FOOTBALL | Page 2 GOLF | Page 6 Lukaku scores Winning more as Conte’s Inter important than Milan reign money, says starts in style McIlroy

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 CRICKET Dhul-Hijja 27, 1440 AH Former stars hail GULF TIMES ‘awesome’ Ashes third Test victory SPORT Page 4

ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES Asian champs Qatar in ‘tough’ group for beach handball Qatar coach Khaled Hasan opts to be drawn in Group B with Croatia, Hungary, Spain, Uruguay and Tunisia By Sports Reporter Doha

sian champions Qatar have been drawn in a “tough” Group B for the men’s handball com- petitionA in the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games. At the draw held at the Qa- tar Olympic Committee (QOC) headquarters yesterday, the host team’s coach Khaled Hasan opted to be drawn alongside Croatia, Hungary, Spain, Uruguay and Tunisia, to avoid fi ve-time world champions Brazil and current European champion Denmark. “It was a tough draw for us. We had the choice to select the group, but it was not an easy choice to make. I opted for Group B, but I think it will be a tough one as we have to play two big matches on the fi rst day itself and it will not be easy for my ‘B’ team,” Hasan Five-time world beach handball champions Brazil are drawn for Group told Gulf Times after the draw. A in the men’s tournament. “I don’t have my main play- ers for the event as they are busy operation and partnership. With ised by the ANOC and hosted by with the Olympic qualifi ers. We their support and the support of the QOC from October 12 -16 in have been training hard for the the NOCs and all stakeholders in Doha. Games and will give our best. We Qatar we have no doubt that the have a plan to travel to Europe, fi rst-ever ANOC World Beach THE GROUPS most probably Spain, for a train- Games will be a great success.” MEN’S BEACH HANDBALL ing camp soon.” Assistant General Manager for Group A: Brazil, Sweden, Den- However, Qatar Handball As- Operations for Qatar 2019 ANOC mark, Oman, USA and Australia sociation executive director World Beach Games, Khaleel Ib- Group B: Croatia, Hungary, Spain, Yousef al-Hail stressed that the rahim al-Jaber, said that he has Qatar, Uruguay and Tunisia Qatari team’s chances are good. full confi dence in Qatar’s ability The team fi nished third twice to organise the Games in a great WOMEN’S BEACH HANDBALL at the IHF World Men’s Beach manner, especially as Qatar has Group A: Brazil, Denmark, Hun- Handball Championship, and the experience and cadres ready gary, Argentina, USA and Tunisia has won the Asian Men’s Beach to host any sporting event. Group B: Greece, Spain, Poland, Handball Championship fi ve QOC Secretary-General HE Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain (left), ANOC Secretary-General Gunilla Lindberg (right) spoke at the draw ceremony for He added that all the Qatari China, Australia and Vietnam. times. He said that the absence the handball and football competitions of the ANOC World Beach Games yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil teams, whether in team or indi- of some players will not be an vidual games, have been prepar- MEN’S BEACH SOCCER obstacle to the team, which in- den, Denmark, Oman, USA and rocco, while Group B has Italy, al-Buenain welcomed all the would like to express our grati- ing well for the tournament for Group A: Brazil Switzerland, UAE cludes great members and is able Australia in Group A. Spain, Mexico and Solomon Is- guests to Doha for the draw, tude to the Government of Qatar some time by participating in and Morocco to achieve the desired results in For the women’s event, which lands. Iran, Paraguay, Senegal while thanking the ANOC for and the Qatar Olympic Com- major tournaments and holding Group B: Italy, Spain, Mexico and this big tournament. will bring together 12 teams, the and Ukraine are in Group C, and their confi dence in Qatar to host mittee for their enthusiasm and external camps in order to reach Solomon Islands The draw was attended by draw placed Brazil, Denmark, Russia, Japan, Uruguay and El this edition of the Games. commitment to hosting an un- the best degree of readiness for Group C: Iran, Paraguay, Senegal QOC Secretary-General HE Hungary, Argentina, USA and Salvador complete Group D. He added the draws of hand- forgettable ANOC World Beach the tournament. and Ukraine Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Tunisia in Group A, while Group In the women’s football com- ball and football competitions Games. Al-Jaber said after the end of Group D: Russia, Japan, Uruguay ANOC Secretary-General Gun- B comprises Greece, Spain, Po- petition, eight teams have been are crucial steps on the road to “We are delighted to be joined the tournament, the event will and El Salvador illa Lindberg, representatives of land, China, Australia and Viet- divided into two groups, with host this tournament. by representatives from Beach be followed by the General As- the FIFA and the International nam. Spain, Brazil, Cape Verde and The QOC secretary-general Soccer Worldwide and the Inter- sembly of ANOC and the ANOC WOMEN’S BEACH SOCCER Handball Federation (IHF), and In the men’s football event, Mexico in Group A, and Britain, hoped that the fi rst edition of the national Handball Federation for awards ceremony for the best Group A: Spain, Brazil, Cape participating teams. 16 teams were divided into four Russia, USA and Paraguay in ANOC World Beach Games, Qa- this draw. We thank them and all athletes on October 17-18. Verde and Mexico The draw, which will bring to- groups of four. Group A has Bra- Group B. tar 2019, would be a success. participating International Fed- The international beach mul- Group B: Great Britain, Russia, gether 12 teams have Brazil, Swe- zil, Switzerland, UAE and Mo- Speaking ahead of the draw, ANOC’s Lindberg added: “I erations for their excellent co- ti-sport event is being organ- USA and Paraguay

FOOTBALL Al Sadd must fi ght until the end, says Xavi

AFC isfi ed with his side’s showing in Al Sadd will now host the Riyadh the fi rst half, but even after mak- second leg in Doha’s Jassim Bin ing some changes going into the Hamad Stadium on September second half, Giuliano’s goal over- 16, and Xavi was fi rm that his l Sadd SC head coach whelmed Al Sadd. charges will need to head into the Xavi Hernandez re- “The reason (for the defeat) tie with a never-say-die attitude mains hopeful of con- was that Al Nassr are a strong and elevate their performance. tinuing their 2019 AFC team, and we were not up to the “The second leg in Doha will ChampionsA League campaign, task. We did not play good foot- be a lot diff erent. We must pre- despite a 2-1 defeat to Al Nassr in ball, like we did recently,” said pare for it well to maintain our the fi rst leg of the quarter-fi nal. Xavi. chances of progressing to the Ali Asad had given the Qa- “We did not control the ball in semi-fi nals.” taris a 21st minute lead but it the required manner. We did not “We lost (this game) but we was countered by Abdulrahman have possession and I’m not hap- haven’t lost out on progression al-Dossari’s close range strike py at all with the performance. or on the title. I spoke with the a minute from the break, before “In the second half, the two players about that in the dress- Giuliano sealed the win for Al teams matched each other. We ing room that there is another Nassr with a fi ne header in the managed to impose ourselves on match to play in Doha and we 72nd minute yesterday. the game but when we did that, have a chance to qualify, and that Al Sadd players celebrate their goal during the AFC Champions The Spain and Barcelona leg- we conceded the second goal and we must fi ght until the last mo- League quarter-final first leg match against Al Nassr in Riyadh on Mon- end admitted that he was unsat- this aff ected us a lot.” ment.” Al Sadd’s coach Xavi Hernandez. day. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 28, 2019 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Great opportunity for me to help Umm Salal: Murad Naji

Doha: MURAD NAJI says he is excited to get an oppor- Lukaku scores as Conte’s tunity to play for Umm Salal in the QNB Stars League this season. The right-back is at Umm Salal on loan from Al Duhail. “Playing for Umm Salal is a new challenge even though I had represented Inter reign starts in style them in one season (2014-15). I like new challenges and I set new goals. This season is vital for me for many reasons. Conte’s arrival at Chinese-owned Inter has raised expectations of a first Serie A title since 2010 I switched from a team like Al Duhail and after winning AFP almost all trophies in Qatar. Milan We had a great time together at Al Duhail for quite some time,” he said elgian forward Romelu Lukaku “Now, it’s a great opportu- scored on his Inter Milan debut nity for me to help Umm Salal. as new coach Antonio Conte’s I’ve assisted many teams and reign got off to a perfect start many teams have, in turn, withB a 4-0 win over promoted Lecce on assisted me in my career. I’m Monday night. “There was a spark, but keen to give my best to Umm now we must become dynamite,” said Salal. It’s a good team, both Conte as he begins his campaign to top- individually and collectively,” ple eight-time holders Juventus. he added. Lukaku — a 65mn euros ($73mn) Naji was optimistic about summer signing from Manchester Umm Salal’s chances this United — scored the third goal on the season. “The team composi- hour mark at the San Siro. A blunder tion is good and we’ve some by Lecce goalkeeper Gabriel parried the outstanding players. We ball into the path of Lautaro Martinez were more dangerous in our allowing Lukaku to fi nish off . last game against Al Rayyan, The 26-year-old turned and took a which ended in a 2-2 draw. bow in front of the jubilant Inter fans Now, we very much look among the 65,000 crowd. “Lukaku en- forward to our next game tered the world of Inter in the best way, against Al Khor as it’ll be a with great humility,” said Conte. “He’s a good opportunity for us to gentle giant, a giant with a smile. He is bag full points. We take it step ready to work for the team. But not only by step,” the defender noted. Romelu, Lautaro also played very well.” He said his aim was to Croatian Marcelo Brozovic had make a comeback into the opened the scoring after 21 minutes Qatar team. “Personally, my with a powerful strike for his 15th goal in main goal is to get back into his sixth season with Inter. But another the Qatar national team. I’m new signing Stefano Sensi, a summer fighting for it. That gives me loan from Sassuolo, also found a way extra motivation. As a player through three minutes later. personally, I have my own Lecce played the last quarter of an style of playing. I like to give hour a man down after Brazilian Di- assists for goals by moving ego Farias saw red in his fi rst game for forward from my right-back a studs on tackle on his former Cagliari position,” said Naji. teammate Nicolo Barella. Antonio Can- dreva blasted in the fourth goal on 84 minutes, allowing Inter to match cham- pions Juventus and runners-up Na- poli who both won their opening league matches at the weekend. Juventus beat Parma 1-0, with Napoli edging a seven-goal thriller at Fioren- tina 4-3. “We started off well with the right intensity and desire, respecting the idea of what I wanted,” said Conte. “Then at 2-0 I didn’t like what I saw Inter Milan’s Antonio Candreva (centre) celebrates with Romelu Lukaku (left) and Nicolo Barella after scoring against Lecce at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (AFP) from the lads. Too relaxed, losing inten- sity under pressure. We need to improve Conte’s arrival at Chinese-owned and the Premier League with Chelsea Giuseppe Marotta insisted there was said he wants to remain at Inter and had both mentally and physically but I am Inter has raised expectations of a fi rst in 2017. And former Italy boss Conte’s no room in the club for the forward, been told to stay by senior club bosses. very happy and satisfi ed, I like working Serie A title since 2010. The former Ju- fi rst game was against his hometown with the transfer window closing on “We greeted Wanda Nara’s comments with these guys who have always shown ventus and Chelsea boss took over from club Lecce, the team where he started September 2. Icardi has rejected moves with a bit of irritation, both for the tim- great commitment. Luciano Spalletti who secured Champi- his playing career, and who are back in away from the San Siro despite being ing and the method,” Marotta said be- “ Let’s celebrate until midnight, from ons League football with a fourth-place Serie A after seven years. The sideshow frozen out of the team and stripped of fore Monday’s game. “I absolutely deny tomorrow we think of Cagliari, it will be fi nish last season. The 50-year-old’s surrounding former Inter captain Mau- the captain’s armband last season amid that any of the club management, and a diffi cult trip,” he added of next week- coaching credentials include three Serie ro Icardi continued with the Argentine a protracted contract dispute. Icardi’s in particular (president) Steven Zhang, end’s game in Sardinia. A titles with Juventus from 2012 to 2014, not named on the bench. Inter director wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, have invited Icardi to stay.”

SPOTLIGHT QNB STARS LEAGUE Bury faces expulsion as C&N ‘I’ve made a good choice joining Rayyan’ By Sports Reporter in the Spanish La Liga. I had a great time Sporting Risk ends takeover bid Doha with Sevilla, playing for three seasons. Before that, I represented River Plate in Reuters my native country Argentina for fi ve sea- London rgentina defender Gabriel Mer- sons. And also, Estudiantes and Racing cado, who joined Al Rayyan Club,” the 32-year-old said. from La Liga club Sevilla in the Mercado said he was confi dent Rayyan &N Sporting Risk pulled summer, said he was delighted can challenge Al Sadd and Al Duhail for out of its proposed take- toA have had the opportunity to play in Qa- trophies this season. “In Al Rayyan, we’ve over of League One side tar. The centre-back made 117 appearanc- a good team with outstanding players. Bury FC, leaving the es and scored three goals in three seasons There are some new players as well. We all clubC in a perilous position before for Sevilla. He has also played 24 matches are working well with the aim of collect- yesterday’s deadline to com- for Argentina. ing as many points as possible. My main plete a sale to prevent expulsion “I’m happy to be playing in the QNB target is to have a good season and help Al from the English Football League Stars League and representing Al Rayyan. Rayyan clinch one trophy. We had to draw (EFL). I could make out that the league competi- our fi rst match against Umm Salal. It was Bury, one of English football’s tion is strong. The facilities are good and hard at the very beginning of the season. oldest clubs, joined the Football players have high quality. This is a nice Hopefully, we’ll get down to business from League in 1894, nine years after country with good people. I just think the second round onwards,” he added. they were founded, and have al- that I’ve made a good choice,” Mercado On playing with Argentina captain and ways played at their Gigg Lane said. legend Lionel Messi, Mercado said: “I’ve ground. Club owner Steve Dale Mercado is set make his debut for had great experience playing alongside had informed the EFL last week- Rayyan against Al Gharafa this Friday, Lionel Messi in the Argentinian national end that he had accepted an off er having sat out of the opening fi xture team. He’s a unique player. And the best from the London company. against Umm Salal. “I couldn’t play our player around, I would say. In fact, it’s a C&N had said it was in discus- fi rst match due to suspension as I had fi ve motivation for team-mates to be playing sions to buy the club but there re- Gabriel Mercado joined Rayyan from Sevilla. yellow cards from my former team Sevilla alongside him.” mained a number of outstanding issues to be addressed. “The EFL Board has been informed that CHAMPIONS LEAGUE C&N Sporting Risk will no longer be pursuing their interest in Bury FC,” it said in a statement. “The League announced at the Ajax face must-win game against Nicosia weekend that it was working ex- Reuters Having seen off PAOK Salo- German sides, it has become Onana and keep them aboard. clusively with the club and C&N A young Bury fan reacts at the Gigg Lane after the news of the club’s Amsterdam nika in the preliminary round, increasingly diffi cult for clubs But despite being able to fi eld in an attempt to fi nalise a change takeover bid by C&N Sporting Risk collapsed yesterday. (Reuters) the Dutch champions must beat from leagues like the Dutch to eight of the starting side who of control at the club. However, APOEL Nicosia in Amsterdam make their mark in Europe. beat Juventus in Turin in April, following a period of due dili- state of the club that had to be Bury issued a statement to jax Amsterdam made today to reach the group stage Ajax, however, proved that the Dutch team have been strug- gence, C&N have opted not to met in order for us to be satisfi ed their fans but did not address di- a dazzling run to the after the fi rst leg of their playoff smaller teams can still surprise gling to reproduce last year’s progress matters.” that we have enough knowledge rectly the breakdown of the talks Champions League tie ended in a goalless draw in and are eager to do so again, fast attacking game, missing De The League said it was still in to proceed with the takeover. The and urged fans not to enter the semi- fi nals last sea- Cyprus. even though their glorious cam- Jong’s passing accuracy in mid- discussions with the third-tier complexities involved in each of club’s Gigg Lane ground. Ason, knocking out Juventus and “We are very ambitious and paign ended in the predictable fi eld and the towering presence club ahead of the 5 pm deadline these matters escalated and con- “We understand that this is a Real Madrid along the way, but have to get back into the Cham- loss of some leading players, of De Ligt at the back. and would provide an update tinue to do so,” it said. diffi cult and emotional time for that did not earn them any ex- pions League,” Ajax coach Erik including youngsters Matthijs That was evident last week in later in the day. C&N said its de- “It is therefore with regret that all supporters given the recent tra credits for this year’s com- ten Hag said yesterday de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong who Nicosia, where, after a prom- cision was not based on the tight we will be unable to proceed with news regarding a potential take- petition. Three months after “But we know how diffi - joined Juventus and Barcelona. ising start, Ajax quickly faded deadline but the situation at the the takeover of Bury FC. This de- over. Tottenham’s dramatic 96th- cult this is, not many Dutch The four-times European and needed Onana to save them club it had discovered during its cision has not been taken lightly. “While the Club are working minute goal crushed the Dutch teams have survived the playoff champions did manage to hold from defeat. “We did not play due diligence process. We fully understand the impor- hard looking at other potential side’s hopes of a fi rst Champi- rounds. We know what we have on to the bulk of their players, well and the second half was “As part of our due diligence, tance of the club to the commu- avenues with other interested ons League fi nal in 23 years, Ajax to do and I have no doubt we using an estimated 157mn euros simply bad”, Ten Hag said. “But we set ourselves a list of key cri- nity and it is with this in mind parties, we would like to remind fi nd themselves one goal away shall succeed.” ($175mn) in transfer proceeds we have also played decent teria regarding the CVA (compa- that we have informed the EFL of supporters that no one should from exiting Europe’s elite com- With half of the 32 Champi- to hike up the wages of Dusan games in recent weeks, where ny voluntary arrangement), the our decision at the earliest possi- gain access to inside the stadium petition before it has properly ons League spots reserved for Tadic, Hakim Ziyech, Nicolas we showed what we can do. Not ground and the overall fi nancial ble opportunity”. (unless authorised).” started. Spanish, English, Italian and Tagliafi co and goalkeeper Andre all is bad.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 28, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 FOCUS Ineos aim to make Monaco have lost sight Nice Champions League contenders of everything that aft er Ratcliff e takeover AFP The French football landscape Nice, France is dominated by Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, who have won six of the last seven Ligue he new British owners of 1 titles. The only club to break French club Nice have a their recent hegemony was Mo- made them champions measured “three to fi ve- naco, Nice’s near neighbours, in year” plan to become 2017. Ratcliff e, a Brexit backer, is Tregulars in Europe, Bob Ratcliff e, based in Monaco. the brother of billionaire Jim “Our ambition is to compete Monaco’s success inspired Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux. It’s time they started Ratcliff e, revealed yesterday. for the top four places in Ligue “Our target will be to be in the 1. Having clubs like Paris Saint- following the example they have set for other clubs Champions League in a three to Germain is so important because fi ve-year period — we are not it shines the spotlight on the By Adam White and Eric Devin saying this season, we are not French league and we do think The Guardian saying tomorrow because I think the French league is underval- to do that is short-term and I’m ued,” Bob Ratcliff e, an avowed not sure you can sustain it,” said Chelsea supporter, added. “Our lot has changed at Lyon, Nice Bob Ratcliff e, the president of intent is to be a competitor of and Bordeaux in recent years. Ineos Football. PSG, Lyon, the other clubs in All three clubs have adapted and Jim Ratcliff e is the chairman France and we do not underesti- refi ned their fi rst team, youth of petrochemicals group In- mate it is a signifi cant challenge.” developmentA and recruitment strategy. eos who already own Swiss club Nice have won their opening They have diff erent targets, but the three Lausanne-Sport among their two league games of the season clubs have some things in common: they other sporting ventures. Earlier under former France star Patrick promote young players; they sign prom- this year they bought the Sky cy- Vieira, but the club have not won ising talents with resale value from niche cling team and rebranded it Team a major trophy since 1997. Sup- markets; and their policy on squad devel- Ineos. porters will be hoping to see new opment is led by people at the club who Despite Ratcliff e’s huge wealth signings arrive at their Allianz work above the coach. — he was third on the latest Sun- Riviera stadium before the Euro- While Bordeaux are a long way from day Times UK ‘rich list’ with a pean transfer window closes on perfecting these ideas and Nice have £18.664bn ($23bn) fortune — his September 2. struggled to recapture the magic of brother preached a sensible ap- Danish striker Kasper Dolberg, former president Jean-Pierre Rivère’s proach at a club who fi nished 21, has been strongly linked with shrewd transfer business, they are both seventh in France’s Ligue 1 last a move from Dutch champions making the eff ort to change because of season. Ajax, but the new owners insist- Monaco. A few years ago Monaco off ered “We want to put the club on ed there will be no huge spending dramatic proof that this philosophy can a sustainable basis where it is spree in the coming days. “We bring unprecedented fi nancial and sport- competing regularly in European won’t achieve success just by ing success in Ligue 1. However, having football competitions, so quite spending money. That is the last set an example to other clubs, Monaco a challenging project, we don’t thing we will do. We won’t rush have since lost their way. underestimate the other teams in to spend money on players,” Bob Monaco have not won any of their the league,” he said. Ratcliff e added. fi rst three games in Ligue 1 this season, but their fi rst concern at Strasbourg on Sunday will be fi nishing the game with 11 men. In their opening game of the sea- son – a 3-0 defeat at home to Lyon – Cesc Fàbregas was perhaps harshly sent off after colliding with Léo Dubois; Ruben Aguilar’s lunge in a 3-0 defeat at Metz was more clear cut; and Jemerson made it three out of three when he was contro- versially sent off via VAR for felling Ro- main Philippoteaux in a 2-2 draw at home to Nîmes on Sunday. Goals from Wissam Ben Yedder and Is- lam Slimani had given Monaco a 2-0 lead against Nîmes at the weekend but they collapsed after Jemerson’s red card and had to settle for a point – their fi rst of the Monaco have not won any of their first three games in Ligue 1 this season. (AFP) season. Given the gap in quality between the emerging players who could be developed transfer window this summer. Deals for ers before he moved on earlier this month. two teams – Ben Yedder, Islam Slimani, and potentially sold on. Signing Fabinho Lille defender Adama Soumaoro and Replacing Vadim Vasilyev after his sur- Adrien Silva, Aleksandr Golovin, Gelson from mid-table Primeira Liga club Rio Milan striker André Silva were done, but prise departure from his role as the club’s Martins and Kamil Glik all started for Ave and Thomas Lemar from Caen for fell through due to last-minute fi nancial public face and negotiator-in-chief will Monaco – the club’s supporters will be €4mn helped them reach the Champions haggling. Largely due to late arrivals, only be diffi cult for his successor, Oleg Petrov, alarmed at such a collapse. League quarter-fi nals in 2015. fi ve players started both the opening loss who had zero football experience when Both of Nîmes’ fi rst choice centre- That side included Yannick Carrasco, to Lyon and the draw with Nimes. Leon- he joined in February. It is notable that backs were suspended and fi ve of their Layvin Kurzawa, Geoff rey Kondogbia and ardo Jardim has already used 22 players in the Russian has a frayed relationship with front six from last season – including Anthony Martial: a blend of experienced Ligue 1 this term. After a season of uncer- Jorge Mendes, over the agent’s desire Ineos football president Bob Ratcliff e poses at Nice’s Allianz Riviera Teji Savanier, one of the standout play- heads who could lead the way and young- tainty, Monaco began the new one in fl ux. to use Monaco as a career kick-starting stadium yesterday. (Reuters) ers of the campaign – left the club in the er players who were ready for fi rst-team The club’s wayward recruitment owes destination for his less successful clients summer. Their replacements were largely football. much to changes made above Jardim. and his attempts to move captain Falcao from the second tier and many of them Much of that success was forgotten Monaco have struggled to replace Luis to Galatasaray before the summer is up. SPOTLIGHT had little top-fl ight experience. Nimes after they won the title and reached the Campos, one of the world’s best sporting Not long ago, Monaco’s astute scout- were there for the taking, but Monaco Champions League semi-fi nals in 2017. directors, who left the club in 2016 after ing, considered recruitment and Jardim’s could not fi nish the job. Instead of signing youthful players who much of the title-winning team had al- knack for developing young players while Monaco’s porous, lacklustre and un- were still developing, the club brought in ready been assembled. maintaining results made the club a gold Hulk double saves ruly displays – which leave them second teenagers who were a long way from the He is now proving his worth at Lille, standard for clubs to follow. But that bottom in the table – are mirrored by a fi rst XI; while the nous of João Moutinho, where he has helped turn Marcelo Bielsa’s Monaco has since ceased to exist. Most sense of chaos beyond the playing staff . for example, was not appropriately re- chaotic relegation-threatened side into of their title-winning players, Campos, Shanghai in quarters The precise scouting, fi endish negotiat- placed. This summer they have shifted title chasers. Vasilyev and seemingly Jardim’s connec- ing and holistic style of player recruit- towards the other extreme, in a new pol- Former Chelsea sporting director tion with his team have all vacated the AFP bitterly but Yan was culpable, ment that eventually lead to their glori- icy of exclusively targeting experienced Michael Emenalo was particularly un- Stade Louis II of late. But they have an Shanghai spilling the ball under negligible ous title win in 2017 have evaporated. internationals, akin to Marseille’s unsuc- successful and struggled to replace big- example to follow if they want to return pressure from Makino. On 30 Monaco were masters at sifting through cessful “Champions Project” model. name departures after the title win. He to the top six. They need look no further minutes the visitors, two-time under-appreciated markets to fi nd cheap, Monaco were painfully slow in the was eventually marginalised by the own- than Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux. razilian striker Hulk Asian champions, stretched scored twice from the their lead when Shinzo Koroki penalty spot to rescue ran through on goal and slotted PREMIER LEAGUE Shanghai SIPG in a 2-2 under Yan, who again might have stalemateB against Urawa Reds done better. in the AFC Champions League Shanghai’s record of never quarter-fi nals yesterday. losing in the Champions League Spurs need to keep pace with City, Liverpool: Kane J-League side Urawa will go at home in 19 matches was in se- into the home second leg as rious danger. Reuters before getting back to league business at slight favourites on the away- Boos rang out at half-time London Newcastle United. goals rule, but it could have been in the direction of referee Mo- “It’s a good opportunity to try and im- so much better after they led 2-0 hammed Abdulla Hassan of prove our balance between defending and at the break. the United Arab Emirates, the ottenham Hotspur striker Harry attacking. We need to do it quickly,” Gra- The 33-year-old Hulk held home crowd feeling that Yan Kane does not expect Premier cia said. his nerve twice in the second was fouled for the opener. Ar- League champions Manchester “It’s a good chance to try and play well, half from the spot to keep Vi- nautovic, signed from West Ham City and runner-up Liverpool to to try and get a good result. It helps us to tor Pereira’s Chinese champions United during the summer, was Tstep off the gas this season and said the get more confi dence for the next (Premier alive in the tie. making his Asian Champions London side have to match the relentless League) game. We have to be ready to Pereira felt that his side, League debut, but the Austrian approach of the top two to keep up. compete well. It doesn’t matter if we are boasting expensively assembled striker was subdued throughout. City clinched the league title with 98 playing Coventry or another team... This attacking players Hulk, Oscar Shanghai, whose domestic points to Liverpool’s 97 as part of a do- is a good chance and we have to take it and and Marko Arnautovic, could league defence is faltering af- mestic treble last season while the Mer- prepare well. Nothing else matters — only have gone on to win the game. ter racking up too many draws, seyside club won their sixth European this game, the next one.” “At half-time we were maybe emerged for the second half with championship. out of the competition,” said the intent and scored on 49 min- Asked by the British media if Totten- EVERTON’S GBAMIN SET TO MISS Portuguese. “But now every- utes. Oscar, an Asian-record ham were best equipped to compete with TWO MONTHS WITH THIGH INJURY thing is possible. In the fi rst half 60mn euro capture from Chelsea the dominant duo this season, Kane said: Ivory Coast international Jean-Philippe the team looked lost, lost on the in 2017, took on several Urawa “Yes hopefully, but it’s still going to take a Gbamin is expected to be sidelined for pitch and without confi dence,” players before he was felled in lot of hard work.” eight weeks his Premier League club he added. “We suff ered a bit, but the box. It looked harsh on the Liverpool lead the league with three Everton revealed. The 23-year-old mid- the reaction in the second half visitors, with Oscar appearing to wins from as many games while City are One of those games is against local ri- GRACIA WANTS WATFORD TO USE fi elder signed from Bundesliga outfi t gave us hope to win the game.” leave his leg in to win the penalty. second, two points behind them. “As vals Arsenal on Sunday and Kane said COVENTRY CLASH AS LAUNCH PAD Mainz for a reported £25mn in the close Shanghai’s Chinese interna- His fellow Brazilian Hulk, a you’re seeing... there’s no letting up from three points at the Emirates Stadium The only Premier League team without season has a right thigh injury, which tional goalkeeper Yan Junling 55.8mn euro capture from Zenit them,” said Kane, whose team lost 1-0 to would be a massive boost ahead of next a point after three matches, Watford are prevented him from playing in last Fri- was badly at fault for the opener St Petersburg three years ago, Newcastle United on Sunday. month’s international break. “You never in dire need of a confi dence boosting win day’s 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa. as Urawa threatened to go goal- smacked in the spot-kick and “I said before the start of the season want to go into an international break and manager Javi Gracia hopes League Gbamin, who represented France at crazy at a stunned Shanghai Sta- Urawa were reeling. On 71 min- that if we could put a run together... may- having lost or drawn,” the England inter- Cup second round clash with Coventry every age level including Under-21 before dium. On only three minutes he utes it was 2-2 thanks to another be winning for two-three months on the national added. City will kickstart their season. opting to play for his country of birth, fl apped at a high ball, dropping unerring Hulk penalty after Bra- spin without dropping points, then that’s “A north London derby is as big as it A 3-1 home loss to West Ham United signed a fi ve-year contract with Everton it at the feet of Tomoaki Maki- zilian defender Antonio Mauri- what it’s going to take. It’s a disappoint- gets. If we win that it makes the fi rst four on Saturday heaped the pressure on Gra- on August 2, fi lling the void left by Idrissa no, who swivelled to fi re into an cio inadvertently blocked a goal- ing start but there is a long way to go... games a bit brighter. It won’t be easy, but cia but the Spaniard says Watford can use Gueye’s move to French champions Paris empty net. bound shot with his arm. The there are a lot of big games ahead of us.” we have to make sure we’re prepared.” the Cup match to iron out their problems Saint-Germain. The home side complained second leg is on September 17. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 28, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Managing bowlers’ workload top Former stars hail priority for Kohli

Reuters The inaugural championship Kingston involves the nine top-ranked test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April ‘awesome’ Ashes eeping India’s pace bat- 2021, with the top two sides pro- tery fully charged will gressing to the fi nal which will be be crucial to the team’s held in England in June 2021. ICC World Test Cham- “Mohamed Shami is the same Kpionship chances, skipper Virat (as Bumrah). Ishant Sharma is a Kohli said following their win banker for years now and he can over West Indies in the fi rst Test make an impact in any spell he on Sunday. bowls. Those three together are third Test victory Jasprit Bumrah took fi ve wick- bowling well,” Kohli added. ets for seven runs while fel- “Umesh Yadav hasn’t had low fast bowler Ishant Sharma a game, and we have Navdeep ‘I think it was written in the stars that it was going to be Ben Stokes’ day’ claimed three as India recorded Saini, who can bowl 150 clicks their biggest ever away win by (kmph), waiting in the wings. runs, thrashing the hosts by 318 We’re pretty settled as far as our runs in Antigua. bowling options are concerned.” Bumrah’s fourth fi ve-wicket In another positive sign, vice- haul made him the only Asian to captain Ajinkya Rahane scored achieve the feat in South Africa, his fi rst century in international England, Australia and West In- cricket in over two years, scoring dies, and Kohli justifi ed the deci- 102 in the second innings while sion to rest the 25-year-old for Hanuma Vihari made 93. the three ODIs and three T20 All-rounder Vihari, preferred games before the tests. ahead of batsman Rohit Sharma “That’s why Bumrah didn’t due to his part-time off -spin, play any white-ball cricket after said he was working on his bowl- the World Cup because we want- ing to keep his place. ed him fresh for the tests,” Kohli “It’s important that my off - said at the post-match presenta- spin keeps developing, not only tion ceremony. for myself but for the team as I fi t “He’s going to be a key factor in just because of that combina- for us as long as the test champi- tion,” Vihari told a news confer- onship continues. We know how ence. good a bowler he is and the im- “I’m trying to... get better at it. pact he can make in a spell. So, hopefully, I’ll get more overs “That’s probably the most im- and help the team in the future.” portant thing for us right now, The second and fi nal Test be- managing player workloads.” gins in Jamaica on Friday.

England’s Ben Stokes (2R, and also below) and England’s Jack Leach (2L) celebrate after winning the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley in Leeds on August 25.

AFP their fi rst World Cup with a sen- London sational fi nal victory over New Zealand in July. “Ben’s capable of many, many avid Gower labelled things in this game of cricket and England’s astonish- yesterday he went out there and ing third Test victory I think he enjoyed himself and I against Australia as think that’s half the key,” Botham Jasprit Bumrah of India celebrates the dismissal of Kraigg Brathwaite D“the most awesome cricket I’ve added. of West Indies during day 4 of the 1st Test between West Indies and ever seen”. “He went out there deter- India at Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Ben Stokes led England to mined, but he enjoyed the mo- Barbuda, on August 25. their comeback triumph with ment. It’ll knock the stuffi ng out a blistering 135 not out to keep of Australia.” alive his side’s hopes of regaining Former England pace bowl- ICC bans two Hong Kong cricketers for life the Ashes after they were bowled er Steve Harmison said it was out for 67 in the fi rst innings. “written in the stars” that it was Stokes put on an incredible going to be Stokes’ day. Dubai: The International ruption Unit), added: “This 73-run last-wicket partnership Harmison, part of England’s Cricket Council (ICC) banned has been a long and complex with number 11 Jack Leach to see incredible win in the 2005 Ashes, two Hong Kong players, investigation which has uncov- England to a win that levelled the said the all-rounder was special. including one who has already ered systematic attempts to series at 1-1 with two games to “He’s always been a special served a 30-month ban, from influence moments in matches play. talent. He didn’t play the great- all cricket for life for breaching by experienced international Former England captain Gow- est of shots in the fi rst innings the ICC Anti-Corruption Code cricketers over a period of er was enthralled by Sunday’s and then in the second innings, in matches played between time. Their conduct was pre- dramatic conclusion and he told he said to the captain ‘right, give 2014 and 2016. meditated and sophisticated Good Morning Britain: “At 73 for me the ball, Jofra Archer is off ’,” Irfan Ahmed, who was banned and each of the Ahmed broth- the last wicket, that was the tar- Harmison said. from all cricket for two-and-a- ers sought to corrupt others. get, it just doesn’t happen. “Stokes has got his team in a half years in April 2016 after “The main off ences relate “I’ve played in games where position to win the game and he’s admitting breaches of the to the Hong Kong matches it’s nearly happened and people gone and done it himself yester- code, was found guilty on nine against Scotland and Canada have gone through to that 11th day afternoon. charges, Irfan’s older brother where the players fixed specific wicket still getting the runs, “It brought a lump to your Nadeem Ahmed on three. overs. nudging the singles, the main throat, a tear to your eye and to The pair were banned for life. “These matches were won by man sort of does the job, but that see the people at Headingley Teammate Haseeb Amjad Hong Kong so it did not materi- was just awesome. not least by Botham himself. and I think he is special, and yes- enjoy yourself, you play. In ‘81 I jumping and screaming, English received a five-year ban. ally aff ect the results of the “I don’t like hyperbole, but “You’ve got to remember that terday was box offi ce. had a guy called Graham Dilley cricket, Test match cricket — it’s The ICC Anti-Corruption tournament, however I cannot that was the most awesome Ben Stokes is the ‘special one’ “To be honest with you, when that batted at the other end and been a fantastic summer for the Tribunal “heard evidence reiterate strongly enough to cricket I’ve seen ever, pretty because he is capable of a lot you’re in that situation I think he played magnifi cently and that game that we all love. that all three players fixed or any player considering this much.” of things,” Botham told Good it’s a no-win situation in many was a one-off , I think that was “I think it was written in the contrived to fix matches, failed, that we treat any form of fix- Stokes’ innings was likened to Morning Britain. people’s eyes, so you’ve got his highest score.” stars that it was going to be Ben for reward, to perform and ing — spot or match — with the Ian Botham’s 1981 match-win- “He’s growing into a bigger nothing to lose. Stokes was also one of the star Stokes’ day and he fully deserved failed to disclose approaches upmost seriousness.” ning innings on the same ground, and better cricketer every day “You go out there and you performers when England won it.” to fix during a number of Hong Kong is one of 92 associ- international fixtures across a ate, or non-Test playing, ICC two-year period”. members, making it a second- BOTTOMLINE Alex Marshall, ICC General tier team and a minnow on the Manager — ACU (Anti-Cor- international stage.

Misbah emerges as front-runner West Indian pace bowler for Pak cricket coach job Karachi: Former captain Misbah- post. However, Pakistani media ul-Haq yesterday emerged as the said former Australian batsman favourite to take over as Pakistan’s Dean Jones and ex-West Indies cricket coach after Mickey Arthur paceman Courtney Walsh were Wright pulls up stumps — at 85 was axed following a disappoint- among the applicants. ing World Cup. Misbah said competition for the AFP ing his future wife Enid, then having a he had played in over two million games. Misbah, Pakistan’s most successful job would be tough. London son. Wright, who also played with Rich- He once attributed his staying power to Test captain, has stepped down “It is interesting to see my name ards and Joel Garner, another of the great his love of traditional no frills Lancashire from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s emerging in the media even West Indies pace attack of the late 1970s food such as hot pot. executive committee to clear the before I had applied... I envisage ecil Wright’s name will not rank and early 1980s, has taken over 7,000 “To be honest I eat anything that’s go- way for his application. there will be a few more very com- alongside West Indies legends wickets during a career spanning more ing but I don’t drink much, just the odd “I have resigned from the cricket petent and highly qualified people Viv Richards, Gary Sobers and than 60 years. At one point he took 538 beer,” he was quoted as saying. committee and have applied for applying for one of the most Frank Worrell, but for longevity wickets in fi ve seasons, averaging one “And I keep fi t, although these days I the post of Pakistan’s head coach,” challenging jobs in the game,” he heC outranks them all. every 27 balls. use my age as an excuse to miss training. said the former batsman, describ- added. The fast bowler known aff ectionately “Pretty good going,” said cricket Bible “I fi nd keeping active helps to ease ing the position as a “dream”. Misbah totalled 26 wins in 56 as ‘Cec’ has announced he will retire in Wisden, referring to Wright’s stamina. aches and pains. I don’t like to sit still and The four-member executive com- Tests as captain, with 19 losses two weeks’ time — at the ripe old age of But fi nally even he has accepted that watch TV, I would rather have a walk or mittee declined to renew Arthur’s and 11 draws. He retired in 2017. 85. the time has come to pull up stumps on potter about in the garage. contract after Pakistan failed to Pakistan are likely to announce Wright, who in his heyday represent- a professional in the Central Lancashire his career. Wright will bring down the fi nal curtain reach the semi-final of the World their new head coach ahead of ed Jamaica against Barbados, lining up League for Crompton. “I wish I knew the reason for my lon- on his career on Saturday September 7, Cup in England and Wales. the limited-overs series against against Sobers and Wes Hall, moved to After three years he decided to stay on gevity, but I couldn’t tell you what it is,” he turning out for Uppermill, near Oldham, The PCB did not reveal whether Sri Lanka starting in Karachi from England in 1959 and launched a career as in England and settled down after meet- told The Daily Mirror, who estimated that against Pennine League side Springhead. anyone else had applied for the September 27. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 28, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL Space Jam or the World Cup? LeBron among absent stars AFP of pre-season were the large their new clubs or new team- as a “B” team but won the crown Washington number of transfers by top stars mates. behind future NBA superstars in the off -season and an up-for- “I think other guys looked at Durant, Westbrook, Curry and grabs mentality in the Western it like, ‘Why would I want to go Kevin Love. o many NBA headliners Conference, where a half-dozen potentially be the face of what In 2014, the victorious USA from the United States revamped clubs are legitimate could be a losing roster?’” said team included Davis, Harden, are skipping the Basket- NBA title contenders. C.J. McCollum, who also with- Thompson, Curry and Most Val- ball World Cup in China “I think most of the star play- drew from the team, on a podcast uable Player Kyrie Irving. thatS they would assemble a for- ers, they are trying to save their of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Mason Plumlee is the only midable all-star squad of their energy. I think that’s the main San Antonio Spurs coach 2014 World Cup player back for own. reason they are dropping out,” Gregg Popovich, who is guiding the Americans, while Kemba But it is nothing new for the said Sam Mitchell, an NBA TV the US team for the fi rst time, Walker is the lone all-NBA play- Americans as they seek a third analyst who played in the league has been forced to name a squad er on the squad. consecutive crown in the global in 1989-2002 and coached for of emerging talents. Harrison Barnes is the only showdown that runs August 31 parts of six seasons. Popovich and his men were member of the 2016 Rio Olympic to September 15. And from past “There are 80 percent of the given a jolt on Saturday when gold-medal team in the lineup, experience, it could even pave players on the star teams who they were stunned 98-94 by adding to doubts back home that the way for a new US fi gurehead have a chance to compete for a Australia in Melbourne, snap- the US can make it three world to emerge. championship. For you to go ping a run of 78 consecutive titles on the spin. LeBron James, Kawhi Le- play in the world champion- American wins in major compe- Spanish center Marc Gasol, onard, Stephen Curry, James ships, risk getting injured... it’s a titions and exhibition games. who helped Toronto to the NBA Harden, Anthony Davis, Rus- lot to ask.” “Nobody wins forever,” said crown, told The New York Times sell Westbrook and Paul George Some players never consid- Popovich, whose team bounced that he expects the US to use are among those who opted out. ered this year’s team, including back to beat Canada 84-68 on the scepticism as motivation in Kevin Durant, Kyle Lowry and Lakers star James, who began Monday. China. Klay Thompson are injured. fi lming “Space Jam 2” in late This may be no “Dream Team” “Even with all the guys that The World Cup fi nal comes June. The 34-year-old won Ol- -- the name given to the star- dropped out... they are still only two weeks before most NBA ympic gold in 2008 and 2012 and studded 1992 Olympic side -- super-talented physically and training camps open, with the had played in eight consecutive but young talent has done the technically,” Gasol said. fi rst games of the 2019-2020 NBA Finals until this year. job in past US World Cup cam- “They are pretty well coached campaign on October 22. Many players said they needed paigns. as well. So you put it all together Adding to the usual pressures the off -season to integrate with The 2010 squad was derided and it’s a great team.”

MLB FOCUS Canada’s World Cup hopes get shot in Rodriguez homer in the arm from Nurse

AFP Washington

oronto Raptors coach 11th lift s Phils over Nick Nurse had bare- ly fi nished celebrating the team’s fi rst NBA titleT in June when he took on his next formidable challenge – guiding Canada in the Bas- ketball World Cup. After just two months on visiting Pirates the job the 52-year-old Amer- ican is hoping to mastermind ‘I want to win. That’s why I’m still playing, that’s why I’m here’ a surprise by the Canadians when the tournament starts Reuters August 31 in China. Los Angeles Nurse’s task is made more demanding, however, because Canada have been placed in a ean Rodriguez led off the bottom “Group of Death” also con- of the 11th inning with a home run taining Senegal, Lithuania and perience. to give the Philadelphia Phillies Australia. Nurse was an assistant on a 6-5 win over the visiting Pitts- Canada, who will be outsid- the British team for the 2012 burghS Pirates on Monday night. ers to triumph at the World London Olympics, and a Rodriguez stroked a 1-2 slider from Cup, fi nished 3-2 in a fi ve- coach in the British Basketball Michael Feliz (2-4) down the left fi eld line game exhibition tour in Aus- League for 11 seasons. for his fourth homer of the season. The tralia, having split two home He guided championship Phillies moved to within one game of the games against Nigeria. squads with the Birmingham second National League wild-card spot, Following an 84-68 de- Bullets in 1996 and Manches- currently held by the idle Chicago Cubs. feat to World Cup holders ter Giants in 2000. He took the “I want to win. That’s why I’m still the United States on Monday BBL Coach of the Year award in playing, that’s why I’m here,” Rodriguez in Sydney, Nurse said: “I’ve 2000 and 2004. said. learned a lot about them (the After a return to coaching Brad Miller, Bryce Harper and Corey players). US NBA developmental clubs, Dickerson also clubbed homers, and J.T. “I’m a new coach (for this Nurse spent fi ve seasons as a Realmuto had three hits for the Phillies. team) and they’re still trying Raptors assistant before taking Harper (1-for-5) returned to the lineup to learn me, I think, and we’ve charge in 2018. after missing the three-game series over made a lot of progress. He was just the ninth rookie the weekend in Miami on the paternity “I think our guys have made coach in NBA history to lead a list due to the birth of his son back home a lot of strides, play hard, have team to the title and the Ca- in Las Vegas. chemistry.” nadians will be hoping that he Nurse won’t have the Amer- can inspire something similar RESULTS ican Kawhi Leonard on his in the national team. Canada bench, as he did when Nurse will also be in posi- Phillies 6-5 Pirates the Raptors dethroned the tion to guide Canada at next Rockies 3-1 Braves Golden State Warriors in the year’s Tokyo Olympics. Cardinals 12-2 Brewers NBA Finals. He refused to press the pan- He will also have to do with- ic button after Monday’s loss Yankees 5-4 Mariners out Canada’s top young player, to the USA, who are chasing a Padres 4-3 Dodgers the 19-year-old NY Knicks third World Cup title in a row. D’backs 6-4 Giants forward RJ Barrett, who was a “You don’t play great every late withdrawal. night,” he said. A’s 19-4 Royals But the Canadians have tal- “We just fl ush this one away Reds 6-3 Marlins ent and, crucially, a respected and get back to what we’re leader with international ex- doing.”

Phillies second baseman Scott Kingery (abdominal soreness) left the game after NBA star Jeremy Lin heads to China six innings. Mike Morin (1-0) tossed two innings of Jeremy Lin, the first Asian- honour, we sincerely welcome two-hit relief. Pittsburgh’s Kevin New- American to win an NBA him,” said Ducks club chair- man went 2-for-6 and drove in two runs title, is moving to the Beijing man Qin Xiaowen. for a 4-2 lead in the seventh, and Bryan Shougang Ducks, the team Lin’s path since his rise to Reynolds, Melky Cabrera, Colin Moran announced Tuesday, bringing fame in 2012 has been a trou- and Adam Frazier each notched two hits. one of China’s favourite bas- bled one, switching between Josh Bell hit a solo homer. Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Sean Rodriguez celebrates while rounding the bases on a walk off home run during the 11th inning ketball players to its domestic several NBA teams. After Realmuto led off the home half of against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports league. He broke down in tears during the fourth with a single, Pittsburgh starter Lin was part of the Toronto an emotional appearance in Joe Musgrove recorded a pair of strikeouts Dickerson gave the Phillies a 5-4 lead lected two hits apiece for Atlanta, which sacrifi ce fl y to right to give the Rockies a Raptors team that won the Taiwan last month when he before the lefty-hitting Miller crushed an with a two-run shot two batters later, his had its eight-game winning streak ended. 1-0 lead. championship last season, but described feeling abandoned 0-1 fastball to left-centre fi eld with the eighth. Bell hit a one-out, game-tying The Monday contest was a makeup of The Braves tied it in the ninth when he was often benched during by the NBA. wind blowing out that way. homer, his 33rd, in the ninth off Phillies an April 10 game that was postponed due Cervelli led off with a triple and pinch the playoff s as he struggled “Every year it gets harder,” Lin The two-run shot - Miller’s fi fth homer closer Hector Neris. Pirates reliever Chris to a blizzard that hit the Denver area. The runner Billy Hamilton scored on a sacri- with his form. said at the time. of the year - easily cleared the wall, and Stratton worked out of a bases-loaded jam Braves fl ew into Denver on Sunday from fi ce fl y by Adeiny Hechavarria. Both start- The man behind the ‘Linsan- “In English there’s a saying, it Statcast estimated the blast at 434 feet. in the ninth by striking out Harper swing- New York, where they had swept a three- ers got a no-decision despite neither giv- ity’ hysteria of 2012 became says once you hit rock Musgrove helped himself in the fi fth ing in a seven-pitch at-bat. He also es- game series from the Mets, and then were ing up a run. Atlanta right-hander Julio an unrestricted free agent bottom, the only way is up after Phillies starter Jason Vargas got two caped a fi rst-and-second, no-out threat fl ying out Monday night to Toronto for a Teheran struck out four and allowed three this summer, and struggled but rock bottom just seems to outs to open the frame. After Frazier dou- in the 10th. two-game interleague series against the hits and three walks through six shut- to find a new team in the keep getting more and more bled, Musgrove ripped a liner off the wall Blue Jays. out innings. Colorado right-hander Tim NBA. rock bottom for me.” in left fi eld to plate Frazier to put Pitts- ROCKIES SNAP BRAVES’ 8-GAME WIN The Rockies got the win after Nolan Are- Melville fanned six in fi ve innings while The Ducks, long one of the Lin has also struggled with burgh on the board at 2-1. STREAK ON WALK-OFF HR nado walked to lead off the ninth against giving up fi ve hits and three walks. strongest teams in the China injuries and inconsistency Moran tied it 2-2 in the seventh when Ryan McMahon hit a walk-off , two-run Anthony Swarzak (3-4). Jerry Blevins en- The Braves had a runner on in each of Basketball Association (CBA) since he led the New York he doubled to score Cabrera, who opened homer in the ninth inning, and the Colo- tered and struck out Daniel Murphy, but the fi ve innings against Melville and had league, swooped in to sign Knicks to a seven-game win with single to left. The Pirates then load- rado Rockies beat the visiting Atlanta McMahon followed with his 18th homer of the fi rst real scoring opportunity in the him, and announced it on streak in 2012 to level their ed the bases, and reliever Jared Hughes Braves 3-1 on Monday in Denver. Trevor the season to right fi eld to end it. fourth. Freddie Freeman led off with a their off icial Weibo social record at 15-15. yielded a two-run single to Newman for Story had three hits, and Jairo Diaz (5-3) With the game scoreless, the Rockies walk and stole second as Josh Donaldson media account. That season elevated his star- Pittsburgh’s fi rst lead at 4-2. got the win despite allowing the tying run fi nally broke through in the eighth inning. struck out. “Jeremy joining the Beijing dom far beyond the United In the bottom of the eighth, Harper in the ninth inning for the Rockies, who Dom Nunez led off with a double, and af- Matt Joyce singled to left, but Freeman Ducks men’s basketball shows States to China, where basket- popped a two-out solo homer, his 28th, snapped a four-game losing streak. ter advancing on a groundout by Yonder was thrown out at home by Colorado’s Ian his confidence in us and is an ball has a huge following. to right-centre to trim the defi cit to 4-3. Matt Joyce and Francisco Cervelli col- Alonso, he scored on Charlie Blackmon’s Desmond. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 28, 2019 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Jakobsen edges charging Bennett in Winning is more Vuelta photo fi nish important than money: McIlroy ‘I realise I’m in a very privileged position that I can say that but at this stage in my career they are way more important to me’

By Ewan Murray The Guardian

t may placate those of- Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland fended by the largesse of celebrates with the FedExCup a golfer scooping $15mn trophy in Atlanta on Sunday. Ifor tournament success to hear that the value of that prize doesn’t matter to the individual in question. When seeking to close out the Tour Champion- Team Deceuninck rider Netherlands’ Fabio Jakobsen (L), Team Bora ship, with the associated FedEx rider Ireland’s Sam Bennett (C) and Team Sunweb rider Germany’s Cup bounty the standard refer- Max Walscheid (R) cross the finish of the fourth stage of the 2019 La ence point, Rory McIlroy’s focus Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, a 175.5km route from Cullera to El Puig, was solely on professional enti- yesterday. ties. “I didn’t think about it once,” AFP had my eyes closed.” McIlroy insisted of the biggest El Puig, Spain Jelle Wallays (Lotto Soudal) pay day in golf’s history. “I was and Jorge Cubero (Burgos-BH) thinking about winning this were the early escapees and even tournament, winning the stroke utchman Fabio Jakob- stretched their lead over the average, getting back to second sen held off a remark- peloton to seven minutes with in the world. All those things able fi ghtback from 139km left. are way more important to me. DIreland’s Sam Bennett But soon after the category I realise I’m in a very privileged to edge a photo fi nish and win the three climb of Puerto del Oronet, position that I can say that but fourth stage of the Vuelta a Es- Cubero was hit by a mechani- at this stage in my career they pana yesterday. cal problem before Wallays was are way more important to me.” Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quick- caught by the peloton with 18km Success at East Lake did, Step) won a dramatic sprint to remaining. however, mean McIlroy could claim the narrowest of victo- Bennett’s costly mistake came alter the life of someone close to ries in El Puig, after Bennett had with just over 5km to go as he him. The golfer’s best friend and made an impressive recovery went right around the penulti- caddie, Harry Diamond, will won the Players Championship McIlroy, who now has only a few changes. I started to ap- weekend. When assessing McIl- from taking a wrong turn around mate roundabout, losing pre- collect $1.5m in line with typi- and Canadian Open, McIlroy Koepka ahead of him in the proach things diff erently.” roy’s year, this looks the clear a roundabout. cious time on the leaders. cal percentages bestowed on a has a case to challenge Brooks world rankings, has scaled back A key example: stop treating outlier. Germany’s Maximilian Wals- Max Richeze led out the sprint, bag man. This alliance, how- Koepka as the player of the year. matters of technicality. “I made Sundays like any other tourna- “It is and it isn’t; the fi rst cheid (Team Sunweb) was third with his team-mate Jakobsen ever, stretches beyond clubs and From 19 PGA Tour starts in 2019, a plan at the start of the year not ment round. “You have to be a round is but I shot six under on while his teammate Nicolas Ro- close behind, only for Bennett to yardages. “Harry would be hap- McIlroy notched 14 top 10s. to really focus or worry about realist and realise it’s not,” said the second day,” he said. “So che from Ireland retained the weave through the pack in a late py with anything,” said McIlroy. Consistency of performance is my swing the weeks that I’m McIlroy. “You have to prepare the golf was in there but I had a overall leader’s red jersey. surge for the line. A photo fi nish “It’s just so cool to be able to do linked to a stable state of mind. playing,” he said. “I try to do for it. Brooks went out there horrifi c start. It was a bit of an Roche maintained his lead showed Jakobsen had held on. this with him, aside from money “Sometimes emotion has all of my work with my coach on Sunday in Memphis [at the anomaly, I feel. over his two Colombian chasers, Stage fi ve today, between or anything else. We are sharing worked against me, and that’s Michael Bannon on off weeks. I World Golf Championship in “People put their own im- with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) L’Eliana and Observatorio As- these experiences; we watched the real reason that I maybe think you should do your work July], shot 65 and just basically portance on certain things, it’s two seconds behind and Rig- trofi sico de Javalambre, off ers Tiger win at East Lake a year ago don’t show as much out there before the tournament starts, dominated the tournament, all perception. The majors are oberto Uran (EF Education First) the race’s fi rst summit fi nish and and now we walk up to the last as I used to,” said the four-times and then once you’re there, just dominated me. I realised if I very important to me, they are a further six seconds back. off ers the biggest test so far of green and have that moment. major winner. “I don’t want to go with what you have.” want to become the dominant the biggest tournaments in the Jakobsen picks up his fi rst those hoping to win the general That stuff is so cool and will stay get too high and I don’t want to Lessons learned 11 months player in the world again, I need world and you want to win them grand tour victory in his debut classifi cation. with us forever. It’s worth way get too low. “If I needed to get ago, when McIlroy was beaten to be more like that.” but at the same time there are appearance at the Vuelta after Earlier, Steven Kruijswijk, one more than cheques.” emotional and get really riled to the Tour Championship by It was on day one at this four chances a year. another relatively fl at, 175.5-kil- of the event’s leading contend- The scoring average to which up, this isn’t the sport to do Tiger Woods, have also proved year’s Open that we saw McIl- “It’s not as if you don’t win ometre stage, that was always ers, was forced to pull out with a McIlroy referred has closed at that. I’m not a football player. pivotal. “I had played in another roy stumble. His 79 in front of them then there is nothing left likely to play to the sprinters. knee injury sustained in a crash under 70 and is the best in this It’s golf, and you sort of need to fi nal group and didn’t get the a stunned audience in his native to play for. It [success] is not “I don’t know how close it in Saturday’s team time trial. PGA Tour season, earning him try to be pretty even-keeled the job done,” McIlroy recalled. “I Northern Ireland proved fatal to guaranteed, there’s a law of av- was, maybe a couple of millime- Kruijswijk’s team, Jumbo-Vis- the Vardon Trophy. Having also whole way through.” said to myself that I had to make his chances of surviving for the erages.” tres,” said Jakobsen “I just threw ma wrote in a statement that the my bike at the line.” rider “has abandoned the Vuelta. “I knew (I had won) when I He’s suff ering a sore knee due to BOTTOMLINE saw guys from team cheering,” the crash in the TTT and the pain he said. “I couldn’t see because I has gotten worse.” Wiggins looking forward to FOCUS Lomachenko eyes saying: ‘I’m a social worker now’ a diff erent catch

AFP ing as a social worker. before he is 40 London “And when people say, ‘Oh, you’re that cyclist’, I’ll say, ‘No, AFP train every day. that was a few years ago. I’m a London “My motivation, my goal, is radley Wiggins plans social worker now’.” four titles (at lightweight). After, to become a social work- Wiggins’ reputation has suf- I don’t know what happens. Now er as the former Tour de fered since his retirement after kraine’s world light- it’s two more belts.” France winner moves internet hackers revealed details weight champion Vasyl Campbell matched Lo- ontoB a new life after his remark- of therapeutic use exemptions Lomachenko says he machenko at the London Ol- able cycling career. (TUEs) Wiggins was granted wants to enjoy hunting ympics in 2012 with gold in the Wiggins was the fi rst Briton ahead of some of his biggest rac- Uand fi shing and not box on into bantamweight division and he to win the Tour de France in 2012 es, including the 2012 Tour. his 40s like fellow great Manny will bid to do better than com- and he followed that memora- An investigation into the con- Pacquiao. patriot Anthony Crolla, who was ble success by taking an Olym- tents of a jiff y bag delivered to the The 31-year-old two-time Ol- knocked out in the fourth round pic time trial gold later the same 2011 Criterium du Dauphine for ympic champion will hope to add by the Ukrainian in April. year. his use was inconclusive. the vacant WBC belt to his WBA If Lomachenko is to hold all But the 39-year-old doesn’t Wiggins called the controver- and WBO lightweight titles when four world title belts, he will not want to dwell on his sporting sial investigation a “malicious he fi ghts Britain’s Luke Campbell just need to beat Campbell on success any longer. witch-hunt” at the time. in London on Saturday. Saturday but also target Ghana’s “I don’t give a s**t about my Meanwhile, Team Wiggins Le Lomachenko, who enjoyed Richard Commey, who possesses cycling career now,” Wiggins Col, the professional develop- an outstanding amateur career the IBF crown. told Issue magazine. “I’m just ment team he formed in 2015, winning Olympic gold in 2008 Lomachenko has been break- detached from it, I don’t want to will close at the end of the sea- (featherweight) and 2012 (light- ing records for the speed with live off the back of it. son. weight) and is believed to have which he has amassed world ti- “I live off of being me, and I’m Wiggins appears to have taken lost just one of his 396 bouts, told tles in three weight classes, the happy in my own skin.” those slings and arrows in his the BBC he will retire before he is others being featherweight and Wiggins attempted to be- stride as he prepares for a new 40. junior lightweight. come a professional rower after chapter. Pacquiao became the oldest All this in just 14 professional his cycling journey ended, but He famously posed on a throne welterwight world champion in bouts. when that venture petered out he in front of Hampton Court Pal- history when aged 40 he won on His one defeat to Orlando worked as a television pundit for ace after his Olympic gold in a split decision over American Salido came in only his second Eurosport. London, but he has no com- Keith Thurman in July. fi ght and his fi rst world title bout However, Wiggins, who had a plaints that his spell as the king Lomachenko is adamant he (WBO featherweight). diffi cult relationship with his es- of cycling is over. will not be following suit. “It’s one of my goals and dream tranged father after growing up “It’s nice to be remembered “No, I don’t want that, it’s too to put my name in boxing his- in north London, wants to move but I can’t keep waltzing in with much,” he said. tory,” he said. into social work in a bid to help a rock’n’roll haircut and a suede “I have trained since I am four “That’s why I started a pro ca- others less fortunate than him- he said. “It took me a while to “So now I can do the TV job, “Those horrifi c things I saw suit on, drunk,” he said. years old. I was born a boxer. reer and fought for a world title in self. fi nd myself, redefi ne myself, and but I’ve also enrolled to do an when I was growing up. nothing “I’ve moved on from that per- “Always, something has to my second fi ght. I’m the fastest “When I was off ered a TV role come back to cycling without an Open University degree in social can shock me now, and I want to son. Everything ends, everything end. I want to hunt, I want to fi sh three-weight world champion, so I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it,” ego. work. I want to help people. use that mental toughness work- has to end.” every day. Now I can’t do this as I I do everything for legacy.” Gulf Times Werdnesday, August 28, 2019 7 TENNIS

FOCUS Black tennis pioneer Gibson honoured, equality fi ght goes on AFP opportunities she helped bring achieved, that statue is the be- champion who is now 75, to be- New York to tennis.” ginning of what we should be come a historic champion for At a time when racism was doing for Althea.” women’s rights. widespread, Gibson also won Serena noted the battle for “She totally inspired me,” ven as a new US Open the 1957 and 1958 US Open and equality as a woman and an Afri- King said. statue paid tribute to the Wimbledon titles despite often can-American continues. “I knew if Althea had gone courage and persever- being forced to sleep in cars and “We’re going through a lot of through what she had gone ance of black tennis pio- barred from restaurants. that now in general,” she said. through and changed the world, neerE Althea Gibson, Serena and “What people have to under- “We need people to fi ght for us, that I had a chance to follow in Venus Williams warned Monday stand is how she persevered and whether it is for equality, wheth- her footsteps and help change that the social and racial battles what she means not just to our er it is for racism... or else change the next generations. she fought remain issues today. sport, to all society, to everyone,” necessarily won’t come as fast as “Althea is a very strong re- Gibson, the fi rst black Grand US tennis legend Billie Jean King we would need it to.” minder that it’s important to Slam tennis champion, died in said. England’s Angela Buxton, the living people right now that 2003 at age 76 after winning fi ve The tribute comes as incidents 85, was Gibson’s women’s dou- we carry on her legacy and the Grand Slam singles titles, in- involving white supremacists are bles partner in 1956 French and legacy of equality.” cluding a historic breakthrough growing in the United States. Wimbledon title runs but gave a King said women still have singles win at the 1956 French “Every generation has to con- sobering assessment of the art- great strides to make in society Championships. tinue the process and the fi ght to work. to achieve equality with men. “It sends a great message to keep freedom available, to get rid “You want an honest opinion? “Being a woman? We’re still me in particular, knowing what of sexism and racism,” King said. Well, it doesn’t resemble her at second-class citizens, and she went through, being truly “Right now I think we have a lot all,” Buxton said. she’s African-American, so just the fi rst pioneer, an African- of racism.” “Sorry to say that. I would go down the totem pole some American in tennis, just to a Venus Williams, a seven-time have passed her any day and not more,” King said. sport that wasn’t open to black Slam singles champion, said the know who it was. “As women, we do not get the people,” 23-time Slam singles equality Gibson fought for re- “But the main thing is not the same respect. We do not. We still champion Serena Williams said. mains elusive. statue. It’s what I learned from do not. We’re always second. I “It’s also really important to “I don’t think anyone really Players and dignitaries pose with the statue during the unveiling ceremony of the Althea Gibson sculpture her and what I enjoyed with her.” can go through every day of my be thankful and to know what understands what it was like in on day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AFP) life and people don’t notice it, she went through... No mat- those days,” she said. GIBSON INSPIRED KING but it’s just there. And if you’re ter what colour you are, you can “We came here for freedom many people were not given fi ghting for it, we’ve gotten a lot “She went through it so Gibson also helped inspire King, a person of color, I can’t imagine defi nitely learn a lot about the and it was unfortunate that that. Because of Althea, people closer to it. I didn’t have to. What she a 12-time Grand Slam singles what you go through each day.”

US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Serena on banned umpire Ramos: I don’t India’s Nagal exits know who that is

AFP that Ramos will not offi ciate New York any Serena or Venus Williams match at this year’s US Open. When she was asked about erena Williams is trying Ramos, whose penalty calls with head held high hard to move past last had a major impact in her loss year’s US Open fi nal to Osaka, she replied, “I don’t ‘I think he knows what he can bring. That’s why I think he’s going to have a very solid career’ meltdown, preferring know who that is.” toS forget the umpire she called It’s doubtful she will want a “liar” and “thief” and fans to jog her memory by looking booing a controversial ending. at video of last year’s fi nal, Williams humbled Russia’s which ended with Williams Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 on in tears and Osaka’s moment Monday to reach the second of glory left “bittersweet” as round of the US Open as she fans voiced displeasure at the seeks a historic seventh New controversial awarding of a York title and 24th Grand game that put Osaka one game Slam singles crown. from the title. Williams, when Asked if she felt the tour- asked about how much last nament was hers to win, the year’s fi nal entered her mind eighth seed replied, “I feel like in her return to Ashe, spoke I’m here to do that. We’ll see only about the crowd that was what happens.” loud and vocal in supporting Her domination of Shara- her over Sharapova. pova produced a 19th consec- “It was great. The fans, they utive triumph over the fi ve- were so amazing,” Williams time Slam winner, boosting said. “I could hear them walk- her record in the rivalry to ing down the hallway. It was 20-2. It was the fi rst match such a good feeling. It made for Williams at Ashe since me feel unbelievable, really she unleashed her wrath at helped me get amped up and umpire Carlos Ramos in last pumped up.” year’s US Open fi nal and he She thanked the fans on the awarded a game penalty to court after the match with eventual winner Naomi Osaka a nod to past defeats, say- of Japan, this year’s top seed ing, “I’ve had a lot of tough and the reigning Australian matches and a lot of tough Open champion as well. losses but coming out here The US Tennis Associa- tonight makes it all worth- tion decided before the start while.”

Nishikori already has sights set on Tokyo Olympics

Roger Federer (left) of Switzerland shakes hand with Sumit Nagal of India after their first round match on day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (Getty Images/AFP)

Reuters “Even though it’s kind of what ‘Pretty cool’: Svajda, 16, revels in Grand Slam debut an earlier match. New York you live for, you dream about, The last time the country of There are still four Grand ever he returns to Tokyo or playing on the big stage. So I Sixteen-year-old Zachary “I loved, it was awesome and a 1.3 billion had two singles play- Slam events that will be con- anywhere else in his native think he did that very well. Svajda cherished an “awesome” great atmosphere out there.” ers in the main draw was Wim- tested before medals can be country. Nishikori is one of Ja- aking a Grand Slam “I think his game is based on professional debut in the US “I had full body cramp during bledon 1998 when Leander Paes won at the Tokyo Olympics pan’s most recognised faces main draw debut being really consistent, mov- Open first round Monday as he the third set. It was the first time and Mahesh Bhupathi were but as far as Kei Nishikori and is not able to walk the against Roger Feder- ing well, moving the ball around became the youngest player to I’ve had it,” he added. “It was competing. is concerned, all roads from streets without bodyguards er at a packed Arthur well. Sort of very much a clay- feature in the men’s draw since tough but I was just trying to Like most kids growing up now on lead to one destina- keeping fans and members of MAshe Stadium would have been courter. That’s also the surface in India, Nagal wanted to be a Donald Young in 2005. stand up. I was just going to fin- tion. “For me it (the Olympics) the media at bay. overwhelming for many play- he’s played basically the entire Svajda looked on course to ish it out even if I couldn’t stand cricketer but it was his father will be the biggest event His name and image are plas- ers but unheralded Indian Sumit year almost. become the youngest winner or move. I wouldn’t default. who insisted he swap bat and of the year,” Nishikori told tered on a variety of diff erent Nagal handled the occasion like “I think he knows what he can of a singles match in New York “I thought the whole match ball for a racket, setting him on Reuters after reaching the products. His fans can drive a seasoned veteran, earning a bring. That’s why I think since Michael Chang reached I had chances to win even his tennis path. second round of the US Open a special edition “Kei” Jaguar, string of new admirers at the US he’s going to have a very solid the fourth round of the 1988 though I was down. It didn’t go In 2005 Nagal caught the eye on Monday. “I want to peak eat Nissin Nishikori Noodles, Open. career.” tournament at age 16. my way but it’s fine, I’ll take it as of Bhupathi, who won India its for the Olympics, so I may or book flights on Kei-brand- The 22-year-old showed lit- Even when Federer was on the However, the USTA Boys’ learning and see the positives.” fi rst Grand Slam title in 1997 have to change a few things ed Japan Airlines planes. tle sign of nerves in Monday’s brink of victory Nagal refused Nationals champion struggled Svajda, who only turned profes- when he won the French Open to prepare properly.” What does he plan do to do in- fi rst round match, coming out to roll over, earning four of his with cramp after claiming the sional this month and will com- mixed doubles, at a trial for his That may include Nishikori sulate himself from the weight swinging to win the opening 13 break point opportunities in first two sets against 37-year- pete in the junior tournament academy and got selected from making changes to his 2020 of expectation he is likely to set against the fi ve-time the fi nal game as the Swiss old Paolo Lorenzi of Italy and too, also recalled his hitting the thousands of youngsters summer hardcourt season. receive at next year’s Games? champion before exiting 4-6, served for the match in the eventually lost 3-6, 6-7 (5/7), sessions with Roger Federer at present. “I usually play Washington “I will need to keep things 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. fourth set. 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. Indian Wells. Nagal was ranked 361 at the and a full summer but I’ll simple and take my mind off Federer, who has 20 Grand That same fi ghting spirit “That was pretty cool. I’ve never “That was awesome, great guy. start of the year after being side- have to be careful with my tennis,” he said. “I will prob- Slam singles titles to his name, saw him rally from a set and experienced any of that in my I was pretty nervous in the lined by a shoulder problem but schedule,” said the world ably play video games.” His saw his serve broken three times 3-0 down in the fi nal qualify- life,” Svajda said of fans chant- beginning but then after I was 2019 has already seen him make number seven. Being current favorites, Splatoon by the world No 190 and was im- ing round at Flushing Meadows ing his name during the match. used to it I guess.” remarkable progress. physically prepared is not and “anything on Nintendo pressed by his composure. against Brazilian Joao Menezes “He showed incredible com- Nishikori’s only concern. Switch.” Nishikori made his- “I guess maybe how he han- to earn his maiden appearance posure against the greatest play- The 29-year-old has long tory in 2014 when he became dled the moment. Never easy to at the main draw of a Grand “He’s always making you in more than two decades that er in the world and held his own,” called Bradenton, Florida, the first man representing come out and play your best,” Slam. think of what he’s going to do, India had more than one player Bhupathi told Reuters. home largely because living an Asian nation to contest a Federer, 38, said of his opponent, Nagal said playing against Fe- and that’s how I felt. Players I in the main draw of a Grand “I think both he and his outside Japan aff ords him Grand Slam final. He won a who has never earned a tour- derer was a unique experience. have played, I never had this Slam singles, with Prajnesh coaching team should be very some much-needed anonym- bronze medal at the 2016 Rio level victory and only qualifi ed “He loves putting pressure on feeling.” Gunneswaran losing to world proud of the improvements they ity. That is not the case when- Olympics. for the US Open last week. the other guy,” he said. Monday was also the fi rst time number fi ve Daniil Medvedev in have made this year.”

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS Tannie Ans: The calm before Wayde storms on the track 77-year-old Ans Botha is the compassionate guiding force behind 400m World and Olympic champion Van Niekerk

By Mikhil Bhat The coach from Namibia, Doha who met Van Niekerk at the Free State University in Bloemfontein, South Africa, talks about how the n a world of fast times and athlete, the manager and she had speed, Ans Botha’s calm is a pondered over taking a break in breath of fresh air. 2018. With her silky white hair “Beijing World Champion- Iand frequent references to Tan- ships (400m gold), Rio (400m nie – Afrikaans for auntie – gold in world record time), the around the room, she stands out 2017 World Championships dou- easily. And her pearls of wisdom ble (400m gold, 200m silver), speak of the abundance of her ex- Wayde was mentally absolutely perience. drained,” she says. A sprinter and a long jumper “2018 didn’t have any big in her younger days, Tannie Ans competitions, barring Common- saw potential in her daughter, wealth Games, and we thought Herma, but couldn’t fi nd a good about taking him off and give enough coach. Armed with a him a gap year, just to build his book on athletics coaching, she strength and have a good rest took matters into her own hands. mentally. Those were the late sixties. Half “But we didn’t have to decide, a century later, the 77-year-old it was decided for us,” she says, and her protégés are still making referring to the injury in late 2017. waves in the world of athletics. Needless to say that the injury Just two years ago she received must have been a tough time for the IAAF Award for Coaching Van Niekerk, but for Botha, a Achievement. It was only a few mother fi gure in the athlete’s life, days after her most famous pro- it was just as diffi cult. tégé, 400m World and Olympic “As a mother fi gure, his pain is champion Wayde van Niekerk, your pain, his disappointments had picked up an ACL injury are your disappointments. On while playing a celebrity touch the other hand I also have to be rugby match. “I was mad,” Botha strong and positive, and not al- had then told the IAAF website. low my pain that I feel for him to Van Niekerk, the 400m world be carried over on to him. I have record holder, has since had to to be strong for him, and be there push back his full-fl edged com- for him,” she says. petitive return, and while his The 27-year-old’s absence South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk (second from left), his coach Ans Botha (third from right) and South Africa’s ambassador to Qatar Faizel Moosa (second from right) at an event at participation in the next month’s has seen the rise of American the South African embassy yesterday. PICTURES: Ram Chand IAAF World Athletics Cham- Michael Norman, who ran an in- pionship in Doha is under the door world record 44.52 seconds cloud, he is targeting the Olym- in March last year. The World Van Niekerk makes us proud as South Africans: ambassador Moosa pics next year in Tokyo, Japan. Championships in Doha would “At this stage it really is unsure have seen a fi rst ever head-to- By Sports Reporter The 27-year-old athlete is in “My term finishes in Febru- because we are still awaiting re- head between the two. Doha the Qatari capital as he recov- ary and I might just write to sults of the latest tests and MRIs But Botha is not paying much ers from injury at Aspetar, have my term extended,” he that have been done. I can’t say,” attention. the orthopaedic and sports laughed, giving a glimpse of his Botha says on the sidelines of an “You don’t want to run your outh Africa’s ambas- medicine hospital. sense of humour. “But I am sure event at the South African Em- opponent’s race. You want to run sador to Qatar, Faizel “A champion will only go the other ambassador will be bassy in the Qatari capital yes- your own race,” she says. SMoosa, had a lot to to another champion, and hoping to get here just in time terday. “We do our thing; we focus on cheer about when 400m Aspetar being the flagship … So yeah, I am really excited.” Van Niekerk, the fi rst man in what we have to do and what our Olympic and World champion of sports science here, he is Another South African history to go sub-10, sub-20, goals are, and you forget about Wayde van Niekerk visited working with them for his champion’s participation at sub-31 and sub-44 seconds in the rest.” the nation’s embassy in Doha recovery from his injuries, and next month’s World Champi- 100m, 200m, 300m and the And focus she does. She has yesterday. when he is done with that, onships has been a subject of 400m events respectively, has this innate ability to keep her “It’s a real honour; he is the (I am sure) he will be faster,” debate — Caster Semenya. been undergoing treatment at maternal instincts off the track world champion after all,” said Moosa. “As South Africans we are Qatar’s state-of-the-art ortho- when she is coaching her wards, Moosa said yesterday. The ambassador was looking very disappointed that she is paedic and sports medicine hos- often around 30 odd of them. “There has been excitement in forward to the exciting and not able to participate (in her pital, Aspetar. “(On the track) I don’t al- hope that he will come to the sporting times ahead in Qatar. specialised event of 800m),” “It’s really, really, really, really low anything, no cell phones, IAAF World Championships in “Qatar is really doing a lot on Moosa said, referring to the heartbreaking,” she says, before for instance; it has to be disci- Doha, even though it looks at the sports side. I am fortunate recent Swiss court decision her calmness and experience pline. They need to work and my this time that he might not be that I have been posted here that overturned a temporary kicks in. athletes also know that. Off the able to, because he is prepar- while so many great things ruling allowing her to com- “But on the other hand, my be- track, and after hours, I am there ing for the Olympics in Japan are happening. In fact my pete without testosterone- lief is something like this doesn’t for anything that they need or next year. term ends in 2022, and I will suppressing drugs. “You are happen for nothing. Wayde and anything that they may want to “But he is the fastest man be seeing, quite a bit of excite- born the way you are born, I talked about this a lot. And we talk about or whatever. But on the in the planet in 400m and ment for the World Champion- you can’t modify yourself. I see it as something which had track it’s discipline and work,” it makes us proud as South ships next month right till the think as South Africans we to be happen to make both of us she says. South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk (right), talks to ambassador Faizel Moosa. Africans.” FIFA World Cup,” he said. support her 100 percent.” mentally stronger.” And it shows.

TENNIS Serena routs Sharapova in US Open start, ‘rusty’ Federer wins AFP Defending champ New York Osaka scratches out win at US Open erena Williams over- whelmed Maria Sharapo- eigning US Open va 6-1, 6-1 on Monday to champion Naomi Osaka reach the second round of Rsurvived a patchy start theS US Open in search of her 24th to her title defense yesterday Grand Slam title while “rusty” to come through in three Roger Federer rallied past Indian tough sets against Russia’s qualifi er Sumit Nagal. Anna Blinkova, the world Six-time US Open champion number 84. Williams crushed the fi ve-time Osaka suff ered a first-round major winner from Russia in only exit last month at Wimbledon 59 minutes, beating Sharapova and the Japanese star found for the 19th consecutive time and a spirited Blinkova hard to put improving to 20-2 in their all- away in Arthur Ashe Stadium time rivalry. before she advanced 6-4, 6-7 “Whenever I play her I bring (5), 6-2 in two hours and 28 out some of my best tennis,” Wil- minutes. liams said. “When you play her you have to be super focused.” gentina’s 56th-ranked Juan Ig- Williams, who next plays nacio Londero. 121st-ranked US wildcard Caty Djokovic owns 16 Grand Slam McNally, blasted fi ve aces and 16 titles, four off Federer’s record winners while Sharapova made Serena Williams of the US hits a return against Maria Sharapova (not Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot against Sumit Nagal (not pictured) of India during their US and two back of Spain’s Rafael 20 unforced errors. pictured) of Russia in the US Open first round in Flushing, New York, on Open first round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighbourhood Nadal. Together the “Big Three” “She served really well. Found Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) of the Queens borough of New York City on Monday. (AFP) have won the past 11 Slam titles her spots really well,” Sharapova and are again heavy favourites. said. “I think that’s where she The shock fi rst set was a wake- unforced errors. Eighth-seeded Williams rolled “The body is good,” she said. Slam singles titles, dispatched Australian second seed Barty hurt me a lot.” up call, a 38-year-old legend “It all came back just in time.” through the fi rst set in 24 min- “My back is a lot better. I’m ex- Spain’s 76th-ranked Roberto overcame a horrible start to oust Williams is hoping to match the who was 61-0 in Grand Slam fi rst Sharapova, the 2006 US Open utes then broke to open the sec- cited. This is going to be fun.” Carballes Baena 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. 80th-ranked Zarina Diyas of Ka- all-time record of 24 Slam singles rounds since the 2003 French winner who defeated Williams in ond. She denied Sharapova on “Getting out of the blocks, it zakhstan 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. titles won by Margaret Court. Open trailing a 22-year-old from the 2004 Wimbledon fi nal, upset two break points to hold in the DJOKOVIC CRUISES takes time for you to feel com- Barty made 19 unforced errors Swiss third seed Federer, who New Delhi who is ranked 190th and Simona Halep in the fi rst round fi fth game, an impressive back- Top-ranked defending cham- fortable on the court,” Djokovic to drop the fi rst set in 28 minutes, has a men’s record 20 Slam titles, fell to 0-5 in tour-level matches. two years ago but could not re- hand winner ending the threat. pion Novak Djokovic cruised into said. “I’m quite pleased with my but took nine of the last 11 games dropped the opening set in 36 “Just tried to forget it, play vive that magic. Williams broke again to 4-1, the second round while French performance and looking for- to book a date with American minutes, then returned to form tough, stay with him. It was a The 37-year-old American rescued three break points in Open champion Ashleigh Barty ward to the next one.” Lauren Davis. and defeated Nagal 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, tough fi rst set for me,” Federer said that after learning she would the sixth game to hold serve and and third seed Karolina Pliskova Djokovic, trying to become Russian fi fth seed Daniil 6-4. said. “He came back and played face Sharapova, “every practice broke again to advance, showing struggled but advanced. the fi rst back-to-back US Open Medvedev, winner at Cincin- “I played like my beard today. I really strong. I was missing a lot after that was super focused and no sign of the back spasms that Serbian star Djokovic, who has winner since Federer won from nati, beat India’s Prajnesh Gun- was rusty,” Federer said. of balls and trying to cut back on super intense.” limited her pre-Open play. won four of the past fi ve Grand 2004-2008, will next face Ar- neswaran 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.