Hafeez stars for Pakistan in win over England PAGE 19 TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019

Generation Amazing, AFC Dream Asia Foundation CRICKET WORLD CUP sign long-term partnership PAGE 18 AFGHANISTAN VS SRI LANKA ‘2019, 2020 Club World Cups in Qatar will be great test events’

Hassan al Thawadi says it will provide It will be a great launch pads for opportunity for us 2022 FIFA World to try out some of Cup Qatar the operational plans we have in AGENCIES place in the lead up PARIS to the World Cup. QATAR will host the next two Hassan al Thawadi editions of the Club World Cup as valuable test events in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2022. The decision came in the lead-up to the 69th FIFA Con- Key decisions taken by the gress on Monday. The mem- FIFA Council also included: bers of the FIFA Council con- Decision to lift the suspen- vened in Paris for meeting no. sion of Sierra Leone Football 10 of the decision-making body. Association (SLFA) with im- The seven-team club tour- Top Seven mediate effect after the High nament, which will include Court of Sierra Leone acquit- European champions Liverpool The 2019 and 2020 Club ted the SLFA President and this year, will be played in De- World Cups will be the final SLFA General-Secretary of cember and in December 2020. versions with only the six all charges on May 27, which “It is a great test event,” continental club champions ensured that the recognised Qatar World Cup organising and the winner of the host’s leadership has full control of committee chairman Hassan The seven-team club tournament will also include UEFA European champions Liverpool, who beat Tottenham Hotspur in the final on aturday.S domestic league – Al Sadd. the member association again. al Thawadi said. “So we will Following a proposal from definitely try to utilise as much seat Al Janoub stadium. team competition held every Caledonian club Hienghene tenham 2-0 in the Champions Senior Vice-President Shaikh as possible, all the different The event for clubs will be four years. Sport will represent Oceania, League final on Saturday, lost held in Shanghai in October. Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, facets of hosting a World Cup. played at the same time of year The 2019 and 2020 Club and CONCACAF’s place was its only Club World Cup final The UAE hosted the tour- the FIFA Council unanimously “For us, it is a great oppor- as the 2022 World Cup. World Cups will be the fi- secured by Mexican club Mon- in 2005 to Sao Paulo in Yoko- nament in 2009, 2010, 2017, agreed to submit a proposal tunity, it is a great test event to The decision to give Qatar nal versions with only the six terrey. The Asian and South hama, Japan. 2018 and Morocco in 2013 to the Congress to amend the try out some of the operational the Club World Cup comes two continental club champions American teams will be de- In regard to the pilot edi- and 2014, while Japan hosted FIFA Statutes. This statutory plans we have in place in the weeks after FIFA settled on 32 and the winner of the host’s termined in their continental tion of the expanded FIFA the tournament between 2005 amendment, which is already lead up to the World Cup” countries for the 2022 World domestic league – Al Sadd, finals in November. Club World Cup in 2021, the and 2008 and in 2011, 2012, largely applied at confederation The first of the eight World Cup rather than expanding to coached by former Barcelona The South American and FIFA administration will ana- 2015 and 2016. level (e.g. the AFC, CAF, Con- Cup stadiums opened last 48 teams. legend Xavi Hernandez. European champions enter lyse and proactively approach Real Madrid secured the cacaf, UEFA), would allow the month with FIFA President Gi- The Club World Cup is Tunisian club Esperance in the semi-finals at the Club potential hosts before making last three titles winning the Congress to decide to elect the anni Infantino attending a do- also enlarging but not until de Tunis qualified last week World Cup. a recommendation at the next last edition at the expense of President by acclamation when mestic cup final at the 40,000- 2021, when it becomes a 24- as African champion, New Liverpool, which beat Tot- FIFA Council meeting to be Al Ain 4-1. there is only one candidate. Djokovic is favourite to win the , says Rod Laver

REUTERS PARIS

NOVAK Djokovic is the fa- vourite to win the French Open and become the sec- ond man ever to hold all four titles simultane- ously on two separate occa- sions, according to Rod Laver, the man he is trying to match. Laver achieved the feat in Michel Platini (right) and FIFA president Gianni Infantino pictured in March 2010 when they worked side- 1962 and 1969 with perfect cal- by-side for UEFA. (AFP) endar-year Grand Slams that no male player has achieved since, although Djokovic held Platini fires broadside at Infantino all four, spanning consecutive years, when he claimed his first French Open title in 2016. ahead of FIFA election Serbian Djokovic reached the quarter-finals at Roland DPA journalists from European ments which come ahead of Garros on Monday with a PARIS newspapers, reported by Le Friday’s start of the women’s straightforward win over Ger- Monde: “For me he is not World Cup in France. many’s Jan-Lennard Struff FIFA president Gianni Infanti- credible as FIFA president and “He was not a fan of wom- and will replicate his 2016 feat A file photo of tennis legend Rod Laver presenting a trophy to Novak Djokovic during the 50th anniversary no is “not credible” as the head he also does not have the legit- en’s football. He was laughing if he goes on to lift the title. celebration for in Melbourne earlier this year in January. (REUTERS) of football’s world govern- imacy to represent football.” at women’s football. He is not The world number one ing, former UEFA president Platini referred to one of In- a believer in it,” Platini said. and top seed has yet to drop a Novak with his ability and his got so many players, whether doubts that the 37-year-old Michel Platini said Monday, fantino’s roles at UEFA, lead- Platini was banned by the set and is on course for a likely consistency,” Laver said. “The it be Nadal or (Roger) Federer, can win the title, as he did 10 according to a French report. ing the draw ceremonies for FIFA ethics committee for title-decider against holder way he plays the game, he you’ve got (Stan) Wawrinka years ago. Infantino is set to secure a European championships and eight years in 2015 in con- and 11-time French winner doesn’t go bang, bang, bang, that’s just come through a The Swiss is in line to face fresh term as FIFA president European club competitions. nection with a payment of 2 Rafael Nadal. ace, volleys. He wins every indi- huge match. Nadal in the semi-finals. until 2023 with no other can- “Just because you picked million Swiss francs (dollars) “I’m probably favouring vidual point from the baseline. “But there are so many “He’s certainly in it and didates standing for election balls (from a bowl) doesn’t from former FIFA president Novak at the moment and “He’s won all four at one good players out there that are he’s certainly playing well but I at the body’s congress in Paris mean you can represent Joseph Blatter. then Rafa,” Australian great time ...so he’s already done playing on clay. (The French) don’t know if anyone has really on Wednesday. FIFA,” he said. The ban was later reduced Laver, now 80, told report- that portion of it. is probably the toughest one pushed him yet,” Laver said. Former France interna- Infantino was a good law- to four years and expires in ers on Monday. “Then it goes “He’s just won the Austral- for a player to win if they’re “You only have to win sev- tional Platini, who is currently yer in his job at UEFA but had October. down the line.” Laver thinks ian, if he wins here he’s on line in line for winning a Grand en matches; that’s all you have serving a ban from football, criticised FIFA for 10 years, Blatter is serving a six-year that should Djokovic win to win the (calendar) Grand Slam.” Federer, back at the to do. You don’t have to win worked at UEFA with Infan- Platini said. football ban. the French he could go on to Slam. It’s a long way to go, French Open after a three-year 128 of them. tino, who was the European Furthermore Infantino Infantino was elected FIFA match his own calendar-year he’s only got one so far. (The absence, has breezed through “I think someone like Rafa body’s general secretary. never supported women’s president in February 2016 to Grand Slam. French) is probably, for him, to the quarter-finals with- is going to be tough if Roger Platini told a round of football, Platini said in com- complete Blatter’s term. “I marvel at someone like the toughest because you’ve out dropping a set but Laver and those two meet.” Sports Tuesday, June 4, 2019 17 Perfect 10 as Djoko makes last eight; Nishikori to face Nadal

AFP PARIS

NOVAK Djokovic on Monday became the first man to reach the French Open quarter-fi- nals for 10 successive seasons while Kei Nishikori will face the toughest challenge on a clay court -- Rafael Nadal. Top seed and world num- ber one Djokovic continued his bid to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously for the second time by thrash- ing Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The 32-year-old will now face fifth seed Alexander Japan’s Kei Nishikori celebrates after winning against France’s Benoit Paire on day nine of the French Open Germany’s Alexander Zverev after winning against Italy’s Fabio Fognini on Monday. (AFP) Zverev in what will be his at the Roland Garros in Paris on Monday. (AFP) 13th appearance overall in the The Spaniard, celebrating sian Karen Khachanov or two- said Halep. quarter-finals in Paris. of the 32-year-old Italian who RESULTS his 33rd birthday on Monday, time semi-finalist Juan Martin The players who stunned “It was tricky with the won his first Masters title on has won all four of their meet- del Potro. top seed Naomi Osaka and rain, but that’s Paris,” said the the clay of Monte Carlo in the MEN SINGLES 4TH ROUND WOMEN SINGLES 4TH ROUND ings on clay. The Austrian also pulled 23-time major winner Serena 2016 champion after playing run-up to Paris. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) (USA x14) bt Katerina Siniakova (CZE) “It’s going to be a tough off a memorable ‘tweener’ shot Williams got a taste of their 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 6-2, 6-4 in drizzly conditions. “I’m re- “So I am happy to get Alexander Zverev (GER x5) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x9) 3-6, Ashleigh Barty (AUS x8) bt Sofia Kenin (USA) 6-3, 3-6, match, he’s the greatest between his legs. own medicine. ally confident with my serve. I through and into another 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) 6-0 ever clay court player,” said “When it goes in, it’s called a American 14th seed Madi- hope it continues like that.” quarter-final.” Dominic Thiem (AUT x4) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x14) 6-4, Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Iga Swiatek (POL) 6-1, Nishikori. hot-shot,” said the 25-year-old. son Keys reached the quarter- Only Australian great Rod Zverev is 2-2 against Djok- 6-4, 6-2 6-0 For Paire, it was an oppor- Defending women’s cham- finals for the second succes- Kei Nishikori (JPN x7) bt Benoît Paire (FRA) 6-2, 6-7 Amanda Anisimova (USA) bt Aliona Bolsova (ESP) 6-3, Laver has held all four majors ovic in his career but won their (8/10), 6-2, 6-7 (8/10), 7-5 6-0. tunity lost. pion Simona Halep reached sive year with a 6-2, 6-4 win at the same time twice before, only meeting on clay in the “I should have lost it in her fourth French Open quar- over Katerina Siniakova, the after his calendar Grand Slams final in 2017 in three or four sets but I should ter-final with a 45-minute conqueror of US and Austral- in 1962 and 1969. straight sets. to reach his third last-eight dered both, the second on a have won it in the fifth set,” thrashing of Polish teenager ian Open winner Osaka. German fifth seed Zverev Fognini, the ninth seed, hit match at the French Open. double fault. said the 30-year-old. Iga Swiatek. Keys, who went on to reach reached his second successive 53 unforced errors as his game “He almost had it today,” Paire, the world number French interest in the sin- The Romanian third seed the semi-finals in 2018, next Roland Garros quarter-final fell to pieces. said Nishikori who had led two 38 who was trying to make the gles ended for another year raced to a 6-1, 6-0 win, drop- faces Australian eighth seed with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Japanese seventh seed Ni- sets to one when the last-16 tie quarter-final of a Slam for the just a few hours later when ping only one game when Ashleigh Barty. win over Italy’s Fabio Fognini. shikori came back from 1-4 was suspended on Sunday. first time, was eventually un- 14th seed Gael Monfils was serving for the opening set as “I was really happy to close Last year he achieved his and 3-5 down in the final set to “He served for the match done by 15 double faults and defeated 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 by Aus- Swiatek failed to hold serve in it out as playing three sets in best run at the Slams, mak- beat Benoit Paire of France and at 5-3 but I just tried to fight 79 unforced errors. trian fourth seed Thiem, the the match. these heavy conditions does ing the quarter-finals where set-up a quarter-final clash on and play one point at a time.” Nishikori has only de- 2018 runner-up. Halep will face either not sound like much fun,” said he was defeated by eventual Tuesday against Nadal. The 29-year-old Japanese feated 11-time French Open Thiem will be playing in American 17-year-old Amanda the 24-year-old Keys. runner-up Dominic Thiem. Nishikori won 6-2, 6-7 could have wrapped it up in champion Nadal twice in 12 his fourth successive quarter- Anisimova or Spain’s Aliona Barty beat Sofia Kenin, “Fabio is playing the best (8/10), 6-2, 6-7 (8/10), 7-5 the fourth set when he had meetings with both of those final in Paris where he will Bolsova for a semi-final place. who stunned Williams in the tennis of his life,” said Zverev in a shade under four hours two match points but squan- wins coming on hard court. face either 10th-seeded Rus- “Kind of perfect,” third round, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

Golf South Korea’s Jeong-eun wins US Women’s Open

REUTERS JUNE 2

LEE Jeong-eun became the ninth South Korean to win the U.S. Women’s Open on Sun- Romania’s Simona Halep attends the men’s singles fourth round day, holding her nerve while match between Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro and Russia’s Karen her rivals faltered in South Khachanov, on day nine of the Roland Garros in Carolina to claim the first Paris on Monday. (AFP) $1 million winner’s prize in women’s golf. Lee, who has a ‘6’ in her Tiger Woods tees off on the 2nd hole during the final round of the Halep in haste as surname to differentiate her- 2019 Memorial Tournament on Sunday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) self from five other players with the same name on the defending champ Korean Tour, had two late bo- Woods primed for geys but a one-under-par 70 was enough to clinch the title makes quarters at the demanding Country US Open after solid Club of Charleston course. REUTERS Her six-under 278 total PARIS Women’s QF Line-up was two shots better than finish at Memorial Madison Keys (USA x14) v Ashleigh Barty (AUS x8) compatriot and 2011 cham- REUTERS DEFENDING champion Si- Simona Halep (ROM x3) v Amanda Anisimova (USA) pion Ryu So-yeon (70) and ifornia course where he won mona Halep hurried into the S Stephens (USA x7) v Johanna Konta (GBR x26) Americans Angel Yin (68) and WASHINGTON the 2000 U.S. Open by an as- French Open quarter-finals Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) v Petra Martic (CRO x31) Lexi Thompson (73). tonishing 15 strokes. by sweeping aside Polish teen- Overnight leaders Yu Liu TIGER Woods lit up the Me- Woods won the Masters ager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1 6-0 finals is not easy, so I’m think- of China and France’s Celine morial tournament on Sunday in April, his 15th major title, victory on Monday. ing just to give my best again Boutier faded with matching Jeongeun Lee6 tips her hat on the 18th green during the final round of with an early feast of birdies but missed the cut at the PGA Third seed Halep produced next round. It’s just what I’m 75’s to finish three strokes be- the US Women’s Open at Charleston. (USA TODAY SPORTS) during his final round 67 to Championship at Bethpage a nearly flawless performance thinking about.” hind the winner. dispel any doubts about his two weeks ago. on Court Philippe Chatrier Swiatek came out with all Tour rookie Lee was a class Lee6 stands alone preparations for next week’s He was feeling under the against a bold opponent who guns blazing but failed to mas- apart in a tense final round, U.S. Open. weather at Bethpage and was turned 18 last Friday. ter her raw power, bowing out her compact swing, deft short LEE Jeong-eun had a ‘6’ added to her surname on the Korean Woods rolled in seven clearly a little rusty after not The Romanian will now after 45 minutes when Halep game and composed demean- women’s golf tour to differentiate her from the five others that birdies in 11 holes at Muirfield having played a tournament face another teenager, Ameri- whipped a forehand winner our keeping her out of trouble joined the circuit before her. After Sunday’s victory at the U.S. Village, a venue where he has in more than a month. can Amanda Anisimova, who down the line. as her rivals floundered. Women’s Open, however, “Lee6” has certainly made a name for won a record five times, before The 43-year-old was de- thrashed Spain’s Aliona Bol- Earlier, Madison Keys dis- “I didn’t expect to win the herself. “I’m the sixth Jeong-eun Lee player, and that’s why they a couple of late bogeys had termined to go into the U.S. sova 6-3 6-0. patched Katerina Siniakova to tournament this fast,” she said put it down as Jeongeun Lee6,” the 23-year-old South Korean him finish equal ninth at nine- Open prepared and his trip to “I feel old,” joked the reach the quarter-finals before via an interpreter, apologising said via an interpreter after winning the most prestigious title under 279, 10 strokes behind the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Me- 27-year-old Halep. revealing a little-known weap- first for not speaking English in women’s golf in South Carolina. “But this is my lucky number winner Patrick Cantlay. morial served its purpose. The former world number on in a top tennis player’s ar- and promising to do so next too, so I would love to put it down as Lee6 as my last name.” His momentum was halted Woods is second on the one said she had been coping moury – a mastery of boredom. time she won. Lee, dubbed “Hot Six” by her legion of fans back home, is by his first bogey at the 14th, all-time major champion- well with the pressure of being The American’s 6-2 6-4 “I think this is very lucky among a generation of Korean golfers inspired by trailblazer Pak where his approach nestled in ship victory list, three behind defending champion at Ro- victory over her Czech oppo- that I won this major champi- Se-ri’s win at the 1998 U.S. Women’s Open. deep greenside rough, but he Nicklaus. land Garros. nent was a more humdrum onship.” It marks the 10th time The ninth South Korean to win the championship, Korean players was a picture of contentment “I wanted to have some- “I saw it different since the than hullabaloo affair, and af- a South Korean has won the have won it 10 times in all, with Park In-bee claiming the cham- afterwards. thing positive going into the beginning. I felt different. I felt terwards Keys offered a nod to event in just over 20 years. Pak pionship twice. Lee turned pro in 2016 and quickly handled the “I played really well Open and kind of sneak up more relaxed, even if the pres- the power of routine. Se-ri started the run in 1998 pressure of providing for her family, claiming Rookie of the Year today,” Woods told CBS there with a nice little top 10 sure was on,” she said. “I mean, I think every as- and inspired a whole genera- honours on the Korean LPGA circuit, even as she started to sour television. possibly,” Woods said of his “I feel good in this position pect of life can be boring at tion to follow in her footsteps. on the vibe of the tour. “Looking at my family situation back then, “I hit the ball so crisp and goal on Sunday. and I always say that even if times,” she smiled. “But... I Lee, who started the day I thought about wanting to play golf because I wanted to support so solid and made some nice “I was never going to win you’re No. 1, you win a Grand think it would be exhausting if two strokes off the lead, was my family no matter what,” she said. Switching to the U.S.-based putts there on the front nine the tournament with where Slam, you have to enjoy the it was exciting all of the time. on a nearby practice putting LPGA Tour this year after winning qualifying school at the end and had things rolling for a I was at. I wanted to get to moment. “I think we’d all be dead as green when her victory was of 2018, Lee found her feet quickly and arrived at the Women’s little bit.” Woods will have a double digits (under par) to- “So I did that pretty well soon as we got onto the court. confirmed and the 23-year-old Open ranked 14th in the world. (REUTERS) week off before heading to day and I did. I just didn’t this year. Back to the quarter- It’s life.” burst into tears. Pebble Beach, the seaside Cal- stay there.” 18 Tuesday, June 4, 2019 Sports

QFA president visits U-23 team in France

President of the Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani, visited the Qatar U-23 team training camp at the Toulon International Football Tournament. The Olympic team lost 2-0 in their opener against France. Qatar will take on Guatemala on Wednesday.

Generation Amazing, AFC Dream Asia Qatar, China and Japan presented with Foundation partner on legacy initiatives AFC Coaching Convention Awards

SC.QA will assist us in reaching more PARIS beneficiaries and support our aim of utilising the immense THE Supreme Committee for power of football to enhance in- Delivery & Legacy (SC)’s Gener- clusion, strengthen community ation Amazing programme and bonds and improve lives.” the Asian Football Confedera- So far more than 250,000 tion (AFC) Dream Asia Foun- beneficiaries have been reached dation have signed a long-term through Generation Amazing partnership which will see both across seven countries in Asia: programmes collaborate across Qatar, Nepal, Pakistan, Jordan, legacy and education areas Lebanon, the Philippines and throughout Asia for the coming India. four years. The partnership will con- Generation Amazing is the tribute to Generation Amazing’s AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa with representatives of Qatar, China and Japan. human and social legacy pro- AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa and SC Secre- objective of positively impacting gramme initiated during Qa- tary- General Hassan al Thawadi during the signing on Sunday. 1 million lives through football AFC Du Zhaocai, the President of the Pro Level – the highest level tar’s successful bid for the FIFA for development outreach and PARIS Japan FA, Kohzo Tashima, and that can be attained and they World Cup Qatar 2022 in 2010, heart of all our work and since opment initiatives in countries education by 2022. Generation Saoud A. Aziz M.A al Mohan- have set the benchmark for the which uses the power of sport to the launch of the AFC Dream including Lebanon and the Amazing has already reached SHEIKH Salman bin Ebrahim nadi , the Vice President of the other 33 MAs who are already positively impact lives and cre- Asia Foundation we are proud Philippines. more than 28 communities al Khalifa, the AFC President, Qatar FA. in the process. ate sustainable social develop- to have conducted 33 projects “We have always been com- through football for develop- on Sunday recognised the pro- AFC Technical Director “When an equivalent award ment in communities. in 21 Asian member associa- mitted to ensuring that the ment programmes and the con- gress of the coaching standards Andy Roxburgh said: “These was introduced in Europe some The signing ceremony for tions. We are looking forward legacy of the FIFA World Cup struction or refurbishment of of the Chinese Football Associa- awards show the progress of years ago, four of the first six the Memorandum of Under- to working with Generation Qatar 2022 extends beyond community pitches. tion, the Japan Football Associ- the three Member Associations went on to win the FIFA World standing was held in Paris on Amazing to deliver even more our borders, and Generation Recently, Generation Amaz- ation and Qatar Football Asso- in coaching and they are setting Cup and one was a runners-up. Sunday. projects for the benefit of young Amazing is an important vehi- ing ambassador Xavi Hernán- ciation at their meeting in Paris. the standards across Asia. I am So, this shows the importance Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim people across our continent.” cle for achieving that aim,” said dez visited the programme in The AFC Coaching Con- sure that others will now follow of the awards – they are a vital al Khalifa, the AFC President, The value-in-kind partner- SC Secretary General Hassan al Mumbai, India, to kick-start the vention Pro Level Certificates their lead. ingredient in the development said: “The AFC puts football ship will see both sides engag- Thawadi. construction of a community were presented to the Acting “These are the first MAs of coaching in the AFC Member for social development at the ing in joint football for devel- “Partnering with the AFC pitch there. President of the Chinese FA, who have been endorsed at the Associations.”

Former Qatar NBA FINALS Semenya free to run football star without medication passes away ‘Clutch’ Iguodala lifts while appeal is heard, FORMER Qatar international Mahmoud Soufi, who was a Swiss court rules member of the country’s Gulf Warriors to level series Cup winning team in 1992, REUTERS passed away at the age of 48 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND on Saturday. Thompson and Soufi, who represented DOUBLE Olympic champion Al Sadd, Al Gharafa and Al Curry combined Caster Semenya will be able to Arabi at the domestic level, for 48 points while run in her favoured 800 me- also participated in the Bar- tres event without medication celona Olympics in 1992, dur- Green added 17 to lower her testosterone levels ing which he scored a goal points, 10 rebounds until her appeal to the Swiss against Colombia. Federal Tribunal has been ruled and nine assists on, her lawyers said on Monday. The Court of Arbitration A file photo of Caster Semenya of AFP for Sport (CAS) had ruled last South Africa before the Women’s TORONTO, CANADA month that the sport’s ruling 800m in Zurich.(REUTERS) body, the IAAF, should make DEFENDING champion Gold- rules for XY chromosome ath- tions for the human rights of fe- en State needed Andre Iguoda- letes with differences in sexual male athletes,” added Dorothee la’s clutch 3-pointer with seven development (DSDs), like Se- Schramm of Sidley Austin LLP, seconds remaining on Sunday menya, competing in events Swiss counsel for Semenya. to hold off Toronto 109-104 ranging from 400 metres to a The International Asso- and lift the Warriors level in the mile. ciation of Athletics Federations NBA Finals. The CAS verdict, challenged (IAAF) said it had not been no- Seeking a third consecutive Golden State Warriors’ Andre Iguodala celebrates a basket late in the game against the Toronto Raptors by South African Semenya, was tified of the suspension. title and fourth in five seasons, during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. (AFP) highly controversial, with many “We have received no infor- the Warriors knotted the best- high-profile current and former mation from the Swiss Federal Mahmoud Soufi of-seven series at 1-1 ahead second half and he came alive.” you can help the team.” Green made 3-pointers to pull athletes lining up on both sides Court so we cannot comment at of games three and four on Klay Thompson led the It left reserves to play key the Raptors, in the first finals of of the debate. this stage,” an IAAF spokesper- He is also Qatar’s top Wednesday and Friday in Cali- Warriors with 25 points while roles in the triumph. their 24-season history, from a “The Federal Supreme son said. scorer in World Cup quali- fornia. Stephen Curry added 23 and “It was a great win,” Kerr 13-point deficit to within 92-88 Court of Switzerland has or- Speaking through her law- fiers with 12 goals during his With former US President Draymond Green contributed said. “We got to go home and early in the fourth quarter. dered the IAAF to immediately yers, Semenya said she remains career with the national team Barack Obama in the crowd, 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine protect our home floor and we’ll Reserve Quinn Cook an- suspend the implementation hopeful of her appeal being suc- which spanned from 1988 to Golden State trailed by 12 points assists. see about all the injuries. But swered with back-to-back of the eligibility regulations cessful. 1999. in the second quarter, made the Kawhi Leonard scored a I’m very proud of our team. It 3-pointers to ignite a 14-6 Gold- against Caster Semenya, allow- “I am thankful to the Swiss Soufi was one of the lead- first 18 points of the third and game-high 34 points for Toron- was a hell of an effort from the en State run that stretched the ing her to compete without re- judges for this decision. I hope ing players of the region and led by as much as 72-59. to and added 14 rebounds while bench.” Warriors’ lead to 106-94 with striction in the female category that following my appeal I will won the top scorer prize at Toronto rallied, holding the Raptors reserve Fred VanVleet The Warriors were again 5:39 to play. while her appeal is pending,” a once again be able to run free,” the 1992 Gulf Cup. Warriors scoreless for more netted 17 points. without top scorer Kevin Du- “I’m really proud of our statement from Semenya’s law- she said. The Supreme Commit- than 5:30 only to fall short on Golden State suffered inju- rant, but the forward is expect- guys for fighting and battling,” yers said. Semenya won her last com- tee for Delivery and Legacy the last of 2015 NBA Finals ries to Thompson and Kevon ed back soon after missing sev- Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. No time frame has been petitive 800 metres race at the secretary general Hassan al- MVP Iguodala’s eight points. Looney, Curry battled dehy- en games with a right calf strain. “They were obviously a little given for when a final ruling Doha Diamond League meeting Thawadi tweeted, “Very sad- “His play in the second half dration and Iguodala’s heroics Victory was vital for Golden more aggressive. We were just might be made, but the IAAF on May 3, and could potentially dened to hear of the passing was really inspiring at both came despite a leg injury, State. Of 34 teams that fell be- a little bit impatient and didn’t will make further submissions race again in Oslo on June 13. of one of Qatar’s true football- ends. He did a fantastic job,” “We’ve been through a lot. hind 0-2 in the NBA Finals, only hold enough composure. They to the court, the statement said. Representatives of the ath- ing legends – Mahmoud Sou- Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. We’ve battled through injuries,” four rallied to win the crown. did a really good job of getting “The Swiss Supreme Court lete told Reuters that she has fi. The memo-ries he left with “He has hit a lot of big shots in Iguodala said. “It’s a mindset. The Warriors have now won out of there with speed and a lot has granted welcome temporary not decided on her future plans us from his career will remain the finals before, so he was un- You go play. Not saying it’s at least once on the road in 23 of those were just probably mis- protection to Caster Semenya. to run the 800 metres, the event long in our hearts and minds. fazed. I think he sensed that we smart, but you only have about consecutive playoff series. takes by us or just a half step too This is an important case that in which she won the Olympic May he Rest In Peace.” (TNN) needed his production in that a week left to gut it out and see if Kyle Lowry and Danny slow.” will have fundamental implica- gold medal in 2012 and 2016. Sports Tuesday, June 4, 2019 19

News Unpredictable Pakistan in brief Du Plessis seeks new plan for South Africa as injuries bite spring England surprise LONDON: South Africa need a new strategy after an abysmal start to the World Cup because ‘Plan A’ has already been ruined by injuries to their pace attack, captain Faf Du Plessis has said. Veteran quick Dale Steyn missed the first two matches with a shoulder injury and South Africa were duly thumped by Hafeez man-of-the-match; two centuries in vain for the home team hosts England in their tournament opener before losing pace bowler Lungi Ngidi during a defeat to unfancied Bangladesh at REUTERS the Oval on Sunday. NOTTINGHAM (ENGLAND) Du Plessis said South Africa would only cope if they changed tactics in their remaining games. “Our plan in both PAKISTAN beat England by 14 the England game and (the Bangladesh) game was to try and runs at Trent Bridge on Mon- make sure we target them with aggressive bowling. Plan A is day as the World Cup’s first gone because Plan A was those main bowlers playing together centuries from Joe Root and and they haven’t played a game together on this tour. Jos Buttler were not enough “So now we have to really look at what we can do to try to to help the hosts and pre-tour- be effective. Now it’s reshuffling all our cards to see how best nament favourites overhaul we can deal with it.” the huge target of 349 set for them. England had won the toss Bayern’s Mueller backs India’s and put Pakistan in to bat, Cricket World Cup challenge banking on the pace of fast bowlers Chris Woakes and LONDON: Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller has emerged Jofra Archer for early wickets as an unexpected fan of India’s bid for glory at the Cricket and no doubt hoping to rec- World Cup. reate the way the West Indies Mueller revealed India captain Virat Kohli had often sup- skittled Pakistan out for 105 ported the German national football team in the past, so he on Friday. has returned the favour by backing the two-time World Cup Instead, the visitors put winners. that woeful performance be- The 29-year-old, himself a world champion with Germany in hind them and racked up 348 2014, took to social media on Monday to declare his support runs for eight wickets, delight- for India, who start their World Cup campaign against South ing their cheering fans in the Africa in Southampton on Wednesday. stands with 29 fours and six Alongside a picture of him wearing an Indian cricket shirt sixes. and holding a bat in one hand, Mueller tweeted: “I wish all Mohammad Hafeez was participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & thrill- his side’s top scorer with 84 ing matches. off 62 balls, while Babar Azam “Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of made 63 and captain Sarfaraz the Indian team. He’s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it Ahmed belted a quickfire 55. multiple times in the past #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia.” “Everyone was believing Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez (left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s captain Eoin Morgan at Trent Bridge in we could do this. We were Nottingham, England, on Monday. (AFP) playing good cricket but not Paceman Kumar eyes Lord’s return winning crucial stages of the for World Cup final game. Everyone chipped in to- day and gave everything which SOUTHAMPTON: India paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar has fond was required to win the game,” memories of Lord’s and he hopes to make more history at the Hafeez told the BBC. iconic venue by playing there in a World Cup final. “It was a total team effort. The 29-year-old made his mark at the ‘home of cricket’ by It is a very happy dressing leading the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led India to a famous Test room.” win there in 2014, his first tour with the national team. Fakhar Zaman and Imam- Kumar returned figures of six for 82 and struck 52 with ul-Haq delighted their vocal the bat but now he wants to be a one-day international star at supporters by belting a string Lord’s by playing there in the World Cup final on July 14. of boundaries off Archer and “I’ve been here two or three times but I always like com- Woakes in an opening part- ing back to play in England. It would mean a lot to go back to nership of 82. Lord’s for the final of the World Cup,” said Kumar. England spinner Moeen “Lord’s is always a special place, not just for me but for Ali finally broke up the pair, any cricketer. I have very good memories there, so if we reach getting Fakhar stumped on 36 the final it will be a very big moment for not just me but for the on his way to a three-wicket whole team.” haul, while Woakes grabbed The Virat Kohli-led India, tagged as one of the favourites to three more and also took four lift the World Cup along with England and Australia, begin their catches on a day when Eng- campaign against South Africa on Wednesday. land were otherwise unchar- SCOREBOARD acteristically ragged in the field. PAKISTAN: ENGLAND: Babar and Mohammad Imam-ul-Haq c Woakes b Ali 44 J. Roy lbw b Shadab 8 Fakhar Zaman st Buttler b Ali 36 J. Bairstow c Sarfaraz b Riaz 32 Hafeez steadied the ship for Babar Azam c Woakes b Ali 63 J. Root c Hafeez b Shadab 107 Pakistan with a partnership of England’s centurians Joe Root (right) and Jos Buttler during the ICC Mohammad Hafeez c Woakes b Wood 84 E. Morgan b Hafeez 9 88 runs as the visitors set Eng- Cricket World Cup match at Trent Bridge on Monday. (REUTERS) Sarfaraz Ahmed c and b Woakes 55 B. Stokes c Sarfaraz b Malik 13 land a larger score than any Asif Ali c Bairstow b Wood 14 J. Buttler c Riaz b Amir 103 Shoaib Malik c Morgan b Woakes 8 M. Ali c Zaman b Riaz 19 side had ever chased down in 118 for four and give Root and the very next ball. Wahab Riaz c Root b Woakes 4 C. Woakes c Sarfaraz b Riaz 21 the history of the competition. Buttler a mountain to climb. As the balls-remaining Hasan Ali not out 10 J. Archer c Riaz b Amir 1 The best successful World The two did their best, count dwindled, Moeen and Shadab Khan not out 10 A. Rashid not out 3 Extras (b1, lb8, w11) 20 M. Wood not out 10 Cup run chase to date came in each eventually reaching three Woakes swung valiantly at Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 348 Extras (lb3, w5) 8 2011 when Ireland made 329 figures. Root hit 10 fours and everything they could. But Did not bat: Mohammad Amir Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 334 against England. one six on his way to 107 be- after they were both caught Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Zaman), 2-111 (Imam), 3-199 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Roy), 2-60 (Bairstow), 3-86 In reply, England steadily fore scooping an easy catch off out in successive balls, Mark (Babar), 4-279 (Hafeez), 5-311 (Asif), 6-319 (Morgan), 4-118 (Stokes), 5-248 (Root), 6-288 (Sarfaraz), 7-325 (Riaz), 8-337 (Malik) (Buttler), 7-320 (Ali), 8-320 (Woakes), 9-322 (Archer) lost the wickets of their top-or- Khan to Hafeez at third man. Wood and Adil Rashid were Bowling: Woakes 8-1-71-3 (2w), Archer 10-0-79-0 Bowling: Shadab 10-0-63-2, Amir 10-0-67-2 (3w), der batsmen Jason Roy, Jonny Buttler smashed a four to left stranded at the crease as (4w), Ali 10-0-50-3, Wood 10-0-53-2 (2w), Stokes Riaz 10-0-82-3 (1w), Hasan 10-0-66-0 (1w), Hafeez India’s Shikhar Dhawan (centre) attends a training session in Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and notch up his own hundred a the target slipped beyond their 7-0-43-0, Rashid 5-0-43-0 (1w). 7-0-43-1, Malik 3-0-10-1. Southampton, southern England, on Monday, ahead of their Ben Stokes to leave the side on few overs later, only to fall to reach. 2019 Cricket World Cup match against South Africa. (AFP) Afghans happy if weather Malinga urges patience in ‘must-win’ game

AGENCIES change the game. I still believe shortens match today CARDIFF Sri Lanka’s veteran that. pace bowler Sri Lanka, who lost heav- AFP Lanka match. SRI Lanka’s batsmen must Lasith Malinga. ily to Afghanistan in last year’s CARDIFF “We’ve got to be positive. If show more patience under Asia Cup, have won only one of you look, we missed out on 12 pressure in Tuesday’s “must- their 10 one-day international AFGHANISTAN captain Gul- overs in the previous game, yet win” encounter against World matches this year -- against badin Naib has played down we scored 200-plus,” Naib said. Cup dark horses Afghanistan minnows Scotland. the weather threat ahead of “If you have wickets in hand, to put their crushing opening- “I feel we have talent but their World Cup match against so maybe the score is 300-plus round defeat behind them, not much experience of these Sri Lanka on Tuesday, saying something.” pacer Lasith Malinga said on conditions,” said Malinga. a rain-shortened game would Sri Lanka were dismissed Monday. The bowler backed skip- suit his aggressive side. for a paltry 136 by New Zealand New Zealand thumped Caption per Dimuth Karunaratne to Forecasts predict persistent in their first World Cup match the 1996 world champions Sri anchor the innings, as he did rain in Cardiff, which could play Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib in Cardiff and Naib plans to prey Lanka without losing a single with his 52 not out against havoc with Afghanistan’s bid to on those batting weaknesses. wicket in Cardiff on Saturday New Zealand. get their first win in this year’s “I saw the Sri Lankans play to begin their campaign in conference at the same venue. “I think they have experi- “We see that Dimuth has tournament. “Tomorrow we just see on TV. They lost a few games style after seam bowlers Matt “I feel players need to get enced players because most of good temperament to play in Naib’s team were given a what’s the weather. I think in the last two years and they’re Henry and Lockie Ferguson confidence... we need to get them play in franchise cricket. these conditions,” said Mal- harsh lesson by holders Aus- maybe the weather will be struggling in one-day matches,” skittled them out for 136. mentally tough. The pressure They know how to accelerate inga of his skipper. tralia, who cruised to a seven- the same. So if we can he said. Skipper Dimuth is with us, yes, but we have to and they have confidence,” he “I feel we have also top sev- wicket win in the opening reduce the overs it will be “Yeah, we have the oppor- Karunaratne contributed an play free and do our best. added. “The important thing is en batsmen who have to take game for both teams in Bristol much better for us.” tunity to do well against them,” unbeaten 52 in that total as “At the moment we want handling pressure... that’s the more responsibility and pa- on Saturday. added the skipper, whose team the Sri Lankan top-order’s vul- to be concerned with our own big challenge for us.” tience.” Malinga said although But Naib believes his team predicted for today, but it didn’t lost to Sri Lanka at the 2015 nerability in bowler-friendly skill and how we’re going to Malinga who is playing in Afghanistan were rank outsid- have a better chance of success rain so much. World Cup. conditions was exposed and play. (It is) a must-win game his fourth World Cup, said Sri ers at the World Cup, they had against Sri Lanka, whom they “Tomorrow we just see “But they are also a good Malinga said that a similar tomorrow. We’ll try our best... Lanka had talent in their ranks enough experience to make an beat by 91 runs in last year’s Asia what’s the weather. I think may- team and we cannot it take easy. performance against Afghani- in accuracy and tactically, eve- but were short of experience in impact. Cup in the United Arab Emir- be the weather will be the same. We can try to score big. If we stan would cost them dear. rything hopefully will be there the conditions they were fac- “I think they have good ates, if the contest is reduced So if we can reduce the overs it play 50 overs maybe it will be “Patience is very impor- tomorrow.” ing in England and Wales. experienced players because from the scheduled 50 overs- will be much better for us.” difficult for them.” tant. We know these condi- Afghanistan fared only “Bowlers have a big role to most of them play in franchise per-side due to the weather. Despite the defeat against Naib also declared pace tions, we can have someone slightly better against defend- play in tomorrow’s game (also cricket,” he said. “They know Asked on Monday if he was Australia, Naib says Afghani- bowler Hamid Hassan fit to face get 60-70 runs and still the ing champions Australia in in Cardiff). We never know how to accelerate and they worried about rain derailing stan were encouraged by parts Sri Lanka. “Hassan was hit by ball can move. Whoever the their opener, losing by seven what’s going on, who is bowl- have all the confidence, so I Afghanistan’s hopes, a relaxed of their performance and he the ball (in the last game) but batsman is, he has to finish the wickets, but Malinga is not tak- ing first or second,” he said. believe if we do our best, we Naib told reporters: “It was also hopes to build on that in the Sri he’s feeling well,” he said. game,” Malinga told a news ing them lightly. “But still, bowlers can can see a good finish.”