SPORT Wednesday 14 June 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Morgan drops Durant powers Federer ready Bairstow hint ahead Warriors to for return with of today's semi-final NBA title Wimbledon in sights Little Iraqi Memorable victory for dents 's World Cup bid Hasan Al Haydos stars a packed crowd at the venue, the for Al Anabi Al Anabi - ranked 88th in the world – never let their higher AFP Striker Hasan Al ranked opponents dominate the Haydos scores a game, to secure full points. iminutive midfielder brace while Afif was Al Haydos scored one goal in 's late the other scorer for each session while Dequaliser jolted the home side in was the other scorer as Qatar Japan's World Cup qualifying important win downed the World No.43, much bid as they were held to an to the jubilation of home crowd. unexpected 1-1 draw with Goalkeeper Saad Al Apart from the two scorers, yesterday. Qatari goalkeeper The Blue Samurai seemed Sheeb also played also played key role in the mem- to be cruising to victory in key role with brilliant orable victory with remarkable neutral Tehran after Yuya saves to make home saves in crunch situations. Osako's first-half goal, before fans proud in The Al Sadd star Al Haydos the 164cm (5ft 4in) Kamil gave Qatar a lead with a stun- poached the equaliser on 73 Fawad Hussain ning goal in the 25th minutes. The Peninsula when the talismanic No. 10 spot- The result meant Japan ted a free kick up around 5 yards moved one clear at the triker Hasan Al Haydos outside the Korean penalty area top of Group B but missed the was the star as Qatar and curled a brilliant effort into chance to go three ahead of handed South Korea a Kwoun Suntae's bottom left- both Saudi Arabia and Aus- shock 3-2 defeat in their hand corner. tralia -- their final two pool Qatar's players celebrate after scoring a goal during the World Cup 2018 Asia qualifying match group A World Cup The visitors looked to try and stage opponents. S2018 Asia qualifying match at the hit back immediately with against South Korea at the in Doha yesterday. With Iraq already out of Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Hwang Heechan managing to the running for Russia 2018, Doha, yesterday. take ball to the Qatari penalty The hosts went close to dou- down the left in the 41st minute, after Qatar coach Jorge Fossati Japan looked lively early on Entering the match as under- area, but dragged his shot well bling their advantage with and was about to pull the trigger sent Musaab Khidir to replace and they took the lead after a dogs but backed well by almost wide. bursting before a last ditch challenge sees AbdelKarim Hassan. Keisuke Honda corner in the him shank his shot somewhat. Hwang Heechan levelled the eighth minute. Al Sheeb denied South Korea score for South Korea in the 70th Twenty minutes into the the equaliser with a great save minute. second half, Osako came des- in the next minute. Lee Keunho But the hosts were in no perately close to making it burst clear of the Qatari defence mood to drop points and 2-0 when his close-range and rifled a shot at goal with his restored their lead with Al Hay- shot glanced off the post fol- left foot but Sheeb downed dos completing his brace, five lowing Hiroki Sakai's smartly to his left to turn the ball minutes later to stamp the win. pullback in the box. behind for a corner, which was Captain Rodrigo Tabata played Kamil turned the game on cleared away. a through ball to the Al Sadd its head when he took advan- Qatar entered the second striker who made no mistake. tage of some defensive half with an aggressive strategy disarray to score the leveller and succeeded in doubling their RESULTS on 72 minutes. lead with Akram Afif scoring in After Alaa Abdul Zahra's the 51st minute. The Al Anabi star Group A slaloming run was brought to picked the ball up just outside Qatar 3 (Haydoos 25, 75, Afif 61) South Korea a halt, Japan failed to clear the the Korean penalty area, plays a ball and it bounced to Kamil, 2 (KI Sungyueng 62, Hwang Heechan 70) swift one-two with Al Haydos who gratefully slammed it Syria 2 (Al Mawas 12-pen, Al Salih 90+3) and rifled a shot past Kwoun home. Suntae. 2 ( 68-pen, 74) The top two teams from Ten minutes later, the South Group B each of Group A and B qual- Koreans seeking to avoid to the Iraq 1 (Kamil 73) Japan 1 (Osako 8) ify automatically for next

shock defeat found their first Thailand 1 (Mongkol 69) 1 year's World Cup in Russia,

Qatari fans stand in the stalls prior to the start of the World Cup 2018 Asia qualifying match goal when KI Sungyueng scored (Mabkhout 90+3) while the third-placed sides between Qatar and South Korea at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. to reduced the lead to 2-1, soon go into a play-off series. Aspire Academy to celebrate graduation of future stars

The Peninsula Academy, it has become a part of my family, and I always keep spire Academy today will in touch with teachers, coaches celebrate the graduation and administrative staff.” Aof 38 student-athletes in Fahad Ali Shnain Al Abdul- several sports, including foot- rahman: Football player, 2014 ball, squash, athletics, Graduate Qatar's double gymnastics, table tennis, and Fahad Al Abdul Rahman fencing, who will make up the Olympic medallists Shnain is a football left-back Hammer thrower next generation of Qatar’s sports Mutaz Essa Barshim who currently plays for Belgian Ashraf El Seify teams and clubs. is also an Aspire First Division A side KAS Eupen graduated from Senior officials from Aspire graduate. on loan from Al Sadd SC. He Aspire Academy in Zone will attend the ceremony, represented the Qatar national 2014. along with representatives from line-up of former graduates in . His silver-medal win football team on several occa- local sports federations and who have left a mark in sports landed him the Athlete of the sions. The 22-year-old defender education institutions. Dr Has- on a local, regional and inter- Year award at the Esquire Man won second place in the ‘Le Lion san Rashid Al Derham, President national levels. Their in 2016. Barshim is currently Belge 2017’ awards for the best of Qatar University, is the achievements are further proof maintaining the lead at the IAAF upcoming Arab players in the event’s guest of honour. of Aspire Academy’s excellence. Diamond League for the Belgian league. This event reflects Aspire Prominent success stories 2016/2017. Speaking about Aspire Academy’s decade of commit- across various sports: Speaking about Aspire Academy, Al Abdulrahman said: ment to the development of Mutaz Essa Barshim: High Academy, Barshim said: “Aspire “I wouldn’t have been the ath- winning Gold medals at the 14th Speaking about the Acad- young local talents and national Jumper, 2009 Graduate Academy played a vital role in lete I am today if it weren’t for IAAF World Junior Champion- emy, he said: “Balancing an teams in Qatar. Mutaz Barshim is a Qatari my sporting development. One Aspire Academy, and for that ships 2012 in Barcelona, Spain academic and sporting career Ever since it embarked on a track and field athlete who spe- of the biggest challenges an I’m eternally grateful. The Acad- with a record-breaking throw is not always easy. But Aspire path to become a global leader cialises in the high jump. He is inspiring athlete faces is being emy plays an important role in of 85.57m, and then again at the Academy allows us to do that, in sports and academic excel- the national record and Asian able to have the right balance the development of youth tal- 15th IAAF World Junior Cham- with lessons via the internet or lence by 2020, Aspire Academy record holder with a best mark between school and training. ents in Qatar.” pionships 2014 in Eugene, USA. special classes with teachers. It's has sought to provide a compre- of 2.43 m. He won Qatar’s first- Luckily for us, Aspire Academy’s Ashraf El Seify – Hammer These wins made him the the perfect environment in hensive academic, social and ever silver Olympic medal at the organised learning approach thrower, 2014 Graduate first athlete in the history of the every sense and you receive sporting programme for it 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio has supported us in finding and Ashraf El Seify is a Qatari World Junior Athletics Champi- exactly the kind of support you student-athletes. de Janeiro, and a bronze medal maintaining that balance. After hammer thrower. Among his onships to successfully defend need to be able to reach your Aspire Academy has along at the 2012 Summer Olympics going through a lot at the greatest achievements were his title. full sporting potential.” SPORT WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2017 21 NBA: Durant powers Warriors to title

Oakland, United States AFP LeBron's triple evin Durant became a champion and lifted Golden State to double doesn't near-perfection as the Warriors cele- Kbrated their fifth NBA title on ease loss pain Monday, defeating 129-120 to win their second NBA Finals in three seasons. Sparked by 39 points from Oakland, United States Durant, who left Oklahoma City AFP last July in quest of his first crown, the Warriors took the leveland Cavaliers star best-of-seven series 4-1, LeBron James said his reclaiming the throne they lost Cemotions were "all to the Cavaliers a year ago. over the place" as he tried Golden State completed a to deal with losing the NBA 16-1 playoff run, the best post- Finals despite another Her- season win percentage in NBA culean individual effort. history, and added to titles won He averaged 33.6 points, in 2015 and 1975 plus those from 12.0 rebounds and 10.0 1947 and 1956 when the team The celebrate after defeating the 129-120 in Game assists -- the first triple dou- was based in Philadelphia. ble average in NBA Finals 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Sunday. (35) of the "There are a lot of history -- but the Cavs Golden State Warriors hugs superteams that haven't dropped the best-of-seven LeBron James (23) of the worked," Durant said. "But we performances in the NBA Finals bring (the trophy) back home," the resale market while other series 4-1 to Golden State Cleveland Cavaliers after come together and we're the since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. Curry said. "I'm just proud to be pairs of seats went for $82,000 with a 129-120 loss on the final. champions now." "I couldn't sleep for two part of something special and I and $90,000. Monday. "We were able to get them days," Durant admitted. "I was just want to do it again." James hit a layup to open the "I just try to do every- last year and they went out and anxious. I was jittery. I just After dropping last year's title fourth quarter and pull Cleve- thing to help this team win and more," James said. "I just try to got one of the best players this wanted to put it all out there. when Cleveland made the great- land within 98-95, as close as the put in the work, in the film room, in my mind, my body every league has ever seen," Cavaliers "We battled. But we did it. est comeback in NBA Finals Cavs had been in the second half single day to prepare myself for whatever obstacle that this ball star LeBron James said. "Obvi- We're champions. And we're cel- history from a 3-1 deficit, the War- after trailing by 17 in the first club entails." ously it paid dividends." ebrating on our home court." riors vowed not to stumble again. half. "Does it always result in us winning? No," he added. "But Durant, who was named the James scored 41 points to "We were heartbroken last like I've always told myself, if you put in the work and you leave NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, lead Cleveland. He also had 13 year, but this year was our turn NBA WINNERS it on the floor, then you can always push forward and not look became the first player with five rebounds and eight assists, giv- and we're obviously quite Past 20 winners of the NBA Finals: backwards." consecutive 30-point ing him a triple-double average happy," Warriors coach Steve 2017: Golden State Warriors That's what the Cavaliers must do after falling to the War- for the finals, an unprecedented Kerr said. "These guys are so 2016: Cleveland Cavaliers riors in the final for the second time in three seasons, having feat. gifted and committed to each 2015: Golden State Warriors rallied from 3-1 down last year to win the crown when James But James, in his seventh other and so unselfish. It's a 2014: led the series in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks -- consecutive playoff series and combination of talent and an 2013: another unprecedented feat. eighth overall, fell to 3-5 in the unselfish nature." 2012: Miami Heat "I left everything on the floor every game, so I have no rea- championship round. Kerr found himself watch- 2011: Dallas Mavericks son to put my head down," said James, who scored a game-high "Emotions are all over the ing a combined seven All-Stars 2010: Los Angeles Lakers 41 points on Monday. "It's just not my time." place right now," James said. "I on both clubs and marveling at 2009: Los Angeles Lakers Cavaliers coach said there were tears in the left everything on the floor every the showcase of talent on 2008: locker room after the final defeat, including his own. game. So for me personally I display. 2007: San Antonio Spurs "I broke down so I couldn't really finish my speech," he said. have no reason to put my head "It was a hell of a series. Five 2006: Miami Heat "A lot of guys cried because they wanted it bad. And that's all you down. It's just not my time." games didn't do it justice, just for 2005: San Antonio Spurs can ask. If you give all your effort and all the fight and all the heart added 34 how competitive it was," Kerr 2004: Detroit Pistons you got, it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to win. That's points and 10 assists while Andre said. "There were times where I 2003: San Antonio Spurs what's tough about sports. They gave everything they had. We fought, Iguodala came off the bench to was just stunned looking at the 2002: Los Angeles Lakers we competed, and we never gave in, but they beat us." Cavaliers score 20 points. talent on the floor. Incredible 2001: Los Angeles Lakers guard Kyrie Irving, who scored 26 points, was already turning the The Larry O'Brien added 26 points and J.R. Smith high-level basketball out there." 2000: Los Angeles Lakers pain into passion for another run at the finals.

Championship Trophy is held 25 in a losing cause. Excitement was high for the 1999: San Antonio Spurs "You feel obviously the disappointment of losing, a lot of afloat following the Golden "We've learned from every- contest. Two courtside seats 1998: Chicago Bulls decisions that you'll replay over the summer," he said. State Warriors' win. thing we've been through to reportedly went for $133,000 on Thailand hails Burnett vs Haskins fight new hero as Ariya was scored makes history incorrectly: IBF New York Reuters Bangkok of a beaming Ariya -- known AFP by her nickname "May" back yan Burnett's split deci- home -- were emblazoned sion win over Briton hailand hailed Ariya Jut- across most Thai newspaper RLee Haskins for the anugarn as their new front pages yesterday. world title was Tsporting hero yesterday "May is world's number scored incorrectly and should as she finally secured her place one, she has made history for have been an unanimous win, on top of the world rankings -- Thai golfers," read the front the International Boxing Fed- a week after being wrongly page headline of Thairath, the eration (IBF) has said. named number one. country's largest selling The Northern Irishman The 21-year-old overcame newspaper. knocked down defending that disappointment to sink a "She fought hard to claim champion Haskins in the sixth Sergio Garcia addresses the media during a press conference for the US Open golf tournament monster 25-foot birdie putt in her success," junta chief Prayut and 11th rounds with two of a playoff on Sunday to take the Chan-O-Cha told reporters. at Erin Hills, yesterday. Right: Paul Casey of England takes a photo of the fourth fairway. the three judges handing him Manulife LPGA Classic in "Her family were dedicated, favourable scorecards of 119- breathtaking style and ensure they struggled and sacrificed." 107 but the last judge, a fairytale finish to a roller- Much of the coverage US Open: Garcia's triumph American Clark Sammartino, coaster week. focused on the financial sacri- scored him losing 118-108. The win in Canada came a fices Ariya's family made so she The 25-year-old's pro- week after the LPGA said Ariya and her older sister Moriya, the inspires compatriot Rahm moter, Eddie Hearn, had would take over the top rank- world number 46, could turn called for an investigation ing from Lydia Ko, only for her pro. Ariya first showed an inter- into the decision after the to be informed when the rank- est in golf at the age of five Hartford, United States amateur at the 2016 US Open. near-misses, had motivated him fight and the IBF confirmed ings were published a day later when her father opened an AFP Rahm, who opened 2017 to think big. that Sammartino had made that an embarrassing miscal- equipment shop at a Bangkok with a superb win at the Farm- "It just motivates me. We've an error."On Saturday, the IBF culation had been made and driving range. ising Spanish star Jon ers Insurance Open at Torrey played together a bunch this year. bantamweight bout between that she was still 0.01 points Worried she might distract Rahm says Sergio Garcia's Pines, has since twice pushed I've played against him in the Lee Haskins and Ryan Bur- behind the New Zealander. customers, Ariya's dad gave her Remotion-fuelled Masters world number one Dustin John- match play. He's beat me many nett held at the Odyssey The weekend's victory put some clubs to play with, local triumph has made him even son to the brink at the WGC times," Rahm said of Garcia. Arena in , Ireland was her elevation to number one media reported. more determined to land his Mexico and Match Play events. "I've seen him play. And I see ruled a split decision victory beyond doubt and it was duly From then on both she and maiden major as he prepares for Rahm believes that the what he can do. And I know for Burnett as a result of an confirmed when the new rank- Moriya were hooked. As they this week's US Open. intimidating layout at Erin Hills what I'm capable of. It makes me error with the scorecards," ings were released on Monday, progressed through their teens The big-hitting 22-year-old in Wisconsin is perfectly suited believe that I do think I'll be able the IBF said in a statement. sparking celebrations back the family sold their house and is one of the brightest talents in to his game this week. to win a major some day. "Due to this error... the home. Thailand has a long golf- car to raise enough funds. It was golf, having climbed to 10th in And he revealed that Gar- "A close friend of mine win- bout was declared a split ing history but Ariya made a gamble that paid off. Ariya has the world rankings barely a year cia's dramatic playoff win over ning a tournament motivates decision when it should have history by being the first Thai, won some $3.9m in career after turning professional fol- Justin Rose at Augusta in April, me. A Spaniard winning a major been ruled a unanimous deci- male or female, to reach the top earnings while her sister has lowing a 23rd-place finish as an his first major title after years of is always going to motivate me." sion in favour of Burnett." of the world rankings. Pictures racked up $1.6m. 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2017

Sarfraz hopes Arthur urges Pakistan to go 'one run continues in step further' against England semi-final ICC in Cardiff Cardiff, UK last year. "Now we need to go Cardiff, UK AFP one step further and never be AFP satisfied. Captain Morgan drops tickets plea akistan coach Mickey "The last thing I want is for akistan captain Sarfraz Arthur has insisted us to go away now thinking that Ahmed hopes the amid fear of his side will not set- we got to a semi-final, we're Bairstow hint ahead of Pteam's "high confi- tle for simply okay, we've achieved, because dence" in Cardiff will stand 'no-shows' reaching a Champi- that would be a cop-out in my them in good stead when they Pons Trophy semi-final against mind." return to the Welsh capital to England as he urged them to go England, the only team in today's last-four clash face England in a Champions Cardiff, UK "one step further". the semi-finals with a perfect Trophy semi-final today. AFP Arthur's men were the low- played three, won three group It will be Pakistan's sec- est-ranked side when this record, will be favourites on Cardiff, UK ond key match at Sophia ans who no longer plan tournament featuring the Wednesday and Arthur said: AFP Gardens in a matter of days to attend the Champions world's top eight one-day inter- "We've got nothing to lose, yes, after a tense three-wicket FTrophy semi-final national (ODI) teams got but we've always said we're in ngland captain Eoin victory over Sri Lanka there between England and Paki- underway. it to win it. Morgan (pictured) on Monday saw them into the stan in Cardiff today have And their fans could have "We know that realistically Esaid yesterday last four of a tournament fea- been urged to put their tick- been forgiven for thinking the England are playing unbeliev- there was a "chance" turing the world's top eight ets on the official re-sale site worst when Pakistan suffered ably well. They're a really, really Jonny Bairstow could one-day international (ODI) in a bid to prevent empty a 124-run thrashing by arch- good one-day unit with no replace the struggling sides. seats at the ground. rivals and title-holders India in apparent weaknesses." Jason Roy for the Cham- Pakistan, chasing a seem- When spectators bought their Group B opener, with But Pakistan did beat Eng- pions Trophy semi-final ingly modest 237 for victory, tickets for the one-day tour- Arthur himself branding the land by four wickets in an ODI against Pakistan in Car- were on the brink of defeat at nament, they were asked to team's performance in Cardiff last year, albeit the diff today. 137 for six. specify a team preference by "shambolic". Durham duo of Mark Wood and And Morgan insisted But Sarfraz made Sri the International Cricket Yet they bounced back Ben Stokes will be England's he would have "no wor- Lanka pay for dropping him Council (ICC). within days to defeat top- only survivors from their bowl- ries" about Bairstow twice with a superb 61 not out Of those that did for the ranked South Africa, before ing attack that match come opening -- something he and received excellent sup- Cardiff semi-final, 30 percent sealing a last-four clash with today's clash. has yet to do in interna- port from Mohammad Amir said they were India fans. tournament hosts England in "At the end of the (Sri tional cricket. (28 not out) in a decisive and But with title-holders Cardiff thanks to Monday's nail- Lanka) game, we stressed that Morgan would not confirm his XI at yesterday's pre-match unbroken eighth-wicket India playing Bangladesh in biting three-wicket win over Sri we need to play our best game, press conference in Cardiff but said there was "a chance we could stand of 75. tomorrow's second semi-final Lanka in the Welsh capital. and if we play our best game, make a change". Surrey opener Roy has averaged just 6.37 from It was Sarfraz's second at Edgbaston, there are con- Pakistan, chasing 237 to we can put them (England) eight ODI innings this season, with a mere two double-figure impressive innings at Cardiff cerns that today's match at win, slumped to 162 for seven under pressure," Arthur scores. Morgan had been staunch in his support of Roy before the after the wicket-keeper's 90 the 14,100 capacity Cardiff before an unbroken eighth- explained. Champions Trophy started, saying: "The decision remains the on the same ground last year ground could be blighted by wicket stand of 75 between "Then it's about taking same throughout the tournament...he'll definitely play." saw Pakistan chase down a mass no shows. skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (61 not those moments, and running However, that backing has softened in the light of Roy's target of 303 against England The deadline for fans to out) and Mohammad Amir (28 with them, like we did last year repeated failures and Morgan, fresh from his impressive 87 in in a four-wicket win that pre- get their tickets on the resale not out) saw them to a dramatic here in Cardiff. England's group win over Australia, indicated Tuesday the team vented a 5-0 ODI series site was yesterday and after win. "So, hopefully, we can put could not afford to 'carry' anyone as they went in search of a first whitewash. that officials will decide All of Pakistan's matches so our best game together tomor- major ODI tournament triumph. "We played the last ODI whether they can put them far in the tournament have row, and then who knows?" "I mentioned after the last game that we're getting to the busi- here. We win that time, we on sale on the morning of the either been in Birmingham or Arthur said a scrappy win ness end of the tournament and we need to produce results, so chased 300, so definitely our game. Cardiff but with Sunday's final over Sri Lanka would do won- it's important that we get what we feel is our best XI to win the confidence is very high play- Both semi-finals are offi- at the Oval, Arthur told report- ders for his side, saying: "When tournament out tomorrow (Wednesday) in order to win the game," ing in Cardiff," Sarfraz told cially sold out. ers in Cardiff yesterday: "We you win ugly, you learn a lot said Morgan. reporters after Monday's nail- But some 8,000 fans have want to end up in London. about the team. So I guess it Bairstow, in marked contrast to Roy, has scored three fifties biting triumph. gone 'missing' from the three "We certainly didn't want gives a lot of confidence." in his last four ODI innings when standing in for others in Eng- England, however, have group fixtures played in to be just making up the num- Pakistan have long been land's top order. arguably improved their Cardiff. bers in this competition, and known as an "unpredictable" Although he's yet to open in ODI cricket, Test wicket-keeper white-ball game even more "That's been reasonably we've shown that we weren't," side, a tag that all-rounder Bairstow's highest List A score of 174, for Yorkshire against Dur- since that series. disappointing here, but we said the South African, who Mohammad Hafeez said he ham last month, at the top of the order. They've won 11 of their are doing as much as we can took charge of Pakistan just embraced in the build-up to the "Jonny's qualities are that he's a fantastic batsman," Morgan last 12 matches at this level, a across all of our channels," prior to their tour of England Sri Lanka match. said. "I think his best attribute, certainly in white-ball cricket far cry from their woeful first- Claire Furlong, the ICC's com- over the last year and a half, has been his relentless attitude to round exit at the 2015 World munications manager, told score runs regardless of the situation." Cup, and Eoin Morgan's men reporters at the ground Morgan cited Bairstow's unbeaten 83 in England's ODI series- were the only side to exit the yesterday. clinching win over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street in 2015 as group stage of the Champi- "It is a sell-out but we are proof of the 27-year-old's ability to rise to the occasion. ons Trophy with a perfect doing as much as we can to "One innings he did play for us won us a series, against New played three, won three, ensure it's a sell-out with Zealand, a match-winning knock up at Durham two years ago record. "England is a very bums on seats as well," she sums him up," Middlesex left-hander Morgan said. good team, a very, very good added. There were sugges- "He came from playing for Yorkshire, straight into the squad team," said Sarfraz of the tions bad weather may have having played no part in the series, and he produces a match- tournament hosts. been a factor in people decid- winning knock. So I think his all-round ability is as good as we "If you are playing a ing not to turn up on the day have in the squad. world-class team, definitely, for England's match against "But, like I've mentioned before, it's a very difficult team to you play more positive New Zealand in Cardiff. get into and you've just got to wait for your chance," he added. cricket, so we will do so But Eoin Morgan, the Eng- "I'd have no worries if he has to open the batting...If Jonny against England," he added. land captain, was confident does get the opportunity, I'm sure he'll take it with both hands." But Sri Lanka might well of plenty of support today. Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said he would be glad if Roy have won had they dismissed "Cardiff has always been was left out. Sarfraz, with Thisara Perera a very good venue for us and "I was particularly worried that Roy hadn't fired yet because guilty of dropping a simple the last game we had great I think he's very close to something quite good," said Arthur. "So catch at mid-on when he had support and a full house and Pakistan's captain Sarfraz Ahmed (left) inspect the if he's not playing, that wouldn't be too bad." made 38. everybody seems to get right wicket with fielding coach Steve Rixon (centre) and But the South African, who denied using "mind games", was "If we had held those behind us," he said. coach Mickey Arthur during a team training session at well aware of Bairstow's quality, having seen him score an catches, it would have been "I think tomorrow is sold the Sophia Gardens cricket ground, in Cardiff, south unbeaten 61 on his Headingley home ground in a four-wicket a different story," said Sri out. That is what I have been Wales, yesterday. ODI victory against Pakistan last year. Lanka captain Angelo told." Mathews. AZF Ramadan Sports Festival ends today

The Peninsula competition awaits the finalists 4-2 win against teams Airport On the adjacent indoor eager to win top spot in the jun- and Al Fazaa respectively. pitches, the juniors’ futsal tour- spire Zone Foundation ior futsal tournament and the Meanwhile, in the men’s bas- nament concluded its latest (AZF) will draw the cur- men’s football and basketball ketball tournament, teams All round with impressive 13-0 Atains on its Ramadan tournaments. Stars, Black Tigers, and the Tuni- and 9-2 wins for Sports Eagle Sports Festival (RSF) today, after In the latest round of the sian team qualified for the and Almoj Al Azraq against Red two weeks of exhilarating com- men’s football tournament, semi-finals after strong per- Dragon and Gooners respec- petitions across Aspire Zone’s Islamic Insurance and Maizer formances against Mosanada tively. Meanwhile, MMA drew state-of-the-art indoor and out- Youth qualified for the finals FMS, Phil Casa and Aspire with Al Shabab FC with 3 goals door facilities. Fierce after securing a 5-0 win and a Eagles. each. The Ramadan Sports Fes- tival is an annual sports event that runs for two weeks during the holy month. Over 1300 members from the local com- munity have participated in 11 tournaments taking place across Aspire Zone’s world class sport- ing facilities so far in 2017. Teams taking part in the junior futsal tournament of the Ramadan Sports Festival (RSF) This year’s festival is spon- Action from the men's basketball tournament at Aspire Academy pose for a group picture before their match. sored by Ooredoo and Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. on Sunday. WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2017 SPORT 23 Nadal first to qualify for Federer ready for return ATP World Tour finals

Madrid The Swiss will return to with Wimbledon in sights Reuters action in Stuttgart this week after sitting out the entire clay- afael Nadal has become court season to prepare for London I want to be a champ on the the first player to book Wimbledon. Reuters match courts. Rhis place at the season- Young Austrian Dominic "So I'm going to be playing a ending ATP World Tour finals Thiem is third in the ATP race ticking to a limited regular schedule for the second in London in November after to London, followed by Stan schedule has helped part of the season... And this is the Spaniard won a record 10th Wawrinka, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer enjoy a the beginning here at the Mer- French Open title in Paris on Djokovic, world number one renaissance late in his cedes Cup in Stuttgart." Sunday. Andy Murray, and Belgium's career but the Swiss During Federer's absence, Nadal has claimed four David Goffin. S says rest time is now over and Rafa Nadal won four clay tour- titles on the tour this year, win- Players earn their place at he is looking forward to return- naments, culminating in ning 46 matches and losing just the season finale by finishing in ing to action at the Mercedes Sunday's French Open victory, six in a stellar 2017. the top eight of the race to Lon- Cup. and Federer said the Spaniard "I've had a great season so don standings on Nov. 6, when Federer will begin his grass- could finish the year on top of far and I am happy to have the World Tour regular season court campaign where he will the world rankings. already qualified for London," concludes after the Paris bid for a record eighth Wimble- "Obviously Rafa is in great the Spaniard told the ATP Masters. position to finish World No. 1. website. The race is a calendar-year For him it's going to be all about "I could not play last year points race that starts at the staying injury free," he added. because of injury so I look for- beginning of each season in the "For me it's about getting back ward to returning in first week of January. to winning ways, where I left off November." "I've had enough in Miami." Nadal has never won the breaks. I'm a Swiss tennis player Roger Federer speaks during a press Federer said he expected event, but finished runner-up practice world conference on Monday in Stuttgart prior to Stuttgart ATP Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, in 2010 and 2013, losing out to Kei Nishikori and Stan Roger Federer and Novak Djok- tennis tournament. champion now and Wawrinka to step up their game ovic, respectively. that's not who I in the second half of the The ATP World Tour Finals, want to be. I want to don crown in Stuttgart. one is eager to get back to com- season. which features the world's top The 35-year-old was ruled petition in 2017 after a 10-week "It's going to be an epic fin- eight singles players and top be a champ on the out for six months last year as layoff. ish to the end of the season. eight doubles pairs, will be held match courts: he recovered from a knee injury "There are no more breaks Quite exciting actually for the at London's O2 Arena from Nov. but made a winning return this now," Federer told the ATP's ATP Tour." 12-19. Federer season at the Australian Open, official website (atpworldtour. Federer will play either Federer is next in line to Indian Wells and Miami before com) Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Her- qualify for the event, for which opting out of the entire clay- "I've had enough breaks. I'm bert or German Tommy Haas in he is a near certainty after win- court season. a practice world champion now the second round at Stuttgart ning the Australian Open earlier Rafael Nadal The former world number and that's not who I want to be. today. this year.

Jedinak to miss Australia bids for Confederations Ronaldo accused of tax evasion 2023 Women's Cup due to injury World Cup Madrid created in 2010 to hide income Cristiano AFP generated in Spain from his Ronaldo has Sydney image rights from tax authori- Sydney AFP eal Madrid star Cristiano ties, which is a 'voluntary' and been accused AFP Ronaldo was yesterday 'conscious' breach of his fiscal of taking ustralia skipper Mile Raccused of evading 14.7m obligations in Spain," it said. advantage of ustralia unveiled a gov- Jedinak has withdrawn euros in tax through offshore Prosecutors accuse the Por- a corporate ernment-backed bid Afrom friendly with Bra- companies, the latest footballer tugal international of evading structure Ayesterday to host the zil and this month's to fall of fiscal authorities tax via a shell company based to defraud 2023 Women's World Cup, Confederations Cup with a in Spain. in the British Virgin Islands and the Spanish saying it would be an eco- groin injury, Football Feder- The 32-year-old – the another in Ireland, known for Treasury of nomic boon for the country ation Australia said. world's highest paid athlete its low corporate tax rate. 14.7m euros. and inspire a new generation The Aston Villa midfielder according to Forbes magazine In addition, they say he only footballers. pulled up sore after Austral- – follows in the steps of FC Bar- declared 11.5m euros of Span- Prime Minister Malcolm ia's 3-2 World Cup qualifier celona forward and Argentina ish-related income from 2011 Turnbull said Australia's his- win over Saudi Arabia last star , who was to 2014, while what he really tory of successfully holding week and coach Ange Postec- found guilty of the same earned during that time was major sports events meant it oglou said with the Socceroos offence last year although the close to 43m euros. was well-placed to host the to play at least four games in sums involved were allegedly And finally, they accuse him football showpiece. 13 days an unfit Jedinak was smaller. of "voluntarily" refusing to be suspended as is common in hidden includes endorsement "We are recognised inter- too much of a risk. He will be The issue of tax evasion has include 28.4m euros in income Spain for first offences for non- deals with Danone, Adidas, nationally for our sporting replaced by Austrian-based caused anger in a country only linked to the sale of his image violent crimes carrying a Pepsi-Cola, Procter & Gamble achievements and for show- midfielder James Jeggo. just emerging from a damag- rights for the 2015 to 2020 sentence of less than two years. and the Kuwait Food casing some of the biggest "Losing Mile is a blow as ing economic crisis that has period to a Spanish company. The 29-year-old and his Company. sporting events in the world he is not only an important seen countless people lose their The football world in Spain father Jorge Horacio Messi Former Barca defender and, when we do, we do it tri- member of the midfield but a jobs and inequalities rise. has been rocked by charges of were found guilty of using com- Javier Mascherano also agreed umphantly, we do it great leader amongst the Ronaldo is accused of "four tax evasion or corruption panies in Belize, Britain, a one-year suspended sentence successfully, we do it to great group," Postecoglou said. crimes against the public treas- pressed against some of its top Switzerland and Uruguay to with authorities for tax fraud acclaim," he said in officially "He has had a tough period ury between 2011-14... which stars. avoid paying taxes on 4.16 mil- last year. launching the bid. since Christmas with his groin involves tax fraud of 14,768,897 Messi was sentenced to a lion euros of Messi's income Meanwhile, Brazil star and "The opportunity to host and we all agree it is in the best euros ($16.5m, £12.9m)", the 21-month jail sentence and earned from his image rights Barcelona forward Neymar and this event is significant, not long-term interest of Mile and office said in a statement. 2.09-million-euro fine last year from 2007-09. his parents are due to stand trial just for the economic and the Socceroos that he has a "The accused took advan- for tax fraud. The income related to Mes- for alleged corruption over his tourism benefits it would break to ensure he is ready for tage of a company structure The prison term will likely si's image rights that was transfer from Santos in 2013. bring, but for what it does for the new season." women's sport." The government has pledged Aus$1m (US$760,000) in initial funding and will pro- vide another Aus$4m if Australia proves to have a rea- Late Syria strike dims China's World Cup hopes sonable chance of winning. "This is the largest, most prestigious and most compet- Kuala Lumpur Mahmoud Al Mawas put Syria ahead itive contest in a women's AFP in the 12th minute from the penalty spot sport globally," Football Fed- -- even after he was forced to take his eration Australia chairman hmad Al Salih's injury-time free kick twice for an infraction. Steven Lowy said. kick dealt China's already faint China threatened but the clock was "We know that this will be AWorld Cup hopes another body ticking down when Linpeng took a challenging process, but we blow as they were held 2-2 by Syria a tumble in the box for what looked like believe that we have the yesterday. a soft penalty, which was converted by expertise and world-class China had fought back from Syria's Gao Lin on 68 minutes. facilities to host a fantastic first-half penalty to lead 2-1 before the Wu Xi earned China a 2-1 lead when tournament." bearded Al Salih skilfully converted from he found space to swing his right boot and The 2023 tournament the edge of the 'D' in the third added bury a volley in the 74th minute, putting would see 24 teams compete minute. his team on course for only their second at venues across Australia 's China now face the win in the group. over 52 matches. Canada held unlikely prospect of making up six points But Salih, who had complained bit- the last event in 2015 while and four goals in goal-difference to snatch terly about China's penalty, stepped up France hosts the 2019 version. third place and a play-off spot in Group in injury time to place his free kick past Australia did not fare well in A. the despairing dive of goalkeeper Zeng its most recent attempt to Victory over war-torn Syria would Cheng. host a World Cup when it Syria's Ahmad Alsaleh celebrates with team-mates after scoring an equalizer have lifted China's chances after third- Syria remain in fourth place in the secured just one vote for its against China during their World Cup Group A Qualifier at Hang Jebat Stadium placed Uzbekistan went down 2-0 to Iran. group, ahead of China who play bid to hold the men's 2022 in Malacca City, Malaysia yesterday. Only the top two teams earn an automatic Uzbekistan and rock-bottom Qatar in event, which was won by spot at next year's World Cup. their last two games. Qatar.