CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 TTENNISENNIS | Page 4 ’s Federer and Cummins Nadal advance warns World to second round Cup rivals of Wimbledon

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 MOTORSPORT Shawwal 30, 1440 AH Al-Attiyah aims to GULF TIMES win Silk Way Rally for the fi rst time SPORT Page 6

ICC Kohli all praise for ‘best’ man Sharma as enter semis Gallant Bangladesh go down fighting as they fall short by 28 runs despite fifties from Shakib and Saifuddin

AFP Jasprit Bumrah took four wick- “It was a good eff ort ... Mustafi - Birmingham ets and fellow paceman Hardik zur bowled well,” said Bangladesh SCORECARD Pandya three, including the prize captain Mashrafe Mortaza. “But if scalp of Shakib. one of the batsmen could have got INDIA INNINGS BANGLADESH INNINGS ndia captain Virat Koh- Kohli may be widely regarded as to 80 or 90, it might have been dif- KL Rahul c Mushfiqur b Rubel 77 Tamim Iqbal b Shami 22 li hailed Rohit Sharma as the best current batsman in all forms ferent. We were asking too much in R. Sharma c Liton b Soumya 104 S Sarkar c Kohli b Pandya 33 the “best one-day player of the game but the skipper was un- the end.” around” after the opener’s stinting in his praise of Sharma. “In The day belonged to Sharma, V. Kohli c Rubel b Mustafizur 26 S Al Hasan c Karthik b Pandya 66 Ifourth century of the tournament my opinion he is the best one-day whose attacking 92-ball innings, R. Pant c Mosaddek b Shakib 48 M Rahim c Shami b Chahal 24 saw the side book their place in player around, he is having the tour- featuring seven fours and fi ve H. Pandya c Soumya b Liton Das c Karthik b Pandya 22 the semi-fi nals of the World Cup nament of his life and when he plays sixes, was cheered on by another Mustafizur 0 with a 28-run win over Bangla- well everyone has so much confi - largely pro-India crowd in Bir- Mosaddek Hossain b Bumrah 3 desh at Edgbaston yesterday. dence,” said Kohli. mingham. M. Dhoni c Shakib b Mustafizur 35 Sabbir Rahman b Bumrah 36 Sharma’s attacking 104 laid the “When he plays well we know Sharma and opening partner D. Karthik c Mosaddek b Mohamed Saifuddin not out 51 foundation of India’s 314 for nine we are heading for a big score. He K L Rahul put on 180 — the high- Mustafizur 8 after Kohli elected to bat fi rst in gives everyone confi dence to go est stand for the fi rst wicket in the M Mortaza c Dhoni b Kumar 8 B. Kumar run out (Mushfiqur/ India’s penultimate match of the out and bat.” tournament — to get India off to a Mustafizur) 2 Rubel Hossain b Bumrah 9 league phase. Kohli added: “Bangladesh fl ying start. Mustafizur Rahman b Bumrah 0 Yet for the second match in a played some really good cricket But Sharma should have been M. Shami b Mustafizur 1 row Sharma — as happened during and deserve credit for the fi ght out for nine only for Tamim Iqbal J. Bumrah not out 0 Extras (b1, lb1, w10) 12 India’s 31-run defeat by they put up. We had to work hard to drop a simple catch at deep Extras (lb6, nb1, w6) 13 Total (all out, 48 overs) 286 at Edgbaston on Sunday — was for the win and we are happy to midwicket following a mistimed Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) 314 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Tamim), dropped in single fi gures before see a ‘Q’ (qualifi ed) in front of our pull off paceman Mustafi zur 2-74 (Soumya), 3-121 (Mushfiqur), making a hundred. name now.” Rahman. Did not bat: Y. Chahal 4-162 (Liton), 5-173 (Mosaddek), India’s bowlers then combined Defeat ended Bangladesh’s slim Sharma was fi nally was caught Fall of wickets: 1-180 (Sharma), 6-179 (Shakib), 7-245 (Sabbir), to dismiss Bangladesh for 286 with hopes of a place in the last four at extra cover by Liton Das off the 2-195 (Rahul), 3-237 (Kohli), 4-237 8-257 (Mashrafe), 9-286 (Rubel), two overs to spare after star bats- after they had impressed during bowling of Soumya Sarkar and Ra- (Pandya), 5-277 (Pant), 6-298 10-286 (Mustafizur) man Shakib Al Hasan top-scored wins over South Africa and the hul, who fi lled an opener’s slot fol- (Karthik), 7-311 (Dhoni), 8-314 with a valiant 66. West Indies. lowing an injury to Shikhar Dha- Bowling: Kumar 9-1-51-1 (3w); (Kumar), 9-314 (Shami) Bumrah 10-1-55-4 (2w); Shami Bowling: Mortaza 5-0-36-0 (1w); 9-0-68-1 (1w); Chahal 10-0-50-1 Saifuddin 7-0-59-0; Mustafizur (2w); Pandya 10-0-60-3 (2w) 10-1-59-5 (1nb, 2w); Shakib 10- Result: India won by 28 runs 0-41-1 (1w); Mosaddek 4-0-32-0 (1w); Rubel 8-0-48-1; Soumya Man-of-the-match: Rohit 6-0-33-1 (1w) Sharma (IND)

wan, was caught behind off Rubel score that includes two hundreds Hossain for 77. to keep Bangladesh in hunt. Mustafi zur took fi ve wickets, in- But Pandya’s second spell saw cluding that of star batsman Kohli the all-rounder account for Liton for 26, to check India’s surge.. and Shakib to leave Bangladesh Rishabh Pant once again struggling at 179-6 in the 34th showed his worth at the number over. Shakib played well for his four position with a brisk 48, using 46th ODI fi fty but was undone by the short boundary at one side of a slower ball and caught at extra Edgbaston to his advantage. cover. MS Dhoni, who received fl ak Mohamed Saifuddin made an for his slow innings in India’s de- unbeaten 51 only to run out of feat by England on Sunday — their partners as Bumrah ended the only loss so far this tournament — match with wickets in successive chipped in with a 33-ball 35. deliveries. Paceman Mohamed Shami Bangladesh face in struck early in Bangladesh’s re- their last group match at The ply when Tamim, who made 22, Lord’s on Friday. India meet India’s Rohit Sharma (R) celebrates his century with K L Rahul at chopped the ball onto his stumps. Sri Lanka on the fi nal day of the Edgbaston yesterday. Bangladesh supporters pose during the match against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham yesterday. Shakib hit his sixth fi fty-plus round-robin phase on Saturday.

TENNIS ‘Only mutual respect’: Kyrgios sets tone for Nadal Wimbledon blockbuster

AFP some people I don’t get along you idiot — I’m very educated. charismatic display on Court 3 London with. I understand you’re upset that on Tuesday. In a match where “We have a mutual respect, I beat your family,” Kyrgios hit he fi red 23 aces and 63 win- but that’s about it I think.” back in an interview. ners, the 24-year-old argued ick Kyrgios set the Nadal and Kyrgios have Kyrgios admitted he was with the umpire, slumped over tone for a Wimbledon been involved in a bitter war of excited about the chance to the net and played dead. blockbuster with bit- words this year since the Aus- prove himself against Nadal. He also hit an underarm ter rival Rafael Nadal tralian defeated the 18-time “I can’t wait. As soon as the serve on set point in the third byN stating: “We have mutual major champion in a stormy draw came out, I was super set, shaped to imitate a for- respect, but that’s about it.” clash in Acapulco. happy that I saw him in my ward defensive cricket shot Kyrgios opened his Wimble- It was his third win over section. and celebrated a point by run- don campaign with a 7-6 (7/4), Nadal in six meetings. “When you’re a kid, you ning around madly in a circle. 3-6, 7-6 (12/10), 0-6, 6-1 win Nadal accused the Austral- want to play the best players After dropping the second over fellow Australian Jordan ian of “lacking respect” after in the world on I think it’s the set, he needed a medical time- Thompson. serving underarm while Kyr- best court in the world. out for a leg injury before at- However, all attention was gios described the Spaniard as “This is something that I tempting — and failing — to on a second round duel with “super salty”. can’t take for granted. There’s fi nish the third set with an un- Nadal after the two-time Kyrgios then became in- no guarantee I’m going to be derarm serve. champion got past Japanese volved in a slanging match here again in this position. He eventually took the set qualifi er Yuichi Sugita later with Toni Nadal, the world “Could have an injury or on an eighth set point before yesterday.. number two’s uncle and something like that. I’m go- conceding an 18-minute fourth “Not sure that me and Rafa former coach, who lambasted ing to grasp with both hands, set in which he collected just could go down to the Dog & the Australian for his on-court go out there, give it my best fi ve points. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios Fox and have a beer together. I behaviour. shot.” Kyrgios, who famously However, two breaks in a returns the ball to Australia’s don’t know him at all. I know Toni Nadal suggested it was stunned Nadal as a 144-ranked more composed decider settled Jordan Thompson during him as a tennis player,” said the action of a man who lacks wildcard on his Wimbledon the tie and set the stage for one their first round match at Kyrgios. education. tournament debut in 2014, of the most anticipated match- Wimbledon yesterday. “I get along with people, “Bro, I did 12 years at school put in a typically raucous and es of the tournament. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Taylor backs New Zealand to turn corner against England Today’s match in Chester-le-Street is eff ectively a quarter-final, with the winners guaranteed a place in the last four

Agencies Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom walloping by New Zealand ew Zealand’s Ross Tay- lor believes the Black spurred ‘rock-bottom’ Morgan Caps can return to winning ways against AFP seemed a long way off when own way and win at the same off his own bat. NEngland after losing momentum Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom England were skittled out for time, which is incredibly eye- Morgan admitted beforehand at a key stage of their World Cup just 123 by New Zealand in a opening for a lot of countries that England were taking a campaign. group match at Wellington around the world. calculated risk in recalling Roy Today’s match in Chester-le- oin Morgan has revealed four years ago. “I thought that rubbed off on but the skipper was far more Street is eff ectively a quarter-fi - England’s humiliating The Black Caps overhauled everybody in the World Cup.” confident about the Surrey nal, with the winners guaranteed Edefeat by New Zealand in that woeful total in a mere 12.2 England subsequently climbed batsman’s fitness ahead of a place in the last four. their last World Cup clash left overs, winning with a colossal to the top of the one-day inter- Wednesday’s clash. Even a defeat would be unlikely him “as close to rock-bottom as 226 balls to spare en route to national rankings on the back of “He’s good, he’s going to be to spell the end of New Zealand’s I’ve been”. an eventual defeat by co-hosts an attacking brand of cricket. fit for tomorrow’s game,” said involvement, as there would need But the England captain said it Australia in the final. Back-to-back defeats at this Morgan. “He’s in fantastic form, to be a big swing in net run-rate had also been behind his side’s But the way New Zealand World Cup by Sri Lanka and him and Jonny Bairstow at the to deny the 2015 losing fi nalists a white-ball revival that now sees played in that 2015 tournament reigning champions Australia top of the order. place in the semi-fi nals. them on the verge of securing made a lasting impression on saw England lose that number “In the India game it really did The Black Caps, like tourna- a place in the semi-finals of the Morgan, then as now England’s one position but a 31-run win set the tone for our innings on a ment hosts England bidding to World Cup. skipper in 50-over cricket. on Sunday over India, the team wicket we feel wasn’t that good win their fi rst World Cup, were The winners of today’s match “It was as close to rock-bottom that replaced them in top spot, to bat on.” unbeaten during their fi rst six between England and New as I’ve been,” Morgan said at saw the tournament hosts get The Dubliner was equally bullish group games in England and Zealand at Chester-le-Street Chester-le-Street yesterday. their campaign back on track. about fast bowler Jofra Archer, . are guaranteed a place in the “Certainly as a captain and as a Jason Roy, making his return af- England’s leading wicket-taker But they head into their fi nal last four, although an England player, being beaten off the park ter three games out with a torn at the tournament, who has round-robin fi xture following defeat would leave them facing like that was humiliating. hamstring, helped set the tone been nursing a side strain for back-to-back defeats by Paki- the prospect of elimination “New Zealand proved a point from the start with a typically several matches. stan and Australia. were Pakistan to beat Bangla- that you can actually be really brisk 66 as he shared an open- “He’s pulled up really well Taylor said New Zealand had desh on Friday. good humans and grow the ing stand of 160 with Jonny and should be fit to play,” said not played to their full potential A World Cup semi-final game and play cricket in your Bairstow, who went to make 111 Morgan. so far. “We defi nitely haven’t got the momentum that we would have liked in the last couple of games, but tomorrow is a diff erent story against diff erent opposition,” he said in a pre-match press confer- ence. New Zealand’s attack, led by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson plays a shot during nets at Riverside have been a force to be reckoned Durham in Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) with throughout the tourna- ment. ‘WORLD CLASS’ WILLIAMSON But the batting has been a dif- After the two straight losses Brit- ferent story, with the exception ish media have picked on Wil- of the outstanding captain Kane liamson’s sedate captaincy style Williamson, who is averaging which they said was in stark con- more than a hundred. trast to former captain Brendon Opener , the McCullum’s gung-ho approach leading run-scorer at the 2015 but Taylor said he was not con- World Cup, has struggled and cerned by the reaction from pun- Taylor has not managed to con- dits. vert either of his two half-centu- “I think Kane is a fantastic ries into a big score. world class batsman and a world “I’d love as a team to take a lit- class captain,” he said. “You tle bit of pressure off Kane and don’t have to look far, the last score some runs and not let him couple of matches. do everything,” said the 35-year- “There’s some pundits out old Taylor, who added that Gup- there saying he was a great cap- till’s confi dence was low. tain. We lose a couple of games Taylor knows Chester-le- New Zealand’s Ross Taylor. and he is a bad captain. He is still Street well from his time as an a great captain, leads from the overseas player with northeast great series. I think it came down front and the team respect him county Durham. to the wire in that series back and I love playing under him. It was also the venue where home and the last time we were “I played under many diff er- England sealed a dramatic 3-2 win here was a must-win. ent captains, Brendon was the over New Zealand in their fi rst “I think it was two-all, and extreme and Kane has his own white-ball series after an embar- Jonny Bairstow (83 not out) came unique style... Brendon would rassing fi rst-round exit at the 50- in fresh and batted well. Obvi- want to set very attacking fi elds over global showpiece in 2015. ously, another big game coming throughout the whole match and England’s (centre) inspects the wicket as teammate Joe Root looks on during nets at Riverside Durham in Chester-le-Street, “Every time we played England up tomorrow and hopefully we’re Kane would pick his moments United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) in the last little while it’s been a up for it.” when he wants to attack.”

BOTTOMLINE COMMENT Fernando can be Sri Pakistan coach Arthur desperate Lanka’s ‘spark’, says for a shot at World Cup glory Jayawardene AFP AFP they were shot out for a pal- London London try 105 by the West Indies, who chased down the target in just 13.4 overs. ormer captain Mahela ead coach Mickey “I think when we look back in Jayawardene says Av- Arthur is desperate the tournament the thing that ishka Fernando can be for Pakistan to have really haunts me is the defeat the “spark” to reignite Sri their World Cup desti- against the West Indies,” said LankaF after the 21-year-old hit Hny in their own hands when they Arthur of the seven-wicket loss his maiden one-day internation- play Bangladesh on Friday. in Nottingham. al ton against the West Indies. England’s victory over India “That was the game, right at Fernando’s century on Mon- on Sunday made it harder for the start of the tournament. We day helped secure Sri Lanka’s Pakistan to reach the semi-fi nals should have fi red right at the third win of the tournament but and another win for the host na- start but we didn’t and it hurts it was too little too late for the tion against New Zealand today now.” Asian side, who cannot qualify would eff ectively end Pakistan’s Pakistan shocked England in for the semi-fi nals. chances of qualifying from the their second game but Arthur “It has been a tough couple of round-robin stage. said a washout against Sri Lanka years for Sri Lanka but we have “How they (India) played, in Bristol sapped their momen- learned our lessons,” Jayawardene derstandably went with experi- again that’s the issue which we tum. wrote in a column for the Interna- ence. But as this tournament has can’t control,” said Arthur. “We had the momentum tional Cricket Council (ICC). progressed, it’s been clear we have “Obviously, I was follow- straight after the England win “It is important that we plan needed a spark. And there it is.” ing the game intently and was and then to have a washed-out around a group of players who will Fernando was only drafted disappointed that India did not game meant we almost had to be there for the next four years and into the side for Sri Lanka’s sixth get up because that would have start all over again and train I think Avishka has shown he has match. He impressed in making 49 opened the door for us. indoors, so it was disappoint- to be a big part of that.” in a shock win over England and “Now all we want is to get ing.” “He will take a lot of confi - was Sri Lanka’s joint top scorer to Friday with a real opportu- ter-le-Street, which would open whose team have nine points, a big-enough margin and then Pakistan lost to Australia and dence from this and he has now with 30 in a disappointing nine- nity and our destiny in our own the door for Pakistan to reach one behind England and two we calculate what we have to do arch-rivals India before winning proven to himself that he can go wicket thrashing by South Africa. hands.” the semis by beating Bangladesh behind New Zealand, with one with our net run-rate, which I three consecutive games against on and do it on the international Fernando will have another Pakistan hope New Zealand at Lord’s on Friday. match to come for each side. think is probably too much.” South Africa, New Zealand stage,” added Jayawardene. chance to shine when Sri Lanka can recover from two straight “I just hope New Zealand “If New Zealand don’t (win) Pakistan had a disastrous and Afghanistan to revive their “I thought he might start the round off their World Cup cam- defeats to beat England at Ches- get it done for us,” said Arthur, then we hope England win by start to the World Cup when chances. tournament but the selectors un- paign against India on Saturday. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 3, 2019 3 CRICKET

FOCUS UPDATE England’s James Australia’s Cummins Anderson in Ashes injury scare

AFP leave the fi eld on the third day of issues warning to London four at Sedbergh School. An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said: “Jimmy ngland great James Anderson has sustained tight- Anderson was forced ness to his right calf. He will not to leave the fi eld with a bowl again in the game and will calf injury while bowling continue to be assessed.” forE Lancashire in their County Anderson, who is not involved World Cup rivals Championship match against in the ongoing World Cup as Durham yesterday. he no longer takes part in one- With just a month until the day internationals, is England’s ‘I think just everything’s clicked, the batting, the bowling, our game plan’ Ashes start, any fi tness concern most successful Test bowler of surrounding the 36-year-old, all time. Reuters Cummins has only nabbed the spearhead of England’s Test His 575 wickets from 148 London one wicket from the last two attack, is sure to be a concern matches in the fi ve-day game matches but has proved highly to the selectors ahead of a fi ve- place him fourth in the all-time eff ective at keeping the batsmen match series against arch-rivals list of Test wicket-takers. ustralia paceman Pat pinned down during the middle Australia. The fi rst Ashes Test is sched- Cummins has fi red a overs. Anderson, who took his 950th uled to start at Edgbaston in Bir- warning at the nation’s He captured veteran Ross fi rst-class wicket on Monday, mingham on August 1. Cricket World Cup ri- Taylor’s wicket and conceded stretched and attempted to run Australia hold the Ashes but vals,A saying the champions may a miserly 14 runs from his six in three times to shake off the in- they have not won a Test series in have “clicked” but are yet to put overs’ work against New Zea- jury but was eventually forced to England since 2001. in a complete performance at land. the global showpiece. “I think it’s a massive change,” Aaron Finch’s Australia he said of the shift from new ball booked their place in the semi- to fi rst change bowler. “I think fi nals early with a comprehen- it’s a lot diff erent to say red ball sive win over England and car- cricket where the ball kind of ried on the form with another stays hard and there might be convincing victory over New some swing on off er. Zealand at Lord’s on Saturday. “I think it’s kind of outside A relaxed Australia will head of those fi rst eight to 10 overs, into their fi nal round robin there is no swing, the ball is not match against already eliminat- as hard, normally the batters are ed South Africa in Manchester set. on Saturday with the benefi t of “Jason and Starcy have been a week’s rest before bigger tests brilliant up front. My role is to await. just try and hold them a little bit “I think just everything’s and hopefully they take a risk. It clicked, the batting, the bowl- (feels) like I have done that job ing, our game plan is the way pretty well.” we’ve wanted to play,” Cummins The match against South Af- told reporters. rica will be a dead rubber but “Even just everyone being also the fi rst that opener David comfortable in their roles and Warner and former skipper comfortable around each other. Steve Smith have had against Faf I think it takes time but every- du Plessis’s side since they were one’s in a really good place. suspended for ball-tampering “The thing we have spo- during the Cape Town test in ken about, we have managed to March, 2018. scrape home wins without really Warner and Smith, whose one- putting through a complete per- year ban expired at the end of formance,” Cummins added. March, have been jeered at stadi- “With each game, we have got ums throughout the tournament a little bit better.” but have not let it aff ect them, Led by pace spearhead Mitch- with the former leading the tour- ell Starc, Australia’s quicks have nament’s runs list with 516 and bowled superbly throughout the the latter chipping in 287. tournament but have gone up a Cummins did not feel the Guptill and Steyn sign up for level in recent matches, skittling ball-tampering history would England’s vaunted batting line- add much signifi cance to the Euro T20 Slam up for 221 before routing New Proteas game. Zealand for 157. “I know Dave and Smithy AFP the Netherlands — three coun- Jason Behrendorff ’s promo- have played quite a bit with London tries that missed out on quali- tion to open the bowling with (South Africa’s players) in IPL fying for the Starc, with Cummins switched and played heaps of times before in England and Wales after to fi rst change bowler, has been so I wouldn’t have thought so,” ew Zealand opening featuring in previous editions key to the improvement. he said. batsman Martin Guptill of the 50-over showpiece. Nand South Africa “I am really excited to be a fast bowler have part of the inaugural Euro BOTTOMLINE become the latest interna- T20 Slam,” said Guptill, set to tional stars to sign up for feature in a World Cup pool the new Euro T20 Slam that match against England today, starts in August, organisers with the winners guaranteed announced yesterday. a place in the semi-finals. Guptill will join his former “All the content is creating Disappointed Pooran sees World captain Brendon McCullum, a lot of hype and I am re- England one-day skipper Eoin ally lucky to be a part of the Morgan, Pakistan’s Shahid Af- league this year.” ridi, Australia’s Steyn said: “I can’t wait to and Afghanistan leg-spinner get over there and get things Cup failure as learning experience as an “icon going.” player”. The Euro T20 Slam teams Reuters Steyn who was ruled out of will play each other in a London the World Cup due to injury, series of 33 matches from will be one of the “marquee” August 30 to September 22, names along with fellow with fixtures taking place est Indies batsman South Africans JP Duminy in Dublin, Edinburgh and Nicholas Pooran and Imran Tahir, Australia’s Amsterdam. was left deter- Chris Lynn, Pakistan’s Babar The aim is to give local talent mined to get better Azam and New Zealand’s Luke a chance to shine alongside Wat his craft after failing to guide Ronchi. established global stars, a mix his side to victory against Sri The Euro T20 Slam is a that has proved popular in Lanka in the Cricket World Cup competition that the hugely successful Indian on Monday despite hitting his will feature six city franchises and other highest international score. based in Ireland, and T20 competitions. The 23-year-old scored his fi rst one-day international century but fell for 118 with Sri Lanka going on to beat the West COMMENT Indies by 23 runs at Durham. The left-handed batsman, who made his ODI debut in Feb- ruary, has been hailed by cur- Australia, India are rent stalwarts like Chris Gayle as a future star and has also been compared with former West In- ‘standout’ teams: Lloyd dies captain and batting great Brian Lara. AFP stage in any event. “I know people say a lot of London Lloyd, the West Indies’ cap- things about me but if I don’t tain when they won the fi rst two perform on the fi eld it makes no men’s World Cups in 1975 and sense,” Pooran told reporters. “I est Indies great 1979, has been impressed by just want to get better and bet- Clive Lloyd believes Australia and India. ter each day. I have had a lot of Australia and India “They have been the two stan- starts in this tournament but not are the “standout” dout teams for me at this World converted. Wteams at the World Cup but has Cup,” said Lloyd in an ICC col- “I don’t know what the future urged Virat Kohli’s side to boost umn published yesterday. “They holds — I’m just thankful that I their batting if they are to de- have understood the conditions got the opportunity to play and throne the reigning champions. better than any of the others.” I could show the selectors that I Chris Gayle and Shimron at the ongoing World Cup, close time since December 2017. game. I’m just disappointed. We Australia, whose only loss But Lloyd said India’s 31-run could play. I don’t want to be like Hetmyer added 49 for the third before the latter was run out for “Myself and Fabian were in are just fi nding ways to lose our at the tournament so far has defeat by England at Edgbaston anyone else, I just want to be Ni- wicket but West Indies kept los- 51 after a mix-up. control. The bowlers didn’t games. come against India, are already on Sunday had exposed a weak- cholas Pooran.” ing wickets at regular intervals Pooran continued to fi nd know where to bowl and we were “We have a young team and a through to the semi-fi nals. ness in Kohli’s team. Chasing 339 for victory, West in their chase. boundaries to set up a tense fi - scoring easily,” Pooran said. young batting line-up. Hopeful- India will be assured of join- “England played the right kind Indies lost Sunil Ambris and Pooran combined with Fabian nale before he was caught be- “This is cricket, it’s unfortu- ly a lot of guys like me, Shimron ing them if they beat Bangladesh of game against them by attack- Shai Hope to Sri Lanka pace Allen in an 83-run stand to get hind off experienced all-round- nate. I had to capitalise in that Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Fabian on Tuesday and the two-time ing the spinners and they need spearhead Lasith Malinga’s West Indies, who have managed er Angelo Mathews, who was over. I could have hit the ball for Allen have learned from this former champions are likely to strengthen their batting lower fi erce spell with the new ball. just one win from eight matches bowling in an ODI for the fi rst four and six and it’s a diff erent tournament.” to get through to the knockout down the order,” said Lloyd. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS Gauff ready to prove win over Venus was no fl uke Reuters London

03 - 07 - 2019 hen American high school student Cori Gauff began the 2019 season ranked 875 in the world, not many Wwould have given her a second glance let alone predicted that six months later she would set Wimbledon alight. The 15-year-old who used to think “it’s weird for people to take pictures of me” had better get used to the spotlight since she was the talk of the town on Monday after beating her idol and fi ve- times champion Venus Williams in the Cori Gauff of the US (R) shakes hands with Venus Williams after their first round fi rst round. match on Monday. Not satisfi ed with pulling off one of the all-time shocks in Wimbledon In case anyone thought Gauff was match: “I’m so excited. Got ants in my history, Gauff , who is known as Coco, full of hot air on the back of just one pants.” It was just too bad that 24 hours wasted little time in declaring her long- win, the great and the good of tennis later, she was the one left defl ated. term goals. were ready to back up her predictions. “If I went into this match saying, “I want to be the greatest,” she said, “She has been raised for greatness ‘Let’s see how many games I can get echoing the kind of words that became and this is just the beginning,” said against her’, then I most defi nitely synonymous with boxing icon Mu- Tracy Austin, who was just 14 when she would not have won,” said Gauff , who hammad Ali. The youngest player in fi rst played at Wimbledon. even completed a science test during the singles draw certainly delivered an Seven-times Grand Slam champion her run through the qualifi ers. almighty knockout punch to fl oor Wil- John McEnroe was even more vocal in “My goal was to play my best. My liams, who at 39 was the oldest woman his support: “If she isn’t number one in dream was to win. That’s what hap- in the Wimbledon women’s singles the world by the time she is 20 I would pened. I think people just kind of limit draw. be absolutely shocked. It was too bad themselves too much. “I wasn’t surprised that I won. My for Venus that she had to play her.” “Once you actually get your goal, dad told me that I could do this when Williams, who had won four of her then it’s like what do you do now? I I was eight. My goal is to win it (Wim- seven major titles before Gauff was like to shoot really high. So that way I bledon),” the world number 313, who born, had been looking forward to always have many goals along the road, needed a wildcard to play in qualifying, Monday’s battle of the generations too but that way you have the ultimate said following her 6-4 6-4 win. as she had declared on the eve of the goal.”

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Barty embraces number one tag Federer survives without pressure scare, Nadal sets up grudge match Serena advances with laborious win; Sharapova retires with arm injury

AFP London

ight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer overcame a fi rst set scare to reach the second round Australia’s Ashleigh Barty waves after beating ’s Zheng Eyesterday beating South African Saisai in the first round at Wimbledon yesterday. debutant Lloyd Harris 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Federer’s great rival Rafael Nadal also Reuters ‘The only pressure went through in easier fashion beating London I have is what I put on Japanese qualifi er Yuichi Sugita 6-3, 6-1, myself, making sure 6-3 to set up a fascinating tussle with fi ery I’m doing all the right Australian Nick Kyrgios. f being world number things, preparing in Kyrgios — who stunned Nadal as a one brings the burden of the right way’ 144-ranked wildcard on his tournament pressure and expectation debut in 2014 — put in a typically raucous then somebody should tell tainly showed no sign of slow- and charismatic display to claim a 7-6 IAsh Barty, who began her fi rst ing on Court One as Zheng was (7/4), 3-6, 7-6 (12/10), 0-6, 6-1 win over Grand Slam at the summit of dispatched comfortably. countryman Jordan Thompson. the women’s game at Wimble- The Australian, who fol- “Not sure that me and Rafa could go don yesterday and loved every lowed up her French Open tri- down to the Dog & Fox and have a beer to- minute of it. umph last month by winning gether,” said a typically frank Kyrgios on Being at the top of the in Birmingham, sealed a 13th their relationship. women’s rankings has become straight win in a brisk hour and However, Nadal refused to add fuel to something of a poisoned chal- 16 minutes, battling through the fi re yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s ice in recent years, with the po- the fi rst set before easing clash. sition changing hands 10 times through the second. “I am too old to get into all this stuff ,” since the start of 2017 between Barty has never been past the 33-year-old said when asked for his eight diff erent occupants. the third round at Wimbledon, view on facing a man who he accused ear- The most recent holder be- but her game is well-suited to lier this year of “lacking respect”. fore Barty, Naomi Osaka, ad- the slick grass courts and she “I believed in what I said but I am not mitted the pressure of being looks well-placed to challenge going to get into a fi ght with anyone.” number one had caused head- for a second Grand Slam title. Federer admitted it had taken time to aches and fatigue while the The 23-year-old will cer- get going against a far form over-awed op- stress was “way more” than tainly have to overcome tough- ponent, who was hampered later on with ’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against South Africa’s Lloyd George Harris yesterday. she could have imagined. er challenges than the 43rd- a calf injury. The extent to which her ranked Zheng if she is to lift the “I struggled early on, my legs were fro- beating Italian qualifi er Giulia Gatto- game had plummeted from the trophy next Saturday. zen and the ball was not going where I Monticone 6-2, 7-5. heights of her two Grand Slam She could face defending wanted it to,” said Federer. However, the 37-year-old professed title successes at the US and champion Angelique Kerber “He was hitting big and things were go- herself to be content with her perform- Australian Opens was laid bare or seven-times winner Serena ing quickly. I was nervous for a set and a ance as she has been struggling with a when she exited Wimbledon Williams in the quarter-fi nals half. knee injury. meekly in the fi rst round on while twice champion Petra “So it took a good eff ort from me. Lloyd “It is the best I have felt since Febru- Monday. Kvitova is a potential obstacle played a good match.” ary,” she said. It was refreshing, therefore, in the semi-fi nal. However, while he progressed, another Williams injury may have healed but to hear Barty embrace the so- Zheng, however, was no of the top 10 seeds fell by the wayside — for the former glamour girl of the circuit called “burden” of being the match for the Australian who two-time French Open champion Do- Maria Sharapova it was quite the oppo- world’s best player with such started the 2017 season ranked minic Thiem’s lack of ease on grass being site. enthusiasm as she waltzed into 271 in singles and whose re- exposed by veteran American serve and The 2004 champion had to retire from the second round at the All markable career has also in- volleyer Sam Querrey. her match with Frenchwoman Pauline England Club with a 6-4 6-2 cluded a successful sabbatical Querrey, a Wimbledon semi-fi nalist in Parmentier due to an arm injury and at win over China’s Zheng Saisai. playing cricket for Brisbane 2017, prevailed 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 32 the chances of ever returning to being “I think for me it’s a little bit Heat in the Big Bash League. 6-0. a genuine Grand Slam contender must be irrelevant,” she said about be- Barty and Zheng had played “There’s still things which are not easy,” slim. ing number one. each other three times previ- said Thiem. Sharapova was trailing 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), “The only pressure I have ously, with Barty winning on “I mean, last year and this year together 5-0 when she called it quits. is what I put on myself, mak- each occasion and, apart from I played four grass court matches, which is Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning a point against Japan’s Yuichi Sugita. Meanwhile, Kate, the Duchess of Cam- ing sure I’m doing all the right a brief wobble in the fi rst set not a lot at all. bridge, left the plush confi nes of the Roy- things, preparing in the right when she allowed the Chinese “All the clay court season it takes a lot Barty beat China’s Zheng Saisai 6-4, felt leading into the match. al Box at Wimbledon to watch a British way. Ultimately when we play to claw back from 3-0 down to out of me,” added the 25-year-old Aus- 6-2 while Kerber, the fourth seed, beat fel- “Kind of came into it thinking kind of wildcard competing on the lowly outside our matches, we go out there 3-3, it was plain sailing. trian. low German Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-3. like hakuna matata (Swahili for no trouble courts. and enjoy it... just play each She broke early in the sec- Women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty, who is bidding to become the and a title of a song in the fi lm), just relax In a rare move for a member of the royal match as it comes. There’s cer- ond set and again in the eighth Barty and defending champion Angelique fi rst woman since Serena Williams in and go for it,” said the 23-year-old. family visiting the All England Club, Kate tainly no extra stresses on any game to wrap up victory, vol- Kerber avoided the fate of second seed 2015 to win both the French Open and Seven-time champion Serena Williams took her place in among the 318 regular match.” leying the winner before sa- Naomi Osaka and came through their fi rst Wimbledon in the same season, drew on joined them in the second round, but put seats on Court 14 to watch Harriet Dart Her express-train run to the luting a warmly appreciative round clashes safely. the fi lm The Lion King to describe how she in a rather laborious performance before take on Christina McHale. top of the women’s game cer- crowd. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 3, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Three Antetokounmpo As Leonard ponders, brothers in Greece squad for World Cup

AFP Francis, is a professional foot- Athens baller but there is a possibility that three will become four in the free agency moves future with the youngest brother he NBA’s MVP for the Alexis already turning heads in 2018-19 season Gian- high school in Milwaukee and nis Antetokounmpo was tipped by Giannis to be the best named in the Greece of the lot. Tsquad for the 2019 World Cup in Giannis, born in Greece to Ni- China yesterday along with two gerian parents, fi rst represented shake NBA landscape of his four brothers. Greece in July 2013 at under-21 The 24-year-old Milwaukee level, the same year he signed for Bucks forward will be joined by the Bucks. A year later he debut- 26-year-old Thanasis who plays ed for the senior Greek national Brooklyn secure two-time Finals MVP Durant from Warriors and Irving from Boston for Greek side Panathinaikos, team, leading them to ninth in and 21-year-old Dallas Maver- the 2014 World Cup. AFP icks’ power forward Kostas who The World Cup will take place New York makes the 18-man squad for the in China from August 31 to Sep- fi rst time. “We fi nally decided to tember 15. Greece will play in have Kostas Antetokounmpo on Group F against , New Zea- awhi Leonard’s uncertain NBA the team,” said coach Thanasis land and Montenegro and must free agency fate kept three teams Skourtopoulos. fi nish in the top two to advance in limbo on Monday as play- “He is a young player whose to a second round group that will ers continued to make deals to development we expect a lot contain the top two sides from a Kshake the league landscape. Players and from. We felt that we would only fi rst-round quartet of the USA, teams began agreeing to terms on new start to see the benefi ts by gradu- Turkey, Japan and the Czech Re- deals on Sunday even though no con- ally introducing him into contact public. The top two sides from tracts can be signed until next Saturday. with the national team.” that second round group will Leonard, who led the Toronto Raptors The oldest of the fi ve brothers, progress to the quarter-fi nals. to the NBA title last month, was expected to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers plus the Raptors this week before making a decision on where to sign a new deal. The Raptors are trying to keep togeth- er their championship squad while the Clippers, in Leonard’s home town, have a similar young team that would off er him a starring role. The Lakers, who have cleared enough salary cap space, to make a top off er for the two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, have a chance to form a super-team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers were reportedly looking at D’Angelo Russell, who went to the Golden State Warriors for four years at $117mn after trading Andre Iguodala to Memphis. Russell will partner Steph Curry in the Warriors’ backcourt until Klay Thomp- son, who agreed to terms on Monday on a fi ve-year deal worth $190mn to stay with Milwaukee Bucks forward and NBA’s MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Golden State, returns from a torn knee poses for a picture at a court where he first played basketball, in ligament. Athens, Greece, last week. (Reuters) Also reportedly waiting on Leonard’s decision is Toronto guard Danny Green, who is being wooed by Dallas but could NHL fi gure into the plans of the Lakers and Clippers as well. Other free agents look- ing for deals include Golden State center DeMarcus Cousins and Lakers point Avalanche land Donskoi guard Rajon Rondo. The Lakers did land their fi rst free agent Monday, 3-point with four-year deal shooter Troy Daniels on a one-year deal for $2.1mn. The Clippers agreed to an Kawhi Leonard was expected to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers plus his current team Toronto Reuters and matched his career high of extension with Patrick Beverly at three Raptors this week before making a decision on where to sign a new deal. (AFP) Los Angeles 14 goals for the Sharks last sea- years for $40mn and got forward Mo son. He has 122 career points (45 Harkless in a deal with Miami. “Anybody Philadelphia landed Dominican big man Turkish center Enes Kanter announced Dallas made a four-year deal worth goals, 77 assists) in 283 games. got kawhi number??” Harkless tweeted. Al Horford from Boston and traded with he has agreed to a two-year deal to join $32mn with former Portland guard Seth he Colorado Avalanche Bellemare, who agreed to a In Sunday’s biggest reported opening Miami for Josh Richardson in a deal that ex-Charlotte guard Kemba Walker in Curry. Portland added centre Hassan agreed to terms with two-year, $3.6mn deal, spent the deals, Brooklyn secured two-time NBA cost them guard Jimmy Butler. Boston. The Western Conference, won by Whiteside as a fi ll-in until injured Bos- free-agent right winger past two seasons with the Ve- Finals MVP Kevin Durant, who ruptured The 76ers already boast Australian the Warriors the past fi ve seasons, is up nian big man Jusuf Nurkic returns, in a Joonas Donskoi and gas Golden Knights. Bellemare an Achilles tendon as Golden State lost playmaker Ben Simmons and Cameroo- for grabs after the shakeup. trade deal to help Miami obtain Butler. twoT others players on Monday. had 15 points (six goals, nine as- in the NBA fi nals, and Kyrie Irving from nian front-line force Joel Embiid. Mil- New Orleans agreed to a two-year deal The biggest losers in free agency were Donskoi received a four-year, sists) in 76 games last season. Boston. Each accepted contracts below waukee, which won an NBA-best 60 worth $8mn with Italy’s Nicolo Melli, the the New York Knicks, who had salary $15.6mn deal. The 27-year-old The 34-year-old has 65 career the maximum so the Nets could also grab games last season led by Greek star Gi- EuroLeague Finals top scorer last season room for two top free agents but could spent his fi rst four seasons with points (29 goals, 36 assists) in 385 centre DeAndre Jordan, who was with annis Antetokounmpo, kept Khris Mid- for Turkish club Fenerbahce. Utah added not attract a big name, breaking up the the San Jose Sharks. Colorado games over fi ve seasons with the Dallas last season. dleton, George Hill and Brook Lopez with Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic for money among lesser talents. Houston also agreed to terms with for- Philadelphia Flyers and Golden Durant will miss next season while new deals and added Wesley Matthews as $73mn over four years from Sacramento also missed out in trying to land a third wards Pierre-Edouard Belle- Knights. Wilson received a one- recovering, but Irving and Jordan join a a guard to replace Malcolm Brogdon, who plus centre Ed Davis and playmaker Mike star to join Chris Paul and NBA scoring mare and Colin Wilson. Donskoi year, $2.6mn deal to stick with squad that made the playoff s last season. signed with Indiana. Conley. leader James Harden. scored a career-best 37 points the club.

Yankees sign MLB 16-year-old Dominguez Pirates’ Bell hits three homers in win over Cubs New York: The New York Yan- Reuters oles up 3-2. Ji-Man Choi recorded two kees signed 16-year-old centre Pittsburgh, USA hits and two RBIs for Tampa Bay, and fielder Jasson Dominguez, Avisail Garcia had two hits, an RBI and a billed as the best Latin Ameri- run. Adam Kolarek (3-2) earned the win can prospect in years, to a ll-Star Josh Bell homered in relief, and Jose Alvarado notched his deal that includes a $5.1mn three times and drove in seven seventh save with a scoreless ninth. bonus. Yesterday marked the runs as the Pittsburgh Pirates opening of the international pounded out 23 hits on Mon- GIANTS 13, PADRES 2 dayA and pummelled the visiting Chi- Jeff Samardzija allowed two runs over free-agent signing period. Dominguez, a 5-foot-11, cago Cubs 18-5. Jung Ho Kang and Jose eight innings, and Kevin Pillar, Evan 195-pound prospect, is a Osuna also homered, Adam Frazier had Longoria and Austin Slater homered switch hitter with speed and four doubles among his fi ve hits, and to lead a 14-hit attack as San Francisco power and has been catego- Colin Moran also had fi ve hits for Pitts- opened a three-game series in San Di- rised as a five-tool player. He’s burgh, which has won eight of 11. ego with a blowout victory. already drawing comparisons Javier Baez homered for Chicago, Pillar’s three-run homer off reliever to the game’s best. which lost for the fi fth time in seven Robert Stock capped the Giants’ scor- “Jasson has a game that’s games and fell out of fi rst place in the ing. Longoria, Slater, Tyler Austin and very much like Mike Trout — National League Central. The Milwau- Buster Posey all drove in two runs for except he’s a switch-hitter,” kee Brewers, who beat the Cincinnati the Giants while Donovan Solano, Pos- Ivan Noboa, who trains Reds 8-6, moved one game above Chi- ey, Longoria, Slater and Joe Panik had Dominguez in the Dominican cago. Pirates starter Trevor Williams two hits apiece. Republic, told ESPN. (3-2) gave up fi ve runs and nine hits in Samardzija (5-7) didn’t allow a hit “It’s a hard name for me to 5 2/3 innings, with four strikeouts and until Franmil Reyes singled with two say, because it’s really high three walks. outs in the fourth, and the Giants were expectations for a 16-year-old. leading 7-0 when the Padres fi nally I know it’s a little bit unfair to BREWERS 8, REDS 6 scored in the sixth. Samardzija gave put them next to each other. Christian Yelich belted his majors- up fi ve hits and two walks while strik- It’s a heavy weight to carry. leading 30th homer and drove in three ing out six. Padres rookie Logan Allen But if someone can do it, it’s runs as Milwaukee won at Cincinnati. allowed six runs on seven hits and two him.” Keston Hiura and Lorenzo Cain each walks with three strikeouts in four-plus The Yankees had $5.4mn launched a solo homer, and Ben Gamel, innings. to spend on international free Mike Moustakas and Yasmani Grandal agents and decided to give drove in one run apiece for the Brewers, ANGELS VS RANGERS nearly 95% of their pool to who have won three in a row overall and Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Josh Bell celebrates after hitting his third home run of the game against the Chicago Cubs POSTPONED Dominguez. seven of 10 games against Cincinnati during the eighth inning of the MLB match in Pittsburgh on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) Los Angeles’ scheduled game at Arling- The Texas Rangers, Los this season. ton, Texas, was postponed in the wake Angeles Angels and Tampa Eugenio Suarez belted a pair of two- Biggio and Randal Grichuk each had He was 0-9 with a 7.10 ERA in 18 RAYS 6, ORIOLES 3 of the sudden death of Angels pitcher Bay Rays were among the run homers and Jesse Winker also went four RBIs, and Clayton Richard won starts between wins. Teoscar Hern- Kevin Kiermaier slugged a go-ahead, Tyler Skaggs, 27. The left-hander was teams pursuing the coveted deep for the Reds, who have lost six of for the fi rst time in more than a year as andez also hit a home run for the Blue three-run homer in the sixth inning, found unconscious in his hotel room in the prospect. Dominguez has their past eight on the heels of a season- Toronto defeated visiting Kansas City. Jays, who took three of four games in leading Tampa Bay to a win over Balti- Southlake, Texas, and was pronounced been on the radar of MLB high, six-game winning streak. Richard (1-4) allowed three runs and the series with the Royals. Kansas City’s more in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kier- dead on the scene, according to po- teams since age 13 when he seven hits in six innings on Canada Day Glenn Sparkman (2-4) allowed eight maier launched the decisive shot off re- lice. A cause of death was unknown. A began training with Noboa. BLUE JAYS 11, ROYALS 4 to earn his fi rst win since June 22, 2018, runs on nine hits, including three home liever Branden Kline (1-4), who entered makeup date for the game was not an- Freddy Galvis homered twice, Cavan when he was with the San Diego Padres. runs, in three innings. in the bottom of the sixth with the Ori- nounced. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT RUGBY Hansen names four uncapped players Al-Attiyah aims to in All Blacks squad win Silk Way Rally for the fi rst time ‘This is a long and demanding rally and the stages will be a challenge for everyone’

Reuters Aires is on July 20 with this year’s Wellington Championship shortened to just three matches each instead of the usual six due to the Rugby World ll Blacks coach Steve Cup in Japan. Hansen named four Few, if any, players from the uncapped players in Crusaders, who face the Jag- an extended 39-man uares in the Super Rugby fi nal squadA for the Rugby Champion- in Christchurch on Saturday, are ship yesterday as he looks to fi - expected to travel to face the Pu- nalise his World Cup selections mas. The All Blacks will then play over the next six weeks. South Africa in Wellington on Outside backs Braydon En- July 27 and Australia on Aug. 10 nor and Sevu Reece, fl yhalf Josh in Perth in the Rugby Champion- Ioane and loose forward Luke ship. They face the Wallabies in a Jacobson are all uncapped while Bledisloe Cup clash in Auckland hooker Asafo Aumua and prop on Aug. 17 and end their prepara- Atu Moli have both played one tions with a match against Tonga non-test match for the side. in Hamilton on Sept 7. One-Test scrumhalf Brad We- Hansen has said he would ber was also recalled after his use the Rugby Championship to strong performances in Super whittle down his playing squad Rugby kept Te Toiroa Tahurior- to the 31 he will take to Japan. angi, who was in Hansen’s squad They open their quest for a last year behind Aaron Smith and third successive World Cup title TJ Perenara, on the bench at the against the Springboks in Yoko- Waikato Chiefs. hama on Sept. 21. “It’s really exciting bringing the team together and we’re all Squad: looking forward to starting the Outside backs: Ben Smith, Rieko work towards this year’s goals,” Ioane, Jordie Barrett, George Hansen said. Bridge, Sevu Reece, Braydon “We’re going to try and do Ennor File photo of Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (R) with co-driver Mattheu Baumel. something that’s never been Midfield backs: Sonny Bill done before and that’s to win Williams, Jack Goodhue, Anton By a Correspondent The experienced Dutchman being observed by the FIA for three Rugby World Cups in a row. Leinert-Brown, Ngani Laumape Irkutsk, Russia Erik van Loon drives the third possible future inclusion in the “However, that’s not a given. Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Richie Toyota Hilux and teams up with FIA World Cup for Cross-Coun- We’re going to have to be hun- Mo’unga, Josh Ioane Frenchman Sebastien Delaunay, try Rallies. The ninth edition of gry for success and were going to Scrumhalves: Aaron Smith, TJ verdrive Racing be- a veteran of nine Dakars and a the event will start from Sper- have to work incredibly hard and Perenara, Brad Weber gins its quest to win podium fi nisher in both the T2 ansky Square in Irkutsk, Siberia, smart to achieve this.” Loose forwards: Keiran Read the gruelling Silk Way and T3 classes. on July 6 at 18.00hrs (local time). Injured Canterbury Crusaders (captain), Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Rally for the fi rst time Van Loon has worked with Competitive action, totalling duo Ryan Crotty and Scott Bar- Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Matt Owith the event starting in the Overdrive Racing for several 2,593.15km, kicks off with the rett were not included after they Todd, Jackson Hemopo, Luke eastern Siberian city of Irkutsk seasons and will be hoping that short opening stage through the were ruled out yesterday. Jacobson, Dalton Papalii on Sunday (July 7). the new partnership with De- Russian ‘Taiga’ forest between Liam Squire has also ruled Locks: Brodie Retallick, Sam The 5,000km cross-country launay brings success against his Irkutsk and Baykalsk on July 7. himself out of contention. The Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu rally off ers 10 special stages and two Overdrive team-mates and The route then heads towards blindside fl anker has barely Props: Joe Moody, Owen Franks, will pass through some of the other rivals, including Ameri- the Mongolian wilderness with played this season due to injury Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, most demanding terrain that can Bryce Menzies, the Russian a second stage between Baykalsk and Hansen said he had told him Ofa Tuungafasi, Atu Moli, Angus Russia, Mongolia and China has duo of Denis Krotov and An- and Ulan Ude on July 8. he was not ready for test rugby. Ta’avao to off er before the fi nish in Dun- drey Rudskoy and French drivers Crews then move on towards “It’s a heck of a brave deci- Hookers: Codie Taylor, Dane huang on Tuesday, July 16. Jérôme Pelichet and Matthieu the Mongolian capital of Ulan sion and good decision for him to Coles, Asafo Aumua, Liam Colt- The Belgian team will run Serradori. Bator on July 9 and the route make,” said Hansen. man (Writing by Greg Stutchbury; three Toyota Hiluxes for ’s Van Loon said: “Sebastien al- features a loop stage to the east The All Blacks opening fi x- Editing by Sudipto Ganguly/Peter Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah, Saudi ready has a lot of experience in of the city on July 10. From there, ture against Argentina in Buenos Rutherford) Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi and various cars and with diff erent crews head through the Mongo- Dutchman Erik van Loon. drivers. I hope we click quickly lian steppes towards Mandal- Al-Attiyah and his French co- in the car. It will take some get- govi on July 11 and on to Dalan- driver Matthieu Baumel fi nished and Kazakhstan. He faces 52 ri- for everyone.” ting used to because, after years zadgad on July 12. second in the event last sea- vals in the car category in central Saudi Arabian driver Yazeed with Dutch navigators, the of- The rally caravan then takes O’Connor set for son – the best ever fi nish on the Asia. al-Rajhi was second overall in fi cial language will now be Eng- a winding trail towards China event for a Toyota and Overdrive Al-Attiyah is running under 2016 and the winner of the event lish. with a seventh stage between Racing - but have never won the the Toyota Gazoo Racing South in 2018 before joining Overdrive “I am looking forward to this Dalanzadgad and Bayinbaolige Wallabies return Silk Way Rally. Al-Attiyah also Africa banner at the Silk Way Racing. On that occasion the Ri- rally. Every time before it came in Inner Mongolia on July 13 and fi nished second overall back in Rally. He said: “This is one event yadh driver teamed up with Ger- into the schedule at the wrong a timed test to Alashan in north- 2010 with German navigator that I really want to win and, man navigator Timo Gottschalk tone, always in the middle of the ern China on July 14. Reuters: Former Australia fly- O’Connor was arrested for Timo Gottschalk. hopefully, this will be my year. when the event started in Astra- summer vacations for the chil- The penultimate section half James O’Connor has signed cocaine possession during a The three-time winner of the I have taken part in six rallies so khan and fi nished in Moscow. dren. Now this rally takes a little crosses into Jiayuguan on July 15 a long-term deal with Super night out in Paris with former Dakar Rally in South America far this season and won all six, This year he is working with Dirk less time and is a fraction earlier, and the fi nal competitive action Rugby side Queensland Reds All Black Ali Williams and the has been in impressive form so including the win at Rally Kaza- von Zitzewitz with whom he fi n- so I can fi nally do it once. I hear takes teams to the fi nish near the and will be included in the Wal- French side declined to extend far this season and leads the FIA khstan at the start of June. This ished second in Qatar and eighth from various drivers that the high dunes of the Gobi Desert labies’ Rugby Championship his contract. World Cup for Cross-Country is a long and demanding rally overall in Kazakhstan earlier in dunes in China are huge.” and the fi nish in Dunhuang on squad, local media reported He has stayed out of trouble Rallies following wins in Qatar and the stages will be a challenge the season. The year’s Silk Way Rally is July 16. yesterday. since joining English club Sale O’Connor, who played the last Sharks later that year, and the of his 44 Tests six years ago sacking of fullback Folau BOTTOMLINE against Argentina, would join has left Cheika with a vacancy the Reds in the 2020 season in his Wallabies backline. on a minimum three-year deal, Former Wallabies team mate local broadcaster Fox Sports Will Genia welcomed the reported. prospect of O’Connor returning The Reds did not provide imme- to Australian rugby, despite his diate comment when contacted record of indiscipline off the Paris welcomes delegations by Reuters. field. O’Connor made his Wallabies “What people tend to do is debut as an 18-year-old against typecast him as the arrogant Italy in 2008 but his interna- kid who did this and that and tional career was cut short in judgement is clouded on who preparing for 2024 Olympics 2013 after a string of off -field he might be now as a person,” incidents. Genia told local media. AFP mittees including heavyweights such as lationship of trust now,” Sophie Lorant, United States have already come to see us, The Gold Coast-born 28-year- “While he was young he got Paris Australia, Britain, China, Japan, Russia director of international relations at the and we have a new request from China,” old last featured in Australian away with a lot because of pure and United States, as well as minnows like local organising committee told AFP. said Arnaud Zumaglia, head of a regional rugby in 2015 when he returned talent but at the point where Andorra, Central African Republic, Erit- “Several competition sites already ex- sports training centre in Eaubonne, in the to the Reds in a bid to be he was judged disruptive to the ith fi ve years to go before rea, Guatemala and Luxembourg. ist and they want to see them to imagine Paris suburbs not far from Saint-Denis. selected for the World Cup in team, it was decided he was not the Olympic and Paralym- On the agenda for Thursday and Friday themselves there,” Lorant added. “The larger the countries, the more England and Wales that year. wanted. pic Games, the fi rst foreign are visits to some of the 2024 event venues Major countries, such as the United they are forced to plan in advance.” But after a season blighted by “If the research is done and he delegations began a two-day and workshops, particularly on the sub- States, which took 555 competitors to Rio Local authorities have until the end of injury and poor form, O’Connor has matured, as the indications ParisW visit on Thursday to check out ven- ject of the Olympic village in the Seine- in 2016, are already looking for sites where October 2019 to apply for a place among was overlooked for the Wal- are, why wouldn’t you bring ues and possible base camps. Saint-Denis department. they could set up a multi-sport training the “Games Preparation Centres” and labies squad and headed back back someone as good as he is, Organisers welcomed 72 representa- “They all have a lot of experience of base. Some existing facilities have already hope to be included in the catalogue that to Europe. whether it’s into the Reds or the tives from 27 National Olympic Commit- Olympic villages and have something to been approached. the organising committee will make avail- While at Toulon in 2017, Wallabies set-up?” tees and 13 National Paralympic Com- off er us and it is important to create a re- “Canada, Argentina, Colombia and the able to foreign delegations. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 3, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Spurs smash transfer record on Ndombele Holders Cameroon to London: Tottenham smashed their club transfer record yesterday with the signing of French international mid- fielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a fee that could rise to 70mn euros ($79mn, £63mn). Lyon confirmed that face Nigeria as Ghana the initial fee will be 60mn euros with 10mn euros more in add-ons. Tottenham’s previous record deal was the £42mn ($53mn) they spent on defender Davinson Sanchez in 2017. Ndombele’s arrival came just hours after Spurs pinch top spot made their first signing in 18 months by securing teen- age winger Jack Clarke from Leeds. Clarke, 18, will spend Seedorf’s side have scored just twice in Egypt, in the opening 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau next season back on loan at Leeds in the Championship. AFP However, securing Ismailia, Egypt Ndombele, a player coveted by a host of top clubs around Europe, is a sign of intent from efending Africa Cup of Na- Tottenham, who moved into a tions champions Cameroon new 62,000 capacity stadium will meet Nigeria in a clash of last season. Spurs boss Mauri- continental giants in the last cio Pochettino has challenged 16D after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Ben- the club to match his ambition in allowed Ghana to fi nish top of Group after reaching the Champions F. Cameroon stuttered to a second goal- League final for the first time. less stalemate in succession as Ghana, “We need to make that who drew their opening two games, step,” Pochettino said after beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 to fi nish ahead finishing fourth in the Premier of the holders on goals scored. League. “We realise we can The Black Stars will take on the continue in this process, we runners-up from Group E, where all can put Tottenham with the four teams remain in contention, for best teams in the world.” a place in the quarter-fi nals while Be- Pochettino has transformed nin scraped through as one of the best Spurs’ fortunes in five years third-place sides. in charge with next season a Saturnin Allagbe replaced Fabien fourth consecutive campaign Farnolle in goal for Benin and produced in the Champions League. fi ne saves to deny Ambroise Oyongo However, the Argentine is yet and Cameroon captain Eric Maxim to win a trophy in his manage- Choupo-Moting but the Indomitable rial career. Lions again looked worryingly blunt in Tottenham have been in attack. need of midfield reinforce- Clarence Seedorf’s side have scored ments since Mousa Dembele’s just twice in Egypt, in the opening 2-0 move to China in January. win over Guinea-Bissau, and their path Ndombele, 22, starred as to retaining the title grew increasingly Lyon reached the last 16 of more diffi cult with a wounded Nigeria the Champions League last now awaiting them in the next round season and finished third in and hosts Egypt likely facing the winner Ligue 1. The fee represents a of that tie. massive profit for the French struck for the second side, who bought Ndombele time in three matches in the group’s from Amiens for only 8mn other game in Suez as Ghana sent Guin- euros 12 months ago after a ea-Bissau home without a point or a successful season on loan goal. Richard Ofori made a sharp stop at Lyon. Ndombele made 96 to prevent former Liverpool youth team appearances in total for Lyon, forward Toni Silva giving Guinea-Bis- scoring four goals and provid- sau a shock lead but Ayew, who endured ing 16 assists, and has been a miserable season at Crystal Palace, has capped six times by world rediscovered his form for his country. champions France. Ayew collected a ball down the left- hand side right at the start of the second Gabonese referee Eric Castane (right) separates Ghana’s forward Jordan Ayew (left) and Guinea-Bissau’s defender Mamadu Cande after the two players clashed during half and ran towards goal as the defence the Africa Cup of Nations Group F match at the Suez Stadium in the north-eastern Egyptian city yesterday. (AFP) backed off before picking out the corner of the net. Champions League-winning forward The qualifi cation of Senegal raised to gesting Senegal lacked the mental was brilliantly parried by Alfred Go- Mamadu Cande rattled the wood- had a timidly-struck fi rst half penalty 12 the number of teams who have se- strength to become African champions. mis. A minute later and Senegal were work for Guinea-Bissau while Ayew saved by Patrick Matasi before mak- cured places in the second round, which Senegal coach Aliou Cisse responded ahead as Matasi fell while trying to clear twice hit the post for Ghana before ing amends with a brace after a goalless kicks off on Friday. Hosts Egypt, sur- by reminding Migne that his side were a cross and Sarr turned to fi re superbly Thomas Partey slid in to convert Baba opening 45 minutes. prise side Madagascar, Algeria and Mo- ranked 82 places higher in the world and into the corner of the net. Rahman’s cross 20 minutes from time to Ismaila Sarr put Senegal ahead on 63 rocco advanced as group winners and the loss to Algeria was the fi rst in four Mane atoned for his penalty blunder send the four-time champions through minutes and Mane netted on 71 and 78 Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal and the Ivory years in Africa. by adding a second on 71 minutes, tak- as group winners. minutes, his second goal coming from Coast as runners-up. Kenya were lucky to reach half-time ing advantage of poor defending from Ghana have reached the last four of another penalty. Kenya were reduced to Guinea and the Democratic Republic level with Senegal at the June 30 Sta- Mohamed Musa off a long ball to run the previous six editions of the Cup of 10 men just before the second penalty of Congo have already taken two of the dium as apart from the Mane penalty through and score. Given a second pen- Nations, stretching back over a decade, was taken with Philemon Otieno sent spots allocated to the four best third- miss, captain Victor Wanyama was alty chance, Mane made no mistake, but last won the tournament in 1982. off for a second yellow card. place countries. With Algeria having not punished for handling in the box. tucking the ball into the corner despite Algeria made 11 changes to the team qualifi ed and Tanzania eliminated be- Patrick Matasi also made two great a brave attempt by the outstanding MANE MISSES PENALTY, SCORES that beat Senegal last week and still beat fore the fi nal group matches, the focus saves, blocking an Idrissa Gueye close- Matasi to reach it. TWICE AS SENEGAL QUALIFY Tanzania 3-0 in Cairo to top Group C was on the battle for second place be- range shot and tipping a Sarr header At the Al Salam Stadium, Tanzania On Monday night, Liverpool star Sadio with nine points. Senegal were runners- tween Senegal and Kenya. over via the top of the crossbar. contained Algeria for 35 minutes before Mane scored twice after having a penal- up with six points, Kenya third with A war of words between the coaches Kenya came close to snatching the conceding three goals by half-time with ty saved as Senegal defeated Kenya 3-0 three and Tanzania, back at the tourna- preceded the game with France-born lead against the run of play just past the Islam Slimani opening the scoring be- in Cairo to book the last-16 place. The ment after 39 years, ended pointless. Kenya handler Sebastien Migne sug- hour when a Dennis Omino snap shot fore Adam Ounas added two.

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Arsenal sign Martinelli, make move for Zaha Benitez to take charge of rsenal have signed 18-year- old Brazilian forward from Ituano Futebol Chinese side Dalian Yifang Clube for an undisclosed fee, the AFP fi gure at Newcastle after leading LondonersA announced yesterday. Martinelli the club to promotion in his fi rst Shanghai scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for Sao full season and stabilising New- Paulo-based club Ituano and was called up castle in the Premier League over for a training camp with the senior Brazil hampions League-win- the past two years. Early in his squad ahead of the Copa America. ning manager Rafael coaching career, Benitez won two “It is a dream since I was a child and also Benitez said yesterday Spanish titles at Valencia, my family’s dream for me to be playing in that he will join Chinese the come-from-behind Cham- Europe and playing for a big team like Arse- top-tierC side Dalian Yifang, just pions League title with Liverpool nal. I am going to take this opportunity,” he days after his three-year reign at in the “Miracle of Istanbul”, and told the Arsenal website. English club Newcastle United was twice named UEFA Manager Martinelli becomes Arsenal’s fi rst new came to an end. of the Year. recruit of the summer, while a reported “After a long path... We start a He never won the English £40mn ($50mn) bid from the Gunners for new challenge! I’m happy to be- Premier League with Liverpool, Wilfried Zaha has been rejected by Crystal league. “The assistant referee will be the PSG SIGN SEVILLA’S gin this new project with Dalian however, but subsequently won Palace. The Eagles, who sold right-back fi rst woman to debut in the top fl ight,” the MIDFIELDER SARABIA Yifang,” the Spaniard wrote on some hardware at Chelsea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a deal worth up to RFEF said in a statement. Paris Saint-Germain signed Spanish his verifi ed Twitter account. rently in joint 10th place in the Napoli. Benitez didn’t last a full £50mn to Manchester United earlier this Another female referee, Marisa Villa, was midfi elder Pablo Sarabia from Sevilla on a Benitez, who guided Liverpool CSL, also confi rmed his appoint- season before Real Madrid dis- week, are believed to value Zaha at £80mn. named in La Liga’s list in 2007 but did not fi ve-year-deal. No fi nancial details were to the UEFA Champions League ment. “Dalian Yifang Football missed him early in 2016, how- However, Zaha’s brother has pleaded passed the physical tests required to offi ci- given, but press reported a transfer fee of crown in 2005 and has managed Club is honoured to have Mr. ever. Joining Newcastle shortly with Palace to let him join the club he ate a match. Porras Ayuso has worked in between 18-20mn euros ($20-22mn) for at European giants like Inter, Rafa Benitez,” the club said on its after, he was unable to save the supported as a boy. Zaha is currently on Segunda, the men’s second division, for two the 27-year-old who came through the Real Chelsea, and Real Madrid, parted social media account. “We be- team from relegation, but be- international duty at the Africa Cup of Na- seasons and before that offi ciated for eight Madrid academy and scored 23 goals in 52 ways with Newcastle last week. lieve that through his eff orts, he came hugely popular with fans tions with Ivory Coast and scored in a 4-1 seasons in Segunda B, the third division in appearances in all competitions last season. The 59-year-old becomes the will be able to rebuild the glory by earning promotion straight win over Namibia on Monday to help them Spain. Her promotion is another boost for Sarabia’s arrival makes up for the depar- latest big-name foreign man- and realise the expectations of back to the Premier League the reach the last 16. gender equality in Spanish football, follow- ture to Bayer Leverkusen of teenage winger ager to try his luck in the Chi- the majority of fans.” following season. ing a year of unprecedented interest in the Moussa Diaby last month as PSG attempt nese Super League (CSL), which The club, which did not divulge Newcastle fi nished well clear LA LIGA TO INTRODUCE FIRST women’s game. A European record crowd to balance the books to avoid Financial have included the likes of Brazil’s terms, has never won the Chi- of relegation this season, raising FEMALE OFFICIAL NEXT SEASON of 60,739 watched Barcelona play Atletico Fair-Play sanctions from UEFA. PSG, which World Cup-winning coach Luiz nese league title. Unconfi rmed hopes for the club’s future. But La Liga is set to have its fi rst female offi cial Madrid in Liga Iberdrola at the Metropoli- has opted not to renew the contracts of ex- Felipe Scolari, and Italian legend reports have said previously that Benitez has said that diff ering next season, the Spanish Football Federa- tano in March. And Spain made its best ever Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on and Brazil Fabio Cannavaro, who remains Benitez had been off ered a con- visions over strategy with club tion announced. Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, a run at the Women’s World Cup last month, skipper Dani Alves, need to fi nd another in charge at CSL powerhouse tract worth £12mn ($15mn) per owner Mike Ashley prevented 32-year-old assistant referee, will become reaching the last 16 before losing to the 30mn euros or so before June 30 to conform Guangzhou Evergrande. year by Dalian Yifang. them reaching an agreement on a the fi rst woman ever to offi ciate in the United States. to UEFA rules. Dalian Yifang, who are cur- Benitez was a hugely popular contract extension.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SNOOKER Pakistan win second straight team fi nal against India Bilal and Iqbal beat the Advani-Rawat combine 3-1 for the winners’ cheque of $10,000 at the IBSF World Team Cup

Qatar players Mohsen Bukshaisha and (right) pose with their semi-finalists’ trophy yesterday.

Qatar Olympic Committee first vice-president Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani (centre), Qatar Billiards and Federation (QBSF) president Mohamed Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) president Mohamed Mubarak al-Ramzani (front right) and International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) Mubarak al-Ramzani (second from left), and International Billiards and Snooker president Mubarak al-Khayarin (left) present the winners’ trophy to Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal and Mohamed Bilal after their win in the IBSF World Team Cup snooker Federation (IBSF) president Mubarak al-Khayarin (second from right) pose during at QBSF Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma the prize distribution ceremony for the IBSF World Team Cup yesterday.

By Sports Reporter kistan. Thank God for this win,” Bilal thing that had sparked their revival in “Every day is not a Sunday. You can’t chance of winning the trophy. But a bad “It was not an easy championship. Doha told Gulf Times after the victory. the fi rst edition of the tournament last always pull off a miraculous win. We day.” I hope in the future Qatar players will “It’s an India-Pakistan fi nal and you year when Advani had partnered with were happy with the way we played Personally for Advani though, the also reach the fi nal, or at least the semi- know how important this is. There is Manan Chandra against Masih and throughout, obviously wanted to have a trip to Doha was fruitful. “To be honest, fi nal. All the players tried really hard or the second straight team fi - always pressure for this game. But we Mohamed Asif. In fact, in the Asian fi - better game today and make it a closer it’s been a great trip. I have played three over the course of these tournaments, nal in a matter of fi ve days at were determined that we will put the nal on Friday too, India had rallied back one. Single-frame formats are always fi nals in the last three weeks. To win the but the luck did not work in their fa- the Qatar Billiards and Snooker name of our country up there and thank to force the fi fth frame in the fi nal after tricky. One frame anybody can win, Asian snooker title for me is something vour. But in this tournament, Qatar Federation Academy Hall, Pa- God we were able to do it.” winning the doubles and the next sin- then there is doubles, and you sit out for that is been elusive. I have played four beat China 3-2 after being down 2-1. kistanF triumphed over India, this time Yesterday, Bilal opened well against gles frame, leveling the tie 2-2. a while, and then back to a single frame, fi nals but never won it. So I am glad I set They are one of the best teams in the winning the second edition of the IBSF the 21-time world champion Advani, Yesterday, the script, despite a few so there is never really any rhythm. And that record straight. It was the only tro- world.” World Team Cup snooker yesterday. who had won his fi rst Asian snooker ti- nail-biting moments, went diff erently then 2-0 down, we woke up too late. If phy that was missing from my cabinet,” Talking about the organisation of On Friday, Zulfi qar Qadir and Ba- tle on this trip to Doha, taking the frame with Iqbal surviving fouls against Ad- we had taken even one frame from the he said. the tournaments by the Qatar Billiards bar Masih had won the Asian Team 64-11. “The fi rst frame is always tough, vani to eventually win the fi nal to the fi rst two, we would have been in with a The tournament was also a great one and Snooker Federation (QBSF), Asian Snooker Championship beating India’s and also the most important one. chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” from chance. Sometimes it just doesn’t work for Qatari players after Ahmed Saif and Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) Pankaj Advani and Laxman Rawat 3-2 That’s the one that sets the momen- the small audience. “Asjad may have for you. I fought in the last frame but it Mohsen Bukshaisha put up a fantastic and IBSF, he said, “We organised four in a thrilling fi nal. Yesterday, Mohamed tum and once I pulled that one, I was been a little wayward in the last frame doesn’t work sometimes,” the 33-year- show reaching the semi-fi nals of the tournaments 1 Asian men’s, Asian 6Red Bilal and Asjad Iqbal beat the Advani- hopeful that we will be able to win this,” but we had every one’s prayers with us old from Bengaluru said yesterday. tournament. and Team, and the IBSF World Team Rawat combine 3-1 for the winners’ Bilal said. In the second frame, Iqbal’s and Alhamdulillah we won,” Bilal said. Rawat said, “I tried something dif- “We thank God for this. That was Cup. I don’t think it is easy to pull this cheque of $10,000. 68-point break against Rawat gave Pa- Having fought back in the last year’s ferent and handed an open table to the best result in the team event for off . Also, all the teams have been happy “We were runners-up last year, and kistan a 2-0 lead going into the doubles. fi nal and then almost going the distance him in my fi rst frame, I shouldn’t have Qatar ever,” International Billiards and because they didn’t have to incur extra this time we managed to win it. It’s a However, Rawat and Advani man- a few days ago, Advani was a tad philo- done that. But I thought we played well Snooker Federation (IBSF) president costs since all these tournaments were huge achievement and a gift for our Pa- aged to pull the doubles frame, some- sophical post the defeat. throughout the tournament and had a Mubarak al-Khayarin said yesterday. happening here back-to-back.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Chile eager to make Copa history against Peru Kashima to face AFP lida in a three-pronged attack. Porto Alegre, Brazil Peru are clear underdogs having been Guangzhou in AFC surprise qualifi ers for the semi-fi nals. They arrived in the knock-out stages de- hile midfi elder Arturo Vidal moralised following a 5-0 thrashing by quarter-fi nal says the reigning Copa America hosts Brazil in their fi nal group match and champions are focused on mak- progressed to the semi-fi nals on penal- AFP Cannavaro, the Chinese giants ing history ahead of their semi- ties, but only after Uruguay had three Kuala Lumpur boast top foreign names includ- fiC nal against Peru. The 2015 and 2016 goals ruled out for off side in their quar- ing Brazilian Paulinho. champions are aiming for a third conti- ter-fi nal, two of those by the slimmest of Evergrande will be hoping to nental title in a row, a feat only achieved margins that VAR spotted but were invis- efending Asian cham- improve on poor performances once before by Argentina in successive ible to the naked eye. pions Kashima Antlers in recent years — they have not years from 1945-47. Even so, coach Ricardo Gareca says face a tough showdown gone beyond the quarter-fi nal “We want to leave our legacy as triple there’s no hint of an inferiority complex in the AFC Champions stage since 2015. Urawa may champions, that’s our dream,” said the amongst his players. “We’re in the right LeagueD quarter-fi nals after being also have a fi ght on their hands Barcelona midfi elder, an integral part of conditions to tackle this kind of match,” drawn yesterday against Fabio in their quarter-fi nal, as well- Chile’s only two previous Copa success- he said. “Maybe it’s a bigger match than Cannavaro’s Guangzhou Ever- heeled SIPG have a star-studded es. “That’s why we want to play our best the others before but we can play better.” grande, two-time winners of the front line led by Brazil interna- match of the Copa against Peru. It would While Chile can boast established competition. tional Hulk. The competition is be something historic for us to get to the European-based talents in midfi eld such Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, split into two geographic zones, fi nal and that’s our aim.” as Barcelona’s Vidal, Charles Aranguiz champions in 2007 and 2017, will east and west, until the fi nal. Chile faced Peru in the 2015 semi-fi nals of Bayer Leverkusen and Bologna’s Erick take on Shanghai SIPG, who have The fi nal lineup for the other two on home soil when they won 2-1 before Pulgar, Rueda feels that in Christian Cue- never made it past the quarter- quarter-fi nals will be decided beating Argentina on penalties in the fi - va, who plays for Brazilians Santos, he fi nals. In the West Zone quarter- once the west zone completes nal for their fi rst ever continental suc- has one of the most under-rated players fi nals, the winner of Qatar’s Al matches in the Round of 16. cess. “We need to play the perfect match, in the tournament. Sadd vs Al Duhail will play the to win it with authority,” added Vidal. “As far as we’re concerned, Cuevo winner of the clash between Sau- DRAW (PLAYED OVER TWO “Peru have great teamwork, they play doesn’t get the appreciation that he de- di Arabia’s Al Nasr and Al Wahda LEGS, HOME AND AWAY) well, very similar to Colombia” who Chile serves from his performances for the of the UAE. The fi rst leg will take Quarter-final 1: Al Nassr (KSA) / beat on penalties in the quarter-fi nal. Chile’s midfielder Arturo Vidal (right) and defender Igor Lichnovsky take part in a national team, I don’t know why,” said place on August 26, with the re- That’s why it will be a very diffi cult match training session in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on the eve of their Copa Rueda. “Many times I see passes by a Eu- turn leg on September 16. Al Wahda (UAE) vs Al Duhail (QAT) and fantastic to play in it.” America semi-final against Peru. (AFP) ropean player that illicit admiration, but Kashima are aiming to be- / Al Sadd (QAT) Vidal pointed to Peru captain and strik- I see Cuevo make passes that are just as come the fi rst Japanese side to Quarter-final 2: Al Ittihad (KSA) / er Paolo Guerrero as the biggest threat thrashing of Japan, may never have had the Colombian before being recalled for good that go by completely unnoticed.” win back-to-back titles in Asia’s Zobahan (IRN) vs Al Ahli (KSA) / Chile will face tonight (Qatar time 3.30am the chance to add to his Copa ledger, but the Copa America following 17 goals in 49 This is the third time in the last four premier football competition. Al Hilal (KSA) Thursday). Guerrero and Chile’s Eduardo for a change of heart by Chile’s Colom- matches for his Mexican club side Tigres editions Peru have reached the semi- “It is our dream to win again, it Quarter-final 3: Shanghai SIPG Vargas, with 12 goals each, are the top two bian coach Reinaldo Rueda. last season. fi nals but they haven’t gone on to the is an important title for the club,” (CHN) vs Urawa Red Diamonds fi nal since 1975 when winning their sec- still active scorers in Copa history. “He’s Vargas, known as “Turboman” for his It was a good move as Vargas has been Kashima spokesman Ryugo Mat- (JPN) a player who knows how to play against incredible engine, fell out of favour with electric in the tournament alongside a re- ond Copa title. In fact, the only two times sumoto said. But he admitted four defenders and it always takes a lot Rueda for disciplinary reasons follow- juvenated Alexis Sanchez — who’s looked they’ve reached the fi nal — the other it would be tough to beat Ever- Quarter-final 4: Guangzhou out of us to mark him,” said Vidal. Vargas, ing a friendly with Sweden in 2018. He his old self after 18 months of misery at was on home soil in 1939 — they won the grande. As well as being coached Evergrande (CHN) vs Kashima who scored twice in Chile’s opening 4-0 spent almost 18 months overlooked by Manchester United — and Jose Fuenza- tournament. by Italian World Cup winner Antlers (JPN)