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Thursday, July 25, 2019 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 22, 1440 AH Alaphilippe ‘ready GULF TIMES for Alps’ as Tour tension mounts SPORT Page 4

SWIMMING Teenager smashes Phelps record, Peaty does double Budapest-born Milak wins gold in a time of 1:50.73, lopping 0.78 seconds off Phelps’ 1:51.51 set in Rome in 2009

Reuters Gwangju, South Korea

ungarian teenager Kristof Milak shat- tered Michael Phelps’ 10-year-old world Hrecord in the 200 metres butter- fl y yesterday while Adam Peaty sewed up a third straight breast- stroke double with victory in the 50 metres at the world champi- onships. Budapest-born Milak won gold in a time of 1:50.73, lopping 0.78 seconds off Phelps’ 1:51.51 set in Rome in 2009. “It’s a tremendous honour to set such a great record,” he said. “Until 14 I was a backstroker and later I focused on the butterfl y. But earlier I only did 100 metres because I wasn’t strong enough.” There can be no question about his strength now. At 19, Milak is the youngest Gold medallist Adam Peaty of Britain poses on the podium for men’s winner of the 200 butterfl y since 50m breaststroke in Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) Phelps triumphed as an 18-year- old in 2003, the second of the care. I just want to beat them all,” ended the night on American great’s fi ve world titles said the Italian. a high note though with their in the event. World record holder Pellegrini, mixed 4x100m medley relay team Peaty shattered a record of his who won her fi rst 200m title a dec- pipping the United States to gold own on Sunday, becoming the fi rst ade ago, hunted down Australian by 0.02 seconds, Cate Campbell swimmer to go under 57 seconds in teen Ariarne Titmus over the clos- powering home in a scintillating the 100 breaststroke semi-fi nals ing 50m to claim gold in 1:54.22. anchor leg to overhaul Simone and while he could not repeat the “I’m too old for this,” joked a Manuel. feat in the 50 he was still streets breathless Pellegrini, who cel- Since anchoring the women’s ahead of his rivals. Kristof Milak of Hungary competes during the men’s 200m butterfly final at the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South ebrates her 31st birthday next 4x100m freestyle relay team to The Briton posted 26.06, the Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) month. gold on Sunday, Campbell has third fastest 50 of all time and Titmus, who stunned Katie been stuck in the athletes village 0.6 seconds ahead of his nearest but his bid for glory in the 800 two swimmers, Australian Mack a furious response from the Chi- world title for a fourth time and Ledecky to win gold in the 400m watching television while her challenger, Brazilian Felipe Lima. freestyle fi zzled out as he trailed Horton and Briton Duncan Scott, nese swimmer. Gregorio Paltrinieri taking gold on Sunday, is the new kid on the team mates raced. “Got the triple double which home in sixth. showing their displeasure in the All three athletes were sent in the men’s 800. block at the worlds but the ‘Ter- “I feel like a bear who has been is a massive thing for me,” said Sun is swimming under a cloud most public way possible. warning letters by governing Paltrinieri said he took no ad- minator’ has a big future. in hibernation,” she said. Peaty. “It’s what I came here to in Gwangju with a doping case Horton refused to share the body FINA over their conduct. ditional pleasure in beating Sun, “Based on training times I “I was starting to get a little do. The 56 happened so it’s just against him set to be heard at the podium after picking up silver who also served a doping sus- probably thought I had a bet- bit restless in the apartment, I everything complete really.” Court of Arbitration for Sport in behind Sun in the 400 while 200 DOUBLE DELIGHT pension in 2014. ter time in me, but what can you was like ‘come on let me out, let’s Chinese swimmer Sun Yang September. bronze medallist Scott refused There was double freestyle de- “I don’t want to think about do? It’s what you do on the day start racing again. There are only has been a lightning rod for con- His presence has upset fans to shake his hand at the medals light for Italy with Federica Pel- anything while I’m racing like and Pellegrini was really good to- so many episodes of Friends I can troversy at the championships and fellow athletes alike, with ceremony, a move that triggered legrini winning the women’s 200 doping or something, I just don’t night,” she said. watch.’”

CRICKET Magic Murtagh in dreamland aft er fi ve- Lord’s haul

Reuters His fi fth wicket, having Moeen Ali edg- London ing behind, put his name up on the Lord’s board — the fi rst bowler to do so since England’s record-breaking James Ander- f any bowler was tailor-made for a son last summer. green-tinged Lord’s wicket it was Ire- Murtagh is often described as Ireland’s land seamer but even he Anderson and on Wednesday the com- could not have imagined writing his parison did not look out of place — even if Iname on the honours board in such dev- he is still 563 test behind the Eng- astating fashion as he did yesterday. lishman’s total. The London-born 37-year-old pro- Then again this is only his, and Ire- duced one of the best spells of bowling land’s, third test match. ever seen at the old ground, taking fi ve “Not quite sure what’s happened there wickets for 13 runs in nine overs as Eng- the last two hours, to be honest,” Mur- land were skittled for 85. tagh, who is one of the most reliable Only once has a bowler taken fi ve or county bowlers in England, having taken more wickets against England for less 800 fi rst class wickets in his long career, runs — and the list includes the greats. mainly for Middlesex, said. Murtagh’s spree began in his second “It’s a dream to play here, but to get on over when he had Jason Roy caught at fi rst the honours board, it’s a fantastic fi rst slip by and he barely strayed session. Thought it would take longer a millimetre off line throughout his overs, than that. I should know how to bowl at his modest 75mph deliveries invariably this ground, I’ve been here long enough.” honing in on the top of off stump. He never usually uses the away dressing He proved too good for England, who room, however, which is where his name had won the toss and batted in scorching will now be displayed. conditions. “I didn’t think I’d be on the away board Next he sent opener Rory Burns pack- when I fi rst started playing, but I’ll take ing before dismissing Jonny Bairstow and it,” Murtagh, who is 38 next month said. Chris Woakes for ducks in the same over, “It’s a dream for any cricketer play- splattering Bairstow’s stumps and snaring ing a test match here, so I’m just over the Woakes lbw. moon.” Ireland’s Tim Murtagh celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Chris Woakes on Day One of the Test in London yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 25, 2019 SPORT

SWIMMING ‘Balance’ needed in Sun doping row: swim king Dressel

Agencies “One thing I learned from my versy comes after a leaked FINA stepped him down until that Gwangju, South Korea older brothers is there’s two sides doping panel report claimed Sun court case is over. to everything,” said Dressel, who allowed blood vials to be smashed “If he’s proven not guilty, well swept seven world titles in 2017. with a hammer after testers vis- that’s fi ne, he can go back to merican swimmer “I understand why the Chi- ited him last year. swimming. Caeleb Dressel has nese fans could be upset — and “They’re truly the most cou- “I mean we go back to East called for cool heads at I also understand where Duncan rageous guys and I couldn’t be Germany when all those Ger- the world champion- and Mack are coming from,” he more proud of them,” said Hor- man swimmers were caught with shipsA after athletes protested added. ton’s countryman Mitch Larkin. drugs. We want a clean sport and against China’s Sun Yang over “But it’s a competitive sport and “They’re standing for what let’s protest against it. FINA got shocking allegations the tri- I think they should have the right they believe in and that’s clean to get off their backsides and do ple Olympic champion had de- to voice what they believe in. Ku- sport. If we didn’t believe that we something about it.” stroyed dope test samples with a dos to them for doing that — and wouldn’t be racing here today.” Fraser defended Horton for hammer. the Chinese are doing it back.” making his stand. Sun retained his 200 and 400 Horton was labelled a “clown” FINA NEED TO CRACK DOWN “Mack didn’t say anything. He metres freestyle titles in Gwangju by China’s state-run media for ON SUN: FRASER hasn’t made any comment, he but his celebrations were soured refusing to step up to the podium Australian swimming great Dawn just didn’t get on the podium to when Australian rival Mack Hor- after taking silver in the 400m Fraser has said, Sun is a “drug be with a drug cheat, and I sup- ton and Briton Duncan Scott re- while online trolls posted death cheat” who should not be com- port that,” she said, calling for fused to shake his hand in sepa- threats on the Australian’s social peting at the world champion- WADA and FINA to “do their rate podium snubs that left Sun media accounts. ships and governing body FINA job”. furious. “The Chinese are upset be- China’s Sun Yang speaks to media at the final of the men’s 800m freestyle at the 2019 World Championships need to “get off their backsides” “At the moment, both of those Several swimmers, including cause people are protesting,” said in Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday. (AFP) to protect clean athletes, (bodies) are fi ghting one another Olympic champions Adam Peaty Dressel. “It goes both ways.” Fraser, who won the 100m and WADA said he shouldn’t be and Lilly King, have come out his 50m breaststroke title yester- “They just need to grow up or prior three-month ban. freestyle at three diff erent Olym- swimming. in support of Horton, beaten by ‘YOU LOSER!’ day. just stop doping really. But ob- China’s sporting idol has al- pics from 1956-64, told reporters “They should have the right to Sun in the 400m fi nal, and 200m Horton and Scott were both given “It’s free speech — and I don’t viously it’s going to be an uphill ways argued that he took pre- in Sydney that FINA should nev- stop anyone taking drugs from bronze medallist Scott. offi cial rebukes by swimming’s think anyone should get a warn- battle for athletes to get their scribed medication for a heart er have allowed Sun to compete swimming or competing in any But Dressel yesterday sought governing body FINA — as was ing for free speech,” said the sev- rights and race clean athletes as problem, while Chinese dop- at Gwangju. sort of sport. to defuse a volatile situation, Sun, who squared up to Scott and en-time world champion. well.” ing offi cials are believed to have “I personally don’t think he “We’ve been fi ghting for a which had threatened to spiral jabbed a fi nger in his face, bark- “Those dopers shouldn’t be The bad blood between Horton failed to update their therapeu- should be swimming,” she said clean sport for quite a number of out of control on Tuesday night ing: “You loser, I win!” in the sport, there shouldn’t be and Sun dates back to the 2016 tic use exemptions (TUE) list for yesterday. “He’s got a Court of years, its still hasn’t taken place. when Sun angrily confronted Peaty reiterated his support for any doping in sport,” added the Rio Olympics where the Aussie athletes. Arbitration in September and There’s still drug cheats out there Scott after the medals ceremony. Horton and Scott after retaining 24-year-old. called him a “drug cheat” over a His latest brush with contro- I feel that FINA should have and we want them banished.”

CRICKET SIGNS No-deal Brexit could Ireland in command spell end of ‘Kolpak’ players: cricket chiefs

AFP The ECB has issued an email to London the 18 fi rst-class counties noting a series of potential implications. One such outcome involves aft er taking 122-run no-deal Brexit could the United Kingdom depart- mean “Kolpak” crick- ing from the EU on October 31 eters are gone from the without an agreement, which English county game by has frequently been floated by 2021,A according to updated guid- incoming prime minister Boris ance from the England and Wales Johnson. Cricket Board. In that case new Kolpak regis- The Kolpak ruling means trations would be impossible and lead over England that citizens of countries that existing deals would likely cease have signed European Union at the end of the 2020 season. Murtagh scalps five to bundle hosts out for 85, Balbirnie scores 55 in Ireland’s 207 Association Agreements, who There are dozens of Kolpaks are lawfully working within an signed to counties, with the most Reuters EU country, have the same free high-profi le including former London movement rights as EU citizens. South Africa internationals Kolpak signings as well as Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, cricketers with EU passports Duanne Olivier, Simon Harmer reland enjoyed a fairytale are currently eligible to play in and . opening day in their fi rst England without counting as an Some would be easily earn ever Test match against “overseas” player, employment overseas deals in the event of England as they bowled out rulings that would both be di- their current status being re- Ithe hosts for 85 before building a rectly aff ected by Britain’s with- voked but many more would ex- healthy lead at sweltering Lord’s drawal from the European Union. pect to leave the county circuit. yesterday. The euphoria of 10 days ago after England’s nerve-jangling World Cup fi nal win over New Jonty Rhodes applies for position of Zealand, turned to stunned India’s fi elding coach disbelief as Ireland bowler Tim Murtagh caused mayhem. IANS you need to have worked with He took fi ve for 13 from nine New Delhi an IPL team for three seasons if overs as England capitulated in not an international team,” the 127 manic minutes, surviving functionary said. only 23.4 overs — their shortest ormer South Africa crick- Rhodes changed the idea of completed ever in terms eter Jonty Rhodes has fielding in world cricket with his of balls faced. Fapplied for the position of famous run out of Inzamam-ul- Ireland, playing only their India’s fielding coach and is un- Haq during the 1992 World Cup. third Test match, passed Eng- doubtedly one of the biggest While the standards of Indian land’s total before tea thanks to names to have applied for the fielding has also improved in a free-fl owing partnership be- job after the Board of Control recent times, the functionary tween Paul Stirling and Andy for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that him working with Balbirnie. invited application for the posi- Mumbai Indians means that he A fl urry of wickets threatened tion of head coach and support also understands the way Indian to undo their good work as Ireland staff for the Indian team. players function. slumped from 132-2 to 149-7. Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI “His involvement with MI till Yet Kevin O’Brien hung functionary confirmed that the last season will also come around for 28 and Mur- Rhodes has applied for the in handy if he does get the po- tagh (16) clobbered some useful position of fielding coach and sition because he understands late runs as Ireland were all out while he hasn’t worked with how Indians function and what for 207, a 122-run innings lead. any national team, he is eligible are their areas of strengths and England skipper Joe Root Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie hits a four on his way to a 55 during the Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) because he has coached Mum- weaknesses,” the functionary won the toss and elected to bat, bai Indians for nine seasons. added. handing Test debutant Jason 37-year-old sealed his fi ve- “Yes, Rhodes has applied and R Sridhar is the current fielding Roy and Rory Burns the chance Scorecard wicket haul. while it is true that he hasn’t coach and the Indian support to lay down a marker for the Curran attempted a counter- coached any international team, staff has been given a 45-day looming Ashes series. ENGLAND 1st Innings (Broad), 9-67 (Curran), 10-85 Extras (b10, lb6, w2) 18 attack but the carnage contin- he has been involved with Mum- extension after their contracts Instead, a spot-on Ireland R. Burns c Wilson b Murtagh 6 (Stone) Total (all out, 58.2 overs) 207 ued as Broad (3) edged Boyd bai Indians for nine seasons came to an end during the 2019 attack ruthlessly exposed the Bowling: Murtagh 9-2-13-5; Rankin, once an England player, and as per the eligibility criteria, World Cup in England and Wales. cracks in England’s J. Roy c Stirling b Murtagh 5 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Porter- behind. Adair 7.4-1-32-3 (1nb, 1w); Thomp- field), 2-45 (McCollum), 3-132 as the hosts posted their low- J. Denly lbw b Adair 23 son 4-1-30-0 (1nb); Rankin 3-1-5-2 Sam Curran was snaffl ed for est home total since scoring 77 (Stirling), 4-138 (Balbirnie), 5-138 18 at short leg off Rankin to leave J. Root lbw b Adair 2 (Wilson), 6-141 (Thompson), against Australia in 1997. England on 67-9. Olly Stone SELECTION Murtagh, the London-born J. Bairstow b Murtagh 0IRELAND 1st Innings 7-149 (Adair), 8-174 (McBrine), struck three boundaries in an 37-year-old Middlesex stalwart, M. Ali c Wilson b Murtagh 0 9-195 (Murtagh), 10-207 over as England surpassed the W. Porterfield c Leach b Curran 14 (Rankin) took lethal advantage of his lo- C. Woakes lbw b Murtagh 0 77 runs they scored against West cal knowledge on a green-tinged J. McCollum b Curran 19 Bowling: Broad 19-5-60-3; Indies in January but he was S. Curran c McCollum b Rankin 18 SL reduces squad to 16 Lord’s wicket and some bog- A. Balbirnie b Stone 55 Woakes 10-2-34-0; Stone 12-3-29- bowled for 19 as Adair wrapped standard England batting. S. Broad c Wilson b Rankin 3P. Stirling lbw b Broad 36 3; Curran 10-3-28-3 (2w); Leach things up. When Stuart Broad walked 3-0-26-0; Ali 4.2-1-14-1 Ireland began steadily but O. Stone b Adair 19 K. O’Brien not out 28 for Bangladesh ODIs Curran dismissed skipper Wil- out to bat with the hosts on 43 J. Leach not out 1 for seven, England had lost six G. Wilson c Root b Stone 0 liam Porterfi eld (14) and James retires after Extras (lb5, nb2, w1) 8 ENGLAND 2nd Innings AFP wickets for seven runs. S. Thompson b Broad 0 McCollum (19). Colombo the fi rst ODI and will be replaced J. Leach not out 0Stirling and Balbirnie rode Total (all out, 23.4 overs) 85 M. Adair b Curran 3 in the squad for the next two ASTONISHING COLLAPSE Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Roy), 2-36 R. Burns not out 0their luck but played some matches by Dasun Shanaka, the White-ball specialist Roy, su- A. McBrine b Broad 11 fl ashing strokes as Ireland seized ri Lanka yesterday re- cricket board said. (Denly), 3-36 (Burns), 4-42 Total (0 wkts, 1 over) 0 perb throughout the World Cup, (Root), 5-42 (Bairstow), 6-42 T. Murtagh c Burns b Stone 16 control. duced their original Bowling: Murtagh 1-1-0-0 had a let-off when Mark Adair (Woakes), 7-43 (Moeen), 8-58 B. Rankin b Moeen Ali 7 Stuart Broad broke the part- 22-strong squad to 16 for : Dimuth Karunar- had him plumb lbw off a no ball. nership on 87, trapping Stir- the three-match one- athna (), Kusal Perera, But in Murtagh’s second over ling lbw for 36. Balbirnie, who dayS international series against Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Roy (5) edged to Stirling who Burns scratched around for fi nal, at the wicket an England Murtagh then bowled a waft- was earlier dropped off Broad, Bangladesh in Colombo. Angelo Mathews, Lahiru took a low slip catch. six but played loosely at a full fi ghtback was expected. It never ing Bairstow through the gate for brought up his 50 in 56 balls but The fi rst ODI will be played Thirimane, Shehan Jayasuriya, Joe Denly looked assured for Murtagh and edged be- materialised. a duck and two balls later Chris became Stone’s fi rst Test victim, tomorrow, the second two days Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu 23, but in the 10th over Test hind to . Root (2) was squared up by Woakes (0) was lbw to a ball that losing his middle stump. later and the fi nal match on July Hasaranga, , rookie Adair shaped a ball into With Root and Jonny Bairstow, Adair and was struck on both nipped back off the seam. Stone eventually fi nished 31. All three games will be in the Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep, his pads for an lbw. two of the four England players pads and not even a hopeful re- Moeen Ali then edged Mur- with three for 29, with Broad and day-night format at the Prema- Lahiru Kumara, Thisara Perera, Cue an astonishing collapse. to have played in the World Cup view could spare him. tagh through to Wilson as the Curran also taking three apiece. dasa Stadium in Colombo. Isuru Udana and Kasun Rajitha. Gulf Times Thursday, July 25, 2019 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Coleman ready for friend and rival as he IOC chief says Tokyo seeks sprint double

Reuters game is World medals. But Des Moines, Iowa PRin in May is cool for social media doe.” Asked about their relation- amstring injuries ship a few days later, Lyles told better prepared kept Christian Cole- NBC Sports, “He just never man out of last year’s liked me. I don’t know. You US championships, can’t like everybody.” butH the world 100m silver So the rivalry stepped up a medallist is going all out at this notch. week’s nationals/world cham- Round two could come on pionships trials. Sunday if they both make the While many of his competi- trials’ 200m fi nal. than any city before tors are concentrating on one BC analyst Ato Boldon is event, Coleman, the year’s predicting another victory for ‘Sports brings the world together and it aff ords equal opportunities to all’ fastest man at 100m and joint Lyles. seventh fastest at 200m, will “I don’t expect him (Cole- Reuters be on the track every day, man) to really challenge Noah.” Tokyo seeking titles in both events the four-times Olympic sprint at the four-day meeting that medallist told Reuters. “I don’t begins today in Des Moines, think he has the skill set that year before hosting the Iowa. Noah has in the 200.” 2020 Olympics, Tokyo “Why not?” Coleman told But Boldon likes the fact is better prepared than Reuters when asked about the Coleman is running the longer any other city in the past double. sprint. toA host the Games, Olympic chief After all the 23-year-old ran “Chase a PR (personal best). Thomas Bach said yesterday. both in college, taking the col- Improve your value on the International Olympic Com- legiate titles in the 60m and circuit and quite frankly, it is mittee president Bach came 200m indoors and the 100m going to help your 100,” the to the Japanese capital to at- and 200m outdoors in 2017. broadcaster said. tend several high-profi le events This time, the stakes will be marking one year until the open- higher with a spot in Septem- PRAISES GATLIN ing ceremony in the almost- ber’s world championships Who will step up to challenge completed National Stadium. on off er for those who fi nish Coleman in the trials’ 100m is Only three Olympic venues in in the top three at the US trials. open to speculation. total remain to be fi nished. Coleman wants both as well Much depends on what Around 3.22 million tickets as a place on the US relay team. 37-year-old Justin Gatlin does. were sold during the fi rst domestic “I feel like I would be doing Gatlin, the 100m world sales phase last month, surpris- a disservice to myself if, after champion after his win over ing organisers so much that their the 100, I didn’t see where the Bolt in 2017, needs only to sales policy has had to be amend- chips fall in the 200,” he said. show fi tness to collect a wild ed. Over 200,000 people in Japan “Obviously my strong suit card to the world champion- and abroad have also applied to be is the 100 so that is what my ships. volunteers at the Games in a fur- main focus is on,” he added. He can do that by running ther indication of the excitement “I feel like that is where I one round of the 100m, but building in the country. have my best shot at getting is leaving the door open for “I can really say that I have my (world championship) gold more. never seen any Olympic city be- medal. “One round so far,” Gatlin, ing so ready with their prepara- “But I feel I can compete who has been the surprise of tions one year before the Games with the best of them in the the sprint season with two as Tokyo already is,” Bach told 200 as well.” Diamond League victories, sports offi cials and journalists said in a text to Reuters. gathered for a presentation on REMATCH WITH LYLES Both he and Coleman are Tokyo’s progress. That means challenging Noah alumni of the University of The celebrations included the (From left to right) Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee president Yoshiro Mori, International Olympic Committee Lyles, the fastest 200m run- Tennessee, and though rivals unveiling of the Olympic medal president Thomas Bach, and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe applaud onstage as they attend a ceremony marking one year before the start ner since Usain Bolt won the on the track, “It’s always cool design, the presentation of the of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) 2012 Olympic title and the vibes” when they talk, said torch relay “ambassadors”, a man with whom Coleman is Coleman, who beat Gatlin at performance by traditional Japa- jockeying to be America’s best the Prefontaine Classic. nese string instrument shamisen sprinter. It was afterward Gatlin be- players and speeches, including Lyles won their only meet- gan his European streak. by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. ing this year, a 100m in Shang- “It’s defi nitely impressive “The last six years have passed hai, and Coleman let it be but it’s really not a shocker,” very quickly, and I am happy to known afterwards there would Coleman said. hear that the preparations have be another round. “I know how hard he works been carried out as planned,” “Some of y’all got the game and as you have seen, he’s a said Abe, recalling the award of messed up,” Coleman said competitor. He’s one of those the Games to Tokyo in Buenos on Twitter. “The name of the guys you can never count out.” Aires in 2013. But it has not always been plain sailing. Tsunekazu Takeda resigned this year as president of the Japanese Olympic Commit- tee following allegations of sus- pected corruption related to the bid, and in 2015 organisers had to scrap the original logo over ac- cusations of plagiarism. Budget fi gures released in De- cember 2018 put total costs at $12.6 billion, well above their original estimate at under $7 billion. Battle with rising costs may be off set by local sponsor- ship revenue which has passed $3 billion, more than any other Games. Tokyo also had to ramp up its heat countermeasures, such as shaded areas, air-conditioned waiting areas and ice baths for athletes, as well as water sprays. Although this summer has so far been mild and rainy, a record heat wave in July 2018 killed over a dozen people in Tokyo, with monthly average temperatures Christian Coleman of the USA in action during the 45th Prefontaine reaching more than 30C for the Design of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals are unveiled during the ‘One Year to Go’ ceremony celebrating at the Tokyo International Forum in Classic at Cobb Track & Angell Field in Stanford on Jun 30, 2019. fi rst time since 1998. Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Fast times and fast cars are Norman’s favourites Reuters Niekerk dropped the record to his parents are lining up tickets in track and fi eld that can rat- Lyles his fi rst defeat at the dis- De Moines, Iowa 43.03 seconds at the 2016 Rio for the Games. tle Michael,” said Watts, their tance in three years in June, the Olympics, and Boldon, a four- His Japanese fan base is also coach. sprinter would try a 200-400m time Olympic sprint medallist, on the rise. “(Before clocking 43.45) Rai double, at least at the US trials. hether it’s Monaco is not the only one saying Nor- “I was actually pretty shocked told Michael ‘you are fi nally go- It was never on the cards, said or Austin, Texas, man can go faster. “I interviewed to see how people recognised ing to race against somebody Watts, who wants Norman to Michael Norman (2004 Olympic 400m cham- me, wanted to take pictures of who is not scared of you’. “Mike become a gold medallist in the wants to check out a pion) Jeremy Wariner last week me,” Norman said of his fi rst trip turned around and said, ‘You are 400 fi rst. WFormula One race. and he said, ‘Yep he is going to be to the Asian nation in May, when going to false start as soon as you Maybe after the Olympics, the First the California sprinter the fi rst guy under 43’,” Boldon he competed in Osaka. realise I am behind you.’ coach said. has some speed work of his own recalled. “It was really nice.” Both went on to personal be- Before then Norman, who to accomplish. The world indoor “You can’t watch a guy run He had already become the sts in the race, Benjamin running enjoys both cycling’s Tour de 400m record holder, Norman 19.70 (in the 200m) and open his joint fourth-fastest 400m run- 44.31. France and Formula one racing, will bid for national honours season at 43.45 (in the 400m) ner by then with his 43.45 clock- “But I can’t run them together has a task that he so far has not in the outdoor 400m at the US and not think that,” said Boldon, ing, so his acclaim was spread- all the time.” said Watts. “They been able to master. championships/world trials be- who is also a coach. ing. would go at it non-stop.” The Californian said last win- ginning in Des Moines on Thurs- “It was a phenomenal feat,” Coach and athlete also have a ter he wanted to learn Japanese day, and some analysts are pre- YEAR’S FASTEST said Watts. “It didn’t surprise special bond, both said. so that he could speak the lan- dicting it will be a fast one. Just 21, Norman has progressed “He’s a Ferrari,” said Quincy “Mike wants the gold medal.” me because of the way we train. “The way he describes and guage during next year’s Olym- “This year Michael Norman is from narrowly missing the 2016 Watts, the 1992 Olympic cham- Both at the Doha world cham- Michael has goals that are be- breaks down the 400 makes it pics. going to run a time that I think is US Olympic team in the 200m pion who coaches Norman. pionships and the 2020 Tokyo yond that.” easy for me to kind of execute “I feel off ,” Norman said last either going to scare the world as a teenager to the only sprinter “To be so young, he is very Olympics. The second would be And fun with training partner what he wants me to do.” Nor- week. record or break it,” NBC analyst in the world who has dipped un- mature in exactly what he wants especially emotional. Rai Benjamin, the talented 400m man said. “I need to make a schedule. To Ato Boldon told Reuters. der 44 seconds in the 400m this to achieve and how he wants to Norman’s mother, Nobue Sai- hurdler, is part of the routine. Many thought after Norman commit myself to really learn it.” South African Wayde van year. achieve it. to, was born in Japan and already “Benjamin is the only one handed 200m wunderkind Noah Just like he has the 400m. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 25, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING / TOUR DE FRANCE Sindhu advances, Srikanth crashes out Alaphilippe ‘ready of Japan Open

IANS In men’s double event, the Tokyo Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Ran- kireddy and pro- gressed to the next round after ce Indian shuttler PV defeating Britain’s for Alps’ as Tour Sindhu kicked off her and Chris Langridge 21-16, 21-17 Japan Open campaign in 43 minutes. on an emphatic note as In mixed doubles, Pranaav sheA registered a comprehensive Jerry Chopra and Reddy N. Sikki victory over China’s Yue Han also crashed out of the tourna- in her fi rst-round clash of the ment after losing their opening $750,000 tournament. match 11-21, 14-21 to Chinese The Olympic silver medallist pair of Zhend Si Wei and Huang tension mounts needed just 37 minutes to defeat Ya Qiaong in less than 30 min- Han 21-9, 21-17 in her opening utes. ‘I need to detach myself... My legs are tired, but in my mind I have never felt better’ match yesterday. Fifth-seeded In women’s doubles, Ashwini Sindhu will now face Japan’s Aya Ponappa and Reddy N. Sikki AFP Ohori – whom she had recently lost 16-21, 14-21 to South Ko- Gap, France defeated in the Indonesia Open – rea’s kong Hee Yong and Kim So in the second round. Yeong to make exit. However, there was disap- Today, B. Sai Praneeth, who renchman Julian Alap- pointment for Kidambi Srikanth shocked Japan’s Kento Nishi- hilippe kept the Tour de as he bowed out of the men’s moto in the opening round, will France’s overall lead yes- singles event after suff ering a compete with Kanta Tsuneyama terday and said he was stunning defeat to compatriot of Japan while Prannoy will lock “readyF for the Alps” after the HS Prannoy in his fi rst-round horns with Rasmus Gemke of 200km run to Gap on stage 17, match. Prannoy defeated Sri- Denmark. won by Italian Matteo Trentin. kanth 13-21, 21-11, 22-20 in a In mixed doubles, Ashwi- Alaphilippe has four riders match that lasted for an hour. ni Ponappa and Satwiksairaj within two minutes 02sec of his Unseeded Sameer Verma also Rankireddy will be competing advantage as the Tour goes into crashed out of the tournament against Thailand’s Dechapol three huge Alpine stages with after suff ering a 21-17, 21-12 de- Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree defending champion Geraint feat to Denmark’s Anders Anton- Taerattanachai in their second- Thomas at 1min 35 sec behind sen in his match. round contest. him in one of the most open rac- es in years. In his yellow jersey for a 13th MOTOGP day, the world number one looked relaxed after the balmy run from the Camargue into the town of Gap, surrounded by the Lorenzo to return daunting mountain peaks which lie in wait for the peloton. “It was a peaceful day, it did from spinal injury me good, we reserved energy in this dreadful heat,” said Alap- hilippe. for British GP “I’m ready for the Alps,” add- ed the 27-year-old former sol- dier. “But I need to detach myself from all this going on around me,” he said. “My legs are tired, but in my mind I have never felt better,” he Italy’s Matteo Trentin celebrates as he wins the seventeenth stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France in Gap, France, yesterday. (AFP) added. the youngest man in the race. burning pace covering the fi rst ROWE IN SPAT WITH MARTIN The victory for Trentin, 29, 100km in two hours. Alaphilippe also highlighted his came after he surged forward “Sure it was warm,” said role as leader by solving a physi- alone from a mass breakaway 20 Trentin. cal spat between Ineos rider minutes ahead of the main pack, “But we were wearing ice Luke Rowe and Jumbo-Visma’s and is a fourth win on the 2019 packs and drinking a great deal Tony Martin, who visibly rode Tour for the Mitchelton-Scott of water, and when the rain came into the Welshman at the head team after Simon Yates’ double it cooled us down,” he added. of a climb. and Daryl Impey’s victory. “Everyone wanted to be in the “It’s never easy, I was sit- STAGE 17 RESULTS (TOP 10) AFP Czech and Austrian rounds to right position,” said Alaphilippe. ting there studying everyone, 1. Matteo Trentin (MIT) 4:21:36 Paris continue his recovery and avoid “But there were a couple of when it kicked off I just stayed 2. Kasper Asgreen (QST) +00:37 any further risk of injury,” Honda guys getting nervous, physical calm in the attacks and I made 3. Greg Van Avermaet (CCC) +00:41 said in a statement. about it. the move at the right time just 4. Bauke Mollema (TRE) hree-time MotoGP “Lorenzo’s condition has im- “They thought I might at- ahead of the climb, which won 5. Dylan Teuns (BAH) world champion Jorge proved but he is still in some pain tack I guess so I went over and the race,” said Trentin, who now 6. Gorka Izagirre (AST) Lorenzo will return for and his movement on a bike re- told them to calm it,” said Alap- has three stage wins on the Tour 7. Daniel Oss (BOR) +00:44 the British Grand Prix mains restricted.” hilippe. de France. Ton August 25 after fracturing two He will be replaced by German 8. Pierre-Luc Périchon (COF) +00:50 Rowe smirked but did not re- “All wins are nice, but I have 9. Toms Skujinš (TRE) spinal vertebrae during a hor- Stefan Bradl for the Czech Grand act to Martin’s move after jostling France’s Julian Alaphilippe has a one minute 35 second advantage in been chasing this one for a 10. Jesús Herrada (COF) +00:55 rifi c crash last month, his Honda Prix on August 4 and Austrian on the way up the type of climb the overall classification. (AFP) while,” he added. team said yesterday. Grand Prix on August 11. where Alaphilippe has frequently The heatwave was a worry at OVERALL LEADERS (TOP 10) The Spanish 32-year-old Lorenzo, who won the world left everyone trailing with his he will win the Tour, and it’s up overall was unsure. the fi rst Roman aqua- 1. Julian Alaphilippe (QST) 69:39:16 fractured his T6 and T8 verte- title in 2010, 2012, and 2015, has trademark push on this Tour. to me to deliver him to where he “We all said he’d lose the lead duct Pont du Gard where the 2. Geraint Thomas (INE) +1:35 braes after sliding out during had a diffi cult start to the season Rowe serves as a minder to needs to be.” in the Pyrenees, but here we are stage started, with hundreds 3. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +1:47 opening practice for the Dutch with numerous falls. Ineos captain Thomas and told with just three stages remaining of fans seeking refuge from the 4. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +1:50 Grand Prix on June 28, bounc- He is currently 16th in the AFP last week he was responsi- ‘AT LAST THE ALPS’ and he’s still there,” said Team searing conditions by splashing 5. Egan Bernal (INE) +2:02 ing into four somersaults and MotoGP driver rankings, with ble for getting his man into the Rivals have been predicting lo- Ineos’ Colombian. around in the Gardon river. 6. Emanuel Buchmann (BOR) +2:14 hitting the gravel behind his his best result 19 points and 11th right position or his own neck cal hero Alaphilippe would crack “Hats off to him, he’s the one But Trentin, Olympic cham- 7. Mikel Landa (MOV) +4:54 bike. place in the French Grand Prix. was on the line. under pressure since he took the in the lead and he looks strong. pion Greg van Avermaet and six 8. Alejandro Valverde (MOV) +5:00 “Jorge Lorenzo and the Rep- His teammate Marc Marquez is “When the shit hits the fan, overall lead but Thomas’ co- But at last we are in the Alps,” other previous Tour stage win- 9. Rigoberto Urán (EFE) +5:33 sol Honda Team have agreed it is leading the rankings with 185 he’s my responsibility, I believe captain Egan Bernal lying in fi fth said impressive climber Bernal, ners led a group of 33 riders in a 10. Richie Porte (TRE) +6:30 best for Lorenzo to miss both the points and fi ve wins.

BOXING Want to stay relevant? Fight me, Pacquiao tells Mayweather AFP Manila Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev dies aft er fi ght

anny Pacquiao chal- AFP crazy, right now. Like what relocated to Southern California lenged Floyd May- Moscow could I have done diff erently? to pursue his ring ambitions, weather to face him But at the end of the day, every- eventually signing with promot- again in the ring yes- thing was fine (in training). ers Top Rank. Mterday as the retired American ussian boxer Maxim “He seemed OK, he was ready, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum star taunted the Filipino great Dadashev has died from but it’s the sport that we’re in. It issued a statement recalling about fi ghting on into his forties. Rbrain injuries sustained in just takes one punch, man.” Dadashev as “a terrific young Pacquiao, 40, who beat Keith a fight in Maryland, the Russian Russian boxing chief Umar man.” Thurman on a split decision at boxing federation announced Kremlev told Russian media ESPN, which streamed the bout the weekend, bit back at May- on Tuesday. that Dadashev’s body would be on ESPN+, also issued a state- weather on social media after the “Maxim Dadashev has died repatriated home and that his ment. American accused him of trading in the United States following family would receive financial “Our heartfelt thoughts are with on his name. injuries sustained during his aid. Dadashev’s family, friends, train- “You come to my fi ght and fight with Subriel Matias,” the Dadashev’s widow, Elizaveta ers and the team at Top Rank,” then use my name in a post but federation said in a statement. fight he “couldn’t convince” Apushkina, also issued a state- the statement said. I’m the one that is trying to stay The 28-year-old underwent his fighter to stop but opted to ment, confirming the fighter’s Dadashev was rated in the top relevant? if you want to be rel- emergency brain surgery in throw in the towel when he saw death “with great sadness. five by two world sanction- evant again... #MayPac2,” Pac- Manny Pacquiao (foreground, second from right) celebrates after Washington after his super- him “getting hit with more and “He was a very kind person who ing organizations going into quiao tweeted. defeating Keith Thurman (not pictured) in their WBA welterweight lightweight bout with Puerto more clean shots as the fight fought until the very end. Our Friday’s fight in suburban Mayweather, who retired at 40 championship bout in Las Vegas on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) Rican Matias on Friday was went on,” told ESPN on Tuesday son will continue be raised to be Washington DC, an elimination in 2017 with the unprecedented stopped after the 11th round by he was wracking his brain won- a great man like his father,” she bout for the right to become win-loss record of 50-0, had ear- so easily that everyone had to eat “Bottom line, I make more his cornerman James “Buddy” dering if he could have done said of the St. Petersburg-born mandatory challenger for Josh lier claimed that Pacquiao’s “en- their words!” added Mayweath- money than you... I beat you McGirt. things diff erently. fighter who trained in Oxnard, Taylor’s IBF title. tire legacy and career has been er, alongside a picture of his 2015 mentally, physically and fi nan- Dadashev, known as “Mad Max”, “It just makes you realize what California. Matias dominated, and after built off its association with my defeat of Pacquiao. cially!” he wrote. “Remember, was unable to walk to the dress- type of sport we’re in, man,” Dadashev took an unbeaten the 11th round McGirt could be name”. But Mayweather, who was you fi ght cause you have to, I ing room and was immediately McGirt told ESPN — which 13-0 record into the 140-pound heard telling Dadashev “I’m “It’s about time you all stop ringside in Las Vegas as Pacquiao fi ght when I want to!” hospitalised. streamed the fight on its ESPN+ non-title fight. going to stop it, Max,” even as using my brand for clout chasing became the oldest welterweight Mayweather is one of just Doctors operated to relieve platform. Dadashev, whose manager Egis Dadashev shook his head. and clickbait and let that man’s world champion in boxing histo- seven pro fi ghters to have beaten pressure from swelling on his “He did everything right in train- Klimas also handles Vasiliy Lo- McGirt, himself a former two- name hold weight of its own,” he ry, stayed silent about a rematch Pacquiao, the only boxer to have brain. ing, no problems, no nothing. machenko and Sergey Kovalev, weight world champion, then posted on Instagram. as he answered the Filipino in a won world titles in eight weight McGirt, who said after the My mind is like really running turned pro in April of 2016 and told the referee: “That’s it.” “When we fi nally fought, I won later post. divisions. Gulf Times Thursday, July 25, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL NHL Maple Leafs acquire Clarkson, Lillard and DeRozan ship Sparks to Golden Kinghts

Reuters withdraw from Team Toronto he Toronto Maple Leafs traded for the con- ‘History would indicate this is nothing new, tract of one of their former players, right wing David Clarkson, in a deal that sent this is part of our process. We’re blessed backup goaltender Garret Sparks to the TVegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. with a lot of talents, and we’re very deep’ As part of the deal, the Golden Knights also sent USA roster the Maple Leafs a fourth-round pick in the 2020 Reuters On Tuesday, the Mavericks NHL Draft. Clarkson, 35, is a former 30-goal scorer New York wrote on Twitter: “Ink. Dry. PORTLAND GUARD DAMIAN LILLARD for the New Jersey Devils, where he played his fi rst Let’s all offi cially welcome @ seven NHL seasons before inking a seven-year, BobanMarjanovic to Dallas! $36.75 million free-agent deal with the Leafs before ortland guard Damian Everything IS bigger in Texas” the 2013-14 season. Lillard and San Antonio The 7-foot-3 Marjanovic be- He scored 10 or more goals on six occasions, the guard DeMar DeRozan gan the 2018-19 season with the last being in 2014-15 when Toronto traded him to became the seventh Los Angeles Clippers and was Columbus in his second season with the Maple andP eighth players to withdraw traded to Philadelphia in Febru- Leafs. The Toronto native has not played in the from the Team USA roster ahead ary as part of the deal that also league since 2015-16 when he suited up just 23 of this summer’s FIBA World sent guard Tobias Harris to the times with the Blue Jackets. Cup, multiple outlets reported 76ers. He was traded to the Clip- He was dealt to Vegas in June 2017 before is- Tuesday. pers in January 2018 by the Pis- sues with three degenerative discs in his spine have Philadelphia forward Tobias tons, who ended up with Blake ceased any realistic hope for his career to continue. Harris and Washington guard Griffi n. The Leafs are expected to transfer Clarkson to their Bradley Beal both pulled out on In 13.9 minutes per game with long-term injury list, with Yahoo Sports reporting Monday, joining Los Angeles Philadelphia, Marjanovic aver- the intention being for the team to free up salary Lakers forward Anthony Davis, aged 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds cap space to sign Mitch Marner, a restricted free Trail Blazers guard CJ McCol- over 22 contests (three starts). agent, to a new extension. lum and Houston guards James In 58 total games on the sea- For his career Clarkson posted 114 goals and 86 Harden and Eric Gordon. son, Marjanovic averaged 7.3 assists over 570 NHL games. Lillard, 29, made his fourth points and 4.6 rebounds. In four Sparks, who turned 26 last month, has gone All-Star team in 2018-19 and av- NBA seasons with four teams, 14-18-2 with a 3.09 goals against average in two eraged 25.8 points, a career-high he has played in 186 games, av- seasons as a Toronto reserve. He was originally a 6.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per eraging 9.8 minutes, 6.2 points seventh-round pick by the Leafs in 2011. game. DeRozan, 29, is a four- and 3.9 rebounds. After playing In an additional move, the Golden Knights time All-Star who averaged 21.2 professional basketball in Ser- signed veteran defenseman Deryk Engelland to a points and set career highs in as- bia, Russia and Lithuania, Mar- one-year, $700,000 contract on Tuesday. sists (6.2) and rebounds (6.0) in janovic started his NBA career The 37-year-old Deryk Engelland scored two his fi rst season with the Spurs in with the San Antonio Spurs in goals with 10 assists in 74 games with Vegas last 2018-19. the 2015-16 season, averaging 5.5 season and has 29 career goals in 622 games over The Boston Celtics’ Jaylen points and 3.6 rebounds over 54 10 seasons. He has played with the Pittsburgh Pen- Brown and the New York Knicks’ games (four starts). The Serbia guins (2009-14), Calgary Flames (2014-17) and the Julius Randle have been added to native will turn 31 in August. Golden Knights (2017-19). Team USA’s training camp ros- ter, according to Shams Charania SPURS ELEVATE BUFORD SAN ANTONIO GUARD DEMAR DEROZAN AVALANCHE SIGN LINDHOLM TO 2-YEAR DEAL of The Athletic and Stadium. TO CEO, WRIGHT TO GM The Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Anton Team USA managing director The San Antonio Spurs promot- Lindholm to a two-year contract on Tuesday. Lind- Jerry Colangelo said Monday he ed general manager R.C. Buford holm, 24, has played in 62 NHL games over parts of isn’t overly concerned with the to CEO of Spurs Sports & Enter- the past three seasons and has four career assists. high-profi le departures. “Histo- tainment and assistant general He was scoreless in two appearances for the Ava- ry would indicate this is nothing manager Brian Wright to GM, lanche last season. All four of Lindholm’s points new, this is part of our process,” the team announced Tuesday. came during the 2017-18 season, when he played Colangelo told reporters. “We’re “RC Buford is one of the most in 48 games. Lindholm, a fi fth-round choice in the blessed with a lot of talents, and highly-respected leaders in pro- 2014 NHL Draft, had eight points (one goal, seven we’re very deep. We’ll take the fessional sports,” SS&E Chair- assists) in 57 games for the Colorado Eagles of the cards that we are dealt.” man Peter J. Holt said in a state- American Hockey League last season. Training camp begins Au- ment. gust 5 in Las Vegas, and the of- “His vision, innovation and PENGUINS RE-SIGN F ASTON-REESE fi cial 12-man roster is slated to drive have helped shape our val- The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed forward Zach be announced on August 17. The ues and culture. We are thrilled Aston-Reese to a two-year, $2 million contract fol- competition runs from August to have RC leading the organisa- lowing a season in which he scored a career-best 31-Septeber 15, with Team USA tion into the future.” eight goals with nine assists. Aston-Reese, 24, was playing its fi rst game on Septem- A two-time NBA Executive of limited to 43 games because of a broken hand, and ber 1 against the Czech Republic. the Year (2014 and 2016), Bu- then played in four more games during the playoff s. ford fi rst became a member of “Zach is a responsible player who plays a solid two- MAVS, MARJANOVIC MAKE the Spurs organisation in 1988, way game,” general manager Jim Rutherford said in 2-YEAR DEAL OFFICIAL when he was hired as an assist- a news release. A deal that was in the works ant coach on Larry Brown’s staff . “He has a heavy style of play that is especially since the fi rst week of July be- After stints with the Los An- eff ective on the forecheck and penalty kill.” An came offi cial Tuesday when the geles Clippers and Florida, he undrafted free agent out of Northeastern in 2017, Dallas Mavericks signed free returned to the Spurs in 1994, Aston-Reese has 12 goals and 11 assists in 59 career agent center Boban Marjanovic when Gregg Popovich was the games. to a two-year, $7mn contract. GM.

MLB Gregorius drives in 7 as Yankees outslug Twins Reuters New York RESULTS Yankees 14-12 Twins idi Gregorius went 5-for-5 with seven Mets 5-2 Padres RBIs and scored the winning run in Nationals 11-1 Rockies the 10th inning as the New York Yan- kees rallied for a wild 14-12 victory Giants 5-4 Cubs overD the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in Blue Jays 2-1 Indians Minneapolis. Athletics 4-3 Astros Gregorius had a three-run homer and two two-run doubles. He singled with one out in the Phillies 3-2 Tigers 10th off reliever Kohl Stewart (2-2), advanced Angels 5-4 Dodgers to second on a bloop single by Austin Romine Red Sox 5-4 Rays and then scored the winning run on a single by Gleyber Torres. Romine later scored the fi nal Royals 5-4 Braves run on a wild pitch. Reds 14-6 Brewers Aaron Hicks, who made a game-saving div- Cardinals 4-3 Pirates ing grab on a bases-loaded liner by Max Kepler in the gap in left-center to end the game, hit a Marlins 5-1 White Sox two-run homer in the ninth. Aaron Judge went Orioles 7-2 D’backs 3-for-6 with two doubles and two RBIs for New Rangers 7-2 Mariners York, which snapped a two-game losing streak. Hicks, Torres, Edwin Encarnacion, Luke Voit ing Ehire Adrianza, Mitch Garver and Kepler to and Mike Tauchman each had two hits for New load the bases. York, which fi nished with 20 hits. Polanco followed with a sacrifi ce fl y, but Aroldis Chapman (3-2), despite walking Chapman rebounded to get Nelson Cruz to fl y three batters and allowing the tying run to score out and Eddie Rosario to pop out to end the in the bottom of the ninth, picked up the vic- threat. tory. Sano belted a three-run homer to highlight a Chad Green, who came in with the bases fi ve-run fourth inning for the Twins. The Twins loaded and two outs in the 10th after Adam Ot- increased their major-league-best homer total tavino issued three walks, earned his fi rst save to 191. Gregorius lined a three-run homer in the thanks to Hicks’ diving grab. fi fth inning, his sixth of the season and 100th of Miguel Sano hit two home runs, including a his career. 457-foot two-run shot off Zack Britton in the New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (right) celebrates his home run with a teammate in the fifth inning against Minnesota Twins at Target bottom of the eighth to give Minnesota an 11-10 METS’ CANO SMACKS 3 HOMERS Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports lead, and drove in fi ve runs. Jorge Polanco went IN WIN OVER PADRES 3-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBIs Robinson Cano snapped out of his season- Mariners along with Edwin Diaz in a blockbust- was Cano’s fi rst homer at Citi Field since April history and only the third in a home contest af- for the Twins. long doldrums by producing the fi rst three- er trade on December 3, entered Tuesday bat- 6 against the Washington Nationals. ter Kirk Nieuwenhuis (July 12, 2015) and Lucas Hicks hit his 11th home run of the season with homer game of his career Tuesday night, ting just .243 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 74 Cano added a two-run homer off Paddack in Duda (July 29, 2015). two outs in the top of the ninth off Taylor Rogers accounting for all of the New York Mets’ runs games, including .318 with one homer and six the sixth for his 23rd multi-homer game -- his Cano wasn’t the only 36-year-old who to put the Yankees, who had earlier rallied from in a 5-2 win over the visiting San Diego Padres. RBIs in 28 home games. fi rst since June 30, 2017. thrived on an evening that featured a battle be- an 8-2 defi cit, in front 12-11. The Mets improved to 6-4 since the All-Star But after singling in his fi rst at-bat, Cano In the seventh, Cano hit the fi rst pitch he saw tween Paddack and the player he’s chasing for The Twins came back to tie it in the bottom break. The Padres are 2-8 in the second half. hit a solo homer leading off the fourth against from Logan Allen deep into the right fi eld seats the National League Rookie of the Year award, half when Chapman started the inning by walk- Cano, who was acquired from the Seattle Chris Paddack (6-5) to break a scoreless tie. It to complete the 14th three-homer game in Mets Mets fi rst baseman Pete Alonso. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 25, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY Barrett back to fullback as Mo’unga starts against Boks ‘The key for us has been to continue building on the very good groundwork we’ve put in over the last two weeks’

Reuters among the replacements. Wellington The match could also be make or break for inside centre Sonny Bill Wil- liams, who links up with Jack Goodhue egular All Blacks fl yhalf Beau- in the midfi eld, after he recovered from den Barrett has been moved to a hamstring injury that kept him out of fullback with Richie Mo’unga last week’s match in Argentina. Wil- getting only a third test start liams, 33, has had an injury-plagued inR the number 10 jersey for Saturday’s three years since he tore his Achilles clash with South Africa in the Rugby tendon at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is Championship. in a tight battle for a place in the mid- Mo’unga has arguably been the form fi eld with fi ve players battling for what New Zealand fl yhalf in Super Rugby looks like being four spots. over the last two seasons but Steve “The key for us this week has been Hansen has resolutely stuck with twice to continue building on the very good World Player of the Year Barrett in groundwork we’ve put in over the last tests, citing the experience he has built couple of weeks,” Hansen said. “Whilst up over seven seasons. we were a little rusty last week, we’re The fl eet-footed Barrett twice start- looking forward to seeing improve- ed matches at fullback early in his in- ments in all areas of our game this ternational career but has played his week. It’s always an exciting occasion last 36 tests with the number 10 on his when we play the Springboks. We have back. Mo’unga, 25, will have the chance a lot of respect for them and love play- to impress coach Hansen from the start ing them, as they bring many challeng- of the match against New Zealand’s es to the contest.” fi ercest test rivals in a showdown that looks likely to determine the outcome NEW ZEALAND TEAM of the truncated southern hemisphere 15-Beauden Barrett, 14-Ben Smith, 13- championship. Jack Goodhue, 12-Sonny Bill Williams, It also gives Hansen the opportunity 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Richie Mo’unga, 9-TJ to continue the dual playmaker experi- Perenara, 8-Kieran Read (captain), ment he used last year when Damian 7-Matt Todd, 6-Shannon Frizell, 5-Sam McKenzie, who has been ruled out of Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Owen the World Cup by a knee injury, played Franks, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Joe Moody. at fullback and Barrett at fl yhalf. While Hansen has downplayed the Replacements: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ofa importance of the game as a prequel to Tuungafasi, 18-Angus Ta’avao, 19-Vaea the Rugby World Cup opener against Fifita, 20-Dalton Papalii, 21-Aaron the Springboks in Yokohama on Sept Smith, 22-Anton Lienert-Brown, 21, the fact he has named virtually his 23-George Bridge New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett (left) runs with the ball during the Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Buenos Aires last week. (AFP) strongest pack shows he is still mindful of its signifi cance. He left several players from the Super Rugby champion Canterbury Crusad- JANTJIES EARNS SPRINGBOKS BENCH SPOT AFTER SPARKLING DEBUT ers in New Zealand last week to prepare for the clash at Wellington Regional Wellington: Herschel Jantjies’s superb two-try Erasmus added that Kolisi was likely to play opening World Cup match with the sides set to Stadium. The entire front row of Joe debut for South Africa against Australia last week Currie Cup after the team face Argentina in Salta meet in a Pool B clash in Yokohama on Sept. 21. Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks has propelled the scrumhalf onto the bench for on Aug. 10, with the only goal to ensure he made “I’m pretty sure that a lot of the guys we pick are as well as lock Sam Whitelock and Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against New the tournament in Japan. “He looks like he is going to play in that test match,” Erasmus said. “I number eight Kieran Read have been Zealand. close to playing a Currie Cup game,” the former think the guys would take a lot of belief into that brought back for Saturday’s match. Jantjies will back up the recalled Faf de Klerk Springboks flanker added. “I’m pretty confident game. “We are sitting here thinking this will be Lock Brodie Retallick is the only for the clash at Wellington Regional Stadium, that Siya will be ready for the World Cup. We just the biggest one, but I’m sure in a month we will forward in the pack who also started which is likely to decide the winner of this year’s want to get him there.” be saying the same thing.” last week’s 20-16 victory over Argen- southern hemisphere championship after both Last week’s captain Etzebeth, blindside tina in Buenos Aires. Openside fl anker sides won their opening games last weekend. flanker Pieter Steph du Toit and winger Makazole SOUTH AFRICA TEAM Matt Todd has been preferred over “Herschel definitely put up his hand and Mapimpi are the only players to back up in the 15-Willie le Roux, 14-Cheslin Kolbe, 13-Lukhanyo last week’s captain Sam Cane and lo- said ‘listen I can play at this level’ and I think he starting side from last week. World Cup winner Am, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Makazole Mapimpi, cal favourite Ardie Savea, who played definitely did that,” coach Rassie Erasmus told re- Frans Steyn has also been included on the bench, 10-Handre Pollard, 9-Faf de Klerk, 8-Duane number eight in Buenos Aires. porters yesterday after naming his team. Number with Erasmus confirming that the 32-year-old is Vermeulen (captain), 7-Pieter Steph du Toit, Shannon Frizzel has been given his eight Duane Vermeulen will lead the side after he part of their planning for the World Cup as a back- 6-Kwagga Smith, 5-Franco Mostert, 4-Eben Etze- opportunity to try and cement the missed last week’s 35-17 victory over Australia in up at flyhalf. “Handre (Pollard) and Elton (Jantjies) beth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Malcom Marx, 1-Steven blindside fl anker spot after Vaea Fif- Johannesburg, with Erasmus sending an advance Eben Etzebeth having played last week. are definitely going to the World Cup at 10 so we Kitshoff ita failed to impose himself last week party to New Zealand to prepare for the game. “Duane has always been part of the leadership have to try a few things,” Erasmus said. “This is an against the Pumas. Vermeulen was part of that advance party and group,” Erasmus said. “We could have gone with opportunity to slot Frans Steyn in at 10 or 12. It’s Replacements: 16-Bongi Mbonambi, 17-Tendai Fifi ta has been named on the bench, Erasmus said he was a natural choice in the ab- Eben but it was a nice opportunity with the two not the ideal game for us to do that but we want Mtawarira, 18-Trevor Nyakane, 19-RG Snyman, ostensibly to cover lock with no spe- sence of regular captain Siya Kolisi, who has been squads split up and Duane and the boys were to try it out.” 20-Francois Louw, 21-Herschel Jantjies, 22-Frans cialist named in the matchday 23, while ruled out of the Rugby Championship, and with already here.” The clash will also act as a preview for the Steyn, 23-Jesse Kriel loose forward Dalton Papalii is also

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Five Qatari teams to take part in GCC Andy Murray ‘excited’ to team up Community 3x3 basketball in Oman with brother Jamie in Washington AFP London

ndy Murray says he is “excited” to be teaming up with his brother Jamie at the Washington Open, reuniting the pairing that helped Great Britain win the Davis CupA in 2015. The former world number one has so far been restricted to doubles action since return- ing to the game following a hip operation in Janu- ary, winning his fi rst tournament back at Queen’s in June before suff ering early exits at Eastbourne and Wimbledon. “I am going to be competing in Washington next week in the doubles with my brother Jamie,” Andy Murray said in a video posted on Twitter ahead of the tournament, which starts on Mon- day. “I am very excited to be on the court with him and go back to Washington. It is a city I have al- Andy Murray (right) with brother Jamie. (Reuters) ways enjoyed visiting. It should be fun and I am hoping to have a good summer over in the States, HADDAD MAIA GETS PROVISIONAL keep progressing physically and hopefully get on BAN AFTER FAILING DOPE TEST the singles court soon.” Brazil’s top-ranked women’s tennis player Beatriz Secretary-General of Qatar Basketball Federation Ali Saeed al-Malki (centre), Deputy Manager of the QSports Aya Kassab (left) and General Jamie Murray, 33, won the Washington doubles Haddad Maia has been provisionally suspended Manager of Alijarah Driving Academy Ali Abdulrahman addressing the media. title last year with former partner Bruno Soares, after failing a drug test, the International Ten- a pairing that also won Australian and US Open nis Federation (ITF) has said. Haddad Maia, the total of fi ve teams, in- event will see two teams from tition for the communities. The players for Alijarah Team are titles. The Murray brothers last played together at world number 99, provided a sample for testing cluding teams from the Qatar premier league in action. QBF will generously provide Ronnie Cajayon, Jay-Ar David, the Rio Olympics, but were a prolifi c partnership on June 4 during the Croatia Open that was found Qatar premier league The fi rst team being Al Shamal the teams round trip fl ight tick- Richard Raagas and Oliver Roxas. during Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup victory, to contain selective androgen receptor modula- and the Filipino com- Club and the second team is Al ets, full board hotel accommoda- While the QSports Team will fea- while they have won two ATP Tour titles together, tors (SARMs). munity,A will be competing at the Arabi Club. tion, entry visa and allowances. ture Reynaldo Solomon, Andrew in Tokyo in 2011 and in Valencia the year before. SARMs, which have similar properties to ana- GCC Community 3x3 basketball Also included is a team from The two Filipino teams consist Salud, Michael Aliparo and Den- After his defeat at the All England Club, where bolic steroids, are prohibited by the World Anti- competition to be held as part Qatar Basketball Federation of eight players working in Doha ver Rote. he also played mixed doubles with Serena Wil- Doping Agency. The Brazilian qualifi ed for the of the activities for the Salalah (QBF) and the two Filipino teams and actively playing in the Fili- The Qatar delegation sponsors liams, Andy ruled out the prospect of attempting Wimbledon main draw in July and beat former Tourism Festival 2019 in Oman that qualifi ed in the community pino community here. are Alijarah Driving Company, to make a singles return during the American hard champion Garbine Muguruza in the fi rst round. on August 2 and 3. 3x3 league hosted by QBF. It will The players are working from QSports Company. The Salalah court season. She was informed of the fi nding on July 12, The tournament is organised be the fi rst time that teams from diff erent companies and have Tourism Festival 2019 kicked off His last singles match was at the Australian eight days after being beaten by Britain’s Harriet by the Oman Basketball Fed- the Filipino community in Doha also played in commercial bas- on July 11 and will be running for Open in January, where he was defeated in fi ve Dart in the second round of the grass court Grand eration in partnership with the will be proudly representing Qa- ketball leagues in the Philippines 43 days. It features a number of sets in the fi rst round by Spain’s Roberto Bautista Slam, and her provisional suspension came into Oman Zafar Municipality. The tar in the GCC basketball compe- and in their respective colleges. activities. Agut. eff ect on Monday. Gulf Times Thursday, July 25, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLY Buff on the Juve hero Only ‘minority’ of aft er De Ligt own goal against Inter

AFP joined Juventus last week from Nanjing, China Ajax for a reported 75mn euros ($85mn), came on as a substi- United fans want tute during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat atthijs de Ligt scored to Tottenham Hotspur in Singa- an own goal 10 min- pore. Sarri started the 19-year- utes into his fi rst Ju- old in the “Derby d’Italia” but ventus start before the central defender got off to Mveteran goalkeeper Gianluigi the worst possible beginning, Buff on inspired them to a 4-3 directing the ball past goalkeeper penalty shootout win over In- Wojciech Szczesny with his knee Pogba out: Solskjaer ter Milan yesterday. It may only to give Inter the lead. have been a friendly between the De Ligt, who was one of the Italian arch rivals, but tempers most coveted players in world threatened to boil over at times, football before his big-money ‘I think our fans know what Paul has given the club and can give us’ especially in a feisty second half move, was largely untroubled in stifl ing Nanjing. thereafter before being substi- The game ended 1-1 after 90 tuted at the break. It was only a minutes, with Cristiano Ronaldo pre-season friendly as part of the drawing Juventus level with a International Champions Cup, defl ected second-half free-kick but Antonio Conte’s Inter dealt following De Ligt’s own goal. out some rough treatment to Ro- Then the 41-year-old Buff on — naldo. more than twice De Ligt’s age — Three times in the fi rst half, sprang to the fore in the shoot- in a match played in sweltering out, making a triumphant return conditions in eastern China, the to the Serie A champions after a Portuguese forward was sent year with Paris Saint-Germain. sprawling to the turf. New Juventus coach Maurizio There was a fl ashpoint in the Sarri said he could “accept mis- 51st minute when Juventus sub- takes” — for now. “The feeling is stitute Merih Demiral — who was that we can improve a lot, espe- to score the winning penalty — cially in the off ensive part of the lashed out while waiting for his game,” said the former Chelsea side to take a corner. Minutes boss. “It is about changing the later skipper Leonardo Bonucci way of thinking and it is not easy talked himself into a yellow card Manchester United’s Paul to happen in a short time.” as the referee struggled to keep Pogba warms up during a Dutch teenager De Ligt, who control. training session. (AFP )

AFP many United supporters. tenham Hotspur in Shanghai. Daniel James and full-back Aaron Wan- Juventus’ Gianluigi Buff on and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate after their Shanghai At United’s fi nal game last term, a 2-0 Meanwhile, midfi elder Juan Mata Bissaka. But they are yet to seal a deal for win over Inter Milan at the International Champions Cup tournament defeat to already relegated Cardiff City at hopes Paul Pogba remains at Old Traff ord Leicester City defender Harry Maguire in Nanjing in China’s Jiangsu province, yesterday. (AFP) home, a section of fans barracked Pogba. next season and rubbished suggestions and Solskjaer is also reportedly eyeing anager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Asked if he expected even more of a back- the Frenchman could be a disruptive in- Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes. risked angering Manchester lash against the Frenchman when the fl uence if he is not allowed to move. “I am very happy with the two men- United fans yesterday, saying season begins, Solskjaer said: “I think our “We all know Paul and he is a fantastic tioned (James and Wan-Bissaka), we have Atletico ask La Liga to block it was only a “loud minority” fans know what Paul has given the club midfi elder, and a very good guy, very pos- got to be patient,” said the 46-year-old Mwho have turned against Paul Pogba. The and can give us.” itive, and a good infl uence for everyone,” former United predator, adding that he Griezmann’s Barca registration French midfi elder has made clear his de- The Norwegian, who will need a fast Mata said. “believed in” his squad as it is. termination to leave the Premier League start to convince doubters he’s the right “I think he is happy and brings every- “It’s a long haul and very important we Madrid: Atletico Madrid have mann’s licence to Barcelona,” giants, with Real Madrid and his former man for one of the biggest jobs in football, one together, but I cannot speak for other get the right ones (players) in, we can’t asked La Liga to block French Tebas told Spanish radio station club Juventus both said to be interested. said: “Of course there are some loud and people — I speak for myself. As a team- just jump on a diff erent path when you hit forward Antoine Griezmann’s Onda Cero yesterday. “There’s But Solskjaer has made clear that he small minority (against Pogba), but Paul mate and a friend I would like him to stay a hurdle.” move to Barcelona in a dispute a process that has been put in wants to keep the World Cup winner, as has been absolutely top in the group. and be happy because he is a very good One player who looks certain to leave is over the transfer fee between motion and those overseeing he attempts to steer the Old Traff ord club “Me and the players will testify to that player for us.” forward Romelu Lukaku, who is interest- the two clubs, according to it will have to come to resolve back into the Champions League. — that he’s never ever been a problem and Solskjaer meanwhile urged patience ing Inter Milan. The big Belgian will again the Spanish league’s president the case. It is possible to block The 26-year-old Pogba’s publicly we are just grateful that he performs as and denied that he was frustrated by the be absent today because of injury, but re- Javier Tebas. a player’s transfer. La Liga will stated wish to leave and his tepid displays well as he does,” said the manager, speak- club’s failure to sign more players this ports suggest that the player and the club Spanish champions Barce- have to decide what course of at the end of last season have infuriated ing on the eve of a friendly against Tot- summer. United have bought winger are happy to part ways. lona announced the signing action to take.” of Griezmann this month for Griezmann has already 120mn euros ($133.75mn) but played a friendly for his new ROUND-UP Atletico complained that the club, a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in Catalan club had not paid Japan on Tuesday. enough to trigger the player’s release clause. Bayern Munich top AC Milan at International Champions Cup The buy-out clause had eon Goretzka scored in the dying the club a second win in the exhibition season. Next up for Bayern Munich is a Germany’s top-selling daily Bild and dropped from 200mn euros moments of the fi rst half and competition. Milan had their chances in semi-fi nal clash with Turkey’s Fenerbah- other media outlets, the 67-year-old will to 120mn euros on July 1, but Bayern Munich’s defence stood the second half, not least when Patrick ce on Tuesday while Milan face Portu- also quit as head of the club’s supervi- Atletico claim that Griezmann’s tall down the stretch to secure a Cutrone was put through one-on-one guese outfi t Benfi ca on Sunday. sory board following its annual general May 14 announcement that he L1-0 victory over AC Milan at the Interna- with Sven Ulreich only to be denied by meeting this autumn. was leaving the club is proof a tional Champions Cup on Tuesday. the goalkeeper, but could not fi nd an HOENESS TO STEP DOWN AS He is set to walk away after 40 years deal was struck between the Right back Joshua Kimmich found equaliser on a warm night in Kansas City. BAYERN PRESIDENT: REPORTS in charge of Bayern and reportedly has player and Barcelona much Goretzka with a defence-splitting The match was Milan’s fi rst since head Uli Hoeness is set to step down as presi- former Adidas boss Herbert Hainer, his earlier. “(Atletico) submitted pass deep into stoppage time and the coach Marco Giampaolo took the helm dent of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich deputy on the club’s board, in mind as a complaint and put in doubt Germany midfi elder coolly slotted the at the Serie A club, who parted ways with reports saying he will not stand for successor. Hoeness joined Bayern as a whether we should pass Griez- ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give with Gennaro Gattuso at the end of last re-election in November. According to player in 1970.

FOCUS Neymar will go to China with PSG despite tensions

AFP kle injury in its statement naming the contract lasting until June 2022,” PSG Paris squad on Tuesday, saying that “daily tweeted. physical work will continue and com- Simons refused a contract worth plete recovery and integration with the 200,000 euros ($222,000) a year from eymar will travel on an up- group is scheduled for training in Chi- Barcelona, a huge amount for a pros- coming tour of China with na”. It added that x-rays of the fracture pect from the club’s training centre La Paris Saint-Germain, the showed “completely normal progress Masia, according to Spanish newspaper club said on Tuesday, as the and a very good improvement”. Mundo Deportivo. Ntroubled Brazilian superstar’s future PSG landed in Shenzhen, China yes- He also walked away from a chance to remains up in the air amid mount- terday, and will play friendlies against be quickly integrated into Barcelona’s ing signs he is unhappy at the French Inter Milan in Macau on Saturday and youth team, the newspaper reported. champions. Sydney FC in Suzhou on July 30. The Dutch starlet, known for his The 27-year-old, who has been re- Their fi rst competitive match of the long, curly hair, had earlier announced peatedly linked to a move to Barcelona, season will be against Rennes in Shen- to his 1.7mn social media followers that failed to show up to PSG’s pre-season zhen on August 3 in the Champions he was quitting Barcelona, without training on July 8, with his camp main- Trophy, the traditional curtain-raiser saying where he was heading. taining he had a prior agreement to stay to the French campaign. The young player, whose agent is the away. The club threatened to take “ap- infl uential Mino Raiola — the agent of propriate action” against the world’s Paris Saint-Germain players attend a training session in Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong province yesterday. (AFP) PSG SIGN DUTCH players such as Paul Pogba and Matth- most expensive player, who said he had WONDERKID FROM BARCA ijs De Ligt among others — joins a club stayed in Brazil to attend a charity fi ve- relationship by controversially saying overturned a 4-0 fi rst-leg defi cit by Neymar. He missed Brazil’s triumphant Paris Saint-Germain have signed desperate for European honours after a-side football tournament run by his that his best football memory was beat- winning 6-1 in the second leg of their Copa America campaign on home soil 16-year-old Xavi Simons on a three- years of heartache. foundation. Neymar, who joined PSG ing PSG when he played for Barcelona. last-16 Champions League tie. He also due to an ankle injury and was also year contract, the club announced on Simons is expected to debut for the in 2017 for 222mn euros ($264mn at the Just days before rejoining PSG, he recently posted a 10-second video of questioned by Brazilian police over al- Twitter, after the Dutch wonderkid re- French champions in their youth team time), rejoined the team a week later on cited as his favourite football memory himself in a Barcelona shirt. legations he raped a woman — accusa- portedly turned his back on Barcelona. which plays in Youth Champions, a jun- July 15. He also didn’t help the strained his role in the 2017 Barcelona team that It has been a troubled summer for tions he denies. PSG referenced the an- “The Dutch midfi elder has signed a ior version of the Champions League.

Thursday, July 25, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Real Madrid’s Asensio could miss full season aft er Bale scores as Real rupturing ACL Madrid: Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a friendly against Arsenal, the Spanish club Madrid rally for friendly announced yesterday, and is expected to miss most if not all of the next La Liga season. The club said the Spanish 23-year-old will soon undergo surgery for the injury, which occurred just minutes after he victory over Arsenal scored an equalising goal in Real’s win over Arsenal in the United States on Tuesday. ‘I do not know what’s going to happen, for now he’s with us. It did not change anything’ “After tests carried out on our player Marco Asensio AFP by the Real Madrid Medical Washington Services he has been diag- nosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and areth Bale shrugged off un- the external meniscus of his certainty over his Real Madrid left knee,” the club said in a future on Tuesday, his sec- statement. “The player will be ond-half goal helping the La surgically operated on in the GLiga giants rally for a friendly win over next few days.” Arsenal. Madrid clawed back from two Spanish media reported goals down to fi nish full time at 2-2, and that such an injury would prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout rule him out for six to eight dictated by the International Champi- months. Real had been down ons Cup exhibition tournament format. 2-0 to Arsenal at half-time, but Welsh star Bale didn’t play in Ma- Gareth Bale pulled one back drid’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in in the 56th minute before Houston on Saturday, manager Zina- Asensio drilled the equaliser dine Zidane saying on Monday he de- three minutes later. clined to dress for the match as the club However minutes after pursued options for off -loading him. his goal Asensio took an Zidane said at the weekend he awkward step and immedi- thought it would be “best for every- ately clutched his left knee one” if Bale’s departure could be ar- and fell to the ground. He was ranged quickly – comments Bale’s agent stretchered off in agony in branded “disrespectful” of a player who the 65th minute. The Arsenal helped the side to a Spanish league title match finished 2-2, and Real and four Champions Leagues since ar- prevailed 3-2 in the pen- riving from Tottenham six years ago. alty shootout dictated by the Zidane insisted on Monday he meant International Champions Cup no disrespect, and Bale duly came in at exhibition tournament format. halftime on Tuesday and made a state- Spanish media reported ment. “He had a good game and I’m that Asensio’s injury could happy for him,” Zidane said. “I do not aff ect the future of his team- know what’s going to happen, for now mate Dani Ceballos, who was he’s with us. It did not change any- reportedly close to being thing.” traded to Arsenal on loan. First-half goals from Alexandre However the Spanish club, Lacazette – who converted a penalty in which is also looking to part the 10th minute – and Pierre-Emerick with Bale, could now hold Aubameyang had put Arsenal up 2-0 at on to midfielder Ceballos. the break – by which time both teams But Ceballos was already in were reduced to 10 men. London yesterday for medical Bale pulled one back in the 56th at Arsenal’s London Coloney minute, latching onto a loose ball and facility. However, the deal was slotting it home. Marco Asensio drilled yet to be signed. the equalizer three minutes later, blast- The Spaniard was Zinedine ing a low Marcelo cross past Emiliano Zidane’s first choice on the Martinez. Minutes later Asensio was on Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (left) celebrates with teammate Marco Asensio after scoring a goal during the International Champions Cup football match against Arsenal right side of the attack next the ground, apparently injured with lit- at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, on Tuesday. (AFP) season. Reports in Spain also tle contact to be stretchered off . said Real will look at whether Bale continued to off er reminders of ern Munich – missed two good chanc- clumsy tackle on Sead Kolasinac in the with a man advantage. Lacazette then the counter. Arsenal had won the fi rst it needs to sign a potential his worth – clearing a goal-bound Au- es late. Bale’s fortunes dipped in the fi rst fi ve minutes, received a second turned provider for Aubameyang, who three games of their North American new starter on the right wing. bameyang drive off the line following a shoot-out, when he came up fi rst for booking and was sent off for a deliberate doubled the score in the 24th minute. tour, starting with a 3-0 win over Ma- Signing a replacement for goalmouth scramble, and missing just Madrid and saw his eff ort saved easily handball in the eighth after sticking his But Arsenal’s comfort level dropped jor League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids Asensio would force the club wide with a curling eff ort off his left before the Spanish side prevailed. Ar- arm out to stop a ball from Lacazette on in the 40th, when Sokratis Papastath- and now head back across the Atlantic. to rethink its summer transfer foot 10 minutes from time. Eddie Nke- senal had appeared on their way in the the line. opoulos was sent off for a second book- Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid to- budget. Los Blancos have tiah, who scored three goals in Arsenals early stages at FedEx Field, home of the Lacazette took the ensuing penalty, able off ence – a foul on Luka Modric morrow at Metlife Stadium in East Ru- already invested 298mn euros two prior friendlies – a 3-0 win over NFL’s Washington Redskins. his attempt hitting both posts before – minutes after he’d been shown a yel- therford, New Jersey, home of the NFL’s this season. Fiorentina and a 2-1 victory over Bay- Madrid’s Nacho, cautioned for a crossing the line to put Arsenal up 1-0 low card for yanking back Toni Kroos on New York Giants and New York Jets.

FOCUS QNB STARS LEAGUE Messi given one-match ban for Al Khor coach Najhi promises Copa America red card strong show in new season l Khor coach Omar Najhi praised the team’s overseas training camp atmosphere in the Netherlands in prepara- tionA for the new football season. “I thank all the players for their ef- forts in training, both in Doha and in the Dutch camp. I also thank them for their mental presence, discipline and clear commitment,” Najhi told QSL’s website. “Everyone is doing his best to achieve our ambition in the new QNB Stars League season. We seek to be in the top positions despite the expected strong competition,” he added. Najhi expressed his happiness with the participation of a number of Qa- tari stars in the ranks of his team. Ali Qadri has also joined Al Khor from the ranks of Al Ahli. “God willing, the ex- isting bunch and overseas players will In this file picture taken on July 6, 2019. Argentina’s Lionel Messi (centre) talks to Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar add strength to the playing XI,” Najhi after he was sent off during the Copa America third-place match against Chile in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AFP) said. The Al Khor coach said: “There are some professionals who have not AFP will miss the fi rst of Argentina’s qualifi cation matches for the joined the team but will do so at the Asuncion, Paraguay 2022 World Cup in Qatar, due to be played in March. He was Dutch camp.” also fi ned $1,500. “Corruption and the referees are prevent- In response to a question about tak- ing people from enjoying the football and they’re ruining it a ing charge of Al Khor since the begin- rgentina star Lionel Messi was hit with a one-game bit,” Messi said after the Chile match. ning of the season, Najhi said: “There suspension by South American football bosses over Messi had also hit out at the organisers after Argentina’s is no doubt that training Al Khor from his dismissal during the Copa America third-place semi-fi nal elimination against hosts Brazil in their previous the start of the season is a good and play-off against Chile earlier this month. However, match. “Brazil were the hosts and they’re managing a lot in a positive thing. I took the task last CONMEBOLA made no mention of Messi’s “corruption” ac- CONMEBOL these days, which makes it complicated” for season in the fi nal six games. Time cusation against the regional governing body that he made everyone else, Messi had said after his side were denied what constraints and lack of opportunity after receiving his red card. Messi was harshly dismissed in appeared like two clear penalties in a 2-0 defeat. to change the tactical approach were the fi rst half of Argentina’s 2-1 win over Chile after a clash The CONMEBOL commission made no mention, how- obvious last season.” with defender Gary Medel. Television images suggested ever, of Messi’s comments, for which he was expected to He added: “However, we have suc- Messi did nothing wrong as Medel appeared to repeatedly face harsher punishment. The announcement came after ceeded in the task as we will try to try, unsuccessfully, to headbutt the Barcelona forward. CONMEBOL, earlier on Tuesday, sanctioned AFA president work on the development of what we While most observers acknowledged that the Chile cap- Claudio Tapia for his blistering attack on Ecuadoran referee had last season. So my start with the capable of being in the top zone, and who has retained most of his players,” tain deserved to be sent off , Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz Roddy Zambrano, who had refused to consult VAR over the team since the fi rst day of training is God willing, Al Khor will be at a level Al Khor coach said. de Vivar controversially also gave Messi his marching orders. two Argentine penalty claims in their 2-0 defeat to Brazil. very important.” worthy of it. My team will not be easy “This could be in our favour. De- CONMEBOL’s disciplinary commission hit Messi with “an Tapia had hit out at “serious and gross refereeing mistakes” Najhi said: “I thank the adminis- to beat. Al Sailiya is a great team that spite all that, Al Khor always off ers automatic one-match suspension,” adding late on Tuesday while questioning whether “the principles of ethics, loyalty tration of Al Khor for its great con- succeeded last season to reach third good levels in their matches against that it could not be appealed by the Argentine Football As- and transparency” had been observed during the match. fi dence, and God willing, we will all place and was a strong competitor, Al Sailiya,” Najhi said of the season’s sociation (AFA). CONMEBOL stripped Tapia of his role as the regional body’s aim to bring the team back in the top and it became the strongest season opening game. The new QNB Stars It means the 32-year-old fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner representative on the FIFA executive committee. place which is worthy of it. Al Khor is with the new players, unlike Al Khor League season begins on August 21.