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Monday, July 30, 2018 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 17, 1439 AH Thomas takes GULF TIMES maiden title as Sky extend Tour reign SPORT Page 4 FORMULA 1 Hamilton wins in Hungary Ferrari driver Vettel and Raikkonen finished second and third to to stretch title lead complete the podium

Reuters for Renault in ninth and Romain Budapest Grosjean made sure of another for Haas.

ormula One world cham- pion Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position for MercedesF yesterday to go into the August break with a 24-point lead over Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel. Vettel was runner-up, 17.1 sec- onds behind, and surviving a late collision with Hamilton’s team- mate Valtteri Bottas who also banged bodywork with Red Bull’s Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Ferrari, mourning the death of former chairman Sergio Mar- chionne, had Kimi Raikkonen fi nish third to complete a podium of champions on a dry and swel- tering afternoon at the Hunga- roring outside Budapest. The victory was Hamilton’s record sixth in Hungary, fi fth of the season and 67th of his career. In a race eff ectively decided by Saturday’s wet qualifying, when Mercedes locked out the front row of the grid against expecta- tion, Hamilton was never chal- lenged. “We came here knowing Fer- rari would be really quick this weekend so to come out with these points, we’ll defi nitely take it as a bonus,” said Hamilton in a pitlane interview after embracing At least we got one place back but team members. HUNGARIAN GP RESULTS (top 10) 10. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) one lap far from ideal,” said the Finn. “I’m really happy with how 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:37:16.427 “I think we had pretty good strong it’s come in the last cou- speed today. But what can you ple of races. We’ve got to come 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) +17.123 DRIVERS’ STANDINGS (top three) do? Sometimes it’s like that, but strong in the next half,” added the 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) +20.101 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 213pts you take the points and go on to 33-year-old, who won in Germa- the next one.” 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) +46.419 2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 189 ny from 14th place on the grid a Ricciardo, starting 12th, fi n- weekend earlier. 5. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) +50.000 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 146 ished fourth but his Dutch team After 12 races, Hamilton has 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso) +1:13.273 CONSTRUCTORS’ STANDINGS (top three) mate Max Verstappen retired 213 points to Vettel’s 189. early on with a Renault engine 7. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) one lap 1. Mercedes 345pts Tyre strategies were also cru- failure. cial at a relatively slow and twisty 8. Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren) one lap 2. Ferrari 335 Bottas ended up fi fth, and was circuit where overtaking is al- 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) one lap 3. Red Bull 223 called to see stewards about the ways diffi cult, with track tem- collisions, with French driver peratures hovering around 50 Pierre Gasly sixth for Toro Rosso. degrees Celsius. the grid, Vettel grabbed third Lewis today with the race pace,” two stops and agreed third — his Kevin Magnussen was a lapped Vettel started on the softs and from Raikkonen immediately but said Vettel. fi fth successive podium fi nish — seventh for Haas, lifting the US- went for a longer fi rst stint than could not fi nd a way past Bottas “P2 is not really what we want- was the best he could have hoped owned team to fi fth and ahead of Mercedes, worried by Ferrari’s who slotted in behind Hamil- ed this weekend but I think it was for in the circumstances. Force India, with double world quick getaways, who opted for ton as a defence against the red the maximum today.” “We caught up with Bottas af- champion Fernando Alonso ultrasofts that were quicker at threat. Raikkonen, without water ter the fi rst stop but there was no eighth for McLaren on his 37th the start but faded more rapidly. “We were out of position. I during the race after Ferrari for- chance to overtake. So our option birthday. Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates with the trophy on the Lining up in fourth place on think we could have gone with got to connect the bottle, made was to stop again and try again. Carlos Sainz took two points podium after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Horner blasts Renault aft er It hurts to be called Hamilton’s wingman: Bottas Verstappen retirement Reuters multi-millions of pounds for Budapest these engines and for first AFP see any positives in this race for had my nose inside and he was class, or state-of-the-art, prod- Budapest me. It was a disappointing re- on the outside. He turned in uct and you can see it’s quite sult. We had to pit early to cover early and there was nowhere to ed Bull boss Christian clearly some way below that.” Kimi (Raikkonen). Still, 20 laps go. I was the only one damaged, Horner blasted his Horner said he would let disappointed Valtteri before the end, I was feeling ok. which was fair enough. Rteam’s engine supplier Renault F1 managing director Bottas said he was “We could control the pace, “With Daniel, it was a similar Renault yesterday after Dutch Cyril Abiteboul “come up with hurt to be described as but then the rear tyres started to thing. I was next to him on the driver Max Verstappen retired the excuses afterwards”. a “sensational wing- go and I tried to defend as best I inside and I was locking up, but from the Hungarian Grand Prix Red Bull are ditching Renault man”A by Mercedes chief Toto could and, in the end, I just end- he still turned in and then we just five laps into the race. at the end of the season and Wolff following teammate Lewis ed up being a mess with a broken touched.” Verstappen’s expletive-laden switching to Honda from 2019. Hamilton’s victory in yester- car.” Vettel, who fi nished second reaction over the radio was Renault powered the former day’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Bottas added that he wanted behind Hamilton, said: “His largely bleeped out for the champions to drivers’ and The Finn, who like Hamilton to discuss his perceived role as tyres were getting worse and worldwide television audience constructor’s titles for four agreed a new contract with the a ‘wingman’ in the team, or as worse and I was quite confi dent but Horner expressed his dis- years in a row between 2010 team only two weeks ago, had a driver to be used tactically to I could get him. When I was hit, may in a more measured but and 2013 but the relationship believed he could race to win, but help Hamilton’s bid for a fi fth from behind, I was not sure what equally forceful manner. frayed in the current V6 turbo was forced into a damage limita- world title. had happened. I was lucky the “Sometimes words betray hybrid era. tion race after an early pit stop. “We need to speak after this car was not broken and I could you,” the Briton told Sky Sports Red Bull had fancied their Team boss Wolff said: “It race. For this half of the year, the carry on.” F1 television. chances in Hungary before the wasn’t realistic for us to win. feel sad for Valtteri. He deserved collisions while running on se- points gap is very big.” Later yesterday, Bottas was “Cruel luck for Max, it’s an weekend but rain in qualify- It is one of our weakest tracks. P2 because he was such a sensa- verely worn old tyres, was upset He was candid about his col- given a 10-second time penalty engine issue. I suppose no ing dented their hopes, with We expected damage limitation, tional wingman. That would’ve when Wolff ’s comments were lisions with Sebastian Vettel and for his collision with Ricciardo surprise really,” he added. 20-year-old Verstappen start- rather than taking the points. been nice.” put to him. Daniel Ricciardo yesterday. although the sanction did not “I’m not going to get drawn ing seventh and Australian “It feels a little bitter-sweet. Bottas, who fi nished fi fth af- “Well, fi rst of all, wingman “With Sebastian, he had a aff ect his fi nishing position of into saying too much. We pay Daniel Ricciardo back in 12th. I’m really happy for Lewis. I just ter a late pit stop following two hurts,” he said. “Second, I don’t good run in Turn Two. I still fi fth. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 30, 2018 FOOTBALL

PRE-SEASON TOUR Benzarti takes over again as Tunisia coach

Veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti is to return for a third stint in charge of Tunisia’s national team, 24 years after his first, after agreeing a two-year contract, Mourinho frustrated with the Tunisian Football Federation said yesterday. The 68-year-old leaves African champi- ons Wydad Casablanca of Morocco after six months, replacing Nabil Maaloul who resigned after the World Cup in Russia where Tunisia were eliminated in the under-strength squad group stage after losing to Belgium and England. Benzarti will be charged with qualifying Tunisia for next year’s African Nations United’s failure to bolster their resources and the absence of several key players following the Cup finals, starting with their Group J World Cup has forced Mourinho to field several untested youngsters during the US tour game in Swaziland in September. Rooney scores fi rst DC United goal

Former England captain Wayne Rooney grabbed his first goal for DC United but also suff ered a broken nose in a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids in the MLS. Rooney, 32, scored the opening goal against ex-Manchester United team- mate Tim Howard but was left bloodied after a clash of heads with Colorado defender Axel Sjoberg in stoppage time. Two of those victories have come since Rooney made his debut on July 14. The striker, England’s all-time record goalscorer, said he required five stitches after breaking his nose in the collision with Sjoberg.

Striker Pizarro back at Bremen to see out career

Veteran striker Claudio Pizarro an- nounced his return to Werder Bremen, where he plans to see out his career. Pizarro, who turns 40 in October, has re- ceived a “performance-related contract” and will provide back up cover for the forward line. Pizarro had been playing at FC Cologne over the last season, but has kept contact with Bremen. Pizarro first wore Bremen’s green and white jersey in 1999 and subsequently returned to the club in 2008, 2009 and 2015. The striker, who had also played for Bayern Munich, has been in 446 Bundesliga games and is the top-scoring foreigner in the German top league with 192 goals.

India coach slams decision to bar Asiad participation

India’s football team coach Stephen Constantine said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made an appalling decision of not sending the men’s and women’s teams to the Asian Games to Liverpool’s Sheridan Shaqiri scores a spectacular bicycle-kick goal during the International Champions Cup match against Manchester United at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (AFP) be held in Indonesia in August. The IOA had decided not to send the teams to AFP Mourinho, who has become increas- some not very happy results. Alexis tional Nemanja Matic would miss the than 200mn pounds ($260mn US) in the Asiad as they could not meet the Los Angeles ingly downbeat during the tour, cut a is the only attacking player we have. start of the season after undergoing an attempt to close the gap on Premier qualifying criteria set by the national frustrated fi gure as he spoke about the We don’t have wingers, we don’t have surgery in Philadelphia to address an League champions Manchester City. Olympic body, though they qualified as club’s relative inactivity in the transfer strikers, he is the only who is here. And undisclosed injury. “He came from It was a nice way for the Reds to per the norms of the Olympic Council ose Mourinho has hit out at market. “I would like to have two more the poor man is there trying his best the World Cup with an injury, and the fi nish up their US exhibition swing as of Asia. Constantine said that the Asiad Manchester United’s transfer players,” Mourinho said. with the frustration of someone who time he had to rest in the holiday was they now travel back to Merseyside comes after every four years and based window inactivity after watch- “I think I am not going to have two. wants more.” not enough to resolve the problem,” before continuing their preparations on the previous performances one can- ing his under-strength squad I think that it’s possible I’m going to Mourinho meanwhile praised the Mourinho said. “He went to Philadel- for the season with a training camp not make such decisions. crashJ to a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool have one. I gave a list to my club of fi ve contribution of senior players such phia to a top world specialist and he in France beginning next week. Sadio in the latest stop of their pre-season names a few months ago and I wait to as Sanchez, Juan Mata, Ander Her- had surgery immediately to try not to Mane converted a penalty to open US tour. Mourinho said he expected to see if it’s possible to have one of these rera and Eric Bailly. Bailly volunteered lose more time.” the scoring for Liverpool in the 28th Liverpool must ease bring in only one new player before the players. If it’s possible, it’s possible. If to face Liverpool after Chris Smalling minute. Manchester United’s 22-year- burden on Salah: Milner new Premier League season kicks off it’s not possible, it’s not possible. If it’s was injured during the warm up. Shaqiri shines in debut as old midfi elder Andreas Pereira tied despite submitting a list of fi ve trans- possible, it’s good. If not then we keep “Today, we have four or fi ve players Liverpool rout United the game 1-1 in the 31st minute off a Mohamed Salah is capable of delivering fer targets to club bosses earlier this fi ghting and working and believing in who are dead because they care with free kick. But Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool another season chock full of goals at year. United’s failure to bolster their the players that we have.” the club and try to give everything, Liverpool scored three second half squad seized command in the second Liverpool but his supporting cast must resources and the absence of several Responding to a question about even risking themselves, because they goals as they wrapped up their pre- half, starting with Daniel Sturridge’s pick up the slack to ease the burden on key fi rst team players following the Chilean international Alexis Sanchez’s don’t want to let all the kids play by season tour of America on Saturday 66th-minute strike. the Egyptian forward, midfielder James World Cup has forced Mourinho to performance against Liverpool, Mour- themselves against Milan, against Liv- with a dominating 4-1 victory over Shaqiri, 26, did the heavy lifting on Milner has said. fi eld several untested youngsters dur- inho suggested the pre-season tour erpool,” Mourinho said. “Eric Bailly Manchester United at Michigan Sta- the play, outmuscling a United de- Salah scored 44 goals in 52 games for ing the US tour. had been of little value, adding that was not going to play and when he saw dium. Xherdan Shaqiri put a stamp on fender and then slipping a pass back to Liverpool as they reached the Champi- On Saturday, United were torn apart the team were just trying to “survive”. that (Chris) Smalling was injured in the his Liverpool debut with a spectacu- Sturridge who made it 2-1. Sheyi Ojo ons League final and finished fourth in by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Ann “You want him to be very happy warm up, he decided by himself that he lar bicycle-kick goal to round out the then scored off a spot-kick in the 74th the Premier League. Arbor, Michigan, in the Red Devils’ with the players he has around him?” didn’t want another kid on the pitch. scoring in the International Champi- minute. That set the stage for Shaqiri "He is more than capable of doing that. penultimate game before facing Real Mourinho said of Sanchez. “We are It was not fair on Alexis (Sanchez) and ons Cup match in front of a crowd of to bring the packed stadium to its feet There is pressure when you have had Madrid in Miami tomorrow. They face not playing here to improve the team (Juan) Mata and (Ander) Herrera.” 101,000. Shaqiri, of Switzerland, was eight minutes later with his overhead one good year to deliver again but he a further friendly against Bayern Mu- or improve our dynamic. We are play- Compounding United’s problems, one of fi ve recent high profi le signings kick from inside the box off a nice feed is a top player ... He's going to keep on nich in Munich on August 5. ing here just to survive and to have Mourinho revealed Serbian interna- which saw Liverpool shell out more from Ben Woodburn. improving," Milner said.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Goalkeeper Buff on faces fi ght at PSG Tuchel treads carefully over AFP Singapore Gianluigi Buff on (right) has not Neymar play-acting had the easiest of starts with PSG, shipping four goals in his first AFP with him, it’s a secret that I keep.” taly legend Gianluigi Buff on has a fight two friendly appearances against Singapore Tuchel urged highly-rated on his hands for the Paris Saint-Ger- Bayern Munich and Arsenal. (AFP) midfi elder Adrien Rabiot to stay main goalkeeper’s shirt as coach Tho- with the club following reported mas Tuchel revealed he had not yet aris Saint-Germain interest from Barcelona. Tuchel Idecided who was his number one. Buff on coach Thomas Tuchel said Rabiot, who made headlines has made his fi rst move abroad at the age of pledged to keep his con- when he rejected a standby slot 40 but faces stiff competition at the French versations with Neymar for France’s World Cup squad, club, which shares his ambition of a fi rst Pbehind closed doors on yesterday still had room to develop at his Champions League title. as he weighs up how best to deal home town club. Tuchel has an embarrassment of goal- with the combustible star. Ney- “His talent is obvious, his po- keeping riches including Alphonse Areola, mar, the world’s most expensive tential is obvious,” Tuchel said. a member of France’s World Cup-winning player, was widely lampooned for “I think there are still more levels squad, German international Kevin Trapp, his play-acting at the World Cup, to reach and I’m convinced there Sebastien Cibois and Remy Descamps. “He’s but Tuchel refused to reveal if he are still next levels to reach in this (Buff on) not afraid to fi ght for his place, would raise it with the Brazilian. club, in his club where he comes Kevin and Alphonse are not afraid to fi ght for “I’m young — well, not so from from the youth academy. their place,” Tuchel said in Singapore, ahead young — but I know when I speak But we know about his contract of today’s friendly with Atletico Madrid. about Neymar there’s a lot of po- Brazil were stunned by Belgium situation and in this kind of situ- “This is the kind of competition that I would tential to every word that I say,” in the quarter-fi nals. ation it’s on the players to make a love to have in every other position.” said the 44-year-old German. “I’m very sure that I have a commitment.” The German added: “This is a situation “So the best thing when I speak connection with him and I’m very Tuchel, preparing for his fi rst we need to handle relaxed but clearly. When handed a starting spot. Champions League title was the main moti- to him about something that we sure that I need to have a connec- season with the French cham- everybody is there and everybody has shown “In 24 years of my career, nobody has ever vation behind his move to PSG on a one-year do this in closed rooms.” tion with these kinds of players,” pions, added that he hoped to up and everybody is healthy at the top level, told me that I had the number one shirt by deal. “This decision was made so I could Tuchel’s arrival at PSG follows Tuchel said. “He’s an outstanding sign more players in the current then it’s time to decide.” right. It’s come through hard training and continue... to play at the top level,” he said. reports of discord between Ney- player. He knows how to handle transfer window, particularly in Buff on has not had the easiest of starts being selected based on merit,” he said. “So “I’ve always been excited by the thought mar and fellow forwards Kylian big victories, he also knows how defence with Dani Alves recover- with PSG, shipping four goals in his fi rst I’ll continue to do that and also work to- of a challenge abroad, a challenge as ambi- Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, to handle defeats, because that’s ing from knee surgery. “We have two friendly appearances against Bayern wards developing the other goalkeepers in tious and important as this one at Paris. I as well as ex-coach Unai Emery. the way sport is. It’s always a big to get guys to fulfi l our squad and Munich and Arsenal. Buff on, who clocked the squad.” think after 40 years in Italy, a change will be Tuchel said he needed a close re- challenge to bounce back and I at the same time lift our level up 656 appearances in 17 years at Juven- The 2006 World Cup-winner also de- good for me from a personal point of view as lationship with Neymar, whose will help him with that.(But) what up... we’re working on that, of tus, insisted he never expected simply to be nied that the chance of winning an elusive well as a professional one.” diffi cult World Cup ended when I talk about with him, when I talk course,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, July 30, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

QATAR UNDER-19 TEAM OFF TO A FLYING START IN L’ALCÚDIA TOURNAMENT

L’Alcúdia,Spain: Mohamed Waad converted from the penalty spot in the first half to help Qatar under-19 to a 1-0 win over Valenciana (a side consisting of the top youth players in the Valencia region) in the opening match of Group A in the L’Alcúdia International Football Tournament, at Els Arcs Municipal Stadium, L’Alcúdia. The win secured Qatar their first three points with three more games to play in the group stage. Other teams in the group include Uruguay, Russia and Morocco. Qatar play Uruguay in their second match today followed by a clash against Morocco tomorrow. Russia will be Qatar’s final opponents in Group A on August 2. The tournament features 10 teams including Argentina, Mauritania, Murcia and Venezuela. The COTIF tournament, originally known as L’Alcúdia International Under-20 Football Tournament, is an annual football competition for youth teams, open to both clubs and national and autonomous teams. Qatar juniors are preparing for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Indonesia from from October 18 to November 4. Qatar’s Mohamed Waad (left) in action during the L’Alcúdia International tournament in Spain.

FRIENDLY FOCUS Barcelona topple Silva scores twice Tottenham on penalties aft er draw AFP the team] to bring in some play- Pasadena, United States ers and add some with quality who can help us to achieve our goals.” as Man City rally Both sides were without many rnesto Valverde expects a bright future for summer of their big names, with the likes signing Artur after the of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Brazilian midfi elder net- Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris all tedE a stunning goal on his Barce- still recovering from their exer- lona debut. The La Liga cham- tions at the World Cup. But Bar- pions have lost the services of celona’s weakened team domi- to beat Bayern nated the opening half and went experienced midfi eld duo Andres Iniesta and Paulinho since the ahead through a devastatingly end of last season, but splashed simple 15th minute opener. New signing Mahrez went down twice with what looked like an ankle problem out 40mn euros to bring in Artur Andre Gomes delivered an from Brazilian outfi t Gremio. inswinging cross from the left, AFP The 21-year-old made an in- Rafi nha escaped at the far post Miami stant impression in Barcelona’s and headed the ball back into the opening encounter in the Inter- six-yard box, where Munir cush- national Champions Cup pre- ioned it into the net from point- epe Guardiola fi nished Manches- season tournament on Saturday blank range. A second arrived ter City’s US tour with a deserved night after fi ring home in a 2-2 courtesy of Arthur. Rafi nha laid 3-2 victory over former club draw against Tottenham Hot- the ball back to the midfi elder Bayern Munich, but his evening spur, before the Catalans tri- on the edge of the area and he Pwas soured with an injury to new signing umphed 5-3 on penalties. eff ortlessly swept it into the far Riyad Mahrez. Two goals from substitute Barcelona boss Valverde has top corner beyond the helpless Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City confi rmed that he still wants to Gazzaniga. Another new Brazil- come from 2-0 down to end a run of two add to his options in the middle ian signing, Malcom, was intro- defeats in this International Champi- of the park, but was encouraged duced by Valverde at half-time ons Cup campaign with youngster Lukas by the early signs from Artur and he came close to marking his Nmecha scoring in between. during an impressive fi rst half Barcelona debut with a goal after Mahrez, however, went down twice display in Pasadena, California. taking on right-back Serge Au- with what looked like an ankle problem. Valverde said: “He is a player rier and fi ring a low shot towards He was eventually forced off after just 27 that can give us a lot. He can give the near post which was smartly minutes and looked in discomfort. With us possession, goals and he was diverted behind by goalkeeper the traditional English season opener — really motivated today. He had a Michel Vorm. But after Valverde the Community Shield — taking place great game during the minutes introduced a raft of teenagers next Sunday at Wembley against Chelsea, that he played.” into the fray, Spurs began to pull coach Guardiola will assess the Algerian’s Like Valverde, Tottenham boss themselves back into the game fi tness as the start of the Premier League Mauricio Pochettino is eager for and pulled level with two goals in campaign looms into view. a transfer breakthrough, par- as many minutes. Meanwhile Guardiola’s squad fl ew back ticularly as the Premier League First, the Barcelona defence to Manchester at the end of the Saturday outfi t are yet to make a signing failed to deal with Ben Dav- match. City’s opening games against since last season’s third placed ies’ left wing cross and after Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool had fi nish. Spurs are already without Christian Eriksen saw his shot both ended in narrow defeats, but with their nine World Cup semi-fi nal blocked, Son Heung-min latched Guardiola opting for familiarity — eight representatives for their trip to onto the rebound to divert a shot players in the starting lineup here had America and Pochettino’s op- into the unguarded net. begun all three games of this US tour — it tions have been further depleted The leveller then arrived when was another young side full of running. after injuries to Victor Wanyama, Barcelona struggled with anoth- “We analysed our mistakes in the pre- Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko. er low cross, this time from the vious games and did it better against Bay- Regardless of the casualties, right. Eriksen’s shot was cleared ern Munich,” said Guardiola. “We were Pochettino says it is crucial that off the line, but academy prod- able to play good and overcome the situa- Spurs add to their squad before uct Georges-Kevin N’koudou tion when we were 2-0 down.” Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva the August 9 Premier League pounced with a volley from in- Bayern’s main men Arjen Robben and (left) vies for the ball with Bayern transfer deadline. “We are going side the six-yard box. In the Franck Ribery looked dangerous on the Munich’s Jonathan Meier during to see what happens in the next penalty shoot-out that followed, ball, yet with Mahrez aff orded plenty of the International Champions Cup few days,” said Pochettino. “But Anthony Georgious missed for space in midfi eld the English champi- friendly in Miami, Florida. (AFP) with or without injuries, I think Spurs, with Barcelona convert- ons dominated the early stages and really that’s our target [to strengthen ing all fi ve of their spot-kicks. should have opened the scoring. Mahrez, who had already spent a few minutes getting treatment after be- ing challenged, sent German-born City on 23 minutes, Ribery and Robben com- The Algerian limped off to be replaced by on hand to steer home from close. striker Nmecha through only for his shot bined for number two. The French mid- Portuguese midfi elder Silva, who scored No-one could begrudge this young City be saved by Sven Ulreich. It wasn’t long fi elder’s lofted through ball found the the goal his team’s display had deserved side a share of the spoils, but the game before Nmecha had the opportunity to Dutchman in the area and his two touches on the stroke of half-time. was turned on its head with 20 minutes make amends as another classy through — one to control and one to expertly lift The former Monaco star ran unchal- remaining. A fi rst City appearance for ball from Mahrez set him free, but this the ball past Claudio Bravo — were top lenged 25 yards out and produced an ex- 17-year-old Spanish attacking midfi elder time he was denied by the post. That was class. cellent low, curling fi nish leaving Ulreich Adrian Bernabe quickly resulted in a third to prove a costly couple of misses because And all of a sudden, a diffi cult evening with no chance. The Bayern keeper was goal for Guardiola’s side. The former Bar- on 14 minutes, Bayern were ahead. for Guardiola darkened on 27 minutes being kept busy and on 51 minutes, he was celona youngster teed up Silva who wrig- The lively Rafi nha found space on the when Mahrez was forced to leave the fi eld picking the ball out of the back of the net gled clear in the area before drilling low right and his cross was headed in by Mer- with an injured ankle. “We will see, may- once more after Silva fed Foden and when past Ulreich for the winner. itan Shabani. It was a good team goal and be it is not a problem,” said Guardiola. his curling shot was parried, Nmecha was

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Arabi cruise past Mesaimeer in friendly NB Stars League team Al Arabi beat Second Di- Al Arabi, who fi nished seventh last season, will kick off to dates, venues and timings of some matches in the fi rst vision side Mesaimeer 3-0 in a friendly played their QNB Stars League campaign by playing against Al four weeks after considering Al Duhail’s request in view on Saturday. The match at the Mesaimeer Sta- Khor at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday, of their AFC Champions League quarter-fi nal home fi x- dium was Al Arabi’s fi rst friendly since their 4th August. ture against Iran’s Persepolis on 28th August. returnQ from the training camp in Slovenia ahead of the QNB Stars League holders Al Duhail will play their start of 2018-19 season QNB Stars League. QNB STARS LEAGUE SCHEDULE REVISED fi rst-four games at the Khalifa International Stadium. New Colombian recruit Franco and Mohamed Salah El The Qatar Stars League Management has made some The fi rst-four rounds will be played only at the Khalifa Neel scored for Al Arabi in the fi rst half and Fahd Khalfan changes to the schedule of 2018-19 QNB Stars League, International and Al Sadd Stadiums because they have Barcelona’s Monchu (left) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen added a third in the second session. which kicks off on 4th August. The changes were made the best cooling technology. go for a header in Pasadena, United States. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 30, 2018 SPORT

TOUR DE FRANCE Thomas takes maiden title as Sky extend Tour reign Dumoulin finishes second overall, Froome third; Sagan claims record-equalling sixth green jersey

Reuters OVERALL STANDINGS Paris 1. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) 83:17.13 2. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) +1:51. eraint Thomas tightened 3. C Froome (GBR/SKY) +2:24. Team Sky’s grip on the Tour de France when he handed the 4. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) +3:22. British outfi t their sixth title 5. S Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) +6:08. Gin seven years yesterday and there is 6. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) +6:57. no sign that their domination will end anytime soon. Thomas produced a near 7. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) +7:37. fl awless performance to become the 8. Daniel Martin (IRL/EAU) +9:05. third British and Team Sky rider to tri- 9. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) +12:37. umph after Bradley Wiggins (2012) and 10. N Quintana (COL/MOV) +14:18. Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017). Dutchman Tom Dumoulin fi nished second for Team Sunweb after also 21ST AND FINAL STAGE RESULTS taking the runner-up spot in the Giro 116km ride from Houilles to Paris d’Italia won by Froome, who ended 1. Alex Kristoff (NOR/EAU) 2:46.36s up third overall. Norway’s Alexander 2. John Degenkolb (GER/TRE) Kristoff won the fi nal stage after 116km from Houilles to the Champs-Elysees, 3. Arnaud Démare (FRA/FDJ) largely a long procession during which 4. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR/DDT) Thomas enjoyed some champagne be- 5. Christophe Laporte (FRA/COF) fore heading to the fi nishing line in a bunch sprint. 6. Maximiliano Richeze (ARG/QST) “I got into cycling because of this 7. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAH) race. I remember running home from 8. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) school to watch the end of the Tour de France and the dream was always just 9. Andrea Pasqualon (ITA/WGG) to be part of it and that came true back 10. Jasper De Buyst (BEL/LOT) in 2007,” Thomas told the crowd during the victory ceremony. put into trouble by anyone — including “Now I’m stood here in the yellow me — in the mountains or in any stage.” jersey and it’s just insane. It’s incred- “The strongest rider won the Tour de ible and it’s a dream come true. To be France,” Froome said. “It was clear once riding round (the Champs Elysees) and we hit the Alps, Geraint was in better winning it, you’ve got to pinch yourself. condition than I was.” Thomas’s vic- It won’t really sink in probably for a few tory will come as a relief for Sky, espe- months. Right now it’s like a whirlwind. cially in the wake of Froome’s popular- I seem to be fl oating around on cloud ity nose-diving in France after he was nine.” cleared of a doping off ence months af- Froome’s failure to beat Thomas also ter testing positive for excessive levels showed how diffi cult it is to complete a of an asthma drug. Giro-Tour double, with Marco Pantani Froome and other Team Sky riders, being the last man to achieve the feat including Thomas, were booed by the in 1998 during the doping-tainted era. crowd on the side of the road. Thomas, who won two mountain stages The four-time champion was the — including one on the top of the iconic main target of the jeers, with one spec- Alpe d’Huez — emerged as the strong- tator even slapping his shoulder in the est man in the race as he gained ground climb up to l’Alpe d’Huez. Tour de France winner Great Britain’s Geraint Thomas (centre), wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, holds a Welsh flag flanked by runner-up Netherlands’ Tom on his two rivals after taking the yellow While team principal Dave Brailsford Dumoulin (left) and third-placed Great Britain’s Christopher Froome as they pose on the podium in Paris yesterday. (AFP) jersey at the end of stage 11. The Cardiff hit out at the locals, saying booing and City Hall had been lit in yellow to hon- hitting the riders was ‘a French thing’, but keep the faith and keep fi ghting. If in the fi eld. Pundits agreed that the his huge potential by winning two ture by winning the white jersey for the our Thomas’s triumph yesterday. both Froome and Thomas kept their you believe in something, just go for it 21-year-old Egan Bernal, who produced stages and taking the polka dot jersey best under-25 rider. Only in the fi nal time trial did he composure. Thomas, who was cheered and don’t let people put you down. If some amazing work in the mountains for the mountains classifi cation. World It was, however, a disappointing race lose time on Dumoulin and Froome, during the podium ceremony, also had people don’t agree with you, just shut it for his leaders on his Tour debut, would champion Peter Sagan ground through for France as Romain Bardet showed his but he had already virtually wrapped a message for riders aged 5-18 at the out and get on with it. With hard work probably soon win the three-week race. the last days after a heavy crash to se- limits when he ended up sixth overall up the title in the mountains. “Tho- Maindy Flyers Cycling Club in Wales. everything pays off in the end.” Sky’s domination left the others cure a record-equalling sixth green after two podium fi nishes in 2016 and mas was the absolute strongest over the “Dream big and go for it. Don’t let Thomas and Froome focused on bike picking up crumbs. jersey for the points classifi cation and 2017. No Frenchman has won the race last three weeks,” said Dumoulin. “He anything hold you back,” he told them. racing, making no mistakes and being Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, a France’s Pierre Latour emerged as a since Bernard Hinault took his fi fth ti- didn’t make any mistakes, he was never “You’re going to have ups and downs well protected by the strongest team one-day classic specialist, confi rmed possible podium fi nisher in the near fu- tle in 1985.

TENNIS BOXING Qualifer Basilashvili makes title Whyte keeps world title dream breakthrough in Hamburg eorgian qualifi er alive with gritty win over Parker Nikoloz Basilashvili earned his fi rst ATP AFP title in Hamburg yes- London Gterday with a 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 vic- tory over defending champion Leonardo Mayer in the fi nal. The riton Dillian Whyte’s once unlikely 26-year-old Basilashvili, ranked dream of a tilt at a world heavy- 81st, was competing in his third weight title after a violent and trou- fi nal, having fi nished runner- bled childhood moved a step closer up at Kitzbuehel in 2016 and in onB Saturday with a unanimous points win Memphis last year. over New Zealand’s former world champion “It means everything (to me),” Joseph Parker. Basilashvili said. “To be the fi rst Whyte, who has been defeated just once player (from Georgia) to win an in his professional career in 2015 by present ATP title also means something champion Anthony Joshua, withstood a unbelievably special. But in late rally from Parker to win with the judg- general, to win an ATP title, it es scoring it 113-112, 115-110, 114-111. The takes a lot of eff ort, especially 30-year-old Jamaica-born Whyte, who was to win at the 500 level, and I’m shot and stabbed in his youth, will hope to extremely happy about this.” Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili poses with the trophy after winning the move on to a bout with either Joshua or He will climb to a career high ATP tournament in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) American Deontay Wilder. of 35th in the world, eclipsing Parker, suff ering his second successive the previous Georgian record Tatiana Golovin, 17, to win the claimed her fi rst WTA title after defeat — he lost to Joshua in March and with of 42nd held by Irakli Labadze. Japan Open in 2005. her compatriot Zheng Saisai it his WBO belt — faces a tough battle to get Argentina’s Mayer was denied was forced to retire injured back into the world title mix. Dillian Whyte (right) lands a punch on Joseph Parker during the WBC Silver & WBO in his bid for a third Hamburg ISNER OUTLASTS EBDEN trailing 7-5 4-0 in the Jiangxi “I want to fi ght Joshua in a rematch (in International Heavyweight titles bout at the O2 Arena in London, Britain. (Reuters) crown in fi ve years. TO REACH FINAL Open fi nal. Wang struggled to April),” said Whyte, who is nicknamed ‘The Top seed John Isner booked his fi nd her rhythm in the opening Body Snatcher’. the preceding round. Whyte quickly disa- down in the eighth. Although the 37-year- TEEN DANILOVIC WINS spot in his eighth Atlanta Open exchanges, allowing Zheng to “We would be ready. I might be out again bused Parker of that notion as he put him on old got back up, Chisora sent him back to MAIDEN TITLE IN MOSCOW fi nal, defeating Aussie Matthew seize her opportunities by mix- in October. I’m still so inexperienced and the canvas with a left hook. the canvas with his next punch. The referee Olga Danilovic clinched her fi rst Ebden 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-1 in the ing up baseline drives and deft have so much to learn. There is still another Parker needed a knockout to win and out brought the curtain down in all likelihood WTA title with a 7-5, 6-7 (1/7), semi-fi nals on Saturday. The drop shots. 40% to come. It was a great fi ght, I love this of the blue he raised his game in the 11th and on the loser’s hopes of another tilt at the 6-4 win over Russia’s Anastasia hard-serving Isner avenged his But the match turned, with man (Parker), we showed respect it was re- penultimate round landing several punches world title but 34-year-old Zimbabwe-born Potapova in a battle of 17-year- only loss to Ebden in fi ve career Zheng leading 5-3 and two ally good.” Parker was gracious in defeat. “I to the extent Whyte for the fi rst time looked Chisora said he could dream again. olds in the Moscow fi nal. Serbian ATP Tour meetings when the points away from clinching the gave it my best, the better man won,” the troubled. Parker threw caution to the wind “It was tough but this fi ght was very emo- Danilovic, the world number Aussie beat him earlier this year opening set, when Wang backed 26-year-old said. “It has been an amazing in the fi nal round and put Whyte down with tional for me. I want to dedicate it to my 187, is the fi rst lucky loser to at the Australian Open. her incredible defensive skills to journey, but it is just the beginning.” less than 30 seconds to go, the Briton clam- daughter and missus. win a WTA tournament having In the fi nal the 33-year-old respond with a break and draw Parker went down in the second round bering to his feet and just holding on. Takam is a true tough African boy,” said initially lost in the fi nal round of Isner will face fellow American level at 5-5. The 26-year-old and received a count, although it appeared There was a classic heavyweight en- Chisora. “In the later rounds I thought it’s qualifying. At 17 years and seven Ryan Harrison, who beat Brit- Wang found another gear as she it was due to a clash of heads rather than a counter in the bout preceding the main time to send it home. He didn’t hurt me — months, she is the youngest ain’s Cameron Norrie 2-6, 6-3, roared through eight of the last punch from Whyte. The Briton started to event between unpredictable Briton Dereck I’m English nobody can hurt us. I’m bad. champion since Ana Konjuh of 6-2. Isner has won eight of his 10 points to close out the set in work his way into the bout from the fourth Chisora and Cameroon-born Frenchman There’s no two ways about it but when I step Croatia won the Nottingham nine semi-fi nals in Atlanta, and splendid fashion. round, even if he swung some wild punches Carlos Takam, two fi ghters who have had in the arena I want to fi ght for the fans.” event in 2015, and becomes the will look to improve his record of Wang became the eighth Chi- that met fresh air, as Parker tired. their chance at world title glory. Chisora Further down an impressive undercard fi rst player born in the 2000s to 13-12 in fi nals. nese champion in WTA history, By the sixth Whyte was landing more ef- remarkably got the win he desperately re- Rio Olympic bronze medallist Joshua Buatsi win a WTA trophy. and a third consecutive winner fectively and Parker looked spent. Parker’s quired after three losses in his last six bouts eased to his seventh win since turning pro- It was the fi rst fi nal featuring WANG LIFTS FIRST WTA in Nanchang from the home corner tried to rally their man telling him — including against Whyte. fessional, making light work of Latvia’s An- two players under the age of 18 TITLE IN NANCHANG nation after Duan Yingying and before he went out for the eighth that Whyte Having looked outclassed early on, he drejs Pokumeiko, knocking him out in the since Nicole Vaidisova, 16, beat China’s second seed Wang Qiang Peng Shuai. was exhausted and had achieved nothing in came up with a cracking punch to put Takam fi rst round of their light heavyweight bout. Gulf Times Monday, July 30, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB DECISION Kings to sign rookie forward Gabriel to Rookie Arcia piles up two-way contract

By Angel Guerrero ton Kings. Gabriel, who was a The Sacramento Bee highly recruited fi ve-star pros- pect coming out of high school, will be one of four former Ken- he Kings plan to sign tucky Wildcats on a Kings’ ros- six RBIs in 2nd game; forward Wenyen Gabriel ter that includes guard De’Aaron to a two-way contract, a Fox, forward Skal Labissiere and league source confi rmed center Willie Cauley-Stein. Tto The Bee’s Jason Jones on Saturday. BULLS AGREE TO DEAL Gabriel, who played two sea- WITH RYAN ARCIDIACONO sons for the University of Ken- Ryan Arcidiacono, who played tucky from 2016-18, competed on a two-way contract with the Angels rout Mariners with Sacramento in both the Bulls season and for their sum- California Classic and Las Vegas mer-league team, has agreed ‘I’m proud. I think of all the hard work I put into my career and now I can see it come true’ summer league from July 2 to 13. to a partially guaranteed deal to The 6-foot-9 undrafted rook- return, a source confi rmed to the Reuters ie only mustered three points and Chicago Tribune on Saturday. Anaheim, Califf ornia two rebounds during the Cali- Arcidiacono will compete to fornia Classic summer league make the NBA roster in train- tournament at Golden 1 Center, ing camp with the likes of guard rancisco Arcia doubled twice, but he averaged 6.8 points and Antonius Cleveland, whom the homered and drove in six runs 5.6 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per Bulls claimed off waivers last to lead the Los Angeles Angels game in Las Vegas. week. The Bulls are carrying 14 to an 11-5 win over the Seattle Gabriel’s strong summer- guaranteed contracts. MarinersF on Saturday night in Anaheim, league fi nish included seven Arcidiacono averaged 2 points California. points, 10 rebounds and a mon- and 1.5 assists in 24 NBA games It was just Arcia’s second major league ster dunk against the Golden last season. He consistently game after spending the past 11 years in State Warriors on July 13. drew praise from coach Fred the minor leagues. In his major league The 21-year-old’s status as a Hoiberg for his ball-handling debut on Thursday, the 28-year-old two-way player will allow him and defensive prowess. catcher went 2-for-4 with a home run up to 45 days with the Kings, The Bulls have one two-way and four RBIs, but he topped that per- while the rest of his season will contract spot open after ink- formance on Saturday. be spent with Sacramento’s ing former Arizona guard Rawle Arcia set a major league record with 10 G-League affi liate, the Stock- Alkins to one last week. RBIs in his fi rst two major league games. “Still the same, the same dream,” Arcia said. NHL “I can’t believe it. I’m proud. I think of all the hard work I put into my career and now I can see it come true.” His fi rst hit of the night - an RBI dou- Hughes returning to ble in the second inning - came off Mari- ners starter Felix Hernandez, who was tagged for seven runs on six hits and two Michigan to resume walks in 2 2/3 innings to get the loss, fall- ing to 8-9. His ERA rose to 5.58. The Angels had plenty of off ence to go his college career around, totalling 13 hits, including Mike Trout’s 29th home run of the season off Reuters other, and I think that’s a big Hernandez in the fi rst inning. New York reason why I’m coming back, Ian Kinsler had three hits, scored three because I love my teammates. runs and drove in two, and Justin Upton “I think we have a good team chipped in with two hits, all in support uinn Hughes, the No 7 this upcoming year, and I believe of Angels starter Jaime Barria (6-7), who overall pick in the 2018 in the group. So, for me, I have a gave up two runs on fi ve hits in six in- NHL Entry Draft, will lot of goals in my mind. I want nings to get the win. return to Michigan to to be the best player in college Nelson Cruz hit two homers, Nos 24 resumeQ his college career. hockey, and I want to win the and 25, for Seattle, which has lost the fi rst The Vancouver Canucks, who national championship. I think two games of the series. Guillermo Here- selected Hughes after his stan- we can do it with the group and dia also homered for the Mariners. Los Angeles Angels catcher Francisco Arcia (right) celebrates with shortstop Andrelton Simmons after hitting a three-run home dout freshman season, said they the coaching staff we have, and The Angels broke the game open in the run against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports support the decision. we believe in each other.” third inning. Kinsler had a two-out RBI “We are in full support of His NHL signing rights will single that made it 5-1 and sent Hernan- earning a 5-4 win in the second game at scoreless eighth. Aroldis Chapman al- Miguel Andujar (single) and Walker Quinn’s decision to continue his remain with Vancouver. dez to the showers. Yankee Stadium. RESULTS (sacrifi ce fl y) had RBIs in the fi rst inning, university career as he further “It was the worst performance. Em- With the win, the Yankees stayed while Shane Robinson homered in the develops as a hockey player and RANGERS, SKJEI AGREE TO Angels 11-5 Mariners barrassing,” Hernandez said. within 5 1/2 games behind the Boston fourth inning for the Yankees. student,” said Canucks general SIX-YEAR DEAL “If we’re going to get to the playoff s it Red Sox in the American League East. Yankees 5-4 Royals Walker was the only New York player manager Jim Benning. “He now Defenseman Brady Skjei and the has to be better than this. That’s all I have New York is on pace for 104 wins. Red Sox 10-4 Twins with multiple hits in the nightcap and has an opportunity to be a leader New York Rangers have agreed to to say.” The Royals, who are on a 112-loss pace, fi nished 5-for-7 in the doubleheader. terms on a six-year contract, the Cardinals 6-2 Cubs at the University of Michigan Casey Lawrence replaced Hernandez won the opener, 10-5. Salvador Perez hit a solo homer in the and represent Team USA at the team announced Saturday. Skjei, and gave up a three-run homer to Arcia The doubleheader was necessitated by Reds 6-2 Phillies third for the Royals, who overcame a 3-1 2019 World Junior Champion- 24, was a restricted free agent. on a 2-2 changeup, putting the Angels on a rainout Friday night. Pirates 5-0 Mats defi cit thanks to a bases-loaded walk by ship in Vancouver. These are His contract is for $31.5 million, top 8-1. The win was the Angels’ fourth The Royals put themselves in position Orioles 11-2 Rays Lucas Duda in the fi fth, an RBI single by once-in-a-lifetime experiences or an average of $5.25 million per in a row. to earn a sweep by scoring single runs Rosell Herrera in the sixth and a bases- that will only benefi t Quinn’s fu- season, according to ESPN. He It was Barria’s fi rst win since June 1. in the fi fth, sixth and seventh innings to Dodgers 5-1 Braves loaded walk by Drew Butera in the sev- ture career.” was the only Rangers player to The only runs he surrendered came on take a 4-3 lead. But Greg Bird tied the Rangers 7-3 Astros enth. Hughes, a defenseman, helped play in all 82 games last season, solo home runs by Cruz in the second in- game with a leadoff homer in the bottom White Sox 9-5 Blue Jays Herrera had three hits in the second the Wolverines reach the Frozen and he had four goals and 21 as- ning and fourth innings. of the eighth against Brian Flynn (2-2), game and went 5-for-9 in the double- Four by notching fi ve goals and sists. He ranked second on the who then gave up a double to Neil Walker. Marlines 2-1 Nationals header. 24 assists over 37 games. He says team in hits (127) and blocked YANKS SCORE LATE TO SPLIT Glenn Sparkman entered and allowed Rockies 4-1 Athletics Yankees starter CC Sabathia allowed he has unfi nished business at the shots (119), and he led Rangers DOUBLEHEADER WITH ROYALS a bunt single to Austin Romine before Diamondbacks 9-4 Padres two runs on six hits and two walks while college level. “I was heartbroken defensemen in even strength Aaron Hicks lofted the tiebreaking sac- walking pinch hitter Gleyber Torres to striking out eight over 4 2/3 innings. The when we lost to Notre Dame in points (18), shots on goal and Brewers 7-1 Giants rifi ce fl y to cap an eighth-inning come- load the bases. Walker then scored easily Royals’ Heath Fillmyer, making his third the Frozen Four last year,” Hugh- hits. The Rangers selected Skjei back Saturday night for the New York on Hicks’ fl y ball to left fi eld. big league start, allowed three runs on es said via the school’s website. in the fi rst round of the 2012 Yankees, who salvaged a split of a dou- The rally made a winner out of Dellin lowed a hit and a walk but struck out two fi ve hits and two walks while striking out “I’ve never really been on a team NHL draft, and he has spent bleheader with the Kansas City Royals by Betances (2-3), who allowed one hit in a in the ninth to earn his 27th save. two over fi ve innings. that cares so much about each three seasons with the team.

NBA Nurse enjoyed meeting with ‘engaging’ Leonard Reuters intelligent. Very engaging.” can convince him to stay. Toronto Nurse said team manage- Leonard spent his fi rst seven KAWHI LEONARD ment knocked on the door on a seasons in the NBA with the few occasions and he asked for Spurs, appearing in a total of 407 ew Toronto Raptors more time. The conversation games and averaging 16.3 points, coach Nick Nurse had was fl owing and he didn’t want 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He never met Kawhi Leon- it shortened. “Because we were is a two-time NBA Defensive ard so he was feeling a really into it,” Nurse said. “It was Player of the Year. Nton of trepidation before Leonard fun to listen to his take. He asked Meanwhile California native walked in the room at the team’s me, ‘How are you going to use Paul George explained to USA practice facility last weekend. me? Where are you going to get Today Sports why he never even He thought about Leonard’s me the ball? What do you see?’ bothered to meet with Lakers soft-spoken reputation and his “And I told him, ‘Listen. To president Magic Johnson and recent pattern of being even me, you can do pretty much eve- instead re-signed with the Okla- less of a communicator. And it rything.’” homa City Thunder. fl ashed through his head that Leonard developed enigma sta- “The reason why I didn’t (take there might be a lot of silence. tus last season when he played only a meeting) is that coming down “I’d never talked to him be- nine games due to a quadriceps to free agency and before it was fore. I don’t think I’m alone in injury and remained away from about to open (on July 1), I felt that so you get a perception of the team for long amounts of time really good where I was at,” said him,” Nurse told the Toronto to rehab his injury in New York. George, who signed a four-year Star. “I’ll be honest with you. I Spurs coach Gregg Popovich tried agreement worth $137 million kind of went in there thinking, to mend fences with the 2014 NBA with the Thunder. ‘What if he doesn’t say any- Finals MVP after the season but “I felt I was in a good place thing? What am I going to do?’” Leonard insisted on being moved. with Oklahoma. I wanted to Nurse’s fears were quickly set Leonard fancied joining the come back to LA. That story aside as the former San Antonio Los Angeles Lakers - near his was true. The narrative on that Spurs star was more than cor- hometown of Riverside - but the was true. That’s where my heart dial. The two ended up conduct- Spurs shipped him north of the was. But this year, being in Okla- ing a 45-minute conversation in border along with guard Danny homa, I felt really good about the which Leonard had many ques- Green for All-Star guard DeMar situation, I felt really good go- tions. “I sat down and said, ‘Do DeRozan, big man Jakob Poeltl ing forward, and I didn’t want to you have any questions?’ And he and a 2019 fi rst-round pick. waste nobody’s time and take a started fi ring them,” Nurse said. Leonard, 27, has one season meeting. ... I felt great where we “And it just led us to a really easy- left on his contract before he can were at, so I decided to do it ear- going (conversation). Not what I become a free agent but the Rap- ly, to get it over with, and start to was expecting. Very smart. Very tors are holding out hope they build.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 30, 2018 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Brady walks out of news conference Chiefs safety Berry when questioned about trainer

Reuters address the topic of the trainer New York later Saturday morning. primed for comeback “What’s in the past is in the past,” Edelman told reporters. ew England Patriots “I love Alex. And ultimately, quarterback Tom I’m worried about just going Brady took off ense out here and playing football. to a question asked I’m not here to talk about or Nby a reporter Saturday morn- make a headline on some- ing and walked out of his news thing. I’m here just playing aft er Achilles tear conference. football.” The question had to do Brady will turn 41 next week ‘Sometimes I might tend to overthink things at times instead of just doing it’ with a possible connection and is entering his 19th NFL between wide receiver Julian season. The quarterback fre- By Brooke Pryor Edelman and Brady’s trainer, quently has credited Guerrero’s The Kansas City Star ERIC BERRY Alex Guerrero. teachings for his longevity, and “Tom, when Julian tested they are partners in a training positive, a lot of people con- facility, TB12 Sports Therapy ometimes, Eric Berry’s nected it to Alex Guerrero,” a Center, in the Boston area. mind wanders to the Boston Globe reporter said. In a statement made at the what-ifs. “What’s your reaction to that? time of Edelman’s suspen- What if he didn’t have Do you think it’s fair?” sion, Guerrero discussed his Stwo season-ending injuries? “I have no comment,” Brady relationship with the player What if he never got cancer? said after the question. “It is and his approach to training What if he didn’t spend nearly just ridiculous. I’m out. See athletes. half of his NFL career on the you guys.” “I’ve known Julian since his mend? In early June, the NFL an- rookie year and he is a phe- But before the fi ve-time Pro nounced the suspension of nomenal athlete who takes Bowl safety can escape too far Edelman for four games. his training seriously - it’s down the rabbit hole of alter- The NFL said he violated the disappointing to hear today’s nate realities, he pauses and re- league’s policy on perform- news,’’ Guerrero said in the members the positives that came ance-enhancing drugs and his statement. “Elite athletes from those negatives. appeal of the suspension was sometimes work with multi- “You really can’t wonder denied. He is allowed to prac- ple coaches and health profes- where you would be,” Berry said. tice with the team but can- sionals as part of their train- “There’s no telling. Because I not play until Week 5 of the ing. learned so much throughout all season. “Here at our facility, we take three of those processes - in- Edelman has trained with a natural, holistic, appropriate cluding this one - and I just keep Guerrero for several years, and, above all, legal approach growing. I can’t really tell you and some have speculated to training and recovery for where I would be without them.” that Guerrero’s infl uence had all of our clients. And anyone Saturday morning, Berry something to do with Edel- who would suggest otherwise pulled on pads for the fi rst time man’s failed test. is irresponsible, and just plain since he exited the season-open- The receiver, however, did wrong.” er against New England with a torn Achilles in the fourth quar- ter. Right before he went down, Berry felt like he was fi nally close to peaking. He was in excellent shape and primed for a big sea- son. He had the same feelings in 2011 and 2014 when his seasons were cut short by an ACL tear and a Hodgkin lymphoma diag- nosis, respectively. It would be easy to feel cheat- ed by the cruel timing of those maladies, but Berry doesn’t. “I learned so much,” he said. “The whole cancer deal was ac- tually a privilege, to be honest with you. It was a blessing at the same time because I learned so used to. So much of his prepara- many reps on the fi eld where you ... He’s always been there to be through. The fact that he does much. I helped so many people tion now is mental. He relies on get a game-like situation.” like, ‘Look, just take care of busi- everything out here and works his and so many people helped me putting in work in the fi lm room After three catastrophic set- ness. And you’ll be fi ne.’” tail off . It’s a phenomenal story.” as well and inspired me, just be- and in walk-throughs instead of backs, it would be easy to get Berry’s journey isn’t lost on his Berry doesn’t know what this ing able to connect with them banging bodies during extended discouraged. But Berry’s support teammates. Entering his ninth season will bring. He doesn’t through that common thread of 11-on-11 scenarios. network doesn’t let that hap- year with the organization, Berry know if he has another come- having cancer and being able to “You can’t overdo it physi- pen. Before Berry departed for is the unquestioned leader of the back in his system. But he’s not overcome it.” cally,” he said. “You’ve got to training camp, his dad gave him young group, and his status as the worried about what he can’t His experience recovering make sure you prepare mentally the same advice he’s given him comeback king only builds his control. from the ACL tear and the cancer because you only get a few op- during each of his rehabilitation legacy in the locker room. “I just keep on trucking,” Ber- fueled him through his latest re- portunities on the fi eld to be like, journeys. “Eric’s our leader,” Chiefs ry said. “I don’t know what life is habilitation, and he tried to fol- ‘OK, this is the situation, this is “Sometimes I might tend to coach Andy Reid said. “We ap- going to throw at me. That’s just low the same blueprint he used the down and distance. Let’s see overthink things at times instead preciate when he’s out there go- period. You never know what’s then to get ready for this season. if we can make the play or make of just doing it,” Berry said. “He’s ing. The guys feed off him. It’s the going to come your way. Howev- But at nearly 30 years old, sure we are perfect on this play, always been the person to ground whole story. It’s not just that it’s er it comes to you or whatever it Berry knows his body can’t take make sure we get it done.’ Be- me and keep me humble, and also Eric Berry, It’s the whole story, is, you just roll with the punches the physical beating the way it cause you only going to get so put things in perspective for me. the whole thing that he went and keep pressing forward.”

SWIMMING Baker dazzles in 100m back at US championships AFP ships next month in Tokyo and freestyles. She was skipping the Irvine, United States the World Championships in 1,500m free on Sunday, opting South Korea next year. instead to get back to training for Baker said she fed off the en- a few more days before heading athleen Baker sliced ergy of Katie Ledecky - who to Tokyo for her fi rst major in- more than half a second stirred up the crowd as she brief- ternational meet since turning off her personal best to ly pushed world record pace on pro in March. win the women’s 100m the way to a 400m freestyle vic- “I haven’t really had an off Kbackstroke at the US swimming tory in 3:59.09. swim,” Ledecky said of her sea- championships in a world record But it took her a moment to son so far. “I feel like I’m in a of 58.00sec on Saturday. realize what she’d accomplished. good spot.” Baker had been gunning for “I was looking to see if I won World record-holder Lilly the Kylie Masse’s world record fi rst, and then I realised I went King won the 100m breaststroke of 58.10 ever since she fi nished 58.0 and I was shook,” she said. in 1:05.36, with Katie Meili fi n- runner-up to the Canadian at “I was like ‘Oh my gosh I just ishing second in 1:06.19 and the World Championships in broke a world record!’” Micah Sumrall - the surprise Budapest last year. While there was no world 200m breast winner - third in That was another silver medal record for Ledecky, her distance 1:06.34. performance for Rio Olym- dominance was on full display as The men’s 100m breast went pics runner-up Baker, and just she shredded 400m fi eld. to Michael Andrew, the former more motivation for a swimmer On pace to break her own age group sensation who says his who now has her sights set on world record of 3:56.46 through fi rst goal in the senior ranks is to breaking through the 58-second the fi rst 250 meters, Ledecky dominate the sprint distances in barrier. professed herself satisfi ed with all four strokes. “I put a goal on my phone so it a time under four minutes, with Andrew, 19, was fi fth at the reminds me every day and right expectations she’ll improve at turn but powered home to win in now it’s a 58.10,” Baker said. “I the Pan Pacs coming up in less 59.38sec. just broke that, so now I’m going than two weeks. “It’s huge,” said Andrew, to put 57.99 down.” “It’s always good to go under whose victories in the 50m Baker, who shared 200m four (minutes),” said Ledecky, breast and 50 fl y hadn’t secured backstroke gold with 16-year- who touched 3.12sec ahead of his Pan Pacs berth. old Regan Smith this week, led runner-up Leah Smith. Haley In a duel of the past two Ol- a podium that featured three Anderson was third, 8.12sec be- ympic champions, Ryan Murphy women under 59 seconds with hind. edged Matt Grevers in the 100m 50m back winner Olivia Smoliga backstroke. second in 58.75 and Smith third LEDECKY ‘IN A GOOD SPOT’ Murphy, double gold medal- in 58.83. “I wanted to put myself through ist in Rio in 2016, completed a Hers was the fi rst world record some pain tonight,” said sweep of the 50m, 200m and of the fi ve-day championships, Ledecky, who added the 400m 100m back in 52.51sec. Grevers, which serve as a qualifi er for free title to convincing vic- the 2012 100m backstroke gold Kathleen Baker with Olivia Smoliga and Regan Smith on the podium following her world record victory in the final of the womens 100m both the Pan Pacifi c Champion- tories in the 200m and 800m medalist was second in 52.55. backstroke during the 2018 USA Swimming Phillips 66 National Championships swim meet. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Monday, July 30, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Zohri becomes face of Indonesia’s Games Reuters at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno is the right stage for such a that this boy is very agile and Jakarta Stadium. fl edgling talent. his posture and limbs are supe- “I feel very proud and thank- “We are still deciding with rior compared to his friends,” ful.” Lalu’s coaches whether it might said Rosidah, the former sports ust over a year ago, Indo- Indonesia’s president Joko be better to have him run in the teacher who discovered him. nesian sprinter Lalu Mo- Widodo has praised Zohri as a junior Asian Games,” Hasan told “It was 2013, he wasn’t this hamed Zohri could barely “collective inspiration to the na- Reuters. tall, but I knew he had talent.” aff ord running shoes and tion’s athletes to achieve gold” “He is still very young. We Zohri’s eldest sister, Baiq Fa- wasJ pretty much unknown out- at the Asian Games and has or- nearly didn’t get the visa for him zilah, proudly keeps all his med- side his small village on the east- dered ministers to renovate his to go to Finland. We had to pro- als and trophies in her home. ern island of Lombok. humble woven bamboo home. vide him with a guarantee be- “He always keeps quiet and That all changed in 10.18 sec- The teenager, though, is not cause his parents are no more.” only tells me what he needs onds earlier this month when confi dent about his chances Hasan said Zohri, who lost his after I ask because doesn’t the 18-year-old orphan pro- of winning another gold at the parents when he was a child, had want to cause trouble,” she told duced a blistering fi nish to beat Asian Games, which will take struggled with the food in Fin- Reuters. the cream of the planet’s junior place in Jakarta and Palembang land, leading to the Indonesian His only request came in 2017 sprinting talent in the 100 me- from August 18 to September 2. Ambassador driving two hours a when he was invited to train with tres fi nal at the under-20 world “I think (the Asian Games) day to bring over rice and home the national team and he asked championships in Finland. will be tough because the com- cooked meals for him. his sister for a loan of 400,000 Indonesia had never previous- petition is tight and I’m going rupiah ($27.75) to buy some ly had a fi nalist at the champion- against seniors who are more ex- ‘BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH’ spikes. ships, let alone a world junior perienced and can fi nish the run Zohri has already become an Zohri’s success has made him champion, and Zohri has quickly under 10 seconds,” said Zohri, icon in his home village of Ka- the country’s most recognisable become burdened with the adding that his focus would be rang Pangsor where the sandy athlete and means he can com- hopes of a nation ahead of their on preparing for the 2020 Tokyo coastline provided him with his mand signifi cantly more than hosting of the Asian Games. Olympics. fi rst training track. that modest amount for en- Zohri’s sudden rise to the sta- Zohri lowered his personal “I ran barefoot on the beach, dorsements. tus of household name in the best from 10.25 seconds in win- in the water with water up to my As Indonesia Athletics’s southeast Asian nation of some ning his world title in Tampere, calves. I never wanted to give business head Tigor Tanjung 260 million people is clearly still leaving him only one hundredth Indonesian sprinter Lalu Mohamed Zohri (left) hands over a baton to Eko Rimbawan during a relay practice up,” he recalled. explained, these deals can something of a shock to the qui- of a second off Suryo Agung Wi- ahead of the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Reuters) A billboard celebrating his sometimes cause Zohri some be- etly spoken teenager. bowo’s Indonesia mark of 10.17. world title now adorns the en- wilderment. “It was beyond my imagina- To win gold in the 100 metres sprinters Su Bingtian and Xie 18, with training he has the ca- ton and is advising the Indonesia trance to the village, a triumph “Air Asia said they want to tion to be invited to meet the on the Gelora Bung Karno Stadi- Zhenye, all of whom have run pacities to break the 10-second Athletics team. neighbours and relatives gath- sponsor him. I told Lalu this and government, the ministers and um track next month, however, under 10 seconds. barrier,” said U.S coach Harry Indonesia Athletics Associa- ered in front of the family home he asked if they were sponsor- the President,” he told Reuters he is likely to have to beat Qa- “Lalu is a tough competitor. Harra, who trained decathlon tion chairman Bob Hasan agrees, to watch on TV. ing him to become a pilot,” he during a break in his training tar’s Femi Ogunade and Chinese Given how fast he is running at world record holder Ashton Ea- but is not sure the Asian Games “From the beginning I saw chuckled.

GOLF BETTER LATE THAN NEVER 285th time lucky! McEvoy fi nally wins Number 1 Johnson European Tour title AFP SCORES Hamburg 277 - Richard McEvoy 70 65 69 73 278 - Christofer Blomstrand (SWE) nglish veteran Richard 72 67 71 68, Allen John (GER) 68 gets another shot McEvoy held his nerve 73 70 67, Renato Paratore (ITA) 72 to birdie the last hole 66 70 70 and win the European 279 - Romain Wattel (FRA) 67 69 OpenE yesterday, his fi rst career 72 71, Hideto Tanihara (JPN) 69 triumph in his 285th tour event. 70 71 69 The 39-year-old fi nished on 280 - Paul Casey 69 69 69 73, Mat- 11 under par for a one shot vic- thias Schwab (AUT) 68 67 70 75 tory over Sweden’s Christofer 281 - David Drysdale 69 67 72 73, at Canada title Blomstrand, Renato Paratore of Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 70 69 72 70, Italy and German amateur Allen Matthew Nixon 73 71 69 68, Patrick Johnson cards five birdies in first six holes, Tway joins party with big finish John. Reed (USA) 70 66 69 76 John, who is profoundly deaf, 282 - Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 73 65 carded a fi ve under par fi nal 72 72, Bryson DeChambeau (USA) round of 67, the best of the day. 66 68 70 78, David Lipsky (USA) 69 “It’s incredible,” McEvoy told 75 68 70, Thomas Detry (BEL) 72 72 europeantour.com of his long- 69 69, Scott Jamieson 70 71 70 71, awaited victory. Alexander Levy (FRA) 69 68 76 69 “I’ve waited a long time, 17 283 - Scott Hend (AUS) 68 71 69 years as a pro on and off the Tour. 75, Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 67 I’m absolutely over the moon.” 75 70 71, Matias Calderon (CHI) 71 In a tense fi nish, Blomstrand 72 69 71 and Paratore both birdied the 284 - Jose-Filipe Lima (POR) 70 last for rounds of 68 and 70 re- 71 74 69, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 69 spectively to join John on 278 72 74 69, Liam Johnston 72 70 72 for the championship and when 70, Marc Warren 73 71 67 73, Jeff McEvoy bogeyed the 17th, there Winther (DEN) 70 72 73 69, Connor was a four-way tie for the lead. Syme 68 72 72 72, Daisuke Kataoka But McEvoy held his nerve, (JPN) 71 71 71 71. sinking a tricky putt for victory.

FOCUS South Africa’s Harding claims Royal Cup

IANS Pattaya, Thailand

efending champion Shiv Kapur of India battled to a fi nal round 71 to share the sec- ondD place with Australia’s Jake McLeod (67), American Kurt Ki- tayama (67) and Chapchai Nirat of Thailand at the Royal Cup golf tournament yesterday. Nirat fi nished as the highest ranked local player following a Dustin Johnson lines up a putt on the 17th hole during the third round at the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP) 68 in his fi nal round. Justin Harding of South Af- Justin Harding of South Africa Reuters American compatriot Kevin have a lot of confi dence in it The back nine, however, did LEADING 3RD ROUND SCORES rica cruised to a six-shot victory pose with the trophy after Oakville, Ont. Tway (68), whose father Bob but I’m going to have to go out not begin as brightly. to become the fi rst player since winning the Royal Cup 2018 at Tway hoisted the Canadian and play really well tomorrow. Johnson collected his fi rst 199 - Dustin Johnson 68-66-65, An Byeong- 2011 to win back-to-back titles the Phoenix Gold Golf and Coun- crown in 2003. “There are some really low bogey since Thursday’s open- hun (KOR) 66-67-66, Kim Whee (KOR) 67-65- on the Asian Tour. try Club in Pattaya yesterday. hard-charging Dus- With 18 PGA Tour wins, numbers out there. Somebody ing round and quickly followed 67, Kevin Tway 66-65-68 The in-form Harding fi red a tin Johnson fi red a including two this season, is going to shoot low and I just that up with his second at the 203 - Hudson Swaff ord 66-70-67, Rory Sab- three-under-par 67 in the fi nal and carried on the frustration to seven-under 65 to Johnson will head into Sun- hope it’s me.” par-fi ve 13th. batini (RSA) 68-67-68 round of the $500,000 Asian make bogey on the next hole. So seize a share of the day’s fi nal round as the heavy After missing his fi rst cut of But Johnson was able get 204 - Abraham Ancer (MEX) 73-66-65, Joel Tour event. With a winning to- that’s when I lost the tourna- thirdA round lead at the Cana- favourite since the three other the year last week at the Brit- back on track with birdies at Dahmen 69-68-67, Chris Stroud 65-72-67, tal of 14-under-par 266, Hard- ment and played myself out of dian Open on Saturday, setting men sharing the lead are all ish Open, Johnson has been the 14th and 15th before rolling Danny Lee (NZL) 68-69-67, Robert Garrigus ing became the fi rst player to it but I’m proud with the way the world number one up for chasing maiden PGA Tour almost fl awless at Glen Abbey. in a 23-foot putt at the 16th for 63-72-69, Johnson Wagner 68-65-71 win twice in his fi rst two starts I came back from that despite another shot at a title that has titles. Having wrapped up a bogey an eagle. 205 - Tyler Duncan 71-69-65, Charley in Asia. being completely out of sorts I slipped his grasp. American Hudson Swaff ord free 66 with a birdie on Friday, Kim had a more adventur- Hoff man 68-71-66, Tony Finau 71-67-67, The 32-year-old won the In- managed to fi ght back and fi nish Twice a runner-up in Can- and South African Rory Sab- Johnson picked up where he ous day grabbing and surren- Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 69-69-67, Shane donesia Open two weeks ago and second,” Kapur said. ada, Johnson used a scorching batini sit four off the pace on left off by carding three con- dering the outright lead with Lowry (IRL) 70-67-68, Tommy Fleetwood took home the winner’s purse “Every time you’re defending start that included fi ve bird- 13-under. secutive birdies on Saturday. an eagle, bogey, par closing (ENG) 66-71-68, Zac Blair 67-67-71, Keegan of $90,000 while earning his a title you want to defend it well ies over his fi rst six holes and “I want to win just because The 34-year-old American, stretch. Bradley 69-63-73 fourth title in two months at the and I think I can be pretty proud a birdie-birdie-eagle ram- I like to win but this is the last who started the day three off Overnight leader Tway 206 - Jamie Lovemark 71-69-66, Ryan Yip Phoenix Gold Golf and Country of the way I came and played this page on the back nine to get to one here so it would mean a lot the pace, took a breather with could not match the early (CAN) 68-72-66, Graeme McDowell (NIR) Club. week. I haven’t been able to play 17-under. to get it done here tomorrow a par at the fourth but was birdie binge and was slowly 67-72-67, Brandt Snedeker 68-70-68, Ricky “I’m disappointed obviously. with my injuries and I haven’t He was in a four-way tie as I have fi nished second here quickly back in top gear as he pushed down the leaderboard Barnes 67-70-69, George Cunningham Around the turn I played poorly been able to play the kind of at the top of the leaderboard twice,” said Johnson. hit birdies in the fi fth and sixth before responding with three 67-70-69, Andrew Putnam 67-68-71, Joaquin and made a bad decision on the schedule I wanted to. I’m glad I with South Koreans Kim Whee “I like the golf course, my holes en route to an error free birdies over his fi nal four holes Niemann (CHI) 67-67-72. ninth hole in my second shot and had a week to get the rest I need- (67), An Byeong-hun (66) and game is in really good form, I start. to join the party. then ended making double bogey ed,” he added.

Monday, July 30, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET / SL VS SA, 1ST ODI FOCUS Qatari shooters win two golds and two Rabada, Shamsi silvers in Bangkok

QNA ished second, while the Chinese Bangkok team ranked third. Head of delegation and chair- man of the national shooting atari shooter Saeed team committee Ali Saeed al- set up big Proteas Abusharib won a gold Mannai highlighted the success medal in the Thailand of the Qatari national team in the Open Shooting Cham- skeet championship. pionshipsQ 2018 in Bangkok. He said through these victo- In addition, Rashid al-Athba ries the athletes prepared well won a silver resulting in the Qa- for the competitions at the Asian tari national team snapping up games, which will be held in Au- the gold medal. gust in Jakarta, Indonesia. win in fi rst ODI On the other hand, Qatari He added the performances women shooters Reem al-Shar- in the championship is in line shani, Hajar Mohamed and Sara with the aspirations of the Qatar ‘In the Test series we didn’t play well. There is a new group of players for the ODIs’ Mohamed won a silver medal in Shooting and Archery Associa- the team event. tion headed by Ali Mohamed al- AFP The Thai national team fi n- Kuwari. Dambulla, Sri Lanka

owlers Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi starred yester- day in South Africa’s fi ve-wicket hammering of Sri Lanka in the fiB rst one-day international, some conso- lation for a disappointing tour. They claimed four wickets each to help bowl out Sri Lanka for 193, a total the vis- itors passed in just 31 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the fi ve-match series. South Africa’s chase depended on an 86-run third-wicket stand between Quinton de Kock and skipper Faf du Ples- sis, who both hit 47. Off spinner Akila Dananjaya struck at crucial moments to get three wickets but Jean-Paul Duminy ensured a swift chase with his 32-ball unbeaten 53. But it was a superb opening pace spell from Rabada and Shamsi’s career-best fi gures of 4-33 with his left-arm wrist SPOTLIGHT spin that led South Africa to their fi rst victory of the tour after being swept aside in a two-Test series. “Feels much better to be chatting as a India await Kohli winning captain,” du Plessis said after- wards. “In the Test series we didn’t play well. magic in Tests There is a new group of players for the ODIs. I also thought we’ve learnt lessons, had good discussions and put pressure on AFP from the last tour and an exem- their spinners by taking a few risks.” New Delhi plary leader of the top-ranked After the recent defeats, du Plessis said South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (third from left) celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Sri Lanka’s Shehan Jayasuriya (right) Test side in the world. South Africa were now looking forward to during the first One Day International (ODI) match in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) “At that time, it was his fi rst the rest of the tour. irat Kohli has plundered tour... now he has got so many Sri Lanka’s innings lasted just 34.3 South Africa suff ered a wobbly start Test runs in virtu- runs behind him and I think overs but batsman Kusal Perera hit a grit- to their chase after opener Hashim Amla Scorecard ally every corner of the will perform wonderfully well,” ty 81 to lift the hosts from a precarious and Aiden Markram fell to the guile of cricket world but Eng- Azharuddin told AFP. 36-5 following their decision to bat fi rst. Dananjaya, who opened the attack for the Vland is a scoring desert for In- “He has led India in so many SRI LANKA 8-1-29-1 (w4), Mulder 3-0-34-0 (nb2, w1), hosts. Test matches so I don’t think he Kusal, whose 72-ball stay included 11 N. Dickwella c Shamsi b Rabada 2Phehlukwayo 3-0-30-0 (w1), Shamsi 8.3- dia’s superstar captain ahead of a fours and a six, put on a crucial 92 for the The left-right batting combination of 0-33-4, JP Duminy 4-0-22-0 tricky fi ve-match series. will have any pressure now as far sixth wicket stand with Thisara Perera, de Kock and du Plessis blunted Sri Lan- U. Tharanga run out (Duminy) 10 He returned from his fi rst as leadership is concerned.” who made 49 to give the total a modicum ka’s spin threat with their measured ap- K. Mendis c de Kock b Rabada 3 England series in 2014 with just Kohli struggled against seam SOUTH AFRICA of respect. proach. K. Perera c Miller b Shamsi 81 134 runs from fi ve Tests, unable bowlers in 2014 with England Kusal and Thisara counter-attacked to However de Kock and du Plessis were H. Amla b Dananjaya 19 to counter swing bowlers. India, paceman James Anderson dis- A. Mathews c Amla b Ngidi 5 hit the South African bowlers to all parts denied their fi fties after Dananjaya and Q. de Kock c Lakmal b Dananjaya 47 with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as missing the right-handed bats- of the ground as Sri Lanka reached 100 in left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan got S. Jayasuriya c de Kock b Rabada 0 captain, lost the series 3-1. man four times in the series. A. Markram lbw b Dananjaya 0 the 16th over. the batsmen out respectively. T. Perera c de Kock b Shamsi 49 The 29-year-old Kohli is now The Indian skipper has insist- The left-handed batting duo cashed in Duminy, who hit six fours and two F. du Plessis c Mathews b Sandakan 47 back in England as reigning In- ed he is not concerned about his A. Dananjaya b Shamsi 11 on the inexperience of rookie pacemen sixes, kept calm to complete his 26th ODI JP Duminy not out 53 ternational Cricket Council personal performances against Willem Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo half-century and the veteran left-hand S. Lakmal c de Kock b Rabada 5 player of the year and the world’s England, hitting out at critics for D. Miller lbw b Lakmal 10 as they plundered runs. batsman hit the winning runs. L. Sandakan not out 5 leading batsman with an average putting the spotlight on his 2014 But the introduction of spin in the “It wasn’t the best day but we have W. Mulder not out 14 of over 53 in 66 Tests. failure. His form has been no- L. Kumara st de Kock b Shamsi 3 18th over put Sri Lanka in trouble again. four more games to bounce back,” said Sri Extras (lb1, w5) 6 He has hit 301 runs in six lim- ticed in the England camp, how- Shamsi broke the dangerous partnership Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews. Extras (lb4, nb2, w13) 19 ited-overs matches on the tour. ever. Anderson said the Indian Total (5 wickets, 31 overs) 196 by getting Thisara caught behind. “Getting bowled inside 34 overs was Total (all out, 34.3 overs) 193 India won the Twenty20 series captain was “telling lies” by say- Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Amla), 2-31 Kusal kept up the good work to reach pretty disappointing. We will take the Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Dickwella), 2-11 and lost the one-day interna- ing his own runs do not matter. his fourth ODI fi fty and got support from positives and move forward,” said Math- (Markram), 3-117 (de Kock), 4-129 (du Ples- tionals, but Kohli knows that his “For India to win here, of (Mendis), 3-22 (Tharanga), 4-35 (Math- sis), 5-172 (Miller) Dananjaya in a 38-run partnership. ews, who returned as one-day captain in ews), 5-36 (Jayasuriya), 6-128 (T. Perera), Test performance — starting in course it matters. Virat will be He fi nally fell to Shamsi, who won January. 7-166 (Dananjaya), 8-179 (K. Perera), 9-189 Bowling: Dananjaya 10-0-50-3, Lakmal Edgbaston on Wednesday — will desperate to score runs for his the man of the match award, after be- The second international, a day-night (Lakmal), 10-193 (Kumara) 6-0-37-1 (w2), Jayasuriya 4-0-23-0 (w1), be the benchmark of success. team, as you would expect from ing caught at point while attempting a game, is on Wednesday, also in Dambul- Kumara 3-0-11-0 (w1), Sandakan 8-0-74-1 Former India skipper Mo- the captain and one of the best reverse sweep. The innings folded soon la. The two sides will also play a one-off Bowling: Rabada 8-0-41-4 (w7), Ngidi (w1) hamed Azharuddin said Kohli is players in the world,” Anderson afterwards. Twenty20 international on August 14. a completely diff erent batsman said in London.

BOTTOMLINE Tamim leads Bangladesh to series triumph against Windies AFP Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis Scorecard BANGLADESH WEST INDIES angladesh held off a late T. Iqbal c K. Powell b Bishoo 103 C. Gayle c Hasan b R. Hossain 73 charge from the West A. Haque c K. Powell b Holder 10 E. Lewis c Rahim b Mortaza 13 Indies to claim a series- clinching 18-run win in Shakib Al Hasan c Paul b Nurse S. Hope c Shakib b Mortaza 64 theB decisive third and fi nal match 37 S. Hetmyer b Hasan 30 of their one-day international M. Rahim b Nurse 12 K. Powell run out 4 duel at Warner Park in St Kitts on Mahmudullah not out 67 Saturday. R. Powell not out 74 After Tamim Iqbal’s sec- M. Mortaza c Gayle b Holder 36 J. Holder c R. Hossain b M. Rah- ond hundred of the series and a S. Rahman c Lewis b Cottrell 12 man 9 quickfi re unbeaten half-century M. Hossain not out 11 A. Nurse not out 5 by Mahmudullah paced the visi- tors to a formidable 301 for six, Extras (lb1, w11, nb1) 13 Extras (lb3, w8) 11 the hosts were restricted to 283 Total (50 overs, 6 wickets) 301 Total (50 overs, 6 wickets) 283 for six in reply despite a rampag- FoW: 1-35 (Haque), 2-116 FoW: 1-53 (Lewis), 2-105 (Gayle), ing unbeaten 74 off just 41 balls (Shakib), 3-152 (Rahim), 4-200 3-172 (Hetmyer), 4-179 (K. Powell), by Rovman Powell. sixes again provided his team Al Hasan, the pair putting on 81 He had come to the crease Indies under immense pressure (Iqbal), 5-253 (Mortaza), 6-279 5-224 (Hope), 6-262 (Holder) It was Bangladesh’s fi rst series with a solid foundation, his in- runs for the second wicket. when Nurse took his second during the fi nal ten overs until his (S Rahman) win outside of Asia for nine years, nings lifting his tally in the three They picked up the pace from wicket in bowling Mushfi qur Ra- opposite number, Holder, dis- Bowling: M. Mortaza 10-0-63-2 set up by their highest total in an matches to 287 runs at an out- a stuttering start in the manner him and immediately went into missed him. Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-59-1 (2w, (1w), M. Hasan 10-0-45-1 (4w), ODI against the West Indies. standing average of 143.5. of their previous second-wicket attack mode, his adventurous But with Mahmudullah still 1nb), Holder 10-0-55-2 (2w), M. Rahman 10-0-63-1 (1w), M. With the series all square He was the obvious choice as partnerships in the series before knock of 67 not out occupying 49 blazing away Bangladesh were Bishoo 10-1-42-1 (2w), Paul 9-0- Hossain 1-0-10-0, Mahmudullah following the hosts’ thrilling both man of the match and man Shakib eventually departed off deliveries and embellished with able to cross the 300-run mark in 77-0 (1w), Nurse 10-1-53-2 (2w), 2-0-20-0, R. Hossain 7-0-34-1, three-run win in the second of the series. the bowling off Ashley Nurse, fi ve fours and three sixes. the fi nal over of the innings. Gayle 2-0-14-0 (2w) Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-45-0 (1w) match under lights in Guyana on “We put a lot of eff ort in this who together with fellow spinner Tamim eventually reached his With a rejuvenated Chris Gayle Wednesday, Bangladesh set the series after the disappointments Devendra Bishoo put a brake on 11th ODI hundred in the 38th over anchoring their reply, the West deliveries in getting to 64 and by the assault with Rubel and Mus- pace in this decider with their of the Test matches,” said Tamim. Bangladesh’s progress through but didn’t get much further as a Indies remained on course for the the time he fell, with the score at tafi zur retaining their disciplines top-order batting justifying the “I was required to bat long and the middle of the innings. miscued sweep off Bishoo off ered daunting target until the big left- 224 for fi ve in the 44th over, the in the fi nal two overs to seal a fa- decision by captain Mashrafe was able to do it successfully. Pa- However they were able to cut a catch to Powell at backward hander fell for 73 off 66 balls, West Indies had left themselves mous match and series triumph. Mortaza to bat fi rst after he won tience is the key to get runs on loose over the fi nal 20 overs as square-leg. Mehidy Hasan taking the catch at with too much to do notwith- “We didn’t progress at the the toss for the third consecutive the pitches we had in this series, 150 runs were plundered in that Big-hitting Mashrafe promot- long-on in Rubel Hossain’s fi rst standing Powell’s eff ort. rate we should have in the mid- time. especially in Guyana.” period, thanks in the main to the ed himself up the order in a clear over. He struck four sixes and fi ve dle overs and left ourselves with Tamim’s confi dent 103 off 124 As in the fi rst two ODIs, Tamim unbridled aggression of Mah- statement of intent, his frenetic From there the innings stalled fours in his hurricane knock but too much to do at the end,” West balls with seven fours and two found a reliable partner in Shakib mudullah. 36 off 25 balls putting the West fatally as Shai Hope occupied 94 Bangladesh did not buckle under Indies captain Jason Holder said.