BOXING | Page 5 ATHLETICS | Page 6 WBO review Mo Farah rules Horn set for one did beat fi nal double Pacquiao title blast

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawwal 18, 1438 AH Wenger keen on GULF TIMES teen sensation Mbappe SPORT Page 3 OLYMPICS Paris, LA guaranteed to host 2024 or 2028 Games AFP from IOC members at a meeting yes- the 2028 question, insisting it was fo- in a tweet, without making reference to Lausanne terday in Lausanne, Switzerland. cused narrowly on 2024, the centenary a particular year. With the deal in place, the IOC now anniversary of the city’s last Games. has a two-month window to negotiate “I am here to convey a message to ‘GREAT’ OLYMPIC CITIES he International Olympic with Paris and Los Angeles over which say our people are ready to host these The Olympic movement has been stained Committee agreed yesterday city will go fi rst. Games,” Macron told reporters. by Games that erected grand multi- to award the 2024 and 2028 Bach said he wants a “tripartite “After three failed bids we don’t want million dollar facilities that were left to Games at the same time, eff ec- agreement” before the IOC’s main an- to lose a fourth one,” he said. crumble and rot, while the billions spent Ttively guaranteeing that Paris and Los nual meeting in Peru’s capital Lima on Paris mounted losing bids for the in public money off ered no long-term Angeles will be the hosts. September 13, when a vote on the 2024 1992, 2008 and 2012 Games. benefi t to the host communities. The French capital is tipped to stage host had been scheduled. The Los Angeles team did little to Los Angeles has stressed its near en- 2024, with the California metropolis Immediately after the double hosting quell speculation it was open to 2028. tire reliance on private funding while having hinted that it was prepared to deal was approved, Los Angeles Mayor “LA is ready to throw these Olympics vowing to use the Games to broaden wait four more years. Eric Garcetti and his Parisian counter- in two months if we are asked, or two access to sports across the city, some- The two cities were the remaining part Anne Hidalgo appeared on stage decades if it came to that because we thing it won praise for doing following candidates for the 2024 Olympics, a arm-in-arm to thank the IOC mem- have everything ready,” Garcetti said, the 1984 edition. contest that IOC boss Thomas Bach bers, a clear sign that the desired three- while noting the city was still “compet- While Paris has equally focused on said created “a golden opportunity”. way pact was achievable. ing for 2024.” leaving a positive legacy, Macron also The Olympic movement has had in- Bid chairman Casey Wasserman re- highlighted the opportunity for France to creasing trouble attracting prospective International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach (C), Mayor of PARIS ‘READY’, LA TO WAIT? minded that Los Angeles had not given rally around the “Olympic values” of tol- hosts given the soaring costs and tax- Los Angeles Eric Garcetti (L) and Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo gesture during the Delegations from the two cities — led the IOC “ultimatums” over the 2024 erance and inclusivity, saying they were payer support required. press conference after the voting at the IOC extraordinary session in Lausanne. by French President Emmanuel Macron question. embedded in the country’s “DNA.” Paris and Los Angeles mounted pro- and LA’s Garcetti — were in Lausanne “Working hard to get the Olym- “It truly is a tale of two great Olympic gressive, exemplary bids that would ties, the IOC said, making clear that it Bach lobbied for a double hosting to make fresh pitches to IOC voters. pics for the United States (L.A.).Stay cities,” said a report released last week by trim expenses by using existing facili- did not want to reject either candidate. plan, which won unanimous approval Paris has maintained a tougher line on tuned!” President Donald Trump said the IOC’s 2024 Evaluation Commission.

WIMBLEDON CRICKET Shastri named India History girls Konta, coach till 2019 WC Venus into semis ‘Right now it’s a little bit surreal just because it’s quite incredible how quickly things go in tennis. I’m definitely digesting things a little bit still’

AFP London

ohanna Konta became the fi rst British woman to reach the Wim- bledon semi-fi nals for 39 years yesterday, while fi ve-time cham- pionJ Venus Williams also made history as File picture of Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri. the oldest semi-fi nalist since 1994. Konta thrilled the patriotic Centre Reuters with one loss. Court crowd with a pulsating 6-7 (2/7), Mumbai Kumble, India’s most success- 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory that ended second ful bowler, also guided the team seed Simona Halep’s bid to become the to one-day international series new world number one. ormer all-rounder Ravi wins over New Zealand and Eng- In a potentially classic semi-fi nal tomor- Shastri has been ap- land with losses coming only in row, Konta faces American star Venus. pointed India coach until a Twenty20 series against West Williams had her own landmark mo- the 2019 World Cup, the Indies and in the Champions ment on Centre Court with a 6-3, 7-5 win country’sF cricket board (BCCI) Trophy fi nal, which they lost to over French Open champion Jelena Os- said in a statement yesterday. Pakistan. tapenko that made her the oldest semi- The 55-year-old Shastri will Shastri was among fi ve can- fi nalist at the All England Club since replace former captain Anil didates interviewed by the CAC Martina Navratilova 23 years ago. Kumble, who stepped down as on Monday to fi ll the vacant Halep’s defeat means Czech Karolina coach last month after falling out position with Indians Virender Pliskova, who lost in the Wimbledon sec- with captain Virat Kohli despite Sehwag and Lalchand Rajput, ond round, will replace Angelique Kerber enjoying a successful run during Australian Tom Moody and Eng- on top of the WTA rankings. his year in charge. lishman Richard Pybus being the Konta, 26, is the fi rst Briton since Vir- The BCCI also named former others. ginia Wade in 1978 to make the women’s India seamer Zaheer Khan as the The fi rst assignment for the semi-fi nals. team’s bowling consultant while new coaching set-up will start Wade, the last British woman to win former batting great Rahul Drav- later this month when India tour Wimbledon in 1977, was watching from id was appointed as batting con- Sri Lanka to play three tests, fi ve the Royal Box as Konta reached the sec- sultant for overseas test series. one-dayers and one Twenty20 ond Grand Slam semi-fi nal of her career, Shastri, also a renowned TV international. the other ending in a 2016 Australian Britain’s Johanna Konta reacts during her match against against Romania’s Simona Halep yesterday. commentator, was appointed Open defeat against Kerber. India’s team director in August “Right now it’s a little bit surreal just ing just two weeks after she feared her “I love this game. That’s why I put in the 2014 with Duncan Fletcher as because it’s quite incredible how quickly participation in the tournament might eff ort and the time. It’s a beautiful game. head coach. things go in tennis. I’m defi nitely digesting be ruined by a back injury suff ered in the It’s been so good to me,” Venus said. The former test all-rounder things a little bit still,” said Konta, who was Eastbourne warm-up event. “The competition keeps you growing. was put solely in charge after ranked outside the top 150 two years ago. Standing in Konta’s way is world You have to get better if you want to stay Fletcher’s term came to an end “I knew Simona was not going to give number 11 Williams, who was beaten in relevant. I love the challenge.” following India’s semi-fi nal de- me much for free. I had to be the one to this year’s Australian Open fi nal and is Having stunned the tennis world by feat at the 2015 World Cup in create my own chances. I feel fortunate chasing a fi rst major title since winning becoming the fi rst unseeded player to win Australia and New Zealand. enough that I took a few of them.” Wimbledon in 2008. the French Open last month, Ostapenko Last year the BCCI formed Born in Australia to Hungarian parents, Williams reached the last of her eight was riding an 11-match winning streak at the Cricket Advisory Commit- Konta didn’t move to England until she Wimbledon fi nals in 2009, but the Amer- the majors. tee (CAC), comprising former was 14, switching her allegiance from the ican’s victory over Ostapenko equalled But the 20-year-old was the youngest players Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav country of her birth to Britain when she her sister Serena’s total of 86 main draw player left in the tournament and Venus Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who gained citizenship in 2012. match victories at Wimbledon, the most has scythed through the draw by dis- chose Kumble for the India’s Adapting to the grass courts of south- among any active player. patching a series of opponents almost head coach position ahead of west London hadn’t been so easy for half her age. Shastri, who had also applied. Konta, who won just one match in her BEAUTIFUL GAME Twenty years after making her Wimble- Kumble’s original contract previous fi ve visits to Wimbledon. She will climb back into the top 10 thanks don debut, Venus was playing in her 100th expired with India’s Champi- Those failures will seem a lifetime ago to her Wimbledon run, but breaking Ser- singles match at the All England Club, ons Trophy campaign, but the to Konta now. ena’s record to become the tournament’s while Ostapenko was in only her eighth. former leg-spinner was tipped to If she wins Wimbledon it will be the oldest champion in the Open era is her That gulf in experience was apparent as Venus Williams celebrates winning her get an extension after leading the File picture of Rahul Dravid fi rst grass-court title of her career, com- sole focus. Venus cruised through in serene fashion. quarter-final against Jelena Ostapenko. country to 12 victories in 17 tests (right) and Zaheer Khan. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 12, 2017 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT BERATE Wimbledon stars slammed for Djokovic hits out ballboy treatment over delay aft er beating Mannarino ‘We went to the referee’s off ice before eight. (We were told) there were security reasons (for not moving the match). That was the only excuse... that we were getting’ France’s Adrian Mannarino was fined $9,000 for shoulder-barging a ballboy during the match against Novak Djokovic.

AFP during the second match, but it London was not on purpose. I didn’t see the ballboy, the ballboy didn’t see me, so I think everyone made imbledon stars came such a big deal out of nothing. under fi re yesterday “I never had any problem with for their treatment any ballboys before. I’m always of ballboys after Ra- trying to be nice with them.” Wfael Nadal was derided for hand- World number two Novak ing rubbish to one youngster to Djokovic admitted players could deposit in a bin right beside him. be more sensitive in their atti- Earlier in the tournament, tude to the ballboys and ballgirls. French player Adrian Mannarino “Players can be at times harsh was fi ned $9,000 for shoulder- but you have to understand the barging a ballboy. players’ point of view, as well,” Nadal, comfortably one of the said the three-time champion most popular players on the tour, after knocking out Mannarino Results was fi lmed during his fi ve-set de- yesterday. feat to Gilles Muller on Monday “Obviously things are happen- (x denotes seeding): asking a ballboy to drop a drinks ing when you don’t have much lid into the courtside litter bin — time to recover from one point to MEN which was right next to his chair. another. Sometimes those four, 4th rd The youngster performed the fi ve seconds, somebody brings a Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt task uncomplainingly but that towel, tosses the ball, can cause Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-2, didn’t prevent the online commu- trouble for you. 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 nity taking off ence on his behalf. “You can get a time violation, “Ah seriously.. NADAL THE which happened many times in WOMEN BIN IS RIGHT BESIDE YOU.. the past. Quarter-finals PUT YOUR OWN LITTER INTO “But they’re a very important Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP x14) IT,” tweeted one viewer. part of tennis.” bt Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS Another fumed: “What a lazy There are around 250 ballboys x7) 6-3, 6-4 lad! Big fan Rafa, but you can’t and ballgirls on duty at Wimble- Venus Williams (USA x10) bt reach for the bin which is just two don over the two-week tourna- Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x13) inches away from you?” ment. 6-3, 7-5 Mannarino, meanwhile, was They have an average age of 15 Johanna Konta (GBR x6) bt docked a point for “unsports- and are drawn from local schools. Simona Halep (ROM x2) 6-7 manlike conduct” for shoulder- While one or two wilted in the (2/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 barging a ballboy in his second- fi rst week when temperatures shot Magdalena Rybarikova round victory over Japan’s Yuichi up to 30 degrees Celsius, others (Slovakia) beat 24-CoCo Sugita. have been in the fi ring line. Vandeweghe (U.S.) 6-3 6-3 “Do you think I’m not behav- Last Friday, a ballboy was ac- ing well with the ballboys?,” cidentally hit in the face by a ball asked the 29-year-old French- hit by Muller during his match Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning a game in the third set against France’s Adrian Mannarino yesterday. man, ranked at 51 in the world. against Aljaz Bedene. Muller “Something wrong happened went to the net to apologise. Reuters fore dark. the grounds, and therefore moving the trations Djokovic came out strongly and London The Serb, who had been stuck waiting match would have created a signifi cant easily won the fi rst set. for the end of that battle only to be sent safety issue.” The second-seed took a 3-0 lead in the ON FIRE home, said it would have been better to “Obviously I was not happy not to play second but Mannarino broke back in the ovak Djokovic criticised Wim- have moved his match to the, by then un- last night,” Djokovic continued. “We seventh game and took the contest to a bledon offi cials for making the used, Centre Court. were kept for two and a half hours in the tie-break. “wrong decision” in postponing “I just think it was a wrong decision dark, in a way, without knowing what we Both players struggled to hold serve Muguruza races past his fourth round match to yester- not to play us last night, because we are going to do. So you were on your toes but Djokovic won fi ve of the last six dayN after he eased into the quarter-fi nals a could have played,” Djokovic said. warming up, cooling down. (The) ref- points to triumph. day later than expected with a 6-2 7-6(5) “I think the last match on the Centre eree’s offi ce was completely indecisive. The Serb, who will face Czech Tomas Kuznetsova into 6-4 win over France’s Adrian Mannarino. Court was done before 7pm. Having in Berdych in the last eight, got his nose in The contest was held over after the mind that Centre Court has the roof and FRUSTRATING WAIT front with a break in the third game of the marathon battle between Rafael Nadal lights, we could have played till 11pm. “It was frustrating last night. But I third set and never looked in danger from Wimbledon semis and Gilles Muller concluded late on “We went to the referee’s offi ce before quickly just turned the next page and then on. Monday. eight.(We were told) there were security just focused on what I need to do today. The only worry for Djokovic was the Djokovic was due to follow Nadal on to reasons (for not moving the match). That I’ve done it in straight sets. That’s all that pain from his shoulder, which required Court One but the Spaniard’s four hours was the only excuse... that we were get- matters.” medical treatment during the third set. 48 minutes defeat by Muller did not fi n- ting.” When the match did get under way, “We’ll see. It has something which has ish till 8.35 local time, which meant the On Monday, the All England Club light rain led offi cials to close the roof been dragging back and forth for a while, Serb’s match could not be completed be- said: “30,000 people still remained in over Centre Court, but despite his frus- but I am still managing to play,” he said.

PREVIEW Lots at stake as Murray, Federer, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza reacts after winning against Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova during their quarter-final yesterday.

Reuters it courtesy of another big serve to Djokovic eye semi-fi nal slots earn a semi-fi nal meeting with London AFP Querrey made the quarter-fi - “I’ve not had the most tough- Magdalena Rybarikova who de- London nals in 2016 where he lost in four est matches. I can look at this feated Coco Vandeweghe. sets to eventual runner-up Milos quarter-fi nal in a totally re- pain’s 2015 runner-up Yesterday’s victory also took Raonic. laxed fashion. Physically I’m not Garbine Muguruza ad- the Spaniard back into the top 10 efending champion He has needed two successive fi ghting anything like last year vanced confi dently into after an inconsistent year since Andy Murray will re- fi ve-set matches to get to the with my knee,” added Federer, the Wimbledon semi- her French Open success. tain his world number last eight, seeing off French 12th bidding to become the tourna- fiS nals with a calmly effi cient and “It means a lot after last year one ranking if he makes seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and ment’s oldest champion in the well-controlled 6-3 6-4 victory losing in (the) second round, to be theD Wimbledon semi-fi nals to- Kevin Anderson. Open era. over Russian seventh seed Svet- able to go deep in the tournament day, while Roger Federer defi es Querrey has also sent down Raonic, runner-up to Murray lana Kuznetsova yesterday. still with chances,” she said. “To- age and Novak Djokovic fi ghts a 99 aces, just three behind tour- last year, is bidding to make the Muguruza had just that bit day with the (wet) conditions it shoulder injury. nament leader Gilles Muller, the semi-fi nals for the third time. more control in a hard-hitting was tough to be able to hit super- Adding extra spice to conqueror of Rafael Nadal. However, while Federer has baseline duel to follow up her clean, make a lot of winners. I had Wednesday’s drama is a grow- With Nadal out of the pic- not dropped a set, the big Ca- victory over top seed Angelique to work the point more.” ing concern over the state of the ture, Murray will be assured of nadian needed fi ve sets to see off Kerber on Monday. With nobody producing stand- All England Club’s famed Centre remaining as world number one highly-rated German Alexander Muguruza, seeded 14th, saved out performances in the women’s Court where, according to Djok- with victory today. Zverev in the last-16. a tricky break point on her sec- draw Muguruza has a real chance ovic, a hole has developed. Federer will attempt to reach Djokovic takes a staggering ond service game - the only one of becoming the fi rst Spanish Murray faces big-serving Sam his 12th Wimbledon semi-fi nal 25-2 career record over Czech she faced all match - but roared champion since Conchita Martin- Querrey bidding to make his and stay on course for a record 11th seed Tomas Berdych into his back to break to love en route to ez - her stand-in coach here - in eighth Wimbledon semi-fi nal in eighth title when he faces Raonic. quarter-fi nal as he eyes a poten- taking the fi rst set. 1994. “I’m feeling pretty good but the last nine years. However, the 35-year-old tial semi-fi nal duel with Federer. Another early break in the a lot of things have to click to be The world number one is also Swiss star is wary of the sixth- Second seeded Djokovic second piled the pressure on able to win a major,” she said. in his 10th straight quarter- Britain’s Andy Murray attends a practice session yesterday. seeded Canadian who knocked needed a medical timeout to Kuznetsova, the 32-year-old Kuznetsova was unimpressed fi nal at the tournament and has him out in the semi-fi nals in treat a long-standing right Russian with two grand slam by her quick turnaround from reached the last-eight at 24 of fourth round in straight sets in for his shots. Very aggressive 2016 in what proved to be Fed- shoulder injury in his last-16 titles to her name who was ap- Monday’s action. “I fi nished the last 26 Slams. 2010. player,” said Murray who has erer’s last match of the season. clash with Adrian Mannarino. pearing in the quarter-fi nals for doubles at 7 o’clock last night. I He leads Querrey 7-1 with the But the two-time champion made the last-eight despite lin- He also claimed a hole had the fi rst time in 10 years, and she checked the schedule and I was 29-year-old American’s only won’t underestimate the player gering worries over a hip injury. RELAXED opened up on the service line on was rarely able to threaten. really mad,” she said. “Why do I win coming in Los Angeles seven who knocked out Djokovic in the “When he’s standing up on Federer leads Raonic 9-3 in head- the Centre Court. Muguruza, who has reached play fi rst, not second? They said years ago. third round 12 months ago. the baseline, hitting forehands, to-head meetings and has reached “The courts are not great this the last four for the loss of one it was because of TV. The TV is Murray also won their previ- “Sam likes the conditions dictating, he’s a very dangerous his 50th Grand Slam quarter-fi nal year — I’ve played on better set, brought up match point with more important for the tennis ous clash at Wimbledon in the here. Obviously a big serve. Goes player.” without dropping a set. courts,” said Djokovic. an ace down the middle and won than the players? Probably.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 12, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal boss Wenger keen on Monaco teen sensation Mbappe 'He’s a player who when he gets up in the morning can choose where he wants to go'

AFP Sydney

rsenal are keen on in-demand Monaco teenager Kylian Mbappe, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday, while confiA rming club-record signing Alex- andre Lacazette will make his debut on their pre-season tour of Australia. The 18-year-old Mbappe has re- portedly been the subject of world record off ers from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and has also been linked with Manchester United. Wenger said he was always interested in young talent. “He’s a player who when he gets up in the morning can choose where he wants to go. Not many players have that kind of luck,” the veteran Frenchman said in Sydney where Arsenal are on a pre-season tour. “He is just 18 years of age and it is all of Europe who has the red carpet out for him. I believe nobody can say he is not interested in a player of that kind because he has such immense quality at 18 that all the clubs are open and interested in him.” Wenger is also said to be keen on Mbappe’s Monaco teammate Tho- mas Lemar as a supporting attacker to Lacazette, whose move from Lyon to the Gunners was sealed last week for a club-record fee that could rise to 60mn euros ($68mn, £52.56mn). But the Arsenal manager would not be drawn on the chances of landing Le- mar. “That’s all speculation at the mo- ment, there is nothing really concrete Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) and players Petr Cech (left), Laurent Koscielny (second left) and captain Per Mertesacker listen to a question during a press conference yesterday, ahead of the two about any signing. He’s a player that pre-season football friendly matches against Sydney FC on July 13 and Western Sydney Wanderers on July 15. (AFP) we have looked at, but the rest is only speculation,” he said. Wenger did say he make his debut against Sydney FC to- was hoping to entice more players to the morrow. “Lacazette will make his debut Emirates before the new season starts. here, yes,” Wenger said, adding that fel- Arsenal striker Sanchez going nowhere, insists Wenger “I’m open to get some more signings, low new signing Sead Kolasinac would but it’s not easy to fi nd the players to also appear. “We play football based Sydney: Arsenal manager Arsene striker. Asked if he remained determined to leave the club were not true, replying strengthen our squad because we have on movement, technical qualities and Wenger yesterday insisted unsettled to keep Sanchez and not let him go to with a curt “No”. top quality players,” he said. mobility, and I believe that both of the striker Alexis Sanchez is going nowhere, a Premier League rival, Wenger replied: He added: “I think the easiest way to “There’s two ways to improve — new signings can integrate well into the saying he expected him honour his con- “Yes, that is a continuation of what I said manage a player is in the final year of analyse what we did well last year and team,” he added. tract and potentially sign an extension. at the end of the season. That’s what we his contract. It is in his interest to do as what we did not do well, and improve “One is a defender who can play on The Chilean, 28, has a year left on his will do. He adds great value to the squad well as he can. Nobody knows today if on that. And the second way is to bring the fl ank and centrally, and one is a Gunners deal but is yet to sign a new con- and I think as well he is a great lover of Sanchez will be on his final year of his some new players in. But I believe at striker with a very good goal scoring tract and has been linked with a move to the club.” contract next season, because he can the moment, because we are on pre- record, so I believe that they are great Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Sanchez, who at times last season cut extend his contract with us at the start season, that it is very important for us additions to the team. It’s a good op- Reports in Britain have said he could a disgruntled figure as Arsenal strug- of the season or during the season. So to analyse what happened last year and portunity as well to have a fi rst look at be off loaded for up to 80mn pounds gled with form and uncertainty over it is not necessarily the last year of his where we can improve. At the moment I how well and how quickly they will in- ($103mn, 90mn euros), but Wenger sug- Wenger’s future, is not on the team’s contract at Arsenal Football Club.” focus more on that.” tegrate with the way we want to play.” gested this won’t happen. “The players pre-season tour to Australia as he rests Arsenal play two pre-season friendlies Lacazette — who is hoping his move Arsenal play two pre-season friend- have contracts and we expect them after last month’s Confederation’s Cup. in Sydney this week, against Sydney FC to Arsenal can help boost his hopes of lies this week, following up the clash to respect their contracts. That’s what But Wenger said reports that the Chilean tomorrow and Western Sydney Wander- cementing a place in the France squad with Sydney FC by facing Western Syd- we want,” he said in Sydney about the ace had informed him that he wanted ers on Saturday. ahead of next year’s World Cup — will ney Wanderers on Saturday.

QSL ROUND-UP FOCUS Qatar SC unveil new signings Bayern sign Rodriguez on Newly-promoted Qatar SC has unveiled four new players to the media as the Kings loan deal from Real Madrid prepare for their return to the Qatar Stars League. Both Mohamed al-Jabri and Jassem AFP al-Hashemi of El Jaish had already been Munich confi rmed as Qatar SC players over the weekend, however, they were also joined by former Al Arabi midfi elders Omar al-Amadi olombia’s hot-shot James Rodriguez has and Abdullah al-Oraimi, who also penned joined Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deals with the club. from Real Madrid, the Bundesliga club an- Also present at the signing was Kings nounced yesterday. The two clubs have club president Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad agreedC on a two-year deal until June 30, 2019, with bin Nasser al-Thani. The signing of the the option for Bayern to buy the 25-year-old mid- quartet means that Qatar SC has signed fi elder who was the top scorer at the 2014 World a total of six local players in the summer Cup in Brazil. “We’re delighted we’ve been able to transfer window so far. Joining the new complete this transfer,” said Bayern chairman Karl- players are also striker Fahad Khalfan and Heinz Rummenigge. keeper Jassem Adel from Al Shahania. “Signing James Rodriguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti’s biggest wish, following their success- AL ARABI SIGN MARDIKIAN New Qatar SC players at the unveiling ceremony. ful spell working together in Madrid. James is a very QSL side Al Arabi have formally introduced versatile player. He’s a goalscorer himself, he sets Syrian striker Mardik Mardikian, who was the Qatar Stars League. I hope I can make a UMM SALAL INK SIX PLAYER DEALS up a lot of goals and on top of that he’s great from joined at the press conference by the club positive impact and help the side reach our Umm Salal have announced six deals ahead set-pieces. There’s no question that this transfer management. Speaking on penning a three- goals in the league,” he said. of the new campaign. The club confi rmed further increases the quality in our team.” year deal with Arabi, Mardikian expressed With the signing of Sulaka, Markhiya that four players have extended their stay The attacking midfi elder has been recruited by his joy at playing in the QSL. “This is a new have now concluded their summer transfer with the club by signing contract exten- the Bavarian giants with a few of their star-studded challenge for me, and I am looking forward deals for professional players. Joining the sions. Goalkeeper Eisa Shaaban, left back squad threatening to leave. to getting started and helping Al Arabi in Iraqi defender is Burkina Faso international Ismail Dahqani and Ali Mohamed are joined Brazil forward Douglas Costa is negotiating a the league. I would also like to thank the Al Alain Traore, Gambian midfi elder Tejan by Syrian international striker Mahmoud transfer with Juventus while winger Serge Gnabry, Arabi management for showing their faith Gita and Ghanian striker Kwame Karikari. al-Mawas who has signed a deal to stay 21, who has only just signed from Werder Bremen, in me and off ering me a three year contract.” While the club also secured the services with Umm Salal to the summer of 2019. wants to be loaned out to gain experience. “Personally I am looking to help the team of Qatari coach Yusef Adam to lead the side Salal also revealed the capture of local James joined Real in July 2014 for 75mn euros to fi nish in the best possible way in the into the QSL season. Now the hard work left-back Mohammed al-Zowayed from from Monaco on the back of his outstanding per- league, If I am able to compete for the top will begin for the Oryxes with preseason Muaither. The 27-year-old enjoyed a fi ne formances at the Brazil World Cup, where he scored scorer award that is a bonus for me” noted training. season with the relegated side. six goals in the fi nals as Colombia reached the quar- the 25 year old attacker when asked about Salal are also set to complete their quar- ter-fi nals. His best season at Real was in 2014/15, James Rodriguez has moved on a two-year loan deal. his personal goals with the side,” he added. AL RAYYAN RETURN TO TRAINING tet of foreign players for the new season. under current Bayern boss Ancelotti, when he Mardikian will now begin preseason train- Al Rayyan have formally begun training Earlier in the week, the club announced that scored 17 goals, with 18 assists, in 46 matches. minutes when Real beat Bayern in the quarter-fi nals ing with his new team-mates, under the ahead of the new season. A host of players Moroccan defender Jalal Daoudi has arrived But Rodriguez struggled to break into Real’s star- of the Champions League and was left out of the guidance of new Dream Team coach Kais from the Lions underwent training drills on to Doha ahead of a proposed move. Now, studded fi rst team under Ancelotti’s replacement squad which beat Juventus 4-1 in the fi nal. Yaakoubi. Monday evening, under the guidance of the Daoudi could be joined by compatriot Adil Zinedine Zidane. He made just 13 starting appear- James will get straight down to business at Bay- coaching staff . Rhaili formerly of Kuwait Sports Club, who ances last season in the Spanish league with a fur- ern. He fl ies with Ancelotti’s squad on their tour SULAKA AGREES MARKHIYA MOVE A host of players were missing from has also arrived in Doha ahead of contract ther nine off the bench. of China and Singapore, which leaves on Sunday, New boys Al Markhiya have signed their training, including Sebastian Soria and negotiations with the side. Matters came to a head in April when James ex- and will include stars Thomas Mueller, Franck Rib- fourth and fi nal professional player as the Rodrigo Tabata, however they are expected Providing the deals for the Moroccan duo pressed his frustration after being replaced in a 4-2 ery and Arjen Robben. James will be joined by fel- Oryxes prepare for life in the QSL. The club to resume training in the coming days. goes through, it will mean that Mahmoud win at Leganes. “I am satisfi ed with James and fi nd low new signing Corentin Tolisso, 22, who has just confi rmed the signing of Iraqi center back The long road to fi tness will now begin for Jaber’s foreign players will be made up of it perfectly normal for him to get upset in such a joined Bayern from French side Lyon for 41.5mn Rebin Sulaka from Norwegian side Elverum the Lions who will be looking to pick up a Yannick Sagbo, Mahmoud al-Mawas along situation,” said Zidane at the time. euros ($47.3mn). Alongside Tolisso, Gnabry and Fotball. Sulaka has been handed the number trophy this season after missing out in the with the signings of Jalal Daoudi and Adil The writing was on the wall for the Colombian James, the German champions are set to add two four shirt for his new side, and expressed last campaign. Al Rayyan are set to head on Rhaili. Umm Salal are set to resume training at the Bernabeu from then on and he expressed his new names to their squad for next season with Ger- his joy in joining Markhiya. “I am excited their training camp to the Netherlands be- in the coming days as they ramp up prepa- desire to move long before Bayern came calling. He many internationals Niklas Suele and Sebastian to have signed for Markhiya and to play in tween the 20th of July to the 15th of August. rations for the new QSL campaign. played against his future employers for just seven Rudy signed from Hoff enheim. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 12, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Hernandez’s move to Real Madrid clouds gentleman’s agreement Real have broken their ‘non-aggression pact’ with Atletico to sign the teenage left-back for €24mn, but is this a one-off or the start of frostier relations in Madrid?

By Michael Butler had little choice, owing to a release clause in The Guardian Hernandez’s contract. After he “repeatedly re- jected the proposals to renew” – according to a bitter statement from Atletico – and attracted t has been called a number of things over the interest from others including Manchester City years: a gentleman’s agreement, an unwrit- and Barcelona, his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon ten rule, a non-aggression pact. But since made it clear in May that he wanted to sign for the sale of Santiago Solari from Atletico Real. Gentleman’s agreement or not, Atletico Ito Real Madrid in 2000, no fi rst-team regular had no choice but to sell, even to their local ri- has moved directly between the two clubs. In a vals, although according to reports in Spain, footballing world dominated by obscene money, Real have added more than €2.5mn to the trans- media manipulation, agents and even trans- fer fee in performance-related bonuses – some- fer bans, there seems little room for honouring thing they were not obliged to do – as a gesture tradition these days, but between the Madrid of good will to their neighbours. clubs, there does seem to be a special bond. Prior to the beginning of last season, Her- Chairmen and directors of both clubs share nandez had not even made his professional a meal before each derby, and often greet each debut. On his right hand, he has recently tat- other like old friends. It is hard to imagine the tooed fi ve numbers, one on each of his fi ngers, same being true in Manchester or Milan. and one on his thumb – 28816 – to remind him Some have suggested that the pact is a myth, of the date that he did grace La Liga for the fi rst but when rumours emerged in 2012 of Real mak- time, on 28th August 2016. That professional ing a move for Atletico’s Radamel Falcao, their debut with Alaves was a drab 0-0 draw against then-manager Jose Mourinho explained that Sporting Gijon, but Hernandez has since admit- “there is a non-aggression pact. I think it’s a ted “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” In forbidden subject.” When Antoine Griezmann his second game, he helped Alaves to a famous was asked about a potential summer switch 2-1 over Barcelona at the Camp Nou. “I thought earlier this year, he said “Madrid is impossible that playing in the fi rst division would be a bit compared to my club. I believe that they have a harder,” he has since admitted. Real Madrid’s new signing Theo Hernandez gives a ball to a young fab during his presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. (AFP) pact between them.” That tattoo is a daily reminder as to how far So when Real Madrid announced last week Hernandez has come in such a short space of In many regards, he is not too dissimilar from crosses and set pieces into the box. In the Copa red cards in 38 appearances last season, mean- that they had signed Theo Hernandez from time. It will serve him well among his new su- a young Gareth Bale, a raw, attacking left-back del Rey fi nal against Barcelona, he scored a deli- ing that in 39% of matches he went into the ref- Atletico for an initial €24mn, there were a few perstar teammates to keep a sense of humility that loves to get forward. cious direct free-kick to level the scores, a dip- eree’s notebook. Room for improvement then, raised eyebrows. Admittedly Hernandez might and retain the work ethic which has catapulted Many times this season he has left defenders ping eff ort that found the top corner from 25 but it is easy to see why Real Madrid paid up, not be regarded a fi rst-team regular; indeed – him from relative obscurity to one of the most for dead in the way the Welshman has become yards out. Equally, against Real Madrid in Oc- why they handed Hernandez a whopping six- unlike his father Jean-Fracncois and brother exciting players in Europe. Off the pitch he can famous for, seizing on a loose ball and then sim- tober he was a menace, providing an excellent year contract, why president Florentino Pérez Lucas – who made 24 appearances for Diego appear shy. His manager at Alaves last season, ply setting off . On one occasion against Barce- assist to give Alavés the lead. showered him with complements at his offi cial Simeone’s side last season – the 19-year-old Mauricio Pellegrino, now at Southampton, pro- lona in February he ran the length of the pitch, Hernandez’s rise has not been without inci- unveiling on Monday evening at the Bernebeu. has never made a competitive appearance for tected him somewhat from the spotlight, and leaving defenders in his wake, only to be foiled dent. Last month he was accused of sexual as- The fee of €24mn looks a snip for a player that Atletico despite being with the club since the even likened him to “a child”. But there is no hid- by Marc-André ter Stegen. sault in Marbella – released without charge – has all the tools to become the world’s best full- age of 11. ing at the Bernabeu. No doubt he is relishing the prospect of play- after going AWOL from France Under-21 duty. back. What is less clear is that if this is the be- But after last year’s breakthrough season on Physically at least, Hernandez appears al- ing with Bale, as well as learning the fi ner sub- Eligible for both France and Spain, it is thought ginning of a new era between Real and Atletico. loan at Alaves, there is no denying that the deal ready fully grown. Standing at 6ft1in, he is tleties of his role under the world’s best left- he has now chosen to represent the latter inter- Previously Los Blancos steered clear of signing is not without signifi cance, and is seen in many strong in the air and the tackle, but it is his pace back, Marcelo. Hernandez will get plenty of nationally, despite representing France at every Atlético’s fi nest players. quarters as the most important transfer be- that sets him apart: his long legs mean he has opportunities to deputise for the Brazilian with age group since the Under-18s, a decision that Time will tell as to whether the Hernández’s tween the two clubs since Hugo Sanchez’s move a preposterous stride and top speed. Often the Fabio Coentrao moving on to Sporting Lisbon has reportedly left France offi cials furious. deal is an isolated incident because of his release to the Bernabeu in 1985. It is certainly the most only thing to stop him is the byline – the only on loan, and he could also play further forward On the pitch as well, there is a discipline clause and the fact he made his name away from expensive. defender to make more successful dribbles in La as a left winger if necessary. problem: Hernandez’s eagerness often gets the Atlético, or if the two clubs’ gentleman’s agree- So why did Atletico let him go? In truth they Liga last season was Atletico’s Filipe Luis. His left-foot is a potent weapon, fi zzing better of him. He received 14 yellows and two ment is now dead.

TRANSFER ROUND-UP FOCUS Liverpool sign Solanke from Chelsea Mamic faces new Teenage striker Dominic Solanke Hertha plan to make Klinsmann junior corruption charges (right), capped for England at the recent their third-choice goalkeeper, behind Under-20 World Cup, signed for Liver- Norway’s Rune Jarstein and ex-Bayern AFP at Dinamo’s detriment,” the pool from Premier League champions Munich shotstopper Thomas Kraft, and Zagreb statement said. Chelsea yesterday. The 19-year-old for- he will gain experience for the Under-23 The Mamic brothers and Vr- ward scored four goals in England’s Un- team in the regional league. banovic are already being tried in der-20 campaign which saw them beat “After breakfast, Michael Preetz (Her- roatia’s football strong- another case for abuse of power Venezuela in June’s fi nal and win their tha’s sports director) had a chat and said man and former Dinamo and graft that cost Dinamo more fi rst global trophy since the senior team they had decided at short notice to off er Zagreb chief Zdravko than 15mn euros and the state in 1966. “It feels amazing and everyone a contract,” said Klinsmann junior at Mamic was charged 1.5mn euros. Cash was allegedly has made me feel welcome already,” said Hertha’s pre-season camp near Berlin. Cyesterday for funnelling mon- embezzled through fi ctitious Solanke. “Even just pulling on the train- “It was an unbelievably emotional ey from the club which alleg- deals related to player transfers. ing top, I was over the moon. Hopefully moment for me, because the club has edly cost it nearly 20mn euros Real Madrid midfi elder Luka I can put on the shirt in the near future such a family history. I’m looking for- ($22.8mn). Along with Mamic, Modric testifi ed in June over the and make some history here.” ward to everything at the club, the city national anti-graft prosecutors details of his 2008 transfer from He could cost Liverpool around £3mn of Berlin and the challenge of playing in charged six other people includ- Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur. ($3.8mn, 3.4mn euros) according to Germany.” ing his brother Zoran, a former However, he is now himself be- reports but that will be decided by a tri- His father, Jurgen Klinsmann, who Dinamo Zagreb coach, son Mario ing probed over alleged false tes- bunal because although his contract with enjoyed a glittering career with Bayern and former club director Damir timony and was questioned by Chelsea has expired, the club are due a Munich, Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur Vrbanovic. prosecutors earlier this month. fee for nurturing his talent and because and Inter Milan, has been a member Mamic is charged of having Another Croatian internation- he is under 24. of Hertha Berlin since 2004, while his organised a “criminal enterprise al, Liverpool defender Dejan Solanke, who played just once for grandfather Siegfried was born close to with the aim to get pecuniary Lovren, is to appear as a witness Chelsea coming on as a substitute in Berlin and was also a Hertha fan. gain for himself and others, all at in September. a 2014 Champions League match, has However, Jonathan will be the fi rst Dinamo’s detriment,” a prosecu- Mamic’s trial, which opened in senior level experience having spent the Klinsmann to play for Hertha. “Jonathan tors’ statement said. April, has attracted huge interest 2015/16 season out on loan in the Neth- convinced us with his ability, charisma The off ences took place be- from media and residents of the erlands with Vitesse Arnhem where he and ambition. He’ll now settle with us tween December 2004 and De- eastern city of Osijek, where it scored seven times in 25 appearances. Italian champions Juventus, whom he going on to make one La Liga appearance and develop step by step,” said Preetz. cember 2016, it said. The sus- is being held reportedly to avoid helped get to last season’s Champions as a replacement. Llorente becomes the Klinsmann was voted the best goalkeeper pects were allegedly arranging Mamic’s infl uence on judges in PSG SET TO SEAL League fi nal. He had been expected to French champions’ sixth goalkeeper with at the Under-20 CONCACAF champi- fi ctious deals between Dinamo the capital Zagreb. DANI ALVES SIGNING team up with his former Barcelona coach Croatia international Danijel Subasic, onship in Costa Rica in March when the and foreign fi rms based in the Mamic is considered to be the Paris Saint-Germain are set to make a Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and Swiss veteran Diego Benaglio, Loic Badi- USA won the regional title by beating United Kingdom, Switzerland, most powerful man in Croatian statement summer signing by announc- beating the English side to the Brazilian’s ashile and Seydou Sy, with Paul Nardi out Honduras 5-3 in a penalty shoot. the United Arab Emirates and football and his connections ex- ing the capture of Brazilian full-back signature is a major coup for Paris. PSG’s on loan with Cercle Brugge in the Belgian elsewhere for “non-existent me- tend into many spheres of pub- Dani Alves, according to media reports. one confi rmed close-season signing so second division. SLOVAKIA’S MAK RETURNS diation services during players’ lic life. Most Croatian football The French giants have called a press far is the Spanish left-back Yuri Ber- TO GREEK CLUB PAOK transfers,” the statement said. fans see him as the real boss of conference for today afternoon at 4pm chiche from Real Sociedad for a reported HERTHA SIGN SON OF GERMANY Slovak international midfi elder Robert The companies were then is- the Croatian Football Federation local time (1400 GMT) at the Parc des 14mn euros ($16mn, £12.5mn). LEGEND KLINSMANN Mak has joined PAOK Thessaloniki on suing receipts for non-existent and believe its formal chief Davor Princes, at which they are expected to The Klinsmann name made a return to loan from Zenit St. services that the club was paying. Suker is merely Mamic’s puppet. unveil the 34-year-old. MONACO SNAP UP YOUNG the German football league yesterday as Petersburg, the Greek Cup champions “In such way...at least 144mn The 57-year-old repeatedly ar- The Qatar-owned outfi t will then jet SPANISH GOALKEEPER LLORENTE Hertha Berlin signed the son of former said. No details of the deal were revealed kunas (19.4mn euros) were paid gued that the probes against him off to the United States for a pre-season Monaco have snapped up teenage goal- United States coach and Germany striker but PAOK said it had an option on pur- on foreign companies’ accounts were politically motivated. tour. According to Le Parisien, Alves keeper Alvaro Fernandez Llorente from Juergen Klinsmann. Jonathan Klins- chasing the player after one season. Mak, passed a medical in the French capital Osasuna on a three-year deal, the Ligue mann, 20, the goalkeeper with the United 26, played for PAOK from 2014 to 2016 yesterday and will sign a two-year deal 1 club announced. The 19-year-old, a States Under-20s team, has been given after four seasons at FC Nuremberg in with last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up. Spanish age grade international, played an undisclosed contract after two weeks Germany. Last season he played 17 games Alves is a free agent after leaving last season with the club’s reserve side, on trial with the Bundesliga club. for Zenit scoring four goals.

REAL'S BENZEMA WINS COURT BATTLE OVER SEX-TAPE Paris: France’s highest court yesterday the sex tape. The case now goes before and dropped from the French side after case against them to be dropped. struck down a ruling putting Real Madrid the Paris Court of Appeal which will the sex-tape scandal erupted in 2015. They say police used “dishonest” star Karim Benzema on trial over the weigh the latest ruling. “If the chamber Investigators suspect Benzema of methods by posing as a friend of Val- sex-tape blackmail of fellow former inter- of instruction (of the Paris court) follows acting as an intermediary between the buena’s in a telephone conversation with national Mathieu Valbuena. the decision of the Court of Cassation, presumed blackmailers — including one one of the accused. Since the scandal The Court of Cassation annulled a Ver- it will have no other choice than to of his childhood friends — and midfielder broke Benzema has been usurped as sailles Court of Appeal ruling in Decem- pronounce the entire proceedings void,” Valbuena, then a Lyon player. Benzema France’s star striker by Atletico Madrid’s ber to send Benzema to trial for allegedly Benzema’s lawyer Patrice Spinosi said. and three of the other suspects in the Antoine Griezmann and emerging stars attempting to blackmail Valbuena over Benzema was placed under investigation blackmail investigation had asked for the including Kylian Mbappe of Monaco. Former Dinamo Zagreb chief Zdravko Mamic. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 12, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL BOXING WBO review backs up Horn’s victory Yankees’ Judge over Pacquiao

AFP fi ve rounds while Horn won Sydney seven rounds. Based on this analysis, Jeff Horn was the win- ner of the bout.” The original ustralian Jeff Horn’s fi ght was scored 117-111, 115-113 crowned Home Run shock welterweight and 115-113 by judges Waleksa title victory over Roldan, Chris Flores and Ra- Manny Pacquiao was mon Cerdan respectively. confiA rmed yesterday after a scoring review by the World Concrete evidence Boxing Organisation (WBO) Horn, a former schoolteach- declared him the clear winner. er written off before the bout The WBO took a close look at by most observers, welcomed Derby champion the fi ght after Pacquiao, backed the ruling as confi rming what by the Philippine government’s he already knew. “It gives me ‘It was an incredible experience. They all felt good. I enjoyed every minute of it’ sports regulatory body, criti- evidence behind me that I can cised the referee and the judges just use now. Instead of saying I and demanded a review after think I won the fi ght, now a heap losing in Brisbane on July 2. of other people — professionally Horn stunned the Filipino leg- — think I won the fi ght,” he told end — who has won world ti- reporters in Brisbane. tles in an unprecedented eight “It’s defi nitely nice to have it weight divisions — with his fi nally put on paper. I thought ultra-aggressiveness to earn a I’d won the fi ght on the day and unanimous 12-round decision. I think Pacquiao thought it as The WBO — which does well. Now just to have it clear not have the power to reverse in front of us is good.” a decision unless fraud or law He has made clear he is keen violations are proven — set up for a rematch and Brisbane’s a panel of independent and Courier-Mail said talks were anonymous judges who were already under way for a pos- asked to watch the bout with- sible November duel between out sound and determine who the two in the same city. won each round. Both the Philippine board The results were tabulated to and Pacquiao had criticised show clearly the rounds each American referee Mark Nel- fi ghter won using an aver- son for supposedly allowing age scale based on 60, 80 and the underdog Australian to 100%, with three of the fi ve get away with illegal tactics offi cials needing to be in agree- without giving him warnings ment. A similar method has or point deductions. The loss been used to review WBO title sparked calls in the Philippines fi ghts before. for the 38-year-old Pacquiao, a “Upon the analysis, the national icon after rising from fi ndings stated that Pacquiao poverty to be considered one won the 3rd, the 8th and 9th by of the greatest fi ghters of his 100%; the 5th round was won generation, to retire and con- by 80%; and the 11th round by centrate on politics. 60%,” the WBO said in a state- Pacquiao briefl y quit box- ment. ing last year to pursue his “Horn won the 1st, 6th and long-held political ambitions 12th rounds by 100%; rounds and was elected senator. But 2, 4, and 7 by 80%; and then, he quickly made a successful the 10th round by 60%. comeback against Jessie Vargas “From the results, it can be in November, saying he still felt established that Pacquiao won like a youngster.

Mayweather asks IRS for

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby at Marlins Park in Miami. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports temporary reprieve Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather goes by the nickname AFP “I was a little nervous going with 30 homers, ousted fellow ture Boston Red Sox left-hander he pitched a perfect inning. “Money” but a lack of cash prompted him to file an appeal Miami into it,” Judge said. rookie Bellinger, who was tak- Chris Sale and Washington Na- Scherzer was playing for the De- with the IRS regarding overdue taxes. Mayweather filed a tax “It was an incredible experi- ing pitches from his father Clay tionals ace Max Scherzer as the troit Tigers at the time. court petition on July 5, asking the IRS to grant him a reprieve ence. They all felt good. I en- Bellinger, a former major league starting pitchers. Scherzer, who becomes only and allow him to pay his taxes after he is paid for next month’s aron Judge launched joyed every minute of it.” hitter. Sale becomes the fi rst pitcher the fi fth pitcher to start All- bout vs. Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor. The 40-year- a series of moon- Defending champion Gian- to make back-to-back All-Star Star Games for both leagues, old Mayweather is coming out of retirement to face McGregor balls into the outfi eld carlo Stanton was the crowd Defending champion appearances following his start is 10-5 with a 2.10 ERA and 173 on Aug. 26 that could net the boxer a nine-figure payday. bleachers as the New favourite but he exited early. Giancarlo Stanton was the for the American League last strikeouts this season. The IRS wants Mayweather (49-0) to pay his taxes for 2015. YorkA Yankees rookie smashed Stanton was eliminated in the year while playing for the Chi- In-form Los Angeles Dodgers crowd favourite but he Mayweather has earned an estimated $700mn in his career, his way to victory in MLB’s All- opening round, 17-16, by Yan- exited early. Stanton was cago White Sox. star Clayton Kershaw has a 14-2 Forbes magazine reported, including a staggering $220mn Star Game Home Run Derby on kees catcher Gary Sanchez, eliminated in the opening The 28-year-old is also the record this season but is unavail- from his much-hyped fight against Manny Pacquiao in May Monday. quashing any chance of a mar- round, 17-16, by Yankees fi rst pitcher to make consecu- able for the All-Star Game after 2015. “Although the taxpayer has substantial assets, those The 25-year-old Judge made it quee matchup with Judge. catcher Gary Sanchez tive starts since Arizona’s Randy pitching in Sunday’s win over assets are restricted and primarily illiquid,” the petition by look simple, out-slugging Min- In the semi-fi nals, Judge de- Johnson achieved the feat for the the Kansas City Royals. Mayweather said in a filing posting on Law360.com. nesota Twins third baseman feated Los Angeles Dodgers fi rst Judge is the fi rst rookie and National League in 2000-01. National League manager Joe “The taxpayer has a significant liquidity event scheduled in Miguel Sano 11-10 in the Home baseman Cody Bellinger 13-12, fourth Yankee to win the home Sale was traded in December Maddon meanwhile unveiled his about 60 days from which he intends to pay the balance of Run Derby fi nal ahead of Tues- and Sano got past Sanchez 11-10. run contest, joining Robinson to the Red Sox and is currently batting line-up on Monday, with the 2015 tax liability due and outstanding.” According to the day’s All-Star Game at Marlins Judge’s power display included Cano (2011), Jason Giambi (2002) 11-4 with a 2.75 ERA and a major Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon IRS website, the penalty for failure to pay taxes is typically Park in Miami. using all fi elds, hitting several and Tino Martinez (1997). league-leading 178 strikeouts in leading off followed by Miami’s 0.5% of owed taxes for each month. Mayweather retired from Judge dominated the compe- upper-deck homers to straight- The home run contest is part 127 2/3 innings this season. Stanton as designated hitter. professional boxing after defeating Andre Berto in September tition, with one of his shots sail- away centre and the opposite of the glitz and glamour that Scherzer, 32, is making his Washington’s Bryce Harper is 2015. McGregor (21-3), who has never boxed professionally, ing 513 feet to left fi eld. He hit fi eld. surrounds the annual All-Star second All-Star start follow- third, ahead of San Francisco’s defeated Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in November 2016. several others over 500 feet. Judge, who leads the majors Game which this year will fea- ing an appearance in 2013 when Buster Posey.

NBA Nets fi guring out how to replace Lopez’s scoring ability

By Greg Logan could throw it to him in the post. “We’re going to have D’Angelo Newsday So, I’m not saying that I don’t and Caris (LeVert) who are, want that. We need to fi nd a bal- hopefully, going to take big steps ance.” in their games. Hopefully, I can ince the end of last sea- In their fi rst two Summer stay healthy and play more min- son, Nets general man- League games, the Nets were a utes. ager Sean Marks has ex- miserable 12-for-49 from three- “When you look at the end- cited the organisation’s point range (24.5 percent). The of-the-season points per game, fansS with trades for potential Carroll deal, which has been I don’t envision a huge dropoff , star shooting guard D’Angelo confi rmed to Newsday by an although we’re defi nitely going Russell, veteran centre Timofey NBA source, won’t become offi - to miss Brook’s innate scoring Mozgov and veteran small for- cial until Tuesday or Wednesday, ability.” ward DeMarre Carroll. but once it does, the Nets still LeVert ended his rookie sea- But when the new season will have approximately $17 mil- son by starting at small forward starts, the loss of all-time fran- lion to add more shooting. the fi nal 25 games he played, but chise scoring leader Brook Atkinson said the Nets can’t the acquisition Lopez is bound to hit home. focus on a particular position, of Carroll might push him to Lopez and his 20.5 scoring such as a power forward with the bench. average and 34.6 percent three- Brook Lopez three-point range, but he added, “We’re still in the process of point shooting fi gures were sent “Sean and I were just talking going through free agency,” At- to the Lakers as part of the deal was a sign of the times that there about how important shooting is kinson said. “There could be for Russell and Mozgov. only was one post-up play in the in this league. We haven’t shown other things happening so we’ve Now, the majority of Nets Nets’ Summer League opener it in these (Summer League) got to wait before we can defi ne scoring options are on the pe- against the Hawks, but he still games. Hopefully, that changes.” any roles.” rimeter; they don’t have an ob- wants a diverse off ense. Point guard Jeremy Lin, who Pressed about the importance vious go-to guy under the bas- “I think Timofey Mozgov is a arrived at Summer League on of LeVert playing alongside Rus- ket, and as their Summer League big guy who can sit down there Sunday to support his team- sell since those two represent the performance has underlined, and you can throw it to him, mates, said the Nets must make heart of the Nets’ youthful core they are a weak 3-point shooting probably not as skilled on the up for the loss of Lopez’s scor- group, Atkinson said, “Yeah, no team. block (as Lopez) but he will pow- ing “by committee,” and he said doubt about it. You could see Their 3-point shooting should er you and he will run to the rim,” Russell and Carroll certainly will them playing together a lot. As benefi t from the additions of Atkinson said. help take up the slack. far as who’s starting and who’s Carroll (36.1 percent career av- “It’s just not as big a part of “If you spread it out and play coming off the bench, I haven’t erage) and Russell (35.1 percent), the game as it used to be. quick, I think we’ll see a lot of even thought about that yet, but how do they replace Lopez? “I want more variety. That’s easy shots, dunks, open threes, but I think they’ll play a ton to- Coach Kenny Atkinson said it what I liked about Brook. We things like that,” Lin said. gether.” D’Angelo Russell (left) and Timofey Mozgov. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 12, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA 1 ALTERNATIVE F1 could look to London now: Horner British GP at risk Reuters Milton Keynes, England

ilverstone’s departure from the Formula One calendar would be a “shocking loss” but it as Silverstone couldS clear the way for a street race in London, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said yes- terday. The capital is hosting a big Formula One promotional event today, ahead of the weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, File picture of Red Bull boss owners play tough and the sport has long dreamed Christian Horner. of racing there. A decision by the British Brands Hatch, Aintree and This decision has been taken because it is not financially viable for us to deliver the Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Donington Park have also hosted on Tuesday to activate a break F1 in Britain but only Silverstone British GP under the terms of our current contract: BRDC chairman John Grant clause in Silverstone’s contract now has the necessary infra- has revived such talk, however structure. fanciful it may sound to many Horner, who is a member of observers. the BRDC without playing an “Silverstone is a wonderful active role, said the body had track. The teams and the drivers clearly got its maths wrong when love driving there and (F1 own- it signed the original deal with ers) Liberty (Media) has made a former F1 supremo Bernie Eccle- commitment that there will be a stone and further mistakes were British Grand Prix,” Horner told made along the way. reporters at the Red Bull factory. “They spent a fortune on the “But with this London event pits and they put them in the happening tomorrow, if that wrong place,” he said. was a success - which hopefully “They have created a paddock it should be - one can imagine a with zero atmosphere at one of London Grand Prix being pretty the most historic race tracks in attractive to the Liberty guys. the UK, so there has been some “It would not be diffi cult to serious misjudgement and man- imagine Liberty thinking ‘why agement one would say.” don’t we do a street race in the Silverstone’s future has long capital?’”. been clouded, with Ecclestone John Grant, the BRDC chair- regularly berating the BRDC in man, dismissed that idea. the past, but Horner expressed “Most informed observers amazement that a contract that would say a London event is just was secured with so much sweat not feasible - politically, envi- had been broken. ronmentally or commercially,” “It would be shocking to lose he told Reuters. Silverstone from the calendar, It Silverstone, a former World would be even more shocking to War Two airfi eld, hosted the fi rst lose a British GP when you con- world championship grand prix sider 80 per cent of the teams in 1950 and with Monza, Mo- are based within the UK and how naco and Spa forms part of a core much the UK contributes to For- group of historic tracks. mula One,” he said.

Hump in the road: Camel caught on Aussie golf course A runaway circus camel “I just walked and heard one caused traff ic chaos and tres- man yell to another ‘don’t run passed onto the ninth green of or the camel will run more,’” a military golf course before onlooker Meng-Hsuan Lee bemused Australian police told the Australian Broadcast- This file photo shows Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton crossing the finish line to win the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone. recaptured it Monday. ing Corporation. Rush hour drivers in the “When they tried to catch it, AFP the British Grand Prix under the terms of for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone value the circuit has, which has contrib- Northern Territory’s capital the camel started to run and London our current contract,” BRDC chairman for many years to come,” added Grant uted to some incredible races. Darwin had to dodge the cross the road.” John Grant said. whose body has been in talks with Lib- “Hopefully the new F1 owners will re- rogue animal as police chased Police admitted in a Facebook “We sustained losses of £2.8mn erty over the issue. view their thoughts and think there is a it onto the Royal Australian post the incident had pre- ilverstone will not host the Brit- (3.1mn, $3.6mn) in 2015 and £4.8mn Liberty chairman Chase Carey had told better value to that than throw it away.” Airforce Darwin Golf Club, sented an unusual challenge. ish Grand Prix after 2019 unless in 2016, and we expect to lose a similar the BBC prior to the expected announce- Nearly 140,000 spectators watched where it was cornered. “It appears the fine men and the circuit’s owners gets a better amount this year. ment that it is his preferred option in- Britain’s triple world champion Lewis “It caused a bit of traff ic women of the NT Police also fi nancial deal from Formula One “We have reached the tipping point deed his priority the race stays at Silver- Hamilton claim his third consecutive win mayhem for a few minutes as have hidden talents in camel owners,S they announced yesterday just where we can no longer let our passion stone but did also warn BRDC that there at Silverstone last year. it ran down a few streets,” said wrangling after they quickly days ahead of this year’s renewal. for the sport rule our heads. were other possibilities. A near sell-out crowd is expected again Police Duty Superintendent tracked it down, secured it and The British Racing Drivers’ Club “It would not only risk the very future “There is interest from other places, this weekend as Hamilton bids to reduce Rob Burgoyne. handed it back over to circus (BRDC) — who own Silverstone — an- of Silverstone and the BRDC, but also the other UK options, that would have ap- rival Sebastian Vettel’s 20-point lead in Witnesses described the personnel,” it said. nounced they were triggering a break British motorsport community that de- peal,” the American said. the title race. scene as “bizarre” as attempts “And it wasn’t even hump clause in its 17-year contract and the pends on us. Former world champion and four-time The circuit, unlike many other tracks were made to tame the beast. day!” Grand Prix would not be raced on their “However, I want to be clear that al- British Grand Prix winner Nigel Mansell, on the F1 calendar, receives no govern- prized possession post-2019 unless a though we have now activated the break who tasted victory three times in the ment backing. revised agreement can be reached with clause, we are fully supportive of the race at Silverstone, believes it would be However, the BRDC have been hit fi - Liberty Media, who were not the owners changes the Liberty team are making to “a very sad day” if the circuit no longer nancially by the hosting fee which goes DISCRIMINATION of Formula One when the original deal improve the F1 experience. hosted grand prix racing. up by fi ve percent every year — from began in 2010. “Our hope is that an agreement can “Silverstone has the history of F1,” the £12million in 2010, the year in which the “This decision has been taken because still be reached, so that we can ensure a Briton told BBC Sport. “They deserve to new long-term deal started, to £17mil- it is not fi nancially viable for us to deliver sustainable and fi nancially viable future have the recognition for the historical lion this season and £26million in 2026. Indian sprinter

ATHLETICS ready to fi ght gender rule again

AFP other women athletes like me.” New Delhi The IAAF introduced the Farah set for fi nal double blast regulations in 2011 after a highly AFP Medical records leak was unacceptable, says Coe emotive public battle with South London ndian sprinter Dutee Chand Africa’s two-time Olympic World athletics chief Sebastian of context and very mislead- vowed yesterday to fi ght any champion Caster Semenya. Coe said yesterday the recent ing,” Coe said. eff orts to bar her from the It part-funded the latest re- ritish athletics legend leakage of athletes’ personal Among Kenyans whose sport, after new research search, which relied on data from Mo Farah will hope he Ishowed runners born with high more than 2,100 blood samples medical information by hackers personal medical records were brings the curtain down group Fancy Bears, which also leaked by the global hackers testosterone levels enjoy a “sig- taken from male and female ath- on his track career with appeared to link elite Kenyan are three-times world 1,500 nifi cant competitive advantage”. letes. aB third successive double world The 21-year-old was banned Testosterone, which can also athletes to doping, was unac- metres champion Asbel Kiprop gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 ceptable. and javelin world champion after being diagnosed in 2014 with be injected as a performance- metres in London in August. Addressing a news confer- and Olympic silver medallist hyperandrogenism — a condition enhancer, increases muscle mass The 34-year-old, who was ence in the Kenyan capital on Julius Yego. that causes high natural levels of and boosts physical strength. named in both events in the the eve of the Under-18 world British distance runner Mo Fa- the hormone in women. The issue of hyperandrogen- British team selection unveiled athletics championships, the rah, a four-times Olympic gold She contested the ban and won ism is controversial because on Tuesday, will compete on president of the International medallist, was also a victim of a temporary reprieve from the it has pitted principles of fair the track where he so memora- Association of Athletics Federa- the hack. Court of Arbitration for Sports competition against the rights bly won double Olympic gold in tions (IAAF) president said the Coe denied that athletics is (CAS) which allowed her to com- of women born with a condition 2012 when it was then the Olym- leakage should not be inter- losing its popularity, saying that pete. they have no control over. pic Stadium. preted as proof of doping. tickets for next month’s world Without proof, the Interna- The IAAF rules allowed hyper- The host nation will be hoping “Everybody is entitled to pri- championships in London had tional Association of Athletics androgenic athletes to take med- a passionate home crowd will vate medical information and it sold out quickly. Federations (IAAF) regulations ication to lower their testoster- enable a relatively inexperienced is unacceptable that this should “But we must do everything excluding women with hyperan- one levels to below 10 nanomoles team to at least match their 2015 File picture of Great Britain’s Mo Farah celebrating after winning the find its way to public domain,” we can to remain relevant and drogenism from competition are per litre — considered a low level world championship haul of men’s 3,000m during the London Anniversary Games. Coe told reporters. salient in the lives of young set to lapse this year. in men. seven medals. He also said one reading of an people,” he said. But the global body plans to The natural range for women Farah — who began his world ered from the ankle injury that some close calls. athlete’s biological passport did “We have upgraded technology submit the new research as evi- is about 10 times lower. gold medal haul with gold in the ruled him out of last Sunday’s “It’s now up to them to grasp not constitute wrongdoing or and adopted creative ways of dence to back its case that they Chand, who won two bronze 5,000 in 2011 and silver in the Diamond League meeting at the this opportunity and produce an infringement. telling our narrative to improve should remain in place. medals at the recent Asian Ath- 10,000 — is the standout name same stadium. performances that will make the “It might have been taken out presentation of our sport.” “I know that my case is going letics Championship in her home in the British team with fellow “This feels bigger for us than whole nation proud.” to start all over again but I am not state of Orissa, said she was not 2012 Olympic champion Greg Rio,” said Neil Black, the per- Of the athleties hoping one afraid of anything,” Chand told alone in her fi ght against “cruel Rutherford the other proven formance director for British day to aspire to such heights the There was disappointment for British trials and saw the last AFP by phone. and discriminatory” rules. champion in the squad. Athletics. most eye-catching is Scottish sprinter Adam Gemili, who just spot go to Zharnel Hughes. “I am confi dent I will come out “There are other athletes who Rutherford, who is also the “We’ve selected some in- distance runner Laura Muir, who missed out on a 200m Olympic Gemili doesn’t miss out alto- unscathed. I will keep fi ghting are suff ering like me without any defending world champion, credibly talented athletes, and will compete in both the 1,500m medal last year, as the 23-year- gether as he will compete in the until I get justice. A positive rul- fault. The whole world is sup- will hope to have fully recov- in many events there have been and 5,000m. old paid for his sixth place in the 4x100m relay team. ing will not only benefi t me but all porting me.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 12, 2017 7 CRICKET

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP ROUND-UP Mathews steps Australia and India down as Sri Lanka captain look to bounce back Angelo Mathews yesterday information related to the case. stepped down as Sri Lanka His ban follows that of Gulam captain in all three formats after Bodi, a Proteas, Lions and Titans India’s record against Australia is not a great one, with eight wins in 41 matches his team’s shocking ODI series player, who was banished from defeat to Zimbabwe. the sport for 20 year for involve- Agencies After the fi fth and fi nal ODI ment in fi xing matches in the Bristol, United Kingdom against Zimbabwe on Monday, 2015 T20 series. which the hosts lost by three wickets, Mathews had indicated BANGLADESH CRICKET etween them, Australia and In- that he will discuss his future VOWS CRACKDOWN ON dia won eight from eight to start with the selectors. PLAYER SCANDALS the ICC Women’s World Cup He conveyed his decision to Bangladesh’s cricket board 2017 but heading into today’s step down yesterday morning. vowed tough action against any clashB in Bristol, neither has yet qualifi ed Wicketkeeper-batsman players accused of misconduct for the semi-fi nals. That is because both Dinesh Chandimal, who was not or bringing the game into disre- were beaten last time out, India by a huge part of the Zimbabwe series, is pute amid a slew of high-profi le margin of 115 runs by South Africa, and the front-runner to take over scandals involving top stars. The Australia in dramatic circumstances by from Mathews. warning from the cricket board England by only three runs. Last month, head coach came as the wife of fast bowler For the latter, a strong net run-rate Graham Ford had stepped down Mohammad Shahid fi led a means the situation is not yet alarming, from his post after the team’s complaint against her husband, but India faces this match, followed by a poor outing in the 2017 Champi- accusing him of torturing her. clash with New Zealand knowing that it ons Trophy in England. Farzana Akther told the almost certainly has to win one of those Consequently, team’s fi elding Bangladesh Cricket Board at the games. India’s record against Australia coach Nic Pothas was handed weekend that her 28-year-old is not a great one, with eight wins in 41 the reigns for the Zimbabwe husband had hidden his marital completed matches, but Mithali Raj’s 89 series. Mathews became the status from other women and set up a fi ve-wicket win the last time the country’s youngest Test captain tortured her after she inter- teams met. Fast bowler Shikha Pandey at the age of 25 when he suc- vened, an offi cial at the board came back into the side against South Af- ceeded Mahela Jayawardene in said. Shahid, who is undergo- rica, and explained that the team is very 2013. Prior to being appointed as ing treatment for a knee injury aware of the precarious position in which Test captain, Mathews had led sustained during a domestic they fi nd themselves. Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is. match, denied the allegations. She said: “We need to pull ourselves “The allegation of torture is not back from the defeat. The best cricket EX-PROTEAS BOWLER true. Somebody is provoking her that we can play is there, so hopefully it TSOTSOBE BANNED FOR to raise complaint against me,” will come against Australia. Our initial MATCH-FIXING Shahid told AFP. breakthrough has been a concern for us. Cricket South Africa (CSA) BCB president Nazmul Hasan We need to play more attacking cricket, banned former Proteas fast said it was diffi cult to monitor similar to that of South Africa (on Satur- bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe for every aspect of players’ lives but day). We need to plan better for that.” eight years yesterday over match warned of repercussions if they For Australia, today’s game is a re- fi xing in a 2015 T20 Challenge didn’t get their act together. “We turn to Bristol where England sneaked a Series. The body confi rmed in have tried a lot to control them three-run victory on Sunday in skipper a statement Tsotsobe, 33, had when they are with the squad. Meg Lanning’s return from injury. She admitted to contravening the We’ve become tougher when scored 40 in that game before falling to anti-corruption code and “has they stay in hotels under our Alex Hartley, and Lanning is keen for an India will hope their gun young batswoman Smriti Mandhana will come back to form after three low scores. been banned for eight years”. care,” he told reporters. immediate response. She said: “Against Tsotsobe initially denied in- “The problems start when England was not our best performance to strengthen its position for a qualifi ca- come down to the fi nal round of matches in a 115-run triumph over India on Satur- volvement in the fi xing, and the they leave (the hotel). We cannot with the ball but hopefully we can learn tion spot. Right-arm seamer Gunn held but after an eight-wicket win over Paki- day – a game in which Van Niekerk took ban prohibits him from involve- monitor their personal issues. from that pretty quickly and come back her nerve to defend 16 in the fi nal over of stan in the last match, captain Suzie Bates four wickets and hit a half-century. But ment in any aspect of the sport We have taken action against for India. There are no easy games from England’s previous match against Aus- is adamant her side – for whom Amy Sat- while South Africa’s opponent is yet to locally and internationally. similar incidents in the past. We here for us and the games against India tralia, sealing a fi rst ICC WWC victory terthwaite will make her 100th ODI ap- get its tournament up and running with The player has apologised for want (them) to get everything and South Africa are going to be tricky. over the Southern Stars since 1993 by pearance if she plays today – is feeling points on the table, Van Niekerk admits his action, saying he was “in a in order, otherwise we’ll be We have to bounce back and put on a three runs, and is relishing the tense race good about the crucial period. her team is in no doubt of the battle that very vulnerable fi nancial state compelled to take tough action strong performance.” for semi-fi nal places. “It’s hard to take too much from previ- lies in wait. “The performances Sri Lanka and this dilemma too easily in future.” “It’s always brilliant to beat Australia ous matches in this tournament, but we has shown in this tournament have been persuaded me to participate in Shahid is the fourth Bangla- ENGLAND TARGET SEMIS SPOT and the game between South Africa and have confi dence as a group and players really good,” said the all-rounder. “We spot fi xing”. deshi cricketer embroiled in a WITH WIN OVER NEW ZEALAND India (won by South Africa) has also getting in form, which will only put us in know how good they are, and we’re not The ban runs from 24 April personal scandal in recent years. Meanwhile, Jenny Gunn believes England thrown the competition wide open and a good place,” said Bates. going to go out there underestimating 2017. CSA stated that the left- Pace bowler Rubel Hossain was is now playing with freedom and claims that’s what women’s cricket is about,” she them. We are going to go there to play our arm seamer admitted to one detained in 2015 after an actress the team is full of confi dence as it looks said. “Anyone can win from here, it’s bril- SOUTH AFRICA FACE SRI LANKA best cricket, the way we have been play- charge of contriving to fi x a claiming to be his fi ancee ac- to seal a semi-fi nal place with a win over liant to get that victory over Australia to In another match, South Africa take on ing and our brand, and hopefully that is match in the 2015 RAM SLAM, cused him of rape. The charges New Zealand today. Victory for the hosts, head into the New Zealand match.” Sri Lanka with captain Dane Van Niekerk good enough to get another two points. failing to disclose full details to were later withdrawn. Another which currently leads the table, at The While a win for England would send it insisting team confi dence is at an all- Sri Lanka come into its tie with the investigators, two charges of pacer Shahadat Hossain spent County Ground in Derby will guarantee into the last-four, New Zealand will only time high as it prepares for its next chal- Proteas on the back of a 47-run defeat by failing to disclose full details nearly two months in custody passage to the knockout stage with one book a semi-fi nal spot with one game left lenge. Sri Lanka are still searching for its the West Indies at the weekend Sri Lanka of the matter, three charges of last year after he and his wife group match remaining. if South Africa and Australia lose their fi rst win of the tournament. come into its tie with the Proteas on the failing to cooperate with the were arrested on charges of But New Zealand is also in the hunt matches and the White Ferns win. It is South Africa, in contrast, has three back of a 47-run defeat by the West Indies investigation and two charges torturing an 11-year-old girl they for a last-four spot and needs a victory far more likely that its qualifi cation hopes victories to its name, the latest coming at the weekend. of destroying and concealing employed as a maid.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rain spoils Afghanistan’s Dottin’s maiden ODI ton inspires big day at iconic Lord’s West Indies to win over Pakistan

Reuters Agencies London Leicester, United Kingdom

fghanistan were given a eandra Dottin smashed the fastest traditional British wel- century by a West Indies batter in come as their fi rst-ever One-Day Internationals to secure appearance at Lord’s her team a second win at the ICC wasA cut short by rain in a one- Women’sD World Cup 2017, by 19 runs over day match against a Marylebone Pakistan on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Cricket Club (MCC) XI. The star- (DLS) method. Dottin played brilliantly to studded MCC side managed 217- strike 12 fours and three sixes in her 79-ball 6 from a rain-aff ected 40 overs, 104 not out, her maiden ODI hundred to setting the tourists 227 to win help the West Indies to 285 for four from its from their 50 overs. 50 overs at Grace Road. However, the covers came on Rain delayed the start of the Pakistan in- for the fi nal time fi ve overs into nings, which was set a revised target of 245 the reply, with Afghanistan 31- in 38 overs. Javeria Wadood made a gutsy 1, meaning no result could be half-century but Pakistan was unable to reached. The MCC has been very keep ahead of the run-rate as another bout supportive of Afghan cricket, not of rain stopped play for the day with its score least through the charity Afghan at 117-3 in 24 overs. West Indies captain Connection. Through this joint Stafanie Taylor made 90. initiative, 100 cricket pitches West Indies was put in and lost Hayley have been built all around Af- Matthews in just the fi rst over, off ering a ghanistan for children, with return catch to Asmavia Iqbal but Chedean many cricket camps held around Nation and Taylor steadied a platform en the country. “Afghans love crick- route to its highest score of the tournament. et so much,” said Sarah Fane, Taylor got her side’s fi rst fi fty, making 90 founder and CEO of Afghan Con- from 107 balls, but it was Dottin who came nection sad in in a news release. to the fore in their 87-run partnership. She “But they hardly had any played beautifully, accelerating from seven equipment. So Afghan Connec- off 16 balls to pepper the boundary as she tion made a delivery to the na- Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan attempts to take a return catch of MCC’s turned on the style late in the innings. tional team and began support- Shivnarine Chanderpaul at Lord’s in London yesterday. (Reuters) And it was to result in her maiden ODI ing grassroots cricket around the century with a glorious six over long-on, country for the young. “Within a less than a month after they were Misbah-ul-Haq also fell early, showing her emotion upon reaching the year MCC began backing Afghan granted international Test status, for on seven, before a stand of landmark by throwing her bat away, as her cricket through Afghan Connec- but the weather put a dampener 150 for the third wicket between last 47 runs came in just 15 balls. West Indies’ Deandra Dottin (right) celebrates with Merissa Aguilleira after scoring a tion’s projects. Since 2009 this on events in London. The MCC Sam Hain and Nottinghamshire’s Pakistan started on the front foot in their century during the Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan in Leicester. (Reuters) has led to 100 cricket pitches side were captained by Brendon Samit Patel ensured the hosts adjusted chase of 245 off 38 overs, though being built, serving well over McCullum, the former New Zea- could post a respectable score. Ayesha Zafar fell miscuing a lob off Ekeira was always just out of reach. That proved BRIEF SCORES 100,000 Afghan children, as well land skipper, but he could only Noor Ali Zadran was the only Peters to bring Javeria and Nahida Khan to- vital when Nahida was bowled by Anisa West Indies 285-4 in 50 overs (D Dottin 104 not as provision of equipment and muster fi ve runs, before being Afghan wicket to fall in their fi ve gether. Mohammed, and when the rain fell as Iram out, S Taylor 90, C Nation 35, M Aguilleira 24 not coaching for them.” caught behind as the home team overs, before the heavens opened They put on 80 for the second wicket, Javed spooned a catch to Nation – again off out; A Iqbal 2-76) bt Pakistan 117-3 in 24 overs (J The match represented a land- struggled at the start. once more, this time bringing an Javeria in particular looking in good touch Mohammed – Pakistan was short of the DLS Wadood 58 not out, N Khan 40; A Mohammed mark occasion for Afghanistan, Former Pakistan batsman end to the match. with 58 from 72 balls, though the run-rate target to stay. 2-21) Player of the match: Deandra Dottin

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE ‘Proud’ Kittel snatches fourth stage win, Froome retains lead ‘I did a full sprint to stay on his slipstream and that took me to second place. Today he was unbeatable, that’s for sure’

AFP RESULTS Bergerac, France Stage 1. Marcel Kittel (Germany/ arcel Kittel was un- Quick-Step Floors) 4:01:00” beatable in yester- 2. John Degenkolb (Germany/ day’s sprint fi nish at Trek-Segafredo) ST the Tour de France, 3. Dylan Groenewegen (Neth- Maccording to the man who took erlands/LottoNL-Jumbo) second place. 4. Ruediger Selig (Germany/ The burly German cantered to BORA-hansgrohe) a fourth stage win of the Tour at 5. Alexander Kristoff (Norway/ the end yesterday’s 178km 10th Katusha-Alpecin) stage from Perigueux to Berger- ac, as Chris Froome retained Overall Classification his overall lead. Kittel’s compa- 1. Chris Froome (Britain/Team triot John Degenkolb took sec- Sky) 42:27:29” ond, ahead of Dutchman Dylan 2. Fabio Aru (Italy/Astana Pro Groenewegen in third, and then Team) +18” admitted that it wasn’t possible 3. Romain Bardet (France/ to beat his countryman. AG2R La Mondiale) +51” “When I was going in the last 4. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia/ kilometre, I thought the sprint Cannondale-Drapac) +55” was already over, but then a 5. Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark/ miracle happened and Marcel Astana Pro Team) +1:37” overtook me!” Degenkolb said ironically. “I did a full sprint to stay on shared with Erik Zabel following his slipstream and that took me his stage victory on Friday. to second place. Today he was And he stretched his lead in the unbeatable, that’s for sure.” green jersey competition to more The 29-year-old Kittel was im- than 100 points over Australian perious, winning easily as he ac- Michael Matthews, increasing celerated from six bodies back to the possibility of Kittel holding streak several bike lengths clear. it all the way to Paris – although “It’s true, it’s amazing, I can’t he has a fair way to go to match even tell you how proud I am,” Zabel’s record of six wins in that said the Quick-Step sprinter. category. “It’s a fourth stage win in 10 “Even on stage 20 something days, that’s a great achievement can go wrong, or stage 21,” he for me and the team.” warned. It was the manner of Kittel’s “I prefer to act like I don’t have victory that was most impressive the green jersey on my shoulders as he even had time to raise his because, as we saw the other day arms in celebration before cross- with the GC guys, the race can be ing the line. It means he is well set quickly over.” to make this his best Tour yet as he Earlier in the day French pair has already matched his previous Yoann Ofredo and Elie Gesbert Germany’s Marcel Kittel celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Germany’s John Degenkolb (3rd right) at the end of the 178km tenth stage of the 104th edition of the Tour top eff ort – four stage wins in both took off from the get-go and held de France between Perigueux and Bergerac yesterday. (AFP) 2013 and 2014 – less than half the a lead of fi ve and a half minutes way through this year’s race. at one point, but their eff ort was “I think I can say I’m the always doomed to failure and Honoured Froome 50 not out in yellow strongest Marcel at the moment, they were inevitably caught with I’ve never felt better,” he said. seven kilometres left. Chris Froome said it was a in yellow, equal with Jacques “His biggest strength was on the their tandem could pose. They to catch (Romain) Bardet, which “I’m in a very good condition, For Briton Froome, the reigning “huge honour” to discover on Anquetil. Planche des Belles Filles where worked well together at last was intelligent riding from them that’s something for me that’s champion, and the other overall Tuesday he had racked up a half “It’s a huge, huge honour.” tactically he made a very good month’s Criterium du Dauphine, as well because Bardet is a also a big achievement. That contenders it was a quiet day in century of days in the Tour de If he does keep it all the way to move at the right moment,” said which Fuglsang won, and did so threat to all our positions. gives me also confi dence.” the saddle. Following Monday’s France yellow jersey. He first Paris he will go past third placed the 32-year-old Briton. again on Sunday’s stage as they “(Fuglsang) is really strong, of Kittel has won four of the fi ve rest day, Froome admitted yes- claimed the jersey after winning Miguel Indurain, who held it “Given also the profile of the last both made GC gains. course he won the Dauphine fl at sprint fi nishes at the Tour terday’s stage “almost” felt like a the eighth stage of the 2013 Tour for 60 days. But he would need few kilometres (of the climb) “Astana have certainly got and has shown already he’s in this year, and in the only one he second successive day off . and it has rarely been off his at least another Tour to reach there was a flat part before the numbers up there with Jakob great shape. He’s not far off , just didn’t claim, he was held up by a “It was a calmer day, there shoulders since. Bernard Hinault’s mark of 75, final where the main GC guys Fuglsang, and Fabio in second over a minute down (1:37), if he crash in the fi nal kilometre. A tilt wasn’t much wind and no stress He wore it for 14 days in 2013, 16 and two more to match Eddy did ease up and no-one wanted place. It could be the card they attacks I have to go after him, it’s at the record of eight stage wins today – it was a less complicated in 2015 and 14 again last year, Merckx’s record of 96. to pull on that part. “It was tacti- play, but we’re ready for that,” as simple as that.” from a single Tour has now be- stage. It’s never easy but today before taking it six days ago. But all four of those riders are cally very clever; he went on to said the Sky team leader. come a viable possibility, but he was calmer.” He’s now up to joint fourth over- five-time Tour winners and with win the stage, so tactically he “I’ve also got Mikel Landa in the isn’t thinking about such issues. That would have been a relief all in the all-time list, level with three already, Froome is well on seems to read the race well. top 10 (ninth) on GC and that “For me it’s not about being after Sunday’s calamitous stage five-time Tour winner Jacques his way to matching them as “It’s something I’ll have to be could be the card for us to play legendary, a VIP or a person of that saw fi ve riders crash out, Anquetil. he leads this year’s race by 18 attentive of going forward.” in these days. history. I’m just concentrating including Australian contender “It would certainly be sweeter if seconds from Fabio Aru. Aru and his Astana team-mate “I think they’ll work together, as on what I like doing best, which Richie Porte. Froome kept hold I am able to keep it all the way to The Italian won last Wednes- Jakob Fuglsang are both well we saw on the descent off Mont is sprinting.” of the race leader’s yellow jersey Paris,” quipped Froome. day’s fifth stage and Froome paced in the overall standings du Chat the other day. Kittel also broke the record for with an 18-second advantage to “I was just told that once I admits to have been impressed (GC), in second and fifth, and “Once we got down from there, stage wins by a German, moving Italy’s Fabio Aru. France’s Ro- crossed the line - the 50th day with his tactical nous. Froome is wary about the threat they both committed to trying one clear of the 12 mark he had main Bardet is third at 51sec.

SPOTLIGHT ‘Generation Amazing showed me how football can change the societies we live in’ nity coach, my role is to improve the time!” or 16-year-old Seb Carr, the communication skills of workers who When asked about his favourite Supreme Committee for De- might not share a common language Generation Amazing memory, Seb livery and Legacy’s (SC’s) but are in love with football,” he said. was quick to answer. youngest Generation Amaz- “I work with them to convey “The memory I will take away with ingF volunteer, the groundbreaking thoughts through body language and me is watching the transformation initiative has altered his outlook on the language of football and also work that is apparent in each of the work- life, and he says he has now witnessed with them on their confi dence levels, ers in the programme from when they fi rst-hand how football can change skills which are transferable to their step into the GA coaching venue to the societies that we live in. work place.” when they complete the course. “If someone woke me in the middle It was his love of football that led to I recall that a couple of workers of the night and asked me to tell them him reaching out to the programme to were introverts and joined as play- about Qatar, it is my experience with fi nd out if they would accept him as a ers when we started the programme Generation Amazing which would volunteer. last May. fi rst come to mind,” he said. His father’s passion for the game, “But Generation Amazing’s foot- “It’s been a fascinating journey for and his undying loyalty to Liverpool ball for development curriculum me, a great learning experience and it Football Club, was contagious and it helped to develop aspects of their gives me great satisfaction to see the was inevitable that he would eventu- personalities and they worked me- results of our work.” ally join a football team and dedicate ticulously to graduate from player For Seb, working with the Inclusive his spare time to training. to community coach within a few Generation initiative – a strand of the “I have been training at Evolution months.” programme which helps develop life, Sports for the last fi ve years from the Seb now fi rmly believes in the leadership and communications skills time I moved to Qatar, and when my power of football to bring about posi- among Qatar’s construction work- uncle heard about Generation Amaz- tive change in communities, as he has ers – was a natural step, having moved ing, he told me that I should consider witnessed these developments fi rst- around the world for most of his life. joining the programme, and that I hand in Qatar. Growing up he spent time in Sri would love it. “Playing football brings a smile to Lanka, India, Syria and Qatar with “I took his advice and joined last the faces of people who take part in his English Language teacher parents. May at the inception of the Inclusive Generation Amazing after a long day The interaction with diff erent cul- Generation programme for workers of work,” he said. tures led to him taking an active in- in Qatar, and I haven’t looked back. I “They excitedly run to the ball to terest in how diff erent communities am a member of a band, but if I had start their kick-about. It’s the high- integrate into society. to choose between the two, I would light of their day, and mine.” “As a Generation Amazing commu- choose Generation Amazing every (sc.qa)