CYCLING | Page 6 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Thomas Ronaldo in ready for tough spotlight but defence of Tour ’s new de title stars ready to fi re

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 Shawwal 2, 1440 AH not GULF TIMES to be taken lightly, says Kohli SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL FRIENDLY Chance for Qatar young guns to impress against Brazil ‘Of course, if Neymar plays we will try our best to minimise his impact on the match but they also have other great players’ all smooth in recent times. They By Sports Reporter Qatar’s Salman Doha failed to get past the quarter-fi- nals of last year’s World Cup in al-Ansari elected Russia, losing to Belgium, and to AFC Appeals atar’s young stars such have been also dogged by con- Committee as Almoez Ali, Akram troversies. Afi f and Bassem al-Ra- As far as the Copa America wi will get a rare chance is concerned, the last of their Paris: Qatar’s Salman A al- Q Ansari has been elected as to impress against Brazil when the eight titles came in 2007, but teams clash in a friendly inter- there is no denying the fact that deputy chairperson of the national at the 72,000-capacity they can be dangerous on their Asian Football Confedera- Mané Garrincha Stadium in Bra- home turf. tion’s (AFC) Appeals Com- silia. “There are not many diffi- mittee at the AFC Extraor- The match will be played at cult things to do than playing dinary Congress in Paris. 3.30am Qatar Time tomorrow and against Brazil,” Sanchez said AFC Member Associations is only the second occasion that before heading off to the US elected the chairpersons, Qatar will be facing the mighty along with the team, en route to deputy chairpersons and Selecao, renowned for their pas- Brazil. members of the AFCs judi- sion and style that have fetched “Of course, if Neymar plays cial bodies – AFC Discipli- them five World Cup titles so we will try our best to minimise nary and Ethics Committee, far. his impact on the match but AFC Entry Control Body and The only time the two sides they also have other great play- the AFC Appeal Committee. met previously was in 1979 ers,” he added. All members will now when Brazil won 6-1, and al- Bassam Qatar will have a closed door for a period of four years though the Samba Kings are al-Rawi of game against a club team on based on the recommenda- ranked third in the FIFA rank- Qatar. June 9 before taking on Para- tion of the AFC Executive ings currently, as against Qa- guay on June 16 in the Copa Committee. tar’s 55th, Felix Sanchez’s boys America. are determined to make a fight Sanchez added that he was AFC Appeals Committee: of it. the QFA will be lining up more they defeated Switzerland 1-0 not thinking about the results in Chairperson: Jahangir The Brazil match, of course, is prestigious friendlies, a ploy and drew 1-1 with Iceland. the tournament. Baglari (Islamic Republic of Qatar’s biggest friendly ever and that worked well for the country Those performances went a “We will try our best to com- Iran); Deputy Chairperson: is part of the country’s prepa- ahead of the Asian Cup earlier long way in raising the profile pete. Let’s see how far we can Salman A al-Ansari (Qatar); Akram Afif of Qatar in rations for the Copa America this year, which they won. and morale ahead of the Asian go. In any case the experience Dong-Ho Lim (Korea Re- action during a training beginning later this month in Ahead of the Asian tourna- Cup in which they defeated of playing in the Copa Ameri- public); Saaran Nadarajah session. which they have been placed in ment, Qatar played matches teams such as South Korea, ca would be of great help to the (Malaysia); Syed Nayyar Group B along with Argentina, against Iceland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Ja- players. They will be much bet- Hasnain Haider (Pakistan); Colombia and Paraguay. and Ecuador, among oth- pan on way to the title. ter players after that. It will help and Nguyen Thi My Dzung But as the team builds up to ers. Brazil, despite their prestige them for the big challenges ahead, (Vietnam) the FIFA World Cup in 2022, They caused a shock when in world football, have not had it especially the 2022 World Cup.”

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Pradeep, Malinga strike as Lanka beat Afghans AFP Cardiff SCORECARD SRI LANKA INNINGS AFGHANISTAN INNINGS uwan Pradeep and Lasith Mal- D. Karunaratne c Najibullah b Nabi 30 M Shahzad c Karunratne b Malinga 7 inga starred with the ball as Sri Lanka fought back to crush Af- K. Perera c Shahzad b Rashid 78 Hazratullah Zazai c Perera b Pradeep 30 ghanistan’s hopes of a memo- L. Thirimanne b Nabi 25 c Mathews b Udana 2 rableN World Cup victory yesterday. K. Mendis c Rahmat b Nabi 2 Hashmatullah c Perera b Pradeep 4 Afghanistan, bidding for just their second win in a World Cup match and A. Mathews c Rahmat b Nabi 0 Mohamed Nabi b Perera 11 their fi rst over a Test nation were in D. de Silva c Shahzad b Hamid 0 lbw b Pradeep 23 command halfway through a gloomy T. Perera run out (Hashmatullah) 2 Najibullah run out (Karunaratne) 43 day in Cardiff after dismissing Sri Lanka for 201. I. Udana b Dawlat 10 b Pradeep 2 But faced with a rain-revised target S. Lakmal 15 b Malinga 6 of 187 in 41 overs, their let them L. Malinga b Dawlat 4 b Malinga 6 down again as they were bowled out for 152. N. Pradeep b Rashid 0 not out 1 Victory saw Sri Lanka bounce back Extras (lb10, nb3, w22) 35 Extras (b1, nb1, w15) 17 from a 10- thrashing by New Zea- Total (all out, 36.5 overs) 201 Total (all out, 32.4 overs) 152 land in their World Cup opener. Fall of : 1-92 (Karunaratne), Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Shahzad), 2-42 Pradeep took a career-best four for 2-144 (Thirimanne), 3-146 (Mendis), (Rahmat), 3-44 (Hazratullah), 4-57 31, while Malinga (three for 39) struck 4-146 (Mathews), 5-149 (De Silva), 6-159 (Hashmatullah), 5-57 (Nabi), 6-121 (Gul- at both ends of the innings, fi nishing (Perera), 7-178 (Udana), 8-180 (Perera), badin), 7-123 (Rashid), 8-136 (Dawlat), the match with a trademark yorker that bowled Hamid Hassan. 9-199 (Malinga), 10-201 (Pradeep) 9-145 (Najibullah), 10-152 (Hamid) Afghanistan had slumped to 57 for Bowling: Dawlat 6-0-34-2 (3w); Hamid Bowling: Malinga 6.4-0-39-3 (3w); fi ve, with Thisara Perera holding a bril- 7-0-53-1 (2w); Mujeeb 3-0-19-0 (1w); Lakmal 6-0-27-0 (2w); Udana 6-0-28-1 liant running catch in the deep to dis- Nabi 9-0-30-4 (1w); Gulbadin 4-0-38-0 (1nb); Pradeep 9-1-31-4 (4w); Perera 4-0- miss Hazratullah Zazai on the hook for (3nb, 2w); Rashid 7.5-1-17-2 (1w) 19-1 (2w), De Silva 1-0-7-0 30. Afghanistan Gulbadin Naib (23) and (43) then But they lost their last nine wickets Shah in the slips for two. started to turn the match again with a for 57 runs, Mohamed Nabi taking three Angelo Mathews was next to go, for a sixth-wicket stand of 64. in fi ve balls after Gulbadin won the toss. , also caught by Shah. But paceman Pradeep struck twice, Shell-shocked Sri Lanka kept on los- Leg-spinner Rashid Khan eventu- having Naib lbw before bowling Rashid ing wickets at regular intervals, with 35 ally got in on the act when he had opener Khan to leave Afghanistan 123 for seven. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Pradeep (2L) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan for two extras the second-highest scorer of the Kusal Perera, who had seen wickets And when Najibullah was run out by a runs at Sophia Gardens Stadium in Cardiff yesterday. innings behind Kusal Perera’s 78. tumble at the other end, caught behind. direct hit from Sri Lanka captain Dimuth A dramatic 22nd over saw Nabi Rain then intervened, forcing the Karunaratne, Afghanistan were all but Earlier, Sri Lanka came out of the ghans, who suff ered a seven-wicket loss ment opener, and were set for an impos- bowled Lahiru Thirimanne for 25 before players from the fi eld, with Sri Lanka beaten at nine down. blocks quickly against the unfancied Af- to champions Australia in their tourna- ing total at 144 for one. having Kusal Mendis caught by Rahmat 182-8. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 5, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Proteas not to be taken lightly: India captain Kohli ‘Whether Ngidi plays, or Steyn plays or not, Rabada is always going to be a world-class bowler and a threat to any side’

Agencies Southampton, England South Africa can still reach semis without

ndia are banking on their ex- Steyn, says Du Plessis perience in their World Cup Agencies during the tournament opener opener against South Africa Southampton, United Kingdom against England. and cannot take the opposi- Ition’s depleted bowling attack STAY POSITIVE lightly, captain Virat Kohli said outh Africa captain Faf du Du Plessis said he it was impor- yesterday, insisting the Proteas Plessis said his struggling tant to stay “strong and posi- can call upon quality replace- Sside could still reach the tive” despite the challenge of ments. World Cup semi-finals, even working with limited resources. Kohli’s India are ranked second after talisman paceman Dale “Naturally, guys will have a in the world and will be fi rm fa- Steyn was ruled out of the tour- little bit of confidence that’s vourites as they begin their quest nament with a shoulder injury. been chucked away and that for a third World Cup triumph The 35-year-old fast bowler had is normal, that is part of being against a South African side that been battling to be fit in time human,” he said. faces an uphill struggle after the for today’s crucial clash against start to the tournament, South Hendricks will arrive today but loss of strike bowlers Dale Steyn fancied India in Southamp- Africa were aiming to reach will not be available to face and Lungi Ngidi. ton after two defeats in two the last four of the round-robin India. “We need to bring all our ex- matches for South Africa. event, in which all 10 teams play Du Plessis said he hoped perience to the play tomorrow to But the seamer has been forced each other. Steyn’s international career was be able to make right decisions in to admit defeat, leaving head “Six games is the target, and not at an end. pressure situations,” Kohli told coach Ottis Gibson’s side short there’s seven games left,” the “It’s been a tough two-and-half reporters during a training ses- of firepower. skipper told reporters during years for him, and he would sion ahead of today’s match in “Steyn has suff ered a second his pre-match press conference need support right now,” he Southampton. shoulder injury which has not at the Ageas Bowl. said. “The team and manage- “So we never take anyone responded to treatment and “It would be great if we could ment will put things in place lightly, and whether a few key has ruled him out of bowling start that tomorrow. There’s no to look after him. He needs players get injured or not, if a for the foreseeable future,” easy games any more in the love at the moment, he tried youngster is stepping in and he said in a World Cup.... Whether it’s win- really hard to get fit for this has the right mindset, he can re- statement. ning or losing, the main thing is campaign.” ally perform on the day... we need South Africa have called up left- getting to the semi-finals.” Du Plessis admitted South Afri- to maintain respect for that and arm pace bowler Beuran Hen- South Africa, who have never ca’s injury problems had forced focus on our strength and what dricks as a replacement for the won the World Cup, have en- him to draw up a new plan. we can do as a side.” remainder of the tournament, dured a wretched start to the “I think we’ll really have to look Kohli, who is captaining the India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and teammates take part in a training session in Southampton, England, on with Lungi Ngidi also nursing a tournament, losing to hosts at that now, there’s only 14 play- Indian side for the fi rst time in Monday. (AFP) hamstring problem. England by 104 runs then slip- ers to pick from now. There’s a World Cup, said his team’s Paceman Anrich Nortje was ping to a 21-run loss to Bangla- not a lot of options for the bowl- late start to the tournament al- Kumar and Hardik Pandya. ruled out with a thumb issue desh on Sunday. ing attack,” he said. lows them to learn from previous India announce home schedule for Three specialist spinners in before the World Cup even Top-order batsman Hashim “You have to decide whether games and match conditions. 2019-20 season Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Cha- started. Amla returns for the India game you go with all your all-round- “From that point of view, we hal and Ravindra Jadeja lend va- But Du Plessis said despite their after missing the second match ers in your team, bat deep and would say that we have a lot of Reuters the teams also scheduled to riety to the bowling attack. injury problems and their poor following a hit on the head try to get a big score.” positives that we can take out of Bengaluru play three T20s. Kohli believes rotating his bowl- starting after everyone else.” The five Tests are part of the ing options gives India, the 1983 World Cup players attend Eid prayers India have won the World Cup in inaugural World Test Champi- and 2011 World Cup winners, their 1983 and 2011, while South Africa ive countries will tour In- onship which involves the nine best chance of success. AFP has never won the 50-over edition, dia in the 2019-20 season top-ranked Test nations com- “The fl exibility would matter Southampton, United Kingdom but Kohli said this year’s tourna- Fwith the hosts scheduled peting in a league between in the bowling set-up is how we ment presents a diff erent challenge. to play five Test matches, July 2019 and April 2021, with foresee things. The batting line- Kohli said the unique format starting with a series against the top two teams progressing up will have to be consistent,” outh Africa cricketers of the 2019 tournament, in which South Africa later this year, the to the final to be held in June said Kohli, whose side called off (centre) every nation plays nine matches country’s cricket board (BCCI) 2021. their fi nal pre-match net session Sand attended over more than a month, means has said. India will play nine ODIs and because of rain at Hampshire’s Eid prayers at a Southampton that teams must adapt very Virat Kohli’s top-ranked Test 12 T20s in total at home with headquarters ground. mosque yesterday ahead of quickly and that experienced side face South Africa in the West Indies arriving in “I think with match-ups in their team’s crucial World Cup teams will have an edge. the first of three Twenty20 December, followed by visits terms of playing against, if there clash against India. “The errors you would make Internationals on September 15 from Zimbabwe and Australia are more left-handers then the The two players were warmly when you are not that aware of followed by a three-Test series in January. bowling combination can alter a greeted by fellow worshippers, game situations, they will slowly in October. Kohli’s men wrap up the little bit. with selfie-seekers making a start to taper off as you play more India’s last two home Tests of season with a three-match ODI “So that sort of message has beeline to grab a photo with and more cricket.” the season are against Bangla- series against South Africa in been given within the team them. “When you have experienced desh in November 2019, with March. and the guys have accepted Both players are veterans in the people in your team who have it. They understand that they South Africa side, who have lost also grown with you as crick- will have to play certain roles their two opening matches at eters, eventually you all start India, the world’s number-two ruled out with a shoulder injury, at different stages in the tour- the World Cup in England and the tournament opener against as fans gathered to congratu- making good decisions, you ranked team and one of the fa- while fellow paceman Lungi Ngi- nament.” Wales. England. late them. have discussions, you think of vourites alongside hosts England di has yet to recover from a ham- Meanwhile Kohli insisted that The 40-year-old Tahir, a Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, The Pakistan squad were pro- the right thing, sometimes in- and Australia, launch their chal- string problem. a Proteas pace led by Kagiso Rab- Pakistan-born leg-spinner, is set who is standing at the World vided with tight security follow- stinctively.” lenge against an injury-hit South By contrast, India’s quicks are ada remained a potent force, even to quit one-day-internationals Cup, also accompanied the ing a March attack on a mosque Africa in Southampton today, fi t and ready to fi re, having en- without Steyn sidelined from the after the tournament. South Africa duo for Eid in Christchurch, New Zealand, KOHLI READY TO ROTATE nearly a week after the tourna- joyed previous success in English World Cup. Top-order batsman Amla, 36, prayers. that left 51 Muslim worshippers BOWLERS ment started. conditions. “Look whether Ngidi plays, missed the team’s second Pakistan players visited a Not- dead. The Indian captain is prepared South Africa will be with- Led by Jasprit Bumrah, the or Steyn plays or not, Rabada is World Cup game against Bang- tingham mosque a day after The Bangladesh team, touring to vary his World Cup attack by out star fast bowler Dale Steyn, world’s number one ODI bowler, always going to be a world-class ladesh on Sunday after being their dramatic 14-run victory New Zealand at the time, nar- adopting a ‘horses for courses’ whose World Cup ended without the team’s pace attack includes bowler and a threat to any side he hit on the head by a bouncer in over tournament hosts England rowly escaped the attack. strategy. him bowling a ball after he was Mohamed Shami, Bhuvneshwar plays against,” he said.

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05 - 06 - 2019 Hardik Pandya — India’s World Cup ‘X-factor’ AFP cap in 2017 and he justifi ed his selec- Southampton, United Kingdom tion with a century and fi fty in the three-match series in Sri Lanka that India won 3-0. lamboyant all-rounder He has been compared with Kapil Hardik Pandya has been Dev, who was one of the top players in tipped as India’s potential “X- a golden era for all-rounders also in- factor” at the World Cup with cluding Pakistan’s Imran Khan, Rich- hisF ability to change games single- clutch of former cricketers. ard Hadlee of New Zealand and Eng- handedly with both bat and ball. “Hardik’s form in the IPL has been land’s Ian Botham. An attacking middle-order bats- outstanding and he can be a game- But Dev has cautioned the media man, medium-fast bowler and quick changer for India,” former India cap- and fans not to burden the young tal- in the fi eld, the 25-year-old is pre- tain Sunil Gavaskar told AFP. “He is ent with the pressure of expectations. paring for his World Cup bow against very, very impressive.” “He is an upcoming player.... Please South Africa after an impressive cam- “There is no one even close to Hardik do not put pressure on him,” he said. paign in the Indian Premier League. Pandya’s talent with both bat and “He is a young talent — let him play his Pandya, who cuts a striking fi gure ball,” former India opener Virender cricket with his own free mind.” with his tattoos, mohawk haircut and Sehwag told cricketnext website. Former Australia bowler Andy earrings, was suspended earlier this Former West Indies captain Clive Bichel said Pandya and Ravindra Jade- year over sexist remarks on a TV chat Lloyd, who won the World Cup twice, ja will hold the aces for India in the show. predicted that all-rounders would middle overs in seaming English con- But after apologising and missing play a crucial role at the tournament in ditions. several internationals he returned to England and Wales. “Jadeja and Hardik Pandya have to the national team and caught the eye “From Afghanistan to England, or perform if India are going to do a job,” in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, who from India to West Indies, every team said Bichel, who was part of Austral- won a fourth title. is blessed with top-class all-rounders ia’s World Cup-winning team in 2003. Singled out by Rahul Dravid as hav- — that’s why I believe it will be an all- “Because there are going to be those ing the “X-factor” just a year after his rounders’ World Cup.” middle overs where the games will be debut, Pandya, who fi rst played for Pandya’s impressive limited-overs won or lost,” the cricketer-turned- India in 2016, has won praise from a performances earned him a fi rst Test analyst added. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 5, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Bangladesh look to Shakib to tame New Zealand ‘I think that we are in a good place, mentally. I think if we can continue in this manner, we can go a long way’

AFP London

angladesh all-rounder has set his sights on a memo- rable 200th one-day internationalB as his side chase a second successive World Cup win against New Zealand today. Shakib was the key man when Bangladesh upset South Africa by 21 runs in their opening match on Sunday. His composed 75 helped steer Bangladesh to their highest one-day international total of 330 for six before the spinner took 1-50 to restrict South Africa to 309-8. That wicket made Shakib only the fi fth player behind Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, South African Jacques Kallis, and Pakistan pair and to reach the landmark of 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs. The 32-year-old’s next chal- lenge comes at against a New Zealand side who crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in their opening match. Shakib has experience of up- setting the Black Caps after in- New Zealand’s Matt Henry (centre) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Lahiru spiring their fi ve-wicket win over Thirimanne during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match in Cardiff , Wales, on Saturday. (AFP) New Zealand in the 2017 Cham- pions Trophy with the most re- “I’m very happy the way I con- Southee, took three wickets in Sri time they get back on the park. cent of his seven ODI hundreds. tributed (in the last game). If I do Lanka’s 136 all out, while openers Hopefully, there will be a chance Bangladesh missed Shakib that every time, the stats will take and for the next game.” when a finger injury ruled him care of themselves,” Shakib said. knocked off the 137 required in Vice-captain Tom Latham told out of the ODI series in New “I don’t normally look at it just 16.1 overs. reporters yesterday that the Black Zealand earlier this year, in (his statistics), but if people are Latham, whose media call Caps expected to be put under which they were routed 3-0 by talking about it, I obviously feel was delayed due to road clo- pressure by opponents who upset the hosts and the all-rounder happy.” sures resulting from US Presi- South Africa in their opener at the hopes Bangladesh will put up a New Zealand showed against dent Donald Trump’s state visit, same South London ground. tougher fight against New Zea- Sri Lanka that they are a well- sidestepped a question about “We’re going in with the same land this time. rounded team more than capable whether the recovering pair had side. I think the way we played in “Building up to this World Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (left) plays a shot during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against South of going a long way in the tourna- been considered. the last game bodes a lot of confi - Cup, we knew what challenges Africa at The Oval in London on Sunday. (AFP) ment. “They’re a day by day thing. dence for the group,” he said. we might face. We prepared well, They did not miss pace spear- They are certainly getting bet- “I think the way the bowlers so that gave us a lot of confi dence laxed. We knew we had the skill go a long way in the tournament.” 200 or more ODIs, behind skip- head Tim Southee (calf) and top- ter as each day goes by, which is went about things, they chal- and belief. We came to this World to beat big teams. per Mashrafe Mortaza (210) and order batsman Henry Nicholls great,” he said. lenged Sri Lanka pretty much Cup wanting to do well,” he said. “I think that we are in a good MILESTONE MOMENT Mushfi qur Rahim (206). (hamstring) in their opening “It’s a long tournament so it’s from ball one and I’m sure the “We are up for the challenge place, mentally. I think if we can Shakib will become only the But he remains modest about game. important to make sure the guys same side are looking to repeat but at the same time we are re- continue in this manner, we can third Bangladesh player to play his milestone moment. Matt Henry, who replaced are 100 percent fully fi t by the that tomorrow.”

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Our fi elding was as bad as I’ve seen English crowds By Nasser Hussain ‘stupid’ to boo Daily Mail Warner: manager

ou know you’ve had a bad day when your captain admits you have been out-fi elded byY Pakistan. That was England’s fate here and that, rather than any weaknesses in the batting or bowling, is why they lost at Reuters exactly what will happen here.” Trent Bridge. It really wasn’t Melbourne While former captain Steve good enough. Smith and test opener Cam- The big debate going into eron Bancroft — the other play- this tournament was whether nglish crowds are “stu- ers punished for ball-tampering England could chase down a big pid” to jeer David — have given media interviews target with the pressure and ex- Warner at the Cricket about the Cape Town scandal, pectations of the World Cup on World Cup as it will only Warner has declined to comment their shoulders. Despite having fiE re him up, the Australian bats- publicly. two century-makers, they could England’s Jason Roy drops a catch from Pakistan’s Mohamed Hafeez (not pictured) during their ICC Cricket World Cup match at Trent man’s manager James Erskine He has dodged media interviews not quite do it. Bridge in Nottingham, England, on Monday. (Reuters) has said. at the World Cup, barring a man- This was so nearly a real Warner, who has returned to datory comment on-fi eld with the marker for England. The was still a good surface but it straight through the gap. England on the backside after support of the majority of the the side following a 12-month host broadcaster after claiming highest successful chase by was a little two-paced. That almost proved extremely all that had gone right against crowd. When they play India ban for ball-tampering, was the man-of-the-match award. any side in World Cup history Even when Pakistan dis- costly for Pakistan. If you let South Africa. at Edgbaston it will feel like an booed by the crowd during Aus- Erskine defended Warner’s si- would have been a real signal missed Root their work was him get away with chances like The bowling was fi ne — away game. tralia’s opening match against lence. of intent, but they came up not done because no game that — and drop Root — then Archer is a young, inexperi- Around half of the crowd Pakistan in Bristol but struck “There is no point talking. against Pakistan at their bril- against England is won while they will punish you. It is hard enced lad, he will have good and were supporting Pakistan. an unbeaten 89 and was named What’s he going to talk about? liant, unpredictable best. Buttler is at the crease. He enough to bowl this England bad days — but this was as bad a England cannot allow that to man-of-the-match. “I think that policy will work... Let’s not blame the bats- showed again just what a phe- side out as it is without giving fi elding display as I’ve seen from unsettle them, as we seemed to “I am English. Where the if he (Warner) goes and gets a ton men, even though nomenal cricketer he is. them extra lives. this England team. That will see with making Poms are stupid is that it is ac- against England or somebody and will be annoyed It was only when Buttler was What will really bother Eoin have taught them a lesson. a shushing gesture when he tually going to encourage him. It like that, people will want to a they could not take England gone immediately after reach- Morgan is the fi elding after I wouldn’t put it down to took a catch. They need to si- will actually help him. The fact chat to him about his play. over the line after reaching ing his hundred that Pakistan they were so good at the Oval World Cup nerves. This is not a lence that crowd with the way of the matter is, you concentrate, “As I have said before, these three fi gures. would have been confi dent of last week. nervous side. But bad fi elding is they perform. he won’t want to fail, he got 89,” guys (Warner and Smith) have This was not quite like those completing what was eventu- They were just not on it like a virus. When there are two I don’t like the way the tour- Erskine said in comments pub- taken a hit for a lot of other peo- high-scoring Trent Bridge ally a 14-run win. from the fi rst ball which went early misfi elds and then there’s a nament umpires seem to be lished by Fairfax Media. ple and they paid their fi ne. one-day games of recent times Pakistan missed a trick down to and he missed catch, it spreads through clamping down on any small “They will learn very smartly “They now basically have got because this was not the belter when they turned to Wahab fumbled it. When two balls the whole team. sign of aggression and even that they are dealing with some- to go out and play well and it of a pitch on which England Riaz when Root and Buttler later the ball went past Morgan England have to appreciate, passion. We want teams play- one who has got the powers of looks as if they are going to play made history against Australia came together but failed to himself for four, the tone too, that home advantage will ing it tough. We don’t want concentration and his willpow- well.” by smashing 481 last year. It put a slip in. Buttler edged it was set. It was cricket biting not always mean they have the robotic cricketers. er, it’s no diff erent from a Steve Australia next face West Indies Waugh or a Nick Faldo. That’s in Nottingham tomorrow. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 5, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT England’s Roy, Hasan hails Arthur Archer fi ned for breaching for Pakistan revival ICC code

AFP pires warning England skip- London per about his side throwing the ball in on the bounce and later issuing the as England beaten same reminder to Sarfaraz. ason Roy and Jofra Archer have each been fi ned 15 The tactic is often used to scuff percent of their match up the ball and promote reverse ‘We had an upset against the West Indies on Friday but the guys bounced back’ fees for incidents during swing. England’sJ World Cup defeat by England batsman Jos Buttler Pakistan at Trent Bridge. appeared to take a look at the ball The International Cricket on his walk back to the pavilion Council found opener Roy had after his knock of 103 came to an breached level one of its code of end. conduct, using an audible ob- Morgan said: “There were dis- scenity after a misfi eld during cussions throughout the whole Pakistan’s innings. of the two innings. The um- Fast bowler Archer was found pires came to me mid-innings guilty of dissent towards an um- and seemed to think that we pire’s decision following a wide were throwing the ball in on the . bounce too much or it was being Both players have also had over-exaggerated. one demerit point added to their “They emphasised it would be records. the same for both. The conver- Pakistan captain Sarfaraz sations that were stopping the Ahmed was fi ned 20 percent of his game were that Pakistan were fee, and his teammates 10 percent, doing the same thing. for a minor over-rate off ence. “Jos was just intrigued to see Pakistan won Monday’s match the ball. When the ball is hit by 14 runs after setting England a against the LED boards it does target of 349. scuff it up quite a lot so he was It was an occasionally frac- just interested to see if the ball tious encounter, with the um- was more scuff ed up.”

Pakistan all-rounder Mohamed Hafeez (right) is helped to his feet by head coach Mickey Arthur during a training session in Nottingham, England, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP ceded a woeful collapse to 105 all got that kick. We needed the win to this 2019 World Cup, it feels predictable, but we don’t like it.” Nottingham, United Kingdom out in their tournament opener because we are playing at the like our home because there is a Man-of-the-match Moham- against the West Indies at Trent World Cup. The World Cup is a lot of Pakistani community who ed Hafeez, who top-scored for Bridge on Friday. diff erent game, you have a lot of always come and support us,” he Pakistan with an 84 off 62 balls asan Ali said Paki- But on Monday they piled up pressure. added. and also took the wicket of Eng- stan coach Mickey 348 for eight and then held their “But one thing is very impor- land captain Eoin Morgan, said Arthur’s ongoing faith nerve in the fi eld despite Eng- tant, which is our coach is al- PAKISTAN KEEN TO SHED Pakistan were desperate to turn in the side was behind land hundreds from Joe Root ways backing us. That moment ‘UNPREDICTABLE’ TAG things around. Ha stunning reversal of fortune and Jos Buttler. turned us as everyone was con- “We had an upset against the “It’s a feeling of total relief. that saw them end a long losing “We were very disappointed fi dent.” West Indies on Friday but, yes, After the game against the West streak with a superb World Cup we lost 11 games in a row but one There was a large contingent the guys bounced back very Indies we were really look- win over England. thing is very important, we be- of Pakistan fans at Nottingham- well,” fast bowler Hasan told re- ing forward to this match and Pakistan had lost their last lieved in ourselves,” said pace- shire’s headquarters on Monday porters. putting things right,” he said. 11 completed one-day interna- man Hasan who, amid a run- and grateful paceman Hasan “We do a lot of hard work and “We know this team is very tionals, including a recent 4-0 fest, bowled 10 overs for 66. said: “We feel like we are playing we believe in ourselves and we capable we just needed to start In this May 30, 2019, picture, England’s Jofra Archer (right) celebrates series defeat by World Cup hosts “We needed just a little bit of at home.” have faith we can win the World converting some matches into with teammate Jason Roy after the dismissal of South Africa’s captain and favourites England that pre- kick and then we will click. We “Since I came here in 2016 Cup. People are saying we are un- wins.” Faf du Plessis at The Oval in London. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE ‘Don’t panic’ Root tells England aft er loss to Pakistan

AFP be as smart as possible. “It was just a really bad day in Nottingham, United Kingdom “And the beauty of this for- the fi eld,” said England captain mat is I do believe the best four Eoin Morgan. teams over the tournament will “There were mistakes that we oe Root urged England to qualify for the semi-finals and don’t normally make. And that’s keep calm and carry on we’ve got to make sure we play disappointing. after a surprise 14-run de- some good cricket in our re- “We’ve gone from probably feat by Pakistan at Trent maining games.” one of our best performances in BridgeJ on Monday checked their The Test captain insisted: the fi eld at the Oval to, not ex- progress at the World Cup. “One thing this side doesn’t do tremely bad, but it’s cost us prob- Both Root and Jos Buttler very often is to make the same ably 15-20 runs in the fi eld which scored hundreds but Pakistan mistake twice and I’m sure the is a lot in the one-day game.” still managed to end a run of 11 guys will make sure it’s a very The umpires warned both straight losses in completed one- diff erent performance against Morgan and Pakistan counter- day internationals — including a Bangladesh.” part about de- 4-0 series defeat by England — Pakistan’s 348 for eight — in liberately throwing the ball in on with a well-deserved win. marked contrast to a total of 105 the bounce — a tactic that is used But with all 10 teams playing all against the West Indies in to scuff the ball up in a bid to gen- each other in the round-robin their tournament opener — left erate reverse swing. group stage, one defeat is by no England needing a new record for Buttler also appeared to look means the end of England’s latest the highest successful World Cup long and hard at the ball after his bid to win the men’s World Cup run-chase if they were to win on dismissal. for the fi rst time. Monday. “There were discussions Root now expects England, They lost early wickets, how- throughout the whole of the two the world’s top-ranked ODI side, ever, on the way to 118 for four innings,” said Morgan. to bounce back strongly against before Root (107) and Buttler “The umpires came to me Bangladesh in Cardiff on Satur- (103) gave them hope with a part- mid-innings and seemed to think day. nership of 130. that we were throwing the ball in “The most important thing England, however, were ulti- on the bounce too much or it was now for us as a group is not to mately made to pay for an unu- being over-exaggerated. panic,” he told reporters. sually sloppy display in the fi eld. “They emphasised it would be Mohamed Hafeez was dropped the same for both (teams). ‘Don’t make mistakes twice’ by Jason Roy on 14 — a sitter of “The conversations that were “We know what works for us a chance at mid-off — before stopping the game were that as a formula, and as a team, but top-scoring for Pakistan with Pakistan were doing the same other sides are allowed to play 84 while England gave away runs thing,” he explained. well and we’ve got to make sure with several overthrows and The Dubliner added: “Jos was we learn quickly and bounce back miss-fi elds. just intrigued to see the ball. at Cardiff . It was all so diff erent from When the ball is hit against the “The temptation is to get a lit- England’s fi ne fi elding eff ort dur- LED boards (on the ) it tle bit tense, but one of our great ing a 104-run thrashing of South does scuff it up quite a lot, so he strengths as a side is sticking to Africa in last week’s fi rst match was just interested to see if the England’s Joe Root reacts after losing his wicket during the 2019 ICC World Cup match against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England, the way we go about things and of this World Cup. ball was more scuff ed up.” on Monday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, June 5, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Machado slam helps Padres defeat Warriors’ Looney slumping Phillies

Reuters San Diego

anny Machado hit the ninth of his career out, Thompson on Monday night to cap a seven-run sixth inning as the San Diego Padres earned an 8-2 victory while hand- ing the visiting Philadelphia Phillies a fi fth consecu- ‘Klay said he’ll be fine, but Klay Mtive defeat. But that might not be the biggest loss sustained by the Phillies at Petco Park. could be half dead and he Center fi elder Andrew McCutchen had to be helped off the field in the fi rst inning after injuring his left knee on a freak play. would say he would be fine’ McCutchen drew a walk to open the inning before Jean Segura questionable hit a high pop to second. When RESULTS AFP Segura fell leav- ing the batter’s Oakland, United States Padres 8-2 Phils box, Padres sec- ond baseman Ian Dodgers 3-1 D’backs olden State guard Klay Kinsler let the Astros 4-2 Mariners Thompson is question- ball fall. He threw Cubs 8-1 Angels able for today’s third out Segura at fi rst game of the NBA Fi- with McCutchen Gnals with a left hamstring strain caught in a rundown between fi rst and second. while reserve forward Kevon As he tried to get back to fi rst, McCutchen turned awkwardly Looney is out indefi nitely, the on his knee while trying to evade the tag being applied by Padres Warriors announced on Monday. starting pitcher Eric Lauer. The setbacks are the latest McCutchen came out of the game. Jay Bruce entered to play left bad news for the injury-hit de- fi eld, and Sean Rodriguez moved from left to centre. fending NBA champions, who After three hitless innings, the Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the are level with Toronto at 1-1 in fourth on a two-out double by Rhys Hoskins and a RBI single by the best-of-seven fi nal entering J.T. Realmuto. Three innings later, Realmuto homered for the Phil- games three and four this week lies’ second run. The Padres tied the game at 1-1 on Franmil Reyes’ in California. home run off Phillies starter Aaron Nola with one out in the fi fth, An MRI exam on Monday his 17th of the season. showed Thompson has a mild Nola was still pitching when the Padres started their seven-run left hamstring strain. He left sixth. Eric Hosmer opened the inning with a single and moved to Golden State’s 109-104 victory second on Wil Myers’ one-out single. Ian Kinsler broke the 1-1 Sunday at Toronto with 7:59 re- tie with a double to right ahead of a bases-fi lling walk to Austin maining in the fourth quarter Hedges. Pinch hitter Josh Naylor followed with a two-run single. with hamstring tightness. Right-hander JD Hammer replaced Nola and walked Greg Gar- “Klay said he’ll be fi ne, but cia to reload the bases ahead of Machado’s 10th homer of the sea- Klay could be half dead and he son -- a 388-foot drive to right-centre. Lauer (5-4) allowed one would say he would be fi ne,” run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts over six in- Warriors coach Steve Kerr said nings. Nola (6-1) gave up six runs on eight hits and three walks after game two. “We’ll see. He with fi ve strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. pulled his hamstring. He thinks it is minor, so I don’t know what that means going forward.” Looney was sidelined from game two with what the team called a chest contusion but Kerr said after the game the problem was “some- thing with his shoulder.” An MRI showed Looney with a fracture of the cartilage con- necting the right ribs to the ster- num. The Warriors, trying to win their third straight NBA Finals and fourth in fi ve years, have al- ready been without top playoff scorer Kevin Durant for nearly a month with a right calf injury, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (left) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam during the first quarter leaving Kerr wondering just who in game two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports will be healthy enough to play against the Raptors.“We’ll see quadriceps that had sidelined looking forward to game three.” was the word I got. He just was WARRIORS TRUST BENCH about all the injuries,” Kerr said. him for six weeks until the fi nals. feeling a little bit lightheaded It’s no wonder the Warriors are “You need your bench, no mat- “He was fantastic and we CURRY DIDN’T FEEL RIGHT and went back into the training struggling to fi gure out who will ter what, but in particular when needed everything he gave out Warriors’ 3-point sharpshooter room and came back and was be healthy enough to play and you’ve got a lot of injuries.” there, his rebounding, his tough- Stephen Curry started 0-for-6 doing much better.” which reserves need to play cru- Two-time NBA Finals MVP ness, his physical presence,” Kerr and felt bad early but sparked a Andre Iguodala, the 2015 NBA cial minutes. Durant must take part in a prac- said. “He feels good in there right rally with a late second-quarter Finals MVP, ignored a nagging “We’ll just continue to go to tice before playing, Kerr said, now so we do feel confi dent we surge. “Just didn’t feel right at left calf injury to sink the win- those guys and trust them,” Kerr but he called it “feasible” that can continue to get good minutes the start of the game,” Curry ning 3-pointer in the dying sec- said. “They’ve proven that they Durant could take part in a Tues- from him. We’re going to need said. “But at the end of the day onds. can really help us.” day workout and return in game them with all these injuries.” nothing’s going to keep you from “We’ve battled injuries. Eve- The Warriors’ motto is three on Wednesday. Durant Cousins stepped into the playing in the fi nals. So I have ry year throughout a playoff “Strength in Numbers” and joined the team in Toronto but pressure of his fi rst NBA Finals plenty of time to recover before stretch, someone went down,” Curry says that depth tribute is only continued rehabilitation start a produced 11 points and 10 game three. Don’t really know Iguodala said. “It’s a mind- true now more than ever. work. rebounds. what the cause was. Just didn’t set. You go play. Not saying it’s “Everybody’s going to have a DeMarcus Collins played “It feels great,” Cousins said. feel right.” smart, but you only have about a chance to help us at some point,” San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado hits a grand slam home run nearly 28 minutes in game two “It was an incredible moment for Kerr said Curry “may have week left to gut it out and see if Curry said. “Just stick with it during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco as he fi ghts back from a torn left me. But I’m not satisfi ed and I’m been a little dehydrated. That you can help the team.” and be patient.” Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

STANLEY CUP Blues bounce back to square fi nals with Bruins AFP O’Reilly won a loose puck from Danton Los Angeles Heinen behind the net and beat Rask with a wraparound at the far post for a 1-0 Blues lead 43 seconds into the game. yan O’Reilly scored twice, includ- “We were relentless tonight. We didn’t ing the game winner, to lift the St. stop for 60 minutes,” Berube said. Charlie Louis Blues to a 4-2 victory over Coyle and American Brandon Carlo, with the Boston Bruins and level the a shorthanded tally, scored for Boston StanleyR Cup fi nal series at two games each and goaltender Tuukka Rask, of Finland, on Monday. stopped 34 shots for the Bruins, who lost O’Reilly scored the go-ahead marker off star defenseman Zdeno Chara for a good a rebound of an Alex Pietrangelo shot half- chunk of the game after he took a puck to way through the third period to break a 2-2 the face. Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said deadlock and snap the Bruins’ playoff road Chara had to be stitched up and would winning streak at fi ve games. probably need some dental work to fi x the St. Louis came out blazing from the damage. opening puck drop and never trailed, scor- Canadian Binnington rebounded from ing twice in the third period to break open a sub-par game three to make several key a tight-checking game four at Enterprise saves. He gave up sloppy rebounds which Center in the NHL best-of-seven series. led to both Boston goals but also made “Our team responds pretty well to some clutch saves and his defensive work things,” said Blues coach Craig Berube. did a better job of shielding him from the “We knew what we had to do tonight to be Boston scorers. a better team.” This was the fi rst time in his young NHL Boston was hoping to take a stranglehold career that Binnington had to start a game 3-1 series lead. Instead, they struggled to after being yanked in the previous one after fi nd off ense and were outshot 38-23 over- he surrendered fi ve goals in less than two all. Their last loss on the road was game periods. three of the quarter-fi nals against Colum- Binnington is now 7-2 with a sub-2.00 bus. goals against average in nine games follow- Russian Vladimir Tarasenko and Brayden ing a loss. On Monday it was Rask’s turn Schenn also scored while rookie goaltender to give up some poor rebounds that led to Jordan Binnington stopped 21 shots for the Blues goals by Tarasenko and O’Reilly’s Blues, who killed all three of their penal- game winner. ties after allowing four power-play goals “He spit some rebounds out,” Cassidy in game three. The Blues were blown out said of Rask. “But I don’t have an issue with 7-2 in game three but they are now 7-2 in his rebound control.” games after a loss in the playoff s. O’Reilly scored his fourth and fi fth goals of the post-season. He is one of 19 Canadi- ‘WE WERE RELENTLESS’ ans on the Blues roster. Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues celebrates his third period goal against the Boston Bruins in game four of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Enterprise Needing a quick start, St. Louis got it. Game fi ve is tomorrow in Boston. Center in St Louis, Missouri. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 5, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING ATHLETICS IAAF vows to continue its fi ght aft er Swiss court Thomas prepared for decision on Semenya DPA believe is in the best inter- Berlin ests of all female athletes in our sport,” the IAAF said in a statement. thletics governing Double Olympic 800m body the IAAF said champion from the 2012 Lon- tough defence of Tour yesterday it would don and 2016 Rio Games, Se- not waver in its quest menya has world titles from toA keep women’s competition 2009, 2011 and 2017 over the fair after a Swiss federal court distance. said South Africa’s Caster If allowed to compete un- Semenya was able to run un- restricted, she will be the restricted while her appeal is massive favourite for anoth- considered. er 800m crown at the 2019 de France crown Last month, the Court of worlds in Doha from Septem- Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ber 28. ‘Everyone’s improving. The competition is definitely tougher this year’ ruled against Semenya’s chal- After Semenya burst onto lenge to IAAF rules preventing the scene in 2009, she had to her from running distances undergo gender verifi cation from 400 metres to the mile tests. Results were never pub- unless she agrees to take medi- lished but Semenya is believed cation to lower her testoster- to be intersex, with a much one level. higher testosterone level than CAS is meant to be the fi nal most women. tribunal for sports disputes The IAAF believes this gives but because it is based in Swit- her and others like her an zerland, Semenya had the right unfair advantage and has been to appeal to the Swiss Federal developing new rules for years. Supreme Court. However, Semenya and On Monday it said she sports bodies in South Africa should be able to run without have slammed the IAAF rules. having to comply with the new Her lawyer Gregory Nott rules while her appeal is heard. told the local eNCA news The IAAF is waiting for news. channel on Monday that time “We have received no infor- is ticking for the IAAF. mation from the Swiss Federal “The IAAF have until the Supreme Court so we can not 25th of June to show cause comment on these proceed- why the regulations shouldn’t ings at this stage, but we will be suspended (for good),” he continue to fi ght for what we said.

RUGBY Pollard hops back across ocean to rejoin Bulls

Reuters Pretoria

pringbok fl yhalf Handre Pollard re- joined the Bulls in New Zealand yesterday aheadS of their Super Rugby meeting with the Otago High- landers in Dunedin on Friday. The game is the last of a four-match tour through Aus- tralia and New Zealand. Pol- lard went home following the Both Rosko Specman and fi rst - a much-needed win Paul Schoeman have been over the Melbourne Reds - ruled out, while there is also after suff ering a calf injury in concern about Warrick Ge- Welsh rider Geraint Thomas sets sights on more Tour de France success. training. lant’s availability for the He missed the subsequent match. Specman sustained a AFP glad that was all over and he had when the race begins in Brussels two weeks of altitude training, “And Kane only scored a cou- defeat by the ACT Brumbies hamstring strain and Schoe- London been able to focus on retaining on July 6. “Though whether that says the attention he received af- ple of penalties and a defl ec- in Canberra and last Friday’s man suff ered a knee injury in his crown. (being in perfect shape) will be ter his victory - he won the pres- tion...” he added with trademark draw with the Auckland Blues, the 22-22 draw last weekend in Thomas - like Froome rid- enough we will see,” said Tho- tigious BBC Sports Personality impish humour. which revived the Bulls’ hope Auckland. our de France cham- ing for Ineos after they stepped mas. “Everyone’s improving. of the Year award (SPOTY) - had However, Thomas, who says of a playoff place. Both players have returned pion Geraint Thomas in when Sky ended their spon- The competition is defi nitely been overwhelming. he is not far off his optimum rac- Coach Pote Human called to South Africa. Fullback Ge- says he faces a tougher sorship - found himself much tougher this year. “I’m still a bit bowled over by ing weight of 67 kilogrammes Pollard the best stand-off lant has a hamstring strain, challenge this year de- in demand from having a selfi e “There are a lot of guys who it to be honest,” he said. (10st 7lb), knew last November in world Rugby and will be and his availability will be Tfending his crown as there are so with football superstar Lionel could potentially podium. “I’m surprised by how well the the party circuit was not for him. counting on his return to give confi rmed this week. many riders capable of compet- Messi to being the main attrac- “I just have to stick to the phi- book has done. Winning SPOTY “Even though I still had three the side a lift amid injury woes. The Bulls are third in Super ing for the podium spots. tion at half-time of Wales’s 9-6 losophy I’ve always had, which is was.....incredible. weeks of doing stuff (appear- The Bulls have already lost Rugby’s South African Con- The 33-year-old Welshman win over Australia in their rugby just to do the best I can do. “That was an amazing night. ances), I was itching to get back Duane Vermuelen, who went ference, seven points off lead- - who upset the form book last Test last November. “I can’t aff ect how (Tom) Du- Especially up against Harry on the bike,” he said. back to South Africa after the ers Jaguares, with two matches year to beat his team-mate and He appears unconcerned by moulin goes, or Yatesy (Adam Kane with how England did at “That’s when I knew I’d be fi rst two matches of the trip left in their regular season pro- four-time Tour de France cham- indiff erent form thus far this Yates) or Richie (Porte) or Jum- the World Cup in Russia. OK. in terms of an agreement with gramme. pion Chris Froome - told The season - third in last month’s bo-Visma with Steven Kruijsw- “Although having said that “Because I knew I didn’t want SA Rugby to rest him with the Their New Zealand hosts are Daily Telegraph he had enjoyed Tour of Romandie the highlight ijk or (Primoz) Roglic.” England didn’t really beat any- to be doing that (partying) any- World Cup in Japan approach- also still in the running for a the accolades but he was also - saying he will be shipshape Thomas, who has just fi nished one did they? more.” ing. wildcard place in the playoff s.

NFL Rams reducing running back Gurley’s role in 2019 Reuters The running back saw limited er cited sources indicating that New York action in the NFC championship the deal is worth a minimum of game and in Super Bowl LIII, $8.5 million. carrying the ball just 15 times McCoy, a six-time Pro Bowl ll-Pro Todd Gurley combined. He hasn’t participat- selection, had visited the Pan- likely won’t be the ed in on-fi eld workouts during thers, Cleveland Browns and workhorse out of the off season practices. Baltimore Ravens. backfi eld for the Los “Of course, Gurley’s knee, Schefter said quarterback AngelesA Rams this season. the wear and tear on that knee, Cam Newton helped to sway him NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport the surgically repaired knee, is toward the Panthers, adding the reported that the Rams are go- something that everyone knows chance to play his former team ing to incorporate a number of has been concerning to the team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - running backs into the game in for some time,” Rapoport said. twice a year could have been an 2019, including Darrell Hender- “All they really want is for incentive. son, their third-round draft pick Gurley to come back when the McCoy, the third overall pick in April. season begins when it’s really in the 2010 NFL Draft, was re- “The days of Todd Gurley just time to go to be 100 percent. leased by the Buccaneers on May being the straight-up, every- What they don’t want is to have 20 with three years left on his down bell cow are probably over, all those questions they had contract. The deal called for him just based on his knee, his age, leading up the Super Bowl repeat to make $13 million in base pay the position, the amount of car- before Week 1.” this season. The original con- ries he’s had.” Rapoport said. tract was for six years and $95.2 “...This is a team that is clearly PANTHERS SIGN DT MCCOY million. ready to spread the ball around.” Free agent defensive tackle Ger- The Tampa Bay Times report- Gurley, entering his fi fth sea- ald McCoy and the Carolina ed McCoy, 31, drew bids from 10 son, has carried the ball an aver- Panthers agreed to a one-year teams with off ers as high as $11 age of 260.5 times in each of his deal on Monday, multiple media million annually. fi rst four seasons. outlets reported. Carolina freed up $9 mil- In 2018, he missed the fi nal The contract will pay as lion in salary-cap space in the two games of the regular season much as $10.25 million and in- past week by releasing off ensive but still ran 256 times - good for cludes a $4 million signing bo- tackle Matt Kalil and restructur- fourth in the NFL. He turns 25 in nus, according to ESPN’s Adam ing the contract of wide receiver August. Schefter. The Charlotte Observ- Torrey Smith, Schefter reported. Gurley won’t be Rams workhorse back after knee injury concerns. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 5, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Real Madrid snap Ronaldo takes centre up Serb starlet Jovic in transfer coup

AFP manent move in April after Bar- Madrid celona showed interest in the stage but Portugal’s young star. “He has the best per- spectives for a brilliant career. eal Madrid said yester- We are proud to have helped him day they have signed on his way,” Bobic said. 21-year-old In the statement, Real high- striker Luka Jovic from lighted his power, technical abil- GermanR side Eintracht Frank- ity and prowess as a marksman. new stars ready to fi re furt on a six-year deal for an un- The Serb who began his career at disclosed fee. “Real Madrid and Red Star Belgrade fi nished second Eintracht Frankfurt have agreed top scorer in the Europa League, the transfer of Luka Jovic, sub- scoring 10 goals, one less than ‘Cristiano is our leader and it’s better to have the best player in the world with us’ ject to a medical,” Real said in a Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud. statement. “The player will be The Bundesliga club were beaten AFP tied to the club for the next six by Chelsea in the semi-fi nals. Porto, Portugal seasons, until the 30th of June In the Bundesliga, Jovic was 2025,” it added. on target with 17 goals, third in Jovic scored 27 goals in all the league rankings along with ristiano Ronaldo has ended his competitions this season, help- Kai Havertz of Leverkusen and international exile to spearhead ing Frankfurt to the Europa Marco Reus of Dortmund. Jovic’s Portugal’s hopes of winning the League semi-fi nals and seventh signature comes ahead of the inaugural Nations League on place in the Bundesliga. He also much-anticipated move to the homeC soil this week, but gone are the days made four appearances for Ser- Santiago Bernabeu of Chelsea when he was the European champions’ bia, scoring one goal. His daz- star Eden Hazard, who has long only man to fear. A fi ve-time Ballon d’Or zling form put him on the ra- been linked to Real and who in- and Champions League winner, who has dar of Europe’s top clubs, with dicated after the Europa League delivered league titles to his clubs in Eng- Spanish media quoting a price fi nal victory over Arsenal that he land, Spain and Italy, there is little left for tag of 60mn euros ($67mn) while had played his last game for the Ronaldo to prove. German media said Real will have Londoners. But after his tears as a teenager when paid out 70mn euros. After years of relative inac- losing a home fi nal at Euro 2004, Ronaldo Frankfurt’s sporting director tion on the transfer market, club can avenge that defeat by lifting the sec- Fredi Bobic disclosed no fi nan- President Florentino Perez ap- ond international trophy of his career in cial details but suggested the size pears to be keen to put a new front of an adoring Portuguese crowd. of the Madrid off er was just too gloss on the club’s tarnished “We have the privilege of having the big to resist. “In sporting terms, reputation after a poor season in best player in the world, who is a scoring Luka Jovic is a big loss for us,” he which they were overshadowed machine,” said Portugal defender Pepe, said in a statement. “It was clear by rivals Barcelona. who spent many seasons alongside Ro- that we would not be able to turn His fi rst big move came in naldo at Real Madrid. “Cristiano is our down off ers of a certain size.” March when he persuaded Zin- leader and it’s always better to have the He said the deal was good for edine Zidane to return as coach best player in the world with us,” added the German club who originally after he quit at the end of the veteran centre-back Jose Fonte. signed Jovic on a two-year loan 2017-18 season after bringing Portugal, though, made it to the fi - from Portuguese club Benfi ca three Champions League titles in nal four of the fi rst ever Nations League and took up an option for a per- a row to the club. without their all-time record goalscorer. Ronaldo took a break from international football after the World Cup and only re- turned for Portugal’s fi rst two Euro 2020 qualifi ers in March. His return did not go to plan as Fern- ando Santos’s men were held at home by Ukraine and Serbia, while the Juventus forward limped off injured just 30 min- utes into the second fi xture of a double header. In his absence, Bernardo Silva has come to the fore with the Manchester City midfi elder, who was hailed by club boss Pep Guardiola as the outstanding player in the Premier League this season, also becoming the principal creative force for his country. City may soon have another Portu- guese star on their books with the English champions among a host of clubs chasing Joao Felix. The 19-year-old is in line for his international debut in today’s semi- fi nal against Switzerland after a stellar Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo trains on the eve of the Nations League semi-final against Switzerland in Porto, Portugal. (Reuters) season with Benfi ca. Felix scored 20 goals in all competi- even ahead of Ronaldo, but Felix admitted home that it looked like it was in career have shown their ability to spring a huge tions, including a Europa League quarter- to being star struck on his fi rst few days mode on PlayStation.” surprise just to make it to the last four. fi nal hat-trick against Eintracht Frank- training alongside the fi ve-time world Switzerland do not possess the same Needing to beat the number one ranked furt, with Benfi ca fearing his 120mn euro player of the year. star power, although Xherdan Shaqiri will side in the world, Belgium, by two goals ($134mn) buyout clause will be activated “It was weird, I had never seen him live arrive in Porto as a newly crowned Euro- in their fi nal Nations League group game, Serbian forward Luka Jovic scored 27 goals in all competitions this this summer. That would make him the so close,” Felix said. “I said to my col- pean champion at club level with Liver- Switzerland trailed 2-0 before roaring season, helping Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League semi-finals most expensive Portuguese player ever, leagues and best friends later when I got pool. However, Vladimir Petkovic’s men back for a thrilling 5-2 win. and seventh place in the Bundesliga. (AFP)

Qatar face Guatemala in Toulon tournament ROUND-UP FOCUS Paris: Qatar Olympic team contested by under-22 national Games in Tokyo 2020. The Seven Valladolid will take on Guatemala today teams. This is the sixth time Qatar team will reassemble in the Toulon International that Qatar is featuring in the after the summer break and is Klopp ‘pleased’ about players paid to tournament. Qatar had lost tournament. Qatar squad is expected to play more matches their opening Group B match using the Toulon Tournament and events in their build-up to lose match: report against hosts France 0-2 on to get match practice ahead of the tournament in Thailand. AFP Monday. After the Guatemala the AFC Asian U-23 Cup to be On Monday, QFA President Bayern link, but hints at Madrid match, they will take on Brazil played in Thailand next year. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin on June 8. The event in Thailand will act Ahmed al-Thani met with the The two-week tournament is as the qualifier for Olympic players and backroom staff . even players of Spanish Liverpool extension fi rst division side Real Valladolid were paid by urgen Klopp hinted yesterday that he a recently dismantled could remain Liverpool manager for match-fiS xing gang to deliber- BOTTOMLINE another fi ve years following his Champi- ately lose their fi nal match of ons League success, in an interview with the season against Valencia, El Germany’sJ Bild newspaper. Mundo reported yesterday. China to host 2023 Asian Cup The former Borussia Dortmund coach did Valencia beat Valladolid 2-0 not rule out a future return to the Bundesliga, and qualifi ed for the Champions AFP chance with this Asian Cup to ready and confi dent of staging however, after Franz Beckenbauer urged him to League. Valladolid, owned since Paris develop a sure legacy for the a successful tournament,” said join Bayern Munich earlier this week. Bayern and September by former Brazilian global game. Chinese FIFA Council member Germany legend Beckenbauer told Bild Monday international Ronaldo, were al- The Asian Cup can provide a Du Zhaocai. that he wanted “nothing more” than to see Klopp ready safe from relegation. The sia’s football chief launchpad for the great Chinese It will mark the second time in the Bayern dugout. Asked about Beckenbauer’s paper said police had intercept- Sheikh Salman bin Eb- football teams of the future and China has hosted the quadren- comments, Klopp, 51, suggested he could stay at ed telephone conversations in- rahim al-Khalifah said more importantly can place nial continental tournament, Liverpool for fi ve years or more. “Both Bayern volving retired footballer Carlos yesterday that China’s football as the number one after the 2004 edition when and Borussia Dortmund have very good coaches Aranda, who was arrested last stagingA of the 2023 Asian Cup sport in the country.” they fi nished runners-up to Ja- at the moment. I don’t know what the situation week on suspicion of leading the would serve as a “launchpad” Last month South Korea pan. The bid proposed 12 can- will be in fi ve years or beyond. Maybe there are ring, where he is heard saying for the country’s teams of the abandoned their bid to stage the didate cities, including Beijing, then other coaches who are being considered.” “there were seven (Valladolid) future. China was confi rmed tournament, leaving China as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xian, Yet Klopp did not rule out joining Bayern, and players bought” in the match. yesterday as host at the AFC’s the sole candidates with a free and there are plans to construct said he was “pleased” by Beckenbauer’s com- ros. He will be offi cially unveiled as Sevilla’s new “Valencia wins the fi rst half Extraordinary Congress in Paris run to become hosts. Thailand nine new football-only stadi- ments. “Of course it pleases me when Franz says coach on today, the club said in a statement. and the second, okay?” he is after all the other countries in and Indonesia had also pre- ums by the end of 2021. something like that. Better that than for him to Caparros, who has been diagnosed with caught saying according to a the running dropped their bids, viously expressed interest in China, who have only quali- say I am no good. I like Franz and he likes me. But chronic leukaemia, announced at the end of the transcript of another intercepted giving the Chinese a possible hosting the 2023 event, but had fi ed once for the World Cup in I have a long-term contract in Liverpool.” season that he would be stepping down. Sevilla phone call obtained by the news- dry-run for organising a future dropped out earlier. This year’s 2002, are ranked a lowly 74th Klopp’s current contract expires in 2021, and fi nished sixth in La Liga after three defeats in paper. Valladolid captain Borja World Cup. Asian Cup in the UAE was ex- in the world in FIFA’s rankings, the Premier League club are reportedly seeking their fi nal six games ruined their chances of Fernandez is among the players “This is an important mo- panded to 24 nations for the sandwiched between Panama to extend it. He also told Bild that Liverpool’s qualifying for the Champions League. who were paid to lose the match, ment for football in Asia and fi rst time with Qatar winning and Cape Verde. Marcello Lippi Champions League triumph on Saturday was Lopetegui’s brief and inglorious reign as Real according to a judicial document beyond,” said Sheikh Salman, the fi nal. was reappointed as coach of “not the beginning of an era of world domina- coach ended in humiliation, as he was fi red by obtained by El Mundo, which FIFA’s second-in-command, China’s football fan Presi- China in May, four months after tion” and that Liverpool still had ground to make the club following a 5-1 loss against arch rivals has broken several football- who was re-elected to a fresh dent Xi Jinping has stated his the World Cup winner quit and up on Europe’s biggest clubs. Barcelona. His time at the Santiago Bernabeu related legal stories. Valladolid four-year term as AFC presi- aim for the country to stage following a failed stint by fellow lasted just 139 days, with his decision to join the announced last week they had dent in April. the showpiece World Cup one Italian Fabio Cannavaro. LOPETEGUI TAKES OVER AT SEVILLA club also costing him his job as Spain boss at the opened a disciplinary procedure “Football has the chance to day, with 2030 and 2034 often Lippi’s fi rst match back at Sevilla said yesterday they had signed Julen 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Spanish football against Fernandez amid reports unlock the potential that exists mentioned as possibilities, and the helm will be a home game Lopetegui, who was sacked as Spain coach on the federation sacked Lopetegui in June 2018 just two that authorities were monitoring in the world’s most populous wants the country to become a against the Philippines on June eve of the 2018 World Cup, as manager for the days before Spain’s opening game with Portugal Valencia’s fi nal day win against country. We have seen the rise major force in the sport. 7, followed by another home next three seasons. The 52-year-old, who had after it emerged that he had signed with Real the club. “We hope that it is of the game under the direction “It’s great for China, a great friendly, with Tajikistan, four been out of work since Real Madrid also fi red him without their knowledge. The former Real Ma- nothing. In any case, I think it is and investment of the Chinese honour for China to be hosts days later. World Cup qualifi ca- at the end of October thanks to a dreadful start to drid goalkeeper has also coached Rayo Vallecano good that we investigate,” Ron- government. Now, we have the of the 2023 Asian Cup. We are tion starts in September. the season, will take over from Joaquin Capar- and Porto at the club level. aldo said last week.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 GULF TIMES

SPOTLIGHT Federer, Nadal set up semi-fi nal blockbuster Nadal has a 5-0 stranglehold over Federer at Roland Garros with the Spaniard winning their most recent clash in 2011

AFP Paris

oger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-fi nal clash with yesterday whenR he defeated in four sets to become the oldest men’s Grand Slam semi-fi nalist in 28 years. The 37-year-old Swiss beat his compatriot 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach his 43rd major semi- fi nal and eighth at Roland Garros. Defending champion Nadal, bidding for a 12th title at the French Open, blitzed a weary 6-1, 6-1, 6-3. Federer trails his head-to- head record with Nadal 23-15 — de- spite winning their last fi ve matches — and 13-2 on clay. The Spaniard has a 5-0 strangle- hold over Federer at Roland Gar- ros with Nadal winning their most recent Paris clash in the 2011 fi nal. “The complete dream would be to win the tournament,” said Federer. “Other players won’t agree. It will be diffi cult, but I believe it anyway. It was hard, really, really hard. Stan played a really good match, I’m re- ally happy to play him here at Roland Switzerland’s (left) hugs countryman Stanislas Wawrinka after winning their men’s singles Garros.” quarter-final match at the French Open in Paris yesterday. (AFP) The 20-time Grand Slam cham- pion is the oldest man to make the was at it again on Tuesday, making it play another day.” I step out onto the court, I’m always semis at one of the big four tourna- seven from seven to move 3-1 in front Yesterday’s win was Nadal’s 11th in going to have a chance. I’m always ments since Jimmy Connors at the in the second. 13 meetings against Japanese seventh going to have a shot,” said Konta. She 1991 US Open aged 39. Wawrinka He suff ered from a few jitters when seed Nishikori who had played back- will play either Czech teenager Mar- saved 16 of 18 break points in a thrill- serving to level the match, but took to-back fi ve-setters to reach his third keta Vondrousova or Croatian 31st ing encounter, but Federer quickly his fourth set point. The topsy-turvy quarter-fi nal at Roland Garros. He Petra Martic for a place in Saturday’s fi nished off the match after a rain de- nature of the encounter continued in had spent four more hours on court fi nal. lay to progress. the third set, as Federer missed two than Nadal and the eff orts took their It is the third seed’s fi rst appear- set points before salvaging two break toll as he needed treatment on an up- QUARTER-FINALS RESULTS ance at the French Open since 2015 points himself after the players had per right arm injury after the second (x denotes seeding: after taking time away from clay to earlier traded breaks. set. The 29-year-old Nishikori man- focus on Wimbledon, but he has been Wawrinka held his nerve to force aged just nine winners in total in the Men’s: Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Stan in fi ne form in Paris and has only lost the quarter-fi nal’s second tie-break, fi rst two sets. As the skies darkened Wawrinka (SUI x24) 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 one set so far — as has Nadal. but Federer moved two sets to one in over the city, so did Nishikori’s mood (7/5), 6-4; Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Kei Nadal, who turned 33 on Monday, front on his fi fth set point. After the as he slipped 4-1 down in the third Nishikori (JPN x7) 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 is three behind Federer in the all- threat of thunderstorms and dark and again needed the trainer to at- Women’s: Johanna Konta (GBR x26) bt time list of Grand Slam singles titles skies forced the players from the tend to his arm. Even the weather Sloane Stephens (USA x7) 6-1, 6-4 heading into their 39th career clash. court with the fourth set level at 3-3, delay didn’t help as Nadal needed It will be Federer’s fi rst Roland Gar- Federer returned refreshed 80 min- just another eight minutes to fi nish ros semi-fi nal since a defeat by No- utes later and sealed a 23rd victory the job. TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY vak Djokovic in 2012. over Wawrinka in their 26th meet- Johanna Konta became the fi rst (play begins at 1pm Qatar time, The 2009 French Open cham- ing, despite needing three match British woman in 36 years to reach prefix number denotes seeding): pion struck 53 winners on Tuesday, points to get over the line. the semi-fi nals by sweeping past COURT PHILIPPE-CHATRIER: 3-Simo- as Wawrinka’s 61 unforced errors Nadal took his record in Paris to 91 seventh-seeded Sloane Stephens of na Halep () v Amanda Anisi- proved costly. In a dramatic opening wins and just two defeats in a one- the United States, last year’s runner- mova (US); 1- (Serbia) set on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Fed- sided contest with Nishikori to reach up, 6-1, 6-4. The 28-year-old Konta v 5-Alexander Zverev (Germany) erer saved four break points before his 31st Slam semi-fi nal. “It’s a great had not won a match at Roland Gar- taking it in a tie-break. satisfaction to be in another semi- ros in any of her previous four visits. COURT SUZANNE-LENGLEN: Wawrinka had saved 22 of 27 break fi nal, there are lots of emotions,” said But now she has emulated Jo Durie 14-Madison Keys (US) v 8-Ashleigh points in his epic last-16 victory Nadal. “My level has been very good who was the last British woman to Barty (Australia); 4-Dominic Thiem over Stefanos Tsitsipas, including throughout the tournament and I am make the French Open semi-fi nals in (Austria) v 10-Karen Khachanov all eight in the deciding set, and he happy to be able to come back and 1983. “I’ve always said that whenever (Russia) Spain’s Rafael Nadal plays a forehand en route to his win over Japan’s Kei Nishikori. (Reuters)

FOCUS FUTURE FANTASTIC Konta leaves Evert ‘speechless’ with Greek lightning: Zverev happy Roland Garros breakthrough for Tsitsipas to steal spotlight AFP AFP Paris Paris lexander Zverev ohanna Konta became the fi rst British would be overjoyed to woman in 36 years to reach the Ro- fi nally win a maiden land Garros semi-fi nals yesterday in Grand Slam title but a performance which left US legend justA as happy to see rising Greek andJ seven-time Paris champion star Stefanos Tsitsipas also claim “speechless”. a fi rst major. For so long the Konta, the 26th seed, swept past sev- poster boy of the widely-hyped enth-seeded Sloane Stephens of the United ‘NextGen’, but desperately un- States, last year’s runner-up, 6-1, 6-4. comfortable with the burden of “I am speechless and not many matches expectation, the 22-year-old make me speechless,” Evert, an 18-time German has seen Greek rival Grand Slam champion, told . Tsitsipas edge him out of the superstar all of a sudden. And for won the title in Estoril, was run- “Jo Konta, I take my hat off to you, I have spotlight. me, it was actually quite a nice ner-up to Djokovic in Madrid and never seen her play that kind of tennis, “The best thing that could thing that not all of the attention made the semi-fi nals in Rome she would’ve beaten anybody the way she have happened for me is how of the kind of ‘NextGen’ thing is where it took Rafael Nadal to halt played today.” good Tsitsipas’ season only going my way.” him. The 6ft 6in (1.98m) Zverev The 28-year-old Konta had not won a was,” said Zverev. “I actually do Not that Zverev’s path to the admits that his patchy form in match at Roland Garros in any of her previ- believe that. I’m happy for him.” quarter-fi nals has been smooth. 2019 has also been impacted by ous four visits. But now she has emulated Tsitsipas, two years Zverev’s He needed fi ve sets to get past off -court issues. Jo Durie who was the last British woman to junior, was seeded sixth at Ro- Australia’s John Millman in the He is involved in a legal bat- make the French Open semi-fi nals in 1983. land Garros but his hopes of fi rst round and then four to see tle with his former manager “I’ve always said that whenever I step Britain’s Johanna Konta in action during her quarter-final match against Sloane Stephens making a second successive last- off Dusan Lajovic and another which has left him increasingly out onto the court, I’m always going to have of the US at the French Open in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) eight at the majors ended in an four to defeat . In distracted. “I had to do a lot of a chance. I’m always going to have a shot,” epic fi ve-hour defeat by 2015 contrast, Djokovic has yet to things that I usually don’t do, a said Konta when told of Evert’s glowing added Konta after her third win in 2019 over enough. Such was Konta’s domination that champion Stan Wawrinka. drop a set or even break sweat in lot of management stuff , a lot of praise. “I don’t think any player on tour can Stephens. Both players complained about she allowed Stephens just one point on her Zverev, on the other hand, has reaching a record 10th successive lawyer stuff , so things that I’m go on court against me and feel like they’ve the famed Paris clay blowing away off the serve in the entire second set which ended made it through to a second suc- French Open quarter-fi nal. The not used to doing,” he explained. defi nitely got it. I defi nitely back myself and court in a stiff breeze. But at least they had with a whimper when the American sent a cessive quarter-fi nal in Paris and Serb has conceded an average of “Those kind of things took my my ability that way.” the advantage of getting back into the locker groundstroke wide of the mark. will face world number one No- just seven games a match. focus away a little bit from ten- Next up for Konta is a clash with either room before torrential rain, thunder and Stephens, one of three Americans to reach vak Djokovic today. Zverev had endured a mediocre nis. But I’m in the quarter-fi nals Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or lighting brought the men’s quarter-fi nals to the quarter-fi nals, admitted that the thin However, he has yet to get past clay court season until the eve of here, so something seems to be Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in to- a halt later in the day. clay surface may have played into Konta’s the last-eight at a Slam while Roland Garros when he clinched working all right now.” day’s fi nal. It will be her third semi-fi nal at a Konta broke former US Open champion hands. Tsitsipas raced to the semi-fi nals the Geneva title, playing on a Zverev is 2-2 against Djokovic major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of “Clay is a great neutraliser, but there at the Australian Open in Janu- last-minute . It was a in his career and won their only Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017. the fi rst set. The Briton fi red four aces and wasn’t very much clay on the court today. ary, beating Roger Federer on the decision prompted by a quarter- meeting on clay in the Italian “I wouldn’t say it means more. It’s a dif- 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent So that was a little bit tough,” said Stephens. way. It took Tsitsipas nine ap- fi nal exit to Tsitsipas in Madrid Open fi nal in 2017 in straight sets. ferent process getting here than when I got in the 35-minute opener. Konta tightened “She likes to play on hard court and grass, pearances to reach his fi rst Slam and a fi rst-up exit at the hands of He also beat the world number to the semi-fi nal at Wimbledon or even her grip with a break in the opening game and the court was very fast today, and I think quarter-fi nal — Zverev needed Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in Rome. one in the championship match when I got to the semi-fi nal at Australia,” of the second set and that proved more than that kind of worked in her favour.” 15. “He can be proud. He is a new While he struggled, Tsitsipas at the 2018 ATP Finals in London.