BASEBALL | Page 5 GOLF | Page 6 Cervelli hits Schauff ele a grand slam grabs his as Pirates fi rst PGA Tour thump Cubs victory

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawwal 17, 1438 AH Everton is no GULF TIMES ‘retirement home’, says Rooney SPORT Page 4 SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Qatar Olympic Committee backs refugee aid eff orts Qatar receives fl ag for

QNA Doha hosting 2019 Asian

atar Olympic Committee Athletics C’ships (QOC) said it will off er a fi nan- cial grant to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to Qsupport some of the latter’s initiatives to provide aid to refugees around the world. QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said QOC believes that sport can improve the lives of displaced and aff ected youth, enhance solidarity and hope, build a healthier lifestyle, and unite societies under one flag. Sheikh Joaan added that QOC is commit- ted to support IOC’s valuable eff orts and initiatives to improve the lives of youth refugees across the world through sport, noting that QOC and IOC strongly believe that providing a safe environment for practising and competing in sport is basic human right. The QOC president expressed hope that the initiative will help in promoting sport as an eff ective tool for spreading peace and HE Secretary-General of QOC Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari (left) helping in society integration as it has the receives the flag from President of the Asian Athletics Association ability to bring about a positive change in and Vice President of the IAAF Dahlan al-Hamad for the 2019 edition the lives of youths around the world. QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani with IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC Executive Board members. of the Asian Athletics Championships, which Doha will host.

QNA edition. He added that, as a pres- Odisha ident of the Asian federation, WIMBLEDON knows that the State of Qatar is a beacon for sports in Asia due E Secretary-General of to its capabilities and heritage in Qatar Olympic Com- hosting sporting competitions. mittee Thani Abdul- He highlighted Qatar’s vision Hrahman al-Kuwari, in hosting tournaments and dif- President of the Qatar Athletics ferent events, adding that he Federation, received Sunday the considers Doha a sports capital host fl ag for the 23rd edition of the capable of having a considerable Nadal stunned by Asian Athletics Championships, impact on the upcoming cham- which Doha will host in 2019. pionships. He also expressed President of the Asian Ath- his happiness that his country letics Association and Vice will host the biggest continental President of the IAAF Dahlan championship. He added that al-Hamad handed the fl ag at the Qatar was capable of succeeding conclusion of the 22nd edition, in all events as due to the vision which took place over four days of the country’s wise leadership. Muller in epic game in India’s Odisha. The ceremony He added that as a president of for handing over the fl ag took the Asian Association, he feels These two sides have met previously in this competition, in 2015. During that time, both place among a large presence of pride whenever the name of his the fans for the fi nal day. country is mentioned. He also teams had won by a similar 3-0 margin respectively in their home matches Al-Hamad said in remarks that noted that the association is Asia has full confi dence in the fi ghting against mixing sports State of Qatar’s ability in making with politics, something that the a diff erence in hosting the 2019 IAAF prohibits as well.

OUSTED Kerber knocked out by Muguruza

AFP London

ngelique Kerber crashed out of Wimble- don and lost her hold on the world number one Aranking, while fi ve-time cham- pion Venus Williams became the oldest All England Club quarter- fi nalist in 23 years yesterday. Amid a scheduling row that saw accusations of sexism aimed at Wimbledon chiefs after they Germany’s Angelique Kerber put just two women’s matches on (left) reacts yesterday. Spain’s Rafael Nadal (left) waits for Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller (right) to collect his bag so that they can leave the court together after Muller won the match. the main show-courts, Williams wasn’t the only star savouring a way even though I lost.” AFP Adrian Mannarino to today. match points and didn’t make them so it Results - collated historic last 16 triumph. Kerber, who had taken the top London World number two Nadal converted was getting really tough,” said Muller after Johanna Konta, the bookmak- ranking from Serena in March, just two of 16 break points, while Muller a second career win over Nadal, 12 years af- (x denotes seeding): ers’ favourite for the title, be- will be replaced at number one fi red 30 aces and 95 winners. ter his fi rst which also came at Wimbledon. Men came the fi rst British woman to by either Karolina Pliskova or Si- afael Nadal suff ered fresh Wim- Muller, seeded 16th, will make his fi rst “I was kind of feeling that it was going Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt Benoît Paire reach the quarter-fi nals since Jo mona Halep. bledon misery yesterday as the Wimbledon quarter-fi nal appearance to be over pretty soon. I said just give it a (FRA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 Durie in 1984. Halep, the Romanian world two-time champion crashed to against Marin Cilic. shot, go 100 percent and a great feeling to Gilles Muller (LUX x16) bt Rafael Nadal Kerber was beaten 4-6, 6-4, number two, defeated Victoria a stunning 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, In a pulsating fi nal set, which stretched be winning that match. (ESP x4) 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 15-13 6-4 by Spanish 14th seed Gar- Azarenka 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 and will R15-13 fourth round defeat against Luxem- to 95 minutes, Nadal saved two match “I didn’t feel like was playing bad in the bine Muguruza as the German’s be guaranteed top spot if she Milos Raonic (CAN x6) bt Alexander bourg’s Gilles Muller. points in 10th game and two more in the third and fourth sets. I just told myself Zverev (GER x10) 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 fourth round exit extended a beats Konta in the last eight. Just weeks after winning his 10th 20th. In between, Muller had to fi ght off keep it up and if it’s not happening, he’s Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Grigor Dim- miserable run for last year’s Granted showcourt billing, French Open title, Nadal was condemned a break point in the 13th game and four just too good. itrov (BUL x13) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Wimbledon runner-up. Williams didn’t hang around to his fi fth exit before the quarter-fi nals more in the 19th. “I started serving a bit better and then Tomas Berdych (CZE x11) bt Dominic The 29-year-old, who lost to as she crushed 19-year-old in his last fi ve visits to Wimbledon. Amidst relentless tension, even a mun- at the end, it’s just a matter of a few Thiem (AUT x8) 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 Serena Williams in the fi nal 12 Croatian Ana Konjuh 6-3, 6-2 in The 31-year-old Spaniard, fi nally worn dane women’s scarf played a part when it points here and there. It’s tough to say months ago, has failed to make 64 minutes on Centre Court. down by Muller after four hours and was used to block out the evening sunlight exactly what made the diff erence. Women the last eight at any of this year’s Williams made her Grand 48 minutes on Court One, hasn’t won refl ecting off the stands into Nadal’s eyes. “I haven’t really realised what just Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP x14) bt Angel- three Grand Slams. Slam debut at the 1997 French Wimbledon since 2010 and last made the Nadal was always chasing the score and happened. It’s a great feeling. I was wor- ique Kerber (GER x1) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 Kerber was unfazed by her rank- Open, seven months before Kon- quarter-fi nals in 2011. he fi nally cracked in the 18th game of the ried it was going to be over pretty soon. Coco Vandeweghe (USA x24) bt Caro- ing blow, saying: “I know the feel- juh was born. “Tired,” was 34-year-old Muller’s decider when he went long with a return. “I was already thinking about com- line Wozniacki (DEN x5) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 ing already to be No. 1. I know the And at 37 years and 29 days, response after the thrilling encounter, “It was a long match. I did really well in ing back the next day and fi nishing the Venus Williams (USA x10) bt Ana Kon- feeling to be No. 2, in the top 10. “It Venus is Wimbledon’s oldest fe- which had the knock-on eff ect of pushing the fi rst two sets then Rafa stepped it up match. I’m just glad it’s over and I’m in juh (CRO x27) 6-3, 6-2 was the best match for a long time male quarter-fi nalist since Mar- Novak Djokovic’s last 16 match against and in the end it was just a big battle. I had the quarter-fi nals.” for me, so I think I’m still on a good tina Navratilova in 1994. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 11, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT WIMBLEDON Ostapenko makes quarters to keep Allround Raza double dream alive gives Zimbabwe historic ODI victory ‘Happy that Sikandar came to the party. It turned around very quickly but happy we pulled it off in the end. This win is very special, fans must be jumping around back home’ Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko celebrates her win yesterday. Reuters Venus Williams in the next round, AFP Raza, named man of the match, was London is now just three matches away Hambantota, Sri Lanka complemented by Cremer, who took from completing what would be two wickets with his wily leg-spin, most astonishing grand slam double. notably the prized scalp of his opposite ot even missing a suc- That would put her in elite ikandar Raza starred with the bat number Angelo Mathews (24). cession of match points company as only Serena Wil- and ball to help Zimbabwe edge stopped Jelena Os- liams has won the French Open out Sri Lanka by three wickets ‘WEAPON WITH THE NEW BALL’ tapenko swinging her and Wimbledon back-to-back and clinch a historic series vic- “Raza is a defi nite weapon with the new Nracket with brutal intent. since Steffi Graf achieved the feat toryS in the fi fth one-day international ball. I was hoping for a breakthrough or The French Open champion, in 1996. yesterday. two and he gave us that in the powerplay,” who has shaken up women’s This was only her second win Taking the series 3-2 in Hambantota, Cremer said. tennis with her high-risk game, against a top fi ve-player, following the 11th-ranked Zimbabwe registered Sri Lanka suff ered from a lack of part- passed up seven chances to fi nish her success against Simona Halep their maiden series win in Sri Lanka and nerships but opener Danushka Gunathi- off Wimbledon opponent Elina in the fi nal at Roland Garros, and fi rst overseas triumph in eight years. laka (52) and Asela Gunaratne (59 not Svitolina, but rather than go into despite a brief wobble in the sec- Off -spinner Raza claimed three wick- out) hit gritty half-centuries to steady her shell she merely took her ag- ond set it never looked in doubt. ets to restrict the hosts to 203-8 after the home side. gressive game up a notch. She broke in the opening game Zimbabwe elected to fi eld fi rst. The hosts slipped to 153-8 in the 42nd She eventually blasted her with one of many forehand win- He then anchored a tense chase with over before Gunaratne and Dushmantha way into the quarter-fi nals for ners and again for a 4-1 lead. an unbeaten 27 as the visitors won with Chameera (18 not out) put on an unbeat- the fi rst time with a 6-3 7-6(6) The weaknesses in her game 71 balls to spare. en 50-run stand for the ninth wicket. victory on Monday in which she were also apparent, however, and Zimbabwe opener Hamilton Masa- Paceman Tendai Chatara drew fi rst struck a remarkable 42 winners the error count was also swiftly kadza top-scored with a fl uent 73 be- blood after getting opener Niroshan and made 39 unforced errors. mounting as Svitolina broke back fore rookie off -spinner Akila Dananjaya Dickwella — who came into the match To put those stats into perspec- following an Ostapenko double struck back with four wickets to rattle with two successive centuries — caught tive, her opponent, the Ukrainian fault. the Zimbabwe middle-order. behind for three. fourth seed, hit 14 of each. That was not the start of a The visitors slipped from 137-1 to 175- The wicket also pulled the brakes on “I really needed to stay very comeback, however, and Os- 7 — losing six wickets for 38 runs — but Sri Lanka’s rampaging opening starts aggressive to win the point,” the tapenko wrapped up the fi rst set Raza and skipper Graeme Cremer (11 not in the previous one-day internationals Latvian told reporters. “Even the with another break before racing out) hung on for an unbeaten 29-run against the visiting African side. match points, the rallies were re- into a 5-2 lead in the second. stand as the perennial underdogs erupted Dickwella and Gunathilaka made ODI ally long. I really had to go for it Against Venus, she will proba- in celebrations. history in delivering back-to-back dou- to win the match.” bly need to be more ruthless than “Happy that Sikandar came to the par- ble century partnerships in the previous Ostapenko does not do de- she was in fi nishing off Svitolina. ty. It turned around very quickly but hap- two contests against Zimbabwe. fensive tennis and the idea that She passed up a match point py we pulled it off in the end,” an elated Mathews said even though the condi- you might seek to win a point at 5-2, four more in the follow- Cremer said following their win. tions were “tough” for batting, their fi nal by waiting for your opponent to ing game and after being pegged “This win is very special, fans must run tally was far below what was expect- make a mistake is anathema to back and forced into a tiebreak, be jumping around back home. We knew ed. the hard-hitting Latvian. where she missed two more we’re playing good enough cricket to put “Credit to Zimbabwe, they gave us a The tactic seems to be work- chances to kill off the game, Svi- them under pressure.” really tough time and we didn’t have any ing out well on Wimbledon’s fast tolina netted a backhand to hand Earlier the Pakistan-born Raza, who answers,” said a disappointed Mathews. lawns. The 13th seed, who faces her opponent the match. opened the bowling for the visiting side, The defeat was Sri Lanka’s worst bilat- returned with impressive fi gures of 3-21 eral ODI series in recent times. at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International The eighth-ranked side face India for a IN SUPPORT Stadium. full series later this month. Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe 5th ODI scoreboard Konta, Halep trade SRI LANKA ZIMBABWE N. Dickwella c Moor b Chatara 3 H. Masakadza c Kulasekara b Malinga 73 D. Gunathilaka lbw b Williams 52 S. Mire b Gunaratne 43 barbs ahead of K. Mendis c Cremer b Raza 1 T. Musakanda c Hasaranga b Dananjaya U. Tharanga b Raza 6 37 A. Mathews c Masakadza b Cremer 24 C. Ervine lbw b Dananjaya 2 Wimbledon clash A. Gunaratne not out 59 S. Williams c Mendis b Dananajaya 2 W. Hasaranga c Cremer b Raza 0 S. Raza not out 27 N. Kulasekara b Cremer 5 M. Waller c & b Malinga 1 A. Dananjaya c Musakanda b Waller 7 P. Moor c Mendis b Dananjaya 1 D. Chameera not out 18 G. Cremer not out 11 Extras (b5, lb7, w 16) 28 Extras (lb2, w4, nb1) 7 Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) 203 Total (7 wickets, 38.1 overs) 204 Did not bat: L. Malinga Did not bat: C. Mpofu, T. Chatara Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Dickwella), Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Mire), 2-137 (Masa- 2-13 (Mendis), 3-31 (Tharanga), 4-78 kadza), 3-148 (Ervine), 4-152 (Williams), (Mathews), 5-119 (Gunathilaka), 6-120 5-165 (Musakanda), 6-172 (Waller), 7-175 (Hasaranga), 7-126 (Kulasekara), 8-153 (Moor) (Dananjaya) Bowling: Malinga 10-0-44-2, Kulasekara Bowling: Raza 10-1-21-3 (1w), Chatara 9-1- 3-0-25-0, Gunaratne 4-0-23-1, Dananjaya 49-1 (4w), Cremer 10-1-23-2 (1w), Mpofu 10-1-47-4, Hasaranga 6.1-0-45-0, Cha- 6-0-36-0, Williams 10-0-41-1 (3w), Waller meera 4-1-16-0, Gunathilaka 1-0-2-0 Zimbabwe’s cricketer Sikandar Raza celebrates after the winning the fifth ODI between 5-0-21-1 (1w) Zimbabwe clinch the 5-match series 3-2 Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the southern district of Hambantota yesterday. Britain’s Johanna Konta (left) and Romania’s Simona Halep.

BOTTOMLINE AFP the Romanian was adamant the London fans had done nothing wrong. “In my opinion, the public was very fair. Was nothing to ohanna Konta and Simona do. Some other stuff happened Halep warmed up for their there,” Halep said. Wimbledon quarter-fi nal “I didn’t talk much about that BCCI delays new coach selection grudge match by trading subject with her. Just after the ment,” Ganguly said. period of time and will gel well verbalJ volleys yesterday. match in that day, I said, Sorry if IANS Mumbai “Once we make the an- with Kohli and other members British star Konta and Roma- she felt bad. She knows how she nouncement, the new coach will of the Indian team. nian world number two Halep felt there. stay till the World Cup. To be “We are in no hurry. We are were involved in a spiteful Fed “You pretty know what hap- he Cricket Advisory honest, what we heard from the not looking at only the Sri Lanka Cup clash between their coun- pened (with Nastase). I don’t Committee (CAC) of coaches today is not diff erent tour because that will be a long tries in April and the bad blood want to comment about that. It’s the Board of Control for from last year. aff air. What is important for us was still lingering as the rivals past. It’s very far.” Cricket in India (BCCI) “They were outstanding, spe- is we are not going to play. It is discussed their impending Wim- Told Halep that reiterated her Tyesterday decided to postpone cially some of the names we dis- the coach, the players and the bledon showdown. support for the Romanian crowd, the selection of a new coach for cussed. We were pleasantly sur- captain. We are a part of that. Konta was reduced to tears by Konta couldn’t hide her feelings the national team by a few days. prised and happy when we heard “I thought the presentations what she felt were threats and as she gave an angry response. Lalchand Rajput, Virender how they want to go about the were outstanding. Exactly what intimidation from the Romani- “They were not in my shoes. Sehwag, Richard Pybus, Ravi job,” he added. coaches would want to do in the an fans in Constanta during her They were not being verbally Shastri and Tom Moody were Shastri is considered to be system because we have played match against Sorana Cirstea. threatened. I think it’s very dif- the candidates who were inter- one of the favourites for the job the game and we have played un- Romania coach Ilie Nastase was fi cult for them to understand my viewed on Monday by the three- since he enjoys good relations der diff erent coaches. They have sent from the court after calling position,” Konta said. member CAC which includes with Kohli. The former India all- all their diff erent ways of op- Konta and his British counterpart Adding to the potential for a former India captain Sourav rounder had delivered results eration but the crux of the matter Anne Keothavong “bitches” and feisty encounter today, Halep Ganguly, former India batsman during his previous stint with does not change,” Ganguly said. was later banned from the stadium can climb to the top of the world V.V. S. Laxman and the legendary File picture of then Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri (L) and captain the Indian team, a factor which “That is why we feel Virat, following a foul-mouthed rant at a rankings with a win, while Konta Sachin Tendulkar — who took Virat Kohli talk during a practice session in Colombo. may also work in his favour. who we respect so much, is an British journalist. is looking to move a step closer to part in the proceedings via skype The Indian team, especially important cog of the system. I Both Halep and Cirstea ques- becoming the fi rst woman to win as he is currently in London. especially the captain and then coming in a week’s time and the skipper Virat Kohli, has been at was captain, Laxman was prob- tioned Konta’s version of events, Wimbledon since Virginia Wade Former West Indies all- make an announcement because board will continue with the the centre of a controversy after ably the best in the world. So we with the world number two tak- in 1977. rounder Phil Simmons is also a we feel that there is no hurry at same set (of people) for the time Anil Kumble resigned as coach understand where it goes. We ing obvious delight in beating the Konta insisted she would do candidate but is yet to be inter- the moment,” Ganguly told the being. We want to speak to Kohli following a humiliating 180-run will take a call which is the best British number one the next day her best to block out the Fed Cup viewed. media after the interviews. when he returns from America. loss to Pakistan in the Champi- way forward for the team and the as Romania went on to win the tie. row when she steps on court. “What we have decided is we The CAC members also said We will explain to him that the ons Trophy fi nal on June 18. boys because ultimately they are At the time, Konta claimed she “I’m playing against another will hold on for the time being that India team captain Virat coaches want to function in a Ganguly, however, made it going to play and they going to was still troubled by the crowd tennis player. I’m not playing for the announcement of the Kohli will be consulted before a certain way and make sure that clear that the CAC is aiming to give results,” he added. abuse when she lost to Halep, against a crowd. I’m not play- coach. We need a few more days new coach is appointed. everybody is on the same page appoint a coach who will be able “That is what is most impor- but, speaking ahead of their ing against a past experience,” and talk to a few more people, “We have a Sri Lanka tour before we make the announce- to guide the team over a long tant for us.” Wimbledon meeting on Tuesday, she said. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 11, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Three-way battle for fi rst choice Lukaku completes record keeper: Klopp

London: Liverpool goalkeep- ers Simon Mignolet, Lorius Ka- rius and Danny Ward must all move to Man United prove themselves and fight for a regular spot in the starting line-up, the Premier League Mourinho confident Lukaku will be a success at the club after the striker signed a five-year deal club’s manager Juergen Klopp said. Belgium international AFP FOCUS Mignolet has been the pre- London Romelu Lukaku poses in a ferred shot-stopper for Klopp, Manchester United jersey. playing 31 games last season, with the German Karius lim- omelu Lukaku offi cially com- Lukaku reunited ited to 16 games. The duo now pleted his move from Ever- face competition from Ward, a ton to Manchester United Wales international. yesterday for a reported fee with manager Ward, 24, spent last season ofR £75mn ($97mn, 85.5mn euros), a on loan at Huddersfield Town record deal between British clubs. and helped the club gain pro- The 24-year-old Belgian interna- who sold him motion to the top tier, making tional striker — Everton’s record Pre- a crucial save in the play-off mier League goalscorer — signed a Reuters final penalty shootout to help fi ve-year deal after passing his medical London his side beat Reading. “That’s and agreeing personal terms which will very comfortable for the see him earn over £200,000 a week. manager, three really good “Romelu is a natural fi t for Man- y signing Romelu Lu- goalkeepers,” Klopp told the chester United. He is a big personality kaku, a player he club’s website. and a big player. It is only natural that deemed superfl uous to “It is like it is and nothing he wants to develop his career at the requirements at Chel- is decided. They can all show biggest club,” said United manager Jose Bsea three years ago, Manchester how good they are. I don’t Mourinho on the club website. United manager Jose Mourinho want to bring doubt so that Mourinho, who landed the League (right) has pulled off the close they start doubting. We have Cup and Europa League last term af- season’s most signifi cant Pre- three goalkeepers and they ter spending big in 2016, including mier League transfer deal. For can all show what they are a world-record £89mn on Lukaku’s now, the Portuguese coach will able to do, and then we will close friend Paul Pogba, added he was ponder the options the powerful see who will start.” looking forward to collaborating with Belgian off ers his attack, but the Mignolet, 29, said com- the Belgian again. deal is equally important in that petition for a starting spot The Portuguese manager had sold it has scuppered Chelsea’s plans would be tough but the club’s him for £28mn to Everton in 2014 dur- as they seek a replacement for success next season is the ing his second spell in charge of Chel- Diego Costa who is likely to leave top priority. “All the goalkeep- sea. “He will be a great addition to the Stamford Bridge. ers will push each other to group and I know they will make him Spain’s Costa was the strik- make sure we’re ready for the very welcome,” said Mourinho, who er whose arrival at Chelsea forge the sort of combination the games that are coming our will take extra pleasure in having de- prompted Lukaku’s 28 million- France midifelder managed with way,” Mignolet said. nied Chelsea their top transfer target pound ($36mn) sale to Everton, Paulo Dybala at Juventus. “Of course you always do of the close season. “I am really looking a deal triggered by the Belgian’s Like Pogba, who is also 24, Lu- that (work to keep your place forward to working with him again.” unhappiness at his lack of op- kaku still has plenty to prove at in the team) but the most im- Lukaku, who turned down the most portunity under Mourinho and the highest level and Mourinho portant thing is that Liverpool lucrative contract off er in Everton’s the need for the London club to will be keen to work on his habits plays a good season. So we history at the end of last term, said he conform to Financial Fair Play of squandering possession and have to make sure we prepare was sorry to leave behind good friends rules. While Mourinho criticised not scoring against teams of the that as a group and then, of at his former club but his head had Lukaku’s reluctance to fi ght for highest calibre. Last season 21 of course, individually, (playing) been turned once United came calling. a fi rst-team place at Chelsea, he his 25 Premier League goals came is also important. Chelsea are reported to have made a always said he never wanted to against teams in the bottom 13 “But the team comes first similar off er but baulked at paying the sell him and the Portuguese has spots and Lukaku was criticised and the club comes first to size of the agent’s fee Mino Raiola de- now seized the opportunity to for failing to deliver when it mat- make sure we create suc- manded. work with him again. tered most to Everton, against cess. That’s the main thing “I would like to start by thanking It is not hard to see why. arch-rivals Liverpool. throughout this pre-season Everton and the fans for the last four Mourinho likes a big striker While these are problems and then hopefully we can wonderful seasons, I have made some and Lukaku is quick, two-footed Mourinho probably feels he can prove that over the course of special friends and we have shared and surprisingly mobile for his deal with, only United possess the season.” some amazing moments,” Lukaku told 1.91 metres (6ft 3in), attributes the fi nances to splash such a All three keepers will have the club website. “However, when that should transform a United huge sum on a striker not at the a chance to show their mettle Manchester United and Jose Mourinho attack so reliant last season on peak of his game. during Liverpool’s pre-season come knocking at the door it is an op- the unorthodox experience of The club clearly think he will campaign, which starts on portunity of a lifetime and one that I Zlatan Ibrahimovic. become the fi nished article at July 12 against non-league could not turn down.” Most importantly, Mourinho Old Traff ord, the sort of stage on side Tranmere Rovers. Lukaku, who it is reported has an- knows the 75mn pounds ($97mn) which Lukaku, who has bags of gered Chelsea manager Antonio Conte fee should guarantee goals, with confi dence in his own ability, be- who feels he has betrayed him after Lukaku scoring 85 in 176 Pre- lieves he belongs. This time last they spoke on several occasions after mier League games for Everton year, United’s fans were agog at the end of last season about moving, and West Bromwich Albion. the prospect of seeing the great said what attracted him to United is the Only Manchester City’s Argen- Swede Ibrahimovic, who scored spirit they showed in the 2-0 win over tina striker Sergio Aguero has 28 goals but was not off ered a Ajax in the Europa League fi nal. scored more goals over the last new contract after suff ering a se- “You could see the fi ght, determina- fi ve years. With Ibrahimovic up rious knee injury. tion and the spirit in this team during front, and Wayne Rooney in re- Now it is Lukaku they will be the Europa League fi nal and I want to serve, United were desperately hanging their hopes on. After become a part of that,” he said. “I can- short of pace last season. two trophies last season — the not wait to run out at Old Traff ord in Lukaku’s ability to get the League Cup and the Europa front of 75,000 fans, but before that wrong side of defenders will be League — United will hope the pre-season is where the hard work welcomed by his close friend and Belgian can spearhead a genuine starts and I am looking forward to that United’s world record signing challenge for a fi rst league title fi rst training session.” Paul Pogba, with whom he could since 2013.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Russia visit provides opportunity Swansea slap £50million to learn for Qatar 2022 offi cials price tag on Sigurdsson Supreme Committee for Delivery Premier League club Swansea will not let Icelan- and Barcelona, but eventually opted to join Zined- & Legacy (SC) delegation, led by dic international Gylfi Sigurdsson leave for less ine Zidane’s side. “Dani has rejected Betis’ renewal the SC Secretary General Hassan than £50million ($64mn, 56.4mn euros) the BBC off er, from what we know he has a deal with Real al-Thawadi, attended the 2017 reported yesterday. Madrid,” Haro told a news conference. ConfederationsA Cup fi nal in Russia earlier The 27-year-old playmaker — who was pivotal “When you have a player and make him an off er this month. The visit allowed SC employ- to the ‘Swans’ staying up last season scoring nine and a team come in and pay the release fee clause, ees to observe and experience a major FIFA goals and creating 13 others — was subject of a there’s little you can do to keep him. We are talking event, and benefi t from knowledge sharing £40mn bid from 2016 champions Leicester which and in the coming hours we will know what Madrid opportunities with the 2018 FIFA World Cup was turned down. Everton are thought the most are off ering,” Haro added. organisers. likely to match the asking price as their manager Spanish media have reported that Real will pay The SC also took part in the ESSMA Eu- Ronald Koeman is a known admirer of Sigurdsson. around 15mn euros ($17mn) for Ceballos, who was ropean Stadium Tour 2017, where delegates Sigurdsson — whose contract runs to 2020 — has named the outstanding player at the recent U21 visited the Spartak Stadium (Otkritie Arena) been at Swansea on a permanent basis since 2014 European Championships in Poland, where Spain in Moscow, which hosted the third-place after a disappointing two year spell at Tottenham, fi nished in second place. Betis attempted to renew play-off between Portugal and Mexico. who had bought him from German outfi t Hoff en- his deal but Ceballos, who debuted with the club in Day two included a trip to the heim for nearly £9mn. Despite Koeman spending a 2014 and has appeared for them on 108 occasions, 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium, also in lot of money already in the close season the £75mn has decided the time is right to move on. Moscow, and venue for the 2018 FIFA World due from the transfer of Belgian international Cup fi nal. It also previously hosted the 1980 striker Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United LYON INK AJAX’S TETE IN FOUR-YEAR DEAL Olympic Games and the 2008 UEFA Cham- should give him suffi cient funds. Ajax right-back Kenny Tete joined Lyon in a four- pions League fi nal between Manchester Koeman re-signed England’s record goalscorer year deal worth 4mn euros, the Ligue 1 outfi t an- United and Chelsea. Wayne Rooney from Manchester United on Sunday nounced. “It’s a real opportunity for us,” said Lyon Mohamed al-Mulla, SC Project Man- and spent a potential £30mn each on centre-back coach Bruno Genesio. ager, Competition Venues, said: “The visit Michael Keane from Burnley and goalkeeper Jordan “The position of full-back has evolved a lot in provided valuable learning and knowledge Pickford from relegated Sunderland. recent seasons. You are asked to attack, to defend sharing opportunities for our team to take Pickford’s fee made him Britain’s most expen- well, and to run fast and long. Kenny has this back to Qatar. Russia is only a year away sive goalkeeper and the third most expensive in profi le and we jumped at this opportunity. It was from hosting the World Cup and it was great the world. They have also signed Dutch midfi elder not easy because there was a lot of competition to to see the operational elements involved in Davy Klaassen from beaten Europa League fi nalists sign him. Lyon is a great club with a history,” said hosting this tournament.” Ajax for £23.6mn and striker Sandro Ramirez for Tete. “It’s important for me to link up again with During the visits, SC employees shared £5.2mn. Bertrand Traore, who played down the right with information about Qatar’s legacy plans, in- SC delegation, led by Secretary General Hassan al-Thawadi (centre), attended the 2017 me at Ajax.” cluding Generation Amazing, and gave up- Confederations Cup final in Russia earlier this month. CEBALLOS TO SIGN FOR REAL MADRID The 21-year-old defender, who has six caps for dates on stadium progress. They also learned Dani Ceballos is leaving Real Betis and is set to sign the Dutch national team. Club president about Russia’s preparations, including in- Social Responsibility (CSR) Division also CSR programme and aims to deliver social for Real Madrid, Angel Haro, president of Betis, Jean-Michel Aulas and Genesio also confi rmed frastructure developments and sustainabil- attended the Football for Hope Forum in programmes in communities across the said. Spanish midfi elder Ceballos, 20, was the sub- they are targeting a central defender to strengthen ity projects. Members of the SC’s Corporate Kazan. Football For Hope is FIFA’s fl agship world. (SC.qa) ject of a tug-of-war between La Liga giants Madrid Lyon’s squad. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT GOLD CUP Mexico open Chelsea set sights on title defence Real Madrid’s Morata with win over El Salvador

AFP easier to correct defects by wining San Diego than by losing. Our Achilles’ heel was the defense in the fi rst half, to replace Costa but we made adjustments and exico launched their things were solved,” he added. CONCACAF Gold Paez had not yet spoken with Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko set to seal Chelsea move but to miss start of season Cup title defence Osorio immediately after the with a comfortable game. Under the suspension M3-1 victory over El Salvador in handed down by FIFA, the coach By Dominic Fifield The Guardian their Group C opener on Sun- is not allowed to enter the locker day. A young Mexico side aiming room. “Surely he suff ered a lot to capture an eighth Gold Cup more up there than down here,” helsea are prioritising the sign- crown took the fi rst step with Paez said of Osorio’s enforced ing of Real Madrid’s Alvaro Mor- goals from Hedgardo Marin, Elias vantage point away from the ata having granted Diego Costa Hernandez and Orbelin Pineda. team. “But I’m sure he’s happy.” an extended leave of absence Mexico are without the regu- With the win, Mexico whileC negotiations continue with Atlético lars who competed at the Con- stretched their unbeaten run Madrid aimed at securing his permanent federations Cup in Russia last against El Salvador to seven departure. month. And manager Juan Car- games, a streak that dates back to Costa, who remains on holiday in Bra- los Osorio could only watch from 2009. On Thursday they’ll take zil, will not be included in the champions’ a hospitality suite at Qualcomm on Jamaica, the team they beat in pre-season tour of east Asia and was ab- Stadium as he serves a six-game the 2015 fi nal, in Denver. sent as the Premier League title winners ban for an outburst directed at The Reggae Boyz overcame a reported back to work yesterday morn- Confederations Cup offi cials. sluggish fi rst half to beat Cura- ing, 24 hours after Antonio Conte. Colombian Luis Pompilio cao 2-0 in the fi rst match of the It was made clear to Costa by the man- Paez directed the team from the day’s double-header. Romario ager last month that he is not in the Ital- sideline, and the inexperienced Williams in the 58th minute and ian’s plans for the new campaign, with side rose to the challenge off ered Darren Mattocks in the 73rd, gave the forward having since indicated he will by a tenacious El Salvador, who the Reggae Boyz three points and only countenance re-signing for Atlético, responded to Marin’s eighth- a measure of revenge for their 2-1 despite the fact he will not be able to play minute header of a free kick with defeat to Curacao in the June 25 until January 2018 courtesy of the Span- Nelson Bonilla’s goal in the 10th. fi nal of the Caribbean Cup. ish club’s transfer ban. Hernandez put Mexico ahead Keeper Andre Blake kept Ja- Atletico’s initial off er, worth around again before halftime with a fe- maica in the contest with sev- £26mn, falls well short of Chelsea’s valu- rocious strike in the 29th. Gal- eral fi ne saves before Williams ation but talks are continuing aimed at lardo lofted a cross from the opened the scoring with an awk- striking a compromise. In the meantime, right and found Hernandez, who wardly angled shot that found its and with no chance of a change of heart Alvaro Morata turned slightly and rifl ed a shot way inside the near post. Sub- from either party, the club and Costa’s past Benji Villalobos. stitute Mattocks sealed the win representatives have agreed the 28-year- Substitute Orbelin Pineda with a sharp left-footed blast old will be granted extra time off while the stretched Mexico’s lead in the past Curacao keeper Eloy Room deal is concluded to avoid his presence 55th. Hernandez fi red in a cross into the roof of the net. becoming a focus from the outside. from the right and an advancing Chelsea’s fi rst-team squad fl y to Bei- Villalobos missed it. Pineda, rac- RESULTS jing for a three-game tour next Monday, ing toward the left post, tapped Group C with the club hopeful a deal can be struck the ball toward the open net and Curacao 0 lost to Jamaica 2 with Real for Morata by then. The Spain it squeezed inside the right post. (Williams 58, Mattocks 73) international came close to joining Man- “To start with a win is very im- Mexico 3 (Marin 8, E. Hernandez 29, chester United this summer only for Jose portant,” Paez said. “It gives the Pineda 55) bt El Salvador (Bonilla 10) Mourinho to end up hijacking Chelsea’s with Monaco had been agreed. Now, a few The England Under-21 international fi nal year of his contract, is expected to group a lot of confi dence, and it’s interest in Romelu Lukaku at the end of weeks on, he will be able to undertake the midfi elder will become the latest graduate depart Chelsea this summer. last week. relevant tests and fi nalise his move. from Chelsea’s academy to secure a tem- Newcastle, Brighton and Southampton However, Conte has long been an ad- Chelsea’s medical staff have ascer- porary switch to a rival Premier League had inquired after Loftus-Cheek, 21, but mirer of Morata, whom he signed for tained there will be no need for further side, following Tammy Abraham’s move the player is understood to have favoured Juventus just before taking the Italy job surgery but anticipate his rehab con- to Swansea City and Huddersfi eld Town’s a switch across the capital with Palace’s in 2014, and has asked the board to pur- tinuing for a further six weeks – he could capture of Kasey Palmer. recruitment staff having made their in- sue a £70mn signing of the 24-year-old continue that with the team in east Asia Loftus-Cheek failed to start a top- terest known. Newly promoted Brighton striker. Morata almost moved to Chelsea – before he is in contention for fi rst-team fl ight game for Conte’s champions last are expected to sign Izzy Brown in a simi- last summer, only to return to Madrid, selection. Given that will minimise his season, with the manager insistent he lar arrangement instead and Nathaniel his hometown club, when they activated participation over pre-season, however, would benefi t from training and being Chalobah, another whose contract ex- a buy-back clause and secured him for it is extremely unlikely he would be avail- around the fi rst-team squad at Cobham, pires in 2018, is interesting Watford. An- £23mn. Tiemoue Bakayoko expects to able for the Community Shield against but was made available for loan this sum- other young Chelsea player, the defender complete a full medical at Chelsea this FA cup winners Arsenal and the opening mer as he seeks more regular senior in- Ola Aina is expected to join the Champi- week before his £35mn move from Mo- league fi xtures against Burnley and Tot- volvement. Palace have taken players onship side Hull City on loan. naco, but will most likely miss the start tenham Hotspur. from Chelsea in each of the past two sea- Palace could also secure the Barce- of the Premier League season as he con- Indeed, he may not be risked until af- sons, albeit with little success given the lona reserve goalkeeper, Jasper Cilless- tinues his rehabilitation from keyhole ter the international window at the be- lack of impact made by Patrick Bamford en, who worked under De Boer at Ajax. knee surgery undertaken at the end of the ginning of September. Monaco have not and Loic Remy. The 28-year-old, who moved to the French domestic campaign. received any bids from rival clubs for The former’s arrangement was can- Camp Nou for around £11mn last sum- The midfi elder had been playing in pain Bakayoko, with the player apparently in- celled by the player mid-season, with mer but started only one La Liga game, since February with Monaco waiting until tent upon pursuing his career at Stamford Bamford frustrated at a lack of opportu- would most likely join initially on loan they had secured the Ligue 1 title before Bridge. The Chelsea midfi elder Ruben nities after nine scoreless games. Rémy’s with a view to a permanent deal. His ar- sending the player to undergo a clean-up Loftus-Cheek is expected to become the impact was horribly nullifi ed by injury rival could prompt the France goalkeeper Mexico’s Edson Alvarez (left) watches as El Salvador’s goalkeeper operation on the joint. Bakayoko was still recently appointed Crystal Palace man- and he failed to score in eight appearances Steve Mandanda’s return to Marseille on Benji Villalobos deflects a shot on goal during the group C match of not able to complete a full medical when ager Frank de Boer’s fi rst signing for the in all competitions. a three-year contract after a frustrating the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, he fi rst reported to Cobham once a fee club on a season-long loan. The France striker, who has entered the season at Selhurst Park. California, on Sunday. (AFP)

Nouri’s heart not FOCUS damaged: Ajax Everton is no ‘retirement home’: Rooney The Hague: Tests have shown that the heart of Ajax mid- fielder Abdelhak Nouri appears to have not been dam- AFP two decades for a follow-up, and Rooney aged when he collapsed during a training match in Austria, Liverpool believes it is time to end that wait. the club said yesterday. “You play football to try to win trophies “The latest tests have shown that Appie’s heart is and that’s what we want to do,” said Roon- functioning normally and appears to be undamaged,” Ajax ngland’s record goalscorer Wayne ey. “We want to be successful and we know said in a statement. “It is however too soon to say anything Rooney insists Everton is ‘not a the right man to lead us to it. It’ll be incred- about his overall recovery as his brain functions cannot be retirement home’ after making an ible to win something with Everton. I was at tested properly while he is still asleep.” emotional return to Goodison Park. the FA Cup fi nal in 1995 when we won that RooneyE rejoined his boyhood club on Sun- and to win a trophy with Everton would be a Ajax had called off an open training yesterday follow- ing the sudden collapse of the 20-year-old Nouri over the day after 13 years at Manchester United special moment.” weekend, which the top Amsterdam club said was heart- where he was also the record goalscorer Rooney faces the challenge of settling related. Ajax on Sunday confirmed he suff ered “cardiac having broken another United icon Bobby into a squad which is losing last season’s arrhythmia after which he was reanimated”. Charlton’s mark last season. leading scorer Romelu Lukaku to Manches- The young player — one of Ajax’s up-and-coming pros- The 31-year-old believes he can bring ter United in a £75mn deal. Manager Ronald pects — was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Innsbruck. back success to a club who have not lifted Koeman does not expect Rooney to shoul- Nouri first made his debut for Ajax in September last year a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995. der the burden of replacing the 25 goals that in a Dutch Cup match against Willem II where he scored a The former England captain is of the view Lukaku scored in the league last season — goal. He was also name Jupiler Player of the Season 2016- that he can continue to enjoy success back but says his team have to fi nd a way to re- 17 in May for his contribution in the second-tier Jong Ajax at his fi rst club. “I’m not coming into a re- place those goals. or “Young Ajax” team. Footballers and fans have flocked to tirement home,” said Rooney at his unveil- “We had a great striker like Romelu scor- Twitter to send the young midfielder good wishes, under ing to the press yesterday. “I want to play, ing 25 goals last season, but we needed the hashtag #StayStrongAppie. win and be successful. I feel good. I’m not more players with more productivity,” said fi t at the moment but that will build up in Koeman. “It’s what we need to improve. I’d the next few weeks. I’m excited. I think it’s rather have several players scoring 10 goals. the right time and I’m ready for it.” Wayne can bring that to the team. “The Rooney admitted in May he had become experience of Wayne is really important to frustrated by a lack of game time at Old bring over to the rest of the players. He is Traff ord, where he made just 15 Premier an example for the younger players. I think League starts last season. Rooney hopes we have missed a player like Wayne to have he can get more regular games at Goodison that experience in the team. So far we are Park to secure a place in England’s World doing good business and you will see in the Cup squad next summer. next weeks, maybe we will do more.” The striker has lost both his place and Rooney may be happy to have returned the captaincy since Gareth Southgate took Everton’s Wayne Rooney (right) and manager Ronald Koeman hold jersey during the to the club he supported as a boy but his charge, and knows he faces a battle to get press conference in Liverpool, Britain. (Reuters) family too are ecstatic. “My eldest lad was back into the side. However, he suggested the happiest ever, I think, and also my Dad he can only start to think about his country and scored four goals. “If I do that Gareth ignore me if they are.” who’s Evertonian,” said Rooney. “He’s gone if he is playing well for his club. Southgate will have a decision to make, Rooney was a nine-year-old spectator at off to watch me for the last 13 years at Man- “I’m focused on Everton, playing well for whether he puts me back in the squad or Wembley the last time they won a trophy, chester and now he’ll have a fi ve-minute Everton,” said Rooney, who appeared at his not. Hopefully my performances are good beating Manchester United in the 1995 FA drive to watch me play again so I think he’s fi rst major fi nals for England at Euro 2004 enough for Everton and he won’t be able to Cup fi nal. The club have waited more than really happy.” Gulf Times Tuesday, July 11, 2017 5 SPORT

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Cervelli hits a grand slam as Pirates thump Chicago Cubs The 14-3 win was Pirates’ highest-scoring inning since they put up 10 in the seventh against Colorado on May 17, 2009

Reuters na. Votto singled in a run in the third inning and Chicago Schebler broke a tie at 1 with a two-out double in the sixth inning that got past Diamondbacks right fi elder David Peralta, who slipped when he rancisco Cervelli hit a grand slam and broke for the ball with a runner on second. Andrew McCutchen followed with a AJ Pollock homered for Arizona (53-36), which home run in a 10-run fi rst inning in the tied the best start in franchise history despite Pittsburgh Pirates’ 14-3 rout of the Chi- losing fi ve of six entering the All-Star break. cagoF Cubs on Sunday to conclude the fi rst half of the Major League Baseball season. MARINERS 4, ATHLETICS 0 McCutchen followed Cervelli’s third career Felix Hernandez pitched six scoreless innings grand slam with his 17th home run to stretch the and Nelson Cruz hit a home run as Seattle hut lead to 10 and knock Cubs starter Jon Lester out out Oakland. of the game with two outs in the fi rst. Lester (5- Hernandez (4-3), who was making his fourth 6) allowed four earned runs and six hits in the start since coming off the disabled list, lowered shortest outing of his career. The Pirates sent 15 his ERA from 5.04 to 4.44. He was sidelined from batters to the plate. April 26 through June 22 with infl ammation in Jose Osuna delivered a two-run double, Jordy his right shoulder. Mercer hit a two-run single and Josh Bell added an RBI single while the Cubs committed two er- ROCKIES 10, WHITE SOX 0 rors. It was the Pirates’ highest-scoring inning Kyle Freeland, who was born and raised in Den- since they put up 10 in the seventh against Colo- ver, lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning in Colo- rado on May 17, 2009. rado’s rout of Chicago. Freeland held the White Sox hitless for 8 1/3 innings before Melky Ca- PHILLIES 7, PADRES 1 brera lined a single to left that fi nished Freeland’s Jerad Eickhoff turned in a solid outing in his rstfi workday. start since June 17 and Philadelphia hit six home Freeland was replace by Jordan Lyles after runs, two coming from Freddy Galvis, in a win giving up the base hit. Freeland, a 24-year-old over San Diego. The Phillies, whose six hom- rookie, was bidding to become the fi rst Rockies ers were the most they hit in a game since 2004, pitcher to throw a no-hitter at Coors Field. snapped a fi ve-game losing streak and San Diego saw its stretch of fi ve wins in six games disrupted ANGELS 3, RANGERS 0 before the All-Star break. Right-hander JC Ramirez pitched six shutout in- nings as Los Angeles salvaged the fi nal game of ASTROS 19, BLUE JAYS 1 the series with Texas. Despite the win, the An- Carlos Correa hit two home runs and had a ca- gels (45-47) are below.500 at the All-Star break reer-best fi ve RBIs and Brad Peacock pitched six for the third time in the last fi ve seasons. scoreless innings as Houston defeated Toronto. Texas (43-45) missed out on its chance to get Yulieski Gurriel, Jose Altuve and Evan Gattis also to.500 for the fi rst time since June 28 after suf- homered for the Astros, who gained a split of the fering its second shutout of the season. four-game series. Correa had four hits, Altuve added three hits for his fi fth consecutive game, MARLINS 10, GIANTS 8 (11 INNINGS) and Gattis had four RBIs. Pinch-hitter AJ Ellis and Giancarlo Stanton hit home runs in the top of the 11th inning, lifting CARDINALS 6, METS 0 Miami to a win and a sweep of the three-game In his longest start since May 23, Lance Lynn Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (right) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam home run during the first inning against the series on Sunday. fi red seven shutout innings to lead St. Louis over Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Stanton also homered in the fi fth inning and the New York Mets at Busch Stadium. Lynn (7-6) scored four times for the Marlins, who have fi ve gave up three hits and a walk, striking out a sea- to give Tampa Bay a win over Boston. What was Matt Grace (1-0), who came on in the fourth DODGERS 5, ROYALS 2 wins in their last six games. son-low two. Two of the three hits were erased started as a duel between Tampa Bay’s Chris and allowed two runs (one earned) in 2 2/3 in- Clayton Kershaw allowed six hits and struck The Giants will enter the All-Star break on a on double plays as New York never got a runner Archer and Boston’s David Price saw two lead nings. out 13 in a complete-game eff ort to win his 14th four-game losing streak. to second base. changes in the fi nal three innings. game of the season, and Justin Turner hit a pair Dustin Pedroia’s two-run shot off Archer in ORIOLES 11, TWINS 5 of home runs as Los Angeles closed the fi rst half TIGERS 5, INDIANS 3 BREWERS 5, YANKEES 3 the seventh gave Boston a 3-2 lead, but the Rays Adam Jones homered twice and drove in fi ve of the season with their 26th win in their last 30 After losing fi ve of their previous seven games, Travis Shaw drove in four runs, including a clawed back for the win, matching a season-high runs and Caleb Joseph added two hits and three games. the Detroit Tigers, fi nished the fi rst half of the three-run homer with one out in the top of the at four games over 500. RBIs as Baltimore went into the All-Star break Kershaw needed only 99 pitches, and he only season on a positive note with Michael Fulmer fi rst inning, and Milwaukee beat the New York with two straight wins. Ubaldo Jimenez survived had problems when Eric Hosmer was at-bat for pitching into the seventh inning as the Tigers Yankees. Stephen Vogt also homered for the NATIONALS 10, BRAVES 5 one bad inning thanks to Baltimore’s highest of- the Royals. The fi rst baseman had three of the beat the Cleveland Indians 5-3. Brewers, who won a series against the Yankees in Anthony Rendon was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, fensive output since scoring a season-high 15 Royals hits, a pair of singles and a two-run home Jose Iglesias had three hits and Fulmer (9-6) New York for the fi rst time since May 5-7, 1995. Matt Wieters drove in three runs and Daniel runs on June 17. Jimenez (4-4) allowed four runs run in the fourth. gave up three runs, two earned, on seven hits Murphy was 2-for-5 with two RBIs as the bot- on four hits and four walks in fi ve innings. Jones with one strikeout and one walk in six-plus in- RAYS 5, RED SOX 3 tom part of the order lifted Washington over At- had his fi rst multi-homer game of the season and REDS 2, DIAMONDBACKS 1 nings. Justin Wilson got the last fi ve outs to pick Brad Miller had hit only two home runs in 147 at- lanta, earning a split of the four-game series. 11th of his career, taking Minnesota’s Kyle Gib- Joey Votto and Scott Schebler had RBIs and up his 10th save. Cleveland’s Nick Goody (1-1), in bats this season, after getting 30 last year, but he The Nationals are 52-36 while the Braves are son deep twice. Seth Smith and Ruben Tejada right-hander Homer Bailey won his second relief of starter Corey Kluber, gave up three runs came through with a two-run shot in the eighth 9 1/2 games back at 42-45. The winning pitcher each had three hits for the Orioles. straight game in Cincinnati’s victory over Arizo- in one-third of an inning to take the loss.

SPOTLIGHT NBA ROUND-UP Champs Cubs seeking answers Griffi n pulls name from Knicks’ front-offi ce search: Reports aft er erratic start to season Former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffi n (right) has decided to pull his AFP name out of contention for the New York Knicks’ Los Angeles front offi ce search to fi ll their top basketball executive opening, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Griffi n turned down the opportunity he Chicago Cubs’ curse-busting because he and the Knicks couldn’t agree on a World Series win is a distant memory role, sources told ESPN on Sunday. The issue as the Major League Baseball cham- reportedly came down to fi nding a proper role for pions limp into the All-Star break. Griffi n while executive Steve Mills continues to TThe Cubs won their fi rst title since 1908 — work for the team. ending the longest sports title drought in Sources told ESPN that the Knicks and Griffi n American History — with their win over the were at odds over Griffi n not having full authority Cleveland Indians in last year’s Fall Classic. on basketball decisions and over Griffi n’s prefer- But predictions that their core of 20-some- ence to bring in his own staff . Earlier in the day thing stars were just getting started have been it was reported the Knicks were nearing contract sorely tested in the fi rst half of the 2017 sea- negotiations with Griffi n following the departure son. The Cubs went into the 2016 All-Star of Phil Jackson as team president. No formal break at 53-35 on their way to a 100-win sea- contract off er was made. son that never saw them drop below.500. Mills has been in charge of the Knicks’ basket- So far this year they’ve fl ailed around ball decisions since Jackson left and is working basketball activities in 1-2 weeks.” the.500 mark, and trail the surprising Mil- with former Maple Leafs Sports and Entertain- waukee Brewers in the National League Cen- ment CEO Tim Leiweke on this hire. Before Jack- MIAMI HEAT STAR BOSH THANKS tral race by 5.5 games. “This year’s just been son was hired in 2014, Mills was the president SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY kind of weird for all of us,” National League and general manager. He’s looking for someone to Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh published an Most Valuable Player Kris Bryant acknowl- Jon Lester endured the shortest outing of his career when he gave up four earned runs and run the basketball department, but as president, open letter to thank the South Florida commu- edged. The Cubs are 43-45 as Major League six hits before departing in the first inning against the Pirates on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) he still would have fi nal say on decisions. nity for the past seven years, writing he “learned Baseball takes it’s mid-season break for to- Mills made a major move by signing restricted how to dream again.” Five days after his career in day’s All-Star Game in Miami. After Bryant rally from 1-3 down in the World Series. “We Hurler Jake Arrieta, who had 121 strikeouts free agent Tim Hardaway Jr. to a four-year, Miami offi cially ended, Bosh published a “Let- lost out to the Dodgers’ Justin Turner in fi nal can do it,” he said. “That’s what makes us so and an earned run average of 2.68 in the fi rst $71-million contract. The Knicks will introduce ter to Miami” essay on his website and took out voting, the Cubs are the fi rst World Series confi dent.” And manager Joe Maddon said half last season, has 201 this year and an ERA Hardaway at a news conference Monday. Mills a full-page advertisement in Sunday’s Miami winners not to send a returning player to the he still sees “a chance for us to do something of 4.35. “It’s been slightly diff erent honestly, wouldn’t be making such moves and engag- Herald. All-Star Game. really spectacular” in the second half. “I’m just because we’ve been up and down so fre- ing teams on Carmelo Anthony trade talks if he Maybe Bryant could benefi t from the time very pleased with where we’re at right now,” quently,” Arrieta said. “As soon as we get on weren’t fi rmly planted in his position. RAPTORS ACQUIRE VETERAN off . Last year the Cubs third baseman had Maddon said at the weekend. “We have gone a roll, we kind of hit a skid. It’s just been this SWINGMAN CJ MILES 25 home runs, 65 RBI and a.962 on base plus through a lot of diff erent moments already back and forth, sort of, roller-coaster that 76ERS ROOKIE GUARD FULTZ OUT The Toronto Raptors acquired veteran swingman slugging by the break. This season he’s at this season regarding injuries, etc., and we’ve we’ve been dealing with.” OF NBA SUMMER LEAGUE CJ Miles in a sign-and-trade deal from the In- 18, 38 and.928 — although Bryant insists he held our heads up pretty good.” The Cubs certainly aren’t the fi rst World Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Markelle Fultz, diana Pacers for point guard Cory Joseph, ESPN doesn’t feel fatigued and the ankle he sprained The Cubs off ense stands to benefi t from Series winners to experience a title hangover the No. 1 overall pick in last month’s draft, will reported. Miles will reportedly sign a three-year, in June is fi ne.Bryant showed a fl ash of bril- the returns of Ben Zobrist and Jason Hey- — as much as they dislike that characteriza- not play for the rest of the NBA Summer League $25mn deal with a player option on the fi nal liance on Friday, going 4-for-5 with two hom- ward from the disabled list. And the team is tion. The last team to repeat as World Series due to an ankle sprain suff ered on Saturday night season. Miles previously declined a $4.8mn ers a triple and a single in the Cubs’ 6-1 win hoping slugger Kyle Schwarber’s spell in the champions was the New York Yankees, who in Las Vegas, the team announced. player option to become a free agent. Miles, 30, over Pittsburgh. But the Pirates won the next minor leagues was enough to sort out his hit- did it in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Toronto Fultz was helped off the court after rolling averaged 10.7 points and shot a career-best 41.3 two games of the weekend series, pummelling ting slump. But they also need to perk up their Blue Jays did it in 1992 and 1993, but before his left ankle in a game against the Golden State % from 3-point range last season. the Cubs 14-3 on Sunday to conclude the fi rst pitching. Ace Jon Lester endured the shortest that it was the Yankees in 1977-78. Warriors. The Sixers said in a press release that The Raptors also announced they signed for- half of the season. outing of his career on Sunday when he gave Maddon said it wasn’t time to hit the panic “Fultz underwent X-rays, which were negative, ward OG Anunoby to a rookie contract. Anunoby Bryant says the Cubs remain confi dent they up four earned runs and six hits before de- button. “I’m still very confi dent. I believe in and the injury was determined to be a lateral is under contract through the 2018-19 season, can turn things around in the second half parting in the fi rst inning against the Pirates our guys,” Maddon said.”I’m eager to see us ankle sprain. He will miss the remainder of Sum- with two team option years to follow. Financial of the season — thanks in large part to their on Sunday. coming out of the break.” mer League and is expected to return to normal terms were not disclosed. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 11, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Rahm heads to British Open inspired by Seve

AFP at Royal Birkdale. course properly enough to have a the fi rst European to win at Au- Portstewart, United Kingdom “I said at the beginning of the chance to win The Open. gusta. He won it twice. I mean, at week of the Irish, even before the age of 20 and 21, he won The the tournament started, that I Greatest legend Open Championship. panish sensation Jon haven’t played my best golf on “Will that happen? I don’t “So, he would have been sit- Rahm brilliantly emulat- links golf courses,” Rahm said. know. But I’m going to try to en- ting right here as a two-time ed legendary fellow coun- “There was always some- joy it as much as I’ve enjoyed this Major Champion, that’s some- trymen Seve Ballesteros thing else. And to play the way week.” Rahm spoke of the inspi- thing unbelievable, even in those inS capturing the Irish Open and I did here, it proves to me I can ration he gleaned from Ballester- times. now he is seeking to do the same perform properly on a links golf os, who also endeared himself to “And to do it in the fashion that at next week’s British Open. course. Irish golf fans winning the event he did, he is such a role model for Rahm has moved to number “And that’s what I’ve got to on three occasions. any aspect of the game, all we eight in the world rankings fol- take to The Open. I know now “Seve is the reason why I’m can do is try to emulate. lowing his dramatic six stroke that I have what it takes. playing golf,” he said. “Nobody will ever be like success at Portstewart on Sun- “Before that, there was a little “If it wasn’t for that Ryder Seve, but we can try to pick and day. The 22-year-old power- bit of doubt in my mind but now Cup in Spain, my father would choose things from Seve. house, in only his fi rst full season I know that I have what it takes have never started to play golf. “Not his driving; but things on both the European and PGA to win a tournament on a links If he had never started, I would like his short game, his charac- Tour’s, is now just three places golf course. “The Open Cham- have never picked it up. ter, the way he brought people being fellow Spaniard and reign- pionship, it’s a little diff erent “Nobody in my family did up together, the way he transformed ing Masters Champion, Sergio deal just because a major cham- until Seve put it on the map in golf in Europe and worldwide. Garcia. pionship will be set up probably Spain with that Ryder Cup in ’97, “It’s all things that we try to Rahm’s victory in Ireland has harder than this week was. I believe. copy. It’s really hard to do, but if marked him down as one of the “But nevertheless, I know I “He is the greatest legend a we can do it in a small measure, favourites to become only the can read the putts right, and I country can have. He broke so it’s worth it.” second Spanish-born golfer af- know I can interpret the wind many barriers. He was told he Ballesteros won the Open ter Ballesteros to win golf’s old- and I can hit the shots and I can couldn’t do so many things. At Championship on three occa- est Major that begins on July 20 manage myself around the golf my age, he won Augusta. He was sions in 1979, 1984 and 1988. Spain’s Jon Rahm celebrates his win with the Irish Open trophy and girlfriend Kelley Cahill. (Reuters)

GOLF RUGBY Gatland ponders third Lions tour Schauff ele claims Reuters “Obviously the South Af- Auckland rica thing’s a little bit easier in terms of the timeframes and stuff and travelling. But we’d arren Gatland will hope we don’t let the next four consider coach- years go before we start plan- ing the British ning and putting things into and Irish Lions for place. Greenbrier Classic Wa third time in 2021 but would “Those discussions need to want more time to prepare his happen now, about just having players in South Africa than some reasonable preparation he had for the drawn series in time,” he added.. New Zealand. “I’m not being stupid, as a The 53-year-old now has coach, I wouldn’t be asking for a Lions coaching record ri- a month. I think just a week in valled only by the great Ian the UK or Ireland beforehand for his fi rst victory McGeechan after leading the and a week in South Africa tourists to a triumph in Aus- before the fi rst game is reason- ‘I am at a loss for words. This has changed my life. I need a little bit of time to take it all in’ tralia four years ago and the able. stalemate with the All Blacks “And maybe not have a mid- AFP in an epic series over the last week game in the fi rst week Los Angeles three weeks. before the test so we can pre- The Lions lost the fi rst Test pare properly. Hopefully the 30-15, won the second 24-21 powers in the game will act ander Schauff ele fi red a and drew the third 15-15 to to preserve something that is three-under 67 to come share the series. special.” from behind and win After speaking at length of One thing Gatland would the Greenbrier Classic his pride at what the squad be unable to bring to bear in Xby one stroke and claim the fi rst had achieved in rugby’s “ul- South Africa would be the USPGA Tour victory of his career timate challenge”, and how knowledge of the local psyche on Sunday. he thought they had earned he thought had been vital to Schauff ele, who has been on a respect in his homeland, the the squad’s success against the roll since contending at the 2017 New Zealander was asked world champions. US Open, fi nished with a 14-un- about his own future. “I think if anybody else der par 266 total to edge fellow He reaffi rmed that the 2019 was doing it then we probably American Robert Streb by one World Cup would bring an end might not have drawn the se- shot after Streb managed a 69 in to his time in charge of Wales ries,” he said. the fourth round. before being asked whether “I think you’ve got to refl ect “I am at a loss for words,” he might want to complete on that and say that’s a pretty Schauff ele said after a win “the set” of Lions tours in good achievement in terms of that earned him a berth in this 2021. playing the best team in the month’s British Open. “This has “There’s a possibility that world in their own backyard changed my life. I need a little bit there’s an opportunity there and drawing the series, par- of time to take it all in.” again, and it’s something that ticularly having lost the fi rst The 23-year-old Schauff ele you might consider,” Gatland, test,” he added. fi nished strong, making birdie looking a little bleary-eyed “We all said how impor- on two of his fi nal three holes on after a late night out celebrat- tant it was to win that fi rst The Old White course in White ing the end of the tour, told test, so to win the second test Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. reporters at the team hotel on and draw the third was a great Schauff ele, who is of German, Sunday. achievement.” Japanese and Chinese ancestry, began and ended his fi nal round with birdies. His approach on FOCUS the par-four fi rst landed close to the pin then spun backwards leaving him with an easy two foot putt to get to 12-under. He Aussie Kirk wins closed with a four foot putt on the par-three 18th.

He fi nished tied for fi ft h at 3rd LPGA tour title last month’s US Open aft er a AFP fi nal round 69 that left him Washington six shots back of winner Brooks Koepka atherine Kirk birdied After an emotional celebra- the fi nal hole to edge tion on the 18th green, Schauf- Ashleigh Buhai by fele said he needed to take some one stroke on Sun- time by himself to refl ect. day,K claiming a third LPGA “It is slowly sinking in. I had a tour title at the Thornberry Katherine Kirk poses with the couple of moments to myself in Creek Classic in Wisconsin. trophy after winning the LPGA the locker room. It is an incred- Australia’s Kirk went into Classic in Oneida, Wisconsin. ible feeling,” he said. the fi nal round with a four- (Getty Images/AFP) He fi nished tied for fi fth at last shot lead over South Africa’s month’s US Open after a fi nal Buhai and had the LPGA Tour’s generation these days... but round 69 that left him six shots 72-hole scoring record in her hard work pays off .” back of winner Brooks Koepka. sights. Kirk, of Brisbane, notched “The US Open was a huge mo- Xander Schauff ele poses with the trophy after winning the Greenbrier Classic held at the Old White TPC in White Sulphur Springs, West She nabbed six birdies in her fi rst LPGA win since the ment in my career,” he said. “One Virginia. (Getty Images/AFP) a fi nal-round 70, and while 2010 Navistar LPGA Classic. of biggest stages and to tie for it didn’t threaten the scoring She also won the 2008 Ca- fi fth was huge for me mentally. It His fi nal round stumble did not LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES record of 27-under, her 22-un- nadian Women’s Open. She gave me confi dence and allowed come as a huge surprise as in its der total of 266 was enough to also secured a berth in the US me to win this week.” seven-year history, the Green- 266 - Xander Schauff ele 64-69-66-67 hold off Buhai. Women’s Open that starts on Streb shot a one-under 69 brier Classic has never had a 267 - Robert Streb 65-68-65-69 “To make that putt (on 18) Thursday at Trump National and fi nished in solo second while fi rst, second or third round leader 268 - Jamie Lovemark 69-64-66-69, Sebastian Munoz (COL) 61-67-68-72 was huge,” Kirk said. “All wins Golf Club in Bedminster, New American Jamie Lovemark, who go on to win. Streb, Lovemark 269 - Kelly Kraft 67-66-67-69, Russell Henley 68-64-68-69 are good. Winning out here is Jersey. Johannesburg’s Buhai shot a 69, and third round leader and Munoz had the consolation 270 - Ryan Blaum 68-67-71-64, Tony Finau 69-66-67-68 hard, and it’s gotten a lot hard- rolled in the last of her fi ve Sebastian Munoz of Colombia of also qualifying for the Open 271 - Alex Cejka (GER) 66-71-70-64, Chad Campbell 70-69-65-67, J.B. Holmes 68-69-66-68, Nick Taylor (CAN) er out here since I fi rst did it, birdies in a bogey-free 67 at tied for third at 12-under 268, Championship at Royal Birkdale. 64-69-69-69, Danny Lee (NZL) 64-68-70-69 that’s for sure. the 18th and fi nished alone in two shots back of Schauff ele. There were four spots avail- 272 - Bryson DeChambeau 70-66-71-65, Webb Simpson 69-68-69-66, Rory Sabbatini (RSA) 72-66-67-67, “There is so much talent second on 267. Munoz shot a disappointing able for players among the top 12 David Hearn (CAN) 65-69-70-68 out here now and it makes it “It was awesome,” she said two-over 72 as the 24-year-old who were not already qualifi ed 273 - Jimmy Walker 68-70-70-65, Brandon Hagy 69-70-67-67 so much harder to win. I think of playing in the fi nal group for rookie was trying to go wire-to- for the year’s next major. 274 - Phil Mickelson 67-72-71-64, Patrick Reed 66-69-72-67, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 69-67-71-67, Roberto I’m the 15th-oldest player on the fi rst time. “I felt I relished wire and also join Camilo Vil- Kelly Kraft and Russell Henley Castro 73-65-68-68, Curtis Luck (AUS) 69-69-68-68, Graham DeLaet (CAN) 64-70-71-69, Jonathan Randolph Tour,” added the 35-year-old. on it. From the fi rst hole I start- legas as the only Colombians to both shot 69s Sunday to fi nish in 67-68-70-69, Chris Stroud 69-69-67-69, James Hahn 71-64-69-70 “So if you’re looking at age it’s ed out with a birdie, and I just win on the USPGA Tour. a tie for fi fth at 11-under 269. more in favour of the younger tried to keep feeding off it.” Gulf Times Tuesday, July 11, 2017 7 SPORT

FORMULA ONE CYCLING Quintana has ‘no regrets’ over New contract is up to Giro-Tour double

AFP His Movistar team decided Périgueux, France to tackle the Giro-Tour double this year, believing Quintana to be better during his second olombian climber Grand Tour of the year than his Vettel: Ferrari boss Nairo Quintana in- fi rst. But he admitted to feel- sisted he had no re- ing the eff ects of May’s eff orts ‘I made it very clear that if he wants to stay then we’ll just renew it. It’s up to him’ grets over attempting already within the fi rst week of Ca demanding Giro d’Italia- the Tour. Reuters Tour de France double, despite “Right now there’s more will Spielberg, Austria admitting yesterday to feeling than power,” admitted Quin- exhausted. tana. “We’re still in the battle, It is almost 20 years since we need to keep going and re- errari have told Sebastian a rider successfully won the cover.” Vettel he just has to sign Giro-Tour double and that was Quintana cracked on the fi - on the dotted line to stay in a dark period in cycling’s nal climb on Sunday’s ninth with the Formula One history where doping was the stage and lost 1min 15sec to glamourF team next season. norm rather than the excep- race leader Chris Froome, to The championship leader is tion. Recent attempts to dou- now sit eighth overall at 2:13. out of contract at the end of the ble up have always failed, with “We wilted due to a lack of year but Ferrari chairman Sergio Alberto Contador coming fi fth strength — we’re not kidding Marchionne set out his team’s in the Tour in 2015 after win- ourselves — but there’s still a position at the Austrian Grand ning the Giro, and Vincenzo long way to go in the Tour to do Prix. Nibali managing only 30th in something.” “I made it very clear that if the Tour last year after his sec- Quintana insisted he’d he wants to stay then we’ll just ond Giro success. managed his build-up to the renew it. It’s up to him,” Mar- “I don’t regret having done Tour well, ensuring he had a chionne told reporters before the Giro,” said the 27-year- lot of rest earlier in the year, Sunday’s race. Vettel has de- old Quintana, who fi nished but admitted that improve- layed contract talks to focus on second to Dutchman Tom Du- ments could be made. the championship battle, saying moulin in May. “It’s the fi rst time I’ve rid- there will be plenty of time over “It was a gamble, something den the Giro and Tour and both the summer, and any haggling is diff erent we wanted to try. have been very fast,” he added. likely to be about money and the “We have a lot to learn from “Right now I’m not at my number of years. what’s happened and what best but I still hope to have a The German, a four times we’ve done, so we can im- brilliant day.” world champion, moved 20 prove.” points clear of closest rival Lewis Hamilton after fi nishing runner- up to the Briton’s Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas at the Red Bull Ring. With the 20 round season approaching the halfway point at Silverstone next week- end, Vettel has won three races and it would probably have been four had he been given one more lap on Sunday. As it was, he missed out by a mere 0.6 of a second. Speaking to the Italian me- dia afterwards, Marchionne said there was plenty to be happy about however. “It was very close. We are there and our Ger- man friends know it,” he said. Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel signs autographs at the ‘Styrian Green Carpet’ before the third practice session of the Formula One “They can feel us breathing Austria Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on July 7. (AFP) down their necks but we will cut this little gap. I am much happier than I was in the past. The boys Ecclestone doubts Silverstone will be lost to Formula One know we have started the job and we must carry it through to the Former Formula One supremo Bernie commercial managing director, last week end.” Ecclestone believes Silverstone will stay described Silverstone as ‘one of the jewels Movistar rider Nairo Quintana of Columbia. (Reuters) While Vettel leads the stand- on the Formula One calendar even if, as in the crown of Grand Prix racing’. ings, champions Mercedes expected, the circuit’s owners activate a The BRDC has indicated that activating the stretched their lead in the con- break clause in their contract this week. break clause would allow them to negotiate Second Tour blow for Germans Bora structors’ standings to 33 points The 86-year-old did the original deal with a better deal than the current one and steer as Majka quits and are 5-3 to Ferrari on wins. the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) clear of the ‘potentially ruinous risk’ of host- But while Hamilton and Bot- that runs until 2026 and includes a break ing fees that rise every year. Ecclestone said German team Bora suff ered a have no fractures at all,” said tas have shared the spoils of vic- clause from 2019 that has to be exercised Silverstone, who pay less than most other second Tour de France blow Majka. tory, Vettel has been leading the two years in advance. “I would be surprised circuits on the calendar, had got “a very yesterday as climber Rafal “I cannot explain exactly charge for Ferrari with more than if eventually we lose Silverstone,” he told good deal”. “I’m surprised they can’t make it Majka quit due to injuries suf- what happened when I twice as many points as his Finn- Reuters at the Austrian Grand Prix. work, that’s all,” he added. fered in a crash on Sunday. crashed. I didn’t break or ish team mate Kimi Raikkonen. “It’s a good event. And it probably falls into “At the moment there isn’t anywhere else. Bora had already lost world anything, but my front wheel Vettel’s only obvious alterna- line much more with the way Liberty want There may well be in a couple of years’ time. champion Peter Sagan last slipped away. “There must tive to the most successful team to see Formula One go, in that direction.” But if they are losing all the money, which Tuesday when the Slovak have been some oil or some- in Formula One history would be An announcement by the BRDC is expected is what they say they are doing, they can’t was disqualified for causing a thing similar on the road.” Mercedes, but the German has on Tuesday or Wednesday, ahead of Sun- continue can they? Because somebody has crash that saw British sprinter Bora’s sports director Enrico already laughed off rumours of day’s British Grand Prix at the former World to pay.” Mark Cavendish quit the race Poitschke said Majka would that happening. War Two airfield. U.S.-based Liberty Media, McLaren’s executive director Zak Brown with a broken collarbone. now rest before targeting the “I think the way we are set up who took over the sport in January and suggested at the weekend that Liberty And the German team’s Vuelta a Espana, which starts right now, we fi nd ourselves very moved Ecclestone aside into an undefined should buy Silverstone but Ecclestone overall hope Majka, winner next month. happy and the focus is on this ‘chairman emeritus’ role, have said that they smiled at that suggestion. of the king of the mountains “After this heavy crash, it year despite the fact for next year want to protect Formula One’s traditional “It’s like all these people with ideas who jersey in two of the previous does not make any sense to there is nothing on paper,” he European races. Silverstone hosted the first don’t really know what they are talking three years, crashed badly on keep on fighting,” said Majka. said in May. world championship grand prix in 1950 and about,” he said, adding that he had made Sunday and lost 36 minutes “I can hardly breathe because Marchionne has also indicated Britain, home to a majority of the 10 teams an off er in the past. “The BRDC. Just too - ending his hopes of a high of the pain. We had to take a that Kimi Raikkonen needs to get as well as triple world champion Lewis Ham- much confusion,” he said when asked what finish. wise decision, for my health, his season in gear and do more ilton, has been on the calendar every year had stopped him. “They wanted all sorts of “I have pain everywhere but also for the rest of the for the team as contract negotia- since then. Sean Bratches, the sport’s new things. Anyway, it couldn’t happen.” today, but I was lucky to season.” tions for 2018 pick up pace.

SPOTLIGHT Force India see F1 moving to a franchise future Reuters said they want a fairer distribu- A range of companies using Spielberg, Austria tion of revenues to help smaller the name “Force One” were re- teams become more competitive cently registered in Britain using and prevent them from folding the London address of co-owner orce India believe For- for fi nancial reasons, as many Vijay Mallya. mula One is moving in have in the past. Mallya is currently fi ghting the direction of a fran- McLaren’s executive director an extradition battle with India chise future under new Zak Brown spoke of the “fran- over unpaid loans tied to his de- ownersF Liberty Media and the chise value” of teams when he funct Kingfi sher Airlines. Silverstone-based team want to discussed a range of issues at the The businessman, who has be ready for it. weekend and pointed out that he not left Britain since March last “Liberty are making very clear could not recall the last time an year, has repeatedly dismissed indications of where they want NFL team went bust. the charges against him. to take the sport and that could He has said his current legal well lead to either long-term Mallya is currently fi ghting situation has nothing to do with licences or franchises,” depu- an extradition battle with any team name change. ty principal Bob Fernley told India over unpaid loans “What we are looking at is Reuters at the Austrian Grand tied to his defunct positioning the team...in order Prix. Kingfi sher Airlines to be able to make sure they (the “That to me is where it should shareholders) are in line with be going because that then locks Fernley said such a U.S.-style where the future of Formula One in the teams,” he added. system would also lock in the is going,” said Fernley. Formula One’s current com- value of “tradeable assets”, with “Obviously India limits where mercial agreements with teams 10 teams the ideal number and we go. run to 2020 and Liberty, who any would-be new entrants hav- “The value is in the name, like took over the sport in January, ing to buy into the existing fran- LA Lakers or New York Yankees. are drawing up a road map for chises. They become tradeable pro- the future without divulging With that in mind, Force India grammes. much detail. were mulling removing “India” “All we’re trying to do as a A spokesman was not imme- from the team name to make it team is anticipate. And part diately available for comment. less geographically specifi c and of Formula One is about being Force India’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez drives his car during the third practice session of the Formula One Austria Grand Prix at the Red Bull Management have already appeal to global sponsors. ahead of the game.” Ring in Spielberg on July 7. (AFP)

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT IOC to discuss double host decision for 2024, 2028 ‘We’ll have some interesting days in Lausanne. Some very important decisions will be taken. More decisions will be made in Lima’

AFP Lausanne

lympic chiefs will meet in Lausanne today to discuss and likely rub- berstamp the proc- essO to award the 2024 and 2028 Games simultaneously. Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will hold an extraordinary session af- ter presentations by the campaign teams for Los Angeles and Paris, battling for the right to succeed 2020 hosts Tokyo and stage the Games in seven years’ time. Last month IOC bosses backed a plan to award both the 2024 and 2028 Games together, with the recommendation expected to be backed by a vote at their Swiss headquarters today. IOC president Thomas Bach opened a ground-breaking week for the Olympic movement on Sunday by telling IOC top brass: “We’ll have some interesting days in Lausanne. Some very im- portant decisions will be taken. More decisions will be made in Lima.” The Peruvian capital Lima hosts the 130th IOC Congress on September 13 where the vote to decide the 2024 and likely 2028 hosts will be made. Both Paris, whose delegation is being led by French President Emmanuel Macron, and Los An- geles will present their bids to the IOC today. Last week the IOC Evalua- tion Commission report lavished praise on both bidding cities, stating there was “very little to (left to right) Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, US Olympic track and field athlete Allyson Felix, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President German Thomas Bach and former US Olympic track and field athlete separate” the two rivals. Michael Johnson pose during a visit to the Olympic Museum on the eve of their bid presentation before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Lausanne yesterday. (AFP) “Members of the Evaluation Commission have used the terms The IOC report noted that Olympics has faded, with cities ‘forward-looking’, ‘innovative’, in line with the reforms of Ol- increasingly reluctant to take on Los Angeles mayor vows to bring Games back to US ‘vibrant’ and ‘cool’ to describe ympic Agenda 2020, both Los the vast expense. Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti said yes- Angeles,” Garcetti told reporters, flanked by main annual meeting in September in Lima, the Los Angeles candidature, and Angeles and Paris are planning But a double awarding would terday he was committed to bringing the IOC chief Thomas Bach. Bach had escorted Peru. If adopted, that plan would guarantee ‘historical’, ‘cultural’, ‘iconic’ and to use a record number of exist- not be a fi rst, the IOC having, in Olympics back to Los Angeles, while reaff irm- Garcetti and Los Angeles bid leaders includ- that Paris and LA host the next two Summer ‘amazing backdrops’ for that of ing and temporary venues, a fi rst 1921, awarded the 1924 and 1928 ing support for a plan to award the 2024 and ing former sprint champion Michael Johnson Games. Los Angeles has indicated it was Paris,” said Patrick Baumann, in Olympic history and a move Summer Games to Paris and 2028 Games together. on a tour of the lakeside Olympic Museum. open to waiting until 2028, while Paris has IOC member and chair of the designed to cut costs and boost Amsterdam, as well as later Garcetti made the comments in Lausanne, The Paris 2024 team was due at the museum held a firmer line, insisting it was committed 2024 Evaluation Commission. sustainability. promising Los Angeles the 1932 Switzerland -home of the International later evening, led by French President Em- to 2024, the centenary anniversary of the “However, whatever the de- Bach said the proposal to award Games. Olympic Committee -on the eve of a crunch manuel Macron. Paris is the favourite to se- last Games in the French capital. scription, it truly is a tale of two the two Games had been “unani- Pierre de Coubertin, the meeting where Los Angeles and rival 2024 cure the 2024 Games, but Bach has pushed Garcetti made no direct mention of the battle great Olympic cities. The two mously” endorsed, adding the founder of the modern Olympics, candidate Paris will make a fresh pitch to IOC a plan that could see both the French capital for 2024, but said he and Los Angeles bid projects are diff erent in nature, IOC had a “golden opportunity” had pushed for the joint awarding voters. “We have two missions: one, which and the Californian metropolis emerge this chairman Casey Wasserman “welcome” the but each city presents a proposal with two “great cities” compet- as the world, and Europe in par- is to bring America back to the Olympics week as winners. IOC members are today double hosting move. Los Angeles, which last which is genuinely authentic and ing for 2024 and did not want to ticular, struggled to rebound and the Olympics back to America and two, expected to rubber stamp a plan to award hosted the Games in 1984, “can be the ideal refl ects the best of what each has turn either away, particularly at after the devasting First World which is to bring the Olympics back to Los both 2024 and 2028 at the organisation’s Olympic city”, Garcetti said. to off er.” a time when interest in hosting War.

CYCLING/ TOUR DE FRANCE Rival Froome as strong as ever, says Aru

AFP Bergerac, France Thomas says Tour exit yet to sink in Geraint Thomas admitted yes- “I’m going to see a specialist on hris Froome is as strong terday it was too soon to realise Tuesday and get it operated on as ever, according to his the full extent of his disappoint- this week. I’ll have a week off principal Tour de France ment after crashing out of the and then I should be back on rival Fabio Aru. Tour de France on Sunday. the turbo trainer.” CQuestions have been asked of Thomas broke his collarbone in Until his crash it had been a Froome’s form this year as for the a fall midway through the ninth hugely successful Tour for the fi rst time since he started domi- stage. He was one of five riders Welshman. nating the world’s greatest bike to crash out of the race on He won the opening stage time- race, he came into the Tour with- Sunday as rain made mountain trial on July 1 — his first ever out a stage race victory all season. descents slippery and danger- Grand Tour stage victory — and And although he holds the ous. took over the leader’s yellow race leader’s yellow jersey after What was worse for Thomas, jersey. nine stages, his lead over Aru is though, was that it was the He held onto that for four days a slender 18 seconds and he has second Grand Tour of the year before his Sky team leader yet to win a stage or strike a de- he’s crashed out of, having also Chris Froome took it off him, cisive blow to his rivals — unlike left May’s Giro d’Italia at the end but Thomas was still second previous years. But Aru denied of the first week. overall when he crashed. the 2016 Froome is any weaker “It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’m And he said there will be a time than before. sure it will be like the Giro and when he looks back on his Tour “Certainly he’s shown himself when I get home is when it with pride. to be as strong as before, he has Colombia’s Rigoberto Uran (right) sprints to win ahead of Great Britain’s Christopher Froome (left) wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, France’s Warren really hits home, so to speak,” “At the moment it’s more just the yellow jersey — that’s the an- Barguil (2nd left) and Italy’s Fabio Aru (2nd right) at the finish line at the end of the 181,5km ninth stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France. (AFP) said the 31-year-old Team Sky the devastation of leaving the swer.” rider. “The show goes on pretty Tour, but obviously you’ve got But Aru suggested he and As- overall victory. then let Fuglsang, who strug- been dropped on the fi nal climb had taught him not to rule out quickly. So I think it will hit me to remember and savour the tana team-mate Jakob Fuglsang That was something they gled on the Planche des Belles while reeling in Bardet, who had aiming higher. tomorrow and in a few days good times because they are would still be looking to attack used to great aff ect during last Filles where he’d lost more than attacked on the descent down to “When we started the last time.” rare in this sport. “For sure, in Froome. “As always we’ve got month’s week-long Criterium a minute to the favourites, get the fi nish into Chambery, rather stage in the Dauphine I would’ve Thomas, though, was already a week or so or once the Tour maximum respect (for Froome) du Dauphine, which Fuglsang away. than look to put Froome into dif- been more than happy with my looking forward to the future is over, I’ll look back on those but we’ll stick to our tactic as al- won as Froome fi nished fourth fi culty. third place, but I ended up win- and getting back on his station- good bits. But for the moment ways,” he added. and Aru fi fth. ‘Play it smart’ It seemed to be a tactic de- ning the Dauphine because of ary training bike. it#s still pretty raw.” Astana have been the only “We hope we can use it as “Of course, Froome can’t go signed more at fi ghting for the our tactics and the way the race team to really attack Froome so an advantage, it’s been our after everybody,” said the Dane. minor places than competing for was ridden,” he said. far, with Aru riding away to win idea from the beginning,” said “I’m still at a distance in the top spot. “Of course I’m happy now the fi fth stage at La Planche des Fuglsang, who is 1min 37sec back GC (standings), he will not con- “The tactic was to gain as with fi fth place. If I was asked Belles Filles last Wednesday, from Froome. cern (himself) about me yet. much time as possible on those before the start in Dusseldorf if while Fuglsang got clear on Sun- “Also from what we saw in the “We will see, we have to play behind,” said Aru. I’d sign for fi fth, I would have. day’s fi nal climb, the Mont du Dauphine, it was an advantage.” it smart. Of course he will follow “Behind there were very “But we’ll have to see how Chat, before being pegged back At La Planche de Belles Filles, Fabio or (third-placed Romain) strong guys like (Nairo) Quin- things go. We’re here to try to just before the summit. Froome had chosen not to follow Bardet, or whoever is close to tana, (Dan) Martin, even (Alber- win the Tour — Fabio is second, But their strong showing has Aru’s attack but said afterwards him in GC.” to) Contador.” I’m fi fth, we have a good team left them second and fi fth on the he would have to watch the Ital- On Sunday, the Astana duo Fuglsang admitted he was de- and the possibility to challenge standings, and they’re the only ian more closely from then on. seemed to concentrate on lighted with his current position Froome and the other guys in the team with two riders fi ghting for He did that on Sunday but putting time into rivals who’d but said his Dauphine experience top.”