SPORT 16 FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2017 Kenya’s Sum Luan surprise pulls out of Qatar’s ‘Iron Arm’ Budair inclusion in world 800m Brazil squad London Reuters storms into London final Rio De Janeiro Reuters ormer world 800 metres champion Eunice Sum Fawad Hussain remio midfielder Qatar’s has withdrawn from the The Peninsula Luan (pictured F Ahmed Budair World Athletics Champion- below) was a sur- competes in G ships due to illness, Kenyan atar’s Ahmed Budair, prise inclusion in the officials said yesterday. famous as the ‘Iron men’s javelin Brazil squad announced Sum, who won gold in Arm’ yesterday throw at yesterday for upcoming Moscow in 2013 and bronze excelled in the pre- London Olympic World Cup qualifiers in Beijing two years ago, was Qliminary round to Stadium against Ecuador and scheduled to race in the qualify for the men’s javelin final in London, Colombia. 800m heats on Thursday and at the World Athletics Champi- yesterday. A reported target of though she said on Wednes- onships at London Olympic Arsenal and Liverpool, day she was pulling out, Stadium in London. the 24-year’s only previ- officials initially said there Budair, , who won the World ous appearance was as a was still a chance she could Champion for Youth last year, substitute in the January run. displayed one of his best per- friendly against Colom- However, they issued a formances to reach a distance bia, when coach Tite statement on Thursday con- of 83.83, finishing third in Group picked only home-based firming her withdrawal. A. According to details made players. “A decision has been available, German Johannes Vet- “He is a player that made by Team Kenya in con- ter (91.20) and Tero Pitkaemaeki had a great Olympics and sultation with the athlete and he was always on our Kenyan and IAAF medical JAVELIN THROW GROUP A radar,” Tite said of Luan, staff for her to withdraw on whose midfield prompt- 1. Johannes Vetter (Germany) 91.20 Q medical grounds,” the state- ings helped Brazil win ment said. 2. Tero Pitkaemaeki (Finland) 85.97 Q the Olympic soccer gold “She has not been feeling 3. Ahmed Bader (Qatar) 83.83 Q of Finland (85.97) secured the leading the high jump competi- Cuba Legend Javier Sotomayor last year for the first well since arriving on August 4. Julius Yego (Kenya) 83.57 Q first two spots in the group tion in the Diamond League 30 years ago (2,45 m). time. 6 and the cold weather of the 5. Marcin Krukowski (Poland) 83.49 Q respectively. 2017. The star high jumper has “He is a principal link past two days has only made 6. Hamish Peacock (Australia) 82.46 Julius Yego (Kenya) and He achieved the best record determination to break the up player and deserves her case worse.” 7. Neeraj Chopra (India) 82.26 Marcin Krukowski (Poland) also for the current season with a world record as he has achieved to be called up.” 8. Jaroslav Jilek (Czech Republic) 80.97 advanced from Group B. The jump at a height of (38.3 m). He a jump, the highest in the world Corinthians goal- 9. Adrian Mardari (Moldova) 80.18 final of the event is scheduled finished on top in Oslo round, so far (2.43m) in the US Nike keeper Cassio was the 10. Rolands Strobinders (Latvia) 79.68 tomorrow. the fifth round of the Diamond tour, a big clash is expected other surprise ‘Pinch me’, says 11. Cheng Chao-Tsun (Taiwan) 77.87 Meanwhile, Qatar’s Olympic League last July. between the world champions, inclusion. 12. Ryohei Arai (Japan) 77.38 hero Mutaz Barshim will start his The Rio Games silver medal- led by Ukraine’s Bohdan Bond- The big keeper has Warholm after 13. Tanel Laanmaee (Estonia) 76.41 stint at the worlds, with the high ist also became the extraordinary arenko and Canadian Derek been outstanding in the 14. Vitezslav Vesely (Czech Republic) 75.50 jump event getting under way candidate to achieve the great- Drouin, in addition to Syria’s Corinthians’ rise to the

triumph today. est dream of breaking the world Majd Eddin Ghazal and several top of the league and is

15. Pavel Mialeshka (Belarus) 75.33 Barshim, a double Olympic record in the high jump, winners who qualified for the well-known to Tite from London medalist is in top form as he is recorded under the name of 2017 World qualifiers. when he led the Sao Reuters Paulo side to the Copa Libertadores in 2012. t only dawned on young- Semenya of Top of the South ster Karsten Warholm that South Africa American table, Brazil Ihe had become world 400 react before Semenya enters semis; have already qualified metres hurdles champion on the heat, for Russia 2018 and have Wednesday when he made a yesterday. won all eight of their photographer an offer he Obiri on course for title qualifiers since Tite took could not refuse. over in the middle of last Still barely able to com- year. prehend what had happened London “That’s all I’m concen- withdrawal. Meanwhile, They play Ecuador at after becoming Norway’s first Agencies trating on.” Kenya’s Hellen Obiri home on Aug 31 before world track champion for 30 Defending world 800m remained on course to win flying to Colombia to years, Warholm was down on outh Africa’s Caster champion Maryna Arza- her first major 5,000 face the home side on his haunches having been Semenya advanced masova of Belarus could metres title after qualifying September 5. given a flag to parade when easily to the semi- only finish fourth in her fastest from the heats he looked straight at photog- Sfinals of the 800m heat, out of the automatic yesterday. rapher Phil Noble. after winning her first three qualifiers from each The 27-year-old won “What’s going on, is this round heat at the IAAF of the six heats. world bronze in 2013 and real?” the 21-year-old asked World Championships Kenya’s Margaret came back from a year off Noble. When assured it was, yesterday. Wambui, bronze medallist to claim silver at the Rio Warholm still wasn’t satis- Semenya, a bronze at both the world indoors 2016 Olympics. Obiri, the fied. “Pinch me,” he medallist in the 1500m in and Olympics last year, world leader this year, demanded. London as she attempted won that heat, but Arza- qualified for Sunday’s final A surprised Noble leant an audacious double, masova’s season’s best of in a time of 14:56.70. across and did as he was told, clocked 2min 01.33sec. 2:01.92 was not fast enough She will be challenged pinching the youngster’s “I just want to keep to see her bag one of the by defending champion wrist, at which point winning,” said the South faster loser places. Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia, Warholm concurred. African, dogged by gender Wambui’s team-mate who ran 14:57.06 in her first “Yes, it’s real” he said accusations since shooting Eunice Sum, world cham- 5,000m race of the season before disappearing for his to fame when she won pion in Moscow in 2013 and five days after her runaway lap of honour in a viking world gold in Berlin in bronze medallist in Beijing victory in the 10,000m in helmet. 2009. two years later, was a late London. Jennings axed as Stoneman gets England call London Crane included for Windies series starts at Birmingham’s Edg- look to recapture the form AFP baston ground on Thursday, that earned him selection in July 17. the first place. England Squad ark Stoneman is set to Meanwhile, Hampshire “I am sure he will find his become Alastair (Essex), (Surrey), Tom Westley (Essex), leg-spinner Mason Crane has confidence and look to score MCook’s latest England (Yorkshire, capt), (Middlesex), (Durham), been called into a Test squad runs in the remaining matches opening partner after being (Yorkshire, wkt), (Worcestershire), Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex), for the first time having also of this season.” selected to make his debut in Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), impressed in England’s first- Fit again pace- next week’s day/night first (Warwickshire), Mason Crane (Hampshire) class all-rounder Chris Woakes has Test against the West Indies Fixtures this season. replaced in the at Edgbaston. Aug 17-21: England v West Indies, 1st Test, Edgbaston “Selectors would like to squad for a match on his War- Surrey batsman Stoneman Aug 25-29: England v West Indies, 2nd Test, Headingley offer their congratulations to wickshire home ground that was included in a 13-man Sept 07-11: England v West Indies, 3rd Test, Lord’s Mark Stoneman and Mason will be the first day/night Test squad announced yesterday Crane who thoroughly ever staged in England. from which the struggling deserve their opportunity in Woakes has fully recovered was dropped. Stoneman, a former Durham first-class this season, the squad,” said England from a side strain sustained The Durham opener only team-mate of Jennings, is in including a highest score of selector James Whitaker in an during the Champions Trophy averaged 15.87 in eight innings line to become Cook’s 12th 197, while averaging 58.82 England and Wales Cricket in June and has missed most during England’s recent 3-1 partner at the top of the order with three centuries. Board statement. of the season. series win over his native in five years since the retire- By replacing Jennings, The former England bats- The day/night match is the South Africa, which concluded ment of former Stoneman will form another man had some words of first of three Tests between with a 177-run victory in the Andrew Strauss. all-left-handed combination consolation for Jennings, say- England and the West Indies, fourth Test at Old Trafford on The 30-year-old Stone- at the top of England’s order ing: “Keaton Jennings will with the teams meeting again Keaton Jennings Monday. Now Surrey batsman man has scored 1,000 runs in with Cook in a match that return to Durham and will at Headingley Lord’s Test. FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 17

US sanctions Mexican captain Confusion reigns over Neymar Marquez for alleged cartel ties

Washington debut as PSG meet Guingamp AFP he US Treasury on Paris Friday. But the French Football Wednesday accused AFP Federation (FFF) appear confi- TRafael Marquez, captain dent that the saga surrounding of Mexico’s national football eymar is poised to Neymar, who cost PSG a stag- team and a former FC Barce- make his much- gering world record of 222m lona player, of being a “front anticipated debut euros ($264m), is near its end. person” for a major drug traf- for Paris Saint-Ger- “The transfer is complete, so ficking organisation. main on Sunday this should not last,” FFF presi- Marquez was one of 22 Nwhen they travel to Guingamp dent Noel Le Graet told sports people and 43 entities the US in their second game of the Ligue daily L’Equipe. Treasury placed on a sanc- 1 season. “The federation is in contact tions list in relation to a However, the French league with our Spanish counterparts. Guadalajara-based drug traf- are still waiting on a transfer cer- There is no reason for this hold- ficking cartel controlled by tificate from the Spanish Football up to continue. one Raul Flores Hernandez. Federation (RFEF) before the “These are complicated The Treasury said Mar- Brazilian can finally play. deals, but there is no missing quez has a “longstanding The certificate has to arrive document today. relationship” with Flores, has before on Sunday if Neymar is “I do not need to tell you that acted as a “front person” for Brazilian superstar Neymar plays with a to take to the pitch at the Stade there are a few problems within him and held assets on his ball during his official presentation at the du Roudourou this weekend, the Spanish federation. I do not drug cartel’s behalf. with it possible that FIFA may doubt that this will be quickly Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, in this Also on the list of those in have to intervene if the RFEF do solved. Wolves do not eat each August 4, 2017 file photo. one of the largest single US not send the document by other, you know.” actions against a Mexican car- Neymar watched from the tel under Washington’s Parc des Princes stands as PSG will be to retake the Ligue 1 title other players here are also some make it two wins from two when “Kingpin Act” were Flores and LIGUE 1 FIXTURES cruised to a low-key 2-0 win from Monaco. great players, so together we can they pay a visit to Dijon on members of his family, and All times in GMT over newly-promoted Amiens Spaniard Emery has no get better and grow.” Sunday. Latin Grammy-nominated Today in their Ligue 1 opener last time doubt that his new arrival will Once again, PSG’s main Nice, who have the first leg singer Julion Alvarez. Nice vs Troyes (1700), Rennes v Lyon (1845) out, and coach Unai Emery will help the team achieve those lofty rivals for domestic honours of their Champions League play- “Raul Flores Hernandez Tomorrow want the forward available goals, whether he makes his appear to be Monaco, who are off against Napoli on Wednesday, has operated for decades Nantes vs Marseille (1500), Amiens vs Angers sooner rather than later. debut on Sunday or the follow- desperately trying to hang on to kick off the second weekend at because of his longstanding The 25-year-old scored 105 ing week against Toulouse. rising star Kylian Mbappe in the home to promoted Troyes today relationships with other drug (1800), Bordeaux vs Metz (1800), Caen vs goals in his four seasons at Bar- “He’s a player who will help face of serious interest from Real without their two star players the cartels and his use of finan- Saint-Etienne (1800), Toulouse vs Montpellier celona, and his new team will be the club get to a higher level,” he Madrid. injured Mario Balotelli and new cial front persons to mask his (1800) expecting him to score far more said. The 18-year-old started in signing Wesley Sneijder. investments of illegal drug Sunday over the next few years. “Without Neymar PSG is a their opening 3-2 victory over Lyon’s youthful side started proceeds,” said John Smith, Strasbourg vs Lille (1300), Dijon vs Monaco Although the main goal for great club, but with Neymar it’s Toulouse last weekend, as cap- with a 4-0 thumping of Stras- head of the Treasury’s Office

(1500), Guingamp vs Paris Saint-Germain the capital club is to finally chal- a little better. tain Radamel Falcao found the bourg last week and travel out of Foreign Assets Control (1900) lenge for the Champions League “The way we will adapt being net. Leonardo Jardim’s princi- to Brittany to take on Rennes which implements crown, their first task this term close to a player like him... The pality outfit will be expecting to today. sanctions. The sanctions freeze any assets, such as bank accounts and property, that a black- Neymar’s listed person holds in a US Coutinho not for sale, Klopp warns Barca jurisdiction, and bans any US Brazil top individuals or companies from doing business with London Liverpool’s FIFA rankings them. AFP Philippe Known popularly as Rafa, Coutinho (left) the 38-year-old Marquez urgen Klopp has warned speaks with Paris made his debut for the Barcelona that Liverpool manager Jurgen AFP national team in February Jhave no intention of selling 1997 and has captained his Klopp during an Brazil forward Philippe aptained by the Paris country in the last four World EFL Cup match Coutinho at any price. Saint Germain striker Cups. at St Mary’s Barca want Coutinho to Neymar Brazil have He was a young star for Stadium, in C replace Neymar following the knocked Germany off the top the Atlas club before moving Brazilian’s world record £200m Southampton, of the FIFA rankings released to Monaco in 1999. million ($260m, 222m euros) England in this yesterday. World champions Four years later he signed transfer to Paris Saint Germain file photo. Germany dropped to second with FC Barcelona, becoming earlier this month. despite winning the Confed- the first Mexican player to The Spanish club are erations Cup after some win a Champions League final reported to have increased rolling historical results were with the team’s victory over their bid for Coutinho to £90m devalued. Arsenal in 2006. The this week after two previous defender spent another four offers were rejected by the Pre- FIFA STANDINGS (TOP 10) injury-marred years with the mier League side. team before being released With Barca cash rich fol- 33-year-old Andres Iniesta in stone. So what they pay in the with 14 goals in all competitions 1. Brazil (+1) in 2010. lowing Neymar’s move and midfield. But Liverpool man- end doesn’t matter. last term, a season that saw 2. Germany (-1) After that he spent two Coutinho said to be keen on a ager Klopp remains adamant “From a financial stand- Klopp’s men qualify for the 3. Argentina years with the Red Bulls of US move, there is every chance the 25-year-old will stay at point, there’s no threshold of Champions League with a Major League Soccer, and they will eventually test Liver- Anfield no matter what Barca pain.” fourth place finish in the Pre- 4. Switzerland (+1) then joined Mexico’s Club pool’s resolve with an offer in are prepared to pay. Coutinho, who joined Liv- mier League. 5. Poland (+1) Leon, and most recently excess of £100m. “We want to have the best erpool from Inter Milan for Liverpool open the new Pre- 6. Portugal (-2) played for Atlas again. Barca believe Coutinho can possible team. This means £8.5m in 2013, signed a new mier League campaign against 7. Chile Still potent despite inju- step in for Neymar alongside keeping the guys we have,” five-year deal with the Mersey- Watford tomorrow. But Coutinho 8. Colombia ries, he scored the winning Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Klopp told Sky in Germany. side outfit in January that did could be sidelined at Vicarage 9. Belgium (+1) goal at the 89th minute in a

a star-studded front three, and “Liverpool is not a club that not include a buy-out clause. Road, having received treatment 10. France (-1) 2-1 World Cup qualifier vic- could also provide cover for needs to sell. That is set in He was their leading scorer this week for a back injury. tory over the United States last November. Wenger braced for knife-edge Arsenal season

London players whose contracts expire champions Chelsea -- Arsenal PREMIER LEAGUE 2017-18 LINE-UP Arsene Wenger AFP at the end of the season. won seven of their last eight List of teams competing in the Premier League in 2017-18 (last season’s posi- Sanchez in particular has league games and stunned Chel- rsene Wenger brokered a tion in brackets): been the subject of intense spec- sea 2-1 in the FA Cup final. fragile truce with Arsenal’s Arsenal (5th), Bournemouth (9th), Brighton and Hove Albion (2nd, Championship), ulation about his future amid They defeated Chelsea again Adissenting fans by winning Burnley (16th), Chelsea (1st), Crystal Palace (14th), Everton (7th), Huddersfield Town reported interest from the big- when the teams renewed the FA Cup, but has little margin (5th, Championship; promoted via play-offs), Leicester City (12th), Liverpool (4th), spending duo of Manchester City acquaintances at Wembley in last for error ahead of today’s Pre- and Paris Saint-Germain. Sunday’s Community Shield, mier League opener against Manchester City (3rd), Manchester United (6th), Newcastle United (1st, Champion- The Chile forward missed winning a penalty shootout 4-1

Leicester City. ship), Southampton (8th), Stoke City (13th), Swansea City (15th), Tottenham Hotspur pre-season after being granted after a 1-1 draw. Last season was by far the (2nd), Watford (17th), West Bromwich Albion (10th), West Ham United (11th) extra time off following the Con- As well as the silverware, most difficult of Wenger’s federations Cup and has been Arsenal’s supporters have also 21-year tenure as manager, with ruled out of Friday’s game due had a major signing to celebrate Arsenal’s on-pitch travails fans will fall into line behind down to us. The trend has always to an abdominal strain. after Wenger broke the club’s exposing him to furious protests them. to come from the team.” That Wenger is not going into transfer record to sign prolific from sections of the club’s “A lot (of the trouble) was Undermining Wenger’s quest the new campaign with the fans French striker Alexandre Laca- Ozil is a doubt against support. created by my own situation. for harmony is the uncertainty still at his throat owes much to zette from Lyon. Leicester, however, along with Having ended months of Maybe I made a mistake,” surrounding several first-team Arsenal’s strong finish to last The 26-year-old set Arsenal Aaron Ramsey, Per Mertesacker speculation by signing a new Wenger said after Arsenal beat players. season. back an initial fee of £46.5m and Shkodran Mustafi, while two-year contract, he is looking Chelsea on penalties in last Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, After Wenger belatedly ($60.3m, 51.5m euros) and is Laurent Koscielny is suspended. forwards and says that if the weekend’s Community Shield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation -- expected to lead the line, flanked Gabriel and Santi Cazorla are team put on a united front, the “Overall I believe that it’s Jack Wilshere are among the a tactical trend sparked by by Sanchez and Ozil. definitely out. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2017 Williams battles into Federer, Nadal claim easy Toronto last 16 stage

Toronto but I think the key is to keep wins in Montreal openers AFP going for it and hopefully you'll get some in at some point. enus Williams was forced "On those points she played Montreal to draw on all of her vast some great tennis. And what AFP Vexperience before over- can you do except go back and coming Czech youngster try again," Williams said of Sin- rejuvenated Roger Katerina Siniakova to reach the iakova's multiple break-point Federer believes he last 16 of the WTA Toronto saves. is still reaping the hardcourt tournament on Williams will now face benefits of his Wednesday. Elina Svitolina in the next extended break from The 37-year-old American round. tennisA after a comfortable open- ninth seed, who began playing Wimbledon champion Gar- ing victory at the ATP Montreal on the professional circuit bine Muguruza advanced with Masters gave him his best start before 21-year-old Siniakova a 7-5, 6-2 win over Belgium's to a season since 2006. was even born in 1996, even- Kirsten Flipkens. The Swiss star, who cele- tually prevailed 7-5, 7-5 in 1hr Top seed Karolína Pliskova brated his 36th birthday on 39min. of the Czech Republic mean- Tuesday, swatted aside Cana- It was a satisfying win for while eased past Russia's da's world number 116 Peter Williams, who shrugged off the Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, Polansky 6-2, 6-1 in just 53 min- failure to convert a string of 6-3. utes to book his place in the break points to raise her game It was Pliskova's first match second round. when it mattered late in the since she was installed as the Federer was joined in the second set. current world number one and last 16 by top seed and old Williams, who will be chas- she confessed she had been adversary Rafael Nadal, who ing her third US Open crown nervous beforehand. made short work of his opening next month after reaching the Two seeded Russian play- assignment. Wimbledon and Australian ers were among those to make Nadal, who will depose the Open finals this year, said she an early exit. absent Andy Murray as world Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Peter Polansky of Canada during had remained calm against Sin- Svetlana Kuznetsova, number one if he reaches the day six of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at Uniprix Stadium on Wednesday in iakova even when errors seeded eight, was the highest- semi-finals in Montreal this Montreal, Quebec, Canada. prevented her from taking profile casualty, tumbling out week, routed Croatian young- control. to Catherine Bellis of the United ster Borna Coric 6-1, 6-2. netted him both the Australian to be there, too. I think the break Federer raced into the next At one stage Siniakova States 6-4, 7-5. Federer is riding high after Open and Wimbledon crowns. just rejuvenated me ... I came in round with a comfortable hold, saved eight consecutive break Elena Vesnina, the 16th a spectacular year which has On Wednesday's evidence, refreshed. It was a different finishing with an emphatic over- points to ensure she always seed, was sent packing by Aus- few would bet against him add- mindset." head smash. remained in touch. Williams tralia's Ashleigh Barty. MONTREAL MASTERS RESULTS ing the US Open to that haul after Federer took control imme- Federer will face Spain's eventually converted only four Barty, a 21-year-old Second Round a masterful performance that left diately against Polansky, holding David Ferrer in the third round. of 13 break points. Queenslander who has also Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-1, 6-2 Polansky groping at shadows. his opening service game com- Ferrer upset 15th seed Jack Sock "She played so well, so played professional Denis Shapovalov (CAN) bt Juan Martín Del Potro A one-sided win gave him a fortably before quickly going 7-6 (9/7), 3-6, 6-1. competitive," Williams said cricket, won a gripping three- (ARG) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) 32-2 start to the season, his best 0-40 up in the second game. Elsewhere on Wednesday, afterwards. "I had a few errors setter 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Chung Hyeon (KOR) bt David Goffin (BEL x9) 7-5, 6-3 beginning to a campaign since A Polansky double fault gave France's Gael Monfils saved four Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x6) 6-4, 2006 when he began 38-2 and Federer the break and the Swiss match points before digging 6-4 finished the year at world was soon 3-0 up after holding deep to defeat Japanese fifth Alexander Zverev (GER x4) bt Richard Gasquet (FRA) number one. serve to love in the next game. seed Kei Nishikori in an attri- 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) Federer attributed his ren- Polansky held his next two tional three-set duel. Nick Kyrgios (AUS x16) bt Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-2, 6-3 aissance to rediscovering full service games but never looked Monfils prevailed 6-7 (4/7), Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP fitness after knee surgery in 2016 like breaking Federer's serve as 7-5, 7-6 (8/6) to advance. x11) 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) and taking a two-month break the veteran moved into a 5-2 There was almost another Sam Querrey (USA) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x8) 6-1, from the game earlier this year. lead. French Houdini act in the 3-6, 6-4 "I guess for me the key is that Federer then broke Polan- evening session, when Richard Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x7) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 6-3, I'm actually healthy," Federer sky to take the first set, following Gasquet fought back from triple 3-6, 6-3 said. "I knew that when I was a signature backhand with a deft match point down to earn three Robin Haase (NED) bt Ernesto Escobedo (USA) 6-4, healthy, I was going to be able forehand volley that left the match points in the final set of 6-1 to have chances to win slams 29-year-old Canadian his duel with Germany's Alex- Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) 6-7 (4/7), again, to play against the best, scrambling. ander Zverev. 7-5, 7-6 (8/6) beat the best. Federer was soon in control Fourth-seed Zverev how- Roberto Bautista (ESP x12) bt Ryan Harrison (USA) 7-5, "That's also reasons why I'm in the second set, scoring an ever fought back brilliantly to 6-2 still playing today. If I felt like I early break and holding twice to claim victory in a tiebreak, win- David Ferrer (ESP) bt Jack Sock (USA x15) 7-6 (9/7), couldn't do all these things, it move 3-0 up before a further ning 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3). Venus Williams of the United States plays a shot against 3-6, 6-1 would not be enjoyable or I break made it 4-0. Zverev will now face Aus-

Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Peter Polansky (CAN) 6-2, wouldn't be doing it any more. Polansky earned a stay of tralia's Nick Kyrgios in the last Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic (not pictured)

6-1 "I think the belief was always execution after holding serve in 16. Kyrgios swatted aside Victor during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Aviva Centre there. The body always needed the sixth game to make it 5-1, but Troicki 6-1, 6-2. in Toronto on Wednesday.

NBA: Nets to Spieth starts career Slam bid as PGA opens face Oklahoma Charlotte Jordan Spieth of the United States plays his shot would be added next season AFP from the tenth tee during the first round of the 2017 expectations." PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, yesterday in Spieth also could become ordan Spieth began his Charlotte, North Carolina. Inset: Spieth lines up a putt the first to finish the career New York charge at golf history with a on the 10th hole during the first round. Slam with a victory at the PGA. AFP Jpar yesterday morning at the "He's a special guy," four- PGA Championship, launching time major winner Ernie Els BA Most Valuable Player his bid to become the young- said. Russell Westbrook, and est player to complete a career "He has won some events NChinese-American play- Grand Slam. really showing some grit. You maker Jeremy Lin will be With a victory, Spieth can't really describe it, but it's featured in two regular-season would become only the sixth there. The guy finds a way of games to be played in Mexico man to sweep the four current getting it done. He's really play- City next season, the league major titles in a career after ing his game and grinding it announced on Wednesday. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, out. That's a great way to win Marking 25th anniversary of the Ben Hogan, Gary Player and golf tournaments." first NBA game played in Mexico, Gene Sarazen. Spieth is ready for the chal- the league will send the Brooklyn World number two Spieth, lenge of a course that has Nets to Mexico City Arena for games who won last month's British absorbed an inch of rain this against Westbrook and the Okla- Open for his third major title, week, giving long hitters an homa City Thunder on December opened on the longest hole of extra edge with balls plopping 7 and two nights later against the par-71 Quail Hollow's 7,600- into fairways and holding on Miami Heat. yard layout, the 592-yard par-5 greens that might otherwise be "These games will be our 10th, by finding the fairway lightning-fast. 25th and 26th in Mexico, the with a 290-yard tee shot. "This is going to be one of most played in any country out- The 24-year-old American the most challenging tracts I side of the United States and left his second shot in the heart and 11 but stumbled back with golfer to complete a career beat because he just finds a think we've played," Spieth Canada," NBA Commissioner of the fairway, then dropped a bogey at the par-4 12th hole. Grand Slam by winning the way to gut it out." said. Adam Silver said. his approach 23 feet beyond Alongside Spieth in the fea- Wanamaker Trophy here, Spieth dismisses the idea of Leading the afternoon "They will also mark the 25th the hole and two-putted for ture group were the year's two being 190 days younger than extra pressure trying to break wave will be world number anniversary of our first game in par. other major winners, Spain's Woods was when he won the the age mark, saying he has four Rory McIlroy. The Mexico City, a milestone in our Scotland's Russell Knox and Sergio Garcia from the Masters, 2000 British Open. many years to try and complete 28-year-old from Northern Ire- relationship with our Mexican England's opened who made a 10-foot birdie putt "He has that intangible of the career Slam, his larger land could become only the fans and a further indication of birdie-birdie on the back nine at the 10th, and American when he doesn't have his best priority. third player to win five majors our desire to strengthen our ties to seize the early lead in the Brooks Koepka from the US stuff... to still find a way to win," "There won't be added before turning 30, joining Nick- to Mexico and Latin America." first round of the year's last Open, who lipped out from five said five-time major champion expectations or pressure," Spi- laus and Woods. The NBA staged two games major tournament. feet for birdie and settled for Phil Mickelson. eth said. McIlroy, missing only the in Mexico last season, with the Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, par. "It's just that indescribable "It's not a burning desire Masters to complete his own Phoenix Suns facing Dallas and coming off a victory last week Spieth, who also won the trait that he has to find a way to have to be the youngest to career Grand Slam, hasn't won San Antonio there in January. at Akron after a final-round 61, 2015 Masters and US Open, to get it done, find the will to do something, and that would a major since the 2014 PGA also went birdie-birdie at 10 would become the youngest win. He's extremely tough to be the only reason there Championship. FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 19

LA city to Sri Lanka feel the pressure as get more oversight in 2028 India eye series whitewash agreement Los Angeles Pallekele in Galle and Colombo. AFP India and Sri Lanka players shake hands at the end of the AFP They have not been helped second Test between the two sides in Colombo. by a succession of injuries, os Angeles 2028 Olym- ri Lanka are flirting with capped by a back problem which pic bid chiefs will give an embarrassing series has sidelined their number one L more oversight to city whitewash in the third bowler, Rangana Herath, for the officials as they attempt to Test against India from third Test. fine-tune details of their hast- tomorrow as they strug- Paceman Nuwan Pradeep ily revised plans to stage the S gle with problems on and off the could bowl only 17.4 overs in Games, documents showed pitch which have thrown the Colombo before pulling out with yesterday. team into turbulence. a hamstring injury, and all- LA 2028, the City of Los A series of poor results, the rounder Asela Gunaratne are Angeles and the United States early departure of their coach already out of the series. Olympic Committee released and accusations against players Sri Lanka failed to reach the a new memorandum of and the country’s cricket chief semi-finals of the eight-team understanding in preparation have made for a difficult few Champions Trophy in June, and for the 2028 Games in a bid months for the former one-day then lost their coach when Gra- to seek formal approval world champions. ham Ford quit mid-contract. today. Sri Lanka, lampooned by Worse was to come when Los Angeles was granted fans and described as pot-bel- they humiliatingly went down the right to stage the 2028 lied by their sports minister, can 3-2 in a home one-day series to Olympics after cutting a deal now ill afford a third loss to top- bottom-ranked Zimbabwe. with Paris to step aside in the ranked India in Pallekele, Former captain Arjuna race for the 2024 Games. following their crushing defeats Ranatunga, a government min- The move, which was ister, said that he blamed Sri encouraged by the Interna- Lanka’s losses on cricket chief tional Olympic Committee, Third Test Thilanga Sumathipala, and means that Los Angeles is If we can win even accused him of links to gambling (India), we will be able to really India’s run-scorers with two wicketkeeper-batsman Wrid- required to tweak plans for one match against a -- a claim Sumathipala denies. boost the mental state in the centuries and an average of dhiman Saha insists India are the Olympics in order to There have also been reports team. They are the number one more than 100 in India’s three taking nothing for granted. receive final backing from the team like this, we will of attempts to approach Sri team,” said Chandimal. innings so far. India’s bowlers “We haven’t thought about City Council. be able to boost the Lankan players for alleged “We need to pick up the pos- have also shone with spinners 3-0. Our process is match by The City Council had mental state in the match-fixing. itives and look forward to the Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichan- match,” he said. already given unanimous team: Chandimal Skipper Dinesh Chandimal, next game.” There are no such dran Ashwin topping the “We are ahead by 2-0, so in support to the LA 2024 bid who missed the first Test with problems for Virat Kohli, who -takers’ chart with 13 and the next match the aim is to give and is expected to back 2028 Virat Kohli’s India pneumonia, says a consolation became the only India captain 11 respectively. similar performance as last two at a meeting today. have no problems victory over India would help put to win two Test series in Sri Jadeja is suspended for the matches as a team in batting, However a city report having won the first the smiles back on his players’ Lanka as his side smashed first third Test for a dangerous throw, bowling and fielding. released last week by the two Tests in faces. innings of 600 and more in the with Axar Patel brought in as his “We will try to be consistent Office of the City Administra- convincing fashion. “If we can win even one opening two Tests. like-for-like replacement in the and if we do then we can win,” tive Officer and Office of the match against a team like this Cheteshwar Pujara leads India squad. Despite their form, he said. Chief Legislative Analyst out- lined risks in shifting to 2028. “The additional four years add uncertainty concerning Haddin future economic and politi- cal conditions,” the report replaces Gibson is South Africa’s said. “Although such uncer- Blewett as tainty exists with the 2024 Olympic Games which will fielding coach occur in seven years, the four- ‘preferred choice as coach’ year extension increases Sydney those uncertainties.” Reuters In addition to the lack of an independent analysis of a ormer Test wicket- Cape Town “There were one or two differences in formal budget for 2028, keeper Brad Haddin has Reuters opinion, but the comments were positive.” another potential risk factor F replaced Greg Blewett Barbadian Gibson was coach of West is that part of the ‘24 deal as Australia’s fielding coach ngland bowling coach Ottis Gibson (pic- Indies between 2010 and 2014 before rejoin- included a $250 million guar- until the end of 2019, Cricket tured) is South Africa’s preferred ing England and taking up his previous role antee from the state of Australia said yesterday. E choice as new head coach, the Proteas’ as bowling specialist. California to cover possible Haddin, who played 66 test captain said yesterday. Meanwhile, Australia fast bowler John cost overruns. Tests despite Adam Gilchrist Du Plessis made the announcement, Hastings has sustained a stress fracture in With the legislature in blocking his path into the side which followed media speculation in both his foot while playing for English county side recess, it is impossible to until he was 30, has cut his countries, at a press conference on the team’s Worcestershire and will return home for immediately guarantee they coaching teeth with the Aus- return home from England, where Gibson treatment and rehabilitation. will approve the same tralia A side and Islamabad in helped mastermind the hosts’ 3-1 Test series The 31-year-old, who played for Aus- amount for 2028. the Pakistan Premier League win. tralia during the Champions Trophy team in However the memoran- since retiring in 2015. Incumbent ’s contract June, suffered the injury during Worcester- dum of understanding The 39-year-old, who will will expire next month and although he had shire’s four-day match against Sussex. released yesterday said the work under head coach Dar- reapplied for the job, according to Du Ples- “We sent him for an MRI scan which city would be given additional ren Lehmann, said he was sis he is not the favourite to get it. shows some inflammation through the foot provisions to guard against looking forward to working Cricket South Africa (CSA) convened a and some stress through a certain bone in financial risk. with what is a relatively inex- selection panel including former national his foot,” Worcestershire Head of Medicine The memo would provide perienced Australia team. team coaches Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons Du Plessis said he had already done and Science Ben Davies said in a statement City representation on the LA “I grew up in an era of to identify an individual to take the team extensive homework on his potential new on the club’s website. (www.wccc.co.uk) 2028 Board of Directors, gives players like Andrew Symonds forward. coach. “Cricket Australia have got international the City consent rights over and Ricky Ponting who gave “It’s been told to us that the decision has “For me it was important, because I don’t cricket coming up. They want John back in significant venue changes Australian cricket a real iden- been made by the coaching panel,” Du Ples- know Ottis, to try and find something out their care and will be hoping to get him fit within the City of Los Ange- tity in the standards of world sis told reporters. about him,” he said. and available for selection.” les and $270m of the class fielding,” he said in a “They’ve chosen Ottis Gibson as their “I spoke to a few of the West Indian play- Australia have a limited overs tour of projected $500m Games news release. recommendation and now ...the board ers because he was their coach and then I India scheduled for September and October budget contingency and more “They were the type of decides whether they want to use that rec- spoke to the English guys about their before they return home for the Ashes series frequent LA 2028 presenta- players who took it person- ommendation or not.” thoughts on him. against England. tions and updates to the City ally if the team wasn’t fielding Council in the first three well and that created a level years. for the rest of the group to “My top priorities in this aspire to. process are to protect Los “I want to hold this group Mukund gets support in ‘racism row’ Angeles taxpayers and create accountable to that kind of new opportunities for young standard and I believe we Angelenos to play sports, and have the talent to do that.” New Delhi and appreciated him. Kohli chance to represent the country The Tamil Nadu southpaw be healthy,” Los Angeles Former Test all-rounder IANS tweeted: “Very well said Abhi- at the highest level. I am writing further wrote: “It is simply mayor Eric Garcetti said. Blewett has stepped down to nav” while Ashwin said: “Read today not to garner sympathy or because I love what I do and I “This new MOU ensures take up a role as under-19 ndia skipper Virat Kohli, all- and learn, don’t make it a head- attention but...with the hope to have been able to achieve cer- that our City priorities remain coach at the South Australian rounders Ravichandran line cos its someone’s change the mindset of people on tain things only because I have front-and-center in LA 2028’s Cricket Association, where he IAshwin, Hardik Pandya and emotion.” an issue I feel strongly about. spent hours outdoor. I come preparations for the Games. played Sheffield Shield many other players yesterday Women’s doubles badmin- “I have been travelling a lot from Chennai, probably one of Under the City’s leader- cricket for 15 years. supported opener Abhinav ton star Jwala Gutta also within and outside our country the hottest places in our coun- ship, we can be sure that the “Brad had a wonderful Mukund’s emotional Twitter supported him and said: since I was 15. Ever since I was try and I have gladly spent most up to $160m we will receive career as a player for Aus- post, recalling the abusive rac- “Corrrrrectttt” young, people’s obsession with of my adult life in the cricket to fund youth sports programs tralia and will bring a multi ist posts he received due to his Recalling his past, Mukund, my skin colour has always been ground. from LA 2028 will be put to skill set to our environment,” skin colour. who scored 81 in the second a mystery to me. Anyone who The 27-year-old concluded the best, most impactful use.” Lehmann said. Mukund, on Wednesday innings in the first Test against follows cricket would under- the note by saying that one has The last Olympic Games Australia next play two tweeted a post about fair not Sri Lanka at Galle, wrote: “I have stand the obvious. to be comfortable in his own were held in Rio de Janeiro in Tests in Bangladesh in August being the “only lovely or been playing cricket since the “I have played and trained skin. August 2016 whereas the next and September before a one- handsome.” age of 10 and I have gradually day in and day out in the sun and “I have laughed and Summers Games are slated day series in India and the Kohli, Pandya, Bengal bats- climbed up the ladder to where not once have I regretted the fact shrugged it off because I had big- to be staged in Japanese cap- home Ashes series around the man Manoj Tiwary, off-spinner I am right now.” that I have tanned or lost a cou- ger goals,” Mukund said ital Tokyo in 2020. New Year. Ashwin supported the youngster “It is an honour to get the ple of shades,” he wrote. yesterday.