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Saturday, August 4, 2018 GOLF Dhul-Qa’da 22, 1439 AH Tiger gets winning GULF TIMES feeling ahead of year’s last major SPORT Page 5 QNB STARS LEAGUE New-look Qatar SC, Arabi aim to start season in style ‘My ambition is to put Qatar SC in the top rung of the QNB Stars League. To be among the top four... must double our eff orts’

By Sports Reporter host Umm Salal. Doha Al Arabi overcame fi rst-phase slump and fi nished a creditable seventh last season. The Dream he new QNB Stars Team have recruited three new League season is upon professionals — Iraqi Ahmed Ib- us and Qatar SC will be rahim, Brazilian Mailson de Fari- hoping that they can lift as and Colombian Franco. Ttheir fortunes this time around. Arabi coach Luka Bonacic Having fi nished 10th last season, hoped that new players will im- Qatar SC have gone all out to im- prove the team’s fortunes and prove their performance by rop- said many changes in the squad ing in many players. was not in his control. On the eve of their season- “New season brings something opener against Al Gharafa at the new. We made many changes last Al Sadd stadium today, Qatar SC season, with seven or eight play- unveiled their new overseas play- ers being replaced. We have made ers – Hussein Ali, Alaeddin al- some changes this time as well. Dali, Ammar Hamsan and Dodo. But then, many changes have The Kings have also recruited been made at Al Arabi over the Qatari players Rami Fayez and past few seasons. Players leaving Ahmed Moeen. All six have been the club is not under my control. hired for one season. It is up to the team management,” Qatar SC coach Abdulla Mu- said Bonacic. barak set out his ambition for Meanwhile, Al Khor are under the new season, saying he wants a new coach — Tunisian Adel to see the club in top four. “My Sellimi who replaced compatriot ambition is to put Qatar SC in Nassif al-Bayawi when the latter the top rung of the QNB Stars left for Al Kharaitiyat. They will League. To be among the top four rely on Iraqis Ahmed Yasin and is a diffi cult target to achieve. For Rebin Sulaka, as well as Brazil’s that, we must double our eff orts,” Diego Oksta and Gabon’s Ulysse Mubarak said. Nadong to deliver the goods. The clash between Al Sailiya and Umm Salal will evoke keen interest among the fans. Al Saili- ya were in the fourth place for most part of last season, but were pushed behind by Umm Salal in the fi ght for the fi fth spot. In fact, The Orange Fortress were very much in the race for the fourth position, which they lost to Al Qatar SC roped in six players on the eve of their QNB Stars League opener yesterday, including four foreign players and two Qatari players — Rami Fayez and Ahmed Moeen. Gharafa. Al Sailiya retained the serv- He expects a tough match Dutch attacking midfi elder ices of Algerian Nadir Belhadj and against Gharafa and said his team Wesley Sneijder, Iranian striker signed Moroccan striker Rachid had a short period to prepare for Mehdi Taremi and Slovakian Tiberkanine from Al Kharaitiyat. the new season. “The prepara- midfi elder Vladimir Weiss, who Umm Salal have kept Ivorian Yan- tory period was very short. One missed most of last season with nick Sagbo, Syrian Mahmoud Ma- month was not enough for the an injury. Gourcuff who will be was and Moroccan Adel Rhaili on players to gear up for the sea- hoping the trio will deliver as he their roster while adding Nigerian son. However, we could make an makes his tactical plans around striker Christian Osaguona. elaborate plan for the tourna- the trio. ment. We made the best use of Gourcuff said: “All teams are SCHEDULE our time. We played six friendly staying focused, particularly at TODAY games and tried out three dif- the beginning of the new sea- 5:35pm: Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC ferent combinations. All players son. And we are no diff erent. We at Al Sadd stadium; Al Arabi vs were seen in action and I am so are concentrating much on our Al Khor at Khalifa International happy that they adapted well,” game against Qatar SC. We had stadium Mubarak said. a very good training camp in the 7:45pm: Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal “We have tried to strike the Netherlands ahead of the start at Khalifa International Stadium right balance in our squad. We of the new season. And then, we are up against a strong team in played in a tournament in Sala- TOMORROW the fi rst match. Gharafa had put lah, Oman. We want to see how 5:35pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Sadd up a strong performance against Al Khor’s new coach Adel Sellimi and Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic speak to the media. we can improve on our game fur- at Khalifa International stadium; CS Sfaxien (Tunisian club) at the ther” Al Shahania vs Al Duhail at Kha- Salalah tournament in Oman re- Al Gharafa, who just about the Qatar Cup, have Frenchman gun, who joined them midway enth position, where the team In the day’s other two matches, lifa International stadium cently. But we are confi dent,” he managed to fi nish fourth last Christian Gourcuff at the helm. through last season and helped stood at the end of fi rst phase. Al Arabi will open their campaign 7:45pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Al added. season and thereby qualifi ed for He replaced Turk Bulent Uy- the Cheetahs go up from the sev- Al Gharafa have the likes of against Al Khor, while Al Sailiya Sadd stadium

ATHLETICS Silver, bronze medals for Qatari table IAAF approves 2019 calendar with Worlds fi nale in Doha tennis at Arab Championship QNA Doha s part of the push to onships in Doha in September. pean indoor halls with the last with its fi nale at the 2019 World May 25: Shanghai, China establish a more co- “We are now seeing the results competition on February 20 in Championships in Doha. June 2: Stockholm, Sweden herent global competi- of the work that we have under- Dusseldorf. June 6: Roma, Italy he Qatar U-21 Youth Table Tennis Team won the silver tion calendar, the IAAF taken to review the calendar and The tenth Diamond League WORLD INDOOR TOUR 2019 June 13: Oslo, Norway medals in the 26th Arab Championship, which was held CouncilA has approved the dates ensure that athletes, fans, meet season will start in Doha on May January 26: Boston, USA June 16: Rabat, Morocco in Egypt, after losing 1-3 to Egypt in the final match. of the two major international organisers and media are better 3 and continue in Shanghai three February 2: Karlsruhe, Germany June 28-29: Eugene, USA (loca- Meanwhile, the Junior Table Tennis team won the circuits for the 2019 season, the served by a high quality season weeks later (May 25), begin- T February 6: Torun, Poland tion TBA) bronze medal after a 3-2 victory over Iraq in the third and fourth Diamond League and the World of events,” IAAF president Se- ning a stretch of nine weeks in February 8: Madrid, Spain July 5: Lausanne, Switzerland place match. Indoor Tour. bastian Coe said. which there will be one Diamond February 16: Birmingham, Great July 12: Monaco On the other hand, the regular general assembly of the Arab The schedules for the top-tier The 2019 World Indoor Tour League meeting per week. There Britain July 20-21: London, Great Britain Table Tennis Federation will be held today afternoon on the outdoor and indoor competi- will be composed of six indoor will then a four-week break be- February 20: Dusseldorf, August 18: Birmingham, Great sidelines of the Arab Championship in Cairo, under its chairman tions next year are designed to meetings, starting in the US on fore two more meetings and the Germany Britain Khalil Ahmed al-Mohannadi, the First Vice President of Interna- give athletes more consistent January 26 with the meeting in two fi nals in Zurich (August 29) August 24: Paris, France tional Table Tennis Federation, in the presence of representa- competition as they prepare for Boston. The following fi ve meet- and Brussels (September 6). The DIAMOND LEAGUE 2019 August 29: Zurich, Switzerland tives of 17 federations. the 2019 IAAF World Champi- ings will be hosted in the Euro- track season will then culminate May 3: Doha, Qatar September 6: Brussels, Belgium Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 4, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Vidal set to quit Bayern for Barcelona: reports

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal is report- edly on the verge of signing for Bar- celona after briefly leaving the Bayern Munich training camp yesterday. The 31-year-old midfielder was whisked Guardiola says City away from Bayern’s pre-season base with the club’s director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic, reportedly to finalise details. He returned for afternoon train- ing and several media outlets claim an announcement of his transfer to Barce- lona is imminent. According to Spanish newspapers, Barcelona are prepared to will only make a move pay a 30-million-euro transfer fee. Vidal would reportedly receive a three-year contract and earn around 9mn euros per season with the Spanish giants.

Pedro extends Chelsea for ‘special talent’ deal till 2020 Chelsea winger Pedro has signed a one-year contract extension, Manager says City want to win the Community Shield to get their season off to a flying start the Premier League club announced. The AFP 31-year-old, who moved London to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona in 2015, Manchester City boss Pep is now under contract until 2020. anchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s only high-profile Pedro has so far played in 131 games Guardiola said yesterday signing so far has been for the Blues, scoring 28 goals. FA Cup he will only dip into the Riyad Mahrez from Leicester winners Chelsea, under new manager transfer market for a ‘spe- in a club-record £60mn deal. Sarri, take on Premier League champi- Mcial’ talent after a relatively quiet sum- ons Manchester City in the Community mer of business for the Premier League Shield at Wembley on Sunday. champions. City’s only high-profi le signing so far has been Riyad Mah- rez from Leicester in a club-record Leicester boss Puel £60mn ($78mn) deal but Italy inter- content with squad national midfi elder Jorginho plumped for Chelsea. Leicester City manager Claude Puel is “We will see,” Guardiola said of the satisfied with the balance in the squad club’s transfer business ahead of to- and says they are unlikely to make more morrow’s Community Shield match signings in the current transfer window. against FA Cup winners Chelsea. “If Leicester have added defenders Jonny at the end we decide to bring another Evans, Ricardo Pereira, goalkeeper one, it is because he’s a special player, Danny Ward and midfielder James can be a special player for the future, Maddison to their squad and that the not to have one more player for the club have also opened contract exten- number. So, I’m so satisfi ed — all my sion talks with England defender Harry period here, even the fi rst year — with Maguire. With the transfer deadline less the squad we have. Now from Monday than a week away, Puel is content with we’ll be all together. We are going to his team. Leicester will be likely be with- start to think what we have do to this out Maguire and Jamie Vardy, who have season to maintain the level of last been on international duty at the World season.” Cup, for their starting league fixture at Several players are likely to move on Manchester United on Aug 10. before the window closes on Thursday, with goalkeeper Joe Hart looking to make a permanent exit after diffi cult Gabriel Jesus signs new loan spells at Torino and West Ham. deal with Man City Guardiola said he was delighted that Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, 21, had Brazil forward Gabriel signed a contract extension. “Gabriel Jesus has signed a new has improved a lot since he came,” the deal with Manchester City boss said. “His courage, his fi ght City that ties him to to put every eff ort for the team is in- the Premier League credible.” champions until 2023. Jesus is one of a number of players The 21-year-old, who back in the City reckoning after the was part of the Brazil World Cup, with Kevin De Bruyne and squad that reached the World Cup Raheem Sterling the only squad mem- play on Sunday),” Guardiola said. tively about Sarri. “The team already Guardiola said his team wanted to Cup and Champions League, always quarter-finals in Russia, joined City in bers yet to return to the fold. Summer New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri in a short time plays like he wants,” the win the Community Shield to get their we can do better. If I felt it’s done and January 2017 and has scored 24 goals in signing Mahrez has been given the swooped in at the last minute to bring City boss said. “Of course, he needs season off to a fl ying start but admitted we cannot improve I would not be 53 matches. “(Manager) Pep (Guardiola) green light to feature at Wembley to- Jorginho to Stamford Bridge from Na- more time to work but his ideas are they would not better last season’s re- here. I stay here because I think we had an important role in my signing, morrow after an ankle complaint but poli. “We were close but, in the end, already there, so I think it’ll be a good sults in the Premier League. “In terms can improve, but to get more than 100 but also the club. I hope that I can keep Guardiola is unable to call upon mid- Jorginho decided to stay with (former game (on Sunday). Always Chelsea is of results, in the Premier League I can- points — no.” making the fans happy,” he said fi elder Douglas Luiz as he waits on a Napoli boss) Maurizio,” Guardiola a big rival. Antonio (Conte) was. I am not overcome the results, the numbers City begin their league campaign work permit. “Mahrez is good. He had said.” delighted that players with this style of last season, but in the way we play, with a trip to Arsenal on Aug. 12 while a little bit of pain but he trained day Despite missing out on the Italy of play will be perfect for English foot- yes,” he said. Chelsea travel to Huddersfi eld Town Willian to take legal before yesterday. I think so (he can international, Guardiola spoke posi- ball. I am so happy he came here.” “And in other competitions, the FA the previous day. action over ‘forged’ letter

Chelsea midfielder Willian has initiated FOCUS COMMUNITY SHIELD legal proceedings following the appear- ance of a “forged” letter which appears to state a change of agents for the Brazil international. Iraq withdrawal The 29-year-old posted the letter, which Sarri confi dent Willian will stay, states that Denirobson Dias had given permission to Renee Pinheiro Anun- prompts partial ciacao to represent Willian to clubs in the United Kingdom and France, on his but has doubts over Courtois social media. redraw for Asiad Willian, who represented Brazil at the AFP World Cup in Russia, returned to train- Reuters London ing with Chelsea on Thursday ahead Hong Kong of their Community Shield tie against Premier League champions Manchester ew Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri City tomorrow. he United Arab Emirates will face China, East said yesterday he is ‘very confi dent’ Timor and Syria at this month’s Asian Games af- Willian will stay at the club but ter the Asian Football Confederation conducted a expressed doubt over the future of Argentina name under-17 partial redraw of the football competition yester- Ngoalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ahead of the boss as interim coach Tday following Iraq’s late withdrawal. Community Shield clash against Manches- The redraw was the second time the group phase of the ter City. Chelsea are in tomorrow’s season Argentina have named current under-17 competition had to be amended after organisers had not curtain-raiser against the Premier League coach Lionel Scaloni as interim boss for included the UAE and Palestine in the original selection champions after they won the FA Cup win in upcoming friendlies against Guatemala when it was conducted in early July. Iraq’s decision on Antonio Conte’s fi nal match at the helm in and Colombia. Scaloni, a former right Thursday not to compete threw up further complications May. Willian, 29, cut a forlorn fi gure at times back who also helped as assistant for organisers, leaving only three teams in their group under Conte and has been linked with Man- coach with the national side, replaces while two other groups — featuring the late additions chester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Jorge Sampaoli, who stood down last from the UAE and Palestine — contained fi ve nations. He reported late for Chelsea duty after the month after a disappointing World Cup The football tournament at the Asian Games features World Cup in Russia, where Brazil reached in which Argentina were eliminated by teams comprising players aged 23 years of age and under, the quarter-fi nals before being ousted 2-1 France 4-3 in the round of 16. The as- with coaches permitted to select three overage players. by Belgium. But Sarri said: “There is not a sociation’s president Claudio Tapia told The competition begins on Aug. 10, with the fi nal to be Willian problem. I spoke yesterday with him reporters they were going to take their played on Sept. 1. about his lateness, not about his future. It time to appoint a permanent coach. Asian Games Football Draw was a very positive conversation. I am happy The two-time World Champions meet Group A: Indonesia, Hong Kong, Laos, Chinese Taipei, Pal- about it.” Guatemala in Los Angeles on Sept 7. estine; Group B: Thailand, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Qatar; Courtois’ future at Stamford Bridge re- Group C: United Arab Emirates, China, East Timor, Syria; mains uncertain, but Sarri hopes the Bel- Group D: Japan, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal; Group E: South gium goalkeeper will stay. The giant ‘keeper Brighton in better shape Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Bahrain; Group F: North Korea, is due to return to Chelsea training this than ever: Bruno Saudi Arabia, Iran, Myanmar weekend after helping Belgium fi nish third at the World Cup and being voted the best goal- Brighton and Hove Albion will enter ERIKSSON TURNS DOWN IRAQ JOB keeper at the tournament. the new Premier League season in Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has The 26-year-old has a year to run on his better shape than ever after a gruelling turned down an off er to take charge of the Iraq national current contract and has been heavily linked lation, with both set to return this weekend a half weeks ago. I want to win, because it’s pre-season run, captain Bruno has said. team, a source at the Iraq Football Association (IFA) has with a move prior to Thursday’s transfer but not in time to feature in the match at very important to have immediately a tro- Brighton are yet to record a victory in said. Eriksson had been approached to lead the Gulf na- window, with Real Madrid rumoured to be Wembley. Conte began pre-season as boss phy. But in this moment of the season it’s four pre-season fixtures, drawing with tion to the Asian Cup fi nals in the United Arab Emirates his most likely destination if he is sold. “At before belatedly being sacked, with Sarri ap- very important, the performance. We have to Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and early next year but had rejected the contract off er put for- the moment Courtois is the goalkeeper of the pointed a day later, on July 14. improve, of course. And so I hope to see from Switzerland’s FC St. Gallen and losing ward by the IFA, the source said. club, of Chelsea,” Sarri told reporters. The 59-year-old former Napoli boss is my team another step.” to AFC Wimbledon, ahead of their final Iraq, who won the Asian Cup in 2007, have been drawn “I don’t know in the future. It depends eager to do well against Pep Guardiola’s Sarri admits City are also hindered by friendly against Nantes late last night. to face Iran, Vietnam and Yemen in the group phase of the on the club. It depends especially on him, I Manchester City, but he acknowledges the players absent on post-World Cup breaks, Despite the underwhelming results, competition, which kicks off on Jan 5. think. But, I hope that Courtois will be our size of the task against the Premier League but the situation contrasts with Chelsea’s as defender Bruno believes Brighton The Iraqis failed to qualify for the World Cup fi nals in goalkeeper. It’s very important for us to keep champions. Sarri, who has not won a trophy he is new to the role. Cesc Fabregas may miss are better prepared for the upcoming Russia and were most recently coached by Basim Qasim, the top players.” in his career, said: “The match for us is very out due to a minor knee problem. “I don’t campaign than last term, when they who represented the country during their only appear- The futures of Eden Hazard and N’Golo diffi cult for one reason: they have worked all know if he will be able to play on Sunday, but finished 15th in the league. Brighton ance at the tournament in 1986. Kante have also been the subject of specu- together for two years. We started two and he has nothing serious,” Sarri said. face Watford on Aug 11. Gulf Times Saturday, August 4, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Neuer, Mueller deny Ozil’s claims of racism within Germany set-up AFP integrate all the players and we’ve also the protagonists didn’t come out with Berlin done everything for our teammates to any credit, neither on the side of the as- make them feel good going into games,” sociation nor the players themselves,” said Neuer at Bayern’s pre-season he said. ermany stars Manuel Neuer training camp in southern Bavaria. Mueller described the saga as a and Thomas Mueller have de- The goalkeeper admitted Ozil’s com- “hypocritical discussion, which is nied that Mesut Ozil was the ments have aff ected those who still play supported by the media” and fi nds it victim of racism within the for Germany. “There has been a lot of alarming “that we spread such a topic... GGerman FA (DFB), but admitted the fi - back and forth with much written and with relish and then we wonder why asco has taken a toll on the players. Ozil said about it. Of course, it was very society is divided”. “We should all look retired from international football last stressful for those who read about it,” at ourselves before we criticise others,” month amid the furore sparked in May he said. he added. when he and fellow midfi elder Ilkay Only a handful of players have spo- Following the Ozil furore and Ger- Gundogan met with Turkish President ken about the scandal and head coach many’s woeful World Cup group-stage Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which raised Joachim Loew is yet to comment. “In displays, Neuer has called for a fresh questions about the pair’s loyalty to the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, start, especially for their next game Germany. I am German when we win, but I am an against new world champions France in After Ozil and Gundogan, who were immigrant when we lose,” wrote Ozil Munich on September 6. “It is the task born in Germany to Turkish parents, in an explosive three-part statement a of those in charge at the DFB to restruc- were booed by German fans in pre- fortnight ago, sparking a racism storm ture the team and to give it a new face,” World Cup friendlies, the latter said the in Germany and triggering fi erce debate said Neuer, with Loew already promis- meeting was not politically motivated. about integration. ing an overhaul of the national squad. The 29-year-old Ozil refused to com- The Arsenal midfi elder was singled “We need to have new players, who ment, only breaking his silence follow- out by some corners of the German are really proud to play for the national ing Germany’s shock early exit from the media as a reason for the World Cup team and want to give everything to fi nals in Russia when he quit the na- debacle, but Grindel, who has refused play for their country. I think that there tional team on July 22 and accused DFB calls to resign, later refuted the racism is a lot going on within the national president Reinhard Grindel of racism allegations. Yesterday, Neuer’s Bayern team and the DFB. We will have to wait with his parting shot. teammate Mueller also insisted “there and see how things shape up. The fact However, Neuer, who is captain of is no question of racism within the na- is that some things need to be changed. both Bayern Munich and Germany, tional team”, but accepted the saga was We also have big goals in the national denied any claims of racism within the damaging for all protagonists. “The de- team and of course we want to show a national team. “We’ve always tried to bate was fuelled from the outside and diff erent face again.” Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer trains in Rottach-Egern, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters)

SERIE A FOCUS Burnley’s Europa progress adds urgency Higuain says only to transfer dealings

AFP extra time and a header from Jack Burnley, England Cork and an Ashley Barnes pen- alty secured victory for Burnley, who are playing in Europe again urnley reached the Eu- for the fi rst time in 51 years. coach Sarri wanted ropa League third quali- “I don’t know if it’s problems, fying round with a 3-1 it’s just travelling really, the rest win over Aberdeen af- of it is games. If I was a footballer terB extra time at Turf Moor on I would be buzzing off it,” said Thursday night but now face Dyche who declined to comment another tough battle to increase on the latest reports on the club’s their squad size. transfer targets. The increased chance of an “We keep working diligently, him at Chelsea extended European campaign we keep working hard, whatever after the 4-2 aggregate victory you think of the market, it is very, will put pressure on the club to very diffi cult. Even when you put Striker signs for Milan from Juventus on a one-year loan deal worth 18mn euros bring in several new faces before good money at players, at certain next Thursday’s transfer dead- situations, everyone wants more, AFP line. Manager Sean Dyche made more, more, more,” he said. Rome AC Milan’s new players Argentinian Gonzalo clear in his pre-match comments “We had one player who was Higuain (R) and Italian Mattia Caldara that the club needed to “stretch done verbally and then it is not acknowledge the fans from a balcony in Milan’s but not break” their resources to done. That is life now. Football onzalo Higuain said yesterday central Piazza Duomo square yesterday. (AFP) boost a squad that was seventh in has changed. Agreements are that the only person at Chel- the Premier League last term. not agreements unless they are sea who wanted to sign him Before the game there were on paper. There used to be a bit was the Blues’ new coach Mau- unconfi rmed media reports of more straightforward conduct Grizio Sarri, after arriving at AC Milan in three bids from the Clarets — many years ago,” he said. a three-player swap deal. Higuain had all of them for players who had A shoulder injury to Burnley’s been heavily linked to the Premier League previously been linked with the England goalkeeper Nick Pope club before making the switch from Ital- Lancashire side. West Bromwich and a calf problem for the club’s ian champions Juventus to their Serie A Albion striker Jay Rodriguez, other established keeper Tom rivals, due to his relationship with Sarri born in Burnley and a product Heaton raises another potential and goalscoring record while the pair of the youth system, has been need for Dyche. “We are in the were together at Napoli. linked with a return while Swan- market for lots of diff erent peo- The 30-year-old, who scored a record sea City utility man Sam Clucas ple in diff erent positions,” said 36 Serie A goals under Sarri in 2015-16, and Middlesbrough defender Dyche when asked if he needed said that the Premier League club didn’t Ben Gibson are also reported to to bring in another keeper. do enough to sign him. “The esteem in be targets. which I hold Sarri isn’t new. But the only Burnley were close to sign- person who wanted me there (at Chelsea) ing defender Alfi e Mawson from was him. Everyone wanted me here,” Hi- Swansea but he opted to sign for guain said to reporters during his offi cial promoted Fulham on Thursday. unveiling as a Milan player. Although Burnley receive their Higuain signed for Milan from Ital- share of the Premier League’s ian champions Juventus on Thursday on lucrative broadcast deals, the a one-year loan deal worth a reported club’s owners are local busi- 18mn euros ($21mn) that gives the Serie nessmen rather than the ultra- A club the option to buy the striker next wealthy foreign investors that summer for a further 36mn euros. Italy back many of england’s top fl ight defender Leonardo Bonucci went the clubs. other way after just one underwhelming Burnley travel to Turkey to face season at Milan, swapped for promising Istanbul Basaksehir in the next Mattia Caldara. Argentina international Europa league qualifying round Higuain’s arrival has revived enthusi- and a victory over the two legs asm around Milan after a troubled period would set up a playoff tie for a marked by on-pitch embarrassment and Milan to push for the Europa League. be overturned by the Court of Arbitration rival at Juve enabled Milan to bag one of spot in the group stage. With six fi nancial woes. Last season they scored Milan meanwhile have been in decline for Sport on July 20 on July 20 following Europe’s most lethal strikers at a price af- games in the group stage of Eu- just 56 league goals as they fi nished sixth since last winning the league in 2011. hedge fund Elliott Management’s takeo- fordable to a club in the early days of re- rope’s second-tier competition, despite spending over 200mn euros Their last appearance in the Champi- ver earlier in the month. establishing fi nancial stability. “All top Burnley could be facing regular ($233mn) on new players. ons League was in 2013-14, when they The American fi rm took control after teams aims for top players,” Brazilian Le- Thursday-Sunday matches as The 30-year-old, who scored 40 league reached the last 16, while last season Ar- the Chinese consortium led by Li Yong- onardo said. “Having an attacker like Hi- they seek to combine European goals in two seasons at Juve, is gunning senal swatted them 5-1 at the same stage hong that bought Milan in April last year, guain at Milan takes us to another level.” and domestic duties. for what would be a fi rst taste of European of the Europa League. “I think it (the long rumoured to be struggling fi nan- Higuain admitted that he had “a few The Clarets took the lead on success following the club’s readmission Europa League) is one of our objectives. cially, failed to repay 32mn euros lent by disagreements” with Juventus coach Thursday through Chris Wood to the Europa League. The closest striker Winning it would be extraordinary,” Hi- Elliott. New sporting director Leonardo Massimiliano Allegri during his two years in the sixth minute before a bril- Higuain has come to tasting European guain said. “A team like Milan needs to said last week that the club wouldn’t be there. “That’s not why I am here,” he liant overhead kick by Aber- success in his career was the 4-1 thrash- have the idea of winning it in its head.” making any major moves in the summer added. “The club decided that I shouldn’t deen’s 18-year-old midfi elder Burnley’s Jack Cork celebrates ing at the hands of former club Real Ma- UEFA booted Milan out of next sea- transfer market. continue there and that’s made me come Lewis Ferguson levelled the after scoring in the Europa drid in the 2017 Champions League fi nal, son’s competition for violating the fi - However Bonucci’s desire to return to to a club which has shown tremendous scores. With the tie even at 2-2 League qualifying round match and the Argentina international wants nancial regulations, only for the ban to Turin and Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock ar- faith in me.” on aggregate, the game went into against Aberdeen. (Reuters)

Alex Iwobi signs new Sampdoria say they Tycoon donates $3.5mn for Butcher quits as Philippines Everton defender Williams Musa leaves Leicester long-term Arsenal deal have signed Ronaldo new S Korea football coach coach before fi rst game joins Stoke on loan for Saudi side Al Nassr

Alex Iwobi has signed a new long-term Serie A club Sampdoria have an- Hyundai scion Chung Mong-gyu has England football great Terry Butcher Everton defender Ashley Williams has Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa has left deal at Arsenal, the Premier League nounced the signing of England handed over $3.5mn of his own money has stepped down as the Philippines’ joined second-tier Championship side Premier League side Leicester for Al- club announced. Arsenal did not specify under-20 international Ronaldo Vieira to hire South Korea’s new football head coach without taking charge of a Stoke City on a season-long loan, both Nassr. The 25-year-old was Leicester’s the length of the deal for the 22-year- by mimicking the tweet Juventus used coach, in an outlandish attempt to turn single game, saying he was not “able to teams have announced. record signing when he joined the then- old Nigeria international, who came when they trumpeted Cristiano Ron- the team’s fortunes around. Chung, make this work”. Butcher, a veteran of The Wales international, who has made English champions for £16 million from through the ranks with the Gunners, but aldo’s arrival last month. The Genoa- president of the Korea Football Associa- three World Cups who has managed in 60 league appearances for Everton CSKA Moscow in 2016, but struggled to reports said it would run until 2023. based club posted a tweet which fea- tion (KFA), donated the money after England, Scotland, Wales and Australia, over the last two seasons, has not make an impact and spent last season Midfielder Iwobi scored three goals in tured a silhouetted player against the South Korea failed to reach the knock- lasted less than 50 days in the job after played for the Merseyside outfit since back on loan at the Russian team. 26 league games under the now-depart- backdrop of the word Ronaldo in large out rounds at the World Cup in Russia. he was appointed on June 14. March. Al-Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi ed Arsene Wenger last season. Iwobi, letters — and the word Vieira in tiny The 2002 semi-finalists lost to Sweden The shock decision by the 59-year-old The 33-year-old former Swansea City Arabian top flight last season, did not the nephew of Nigeria great Jay-Jay ones underneath — and the message: and Mexico to exit the World Cup at the — who had spoken ambitiously about player is Stoke’s sixth signing in the say how much they paid for Musa, who Okocha, played in three of his country’s BREAKING #Sampdoria sign #Ronaldo. group stage, despite stunning Germany taking the Philippines to the World Cup current transfer window following the only scored twice in 21 appearances for matches at the World Cup in Russia. Juve’s announcement last month in their final game. — comes as the Azkals head towards arrivals of Benik Afobe, Peter Etebo, Leicester. “I’m very pleased Alex has signed a new featured the word Cristiano behind a Chung, 56, the son of Hyundai Group their first Asian Cup in January. An James McClean, Tom Ince and Adam Musa netted a stunning double at the contract with us,” said new boss Unai silhouette of the Portugal forward in his founder Chung Ju-yung, has an esti- off icial said it was “unfortunate” that Federici. World Cup in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Emery. “I look forward to working with familiar celebration pose, with feet wide mated personal fortune of more than the former England manager had cited Stoke open their Championship cam- Iceland, although the Super Eagles were him and other talented young players." apart and outstretched arms. $1bn, according to Forbes. diff iculty in carrying out his plans. paign against Leeds United tomorrow. still knocked out in the group stage. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 4, 2018 SPORT

ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT Russian Lysenko suspended aft er missing dope tests Indian runner fails

AFP banned for life from all sports-related ac- drug test ahead of Paris tivities. The championships are held in Berlin on August 6-12. Meanwhile, Former British javelin Asian Games ussian high jumper Danil champion Joanna Blair has been suspend- Lysenko will not compete at the ed from all sport for four years following a European championships after positive test for steroids in 2017, UK Anti- AFP The AFI made no offi cial Rbeing provisionally suspended Doping said yesterday. New Delhi comment, but federation presi- for missing doping tests, athletics’ world Blair tested positive for a metabolite of dent Adille Sumariwalle said in ruling body the IAAF said yesterday. the steroid metandienone after an out-of- a Twitter comment Thursday Lysenko, the world indoor champion, competition test while in France for the ndia has suspended steeple- there would be “zero tolerance was one of 74 athletes vetted by an anti- European Team Championships in June chase runner Naveen Dagar on doping”. doping panel and allowed to compete un- 2017, after which she was provisionally after he failed a dope test in “AFI has always said that in der a neutral fl ag despite the ongoing ban suspended. a crucial blow to the coun- national camp athletes are tested on Russian athletes in the wake of a major The 32-year-old has said that she did Itry’s medal hopes at this month’s every few days and if they are doping and corruption scandal in 2015. not intentionally ingest the substance, ar- Asian Games, an athletics source stupid to dope they WILL get But the 21-year-old Lysenko was to compete at the 2018 European Athletics of my career. I’ll keep on training and will guing that a creatine supplement she was told AFP yesterday. caught. Hence the extra smart stripped of his status as an Authorised Championships to be held in Berlin next wait for a fair decision on my case.” taking had been contaminated. However, Dagar, who won a bronze at the ones either don’t dope or avoid Neutral Athlete (ANA) after failing to week (7-12 August 2018).” The IAAF in May stripped ANA status her appeal was dismissed and the sanction 2014 Asiad, tested positive for camp,” he said. “The FIGHT is “provide whereabouts information as re- Speaking to the RusAF offi cial site, from fi ve race-walkers, including world upheld. banned meldonium, the source ON.” quired under the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules Lysenko said: “I’m terribly upset, but I can 20km silver medallist Sergei Shirobokov, “We’ve seen numerous cases involving close to the Athletics Federation Meldonium can boost energy and Regulations and to make himself only blame myself for it, nobody else. for having trained under Viktor Chegin. steroids in recent months. This case dem- of India (AFI) said. and endurance. Russian tennis available for out-of-competition testing “I had a too perfunctory attitude to the More than 20 athletes who trained onstrates that there are serious conse- The 30-year-old was tested star Maria Sharapova tested pos- by the AIU”, according to a statement by ADAMS (whereabouts) system. It’s just my under Chegin have been sanctioned for quences to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation during an inter-state competi- itive for meldonium in 2016 and the IAAF. carelessness.” doping-related off ences between 2005 (ADRV),” UKAD chief executive Nicole tion in the northeastern city of was banned for two years. “Mr Lysenko is accordingly not eligible He added: “Of course it’s not the end and 2015. The racewalking coach has been Sapstead said in a statement. Guwahati by the National Anti- Dagar is India’s second dop- Doping Agency (NADA). ing failure in a week after javelin “Yes, Dagar was suspended on thrower Amit Kumar failed an BADMINTON July 23. Meldonium was found out-of-competition test in Fin- in his sample. Though a B Sam- land. Kumar though is not part of ple report is awaited,” the source the Asian Games squad after fall- said. ing short of the 81 metre qualify- “It is disappointing because ing mark. he was a medal hopeful and India India is set to send a 540-plus will now go unrepresented in the squad to the Asian Games in In- Holder Axelsen 3,000 metre race.” donesia. Russian pairs take fi rst European golds

Glasgow: Synchronised swim- medal winning team at the falls to China’s mers Svetlana Kolesnichenko 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Varvara Subbotina were Games, are only in the first crowned as the first champi- year of their partnership. ons at the inaugural multi- The penultimate duo to sports European Champion- perform, they dominated the ships yesterday. event with a total of 95.1035 The Russian pair, a combina- points, in a diff erent league tion of youth and experience, to Ukraine’s silver medal- Long in quarters dominated the duet techni- lists Anastasiya Savchuk and cal routine at Glasgow’s Yelyzaveta Yakhno (92.6188) Scotstoun Sports Campus, and Italy’s bronze winners performing to the soundtrack Linda Cerruti and Costanza India’s Sindhu in semis but Nehwal sent packing by Spain’s Marin of musical ‘Chicago’. Ferro (89.7519). Their compatriots Aleksandr Maltsev, a double world AFP bellowed and blustered her way into the Maltsev and Mayya Gurban- champion in the mixed duet Nanjing, China women’s semi-fi nals with a devastating berdieva then underlined free, and Gurbanberdieva, Chen Long of China celebrates victory over India’s Saina Nehwal. their country’s familiar a 19-year-old with a stellar his victory against Viktor The 25-year-old Spaniard is chasing a dominance in synchro events junior career behind her, Axelsen of Denmark in their older Viktor Axelsen said that third world crown and on this form could by taking the duet technical sealed the Russian golden men’s singles quarter-final he made “way too many mis- well get it. mixed title. double with 89.5853 points match during the badminton takes” as the giant Dane was Marin plays China’s He Bingjiao after Subbotina, a 17-year-old, and from Italy’s Manila Flamini World Championships in Hdumped out of the badminton the sixth seed stunned Taiwan’s Tai. Kolesnichenko, a 24-year-old and Giorgio Minisini (88.6973) Nanjing, China. World Championships quarter-fi nals yes- Marin destroyed Nehwal, who cut a de- who has won 13 world titles and the Spain’s Berta Ferreras terday by China’s Chen Long. moralised fi gure by the end of a 21-6, 21-11 and was part of Russia’s gold Sanz and Pau Ribes Culla. The women’s defending champion No- mauling. zomi Okuhara also failed to advance, los- The Spaniard is particularly vocal and ing to India’s P V Sindhu, 21-17, 21-19, in demonstrative on court, shouting or the last eight. screaming in Spanish after every winning COMMENT Olympic champion Chen will play Shi point and before serving too. Yuqi — at three the top remaining seed One member of the audience took to — in an all-Chinese semi-fi nal following imitating her. his emphatic 21-19, 21-11 victory over Ax- Asked by AFP what she was hollering, Syrian refugee elsen. Marin replied with a laugh: “I cannot tell There was a moment of controversy and you! the fi rst game was held up for two minutes “It is just something I keep to myself. girls pursue squash as the 29-year-old Chen disputed a call It was not a strategy against Saina, it is that fell in favour of the Dane. something I do against any opponent. I do But the 24-year-old world number one it for myself. dreams in Hong Kong Axelsen, who has single-handedly broken “I learnt to do this some years ago, it was Asia’s stranglehold on men’s badminton in not something I did from the beginning of the last year, was always playing catch-up. my career, that’s impossible because I was “He was a lot better than me today, un- too young. fortunately,” said Axelsen, who tossed his “I had to learn many things in my career, racquet spinning into the air after losing and this is one thing I learnt.” the fi rst game, drawing a withering look Nehwal, a former number one who from the chair umpire. looked shell-shocked afterwards, said “But life goes on and I have to learn from that she had no complaints about Marin’s this.” behaviour. The other men’s semi-fi nal will be be- The strongly fancied Tai tasted just a tween Liew Daren, the unseeded Malay- second defeat in 35 matches, a remarkable sian, and in-form Kento Momota of Japan, run which brought fi ve titles and had made now favourite for the title after Axelsen’s her the woman to beat in Nanjing. exit. But the 24-year-old was sloppy at times In this photo taken on August 2, 2018, Clayton Kier (2nd L), Liew defeated Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama against He, making a series of errors at the executive director and Rachel Lee (R), vice president of Squash over three gruelling games despite hurting net and going out of the tournament 21-18, Dreamers, a US NGO based in Jordan, pose with Syrian squash players his right ankle. 7-21, 21-13. Sabah Husryeh, 11 (2nd R), her sister Raghda Husryeh (L), 13, Eman An overwhelmed Liew collapsed to the The other last-four clash in the wom- Hassan (2nd L), 12, and team coach Reem Niaz (C), a refugee from fl oor at the end with his arms covering his en’s draw tees up second seed Akane Damascus, on a court during the Hong Kong Junior Squash head and his face planted in the court. Yamaguchi of Japan against India’s P V Tournament at the Cornwall Street Park Squash Centre in Hong Kong. Olympic champion Carolina Marin Sindhu. AFP Homs fi ve years ago, before grad- Hong Kong ually making their way to safety abroad. BOTTOMLINE Squash Dreamers, a United s three young Syrian States NGO based in Jordan, set squash players enthu- up the 15-strong team of dis- siastically pound the placed girls from Syria over the Titanic 117-shot rally wows badminton fans courts in Hong Kong past two years. Athey are clearly enjoying their fi rst On the team’s debut interna- Nanjing: A mammoth 117-shot rally lit up the ever international tournament. tional tournament in Hong Kong, badminton World Championships quarter-fi nals Takeshi Kamura (R) and Keigo Sonoda of Japan celebrate their victory The girls, aged between 11 and three of the girls will take on teams yesterday, leaving spectators in giggles and the against Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia 13, are part of a new team called from around the region, including players panting. during their men’s doubles match yesterday. Squash Dreamers, made up of Taiwan and Malaysia, as part of The seemingly never-ending exchange took displaced Syrian youngsters who the event which features an of- place during an attritional men’s doubles clash were forced to fl ee their war-torn fi cial competition plus friendlies. between Indonesia and Japan in Nanjing. homeland. Team coach Reem Niaz, herself a The Indonesian top-ranked duo of Marcus Fer- Even after their matches in the refugee from Damascus, said the naldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, and fi ve-day Hong Kong junior tour- game was playing a role in helping Japan’s Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda, traded nament are over, they head back the young women rebuild their shots early in the second game. to the practice courts for more. lives. The Indonesians were down a game 21-19 and “It’s not that important wheth- “The sport is helping them a came off worse at the end of the rally, during which er I win or not, I just like playing lot as refugees, because it’s not the duos repeatedly waited before attacking, only games,” 13-year-old Raghda Hus- forbidden to them or inaccessi- to be repelled. ryeh told AFP, saying she hoped ble to them. They can just be like Spectators laughed as the pairs hit the shuttle- to become a squash coach in the anybody else and play,” Niaz told cock back and forth, before Kamura fi nally forced future. The girls are among more AFP. Playing their fi rst tourna- Gideon to hit wide. than 330,000 Syrian children ment abroad is also a big step. The Badminton World Federation counted 117 estimated by the UN to have fl ed “(There’s) a sense of national shots before Japan won the point to go up 7-4 in across the border to neighbouring pride. The team feel like they the second game. Jordan since confl ict broke out are part of the world,” said Niaz, It helped Kamura and Sonoda, the fi fth seeds, in 2011. Husryeh and her fam- adding that it helped them retain pull off an upset and reach the semi-fi nals. ily escaped the bombs and bul- a connection with their home lets in their battered hometown of country. Gulf Times Saturday, August 4, 2018 5 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Poulter leads Bridgestone with 62, Tiger gets winning Woods four back feeling ahead of year’s last major The former world number 1 has boosted his ranking from beyond 1,200th to 50th

Ian Poulter of England plays his shot on the sixth hole during the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday.

AFP “good change in mindset” and Los Angeles “a good cleanup from behind the scenes” had contributed to a sol- id year that has seen him climb to an Poulter, gunning for a 32nd in the world rankings. spot on the European Ryder “It’s a Ryder Cup year,” he said. Cup team, fi red an eight- “I want to play in it and I need to under par 62 on Thursday play some good golf.” Ito grab the fi rst-round lead in He’ll have to keep playing good the World Golf Championships golf to hold off a bevy of talented Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio. chasers. The English golfer, who won Stanley set the early target the Houston Open in April, had with his 63, and he was joined eight birdies without a bogey at seven-under by a bogey-free to hold a one-stroke lead over Fowler. Americans Kyle Stanley and Spain’s Jon Rahm, South Ko- Rickie Fowler. rean Kim Si-woo and American Eight-time Bridgestone win- Patrick Cantlay shared fourth on ner Tiger Woods, Northern Ire- 64. land Star Rory McIlroy, former McIlroy headed a group of six world number one Jason Day on 65 that also included Day, In- and US Open champion Brooks dia’s Anirban Lahiri and Ameri- Koepka were among the 19 play- can Justin Thomas — who de- ers within four strokes of Poulter fends his PGA Championship on a talent-laden leaderboard. title next week at the fi nal major “My whole game was great to- of the year. day,” said Poulter, who hit 12 of Woods, the 14-time major 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens in champion who is seeking his fi rst regulation. victory since winning the 2013 “Whenever you shoot eight- Bridgestone Invitational, had under par you’ve generally done fi ve birdies with one bogey at his a lot of good stuff . fi nal hole to lead a group on 66 “I did very well tee to green, that also included Koepka and proximity to the pin, I rolled a Mickelson. few nice putts in. As silly as it “I kind of fought out a score sounds, I would have liked to today, which is good,” said have nicked another couple. But Woods, who said solid putting any time you shoot eight-under helped make up for the fact that par on this golf course it’s a great his ball-striking wasn’t all it round of golf.” could have been. Poulter admitted he found ex- In ideal scoring conditions, tra motivation from his lack of 45 of the 71-player fi eld fi nished success in previous trips to Fire- under par. stone Country Club in Akron. “We won’t fi nd the golf course In his last six appearances his on any easier day so you really AFP down to 50 is a pretty good like I can win again out here.” 12, ended up costing me the much I can practice, just to best fi nish was a tie for 17th in needed to take advantage of it,” St. Louis accomplishment. At the be- Woods has one last ma- tournament.” make sure I’m physically fi t 2015. said McIlroy, who thought he ginning of the year, if they jor before turning 43 in De- Woods shared sixth at the enough to get through this “I looked at my stats over the made the most of his chances. had said you’re playing cember. Only 14 times has Open, his best major result section. last 15 attempts at this place, and “Any time you can get around iger Woods says the Open Championship, I a player 43 or older won a since 2013, and will chase “I also want to play well they’re not very good,” he said. this golf course with no bogeys he has improved would have said I’d be very major and only two men his fi rst consecutive top-10 and win tournaments “So today I was a bit more ag- it’s a good day,” he said. “I scram- enough after spi- lucky to do that.” have multiple wins beyond major fi nishes since 2010 at through this. I feel like my gressive and it paid off .” bled when I needed to. I felt like nal fusion surgery Woods, who hasn’t won a their 42nd birthday — Old Bellerive. body is good. I need to keep After his lowest round ever I took advantage of most of the Tto snap a fi ve-year win major title since the 2008 US Tom Morris in the 1864 and Battling back from se- it that way. I still need to on the PGA Tour, Poulter said a chances I gave myself.” drought just ahead of the Open, struggled with back 1867 British Opens and Ju- vere back pain that had train really hard and limit season’s fi nal major tour- pain the past two years but lius Boros at the 1963 US him wondering if his ca- how much I do practice, the nament, the 100th PGA has served notice his shot- Open and 1968 PGA Cham- reer was over, Woods now wear and tear on the body, NBA Championship. making skills are returning pionship. faces his hardest stretch of because I’m going to be Woods, a 14-time ma- to form. He shared second at Woods has not won any golf since surgery with a putting it through its paces jor champion, tees off next the Valspar Championship event since the 2013 WGC likely run of fi ve events in in tournament play.” week at Bellerive after in March and in June shared Bridgestone Invitational, six weeks starting with the Woods, whose 79 career Africa Game an briefl y leading last month’s fourth at the National after but held the outright lead WGC Bridgestone and PGA PGA victories are three shy British Open at Carnoustie. his best fi nal round in six with eight holes to play at Championship plus at least of Sam Snead’s all-time The former world number years. Carnoustie before a double the fi rst two PGA playoff record, is making a solid opportunity on one boosted his ranking “I’ve had an opportunity bogey and bogey dropped events and likely the fi rst case for a Ryder Cup spot as from beyond 1,200th last to win a couple times this him from the top for good. three. a captain’s pick. December to 50th. year. I had a great chance at “It’s going to sting for a “We built a pretty good He has already agreed to and off the court “I went from just hoping Valspar early in the year and while because I had a great physical game plan for it,” serve as an assistant to US to be able to play the tour even (at Carnoustie) I had a chance at it,” Woods said. Woods said. “My training captain Jim Furyk for next to now I feel that I certainly great shot at it,” Woods said. “I played myself into a great schedule, how to build my- month’s team showdown in Reuters “I’ve come back every year be- can win again,” Woods said. “My game has gotten better position. I made a couple self up, my recovery breaks, France but says his chances Pretoria cause I feel when I was in their “Within a year to get and good enough where I feel of mistakes there at 11 and even had to factor in how to play are “trending.” position, it made me want to be around NBA players and these he third NBA Africa guys are the same. Game, to be staged at “There are a few of us (from the Sun Arena in Pretoria Africa) in the NBA so we feel ROUND-UP today, has been billed an like, there’s guys here that have a Texhibition clash to grow the ap- chance, so we just want to come petite for the game on the conti- back here and play and try to nent, but the likes of All Star Joel grow the game of basketball. Embiid prove there is much more “I’m trying to do my job in the at stake. NBA but at the same time I’m The fi xture pits Team Africa, trying to give back. So just being Campbell opens four-shot lead made up of NBA players with here and supporting these kids is AFP only his ninth European Tour Pilkadaris had eight birdies “You defi nitely adjust your roots on the continent, against great.” Wellington start after his career was cur- and four bogeys to card a 68. strategy when an eagle is worth Team World, consisting mostly But the seven-foot centre says tailed by injury and illness. China’s Wu Ashun eagled the fi ve points,” American Schnied- of players from the United States. there will be no party atmos- Two of his European Tour ap- 17th to be fi ve under, alongside erjans said after his round at It is an off -season initiative phere against Team World and ew Zealander Ben pearances came in Fiji in 2016 Australians Nick Cullen, Steven the Montreux Golf and Country from the National Basketball As- that once he steps onto the court Campbell took a and 2017, where he made the cut Jeff ress and Jake McLeod, Kiwis Club. sociation (NBA) that will provide the competitive instinct takes commanding four- on both occasions. He is now a Harry Bateman and Nick Voke, “On 18, for example, it’s a glitz and glamour on the court, over. Nshot lead in the Fiji strong chance to improve on his and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar. tough tee shot, it’s really narrow. but also gives 78 boys and girls “I’m very serious, every time International yesterday after best fi nish of 21st two years ago. QOllie Schniederjans eagled “I think I would be tempted from 29 countries on the con- I step on the court I want to carding a smart 66 on day two at Campbell birdied the second, the 18th hole to fi nish top of the to hit three-wood with a nor- tinent the opportunity to train win. I’m competitive, everybody the Natadola Bay Golf Club. fi fth and seventh to turn in 33 leaderboard after the fi rst round mal format but today I’m hitting with top NBA players. knows that it doesn’t matter who It put him 11 under 133 at the with further gains on the 11th, of the Barracuda Championship driver as far down there as I can, It was at one of the Basketball I’m playing against, fi ve-year- halfway stage with closest chal- 12th, 14th and 17th before giving in Reno on Thursday. get an iron shot in there, and I Without Borders (BWB) devel- old, 30-year-old, grown-ass lenger, Australian Andrew Dodt, one back on the last. The 25-year-old also card- took advantage today and made opment camps in 2011 that Cam- men, I want to win,” he said. at 137. was good, birdied my second Australia’s Maverick Ant- ed six birdies at the PGA Tour an eagle.” eroonian Embiid’s talents were Seven diff erent nationalities Campbell, who fi nished day hole and just played really solid, cliff came within two shots event, which uses a modifi ed The former world amateur spotted and he hopes his story are represented in Team Africa, one in a four-way tie for the lead kept the ball in play. of the leader when he holed a Stableford scoring system, and number one is still searching for will be an inspiration to others. including South Sudan-born after fi ring a 67 in high winds, “I didn’t hit really too many 10-footer after four birdies in a leads on 17 points. his fi rst win on the PGA Tour to “I was here in 2011 and got forward Luol Deng, who is seek- broke away with seven birdies in bad shots out there. The putter row, but fell back to three under The format awards eight go with his Web.com Tour win at drafted in 2014, and I will hope ing an exit from the Los Angeles his second round before drop- was feeling good, chipped it well later in the day. points for an albatross, fi ve for the Wichita Open in 2016. that everybody sees my exam- Lakers, and French-born wing ping a stroke on the 18th. and it was just keep the ball in Dodt emerged as Campbell’s eagle, two for birdie, zero for par, Denny McCarthy and Aus- ple and will want to do the same Evan Fournier, who is of Algerian “I played really well out play, so couldn’t complain.” closest challenger, a shot ahead and subtracts a point for bogey tralian Aaron Baddeley are tied thing,” Embiid, who plays for the descent and has led the Orlando there,” he said. The 26-year-old turned pro- of countrymen Jarryd Felton and and three for double-bogey or for second on 14 points with Philadelphia 76ers, told report- Magic in scoring in the last two “Got off to a nice start, which fessional in 2012 but is making Terry Pilkadaris. worse. Robert Streb on 13. ers. seasons. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 4, 2018 SPORT

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Former French champion De las Cuevas dead Guimard, De las Cuevas won the du Dauphine, a crucial warm-up race for Teams spar AFP Paris opening time trial of the 1994 Giro to the Tour de France, De las Cuevas was wear the race leader’s pink jersey. not selected for the three-week epic, He also intrigued Italian journalists which was to be marked by the Festina ormer France champion Ar- that day by saying “I thank the light”, doping scandal that almost brought the mand de las Cuevas, a former without giving further explanation. He race to its knees. An all-rounder who ahead of team-mate of fi ve-time Tour de fi nished the Giro ninth overall, his best could climb and time trial well, De las France winner Miguel Indurain, result in a Grand Tour. Cuevas was also a noted track rider, no- hasF died aged 50, the National Union Later that season, “DLC” — as De las tably medalling in the individual pursuit of Professional Cyclists (UNCP) an- Cuevas would come to be known — won at the world championships. nounced yesterday. the San Sebastian Classic one-day race. De las Cuevas ended his career in decider De las Cuevas began his professional In what was a troubled period for the 1999, eventually moving to the French Reuters “We have got our plan, we career at Banesto, where he notably sport, due to the widespread use of the island of La Reunion where he got briefl y Wellington know what we want to do. We helped Indurain to secure a rare Giro banned blood-booster EPO (erythropoi- involved in boxing. just want to hit square, we want d’Italia-Tour de France double in 1992. etin) and other performance-enhancers, No details of his death were revealed play channel one, that is what we As leader of the Castorama team run the talented but fi ery rider’s career was by the UNCP, although some media re- he Canterbury Crusad- have done all year and get the ball by legendary sporting director Cyrille soon on the slide. ports claimed the ex-cyclist committed ers have ratcheted up to the backs.” Despite winning the 1998 Criterium suicide. the war of words ahead The Crusaders’ pack has been of the Super Rugby fi nal the major reason they have ad- againstT the Lions after questions vanced to their 13th fi nal and are were raised earlier this week favourites for their ninth title, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL about the legality of loosehead but Ryan said they would need to prop Joe Moody’s scrummaging. be at their best to stop the Lions’ Lions coach Swys de Bruin had equally impressive forwards. said before his side left South The South African side like Africa there were “a lot of things to dominate the scrum and earn they (the Crusaders) get away penalties, where fl yhalf Elton with”, but the home side’s assist- Jantjies can then kick into the ant coach Jason Ryan defended corner and set up attacking lin- his prop yesterday. eout drives. Dodgers nail seven “I have heard it all before Such is that threat, hooker and it always comes up just be- Malcolm Marx, who is often at fore, usually, when we name Joe the tail of their formation, is the Moody — just because he is the competition’s fourth-highest best in the world,” Ryan told re- tryscorer this season with 11. porters. While the most obvious tactic “All I know that is when Joe would be to reduce the number is at his best, there are not may of penalties they concede, Ryan home runs in 21-5 tighthead props, if any, that can said the home side had also been hold him down. working on negating the drive “It is more than just Joe. We this week. have to back that our strength as “We’ve put a lot of work into an eight will be good enough.” it this week more than we would Ryan also fi red a broadside any other week, because obvi- back at de Bruin and said the Li- ously it is their strength,” Ryan ons tighthead Ruan Dreyer was said. rout of Brewers among the most penalised props “It’s their plan A, plan B and in Super Rugby. often their plan C as well. “(We) are going up against one “The key is not to let it start The Dodgers set a season-high mark for most runs in a game and in an inning of the most penalised tightheads and we’ve got a couple of plans in Super Rugby for two years around that which we back our- running,” he added. selves to execute.” Reuters New York FOCUS oc Pederson and Yasiel Puig each hit two home runs Thursday, and Cody Bellinger added a grand slam Australian rugby on a night when the Los Angeles JDodgers hit seven homers and rolled to a 21-5 victory over the visiting Milwaukee league referee Brewers. Clayton Kershaw struck out seven over six innings as Los Angeles scored retires aft er threats double-digit runs for the 10th time this season. It was the most runs the Dodg- AFP ers have scored in a game in the history of Sydney Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers set a season high for runs in a game and runs in an inning, scoring op Australian rugby nine times in the seventh. They matched league referee Matt their season high for home runs. Cecchin announced his retirement yesterday af- RED SOX 15, YANKEES 7 Tter receiving a barrage of death Steve Pearce homered off three diff er- threats following Tonga’s nail- ent pitchers and drove in a career-best biting World Cup loss to England six runs as Boston rallied from an early last year. defi cit to thump visiting New York. Cecchin, who will offi ciate his ing seconds before Andrew Fifi ta The Yankees jumped on Red Sox starter 300th National Rugby League lost the ball in a tackle just me- Brian Johnson (2-3) for three runs in the match Sunday, told the Sydney tres from the line. fi rst on a three-run homer by Didi Gre- Morning Herald he and his fam- Cecchin called a knock-on and gorius, who fi nished with two long balls ily received “hundreds and hun- did not refer to the video referee, on the night. New York added another dreds” of death threats after the enraging emotional Tongan sup- run in the second before Boston scored match last November. porters in the sold-out stadium. the next 10 runs, including eight in a After a crucial — and cor- “When I got home to Sydney, game-changing fourth inning. Pearce, rect — knock-on decision late our house was put on alert. I was who had one homer in his fi rst 17 games in Tonga’s 20-18 defeat, Cecchin picked up from the airport by the for the Red Sox, belted a solo shot off was whisked out of the country AFP (Australian Federal Police),” Yankees starter CC Sabathia in the third by New Zealand police, and he Cecchin said. “It was really, re- inning and a three-run shot off Jonathan received another police escort ally serious.” Holder (1-2) as part of the eighth-run when he arrived back in Sydney. NRL offi cials have faced a dif- fourth. He added a two-run homer off “I started thumbing through fi cult season this year, with in- Luis Cessa in the sixth. my phone and there were more creased scrutiny from coaches, than a thousand messages,” said fans and players after the league PHILLIES 5, MARLINS 2 Cecchin, 44. tightened its interpretation of Maikel Franco hit a two-out, three- “They were vile. I’ve never had some rules, leading to a dramatic run, walk-off home run to lift host Phila- that before in my whole career, rise in penalties. delphia past Miami. even after Origins and grand fi - Cecchin, who has battled Rhys Hoskins also homered as the nals.” mental illness in the past, said Phillies won for the fi rst time this season Tonga staged a stunning he would leave the Australian when trailing after eight innings. They comeback against England at league at the end of the season, scored four times in the ninth to remain Mt Smart Stadium and looked after needing therapy twice daily in fi rst place in the National League East, like taking the match in the dy- following the World Cup match. a half-game ahead of the Atlanta Braves. Phillies starter Nick Pivetta tossed six solid innings, giving up four hits and two runs while striking out seven and not Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth Robertson happy to wait for walking a batter. Tommy Hunter (3-1) inning at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. PICTURE: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports earned the win with a scoreless top of the All Blacks opportunity ninth inning. tros after going 7-6 with a 4.88 ERA in three hits and drove in three runs as Texas four relievers held Chicago to three hits 19 starts for Triple-A Fresno. Toronto’s whipped Baltimore in Arlington, Texas. as visiting San Diego snapped a seven- Reuters, Wellington: Canter- renewal. NATIONALS 10, REDS 4 Kendrys Morales, a former Mariner, The Rangers blew the game open with game losing streak. bury Crusaders coach Scott “I’ve always wanted to stay Max Scherzer became the fi rst 15-game broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run homer in a seven-run second inning, capped by a Erlin (2-3) held the Cubs to one run on Robertson has been touted as here,” Robertson told the New winner in the majors, and Trea Turner the seventh inning off right-hander Juan two-run double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. two hits and a walk with four strikeouts a future All Blacks coach but Zealand Herald on Friday. “I homered and drove in four runs as host Nicasio (1-6). Nelson Cruz hit two hom- Texas tagged Orioles starter Andrew over fi ve innings. He was making his the break-dancing avid surfer love it. Washington cruised past Cincinnati. ers for the Mariners, but they lost their Cashner (3-10) with 10 runs on seven hits third start of the season and his fi rst since is happy to bide his time with “There will be a review after Turner’s two-run single highlighted third consecutive game. and three walks in 1 2/3 innings, the most May 21. Manuel Margot had three hits the eight-times Super Rugby the season is finished... and a six-run second-inning uprising as runs he has allowed in a start in his nine- and an RBI for the Padres, who got two champions. talks will start next year about Washington took early control. He hit a GIANTS 8, DIAMONDBACKS 1 year career. hits apiece from Christian Villanueva Robertson, who leads his side hopefully how long they would two-run homer in the eighth as the Na- Evan Longoria hit his fi rst home run and Freddy Galvis. into their second successive like me for.” tionals won their third straight game and since returning from the disabled list CARDINALS 3, ROCKIES 2 Super Rugby final against the Robertson, who has lost just sixth in their past eight. Bryce Harper last week, and Austin Slater had two hits, Jose Martinez ripped a pinch-hit, two- RAYS 4, ANGELS 2 Lions today, is contracted until three games in his two-year also homered in the eighth and reached including a two-run single in a fi ve-run run single with one out in the ninth in- C.J. Cron’s two-run single in the the end of the 2019. tenure with the Crusaders, said base four times on two hits and two seventh inning, as San Francisco won its ning off Wade Davis, lifting St. Louis to a fourth inning snapped a scoreless tie Current All Blacks coach Steve he was in no hurry to coach the walks. Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run fourth straight, beating Arizona in Phoe- win over visiting Colorado. and propelled Tampa Bay to a win and a Hansen is expected to step All Blacks. homer and Jose Peraza had a two-run nix. Martinez’s walk-off hit came after three-game sweep of Los Angeles in St. down after next year’s Rugby “It’s like anything in life. Oppor- double for the Reds, who have lost three Madison Bumgarner (4-4) hit a tie- Greg Garcia and Harrison Bader singled Petersburg, Fla. World Cup and some pundits tunities come up and if the tim- games in a row. breaking RBI single in the fi fth inning, and Bader stole second base to set the The Rays’ pitching staff handled an in the rugby-mad country have ing is right you look at them,” and the Giants pulled away late to win table. Angels lineup that was without Mike suggested New Zealand Rugby he said. “One thing I’ve learned BLUE JAYS 7, MARINERS 3 their fi fth straight in the season series. The ninth-inning uprising made a Trout. The center fi elder was not in the should look at the former is you have to be patient. Time Mike Hauschild, signed earlier in the The left-hander pitched in and out of winner out of reliever Chasen Shreve (3- starting lineup for the second time this international loose forward as is something that benefits you day, pitched six innings of scoreless relief trouble in his fi ve innings, giving up sev- 2). He stuck out one in a perfect ninth in- season, having sustained a right wrist his replacement. as a coach. for his fi rst major league victory as To- en hits and one run. ning as the third St. Louis pitcher. contusion on Wednesday. He had X-rays The 43-year-old, however, said “I’m definitely not in a rush. The ronto won at Seattle. RANGERS 17, ORIOLES 8 and an MRI exam, which were nega- yesterday that he was keen more patient I’ve been probably Hauschild (1-0) allowed four hits, Jurickson Profar drove in four runs, PADRES 6, CUBS 1 tive, and he is listed as day-to-day. Jalen on staying with the Crusaders the more settled it’s been for walked one and struck out fi ve. He was Rougned Odor hit a two-run homer and Austin Hedges went 3-for-4 with a Beeks (1-1) threw fi ve innings of two-run when his contract comes up for me.” recently released by the Houston As- walked fi ve times, and Elvis Andrus had three-run homer, and Robbie Erlin and ball for his fi rst major league win. Gulf Times Saturday, August 4, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS Goals realised at Qatar Goodwood Festival, says QREC GM By Our Correspondent owned Lightning Spear won the who won the Qatar International London Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes, es- Stakes this year as he is a top- pecially because it is the fi rst win quality horse and he had won Qatar Goodwood Festival of the race by a horse from Qatar several titles earlier. wonderful opportunity he main goals of the since the beginning of Qatar’s “The Festival will continue for all: Qatar’s deputy Qatar Goodwood Fes- sponsorship in 2015. next year. There is ongoing tival have been realised “In fact, Qatar Racing pay evaluation of every edition in ambassador through the Qatari pres- good attention to quality as seen order to reach a better organi- Tence at this historical event, Qa- by running one horse in this race sational level each year and to Qatar’s deputy ambassador to the United tar Racing and Equestrian Club and he was able to land the ti- realise more gains for Qatar. The Kingdom, Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Jaber, was (QREC) general manager Nasser tle of such a prestigious race, turnout has been impressive and present on the fourth day of the Qatar Good- bin Sherida al-Kaabi has said. which had a total purse of GBP there are over 20,000 spectators wood Festival. “In addition, Qatar’s horses, 1,000,000 on off er. every day, which, coupled with “I have taken over the present duty recently representing Qatar Racing and “We had hopes to win the the excellence of the Qatar Rac- and, therefore, I was keen to come to Goodwood Al Shaqab, have grabbed three Group 1 Qatar International ing and the Al Shaqab-owned and attend the events of the Festival,” he said. “I wins so far,” said al-Kaabi, “and Stakes for Arabians as well, but winners, best demonstrate the am very pleased with what I have seen and the we look forward to more titles at Qatar’s horses were not lucky to huge success of this year’s edi- strong Qatari presence. In the meantime, I was every edition of the Festival.” do that. In addition, some excel- tion. not surprised with the large turnout because “Holding this event under Qa- lent horses from Qatar, such as “As always, we look forward to I know very well the passion that the English tar’s sponsorship in the United the Umm Qarn-owned Yazeed do better in future and we wel- people have for horseracing as racegoers. Kingdom demonstrates a robust did not run in that race. come any other runners from “The Festival is a wonderful opportunity for determination to be present at “However, the next target is Qatar. QREC is willing to assist horse owners and trainers to meet. It is very the top horseracing festivals and the Qatar Arabian World Cup on the interested Qatari owners pleasing to see the Qatari presence at such a events, whether its organisation the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- to have their horses run in this prestigious festival and the benefits of Qatar’s or achieving excellent results in omphe day in October and I can prestigious event, which we have valuable sponsorship of the event. I wish the the races. confi rm that the title will be for been privileged to sponsor for Qatar Goodwood Festival more progress and “It was a remarkable achieve- Qatar. In the meantime, we can- four years now,” concluded Al Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (left) with success.” ment when the Qatar Racing- not underestimate Muraaqib, Kaabi. Qatar’s deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Jaber.

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL TENNIS Weeping Murray wins marathon, rips ATP Moore adds double event for 3am fi nish

AFP Washington

tearful Andy Mur- to Goodwood tally ray advanced to the ATP Washington Open Aquarter-fi nals in a Dettori rides three-hour marathon ending at 3am yesterday, then ripped or- two winners ganisers for putting him in such a situation. on the day Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, in his By Our Correspondent fi rst hardcourt event after an London 11-month layoff for a right hip injury, outlasted Romania’s 93rd-ranked Marius Copil 6-7 he brilliant Battaash (5), 6-3, 7-6 (4). produced a fi ne sprint The 31-year-old Scotsman performance to win won his third three-set victory the King George Qatar in four days, having been on the TStakes (Gr2) on the fourth day court for eight hours 11 minutes of the Qatar Goodwood Festival in all, and he started at midnight in a towel and wept, sobbing at yesterday even as Ryan Moore thanks to a fourth day of rain de- times, and kept his head down won two more races on the day lays. and face covered as he exited the to take his tally to fi ve victories “I don’t think I should be put court. in this edition of the fi ve-day in a position like that,” Murray “Not a whole lot, really, the festival. said. “(My body) doesn’t feel emotions coming out at the end The Charlie Hills-trained great right now. of an extremely long day and a four-year-old displayed a po- “I’ve had a few long matches. long match,” Murray said of what tent turn of foot to put the race Finishing matches at three in the made him so emotional. to bed in a matter of strides, morning isn’t good for anyone winning readily by four lengths involved in the event, players, ALEX WINS ZVEREV BATTLE under Jim Crowley. TV, fans, anyone. Third-ranked defending cham- The son of Dark Angel was an “When you’re expected to pion Alexander Zverev took easy two and a quarter-length come back and perform the next bragging rights in his sibling ri- winner of the race last year and day, I think that’s unreasonable.” valry, beating 15th-seeded older became the eighth horse in his- And the sheer lateness of the brother Mischa 6-3, 7-5 in their tory to win the fi ve-furlong race hour wasn’t good for players. fi rst ATP meeting. on two occasions. “That’s something the tour Next up for Alex will be Japa- Hills described the perform- Ryan Moore (foreground) rides Seniority to victory in Unibet Golden Mile at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim and Zuzanna needs to look at,” Murray said. nese seventh seed Kei Nishikori, ance as “a career best”. The British star said he was who dispatched Canadian ninth Trainer Michael Stoute had The Queen enjoyed her sec- of victories in this edition of the Ridden by Dane O’Neill, the cap after the success of Desert unlikely to fi nish post-match seed Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (1), two back-to-back winners on ond winner in successive years Festival to fi ve. three-year-old daughter of Path in the 11-furlong event. conditioning and get to sleep 6-3. the day with Mirage Dancer at the Qatar Goodwood Festival Haggas too tops the trainers’ Orpen displayed a smart turn The three-year-old son of before 5:30am, ahead of a US second seed John Isner was taking the mile and four fur- — Fabricate, trained by Michael list at the event with four wins of foot in the closing stages to Champs Elysees ran on strongly scheduled quarter-fi nal against ousted by 152nd-ranked compa- long Bombay Sapphire Glorious Bell, won the opening race in after he too had a double on the hold off the challenge of the in the closing stages to score by 19-year-old Australian Alex De triot Noah Rubin 6-4, 7-6 (6). Stakes (Gr3) under Ryan Moore 2017, while yesterday Senior- day with the narrow success of fast-finishing Dancing Star by a length and three-quarters un- Minaur. Japanese third seed Naomi Os- and Regal Reality winning the ity won the Unibet Golden Mile, Pretty Baby in the L’Ormarins a neck. der Dettori, who was registering “Not playing, potentially, is aka, nagged by a right leg injury, Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes trained by William Haggas. Sen- Queens Plate Oak Tree Stakes Local trainer Amanda Perrett a double on the day following possible. I don’t know how play- lost to Poland’s Magda Linette (Gr3) with Frankie Dettori in the iority was Moore’s second suc- (Gr3). It was also Haggas’ 50th landed the concluding race on Regal Reality’s victory earlier in ers are expected to recover from 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the companion saddle. cess on the day, taking his tally winner at Goodwood. day four, the Maltsmiths Handi- the day. that,” Murray said. WTA event. “It’s like playing two matches “It defi nitely bothers me a bit in a day. I’m not sure how well I’ll out there on the court, but it isn’t Happy with Qatari victories, says QREC recover from that.” anything serious,” Osaka said. After the fi nal point, Murray “We’re going to prep and get Board member Khalid al-Ali went to his chair, buried his face healthy.”

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Board member Khalid bin Mo- SPOTLIGHT hamed al-Ali lauded the progress made at every edition of the Qatar Goodwood Festival thanks to Qatar’s sponsorship and the huge turnout every day. Venus tops Watson at “Since the very first edition of the Qatar Goodwood Festival in 2015, there has been an interest in development and Silicon Valley Classic gaining more experience from the Festival,” said al-Ali. Reuters Greece, who strolled to a 6-0 6-1 “The Qatari presence is brilliant and New York win over Hungarian Timea Babos the quality of racing is impressive, earlier in the day. especially with the renowned names “I’ve got to play my best present and competing at the races in enus Williams found again,” said Williams, who has terms of horses, trainers and jockeys. her winning form late gotten the better of the 23-year- That is why we are very happy with the Qatar Racing-owned Lightning and charged to a 6-4 old Sakkari in their two prior Spear winning the Qatar Sussex Stakes (Gr1) as well as the two wins 4-6 6-0 win over Brit- meetings. ain’sV Heather Watson at the Sili- “It’s never easy. I’ve got to earn recorded by Al Shaqab’s Watan and Medahim.” con Valley Classic on Thursday it just like tonight so I’ll be doing to punch her ticket to the quar- the same thing tomorrow.” ter-fi nals. Williams is the highest re- The typically reserved maining seed in the tourna- 38-year-old American broke ment after defending champion Watson six times and showed Madison Keys withdrew from the rare fl ashes of emotion after crit- tournament on Thursday prior to ical points in the two-hour aff air, her second-round match against pumping her fi st and shouting. Ajla Tomljanovic due to pain in “I’m calm. I can’t help how I her right wrist. am,” the third-seeded Williams Keys was replaced in the draw said when asked if she would by Polish lucky loser Magdalena continue with the new on-court French who fell 6-4 3-6 6-3 to demeanour. “But I’m defi nitely the Australian Tomljanovic. fi red up inside.” On Wednesday top-seeded Next up for the seven-time Spaniard Garbine Muguruza grand slam champion is a show- withdrew due to a right arm in- Frankie Dettori jumps off Regal Reality after winning the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Gr3). down with Maria Sakkari of jury.

Saturday, August 4, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ENG VS IND, DAY 3, 1ST TEST Kohli holds fi rm aft er Curran revives England On a thrilling third day, Curran helps England set 194-run target before Kohli holds fort with 43 as visitors are 110 for five

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom Scorecard ENGLAND 1st Innings 287 ndia captain Virat Kohli once more INDIA 1st Innings 274 kept England at bay after Sam Cur- ENGLAND 2nd Innings (overnight: 9-1) ran’s maiden Test fi fty gave the hosts’ hope of an improbable win A. Cook b Ashwin 0 Iin the series opener at Edgbaston yes- K. Jennings c Rahul b Ashwin 8 terday. J. Root c Rahul b Ashwin 14 India were 110 for fi ve in their sec- D. Malan c Rahane b Sharma 20 ond innings at stumps on the third day, still needing a further 84 runs to reach J. Bairstow c Dhawan b Sharma 28 a victory target of 194 that would put B. Stokes c Kohli b Sharma 6 them 1-0 up in a fi ve-match series. J. Buttler c Karthik b Sharma 1 Kohli, whose superb fi rst-innings 149 was the star batsman’s maiden Test S. Curran c Karthik b Yadav 63 century in England, was 43 not out and A. Rashid b Yadav 16 Dinesh Karthik unbeaten on 18. S. Broad c Dhawan b Sharma 11 England’s 1,000th Test had threat- ened to end in an embarrassing defeat J. Anderson not out 0 with more than two days remaining as Extras (b10, lb2, nb1) 13 they collapsed to 87 for seven in their Total (all out, 53 overs) 180 second innings. But Curran, in just his second match Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Cook), 2-18 at this level, struck a dashing 63 to take (Jennings), 3-39 (Root), 4-70 (Malan), England to 180 all out. 5-85 (Bairstow), 6-86 (Stokes), That left India with a potentially 7-87 (Buttler), 8-135 (Rashid), 9-176 awkward chase. (Broad), 10-180 (Curran) It was also 20 runs more than their Bowling: Shami 12-2-38-0; Ashwin their highest fourth-innings Test-win- 21-4-59-3; Sharma 13-0-51-5 (1nb); ning total in England of 174 for six at Yadav 7-1-20-2 The Oval in 1971 during their fi rst vic- tory in a Test on English soil. INDIA 2nd Innings ‘GOOSEBUMPS’ M. Vijay lbw b Broad 6 The 20-year-old No 8 Curran’s impres- S. Dhawan c Bairstow b Broad 13 sive batting eff ort came just a day after KL Rahul c Bairstow b Stokes 13 the Surrey left-arm swing bowler had taken Test-best fi gures of four for 74. V. Kohli batting 43 “I had goosebumps listening to the A. Rahane c Bairstow b Curran 2 Barmy Army chants and that fi rst hour R. Ashwin c Bairstow b Anderson 13 tomorrow (Saturday) is going to be cru- cial,” Curran told Sky Sports. “If we can D. Karthik batting 18 bowl well and take a couple up top, we Extras (b1, lb1) 2 will hopefully win.” Total (5 wkts, 36 overs, 172 mins) 110 Off -spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ran through England’s top order before Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Vijay), 2-22 fast bowler Ishant Sharma took three (Dhawan), 3-46 (Rahul), 4-63 (Ra- wickets in an over either en route to fi ve hane), 5-78 (Ashwin) for 51 in 13 overs. Bowling: Anderson 11-2-33-1; Broad England desperately required early 9-1-29-2; Stokes 10-1-25-1; Curran 5-0- wickets and Stuart Broad obliged by re- 17-1; Rashid 1-0-4-0 moving openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar India’s Ishant Sharma (third from right) celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket on the third day of the first Test against England yesterday. (Reuters) Dhawan to leave India 22 for two. That got the Edgbaston crowd roar- by Sharma’s superb outswinger from ing on the bowlers in a manner reminis- around the wicket, he was caught in the cent of the raucous cheers that accom- gully. panied England legend Ian Botham’s Sharma then had Bairstow taken by celebrated match-winning spell of fi ve at fi rst slip and two balls later he dis- for one in 28 balls in the 1981 Ashes Test missed Ben Stokes (six) via a fi ne low at the Birmingham ground. catch by Kohli at third slip off what be- India needed someone to stay with came the last ball before lunch. Kohli but after Ajinkya Rahane and Two balls afterwards, Sharma had Ashwin both fell cheaply, they were 78 Jos Buttler caught behind and England for fi ve. were 87 for seven. England resumed on nine for one af- “It feels nice to represent your coun- ter Ashwin had bowled Alastair Cook try and come abroad and take fi ve wick- for a duck on Thursday and it was not ets in an innings, especially the second long on Friday before the spinner had one,” said Sharma, who credited a spell Keaton Jennings, the hosts’ other left- with English county side Sussex this handed opener, taken at second slip. season for getting him in shape. Ashwin struck again when England “Playing county cricket helped me a captain Joe Root was well caught low lot,” he added. “The good thing was I down at leg-slip by Rahul off a genuine had overs behind me.” glance. But Curran, after a couple of fortu- Root, who top-scored with 80 in nate edges and being dropped in the England’s fi rst innings, put his hand on slips on 13, found his form. his head in despair after falling for 14. He struck Ashwin for a magnifi cent Ashwin took three for 59 to follow his straight six and next ball drove him to fi rst-innings four for 62. long-on for four. Curran, who bats left-handed as well SHARMA STRIKES as bowls, brought up his maiden Test fi fty Middlesex left-hander Dawid Malan off a mere 54 balls in supreme style by arguably ‘owed’ England a big score lofting Sharma over extra-cover for six. after dropping Kohli in the slips on 21 He was eventually last man out on and 51. the stroke of tea, caught behind off But he fell for 20 when, squared up Umesh Yadav. England’s Sam Curran acknowledges the crowd after reaching his half-century (50 runs) yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Big-hitting Gayle foresees sixes at 2019 World Cup

AFP disagrees. “Overall everything has changed, Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer and Shai New Delhi “Leading up to the 2019 World Cup Test cricket has changed. It’s more Hope to make an impact at the World and play in England, that is the objec- entertaining for people who come to Cup in England next year. tive to meet,” Gayle told reporters in watch the game.” Gayle also hailed his former Royal eteran West Indies batsman New Delhi yesterday. But his run-scoring antics have not Challengers Bangalore IPL teammate Chris Gayle is confi dent he “We are going to have a discussion necessarily helped West Indies in re- Virat Kohli for his gritty 149 that lifted will still be hitting sixes at the with the selectors, captain and coach cent times. India against England in the fi rst Test. World Cup next year and in- and see how we go about it,” the bats- Kohli defi ed critics and dragged In- Vsists his explosive style has changed the man added. ‘KOHLI INSPIRES’ dia from a precarious 100-5 to 274 in one-day game. Gayle equalled former Pakistan bats- West Indies dominated world cricket in response to England’s 287 in the fi rst Gayle is a well known one-day man Shahid Afridi’s record of 476 sixes the 1970s and 80s but are now ranked innings. mercenary appearing in T20 events in all formats during his 73-run knock seventh in T20s, ninth in ODI and “It was a fantastic innings and a cap- around the world and has scored more in the third match against Bangladesh eighth in Test matches. tain’s knock. He converts a lot of those than 3,000 runs in the Indian Pre- this week. “Things won’t just happen over- half-centuries into hundreds which is mier League — including hundreds of He also holds the T20 record of 18 night. Talent is there but consistency is very good,” said Gayle. boundaries. He hit 142 runs in a recent sixes in an innings during a Bangladesh not there. Players need to go out there “From the captain’s point of view he one-day international series against Premier League game last year and says and have the self-belief to win series boosts his players up to have that self- Bangladesh that the West Indies lost his smash-the-ball style has changed and not just win a one-off game,” he belief to go there and and win games,” 2-1. the limited-overs game. said. he added. The explosive left-hander will be 39 “I think you want to thank Mr. Gayle “Get into the habit of winnings se- “The way he batted with the tail end- in September however and his often for doing that. He is the man who made ries. It’s a long process. We defi nitely ers, you can see the guys were very de- rocky relationship with the West Indies those things possible,” said Gayle — the have a bright future with lot of young- termined. Because of his presence they Cricket Board has led critics to predict self-proclaimed ‘Universe-Boss’ on sters coming in,” he opined. play with more and more guts and de- the end of his international career. He Twitter. Gayle is tipping names like Evin termination.”