CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 4 Tendulkar Froome ready backs Kuldeep to give up to shine in ‘yellow’ dream England Tests for Thomas

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 GOLF Dhul-Qa’da 11, 1439 AH Tiger licks his GULF TIMES lips at regaining that old feeling SPORT Page 2 CRICKET FOCUS Mechanical issue hurts al-Attiyah’s Herath sends SA chances in Russia spinning to huge defeat in 2nd Test Sri Lanka had wrapped up the first Test in Galle within three days

Nasser al-Attiyah had to repair his car himself after it developed transmission problems during yesterday’s marathon stage between Elista and Astrakhan yesterday.

By Sports Reporter of the Toyota. Astrakhan There was no respite and Hunt reached PC1 (140km) in front of both al-Rajhi and Joan Roma, verdrive Racing’s with Matthieu Serradori in Nasser Saleh al-Atti- fourth place. yah lost the outright Al-Attiyah got bogged down Olead of the Silk Way in a treacherous muddy sec- Rally and slipped to third overall tion three kilometres before the on the second half of the short- checkpoint and was towed out ened Marathon stage between of the quagmire by Russian rivals Elista and a return to Astrakhan Andrey Rudskoy and Denis Kro- in southern Russia yesterday. tov. The Qatari lost almost one The Qatari and his French nav- hour at the scene and still had Sri Lankan players pose after their series victory over South Africa at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo yesterday. igator Matthieu Baumel had be- 200km of the stage to run. gun the special with an outright Al-Rajhi passed PC2 (215km) AFP SCORECARD left-arm spinner also had wicketkeeper- lead of 3min 34sec after incur- at the front of the fi eld and run- Colombo batsman Quinton de Kock lbw for eight on ring a one-minute time penalty ning 11 seconds ahead of Hunt the stroke of lunch. on Sunday, but they had suff ered with Roma in third. But heavy Sri Lanka first innings: 338 (de Silva 60, D. Steyn c Gunathilaka b Herath ...... 6 “I don’t think we play spin badly, but a transmission issue on the run rain had been incessant and rally ri Lanka yesterday completed a Gunathilaka 57, Karunaratne 53; Maharaj L. Ngidi not out ...... 4 if you compare yourself to the subconti- into Elista and the car had lapsed offi cials decided to cancel the 2-0 Test sweep of South Africa 9-129) Extras (b16, lb5, nb4, w1) ...... 26 nent batters, then they’re obviously a step into two-wheel drive. remainder of the stage after PC1 to record their fi rst series win South Africa first innings: 124 (Danan- Total (all out; 86.5 overs) ...... 290 above us in that regard,” du Plessis told re- With no service support per- after the leading cars had passed. over the Proteas since 2006 after jaya 5-52) Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Markram), 2-80 porters. mitted at the night halt the crew Teams would head to the biv- RanganaS Herath wreaked havoc with six Sri Lanka second innings: “That’s where the challenge lies for the could only work on the car them- ouac in Astrakhan on a tarmac 275/5 dec (Elgar), 3-100 (Amla), 4-113 (du Plessis), wickets. (Karunaratne 85, Mathews 71; Maharaj 5-113 (Maharaj), 6-236 (Bavuma, 7-246 (de South Africa’s and the England’s and the selves with the spare parts car- road section. It was a welcome The visitors were all out for 290 in the 3-154) Kock), 8-280 (de Bruyn), 9-280 (Rabada), Australia’s of the world.” ried in the car. Their cause was boost to al-Attiyah’s victory second session of day four in Colombo, South Africa 2nd innings (target 490, 10-290 (Steyn) After lunch, de Bruyn recorded his not helped by the muddy condi- chances, but the Overdrive Rac- 200 runs short of the highly improbable overnight 139-5) Bowlers: Herath 32.5-5-98-6, Perera 30- maiden century — South Africa’s only one tions that were far from ideal for ing driver slipped to third place winning target of 490 on a bone-dry 4-90-2 (3nb), Dananjaya 19-2-67-2 (1nb), of the series — but was bowled by Herath a two-wheel drive car. in the unoffi cial overall rankings. wicket. D. Elgar lbw b Perera ...... 37 Lakmal 2-0-8-0, de Silva 2-0-5-0 (w1), for 101. After only 50km of the stage, England’s Harry Hunt now It was South Africa’s fi rst Test white- A. Markram lbw b Herath ...... 14 Gunathilaka 1-0-1-0 “Worked very hard and these are the re- al-Attiyah was trailing leader leads the event by 20min 50sec wash since they went down in the island T. de Bruyn b Herath ...... 101 Toss: Sri Lanka sults of that. Sri Lanka has some of the best Harry Hunt by over fi ve minutes from Saudi Arabian driver nation 2-0 in a two-match series almost H. Amla b Herath ...... 6 Result: Sri Lanka beat South Africa by spinners in the world and that’s why we with Yazeed al-Rajhi also ahead Yazeed al-Rajhi. 12 years ago. F. du Plessis c Mathews b Dananjaya .....7 199 runs bothered the South African batsmen,” Sri Sri Lanka had wrapped up the fi rst K. Maharaj lbw b Dananjaya ...... 0 Series: Sri Lanka win two-match series Lanka’s stand-in-captain Suranga Lakmal Test in Galle within three days, reduc- T. Bavuma c Dickwella b Herath ...... 63 2-0 said. ing South Africa to 73 in the second in- Q. de Kock lbw b Herath ...... 8 Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG), Rod Tucker Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will take particu- STANDINGS nings — their lowest Test total since the K. Rabada c Mathews b Perera ...... 18 (AUS) lar joy in this victory, as it came in the ab- nation’s post-apartheid readmission to sence of their regular captain and middle- STAGE POSITIONS OVERALL POSITIONS international cricket. order batsman Dinesh Chandimal, who 1. Harry Hunt (GBR)/Sebastien Delau- 1. Harry Hunt (GBR)/Sebastien Delau- “Right through the series we didn’t have declaring halfway through the afternoon kept the Sri Lankan spinners at bay for was suspended following a ball-tampering nay (FRA) Peugeot 3008 DKR 1hrs nay (FRA) Peugeot 3008 DKR 8hrs that ability to score partnerships. I think session on day three, setting the visitors a most of the fi rst session yesterday, putting scandal. 15min 34sec 08min 42sec we only had three partnerships of 50 and highly improbable victory target. on a valiant sixth-wicket stand of 123. The home side’s coach Chandika 2. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo 2. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo above the whole series,” Faf du Plessis, They were already fi ve wickets down for Their partnership was South Africa’s Hathurusingha was also not allowed to be Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper South Africa’s crestfallen skipper, said. 139 at stumps on Sunday, with Dananjaya best ever in a fourth innings in Asia, and in the team dressing room during match Works Rally 1hrs 18min 57sec “But once again you have to give credit dismissing du Plessis for seven and left- was by a distance their biggest of the se- days after being sanctioned over the same 3. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) Works Rally 8hrs 29min 32sec to the opposition. They were able to put arm spinner Herath getting Hashim Amla ries, the previous best having been worth incident. MINI John Cooper Works Rally 1hrs 3. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ us under pressure for long periods of time for six. only 64. The two teams will now head into the 20min 10sec Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux and therefore we made a lot of mistakes.” The South African wickets fell despite De Bruyn was especially impressive, limited-overs series with the fi rst of the 4. Matthieu Serradori (FRA)/Fabian Overdrive 9hrs 04min 52sec In the second Test, Sri Lanka scored a comedy of errors from Sri Lanka, who sweeping judiciously and defending dog- fi ve one-day internationals scheduled for Lurquin (BEL) MCM Original 1hrs 4. Matthieu Serradori (FRA)/Fabian 338 in their fi rst innings and South Africa dropped two catches, wasted both their gedly on a tough surface, while Bavuma Sunday in Dambulla. 20min 19sec Lurquin (BEL) MCM Original 9hrs could only respond with 124 as versatile reviews — on successive balls — and could was also adept at picking gaps on the leg Sri Lanka also await England for a full 17. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ 14min 02sec off -spinner Akila Dananjaya made hay, have had Dean Elgar out twice beforehand side and rotating the strike. series in October-November while South Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux 5. Dennis Krotov (RUS)/Dmyrro Tsyro taking fi ve wickets. had Perera not overstepped. Bavuma’s resistance ended just after he Africa tour Australia for three ODIs and Overdrive 2hrs 15min 18sec (UKR) BMW X5 9hrs 45min 13sec The hosts then scored 275 for fi ve before Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma was caught behind off Herath for 63. The one Twenty20 in that period. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 24, 2018 GOLF Tiger licks his lips at regaining that old feeling

AFP drive at the 18th. Carnoustie “Oh, it was a blast,” said Woods, who was also delighted to have had his children see him perform well after years of watching him struggle. “I was saying earlier that I need to try and keep it in perspective be- iger Woods may have had to watch playing partner Francesco cause, the beginning of the year, if they’d have said you’re playing The Molinari lift The Claret Jug after winning the British Open but Open Championship, I would have said I’d be very lucky to do that.” all his rivals will have taken note of the American’s return to For four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who fi nished tied for sec- form. ond, two shots off Molinari, it is a diff erent Woods to the years of his TThe 42-year-old American legend — beset by personal problems pomp. and back issues for most of the last decade after once dominating “It is not Tiger that, you know, Phil (Mickelson) and Ernie (Els) and the sport — threatened a shock victory at Carnoustie when, halfway those guys had to deal with,” said McIlroy. through his fi nal round, he led while most of his rivals were shedding “It’s a diff erent version. But he’s right there. He’s right there. shots. “He’s getting himself in the mix. He’s looked good here. However, it proved to be a false dawn as three dropped shots in two “He’s played a full schedule. He’s healthy. I wouldn’t say we’re wor- holes saw him fall behind and in the end the 14-time major winner was ried about him, but he’s one of those guys that’s always in with a shot.” being consoled by his two children. But McIlroy believes the American doesn’t yet have that same aura Despite his disappointment, Woods — without a win in fi ve years of invincibility he once boasted. and with his last victory in a major a decade ago — says he felt he can “That’s what I thought,” said McIlroy. “With the Tiger we have to still be a force at the highest level. face, he’s — you know, he does things that maybe he didn’t do 10, 15 “Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah,” said Woods, who fi nished the tournament years ago. fi nished tied for sixth, three shots behind playing partner Molinari. “But it’s still great to have him back. It’s still great for golf. “It did. It did. It didn’t feel any diff erent to be next to the lead and “It will be interesting to see going forward, but this was his fi rst knowing what I need to do.” taste of major championship — of the drama, I guess, for quite a while Woods had placed himself with a great chance after a fabulous 66 (of the fi nal round).” on Saturday, but still rued a missed opportunity. McIlroy said Woods is in a similar situation to his in terms of trying “I’ve done it so many diff erent ways. It didn’t feel any diff erent,” to win more majors. said Woods. “Even though he’s won 14, you have to learn how to get back,” said “It felt great to be a part of the mix and build my way into the cham- McIlroy whose last major was in 2014. pionship.” “I’m relearning. I feel like I’ve won quite a few more recently than he Tiger Woods lines up a putt at the British Open. Woods said he had enjoyed himself on the course with his round has, but you still have to relearn to deal with it. only slightly blighted by one spectator yelling out as he addressed his “Today was a good day for both of us with that, I guess.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Spieth says game is Who needs Ferrari? Especially back on track despite when Italy has Molinari missed Open chance Reuters Carnoustie

ordan Spieth pro- nounced himself “back in business” yesterday de- spite falling short in his questJ to join an elite list of play- ers to win consecutive British Opens. The 24-year-old American put a title-less year behind him over the fi rst three days at Carnoustie and after a magnifi cent six-un- der-par 65 on Saturday, looked primed to repeat his victory at Royal Birkdale 12 months ago. He begun the day in a three- way tie with fellow Americans Xander Schauff ele and Kevin Ben Hogan, who threaded his ball Kisner, two strokes clear of the between its unforgiving bunkers fi eld, but slumped to tied ninth four times to win in 1953. place with a fi ve-over 76 as a Spieth fl ew his drive right into strong westerly breeze blew him the crowd and his second shot off course. from the rough with a three- Spieth was bidding to join the wood ended with his ball in a likes of Tiger Woods, Padraig gorse bush. “Did anybody see Harrington, Tom Watson, Lee exactly where it went?” he asked, Trevino, Arnold Palmer and Pe- before exploring the bush him- ter Thompson in winning back- self and getting a bloody fi nger to-back British Opens. for good measure before taking a The fact that but for a couple penalty drop. of visits to Carnoustie’s infa- He then three-putted from 30 mous bunkers and a rogue gorse feet for double bogey seven. bush on Sunday he might have To make matters worse, he was done, left him feeling disap- put on the clock for slow play. pointed but optimistic. Coincidentally, his problems “I feel fi ne. I’ve already gone coincided with Wood’s charge to through the frustration. I’m kind the top of the leaderboard — not of on acceptance now,” Spieth quite what he had in mind when said after watching Italian Franc- he said it was a dream to be bat- esco Molinari get his hands on tling Tiger for a major. the Claret Jug. With pandemonium breaking Italy’s Francesco Molinari celebrates with the Claret Jug after winning the 147th Open Championship on Sunday. “Man, I just didn’t make a out across the course as 14-times putt today. I hit really good putts major winner Woods rolled back Reuters off the sports pages, Molinari said: “It top-10 fi nishes in his 35 previous majors. “I care about the people around me, too. My stroke is there. It’s back, the years, even Spieth found Carnoustie, Scotland depends. Ferrari won today? If they won, Despite having won two of his last the work that we put in. They know how which feels awesome.” himself getting sucked in. they’ll probably get the headlines.” fi ve tournaments in the build-up to much we’ve all worked to get here.” Spieth had admitted he was “I saw (the leaderboard) on As it was Ferrari did not win and with Carnoustie, Molinari was considered an In 2010 Molinari and his elder brother uncertain of his game when ar- maybe seven or eight, it was an rancesco Molinari was only half the Italian soccer team missing the World outsider. Edoardo became the fi rst brothers to riving in Scotland. But some- accident,” he said. “I looked up, joking when he said his stunning Cup, golf might just have a chance to He said the lack of spotlight on him compete together in the Ryder Cup since thing has clicked. and I saw Tiger at number one British Open victory might make thrust itself out of the shadows. helped — especially as he was playing 1963. Edoardo has since suff ered with “My game altogether is back. and he was leading solo, and I the headlines back home — as “Obviously, to achieve something like alongside a charging Woods on Sunday in wrist and hand injuries and slumped I’ve had every single part of my went to (caddie) Michael (Grel- longF Ferrari had not won the Grand Prix this is on another level,” he said. “Hope- front of galleries 10 deep in places. While down the rankings before a return to form game being at kind of a low point ler), I was like, ‘Dammit, I looked in Hockenheim. fully, there were a lot of young kids others were losing their cool, Molinari last year, when he won the Trophee Has- in my career, not all at the same at the board, dude.’ The 35-year-old became the fi rst Ital- watching on TV today, like I was watch- simply buckled down and cranked out a san II in Morocco. time, but enough to where I “I was like frustrated at myself. ian to win a major when his two-under- ing Costantino (Rocca) in ’95 coming so winning score. The new Open champion said he hoped haven’t really been able to com- He’s like, ‘He hasn’t been in this par round of 69 helped him eclipse the close. Hopefully, they will get as inspired “Clearly, in my group, the attention his victory would also be a boost to his pete. It’s all there, and it’s mov- position in 10 years, and you’ve likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and as I was at the time, watching him vie for wasn’t really on me, let’s put it that way,” sibling with whom he won golf’s World ing in the right direction,” he been here how many times in the Jordan Spieth on a nerve-jangling fi nal the Claret Jug.” Molinari, who rocketed from 15th to sixth Cup for Italy in 2009. said. last three years.’ day around Carnoustie. Rocca famously lost a playoff to Ameri- in the world rankings and clinched his “I would love for him to get back to Spieth actually began well on “I was like, I feel fi ne. This is Only 14 of the 79 players on breezy can John Daly having holed an incredible place in Europe’s team for the Ryder Cup where he was a few years ago,” he said. Sunday, making pars on the fi rst what you dream about.” Sunday shot a sub-par round but he putt from the so-called “Valley of Sin” in in France in September, said. “Golf is a tough beast. He’s experienced four holes despite winds gusting He hopes to be battling Woods churned out par after par before birdies front of the 18th green at St Andrews in “If someone was expecting a charge, some bad injuries and two hand surger- at 25mph. A visit to the sand on again soon. at the 14th and 18th earned him the Claret 1995. probably they weren’t expecting it from ies, but he’s come back. the fi fth cost him a bogey though “This wasn’t a fl uke,” he said Jug. It took an Italian 23 years to challenge me, but it’s been the same the whole of “I’m sure this will motivate him even and then he was snared by Hog- of Wood’s eventual sixth place. Asked whether his triumph would again at the Open and this time Molinari my career. I don’t really care too much more to achieve some great things in the an’s Alley — the 580-yard par- “He’ll come back stronger for knock more traditional Italian passions prevailed, having managed only three about it. game of golf in the future.” fi ve named after his fellow Texan, sure.” Gulf Times Tuesday, July 24, 2018 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Tendulkar backs Kuldeep to shine in England Tests The 23-year-old spun a web around England’s batsmen in the limited overs matches, taking nine wickets in first two ODIs

Reuters tion also becomes important in batting Mumbai and we have that,” said the 45-year-old, who accumulated more than 34,000 runs and 100 centuries in a 24-year ca- atting great Sachin Tendulkar reer that came to an end in 2013. has backed Kuldeep Yadav’s “Ashwin and Jadeja can also bat. We inclusion in India’s fi ve-Test also have a seam-bowling all-rounder series against England, saying in Hardik Pandya who can bat. That was theB tricky left-arm wristspinner could one element missing, though Hardik’s prove quite a handful against Joe Root just started his career. But whatever I and his men. see on paper, we have good balance.” The 23-year-old spun a web around India have, however, been pegged back England’s batsmen in the limited overs before the series by injuries to some of matches, taking nine wickets in the fi rst their regular players. two one day internationals, including While regular wicketkeeper Wrid- career-best fi gures of 6-25 in the open- dhiman Saha has failed to recover from er of the three-match series. injury, seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar He also dismantled England with his aggravated a lower-back condition subtle changes of spin and fl ight dur- during the third one-day international ing the recent Twenty20 series that against England and missed out. India won 2-1, earning himself a spot Kohli’s team will also be without in the squad for the fi rst three Tests of Jasprit Bumrah for the opening Test at the series. “I have always maintained Kuldeep Yadav has played both his Edgbaston from Aug. 1 after the pace- that he’s ready for the longest version Tests in the subcontinent. (AFP) man injured his thumb in a T20 match of the game and that will be the most against Ireland. challenging one,” Tendulkar said in an ers. Both are ranked in the world’s top “One example that I was part of... interview. “I think he’s ready.” fi ve bowlers in the format. The playing we had gone to play in Toronto against England’s batsmen appeared com- surfaces could determine the fate of the Pakistan and we were without (Javagal) pletely at sea against Kuldeep’s varia- series if the pitches are conducive to Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and (Anil) tion but they fi nally seemed to come to spin, according to Tendulkar. “It will Kumble, who were our three frontline grips with him in the fi nal ODI of the depend on the kind of surfaces that we bowlers,” Tendulkar said. series which the hosts won 2-1. The get to play on,” he said. “And we beat Pakistan 4-1. If the spinner went for 0-55 in that match. “The English summer is pretty warm players are not available, that doesn’t But Tendulkar, the world’s leading run- this time. If there’s a bit of help for our mean the series is gone from us. We scorer in both Tests and one-day inter- spinners then I am sure we will be in a have a very good combination. Of nationals, believes Kuldeep, who has position in the series to hurt them. That course, it’s always nice to have the full played both his Tests in the subconti- will be a critical factor.” playing XI. It’s nice to have all players nent, can bounce back. Tendulkar, who has been conferred available. “Looking at his repertoire he has the with India’s highest civilian award “But injuries happen and not having Former Indian batsman is the world’s capability to go there and compete, ‘Bharat Ratna’ for his achievements in the full squad is also part and parcel of leading run-scorer in both Tests and without any doubt,” Tendulkar said. cricket, was pleased with the balance any sport. It’s one of those challenges one-day internationals. (Reuters) The world’s top-ranked Test side also of India’s squad. “We have bowlers who we have to face and it doesn’t mean we have Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravin- can bat and we have batters who can roll won’t be able to produce the results. We dra Jadeja as their frontline slow bowl- their arm over. The keeper’s contribu- are in a position to produce the results.”

CRICKET ROUND-UP FORMULA 1 Root falls cheaply Mercedes before Hamilton and Bottas: Wolff again in Roses clash AFP some of the points which we lost through Hockenheim, Germany bad luck.” Hamilton’s astonishing victory, hailed ahead of India opener as the greatest of his career, lifted him ercedes team chief Toto Wolff 17 points clear of Vettel in the drivers’ AFP ing lead of 237. England begin a denied yesterday that the use championship race after 11 of this year’s London fi ve-Test series with India at the of team orders in Sunday’s 21 races. He is 66 ahead of fourth-placed Edgbaston ground in Birming- spectacular German Grand Bottas. “It is a very diffi cult call because ham on August 1. MPrix signalled that Lewis Hamilton would on the one side you want to optimise the ngland captain Joe be preferred as the number one driver. result and that is what you need to do, but Root’s hopes of spending SRI LANKA’S GUNATHILAKA Wolff was adamant that the triumphant on the other side you need to give both valuable time in the mid- SUSPENDED AFTER FRIEND Hamilton and his teammate Valtteri Bot- drivers a chance to win the race,” said dle batting against the ACCUSED OF HOTEL RAPE tas will remain free to race each other un- Wolff . Ferrari had also used team orders redE ball ahead of next week’s fi rst A Sri Lankan Test cricketer has til late in the season when there might be when asking Kimi Raikkonen, who fi n- Test against India were dealt an- been suspended after a Norwe- championships decided by such decisions. ished third, to allow Vettel to pass him for other blow yesterday as he again gian woman accused his friend of “Racing is most important,” said Wolff . the lead. Wolff said: “Kimi was unlucky in fell cheaply in the Roses match. raping her in a hotel room where “We always said if the championship goes a few races at the beginning of the season, The only consolation for Root, he was present, an offi cial said into its last third, or last quarter, and where the strategy went against him, and who fell for three in the second yesterday. Dhanushka Gunathi- there is a big diff erence between the driv- I think that Ferrari struggled to come up innings of Yorkshire’s County laka, 27, and his friend, who can- ers, then we might make these unpopular with the right call there. It’s understand- Championship clash away to not be named, took two Norwe- calls. But it’s much too early in the season able.” arch-rivals Lancashire, was that gian women to the hotel where to do this. We made it in order to bring a Sunday’s result meant the leadership in he was caught behind off the the player was staying in Colom- one and two home.... And we would have the championship changed again for the bowling of England spearhead bo in the early hours of Sunday. done it the other way around.” sixth time this season as the close ‘fi ght James Anderson on the second One of the women later ac- Bottas attempted to challenge and pass for fi ve’ between Hamilton and Vettel day of four at Old Traff ord. cused the second man, a British Hamilton for the lead in Sunday’s rain-hit remained so hotly-contested. Hamilton In a Roses match where bowl- passport-holder of Sri Lankan race following a Safety Car period after said afterwards that he feared his lead ers have been on top, Adam Lyth origin, of raping her and police Sebastian Vettel crashed while leading for might again be short-lived as the teams had earlier fallen for four Kane arrested him. The 26-year-old Ferrari. The two Mercedes men battled Mercedes is adamant that the Lewis Hamilton (left) and his teammate Valtteri Bottas head to Budapest for this week’s Hungar- Williamson, the New Zealand “is under arrest and we are con- side-by-side before Hamilton emerged will remain free to race each other until late in the season when there might be cham- ian Grand Prix, the last one before the Eu- captain, out for just one as ex- tinuing our investigations,” a po- in front and Mercedes intervened with a pionships decided by such decisions. (AFP) ropean summer break. England paceman Graham On- lice offi cial said. “A Norwegian team radio message to ‘hold position’. “It’s usually not our strongest track, ions struck twice. tourist made the complaint of Wolff said the message did not mean with Valtteri in the lead and Lewis sec- said to Valtteri is something that I would but I’m hopeful it’s not a power circuit,” Root had been the fi rst of a rape.” Hamilton, who declared his German win ond, we would have made the same call. also say in the team. I would have done he said, referring to the dusty, tight and trio of world-class batsmen in- He said there was no allegation from 14th on the grid as the greatest of Identical call. It was about bringing it the same thing the other way around. technical Hungaroring where chassis volved in a hat-trick from Lan- against Gunathilaka, who is cur- his career, was seen as favoured ahead of home irrespective of who was in front.” This is the transparency we have in the performance is important “Hopefully cashire all-rounder Jordan Clark rently Sri Lanka’s best-perform- Bottas as a clear number one driver. “No, Wolff added it was still raining at the team, that we wouldn’t make a diff erence. this extra chunk of power that Ferrari on Sunday when he was lbw for ing batsman in an ongoing tour absolutely not,” he said. time of the message and the team did not It was important to score the double po- have found doesn’t serve them as well 22. Next ball Clark then had Wil- by South Africa. However Sri “If it had been the other way around, want to take any risks. He said: “What I dium, the one and two, in order to recover there and we have a decent fi ght...” liamson lbw for a duck before Lanka Cricket on Sunday night England wicket-keeper Jonny suspended him on a “miscon- Bairstow was caught in the slips. duct” charge, although he is al- TENNIS Yorkshire, the White Rose lowed to play in the match that is county, were dismissed for 109 currently taking place. but led on fi rst innings as hosts The governing body’s rules Lancashire, whose emblem is stipulate that during matches Johnson beats Ramanathan to claim Newport title the Red Rose, slumped to 102 all players must be back in their out in reply. Yesterday Bairstow hotel rooms by midnight and AFP forehand winner down the line. “He came ing to win the title,” said Ramanathan, leads on 7,571 points ahead of Denmark’s guided Yorkshire to 154 for four cannot have guests. The cricket New York out and served great,” Johnson said of Ra- who blasted 10 aces. The Chennai native Caroline Wozniacki on 6,740. Further in their second innings at lunch, board will also “withheld Gu- manathan. “He was phenomenal around was also the fi rst Indian player to reach down the standings, Japan’s Naomi Osa- the in-form batsman 77 not out nathilaka’s fee for the ongoing the net and I was just happy to take care a singles fi nal since 2011 when Somdev ka edged a spot ahead of Kiki Bertens to from just 63 balls at the interval Test match until the outcome of hird seeded Steve Johnson de- of my one chance in the fi rst set and get a Devvarman lost in Johannesburg to South 17th while Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova as his side established an impos- the inquiry,” it said. feated fi rst time fi nalist Ram- lead and buckle down in the third.” African Kevin Anderson. Ramanathan is moved up two places to 20th. kumar Ramanathan of India Johnson, who had one prior grass court the third-lowest ranked player to reach a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 to capture the ATP title, had never moved past the quarter- ATP fi nal this year. ATP RANKINGS: 1.Rafael Nadal (ESP) TTour’s Newport tournament on Sunday. fi nals in three previous main draw ap- 9,310 pts; 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,080; 3. The 28-year-old American earned his pearances at Newport. The start of the NADAL, HALEP SITTING PRETTY Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,665; 4. Juan Martin fourth career ATP title and second of the match was delayed because of weather ATOP ATP RANKINGS Del Potro (ARG) 5,395; 5. Kevin Anderson season, winning 83% of his fi rst serves in and it also rained during portions of the Rafael Nadal remains top of the ATP ten- (RSA) 4,655; 6. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,610; the one hour, 59 minute hour match on contest. Johnson had to receive treatment nis world rankings with the 32-year-old 7. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,905; 8. Dominic Thiem the grass courts. “I have been fortunate in the second set for a sore shoulder after 17-time Grand Slam winner enjoying a (AUT) 3,665 (+1); 9. John Isner (USA) 3,490 enough to win a couple of times,” said a hard tumble to the ground. “I fell awk- comfortable margin over his eternal ri- (-1); 10. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3,355 Johnson, who won the clay court tourna- wardly on my shoulder, it just stung for a val the Swiss Roger Federer. Serb Novak WTA RANKINGS: 1. Simona Halep (ROM) ment in Houston in April. “This is my fi rst bit,” he said. Djokovic is in 10th position, after turn- 7,571 pts; 2. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6,740; one as married man so now I can go home Ramanathan, who is ranked 161st in the ing round from a long slump as a swathe 3. Sloane Stephens (US) 5,463; 4 Angelique and share this with my wife.” world, was attempting to become the fi rst of American tournaments swing into view Kerber (GER) 5,305; 5 Elina Svitolina (UKR) Johnson, who breezed through the Indian ATP titlist since Leander Paes was ahead of the US Open starting late August. 5,020; 6. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 4,730; 7 Gar- draw without dropping more than three victorious at the same tournament two Romania’s Simona Halep remained bine Muguruza (ESP) 4,620; 8. Petra Kvitova games in a set heading into the fi nal, decades ago. “I am going to keep going, number one in WTA rankings, which (CZE) 4,550; 9. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4,485; closed out the match with a blistering giving my best, and next time I am go- showed an unchanged top 10. Halep 10. Julia Goerges (GER) 3,980. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 24, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE FOCUS Movistar’s Valverde, Landa call for allies, Froome ready to give but ‘ego’ could also loosen Sky grip

AFP Of Sky’s few rivals, Dumou- Carcassonne, France lin has been most impressive. up yellow jersey Dumoulin fi nished runner- up to Froome in the Giro last ovistar pair Ale- May when the Briton secured jandro Valverde his third consecutive Grand and Mikel Landa Tour victory. have appealed for Although Lotto-Jumbo Mallies to help loosen Geraint pair Primoz Roglic and Steven Thomas’s grip on the yellow Kruiswijk have had ineff ec- dream for Thomas jersey as the Tour de France tive stabs at Sky over the past moves into the Pyrenees. week, Dumoulin is their big- ‘As long as there is a Team Sky rider on the top step of the podium in Paris, I’m happy’ And the Spaniards believe gest threat. The Dutchman is “ego” and “ambition” could the defending world time trial help them as well, as the British champion, so avoiding losing pair of Thomas and four-time time to him in the Pyrenees is champion Chris Froome bid a priority for Sky before the to land the biggest prize in cy- penultimate-stage time trial cling. Sky’s domination for the next Saturday. fourth consecutive year means Froome doesn’t expect fi re- Thomas is in prime position works from the Sunweb team to claim his maiden Tour title, leader, but warned: “He’s ob- and Sky’s sixth Tour crown viously a very diff erent type of from the past seven editions. rider to ride against, compared And with teammate Froome to a lot of my rivals in the past, in second place at 1min 39secs guys like (Alberto) Contador behind, the British outfi t have and Quintana and even (Vin- a second option ready and cenzo) Nibali. waiting, if Thomas loses time “Even the way he approach- over the coming stages. es the climbs and the moun- On paper, Sky’s biggest taintop fi nishes, he’s quite threat comes from Dutchman happy to drop off a fair few Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb), the metres behind the main group 2017 Giro d’Italia champion when there’s big accelerations. who sits third overall at 1:50. “He’s quite steady. He “It’s a diff erent dynamic doesn’t ride on feelings alone.” racing against Tom compared But Dumoulin alone is un- to a lot of other guys,” Froome likely to panic Sky. admitted during the race’s rest For Landa, only a concerted day yesterday. eff ort from fellow riders with But with the race edging the shared goal of reaching the closer to the Spanish border, podium in Paris will work. underperforming Movistar are And he believes the personal expected to move up a gear. ambitions of Froome and Tho- Their highest-placed rider mas could also play a role. is former Sky man Landa, who “We know how diffi cult it is is 3:42 behind Thomas. to surprise Sky and how good Hoping to also jump up they are, but we have to keep the standings is climbing trying to wear them out, put specialist Nairo Quintana, a them in diffi culty,” said Landa. former Vuelta a Espana and “Dumoulin and Roglic Giro d’Italia winner who has should collaborate and help.” dropped to eighth at 4:23. Val- He added: “Up till now, it’s verde believes Sky cold pay for been calm between Thomas their eff orts over the first 15 and Froome, but it’s clear both Team Sky riders Christopher Froome (L) and Geraint Thomas during a press conference in Carcassonne, France, yesterday. (Reuters) stages, but hopes friends with of them have a lot of ambition. common goals can come to “Thomas is on the verge of AFP a Giro-Tour double in the same out of both the Giro d’Italia and champions. Thomas, said it was no easier to Movistar’s aid as well. achieving a feat that cyclists Carcassonne, France calendar year. Tour de France in 2017. “For me it’s important to see decipher Sky’s dilemma from in- “It’s the third week, they’ve dream of, to win the Tour. But Froome, currently 1min But despite uncertainties over either one of them win the Tour side the peloton. been working a lot for a long “For Froome, it would be a 39sec behind Thomas in the his ability to maintain form, and de France.” “Geraint Thomas has been time so maybe we can isolate record-equalling fi fth Tour. efending champion overall standings going into stay on the bike, in the crucial But, replying in French to one in yellow since stage 11, and Sky a bit,” said the Spanish Sooner or later, the ego and Chris Froome said he three consecutive days in the third week, the 32-year-old journalist, he possibly let slip Froome’s still making a good im- veteran. “But it would be good ambition of each of them will is ready to sacrifi ce a Pyrenees, said he would be Welshman has often looked the key to Sky’s internal race pression,” the Quick Step rider to have help from other teams.” show.” record-equalling fi fth happy to forego all the glory if it more incisive than Froome. strategy. “At the end of the day, said. “At the end of the day it’s TourD de France victory if it helps means Thomas wins the race for For some, Thomas is simply it’s the legs of the riders that will up to them to decide. Maybe if Sky teammate Geraint Thomas Sky. preparing the terrain for Froome decide,” he added. one of them has an off day, you claim his maiden yellow jersey. “As long as there is a Team Sky to take fl ight on one of the Pyr- Froome was more evasive never know. Four-time champion Froome rider on the top step of the podi- eneean stages before targeting when asked if he would attack “All I can say is, they race very, can pull level with the likes um in Paris, I’m happy,” Froome his record-equalling fi fth win. Thomas if in a position to do so. very fast.” of former fi ve-time winners said as he and Thomas faced me- Alternatively, Sky could be “All this talk of attacking Thomas, who spent several Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hi- dia on the race’s second and fi nal counting on Thomas to take it all or not attacking... we’re in an years racing alongside Froome nault, Eddy Merckx and Miguel rest day in Carcassonne. the way. Froome’s participation amazing position, we’re one and in their former team Barloworld, Indurain if he triumphs on the Asked if he would sacrifi ce his in the Giro d’Italia means he, like two,” he said. “It’s not up to us to said, for now, the team is united. Champs Elysees next Sunday. hopes of a fi fth Tour crown to many other racers before him, be attacking. It’s for all the other “We’re good mates, we’ve rid- The feat would also see the help Thomas, Froome replied: may pay for those eff orts in the riders in the peloton to make up den in same team for 10 years Kenyan-born Briton, who won “Yes.” fi nal week. time on us and dislodge us from now, we’ve generally lived in the the 2017 Tour of Spain and this Thomas has yet to podium on Team Sky chief Dave Brails- the position we’re in.” same areas as well, and trained year’s Giro d’Italia, become the a three-week Grand Tour and, ford was at pains to underline Luxemburger Bob Jungels, together,” said Thomas. fi rst rider since deceased Italian despite winning the Criterium his admiration for both riders, who has dropped to 12th over- “We just get on. For now, any- Marco Pantani, in 1998, to claim du Dauphine last month, crashed saying: “The two of them are big all at nearly 10 minutes behind way!” Movistar rider Mikel Landa.

SPOTLIGHT ASIAN UNDER-20 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Lochte banned 14 months for anti-doping violation AFP Los Angeles

ix-time Olympic gold medallist Ryan Lochte has been suspended 14 months for an anti-dop- ingS violation after he received an intravenous infusion, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced yesterday. While USADA said Lochte was not using a banned sub- stance, athletes can typically only receive IVs as part of hos- pital treatment or through an exemption. “I wasn’t taking anything il- legal. Everything was legal. You can get it at CVS, Walgreens, but there are rules, and you have to obey them,” Lochte told a press conference in South Florida. American swimmer Ryan Lochte in the pool during the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. (Reuters) The 33-year-old American posted a picture of himself get- volume greater than 100 mL in a week, next month’s Pan Pacifi c during the Rio Games. ting the IV on social media in 12-hour period without a Ther- Championships in Tokyo and Brazilian police later deter- May which caused USADA to apeutic Use Exemption (TUE),” the 2019 world championships mined, in part based on surveil- open an investigation, one that USADA said in a statement. in South Korea. lance video, that Lochte had Lochte “fully co-operated” with His ban was backdated to In 2016, Lochte was banned largely fabricated the story. according to offi cials. May 24, the date he received from swimming for 10 months He was charged with making “Lochte received an intrave- the treatment. He will miss the after he claimed that he and a false crime report, but a Rio Qatar and Iraq spikers in action during their Pool ‘D’ game at the Asian Under-20 Men’s Volleyball nous infusion of permitted sub- US national championships three other US swimmers were appeals court eventually threw Championship in Manama yesterday. Iraq won 3-1 (25-19, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18). PICTURE: Jayan Orma stances at an infusion clinic in a which begin in California this robbed after a night of revelry that case out. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 24, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB TRAGEDY Minnesota Vikings off ensive line coach Kemp homers twice Sparano dies at 56

Reuters loved the game of football and Los Angeles his players. More importantly, he was a strong man of faith who treasured his family. My heart innesota Vikings of- is with the Sparanos today. As as Dodgers clobber fensive line coach an organization we will support Tony Sparano died them in whatever ways we can.” on Sunday at the age Sparano, the former Miami ‘You throw a guy like that in our lineup, with Mof 56, the team announced. Dolphins head coach, joined the No details of the cause of death Vikings in 2016. He went 32-41 the already dangerous lineup, and it makes were given by the team, but ES- in parts of fi ve seasons as an NFL PN’s Chris Mortensen says Spar- head coach.He began his NFL it even worse for the other team’ ano had gone to the hospital with coaching career in 1999 as an Brewers chest pains on Thursday and was off ensive quality control coach Reuters released on Friday. with the Cleveland Browns, then Milwaukee Sparano’s wife found him un- was promoted to the off ensive conscious in their kitchen as the line coach in 2000. couple were about to leave for After stints with the Wash- att Kemp hit two church, Mortensen reported. ington Redskins, Jacksonville home runs and Alex She tried giving him CPR, but Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys, Wood worked his failed to revive him. he was hired by the Dolphins as way out of trouble “Our hearts go out to Jeanette their head coach in 2008. Mto pitch six strong innings as the and the entire Sparano fam- He went 29-32 with the Dol- visiting Los Angeles Dodgers ily as we all mourn the loss of phins over nearly four seasons. rolled to a 11-2 victory Sunday Tony,” Mark and Zygi Wilf, the He also worked as interim over the Milwaukee Brewers. Vikings owners, said in a state- head coach with the Oakland Kemp hit solo home runs in ment. “Tony was a passionate Raiders in 2014, fi nishing the the second and third innings and driven individual who cared season 3-9, but was not retained. to give him 17 on the season. deeply about his family, and es- Minnesota coach Mike Zim- Manny Machado had two hits, pecially enjoyed spending time mer also paid his respects after including an RBI double in the with his grandchildren. hearing the news. second inning, and went 5-for- Tony’s presence within the Vi- “I love Tony Sparano. He was 13 in his fi rst three-game series kings organization will be deeply a great teacher, a grinder of a with the Dodgers since being missed. We are only thinking of worker and had a toughness and traded from the Baltimore Ori- Tony’s family during this in- fi ghting spirit that showed in our oles. The Brewers loaded the credibly diffi cult time. We ask linemen. He was a great hus- bases in the fi rst two innings that the entire NFL and Vikings band, father and grandfather and against Wood (6-5), but the family keep the Sparanos in their a great friend to me. This is just left-hander limited the dam- thoughts.” sinking in for us but Tony will be age to give up two runs on fi ve Vikings general manager Rick sorely missed by all.” hits over six innings with four Spielman was crushed by the Sparano went 41-14-1 at Divi- strikeouts and three walks. news. sion II New Haven from 1994-98 The Brewers lost for the “I am at a loss for words with before beginning his NFL career. eighth time in their last nine Tony’s sudden passing,” Spiel- Sparano is survived by his wife games and have lost three man said in a statement. “Tony Jeanette and three children. consecutive series, falling out of fi rst place in the National League Central in that stretch. TONY SPARANO Brewers starter Brent Suter (8-7) gave up six runs on eight hits over three innings, leaving the game with forearm tight- ness, the same injury that had him on the disabled list earlier this month. Two position players pitched for the Brewers, holding the Dodgers scoreless over the fi - nal three innings. Utility man Hernan Perez gave up one hit with a walk and a strikeout over two innings, while catcher Erik Kratz gave up one hit with one strikeout in one inning of work. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Matt Kemp reacts after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at The Brewers took an early 2-0 Miller Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports lead on Travis Shaw’s two-run Ducks GM hopeful of full season from Eaves single in the fi rst inning, but it it even worse for the other base and give the host Oakland appeared to be a routine chop- Hundley aboard via a single, A’s was all Dodgers after that. Chris team,” Kemp said. Caleb Fergu- Athletics a second straight ex- per to Crawford. However, the manager Bob Melvin pulled his Expect to see Patrick Eaves back in a Ducks uniform this season. That’s Taylor and Justin Turner also son held the Brewers scoreless tra-inning win in the Bay Bridge All-Star had the ball carom off left-hander in favor of Emilio the message from Anaheim general manager Bob Murray. Eaves had RBIs, along with Kemp and over the fi nal three innings for Series, 6-5. his glove as he charged to make Pagan, who gave up a single to played in only two games last season before he was diagnosed with Machado, in the Dodgers’ fi ve- his second three-inning save. The victory came hours after a hurried play, and when the ball Austin Slater. Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder with no known run second inning. The Dodgers improved to 12-5 Oakland scored a 4-3, 11-inning rolled into center fi eld, Semien cause that led to his hospitalization last October. The 34-year-old right Turner, who started for the in July and have won 39 of their victory on Saturday night and scored without a throw. RESULTS wing will be entering his 14th season. Eaves has scored 242 points (132 fi rst time since July 11 because last 57 games since May 17. They gave the A’s two wins in each of Jeurys Familia (1-0), making Rays 6 Marlins 4 goals, 110 assists) in 626 games in a career that has seen him play for of injury, left the game after the are 29-14 since the start of June. the three-game series played his A’s debut after having been Royals 5 Twins 3 Ottawa, Carolina, Detroit, Nashville and Dallas before arriving in Anahe- top of the third with right groin The Dodgers won for the eighth leading into the All-Star break in acquired in a trade Saturday, Cubs 7 Cardinals 2 im for 20 games in the 2016-17 season. Eaves was off icially shut down tightness. time in their last 13 games at San Francisco and coming out of earned the win with two innings A’s 6 Giants 5 (10 innings) for last season in April. He also had surgery to repair a torn labrum in Max Muncy, Logan Forsythe, Milwaukee. the break in Oakland. of shutout relief. Both teams Diamondbacks 6 Rockies 1 March, but Murray said at the time he expected Eaves to be back by Austin Barnes and Taylor all Semien led off the 10th with rallied from late defi cits to take Mariners 8 White Sox 2 mid-October. Guillain-Barre syndrome strikes rarely, but when it does, drove in runs during the Dodg- A’s walk off with a walk off the fourth Giants a 5-5 tie into the ninth inning. Angels 14 Astros 5 the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. ers’ fi ve-run fi fth inning that series win over Giants pitcher, left-hander Ty Blach Powered by a two-run home Blue Jays 5 Orioles 4 Murray, greeting season-ticket holders on Saturday, didn’t have the put the game away. Forsythe San Francisco Giants short- (6-6), and took second on run from Davis and two solo Nationals 6 Braves 2 same enthusiasm for center Ryan Kesler, who missed the early part of had three hits in his fi rst multi- stop Brandon Crawford Stephen Piscotty’s fl y ball to the shots from Olson, the A’s led Padres 10 Phillies 2 (Game 1) last season because of off season surgery on his hip. Kesler might miss hit game since June 19. Kemp couldn’t handle Matt Chap- fence in center fi eld. 4-1 going into the seventh, with Phillies 5 Padres 0 (Game 2) this entire season to complete rehabilitation eff orts on the hip. “I’m also fi nished with three hits. man’s high chopper with two After Khris Davis was inten- Oakland starter Sean Manaea Pirates 9 Reds 2 more confident that Patrick Eaves is going to play for the full season “You throw a guy like that outs in the 10th inning Sunday tionally walked, Blach got Matt working on a three-hitter. Red Sox 9 Tigers 1 than I am of Ryan Kesler at the moment, although says he’s going to in our lineup, with the already afternoon, allowing Marcus Olson to pop up for a second However, with two outs in Rangers 5 Indians 0 be fine,” Murray said, according to the Orange County Register. dangerous lineup, and it makes Semien to score from second out before Chapman hit what the top of the seventh and Nick Dodgers 11 Brewers 2

NFL Titans place Dodd on ‘did not report’ list Reuters football injury list while wide re- their to-do list, signing their top Rookie RB Barkley signs New York ceiver Michael Campanaro and draft pick Sunday night. hefty deal with Giants KEVIN DODD linebacker Rashaan Evans went Mike McGlinchey, the No. 9 New York Giants running back on the non-football illness list. overall selection in April, inked Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 over- evin Dodd was a no- Conklin, 23, tore his left ante- a four-year, $18.34 million deal all pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, show for the start of rior cruciate ligament during the that is fully guaranteed, accord- signed a four-year contract on the Tennessee Titans’ Titans’ postseason loss to the ing to NFL Network’s Tom Pe- Sunday, the team announced. training camp, and the New England Patriots in Janu- lissero. Spotrac.com reported the deal teamK placed the linebacker on ary. It is uncertain if he will be An All-American left tackle is worth $31.1 million, including the reserve/did not report list ready for the start of the regular for Notre Dame, McGlinchey a signing bonus of nearly $20.77 Sunday. season. Conklin has started all was plugged in as the starting million. The contract contains He was required to be present 32 games in his NFL career after right tackle in the 49ers’ off sea- the standard fi fth-year rookie Sunday along with the rest of the Tennessee selected him with the son program. Joe Staley remains deal option.Barkley’s $31.1 mil- club’s rookies, quarterbacks and eighth overall draft pick in 2016. entrenched as San Francisco’s lion in guaranteed money is players who were injured when Supernaw, 28, and Ramsay, 23, left tackle. the second highest for a run- the off season program conclud- have undisclosed injuries. The 49ers cleared a spot for ning back in NFL history behind ed in June. Dodd was limited in Supernaw is entering his McGlinchey on the second day of Adrian Peterson ($36 million in a minicamp due to a foot injury fourth season with Tennessee this year’s draft by dealing right contract signed in 2011). after sitting out the voluntary after stints with the Houston tackle Trent Brown and a fi fth- The 21-year-old Barkley is ex- portion of the Titans’ off season Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and round pick to the New England pected to spruce up the Giants’ gatherings. Baltimore Ravens. Last season, Patriots for a third-round pick. running game after rushing for Dodd, 26, was a second-round Supernaw had four catches for McGlinchey, who is 6-foot-8, 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns draft pick (33rd overall) by Ten- 39 yards and one touchdown. 309 pounds, started 13 games at during three standout college nessee in 2016. He played nine Ramsay and Evans, 22, are un- right tackle as a Fighting Irish seasons at Penn State. He also games in each of his fi rst two drafted rookies. Campanaro, 27, sophomore in 2015 before mov- caught 102 passes for 1,195 yards NFL seasons, starting just once. spent the past four seasons with ing to the other side of the ball and eight scores before declar- Dodd has a career total of 12 Baltimore. In 2017, he posted 19 for his fi nal two seasons in South ing for the 2018 draft.Barkley tackles and one sack. catches for 173 yards, both career Bend, Ind. recently addressed the belief The Titans made several other highs, and one touchdown. According to the San Jose that he is expected to have a big transactions Sunday, including (Calif.) Mercury News, second- rookie campaign. putting right tackle Jack Con- 49ers sign first-round pick round pick Dante Pettis, a wide “I know a lot of people try to klin and tight end Phillip Su- McGlinchey receiver out of the University of set expectations for me,” Barkley pernaw on the physically unable Days before training camp Washington, is San Francisco’s told reporters, “but no off ense to to perform list. Defensive tackle starts, the San Francisco 49ers last remaining unsigned draft you guys, I set my own expecta- Mike Ramsay went on the non- reportedly checked a key item off pick. tions.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 24, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY ATHLETICS Sifan stunned with world lead mile in New Zealand beat Diamond League

AFP the frustration of missing a London place on the US Olympic team by smashing a 28-year-old 100m hurdles world record. lying Dutchwoman She couldn’t match that England to retain Sifan Hassan couldn’t 12.21sec on Sunday, but her believe her own speed winning time of 12.36sec was after running the third a 0.02sec improvement on the fastestF women’s mile of all 2018 world lead previously time and the quickest this held by US team-mate Brianna year at the London Diamond McNeal, who fi nished second League meeting on Sunday. in 12.47. The 25-year-old former World high jump champion World Cup Sevens world indoor 1500 metres Mariya Lasitskene bounced champion, who arrived in the back from the Rabat defeat ‘We were really proud of the girls. It’s awesome to emulate what they did and go Netherlands as a refugee from that ended her 45-meet win- Ethiopia 10 years ago, surged ning streak with a 2.04 metre back-to-back for the first time ever. It’s good to go home with two World Cups’ clear of her rivals with 200m to clearance which equalled the go and crossed the fi nish line in world lead she set in Paris on 4min 14.71sec. June 30. Only two women have run The 25-year-old Russian the imperial distance quicker: was pushed hard by Elena Val- Russia’s Svetlana Masterkova, lortigara, who improved her when setting the world record personal best by 6cm to clear of 4:12.56 in Zurich in 1996 2.02m — just 1cm shy of the and Ethiopia’s Genzebe Diba- Italian record. ba, who clocked 4:14.30 in The other 2018 world lead Rovereto, Italy, last year. came in the men’s 4 x 100m Hassan’s mile run was one relay, the British quartet of of fi ve leading performances Chijindu Ujah, Zharnel Hugh- in the world this year achieved es, Adam Gemili and Netha- on the second and fi nal day at neel Mitchell-Blake,clocking the London Stadium, but the 37.61sec. Dutch runner was taken aback by her display. ‘Emotional’ Rutherford falls short ‘Last kick’ There was British disap- “That was just so amazing,” pointment in the long jump, said Hassan, who broke the however, with Greg Rutherford European 5000m record at the managing just one valid eff ort Diamond League meeting in — 7.55m for tenth and last place Rabat on July 13 and who plans — on his fi nal appearance in the to concentrate on that distance stadium where he struck gold at at next month’s European the 2012 Olympics. championships in Berlin. The 31-year-old, who has “I can’t believe how fast I been hit by a succession of in- ran,” she added. “I don’t nor- juries in the last two years, said mally have that last kick but he would have defended his today (Sunday) I did.” European title in Berlin if he Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay had managed to better eight took second place in 4:16.14, metres. with Kenya’s world 5000m But he will now have just two champion Hellen Obiri third more competitions (the Dia- in 4:16.15, a Commonwealth mond League in Birmingham record. Obiri’s compatriot next month and the CityGames Emmanuel Korir stormed in Newcastle in September) be- to victory in the 800m in fore retiring to concentrate on a 1:42.05sec, the fastest time in television career and a try-out the world since fellow-Kenyan at track cycling. David Rudisha smashed the “I’ve been battling so many world record on the same track injuries and they’ve just got at the 2012 Olympic Games. on top of me,” said Rutherford. Clayton Murphy of the “It’s been a very emotional day. United States took second I’ve cried three times.” place in 1:43.12, with Kenya’s The competition produced a Wycliff e Kinyama in third. South African one-two, world Korir’s time took the 2018 champion Luvo Manyonga world lead from Botswana’s equalling his season’s best with Nigel Amos, who clocked a winning 8.58m and African 1:42.12 in Monaco on Friday champion Ruswahl Samaai New Zealand players celebrate with their medals and trophy after defeating England in the final of the Rugby Sevens World Cup in the AT&T Park at San Francisco, California. (AFP) but could only fi nish fourth on jumping 8.42m as runner up. Sunday in 1:43.29. New Jamaican sprint prodigy AFP Curry, who missed the 2013 vic- over from close range to cap a clinical 22-17 defeat of Olym- to be World Champions – that is “That is a huge performance Akeem Bloomfi eld smashed San Francisco tory breaking his hand shortly dominant start. pic champions Fiji in the semi- the stuff you dream about. We for me,” said Korir. “I wanted through the 20 seconds barrier before the tournament, was ec- England hit back on the stroke fi nals. were there in the fi nal after a lot to break that maybe next year. for the fi rst time in the 200m, static following the win. of half-time when Mike Ellery England meanwhile had of ups and downs this season. I am happy that I managed it storming to victory from lane ew Zealand became “It was real disappointing for found space inside the 22 from reached the fi nal after a surpris- “I am super proud to get to earlier than planned.” eight in 19.81 sec — the fourth- the fi rst team in his- me last time, so to come to San Dan Norton’s pass for a con- ingly one-sided 29-7 win over that point, but it means it hurts Two years ago in London, fastest time in the world this tory to win back-to- Francisco and play the way we verted score which made it 14-7 South Africa in the last four. more as we worked so hard to get Kendra Harrison channelled year. back World Cup Sevens did, I’m just really proud,” Curry at the break. England coach Simon Amor there.” Ncrowns on Sunday, completing a said. New Zealand were soon admitted however his side had New Zealand’s win brought clean sweep of titles with a 33-12 Curry said the New Zealand threatening again after the re- been unable to reproduce their the curtain down on a success- defeat of England in the fi nal at men had taken inspiration from start and Joe Ravouvou took best form in the fi nal. ful fi rst ever Rugby World Cup AT&T Park. the women’s victory 24 hours them into a 19-7 lead when he “Of course to be in a World event on US soil, with more than The New Zealanders – who earlier. easily beat Norton on the outside Cup fi nal you want to lift it, you 102,000 spectators attending beat England to win the last “We were really proud of the for a try in the corner. want to be winning it,” Amor the three days of the event. tournament in 2013 in Moscow – girls. It’s awesome to emulate Ruaridh McConnochie gave said. Elsewhere Sunday, Samoa’s once again proved too strong for what they did and go back-to- England hope of a fi ghtback after “Unfortunately we didn’t play campaign ended in disgrace with the English, outscoring their op- back for the fi rst time ever,” he dotting down in the corner fol- our best in the fi nal game, we player Gordon Langkilde thrown ponents by fi ve tries to two. said. “It’s good to go home with lowing Harry Glover’s break. got some errors just dropped in out of the tournament for his The victory completed a gold- two World Cups.” But New Zealand upped the at critical moments, but overall part in a tunnel bust-up follow- en weekend in San Francisco for The New Zealanders, who had tempo and fi nished off with two I loved the way we still stuck in ing Saturday’s defeat to Wales. New Zealand after their women stunned Olympic champions Fiji more tries from Akuila Rokolisoa and played some great rugby.” Wales player Tom Williams successfully defended their own to reach the fi nal, took the lead in and Traell Joass to secure New England captain Tom Mitchell suff ered a tournament-ending sevens title on Saturday. the opening minute, when Sione Zealand’s third outright victory said defeat in the fi nal was bit- injury in the attack which Welsh New Zealand’s men and wom- Molia burst through weak Eng- in the tournament. tersweet. players described as “unpro- en’s teams now hold world titles lish tackling to score under the “Right now I am pretty sore, voked.” in both seven-a-side and 15-a- posts. ‘Pretty gutted’ and pretty gutted,” he said. World Rugby said in a state- side versions of the game. Molia then grabbed a second The New Zealanders had “We came here expecting to ment they were investigating the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan celebrates after winning the women’s New Zealand co-captain Scott try moments later, burrowing earlier reached the fi nal after a be amongst it and really wanting incident. One Mile at the London Diamond League. (Reuters)

NBA Do Heat have a template for Winslow extension? By Ira Winderman son’s standing as more polished Winslow for 2019-20, allowing pression is that he can step up at loading up the salary cap with Sun Sentinel than Winslow. them to match any outside off er many positions but not neces- supporting-level talent in James Then came Marcus Smart’s for Winslow next summer if an sarily emerge as a clear front- Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Waiters four-year, $52 million con- extension is not struck prior to runner at any. and Tyler Johnson. (Hassan Wh- hen it comes to NBA tract Thursday from the Boston the deadline of the 2018-19 sea- Wait too long and there always iteside was diff erent; that was contracts, tem- Celtics. Granted, the deal came son opener. is a chance of getting burned, a case of going all in for a per- plates tend to be- a season later in Smart’s ca- While deferring might make as the Chicago Bulls were this ceived top-tier talent). come marginalised reer than where Winslow now sense with a player who missed summer in having to match Zach So the question the Heat can Wonce the rookie scale is com- stands, but there are similarities, all but 18 games of 2016-17 due LaVine’s absurd (albeit injury- address this summer and will pleted. in that shooting and scoring are to injury and only late this past protected) four-year, $78 million have to address by the start of And yet, with Justise Wins- not necessarily strong suits of season got fully back up to speed, off er sheet from the Sacramento next summer is this: Can Justise low eligible for his rookie-scale either. For the Heat, the strategy it does not avoid the ultimate Kings or even the four-year, $84 Winslow be projected as a future extension this summer from the could be the same as the Celtics peril of moving forward with million incentive-laden deal star and will the Heat be a cham- Miami Heat we now at least have utilized with Smart last summer Winslow at a signifi cant price – Aaron Gordon took to return to pionship contender during the some basis for comparison. – deferring. the salary-cap impact during the tract next summer, and fi gure on ing shots. the Orlando Magic. years of his contract? The Celt- First came Josh Richardson’s As was the case with Smart 2020 off season. at least another $10 million of Like Winslow, Smart not only Of course, there also is the es- ics, with Smart, decided the an- four-year, $42 million Heat ex- during the 2017 off season, the At the moment, the only Heat 2020-21 cap space taken. isn’t a starter at the moment, cape hatch of trading Winslow swer to the latter element of that tension last September. Celtics went through the process players under fully guaranteed The reality is someone will but well could remain a reserve and therefore not only punting question was yes. Granted, that was built off knowing that, at worst, Smart contract for 2020-21 are Dion spend on Winslow, especially for the balance of his four-year on the extension decision, but If the Heat can’t answer in the Richardson’s second-round sta- would be a restricted free agent Waiters and Richardson. Every- now that the Celtics have es- deal, based on the presence of also creating the possibility of affi rmative with either element tus in 2015 and was the largest this summer. one else on the roster either is off tablished that making “winning Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, something friendlier to the 2020 of that question, then it may be- amount the Heat could off er. But This summer, the Heat are in a the books or has an option clause. plays” (sorry Erik Spoelstra, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and off season salary cap. come a case of moving on if Ri- an argument certainly could be similar position, with a $4.7 mil- Sign Winslow to an extension your term) can prove as fi scally Kyrie Irving. With Winslow and To a degree, the Heat’s cur- chardson-type money is deemed made at the moment of Richard- lion qualifying off er in place for this summer or even a new con- rewarding as consistently mak- his utility-knife skillset, the im- rent limbo is due, in part, to insuffi cient. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 24, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT New Liverpool keeper Alisson desperate to play: Klopp Man Utd held to scoreless Charlotte, North Carolina: Liverpool’s new goalkeeper Al- isson is “desperate” to play for the Merseyside club and could make his debut against Serie A side Napoli in a pre-season match on Aug. 4, manager draw by Earthquakes Juergen Klopp has said. Liverpool signed Brazil international Alisson from AS United created few chances, and saw Antonio Valencia limp off with an apparent calf injury Roma this month, smash- ing the world record for a AFP goalkeeper in a deal worth Los Angeles Alexis Sanchez (left) of Manchester up to 72.5mn euros ($85mn). United vies for the ball with Shea “He is desperate to play. He Salinas of the San Jose Earthquakes could have joined us here in anchester United, buoyed during the friendly match in Santa America but it made abso- by the arrival of Alexis Clara, California. (AFP) lutely no sense,” Klopp told a Sanchez on Sunday, never- news conference in Charlotte, theless remained without a North Carolina, where they Mwin in their North American pre-season lost a pre-season clash 3-1 tour after a 0-0 draw against the San against Borussia Dortmund Jose Earthquakes. on Sunday. The match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa “He had a long year and as Clara, California, pitted a United side Brazil’s number one, it was playing its second match of the pre-sea- quite an intense year, so I sent son against an Earthquakes team in the him on holiday again... I would midst of what has been a lacklustre Ma- say he plays in Dublin (against jor League Soccer campaign. Sanchez Napoli).” was a lively presence after missing the Alisson, 25, is expected 1-1 draw against Club America of Mex- to replace Loris Karius as ico in Phoenix on Thursday because of first choice goalkeeper visa issues. with the club’s other keeper But in hot conditions before a sparse Simon Mignolet set to drop crowd, United created few chances, and lower down the pecking order. saw Antonio Valencia limp off with an Klopp defended Germany’s apparent calf injury less than 10 min- Karius, who was blamed for utes in. Valencia, who was replaced two of Real Madrid’s goals by Matteo Darmian, was part of Jose when the Spanish side beat Mourinho’s starting back four along Liverpool 3-1 in the Champi- with Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly and Chris ons league final in May. Smalling. Bailly had a golden chance to “We need a stronger squad score in the fi fth minute but his header and Loris is an outstanding off a free kick from Sanchez rocketed off goalkeeper. That is the truth. the cross bar. Nothing else,” Klopp added. Minutes later Valencia departed, and “My job is together with Sanchez himself was lucky to escape Michael Edwards (sporting injury when Florian Jungwirth stuck director) and Mike Gordon out an arm in a “clothesline” tackle of (president) to bring the best the Chilean — who went close with a players who are available for free kick in the 30th minute. “Today is Liverpool — if they fit in. That good for Alexis,” Mourinho said. “The is what we have tried to do.” fi rst time he plays after some individual Klopp said the injury that sessions. He needed this and he made forced Joel Matip off during a good eff ort, a good physical eff ort, the defeat to Dortmund was which is important for him in this mo- not a repeat of the thigh injury ment.” that forced the defender out After a scoreless fi rst half, the Earth- of action for months. “It’s not quakes nearly opened the scoring when the same injury. It’s another Vako beat keeper Lee Grant only for de- muscle,” Klopp said. fender Timothy Fosu-Mensah — one “It looks like only a little of fi ve second-half substitutions — to tear. We cannot say anymore clear the danger. about it now. It is of course Nine minutes from time Grant’s the most negative thing about superb diving save denied Tommy are yet to rejoin the squad following the PULISIC POWERS DORTMUND With Mohamed Salah, Pedro Chiri- Both teams swapped out several the day. It’s not cool. Things Thompson’s long-range eff ort. World Cup. Midfi elder Nemanja Matic PAST LIVERPOOL IN FRIENDLY vella, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio players to begin the second half which like this can happen, but you “This is one more training ses- has arrived in the United States to join American international Christian Puli- Mane and Marko Grujic sitting out it brought the German side to life. don’t want them to. Maybe sion. We are not a team. We’re a group the squad while goalkeeper David De sic scored two second-half goals to lift was an inexperienced Liverpool side Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo had a chance tomorrow or the day after of players from diff erent teams,” said Gea and new signing Fred are set to link Borussia Dortmund to a 3-1 win over that took to the fi eld at Bank of America to pad the lead on a solo opportunity in tomorrow we will know more, Mourinho. up with their team mates next week. Liverpool in an International Cham- Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. the 64th minute but his shot defl ected but in this moment we only “Some are fi rst-team, some under- United play AC Milan, Liverpool and pions Cup friendly in North Carolina. Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk opened off goalkeeper Marwin Hitz and then know that it was too painful 23s, some coming from loans and going Real Madrid in the United States this Pulisic almost completed the hat trick the scoring for Liverpool in the 25th bounced off the crossbar. That helped for him to carry on.” on loan, some are younger, under-18s. month before travelling to Germany in the 93rd minute but his blast from minute with a perfectly timed leaping set the stage for Pulisic’s heroics. Liverpool next face league We don’t have a team to play much bet- to take on Bayern Munich in their fi nal in close was stopped and the rebound header off a long cross from Andrew He made it 1-1 in the 66th minute on a champions Manchester City ter than we did but (it’s) one more train- pre-season clash on Aug. 5. Mourinho’s went to teammate Jacob Bruun Larsen Robertson. Dortmund’s best chance to penalty conversion. Pulisic scored again in New York tomorrow before ing session.” side host Leicester City in the opening who deposited it into the empty net as score in the fi rst half was a sharp an- in the 89th minute by fi nishing off a nice taking on Manchester United Mourinho has said he is not worried game of the Premier League season on Dortmund improved to 2-0 in the 18- gle shot by Marius Wolf that Liverpool passing play with Marcel Schmelzer in Michigan at the weekend. as a majority of his fi rst team players Aug. 10. team pre-season tournament. keeper Loris Karius easily handled. with a low shot to the near post.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Al Gharafa get set for CS Roma to sign Malcom from Bordeaux razilian winger Malcom will join Sfaxien aft er resounding win Italian giants Roma from Bordeaux in a fi ve-year deal, the French Ligue 1 outfi t announced yesterday. The B21-year-old had been a reported target for several European clubs including Premier League side Arsenal, but instead will sign for Eusebio Di Francesco’s Roma. Bordeaux did not confi rm the transfer fee, although the talks between the two clubs last week concerned a fee between 38 and 40mn euros ($46.8mn). English clubs may have been put off from bidding for Malcom as he needed a UK work permit to play in the Premier League. Mal- com scored 12 goals in 35 league games for Bordeaux last season. Roma fi nished third in Serie A behind champions Juventus and Napoli to qualify for the 2018/19 Champi- ons League group stage, having reached the semi-fi nals of the competition last term. States tour as late as August 5, and Sevilla future at the club. “I don’t think Ospina are involved in Europa League qualifying. would be quite happy being a number two SPANISH SUPER CUP BETWEEN because he has been that for quite a while,” BARCELONA AND SEVILLA SEAMAN BACKS CECH TO Seaman said. “He might even be a number CONFIRMED IN MOROCCO REMAIN ARSENAL NUMBER ONE three so I would imagine David wants to The Spanish Super Cup is to be played out- DESPITE LENO SIGNING play football, you can’t spend a big chunk of side of Spain for the fi rst time in its history, Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech’s vast experi- your career being a reserve. You’ve got to go the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ence will help him remain the club’s fi rst out there and see how good you are.” confi rmed on Sunday. The match between choice despite the arrival of Germany’s Arsenal, who fi nished sixth last sea- Barcelona and Sevilla will be contested in Bernd Leno, former goalkeeper David Sea- son, begin their league campaign against Morocco on Sunday, August 12. man has said. Leno, who arrived from Bayer defending champions Manchester City on The traditional season curtain-raiser Leverkusen, is seen as a long-term replace- Aug. 12. has been contested between the winners ment for Cech. of La Liga and the winners of the Spanish Seaman believes the 36-year-old keeper DOST DECIDES TO STAY Al Gharafa are in Oman to prepare for the new QNB Stars League season which kicks off on August 4. Cup since 1982 and is usually played over still has the qualities and experience to keep AT SPORTING DESPITE ATTACK two legs at both teams’ home grounds. Leno out of the playing XI. “He (Cech) has Netherlands international Bas Dost has utch star Wesley Snei- Mahdi Ali, Said Haji, Diego Ama- prepare for the new QNB Stars Barcelona won both the cup and league last still got great qualities and it isn’t like he decided to stay at Sporting Lisbon despite jder scored two goals as do, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Osman League season which kicks off on season so they meet the cup runners-up has had a bad season or anything, he still an attack two months ago by disgruntled Al Gharafa beat Oman’s Elihari, Wesley Sneijder, Vlaid- August 4. Sevilla in the fi xture this year. produced,” Seaman, who won three league supporters that left him with deep cuts Al Nasr at Al Saada Sta- mir Weiss and Ahmed Alaa. Al Gharafa were in the Neth- But instead of playing the game at the titles at Arsenal, told the British media. on head. Dost, 29, required stitches after diumD in the opening clash of the In what was a commanding erlands for a pre-season training Camp Nou and Sevilla’s Sanchez Pizjuan “Obviously he is getting older but your being assaulted in an unprecedented train- four-nation tournament on Sun- performance, Al Gharafa at- camp that was held from July 1 to stadium it will be contested as a one-off in game adapts, that is what I found, you ing ground attack by a group of some 50 day in Oman. tacked against the home sides 18. Tangiers at the Stade Ibn Battouta. might not be as sharp as what you used to masked men. In the wake of the attack, Dost Tomorrow, Gharafa will meet and created at least three scoring The Qatari side featured in In a statement on its website, the RFEF be but your experience gets you into the said he would leave the Portuguese club but Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, who edged opportunities but could not net a number of friendly matches said: “it is one of our neighbouring nation’s right positions.” has had a change of heart and signed a new Egypt’s Ismaily on penalties on the ball in the fi rst half. during their pre-season training modern arenas with a capacity of 45,000 Cech’s arrival from Chelsea in 2015 meant three-year deal. “I’m very pleased about Sunday. In the second half, Al Nasr camp. spectators.” that David Ospina became the team’s back- it and I just want to look forward now. I Sneijder found the net in the ratcheted up attacks but Al Coach Christian Gourcuff The decision comes after the clubs failed up goalkeeper and the Colombian has made signed here two years ago and really like this 55th and 75th minutes. Gharafa’s double strike complet- made the most of the time spent to reach an agreement over dates to play the just 11 Premier League appearances since club. It has been a diffi cult time but I still Al Gharafa started the match ed a big win. in Europe to work on his starting fi xture over two legs. Barcelona will still be then. Seaman said Leno’s move to North have the overwhelming feeling that I belong with Yusuf, Udya, Yusuf Muftah, Al Gharafa are in Oman to line-up for the new season. playing friendly matches on their United London could have an impact on Ospina’s here,” he told Dutch media.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ozil’s resignation Mesut Ozil — from sparks controversy in Germany AFP integration poster Berlin esut Ozil’s decision to quit playing for Germany unleashed a racism storm in MBerlin yesterday, but earned the applause of Ankara with a boy to racism storm Turkish minister hailing “a goal against the virus of fascism”. After months of silence over a controversial photograph with The midfielder quits Germany after scoring 23 goals in 92 international appearances, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May, which sparked having been a key component of the 2014 World Cup-winning side questions about his loyalty to Mesut Ozil holds the World Cup Germany, Ozil erupted on Sun- trophy after leading Germany to AFP day. The Arsenal midfi elder the title in 2014. (AFP) Berlin posted a stinging four-page statement taking aim at Ger- team”. But Ozdemir also said Ozil man Football Association (DFB) “did not live up to his function of nce hailed as a prize-winning bosses, sponsors and the media. setting examples” by failing to example of integration in Ger- Ozil, a key member of the squad distance himself from the hard- many, Mesut Ozil has quit in- which won the 2014 World Cup, line Turkish leader. ternational duty amid bitter blamed the DFB management, in Germany’s best-selling news- accusationsO of racism, levelled at Ger- particular its president Reinhard paper Bild led the charge of man Football Association (DFB) chief Grindel, for failing to side with criticism against Ozil, calling Reinhard Grindel. “In the eyes of Grindel him against his critics. his statement a “whiny resigna- and his supporters, I am German when “In the eyes of Grindel and his tion” and said he heaped “criti- we win, but I am an immigrant when we supporters, I am German when cism on everyone but himself”. lose,” Ozil wrote in a lengthy farewell we win, but I am an immigrant Bild, which has for weeks called statement on Sunday. when we lose,” Ozil wrote. How- for Ozil to be dropped from the At just 29, Ozil walks away from Ger- ever, the DFB refuted his claims starting team, also rejected his many duty in the wake of the fi asco against Grindel. “We reject the claims that his Turkish origin caused by his meeting, on the eve of the notion that the DFB is associ- and Erdogan photo have been World Cup, with Turkey President Recep ated with racism,” read a state- used by some media to pander to Tayyip Erdogan. “It wasn’t about politics ment issued yesterday. “The DFB the far-right. “Ozil’s world view or elections, it was about me respecting stands for diversity, from the here is dangerously close to Er- the highest offi ce of my family’s country,” representatives at the top to the dogan and his despots,” charged Ozil wrote to fi nally break his silence over boundless, day-to-day dedica- the tabloid-style daily. the event in London in May. tion of people at the base.” The photo, which was pub- He quits Germany after scoring 23 Ozil, 29, said he was true to lished on Turkey’s presidential goals in 92 international appearances, Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil looks relaxed both his Turkish and German website and the Twitter feed of having been a key component of the 2014 as he arrives in Singapore for the origins and insisted he did not the ruling party, came just before World Cup-winning side. His ability to club’s pre-season tour. (Reuters) intend to make a political state- the June 24 polls Erdogan won to split defences with a single pass singled ment by appearing with Erdogan claim sweeping new powers. Ozil him out as one of the most technically just before the World Cup fi nals. has insisted that “it wasn’t about gifted players of his generation. “I have two hearts, one German politics or elections, it was about Born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish par- and one Turkish,” said Ozil, who me respecting the highest offi ce ents, Ozil’s talents were discovered by was repeatedly singled out for of my family’s country”. local club Schalke, whom he left for Bun- criticism after Germany’s woe- For Foreign Minister Heiko desliga rivals Werder Bremen in 2008. His ful performance at the World Maas, “all parties in the aff air international breakthrough was at the Cup saw them crash out after the should engage in some soul- 2010 World Cup as part of a bold, young group stage. searching. I see few here who German team which played eye-catching Ozil’s explosive statement, in have really behaved correctly.” football in heavy knock-out-stage wins three separate postings on Twit- Born and raised in Gelsen- over England and Argentina. ter and Instagram, was hailed by kirchen, Ozil has scored 23 goals Ozil’s superb cross for Thomas Mueller Erdogan’s government, which and made 40 assists in 92 ap- to score Germany’s fourth goal in the 4-1 has championed a campaign pearances with Die Mannschaft. thrashing of England was the highlight of against what Ankara sees as He is third-generation German- an outstanding display in Bloemfontein growing Islamophobia in Eu- Turk and counts among more in the last 16. After the fi nals in South Af- rope. “I congratulate Mesut Ozil than 3mn people of Turkish ori- rica, Ozil moved to Real Madrid for 18mn who by leaving the national team gin in Germany. In a fi rst reaction euros ($21mn). However, the shy mid- has scored the most beautiful from his former teammates, de- fi elder fi rst found himself in the grey area goal against the virus of fascism,” fender Jerome Boateng wrote on between sport and politics soon after. He Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul Twitter using the Turkish word was booed while playing for Germany wrote on Twitter. for “brother”: “It was a pleasure, at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium in October But it was met with a mix of Abi.” 2010 in a European Championship quali- dismay and outrage in Germany. After unleashing his bomb- fi er against Turkey. Underlining that sports brings shell, a visibly relaxed Ozil ar- Berlin has a large Turkish community a lot to integration in a coun- rived in Singapore yesterday and many in the 74,244-strong crowd try, Chancellor Angela Merkel on a tour with Arsenal. Photo- were supporting the away team. There said she respects Ozil’s deci- graphs released by the club show were loud whistles whenever Ozil got the sion. “The chancellor values him smiling. Back in Germany, ball — just because he had opted to play Mesut Ozil highly. He is a great former DFB chief Theo Zwan- for Germany. Like him, three members of footballer who has contributed a ziger warned that the debacle the Turkish team that night — Nuri Sahin, great deal to the national team,” was a “serious blow to the in- plus brothers Hamit and Halil Altintop, said Merkel’s spokeswoman Ul- tegration eff orts in our country were born in Germany’s industrial Ruhr prime example of successful integration fi nals. Yet on the pitch, he has frustrated the DFB. However, the rise of populism rike Demmer, adding that he has that goes beyond football”. region. Unlike him, however, they chose in German society, but he has often had to both Germany and Arsenal fans in recent in Germany has often been echoed in “now made a decision that must For Tagesspiegel daily, the to represent Turkey. cope with criticism. The subtle diff erenc- seasons with a series of below-par dis- some of the criticism he has been forced be respected”. entire aff air was a “watershed Ozil, just 21 at the time, scored the sec- es Ozil makes on the pitch often means he plays for club and country. to endure. Ozil’s statement on Sunday, Justice Minister Katarina Bar- for sports, politics and society” ond goal in an outstanding display in a sometimes fails to shine in matches. Ozil In interviews, he has always avoided over three posts on both Instagram and ley wrote on Twitter that it was with far reaching consequences. 3-0 win and subdued his celebrations out quit the Bernabeu for Arsenal in 2013 and questions about his heritage and only Twitter, was seized upon by Germany’s an “alarm bell if a great German “Ultimately, Ozil did not fall be- of respect. Nevertheless, Angela Merkel’s has built a large social media following once, in 2015, did he vent his anger at be- right-wing party Alternative for Germa- footballer like Mesut Ozil no cause of Grindel but because of press department put out a picture of the with 31mn Facebook followers, 23mn on ing referred to as a ‘German-Turk’. “Many ny (AfD) which has also criticised centre- longer feels wanted in his coun- a heated, populist mood in Ger- German Chancellor congratulating Ozil Twitter and 17mn on Instagram. forget that I was born in Gelsenkirchen, back Jerome Boateng in the past. “With try or represented by the DFB.” many,” it said, calling for action in the German changing room. He is known for his charity work, fi - grew up in Germany,” he fumed. his farewell tirade #Ozil proves to be a Cem Ozdemir of the Greens to prevent others with immi- The softly-spoken midfi elder was now nancing medical surgery for 23 Russian His parting shot to Grindel “I will no typical example of the failed #Integra- party also voiced dismay that grant backgrounds from feeling Germany’s integration mascot. The fol- children after the World Cup. He did the longer be playing for Germany... while tion of far too many immigrants from the “young German-Turks now get excluded. “More is at stake than lowing month, Ozil won a Bambi award, same for sick minors in both Brazil and I have this feeling of racism and disre- Turkish-Muslim culture,” tweeted AfD the impression that they have just the future of the German na- a prestigious German media prize, as a South Africa following the 2010 and 2014 spect” is a direct challenge to shake up deputy leader Alice Weidel. no place in the German national tional football team.”

SERIE A PRE-SEASON Parma’s Calaio banned for fi xing, Winning start for Sarri as Chelsea boss AFP club handed points deduction Perth, Australia Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Perth Glory’s Shane Reuters Lowry (left) vie for the Milan Emanuele Calaio has aurizio Sarri made a winning ball during the friendly been banned from start as the new manager of match in Perth. (AFP) football for two years. Chelsea by defeating Perth Glo- arma striker Emanuele ry 1-0 in a friendly yesterday. Calaio has been banned MThe Italian, who replaced countryman An- for two years for match tonio Conte earlier this month, was without fi xing, while the Italian his team’s World Cup stars in front of a sell- Pclub will start the 2018-19 Se- out crowd of 60,000 at the new Perth Sta- rie A campaign with a fi ve point dium. The Blues were still far too good for deduction, the nation’s soccer the home side — themselves playing their federation (FIGC) said yesterday. fi rst game under new manager Tony Popovic Italy’s National Federal Court — just weeks out from their Premier League (TFN) imposed the sanctions season opener on August 11 against Hud- after Calaio sent “suspicious dersfi eld. messages” to some of his former The Blues asserted their dominance early teammates ahead of Spezia’s when Pedro scored in the fi fth minute, and Serie B match against Parma on declared bankrupt in 2015, but and inconsistent with recent de- totally dominated the match for the most May 18. The 36-year-old Cal- will return to Serie A after three cisions made in sporting justice, part, likely leaving Sarri wondering how aio has also been 20,000 euros consecutive promotions. considering the extremely heavy they did not fi nd the back of the net many ($23,446) for the incident. “Parma takes note of today’s sanction applied to our club on more times. With both sides in diff erent Parma denied any wrongdo- ruling from the National Federal the grounds of objective respon- stages of their pre-season preparations, ing and said they will appeal the Court with extreme disappoint- sibility. We believe that Parma Glory were under siege for long periods ruling. The match in question ment,” the club said in a state- total lack of involvement in any of the game and Chelsea threatened most Chelsea shots sailed just wide of his goal. also impressive in the midfi eld in the fi rst fi nished 2-0 to Parma, which ment. “We believe that the sen- unlawful behaviour will be rec- times they took possession. At one stage, Sarri would have been delighted with the half, a promising start to his time with ensured they fi nished second in tence handed to our registered ognised by the Federal Court of the London club hit the upright three times brilliance of youngster Callum Hudson- the Blues, while Cesc Fabregas dominated the Serie B standings to return to player Emanuele Calaio with re- Appeal which we will approach in in 10 minutes in the second half. Odoi in the fi rst half, with the 17-year-old throughout. Italy’s top fl ight. The club were spect to the facts that led to the the shortest time possible in the Perth goalkeeper Liam Reddy made some setting up the only goal of the match. The former Napoli midfi elder only signed relegated to Serie D after being legal process is abnormal, unjust hope of fi nding justice.” fi ne saves and watching hopefully as other High-profi le new signing Jorginho was with Chelsea last week.