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Friday, June 7, 2019 CRICKET Shawwal 4, 1440 AH Coulter-Nile GULF TIMES sparks Australia revival win over West Indies SPORT Page 2

Qatar players line up prior to the start of their friendly international against Brazil on Wednesday night in Brasilia.

FOOTBALL Neymar out of Copa after injury during Qatar match RICHARLISON, JESUS SCORE FOR BRAZIL IN 2-0 VICTORY Sanchez praises Qatar performance AFP Rio de Janeiro Qatar coach Felix Sanchez “We managed to keep up with praised Qatar for putting up a the Brazilian team for most of spirited performance against the first half. And in the second razil star Neymar has been Brazil in their international half they really played very well. ruled out of the Copa friendly on Wednesday. He said Sanchez, who guided Qatar to America after tearing an- the Al Anabi acquitted them- their first-ever Asian Cup title kle ligaments during his selves well against the five-times earlier this year, said the experi- Bcountry’s 2-0 win over Qatar in a world champions which had ence of playing Brazil will help pre-tournament friendly, capping stars such as Neymar, Dani Alves, the players no end. a troubled season for the world’s Gabriel Jesus and others in their “The Qatari players have gained most expensive player. ranks. a lot of experience from this en- The injury to the Paris Saint- “This game was very important counter, which will give them a Germain player is a huge blow to for us as because it was part of boost in the upcoming matches host nation Brazil’s preparations our preparations for the Copa in the Copa America, where we for the South American continen- America. Also in the long run will play in a very diff icult group.” tal championship, which begins in it is important because we are Sanchez concluded his remarks just over a week’s time. getting ready to play in the FIFA and wished the speedy recovery A distraught-looking Neymar World Cup in Qatar in 2022,” he of Brazilian star Neymar after covered his face with his hands as added. players coped well with the pres- he suff ered an injury during the he sat on the bench after hobbling The Spaniard said that the sure of playing the Samba Kings. match. from the fi eld in the 20th minute at Brasilia’s Mane Garrincha Stadium on Wednesday. A large ice pack had been strapped to his lower right leg. “Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will neither be fi t nor have time to recuperate suf- fi ciently to participate” in the tournament, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said. The injury comes just nine With his right leg covered by an ice pack, Neymar is helped off the ground by team staff on Wednesday days before Brazil’s opening Copa night in Brasilia. According to the Brazilian Football Federation, he doesn’t have time to “recuperate America game against Bolivia. suff iciently to participate” in the Copa America. It caps a troubled season on and off the fi eld for Neymar, who in the afterwards. In a sign of how sig- League-based players, Richarlison America guests were completely buildup to the match faced accu- nifi cant a fi gure Neymar remains and Gabriel Jesus, scored Brazil’s outplayed as Brazil hit the front in sations that he raped a woman in a in Brazilian life, the country’s far- goals in the fi rst half. Qatar had the 16th minute. Dani Alves picked Paris hotel in May. right President Jair Bolsonaro of- a chance to pull a goal back in the out Richarlison, who rose highest With Neymar ruled out, the fered his public backing for the 96th minute after the referee pe- to head past Saad al-Sheeb for his host nation face an uphill battle to player ahead of the match. nalised Ederson for a mistimed fourth international goal. win South America’s continental “He’s going through a diffi cult challenge following a VAR review, Neymar, who was seen crying championship for the fi rst time moment but I believe him,” said however, Boualem Khoukhi’s on the sidelines, was forced from since 2007. Bolsonaro. At a news conference spot-kick cannoned against the the ground shortly afterwards and Ankle problems ruled him out of Monday, national coach Tite was crossbar. replaced by Everton. the second half of the just-com- bombarded with questions about It was a lively fi rst half in Bra- That did not hamper Brazil, who pleted Ligue 1 season in France. eff ect of the aff air on the squad. silia, where two goals were scored, doubled their lead eight minutes When he did fi nally return to the Attempting to sidestep the is- a penalty was overturned by the later through Jesus following some team, he played as PSG suff ered sue, Tite said he would “not judge” VAR and Neymar left the pitch neat combination play with Rich- Qatar goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb makes a save against Brazil in Brasilia. a shock defeat to Rennes in the Neymar, who he said was “indis- in tears. The maroons had won arlison. French Cup fi nal and then lashed pensable” to the team. seven successive matches head- Brazil will fi nalise their Copa Honduras on Sunday before open- on June 14. Qatar, meanwhile, will guay (June 16) in Copa America out at a supporter in the stands In the match, two Premier ing into the friendly but the Copa America preparations at home to ing the tournament against Bolivia not play again until they face Para- action. Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 7, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT FOCUS Batting, fi elding Coulter-Nile sparks cost Bangladesh against Kiwis, Aussie revival win says Mashrafe

Reuters and went on to build a 105-run London partnership with Ross Taylor that put New Zealand in control. Mashrafe refused to criticise angladesh paid the price Mushfi qur for his mistake but was for a below-par batting left ruing the missed opportunity. over West Indies performance and made “If you don’t score big you errors in the fi eld at have to take all your chances,” No. 8’s 92 helps Australia to 288 before Starc scalps five wickets for 15-run victory keyB moments during their two- he added. “Mushi, I don’t think wicket defeat by New Zealand at we need to go after him. It could the World Cup on Wednesday, happen to anybody because he their captain Mashrafe Mortaza was also trying hard to get him. has said. “He wants to pick the ball and Bangladesh failed to build on suddenly it hits his elbow. Those Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfi qur sort of mistakes always happen Rahim’s 50-run partnership, on the ground.” losing wickets regularly to set a The result leaves Bangladesh New Zealand a target of 245 at sixth in the standings ahead of the Oval, and Mashrafe said his their next match against England men fell at least 20 runs short of in Cardiff tomorrow. a defendable total. Former ODI spinner Abdur “If we could have managed to Razzak said his countrymen score 20 to 30 runs more than we would not be daunted by the did it would have been diff erent,” prospect of facing the favourites he told reporters. “We were very given their World Cup record close, a few runs short but very against England, who Bangla- close.” desh beat at the 2011 and 2015 New Zealand put themselves editions of the tournament. under pressure by losing six “These are diff erent teams... wickets in quick succession to but there is a lot of confi dence give Mashrafe hope, but the con- from those wins,” Razzak wrote test was ultimately decided by in a column for the International Bangladesh’s failure to take their Cricket Council. chances in the fi eld. “(Bangladesh) may not neces- Kane Williamson should have sarily win but they will certainly been run out for eight, but the give them a good game. England Kiwi skipper was reprieved by have more pressure... and we’ve wicketkeeper Mushfi qur, who beaten them in our last two dislodged the bails with his arm, World Cup matches.”

Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile (right) hits a boundary during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP Scorecard Nottingham, United Kingdom AUSTRALIA WEST INDIES athan Coulter-Nile’s D. Warner c Hetmyer b Cottrell 3 C. Gayle lbw b Starc 21 record-breaking in- A. Finch c Hope b Thomas 6 E. Lewis c Smith b Cummins 1 nings laid the plat- form for Australia’s U. Khawaja c Hope b Russell 13 S. Hope c Khawaja b Cummins 68 N15-run victory over the West S. Smith c Cottrell b Thomas 73 N. Pooran c Finch b Zampa 40 New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner (right) and teammate Lockie Ferguson Indies yesterday as the World G. Maxwell c Hope b Cottrell 0 S. Hetmyer run out 21 celebrate after their win in the 2019 Cricket World Cup match against Cup holders bounced back from Bangladesh at The Oval in London on Wednesday. (AFP) M. Stoinis c Pooran b Holder 19 a top-order collapse to make it J. Holder c Zampa b Starc 51 two successive wins. A. Carey c Hope b Russell 45 A. Russell c Maxwell b Starc 15 Australia were in dire straits at N. Coulter-Nile c Holder b C. Brathwaite c Finch b Starc 16 SPOTLIGHT 38 for four after the West Indies Brathwaite 92 fast bowlers proved too hot to A. Nurse not out 19 P. Cummins c Cottrell b Brathwaite handle early on at Trent Bridge. 2S. Cottrell b Starc 1 But Coulter-Nile’s career- O. Thomas not out 0Selectors right to best 92 — the highest score by M. Starc c Holder b Brathwaite 8 any number eight batsman or A. Zampa not out 0Extras (lb9, w11) 20 lower in a World Cup — helped Extras (b1, lb1, w24, nb1) 27 Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 273 reject De Villiers for take them to 288 all out. Australia’s Mitchell Starc (left) shakes hands with West Indies’ Jason He carried on a recovery Holder at the end of the match yesterday. (Reuters) Total (all out, 49 overs) 288 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Lewis), 2-31 started by former skipper Steve Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Finch), (Gayle), 3-99 (Pooran), 4-149 World Cup: convenor Smith (73), with the pair bailing momentum and get them to take Cottrell — a wicket that saw the 2-26 (Warner), 3-36 (Khawaja), (Hetmyer), 5-190 (Hope), 6-216 Australia out in a stand of 102 in risks. It came off today but we left-arm quick, still a member of 4-38 (Maxwell), 5-79 (Stoinis), (Russell), 7-252 (Brathwaite), other players to accede to De Vil- 8-252 (Holder), 9-256 (Cottrell) AFP 89 balls. still need to work on things.” the Jamaica Defence Force, cele- 6-147 (Carey), 7-249 (Smith), Johannesburg liers’ belated request. West Indies, despite a pains- Holder added: “I thought we brate with his trademark salute. 8-268 (Cummins), 9-284 Bowling: Starc 10-1-46-5 “The decision was based on taking 68 from opener Shai were well in the game, just a few Australia were now 26 for two, (Coulter-Nile), 10-288 (Starc) (4w), Cummins 10-3-41-2 (3w), principle; we had to be fair to the Hope and 51 from captain Jason irresponsible shots when we with boos ringing out as Warner Bowling: Thomas 10-0-63-2 Coulter-Nile 10-0-70-0, Maxwell outh African selection team, the selection panel, our Holder fi nished on 273 for nine. probably needed to tap it around walked off and Smith walked (1nb, 8w); Cottrell 9-0-56-2 (3w); 6-1-31-0, Zampa 10-0-58-1, convener Linda Zondi franchise system and players.” Fast bowler Mitchell Starc did a bit more. on — a now familiar response Russell 8-0-41-2 (5w); Brathwaite Stoinis 4-0-18-0 said yesterday he was De Villiers surprised South the bulk of the damage with fi ve “To get Australia at 288 we by crowds in England to the pair 10-0-67-3 (2w); Holder 7-2-28-1; RESULT: Australia won by 15 “shocked” when told that African offi cials when he made for 46 — the fi rst fi ve-wicket would have taken that, I just having only recently returned battingS star AB de Villiers had an announcement on social me- Nurse 5-0-31-0 (2w) runs haul of this World Cup — in- think the batters need to take from year-long bans for their made himself available for the dia last year that he was retiring cluding a late burst of four for responsibility. We still believe roles in a ball-tampering scan- World Cup. from international cricket fol- two in 11 balls — as Australia fol- we can win this competition, it’s dal in South Africa. Zondi said he was informed on lowing a successful comeback in lowed up their seven-wicket win wide open.” Smith had a lucky break on 26 But Coulter-Nile cashed in as Gayle, having overturned two the day of the squad announce- a Test series against Australia. over minnows Afghanistan. The West Indies had bounced when he top-edged a hook off he surpassed his previous inter- ‘out’ decisions, was eventually ment in April by captain Faf du “For Faf du Plessis and Ottis “We just kept hanging in out Pakistan for just 105 when Holder only for Cottrell at long national best of 34. lbw to Starc for 21. Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson Gibson to share AB’s desire to be there. We were able to fi ght back winning their tournament leg to slip as he eyed a catch. His blistering assault off 60 But Hope, biding his time, that De Villiers had said he was included in the squad on the day through Alex Carey and Steve opener at Trent Bridge last week His patient innings ended balls featuring eight fours and completed a 76-ball fi fty. willing to come out of retire- we announced our World Cup Smith. Then for Nathan Coul- and adopted similar tactics when he fl icked Thomas high four sixes also saw him beat Holder who overturned deci- ment. squad on April 18 was a shock to ter-Nile to play the way he did against Australia after Holder towards deep backward square former Zimbabwe international sions against him on seven and Zondi said it would not have all of us,” said Zondi. was exceptional,” Australia cap- won the toss. only for Cottrell, skirting the Heath Streak’s previous World 22, upped the tempo with sev- been morally right to include De “At no point in the year that tain Aaron Finch said. boundary, to grab the ball one- Cup best by a No 8 of 72 before, eral well-struck boundaries. Villiers. he had retired did he make him- “I absolutely was nervous. COULTER-NILE CASHES IN handed, throw it back into the in sight of a hundred, he drove West Indies, however, suf- “I pleaded with AB de Villiers self available for selection. It was Once the West Indies batsmen Oshane Thomas had Finch (six) fi eld of play as he stepped over Carlos Brathwaite to Holder at fered a huge setback when Hope not to retire in 2018... I did give no option when I received the get set they are so destructive caught before opening partner the rope — thereby avoiding a long-off . chipped a Pat Cummins slower him the option to plan and moni- news on the day of the squad an- and can hit it to all parts. David Warner (three) was held six — and complete a sensational In the West Indies’ run- ball to mid-on, setting the stage tor his season to get him to the nouncement, our squad was fi - “You have to try and stall their at backward point off Sheldon catch. chase, big-hitting opener Chris for Starc’s demolition job. World Cup fresh and in a good nalised and confi rmed. AB is un- space,” said Zondi. doubtedly one of the best players “He turned down the off er and in the world, but above all else, said he was at peace with his de- we have to stay true to our morals Pietersen’s golden words for right-handers to tackle India’s Bumrah cision to retire.” and principles, there is no regret Zondi said it would unfair to in the decision.” IANS pitch and square leg, Pietersen took Chahal’s 4 for 51, helped India restrict New Delhi to Twitter to help the batters in the Proteas to 227 which the Men in Blue showpiece event. chased down with six wickets in hand “Quick memo to all right handed at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday. ormer England batsman Kevin batters — get onto off stump against Bumrah, 25, has so far taken 87 wick- Pietersen has off ered a piece of Bumrah and look to hit him from, ets in 50 matches he has played at Fadvice to all batters, especially straight back at the stumps to square an average of 22.0 and strike rate of right-handers — to help tackle Indian leg. Eliminate the off side complete- 29.5. Since his ODI debut, no bowler fast bowling spearhead and ICC world ly!” tweeted Pietersen. has taken more wickets in death no 1. Jasprit Bumrah during the In the opening World Cup game overs than Bumrah’s 44. ongoing edition of the World Cup. against South Africa, Bumrah was India will face Australia in their next The key for the right-handed bats- once again at his menacing best as World Cup encounter on Sunday man while facing Bumrah is to take he scalped two wickets and broke and the onus will once against be on an off -stump guard, and try and the back of the Proteas top-order. His Bumrah to take the Men in Blue off to hit him between straight down the figures of 2/35 along with Yuzvendra a good start with the ball. Gulf Times Friday, June 7, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Pressure-free Pakistan ready to deliver against Sri Lanka ‘The guys got over that (nerves) against England and showed their proper skills. It was a true test of character’

Agencies Bristol, England Karunaratne unfazed by

akistan’s stunning victory Sri Lanka’s World Cup over World Cup favour- ites England has eased woe against Pakistan the pressure on Sarfaraz PAhmed’s squad before today’s AFP can win.” potentially tricky test against Sri Bristol, United Kingdom Karunaratne admitted his Lanka at Bristol, batting coach team were low on confidence Grant Flower said yesterday. after being shot out for 136 by After a crushing seven-wicket imuth Karunaratne in- New Zealand, but he believes defeat by West Indies in their sists Sri Lanka can end they have more than enough tournament opener, former Dtheir wretched World talent to see off Pakistan champions Pakistan beat hosts Cup record against Pakistan “Pakistan is an unpredictable England by 14 runs in a high- when they clash in Bristol team but we are also coming scoring contest at Trent Bridge today. into this game having won on Monday to get their campaign Pakistan have won all seven one and lost one. We were back on track. World Cup encounters against low in confidence but we will Having come into the World Sri Lanka dating back to the give our best shot out to beat Cup on the back of a 4-0 series inaugural World Cup in 1975. them,” he said. hammering by England, which But Sri Lanka are optimistic Sri Lanka will have to guard was followed by a warm-up de- after recovering from a crush- against another middle-order feat by minnows Afghanistan, ing 10-wicket defeat in their collapse, which derailed their Flower said that downing Eoin opening match against New good starts in both the match- Morgan’s men had helped settle Zealand. es, a weakness Karunaratne the nerves in the dressing room. A hard-earned 34-run win hopes will be addressed. “I defi nitely do sense a bit of against minnows Afghanistan “We have some areas to confi dence... since we’ve won. It lifted Sri Lankan spirits, al- improve in batting,” said took off a lot of the pressure defi - though Karunaratne acknowl- Karunaratne, whose team nitely, having gone through that edges they still have room for slumped from 144-1 to 201 all string of defeats,” Flower told a improvement. out against Afghanistan. news conference. The next test for the 1996 “We need to focus on those “Psychologically, that lifts a champions comes against an things and make sure it does weight from their shoulders. And unpredictable Pakistan side not happen in the Pakistan to score (close to) 350 against a who were bowled out for 105 match. But the win has, overall, very good England attack, the Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (second from left) leads his team off of the pitch after winning the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against in their opening seven-wicket boosted our confidence.” guys are relieved. England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England, on Monday. (AFP) defeat against the West Indies Karunaratne also gave his “We didn’t adapt well to con- before a shock 14-run victory backing to veteran Angelo ditions against West Indies... stay consistent and ruthless.” against hosts and tournament Mathews, who has been dis- there were nerves... the guys got Pakistan’s Babar tipped as World Cup star in the making Pakistan posted an impressive favourites England. missed without scoring in both over that against England and 348-8 against a potent England Asked yesterday if Sri World Cup games. showed their proper skills. It was AFP ties in front of a global audi- bowling attack, with fi fties from Lanka’s past struggles against “He is a cricketer with a lot a true test of character and they Bristol, United Kingdom ence if he continues to shine at veteran Mohamed Hafeez, Babar Pakistan could be a mental of experience and has faced came through with fl ying colours the World Cup in England and Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed. barrier, captain Karunaratne similar kind of situations on in the second game.” Wales. Pacemen Wahab Riaz and Mo- told reporters: “We may not a number of times so I don’t Sri Lanka have made a similarly akistan batting coach Flower believes Pakistan’s hamed Amir, and leg-spinner have won against Pakistan in think it will be a problem for patchy start, capitulating to New Grant Flower has tipped batting will continue to flour- Shadab Khan, took the wickets to the World Cup but it doesn’t him to come out of it,” Karu- Zealand before seeing off a deter- Pgifted youngster Babar ish after a nervy start in their restrict England to 334-9 in their bother us. naratne said. mined Afghanistan in a thriller. Azam to emerge as one of the World Cup opener against the 50 overs. “It’s just another one-day Sri Lanka are likely to bring in Flower said Dimuth Karunaratne’s best batsmen at the World Cup. West Indies. “You could see the hunger, the international for us so if we all-rounder Jeevan Mendis into team cannot be taken lightly. Babar showed his vast potential Babar is likely to hold the key determination and the resolve perform well on that day we the team today. “You have always got to be re- by smashing 63 from 66 balls to their hopes of a successful to do well in batting after a hor- spectful and they have got good to lead the Pakistan assault campaign and, speaking ahead ror show and then the bowlers bowlers. I have just come out of as they piled on 348-8 in their of today’s match against Sri fought hard, so we need to repeat a batting meeting to see their shock win over tournament Lanka in Bristol, Flower said: that in the coming matches as skills. And it should be a good favourites England on Monday. “Babar has come a long way. well,” said Arthur. game,” former Zimbabwe bats- The 24-year-old has already His game is improving all the Pakistan have won all seven of man Flower added. made an impact since his debut time. their World Cup matches against “Hopefully the weather stays in 2016, having scored 2,824 “He’s going to develop even Sri Lanka dating back to the fi rst away. It’s a bit poor, the forecast. runs in 66 one-day internation- more, close to being at the top tournament in 1975. But I don’t think we’d be target- als at an impressive average of his game, he is really exciting Pakistan will be tempted to ing any one individual though of 51.34. and he is going to be one of the bring in fast bowler Moham- they have got some good seam- But he can underline his quali- best players in the world.” ed Hasnain for his raw pace, ers and some spinners with very something that New Zealand good skills.” has urged his team to “stay ruth- their tournament opener. “It was Arthur told AFP. exploited against Sri Lanka less”. just so good to see us go out and “When we put all three disci- during their 10-wicket rout of Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne (left) and teammates STAY ‘RUTHLESS’ Arthur praised his team’s re- play with the belief and inten- plines together we know we can their opponents in Cardiff on celebrate an Afghanistan wicket during match on Tuesday. (AFP) Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur solve after a “shocking” defeat in sity that we had spoken about,” beat anybody. We now need to Saturday.

BOTTOMLINE Rohit’s ton will ease pressure on Kohli, says Srikkanth

Reuters Mumbai

ohit Sharma’s unbeat- en century in India’s 07 - 06 - 2019 Cricket World Cup opener against South AfricaR augured well for the team and will help take some pressure off captain Virat Kohli, former opening batsman Krishnamach- ari Srikkanth has said. Chasing South Africa’s 227-9, India lost opener Shikhar Dha- wan for eight and then batting mainstay Kohli for 18 with the score on 54-2 at the Rose bowl in Southampton. Opener Rohit, however, en- sured the victory ended up being India captain Virat Kohli (left) congratulates teammate Rohit Sharma a comfortable one with an un- (also right) after India’s win over South Africa on Wednesday. (AFP) beaten 122 as India reached their target with six wickets in hand Rohit, 32, owns the highest “He did not need to ramp it and 15 balls to spare. one-day international score of up against South Africa, who “Rohit Sharma’s return to 264 and also has two other in- had not scored enough runs in form is the biggest positive for nings of over 200 under his belt Southampton, but that knock India after the fi rst game of the in the format. will do him a lot of good.” tournament,” Srikkanth said in He had scored two and 19 in Rohit added 85 for the third a column for the International the warm-up games against wicket with Lokesh Rahul, who Cricket Council. New Zealand and Bangladesh made 26, and another 74 for the “Opening batsmen are crucial respectively and had to knuckle fourth with Mahendra Singh at the ICC Men’s Cricket World down at the start of his innings Dhoni to help India overcome Cup and Sharma more than against some inspired fast bowl- the early loss of wickets. anyone has that ability to turn ing from South Africa duo Ka- “I think it is true in all formats it on. He can go from fi rst gear giso Rabada and Chris Morris. that partnerships win matches,” to fourth gear in an instant and “The trio of Shikhar Dhawan, said Srikkanth, who has also just kick on from there and keep Sharma and Kohli will be crucial served as India’s chief selector in clicking through the gears. to India’s chances so it is a great the past. “For India, having someone sign that Sharma got a hundred “You cannot rely on the indi- who can go and get not just hun- and saw them over the line,” viduals, and that was very im- dreds but even double hundreds is Srikkanth, who was part of In- pressive from India to see sig- a major asset and also relieves the dia’s 1983 World Cup-winning nifi cant partnerships from a few pressure on Virat Kohli a little.” side, said. players.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 7, 2019 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE TRANSFER Real Madrid agree ‘Genius’ Ronaldo deal to sign Chelsea’s Hazard: reports

AFP London hat-trick sends eal Madrid have agreed a blockbuster deal to sign Chelsea winger Eden Hazard for a fee of up toR £130mn ($165mn), according to British media reports yester- day. Hazard is Real’s top transfer target as the Spanish club rebuild Portugal into fi nal after a dismal season and the Belgium star appears set to com- plete his move to the Bernabeu in the next few days. Ronaldo strikes twice in the final two minutes to set up a clash with England or Dutch A Daily Telegraph report said Real and Chelsea came to an agreement over the terms of the deal yesterday after several days of negotiations. Real had origi- nally off ered around £88mn, but it is claimed the fi nal fee could last year before the Blues fi nally rise as high as £130mn when all accepted his wish in the closing the bonus payments are included. weeks of the season. The basic fee for Hazard is Speaking after the Europa expected to reach £100mn, the League fi nal, Hazard had said: sum for which Chelsea had been “I think it’s a goodbye. My holding out despite the 28-year- dream was to play in the Premier old entering the fi nal year of his League, I did it for seven years. Stamford Bridge contract. Haz- Maybe it’s time for a new chal- ard is on the verge of leaving lenge.” Chelsea after seven years, having Hazard joined Chelsea from won two Premier League titles, Lille in 2012, and in his fi nal two Europa League crowns, one campaign at Stamford Bridge he FA Cup and one League Cup. became just the fourth man in He scored twice in Chelsea’s Premier League history to score 4-1 Europa League fi nal win 15 goals and make 15 assists in a over Arsenal in Baku last month, season. Chelsea have been re- then immediately admitted he signed to losing Hazard since he expected his time at Stamford rejected all off ers of a contract Bridge to come to an end. Haz- extension and has been the sub- ard has been hoping for a move ject of fl attering comments from to Real for over a year, with Chel- Real manager Zinedine Zidane in sea blocking his attempt to leave recent months.

SPOTLIGHT Man City appeal possible Champions League ban

AFP dar and that it was unable as yet Lausanne to say when the matter would be settled. It is believed the com- mittee is unlikely to rule against anchester City have the conclusions of chief investi- Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Switzerland during the UEFA Nations League semi-final at the Dragao stadium in Porto on Wednesday night. (AFP) launched a legal bid gator Yves Leterme, who signed to stop UEFA ban- over his probe into alleged pay- AFP “I was his coach in 2003 and I could see Felix. City are reportedly set to pay Felix’s were street smarts, they had the cherry ning them from the ments deception two weeks ago where he’d go,” said Santos. “He’s a gen- 120-million-euro ($135mn) buyout clause on top of the cake and that made the dif- M2020-2021 Champions League, and is thought to have recom- Porto, Portugal ius. There’s genius paintings and sculp- from Benfi ca, but the 19-year-old missed ference. Four shots, three goals,” said the Court of Arbitration for mended that City be banned tures and he’s a football genius!” a glaring chance to mark his international Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic. Sport (CAS) said yesterday. Abu from the Champions League. ortugal manager Fernando San- Portugal made it to the last four with- debut with a goal just before the break as Silva was the creator for Ronaldo to Dhabi-owned City, who retained The decision would leave Pep tos hailed Cristiano Ronaldo a out their all-time record goalscorer as he blasted over from Ronaldo’s pass. drill home his second of the night two the Premier League title this sea- Guardiola’s side out of Europe’s ‘football genius’ after his 53rd Ronaldo took a hiatus from international Switzerland had posed a threat them- minutes from time. Moments later the son, are in danger of being kicked elite club competition, poten- career hat-trick sent Portugal football to concentrate on his fi rst season selves in the fi rst half with Xherdan Sha- hosts sealed their place in the fi nal on the out of future editions of the tially for the 2020-21 campaign. Pinto the fi nal of the Nations League on at Juventus. However, the fi ve-time Bal- qiri, fresh from winning the Champions counter-attack as Ronaldo curled into the Champions League after UEFA But City are believed to be chal- home soil in Porto with a 3-1 win over lon d’Or winner returned to the national League with Liverpool, particularly lively. far corner for his 88th international goal. looked into reported Financial lenging UEFA’s right to send the Switzerland. team in March and was always likely to be However, it took the help of VAR to get Fair Play breaches. case to their adjudicatory cham- The hosts had to withstand a huge mo- the centre of attention, particularly on a them back in the game just before the PORTUGAL’S PEPE OUT OF The investigation was trig- ber and its competence to judge ment of VAR controversy as after Ronal- day when it was reported a rape lawsuit hour mark. NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL gered by European football’s on the club at all. do’s free-kick opened the scoring, Portu- against him had been dropped. Brych had waved away appeals for a Meanwhile, Portugal will be without governing body in March after City did not respond to a re- gal thought they had the chance to double A lawyer for the American woman who foul by Nelson Semedo on Steven Zu- veteran centre-back Pepe as they aim to claims City had hidden revenue quest for comment, but the club their lead from the penalty spot. Instead claimed she was sexually assaulted by ber before awarding Portugal a penalty lift the fi rst ever Nations League title on from overvalued commercial have previously said the refer- German referee Felix Brych reversed his Ronaldo — accusations he has strongly as play broke down at the other end, but home soil on Sunday. The Porto defender deals in order to meet the UEFA ral to the judicial branch “ig- initial decision and awarded a spot-kick denied — later dismissed that report, overturned his initial decision. Rodrigu- fractured a shoulder blade against Swit- spending guidelines. Accord- nores a comprehensive body of at the other end for an earlier incident, saying the case had not been dropped. In ez drilled home the resultant spot-kick zerland on Wednesday. “The player suf- ing to the Lausanne-based CAS irrefutable evidence provided which Ricardo Rodriguez converted to front of an adoring home crowd, Ronaldo much to the fury of the home supporters fered a fractured shoulder blade during the Premier League champions by Manchester City”. City, who seemingly send the game to extra-time. put the spotlight back on his perform- at the Estadio do Dragao. the Portugal-Switzerland match,” said have now fi led an appeal with added the FA Cup and League However, Ronaldo predictably took ance on the pitch as he opened the scor- The Swiss could then have gone in front the Portuguese Federation. the court ahead of an imminent Cup this season for an unprec- centre stage as he struck twice in the fi - ing with a brilliant free-kick. when Benfi ca forward Haris Seferovic The 36-year-old picked up the injury sentencing decision from UEFA’s edented domestic treble, also nal two minutes to set up a clash with The Portugal captain is however no headed just wide. By contrast, Portugal after falling awkwardly as he attacked Club Financial Control Body’s said the allegations of wrong- England or the Netherlands, who were longer his country’s only star name, with had one of the deadliest fi nishers in foot- a corner just after the hour mark. Lille’s (CFCB) adjudicatory chamber. doing were “entirely false” and meeting in the second semi-fi nal late last Bernardo Silva starring for Manchester ball history on the end of their chances. Jose Fonte replaced Pepe on the night and CAS said it was involved in there is “comprehensive proof” night, in Sunday’s fi nal. City where he could soon be joined by Joao “Congratulations to Portugal. They is expected to take his place for the fi nal. establishing a procedural calen- otherwise.

FOCUS ROUND-UP QFA chief meets Brazilian president CAF president questioned by French authorities over corruption allegations he president of the Confedera- chairman of cable television provider tion of African Football (CAF) Mediacom group, and owns New York Ahmad Ahmad was ques- Cosmos soccer club. He had in recent tioned yesterday by French in- years tried to buy AC Milan. Born in vestigators,T a source close to the probe Calabria in southern Italy he moved said, reportedly concerning a breach of to the United States in 1962 with his contract with Puma. mother and two sisters, to join his fa- The source confi rmed reports by ther and brother who had moved there France Afrique magazine that Ahmad six years earlier. was being questioned by France’s The Della Valle family, which white collar crime investigation body, includes entrepreneur Diego Della but did not say what the investigation Gianni Infantino was re-elected for a Valle, who controls luxury group Tod’s, was about. Jeune Afrique said Ahmad second term as president after standing purchased the Tuscany-based club in was asked about allegations that CAF unopposed. The event took place two 2002 after the former two-time Serie unilaterally broke a contract with Ger- days before France kick off the Wom- A winners went bankrupt and were rel- man sports merchandise giant Puma, en’s World Cup against South Korea at egated. Fiorentina — Italian champions before signing a merchandise deal with the Parc des Princes today. in 1956 and 1969 — fi nished 16th last a French supplier. season, avoiding relegation on the fi nal In a statement, FIFA said that it had US BILLIONAIRE COMMISSO day of the season. Their last trophy was Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (second right) poses with Brazilian “taken note of the alleged events con- BUYS ITALIAN CLUB FIORENTINA a sixth Coppa Italia in 2001. President Jair Bolsonaro (second left) in Brasilia on Wednesday. cerning Mr Ahmad Ahmad, who is be- Italian-American media magnate Fiorentina are the latest Italian club ing questioned by the French authori- Rocco Commisso on Thursday com- to move into foreign ownership. Roma heikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Brazil hosted Qatar in the friendly for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be ties in relation to allegations related to pleted the takeover of Serie A team are already owned by US businessman Ahmed al-Thani, President which was won by the latter 2-0 after played in Qatar. his mandate while President of CAF.” Fiorentina, the Italian club announced. James Pallotta and AC Milan are con- of the Qatar Football Associa- an entertaining clash. The Brazilian President thanked World football’s governing body said Reported to be worth in the region of trolled by American hedge fund Elliott. tion (QFA), exchanged sou- HE Ibrahim al-Abdullah, Ambas- the Qatar delegation for the visit and it was “unaware of the details sur- 170mn euros ($190mn), the deal brings Canadian businessman Joey Saputo is venirsS with Brazilian President Jair sador of the State of Qatar to Brazil, the wishes. Brazil staged the 2014 rounding this investigation.” Ahmad an end to the 17-year ownership of the the majority shareholder of Bologna Bolsonaro before the international was also present. The QFA President FIFA World Cup and the Olympic was in Paris for the FIFA Congress Della Valle family. while Inter Milan are in the hands of friendly on Wednesday night. wished Brazil success in qualifying Games two years later. that was held on Wednesday, in which The 69-year-old Commisso is Chinese fi rm Suning Group. Gulf Times Friday, June 7, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Mavs’ Cuban enjoys when Raptors rip injury-hit Lakers are in trouble

Reuters Warriors to regain lead Los Angeles ‘It feels good. Just happy to get a game-three win and move us one step closer to our goal’ allas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told ESPN on Wednesday he takes delight in AFP fi ve-time NBA All-Star who aver- the plights of the Los Angeles Lakers, who Oakland, United States ages 19.5 points. The team feared have followed a tumultuous season with he could injure himself worse and moreD than a few negative headlines this off season. miss more games, hoping a game’s “The more screwed up they are, the happier I pstart Toronto moved rest – even one that snapped his am,” Cuban told ESPN while he was in downtown halfway to a fi rst-ever run of 120 career playoff games LA for the Social Innovation Summit. title Wednesday with without a miss – would ensure his “But I feel that way about every other franchise Kawhi Leonard scoring health the rest of the way. not in Dallas. We all go through it. Every franchise U30 points to lead the Raptors over “The whole point was to not risk goes through cycles, and when your down cycle hits the injury-hit Golden State Warri- a bigger injury,” Kerr said. “We live you, it’s never fun.” ors 123-109 in the NBA Finals. with that decision. He’s got anoth- Despite that sentiment, Cuban said he supports Kyle Lowry added 23 points and er couple days to heal. Hopefully Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss. nine assists while Danny Green he’ll be out there Friday.” “I feel bad for Jeanie, personally, because she’s a and Pascal Siakam each contribut- The Warriors can’t aff ord to lose great person,” he told ESPN. ed 18 points as the Raptors seized another player with Kevin Durant, “I have no sympathy for the Lakers any more a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven averaging 34.2 points, uncertain than they had sympathy for us.” series, which continues Friday in for game four, and forward Kevon Cuban also expressed disapproval of former team Oakland. Looney out for the remainder of president Magic Johnson’s claim last month that he “It feels good,” Leonard said. the fi nals with a chest injury. would be interested in buying the Lakers. “Just happy to get a game-three Curry scored 25 fi rst-half “That’s a little bit self-serving,” Cuban said. “I win and move us one step closer to points, a career high for any fi nals don’t think Magic could aff ord them. And that’s no our goal.” half, but the Raptors led 60-52 at disrespect to Magic. That’s a refl ection of just how Stephen Curry scored a career half-time, Toronto double-team- well Jeanie has done.” playoff high 47 points and added ing the 3-point sharpshooter while Johnson resigned from his position – without eight rebounds and seven assists his supporting cast struggled to warning anyone, including Buss, a close friend of for a defending champion Golden equal his total. his -0 on April 9, minutes before the team’s regu- State squad playing without guard The Raptors matched their big- lar-season fi nale. In mid-May, he accused general Klay Thompson due to a left ham- gest fi rst-half lead at 66-52 early manager Rob Pelinka, who remains in his position, string strain and forward Kevin in the third quarter, but Curry had of back-stabbing him. Durant with a right calf injury. nine points and Andre Iguodala Last week, a lengthy ESPN story described a toxic “Steph was unbelievable,” War- added eight in a 19-12 Warriors run culture in the Lakers organisation during Johnson’s riors coach Steve Kerr said. “He to pull within 78-71. tenure. Johnson denied mistreating any employees. does things I don’t think anybody Green answered with back-to- In their fi rst season with LeBron James, the Lak- has done before. He’s amazing.” back 3-pointers and closed a 13-5 ers went 37-45 and missed the playoff s as many Green started 6-of-8 from Raptors run with another to give players – including James – missed time due to 3-point range, sparking a late the visitors their biggest lead of the injury. After Johnson’s resignation, the team also third-quarter run that gave To- fi rst three quarters at 96-80. Curry parted ways with head coach Luke Walton. During ronto momentum for good. hit four free throws in a 9-0 run as the ensuing coaching search, multiple candidates “Danny’s buckets I think boost- Golden State pulled within 96-89. reportedly turned down the job before Frank Vogel ed our whole team’s confi dence was hired, and a small group of fans protested team because we’re used to most of the WARRIORS DEFENSE LACKING management outside Staples Center. year relying on those,” Raptors But Lowry answered for Toronto Cuban, 60, bought the Mavericks in 2000, just as coach Nick Nurse said. by scoring nine points in a 15-5 run the team began a run of 12 straight playoff appear- Golden State fell behind by as that gave the Raptors their largest ances and 15 in 16 years, including the team’s fi rst many as 14 points in the fi rst half lead to that point at 111-94 with NBA title in 2010-11. Dallas has missed the playoff s and pulled no closer than seven 5:42 remaining and the Warriors’ for three consecutive years. in the second half despite stay- fi nal hopes faded. Meanwhile Danny Ainge is just fi ve weeks re- ing within reach thanks to Curry’s “Toronto made big shots every moved from his second heart attack, but that didn’t one-man heroics. time they need to,” Kerr said. “And stop him from delivering a strong opinion of the “We answered a lot of runs, we couldn’t get over the hump. 2018-19 Boston Celtics on Wednesday. down to seven a bunch, and came We have to play better defense out “There’s a lot of guys that didn’t handle things back and scored a bucket or hit there.” the right way, and didn’t make the sacrifi ces that a three or whatever,” Nurse said. The Warriors, playing their fi rst needed to be done for the benefi t of the team,” the “Each time they chipped we an- home game in 20 days, struggled Boston general manager and president of basketball swered back and that’s what you from the start. operations told reporters in his fi rst interview ses- got to do if you’re going to keep “They outplayed us,” Kerr said. sion since his May 2 heart attack. “We didn’t have your lead.” “Now we just got to bounce back 100 percent buy-in from 100 percent of the team. I The Warriors seek a third and get back in here Friday and did not anticipate that.” straight crown and their fourth in hopefully get a little healthier and The Celtics were ousted in the second round of fi ve seasons while the Raptors are get some guys back, but we’ll see the playoff s by the Milwaukee Bucks to cap what in the fi rst fi nals of their 24-season how that goes.” was a frustrating season, fi nishing with just the history. “We’ve got to continue to The Warriors scored 109 points fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference at work and play hard,” Lowry said. for the third game in a row. 49-33. “We all need to learn from this past year,” “The guys were on me to be ag- “I just knew we were going to the 60-year-old Ainge said. Ainge said point guard gressive and I did play more ag- score 109 points because that’s all Kyrie Irving – who possibly has played his last gressive in this atmosphere. It we’re going to do the rest of this game with the team – received too much of the meant a lot.” series,” Kerr said. “So if we’re go- blame for the team’s underachieving nature. “It’s Golden State decided just be- ing to keep scoring 109, we got to Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors centre Andrew Bogut in unfortunate that one person gets credit or blame fore tip-off to bench Thompson, a keep them to 108.” game three of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports for a team’s failures,” Ainge said.

MLB Sale goes distance as Red Sox shut out Royals Reuters The Rangers put runners on fi rst and second Los Angeles RESULTS with two outs against left-hander Paul Fry (0- 3), the Orioles’ fi fth pitcher, when DeShields Red Sox 8-0 Royals grounded a single to center that scored pinch hris Sale shut down Kansas City’s of- Rangers 2-1 Orioles runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa with the game-win- fense, and the visiting Red Sox took ad- D’backs 3-2 Dodgers ning run. vantage of a shoddy Royals defense in That capped a 4-for-6 night for DeShields, Boston’s 8-0 victory Wednesday night. Mets 7-0 Giants and all four hits were singles. He scored the CRafael Devers hit a home run, scored three Angels 10-9 A’s other Texas run. runs and drove in three. Brock Holt and Andrew Cubs 9-8 Rockies Left-hander Jeff rey Springs (3-1), the Rang- Benintendi each had three hits. ers’ sixth pitcher, retired Baltimore in order in Marlins 8-3 Brewers Sale (2-7), making his 220th start, and the the 12th and earned the victory. 300th appearance of his 10-year major league Mariners 14-1 Astros Starter Mike Minor battled through 5 2/3 in- career, scattered three singles in a complete- Rays 4-0 Tigers nings for Texas, weaving in and out of trouble. He gave up no runs on seven hits and two walks game shutout, with 12 strikeouts and no walks. Pirates 7-4 Braves It was the seventh time in his last nine starts but struck out seven. that Sale has struck out at least 10. Indians 9-7 Twins John Means gave the Orioles another good It was his fi rst complete game since a 1-0 loss Nationals 6-4 White Sox starting eff ort. The rookie left-hander allowed (eight innings) against the Phillies at Philadel- Blue Jays 11-7 Yankees one run on four hits in six innings – striking out phia on June 15, 2017, and his fi rst shutout since fi ve with one walk. April 15, 2016, against the Rays at Tampa Bay Phillies 7-5 Padres The only run Means allowed came in the fi rst while with the Chicago White Sox. when DeShields singled with one out and then Sale also threw an immaculate inning – Following an error on fi rst baseman Ches- scored when Elvis Andrus lined a double to right. striking out three batters in an inning on nine lor Cuthbert, the Red Sox got another run on Baltimore lost starting catcher Pedro Sev- total pitches – for the second time in less than a two-out single by Holt. The Red Sox got four erino in that inning after he took a foul ball from a month. more runs in the fi fth. Benintendi led off with DeShields off the face mask. He stayed in for a Sale struck out Kelvin Gutierrez and Nicky a double and scored on Devers’ one-out double few more batters before the Orioles took him Lopez looking, and then Martin Maldonado to the wall in right centre. The defense then let out, and Chance Sisco replaced him. went down swinging. Sale’s previous perfect down the Royals again. Severino suff ered a head contusion but no inning came May 8 in Baltimore. A high chopper to Junis resulted in a hit for signs of a concussion. The catcher hit three There have been 96 such innings in major Holt when Cuthbert failed to cover fi rst in time. homers in Baltimore’s 12-11 victory over the league history, and Sale joined Lefty Grove, That loaded the bases with one out. Rangers on Tuesday. Randy Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan Junis struck out Michael Chavis, but Jackie The Orioles wasted a number of scoring and Max Scherzer in having turned the trick Bradley Jr. unloaded them with a double to the chances in the early innings. They were 1-for-11 multiple times. Koufax accomplished it three wall in left, and Junis was done for the night. with runners in scoring position and left eight times. The Red Sox got two more in the seventh on on base through fi ve innings. Overall, Baltimore Jakob Junis (4-6) gave up six runs (fi ve Devers’ ninth home run of the season and a sac- went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position - earned) on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings to take the rifi ce fl y by Sandy Leon. and that one hit didn’t score a run. loss. He struck out fi ve and walked three. Baltimore could not do anything off ensively The fi rst inning has been a problem for Junis DESHIELDS’ 4TH HIT LIFTS until rookie shortstop Richie Martin tied the this season. He has allowed 13 runs (12 earned) RANGERS OVER O’S IN 12 game in the ninth with a one-out solo homer off in the fi rst inning this season. He’s allowed runs Delino DeShields singled to centre with two of Shawn Kelley. in the fi rst inning of eight of his 13 starts. outs in the bottom of the 12th inning to give The Orioles also lost two other players to The Red Sox took advantage of a leadoff walk the Texas Rangers a 2-1 victory over the visiting injuries. Second baseman Jonathan Villar left to Mookie Betts in the fi rst. Betts scored on a Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night in the with a sore right thumb and right fi elder DJ Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the fi elder’s choice by Devers. middle game of their three-game series. Stewart exited with a sprained right ankle. eighth inning at Kauff man Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 7, 2019 SPORT

GOLF CANADIAN OPEN McIlroy shoots 67 as Bradley takes Exhausted Lee6 early lead

Reuters Johnson plunged to three New York over par after nine holes but recovered for a one-over 71. World number 37 Bradley ory McIlroy shot a notched seven birdies to set ready for encore aft er three-under-par 67 the pace on seven-under 63, in his Canadian Open one shot ahead of Irishman debut as Keegan Bra- Shane Lowry, South Korean Im dleyR took the early fi rst-round Sung-jae, Canadian Nick Tay- lead in Hamilton, Ontario lor and South African Erik van yesterday. Rooyen. McIlroy mixed fi ve birdies Johnson, McIlroy and other with two bogeys at Hamil- top players including world US Open triumph ton Golf & Country Club. The number one Brooks Koepka Northern Irishman was the are competing in Hamilton ‘My fingers are tired because I’ve been sending so many messages and phone calls to everyone’ hottest player in the world for with an eye towards sharpen- the fi rst three months of the ing their games ahead of next AFP year, including victory at the week’s US Open at Pebble New York prestigious Players Champi- Beach. The Hamilton course onship. was damp after torrential rain But he has cooled off lately, on tournament eve. n exhausted but elated not challenging for victory at “I thought it was gong to be Lee6 Jeong-eun will either of the fi rst two majors sopping wet but it dried out embark on the next of the season, the Masters and nice,” American Webb Simp- chapter of her career PGA Championship. He also son told PGA Tour Radio after atA the Shoprite LPGA Classic missed the cut at the Memorial shooting 66. today, just days after her maiden tournament last week. “It’s old style, doglegs, major victory at the US Women’s Defending champion Dus- tough par-threes, gives you Open. tin Johnson got off to a terri- birdie opportunities through- The South Korean rookie has ble start, though it could have out the day but still challeng- barely had time to absorb her been worse. ing.” triumph in Charleston on Sun- day, when she outduelled Celine Boutier to win the Open crown by two shots. It was the fi rst LPGA Tour win of Lee6’s career and landed her a $1 million (890,000 euros) win- ner’s cheque, the largest prize ever off ered to the winner of a womens’ golf tournament. The win marked an emotional milestone for Lee6, who pursued a professional career in order to help support her family after her father was left paralysed from a serious accident when she was a child. Lee6’s wheelchair-bound fa- ther, Lee Jung-ho, regularly sup- ported his daughter throughout her career and would often ap- pear at tournaments. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the Seaview Golf Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the seventh Club in Galloway, New Jersey, tee during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open in Hamilton, Lee6 said she hoped attention Canada, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) would now shift to her golf rath- er than her family life. “A lot of people talked about it, talked and asked about my Folau sues for ‘substantial’ payout father, but my mom got jealous, from Rugby Australia actually, so if people could ask about my mom, too,” she said. Sacked Wallabies fullback against the tribunal ruling, “I know my background is a Israel Folau launched legal voicing a lack of confidence in little bit tragic, and I know it’s action yesterday against Rugby Australia’s process. kind of hard to say, but I totally Rugby Australia’s decision to Instead, he has taken his case understand why people are cu- dismiss him over homophobic to the court system, saying rious because obviously peo- social media posts, saying his treatment left him “no ple don’t really know about me he was seeking “substantial choice but to stand up for his because I just became an LPGA remedies” from the governing beliefs and the rights of all player. And so I wish everyone, body. The devout Christian Australians”. you know, could ask about me, said he was defending free- “The messages of support more than my family.” dom of religion by taking his we have received over these A numeral was added to Lee’s case to Australia’s employ- diff icult few weeks have made family name to diff erentiate ment watchdog the Fair Work me realise there are many her from fi ve other women on Commission. Australians who feel their the Korean Tour with the same “No Australian of any faith fundamental rights are being name, Lee Jeong-eun. should be fired for practising steadily eroded,” he said. “It goes by one, two, three, their religion,” the 30-year-old Folau’s statement revealed four, fi ve, six. I’m the sixth said in a statement. the argument his legal team Jeongeun Lee player, and that’s Folau’s contract was terminat- will pursue, including his as- why they put it down as Jeonge- Jeongeun Lee6 of South Korea hits a tee shot on the first hole during the final round of the US Women’s Open Championship at the Country ed last month after a Rugby sertion that he simply posted un Lee6. But this is my lucky Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 2, 2019. (Getty Images/AFP) Australia tribunal found him a message from the Bible. number too, so I would love to guilty of a “high-level” code The fullback, Super Rugby’s put down Lee6 as my last name.” a lot, because I’ve been sending even here, the people who are big “Even though I’m tired, I’m ‘Oh, I won the major tourna- of conduct breach for posting most prolific try scorer, was Lee6 has spent this week so many messages and e-mails fans of me.” still a rookie player. I still want to ment, so I’m good.’ I really want on social media that “hell on a four-year contract worth fi elding congratulations from and phone calls to everyone,” Although she admits to being play well the rest of the tourna- to play the rest of the tourna- awaits” gay people and others more than Aus$1.0 million well-wishers following her tri- she said. “But yeah, I feel super drained by her Open victory, she ments, and I really want to focus ments.” The three-round Sho- he considers sinners. ($700,000) annually when he umph on Sunday. happy that all my fans are proud is determined to ensure her fi rst on other tournaments. prite LPGA Classic tees off on Folau opted not to appeal was sacked. “My fi ngers are tired, it hurt of me, and even my family, and LPGA title is only the beginning. “I don’t want to think about, Friday.

NFL Redskins’ Williams wants out over medical care Reuters ing up at minicamp and said he and $12.5 million in 2020. The stalwart Joe Thomas’ retirement New York hopes he changes his mind and seven-time Pro Bowler will turn - as an undrafted rookie out rejoins the team. 31 before the start of training of West Georgia. He was a late “I’m just trying to focus on camp. Williams has been with scratch in Week 9 with an illness even-time Pro Bowl left the guys that are here right now,” the Redskins since 2010, when and was inactive the rest of the tackle Trent Williams Gruden said. “I know Trent they made him the No. 4 overall year after losing the starting job wasn’t present Tuesday knows how much we need him selection in the NFL draft. to Greg Robinson. Robinson was for the start of mandatory and want him back. That’s the Reliable swing tackle Ty re-signed to a one-year, $7 mil- minicamp,S and it was presumed only thing I can do from here. As Nsekhe left Washington for Buf- lion deal this off season. he wanted a new contract. far as what happened with him falo during free agency. Former Harrison was once considered One report Wednesday, how- and the doctors, that’s between New York Giants fi rst-round a potential high draft pick after ever, said that isn’t the case at he and the doctors, and hopeful- pick Ereck Flowers has been joining Texas as a top high school all. Instead, CBS Sports’ Jason La ly we get that cleared up soon.” working as the fi rst-team left recruit, but he was suspended Canfora reported that Williams Gruden gave his support to tackle, and 2018 third-rounder three times by the Longhorns wants out of Washington be- the doctors. “I think our medi- Geron Christian is also compet- and spent two years away from cause of how the team addressed cal staff has done a good job,” ing for the swing tackle job. football before joining West surgery he had in April to remove he said. “Where the frustration Georgia in 2017. He starred at the a tumor from his scalp. might lie is the timing of the di- BROWNS WAIVE HARRISON 2018 NFL Scouting Combine but La Canfora said numerous agnosis. Maybe he wishes it was AFTER TARDINESS still went undrafted. sources confi rmed that Wil- diagnosed a little bit sooner.” The Cleveland Browns waived Meanwhile Seven-time Pro liams’ issues with the Redskins Gruden would not discuss the former starting left tackle Des- Bowl left tackle Trent Williams are not related to money. In- specifi cs of the medical condi- mond Harrison on Wednesday, wasn’t present Tuesday for the stead, he wants to be traded or tion. NFL Network reported in a day after he missed the fi rst start of the Washington Red- released “due to their handling April that Williams had an op- practice of the team’s mandatory skins’ mandatory minicamp, and of his recent medical situation. eration to remove a growth or minicamp. Head coach Freddie it was presumed he wanted a new Has vowed not to play for them,” tumor on his head that doctors Kitchens told reporters Harrison contract. One report Wednesday, La Canfora wrote on Twitter. initially feared was malignant, missed a fl ight and was “a lit- however, said that isn’t the case. Coach Jay Gruden addressed but he was expected to be fully tle late.” He added that the team Instead, CBS Sports’ Jason La the report with the media on recovered for the season. “just decided to move on.” Canfora reported that Williams Wednesday and didn’t deny La Williams has two years left Harrison, 25, started the wants out of Washington because Canfora’s reporting. He said he on his existing contract worth Browns’ fi rst eight games in 2018 of how the team addressed sur- found out a few days ago that $24 million, which includes base at left tackle - the fi rst player to gery he had in April to remove a Williams wouldn’t be show- salaries of $11 million in 2019 start at the position following tumour from his scalp. Washington Redskins’ left tackle Trent Williams Gulf Times Friday, June 7, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Sindhu out of Australian Open

Sydney: Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu was knocked out of the $150,000 Australian Hamilton wants F1 to be Open World Tour Super 300 tournament after suff ering a defeat to Thailand’s Nitchaon Jindapol in the second round yesterday. Sindhu, who had defeated Indonesia’s Choirunnisa in the opening round, lost 19-21, 18-21 to Jin- more of ‘a man’s sport’ dapol in a match that lasted for around 50 minutes. Meanwhile, in the men’s singles, sixth-seeded Sameer ‘I could do two or three races in a row and Formula One really shouldn’t be like that’ Verma also bowed out of the competition after suff ering a AFP 16-21, 21-7, 13-21 defeat in the Montreal second round against Tai- wan’s Wang Tzu Wei. B. Sai Praneeth, who had reached ewis Hamilton said yesterday the finals of the Swiss Formula One should be a much Open this year, also lost greater physical challenge for his second-round match to the drivers and they should be Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Las tired as long-distance runners at the Ginting 23-25, 9-21. end of a Grand Prix. “I could do two or In men’s doubles, the three races in a row and Formula One Indian pair of Satwiksairaj really shouldn’t be like that. It’s a man’s Rankireddy and Chirag sport and a lot of youngsters come in. Shetty also exited the It’s quite easy for them to get straight tournament getting beaten into it,” he said in a press conference by Chinese pair of Li Junhui ahead of this weekend’s Canadian GP. and Liu Yuchen 19-21, 18-21. “You should be physically exhausted HS Prannoy and women’s after a race — to the point that it should doubles duo of Ashwini be exhausting like a marathon,” he add- Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy ed. “If I had a choice, I would go back had also crashed out of the to V12s — naturally aspirated engines. I tournament after losing would have a manual gearbox. I’d make their respective first-round it harder for the drivers, take away all matches on Wednesday. The these big run-off areas you have every- mixed doubles pair of Ash- where.” wini Ponnappa and Satwik- Asked to refl ect on themes men- sairaj Rankireddy had also tioned during his appearance on David gone down fighting against Letterman’s Netfl ix chat show, Ham- Wang Chi-Lin and and Cheng ilton spoke of his father Anthony, who Chi Ya of Chinese Taipei 17-21, guided his early career until 2010 when 21-12, 16-21. he sacked him as his manager. “This is Malaysia’s Soong Joo Ven nothing that’s not been spoken of be- extended his fairy tale run fore,” said Hamilton, who conceded in Sydney, when he reached their relationship had “not always been the quarter-finals. Having great” before adding it was “fantastic come through the qualify- now.” ing rounds on Tuesday, the “This year we had Christmas with the 24-year-old saw off Thai- whole family for the fi rst time — my sis- land’s Sitthikom Thammasin, ters, my mum, my step-mum and broth- 25-23, 21-16 to reach only his ers. I was just out partying with my dad second last eight this season. for his birthday until the early hours of The World No 72 upset the morning. My dad is the greatest man world No 36 Vincent Wong I know and defi nitely someone I aspire of Hong Kong in the first to be a lot like so I am pushing him in the round. Joo Ven, however, will gym. Health is everything.” face an uphill task against Hamilton also talked about mental top seed, Chou Tien Chen of issues in his role as a sportsman, giving Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (left) and Racing Point’s Lance Stroll talk during a press conference ahead of the Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal yesterday. (AFP) Taiwan next. Also crashing credit to a change in his diet for giving out in the second round him a greater sense of well-being. “The “When we started out karting, my Mercedes have racked up six straight will be stronger than we have been in the new mods, slight improvements every- were women’s singles, Soniia older you get the more you understand dad said it cost £20,000 ($25,000) in the wins, fi ve of them in one-two forma- past,” Hamilton said. where. It’s not like at the beginning of Cheah, who lost 23-25, 21-14, the world and yourself. It was a big step fi rst year and that was a huge amount tion, and Hamilton now leads team Mercedes have confi rmed that Ham- the hybrid era, where you took massive 21-11 to former world cham- for me to go to a plant-based diet and it of money for us. Now it is £200,000- mate Valtteri Bottas by 17 points in the ilton and Bottas, as well as customer strides forwards. It’s now small per- pion, Ratchanok Intanon of has a very positive aff ect on me mentally £300,000 ($254,000-$381,000) in a championship after taking four victo- teams Racing Point and Williams, will centages, but very much appreciated.” Thailand, and men’s doubles, and physically. I wish I had done it a lot year. And the diversity here is minimal ries. “I don’t think I’ve really excelled have upgraded engines in Canada. Hon- Hamilton still expects a strong chal- Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin earlier.” in this sport. I want to change that, with for a while here,” the fi ve-times cham- da, Ferrari and Renault have already in- lenge from Ferrari and Red Bull, how- Rumsani, who lost 21-17, 21-18 He said there were still humps along the FIA, and in the teams and the me- pion said. “When I was at McLaren it troduced their fi rst upgrades. ever. “Honda have really picked up their to China’s Han Chengkai- the way, but he had developed the “tools chanics and in the media, too.” worked quite well, our car was quite “The guys at Brixworth (the Mer- pace with their engine this year so the Zhou Haodong. to handle and deal with them” and was Meanwhile, Hamilton will have a new nimble back then and worked really cedes engine factory) have been working Red Bulls should be really strong and In the mixed doubles, 2016 now “in the best place I’ve ever been.” and upgraded engine in his Mercedes for well here. It’s been a bit harder with the incredibly hard,” said Hamilton. “We’ve they’re great through corners,” he said. Olympics silver medallists, Asked about his legacy, he said he this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix and hybrid era, especially since we’ve had a had great reliability with the fi rst en- “The Ferrari is generally the quick- Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu wanted to fi nd a way to off er help for expects to be stronger than in the past at longer car, since 2017.” gine.(But) it’s always great when you est car in a straight line. In the past Ying chalked out a 21-19, younger drivers to come through from a favourite circuit. The Briton has won That, however, could be about to have a new engine, being that it’s fresh. races we’ve managed to catch them up 21-15 win over China’s Ren similar backgrounds to himself — “a six times at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve change. “But our car is a lot better this This is a power circuit so it’s come at the through the corners, but whether or not Xiangyu-Zhou Chaomin to council estate in the UK” — and also to but was off the podium last year in a race year in the slower and medium-speed perfect time.” that will be the case this weekend, time reaching the quarter-finals. “shift the diversity” in the sport. won by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. corners. I anticipate this weekend we “It’s the phase two. It will have all will tell.”

ATHLETICS FOCUS Mihambo breaks seven-metre Aspire Academy's football season concludes he 2018-19 season of Aspire Acad- Aspire Academy’s Technical Football Director. of May and came on the back of another fi erce- mark to win long jump in Rome emy’s football department concluded PAOK FC’s U17 coach, Alexandros Alexiadis, ly contested set of matches from 19- 23rd May on Wednesday with the fi nal day of agrees: “We faced a very strong side of Aspire 2019 that featured generations 2001, 2003 and the latest Tri-Series tournament that today with good players and a clear philoso- 2005 and involved Greek club side, Panathi- Tbrought youth teams of the Malaysian Foot- phy. We really did everything to win, but in the naikos and Tunisian club side, Etoile Sportive ball Federation and Greek club PAOK to Doha, end, we had to be happy about the draw that du Sahel and host Aspire Academy. In this the where they challenged the U13, U15 and U17 was enough to win our age group. This experi- fi rst Tri-Series in May, Panathinaikos emerged teams of Aspire. ence in Doha has been great for our players. Ten victorious in the U-18 and U-16 with Etoile After three days of exciting games and spec- of the players of my team are also playing for Sportive du Sahel winning the U-14 category. tacular goals, PAOK was crowned winner of the Greek’s youth national and if they keep up the Aspire teams acquitted themselves well albeit U17s and U15s, while Malaysia could take home good work, some might have the chance to be not fi nishing in top positions. the trophy in the U13 category. Aspire Acad- back in 2022 with Greece for the World Cup.” The Tri-Series tournament are going to con- emy’s teams missed out closely on winning one Malaysia Mohd Khushairi also stressed how tinue in the upcoming season at Aspire and will of the big trophies, fi nishing second in each important the tournament was for his payer to be, according to Edorta Murua, one of the most tournament. gain more international experience. “The or- important learning tools for the talents of the “These tournaments have a lot of benefi ts ganisation was great, and we are very grateful Academy. “This competition is crucial for the for our players. They grow with the challenges that Aspire development of our players. Moreover, we are they face, and we are happy to see that they are Academy gave us the opportunity to be part trying to provide them also the possibility to more and more taking over the initiative in the of this event. For players of this age it’s crucial go on training camps abroad. These tools are games. They want to be the protagonists and to get as much exposure as possible and playing making it easy for the youngsters to accumu- Germany’s Malaika Mihambo in action during the women’s long jump event during the Diamond carefully try to execute they games plans they against teams from Asia and Europe is a great late new experiences, overcome challenges and League at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) get, because they know that this is the foun- way for them to gain valuable experiences.” help to close the gaps to other international dation to be successful,” said Edorta Murua, This was the second Tri-series in the month football academies.” AFP a new meet record of 21.97 me- “To be back after the second Rome tres, breaking the mark which child is a big diff erence,” she had been achieved in Rome nine said. “In 2014 I came here with years ago. American Darrell Hill my partner and fi rst child but uropean long jump came second with his fi nal throw this year I decided to come alone. champion Malaika Mi- of 21.71 with Brazil’s Darlan I think it was one of my biggest hambo broke the seven Romani third (21.68) and world mistakes, I’m not used to be be- metres mark for the fi rst champion Joe Kovacs of the ing this relaxed. A few things timeE in her career with a wind- United States dropping to fourth went wrong. It looks like I have assisted 7.07 metres (+0.5) leap despite a season’s best 21.46. to be in tonus to perform well.” on her way to victory in the China’s Lyu Huihui won the Meanwhile, Qatar’s Asian Diamond League meet in Rome women’s javelin throw, in the champion Abubaker Haydar yesterday. Mihambo pulled out fourth leg of the IAAF series. Abdalla failed to fi nish in the the jump on her fourth attempt The 29-year-old Asian record men’s 800m event. The event to become the fi rst woman holder and world bronze med- was won by USA’s Donovan this year to break the symbolic allist threw a best of 66.47 me- Brazier in a photo fi nish. seven-metre mark, with the tres to fi nish ahead of Turkey’s Botswana’s Nijel Amos, who longest jump in two years. The Eda Tugusz (64.51) and Latvia’s had won in Doha, ran out of 25-year-old fi nished ahead of Lina Muze (63.72). steam as he approached the Olympic triple jump champion Czech two-time Olym- line, and Brazier edged ever Caterine Ibarguen (6.87) of pic javelin champion Barbora closer, eventually catching him Colombia and former Olympic Spotakova fi nished seventh as in the line. and four-time world champion she returns following the birth After a long check, the judges Brittney Reese (6.76m) of the or her second child last year. awarded victory to to Donovan, United States. World champion Spotakova, who came in two hundredths of Earlier, Poland’s Konrad Ku- 37, set the world record of 72.28 a second ahead of Amos with a kowieczki won the shot put with metres back in 2008. world leading 1:43.63. Greek club PAOK’s players pose with the trophy after winning Aspire Academy’s tri-series tournament.

Friday, June 7, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Teenager Anisimova stuns Halep to reach semis AFP a backlog of matches, with the The winner of Anisimova’s the semis in sight and the de- Paris women’s semi-fi nals held on clash against Barty will face ei- fending champion fought back Court Suzanne Lenglen and Si- ther Britain’s Johanna Konta to 4-4, but the youngster gath- monne Mathieu to keep Chatrier or Czech 19-year-old Marketa ered herself to save a break merican teenager free for the men’s semis. Vondrousova in the fi nal. point in the next game and then Amanda Anisimova “Actually, I’m really happy It is the fi rst time two teenag- grabbed her fi rst match point said she was “excited” that I get to play tomorrow,” said ers have reached the semi-fi nals with a glorious backhand winner and did not suff er from Anisimova. at a Grand Slam for 10 years, up the line. nervesA after stunning defending “I don’t have to wait a whole while it had not happened at Ro- champion Simona Halep yes- day, because I get really eager to land Garros since Henin and Kim BARTY SEES OFF KEYS terday to reach a French Open want to go on the court, so I’m Clijsters in 2001. Barty also won in relative com- semi-fi nal against Australian happy I get to play tomorrow.” Anisimova crushed 25 win- fort on Court Suzanne Lenglen eighth seed Ashleigh Barty. She is the youngest American ners past a bewildered Halep, to go one better than her run to The 17-year-old downed Ha- woman to make the last four at who made 17 unforced errors and the Australian Open last eight lep 6-2, 6-4 on Court Philippe a major since Venus Williams served two double faults. earlier this year. Chatrier to announce herself on at the 1997 US Open, and the Halep’s run of breaking in 16 The 23-year-old was too con- the big stage, while Barty saw youngest to reach the semis at consecutive return games was sistent for American Keys, hit- off 14th seed Madison Keys 6-3, Roland Garros since Jennifer swiftly ended by Anisimova’s big ting 16 winners and four aces. 7-5 to also become a fi rst-time Capriati in 1990. hitting, and the American broke Keys, a semi-fi nalist at Roland Grand Slam semi-fi nalist. The defeat for third seed Ha- serve in fi fth game en route to Garros last year where she lost to “If I didn’t look nervous is lep means it has now been 12 a 4-2 lead. She saved a break Sloane Stephens, was undone by because I wasn’t,” said world years since the last successful point and then dismantled the 26 unforced errors. number 51 Anisimova, who is the title defence in Paris – Belgian Halep serve once more to seal World number eight Barty is youngest player to reach a major Justine Henin’s third straight the opening set in under half an the highest-ranked woman in semi-fi nal since Nicole Vaidiso- triumph in 2007. hour. the semi-fi nals, ahead of 26th va at the 2007 Australian Open. Still only fi ve women have lift- Halep, who had thrashed seed Konta and the unseeded “I was just super excited and ed back-to-back French Open 18-year-old Pole Iga Swiatek youngsters Anisimova and Von- I was really happy with the op- titles in the Open era. 6-1, 6-0 in the fourth round, drousova. But she insisted it portunity. This is more than I “I feel sad, because every time faced being on the wrong end would not give her an advantage, could have asked for.” when I lose, I’m sad,” said Halep. of a similarly one-sided match saying: “As I just said, all four of The last-four ties will be “And I’m a little bit upset be- when she fell 3-0 down in the us have been playing great ten- played on Friday, after Wednes- cause I couldn’t make my game. second. nis. It’s a new situation for me. day’s downpour in Paris caused I couldn’t move normally.” Anisimova tightened up with It’s a little bit of a new territory.” Amanda Anisimova celebrates after defeating Simona Halep in French Open quarter-final yesterday. (Reuters)

TENNIS/ FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW Nadal braced for ‘trouble’ in Federer Djokovic to face showdown

AFP semi-fi nals in Paris. Two- Paris time French Open champion Jim Courier says Nadal is the “huge” favourite but there is afael Nadal rekindles hope for Federer who is chas- Thiem in his ninth tennis’ greatest rival- ing a 21st major. ry when he faces Rog- “He needs to stop Nadal’s er Federer in the Ro- forehand with his backhand landR Garros semi-fi nals today, but he has never been able to admitting his status as over- do that before on this surface,” whelming favourite ignores the said Courier who believes that “trouble” he could face from Federer winning their last fi ve the rejuvenated Swiss. matches could help. Roland Garros semi Defending champion Nadal “Nadal is a huge favourite is chasing a 12th title on the but Roger has found a solution. ‘I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this’ crushed red brick of Paris “He will be curious to see where he has lost just twice in if that solution can translate 93 matches. from hard court.” Five of those wins have come Nadal’s two losses in Paris against Federer, including four came against Robin Soderling fi nals. in the fourth round in 2009 Federer, the champion in and Novak Djokovic in the 2015 2009, is playing the French quarter-fi nals. Open for the fi rst time in four Federer is not giving up hope years. that he can be the third. Furthermore, the 37-year- “Like against any player, old has only beaten Nadal there is always a chance. Oth- twice on clay, with his most erwise nobody will be in the recent win coming 10 years ago stadium to watch because eve- at altitude in Madrid. rybody already knows the re- “I expect that he’s going sult in advance,” said Federer. to play aggressive, changing “That’s exactly what every- rhythms, go to the net,” said body believes by facing Rafa. 33-year-old Nadal. They know it’s going to be “That’s my feeling because tough. But you just never know. he’s playing well and he has the He might have a problem. He tennis to make that happen. I might be sick. You never know. have to be solid. “You might be playing great “I have to hit the ball strong or for some reason he’s strug- enough to not allow him to do gling. Maybe there’s incredible things from good positions. wind, 10 rain delays. You just “If I am able to play good don’t know. That’s why you tennis and play well with my need to put yourself in that po- forehand and backhand, I hope sition.” to put him in trouble. If not, I Ten years ago Soderling hit will be in trouble.” winner after winner as the un- The second seeded Spaniard heralded Swede ended Nadal’s leads their head-to-head 23- 31-match win streak at the 15 with a 13-2 stranglehold on tournament. clay. “I think to beat him on clay At Roland Garros, Nadal is challenging. But to beat him won a 2005 semi-fi nal and the in fi ve sets on clay is even more 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011 fi - diffi cult,” said Soderling who nals against a player he fi rst crushed 63 winners in that encountered 15 years ago. landmark win. “You have to play extremely ‘NADAL FOREHAND V well. To beat him on clay, the FEDERER BACKHAND’ only chance for any player is to Nadal has been in impressive be really aggressive. form as he chases an 18th ma- “Take some risks. Many, jor. He has dropped just one many players, even good play- set so far in making his 12th ers, top players... you can al- Roland Garros semi-fi nal and most see that they don’t really 31st at the majors. believe 100 per cent that they Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning against Germany’s Alexander in their French Open Austria’s Dominic Thiem celebrates after winning his French Open Nadal has never lost in the can win.” quarter-final in Paris yesterday. (AFP) quarter-final against Russia’s Karen Khachanov in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

AFP more cleanly,” said 32-year-old he went on to win the title. and eighth games were enough to Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, Paris Djokovic. He has a 6-2 career lead over tighten his grip. as his erratic opponent contrived “It’s a great joy to be in the Thiem and beat the Austrian in The world number one saved to tally 37 unforced errors and semi-fi nals again.” the Rome semi-fi nals in the run- two more break points in the only 17 winners. ovak Djokovic reached The problem for Djokovic now up to Paris. opening game of the third set and “The key was to control the his ninth Roland Garros in his pursuit of a second title However, Thiem came out on again made the German pay with points. I’ll be ready to maybe semi-fi nal yesterday, in Paris and 16th major is the top in the Roland Garros quarter- a break for 4-2. Zverev’s 40th and come back here tomorrow. This sweeping past Alexan- weather. fi nals in straight sets in 2017. last unforced error proved to be is one of my favourite courts in Nder Zverev to keep his bid to be- Heavy rain is forecast to Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to the fi nal point of the one-sided the world,” said the 25-year-old, come just the second man to hold hit Paris again on Friday after reach a maiden Slam semi-fi nal quarter-fi nal. who is chasing a maiden Grand all four Slams at the same time Wednesday’s washout. and become the fi rst German “I had chances in the fi rst set Slam title. twice fi rmly on track. “I just have to keep my con- in the last-four in Paris since but he broke back and was in Khachanov had impressed in a Top seed and world number centration and stay in the mo- Michael Stich in 1996, made the control,” said the German. fourth-round victory over Juan one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 ment. I hope to continue like stronger start. “When he’s in control, he’s Martin del Potro, but was never and will face Austrian fourth this,” said the Serb. The 22-year-old had break tough to beat. He’s number one in with a chance in the quarter- seed Dominic Thiem today in Today’s semi-fi nal will see points in the third and fi fth for a reason. fi nal, which was delayed from what will be his 35th Grand Slam Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer games of the opening set and “I expected more from this Wednesday due to rain, dropping semi-fi nal. Thiem reached the resume their great rivalry, mean- fi nally broke through for a 5-4 tournament but once the fi rst set serve twice in the opening set. semi-fi nals for a fourth succes- ing this is the fi rst time the top lead. slipped away, it was diffi cult.” He managed to get to 4-4 in sive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 four seeds have all reached the But top seed Djokovic levelled The world number fi ve fi n- the second, only to see Thiem victory against Russian 10th seed last four at a Grand Slam since immediately before claiming the ished with eight double faults reel off eight of the next 10 games This combination of file pictures shows Spain’s Rafael Nadal Karen Khachanov. the 2013 Australian Open. set on a Zverev double fault. while converting just one of eight and seal a last-four spot without (left) during his fourth round match of the French Open in Paris “It was a big challenge for me The last time Djokovic made Djokovic dominated the sec- break points. Thiem was utterly even facing a break point in the on June 2, 2019, and Switzerland’s Roger Federer during his first today but I was hitting the ball the semi-fi nals was 2016 when ond set as breaks in the second dominant on Court Suzanne match. round match on day 1 of the French Open on May 26, 2019. (AFP)