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Monday, June 21, 2021 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 11, 1442 AH Shaqiri shines as GULF TIMES Swiss keep hopes alive in Euros SPORT Page 2 EUROS Italy beat Wales as both teams advance to last 16

Oman and Somalia battle for the ball during their FIFA Arab Cup play-off yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

FOOTBALL/FIFA ARAB CUP Oman hold off plucky Somalia to

Italy players celebrate their win in the UEFA Euro 2020 Group A match against Wales at the Olympic Stadium in Rome yesterday.

Reuters made eight changes to his team, make main draw a joint record number for the Az- Rome zurri between games at a major The Omanis scored twice in the first half of the lively game for a 2-1 victory tournament. taly fi nished top of their But the new-look Italy side By Sports Reporter Euro 2020 group yesterday appeared comfortable on a hot, Doha as Matteo Pessina’s fi rst half muggy evening in Rome. goal helped a much-changed Andrea Belotti fl ashed a shot IAzzurri side beat 10-man Wales wide from a tight angle, Chris omalia displayed a lot of 1-0 in Rome, while the visitors Gunter headed narrowly over pluck but were left ru- held on to second place despite from a corner for the Welsh and ing their luck as Oman the defeat. Federico Chiesa’s volley was advanced to the main The Italians had already guar- defl ected off the line during a drawS of the FIFA Arab Cup with anteed their progress from Group frantic fi ve-minute spell midway a 2-1 win last evening. A, but they assured themselves through the half. The Omanis scored twice in of fi rst place with victory, while Marco Verratti, making his the fi rst half of the lively game Wales secured a berth too by fi n- fi rst appearance at Euro 2020 af- at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad ishing ahead of Switzerland on ter a lengthy injury lay-off , was Stadium before Somalia pulled goal diff erence. infl uential in midfi eld and played one pack nine minutes after the The Swiss, who could still a key role in the goal after 39 min- break. advance as one of the four best utes as he won a free-kick on the Oman, who last week quali- third-placed teams, beat Turkey right wing and swung it in to the fi ed for the 12-team fi nal phase 3-1 in Baku. near post for Pessina to fi nish. of Asian qualifying for next Italy are now unbeaten in 30 It was Italy’s seventh goal of year’s FIFA World Cup in Qa- games, equalling their all-time the tournament, matching their tar, will now join join Qatar and best run recorded from 1935 to best-ever tally from the 1998 Iraq in Group A of the FIFA Arab 1939, and kept a clean sheet for an World Cup after three group Cup to be played later this year. 11th consecutive match to under- stage matches at a major tourna- A fourth team will be added to line their credentials as potential ment. the group later from the qualifi - tournament winners. Mancini’s side were inches ers now underway in Doha. Pessina volleyed the dominant away from a second early in the Oman, the reigning Gulf Cup hosts in front at a lively Stadio second half when Bernardeschi champions, were expected to Olimpico after 39 minutes as cannoned a free-kick off the foot coast to a comfortable victory they put in an impressive dis- of the post, and a few minutes over Somalia, ranked 197th in play despite coach Roberto Man- later the Italy winger had his foot the FIFA World rankings, but cini making eight changes to his stamped on by Ampadu, leading things didn’t go entirely their starting line-up. to the defender’s dismissal. way. Wales’ task was made harder Wales’ job got even harder Ranked more than 100 plac- when defender Ethan Ampadu when they were reduced to 10 es above Somalia at 80, they was sent off in the 56th minute men, and the Italian pressure should have coasted to a fl uent for a stamp on Federico Bernar- continued as Belotti’s close- win but struggled to put up a Oman’s scorers Muhsen al-Ghassani (11) and Salah al-Yahyaei celebrate at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. At right, a piece of action deschi’s ankle minutes after the range shot was blocked by Danny cohesive display as the hard- from the match. Italian winger’s free-kick had Ward. running Somalis kept frustrat- struck the post. Wales had a golden chance to ing the time and again. that, Oman were awarded a from Abel Gigli. could have added one more but the South Sudan national team Italy’s relentless pressure con- snatch a draw when a free-kick The crossbar came in Oman’s penalty when Mustafa brought Following a free-kick, the al-Ghassani again saw his eff ort have tested positive for Cov- tinued as they pushed for a sec- was headed into the path of the way as early as in the sixth down al-Ghassani in the box in Omani defence was under hit the post, and al-Rushedi id-19. ond, but Gareth Bale squandered unmarked Bale in the area, but minute denying forward Muh- the 33rd minute. Salah al-Yahy- pressure and when Gigli rose brought off another good save In line with the medical pro- a rare chance to earn Wales a draw the skipper blasted his fi nish over sen al-Ghassani from close. aei, who stepped up to take the above the defence to send in off Anwar Shakunda in the last cedures in place, they have been when he volleyed over unmarked the bar. But fi ve minutes later, al- shot, easily sent Mustafa the his header from a pass from the minute of play to ensure their placed in isolation and the ac- from 12 yards. Mancini made sure to give all 11 Ghassani made amends with a wrong way with a powerful low left fl ank, goalkeeper Faiyz al- progress to the group stage. tivities planned for today have Italy will face the runners-up of the players who started the last deft left-footed fl ick over So- drive. Rushedi was found wanting. Meanwhile, FIFA confi rmed been postponed. of Group C next in London on game at least some rest, as Leon- mali goalkeeper Mustafa Mo- Oman went into the break A few minutes later, substi- yesterday that following the Protecting the health and June 26, while Wales will take on ardo Bonucci and Jorginho were hamed after he had failed to with a comfortable 2-0 cushion tute Issa Ahmed had a great standard PCR tests applied safety of all individuals in- the runners-up of Group B on the replaced in the second half and properly collect a shot from but were in for a shock after the chance to draw level for Soma- ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup volved in the FIFA Arab Cup same day in Amsterdam. even goalkeeper Gianluigi Don- Abdulaziz al-Maqabli. A few break which saw the Somalis lia but al-Rushedi was equal to qualifi cation matches, some remains a top priority for the With Italy already through to narumma was taken off in the fi - failed attempts at goal after break through with a fi ne eff ort the task on this occasion. Oman members of the delegation of organisers, QNA reported. the knockout stages, Mancini nal minute of regulation time. Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 21, 2021 FOOTBALL

UEFA EURO World Cup facilities are 90 percent ready: Qatar’s ambassador to Mexico

mbassador of Qatar to be characterised by the use He referred to the abolition of Mexico Mohamed bin of sustainable energy, ease of the sponsorship system and its AJassim al-Kuwari stated movement and the ability to replacement with a contractual that about 90 percent of the watch two matches per day. system, the abolition of legal Shaqiri shines facilities for the World Cup In another interview with restrictions related to chang- Qatar 2022 are ready. France 24, he aff irmed that ing jobs, and the enactment of In an interview with Fox Sport, Qatar is proceeding with a a law setting a minimum wage, he pointed out that Qatar comprehensive reform to explaining that the Internation- continues to host the most promote and protect the rights al Labour Organisation (ILO) important sporting events, of workers, noting that the last has stated that with the entry which is useful for testing the period witnessed a remarkable into force of these legislations, stadiums and infrastructure development in the promotion Qatar will become a model for as Swiss keep before the big event, stating and protection of the rights of the region regarding the rights that the World Cup Qatar will expatriate workers to Qatar. of migrant workers. (QNA)

FOCUS hopes alive Lebanon, Djibouti teams arrive Midfielder scores twice in their crucial 3-1 victory over Turkey in Baku in Doha for Arab Cup qualifi ers

QNA the departure date on June 25, Shaito, Nour Mansour, Maher Doha according to the instructions of Sabra, Abdullah Aish, Hus- the Organizing Committee that sein Munther, Hussein al-Zein, prohibits teams from moving Hassan Maatouq, Mohamed Ali he Lebanon and Dji- except for training and matches al-Dahini, Nader Matar, Ma- bouti national teams in implementation of the tour- jed Othman, Mohamed Haid- arrived in Doha yester- nament protocol. er, Hassan Muhanna, Haider day evening for their Djibouti’s delegation included Khreis, Hilal al-Hilweh, and TFIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 qual- 23 players: Nasser El-Din Abdi, Ahmed Hejazy. ifi er. Bilal Ahmed, Mohamed Burhan, Lebanon coach Jamal Taha is The winner of the match, Ali Farada, Youssef Patio, Hamza counting on the readiness of his which will be played on Abdi, Sabri Ali, Mohamed Fouad, players after the qualifi ers, as Wednesday at Khalifa Inter- Musa Aranta, Abbas Fouad, the team returned from Korea national Stadium, will secure Ahmed Youssef, Mahdi Mahaba, and rested for two days before a spot in the fourth group that Abu Bakr Omar, Radwan Ab- resuming training last Wednes- also includes Algeria and Egypt boud, Saleh Burhan, Dolah Mah- day in preparation for the Arab along with Sudan, who were the moud, Yabi Saad, Samuel Tim- Cup qualifi ers. fi rst team to qualify after beat- dayo, Fouad Moussa, Ali Hamid, Djibouti had failed to get past ing Libya 1-0 on Saturday. Murad Abdel Qader, Wes Daoud, the fi rst round of qualifying for Both the delegations were Muyinhankwe. the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations subject to a PCR test for Cov- Lebanon’s squad includes by losing to Gambia on pen- id-19 on their arrival in the Qa- 21 players: Mahdi Khalil, Mus- alties. The Djibouti national tari capital, and then moved to tafa Matar, Ali Daher, Abbas team defeated Somalia 1-0 in a the residence to enter the health Asi, Robert Alexander Malki, friendly match before coming bubble that will continue until Qassem al-Zein, Hassan Samih to Doha.

SPOTLIGHT Griezmann defends Benzema as France attack struggles

AFP Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri shoots to score a goal during the UEFA Euro Group A match against Turkey in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday. (AFP) Budapest, Hungary

Reuters ter a hugely disappointing cam- Turkey had their chances, but lated up front, the Turkish chal- Baku, Azerbaijan paign that saw them lose all three Swiss keeper Yann Sommer made lenge fell away. All too often, they ntoine Griezmann in- games, conceding eight goals and a string of superb fi rst-half saves settled for wild shots from dis- sisted yesterday that scoring only once. as they searched for their fi rst tance, but it was the defence that Karim Benzema has witzerland face an anx- The game encapsulated Tur- goal of the tournament. was the source of their problems. the full backing of the ious wait to see if they key’s tournament, as they began Irfan Kahveci fi nally delivered “When the expectations are FranceA team and coaching staff will make Euro 2020’s full of fi re and fury and started it, salvaging some pride for the high, the disappointment is big- with the Real Madrid striker last 16 after Xherdan at a scintillating pace, only to Turks in the 62nd minute with a ger... I apologise to our nation. I coming under the spotlight af- Shaqiri’sS superb double helped collapse quickly as Switzerland spectacular strike from distance trust my friends, we have learned a ter fi ring blanks in his fi rst two them secure third place in Group outmanoeuvred them tactically to reduce the defi cit. lot from this experience,” defender games at Euro 2020. A yesterday with a 3-1 win over to take an early lead. Whatever joy their thousands of Merih Demiral told Turkish TV. France needed a second-half a dismal Turkey, who were sent The Swiss took the lead when supporters in the stands felt was The Swiss will now have to equaliser by Griezmann to draw packing after another defeat. Haris Seferovic received a pass short-lived as their shortcomings wait for the knockout picture to 1-1 with Hungary in Budapest The Swiss, who fi nished level from Steven Zuber on the edge were shown up again six minutes become clearer, but their indus- on Saturday, a result that nev- on four points with Wales but be- of the area before rifl ing the ball later as Shaqiri fi red home another trious performance and Shaqiri’s ertheless left them on top of hind on goal diff erence, will hope into the bottom right corner in Zuber pass to complete a surging fi nishing bodes well for the next Group F at the European Cham- to secure a spot in the knockout the sixth minute. counter-attack. phase if they make it. pionship with four points. France’s Kylian Mbappe (second from left) speaks with teammates round as one of the four best Exasperated, Turkey re- With Shaqiri withdrawn, “I think we played like a unit, The world champions beat Paul Pogba (right), Presnel Kimpembe (left) and Karim Benzema third-placed fi nishers from the grouped and tried again, only to Granit Xhaka hit a post with a and it was crucial today against Germany 1-0 in their opening during a training session in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. (AFP) six groups. go 2-0 down 20 minutes later powerful free kick as the Swiss this team. We knew if we play game in Munich and now re- Turkey, who fi nished fourth when Zuber found Shaqiri in a continued to chase the goals that good we’re going to create a lot quire just a point against Portu- but the most annoying thing Nevertheless, his perform- with three defeats, were tipped similar position, and he curled might have enabled them to take of chances against this team, gal on Wednesday to guarantee would be if he were not even ance on Saturday earned him a as pre-tournament dark horses an exquisite shot beyond the de- second spot, but to no avail. and we did so,” Shaqiri told a place in the last 16. getting the chances.” rating of just 3 out of 10 in lead- but instead will head home af- spairing dive of Ugurcan Cakir. With Burak Yilmaz was left iso- beIN Sports. However, the lack of goals Benzema was recalled by ing sports daily L’Equipe. from their superstar attack France coach Didier Deschamps The newspaper pointed out of Benzema, Griezmann and for the European Champion- that Benzema “has never scored Kylian Mbappe has become the ship after a fi ve-and-a-half- at a Euro after eight matches Africa to go ahead with planned Super League: CAF talking point — against Germa- year international exile. and 33 shots”. ny it was a Mats Hummels own It was a controversial deci- Leading writer Vincent Duluc Reuters Football (CAF) president Patrice in a statement. have the potential to generate goal that decided the game. sion as Benzema is awaiting said that “even at 33, even after Cape Town, South Africa Motsepe said an African Super “We have been following the a revenue of US$3-billion over a “He wants to score just like trial over his alleged involve- 12 seasons at Real, the pressure League, an idea first suggested attempts by some top European five-year cycle. Kylian and I, and as a player you ment in a blackmail plot involv- still seems to be getting to him, by FIFA president Gianni Infan- clubs to form a Euro Super Motsepe said CAF, which is need it to feel relaxed and liber- ing a sextape and former France as is the expectation that he has frican football is going tino, was needed to improve League and will learn from their African football’s controlling ated,” Griezmann said. teammate Mathieu Valbuena. created but that he is now feel- ahead with plans to the game on the continent and experience and pitfalls.” body, must consider new “He has been really impor- Without Benzema France ing himself. Alaunch a Super League, make it financially viable. Infantino raised the idea first in competitions to generate ad- tant in our link-up play and I reached the fi nal of Euro 2016 “His return remains a great the continent’s governing body “We are assessing and in 2019 saying it would comprise ditional income for itself and its am sure when he gets one goal and then won the 2018 World story, but thus far it has been said yesterday, despite a similar preliminary discussions to 20 permanent member clubs member associations and “also the tap will open and it will keep Cup, but there can be no doubt- imperfect.” project in Europe crashing after start an inclusive and broadly plus other that would qualify contribute to African football running. ing his on-pitch credentials. However there is no question public outcry. supported and beneficial CAF via regional competitions, pre- becoming globally competitive “He knows he has the sup- The 33-year-old scored 23 of Deschamps reconsidering his Confederation of African African Super League,” he said dicting the Super League would and self-sustaining”. port of the staff and the players goals for Madrid in the season attacking options, for now any- and we hope he gets a goal soon, just fi nished. way.

COMMENT Misfi ring England captain Kane will start Czech clash: Southgate

AFP would keep his place. ‘MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER’ “But he is our most important player, London, England “He is fundamental not only to the Kane often drops deeper to get involved there is no doubt about that, you’ve goals he scores but the build-up play in the play with Tottenham and has only got to look at his goalscoring and everything else he brings. created a host of chances for club col- record with us to see his importance to areth Southgate has con- “I know there will be a lot of ques- leagues. the team.” fi rmed England captain Harry tions being asked about him at the mo- Taking a similar approach at the Eu- Atletico Madrid right-back Trippier Kane will start tomorrow’s ment but he has been through that 100 ropean Championship has seen Kane’s played with Kane for several years at crucial clash against the times before. goal-scoring opportunities dry up. Tottenham and is sure he will get back GCzech Republic despite his slow start to “I have answered that in this role But Southgate said his decision to on track soon. Euro 2020. several times in the past and he has replace Kane in both games was down “I believe in Harry and I know he will Kane was substituted after failing to come up with the goals that have won to a desire to keep him fresh after he score goals, Harry’s chances will come score in England’s fi rst two Group D us the next games and I expect that to lost momentum during England’s run and for sure he will score goals,” Trip- matches against Croatia and Scotland. be the same moving forward.” to the World Cup semi-finals three pier said. The Tottenham striker has yet to England remain on course for the years ago. “Harry has had an unbelievable sea- register a shot on target and there were last 16 with four points and will win the “In one of the games we were already son with Spurs. He is working hard calls for him to be dropped following group if they beat the Czechs. ahead and we needed energy to press in training and it is about getting the his subdued display in Friday’s drab But their uninspired attacking dis- and keep the lead, we didn’t need an chances to him. 0-0 draw with Scotland. plays have limited them to one goal and additional goal,” he told ITV Sport. “With Harry, he works so hard for the But England boss Southgate yester- only three shots on target in their two “Harry, during the World Cup, we team and people might not recognise day revealed he would keep faith with matches. ended up with him playing a lot of foot- what he does off the ball. the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot win- If they are to win the tournament, they ball and we’ve felt the need to manage “He is our captain, our leader, a big ner. need Kane to recapture the form that saw England’s Harry Kane (right) shakes hands with manager Gareth Southgate that load a little bit this time and we player for us and we just need to create “You can assume that, yes, absolute- him fi nish as the Premier League’s top after being substituted during the UEFA Euro Group D match against Scotland at have got good options on the bench to chances for him to score goals. We need ly,” Southgate said when asked if Kane scorer with 23 goals this season. Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Friday. (Reuters) bring people into the game. to get him on the end of chances.” Gulf Times Monday, June 21, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

UEFA EURO FOCUS Dutch to stay largely unchanged in push Toothless Spain to improve

Reuters Amsterdam, Netherlands

etherlands coach battling for survival Frank de Boer will make only two changes to his starting lineup Nfor today’s last Euro 2020 group game against North Macedonia in an eff ort to improve perform- ance even though his side is ing successfully employed three guaranteed top spot. centre backs and two wing backs aft er Poland draw As the Dutch won their fi rst to good eff ect in their opening two and North Macedonia are two encounters. ‘I was expecting six points and zero goals conceded but this is the situation’ already out, the game is a dead “The system remains the rubber so there was speculation same, because we’ve had good AFP De Boer may rest regulars and passages of play, but we can still Seville, Spain give fringe players a run out. improve,” he said. On the eve of the Group C “We have enough time to rest match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, after the match before our last ine years after win- he confi rmed there would be a 16 match (next Sunday) to be at ning their third major double change but did not say full strength. Otherwise, the rest tournament in a row, who, telling a news conference period will be very long,” he said. Spain are struggling to the priority was improvement. De Boer expressed relief that Nqualify for the knockout stage His team let a two-goal lead lead attacker Memphis Depay of Euro 2020 after only drawing slip against Ukraine before has settled his future by signing their fi rst two group matches. sneaking victory and also looked with Barcelona on Saturday. Coach Luis Enrique said if lethargic at times in the win over “I think it’s a relief for him Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Poland Austria. too. Now it’s behind us. It can sit had been a boxing match, his “Everything can be better. We subconsciously in your head and, team would have won on points could have done better in pos- who knows, this could just be the but his team looked like they session against Austria. In the extra push he needs to excel,” he were on the ropes and lacking a front, the tuning can also be said. knockout punch. sharper. Those kind of things we “We need Memphis to be After starting with a stale- can work on (against North Mac- achieving if we want to go far in mate against Sweden last week, edonia),” he said. this tournament. We have a lot of Spain now sit third in Group E confi dence in him and he in him- and need to beat Slovakia on SAME SYSTEM self. He doesn’t get too fl ustered Wednesday to guarantee quali- De Boer confi rmed he would stay and that’s why he’s such a special fi cation for the last 16. with the new 5-3-2 tactics, hav- player for us.” Placed in a group that ap- peared one of the kindest in the draw and cosseted by a for- GOAL mat that allows all but the very weakest to go through, failing to reach the next round would be nothing less than a humiliation Denmark hope for for Spain. “I was expecting more,” said Poland’s players celebrate after playing out a draw in the UEFA Euro Group E match against Spain in Seville, Spain, on Saturday. (AFP) Luis Enrique. “I was expecting win in crucial game six points and zero goals con- squad has talent but not leaders, against Poland after receiving ready crashed out in the group. clear demonstration of the cold, ceded but this is the situation.” the kind of survival instinct a a negative Covid-19 test and he Luis Enrique was appointed clinical fi nishing that Spain des- Luis Enrique complained last 35-year-old Sergio Ramos might should return against Slovakia, in 2018 to sharpen the focus and perately lack. against Russia week about the state of the pitch have provided. but Spain’s problems appear to oversee a shift in approach, to He gives Poland hope, given at La Cartuja in Seville where “Carles Puyol, Sergio Bus- run deeper. tweak Spain’s possession style they will go through as runners- Reuters Eriksen’s collapse in the opener, Spain are playing their three quets, Sergio Ramos – they give They have now managed just and bring them in line with the up if they beat Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark with the players looking shell- group games, a gripe that was you fear, it will be a battlefi eld,” one win in their last eight games game’s more modern, physical Spain’s fi nal match against Slo- shocked when play resumed and repeated by Manchester City former Germany striker and at major tournaments, a run style. vakia produces a winner. Finland scored to win 1-0. midfi elder Rodri on Saturday. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the stretching across fi ve years, and Yet there has been little evi- Spain, meanwhile, must beat enmark are without a An outpouring of support Jordi Alba, La Roja’s stand-in BBC. have scored more than one goal dence of it at Euro 2020, where Slovakia to make sure they qual- point in a Euro 2020 from the stadium propelled captain in the absence of Sergio “This Spain team is full of in only two of those matches. his team have racked up almost ify. A draw would leave them campaign dominated the Danes to an early lead and Busquets, said they also “lacked technical talent, they know how Since thrashing Italy at Euro 2,000 passes in two games for open to missing out on the four by Christian Eriksen’s stirring performance against a bit of luck” as Gerard Moreno’s to read the space and when to 2012 to complete their historic the return of a single goal. best third-placed teams and cardiacD arrest, but they hope fans top-ranked Belgium in the next penalty struck the post while play, but there is no fear of them hat-trick, Spain have recorded Robert Lewandowski showed even the possibility of fi nishing will rouse them for today’s last- game, but despite scoring an Alvaro Morata failed to convince anymore.” fi ve victories in 13 tournament what can be done even with a last if Poland claim victory. chance game against Russia. early goal they also lost that despite his opening goal. games, one of those a dead rub- scarcity of opportunities, his “We are used to this kind of “It’s like our Euros are starting game 2-1. One explanation favoured SPANISH DOWNTURN ber against Australia at the 2014 brilliant back-post header in pressure,” said Alba. “I am sure right now,” coach Kasper Hjul- “Even though it wasn’t a full by the Madrid press is that the Busquets was in the stands World Cup when they had al- the second half on Saturday a the victory will come.” mand said yesterday ahead of the stadium, you wouldn’t know game at Parken Stadium in Co- standing on the pitch that there penhagen where fans have stayed weren’t 100,000 people there. passionately behind the team I’ve never experienced anything Germany’s Loew not surprised by as a character, we rate him very highly because he’s in France’s Euro 2020 draw with Hungary, coach during narrow defeats to Finland like that personally,” said goal- heroics of highly-rated Gosens very open minded, active in communicating. He has Didier Deschamps said. “We need to run some tests, and Belgium. keeper Kasper Schmeichel. a good relationship with all the players,” Loew told a he’s being examined in the evening. He’s had a “We’re prepared to run out With a normal capacity of just Germany coach Joachim Loew praised Robin Gosens news conference. “He’s really clear in his head. He’s like reaction with a knee tendon,” Deschamps told French at Parken tomorrow and have a over 38,000, the stadium held for his dominant display in Saturday’s 4-2 Euro 2020 how he plays on the pitch: very strict, direct, puts in a broadcaster TF1. Barcelona forward Dembele was magical night,” the 49-year-old 16,000 for the opener and 25,000 win over Portugal, saying he knew very early in the lot of commitment. That’s the way he fights.” brought on by Deschamps in the 57th minute of Les manager told a news conference. against Belgium, and today an- left back’s time with the national team that he had all Bleus’ 1-1 draw with Hungary in Budapest on Saturday, “It’s a little surreal that we other 25,000 will be present for the qualities to succeed. Atalanta defender Gosens France’s Dembele to undergo knee when his side were still behind to Attila Fiola’s first have no points, but we’re focused Denmark’s last roll of the dice. excelled in his ninth game for the country on Saturday, injury test, says Deschamps half opener. He hit the post with his first touch of on the game against Russia and Belgium top Group B on six causing problems for the Portugal defence with his the ball but was forced to leave the field grimacing we know that with a win we can points with the Danes bottom on blistering pace and power as he set up two goals and Ousmane Dembele will undergo tests on his knee three minutes before the end and was substituted for get out of the group phase. zero and needing to beat Russia scored another in the Group F clash. “As a personality, yesterday evening to assess tendon damage suff ered Thomas Lemar. “We respect Russia, it’s going to have any chance of advanc- to be a tough game and we need ing to the knockout stage. Fin- the support we had last time land, who like Russia have three (against Belgium).” points, take on Belgium in St. SPOTLIGHT Danish fans were left stunned Petersburg at the same time to and emotional after midfi elder decide the outcome of the group.

Hazard says ankle may never be same again COMMENT

Reuters St Petersburg, Russia Finland draw hope from past ahead of Ukraine will not play Belgium showdown elgium captain Eden for a draw vs Austria, Hazard said his nu- inland face a daunting our task is to focus on the merous ankle fractures challenge against the part we can actually control, meant it would never Fworld’s highest-ranked and that is our own game. We says Shevchenko beB the same as it was 10 years team Belgium to qualify for the have our colleagues who will ago but he was determined to Euro 2020 knockouts in their keep us informed about the Reuters “My team understands how prove he could still perform at maiden tournament, but coach situation between Russia and Bucharest, Romania important this game is and Aus- the highest level at the European Markku Kanerva is taking in- Denmark, but hopefully we tria is the same... I really respect Championship. spiration from his side’s ability won’t need that information.” Austria. They have a certain style Hazard will start for the to surprise the top nations. After beating the Danes, the kraine will not be lulled and they stick to it. fi rst time in Euro 2020 in his “A draw will probably be Finns then lost to Russia but into complacency by “They have great players, a country’s last Group B match enough to qualify,” he said of they believe other past heroics the fact a draw in their great leader in David Alaba, sev- against Finland in St Petersburg Belgium’s Eden Hazard (centre) runs with teammates during their the final Group B game in St. such as a 2-0 friendly win over fi nal Group C game eral players who deserve respect. on Monday, his coach Roberto training session in Tubize, Belgium, yesterday. (AFP) Petersburg today for Finland, France in November will help againstU Austria guarantees They play very aggressively and Martinez confi rmed. But the who sit on three points after an them against Belgium. progress to the Euro 2020 knock- we expect a tough game.” 28-year-old attacker said he Two wins out of two for Bel- in Copenhagen. He had been a opening win against Denmark. “It is great that we have a outs, coach Andriy Shevchenko Ukraine and Austria both have might not be ready to compete gium mean they are through to fi tness doubt in Belgium’s pre- “When I started as head coach chance to face the two best said yesterday. three points, with Netherlands the full 90 minutes. the last 16, and Martinez is us- tournament preparations after in the Finnish team one of the teams in the world. Although Ukraine are second, behind on six, while North Macedonia “I never doubted my qualities, ing the game against the Finns to an injury-fi lled season at Real first matches was a friendly it was a friendly, the France Netherlands who are already have none after losing both their but whether I would be 100% ensure Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne Madrid. against Belgium and we man- game gave us an idea of how through as group winners, and games. The top two in each of the fi t for the European Champion- and Axel Witsel, also back from Top-ranked Belgium, one of aged a draw,” he added at a we can do well against the best Shevchenko’s side will advance six groups advance to the round ship was going to be a question. injury, get more game time. the Euro 2020 favourites, are news conference yesterday, teams,” Kanerva said. to the last 16 with a win or draw of 16 along with the four best I broke my ankle three times, “We will see how the match expected to win the group and recalling a 1-1 result in 2016. “Now we are facing the today. third-placed fi nishers. it will never be the same as 10 goes, but I may not be ready for keep on track for the title, but Kanerva called today’s game – number one in the FIFA world “Theoretically we can be happy Centre back Denys Popov, who years ago. But I know that when 90 minutes. But I will play as Hazard said thoughts of a fi rst taking place at the same time ranking, the experience with with a draw but we know how dif- was on the bench for Ukraine’s de- I am in shape, that I can prove many minutes as possible at a major title for the country were as Denmark meet Russia in France gives us the idea that fi cult this game is,” Shevchenko feat by Netherlands in their open- myself on the fi eld and that’s high level. If it is 50 minutes, it still some way off . Copenhagen – the biggest ever we can beat big teams.” told a news conference. ing game but left out of the side for what I’m working on now. will be 50. If it is 60, it will be 60. “We still have to work to get for Finland, who sit 53 places The Finns are third in Group “If you go into the game think- their 2-1 win over North Macedo- “I’m not 100% yet, but I’m We’ll see,” he told a news con- better. We are doing our best to below Belgium in the FIFA B behind Belgium and Russia. ing that a draw is okay then you nia, will probably miss the Austria ready to start. But that was the ference yesterday. get better, starting with tomor- rankings. The top two go through to the will never get a certain result. game with a calf injury. plan, to bring me along gradu- Hazard was used a substitute row. The tournament is still long “We still have a chance to win knockout stage, along with the “This kind of thinking can be “Popov has issues with his calf ally. It’s especially important to in Belgium’s opening games, a and we are trying to get as far as the group – it’s completely in four best third-place finishers punished a lot. All this talk that muscle and hasn’t trained today,” be completely fi t in the knock- thumping 3-0 win over Russia possible. There are still areas for our own hands,” he said. from the six groups. the teams can agree to have a Shevchenko said. “I don’t think out phase. Then I have to be in in St Petersburg and a come- improvement, but we are work- “The most important part of (Reuters) draw together should be stopped there is a serious problem but he top shape.” from-behind win over Denmark ing with them.” immediately. It just isn’t right. needs some time to recover.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 21, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET/WTC PSL Sultans slip from 93-0 to 149 all out New Zealand pacer as United win by four wickets

PSL Karachi Kings, who all ended- Abu Dhabi with up on 10 points apiece. La- Jamieson takes fi ve hore Qalandars with 10 points and Quetta Gladiators with four slamabad United overcame points were eliminated from the a late hiccup to defeat Mul- tournament. tan Sultans by four wickets Multan Sultans’ superior net in the dress rehearsal for run-rate over Peshawar Zalmi IMonday’s Qualifi er as 30 league and Karachi Kings means the matches in the HBL Pakistan Southern Punjab side will take before India hit back Super League 6 were completed on Islamabad United in Mon- at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Sta- day’s Qualifi er, which will start dium on Sunday morning. at 1700 UAE time (1800 PKT New Zealand pick seven Indian wickets for 71 before a solid start with the bat Multan Sultans lost 10 wick- time). ets for 56 runs as they were sent The fi rst Eliminator between AFP tumbling out for 149 in 20 overs Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Southampton, United Kingdom after being 93 for no loss in the Kings will follow the Qualifi er 10th over. and will begin at 2200 UAE time Mohammad Wasim Jnr, whose (2300 PKT time). The second ew Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson opening over cost him 18 runs, Eliminator between the loser of completed an impressive fi ve- came back strongly to fi nish with the Qualifi er and winner of the wicket haul before India’s bowl- career-best fi gures of 4-0-31-4, fi rst Eliminator will be played on ers starred on the third day of including three wickets in his fi - Tuesday with the fi rst ball to be Nthe inaugural World Test Championship nal over. bowled at 2000 UAE time (2100 (WTC) fi nal at Southampton yesterday. Pakistan all-rounder Faheem PKT time). An absorbing day of high-quality Ashraf and Australia’s wrist After 30 league matches, Ka- cricket, cut short by bad light despite spinner Fawad Ahmed bagged rachi Kings’ Babar Azam leads the fl oodlights being on full beam, ended two apiece, conceding 24 and 25 the batting chart with 501 runs, with New Zealand 101-2 in reply to India’s runs respectively. followed by Multan Sultans’ Mo- fi rst innings 217, a defi cit of 116 runs. For Multan Sultans, Shan hammad Rizwan (470), Sarfaraz New Zealand opener Devon Conway Masood scored 59 from 37 balls Ahmed of Quetta Gladiators fell for 54 shortly before stumps - his with six fours and three six- (321), Sharjeel Khan of Karachi third score of over fi fty in just fi ve Test es, while Mohammad Rizwan Kings (312) and Multan Sultans’ innings following the 29-year-old left- chipped in with a 24-ball 26 and Sohaib Maqsood (304). hander’s stunning 200 on debut against Johnson Charles contributed a Shahnawaz Dahani of Multan England at Lord’s this month. 16-ball 19. Sultans is the most successful Jamieson is also in the early stages of In turn, Islamabad United bowler with 20 wickets, followed his Test career yet the towering pace- achieved victory with two balls Lahore Qalandars’ Shaheen Shah man still had a miserly return of 5-31 in 22 and four wickets to spare af- Afridi (16), Peshawar Zalmi’s overs, including 12 maidens. ter they required four runs off Wahab Riaz (14) and Lahore Qa- The 26-year-old’s fi fth fi ve-wicket the last over. Shadab Khan top landars’ James Faulkner (13). haul in just eight career Tests included the scored with 35, while Hussain prize scalps of India captain Virat Kohli Talat (34), Muhammad Akhlaq BRIEF SCORES and Rishabh Pant. Yet India’s quicks also (26) and Asif Ali (25) were the Multan Sultans 149 all out, bowled well in helpful, overcast condi- other notable run-getters. 20 overs (Shan Masood 59, tions that made batting diffi cult, with Shahnawaz Dahani and Us- Mohamed Rizwan 26, Johnson Mohammed Shami unlucky not to take a man Qadir equally shared four Charles 19; Mohamed Wasim Jnr wicket after repeatedly getting lift from a New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson appeals wickets between them, conced- 4-31, Faheem Ashraf 2-24, Fawad good length. successfully aft er trapping India’s Virat ing 21 and 22 runs, respectively. Ahmed 2-25) lost to In a match marred by weather inter- Kohli LBW on the third day of the ICC The 30th match result had no Islamabad United 150-6, 19.4 ruptions - Friday’s fi rst day was washed World Test Championship fi nal at the bearing on the fi nal standings overs (Shadab Khan 35, Hussain out without a ball bowled - India re- Ageas Bowl in Southampton, southwest with Islamabad United fi nish- Talat 34, Muhamed Akhlaq 26, sumed on 146-3. Kohli was 44 not out England, yesterday. (AFP) ing at the top of the table with Asif Ali 25; Shahnawaz Dahani and Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten on 29. 16 points, followed by Multan 2-21, Usman Qadir 2-22) by four But Kohli, 10 years to the day since Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and wickets. his Test debut against the West Indies in Scorecard But the stand was broken by off -spinner Kingston, had failed to add his score when Ravichandran Ashwin who lured Latham, the nearly 7ft (2.13 metres) tall Jamieson INDIA 1st innings (overnight: 146-3) NEW ZEALAND 1st Innings then on 34, into a mistimed drive with a got a full-length delivery to nip back and R. Sharma c Watling b Wagner n 34 T. Latham c Kohli b Ashwin 30 slower, fl ighted ball although it needed strike the star batsman on the front pad. Kohli’s leaping catch at short extra-cover S. Gill lbw b Herath 14 D. Conway c Shami b Ishant 54 Kohli reviewed Michael Gough’s lbw to seal the dismissal. Extras (lb3, nb2) 5 decision but the English umpire’s ‘out’ K. Williamson not out 12 Conway pressed on to a 137-ball fi fty, verdict was upheld to end a stand of 61. Total (all out, 92.1 overs, 432 mins) 217 R. Taylor not out 0 including six fours. His one truly ex- Such was New Zealand’s accuracy, travagant shot appears to a one-legged Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Rohit), 2-63 (Gill), Extras (lb3, nb2) 5 Kohli’s 132-ball innings included just one 3-88 (Pujara), 4-149 (Kohli), 5-156 (Pant), ‘fl amingo’ whip stroke and it proved his boundary - a cover-driven four off left- 6-182 (Rahane), 7-205 (Ashwin), 8-213 Total (2 wkts, 49 overs, 224 mins) 101 undoing when he mistimed it off Ishant armer Neil Wagner to get off the mark. (Ishant), 9-213 (Bumrah), 10-217 (Jadeja) Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Latham), 2-101 and was caught at mid-on by Shami. The usually free-scoring Pant needed Bowlers: Southee 22-6-64-1; Boult 21.1-4- (Conway) Ishant had stumps fi gures of 1-19 and 20 balls to get off nought, with a four 47-2; Jamieson 22-12-31-5 (1nb); De Grand- Bowling: Ishant 12-4-19-1; Bumrah 11- 12 overs and Ashwin 1-20 in 12. Match through midwicket off Jamieson. homme 12-6-32-0; Wagner 15-5-40-2 (1nb) 3-34-0 (1nb); Shami 11-4-19-0; Ashwin referee Chris Broad has a special dispen- Two balls later, however, Jamieson 12-5-20-1; Jadeja 3-1-6-0 (1nb) sation to extend this fi nal into a sixth day dismissed the wicketkeeper when Pant, should he feels that will compensate for drove loosely outside off stump and was time lost earlier in the game. well caught at second slip by Tom Latham. catch to Latham, now at midwicket. In- with a cover-driven four worthy of a This match, the culmination of the in- Rahane had batted in composed fashion dia’s 211-7 at lunch became 213-9 soon batsman. Latham and Conway may have augural World Test Championship that during an admirable 117-ball innings with afterwards when Jamieson dismissed had some lucky moments but they also has spanned two years of series between fi ve fours. But, one run shy of a fi fty, the tailenders Ishant Sharma and Jasprit demonstrated a sound technique during the leading Test nations, is worth $1.6 Islamabad United players celebrate after taking a Multan Sultans vice-captain was cramped trying to pull Bumrah with successive deliveries. But a classic Test-match opening partnership million to the winners and $800,000 to wicket in their Pakistan Super League match at the Sheikh Zayed a Wagner short ball and lobbed a simple No 11 Shami denied Jamieson a hat-trick of 70 that spanned more than 34 overs. the runners-up. Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. (PSL)

TENNIS FOCUS Berrettini powers to Queen’s title South Africa collapse Reuters gives Windies hope London Jabeur becomes fi rst Arab woman to win a WTA title AFP With Gabriel off the eld,fi Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia West Indies skipper Kraigg talian top seed Matteo Ber- Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur made them to go on and do more. I Brathwaite quickly turned to rettini marked himself history yesterday when she want to see more of them play- Mayers to keep the pressure on down as a genuine Wim- became the first Arab woman ing alongside me.” nheralded Kyle May- the South African batsmen. The bledon threat after beating to win a WTA title, beating Jabeur, known for her creative ers starred with the ball seam bowling all-rounder, who IBritain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, Russian Daria Kasatkina in the shot-making and a trademark again as South Africa led the bowling eff ort in the fi rst 6-7(5), 6-3 to win the Queen’s final of the grasscourt event in dropshot, had lost to Kasatkina crashed to 63 for six in innings with fi gures of three for Club title yesterday. Birmingham. in the final in Moscow in 2018 Utheir second innings at tea on the 28, enjoyed immediate success The 25-year-old used his huge Jabeur, a trailblazer for North but got the better of the Rus- rain-shortened third day of the when Keegan Peterson dragged serve and forehand to great ef- African women’s tennis, won sian his time. second Test against the West In- a wide delivery onto his stumps. fect once again to claim his fi fth 7-5 6-4 to finally claim a title “The last time I played Dasha dies yesterday. Thanks to a healthy Mayers then despatched Kyle career title and become the fi rst after losing two previous finals. I lost and I was crying. This fi rst innings lead of 149, the Pro- Verreynne to a catch at the wick- Italian champion at the prestig- “I’m so proud. I’ve struggled a morning I was thinking am I teas’ overall lead is 212 runs. et and claimed his third victim ious event. lot and it was tough for me to going to be crying and disap- However they will be con- when Wiaan Mulder’s attempted Berrettini banged down his Italy’s Matteo Berrettini poses with the trophy after winning win a WTA title,” Jabeur told pointed tonight or am I going cerned about the general fragility drive found Shai Hope at gully. 19th ace as he served for the Queen’s Club tournament. (Reuters) the crowd on the Ann Jones to celebrate?,” second-seed of their top-order batting during However the biggest celebra- match and claimed victory on Centre Court. Jabeur said. this brief series, a situation made tion had come just minutes be- his fi rst match point. had two break points at 4-4 in extend his perfect record in ATP “I had to go for it. I had to win Jabeur’s victory means she worse by the previously prolifi c fore Mulder’s demise as Jason The world number nine did the second but Norrie hit back tour fi nals to 3-0. this title just to breathe out has now won 28 matches on Quinton de Kock failing for the Holder dismissed de Kock with- not drop serve since the fi rst superbly to level the match by a little bit and also to be the Tour this year - more than any fi rst time in the two matches. out scoring. With scores of 141 round and held 46 service games winning the tiebreak. Samsonova downs Bencic in example. “There are not a lot other player apart from world Heavy early morning rain re- not out and 96 in his two previ- in a row. World number 41 Nor- It was only a temporary hic- Berlin to win first WTA title of Arabic or Tunisian players number one Ash Barty who sulted in the entire morning ses- ous innings, the jubilation of the rie dug deep to take the match to cup for Berrettini, however, as Qualifi er Liudmila Samsonova playing and I hope this inspires also has 28. (Reuters) sion being lost with the home West Indies players was under- a deciding set but faltered at 3-4 he powered through the decider capped her breakthrough week side again relying on their senior standable when the left-handed as he dropped serve with un- to emulate Becker. yesterday by winning her fi rst fast bowler when play eventually wicketkeeper-batsman edged his timely errors. WTA title with victory over got underway in the afternoon second delivery to wicketkeeper Norrie was Berrettini’s third Humbert stuns Rublev to Belinda Bencic in the fi nal of before Mayers got among the Joshua da Silva. Rassie van der British victim this week after he claim Halle title the Berlin grass court tourna- wickets once more. Needing to Dussen remains unbeaten on also beat fi ve-times champion France’s Ugo Humbert pulled ment. restrain South Africa’s progress 22 with the wickets tumbling Andy Murray and Dan Evans. off a surprise 6-3, 7-6(4) win Samsonova, 22, made a mock- in building a match-winning around him. With Berrettini’s serving look- over world number seven An- ery of her world ranking of 106 lead, Kemar Roach responded ing untouchable it was vital drey Rublev to claim his maiden to recover from losing the fi rst by prising out Aiden Markram BRIEF SCORES Norrie looked after his own de- ATP 500 title on the Halle grass- set to earn a 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory in the fi rst over of the innings. South Africa 298 (Q. de Kock livery but he dropped serve with courts yesterday. over Swiss fi fth seed Bencic. Then after changing ends to re- 96, D. Elgar 77; K. Mayers 3-28, a double fault in the sixth game Humbert stepped up his It was another display of place struggling pacer Shannon K. Roach 3-45) and 63-6 (R. of the opening set to hand Ber- Wimbledon preparations by power Tennis from the Rus- Gabriel, he accounted for the van der Dussen 22 not out; K. rettini the decisive break. producing a clinical display, sian who stunned former world Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur celebrates with the trophy after winning other opener, captain Dean El- Mayers 3-14) v West Indies 149 Berrettini was close to win- winning 85% of his fi rst-serve number one Victoria Azarenka Birmingham Classic final against Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. (Reuters) gar. Both fell to catches by Jason (J. Blackwood 49, S. Hope 43; W. ning in straight sets when he points and hitting nine aces to in Saturday’s semi-fi nal. Holder at second slip. Mulder 3-1) Gulf Times Monday, June 21, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Islanders withstand furious Lightning Antetokounmpo rally to even series

Reuters The Islanders took advantage New York of Lightning star Point losing his stick to double the lead with 6:14 left. Cal Clutterbuck fi red a shot osh Bailey, Mathew Barzal from just inside the blue line that outduels Durant and Matt Martin all scored ricocheted off a leaning Vasilev- in the second period Satur- skiy and to Barzal, who would day night for the host New normally be covered by Point. YorkJ Islanders, who survived a Instead, Barzal pounced on the third-period rally by the Tampa rebound and fi red the puck into Bay Lightning to earn a 3-2 win the open net. in Game 4 of an NHL semi-fi nal Martin, who missed the wed- series in Uniondale, NY. ding of his brother-in-law Gun- as Bucks oust Nets The win evened the best-of- nar Esiason – son of former NFL seven series at two games apiece. quarterback Boomer Esiason Game 5 is scheduled for today – Saturday, backhanded home a ‘They are a great team. They have a great chance to win the championship’ night in Tampa. rebound of a shot by Adam Pe- Goalie Semyon Varlamov lech with 2:03 remaining. AFP made 28 saves for the Islanders, Point began the Lightning’s Los Angeles though defenseman Ryan Pulock comeback by racing up the right made the save of the game as side of the ice and deking Andy Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks heads for time expired by sprawling across Greene before fi ring a shot past iannis Antetokounmpo had 40 the net as Blake Griffi n (left ) of the Brooklyn Nets and Joe the net to block Ryan McDon- Varlamov 3:45 into the third. points and 13 rebounds as the Harris of the Brooklyn Nets defend during game seven of agh’s shot. It was the seventh straight Milwaukee Bucks defeated the the Eastern Conference second round at Barclays Center in Brayden Point and Tyler John- game in which Point has scored Brooklyn Nets 115-111 in a thrill- the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Getty Images/AFP) son scored in the third for the a goal. Ging game-seven overtime on Saturday to Lightning. Goaltender Andrei Johnson pulled the Lightning advance to the Eastern Conference fi nals. Vasilevskiy recorded 27 saves. within a goal 2:58 later, when he The best-of-seven series has featured The Lightning outshot the Is- was stuff ed twice by Varlamov almost everything, including epic scoring landers 11-4 in the fi rst and had before he skated around the ice performances, aggressive fouls, rim-rat- the fi rst six shots of the second with the puck and fi red a shot tling dunks, series-ending injuries and of before New York took control. past the screened keeper. course, Saturday’s winner-take-all game Brock Nelson set up Bailey’s The Lightning almost tied the seven which turned into a see-saw aff air goal by coming to a complete game as time expired, when Mc- with dozens of lead changes throughout. stop, doing a 360 and pass- Donagh did his own 360 at the The only thing missing was an over- ing across the ice to Bailey, who doorstep and got the puck past time which Kevin Durant set the stage for deked McDonagh before fi ring a Varlamov, who was out of the in game seven when he drained a turna- shot through McDonagh’s legs crease. But Pulock slid across round jump shot at the buzzer in regula- and beyond Vasilevskiy’s glove at and blocked the puck as the tion to level the score at 109 all in front the 5:30 mark. crowd of 12,978 erupted. of a crowd of 16,200 at Barclays Center arena in New York. Two-time league MVP Antetok- ounmpo shot 15-of-24 and had fi ve as- sists in 50 minutes of playing time in the head-to-head match-up with Durant. “I want to be great,” Antetokounmpo said. “We had to give everything.” Durant fi nished with 48 points, nine rebounds and six assists but missed two jumpers in the fi nal minute of overtime that could have tied the score and possi- bly forced a second extra session. “We got looks, we just didn’t knock them down,” said Durant. The Bucks will advance to the Eastern Conference fi nals where they will play either the Atlanta Hawks or the Philadel- phia 76ers, who face off in another game seven on Sunday. “At the end of the day, I try not to get too high, not to get too low. But I almost got emotional a little bit out there be- cause the team really tried their best,” Antetokounmpo said. “We kept our composure. We were down 2-0. A lot of people didn’t believe we could make it.” Khris Middleton tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who became the fi rst road team to win a game in the series. Brook Lopez chipped in 19 and Jrue Holiday contributed 13 points to the win. Antetokounmpo hit the game-tying basket and Khris Middleton delivered the game winner in overtime as the Bucks advanced to the NBA semi-fi nals for the second time in three seasons. fi ve-of-17 in another frustrating play- Durant forced overtime after the Nets foot was on the line making it a two point Milwaukee took the lead for good, off performance from the former league failed to hold onto a fi ve-point lead in the basket instead of a three. “We got lucky 113-111, when Middleton converted on a MVP. Harden was playing with a sore fi nal minutes of the fourth. his toe was on the line and they called it a 13-foot turnaround jumper with 40 sec- hamstring. With just 1.6 seconds left, Durant hit two,” Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton said. Josh Bailey of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring a goal onds to go. Durant shot 17 of 36, draining “Give them credit. They are a great a 24-foot turnaround jumper from the “But once he hits that shot, we’ve got against Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in Game Four four three-pointers, while James Harden team. They have a great chance to win the three point line. to forget about it. There’s still ballgame of the Stanley Cup semi-finals at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, chipped in 22 points but shot a dismal championship,” said Durant of the Bucks. After video review, offi cials ruled his left. That wasn’t the game.” New York. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Jays rally for 6 in ninth to overcome 6 HRs by Orioles

Reuters Orioles. Baltimore’s fi rst six hits Tatis Jr. injures shoulder in Camarena. Eugenio Suarez then Boston were home runs, a fi rst in fran- Padres’ win over Reds tied the game with a two-run, chise history. Ha-Seong Kim, who entered the two-out single off reliever James Toronto starter Alek Manoah game after National League home Norwood. ladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a allowed fi ve runs and four hits run leader Fernando Tatis Jr. de- Cincinnati took an early 2-0 go-ahead two-run dou- – all homers – in 3 1/3 innings parted with a shoulder injury, hit lead with single runs in the fi rst ble in a six-run ninth despite six strikeouts. He was a two-run, two-out homer in the and second on RBI doubles by inning, and the visiting ejected in the three-run fourth bottom of the eighth Saturday to Jesse Winker and Kyle Farmer VToronto Blue Jays came back to after he hit Maikel Franco with a lead the San Diego Padres to a 7-5 against spot starter Miguel Diaz. defeat the Baltimore Orioles 10-7 pitch and the benches cleared. victory over the visiting Cincin- The Padres tied the game in Saturday afternoon. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer nati Reds. the bottom of the third when The Blue Jays, who had two allowed two runs, three hits and Tommy Pham was on second Jake Cronenworth followed a home runs from Marcus Semien three walks while striking out six with his third double of the game lead-off single by Tatis with his and one from Guerrero, over- in six innings. Semien homered when Kim, who was hitting .209, eighth homer (and second in four came three home runs by Bal- to lead off the fi rst inning and hit a line drive off Reds right- games). The Padres took a 5-2 timore’s Ryan Mountcastle and Guerrero hit his 23rd homer this handed reliever Heath Hembree lead in the bottom of the fourth two from Cedric Mullins to end a season with one out two bat- (1-2) just inside the left-fi eld on Manny Machado’s three-run, fi ve-game losing streak. ters later. Mountcastle homered foul pole. Padres right-hander two-out double off Reds starter The teams have split the fi rst in the second and Mullins went Nabil Crismatt (2-1) earned the Vladimir Gutierrez, who had two games of the three-game se- deep in the third to tie the game. win with three scoreless innings struck out the fi rst two Padres in ries. Bo Bichette’s two-out bloop Mountcastle smacked a two- of one-hit relief. Right-hander the inning. single against Tyler Wells tied the run homer in the fourth. Stewart Mark Melancon picked up his game after he had fouled off fi ve then followed with his seventh 20th save – and fi rst since June RESULTS pitches with two strikes and two homer. Franco was hit by a pitch 4 – when Kim turned a one-out Blue Jays 10-7 Orioles out. Randal Grichuk added an RBI and the benches cleared and grounder into a game-ending Dodgers 9-3 D’Backs double. The rally started when Manoah was ejected. Anthony double play. Padres 7-5 Reds Paul Fry (0-2) allowed a walk and Kay took over. Mountcastle hit The win was the Padres’ third Yankees 7-5 Athletics two singles before walking Sem- another homer, his 12th, in the straight over the Reds, who ar- Brewers 6-5 Rockies ien with the bases loaded and sixth. Toronto scored once in the rived in San Diego on a six-game Mariners 6-5 Rays two out. Wells was brought in but seventh against Tanner Scott, winning streak. Mets 5-3 Nationals could not hold the lead. plating a run on a double-play The Reds had tied the game Nationals 6-2 Mets Jordan Romano (4-1) allowed ball. Mullins hit his 13th homer with a three-run fi fth that also Phillies 13-6 Giants two hits and one walk in two in- of the season – and fourth of saw the Padres lose Tatis after Marlins 11-1 Cubs nings while striking out three to the series – in the bottom of the the shortstop landed hard on the Astros 7-3 White Sox get the win. Mountcastle, who seventh. Semien homered for the left shoulder he partially sepa- Red Sox 7-1 Royals also singled in going 4-for-4, second time in the eighth, this rated earlier in the season. Tatis Twins 3-2 Rangers had four RBIs, while DJ Stew- time against Hunter Harvey, for was hurt while diving for Tyler Angels 8-3 Tigers Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits an RBI double in the ninth inning against the art added a solo homer for the his 18th of the season. Naquin’s RBI single off Daniel Pirates 6-3 Indians Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 21, 2021 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING FOCUS American Korda shoots sizzling 62 Marquez takes to seize 3-shot lead

AFP shots back of the leader. Four Los Angeles players share fi fth including a pair of major champions, Geor- gia Hall and Anna Nordqvist. elly Korda rolled in 11 Just two of the top eight play- risks in the German birdies en route to a ca- ers on the leaderboard are Amer- reer best 62 for a three- ican and the others represent fi ve stroke lead after the diff erent countries. Nthird round of the LPGA Tour’s Defending champion Brooke Meijer Classic on Saturday. Henderson, the winner in 2017 Korda reached a 20-under 196 and 2019, missed the cut on Fri- total after 54 holes at the Blythe- day by a stroke after rounds of 75 fi eld Country Club which is also and 67. The Canadian was forced rain to end drought a career best. She joins a short to play without her regular cad- list of players who have drained die, sister Brittany, because of a 11 birdies in a round and sec- visa snafu. ‘It is one of the most important and hardest moments of my career’ ond only to Annika Sorenstam’s record 13 birdies in a 2001 LPGA LEADING THIRD-ROUND AFP Tour round. SCORES Sachsenring, Germany Honda Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates with the Second round leader Leona (USA unless noted) trophy aft er winning the German MotoGP Grand Prix at Maguire started the day with a 196-Nelly Korda 68-66-62 the Sachsenring racing circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal three shot lead and fi nished three 199-Leona Maguire (IRE) 65- arc Marquez won near Chemnitz, eastern Germany, yesterday. (AFP) shots adrift of Korda. Maguire fi red 64-70 his fi rst race since a two-under par 70 after an early 200-Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) 2019 as the six- bogey at the par-three seventh. 68-67-65 time world cham- Swede Madelene Sagstrom turned 201-Oh Su-Hyun (AUS) 67-65-69 Mpion dominated in the rain at the in a bogey-free 65 and is 16-under 202-Georgia Hall (ENG) 68-69- Sachsenring to win the German overall. Her performance included 65, Charley Hull (ENG) 65-70-67, MotoGP. four straight birdies starting from Mina Harigae 68-66-68, Anna Marquez missed almost all of the second hole on the course in Nordqvist (SWE) 67-67-68 last season and since his return Grand Rapids, Michigan. 203-Jennifer Kupcho 68-68-67, he has had trouble lasting the Korean-born Australian Oh Sarah Schmelzel 67-69-67, Brit- pace, crashing out in his last Su-Hyun is alone in fourth, fi ve tany Altomare 68-66-69 three. On Saturday, the Span- iard took a risk in the rain and then stayed clear of in-form Portuguese Miguel Oliveira and championship leader Fabio Quartararo. “It is one of the most impor- tant and hardest moments of my career,” said an emotional Mar- quez. “It was not easy mentally, I’m coming from a hard situa- tion: three zeros in a row. I’m human, it aff ects me...” Marquez started on the sec- ond row but burst through at the start and was battling for the lead with fellow Spaniard Aleix Espargaro of Aprilla when rain started to fall. While other riders grew more cautious, Marquez, who had not won since Valencia in November 2019, attacked. “When I saw a few drops on laps four and fi ve I thought: ‘this is my race’,” he said, “At that point, I pushed.” “When more drops fell, I RESULTS pushed more. It was time to take a risk. Then the second race 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) MotoGP standings (after Moto2: 1. Remy Gardner (AUS/ nio (ITA/Kalex) 73 started with Miguel.” 41min 7.243sec, 2. Miguel eight races): 1. Fabio Quar- Kalex) 39min 39.191sec, 2. Aron Moto3: 1. Pedro Acosta (ESP/ Catalonia GP winner Oliveira Oliveira (POR/KTM) at 1.610sec, tararo (FRA/Yamaha) 131 points, Canet (ESP/Boscoscuro) at KTM) 39min 38.791sec, 2. Kaito emerged from the pack to give 3. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ 2. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati- 6.158, 3. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/ Toba (JPN/KTM) at 0.130, 3. chase but was more than a sec- Yamaha) 6.772, 4. Brad Binder Pramac) 109, 3. Jack Miller Kalex) 7.030, 4. Fabio di Gian- Dennis Foggia (ITA/Honda) ond back. After three surger- (RSA/KTM) 7.922, 5. Francesco (AUS/Ducati) 100, 4. Francesco nantonio (ITA/Kalex), 8.145, 5. 0.259, 4. Jeremy Alcoba (ESP/ ies on the right arm, Marquez Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati) 8.591, 6. Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati) 99, 5. Joan Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) 9.888 Honda) 0.206 (penalised one struggles turning right, but the Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati) 9.086, Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 85, 6. Maverick place), 5. Andrea Migno (ITA/ short 3.7km Sachsenring has 7. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 75, 7. Moto2 standings: 1. Remy Honda) 0.459 few right-handers. 9.371, 8. Johann Zarco (FRA/ Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 74, Gardner (AUS/Kalex) 164 points, “I said as early as Thursday Ducati-Pramac) 11.439, 9. Joan 8. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 56, 2. Raul Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) Moto3 standings: 1. Pedro that I wouldn’t have any physi- Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 11.625,10. Pol 9. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 128, 3. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/ Acosta (ESP/KTM) 145 points, 2. cal limitations here,” he said. Espargaro (ESP/Honda) 14.769 53, 10. Marc Marquez (ESP/ Kalex) 117, 4. Sam Lowes (GBR/ Sergio Garcia (ESP/GasGas) 90, Although Oliveira gained on Honda) 41 Kalex) 86, 5. Fabio di Giannanto- 3. Jaume Masia right-hand corners, Marquez was able to preserve a cushion of more than a second. “It was because of all the memories and et,” laughed Quartararo. “When have been struggling.” crashed when running second. a little cat and mouse all race,” all the sensations of the past you miss a year, after a serious Quartararo now holds a The Australian, who rides a said Oliveira. “He was faster in year,” said Marquez. injury, several operations, it’s 22-point edge over compatriot Kalex, fi nished 6.158 seconds some sectors, I was faster in oth- It was his 11th straight victory incredible what he achieved to- Johann Zarco who was eighth on ahead of Spaniard Aron Canet ers. We battled at a distance.” at the Sachsenring, which like day.” his Pramac Ducati. on a Boscoscuro, with Italian “I’ll take a second here at him was off the MotoGP circuit Quartararo increased his lead In Moto2, Remy Gardner ce- Marco Bezzecchi third on a Ka- Sachsenring – to him.” last season, but it was the fi rst in the championship on a track mented his grip on the Moto2 lex. “It was long race out there Marquez held on for what was for him and the Honda team that does not suit his Yamaha. lead, cruising to victory in on my own trying not to make Nelly Korda watches her drive on the fourth hole during the final clearly an emotional victory. since Valencia. “This podium is gold,” said Germany on Sunday after his mistakes and manage the gap,” round of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythefield “It was hard to concentrate “Marc is from another plan- Quartararo. “All weekend we main title rival Raul Fernandez said Gardner. Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Getty Images/AFP)

GOLF Oosthuizen, Hughes and Henley share lead AFP ago at St. Andrews – made his in- chip-in birdie at the 12th. He US Open runner-up Matthew La Jolla, United States credible closer at the par-5 18th. salvaged bogey after fi nding an Wolff , who is returning from “I was talking too it to slow oceanside canyon off the tee at 15, a two-month mental health down a little bit,” Oosthuizen saved par from a bunker at 16 at hiatus. outh Africa’s Louis Oost- said. seven feet at 17 and tapped in for “I felt like I grinded pretty good huizen closed with a “It was a good line and good a closing birdie. and kept the scores as low as pos- stunning 52-foot eagle speed.” “It’s one of the best rounds of sible to give myself a good chance putt to grab a share of the On a day of electric shotmak- golf I’ve played in a while,” McIl- going into tomorrow,” Wolff said. leadS with Canada’s Mackenzie ing, Hughes sank a 63-foot eagle roy said. Rahm spent most of last week Hughes and American Russell putt at the par-5 13th and blasted McIlroy snapped an 18-month in quarantine after contracting Henley after Saturday’s dramatic out of a bunker to fi ve feet to set win drought last month on Covid-19. third round of the US Open. up a birdie at 18. Mother’s Day and could end his “I’m confi dent about tomor- Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Hughes, who missed the cut in major win drought on his fi rst Fa- row,” Rahm said. “There will be Open champion, fi red a one-un- his past fi ve PGA events and six of ther’s Day since the birth of fi rst somebody who gets a fast start, der par 70 to stand on fi ve-under his eight prior major starts, won child Poppy last year. and hopefully that’s me.” 208 after 54 holes at Torrey Pines his only US PGA title in 2016 at “I’m just excited for the op- England’s Richard Bland, a 36- with Hughes, who fi red a 68, and Sea Island. portunity to have a chance and be hole co-leader with Henley try- Henley, who saved par from a “I know I’m going to be nerv- in one of the fi nal groups,” McIl- ing at 48 to become the oldest US bunker at 18 to shoot 71. ous tomorrow,” Hughes said. roy said. Open champion, fell back with a Four-time major winner Rory “I’m going to try and enjoy it lots DeChambeau shot 68 in the 77 to stand on 214. McIlroy and defending cham- and embrace the moment.” fi rst bogey-free major round of Bland, playing in only his pion Bryson DeChambeau shared A crowd limited to about his career, sinking seven-foot fourth major, won his fi rst Eu- fourth on 210, charging into con- 8,000 people by Covid-19 safety birdie putts at the fi rst and sixth ropean Tour title at last month’s tention to set the stage for an in- measures roared when Hughes Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa plays and an eight-footer at the par-5 British Masters after 478 starts tense fi nal round. knocked in his eagle. his shot from the 18th tee during the 13th. over 25 years. “There are a lot of great play- “I loved it,” he said. “The third round of the 2021 US Open at “It’s great. It means my game Phil Mickelson, a six-time US ers up there that have a chance of charge when it goes in the hole Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, is in a pretty decent spot,” De- Open runner-up who turned 51 winning this,” Oosthuizen said. and the crowd erupts is why we California. (Getty Images/AFP) Chambeau said. Wednesday, staggered to a 76 to “I just need to go out and play as play. It gives me goosebumps just “I stepped up and felt really end his dream of a win to com- good as I can. thinking about it.” comfortable out there... I gave plete a career Grand Slam. “You’re going to have nerves. Journeyman Henley blasted in myself a great chance tomor- The American left-hander You’re going to feel it. It’s just a 22-yard bunker shot for birdie row.” made fi ve bogeys and a double about how you handle it.” at the par-3 11th and saved par World number three Jon Rahm bogey to fi nish on 220. After sinking a 30-foot birdie from a bunker at 18 to share the of Spain, who spent last week in “I just completely lost it to- putt at the par-3 16th, Oosthui- lead. know,” Henley said. “I’m excited. World number 11 McIlroy, who 67. McIlroy birdied three of the Covid-19 quarantine, fi red a 72 day,” said Mickelson. “I just kind zen – who has fi ve major runner- “Tied for the lead going into You always wonder what it would hasn’t won a major title since the fi rst four holes on the back nine, to share sixth on 211 with Ameri- of lost the swing and I really up fi nishes since his win 11 years the last day of a major, you never feel like to be in contention.” 2014 PGA Championship, shot including a spectacular 32-yard cans Scottie Scheffl er and 2020 struggled.” Gulf Times Monday, June 21, 2021 7 SPORT

FOCUSSPOTLIGHT Fever clinic and Covid kits: Tokyo 2020 shows off Olympic Village

AFP lated only by workers, uniformed Tokyo guards on bikes and fi refi ghters carrying out drills. Uganda team member tests positive for But in just a few weeks, all that okyo 2020 organisers will change, with national teams coronavirus on arrival in Japan threw open the doors of taking up residence and up to the Olympic Village to the 3,000 staff manning everything Tokyo: One of Uganda’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic media yesterday, show- from stops for autonomous buses squad tested positive for the new coronavirus on Tcasing virus upgrades including a to kitchens serving thousands of arrival in Japan on Saturday, the first time an in- fever clinic just over a month be- meals. The spectre of the corona- fection has been confirmed in an overseas team, fore the Games begin. virus, which forced the postpone- NHK reported. Organisers are in the home ment of the Games last year, will Nine athletes and coaches arrived at Narita stretch before the July 23 opening hang heavy over the village. airport, near Tokyo, at around 6pm, with one of ceremony, and are trying to build The newly added fever clinic, them testing positive during a screening at the confi dence that the mega-event separate from the main medical airport, the national broadcaster said. will be safe for athletes and the facility, will be used to test and That individual is now staying at a government- Japanese public. isolate people suspected of vi- designated facility, while the others travelled on Members of Uganda’s Olympic team arrive at Yesterday, they unveiled the rus infection or considered close to their host city in Osaka, where they will hold Narita international airport in Tokyo yesterday. dedicated virus clinic, warned A replica of the athletes’ room is displayed at the village plaza of the contacts. their training camp, NHK said. that drinking in groups at the vil- Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Village in Tokyo yesterday. “This is just another example All of Uganda’s team members had received two whether to allow domestic spectators into the lage would be prohibited and said of how we are stringently manag- shots of AstraZeneca’s vaccine and had tested stadiums for the Games. Foreign spectators have a mixed zone for guests had been ympics. The fi rst glimpse of the towers, a 3,000-seat canteen, ing matters about possible Covid negative 72 hours before departing for Japan, already been banned. scrapped. village since last year’s postpone- a park, gyms and recreation fa- infections,” said Takashi Kitajima, according to the report. The Tokyo 2020 president is eyeing a cap of Warning posters urging anti- ment revealed a virtual city with- cilities, complete with Nintendo general manager for the village. The long-delayed Tokyo 2020 Summer Games 10,000 people per venue, even as government virus measures including room in a city, with everything from consoles. Testing will be “the biggest are due to start on July 23 amid concern that the health experts warn against in-person audiences. ventilation have been placed a playground and fl orist to dry Young trees that organis- challenge”, with about 20,000 influx of thousands of people from around the For the opening ceremony, however, off icials are throughout the mini-city, which cleaners and ice baths for athletes ers hope will eventually provide carried out each day, according world would contribute to the spread of Covid-19. considering allowing as many as 20,000 people can sleep 18,000 athletes and and staff . The site stretches across shade during the fi erce Tokyo to Tetsuya Miyamoto, an offi cial Organisers are to decide as soon as today to attend. team members during the Olym- 44 hectares of reclaimed land in summer dot the otherwise al- with Tokyo 2020’s medical serv- pics and 8,000 during the Paral- the Tokyo Bay, with 21 residents most eerily empty village, popu- ices.

US TRIALS SPOTLIGHT Van Niekerk fi nally qualifi es to defend Richardson books Olympic 400m title ticket to Tokyo Richardson is the second fastest woman in the world over 100m this year

AFP 200m double in Tokyo, looked Eugene unconvincing in his heat, start- ing slowly before fi nishing in third place. n emotional Sha’Carri In the women’s 400m, Allys- Richardson surged to on Felix qualifi ed safely for Sun- 100m victory at the US day’s fi nal after fi nishing second Olympic track and fi eld in her semi-fi nal in a time of trialsA in Oregon on Saturday, 51.01sec. punching her ticket to Tokyo in Felix, the only woman track 10.86 seconds. athlete to win six Olympic gold The 21-year-old Texan medals, is aiming to reach her Reuters seconds for four years but he streaked over the line at Hay- fi fth consecutive Olympics be- Madrid has barely competed since being ward Field and moments later fore heading into retirement. injured in a charity touch rugby revealed that her win came af- “I feel like I’m in a good spot game in October 2017 ter a week in which she learned for tomorrow,” Felix said. “I lympic 400m cham- Van Niekerk, who smashed of the death of her biological tried to run smart,” the 35-year- pions Wayde van Michael Johnson’s 400m world mother. old said. Niekerk belatedly record at the 2016 Rio Olympics A jubilant Richardson leapt In the women’s 100m hurdles, confi rmed he will de- to claim gold in 43.03, moved into the stands to share an em- world record holder Keni Harri- fendO his title at the Tokyo Games, last month to train in the Unit- brace with her grandmother and son cruised into Sunday’s semi- fi nishing inside the qualifying ed States under sprint mentor other family members following fi nals with the fastest time of the time in Madrid on Saturday. Lance Brauman, who has had her victory. heats, clocking 12.49sec. Beset by injury since his Rio him concentrating on the 200m. “This year has been crazy Harrison, the reigning world heroics fi ve years ago, the South But a bid to qualify for 200m for me,” Richardson said after- champion, is looking to atone African ran 44.56 at the Con- in Boston last month saw him wards. for her nightmare at the 2016 tinental Tour event at Estadio pull up before the fi nish line, “I’m still here, last week fi nd- trials where she entered the Vallehermoso to fi nish 0.34 sec- sparking more concerns about ing out my biological mother competition as favourite but onds inside the qualifying time, his fi tness. passed away. failed to fi nish in the top three although he was runner-up to Van Niekerk, however, said at “And still choosing to pur- and missed out on a place in Rio. Colombia’s Anthony Jose Zam- the time it was only precaution- sue my dreams, still coming out Other hurdles qualifi ers in- brano. ary and has since told report- here, still making the family that But she hit the front with 30 lenge at next month’s Olympics. a drugs ban, Bromell is widely cluded Brianna McNeal, the It was the fi rst time the world ers he is excited and optimistic I do have on this earth proud.” metres to go, and pulled clear to Her winning time in Satur- regarded as the favourite for reigning Olympic champion record holder had run under 45 about the year. Richardson said sharing her score a decisive victory. day’s fi nal came despite running gold at the Tokyo Olympics af- who is competing in Eugene de- win with her grandmother, fam- Oliver fi nished second in into negative headwind. In the ter battling back from a series of spite facing a potentially career- ily and coaches had carried extra 10.99sec while Teahna Daniels semi-fi nals earlier Saturday she career-threatening injuries. ending suspension for an anti- meaning. was third in 11.03. had run a blistering but wind- “I really believe. Doctors told doping rules violation. Venue medical off icers “Without them, there would Richardson is the second assisted 10.64. me I would never run again,” McNeal, who was banned for be no me. And without my fastest woman in the world Richardson’s victory capped a Bromell said. “All I had was my a year in 2016 after three where- want no spectators grandmother there would be no over 100m this year, running a second day of action that mostly faith.” Veteran Justin Gatlin, the abouts violations, faces a fi ve- Sha’Carri Richardson. 10.72sec in April. Only Jamai- followed the form book. 2004 Olympic 100m gold med- year ban for a charge of tam- acing the daunting task of this summer,” said Yokobori, “My family is everything to ca’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce In the men’s 100m open- allist who is bidding to make his pering within the anti-doping keeping the world’s larg- the chair of the Nippon Medical the day I’m done,” Richardson has run quicker, the two-time ing heats, Trayvon Bromell, the fourth Olympics at the age of 39, process. est sporting event safe, School Hospital’s department of said, adding that hugging her Olympic champion running fastest man in the world this fi nished second behind Bromell However she has been allowed Fsome emergency medi- emergency and critical care med- grandmother had “felt better 10.63sec in Kingston earlier this year, comfortably advanced to in 9.93sec. “Some days at prac- to compete at the trials ahead cine offi cers overseeing Tokyo icine in Tokyo. than winning the race.” month. the semi-fi nals with a wind- tice, I feel 39 but I live for this of an appeal of her case at the Olympic venues are calling on the “I’m the commander of the Earlier, Richardson had start- Richardson however showed assisted 9.84sec moment,” said Gatlin. Court of Arbitration for Sport, organisers to bar spectators over venue. The number of people in ed slowly and trailed Javianne on Saturday that she is ready to With world champion Chris- World 200m champion Noah due to be heard before the Tokyo risks of a jump in Covid-19 cases. the audience is my biggest con- Oliver at the halfway stage. give Fraser-Pryce a serious chal- tian Coleman suspended due to Lyles, who is targeting a 100m- Olympics. Organisers are to decide as soon cern. I’m hoping there won’t be today whether to allow domestic so many spectators,” he said. spectators into the stadiums for Yokobori and two other medi- the Games, which were delayed cal offi cers told Reuters the pan- by a year due to the pandemic and demic adds further strain to what Dressel fl ies to second Tokyo berth at US swim trials now set to start in about a month. already is an extremely busy job, Foreign spectators have already requiring quick decision-making AFP second-place fi nisher Katie bitious programme for Tokyo. been banned. and on-the-spot assessment of Omaha Grimes. She is qualifi ed in the 200m, The Tokyo 2020 president is risks. “It was a fi ne swim,” Ledecky 400m, 800m and 1,500m free- eyeing a cap of 10,000 people Olympic organisers have held said. “I thought it would be a styles. per venue, even as government conference calls with the doctors orld record- lot better than that just given It was an upset in the wom- health experts warn against in- once or twice a month but have holder Caeleb how good my prelim swim felt. en’s 200m backstroke, as Rhyan person audiences. provided only “rough” informa- Dressel will try “It’s just a good reminder White and 18-year-old Phoebe Overwhelming public op- tion so far, Yokobori said. Wto add 100m but- and I’ll take that moving for- Bacon fi nished one-two to shut position to the Games has eased “We don’t have much infor- terfl y Olympic gold to his two ward... 8:14.6 was the time I world record-holder Regan somewhat, but a Friday poll from mation on how many spectators world titles after a victory Sat- won with in London so I can’t Smith out of the Tokyo berths. Jiji news found 41% still want the and how many athletes will be urday at the US Olympic swim- be too hard on myself.” White, 21, had already Games cancelled. If the Games there. That’s why we can’t imag- ming trials. The 15-year-old Grimes, punched her ticket to Tokyo go ahead, 64% of the public want ine what it will look like,” he said. Dressel, who clocked the swimming in lane eight, with a runner-up fi nish to them without spectators, the poll The medical offi cers work world record of 49.50 at the clocked 8:20.36. She hung on Smith in the 100m back. found. closely with personnel at medical 2019 World Championships, the lane rope and cried when She won the 200m in Each of the 42 venues has a stations for athletes and spec- led wire-to-wire on the way to she realized she had earned a 2:05.73sec while Bacon, an dedicated offi cial in charge of tators coordinating the overall victory in 49.87sec. trip to Tokyo, Ledecky swim- 18-year-old University of Wis- medical services. Dozens of vet- medical service, including trans- That was a shade off his ming over to congratulate her. consin standout, was second in eran medics are assigned to han- fer to hospitals and clinics. A semi-fi nal time of 49.76, but “I told Katie Grimes after her 2:06.46. dle a problems from heatstrokes number of venue medical offi c- easily enough for victory over third place in the mile (1500m) Smith, who is already on the to injuries to natural disasters, ers have quit in recent months, Tom Shields, a 2016 Rio Olym- you’re the future,” Ledecky team in 200m butterfl y as well such as earthquakes and ty- saying they are too busy, public pics relay gold medallist who said. “I told her after that one as the 100m back, was third in phoons. With the opening cer- broadcaster NHK reported this was second in 51.19. Dressel she’s the now.” 2:06.79. emony set for July 23, Shoji Yoko- month. who won two relay golds in Rio Five-time Olympic gold It was a season-best for the bori, the medical offi cer for the Organisers are scrambling to but fi nished sixth in the 100m He had already punched his her qualifying campaign with medallist Ledecky — who swimmer who set the world weightlifting venue, said he fears fi ll these gaps. The Japanese As- freestyle, has since emerged as ticket to Tokyo in the 100m another dominant victory in launched her Olympic career record at 2:03.35 in 2019, but not knowing how many people sociation for Acute Medicine re- a multi-event star, winning a freestyle, and had the 50m free the 800m freestyle, her time of with a surprise 800m free vic- not near enough to give her a will attend. cently received a request to refer record eight medals, six gold, at semi-fi nals later Saturday. 8:14.62 putting her more than tory in London in 2012 at the chance at a backstroke double “The ‘no spectator’ scenario about seven candidates for venue the 2019 world championships. Katie Ledecky completed fi ve seconds ahead of surprise age of 15 — has lined up an am- in Tokyo. is better than other options. We offi cers, an offi cial at the associa- may still have a severe pandemic tion told Reuters.

Monday, June 21, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Sheikha Reem’s Hoggar de l’Ardus dominates Qatar Derby in Chantilly

Agencies Chantilly, France

he Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC)-sponsored Qa- tar Derby des Pur-Sang TArabes de 4 Ans (Group 1 PA) was run at Chantilly yesterday and was landed by Hoggar de l’Ardus in the colours of HE Sheikha Reem bint Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Qatar’s ambassador to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, and France Galop President Ed- ouard de Rotshchild were present at Chantilly and presented the trophies to the winners. Hoggar de l’Ardus scored the 2,000m contest impressively, announcing himself as the leader of four-year-old Purebred Ara- bians. Ridden confi dently by jockey Maxime Guyon, the Thomas Fourcy-trained colt was still full of running as the fi eld headed Qatar’s ambassador to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani (second from left) and France Galop President up the home straight. He eas- Maxime Guyon (left) rides Hoggar de l’Ardus to victory in the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 Ans Edouard de Rotshchild (left) presented the trophies to the winners of Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de ily pulled clear of the fi eld 300m (Group 1 PA) in Chantilly, France, yesterday. (Zuzanna Lupa) 4 Ans (Group 1 PA) in Chantilly, France, yesterday. from the winning post and de- spite swerving across the track fl attened out when challenged ner-up under Olivier Peslier, se- “We couldn’t have dreamt of and he has gone from strength to Guyon said: “Today was my ing him for an eff ort. He ducked 100m later, he got the better by eventual winner Hoggar de curing a one-two for Fourcy. better!” said Fourcy after the strength at home. The two were fi rst time sitting on Hoggar de sharply once he found himself in of the favourite Abbes by three l’Ardus. His Highness Sheikh The Olivier Trigodet-trained race. “I’ve always thought a lot in perfect condition and they l’Ardus, but I had watched his front, about 250m from the post, lengths at the line. Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani- and Anthony Crastus-ridden of Abbes, who we’ve had since are both very, very good horses. races and I knew that he had but that proved that he still had Abbes was always well-po- owned Abbes held on well in the Soko was further three-and-a- he was a three-year-old. Hog- Hoggar has a bit of character, but a huge capacity to accelerate. plenty in reserve and a lot of pro- sitioned against the rail, but closing stages and fi nished run- half lengths behind in third. gar de l’Ardus, I got him this year a lot of ability.” That’s why I waited before ask- gression to be made.”

FORMULA 1 O’Brien completes Chantilly classic double with Joan Of Arc

AFP Always prominent behind Paris, France pacesetter Sibila Spain Joan Of Arc, a daughter of eminent stallion Galileo, was asked to aster Irish trainer quicken two furlongs out, hit- Verstappen Aidan O’Brien plun- ting the front close to the line. Mdered yesterday’s “I have to thank Aidan O’Brien French Oaks at Chantilly to for allowing me to ride such add to his French Derby win a great horses, it’s magic, unbeliev- fortnight ago. able,” said Mendizabal, for whom Joan Of Arc, ridden by Ioritz this was also a first French Oaks Mendizabal, supplied O’Brien success after being the man on with his first Prix de Diane board St Mark’s Basilica. denies Hamilton run over the same 2100m In second came the favourite, course as stablemate St Mark’s Philomene, ridden by Mickael Basilica had negotiated to land Barzalona who was finishing the Prix du Jockey-Club. like a train up the outside. in French thriller COMMENT Red Bull driver goes 12 points clear after overtaking Hamilton with over a lap to go Bottas says AFP easing of coronavirus restric- Le Castellet, France tions in France. And he duly picked off the Sil- Mercedes should ver Arrows on the penultimate ax Verstappen won lap to trigger wild celebrations the French Grand in the Red Bull garage. have listened to him Prix yesterday to “The whole race me and Lewis extend his lead over were fi ghting each other, so it Reuters MLewis Hamilton in the drivers’ will be like this the rest of the London, England title race and leave the world season,” Verstappen said. champion’s Mercedes team Horner, the architect of Red “with a big fi ght” to retain con- Bull’s revival, hailed “a great altteri Bottas railed trol of their Formula One fi ef- race”. at Mercedes’ strat- dom. “You only having to look how egy yesterday in a radio The Red Bull driver hunted close it is between the teams. It’s message accusing the down and overtook the world nip and tuck for the champion- VFormula One champions of not champion with over a lap to go ship.” listening to him. at a gusty Le Castellet to claim He added that “today was The Finn fi nished a frustrated his third win out of seven races payback for Barcelona!” in ref- fourth in a French Grand Prix this season. erence to how Mercedes had won by Red Bull’s Max Verstap- “Towards the end I enjoyed hoodwinked them with a two- pen, whose gamble on stopping it! At the beginning it was su- stop strategy at the Spanish twice paid off while Mercedes per diffi cult out there with the Grand Prix. paid the price for staying out on wind,” said Verstappen. Hamilton was generous in his fading tyres. This was a massive statement praise for Verstappen. “Why...does no one listen to by the Dutch driver and his re- “Congrats to Max he did a me when I say it’s going to be a surgent Red Bull team who won great job today, they had the two-stopper?!,” Bottas, whose their third successive race after better strength all weekend.” contract is up at the end of the Monaco and Baku. The Briton, stuck on 98 career season, said in a radio outburst It pushed Verstappen 12 wins, added: “Considering we featuring several expletives. points clear of Hamilton ahead had such a diffi cult Friday I am Bottas had failed to score in of back-to-back races on Red really happy with today’s result the previous two races in Monaco Bull turf in Austria. of course we didn’t win and we and Azerbaijan and the failure to Mercedes, for so long used to was in the lead but I had no tyres defend at least a podium place closing laps. ruling the roost, are relishing the left at the end so unfortunately hurt. Bottas had plenty of margin two-team title battle. lost the position but still it was a “I think the winning strategy towards the end to pit without “We’re in for a big fi ght this good race.” today was two stop. Easy to say losing position, and have a shot season and we’ll have to dig deep afterwards but that’s how it is,” at taking fastest lap from Ver- as a team. We are up for it!” they FRENCH GP RESULTS (TOP 10) he said. “I think as a team we’re stappen, but Mercedes kept him tweeted. 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red too focused on just completing out so he also missed out on that Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull) 1:27:25.770 the one stop, thinking it’s the bonus point. Bull came in third with Valtteri 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mer- best. But it wasn’t. Team boss Toto Wolff said Bottas in the second Mercedes cedes) +2.904 “I had no front tyres left for that was because it looked like fi nishing fourth at the circuit 3. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) the last 10-15 laps so it was really Perez might collect a penalty for where the mesmerising light +8.811 just trying to get the car home. It overtaking outside of the track blue and red striped contours 4. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) was not fun today, the last stint. limits and they wanted Bottas to evoked a trippy psychedelic +14.618 “If I did a two stop, for sure I remain within fi ve seconds of the 1960s album cover. 5. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) would have been on the podium Mexican. Red Bull team principal Chris- +1:04.032 and fi ghting for the win.” In the end, stewards decided tian Horner had said before the 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, on not to punish Perez. race “if we can beat them here McLaren) +1:15.857 fresher tyres after a later stop “We gambled, we lost,” said we can beat them anywhere” of 7. Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri) than Bottas, took third in the Wolff . Mercedes, who were itching to Red Bull’s team members celebrate as winner Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (also inset) crosses the +1:16.596 get back onto a regular track like finish line to win the French Grand Prix at the Circuit Paul-Ricard in Le Castellet, France, yesterday. (AFP) 8. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine) the circuit Paul Ricard after get- +1:17.695 ting lost on the streets of Mo- and 2019, and he set about ex- for his Ferrari. over the team radio referring to 9. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Like father, like son with two more naco and Baku. tending his near total strangle- Verstappen wasn’t far behind, tyres on lap 29. Martin) +1:19.666 But things got off to a bumpy hold at the Provencal track. with Hamilton coming in for a And on lap 32 in he came in 10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston wheels as Doohan wins in France beginning for pole sitter Ver- slick stop on lap 20, coming out again, resuming in fourth, 25sec Martin) +1:31.946 stappen, who went off the track ‘NIP AND TUCK’ as Verstappen fl ashed past with behind Hamilton, but with bet- Australia’s Jack Doohan, the son of five-time world motorcycling in a horror start coming out of Approaching a third of the 53- Perez, still to pit, the new leader. ter grip he was only seven sec- Drivers’ standings (top 3) champion Mick Doohan, claimed his first victory of the Formula turn one, Hamilton accepting lap race Hamilton had estab- The Mexican, winner in Baku onds behind in third by lap 40. 1. Max Verstappen (NED) 131 pts 3 season at Le Castellet yesterday. Doohan, 18, finished ahead the unexpected gift to take the lished a near three second gap last time out, was hauled in on With nine laps to go Verstap- 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 119 of Norway’s Dennis Hauger, Brazil’s Caio Collet and French duo, lead. back to Verstappen, with Bottas lap 25, leaving Verstappen in the pen muscled past Bottas, the 3. Sergio Perez (MEX) 84 Victor Martins and Clement Novalak. Hauger maintained his “I couldn’t keep the car under and Perez in pursuit. lead and Hamilton half a second gap ahead to Hamilton just fi ve overall championship lead with 66 points, six ahead of Martins control,” complained Verstap- With drivers starting to behind. seconds. Constructors’ standings (top 3) and eight better off than Doohan. The next round is in Spielberg, pen. complain of tyre wear Charles “We can’t keep this up un- Hunting his prey down it 1. Red Bull-Honda 215 pts Austria, on July 4. Mick Doohan won five successive world mo- Hamilton had led 105 of the Leclerc was the fi rst to come into til the end of the race that’s for made for an epic end for the 2. Mercedes 178 torcycling titles in the 500cc class between 1994 and 1998. 106 laps for his wins here in 2018 the pits for a change of footwear sure” Verstappen told his pits 15,000 fans allowed in due to the 3. McLaren 110