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FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Xavi’s Al Sadd in quarters with feisty win over Al Duhail Akram Afif and Abdelkarim Hassan score for Wolves, Edmilson pulls one back before Ahmed Yasser’s own goal seals the deal

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Sadd sealed their place in the AFC Champions League quarter-fi nals after a 3-1 win over do- Amestic rivals Al Duhail in a feisty second leg encounter at the Jas- sim Bin Hamad Stadium yes- terday. Xavi Hernandez’s side secured their place in the last eight of the continental event with a 4-2 aggregate victory, af- ter the fi rst leg of the Round of 16 tie ended in a 1-1 draw at the Al Janoub stadium last Tuesday. Al Sadd’s second successive quarter-fi nal pits them against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, with the fi rst leg taking place on August 26 and the return leg three weeks later on September 16. Al Sadd had never managed to beat a Qatari team in the AFC Champions League, drawing their last two such encounters in a row. They also went into the game having only won two of their last 15 games in the knock- out stages of the Champions League, failing to win any of the Al Sadd head coach Xavi is all smiles after the win. last four games at this stage. Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (second from right) wears a wolf mask in celebration of scoring a goal as teammates Hassan al-Haydos (left) and Abdelkarim But yesterday they brought an Hassan look on during the second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Al Duhail yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram end to those records, thanks to some electrifying performance ly but the team has responded curacy, sending it wide of Sadd Sadd the lead in the 20th minute. minutes after the restart through in front of their vociferous home well to my coaching philosophy,” goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb. Akram Afi f now has had a hand in impressive Edmilson. Almoez fans. the Barcelona great added. The Sadd custodian was the last four goals scored by his started a quick counter attack Qatar internationals Akram Duhail coach Rui Faria was dis- brought into action in the 10th team in the Champions League, from deep into his own half, sup- Afi f and Abdelkarim Hassan gave appointed with the loss. “I con- minute though, but al-Sheeb was scoring the last three in a row. plying Ali Afi f down the left to Sadd a 2-0 lead. Al Duhail got a gratulate Al Sadd on their quali- alert enough to make a double- Three minutes later, cross for the Brazilian winger lifeline when Edmilson Junior fi cation. We were hoping to get save as Edmilson got past his Bounedjah could have doubled Al who fi nished into the bottom scored in the second half, but an a better result tonight. Once we marker down the right fl ank, Sadd’s lead, beating the defender corner of al-Sheeb’s net to revive own goal from Ahmed Yasser in went two goals behind, it was dif- cutting inside and shooting with to Abdelkarim Hassan’s cross and Al Duhail’s hopes. the dying minutes ensured Sadd fi cult to make a comeback. In the the outside of his right boot. Al- fl icking the ball, but the Algerian A thrilling fi nal half an hour progressed comfortably. second half, after we made the Sheeb made a superb diving save watched in agony as his strike saw Bounedjah hit the post again “We are delighted to have quali- substitutions we had some chanc- and was quick to get up and parry bounced off the upright and be- for Al Sadd after a solo run and fi ed for the quarter-fi nals. We beat es and scored a goal. But Sadd’s Duhail captain Youssef Msakni’s hind for a goal kick. Al Duhail came just as close to Duhail, who are one of the strong- third goal killed the game for us,” shot on the rebound. Xavi’s men got their second scoring two minutes later with est teams in the Middle East. In the Portuguese manager said. The early storm was weath- of the night in the 34th minute. Afi f’s corner being inadvertently the fi rst leg we were the better but It was Duhail who had started ered and soon the hosts took the Nam won a free-kick at the edge fl icked by Gabi into the frame of today we were made to work hard on a bright note. Faria’s men lead against the run of play. Play- of the box after he was brought his own goal. Al Duhail’s Mohamed Muntari (second from right) was shown a red by Duhail. We still had chances to showed attacking intent from the maker Nam Tae-hee, who joined down by Madibo. Step up 2018 Matters were settled in Al card for his assault on Al Sadd’s Boualem Khoukhi (right). score many goals but we missed word go as centre-back Ahmed Sadd from Duhail this season, AFC Player of The Year Has- Sadd’s favour in added time with many opportunities,” Sadd coach Yasser found Almoez Ali with a supplied a defence-splitting pass san to fi re a bullet from the set- a double-blow for Al Duhail. it 3-1 for Al Sadd at the death. third goal went in. Muntari, who Xavi said after the match. long pass after just three minutes. for Baghdad Bounedjah who went piece into the roof of the helpless First, Yasser’s attempt to defend Al Duhail ended with 10 men had clashed with Bounedjah mo- “I am happy with the perform- The Qatari international striker through on goal and selfl essly Amine Lecomte to make it 2-0 a Hassan al-Haydos free-kick when substitute Mohamed Mun- ments earlier, was sent-off in ances of my players. I have taken controlled the ball neatly inside squared for Akram Afi f to fi n- going into the dressing rooms. ended with the ball rolling into tari was shown the red card for the aftermath after an assault on up the coaching role only recent- the box, but his fi nish lacked ac- ish into the empty net, giving Al Al Duhail pulled one back 10 the back of Lecomte’s net to make violent conduct soon after the Boualem Khoukhi.

ATHLETICS Qatar to take part in U23 West Simbine on mission at Doha 2019 but rues Semenya absence Asia athletics

Reuters participation in the sport. focus on now, however, starting the next king of the track. QNA London The 28-year-old double with his bid to become the fi rst Doha 800m Olympic gold medallist is South African to win a sprint AMERICAN COMPETITION fi ghting an International Asso- medal at the world champion- Simbine is aware of the fi erce outh African sprinter ciation of Athletics Federations ships. competition he faces, particu- atar’s junior athletics team Akani Simbine will (IAAF) regulation that female Born in a poor suburb of Jo- larly from Americans. Christian will take part in the third look to become the fast- middle-distance runners with hannesburg, Simbine fl our- Coleman has the world leading Qedition of the West Asian est man on earth at next a high natural level of testoster- ished on the track while study- time this year of 9.81 seconds Championship which starts tomor- month’sS world championships one must take medication to ing an Information Science while compatriot Noah Lyles is row in the Lebanese capital of but he will run with a heavy reduce it. degree at the University of Pre- second with 9.86. Beirut and will last for four days. heart that his compatriot and The Swiss Federal Tribunal toria, encouraged by his parents Also up there is world cham- Speaking ahead of the mission’s friend Caster Semenya will not (SFT) last month reversed a who insisted he made sure of pion Justin Gatlin who will be departure to Beirut yesterday, the be joining him in Doha. ruling that temporarily lifted being able to make a living out- defending his title on what Director of National Teams and Simbine, 25, has enjoyed a the IAAF’s testosterone regu- side of athletics. could well be his fi nal appear- Head of Mission Khalifa Abdul stellar year in preparation for his lations imposed on Semenya, They need not have worried ance in the global event. Malik said that the tournament fourth world championships, eff ectively ruling her out of the so much, though, as he set the But Simbine, whose Diamond will witness the participation of winning 100m gold at last year’s September 28-October 6 world 100m national record of 9.89 League winning time of 9.93 is 10 countries, including Qatar, Commonwealth Games and tri- championships in Qatar. seconds in Hungary in 2016 at tied-fi fth best in the world this Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, umphing at London’s Diamond Simbine, who has talked to the age of 22. year, is confi dent he can win the Palestine, Lebanon, Bahrain, League meeting in July. Semenya on the phone, said That was a month before Sim- fi nal on September 28. “I be- Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, what should be a the case was sad for the whole now we can’t see her anymore,” together as one and she’s not bine’s Olympic debut in Rio de lieve I can be the best and if I’m Abdul Malik said that the Qatari golden period for South Afri- country. he told Reuters. fi ghting this on her own. Janeiro where he fi nished fi fth in in the sport then I can’t just say team includes 11 players. can athletics with Simbine’s rise “There’s a kind of knock-on “But as athletes and sports “Seeing a friend going the fi nal but almost a second be- ‘Oh well, Christian is running The opening ceremony of the and the achievements of Olym- (eff ect) on the South African people we support her as much through something like this is hind sprinting great Usain Bolt. fast, Noah is running fast, Gat- championship is scheduled for pic 400m champion Wayde van sporting world, not just athlet- as we can... because she is one heartbreaking and upsetting With the multiple world cham- lin is running fast, I can’t beat 4pm Beirut time and the morning Niekerk has been overshadowed ics because Caster was Queen of us at the end of the day. To and is really not nice.” pion Jamaican now retired from them’ — then I’m in the sport competition will start from 7am. by the ongoing saga of Semenya’s of South African sports and show the world that we are Simbine has his own goals to the sport, many are vying to be for the wrong reasons,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 14, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FIFA fi ne Man City over ‘international transfer of Liverpool seek more minors’ Manchester: Premier League champions Manchester City have avoided a transfer ban but have been fined 370,000 Swiss Francs ($380,000) by silverware as Lampard FIFA for breaches of rules regarding the transfer of Under-18 players, football’s world governing body said in a statement yesterday. Premier League rivals Chelsea were given a one- eyes Super Cup boost year transfer ban and fined 600,000 Swiss francs in Feb- ruary in relation to 29 cases where regulations relating to ‘We don’t want to just stop at the Champions League, that’s all we’ve won as a group of players’ the international transfer and registration of Under-18 play- AFP ers were breached. Istanbul Chelsea have filed an ap- peal with the Court of Arbitra- tion for Sport (CAS) against urgen Klopp wants Liverpool to the ban, which stopped them make winning trophies a habit as from signing players during they head back to Istanbul — the the close-season. City are also scene of one of the club’s greatest facing a separate investiga- triumphsJ — to take on Premier League tion from UEFA regarding rivals Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup financial fair play (FFP), which today. The Anfi eld club memorably de- was opened in March. feated AC Milan on penalties to win the FIFA said its Disciplinary Champions League by the Bosphorus Committee took into ac- back in 2005, and now they face Chelsea count the fact that City had in the Turkish city after becoming Eu- “accepted its responsibility”. ropean champions for the sixth time in “The protection of minors is a June. The traditional curtain-raiser to key element in FIFA’s overall the European season may not be taken regulatory framework relat- entirely seriously by everyone, but nei- ing to the transfer of players, ther club will turn their noses up at the and the eff ective enforcement chance of lifting more silverware, with of these rules is paramount, Liverpool having just ended a seven- as has also been confirmed year trophy drought and Frank Lampard on various occasions by eager to kickstart his Chelsea manage- the Court of Arbitration for rial career. Sport,” FIFA said in a state- The clubs have already won the com- ment. petition four times between them, but City did not immediately nine of the last 10 winners of the Super respond to a request for com- Cup have come from Spain. ment. German publication Among the other protagonists on Der Spiegel reported in March Wednesday will be Stephanie Frappart, that the club’s Abu Dhabi with the French offi cial becoming the owners inflated sponsorship fi rst woman to referee a major men’s agreements to comply with match in European competition. Frap- FFP requirements, which part will nevertheless be happy to stay prompted the UEFA probe. out of the limelight once the match The club have appealed to at the Vodafone Park, home of Besik- CAS against UEFA’s investi- tas, kicks off , with Liverpool favourites gation and club chairman against a Chelsea side reeling from their Khaldoon al-Mubarak has said 4-0 defeat at Manchester United in the club will “unquestionably their Premier League opener. prevail”. After losing on penalties to Man- In a statement on the club’s chester City in the Community Shield, Liverpool’s defender Virgil van Dijk (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Norwich City during the Premier League match last week. (AFP) website in May, al-Mubarak Liverpool began their league campaign said: “I believe, quite comfort- with a comfortable 4-1 win over Nor- have to see,” he told the club’s website. Istanbul at the end of the campaign. sive victory over Arsenal in the Europa for coming into this match with a sense ably, if the process is going to wich City with Mohamed Salah, Virgil Spaniard Adrian will deputise in Al- Equally, they will hope the Super Cup League fi nal, but much has changed of trepidation after their hammering at be judged on facts then un- van Dijk and Divock Origi all scoring. isson’s absence, and Klopp is hopeful can be the prelude to their side fi nally since then. Coach Maurizio Sarri and Old Traff ord. questionably we will prevail. However, that result was somewhat his team can build on their win over going all the way in the Premier League. star player Eden Hazard have left, and It will be interesting to see if Lampard If it’s not about facts and it’s overshadowed by the loss of Alisson Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions “We don’t want to just stop at the club legend Lampard is now in charge, keeps faith with the likes of youngsters about other things, then it is a Becker, with Klopp confi rming the for- League fi nal in Madrid. “Stay greedy. Champions League, that’s all we’ve won handed the reins at Stamford Bridge de- Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham diff erent conversation.” midable Brazil goalkeeper will be out for That’s very important — I have no doubt as a group of players,” Andy Robertson spite just one season’s managerial ex- here. “We know that we can improve. FFP rules are intended a while with a calf injury. about that, but it’s clear that we have to told the club’s website. “We want more perience in the second tier with Derby We have to face it, take the responsibil- to prevent clubs receiving “I don’t want to make now (an) exact do that,” Klopp said when asked how his but we know how hard that’s going to County. ity and move forward. We have a tro- unlimited amounts of money prognosis on when he will be back but it side could build on that success. be. This is our next opportunity to do so The prospect of winning a trophy phy to fi ght for on Wednesday against a through inflated sponsor- will not be Wednesday for sure, so now Reds fans will also be tempted by the and it’d be great if we can take it.” in just his second competitive match good team and we have to be ready for ship deals with organisations then we have to see. It takes a while, it possibility of a third successive Cham- Chelsea secured their place in this with the London club will be an entic- it,” Cesar Azpilicueta said after Sun- related to the owners. takes a couple weeks for sure, and we pions League fi nal appearance, back in fi xture thanks to their comprehen- ing one, although they could be forgiven day’s defeat.

FOCUS OPINION No fears for Frappart as French Chelsea need to ‘move on’ from referee prepares to make history Hazard exit, says coach Lampard AFP Istanbul Reuters ard, as a Chelsea fan. I played at Old Traff ord, including Ma- be here managing the team. We Istanbul with him. For me, clearly (he’s) son Mount and Tammy Abra- know it’s going to be a big test one of the best in world football, ham and Mourinho suggested but if we play to our maximum rance’s Stephanie Frap- over his time at Chelsea one of he might have gone for a more we can win the match.” part has no concerns helsea manager Frank the most productive in the team experienced line-up for such a The former midfi elder said about the scrutiny she Lampard said there generally and a leader,” Lampard game. “I pick the best team to German defender Antonio Ru- will face in today’s UEFA was no individual that told a news conference. win the game, regardless of age,” diger and Brazilian winger Wil- SuperF Cup between Liverpool could replace winger “You can’t replace him in- he said. lian would not be ready to start and Chelsea when she becomes CEden Hazard, urging the club to dividually, because of the high “If young players are show- against Liverpool while N’Golo the fi rst woman to referee a ma- move on from the loss of one of level he is at now. But the good ing what they can do in training Kante, who came off the bench jor men’s match in European their greatest players. Hazard news and the positive news is and deserve their chance, for at Old Traff ord as he contin- competition. “I don’t think so. moved to Real Madrid in June that we have a group of play- example Mason Mount deserves ues his road back to full fi tness, We have to prove physically, with the Spanish club reported ers... that can step up. The an- his chance completely on abso- would be evaluated. technically and tactically that to have paid around 100mn eu- swer is that as a team we have to lute merit as opposed to age, I “Kante was (a substitute) we are the same as the men. I’m ros ($111.86mn) for the Belgium fi nd a way to carry on. Hazard, will have no fears to play young purely because he had an injury. not afraid about that. Nothing international. Chelsea lost their (John) Terry, (Didier) Drogba, players because it’s important I am very aware of how impor- changes for me,” Frappart, 35, opening Premier League game move on.” for a club like Chelsea that we do tant he is. He picked up another said on the eve of the match in with Lampard in charge 4-0 to The Super Cup pits the that. But they need to deserve small injury in the game, so we Istanbul between the reigning Manchester United on Sunday Champions League winners, their chance. I was pretty proud are assessing that. We have to European champions and the and face Liverpool in the UEFA Liverpool, against the Europa of how we played on Sunday make a decision this evening,” winners of last season’s Europa Super Cup today. Former Eng- League winners, Chelsea. Lam- but we have learnt a few lessons Lampard said. League. land international Lampard says pard said he would continue to which will serve us well in the “Willian and Rudiger are with Frappart has already been a the team can collectively thrive play the club’s young players future,” he added, before insist- us, Willian not far from fi t, it’ll trailblazer for female referees. despite losing Hazard, just as despite criticism from former ing the Super Cup was a game be tough to put him in an in- Earlier this year she became the they did after the departure of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that meant a lot to the club. tense game like this. He is on the fi rst woman to take charge of other club favourites. on Sunday. The Chelsea man- “I am optimistic about to- bench tomorrow. Similar with a match in Ligue 1 in her home “I was a huge fan of Eden Haz- ager started with a young side morrow’s game and proud to Rudiger.” country. She has since been pro- moted to the French top fl ight’s pool of referees on a permanent basis. “My life has changed be- From left: Assistant referee Manuela Nicolosi, fourth off icial Cuneyt cause I am more popular now all Cakir, referee Stephanie Frappart and assistant referee Michelle over the world,” she said, insist- O’Neill pose on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. (Reuters) ing that refereeing a men’s match is the same for her. “I think there Frappart for such a high-profi le trying to make strides. There is is not a lot of diff erence, because men’s fi xture after watching her still a long way to go but in terms football is the same.” at the women’s World Cup. “I of tomorrow (Wednesday) it is a Along with her assistants, hope she will inspire thousands huge moment.” compatriot Manuela Nicolosi of younger women referees all “I think the game has come on and Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill, over the world,” he said, a senti- a long way in many ways, in terms Frappart also took charge of the ment shared by the Chelsea boss, of the women’s World Cup which women’s World Cup fi nal be- Frank Lampard. we all watched this summer, in tween the United States and the “It’s great news, I’m very terms of how much respect the Netherlands last month. Nicolosi pleased to be a part of this mo- game’s getting, how many people and O’Neill will assist her again in ment in history which is very are watching it and the interest in Istanbul. Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s much due,” said Lampard. “I the game. Its a historical moment head of refereeing, said he came think we were very slow every- that is one more step in the right up with the idea of appointing where on this and now we are direction.” Chelsea players take a break during a training session yesterday on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 14, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Bayern cruise past Cottbus to progress in German Cup Kovac’s side begin their Bundesliga title defence at home to Hertha Berlin this Friday

AFP confi rmed yesterday. “Ivan will help Berlin us immediately with his many years of international experience,” said Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. obert Lewandowski was on the “He is technically gifted and fl exible scoresheet and Lucas Hern- in attack.” Perisic, 30, is widely con- andez made his club debut as sidered to be Bayern’s back-up option Bayern Munich eased into the after their bid to sign Leroy Sane was secondR round of the German Cup with derailed by the Manchester City wing- a 3-1 win over fourth-tier side Energie er’s recent knee injury. The 2018 World Cottbus yesterday. Cup fi nalist had already confi rmed the Amid pre-match fears of a double- transfer to German media after he was fi gure scoreline, Cottbus proved their spotted undergoing a medical check in doubters wrong by holding Bayern off Munich on Monday. for half an hour before Lewandowski According to Bild newspaper, Bayern opened the scoring from close range. have paid 5mn euros ($5.6mn) for the Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman Croatian international, with the option both hit the bar before half-time, but to buy him outright for around 20mn it wasn’t until the 65th minute that Euros at the end of the season. Perisic Coman doubled the lead with a fi zzing is a familiar name in Germany, having long-range eff ort. won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Lewandowski then defl ected in Leon Dortmund and the German Cup with Goretzka’s shot six minutes from time Wolfsburg earlier in his career. to complete a comfortable win for Bay- “I am very happy to be back in Ger- ern, who have not lost in the fi rst-round many. Bayern are one of the biggest of the competition since 1994. There clubs in Europe. We don’t want to just was just time for club record sign- win the league and cup, we also want ing Hernandez to come off the bench to attack the Champions League,” said to make his competitive debut and for Perisic. He also played under Bayern Berkan Taz to score a consolation pen- coach Niko Kovac during the latter’s alty for the hosts. “My team played well two-year spell as Croatia coach be- today. I would have liked to bring Her- tween 2013 and 2015. nandez on earlier than the 89th minute, “I am sure that Ivan will integrate but he has a long injury behind him,” quickly as he already knows the Bun- coach Niko Kovac said. Kovac’s side be- desliga and Niko Kovac,” added Sali- gin their Bundesliga campaign at home hamidzic. Perisic’s current contract at to Hertha Berlin this Friday. Inter runs until 2022, but he was re- Elsewhere on Monday, Wolfsburg portedly set to play less of a role under needed two goals in extra time to win new coach Antonio Conte. an eight-goal thriller against third di- At Bayern, he will provide much- vision side Halle. The underdogs twice needed reinforcement on the wing fol- came from behind, scoring an injury- lowing the departure of veteran club time equaliser to make it 3-3 before icons Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery Robin Knoche and Josip Brekalo sealed at the end of last season. The German a 5-3 victory for Wolfsburg in extra giants had initially targeted Sane, but time. Second division clubs Karlsruhe turned their attentions to Perisic after and Stuttgart also reached the second the Manchester City winger tore his round with wins over Hanover and anterior cruciate ligament last week, Hansa Rostock. potentially ruling him out until early 2020. PERISIC JOINS BAYERN ON It remains unclear whether Bayern LOAN FROM INTER MILAN will still make a bid for Sane despite his Meanwhile, Bayern Munich signed injury. Yet several former Bayern play- Inter Milan and Croatia winger Ivan ers have insisted that Perisic would be Perisic on a one-year loan deal, the club more than just a plan B. Cottbus’ goalkeeper Lennart Moser (right) and Bayern Munich’s German forward Thomas Mueller vie for the ball during the German Cup match on Monday. (AFP)

ROUND-UP FOCUS Argentina World Cup winner Luis Brown dies at 62 ‘Unfulfi lled promises’ orld Cup winner Jose newspaper El Mundo, reported. steps of Shinji Okazaki, Gotoku Sakai, Luis Brown, who scored He will also be sentenced to six Hajime Hosogai and Takuma Asano. sparked Newcastle Argentina’s opening goal in months in jail but will not serve time and the 1986 World Cup fi nal instead pay a fi ne of 600,000 euros, the MARSEILLE SACK ADIL RAMI Wagainst West Germany, has died at the paper said. The agreement will be made FOR ‘GROSS MISCONDUCT’ exit, says Benitez age of 62, local media reported on offi cial at a Madrid court on October 4,El French club Marseille said they had Monday. The country’s football as- Mundo reported. sacked World Cup winner Adil Rami AFP sociation confi rmed the former central A Spanish court in January handed reportedly for ‘gross misconduct’ follow- London defender’s death in a tweet, while former Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo ing a disciplinary procedure. The Ligue 1 Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta also a suspended two-year prison sentence outfi t gave no explanation for the deci- tweeted his condolences. for committing tax fraud when he was at sion, saying only that they had “decided afael Benitez says un- Brown, aff ectionately referred to by his Real Madrid. The player, who joined Ital- to end the contract” of Rami, 33, part of fulfi lled promises from nickname ‘Tata’, spent most of his play- ian side Juventus last year, also agreed to France’s 2018 World Cup winning squad. Newcastle owner Mike ing career at Estudiantes, making close to pay 18.8mn euros in fi nes and back taxes L’Equipe sports daily, citing a letter Ashley played a key 300 league appearances for the club. to settle the case, according to judicial sent by the club to Rami, said he had roleR in his decision to quit the At the end of the 1985-86 season, sources. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi paid a been sacked for ‘gross misconduct’ Premier League club for Chi- he was released by Deportivo Espanol two-million-euro fi ne in 2016 in his own after he skipped training to take part in nese Super League team Dalian because of a serious knee injury but tax wrangle and received a 21-month jail a TV reality show. The defender, former Yifang. Benitez left Newcastle was still called up for the World Cup in term. The prison sentence was later re- partner of ex-Baywatch star Pamela when his contract expired dur- Mexico as cover for fi rst-choice sweeper duced to a further fi ne of 252,000 euros, Anderson, had been under investigation ing the close-season after a test- Daniel Passarella. equivalent to 400 euros per day of the since he missed the training session at ing three-year spell at St James’s After Passarella was ruled out of the original term. the end of last season. Park marred by numerous spats tournament due to illness, Brown was Rami, who has played two seasons for with the controversial Ashley. drafted into the starting line-up in a JAPAN INTERNATIONAL ENDO the club, said he was injured but on the The Spaniard’s lucrative move team led by Diego Maradona. Brown, JOINS STUTTGART ON LOAN same day took part in the recording of a to Dalian, on a reported £12mn who won 36 caps for his country, scored Japan international Wataru Endo has French TV show that included demand- ($14.5mn) per year deal, has the only international goal of his career joined German second division side ing physical stunts. In July club president fuelled accusations from New- in the fi nal, heading home a 23rd minute Spain’s tax agency which was investi- Stuttgart on a one-year loan deal, the Jacques-Henri Eyraud told Rami he castle that he only accepted the free-kick as Argentina won 3-2. gating him for non-payment of taxes club announced. Endo, 26 arrives on loan needed to think deeply about “his obli- Chinese off er for financial rea- Later in the game, with Argentina on image rights, a Spanish newspaper from Belgian club Sint-Truiden, whom gations as a player especially as a world sons. Steve Bruce replaced Be- leading by a single goal, he dislocated his reported. The agency said the 30-year- he joined in 2018 after spells at J-League champion”. nitez as Magpies manager, but shoulder in a collision with Norbert Eder old hid income earned in 2014 from a clubs Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red The previous month, Rami hit the the feud has continued, with but refused to leave the pitch, playing sponsorship deal signed with Adidas Diamonds. headlines when US celebrity Anderson Newcastle chief executive Lee through the pain as Argentina won the shortly before he joined Chelsea from The defensive midfi elder won the AFC revealed the pair had broken up follow- Charnley writing in the match- World Cup for the second time. Atletico that year. Champions League with Urawa Red Dia- ing a high-profi le two-year relationship. day programme for Sunday’s Costa, who has both Brazilian and monds in 2017, but will now be scrapping Over the summer Rami was left out of Premier League game against COSTA TO PAY 1.7MN EUROS TO Spanish citizenship, returned to Atletico for promotion with Stuttgart, who were Marseille’s pre-season tour to the United Arsenal that the former Liver- season, they didn’t make me a SETTLE SPAIN TAX FRAUD CASE in 2018. Under a deal with Spain’s tax of- relegated from the Bundesliga last sea- States and dropped from the club’s pool and Real Madrid boss made proper off er. Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has fi ce, Costa will plead guilty to tax evasion son. Endo is the fi fth Japanese player to opening match of the season on Saturday a money-motivated decision. “They told me they didn’t agreed to pay 1.7mn euros ($1.9mn) to and pay 1.1mn euros in back taxes, daily play for Stuttgart, following in the foot- under new coach Andre Villas-Boas. But, in a column for The Ath- want to invest in the academy letic, Benitez made it clear he or the training ground — if they felt let down by the Newcastle like, I can explain the reason why hierarchy, who he says failed to Mike Ashley refused to do that. back his desire for investment in After that meeting, I knew they Danilo raring to link up again with Ronaldo in Juventus the club’s infrastructure, while would not come back with a se- failing to off er him an improved rious off er and, when it arrived, Milan: Brazilian full-back Danilo said and to play with him will be an extra second fiddle to Kyle Walker at right- game and for me it is a very positive contract at the end of last season. 19 days later, it was for the same yesterday the chance to play again motivation.” back. And he believes the move to Italy thing. There were already discussions “I tried to do my best every salary as three years earlier and alongside former Real Madrid teammate The Brazilian won two Champions to play under former Napoli and Chelsea with Juventus in the past, but I believe day, even staying when we went with less control over signings. Cristiano Ronaldo had been a motivat- League titles alongside the five-time manager Maurizio Sarri has come at the that this is the right moment to be here.” down to the Championship and After three years of unfulfi lled ing factor in his move to Juventus. The Ballon d’Or winner at Real Madrid before right time. Meanwhile the Brazilian warned that saying ‘no’ to other off ers — big- promises, I didn’t trust them.” 28-year-old has been signed by the moving to England. “I jokingly said to “Sarri has a very particular style, he the Champions League must not be- ger off ers than the one I recently Benitez could not prevent Italian champions from Manchester City him that I wanted to take the number likes to command play. We saw him in come an obsession as Juventus chase a accepted with Dalian Yifang, by Newcastle from being relegat- with Portuguese international right-back seven jersey, but it was already taken,” England with Chelsea and also Napoli. first European trophy since 1996. “I know the way,” he wrote. ed after joining in March 2016, Joao Cancelo heading in the opposition added the Brazilian, who will wear the It is always diff icult to play against his what the Champions League means for “If I was only interested in but he won promotion from the direction. number 13. teams but it has a style of play that I like. the players, it’s a competition that gives moving ‘for money’, as Charnley Championship the following “I spoke to Ronaldo before coming Danilo was part of the City squad Sarri and (Pep) Guardiola are similar you a special thrill. “But we have to face stated, I could have done it much season and led them to 10th and here,” Danilo told a press conference in that has won five domestic trophies in in style and for what they ask during every game and every competition with earlier. Newcastle’s board had a 13th-placed fi nishes over the Turin. “He spoke very highly of Juventus the past two seasons, but has played the game, they both love to control the the same seriousness.” year to sort out my contract but, past two years in the Premier when we met after the end of last League. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 14, 2019 RUGBY

FOCUS GOALS Japan target World Wallabies bracing for Cup knockout spot aft er Pacifi c triumph

Reuters foundation to cause another up- Tokyo, Japan set at a World Cup. Black-lash at Eden Despite their famous win over South Africa in Brighton four inning the Pacifi c years ago, Japan ultimately failed Nations Cup tri- to reach the quarter-fi nals, a umph has given feat they have never managed to Japan every confi - achieve in eight World Cups. Wdence that they are on the right “Our fi rst goal was to win the track to achieve their goal of PNC,” said Joseph, who took over Park, says Naisarani reaching the quarter-fi nals of the from Eddie Jones in 2016. World Cup for the fi rst time. “The next goal is to go to the After big wins over Fiji and World Cup and play our Japanese Cheika’s men beat Hansen’s squad 47-26 in Perth to take the series into a decider Tonga, Japan overpowered a brand of rugby and make the top dogged United States 34-20 in eight.” Reuters Suva on Saturday to win the ti- Joseph was also delighted Melbourne, Australia tle for the third time and earn with the manner of his team’s a timely confi dence boost six victories, with 14 tries and 109 weeks out from hosting the points chalked up over the three ustralia expect the World Cup. matches. chastened All Blacks to Following a shortened Top Although there were a few dis- fi re up and raise their League domestic rugby compe- ciplinary issues, Japan produced “physical” game at tition, coach Jamie Joseph has a free-fl owing, exciting brand theirA Eden Park fortress on Sat- had all his players in camp for six of rugby that is sure to whet the urday as the world champions months with the aim of peaking appetite of Japanese fans for the look to bounce back from the for the World Cup. World Cup. Perth upset and retain the Bl- “I think it all came down to Japan have one more test be- edisloe Cup. preparation,” Brave Blossoms fore the World Cup and it is an The Wallabies thrashed the captain Michael Leitch told re- imposing one — a clash with All Blacks 47-26 at Perth Sta- porters. “We’ve been together southern hemisphere champions dium to take the annual trans- since February and all the hard South Africa in Saitama on Sept. Tasman series into a decider and work has paid off . 6. lift Australia’s hopes of reclaim- “I think we’re on the right Drawn in Pool A along with ing the trophy for the fi rst time track (for the World Cup).” Ireland, Samoa, Scotland and since 2002. With most national teams Russia, Japan’s fate may come The All Blacks were reduced only coming together following down to their fi nal group show- to 14 men at the stroke of half- strenuous domestic competi- down against the Scots in Yoko- time due to a red card to lock tions, Japan believe they will be hama on Oct. 13. Scott Barrett, but the Wallabies’ the best prepared side for the It was the Scots who brought six-try performance garnered World Cup after their long period the Brave Blossoms down to earth glowing reviews from both sides together in camp. with a 45-10 thumping four days of ‘the ditch’ and was a huge The victory in Suva also moved after their upset of South Africa boost for Michael Cheika’s side Japan up to ninth in the world — in 2015 but Japan will be confi - six weeks out from the World their joint highest-ever ranking dent plenty has changed since Cup in Japan. — and has given them a strong then. Rookie number eight Isi Naisarani said the match was the most bruising of his three tests to date but he expected the All Blacks to go up a level at a venue where they remain unbeaten since a 23-20 loss to France in 1994. Australia’s Kurtley Beale (right) celebrates with teammates Lukhan Salakaia (centre) and Matt Toomua (left) after scoring a try against New “I think they’re going to come Zealand during their Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match in Perth, Australia, on Saturday. (AFP) hard at us. They’re going to (be) fi red up and yeah, they’re going to be physical as well,” Naisara- ni told reporters in Melbourne All Blacks vow to keep it clean in Bledisloe decider yesterday. “So we need to mess them up.” AFP Australia have not beaten Wellington, New Zealand the All Blacks at the Auckland cauldron since 1986 and have suff ered a string of one-sided he All Blacks yesterday thrashings by Steve Hansen’s warned Australia will face side there in recent years. Tintense physical battle in But they will arrive this week the Bledisloe Cup decider but with hope of fi nally breaking the vowed to stay on the right side drought, with the All Blacks in a of the law. rare state of disorganisation. The world champions were With Barrett suspended for keen to place the emphasis on three weeks for his danger- discipline for Saturday’s crunch ous charge on captain Michael match in Auckland after lock Hooper and Brodie Retallick Scott Barrett was handed a three- battling a shoulder injury, the match suspension for a shoulder home side have a sudden short- charge in last week’s shock 47-26 Japan’s Michael Leitch (centre) talks with teammates during their age of second row forwards. loss to the Wallabies. Pacific Nations Cup final against the US in Suva, Fiji, on Saturday. (AFP) In-form centre Jack Goodhue “We lost the physical battle and will also miss the match with a we’ve got to be better at that hamstring injury, though able (but) that doesn’t mean you go New Zealand players tackle Australia’s Kurtley Beale during the Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup replacements abound in the po- out there and just be physical match in Perth, Australia, on Saturday. (AFP) Boks call on uncapped front-row sition. at all costs,” assistant coach Ian Australia, meanwhile, can look Foster told reporters. then you’re going to expose historic first-ever victory over “We want to play hard, but we’ve duo for Argentina test forward to the return of world “The most physical players yourself to judgement.” New Zealand in Chicago two also got to play fair,” he said. class loose forward David Pocock, are the smart ones who know The All Blacks have form for weeks earlier. “There are a thousand diff erent Reuters New Zealand and Argentina. who is expected to be available for how to accelerate into contact, going in hard after a defeat, But veteran lock Sam Whitelock cameras and diff erent angles, Pretoria, South Africa Erasmus announced on Mon- selection after battling a serious they’re accurate with clean- dishing out a brutal beating said his side could not aff ord things you probably got away day that captain Siya Kolisi calf injury for months. outs and they do it within the to Ireland in Dublin in Novem- to let intensity slide into ill- with in the past is something would also return from injury Wallabies fullback Kurtley bounds of the law — if you don’t ber 2016 to avenge the hosts’ discipline. that’s not going to happen now.” outh Africa have called for the Test in Pretoria, which Beale said there were virtues in on uncapped front-row is the penultimate match for sticking to the same starting 15 Sduo Scarra Ntubeni and the Springboks before they that racked up a record 47 points Barrett banned for three weeks for red card Wilco Louw for Saturday’s start their World Cup cam- against the All Blacks but master one-off Test against Argen- paign against New Zealand in ball-poacher Pocock would be a Reuters easing fears that New Zealand The judicial committee said the suspension to three weeks,” the tina as coach Rassie Erasmus Yokohama on Sept. 21. hard man to keep out. Sydney, Australia might face a shortage of locks off ence warranted a six-week governing body said in a state- prepares to rest a number of The Boks claimed the 2019 “He was the guy with the most for the World Cup. ban but that had been cut in half. ment. Barrett’s ban further de- players at Loftus Versfeld. Rugby Championship title with energy out there (at training),” he Barrett became only the fourth “Taking into account mitigating pletes the stocks of second row In addition to hooker Ntubeni a 46-13 win over Argentina in said of the 31-year-old fl anker. “I ll Blacks forward Scott All Blacks player to be sent off factors including the player’s forwards available to All Blacks and prop Louw, loose forward Salta on Saturday, which fol- think we’re kind of holding him Barrett has been sus- in a test after being adjudged exemplary judicial record, his coach Steve Hansen after former Marco van Staden and utility lowed victory over Australia in back a little bit as well... Apended for three weeks to have made contact with the expressed remorse and the fact world player of the year Brodie back Dillyn Leyds have also re- Johannesburg and a draw with “His addition to the team for his dismissal in the 47-26 head of Australia captain Michael the player has pleaded guilty at Retallick dislocated his shoulder joined the squad after they were New Zealand in Wellington. would be awesome, someone of loss to Australia last weekend, Hooper during the Rugby Cham- the first available opportunity, in the draw against South Africa left out for the away Rugby Erasmus will name his team his calibre and experience would SANZAAR said yesterday, pionship match in Perth. the committee reduced the with two weeks ago. Championship matches against for the Argentina test today. be very, very welcome.”

BOTTOMLINE Lack of scrum-half cover could haunt England at World Cup: Woodward Reuters wrote in a column for the Daily Woodward suspected that fl y- London, United Kingdom Mail. “Overall it looks a great half George Ford would be asked to squad but I have one major issue fi ll in at scrum-half in the event of — the fact that England are only an injury to Youngs or Heinz. he decision to take only taking two scrum-halves. “Eddie will have to get away two specialist scrum- “If either Ben Youngs or Willi with it and be lucky. I hope he is,” halves to the Rugby Heinz — or both — pulls up on the he added. World Cup in Japan could Friday before a Saturday match, “It could be something that Tcome back to haunt England, you do not have the time to fl y is never mentioned again but if former coach Clive Woodward someone out to Japan and replace there are injuries, England could has said. them. be in real trouble. Coach Eddie Jones announced “At the World Cup, if a player “No doubt Eddie sees George his 31-man squad for the tourna- is injured and replaced they can- Ford as his back-up scrum-half, ment on Monday and included not come back into the squad, so but it’s a tough call for Ford to the experienced Ben Youngs and if someone picks up a slight ham- play 80 minutes at number nine New Zealand-born test rookie string pull they could be out for against a heavyweight of world Willi Heinz as his two options for the tournament. rugby.” the number nine jersey. “You would then go into a big The World Cup begins on Sept. “This is a full metal jacket game without your specialist 20 and England start their Pool C squad,” Woodward, who led Eng- number nine on the fi eld and with campaign against Tonga in Sap- land to World Cup glory in 2003, no proper back-up on the bench.” poro two days later. England’s squad has two scrum-halves in the World Cup squad — Ben Youngs (left) and Willi Heinz (right). (AFP/Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 14, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Enticing matchups highlight 2019-20 schedule Reuters ets’ Russell Westbrook returning to face his were reduced from 57 to 33. The Lakers will Raptors’ Lowry withdraws from US World Cup team Los Angeles former Thunder teammates in Oklahoma have the most national TV appearances (31), City on January 9 after previously playing followed up the Golden State Warriors (30), Kyle Lowry of the NBA have to sit this one out and sup- The United States will be without them in Houston on Oct. 28, and new Clip- who will get the chance to show off their champion Toronto Raptors has port the team from home.” a host of top NBA talent in China. hen the NBA released its regu- pers forward Paul George also returning to new arena, the Clippers and Rockets (26), withdrawn from consideration US coach Gregg Popovich is also LeBron James said in April that lar season and TV schedules for Oklahoma City, on December 22. the Celtics (25) and the Milwaukee Bucks and for the US Basketball World Cup awaiting word on the fitness of he would not be available and the 2019-20 season on Mon- Also, Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley plays in Philadelphia 76ers (24). Williamson and the team due to a thumb injury. Boston Celtics guard Marcus more recently NBA stars includ- day, there were some immediate Memphis for the fi rst time as a visitor on No- Pelicans will be on national TV 20 times. The Raptors guard had surgery Smart, who missed the intra- ing James Harden, Anthony Wmatchups worth noting that involve moving- vember 15, and Boston guard Kemba Walker The previously announced Christmas Day on his left thumb in July and had squad exhibition game in Las Davis and Kawhi Leonard have on All-Stars like Kawhi Leonard and Anthony makes his return to Charlotte on November 7. schedule includes fi ve games – beginning hoped to recover and play for Vegas on Friday with tightness opted out of the US squad, Davis. There are many other highlights with the with the Celtics at Raptors at noon ET; other the United States in their bid to in his calf. preferring to prepare for the Leonard, who helped the Toronto Raptors NBA schedule, in its 74th regular season that matchups (all times ET) are Bucks at 76ers win a third straight World Cup The United States squad is to NBA season. win an NBA title in June, is now with the Los tips off on October 22 and ends on April 15. (2:30pm), Rockets at Warriors (5pm), Clip- title in China. resume training in California this Angeles Clippers, who will meet his former Opening night includes a doubleheader with pers-Lakers (8pm) and Pelicans at Denver “I was hoping to be cleared week, with an exhibition game team in Toronto on December 11. the Pelicans at the Raptors on ring night, and Nuggets (10:30pm). and ready for the tournament, scheduled against Spain on Davis, who moved from the New Orleans what promises to be the beginning of a more Games on TNT, ESPN, ABC and NBA TV but I was not cleared for full Friday in Anaheim. Pelicans to join LeBron James with the Los heated rivalry when the Lakers and Clippers will include fl exible scheduling during the basketball activities,” he wrote The Americans will fly to Austral- Angeles Lakers, goes back to the Big Easy to meet in the battle for Los Angeles. regular season “to provide the most compel- on Instagram. “I was hoping to ia the following day, where they face No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson and Co. Twelve of TNT’s 31 doubleheaders and 22 ling matchups to a national audience,” the be available in time to help my are scheduled to play two friend- on November 27, the same day the Brooklyn of ESPN’s 36 doubleheaders will tip off at league said in a release. country in their quest for the lies against the Aussies and one Nets’ Kyrie Irving goes back to Boston to 7:30/10pm ET or 7/9:30pm ET, a half-hour The All-Star Game is February 16 in Chi- gold this upcoming tournament. against Canada before the World meet his ex-Celtics teammates. or hour earlier than last year’s 8/10:30pm cago. There are no games from February 14- “I love playing for USAB but I Cup starts on August 31. Other notables include the Houston Rock- starts. National TV starts at 10:30pm ET 19.

MLB NFL Raiders receiver Brown loses Gleyber homers helmet grievance

Reuters The Raiders acquired the New York seven-time Pro Bowl selection from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade in March and later akland Raiders signed him to a three-year, twice more, Yanks receiver Anto- $50.125 million contract. nio Brown lost his Brown caught at least 100 helmet grievance passes and exceeded 1,200 againstO the NFL, but plans to receiving yards in each of return to the team. the past six seasons with the Brown sought to wear his Steelers. He appeared in 130 old helmet, which is no longer games with Pittsburgh from certifi ed by the National Op- 2010-18, catching 837 passes sweep DH from O’s erating Committee for Stand- for 11,207 yards and 74 touch- ards and Athletic Equipment downs. The Yankees won their 14th straight meeting with the Orioles and lead the season series 15-2 (NOCSAE). Brown, who was traded COWBOYS PRECOTT Reuters to Oakland in the off season, TURNS DOWN New York reportedly had a two-hour $3MN-PER-YEAR OFFER conference call with an inde- Dak Prescott reportedly pendent arbitrator on Friday. turned down $30 million a leyber Torres hit two more hom- He sought to convince the year from the Dallas Cowboys ers off the Baltimore Orioles, and arbitrator that he should be and wants to be the highest- the New York Yankees recorded able to maintain wearing the paid quarterback in the NFL. an 11-8 victory to complete a head gear that he was using NFL Network’s Jane Slater Gsweep of a day-night doubleheader Mon- as a member of the Pittsburgh reported Monday that Pres- day at Yankee Stadium. Steelers. cott is “seeking a contract The Yankees won their 14th straight Brown revealed his feelings worth $40mn per year.” meeting with the Orioles and lead the about the decision on his In- ProFootballTalk.com’s season series 15-2. They have 59 homers stagram account. Charean Williams reported, against Baltimore, extending the major “While I disagree with citing her own sources, that league record for homers against an op- the arbitrator’s decision I’m Prescott did not demand $40 ponent in a season. working on getting back to full million per year. Torres, who also homered in Monday’s health and looking forward to The highest-paid quarter- fi rst game, has 13 of his 26 homers against rejoining my teammates on back in the NFL in terms of av- Baltimore, the most by any player against the fi eld,” Brown wrote. “I’m erage annual value is the Seat- an opponent in a single season since divi- excited about this season ap- tle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson. sional play began in 1969. preciate all the concerns about The Seahawks made Wilson the Five of his six multi-homer games this my feet! #AlwaysAFight top-paid passer in the league at season are against Baltimore, a major #Represent #itsbiggerthan- $35mn per year on a new deal league record, and he produced his eighth me,” Brown said. this year, the latest in a string career multi-homer game. According to published re- of new contracts for quarter- After a solo drive in New York’s 8-5 win ports, the 31-year-old Brown backs including Aaron Rodgers in the opener, Torres slugged three-run feels the new helmets certifi ed (Green Bay Packers) and Matt homers in consecutive at-bats off Evan by the NFL interfere with his Ryan (Atlanta Falcons). Phillips and Tom Eshelman in the night- vision as he attempts to catch In June, the Fort Worth cap. football. Star-Telegram reported Pres- In the fi fth, Torres hammered a 0-1 NOCASE will not certify cott had considered an off er slider well over the left-center fi eld fence a helmet older than 10 years, worth $34mn per year. Not to give the Yankees an 8-3 lead. An inning according to the league policy. long after, Prescott said he later, he hit a fi rst-pitch slider into the left The NFL and NFLPA added wouldn’t put a ceiling on his fi eld seats to push New York’s lead to 11-3. 11 helmets to their joint list of value or consider a “home- Torres missed a chance at a three-hom- approved models for the 2019 town” discount. er game when the Orioles intentionally season. At the end of last sea- “For somebody to say you walked him in the eight to load the bases son, the NFL said 32 players can only take so much be- after the Yankees had runners at fi rst and were wearing helmets that be- cause of the salary cap or second. came banned for 2019. you can only do this or that, I Rookie Mike Ford also homered for the Among other players grant- don’t know how fair that is to Yankees, who won for the 12th time in ed a one-year exemption for say,” Prescott told USA Today. their last 14 games overall. Brett Gardner outdated helmets for the 2018 “Because with gambling, with hit a bases-clearing triple in the fi rst, and season were Packers quarter- everything going into this Breyvic Valera scored the other run on a back Aaron Rodgers and Pa- league, everything is going to throwing error by catcher Chance Sisco triots quarterback Tom Brady. continue to keep going up.” after advancing on a wild pitch. Brady said Monday he has Whether the Cowboys are Trey Mancini and Hanser Alberto switched helmets because “I in a position, or can create the homered for Baltimore. Alberto hit a don’t really have much of a salary-cap room, to sign Pres- three-run homer in the seventh and choice.” Brown’s reference to cott while negotiating with scored Baltimore’s fi rst run on a ground- his feet is a reference to him holdout running back Ezekiel out by Rio Ruiz in the third, two batters getting frostbite-like symp- Elliott and wide receiver Am- before Mancini hit a two-run drive. toms after using a cryotherapy ari Cooper is unclear. Pres- Chad Green opened with 1 1/3 score- machine in France without the cott and Cooper are present at less innings. Joe Mantiply (1-0) followed proper footwear. Brown re- training camp. Prescott has 67 with three innings, and Brady Lail allowed cently revealed pictures of the touchdown passes and 25 in- Alberto’s homer in his major league debut injured feet, and head coach terceptions since entering the and pitched 2 2/3 innings. Jon Gruden defended the re- NFL in 2016 and taking over Nestor Cortes Jr. loaded the bases in the ceiver saying the incident as the starter from an injured ninth, and Adam Ottavino allowed a two- “was not his fault.” Tony Romo. run single to Ruiz before converting his second save. New York Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres reacts after hitting a three run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth Orioles starter Ty Blach allowed seven inning of game two of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports runs (six earned) on seven hits in four- plus innings in his Baltimore debut. He fi rst inning as Toronto’s opener, Mazara Jansen and Bichette singled with one struck out four and walked three. RESULTS hit his 16th homer with one out in the sec- out. Jansen took third on Cavan Biggio’s The Orioles lost for the seventh time in ond against Brock Stewart (2-0). Stewart fl yout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Yankees 11-8 Orioles eight games. They have allowed 248 hom- wound up allowing three runs and fi ve hits Jr.’s single. Adrian Sampson replaced Jura- ers, the most in American League history, Yankees 8-5 Orioles in 5 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays scored twice do and allowed an RBI double to Smoak tied with the 2017 Cincinnati Reds for the Indians 6-5 Red Sox in the bottom of the second against Rang- and a two-run double to Grichuk. Sampson walked the next two batters second-most all-time and 10 shy of the Blue Jays 19-4 Rangers ers starter Ariel Jurado (6-8). Grichuk led all-time record set by the 2016 Reds. off with an infi eld single, Derek Fisher to load the bases, and Drury hit the 14th Nationals 7-6 Reds walked with one out and Drury hit an RBI homer of the season. The Blue Jays added JAYS BASH FOUR HOMERS, ROUT D’backs 8-6 Rockies single. two in the fi fth against Brett Martin on RANGERS 19-4 Pirates 10-2 Angels After Drury was forced out at second Smoak’s RBI double and Grichuk’s run- Brandon Drury hit his fi rst career grand on Jansen’s grounder, Bichette hit an RBI scoring groundout. Biggio hit a two-run slam and drove in fi ve runs, Justin Smoak Rays 10-4 Padres single and was out trying to extend it into double in the sixth against Jesse Chavez. and Randal Grichuk each homered and a double. Jurdado gave up eight runs and In the seventh, Stewart allowed Calhoun’s had four RBIs, and the Toronto Blue Jays of a three-game series. Drury extended 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings. 10th homer and Odor’s 21st before Buddy defeated the visiting Texas Rangers 19-4 his hitting streak to nine games. Smoak, The Blue Jays increased the lead to 5-1 Boshers replaced him. Rangers catcher Monday night. Grichuk and Jansen each had three hits. with a three-run third. Smoak hit a two- Jeff Mathis pitched the eighth and allowed Danny Jansen added a two-run home Nomar Mazara, Willie Calhoun and run homer, his 19th, and Grichuk followed two hits, including Jansen’s 11th homer. run, and Bo Bichette had four hits and Rougned Odor homered for the Rangers. with his 21st long ball. The Blue Jays Texas’ Jose Trevino had an RBI single in three runs for the Blue Jays in the opener After Neil Ramirez pitched a perfect scored eight runs in the fourth. the ninth against Justin Shafer. Oakland Raiders receiver Antonio Brown. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 14, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS Gauff , Stosur PARALYMPICS get US Open wildcards Tokyo Marathon to

Reuters Murray won’t play New York, United States start earlier due to merican heat fears teenager Cori A“Coco” Gauff Reuters hottest time of the day.” and former champion Tokyo Besides high temperatures, US Open singles Samantha Stosur were organisers may have to contend among players to be with Japan’s notoriously dev- given wildcards into he marathon race at the astating typhoon season, which the main draw of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics usually runs from July to Octo- US Open starting later will start 30 minutes ber. this month, organisers earlier than originally Murofushi did not provide de- Tscheduled, as part of the organ- tails of Tokyo 2020’s measures said yesterday. aft er loss in Cincy Gauff , 15, stunned play- isers’ eff orts to tackle the heat should a huge typhoon hit during ers and fans alike when threat to athletes and fans in the the Paralympics but said a con- Kyrgios defeats Sonego in straight sets in their duel under the lights she made her debut Japanese capital. tingency plan was in place. in the main draw of a With less than a year to go un- “Basically, we aim to hand all Reuters Grand Slam at this year’s til the start of the Olympics, the the medals to athletes — this is Cincinnati, United States Wimbledon, reaching Games’ ability to contend with what we aim to do foremost — by the fourth round where extreme heat is a key talking the closing ceremony,” added the she was beaten by even- point, particularly after a worker former Olympic gold medallist ndy Murray an- tual champion Simona at a Tokyo 2020 construction site hammer thrower. nounced on Monday Halep. died on Thursday, with heat- “Of course, there will be vari- he would not play sin- Gauff , the youngest stroke suspected as the cause. ous situations where we cannot gles at the US Open finalist in the girls’ Soaring temperatures have hold a competition and we aim to afterA losing in his long-awaited killed at least 57 people across create the contingency plan ac- singles event at the US return from hip surgery at the Open in 2017 aged 13, Japan since late July, highlighting cordingly. Cincinnati Masters. is one of five teenag- the possible health threat to ath- “There is an extra day planned, The Scot lost 6-4, 6-4 to Ri- ers given wildcards at letes and fans. but this is not something we will chard Gasquet in his fi rst singles Flushing Meadows. While announcing the full announce in advance.” match since January before say- Americans Caty Mc- schedule of the Paralympics, Tickets for the Paralympics ing he had turned down a wild Nally, Whitney Osuigwe which runs from August 25 to Sep- will go on sale for Japanese resi- card into the men’s draw at the and Katie Volynets tember 6, organisers said changes dents in a lottery starting on year’s fi nal Grand Slam. (all 17) and France’s were being made to accommodate August 22, with ticket prices for “I am not going to play US 16-year-old Diane the high temperatures, including groups and families starting for Open singles,” the 32-year-old Parry, who became starting the marathon at 6.30am as little as 500 yen ($4.75). said. “I didn’t feel I was able to the youngest player local time (2130GMT). The low-priced tickets are make that decision before to- this decade to win a “As it has been discussed a aimed at under-12 children and day’s match.” main-draw match in the lot, the heat countermeasures those with disabilities in a bid to He indicated, though, that he French Open in May, are something we must take into boost attendance and interest in would play doubles and mixed also received them. consideration. Even though it the Games. doubles at Flushing Meadows Australia’s Stosur, US will be held at the end of August The most expensive tickets in two weeks and left open the Open champion in 2011, it will still be hot,” said Games are for the opening ceremony door for possibly for playing be- will be making her 15th director Koji Murofushi. on Aug. 25. The highest catego- fore then. appearance in the main “From the ‘athletes fi rst’ point ry will cost 150,000 yen (about “I may play Winston-Salem draw. The 35-year-old, of view, the start time of mara- $1,427) while the costliest sports potentially,” he said of the North who last reached a thon has been moved 30 minutes are the fi nals of the swimming Carolina event, which starts in Andy Murray (left) of Great Britain congratulates Richard Gasquet of France on his win at the Western Grand Slam singles early from 7am to 6.30am. and wheelchair basketball. six days. and Southern Open in Mason, United States, on Monday. (AFP) semi-final in 2016 at “For triathlon, we moved the Men’s wheelchair basketball — “But I’ll probably look at just Roland Garros, was also start from 8am to 7.30am and for one of the most popular events playing doubles and mixed dou- ego 7-6, 6-4 in their fi rst-round “I’m super happy with that Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic a doubles champion in equestrian, by adding a day to at any Paralympics — is the fi - bles. That’s what I will do at the duel under the lights. week but I’m trying to build on upset Canadian Felix Auger Ali- New York in 2005. the duration of the competition nal medal event and will be held US Open.” The unpredictable Austral- it,” Kyrgios said of winning the assime 6-3, 6-3. American Jack Sock from four to fi ve days, we avoid before the closing ceremony on In his fi rst match since the ian bowed for the crowd after title in Washington. American Sam Querrey and headlines the men’s having the competition at the September 6. hip resurfacing surgery which an impressive backhand stab “It was an amazing week, Japan’s Yodhihito Nishioka were singles wildcards. he hopes will prolong his career, volley gave him a 4-2 lead in the awesome memories. I’m trying also winners, Querrey outlast- The 26-year-old, who Murray started tentatively but second set but he was otherwise to create more things like that.” ing France’s Pierre-Hughues was sidelined for six WEIGHTLIFTING improved as the went on, even if business-like in the win. Next up for Kyrgios is a fi rst Herbert 7-6 (2), 7-6 (1) and months after sustain- he was always up against it after Kyrgios, who won the Citi career meeting with eighth seed Nishioka defeated Australian ing a thumb injury at Gasquet broke his serve to start Open last week, said he was Karen Khachanov in the second Jordan Thompson 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. the Australian Open, both sets. ready to build on that success round today. World number two Rafael is looking to maintain Russians suspended after he was eliminated in the Earlier, Marin Cilic became Nadal, the second seed, with- his streak of playing in KYRGIOS ADVANCES fi rst round of the Rogers Cup on the fi rst seed to fall when he drew overnight, citing fatigue every US Open main A focused Nick Kyrgios later Tuesday following an argument was eliminated by Radu Albot after winning his fi fth Rogers draw since 2010. on lab returns defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Son- with the chair umpire. of Moldova 6-4, 7-6 (6), while Cup title on Sunday. AFP “on the evidence arising from Lausanne, Switzerland the investigations conducted by FOCUS Prof. McLaren and the WADA Tsitsipas and Intelligence & Investigations de- ive Russian weightlift- partment (WADA I&I) into the Kyrgios to play ers, including a 2012 Ol- Russian doping scheme.” in Laver Cup ympic bronze medallist, The IWF said it had decided to Sharapova win sets up Barty battle have been provisionally act “in view of the severity of the suspendedF after doping tests on asserted anti-doping rule viola- Reuters Bengaluru, India Reuters samples recovered from the tions and compelling nature of Cincinnati, United States Moscow lab, the International the evidence.” Weightlifting Federation (IWF) It added that there could be orld number said yesterday. other suspensions after follow- seven Stefanos aria Sharapova Ruslan Albegov, 31, who took up investigations by the IWF and WTsitsipas is set to overpowered Ali- a London Games bronze in the the Lausanne-based Interna- make his debut at the Laver son Riske 6-3, 7-6 +105 kilo category and won tional Testing Agency which was Cup in Geneva in Septem- (4) at the Cincin- back-to-back world titles in the created last year. Mnati Masters on Monday to set next two years, was suspended In a statement, IWF President ber for Team Europe while Australia’s Nick Kyrgios up a tantalising second-round along with women’s -63 kilo Tamas Ajan said: “The IWF re- was also named in Team battle with world number two 2013 world champion Tima Tu- grets these additional cases of World, the organisers said Ashleigh Barty, who defeated rieva. doping in our sport from some yesterday. the Russian at this year’s Aus- Also provisionally banned were years ago. We note without any The Laver Cup, a three-day tralian Open. 2013 -105 kilo silver medal winner satisfaction that weightlifting team event between Europe Sharapova struggled at times David Bedzhanyan, 30, Oleg Chen, was far from the only sport to and the rest of the world, with her accuracy but unleashed also 30 and twice a -69 kilo worlds have been aff ected by the exten- became an off icial part of some massive serves and played runner-up and Egor Klimanov, 26, sive and historical Russian dop- the ATP Tour in May this stout defence at key moments who won a -69 kilo European sil- ing revealed by whistleblowers, year following its runaway on her return to the tournament ver this year. the media and WADA.” success in its first two edi- after a fi ve year absence. The suspensions come af- But he stressed the IWF was tions in Prague and Chicago. Fellow tournament wild card ter the analysis of samples from determined “to protect clean The event, named after Riske looked poised to send the Another former world The 14th-seeded Konta’s 7-5, 6-2 on centre court as she Moscow’s doping lab. sport” and had not shown “any Australian great Rod Laver, match to a third set when she number one, Caroline Woz- biggest weakness was her sec- maintained her streak of never The World Anti-Doping hesitation in taking the right de- who won 11 Grand Slams be- was serving on 5-3 and 15-0 in niacki, fell to rising Ukrainian ond serve as the Swede won 62 having lost a set to Davis, hav- Agency (WADA) said in April it cisions.” tween 1960 and 1969, drew the second set but Sharapova teenager Dayana Yastremska percent of those points against ing beaten her four times. had retrieved 2,262 samples from After the International Ol- sellout crowds last year as a upped her game to force a tie- 6-4, 6-4 under the lights to the error-prone Briton. Williams fended off seven Moscow’s former drug-testing ympic Committee placed the number of top-ranked play- breaker. close out the day’s action. Svetlana Kuznetsova upset of the eight break points she laboratory. Last month, WADA weightlifting under surveillance ers such as Roger Federer Former world number one The unseeded Dane had her 11th seeded Anastasija Sev- faced, and won 61 percent of said that some 300 Russian ath- in March following a slew of and Novak Djokovic took and fi ve-time Grand Slam opportunities but converted astova 7-6 (3), 6-7 (4), 6-4 in points when returning the letes suspected of doping had doping cases, the IWF stepped part with the Europeans champion Sharapova prevailed just four of her 15 break point their fi rst-round battle to set Davis second serve. been identifi ed and added that up its anti-doping eff orts, the winning 13-8. on her fourth match point to chances against Yastremska, up a second round clash with Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintse- the data of 43 had been sent to federation received the green Kyrgios is no stranger to the set up the meeting with top who was making her Cincin- Yastremska. va and Belarusian Aliaksandra the relevant federations. light for participation in the 2024 Laver Cup, having played for seeded Barty. nati debut. Seven times Grand Slam Sasnovich earlier won three set To date, only two federations Paris Games. Team World in the first two Barty defeated Sharapova in Johanna Konta suff ered her champion Venus Williams matches. — the International Biathlon Even so, WADA said in July that editions which were both the fourth round of the Aus- second straight fi rst-round moved through the fi rst round Putintseva defeated Jelena Federation and the IWF — have unless the federations took action won by Team Europe. tralian Open in January and exit at a tournament as she fell when she defeated compatriot Ostapenko of Latvia 6-2, 7-6 suspended athletes on the basis on data showing up doping in- The Laver Cup will run from both will be looking to sharpen 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to qualifi er Re- Lauren Davis in straight sets (3), 6-3 and Sasnovich beat of that data. fringements it would reserve the Sept. 20-22. their games ahead of the US becca Peterson in a marathon earlier in the day. Astra Sharma of Australia 6-1, The IWF said yesterday that right to take matters to the Court Open later this month. fi rst-round match. Wild card Williams won 4-6, 6-1. the athletes had been suspended of Arbitration for Sport.

BOTTOMLINE Government has no say in Pakistan Davis Cup tie plans: India’s sports minister

AFP/Reuters terday that the Indian tennis then whether India will play with confi dence the ITF and Pakistan the safety of all the stakeholders however, we will continue to and train connection is stalled.” Mumbai, India players want their Davis Cup tie Pakistan becomes a political deci- Tennis Federation would organ- and the details of the security plan monitor the situation closely An Indian tennis team last went moved over safety fears. sion. But Davis Cup is not bilateral ise an “excellent” Asia/Oceania prepared... so that we can start ap- with our advisers.” to Pakistan in 1964 for a Davis Cup Pakistan last week expelled In- and is organised by a world sport- Group 1 tie but said more security plying for visas (and) make neces- Yesterday, Chatterjee told AFP, tie, defeating their hosts 4-0, while ndia’s sports minister has dia’s ambassador and suspended ing body,” Indian sports minister checks might be in order. sary travel arrangements.” “Mahesh Bhupathi, the Indian Pakistan lost 3-2 on their last visit to said his government will not bilateral trade with its neighbour Kiren Rijiju was quoted as saying “We are aware that you had In a statement to Reuters, the captain, has spoken to me. It is India in 2006. Pakistan was forced prevent the team from play- after New Delhi removed “special in various media outlets. done a safety check before the ITF said, “Safety and security are very concerning for the players to to host their ties at neutral venues ing the Davis Cup tie in Pa- status” from its portion of the “Since India is a signatory to diplomatic ties have been down- the ITF’s highest priority. We are participate under such circum- for more than a decade as teams Ikistan next month as it was not contested region of Kashmir. the Olympic charter. Therefore, graded,” secretary-general Chat- working closely with the host na- stances. They are looking for a refused to travel to the country be- a bilateral series, while the Inter- The AITA has already named a the Government of India or the terjee wrote. “ITF may fi nd it tion and independent expert se- remedy to play elsewhere. cause of security concerns. national Tennis Federation (ITF) six-member squad under captain national federation do not have a appropriate to do another check curity advisors — the ITF is sat- “We have told the ITF that They played their fi rst home expressed satisfaction with the Mahesh Bhupathi for the Sep- say on whether India will partici- to its own satisfaction to ensure isfi ed with their current security the Indian ambassador has been tie after a gap of 12 years against current safety plan in place for tember 14-15 tie but subsequent pate or not,” he added. the safety of all the stakeholders assessment of the site and the se- sent back, diplomatic relations Iran in 2017, while Hong Kong the tie in Islamabad. developments have put a ques- In an e-mail to the ITF on connected with the tie. curity plan in place. have been downgraded, air- was relegated and fi ned by the Meanwhile, the All India Ten- tion mark over the contest. Monday, AITA chief Hironmoy “AITA is, therefore, waiting for “The overall security risk rat- space over Pakistan for Indian ITF after they refused to travel to nis Association (AITA) said yes- “If it is a bilateral sporting event, Chatterjee said India had full your fi nal certifi cate confi rming ing for Pakistan has not changed, flights has been stopped, road Pakistan the same year. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 14, 2019 7 CRICKET

ASHES Smith’s run-spree sparks Bradman comparisons AFP managed a feat that proved be- Such an option is no longer London yond ‘The Don’. available to current England cap- Some observers deprecated tain Joe Root, whose revamped Bradman’s fondness for the pull, bowling attack will have to hold n Australia bats- while a stance that saw him pick their nerve against Smith during man with a technique up his bat from a position be- this week’s second Test at Lord’s. that departs from the tween his feet rather than behind Neil Harvey, the last surviv- coaching manual piling the back foot was certainly un- ing member of the ‘Invincibles’ onA the runs in the Ashes - Eng- orthodox. - the Australia side captained land have been here before. These, however, seem like mi- by Bradman that won the 1948 But should Steve Smith be nor ‘imperfections’ compared Ashes in England 4-0 as part of compared to the greatest of them to the way in which the fi dgety an unbeaten 34-match tour - is all, Don Bradman? Smith - who has his laces taped well placed to assess both his old The pair have been mentioned to his boots as he does not like skipper and Smith, stripped of repeatedly in the same breath to see them - shuffl es across his the Australia captaincy last year since Smith hit innings of 144 crease before each ball he faces. after the ball-tampering row. and 142 during Australia’s 251- Such an approach ought to “He (Smith) showed a lot of run win over England in the fi rst make Smith a prime candidate resolve - he must’ve got a lot Test at Edgbaston, a triumphant for lbw yet he has scored fi ve of heckling from the crowd (at return to Test cricket following centuries in his past six Ashes Edgbaston), he just put his head a 12-month ban for his role in a Tests, averaging 139. down and made runs,” Harvey ball-tampering scandal. But there is method in all of told the ABC. Yet amid cricket’s welter of this. As Smith explained two “He’s a top player, that fella. statistics, one fi gure stands years ago, he used to take guard He’s a really top-class player.” alone - Bradman’s Test batting on middle stump and not have a Harvey, now aged 90, was an average of 99.94. ‘trigger’ foot movement. How- Australian legend himself, aver- Taking 20 innings as the ever, he found this left him aging 48.41 in 79 Tests, but he minimum qualifi cation, Smith vulnerable to edges outside off shies away from making com- is currently second to Bradman stump, a common mode of dis- parisons between Bradman and with 62.96. No one either be- missal for most batsmen. Smith. fore and certainly not in the 70 Smith tried to counter this “I think if you’re a great player years since Bradman played his by taking guard on leg stump in any era you can fi t in some- last Test in 1948 has come close and moving right across, which where no matter who you’re to that mark of nearly a 100 runs played to his strength off his playing with or against. But I’m per innings in the format. pads. not one to compare people, you Whereas Smith missed a year “It’s a big movement,” he said, just can’t do it. The game chang- of Australia cricket duty at the “but for me it’s about trying to es so much.” height of his career, Bradman minimise the ways that you get In the 1930 Ashes in England, missed several, not for breaking out. If guys get me out lbw, I say Bradman scored an unparalleled the rules but because of the in- well played, congratulations but, 974 runs as the Aussies won the terruption to international sport if I nick one off , that’s when I get series 2-1. caused by World War II. upset at myself.” After one Test of the current In his fi rst Test back in 1946, England won the 1932/33 Ash- series, Smith has 286 runs in the Bradman made 187 against Eng- es in a series where they curbed bag. If he can get anywhere near land in Brisbane and followed up Bradman’s average by deploying that Bradman record, then Aus- with 234 in Sydney. Yet by scor- the infamous ‘Bodyline’ tactic of tralia will likely retain the Ashes ing two hundreds in an Ashes fast, short-pitched bowling to a and the comparisons will grow Test, the 30-year old Smith packed legside fi eld. even louder.

PREVIEW TEST SERIES South Africa name three uncapped New Zealand eye players for India tour

Reuters SQUADS Cape Town Test: Faf du Plessis (Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma outh Africa have (Highveld Lions, vice-capt), top Test ranking named three uncapped Theunis de Bruyn (Titans), players in their Test Quinton de Kock (Titans), ‘New Zealand will be tough to beat. So we have got to make some tough calls’ squad for the three- Dean Elgar (Titans), Zubayr matchS tour of India in early Hamza (Cape Cobras), AFP October as they begin life Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Galle, Sri Lanka without retired veterans Dale Aiden Markram (Titans), Sen- Steyn and Hashim Amla. uran Muthusamy (Dolphins), Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich ew Zealand have a wicketkeeper/batsman Rudi Nortje (Warriors), Vernon Phi- chance of securing the Second and spin bowling all- lander (Cape Cobras), Dane top spot in Test cricket rounder Senuran Muthusamy Piedt (Cape Cobras), Kagiso when they take on Sri have been included in the Rabada (Highveld Lions), NLanka in a two-match series 15-man selection that will be Rudi Second (Warriors). from today, exactly a month af- captained by Faf du Plessis. Twenty20: Quinton de Kock ter their cruel World Cup defeat It will be led by interim team (Titans, capt), Rassie van to England. director Enoch Nkwe, fi lling der Dussen (Highveld Lions, New Zealand, with 109 points the role after the decision not vice-capt), Temba Bavuma in Test cricket, are ranked be- to renew the contract of West (Highveld Lions), Junior Dala hind India on 113 points, but a Indian coach Ottis Gibson. (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (High- 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka will “All three newcomers to veld Lions), Beuran Hendricks see the Kiwis leapfrog the Asian the test side have more than (Highveld Lions), Reeza heavyweights. earned their spurs through Hendricks (Highveld Lions), Test rankings have added rel- impressive performances in David Miller (Dolphins), An- evance with the new, two-year last season’s Four-Day Fran- rich Nortje (Warriors), Andile ICC World Test Championship chise competition,” Cricket Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), now under way, culminating in a South Africa Acting Director Dwaine Pretorius (Highveld 2021 fi nal at Lord’s between the of Cricket Corrie van Zyl said. Lions), Kagiso Rabada (High- top two teams. “We feel we have covered all veld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka will the options for the conditions (Titans), Jon-Jon Smuts be wary of providing a rank we are likely to encounter on (Warriors). turning wicket in the fi rst Test the sub-continent with (spin- in Galle after being outsmarted ners) Muthusamy and Dane by England in the most recent Piedt, who was far and away a year away, which is why we encounter at the venue. England New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (right) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dimuth Karunaratne smile during a joint press conference at the the leading wicket-taker in have gone with an inexperi- overcame the battle with a varie- Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle ahead of their first Test yesterday. (AFP) our Four-Day competition, enced leadership group,” Van ty of off -, leg- and left-arm spin providing the back-up to Ke- Zyl said. “I would like to stress as the trio of Moeen Ali, Adil World championship adds spice to Test clash: Williamson “New Zealand will be tough to shav Maharaj,” he added in a that Faf du Plessis remains an Rashid and Jack Leach played a beat. We have got guys who were media release. important part of our plans for key role in a 3-0 series sweep. New Zealand start their world “Every time you play any team The tourists’ hopes could be not part of the series in South Van Zyl also announced a white-ball cricket.” The Kiwis too are carrying Test championship campaign it’s very, competitive, but now hit by bad weather as rain is Africa, so we have got to make squad for the Twenty20 In- South Africa will start the plenty of spin options and are against Sri Lanka today and cap- there’s that added carrot where predicted on the first two days some tough calls,” said Sri Lanka ternationals before the test tour with the limited overs likely to play two of them. Bom- tain Kane Williamson said that in two years time everyone is vy- of the Galle match. Neither team skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. series, with Du Plessis not matches, the fi rst of which is bay-born left-arm spinner Ajaz vying for a place in a world final ing for an opportunity to play in could train Tuesday because of Former captain Dinesh Chan- included in that group and in Dharamsala on September Patel claimed fi ve wickets in the will add to the competitive edge a Test Championship final, which rain. “In the 10 or 12 days we’ve dimal, who also missed out on Quinton de Kock set to cap- 15. That will be followed by warm-up game in Negombo and in future series. Williamson’s will be a really exciting thing to been here, about eight of them touring South Africa, is back in tain. “The T20 Series gives us tests in Visakhapatnam (Oct he is likely to be the second spin- side return to cricket action be a part of.” have been rained out. It’s just the squad. Lahiru Kumara, an- the last chance to have a look 2-6), Ranchi (Oct 10-14) and ner to leggie Todd Astle. in Galle exactly a month after New Zealand are currently one of those things that you try other player who didn’t go to at our leadership and batting Pune (Oct 19-23), which are Although seam is New Zea- their cruel World Cup defeat by ranked number two in Tests and and prepare mentally as best as South Africa, will be Sri Lanka’s options as the next edition the fi rst for South Africa in land’s strength, they are likely England, with the Kiwi skipper a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka you can,” said Williamson. lead fast bowler and it remains to of the ICC Men’s T20 World the newly-formed ICC Test to stick to two seamers with all- welcoming the addition of a new will help them claim top spot On paper, New Zealand are the be seen with whom he will share Cup is now little more than Championship. rounder Colin de Grandhomme potential title. from India. “If that happens, that stronger side having two players the new ball. coming in as the third option. After several delays, the world would be great. The thing with each in the rankings for top Trent Boult will be the number championship was finally rankings is that they fluctuate bowlers and batsmen. SQUADS Moeen Ali takes a break from cricket one pick while they will have to launched at the end of last throughout a season, and are None of the Sri Lankan players New Zealand: Kane William- make a call between Tim South- month. The world’s top nine purely a reaction to the cricket feature in the top ten bowling or son (captain), Jeet Raval, Ross England all-rounder Moeen Ali will take a “short break” from ee and Neil Wagner, possibly ranked teams will compete over that you’re playing,” said Wil- batting rankings. Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, cricket after being dropped from the squad to face Australia in the latter, who picked up nine two years for a place in the final liamson. Sri Lanka will be looking to build Todd Astle, William Somerville, the second Ashes Test this week. wickets in New Zealand’s last at Lord’s. “It’s a welcome addi- “For us, we’re just focused on the upon their improvement since Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, The 32-year-old was axed after scoring nought and four in Test match. But the hosts will be tion to the Test format, bringing cricket because that gives us the Dimuth Karunaratne took the Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, England’s first Test defeat at Edgbaston. He also struggled with no pushover, as they showed by that context into every Test best chance of success. We’re captaincy in February and they B.J. Watling, Trent Boult, Tim his off -spin, taking three wickets for 172 runs across Australia’s winning their recent 2-0 series match that you play,” Williamson looking forward to the challenge became the first Asian nation to Southee, Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner two innings, failing to take advantage of a pitch that ought to in South Africa - becoming the told reporters. here against Sri Lanka.” win a Test series in South Africa. Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne have suited him. fi rst Asian nation to do so. (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Moeen, who was a member of England’s World Cup-winning “They are a strong team. They Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada squad, has been replaced by Somerset left-arm spinner Jack will come into this series with lot head coach Chandika Hathu- Oshada Fernando played a key former players. There will be Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Leach for the Lord’s Test, with his county Worcestershire reveal- of confi dence behind them after rusingha halfway through his role posting an unbeaten 75 in more disappointment as Fern- Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal ing he will now take a “short break from action”. what happened in South Africa,” three-year tenure, with former Port Elizabeth in what was his ando, one of the brightest pros- Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan “Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging said New Zealand coach Gary fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake second Test match. He became pects to emerge in recent times, Dickwella, Akila Dananjaya, his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which Stead. But Sri Lanka have some now fi lling in on an interim basis. an instant hero and his subse- is set to miss both Tests with the Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan he feels he needs, and we completely respect,” Worcestershire tough choices, and in all depart- When they trounced South quent snubbing from the World return of Angelo Mathews, who Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, La- first-team coach Alex Gidman told the club’s website yesterday. ments. The hosts have dumped Africa fi ve months ago, rookie Cup squad earned the wrath of was injured for South Africa. hiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Archer confi dence excites England captain Root AFP in a young guy, as he should be “It’s been in white-ball cricket London after the World Cup,” Root said but we’ve actually faced him in at Lord’s yesterday. Australia where conditions suit “And, as he made very clear, fast bowling.” ngland captain Joe Root it’s his preferred format so again “We’ve seen him at his fastest, said yesterday that he I’m very excited to see at the they know what to expect, they has no qualms about start of his journey. know how skilful he is and how launching self-assured “If anything, it will motivate good he is. fastE bowler Jofra Archer’s Test him and when he gets the chance “Like most bowlers that play cricket career in the cauldron of he will be desperate to prove to Test cricket there will be times an Ashes clash at Lord’s. everyone how good he is. That’s where he’s going to be a real The 24-year-old Barbados- what you want and he won’t shy threat and we’re going to have to born quick seems certain to be away from the challenge.” weather that.” handed his fi rst Test cap today Archer’s inclusion would give Root said left-arm seamer in place of the injured James England a genuine cutting edge Sam Curran could feature at Anderson as the hosts look to get as the Sussex speedster can ex- Lord’s after Moeen Ali was back on level terms with Aus- ceed 90 miles per hour (145 kilo- dropped, although the England tralia after a 251-run humbling metres per hour) with the ball. skipper stopped short of naming in the fi rst encounter at Edgbas- But Australia’s batsmen are his XI a day in advance. ton. used to fast bowling and sev- “Sam is a brilliant talent and If selected, Archer will be eral members of their side have can change the game with bat making his Test debut on the played against Archer at the re- and ball,” said Root. ground where he bowled the cent World Cup or in Twenty20 “His record is fantastic and he decisive Super Over that sealed franchise cricket. has had a huge impact in most of England’s World Cup fi nal win “A lot of our guys have seen the games he has played and is a over New Zealand last month. Jofra or faced him, which is a promising young talent who I’m “He (Archer) is certainly very plus,” said Australia captain Tim sure will play a huge amount of confi dent and that’s great to see Paine. Test cricket.” England’s Jofra Archer and Joe Root (right) during a net session yesterday. (Reuters)

ASHES PREVIEW Kohli & Co look to seal deal in fi nal Australia leave out ODI against Windies

IANS again see the need for the Port of Spain batsmen to dig in deep and play according to situations. The duo of Rohit Sharma fter a convincing and Shikhar Dhawan will look pacer Pattinson show in the second to start well and it will be in- ODI, Virat Kohli and teresting to see if Kohli and boys will look to seal coach Ravi Shastri persist with theA deal in the fi nal ODI of Rishabh Pant at the no.4 slot. the three-match series at the Iyer at that position and Pant Queen’s Park Oval today. at fi ve seems to be more logical With the opening game from the outside. washed out, the Indians have In the bowling department, for second Test taken a 1-0 lead and the last India showed great composure game of the series will decide in the previous game as all ex- Hazlewood likely replacement, Paine plays down Archer threat if India will lift the ODI trophy cept for Kedar Jadhav picked as well after a clinical show in wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Reuters the T20I series. was the most impressive of the London Interestingly, this could be lot and it will be interesting to the last time that the legendary see if the team management Chris Gayle takes the fi eld and persists with the same combi- ustralia dropped fast the West Indies outfi t would nation or looks to give some- bowler James Pat- look to give him a grand send- one like a Navdeep Saini a go. tinson from a 12-man off . Speaking during the 2019 Khaleel Ahmed too came back squad for the second World Cup, Gayle had said that well after getting hammered in AshesA Test against England the ODI series and the Test se- the fi rst game of the series and starting at Lord’s today, with ries that followed would be his Kuldeep Yadav picking two Josh Hazlewood coming in as last. But the Windies selec- wickets will do his confi dence likely replacement. tors kept emotions aside and a world of good. Fellow quick Mitchell Starc, decided to ignore him for the the left armer who was also Tests. So, the third ODI could SQUADS overlooked for the fi rst Test won be the last time that the opener West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin by Australia at Edgbaston, also is seen in Windies colours. Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicho- made the squad but could end For India, it will be about las Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, up carrying the drinks once the keeping the foot on the pedal Roston Chase, Jason Holder playing lineup is named at the and not giving any inch away (c), Carlos Brathwaite, Kemar toss. Spearhead Pat Cummins to the hosts. After an 11-in- Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Os- and Peter Siddle, who made up nings phase where he didn’t hane Thomas, John Campbell, the pace trio with Pattinson in score a century, Kohli roared Keemo Paul, Fabian Allen the 251-run opening victory, re- back to register his 42nd cen- India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar tained their places. tury in the second ODI and Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Captain Tim Paine told re- more than the hundred, it was Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas porters Pattinson was left out the way in which he guided Iyer, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra as part of long-term planning, Shreyas Iyer in the middle Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with the choice between Hazle- overs that made the knock all Kuldeep Yadav, Mohamed wood and Starc. the more special. Shami, K Khaleel Ahmed, “Whichever one of those two The wicket at the stadi- Lokesh Rahul, Manish Pandey, we unleash tomorrow, they are um isn’t most conducive for Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra certainly ready to go,” he said. strokeplay and that will once Chahal. Hazlewood is seen as the likeliest replacement based on Kuldeep four short of 100 ODI wickets performances in a tour match against Worcestershire last Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav has 100-wicket milestone. week. Edgbaston was Pattin- become a major weapon in If he manages to pick up son’s fi rst test in three and a half skipper Virat Kohli’s armoury 4 wickets in the third ODI years, after he suff ered back in- in limited overs cricket, show- against the West Indies juries and then underwent sur- ing immense potential in just today, he will also become gery, and he took two wickets. a short period of time. the fastest Indian to achieve “He’s available for selection Making his debut in June the feat, bettering the record but we’ve decided to rest him for 2017 against the West Indies of seamer Mohamed Shami, this game and make sure that his here, the left-arm spinner who took 56 ODIs to touch long term future is in really good is on the verge of creating the three-digit mark. shape,” explained Paine. another record. With 96 wick- India currently lead the three- “He’s come back off a really ets in 53 ODIs, the 24-year- match rubber 1-0 with the long layoff , a really serious oper- old is just four short of the first game being washed out. ation, and we want to make sure that he’s truly right for the next Australia head coach Justin Langer (left), Tim Paine and Steve Smith (right) during a net session at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, three or four years. Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) The third Ashes Test at York- shire’s Headingley ground in records at Lord’s, it’s a good “There’s not set combina- England’s Barbados-born fast “There’s times where he’s go- Leeds comes as a quick turna- venue for one of those to come tions, we sort of come in the bowler Jofra Archer will be mak- ing to be a real threat and we’re round from Lord’s, with play in and play and be confi dent in morning and have a look and go ing his Test debut today, and going to have to weather that.” starting on Aug. 22. the fact that they can bowl really with a bit of a gut feel. You try Paine said Australia would be “It was always going to be one well here.” Starc played all fi ve and make the best possible deci- ready for whatever he delivered. AUSTRALIA way or the other,” said Paine. Tests on the 2015 Ashes tour and sion that you can when you have “A lot of our guys have seen David Warner, Cameron Ban- “He would miss this test and be fi nished as the highest wicket- a look at the conditions you’re Jofra or faced him, obviously croft, Usman Khawaja, Steve fresher for the third test or he taker in the 50-overs World Cup faced with,” said Paine. it’s been in white ball cricket, Smith, Travis Head, Matthew has this one after the long break last month. The weather could Australia’s victory at Edgbas- but we’ve faced him in Australia Wade, Tim Paine (captain, and doesn’t play in the third. be a factor in who gets the nod, ton was their fi rst in the open- where conditions really suit fast wicket keeper), Pat Cummins, “I think if you look at Mitch- with rain possible throughout ing test of an away Ashes series bowling. I think we’ve seen him Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, ell Starc and Josh Hazlewood’s Wednesday. since 2005. at his fastest,” he said. Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Swann bets on England spinner Leach to be pivotal in second Test Left-arm spinner Jack Leach should have of Wednesday’s second Test at Lord’s. your holding role in the first innings and Swann added. “But there is plenty of been in England’s setup years ago and he “Jack Leach should have been playing then in the second innings, the wicket scope for him to come back. He has to go can help pick up wickets in the second in- or at least involved in the England team should deteriorate, it starts to spin and away and rediscover some confidence nings of the Ashes test against Australia years ago,” said Swann, an ambassador you can go out and win the game.” in himself. “It’s a real shame that Mo when the pitch starts to deteriorate, for Betfair. “There was a time when he Ali was dropped after a poor perform- has missed out actually because ideally former spinner Graeme Swann has said. wasn’t picked for England to go on tour ance in the opening test in Edgbaston you’d have a spinner at each end, one left With spinners Moeen Ali dropped due to because there was a rumour that he only where he picked up only three wickets in and one right, but you can’t pick Mo as poor form and Adil Rashid ruled out with took wickets when it turned, which still two innings (1-42 and 2-130) and did not a batsman at the moment so that is how injury, Leach, who has taken 20 wickets absolutely amazes me. score more than four runs. it’s worked out.” in five tests, was named in England’s 12 “I think he’s got to do his holding role “England had to drop Moeen Ali be- Australia lead the Ashes 1-0 after their Kuldeep Yadav (left) and Virat Kohli (right) of India celebrate the alongside fast bowler Jofra Archer ahead well, that’s the most important thing. Do cause... he had become unselectable,” 251-run win at Edgbaston. dismissal of Chris Gayle of West Indies during the 1st ODI match in Providence, Guyana, on Thursday. (AFP)