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Thursday, June 8, 2017 Ramadan 13, 1438 AH Thiem stuns champ GULF TIMES Djokovic as Nadal, Murray move on SPORT Page 3 CHAMPIONS TROPHY India must be ruthless in fi nishing games off : Kohli Kohli hopes the confidence boost from beating Pakistan will help India secure victory against Sri Lanka

AFP London ‘Superb’ Pandya can be India great: Kohli London: has backed irat Kohli has urged India to (right) to showcase produce a repeat of their Pa- his credentials as the future of Indian kistan demolition when they with another swashbuckling face Sri Lanka in the Cham- display against Sri Lanka today. Vpions Trophy today. Kohli’s side made Pandya has emerged as one of a memorable start to the tournament as India’s most promising talents since the defending champions crushed arch making his debut last year and Kohli rivals Pakistan by 124 runs in Birming- sees signs his young prodigy is ready ham on Sunday. After India piled up 319 to take his development to the next for three in 48 overs, they turned the level. Having played a key role in screw on Pakistan, dismissing them for Mumbai Indians’ IPL triumph earlier 164 as they failed to chase down a rain- this year, the 23-year-old all-rounder reduced target of 289. It was the perfect underscored his rapid emergence by response to reports of a rift between In- making a bright start to his country’s dia Kohli and the team’s coach Champions Trophy campaign Anil Kumble. In an indication of the level of Kohli knows momentum can change respect he is already held in by Indian quickly in one-day competitions, es- captain Kohli, Pandya was prompted pecially against a desperate Sri Lanka up the batting order ahead of the team looking to bounce back from de- great MS Dhoni and responded by feat to South Africa in their opener. But smashing 20 of just six balls Kohli hopes the confi dence boost from in Sunday’s 124-run victory over Paki- beating Pakistan will help India secure stan in Birmingham. another victory in their second Group Pandya wasn’t finished there and B match. “Every game in this tourna- he chipped in with two key ment is big, but we have a side with a as holders India launched their title few youngsters coming in and gradually defence in swaggering style. With getting towards strengthening their India due to play their second Group careers for India,” he said. “So I think B match against Sri Lanka at The Oval from that, from the team’s point of today, Kohli suggested Pandya is view, it’s a massive win for us. well on his way to become one of his “Just the way we played and the con- country’s finest players. fi dence we showed throughout the game “He’s a real asset to Indian cricket. was something that was very pleasing It’s very hard to find someone who to see as a captain. Even though we lost can almost touch 140 Ks and who “People should appreciate his skill the toss, guys were raring and ready to strikes the way he does,” Kohli told a and what he brings to the table,” he go, willing to take up the pressure. That press conference at The Oval yester- said. “A lot of people focus on a lot gave all of us the confi dence to start day. “He can bat through the innings of other things with Hardik, which I striking the ball well, but initially the as well. It’s really hard to find people don’t think should be anyone else’s openers gave us a good start as well. As I with that kind of ability. Once you problem. He has his own journey, and said, it’s a clinical performance from us, have a player like that, you need to he’s finding his own way. from the team’s point of view, yes, it is make sure he’s always committed to “If he gets the kind of support that indeed a very big win.” India captain Virat Kohli (left) and coach Anil Kumble at The Oval in London yesterday. (Reuters) give 100% for the team. That comes a player like him should get, I think he Kohli, with 81 not out off 68 balls, naturally to Hardik. So you don’t need could go down as one of the most ac- and Yuvraj Singh, named man-of-the- freely play. And Yuvraj came in and just later found guilty of a slow over-rate him and try to support him in the fi eld,” to motivate him any further in any complished Indian cricketers in times match for a rapid 53, both battered the took all the pressure off me,” he said. off ence by the ICC, with their stand-in Mathews said. other way.” to come. He’s superb in the field, Pakistan attack after Rohit Sharma and “The way he batted was the way only captain Upul Tharanga banned for their “The captain has to do so many other Pandya’s boisterous personality superb with the ball, brilliant with the laid the platform for a he can strike the ball. I think that really next two matches, and players fi ned. things and stuff to work on. We have and fun-living lifestyle has irked some bat. The kind of balance he brings to big total with an opening stand of 136. defl ated the opposition. His innings Angelo Mathews is set to resume addressed in the past as well, but it of the more conservative figures the team is priceless.” A repeat of that batting blitz against was a diff erence in the game.” captaincy duties after returning to fi t- cropped up again. It’s so unfortunate in Indian cricket. But Kohli believe With Pandya to the fore, Kohli’s Sri Lanka at The Oval would put India Beaten by 96 runs by South Africa, ness from the calf muscle injury that to see Upul going out as he is a crucial Pandya’s self-styled rockstar image team are expected to beat Sri Lanka on course for the semi-fi nals and Kohli there is no margin for error for Sri ruled him out of the South Africa player in our set up. He batted well isn’t a hindrance to fully utilising his en route to retaining the Champions expect Yuvraj to lead the charge again. Lanka as they try to avoid elimination. match. “The whole team is responsible. against South Africa and it’s so disap- vast gifts. Trophy. “After I got to 50, I wasn’t able to Adding insult to injury, Sri Lanka were Whoever the captain is, we have to back pointing. This cannot happen again.”

SPOTLIGHT Bowlers shine as Pakistan fi ght back against South Africa

AFP eight- stands of 47 and 48 respectively. innings that also included three sixes. Birmingham, United Kingdom Such was Pakistan’s command in the fi eld, they infl icted the fi rst golden duck in the 221-match SCOREBOARD one-day international career of South Africa SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS asan Ali took three wickets as Pakistan captain AB de Villiers. Q. de Kock lbw b 33 completed a stunning turnaround in and , in for H. Amla lbw b 16 the fi eld to restrict South Africa to 219 the injured , formed an all left-arm F. du Plessis b 26 for eight in their Champions Trophy new-ball attack. But it was the spin duo of Imad AB de Villiers c Mohammad Hafeez b Imad Wasim 0 HGroup B match at Edgbaston yesterday. Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez who did the ear- D. Miller not out 75 In reply, Pakistan were 119-3 after 27 overs ly damage. Left-armer Imad struck second ball JP Duminy c b Hasan Ali 8 before heavy rain halted the proceedings. In no when Hasim Amla (16), going across his stumps, W. Parnell b Hasan Ali 0 more play was possible, Pakistan were to be de- was lbw. Off -spinner Hafeez then had Quinton C. Morris c Hasan Ali b Junaid Khan 28 clared winners as they were 19 runs ahead as per de Kock (33) lbw on the sweep. The two spinners K. Rabada c Hasan Ali b Junaid Khan 2 6 the Duckworth-Lewis method. combined when de Villiers departed fi rst ball by M. Morkel not out 0 Just three days after conceding 319 for three slicing Imad to Hafeez at backward point. Has- Extras (lb1, w5, nb1) 7 against arch-rivals India in a crushing 124-run an, as Imad had done, struck second ball when Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 219 opening defeat by the title-holders at Edgbas- Faf du Plessis (26) played on. Left-hander Miller Did not bat: ton, Pakistan were a transformed side on their twice drove Hafeez for sixes over long-on. Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Amla), 2-60 (De Kock), 3-61 return to the Birmingham ground. But Hasan took two wickets in two balls to re- (De Villiers), 4-90 (Du Plessis), 5-118 (Duminy), 6-118 Their spinners did the initial damage as South duce South Africa to 118 for six in the 29th over (Parnell), 7-165 (Morris), 8-213 (Rabada) Africa slumped to 61 for three before paceman with a couple of brilliant deliveries from around : Amir 10-0-50-0 (3w); Junaid 9-0-53-2 (1nb, Hasan, striking twice in two balls, followed the wicket. Junaid then bowled Morris (22) only 1w); Imad 8-0-20-2; Hafeez 10-0-51-1; Hasan 8-1-24-3; up on his way to fi gures of three for 24 in eight to be denied by a no-ball call. Shadab 5-0-20-0 overs. South Africa were indebted to David Mill- Miller brought up the 200 by driving Junaid Pakistan XI: , , Babar Azam, er’s 75 not out after their top-order slump. for six and ended the innings by hitting Hasan Mohammad Hafeez, , Sarfraz Ahmed Miller received good support from Chris Mor- Pakistan’s spinner Imad Wasim (second right) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of for four, one of just nine South Africa managed (capt/wkt), Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shadab ris (28) and (26) in seventh and South Africa’s AB de Villiers during the ICC Champions trophy match in Birmingham. (AFP) in total. That was Miller’s lone four in a 104-ball Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 8, 2017 CRICKET

CHAMPIONS TROPHY Pakistan’s Wahab says he ‘let down nation’ against India Captain Mathews Birmingham, United King- SRI LANKA HIT BY dom: Pakistan paceman Wahab KAPUGEDERA INJURY BLOW Riaz took to Twitter yesterday Sri Lanka batman Chamara Ka- to apologise for his lacklustre pugedera faces a nervous wait showing against arch-rivals to discover if his Champions India in the Champions Trophy, Trophy campaign is over after says no pressure on saying he had “let down his suff ering an injury in practice nation”. The 31-year-old left-arm yesterday. quick was smashed for 87 runs Kapugedera sustained the in just 8.4 wicketless overs undisclosed injury on the eve when the Asian giants met in of Sri Lanka’s second match in their Champions Trophy opener the tournament against India at underdogs Sri Lanka at Birmingham’s Edgbaston The Oval today. Sri Lanka cap- ground on Sunday. Title-holders tain Angelo Mathews revealed India won by the huge margin Kapugedera has gone for a Mathews knows India, who thrashed Pakistan on Sunday, are firm favourites of 124 runs in a tournament scan to determine the extent featuring the world’s top eight of the problem, with a potential one-day international sides. replacement on stand-by to Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews As well as repeatedly bowling come into the squad. talks to his teammates during a too short and too wide, Wahab, “Yeah he just got injured at training session at The oval in a veteran of 79 ODIs, was un- training, so we sent him for an London yesterday. (Reuters) able to complete his allocation MRI scan,” Mathews said, who of overs after suff ering an ankle had who missed the South Af- injury while falling over in his rica match due to a calf injury. stride and was unable “We are waiting for the doctor’s to bat in the match. report. If need be, we might Wahab, who has now been have to bring in a replacement.” ruled out of the rest of the tour- Kapugedera’s injury is the nament, tweeted: “My perform- latest blow to Sri Lanka after ance has let down my nation stand-in captain Upul Tharanga, and team. I tried my best but it deputising for the injured was not good enough. I’m heart Mathews, was banned for the broken as well.” remaining two group matches Pakistan’s performance was as punishment for his team’s widely castigated, with former slow over rate against South captain singling Africa last weekend. out Wahab for criticism. “Wahab The 30-year-old middle order Riaz was once the spearhead of batsman, who made his inter- this bowling attack but his per- national debut in 2006, was formance was a major let down dismissed for nought against on such an important occa- the South Africans as Sri Lanka sion,” Afridi wrote in a column lost their Group B opener by for the ICC website. 96 runs.

AFP Chamara Kapugedera may miss out due pulled no punches as he slammed the he expects them to rise to the challenge London to injury. stand-in skipper and his team-mates for sooner rather than later. “The guys are Mathews knows India, who thrashed failing to keep up with the required over learning every single day. If you look at Pakistan in their fi rst group match, are rate. “The over rate was an issue. It was most of the guys, they haven’t played a ngelo Mathews insists there fi rm favourites to maintain their 100% pathetic. I call it pathetic because of the lot of international cricket,” he said. “The is no pressure on Sri Lanka in record. But the Sri Lanka captain hopes whole team, and the captain was warned more you play, the more you learn. Eve- their crucial Champions Tro- being written off will allow his team to several times, and there’s no excuse at all ryone has to step up with their roles be- phy clash against India today play with enough freedom to spring a but to take responsibility for that because cause we can’t just expect things to fall in becauseA the defending champions are ex- surprise. “People will want India to come nobody else can take responsibility on it,” line. “We’ve got to make it happen, and pected to thrash his underdogs. Mathews’ in and thrash us, and it’s just all the pres- Mathews said. we’ve got to make it happen soon.” side must beat India at The Oval to keep sure is off us,” Mathews told a press con- “The whole team is responsible, in- It might be hard to see too many signs alive their hopes of reaching the semi- ference at The Oval yesterday. cluding the captain. It’s a very hard job on of progress against the might of India and fi nals, but the odds are against a Sri Lanka “We are happy to walk in as the under- the fi eld, and he has to look into so many Mathews, who will return to the line-up team hit by injury and suspension. dogs. I mean, no one really expects us to things. The rest of the players has to sup- as a batsman but may not bowl, conceded Sri Lanka looked like tournament also win the championship. Which takes a lot port them. Most of the teams play with Virat Kohli’s group are formidable. rans when they lost to South Africa by 96 of pressure out of the guys. We just have four seamers and they have not had an is- “They’re a force in world cricket no runs in their Group B opener last week- to go out there, just express ourselves and sue. We played only three and we’ve had matter where they play. They’ve played end. Already in the midst of a rebuilding be aggressive. “That is our brand of crick- an issue. That has been addressed and it fantastic cricket over so many years,” he project following the retirement of sev- et, being aggressive and positive.” will not happen again.” said. “It’s very hard to beat them unless eral stars, Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga’s absence is a blow for Sri While Mathews is aware he is in charge we are on top of our game. We will all have Tharanga, banned for his team’s slow Lanka and Mathews, who missed the of a largely inexperienced group still fi nd- to pull our socks up and give a great per- over rate, against India, while batsman South Africa match due to a calf injury, ing their way on the international stage, formance.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Gilchrist expects Australia Morgan lauds ‘outstanding’ pay row to end soon attack as England reach semis Reuters Melbourne AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom ormer Australia Test player Adam Gilchrist can relate to the ongoing pay dispute be- ngland captain Eoin Morgan praised tween the board and the cricketers and is his “outstanding” bowling attack optimistic of a timely resolution of the row after the tournament hosts booked whichF has cast a shadow of doubt over this year’s their place in the semi-fi nals of the Ashes series. Australia face a possible player strike ChampionsE Trophy with an 87-run win over or lockout if the protracted negotiation over a new New Zealand in Cardiff . pay deal for the country’s international and state Tuesday’s success means England will cricketers cannot be resolved by the June 30 dead- return to the Welsh capital as Group A win- line, when current contracts expire. ners for a last four clash against the as yet Gilchrist’s career was in the nascent stage when unknown Group B runners-up on June 14, the current revenue-sharing model came into eff ect in an event featuring the world’s leading in 1997 and the former stumper-batsman could see eight one-day international teams. England the similarities. “The players are sticking together looked to have fallen short of a par score de- with that unity, and that was certainly the case back spite making 310 all out after Joe Root (64), then and I was a young player having my very fi rst (56) and Ben Stokes (48) were all contract with Cricket Australia dangled in front of dismissed when well set before Jos Buttler’s England's Mark Wood (centre) took the key wicket of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, me, and here were my senior peers saying: ‘Don’t unbeaten 61 boosted the total. which sparked a collapse that saw Kiwis lose their last eight wickets for 65 runs. (Reuters) sign it, don’t break, don’t crumble’,” he told Fox But fast bowler Mark Wood took the key Sports. “And we didn’t, and 20 years later condi- wicket of New Zealand captain Kane Wil- Wood produced a superb delivery that land over a period of time — especially com- tions are fantastic for players now. There’s no doubt liamson (87) in the 31st over. Williamson’s Williamson, seemingly on course for a sec- ing back after injury... so certainly he is a about that. So that end result has been terrifi c.” exit sparked a collapse that saw New Zea- ond successive century after his hundred in strength of their bowling attack.” “There’ll be an end, there will be an end to it. land lose their last eight wickets for 65 runs the Blackcaps’ rain-ruined no result opener Defeat was made worse for Williamson We’re nearly at June 30, so that’s approaching on the way to a total of 223 all out. against Australia, could only glove to diving when the International Cricket Council quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been Liam Plunkett took four for 55, with his wicket-keeper Buttler. fi ned him 40 % and his players 20% of their meeting in the last few days, the players’ associa- Former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist. fellow paceman Jake Ball named man-of- “Guys like him (Wood) are so valuable to match fees for a slow over-rate during Eng- tion and the board. I think both sides are going to the-match after striking early to dismiss the team — and you can’t leave any of our land’s innings. Morgan, meanwhile, knows have to compromise,” added Gilchrist. “So while the players feel CA has gone about this for a duck on his way to fi ne fi g- bowlers out,” Morgan insisted. “I thought his side will top the group regardless of the Vice captain David Warner has revealed the all wrong, they are still prepared to off er good faith ures of two for 31 in eight overs. Meanwhile, they did an outstanding job. They were truly result of their fi nal pool fi xture against Aus- threat of Australian cricketers skipping the Ashes and solutions,” Alistair Nicholson, the chief execu- leg-spinner Adil Rashid justifi ed his recall the highlight of the day. Our batting per- tralia, on Saturday, where a win over their series, starting in November, against England was a tive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, wrote in place of injured all-rounder Chris Woakes formance was probably par or below par — Ashes rivals for the second time in succes- reality. “If we are unemployed we have no contracts, in column for the Herald Sun. with a 10-over return of two for 47. so pretty average.” sive Champions Trophy editions at Edgbas- we can’t play,” he told reporters in England, where “What needs to happen is that CA move some- Morgan feared England didn’t have Williamson, refl ecting on the delivery ton would likely eliminate their oldest foes. the side are playing the Champions Trophy. where towards the middle, because the players are enough runs to play with after being sent from Wood that ended the innings said the For all that they were already into the last At the heart of the dispute is the arrangement already there. Ready and waiting for common sense into bat by Williamson. “I thought we were Durham quick, fi t following a persistent an- four, Morgan promised no let-up against whereby the players share a fi xed percentage of up to prevail.” probably 10 or 15 below par — given that kle injury, was a tough man to face. “He’s a World Cup champions Australia as England, to 26% of CA revenue, a model the board said was Gilchrist said he had spoken to both the parties 320 is probably a par score regardless of the very good bowler, unique in the fact that he in marked contrast, seek their fi rst major “starving” the grassroots of the game of funding. and believed the CA had made a fair off er to the game we’re playing in these days,” said Mor- bowls at such good pace off maybe a vefi to 50-over title. “I think if we’re truly going to The players’ union has criticised CA for acting like players. “I think Cricket Australia are off ering a gan after England had still passed 300 in half 10-metre run-up — which you don’t see too be contenders for this tournament, we need a “heavy monopoly” and demanded the negotiation very, very fair deal for players. No one is going to go of their 46 ODIs since a humiliating fi rst- much around the world,” said Williamson. to beat the best teams — and Australia are continued. without and everyone is growing and increasing.” round exit at the 2015 World Cup. “He’s performed very, very well for Eng- one of the best teams,” he said. Gulf Times Thursday, June 8, 2017 3 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN SPOTLIGHT Serbian fans turn on Nole aft er Thiem stuns champ Thiem debacle

Reuters company with coach Boris Belgrade Becker who helped him to six titles during his three-year stint with the Serb, aving enjoyed an who also dismissed the rest of Djokovic as Nadal, iconic status among his backroom staff last month Serbian tennis fans with the exception of Spaniard for the best part of Pepe Imaz. hisH career, was Former player Imaz, de- scorned by many of them af- scribed as a “spiritual guru” ter a tame straight-sets defeat was the squad’s only survivor by Austrian Dominic Thiem in to welcome the arrival of Andre the quarter-fi nals Agassi, who teamed up with Murray move on yesterday. Djokovic shortly before the It’s not that he lost but the French Open. manner in which he lost,” said But Agassi left midway ‘Trust me, I’m thinking about many things, especially in the last couple months’ one fan on the B92 website’s through the tournament due to (www.b92.net) message board what Djokovic had described AFP after the eff ervescent Thiem as prior personal arrangements Paris swept aside the former world and the 30-year old from Bel- number one and defending Ro- grade was blown away by land Garros champion 7-6 (5) Thiem after beating Spaniard efending cham- 6-3 6-0. Albert Ramos Vinolas in his pion Novak Djoko- “His career has plummeted mentor’s absence. vic crashed out of the since he won last year’s French Many Serbian fans feel that French Open yesterday, Open and now constitutes an Djokovic has hit his lowest ebb sparkingD fresh fears over his ap- ordeal of a passionless com- since turning professional in petite for the sport he once dom- petitor.” 2003 and few were confi dent inated as Rafael Nadal and Andy Another supporter pulled no that he would return to the Murray made the semi-fi nals. punches in echoing his views pinnacle. World number two Djokovic on Djokovic’s current form. “The only positive Djokovic slumped to a stunning 7-6 (7/5), “Novak has disintegrated can draw from his crushing de- 6-3, 6-0 quarter-fi nal loss to into a mn pieces,” he said. feat by Thiem is that he can’t Dominic Thiem for his earliest Djokovic, who is now as- play any worse than he is doing exit in Paris in seven years. sured of losing the number at the moment,” said a disen- Nadal, chasing a 10th Roland two spot in the ATP rankings, chanted supporter. Garros title, will face 23-year- has suff ered a dramatic dip in One who introduced him- old Thiem after making the last form since winning his maiden self as an “ex Nole fan” added: four without breaking sweat. French Open title last year, the “Novak no longer strikes fear He was 6-2, 2-0 up on Pablo last of his overall 12 grand slam into the hearts of anyone on Carreno Busta when his Spanish honours. tour. He’s become a punching compatriot quit with an abdom- In December, he parted bag.” inal injury. Friday’s other semi-fi nal will pitch world number one Mur- ray, the runner-up to Djokovic Djokovic gave up, McEnroe blasts Serb in 2016, against 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka. US tennis legend John McEnroe accused Novak Djokovic of Murray made the semi-fi nals giving up in his stunning French Open exit at the hands of for the fi fth time with a 2-6, 6-1, Dominic Thiem yesterday. 7-6 (7/0), 6-1 win over Japanese Defending champion Djokovic collapsed to a meek 7-6 (7/5), eighth seed Kei Nishikori. 6-3, 6-0 loss to Thiem in what was his earliest exit at Roland Wawrinka became the old- Austria’s Dominic Thiem celebrates after winning his quarter-final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic yesterday. (Reuters) Garros in seven years. Defeat also meant that just 12 months est French Open semi-fi nalist in after holding all four Grand Slam titles, the 30-year-old was left 32 years when he brushed aside out of the world’s top two for the loss to the Japanese star at the fighting to prove he is still a relevant force in the sport. Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. fi rst time in six years. “All the top US Open last year. The Scot set “I don’t remember seeing a time in the last six to eight years Djokovic, who had brought in players go through this. It’s a big up a semi-fi nal rematch with when Novak mailed it in,” seven-time major winner McEnroe as coach in an ef- challenge but I am up for it,” said third seed Wawrinka after beat- told the BBC. fort to boost his fl agging career, Djokovic who was also runner-up ing the Swiss in four sets at the “He basically gave up.” hinted he may step back from the in Paris in 2012, 2014 and 2015. same stage a year ago. Yesterday’s loss was just the ninth time that Djokovic had suf- sport to regroup even with Wim- Thiem had lost to the Serb “He’s played fantastic this fered a 6-0 ‘bagel’ set and first at a Slam since facing France’s bledon fast approaching. in the semi-fi nals last year and tournament so far,” Murray said Gael Monfils at the US Open in 2005 when he was still a “Trust me, I’m thinking about took just one game in a straight- of the 32-year-old, the old- teenager. many things, especially in the sets loss in Rome in May. est Roland Garros semi-fi nalist “It looked in the third set like he just didn’t want to be out last couple months,” he said. His shock quarter-fi nal vic- since Jimmy Connors in 1985. there, couldn’t compete any more, and that’s shocking for “At the same time, I have re- tory was his fi rst in six meetings Like Nadal and Thiem, a guy that’s won as much as he has and prides himself on sponsibility to the game itself, with the 12-time major winner. Wawrinka has not lost a set on competition,” added McEnroe. “It just shows you everyone’s towards others. We’ll see. Ob- Austrian sixth seed Thiem his way to a third successive human.” viously it’s not an easy decision is the only man to beat Nadal semi-fi nal at Roland Garros. McEnroe added: “If you had told me a year ago, when he was to make, but I will see how I feel on clay this year - his Rome “It was perfect today, I’m very the only guy since Rod Laver holding all four Slams that this after Roland Garros and then de- quarter-fi nal success off setting satisfi ed,” said reigning US Open is what we’d be talking about now, I’d have told you you were cide what to do next.” losses in the fi nal in Barcelona champion Wawrinka after a 12th nuts.” Yesterday’s defeat to Thiem and Madrid. win in 14 meetings with Cilic. Double French Open champion Jim Courier said Djokovic’s was Djokovic’s fi rst straight- “It’s going to be the toughest decision to work with so-called ‘guru’ Pepe Imaz was partly to sets loss at a major in four years match you can imagine,” admit- RESULTS blame for his shock defeat. and comes just 12 months after ted the 23-year-old. Quarter-finals Defending champion Djokovic recently split with his long-term he completed the career Grand Fourth seed Nadal recorded Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Kei coaching team and worked with former great Andre Agassi in Slam in Paris. his 100th best-of-fi ve-sets Nishikori (JPN x8) 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 the first week in Paris. victory on clay - from just 102 (7/0), 6-1 “The problem when one of the people on your team is all Djokovic ‘up for challenge’ matches. He will be playing in Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) bt Marin about love and peace and has been part of the camp for over He then also held all four ma- his 10th semi-fi nal in Paris and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his quarter-final against Austria’s Cilic (CRO x7) 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 a year, it’s not something that you can fall back on when you jors and became the fi rst man has made it having lost just 22 Dominic Thiem in Paris. (AFP) Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt Pablo are pushed into a hole,” American Courier, working for British to break the $100 million prize games through fi ve matches. Carreno Busta (ESP x20) 6-2, 2-0 broadcaster ITV, said. money barrier. Yesterday saw Bjorn Borg surrendered just records. “I don’t know how fi nals,” said Nadal. retired “Novak showed no fight and maybe it was partly down to the him suff er a fi rst 6-0 ‘bagel’ at 32 games on his way to the 1978 many games I lost this year, but Murray advanced to his fourth Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) bt windy conditions. He despises playing in the wind. He really a Slam since the 2005 US Open French Open, but Nadal in- I really don’t care about this. I straight semi-fi nal in Paris, de- Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) 7-6 seemed to accept the outcome well before it was conclusive.” while the defeat will see him slip sisted he has no interest in such only care that I am in the semi- feating Nishikori to avenge his (7/5), 6-3, 6-0.

FOCUS Halep roars back against Svitolina to reach semis

Reuters (in the second set) I just said the While there was no obvi- Paris match is lost. ous sign of the ankle problem “Then I started to feel more the 25-year-old sustained in relaxed maybe because I thought Rome, she could not get going ormer French Open it’s fi nished. I changed the and slumped 5-0 down before runner-up Simona Ha- rhythm. I put some high balls. I at least making the set score re- lep staged a remarkable just tried to make her move more. spectable. But Svitolina, bidding fi ghtback and saved a “She played well. Then I to become Ukraine’s fi rst female matchF point to reach the semi- played better. So all is good.” grand slam semi-fi nalist after a fi nals with a 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-0 win Halep will face second-seeded stellar year in which she has won over Elina Svitolina yesterday. Czech Karolina Pliskova in the four titles, charged into a 5-1 lead Romanian third seed Halep last four, while in the other half in the second set. trailed by a set and 5-1 against the of the draw Latvian teenager Again Halep showed her mettle hard-hitting fi fth seed but some- Jelena Ostapenko will take on to stay alive but it still seemed in how dug herself out of a hole be- Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. vain until she levelled at 5-5 and fore storming to victory to set up then went 40-0 up on Svitolina’s a semi-fi nal against Czech sec- LIKELY CHAMPION serve before the Ukrainian ral- ond seed Karolina Pliskova. Of all the quarter-fi nalists, lied to take the set into a tiebreak. Ukrainian Svitolina saved four none of whom had won a ma- After saving the match point, set points at 5-6 in the second jor, Halep looked the more likely admitting later that she had not and then had a match point in the champion with her claycourt even realised it was one, Halep tiebreak which Halep saved with pedigree and a run to the 2014 fi - got another set point thanks to a a brave forehand that kissed the nal when she was beaten by Rus- wayward Svitolina forehand and sideline and followed that with sian Maria Sharapova. sealed the set with an outrageous an improvised backhand winner. If she needed any more incen- netcord that dribbled over. From A rejuvenated Halep clinched tive, she can also become world there on it was one way traffi c in the second set with a forehand number one by winning the title. a 20-minute decider. winner and predictably swept Yet when the match started in through the decider as Svitoli- front of a Suzanne Lenglen court RESULTS na’s spirit sagged, sealing vic- crowd that had just witnessed Quarter-finals tory with an ace. men’s champion Novak Djokovic Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Elina “She played unbelievable ten- being routed by Dominic Thiem, Svitolina (UKR x5) 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), nis in the fi rst set until the end of Halep looked to be going out of 6-0 the second set,” Halep told re- the tournament in sympathy Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Caro- porters. “When I sat down at 2-5 with the Serb. line Garcia (FRA x28) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates after defeating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in their French Open quarter-final in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 8, 2017 SPORT

ATHLETICS/ ROME DIAMOND LEAGUE GOLF Cink qualifi es for US Open as major Rome look to javelin fi eld fi nalised

Reuters The Columbus qualifi er London stretched into Tuesday morn- ing, when four players had to return to play off for three ormer British Open spots in the Open fi eld. star Roehler to rock champion Stewart Michael Putnam, a former Cink will contest his United States Walker Cup fi rst major champion- player, was the unlucky man to shipF in nearly two years af- miss out. ter coming through sectional More than 900 players qualifying to earn a spot in next competed for 72 spots in the week’s US Open. Open at 10 sectional qualifi - Cink played a light sched- ers around the US on Monday, Stadio Olimpico ule last year as his wife Lisa after previous international received treatment for breast qualifi ers in England and Ja- cancer, even skipping the Brit- pan. Record collector Roehler threw 93.90 metre in Doha last month ish Open where he beat Tom Wisconsin native Steve Watson in a playoff to win at Stricker advanced via the Turnberry in 2009. Memphis qualifi er, after the But he has played more fre- USGA rejected his request for quently this year and his com- a special invitation in an event petitive sharpness was evident that will be held barely an hour as he fi nished equal fourth at from his home. the 36-hole qualifi er in Co- “Not getting an exemption lumbus on Monday, earning was a motivational factor,” said one of 14 spots from that venue the 12-times PGA Tour winner. for the US Open, which starts “Not that I deserved one, but at Erin Hills in Wisconsin next it’s been driving me to achieve Thursday. this goal. And I’m just happy “I was not in competi- that I’m going to get to play. It’s tive form last year,” Cink, 44, a relief to get to play in the fi rst told the US Golf Association one in my home state.” (USGA) website. “We were Among other qualifi ers right in the midst of Lisa’s on Monday were amateurs treatments, and we were fo- Joaquin Niemann and Stewart cused on that, so I didn’t even Hagestad. try to qualify. To come back Chilean Niemann is the this year and get through suc- world’s number one-ranked cessfully, it really means a lot amateur, while Californian to me.” Hagestad was the leading ama- Cink has not played a major teur at the US Masters in April. since the 2015 British Open at US Open qualifying is more St. Andrews. than about making up the “I have a long career,” said numbers in the fi eld. Sectional the lanky American. “I should qualifi ers occasionally lift the say I am having a long career, trophy, most recently Ameri- and majors are my focus now.” can Lucas Glover in 2009.

British Cycling get thumbs up from review chief The doctor who led the independent review into British Cycling’s medical practice says he is delighted the governing body’s board has approved his reform recommendations. Rod Jaques, director of medical services at the English Institute of Sport, positive response came as British Cycling announced it would appoint a new head of medicine. They also split their medical team into cure and prevention units and created British sport’s first clinical governance com- mittee to maintain the highest standards. British Cycling set up the wide-ranging independent review of its medical and physiotherapy teams’ operational practice in late April after being criticised by an investigation undertaken by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). UKAD’s investigation which is still ongoing was into allega- AFP wanting to snatch the spotlight — in Doha Ronnie Baker lines up hoping to hold off Britain’s Andrew Pozzi (13.19) could also tions of wrongdoing within the GB team and its professional Milan last month, the German threw the spear a the threat of Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut, be in contention. road cycling off -shoot, Team Sky. massive 93.90 metres. who has run 9.97secs this year, in the The entire women’s pole vault podium Jaques, though, was happy his recommendations had all been Although well short of Jan Zelezny’s 100m following a wind-aided 9.86secs from Rio — Katerini Stefanidi of Greece, accepted after he was appointed by British Cycling to conduct he absence of Jamaican sprint world mark of 98.48m, set in 1996, Roeh- (2.4m/s) victory in Eugene. American Sandi Morris and New Zea- the review when details emerged of among other things poor legend Usain Bolt has Rome ler’s throw was the second best of all The women’s 100m features a head-to- land’s Eliza McCartney — will reunite, medical record keeping and missing treatment notes. Diamond League organisers time, the furthest in 20 years and gave head between Dutchwoman Dafne Schip- with Cuba’s world champion Yarisley Sil- “I found members I met with from the British Cycling medical turning their eyes skywards today an indication of what’s to come from the pers, the 2015 world 200m champion, and va and Britain’s Holly Bradshaw looking to team to be competent professionals, working to the best of Tin the hope German javelin star Thomas 25-year-old Olympic champion. American Tianna Bartoletta, the 2016 play the upsetters. their abilities within their current structures,” said Jaques in a Roehler raises the roof with another stellar “I did not see that coming. I did not ex- Olympic long jump champion — although A 5000m world record attempt by Ethi- statement yesterday. performance. pect that in the fi rst start of the season,” Schippers has been fastest this year, set- opian distance star Dibaba, who came up “To ensure athletes are served in ways that best support Bolt, who is set to retire from athletics Roehler said in Doha on May 5. ting a 10.95 in April. With a season’s best short when chasing older sister Tirunesh’s performance and allow professionals to develop, the review this year, will only make his European de- “I’m second best ever. It will take some of 20.41, Canada’s Olympic silver medal- mark of 14min 11.15sec in Eugene, will outlines reforms that will bolster both areas and ensure that but — ahead of the London world champi- days to realise that.” list Andre De Grasse leads the men’s 200m bring the curtain down on the Diamond British Cycling makes changes to ensure the highest stand- onships in August — at the Czech Golden With ideal conditions set to grace the fi eld ahead of Frenchman Christophe Le- League events on Thursday, which closes ards of professionalism and care.” Spikes event in Ostrava on June 28. Italian capital on the 37th edition of the maitre (21.22) and Panamanian Alonso with men’s and women’s 100m paralym- The changes, which come into force immediately, are part of a The second of 14 Diamond League Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, Roehler will Edward, who has won the last three edi- pic races. wider reforms in response to both the UKAD investigation and meetings spread over 13 diff erent coun- be looking for more heroics compet- tions of the Diamond Race. With a personal best of 14:15.41, Diba- an independent review looking at allegations of bullying and tries, Rome — in spite of Bolt’s absence ing from a fi eld including 2012 Olympic In the absence of Jamaican hurdles king ba — the indoor world record holder in discrimination within the GB elite set-up. — off ers up an all-star cast featuring 36 champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad Omar McLeod, American world record 14:18.86 — should be pushed all the way That investigation, instigated by former British sprinter Jess medallists from the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Tobago, and a trio of world champi- holder Aries Merritt, the fastest in the by Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who clocked Varnish’s claims about former technical director Shane Sutton, and a world record attempt in the women’s ons in Julius Yego, Vitezslav Vesely and fi eld this year in 13.13sec, can step into 14:22.47 Shanghai, three seconds quicker is expected to publish its findings next week after months of 5000m for Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba. Tero Pitkamaki. the spotlight — although Spain’s Olympic than Dibaba managed in Eugene a fort- delays. And Roehler would be forgiven for On the track, highly-fancied American silver medallist Orlando Ortega (13.15) and night later (14:25.22).

CYCLING/ CRITERIUM DU DAUPHINE Porte lays down Tour marker with time-trial win

AFP moved up to fi fth overall at 1min 02sec day’s stage looks to be one for the sprint- Bourgoin-Jallieu, France with the Briton sixth at 1:04. Reigning ers before the race heads to the moun- champion Froome had said on Tuesday tains and culminates with two summit that the time-trial would be “an impor- fi nishes at Alpe d’Huez and Plateau de ustralia’s Richie Porte made a tant milestone” in the eight-stage race, Solaison, where Froome and Contador Tour de France statement as which is seen as a form indicator for Ju- will look to reel in Porte. he romped to victory in yes- ly’s Tour de France. terday’s 23.5km time-trial at “We’ve got a very similar kind of pro- Results theA Criterium du Dauphine, as overall logue in Dusseldorf, and a similar time- Stage 4. favourite Chris Froome struggled home trial in Marseille at the end of the Tour. 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC) 23.5km in in eighth. It’s good practice and a good hit out 28min 07sec, 2. Tony Martin (GER/ BMC’s Porte put in a stunning per- ahead of that,” Froome had said. KAT) at 12sec, 3. Alejandro Valverde formance to beat four-time world time- Being off the pace on a discipline (ESP/MOV) 24, 4. Stef Clement (NED/ trial champion Tony Martin of Germany in which he usually excels, and often LNL) 28, 5. Chad Haga (USA/SUN) 32, 6. into second and leave fellow overall con- takes time out of his overall rivals, will Jasha Sutterlin (GER/MOV) 32, 7. Alberto tenders trailing in his wake. be a worry for three-time Tour winner Contador (ESP/TRE) 35, 8. Chris Froome “I didn’t expect to either win the stage Froome, who has yet to taste victory in a (GBR/SKY) 37, 9. Thomas De Gendt (BEL/ or take that much time,” Porte said after race this season. LOT) 42, 10. Brent Bookwalter (USA/ the race. “It’s been a long time since I’ve Veteran Contador was satisfi ed with BMC) 45 done a good time trial, so to do what I did his race, but said he can still improve. today makes me really happy. “I think I “I felt good, but I still have a margin Overall can go to the Tour de France in fantastic for improvement to be totally comfort- 1. Thomas De Gendt (BEL/LOT) 13hrs form and with a great team behind me.” able in the time-trial,” he said. 05min 53sec, 2. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC) Belgian Thomas De Gendt of Lotto Froome had predicted Porte would do at 27sec, 3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ held on to the overall leader’s yellow jer- well before the stage began. “I think that MOV) 51, 4. Stef Clement (NED/LNL) 55, sey after the fourth stage, 27sec ahead Richie is in great form,” he said yesterday 5. Alberto Contador (ESP/TRE) 1:02, 6. of Porte and 51sec ahead of third placed morning. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 1:04, 7. Brent Alejandro Valverde, who was also third Porte fl ew round the course at an aver- Bookwalter (USA/BMC) 1:12, 8. Jesus on the stage. age speed of more than 50kph, fi nishing Herrada (ESP/MOV) 1:15, 9. Sam Oomen Spain’s Alberto Contador was sev- 12sec faster than Martin and 24sec ahead (NED/SUN) 1:17, 10. Diego Ulissi (ITA/EAU) Australia’s Richie Porte celebrates on the podium after winning a 23.5km individual time-trial, the fourth stage of the enth, two seconds ahead of Froome, and of in-form Spanish veteran Valverde. To- 1:22. 69th edition of the Criterium du Dauphine cycling race between La Tour-du-Pin and Bourgoin-Jallieu yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, June 8, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB NBA Warriors’ Green brushes off historical Reds’ Gennett belts comparisons

Reuters Asked about Johnson’s com- Los Angeles ment that his “Showtime” Lakers team would have swept this year’s Warriors, Green orward Draymond merely laughed. four homers in 13-1 Green believes com- “That’s my thoughts,” he parisons between his said after a chuckle. Golden State Warriors Green said former play- andF great NBA teams of the ers wanting to compare their past are pointless because of teams to the Warriors did so changes in the rules and the out of a feeling of insecurity impossibility of head-to-head over their own accomplish- battles. ments. win over Cardinals The Warriors have won an “If you have self confi dence, NBA-record 14 consecutive you don’t really care about ‘I’m truly blessed. Being from here, born here, watching all those guys when I was little, to games to start the playoff s and what who is coming after you will take a 2-0 advantage over is doing,” he added. do something that’s never been done is... I can’t put words on it. It’s an honour for sure’ the Cleveland Cavaliers into “If you have full fulfi lment the pivotal Game Three on the in what you did, then it’s not road at Quicken Loans Arena really, ‘we would have done on Wednesday. this and we would have done Their dominance as they that’. If they’re great, they’re chase a second title in three great. Respect what they’re years has led some to won- doing.” der how they stack up against The Warriors have been Magic Johnson’s Los Ange- so great during playoff s that les Lakers of the 1980s and the contest has been widely Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls panned for not being competi- of the 1990s. tive enough. “The game is completely The reigning champion diff erent than it was back Cavaliers dropped just a sin- then,” Green told reporters on gle game on their way through Tuesday. the eastern conference playoff s “Nowadays, if you can’t prior to the NBA Finals. shoot a three, you’re a liability Despite the criticism, the on the fl oor. That wasn’t the Finals so far have earned the case back then.” highest TV ratings since 1998, The Warriors have assem- when Jordan’s Bulls won their bled some of the best three- sixth NBA championship of the point shooters the league has decade by defeating the Utah ever seen, helping them win Jazz in six games. their postseason games this “They were great in their year by an average of nearly 17 time, we’re great in our time points per contest. and respect that,” Green said.

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Scooter Gennett hits a two-run double against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP those guys when I was little, to dinals starting pitcher Adam “It’s very emotional. You’ve in seven innings. Strikeouts ac- Washington do something that’s never been Wainwright. seen history. It’s an honour to bear counted for nine of the initial 10 done is... I can’t put words on it. He homered twice off right- witness to it from the dugout.” outs he recorded. Reliever Oliver It’s an honour for sure.” handed reliever John Gant, in the The list of players to hit four Perez worked a 1-2-3 eighth be- incinnati’s Scooter Gennett hit an RBI single in fourth and sixth, and went deep homers in a game includes such fore rookie closer Koda Glover Gennett joined a select the fi rst inning, a grand slam off John Brebbia in the eighth. legends as Lou Gehrig and Wil- sealed the deal with a scoreless club featuring some of in the third, a two-run shot in Fans in Cincinnati were on their lie Mays. Gennett, claimed off ninth for his eighth save. the greatest hitters in the fourth, a solo homer in the feet with two outs in the eighth waivers in March, was an unlike- MajorC League Baseball history sixth and a two-run home run when Gennett took a called ly addition to the club. RESULTS on Tuesday when he belted four in the eighth. The 27-year-old strike from Brebbia, then swung He was mired in an 0-for-19 Reds 13 Cardinals 1 home runs in a 13-1 win over the left fi elder began the game with and missed to fall behind 0-2. slump before hitting a double on Nationals 2 Dodgers 1 St. Louis Cardinals. three homers on the season. He then belted the next pitch Monday. Before his grand slam, Royals 9 Astros 7 Gennett’s feat marked just the Before Gennett, the last ma- over the right fi eld wall. he had gone 93 at-bats without Red Sox 5 Yankees 4 17th time in major league history jor-leaguer to homer four times He made two curtain calls and a home run. “That’s baseball,” Orioles 6 Pirates 5 (10 inn) that a player homered four times in a game was the Texas Rangers’ returned to left fi eld in the ninth Gennett said. “That’s why you Diamondbacks 10 Padres 2 in a game. The Cincinnati native Josh Hamilton on May 8, 2012, inning to a standing ovation. never give up.” Rangers 10 Mets 8 is the fi rst Reds player to do it. against the Baltimore Orioles. “I’m amazed by it,” said Reds Max Scherzer struck out a Cubs 10 Marlins 2 “It’s surreal, man, it really is,” The fi rst major league player manager Bryan Price, who was season-high 14 as Washington Mariners 12 Twins 3 said Gennett, who went 5-for-5 to accomplish the feat was the the pitching coach for the Seat- defeated Los Angeles. Scherzer Angels 5 Tigers 3 and tied a Reds club record with Boston Beaneaters’ Bobby Lowe tle Mariners in 2002 when Mike (7-3), the 2016 National League Phillies 3 Braves 1 10 runs batted in. on May 30, 1894, against the Cameron went deep four times Cy Young winner, gave up an un- Athletics 4 Blue Jays 1 Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors attempts a jump “I’m truly blessed. Being from Reds. Gennett’s grand slam in against the Chicago White Sox at earned run in the fi rst inning and Brewers 5 Giants 3 shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in Game here, born here, watching all the third inning came off Car- Comiskey Park. allowed three hits with two walks White Sox 4 Rays 2 2 of the NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on Monday in Oakland. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Pachulia has Georgia on his mind in NBA Finals

Reuters ball’s defi nitely a very important Geor- Washington gian sport.” Last year Pachulia, tired of never having even reached a conference fi nal, o strong was Zaza Pachulia’s turned down richer contracts in favour desire to become the fi rst player of joining a talent-rich Golden State from the nation of Georgia to team he knew would give him his best win an NBA title that he re- shot at winning a maiden NBA title in buffS ed more lucrative off ers to join the his 14th season. Golden State Warriors. With the Georgian big man on The move looks like it might pay board, the Warriors have cruised to the off as the center now stands just two league’s best record and enjoyed a 14-0 wins shy of becoming a champion in start to the postseason. a league more used to standout play- Pachulia has been a key factor in ers from the southern US state of the their success, providing a hard-nosed same name. toughness inside and plenty of energy Basketball rivals soccer and rugby for while focusing on rebounding, defend- the top spot on Georgia’s sports hierar- ing the paint and setting screens for his chy and Pachulia, the NBA’s only active higher-profi le team mates. player from the former Soviet republic, He has represented the Georgian is among the most adored athletes in national team nearly every off season the Caucasian nation. for years and also been very active in And that popularity will only increase promoting the game back home, where if Golden State, who lead the reigning many will be watching when the series champion Cleveland Cavaliers 2-0 in resumes in Cleveland on Wednesday. the NBA Finals, close out the best-of- “I know that my country has my back seven series in the coming days. and they have supported me throughout “Georgia is a very small country, the years, and especially this time in my compared to the US, only 3.5mn people, career I have a chance to do something but a lot of basketball,” Pachulia, 33, special for my country and become a told reporters on Tuesday in Cleveland. world champ,” said Pachulia. “Basketball is in our DNA. It’s been “They’re anxiously watching and here for years, for years and years and supporting and cheering for our team, generations. We have pretty success- so I’m really lucky and feel very privi- Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson (Right) tries to get the ball to forward Kevin Love (No 0) between Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) ful players throughout history. Basket- leged to represent my country.” and centre Zaza Pachulia during the game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 8, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY British rider Lambert dies after Isle of Man TT race crash British rider Davey Lambert thy to his partner Tracey, his has died after crashing in family and friends,” organis- Sunday’s Superbike race at the ers said in a statement on the Isle of Man TT event, organis- race’s website. ers said on Tuesday. The TT races around the Go West! Sonny Bill The 48-year-old had an ac- island off the north-west coast cident on the third lap of the of England between Britain race at Greeba Castle and was and Ireland have been run treated at the scene before be- since 1907 and rank among ing airlifted to Nobles Hospital. the most dangerous in mot- He was subsequently trans- orsport. ferred to Aintree Hospital in Including the Manx Grand Liverpool where he died on Prix races, held later in the magic, late try give Tuesday. year, there have been more “ACU Events Ltd wishes to than 250 rider fatalities on the pass on their deepest sympa- Snaefell course.

Scotland ring the changes for Italy test Lions the Blues Scotland’s new head coach ing captain John Barclay in the Gregor Townsend has rung backrow. “It is pleasing to be the changes for his first match able to include a few players ‘I don’t believe there’s going to be a massive diff erence between some of the Super in charge against Italy in that have recovered from in- Singapore on Saturday. jury and have worked hard to Rugby sides and the All Blacks because there’s so much depth in this country’ Hit by injuries and by ab- be available,” said Townsend. sences, the team features nine “We’re delighted to see WP AFP Jared Payne came close twice in changes from the side that Nel back fit for Scotland and Auckland the fi rst half. beat Italy 29-0 in their last full of confidence after playing First he failed by a fi ngertip to outing in March. a game for the Barbarians a catch up with the ball after a kick Some players are also back couple of weeks back.” haia West’s spectacular late try, through, and later was just dragged from injury, including WP Nel, Among players unavail- created by double World Cup- into touch by Stephen Perofeta as he the Edinburgh tight-head prop able for the tour are fullback winning All Black Sonny Bill grounded in the corner. returning after damaging an Stuart Hogg, scrum-half Greig Williams, condemned the Brit- Skipper Ken Owens said he was intervertebral disc in January. Laidlaw and winger Tommy Iish and Irish Lions to fi rst tour defeat “hugely disappointed” that the Li- He is one of six changes to the Seymour, away with the Lions as the Auckland Blues triumphed 22- ons had failed to take more of their pack that also includes a new in New Zealand. 16 yesterday. chances. lock partnership, with Tim Damien Hoyland (wing) and The tourists, especially in the “I think we’re going to have to tidy Swinson and Ben Toolis link- Duncan Taylor (full-back) forwards, were much improved on up on our discipline and be a little ing up for the first time. replace Seymour and Hogg their lacklustre 13-7 win against the bit more clinical,” the Welsh hooker Also back from injury are Josh respectively for the first game Provincial Barbarians but the backs admitted. Strauss and John Hardie, join- of Scotland’s summer tour. struggled with the speed and cutting Blues fl y-half Perofeta set up the edge of the New Zealanders’ attack- opening try, turning the Lions de- ing game. fence with a cross-fi eld kick then The Blues, who have the worst sending out a long-range pass to put OPINION record this season of New Zealand’s Ioane through on the wing. fi ve teams, scored three The tourists were patient in re- tries to one with the Lions needing sponse and, after twice turning down a three penalties and a conversion from kickable penalties in favour of lineouts McLaren, Honda the fl awless boot of full-back Leigh in the corner, were rewarded when Halfpenny to keep them in the match. Munster’s CJ Stander drove over. The tour will only get more dif- Halfpenny converted and added a nearing ‘fork in road’ fi cult for coach Warren Gatland’s penalty to put the Lions 10-5 up be- men, who face the table-topping, fore Williams sensationally stole the undefeated Canterbury Crusaders in lead back on the stroke of half-time. Christchurch on Saturday. Perofeta’s penalty goal attempt Gatland said he was unfazed by struck the post and Williams was the loss with his main focus on the quickest to react as Lions winger three-Test series against the world Jack Nowell knocked the ball back champion All Blacks which begins behind his tryline under pressure. on June 24. “Having a really tough game is go- LIGHTNING PACE ing to be great preparation for the The former rugby league interna- Test matches,” he said. tional darted between two defenders to get a hand on the ball fi rst under LIONS MUST ‘BE MORE CLINICAL’ the posts. “I honestly don’t believe there’s go- Perofeta converted and suddenly ing to be a massive amount of dif- the Blues were 12-10 ahead. File picture of McLaren Honda Formula One driver Stoff el Vandoorne. ference between some of the Super The Blues began to stretch the Li- Rugby sides and the All Blacks be- ons’ defence after the break and the Reuters McLaren were ninth in 2015, cause there’s so much depth in this tourists’ task was made more diffi - Woking, England sixth last year and this season country.” cult when replacement centre Liam could become their worst ever. The Lions conceded 13 penalties Williams was sinbinned for danger- and Gatland said the lack of disci- ous play. cLaren’s partnership MARCHING ORDERS pline halted his team’s momentum But the Lions worked their way with Honda has not “The executive committee have on attack and the Lions allowed the tirelessly back into the game, draw- worked so far and now given us our marching or- New Zealanders to offl oad too easily ing two penalties which Halfpenny the team are now ap- ders,” said Brown, who is also from the tackle. kicked to edge the Lions into a slen- Mproaching a “fork in the road”, chairman of the fast-growing All Blacks coach Steve Hansen der 16-15 lead. executive director Zak Brown Motorsport Network media group. watched from the stands and saw But Williams produced his mo- said yesterday. “We’re not going to go into anoth- two-time World Cup winner Williams ment of magic to seize the advantage Speaking to Reuters in his of- er year like this, in hope.” score a try and emphatically lay claim back with six minutes remaining, fi ce at the Formula One team’s “I don’t want to get into what for a return to the All Blacks squad. breaking the line and offl oading be- headquarters, Brown indicated our options are. Our preference Blues winger also con- hind his back to West. clearly that a parting of the ways is to win the world championship tinued to press his case for selection The replacement fl y-half’s light- was a real option under consid- with Honda. But at some point with his seventh try in six matches. ning pace took him through a gap, eration by management. you need to make a decision as to Prior to kick-off , there was a past four defenders and under the The American said engine up- whether that’s achievable. And minute’s silence to honour victims posts as he raised his fi nger in joyous grades promised for this week- we have serious concerns. of the London terror attacks, then celebration. end’s Canadian Grand Prix were “Missing upgrades, and up- the Blues performed a haka specially West kicked the conversion him- not ready and the Japanese man- grades not delivering to the level commissioned for the occasion. self to make it 22-16 and despite the ufacturer could not say when we were told they were going to, The Lions came out of the blocks Lions throwing everything into at- they might be. you can only take that so long. British and Irish Lions captain Ken Owens (C) is tackled by Blues’ Alex Hodgman (L) and Steven hard, dominating possession creat- tack during the fi nal minutes they And while McLaren still wanted And we’re near our limit.” Luatua (R) during their match at Eden Park in Auckland yesterday. ing early attacking opportunities. could not fi nd a breakthrough. to win championships with Hon- McLaren have sounded out da, there were serious concerns as former partners Mercedes about to whether that was achievable. a possible supply of engines, ac- FORMULA 1 “Honda’s working very hard cording to media reports. but they seem a bit lost,” said “It will all come together,” said Brown, who replaced Ron Dennis Brown, who said there were some at the helm late last year. big decisions to make in the next “We were only told recently 90 days with the team needing that we wouldn’t have the up- to plan for the new car and give grade coming (for Montreal)... Alonso a reason to stay. Hamilton keen to close gap to and we don’t have a defi nitive “There’s lots of things that timeline, which is concerning go into the decision and we’re because the pain is great and we entering that window now of can’t sit around forever. ‘which way do you go when you “We were eagerly awaiting this come to the fork in the road’. Vettel with Canada GP victory upgrade as were our drivers and Brown said the decision to Reuters told reporters. fate with his Honda power unit it’s a big disappointment that partner with Honda in what has Montreal With fi ve wins and fi ve poles giving up. it’s not coming. It’s not lack of so far been an exclusive deal was from previous visits to Quebec, Little has changed at strug- eff ort, but they are struggling to “100 percent right”. Hamilton would normally be the gling McLaren during Alonso’s get it to come together.” “However, so far it hasn’t he Canadian Grand Prix favourite, but champions Mer- brief sabbatical with the team McLaren, the second oldest worked,” he added. “A year in has been a happy hunt- cedes are no longer the domi- still hampered by an uncompeti- and most successful team in For- Formula One is an eternity. Three ing ground for Lewis nant team. tive Honda engine. mula One after Ferrari in terms of years is a decade. And you just Hamilton and he will “The Ferrari seems to work There is plenty of reason to race wins, are the only ones yet can’t go on forever.” Tlook to bag a sixth career win on everywhere. The next 14 races party around the Circuit Gilles to score a point this season. They Brown said there were clear the island circuit on Sunday to are going to be very, very diffi - Villeneuve this week with the have not won a race since 2012. advantages in a ‘works’ partner- refuel his hopes of another For- cult,” he said after struggling to city celebrating its 375th anni- The renewed partnership with ship but pointed to Red Bull and mula One drivers title. seventh place in Monaco. versary, Canada its 150th birth- Honda in 2015 was billed as a 2009 champions Brawn GP as With 14 races remaining on “They have had arguably the day and the Canadian Grand return to the glory days, when examples of ‘customer’ teams the calendar it is far from do-or- strongest car all year. They look Prix its 50th. French great Alain Prost and who won titles. die for Hamilton but the pres- like our car which just worked Williams driver Lance Stroll the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna “Do I think you can win with sure is mounting on the Briton everywhere last year.” will be hoping to contribute to dominated the late 1980s and a customer engine? I think you and Mercedes with archrival Se- the party atmosphere. early 1990s. can,” he said. bastian Vettel and Ferrari threat- RETURN OF ALONSO For the fi rst time since the days Instead it has brought fail- Honda contribute more than ening to widen the gap at the top The race will also mark the re- of 1997 world champion Jacques ure and embarrassment to the $100 million a year to McLaren’s of the championship standings. turn of twice world champion Villeneuve, the Canadian Grand former world champions, whose budget, according to informed Only Michael Schumacher Fernando Alonso to the For- Prix will have some true home in- cars have failed to fi nish races — sources, and some have ques- (seven victories) has won the Ca- mula One grid after the Spaniard terest with teenager Stroll on the and sometimes even start them tioned whether the team can af- nadian Grand Prix more times and skipped the Monaco Grand Prix starting grid for Williams. — due to engine failures. ford to lose such sums. Hamilton intends to close the gap last month to chase IndyCar While home fans would love Spanish driver Fernando “When you actually look at further in Montreal as the race glory at Indianapolis 500. nothing more than to celebrate Alonso, a double world cham- the impact of loss of FOM (For- marks its 50th anniversary. File picture of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain. Alonso turned in an impres- a maiden win, the 18-year-old pion whose future is uncertain, mula One payments) money and Hamilton needs to do so, at sive performance at the famed Stroll arrives with more modest said in March that “we have only loss of sponsorship, it starts to the scene of his fi rst ever For- led a Ferrari one-two in Monaco hunting ground for me in the Brickyard, qualifying fi fth fast- goals and is still seeking his fi rst one problem, and that is the diminish the commercial ben- mula One victory a decade ago, and powered 25 points clear. past and I plan for it to contin- est and running at the front but championship point in what has power unit. There is no reliability efi ts of what Honda brings to the to reel in Vettel after the German “Montreal has been a great ue,” the triple world champion late in the race suff ered a familiar been a challenging debut season. and there is no power.” table,” he said. Gulf Times Thursday, June 8, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT No foul play at Inter as Pioli targets Viola trophy FIFA sponsors AFP is one of our objectives, creating a squad Milan with a winning mentality. I would love to win a trophy with Fiorentina.” Pioli’s appointment means fans will talian Stefano Pioli brushed off also be hoping for a return to qualifying suggestions of foul play at Inter for Europe. Milan and said he has already tar- He led Lazio to a third-place fi nish in ‘accelerate’ China’s geted winning a trophy with his his fi rst season with the club in 2014- Inew charges Fiorentina. 2015, only to be sacked in April 2016 Pioli, who made a career-high 154 after a 4-1 derby defeat to Roma. appearances with Fiorentina as a cen- Pioli took over from sacked Inter Mi- tre-back, on Tuesday signed a two- lan coach Frank De Boer on November year deal with the option of an extra 8, leading Inter to a 2-2 derby draw with year, to coach the Florence-based club. AC Milan in his fi rst game in charge of WCup chances Playing down his sacking by Inter the Nerazzurri. with three games to play last season, But after steering the club to 12 vic- the 51-year-old hopes his passion and tories in his fi rst 16 games at the helm, In the space of a year, FIFA has gained three major Chinese sponsors the commitment of his players will Inter’s troubles began in March. help achieve his dream of “winning a Following a 7-1 San Siro rout of Ata- AFP ksander Ceferin told the BBC that “the trophy” in Florence. lanta, Inter went on an eight-match Beijing World Cup should go to the country “I’ve no regrets” about Inter Milan, winless run featuring six defeats and in- that has the best bid”, adding that he Pioli told media at his offi cial presen- cluding humiliating reverses to Sampdo- favoured a European host for 2030. tation on Wednesday. “I gave it eve- ria and Crotone that saw them fall out of hina’s footballers may be “We cannot just sell the World Cup rything. Now, all that matters for me contention for a place in Europe. struggling on the pitch but its to the ones who want to pay the most... is Fiorentina, I will give everything for Amid reports exciting Italy and for- companies are proving to be a Rules cannot change just because we this squad. ward Federico Bernardeschi could be big player, signing sponsor- have some big sponsors,” he added. “I promise hard work with plenty of swayed with a big-money move, Pioli shipC deals with FIFA as the giant Asian Sebastian Chiappero, Geneva- passion, and we’ll try to give the fans said he will now “call all the players” to nation looks to boost its chances of based director of sponsor consult- the satisfaction they deserve. decide who “wants to stay and commit hosting the World Cup. ing fi rm Sponsorize, does not believe “Fiorentina has had some great results themselves to the club”. In the space of a year, football gov- there is a link between sponsorship in recent seasons, but now we start a new “I don’t have to convince anyone, erning body FIFA has gained three and World Cup hosts. cycle. We’ll be focusing on young play- whoever gives their maximum to this major Chinese sponsors in conglom- “Sponsors are primarily interested ers, if possible Italian,” he added. “This squad is welcome,” he said. erate Wanda, Hisense — the world’s in promoting their products and they number three television manufacturer do not in theory have any infl uence — and smartphone maker Vivo, who over who hosts the World Cup. Oth- concluded a deal just a week ago. erwise the United States would have Madrid, Baku bid to host 2019 CL fi nal The new partnerships came as a hosted it many times thanks to Mc- welcome relief to football’s governing Donald’s and Coca-Cola,” he told AFP. Madrid and Baku are the two cities bidding to host the 2019 Champions body after FIFA’s image and reputation “FIFA rules prevent any confl ict of League final, European soccer’s governing body UEFA said yesterday. The was battered in recent years by a slew interest. In practice, we don’t know new home of Atletico Madrid and the Olympic stadium in the capital of Az- of corruption allegations involving what is going on behind the scenes.” erbaijan will compete for the right to stage the showpiece match in the conti- former president Sepp Blatter. nent’s top club competition. The two countries also hope to host the Europa Sony, Emirates, Castrol, Continental PERFECT HOSTS League, with Sevilla’s Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan put forward along with and Johnson & Johnson all declined to However, it is diffi cult to dismiss the the same Baku venue and the Besiktas Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. A decision renew their sponsorship deals, leaving possibility of a Chinese World Cup, says on the venue will be made by UEFA’s Executive Committee on September FIFA struggling to fi nd new backers. Marcus Luer, CEO of TSA, a Singapore- 21. The 2018 Champions League final will be hosted in Kiev, Ukraine and the “Vivo was very well received by based sports marketing agency. Europa League showpiece in Lyon, France. FIFA, which was why (the deal) was “The voting process and internal concluded very quickly,” said Mark workings of FIFA are very complex and Gao, CEO of the agency Momentum not always that transparent. It (Chi- Juve coach Allegri extends contract Sports, which brokered the sponsor- In this May 31, 2017, picture Vivo senior vice president Ni Xudong (right) and nese sponsorship) will help to show ship agreement. “Negotiations were FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura announce Vivo’s sponsorship of the FIFA that China is eager to host the World Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has agreed to extend his contract with tough on the amount, but lasted less Football World Cup in Beijing. (AFP) Cup and has companies to support the Italian champions for another two years, keeping him at the club until than 100 days.” that eff ort,” he explains. June 2020. The deal comes just four days after Juve lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in The Vivo deal comes 18 months af- bid for a World Cup”. ball Confederation, making China It is already in with a shot of bagging the Champions League final in Cardiff , prompting speculation the manager ter e-commerce world leader Alibaba ineligible to be a host until at least the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup af- might leave the Turin-based side. Allegri, greeted with scepticism and hostility signed a partnership with the FIFA ‘RULES CANNOT CHANGE’ 2030 under FIFA rules that stipulate ter Qatar was forced to withdraw over by the fans when he arrived at Juve three years ago, has won three league Club World Cup, lending further am- The Chinese national team currently tournaments must alternate between diffi cult playing conditions in its boil- and cup doubles in as many seasons and has also led them to two Champions munition to those who believe China ranks 82nd in the FIFA world ranking, continents. ing summer heat. League finals, although they lost both. Under Allegri, Juventus have won 84 will bid for the 2030 World Cup. just behind the tiny Faroe Islands and Chinese Football Association Vice According to Luer, China would of 114 Serie A matches, scoring 269 goals and conceding 71, the club said. Ju- When Wanda became a sponsor of Benin. President Zhang Jian, a member of the be “a perfect country to host a future ventus have won Serie A six times in a row, the previous three under current FIFA at the beginning of 2016, its chief But that has not stopped the Asian FIFA Council which devises the insti- World Cup”, noting its passion for the Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Wang Jianlin, known to have Beijing’s giant’s president Xi Jinping, a devoted tution’s global strategy, said last year game, its decent facilities, the support ear, said the partnership “would in- football fan, from dreaming of glory he would back a Chinese World Cup the tournament would receive from FA bans two England fans for life aft er crease the chances” of a Chinese and pushing for his country to host a in 2030. the government and its experience in World Cup. World Cup in the future. However, not everyone shares Chi- hosting world-class events, such as Dortmund incidents Gao says he too is now “convinced Next year’s World Cup is in Russia, na’s enthusiasm to play host at the the 2008 Beijing Olympics. that the arrival of Chinese sponsors who are part of UEFA, and 2022 will fi rst opportunity. “China will host a FIFA World Cup,” England’s Football Association has handed two supporters life bans from will promote and accelerate a Chinese be in Qatar, part of the Asian Foot- Last week UEFA president Ale- said Luer. “It’ a matter of when not if.” attending away games following incidents during March’s friendly match against Germany in Dortmund. The bans come ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Glasgow where England will travel to face old rivals Scotland. The WORLD CUP QUALIFIER two fans have received lifetime bans from the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC), the off icial organisation for away support, the FA confirmed yesterday. The ESTC is the exclusive provider of tickets for the away end at England matches and tickets must be picked up in person in the foreign city. One of the banned fans was seen making a Nazi salute towards German supporters Japan suff er Kagawa blow in draw with Syria while another was viewed imitating an Adolf Hitler moustache and cut-throat gestures. The behaviour of England fans during the March game, where they AFP game as planned, despite Wednesday’s range. Australia, the reigning Asian cham- taunted German supporters about World War Two, was widely criticised by Tokyo deadly terror attacks in Iran’s capital. Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui pions, are three points behind the British media. Gunmen and suicide bombers went close as Japan pushed for a win- leaders with three matches left to play. stormed Iran’s parliament and the ner, but the home side produced little Australia face a must-win quali- apan’s World Cup qualifying shrine of its revolutionary leader, kill- that will strike fear into Iraq when the fi er against Saudi Arabia in Adelaide Dortmund capture Freiburg’s Philipp preparations were dealt a blow ing 12 people in attacks claimed by the teams square off in Tehran on Tuesday. today if they are to keep alive their di- yesterday when playmaker Islamic State group. “We struggled at the start, in part rect qualifi cation hopes for next year’s Borussia Dortmund have signed the attacker Maximilian Philipp from Bundes- Shinji Kagawa suff ered a shoul- “We will go under the assumption due to Kagawa’s injury,” Japan coach World Cup fi nals. liga rivals Freiburg for a fee German media reports have put at around 20mn derJ injury in a 1-1 home draw with that we will play the game as sched- Vahid Halilhodzic told reporters. Both Australia and Saudi Arabia also euros ($22.5mn, £17.4mn). “Welcome to Dortmund, Maximilian Philipp!” wrote Syria. uled,” Tashima told local media. “I have concerns over Shinji of have to play Japan in the remaining Dortmund on their Twitter account yesterday alongside a picture of Philipp The Borussia Dortmund midfi elder Syria took a shock lead early in the course, which isn’t helpful as we travel matches, adding a further edge. holding a BVB shirt. Philipp, 23, scored nine goals for Freiburg in the season was stretchered off just nine minutes second half when forward Mardik tomorrow. This result has provided us It has been a muddling campaign just finished to help them finish seventh in the Bundesliga and qualify for the into the Tokyo friendly clutching his Mardikian climbed above Japan cap- with a timely warning for the game for Ange Postecoglou’s Australians, Europa League. The signing, on a five-year deal, comes 24 hours after the left shoulder after an awkward fall, tain Maya Yoshida to power home a with Iraq.” who are the only unbeaten team in the German Cup winners announced the appointment of Dutchman Peter Bosz as and could be in doubt for next week’s header. Japan currently top Group B in the group but have had four draws among their new coach. He arrives from Ajax to succeed the sacked Thomas Tuchel Asian qualifi er against Iraq. Japan equalised after 59 minutes, fi nal round of Asian 2018 World Cup their seven games. in the dugout at the Signal Iduna Park. Japan football chief Kozo Tashima Inter Milan left-back Yuto Nagatomo qualifi ers with 16 points from seven The top two teams from each of the insisted the Blue Samurai would fl y to squaring for Yasuyuki Konno to ap- games, ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal two groups qualify automatically for Injured striker Vardy withdraws from neutral Tehran on Thursday for that ply a simple fi nish from point-blank diff erence. next year’s World Cup in Russia. England squad

BOTTOMLINE Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has withdrawn from England’s squad to face Scotland and France after sustaining an injury in training, the Football As- sociation (FA) said yesterday. England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park on Saturday before facing France in a friendly international Treble winner Renard eyes Euro glory for France in Paris three days later. “Jamie Vardy has left the England squad as a precau- tion after picking up a minor injury in training at St. George’s Park yesterday,” AFP “Sadly we’ve been stopped in our the FA said in a statement. “No further players are due to be added to the Paris tracks so far so this time we’ll say squad at this moment in time.” England are favourites to qualify for the 2018 nothing and work hard. We’re ambi- World Cup in Russia having seized control of Group F. They lead the section tious though, that’s for sure,” said Re- with 13 points from five games, four more than second-placed Slovakia. Scot- resh from leading Lyon to a nard, who identifi ed holders Germany land are fourth in the group, six points off the pace, and are struggling to stay French league and cup and as the chief pretender to the title. in contention for a place in Russia next year. Champions League treble, “Germany is still the team to beat inspirational France captain but tactically and physically many WendieF Renard is fi xing her gaze on teams look capable of winning. Nor- Inzaghi extends Lazio coaching contract delivering the women’s national team way, Sweden and Denmark are all in its fi rst ever silverware. that group too.” Simone Inzaghi has signed a two-year contract extension tying him to Lazio France are seen as one of the fa- Renard feels the depth needed until 2020, the Romans said yesterday. The 41-year-old coach enjoyed a posi- vourites to win the women’s European to win a tournament is now within tive 2016-17 season, guiding Lazio to fifth in Serie A and the Italian Cup final, Championship which kicks off on July France’s reach due to domestic success which they lost to Juventus, meaning they will play in next season’s Europa 16 in the Netherlands and Renard is and a new generation coming through. League. Inzaghi, a former Italy international forward and brother of World hoping Lyon’s run of success can carry “We have won nothing yet,” she Cup winning striker Pippo, took over first team duties at Lazio at the end of through to the national team. warned. “We have zero titles and we the 2015/16 season, having previously coached the youth team. “It’s great to have won the Cham- need to stay unifi ed, and hard work al- pions League and then defended it, ways pays off . Monaco coach Jardim to stay until 2020: club we want to go and make history now “And in the new generation coming with a third (consecutive) win,” the through we have some very talented Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim yesterday extended his contract with the 26-year-old defender told AFP in an players, but you cannot buy experience. French champions until 2020. The Portuguese, 42, had been linked with jobs exclusive interview. Lyon captain Wendie Renard holds the Women’s Champion’s League trophy after “The Euro is a long competition in the English Premier League after inspiring Monaco to their first French title The powerfully built 6ft 2in (1.87m) their victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Cardiff last week. (AFP) with many matches and we need to since 2000 and the Champions League semi-finals. “I’m very happy to con- central defender or right back has in maintain a winning attitude over a tinue my work with Monaco,” Jardim said, adding that the “future looks very fact won four Champions Leagues “With France we’ll have to be more France have consistently undera- long period,” said Renard, who has bright”. “The last three seasons have been exceptional, crowned by becoming and fi rst captained France at the 2015 humble about our approach. We have chieved, never having reached the fi - done that with her club side and who, French champions in May.” Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev added: “He World Cup in Canada, where Germany always declared we want to win tour- nal of a major competition. They were with 89 caps so far, looks set to apply is one of the best coaches in European football and despite solicitations has beat them on penalties in the quarter- naments when going into them,” she knocked out in the last eight of the last her experience on the international chosen to continue his adventure at Monaco.” fi nals. pointed out. Euro in 2013. stage in the Netherlands.

Thursday, June 8, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY Qatar play out 2-2 draw with North Korea

QNA Doha

atar’s national football team drew on Tuesday 2-2 with North Korea, in the match that took place in Jassim bin HamadQ stadium at Al Sadd SC. Qatar took a 2-0 lead through goals from Abdul Kareem Hassan and Ali Afi f in the 32nd and 56th minute re- spectively. The North Korean team, however, managed to draw level in a 10-minute period between 63rd and 73rd minute. The friendly was the fi nal prepara- tion for the Qatari team ahead of their match against South Korea which will take place in Doha. The two sides are in Group A as part of the World Cup 2018 qualifi ers. The top two teams of each group will qualify to the fi - nal. The third-placed teams will face each other in a play-off , the winner of which will play against the fourth- placed team in the North America qualifi ers. The winner would then qualify to the World Cup. Qatar’s Abdul Kareem Hassan (left) in action against North Korea during a friendly in Doha on Tuesday.

QSL SEASON REVIEW FOCUS No impact from Form against title travel switch, says South Korea coach

Reuters Seoul rivals costs Rayyan outh Korea coach Uli Stielike does not expect the team to be aff ected by Lions’ run against fellow falcon shield contenders left a lot to be desired a late switch to their trav- elS plans for next week’s World By Sports Reporter Cup qualifi er in Qatar after the Doha Arab world’s biggest powers cut ties with the Gulf state on Mon- day. anagerial change certainly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Unit- slowed the momentum of the ed Arab Emirates and Bahrain former Qatar Stars League have severed diplomatic rela- (QSL) champions Al Rayyan tions and cut transport links Minitially, but the Lions improved as the with Qatar, which is set to stage season progressed. the World Cup in 2022, accusing schedule,” he said. The 2016-17 season was barely two it of supporting terrorism. The German said the stint in games old when the Qatar national team Korea are currently in the UAE the UAE would help prepare his turned to Jorge Fossati to lead the Ma- for a warm-up match against players for the conditions in Qa- roons for the remainder of their World Iraq, which was scheduled for tar and planned to give match Cup Qualifi cation campaign. The Uru- later yesterday. They had been time to some of those who had guayan coach accepted the off er, leaving scheduled to take the one-hour struggled for minutes at their Al Rayyan with a managerial crisis. hop to Doha on Saturday but club sides. After a short delay, Rayyan announced with fl ights from Dubai to the Crystal Palace wide man Lee the signing of Danish coach Michael Qatari capital suspended they Chung-yong and Borussia Dort- Laudrup, who is no stranger to the QSL have had to make other arrange- mund defender Park Joo-ho are having previously led Lekhwiya to a League ments. likely to see action after playing and Cup double, during his fi rst stint. The travelling party will now bit-roles at their clubs last sea- Laudrup took a few games to fi nd his have to get a connecting fl ight in son. feet again in the league comfortably pick- Kuwait, Yonhap News reported “We need to adjust to the ing up wins against teams lower down in yesterday, which will add several weather and environment here the standings. hours to their travel time. and play a good game,” Stielike However, the major concern was the However, Stielike did not see said. “Players like Lee Chung- performances against the sides towards the travel hiccup having any yong haven’t played many the top of the table, with Rayyan sharing negative impact on his side, who games, so I will watch how they points with El Jaish and Lekhwiya during must win on June 12 to stay in the perform,” he added. “We will be the fi rst half of the season. driver’s seat for one of Group A’s able to test which combination Whilst back-to-back defeats to Al two automatic berths at the 2018 and which players will work the Gharafa and a 5-0 humbling to bitter ri- World Cup fi nals in Russia. best for the World Cup qualifi er vals Al Sadd, dealt a major blow to the the Lions push into third place in the the Lions attacking prowess. fer market this summer to address the is- Korea trail group leaders Iran against Qatar.” sides title ambitions. league. After charging to their fi rst QSL title in sues in the squad. Moroccan striker Abder- by four points and lead Uz- Asian Football Confederation Rayyan fell to a shock defeat to Al Khor Al Rayyan played some of their best 21 years the previous campaign, expecta- razak Hamdallah, formerly of El Jaish, has bekistan by just one, and must general secretary Windsor John at the end of December, but recovered football at the turn of the year, and this tions were understandably high amongst been brought in to replace Sergio Garcia, play both teams in their fi nal two told Reuters on Tuesday that the well going on an eight-game unbeaten was highlighted in their comprehensive the Al Rayyan fans. Poor form against fel- who has left the club for Spain, while more matches after the Qatar fi xture. body was monitoring the diplo- streak in the league, picking up seven 5-1 win over Al Ahli in February. The tie low title contenders may have just seen talent is expected to join Al Rayyan as they “It’s going to aff ect us a little matic crisis and hoping to mini- wins in the process. This run, coupled was initially a tight and tense aff air, but them fall short in the league. plot a return to the top of the standings in bit, but I expect there’s not go- mise the impact on international with the decline El Jaish’s in form, saw four goals in the second half underlined The club has moved quickly in the trans- the 2017-18 season. ing to be a major problem in our competitions.

BOTTOMLINE Nakheel Landscapes offi cial sponsor of AZF-owned Deportiva Leonesa

By Sports Reporter through our involvement in clubs such Doha as Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa. These eff orts will be cemented through part- nerships with local Qatari expertise, n an offi cial sponsorship-signing such as Nakheel Landscapes, who will ceremony held at Aspire Academy, further support our aim, and we look Nakheel Landscapes has entered forward to working together.” a cooperation agreement to be Speaking about the partnership, Ithe offi cial sponsor and exclusive turf Sheikh Fahad said, “Nakheel Land- management partner of Spanish foot- scapes is very proud to support the ball club Cultural y Deportiva Leone- international sporting ambitions of sa, owned by Aspire Zone Foundation AZF on a long-term basis through this (AZF). sponsorship agreement.” The agreement was signed by Cul- For his part, Oueijan said, “On behalf of tural y Deportiva Leonesa vice presi- Nakheel Landscapes’ partners and em- dent and Aspire Academy director ployees, I would like to thank Aspire Zone general Ivan Bravo, and Nakheel Land- Foundation for giving us this opportu- scapes managing director Ghassan nity. We wish full success to Cultural y Oueijan. The ceremony was also at- Deportiva Leonesa in the upcoming sea- tended by AZF CEO Mohamed Khalifa sons. We guarantee our full assistance in al-Suwaidi and Nakheel Landscapes the club’s activities and the maintenance vice president Sheikh Fahad bin Mo- of the stadium’s turf pitches. This agree- hamed al-Thani. ment recognises the vital role that AZF As part of the agreement, Nakheel plays and the richness of expertise it adds Landscapes will provide fi nancial sup- to the fi eld of sports.” port and expertise as a “Turf Enhance- This partnership stems from AZF’s ment Advisor” for six years, starting Present at the agreement signing were Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa vice president and Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo, Nakheel Landscapes managing delegation visit to Cultural y Deportiva next season 2017-18, to develop ef- director Ghassan Oueijan, Aspire Zone Foundation CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi and Nakheel Landscapes vice president Sheikh Fahad bin Mohamed al-Thani. Leonesa’s stadium to watch their home fective methods for maintaining the match against Real Madrid in the Copa club’s natural and artifi cial sport fi elds. ing, al-Suwaidi said, “Having worked We’re positive that this agreement is ing their expertise on a local and inter- promotion to Spain’s second division. del Rey. During the visit in November Meanwhile, Cultural y Deportiva Leo- together with Nakheel Landscapes over benefi ciary for both organisations, and national level.” At Aspire, we have exerted great eff orts 2016, they saw an opportunity to en- nesa will provide promotional services. the past three years, we have witnessed AZF is proud to support local compa- Bravo added: “We fi nished last sea- to ensure that young Qatari players gain hance the quality of the grass further Commenting on this landmark sign- fi rst-hand what they are capable of. nies like Nakheel Landscapes, by utilis- son on a high note that led to the club’s international exposure and experience whilst utilising local expertise.