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Wednesday, August 3, 2016 SPOTLIGHT Shawwal 29, 1437 AH Tennis battles to GULF TIMES save image aft er Olympic pullouts SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Misbah wants Pakistan to pull down England ‘pillars’ ‘If you really have to put pressure on the opposition, it’s important to get their main players out’

AFP Birmingham Pakistan captain Misbah Anderson not fazed by drop in pace ul-Haq takes part in a nets session in Birmingham akistan captain Misbah-ul- Reuters matches due to various injuries ahead of the third Test Haq believes knocking down London over the past year but the right-arm match against England. England “pillars” Alastair Cook paceman still has the “hunger” to Pand Joe Root holds the key to his contribute for England, saying he side’s hopes of winning the third Test at ngland seamer James An- was continuing to work hard on his Edgbaston. derson is confident that he fitness and technique. England levelled the four-match se- has enough skill and experi- “The way I feel at the moment, men- ries at 1-1 last time out at Old Traff ord. ence to compensate for his tally, I’ve still got a hunger to play the Between them, England captain Cook E decreased pace over the remaining game and a hunger to take wickets and vice-captain Root made 506 runs years of his cricket career. and help my team win matches,” for just twice out at Old Traff ord in a England’s record wicket-taker in Anderson added. second Test the hosts won by the huge the format missed the opening test “As long as I’ve got that hunger I’m margin of 330 runs. defeat against Pakistan at Lord’s with going to keep working, keep improv- But you have to go back to May 2015 a shoulder injury but returned for the ing and keep working on my fitness for the last time another specialist second match in Manchester. and if I get to 37 then great. I just try England batsman made a Test hundred Anderson, who turned 34 over the to concentrate on staying fit for the — discarded opener Adam Lyth’s 107 weekend, took four wickets at Old next game.” against New Zealand at Headingley. Traff ord as England levelled the four- The England selectors copped plenty “In every team there are key players match series with a 330-run victory of criticism for keeping Anderson out and at the moment those two are in re- but there was a discernable drop in of the Lord’s test, which the hosts ally good form,” said Misbah of Cook and pace for the bowler who has claimed lost by 75 runs, when the seamer was Root at Edgbaston yesterday. 458 victims in 117 appearances. fit to bowl in the nets ahead of the “If you really have to put pressure on “I didn’t feel like my speeds were match and subsequently played for the opposition, it’s important to get their where they could be at Old Traff ord,” Lancashire against Durham. main players out because those are the Anderson told reporters. “I felt a bit “Looking back, without having had two pillars of their batting. like Matthew Hoggard at the end of any game time before that first test, “Psychologically, that can also give his career when he slowed down a it was probably wise to get some you an advantage and damage the oppo- bit but his control was pretty good. old defender in football, who might overs under my belt before I came sition if you can get them early, because “With the skills I have, I can do a job not have the pace of a quick striker back into the test side,” Anderson other (members of the England) batting even if my speeds did drop. but he’s two steps ahead of him said. line-up are struggling at the moment. “With experience, you can stay one upstairs.” “I think it was probably the right “That’s really important for us to just step ahead in your head. It is like an Anderson has missed a few test decision.” get them (Cook and Root) early and put them (England) under pressure.” James Vince has yet to make a fi fty in way he plays. He’s got a couple of starts temporary ‘home’ in the UAE but Mis- “It’s really diffi cult for the Pakistan his seven career Test innings this season and the way he handled the whole situ- bah said there was no substitute for Cricket Board and it can really hurt them and left-hander Gary Ballance is also ation in a diff erent format in the United playing in front of your own fans. fi nancially also. searching for a big score following his Arab Emirates (UAE) is a good indicator “It can really hurt your overall devel- “You can see wherever the World surprise recall for Pakistan’s 75-run win of how he can handle the pressure. He opment as a cricketing nation (not play- Cups are, or international events, the in the series opener at Lord’s. needs that score for his confi dence and ing at home)”, the 42-year-old veteran whole scenario changes, it’s like a fever “Throughout my time as captain to get you guys (the press) off his back.” skipper explained. in that country for that sport. That’s there’s always been something up for Today’s match will be the 500th Test “Your youth can really be inspired if what we have been really missing.” discussion and at the moment it’s the played in England. you are playing internationally back at Asked if he felt it was safe for rival Test middle order,” said Cook. By contrast, Pakistan have been una- home. Obviously, you can build more teams to tour Pakistan now, Misbah re- “Until the guys get good scores con- ble to play international cricket at home infrastructure. plied: “That (the security situation) has sistently that will be the case but they’re since an armed attack on Sri Lanka’s “It’s one area where you can say we are been improving a lot. very good players and they got picked team bus in Lahore in 2009 made the really unlucky and we want internation- “The Pakistan government, the army, because of outstanding form for their country a ‘no-go area’ for major foreign al cricket back in Pakistan, just to help everybody is really working hard on that. counties. Turning to number four Vince, sides. our youngsters and just to help cricket in Hopefully, it will be better in the coming opening batsman Cook added: “I like the Pakistan have since established a Pakistan. future.”

BOTTOMLINE Saudi female runner breaks barriers in Rio

AFP competition, but will take part with “My mom and I pieced together an Saudi appoints princess to oversee women’s sports Rio de Janeiro special invitations from the Interna- outfi t: a long-sleeve shirt, full-length tional Olympic Committee. running tights, and a head cover we to Washington for 22 years until 2005. Attar has no regrets and no doubts found online,” Attar told Marie-Claire Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has appointed She was educated in the United States. ioneer Saudi sportswoman Sa- about running in London and Rio. magazine. a princess to oversee women’s sports “I am honoured to serve my nation,” rah al-Attar has already raced “I was going for the women in Saudi “I was proud to wear the uniform and in the ultra-conservative kingdom, SPA quoted Princess Reema as saying. at the Olympics, but now her Arabia, for all the young girls to have liked that wearing the appropriate dress even as the country has doubled the Women face significant obstacles to Pcampaign will become a mara- someone in the Olympics representing connected me to Saudi girls who want number of female athletes represent- competing in sport in Saudi Arabia, thon as she uses the Rio Games to break them, giving them a picture of some- to run and have to be covered while they ing it at the Olympics. where women have to cover from down barriers in the conservative king- thing they could one day strive for,” she do it.” Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan head to toe and are banned from dom. said in a recent article for the Like The Since London, Attar has become a was named head of the women’s driving. Attar turned heads in the head-to- Wind runners’ magazine. sponsored athlete training with elite section at the General Authority for years ago. toe outfi t she patched together with Attar fi nished last in her 800 me- women runners in Mammoth Lakes, Sports, which acts as the kingdom’s In a first in 2014, a Saudi state school her mother to race in the 800 metres tres heat in London, more than half a California. sports ministry, the off icial SPA news introduced sports for girls, after a call at the 2012 London Games, where she minute behind her nearest rival. She Attar and her family have also no- agency said. for lifting a ban on women in sports. was one of the fi rst Saudi women Ol- still got a standing ovation when she ticed change in Saudi Arabia since the It did not specify what her responsibili- Saudi authorities shut down private ympians. crossed the line. London Games. ties would be. gyms for women in 2009 and 2010, This time Attar, now 23, will take on The Californian with Saudi-US na- Her father, Amer Attar, told the Princess Reema is the daughter of the and women are eff ectively barred the gruelling 42 kilometre (26 mile) tionality has never run under three Washington Post how on a 2011 visit, once-powerful Prince Bandar bin Sul- from sports arenas by strict rules on marathon race in Rio, where four Saudi hours in four attempts on the Boston when his daughter wanted to go on a tan, who was the Saudi ambassador segregation of the sexes in public. women will take part. marathon, but can no doubt expect a run, he gave her a boyish “cap and war- The women and seven Saudi men ar- similar acclaim in Rio. mup pants” and drove beside her. rived in Rio on Monday, but were kept Taking part in sport is not easy for Last year, he saw men and women was covered up, but they were actually Bahrain, holding men’s and women’s away from prying media. Along with Attar, they are judoka Saudi women and fi nding women to running together in Jeddah. running.” events in separate states. Gender divisions are so sensitive that Wujud Fahmi, fencer Lubna al-Omair go to the London Olympics was a chal- “I even saw a guy with his, I think, Still, the IOC has rejected a sug- President Thomas Bach said “a com- the Saudi Olympic Committee website and 100m runner Cariman Abu al- lenge. Someone knew of the half-Saudi looked like his wife, and they were gestion by a Saudi Arabian offi cial the mitment to ‘non-discrimination’ will did not name the women who will rep- Jadail. girl in California who liked running and holding hands and running together. conservative kingdom could jointly be mandatory for all countries hoping resent the country. None qualifi ed directly for their so an invitation was made. And she was wearing the abaya, and she host the Olympics with neighbouring to bid for the Olympics in the future”. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 3, 2016 CRICKET

SECOND TEST SPOTLIGHT India and West Indies to play T20 Windies top order games in the US

AFP about $1.4mn to bring it up to Mumbai standard including tweaking the floodlights to point at the pitch and erecting big video dismissed as India ndia will play two Twenty20 screens. internationals against world The United States would be champions West Indies in a big market to crack for cricket Florida in late August, the bosses. The Twenty20 format is IIndian cricket board (BCCI) said likely to be the most appealing yesterday. form of the game, in the face of India lead 1-0 in their four- traditional US sports, thanks to Test series against West Indies, explosive batting and a relatively hunt for victory and the Twenty20 matches will short matches. mark the fi rst full member games “This will be a great opportu- in the United States in four years, nity for the cricket fans in Amer- Frustrated by a weather system that erased the final session on day three and when New Zealand played West ica to watch the two champion Indies. sides in action. This will be de- delayed the start of play on the fourth morning for over an hour, India’s varied attack The games will be held on Aug. veloped into an annual cricketing 27 and 28 at the Broward Stadium event in the United States,” BCCI made up for the lost time by again exploiting the weaknesses of the WI batsmen in Fort Lauderdale, a month after president Anurag Thakur said in six Caribbean Premier League a statement. games, were played there. “This will be a great initiative The Broward Stadium is in our continued eff orts to devel- the only ground in the United op cricket in the Americas, a very States that meets international important market,” Whycliff e cricket specifications, and or- Cameron, president of West In- ganisers say they have invested dies Cricket Board, said.

DEVELOPMENT Du Plessis to captain S. Africa, Steyn returns

AFP All-rounder Wayne Parnell, Johannesburg who has not played in a Test match since December 2013, is the only member of the squad af du Plessis will stand in who did not play in South Af- as captain for an injured rica’s most recent series against AB de Villiers in two Test England last season. Fmatches against New It will be the fi rst time since Zealand later this month. his debut in 2004 that De Villiers De Villiers suff ered an elbow has missed a Test match because injury while playing in the Carib- of injury. South Africa’s one- bean Premier League and will be day captain, he was appointed out of action for about six weeks. as Test captain midway through Fast bowler Morne Morkel was the England series following the also ruled out, for between four resignation of Hashim Amla, in- and six weeks, because of a bulg- itially on an interim basis for the ing disk in his back. remaining two Tests. But fellow fast bowlers Dale South Africa squad: Faf du India’s Ajinkya Rahane connects for a six off a delivery Steyn and Vernon Philander Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, from West Indies bowler Roston Chase on day three of were both included in a 15-man Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, their second Test match on Tuesday at Sabina Park in squad announced on Tuesday Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, Kingston, Jamaica. after missing most of the 2015/16 JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris season because of injury. Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon The Tests against New Zea- Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso and new batsman Darren Bravo were pep- land start in Durban on August Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van AFP KINGSTON SCORECARD Kingston, Jamaica pered with regular short-pitched bowling 19 and Centurion on August 27. Zyl. from both Sharma and Mohamed Shami. West Indies 1st Innings — 196 1w), R. Chase 36.1-4-121-5, D. Bishoo 35-5-107-1, K. On Monday, Ajinkya Rahane com- est Indies’ vulnerable top- India 1st Innings (overnight 358 for 5) Brathwaite 11-0-40-0 pleted a seventh Test century and Roston Retired paceman Johnson signs for Big Bash order crumbled again in K.L. Rahul c wkpr Dowrich b Gabriel ...... 158 West Indies 1st Innings — 196 (J Blackwood Chase claimed his fi rst fi ve-wicket in- between the showers to S. Dhawan c Bravo b Chase ...... 27 62; R Ashwin 5-52) nings haul as India declared their fi rst in- Sydney: Australian fast bowler Pietersen, Usman Khawaja Wbe 48 for four in their sec- C. Pujara run out ...... 46 India 1st Innings — 500 for 9 declared (KL nings at 500 for nine in reply to the West Mitchell Johnson, who retired and Jacques Kallis, but said he ond innings at lunch on the rain-aff ected V. Kohli c Chandrika b Chase ...... 44 Rahul 158, A Rahane 108 not out; R Chase 5-121) Indies total of 196. from international cricket last would have only joined Perth. fourth day of the second Test against In- A. Rahane not out ...... 108 West Indies 2nd Innings Persistent showers prevented any play year citing a lack of hunger, has “I was never going anywhere dia at Sabina Park in Jamaica yesterday. R. Ashwin lbw Bishoo ...... 3 K. Brathwaite c Rahul b Mishra ...... 23 after tea and more rain is forecast on the signed for a Twenty20 team in else and always wanted to stay Trailing on fi rst innings by 304 runs W. Saha lbw Holder ...... 47 R. Chandrika b Sharma ...... 1 fourth day with the West Indies facing a the domestic Big Bash League here and be part of the com- after the tourists reached 500 for nine A. Mishra c Chandrika b Chase ...... 21 D. Bravo c Rahul b Shami ...... 20 massive defi cit of 304 runs at the start of (BBL). munity,” Johnson said. declared at tea on the third day, the hosts M. Shami b Chase ...... 0 M. Samuels b Shami ...... 0 their second innings. The 34-year-old has been “To be able to play for the Perth go into the afternoon session still facing a U. Yadav c Holder b Chase ...... 19 J. Blackwood not out ...... 3 India’s resolute batting performance recruited by the BBL’s Perth Scorchers, where I live and defi cit of 256 runs to avoid a second con- Extras (b-8, lb-3, w-6, nb-10) ...... 27 Extras (nb-1) ...... 1 extended through two sessions of play on Scorchers and said Tuesday he where I’m based, is perfect for secutive innings defeat in the four-match Total (171.1 overs, 9 wkts declared) ...... 500 Total (for 4 wkts, 15.5 overs) ...... 48 day three to put the tourists in complete was hoping to mentor young me.” series. Fall of wickets: 1-87 (Dhawan), 2-208 (Pujara), Fall of wicket: 1-5 (Chandrika), 2-41 command and on course for victory and a talent. In announcing his retirement Frustrated by a weather system that 3-277 (Rahul), 4-310 (Kohli), 5-327 (Ashwin), 6-425 (Brathwaite), 3-41 (Samuels), 4-48 (Bravo) 2-0 lead in the four-match series barring “I want to be involved in the in November, Johnson, who erased the fi nal session on day three and (Saha), 7-458 (Mishra), 8-458 (Shami), 9-500 To bat: R. Chase, S. Dowrich, J. Holder, D. protracted intervention by the elements coaching side of things which played 73 Tests, 153 one-dayers delayed the start of play on the fourth (Yadav) Bishoo, M. Cummins, S. Gabriel over the remaining two days of the match. has become a bit more of a and 30 T20 games for Australia, morning for over an hour, India’s varied Did not bat: I. Sharma Bowling: I. Sharma 6-0-19-1 (1nb), M. Shami Indian captain Virat Kohli’s declaration focus for me,” Johnson said in a said he no longer enjoyed the attack made up for the lost time by again Bowling: S. Gabriel 28-8-62-1 (7nb), M. Cum- 7.5-2-25-2, A. Mishra 2-1-4-1 came at the fall of the ninth wicket, when statement. challenges of the tough days in exploiting the glaring weaknesses of the mins 26.4-4-87-0 (1w), J. Holder 34.2-12-72-1 (1nb, Toss: West Indies Umesh Yadav miscued a swing at Chase Johnson has never played in the field. West Indies batsmen. for West Indies captain Jason Holder to Australia’s Big Bash League, “It was a little bit physical, but With his place in the team on the line take the catch at midwicket and give the which is played in December it was more the mental side of after a succession of low scores in his delivery that made extra height from tall stumps as he attempted to pull out of the 24-year-old innings fi gures of fi ve for and January and last year at- things, I had just had enough,” fl edgling Test career, Rajendra Chandrika fast bowler Ishant Sharma and rebound- shot. 121 off 36.1 overs in just his second Test tracted players such as Kevin he said of his decision. was the fi rst to go, bowled for one by a ed off the batsman’s right elbow onto the His opening partner, Kraigg Brathwaite, match.

BOTTOMLINE England recall Finn for third Pakistan Test

AFP But with rain falling from grey skies “We’ve gone for a guy who’s got a Birmingham above Edgbaston yesterday, Cook in- proven Test record, who’s taken 120 England cricketer Steven Finn prepares to dicated that England would likely go in wickets and has a knack of taking bowl in the nets during an indoor practice with an attack of four seamers plus Ali. wickets,” said Cook of Finn. ngland have recalled fast session at Edgbaston yesterday. England also had the option of se- Middlesex paceman Finn took a bowler Steven Finn for the lecting Nottinghamshire quick Jake Test-best six for 79 against Australia third Test against Pakistan at Ball, who made his Test debut in Paki- at Edgbaston last year EEdgbaston, captain Alastair stan’s 75-run win in the series opener “He has good memories here of last Cook said yesterday. at Lord’s — Finn’s fi rst wicketless Test. year,” said Cook. “He hasn’t quite been Finn, who has taken 120 wickets Finn and Ball made way for James at his best this year — there have been in 33 Tests at an average of under 30 Anderson, England’s all-time leading a few factors in that, (but) physically apiece, is set to replace the injured Ben wicket-taker, and Stokes at Old Traf- he’s now better and has had a couple Stokes. ford. of things sorted out in the last week.” All-rounder Stokes has been ruled “Finny is coming in for Ben Stokes, “We all saw the other day down out after damaging his calf in Eng- and as we were,” Cook told reporters at at Middlesex, playing Essex, that his land’s 330-run win in the second Test Edgbaston on Tuesday. pace is back up again.” at Old Traff ord that levelled the four- “Unless the pitch changes a lot from Cook added: “You could have ar- match series at 1-1. what I saw yesterday (Monday) — we gued for Jake, and telling him was a Cook said there was still a slim still have the right to change — we’ll tough call, but we’ve gone for a guy chance England could play two spin- be going with the four seamers and who has a very good Test record — giv- ners, by giving a home debut to leg- one spinner,” opening batsman Cook ing him another go.” break bowler Adil Rashid in support added. England team: Alastair Cook (capt), of off -spinner Moeen Ali, if there was “It was a tough call — as I found out Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, a marked change in pitch conditions at two o’clock (0100 GMT) this morn- Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), between Tuesday and today’s toss at ing when I was wide awake thinking Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Edgbaston. about it.” Steven Finn, James Anderson. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 3, 2016 3 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT GOLF Zika an excuse for top ranked players, Tennis battles to says Van Zyl

Reuters Zika virus would be their rea- Rio de Janeiro son not to go, the Zika virus is in Florida,” said Van Zyl, number 71 in the world ranking. outh African Jaco Van “I think they have got other save image aft er Zyl, who sat out the reasons for not wanting to par- year’s last major, the ticipate and the Zika virus is a SPGA Championship, to very convenient way for them to prepare for the Olympics, says get out of it.” the world’s top-ranked golfers Making its return to the Olym- are using the Zika virus as an ex- pic program for the fi rst time in cuse to dodge the Rio Games. over a century, golf has been hard World number one Jason Day hit by drop outs. Rio pullouts of Australia, American world Major winners Adam Scott of number two Dustin Johnson and Australia, Fiji’s Vijay Singh and number three Jordan Spieth and South Africans Louis Oosthuizen ‘There is always a possibility that you can get that virus, but I think maybe the fuss fourth ranked Northern Irish- and Charl Schwartzel will also be man Rory McIlroy all removed among the absentees for the Aug. has been created with some kind of other intent. But I’m not going to get into that’ their names from Olympic con- 11-14 Olympic competition. sideration citing the risk of con- Oosthuizen and Schwartzel’s AFP tracting the Zika virus. decision to skip the Games, how- Rio de Janeiro US health offi cials have con- ever, opened the door for Van Zyl, cluded that infections by the who made going for gold a top pri- mosquito-borne Zika virus in ority and rearranged his schedule ovak Djokovic, Andy Murray, pregnant women can cause to prepare for the Olympics. Rafael Nadal and Serena Wil- microcephaly, a birth defect “If I can choose one (a major liams will display their Grand marked by small head size that championship win or an Olympic Slam talents in Rio, but with can lead to severe developmental gold medal) I would defi nitely take Nserious questions being asked over ten- problems in babies. the gold,” said the 37-year-old, nis’s place in the Olympics after a host of The World Health Organiza- who was runner-up at the Turkish high-profi le pull-outs. tion has also warned there is Airlines Open last year. “The rea- Colourful Latvian player Ernests Gul- strong scientifi c consensus that son being that there are four ma- bis dismissed the tournament as “tennis Zika can also cause Guillain- jors every year and one Olympic tourism”, angry over the absence of prize Barre, a rare neurological syn- gold medallist in 112 years. money and ranking points. drome that causes temporary “To get an opportunity and Others have withdrawn due to injury paralysis in adults. let it pass by doesn’t make much — most notably 17-time major champion “Honestly, I can’t feel that the sense to me.” Roger Federer — scheduling fears and worries over the Zika virus. The absentees represent the latest chapter in the sport’s on-off relationship Trott unfazed by Zika fears ahead of with the Olympics. From 1924 until 1988, tennis disap- Rio Games peared from the schedule in a dispute Britain’s double Olympic “I mean, our sport is an inside over the place of professionals in what champion cyclist Laura Trott sport. Obviously we’ll be was seen as an amateur showpiece. says she is not worried about walking around the village, This time, the men’s event will be the Zika virus, which has led but we’ll have to make sure to missing top 20 players Federer, Milos to a number of athletes with- wear long sleeves and use the Raonic, Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, drawing from the Rio Games. sprays and stuff ,” added the Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano The build-up to the Olym- 24-year-old who won gold in Lopez and Nick Kyrgios. pics, which get underway on the omnium and team pursuit The women’s singles are stripped of Friday, has been dominated at London 2012. Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, who by fears surrounding the She will defend both titles at is pregnant, Belinda Bencic and Karolina mosquito-born Zika virus the Rio Velodrome. Pliskova. which has been linked to Trott is one half of British Maria Sharapova, silver medallist behind birth defects in newborn ba- cycling’s glamour couple Serena Williams at the 2012 London Olym- bies and possible neurologi- along with triple Olympic gold pics, is serving a two-year doping ban. cal problems in adults. medallist Jason Kenny. The men’s doubles suff ered a body “For me personally, it doesn’t He has the chance to emulate blow when defending champions Bob bother me because I don’t Britain’s most successful and Mike Bryan opted out, insisting “our want a baby in the next year. Olympian Chris Hoy’s six gold family’s health is now our top priority”. All I want is to win another medals in Rio. World number one Djokovic said he medal,” Trott was quoted as “Obviously this time he can has no fears about playing in Rio where he saying by British media. win three. The fact he can be seeks a fi rst Olympic gold medal to add to “The British Olympic Associa- level with Sir Chris’ record is the career Grand Slam of the four majors tion (BOA) has given us all just insane,” Trott said. he completed at the French Open in June. the information we could “I obviously hope he gets it. “Of course there is always a possibil- possibly have and we’re Also I want him to become Sir ity that you can get that virus, but I think going to take all the precau- (Jason Kenny) so I become maybe the fuss has been created with tions that we can. Lady Laura.” some kind of other intent. But I’m not going to get into that,” said the 29-year- old Serb who warmed up for the Games This file photo taken on August 05, 2012 shows Great Britain’s Andy Murray celebrating after winning the men’s singles gold medal by claiming a 30th Masters title in To- match at the London 2012 Olympic Games by defeating Switzerland’s Roger Federer. Russian swimmers Morozov and ronto on Sunday. Djokovic hinted at what many in sport medal with Laura Robson in the mixed ena Williams will be playing in her fourth Games in peril. Lobintsev cleared for Rio Olympics, feel — that Zika is a convenient cover sto- doubles in London, instead headed to Olympics. The fi ve-time Grand Slam singles ry for players who are concerned over the Spain to practice with Nadal, the 2008 The 34-year-old world number one champion last played in the Olympics at say representatives lack of ranking points at an event which Olympic champion. won singles and doubles gold — with sis- Atlanta in 1996 and had been due to play Russian swimmers Vladimir Morozov are being allowed to also cuts into schedules geared specifi - ter Venus — in London to add to her dou- women’s doubles with Bencic and mixed Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev compete in the Games. cally towards the US Open, the season’s HINGIS GETS PLACE bles titles in Sydney in 2000 and Beijing with Federer. have been cleared to compete “We will meet with IOC fi nal major, in New York just one week Nadal, meanwhile, is desperate to play in eight years later. But she will now play doubles with Ti- at the Rio Olympics, their rep- representatives to discuss the after the Games conclude. Rio having been forced to skip the Lon- By winning the 2012 title, the Ameri- mea Bacsinszky after replacing Viktorija resentatives said yesterday, outcome for this situation.” World number two Murray also has no don Games with a knee injury. However, can star became the fourth player after Golubic. The tennis tournament runs though there was no off icial Lawyer Artyom Patsev, who reservations about Rio where he will de- the 14-time Grand Slam champion is Andre Agassi, Nadal and Graf to complete from August 6 until 14 at the Barra Olym- confirmation. represents the swimmers, told fend the career-changing gold medal he battling to recover from a wrist injury the Golden Slam of the four majors plus pic Park where the main court, named af- World swimming’s govern- TASS news agency that they won at the 2012 Games at Wimbledon. which has kept him off the tour since an Olympic gold. ter Brazilian tennis veteran Maria Bueno, ing body FINA, the Russian had received the green light Murray has not played since his lift- early French Open withdrawal. The decision of Federer to call time holds 10,000 fans. swimming federation and the from FINA to compete in Rio. ing his second Wimbledon title three Having equalled Steffi Graf’s Open era on his season to recover from a knee in- Five golds are up for grabs — men’s and Court of Arbitration for Sport Morozov, 24, and Lobintsev, 27, weeks ago. record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles jury had the knock-on effect of putting women’s singles and doubles and mixed (CAS) have not confirmed that have called on CAS to declare The 29-year-old, who also won a silver with a seventh Wimbledon crown, Ser- Swiss compatriot Martina Hingis’s doubles. Game on then. Lobintsev and Morozov will in “invalid and unenforceable” fact be competing in Rio. an IOC order for federations to A ruling by CAS was expected exclude athletes implicated in BOTTOMLINE later in the day. the investigation into Russia’s But speaking to Interfax news state-run doping system. agency, Lobintsev’s agent, They were among seven Andrei Mitkov said: “I can Russians banned by FINA last IOC slams anti-doping body confirm that Lobintsev and month. AIBA dismiss corruption allegations AFP accused Russia of organising WADA. Argentine IOC mem- as ‘rumours’ Rio de Janeiro state-backed doping with the ber Gerardo Werthein accused sports ministry using secret WADA of “grand-standing.” The International Boxing As- enjoy an amazing tournament services to evade drug test- “At times WADA has seemed sociation (AIBA) has dismissed with 13 great and undisputed nternational Olympic ers and cover-up positive tests to be more interested in public- allegations of corruption gold medallists. Committee chief Thomas stretching back years. ity and self-promotion rather within the organisation and “It is not a matter for AIBA to Bach yesterday demanded than doing its job as a regulator, demanded proof after a interfere with the decision a sweeping overhaul of the NO ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’ acting with transparency, and British newspaper reported made by the judges under IWorld Anti-Doping Agency Bach and the IOC came under looking after the best interest that some bouts in the Rio sporting rules.” (WADA) as Russian appeals fi re after resisting calls to ban of clean athletes,” Werthein told Olympics could be fixed. Irish judge Seamus Kelly, one against bans mounted just Russia completely from Rio. the meeting. According to The Guardian, of the sources named in the three days from the opening of The IOC ordered individual Israeli member Alex Gilady citing multiple sources, a report, said he had been asked the Rio Games. federations to decide which meanwhile added: “I think it is group of senior referees and to fix bouts at the Arab Games Bach rejected the “nuclear Russians should be banned. not the reputation of the IOC judges met before a major in Doha in 2011 using signals option” of ordering a complete At least 117 competitors on a which must be restored, but the championship to decide on and that his fellow off icials ban on Russian athletes over ac- 387 Russian Olympic Committee reputation of WADA.” how to score certain bouts were afraid to speak out. cusations of widespread state- entry list have been excluded. WADA president Craig Reed- having earlier relied on hand “People are afraid... because organised doping. Bach said the “nuclear op- ie, who had called for a blanket and head signals to select a if they are judges they will be In a strongly-worded speech tion” of a blanket ban was unac- ban on Russia, is to address the winner. sidelined and won’t get to go to the IOC, Bach called for ceptable. meeting on Wednesday. “We reiterate that, unless to the Olympics or other cham- WADA to be subjected to a “The result is death and dev- Russia’s representative, Alex- tangible proof is put forward, pionships. If they are off icials, thorough review, laying bare a astation. This is not what the ander Zhukov, suggested foreign not just rumours, we cannot they fear their country’s boxers growing rift between Olympic Olympic movement stands for,” governments had put pressure further comment on these will be targeted,” he said. chiefs and the body responsi- Bach told delegates who voted on the IOC to ban Russia. allegations,” the paper quoted AIBA executive committee ble for leading the global fight International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach overwhelming. “We are witnessing direct in- the sport’s global governing member Terry Smith said he against doping. addresses the 129th IOC session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Members voted overwhelm- terference of politics in sport; body as saying. was not aware of the allega- “Recent developments have ingly in favour of a resolution an attempt to infl uence deci- “Our role is to ensure a fair tions and challenged off icials shown that we need a full review robust and effi cient anti-doping ter worldwide harmonisation.” backing the IOC’s decision not sion making process for political and transparent competition to take up the matter using of the WADA anti-doping sys- system. This requires clear re- A bombshell report by Cana- to impose a blanket ban on Rus- means. The integrity of the Ol- and that the thousands of established channels within tem,” Bach said. sponsibilities, more transparen- dian lawyer Richard McLaren sia’s athletes. ympic family is all under attack,” spectators and millions of fans the organisation. “The IOC is calling for a more cy, more independence and bet- for WADA released last month Several delegates blasted Zhukov said. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 3, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT LOW Depleted Pakistan Muslim fencer make up numbers AFP has the potential of winning a Karachi medal is the most unfortunate thing,” said Ehsan Qureshi, a seasoned sports journalist. hen 206 nations Iqbal Hussain, head of the march past during country’s boxing federation, says the Rio Olympics his organisation was awarded a pierces bigotry in opening ceremony, mere $3,000 for the qualifi ers, Wa mere seven-athlete team will down from $300,000 in 2012. represent Pakistan — one fewer Commonwealth games box- than the contingent sent by tiny ing silver medallist Mohammad Atlantic island Bermuda. Waseem decided to turn profes- The Olympics in Brazil mark sional after seeing no future in the lowest ebb for Pakistan as the amateur games. they failed to qualify in fi eld “We need to invest a lot of mon- Olympic fi rst hockey for the fi rst time since ey if we want to win a medal in Ol- their maiden appearance in 1948 ympics,” said Mohammad Inam, London Games. a gold medal winner at the 2010 ‘Muslims are under the microscope and I’m hoping to change the image that people Three athletes — shooters Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Ghulam Mustafa Bashir and “You can’t win on mere training, may have of Muslim women’ Minhal Sohail, and judoka Shah you need to compete in various Hussain, qualifi ed by right on the competitions and through that AFP “continental quota” after rack- your standard is raised.” Rio de Janeiro ing up reasonable records in var- ious international competitions. HOCKEY SLUMP There are also four wild cards The biggest slump has come in encer Ibtihaj Mohamed is aiming which are given to all the mem- hockey — where Pakistan can to drive her sabre through big- ber countries by the Internation- boast three golds in 1960, 1968 otry when she becomes the fi rst al Olympic Association. and 1984, but their last medal American athlete to compete at They have been taken up by was a bronze at Barcelona in 1992. theF Olympics wearing a hijab. swimmers Liana Swan and Har- They fi nished a poor eighth in The articulate 30-year-old African- ris Banday, and athletes Meh- 2008 and seventh four years later. American Muslim was catapulted to boob Ali and Najma Parveen. The malaise worsened as Pa- prominence in January after clinching It is a far cry from the sporting kistan failed to qualify for the her place on the US Olympic team at the glory the country once enjoyed. World Cup in 2014 and then World Cup in Greece. As recently as 1994, Pakistan missed out on qualifying for Rio. Mohamed’s participation in Rio comes held world titles in fi eld hockey, “It’s a big setback that our fi eld in the midst of a US presidential election amateur snooker, squash and hockey team will be missing for campaign marked by anti-Islamic rheto- cricket. But only hockey is an Ol- the fi rst time,” said Pakistan Ol- ric while incidents of threats and vandal- ympic sport. ympic Association president Arif ism at mosques reached an all-time high Hassan. “It hurts because Pakistan last year. FOLLOW THE MONEY hockey was such a strong team The ugly atmosphere is all-too familiar Pakistan’s various sports fed- that it was our identity,” added for Mohamed, who has faced discrimina- erations are not awash with cash, Hanif Khan, a member of last gold tion since childhood, when her skin col- but neither are they starved of medal winning team in 1984. our and hijab would often draw stares or funds to an extent that could ex- But there remains a glimmer abuse. Indeed, part of the attraction of plain the country’s abysmal per- of hope. Pakistan’s best chance fencing was the fact that Mohamed could formances. of a medal is Shah Hussain Shah, blend in more or less seamlessly. Punjab, the country’s most a judoka who won Silver at the “I played diff erent sports growing up populous province, allocated Commonwealth Games in 2014 and my mum and I just happened to be $50 million in its sports budget and whose father Hussain Shah driving past a high school and saw fenc- for 2016-17, while Khyber Pakt- won Bronze as a boxer in the ing from the car window,” she recalled. hunkhwa, historically home to Seoul Games in 1988. “She saw that the athletes had on long many of Pakistan’s best athletes, “I have trained hard in Japan tops and long pants and she didn’t know set aside $17 million. and it’s my aim to emulate my fa- what the sport was but she wanted me to “Funds not reaching deserving ther’s win,” said Shah, who lives try it because she thought it would be ac- athletes and to the sport which and trains in Tokyo. commodating for my religious beliefs.” Mohamed was unconvinced at fi rst but persisted when she realised the sport could ANGRY be a passport to a college education. “I saw that the top 10 schools in the country all had fencing programs so I saw fencing as This file photo taken on November 09, 2010 shows US Ibtihaj Muhammad reacting as she competes against France for the bronze a way for me to get to school so that’s why medal during the Fencing World championships women’s team saber match at the Grand Palais in Paris. Sri Lanka star bitter I stuck at it initially,” said Mohamed, who graduated from prestigious Duke Univer- ours and sizes and we come from diff erent I’m just trying to do well in Rio.” ry day. But ultimately I feel incredibly sity in 2007 with a degree in Internation- backgrounds and are productive members The toxic climate has brought practical blessed to have been given this platform. aft er state neglect al Relations and African Studies. of society. I want people to see that.” concerns. After several stories involv- And when I think of my predecessors and Republican presidential nominee Don- ing Muslims being barred from boarding people who have spoken out against big- SHIFTING ATTITUDES ald Trump has been accused of fuelling planes, Mohamed revealed she had har- otry and hate, I feel like I owe it not just Mohamed hopes that her Olympic jour- anti-Islamic sentiment, pointedly calling boured fears of suff ering a similar fate to myself but to my community to try to ney may play a small role in shifting the for Muslims to be prevented from entering during qualifi ers for Rio. fi ght it,” she said. kinds of attitudes that have surfaced the United States in December last year. “When Muslims were being kicked off “You have to not just think about your- during the US election campaign. Mohamed diplomatically declined to fl ights in the middle of Olympic qualifi ers self, but everyone. And there are people in “It’s a tough political environment speculate on what life for American Mus- that was a real worry — am I going to be America right now who don’t feel safe go- that we’re in right now, it’s not easy,” Mo- lims might be like if Trump is elected to allowed to board my fl ight to make it to ing to work every day, who don’t feel safe in hamed said. the White House in November. my Olympic qualifi er?” their community. That’s a problem. “Muslims are under the microscope “I hate to talk about what ifs,” she The fact that she is expected to speak “I remember being a kid and people and I’m hoping to change the image that said.”I’m hoping we can change direction about weighty issues relating to her race, telling me I didn’t belong in my sport people may have of Muslim women. a little bit and see Muslims in more of a religion and gender — rather than merely because of my skin color, because I was “I know that Muslim women are very, positive light and try to combat the nega- her sport — does sometimes take its toll, Muslim. So if I can be a source of change very diverse, especially here in the United tive imagery that we are shown every day. Mohamed acknowledged. for other minorities I feel fortunate to be States. We come in all diff erent shapes, col- Can I infl uence the debate? I don’t know. “It’s something I struggle with eve- able to do that.”

BOTTOMLINE

File picture of Sri Lankan Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe (2nd L) looks on as she helps local children with training in Colombo.

AFP a political movement oppos- From foeticides to wrestling team ing election rigging, earning a Colombo reprimand from the then prime AFP years later. ferent coach, has also become a minister, who remarked that she Lucknow The Phogat women credit local celebrity after winning sil- ixteen years ago sprinter might have won gold had she fo- their success to their ex-wrestler ver at the 2014 Commonwealth Susanthika Jayasinghe cused on the race. father and uncle, Mahavir Singh Games. was a national heroine, Now 40 and long since retired inning her opponent in Phogat, who was determined to “It’s so weird to see how peo- having become Sri Lan- from running, Jayasinghe says a merciless half-nel- make them tougher than any of ple can change so suddenly, how ka’sS fi rst woman to win an Olym- the state never gave her the rec- son, women’s wrestler their male counterparts. they take interest in me now that pic medal. ognition she deserved. Vinesh Phogat hones “He didn’t thrash the boys as I’m rising to the top, yet didn’t Today she is a struggling sin- “I feel neglected, I have not Pher skills for the Rio Olympics much as he thrashed us because support me when I was starting gle mother with only bitterness been given any recognition by — where, win or lose, she has he always said ‘it’s not as if you out,” Sakshi said of villagers who towards a country she says has the state,” she said. already scored a signifi cant vic- are weaker than them’,” said are now fl ocking to take selfi es given her nothing in return. The youngest daughter in a tory over sexism in one of India’s Vinesh, Mahavir’s niece, re- and feed her sweets. Jayasinghe won bronze in her family of fi ve children, Jayasing- most conservative states. membering his ruthless training All of the women now train 100m event in Sydney when she he grew up in a small village. Vinesh, her cousin Babita and with a stick in hand. in the national squad, fl ying was 24 and was upgraded to sil- their teammate Sakshi Malik While other parents were around the world for competi- ver in 2007 when winner Marion LONE STRUGGLE have all qualifi ed for Rio despite grooming their daughters for tions. Jones admitted taking perform- Her family was so poor they hailing from Haryana, where marriage, Mahavir wanted more But Sakshi and Vinesh agree ance enhancing drugs. could not aff ord to buy her run- women have long been treated as for his girls and believed they that had their families not Dubbed the “dazzling gazelle” ning shoes, until a local sports second-class citizens and “hon- could succeed at kushti, the tra- strongly backed their dreams, by the media, she was only the promoter agreed to help. our killings” and sex-selective File picture of Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik takes part in a practice ditional Indian wrestling which is they would probably be married second Sri Lankan ever to win an She later said that she could abortions are rife. session at a Sports Authority of India gymnasium in Lucknow, India. popular among men in Haryana. with children by now and with Olympic medal, and thousands easily have ended up as a low- Vinesh and Sakshi recall vil- “It wasn’t easy given Harya- no prospect of a career in sports. of cheering fans greeted her on paid worker in one of Sri Lanka’s lagers sniggering and fi nger- to prevent women defying con- would develop puff ed-out cau- na’s culture. Villagers shamed “My life is very special com- her return to the island in 2000. many clothing factories. pointing when they wrestled servative norms. lifl ower ears, common among me and disowned me. Even my pared to my friends’.Some of But even then, she was a con- Jayasinghe moved to the capi- with boys or wore shorts in a Marriage outside caste or reli- wrestlers, and become undesir- own parents criticised me every them study a bit and then do troversial fi gure. tal in the early 1990s and began state where women are usually gion brings punishment includ- able to potential husbands. day,” said Mahavir, an acclaimed household chores. While in Sydney she had al- entering national events, imme- covered head-to-toe and con- ing “honour killings” — murder, “It hurt a little and I wondered amateur wrestler, whose coach- The married ones are busy leged that Sri Lanka’s then sports diately excelling. fi ned to their homes. usually of the woman, for dis- why people said such mean ing career has become the sub- taking care of their husbands minister had tried to ruin her ca- She married her trainer “People would throw us dirty honouring her family — while things, especially when I was so ject of a Bollywood fi lm to be and babies,” said Sakshi, who reer after she rejected his sexual Dhammika Nandakumara in se- looks when we wore shorts sex-selective abortions still oc- young, and made me doubt my- released this year. also may tie the knot next year advances, an explosive claim in cret at the age of just 17, but they to practise. They would gos- cur in an area that values boys self,” said the 23-year-old, who “I used to get so angry listen- but whose “game comes fi rst” the deeply conservative country. split acrimoniously and are now sip and... say ‘this is wrong’,” above girls. began training when she was 12. ing to all the nonsense. But I ig- right now. She had already hinted at this trading public allegations about said 21-year-old Vinesh, who Haryana has the worst sex nored all of it because I knew I For Vinesh, marriage is the in 1998 when she was briefl y each other. comes from a prestigious wres- ratio in the country, with 877 THRASHED WITH A STICK had to prove everyone wrong. I last thing on her mind. suspended on doping charges Since the split Jayasinghe has tling family, at a stadium in the women for every 1,000 men, They believe, however, that atti- knew I had to show people what Sitting in her messy dorm and fought successfully to clear abandoned plans to set up an northern city of Lucknow. against the national fi gure of tudes started to shift after Geeta women can do,” he said. room and cuddling her teddy her name, accusing sports of- academy for young Sri Lankan Haryana, neighbouring New 940, according to the last offi cial Phogat — Babita’s elder sister bears, she talks about how she fi cials of having tampered with athletes. “How can I help others Delhi, is renowned for its male- census of 2011. — won gold at the 2010 Com- ‘HUSBANDS AND BABIES’ will miss home-cooked food in her urine samples. when I am struggling alone to dominated village councils Locals used to berate Sakshi’s monwealth Games and became Like the Phogats — now the toast Rio, where she hopes to win gold In Sydney, Jayasinghe raced bring up my two children?” she which control life in the largely parents when she was growing the fi rst Indian woman wrestler of their hometown of Bilali — and take Indian women’s wres- with a yellow ribbon around her said of her son, eight, and her farming region, issuing diktats up, warning that their daughter to qualify for an Olympics two Sakshi, who trained under a dif- tling to new heights. wrist in a show of support for two-year-old daughter. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 3, 2016 5 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT Olympic Legends: From boxing greats to swimming sensations Here are five legends of the Olympic Games, who excelled on the big stage between 1948 to 1980

AFP one. Lucrative endorsements and business deals Rio de Janeiro American Mark Spitz stunned the world by were to follow, until Spitz made a shortlived winning an unprecedented seven gold medals comeback attempt aged 41, nearly two dec- at the 1972 Munich Olympics. ades after Munich, in time for the 1992 Olym- he 31st Summer Olympics starts on pics. After Phelps broke his gold-medal record August 5 in Rio de Janeiro. Here is in Beijing, Spitz was unstinting in his praise. AFP Sport’s fi ve legends of the Games “He is the single greatest Olympic athlete of all between between 1948 to 1980. time now... I always wondered what my feelings T would be. I feel a tremendous load off my back.”

Teofi lo Stevenson The Cuban Ali Stevenson resisted the lure of professional boxing – including a lucrative fi ght with Mu- hammad Ali – to remain resolutely amateur throughout his career, earning the devotion of his fellow Cubans. “What is a million dollars worth compared to the love of eight million Cu- bans?” he once said. Stevenson was crowned Olympic heavy- weight champion three times in 1972, 1976 and 1980, one of only three fi ghters to win three Ol- ympic gold medals, and the fi rst after Hungary’s Laszlo Papp 24 years earlier. In a 1988 Boxing Illustrated poll, the towering but graceful Ste- venson, with a thundering right hand – and a striking resemblance to Ali – was selected as the greatest Olympic boxer of all time. In 1974, two years after his fi rst Olympic vic- tory, promoters Bob Arum and Don King both spoken sports heroes, and recently courted can swimmer Michael Phelps. Latynina fi nished tried to lure the 22-year-old to fi ght the then Laszlo Papp is the first boxer to win three controversy when she told misbehaving tennis her Olympic career with nine gold medals, fi ve fading Ali, a match that many observers believe Olympic gold medals stars Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic “to go silver and four bronze, becoming gymnastics’ the Cuban would have won. Instead Ali fought back to where their parents came from”, com- inaugural superstar. George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in the fa- Laszlo Papp ments for which she later apologised. “She was our fi rst legend,” Bela Karolyi, the mous Rumble in the Jungle. Stevenson only ever coach of Romania’s Nadia Comaneci, said of lost one round at the Olympics, in his third and Hungarian boxing great Latynina. “When she stepped out on the fl oor, last fi nal against the Soviet Union’s Piotr Zaev Papp tangled with Hungary’s Communist au- Larisa Latynina all eyes were on her. She demanded attention in 1980. He also won three world amateur titles thorities as well as opponents in the ring in a Soviet medal machine and respect.” At her fi rst Games in 1956, Latyni- and would have been a good bet for a fourth Ol- career which made him the fi rst boxer to win na won the vault and fl oor exercises en route to ympic gold medal, but Fidel Castro’s Cuba boy- three Olympic gold medals. The fl uid, hard- Ukrainian-born Latynina competed in the 1958 a hard-fought all-round title, as well as gold in cotted both the 1984 and 1988 Olympics in Los hitting southpaw, known for his devastating world gymnastics while four months pregnant the team event. Angeles and Seoul. Stevenson, described by his left hook, totted up an astonishing 301 amateur – and took home fi ve gold medals. It was the sort She defended her all-round title in 1960, friend Ali as “one of the great boxing champi- wins against just 12 losses, with 55 of his victo- of determination that was to bring her 18 Olym- and again took gold in the fl oor exercises and ons”, retired aged 36 to a modest home in Ha- ries ending in fi rst-round knock-outs. pic medals, a record which stood for nearly half team event. At Tokyo in 1964, when she was 29, vana. He died in 2012, at the age of 60, after a His Olympic career was equally as fearsome: a century until it was broken in 2012 by Ameri- Latynina won her third straight fl oor and team heart attack. in 13 bouts spread across London 1948, Hel- titles. Despite her unprecedented medal haul, sinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956, Papp lost only Latynina’s achievements were later overshad- one round – in the 1956 fi nal, which he won 2-1 owed in Olympic history by the exploits of Sovi- against America’s Jose Torres. That third and Australian Dawn Fraser is the first woman to et gymnast Olga Korbut and Comaneci, but she fi nal title came at a highly emotional time for defend an Olympic swimming title and the came to public attention again as Phelps zeroed Hungary, as it coincided with the brutal crush- first Olympic swimmer of either sex to win the in on her record in London. ing of an uprising against the Soviet-backed re- same event three times. gime. Budapest-born Papp turned professional Mark Spitz at 31 in 1957 but had to train in Vienna to become bourne Olympics, and then in Rome in 1960 and the fi rst professional boxer from the Soviet bloc. Tokyo in 1964. In doing so, she became the fi rst Damp squib to record-breaker In 1965, he was denied a shot at reigning mid- woman to defend an Olympic swimming title The brash American boasted he would win six dleweight world champion Joey Giardello in the and the fi rst Olympic swimmer of either sex to gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics United States when the Hungarian Communist win the same event three times. Fraser also won but he ended up with two relay titles, plus an authorities revoked his passport, concerned gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay in 1956 and individual silver and bronze, in what he called about the sensitivities of a boxer from the So- earned silver medals in four other events over “the worst meet of my life”. Perhaps it was the viet bloc fi ghting for money in the focal point of the Games in which she competed. motivation he needed, because four years later the capitalist world. “This is my one big regret However, her career was also defi ned by in Munich, Spitz stunned the world by win- in life,” Papp said later. clashes with Australia’s swimming authorities. ning an unprecedented seven gold medals at the He retired undefeated as a professional and as After the Rome Olympics, she was handed a same Games – winning every event he entered, European middleweight champion and was lat- two-year ban after a number of minor off enc- and setting a world record each time. Spitz’s er awarded an honorary world title by the World es, including not wearing the team tracksuit to seven-title haul remained unmatched until Boxing Council, who also named him the best receive her medal. At Tokyo, she defi ed team Michael Phelps swam to eight gold medals in amateur and professional fi ghter of all time. orders by marching in the ceremony, wore an Beijing in 2008. The mustachioed Spitz did the unoffi cial swimsuit while competing and fi nally 100m and 200m double in both freestyle and Dawn Fraser she was caught stealing souvenir fl ags near the the butterfl y, together with three relay titles – Imperial Palace – crimes which earned her a Ukrainian-born Larisa Latynina finished her and promptly retired. The Australian rebel whopping 10-year ban, prompting her retire- Olympic career with nine gold medals, five The abrasive Spitz’s success wasn’t univer- The Australian swimmer made her mark in the ment. Fraser, from a working-class suburb of silver and four bronze, becoming gymnastics’ sally popular among his rival swimmers: “It Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson (right) with 100m freestyle, taking gold in the 1956 Mel- Sydney, remains one of Australia’s most out- inaugural superstar. could have happened to a nicer guy,” remarked US great Muhammad Ali.

FOCUS Legends of the Games from 1920 to 1952

he 31st Summer Olympics 1932 Games, and a shot at a 10th gold I couldn’t live where I wanted. I wasn’t I was too old to run, that I should stay starts on Friday in Rio de Ja- medal. invited to shake hands with Hitler, but at home and take care of my children,” neiro. Here is fi ve legends of I wasn’t invited to the White House to she told the New York Times in 1982. the Games from 1920 to 1952. Johnny Weissmuller shake hands with the president, ei- “When I got to London, I pointed my T ther.” Owens, a pack-a-day smoker fi nger at him and I said: ‘I show you.’” From gold to the silver screen Paavo Nurmi for much of his life, died of lung cancer In 1999, Blankers-Koen was named Long before he swung on to the sil- in 1980. In testament to his enduring female athlete of the century by the The ‘Flying Finn’ ver screen as ‘Tarzan the Ape Man’, popularity among the German public, IAAF, and she died fi ve years later in One of the Olympics’ fi rst superstars, America’s Weissmuller found fame at he has a street and a school named af- 2004. Finland’s Nurmi stole the show at Ant- the Olympics, where he dominated the ter him in Berlin. werp 1920, winning three gold medals swimming events at the Paris and Am- Emil Zatopek in the 10000m, individual and team sterdam Games in 1924 and 1928. At a Fanny Blankers-Koen cross country, and silver in the 5000m, time when only six men’s gold med- Unique distance treble in the space of just three days. als were on off er, the son of German Female athlete of the century Zatopek spoke six languages and “nev- But he outdid himself four years later immigrants won the 100m and 400m Blankers-Koen defi ed conventions er shut up”, according to one miff ed in Paris, winning the 1500m and then freestyle, as well as the 4x200m free- about age, sex and motherhood, and rival, and sometimes it seemed that the 5000m two hours later, before suc- style relay, in Paris, before successfully Jesse Owens. blazed a pathway for women’s sport he never stopped running either. The cessfully defending his team and in- defending the 100m and relay titles when she swept to four track gold med- Czech distance great, known for his dividual cross country titles and then four years later – a career haul of fi ve als at the 1948 Olympics as a 30-year- ungainly running style, claimed an taking gold in the 3000m team race, Olympic titles. old mother of two. After making her enormous victory in the 10000m at becoming the fi rst athlete to win fi ve He also took water polo bronze Games debut in 1936 – where she ap- the 1948 Olympics, lapping all but two gold medals at the same Olympics. in Paris, for good measure. Weiss- Jesse Owens relay and long jump, and setting three proached Jesse Owens for an auto- competitors, despite racing for the But there was controversy when muller didn’t win as many gold med- First track superstar world records along the way. Hitler graph, one of her most treasured pos- fi rst time over the distance only two Finnish offi cials, fearing for his physi- als as Mark Spitz or Michael Phelps, was reported to have stormed out of sessions – the Dutch marvel’s Olympic months earlier. cal condition, refused to allow him to but he bears comparison owing to his Owens exploded the Nazi-propagated the stadium after Owens, the grandson career was put on hold by World War A few days later in the 5000m, an defend his 10000m title. The angry huge margins of victory and the small myth of Aryan racial superiority when of slaves, won the 100m, although the II. By the time the Olympics returned out-of-sorts Zatopek dropped 100m Nurmi responded, after returning to number of swimming events contested he won four track and fi eld gold med- “Buckeye Bullet” later said the Nazi in London in 1948, and despite living behind Belgian leader Gaston Reiff Finland, by setting a new world record at the time. als at the 1936 Berlin Olympics under leader waved to him in passing. for six years under German occupation before stirringly fi ghting back to miss in the event. At Amsterdam in 1928, His superiority owed much to his the nose of Adolf Hitler. The African- But Owens was snubbed by his own near Amsterdam, Blankers-Koen held gold by a whisker, in what would have Nurmi reclaimed his 10000m title and revolutionary use of the fl utter kick American was already a star when he president on his return to the United six world records. been one of the great recoveries of all took silver in the 5000m and 3000m and head-turning breathing –innova- arrived in Berlin, a year after he set fi ve States when Franklin D. Roosevelt Nevertheless, many held doubts time. steeplechase. However this turned out tions that remain to this day. After his world records and equalled a sixth in failed to greet him, a customary hon- about the young mother’s suitability to Four years later at the Helsinki Ol- to be Nurmi’s last Olympics as by now Olympic career, Weissmuller made the space of 45 minutes in Ann Arbor our for returning champions. “When I compete – which were quickly erased ympics in 1952, Zatopek successfully his fame was such that he was invited even more of a splash in Hollywood, –including a long jump mark of 8.13m came back to my native country, after when she took gold in the 100m, 200m, defended his 10000m crown, and then to star at athletics meets worldwide, where he shot 12 Tarzan fi lms and be- that would stand for 25 years. all the stories about Hitler, I couldn’t 80m hurdles and 4x100m relay, top- claimed a dramatic 5000m victory prompting the IAAF to designate him came synonymous with the character, He didn’t disappoint in Berlin, win- ride in the front of the bus,” Owens ping the podium in every event she en- when he stormed past his rivals on the a professional – ruling him out of the pioneering his famous jungle yell. ning gold in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m said later. “I had to go to the back door. tered. “One newspaperman wrote that fi nal bend. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 3, 2016 FOOTBALL

Southampton sign Nice’s Sigurdsson inks new Bayern coach Clement Montoya released by Tigres wouldn’t block Pied, Palace’s McCarthy contract with Swansea turns down England role Barca, signs for Valencia Gignac move to Barcelona French defender Jeremy Pied has been reunited Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson signed a new Bayern Munich’s assistant coach Paul Clement yes- Full-back Martin Montoya has joined Valencia on Mexican club Tigres of Monterrey has denied that with Southampton manager Claude Puel after four-year contract with Premier League club terday revealed he has turned down a possible role a four-year deal after being released by Barcelona, Barcelona approached them to sign Andre-Pierre joining the Premier League club on a free transfer Swansea yesterday. Sigurdsson had two years left in the England set-up under Sam Allardyce to remain the two clubs confirmed yesterday. The 25-year- Gignac but said it would let the French striker move from Nice. Pied played under Puel at both Lyon on his previous deal at the Liberty Stadium, but he with the German champions. The 44-year-old English- old Spaniard broke into the first team at the Camp there if he wishes. Gignac, 30, gave his career a and Nice and the right-back will link up with has been given an improved contract as a reward man is Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at the Bavarian gi- Nou in 2011, but could not consolidate his place boost since his surprise move from Marseille to Southampton’s new manager for a third time after for his fine performances last season. The 26-year- ants and is preparing for the new Bundesliga season, and only made 45 La Liga appearances for the the northern Mexican club last year, earning him signing a two-year contract at St Mary’s. Pied, 27, old, who joined Swansea from Tottenham in 2014, which starts on August 26, with Bayern chasing a fifth Catalan giants in five seasons. “Valencia CF and a return to the French national team that finished joined Nice from Lyon in 2012 and was mainly a announced the news on his personal Instagram straight league title. Clement was sacked as Derby Martin Montoya have reached an agreement with runner-up against Portugal at the Euro 2016 in first-team regular, although he was sent on loan to account. “Delighted to have signed a new 4 year County coach in February, after eight months in the player, who joins the club for the next four July. Gignac is one of the options Barcelona are Guingamp in the 2014-15 campaign. Southampton deal with @swansoff icial. Looking forward to the charge, while Allardyce was confirmed as Roy Hodg- seasons,” Valencia said in a statement. Montoya considering as a back-up to its attacking trident of have also signed Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex new season!” Sigurdsson said. Sigurdsson was son’s successor last month and he has appointed spent time on loan at Inter Milan and Real Betis Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. A Barcelona McCarthy for an undisclosed fee. McCarthy, 26, one of Iceland’s Euro 2016 heroes as the minnows Sammy Lee as his assistant coach. Clement was last season, and will be hoping to help Valencia off icial has talked to Gignac and his entourage to made seven appearances at Palace following his reached the quarter-finals in France after a stun- off ered a job-share role in Allardyce’s back room staff , improve on their disappointing finish of 12th place get information about his situation and see if he is move from Queens Park Rangers in July 2015. ning last 16 victory over England. but turned it down to focus on his work at Bayern. in La Liga last term. interested in joining the Catalan club. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIER Bayern open door to possible return of Schweinsteiger Celtic mindful of the AFP Traff ord, and his own demo- Berlin tion, means Schweinsteiger’s days in Manchester look numbered with two years astian Schwein- left on his United contract. steiger has been “No respect!” tweeted his Btold there could be brother Tobias Schwein- a place for him back at steiger, a former second past as Astana await Bayern Munich in the wake division player and youth of his fall from grace at team coach at Bayern. His Manchester United. reported annual wage bill ‘Kolo will be in the squad. He has trained well since he has come in We left him behind at Schweinsteiger turned of £7.5mn ($9.9mn, 8.8mn 32 on Monday, the same euros) might put off any the weekend to continue with that and I am confident that he can play a part in the game’ day his locker in United’s potential employer. first-team dressing room The defensive midfielder was cleared out and he was has been linked to AC Milan ordered to train with the and Inter Milan, as well as reserves by new United Paris Saint-Germain, while boss Jose Mourinho. He any Major League Soccer is one of nine players told club would be delighted by they are free to go on loan the profile boost his arrival by Mourinho and are not in in the USA would bring. the United boss’ plans. And Schweinsteiger is too Schweinsteiger an- young to retire, according nounced his international to his ex-Germany and retirement last week after Bayern teammate Oliver 12 years, 24 goals and 120 Kahn. “I’m sure that with all appearances in the famous his experience, Basti can white shirt. still be the leader of a top At the 2014 World Cup team. He is definitely too in Brazil, he enhanced his young and too strong to reputation as his battling retire,” Kahn wrote on his display in Germany’s mid- Facebook page. field helped beat Argentina Schweinsteiger, who in the final. After winning married tennis player Ana eight Bundesliga titles Ivanovic last month, is with Bayern, as well as the weighing up his options. German Cup seven times Rummenigge says he does and the 2013 Champions not expect Schweinsteiger League, he moved to Old to struggle to find a new em- Traff ord in 2015. ployer and it seems he has a But his star has fallen future with Bayern when he after an injury-ravaged sea- hangs up his boots for good. son in Manchester which “It’s important to bind yielded only 31 appear- players who deserve it to the ances, and Bayern chairman club,” Bayern captain Philipp Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Lahm said. “Basti knows eve- Former Liverpool coach says the door is open for ryone and everything here, Brendan Rodgers is the new him to return. “Should he he would be predestined to man in charge of Celtic speak at some point about work in the team.” a desire to return, then we Bayern have a history of will discuss it with him,” finding jobs for their chosen AFP Despite this, fi rst team coach John Kennedy a part of that, too. ers, Rodgers was forced to give a European Rummenigge said. sons and Rummenigge has Glasgow is all too aware last week’s result is far from a “But we always knew this was going to be debut to 20-year-old Eoghan O’Connell The imminent return of already said they will “discuss guarantee of reaching the next stage. Two a tough tie and the fi rst leg showed that. The alongside the much-criticised Efe Ambrose France’s Paul Pogba to Old the matter in due course”. years ago, Kennedy was a matter of weeks conditions were tough but coming home in the Astana Arena. eltic may be the favourites to into his new role under the tutelage of Nor- with a 1-1 in the bag is as positive as we He still has limited options in central progress from their Champions wegian manager Ronny Deila and assistant could have asked for. defence for the crunch game at Parkhead, League qualifi er against Astana John Collins when Celtic drew 1-1 away to “We wanted to make sure we got a positive which is delicately poised after the fi rst leg today but the Scottish champions Slovenian side Maribor in the play-off round. result and getting the away goal was massive ended 1-1, and hinted he could turn to Toure don’tC need to look far back in their history to It left Celtic within touching distance of for us. The way the tie is balanced is great for despite his lack of recent action. fi nd reasons to be wary. the lucrative group stages, but their oppo- us as preparation-wise we go in with a posi- “Kolo will be in the squad. He has trained Leigh Griffi ths’ late equaliser in Kaza- nents turned the tie on its head at Celtic Park tive mindset. We’re not going in to this just well since he has come in,” Rodgers said. khstan last week secured a 1-1 fi rst-leg draw when they scored a late winner to condemn trying to hang on. Our mindset is to go and “We left him behind at the weekend to con- and gave Brendan Rodgers’ side a vital away the Scottish champions to the Europa League. win the game and put the tie to bed.” tinue with that and I am confi dent that he goal that puts the Hoops in the driving seat There has been a change in manager since Rodgers, meanwhile, insisted he won’t be can play a part in the game (tomorrow). to progress to the fi nal play-off round. then with former Liverpool boss Rodgers taking a risk if he gives Ivorian defender Kolo “If I feel he can start in the game and he It was an impressive result in tough con- now the man tasked with leading Celtic to Toure his debut in the crucial clash against is ready, I will have no problem playing him. ditions for Celtic against a side that played the promised land of the group stages. Astana. Rodgers worked with Toure at Liv- I wouldn’t think it would be gamble, we are in the group stages of last year’s competi- Kennedy has urged his side to learn from erpool and was reunited with the 35-year- just assessing fi tness at the moment. tion and were unbeaten at home against that bitter experience against Maribor and old last week when the Scottish champions “He is super-experienced. Kolo has had Benfi ca, Galatasaray and eventual fi nalists believes they can extend their run of four signed him on a free transfer. a great impact already in the short period of Atletico Madrid. straight victories at home in qualifi cation. The former Arsenal and Manchester City time he has had here but you also have to try Celtic, who are aiming to return to the “At the time it was tough mentally to defender sat out the fi rst leg of the Cham- to apply a little bit of common sense to it. group stages for the fi rst time since 2013/14, take but the memories will give the players pions League third qualifying round tie “He has only been in the building a short will take encouragement from the fact As- greater awareness going into this match,” against Astana and also missed Saturday’s period of time (and) it is a huge game for tana have failed to win away from home in Kennedy said. “That’s a useful experience International Champions Cup defeat to us. But I have no doubt that his experience Bastian Schweinsteiger, who married Serbian tennis player the Champions League while managing just for us to learn from. There are a lot of play- Barcelona as he worked on his fi tness. somewhere in the game can be required, if I Ana Ivanovic last month, is likely to return to his former club. two goals in their seven ties. ers from that tie still in the squad who were But, plagued by injuries to three defend- felt that he wasn’t ready to start.”

FOCUS Brazil hope to end US women’s gold rush in Rio AFP that can be selected so the USA’s Brazil have never won a foot- Eccentric French coach Bruno Brazil's Rio de Janeiro English coach Jill Ellis can call ball gold medal at the Olympics Bini has aided the continued rise Marta upon World Player of the Year and although the women’s side of women’s football in China Carli Lloyd, as well as the expe- won’t have the same pressure and caused a stir on the eve of dominant United States rienced Megan Rapinoe and star and expectation as their male the tournament by claiming that team face stiff compe- striker Alex Morgan. counterparts, there is belief they “Chinese women work harder tition from hosts Bra- The USA are in need of a fast can go one better than extra- and they complain much less,” zil for a fi fth Olympic start as they face a huge clash time defeats to the USA in the fi - than the French side he led to the goldA medal in six games when the with France on August 6 and end nals at the 2004 and 2008 games. 2011 World Cup semi-fi nals. women’s football tournament the opening stage of their cam- Five-time World Player of the Chinese hopes will depend kicks off Rio 2016 tonight. paign against Colombia in Man- Year Marta spearheads a Brazil- much on star striker Wang Shan- The States’ quest for a fourth aus, nearly 3,000 kilometres away ian side that also contains vet- shan and she backed Bini’s un- consecutive gold begins against from Rio in the Amazonian jungle. eran defender Formiga, who will conventional methods. New Zealand in Belo Horizonte Co-captain Becky Sauerb- compete in her sixth Olympics. “Each day, he tells us some- with both men’s and women’s runn admitted previous success “Although people say we don’t thing new. He usually encourages tournaments spread across six makes the Americans heavy fa- have to go and win the gold, for us with a motto, a poem,” Wang cities which hosted the 2014 vourites to claim gold once more me, as someone who has played told FIFA.com. “With his guid- World Cup. in the fi nal at Rio’s iconic Mara- at other Olympics, won two sil- ance the team unity is getting The world champions are cana stadium on August 19. vers and come close to the gold, better and the spirit is going up.” without all-time leading inter- “We always look for that next I think we are obliged to win it,” All 12 teams are in action tonight national goalscorer Abby Wam- challenge because we constantly said striker Cristiane. as World Cup quarter-fi nalists bach at a major tournament for want to achieve that next level Brazil face a tough start at Rio’s Canada and Australia face off in the fi rst time in over a decade of greatness,” she told US Soc- Olympic stadium on Wednesday Sao Paulo. Two-time world cham- after she retired following the cer’s website. “People expect us against China, who qualifi ed at pions Germany take on Zimbabwe World Cup last year. to win, we know what it actually the expense of 2012 silver medal- in the other game in Group F. The However, unlike the men’s takes to win and that comes with lists Japan and reached the World top two sides and two best third- Olympic tournament, there are a diff erent level of accountability Cup quarter-fi nals in Canada placed teams from the three groups Carli Lloyd of USA no age restrictions on the players and sacrifi ce.” last year. will progress to the quarter-fi nals. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 3, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT Schalke 04 sign Chelsea’s City confi rm signing Baba on loan of Sane from Schalke ‘He is a special talent, and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching. He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays. He is fast, enjoys creating chances for others, works hard for the team and scores goals, too’

AFP London Most expensive German transfers AFP Berlin ermany winger Leroy Sane 1. Leroy Sane from Schalke has signed a fi ve-year deal 04 to Manchester City in for Manchester City, both August 2016 for 43 mn chalke 04 has signed Ghana interna- the Premier League side euros, plus add-ons which tional left-back Abdul Rahman Baba Gand his now former Bundesliga club are expected to take figure on loan from Chelsea for the coming Schalke 04 confi rmed yesterday. to 55 mn. season, both clubs confi rmed yesterday. City tweeted a picture of Sane 2. Mesut Ozil from Real S Last season, Baba made 23 appearances for signing a contract, which is report- Madrid to Arsenal in Sept Chelsea, 19 of them starts, including his debut edly worth £37mn (43mn euros), 2013 for 47 mn euros. in the Champions League, but has been sent plus add-ons, after he completed the 3. Mats Hummels from on loan by new Blues boss Antonio Conte to medical examination in Manchester Borussia Dortmund to Schalke, who fi nished fi fth in Germany’s top on Monday. Bayern Munich in July 2016 fl ight last season. “I spoke with the new Chel- The 20-year-old said the prospect for 38 mn euros. sea head coach and he told me that I would of playing under new City boss Pep 4. Mario Goetze from probably not play very often in his system,” ex- Guardiola had helped persuade him Borussia Dortmund to plained Baba on the Schalke website. “I want to move to Eastlands. Bayern Munich in July 2013 to be on the pitch, so I told the management “One of the reasons I decided to for 37 mn euros. in London that I wanted to transfer. I found a join City was Pep Guardiola; he con- 5. Julian Draxler from Schal- very good club in the form of Schalke 04 and vinced me to come here and that I ke 04 to VfL Wolfsburg in I’m sure that I have made the right decision.” can continue to progress,” Sane told August 2015 for 35 mn.. The 22-year-old spent the 2014/15 sea- City’s website. “I know I will learn a 6. Mario Gomez from VfB son with Augsburg, knows his way around lot under him and now I can take the Stuttgart to Bayern Munich German football after a stint with Greuther next step in my career. in July 2009 for 35 mn euros. Fuerth and has played 51 Bundesliga games, “I followed Pep at Barcelona and 7. Andre Schuerrle from VfL plus 24 matches in Germany’s second tier. at Bayern where he achieved a lot and Wolfsburg to Dortmund in He worked with Schalke’s head coach worked really well with young play- July 2016 for 32 mn euros. Markus Weinzierl while at Augsburg. “Abdul ers. I think he can make me a more 8. Ilkay Gundogan from is a strong attacking left back, one who I have complete player. I think I will need a Borussia Dortmund to a lot of faith in. He will fi t in well here, because bit of time to start with because it’s Manchester City in July of his excellent attitude,” said Weinzierl. another league and there’s a diff erent 2016 for 30 mn euros. Baba signed a fi ve-year contract with Chel- style of play but I think I can adapt 9. Toni Kroos from Bayern sea in 2015 and has made a total of 15 Premier very quickly.” Munich to Real Madrid in League appearances for the Blues, featuring If the £37mn fee is confi rmed, it July 2014 for 30 mn euros. four times in the Champions League. will make Sane the most expensive 10. Manuel Neuer from He was part of the Ghana side that reached German signing of all time. Schalke 04 to Bayern the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations fi nal, when his “We have given the green light for Munich in 2011 for 22 mn side lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. the transfer. Those in charge of Man- euros. Having already trained with his new team- chester City behaved professionally mates, Baba says he has quickly found his feet at all times. There were diffi cult, but recruit, who scored eight goals in 33 think he will be a fantastic asset to bn television deals, the 20 top-fl ight fi elder Paul Pogba. Chelsea, linked in Gelsenkirchen. “The lads have warmly wel- fair discussions,” said Schalke’s di- Bundesliga games last season, is tai- our club.” teams have been throwing money at with a £65 mn deal for Everton strik- comed me. I have enjoyed my time with the rector of sport Christian Heidel. lor-made for the unique demands of Sane’s arrival in Manchester con- a host of new signings and Deloitte er Romelu Lukaku, could also add to squad so far. I noticed from the very fi rst train- Sane is a rising star in the Ger- the Premier League. tinues former Bayern Munich boss say the spending could shatter the £1 the rising transfer total. ing session that Schalke have a strong team many squad and has already posed “He is a special talent, and an Guardiola’s rebuilding of the City bn mark for the fi rst time in the pre- “The prospect of increased rev- with a lot of quality,” said Baba. “I already know for pictures with City fans in Man- exciting player that I think our sup- squad following the signings of No- season window. enue from the new broadcast deals Markus from my time at Augsburg, we get along chester. The reported transfer fi gure porters will enjoy watching,” Guar- lito, Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr The current fi gure of £475 mn is next season has encouraged Premier really well and he has a lot of confi dence in me, seems astronomical given that Sane diola said. “He has great technical Zinchenko. slightly less than the £515 mn spent League clubs to invest in this win- which is an important thing for any player.” has made just 47 Bundesliga appear- ability, is comfortable on the ball and by Premier League teams at the same dow in order to be as competitive as The defender is relishing his return to Ger- ances, scoring 11 goals and creating there is much to admire about the EPL clubs’ transfer stage in 2015, which led to an eventual possible,” Alex Thorpe, senior man- many’s top fl ight when Schalke play their fi rst seven more, since his debut in Ger- way he plays football. £870 mn outlay in the whole window. ager in the sports business group at game of the season at Eintracht Frankfurt on many’s top fl ight in April 2014. “He is fast, enjoys creating chanc- spending nears £500mn Leroy Sane’s £37 mn move to Deloitte, told the BBC. August 27. “Long balls are used a lot more of- The fl eet-footed forward made es for others, works hard for the team Premier League clubs have already Manchester City is not included in “With a month of the window still ten in the Premier League,” said Baba. “A lot the last of his four international ap- and scores goals, too. He also has a splashed out £475 mn ($631 mn, 562 the fi gures as it was only confi rmed to go, some signifi cant deals in the more value is placed on the technical aspects pearances for the world champions very positive attitude and will fi t in mn euros) since the transfer window yesterday. pipeline and a number of clubs yet to of the game in Germany.” as a late replacement in last month’s well with our squad. reopened in July, according to busi- And the spending fi gure would rise enter the market, we may see anoth- 2-0 defeat to hosts France in the Euro “At 20, he is still developing as a ness analysts Deloitte. signifi cantly if Manchester United er summer of record Premier League Napoli fans fire insults at Higuain 2016 semi-fi nals. player but he is already a member Bolstered by the increased revenue complete their reported world record spending, possibly breaking the £1bn Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik was paraded in Guardiola is confi dent his new of the German national side and I from the Premier League’s new £5.1 £100 mn move for Juventus mid- barrier for the fi rst time.” front of Napoli fans yesterday ahead of sign- ing an imminent deal with the Serie A giants to replace the now despised Argentina inter- national Gonzalo Higuain. A rough diamond who could be a bargain deal for City Milik, who will join Napoli from Ajax, has been offi cially announced as the Italian club’s By Alan Smith in London game of hardball with Schalke, who Bundesliga last season. not planned for the voracious hunger Heralded by some in Germany new striker. But on the evening of Napoli’s The Guardian held a strong hand aided by their best Certainly their fixtures against of a teenage substitute. Sane injected as the principal figure of their next 90th birthday celebrations at their San Paolo player being under contract until the Bayern enforced the favourable im- a fresh intensity and made the match generation, which is quite a feat stadium, the 22-year-old walked out on to the end of the 2018-19 season. The Ger- pression held by Guardiola. Sane pro- 3-3 on the night, 5-3 on aggregate, considering the depth of talent at the pitch wearing a Napoli shirt as fans sung his ven in this eyebrow-raising man side’s decision to tie him to an vided an assist for Max Meyer in the thanks to a stunning curled finish from country’s disposal, every coach he praises — and threw a few choice insults in the summer of exorbitant spend- extension twice in three months last first meeting—a goal that put Schalke 20 yards before playing an important has worked it with is unequivocal in direction of former star Higuain. Eing, the £37mn spent by season in retrospect looks shrewd. ahead until they were overpowered role in the buildup to Klaas-Jan Hunte- terms of his ability. Club owner and president Aurelio De Lau- Manchester City on a 20-year-old Bargaining was inevitable, though, 3-1—and in the reverse fixture he laar’s second of the evening. There is versatility, which Guar- rentiis posted a message on his Twitter ac- with four international caps, one full and considering how much larger looked the most likely in blue to Schalke still needed one more goal diola will utilise in time. Deployed count which said: “Welcome Milik #ADL.” season of senior football and zero the Bundesliga club’s asking price cause havoc in a 3-0 loss. “Leroy is a to go through, though, and Sane al- mostly on the right at Schalke, The fallout from Higuain’s shock 90 mn trophies to his name does not rest was, the initial fee paid by City almost huge talent,” Guardiola said while still most produced it, only to be denied allowing him to cut in on his stronger euros ($100.5 mn) transfer—the third most entirely easily. Then again, Leroy seems a bargain. Various add-ons in Bavaria. “I can only congratulate by Iker Casillas. Real progressed, but left foot, he also played sporadically expensive in history after Gareth Bale and Sane is no ordinary player. could take the package above £40mn. Germany on a talent like him.” the seed had been planted and he on the opposite wing and in a more Cristiano Ronaldo’s moves to Real Madrid When Pep Guardiola took over It will take some time to appraise His flair and ability were evident soon established a starting berth, central role. Sane’s willingness to respectively—to rivals Juventus is still be- from Manuel Pellegrini and evaluated whether Sane is worth it. He remains from the beginning. In Schalke’s scoring in the Bundesliga against track back will no doubt have been ing felt in Naples. De Laurentiis said Higuain the squad he inherited, the Catalan a rough diamond in need of some 112-year history there may not have Hertha Berlin the following weekend. noted by the manager too, making “betrayed” the club last week, while fans of may have noticed substantially big- polishing. But as we have come to been a more startling first appear- With such supreme athleticism, him ideally suited to the high-energy the Azzurri, some of whom posted pictures ger holes to plug—strengthening the learn from Guardiola’s time at both ance in Europe than Sane’s at the it is no surprise to learn Sane is also pressing style that not every player of their Napoli shirts with Higuain’s name in defence perhaps, or adding weight to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, there Santiago Bernabéu of all places in the heir to rich sporting stock. His has the aptitude to carry out. their toilet, left little to the imagination with a an at times flimsy centre midfield. are few things the manager relishes March 2015. With Schalke trailing 3-1 distinguished father, Souleyman, As Joachim Low said after calling range of insults aimed at the 28-year-old. City, on paper, look best-stocked in more than nurturing talent. on aggregate to Real Madrid in the played 55 times for Senegal as a Sane into the Germany squad for the Former club hero Diego Maradona, who the attacking midfield role Sane has In Gelsenkirchen, Sane was a shin- second leg of a Champions League rapid striker, and his mother, Regina first time this year, “We see his great helped steer Napoli to both of their league thus far occupied but the manager ing star in little more than a muddle last-16 tie, Roberto Di Matteo, who Weber, won a bronze medal in the potential.” Low gave just over 10 titles in 1987 and 1990, pitched in with a cri- was absolutely certain he would of mundane, the leading light in a would resign three months later, 1984 Olympics, becoming the only minutes at Euro 2016, as a substitute tique of his own. In a message, the Argentina target a player who had been the distinctly ordinary team comfortably replaced the injured Eric Maxim German to secure a gymnastics med- in the semi-final against France. The legend said: “Stay calm, I am right behind you, subject of interest from the club for beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk in the Choupo-Moting with Sane less than al in the history of the Games. Both challenge now is for Guardiola to I won’t betray you. Let’s think about making some time. The Germany interna- first knockout round of the Europa half an hour in. his brothers are talented footballers help a rare and prodigious talent a great team for the people and Higuain can tional would fit his masterplan. League and who finished 36 points The tie appeared out of reach and too but it was evident from an early fulfil it. Either way it will be fascinat- think what he wants. Now, it’s over with Hi- So City engaged in a protracted behind Guardiola’s Bayern in the Real looked comfortable. But they had age that Leroy was special. ing to observe his development. guain, but my love for you will never die...”

BOTTOMLINE New Argentina coach Bauza plans to woo Messi back from retirement Reuters The more recent of those results in Bauza, who quit his job with Sao Pau- in Asuncion last October where he won coached to the semi-fi nals of the Copa dores—one in 2014 with Pope Francis’s Buenos Aires the Copa America Centenario in the lo to accept the Argentina vacancy and his 76th cap. “I’m thinking of Tevez Libertadores. “We hope he will have favorite team, San Lorenzo, the other in United States in June led to Messi de- will sign his contract in Buenos Aires on as I am about other players... Tevez is the success we all need,” said Arman- 2008 with Ecuadoran side LDU Quito. ciding to quit the team. It was his fourth Friday, has only a couple of weeks to de- a player good enough for the national do Perez, the president of a commit- Meanwhile, Bauza must get Argen- rgentina’s new coach Edgardo defeat in a major fi nal with Argentina. cide on his squad for qualifi ers at home team,” Bauza said. tee named by FIFA to whip things into tina ready for two key dates on the 2018 Bauza has set his mind to woo- “I’m optimistic about Messi. I hope to Uruguay and away to Venezuela in the Bauza, a former central defender, re- shape at the crisis-plagued Argentine World Cup qualifying trail: against Uru- ing Lionel Messi back from the chat with him will help for him to fi rst week of September. jected a tag as a defensive coach, saying: Football Association (AFA). guay at home on September 1, and away international retirement as he carry on in the national team. I want to “There isn’t much time. My fi rst “I’m one of those who think that all (the The new coach faces the stigma of at Venezuela on September 6. Argentina Aponders his squad for next month’s South explain to Messi what my (tactical) idea squad won’t have many changes but I team) have to defend. Football today is being the default choice. A string of po- are third in the 10-nation South Ameri- American 2018 World Cup qualifi ers. is. The least of my worries is his posi- want to talk with fi ve or six of the lead- like that. You can defend in your oppo- tential coaches including Diego Simeone can World Cup qualifying group with Bauza was named yesterday to re- tion on the pitch,” Bauza said. ing players,” Bauza said, no doubt refer- nents’ half if the pressure is high (up the of Atletico Madrid, Jorge Sampaoli of Se- 11 points from six matches, two points place Gerardo Martino, who resigned “There’s no need to convince Messi ring to the likes of Javier Mascherano, fi eld) but it’s easier when you have play- villa and Mauricio Pochettino of Totten- behind leading pair Uruguay and Ecua- a month ago after steering Messi’s side of anything, the plan is to talk about Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. ers of the quality of the Argentina team. ham Hotspur reportedly declined the job. dor. The top four teams after 18 matches to two successive Copa America fi nals football,” added Bauza, speaking in Bra- He also opened the door for Carlos The options they off er you are many.” “We were in talks with a lot of people, and go through to the Russia fi nals while the which ended in penalty shootout de- zil where he has coached Sao Paulo for Tevez, overlooked by Martino since a Bauza, 58, takes on the job after a it seems Mr Bauza is the best,” said Perez. fi fth-placed team goes into an intercon- feats to Chile. eight months. World Cup qualifi er against Paraguay strong season at Sao Paulo, which he Bauza has won two Copa Liberta- tinental playoff for one more berth. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, August 3, 2016 SPORT

BASKETBALL BASEBALL Rangers US hoopsters chase push trade chips in at deadline Reuters more history in Rio New York

‘That Dream Team, I think everyone realizes what they did and then moving forward just he Texas Rangers moved their chips all in and the once high and putting USA back on top. That’s where we want to stay. That’s what everybody’s goal in mighty Yankees traded talent to build for the future yesterday as Tthe Major League Baseball (MLB) trading mind is, to never accept defeat, to win gold and that’s what everybody is about right now’ deadline came to a dizzying end. All but three MLB teams—the Tigers, Phillies and Rockies—got in on the action ahead of the non-waiver deadline. On a day when contenders send hot prospects to struggling teams in return for help in the pennant race, American League West-leading Texas landed a top prize in Milwaukee catcher Jonathan Lecroy. Texas sent their top outfi eld prospect Lewis Brinson in a package of young players to Milwaukee and also took back hard-throwing reliever Jeremy Jeff ress. The Rangers were not done, however, as they also welcomed aboard another bat by obtaining Carlos Beltran from the Yankees, the winners of a record 27 World Series who are usually deadline buyers but are trying to transform their aged roster. The Yankees sent 39-year-old Beltran, who is having an outstanding season at the plate and has thrived in postseasons past, to Texas for pitcher Dillon Tate, last year’s fourth overall pick in the draft. In the run-up to deadline day, the Bronx Bombers dealt away a pair of clos- ers, sending Cuban fl amethrower Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs and An- drew Miller to the Cleveland Indians for more promising young talent. Bolstering the bullpen was a top prior- ity for the National league-leading Cubs, who are striving to win their fi rst World Series in 108 years, and AL Central front- runners Cleveland, who last won the crown in 1948. In the National League, the San Fran- cisco Giants added a pitcher to the start- ing rotation and another to the bullpen. The Giants obtained lefty starter Matt Moore from Tampa Bay, and lefty reliever Will Smith from the busy Brewers. San Francisco sent infi elder Matt Duff y and two young players to the Rays, and a pair of prospects to Milwaukee. The New York Mets, chasing after a wildcard berth, claimed the biggest power hitter available in Cincinnati Reds outfi elder Jay Bruce, who is leading the National League in RBIs and has belted 25 home runs this season. Action from yesterday's exhibition game between United States and New York shipped promising 22-year- Nigeria in Houston. US won 110-66. (Thomas B Shea-USA TODAY Sports) old second baseman Dilson Herrera and 19-year-old left-hander Max Wotell to Cincinnati. The Dodgers, trying to keep AFP The US women have been even more Japan the only blemish on his tenure. Carmelo Anthony, in a US men’s champion Cleveland Cavaliers. “They pace with their longtime rival Giants, sent Washington dominating since settling for bronze at “I’m not nostalgic until something record fourth Olympics, could become decided not to play. We respect their three prospects to Oakland in exchange Barcelona, making fi ve unbeaten runs is over,” Krzyzewski said. “It’s one of the fi rst man from any country to win decision and now we have to move on for starter Rich Hill, who has been battling to gold to enter Rio on a 41-game Ol- the biggest mistakes any competitor three Olympic hoops gold medals. with this Team USA and go out there injury, and outfi elder Josh Reddick. n American squad of NBA ympic unbeaten streak. can make, to be in only your moment. “I don’t think there are many weak- and compete for gold.” stars and their Women’s NBA Add in 1984 and 1988 gold medals So I’ve got to coach them like it’s my nesses with this team,” Anthony said. The US women are sparked by tri- counterparts are expected to and the US women are 55-1 with seven fi rst time. “We’re doing well. Everybody is on captains Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Rangers acquire add more Olympic history to of the past eight Olympic titles. “We just want to play as well as we board and locked in.” Tamika Catchings — three-time Ol- Beltran from Yankees theirA amazing legacy at Rio. “So many athletes before us have can, be worthy of winning the gold. Paul George is back from a horrifi c ympic champions on a team featuring The US Olympic men, guided for set the standard of how to play. And also be worthy of winning the leg injury two years ago while training nine gold medalists chasing a sixth the third and fi nal time by coach Mike “I just want to continue in their respect, continuing to win the respect for the US world team that cost him an consecutive USA crown. Krzyzewski, seek a third consecutive footsteps and keep that standard of of our country and the world as we’re NBA campaign. “It takes a lot to get to a fourth Ol- gold medal and the sixth in seven tries play the same,” US Olympic debutante doing it.” “What’s really the fi nal step in the ympics,” Bird said. “It has nothing to since NBA talent debuted on the 1992 center Brittany Griner said. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg chapter of this is coming home with do with anything in your control. You Barcelona ‘Dream Team’. “I know everybody is coming for Popovich will replace “Coach K” in the that gold,” George said. have to stay on top of your game and “That Dream Team, I think every- us. No country, no team is going to roll role after Rio and players want Krzyze- Several stars withdrew from con- be ready, but so much can happen that one realizes what they did and then over and just give it to us. wski to go out on top. sideration for the US squad, with long can derail, so I just feel really lucky.” moving forward just putting USA back “We’re going to have to go and take “Well we obviously expect to win seasons and health and safety con- The US women already own the on top. That’s where we want to stay,” it. We have to take our best ball on both gold,” said US 3-point sharpshooter cerns the key factors in such stalwarts longest gold medal streak for any US guard Jimmy Butler said. ends of the fl oor.” Klay Thompson. as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and women’s Olympic team sport. “That’s what everybody’s goal in Krzyzewski, coaxed out of retire- “We know it’s not going to be an James Harden saying no to Rio. Only the US men’s basketball tean mind is, to never accept defeat, to ment for the Rio run, is 52-1 in inter- easy road. If we respect our opponent, “A lot of those guys that aren’t here winning the fi rst seven Olympic titles Carlos Beltran was traded for the third win gold and that’s what everybody is national tournament play, a semi-fi nal play hard every night and trust each already have gold medals,” said Kyrie have done better for such a sustained time in the middle of a season on Monday about right now.” loss to Greece at the 2006 worlds in other then I think we will win gold.” Irving, James’ teammate on the NBA period. when the New York Yankees shipped the veteran outfi elder to the Texas Rangers for three minor league players. The Yankees received Dillon Tate, who USA topple Nigeria in final pre-Olympic contest was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft, in addition to fellow right-handed “We played good defense and it led the big show starts and we got to lock in,” AFP pitchers Erik Swanson and Nick Green as to some fast breaks,” head coach Mike Anthony said. He also complained about the Los Angeles Major League Baseball's trade deadline Krzyzewski said. “Our team is very deep. basketball they are going to using during the came to a close on Monday. The most versatile team we have had.” Rio Games, saying he prefers the heavier NBA The 39-year-old switch hitter Beltran he USA, gunning for their third Despite the absence of NBA stars LeBron ball. “It is lighter and more slippery,” Anthony has been the most consistent batter for straight Olympic basketball gold James and Stephen Curry, Krzyzewski’s said. “When it gets wet it is harder to control. an off ence that has been struggling. He is medal, wrapped up their pre- squad is favored to win a third consecutive That’s a ball you really have to get used to.” T in the fi nal year of a three-year, $45 mn Summer Games exhibition series with a gold. A half-dozen Americans finished in Point guard Kyrie Irving (bruised left contract and is batting.304 with 22 home dominating 110-66 win over world number double figures, including Carmelo Anthony, thigh) and Paul George (left calf) sat out runs and 64 RBIs with the Yankees. 25 Nigeria yesterday. who tallied a team high 19 points. Klay with injuries. Irving injured his thigh when The Yankees have lost four straight af- The Americans’ build-up to the Rio Thompson (17), Kevin Durant (14), DeMar he collided with a Venezuela player during ter winning 11 of 16 games and are seven de Janeiro Games included five straight DeRozan (13), DeMarcus Cousins (10) and Friday’s contest in Chicago. games out of fi rst place in the American exhibition wins, but just one came against DeAndre Jordan (10) also finished in double Venezuela is in the first-round group League East Division. Beltran has bat- an opponent ranked in the top 10 in the figures. Kyle Lowry had 11 assists and Jordan with the USA, China, Australia, France and ted.281 with 414 home runs in 1,507 world. They easily beat No. 4 Argentina, grabbed nine rebounds in the victory at the Serbia. The Americans play the Chinese regular-season games with Kansas City, No. 14 China twice and rolled over No. 22 Toyota Center arena in Houston, Texas. again to open the Rio Olympics on August Houston, the New York Mets, San Fran- Venezuela by 35 points. “It was good way to close it out. Now 6 and also meet Venezuela again. cisco, St. Louis and the Yankees. The Royals traded him to Houston in the middle of the season in June 2004 and seven years later, the Mets dealt him to the Giants for Zach Wheeler. The Rang- ers will likely use Beltran as a designated hitter as they recently lost Prince Fielder to a season-ending neck injury. Results Kansas City 3 ...... TAMPA BAY 0 Minnesota 12 ...... CLEVELAND 5 NY Yankees 6 ...... NY METS 5 CHICAGO CUBS 5 ...... Miami 0 HOUSTON 2 ...... Toronto 1 Washington 14 ...... ARIZONA 1 Boston 2 ...... SEATTLE 1 SAN DIEGO 7 ...... Milwaukee 3 (Home team in CAPS) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 3, 2016 9 SPORTSPORT

SPOTLIGHT Golf, like tennis in 1988, facing troublesome return to Olympics Golf is a world game, but only now is returning to the Olympics after an absence of 112 years. However, the response to this from the professional golfing community shows anything but unanimous approval

World’s top golfers— Rory McIlroy (left), Jason Day (centre) and Jordan Speith — all have opted out of Olympics.

DPA paid tennis stars had no place in the Games. who won the last Olympic gold in golf. the Olympic golf, preferring to watch “track and that have let golf down,” Player argued. London Only three of the top 10 men at the start of Critics say the Olympics is not the pinna- fi eld, swimming and diving, stuff that matters.” McIlroy’s former fi ancée, the tennis player 1988 — Stefan Edberg, Mecir and Mayotte — cle of a golfer’s career, that the four Majors are The nine-time Major winner, Gary Player, Caroline Wozniacki, will carry the fl ag for Den- even bothered to enter, with the likes of Boris considered much more important. But with said the Zika virus was a “corny excuse,” not mark in Rio and American Phil Mickelson, the ere’s a quiz question. Who won the Becker, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Andre Agas- global playing numbers dwindling, golf lobbied least because it has has now been found in Flor- runner-up at the Open, was gutted to miss out men’s singles in tennis at the 1988 Ol- si and John McEnroe all staying away. hard for inclusion and hopes that a presence in ida, the home to the majority of top American on qualifying for the event by one week. Others ympic Games? And while we’re at it, It was a decision many later regretted but in the Olympics will introduce new people to the golf tournaments. “Are they all going to leave are equally excited about the Olympics and with two more questions: When was the 2016, tennis is fi rmly established as an Olympic sport. Florida and move to another state now?” the top four absent, their chances of success are Hlast time golf was played at the Olympics and sport and Andy Murray and Serena Williams However, with the world’s top four — Jason Player asked: ”We play golf in malaria coun- that much better. who won that? will defend their titles in Rio. Women’s world Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Speith and Rory tries throughout our careers and malaria is a “If I was to fast forward 10 years, I’d like my The answer to the tennis question: The Czech, No 3 Simona Halep and Wimbledon fi nalist Mi- McIlroy — all choosing not to play, some in the thousand times worse than Zika. I really be- career to read: ‘Justin Rose, multiple major Miloslav Mecir, beat Tim Mayotte of the United los Raonic will not be involved, both citing the game fear it could be a one-off . McIlroy, like lieve they are all corny excuses. They talk about champion and Olympic gold medallist,’” the States to win gold as tennis returned to the Ol- Zika virus. The history of tennis in the Olympics several others, cited the Zika virus as his reason schedule... (but) you don’t worry about sched- Englishman said last month. “It’s going to be ympic fold after an absence of 64 years. Though can be compared to that of golf, which returns for not playing. ule when you’re going to the Olympic Games, right there alongside the major championships Steffi Graf won women’s gold to complete the to the Games in Rio after 112 years away, having The Northern Irishman then drew criticism the biggest sporting event in the world. I just but not compared to. I just think it has its own “golden slam” that year, adding the Olympics been played in 1900 and 1904. At the St. Louis when he said he “did not get into golf to grow hope they don’t kick us out of the Olympics be- category. It’s once every four years. It’s unique. to all four grand slam titles, many felt the high- Olympics in 1904, it was George Lyon of Canada the game” and that he would probably not watch cause all the golfers are not there, all these guys It’s very diff erent. It’s very special.”

OOREDOO AMBASSADOR’S CUP BASKETBALL RUGBY Batangas clinch crown Sonny Bill targets sevens gold Doha: A follow up shot by Joker Camson of Batan- gas Inihaw Republic after grabbing the ball from the AFP board with 11 seconds left in the overtime sealed Rio de Janeiro their hard-earned victory over Bataan Dukhan Ballers, 84-82, to capture the Ooredoo Ambas- sador’s Cup 2016 title of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar onny Bill Williams’ lat- (PIBAQ) on Friday at the Al Gharafa Training Gym. est code-hopping ven- Camson’s close to a buzzer beating basket spelled ture will see the two- the diff erence for their big win after a missed jump- time rugby union World er by team mate Nino Gelig from an assist by Eric CupS winner target Olympic gold Tamayo. Bataan’s Raf Villegas tried a three-point as rugby sevens makes its de- shot but missed with still 20 seconds left from the but at the Rio Games. As well as assist of Rey Solomon who took the defensive and those two World Cup triumphs, throw and quick crossover pass to him. Batangas’ the 30-year-old Williams has point guard Tamayo paved the way for their victory enjoyed tremendous success in after he went on perfect from the line in the charity rugby league and professional shots from a foul by Viillegas with 1:10 left. boxing, but made himself una- Both teams traded baskets and refused to give in vailable for Super Rugby and the in the hotly-contested shooting war all through- June Test series against Wales Sonny Bill Williams will be accompanied out the game that lead changes between each team this year to focus on the sevens. to Rio Olympics by his sister Niall, 28, could only reach as close as three to fi ve points. To make things better for the who switched to sevens last year. Tamayo was the big factor during regulation time Williams family, Sonny Bill will after he equalised the game, 72-all, from an assist be accompanied to Rio by his by Gelig with 42 seconds left. Gelig himself tried a sister Niall, 28, who was a New good chance of succeeding in The NFL (National Football video showcasing Isles’ speed last ditch jumper from the rainbow territory with On the other hand, Batanga’s Camson was picked Zealand touch rugby player for Rio.” Sonny Bill personifi es the League) will be represented, went viral. To date, the video two seconds left but the ball rimmed out. as Finals MVP with Coach Renato DInglasan as Best several years before switching to type of oval ball player any sev- however, in the shape of New has garnered nearly seven mil- Bataan’s Rodel Mallari was named the Most Valu- Coach. Both men received cash awards. sevens last year. ens coach would warmly wel- England Patriots defensive back lion views. For the competition able Player for the PIBAQ Season 20 tournament as Adding feather to the cap was Batangas’ Ralph “I’m proud of her, but at the come with open hands: a tower- Nate Ebner, who also worked itself, top seeds are two-time he received a cash award and MVP gold ring cour- Medalla who was named Most Improved and Best same time there are a lot of me- ing athlete off ering physicality, on special teams as his outfi t defending world champions tesy of Diana Jewelry and Watches. Defensive Player and also received a cash award. dia here and a lot of spotlight on dynamism, speed and offl oad- captured last year’s Super Bowl Fiji, chasing a fi rst-ever Ol- myself and my sister, but for us ing ability, technically strong crown. Ebner was the youngest- ympic medal. The islanders it’s not about us two,” said Son- with a capacity to read a game. ever US Sevens player at age were handed what should be a Batangas Inihaw Republic ny Bill. “To be able to say you’re It is no surprise that a raft of 17 before going to Ohio State, relatively straightforward route pose with the trophy. an Olympian and get a medal, touted 15-a-side players missed where he split time with rugby into the quarter-fi nals in Pool that’d just be another level,” out on selection, having failed and American football until he A, where their opponents will Williams said. It would be un- to gel quickly enough with the started his NFL career, never be Isles’ United States, Argen- believable. I get butterfl ies just sevens format, played on a full- losing his love for rugby. It was tina and hosts Brazil. Pool B will thinking about it.” size pitch and not for the faint- indeed the Americans who won see southern hemisphere rivals Coach Gordon Tietjens, who hearted, the slightest defensive gold when rugby was last played South Africa and Australia vy- has guided New Zealand to 10 error likely to be fully exploited. in the Olympics back in 1924 in ing for supremacy alongside World Sevens titles, rated his South Africa overlooked the 15-a-side format which de- France and surprise qualifi ers side as medal contenders de- veteran winger Bryan Habana buted in 1900. Spain. In the women’s tourna- spite fi nishing third in this and Fiji decided not to go with Also in their squad is Carlin ment, top seeds Australia will year’s world series. “It’s going former Australian rugby league Isles, dubbed “the fastest man play the US, Fiji and Colombia to be a challenging environment and American football star Jar- in rugby” having clocked a per- in Pool A while New Zealand, for all of us and all the teams ryd Hayne. Hayne, who in May sonal best of 10.12 seconds for France, Spain and Kenya con- as it’s such a new experience,” ditched a career in American the 100m during his track ca- test Pool B. Canada, Great Brit- he said, with the New Zealand gridiron with the San Francisco reer, a time that would have got ain, Brazil and Japan complete men’s team drawn in Pool C 49ers to join the Fijians, said he him into the semi-fi nals of the the fi eld in Pool C. The top two with Britain, Kenya and Japan. had not given himself enough 2012 London Games. His switch teams from each pool qualify “Sevens is very competitive, time to transition into sevens, to rugby sevens was a tough for the knockout rounds, along so it’s important that we per- evidence of the gulf in athleti- learning curve, but he adapted with the two best third-placed form and if we perform to our cism required for the high-oc- quickly and his legend took off sides at the 15,000-capacity potential, we’ll have a really tane game. in late 2012 when a youtube Deodoro stadium. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, August 3, 2016 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard prepares to leave for Rio The pack rides during the first stage of the Tour of Burgos in Burgos province of Spain. (AFP) Olympics from Montreal. (Twitter)

Pakistan’s Yasir Shah laughs during a nets in Edgbaston. (Reuters) A member of Great Britain’s fencing team trains for the Rio Olympic Games at the Minas Tennis Club in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (AFP)

Kosovo’s 400 metres runner Vijona Kryeziu runs in the woods of the village Rogane in Kamenica, Kosovo. The Rio Games will be the Indian boxer Mary Kom (left) and Indian sports minister Vijay Goyal wish the Indian athletes, who are first to host athletes competing under the flag of Kosovo. (Reuters) participating in the Rio Olympics, good luck in New Delhi. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 3, 2016 11 SPORT PICTURE PERFECT

Former Brazilian tennis star Guga Kuerten (right) plays tennis during the inauguration of a mini tennis court in the community of Santa Marta, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AFP)

Michael Phelps of the United States visits the Olympic swimming venue in Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters) People pose for photographs near a large Olympic Ring display on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. (AFP)

The Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, which hosts US Open every year, finally gets a retractable roof. (AFP)

Fadi Kamal al-Douaik, captain of Hebron’s Ahly al-Khalil football club, celebrates with the trophy after his team beat Gaza’s Khan Yunis during the second leg of their Palestinian Cup final in the West Bank city of Hebron. While the match ended in a Boxers take part in a joint training session of Brazil and Colombia for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (AFP) 1-1 draw, the Hebron team qualified for the AFC Cup. (AFP)

Wednesday, August 3, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

WORLD 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE RACING Qatari jockey Britain’s Shaw Bughenaim rides Al Shaqab’s Al storms into last 16 Mahdod to win ‘I’m just taking it ball by ball, not thinking ahead, grinding away and taking my time’

By Sports Reporter Doha

reat Britain’s Jayson Shaw was the star of the show at the 2016 WPA World 9-ball Champion- ship yesterday, after he claimed Gtwo big scalps to storm into the last 16 at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha. Playing the best pool of his career, the Scot fi rst knocked out defending cham- pion Ko Pin Yi of Taiwan 11-5 in the last 64, before in the round of 32 he beat Phil- ippines’ Dennis Orcollo 11-8. The 26-year-old had to come from the loser’s side in the group stages, but has upped his game for the knock out stages. “I feel really calm out there,” Shaw said. “I’m just taking it ball by ball, not think- ing ahead, grinding away and taking my time. I’m happy with my performance. When the tournament started my goal was to get to the last 16, and I’ll just carry Qatari jockey Faleh Bughenaim (left) rides Al Shaqab’s Al Mahdod to on from here. I’m really pleased, hope- victory in the President Of The UAE Cup (Gr3 PA) in Belgium. fully I can keep the momentum tomorrow and roll on again,” he added. Agencies The win is a huge achievement The round of 16 and the quarter-fi nals London for Qatari jockey Faleh Nasser will take place today. The semi-fi nals and Bughenaim, considering it is his fi nal will be held tomorrow. All matches fi rst Group success in Europe. will be race to 11, alternate break. The Fi- l Shaqab’s Al Mahdod There was just a neck separat- nal will be race to 13, alternate break. won his second Gr3 PA ing both the Al Shaqab Racing- Shaw’s next opponent in the round of of his career in Belgium owned Purebred Arabians, who 16 is Ukraine’s Artem Koshovoj, who only on Monday, with a vic- are both trained by Elisabeth got an entry into this year’s World 9-ball toryA in the President Of The UAE Bernard. Championship, when he came 5th in the Kuwait’s Omar al-Shaheen in action at the 2016 WPA World 9-ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha. Al-Shaheen will Cup (Gr3 PA). In 2013, Al Mahdod had raced European Championships this year. He take on last year’s runner-up Shane van Boening (below, right) of the United States in his last 16 stage match today. At the Ostende racetrack, he to his fi rst major achievement by only spent two weeks practicing before quickly took the lead and was the winning the Coupe du Sud Ou- coming to Doha. fi rst to attack in the fi nal phase est des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr3 Like Shaw, Koshovoj took down two of the competition. He was brave PA). The result was also a maiden heavyweights yesterday. He fi rst defeated enough to resist Qatar-bred Al place fi nish at the Group level for Philippines’ Johann Chua 11-8 and then Nashmi’s attack. Al Nashmi. cut down Taiwanese veteran Chang Jun Lin 11-7. Estonia’s Dennis Grabe also advanced, crushing Poland’s Mieszko Fortunski 11-3 and then in the round of 32 beating 2005 COTIF 2016: Qatar beat World 9-ball Champion Wu Jiaqing 11-7. Grabe will now square off against 2007 Costa Rica 2-0 World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain. Peach beat China’s Li He- wen 11-7 and Taiwan’s Lo Li Wen 11-6 yesterday. USA’s Shane Van Boening, the runner- up last year in Doha, has played fl awlessly so far. Yesterday, he beat Filipino veteran Warren Kiamco and Taiwan’s Wu Kun Lin to seal his spot in the next round. Van Boeing will be fancied in his round of 16 match against Kuwait’s Omar al- Shaheen, who continued his surprising run, fi rst beating Spain’s Francisco Piz- zarro Diaz 11-9, then the UAE’s Salah al- Jayson Shaw beat Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines 11-6 yesterday. PICTURE: Bo Bader Remawi 11-4. The winner of the World 9-ball Cham- (GRE) 10-6 Liu Haitao (CHN); Chu Bing Jie 11-9 Niels Feijen (NED); Dennis Grabe pionship will receive $40,000. The run- (CHN) 11-3 Karol Skowerski (POL); Shane (EST) 11-3 Mieszko Fortunski (POL); Daryl ner up will receive $20,000. The total Van Boening (USA) 11-5 Wu Kun Lin (TPE); Peach (GBR) 11-7 Li Hewen (CHN); Li Wen prize fund is $200,000. The 2016 World Omar Al Shaheen (KUW) 11-4 Salah Al Lo (TPE) 11-10 Yang Ching Shun (TPE); Boyes (GBR); Toh Lian Han (SIN) 11-6 MD 9-ball Championship is being host- Remawi (UAE); Dennis Grabe (EST) 11-7 Cheng Yu Hsuan (TPE) 11-10 Lee Vann Almin (BAN); Carlo Biado (PHL) 11-5 Ramil ed by The Qatar Billiard and Snooker Wu Jiaqing (CHN); Daryl Peach (GBR) 11-6 Corteza (PHL); Konstantin Stepanov Gallego (PHL); Jeong Young Hwa (KOR) Federation(QBSF), and is sanctioned by Li Wen Lo (TPE); Cheng Yu Hsuan (TPE) (RUS) 11-8 Mateusz Sniegocki (POL); 11-9 David Alcaide (ESP); Nikos Ekono- the World Pool Billiard Association, the 11-8 Konstantin Stepanov (RUS); Dang Jin Dang Jin Hu (CHN) 11-7 Roberto Gomez mopoulos (GRE) 11-7 Jeff ery Deluna governing body of the sport of pool. Hu (CHN) 11-7 Han Hao Xiang (CHN) (PHL); Han Hao Xiang (CHN) 11-7 Ali (PHL); Ko Ping Chung (TPE) 11-9 Wojciech Maghsoud (IRN); Jayson Shaw (GBR) 11-5 Szewczyk (POL) RESULTS Final 64 Ko Pin Yi (TPE); Dennis Orcollo (PHL) 11-8 Final 32 Liu Haitao (CHN) 11-4 Yukio Akagariyama Throsten Hohmann (GER); Chang Jun Today’s Last 16 matches Jayson Shaw (GBR) 11-6 Dennis Orcollo (JPN); Alexander Kazakis (GRE) 11-4 Lin (TPE) 11-7 Satoshi Kawabata (JPN); Jayson Shaw (GBR) vs Artem Koshovoj (PHL); Artem Koshovoj (UKR) 11 - 7 Chang Oscar Dominguez (USA); Chu Bing Jie Artem Koshovoj (UKR) 11-9 Johan Chua (UKR); Mario He (AUT) vs Albin Ouschan Jun Lin (TPE); Mario He (AUT) 11-10 Ralf (CHN) 11-3 Ahmed M. Saleh (JOR); Karol (PHL); Ralf Souquet (GER) 10-3 Chu Hong (AUT); Alex Pagulayan (CAN) vs Mo- Souquet (GER); Albin Ouschan (AUT) 11-6 Skowerski (POL) 11-7 Hsieh Chia Chen Ming (TPE); Mario He (AUT) 11-9 Ruslan hamed Bewi (INA); Carlo Biado (PHL) Francisco Sanchez (ESP); Alex Pagulayan (TPE); Shane Van Boening (USA) 11-7 Chinakov (RUS); Francisco Sanchez (ESP) vs Ko Ping Chung (TPE); Chu Bing Jie (CAN) 11-8 Zhou Long (CHN); Muhammad Warren Kiamco (PHL); Wu Kun Lin (TPE) 11-8 Hamza M. Saeed (IRI); Albin Ouschan (CHN) vs Alexander Kazakis (GRE); Shane Qatar players celebrate a goal during their COTIF U-20 Tourna- Bewi (INA) 11-10 Toh Lian Han (SIN); Carlo 11-10 Abdul Rahman Al Amar (KSA); Omar (AUT) 11-7 Jeff ery Ignacio (PHL); Zhou Van Boening (USA) vs Omar Al Shaheen ment 2016 match against Costa Rica in the Mallorcan town of Biado (PHL) 11-4 Jeong Young Hwa (KOR); Al Shaheen (KUW) 11-9 Francisco Pizzarro Long (CHN) 11-7 Chang Yu Lung (TPE); (KUW); Dennis Grabe (EST) vs Daryl Alcudia in Spain on Monday. Qatar won the match 2-0 to reach Ko Ping Chung (TPE) 11-6 Nikos Ekono- Diaz (ESP); Salah Al Remawi (UAE) 11-5 Alex Pagulayan (CAN) 11-8 Isral Nasu- Peach (GBR); Cheng Yu Hsuan (TPE) vs the semi-finals of the tournament. mopoulos (GRE); Alexander Kazakis Roman Hybler (CZE); Wu Jiaqing (CHN) tion (INA); Mohamed Bewi (INA) 11-7 Karl Dang Jin Hu (CHN)

Qatar national team training

Qatar national football team coach Daniel Carreno (right) shakes hands with Sebastian Soria during a training session in Doha on Monday. PICTURES: Anas Khalid