NBA | Page 5 Leonard, Raptors rally, move within one Tel: 4498 6498 E-mail: [email protected] win of Finals web: www.garminqatar.com

Saturday, May 25, 2019 FOOTBALL Ramadan 20, 1440 AH Liverpool defeat GULF TIMES has ruined Barca’s season, says Messi SPORT Page 3

TENNIS Djoko ready to fi re at Roland Garros as landmark beckons ‘This is the tournament I was preparing for, so to say, for last couple of months I wanted to peak in this tournament’

Reuters Paris Federer admits he’s stepping into the unknown in Paris orld number one be- Reuters “I feel like I’m playing good ten- lieves he is peak- Paris nis but... is it enough against the ing at the perfect absolute top guys when it really Wmoment to win four successive comes to the crunch? I’m not titles for the second aving won 20 grand slam sure if it’s in my racket. time in his career by capturing titles during a glittering “But I hope I can get myself the . Hcareer, one might think in that position deep down in The Serb became the fi rst man that has seen the tournament against the since in 1969 to hold it all. top guys. But first I need to all four Grand Slams simultane- Yet the 37-year-old Swiss admits get there and I know that’s a ously when he won the French he is stepping into the unknown challenge in itself. Yeah, it’s Open for the fi rst time in 2016. as he returns to the French definitely going to be an excit- Now he stands on the cusp of Open after a three-year hiatus. ing tournament mentally to go doing it again, less than a year af- The former world number one through.” ter many predicted his best days won his only Roland Garros title Federer will kick off his cam- were behind him after his strug- back in 2009, and he wanted to paign against Italian Lorenzo gle to recover from elbow surgery. give it another go after skipping Sonego and has a relatively After a dip in form following his the last three editions of the easy path until the quarter- Australian Open triumph this year, claycourt major. finals, where he could meet the 15-times Grand Slam winner Asked if he thought he could lift Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas before has impressed on the European the Musketeers’ Cup on June 9, a potential semi-final against claycourts, winning the Madrid ti- Federer replied: “I don’t know. 11-time champion , tle and reaching the fi nal in Rome A bit of a question mark for me. whom he has never beaten at where he was beaten by French Some ways I feel similar to may- the French Open. Open holder Rafael Nadal. be the Australian Open in 2017. A Federer won the title in 2009 He arrived at Roland Garros in bit of the unknown,” Federer told after Nadal had been beaten by peak condition and high on con- reporters yesterday referring to Swede Robin Soderling midway fi dence. his comeback to the season’s first through the event. Federer then “This is the tournament I was major in 2017 after being out of defeated Soderling in the final preparing for, so to say, for last action for six months. to complete his career slam. couple of months I wanted to peak in this tournament and this is where I want to play my best Rafael Nadal (left) of Spain is congratulated by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning during their ATP Masters tournament in Rome on Sunday. tennis,” Djokovic told reporters Djokovic has said that Nadal is the favourite to win the tournament at Roland Garros. (AFP) yesterday. “I’m sure I’m not the only one, Cecchinato in the quarter-fi nals The 32-year-old said he had to reach the top of my potential “He’s lost, what, two times in but there’s extra motivation and — then angrily walking into a press tweaked his strategy in recent physically, emotionally, mentally his career on Parisian clay? So lots incentive to win Roland Garros conference saying he was consid- months to peak at the Grand for the Grand Slam.” of respect for him. We had a good because of the opportunity to ering skipping Wimbledon. Slams. “Because at this stage of Djokovic said Nadal was the match in Rome. He was a better hold all four slams, something I Instead he regrouped and took my career, those are the ones that favourite to claim a record-ex- player. Was just too strong.” did three years ago, and that gives the title a few weeks later on the matter the most for me,” Djoko- tending 12th title in Paris. Djokovic faces a tricky opener me enough reason to believe I can London lawns, before winning vic added. “I think it wouldn’t be fair to against Poland’s 43rd-ranked do it again.” the US Open and this year’s Mel- “Those are the tournaments pick anybody else but him as the Hubert Hurkacz with a possible Last year in Paris Djokovic bourne title to reach 15 Grand where I want to play my best. So main favourite, because he has second-round against Sam Quer- showed glimpses of his best form Slam titles — fi ve behind the we try to obviously set up a train- won this tournament so many rey, the American who beat him at before falling to Italian Marco mark of Roger Federer. ing schedule that would allow me times,” he added. Wimbledon three years ago.

CRICKET Pakistan’s Azam primed to thrive under World Cup spotlight

Reuters Bengaluru England’s Morgan injures fi nger in practice

Reuters “England captain Eoin Morgan omparisons with Virat Bengaluru has sustained a small flake Kohli have been a stum- fracture to his left index finger,” bling block for many ECB said in a statement. batsmen in world cricket ngland captain Eoin Mor- “Morgan picked up the injury butC Pakistan’s Babar Azam has gan has sustained a small during catching practice... he embraced the challenge whole- Eflake fracture on his finger will not take part in the match heartedly and will carry his coun- but the injury will not aff ect his (against Australia)... but is ex- try’s hopes at the World Cup. participation in the World Cup pected to make a full recovery Pakistan head coach Mickey starting on May 30, the England and be available for England’s Arthur fi rst mentioned Azam, the and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opening World Cup match world’s top-ranked Twenty20 in- said yesterday. against South Africa.” ternational batsman, in the same Morgan picked up the injury The ECB did not say if Morgan breath as Indian skipper Kohli ear- to his left index finger during would play in another warm-up ly last year, based on the 24-year- training at the Hampshire Bowl clash against Afghanistan on old’s potential across formats. ahead of today’s warm-up Monday. Azam’s international career is match against world champi- Favourites England begin their just over 100 matches old, but his ons Australia and was sent to a World Cup campaign against prowess with the bat has already hospital to have a precautionary South Africa on the opening day broken several records. X-ray. of the tournament. He is the fastest batsman to reach 1,000 T20I runs, taking 26 strike rate is around 80 and he fact that the team needs more mands more aggression. innings to get there and dethron- Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored a century in the 2019 Cricket World Cup warm-up match against Afghanistan knows he needs to increase that, runs in the middle overs. “If I can be number one in the ing Kohli in the process. in Bristol, England, yesterday. (AFP) as do some of the other batsmen That again encourages com- world without power hitting, He also reached 1,000 ODI and we’ve spoken about that.” parisons with Kohli, who has then I don’t need power hitting,” runs in 21 innings, a record he khar Zaman broke it last year. sluggish conditions in the Unit- in the world,” Arthur said of the Pakistan have come up short often had to hold a thin Indian he said. “But when I need to, I shared with an elite group of Azam’s classy stroke-making ed Arab Emirates, the national right-handed batsman. “If he’s since the start of 2019, beaten by middle order together and use utilise it well. players, including West Indies has provided the platform for his team’s adopted home. getting us a 100, we’re comfort- South Africa, Australia and Eng- every opportunity to score in the “My individual role is to take great Viv Richards and England record-breaking run spree, and “We have some serious bats- able we have the batsmen around land. Some impressive totals on powerplays. the innings as deep as I can and power-hitter Kevin Pietersen, he often single-handedly drives men in our team but he has the him to get 300-320. small grounds against England Azam is confi dent he can perform in a way that benefi ts the until his Pakistan teammate Fa- Pakistan to competitive totals in ability to be as good as anyone “Over the last two years, his this month do not disguise the switch gears if the situation de- team most.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 25, 2019 CRICKET

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Windies bank on Afghanistan, SA pick Gayle storm to blow away rivals up warm-up wins Reuters ries might be a little longer, but Cary, North Carolina will nevertheless be well within his reach. Azam ton in vain as Afghanistan defeat Pakistan by three wickets; Proteas beat Lanka “There’s nothing to go out hris Gayle’s recent there and prove, the only thing Reuters caught in the deep trying to ac- form promises bat- that would be nice is to win the Cardiff celerate the innings, with the ting fi reworks from the World Cup,” Gayle told cricket. guile of Phehlukwayo in partic- swashbuckling opener com.au. ular stifl ing the chase. Cin his fi fth and fi nal World Cup The left-hander is coming fghanistan batsman South Africa will be relieved and off ers plenty of hope to a off another strong season in the Hashmatullah Shahidi with runs at the top of the or- West Indies team fi nally showing Indian (IPL), hit an unbeaten 74 as der for opener Hashim Amla as signs of a resurgence. smashing 490 runs in 13 innings, they stunned former he reached 65 from 61 balls be- Gayle will turn 40 in Sep- his 34 sixes only second to com- championsA Pakistan to win by fore being bowled by leg-break tember but remains a danger- patriot Andre Russell’s 52. three wickets with two balls to bowler Jeevan Mendis. ous batsman capable of single- Gayle’s 326 sixes in 11 seasons spare in a thrilling warm-up That may earn him the nod handedly destroying any bowling is the highest by any batsman match in Bristol yesterday. ahead of Aiden Markram (21) for attack with his trademark pow- in the most popular Twenty20 Chasing a modest 263 for South Africa’s World Cup open- er-hitting which makes him league. victory, Afghanistan’s opening er against England on Thursday, one of the sought-after players “The fans are always asking batsmen Mohamed Shahzad and with the pair vying for a place in Twenty20 leagues across the you for more sixes. Those things Hazratullah Zazai got them off alongside Quinton de Kock, who cricketing world. give you that extra drive,” said to a blistering start before Sha- did not bat yesterday. Though not exactly lightning- Gayle, the most experienced hidi took charge to help them Du Plessis looked in superb quick between the wickets, or in West Indies player in the squad cross the fi nish line in the fi nal touch for his 88 from 69 balls, the fi eld, Gayle’s eye appears as with 10,151 runs in 289 ODIs. over. which included four sixes be- sharp as ever, judging by the way His refl exes may have slowed Pakistan batsman Babar fore he skied a delivery from he bludgeoned England’s bowl- down in recent times but the self- Azam, who shone in their 4-0 Dhananjaya de Silva and was ers in the drawn ODI series ear- styled ‘Universal Boss’ believes series defeat by England this caught. lier this year. bowlers are still terrifi ed of his month, continued his excel- Several the other South Afri- He smashed two magnifi cent power-hitting even in his 20th lent form with the bat ahead of can batsmen got starts but no- centuries in four innings against year in international cricket. the World Cup scoring 112 off one else posted a half-century, England, scoring 424 runs at an “Youngsters coming at my 108 balls but his team were re- though Rassie van der Dussen average of 106 to walk away with head — it’s not as easy as it was stricted to a below-par 262 in (40) and Phehlukwayo (35) en- the Man-of-the-Series award. like one time before,” Gayle said. 47.5 overs. joyed their visits to the crease. His 135 off 129 balls in the first “I was quicker then. Afghanistan spinners Mo- match in Bridgetown included 12 “But they’ll be weary. They hamed Nabi (3-46) and Rashid Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi celebrates their victory over Pakistan in the 2019 ICC World Cup BRIEF SCORES sixes but was a mere appetiser know what the Universe Boss Khan (2-27) then choked the Pa- warm-up match in Bristol, England, yesterday. (Reuters) Pakistan 262 all out (Babar for what was to follow seven days is capable of. I’m sure they will kistan batsmen to lay the foun- 112; Nabi 3-46) lost to Afghani- later in St George’s. have it in the back of their mind, dation for a famous win while South Africa were sent in to bowler Dale Steyn, who is not 10 for two but excellent half stan 263 for 7 (Hashmatullah 74; There on the island of Grenada ‘Hey, this is the most danger- pacer Dawlat Zadran claimed bat in the training match, which fi t after a re-occurrence of his centuries from captain Dimuth Wahab 3-46) by three wickets he took just 97 balls to smash ous batsman they’ve ever seen in two wickets, including that of did not hold offi cial One-Day shoulder problem, but were car- Karunaratne (87 from 92 balls) South Africa 338 for 7 (Du 162, including 14 sixes, mostly on cricket.’” the dangerous Azam. International status, and posted ried to the win by seamer Lungi and Angelo Mathews (64 from Plessis 88, Amla 65; Lakmal the leg side, several clearing the Two-time champions West At Sophia Gardens, South Af- 338 for seven, before bowling Ngidi (2-12 in six overs) and all- 66 balls) kept the sub-continent 2-63) beat Sri Lanka 251 all out ground altogether. Indies begin their campaign rica captain Faf du Plessis struck their opponents out for 251 in rounder Andile Phehlukwayo side in the contest. (Karunaratne 87, Mathews 64; He now brings his bat to Eng- against 1992 winners Pakistan on a fl uent 88 as his side eased to an 42.3 overs. (4-36 in 7 overs). The run-rate kept rising, Phehlukwayo 4-36, Ngidi 2-12) by land, where some of the bounda- May 31 at Trent Bridge. 87-run victory over Sri Lanka. The Proteas were without fast Ngidi reduced Sri Lanka to though, and both batsmen were 87 runs

SA announce FOCUS fi xtures for England, ICC warns off ‘corruptors’ from World Cup Australia series AFP over the world but the major- the police here in the UK — if Reuters London ity of the corruption we deal our guys see them anywhere Cape Town with has its origins in the sub- around the World Cup, they continent, unregulated betting will be asked to leave. he head of the Interna- markets.” “This is a very tough event outh Africa will host tional Cricket Coun- for corruptors to come near,” England for four Tests cil’s anti-corruption WARNINGS Marshall said, with corrupt Sand a limited overseas unit said yesterday he Marshall said while he could betting rings generally target- hadT been in direct contact with not stop anyone travelling to ing lower-profi le events. series and then Australia in Twenty20 and One Day around 12 “corruptors” to warn England, he had been in direct This will be the fi rst World Internationals in a packed them off the World Cup. contact with potential fi xers to Cup at which the ICC will have summer programme, Crick- Match fi xing or spot fi xing, make it clear what would hap- a dedicated anti-corruption et South Africa announced where gamblers try to infl u- pen if they tried to disrupt the offi cer with every team. yesterday. ence specifi c incidents in a tournament. The most high-profi le ac- England will start their tour game, remains one of the big- ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit “I have either written, called tion taken by Marshall in his 18 COMMENT with two warm-up matches gest problems facing cricket, head Alex Marshall. or Whatsapped all the corrup- months at the ICC has involved in December before the first particularly in countries such tors featured there (in the vid- players from Sri Lanka. Test in Pretoria from Dec. 26- as India, the sport’s fi nancial a media briefi ng at the Oval eo) and the other main corrup- Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka 30. They will then play three powerhouse, where betting is — where the World Cup starts tors we know operating around Gunawardene were charged India’s Rahul inspired more Tests at Newlands in unregulated. with a match between England the world to tell them not to with match-fi xing this month Cape Town, St Georges Park An education video urging and South Africa on May 30. come anywhere near the World and in February former captain in Port Elizabeth and at the players to “recognise, reject “It’s around a dozen people Cup,” explained Marshall. Sanath Jayasuriya was banned by memories of 2011 Wanderers in Johannesburg and report” any corrupt ap- who have had the ‘disinvite’ “So far they have all prom- from the game after admitting in January 2020. proaches has been shown to to the Cricket World Cup and ised me they are not coming. two breaches of the anti-cor- England are also scheduled all 10 competing World Cup who we will keep away,” Alex But sometimes with corrup- ruption code. World Cup glory to play three ODIs and three teams. Marshall, the head of the ICC tors you fi nd they don’t always That followed an ICC amnes- T20s against South Africa in The fi lm also contains names Anti-Corruption Unit, told re- tell the truth. So we will be ty in Sri Lanka to all those who AFP February. Australia are sched- and imagery of potential fi x- porters. very proactive in keeping them passed on relevant information London uled for three T20s and three ers, although their identities “If any more pop up, we will away from the tournament. but Marshall said it was too soon ODIs in February and March. were obscured when the tape be speaking to them as well. “We have shared their de- to say if similar schemes would was shown yesterday during They are people who live all tails with law enforcement and apply in other countries. L Rahul knows exactly what it would mean to win this year’s World BOTTOMLINE Cup in England, having Kseen for himself what a 2011 tri- umph on home soil meant to his fellow Indians. Eight years ago, Rahul was a World Cup the perfect stage for Shakib teenager watching television in a Bangalore bar as Gautam Gam- Reuters ran Khan and Ian Botham to take bhir’s 97 and then-captain MS Mumbai 10 wickets and score a century in Dhoni’s 91 not out saw India beat the same test match. Sri Lanka in the World Cup fi nal Made captain a decade ago at in Mumbai. ny lesser mortal in the age of 22, he enjoys the kind “When the game was over it Bangladesh might of celebrity in Bangladesh that was absolute chaos. The roads have been censured for can perhaps only be matched by were blocked, everybody left being absent for the top cricketers in neighbouring their homes and was on the road team’sA World Cup photo shoot India. celebrating,” Rahul said yester- but such is the stature Shakib A leisurely stroll on the day as he recalled the aftermath Al Hasan enjoys that the board densely-populated streets of of India’s second World Cup tri- the World Cup would be the icing merely regretted his no-show Dhaka — capital of the world’s umph. on the cake.” and moved on. eighth most populous country “It was an unbelievable experi- Now the 27-year-old Rahul The 32-year-old was also — is unthinkable and his wed- ence to see so many people forget- fi nds himself in the same side given permission to miss the ding was broadcast live on na- ting about their worries. Whatever as Dhoni and fellow 2011 win- preparatory camp for the World tional TV in 2013. they had going on in their lives, ner Virat Kohli, the star batsman Cup to play in the Indian Pre- Shakib is well aware that the they were just so, so happy India who has succeeded the wicket- mier League (IPL). 50-over showpiece in England had won the World Cup. keeper as India captain. Bangladesh Cricket Board and Wales will present him with “It was even bigger because And he said the current side chief Nazmul Hassan dismissed the perfect opportunity to en- we won it at home in India — it had the talent to equal the as merely “disappointing” his dear himself further to every- brought billions of people to- achievement of Kapil Dev’s cel- departure from the ground be- one back home and he wants the gether and brought so much joy.” ebrated team in 1983 by winning fore his teammates gathered for maximum exposure possible to Rahul was already a fi rst-class a World Cup in England. the offi cial picture and there was do so. cricketer but said watching the “To be part of this team is in- no punishment for the cricketer. “There was a time when I had match made him want to focus credible,” Rahul said. “It’s not Shakib has always had a hot- to come on to the crease before more. just MS and Virat, there are so and-cold relationship with the the fi rst 10 overs, even if I batted “I knew what a World Cup many other talented individuals media, who have criticised him at number fi ve,” he said. could do to the country, how big — Rohit (Sharma) and Shikhar for a lack of control over his tem- “But now things have it is and how valuable it is to be (Dhawan) and Jasprit (Bumrah), per and accused him of letting his reduced, for a ‘severe attitude tops the world rankings for all- lists of runs made and wickets changed, I don’t get a chance to part of a World Cup dream,” he who is the most feared bowler in achievements go to his head. problem’. rounders. He was also the sole taken for his country and there bat before 35-40 overs if I bat at said. world cricket right now. He was banned in 2014 for Those achievements on the representative from his country is not one iota of doubt that he the number fi ve position. “To be here after eight years “Hopefully the hard work we three matches for making an in- pitch, however, have made him in the 2019 edition of the IPL. is the best cricketer Bangladesh “For me, I think, the earlier representing my country means have put in over the past two or decent gesture during a match all but untouchable. An attacking middle-order has ever produced. the better. So, personally speak- the world to me. I’m looking for- three years means we can go out and the same year handed a Shakib has played close to batsman and miserly left-arm He is only the third man ing, I want to play at number ward to hopefully inspiring bil- there, enjoy ourselves and win six-month suspension, later 200 one-day internationals and spinner, Shakib is second on the alongside cricketing greats Im- three.” lions of people again and to win the World Cup.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 25, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Liverpool’s Alisson ready for biggest Liverpool defeat test of his life AFP London

iverpool goalkeeper has ruined Barca’s Alisson Becker rates next week’s Champions League fi nal against Tot- Ltenham as the biggest game of his life. Alisson will be making his fi rst appearance in the fi nal of Europe’s elite club competition when the Reds face their Premier season, says Messi League rivals in Madrid on June 1. The Brazil international reached the Champions League semi-fi nals last season, only for ‘The first half wasn’t all that bad but in the second we didn’t even compete’ Liverpool to beat his Roma team prior to his move to Anfi eld. Alis- son has enjoyed a memorable fi rst season with Liverpool, but their frustrating Premier League title failure — they fi nished one point behind champions Manchester City — means they will end the season with no silverware unless they beat Tottenham. good for preparation, it’s good for Success in Spain would bring us to keep our minds free from Liverpool their sixth European external things,” he added. Cup and fi rst since 2005. It is “Coming here is special for challenge Alisson believes ranks us, we can have more time to- as the most signifi cant of his gether and speak more — that’s career. “Once we fi nished the important for a team that wants Premier League, there were 20 to achieve great things. It’s nice days to prepare the fi nal,” Alisson weather — perfect weather to told Liverpool’s website. “I can’t work. It’s a bit hot compared to wait. I’m looking forward to what we are used to for training playing this big game. It’s maybe but it’s the weather we’ll fi nd in the biggest game in my life.” Madrid, so it’s good for us.” Jurgen Klopp’s squad are com- Alisson’s fi rst season on Mer- ing to the end of a week-long seyside has featured 26 clean training camp in Marbella, with sheets, with 21 of those coming the players going through a mini in the Premier League to earn pre-season programme in order him the Golden Glove award. to retain their sharpness with a “It was such an honour, such three-week spell between com- a big award in the world of foot- petitive matches. Klopp did a ball,” he said. “The award is not similar move last year ahead of just mine, it’s an award for my their Champions League fi nal teammates also, who work hard defeat to Real Madrid and Alisson to keep clean sheets in the game. believes it is the best option. “It’s It’s a target for everyone.”

Arsenal, Chelsea return unsold Europa League fi nal tickets

London: Arsenal and Chelsea Arsenal Henrikh have returned over half of their Mkhitaryan will also not travel combined allocation of 12,000 to the final due to safety fears. tickets for next week’s Europa Mkhitaryan’s native Armenia League final due to the diff iculty and Azerbaijan have feuded and great expense for fans over Nagorny Karabakh since travelling to Azerbaijan. Armenian separatists seized the A lack of direct flights be- territory in a war that claimed Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) and Gerard Pique hold a press conference in Barcelona yesterday on the eve of their Copa del Rey final against Valencia (AFP) tween London and Baku means about 30,000 lives in the early supporters face costs of over 1990s. Reuters tain, we won the league, we’ve reached He called on his team to try and forget “I’m sure it was a mental block, but we £1,000 ($1,300) just to make the UEFA president Aleksander Barcelona the cup fi nal, I think it’s been a good year the galling defeat by Liverpool when Barca also didn’t play good football. We lacked 5,000-mile round trip before Ceferin has defended the deci- if you take out the Liverpool match, which take on Valencia in this weekend’s Span- everything. They pressed us very high, tickets and accommodation are sion to host the Europa League has regrettably ruined the great season ish Cup fi nal, weakened by injuries to his they were very intense, and Anfi eld also taken into account. Arsenal had final in Baku. Ceferin, 51, told ionel Messi has said Barcelona’s we were having until then,” he said. fellow forwards Uruguayan Luis Suarez played its role. We just couldn’t cope, initially complained over their Der Spiegel that the human shock 4-0 defeat by Liverpool Messi’s fi rst act was to tell supporters and Frenchman Ousmane Dembele. sometimes it happens.” small allocation, but confirmed rights situation in Azerbaijan which sent them crashing out of of his determination to win the Champi- “It’s a fi nal so we have to play it for Pique said his teammates had a sense of that they have returned 2,200 was a “problem”, but that this the Champions League has ruined ons League for the fi rst time since 2015, what it is and not think about anything deja vu during the game at Anfi eld, which tickets for the Gunners’ first Eu- was true of other European na- Ltheir season as they look to complete a saying he would “do everything to bring else. Valencia are a very diffi cult team, we unfolded in a remarkably similar way to ropean final in 13 years. Chelsea tions as well. domestic double when they face Valencia that beautiful and desired trophy back know each other well, it’s going to be very events at the Stadio Olimpico last year. have sold just 2,000 of their The UEFA president said that in the Copa del Rey fi nal today. here to the Nou Camp”. That now infa- equal. If we don’t go out with the right at- “I think on a mental level some of us were 6,000 allocation. the decision was Mkhitaryan’s In his fi rst news conference in over four mous phrase has been frequently repeat- titude we could suff er,” he said. “No-one aff ected by what had happened in Rome, UEFA denied reports that to make, and drew a parallel years and his fi rst media appearance since ed since Barca failed to reach the Cham- should beat us for attitude, we’re going to it was so recent. The fi rst goal came very sponsors had also returned with the decision to host Euro this month’s 4-3 semi-fi nal aggregate re- pions League fi nal in Madrid due to their try and compete like we have done in eve- quickly, and suddenly the image of Rome tickets and said they were con- 2016 in France. “If football verse, the usually tight-lipped Messi did defeat by Liverpool, which came after a ry game this season, apart from against appeared,” Pique said, recalling Sadio fident that local fans will snap allows itself to be stopped by not hold back in his criticism of Barca’s 3-0 victory over Juergen Klopp’s side in Liverpool,” Messi added. Mane’s goal in the 15th minute at Anfi eld. up the spare tickets to ensure such tensions, then we will not display at Anfi eld. the fi rst leg at the Nou Camp. Meanwhile, defender Gerard Pique “Then they scored two more goals in there is a capacity crowd at the be able to organise anything “The fi rst half wasn’t all that bad but “I don’t regret it, I didn’t promise to said Barcelona suff ered from a men- quick succession and it starts to look too 68,000 Olympic Stadium. “The in future,” said Ceferin. “We in the second we didn’t even compete, bring it back, I promised to do every- tal block during the defeat to Liverpool, similar to what happened a year ago. It majority of these tickets have managed to organise a safe there was only one team on the pitch and thing to try and bring it back although we having been scarred by the memory of a was very tough, it has been very diffi cult already been sold to local fans European Championships in that was the biggest mistake we could didn’t do that and we should say sorry to similar collapse to AS Roma last year, de- to pull ourselves back up because the days in Azerbaijan and we are con- France when the country was a have made,” Messi said. “The worst thing our fans for that because we didn’t even fender Gerard Pique has said. go by and you can’t forget this defeat. It’s fident that the remaining ones target of terrorist attacks.” we could do, and what we cannot forgive compete,” he said. Pique, who has won Europe’s elite a slip up which is going to last a long time, will also be sold as demand is Ceferin also said that he ourselves for, is the fact that we did not Messi likened the defeat to the 1-0 ex- competition with Barca three times but but we need to take a step forward,” Pique very high,” UEFA said in a state- was in no rush to reform the compete. We let them walk all over us.” tra-time loss to Germany he suff ered as not since 2015, described the semi-fi nal added. ment. UEFA Champions League. “If Barca’s all-time top scorer became Argentina captain in the 2014 World Cup second leg defeat win as “a nightmare”, “We cannot keep torturing ourselves. The CST also complained you ask me, there is no need to club captain for the fi rst time this season fi nal in Brazil. “They are two diff erent saying it would take years to get over. It was a nightmare and we have to deal about the cost of charter flights change anything,” he said. The but, despite the Catalans retaining the things. A World Cup fi nal is the biggest “You could see that the team just with it because it could happen again. put on by Chelsea and that the 51-year-old said that UEFA were Liga title with three games to spare, Messi thing there is and it’s a huge disappoint- wasn’t functioning, they were putting us “But we have to understand why it club has not extended the time in discussions over reforms pro- cannot shake off the bad memories of the ment but to have a 3-0 lead and then lose under pressure and what had happened happened and let it help us in the future for season ticket renewals in posed earlier this year by the loss to Liverpool. the (Liverpool) tie... they are both huge last year(against Roma) was very present because we want to lift the Champions order to help fans’ cash flow. European Club Association. “I’ve had a spectacular season as cap- disappointments,” he said. in our minds,” Pique told El Pais. League again.”

FOCUS Real reject Pochettino’s claim Spurs asked to sleep at club’s training ground

AFP “He would say, ‘the day you coach Ma- leave in the close season. Kane, who sustained an ankle ligament Madrid drid is when you can sleep there’. This is The Argentine had hinted this month injury last month in the quarter-fi nals, the subliminal message no?” that the match against Liverpool could will be fi t to play in Madrid. Real Madrid released a statement, be his last at Spurs if the club, who did “(Kane) is training and has entered eal Madrid have reacted an- insisting they had received no such re- not sign a single player in successive the fi nal stage of his recovery,” the Ar- grily to Mauricio Pochettino quest from Tottenham. “All requests transfer windows, was not ambitious gentine said. “We’re hoping he’ll be suggesting they turned down submitted to Real Madrid have referred enough to shake off their underdog tag. able to give us a hand, either from the a request from Tottenham to only and exclusively to the use of the “There’s still a lot of work to do, but start, from the bench, or if not, then by stayR at their training ground next week training pitches of the Ciudad de Real of course I am so motivated to stay... giving us moral support in the dressing ahead of the Champions League fi nal Madrid and its changing rooms. And all and provide Tottenham with what they room. But we’re optimistic he’ll be able against Liverpool. of them have been granted by our club.” deserve,” Pochettino said. to help us on the pitch.” Spurs will train at Valdebebas next The statement added: “Real Madrid “Today Tottenham is, for me, the Pochettino said his team had de- Thursday and Friday before the game also wants to emphasise the accommo- best club in the world when we talk fi ed expectations by reaching the fi nal, on Saturday and Pochettino, in an in- dation of the Champions League fi nal- about facilities. This training ground which he expects to be an emotionally terview with Spanish radio station Ca- ists are assigned by UEFA depending on and the new stadium, which is the best charged aff air. “Everyone’s expecting dena Cope, said the club had asked Ma- organisation and security. And that at in the world, there is no better club. It’s a tactical battle, but I think the emo- drid if they could also sleep on the site. no time has our club been asked to ac- in London, there’s no better city. It’s tional side will be decisive, that will In a light-hearted part of the inter- commodate them in the facilities of the England, it’s the Premier League – the dictate how the game develops,” he view, Pochettino was asked if Totten- Ciudad de Real Madrid.” toughest and most exciting league. We added. “(Liverpool) have invested in ham’s players would also stay at Vald- Liverpool will also use Real Madrid’s coach last season when Julen Lopetegui long-term.” need to make that step and... continue their squad to be able to compete for edebas. Pochettino replied: “No we training ground on the morning of the and then Santiago Solari were sacked. Meanwhile, Pochettino said he is in this process and we can put Totten- the Champions League but we are there will stay in an hotel near there. We have fi nal, which will be played at Atletico Asked about taking charge of Madrid in motivated to stay at Tottenham so he ham with the best teams in the world.” too and on our own merit. Nobody ex- asked eh? We have asked but Florentino Madrid’s stadium, the Wanda Metro- the future, Pochettino said: “I have no can transform the London side into one Pochettino is currently focused on pected Tottenham to be in the fi nal... (Perez) didn’t want to allow us.” politano. Pochettino was heavily linked other goals than to coach Tottenham, of the best teams in the world, the man- the all-English Champions League fi nal We have the chance to make history. A laughing Pochettino then added: with the vacant position of Real Madrid I don’t allow myself to think about the ager said days after suggesting he could 1 and he is optimistic that striker Harry we’re preparing to win it.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 25, 2019 FOOTBALL

GERMAN CUP Bayern captain Neuer to return for cup fi nal

Berlin: Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain RB Leipzig out to mark Manuel Neuer will play in this weekend’s German Cup final against RB Leipzig, coach Niko Kovac revealed yesterday. Neuer, 33, has been out injured since mid-April after sustaining a calf injury in a game against tenth anniversary Fortuna Duesseldorf. The Bayern number one had hoped to return to the first team two weeks ago, but was still out of action when Bayern wrapped up the league title in Munich last weekend. Kovac, though, said with fi rst trophy that his captain would be back on the pitch at the Berlin Ol- ympic Stadium today evening. “Manuel will play tomorrow, ‘To win our first title on our 10-year anniversary against Bayern would make it an extraordinary season’ because he is our captain and has played well this season,” AFP said the Bayern coach. Berlin Neuer said that the cup final in Berlin was always “some- thing special”. “The coach or RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rang- knows that I have missed the nick, winning today’s German last few weeks, but we have Cup fi nal against Bayern Mu- played some matches in train- nich would mean more than just ing so I am well prepared.” silverware.F Rangnick, who took over as Kovac also revealed that sporting director at Leipzig in 2012 and midfielder Leon Goretzka has since had two spells doubling up would not be fit for the final as head coach, is the brains behind the against Leipzig. Neuer, who club’s rapid rise from the lower leagues missed last year’s final due to to the very top of German football since injury, said he could sympa- the club’s founding in 2009. thise with Goretzka. “It is an He has described his seven-year as- emotional game tomorrow. sociation with controversial outfi t I feel for Leon, because he Leipzig, who hope to win a fi rst major is injured and will miss his title in their short history at Berlin’s Ol- first ever cup final,” said the ympic Stadium today, as “a sort of life’s Bayern keeper. work”. “When I look back at the seven years I have been here, it seems much KOVAC’S BAYERN JOB longer,” he told Kicker magazine earlier NEVER IN QUESTION: this month. CEO RUMMENIGGE Leipzig’s success has challenged the Meanwhile, Kovac will not recent duopoly of Bayern Munich and be sacked at the end of the , but has also been season, CEO Karl-Heinz Rum- bitterly divisive, with fans across the menigge revealed. “It was nev- country protesting against the club’s er in question that he would controversial business model. Love be our coach next season,” them or loathe them, though, they are Rummenigge said. now an established power at the top of The 63-year-old has until the German game, and hope to confi rm now been considered one of that status by winning the cup today. Kovac’s strongest critics in the “To win our fi rst title on our 10-year Bayern boardroom. Specula- anniversary against Bayern Munich tion that Kovac was facing the would crown on an extraordinary sea- sack had been growing in re- son” Rangnick said. cent weeks, amid reports that Leipzig were founded by energy both senior players and the drinks company Red Bull in 2009, and club leadership are unhappy immediately soared up the league pyra- with his coaching style. mid, rising from the fi fth tier to the top Rummenigge has always fl ight by 2016. From left: RB Leipzig’s head coach Ralf Rangnick, defender Willi Orban, Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and head coach Niko Kovac pose with the trophy after been particularly cool on For their critics, the club are a com- a press conference yesterday on the eve of the German Cup final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. (AFP) Kovac. In April, a day after mercial blight on the traditions and fan- Bayern had beaten title rivals focused principles of German football. ever, point to the fact that Leipzig have “Now kids are proudly walking Rather than big-money transfers, the lit up the Bundesliga, losing just two Borussia Dortmund 5-0, he Their open affi liation with the global brought success to a football-starved around in RB shirts. The cup has never club have built their growth on steady games in 2019 and securing third place went on to declare that “no- beverage brand and the lack of voting and economically struggling region of been won by an Eastern team... squad-building and investment in behind Dortmund. With celebrated body had a job guarantee” at rights for their fans continue to outrage Germany. I think that more people than ever high-class facilities. young coach Julian Nagelsmann set to Bayern. Yet yesterday, he con- supporters across Germany, who con- After most of the grand old clubs will be wanting us to win on Saturday.” Of the squad which takes on Bayern take the reins as the club return to the firmed that Kovac would not sider them an inauthentic club. from the former communist East Ger- Many fans in the region may disagree in Berlin, nine players have been with Champions League next season, there be fired before next season, When Leipzig hosted Bayern in the many hit hard times following reunifi - with that sentiment, but there is little the club since they were in the sec- is now much to look forward at the Red saying that he had “no prob- league earlier this month, the visiting cation, Leipzig have brought top-level doubt that Leipzig’s model has been ond division and two of those, Yussuf Bull Arena. lem” with the Croatian coach fans held up foul-mouthed banners football back to the area. “If a young kid successful. “Nobody expected them to Poulsen and Diego Demme, also played The journey to today’s cup fi nal may and dismissing rumours that expressing their distaste for what crit- wanted to support a Bundesliga team become a top club so quickly,” Bayern for Leipzig in the third tier. have felt like a lifetime for Ralf Rang- Kovac’s fate was dependent ics sneeringly call “the RB Leipzig con- around here, there weren’t many op- midfi elder Joshua Kimmich, who played This season, with a team built around nick, but Leipzig’s rise to power may on the outcome of cup final. struct”. The club’s proponents, how- tions before,” Rangnick said. for Leipzig between 2013 and 2015, said. star striker Timo Werner, they have only be just beginning.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Qatar go down to Nigeria in Neymar to arrive early in Brazil for Copa America AFP U-20 World Cup opener Teresopolis, Brazil atar lost to Nigeria 0-4 in their Group D open- tar striker Neymar will join Brazil’s ing match at the FIFA Copa America squad for training to- U-20 World Cup in day, three days ahead of schedule, an Tychy,Q Poland yesterday. Niger- offi cial said yesterday. “He will ar- ia, runners-up to a Joao Pinto- Srive tomorrow between 11:00am and noon,” propelled Portugal in 1989 and a Brazil football federation press offi cer Vini- Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina cius Rodrigues told reporters at the Granja in 2005, went 2-0 up inside 25 Comary complex in Teresopolis near Rio de minutes – and both goals were Janeiro. indebted to their left-back. Neymar, the world’s most expensive play- Ikouwem Utin duped his er, had been expected to arrive on May 28, marker and unleashed a swerving six days after Brazil began preparations for shot, which Shehab Mamdouh the tournament. No explanation was pro- could only push into the path vided for the change. Reporters were tipped of Maxwell Effi om, whose fi rst- off to Neymar’s early arrival after he failed time volley broke the deadlock. to show up to a PSG training session open to The Nigerian then somehow the media. His teammates Marquinhos and sprung four challenges down Thiago Silva, who are also part of the Brazil- Brazilian midfielder Richarlison talks to journalists in Teresopolis, Brazil, where the team the left and cut the ball back to ian squad, were there. When asked if Ney- is training ahead of the Copa America tournament. (AFP) present Okechukwa Offi a with mar had been released from training, coach a comfortable fi nish from close Thomas Tuchel said “not by me.” squad for next month’s Copa America in were, however, retained by Moriyasu. range. Neymar had been sidelined for PSG’s Brazil. The FC Tokyo midfi elder, who was Qatar did have their chances. last two games of the domestic season and invited to Barcelona’s youth academy as a JAPAN SQUAD Zulkifi lu Rabiu catapulted him- the French Champions Trophy after being pint-sized nine-year-old where he earned Goalkeepers — (Strasbourg), self across the Tychy turf to make handed a three-match suspension for lash- the nickname the “Japanese Messi”, is one of (), an outstanding block from Yusuf ing out at a spectator following PSG’s shock no fewer than 17 uncapped players as Japan () Abdurisag, and Nigeria goal- defeat by Rennes in the French Cup fi nal look to build for next year’s Tokyo Olympics. keeper Olawale Oremade was earlier this month. Kubo, 17, will also be available for Japan’s Defenders — (Cercle alert to break up a three-on-one His early arrival was welcomed by his home warm-up games against Trinidad and Brugge), (Groningen), Tomoki break from which the underdogs Copa America teammates. “Neymar is our Tobago on June 5 and El Salvador on June Iwata (Oita Trinita), Yugo Tatsuta (Shimizu should have made more. best player, it’s good that he is here, he 9, Japanese offi cials said. “Teams like the S-Pulse), Teruki Hara (), Daiki They were further punished brings us his experience,” said Manchester hosts Brazil will defi nitely be serious about Sugioka (Shonan Bellmare), Daiki Suga when midfi elder Tom Dele-Ba- City goalkeeper Ederson. winning,” Kubo told local media. “But even (Consadole Sapporo), shiru making it 3-0 before Aliu Qatar’s Nasir Peer (left) battles for possession with Okechukwu Off ia Everton winger Richarlison said “we can though we are playing as guests we will have (Sint-Truiden) Salawudeen’s completed the of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 World Cup group D match at Tychy do better training” with Neymar. Eight- to match the desire of our opponents when — (Getafe), rout. The teams return to ac- Stadium in Poland. (FIFA) time winners Brazil face Bolivia, Venezuela we get on the pitch.” (Al-Duhail), tion on Monday, when Qatar face and Peru in the group stage, which start on Moriyasu left big-name players such as (PEC Zwolle), (Yokohama F Ukraine and Nigeria encounter into his own net just eight min- The second half continued in June 14, after two friendlies against Qatar Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Marinos), (Hamburger SV), Taishi USA. utes into the match, and that un- much a similar vein to the fi rst. and Honduras. Okazaki out of his Asian Cup squad earlier Matsumoto (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Kota Wa- Meanwhile, New Zealand pro- fortunate moment seemed to de- New Zealand maintained their this year when the Blue Samurai were beaten tanabe (), (Kashima duced the nation’s biggest win fl ate Carlos Tabora’s side. After dominance with Sarpreet Singh ‘JAPANESE MESSI’ KUBO NAMED 3-1 in the fi nal by Qatar in Abu Dhabi. “Ja- Antlers), (FC Tokyo) in FIFA U-20 World Cup history that, New Zealand took full con- and Matt Conroy adding a fourth IN COPA AMERICA SQUAD pan face Chile, Uruguay and Ecuador in Forwards: (Leicester City), with a 5-0 rout of Honduras in trol of the match as Ben Waine and fi fth goal to ensure the Kiwis Teenage sensation Takefusa Kubo won his Group C at the Copa America, which kicks a Group C match. Darwin Diego had a brace to his name midway made history to commence their fi rst senior Japan call-up yesterday when off on June 14. Leicester forward Okazaki Daizen Maeda (Matsumoto Yamaga), Ayase inadvertently steered the ball through the fi rst half. Poland 2019 campaign. (FIFA) he was named in coach ’s and Strasbourg goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima Ueda (Hosei University) Gulf Times Saturday, May 25, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Durant doubtful Leonard, Raptors for Finals opener

Reuters New York

he Golden State Warriors announced on Thurs- rally, move within day it is unlikely forward Kevin Durant will be Tready for the start of the NBA Fi- left quadriceps muscle. Cous- nals, but they are hopeful he can ins practised with the team on return during the series. Thursday for the fi rst time since The Finals begin on May 31, sustaining the injury, and he is pitting the two-time defending expected to return at some point champion Warriors against ei- during the Finals. one win of Finals ther Milwaukee or Toronto. The Raptors lead the best-of-seven NO SUPERMAX FOR ‘The game (Leonard) played tonight... pretty good. Big stage. On the road. Superstar’ Eastern Conference fi nals 3-2 THOMPSON after defeating the Bucks 105-99 Golden State Warriors guard Reuters Thursday night in Milwaukee. Klay Thompson wasn’t selected New York Sidelined with a right calf to an All-NBA team, making strain, Durant has not been him ineligible to sign a fi ve-year, cleared to begin on-court activi- $221mn supermax contract this he visiting Toronto Raptors with- ties but continues to make good summer in free agency. stood the early surge by the Mil- progress with his rehabilitation, The Collective Bargain- waukee Bucks on Thursday night, according to the team. He missed ing Agreement of 2017 allowed shook it off , and then went on to Game 6 against the Houston some veterans to earn supermax Tgrind out a 105-99 victory to take a 3-2 Rockets in the second round of salaries, based on making an All- lead in the Eastern Conference fi nals. the playoff s, then all of Golden NBA team. The Bucks led by as many as 14 points State’s sweep of the Portland Thompson now will be eligi- in the fi rst quarter. Trail Blazers in the Western Con- ble to ink a fi ve-year deal worth “We wanted to come in and get the win, ference fi nals. $191mn, about $30mn less than he and we weathered the storm early,” said The Warriors also provided could have received had he made Kawhi Leonard, who scored 15 of his 35 an update about center DeMar- All-NBA. Warriors owner Joe La- points in the fourth quarter. cus Cousins, who hasn’t played cob said he is confi dent the team Leonard added seven rebounds, nine since April 16 because of a torn will be able to re-sign Thompson. assists and two steals. “The game (Leonard) played tonight,” guard Kyle Lowry said. “It was pretty good. Big stage. On the road. Superstar. Jays to call up Biggio on Friday: Reports Superstar.” The Raptors can advance to the NBA The Toronto Blue Jays will call up second base prospect Cavan Finals for the fi rst time in franchise his- Biggio, son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, for the first time, mul- tory by winning Game 6 in Toronto on tiple media outlets reported on Thursday night. Cavan Biggio, Saturday. Game 7, if necessary, would be 24, is hitting.306 with six homers and 26 RBIs in 41 games with played Monday in Milwaukee. Triple-A Buff alo this season, easily his best campaign in three- The two-time defending league cham- plus years in the minor leagues since being drafted by Toronto in pion Golden State Warriors will face the the fifth round in 2016. He will join fellow hot prospect and son of East champs in the Finals. a Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto, marking the first “There are a lot of fi ghters on this time a team will have multiple sons of Hall of Famers in the ma- team,” said Fred VanVleet, who added 21 jors at once in MLB history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. points. “It’s on the road, and you have to The Blue Jays host the San Diego Padres on Friday. Craig Biggio, weather the storm and I think we did a 53, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, after a 20-year good job of that tonight.” career with the Houston Astros in which he made seven All-Star The Bucks led 32-22 after one quarter teams and won four Gold Gloves. In corresponding moves, the and 49-46 at halftime. During the third Jays will reportedly call up infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and send quarter, they led by as many as 12, but outfielder Billy McKinney and infielder Richard Urena to Buff alo. took a three-point lead into the fourth quarter before the Raptors took over. Ward breaks collarbone, out 8-12 weeks “One of the themes at halftime was that we’ve done a pretty good job of cre- San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward broke his collarbone ating good shots for the most part,” Rap- diving for a ball Thursday during organized team activities and tors coach Nick Nurse said. “We had to will miss eight to 12 weeks, the team announced. That would eliminate possessions where they weren’t give Ward — who NFL Network reports will have surgery — a great. I thought we did a good job of cre- chance to return early in training camp, which begins in mid July, ating good chances, and the guys stayed and a good shot at being ready for the Sept. 8 regular-season positive.” opener. A Northern Illinois product, Ward was the No. 30 overall Lowry had 17 points, and Pascal Siakam pick of the 2014 NFL Draft by the 49ers. In both 2017 and 2018, fi nished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. his season ended in November because of a broken arm. The “They are the best team in the league 49ers re-signed him to a one-year, $4.5mn deal in March after he and you have to play them hard,” Siakam played out the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. Ward has said. appeared in 51 games (31 starts) over five seasons and has 186 The Raptors shot 36.9 percent from the tackles, two interceptions and 21 passes defensed. fi eld but were 41.9 percent from 3-point range. The Bucks shot 45.2 percent from Antetokounmpo, Harden in NBA team of the fi eld and were 32.3 percent from 3-point range. the year, but no LeBron Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 24 points to lead the Bucks. Eric Bled- Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (second from left) shoots the ball during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden led the voting for soe had 20 points, Malcolm Brogdon game five of the Eastern conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoff s in Milwaukee, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) the NBA’s First Team of the Year but LeBron James missed out added 18 points and 11 rebounds, Brook on a spot for the first time since 2007, results showed Thursday. Lopez scored 16 points, George Hill had own rebound, saying, “That’s a critical trimmed the defi cit to two on Antetok- After Lowry opened the third quar- Milwaukee Bucks forward Antetokounmpo and Houston Rockets 12 points, and Khris Middleton had six play that can’t happen.” ounmpo’s 3-pointer with 4:04 left. ter with a 3-pointer to tie the game, the guard James Harden advanced to the NBA’s Most Valuable Player points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Toronto took a one-point lead on VanV- Lopez tied the game with a 3-pointer Bucks pulled out to a 12-point lead on award along with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George. The “We’ve been a resilient team all year,” leet’s 3-pointer with 8:57 left in the fourth with 2:44 to play, but the Raptors re- Antetokounmpo’s dunk with 7:43 to go in 24-year-old Antetokounmpo, Harden and George were joined in Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. quarter. Leonard’s 3-pointer one minute gained a 3-point lead seconds later when the period. the NBA’s team of the year by Golden State star Stephen Curry “We’re going to go to Toronto thinking later put the Raptors ahead by four. VanVleet sank a trey. Middleton’s layup The Raptors answered with a 9-0 run, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic. Antetokounmpo, who is nearly seven- about winning one game.... If we had a Siakam’s dunk pushed the Raptors into pulled the Bucks to within two with 59.7 cutting the margin to three. foot tall and known as the ‘Greek Freak’, and Harden were both few more defensive rebounds from the an eight-point lead with 6:20 to play. The seconds remaining. The Bucks went ahead by six, but the unanimous first-team selections. However there was no place three-, four-, fi ve-minute mark on, the Bucks pulled back within four on Lopez’s The Raptors led by three after Gasol Raptors cut the gap to one on Leonard’s in the first team selection for Los Angeles Lakers’ James. James result might have been diff erent.” driving layup with 5:31 left. made one of two foul shots with 34 sec- 3-pointer with 1:32 left in the quarter. missed out on the NBA playoff s this year for the first time since He mentioned one play where Leonard After Marc Gasol nailed the 3-pointer onds to play. After a Milwaukee turnover, Milwaukee led 75-72 after three quar- 2005 after a disappointing, injury-hit first season with the Lakers. missed a 3-pointer but was able to get his to make Toronto’s lead seven, the Bucks Siakam’s dunk increased the lead to fi ve. ters.

MLB Twins hammer eight homers in rout of Angels

MARLINS 5, TIGERS 2 Reuters RESULTS New York Garrett Cooper blasted a two-out NY Mets 6-4 Washington grand slam to cap a fi ve-run, ninth- inning rally, and Miami pushed its win- Pittsburgh 14-6 Colorado he Minnesota Twins slammed ning streak to six games by downing eight home runs, including NY Yankees 6-5 Baltimore host Detroit. two each by Miguel Sano and Boston 8-2 Toronto Cooper, who hit his fi rst career hom- Jonathan Schoop, on their way er on Wednesday, powered a Shane Miami 5-2 Detroit Tto a 16-7 rout over the Los Angeles An- Greene slider over the left fi eld wall to gels on Thursday afternoon in Anaheim Philadelphia 9-7 Chicago Cubs stun the Tigers, who dropped all nine completing a three-game sweep. Atlanta 5-4 San Francisco games of their homestand. The game was originally scheduled to Minnesota 16-7 LA Angels Tyler Kinley (1-0), who gave up be played Wednesday, but a rainstorm an eighth-inning run, was credited made the fi eld conditions unplayable. Tampa Bay 7-2 Cleveland with his fi rst career win. Sergio Romo The wait was worth it for the Twins, C White Sox 4-0 Houston pitched the ninth for his ninth save. whose eight home runs tied a single- game club record. It also tied an Angels hot major league start with a two-run METS 6, NATIONALS 4 record for most home runs allowed in a homer and a go-ahead single in extra Carlos Gomez hit a go-ahead three- game. innings, allowing Atlanta to take three run homer in the eighth inning for host The Twins have scored a major of four from host San Francisco. New York, which took advantage of the league-high 289 runs this season, and Riley’s game-winning hit came af- struggling Washington bullpen to com- they battered Angels pitching Thursday ter Dansby Swanson led off the 13th plete a four-game sweep. for 17 hits and six walks. Former An- with a single off the Giants’ seventh The Mets, who endangered manager gel C.J. Cron had fi ve hits, including a pitcher, right-hander Reyes Moronta Mickey Callaway’s job by getting swept home run and two doubles. (1-4). Swanson stole second with one by the Miami Marlins last weekend, Besides Sano, Schoop and Cron, Max out before Riley came through with his swept a four-game series from the Na- Kepler, Jorge Polanco and Eddie Rosario third RBI of the day and 12th in just nine tionals/Montreal Expos franchise for also homered. games. the fi rst time since 1991. Right-hander Luke Jackson (3-1) The Nationals have lost fi ve straight Minnesota Twins’ Jonathan Schoop hits a three-run home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels in BRAVES 5, GIANTS 4 worked the fi nal two innings, allowing to fall 12 games under .500 for the fi rst Anaheim, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Rookie Austin Riley continued his one hit, for the win. time since the 2010 season. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 25, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT F1 Hamilton hails Cautious Leclerc Mercedes car as ‘fantastic’ testing home course tional to attend, stayed focussed AFP Monaco on his driving after Thursday’s sessions. His team’s chief race engineer Andrew Shovlin add- ewis Hamilton has hailed ed a note of caution when he his mourning Mercedes warned of concerns about how team and says the per- long it was taking for their cars limits at Monaco formances of the car it- to warm up their soft tyres for Lself are ‘fantastic’ ahead of qual- qualifying laps. ifying today for tomorrow’s 77th “Our number one concern is ‘I am eager to race at home, for sure, as it is one of my favourite tracks’ Monaco Grand Prix. getting the soft tyre to work on The defending fi ve-time world the fi rst lap,” he explained. “Our AFP champion and his Silver Arrows headline times were good, but it Monaco teammate Valtteri Bottas were took us a lot of laps to get there seven-tenths of a second clear and qualifying is so important at of third-placed Sebastian Vettel this track.” o driver on the grid at this of Ferrari after Thursday’s open- He added that the team’s re- weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix ing sessions. “I’m surprised,” he serve driver Esteban Ocon was can claim to know the bumps, said. “I don’t know where all the working in a simulator to assist corners and idiosyncrasies of time has come from — I don’t in fi nding a solution. “Monaco is Nthe Mediterranean principality’s famous know if Max (Verstappen) maybe unusual in that we have an extra streets as intimately as local hero Charles didn’t get in a time or what, but day between the practice ses- Leclerc. The Monegasque driver remem- the performance we have here is sions so it gives us more time to bers watching the red Ferraris whizz fantastic. We’re constantly im- look at data and understand the through the familiar home streets as a proving this car and understand- issues.” toddler, who was later to travel to school ing it and understanding the Hamilton added that, contrary on them by bus and as an adolescent tyre. I guess that’s why you’re to expectations, it was not always dreamed of racing on the world’s most seeing the performance advan- a pleasure to speed around Mon- iconic F1 course. tage we have.” te Carlo. “Every year, it gets fast- At 21, and approaching only his sixth A similar performance in to- er — and it’s that much faster you race as a Ferrari Formula One driver, he day’s qualifying session would notice it when you’re going past has realised his and his greatest men- give the team a near-perfect op- the barriers and touching them... tors’ ambitions by coming home to race in portunity to extend their trium- But, honestly, I wouldn’t say it’s front of family and friends in the distinc- phant season-opening run to six fun. It’s incredibly intense. You tive overalls of the ‘scarlet scuderia’. one-two fi nishes. On an overcast have to be so focused, just the His father Herve Leclerc, a one-time morning on the traditional rest smallest mistake... When you Formula Three driver who died in 2017, day at the classic ‘blue riband’ look into Tabac, for example, the and his inspirational friend Jules Bianchi, event, celebrating the 90th an- speed you’re going towards that who died in 2015 following a crash at niversary of its inaugural run corner... and it’s just a wall in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, share the in 1929, the paddock was busy front of you. Going up the hill to personal space on his racing helmet this as teams prepared for possible Casino it’s the same thing. So it’s weekend, a division to refl ect their im- mixed weather conditions for to- no joke and whilst it’s defi nitely portance to him. day’s critical qualifying. always a great thing to drive the “Without them, I would never have Hamilton, a formidable street car, it’s just so intense...” started driving or racing,” he said. track racer, is aiming for a third He warned, too, that tomor- His father, he added, had transmit- Monaco win to boost his lead in row’s race is unlikely to be great ted to him his passion for Ayrton Senna, drivers’ championship in which entertainment because it is so the great Brazilian three-time champion he has 112 points, seven more diffi cult to overtake. “Unfor- who was killed 25 years ago at the 1994 than teammate Bottas on 105. In tunately it’s not a great racing San Marino Grand Prix. In the week of the week of Niki Lauda’s death track, but it’s a great track to Niki Lauda’s death, the memories, as Merecedes want to honour the drive single laps on,” said Ham- displayed in the coloured graphics on his memory of their late non-execu- ilton. “We’re just doing a long helmet, are important to the calm, deter- tive chairman with a notable win. stint, where it’s a one-stop for mined and self-possessed Leclerc who Hamilton, who withdrew from everyone — most likely a train. replaced Kimi Raikkonen as teammate to Wednesday’s pre-race news We know already that’s going to four-time champion Sebastian Vettel this briefi ng because he felt too emo- be the case.” year. “I am eager to race at home, for sure, as it is one of my favourite tracks, but I am trying to prepare as normally as possible,” he said. “I try to make sure that the pres- sure does not aff ect me...” He knows already that he is making history for his birthplace. Tomorrow, as one of only fi ve men from Monaco to have raced in F1, he hopes to become the fi rst Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc arrives at the fan zone at Monaco street circuit yesterday, ahead of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. (AFP) to score points since Louis Chiron fi n- ished third in 1950. after one season, has brought him fame ality for us.” port, but understands also that he must Trailed by fans, stopped for ‘selfi es’ in the digital age. He has 1.2mn follow- For Leclerc, praise from defending fi ve- build up his performance cautiously and besieged by a French media almost ers on Instagram, 220,000 on Twitter and time champion Lewis Hamilton — who through the weekend. “Petit a petit,” he desperate for a new champion, 26 years more than 120,000 on Facebook. His fans said he was reminded of himself — has said. “If not a crash is guaranteed. You since Alain Prost clinched his fourth title, say his regular postings, with pictures, been welcomed gracefully. “Coming from have to fi nd the limit, lap by lap.” Leclerc has retained his air of coolness have proved he is more human than many Lewis, I really appreciate it. I am trying to As a child of four or fi ve, he remembers despite the hoopla all around him. drivers. He considers himself lucky to focus on my career plan and just to keep watching past a grand here for the fi rst “I feel I am satisfi ed with my perform- have been recruited by the Ferrari Acade- improving.” time. “I would play with my little cars ances so far and I am learning from my my, schooled by his mentors and given his His humility has made him popular in with my best friend and watch the F1 race mistakes,” he said. “And I am ready to chance. And he believes Ferrari this year the same way that Senna held his place go round the fi rst corner from his balcony. accept team orders up to a certain point are better than their results have sug- in the popular imagination of the sport. Above all, I always watched the red cars!” — until now, they have been acceptable. gested. “We were on top in Bahrain, and “I never met him, but my Dad talked a After fi nishing up 10th in Thursday’s It is now my job to end up in front of my in good shape in Baku, when something lot about him,” said Leclerc. “Yes, he has practice sessions, Leclerc has retained his teammate. Simple as that!” happened... that we all know about,” he been my inspiration...” serenity and has no fear of the rain fore- Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton leaves the fan zone on a motorbike ahead His promotion from Sauber to Ferrari, said. “I don’t believe the table refl ects re- At Monte Carlo, he knows he has sup- cast for qualifying today of the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. (Reuters)

BADMINTON FOCUS exit Sudirman Cup ICSS Insight briefs the French parliament aft er freak injury to Teo on good governance in sport AFP bandage on his chin, the Malaysian duo appeared ith the aim of re- Nanning, China to have lost their edge. They saved a second match forming and mod- point against Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda, ernising the nation- but could not ultimately prevent going down to a al sport structure, alaysian player Teo Ee dramatic defeat spread over 95 thrilling minutes. Wthe French Government recently Yi was bloodied and shaken af- Teo afterwards refused to blame the attritional invited ICSS Insight to brief Par- ter his doubles partner accidentally three-game loss on the injury. liament on sport integrity and smashed him in the face with his shin The painful defeat put Japan 1-0 up in the tie in existing best practice in the fi eld Mduring their Sudirman Cup quarter-fi nal defeat the Chinese city of Nanning and on the way to a of good governance in sport. to Japan yesterday. The 26-year-old lay prone semi-fi nals meeting with Indonesia. Men’s world As part of a programme to col- on the court fl oor for nearly 10 minutes with a number one Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara lect input and data for the draft- gashed chin, blood pouring down his neck, with triumphed in their singles matches to give Japan ing of the new Bill of Law on the men’s doubles clash against top seeds Japan — who have never won the Sudirman Cup — an ‘Sport and Society’, ICSS Insight locked at 19-19 in the deciding game. unassailable 3-0 lead. was invited due to its work in the Teo suff ered the injury after he and playing Indonesia booked their place in the last four sector of sport-integrity policy. partner both dived in an attempt with a narrow 3-2 win over Taiwan. Today’s other The ICSS Insight contributed its to retrieve the same shot, and Ong’s trailing left semi-fi nal is between the hosts China, who are expertise to an audience of over leg caught Teo in the face. Although Teo eventu- the hot favourites to win the mixed-team world 200 senior representatives of ally climbed off the fl oor to continue with a large championship for an 11th time, and Thailand. the French sport movement and ICSS Insight’s senior expert on Sport Integrity Mallorie Trannois (centre) speaks during an event at the Members of Parliament (MPs). French parliament. Speaking at the Parliament, ICSS Insight Senior Expert on structure, one capable of meet- context, ICSS Insight was invited Sport Integrity Global Alliance Sport Integrity, Mallorie Tran- ing the growing challenges in the to contribute to a high-level de- which ICSS Insight is a found- nois said: “More than ever, fi eld of good governance in sport. bate in light of the experience ing member of and which was sport is a refl ection of our soci- In a recent statement, the developed by the organisation created to promote continu- ety, involving multiple aspects President of the French Republic, in the fi eld of sport integrity, ous reform in the sport integrity and increasing challenges. It is Emmanuel Macron, underlined specifi cally its work, conducted fi eld. Insight CEO Massimiliano therefore unsurprising that the his willingness to “build a clearer in collaboration with Unesco, Montanari concluded: “We feel questions relating to sport’s gov- and more eff ective governance of UNODC, the European Union, honoured to be involved in what ernance have been shaking the French sports federations in or- the Council of Europe and the is such an important step being international sports movement der to redefi ne the organisation University of Paris 1 Pantheon- undertaken by the French legis- for some years now.” of sports policy at national level”. Sorbonne. lator. We are delighted to be able The preparation for the 2024 The new Bill entitled ‘Sport During the briefi ng, ICSS In- to share the international knowl- Olympic Games has been a cata- and Society’ aims at build- sight representative, Mallorie edge we have at the ICSS and to lyst for France to strengthen its ing a new French sports model, Trannois, invited the organisa- support the development of good Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin (left) looks at doubles partner Teo Ee Yi’s injury during their match against eff orts towards the development grounded in good governance tions involved in the Parliamen- governance and sport-integrity Japan’s Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda in quarter-finals of the Sudirman Cup in Nanning. (AFP) of the most advanced governance and democracy in sport. In this tary briefi ng, to join SIGA, the legislation at this national level”. Gulf Times Saturday, May 25, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Zverev warms up for French Open by Tsitsipas’ joie de reaching Geneva fi nal

AFP and Guangzhou last year - will Geneva be wary of Zidansek who defeat- ed her in the pair’s only previous meeting in Morocco earlier this orld number fi ve season. vivre could carry warmed up for the GARCIA SETS UP French Open by YASTREMSKA FINAL Wreaching only his second fi nal of France’s de- the season at the ATP event in feated compatriot Chloe Paquet Geneva with victory over Fed- 6-3 6-4 in the Strasbourg Inter- erico Delbonis yesterday. national semi-fi nals on Friday to The 22-year-old German set up a title clash with fi fth seed him far in Paris came through a close match 7-5, . 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 in two hours and Garcia, the 2016 champion, ‘I am satisfied with my results since Estoril. I had a lot of matches on clay’ 40 minutes to set up today’s fi nal dominated the contest, fi ring 11 against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry. aces and 24 winners, and did not Reuters Zverev, who has never got past face a break point in the match as Paris the quarter-fi nals of a Grand she advanced to her fi rst career Slam tournament, will open his meeting with Yastremska. Roland Garros campaign against Earlier, the Ukrainian teen- orld number six Australian next ager moved into her second title Stefanos Tsitsipas week. clash of the season by stunning has been shoot- He let a 5-1 lead slip in the big-hitting second seed Aryna ing up the rankings opening set in Switzerland, but Sabalenka of Belarus 6-4 6-4. Wthis year and with two titles fought back to take it in the 12th After winning the opening set bagged in 2019, including his game. with a decisive break in the fi fth fi rst on clay, the carefree young Argentinian world number game, 19-year-old Yastremska Greek is a force to be reckoned 84 Delbonis again pulled back secured an early break in the sec- with at the French Open. a break of serve in the second ond before sealing the contest on With a powerful one-handed set to win a tie-break and level her fourth match point. backhand, an extremely ver- the semi-fi nal, but Zverev broke satile game and a determina- twice in the decider and sealed ALIASSIME SET FOR PAIRE tion to match, the 20-year-old victory on his fi rst match point. SHOWDOWN IN FINAL with the surfer boy blond curls Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and looks has been a breath of PUTINTSEVA TO PLAY rallied to beat top seed Nikoloz much-needed fresh air on the ZIDANSEK IN TITLE CLASH Basilashvili 2-6 7-6(3) 6-4 in the tour in the past two years. Kazakhstan’s Lyon Open semi-fi nals yester- The Athenian has quickly overcame unseeded Sorana Cir- day to move into his second ATP established himself alongside stea 6-4 7-5 in the Nuremberg fi nal of the year. German Alexander Zverev as Cup semi-fi nals yesterday and The 18-year-old, who lost in one of the men most likely to will face Tamara Zidansek in the the Rio Open fi nal earlier this succeed the likes of Roger Fe- fi nal today. season, plays Benoit Paire for the derer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Putintseva won a three-hour, fi rst time in his career in today’s Djokovic at the very top of the 21-minute marathon encounter fi nal after the Frenchman cruised game. against Anna-Lena Friedsam on past 6-4 6-2. Zverev, 22, and Austrian Do- Thursday - the longest women’s After losing the opening set minic Thiem, 25, have been match of the year so far - but in 27 minutes, Auger-Aliassime established in the top 10 for a showed little signs of fatigue as found his rhythm in the second longer time but despite their she kept alive hopes of a maiden to drag the match into a decider. strong tour presence they have WTA title. Zidansek later reached He saved two break points at 2-3 yet to win a Grand Slam. her fi rst WTA singles fi nal after before switching gears to close This has raised questions the unseeded Slovenian convert- out the match with an ace. over their ability to deliver on ed fi ve of her nine break points to World number 51 Paire, who the biggest tennis stage and upset second-seeded Czech Kat- had no trouble beating American the level of their drive to fi nally erina Siniakova 7-6(4) 6-2. Fritz earlier in the day, is seeking knock 30 somethings Federer, Top seed Putintseva, who has his second title of the season and Nadal and Djokovic off their Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas with his trophy after losing the Madrid Open final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on May 12, 2019. (Reuters) lost in both of her WTA fi nal ap- third overall following success in perch. pearances - St Petersburg in 2017 Marrakesh last month. With a semi-fi nal appearance Laver Cup becomes offi cial ATP event in Australia this year Tsitsipas has achieved more than his ri- The Laver Cup team event between Europe with the tennis world, and certification by cated more than 20 years of my life to,” he val Zverev, who has never pro- and the rest of the world is to become an the ATP after two editions is an overwhelm- said. World number one Djokovic described gressed past the last eight of a off icial part of the ATP Tour, the governing ing validation of our vision.” it as a “true celebration of tennis”. Grand Slam. body of men’s tennis said yesterday. The Laver Cup last year saw a European “As President of the ATP Player Council I’m And twice French Open run- While extremely popular in its first two team captained by Bjorn Borg and includ- proud to support this collaboration,” the ner-up Alex Corretja believes editions staged in front of sell-out crowds ing the likes of Federer, Novak Djokovic and Serb said. the Greek is the most likely bet in Prague and Chicago, the competition Alexander Zverev take on John McEnroe’s Chris Kermode, Executive Chairman and to shake it up in Paris. backed by Roger Federer was seen as world team featuring , Kevin President of the ATP, said the popularity Speaking exclusively to Reu- something of an outrider. Anderson and . of the event had been a decisive factor in ters, Eurosport tennis expert This year’s tournament in Geneva in Critics have suggested it crowds the cal- bringing it on board. Corretja said: “Whoever wants September will have no ranking points but endar and uses a prime slot that could be “It has struck a chord with fans worldwide to beat him will have to fi ght Friday’s announcement means it will have occupied by the Davis Cup which has been in a very short time,” Kermode said. “This so much because he is physi- the same back-up and logistical support as revamped this year by the International event has great potential to reach new fans cally strong, he knows how other ATP Tour events. Tennis Federation. around the world,,” to play on clay, he mixes it up “The Laver Cup team is incredibly excited Federer, who helped create the event to Becoming an off icially-sanctioned event well. about this partnership with the ATP,” Tony honour Australian great Rod Laver, was means the Laver Cup will have access to all “Maybe this year it’s still a bit Godsick, President and CEO of Federer’s delighted with the news. ATP services, including marketing and so- early to say he’ll win the tour- management company TEAM8 and Laver “As I come closer to the end of my playing cial media, as well as umpires and physios. nament but semi-fi nals? Yes. Cup chairman, said. “It has always been our career, it’s wonderful to know that the Laver This year’s competition will take place from He is in very good form but this hope to build the Laver Cup in partnership Cup will be part of the tour that I’ve dedi- September 20-22. is the fi rst time he arrives at a Grand Slam with people believ- ing he can go far. Let’s see how He has recorded wins over He also reached his fi rst clay- nament like the French Open,” three weeks,” he said. “It’s he deals with that.” Federer and Nadal in 2019, in- court ATP Masters 1000 fi nal in Tsitsipas said. good to come into a Grand Slam Tsitsipas enjoyed a break- cluding beating the Spaniard Madrid, falling to Djokovic. With the best warm-up he knowing what you did well, through season last year to jump on his favourite clay in Madrid, “I am satisfi ed with my re- could have hoped for ahead of what you did wrong, trying to from 91 to 15th in the rankings while also winning the titles on sults since Estoril. I had a lot of the French Open, Tsitsipas has concentrate on those things in and currently sits at a career the Marseille hard courts and matches on clay. I think that’s every right to dream big. order to avoid the same mis- Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates his victory in the Geneva Open high sixth. Estoril’s clay. important coming into a tour- “I think I learned a lot these takes in the big events.” ATP 250 semi-final against in Geneva yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF Finau gets a grip with fi rst round lead at Colonial AFP A hat-trick of birdies on the it’s one round. I’ve got to keep my Woods to play Memorial ahead of US Open Los Angeles 11th, 12th and 13th saw Finau vault head down and keep working.” up the leaderboard. Spieth and Sloan are two ahead Tiger Woods confirmed yesterday that he will play next Once again, the 29-year-old re- of nine players tied on three under. week’s Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his ony Finau set the fi rst lied on a red-hot putter to pick up best form ahead of next month’s US Open, tournament round pace at the Charles shots, draining putts of 24 feet and LEADING SCORES organisers said. Schawb Challenge yester- 26 feet to bag his fi nal two birdies 64 - Tony Finau (USA) Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the day, reaping the rewards of the day. 65 - Roger Sloan (CAN), Jordan Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with Tfrom a change of putting grip to Finau, who also saved a par by Spieth (USA) a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA card a blistering six-under-par making a 30-foot putt during 67 - Jonas Blixt (SWE), Ronald Championship. 64 and claim the lead at Colonial his round, later revealed he had Henry (USA), Chesson Hadley The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competi- Country Club in Texas. changed his putting grip after a (USA), Scott Brown (USA), Jason tive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at The world number 15 took a disappointing showing in the PGA Dufner (USA), Jimmy Walker Augusta - his first major title in 11 years - and the American one-shot lead after posting seven last week. (USA), Peter Uihlein (USA), Trey said he had not practised enough leading into the tourna- birdies and one bogey as he chases “I haven’t been putting great I Mullinax (USA), Nick Watney ment. “Just don’t feel well and just not able to do it. But only his second PGA Tour victory. feel like, and standing over the ball (USA) resting would be better, so I would have energy to play,” Finau, who managed a fi fth the most important thing is, ‘Do 68 - Mackenzie Hughes (CAN), he said. However he expressed optimism that he could place fi nish in the Masters last you feel like you’re going to make Anirban Lahiri (IND), Abraham An- rediscover his best form. month but struggled in the PGA the putt or not?,’” Finau said. cer (MEX), Rory Sabbatini (SVK), “There’s no reason why I can’t get up to speed again and Championship, fi nishing tied in “Outside of everything else, Ryan Palmer (USA), Kevin Tway crank it back up,” he added. 64th, started slowly before making ‘Do you believe you can make (USA), Josh Teater (USA), Cheng “I’ve got to start feeling a little bit better first before that back-to-back birdies on the third the putt?’ So for me, I needed to Tsung Pan (TPE) happens. We’ll do that first and then start cranking it back and fourth holes. switch something.” 69 - Emiliano Grillo (ARG), Nick up again.” His opening birdie on the third Jordan Spieth and Roger Sloan Taylor (CAN), Benjamin Silverman Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his came after he rolled in a 19-foot meanwhile were a shot back from (CAN), Corey Conners (CAN), An schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US putt, and he backed it up on the Finau after both posting fi ve-un- Tony Finau of the United States plays his shot from the sixth tee during Byeong-Hun (KOR), Danny Lee Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble par-three fourth by sticking his der-par 65s. Spieth, coming off the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club (NZL), Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA), Beach in California. tee shot to within three feet for a a share of third place at the PGA in Fort Worth, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) Kevin Streelman (USA), Andrew The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the in- simple tap-in. Championship last week, had a Putnam (USA), Bill Haas (USA), vitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus A bogey on the fi fth threatened wild round comprised of eight ever, with a birdie on his fi nal hole work on and I knew it was going to Scott Langley (USA), Sam Burns at Muirfield Village Golf Club. to check Finau’s momentum, but birdies, a double bogey and a bo- of the day. Spieth believes his re- take a lot of time,” Spieth said. (USA), Jim Furyk (USA), Brian Gay He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped he responded with back-to-back gey. cent form indicates a protracted “It’s nice to see some results off (USA), Nate Lashley (USA), Paul in for birdie on the event’s 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA birdies on the 7th and 8th holes to The 25-year-old Texan man- slump may be over. what I believe is the progress I’ve Casey (ENG), Matthew Fitzpatrick Tour victory. reach the turn at three under. aged to fi nish with a fl ourish how- “I know what I have needed to been making. At the same time, (ENG)

Saturday, May 25, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FRENCH OPEN CYCLING Zakarin wins Giro stage 13; bad day ‘Happy’ Halep feeling for Yates, Lopez

‘I am too happy to be in this AFP Scott, whose pre-race bravado Pinerolo, Italy will haunt him after declaring position, I have to admit this. himself the man to beat. British Team Ineos, formerly But it’s nothing bad’ lnur Zakarin of Katusha Sky, had a mixed day, losing less pressure soloed to a snow-capped 24-year-old climber Tao Ge- summit fi nish victory on oghegan Hart to an early crash, AFP a chaotic 13th stage of the but seeing their 21-year-old IGiro d’Italia yesterday that Russian climber Pavel Sivakov Paris shook up the overall picture. fi nish ninth to climb into the The Russian thereby climbs overall top 10 and shoot to the eigning champion Si- to third in the overall stand- top of the young rider white mona Halep yesterday ings, which is where the now jersey standings. said that the pressure 29-year-old fi nished on the Today’s stage looks even was off ahead of the 2017 Giro. tougher with fi ve climbs and startR of her French Open title Slovenia’s Jan Polanc of 4,000m elevation on the defence after ending her long Team UAE kept hold of the menu. The penultimate climb, wait for a Grand Slam trophy 12 overall lead as favourites an- the Colle San Marco is 10.5km months ago. other Slovene Primoz Roglic with an average gradient of 9.8 The Romanian beat Sloane and Italian Vincenzo Nibali percent. Stephens in Paris last year to crossed the line together 2min clinch her maiden major crown 57sec adrift, with Briton Simon RESULTS in her fourth fi nal, and is the Yates and Colombian Miguel STAGE third seed for the 2019 edition Angel Lopez another two min- 1. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/Katusha), which starts at Roland Garros on utes back. 5hrs 34min 40sec, 2. Mikel Sunday. On this fi rst summit reck- Nieve (ESP/MIT) at 35sec, 3. “(It’s) much better and much oning in a mountain-packed Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) 1:20, easier, because I have the title second section of the Giro, the 4. Richard Carapaz (ECU/MOV) already,” said Halep, who is the peloton climbed to 2,237m al- 1:38, 5. Bauke Mollema (NED/ bookmakers’ favourite to win a titude, with Zakarin dropping TRE) 1:45, 6. Rafal Majka (POL/ second straight title. Spain’s Mikel Nieve in the fi - BOR) 2:07, 7. Primoz Roglic “(It) doesn’t matter anymore nal section and beating him by (SLO/JUM) 2:57, 8. Vincenzo what is going to happen. Every- 35sec at the panoramic fi nish- Nibali (ITA/BAH) 2:57, 9. Pavel thing (that) comes now comes as ing post in the Gran Paradiso Sivakov (RUS/INE) 3:34, 10. a bonus. So I will try just to give national park. Davide Formolo (ITA/BOR) my best and to see if I’m able to Movistar pair Mikel Landa 3:50. do it again.” and Richard Carapaz came SELECTED: The 27-year-old had faced third and fourth on a great day 11. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/ consistent questions heading for the Spanish team as Dutch- AST) 4:19, 15. Jan Polanc (SLO/ into the about man Bauke Mollema climbed UAE) 4:39, 17. Simon Yates her ability to win the biggest to fourth in the overall with (GBR/MIT) 5:00. tournaments despite holding the his fi fth place on the day. The world-number-one ranking for two favourites, Roglic of Jum- OVERALL long spells, but fi nally put those bo-Visma and two-time Giro 1. Jan Polanc (SLO/UAE doubts to bed. winner Nibali of Bahrain, kept Emirates) 54hr 28min 59sec, Now, she concedes that she is close tabs on each other all day 2. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) at maybe “too happy” to have put with both men taking frequent 2:25, 3. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus/KAT) herself in the position of defend- turns to test each other. 2:56, 4. Bauke Mollema (NED/ ing champion, with a possible Colombian hope Miguel An- TRE) 3:06, 5. Vincenzo Nibali gruelling fortnight ahead. gel Lopez of Astana, who was (ITA/BAH) 4:09, 6. Richard “I am too happy to be in this third on last year’s Giro, had Carapaz (ECU/MOV) 4:22, 7. position, I have to admit this. But though is yet to win a tourna- followed, but her confi dence re- count Rome this year. We leave it match (against Tomljanovic),” been leading that pair until he Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 4:28, 8. it’s nothing bad,” she said. “I will ment after fi nal defeats in Doha mains high of another run deep back. Coming here, practising, I added Halep, also a two-time suff ered yet another mechani- Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) 5:08, try to do the things (I did) as a kid, and earlier this month on clay in into the French Open draw. felt really well.” French Open runner-up. cal cost him precious initiative. 9. Pavel Sivakov (RUS/INE) 7:13, enjoying the time. I wanted this Madrid, where she was beaten “Going to Madrid... maybe my Halep will face Australian “She’s powerful. She hits the But the day’s biggest loser, 10. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/ badly, and I wanted (it) so much by in-form Dutchwoman Kiki favourite tournament, because I Ajla Tomljanovic in the open- ball strong. So I have to be ready. over fi ve minutes behind Zaka- AST) 7:48, 11. Tanel Kangert that now having it, I just want to Bertens. won two times there and I played ing round, with sixth seed Petra I have to focus on myself.” rin, was Simon Yates, a Briton (EST/EF1) 7:52, 12. Simon Yates be happy and to smile.” A shock loss in her fi rst match two fi nals, even if I didn’t win the Kvitova also in her quarter of the Tomljanovic reached the who rides for Mitchelton- (GBR/MIT) 8:14. Halep has been in typically last week in Rome to Czech fi nal, I felt that my level was very draw. fourth round of Roland Garros in consistent form this season, al- teenager Marketa Vondrousova high. “I have confi dence. I don’t “It’s going to be a very tough 2014.

EIGHT WOMEN TO WATCH ON THE ROLAND GARROS CLAY

SIMONA HALEP (Romania) The Rome where a thumb injury Until she reached the French With few points to defend in but she will not just be in Paris lionhearted Romanian finally meant she had to withdraw. If Open semi-finals out of nowhere France and Wimbledon the for a family outing. landed a Grand Slam title in she’s fit she will be dangerous. in 2016, however, Bertens was number one ranking could be Three times Williams has swept Paris last year after seasons of struggling to make an impact. possible for the first time. to the title in Paris and last year, sweat and it will take a tough KAROLINA PLISKOVA Even then she toyed with quit- in only her third tournament cookie to wrestle the crown from (Czech Rep) ting the sport in 2017 but her GARBINE MUGURUZA (Spain) back after giving birth, reached her grasp. Few players enjoy a The tall Czech owns one of the decision to continue has been Inconsistency has seen her tum- the last 16 before injury struck. scrap more than the 27-year-old biggest serves in women’s ten- fully vindicated and with a hefty ble down to 19th in the rankings No one doubts that she has the but until she downed Sloane nis and even on relatively slow serve and powerful baseline heading to Paris but none of the weapons and the court craft Stephens in last year’s final there Parisian clay it will give her every game she now looks comfort- top seeds will be happy to see to make another title tilt and were nagging doubts about her chance of claiming a first Grand able in the highest echelons of her in their section of the draw. should she get on a roll in the ability to strike a knockout blow. Slam title. Pliskova is one of sev- women’s tennis. The powerful Venezuelan-born first week her mere presence in That pressure has now been eral players in the women’s draw Along with Petra Kvitova and Spaniard can be unplayable the draw will start to sow some lifted and she will arrive happy to have held the world number Pliskova, she is one of only three when she is firing on all cylinders seeds of doubt into the heads of and relaxed although wary one ranking, but now appears players to win multiple titles this and is one of those who can the favourites. of big-hitters like to have harnessed her power to year. be relied on to bring her best who got the better of her in the become a more consistent force. game to the biggest stages. She (US) Madrid final. Never a lover of clay, with the PETRA KVITOVA (Czech Rep) overwhelmed in The cool as a cucumber help of Spanish coach Conchita Roland Garros has never been the 2016 French Open final and American counter-puncher does (Japan) Martinez she appears to have a happy hunting ground for did the same to Venus a year not blast opponents off court, Talk about revelling on the big finally got to grips with the Kvitova with a semi-final run in later at Wimbledon. Reached the instead uses her incredible court stage. The Japanese world surface as she demonstrated by 2012 still her best eff ort. semi-final in Paris last year and coverage and unerring accuracy number one has only won three winning the Rome title – a feat A classic first-strike player, expect to see her in the second to wear them down. Last year’s titles but arrives in Paris having she described as “a miracle”. the 29-year-old is capable of week again, as long as a left final against Halep was a battle won the last two Grand Slams overwhelming anyone on her thigh injury sustained in Rome of wills between two players on off er. KIKI BERTENS (Netherlands) day, especially on the Wimble- clears up in time. with similar styles – Stephens The 21-year-old still gives off the The 27-year-old became the don lawns where she has twice eventually succumbing in a grip- impression that she is a little highest-ranked Dutchwoman claimed the title. SERENA WILLIAMS (US) ping three-set contest. nonplussed by all the fuss, pre- ever when she won the Madrid Her career was interrupted by Write off the American 23-times Results this year have not been ferring to make statements with title this month to climb to a horrific knife attack in Dec. Grand Slam singles champion spectacular but a semi-final run her aggressive brand of tennis. number four. She beat four 2016 but she is back to her best at your peril. The 37-year-old in Madrid was a clear message Clay is not her natural surface Grand Slam champions in the and after winning the claycourt has played only a handful of that she is warming up nicely for but she reached the quarter- process, culminating in downing title in Stuttgart will be full of matches since reaching the a strong challenge over the next finals in Madrid and again in French Open champion Halep. confidence. Australian Open quarter-final, fortnight. Team Katusha rider Russia’s Ilnur Zakarin reacts as he crosses the finish line to win stage thirteen of the 102nd Giro d’Italia yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Nadal not bothered by change in surroundings Rafa Nadal will have to get court, and especially is a little used to new surroundings as bit diff erent looking from Australian Kyrgios pulls out his favourite hunting ground, behind the royal (off icials’) the court Philippe Chatrier, has box. For me, that’s the main Reuters making inappropriate remarks about an been revamped ahead of the diff erence.” Nadal had reason Paris opponent’s girlfriend, failing to try during May 26-June 9 French Open. to be concerned after failing to matches and turning the air blue with bad The Spaniard, chasing a win titles in Monte language. record-extending 12th French Carlo, Barcelona or Madrid, ustralian maverick Nick Kyr- Only last week Kyrgios threw a chair Open title, has already prac- but he got back to winning gios withdrew from the French across a court at the Italian Open be- tised on the new main court, ways just in time for Roland Open yesterday, according to fore forfeiting his second-round match which has been extended by Garros when he prevailed at tournament offi cials, robbing against Norwegian Casper Ruud. He then 10 metres and features new the Italian Open last week. He theA Grand Slam event of some guaranteed headed to London to train with Britain’s seats before getting a retract- now heads into his first round fi reworks. on Wimbledon’s grass, able roof in 2020. against a qualifier with a posi- No offi cial reason was given although where he declared his contempt for the But he is not bothered by the tive mindset. media reports stated the 24-year-old Kyr- French Open in a live Instagram post. changes after court Philippe “I feel myself playing well, be- gios was suff ering with an illness. “The fact I am here now and then have Chatrier was 80% rebuilt. ing honest, and my goal is just He had been due to face Britain’s Cam- to go to Paris in a couple of days... French “The feeling with the ball, to keep playing at that level, eron Norrie in the fi rst round but his place Open s**** compared to this place. S****,” the feeling with the court, because these things always will now be taken by a qualifi er who will Kyrgios said. personally I had the same that I can improve, small almost certainly bring less to the party, “Get rid of the clay man, who likes the feeling on court. No, no, I don’t things, and just working on good or bad, than the so-called wild child clay? It is so bad.” see a diff erence in terms of small things,” the second seed of men’s tennis. Kyrgios also pulled out of the French game experience,” Nadal told explained. The world number 36 divides opinion Open last year before the start with an el- reporters. “But in general terms, it is just like no other in the sport, with his daz- bow injury and has never progressed past “I think the wind is going the about being healthy, main zling shot-making ability more often than the third round at the claycourt Grand same way, and the feeling thing, and then just compete not overshadowed by his behaviour and Slam. Roland Garros offi cials told Reuters on court is exactly the same. well and be fresh mentally and disdain for authority. they did not know the reason for Kyrgios’s Then of course it is a diff erent physically.” In the past he has been sanctioned for withdrawal.