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Tuesday, June 18, 2019 FOOTBALL Shawwal 15, 1440 AH China, Spain GULF TIMES through to last 16 as Germany win big SPORT Page 6

FOOTBALL / COPA AMERICA Draw with Paraguay a positive result: Qatar coach Sanchez Almoez Ali and Bualem Khoukhi scored in the second half as Qatar rallied for a 2-2 draw at the iconic Maracana Stadium struck Portuguese-born full- back Pedro Miguel’s arm. Cardozo hammered the result- ing spot kick straight down the middle of the goal to give Para- guay a fourth-minute lead. Qatar were neat and tidy in possession but initially lacked the cutting edge and ruthlessness that Paraguay showed. The South Americans threat- ened to double their lead but Fabian Balbuena headed over and Hernan Perez forced a smart save from goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb. Paraguay looked to have dou- bled their lead on 51 minutes when Cardozo turned home a Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez reacts during the match. Miguel Almiron cross, but VAR adjudged Gonzalez to have been By Sports Reporter added. off side in the build-up. Rio de Janeiro Sanchez said the playing pat- Five minutes later, though, tern witnessed in Sunday’s clash Gonzalez himself scored the against Paraguay was similar to second with a screamer from 25 atar coach Felix the one seen in Qatar’s friendly yards into the top corner. Sanchez yesterday against Brazil. Qatar were back in it halfway termed his team’s 2-2 “We should improve as we go through the second period with a draw against Paraguay long,” Sanchez said. “We man- special strike of their own as Ali’s aQ ‘positive result’. aged to own the game in the sec- shot from the corner of the 18- Almoez Ali and Bualem ond half. We scored twice and yard box took a nick off a defend- Khoukhi scored in the second that showed our fi ghting spirit. er’s foot and arched over Fernan- half as Qatar rallied for a 2-2 draw The players showed great will to dez into the top corner, drawing at the iconic Maracana Stadium. score under pressure. cheers from the sparse crowd in- It was Qatar’s fi rst match in “Like I said this is a positive re- side the Maracana stadium. their maiden appearance in Copa sult. We played similar football in And the Asian champions were America. the Asian Cup and won that title. level 13 minutes from time after “In the fi rst half there was not “The level of Al Annabi was opening up the Paraguay defence enough attention from my play- good and the goals scored were with a slick passing move. ers. But we reacted diff erently in also good. We started the match Akram Afi f slipped in Algeri- the second. I would say it was a badly. So Paraguay team came Qatar players celebrate Boualem Khoukhi’s goal in the second half of their match against Paraguay on Sunday. an-born Khoukhi, running in at positive result,” Sanchez said af- forward but then we controlled an angle between full-back and ter the match. the match. si’s presence in the Argentinian Colombia and then we can think snatched a share of the Group B made a disastrous start with centre-back. “The team eff ort was good in “We saw the Colombia match. team will further motivate Qatar about match against Argentina. spoils for the tournament debu- a defensive mix up in the fi rst His fi nish hit Fernandez’s the second half. We got support They played well against Argen- when they take them on in their We will arrive prepared,” he said. tants. minute causing panic in their knee and ballooned up into the from the fans and the presence tina. We will try for wins in our last Group B match on July 23. In the match, an Oscar Cardo- It left the sides two points be- own area. air where the back tracking Ro- of the fans helped us to work next two matches. “We know Messi is playing zo penalty and a stunning Denis hind Group B leaders Colombia, The Asian champions survived drigo Rojas attempted to head it well on the pitch and gave boost “We will continue to try and here and that’s why we want to Gonzalez strike gave the South who opened their account with but Paraguay kept the pressure off the line but succeeded only in to the players. The enthusiasm improve. We will look for positive do well against the better players Americans a 2-0 lead in Rio de a 2-0 win over Lionel Messi’s Ar- on and a couple of minutes later putting the ball into the roof of was great and the players gave a results. We want to be in front.” and better teams,” he said. Janeiro but goals from Almoez Ali gentina on Saturday. had won a penalty for hand- the net and then injured himself good performance,” the Spaniard Sanchez added that Lionel Mes- “But for now we can focus on and Khoukhi in the fi nal quarter Tournament invitees Qatar ball after a Bruno Valdez header falling into the goal.

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Shakib smashes ton as Bangladesh sink Windies AFP The highest chase in the cur- Scorecard joint-fastest fi fty of the tourna- Taunton, United Kingdom rent World Cup prior to the mas- ment from Shimron Hetmyer terclass from Mashrafe’s men helped the West Indies reach was New Zealand’s 248 against WEST INDIES tafizur 9-0-59-3 (5w), Miraz 9-0- 321-8. angladesh powered to Bangladesh. C. Gayle c Rahim b Saifuddin 057-0 (1w), Mosaddek 6-0-36-0, The Windies couldn’t be con- Shakib 8-0-54-2 the second highest run But the Tigers had already E. Lewis c sub (Sabbir) b Shakib 70 tained in the second half of the chase in World Cup his- posted 330 in the fi rst innings of innings as Hope laid the foun- tory as Shakib Al Hasan’s their win over South Africa ear- S. Hope c Das b Rahman 96 BANGLADESH dations for his country’s fourth Bbrilliant century clinched a re- lier in the competition and they N. Pooran c Sarkar b Shakib 25 T. Iqbal run out (Cottrell) 48 highest World Cup score with a markable seven-wicket win over were never intimidated by their S. Hetmyer c Iqbal b Rahman 50 S. Sarkar c Gayle b Russell 29 resolute 121-ball innings. the West Indies yesterday. task against the Windies. Hitting around Hope, Evin A. Russell c Rahim b Rahman 0 Shakib Al Hasan not out 124 Shakib blasted 124 from 99 Opener Tamim Iqbal set the Lewis made 70 from 67 balls be- balls and Liton Das hit a superb tone in the chase with six fours J. Holder c Mahmudullah b Saifud- M. Rahim c Hope b Thomas 1 fore Hetmyer smashed 50 in 26 94 from 69 deliveries to lead in his 53-ball innings of 48 before din 33 L. Das not out 94 balls, featuring four fours and Bangladesh to 322-3 with 8.3 being superbly run out by Shel- three sixes. D. Bravo b Saifuddin 19 Extras (b1, w25) 26 overs to spare at Taunton. don Cottrell. It was the equal fastest 50 in O. Thomas not out 6 Bangladesh’s highest one-day Tamim and Soumya Sarkar had Total (three wickets, 41.3 overs) 322 this year’s tournament and the international run chase put them taken the score to 50 in the ninth Extras (lb6, w16) 22 Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Sarkar), third quickest by a West Indies behind only Ireland’s 329-7 against over. Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 321 2-121 (Iqbal), 3-133 (Rahim) batsman in World Cup history. England in 2011 in the history of Soumya was dismissed for 29 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Gayle), Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-65-0 Lewis’s partnership of 116 with successful World Cup chases. when he scooped Andre Russell 2-122 (Lewis), 3-159 (Pooran), (3w), Holder 9-0-62-0 (1w), Hope was the West Indies’ fi rst Mashrafe Mortaza’s side re- to Chris Gayle in the slips. 4-242 (Hetmyer), 5-243 (Russell), Russell 6-0-42-1 (1w), Gabriel century stand of the World Cup. main in with a chance of reaching But there were huge cheers from 6-282 (Holder), 7-297 (Hope), 8.3-0-78-0 (2w), Thomas 6-0-52- A towering six from Nicholas the semi-fi nals after their second the Bangladesh fans around the 8-321 (Bravo) 1 (5w), Gayle 2-0-22-0 (1w) Pooran off Mehidy Hasan Miraz win in fi ve matches. ground when Shakib became just left a hole in the roof of one of the It was a brutal day for the West the second player to score 6,000 Bowling: Mortaza 8-1-37-0, RESULT: Bangladesh won by 7 Taunton stands. Indies, who were shambolic career ODI runs for the Tigers. Saifuddin 10-1-72-3 (6w), Mus- wickets And skipper Jason Holder’s 33 in the fi eld and bowled far too After reaching his fi fth suc- from 15 balls — including four loosely. cessive ODI 50, Shakib — who Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan plays a shot during the 2019 ICC Cricket fours and two sixes — ensured A third defeat from their fi ve scored 121 against England earlier World Cup match against West Indies in Taunton yesterday. (AFP) EPIC SUCCESS wicket in World Cup history. the Windies went past 300. games means a semi-fi nal berth in the tournament — took com- Adding to the epic nature of the Shakib fi nished with 16 fours, But Shakib and Das showed is extremely unlikely as the opti- mand with a scintillating innings Shakib is now the highest run helpless as he and Das demol- success, the unbroken stand of while Das bludgeoned eight fours that total was nowhere near mism from the thrashing of Paki- that climaxed when he stroked a scorer at this year’s World Cup ished their wayward bowling to 189 between Shakib and Das was and four sixes. enough with their sublime dis- stan in their opener fades away. boundary to reach his century. so far and the West Indies were romp home. the second highest for the fourth Earlier, Shai Hope’s 96 and the play. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, June 18, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT Injured Roy to miss England’s next two World Cup games Captain Eoin Morgan was back in the nets and hopes to take to the pitch against Afghanistan today Winless Afghanistan plotting upsets, says skipper Naib

Reuters Manchester, United Kingdom

fghanistan may have looked largely at sea in Athe World Cup but they can still pull off upsets, skipper Gulbadin Naib said ahead of today’s clash against hosts England. The Afghans made their World Cup debut in 2015 when they beat Scotland but are without a win after four matches in their second appearance. “We are here to win matches but it’s not easy to beat such the potential to do better but stan, that’s how we played strong teams in a tournament it’s bad luck that we could not cricket in the last three years. like World Cup,” Naib said ahead do well. We did not like how we Spinners are behind the high of the team’s practice session at played in the last four games.” rate of our success.” Old Traff ord. Afghan rely heavily on their With some assistance from the “It’s a tough tournament, and three-pronged spin attack led pitch, Rashid, currently ranked the cricket is world class. We’re by Rashid Khan and Naib felt third in ODI bowler’s list, could trying to create upsets and win lack of turn in English sur- prove quite a handful against matches. We’re looking for it.” faces had compromised their England, Naib said. Afghanistan gave former cham- strength. “Rashid is not like other bowl- pions Sri Lanka a scare but “We’re looking for some spin ers. He’s an attacking bowler, suff ered comprehensive defeats but we did not find it in the always attacking. It’s his bad by South Africa, New Zealand surfaces here,” said Naib, who luck that surfaces here do not and Australia. hopes Old Traff ord, where India suit him. They could not bat out their beat Pakistan on Sunday, would “If we get the kind of wicket quota of 50 overs in any of the be a diff erent experience. used for the India-Pakistan England captain Eoin Morgan bats in the nets during a practice session at Old Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) matches and face India, Bangla- “The wicket for the India-Paki- match, Rashid could be diff icult desh, Pakistan and West Indies stan match had some turn. (On for any team, not only England. AFP day in London,” a team spokes- But he fell for just eight during squad until a report in the Guard- after the game against England. such surfaces), teams could be “He is a key bowler and has Manchester, United Kingdom man said. England’s surprise 14-run group ian newspaper in April revealed “We’re trying to put everything in trouble against Afghanistan. been a key part of Afghanistan’s “The MRI confi rmed that Roy loss to Pakistan at Trent Bridge. he was serving a 21-day ban fol- in the middle. We know we have “Spinners are key for Afghani- success in the last few years.” has suff ered a hamstring tear. Joe Root was promoted to open lowing a second positive test for ngland opener Jason Roy “He is set to miss England’s alongside Jonny Bairstow against recreational drug use. will miss the hosts’ next next two matches in the ICC the West Indies and the Test The ECB responded to the re- two World Cup matches Cricket World Cup against Af- skipper responded with an un- port by announcing that Hales, a with a torn left ham- ghanistan (18 June) and Sri Lanka beaten century. member of the provisional World string,E the England and Wales (21 June).” But Morgan said yesterday that Cup squad, had been withdrawn Cricket Board said yesterday. Roy would be replaced at the top from international duty. Roy, who sustained the injury ‘DRASTICALLY IMPROVED’ of the order by James Vince, the Morgan was non-committal while fi elding during England’s Morgan, speaking at a pre-match reserve batsman in England’s 15- when asked by reporters whether win over the West Indies on Fri- press conference yesterday, said man squad. Hales could be called up if Roy day, has been ruled out of today’s he intended to play against Af- Morgan, however, was con- was ruled out of the tournament group fi xture against Afghani- ghanistan after coming through fi dent Roy’s World Cup was far completely. stan at Old Traff ord and Friday’s an indoor net session at Old Traf- from fi nished, with England bid- But in an interview with the match against Sri Lanka at Head- ford. ding to win the tournament for BBC, Morgan expressed reserva- ingley. “It’s drastically improved,” he the fi rst time. tions. Meanwhile, England captain said of his back. “I’ve had a hit in “I certainly believe Jason will “If Ed Smith (chairman of se- Eoin Morgan, who suff ered a the nets and I’m aiming to play play again in this tournament,” lectors) came to myself and (Eng- back spasm in the fi eld against tomorrow,” the middle-order he said. land coach) Trevor Baylis and the West Indies and did not bat batsman added. “He’s out of the next two said he felt that Alex was the best in that match, will be assessed “If the game was today I think I games. So we’ll see how he pulls option, we would have to assess ahead of the Afghanistan clash could play. It all depends on how up after that. how that would sit in the chang- but he expects to play against the I pull up in the morning.” “He’s obviously a huge part of ing room and the stigma it would tournament minnows. Roy, who suff ered a hamstring what we’ve been doing. He’s in bring with Alex coming back in,” “England batsman Jason Roy, injury during England’s tour of the best form of his life. So he’s he said. who left the fi eld during West In- the Caribbean earlier this year, very important.” “It’s not something that we’ve dies’ innings in the ICC Cricket hit a fi fty in their World Cup talked about — we’ve not talked World Cup fi xture on Friday due opening win over South Africa HALES ‘STIGMA’ about replacing any player and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (centre) takes part in a training session at Old Traff ord Cricket Ground in to left hamstring tightness, un- and then struck a commanding Alex Hales was set to be the that’s a real positive within it- Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) derwent an MRI scan on Satur- 153 in a victory over Bangladesh. back-up batsman in England’s self.”

BOTTOMLINE UPDATE Cricket Australia Australia’s Smith takes batting appoint Oliver and obsession to shower Ginn in sacked Reuters ally rooming about ten rooms Howard’s role Manchester, England up from me the other day and said, ‘Were you batting at seven Reuters o’clock this morning?’ Melbourne ractising cover drives “He could hear me tapping on in shower is just one the ground. manifestation of Steve “I said, ‘Yeah, I was actually.’” ricket Australia (CA) Smith’s batting obses- The team management has have appointed former sionP but the Australian has as- asked Smith to consider toning fi rst class cricketer Ben sured his anxious team at the down his routine which may ex- Oliver and Olympic World Cup that he is not over- haust the top order bulwark who Crower Drew Ginn in high per- doing it. will play a key role in Australia’s formance roles seven months af- The 30-yer-old has returned title defence. ter sacking Pat Howard. from a ball-tampering scandal Smith said nine years of inter- CA announced yesterday Ol- with his hunger for runs intact national cricket had taught him iver would take over as high per- as his three half-centuries in fi ve when to relax. formance chief of the men’s and innings would attest. “It’s been spoken about a lit- women’s national teams, with The 12-month absence has tle bit, but I think at the same Ginn to oversee state and talent not diminished Smith’s dedica- time you’ve got to trust people’s pathway programmes. tion to his craft which took the preparation,” he said. The polarising Howard was right-hander to the top of test “I’ve been around quite a sacked in November in the wake batting rankings before his exile. while now and I’ve played a lot of a scathing governance review Assistant coach Ricky Pon- of cricket and you’ve got to trust of CA following the ball-tamper- ting, 10 rooms down the hotel the individual’s preparation and ing scandal in South Africa. corridor, has heard him shadow what they are trying to do. CA announced in March that The pair begin their new roles practising in England and coach “It’s one thing that’s I guess Howard’s role would be split in on July 29, two days before Aus- Justin Langer said Smith hones learned with experience and I’m two. tralia play Joe Root’s England in his cover drives in shower. reasonably experienced now and Oliver was appointed high the fi rst test of the Ashes. “I don’t know how he’s spying I’ve learned a bit over the last cou- performance manager at West- Belinda Clark, who has been on me in the shower!” an amused ple of years to sometimes just take ern Australia state in 2012. serving as interim team perform- Smith, who relishes long hours in the foot off the pedal in the nets Ginn, a member of Australia’s ance boss since Howard’s depar- the nets, told reporters. and save myself up a little bit.” iconic “Oarsome Foursome” ture last year, would resume her “Yeah, I’m known to play a Australia are seeking their which won gold at the 1996 At- role as executive general man- few shots here and there. fi fth win in six matches when lanta Games, was appointed high ager of community cricket at the “I always have a bat in my they take on Bangladesh at Trent performance boss of Cricket conclusion of the ongoing World room and Ricky was actu- Bridge on Thursday. Tasmania two years ago. Cup, CA said. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 18, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Sarfaraz refuses to blame seniors for Summon ‘cornered Pakistan’s troubles

Reuters kistan media questioned whether Manchester, United Kingdom Sarfaraz got the support he needed from his senior players. The 38-year-old all-rounder akistan captain Sarfaraz Shoaib Malik, dismissed for a tigers’ spirit: Arthur Ahmed refused to put duck on Sunday, has yet to hit the blame for his team’s double fi gures in his three World defeat to India and poor Cup innings and has bowled With only Afghanistan PWorld Cup on the senior players, just eight overs of his spin in the saying all his squad needed to tournament — with just a soli- below them in the table, step up their game. tary over against India. India’s comprehensive vic- Mohamed Hafeez, like Shoaib coach asks for a rally tory at Old Traff ord left Pakistan a former Pakistan captain, also tells Pakistan in ninth place after just one win failed to deliver in the crunch from fi ve matches and needing a match, making just nine as the huge turnaround in form to have middle order collapsed. any chance of making the semi- However, Sarfaraz said the fi nals. whole team had to share the re- Pakistan were outclassed sponsibility for the loss. “I don’t with India making 336 for fi ve think you can talk about only the and apart from a 104-run sec- senior players, I think you have ond-wicket partnership be- to talk about the whole team. I tween Fakhar Zaman and Babar think the whole team is not per- Azam, Pakistan never looked like forming well in all three depart- mounting a real challenge. ments, not fi elding, not bowling, “It defi nitely is very disap- and not batting,” he said. pointing. It is hard. We were go- The decision to ask India to ing really well, especially if you bat failed to deliver the antici- talk about our batting. I thought, pated early breakthroughs but when we lost the fi rst wicket, the skipper defended his choice, Imam and Fakhar, they made a pointing the fi nger at his bowl- good partnership,” Sarfaraz said. ers, whose length was often too “Our manager just said stay on short. the wicket and just try to hit fours “I think we won a good toss. I and sixes. Unfortunately, we lost think we didn’t capitalize on that too many wickets, and that’s why — when we saw the pitch, there we lost the match,” he added, re- was a little bit of moisture on ferring to a slump which saw four the pitch, we (wanted to use) the wickets fall in three overs. conditions. I think we didn’t hit After the match, some in the Pa- the right areas,” he added.

Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir (left) and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed walk off Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur (centre) has said that while the start to the World Cup has been disappointing, the team will have to look forward and come back strong. (AFP) the field after the Indian innings during the match on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP round-robin group phase. Australia beating the West In- Arthur lamented Pakistan’s reviewed after the World Cup, Manchester, United Kingdom They now have three points dies to claim the last semi-fi nal start to this World Cup by telling said he will do his best to lift the DEFENCE from fi ve matches with only one spot, where they downed co- AFP: “It is disappointing to be in team. win — a surprise success against hosts New Zealand before up- such a position. “I will be doing everything I akistan coach Mickey hosts England — three defeats staging England in a Melbourne “We can’t change the past but can and using all my experience Arthur has vowed to re- and a no-result. fi nal. can infl uence the future and I to make this happen,” he said. ICC defend India vs mind his players of the As happened in 1992, Pa- will defi nitely remind my play- Arthur, who guided Pakistan “cornered tigers” spirit kistan started this World Cup We can’t change the ers of the spirit of ‘cornered to the 2017 Champions Trophy Pwhich Imran Khan instilled in with a defeat by the West In- tigers’,” the experienced South title, said: “I love this team. I past but can infl uence Pakistan fi nish as his teammates to win the 1992 dies. the future and I will African coach added. love Pakistan so I will defi nitely World Cup. But 27 years ago they had a fa- defi nitely remind my But Pakistan’s task will be use all my experience to inspire An 89-run defeat by arch- mous rained-off match against ‘ tougher than in 1992 as they this team.” players of the spirit of pundits slam ‘farce’ rivals India in Manchester on England at Adelaide and that ‘cornered tigers’ have to not only win their last Sunday’s reverse meant Paki- Sunday has left Pakistan’s hopes single point gained from the — Mickey Arthur, four matches but also improve stan have lost all seven of their AFP moment,” said Jonathan Agnew, of qualifying for the semi-fi nals washout helped Pakistan sneak their inferior net run-rate of mi- World Cup matches against India. the BBC cricket correspondent. Pakistan coach Manchester, United Kingdom hanging by a thread, with only into the semi-fi nal. nus 1.93. But they also lost a group Fellow BBC radio commenta- minnows Afghanistan below Then they beat minnows They will also have to hope match to their fellow subconti- tor Graeme Swann also ques- them in the 10-team table. Zimbabwe and lost to South Af- Khan, now the prime minister other results go their way. nental cricket giants in 1992. he International Cricket tioned the decision to leave Paki- Yet Pakistan now fi nd them- rica and India before defeating of Pakistan, had famously worn Pakistan next play South Af- “We are extremely disap- Council defended the stan needing a run-rate of nearly selves in exactly the same posi- Australia, Sri Lanka and New a T-shirt with “cornered tigers” rica at Lord’s on Sunday before pointed with the defeat but we farcical fi nish to India’s 28 an over. tion as when they won the 1992 Zealand in their last three group written on it and said at the toss facing New Zealand, Afghani- have to put it behind us and World Cup win over The former England off -spin- World Cup — a tournament matches. he wanted his players to play like stan and Bangladesh. stand together and come back TPakistan after rain left Sarfaraz ner said: “If you’re at home and which, like this one, featured a Pakistan also had to rely on tigers. Arthur, whose contract will be strong,” Arthur said. Ahmed’s side with a seemingly you are trying to explain this to impossible task on Sunday. children just say that sometimes Pakistan were 166 for six, grown-ups do things that don’t BOTTOMLINE chasing an initial target of 337, make sense.” when rain stopped play after 35 Pakistan, unsurprisingly, got overs. nowhere near their new target Had the match ended then, and lost by 89 runs under D/L, they would have lost by 86 runs with only rank outsiders Af- India can demoralise opponents: Srikkanth under the Duckworth/Lewis ghanistan now below the 1992 method for rain-aff ected match- champions in the 10-team table. AFP Sharma’s 136-run open- es. But an ICC spokesman told Manchester, United Kingdom ing stand with K L Rahul, who But the umpires decided play AFP that, with net run-rate a po- scored a measured 57 after be- could resume, only for Pakistan tential tie-breaker in qualifying ing slotted in as opener in place to be left needing an outlandish the top four for the semi-fi nals ormer India cap- of the injured Shikhar Dhawan, further 136 in just fi ve more overs if teams are level on points, it tain Krishnamachari stood out in the big win. to reach a revised D/L winning would have been wrong to end Srikkanth says Virat Srikkanth said the half-cen- score of 302 in 40 overs. the game any earlier and so, at Kohli side’s are having tury from Rahul, who helped “Cricket is prone to farce — the very least, deny Pakistan the aF demoralising eff ect on their see off a threatening opening this is up there, this is a top fi ve chance to boost their rate. World Cup opponents. spell from paceman Mohamed India beat Pakistan by 89 runs Amir, should not be underes- via DLS method in Manchester timated. on Sunday to extend their blis- “Everyone knows how good a SL warned aft er media no-show tering start to the World Cup. batsman Rohit Sharma is but for Two-time champions India, me the more important innings Reuters there won’t be any sanctions among the favourites to lift the against Pakistan was from KL Manchester, England imposed on the Sri Lanka World Cup along with England Rahul,” Srikkanth said. team by the ICC...” SLC said in and Australia, have three wins Kohli made 77 off 65 deliver- a statement. and a no result from their four ies, his innings laced with seven ri Lanka have been “Sri Lanka Cricket discussed matches and look set for a semi- boundaries before being caught warned against a repeat Saturday’s incident with the fi nal place. behind off Amir. Sof their no-show in the ICC and assured that a similar Srikkanth has been impressed India icon Sachin Tendulkar customary post-match news situation will not occur going by India’s form and claims their congratulated the team for the conference following their forward in the tournament. powerful displays are torturing convincing show against Paki- World Cup loss to Australia, “The SLC also advised the opponents in the same way the India’s K L Rahul (right) in action during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against Pakistan at Old stan and underlined the impor- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said team management to comply great West Indies’ team of the Traff ord in Manchester on Sunday. Srikkanth praised Rahul’s innings, seeing off a threatening bowling tance of Rahul’s knock. yesterday. with the obligations...” it 1970s used to have teams beaten spell by Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir. (AFP) “It was a brilliant all-round The 1996 champions did not added. mentally before the match even display by #TeamIndia! @ send a representative after Sri Lanka, who have won one started. facing India and how they will pions at Lord’s — a moment that “It felt like there was more ImRo45 was just amazing once their defeat on Saturday in a of their five matches and are “It is a little like England, at cope with them, which imme- revolutionised Indian cricket. pressure on Pakistan, who had again & @klrahul11 after being breach of protocol, an off icial fifth in the standings, last the moment everything seems diately puts them on the back India underlined their current built this up to be a huge game, asked to open, played with a lot of the governing International week complained to organis- to be going right (for India) and foot.” class against Pakistan on Sun- whereas India and Rohit, in par- of responsibility,” Tendulkar Cricket Council told Reuters. ers about having to play on the fans should be very happy,” The West Indies, led by Clive day, with opener Rohit Sharma ticular, were able to treat it like wrote on Twitter. The governing body lodged a bowler-friendly pitches and Srikkanth said. Lloyd, was a dominant force leading the charge with 140 in any other match,” Srikkanth “@imVkohli like always was complaint with SLC, which has were also unhappy with the “This is starting to feel a lit- when they won the fi rst two edi- their total of 336-5. said. classy & the way @imkuldeep18 instructed the team to comply quality of their accommoda- tle like the West Indian teams of tions of the World Cup in 1975 “That is vital in an ICC Men’s bowled along with @hardik- with their media obligations. tion. the 1970s, where the opposition and 1979. ‘RESPONSIBLE RAHUL’ Cricket World Cup. You cannot pandya7 was great to see,” the “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes Sri Lanka’s next match is would start the game with a psy- Kapil Dev’s India shocked the Pakistan could only manage 212- put too much pressure on your- former captain added. to announce that, contrary against hosts England at chological disadvantage. West Indies in the 1983 World 6 while chasing a revised target self because of who the opposi- India next take on Afghani- to various media reports, Headingley on Friday. “Teams are worried about Cup fi nal to be crowned cham- of 302 in 40 overs. tion is.” stan in Southampton on June 22. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, June 18, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Decathlon champ Mayer donates kit Kyrgios backs to IAAF exhibition Barty to ‘pile up’ Grand Slam wins ‘I always knew that she was going to be a champion at some stage’

rance’s Kevin Mayer has Sopko. donated the kit he wore “Last September I created when setting the world my own piece of global athlet- record for the decathlon ics history, but as is the fate of all Fto the IAAF Heritage Collection, world records it will be beaten,” which is currently on public dis- said Mayer, who will return to play for six months in Doha. Talence for the Decastar meet- Mayer, the world decathlon ing this weekend (22-23 June). and world indoor heptathlon “I’m therefore really delighted champion, set the world record that my bodysuit and spikes will with a score of 9126 at the Decas- be preserved so the record will tar meeting in Talence, France, in not be forgotten. I hope display- September 2018, surpassing the ing the kit in public helps to in- 9045 which USA’s Ashton Ea- spire young athletes around the ton had established at the IAAF world like Mubarak to set their World Championships Beijing ambitions high and pursue their 2015. On his way to breaking Ea- dreams as I have done.” ton’s record, Mayer set personal Decastar, which is part of the bests in fi ve events. IAAF Combined Events Chal- The kit that Mayer has do- lenge, was recently honoured nated is made up of the bodysuit with the award of an IAAF World which he wore in the long jump, Athletics Heritage Plaque. his 1500m spikes and two bib The IAAF Heritage World numbers (name and ‘leader’). Athletics Championships Ex- The donation was recently hibition, in which Mayer’s kit symbolically handed over at the is on display, was opened on 18 IAAF Heritage World Athletics April by IAAF President Sebas- Championships Exhibition in the tian Coe and Dahlan al-Hamad, City Center Doha shopping mall. IAAF Vice President and Direc- The recipient of Mayer’s kit was tor General of the IAAF World Mubarak al-Sulaiti, a 15-year- Athletics Championships Doha old Qatari athlete, who com- 2019 local organising committee. peted for Qatar at the U18 Gulf The exhibition is situated in Co-operation Council Athletics the City Center Doha, the largest Championships. shopping mall in Qatar and will Al-Sulaiti is training to be a be open to the public until Oc- combined eventer at the world tober 7, one day after the close of renowned Aspire Academy, un- the IAAF World Athletics Cham- der the watchful coaching eyes pionships Doha 2019 (27 Sep- of Martin Brockman and Rudolf tember to 6 October).

ATHLETICS Australia’s tennis player Nick Kyrgios has tipped Ashleigh Barty (inset) for greatness.

AFP waiting for his Grand Slam Cuba’s Echevarria London Anderson survives Norrie scare at Queen’s breakthrough with a series of high-profi le on-court tantrums London: Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson ternoon in London as he swept aside Christian undermining his talent. shines in Rabat rench Open champi- had to battle back from a set down to begin Garin 6-1 7-6 (7/5). The 24-year-old pulled out on Ashleigh Barty has his 2019 grass court season with a 4-6 7-6 (5) Daniil Medvedev, Diego Schwartzman and of the French Open, saying the AFP the talent to dominate 6-4 victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie at Nicolas Mahut were also winners in straight tournament “sucks” in com- Rabat women’s tennis for years Queen’s yesterday. sets. parison to Wimbledon, where toF come, according to fellow he reached the quarter-fi nals in Anderson returned to court for the first time Meanwhile, France’s Pierre-Hugue Herbert Aussie Nick Kyrgios. since March after missing the clay court season sprung a minor surprise on the first day of the 2014. uba’s highly-rated Barty, who took a hiatus from due to a lingering elbow injury and looked ATP tournament in Halle as he beat veteran Rafael Nadal claimed a 12th Juan Miguel Echev- tennis early in her career to play short on match practice as Norrie claimed the compatriot Gael Monfils in straight sets. title in Paris with the Spaniard, arria claimed victory cricket, ended an eight-year first set 6-4. Herbert, 28, won 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 to inflict a first- Roger Federer and Novak Djoko- Cin the long jump at the wait for an Australian player to The world number eight slowly began to find round exit on Monfils, who is ranked 27 places vic now combining to win the Rabat Diamond League meet- win a singles Grand Slam at Ro- his groove in the second, but still needed a tie- above him in the ATP rankings. last 10 Grand Slam titles despite ing on Sunday as South African land Garros earlier this month. break to take the match into a deciding set. There was disappointment for the home crowd all three reaching their thirties. world champion Luvo Manyon- But Kyrgios is not surprised Norrie’s serve was finally broken to give An- as German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber suf- Kyrgios, though, believes ga was stretchered away with an by the sudden rise of a player he derson a 3-2 lead and the giant South African fered a second first-round defeat on home soil Wimbledon presents the best ankle injury. has known since they travelled served it out to reach round two. in the space of a week against American Steve opportunity for the younger The 20-year-old Echevar- the world together as juniors. “It feels fantastic to be back. It’s always diff icult Johnson. generation to snap that streak. ria, the world indoor champion, “A 9.92, that’s good on this “I think she’s probably the to miss tournaments, it’s been a tough year, but Kohlschreiber, who also lost in the first round in “I think Wimbledon is prob- claimed victory with a leap of track,” said Simbine, whose ef- most talented tennis player I there has been a lot of time and eff ort put in to Stuttgart last week, lost 6-3, 6-3 and missed the ably the most open one,” added 8.34m, just short of the season fort came following afternoon have seen in a long time,” said get me back out there,” said Anderson. opportunity to set up a potential second round Kyrgios. best of 8.38m set by Jeff Hender- showers dampened the track. Kyrgios ahead of his participa- “It feels good now, and it held up well today clash with compatriot Alexander Zverev. “I say if somebody is serving son of the United States. Ahoure won the women’s 100 tion at Queen’s Club in London with a long three-set match. I found a nice Elsewhere, Moldova’s Radu Albot came from big and feeling themselves that With time on his side, the Cu- in 11.09 with American Aleia this week. rhythm and on the grass that helps.” behind to win 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 over Australia’s Mat- week, I think for sure they could ban has made it his intention to Hobbs.02 back. “I played juniors with her. Reigning champion Marin Cilic had an easier af- thew Ebden. probably make more of a run. eventually better Mike Powell’s “I feel really rusty,” Ahoure I grew up with her. Literally “I defi nitely feel like I can do world record of 8.95m set back said. “I was so nervous.” we were travelling to Thailand damage. I have had a lot of good in 1991. He has already had the World 2017 100m champion through Asia and playing jun- wanted it. dominant. I actually think she’s win a Grand Slam and I think wins on grass. Obviously made world of track and fi eld sit up Tori Bowie, who tore a quadri- iors. She was raking up titles in “Obviously she took that probably one of the favourites she was our best chance. She’s a quarter-fi nal run when I was and take notice with jumps of ceps muscle last year, was third juniors. I always knew that she break to get her mind right and for Wimbledon, for sure. amazing. I mean, she’s gonna a little bit younger, but I think if 8.92m in March and 8.83m in in 11.22. was going to be a champion at step back from the sport, and “I think Australia has been pile them up.” the stars align, for sure I can do June last year even if they were “Coming back from tearing some stage, just how bad she then she came back and was so waiting for that next player to Kyrgios, by contrast, is still damage there.” wind-assisted. my quad, I’m off to an amazing By contrast, Manyonga cut start,” Bowie said. a desolate fi gure, being carried Reigning Olympic women’s BOTTOMLINE off after injuring his ankle on his 400 champion Shaunae Miller- fourth attempt. Uibo of Bahamas won the 150 The meeting in Rabat saw two meters in 16.37, her third Boston season-leading times set. title in a row at the unusual dis- Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba tance, with Trinidad and Toba- clocked 3min 55.47sec in the go’s Michelle-Lee Ahye second 1,500m and compatriot Getnet in 16.60. Osaka not at home on grass Wale won the 3,000m steeple- “It’s always fun to come to chase in 8min 6.01sec. Boston. I’m three for three,” AFP “It’s just really diff erent to everything I “I am ready for the world Miller-Uibo said. “I just hope London have played on.” championships (in Doha from to continue to improve this year. Osaka, though, is keen to show how Sept 27-Oct 6),” said the Things are falling into place much she has improved as a player even on 28-year-old Dibaba, the world slowly but surely.” orld number one Naomi Osa- an unfamiliar surface over the past year. record holder and 2015 world American Noah Lyles was ka admits she has a long way to “Whenever I come to grass I can only champion. given a dubious bailout on a go to turn her mastery of hard remember the last match I played which is Meanwhile, South Africa’s disqualifi cation and took ad- courts onto success on grass always Wimbledon and last year I played Akani Simbine and reigning vantage to win the men’s 150 in Was she prepares for Wimbledon at the Bir- against Kerber and she kind of crushed me,” world 60m indoor champion 14.69, beating Britain’s Netha- mingham Classic this week. she added. Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast neel Mitchell-Blake by 0.41 of a Osaka has claimed her fi rst two Grand “I’m going to try and think about that won 100 meters titles at Sun- second. Slams at the US and Australian Open since match of course, but think about every- day’s Boston Games athletics What appeared even in slow- her last outing on a grass court, when she thing that I did, like sort of improved dur- meet. motion replay to be an obvious was thrashed for the loss of just six games ing the year.” The unique event’s feature false start was instead ruled to be by Wimbledon champion Angelique Ker- And Osaka is hoping a much-needed races were contested on a port- inconclusive evidence, allowing ber. week’s holiday after a third round exit at able 200m straightaway strip Lyles to race. “Grass, I’m not really that comfortable the French Open will leave her rejuvenated installed at the fi nishing area for “What did the guy at the start with it,” said Osaka yesterday. “As a little to try and get into the second week at Wim- the Boston Marathon. say? Green card. Then it was kid, I never played on grass. bledon for the fi rst time. Simbine, the reigning Com- a green card,” Lyles said. “No “It’s always the fi rst tournament that’s “It was kind of refreshing because I felt monwealth Games 100m cham- time goal. We wanted to get this the hardest. I have only practiced twice on like since the US Open things have been pion, won his specialty in 9.92 right for the 100 and 200. get a grass because it was raining a lot. So, I guess going so fast, so I felt like I really needed a seconds,.11 ahead of American good start like the 100 and fi nish I’m feeling as good as I can. break and it was good for me.” Kendal Williams. strong like the 200.” Gulf Times Tuesday, June 18, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Karlsson and Sharks agree to eight-year Padres rally to cap contract: reports record-setting series

Blackmon had three hits in the finale to set a record for most hits in a four-game series with 15 San Jose: All-Star defense- man Erik Karlsson will sign Reuters an eight-year deal worth Denver, USA about $11.5mn per season to remain with the San Jose Sharks, according to multiple reg Garcia had four hits, in- reports. His contract will be cluding a two-run triple as part among the NHL’s richest in of a four-run ninth inning, and annual average value. Connor the San Diego Padres rallied to McDavid of Edmonton is the Gbeat the Colorado Rockies 14-13 in Den- league’s highest-paid player, ver on Sunday. The two teams combined with a $12.5mn annual aver- for 92 runs in their four-game series to age value. Karlsson, 29, could set a modern-era record. have become the league’s Rockies outfi elder Charlie Blackmon marquee free agent this off homered and had three hits in the fi nale season as he reached the end to set a record for most hits in a four- of the seven-year, $45.5mn game series with 15. Hunter Renfroe hit contract he signed with the two home runs for San Diego on Sunday, Ottawa Senators, who se- and Fernando Tatis Jr. had three hits and lected him No. 15 overall pick was a home run short of a cycle. Gerardo in the 2008 NHL Draft. Reyes (3-0) struck out the side in the The Senators traded Karls- eighth inning to get the win, and Kirby son and Francis Perron to San Yates got the last three outs for his 24th Jose last September, receiving save. The Padres rallied in the ninth for Chris Tierney, Rudolfs Balcers, the second time in the series after com- Dylan DeMelo, Joshua Norris, ing back from six down Friday. Rockies and a first-round pick and closer Wade Davis (1-2) walked two, Wil a second-round pick. The Myers cut it to 13-11 with a single and Senators also will receive Garcia tied it with his triple. another second-round pick once Karlsson re-signs with DODGERS 3, CUBS 2 San Jose under terms of the Cody Bellinger hit a home run, and trade agreement. closer Kenley Jansen found a bit of re- Karlsson is a two-time win- demption as Los Angeles held off visit- ner of the NHL’s Norris Trophy ing Chicago. Jansen earned his 21st save, (2012 and 2015) and a six-time although just barely, one day after he All-Star. Limited to 53 games gave up a two-run home run to Anthony last season with a groin injury, Rizzo in the ninth inning that gave the Karlsson had 45 points (three Cubs a 2-1 victory. goals, 42 assists). In 680 Jansen put the fi rst two runners career NHL games, Karlsson aboard in the ninth inning but escaped has 563 points (129 goals, unharmed. The Dodgers took a 3-2 lead 434 assists). The Sharks will in the eighth inning when Russell Mar- have additional decisions tin fought off a breaking ball from Steve to make this off season, with Cishek (1-4) to dunk a single into left Joe Thornton and captain fi eld and score Chris Taylor from sec- Joe Pavelski both eligible to ond base. Ross Stripling (3-2) pitched a become free agents. scoreless eighth inning for the victory. DUCKS SET TO NAME RED SOX 8, ORIOLES 6 EAKINS AS COACH Rafael Devers led off the top of the 10th The Anaheim Ducks are set to with a home run while Mookie Betts and announce the hiring of Dallas Christian Vazquez each added two-run Eakins as their new head singles in the inning as visiting Bos- coach, according to multiple ton rallied past Baltimore for its fi rth reports Sunday. Eakins, 52, straight win. Boston trailed 3-2 head- is currently head coach of ing into the ninth but Marco Hernandez San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado (left), Eric Hosmer (centre) and Greg Garcia celebrate after their win over Colorado Rockies. (USA TODAY Sports) the Ducks’ American Hockey tied the game with a one-out homer League aff iliate, the San Diego off Mychal Givens (0-4), who also gave solo home runs to help lift Tampa Bay ries. His last complete-game victory on six hits, all singles, and a walk while Thornton (2-5), a fi fth-round selec- Gulls. He has led the team up Devers’ blast in the 10th. Brandon past Los Angeles to earn a split of the was June 22, 2016. Tigers starter Spen- striking out seven to pick up the loss. tion by Houston in the 2015 draft, al- since 2015, with the Gulls Workman (5-1) earned the victory for four-game series at St. Petersburg. cer Turnbull (3-6) allowed six runs on lowed six hits and three walks with going 36-24-5 last season the Red Sox. Stevie Wilkerson helped Pham hit his 10th home run of the sea- 10 hits in fi ve innings. Detroit has lost BRAVES 15, PHILLIES 1 seven strikeouts for his third scoreless before ultimately falling in the Baltimore try to rally in the 10th with a son in the fi fth inning to break a 3-3 tie. four in a row and dropped 11 of its last Josh Donaldson homered for the second start this season. Rookie fi rst baseman third round of the Calder Cup two-run homer, and Trey Mancini add- The Rays tacked on two more runs 14 games. straight game, one of three long balls hit Rowdy Tellez slugged the fi rst of fi ve playoff s. Eakins also has NHL ed a solo shot, but it wasn’t enough. in the eighth on an RBI single by Yandy by Atlanta in a blowout of visiting Phil- Toronto home runs with two outs in the coaching experience, leading Diaz and a wild pitch, important runs ROYALS 8, TWINS 6 adelphia. The victory gave the Braves fi rst inning, a solo shot off Astros right- the Edmonton Oilers to a 36- YANKEES 10, WHITE SOX 3 after Mike Trout hit a two-run homer in Martin Maldonado went 3-for-4 with their ninth win in their last 10 games. hander Brad Peacock (6-4).Nine of the 63-14 record from 2013-15. Cameron Maybin homered as New York the ninth to cut the defi cit to 6-5. Co- two RBIs and two runs scored, and Jorge The Phillies have lost fi ve of their last Blue Jays’ 14 hits went for extra bases. He played for eight teams went deep for the 19th straight game lin Poche (1-1) got the win in relief for Bonifacio and Billy Hamilton each drove seven. Donaldson was 3-for-4 — his across a 10-year NHL playing and salvaged a four-game series split Tampa Bay. Angels rookie right-hander in two runs as Kansas City held off Min- second straight three-hit game — and CARDINALS 4, METS 3 career as a defenseman, scor- with host Chicago. Austin Romine drove Griffi n Canning (2-3) went six innings, nesota at Minneapolis. Nicky Lopez and Ronald Acuna Jr. added four hits for At- Paul DeJong continued to thrive against ing no goals and two assists. in a season-high four runs, and Brett allowing four runs on six hits and strik- Cheslor Cuthbert each scored two runs lanta. Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz New York when he hit a tiebreaking Eakins replaces Randy Car- Gardner also had four RBIs for the Yan- ing out seven. for the Royals, who defeated Minnesota (2-5) pitched six innings and allowed solo homer with one out in the eighth lyle, who was fired as Ducks kees, who won for the fi fth time in their for the fi rst time in fi ve games this sea- one run on four hits, walking fi ve and inning to lead visiting St. Louis to vic- coach in February. General last 13 games. New York starter James INDIANS 8, TIGERS 0 son. Jorge Lopez (1-6), in relief of Jakob striking out six, while Phillies righty tory. DeJong snapped a 3-3 tie when manager Bob Murray served Paxton (4-3) allowed two runs on eight Trevor Bauer notched his fi rst win since Junis, allowed one run on four hits in 2 Vince Velasquez (2-4) worked 2 1/3 in- he lifted a 3-1 breaking ball from Chris as interim coach for the rest hits in six innings, striking out seven April 30 with the fi rst complete-game 1/3 innings to pick up the win, and Ian nings and allowed four runs on four hits Flexen (0-3) into the lower rows of the of the season. and walking one. Odrisamer Despaigne shutout of his career, rookie Oscar Mer- Kennedy picked up his seventh save. for the loss. left-fi eld seats. It was the shortstop’s Anaheim was sixth in the (0-2) allowed seven runs on nine hits in cado drove in a career-high four runs Nelson Cruz homered and drove in three third homer of the four-game series, in Pacific Division at 35-37-10 last 4 1/3 innings in the loss. and Cleveland cruised past host Detroit. runs, Miguel Sano also homered and BLUE JAYS 12, ASTROS 0 which the Cardinals won three games. season. The Ducks missed the Bauer (5-6) allowed just four hits and Max Kepler went 4-for-6 for the Twins, Trent Thornton worked 6 2/3 shutout Andrew Miller (3-2) worked around a playoff s for the first time since RAYS 6, ANGELS 5 walked none while striking out eight as who left 15 batters on base. Martin Pe- innings as Toronto salvaged the fi nale single in the seventh, and Carlos Mar- the 2011-12 campaign. Brandon Lowe and Tommy Pham hit the Indians swept the three-game se- rez (7-3) allowed fi ve runs (four earned) of its three-game series at Houston. tinez pitched two scoreless innings.

BASKETBALL Qatar beat Afghanistan in Asian Beach Handball Randle may opt out of Pelicans deal and become free agent

Agencies RAPTORS’ COACH NURSE TO GUIDE Los Angeles CANADA AT BASKETBALL WORLD CUP Fresh off coaching the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title, Nick Nurse confi rmed on Sunday that ulius Randle might not be part of the new- he plans to coach the Canadian national team at look, post-Anthony Davis New Orleans the upcoming Basketball World Cup. Pelicans. The 6-foot-9 Randle signed a “It’s just about done and something I’m really one-year contract with the Pelicans last looking forward to doing,” Nurse said of a deal to summerJ that included a $9.1mn player option for coach Canada in the global showdown in China 2019-20. this coming September. The Athletic’s reported Randle will decline the Jay Triano coached Canada to a 27-5 record option and become a free agent. The Pelicans over the past four years but stepped down from agreed to trade All-NBA star Davis to the Los An- the job three months ago. geles Lakers for a hefty return of players and draft “I think it’s going to make me a better coach,” picks. They now have the No. 1 and 4 overall picks said Nurse, whose prior stints included experi- in Thursday night’s draft, and all indications are ence as an assistant coach with Britain at the 2012 the Pelicans will select Zion Williamson of Duke London Olympics. “I learned a lot as a coach in with the top pick. that run and I’m hoping this experience will do The No. 4 pick could be traded. The Pelicans the same.” and Randle could negotiate a new deal, or Ran- Nurse, who would be imposition to guide Can- dle could pursue another team. The 24-year-old ada at next year’s Tokyo Olympics also, became had his best season as a pro last year, averaging a the ninth rookie coach in NBA history to take a career-high 21.4 points per game to go with 8.7 team to the title when the Raptors beat Golden rebounds and 3.1 assists. State last Thursday to win the best-of-seven NBA Qatar continued their winning run at the 7th AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship in Weihai, Shandong Province, China, yesterday. The He also emerged as a three-point threat, mak- Finals 4-2. defending champions beat Afghanistan 2-0 for their third straight victory. Qatar, who have won the title last four times, will take on Chinese ing 34.4% of his attempts. He played his fi rst four Denver’s Jamal Murray, Cleveland’s Tristan Taipei tomorrow after a day’s rest. Their last league match is against Vietnam on Thursday. The championship in China serves as a qualifier NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, who Thompson and Dallas forward Dwight Powell are for both the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games in Qatar and the 2020 IHF Beach Handball Championships to be held in Italy. The top two made Randle the No. 7 overall selection in the among some of the NBA players who would be teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions will receive a direct ticket to Italy. 2014 NBA Draft. available for Nurse’s Canadian squad. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 18, 2019 FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FOCUS Excluded Totti resigns China and Spain as Roma director AFP professional career at Roma, Rome added: “There are many things that made me think, they never let me take part. They only called oma legend Franc- me when they were in diffi culty. esco Totti, who joined In two years I’ve taken part in the capital club as a about 10 meetings.” through to last 16 12-year-old before re- The former club captain, tiringR in 2017, announced yester- capped 58 times by Italy, insisted day he was resigning as director. it was a “goodbye, not a farewell”, “At 12:41pm on June 17, 2019, I without giving further details. “I sent an e-mail...which was for can say that it is impossible for me unimaginable: I handed in my Totti to stay outside of Roma,” resignation,” Totti told the Roma he said. “Now I’ll take a diff erent website. “I never thought that path, but the moment another as Germany win big this moment would come.” owner really wants to count on The 42-year-old World Cup me, I’ll be ready.” winner said his resignation was After making his senior Roma driven by his lack of inclusion debut aged 16 in 1993, Totti Germany finish on top of the group with the maximum nine points in important decision-making went on to score 307 goals in 785 within the club, something he games, winning Serie A in 2001 AFP blamed on Roma’s American and the Coppa Italia twice. His Paris owner James Pallotta. “I was a departure follows that of former weight for the club, I was told I teammate Daniele de Rossi, the was too cumbersome, both as side’s hierarchy deciding not to hina and Spain played out a goal- a player and a leader,” said an renew the midfi elder’s contract less draw that saw both sides ad- emotional Totti. “Now I’m leav- after 18 years at the club. vance to the last 16 at the Wom- ing and it hurts.” The Stadio Olimpico outfi t en’s World Cup yesterday, while The three-time Serie A win- also denied reports of a potential MelanieC Leupolz set Germany on their ners said they had off ered a new return for Totti with a potential way to a comprehensive 4-0 win over role to Totti. “The club is ex- attempted purchase. “Regard- South Africa. tremely disappointed to learn ing the repeated references to a Both the Spaniards and former run- that Francesco Totti has an- possible comeback with a new ners-up China knew a point in Le Havre nounced that he has decided to ownership, combined with in- would take them through to the knockout leave the club and not take up the formation about interested par- phase from Group B, and so they tran- position of Technical Director of ties collected by him around the spired to play out a 0-0 stalemate. Spain AS Roma,” a statement said. world, we hope that this was not did threaten to take all three points late “While we understand how meant to be an inappropriate an- on, but China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng hard it must be for him to take ticipation of a takeover attempt made key saves in the last 10 minutes, this decision to leave AS Roma of the club, a scenario that would getting down low to keep out a Patri Gui- after 30 years, we believe that his be very sensitive as AS Roma is jarro strike and then reaching to tip over a perception of the facts and deci- a listed company,” a statement Jennifer Hermoso eff ort. sions made at the club are both said. “The club’s investor group Spain fi nish in second place with four fanciful and far from reality,” it have absolutely no intention of points and are through to the knockout added. putting AS Roma up for sale, now phase for the fi rst time, while China are Totti, who spent his entire or in the future,” it added. relegated to third on goal diff erence but are already sure to progress as one of the best third-place fi nishers. Former winners Germany had no trouble dispensing with South Africa in Montpellier, as the Banyana Banyana go home from their fi rst World Cup with- out a point. Leupolz was left unmarked to head in the opening goal from six yards out in the 14th minute at the Stade de la Mosson, and Sara Daebritz — who re- cently signed for Paris Saint-Germain — fi red in the second. Lina Magull missed a glorious chance to increase Germany’s advantage but they went 3-0 up with fi ve minutes left in the fi rst half. Giulia Gwinn crossed and cap- tain Alexandra Popp emphatically headed home. Magull got the fourth goal from close range after the break, and South Africa then tried in vain to grab a consolation, with Janine van Wyk fi ring just over from long range and Thembi Kgatlana being denied by goalkeeper Almuth Schult after Francesco Totti talks during a press conference in Rome. (Reuters) going clean through. Germany fi nish on top of the group Germany’s forward Melanie Leupolz (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against South Africa during the Women’s with the maximum nine points and with World Cup Group B match at the Mosson Stadium in Montpellier, southern France, yesterday. (AFP) SPOTLIGHT no goals conceded. They go into a last-16 tie on Saturday in Grenoble against an as Spain will play in Reims on June 24 which group winner they will come up in Rennes and Norway aiming to wrap up yet unknown third-place fi nisher from against either the United States or Swe- against. Group A concludes later last their place in the knockout phase as they another group. den, while China must wait to fi nd out night, with hosts France facing Nigeria meet South Korea in Reims. PSG chief al-Khelaifi blasts club’s FRANCE’S WOMEN SMASH TV VIEWING RECORDS, ADVERTISING COSTS SPIKE Paris: France is once again gripped by draw up to 5mn viewers. men’s opening matches in 2018. beyond the French games. ‘celebrity behaviour’ football fever — a year after the men’s Instead, numbers peaked at 10.9mn, The French women play Nigeria on England’s match against arch rival national team triumphed on the world while almost 1mn followed the game Monday in their last group game before Argentina drew nearly 1.5mn viewers on AFP stage, the women’s team is cruising on Canal+, a pay-TV unit of Vivendi. TF1, the knock-out stages. The surprising TF1, while up to 1.1mn people have tuned Paris through the group stages and smashing owned by family-controlled conglomer- level of interest prompted TF1 to drive in to watch the United States. Women’s TV audience records in their own World ate Bouygues, described the numbers up the cost of advertising slots by 50- football is steadily growing in popularity Cup. Stadiums are selling out, and TV as a French record for a women’s soccer 60% the day after France’s first match, Le in many parts of the world. aris Saint-Germain broadcasters are bumping up the price match. Parisien newspaper reported. Football’s governing body FIFA has president Nasser of advertising slots as millions tune in. But the records did not stop there — in Thirty-second slots during the half- said it has received a record number al-Khelaifi warned Ney- Les Bleues’ star players are fast becom- France’s second group game against time break of France’s group stage of expressions of interest for hosting mar and his other highly- Ppaid stars that they must shape-up ing household names. TF1, France’s main Norway, domestic viewer numbers matches, initially slated at 73,000 the next women’s tournament, in 2023, broadcaster for the tournament, had spiked to 11mn on TF1 — on par with the euros, now cost 116,000 euros, it said. including a joint bid by South Korea and or ship-out, claiming “celebrity expected the team’s opening match to number of people who watched the The surge in viewer numbers extends North Korea football associations. behaviour” at the French champi- of PSG’s opening fi xtures in next ons will not be tolerated. season’s European campaign. “The players will have to as- Neymar then scored in PSG’s sume their responsibilities even French Cup fi nal defeat by Rennes ROUND-UP more than before,” al-Khelaïfi but hits a supporter as he collects told France Football in an inter- his runners-up medal at the Sta- view to be published today. de de France. He is given a further “It must be completely diff er- two-game ban while the Brazilian Draw for World Cup and Asian Cup qualifi ers on July 17 ent, they will have to do more, press brand him a “coward” and a work more. They are not here to “rebellious teenager”. he Asian qualifi ers draw for United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China; scoring 71 goals, and was also named the money available after talismanic striker please themselves and if they do Brazil boss Tite took the skip- the 2022 World Cup qualifying Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Leba- Premier League’s player of the season in Antoine Griezmann said last month he is not agree, the doors are open. I per’s armband away from the round and the 2023 Asian Cup non, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan; 2001-02. Ljungberg will be tasked with to leave the club. do not want to have celebrity be- 96-time international and gave fi nals will be held on July 17 in Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, helping Emery guide Arsenal back to the The France international’s release haviour anymore. I have realised it to club teammate Dani Alves TKuala Lumpur, the continental football Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Champions League after the club failed clause drops from 200mn euros to 120mn that changes were essential, oth- instead although it proved aca- governing body (AFC) said. Philippines; Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myan- to qualify for Europe’s premier club euros on July 1, and Spanish media re- erwise we’re going nowhere.” demic as Neymar was then ruled Forty nations will be drawn into eight mar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Mal- competition for the third consecutive ported that he has agreed personal terms Although he wasn’t named, out of the Copa America due to groups of fi ve teams with seedings dives, Kuwait, Malaysia; Pot 5: Indonesia, season. The new Premier League season with La Liga champions Barcelona. there seems little doubt that Bra- an ankle ligament injury. based on the latest FIFA world rankings Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, begins on Aug. 9. zilian star Neymar was the chief Al-Khelaifi ’s outburst comes released this month. Teams will face each Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka LEVERKUSEN SIGN AJAX target of al-Khelaifi ’s blast. The just days after former PSG sport- other home and away, with matches to be ATLETICO TO SIGN BENFICA’S ACE SINKGRAVEN 27-year-old Neymar was ques- ing director Leonardo returned held from Sept. 5 to June 9 next year. ARSENAL NAME LJUNGBERG AS FELIX FOR 120MN EUROS Bayer Leverkusen have continued their tioned by Brazilian police for fi ve to the club in the same position Twelve teams — eight group winners EMERY’S NEW ASSISTANT COACH Atletico Madrid are set to sign Portugal summer transfer off ensive with the hours on Thursday over allega- replacing Antero Henrique. and four best runners-up — advance to Former Arsenal midfi elder Freddie midfi elder Joao Felix from Benfi ca for signing of 23-year-old Ajax full-back tions he raped a woman he met The Brazilian had already both the Asian Cup fi nals to be held in Ljungberg has been appointed as Unai 120mn euros ($135mn), Spanish news- Daley Sinkgraven, the Bundesliga club through social media in a Paris warned that no player should be China and the fi nal round of World Cup Emery’s new assistant fi rst-team coach paper Marca said. Felix, 19, made his confi rmed. hotel last month — charges he has above the “institution” of PSG, qualifi ers. Meanwhile, the next best 24 as part of a change in the coaching staff , fi rst-team debut for Benfi ca last season, Following swoops for Hoff enheim denied. Neymar has been plagued in an interview with Canal+ a teams will compete in a separate round the Premier League club announced. helping the Lisbon side win the Portu- midfi elder Kerem Demirbay and Paris by controversy in France. Injured few weeks after the arrival of of qualifi ers to fi ght for the remaining 12 Ljungberg, who returned to Arsenal to guese league title by scoring 15 goals and Saint-Germain talent Moussa Diaby, and forced to watch from the Neymar in 2017. slots in the 24-team Asian Cup. coach the Under-23 side last year, was providing seven assists in 21 starts. Sinkgraven is Leverkusen’s third high- stands as PSG were knocked out of “It does not matter if Neymar The fi nal team in Pot 5 is yet to be part of “The Invincibles” side that won He made his Portugal debut in this profi le signing as they prepare for Cham- the Champions League by Man- is Neymar, if Cristiano Ronaldo decided after Sri Lanka’s second leg the north London club’s last league title month’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in the pions League football next season. chester United in March, Ney- is Cristiano Ronaldo, the club is with Macau was cancelled when the in 2004. UEFA Nations League semi-fi nal. Ac- The 23-year-old missed much of mar aimed obscene language at an institution to respect,” said team from the former Portuguese colony Former assistant coach Steve Bould cording to Marca, Atletico will pay the Ajax’s sparkling 2018/19 campaign with the match offi cials on Instagram. Leonardo. PSG won the French refused to travel to Colombo citing safety will now lead the Under-23 team and player’s full release clause imminently, a knee injury, but is said to be a favourite “It’s a disgrace. They get four guys Ligue 1 title for a sixth time in concerns following the Easter Sunday work with academy manager Per Merte- smashing the club’s transfer record of of Leverkusen and former Ajax coach who don’t understand football seven seasons. However, in a dis- attacks in April. sacker to help transition young players 72mn euros which they paid last year to Peter Bosz. to watch a slow motion replay in appointing European run, Tho- Macau lead 1-0 on aggregate after the to the fi rst team. The changes will come sign France winger Thomas Lemar from Leverkusen have signed Sinkgraven on front of the TV,” he wrote. mas Tuchel’s men failed to reach fi rst leg earlier this month. into eff ect on July 1. AS Monaco. a three-year deal, for a fee which Kicker Neymar was handed a three- the later stages of the Champi- Pots for the Asian Qualifiers: Pot 1: Iran, Ljungberg played for Arsenal from Atletico, who fi nished runners-up in magazine reported to be fi ve mn euros match suspension by UEFA for ons League losing to Manchester Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, 1998 to 2007 and made 325 appearances, La Liga last season, should have plenty of ($5.61mn). those insults which rule him out United in the last 16. Gulf Times Tuesday, June 18, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

QATAR’S THRILLING FIGHT BACK AGAINST PARAGUAY IN PICTURES

Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi (right) scores against Paraguay during the Copa America group match in Rio de Janeiro. PICTURES: AFP Boualem Khoukhi celebrates with teammate Hassan al-Haydos (left).

Paraguay’s Derlis Gonzalez (left) and Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassam vie for the ball at Maracana Stadium. Almoez Ali goes on a celebratory run after scoring a stunning goal. Qatar players pose for pictures before they take on Paraguay at Maracana Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT COPA AMERICA Suarez, Cavani score Crowdsourced photos as Uruguay crush 10-man Ecuador

AFP ball over another and then hit a Belo Horizonte, Brazil crisp, low volley into the bottom showcase Qatar’s far corner. “We knew they would be very tough opponents. The uis Suarez and Edinson important thing was start the Cavani were on target game with maximum concentra- as Uruguay thumped tion and we managed that,” said L10-man Ecuador 4-0 Cavani. passion for football in their opening Group C match Uruguay were rampant and at the Copa America on Sunday. had the ball in the net soon after- Nicolas Lodeiro opened the scor- wards only for Cavani to be given ing after just six minutes before off side in the build-up. Ecuador The photographs are the result of a collaboration between SC and Goal Click Ecuador full-back Jose Quintero brought a physicality to the con- was dismissed for a fl ailing arm. test that upset the Uruguayan ootball is a powerful tool. It has an raphers include SC Ambassador – and With a numerical advantage, players and Quintero was per- unmatched ability to break down football legend – Samuel Eto’o, who took Uruguay ran riot at the Minei- haps lucky to escape punishment social barriers and build bridges a picture which features Al Janoub Sta- rao stadium in Belo Horizonte as when catching Diego Laxalt with across cultures. dium in Al Wakrah City. Other photog- Cavani and Suarez netted before an elbow in an aerial challenge. FAt the Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition raphers include Tamim El Abed, the SC’s the break. The rout was complet- But moments later, his arm – currently being held at JK Iguatemi Lusail Stadium Project Manager, who ed 12 minutes from time with an made contact with Lodeiro’s face mall in Sao Paulo, Brazil – a set of crowd- took a snap of the venue which will host Arturo Mina own goal. “We had when challenging for another sourced photographs highlights Qatar’s the FIFA World Cup fi nal in 2022. chances in the fi rst half, we man- header, this time drawing blood. passion for the beautiful game and the Maha al-Badr, an ambassador for the aged to take them and that gave Brazilian referee Anderson strong grassroots football culture in the SC’s Generation Amazing programme, us the tranquillity to manage the Daronco — whose bulging arm next FIFA World Cup host nation. explained the story behind her picture, game,” said Cavani, who fi nally muscles put even Ecuador’s The photographs are the result of a col- which is also featured in the exhibition. scored his fi rst Copa America strapping players to shame — laboration between the Supreme Com- “This photo was taken in our neigh- goal in his fourth participation. initially showed the full-back a mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the or- bourhood park and features my cousins “It was an important step.” yellow card but after consulting ganisation responsible for delivering the and their friends. I took the picture be- It was the ideal beginning VAR he changed that to red. infrastructure and legacy programmes for cause it represents Qatari culture and for Uruguay in a tough Group C That left Ecuador with a the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, and UK- shows how much we love football. I think alongside champions Chile and mountain to climb. On 27 min- based Goal Click. football is the only game that everyone guests Japan, who meet on Mon- utes, Alexander Dominguez Participants in the project, including in Qatar knows and enjoys playing. It day in Sao Paulo. “We’re not as made a brilliant low save to turn those working to deliver the FIFA World doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or boy, child bad as that,” lamented Ecuador’s behind Cavani’s half-volley from Cup, community leaders, photographers, The pictures displayed at the Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, or adult, you can play football anytime, Colombian coach Hernan Dario 15 yards. Paris Saint-Germain football fans and others, were each given captures the passion for football in Qatar. anywhere.” Gomez. “It was a match that got forward Cavani was denied again a single disposable camera which off ered Local photographer Lubaib Gazir has away from us, especially in the when Dominguez stunningly just 27 chances to take the perfect pic- two photographs in the exhibition. He ex- fi rst half when it got away from tipped his clever back-fl ick onto ture. The brief for each photographer was plained the story behind the picture of his us in every aspect.” the post one-handed. But it was simple: capture football in Qatar as you sister running with a ball at the Museum Uruguay were off to a dream third time lucky on 33 minutes as see it. And the results – glorious in their of Islamic Art Park, with Doha’s stunning start. Suarez crossed from the Diego Godin headed the ball into imperfections – are a reminder of what West Bay skyline as the backdrop. right and Lodeiro proved the the danger area and Cavani ac- football means to the people of Qatar and “About 15 years ago, I used to run along coolest customer in the Mineirao robatically rasped a bicycle kick how it helps to unite one of the most di- this path during family picnics. At that stadium as he beat one defender from seven yards past a helpless verse countries in the world. time, there were maybe fi ve tall buildings with his chest control, fl icked the Dominguez. Fatma al-Nuaimi, the SC’s Commu- in the background. My sister is following nications Director, said the photographs in my footsteps but now the amount of highlight the important role football skyscrapers is overwhelming. The rapid plays in Qatar’s society. “The photo- development of the country gearing up to graphs succeed in showing what football host the World Cup is very exciting – it’s means to people in our country. We’re a something we’re all looking forward to.” diverse nation, with many nationalities The Qatar @roadto2022 Exhibition and cultures. Football brings everyone at JK Iguatemi mall runs until 24 June. together – it doesn’t matter where you As well as the Goal Click photographs, come from or what language you speak; there is FIFA World Cup memorabilia, we all understand football.” Al-Nuaimi added: “We have said from Arab world. And thanks to football, we models of the eight Qatar 2022 stadiums, The project plays into the wider goals day one that hosting the World Cup in will celebrate something that unites us details about Qatar’s Asian Cup victory of Qatar 2022 – namely to host a tourna- Qatar is a golden opportunity to change all – a love of sport and a passion for the and information about SC Ambassadors. ment which builds bridges between East people’s perceptions about our country beautiful game.” Located on the 3rd fl oor of the mall, the and West and breaks down cultural stere- and region. For billions of people, 2022 The exhibition features 30 pictures exhibition is open every day from 10 AM Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring against Ecuador otypes. will be the fi rst time they engage with the from 20 photographers. The photog- to 10 PM. during the Copa America match in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (AFP)

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF/US OPEN SPOTLIGHT ‘Nothing I could do’ says Koepka aft er Woodland denies three-peat bid foiled

AFP was far right off the tee and hit Pebble Beach, United States his second shot into the dense rough short of the green. He birdied the next three to rooks Koepka knew pull within one shot of the lead. Koepka treble with the odds were stacked “I thought, ‘Yeah, we’ve got a against him in his hunt ball game now,’” Koepka said. Bfor a third straight US But Koepka would never man- Open title. age to get the lead, even after he After all, it had been 114 years stuck his approach at 11 only since Scottish immigrant Willie 10 feet from the pin and made Anderson became the fi rst — birdie. and still only — man to hoist the He bogeyed 12, and missed the three-stroke win trophy for three straight years, fairway at the next three, saving doing so in 1903, ’04 and ’05. par but needing to do more to ‘IT WAS SPECIAL TO FINISH IT OFF HERE AT PEBBLE BEACH’ Koepka gave it a characteris- catch Woodland. tic try Sunday, bursting out of He gave it a shot at the par- the gate with four birdies in fi ve fi ve 18th, ripping his second holes in pursuit of Gary Wood- shot to the short rough behind land. the green in his hunt for an ea- But it was Woodland, a gle. Once again he settled for 35-year-old from Topeka, Kan- par, his muff ed chip leaving him sas, celebrating his fi rst major a nine-foot birdie putt that slid title on Sunday night rather than by. Koepka became the fourth Koepka, also winner of a second player in US Open history to straight PGA Championship last break 70 in all four rounds, with month, celebrating a fi fth. a fi nal scoreline of 69-69-68- “It doesn’t sting,” said Koep- 68. ka, who fi nished tied for second But Woodland was the fi fth, Gary Woodland of the United at the Masters in April as well. “I and Koepka could only off er his States celebrates with the trophy played great. Nothing I could do. congratulations. after winning the 2019 US Open at I gave it my all. “It was awesome to come this Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble “I give it my all every time and close to going three in a row,” Beach, California. sometimes, like this week — it Koepka said. “It’s incredible. happened at Augusta — it’s not “I didn’t really think about it meant to be. I played great. I hit until I was done on 18 and real- every shot that I wanted to. And ized how close I actually was sometimes no matter how good to kind of, I guess, not mak- your good is, it isn’t there.” ing history, but kind of tying it, After opening with a birdie, I guess you could say. But it’s a Koepka came up with a big par cool feeling to know. Just wasn’t save at the second, where he meant to be this week.”

AFP become just the second player — and the land said. “That birdie kind of separated fi ve, it was too little too late, the 15-time Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a shot on the eighth hole Pebble Beach, United States fi rst in more than a century — to win the me a little bit.” major winner fi nishing two-under and 11 during the final round of the US Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in US Open three straight times. He was in trouble at the par-three 17th, shots off the pace. California on Sunday. He started the day four strokes off where his tee shot found the front right of Koepka’s charge slowed with a bogey ary Woodland won the 119th US Woodland’s lead and immediately ap- the putting surface — on the wrong side at the eighth, and after two birdies and Open on Sunday, capturing his plied pressure with four birdies in his fi rst of a ridge in the hourglass green. a bogey on the front nine, Woodland fi rst major title with a 13-under fi ve holes. Woodland opted to pitch up and the turned with a two-shot lead over Koepka LEADING US OPEN SCORES par total to deny two-time de- But his three-under 68 left him three shot tracked straight toward the hole, and Rose. Gfending champion Brook Koepka’s bid for strokes shy on 10-under 274. settling two feet away. Koepka pulled within one with a bird- Leading final round scores in the 71-70, An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 70-72-68- history at Pebble Beach. Koepka did grab a slice of US Open “I was just trying to get it over that ie at the 11th, giving the shot back at 12 119th US Open Golf Championship 71, Webb Simpson (USA) 74-68-73-66, Woodland punctuated the victory with history, becoming the fourth player to hump,” Woodland said. “Fortunately I when he failed to get up and down from at Pebble Beach Golf Links (par-71): Matt Kuchar (USA) 69-69-70-73, a birdie bomb at 18, a fi nal fl ourish in a complete four rounds in the 60s. Minutes had the same shot earlier in the week, a bunker. 271 - Gary Woodland (USA) 68-65- Graeme McDowell (NIR) 69-70-70-72 display of back-nine fortitude that saw later, Woodland became the fi fth with a so I already executed it once. It came off Woodland also bogeyed the par-three 69-69 282 - Jason Day (AUS) 70-73-70-69, him convert a 54-hole lead for the fi rst fi nal scoreline of 68-65-69-69. beautifully, and I thought it had a chance 12th, but he salvaged a par after a poor tee 274 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 69-69- Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-73-70-70, time in eight career attempts. “I was proud of myself to stay in my to go in there — it gave me a little cushion shot at 13 to stay in front. 68-68 Patrick Cantlay (USA) 73-71-68-70, “Once that went in, it all kind of moment and control myself and not get on the last.” Trailing by two on the tee of the par- 277 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 69-70-70-68, Tiger Woods (USA) 70-72-71-69, Alex came out of me, it was special to fi nish too worried about what he was doing,” Woodland, who admitted he once had fi ve 18th, Koepka found the fairway and Xander Schauff ele (USA) 66-73-71-67, Prugh (USA) 75-69-70-68, Tyrrell it off here at Pebble Beach,” said Wood- Woodland said. trouble handling the rush of adrenaline ripped his second shot to the short rough Chez Reavie (USA) 68-70-68-71, Justin Hatton (ENG) 70-74-69-69, Paul Casey land, who threw his arms in the air then England’s Justin Rose, who started the in pressure situations, displayed impres- behind the green, but his chip left him Rose (ENG) 65-70-68-74 (ENG) 70-72-73-67 pumped his fi st. day one shot behind Woodland, struggled sive poise on a day when plenty of play- nine feet for birdie and he settled for a 278 - Adam Scott (AUS) 70-69-71-68, 283 - Sepp Straka (AUT) 68-72-76-67, He knew his 13-under total was one to a three-over 74 to fi nish tied for third ers were pressing on a receptive Pebble closing par. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 66-70-70-72 Shane Lowry (IRL) 75-69-70-69, Nate better than the 12-under posted by Tiger on seven-under with Americans Xander Course. “I played great,” said Koepka, who had 279 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 68-71-70- Lashley (USA) 67-74-70-72, Jim Furyk Woods in his US Open victory at Pebble Schauff ele and Chez Reavie and Spain’s Louis Oosthuizen got to nine-under. taken his tally of major titles to four with 70, Chesson Hadley (USA) 68-70-70- (USA) 73-67-72-71 in 2000. Jon Rahm. So did Adam Scott. his two US Open wins and back-to-back 71, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 68-69-70-72 284 - Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 74-70-74- But 19 years ago, Woods was the only Woodland, 35, took a two-shot lead Only Rory McIlroy was going back- PGA Championship victories. “Nothing I 280 - Viktor Hovland (NOR) 69-73- 66, Billy Horschel (USA) 73-70-71-70, player under par, marching to victory with a bold birdie at the par-fi ve 14th, wards, the Northern Ireland star’s bid could do. 71-67, Danny Willett (ENG) 71-71-67-71, Patrick Reed (USA) 71-73-72-68 by a massive 15 strokes while Woodland where he powered his second shot to the doomed by a brace of double-bogeys. “Gary played a great four days. Cool Matt Wallace (ENG) 70-68-71-71, Mat- 285 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-74-70- topped a leaderboard that featured 31 short rough behind the green and chipped Even Tiger Woods got on the birdie way to go out on 18, to make that bomb,” thew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 69-71-72-68 72, Martin Kaymer (GER) 69-75-71-70, players under par. to three feet. bandwagon with six birdies on his last Koepka added. “He deserves it, he’s 281 - Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68-72- Jason Dufner (USA) 70-71-73-71, Most dangerous was Koepka, trying to “The idea was to play to win,” Wood- 12 holes. But after four bogeys in his fi rst worked hard and I’m happy for him.”

BOTTOMLINE Woodland credits special Olympian golfer Reuters “She sent me a nice video when I got sick and Pebble Beach had to pull out of Wells Fargo. She sent me an amazing birthday video, singing happy birthday to me. ary Woodland will forever be a US “She’s a special girl, special parents, and it’s Open champion thanks to his three- nice to call her a friend.” A three time winner on shot victory at Pebble Beach on Sun- the PGA Tour, until Sunday Woodland had never day. found much success at golf’s biggest events. GBut the 35-year-old will likely be better He had not managed a top-10 fi nish in his fi rst known as “that golfer” in a viral video he ap- 27 majors before last year’s PGA Championship, peared in four months ago from the far less where he tied for sixth. glamorous Waste Management Phoenix Open Seven times Woodland had held the 54-hole that has had more than 20mn views and climb- lead like he did on Sunday and every time he had ing. failed to close the deal. And that is ok with Woodland, who until But Woodland, who had his sights set on Sunday was the mostly anonymous fi gure play- playing professional basketball before focus- ing second fi ddle to Amy Bockerstette — a spe- ing on golf, said he never doubted that one day cial Olympian golfer he credits with giving him he would fi nd success although he was not sure the mental strength to see off a challenge from Amy Bockerstette plays a shot as Gary Woodland watches in this Golf Digest file picture. where. two-time defending US Open champion Brook “I’ve just always believed in myself,” said Koepka to claim the biggest win of his career. we were on this whole I’ve got this, I’ve got this, intimidating and rowdiest in all of golf, sur- With his advantage cut to a single stroke and Woodland. “No matter what I’ve done, from “She’s meant everything for me from a men- and I told myself that a mn times today, I’ve got rounded by grandstands and hospitality suites facing challenges from some of golf’s battle- when I was a young kid, I always believed I tal standpoint,” Woodland told reporters. “Life’s this.” packed with partying golf fans. tested major champions down the stretch, would be successful. not always going to be bells and whistles. Woodland’s chance meeting with Bock- Undaunted, Bockerstette bravely stepped up, Woodland said it was exactly what he told him- “I believed I would play professional sports. I “There are going to be bad things in your life, erstette came earlier this year at the Waste Man- knocked her tee shot into a bunker, blasted out self to keep doubts from creeping in. always believed I would be in this moment. a lot of ups and downs, but the only thing you agement Open where as defending champion to eight feet and rolled in a par putt, telling her- “Her attitude, her love for life, love for the “I always just wanted to be successful. I didn’t can control is your attitude. And if you do that, the PGA Tour asked him to play the famed par self and Woodland each time, “I’ve got this”. game and her positive energy is so contagious,” know what it was, what I was going to do. in the end good things will happen. three 16th with her during a practice round. That courage and message has remained with said Woodland. “And I’ve had the pleasure to “I fell in love with golf, and it’s transcended to “I said — Amy told me a million times when The 16th at TPC Scottsdale is one of the most Woodland as if it were tattooed on his forearm. continue to speak with her. today.”