SPORT 16 SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2017

Mutaz Essa Barshim IOC snubs of Qatar reacts after qualifying for the final round of the men’s Infantino and Barshim competition at the IAAF World Coe in new Championships in yesterday. members list The gravity defying Qatari star breezed through yesterday’s ready for qualification, clearing Reuters the automatic he Presidents of world qualifying height of soccer body FIFA and 2.31 metres with the the international athlet- greatest of ease. T ics federation IAAF have not been proposed for appoint- golden leap ment to the International Olympic Committee when the IOC session votes in new London Bondarenko, who beat him to the members in September. Reuters 2013 title, while Danil Lysenko, IAAF chief Seb Coe and competing under a neutral flag fol- FIFA’s Gianni Infantino were utaz Essa Barshim lowing the Russian Federation’s ban, passed over for a second year leapt into tomorrow’s also qualified easily after just one running as they battle doping high jump final at the failure. and corruption scandals in There was delight for the home their fields. Previous FIFA and Championships in the crowd as confirmed IAAF Presidents had seats at Mmanner of a man ready to finally his place in the final amid plenty of the IOC table for decades. ascend to the very summit of his cheering by going over 2.31m at the The IOC’s nine proposed sport. last attempt. new members, named yes- The wiry Qatari, who has of the United States, terday, include Luis Mejia jumped higher than anyone in his- who won the Olympic silver in this Oviedo, head of the Domini- tory except Cuban world record arena five years ago, had to pull out can Republic’s Olympic holder , breezed injured after one unsuccessful committee, Khunying Patama through yesterday’s qualification, attempt at his opening height of Leeswadtrakul, Thai entre- clearing the automatic qualifying 2.17m. preneur and head of her height of 2.31 metres with the great- country’s badminton federa- est of ease. MEN’S HIGH JUMP QUALIFICATION tion, Ingmar De Vos, Barshim, whose only global title 1. (Qatar) 2.31m International Equestrian Fed- came at the world indoor champi- eration chief, and 2. (Ukraine) 2.31m onships in 2014, demonstrated why Jean-Christophe Rolland, 3. Danil Lysenko (Neutral) 2.31m he is a warm favourite to win his world rowing President. first major outdoor crown follow- 4. (Germany) 2.31m The IOC gave no reason ing silver and bronze at the last two 4. Tihomir Ivanov (Bulgaria) 2.31m for the exclusion of Coe and Olympics. 6. Robert Grabarz (Britain) 2.31m Infantino, who represent two The 26-year-old, who has an 7. Bryan McBride (US) 2.29m of the biggest federations of Asian record best of 2.43m, is one 7. Ilya Ivanyuk (Neutral Athlete) 2.29m the Games. of six athletes who cleared 2.31 but 7. Majed Aldin Ghazal (Syria) 2.29m The IOC also said Sam- the only one to go through the morn- 10. (Germany) 2.29m sung Chairman Lee Kun-hee ing without failing on a single jump. 10. Edgar Rivera (Mexico) 2.29m would not be up for member- His main danger again looks set 12. Wang Yu (China) 2.29m ship re-election at to come from Ukraine’s Bohdan September’s session in Peru at his family’s request due to illness. Schippers retains world crown in 200m Reese wins fourth

London for a fourth straight world title in world title Dafne Schippers AP the 1,500 meters, coming from of the Netherlands way back with a strong final kick London afne Schippers of the Neth- winning the women’s to qualify for tomorrow’s final. Reuters erlands successfully 200 metres final at Kiprop finished just behind Ddefended her 200-meter the World Athletics Kenyan teammate Elijah Manan- merican Brittney Reese claimed a fourth world title at the world championships Championships in goi to go through as automatic long jump title yesterdaywhile titleholder and yesterday, dipping at the line just London yesterday. qualifiers. In the second semifinal AOlympic champion Tianna Bartoletta had to be con- ahead of Marie-Josee Ta Lou. heat, Kenya got a third runner to tent with the bronze. Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the 400 go through when Timothy Cherui- Darya Klishina, competing as a neutral athlete after Olympic champion, took bronze. yot finished second behind Jakub the Russian federation was banned over state-sponsored Schippers came out of the Holusa of the Czech Republic. doping, took the silver and Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic missed bend just ahead of Ta Lou and fin- Today, Qatar’s Ahmed Budair out on a medal, finishing fourth. ished in 20.05 seconds. Ta Lou set will compete in the men’s javelin Reese, Olympic champion at the same stadium five an Ivory Coast record of 22.08, throw final. years ago, won the world title in 2009, 2011 and 2013 while Miller-Uibo crossed in 22.15. Budair, who won the World before her compatriot Bartoletta took gold in two Ta Lou has twice been edged hammer throw world title.Valeriy Fajdek won with a throw of Champion for Youth last year, dis- years ago. at the line. She settled for silver in Pronkin of Russia, competing as a 79.81 meters. Pronkin got silver at played one of his best The 30-year-old Reese secured victory with her third the 100 behind Tori Bowie. Schip- neutral athlete because of his 78.16 on his last throw, while performances to reach a distance jump of 7.02 metres, beating Klishina by two centime- pers got bronze in that race. nation’s doping suspension, took Nowicki secured bronze with a of 83.83, finishing third in Group tres. Bartoletta was out of the medals until she produced Earlier, Pawel Fajdek of silver ahead of Wojciech Nowicki throw of 78.03. A in the qualifying round on a leap of 6.97 metres with her final attempt at the Lon- Poland won his third straight of Poland. Asbel Kiprop stayed on course Thursday. don Stadium.

Qatari players train in England EPL: Giroud rescues Arsenal in opener Qatari football players in action during their Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud training camp at St. George’s Park in Burton-upon- London celebrates after scoring their Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom yesterday. Al AP fourth goal against Leicester City Annabi scored an impressive 2-0 win over English livier Giroud completed an in the opening match of English Championship side Leeds United in the first of exhilarating comeback as Premier League Premier League three friendlies on Wednesday and will play against Arsenal beat Leicester 4-3 in London yesterday. Nottingham Forest tomorrow. The last warm-up O yesterday to ensure Arsene game against Andorra will be played on August 16. Wenger’s side opened the English Premier League with a victory for only the second time in eight seasons. Arsenal turned around the league’s first Friday opener in the closing minutes at Emirates Sta- dium. After Aaron Ramsey leveled in the 83rd minute, Giroud sealed the three points within two min- utes on an evening of thrilling the opening round, Arsenal which so astonishingly won the attacks gifted by fragile imploded as Shinji Okazaki and league in 2016, couldn’t hold on defending. Jamie Vardy put Leicester in front. for its first win at Arsenal since Arsenal record-signing Alex- Although Danny Welbeck lev- 1973. Instead, Wenger avoided a andre Lacazette got off to a perfect eled on the stroke of halftime, third successive season-opening by scoring inside two minutes of Vardy restored Leicester’s lead loss at the start of his new two- kickoff. But as so often happens in after the break. But Leicester, year contract. SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 17 Winning start for Qatar at FIVB World Championship qualifiers

The Peninsula 21-25 15-25 25-21 25-18 15-13 victory three opportunities and it allowed the group qualifying for the World Cup finals commanding the proceedings. Lozano’s over four-time Asia champions at the Koreans to win the set and go up. in Italy and Bulgaria in the summer of men fought tooth and nail to remain on atar mounted a pulsating rally and 6000-seat Rezazadeh Stadium. “The loss of the second set was also 2018. top. Kazakhstan did their best to nar- stunned mighty South Korea 3-2 In another match, China posted a fall-out of the bad first one. However, In the first set, the Chinese took an row down the gap and they successfully Qin the opening Group A match of 25-15, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23 victory over all the guys gave their best. Otherwise, early 8-5 lead and never let go as they did it, though they lost the set 25-21. the FIVB World Championship Qualifi- Kazakhstan. you can’t win such matches. We have increasingly widened the gap after a Kazakhstan showed improvement cations in Ardabil, Iran on Thursday. Qatar coach Giaccardi was another tough game on Friday and hope monster spike by Jiang Chuan. The in the third set and made the Chinese Qatar, coached by Italian Massimil- extremely pleased with the stirring tri- to do our best again,” added the Kazakhs, who made seven mistakes, battle for each point. However Kaza- iano Giaccardi, made a few errors in the umph by his boys.”Bravo...all the guys. Italian. threw caution to the wind as they khstan grabbed the set at 22. But China opening set and then were trailing by After two sets, we adjusted something Korean coach Kim Hochul said,”We attempted to claw back into the match entered the court with a different atti- two sets down. However, after tweak- tactically and it paid off. So happy with did what we had to but the match was but they were simply outclassed as tude and Lozano’s five substitutions ing their tactics and Raimi Wadidie firing the victory today.” tough.” China sealed the first set 25-15. helped the team keep pressure on the on all cylinders, Al Annabi bounced back He also added,”We had chances to The qualifiers are a one-round tour- It was more of the same in the sec- opponents and finish the fourth set and went on to complete a stunning seal the opening set. We wasted two or nament, with the first and second in the ond set, once again with China 25-23.

LATEST FIFA RANKINGS R TEAM POINTS Teenager Shapovalov 1 Brazil 1604 2 Germany 1549 3 Argentina 1399 4 Switzerland 1329 5 Poland 1319 stuns Nadal in Montreal 6 PORPortugal 1267 Mubarak Al Meraikhi 7 Chile 1250 Montreal 8 Colombia 1208 Reuters 9 Belgium 1194 Bowling: Qatar 10 France 1157 anadian teenager Denis 11 Spain 1114 Shapovalov delighted his ready for 12 Italy 1059 Chome fans when he bat- 13 England 1051 tled from a set down to record a stunning upset victory over top Asian indoor 14 Mexico 1046 seed Rafael Nadal in the third 15 Peru 1023 round of the Rogers Cup on challenge 16 Croatia 1007 Thursday. 17 Uruguay 995 The lanky wild card kissed The Pneinsula 18 Wales 951 the Montreal court after complet- 19 Sweden 933 ing a rousing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) ubarak Al Meraikhi, 24 Iran 893 triumph as the 18-year-old Executive Director of 44 Japan 696 became the youngest player to Mthe Qatar Bowling 45 Australia 691 ever reach the quarter-finals of Federation said that the 49 Korea Rep. 674 an ATP Masters 1000 event. Qatari bowling team will par- 64 Uzbekistan 579 The early exit also denied ticipate in the fifth edition of 77 China PR 447 world number two Nadal a Asian Indoor and Martial Arts 78 Qatar 433 chance to take over from the Games to be staged in Ash- absent Andy Murray at the top of Denis Shapovalov of Canada hits a return against Rafael Nadal gabat, Turkmenistan next the rankings, a position the Span- of Spain during the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Thursday. The month. iard would have regained for the 18-year-old beat top seed Nadal 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). Al Meraikhi added that first time since 2014 had he the Qatari team will include; Al Sadd advanced to the semi-finals. Jassim Al Meraikhi, Ghanim Shapovalov showed no sign Mannarino in the quarter-finals defeat to Tommy Haas at the 17 contests against Federer, who Bu Jassoum, Al Janahi and of nerves in their first ever meet- on Friday. Stuttgart Open on June 14. is also vying to take the world Mohammad Al Meraikhi. resume ing, the left-hander playing the Elsewhere, world number Frustration boiled over for number one spot from the The Games will bring more aggressive tennis by utilis- three Roger Federer dropped his the Australian Open and Wim- injured Murray. together 22 countries to com- ing his huge forehand on first set since June but the Swiss bledon champion in the second Next up for Federer is a pete in 21 sports including; training in roundhouse swings and fre- recovered to dispatch Spaniard set after he misfired with an quarter-final against 12th- Basketball, Indoor athletics, quently attacking the net. David Ferrer 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in their overhead smash. seeded Spaniard Roberto Bowling, Chess, Track The teenager’s quixotic bid last 16 meeting. Federer, who turned 36 this Bautista Agut, who defeated cycling, Cue sports, Eques- Doha looked doomed in the third set Federer was sloppy from the week, responded by hitting a ball Frenchman Gael Monfils 4-6, trian, Futsal, Ju-jitsu, tiebreaker when he fell 3-0 outset on centre court, sending into the stands, earning a repri- 7-6(5), 7-6(2) in a marathon Kickboxing, Kurash, Doha behind but the world number 143 routine forehands wide and pro- mand but no official ball abuse tussle. Muaythai, Sambo, Short QNA refused to buckle and only viding the underdog Ferrer with call from the umpire. In other tournament action, course swimming, Taek- coughed up one more point in the early break opportunities in the The outburst appeared to American Jared Donaldson lost wondo, Indoor tennis, l Sadd Football Team decider. Montreal encounter. steady the Swiss, whose serve to Diego Schwartzman 0-6, 7-5, Weightlifting , Wrestling, Belt resumed their training As a reward for his unlikely Ferrer capitalised by winning and overall accuracy improved 7-5, while his countryman Sam wrestling and Traditional Ain Doha after return- victory, the 2016 Wimbledon jun- the opener to end Federer’s as the two-hour match Querrey was thrashed 6-4, 6-1 Wrestling. ing for the Austrian ior champion was to face streak of 32 consecutive sets won, progressed. by Kevin Anderson of South preseason camp, held from 29-year-old Frenchman Adrian a record that dates back to his Ferrer has now lost all of his Africa. July 20 to August 5. Qatari women Al Sadd held training in the absence of international players Saad Al Dosari, to compete Pedro, Ali Asad, Khoukhi Pliskova reaches Rogers Cup quarters Boualem, Hassan Al Haydos, in Arab TT Musab Kheder and Salem Al Toronto The only hiccup in an other- Hajri, who are currently with Reuters Karolina Pliskova wise polished effort against the Championship the Qatar national team in of Czech Republic 10th-seeded Pole came when preparation for the last two orld number one Karo- plays a shot Wozniacki was up 5-0 in the Doha rounds in the World Cup lina Pliskova was against Naomi second and squandered three QNA qualifiers. Wdragged into a mighty of Japan match points. Al Sadd coach Jesualdo battle before being granted a But the Dane closed out the atar Women’s Sport during the Rogers Ferreira has been keen on berth in the Rogers Cup quar- match on the next chance with Committee (QWSC) raising the fitness level of ter-finals when Japanese Cup at Aviva Centre a stinging forehand winner. Qconfirmed that Qatar’s the players, especially after teenager Naomi Osaka retired in Toronto, Canada Czech Lucie Safarova also table tennis national team will they have returned from a with an abdominal injury on yesterday. made the last eight by outlast- participate in the 16th Arab break after the external Thursday. ing Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova championship, which takes training camp. Czech Pliskova, playing her 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-2, while France’s place in Oman from Qatar goalkeeper and Al first tournament with the top Caroline Garcia beat 18-year-old Tuesday. Sadd Club Saud Al Hajri ranking, was pushed into a American Catherine Bellis 6-4, National team director underwent out a successful deciding set by qualifier Osaka 6-2. Nawal Al Dossari leads the operation at Aspetar hospi- before the 19-year-old called for Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina Qatari delegation as The tal. Al Hajri suffered an the trainer when trailing 6-2, broke American Venus Williams Maroon take part in the dif- injury during Al Sadd 6-7(4), 1-0 and promptly six times en route to a near-per- ferent age group friendly match with Turkish withdrew. fect 6-2, 6-1 victory. competitions. The team is side Gaziantep on July 27. “She played well, especially Svitolina’s 40th win of the currently on a training camp The goalkeeper joined Al in the second set she was fight- from 50th-ranked Osaka. But serve,” said Pliskova, who year booked her first Rogers Cup in China that started on July Sadd this summer after the ing pretty hard, much better than the Japanese rallied to match the clubbed 13 aces. “I didn’t lose my quarter-final appearance. 27 and concluded end of his contract with Al the first,” said Pliskova. lanky Czech shot-for-shot in a serve in this match today, I’m Unseeded American Sloane yesterday. Rayyan. “I was just trying to stay in gripping second set, then dom- happy with the way I was serv- Stephens upset former world Teams from 15 countries Meanwhile, Al Rayyan the game, the first game of the inated the tie-break. ing today.” number one Angelique Kerber compete in the tournament. football team was to take on third set was very tough I didn’t During the changeover, Pliskova will need to have 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday as she con- The Qatari team consists PEC Zwolle yesterday in their even know she was injured.” Osaka told her coach that she her serve firing on all cylinders tinues her comeback from a of Mariam Ali, Shahd Al third preseason friendly Pliskova, playing her first was feeling discomfort and was when she meets sixth seed and year-long absence due to a foot Makki, Shouq Saad, Al Anoud match during their Dutch tournament since a shock sec- told to withdraw if the pain per- former world number one Caro- injury. Al Saffar, Maha Ali, Aya preparation camp. ond round defeat at Wimbledon, sisted to avoid the risk of further line Wozniacki in the last eight. Stephens will face Czech Magdi, Maha Faramarzi and Al Rayyan had played had shown signs of rust in a rag- injury. In a battle of former-Rogers Lucie Safarova in the Kholoud Abdulreda. two friendly games and the ged opening win over Anastasia Osaka did just that, calling Cup champions, a ruthless Woz- quarter-finals. The draw will be held on Qatari side won both of them. Pavlyuchenkova but looked for the trainer after dropping niacki showed no mercy by Fourth seed Garbine Mugu- Monday in line with the deci- Coach Michael Laudrup’s more like a world number one serve to open the third set. sweeping past her good friend ruza dispatched Ashleigh Barty sion of the technical and side will return to Doha on as she swept four straight games “I think my game today was Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 6-1 of Australia 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 at their organising committees of the Monday. to take the first set much better, especially my in just 78 minutes. centre court meeting. tournament. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2017

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: INAUGURAL DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS Olesen, Kisner take charge as McIlroy stumbles late for 72 Rory McIlroy suffered a double-bogey at the driveable par-four 14th, where he found the wa- ter. The pre-tournament favourite carded one- over 72. Spieth stumbles in first round Mickelson shoots highest career PGA score Phil Mickelson entered uncharted territory with Charlotte an eight-over 79, his highest ever score in 95 World number two Spieth, AFP who won his third major title at rounds at a PGA Championship. His previous Kevin Kisner of the last month’s British Open, strug- worst score was a 78 at Oak Hill in 2013. enmark’s Thorbjorn gled with his putter in firing a 72, United States and Olesen and Ameri- joining McIlroy five strokes caddie Duane Bock line Luiten aces par-three test can Kevin Kisner adrift. up a putt on the 12th Joost Luiten of the Netherlands recorded the first each closed with “I can’t putt any worse than hole during the second hole-in-one at a PGA Championship since 2013 birdies on Thursday I did today,” Spieth said. round of the 2017 PGA with a one-bounce ace using a six-iron at the Dto share a one-stroke lead at the “It was just the putter. Eve- Championship at Quail 181-yard, par-three fourth hole. PGA Championship while Jor- rything else was fine.” Hollow Club on Thursday dan Spieth and Rory McIlroy Spieth, who also won the in Charlotte, North No more Beef at PGA stumbled in quest of golf 2015 Masters and US Open, can Carolina. Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston pulled out of the cham- history. become only the sixth man to pionship with a shoulder injury after struggling Olesen sank a 27-foot putt at sweep the four current major to a 78. Kim Si-woo also scratched after a 79, the par-4 18th while Kisner’s was titles in a career after Jack Nick- citing a bad back. from 21 feet as both birdied three laus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, of the last five holes to fire four- Gary Player and Gene Sarazen. under-par 67s at Quail Hollow At 24, he would become the Triple bogey leaves Fowler reeling in the year’s last major youngest on the career Slam list Rickie Fowler triple-bogeyed the par-four fifth, tournament. by winning the Wanamaker Tro- taking two shots to extricate himself from a “I felt like I was playing phy this week, about six months fairway bunker and then compounding his prob- really well,” Olesen said. younger than the mark held by lems by overshooting the green with his fourth “Hit my driver well. Got Woods. shot. But he roared back to shoot 69. myself in some really good posi- Fourth-ranked McIlroy, 28, tions. So that was the key, and could become only the third Olesen, Kisner lead on 67 obviously it was a really nice way player to win five majors before putting was as tough as he has have been a couple under par “It was a good turnaround,” Dane Thorbjorn Olesen and American Kevin Kis- to finish with that long putt on turning 30, joining Nicklaus and seen all season. and ended one-over,” Spieth Day said. “On the greens it’s very ner curled in long birdie putts at the par-four 18.” Woods. He has two PGA titles “It was tough to get the ball said. hard and very fast. If you don’t 18th and ended the day in the lead on four-under Kisner, ranked 25th, won his and two US PGA triumphs at close to the hole,” he said. “I’m “It’s a little disappointing but get yourself in position it’s hard 67. second US PGA title in May at Quail Hollow. very pleased with that the way I brought it back with a couple to make par.” Colonial and grew up two hours “I’m only five behind,” McIl- the course played.” birdies to at least having a Rahm, 22, sank 17-foot putts Spieth struggles on greens from the course. Being familiar roy said. “it’s a tough golf course. Olesen, 27, seeks his first chance going forward.” for birdie at the 14th and par-5 with the putting surface paid off I shoot something in the 60s major title. The 78th-ranked Dutchman Joost Luiten aced 15th to reach 3-under, one off the Jordan Spieth, one leg short of completing the with his first lead after any round tomorrow, move right up there.” Dane took the most recent of the 181-yard par-3 fourth hole lead, but stumbled back to 70 grand slam of all four majors, struggled with his of a major. England’s Paul Casey and four career European Tour vic- with a 6-iron, the first hole-in- with bogeys at 16 and the par-3 putting for most of the day before two late bird- “It was really smooth,” Kis- 10th-ranked American Rickie tories last year in Turkey. one at a PGA since South Africa’s 17th in his PGA Championship ies salvage a 72 from what could have been a ner said of his round. Fowler, whose first career PGA “I feel more confident with Tim Clark in 2013. debut. nasty wreck. “If I keep it in the fairway, I’ll triumph was at Quail Hollow, myself and my game than I prob- Two players withdrew with “I’ve been looking forward make birdies so that’s what I’ll were among seven on 69, Fowler ably did a few years ago,” he injuries after poor first rounds, to playing well in a major for a Quail Hollow claims notable victims try to do. I love these greens. I thanks to six birdies that helped said. “I just have to stay relaxed England’s Andrew “Beef” John- long time,” Rahm said. “We’ll see The long, rain-softened layout with hard, fast like the speed. It’s like what I offset a triple bogey seven at the the next few days.” ston after a 78 with a shoulder what happens.” greens took plenty of prisoners. Four-times ma- grew up on.” fifth hole. Spieth was in the early fea- issue and South Korean Kim Si- Among those in a struggle to jor winner Ernie Els has carded 80, twice Masters One stroke adrift were US World number one Dustin ture group with Koepka and the Woo after shooting 79, citing a make the cut are defending winner Bubba Watson 77 and reigning Masters Open winner Brooks Koepka and Johnson was in a pack on 70 that year’s other major winner, sore back. Day, who had four champion Jimmy Walker, 100th-

champion Sergio Garcia 75. fellow Americans Gary Wood- included Australia’s Jason Day, Spain’s Sergio Garcia, the Mas- bogeys in the first 12 holes, rallied major starters Phil Mickelson land, Grayson Murray, Chris Spain’s Jon Rahm and Japan’s ters champion. with two birdies and an eagle in and Ernie Els and England’s Jus- Stroud and DA Points. Hideki Matsuyama. Johnson said “It was a day that should the last five to finish on 70. tin Rose. Mourinho reveals Ibrahimovic talks Neymar cleared to make PSG debut Manchester The signings of defender AFP Zlatan Ibrahimovic Victor Lindelof from Benfica, midfielder Nemanja Matic from anchester United are in Chelsea and striker Romelu Reuters discussions to re-sign Lukaku from Everton have also MZlatan Ibrahimovic for lifted the mood. orld-record signing the second half of the season Defeat by Real Madrid in Neymar (pictured) when he recovers from a seri- Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup Wlooks set to make his ous knee injury, manager Jose match in Skopje was a setback, debut for Paris St Germain Mourinho confirmed but Mourinho says his team are tomorrow after the French yesterday. ready for the new season. football federation confirmed The former Sweden striker “We have added three play- it had received the player’s was United’s top scorer last sea- ers, one defender, one midfielder transfer certificate. son, hitting 28 goals as they won and one attacking player,” the The Brazilian, whose 222m the Europa League, the League Portuguese boss explained. euros ($262m) signing from Cup and the Community Shield. “But we have lost important Barcelona doubled the world- he is ready to start the game.” However, he is without a players to injury too, such as record transfer fee, was The French football feder- club as he recovers from cruci- Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Luke prevented from playing in PSG’s ation (FFF) confirmed that ate knee ligament damage league titles with every club he “He is not ready to play Shaw, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. first Ligue 1 match of the sea- Neymar was now licensed to sustained during the Europa had played for before joining tomorrow, so it is not something “Between the players we son against Amiens last week play in France. League quarter-final against United on a free transfer from that’s urgent. We are not desper- have lost and the players we because his registration had “The FFF confirms it has Anderlecht in April. Paris Saint-Germain a year ago ate to have it (a deal) done or not. have got, I think we are in a sim- gone through too late. received the transfer certificate Ibrahimovic’s one-year deal -- has made clear that he was “He wants more football at ilar situation but with more PSG travel to En Avant of Neymar Jr, sent by the RFEF at Old Trafford expired in June disappointed to finish sixth with the highest level so we are hav- experience of working together Guingamp tomorrow. (Spanish football federation),” and was not extended following Mourinho’s team last season. ing conversations and discussing and a much better pre-season. “One thing is clear: we want the FFF said on its Twitter feed the injury. The United boss is aiming the possibility of him staying for “We have the confidence him to make his debut (on Sun- yesterday. He has trained with the club higher this time, and wants the the second part of the season.” levels of a team who won a day),” PSG coach Unai Emery PSG opened the season by during his rehabilitation, though, 35-year-old to be a part of that United kick off their Premier European competition. Our lev- told reporters. beating Amiens 2-0 at the Parc and Mourinho has made clear effort. League campaign at home to els of confidence and knowledge “He’s been good in train- des Princes last Saturday. They he still believes the forward can “Zlatan is injured and needs West Ham on Sunday, having are higher so I am happy to start ing. He is ready. We want him ended last season as runners- do a job for him. time to recover,” Mourinho said won six of their seven pre-sea- the season. I think we are ready,” to be in the squad and to start. up to Monaco after winning Ibrahimovic -- who had won on Friday. son friendlies. he said. He’s a player we need. I think four successive Ligue 1 titles. Morocco to bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup, says federation

Rabat capable of organsining a World would become only the second Issa Hayatou as head of the Morocco has the necessary Africa at the time. But the coun- AFP Cup,” youth and sports minis- African country to host football’s African body. However, FIFA “infrastructure and organisa- try has embarked on a ter Rachid Talbi Alami said. flagship event following South last year accepted that the coun- tional capacity” to host the professionalisation drive to orocco’s football federa- “We have the necessary Africa in 2010. The north Afri- try had paid bribes to the former World Cup. improve its football infrastruc- tion (FRMF) announced infrastructure in terms of stadi- cans have received backing head of the North and Central The 2026 tournament will ture while increasing it’s Myesterday it had told the ums, transport, hotel capacity from African Confederation American Confederation in try- be the first with an expanded candidacies for various tourna- sport’s world governing body and sanitation.” (CAF) President Ahmad Ahmad. ing to win the right to host the 48-team tournament, up from ments in order to improve its FIFA it will bid to host the 2026 In April, the United States, “We are convinced that 1998 and 2010 tournaments -- the current 32 qualifiers. chances of landing a much cov- World Cup. It would be Moroc- Canada and Mexico had already Morocco could organise this something that could prejudice Morocco had won the right eted World Cup. Morocco has co’s fifth candidacy having come announced a joint North Amer- competition just as was done any future bid. to host the 2015 Africa Cup of hosted two Club World Cup up short already in 1994, 1998, ican bid to host the by South Africa in 2010,” said But FIFA president Gianni Nations but pulled out at the 11th tournaments, in 2013 and 2014, 2006 and 2010. tournament. Malagasy Ahmad after he was Infantino has echoed Ahmad’s hour over concerns related to although that is a vastly smaller “Morocco considers itself If successful, Morocco elected to succeed Cameroon’s endorsement, saying that the Ebola outbreak in western and shorter tournament. SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2017 SPORT 19

McGregor fight Sri Lankan chief cricket selector Sanath India bid to reinstate won’t go the Jayasuriya (centre) distance, says speaks with Sri Lankan cricket team manager Sreesanth fixing ban Asanka Gurusinghe (left) Mayweather and Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal at the from Kerala court Las Vegas Pallekele International Reuters Cricket Stadium in Pallekele yesterday. loyd Mayweather has New Delhi doing this?” the cricketer said he has done his AFP tweeted. “@bcci I’m not beg- Fhomework on mixed ging, I’m asking to give my martial artist Conor McGre- ndia’s cricket board will livelihood back. It’s my right. gor and promised their appeal against a court U guys are not above God. I multi-million dollar fight in Iorder that lifted fast will play again.” Las Vegas on August 26 will bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two other not go the distance. Sreesanth’s life ban for Rajasthan Royals players Both fighters have now match-fixing, a senior offi- were banned for life over tipped a knockout finish to cial said yesterday. alleged involvement in bet- the hotly-anticipated bout The Board of Control for ting and spot-fixing following between arguably one of the Cricket in India (BCCI) does a 2013 scandal in the Indian greatest boxers of all time and not agree with the Kerala Premier League. the explosive UFC state high court order that Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan champion. acquitted Sreesanth for lack and Ajit Chandila were “Expect excitement. He’s of proof, the official said on arrested along with scores of gonna talk trash, I’m gonna condition of anonymity. bookies as part of a probe talk trash, there’s gonna be a SL eye win as India “We don’t agree with the into allegations that players lot of blood, sweat and tears,” order. It definitely needs to had under-performed in Mayweather told reporters at be challenged and within a return for cash. a media conference at his week the appeal would be Criminal charges were gym in Las Vegas. filed in the Kerala high court. later dropped, but the play- Casually dressed in a play without Jadeja “We were always clear on ers remained banned for black T-shirt and shorts, the this case as the board is firm breaching the BCCI’s code of bluster and profanity of the on its zero tolerance policy conduct. recent four-city promotional Pallekele but we cannot control the ulti- on corruption and match-fix- On the day of the court tour undertaken with McGre- AFP mate result.” ing,” the official said. ruling Monday, Sreesanth had gor was replaced by a more India skipper Virat Kohli Sreesanth, 34, slammed said he was hoping to get his sober analysis. he absence of world warned his side against compla- BCCI’s decision to appeal the career back on track and rep- “It’s about doing your number one all- cency in the final Test. verdict and vouched to play resent India at the next World homework. It’s not really rounder Ravindra Kohli, the only India captain again for the country. Cup in 2019. watching fight tapes, it’s Jadeja from India’s to win two Test series in Sri “Cmon @bcci this is worst Sreesanth, who is 13 short about knowing the person team has given Sri Lanka, has led his side to eight u can do to anyone that too of 100 Test wickets, has you’re facing across the ring TLanka hope that they can avoid consecutive series wins since who is proven innocent not played 27 Tests and 53 one- from you. a series whitewash in the third their 2015 triumph in the island just once but again and day internationals since “You want to know what and final Test starting today, nation. again... don’t know why u making his debut in 2005. they like to eat, what they’re home skipper Dinesh Chandi- “I personally feel that it’s just doing when they’re not in mal said. a distraction that causes people camp,” said the undefeated Left-arm spinner Jadeja was to be over excited,” said Kohli. 40-year-old. banned for one match for dan- “I think we need to stay in Mayweather brushed off gerous play in India’s second the present and treat every ses- suggestions that the left- Test win that secured the team sion with respect to win a Test handed McGregor might an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Indian captain Virat Kohli match, and that’s exactly what cause him problems. series. talks to reporters in Pallekele we want to follow,” he added. “Last time I checked I was But despite the hosts suffer- yesterday. Kohli admitted that he is undefeated, whether it was ing huge defeats in the first two “not looking to make drastic orthodox or southpaw. matches, Chandimal is confident who was appointed Test skip- changes” to his winning McGregor, he’s gonna come of pulling one back against the per after Angelo Mathews quit combination. out and keep switching world’s top Test side in following the team’s one-day He virtually confirmed left- (stances) ... but when you Pallekele. series loss against Zimbabwe arm wrist spinner Kuldeep keep switching all you’re “We are two down but still last month. Yadav’s place in the starting doing is burning energy,” he we are a really good team and Fast bowlers Dushmantha line-up in place of Jadeja. told reporters. are hoping to win this game. If Chameera and Lahiru Gamage “He has proven himself in we can do that, definitely we can have been added to Sri Lanka’s Dharamsala which was not such get more confidence and move squad that has faced mounting a spin friendly wicket,” said the FREE PRACTICE TIMES forward,” Chandimal said flak for their poor showing in captain. yesterday. recent months. “He turned the game around 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 1:24.046, “We all know he (Jadeja) is Chandimal believes two for us so he has ability, which is 2. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) at the number one bowler at the good performances can give a very rare to find,” Kohli said of 0.234sec, 3. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) moment. It gives us a bit of con- crucial lift to morale. the young spinner who made an 0.428, 4. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha fidence -- bit unfortunate for “It’s a big challenge for the impressive debut against Aus- Tech3) 0.476, 5. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) you (India) guys. As a team we whole team but if one or two tralia in March. 0.570, 6. Hector Barbera (ESP/Ducati Avin- have something up our sleeves,” youngsters can come out and Kohli said that Yadav’s left- tia) 0.585, 7. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) Chandimal said. shine to a level that we can win arm wrist spin adds “an 0.603, 8. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) Sri Lanka have suffered a this game, it’s a great morale x-factor” to the team. 0.622, 9. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprillia) string of injuries to key players booster,” said Chandimal. “He has a great chance of

0.680, 10. Scott Redding (GBRI/Ducati in the series. Their bowling “The series is not yet over. playing tomorrow and I wish

mainstay Rangana Herath will As a captain, I don’t like to lose, him all the best,” said the Indian Pramac) 0.719 miss the third Test with a stiff we are giving out our full effort captain. back. Paceman Nuwan Pradeep, who bowled only 17.4 overs in Dovizioso tops Colombo before pulling out with a hamstring injury, and all- rounder Asela Gunaratne, are In this photograph taken on July 25, 2015, Indian cricketer Austrian GP already out. We all know Jadeja is the Shanthakumaran Sreesanth speaks on his mobile as he “India is a really good team, number one bowler at the practice especially in the last two to three leaves, following the judge’s pronouncement of the moment. It gives us a bit of years. But every time players of order discharging 36 accused in the IPL-6 spot fixing confidence – bit unfortunate Spielberg, Austria my team are getting injured. We case, Patiala Court in New Delhi. India’s cricket board AFP cannot get the combination for India: Captain Chandimal will appeal against a court order that lifted the fast right,” said Chandimal. bowler’s life ban for match-fixing, a senior BCCI official taly’s Andrea Dovizioso “But we don’t want to give said yesterday. topped yesterday’s first excuses,” added Chandimal, Itwo free practice sessions for this weekend’s Austrian MotoGP at Spielberg. Dovizioso, runner-up in Austria last year behind Ital- Pay war break may benefit Aussies: Lehmann ian Andrea Iannone, clocked a fastest lap of 1min 24.46sec at the end of the session. Sydney Australia’s top internationals told the official Australian cricket “The break’s been good for The 31-year-old finished AFP since they were booted out of the website late on Thursday. some of them, they’ve been at the ahead of Spaniards Maverick Champions Trophy in June. “Even through the MoU (pay back of a long summer with a lot Vinales, who clocked 1:24.280 arren Lehmann (pictured) Since then, they were among negotiations) they were training of travel in the schedule so some- on a Yahama, and Honda’s promised Australia won’t about 230 players who were and preparing as though they times a refreshed mindset is really Dani Pedrosa in 1:24.474. Dbe under-prepared for technically unemployed for were playing. important,” Lehmann said. In the battle for the their tour of Bangladesh after a more than a month over a long- “So in terms of fitness, they “They’ve all come in really MotoGP world title, Vinales pay dispute left them temporar- running pay dispute, which was are probably ahead of the game, excited to get going again.” upped the pressure on Span- ily unemployed – and said the finally resolved last week. they’re really strong and fit Lehmann added: “The Dar- ish world championship enforced break may have even But despite having only a which is really pleasing. win camp wickets are very leader Marc Marquez, who done them good. week to prepare for their first “Now it’s just getting their similar to what we’ll get in Bang- managed just seventh fastest But the coach said he would Test tour of Bangladesh in more skills up to the required level ladesh -- they’re low and they’re for Honda. be sure to put his 14-man squad than a decade, Lehmann said the before we leave.” slow, and they will spin. Marquez -- winner in through their paces at a one- disruption was not a concern. Lehmann said the break “In terms of conditions and Germany and the Czech week training camp in tropical “Until you get there you don’t from playing and touring had the heat and humidity that we’ll Republic in the last two races Darwin, before they leave for the know, but we’re squeezing even benefited some players by face when we get there, it’s great -- sits top of the standings two-Test tour next Friday. enough in this next week, and refreshing them mentally and preparation especially for those with a 14-point lead on The camp represents the first guys have been doing stuff with physically heading into the who have come out of winter in Vinales. formal cricket environment for their (home) states,” Lehmann Bangladesh tour. the southern states.”