Nathan Lyon for sixes. Australia captain Aaron Finch in the process set a new record for Morgan (45 not out) fi nished the all back in the pavilion by the Australia were in desperate turned to Steve Smith’s occa- most wickets at a single World job as the crowd chanted “crick- seventh over. need of early wickets after suf- sional leg-spin in a desperate bid Cup of 27. et’s coming home”. Warner, who like Smith walked fering a top-order collapse on the to break the partnership. Roy was in sight of a hundred Defeat meant Australia suf- out to boos because of his role in way to being dismissed for 223, when he was given out caught fered their fi rst loss in eight the ball-tampering scandal, re- with the record fi ve-time cham- SMITH BOOED behind down the legside by World Cup semi-fi nals. turned to even louder cat-calls pions thankful for Steve Smith’s Smith was booed by a large crowd, wicketkeeper Alex Carey off fast Earlier, Woakes and Adil Rash- after being dismissed for nine. battling 85. a refl ection of the former Australia bowler Pat Cummins. id each took three wickets apiece. Smith and Alex Carey steadied All three of England’s de- captain’s role in a ball-tampering The batsman was visibly angry Woakes struck twice early on the innings with a fourth-wicket feats this tournament — includ- scandal in South Africa that saw and had to be ushered away from at his Warwickshire home ground stand of 103 but wickets tumbled ing a 64-run group stage loss to him banned for 12 months. the crease by square leg umpire as Australia slumped to 14-3 after at regular intervals and Australia Australia — have come batting But the jeers turned to cheers Marais Erasmus. England had ear- winning the toss. were unable to set England a England’s Jason Roy acknowledges the crowd as he walks off the field second but Roy and Bairstow as Roy hit three huge straight lier squandered their lone review. Australia’s prolifi c opening testing target. after getting out in the match yesterday. (AFP)

RALLYING Fift h straight stage win gives al-Attiyah big Silk Way lead

Agencies right lead over the chasing pack The Qatari said: “Whenever we and completing the high-speed stage of 408.15km in a day’s route Mandalgovi, Mongolia headed by China’s Kun Lui and fi nd ourselves in good conditions section 4min 13sec ahead of Van of 411.75km between Mandalgovi Frenchman Jerome Pelichet. we try to push. We were trying to Loon. The stage win also enabled and Dalanzadgad in Mongolia. Dutchman Erik van Loon and make a gap at the front. It is never the Qatari to extend his overall Dalanzadgad is the capital of atar’s Nasser Saleh Frenchman Sebastien Delaunay easy to open the track but I trust lead over Lui Kun to 26min 41sec. the Omnogovi Aimag area of al-Attiyah and French are crewing the second of the my co-driver Matthieu.” Van Loon moved up to 32nd over- Mongolia and is located 540km navigator Matthieu Overdrive Toyotas and are fi ght- Van Loon suff ered serious all in the car category. south of the capital and lies 1,470 Baumel extended their ing back well from time delays transmission issues on the sec- The Qatari said: “We did a metres above sea level. Qoutright lead in the 2019 Silk Way on stage two. Van Loon was third ond stage and lost his chance of good job on this long stage. There Rally to 37min 25sec after claim- fastest on the fi fth stage as he winning the event. The Dutch- was no problem with the car and POSITIONS AFTER SS5 (TOP 5) ing a fi fth successive stage win continues to push his way back man bounced back with the fi fth Matthieu did a good job with the 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ on the 364.59km timed section towards the top 15 with fi ve stag- quickest time on the third stage navigation. We enjoyed the Mon- Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota between Ulaanbaatar and Man- es to run in Mongolia and China. into the Mongolian capital but he golian landscape. It really was Hilux Overdrive 11hrs 46min 41sec dalgovi yesterday. He was classifi ed in an unoffi cial was still in the lower reaches of incredible. We are happy to be 2. Kun Lui (CHN)/Pan Hingyu Mandalgovi lies around 300km 21st overall after SS5. the leader board. doing well at this rally.” (CHN) Hanwei SMG Buggy 12hrs south of the capital on the border Al-Attiyah won his third suc- The fourth special comprised Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi 24min 06sec of the Gobi Desert. cessive section with a stage win a loop around the vast terrain to and German navigator Dirk von 3. Jérôme Pelichet (FRA)/Pascal Overdrive Racing driver al-Atti- on the 243km stint into the Mon- the east of Ulaanbaatar. In a day’s Zitzewitz were forced out of the Larroque (FRA) Optimus 12hrs yah has been in a class of his own golian capital of Ulaanbaatar on route of 476.96km, 470.19km rally in the third Overdrive Rac- 29min 55sec this week, as he closes in on a fi rst Tuesday. The Qatari fi nished the were timed against the clock in ing car after terminal mechanical 4. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Dmytro ever victory for himself and Toyota special 6min 13sec in front of the longest timed section of the problems thwarted their progress Tsyro (RUS) MINI John Cooper at the gruelling Silk Way Rally. The Russia’s Denis Krotov, despite a entire event. on the second stage between Works Rally 12hrs 32min 43sec Qatari beat closest rival Matthieu fl at tyre, and extended his out- Overdrive Racing completed Baikalsk and Ulan-Ude in East- 5. Han Wei (CHN)/Liao Min (CHN) Serradori by 3min 07sec to claim right lead over Kun Lui to 21min a 1-2 fi nish on SS4 with al-At- ern Siberia Geely SMG Buggy 12hrs 34min the stage win and extend his out- 10sec. tiyah again the class of the fi eld Today teams tackle a special 06sec Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 12, 2019 CRICKET

TOP OF THE LINE Fans shower praise on Jadeja for fi ghting 12- 07 - 2019 knock vs Black Caps AFP membered for a long time to while taking one wicket from 10 New Delhi come” for its sheer grit and te- overs. nacity. “@sanjaymanjrekar got Jade- Jadeja, 30, thanked fans for ja’s juices fl owing! I am certain ans heaped praise yester- their support, promising to con- it had a positive eff ect on his day on Ravindra Jadeja tinue giving his best “till my last game. Sometimes a kick on one’s after the “bits and piec- breath”. ego can have a positive impact,” es” cricketer emerged “Sports has taught me to keep tweeted India’s Olympic shoot- asF the unlikely hero of a losing on rising after every fall & never ing medallist Abhinav Bindra. cause, silencing critics who had to give up,” he tweeted. After being ignored for India’s questioned his place in the star- Jadeja seemed all fi red up when initial matches, Jadeja showed packed Indian team. he walked out to bat Wednesday his worth as a substitute in the The all-rounder top-scored after being written off as a “bits match against England, scooping with 77 to take India tantalisingly and pieces” player by Sanjay a brilliant diving catch to dismiss close to a win in their World Cup Manjrekar, a commentator and Jason Roy. semi-fi nal against New Zealand former India batsman. Manjrekar was forced to eat his on Wednesday as they chased a When he reached his half-cen- words soon after play ended on modest 240. tury, the 11th of his career, Jadeja Wednesday. Although India fell 18 runs twirled his bat like a sword — his “By bits ‘n’ pieces of sheer short, Jadeja earned the respect trademark celebration — and ap- brilliance, he’s ripped me apart of fans for his lion-hearted eff ort peared to gesture towards the on all fronts,” Manjrekar con- in the high-stakes clash. media box where Manjrekar is ceded. “Jadeja showed his worth,” usually seated. “This is the Jadeja we haven’t tweeted one user while another Jadeja also impressed with his seen before. Today he was bril- said his innings would be “re- bowling, giving away just 34 runs liant.”

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP COMMENT Woakes hails ‘incredible’ England Group defeats don’t aft er hosts power into World Cup fi nal

AFP “We got off to a fl yer and when Birmingham, United Kingdom chasing a relatively small total, bother Williamson that’s the diff erence.” Woakes admitted England’s hris Woakes saluted stars had been nervous ahead of England’s “incredible” their country’s fi rst World Cup eight-wicket demoli- semi-fi nal since 1992, but they tion of Australia as the quickly banished the butterfl ies Chosts swaggered into their fi rst with a blistering start. World Cup fi nal since 1992. “There were some nerves ahead of fi nal Woakes won the man-of-the- around this morning, a few anx- match award at Edgbaston after ious people in the dressing room ‘We’ll try to implement similar things... that gives us the best chance of success’ taking 3-20 in a lethal eight-over but that’s natural,” Woakes said. spell that included the key wick- “I just got my length wrong for et of opener David Warner. the fi rst ball. A world-class play- Thanks to Woakes and fellow er in David Warner is going to put pacemen Jofra Archer, Australia that away. But I got my length collapsed to 14-3 and never really right after that and felt good.” recovered as they were dismissed England have lost all three of for 223. their previous World Cup fi nals, England took just 32.1 overs against Pakistan in 1992, Aus- to reach their victory target and tralia in 1987 and the West Indies book their fi nal date with New in 1979. Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday. Asked how it felt to help take Woakes admitted it was a per- England to within touching dis- fect day for England, who have tance of their fi rst World Cup never won the 50-over World Cup. crown, Woakes said his team “I’m pretty speechless. It was had tried their best to block out an incredible performance from the potentially historic nature of the whole team, started well with their campaign. the bowling and then the batting “We have tried not to think was outstanding,” Woakes told about getting to the fi nal, it Sky Sports. hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said. “The way we have produced He added: “We were tipped as the goods shows how good we are favourites so it was important to and we’re really pleased. get to the semi-fi nal in the fi rst “I don’t think it was a bad place and then to win this in this wicket, we just found the right fashion against this Australia length and they had to rebuild side on the best ground in the and we kept the pressure on. world is amazing.”

New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson (centre) hugs teammate Tom Latham in celebration after winning the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against India at Old Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Wednesday. (AFP) England players in the dressing room celebrate the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final victory over Australia yesterday. (Reuters) AFP chance of going one better and “But we turn up on the day land squad, many clad in replica MS Dhoni (50) and all-rounder Manchester, United Kingdom winning their fi rst World Cup and anybody can beat anybody. shirts, together with some of the Ravindra Jadeja (77) could deny title. It’s important that feet are on players’ children, mingled on New Zealand victory. Williamson is confi dent de- the ground and we look forward the outfi eld at Old Traff ord. The game was still just about World Cup chiefs push for no-fl y zone ew Zealand captain spite an 86-run defeat by Aus- to that challenge.” “But at the same time, we in the balance when Dhoni was aft er plane protest Kane Williamson in- tralia — the team that beat New just want to refl ect on the good run out by a brilliant direct hit sisted the fact his side Zealand in the fi nal four years ago ‘GREAT OPPORTUNITY’ things we did in this match and from Martin Guptill. Tournament chiefs said they of political messages at the ICC lost to potential World — and a 119-run loss to England Asked what this win would the things we want to improve This has been a woeful tour- were working with authorities Men’s Cricket World Cup,” the NCup fi nal opponents Australia in the initial 10-team group stage. mean for cricket in New Zea- on.” nament with the bat for the to establish a no-fly zone over ICC said in a statement. and England earlier in the tour- “Every game throughout the land, where rugby union’s world New Zealand made 239 for opener, with Guptill — the lead- Lord’s for the World Cup final “We have worked with local nament would have no bearing round-robin was worth a couple champion All Blacks dominate eight on a tricky pitch, Ross ing run-scorer at the 2015 World after political banners were police forces around the on Sunday’s showpiece match at of points so they were all impor- the sporting scene, Williamson Taylor top-scoring with 74 and Cup — out for just one, his fi fth flown in Birmingham during country throughout the tour- Lord’s. tant,” Williamson said. said: “I don’t think it will change Williamson contributing 67 as single score in this edition, when yesterday’s semi-final between nament to prevent the World The Black Caps, who only “Obviously a semi-fi nal is the number one sport. the two senior batsmen showed the rain-interrupted game be- England and Australia. The signs Cup being used as a platform reached the last four on net worth a few more than two points. “I’m sure people back home their class again. gan on Tuesday. read “World must speak up for for political protests. So we are run-rate, upset the odds to beat But, you know, we’ll go into an- are pretty excited and, you But the crucial phase of the But Williamson said: “He’s Balochistan” and “Help end incredibly disappointed these group table-toppers India by 18 other match and try to implement know, another great oppor- match came when Matt Henry probably the only man on the disappearances in Pakistan”. flights continue to take place. runs in a dramatic semi-fi nal at similar things that are important tunity to play in a World Cup and Trent Boult ripped through pitch that could perhaps create It follows similar incidents earli- We are working very closely Old Traff ord on Wednesday. to our side, that gives us the best final. a much vaunted top order to re- that run-out. er in the tournament in England with the relevant agencies to And after what New Zealand chance of success. “Only every four years do you duce India to 24 for four in 10 “Contributions can come in and Wales, with the Interna- make sure there is an air exclu- media quickly dubbed ‘The “There are so many strong get the opportunity to play in a overs. so many diff erent ways. For him tional Cricket Council distancing sion zone in place for manned Manchester Miracle’, the un- teams in the tournament, an- World Cup, let alone make a fi - Not even a defi ant rearguard to pull off what was a signifi cant itself from the protests. and unmanned flights during derstated Williamson insisted other semi-fi nal that can go ei- nal,” added Williamson, as wives seventh-wicket stand of 116 turning point in the match was “We do not condone any sort the (Sunday’s) final at Lord’s.” the 2015 runners-up had every ther way, two very good sides. and girlfriends of the New Zea- between veteran former captain special.” Gulf Times Friday, July 12, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Algeria seal shootout win over Ivory Coast to book semis berth Algeria will now meet Nigeria in the semis on Sunday as they seek to end their long wait for continental success

Reuters Suez, Egypt

xperienced striker Wilfried Bony and midfi elder Serey Die missed penalties in the shoot- out as Algeria sealed a 4-3 vic- toryE over the Ivory Coast following an entertaining 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-fi nal draw yesterday. Algeria will now meet Nigeria in the semi-fi nals at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday as they seek to end their long wait for continental success that stretches back to 1990. Sofi ane Feghouli put Algeria ahead in the fi rst half, but they failed to increase that advantage when Baghdad Bounedjah missed a penalty early in the second period. Ivory Coast striker Jonathan Kodjia equalised just past the hour mark, after which both sides created chances and had eff orts cleared off the line, but were unable to be separated in 120 minutes. Bony saw his weak penalty saved by Al- gerian goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi, before captain Die struck the post to sink the 2015 Nations Cup champions and see the North African side advance to just a second semi-fi nal in 29 years. Max Gradel’s curling 25-yard shot was tipped onto the post by a diving M’Bolhi as the Ivorians served notice of their early attacking intent. And it should have been 1-0 a few minutes lat- er when the wizardry of Wilfried Zaha in the box saw him fashion a low cross that was perfect for Kodjia, who missed the ball completely. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez fi red wide at the other end, before they took the lead with a well-worked goal on 20 minutes. Full back Ramy Bensebaini Algerian players celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match even as Ivory Coast players look dejected at the Suez stadium in Suez, Egypt, yesterday. (AFP) picked up the loose ball on the left- hand side of the box and laid on a per- ward fi nally found the equaliser. NIGERIA GRAB LATE WINNER seemed to be out of their reach. quarter-fi nals. Nigeria went ahead rivals and nearly extended their lead fect pass for Feghouli to score. Set free by Zaha on the right, he cut AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA Samuel Chukwueze, recalled to the with the fi rst really dangerous attack early in the second half with a 25-metre They could have made it 2-0 a inside and let fl y from the edge of the TO REACH SEMI-FINALS side after missing the previous round, of the match. Alex Iwobi burst down free kick from Oghenekaro Etebo but minute into the second half when Ivory box, his shot arrowing into the bottom On Wednesday night, Nigeria sneaked put the Super Eagles in front when he the left and pulled the ball back into the Ronwen Williams turned it on the bar. Coast goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo up- corner of the net. into the semi-fi nals when defender scored at the second attempt in the area to Chukwueze whose fi rst eff ort South Africa, who sensationally ended Bounedjah in the box, and after It was a fi rst goal conceded by Al- William Troost-Ekong scored with one 27th minute. Nigeria stayed in con- was blocked by a defender but scored knocked out hosts Egypt in the previ- a consultation with the Video Assist- geria in the tournament. Mahrez then minute remaining to give them a 2-1 trol, missed chances and paid the price after it rebounded back to him. ous round, struggled to get a look-in ant Referee, Bamlak Tessema Weyesa managed to beat Gbohouo with his low win over a gallant South Africa as the when Bongani Zungu headed an equal- Chukwueze, overlooked for the 3-2 but the Super Eagles repeatedly failed awarded the spot kick. Bounedjah took shot, but Mamadou Bagayoko did bril- tournament served up more drama. iser in the 71st minute with South Af- last 16 win over Cameroon, was a con- to turn the mazy runs of Ahmed Musa the penalty himself, but fi red over off liantly to clear off the line. Troost Ekong, left unmarked, rica’s fi rst shot on target. stant menace down the right and cre- and Chukwueze into goals. the crossbar. Ivorian Ismael Traore came closest to turned the ball in with his knee from The goal was initially ruled off side ated another chance after skipping past Then, from out of the blue, South Af- A few minutes later, Kodjia’s quick a winner in extra time when his scram- a corner to leave the South Africans but then awarded after a VAR check his marker but Dean Furman made a rica equalised as Percy Tau lofted a free shot from a tight angle looped onto the bled shot from a corner was blocked on heart-broken after they had fought – the fi rst major intervention by tech- timely interception to deny him. Niger- kick into the area, it was fl icked on and woodwork, before the Aston Villa for- the line by Mehdi Zeff ane. their way back into the match which nology since it was introduced for the ia looked too strong all-round for their superbly headed in by Zungu.

FIFA introduces SPOTLIGHT harsher punishment South Africa need to put plans into action: Baxter for racist behaviour Reuters Bafana Bafana will gain from that — but began with a shock away win to Nigeria Cairo it needs supporting. Any strategies we in their opening Afcon qualifi er but that Zurich: FIFA is doubling its mini- “For a first off ence, playing a have to develop football needs to be sup- was followed by a disastrous World Cup mum ban for racist incidents to match with a limited number of ported by everybody.” qualifying campaign where home-and- 10 games and will allow players spectators and a fine of at least outh Africa have impressive plans Although Baxter did not mention away defeats by Cape Verde scuppered to make victim statements and 20,000 Swiss Francs ($20,220) for the development of football in the South Africa Football Association their chances of going to Russia. participate in the proceedings, shall be imposed on the associa- the country but need to be better (SAFA) directly, his remarks appeared However, they then went on a world football’s governing body tion or club concerned,” FIFA at putting them into practice, ac- aimed at them. He has never been afraid 15-match unbeaten run which ended cordingS to national team coach Stuart to hide his irritation with the governing with defeat to Ivory Coast in their open- said yesterday. Stricter punish- said. “Unless there are excep- ments against racism and other tional circumstances, if a match Baxter. After seeing his side knocked body, telling them last year to “get their ing Afcon match. “Since we played that discriminatory behaviour was is abandoned by the referee out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a 2-1 house in order” after they dallied over game in Nigeria, there has been a mas- a key part of FIFA’s updated because of racist and/or dis- defeat by Nigeria on Wednesday night, setting up friendly internationals. sive change in the face of the squad,” said disciplinary code which takes criminatory conduct, the match the Englishman began addressing the South Africa, who won Afcon at the Baxter. eff ect from Monday. shall be declared forfeited.” “big question” of the team’s future. fi rst attempt in 1996 but have not been “I think we have had 30 debutants “FIFA’s Disciplinary Com- The match can be forfeited “It’s not only talking about Bafana able to replicate that success, made it out during the last two years. It’s been a dif- mittee may permit the victim after the referee has applied Bafana as a team, you are taking about of the group phase for only the second fi cult journey because as a coach, if you to make a statement, allowing a “three-step procedure” for individual players, their experiences time since the 2002 fi nals. They sneaked make changes, sometimes it’s very pop- the latter to participate in the such incidents, which includes playing abroad, you are talking about the into the last 16 as the fourth best of the ular. You bring in some young players, proceedings. FIFA will not let requesting a public announce- youth development of the country, you six third-placed teams in the group stage that’s very popular. But if you lose games, down victims of racist abuse,” ment to call for such behaviour are talking about talent identifi cation, with performances which earned some and you don’t do very well, it isn’t. We the body said in a statement. to cease, suspending the match coach education,” he said. “So we have fi erce criticism back home but then came to here, really, to try and give this The changes follow on from until it stops, and in critical sce- some very good plans in South Africa stunned hosts Egypt 1-0 before losing to team experience of a major tournament several high profile incidents narios, abandoning the match but the word implementation needs to a late Nigeria goal. they hadn’t had. I’m sure the experience last season in domestic and in- altogether. be stronger.” Baxter said it had been a “long and dif- will do the players good, but you have to ternational football. Inter Milan The updated code also Baxter added: “I think if we can con- fi cult” journey since he began a second learn. You have to learn and adjust and be were ordered to play two home includes the option of imposing tinue the development programme, the stint in charge of the side in May 2017. He better, so we need to be better.” games behind closed doors transfer bans on clubs which after their supporters racially default on debts in cases proc- insulted Napoli defender Ka- essed by FIFA and the Court FOCUS lidou Koulibaly. Koulibaly, who of Arbitration for Sport. Earlier received a red card for showing this week, FIFA also launched dissent, was banned for two a new global program teach- matches, sparking criticism that ing member associations and Al Sadd to play three friendly matches in Spain the victim was being punished. confederations to safeguard Montenegro were also children from abuse. The new l Sadd’s new coach Xavi Hernan- ordered by European govern- initiative, called FIFA Guardians, dez has fi nalised his preparations ing body UEFA to play a home will allow members in review- for the new season by opting for game behind closed doors as ing their existing safeguarding three friendly matches during his team’sA pre-season training camp. part of sanctions handed out measures through practical for the racist behaviour of their guidance and support materials. The fi rst friendly match will be played supporters during a match “FIFA has a duty and responsi- on July 22, the second on July 24 and the against England. bility to ensure that those who third on July 28, a day before the team’s re- The updated FIFA code ex- play football can do so in a safe, turn to Doha from Spain. The squad is cur- pands the scope of what is con- positive and enjoyable environ- rently continuing its training, which started sidered discriminatory behav- ment,” FIFA Secretary General on Sunday in Doha without international iour to anything related to “race, Fatma Samoura said. players. However, the squad’s international skin colour, ethnic, national or “I am confident that the FIFA players will assemble in Doha before leaving social origin, gender, disability, Guardians programme will help for Barcelona on July 14. sexual orientation, language, re- to mobilise action and guide Al Sadd will have a strong opening this ligion, political opinion, wealth, our 211 member associations season, starting with two matches against birth or any other status or any around the world in reviewing Al Duhail in their AFC Champions League other reason”. and implementing their own matches on August 6 and 13 and the Sheikh A match will be forfeited by safeguarding measures to keep Jassim Cup clash on August 17. the team if their supporters are children safe in football. FIFA New coach Xavi offi cially assumed the found to be guilty of racist and believes this to be every child’s coaching job of replacing Portugal’s Jasu- other discriminatory behaviour. right.” aldo Ferreira at the end of last season when Al Sadd won the QNB Stars League shield. Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 12, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Arsenal captain Coach Lampard has Koscielny boycotts US tour By David Hytner brought unity to The Guardian

rsenal have started dis- ciplinary proceedings against their captain, Laurent Koscielny, Chelsea: Azpilicueta afterA he refused to travel to the United States for a pre-season tour as he attempts to force a move. The 33-year-old centre- Europa League winners are under a transfer embargo and have lost Hazard to Madrid half is believed to have his heart set on a return to his native By Dominic Fifield in Dublin France, with Lyon, Bordeaux and The Guardian Rennes possible destinations. Koscielny believed he had a way out of his contract, which esar Azpilicueta believes Chel- has one year to run, this sum- sea will approach the new season mer based on the deal’s structure with a renewed sense of unity as and he is demanding the club free a result of Frank Lampard’s ap- him of his obligation and allow pointment.C The squad are ready to em- him to leave for nothing. brace the manager’s insistence they take Arsenal maintain Koscielny responsibility and mount a challenge de- was always contracted until next spite setbacks over recent months. summer – any options were over The Europa League winners are under a and above that term – and they transfer embargo and have lost Eden Haz- are so furious at his behaviour ard to Real Madrid. Their predicament they have taken the unusual would suggest they risk falling further step of releasing a statement to behind Manchester City, who fi nished 26 condemn him. If he stays, he is points clear of Maurizio Sarri’s team last certain to be stripped of the cap- Nacho Monreal. The club have season, and Liverpool, particularly with taincy. been open to off ers for Mustafi . Lampard’s coaching career in its infancy. “Laurent Koscielny has re- Holding will miss the start of Yet the discord which festered last fused to travel to the US for our the season while he fi nishes his season, most obviously among the sup- pre-season tour,” Arsenal said. recovery from a cruciate knee porters, has been banished by the return “We are very disappointed by ligament injury. Emery also has of Chelsea’s record goalscorer, and an air Laurent’s actions, which are Calum Chambers and Konstan- of positivity among fans and players ac- against our clear instructions. tinos Mavropanos – although companied the team even as they drew We hope to resolve this matter the former is for sale – and hopes their opening friendly against Bohemian and will not be providing any to sign William Saliba for £27mn, in Dublin on Wednesday. further comment at this time.” although the 18-year-old de- “That feeling can be massive,” said It has emerged that discus- fender would be loaned back to Azpilicueta, who is expected to captain sions over Koscielny’s future St-Etienne for the season. Lampard’s team. “It is true that last sea- have been taking place since be- Arsenal have tracked Saliba son, for periods, we didn’t give the fans fore the end of last season. They for some time and have beaten what they expected. Our performances have escalated since his return a host of clubs to his signature. were not good enough and the reason to training last Friday, with the The defender made his debut for they were not happy and negative. threat being made about refus- St Etienne in September 2018 “We turned it around and won the Eu- ing to travel to the US unless his and made 16 league appearances ropa League but you can see this season wishes were met. for the club last season. He has all of the fans are very happy we have the Arsenal were unsure if Ko- played for France at all age groups gaff er back at the Bridge. Now we have to scielny would see it through. He from under-16 to under-20 level. give it back by working hard on the pitch, reported for training yesterday The club have also signed the by winning games. We are very happy to only to inform the club he would highly rated Brazilian Gabriel have him with us. I can’t add anything to not board the team’s fl ight to Los Martinelli, also 18 years old, his career at Chelsea as a player. But, over Angeles, which departed from from Ituano but have seen a his fi rst week in training, I’ve seen the Stansted at 12.30pm. Arsenal be- host of players leave, including way he wants to play, the way he wants gin their tour against Colorado Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck, us to feel the shirt, the way he wants us to Rapids on Monday and also play Stephan Lichtsteiner and David train every day … it is something special. Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta says new manager Frank Lampard has brought ‘something special’ back to Chelsea. Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Ospina. “He was here for a very long and very Real Madrid. Koscielny joined Arsenal from successful period, and always set an ex- club. We have to take responsibility and move to Real constituted a blow but there players would be diffi cult. But every year Arsenal’s position is that Lorient for £10mn in the summer ample: how he wanted to break every know that there are a lot of things [going is an acceptance that life goes on. we’ve had the chance to bring trophies they cannot have players walk- of 2010 and played in the FA Cup record or improve himself in every ses- on] around us but we have to work hard to “Since I came here we’ve had people back to the Bridge. Now we have some- ing out on their contracts. They fi nal victories of 2014 and 2015. sion. To ‘feel the shirt’ was to go every get better.” leave every season: Lampard, John Terry, thing unusual – the transfer ban – which say they have had no contact His stance is another headache day into Cobham to be better, to train Lampard has seen players take up pre- Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, Petr Cech,” gives a chance for a lot of young players, from clubs regarding Koscielny. as Emery works to strengthen hard, to behave on and off the pitch. We season training in Dublin in two waves, Azpilicueta said. “We could never im- players coming back from loan. Sarri is Unai Emery’s other established his squad on a restricted budget, are very excited and the only way we can and will have more than 30 from which agine a Chelsea side winning a trophy gone, his choice, and now we have to options in central defence are owing in part to the club’s con- carry it on is by winning together, getting to choose for tomorrow’s second friendly, without those quality players, and always move on. We’re not going to win anything Shkodran Mustafi , Rob Holding, tinued absence from the Cham- the feeling back of being all together as a against St Patrick’s Athletic. Hazard’s knew replicating the success of the great thinking about the past or complaining.” Sokratis Papastathopoulos and pions League.

ROUND-UP FOCUS EX-FIFA executive Generation Amazing youth ambassadors Warner ordered by judge to pay $79mn inspired by FIFA Women’s World Cup ttending the FIFA Women’s ormer FIFA vice presi- month at the end of his contract. World Cup has inspired a group dent and North Ameri- “I was very fl attered that I was of Generation Amazing youth can regional football considered but it’s that thing... ambassadors to encourage girls president Jack Warner don’t go back,” Allardyce, who inA their communities to play football and hasF been ordered to pay $79mn has been out of a managerial job develop their sporting and life skills. in damages by a federal judge. since leaving Everton last year, Saba Lakho, Raya Almoani, Anisha US District Court Judge Wil- told talkSPORT. “It never got to Khicha and Mashal Ghalib recently at- liam Kuntz issued the ruling by the type of talks people are sug- tended Festival 19, a football for develop- default after Warner did not on gesting — but it wasn’t for me. I ment event organised by streetfootball- Tuesday contest a 2017 civil suit politely said ‘no’.” world in Lyon, France, on the sidelines of claiming he embezzled millions British media reported former the Women’s World Cup. The youth am- of dollars from the Confedera- Manchester United defender bassadors shared a pitch with two stars of tion of North, Central American Steve Bruce is among the front- the women’s game: German coach Moni- and Caribbean Association runners for the Newcastle hot ka Staab and Honey Thaljieh, the former Football (CONCACAF). seat and Allardyce believes the captain of the Palestine Women’s team Warner was accused of taking Sheffi eld Wednesday manager who now works for FIFA. kickbacks from media rights would relish the opportunity Lakho, from Pakistan, said: “It taught deals for CONCACAF events to take up a fresh challenge on me a lot to be on the same pitch as Monika and taking bribes regarding FIFA Tyneside. and Honey. Next, I want to continue my votes for hosting the 2010 World football for development work and use Cup that was awarded to South BARCELONA BEAT PSG the lessons learned back home. I want to Africa. CONCACAF intends TO SIGN 16-YEAR-OLD expand the programme in Karachi – be- to pursue Warner’s assets to ENGLISH STRIKER BARRY cause I want more girls from my commu- recover damages, according to Barcelona have beaten Paris St nity to be able to play football. an attorney. The 76-year-old Germain to the signing of one “The things football has done for edu- is living in his home nation of of England’s brightest talents cation, physical health and mental health Trinidad and Tobago while the in 16-year-old striker Louie in my community is great – I love seeing United States pursues extradi- Barry from Championship side this change and that is what keeps me tion. Warner, who has denied West Bromwich Albion. British motivated to keep improving.” any wrongdoing, was issued media had reported that Barry Lakho’s football for development jour- a life ban from national and had undergone a medical with ney began just four years ago at the time international football in 2015 by French Ligue 1 champions PSG of the previous Women’s World Cup, and FIFA’s ethics committee. before Barcelona stepped in at she has seen the positive impact of edu- the last minute and convinced cation through sport on her community. The youth ambassadors shared a pitch with two stars of the women’s game: German coach Monika Staab and Honey Thaljieh, ALLARDYCE TURNS DOWN him to join the ranks at La Masia, “I started playing football four years ago,” the former captain of the Palestine Women’s team who now works for FIFA. NEWCASTLE APPROACH TO the club’s famed academy. said Lakho, who attended the Women’s RETURN AS MANAGER Barry, who turned 16 last World Cup fi nal between the USA and the tion Amazing programme, and have been and in school. It also teaches them to live work and their dream for a better future Former England boss Sam Al- month, signed a three-year deal Netherlands. a youth ambassador ever since, it has healthy lifestyles.” through football. lardyce says he turned down an with Barcelona until 2022 and “There is a local club called Karachi been a great experience. We have worked Having given an inspirational talk to “With Generation Amazing giving opportunity to take the vacant will play for their Under-19 United and they had open trials. I went with children at schools and it has been the youth in attendance, Thaljieh said: them the opportunity, it is a great plat- manager’s job at Newcastle team while West Brom will to play because I had always been a fan amazing.” “It was an honour and pleasure to be here form. They need opportunities in order to United. Allardyce, who was receive 235,000 pounds as of football and would always watch it. Lakho added: “Playing football really with Generation Amazing, meeting all of excel in life. They have a lot of potential Newcastle boss from 2007 compensation. Barry joins I didn’t know if I could play. Now I have helps you develop as a person, nothing the youngsters from diff erent parts of the and skills, they just need that opportu- to 2008, said he rejected the the growing number of English been playing for three-and-a-half years, else could have helped me like this. We world and inspiring them through foot- nity. With Generation Amazing, they can chance to replace Rafa Benitez, youngsters who have moved to and have started teaching other girls in have worked with children in underprivi- ball. It is fantastic to see their passion, to make it happen and they can make those who quit St James’ Park last foreign clubs. my community. I applied for the Genera- leged areas, it keeps them out of trouble see their commitment, to see their hard dreams come true.” Gulf Times Friday, July 12, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Penguins’ forward Cousins looking Cullen retires aft er 21-year career att Cullen, who was to believe that this is the end, the oldest player but here I am," Cullen said. in the NHL last “I may have skated my last forward to teaming season, retired on shift, but I'm not hanging up my MWednesday at the age of 42. The skates just yet. For me to be able forward played 21 seasons in the to take (my sons) to the rink and NHL, including last season with play with them on the ice, as a the Pittsburgh Penguins, when dad, that's as good as it gets," he he had 20 points (seven goals, added. 13 assists) in 71 regular-season with Davis again games. “It was an emotional CANUCKS SIGN FREE time, but I knew it was coming,” AGENT FERLAND Cullen said. “It just felt right, The Vancouver Canucks signed and I was really at peace with free agent left winger Micheal The pair played together for the New Orleans Pelicans for about one season everything when it was over. I Ferland to a four-year contract felt like it was only right to retire worth $14mn. “Micheal is an By Tania Ganguli in Pittsburgh with everything energetic player that drives the Los Angeles Times that the organisation had given play and can contribute in all me and done for me.” three zones,” general manager Cullen’s fi rst stint with the Jim Benning said in a statement. he last time DeMarcus Cousins Penguins was from 2015 to 2017, “He’ll make our team harder to and Anthony Davis played to- when he helped Pittsburgh to play against on a nightly basis gether, they loved it. back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. and we’re excited that he’ll call “Me and A have talked about it Cullen also hoisted the Stanley Vancouver home.” Tnumerous times, about being teammates Cup with the Carolina Hurri- Ferland, 27, is coming off again,” Cousins said on a conference call canes in 2006, when he scored a his second straight 40-point on Wednesday evening. “We never want- career-high 25 goals. campaign, collecting 17 goals ed it to end but everything happens for a Drafted by the then Mighty and a career-high 23 assists in 71 reason.” Ducks of Anaheim with the 35th games with the Carolina Hurri- They played together for the New Or- overall pick in 1996, Cullen went canes last year. He ranked fourth leans Pelicans for about one season, a on to play for eight NHL teams: on the team in plus/minus (plus- formidable pair for a time. Then Cousins The Ducks, Panthers, Hurri- 13) and third in hits (182). tore his left Achilles tendon and that was canes, Rangers, Senators, Wild, the end for them. Until this season. Davis Predators and Penguins. KINGS RE-SIGN IAFALLO helped recruit Cousins to the Lakers, with He won three Stanley Cups IN A TWO-YEAR DEAL whom Cousins signed a one-year deal during his career – one with The Los Angeles Kings re-signed worth $3.5mn. And now Cousins can’t Carolina in 2006 and back-to- restricted free agent forward wait to resume the partnership. Especial- back titles with Pittsburgh in Alex Iafallo to a two-year, ly on a roster like this one. 2016 and 2017. $4.85mn deal. The agreement “We realised how much better we made Cullen is coming off a season means the sides will avoid an ar- one another and how much we made the with the Penguins in which he bitration hearing, which was set game easier for one another. I think we played 71 games, picking up for July 20. Iafallo was the Kings’ both appreciate each other’s presence,” seven goals and 20 points while only player to elect for arbitra- Cousins said. “To add LeBron James to averaging just over 11-and-a- tion. Iafallo, 25, collected 15 goals the mix, his resume speaks for itself. One half minutes of ice time per and 18 assists while playing in all of the greatest players ever to play this game. He wraps his career with 82 games last season, fi nishing game added to that. It should be an excit- 1516 games played, 266 goals and fourth on the team in goals and ing season.” 731 points. sixth in points. Cousins spent the fi rst six-and-a-half “I'm grateful for every game, According to the team, he was years of his career with the Sacramento every moment, everything this named the Kings’ player of the Kings, one of the league’s premiere big game has given me. ... It's hard year based on fan voting. men during his time there. The Kings traded their mercurial star to the Pelicans at the trade deadline in 2017. In New Orleans he found a rhythm and many thought he was playing the best he’d ever played. He played 48 games for the Pelicans the next season before the devastating injury. Cousins entered free agency at the end of that season and signed with the Golden State Warriors on a one-year deal worth $5mn. He didn’t play until mid-January — a week shy of the anniversary of his torn Achilles. It was a luxury the stacked Warriors could aff ord. But then he tore his left quadriceps muscle in the second game of the playoff s, against the Clippers, and the process began again. The day before that game against the Clippers, Cousins had been thinking he was fi nally feeling back to his old self. It’s changed the way he looks at basketball. “I love it that much more” Cousins said. “Everything I’ve gone through in the past three years it just helped me real- ize how fast this thing can be taken away from you. I love it that much more. I’m grateful for every opportunity. I learned the hard way.” While he returned for the NBA Finals, DeMarcus Cousins has signed one-year deal worth $3.5mn with Los Angeles Lakers. (AFP) he didn’t seem fully healthy. Cousins now says that his quadriceps muscle is 100% (also a former Pelicans teammate), the Being on a one-year deal gives him biggest fears is to be proven wrong healthy. The Miami Heat reportedly had Lakers’ coaches and management. something to prove. But then, Cous- by somebody that doesn’t agree with interest in Cousins too, but he felt com- “We’re all here this season to compete ins always has felt that way. “I’ve kind me or doesn’t have my best interest at fortable with the Lakers’ message. He for a championship,” Cousins said. “That’s of been doubted my whole life,” he heart. With that being said I’m always heard the same message from Davis as that. I think we can all agree on that. With said. “I use that as fuel to continue seeking to prove those types of people Matt Cullen won three Stanley Cups – one with Carolina in 2006 he did from LeBron James, Rajon Rondo that being said it was an easy decision.” to push every single day. One of my wrong.” and back-to-back titles with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017.

MLB Syndergaard in demand as Mets discuss possible trades

By Tim Healey where the Mets stand in the buyer/seller with the Mariners; catcher Wilson Ra- Newsday debate, how dramatic of a deadline sea- mos, who has been OK at the plate but son it might be for them, what he wants has struggled defensively and lately has to see from his club in the second half – lost playing time to backup Tomas Nido; ore than halfway through but he has avoided publicly discussing and infi elder Jed Lowrie, who has not their season, the Mets have the state of the team in recent weeks. He played because of various leg injuries. little choice but to face is scheduled to meet with reporters on More than anything, the Mets’ their reality: They aren’t Friday afternoon in Miami. bullpen has weighed down the rest of Mvery good. And when you aren’t very For Michael Conforto and his team- the team. Bad seasons from closer Ed- good – 40-50 and second-to-last in mates, it means still busting it on the win Diaz (5.50 ERA) and closer-turned- the National League – teams will call fi eld every day, trying to win even as setup-man Jeurys Familia (7.50 ERA) about your players. they realise some of them can and will have ruined manager Mickey Calla- That is what is happening to the be sent to another team any day now. way’s ideal late-inning scenarios. Mets, who have talked about Noah “Obviously, we had high hopes start- The Mets have gotten 294 innings Syndergaard with at least a half-dozen ing the year. We haven’t played up to from their bullpen, fourth-fewest in teams recently, a source said. our potential,” Conforto said Sunday. the managers. But that unit has a 5.63 Multiple sources indicated no deal of “We’ll see what happens. Hopefully we ERA, third-worst in the majors. Syndergaard or any of the Mets’ several don’t lose too many guys. It’s the na- “That’s the frustrating part: The part other trade candidates is close to com- ture of the game. We’ve been through New York Mets have talked about you don’t lean on a ton hurts you,” Cal- pletion, but consider it an unoffi cial it. It sucks losing guys you start the year Noah Syndergaard with at least laway said Sunday. “I feel these guys start to what should be an interesting with, but we put ourselves in that po- a half-dozen teams recently. will turn it around. I believe in each one three weeks leading up to the July 31 sition. We have to start the second half of them.” trade deadline. hot and get into a better position.” While Van Wagenen & Co. go to work As the Mets resume their season with MLB.com reported that the Padres, on improving the 2020 Mets, the 2019 a series against the Marlins, they enter Astros and Brewers have checked in on Mets will hang on to the moment. an awkward phase familiar to any los- Syndergaard, who has a career-worst “I don’t think anybody is thrilled ing team, when the facing of their grim 4.68 ERA and is under team control with how our fi rst half went,” Jacob reality takes diff erent forms in the front through the 2021 season. Although Van deGrom, who along with Pete Alonso offi ce and on the eld. fi Wagenen preaches open-mindedness _ and Jeff McNeil represented the Mets For general manager Brodie Van never say never _ there is minimal ur- at the All-Star Game, said this week Wagenen and his staff , it means having gency for the Mets to make a trade for Todd Frazier and Jason Vargas highlight themselves looking to subtract instead mary off season off ensive additions, in Cleveland. “Obviously to get back already begun to privately prepare to be Syndergaard unless they get wowed by the other Mets who could be moved this of add. This time, though, it’s more dif- a trio of 30-somethings who have in this thing, have a chance at going to trade-deadline sellers, a pivot they like- an off er. As always with complicated month. fi cult to blame a large quantity of inju- underwhelmed at best: second base- the playoff s and competing in Octo- ly will make public in the coming days. potential trades, July talks sometimes This is the third summer in a row – ries for the Mets’ issues. man Robinson Cano, who is slashing ber. That’s the main goal. If you went This is usually the spot in which com- serve as groundwork for deals consum- every season since they lost in the 2016 Hurting the Mets relative to ex- .240/.287/.360 after coming over in the and asked anybody in the locker room, ment from Van Wagenen is inserted – mated in the off season. Zack Wheeler, NL wild-card game – that the Mets fi nd pectations are Van Wagenen’s pri- Mets’ marquee winter move, a trade they’d say the same thing.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 12, 2019 SPORT

FORMULA 1 FOCUS Hamilton ducks controversy, Hamilton aims to praises British fans

AFP still coming to Silverstone, it Silverstone would be as a driver. “And if not, I won’t be here in any other ca- pacity...” ewis Hamilton did his Hamilton will be seeking a bounce back with best to avoid contro- record sixth British Grand Prix versy yesterday when he win this weekend, as Mercedes ducked comparisons with try to bounce back from their de- Lother drivers and heaped praise feat in the Styrian Alps. on his countrymen ahead of his “I think we are fully aware home British Grand Prix. that the Red Bulls and Ferraris The defending fi ve-time world have taken a step forward and the champion and current series pace that they had at the last race sixth home win leader was asked to respond to was great,” he said. “I expect this claims by rival Red Bull team boss weekend that it will be closer be- ‘This is the race that has become the most anticipated event of the season for me’ Christian Horner that Max Ver- tween us all. stappen was now the ‘best driver “Last year, Ferrari were super- in the world.’ fast here, as were the Red Bulls. I Horner had suggested that the think the Red Bulls were a little 21-year-old Dutch driver, who bit down, but now they have the ended Mercedes’ winning start new engine I think they will be to 2019 by winning last month’s even quicker. It is defi nitely not Austrian Grand Prix for Red Bull, going to be an easy weekend.” would beat Hamilton if they He explained how much his raced in equal cars. home event meant to him. “I don’t compare myself to an- “It really is a spectacular ybody,” said Hamilton. “I don’t weekend,” he said. “There’s ex- need to. I don’t really have a re- citement, there’s the adrenaline sponse to his [Horner’s] claims... going, there’s pressure — my Ultimately every now and then whole family is coming this someone needs certain atten- weekend — it’s that one weekend tion. where it’s the most special be- “I think Max has been doing a cause you’ve got your family and great job and it is really exciting closest support around you. to watch. I think the last race was “I’ve been really privileged to fantastic. It will be really inter- come here and have some spec- esting to see how they go moving tacular races...I’m trying to make forward.” sure I remain calm and level- Asked where he would be in headed. I feel like I have a moun- 2024 and beyond, Hamilton said tain to climb this weekend and he could not imagine what he who better to help me do it than would be doing, but that if was the British fans.”

BOXING Trainer Roach eager for rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton throws signed caps to his fans at Silverstone motor racing circuit in Silverstone, central England, yesterday. AFP Thurman could pave the way for Los Angeles a rematch with Mayweather if he AFP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS based at nearby Milton Keynes, with big can be persuaded to step into the Silverstone local home support, may also be a major ring once more. Silverstone: Formula One world cham- (AUS) 16, 11. Nico Huelkenberg (GER) 16, threat to Hamilton’s home-coming dream rainer Freddie Roach “Hopefully we can get May- pionship standings ahead of this week- 12. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 14, 13. Sergio after fl ying in from Los Angeles. said yesterday he hopes weather to come to the table,” ewis Hamilton is aiming to bounce end’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone: Perez (MEX) 13, 14. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 10, “Max has been the best in the world, Manny Pacquiao can Roach told reporters at his Wild back from a rare weekend of disap- 15. Alexander Albon (THA) 7, 16. Lance arguably, over the last 12 months,” said his Tset up a rematch with Card gym yesterday. “I would like pointment by winning his home Drivers’ standings Stroll (CAN) 6, 17. Romain Grosjean team boss Christian Horner. “He is the Floyd Mayweather after the Fili- us to have one more crack at him.” British Grand Prix for a record sixth 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 197 pts, 2. Valt- (FRA) 2, 18. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) 1 coming man. This sport is crying out for pino legend takes care of business We didn’t fi ght a great fi ght that timeL this weekend — and in front of the more drivers like Max.” against Keith Thurman in Las Ve- night. Manny’s shoulder didn’t teri Bottas (FIN) 166, 3. Max Verstappen biggest crowd at the historic Silverstone (NED) 126, 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 123, Constructors’ standings Beyond the top three teams, McLaren gas this month. help at all. He’s had surgery since circuit in nearly three decades. 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) 105, 6. Pierre 1. Mercedes 363 pts, 2. Ferrari 228, 3. will seek to make an impression notably Roach told reporters he was still then, he’s 100% now. After suff ering in the heat and rare- Gasly (FRA) 43, 7. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Red Bull 169, 4. McLaren 52, 5. Renault after confi rming an unchanged driver line- bothered by Pacquiao’s defeat to “I would like us to fi ght May- fi ed atmosphere of Austria’s Styrian Alps, 30, 8. Lando Norris (GBR) 22, 9. Kimi 32, 6. Alfa Romeo Racing 22, 7. Racing up, including British rookie Lando Norris, Mayweather in their 2015 clash, weather again because I didn’t where he fi nished a hot-and-bothered fi fth Raikkonen (FIN) 21, 10. Daniel Ricciardo Point 19, 8. Toro Rosso 17, 9. Haas 16 19, for next year. Silverstone offi cials believe which was hyped as the “Fight of like the way we performed. I was two weeks ago, the defending world cham- the allure of the drivers and an encouraging the Century” but ultimately left disappointed in myself.” pion and his Mercedes team are expected to weather forecast will result in the biggest boxing fans disappointed. Pac- Pacquiao, meanwhile, has revel in the gentler undulations and wider makes for the most incredible few days. is known for more moderate temperatures attendance since the days of ‘Mansell-ma- quiao later said a shoulder injury been more circumspect about the mix of corners in cooler conditions in cen- It is diffi cult to count what you gain from so cooling should not be such a major is- nia’ in the early 1990s. had hampered his performance prospect of a rematch, insisting tral England. all that positivity — everyone’s energy is sue. We’ve had some of our best perform- Last year’s race-day crowd of 140,500 during the 12-round defeat, while he is not thinking of Mayweather A sixth victory overall and fi fth in six priceless.” If he wins, Hamilton will move ances this year on tracks with a wide range was the biggest of the season and Silver- Mayweather headed into retire- as long as he remains retired. years at a track he loves would also be his clear of fellow Briton Jim Clark and French- of corner speeds so, on paper, we should be stone boss Stuart Pringle said he expects ment later that year with an un- “Floyd is retired. I am only seventh in 10 races this year and extend his man Alain Prost, with whom he shares the in relatively good form.” that to be beaten. blemished record. looking at active fi ghters. Floyd 31-point lead ahead of team-mate Valtteri current record of fi ve wins. His Ferrari counterpart Mattia Binotto “This is going to be the largest since Pacquiao, who retired briefl y is not active anymore,” Pacquiao Bottas in the drivers’ championship. After suff ering their fi rst defeat after an played down their chances of a repeat of Mansell brought people here in their droves in 2016 only to return later that said. “Right now I’m only think- “This is the race that has become the unprecedented run of eight victories, Mer- Sebastian Vettel’s triumph last year, despite in 1992,” he said. year, has continued to fi ght on, ing about Thurman.” most anticipated event of the season for cedes are keen to restore their supremacy in their stronger showing in Austria where The Silverstone circuit, once a wartime however. The 40-year-old Fili- Speaking at his training camp me and it is the weekend I always enjoy the team’s home event — both the car and Charles Leclerc fi nished second from pole airfi eld, hosted the fi rst World Champi- pino will attempt to capture the in Florida, the hard-hitting Thur- the most,” said Hamilton, who was quick engine factories are based close to Silver- behind the triumphant Max Verstappen of onship Grand Prix in 1950 and, along with World Boxing Association welter- man (29-0, 22 KOs) confi dently to celebrate Wednesday’s confi rmation of stone. Red Bull. Four-time world champion Vettel Italy, has been an ever-present since. weight crown on July 20 when he predicted a quick knockout over a new fi ve-year contract that will keep the “The high temperatures in Austria ex- has gone 17 races since last August without The Italian race at Monza in September is faces unbeaten American cham- Pacquiao. British Grand Prix on the Formula One cal- posed our vulnerability and meant we could a win and lies 76 points adrift of Hamilton expected to be re-confi rmed for the future pion Keith Thurman at the MGM “My prediction? Less than six endar until 2024. not challenge to win,” said team boss Toto in the title race. while events in Vietnam and the Nether- Grand. Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer rounds,” Thurman said. “I would “Having the support of your coun- Wolff . Victory in Austria lifted Verstappen lands are set to be part of a refreshed 21- for the bulk of his two-decade love to be 30-0 with 23 knock- try concentrated into one weekend really “But, fortunately, the English summer ahead of the German and he and Red Bull, race calendar in 2020. career, hopes that a victory over outs.

ATHLETICS Rookie Lyles in Monaco shoot-out with Gatlin

AFP compatriot, Gatlin is a long- In the post-Bolt era, he has This year, there is also a loaded Monaco standing fi xture on the track, al- been quick to praise the grow- fi eld in the women’s 200m, with beit a controversial one. ing pressure, notably from US Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Ba- The 37-year-old won Olym- athletes, and also the increasing hamas, the reigning Olympic ew kid on the block pic 100m gold back in Athens in unpredictability of races, com- 400m champion, pitched against Noah Lyles will test 2004 in a race Lyles admitted he paring them to a gunfi ght at the Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson, himself over 100 me- had watched years later. OK Corral. who won the sprint double in tres against veteran “Yes, I saw it, I’m a student of Where before sprinters were Rio. Two-time defending world NJustin Gatlin at today’s Dia- the sport,” said Lyles, who was realistically only fi ghting for the 200m champ Dafne Schippers of mond League meet in Monaco, just seven when Gatlin streaked minor places, more often than the Netherlands, American Jes- the young American seemingly to his fi rst global gold. not having been left in Bolt’s sica Prandini, Nigerian Blessing set to take up the sprinting ba- Gatlin went on to win double wake, every race nowadays has a Okagbare and Marie-Josee Ta- ton heading into the Doha world gold in the 2005 world champi- real sense of live competition. Lou of the Ivory Coast also take championships. onships in Helsinki before be- “It’s not always a clear favour- part. Lyles, 21, has never made the ing banned for doping between ite so you always have to be on Kenyan Timothy Cheruiyot, US team for an international 2006-10. top of your game and I like that with a season-leading time of competition, but has shone this He returned to the track, most a lot,” said Gatlin, the meeting 3:28.77, heads up a strong cast year, becoming the fourth fastest recently claiming 100m world record holder in Monaco with in the men’s 1500m, which also sprinter ever over 200m when he gold in London ahead of his 9.78sec in 2015. features two of the Ingebrigt- blasted to a scintillating 19.50sec compatriot Christian Coleman The Monaco meet, the eighth sen brothers, European 1500 in Lausanne last week. and Bolt, openly crediting his on the 14-leg Diamond League and 5000m champion Jakob — It was the quickest time run longevity to the time he spent off circuit, is traditionally one of still just 18 — and world 1500m over the half-lap race since Ja- the track. the most attractive, with near- bronze medallist Filip. maican sprint king Usain Bolt Gatlin is also in form, the guaranteed hot weather and the Elsewhere, Ethiopian Genzebe won 200m gold at the 2012 Ol- 9.87sec he ran in the Prefontaine fast track at the Stade Louis II Dibaba goes in the women’s mile, ympic Games in London. File photo of Noah Lyles of the US celebrating after winning in the men’s 200m during the IAAF Diamond Classic making him the fourth often guarantees some cracking doubtless with a shot at another Compared to his greenback League competition on July 5 in Lausanne. fastest man this season. racing. world record on the cards. Gulf Times Friday, July 12, 2019 7 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT South Korean Choi brings ‘Fisherman Thomas gains Swing’ to PGA event

AFP Among Choi’s fans is Green Washington Bay Packers’ Super Bowl cham- pion quarterback Aaron Rodg- ers, who was paired with Choi at outh Korean golfer Choi the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. time on rivals in Ho-sung, who has de- “I couldn’t really put into veloped a social media words all the support I received cult following for his at Pebble Beach,” Choi said. “It S“Fisherman Swing”, plays only was my fi rst experience in the his second US PGA event at this US and for fans to just swarm week’s John Deere Classic. around me and to be at every The 45-year-old is playing hole, it has just been so over- in the fi nal US tuneup event for whelming. I’m just so incred- brutal stage fi nish next week’s British Open on a ibly thankful to all the fans that sponsor’s exemption after miss- showed their love for me. That Nibali, Bardet crack in final ascent „ Teuns takes first grand tour stage win ing the cut in his American de- was a really special moment for but at Pebble Beach in February. me.” Reuters town, reacted swiftly in the last “I’m so thankful to be playing The par-71 TPC Deere Run La Planche Des Belles Filles, 200 metres on asphalt to limit here,” Choi said. “I can’t thank layout at Silvis, Illinois, will test France the damage to a two-second the tournament enough and I Choi this week. loss. can’t wait to show my fun swing “The course is so beauti- Thomas’s Ineos teammate to everybody in the US.” ful,” he said. “But I noticed if I efending champi- Egan Bernal of Colombia ap- Choi, whose unique step-over missed the greens, it was really on Geraint Thomas peared less fresh and lost nine follow through has attracted tough to get up-and-down, so gained time on his ri- seconds to the Briton, prolong- YouTube fans worldwide, won that will be something that I’ll vals in a brutal fi nish ing the status quo in the team’s the Japan Tour’s Casio World be working on this week.” inD the sixth stage of the Tour shared leadership. Open last November and took Choi, who also plans to play de France as several top guns Bernal, 22, was named as the 2013 Indonesia PGA Cham- in Reno in two weeks, had never cracked in the lung-busting as- co-leader by principal Dave pionship. seen one of the sponsor’s signa- cent to La Planche des Belles Brailsford and it looked like he “I just want to make the cut ture tractors until this week. Filles yesterday. would overthrow Thomas after and see where it goes from “I haven’t had the opportuni- Belgian Dylan Teuns pre- gaining five seconds on him in there,” Choi said. ty to drive one, but I saw a lot of vailed after a long breakaway Monday’s third stage. Choi grew up in Pohang, the it set up near the entryway, so I at the end of the 160.5km ride Overall, Ciccone leads son of a fi sherman father and took a lot of pictures,” Choi said. from Mulhouse ahead of Italian France’s Julian Alaphilippe, free-diver mother who was in- “I got to sit in the tractor, and Giulio Ciccone, who claimed who wore the yellow jersey in eligible for military service due it reminded me of something the overall leader’s yellow jer- the morning, by six seconds af- to a thumb injury and turned from the movie ‘Transformers’. sey to follow his first place in ter the Deceuninck-Quick Step to golf after getting a job at a It was so cool.” the mountains classification at rider had to settle for sixth course, using golf magazines Choi could transform himself the Giro d’Italia. place. and years of work to develop his into a British Open qualifi er this But all eyes were on the over- “It’s an incredible day, I just own unique style with the clubs. week as the best top-fi ve fi nish- all contenders in the 7km final can’t realise. It’s the dream of “I personally love my swing,” er not already qualifi ed for Royal climb at an average gradient any person who loves cycling,” Choi said. “It’s a swing that I’ve Portrush will earn a spot in next of 8.7% that featured a final said the 27-year-old Ciccone, come up with on my own for a week’s fi eld in the year’s fi nal gravelled section where stand- who snatched the jersey thanks long time, and it’s a swing that major tournament. ing up on the pedals — a usual to 14 bonus seconds he grabbed has worked for me, so I per- A plane will fl y the qualifi ers position for the pure climbers at top of the Col de Chevreres sonally have no issues with my from the Quad Cities area to Eu- — was almost impossible. and by finishing second in the swing, and I plan to use it mov- rope for the event after Sunday’s Thomas took full advantage stage. ing forward.” fi nal round of the terrain to produce bru- Among the top contenders, tal acceleration and take fourth Thomas is fifth, 49 seconds place, 1:44 behind Teuns, who behind, and leads sixth-placed RUGBY snatched his maiden stage win Bernal by four seconds and on a grand tour. seventh-placed Pinot by nine. “I felt pretty good. I thought Italian Vincenzo Nibali, who it would be a more solid day — was waiting for that stage to Brunel denies it’s never easy, but it was steady assess his form after finishing for the first three climbs,” said second overall in a demanding Thomas, whose performance Giro d’Italia in May, lost 51 sec- problems with lifted some of the doubts about onds to Thomas, whom he now his condition after a crash trails by 1:07 overall. forced him out of the Tour de The day also signalled the new coaches Suisse last month. end of Romain Bardet’s hopes “When Movistar went and after the Frenchman, twice a (Alejandro) Valverde were rid- podium finisher on the Tour, AFP “Some people thought it ing it was solid, I was feeling lost over a minute and now lags Marcoussis, France would create a problem, the con- pretty good — I was just unsure more than two minutes behind fl icts, but I think it’s a strength,” as on those steep climbs I was Thomas. Brunel said. expecting Richie Porte, Nairo “I was not at the required rance head coach Jacques “In the way the team is at the Quintana and obviously Egan level today, and as hard as it is Brunel denied yesterday moment, in building it around to jump up there, so I was hop- I have to face it,” Bardet told the new arrivals to his the way we play, I am convinced ing for it to be hardest all day reporters. staff ahead of the Rug- it will help us.” before that. But it was a good “I will try to understand byF World Cup, Fabien Galthie The full squad has been to- day in the end,” he added. what happened.” and Laurent Labit, would cause gether since Saturday as they France’s Thibaut Pinot, who Today’s seventh stage is a trouble among the squad. prepare for the tournament in had been tagged as the pre- 230km flat ride from Belfort to Former captain Galthie joins Japan as players from Top 14 fi - stage favourite on an ascent Team Ineos rider Geraint Thomas of Britain finishes ahead of Deceuninck-Quick Step rider, Julian Chalons sur Saone. Les Bleus’ set-up as an attack nalists Toulouse and Clermont situated 15km from his home Alaphilippe, of France, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey. specialist before taking over made up the rest of the 31-man from Brunel after the competi- group. tion which runs from September Brunel said mobile prop Dem- GOLF 20-November 2. ba Bamba will return from a Labit will oversee “individual neck injury within the next three technique” before becoming an weeks. assistant to Galthie after six sea- He expects infl uential back- sons at the helm of Racing 92. rower Arthur Iturria to be back in The appointments have been full training in less than a month criticised by the likes of ex- as he is suff ering from a thigh Molinari among leaders aft er international fl anker Olivier issue and hopes winger Yoann Magne and outspoken Toulon Huget will recover from a tendon president Mourad Boudjellal. problem in the next 10 days. The pair cited the unlikeliness France play Scotland twice of Galthie accepting a secondary and host Italy in three warm-up fi rst round of Scottish Open role below 65-year-old Brunel. matches in August. European Tour noon before the leaders broke I played. It hasn’t been a re- Edinburgh free. ally good year for me so far. I Molinari birdied the tenth, changed my coach last year and 12th, 16th and 17th, adding an it takes time to rebuild the golf CAS lift s Olympic ban on Mutko doardo Molinari contin- eagle on the par fi ve fi rst and swing so I’m working and trying ued his love aff air with birdie on the fourth to share my best.” Reuters, Moscow minister before being named Scotland as a brilliant top spot. An approach to inside Bertasio was bogey free in his deputy prime minister in round of 63 left him in six feet on the par fi ve seventh 63, making gains on the 11th, The Court of Arbitration for charge of construction last aE four way tie for the lead af- brought a second eagle of the 12th, 13th, 16th, 18th, fi rst, third Sport (CAS) has overturned a year. Mutko did not answer ter round one of the Aberdeen day and the solo lead before he and seventh. decision by the International Reuters phone calls yester- Standard Investments Scottish failed to get up and down on the Kuchar was second at this Olympic Committee (IOC) day. He told RIA news agency Open. eighth. event in 2015 and a long putt to exclude former Russian he was pleased with the CAS Fresh off his best fi nish in the “I’m in a good place at the on the 16th handed him a sec- Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko decision. Rolex Series at last week’s Dubai minute,” he said. “It seems like ond eagle of the day and a share from taking part in the Olym- “The IOC takes note of the Duty Free Irish Open, the Italian every week I’m playing better. of the lead after birdies on the pic Games, court documents decision of CAS, which relates carded his lowest Rolex Series I’m building something every fourth, fi fth, seventh, eighth, published yesterday showed. exclusively to the formal round at The Renaissance Club week and when you play golf tenth and 14th, bogeys on the The IOC in 2017 excluded question of the sanctioning to sit at eight under alongside like this, it’s quite easy but then ninth and 11th and that fi rst ea- Mutko from “any participa- power of the IOC for people countryman Nino Bertasio, everything can change in a very gle on the 12th. tion in all future Olympic outside of the Olympic Move- Frenchman Romain Wattel and short amount of time. Sullivan had got to eight un- Games” as part of Russia’s ment,” the ruling body said. American Matt Kuchar. “You just have to be careful der in the morning with an eagle suspension from the 2018 “At the same time the deci- Molinari won this event and and keep doing the same things and six birdies but dropped a Pyeongchang Winter Olym- sion makes it clear that the the Johnnie Walker Champi- and hopefully the results con- shot on the eighth, while eight pics for what it called the IOC retains the right of taking onship in 2010 as he earned tinue to improve.” birdies got Aiken to that mark “systematic manipulation of any decision in reference to a captain’s pick for the Ryder Wattel has carded a 63 in before he made a bogey on the the anti-doping system” at any specific edition of the Cup team and he could be play- Scotland before at the 2012 same hole. the 2014 Games in the south- Olympic Games.” ing alongside brother Franc- Johnnie Walker Championship Samooja added fi ve birdies to ern Russian city of Sochi. Mutko has for years shrugged esco again at next week’s Open and he was the player to fi rst his ace at the 15th, while Don- Russia has denied the off scandals in Russian sport, Championship. break the afternoon logjam at aldson and Pieters both went existence of state-sponsored including evidence that the The top three players in the Edoardo Molinari of Italy. PICTURE: European Tour seven under. bogey free with seven birdies, doping in the country but has country ran an elaborate dop- top ten this week not already ex- He had made just two cuts and Slattery and Van Rooyen acknowledged shortcomings ing cover-up scheme at the empt will head to Royal Portrush Samooja and English pair Lee Early heavy rain softened the from 15 events coming into this made eight gains with a single in its enforcement of anti- 2014 Sochi Olympics. Russia Golf Club, and Molinari will be Slattery and Andy Sullivan were course up and with the wind week but added gains on the dropped shot. doping regulations. has denied the allegations. looking to take his chance after a shot off the lead on a congested failing to appear until very late tenth, 12th, 16th, fi rst, second, Major champion Henrik Mutko oversaw sport at the After his Olympic ban, Mutko only narrowly missing out in leaderboard. in the day, scores were very low fourth, fi fth and seventh to a bo- Stenson, local favourite Richie height of Russia’s doping cut back his involvement in County Clare. Samooja made the 17th hole- on the East Lothian coast. gey on the 15th, before a closing Ramsay, Frenchman Romain scandal, serving as sports sport as the country faced South Africans Thomas Aik- in-one of the European Tour After the target had been set gain from six feet on the ninth Langasque and English trio minister from 2008 to 2016. additional scrutiny before en and Erik van Rooyen, Welsh- season on the 15th before Trevor at seven under in the morning, set the target. Chris Paisley, Ian Poulter and He was also put in charge hosting the 2018 soccer man Jamie Donaldson, Belgian Immelman took the tally to 18 there was a nine way tie for the “It feels really good,” he said. Oliver Wilson were two shots off of sport as deputy prime World Cup. Thomas Pieters, Finn Kalle on the same hole later in the day. lead at that mark in the after- “Really happy with the way the lead.

Friday, July 12, 2019 GULF TIMES TENNIS

WIMBLEDON Halep between Serena and Seven-time champion makes short work of unseeded Strycova while the record Slam haul Romanian beats Svitolina in semi-finals AFP London

imona Halep is the last woman standing between Serena Williams and achieving her long held ambitionS of equalling Margaret Court’s Grand Slam title record after both recorded easy victories in their Wimbledon semi-fi nals yesterday. Seven-time champion Wil- liams made short work of plucky unseeded Czech Barbora Stryco- va, whose experience of her fi rst ever Grand Slams singles semi- fi nal in her 53rd campaign lasted just under an hour as she lost 6-1, 6-2. Former world number one Ha- lep’s clash with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina lasted a bit longer but the 27-year-old ran out a 6-1, 6-3 victor to become the fi rst Roma- nian woman to reach the Wim- bledon fi nal. Williams has missed the chance to equal Australian Court’s record on two occasions since returning from giving birth — losing last year’s Wimbledon fi nal and then a bad-tempered defeat in the US Open fi nal. “It feels good to be in the fi nal again after the year I have had,” said 37-year-old Williams. “I have just needed matches to feel good and do what I do best and that is play tennis US player Serena Williams returns against Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova (not pictured) during their Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates winning her Wimbledon women’s singles semi-final match against “I love what I do. I have a great Wimbledon women’s singles semi-final at The All England Club in London yesterday. (AFP) Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (not pictured) yesterday. (Reuters) job and I am still pretty good at it. I get a remarkable experience in her fi fth Grand Slam fi nal. en to grass. Halep produced a stunning shot every time.” “It’s an amazing feeling but I “I have more experience, I Right on cue as Halep follows snooker champ to go 5-1. Williams produced a dominant am also excited and nervous. It don’t give up anymore,” she said. The 27-year-old Romanian performance yesterday which is one of the best moments of my “I plan to be the best version of AFP snooker. “I have no idea how you play dashed across court to get to Svi- has not always been the case dur- life,” said Halep. myself and fi ght to the end.” London The 27-year-old, who eased past snooker. But I appreciate him,” tolina’s drop shot and fl ashed it ing the Championships and she “The match was not easy, the Elina Svitolina 6-1, 6-3 to reach said Halep. “He’s been in Roma- cross court. said she would not be taking sev- games were long and went deep. ‘KICKING THE BALL’ her fifth Slam final, has 288,000 nia a few times. I met him. Also I Halep, who had not faced a enth-seeded Halep lightly. “I fought hard to win this The easy manner in which imona Halep became the followers on Twitter. have a snooker ball signed from seeded player until Svitolina, “She’s a tough opponent,” said match and I was strong mentally former world number one Halep first Romanian woman to However, she only follows two him. That’s why I follow him.” faced some resistance as she Williams. “We always have great and physically and had the right wrapped up the match had not Sreach the Wimbledon final — former coach Darren Cahill Englishman Selby won the served for the set eventually tak- matches. I look forward to it.” tactics.” looked on the cards at the outset. today but then found herself and three-time snooker cham- world snooker title in 2014, 2016 ing it on her sixth set point. Strycova, who never managed Halep, who had knocked out Svitolina, the fi rst Ukrainian answering questions — about pion Mark Selby. and 2017. Although Svitolina stayed with to impose her delightful stroke- new star, 15-year-old Coco Gauff woman to reach a Grand Slam Halep for the fi rst part of the sec- fi lled game on her opponent, at in the last 16, lost in her previous semi-fi nal, and Halep traded ond set, the self-belief and fi ght least has the consolation of per- semi-fi nal appearance at Wim- shots aplenty and break points Svitolina, being watched from to break back. she netted a simple volley and had gone and when the Romani- haps winning the women’s dou- bledon to Eugenie Bouchard in in the opening two games which the players box by her English However, Halep broke again lashed out, kicking the ball into an broke for 4-3 it was game over. bles. 2014. took over 20 minutes to complete coach Andy Bettles and French immediately and 24-year-old the net. All that was left was for Halep Halep, who was French Open However, she said she was a but Halep emerged on top with a boyfriend and ATP star Gael Svitolina gave an indication of Worse was to come for Svitoli- to blow a kiss skywards in cel- champion in 2018, will be playing diff erent player now and had tak- 2-0 lead. Monfi ls, briefl y raised her game her increasing frustration when na on her next service game wheh ebration on sealing the match.

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Aft er 11 years, Federer and Nadal Czech teen at 14 is youngest kid renew Wimbledon rivalry on the block at All England Club AFP Reuters London London oco Gauff stunned t has been a long wait but Wimbledon with her run the most captivating mod- to the fourth round aged ern rivalry in men’s tennis just 15, but the young- returns to the scene of its Cest player competing at the All Imost dramatic episode today England Club is her friend Linda when Roger Federer and Rafael Fruhvirtova — who only recently Nadal meet for a place in the turned 14. Wimbledon fi nal. It was not so long ago that the Much has changed since Czech teenager was scrambling that epic Sunday night in 2008 for autographs from the big stars when, as the last strands of in tennis; now she is playing on daylight ebbed away, Nadal the very same courts. dethroned the king of Centre Fruhvirtova, who turned 14 in Court in a rain-hit fi nal that will May, is competing in the juniors forever be part of Wimbledon at Wimbledon, balancing her de- folklore. but on the prestigious lawns with Centre Court now has a re- her school books. tractable roof as does Court “I always went for exams and One, for a start, and Federer has tests to school but I don’t have a two sets of twins. problem to manage school with Czech Republic’s Linda Fruhvirtova reacts to losing her service game Nadal’s knees are creakier, his In this July 6, 2008, picture, Rafael Nadal (right) is congratulated by Switzerland’s Roger Federer after tennis,” she told AFP. against Indonesia’s Priska Madelyn Nugroho (not pictured) during hair thinner and the sleeveless the Spaniard won their Wimbledon final at The All England Club in London. (AFP) “I’m really good at school — their Wimbledon girl’s singles third round match at The All England tops and pirate pants he wore and I want to keep it like that. I Club in London on Tuesday. (AFP) as a 22-year-old tyro have been the 2017 Australian fi nal when Lukas Rosol and Dustin Brown. eventually surpass both of them like most of the subjects.” replaced by regular tennis attire. the Swiss ended a fi ve-year wait Irritated by being relegated to in the all-time Grand Slam title Roger Federer, 37, plays old ri- I usually get to meet them quite on Wednesday, missing out on a They have both had dips and for his 18th Grand Slam title. third seed behind Federer, de- haul, in the fi nal. val Rafael Nadal in the Wimble- often. We say hi.” quarter-fi nal place. comebacks and both have been They played last month in the spite being ranked two, he looks But it has the feel of a fi nal. don men’s semi-fi nals today. She is still in the doubles with written off at times. But form is French Open semis when Nadal fi red-up to reclaim the title and Federer, bidding to reach Federer had already racked up BRACES AND BRACELETS 17-year-old compatriot Kristyna temporary. Class endures. blew Federer away in a gale on his has dropped just one set so far, his 12th Wimbledon fi nal, has four Grand Slams before Fruhvir- The youngster, who wears braces Lavickova, playing in the second Federer is approaching his 38th way to claiming a record-extend- against Nick Kyrgios in a riveting dropped two sets so far, and has tova was even born in May 2005. on her teeth and bracelets for round on Thursday for a last- birthday and Nadal is 33, yet they ing 12th Roland Garros title. second-round grudge match. looked in fi ne fettle. “That’s crazy! He is for sure luck on her wrist, is currently on eight spot. remain the two central pillars Today’s showdown will be the “Playing against Roger always While much water has passed a legend of tennis and just the her career high junior ranking of US teen Gauff stole headlines of men’s tennis with 20 and 18 40th meeting between the duo is a unique situation,” Nadal said under the bridge since 2008, best player in history,” said the 31. at Wimbledon with her stellar Grand Slam titles respectively. with Nadal leading 24-15 and after beating Sam Querrey in the somewhere in the darker re- youngster, swigging on a blue- The teenager made her Grand run to the women’s last 16, which They have met 22 times since 10-3 in Grand Slams. quarter-fi nals. “Excited to be cesses of Federer’s mind will be berry smoothie. Slam juniors debut in May at the began by knocking out former that epic fi ve-setter when Nadal back on this court against him the bitter imprint of one of his She has met the Swiss great French Open and this is her fi rst champion Venus Williams. became the fi rst Spaniard since HOUSE OF HORRORS after 11 years. most crushing defeats. and was in awe, and used to love time playing at the All England Fruhvirtova and Gauff chatted Manolo Santana in 1966 to win Federer is seeking a ninth Wim- “Means a lot for me and prob- With the clock ticking on getting a signature from her fa- Club. during the tournament, but said the men’s title, proving he was bledon singles title which would ably for him, too. Always I say their careers, today could be vourite players. “Wimbledon is a great experi- it might be too much to dream not just a claycourt bully but move him level on the all-time the same: of course, the op- his last chance to set the record “It was amazing to talk to him. ence, for sure. This is a beautiful that she could repeat her friend’s had evolved his topspin game list with Martina Navratilova portunities to play against each straight, although he says Nadal He’s a really nice guy, a really Grand Slam. It has its traditions, exploits next year. after losing consecutive Wim- while Nadal is eyeing his third, other every time are less, but we is a far superior player to the good guy,” she said. playing all in white, and there are “Her achievement here was bledon fi nals to Federer in 2006 and fi rst since beating Tomas are still here.” 2008 version. “A few years ago I did collect so many fl owers. It’s just unique,” just amazing. Such a great re- and 2007. Berdych in 2010. It is easy to forget there is “Haven’t played each other autographs. So many. The Czech she said. sult,” the Czech said. There have been memorable Since then Wimbledon has no silverware at stake today, in a long, long time on this sur- players, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Fruhvirtova lost her third “It’s not exactly the right thing clashes since — the 2009 Aus- often resembled a house of hor- with the winner likely to play face,” Federer said. “It’s going Azarenka. round girls’ singles match to to compare me and her because tralian Open fi nal after which rors for Nadal with shock losses defending champion Novak to be tough. Rafa really can hurt “A lot of the top Czech players Indonesian 16-year-old Priska we are really in diff erent situa- a beaten Federer shed tears and to journeymen like Steve Darcis, Djokovic, the Serb who could anybody on any surface.” practice at the club where I did. Madelyn Nughroho 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 tions and two diff erent people.”