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Saturday, June 1, 2019 TENNIS Ramadan 27, 1440 AH Woods makes a solid GULF TIMES start at Memorial as Moore sizzles SPORT Page 7

RALLY KAZAKHSTAN Qatar’s al-Attiyah in lead going into fi nal day

Agencies of the Kyzylkum desert. “Today, of course, there was yah, said, “Not an easy day. Af- shaft on their Toyota Hilux broke Aktau, Kazakhstan The crew of Yazeed-al Ra- a strange situation, three driv- ter 50kms, our car just got stuck and they were stuck in the sand jhi and Dirk von Zitzewitz set ers who were in front of us ex- and stopped. We did not know dunes. After some repairs, the the fastest time of the stage — 2 perienced technical problems. the reason. Stood for 45 minutes, team pushed on, however, with ith only a day’s rac- hours and 58 minutes. This is the Nasser lost 30 minutes. I sup- then the car started up. Then we one gear stuck. After they fi xed ing left, Qatar’s second stage win for the crew pose others (lost) even more. were pushing. Lost a lot of time, that, they smelled gasoline and Nasser Saleh al-At- that has been set back by a four- Now we are second and it is but we are at the top of the table oil. Having lost a little less than tiyah held on to his hour penalty for violating the better than we expected. To- and tomorrow we will see what two hours, the crew decided any Wlead in Rally Kazakhstan, with sports regulations at the fi nish of morrow we will try to put pres- we can do.” more risks with the car and dis- Frenchman Stephane Peterhan- the third section. The duo is sev- sure on Nasser in the race and Event runner-up from 2017 continued the race. sel moving in within six minutes enth in the overall standings. see what happens. This is mo- and 2018, Jakub Przygonski, was In the T2 class, the Kazakh of the overall leader after a spec- Peterhansel, along with his co- tor sport, so we can say that we unfortunate. The Pole was closer crew of Kirill Chernenkov and tacular fi fth stage performance. driver and wife Andrea, rose from have a chance,” Peterhansel said to victory than ever, especially Alexei Mun won the fi fth day of On the penultimate day of the fourth to second position with after the stage finish. after al-Attiyah’s car stopped the competition, even as Qatar’s third round of the FIA World Cup the second fastest time of the day Czech race driver Miroslav Za- driving. However, the Przy- Mohamed al-Meer leads the for Cross Country Rallies, the par- yesterday. They are now 5 minutes pletal crossed the fi nish line third gonski’s car fell into a hole and standings. ticipants overcame a 290km. More and 38 second behind al-Attiyah in his Hummer H3 Evo VII. With turned over. In the T3 category, Brazil’s Re- than half of the selective sections and his French co-driver Mathieu co-driver Marek Sikora, he is in The day was terrible for an- inaldo Varela topped the stage were new places for Rally Kaza- Baumel in the overall standings Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah in action during the fifth stage of the 2019 fourth place overall. other crew —Bernhard ten Brinke with a time of 4 hours 19 minutes khstan, including the sandy dunes going into the fi nal stage today. Rally Kazakhstan yesterday. (Facebook/Rally Kazakhstan) Dakar 2019 winner, al-Atti- and Tom Colsoul. The drive- and 22 seconds.

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Spurs, Liverpool chase biggest win of Thomas bounces all to drop loser tag out Pakistan as WI fi re out warning

Pacer scalps four to restrict Pakistan to 105, Gayle 50 takes Windies past target Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. (Reuters) Reuters Scorecard Nottingham, United Kingdom AFP for the ego. But in reality the Madrid most important thing is to build PAKISTAN a team that is always going to be blistering Oshane Imam-ul-Haq c Hope b Cottrell 2 in the top four.” Thomas-led pace at- F. Zaman b Russell 22 mong the rewards for the The expectations are higher at tack swept Pakistan Champions League win- Liverpool, where Klopp’s vow to B. Azam c Hope b Thomas 22 away for a dismal ners today will be sil- win something within four years 105A yesterday as West Indies H. Sohail c Hope b Russell 8 verware, status and his- of taking charge reaches its end- wrapped up a seven-wicket vic- toryA but the greatest prize awaiting point this weekend. S. Ahmed c Hope b Holder 8 tory in their World Cup opener Liverpool or Tottenham might be “It didn’t happen yet,” said M. Hafeez c Cottrell b Thomas 16 at Trent Bridge. an end to the agonising wait. Klopp in April. “How long it will Chris Gayle, set to retire at the I. Wasim c Gayle b Holder 1 Combined, it has been 18 years take I have no clue.” end of the tournament, then led S. Khan lbw b Thomas 0 — seven for Liverpool, 11 for Klopp’s also denied a personal the West Indies reply with 50 off H. Ali c Cottrell b Holder 1 Tottenham — since either lifted need for silverware after having 34 balls as the two-times cham- a trophy, despite huge strides lost six cup fi nals in a row as coach, pions reached 108-3 off just 13.4 W. Riaz b Thomas 18 made in recent years under the three of them with Liverpool. overs. M. Amir not out 3 much-praised Jurgen Klopp and “I don’t think that way at all,” he Having won the toss and Extras (nb2, w2) 4 Mauricio Pochettino. said earlier this month. “In foot- elected to fi eld, West Indies Klopp and Pochettino have been ball if you want to win you have made full use of overcast con- Total (all out, 21.4 overs) 105 singled-out as two of Europe’s to accept that there are occasions ditions as Thomas took four Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Imam), best coaches after crafting teams when you also might lose.” wickets for 27 runs, while cap- 2-35 (Zaman), 3-45 (Sohail), that refl ect their personalities — tain Jason Holder (3-42) and the 4-62 (Azam), 5-75 (Ahmed), 6-77 Liverpool thrilling and fearless, FALLING SHORT returning Andre Russell (2-4) West Indies’ Oshane Thomas (left) takes the wicket of Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz during their 2019 ICC Cricket (Wasim), 7-78 (Khan), 8-81 (Ali), Spurs brave and unrelenting. The pressure on Liverpool may completed the demolition job. World Cup match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England, yesterday. (Reuters) 9-83 (Hafeez), 10-105 (Riaz) And while scepticism has greet- be more intense, not just because “It’s good to have a young Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-18-1 (1w), ed the perfection of Manchester of their success-laden past but quick like Oshane, we know he BATTING WOES Holder 5-0-42-3, Russell 3-1-4-2, City’s star-studded squad in Eng- because of a craving for satisfac- can be expensive at times but Pakistan 21.4-over innings was Brathwaite 4-0-14-0, Thomas land, approval has also followed tion after a season in which they he’s a genuine wicket-taker,” their lowest World Cup total 5.4-0-27-4 (1w 2nb) Liverpool and Tottenham’s nur- amassed 96 points in the Premier Holder said after the match. since making 74 against England turing of youngsters. League but still fell just short of “That’s the gamble we need at Adelaide in 1992, the year Im- WEST INDIES Trent Alexander-Arnold and champions City. to take in one-dayers, with big ran Khan’s team went on to lift C. Gayle c Khan b Amir 50 Harry Winks came through the They will be favourites, hav- scores going around.” their only 50-overs crown. clubs’ youth systems while An- ing beaten Tottenham home S. Hope c Hafeez b Amir 11 Pakistan’s batsmen have The in-form Zaman and Ba- drew Robertson, Dele Alli and and away already this season struggled with short deliveries bar Azam got off to solid starts D. Bravo c Azam b Amir 0 Kieran Trippier joined aged 24 or and with their experience of last and West Indies’ plan to pepper but were both dismissed for N. Pooran not out 34 younger. All of them could start year’s fi nal in Kiev. In the Spurs them with bouncers soon paid 22, exposing the middle order S. Hetmyer not out 7at the Wanda Metropolitano. squad, only Toby Alderweireld off . against the new ball and Paki- But any admiration still comes has played on this stage, losing Opener Imam-ul-Haq was stan never recovered. Extras (lb3 w3) 6 with an asterisk. Liverpool’s last with Atletico Madrid in 2014. caught behind down the leg side The hammering was Paki- Total (3 wickets, 13.4 overs) 108 trophy was in 2012, a League For a shot of belief, Pochettino off fast bowler Sheldon Cottrel stan’s 11th consecutive ODI de- Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Hope), Cup that remains their only suc- might instead turn to Harry Kane, before Russell hit Fakhar Zaman West Indies’ Chris Gayle walks off after losing his wicket for 50 during feat in matches where a result 2-36 (Bravo), 3-77 (Gayle) cess since they won the FA Cup who has declared himself fi t after on the helmet and the ball rico- the match against Pakistan yesterday. (AFP) was achieved, following series in 2006. And Tottenham’s bar- recovering from an ankle injury. cheted onto the stumps. losses to Australia and England. Bowling: Amir 6-0-26-3 (1w), ren spell goes further back to the Liverpool’s own front man, Wicketkeeper Shai Hope “I was confi dent of running in ing with a knee issue in the fi rst “If you lose the toss and lose Ali 4-0-39-0 (1w), Riaz 3.4-1-40- League Cup in 2008, which was Roberto Firmino, is also expected grabbed two more catches when and doing my job,” man-of-the- innings, while Gayle appeared to so many wickets early on, it’s 0 (1w) their fi rst trophy since winning to play after sitting out the last Russell and Holder removed match Thomas said. have sustained a back injury. tough to come back into the RESULT: West Indies won by the same competition in 1999. three matches with a groin strain. Haris Sohail and captain Sar- “Andre Russell started it for After smashing two fours and game,” Sarfaraz said. seven wickets Pochettino has tended to bris- For only the second time in 10 faraz Ahmed to leave Pakistan us, I just followed his footsteps a six in the 10th over, Gayle ap- “It was tricky for half an hour, tle at suggestions his team have a yers, Spain were left with no Eu- on 75-5. today. Lot of guys tried to mix it peared to hold his back and limp but this is a good batting track, habit for coming close but failing ropean fi nalists. Wahab Riaz struck 18 off 11 up with short balls. We wanted to the other end for a single. He we didn’t bat well. I think we Pakistan next face hosts Eng- to get over the line. A new era, perhaps, for the balls to help Pakistan breach to execute our plans well.” looked increasingly edgy before have to play positive cricket, land on Monday, while the West When asked in January if the Premier League. For Liverpool the 100-run mark before he was The only concerns for the holing out to point for Mohamed didn’t do well today but hope- Indies take on defending cham- club needed a trophy, he said: “I and Tottenham, another chance cleaned up by Thomas. West Indies were Russell limp- Amir’s third wicket of the match. fully we’ll bounce back.” pions Australia three days later. don’t agree with that, it’s good to end the wait. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 1, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT ‘Chacha Cricket’ Captain Finch rallies Pakistan fans at World Cup

AFP (speak loud, play hard)”. Nottingham, United Kingdom “I am here to support Pakistan relishes return of and Insha Allah (God willing), Pakistan will win this World Cup, akistan super-fan just like we won the Champions ‘Chacha Cricket’ yester- Trophy here in England,” said day celebrated 50 years Jalil. of watching his favourite Chacha Cricket (or Uncle Psport by off ering his team noisy Cricket) wears the traditional support despite a World Cup green shalwar kameez, Paki- Smith and Warner thumping by West Indies. stan’s national dress, and can be Chacha Sufi Jalil, 69, is on found at every Pakistan match. ‘They are both so competitive, they have got great records’ his 12th trip to Britain, having He fi rst attended an interna- fl own over for the 1999 World tional game at the age of 19. Cup, a number of bilateral series, “I remember it was a Paki- the 2009 World Twenty20 and stan-England match and the year Champions Trophy in 2013 and was 1969. Colin Cowdrey was 2017. the English captain, and Saeed “I am a fan for 50 years today,” Ahmed led Pakistan in Lahore Jalil told AFP as he entered Trent Stadium. Bridge stadium to support Paki- “I paid fi ve Pakistani rupees stan. for the tickets and went with four The match itself was a damp friends. I enjoyed it very much.” squib for Pakistan’s large number He later got a job in the United of fans as their team were dis- Arab Emirates and was a famous missed for a paltry 105 before fi xture at the Sharjah ground for West Indies romped to victory by many years. seven wickets in just 13.4 overs. Jalil will receive a prize at the Jalil’s spirits were not damp- Global Sports Fan Awards on Australia captain Aaron Finch. ened by a clatter of early wickets. June 14 in Manchester, two days Once he settled in the ground before the much-anticipated In- AFP after numerous selfi es with fans, dia v Pakistan game at Old Traf- London he started chanting his slogans ford. at a high pitch — “jeetay ga bhai “I am honoured to know that I jeetay ga, Pakistan jeetay ga will get an award on completing ustralia captain Aaron (Pakistan will win... brother)” half a century of cricket watch- Finch says disgraced and “Zor say bolo, zor say khelo ing,” he said. stars Steve Smith and David Warner will use theA World Cup to restore their “world-class” credentials after their role in the infamous ball- tampering scandal in South Af- rica. Smith and Warner served 12-month bans following the “sandpaper-gate” incident in the Cape Town Test in March last year and Smith lost the Aus- tralia captaincy as a result. Both players are back in the Australia squad for the World Cup in England and Wales and are set to start their country’s Australia’s Steve Smith (right) in action against England during their 2019 ICC World Cup warm-up match in Southampton last week. (AFP) fi rst match of the tournament against Afghanistan in Bristol stan after recovering from a sore today. Naib says Afghanistan won’t be overawed on WC stage muscle. Finch said the tournament “David is fi ne. He will play to- was the ideal stage to show their AFP forward to doing our best.” morrow, no doubt about that,” competitive qualities had not London Much is being made of Afghani- said Finch. been dimmed by the scandal. stan’s outstanding spin bowl- “We are very close to a start- “I think when you are a ing contingent, with Rashid ing XI but we are not going to world-class player, you adapt fghanistan captain Gul- Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and name it yet. Everyone is in con- again really quickly and you get badin Naib is confident Mohamed Nabi all high of the tention.” up to speed,” he said. Ahis unheralded side one-day international bowling Australia are the reigning Pakistan super-fan Chacha Cricket (second from right), aka Chacha “Having them play, I think, will not suff er from stage- rankings. world champions, having won Sufi Jalil, poses for a picture ahead of the World Cup match between 13 games each in the IPL (Indian fright when they play holders Naib warned Australia his trio four of the past fi ve editions of West Indies and Pakistan in Nottingham, England, yesterday. (AFP) Premier League — they actually Australia in their World Cup of twirlers could do some dam- the tournament, and are expect- played 12 each) was really im- opener. age if the pitch is conducive ed to open their campaign with portant. Naib’s team go into the tourna- to spin. a comfortable victory against FOCUS “That’s a higher standard of ment as 100-1 outsiders and “We have a great spin depart- minnows Afghanistan. cricket and it just gets you back few expect them to shock ment in our bowling attack, But Finch is taking nothing for up to as close to international Australia in Bristol today. “We are very excited for tomor- but it will depend on the wicket granted, with Afghanistan hav- competition as you can.” When they met Australia at row’s game and the start of the tomorrow,” Naib added. ing served notice of their ability Australia’s Langer Finch said Smith would be the 2015 World Cup in Perth, a tournament,” Naib told report- “I have a confidence in my by beating Pakistan in a warm- one of the “all-time greats” by 275-run defeat ensued as David ers yesterday. team and players, especially up match. the time he retired. Warner hit 178 in a total of 417 “The team has changed from with how we have prepared “They are a dangerous side. calls on fans not to “There was never any issue for six. four years ago, and the last over the last 12 months. If you take your foot off the gas about how he would bounce But Afghanistan cricket has un- couple of years we have “We beat Pakistan in our first for a while they will hurt you, back, and the same with David,” dergone a steady improvement improved very well in every warm-up game, so anything and you still have to play at your boo Smith, Warner he said. since that competition and the department. can happen. absolute best to beat them,” he “They are both so competi- minnows start the tournament “We are just focusing on “We know that Australia is a said. AFP tive, they have got great records. bolstered by a recent win over tomorrow. The World Cup is a champion team, but we will “Winning their warm-up London There was never any doubt how Pakistan in a warm-up fixture. big stage, and we are looking giving 100 per cent.” game against Pakistan, they well they would come back.” played brilliantly. They have got The pair were given a hostile a huge following, with support ustralia head coach reception by some members of Southampton during Austral- tory over England last week in and Warner hit 43. all over the world now, which is Justin Langer has the crowd at the Ageas Bowl in ia’s World Cup warm-up vic- which Smith scored a century Warner is fi t to face Afghani- huge for cricket.” called on fans to show Steve Smith and David WarnerA respect in the World Cup BOTTOMLINE and not jeer them. The pair, who both recently completed bans for ball-tamper- ing, were given a hostile recep- tion by the crowd at the Ageas Rashid Khan: from refugee to Afghan star Bowl in Southampton during Australia’s World Cup warm-up AFP tles that followed the US inva- said Hoti. victory over England. Peshawar, Pakistan sion in 2001 and the war with “Nabi was there so I told him There were audible boos, jeers, the Taliban. that since you are looking for and chants of “cheat”, but Langer It was in Pakistan’s bustling an all-rounder, you won’t fi nd has urged supporters not to re- roomed on dusty frontier city of Peshawar that a better all-rounder than him,” peat that behaviour during the pitches as a refugee, Khan began playing cricket and he added. “Initially they did not tournament itself. record-breaking Rash- he grew up to idolise fellow Pa- agree.” “You (the media) talk about id Khan will face his shtun slugger and great Pakistan But Khan went on to prove earning respect, and I think it’s Gtoughest examination yet at the all-rounder Shahid Afridi. them wrong, making his Af- really important that people World Cup, with former coaches Coaches in the area took no- ghanistan debut on the tour show respect as well,” Langer would open the batting against confi dent the Afghan can “dis- tice of the raw talent of the de- of Zimbabwe in 2015 as he de- said ahead of fi ve-time winners Afghanistan if he passes a fi tness mantle” top batting line-ups. veloping athlete, who had plenty veloped his wicket-taking ar- Australia’s World Cup opener test. The world’s top-rated Twen- of skill but was lacking focus. moury, which relies less on against Afghanistan in Bristol But the 32-year-old has been ty20 bowler from the war-torn “He was God-gifted but he prodigious spin but more on his today. troubled by a sore muscle, which nation last year made history as was not very hard-working,” re- unusual bowling action, with “They made a mistake and has restricted his movement in the fastest to reach 100 one-day membered Lala Ali Shafi q, who disguised googlies, subtle varia- paid a big price for it. After the the fi eld during practice sessions. international wickets. coached Rashid at the city’s Is- tion and changes of pace to keep experience of Hampshire, we “He was a bit sore on Wednes- Aged just 20, and after a re- lamia academy. batsmen guessing. have a pretty good idea what to day,” said Langer. “He’s just a bit markable cricket upbringing He reached 100 wickets in his expect. We’ve talked about it a sore in his right glute. He is des- shaped by years of confl ict and UNIQUE BOWLING ACTION 44th ODI, shattering Australia lot and we can put strategies in perate to play, he’d love to play displacement, Khan will to- “There was no doubt that he was seamer Mitchell Starc’s previous place. like all 15 players would. day make his World Cup debut a very talented bowler and a bet- record, achieved in 52 matches. “That said, when it happens it “He’s jumping out of his skin, against defending champions ter batsman.” “Rashid’s action is unique,” doesn’t make it any easier. They his energy is up and he’s laughing Australia. Islamia College assistant di- said Shafi q, whose academy has are human beings, that’s the a lot, which is a good sign. He’s “I am sure he will dismantle In this September 20, 2018, picture, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan rector of sports Hoti described also helped develop Pakistan truth — and that’s what I fi nd the really keen but we’ve got to make the best in the World Cup,” said appeals for a leg-before-wicket decision against Bangladesh’s how a young Khan caught the players such Usman Shinwari, hardest.” sure he can move, particularly in his former school coach Ali Hoti Mahmudullah during an Asia Cup ODI in Abu Dhabi. (AFP) eye of senior Afghanistan play- Mohamed Rizwan and Shaheen He added: “I’d be disappoint- the fi eld.” of his former charge, who is also ers including the captain at Shah Afridi. ed by any player being booed at If Warner is available, Langer third in the International Crick- source of pride in the confl ict- Born in the restive Nangarhar the time, Mohamed Nabi, and “It’s diff erent, so it’s hard to any cricket ground, regardless will make a decision between Us- et Council ODI rankings. riven country, where murals of province in 1998, Khan’s fam- Nawroz Mangal. judge and he also has a good of what country they play for. man Khawaja and Shaun Marsh “He is the bowler to watch in Khan and teammates adorn the ily joined the waves of refugees “In 2013/14, he went to play googly and has worked on his It’s never a good look when that for the fi nal spot in the Austral- the event.” maze of concrete blast walls fl ooding across the Pakistani a tournament in Islamabad and leg-break. He works hard and is happens.” ian top order, while both would Afghanistan cricket is a rare criss-crossing the capital Kabul. border, fl eeing the bloody bat- impressed with his bowling,” getting better.” Langer confi rmed that Warner play if Warner is not quite ready. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Skipper Karunaratne New Zealand begin reveals Sri Lanka World Cup pep talks

AFP London campaign against ri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has re- vealed stirring speeches ‘Sri Lanka always find a way to do well from two of his country’s greatsS provided the perfect prep- in World Cups... Four/five wins can get aration for their bid to win the World Cup. you a semi-final berth’ Karunaratne’s side start their Sri Lanka campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday, with motivational pep talks from Ar- juna Ranatunga and Kumar San- gakkara ringing in their ears. The Sri Lankans won the World Cup in 1996 but enter this edition in England and Wales on a terrible run of form, winning just one of their past nine one- day internationals. ODI for four years until the vic- Ranatunga, who captained Sri tory against Scotland on May 21, Lanka to their famous World Cup but his leadership is crucial, as he victory, and Sangakkara, one of showed in Sri Lanka’s Test series his country’s greatest batsmen, win in South Africa earlier this both spoke to Karunaratne’s year. squad ahead of the tournament Sri Lanka have six players who in a bid to lift the mood. have won 80 or more ODI caps, “Sanga came and gave us some including veteran paceman Lasi- words of advice, which was really th Malinga, but there are several helpful. He did really well in the new players on board as well and last World Cup, so it was useful Karunaratne said the fresh faces to hear how he prepared, men- would not be star-struck on the tally and everything else,” Karu- global stage. naratne said. “All the other guys who have “Arjuna, who lifted the World played in the last couple of years Cup in 1996, he spoke to us and failed to perform for Sri Lanka,” gave us advice before we left Sri Karunaratne said. Lanka. “That is why the selectors “That is the sort of thing we want to give a new chance to the need to be courageous, past players who have done well do- cricketers coming in and helping mestically. us. Mahela (Jayawardene) is also “That was the past. We have here and we hope he will come a good side with fresh faces, and and talk to us as soon as possi- are trying to start again. We are ble.” trying to be ready for the World Karunaratne had not played an Cup and I think we are.”

England batting coach Ramprakash to leave his role in June

New Zealand’s Trent Boult (centre) celebrates the wicket of India’s KL Rahul during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up match against India in London on last week. (AFP)

AFP there’s no reason why New Zea- has slumped to ninth in the ODI London land couldn’t go on and win the rankings. World Cup.” Newly appointed captain Di- Taylor has been in breathtak- muth Karunaratne, who has re- ew Zealand are happy ing form in recent years in the turned to the ODI fold after four to go under the ra- one-day game, averaging over years away, has been handed the dar as they prepare to 60 in ODIs in 2017 and more responsibility of lifting a team launch their campaign than 90 last year. that have lost eight of their past Nfor World Cup glory against Sri Williamson, ranked 12th, and nine ODIs. Lanka in Cardiff today. Martin Guptill, ranked 10th, are But Sri Lanka have an impres- The Black Caps reached the the other main dangermen in the sive World Cup record, with one fi nal four years ago for the fi rst New Zealand batting line-up title, two runners-up fi nishes time after six semi-fi nal defeats, Trent Boult leads an impres- and one semi-fi nal appearance. only to be soundly beaten by sive bowling attack, with Co- “Sri Lanka always fi nd a way Australia in Melbourne. lin de Grandhomme and Tim to do well in World Cups,” said In this August 28, 2018, picture, England’s Joe Root (right) chats Kane Williamson has replaced Southee for company. Spinners former captain Mahela Jaya- with batting coach Mark Ramprakash during nets. (Reuters) the swashbuckling Brendon Mc- Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner wardene. Cullum as captain but the core off er useful variety. “Yes, there have been some Reuters and the (second tier national of the team that came so close in diff erent changes to the set- London side) England Lions. 2015 remains. CLEAR FAVOURITES up. The captain himself hasn’t “I feel the time is now right for Since the last World Cup, “The way T20 cricket goes, it played one-day cricket for a me to move on from my role New Zealand have risen as high can come down to six or 12 runs while but he’s a wonderful play- ngland’s national lead at the ECB and seek to further as second in the world rankings at the end of it, and ODI cricket er.” batting coach Mark and broaden my career,” Ram- but have also been beaten at is becoming an extended version “They are trying to bring a bit ERamprakash will leave prakash said in a statement. home by South Africa, England of T20 cricket in my opinion,” more stability into the group. his position in June to pursue “The last six years have been and India. Boult said. You still have some exciting tal- other opportunities, the Eng- a hugely enjoyable time of New Zealand beat fancied In- “If you can make those big ent — Angelo Mathews, Kusal land and Wales Cricket Board my life. In that time, I have dia in their opening World Cup Sri Lankan players celebrate the wicket of Australia’s Aaron Finch 17 or 18-run overs into 12-run Perera, Kusal Mendis. There are (ECB) said yesterday. been privileged to be able to warm-up game before going (not pictured) during their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up overs, that can make a big diff er- matchwinners in that unit. Ramprakash, a former middle- support, encourage and men- down to the West Indies. match in Southampton. (Reuters) ence in the end. If we’re clear on “Four/fi ve wins can get you a order batsman who played for tor the Young Lions, England Former Kiwi paceman James that, we can go a fair way in this semi-fi nal berth and Sri Lanka England in 52 Tests between Lions and the England test Franklin is confi dent William- spot. No one’s talking about us “We’re forever the underdogs tournament.” would be looking at that option 1991 and 2002, was appointed and ODI teams. I wish the ECB son’s side can claim their fi rst too much,” he said at the open- and that suits us quite well.... The Kiwis start clear favour- and try and execute each game at the batting coach in 2014 and and England cricket team all World Cup trophy. ing party of the 12th edition of If we can get some form go- ites in their opener against 1996 a time. I still feel they have got a worked with the national team the best for the future.” “New Zealand are in a sweet the 50-over tournament. ing over the next few weeks, winners Sri Lanka, a side that very good chance.”

BOTTOMLINE Morgan feels excitement and relief as England open with win By Ali Martin right position it would have been turned later after being cleared “He is a three-in-one cricketer. The Guardian regulation. That feeling for about of concussion by the ICC medical That is why England are such a fi ve seconds when I was fac- offi cer, so too did Archer, picking good team, they have so many ing the crowd and everyone was up the wicket of Rassie van der all-rounders like him, Moeen Ali, en Stokes soaked up cheering, it was phenomenal.” Dussen for fi gures of three for 27 Chris Woakes. The catch was as a phenomenal feeling Eoin Morgan, who struck 57 in from seven overs. good as it gets. I appreciate skill after his one-handed a stand of 106 with Stokes, said: Archer may be just four ODIs goes into that. I have played with wonder catch got Eng- “He’s had a full day out. We see into his England career but the him and he practises his fi elding land’sB World Cup campaign un- him do stuff like that in training 24-year-old is already proving a hard, so it is no fl uke.” der way with a crushing victory and you just shake your head. crowd favourite. While Du Plessis admitted his and a sprinkling of stardust. Today his all-round game was on “Everyone exploded when my side had been outplayed “in all The all-rounder was back to and that’s great for us at the start name was announced and it’s a three facets” and must “remove his dominant best in the 104- of a tournament. He’s at the top great feeling,” he said. “It give me all doubts” before returning to run win against South Africa, of his game. that little bit extra. My bouncer is the Oval for the match with Bang- top-scoring with 89 as England “It is a relief to be off and run- a wicket-taking ball and a dot ball ladesh tomorrow, Morgan could posted 311 for eight. A run-out ning, great to get a win and even too, so I’d be stupid not to use it.” fi nd few faults in his own side. A and two wickets in two balls then better to produce a performance Du Plessis, who tried to take on huge source of this delight came helped to skittle the visitors for like that.” a 93mph short ball, said: “It will in seeing them post yet another 207 in 39.5 overs. It was some eff ort by Stokes to take time for international teams 300-plus total on a tricky Oval But it was his soaring eff ort nudge Jofra Archer off top billing, to get used to his action because surface, not least given their next to remove Andile Phehlukwayo the fast bowler’s new-ball spell he is a bit nippier than you think match against Pakistan on Monday in the deep that left a sold-out having proved too hot to handle when he hits the crease. He bowls comes at Trent Bridge, the most Oval crowd astounded. It was the for the South African batsmen at at 80% speed then sends down a bountiful pitch in the country. jewel in the crown of England’s the start of their chase. very quick short ball. Morgan said: “I think one of faultless fi elding performance, Bowling in excess of 90mph, “It is why he is an X-factor the areas of our game that has even if Stokes himself admitted it Archer claimed the scalps of Faf bowler. He broke through our top improved in the last two years is was only possible due to an error du Plessis and Aiden Markram, three and it was always going to the way we’ve assessed condi- on his part. with Hashim Amla also retired be a hard task from there.” tions and played a bit more smart “To be honest I was in the hurt when struck on the head by On Stokes, a former teammate cricket, building partnerships, wrong position,” the all-rounder England players celebrate after Jofra Archer (centre) took the wicket of South Africa’s Aiden Markram (not a searing bouncer. in the Indian Premier League, putting a total on the board and said of the catch. “If I was in the pictured) during their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match in London on Thursday. (Reuters) While Amla thankfully re- the South Africa captain said: believing that’s enough.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 1, 2019 FOOTBALL

QATAR TRAIN IN RIO FOR COPA AMERICA

Qatar players go through a drill at their training camp in Porto Bela, a coastal town near Rio, as they prepare for the Copa America. The continental championship, were Qatar and Japan are participating as the guest teams, will be held from June 15 to July 7 in Brazil. Felix Sanchez’s men take on five-time World Champions Brazil in an international friendly at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on June 5. They will also play a friendly against a local club. Qatar face Paraguay on June 16 followed by a match against Colombia on June 19 and Argentina on June 23.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Injury-hit Rodriguez in Women’s football at Colombia’s Copa squad Reuters Bogota

‘tipping point’ as olombia captain James Rodriguez has been in- cluded in their squad for next month’s Copa AmericaC in Brazil despite con- cerns over his form and fi tness. The Bayern Munich player man- aged a full 90 minutes only three World Cup approaches times in the Bundesliga this sea- son and missed four of his club’s last fi ve games with various muscular problems. He was also Hosts France kick off the tournament on June 7 when they take on South Korea in Paris troubled by a calf injury during last year’s World Cup in Russia AFP all in the top 15, with the Dutch reign- when Colombia were knocked Paris ing European champions. International out in the last 16. women’s football is following a pattern Other players to make the fi - Aulas observed in club competition, in nal 23 included Juventus winger s the 24 teams go through which Lyon beat Barcelona in May to Juan Cuadrado and forward their fi nal preparations for a win a fourth straight Women’s Cham- Duvan Zapata, who was second Women’s World Cup featuring pions League title. “At a European level, top-scorer in Italy’s Serie A this more heavyweight contenders we have probably provoked the desire in season and helped unfancied thanA ever, many have one eye on an even all the big clubs to be able to do the same Atalanta qualify for the Champi- greater prize than a winner’s medal. thing,” he said. ons League for the fi rst time. The competition kicks off in Paris in a Neville said that his older squad Colombia will face Argentina, week’s time and after years of painstak- members had told him stories he found Paraguay and guest team Qatar ing development and increasing media hard to believe about how tough things in their group as they play their coverage, this is expected to be the year used to be, say that there were “no bibs, fi rst competitive matches under the women’s game makes its defi nitive no balls, no pitches (and) being treated Queiroz, who has replaced Jose leap into the big time. so badly”. Pekerman. “I think there’s a bigger picture... this Some of the teams at the World Cup summer,” England manager Phil Nev- continue to face the same issues, yet COLOMBIA SQUAD ille said at the unveiling of his squad. “I even for the strongest nations attitudes Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Na- think this World Cup is a tipping point are not changing fast enough. poli), Alvaro Montero (Deportes for the women’s game where I think it’s The US team, whose popularity in Tolima), Camilo Vargas (Depor- just going to go boom.” their homeland has been the fi nancial tivo Cali) The signs are encouraging on the motor that has driven women’s football, fi eld and off it. Hosts France kick off the arrive embroiled in a legal dispute with Defenders: Davinson Sanchez tournament on June 7 when they take on their federation. They want to be paid (Tottenham Hotspur), Yerry Mina South Korea at the Parc des Princes in the same as the US men’s team, who (Everton), Cristian Borja (Sport- the capital, and ends on July 7 with the remain also-rans and whose best World ing), Santiago Arias (Atletico fi nal at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, Cup fi nish was a third place in 1930. Madrid), Cristian Zapata (AC Mi- which holds just over 69,000. Women’s Ballon d’Or winner Ada lan), William Tesillo (Leon), Jhon However when France hosted the Hegerberg, who scored a hat trick for Lucumi (Racing Genk), Stefan men’s World Cup and Euros, the fi nals Dutch football team’s head coach Sarina Wiegman (right) and midfielder Dominique Janssen-Bloodworth address a press Lyon in the Champions League fi nal, Medina (Monterrey) were held at the 80,000-capacity Stade conference in Eindhoven, ahead of their FIFA Women’s World Cup practice match against Australia. (AFP) will also be absent. She is boycotting Midfielders: Gustavo Cuellar (Fla- de France, and large proportion of the the national team even though Norway mengo), Mateus Uribe (America- matches at this summer are taking place Princes, but the opening match sold out part because pool of competitive teams Japan and Norway have both won the pays women and men internationals the Mexico), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit in stadiums with a capacity of 25,000 in fi ve minutes.” is deeper. “We are in a virtuous circle World Cup once. same, because she believes that more St Petersburg), Jeff erson Lerma or less. “We did not always choose big The demand for tickets has surprised with an audience that will come and However the power of the Americans needs to be done to improve the way (Bournemouth), James Rodriguez grounds because we didn’t want any the hosts. “We didn’t see it coming,” watch,” said Jean-Michel Aulas, the and Germans is set to be challenged women footballers are treated. (Bayern Munich), Edwin Cardona empty stadiums,” Noel Le Graet, the said Erwan Le Prevost, head of the local president of Lyon, who will host the now some of the other traditional foot- Yet when the opening whistle blows, (Pachuca), Juan Cuadrado president of the French Football Fed- organising committee. semi-fi nals and fi nal. ball powers, who for a long time did those players who are in France will be (Juventus) eration, said. Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of The United States are the queens not take women’s football seriously, focused on winning what promises to Forwards: Radamel Falcao “We got the women’s World Cup in Lyon, who will host the semi-fi nals and of the game after winning the World are catching up. England and France, be the toughest Women’s World Cup (Monaco), Luis Muriel (Fioren- 2015... At the beginning, possible host fi nal said that “it was a gamble at the Cup three times and the Olympics four ranked third and fourth in the world, ar- yet. “It’s going to be a remarkable World tina), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta), cities were not exactly shoving each time that we bid for the games.” times, while Germany follow close be- rive with genuine hopes of winning the Cup. The level of competition four years Luis Diaz (Atletico Junior), Roger other out of the way to come forward. Enthusiasm is running high for the hind with two World Cups and a whop- whole thing. on from the last one has exponentially Martinez (America-Mexico) I was a bit scared about the Parc des eighth offi cial Women’s World Cup in ping eight European Championships. Spain, the Netherlands and Italy are increased,” said USA coach Jill Ellis.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar gear up for Toulon atar’s Olympic squad trained yes- Ireland will play with their under-18, un- terday ahead of the Toulon Inter- der-19, under-20 and under-21 teams respec- national tournament in Southern tively. This will be the sixth time that Qatar France. The prestigious event will will feature in the tournament. beginQ tomorrow and go on till June 15. Qatar is using the event for practice pur- In Group B, Qatar are tagged with Brazil, poses as it is preparing to play the U-23 Asian France and Guatemala while Argentina, Chile, Cup to be held in Thailand next year. The Japan and Portugal are in Group A. Mexico, event in Thailand will also serve as a qualifi er Ireland, China and Bahrain are in Group C. for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. Span- The two-week tournament will be con- ish coach Albert Fernandez’s men will take tested by under-22 national teams, although on France on June 2, Guatemala on June 5 and France, Portugal, England and Republic of Brazil on June 8. Qatar’s Olympic squad warm up during a training session in Toulon, Southern France, yesterday. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 5 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Tottenham to make Klopp laughs off late call on Kane, says Pochettino

AFP Tottenham have reached Madrid their fi rst ever European Cup or Champions League fi nal, while Liverpool are bidding to win the ‘unlucky’ fi nals tag auricio Pochettino tournament for a sixth time after will wait until the losing to Real Madrid in the fi nal last minute to decide last year. Spurs’ run is the greater whether Tottenham surprise after dramatic, late goals This is the seventh final for a Klopp-led team since his brilliant Borussia MHotspur striker Harry Kane is fi t against Manchester City and enough to face Liverpool in the Ajax put them within sight of the Dortmund side won a German league and cup double in 2012 Champions League fi nal today. trophy, despite not signing a sin- Kane has said he feels ready gle player in the last two transfer to start in Madrid, despite not windows. playing since damaging ankle “To be here, with every- ligaments in the quarter-fi nals thing falling for us, it means against Manchester City last the praise comes a lot and the month. Asked in a press confer- team feels strong at the end of ence yesterday if Kane would the season,” Pochettino said. play, Pochettino said: “I don’t “The club couldn’t sign play- know. We have one training ses- ers, it’s true, we could not open sion left and then we are ready the new stadium until a month to decide.” If Pochettino picks ago and we had to play at Wem- Kane, it would deliver a signifi - bley, as well feeling the effects cant boost to Spurs but they have of the World Cup. All these survived without him, after Lu- things have given us strength, cas Moura scored an incredible they have made us better, more second-leg hat-trick to knock creative. If you believe, and you out Ajax in the semis. have faith, and you work hard, “It is not going to be easy to you can have rewards.” take a decision tomorrow,” Po- Tottenham captain Hugo chettino said. “We have all the Lloris is bidding to win both the information and we know every Champions League and World single detail. To try to win, you Cup within 10 months, after he can only use 11 players, that is the triumphed with France in Rus- most painful situation.” sia last summer. “It is a privilege Pochettino had lobbied to in- to be part of these two teams,” clude all his players in the offi - Lloris said. “To win the World cial pre-match on-fi eld photo. “I Cup with my country was a mas- proposed a few weeks ago that the sive achievement but it couldn’t whole squad do a picture together be possible without the help of before the game and I think UEFA my teammates and it is the case have listened. We talk about the again in this fi nal. I think we have value of the game — many things a good mix of experienced play- have happened in England, a lot of ers and young players and they problems, and tomorrow we have need to follow the leaders, fi rst one billion people watching and the manager and then the team’s we can show the value of football. leaders. And then we just need to I think tomorrow is about show- be ready because it is a fantas- ing togetherness and it is a great tic game to play. It’s going to be chance to show the value of a col- about small details. They can be lective sport.” decisive.” Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp holds the centrestage as he talks to his players during a training session at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid yesterday, on the eve of Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur. (Reuters)

AFP German Cup fi nal in each of the following Becker, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Xherdan team — everyone at Melwood (training Madrid two campaigns. Shaqiri all joining subsequently. Virgil ground) and all our families. We have Klopp then lost the Europa League van Dijk only moved to Anfi eld midway all that to drive us forward. Of course, it and League Cup fi nals in his fi rst season through last season. would be nice to see him with his hands urgen Klopp laughed off sugges- with Liverpool, before being defeated in “We are much more mature, we are a on the trophy.” tions he is an unlucky manager as the 2018 Champions League fi nal by Real diff erent side, we are older. Age is a good Meanwhile, Klopp confi rmed forward he looks to halt an unfortunate run Madrid. Liverpool also fi nished second to thing, getting older, from all points of Roberto Firmino is fi t for the fi nal despite of ending up on the losing side in Manchester City in this season’s Premier view actually. We are a year older, a player missing the end of the Premier League hisJ last six fi nals as a coach when he leads League despite losing just one game and like Trent (Alexander-Arnold) has around season. “From his point of view, yes, he is Liverpool into today’s Champions League amassing 97 points. But the German in- 50 more games in his legs with more ex- ready,” Klopp said. decider. sists it cannot all be about him. perience in football.” However, Klopp refused to say whether “Since 2012, apart from 2017, I was “I’m a normal human being, and if I Alexander-Arnold’s fellow full-back Firmino — who has been struggling with every year with my team in a fi nal, so we would now sit in a room and think it’s all Andy Robertson has been another stan- a groin problem — would start, joking are getting there sometimes with luck about me, I am the reason, if I would see dout performer for Liverpool this season that he would only do so if Tottenham in some moments, but most of the time myself as a loser or whatever, then that and the Scot emphasised the determina- boss Mauricio Pochettino revealed his because we had to go there,” Klopp told would be a problem. But I don’t see it like tion of the Anfi eld squad to help Klopp line-up. “If Poch afterwards says the ex- reporters at the Metropolitano Stadium this.” get his hands on his fi rst trophy with the act line-up then call me, then you will in Madrid, where Liverpool will face Tot- Klopp, 51, added: “The things that hap- club. know. If not, I thought I’d keep at least a tenham Hotspur today. “I am probably at pened in the past, for me I still got con- “Since he came here, he has changed few question marks open.” the moment a world-record holder, in the fi dence I can take out of that, and could how the club is and we obviously want Klopp added: “He is fi t, he has trained, last seven years at least, in winning semi- always, so it’s all good. Now I understand to try to repay him with a trophy. Squads you will see him later, he is here, and if fi nals, but if I wrote a book about that luck — if you work for it, you have it from before came close and just fell short,” said nothing happens from the moment when probably nobody would buy it.” time to time, not always... but apart from Robertson, one of last season’s losing fi - he left the plane to now, then he should This is the seventh fi nal for a Klopp-led that, no, it was not an unlucky career and nalists who also lost a Scottish Cup fi nal be fi ne.” The Brazilian did not feature in team to since his brilliant Borussia Dort- it’s not over, I have still a few years!” in his time with Dundee United. Liverpool’s last three matches and before mund side won a German league and cup Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real in Kiev last “It’s all about trying to take that next that only came on as a late substitute in double in 2012. He lost the 2013 Champi- year, but Klopp was quick to point out step. But it’s not just for him, it’s for the their 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Tottenham Hotspur’s coach Mauricio Pochettino (left) jokes with ons League fi nal with Dortmund and the how diff erent his side is now, with Alisson team behind it — the team behind the fi rst leg of the semi-fi nal. striker Harry Kane during a training session in Madrid. (AFP)

PELE MEETS WITH OBAMA IN BRAZIL SERIE A Sao Paulo: Pele met with former Obama was in Sao Paulo for a digit- US president Barack Obama in Sao al innovation conference. Pele, widely Paulo on Thursday where the pair considered to be one of the greatest Inter Milan turn to Conte discussed how “to make the world footballers in history, was admitted to better,” the Brazilian football great a Paris hospital last month after ap- said on Twitter. pearing at a promotional event with Weeks after surgery to remove a France striker Kylian Mbappe. to restore past glories kidney stone, a healthy-looking Pele He spent almost a week in the smiled and clutched Obama’s hand as medical facility before returning to AFP they posed for a photo, later shared Sao Paulo, where he was admitted to Milan on social media by the three-time another hospital for the kidney stone World Cup winner. procedure. Pele, who won the World “Met with President Obama while Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and nter Milan yesterday an- he was in town. We spoke about how perhaps most memorably in Mexico nounced the appointment to work together to make the world in 1970 when his swashbuckling team of former Chelsea and Brazil’s football legend Pele poses with former US better,” Pele said. “Happy we are on re-defined modern football, has had Italy boss Antonio Conte Ias coach with the ambition of president Barack Obama in Sao Paulo on Thursday. the same team.” several health scares in recent years. moving the club out of Juven- tus’ shadow. The 49-year-old has signed a three-year con- FOCUS tract worth nine million euros ($10mn) plus bonuses with the relationship with the club’s and Roma. But it proved a sea- Chinese-owned club, accord- hierarchy. “A new chapter is son of highs and lows with the ing to press reports. opening in my life,” Conte said. club eliminated at the group Qatar bow out of FIFA U-20 World Cup Conte was dismissed by “I can’t wait. I have chosen In- stage of the Champions League Chelsea after a combustible ter because of the club it is, for in which they were drawn with Agencies couldn’t convert the rebound. end to the 2017-2018 season its plans and ambition.” Barcelona and eventual fi nalists Tychy, Poland The US assumed control after when he appeared to lose the Inter chairman Steve Zhang Tottenham. the break, and were fi nally re- players’ trust despite win- added: “I am sure Antonio They then fell in the last 16 warded when Alex Mendez found ning the Premier League title Conte is one of the best coach- of the Europa League. Inter sublime 76th-minute Weah, who nutmegged his mark- the season before. He replaces es. I am sure he will help us to snatched fourth place in Serie Timothy Weah goal on er before fi nishing with aplomb. Luciano Spalletti who guided reach our target... to make this A, equal on points with Ata- Thursday night earned It should have been 2-0 in the Inter into a Champions League club one of the best in the world lanta, but behind the side from USA a 1-0 win that ad- 85th minute, but Shehab Mam- berth for a second consecutive again.” Bergamo on head-to-head dif- vancedA them to the knockout douh made a superb save from year on the fi nal day of the Se- Conte had also been linked ference, to edge city rivals AC phase of the FIFA U-20 World Mendez’s penalty, before the rie A season last Sunday. With with a return to Juventus, after Milan by just one point in the Cup as Group D runners-up and crossbar denied the Americans the 18-time Serie A champions his successor in Turin Massi- race for a Champions League extinguished opponents Qatar’s deep into injury time. searching for a fi rst trophy since miliano Allegri announced he place for next season. Inter an- faint hopes. Qatar, coached by Bruno the Coppa Italia in 2011, Conte was leaving the club. Maurizio nounced Spalletti’s departure The Asians surprisingly Miguel, lost matches against boasts a powerful pedigree. He Sarri, the Italian who this week on Thursday with Zhang pay- had the better of the first half. Nigeria and Ukraine before their won the fi rst three of Juventus’ won the Europa League with ing tribute to the 60-year-old Hashim Ali had their best clash on Thursday against the eight consecutive Serie A titles Chelsea, is now hotly tipped for who paid for failing to lift any chance, going clean through, United States. Runners-up at and the Premier League and FA the Juventus hotseat. silverware. “A coach, a teacher, but David Ochoa, making his the 1981 event, this is the second Konrad De La Fuente (left) of the United States battles for possession Cup as Chelsea boss. Spalletti took over at Inter a friend,” Zhang wrote on In- first start in Poland, made a time that Qatar has exited the with Homam Ahmed of Qatar during the FIFA U-20 World Cup group But during his stay at Chel- in mid-2017 having previously stagram with a photo of himself fine block and Yusuf Abdurisag tournament in the fi rst round. D match at Tychy Stadium on Thursday night. (FIFA) sea, stories leaked of a diffi cult coached Zenit Saint Petersburg alongside Spalletti. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, June 1, 2019 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Durant could return Sizzling Siakam for game three Reuters Houston

evin Durant could re- turn from a calf injury as soon as Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Du- leads Raptors to Krant was hurt May 8, in the fi fth game of the Western Conference semi-fi nals against the Hou- ston Rockets. Durant, sidelined for the past six games, travelled with the Golden State Warriors to Toronto but will not play in either of the fi rst two games of win over Warriors the best-of-seven series. Head coach Steve Kerr said Durant would be considered a real “long the Finals for the past two sea- Siakam scores the most points in an Finals debut since injured star Durant in 2012 shot” to suit up for Game 2 after sons and is averaging 34.2 points Toronto opened the Finals with per game this postseason. He was AFP a win to take a 1-0 lead. There is named Finals MVP each of the Toronto, Canada optimism within the organisa- past two seasons, which ended tion that Durant could play in with the Warriors hoisting the Game 3, which is June 5. O’Brien Trophy. owered by 32 points from Cam- But the stronger possibil- “It’s good to have Kevin here. eroonian forward Pascal Siakam, ity considering conditioning and Obviously he’s a huge part of our the upstart Toronto Raptors de- risk of re-injury is Game 4 (June team and the guys are all pull- feated the defending champion 7) of the series is more logical. ing for him,” Kerr said Thurs- PGolden State Warriors 118-109 in Thurs- The Warriors had been 5-0 with- day. “It’s such a privilege to be day’s opening game of the NBA Finals. out Durant in these playoff s until here and play in the NBA Finals Speedy Siakam made 14-of-17 shots from Thursday’s defeat. “KD’s an all- for all of these guys. You grow the fl oor in the biggest scoring playoff time great player on both ends of up dreaming about this that you game of his career while Kawhi Leonard the fl oor, so I could sit here and hate that anybody is injured. You added 23 points and both players pulled talk for days about what he adds want everybody to be healthy down eight rebounds and passed out fi ve to our roster,” Steph Curry said and have a lot more opportunity. assists. “For me it was just running and after Game 1. “We obviously have More than anything, we want whatever basket I can get at the rim,” proven that when he’s out, we can Kevin to be healthy, be back and Siakam said. “Getting some easy buckets have guys step up and that’s going enjoy at least part of the series. in transition, something I haven’t really to be the case until he gets back.” He’s pretty good. It wouldn’t been able to do all playoff s.” Durant has come up huge in hurt to have him back.” Siakam scored the most points in an NBA Finals debut since injured Golden State star Kevin Durant in 2012, and NHL he was the most accurate-shooting 30-point scorer in the fi nals since Shaq- uille O’Neal in 2004. “Siakam was brilliant. He was hitting Blues’ Dunn likely to shots from everywhere,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Their defense was great and it wasn’t our best night. We just got play against Bruins outplayed.” Spanish center Marc Gasol added 20 t. Louis Blues defence- period. Grzelcyk swept the puck points and Kyle Lowry had nine assists man Vince Dunn could out from behind the Bruins’ net, for the Raptors, who seized the lead in the be back on the ice tonight but Sundqvist crunching the best-of-seven championship series that for Game 3 of the Stanley Bruins defenseman against the resumes tomorrow in Toronto. “We’re CupS Final. “There’s a chance,” boards after Grzelcyk released playing an amazing team,” Siakam said. Blues coach Craig Berube said of the puck. “Sundqvist adjusts “They’re the champions and we’ve just Dunn. “We’ll see how he does [on his course, then hits (Grzelcyk) got to be ready. We won game one. We Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam (right) attempts to score against the Golden State Warriors in Toronto on Thursday. (AFP) Friday].” forcefully from behind with were very aggressive on defense and tried The Blues return to St. Louis speed, driving him violently into to make it tough for players to fi nd open one wins. “I know we’ll respond like the chance points, so overall happy.” largest lead, became the fi rst player in to meet the Boston Bruins with the glass and causing an injury,” shots. But they’re going to come out and champions we are,” Warriors guard Klay Siakam scored 14 points in the third NBA Finals history to sink 100 career the best-of-seven series tied at the league said in a video an- make adjustments and we’ve got to be Thompson said. “We got some tape now quarter, going 6-of-6 from the fl oor after 3-pointers. The milestone shot from one game each. Dunn has been nouncing the suspension. ready for that.” and we’ll go to the drawing board and 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the fi rst beyond the arc came 6:44 into the fi rst sidelined since the fi rst period of “This is boarding. The board- The Warriors seek their third title in a we’ll come back and be much better on half. “Siakam obviously had a game of his quarter, his second of three 3-pointers Game 3 of the Western Confer- ing rule places the onus to de- row and fourth in fi ve seasons while the Sunday.” playoff life, running the fl oor,” Thompson in the fi rst half. Spectators erupted with ence Final. He was struck in the liver a legal check on the hitter. Raptors are in the fi rst NBA Finals in their Danny Green’s right corner 3-pointer said.”So we’ll have to get back on defense nearly every Raptors basket, providing an mouth on a shot by San Jose’s Therefore while we acknowl- 24-season history. Stephen Curry scored lifted the Raptors to their largest fi rst-half next game and really limit their transi- electric atmosphere for Siakam’s hero- Brenden Dillon. edge Grzelcyk does adjust his a game-high 34 points for Golden State lead at 59-49 to end the second quarter. tion points, make them beat us in the half ics. “It’s amazing, best fans in the NBA,” The 22-year-old Dunn has body position in making a play but the Warriors could not solve Toron- The Raptors, 11-1 in this year’s playoff s court.” Siakam said. Raptors rap-star superfan played in 16 postseason games on the puck, he does not do so to’s swarming and aggressive defensive when leading at half-time, closed the fi rst In the fourth quarter, the Warriors Drake sat courtside wearing an old To- this season and has seven points in a way that absolves Sundqvist work. “They played a great game. They half on a 12-4 run. closed within 90-87 but came no clos- ronto jersey of Dell Curry, Stephen’s dad (two goals, fi ve assists). St. Louis of responsibility for the nature deserved to win and we’ve got to play Golden State trimmed Toronto’s edge er, the Raptors holding the Warriors to who once played for the Raptors, and an will be playing without forward of this hit. “From the moment better if we’re going to beat them,” Kerr to four points on Kevon Looney’s dunk 43.6% shooting (34-of-78) and just 12- elastic band covering his left-arm tattoos Oskar Sundqvist, who was sus- Sundqvist hits the bottom of said. “Our transition defense was just late in the third quarter but Patrick Mc- of-31 from 3-point range. “We made a of Stephen Curry and Durant. pended for the game by the NHL the faceoff circle until contact is awful and that’s the number one prior- Caw’s 3-pointer boosted Toronto’s lead good eff ort in the second half, got back in Golden State welcomed back center Department of Player Safety for made Sundqvist sees nothing but ity when you play Toronto. We gave up to 88-81 after three quarters. “We can the game,” Kerr said. “Our guys did some DeMarcus Cousins, who suff ered a torn boarding Bruins defenseman Grzelcyk’s numbers. This is not a 24 fast-break points, we turned it over 17 do a much better job defensively than we good things but made too many mistakes left quad muscle last month in only the Matt Grzelcyk in Game 2. situation in which a sudden and times. So that’s the game, really.” did tonight in stretches,” Gasol said. “The to actually go ahead and win.” second playoff game of his nine-year ca- Sundqvist drew a two-minute unexpected movement by the It’s Golden State’s fi rst loss in a playoff second half we improved our rebound- Curry, whose two free throws to open reer. Cousins scored three points in eight penalty for boarding on the play, player receiving the check turns series opener after 12 consecutive game- ing and we didn’t allow as many second- the scoring produced Golden State’s minutes. which took place late in the fi rst a legal hit into an illegal one.

MLB Rockies win extra-inning thriller to sweep Diamondbacks

Reuters run was enough for Ryu (8-1), who gave Jose Martinez led off the seventh in- Chicago in two previous May starts Denver up four hits and one walk while striking ning with a single before Gyorko de- against them. Chicago’s early run sup- out seven in 7 2/3 innings. posited a 2-0 slider from Jerad Eick- port was enough to back left-hander hoff (2-3) into the seats in left fi eld to Manny Banuelos (3-4), who scattered revor Story had four hits and ANGELS 9, MARINERS 3 stake St. Louis to a 4-1 lead. Hudson three runs on fi ve hits in 5 1/3 innings scored the winning run in the Mike Trout returned to the lineup after (4-3) recorded his fi fth quality start in while walking three and striking out 10th inning, and the Colorado missing a game with a sore right foot his past six outings, allowing one run three. Rockies beat the Arizona Dia- and went 2-for-3 with a double and on four hits with three walks and four Tmondbacks 11-10 on Thursday in Den- three RBIs as Los Angeles beat host strikeouts. ROYALS 4, RANGERS 2 ver to sweep a four-game series. Seattle. Cesar Puello and Kole Calhoun Jorge Soler belted a three-run homer David Dahl had four hits, including hit solo home runs for the Angels, who BREWERS 11, PIRATES 5 and Adalberto Mondesi also went deep a home run, Ryan McMahon and Ian won their third in a row. Mike Moustakas had two of Milwau- to highlight his three-hit performance Desmond also homered, and Daniel Tim Beckham hit a two-run homer kee’s four homers and added an RBI as Kansas City beat Texas in Arlington, Murphy drove in three for the Rockies, for Seattle, which lost its third straight. single to help down host Pittsburgh as Texas. Texas native Ryan O’Hearn had including the game-winner on his third The Mariners dropped to 6-21 this Yasmani Grandal and Eric Thames also two hits for the Royals, who overcame hit of the day. month and clinched the worst May in homered. Moustakas and Grandal each 16 strikeouts to record their second win Story got the winning rally started franchise history. The Angels’ Felix had four hits for eight of the 18 total for in eight games overall and fi fth in the with a one-out double down the line in Pena (3-1) came on in the second after Milwaukee, and Lorenzo Cain matched last 24 against the Rangers. left, and he moved to third on a ground- fellow right-hander Luis Garcia pitched Moustakas with four RBIs. Jakob Junis (4-5) worked around out. After Yoshihisa Hirano (1-3) inten- the opening inning. Pena allowed three Colin Moran homered and Melky Ca- a pair of solo homers to allow just tionally walked Nolan Arenado, Mur- runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings, with brera had a two-run double for Pitts- those two runs on four hits with seven phy singled to left to drive in Story. three walks and eight strikeouts. burgh, which has lost eight of 11 overall strikeouts to pick up the win. Kansas Seunghwan Oh (3-1) pitched the 10th and seven of eight at home. City ignited its off ense in the sixth in- inning to earn credit for Colorado’s fi fth RAYS 14, TWINS 3 Brewers starter Chase Anderson ning as Mondesi and Alex Gordon each consecutive win. Eduardo Escobar, Austin Meadows had two hits and four (3-0) gave up two runs and six hits in singled to set the stage for Soler, who Christian Walker and pitcher Taylor RBIs and Ji-Man Choi hit a two-run fi ve innings, with fi ve strikeouts and deposited a fi rst-pitch fastball from Clarke homered for Arizona. homer as Tampa Bay sent 10 men to one walk. For Pittsburgh, starter Joe former Royals pitcher Mike Minor (5-4) the plate in the third inning and nine in Musgrove (3-6) pitched six innings, off the left fi eld foul pole. DODGERS 2, METS 0 the fourth while cruising to their sixth allowing fi ve runs and 11 hits, with six Hyun-Jin Ryu outmatched Jason Var- straight victory, beating visiting Min- strikeouts and two walks. GIANTS 3, MARLINS 1 gas in an unlikely pitcher’s duel, when nesota. Brandon Crawford delivered a go- Ryu earned the win by tossing 7 2/3 Avisail Garcia went 3-for-4 with an WHITE SOX 10, INDIANS 4 ahead, two-run double in the eighth in- scoreless innings as host Los Ange- RBI and three runs scored, Brandon Yonder Alonso and Jose Abreu both ning as visiting San Francisco snapped les edged New York. The Dodgers took Lowe went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and smacked two-run home runs and Leury a seven-game losing streak by beating three of four from the Mets and Los Christian Arroyo, called up earlier in Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (right) is tagged out by Arizona Garcia and Eloy Jimenez had three Miami. San Francisco rookie outfi elder Angeles got off to a fast start by taking a the day from Triple-A Durham, added Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed while attempting to steal second base hits apiece to boost host Chicago past Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of Hall 1-0 lead just four pitches into the game a pair of doubles and two RBIs for the in the fourth inning in Denver on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Cleveland in the opener of a four-game of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, picked up on a leadoff triple by Chris Taylor and a Rays, who fi nished with 16 hits. series. Jimenez had two RBIs and Abreu his fi rst RBI in his fi fth major league double by Max Muncy. Tommy Pham also had two hits starts for Minnesota. the fi nale of a three-game series. Matt had three RBIs and the White Sox col- game with a game-tying single in the But the 36-year-old Vargas (1-3) before leaving with a right lower leg Wieters homered for the second time in lected 15 hits to send the Indians to their seventh. Reyes Moronta (2-4) pitched settled down and kept the Dodgers cramp. Charlie Morton (6-0) picked up CARDINALS 5, PHILLIES 3 as many days, and Marcell Ozuna and eighth loss in the past 12 games. a scoreless inning of relief to earn the off -balance for the rest of his seven in- the win, allowing two runs on four hits Jedd Gyorko belted a two-run homer, Matt Carpenter also went deep for the The White Sox fi nally solved Cleve- win. Adam Conley (1-5) allowed two nings, with a mix of mid-80s fastballs over seven innings. He didn’t walk a and Dakota Hudson tossed six strong Cardinals, who snapped a three-game land right-hander Carlos Carrasco (4- runs in one-plus innings for the Mar- and off -speed stuff . Unfortunately for batter and struck out six. Martin Perez innings as visiting St. Louis posted a skid with just their third win in their 6), who entered the game with two vic- lins, who lost for just the fourth time in Vargas and the Mets, that fi rst-inning (7-2) suff ered his fi rst road loss in fi ve victory over Philadelphia to salvage past 13 road games. tories and 12 scoreless innings against their past 13 games. Gulf Times Saturday, June 1, 2019 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Woods, a Instructor Haney five-time suspended by PGA Woods makes winner at Memorial, could Radio for insensitive equal Snead’s record of 82 remarks on women PGA Tour wins Reuters a solid start as Charleston, USA with a victory iger Woods’ former in- this week at structor Hank Haney has been suspended by Muirfield Village the SiriusXM PGA Tour TRadio channel, a day after mak- in Dublin, Ohio ing disparaging remarks about Moore sizzles women’s professional golf dur- ing his programme. Speaking on the eve of the US Women’s Open, Haney said he didn’t know where the champi- onship was being held, couldn’t name six players, and predicted that a Korean would win. “Mr. Haney’s comments on women’s professional golf do not represent the views of the PGA Tour or SiriusXM,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. “At the PGA Tour’s instruc- tion, Mr. Haney has been sus- guably the biggest name in the pended from the SiriusXM PGA women’s game. Tour Radio channel. SiriusXM is Wie, who is missing the US reviewing his status going for- Open due to injury, tweeted that ward.” Haney’s comments “disappoint Haney apologised for his re- and anger me on so many diff er- marks hours after the show. ent levels. “This morning, I made some “Racism and sexism are no comments about women’s golf laughing matter Hank....shame and its players that were insen- on you. I don’t ever do this, but sitive, and that I regret,” Haney this must be called out.” wrote. But not everyone on the LPGA “In an eff ort to make a point Tour was as upset as Wie. about the overwhelming success “My guess is he was trying to of Korean players on the tour, I be funny and it came out wrong,” off ended people and I am sorry. Australian Katherine Kirk, a “I have the highest respect three-times LPGA winner, told for the women who have worked Reuters at the US Open. so hard to reach the pinnacle of “If I was Korean I don’t think I their sport, and I never meant to would take off ence to it but I also take away from their abilities and understand Hank’s sense of hu- accomplishments.” mour and opinions. I’ve listened Haney’s remarks were rebuked to his show. on social media by several play- “Only he knows what he was ers, including Michelle Wie, ar- intending when he said it.” Japan’s Higa leads as rookies rule at US Women’s Open

Miami (AFP): Japan’s Mamiko “I came here on a Saturday, and Higa fired the lowest ever since then, I not only golf, but I debut round at the US Women’s enjoy the life here. So I’ll keep Open on Thursday, carding a enjoying it and enjoying it, and Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the first round of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. six-under-par 65 to open up a just come in to the golf course, one-shot lead at the Country and I just enjoyed 18 holes to- AFP year injury layoff by winning the Masters today, the guys are doing it.” seemed to be lipping out (this season), Club of Charleston. day.” Higa said she had adjusted Washington in April, looked comfortable throughout Moore, a native of the rainy Pacifi c and today they lipped in. It’s always nice The 25-year-old from Okinawa, to the hot, humid conditions in Thursday’s fi rst round. Northwest, said the rain softened course to get that stuff going and get the mo- playing in the tournament for South Carolina by limiting her After teeing off on the back nine, suited him. mentum and keep the momentum, just the first time, showed no signs practice. iger Woods launched his latest tilt Woods made a fast start with a birdie on The 36-year-old cut loose with a daz- makes you feel better.” of stage fright on her way to a “It’s really, really hot here, so I at Sam Snead’s record for US PGA the par-5 11th hole, drilling his third shot zling display over the front nine of his Elsewhere Thursday, Jordan Spieth bogey-free total. try not to waste my energy,” she Tour victories with a two-under- to eight feet and then draining the putt. round, reeling off four consecutive bird- made a charge up the leaderboard to fi n- Higa launched a superb first said “So short practice and just par 70 on Thursday that left him A bogey checked his progress on his ies to reach the turn at fi ve under. Two ish one behind Moore with a 66. round with a run of three staying calm and just get rest.” Tfi ve off the pace set by Ryan Moore at the fourth hole of the round, the 13th, before more birdies and seven pars down the Spieth’s round included fi ve birdies consecutive birdies on the third, Higa’s fellow debutant Henseleit Memorial Tournament. a run of nine straight pars. stretch completed the world number 79s and a brilliant eagle on the par-5 fi fth fourth and fifth holes before a was similarly flawless in her Former world number one Woods, A birdie followed by a bogey on the fi fth best round ever at Muirfi eld. hole, where he drained a 35-foot putt for further birdie at the ninth took maiden US Women’s Open playing for the fi rst time since missing and sixth holes threatened to leave Woods Moore, who claimed the most recent a three. her to four under at the turn. round, sinking five birdies and the cut at the PGA Championship, made at level par for the day, before he birdied of his fi ve tour titles in 2016, said putting “I hit a lot of fairways, which was nice, Two more birdies on the back 13 pars en route to her bogey- birdies at two of his three closing holes to seven and eight. consistency was the key to his stellar which gave me plenty of looks at birdie, nine left her at six under, one free 66. stay within shouting distance of Moore, A smiling Woods was satisfi ed with his round. and seemed to capitalize on quite a few of shot clear of German rookie It marked a fairytale debut who carded a seven-under 65. round, although he said he could have He made 16 of 16 putts inside the 10- them,” said Spieth, who hasn’t won since Esther Henseleit, another US for Henseleit, who feared her The 43-year-old Woods, a fi ve-time made better use of the soft conditions. feet range on Thursday, including a birdie capturing his third major title at the 2017 Women’s Open debutant, and chances of playing in the tour- winner at Memorial, could equal Snead’s “It was one of those days where it could putt at the par-3 fourth that lipped all the Open Championship. American amateur Gina Kim, nament were over after she lost record of 82 PGA Tour wins with a victory have easily fl ipped,” Woods said. “I feel way around the cup before dropping in. Five players shared third on 67: India’s who both posted five-under-par a playoff in qualifiers in London. this week at Muirfi eld Village in Dublin, like I could have got a few more out of it. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ball go Anirban Lahiri, Australia’s Marc Leish- 66s. “I didn’t expect much here, She was eventually handed a Ohio. It’s so soft out there. It’s defi nitely geta- that far around the hole and go in,” Moore man, Germany’s Martin Kaymer and to come here and play that slot as one of the first alter- The 15-time major winner, who ble. said. Americans Vaughn Taylor and Bud Cau- well,” Higa said. nates. crowned his comeback from a nearly two- “And if you look at some of the scores “In the fi ve to eight-foot range, they ley.

RUGBY CYCLING George hails McCall Carapaz still in pink as Chaves wins Giro's 19th stage

AFP for Saracens success San Martino di Castrozza, Italy

AFP en Leinster in the Champions Twickenham, United Kingdom Cup fi nal — by defeating Exeter cuador’s Richard Carapaz tight- Chiefs in the Premiership fi nal. ened his grip on the leader’s pink Saracens hooker George in- jersey as Colombia’s Esteban aracens go hunting an sists the only shock has been the Chaves claimed victory in the incredible eighth major lack of interest in luring McCall E19th stage of the Giro d’Italia yesterday. trophy in as many years away from the club. Chaves, riding for the Mitchelton-Scott today with England “It is surprising he doesn’t team, edged clear of a breakaway that bat- hookerS Jamie George outlining get mentioned or linked with tled up a gruelling fi nal 13.6km climb with just why the man labelled the national jobs so much,” said the a 5.6 % gradient. “Silent Assassin” is now the 28-year-old. The 29-year-old, who fi nished second top target to be the successor “He has a proven track record in the Giro and third in the Vuelta in 2016, to Eddie Jones as England head and also played Test rugby. found himself riding solo with just under coach. When it gets to the rugby side of 3km to race to the line. Italy’s Andrea Ven- For so long, Saracens director things he is a very intense man. drame twice overcame chain problems to of rugby Mark McCall remained Everyone calls him the silent as- fi nish second with Portugal’s Amaro An- fi rmly under the Rugby Football sassin but he can shout a bit! tunes rounding out the podium. Union’s radar when it came to “He’s the most competitive “This is pure happiness,” beamed possible candidates to step into person I’ve ever come across, Chaves. “It takes a heavy weight off my the England hot seat. and that’s infectious for us.” back. However, as the search for Saracens’ bid for more glory “It’s a relief to be a winner again. It Jones’ successor intensifi es, the on the fi eld has not come with- shows I can do it. Because the last climb softly spoken Northern Irish- out off the fi eld problems with a wasn’t very steep, I had to attack many man is fi rmly in their sights hav- further Premiership Rugby in- many times. A big thank you to every- ing built such a special dynasty. vestigation into potential salary one who supported me when I had a hard It may not be long before Mc- cap breeches dogging the club. time.” The pack rides through a tunnel of the San Boldo pass during stage nineteen of the 102nd Giro d’Italia from Treviso to San Martino Call gets an off er to lift him to Chairman Nigel Wray has Chaves’ compatriot Miguel Angel di Castrozza yesterday. the top international coaching denied any wrongdoing after Lopez, chasing second spot in the general stage. Premiership Rugby, whose cap classifi cation, was the big winner of the holding on to cross the mountain-top fi n- attack, but we dealt with it the best possi- ers tackle a punishing 193km ride from The 51-year-old former Ire- stands at £7million ($8.8mil- day as he fi nished more than 40sec ahead ish line in a peloton alongside the Slov- ble way with Mikel Landa,” Carapaz said. Feltre to Croce d’Aune Monte Avena in the land back hopes to ensure Sar- lion) per club excluding mar- of his main rivals. enian, Italian Vincenzo Nibali and Spain’s “It’s another good day for us and we’re Dolomites that features fi ve long climbs ries are perfectly positioned to quee players and other credits, With just two days of racing to come, Mikel Landa, the latter two staying in sec- looking forward to tomorrow. We’re ready including 11km at 5.5 % up Croce d’Aune complete a second remarkable announced Saracens had not the Colombian is now lying in sixth at ond and fourth positions overall respec- to defend the Maglia Rosa in a harder stage and 6.9km at 7.3 % up Monte Avena. The European and domestic double disclosed the full extent of their 5min 33sec. Leader Carapaz resisted a tively. than today.” Giro ends with a 15.6km time trial in Ve- in three years — having beat- business deals with players. late surge by third-placed Primoz Roglic, “I was expecting Miguel Angel Lopez to On today’s penultimate stage, the rid- rona tomorrow.

Saturday, June 1, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FRENCH OPEN FOCUS Frenchman Paire surprised by his Federer wins 400th own fi tness Slam match in Paris Nadal also advances, while second seeded woman Pliskova crashes out

AFP Paris

oger Federer became the oldest man to reach the French Open fourth round in 47 years yes- Reuters (Herbert), I didn’t know what terdayR by winning his record state I was going to be in. The Paris 400th Grand Slam match, while next day I already felt okay. Rafael Nadal won in four sets as Physically I wasn’t too tired so I women’s second seed Karolina renchman Benoit Paire was rather satisfi ed.” Pliskova was dumped out. was surprised by how fi t The bearded 30-year-old has a The 37-year-old Federer, he felt as he advanced propensity to blow hot and cold playing at Roland Garros for the for the fi rst time into the but arrived in Paris on the back fi rst time since 2015, saw off the fourthF round of the French Open of a hot streak in Lyon where he 63rd-ranked Norwegian Casper yesterday. claimed his second claycourt ti- Ruud 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) on Paire went through after tle of the season. Court Suzanne Lenglen. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta re- Paire said he was hungry for It is the 14th time the 20- tired at the start of the fourth set a win against Nishikori, having time Grand Slam champion when trailing 2-1, and now faces lost their most recent encoun- has reached the second week in seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of ters, including a second-round Paris, and he will face Argenti- Japan who was forced to dig deep clash at Roland Garros last year. na’s world number 68 Leonardo to pull through his third-round “Every time I feel he starts Mayer for a quarter-fi nal spot. game against Serb Laslo Dere in strongly and then our level bal- “It was hard to fi nd weak- fi ve sets. ances, and I lose in the end,” the nesses in his game, so I’m re- “I’m the fi rst one to be sur- world number 38 said. lieved, I’m now going to have prised, because honestly, I can’t Paire’s compatriot and wild- a good shower and it’s going to say I did work that hard, but I card Nicolas Mahut yesterday be great,” said the 2009 winner, feel good. I feel fi t. And I want to failed in his bid to reach the who hit 52 winners and served surf that wave,” Paire told a post- fourth round at Roland Garros 11 aces past Ruud, whose fa- match news conference. for the fi rst time, crashing out in ther Christian played the 1999 “After the (second round) four sets against Argentina’s Le- French Open when Federer match against Pierre-Hugues onardo Mayer. made his debut. Federer is the oldest man to book a last-16 place since Nicola MOTORCYCLING Pietrangeli, a two-time cham- pion, at the age of 38 in 1972. The 20-year-old Ruud, who was ranked as low as 135 earlier Rookie Bagnaia in the season, started well, but Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns the ball to Norway’s Casper Ruud during their third round match on day six of French Open in Paris Federer broke for a 4-3 lead with yesterday. a sumptuous fl icked backhand tops Italian practice passing shot and wasted little dismissed 6-3, 6-3 by Croatia’s time in fi nishing off the set. Petra Martic. Mugello, Italy: A pair of by less than half a second and the Third seed Federer romped The 31st-seeded Martic will rookies set the pace in free prac- top 18 by a second, suggesting through the second set, hitting face Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi for tice yesterday for the Italian very tight qualifying on Satur- 17 winners, and then quickly a place in her fi rst-ever Grand Moto GP with Italian Francesco day. recovered an early break in the Slam quarter-fi nal. Bagnaia quickest and French Petrucci blamed of a sore third as Ruud started to fi nd Pliskova’s defeat means Nao- rider Fabio Quartararo in second. throat for his relative underper- some rhythm. mi Osaka will retain the world It was a tough day for the es- formance. Dovi, second in the The underdog did well to force number one spot after Roland tablished contenders with Danilo world championship, said he had a tie-break, saving two break Garros. Petrucci in third place while not “yet found the best feeling” points in game seven, but Fed- Pliskova was considered one morning pacesetter Marc Mar- on his machine. erer moved through the gears in of the favourites after winning quez could only make sixth. Further back came Suzuki’s the breaker to take a 6-4 lead. the Italian Open in Rome, but The established order was Alex Rins, seventh, while the Ruud saved back-to-back said Roland Garros’ premier further upset by Spaniard Pol session was marked by spills for match points to keep Federer Chatrier court did not play to Espargaro who was fourth on a the other Ducati-Primac rider, waiting, though, but saw a set her strengths. KTM. Australian, Jack Miller, who end- point come and go as the Swiss “I think the court is pretty Bagnaia, on a Ducati-Pramac, ed ninth, and Frenchman Johann great successfully served and slow, so you just have to play was last year’s Moto2 world Zarco on the other KTM, who volleyed before fi nally complet- some extra shots,” said the champion who, like Quartararo, was 12th. Both were unscathed. ing the win on his fourth match former world number one, who has stepped up to the top cat- “This track is incredible,” said point with an emphatic smash. is still yet to win a Grand Slam egory this year. Quartararo, who rides for Yama- Reigning champion Nadal Spain’s Rafael Nadal eyes the ball as he returns to Belgium’s David title. On Ducati’s home circuit, an ha. “I’m enjoying myself a lot on survived a blip to continue his Goff in in Paris yesterday. Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 hour’s drive from the Italian this bike.” bid for a record-extending 12th champion, made short work of marque’s headquarters in Borgo Championship leader and French Open title with a four- ing against Soderling in the last with Argentinian Juan Ignacio Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, win- Panigale, Bagnaia, who rides for reigning champion Marquez, set win over David Goffi n, ten 16 a decade ago and against No- Londero. ning 6-3, 6-3, as the ninth seed’s a satellite team, eclipsed the two said he worked on the best pos- years to the day since his shock vak Djokovic in 2015. “David is a very good player. disappointing clay season ended factory riders. sible combination of tires for the 2009 exit to Robin Soderling. Nadal maintained his record I started the match at a good on a low note. Croatia’s Petra Martic shows Italians Petrucci and Andrea race and also said he was a little The 17-time Grand Slam win- of never having lost in the fi rst level,” said Nadal. “After, in the Spanish 19th seed Muguruza her joy after beating Karolina Dovizioso were third and 11th on under the weather. ner bounced back after an excel- week in Paris, although he with- third set, he played very well. reached the fourth round for Pliskova of the Czech Republic. their Ducatis. “I am still a little bit sick lent third set from Belgian 27th drew injured before the third I’m very happy to reach the last the sixth successive year and set “Friday went pretty well,” from yesterday and also the bike seed Goffi n to win 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, round in 2016. 16.” up a tie with either last year’s Japanese seventh seed Kei Ducati Primac said on their wasn’t 100 per cent either,” Mar- 6-3 and take his incredible Ro- He powered 38 winners past Pliskova exited the French runner-up Sloane Stephens or Nishikori edged out Serbia’s Twitter account. quez said. “Hopefully a good land Garros win-loss record to Goffi n on Court Philippe Chatri- Open in a blaze of unforced er- Slovenian Polona Hercog. Laslo Djere in an epic encounter The gaps were very small how- night’s rest will help us both to be 89-2 — those two defeats com- er to set up a fourth-round clash rors as she was comfortably Elsewhere in the men’s draw, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 4-6, 8-6. ever, with the top nine separated back at 100 per cent tomorrow!”

BOXING Joshua wary of ‘banana skin’ Ruiz in US debut

AFP knockouts in his 22 victories, will, to be negative towards Deontay New York however, be determined to deliver Wilder. Good luck to him, it’s his an explosive performance as he career, he knows what he’s doing,” aims to build a broader following Joshua said. nthony Joshua insists in the United States on his Ameri- “But I’m a fan of the sport. Let’s he is not underestimat- can debut. not rob the fans of a good fi ght. I’m ing Mexican opponent The Londoner hopes today’s a fan and I feel like I’m robbing my AAndy Ruiz as he prepares bout in New York will edge him fans of a good fi ght. to defend his unifi ed world heavy- closer to an eventual superfi ght “If he wants to come and see us, weight crown on US soil for the against either WBC champion he’s more than welcome. Hopeful- fi rst time at Madison Square Gar- Deontay Wilder or fellow Briton ly he’ll come to his senses before a den today. Tyson Fury. date and a venue is announced for British star Joshua is an over- Fight fans have been left frus- Ortiz. whelming favourite to extend his trated by the failure of any of the “But if it’s not Wilder, I’ll have unbeaten record against Ruiz, a world’s three top heavyweights to go somewhere else. What can I late replacement for Jarrell Miller, — Joshua, Wilder and Fury — to do?” Ruiz, whose lone loss in his 33 who withdrew from the bout after make a bout in the wake of Wilder fi ghts came in a majority decision failing three drug tests in April. and Fury’s spectacular draw in loss against New Zealand’s Joseph Bookmakers are off ering odds of Los Angeles last December which Parker in 2016, is adamant that he 1/20 for Joshua to make Ruiz the reignited interest in boxing’s pres- has the guile to pull off an ambush 23rd victim of a professional ca- tige division. The prospect of a today.. reer which has seen him accumu- swift unifi cation bout between “I’ve been waiting for this op- late the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO Joshua and Wilder receded further portunity all my life,” Ruiz said. heavyweight belts since his gold on Wednesday, when WBC cham- “I’ve been training so hard. I think medal at the 2012 Olympics. pion Wilder said he had agreed a it came at the perfect time. I’m But Joshua insists he is pay- rematch with Cuba’s Luis Ortiz ready to be the fi rst Mexican heav- ing no attention to the bookmak- later this year. yweight champion of the world. ers as he prepares for a fi ght that That deal makes it unlikely that “I don’t have nothing bad to he describes as an upset waiting Anthony Joshua poses ahead of his heavyweight title fight against Andy Ruiz Jr (R) at the the Beacon Theatre in New York today. Joshua will face Wilder in a ring say about Anthony Joshua, he’s a to happen. “This is a banana skin anytime before 2020, although the champion, I respect him. But in- fi ght for me in every aspect,” Josh- overlook him at all. I’ve got to re- his name on the dotted line to take the bookmakers are saying, Andy’s lems. It’s down to me to outsmart Briton on Thursday said he had not side the ring there’s going to be no ua said on Thursday. “I’ve got to spect him and his whole team. And this challenge. going to come in here and give me and outmuscle him.” given up hope that the fi ght could respect. No fans, no friends. It’s take Andy deadly seriously, I don’t I really respect the fact that he put “No matter what the odds or a real good fi ght and cause prob- Joshua, who has delivered 21 still happen this year. “I don’t need going to be a helluva fi ght.”