SPORT THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 21 NBA: Rockets’ popularity in China could push price past $2bn

New York an NBA title in 1995, recently skyrocketing. China in 1988, sharing a for $85m. NBA Commissioner Bloomberg gave star guard The past five years have portion of advertising Adam Silver praised him as the largest contract in NBA his- seen a number of record- revenue in return for someone who helped expand he sale of the Houston tory, a four-year extension that setting transactions in the games being broadcast the league’s international Rockets could set a brings the deal to a reported NBA, topped by the Ballmer on the country’s CCTV. It appeal. T National Basketball Asso- $228m. The team also recently purchase. The NBA just fin- later became the first US “He has been an active and ciation (NBA) record, surpassing traded for nine-time All Star ished the first season under league to open an office influential owner whose vision the $2bn that Steve Ballmer paid point guard . a new $24bn TV deal, a in China, and the first to helped to grow the game glo- for the Los Angeles Clippers, “With the Rockets’ history, threefold increase over the the franchise’s popularity in play there. The league bally, especially in China,” Silver according to sports having had and the previous agreement. Asia. His presence is one reason played two preseason games in said in a statement. consultants. team’s high profile in Asia -- “The market is primed for why Toyota Motor Corp. put its China last year, both featuring Alexander has put team Rockets owner Les Alexan- James Harden, Chris Paul and it,” said consultant Marc Ganis, name on the team’s arena. the Rockets. president Tad Brown in charge der said on Monday that he was the high profile they have on the who has been involved in sports Another former Rockets star, The NBA has also spent time of coordinating the sale, in con- selling the franchise, which current roster, all the other and entertainment deals in Tracy McGrady, had a success- wooing and vetting potential junction with the league office. Forbes magazine says is valued attributes of the franchise -- China for the past two decades. ful career in China after leaving ownership groups. Last year, Alexander said in a telephone at $1.65bn. The sale price will they’re gonna be very He said that soaring valuations, the NBA. There’s also a large Chi- Lizhang Jiang, general manager interview that he wouldn’t be likely be higher, said former attractive,” said Postolos, now plus the team’s added appeal to nese-American community in of Shanghai Double-Edged hiring a bank to assist in the sale, Rockets President George Pos- a sports consultant. He said the an overseas investor, could Houston. Ganis said he wouldn’t Sports, became the first Chinese as owners often do. tolos, thanks in part to the price will likely approach what result in the team fetching more be suprised if Yao were part of a owner of an NBA team when he The Atlanta Hawks were the team’s popularity in China, Ballmer paid in 2014. than $2bn. group that bid on the team. bought a minority stake in the last NBA team to be sold, fetch- where former Rockets star Yao The planned sale comes as Yao, a 7-foot-6-inch All-Star The NBA has spent decades Minnesota Timberwolves. ing a $730m price from Tony Ming is immensely popular. franchise values across major center, spent his entire eight- cultivating fans in Asia. The A former bond trader, Alex- Ressler in 2015. That sale also The Rockets, who last won professional sports are year career in Houston, fueling league made its first deal in ander bought the team in 1993 included $120m in arena debt.

NFL: Cowboys Froome extends lead after stage 17 owner Jones

Serre-Chevalier, France Ireland’s Dan Martin in the speaks to Elliott Reuters lung-busting ascent to the Col du Galibier but he stayed calm Roglic makes over behaviour hris Froome kept con- and covered every offensive trol of his rivals in a move. Los Angeles gruelling Alpine ride Bardet and Martin’s acceler- history AFP to move a step closer ations, however, were damaging to a fourth Tour de for Fabio Aru as the Italian lost allas Cowboys owner CFrance title yesterday, retaining 31 seconds and slipped from sec- Jerry Jones said on the leader’s yellow jersey after ond to fourth place overall. DTuesday he has spo- the 17th stage, won by Slovenia’s Froome leads Colombian ken to Ezekiel Elliott Primoz Roglic. Rigoberto Uran and Bardet by 27 (pictured below) following a The defending champion seconds each, while Aru is now slew of negative headlines was attacked by last year’s run- 53 seconds off the pace. relating to the star running ner-up Romain Bardet and Cycling enthusiasts had back. anticipated an Alberto Conta- Elliott, who is facing pos- STAGE 17 RESULTS (TOP 15) dor victory as the two-time sible sanctions from the NFL champion, too far down in the regarding a domestic violence 1 Primoz Roglic (Slovenia / LottoNL-Jumbo) general classification to case, was embroiled in fur- 5:07:41” threaten Froome, threw cau- Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic rides in a ther controversy at the 2 Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale- tion to the wind with a breakaway during the 183km seventeenth weekend after being linked Drapac) +1:13” long-range attack. stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de to a bar altercation that left a 3 Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) But the Spaniard cracked on France yesterday between Le La Mure bouncer with a broken nose. 4 Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale) the Galibier, a 17.7-km ascent at and Serre-Chevalier, French Alps. Roglic The 21-year-old was not 5 Warren Barguil (France / Team Sunweb) an average 6.9 percent gradient held the group of main contenders off arrested in the latest incident 6 Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) +1:16” culminating at 2,642m above on Sunday and was not to become the first Slovenian to win a 7 Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step Floors) sea level, when Roglic attacked named in a police report. Tour stage. +1:43” from the day’s breakaway However several US 8 Alberto Contador (Spain / Trek-Segafredo) group. Martin and Bardet media outlets citing witnesses +1:44” launched countless attacks of have said Elliott was involved 9 Louis Meintjes (South Africa / UAE Team Emirates) their own on the climb, but Colombian from the Cannon- Barguil, who consolidated his Paris thanks to his big lead over in the bar fight. 10 Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) Froome stayed in control. The dale-Drapac team leads the grip on the polka dot jersey for second-placed Andre Greipel. Jones told ESPN on Tues- 11 Mathias Frank (Switzerland / AG2R La Mondiale) Irishman, whose uncle Stephen Frenchman by a few hundredths the mountains classification. Today’s stage, a 179.5-km day he had spoken to Elliott 12 Darwin Atapuma (Colombia / UAE Team Emir- Roche won the Tour in 1987, paid of a second. German Marcel Kittel, holder ride from Briancon to the but declined to get into spe- ates) +1:59” the price later on, but French- Roglic held the group of of the green jersey for the points 2,360m Col d’Izoard, is likely to cific details of their 13 Serge Pauwels (Belgium / Team Dimension man Bardet hung on to finish main contenders off to become classification, abandoned the be the last-chance saloon for conversation. Data) +3:10” fourth behind Uran and Froome. the first Slovenian to win a Tour race after a crash. Bardet and Uran to unseat However, he described 14 Simon Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) +3:14”

15 Daniel Navarro (Spain / Cofidis, Solutions Uran and Froome snatched stage, crossing the line 1:13 New leader Australian Froome ahead of Saturday’s final the running back as a “rock Credits) +5:07” small time bonuses but Bardet ahead of Froome, Bardet, Uran Michael Matthews looks likely time trial, which is expected to star” struggling to adjust to missed out, meaning the and Frenchman Warren to wear the jersey all the way to favour the Briton. the celebrity which accom- panied his stellar rookie year last season. “As you well know, BASEBALL RESULTS because of his style and per- sonality, it’s like a rock star MLB: Dodgers, Red Sox claim wins San Francisco 2 Cleveland 1 wherever he goes in terms of Washington 4 LA Angels 3 attention,” Jones said. Tampa Bay 4 Oakland 3 “Anybody that’s experi- New York Tampa Bay erased a 3-2 deficit enced that knows that takes Los Angeles Colorado 9 San Diego 7 Agencies to defeat Oakland. Detroit 9 Kansas City 3 getting used to. You have to Dodgers Steven Souza Jr. hit his 20th learn many aspects of that. layton Kershaw earned his pitcher home run for the Rays, a leadoff LA Dodgers 1 Chicago White Sox 0 Certainly, Zeke is evolving major-league-leading 15th Clayton blast in the third inning. Khris NY Yankees 6 Minnesota 3 and being subject to needing Cwin as he tossed seven Kershaw Davis hit his 27th home run of Houston 6 Seattle 2 to learn how to deal with the shutout innings in the Los Ange- throws the season for the Athletics, a Chicago Cubs 5 Atlanta 1 media and social media the les Dodgers’ 1-0 victory over the against the two-run shot in the first. Arizona 11 Cincinnati 2 way it is today.” Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Chicago Michael Wacha tossed a Philadelphia 5 Miami 2 Several other Cowboys Kershaw (15-2) extended his three-hitter for his first career players have ran into disci- White Sox St. Louis 5 NY Mets 0 unbeaten streak to 14 starts since during their complete game as St. Louis shut- plinary issues during the May 6, a stretch that includes 11 MLB game at out New York. Boston 5 Toronto 4 off-season. Jones appealed to

victories. He allowed seven hits Guaranteed Matt Carpenter had four hits Pittsburgh 4 Milwaukee 3 players to consider the effect

and one walk while striking out -- his 11th career four-hit game Baltimore 12 Texas 1 on the team of individual Rate Field in seven. Chicago on -- for St. Louis. Wacha (7-3) indiscretions. Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4 (15 allowed only a two-out single to Wednesday. innings) Yoenis Cespedes in the first, a drawn-in infield and into right Hanley Ramirez blasted a one-out double to Michael Con- field. one-out homer in the 15th inning forto in the sixth and a leadoff Diamondbacks 11, Reds 2 to lift Boston over Toronto. single to Conforto in the ninth. Chris Hermann and Rey Ramirez, getting his third Giants 2, Indians 1 (10 Fuentes homered, and Arizona start of the season at first base, Edwin Jackson pitched seven to its fifth straight victory. Javier innings) tied a season high with nine hit the first pitch from Mike Bols- sharp innings in his first start of Baez went 3-for-4 with a homer, Eduardo Nunez’s RBI single extra-base hits while snapping inger (0-3) completely out of 2017 as Washington won its sixth but it was the two-out, third- off Cleveland closer Cody Allen a season-high five-game losing Fenway Park for his 15th homer straight game. inning bomb from Contreras that with no outs in the bottom of the streak. of the season and the third walk- Harper hit a home run in the proved the difference. Contre- 10th inning drove in the winning On a night when they off home run of his career. first inning, his 24th of the sea- ras was 1-for-4 with a walk and run for San Francisco. acquired slugging outfielder J.D. Hector Velazquez (2-1) worked son, singled in the third and sixth is 9-for-22 with two homers and Conor Gillaspie, celebrating Martinez in a trade with the four scoreless innings, allowing innings and tripled to lead off the seven RBIs in the five games of his 30th birthday, led off the 10th Detroit Tigers, the Diamond- two hits, after being recalled ear- eighth, scoring the go-ahead run the current road trip. with a double down the right backs saw their struggling lier in the day. on Ryan Zimmerman’s single. Rays 4, Athletics 3 field line against Allen (0-5). offense erupt for six runs in the Nationals 4, Angels 3 Cubs 5, Braves 1 Adeiny Hechavarria and After Denard Span, attempting fifth inning. David Peralta went Bryce Harper had his fourth Willson Contreras hit a Shane Peterson recorded RBI to sacrifice, bunted for a single, 3-for-5 with a double and RBI four-hit game of the season and three-run homer to help Chicago singles in the ninth inning as Nunez lined his single through a for Arizona. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 Kohli seeks smooth Paceman Johnson lobs Ashes grenade relations with Shastri at beaten England

Mumbai Melbourne Although having retired from AFP Reuters international cricket in 2015, the left-armer said he would relish the ndia captain Virat Kohli ngland’s abject display against chance to bowl at England’s Gary said yesterday he wants South Africa in the second Ballance, who has failed to surpass a good working relation- ETest shows they are a side 34 runs in his past 11 innings. ship with new coach Ravi struggling for consistency and Aus- Johnson said the Zimbabwe- Shastri after the acrimo- tralia should be able to exploit their born 27-year-old was not good Inious departure of Anil lack of cohesion in the upcoming enough to bat at number three. Kumble. Ashes series, former paceman “When you’re a number three And the skipper expressed Mitchell Johnson (pictured) has you’re meant to be one of the best confidence he can make it said. players in the team, if not the best. work with Shastri. South Africa thrashed England I don’t think he is,” Mitchell said. “We know what’s expected by 340 runs in Nottingham on Mon- “If you’re a bowler and you see and what’s on the plate,” he day, levelling the four-match series Gary Ballance at number three you said ahead of India’s depar- and consigning Joe Root’s men to a actually get a lot of confidence from ture for a tour of Sri Lanka. seventh loss in 10 Tests. that, so I think Australia will have Kohli was accused of forc- With the first Ashes Test set to a lot of confidence.” ing out Kumble after the spin begin on Nov. 23 in Brisbane, John- A protracted pay dispute legend resigned last month, son said England’s preparations had between Australia’s players’ union saying his relationship with suffered a setback with the defeat. and the national cricket board has the captain had become “It’s only one game, but it’s the yet to be resolved four months out “untenable”. way they got beaten,” Johnson told from the first Test in Brisbane but Indian team captain Virat Kohli (right) speaks as newly-appointed coach Ravi Shastri Kohli kept silent during Australian media in Sydney captain Steve Smith has played the selection process that cul- looks on during a news conference before the national team’s departure for Sri Lanka, yesterday. down fears of an Ashes boycott. minated in the return of in Mumbai yesterday. “They’ve got a few issues com- Johnson said even if a deal were Shastri, who was team ing to Australia. Australia are a huge done, the relationship between director between 2014-16. star batsman added. Shastri, But Shastri insisted that chance. players and board had soured and Speaking to media with Shas- who has been given a two- while coaches may come and “(England) probably haven’t got would take time to heal. tri at his side, Kohli spoke of year contract runnning up to go, it is the team which should that consistency at the moment; “I think it’s going to be very the captain-coach relationship the 2019 World Cup, also get the credit for any success. they’ve changed their team a little ordinary. Even if it gets sorted, the My job is to try and the way ahead for the spoke of the need to commu- “The team has done bit so they’re trying to find the right damage has already been done,” world number one Test side. nicate better in order for a exceedingly well over three squad,” added Johnson, a principal he said. and get the best “We have worked together team to prosper. years and they are the people architect of Australia’s 5-0 white- out of this team for three years. I don’t think I “I carry on from where I who deserve the credit more wash of England in the last Ashes need to understand anything left. I don’t come with any bag- than anyone else. Ravi Shas- Down Under in 2013/14. “It’s get- along with the else. We know what’s expected gage... My job is to put every tris, Anil Kumbles will come ting close to an Ashes series so you management and and what’s on the plate. I don’t player in a frame of mind and go,” said Shastri. want to try and lock that in, and it’s think it will require any effort,” where he is thinking only “The fabric of Indian going to be hard for them now perform to the Kohli said. about his role and the team he cricket will remain and the because they’ve just been beaten. best of my “A lot of speculations and is playing for,” said the former credit should go to everyone “It’ll be a great series but there lot of things fly around, those all-rounder. who’s participated in this are some scars there as well.” abilities which I things are not in my control. Shastri, 55, edged other Indian team.” Johnson wrote his name into believe in: Kohli “My job is to try and get the high-profile names including India will play three Tests, Australian sporting folklore by best out of this team along compatriot Virender Sehwag five one-day internationals plundering England for 37 wickets with the management and and Australia’s Tom Moody and a Twenty20 game in Sri at an average of 13.97 to be named perform to the best of my abil- after a tough selection Lanka. The first Test starts on man-of-the-series in the 2013/14 ities which I believe in,” the process. July 26 in Galle. Ashes. Bracewell quits Ireland coaching job Sri Lanka to probe 2011 Cup final defeat

Colombo with their suspicions that Sri telling local media there were Arjuna Ranatunga, who last Fri- AFP Lanka deliberately lost the “several disturbing factors day demanded an inquiry be match. about that game”. held to expose the “dirt” on ri Lanka’s sports minister “The allegations merit an Four last-minute changes dodgy cricketers. gave his support yesterday investigation,” Dayasiri were made to the Sri Lankan Last year, the International Sfor an investigation into Jayasekera told reporters in side without prior approval Cricket Council imposed a the country’s controversial 2011 Colombo. being sought from the sports three-year ban on a top Sri World Cup loss against India, “As soon as I get a written minister, breaching Lankan official Jayananda amid fresh allegations of match complaint, I will start a probe,” convention. Warnaweera for failing to fixing. he said. “Then there are also ques- cooperate with an anti-corrup- The South Asian nation lost Sri Lanka, batting first, tions about the behaviour of a tion investigation. the World Cup decider by six scored 274-6 off 50 overs and very senior player. During the Sri Lankan players and wickets at Wankhede stadium appeared in a commanding match, instructions sent to the umpires have been accused of in Mumbai, stunning the position when Indian superstar field were ignored,” Aluthga- match fixing in the past, but cricket-mad island. Then Sri Sachin Tendulkar was caught mage said, without naming the Warnaweera was the first high Lanka skipper Kumar San- for 18. player in question. ranking official to be found gakkara resigned soon after the India turned the game dra- The former minister said he guilty and penalised. New Zealander John Bracewell will step down as head match. matically thanks partly to poor launched an inquiry after the Betting is illegal in most of coach of Ireland at the end of his contract in December, Pressure has since been fielding and bowling by Sri match, but the investigation the cricket-mad Indian subcon- the country’s cricket board has said. The former New mounting for an inquiry into Lanka. was scuttled. tinent, but backstreet Zealand coach replaced West Indian Phil Simmons at the shock defeat, with a former The sports minister at the His concerns followed bookmakers -- many with the helm following the 2015 World Cup and will step cricket captain and a previous time Mahindananda Aluthga- quick on the heels of comments underworld links -- still down after two and half years in the role. sports minister going public mage has raised fresh concerns, from former Sri Lanka skipper flourish. McIlroy confident and keen as British Open approaches

Southport who suffered a rib injury in Jan- only want to do that more. You and you won The Open, you’re Reuters uary, told a news conference want to do it again and again and one leg away from the career yesterday. again,” he said. Grand Slam and you’ve played ory McIlroy is confident he “Obviously, it’s been hard to “So I definitely haven’t lost on three winning Ryder Cup can put injury problems get any sort of momentum with the hunger that I’ve always had,” teams’, I would have said ‘I’ll take Rand a frustrating run of an injury and not being able to McIlroy added. that, that’s pretty good’.” form behind him to mount a seri- practise as much as you’d like,” “A second Open Champion- McIlroy believes he is play- ous challenge for a fifth major he added. ship isn’t going to change my life, ing well enough to tame the title at this week’s prestigious “But I’m in good spirits. I feel but I’m still as ambitious now as notoriously tricky Birkdale links British Open. like it’s all coming together. I’m I was starting off my career, if course and beat the favourites, The 28-year-old Northern just waiting for that round or that not more so now because I know world number one Dustin John- Irishman, a former world moment or that week where it what I’ve achieved and I know son and his fellow American number one now ranked fourth, sort of clicks and I’ll be off and what I can achieve.” Jordan Spieth. is rated a 20-1 shot by bookmak- running.” McIlroy played his first Brit- “It’s just about staying as ers to repeat his 2014 Open McIlroy’s last major title ish Open as an 18-year-old at positive as I possibly can,” he victory at Royal Birkdale this came at the 2014 US PGA Cham- Carnoustie 10 years ago, and he said. week. pionship a few weeks after he is well satisfied by his achieve- “Hopefully, the start of “It hasn’t been the year that won the British Open at Hoylake ments in golf. another crest of a wave happens Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy during a press conference I had planned, but these things and he looked set to dominate “If someone told me 10 years this week. My game is all there. sort of crop up out of nowhere the sport. ago at Carnoustie ‘You’re going It’s just a matter of putting it all ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in and they challenge us,” McIlroy, “Having that success, you to be a four-times major winner together.” Southport, yesterday. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 SPORT 23 Spanish star Kheder extends deal as Al Sadd Sandaza joins Al Ahli gear up for new QSL season The Peninsula l Ahli has completed Chinthana Wasala their foreign contin- The Peninsula Agent for the upcoming 2017-2018 season with the l Sadd’s Musab signing of Spanish striker Kheder will Francisco Sandaza. wear the black Club officials confirmed and white jersey the news on social media yes- for three more terday, adding that Ahli’s years,A it was revealed yes- quarted of foreign players had terday. The 24-year old been decided for the new defender extended his con- campaign. Sandaza is joined tract with the club by three by summer signings Kim more years, leading up to Gwi-hyeon and Simao Mate 2020. while the Brigadiers have also Kheder moved back to elected to keep hold of striker Al Sadd, having played for N’Guessan Yessoh who spent Al Rayyan on loan since Jan- the second half of the season uary, and is back on training with Muaither. at his familiar grounds, Sandaza will now con- under the watchful eyes of Al Sadd players attending a pre-season training session at their home turf. tinute to train with his new the Portuguese head coach RIGHT: Al Sadd defender Musab Kheder team until the 2nd of August Jesualdo Ferreira. when Al Ahli will then head Kheder’s contract to their preseason training extension comes as part of suffered an injury to his The team launched its Gholam, speaking to the camp in Holland. the club’s strategic plan for shoulder blade, which will preparations for the upcom- club’s official website about continuity and to provide require medical care and ing Qatar Stars League his meeting with the players the reigning Qatar Cup and will take at least three season last Thursday at the which took place before the Emir Cup champions with weeks to recover. He will club’s training pitch where training session, has empha- Qatar SC all the resources needed to undergo treatment under representatives of the club sised on the importance of achieve success. Kheder will the supervision of the Qatar management were also the current period and the strengthen join the Al Sadd team which national team’s medical present. challenges that lie ahead departed for a pre-season staff. Al Sadd’s head of foot- both at home and in Asia. side with two training camp in Austria, Al Sadd players will ball Mohammed Ghanem Al He has also made it however their goalkeeper train under typical Euro- Ali, sporting director clear that ideal preparation Saad Al Dosari will miss the pean conditions until August Mohammed Gholam and requires a great desire from new signings camp which begins today. 5 and Al Dosari is set to team manager Abdullah Al the players to benefit phys- According to the team rejoin the squad upon their Breik witnessed the players ically and technically from The Peninsula sources, Al Dosari has return. in action after a long break. day one of training. atar Stars League’s (QSL) new boys Qatar SC Qunveiled two further local signings as the Kings look to strengthen their side ahead Conte signs new Mourinho ‘ready for 15 of the 2017/2018 campaign. During a press conference held yesterday, the club for- deal with Chelsea mally announced the signing years’ at Old Trafford of former Al Arabi defender Ali Jassimi and former Al Ahli London our belief that he can continue Los Angeles the next 15, I would say. Here? same league for so many years. keeper Satea Abdelnasser. AFP to deliver results both domes- AFP Yes, why not? I think [Arsenal manager A host of club officials tically and as we return to “I have to admit that it is Arsene] Wenger will be the last attending the ceremony, helsea manager Antonio European competition in the anchester United man- very difficult because of the with a similar story in terms of including Qatar SC president Conte signed a new two- Champions League,” ager Jose Mourinho pressure around our jobs, eve- staying at a club for so many Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Cyear deal with the Granovskaia said in a M(pictured) has revealed rybody putting pressure on years. Nasser Al Thani. Premier League giants on statement. he is targeting a 15-year stay at managers and things that peo- “But I what I try to do in Speaking on joining the Wednesday as the club moved Conte’s coaching staff has Old Trafford, telling ESPN in an ple say -- that we have to win, modern football nowadays is to Kings, Ali Jassimi, who penned to quell reports of a rift with the been augmented by the arrival interview on Tuesday he wants but in reality only one can win try to deserve to stay in the club, a three year deal admitted he Italian. of two more Italians, with Paolo to restore the stability of the and every year it is getting more because in this moment, it is was looking forward to com- The deal was confirmed as Vanoli joining as an assistant to Alex Ferguson era. difficult. about success. You have suc- peting with the side. Conte, who guided Chelsea to the first team head coach and Mourinho, who took over “This club, for so many cess, you stay in the club. You “Qatar Sports Club are the title in his first season last Davide Mazzotta working as the Premier League giants last years, was Sir Alex. People got don’t have success, you don’t well known in Qatar the side year, prepares to take his squad assistant/player analysis. year, told the network’s web- used to it; peopleeople understood stay.”stay. is used to high quality, and i on a pre-season tour of Asia. The contract boost for site that he is desperate to the great consequencesnsequences of that think we will do well in the “I am very happy to have Conte comes amid reports that deliver sustained success over stability. league and get back to our signed a new contract with the Italian has grown frustrated a long-term period just as Fer- “After Davidavid [Moyes] rightful place competing in the Chelsea,” he said in a statement with Chelsea’s inability to rein- guson did over nearly three and Mr. [Louis]ouis] Van QSL,” Jassimi said. on Chelsea’s official website. force their title-winning squad. decades. Gaal, I comee to my Goalkeeper Satea Abdel- “We worked extremely Chelsea had long been United have not won the second yearar and nasser, who signed a one year hard in our first year to achieve linked to a move for Everton Premier League title since Fer- hopefully I ccanan stay deal with the side stated that something amazing, which I am striker Romelu Lukaku but saw guson’s retirement in 2013, with and give thatt stabilitystability he will do all he can on mak- very proud of. Now we must the Belgian international join the club struggling to rediscover that the clubb wawants.nts. I ing an impact at the Kings. work even harder to stay at the Manchester United instead. its dominance under David will try, but again,gain, I will “This decision to start in goal top.” Conte had also reportedly Moyes and Louis van Gaal. have to try too ddeserveeserve will not depend just on me, it No terms of the deal were been keen on Juventus duo Mourinho has never spent that, but that’st’s what I try will be down to the coach and disclosed. English press reports Leonardo Bonucci and Alex longer than three years as man- every day thatat I work.work.”” I will do my best to grab the said the new contract improved Sandro, but neither came to ager of a club during his Mourinhoo believesbelieves Fer- number one shirt for my new the terms of the remaining two fruition. trophy-laden career. guson’s 27-yearyear reign at side,” Abdelnasser said. years left on the three-year deal Chelsea’s hierarchy mean- But the 54-year-old, speak- United will neverever be eemulatedmulated The signing of Jassimi and Conte signed when he joined while were reportedly unhappy ing as his team prepare to face in the modernn gamegame.. Abdelnasser caps off a busy the club last year. that Conte had notified unset- Manchester City in Houston on “I think SSirir Alex’s career is couple of weeks of signings for Chelsea director Marina tled striker Diego Costa that he Thursday in the latest leg of unique,” Mourinhourinho saisaid.d. “I ddon’ton’t the Kings. Last week the club Granovskaia said the contract does not feature in his plans -- their US tour, insisted he saw think it is possiblessible to emulateemulate.. signed no fewer than four local rewarded the “incredible suc- potentially weakening the United as a long-term project. “Nobody is going to bbee players as they prepare for the cess” Chelsea had enjoyed in club’s bargaining position in the “I am ready for this,” Mour- in the same cclublub fforor so new QSL campaign under the Conte’s first season. event of any transfer inho told ESPN. “I am ready for many years, bbee in the guidance of new Argentine “This new contract reflects negotiations. head coach Gabriel Calderon. AFC urges China to nurture more home-grown talent Beijing brink of failing to qualify for a clubs want to do well in the for the country to qualify for of more than ¥40m ($5.92m). berths for the tournament, up Reuters fourth successive World Cup. league and become the cham- another World Cup, host the tour- China, ranked world number from the 4.5 slots the continent “China’s football boom is pion, not only domestically but nament and eventually win it. 77, must beat Uzbekistan at currently enjoys. The half-place hina is enjoying a “foot- good news for the AFC... because also champion in Asia. So it’s a Chinese Super League clubs home and Qatar away in the represents a team going into a ball boom” at club level it is a very important partner for difficult situation.” have splashed out on high-pro- final two rounds of Asian qual- playoff. Cbut the country needs to us,” Windsor John said in com- China qualified for its only file international players and ifying in August and September “So that means more coun- do more to nurture talent for the ments published by state news World Cup in 2002, when it lost coaches in recent years, repeat- to have any hope of grabbing tries and regions can now dream struggling national team, agency Xinhua. all of its matches and failed to edly smashing transfer window third place in Group A and a that they can reach the World according to Asian Football “On one hand, we need to score a goal at the tournament records and stoking official chance to reach Russia through Cup,” Windsor John added. Confederation (AFC) General improve the performance of the co-hosted by South Korea and alarm at the exorbitant the playoffs. “This naturally give us an Secretary Windsor John. national team, so you need more Japan. spending. Their best chance of quali- opportunity for more members The Chinese Super League home-grown players, more Chi- But Chinese President Xi Jin- The recently closed domes- fying may have to wait until to start working hard from now (CSL) has become a major player nese players who play in top ping, an avid soccer fan, has tic transfer window was more 2026 when the World Cup in youth development and in the global transfer market in clubs regularly and they can be launched an ambitious drive to subdued, however, after foot- expands to 48 teams, coaches education because they recent years but the national prepared for the national team. improve local football from the ball authorities imposed a 100 however. have a real opportunity to go to side has stagnated and is on the “On the other hand, the ground up and spoken of his wish percent levy on foreign signings Asia will be allotted 8.5 the World Cup.” SPORT Thursday 20 July 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Froome extends Kohli seeks MourinhoMo ‘ready for Tour de France leadd smooth relations 15 years’ at after stage 17 with Shastri Old Trafford Afif double lifts Qatar past Turkmenistan

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula Syria down osts Qatar yester- day opened their India 2-0 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a in opener Hconvincing 2-0 win against Turkmenistan who struggled for most part of the match. The Peninsula Star striker Akram Afif scored two early goals in the first oals from Mohammed half as the home team - coached Rabie Srour and by Felix Sanchez - made the GMohammed Fares most of their opportunities at Arnaout helped Syria beat Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. India 2-0 in the first match of Earlier in the day, Syria the 2018 AFC U-23 Champion- crushed India with a similar ship Group C qualifiers at Al scoreline in what was the open- Sadd Stadium in Doha ing match of the five-day event yesterday. at the same venue. Though India managed to “It was a great match. We give a fighting account of have worked hard,” Afif said themselves in the first half, after the match. “The team Syria totally dominated the played really well. It was good game in the second period, to get the points,” he added. both in terms of possession and “We hope to deliver another chances created, and were well good performance in our next Qatar’s Akram Afif rewarded with two goals. game,” he said. (left) vies for the ball Earlier, Mohammad Al At the same venue tomor- possession with a Armour gave Syria the first row, Qatar will take on India in Turkmenistan player glimpse of goal in the first half a game that starts at 8.00pm during their 2018 AFC when his right-footed shot took while Syria battle U-23 Championship a deflection of Nishu Kumar Turkmenistan. Group C qualifier at and went wide of the post. Afif, who plays most of his Al Sadd Stadium At the other end, Daniel football in Europe, was a lucky yesterday. Qatar beat Lalhimpuia found himself scorer in the 4th minute but his Turkmenistan 2-0. inside the box with time and 15th minute striker sealed the Picture by Kammutty VP / space after a cut back from deal for Qatar who played an The Peninsula Nikhil Chandrasekhar from the astonishing eight friendlies in right, but his effort had neither just six weeks in the build-up to power nor direction. the home event. the first goal, Afif’s second strike Qatar’s Bassam Hisham curled replacing him with Nasser Hus- Syria had a good chance in Watched by retired Danish of the match in just the 15th in a superbly-taken free kick sain in the 68th minute. the 21st minute but Mohammed football star Michael Laudrup minute just left the visitors that narrowly missed the In the dying seconds of the Rabie Srour completely missed and popular football elder states- demoralised. goalpost. game, Qatar’s Meshaal his volley from close range man Bora Milutinovic from the Qatar captain Ahmed Moein Qatar’s only blotch in the Qasim was booked by the after Mouhamad Anez found stands on a steamy night, Qatar - after receiving a ball in mid- dying seconds of the first half referee for a needless him with a perfect cross from attacked from the word go to field - spotted Afif on the right was the needless yellow card for tackle. the left flank. assert early dominance. flank and despite being shad- star striker Afif who feigned a The points leaders at A few minutes later Kaith However, Turkmenistan owed by Turkmenistan defender foul but Malaysian referee this event will book a just about managed to stop a defense battled to thwart any Hojodov Hoshgeldi, the Qatari Suhaizi bin Shukri was not to be berth at the 2018 AFC header from tall and powerful dangerous moves from the home forward exhibited greater speed fooled. U-23 Asian Cup final Syrian striker Mohammad side in the first three minutes. and control by slipping the ball Nine minutes into the sec- to be held in Rafat Muhtadi, and the ball hit Qatar, however, drew first past goalkeeper Berdiyev ond half, Turkmenistan China next the post and rolled harmlessly blood in the fourth minute when Dovletyar. produced a slick move as striker January. across the goal line before Afif scored the opening goal fol- In the 24th minute, Moein Rejebov Berdimyrat swivelled being cleared for safety. lowing of a poor call by the chipped in with a perfect long past Qatar’s Hisham before Syria took the lead in the linesman. ball from the right flank but unleashing a powerful shot with 63rd minute after Indian goal- Qatar defender Moazz Abdalla’s snap-header narrowly his left-foot but home goal- keeper Vishal Kaith made a Abdullah charged into the Turk- missed the Turkmenistan goal- keeper Mohammed Ahmed put terrible error in judging the menistan box and despite post in another threatening in the dive to stop the ball. flight of the ball and unneces- pressure from a couple of Turk- move by the boys in maroon. Qatar captain Moein, in a sarily advanced out of his area menistan defenders, he slipped Six minutes later, Afifi found solo run in the 63rd minute, for a hopeful pass from the the ball to unmarked Afif who Moein unmarked inside the box produced a low shot from the midfield. easily deflected the ball into the but the latter’s clip past the vis- edge of the Turkmenistan box Mohammed Rabie Srour, net from close range. itor’s goalkeeper narrowly but the ball was neatly who got to the ball before the The visitors contested that missed the target. snapped by the keeper had no problem lifting Abdullah had overstepped the Turkmenistan clearly lacked goalkeeper who it over him into an open net. goal-line before passing the ball coordination as Qatar players was seen limping Mohammed Fares Arnaout to Afif but the linesman called in looked better organised for most moments ago. then made it safe for the West India’s Manvir Singh (left) vies for the ball possession with a Syrian as the home team celebrated a part of the first half. With a yellow card in mind Asian side with a header from fast opening goal. With three minutes to go probably, Qatar coach player during their 2018 AFC U-23 Championship Group C qualifier close range in the 89th If there was some debate on before the first-half whistle, Sanchez benched striker Afif at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. minute.

US Open to top $50m in prize money Total Prize money: $50.4m Singles winner: $3.7m New York doubles champion teams will players also will see a host of new ber 10 at the Billie Jean King Reuters each earn $675,000, also the amenities at this year’s tourna- National Tennis Center at Runner-Up:RuR $1.8m highest in US Open history. ment including upgrades to Flushing Meadows, his year’s US Open will The qualifying tournament player dining, a more generous New York. DoublesD winner: become the first tennis for the season’s final grand slam meal allowance, upgrades to all Ttournament to top $50m in will offer more than $2.9m in player workout facilities, and $675,000 prize money following a nine prize money, a 49.2 percent additional quiet room space. percent increase in the total increase from 2016. “Our goal is to make every Runner-Up: purse, the United States Tennis “Five years ago, we commit- experience at the US Open, Association (USTA) said on ted to the players that total player whether for the players, our fans, $340,000 Tuesday. compensation for players would or our partners, the best, Winners of the men’s and reach $50m at the US Open, and world-class experience women’s singles titles will each we are honoring that commit- possible.” earn $3.7m, while runners-up ment,” USTA President Katrina The US Open will pocket $1.825m from the Adams said in a statement. runs from $50.4m total pot. “In addition to unprece- August 28 to The men’s and women’s dented prize money increases, Septem-