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Saturday, August 24, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 23, 1440 AH Bale has to be the GULF TIMES player we know he is: Real coach Zidane SPORT Page 4

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE Harbaoui shines with a brace in Al Arabi’s win over Al Ahli Mahmoud al-Mawas stars with two goals as Umm Salal held Al Rayyan 2-2 in the second match of the day

Umm Salal’s Mahmoud al-Mawas (second from left) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against Al Rayyan during their match yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK

Al Arabi dominated possession put through by Abdulla Abdul- stunning style with South Korean (53 per cent) in the fi rst half. salam. Lee Jae-ik pouncing upon a free- Al Arabi goalkeeper Gregory Meanwhile, in the second kick in the ninth minute and vol- Gomez thwarted Gonzalez early match of the day, Mahmoud al- leying home from close. into the match and Al Ahli custo- Mawas starred with two goals as Umm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo dian Ivan Rodriguez easily saved Umm Salal held Al Rayyan 2-2. was heavily marked but still Abdurizag’s attempt as the fi rst Al Rayyan, who fi nished fourth managed to cause jitters in the half ended goalless. last season, have a string of stars rival camp, although it was Al Not long after restart, Lasogga in their line-up, most notably Rayyan who took the lead, this put Al Arabi ahead again off a veterans Rodrigo Tabata and Se- time Tabata curling in one of his corner kick taken by Mohamed bastian Soria, but it was Syrian trademark free-kicks from 25 Salal El Neel. al-Mawas who stole the show at yards, confounding Umm Salal Al Arabi’s Hamdi Harbaoui (third from left) in action during the QNB Stars League match against Al Ahli yesterday: PICTURE: Ram Chand Al Arabi made matters beyond the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. goalkeeper Yazan Naim. The Brigadiers’ control when The midfi elder stunned the The 31st-minute strike rattled By Sports Reporter make a winning start in the QNB the 51st. the lead when Harbaoui, who ex- Harbaoui pounced on a rebound Al Rayyan defence with a sixth Umm Salal but they never gave Doha Stars League yesterday. Hernan Gonzalez scored the celled for Qatar SC in the 2014-15 from the Al Ahli goalkeeper and minute goal, latching in to a pass up and put pressure on the Al The match played at the Al lone goal for Al Ahli in the 35th season, capitalised on Yusuf Ab- placed the ball home. from the deep and getting around Rayyan defence. Janoub Stadium saw Tunisian minute. durizag’s good work by heading Al Ahli would rue a chance the deep defence with a fi ne run And sure enough it was al- amdi Harbaoui scored a veteran Harbaoui score in the Al Arabi, coached by Icelander in the ball. missed by new recruit Gonzalez to score from the top of the box. Mawas who was in the thick of double as Al Arabi de- 23rd and 68th minutes, with Heimir Hallgrimsson, were on Al Ahli equalised through Her- as he came up with a feeble shot But barely had Umm Salal’s the action, trapping a long pass feated neighbourhood Pierre-Michel Lasogga chipping the attack mode right from the nan after captain Nabil El Zhar that was saved by the Al Arabi celebrations died down when Al and scoring from close in the 71st Hrivals Al Ahli 3-1 to in with Al Arabi’s second goal, in beginning. The Dream Team took did the spadework. goalkeeper after the former was Rayyan produced the equaliser in minute to clinch a draw.

CRICKET Australia on brink of retaining Ashes aft er England’s woeful 67 all out AFP ing into the side as a concussion all the more troubling was that Scorecard Leeds, United Kingdom substitute for star batsman Steve the blue and sunny skies above Smith. Headingley yesterday ought to A miserable day for England have made conditions for batting AUSTRALIA 1st innings 179 all out Hazlewood 12.5-2-30-5; Lyon osh Hazlewood took fi ve also saw captain Joe Root out easier than the gloom of Thurs- ENGLAND 1st innings 1-0-2-0; Pattinson 5-2-9-2 wickets as England were for a duck on his Yorkshire home day, when Root won the toss. bowled out for just 67 on ground before he dropped a rou- Jason Roy, given the poisoned R. Burns c Paine b Cummins 9 the second day of the third tine slip catch when Labuschagne chalice this season of being an J. Roy c Warner b Hazlewood 9 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings TestJ at Headingley yesterday to had made 14. England Test opener despite bat- M. Harris b Leach 19 J. Root c Warner b Hazlewood 0 leave Australia on the verge of re- England’s woes were com- ting in the middle-order in fi rst- D. Warner lbw b Broad 0 taining the Ashes. pounded after tea when ris- class cricket with Surrey, took J. Denly c Paine b Pattinson 12 This was England’s lowest ing star Jofra Archer — who had guard having made just 40 runs B. Stokes c Warner b Pattinson 8 U. Khawaja c Roy b Woakes 23 Ashes total since 1948 and the taken 6-45 in Australia’s fi rst- in four innings this series. J. Bairstow c Warner b Hazlewood 4 M. Labuschagne not out 53 fourth time in 18 months they innings 179 — limped off midway He fell for nine in familiar T. Head b Stokes 25 had been dismissed for under a through an over with cramp, al- fashion when he edged a drive off J. Buttler c Khawaja b Hazlewood 5 hundred in a Test — a record un- though he did return to the fi eld. a wide Hazlewood ball to Warner, C. Woakes c Paine b Cummins 5 M. Wade c Bairstow b Stokes 33 matched by any other side in the Labuschagne was dropped for holding the fi rst of four catches at J. Archer c Paine b Cummins 7T. Paine c Denly b Broad 0 same period. a second time, on 42, when wick- fi rst slip. J. Pattinson not out 2 Fast bowler Hazlewood took etkeeper Jonny Bairstow failed to S. Broad not out 4 5-30 in an England innings that hold a tough low chance diving to ROOT OUT FOR A DUCK J. Leach b Hazlewood 1 Extras (b1, lb7, nb6, w2) 16 was wrapped up inside 28 overs. his right. Root was then out for a second- Extras (lb3) 3 Total (6 wkts, 57 overs) 171 Ashes-holders Australia — Earlier, Joe Denly, with 12, was ball nought, that followed a gold- Total (all out, 27.5 overs) 67 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Warner), who will go 2-0 up with just two the only England batsman to en duck at Lord’s, when nick- 2-36 (Harris), 3-52 (Khawaja), ing a fi ne Hazlewood delivery to to play in this fi ve-match series reach double fi gures. Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Roy), 4-97 (Head), 5-163 (Wade), 6-164 by winning at Headingley — then But whereas Labuschagne and Warner. 2-10 (Root), 3-20 (Burns), 4-34 (Paine) strengthened their grip to be David Warner (61) fought hard Australia’s Josh Hazlewood took 5-30 in an England innings that was Hazlewood had taken two (Stokes), 5-45 (Denly), 6-45 171-6 in their second innings at during their fi rst-innings part- wrapped up inside 28 overs. (Reuters) wickets for no runs in three balls, (Bairstow), 7-54 (Woakes), 8-56 Bowling: Archer 8.4-2-16-0 stumps, a commanding lead of nership of 111, few England bats- with England 10-2. (Buttler), 9-66 (Archer), 10-67 (2nb, 1w); Broad 12-2-34-2 (1w); 283 runs. men were as prepared to sell their By contrast, a number of Aus- lems, however, predate this sea- Ben Stokes had made an un- (Leach) Woakes 10-1-34-1; Leach 11-0-46- Marnus Labuschagne, whose wickets as dearly. tralians had appeared for English son. beaten 115 in the second innings 1; Stokes 15.2-4-33-2 (4nb) Bowling: Cummins 9-4-23-3; fi rst-innings 74 was seven more By staging both the World Cup county sides — Labuschagne, Yesterday’s slump came af- at Lord’s. than England managed between and the Ashes with a short turn- the only batsman to so far score ter England had been dismissed But the all-rounder gave his them, was 53 not out. around between the two show- 1,000 fi rst-class runs this season for 58 by New Zealand (Auck- wicket away when he carved at a Denly fought hard only for his with Bairstow and Jos Buttler It was his third straight fi fty piece events, England had de- was with Glamorgan — or fea- land 2018), 77 by the West Indies wide half-volley from fast bowler 49-ball stay to end when caught falling cheaply either side of of the series after he made 59 in nied several batsmen fi rst-class tured on the Australia A tour of (Bridgetown 2019) and 85 by Ire- James Pattinson he could barely behind following an inexplicably the interval, before Hazlewood the second innings of the drawn preparation for the very diff erent England. land at Lord’s last month. reach, with Warner holding a fast extravagant drive off Pattinson. ended the innings when he clean second Test at Lord’s after com- demands of Test cricket. England’s Test batting prob- What made this latest rout edge high above his shoulder. England were 54-6 at lunch, bowled No 11 Jack Leach. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 24, 2019 CRICKET

SECOND TEST SPOTLIGHT India’s Rahane not concerned about Boult and Southee century drought

Reuters I am thinking about my team, I North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda am not a selfish guy. I thought 81 on that wicket was really crucial and we are in a decent he last time Ajinkya Ra- position.” rattle Sri Lanka in hane scored a century in Rahane’s innings helped India international cricket was steady the ship with the right- over two years back but handed batsman adding 68 for ‘Tim and Trent have been Tthe India Test vice-captain says the fourth wicket with opener KL the drought does not concern Rahul and another 82 for the next creating wickets and him as long as he is contributing with Hanuma Vihari to help the for his side. touring side reach 203-6 on the they’re very accurate’ The middle-order batsman rain-truncated day. rain-hit Test was dismissed after a gritty 81 He had missed out from In- AFP in the opening Test against West dia’s World Cup squad and used Colombo Indies in Antigua on Thursday, the time for a stint with Eng- the sixth time he had gone past a lish County Championship side half-century in the format since Hampshire. rent Boult and Tim Southee led scoring 132 against Sri Lanka in With India playing their fi rst New Zealand’s charge against Sri Colombo in August, 2017. Test in over seven months, the Lanka on day two of the rain-hit Rahane, 31, fell short of the Hampshire stint was helpful, second Test in Colombo yesterday. three-fi gure mark again when he Rahane said. TThe pacemen claimed two wickets each was bowled by paceman Shan- “That was a good thing for me as Sri Lanka reached 144 for six at lunch non Gabriel, via an inside edge, because I took the decision when when rain came down and no further play but not before he had resurrected I got to know that I was not in the was possible. the world’s top-ranked Test side World Cup squad,” Rahane said. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne moved from a precarious 25-3. “I wanted to make use of the two from his overnight 49 to score 65 and “I knew this question will months and I thought the county provided the only bit of resistance in the come, I was ready,” Rahane told stint helped me a lot. morning session, which saw 29.3 overs reporters after a brief laugh when “I was focusing on my batting, bowled. he was asked about missing out few areas to work on basically. Boult took two early wickets in one on a hundred again. When you play with Dukes ball in over after Sri Lanka resumed the day at “As long as I am contributing England you got to play close to 85 for two. for my team, that’s what mat- your body. Dhananjaya de Silva on 32 and Dilru- ters. Yes, I was thinking about “I was batting at No. 3 as well wan Perera on fi ve were at the crease. my hundred but the situation we so luckily I got to play the new Southee, like Boult, also delivered a were in was tricky. I am not too ball there. Those two months double-wicket maiden as the duo put on worried or concerned about my I really used my time well...I a superb display of seam bowling under hundred as that will come auto- thought I was in good nick and overcast conditions. matically. it’s good that I went there and Boult got overnight batsman Angelo “As long as I am at the crease, had some batting practice.” Mathews caught behind for two to reach a landmark of 250 Test wickets — only the third Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat. Boult trapped Kusal Perera lbw for nought after just three balls as Sri Lanka slipped to 93-4 and would have been in further trouble had Boult held on to a simple catch from de Silva off his own bowling a few overs later. “Today’s a special day for Trent. He’s become the third highest wicket-taker for New Zealand,” New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen told reporters. “He’s got great passion and energy which he brings to our team. I think the skill and execution and the way he’s con- tributed to the team has been amazing.” Karunaratne also got a lifeline on 61 when Kane Williamson could not grab a tough chance at short mid-wicket off Ajaz Patel. New Zealand’s Tim Southee (second from left) celebrates with his teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Niroshan But the left-hander, who completed his Dickwella (foreground) on the second day of the second Test at P. Sara Oval in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) 23rd Test fi fty after resuming the day on 49, soon fell, caught behind off Southee for 65. “And they don’t just play Test cricket. Southee struck again in the same over They play basically all formats. To play all Scorecard to send Niroshan Dickwella trudging formats and do as well as they’ve done is Hesson, Katich join IPL’s back to the pavilion for nought. awesome.” SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 85/2) D. Perera not out 5 “Tim and Trent have been doing it for a Perera then played out the rest of the D. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee 65 Extras (b1, lb2, nb3) 6 Bangalore franchise while. They’ve been creating wickets and session with de Silva. L. Thirimanne c Williamson b Somerville 2 Total (6 wickets, 66 overs) 144 they’re very accurate, and they’ve got the Medium-pace bowler Colin de Grand- AFP aspects of the RCB’s cricketing K. Mendis c Watling b de Grandhomme 32 Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Thirimanne), 2-79 ability to swing the ball,” said Jurgensen. homme and spinner William Somerville New Delhi pathway”, it added. “Today there might have been a lit- took a wicket each on the opening day af- A. Mathews c Watling b Boult 2 (Mendis), 3-93 (Mathews), 4-93 (Perera), The 44-year-old Hesson, who tle bit of swing with the overhead con- ter Sri Lanka elected to bat fi rst. 5-130 (Karunaratne), 6-130 (Dickwella) K. Perera lbw b Boult 0 coached the Black Caps be- ditions, and it just seemed to be doing a Weather permitting, extended playing Bowling: Boult 14-5-33-2, Southee 20-5- week after missing out tween 2012 and 2018, narrowly little bit. They both work really hard on time is planned for the third day after two D. de Silva not out 32 40-2, De Grandhomme 17-3-35-1 (nb3), on being India coach, missed out on the India job to their fi tness, and that’s a big factor in days of continuous rain interruptions in N. Dickwella c Watling b Southee 0Somerville 6-3-20-1, Patel 9-3-13-0 A New Zealand’s Mike Ravi Shastri who last Friday their resilience. the Sri Lankan capital. Hesson was yesterday appoint- was given a two-year exten- ed director of cricket at Royal sion until the end of the 2021 Challengers Bangalore in the T20 World Cup. Indian Premier League. Kirsten and former India pace- Pakistan to host Sri Lanka for limited over series Former Australia batsman man Ashish Nehra, who was Simon Katich meanwhile Bangalore’s bowling coach, will AFP national series will begin on militants during a Test match in nounced, but Sri Lanka’s Sports over security fears, forcing replaces Gary Kirsten as the vacate their positions after two Karachi September 27 in Karachi where Lahore in March 2009. minister Harin Fernando told Pakistan to play their home head coach of the Bangalore years in charge. they will play the other two ODI Eight years later, the Sri reporters in Colombo Thursday matches at neutral venues. franchise that has never won “As a result of this restructur- matches on September 29 and Lankans returned to Pakistan that the Tests will not be in But since hosting Zimbabwe the hugely popular Twenty20 ing exercise, we will be moving akistan will host Sri October 2. for a Twenty20 international in Pakistan. for a limited over series in 2015, tournament. to a single coach model. Lanka for six limited over The Sri Lankans will then Lahore in October 2017. Citing safety fears, Fernando Pakistan have been gradually “Simon Katich as Head Coach Consequently, we would like to Pinternationals starting move to Lahore for three T20 The two boards said the teams said two Tests could instead normalising cricket activities will inculcate the high-per- thank Gary Kirsten and Ashish next month, the two cricket matches starting on October were due to play two Test be played in the United and have also hosted matches formance culture in the team,” Nehra for their contribution boards said yesterday, another 5 and the final match will be matches in October and follow Arab Emirates (UAE), where for its professional Twenty20 RCB said in a statement. over the past two seasons,” step towards reviving interna- on October 9, with the second it up with the six shorter form Pakistan has held many of its league for the past three years. Hesson’s responsibilities will in- said RCB. tional cricket in Pakistan after match scheduled for October 7. matches in December, but home series. They have also hosted a World clude “defining policy, strategy, The Virat Kohli-led Bangalore years of isolation. This will be Sri Lanka’s second decided to swap them. Since the 2009 attacks, a XI and the West Indies for programs, scouting, perform- ended at the bottom of the In a joint statement, the cricket tour of Pakistan since their The dates and the venue for majority of international teams limited over matches in 2017 ance management and bringing eight-team table in this year’s boards said the One Day Inter- team bus was attacked by the two Tests were not an- have refused to tour Pakistan and 2018. in best practices throughout all IPL won by Mumbai Indians.

BOTTOMLINE India put West Indies on back foot in fi rst Test AFP Darren Bravo and Roston Chase Pant for 24, the attacking wick- His three-hour eff ort spanned North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda seeking to build on a fourth- etkeeper-batsman off ering a 112 deliveries and was highlight- wicket partnership that is al- straightforward catch to Holder ed by six fours and one six. ready worth 32 runs. at second slip as India slipped to Campbell stroked a succes- ndia’s bowlers shared the Jadeja had played the key 207 for seven. sion of boundaries at the start spoils in putting the West role in extending India’s fi rst However, any hopes the hosts of the West Indies reply only to Indies on the back foot at innings as they were eventu- entertained of quickly polish- be yorked in the fi rst over from 82 for three in reply to their ally dismissed on the stroke of ing off the tourists’ innings were fi rst-change bowler Shami. Iopponents fi rst innings total lunch, the left-hander playing frustrated by Sharma, who de- Brathwaite’s typically phleg- of 297 at tea on the second day the dominant role as India add- fi ed the West Indies for over an matic occupation of the crease of the fi rst Test at the Sir Viv- ed another 94 runs from their hour in contributing 19 to a 60- ended when Sharma held on to ian Richards Stadium in Antigua overnight position of 203 for six. run eighth-wicket partnership a catch off his own bowling and yesterday. He was last out for 58, top- with Jadeja. Brooks, taking on the challenge of Pacers Mohamed Shami and edging an attempted pull off Sharma’s admirable defi ance batting at number three in his fi rst Ishant Sharma were the fi rst to home captain Jason Holder to was eventually ended though by Test innings, edged an attempted strike in removing openers John give wicketkeeper Shai Hope his a slower delivery from Gabriel and cut at Jadeja for Ajinkya Rahane to Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite fi fth catch of the innings. Shami lasted just one delivery, be- take the comfortable catch on the after a deceptively bright start Kemar Roach was the best of ing caught and bowled by Chase. rebound off wicketkeeper Pant. before Ravindra Jadeja added to the West Indies bowlers with Jadeja was still able to get to what was already an excellent fi gures of four for 66 while fel- the half-century mark, his 11th BRIEF SCORES (at tea): India 297 day for the all-rounder when he low fast bowler Shannon Gabriel in Test cricket, before one at- all out (A. Rahane 81, R. Jadeja 58; claimed the wicket of debutant claimed three for 71. tacking shot too many with last K. Roach 4-66, S. Gabriel 3-71) lead Shamarh Brooks. It was Roach who gave the man Jasprit Bumrah at the other West Indies 82-3 (J. Campbell 23, West Indies will resume in West Indies an ideal start to the end terminated his contribution D. Bravo 18 n.o.; M. Shami 1-17, R. Mohamed Shami (second from left) of India celebrates the dismissal of John Campbell (not pictured) of West the fi nal session of the day with day when he removed Rishabh and the team’s innings. Jadeja 1-17) by 215 runs Indies on the second day of the first Test in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, August 24, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE ‘Stay greedy’: Klopp’s mantra for Liverpool

Liverpool: Liverpool man- Liverpool the true testing ager Juergen Klopp wants his players to “stay greedy” in pursuit of an elusive Premier League title as they prepare for their first big test of the season against Arsenal today. ground for upbeat Arsenal Manchester City edged Liverpool to the title by one point last season but the Merseyside club put the ‘Our target is to reduce the distance to Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea’ disappointment behind them to overcome Tottenham AFP Hotspur in the Champions Liverpool League final in June. They have not taken their foot off the gas at the start of rsenal manager Unai Emery’s the new campaign, winning concession that his side “don’t both their league games on want to play against Liverpool either side of a UEFA Super ever” was hardly the rallying Cup victory over Chelsea. cryA of a confi dent man leading his side “We have to push each other to Anfi eld today. But the Spaniard will and be as a team very angry,” have a much better grasp of what the Klopp said yesterday. Gunners are capable of achieving this “We have to stay greedy season on the journey back home. and we are, I am not in doubt Early summer scepticism around the about that. The best team Emirates after missing out on Cham- spirit in the world is not about pions League football for a third con- just being together. That is secutive season and fans’ discontent what we had — and have — with the level of investment provided and we work on it every day.” by owner Stan Kroenke, has evaporated Ahead of today’s match at thanks to a fruitful end to the transfer Anfield, Arsenal boss Unai window and two wins to start the Pre- Emery joked he would rather mier League season. not play Liverpool this season Emery has more fi repower at his dis- but while it brought a laugh posal with club record £72mn ($87mn) from Klopp, he wants that signing Nicolas Pepe joining Pierre- kind of praise to come after Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre the match. “We want to be the Lacazette in attack. On loan Real Madrid team no-one wants to play midfi elder Dani Ceballos showed his against,” the German added. class with both assists in last weekend’s “You want opponents in the 2-1 win over Newcastle, while David game to think they are too Luiz’s switch across London in the fi - quick, too fast, too greedy nal hours of the window from Chelsea or too angry. What they say provides much-needed cover at cen- before the game is not too tre-back. Arsenal’s defence should also important. You want people improve in the coming months with the at the end to say ‘that was not return of new £25mn left-back Kieran enjoyable today’.” Tierney, Hector Bellerin and Rob Hold- Klopp is hopeful he will not ing from injury. However, they will not have to cope without his com- be fi t in time to try and stop the Euro- manding goalkeeper Alisson pean champions infl icting another rout Becker for much longer with on Emery’s men this weekend. the Brazilian nursing a torn In Arsenal’s last two visits to Anfi eld, calf muscle. Alisson made a the visitors have been humiliated 4-0 huge diff erence to Liver- and 5-1. “When we play against them pool’s defence after a £67mn it is a big challenge to show how we can ($81mn) move from Roma last be,” added Emery. “That is really our season as Klopp’s men won challenge, a really good test. Really our the Champions League and target is to reduce the distance to Liver- came within a point of the pool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal’s prolific striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be joined by Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette in attack. (AFP) club’s first Premier League Chelsea.” title for 29 years. Challenging Liverpool or reigning can do. They’re ready to get to work and That attack has the potential to cause jury to fi rst-choice goalkeeper Alisson problems.” Given Arsenal’s propensity Without him, Liverpool champions Manchester City for the ti- they know what they need to do on be- Liverpool huge problems, particularly Becker has caused disruption with his to concede at Anfi eld, attack may be the have failed to keep a clean tle is not yet expected of Emery, but a half of all of us.” with Jurgen Klopp’s men also struggling understudy Adrian at fault for South- best form of defence. sheet in four games in all return to the Champions League via a Early signs are that Arsenal are a work at the back despite winning their open- ampton’s goal last weekend. competitions so far this top-four fi nish is the minimum require- in progress. Two victories have been ing two Premier League games. Liver- And a higher defensive line has been FIXTURES (1400GMT UNLESS STATED) season with his understudy ment after being backed in the transfer ground out against meagre opposition pool have yet to keep a clean sheet in four blamed for opening up a defence that Today: Norwich v Chelsea (1130), Adrian at fault for Southamp- market. “We know what we need to do; in Newcastle and Burnley by the odd games this season against Manchester kept 20 Premier League clean sheets last ton’s goal in a nervy 2-1 away Brighton v Southampton, Manchester we know there are squads ahead of us goal thanks to Aubameyang’s prowess. City in the Community Shield, Chelsea season. “When I say Liverpool have got win last weekend. “We want United v Crystal Palace, Sheff ield United that are very strong,” Arsenal director Emery could name the Gabon striker, in the UEFA Super Cup and Norwich away with it, the quality they’ve played to give him the time he needs, v Leicester, Watford v West Ham, Liver- Josh Kroenke, told the BBC this week. Lacazette and Pepe in his starting line- and Southampton in the league. They against hasn’t been top class,” former but it looks good. In the be- “We’ve come back with a stronger up together for the fi rst time at Anfi eld, faced 26 shots against Norwich and Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher said. pool v arsenal (1630) ginning he was on crutches, squad than we fi nished with in May in after bedding Pepe in slowly following Southampton alone, whilst Chelsea had “The quality Arsenal have, if Liverpool Tomorrow: Bournemouth v Manchester which is normal with the Baku (after the Europa League fi nal) his participation at the Africa Cup of 20 attempts on goal, more than Liver- get caught in those positions and don’t City (1300), Tottenham v Newcastle, injury he had.” and I’m excited to see what this group Nations this summer. pool faced in any match last season. In- run back, they’re going to have major Wolves v Burnley (both 1530)

BUNDESLIGA FOCUS New signings in the spotlight as Solskjaer to give Pogba another chance from the penalty spot Bayern Munich look to reboot AFP Manchester

le Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to name a Man- chester United penalty taker despite the furore thatO followed Paul Pogba’s miss from the spot against Wolves on Monday that cost the Red Devils top spot in the Premier League. The United manager was criti- cised after Pogba failed to con- vert a penalty for fourth time in a year for United, a week after Rashford continued his perfect penalty record by opening the scoring against Chelsea. Rui Patricio saved from the French World Cup winner as the game ended 1-1, but despite fac- ing criticism for a lack of lead- Bayern Munich players train in Munich yesterday on the eve of their match against Schalke. (AFP) ership, a defi ant Solskjaer said he will continue with a policy of AFP of people want us to play him straight away, teams we used to study. We can expect good having both Pogba and Rashford Berlin but everything needs to be right,” said Ko- defending, good transitions and aggression classed as designated penalty Manchester United’s midfielder Paul Pogba failed to score the vac. The Croatian coach said his compatriot this weekend.” takers. “I’m sure you’re going to penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. (AFP) Perisic had better chances of making a fi rst Bayern will be without the injured Leon see Paul Pogba score a penalty ew loan signings Ivan Perisic and start for Bayern. “Ivan is an option, also for Goretzka, while Jerome Boateng and Jann- for Man United again,” said Sol- panies to do more to protect their not down to me to change it but Philippe Coutinho both hope to the starting eleven. He is at a higher level of Fiete Arp are absent due to illness. skjaer. “Let’s see when we get users and Twitter have agreed there are so many ‘Ole Gunnar make their Bundesliga debuts as fi tness than Philippe,” said Kovac. Two of Germany’s representatives in the next one. We’re practising to meet representatives of the Solskjaers’ on Twitter. I know it’s champions Bayern Munich at- Perisic, 30, joined Bayern on a one-year European competitions will meet tomor- penalties and Marcus and Paul club. Former United defender not me and we’ve got to do some- Ntempt to reboot a rocky start to the season at loan from Inter Milan earlier this month, row, as RB Leipzig host Eintracht Frankfurt, are still on them. Marcus or Paul and England women’s manager thing about it.” Schalke today. Perisic and Coutinho, both of but was forced to sit out the season opener while last year’s fourth-placed team Bayer will score the next one, I’m sure Phil Neville called for players to “What can we do about it as whom arrived in Munich on loan this month, against Hertha Berlin due to a suspension Leverkusen hope to build on their opening they will. We’re disappointed we boycott social media to make a Man United? We’re not going to will be in the squad for the fi rst time as Bay- carried over from Serie A. day win when they visit Fortuna Duessel- didn’t win the game but the talk stance against abuse. ban our players on social media, ern look to pick up their fi rst win of the new That game confi rmed a bumpy start to dorf today. is more diffi cult when you don’t Solskjaer repeated calls plat- we have to spread the good word, season against David Wagner’s Schalke. the new season for Bayern, as they were held get a result. It’s not that I’ve left forms to be policed more rigidly, we can use it to spread good and Coutinho, 27, has been the talk of Ger- to a 2-2 draw and immediately slipped two BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES it to the players, we’ve nomi- but said he will not encourage his have to stop those incidents.” Solskjaer also confi rmed that many since Bayern announced his arrival points behind title rivals Dortmund, who (kick-off times 1330 GMT unless stated): nated two and throughout the players to come off social media. on a one-year loan deal from Barcelona last had beaten them in the German Supercup season you’ll have games where “Paul’s fi ne, Paul’s a strong char- talks are on-going in an eff ort to week. Bayern hope the former Liverpool two weeks previously. Today: Fortuna Duesseldorf v Bayer they are not playing and it’s good acter and it makes him stronger,” offl oad Alexis Sanchez to Inter player can sprinkle some much-needed Under pressure to pick up three points in Leverkusen, Mainz v Borussia Moenchengla- to know they’re there and trusted said Solskjaer. Milan on loan before the Euro- stardust on the German top-fl ight but fans Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, Kovac warned dbach, Augsburg v Union Berlin, Paderborn to take pens.” “When you speak to him he’s pean transfer window closes next may have to wait to see the Brazilian star his side would have to fi ght against a new- v Freiburg, Hoff enheim v Werder Bremen, Pogba’s miss, however, had fi ne and I just cannot believe month. “There are still talks with in action. Coach Niko Kovac confi rmed on look Schalke led by former Huddersfi eld Schalke v Bayern Munich (1630) a far more sinister impact as he we’re still here in 2019 talking some clubs,” added the Norwe- Thursday Coutinho was not yet fi t enough boss Wagner. “It’s the fi rst home game for Tomorrow: RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt, was targeted with racist abuse about these instances. Social gian. “He’s working hard and to play the full 90 minutes, and would start the new coach so they will be motivated,” Hertha Berlin v Wolfsburg (1600) online after the match. United media is a place where people can let’s see in September what’s go- on the bench against Schalke. “I know a lot said Kovac. “Huddersfi eld were one of the have called for social media com- hide behind fake identities, it’s ing to happen.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 24, 2019 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT New-look Juventus Bale has to be the begin Serie A defence without ailing Sarri

AFP since 2010. “Conte’s arrival has Milan brought enthusiasm but above player we know he all, it has raised the bar,” said In- ter defender Danilo D’Ambrosio. uventus begin their Serie “From a mental point of view, A campaign at Parma to- Conte and his staff are winners.” day looking to push their Chinese-owned Inter paid record Scudetto run to nine 65mn euros ($72mn) for Man- butJ with a diff erent style of foot- chester United’s Belgian forward ball under new coach Maurizio Romelu Lukaku. Atletico Madrid is: Real coach Zidane Sarri, who will miss the opening defender Diego Godin has also fi xtures with pneumonia. arrived along with Italian mid- Behind, Napoli and Inter Mi- fi elders Stefano Sensi and Nicolo ‘What has changed is that the player is going to stay, nothing more’ lan are waiting in the wings Barella. Inter are still in talks with hopeful that Sarri’s arrival can Manchester United for Chilean AFP lead to turmoil in Turin and a forward Alexis Sanchez with the Madrid changing of the guard in Italy. transfer window slamming suit Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli have on September 2. Radja Naing- not won the title since 1990 and golan and Ivan Perisic have both inedine Zidane has challenged open at Fiorentina Saturday with left with the confl ict between the Gareth Bale to show why he is still Antonio Conte’s Inter at home to club and former captain Mauro one of the world’s best players as promoted Lecce on Monday. Icardi still not resolved. he continues his reintegration at Like Sarri, Conte last coached Juventus remain favourites, ZReal Madrid. at Chelsea, and along with three- insists Italy coach Roberto Man- Bale, 30, was a surprise inclusion in times Champions League winner cini. “Juve are absolutely the the starting line-up against Celta Vigo Ancelotti, Serie A have a world strongest,” said Mancini who last weekend, when Madrid opened with class coaching setup this season. won three Serie A titles with In- an impressive 3-1 win in La Liga and Bale Juventus start the season with- ter. “Let’s not forget that they was arguably man of the match. out Sarri however who will miss have been winning for eight years Zidane said in July it would be “best for the Parma game and his former and they have again reinforced. I everyone” if Bale left Madrid this sum- club Napoli in Turin on August 31 see Napoli as dangerous, they mer but the Welshman has been eager to with pneumonia. have the same players who have stay and appears to be regaining the con- The 60-year-old is still over- been playing together for years fi dence of his coach. “What has changed seeing training. Sarri has re- while Inter have made four to is that the player is going to stay, nothing placed Massimiliano Allegri fi ve changes and lose important more,” Zidane said in a press conference whose pragmatic style of foot- players like Icardi and Perisic. For yesterday, ahead of today’s game at home ball fell out of favour despite his the moment I would line out in a to Real Valladolid. trophy-laden fi ve years. Juventus row Juve, Napoli and Inter.” “The important thing is the player are targetting a 36th Scudetto Behind are Atalanta, a surprise wants to stay. It’s true that a lot was said but their main objective remains third last season, followed by about him, by me as well, but he is going the Champions League which AC Milan, Lazio and Roma. The to stay. He is a great player, he has shown they have not won since 1996. side from Bergamo play at SPAL that before and he has to show it again. He After splashing out on Cris- with AC Milan at Udinese with has to be the player we know that he is.” tiano Ronaldo last season Juven- Roma hosting Genoa. Lazio start Bale’s start in Vigo came after Eden tus have again reinforced with at home against Sampdoria, now Hazard sustained a thigh injury in training midfi elders Aaron Ramsey and coached by former Romer boss and it remains to be seen if he can keep his Adrien Rabiot and Dutch de- Eusebio Di Francesco. Promoted place when the Belgian returns after the fender Matthijs De Ligt. “Sarri Brescia head for Cagliari with international break. “Bale played well the has prepared us well and gave us new signing Mario Balotelli sit- other day, a great match overall but also his philosophy,” said former Par- ting out a four-match ban, with his level defensively was very high,” said is Saint-Germain midfi elder Ra- Verona at home against Bologna. Zidane. “He worked hard and we have to biot. “I’m managing to create an continue in this way, Gareth, everyone, excellent affi nity with Cristiano FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) they are all going to be important.” Ronaldo, because he also plays Today: Parma v Juventus (1700); The transfer window in Spain does on the left. Training with him al- Fiorentina v Napoli (1945) not close until September 2 and Zidane lows me to improve myself a lot was asked about the future of goalkeeper and his presence is very good for Tomorrow: Udinese v AC Milan Keylor Navas, as well as Real Madrid’s the group.” (1700), Cagliari v Brescia, SPAL v pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker In Milan, Conte, who led Ju- Atalanta, Roma v Genoa, Verona Neymar. Barcelona and Madrid are both Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (centre) during a training session with teammates in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) ventus to the fi rst three in their v Bologna, Sampdoria v Lazio, chasing Neymar but neither have agreed series of eight titles, has also Torino v Sassuolo (all 1945) a deal with PSG, who reportedly set Barca circumstances, Messi might have left it blame, suspicion about his style and suit- if Barcelona are yet to agree a deal with been given money to spend to On Monday: Inter Milan v Lecce a deadline of Friday to present a suitable another week, having missed the whole of ability always bubbling under the surface, Paris Saint-Germain. The prospect of give Inter a fi rst Serie A title (1945) off er. pre-season with a calf injury he sustained despite the fact he is hoping to become Real Madrid jumping in too, surely plays “The players I have are the ones that in his fi rst training session back. But after the fi rst Barca coach since Pep Guardiola on the mind of president Josep Maria are here. Everything else, anything can re-joining his teammates on Wednes- to win three La Liga titles in a row. Bartomeu. happen until September 2. Some can ar- day, the temptation will be to put Messi When Messi tweaked his calf, it was as- Atletico Madrid made a winning start rive, some can go,” Zidane said. “For that straight to work, to lift the mood and sumed an attacking roster of Luis Suarez, too, at home to Getafe, even if a slightly reason I can’t wait for September 2 so you minimise the chances of what would be a Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dem- nervy 1-0 win felt rather familiar, de- won’t ask me about this anymore.” disastrous second slip in La Liga. bele would cope. spite a handful of attacking signings this Navas has lost out to Thibaut Cour- One defeat, by Athletic Bilbao inside Instead, Suarez and Dembele both summer, including the hugely talented tois in the battle for the number one a bouncing San Mames on the opening picked up strains against Bilbao while Joao Felix. Still, Getafe were arguably the goalkeeper spot and the Costa Rican is night and infl icted by a freakishly bril- Griezmann delivered the sort of hesitant toughest opponent to break down last believed to be seeking a move before the liant bicycle kick in the 89th minute, display to suggest he may also need time season. Atletico might have more joy to- window closes. “He has not told me he might ordinarily have been accepted as to adapt. “This league is hard,” Griez- day away at Leganes. wants to leave,” Zidane said. “I am not a blip. “San Mames is always a diffi cult mann said. “We have to bounce back.” contemplating him leaving, not at all. place to play,” said Gerard Pique. “When Another muscle injury for Dembele, FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) He is here, he wants to be here and he is you’re not at your best, they make you his fi fth in two years at Barcelona, is a working in that way. He has always been look stupid.” concern, especially after the 22-year-old Today: Osasuna v Eibar (1500), Real professional.” Yet memories of Barcelona’s capitula- reportedly took time off in France instead Madrid v Real Valladolid (1700), Celta Vigo tion in May remain fresh. The humiliation of undergoing medical tests. It all means v Valencia (1900), Getafe v Athletic Club TROUBLED BARCELONA LOOK in the Champions League and submission Messi’s return carries added urgency, (1900) TO MESSI FOR INSPIRATION in the fi nal of the Copa del Rey mean this even if it remains more likely the Argen- Tomorrow: Alaves v Espanyol (1500), Meanwhile, Lionel Messi could be ready to team and, in particular, their coach begin tinian will come off the bench at Camp Mallorca v Real Sociedad (1500), Leganes play against Real Betis tomorrow and Bar- the season very much on the back foot. Nou than be named in the starting line- v Atletico Madrid (1700), Barcelona v Real celona could do with him back. In other Ernesto Valverde is never far from up. The lure of Neymar also grows, even Betis (1900) Juventus’ coach Maurizio Sarri is suff ering from pneumonia. (AFP)

FOCUS LIGUE 1 Spanish striker Torres retires Nice set to shake up French football Reuters AFP turned to Ligue 1 with Monaco Madrid Paris after being among the top scor- ers in Spain last season with Sevilla. The 2017 champions pain’s World Cup-win- he long mooted takeo- signed Ben Yedder in a deal ning striker Fernando ver of Nice by English worth a reported 40mn euros Torres ended a glittering petrochemical billion- ($44.7mn) but his career with 18-year career yesterday aire Jim Ratcliff e is all the principality club started withS his fi nal match for J-League Tbut complete, and the question badly, as Monaco lost 3-0 at club Sagan Tosu. Torres, 35, hung now is whether he can turn the Metz last week on the back of a up his boots following a 6-1 de- club into regular challengers in 3-0 defeat against Lyon in their feat by a Vissel Kobe side featur- Ligue 1. The 66-year-old Rat- fi rst outing. They host Nimes ing former Spain teammates An- cliff e, chairman of Ineos, bought today and need Ben Yedder to dres Iniesta and David Villa. the Sky cycling team earlier this make his mark quickly, along After the game at a packed Eki- year before rebranding it as with fellow new attacking re- mae Real Estate Stadium, Torres, Team Ineos. He also owns Swiss cruits Henry Onyekuru and Is- who also played for his boyhood club Lausanne-Sport. lam Slimani. His arrival comes club Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, The French Competition Au- with Radamel Falcao’s future at Chelsea and AC Milan, received could understand the true pas- League, Europa League and FA thority this week cleared the the club uncertain. The Colom- a video tribute from former An- sion shared by everyone at this Cup with Chelsea plus the Eu- path for Ratcliff e — a Brexit bian is believed to want to join fi eld teammate Steven Gerrard. club, that there is a dream for the ropa league with Atletico but was backer based in Monaco — to Galatasaray, making Ben Yed- “Congratulations on an future and a great plan,” Torres at his most prolifi c for Liverpool complete the takeover of Nice Under former France and Arsenal star Patrick Vieira, Nice’s young der’s presence all the more im- incredible career. I used to love said. where he scored 81 goals in 142 from their Sino-American own- team have started this season with two wins from two. (AFP) portant. playing with you, sharing the “To my teammates, from the games. In a letter published in ers. Beyond Ratcliff e’s own mo- dressing room with you,” Gerrard moment I fi rst arrived, you wel- Spanish daily El Mundo, Iniesta tivations, there is no doubt Nice — to avoid a clash with the G7 signing from Ajax. The hope is FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) comed me with open arms. I wrote that it was “beautifully summit in Biarritz. he will provide the goals Nice so said. “I wish we could go back to are a club with great poten- Today: Amiens v Nantes, Angers those days... knowing you could thank you. Last year when we strange” that life “brought us all tial, based on the sun-soaked That fl ying start has been desperately lacked last season, v Metz, Brest v Reims, Dijon v run behind defenders and I could were under great pressure (of rel- the way to Japan to say goodbye. Cote d’Azur and with a modern achieved despite Nice not but it is likely to take some time Bordeaux (all 1800 GMT) fi nd you with passes, and you egation), you remained positive. I “Football brought us together 36,000-seat stadium. bringing in any senior signings, before Vieira’s team are compet- turning all my bad passes into am grateful for your eff orts.” more than 20 years ago, when we On-fi eld performances have but all that is set to change with ing for Champions League qual- Tomorrow: Monaco v Nimes good passes. They’re the days I Torres, who scored over 100 were children. Well, you will al- already improved in recent Ineos now arriving. “The takeo- ifi cation. Nevertheless, Nice (1300 GMT), Strasbourg v Rennes miss.” goals for Atletico in two spells, ways be El Nino. And it will never years, peaking with a third- ver has maybe taken longer than supporters will hope Ratcliff e’s (1500 GMT), Paris Saint-Germain Torres, who will be an adviser made his Spain debut in 2003 separate us,” added the former place fi nish in 2017. Under expected. It has been diffi cult money can help them compete v Toulouse (1900 GMT) to the Japanese club, thanked and got the winner in the Euro Barcelona midfi elder. “We be- former France star Patrick Viei- to make signings,” complained for success over the long term On Tuesday: Montpellier v Lyon the crowd in a speech, and spoke 2008 fi nal against Germany be- gan away from spotlights and ra, a young side have started this Vieira recently. in a French football landscape (1700 GMT) of his admiration for the Sagan fore helping them win their fi rst cameras until we came to share season with two wins from two One new face set to join is dominated by the likes of Qatar- Tosu team that avoided relega- World Cup in 2010 and retain the thousands of experiences before before hosting Marseille next Kasper Dolberg, with reports in owned Paris Saint-Germain and On Wednesday: Lille v Saint- tion from the J-League last year. Euro title in 2012. winning a World Cup for our Wednesday in a fi xture that is France stating the young Den- Russian-owned Monaco. Etienne (1700 GMT), Nice v “Starting with the president, I He won the Champions country.” one of three moved — bizarrely mark forward is on the brink of Forward Ben Yedder has re- Marseille (1900 GMT) Gulf Times Saturday, August 24, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Syndergaard tosses six shutout innings in win over Indians Pitcher strikes out five, walks none, throws 73 pitches and improves to 6-1 in his last seven home starts

Reuters New York MLB RESULTS Los Angeles Dodgers 3 bt Toronto oah Syndergaard retired the Blue Jays 2; Chicago Cubs 1 bt fi rst 16 hitters and allowed San Francisco Giants 0; New York two hits over six dominant Mets 2 bt Cleveland Indians 0 (8 innings as the New York innings); Oakland Athletics 5 bt NMets withstood two rain delays and New York Yankees 3; Tampa Bay completed a three-game sweep of the Rays 5 bt Baltimore Orioles 2; Chicago visiting Cleveland Indians with a rain- White Sox 6 bt Texas Rangers 1; shortened 2-0 victory on Thursday Washington Nationals 7 bt Pittsburgh night. Syndergaard’s bid for New York’s 1; Boston Red Sox 5 bt Kansas City second no-hitter in team history end- Royals 4 (10 innings); St. Louis ed when Tyler Naquin singled up the middle in the sixth inning. He allowed Cardinals 6 bt Colorado Rockies 5; a two-out single to Francisco Lindor Houston Astros 6 bt Detroit Tigers 3; but with runners at fi rst and second, Atlanta Braves 3 bt Miami Marlins 2 Syndergaard retired Greg Allen on a grounder to fi rst baseman Pete Alonso, pitched a scoreless inning apiece. Se- who made a diving stop. wald was credited with his third career Before losing his perfect-game bid, save. The Indians concluded a 2-5 trip Syndergaard (9-6) had some defensive through New York against the Yankees help from left fi elder JD Davis on a ball and Mets. Cleveland is the fourth team hit by Allen in the fourth. Allen hit a fl y to play consecutive series against the ball that appeared it would land in front Yankees and Mets on the same road trip. of the warning track, but Davis ran Cleveland also lost for the seventh time back, extended himself and made an in nine games overall and dropped 3 1/2 over-the-shoulder catch for the second games behind the Minnesota Twins in out of the fourth. the AL Central. Cleveland starter Aaron Syndergaard struck out fi ve, walked Civale allowed two runs on four hits in none, threw 73 pitches and improved to 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three and 6-1 in his last seven home starts. Wil- walked none. son Ramos had a two-run double in the fourth that gave the Mets a 2-0 lead and DODGERS EARN SECOND extended his hitting streak to 16 games. STRAIGHT WALKOFF WIN It is the longest streak by a Met since Meanwhile, Corey Seager tied the game Carlos Beltran also had a 16-game hit- with a two-run double and Enrique ting streak in 2009. The Mets won their Hernandez capped a second straight fi fth in a row and improved to 27-10 walk-off win with an RBI single Thurs- since the All-Star break, the best mark day night as the Los Angeles Dodg- in the majors. ers rallied in the bottom of the ninth New York also improved to 13-1 in to stun the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 and its last 14 home games in front of a complete a three-game sweep. New York Mets’ Noah Syndergaard pitches crowd that was hanging on every pitch The comeback occurred after Blue during the MLB match against Cleveland Indians Syndergaard threw. Syndergaard did Jays rookie Jacob Waguespack and two in New York on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) not return after heavy rain and winds relievers had combined on a one-hit pelted the fi eld as the Mets batted in the shutout through eight innings, with sixth. The game was halted as Ramos Toronto using just four hits, including a double to Cody Bellinger. San Francisco. Anthony Rizzo’s two- He struck out seven. The 29-year- run and give Atlanta a win over visiting batted with a runner on fi rst and the solo home run by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Seager followed with his game-tying out single scored Jason Heyward in the old allowed just one Giant to reach Miami. Hechavarria started the inning delay lasted two hours, 28 minutes. to claim a 2-0 lead. hit, and three pitches later, Hernandez fourth inning with the game’s only run, scoring position, that coming in the with a double to left fi eld against Ryne The game was halted for a second With closer Ken Giles unavailable ended it with a blooper to center fi eld. sending the Cubs to their fi fth straight second inning when Brandon Belt Stanek. Hechavarria advanced to third time after Amed Rosario singled in the because he was put on paternity leave In another match, Kyle Hendricks win. Chicago had two hits in the fourth lashed a one-out double. on a long fl y ball by pinch-hitter Char- eighth. After a delay of 36 minutes, the earlier in the day, Derek Law (0-2) outduelled Jeff Samardzija in a battle — and none the rest of the game. Hen- Meanwhile, Ronald Acuna Jr. singled lie Culberson and scored on Acuna’s game was called. walked Max Muncy to open the ninth of right-handers, and Chicago com- dricks (9-9) went seven innings, allow- with two out in the ninth to drive home hit. It was the Braves’ third walkoff win Jeurys Familia and Paul Sewald and, after getting one out, allowed a pleted a three-game sweep of visiting ing three hits and no walks. Adeiny Hechavarria with the winning over the Marlins this season.

FOCUS BASKETBALL WORLD CUP Capitals’ Kuznetsov given USA urged to improve defence by coach AFP tipping off on August 31. half. But one thing we did do Melbourne Veteran San Antonio Spurs was board the whole game. We four-year international ban mastermind Popovich said hit the boards hard, and that’s the Patty Mills-led Austral- been a little bit of a problem for Reuters nited States bas- ians were a tough team to play, us. So, it was nice to see us do Washington ketball coach Gregg running a fast off ence that was well in that regard.” Popovich says his hard to guard against. He was also pleased with team has to improve “They do a great job moving how the world number one ashington Capi- Uits defence and communica- and cutting. We’ll watch the team reacted after letting their tals centre Evgeny tion ahead of the World Cup fi lm, and I think we’ll learn a lead slip, going on a 10-0 spree Kuznetsov has despite an impressive 102-86 lot from what we had to guard. early on the third quarter to re- been suspended victory over Australia. The I give them a lot of credit, re- gain control and comfortably Wfrom international hockey for reigning world champions ally impressive,” he said. close out the game. four years after a positive test for posted a 31-point third quar- The Americans ended the “One of our big mantras has cocaine at the 2019 IIHF World ter on the back of a barrage of fi rst quarter 22-20 in front and been composure and poise. Championships on May 26. The three-pointers to overwhelm despite racing to an 11-point Things are going the other International Ice Hockey Federa- the Boomers on Thursday advantage in the second, they way in some games, and the tion announced the suspension evening after a tight fi rst half. allowed the Boomers to trim way you respond to that is re- on Friday, although the ban for- Kemba Walker sank 23 the margin to just one point, ally the measure of how you are mally took eff ect on June 13, 2019. points, the Indiana Pacers’ 44-43, at the half-way mark. going to do,” he said. “So that Kuznetsov, 27, will be eligible Myles Turner added 15 with “Our transition defence was was a real downer, the end of to return to international play on 14 rebounds while Utah Jazz poor, and they got three 3s in a the second quarter. So to come June 12, 2023, meaning he can- star Donovan Mitchell scored row and that’s what happened out in the third quarter with not participate for his homeland, 13 with three assists in front of down the stretch in the second that sort of focus was impres- Russia, in the 2022 Winter Ol- 51,000 fans in Melbourne. quarter,” he said. sive and tells me a lot about ympics. The ban doesn’t apply to Team USA is missing a host “Every coach moans and the group.” The two teams play his status with the Capitals. of top NBA names who have groans about transition de- each other again in Melbourne Under the NHL and NHLPA’s opted out of the World Cup, fence. It’s a game of mis- today, before the United States joint Substance Abuse and Be- and the squad is still gelling as takes. But our communication face Canada in Sydney next havioral Health Program, players they target a sixth world crown wasn’t great in the fi rst half in week ahead of their departure are not suspended for positive US coach Gregg Popovich. (AFP) in China, with the tournament transition, better in the second for China. tests for marijuana or cocaine. Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy com- missioner, said the league is aware of the positive test and the AUSTRALIA CONSUMER WATCHDOG PROBING US GAME sanction. “Cocaine is not considered Melbourne: Australia’s consumer watch- to whether there’s been any breaches of James and Steph Curry in their marketing a performance enhancing drug dog has launched an investigation into the Act in relation to this event.” eff orts only for them to skip the games. and is therefore not a Prohib- Thursday’s basketball World Cup warm-up A crowd of 51,218 paid ticket prices rang- Actor Russell Crowe was among specta- ited Substance under the NHL/ view his conduct prior to the something I take so much pride game between the United States and Aus- ing from A$69.90 ($47) for the cheapest tors left cold by the views of the raised NHLPA Performance Enhancing opening of training camp next in. Not being able to put that tralia in Melbourne following hundreds of children’s seats up to well over a thousand court at the venue, which is mostly used Substances Program,” Daly said month. The Capitals said they sweater on for four years is very complaints from disgruntled spectators. dollars for premium, courtside seats to see for top flight Australian Rules football in a league-released statement. will continue to support Kuznet- hard to take,” Kuznetsov said. Fans, already miff ed by the absence of the Olympic champions beat Australia 102- matches. “$1500 a ticket for this view. AUS “Instead, it is considered a sov but were disappointed by his “I have disappointed so many elite NBA players, expressed outrage on 86. Promoters TEG Live and Basketball Aus- v USA. Jokes on me,” Crowe wrote on Twit- drug of abuse that is tested for actions. people that are important to me, social media over seating arrangements at tralia, the sport’s national governing body, ter, describing the event as a “farce” and and for which intervention, eval- “We are committed to ensur- including my family, teammates Docklands stadium where many were left conceded “some fans” felt their “expecta- posting a photo showing a restricted view uation and mandatory treatment ing he has the necessary sup- and friends.... I feel absolutely with restricted views despite paying top tions weren’t met” by their purchased seats of the court. “If you weren’t among 50,000 can occur in appropriate cases. port required to work through terrible for letting you down. I dollar for tickets. but said feedback was strongly positive. there and you chose to watch it on tv at Here, we understand that Mr. this situation. We will remain in realize that the only way I can The Australian Competition and Con- “We appreciate that it was a diff erent home, good decision.” Kuznetsov has voluntarily sought contact with the NHL as they de- win you back is to take ownership sumer Commission (ACCC) said it was viewing experience than many basketball Fans who paid hundreds dollars for pre- help through the education and termine the next steps. Because of my situation and my actions probing the event and would address fans are used to because the event was mium tickets at ground level at Docklands counseling program provided for of the sensitive nature surround- from this point forward.” seating concerns with organisers before staged within a traditional football sta- were sat on plastic chairs cable-tied to- in the NHL and NHLPA collec- ing this matter, there will be no Kuznetsov, 27, is under con- the second match between the teams at dium,” they said in a joint statement. gether with no elevation to view the court, tive bargaining agreement and further comment from us at this tract with the Capitals through the same venue on Saturday. “We take They added that 200 of the 11,000 fans which was raised nearly a metre from the has agreed to a regular testing time,” a team statement said. the 2024-25 season after signing allegations of misleading behaviour very who had purchased floor seating to Thurs- ground. “I paid $162 per seat to be in the protocol relating to his involve- In a statement released by the an eight-year, $62.4mn contract seriously and the penalties for breaching day’s game were relocated promptly while gods watching a b-grade @usabasketball ment with that program.” Capitals, Kuznetsov said he had in 2017. In fi ve-plus seasons with the Act are significant,” ACCC Chairman only two refunds were requested. Organis- vs @BasketballAus match,” wrote one Twit- The statement also said that accepted the IIHF penalty. “Rep- the Capitals, he has appeared in Rod Sims told reporters in Sydney. “... we ers were already under scrutiny for using ter user next to a picture showing the court Kuznetsov will meet with Com- resenting my country has always 416 games, scoring 337 points have an active investigation under way as high-profile NBA players such as LeBron far away. missioner Gary Bettman to re- been so close to my heart and (101 goals, 236 assists). Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 24, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY ATHLETICS Lyles ‘shocked’ Cheika names by Coleman’s missed tests

AFP face an automatic ban. Pocock, uncapped “I’ve been shocked. You don’t Paris expect anybody to be missing three,” said Lyles ahead of Satur- oah Lyles said he was day’s Diamond League meeting “shocked” by fellow in Paris. “You don’t know why. It American sprinter could be a multitude of things so Christian Coleman’s I don’t know.” Nthree missed drugs test which Any suspension of Coleman Petaia in WC squad have left the world champion- would represent another body- ship 100m favourite facing a pos- blow against athletics just as the Openside flanker Hooper will captain the Wallabies for the second World Cup sible suspension. sport attempts to move on from The 22-year-old Lyles, who the Russian doping scandal. Reuters snatched headlines by running a Coleman, the world record Sydney, Australia world-leading 19.50 seconds in holder over 60m and world the 200 metres at the Lausanne indoor 60m champion, has Diamond League event last emerged as the most likely suc- n upbeat Michael month, said it was “none of his cessor to Usain Bolt following Cheika said he had no business” when asked whether the Jamaican sprint king’s retire- concerns about the fi t- or not he thinks Coleman is a ment in 2017. ness of David Pocock clean athlete. Lyles insisted he would focus afterA naming the loose forward Britain’s Daily Mail and The on his own racing. in his World Cup squad yes- Times newspapers reported that “You gotta know what you’re terday but the Australia coach Coleman, a late withdrawal from doing is clean,” he said. “I know would not be drawn on how he last Sunday’s Diamond League what I’m doing is clean and keep planned to use him. meeting in Birmingham, is chal- hoping that everybody is doing Barring the inclusion of un- lenging one of the three alleged the same thing.” capped teenager Jordan Petaia as “whereabouts” failures in the Coleman, 23, took 100m sil- a midfi eld option, there were no past 12 months. ver at the 2017 worlds in London surprises in the squad that will Athletes who fail to make behind Justin Gatlin, but his par- take on Wales, Fiji, Uruguay and themselves available for three ticipation in this year’s champi- Georgia in the pool stage at the drug tests are treated the same as onships in Doha, which start on global showpiece in Japan. athletes who fail a drug test and September 28, is now in doubt. Despite that, Cheika said the Wallabies would be making a virtue of unpredictability as they bid for a second straight fi nal and third title at the Sept 20-Nov 2 tournament. “We’ll be a little bit unpre- dictable, that’s been a little bit of our theme this year, if we don’t know what we’re doing no one will know what we’re doing,” he told reporters. “It’s a bit of joke line for us but I think today in rugby there’s a lot of ‘by the numbers’ strategy. I think we’re working on more of a principles strategy.” Openside fl anker Michael Hooper will captain the Walla- bies for the second World Cup and the party boasts 1,406 caps of test experience, 200 more than in 2015. Adam Ashley-Cooper ac- counts for 112 of those and is set to become only the second Aus- SPOTLIGHT tralian after George Gregan to play at four World Cups. It was a reward, Cheika said, for what the 35-year-old Laidlaw urges ailing brought to the squad as a leader, Australia coach Michael Cheika (right) talks to captain Michael Hooper during the World Cup squad announcement in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) particularly in defence, and his ability to play in various posi- Cheika said. “I think there’s a decision and play one one match Wright and Tom Banks until af- SQUAD: Forwards — Allan Scotland to lift tions across the backline. couple of players who were just a and one the other. We’ll just look ter Australia’s fi nal warm-up. Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam With fullback Israel Folau no little bit short (of fi tness so were at the Fiji game and decide what’s Cheika said centre Petaia, 19, Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau longer available after his sack- not included).” best for that and go from there.” had been unfortunate to miss out Fainga’a, Michael Hooper (cap- performance ing earlier this year over reli- Pocock, usually an openside As in 2015, Cheika named only on making his test debut last No- tain), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi gious social media posts, there fl anker, played alongside cap- two scrumhalf options in Nic vember because of injury and had Naisarani, David Pocock, Izack are now few Australia players tain Hooper in what became White and Will Genia and would impressed him with his “durabil- Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan against France who would be in contention for known as the “Pooper” back not be drawn on who would be ity and ability to learn fast”. Salakaia-Loto, Scott Sio, James a World Select XV. row to great eff ect at the last his emergency halfback option, “I see so much potential Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Pocock at his peak would World Cup but Cheika was non- a position fi lled by the now re- there, it’s just a question of get- Uelese; Backs — Adam Ashley- have been an automatic pick committal on whether he would tired Matt Giteau four years ago. ting some of that out over the Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard and Cheika said he was certain reprise the unorthodox line-up. He included three hookers in next month.” Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett- the 31-year-old was ready to go “I don’t like those merged Tolu Latu, Folau Fainga’a and Australia face Samoa in their Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu despite having played almost no names,” he laughed. Jordan Uelese but there was no fi nal warm-up in Sydney on Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita rugby since last November be- “That’s the decision isn’t it? place for Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sept 7 and open their Pool D Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, cause of a calf injury. Michael’s the captain so it’s ei- who will stay in camp along with campaign against Fiji in Sapporo James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, “I’m defi nitely confi dent,” ther them together or we make a Luke Jones, Rob Valetini, Liam on Sept 21. Matt Toomua, Nic White

BOTTOMLINE

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw (left) and teammate Finn Russell take Warholm races to break hurdles world record part in a training session in Edinburgh yesterday. (AFP) Reuters “The boys that have been giv- AFP London en the honour to pull on the jer- Paris sey, it’s up to them now to deliver a performance. They are really cotland captain Greig focussed to put in a strong per- orwegian world cham- Laidlaw has urged his formance against a strong French pion Karsten Warholm teammates to forget their team.” has his sights set on lacklustre performance Scotland still have home and breaking the 400 me- againstS France in Nice last week- away fi xtures against Georgia Ntre hurdles world record as he end as they prepare to host the before they leave for Japan, and heads to Paris to compete in the same opponents at Murrayfi eld Laidlaw said it is important to Diamond League today. today. fi nd that winning feeling again. The hurdles mark of 46.78sec, Scotland were well beaten “It’s all about results and we set by Kevin Young of the USA at 32-3 on the French south coast, want to win. Leading up to a the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, is but have an immediate chance World Cup it’s important to get one of the oldest in the book. for revenge on home soil as they some momentum in the last In the 2018 Paris meet, former desperately seek some momen- three warm-up games,” he said. world champion Abderrahman tum going into the World Cup in The return of fi rst-choice fl y- Samba of Qatar became only Japan next month. half Finn Russell after he missed the second man to run the event The Scots have lost four and last weekend’s test is a major in under 47 seconds, clocking drawn one of their last fi ve tests, boost for the side, according to 46.98. and looked ragged in all depart- Laidlaw. American Rai Benjamin ments against a vastly superior “He brings out the best in me showed the world his tal- France a week ago. and hopefully I do the same for ent when he ran 47.02 in the Coach Gregor Townsend has him. We have worked well in the 400 hurdles at the 2018 NCAA made 14 changes for the match, past to drive the team forward championships. The time tied with only fullback Stuart Hogg and that’s what we hope to do to- him with all-time great Ed Mo- retaining his place in the start- morrow so we can get some quick ses for the third-fastest 400 ing XV, and a debut for New Zea- ball,” the scrumhalf added. hurdles of all time. In this June 30, 2018, picture, Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba (right) is on his way to become only the second man to run the 400m hurdles in land-born number eight Blade “If I can get it out to Finn, he Warholm, renowned for his under 47 seconds, ahead of British Virgin Islands’ Kyron McMaster and Norway’s Karsten Warholm (left) in Paris. (Reuters) Thomson. is one of the best in the world. exuberant post-race celebra- “The boys have fronted up well With his skill set and his mind- tions, broke the European record taking the world title in 2017. Spikes magazine: “It doesn’t years to his unconventional together, and we share the same this week and we understand it set, he’s been excellent this week in front of his home fans at the Samba, Benjamin and matter if it’s a PB or a bad race, coach of four years, Leif Olav humour.” wasn’t an acceptable perform- in driving the team and I’m look- Oslo Diamond League this June Warholm trio are threatening to whatever, I always analyse it, Alnes. In an interview featur- He added: “For me it was a ance, but we’re not going to get ing forward to taking to the fi eld in 47.33sec. fi nally smash the record 27 years and I always try to fi nd new ways ing photos of Warholm taking perfect match... I really appre- that game back so our focus with him.” He improved it to 47.12 in later as they battle to take the to make it better.” a tied-up Alnes hostage with a ciate the honesty... tough love is needs to turn to this one and it Scotland are in Pool A at the London last month, on the track world title in Doha next month. The Norwegian attributes water pistol, he said: “We mock the perfect way to describe our did pretty early in the week,” World Cup along with Ireland, where he burst onto the scene by Warholm told the IAAF’s much of his success in recent each other, we have a lot of fun relationship.” Laidlaw told reporters yesterday. Japan, Russia and Samoa. Gulf Times 7 Saturday, August 24, 2019 SPORT

GOLF LPGA American Park seizes Canadian Thomas shares Open advantage Tour lead despite low-key start Thomas was grateful for the unique staggered scoring system, which aff orded him a headstart at 10-under-par thanks to his top seeding as FedEx Cup points leader

AFP had grabbed the clubhouse lead Toronto, Canada on 66. Henderson was joined in sec- ond by Thailand’s Pajaree An- merican Annie Park annarukarn, Denmark’s Nicole fi red an eagle and seven Broch Larsen, South Korean Ko birdies in a seven-un- Jin-young and fellow Canadian der par 65 on Thursday Anne-Catherine Tanguay. toA grab a one-shot lead in the LP- Park made the turn at four- GA’s Canadian Women’s Open, under after her eagle at the ninth, where she’s hoping to stake a and birdies at 11, 12, 14 and 15 had claim to a Solheim Cup berth. her aiming to improve on her “Defi nitely a lot of pressure previous career-best low round coming into this week just think- of 63. ing about Solheim right after this But she cooled off a bit with event,” Park said of the women’s her second bogey of the day at match play showdown between the 17th. the United States and Europe. “Hopefully maybe tomorrow “If I want something I try re- or this week or someday I can ally hard to get it,” said Park, who break my own personal record,” wants to make a fi rst US Solheim she said. Although Henderson Cup team. didn’t fi nish the day in the lead, Her fi rst LPGA title at the it was an assured start to the ShopRite Classic last year helped 21-year-old’s title defence. boost her chances, but it will “It’s nice to be in a position come down to her performance where I had a good round, every- this week in the last qualifying thing seemed to go right for me,” event for the US team. she said after fi ring seven birdies Park made a good start at and one bogey in her 66. Magna Golf Club near Toronto, “Hopefully I can continue to where her course record 65 car- stick to my game plan, make a lot ried her past defending cham- of birdies, and I would love to be pion Brooke Henderson, who in this position on Sunday.”

TENNIS Wang, Siniakova survive early scares Justin Thomas of the United States reacts on the 18th green during the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reuters in Atlanta. Third seed Koepka three-footers and it could have two short putts. I hit them right system. This time he might need to advance to semis Atlanta birdied three of the last four been a lot worse. where I wanted.” the best score and then some, holes to card 67 and Schauff ele The runaway winner of last World number one Koepka after starting as the eighth seed, Reuters ing in the fi rst set,” the Chinese had a 64, the day’s best round by Sunday’s BMW Championship said it had been “weird” teeing six strokes behind Thomas. New York player told reporters. “In the ustin Thomas missed two two strokes. said he had paid a price for his off three shots from the lead on Schauff ele could have enjoyed second set, I started again, so I short putts in a mediocre Americans Thomas, Koepka slight inaccuracy off the tee, the fi rst day, but thinks the tour- the sole lead, but he missed found my way.” even-par 70 on the fi rst and Schauff ele led the 30-man even if his misses were not very nament will feel more normal a fi ve-foot birdie at the last, op seed Wang Qiang and Blinkova did not face a break day at the Tour Champi- fi eld by one stroke from North- far off line. from now on. which left him fi red up. fi fth ranked Katerina point in the fi rst set but Wang onshipJ on Thursday but ended ern Irishman Rory McIlroy (66). “The diff erence between fair- He found some confi dence on “As weird as it sounds, I’m Siniakova both had to turned the tables in the second, the round tied for the lead with The winner on Sunday will way and rough out here... is so the greens by sinking a 25-footer happy I missed that last putt so battle back from a set winning fi ve games in a row after fellow Americans Brooks Koep- receive $15mn, the sport’s big- huge,” he said. at the fourth and then almost I’m not super satisfi ed with the Tdown to beat unseeded oppo- going up a break. In the fi nal set, ka and Xander Schauff ele. gest payout. “To come in the house at holed his approach shot at the round,” he said. nents and advance to the Bronx Blinkova saved two match points Thomas was grateful for the Thomas was grateful for his 10-under feels pretty good. I next for a tap-in birdie. “I’ll go out tomorrow with a Open semi-fi nals on Thursday. with Wang serving at 5-3 but the unique staggered scoring sys- lofty position after fi nding the thought I played better than I “I don’t know how it missed,” little bit of vengeance.” Wang failed to win a game in top seed set up three more on tem, which aff orded him a head- punishing rough several times, scored. he joked. McIlroy also missed a short the opening set against Russia’s her opponent’s serve in the next start at 10-under-par thanks and also pushing his tee shot “I played a lot of good golf the Joint leader Schauff ele won birdie putt at the last, leaving Anna Blinkova before storming game to clinch the win. to his top seeding as FedEx Cup into water for double-bogey on last fi ve or six holes other than the 2017 Tour Championship by himself with a fi ve-foot come- back to win 0-6 6-1 6-4 in 90 Wang will play Italy’s Camila points leader entering the sea- the par-three 15th. that dumb mistake on 15. shooting the best score over 72 back attempt that was almost as minutes. Giorgi, who beat France’s Alize son-ending event at East Lake Add in a couple of missed “I still can’t believe those holes under the regular scoring long as the fi rst. He made it. “I didn’t have too much feel- Cornet 6-2 6-1.

BOTTOMLINE Barty heads to New York to do some damage Reuters “I’m comfortable in my own skin, Sydney Yes, the purple patch of form comfortable with my team,” added that won her a maiden Grand Barty, who has taken to using plural Slam crown, her fi rst Premier pronouns to discuss her game so as No worries” is one of Australia’s title at Miami and the Birming- to include her all-important support more notable contributions to ham tournament in the fi rst fi ve staff . the English language but Ash months of the year did eventu- “And obviously when we play our Barty has preferred the mantra ally come to an end best tennis, I think we can do damage ““no panic stations” over the last few in tournaments and be at the latter weeks as she hit the American hard- But for Barty it has all been a learn- stages of tournaments, which is what courts to prepare for the US Open. ing experience as she looks to get back we are after. Along with the sort of meteoric into her stride after taking the best “I think (the) most exciting thing rise Barty enjoyed when she won the part of a month off in the wake of last- is we are learning and growing every French Open in June comes a corre- 16 exit at Wimbledon. week.” sponding frenzy at any subsequent “I think at times I played some good Fears that Barty could disappear into setback, as if every defeat was the start stuff . At times I played some pretty the pack just as quickly as she emerged of a catastrophic spiral back down to awful stuff ,” she said after Saturday’s from it are not unfounded. earth. Cincinnati semi-fi nal. There has been no shortage of one- The 23-year-old Australian, though, “But to be here in a semi, to give slam wonders and fl eeting world has given every indication that she yourself another opportunity at the number ones in women’s tennis over will greet such reverses with the same business end of a tournament is always the last decade and many of them have grounded outlook which won her so a good thing. worked as hard at their game as Barty many fans when she triumphed at Ro- “We have learned a lot from this does. land Garros. week, and we have nothing but posi- Ultimately, it may well end up be- Yes, the purple patch of form that tives going into New York.” ing her ability to keep her head, both won her a maiden Grand Slam crown, Barty’s all-court style was always on court and away from it, that goes a her fi rst Premier title at Miami and the supposed to suit grass best but it was long way to ensuring the talented Aus- Birmingham tournament in the fi rst at Flushing Meadows where she fi rst tralian avoids the same fate. fi ve months of the year did eventually reached the fourth round of a Grand “There is certainly no panic where come to an end. Slam last year, going out to Karolina it gets to the stage where I’m kind of And yes, the world number one Pliskova as 18th seed. overwrought or can’t think straight,” ranking came and went too, with her Much water has passed under the she said in Cincinnati while explaining hopes of wresting it back to take top bridge since then, of course, and Barty her “no panic stations” mantra. seeding at the US Open foundering will be seeded second next week and “I’m still able to, more than times last weekend with defeat to Svetlana expected to go deep into the tourna- than not, have the ability to relax and Kuznetsova in the Cincinnati Masters ment almost as a matter of right. kind of stay clear and come back to semi-fi nals. Such expectation is not a problem. what works.”

Saturday, August 24, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

WORLD BADMINTON India’s Sindhu, Praneeth assured of medals IANS 21 before Sindhu showed composure Basel (Switzerland) and skill to win the game 23-21 to stay afl oat. In the decider, Tai Tzu opened India’s PV Sindhu celebrates her victory up a 5-2 lead before Sindhu fought back over Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying in their women’s huttler Sai Praneeth yesterday to go into the break trailing 9-11. It was singles quarter-final at the BWF Badminton ended India’s 36-year wait for exhilarating badminton from there on World Championships in Basel yesterday. a medal in the men’s section as Sindhu took the lead from 15-15 be- Sof the BWF World Champion- fore winning 21-19. ships by sealing his place in the semi- Just a week after being chosen for the fi nals of the prestigious event, thereby Arjuna Award, world No. 19 Praneeth assuring himself a bronze medal. breezed past Christie 24-22, 21-14 in 51 After Prakash Padukone clinched a minutes to progress to the semi-fi nals. bronze at the Worlds in 1983, Praneeth Christie earned the fi rst point of quenched India’s thirst for an elusive the match but after taking a 4-2 lead, medal by stunning world No. 4 Jonatan India’s Sai Praneeth in action against he frittered the advantage as Praneeth Christie of Indonesia 24-22, 21-14 in Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie yesterday. started to take charge of the proceed- the quarter-fi nal. ings. Praneeth went into the break with Praneeth’s triumph came little af- with back-to-back smashes. a slender 11-10 lead and looked more ter PV Sindhu assured herself of a fi fth A brilliant rally saw Tai Tzu maintain dangerous after the breather to win a World Championships medal as she her dominance and win the fi rst game close game. rallied to beat world No. 2 Tai Tzu Ying 21-12 as Sindhu had no answer to her Praneeth was in his elements in of Chinese Taipei 12-21, 23-21, 21-19 for returns. The Indian started strongly the second game, as Christie made a a place in the semi-fi nals, thus keeping in the second game, winning her fi rst number of mistake. The Indian went alive her hopes of a third straight ap- point with a strong smash. Tai Tzu into the break with a massive 11-3 ad- pearance in the Worlds fi nal. fought back to take a 5-3 lead before vantage as Christie kept gifting him Tai Tzu has a superior record against Sindhu levelled the score at 8-8 and with easy points. Sindhu, but the Indian had won in their then led 11-9 at the break. The rallies After the break, Christie tried to last meeting in 2018. were long and Sindhu even fell to the make a comeback but Praneeth held Tai Tzu, who last year claimed Chi- fl oor while attempting to return a sharp on with a fl urry of smashes to close the nese Taipei’s fi rst-ever badminton Tai Tzu shot. deal in his second match point. gold at the Asian Games, opened up It was a see-saw battle after the In the semi-fi nal, Praneeth will be up a 7-point lead and from then on pep- breather as both Sindhu and Tai Tzu against defending champion and world pered Olympic silver medallist Sindhu refused to budge. It was even at 21- No.1 Kento Momota of Japan.

TENNIS FOCUS Halep hopes dream Wimbledon run can Serena to take on end US Open woes

Reuters ence because of the crowd and New York atmosphere,” Halep added. “It’s more about entertainment so it’s not easy to adjust... I’ve made the imona Halep is living the semis in the past so I’m confi dent Sharapova in fi rst dream after her Wimble- there’s a chance to do more.” don triumph and the Ro- Halep, who reached the Aus- manian heads into next tralian Open fi nal in 2018, has week’sS US Open hoping for a new not had the ideal preparation dawn at the season’s fi nal Grand heading into the fi nal Grand Slam Slam after early exits in the last of the season. two years. The world number four was Halep scorched 23-times forced to retire with a left Achil- round of US Open Grand Slam winner Serena Wil- les injury in the Rogers Cup liams 6-2 6-2 in less than an hour quarter-fi nals in Toronto earlier in this year’s Wimbledon fi nal to this month and lost to American Williams has dominated the Russian star in their head-to-head rivalry add a second major title to her Madison Keys in the Cincinnati trophy cabinet after last year’s third round. AFP French Open crown. Halep’s new coach Daniel Do- New York The 27-year-old’s near-fl aw- bre, who signed up in March af- less display at the All England ter she split with Darren Cahill Club marked a spectacular return before the Australian Open, said erena Williams will begin her to form after her world ranking last year’s Grand Slam break- quest for a seventh US Open ti- dropped from fi rst to seventh be- through at the French Open had tle and record-tying 24th Grand tween mid-January and July. given the Romanian newfound Slam victory against long-time “It’s been like a dream since I belief. rivalS Maria Sharapova in the US Open left (Wimbledon). Even now, I’m “Before... she was a little bit women’s singles draw unveiled Thursday. living the dream,” Halep, who closed, she found it easier to keep Williams has dominated the Russian credits her improved fortunes her thoughts to herself. Now star in their head-to-head rivalry, winning on the biggest stages to a more she’s much more confi dent not 19 times with only two defeats, including relaxed approach, told the WTA only on the court, but outside it,” their past 18 meetings, most recently at website. Dobre told the French Open web- the 2016 Australian Open quarter-fi nals, “I felt positive and confi dent... site in June. although Sharapova advanced by walko- like I reached my highest level of Martina Navratilova said Ha- ver against Williams in the fourth round at tennis. The fi rst six months of lep must bring the same aggres- Roland Garros last year. this year were more relaxed be- sive approach she displayed at Eighth-ranked Williams is looking to cause I was just trying to improve Wimbledon if she is to succeed in match the all-time record of 24 Grand my game without thinking about New York. Slam singles titles won by Margaret Court the results. “Simona likes to play it, as is when the year’s fi nal major championship “This helped me a lot and when her nature, safe. But she had a gets under way Monday. I got to Wimbledon, I started positive... and off ensive mindset The 37-year-old American has dropped feeling the grass like I never had in the Wimbledon fi nal. It would her past three Grand Slam fi nals appear- before. I got more confi dent day- be silly not to try to replicate ances, including last month to Simona by-day. It was a process.” that,” the 18 times Grand Slam Halep at Wimbledon and last year to Ja- Flushing Meadows represents champion wrote in a column for pan’s Naomi Osaka at the US Open after a a diff erent challenge for the Ro- the WTA. controversial game penalty for her tirade manian, who has been knocked Halep enjoys a better career at umpire Carlos Ramos. out in the fi rst round on her last head-to-head record over the Tournament offi cials have said Ramos two visits, falling to Russian three players ranked above her will not work any matches involving Ser- wildcard Maria Sharapova in — Naomi Osaka (4-1), Ash Barty ena or Venus Williams, who could not face 2017 and Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi (3-1) and Karolina Pliskova (7-3) her sister until the semi-fi nals, being in last year. — making her one of the book- the same draw quarter as Czech third seed Halep’s best showing at the makers’ favourites at Flushing Karolina Pliskova. tournament was in 2015 when Meadows, behind Williams. Serena was placed into the same quar- she was beaten by eventual “Even if things don’t go her ter as Australian second seed Ashleigh champion Flavia Pennetta in the way, Simona should now have Barty, the reigning French Open champion semi-fi nals, and the US Open is a lot more belief in herself... whose fi rst match is against 77th-ranked This combination of file photos created on June 3, 2018, shows Russia’s Maria Sharapova (L) on May 29, 2018, and (R) Serena the only Grand Slam where she she’s one of the favourites to be Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Williams of the US on June 2, 2018. Both pictures are from the French Open. has failed to reach the fi nal. number one at the end of the Top-seeded Osaka opens against Rus- “The US Open is a big diff er- year,” Navratilova said. sia’s 93rd-ranked Anna Blinkova and fi nal against Osaka, who defends a Slam er,” Osaka said. “I’m here and I feel like I’ll fi nal to Germany’s Angelique Kerber at could face a third-round date against crown for the fi rst time. be able to play.” the 2016 US Open, plays her fi rst match 15-year-old American Coco Gauff , who “I’m looking forward to the experi- Osaka said while she might watch play- against a qualifi er. eliminated Venus Williams in the fi rst ence,” Osaka said. “Everyone knows I love ers who are unfamiliar, she isn’t one to an- Venus Williams, 39, won the 2000 and round at Wimbledon in a run to the last 16 it here.” Osaka retired in the third set of a alyse the draw beyond her next opponent. 2001 US Opens but hasn’t won a Slam in her Grand Slam debut. quarter-fi nal match at Cincinnati with a “I like to know what that one person I’m since her fi fth Wimbledon title in 2008. Romania’s fourth-seeded Halep, com- left knee injury but said Thursday she ex- playing is,” she said. “I like to focus my at- She opens against China’s Zheng Saisai ing off her second Grand Slam title, opens pects no problems with playing at the US tention on that one.” and could meet fi fth seed Elina Svitolina of against a qualifi er and could face a semi- Open. “It’s getting better. I’m a fast heal- Pliskova, who lost her only Grand Slam Ukraine in the second round.

USTA under-reported millions, owes back rent — NYC comptroller

Reuters, New York: The New York City nership that goes back several decades, The USTA did not immediately respond to year hosts the US Open, America’s Comptroller said yesterday that the from the high-end neighbourhood of a request for comment. The comptroller’s premier tennis event, which attracts the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Forest Hills to its modern, state-of-the-art audit showed the National Tennis Center sport’s biggest names and commands had under-reported millions in gross venue in Flushing. reported gross revenues of approximate- eye-popping ticket fees on the second- revenue, days before the start of the US Under the terms of its lease with the city, ly $308mn in 2016 and $349mn in 2017. hand market. Tickets to courtside seats Open, the organisation’s marquee event according to the comptroller, the USTA The comptroller’s off ice also took issue for this year’s men’s final are being and final Grand Slam of the year. pays the city “one percent of its net gross with the terms of the USTA lease agree- off ered for upward of $8,000 each on The USTA’s National Tennis Center owes revenues in excess of $20 million”, on top ment. resale site StubHub. the city more than $300,000 in rent of a $400,000 yearly base rent. “Within the lease that was assigned many Last year, the tournament celebrated its after it “under-reported at least $31mn “New Yorkers love the US Open but we years ago, they make it almost impossible 50th anniversary with a $600mn renova- in revenue between 2014 and 2017”, the also expect a fair deal from a company for an audit to be conducted,” Stringer tion to its grounds, the Billie Jean King comptroller’s off ice said. that’s making hundreds of millions of said. “Every aspect of the audit had to be National Tennis Center. The audit reflects signs of strain between dollars,” Comptroller Scott Stringer told done using pen and paper.” The first round of the US Open begins on the tournament and its host city, a part- Reuters. The USTA National Tennis Center each Monday. Simona Halep of Romania.