12-year-old QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Abhimanyu QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune becomes youngest Grandmaster in chess history page 15 THURSday, JULY 1, 2021 Djokovic sails past Anderson; Andreescu falls by the wayside DPA London All eyes on Asia Novak Djokovic looked in ominous form during a sec- ond-round victory over Kevin ahead of the AFC Anderson on Wednesday to stay on course for a third straight Wimbledon title. Asian Qualifiers – But Bianca Andreescu be- came the highest seed to fall in the women’s draw at Wim- Road to Qatar draw bledon after losing in the first round to Alize Cornet. AFC Based on the special FIFA World number one Djoko- Kuala Lumpur Ranking released for Asian vic produced a scintillating dis- teams on June 18, top seeds play against the South African The focus of the world’s most Japan and the Islamic Repub- in what was a repeat of the 2018 populous Continent and be- lic of Iran will take their places final at theA ll England Club. yond will be riveted on Kuala in Pot 1, with Pot 2 comprising A straight-sets victory Lumpur on Thursday, 1 July Australia and Korea Republic proved enough for Djokovic to 2021, when the virtual draw while Pot 3 will include Saudi claim the Championship three for the final round of theA FC Arabia and the UAE. years ago and he again made Asian Qualifiers– Road to Qa- Pot 4 will contain Iraq and light work of the big-serving An- tar takes centrestage as Asia’s China PR, followed by Oman derson to progress into round top 12 nations discover their and Syria in Pot 5 and debu- three with a 6-3 6-3 6-3 win. opponents in their quest to tants Vietnam and Lebanon The Serbian, who is look- seal the coveted spots for the completing the line-up in Pot 6. ing to draw level with Roger FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The draw will begin with Pot Federer and Rafael Nadal on With the excitement and 6, with the first and second balls 20 grand slams, experienced anticipation reaching fever drawn from each pot placed in some difficulties on the slip- pitch, some of Asia’s most re- Groups A and B respectively un- pery Centre Court surface but nowned tacticians are expected til the sequence is completed all a standing ovation at the end to join the virtual draw, which the way through to Pot 1. provided a clear indicator of will divide 12 teams into two The AFC Asian Qualifiers – who came out on top. groups of six each, with the Road to Qatar is scheduled to Denis Shapovalov, the winners and runners-up seal- be played on the following 10 10th seed, joined the top seed ing their places for the global match days: September 2 and in the third round with a walk- showpiece, while the third- 7, October 7 and 12, and No- over after Pablo Andujar had placed teams will advance to vember 11 and 16, 2021, as well to withdraw with a rib injury. the Asian playoff to determine as January 27 and February 1, Elsewhere, the wet weath- the side that will advance to the 2022, before reaching its cli- er during the first two days intercontinental playoff. max on March 24 and 29, 2022. saw a number of first round ties still to be completed. Queen’s Club winner Mat- teo Berrettini backed up his exploits from earlier in the Wimbledon Results month with victory over Guido Men’s Singles (1st Round): Aljaz Bedene, Slovenia, Taylor Fritz (31), United States, def. Brandon Pella on Court Three. def. Corentin Moutet, France, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0; Kei Nakashima, United States, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5; Nishikori, Japan, def. Alexei Popyrin, Australia, 6-4, 6-4, Alexander Bublik, Kazakhstan, def. Mikhail Kukushkin, The Italian seventh seed 6-4; Matteo Berrettini (7), Italy, def. Guido Pella, Kazakhstan, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1; Benjamin Bonzi, France, was pegged back in the sec- Serbian Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during the men’s singles second round on the third day of the Argentina, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0; Ilya Ivashka, Belarus, def. def. Marco Trungelliti, Argentina, 6-1, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; ond set before he was able to 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Club in London on Wednesday. Djokovic won 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. (AFP) Jaume Munar, Spain, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (5); Jeremy Chardy, Steve Johnson, United States, def. Dennis Novak, progress with a 6-4 3-6 6-4 France, def. Aslan Karatsev (20), Russia, 7-6 (4), 7-6 Austria, 7-6 (7), 6-2, 7-5. (6), 6-3; Botic van de Zandschulp, Netherlands, def. Second Round: Denis Shapovalov (10), Canada, def. 6-0 win. Sam Querrey, who reached Spaniard Fernando Verdasco his return and also progressed Ukrainian, booked her place Gregoire Barrere, France, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-6 (3); Pablo Andujar, Spain, walkover; Novak Djokovic (1), Nick Kyrgios edged a the semis four years ago, on his way to a 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 against Thiago Monteiro. in the second round with a 6-3 Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, def. John Isner (28), United Serbia, def. Kevin Anderson, South Africa, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3; thriller against the 21st claimed the scalp of Pablo success and Lorenzo Sonego, Former US Open cham- 2-6 6-3 win over Alison Van States, 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-4; Sam Querrey, Denis Kudla, United States, def. Andreas Seppi, Italy, seed Ugo Humbert after he Carreno Busta - the 11th seed seeded 23, also progressed pion Andreescu, who is seeded Uytvanck. United States, def. Pablo Carreno Busta (11), Spain, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2; Marton Fucsovics, Hungary, def. Jiri 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-5; James Duckworth, Australia, def. Vesely, Czech Republic, 6-3, 5-4, ret.; Daniel Evans clinched the decider 9-7 with - in straight sets and 12th seed with relative ease. fifth, was playing just her sec- Asked whether she would Radu Albot, Moldova, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1; Jordan Thompson, (22), Britain, def. Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4; their match suspended late Casper Ruud was also dumped It was not the case for ond ever match at the grass prefer to play on the main Australia, def. Casper Ruud (12), Norway, 7-6 (6), 7-6 Karen Khachanov (25), Russia, def. Egor Gerasimov, on Tuesday night. A fall brief- out after he lost in five to Jor- Aslan Karatsev (20) and John grand slam and first since show court or see her team (3), 2-6, 2-6, 6-2; Marcos Giron, United States, def. Belarus, 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-3. ly threatened to derail the dan Thompson. Isner (28), who saw their 2017, but was taken down 6-2 win, she said: “That’s a very Emil Ruusuvuori, Finland, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 0-6, 6-4; Daniel Elahi Galan, Colombia, def. Federico Coria, Women’s Singles (2nd Round) Australian’s hopes but he was Another decider was re- Wimbledon challenges end in 6-1 by Cornet. tricky question. Well I would Argentina, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5; Lorenzo Sonego (23), Elise Mertens (13), Belgium, def. Zhu Lin, China, 6-2, quickly back on his feet to fin- quired between Gael Monfils, the first round, but Marin Cilic Elina Svitolina is mean- prefer to play on Centre Court Italy, def. Pedro Sousa, Portugal, 6-2, 7-5, 6-0; Grigor 6-0. ish the job. seeded 13th, and Christopher and Taylor Fritz - the 32nd while dreaming of a super Sat- and then Ukraine beat Eng- Dimitrov (18), Bulgaria, def. Fernando Verdasco, Spain, Aryna Sabalenka (2), Belarus, def. Katie Boulter, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4; Mikael Ymer, Sweden, def. Britain, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Home favourite Cameron O’Connell and it was the for- and 31st seeds respectively urday where she plays on Cen- land, that’s the ideal.” Second Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 5-7, 6-4, 6-3; Elena Rybakina (18), Kazakhstan, def. Claire Liu, United Norrie, who finished runner- mer who prevailed 4-6 6-2 7-6 - made it through following tre Court in round three and seed Aryna Sabalenka of Bela- Carlos Alcaraz, Spain, def. Yasutaka Uchiyama, Japan, States, 6-4, 6-4. up at Queen’s Club, won his (5) 4-6 6-4. straight-set wins. then watches Ukraine beat rus also had a battle but beat 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 3-6, 6-3; Felix Auger-Aliassime (16), Iga Swiatek (7), Poland, def. Vera Zvonareva, Russia, first-round tie with Lucas The 18th seed Grigor Dim- Canadian Felix Auger-Ali- England in Euro 2020. Britain’s Katie Boulter in three Canada, def. Thiago Monteiro, Brazil, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3; 6-1, 6-3. Pouille 6-7 (6) 7-5 6-2 7-5. itrov had less trouble against assime, the 16th seed, enjoyed The fifth seed, who is sets in the second round. Sabalenka prevails over battling Boulter on Centre Court aking her Centre bian teenage debutante Ma- serve. A Sabalenka double saw the second seed fend off a Court debut against ria Camila Osorio Serrano or fault handed Boulter a 4-3 string of break points and she Ma home favourite, and Russian No.32 seed Ekaterina break advantage and the Brit gave out a huge roar when she seeded No.2 at a Grand Slam Alexandrova for a place in the secured the opening set on closed out the win in just over for the first time, Aryna Sa- second week. the 39-minute mark. two hours. balenka knew she had a huge “It was a really tough Boulter was under pres- “Of course I was nervous target on her back match today, she’s an unbe- sure on serve early on in the a lot today, especially I didn’t and that she was in for a lievable player and it was a second but kept pulling off feel the court well in the begin- difficult afternoon against Ka- really, really tough match. I one escape after the other un- ning and I’m really happy that tie Boulter in the Wimbledon don’t know how – maybe be- til Sabalenka finally mustered I found my rhythm back in second round on Wednesday. cause of you guys, I didn’t a break with a massive back- the second set and I won this The 23-year-old from Be- want you to be more happy hand to inch ahead 4-2. match,” she said. larus has been one of the best than you were in my match, Sabalenka had begun to Before walking off court players on tour over the past so I really wanted to win this cut down on her unforced she made an appeal to the three seasons, picking up 10 match,” Sabalenka joked with errors, and was causing seri- Centre Court audience. career titles – including two the crowd, who were strongly ous damage with her signa- “I have one question guys, this year – and rising to a in favour of their home player ture bulldozing shot-making. will you support me the same career-high No.4 in the world. throughout the duel. Serving for the second set, in the next round as you did Still, one gaping hole in Sa- “No, no, I mean it was a the Belorusian had to stave [with Boulter] today?” she balenka’s resume is the fact great atmosphere anyway, I off a break point before she asked, her query met with re- she has yet to reach the quar- enjoyed it from the beginning levelled the match 80 min- sounding applause. ter-finals at a Grand Slam, until the end, no matter what utes in. “Thank you so much.” and the pressure continues to was the score. I’m really happy Sabalenka drew first When Boulter was side- mount for her to check that with this win.” FOOTBALL FEVER! Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka kicks the ball after losing a point to Britain’s Katie Boulter blood in the decider, moving lined for a large portion of the item off her bucket list. There are 215 places be- during their women’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships forward 2-1 before Boulter 2019 season dealing with a A battling 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 vic- tween Sabalenka and Boulter at The All England Club in London on Wednesday. (AFP) took a medical timeout for spinal stress fracture, the idea tory over Boulter on Wednes- in the world rankings, but you her right elbow, which was of one day competing again day earned Sabalenka a spot wouldn’t have guessed it from Boulter, who suffered a to the Championships, while nis and Boulter looked un- taped up from the start of the at Wimbledon was one of the in the Wimbledon third round watching the start of their con- career-threatening back in- Sabalenka racked up a tour- fazed by the occasion of taking match. The Brit broke right biggest motivating factors that for the first time in her career, test on a buoyant Centre Court jury in 2019, hasn’t played leading 30 match-wins this on the Belarusian world No.4. back, at love, upon resump- got her through her struggles. and could be just what she – their matching Nike dresses much this year at tour level, season heading into Wednes- The pair traded breaks tion of play but Sabalenka re- The 24-year-old will no doubt needs to gain confidence in hardly the only thing they had but gained some momentum day’s clash. in the opening two games, gained her advantage to forge take heart from her brave per- her campaign this fortnight. in common, as their level of from her quarter-final run in It was a power-hitting feeling each other out be- a 4-2 gap. formance on Wednesday. She will next take on Colom- play matched up. Nottingham in the build-up showdown of first-strike ten- fore finding their rhythm on A marathon eighth game (wimbledon.com) Sports Thursday, July 1, 2021 13

Team deserves the love of the whole country: Ukraine coach Shevchenko DPA minute later. I’m singing it’s Glasgow There was no time to rest as within three minutes Dejan coming home Artem Dovbyk scored a late Kulusevski forced Bushchan goal in extra time and secured to make a superb save, Yarmo- to show my Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quar- lenko just inside the penalty ter-finals with a 2-1 win over area shot straight at Olsen and happiness: 10-man Sweden on Tuesday. Forsberg hit the bar after a The game went into ex- brilliant individual play. tra time after a 1-1 draw and “I thought we were the bet- Mourinho Dovbyk shot the winner in the ter team, we conceded an un- 121st minute. Ukraine, in their necessary goal and then hit the backs England first Euro quarter-finals, will post and the crossbar. We de- ANI now face England in Rome. served better, but that wasn’t London to be today,” Forsberg said. The game went into extra AS Roma coach Jose Mour- time and Sweden were down inho has said England should to 10 men after Danielson saw be able to reach the finals of Neither side wanted to lose a red card for a late challenge the ongoing Euro 2020. so we got this drama at the on Artem Besedin, who had to Mourinho’s remarks came end. With this performance be helped off the field and sub- after the Three Lions defeated and commitment, our team stituted. Germany 2-0 in the round has deserved the love of “Of course it’s tough to of 16 match to qualify for the play extra time outnumbered. quarterfinals. Now, England the whole country. We battled as a team and will square off against Ukraine Ukraine coach promised to not give up. Then in the quarterfinals of the Andriy Shevchenkoe with the last play, a cross and a tournament. header, they score. It’s incred- “I’m singing it’s coming ibly tough,” Forsberg added. home to show my happiness. The Three Lions advanced Play from both sides was But it’s not yet coming home. after a 2-0 win over Germany very careful and Sweden’s plan England need balance in the earlier on Tuesday. to defend their way to a pen- bad moments and in the good Oleksandr Zinchenko alty shootout seemed to work moments. The same way the opened the scoring for Ukraine until fine cross by Zinchenko media is critical in the bad mo- after a great cross from An- launched Dovbyk to head ments, we have to be balanced driy Yarmolenko, who missed Ukraine players and staff celebrate scoring their side’s second goal during UEFA EURO 2020 round of 16 match against Sweden at Hampden home a dramatic winner that now, there’s still a long way to a great chance to extend the Park in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday. (PA Wire/dpa) was only official after a video go. In the normal conditions lead for his side before Swe- review. England are going to be in the den equalized shortly before hiy Sydorchuk stopped by the whole country,” Ukraine coach Yarmolenko had their first ef- Zinchenko free-kick. Instead, “We tried to control the final, becauseI don’t see them the break. woodwork. Andriy Shevchenko said. fort blocked by keeper Robin Ukraine saw Sweden equalize game but it wasn’t that way losing against the teams they In-form Emil Forsberg, Sweden were down to 10 It was the Swedish side Olsen before Zinchenko broke thanks to Forsberg. His shot from time to time. But the could face in the next rounds,” who scored his fourth goal at men in the first half of extra who dominated the early the deadlock. Yarmolenko from 25 metres flicked offI l- team has fully fulfilled our Mourinho told talkSport, as the tournament, shot from time after Marcus Danielson stages of the game and had a sent the ball across to the far lia Zabarnyi and bounced up, plan,” Shevchenko said. reported by Goal.com. distance to beat keeper Geor- saw a red card. double chance in the seventh post and Zinchenko blasted a out of reach of keeper Georgiy Sweden coach Jan Aders- “But we must respect foot- giy Bushchan and tie things “Neither side wanted to minute. First, Forsberg got left-foot shot giving Olsen no Bushchan. son said he felt his side was ball and the unpredictability. up. lose so we got this drama at the one shot away and then Albin chance. The second half kicked off “going to score in the end, but France are not in the quar- Forsberg then hit the end. With this performance Ekdal had his shot deflected They could have extended with Ukraine’s Serhiy Sydor- unfortunately it didn’t work ter-finals because they didn’t post twice in the second half, and commitment, our team behind the goal. their lead when Yarmolenko chuk hitting the post and out. The red card decided the respect the game in the final while Ukraine also saw Ser- has deserved the love of the Ukraine responded as struck over the top after a Forsberg doing the same just a game. It’s a painful defeat.” ten minutes. I’m very, very pleased. I just hope it ends well, I hope it comes home. But football is football. So I would say to them calm down and Quick read just focus on the next game. Zinchenko: Ukraine must stop ‘amazing’ Sterling But, in my opinion, England Danes excited for are ready for anything and I quarters ‘even it if DPA need to try to somehow stop him Championship is over for will be very disappointed if we was at the South Pole’ Berlin because he’s on a roll now. Ukraine’s Artem Besedin after don’t make the final, because “Who is the strongest oppo- a bad foul in the round of 16 we should, we should, we defi- Copenhagen: Denmark coach Oleksandr Zinchenko says nent that I have ever played? I match against Sweden. nitely should,” he added. Kasper Hjulmand has again Ukraine must find a way to stop have said several times that it’s Marcus Danielson caught In the match between criticized the decision to play the “amazing” Raheem Sterling the footballers from Manches- him with his studs on the England and Germany, Harry their Euro quarter-final against but they should not fear facing ter City, those that I see every left knee and was sent off in Kane and Raheem Sterling got the Czechs on Saturday in Baku, England in a Euro 2020 quar- day at training.” England are Ukraine’s 2-1 extra-time win. among the scoring charts to but says his excited squad ter-final on Saturday. the only team in the tourna- “A more accurate diagnosis hand Gareth Southgate’s side would play anywhere to keep Ukraine beat Sweden 2-1 ment who have not conceded can be made after an MRI, but a 2-0 win. their dream alive. “Sporting-wise after extra-time at Hampden a goal but Zinchenko says it is clear that such an injury As a result of this win, Eng- there are places that I would Park on Tuesday courtesy of a Ukraine should be motivated requires long-term treatment land defeated Germany in the rather play. But even if it was last-gasp winner from Artem by the challenge of breaching that will not allow Artem to play knockout match of a major at the South Pole, we would be Dovbyk. their resolute defence. in the near future,” a Ukraine tournament for the first time excited for a Euro quarter-final,” Andriy Shevchenko’s side “It is really difficult to team statement said, adding since the 1966 World Cup final. he told a news conference on travel to Rome to face the score against England, they that muscles had been dam- Kane who has been wit- Wednesday. Hjulmand is resigned Three Lions at the Stadio Ol- Ukraine’s Artem Dovbyk celebrates scoring his side’s second goal against are really well organized,” said aged and a cruciate ligament nessing a lean patch of form, to the long journey but has also impico, with Gareth South- Sweden at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday. (/PA Wire/dpa) Zinchenko. “They have a re- tear could not be ruled out. finally was able to break the lamented the capital of Azerbai- gate’s side having beaten Ger- ally good set of footballers and Ukraine have only ever deadlock after his goal against jan being in another time zone many 2-0 at Wembley. target in the win over Sweden, the best wingers in the world. the substitute bench prob- reached the last eight of a ma- Germany and his reaction was to Copenhagen and Amsterdam, Sterling opened the scor- knows Ukraine will have to Right now he is in amazing ably costs [the same] as three jor tournament once before – enough to show how pleased where Denmark have played thus ing for England with his third keep a close eye on his Man- form,” he said. Ukrainian teams.” at the 2006 World Cup. Coach he was with the goal. far. A Danish journalist’s tweet goal of the tournament before chester City team-mate in the “He is great, he makes the Andriy Shevchenko said: “The On the other hand, Ster- has gone viral after he asked Harry Kane sealed the victory. Eternal City. difference. We obviously need to Besedin ruled out boys will play for Besedin ling has now scored 15 goals in a website how to drive to Baku Zinchenko, who was on “Raheem Sterling is one of pay attention to him and we will Meanwhile, the European against England.” his last 20 games for England. from Copenhagen. He was told to travel through the strife-torn city of Donetsk near the Ukraine- Russia border or through Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine. Either route would take Loew takes responsibility for Germany’s elimination over 50 hours and over 4,100 kilometres. (dpa) DPA after the game “as I have rarely back Hummels and Mueller, their clubs.” Berlin experienced,” Loew said. who missed Germany’s best Manuel Neuer is 35 but is There was no big goodbye opportunity to score against expected to stay in the national Czech captain Joachim Loew has taken speech, just “thank you” ex- England and right after the op- set-up. Darida returns responsibility for Germany’s changes. ponents opened the scoring. Loew said he hasn’t given to training elimination at Euro 2020 after Loew’s highlight was the “I didn’t reproach him at “any concrete thought” of a 2-0 defeat to England in the World Cup title in 2014, but he all. Such chances have often what’s next for him and that he Prague: Czech captain round of 16 that also ended his couldn’t take the momentum been missed. hasn’t even planned holidays Vladimir Darida trained with time as national coach. into Euro 2016 and failed to Logically, it would have yet. his team again on Wednesday “I always had absolute con- defend the World Cup trophy helped us a lot, the stadium He added that “of course I after appearing to recover from fidence in this team and be- in Russia in 2018 with a group would certainly have been very will be available” to new coach a mystery injury. He missed lieved in them. stage exit. quiet,” Loew said. Hansi Flick but believes that the Euro last 16 win over the I am sorry that we disap- He said the semi-final de- “I think Thomas can han- Flick will bring his own ideas Netherlands with the problem pointed our fans. I take re- feat against France at Euro dle such a situation well and “I have been in constant con- but could now face the Danes sponsibility for this elimina- 2016 was the biggest one for will come to terms with it,” he tact with Hansi over the last in the quarter-final in Baku on tion,” Loew told his final news him. Portugal then beat France added. few months. Saturday. The Czechs have conference on Wednesday. in the final. Whether veterans such as Even now during the tour- refused to say what the mid- “Carrying this responsibil- “If we had beaten France, Mueller (31), Hummels (32) nament we have spoken on the fielder’s complaint was “out of ity is not always very easy. But which was possible, we would Outgoing Germany head coach Joachim Loew attends an online press and also Toni Kroos (31) will phone or exchanged text mes- consideration and respect for after 15 years on the front line, certainly have won the Euro- conference after Tuesday’s elimination in the UEFA EURO 2020 round remain for the next cycle of the sages,” Loew said. For the time the player, who doesn’t want I’m also glad I can step back a pean title,” Loew said, also la- of 16 match against England. (dpa) national team is still unknown. being, however, there are no that.” It is unclear how many bit,” the coach said. belling the England defeat on But Germany director Oliver plans for a meeting. Czech fans will travel to Azer- Loew had already an- Tuesday as one that “also hurts generation. culties. In the end, due to the Bierhoff said he hasn’t heard Loew also said he would baijan. “In any case, we don’t nounced earlier this year he me a lot.” But the coach failed to get coronavirus and some injuries, anything about retirements so at some point be in contact expect there to be as many in would leave his position after After the 2018 World the best out of his younger there was also not the oppor- far. Mesut Oezil, who quit the Ger- Baku as there were at the last Euro 2020 and said “that was Cup, Loew dropped veterans players, while also struggling tunity to play in and form the But Bierhoff admitted: “We many team in 2018 after a row match in Budapest,” a national not the farewell we all imag- Thomas Mueller, Mats Hum- to find a game concept to fit his team the way it needed to be,” have players who are no longer over being photographed with team spokesperson said. (dpa) ined.” mels and Jerome Boateng team. Loew said. quite so young, who have to Turkish President Recep Tayy- Some players were very sad to try to make way for a new “There were many diffi- For Euro 2020 he brought take on more responsibility at ip Erdogan. 14 Thursday, July 1, 2021 Sports ‘Iron sharpens iron’: McLaughlin on being pushed by champion rival Muhammad

Worldathletics The top two protagonists – nyone watching the indeed, the two fastest closing stages of the women in history for the Awomen’s 400m hurdles event – came off the final final at the USO lympic Trials bend level with one would have had a serious case another, just as they had of deja vu. done at the World The top two protagonists – Athletics Championships indeed, the two fastest women in history for the event – came Doha 2019. off the final bend level with one another, just as they had way, which was really what we done at the World Athletics wanted to do. I’m really happy Championships Doha 2019. with how it turned out and the On that occasion in the time that I produced. Qatari capital, not much sepa- “I think I saw the benefit of rated Dalilah Muhammad and the 60m and 100m hurdles in Sydney McLaughlin as they practice,” she said of her early negotiated the final barriers season racing programme. before Muhammad went on to “For a lot of my season we win in a world record of 52.16, were doing the 100m hurdles just 0.07 ahead of McLaughlin. but a lot of people didn’t un- Fast forward two years to derstand because they didn’t Eugene’s Hayward Field and see where it was translating to the two women found them- in our practices for the 400m selves in pretty much the same hurdles. I knew right away it situation at the US Olympic was making sense. As time Trials. Shamier Little was ac- progressed and the strength tually level with the pair up un- started to build, it definitely re- til the eighth hurdle, at which flected that we could get to this point she lost enough balance point. Bobby knows how to put to take her out of contention things together when it counts. for the victory. Muhammad “It’s just trusting the pro- had the slight advantage at Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin compete in the cess,” she said. “There really that point, but McLaughlin Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles during day ten of the 2020 was nothing to fear. It was just moved up a gear at the ninth U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field in putting it all together.” hurdle and inched ahead. Eugene, Oregon. on June 27, 2021.(Getty Images/AFP) There was one slight con- And that’s where the deja cern, though – the conditions. vu ended, because McLaugh- Due to the extreme heat in lin charged towards the finish Eugene on the final day of the line to stop the clock at 51.90, “It was a really great com- US Trials at the age of 16, joined Bobby Kersee’s group 51.16. something really fast.” US Trials, with temperatures smashing Muhammad’s world petition, as always, and I clocking a world U20 record at UCLA, where she trains It wasn’t until June that She didn’t race again until reaching 41C/105F, the pro- record by more than a quarter knew it was going to be a fast of 54.15. She went on to finish alongside the likes of multiple McLaughlin contested her the US Trials, where she made gramme was moved to much of a second with the first sub- race,” she added. “My coach fifth in her semifinal at the Rio world and Olympic champion first 400m hurdles race of the history with her 51.90 run, later in the day. It didn’t faze 52-second run in history. and I have been training for Games, just nine days after her Allyson Felix. year. Showing no signs of rust, adopting a stride pattern that McLaughlin, though. “Oh my gosh!” was the this; this is what our year has 17th birthday. Kersee, who also coached McLaughlin crossed the line is still relatively new to her. “You can’t control what 21-year-old’s immediate reac- been about, just getting to this In the five intervening Hayes to her biggest triumphs, in 52.83 – the fastest season- “My goal was to just ex- happens to you, just how you tion as she crossed the line. point. years, McLaughlin broke has made a few changes to opening performance of any ecute my race plan,” she said. respond to it,” she said. “It defi- “It’s one of those moments “We really put it together. many more age-group re- McLaughlin’s approach to rac- 400m hurdler in history. “We knew my steps would be nitely was a little bit of a throw that you dream about and I’m super grateful and happy cords, enjoyed a successful US ing. Her season started in Feb- “It was different opening different than what they have in our plan, but we were pre- think about when you’re going to be on the team and I’m ex- collegiate campaign in 2018 ruary with a 60m hurdles ap- up so late (in the 400m hur- been in the past. If we execut- pared for that. Bobby is always to be able to put it together. cited to see what happens in at the University of Kentucky pearance, then she stuck with dles),” she said. “But I knew, ed that, we knew there was go- talking about Muhammad Ali I knew, from the moment I Tokyo.” under the tutelage of Edrick the sprint hurdles during her seeing some of the mistakes I ing to be a fast time. – ‘You have to be ready for that woke up today, it was going This will be McLaughlin’s Floreal, and then turned pro- firstfew outdoor appearances, made in that race and still be- “The goal was to go 14 left hook’, he says.” to be a great day. Afterwards second Olympics. She fa- fessional. After being coached eventually reducing her 100m ing able to have that time, that (strides) through the first four In fact it was another Mu- there was a real ‘I did it’ mo- mously qualified for her first for a brief stint by 2004 Olym- hurdles PB to 12.65. At one once we cleaned it up and got hurdles, which I did, then my hammad, Olympic champion ment and I’m going to cherish Olympic team in 2016 when pic 100m hurdles champion of her competitions, she also my stride patterns right, we stride pattern kicked in and Dalilah, that McLaughlin had this for the rest of my life. finishing third at that year’s Joanna Hayes, McLaughlin raced the 400m flat, clocking were going to be able to do I went 15 for the rest of the to be ready for.

La Liga Fixtures 2021-22 Bahrain’s 400m world champ Naser out of Olympics DPA next year’s World Champion- Barca to host Real Madrid in October Berlin ships in Eugene, United States. The Nigerian-born sprinter DPA Blancos requested an away fix- virus pandemic. Bahrain’s 400 metre world was provisionally suspended Madrid ture to start 2021-22 as rede- Spanish health minister champion Salwa Eid Naser at the beginning of June 2020 velopment work continues at Carolina Darias confirmed has been found guilty of anti- because she was unavailable for Barcelona will get to their Bernabeu home, mean- earlier this month that fans doping rule violations and doping tests three times within host the first Clasico clash ing Carlo Ancelotti will have to would be allowed to return for is banned for two years, the a year and even four times in against Real Madrid after the wait a little longer for his first games in the new campaign, Court of Arbitration for Sport total in the period leading up full fixture list for the 2021-22 home match since returning to though the emergence of the said on Wednesday. to the 2019 World Champion- La Liga season was revealed the Spanish club. Delta variant across Europe CAS has overturned Eid ships in Doha, Qatar. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reigning may put those plans on hold. Naser’s non-punishment by However, as the inspectors The opening fixture in the champions Atletico Madrid La Liga president Javier the World Athletics discipli- had rung the wrong doorbell rivalry will take place at Camp will start their title defence Tebas, however, insisted last nary tribunal. The World An- during one of their visits, this Nou on October 24, 10 games away at Celta Vigo. week that he hopes stadiums ti-Doping Agency and World incident was not classified as into the new campaign, with The first Madrid derby, to be will be back at full capacity by Athletics - against its own In this file photo taken on October 03, 2019 Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser a missed test. In addition, the the returning meeting to be hosted by Los Blancos, will take November. disciplinary tribunal - had ap- reacts after winning the Women’s 400m final at the 2019 IAAF Athletics first and last missed tests had held at the Santiago Bernabeu place in December, with the sec- Speaking on June 23, pealed the acquittal. World Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in Doha. (AFP) not been within the prescribed on March 20 next year. ond fixture – a potential title Tebas said: “I believe we can As a result, the suspen- 12-month period that would It remains to be seen decider – scheduled for May 8. start the season with 60 per sion begins this Wednesday, visional suspension between meaning the 23-year-old will have led to a ban. CAS did not whether Barca, who will start Barca will close out their cent capacity. Some areas of subtracting the period of pro- June 4 and October 14, 2020, miss the Tokyo Olympics and agree with this line of argument. their season at home to Real season at home to Villarreal, Spain will have more, some Sociedad on the weekend of with Madrid hosting Real Be- less. But by November or De- August 14-15, will still be able tis and Atleti travelling to Real cember we should be at 100 to call on Lionel Messi, whose Sociedad. per cent.” contract with the Catalan club Wednesday also saw confir- La Liga 2021-22 opening runs out at the end of June. mation of the date for the Copa day fixtures: Barcelona v IOC chief Bach urges higher vaccination The 34-year-old is yet to del Rey final, which will take Real Sociedad Cadiz v Levante commit to a new deal, though place at Estadio de la Cartuja in Celta Vigo v Atletico Madrid Barca president Joan Laporta Seville on April 23 next year. Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid rates among Tokyo Games participants has stressed his confidence an Barring the last two match- Elche v Athletic Bilbao Osasu- agreement will be reached. days, the entirety of the 2020- na v Espanyol Real Mallorca v DPA the media representatives will Madrid, meanwhile, kick 21 season had to be played Real Betis Sevilla v Rayo Valle- Berlin also be vaccinated,” he added. off their season on the road behind closed doors due to the cano Valencia v Getafe Villarreal Bach also urged athletes against Deportivo Alaves. Los ongoing impact of the corona- v Granada. International Olympic to familiarize themselves with Committee (IOC) president the comprehensive meas- Thomas Bach has called for ures against the spread of the an even greater effort to have coronavirus during the Tokyo more people involved in the Games. Quick read Games vaccinated against the “I need hardly remind you coronavirus. that we are all representing Everton announce former Liverpool boss Benitez as new coach In a letter to the Olympic the Olympic Movement, and London: Everton have confirmed the controversial appointment of former Liver- athletes community, Bach said the eyes of the world will be on pool manager Rafael Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement. Benitez, who won that 84 per cent of the mem- us, scrutinizing our every ac- the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, has agreed a three-year contract bers of the foreign delegations tion,” Bach stressed. to take over at Goodison Park. It is far from a universally popular appointment, will arrive in Japan already Criticism on the staging of however, with a section of the fanbase totally opposed to the notion of Benitez vaccinated. the Games continues around managing their club.Supporters’ animosity towards the Spaniard has been raised “Even if these figures are al- three weeks before the open- above the usual level reserved for a Liverpool manager ever since his “small club” ready beyond our initial expec- French skateboarder Madeleine Larcheron, poses during a press ing ceremony of the postponed Spanish manager jibe after a 2007 Merseyside derby, although he has since sought to clarify he tations, I nevertheless appeal conference at the skate park in Biarritz, France, on Wednesday. Tokyo Olympics, set to start on Rafael Benitez. was referring to them having the mentality of a small team in their approach to to your Olympic ambition and Larcheron will take part in the park skateboarding competition with July 23. the game. However, when it became apparent he was the front-runner to succeed passion to continue to make France’s skateboarding team at Tokyo 2020 Olympics from July 23 In recent polls, a majority Ancelotti, who made a surprise return to Real Madrid four weeks ago, some fans have campaigned every effort to make these fig- to August 8, 2021. (AFP) of Japanese people have spo- against him getting the job. Benitez becomes the first man to have managed both Liverpool and Ever- ures even higher,” Bach wrote. ken out in favour of another ton since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s, who made the move in the opposite direction. (DPA) Members of the IOC staff to 100 per cent of them vacci- “According to our informa- postponement or cancellation will arrive in Japan with close nated or immune, Bach said. tion, some 70 to 80 per cent of of the Games. Sports Thursday, July 1, 2021 15 Twelve-year-old Abhimanyu becomes youngest GM in chess history

sweet career so far. He de- the highest title in chess. wish him all the best.” same playing hall. Breaks Sergey feated the 15-year-old Indian Karjakin told Chess.com: Mishra spent several However, in his final at- GM Leon Luke Mendonca Somehow I am quite philo- months in Budapest, Hungary tempt this month, he suc- Karjakin’s with the black pieces, secur- sophic about this because I playing back-to-back tourna- ceeded. As several chess play- ing a performance rating felt like it has been almost ments, chasing the title and ers stayed in Budapest for this 19 yr-old record higher than 2600 over nine 20 years and it is really too the record. He scored both his long period, the organizers rounds, which constitutes a much! It had to be broken. first and second GM norms created one last event, this Tribune News Network GM norm,” stated an official Sooner or later I was sure there, at the April Vezerkep- time a Swiss group called the Doha release on chess.com. that it will happen. I was com- zo tournament and the May Vezerkepzo GM Mix. Having Mishra (often called pletely sure that one of the 2021 First Saturday tourna- been invited to the FIDE World Abhimanyu Mishra on “Abhi”) broke Russian GM Indian guys would do it much ment, both round-robins of Cup in Sochi, Mishra knew this Wednesday became the Sergey Karjakin’s record that earlier. Somehow I was very 10 players specially set up for was going to be his last chance youngest chess grandmaster has stood for 19 years. lucky that it didn’t happen. scoring norms. before leaving Hungary. (GM) in history. The 12-year- On August 12, 2002, Kar- Yes, I am a little sad that I He couldn’t immediately He was well on his way to old player from New Jersey jakin, a world championship lost the record, I don’t want to follow it up in his next three his third GM norm after start- scored his third GM norm challenger in 2016, secured the lie, but at the same time I can tournaments in the Hungar- ing with 5/6, but then Mishra in Budapest, having already grandmaster title at the age of only congratulate him and it’s ian capital, which basically lost in round seven to the Slo- crossed the required 2500 Elo 12 years and seven months. no problem. I hope that he will started every two weeks: the vak GM Milan Pacher. rating barrier. Mishra, born on February go on to become one of the top May and June Vezerkepzo He then bounced back with “Today, Mishra won the 5, 2009, took 12 years, four Abhimanyu Mishra has become world’s youngest GM at 12 years chess players and it will be just and the June First Saturday a win against the Hungarian biggest game of his short but months, and 25 days to obtain and 4 months. a nice start to his big career. I round-robins, held in the FM Bence Leszko.

TOUR DE FRANCE Pogacar claims dominant time trial win on stage five

Agencies Tony Martin collided with her PARIS cardboard sign at high speed, The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia. taking a large part of the pelo- Defending champion Tadej ton with him to the ground. Pogacar claimed a dominant She left the scene soon MCG Ashes Test to have time trial victory on stage five after. as Mathieu van der Poel nar- Stage five results 85% crowd capacity, rest rowly retained the yellow jer- 1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team sey, reports BBC.com. Emirates) 32:00; 2. Stefan Pogacar, 22, finishedthe Kung (Swi/Groupama-FDJ) will have full attendance: CA 27.2km course in 32 minutes - +19secs; 3. Jonas Vingegaard ANI “The 2021-22 summer of 19 seconds quicker than Stefan (Den/Jumbo-Visma) +27secs; Melbourne international cricket promises Kung in second on the day. 4. Wout van Aert (Bel/Jumbo- to be one of the biggest ever. The Slovenian’s stunning Visma) +30secs; 5. Mathieu Cricket Australia on The anticipation around both ride saw him put more time van der Poel (Ned/Alpecin-Fenix) Wednesday confirmed that all the men’s and women’s Ashes into his rivals and almost +31secs; 6. Kasper Asgreen the Ashes Tests will have 100 is building, especially as we claim the overall race lead. (Den/Deceuninck-QuickStep) per cent crowd capacity except have witnessed some incred- But Van der Poel produced +37secs; 7. Primoz Roglic (Slo/ for the Boxing Day Test at the ible Test cricket in the UK. a defiant effort to finish fifth in Jumbo-Visma) +44secs; 8. Mat- MCG as it will have an 85 per “The Ashes rivalry is one of Laval and is now eight seconds tia Cattaneo (Ita/Deceuninck- cent crowd in attendance. the biggest in world sport, and ahead of Pogacar. QuickStep) +55secs; 9. Richie The 2021-22 international we hope that conditions will al- “It was a really good day Porte (Aus/Ineos Grenadiers) cricket season in Australia low as many fans as possible to for me, luckily I had perfect Same time; 10. Alexey Lutsenko is set to be one of the biggest attend,” said Hockley in an of- conditions,” said Pogacar, who (Kaz/Astana) +1min ever, with up to 59 days of the ficial CA release. now has four stage wins at the General classification after world’s best cricket featuring “In addition to the Ashes, Tour overall. Team UAE Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia celebrates his white jersey of best young on the podium stage five the inaugural Test match be- we’re incredibly excited to host “I gained time so I’m su- at the end of the 5th stage of the 108th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 27 km time trial 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned/ tween Australia and Afghani- international cricket across 11 per happy and excited for the between Change and Laval, on Wednesday. (AFP) Alpecin-Fenix) 16hrs 51mins stan, the Men’s Ashes series, venues and seven states and whole Tour. “I would love to 41secs; 2. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/ and Women’s Ashes against territories, ensuring fans all have the yellow jersey too but already has an imposing lead sustained a dislocated shoulder Police arrest woman UAE Team Emirates) +8secs; 3. England, the multi-format across the country have the op- it also looks super nice on over his main rivals. in a crash on stage three, re- responsible for mass crash Wout van Aert (Bel/Jumbo-Visma) Women’s series versus India portunity to see the best play- Mathieu.” Jumbo-Visma’s Roglic, corded 33:18 to finish 16th. The spectator responsible +30secs; 4. Julian Alaphilippe and the respective Men’s ODI ers in the world. We continue Pogacar is now likely to who is heavily bandaged after The Welshman is now 12th for the serious mass crash in (Fra/Deceuninck-QuickStep) and T20I matches against to work closely with venues take the yellow jersey before being caught up in crashes on overall, 1:54 back on Pogacar, the first stage of the Tour de +48secs; 5. Alexey Lutsenko New Zealand and Sri Lanka. and governments across Aus- the week ends, having claimed the first few days, produced a while Richard Carapaz just France was taken into custody (Kaz/Astana) +1min 21secs; 6. All venues will be sold to tralia to ensure that events are it on the penultimate stage last fine ride to finish seventh on had to limit his losses, with by police on Wednesday, the Pierre Latour (Fra/Total-Energies) 100 per cent capacity, except held safely and greatly appre- year by overhauling compatri- the stage. the Ecuadorian slipping from AFP news agency reported. +1mins 28secs; 7. Rigoberto for the Boxing Day Test at the ciate their support,” he added. ot Primoz Roglic in a thrilling He has moved up to 10th third to ninth overall, 10 sec- The woman is accused of Uran (Col/EF Education Nippo) MCG which will have an initial The Men’s Ashes is slated time trial. overall but is already 1:48 down onds ahead of Thomas. deliberately endangering pub- +1min 29secs; 8. Jonas Ving- capacity of 85 per cent. to begin on December 8 at Defending it over two on his fellow pre-race favour- “I went out conservatively, lic safety and according to the egaard (Den/Jumbo-Visma) Tickets will be fully refund- the Gabba and the five-match weeks will represent a new ite. It was a tough day for In- maybe too conservatively, but report she is French. +1min 43secs; 9. Richard ed if any venue is required to series will conclude with the challenge for him and his UAE eos Grenadiers’ leaders as 2018 it’s just what I had,” Thomas She caused a mass crash on Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) reduce capacity due to the on- final Test from January 14-18, Team Emirates squad, but he winner Geraint Thomas, who told ITV4. Saturday when German cyclist +1min 44secs. going pandemic. 2022 at Perth. Ready to bat at any After 2019 World Cup heartbreak, WTC position for Pakistan, says Maqsood win is definitely the highlight: Taylor ANI that we were finally able to get ANI you play for your country you Auckland one across the line,” he added. Derbyshire have to think like a country- When asked about retir- man,” Masood said in an offi- New Zealand middle-order After the heartbreak of ing from international cricket, Pakistan batsman Sohaib cial release issued by PCB. batsman Ross Taylor on 2019, it was nice to finally Taylor said: “It’s still sinking Maqsood on Wednesday said On staging a comeback in Wednesday said winning the be out there and be there in that we can call ourselves he is ready to bat at any posi- the national team after five World Test Championship with Kane and go and world champions, but I’m still tion for his team. years, Sohaib said: “I have no (WTC) is one of the biggest celebrate it with a lot of loving the game of cricket. I The Pakistan team is prac- pressure. I know the world will highlights of his career. still want to learn and still get ticing in Derbyshire to get not stop spinning if I lose from The Kiwis had suffered guys. A lot of guys who have better, so that’s a good sign. ready for the three ODIs and here. So I will opt for a fearless a heartbreaking loss at the been in this team and But, yeah, at this stage I just three T20I series against Eng- approach. I am clear in my hands of England in the 2019 experienced a lot of highs want to keep playing cricket, land starting from July 8 in mind. I have nothing to lose.” World Cup final after the 50- and lows over a long period whatever level that is, for as Cardiff. Sohaib has been re- Sohaib is committed not to over action and Super Over of time. long as I can.” called in the national team af- make mistakes again and said: ended as a tie. “New Zealanders for ter a dream run of form in the “I had an issue with my shot However, earlier this Ross Taylor whatever reason retire at 34 recently concluded Pakistan selection earlier but I have month, New Zealand man- or 35, and once I got to 37 I Super League (PSL). He scored tried to overcome my mistakes aged to change its fortunes as “After the heartbreak of Ross Talyor (left) and Kane Williamson after guiding New Zealand to can understand why they do 428 at 47.56 from 12 matches as much as I can.” the side defeated India in the 2019, it was nice to finally be victory in the World Test Championship final against India at Ageas – you get asked the question in the tournament and was de- When asked to comment WTC final by eight wickets to out there and be there with Bowl in Southampton, England. a lot, your age comes into clared the player of the tourna- on playing for the first time take the Test mace home. Kane and go and celebrate it question a lot more when you ment, player of the final, and in England, the right-handed “I guess at the start of my with a lot of guys – BJ [BJ Wa- forget. It was still touch and go of hard work over the last two do things exactly the same best batsman of the tourna- batsman responded, “Yes I career, there were a few ups tling], Boulty [Trent Boult], when I went out there to bat; or so years.” as what you were doing two ment. He helped his side clinch am playing for the first time and downs. We played in a Tim [Southee], a lot of guys to get through that hard peri- “It was just nice to have years ago, but you’re doing the PSL title for the first time. in England, but the national few inconsistent sides, but, who have been in this team od and Kane’s been a fantastic been there. But, I think, I’ve them wrong because of your “I have played at number side has been touring England no, I guess over the last few and experienced a lot of highs captain and ambassador for seen the photo a lot. A lot of age which is sometimes a bit three in Abu Dhabi-leg of PSL for quite a while in the last few years, the team has built into and lows over a long period of the game and our country. And people have sent it to me and hard to swallow. 6, but in the same event, I bat- years so I believe the condi- a fantastic consistent side and time,” he added. for him to be out there and on I think the photo of Kane and “Regardless of when I ted at number five as well.I f tions shouldn’t be that diffi- after the heartbreak of the Talking about the WTC that last ball before, he sort of I come off probably speaks do pull up stumps, I still you look into my domestic ca- cult for us. English conditions 2019 World Cup, this is defi- final, Taylor said: “Once the gave me a stare: ‘hurry up and louder than words. The photo feel like I can play domestic reer, I have scored a lot of runs are always good for white-ball nitely the highlight and I think winning runs were hit, walk- finish it so that he doesn’t have says it all, I think. Obviously, we cricket, I still love playing for at different batting positions, cricket. Though England is probably makes up for that,” ing off with Willamson and to. So it was nice to hit the were very happy with what we my country and I still love so I am available to bat at any World Champions, we will ESPNcricinfo quoted Taylor the discussions afterwards, boundary and celebrate what had achieved but also there was playing for Central Districts position for my team. When play good cricket.” as saying. it’s something that I’ll never was a tough match with a lot a little bit of relief in there too as well,” he added.