NBA | Page 5 FORMULA 1 | Page 6 Knicks want Hamilton to talk it over could walk with Anthony, away from F1... report says or maybe not

Tuesday, July 18, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawaal 24, 1438 AH Messi and Neymar GULF TIMES praised by Barca boss Valverde SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Philander leads rout of England ‘All the senior players put their hand up and made it easy for us. Coming into the HAPPY SKIPPER Test I was a bit cold, but I got my groove going and I’m feeling a lot better’ Du Plessis’s joy as SA go back to basics

AFP match, led South Africa’s attack with Nottingham three for 24 runs in 10 overs of accurate fast-medium bowling. “There were periods in the fi rst outh Africa Faf du Test when we played well but then let Plessis said his side had gone England dominate us,” said du Plessis. back to basics in a com- “This was an important Test for us.” manding 340-run win over EnglandS in the second Test at Trent ‘REFRESHED’ Bridge yesterday. The Proteas now have a nine-day Victory saw the Proteas bounce break until the start of the third Test back in style after they suff ered a 211- at The Oval on July 27, with no tour run defeat in the fi rst Test at Lord’s — match in between. a fi xture du Plessis missed following But with several of South Africa’s the birth of his fi rst child. multi-format players in England “We did the basics a lot better and since May, du Plessis reckoned a put England under pressure for long break may be no bad thing. periods,” du Plessis told Sky Sports. “A few of the guys have had a long “We focused on getting back to tour — I’ve just had a break so I feel things this side does really well,” he mentally refreshed and strong, but I added of a South Africa side with a feel a couple of days off will give the proud away record of just one series guys a chance to relax and get away loss in their 19 previous Test cam- and in a week’s time come back with paigns on the road. the same intensity,” he said. Du Plessis took the bold decision For England this reverse again to bat fi rst after winning the toss at raised questions about their fallible Trent Bridge, a ground known for top three, a problem for them while aiding swing bowlers, and was re- they lost eight Tests last year. warded with a competitive total of “No, I don’t think it (the top three) 335 all out. is a concern,” insisted number four Du Plessis’s painstaking 63, dem- Root. onstrating an ability to graft for runs “They just need some runs and to quite beyond most England batsmen spend some time out in the middle. this match, helped South Africa to a “Credit has to go to South Africa, second innings total of 343 for nine who played very well over the course declared. of the game, but we’ve got to make That left England needing a mam- sure this doesn’t happen again,” he moth 474 for victory. added. England, however, collapsed to 133 Meanwhile England coach Trevor all out with more than a day to spare Bayliss was adamant none of the side on a pitch, which while worn was no were trying to hide from the scale of ‘minefi eld’ and with sunny blue skies this defeat. providing some of the best batting “The boys are fairly honest in the conditions of the Test. changing room and realise they have Vernon Philander, the man-of-the- had a shocker,” the Australian said.

England captain Joe Root (L) is bowled out by South Africa’s Chris Morris (R) yesterday during the second Test between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge.

AFP the fourth innings of a Test is the West skipper at Lord’s. Cook’s near two-hour innings ended England’s Alastair Cook (3rd L) survives an appeal for lbw from South Africa’s Nottingham Indies’ 418 for seven against Australia at “We weren’t good enough with the when he was beaten for pace by a well- Vernon Philander (R) during the second Test yesterday. St John’s in 2003. bat for the whole game,” he said. directed Morris bouncer and gloved But the more immediate task for Eng- England resumed with Cook and fel- down the legside, where -keeper England v South Africa 2nd Test scoreboard ernon Philander led a fi ne all- land on Monday was to see if they could low left-handed opener Jennings both held a fi ne catch. round bowling eff ort as South at least keep South Africa in the fi eld. unbeaten on nought. It meant Morris had taken two for two South Africa 1st Innings 335 B. Stokes c and b Philander 18 Africa thrashed England by They failed miserably, the hosts bowled Philander, renowned for his ability to in 20 balls, with Cook’s exit the cue for (H Amla 78, Q de Kock 68, V Phi- M. Ali c Kuhn b Maharaj 27 340 runs in the second Test at out in 44.2 overs despite South Africa be- move the ball at a lively fast-medium England to lose their last seven wickets lander 54; J Anderson 5-72, S Broad L. Dawson 5 VTrent Bridge yesterday. ing without after the fast pace, had a wicket with just his fi fth ball for just 61 runs. 3-64) S. Broad c Morkel b Maharaj 5 Victory saw the Proteas level the four- bowler was suspended for swearing at yesterday. South Africa-born Jennings Only last year Stokes (258) and Jonny M. Wood c Morris b Olivier 0 match series at 1-1 after they themselves England’s Ben Stokes at Lord’s. (three) was undone by a nip back deliv- Bairstow (150 not out) shared a stunning England 1st Innings 205 J. Anderson c de Kock b Olivier 0 had been well beaten by 211 runs in the A sign of the diff erence in batting ap- ery that uprooted his off stump. partnership of 399 against South Africa (J Root 78; K Maharaj 3-21, C Morris Extras (lb5) 5 fi rst Test at Lord’s. plication between the teams was that Gary Ballance, in his third stint of Test at Cape Town. 3-38) Total (all out, 44.2 overs) 133 England, set a mammoth 474 runs for South Africa’s fi rst innings 335 lasted and under huge pressure for his Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Jennings), 2-28 victory, collapsed to 133 all out 40 min- 96.2 overs, while England were bowled place, was then lbw to Philander on re- ‘DUMB BATTING’ South Africa 2nd Innings 343-9 (Ballance), 3-55 (Root), 4-72 (Cook), utes before tea on the fourth day. out twice in 96.1 overs. view for four. But their stand yesterday was worth dec (H Amla 87, D Elgar 80, F du 5-84 (Bairstow), 6-122 (Ali), 7-126 Man-of-the-match Philander took A delighted Philander said: “All the Philander had taken two for eight in just 12 when Bairstow (16) dragged an Plessis 63; M Ali 4-78) (Stokes), 8-133 (Broad), 9-133 (Wood), three wickets for 24 runs in 10 overs, in- senior players put their hand up and 19 balls, with Root once more coming in intended drive off left-arm spinner Ke- 10-133 (Anderson) cluding an early double strike. made it easy for us. after a top-order slump. shav Maharaj straight to mid-on. England 2nd Innings (target 474, Bowling: Morkel 13-4-30-0; Philander That gave him fi ve wickets in total in “Coming into the Test I was a bit cold, Root had made 190 in his fi rst innings “I can’t believe I have seen that,” said overnight: 1-0) 10-3-24-3; Olivier 3.2-0-25-2; Morris a match where he also made scores of 54 but I got my groove going and I’m feeling as captain at Lord’s and top-scored with angry former England captain Michael A. Cook c de Kock b Morris 42 6-3-7-2; Maharaj 12-2-42-3 and 42 with the bat. a lot better.” 78 in their meagre fi rst innings 205 this Vaughan, commentating on BBC Radio’s K. Jennings b Philander 3 Result: South Africa won by 340 No England batsman made a fi fty in For England captain Joe Root this match. But he fell cheaply yesterday, Test Match Special. G. Ballance lbw b Philander 4 runs a second innings where former captain chastening defeat, the hosts’ fi rst loss Chris Morris producing an excellent “All you need to do is dangle the car- J. Root b Morris 8 Man-of-the-match: Vernon Philander Alastair Cook’s 42 was the top score. in eight Tests at Trent Bridge, was in yorker to knock over the Yorkshireman’s rot and they’ll go for it. Dumb batting! J. Bairstow c Morris b Maharaj 16 Series: Four-match series level at 1-1 The most made by any side to win in marked contrast to his fi rst match as off -stump. What is he thinking?” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 CRICKET

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: SEMI-FINAL INDIA TOUR OF SRI LANKA / TESTS Injury rules Vijay out, In-form England Dhawan gets nod face S. Africa hurdle ‘The best part about our squad is that someone steps up every single game’

AFP Bristol, United Kingdom

ngland can book a place in the Women’s World Cup fi nal if they File picture of India’s Shikhar Dhawan. beat South Africa today as they go in search of a fi rst major tro- AFP part of the 16-man squad for the phyE in eight years. three Tests starting in Galle on New Delhi The pair meet in the fi rst semi-fi nal at July 26. Bristol, a ground on which they played The left-handed batsman, out a record-breaking encounter earlier njured opener Murali Vi- who last played a Test in Octo- in this tournament. jay was yesterday ruled out ber against New Zealand, was Both sides surpassed the 300 mark on from India’s upcoming Test the highest run-scorer in the 50- that occasion, going on to make 678 runs series against Sri Lanka, the over Champions Trophy in Eng- in total, the highest cumulative score in Icricket board said yesterday, land and Wales in June. women’s one-day international history. with Shikhar Dhawan named as India, led by skipper Virat Opener Tammy Beaumont top-scored his replacement. Kohli, are also slated to play fi ve with 148 and will once again be the key Vijay, who underwent surgery one-day internationals and a threat for England. on his wrist in England after the single Twenty20 after the Test Beaumont and Sarah Taylor (147) four-Test series against Austral- series wraps up. shared a 275-run stand in a match where ia, has already missed the 10th TEST SQUAD: England beat the Proteas by 68 runs. edition of the Indian Premier Virat Kohli (Captain), Shikhar League Twenty20 tournament. Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, ‘STEP UP’ The 33-year-old batsman is Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya But it was captain Heather Knight who set to undergo rehabilitation af- Rahane (vice captain), Rohit led from the front with a valuable 62 as ter pain reappeared in his wrist Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, England defeated the West Indies at Bris- while playing a warm-up match, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman tol last Saturday to fi nish top of the group the Board of Control for Cricket Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Umesh table, having won six straight games in India said in a statement. Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuv- since a surprise opening loss to India. Dhawan, who has played 23 neshwar Kumar, Mohammed “The best part about our squad is that Tests at an average of 38.52 since Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav someone steps up every single game,” making his debut in 2013, is now Mukund. said Beaumont. “Heather had a crucial knock with the bat and then everyone did their bit with STEP IN the ball and that’s really important. “We all need to be on form heading into a semi-fi nal.” Their latest victory meant England Afghanistan replace could stay put to enjoy two full days of preparation in southwest city Bristol ahead of playing again in front of the Australia for South loudest home support they’ve experi- UP FOR IT: File picture of England’s Heather Knight celebrating the wicket of West Indies’ Deandra Dottin. enced during the World Cup. They will, however, have to once again “For a couple of us, this will be our Africa ‘A’ tour overcome new-ball duo Marizanne Kapp last World Cup, so our fi rst aim was and Shabnim Ismail, described as the to enter the semi-fi nals. I’ve always fghanistan have re- South Africa chief executive Ha- “best opening pair in the world” by South dreamt of getting runs for my placed Australia in a roon Lorgat said in a statement. Africa captain Dane van Niekerk. country — that hunger never dies” development tour of “They are a passionate cricket Contenders for the most improved side South Africa after the nation and I expect the Afghani- in women’s cricket, this is South Africa’s RAJ RULE latterA pulled out due to a pay stan A team to compete strongly fi rst World Cup semi-fi nal since 2000. Crucial to both successes was India cap- dispute between its players and against our A team and India A in Whoever wins this contest will play tain Mithali Raj, the highest run-scorer board. the upcoming tri-series.” either reigning champions Australia or in women’s ODI cricket, who made 71 With talks between the un- The International Cricket India in Sunday’s fi nal at Lord’s. and 109 respectively. ion and governing body Cricket Council (ICC) voted in London Australia captain Meg Lanning is ex- Raj will be relied upon again in the semi- Australia deadlocked, the players last month to make Afghanistan, pected to return in the semi-fi nal at Der- fi nal and she is relishing the responsibility. decided they would boycott the along with Ireland, full members by on Thursday, after being rested for the “I’m extremely happy,” she said. triangular series between the ‘A’ of the organisation, allowing concluding group win over South Africa “For a couple of us, this will be our last sides. those countries to become part in an attempt to prevent her aggravating World Cup, so our fi rst aim was to enter Australia’s ‘A’ team, captained of the elite 12 nations who play a shoulder injury. the semi-fi nals. by test batsman Usman Khawaja, test matches. Lanning, the No.1 ranked ODI bats- “I’ve always dreamt of getting runs for were scheduled to play two four- “We are very pleased to accept man, missed two of the group stage my country — that hunger never dies.” day matches and a 50-over tri- ’s invitation matches yet still struck 328 runs. Australia overwhelmed India by eight series against India and South to participate in the upcoming Although favourites to progress, Aus- wickets in pool play last week but the Africa on the tour. triangular series,” Afghanistan tralia come up against an India side that Southern Stars, the six-time Women’s Afghanistan will now join Cricket Board chief executive have enjoyed playing at Derby, winning World Cup champions, remain wary of South Africa and India for the Shafi qullah Stanikzai said. all four of their previous matches at the Raj’s side especially as they have yet to series starting later this month. “This will be our fi rst-ever Midlands ground during this World Cup. play in Derby this tournament. “We are delighted that Af- visit to South Africa and I am Those victories included the defeat of “They’ll be familiar with the condi- ghanistan have accepted our certain that this will give Af- England and Saturday’s 186-run thrash- tions, so it’s pretty cut throat, we can’t invitation and look forward to ghanistan ‘A’ team very good ex- ing of New Zealand in what was a straight aff ord to be off our game,” said Australia’s welcoming them to our country posure to competitive cricket.” shoot out for the last knockout spot. File picture of South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk. Nicole Bolton. for the very fi rst time,” Cricket (Reuters)

ZIMBABWE TOUR OF SRI LANKA Mendis stays fi rm in record Sri Lanka chase AFP colm Waller (68) was the highlight of the get us into this position. The result of Colombo Zimbabwe innings after the pair resumed this game now can go our way.” on the overnight score of 252-6. Zimbabwe are seeking their fi rst-ev- “Feels great to get my maiden Test er Test win against Sri Lanka, who are usal Mendis scored a fl u- hundred,” said all-rounder Raza, who looking for redemption under new Test ent half-century to keep Sri also opened Zimbabwe’s bowling with captain Chandimal. Lanka’s hopes of chasing a his off -spin. He took over from Mathews, who re- record 388 alive on day four “All the batters put up a tremendous signed after calling the one-day series Kof the one-off Test against Zimbabwe show. Brilliant eff ort by all the guys to loss a “hard pill to swallow”. yesterday. The hosts were 170 for three at Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe Test scoreboard stumps, with Mendis (60) batting alongside Angelo Mathews (17) at Co- Scoreboard at stumps on the fourth Total (all out; 107.1 overs) 377 lombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. day of the one-off Test between Sri Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Chakabva), 2-16 Sri Lanka’s highest-ever successful Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo (Musakanda), 3-17 (Masakadza), 4-23 run chase was against South Africa in yesterday: (Ervine), 5-59 (Williams), 6-145 (Moor), 2006, when they achieved their 352- 7-289 (Waller), 8-306 (Raza), 9-361 run target in Colombo. Zimbabwe 1st innings 356 (C. Ervine (Tiripano), 10-377 (Cremer) Zimbabwe skipper Graeme Cremer 160; R. Herath 5-116) Bowling: Lakmal 14-0-43-0; Herath dented the hosts with his leg-spin, 39.1-5-133-6; Perera 30-2-95-3; L. claiming the important wickets of Upul Sri Lanka 1st innings 346 (U. Tha- Kumara 20-3-72-1 (nb1, w3); K. Mendis Tharanga (27) and his opposite number ranga 71, D. Chandimal 55; G. Cremer 4-0-16-0 Dinesh Chandimal (15).Opener Dimuth 5-125) Karunaratne was bowled by left-arm Sri Lanka 2nd innings spinner Sean Williams for 49 as the Zimbabwe’s batsman Sikandar Raza Zimbabwe 2nd innings (overnight (target 388 runs) visitors persisted with an all-spin at- celebrates after scoring a century 252-6; S. Raza 97 not out, M. Waller 57 D. Karunaratne b Williams 49 tack in the 48 overs bowled in the in- yesterday against Sri Lanka. not out) U. Tharanga c Moor b Cremer 27 nings so far. H. Masakadza lbw b Herath 7 K. Mendis not out 60 Karunaratne said Cremer — who Sikandar Raza (127) top-scoring for the R. Chakabva b Herath 6 Chandimal c Masakadza b Cremer 15 bagged his maiden fi ve-wicket Test haul visitors with his maiden Test century. Musakanda c Karunaratne b Herath 0 A. Mathews not out 17 in Sri Lanka’s fi rst innings — would pose Cremer was the last man out for 48 C. Ervine c Karunaratne b Perera 5 Extras (lb2) 2 the biggest threat on a fi fth-day track. off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, S. Williams b Herath 22 Total (3 wickets; 48 overs) 170 “We have got to watch out for Cre- who returned fi gures of 6-133 to take S. Raza b Herath 127 Still to bat: A. Gunaratne, N. Dick- mer. He is creating the most trouble. Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis (L) plays a shot as Zimbabwe wicketkeeper his match tally to 11 wickets. Moor c sub (Gunathilaka) b Kumara 40 wella, D. Perera, R. Herath, S. Lakmal, There is lot of assistance for the wrist Regis Chakabva looks on during the fourth day of a one-off Test in Colombo. The Pakistan-born Raza steered the M. Waller c Tharanga b Perera 68 L. Kumara spinner,” Karunaratne told reporters. team’s middle and lower order to help G. Cremer c Karunaratne b Herath 48 Fall of wickets: 1-58 (Tharanga), 2-108 “We have already got 170 runs on the get into an interesting position.” Mathews to take the delicately poised his side accumulate another 318 runs D. Tiripano lbw b Perera 19 (Karunaratne), 3-133 (Chandimal) board... once the ball gets softer, it gets Mendis, who fought off hamstring Test into its fi nal day. after being reduced to 59-5 on day C. Mpofu not out 9 Bowling: Raza 9-1-29-0; Williams 16-0- easier. If these two guys are able to hang trouble in the fi nal session of play, put Zimbabwe were earlier bowled out three. Extras (b4, lb14, w7, nb1) 26 62-1; Cremer 19-0-67-2; Waller 4-0-10-0 in there for one and a half hours we will together an unbeaten 37-run stand with for 377 in the second session, with Raza’s 144-run partnership with Mal- Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRANSFER Szczesny set to Bayern jet off with join Juventus from Arsenal

Bundesliga title By Fabrizio Romano and times with Juventus winning the Marcus Christenson league. Juventus already have The Guardian Gianluigi Buff on in goal and Szc- zesny is expected to act as the Italian No1’s back-up next sea- ojciech Szczesny is son. Buff on has already said that set to join Juventus he is carrying on to play in the ‘already in the bag’ after agreeing a deal World Cup next summer, should in principle with the Italy qualify, and there are no WItalian champions. Juventus and guarantees the 39-year-old will Bayern touch down in Shanghai for their pre-season tour of China and Singapore Arsenal are in the fi nal stages of quit next summer either. concluding the deal with the fee Szczesny said in May: “The expected to be around £10mn. one thing I want to do is make The Polish international will sure I don’t stay still. I was quite sign a long-term contract and still for fi ve years – sometimes I earn almost £70,000 a week. played better, sometimes worse, Szczesny, 27, has spent the past sometimes phenomenal, some- two seasons at Roma and is now times rubbish. You take steps ready to permanently leave the forwards and backwards. It is not London club he joined in 2009. very good for your head if you go Arsene Wenger already has up and down and up and down. Petr Cech and David Ospina in “I want to try to keep going his squad and has made plans up, with my quality and with my without Szczesny for the up- decisions that I make. I am 27, coming season. Szczesny was a the best I have ever been, I still regular starter for Roma during have room to improve and I want his two seasons in the capital to make sure that room doesn’t as they fi nished third in 2015- stay empty. I want to go into that 16 and second last season, both room. It feels like a big moment.”

Bayern Munich players celebrate after beating Werder Bremen 2-0 on Saturday to win a pre-season four-team tournament in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (AFP)

AFP already waved the white fl ag for 2017/18. fantastic player.” The Colombian sees the riguez on loan from Real Madrid, Bayern Berlin “I turned the television on Saturday and tour of Asia as a chance to settle into Bay- have called off their bid to poach Chile’s Wojciech Szczesny has spent the past two seasons on loan at Roma. thought ‘well, that’s it then’ — this Bay- ern’s system. “It was a good start, but I hot-shot Sanchez from Arsenal. ern team is not going to be stopped. They have to get fi tter from day to day. The trip “We are no longer involved. We have ayern Munich landed in China already have the (league) title in the bag,” to Asia is a good chance for me to get used agreed with our coach that we won’t add yesterday for their pre-season Martin Kind, president of newly-pro- to the system,” said James. (new players) in attack. It wouldn’t make Senegal football club tour with the German giants moted Hanover 96, told Bild. Bayern have taken a full-strength any sense,” Bayern’s chairman Rum- already tipped to win a sixth Germany forward Thomas Mueller, squad to the Far East with only injured menigge said. Bayern had reportedly suspended aft er stadium tragedy straightB Bundesliga title — fi ve weeks be- who captained Bayern in the absence of trio Neuer, Jerome Boateng and Arjen been vying with Manchester City to sign fore the new season starts. injured Manuel Neuer, scored and set up Robben staying behind. Ancelotti has also Sanchez, 28, Chile’s all-time top scorer, Dakar: Senegal’s US Ouakam The federation’s discipline Bayern touched down in Shanghai to Juan Bernat’s goal in the fi nal, but had a added ex-Germany and Bayern striker who has a year left on his Arsenal con- team was suspended from the committee would meet soon start their tour of China and Singapore penalty saved. New signings Corentin Miroslav Klose to his back-room staff af- tract, but is stalling over extension nego- country’s football federation to decide on sanctions against with the new German league season to Tolisso and James Rodriguez, on loan ter the all-time top-scorer in World Cup tiations with the Gunners. yesterday after accusations its Ouakam, it said. US Ouakam start on August 18. They play Arsenal to- from Real Madrid, both shone in making fi nals helped coach Germany’s forwards Reports in Britain have said he could be supporters threw projectiles at hail from the capital, Dakar, morrow and AC Milan on Saturday, then their debuts in Bayern’s famous red shirt. to the Confederation Cup title in Russia. offl oaded for up to £80mn (US$103mn, rival fans triggering a stampede while Stade de Mbour are based Chelsea on July 25 and Inter Milan on July James particularly impressed on the 90m eurosn), but Arsenal manager Ar- that left eight dead. 80 kilometres (50 miles) further 27. As part of their preparations, the Ger- right side of Bayern’s attack. “You could BAYERN END BID TO SIGN sene Wenger suggested last week this Multiple witnesses said that south. A wall collapsed onto man giants have already won their fi rst see that he was always looking to com- SANCHEZ FROM ARSENAL won’t happen. Ouakam fans threw stones fans as they tried to flee the title — beating Werder Bremen 2-0 on bine, he has a superb left foot and is al- Meanwhile, Bayern Munich boss Karl- Sanchez, who at times last season cut and other objects at Stade de panic created by projectiles Saturday to win a pre-season four-team ways looking for where his teammates Heinz Rummenigge has confi rmed they a disgruntled fi gure as Arsenal struggled Mbour supporters when Mbour being thrown, while police tournament in Moenchengladbach. are,” said Mueller. Bayern’s head coach have dropped their interest in signing Ar- with form, is not on the team’s pre-sea- scored a goal to take a 2-1 lead have defended their behaviour The Bavarians have held an iron grip Carlo Ancelotti also heaped praise on senal striker Alexis Sanchez for next sea- son tour to Australia and China as he rests in extra time during Senegal’s among the confusion, when on the German league title for the last James, who he worked with at Real in son. After head coach Ancelotti last week after last month’s Confederation’s Cup League Cup final on Saturday. tear gas was fired. fi ve seasons — and one of their rivals has 2014/15: “In James, we have one more had his wish granted to sign James Rod- when Chile lost to Germany in the fi nal.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Messi and Neymar praised by Hart undergoes West Ham medical England international goalkeeper Joe Hart new Barca coach Valverde had a medical with West Ham yesterday as he looks to fi nalise a loan move from Man- AFP on the table for any of their players either. “For me, chester City, according to media reports. Barcelona the best signings are the players I already have in The 30-year-old had been told by City boss my team.” He said Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Pep Guardiola that he could fi nd another Neymar, Barcelona’s attacking trident were “a huge club, and he appears set for a season-long ew Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde factor in the intimidation of our rivals.” loan with the East Londoners after spend- laughed off the idea of bringing in new “Messi is a unique player and wherever I play him ing last season with Italian side Torino. players yesterday saying the best signings he will fl ourish. He will continue in the role he has Hart, who has 71 England caps, is expect- were the players already in the dressing always had, he’ll continue to do that very well,” he ed to have the option of making the move Nroom. “I’m more than happy with the way things said. Over the last two seasons Valverde’s predeces- permanent, while City will pay some of his stand,” said Valverde when pressed on the potential sor Luis Enrique had sometimes strained relations wages as part of the deal, according to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfi elder Marco with Messi, who he pulled deeper and then pushed reports. Hart is keen on regular fi rst-team Verratti. out to the right. football, which would have been unlikely at “Happy with the players, happy with their work “We need him both as a creator of chances and a City after they splashed £35mn on Brazilian Murphy, after agreeing a fee for the winger case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, and their attitude,” he said as his players prepare for fi nisher of chances, where he really makes the dif- keeper Ederson Moraes, who arrived from with Norwich City. Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 20 July,” their trip to the United States tomorrow. “I really ference,” insisted the former Athletic Bilbao coach. Benfi ca. Hart has played over 300 games in The Magpies have endured a largely UEFA reported. don’t care about any player anywhere else,” he said, “As for Neymar — he’s doing very well in his current all competitions for City since signing from frustrating transfer window, with French The second qualifying, fi rst-leg tie won knowing fans will be keen to win back the Spanish role, although we know he too could play in other Shrewsbury Town in 2006. defender Florian Lejeune and Ghanaian by Celtic 2-0 was held unusually on a Friday League title and indeed the Champions League, roles,” said Valverde of the 25-year-old Brazil cap- forward Christian Atsu the only arrivals. to avoid clashing with the tinderbox date in both won by their arch-rivals Real Madrid. tain. Barcelona play Juventus, Manchester United BAGGIES BRING IN EGYPTIAN But the north-east club now look set to Northern Ireland of July 12 two days before. “Even if you might argue we need back up in cer- and Real Madrid in a lightening tour of the United DEFENDER HEGAZI add 22-year-old Murphy to their ranks after July 12 is when Protestants celebrate King tain areas,” he said, adding Barcelona had no off ers States next week. West Bromwich Albion have completed the agreeing a fee in the region of £12mn with William of Orange beating the deposed signing of Egypt defender Ahmed Hegazi the Championship side. Catholic ruler James II at the Battle of the on a season-long loan deal from Al Ahly, the Newcastle are believed to have had an Boyne in 1690. Premier League side said. The 26-year-old £8mn bid rejected last week for England While Celtic retain a Catholic heritage, caught the eye of Baggies boss Tony Pulis under-21 international Murphy, who Linfi eld’s associations are Protestant. Scott during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this blossomed in the second tier last season, Sinclair and Tom Rogic scored as Celtic won year, in which the centre-back helped Egypt scoring 10 goals in 40 appearances for the encounter in Belfast which passed off to a runners-up fi nish. Norwich in all competitions. Murphy is set largely without major incident, but mis- West Brom have the option to make the to undergo a medical and discuss personal siles were thrown at Celtic corner takers deal permanent at the end of next season, terms with Rafael Benitez’s side. Griffi ths and Jonny Hayes from a Linfi eld and Pulis is delighted to have got his man. section of Windsor Park. Hegazi, who has 39 international caps, has CELTIC AND LINFIELD And at the fi nal whistle, a number of been with Al Ahly in his home country for FACE UEFA CHARGES home fans attempted to access the pitch the past two seasons after an unsuccessful UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings when Griffi ths tied a scarf to the goal posts. stint at Italian top fl ight club Fiorentina. He against Celtic and Linfi eld over incidents One supporter did make it onto the surface has travelled to Hong Kong to link up with at last week’s Champions League tie, Euro- but was quickly ejected as police and stew- his new teammates, with the Baggies set to pean football’s governing body announced. ards moved in to contain the situation. face Leicester City in the fi rst game of the Celtic’s Leigh Griffi ths is charged by UEFA Linfi eld are holding their own probe Asia Trophy tomorrow. with “provoking spectators after the end of into coin and bottle-throwing by their the match”, while Linfi eld are in the dock fans. Scotland international Griffi ths was NEWCASTLE CLOSE IN over objects thrown on the pitch and a targeted by objects thrown from a section of ON NORWICH’S MURPHY “fi eld invasion by supporters”. the home crowd while taking a corner. The Newcastle United have moved a step closer Celtic are also accused of “improper con- striker was booked after picking up a bottle Barcelona players warm up during a training session in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) to signing long-term transfer target Jacob duct of the team (fi ve cards or more)”. “This thrown onto the pitch. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 FOOTBALL

QSL U-23 ASIAN QUALIFIERS Coach Sanchez Al Duhail hold fi rst confi dent about 's chances ever training session QNA Duhail club was created after the merger of QSL clubs Lekhwiya and El Jaish SC atar Olympic football team head coach Felix Sanchez was confi dent of a positive outcome inQ the AFC U-23 Championship qualifi ers, which will kick from tomorrow in Doha. Hosts Qatar will play their Group C matches against includes Syria, India and Turkmenistan Group winners will automati- cally qualify for next year’s AFC U-23 Championship in China. The fi ve best runners-up across all groups will also qualify for the fi nals. However, if China win their group or are among the best fi ve runners-up, the sixth best runner-up will also qualify. Qatar U-23 coach Felix Sanchez. Qatar’s coach Sanchez said team will play three consecutive with the hosts playing their last matches in the qualifi ers with match on Monday against Syria. little time between each match. Qatar’s Olympic team had re- He added that the Qatari team corded a big 3-0 victory against has underwent a long prepara- Bangladesh in their fi nal friendly tion period and was hopeful that game. The team also played twice the team would do well. in friendlies against Singapore, “I have a group of talented and Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, in experienced players, who have addition to playing against North already played in such qualifi - Korea. ers. The goal is to qualify directly QATAR U-23 SQUAD to the Asian Cup in China and Mohammed al-Bakri, Meshaal Eissa to be among the top 16 teams to Barsham, Mohammed Said, Tamim Al Duhail players train on Sunday evening as the newly-formed club prepare for their first ever campaign. qualify for the fi nals. We will take al-Muhaiza, Bassam Hisham al- a one match at a time,” Sanchez Rawi, Tariq Salman, Abdulrahman By Sports Reporter reached the semi-fi nals of the AFC hail. The league’s fi rst round will kick off on getting the players physically ready said. The qualifi ers will take Mohammed, Abdulrahman Anad, Doha Champions League. Duhail returned to in mid-September. for the rigours of the new season. Coach place from July 19 to July 23 in Salem al-Hajri, Ahmed Mouein, training, under the watchful eye of head Jesualdo Ferreira will also look to drill the Al Sadd club’s Jassim bin Hamad Adel Alawi, Omar Ahmed al-Emadi, coach Djamel Belmadi. A host of former TO JOIN AL SADD’S players on tactics and team building. stadium. Qatar’s fi rst match will Khalid Munir, Salah Alawi al-Yahri, ewly-formed Qatar Stars Lekhwiya players turned out for training, TRAINING CAMP be against Turkmenistan tomor- Abdul Hamid Anad, Abdullah League club Al Duhail took part including leading scorer Yusef El-Arabi, and Emir Cup holders Al Sadd UMM SALAL SWOOPS FOR YOUSEF row at 8pm after the tourna- al-Ahraq, Assem Madbo, Sultan Al in their fi rst ever training ses- QFA Player of the year Nam Tae Hee and SC announced that Spanish legend Xavi Umm Salal have announced the signing of ment’s opening fi xture between Buraik, Ahmed al-Saadi, Nasser sion on Sunday evening as the midfi elder Karim Boudiaf. Hernandez will join the team’s training former Al Wakrah striker Mahir Yousef. Syria and India at at 5pm. On Fri- Ibrahim al-Nasr, Al Moez Ali, Akram Nside prepared for their fi rst ever cam- While the four new players signed from camp in Austria, as they ramp up prepa- Yousef signed a one year deal with the day, Qatar will face India at 8pm, Afif, Meshaal al-Shemari. paign. Duhail existence comes into force El Jaish, goalkeepers Saoud al-Khater and rations for the new season. Also joining option for a one year contract extension. after the merger of QSL clubs Lekhwiya Ahmed Soufi ane along with Murad Naji him will be , Jugurtha The Forward has has plenty of expe- and El Jaish SC. and Abdurahman Abker also joined in Hamroun, and Pedro. rience in the QSL, and is no stranger to Lekhwiya was established in 2009 and with the session. Al Duhail will now train Sadd have already launched their pre- the Umm Salal set-up having previously was able to move to Qatar Stars League in Doha till the 20th of July, before head- season training in the attendance of Di- played on loan with the side. Umm Salal in the following season. The team won lining onto their preseason training camp rector of Football Mohammed Ghanem has also renewed the contracts of two the QSL fi ve times and won the Emir Cup in Austria till the 10th of August. al-Ali and Sporting Director Mohammed players ahead of the new season. once, and the Qatar Cup once. The Club A total of 12 teams will compete in Gholam al-Baloushi, ahead of the team’s Veteran defender Jawad Ahannach and reached the quarter-fi nals of the AFC the QSL this year. They are Al Duhail, Al trip to Austria on July 20. Al Sadd will be midfi elder Ali Bazmandegan have signed Champions League twice and was ranked Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, missing the services of its international one year extensions with the club. Umm as one of the sixth best club according to Al Sailiya, Al Kharatiyat, Al Arabi, Al Ahli, players such as Salem al-Hajeri and Me- Salal formally returned to preseason the Asian Football Confederation. Qatar, and Al Markhiya. shaal al-Shemari, who are participat- training on Sunday evening, as Mahmoud El Jaish SC appeared in the 2011 Stars Al Wakrah will not feature this year, ing in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship Jaber’s side look to improve on their sixth League, and the club managed to quickly after they were relegated last Season. El qualifi ers. They duo will join their team- place fi nish in the QSL last season. Umm book their place among the top clubs. Jaish will also not feature, following their mates in Austria on July 24. Salal are set for a training camp from Au- The club won the Qatar Cup twice and merger with Lekhwiya to become Al Du- The training camp will focus primarily gust 10th to 27th in Holland. Qatar Under-23 football team.

Totti confi rms ISL retirement to take Roma role Dynamos FC unveil coach Miguel Angel Agencies ish third division side, Arandina. Though football revolution that is taking shape in Rome: Francesco Totti confirmed his retirement yester- New Delhi with the club for a relatively short period the country. When I was in Algeria, the ISL day, the Roma legend announcing he will take a director- of time, his coaching abilities were widely was always a point of discussion. During ship role at the Serie A club. The 40-year-old played his noticed and the very next year he was ap- meetings with my team, I saw a few of the final game for Roma in May after 24 years with the capital- elhi Dynamos Football Club – the pointed to manage the Real Madrid C team Delhi Dynamos FC games on video and I city side, and decided to call it a day despite being linked only club representing North- before subsequently assuming responsibil- was impressed with the players’ attacking with possible moves to Japan and the United States. ern India in the Hero Indian Su- ity for the Real Madrid B team. football. The club truly plays like a lion and “The first part of my life as a football player is over and per League introduced their new Under his leadership, both the Real Ma- it wasn’t a diffi cult decision for me to sign HeadD Coach, Miguel Angel Portugal, at a drid B & C teams managed top three fi n- up to play my part in shaping the club’s fu- now another more important one is about to begin,” Totti wrote on his Facebook page. “Until May 28 I only thought gala ceremony in New Delhi yesterday. ishes in their respective divisions – a long- ture success.” about playing football, having fun and making a signifi- The ex-Real Madrid midfi elder assumes standing goal for the club. He also worked The Spanish coach, 61, has played for cant contribution to the team. Now I move on, I’m turning responsibility for managing the club from with Racing Santander, and also served as a many renowned clubs in Spain, including over a new leaf.” Italian Legend Gianluca Zambrotta under technical director of the Real Madrid senior Real Madrid, Valladoid and Rayo Vallecano Totti played 786 matches for Roma in total, scoring a whom Delhi Dynamos FC managed to make team. Prior to joining Delhi Dynamos Foot- to name but a few. His illustrious playing club-record 307 goals, and won the 2006 World Cup with it to the semi-fi nal last season. training, scouting and sports science) with ball Club, Portugal was coach of the Alge- career spanned a little over a decade and Italy. The former attacking midfielder will work alongside The news follows a groundbreaking the Delhi-based club in their pursuit of rian premier league club CS Constantinois. a half. Portugal was also a part of the Real new Roma sporting director Monchi and recently-appoint- technical partnership that was signed last success on the pitch. In an early sign of the Speaking at his fi rst ever media-session Madrid team that won the double in 1979 ed coach Eusebio di Francesco. month with Doha-based Aspire Academy, impact and benefi t created by this partner- in India, Portugal said, “I am looking for- and has been an integral part of the club’s “I had 25 years and more of history with Roma,” Totti which will see the world-renowned acad- ship, Aspire Academy played a crucial role ward to joining the ISL in India. Being in- ecosystem since then. Portugal was also a added. “The field of play has given me so much and I tried emy share its football knowhow and man- in the search for Portugal. Miguel embarked volved with Delhi Dynamos FC is a great part of the Spanish U-23 and amateur na- to give so much to these people, who day after day have agement expertise (including coaching, on his coaching career in 1996 with Span- opportunity to be a part of the growing tional teams in 1979. shown me so much love. The beginning of a new phase, a new adventure now starts. I want to be everything and nothing, I want to be an important figure for Rome and for GOLD CUP Roma and truly understand what I’ll do.” Earlier yesterday, Japan’s Tokyo Verdy called off their bid to sign Totti after his wife turned her nose up at a move to the Far East, local media said. “Ultimately he was unable to get his family’s blessing,” Verdy president Hide- Mexico blank Curacao to reach quarters aki Hanyu told Japan’s Nikkan Sports newspaper, claiming Totti’s celebrity wife Ilary Blasi had been a major factor in AFP draws. Nelson Bonilla opened the scoring in the collapse of their ambitious pursuit of the 40-year-old Los Angeles the 15th minute for El Salvador, who avoid- World Cup winner. “I’m afraid we have no choice but to ed a defeat which would have seen them pull out,” added Hanyu. “I was ready to fly to Italy tomor- playing Group B’s Martinique in an elimi- row. I’m unhappy with the agent, but this has been a valu- efending champion Mexico nation round tiebreaker. Bonilla scored on a able learning experience.” Verdy, once the J-League’s top booked their spot in the quarter- left footed shot to the far post at the Alam- side but now languishing in Japan’s second tier, launched fi nals of the CONCACAF Gold odome arena. a surprise bid last month. Cup Sunday by blanking Curacao It was the fi rst goal given up by the Ja- 2-0D and stretching their tournament win maican defence in the tournament. Darren streak to eight straight games. Mattocks tied it up in the 64th minute for Mexico fi nished fi rst in Group C with the Reggae Boyz with a perfectly-placed two wins and a draw for seven points. Ja- low, hard shot that beat El Salvador goal- maica was second with fi ve points and El keeper Derby Carrillo. It was Mattocks’ Salvador fi nished third with four points. fi fth goal in six Gold Cup contests. El Salva- Jamaica and El Salvador both punched their dor returns to the quarter-fi nals for the fi rst tickets to the quarter-fi nals after playing time since 2013 as they failed to advance out to a 1-1 draw earlier on Sunday. Mexico will of the knockout round in 2015. next face Honduras on Thursday in Phoe- Edson Alvarez (left) of Mexico celebrates after scoring a goal against Curacao during the Elsewhere, the USA brought in added re- nix, Arizona with the winner advancing to 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday. (AFP) inforcements for tomorrow’s quarter-fi nal the semi-fi nals. Jamaica square off against match. The Americans are one of the pre- tournament surprise Canada in the other El Salvador tied Jamaica. Angel Sepulveda Mexico then held on until 19-year-old tournament favourites and they hope to quarter-fi nal on Thursday. and teenager Edson Alvarez scored for Alvarez scored his fi rst international goal in take advantage of reigning champs Mexico The United States, who won Group B, Mexico who fi elded a team that featured the 91st minute to seal the victory. Mexico fi elding an inexperienced B squad. will battle El Salvador on Wednesday while just one player from their 2017 FIFA Con- is seeking its eighth Gold Cup title having US coach Bruce Arena called up forwards Costa Rica faces Panama. There was little federations Cup squad. Sepulveda scored won previously in 1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, midfi eld- riding on Sunday night’s match as Curacao halfway through the fi rst half in front of a 2009, 2011 and 2015. Jamaica fi nished the ers Michael Bradley and Darlington Nagbe, had been eliminated before the game when crowd of 44,000 at the Alamodome Arena. knockout round with one win and two and goalie Tim Howard. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NBA Knicks want to talk it over with Anthony Yankees get fi rst shut TNS Anthony’s turbulent, some- New York times bizarre, season should be met with an equally turbulent off season. Jackson and his as- t appeared to be exactly sociates repeatedly called out what the Knicks wanted Anthony in public this year when Phil Jackson was – harping on his perceived president: Carmelo An- ‘me-fi rst’ attitude and imply- out of the season in Ithony waiving his no-trade ing that he was ill-suited to clause, and even enthusiastic the triangle off ense because he about being moved to the Hou- held on to the ball too long. ston Rockets. Though he often attempted One glitch – Jackson is no to stay above the fray, Antho- longer in charge, and now, ny, 33, seemed frustrated with with new leadership in place, Knicks leadership, and engaged the Knicks look to be putting in sporadic social media posts 3-0 loss to Red Sox a pause on trade talk, though, that pointed at his dissatisfac- according to ESPN, Anthony is tion. In April, Jackson fl at out ‘We’re going in the right direction. And I think part of that was getting our bullpen back on track’ still optimistic that he’ll have a said Anthony would be better- new home come fall. suited to another organisation. According to the report, And that, fi nally, was enough which cited league sources, for Anthony, who in the past president Steve Mills and gen- had been reluctant to waive eral manager Scott Perry are his no-trade clause; according looking to meet with Anthony to ESPN, he would be willing to discuss his future (or non- to go to Houston or Cleveland, future) with the Knicks, with but has recently heavily fa- the dwindling possibility that voured Houston. he’ll stay put to serve out the Fast forward three months, fi nal two years of his contract, and it appears that Jackson’s worth $54 million. comments have hurt Antho- Anthony, who had been all ny’s trade value, ESPN said. but pushed out by Jackson be- According to the report, one fore Jackson himself was fi red, big reason Mills and Perry are already had reached an agree- putting a pause on talks is be- ment with the Knicks to be cause they’re not getting back traded to the Rockets, according what they hoped. to ESPN, and fully expects to be The 10-time All Star likely in Houston in a few months. would fi nd a welcome home The Knicks will have the op- alongside Chris Paul and James portunity to shed some light Harden – and a probably crack on Anthony’s fate on Monday, at the playoff s – but could when Mills, Perry and Jeff Hor- just as easily be made to stick nacek meet with the media. around for a Knicks rebuild if It seems only fi tting that the price is wrong.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (Right) high fives his teammates after defeating the New York Yankees in Boston. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

By Erik Boland trip that continues in Minne- homer in the third that made it series that are worth watching. In the series the Red Sox went Newsday apolis on Monday night against 2-0 and snapped a 24-inning While an oft-criticised 3-for-38 with RISP. the Twins. scoreless stretch for the Red Sox bullpen did much to right to the “We’re going in the right di- As good as Price was, he was in the series. ship, the off ense for the most rection,” Yankees manager Joe C Sabathia’s perform- the benefi ciary of an incred- Tanaka struck out nine and part struggled over the four Girardi said. ance earlier in the day ible defensive play in the eighth did not walk a batter. games, combining for 11 runs. “And I think part of that was made Sunday’s nightcap when, with a runner on, centre Sabathia pitched six shutout Judge personifi ed the troubles, getting our bullpen back on a gravy game of sorts. fi elder Jackie Bradley Jr. denied innings in a 3-0 victory in the going 1-for-18 in the series. track and getting some peo- CAt worst, the Yankees, in a slumping Aaron Judge his 31st fi rst game, which gave the Yan- Then again, to be fair, it’s not ple healthy,” he said, referring horrifi c slump before the All- home run of the season with a kees consecutive victories for as if the Yankees faced a run to the return of Matt Holliday Star break that then continued leaping catch in the triangle near the fi rst time since June 11-12. of tomato can pitchers, other and Starlin Castro to the line- with a crushing walk-off loss the 420-foot sign. The 37-year-old left-hander than Rick Porcello, who started up. Friday night, would leave Fen- Price, 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA over battled control issues all after- Sunday’s fi rst game for Boston. way Park with a four-game split his previous four starts, allowed noon, walking fi ve, but allowed There was Drew Pomeranz Fri- RESULTS against the division-leading Red seven hits and no walks in im- only two hits and struck out day night, Chris Sale on Satur- Cubs 8 Orioles 0 Sox. proving to 4-2, 3.39. He struck three in improving to 8-3 with a day and Price on Sunday night. Dodgers 3 Marlins 2 David Price made sure that out eight. 3.54 ERA. Price did come in with sub- Phillies 5 Brewers 2 was the case, doing something All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, The Yankees had 12 hits in the par career numbers against the Tigers 6 Blue Jays 5 (11 ins) he hasn’t done in some time who blew the save in Saturday’s fi rst game, getting two each from Yankees - 14-11 but with a 4.69 Astros 5 Twins 3 against the Yankees. 4-1 Yankees victory, picked up Chase Headley, Didi Gregorius, ERA, including a 8.31 ERA in six Nationals 14 Reds 4 He completely shut them his 24th save with a scoreless Clint Frazier, Ji-Man Choi and previous start as a member of the Pirates 4 Cardinals 3 down, throwing eight shutout ninth. Ronald Torreyes. Red Sox. Rockies 13 Mets 4 innings to hand them a 3-0 loss Masahiro Tanaka, knocked Gregorius’ 11th homer of the The left-hander was as good Braves 7 Diamondbacks 1 in the second game of Sunday’s around in his pre-All-Star break season, a solo shot to right fi eld as he’s ever been against them Yankees 3 Red Sox 0 (Game 1) doubleheader. start against the Brewers, was off Rick Porcello (4-12, 4.60) in Sunday night. Red Sox 3 Yankees 0 (Game 2) The Yankees (47-43), previ- good, just not good enough. the fi fth, made it 3-0. The Yankeess got a few chanc- Mariners 7 White Sox 6 (10 inns) ously the lone team in the ma- The right-hander, who fell While it was hard to kill the es against Price but not many, Royals 4 Rangers 3 jors not to have been shut out to 7-9 allowed three runs and Yankees for earning a split going 0-for-6 with runners in Athletics 7 Indians 3 this season, are at the beginning eight hits over seven innings, the against the Red Sox (52-41), scoring position against him and Padres 7 Giants 1 stages of a three-city, 11-game big blow Mookie Betts’ two-run some issues cropped up in the stranding seven. Angels 4 Rays 3

NFL Cowboys add pre-camp workout for rookies

By David Humphrey In May, NFL owners voted to New York Giants at AT&T Sta- $1,000 bond and the bond for Fort Worth Star-Telegram eliminate the fi rst cut-down pe- dium. unlawful carrying of a weapon riod to 75 before the fi nal presea- Meanwhile No deals report- is $3,500. Foreman was released son game. That means there will edly are close for Pittsburgh around noon on Sunday. everal of the Dallas Cow- be only one cut after the presea- Steelers running back Le’Veon boys will get in some son, from a 90-man roster to a Bell and Los Angeles Rams cor- Manziel hopeful of work before offi cially re- 53-man roster. The roster reduc- nerback Trumaine Johnson, the second chance porting to training camp. tion must be completed by 3pm other two franchised players Troubled quarterback Johnny SThe Cowboys report to train- on September 3. besides Washington Redskins Manziel is “really hopeful” for a ing camp in Oxnard, California, “I think it’s a good thing for quarterback Kirk Cousins who second chance in the NFL. on Saturday. everybody. Where it will make have yet to agree to long-term The 24-year-old sat out the But before taking the team its biggest impact is when we get contracts. 2016 season after being cut by charter to Oxnard, the Cowboys to that point,” Garrett said. “Of- Johnson ($16.74 million) signed the Cleveland Browns, but he will have a three-day camp, be- tentimes, when you get down his one-year tender, but Bell has said he had a few conversations ginning tomorrow at The Star in to cut the 75, you don’t neces- not. If no long-term contract is with teams about returning to Frisco, for mostly rookies. sarily cut the worst players on reached by Monday’s deadline, the league. It’s a slight change in format your team. Sometimes you keep Bell will have no choice but to sign “I know the situation that I for the Cowboys. who aren’t as good a player, but his $12.12 million tender. put myself in,” Manziel told The “It’s really the same roster as they’re going to play a lot of Houston Texans rookie run- Dallas Morning News on Satur- rookie camp,” coach Jason Gar- snaps at a particular position in ning back D’Onta Foreman was day. rett said. the game two nights later. arrested early Sunday morning “I know the year I took off “What we’re allowed to do is “To me, it made sense. It made in Austin, Texas, and charged and obviously the mistakes that bring true rookies in and play- sense to a lot of players.” with marijuana possession and I made. Right now, I’m hopeful. ers with no accrued seasons. All The Cowboys play at Houston unlawful carrying of a weapon. I’m really hopeful. I think that I the guys who fi t those categories in their fi nal preseason game on Foreman, the third-round made some progress in that re- will be here. You’re also allowed August 31. pick from the University of Tex- gard. But we’ll see. Whenever I to bring in quarterbacks. We’ll “I think that game will be as, was arrested around 3 a.m. get a call, I’ll do whatever I can have two quarterbacks for those more benefi cial for all teams in Sunday by the campus police to make the most of it.” Manziel three days.” those evaluations,” Garrett said. department. was the 22nd overall pick by the Baltimore, Jacksonville, Chi- The “dress rehearsal” for The University of Texas Police Browns in 2014 and he eventu- cago and New Orleans also have starters is typically in the next- Department said offi cers initially ally wore out his welcome. The rookies reporting tomorrow. The to-last preseason game, leaving Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett responded to a call about mari- Browns let him go in March 2016 last teams to report to camp, the fi nal game for mostly long juana smell coming from three after just two seasons due to a rookies or veterans, are the Los shot candidates and rookies. ers a real legitimate shot in that “Starting players have base- guys are fi ghting for their lives.” cars parked outside a residence multitude of incidents, overall Angeles Chargers and Seattle on “What it allows you to do is last preseason game to show ball hats on and eating hot dogs The Cowboys open the regular hall. boorish behaviour and a lack of July 29. give some of your younger play- what they got,” Garrett said. on the sidelines. These other season September 10 against the The drug charge carries a commitment to football. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 SPORT

FOCUS ATHLETICS Fredericks provisionally Hamilton could walk suspended over possible away from Formula ethics breach Reuters London

ormer Namibian sprinter and IAAF Council member Frankie Fredericks has been provisionally suspended from One...or maybe not athletics pending an investigation into aF potential ethics violation, the sport’s gov- ‘In terms of contracts and stuff , I can’t really say what’s going to happen six months from now’ erning body said yesterday. Fredericks is being investigated by the Ath- Reuters letics Integrity Unit over payments he received London from Papa Massata Diack, the son of former Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action IAAF president Lamine Diack, on the day Rio during the British Grand Prix 2017 at won the vote to host the 2016 Olympics. ewis Hamilton has hinted he Silverstone, Britain. (Reuters) Earlier this year Fredericks, an International could walk away from Formula Olympic Committee member, stepped down One at the end of the season, as head of the team evaluating bids to host the while also indicating it was high- 2024 Olympics and has also removed himself Lly unlikely. from the IAAF taskforce investigating doping The triple world champion, so often allegations in Russia, after the corruption al- an enigma shrouded in contradiction, legations surfaced in Le Monde newspaper. off ered little certainty after winning the But in a written judgement, the Chairman of British Grand Prix for a record-equal- the IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal Michael J Be- ling fi fth time. loff rejected Fredericks’ off er to “use his best What came across strongly, however, judgment” on whether or not to attend future was that the Mercedes driver felt in the council meetings. form of his life and would always want to “His suggestion that his participation in be a winner. IAAF Council business should be a matter “Apart from being with my fam- of his own discretion on a meeting by meet- ily, the happiest moment I ever have is ing and issue by issue basis is, in the Integrity when I’ve got the car on a knife-edge Unit’s view, inadequate in the light of the se- and that’s never really changed,” he told riousness of the matters, the subject of inves- reporters after Sunday’s race at Silver- tigation, and the importance of ensuring and stone. “In terms of contracts and stuff , being seen to ensure the utmost standards of I can’t really say what’s going to happen probity in the administration of the sport,” it six months from now. said. “But what I do know is I’m loving rac- The judgement reported that there was a ing. I really, really do feel within myself prima facie case into “the possibility that Mr that I’m driving better than I’ve ever Fredericks received substantial sums of money driven.” with the aim and/or eff ect of aff ecting his vot- Hamilton has another year and a half ing in the award of an Olympic host city.” to go on his Mercedes contract and is It said that Fredericks rejects the allega- now just one point behind Ferrari’s Se- tions, saying that a payment of $300,000 was bastian Vettel in the standings at the paid to his company in recompense for legiti- midpoint of the season. mate work undertaken. While Hamilton has found the life The judgement said clarity was needed as balance that works for him, jetting to the reasons for the payment, but added across the Atlantic in-between races that Fredericks’ suspension “in no way abro- and taking a holiday in Greece just days gates the principle of the presumption of in- before Silverstone, questions are regu- nocence.” larly asked about his focus. There has “An order for provisional suspension is not also been speculation that he could seek an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an to see out his career at Ferrari. order which may be made on a precautionary Asked whether he was speaking in basis to safeguard the interests of the sport, terms of not knowing whether he would and support public confi dence in the sport still be in Formula One in six months’ and its integrity, pending the conclusion of time, Hamilton sought to clarify. any ethical investigation and disciplinary pro- “No, I just think in life you don’t know ceedings.” what’s going to happen,” he said. Fredericks can appeal his suspension. “Right now I love driving and then in six months I might... it’s very unlikely Wallabies to wear because I think I’m always going to like Hamilton delighted with his Mercedes indigenous-themed jersey driving, I’m always going to like doing crazy stuff ,” said the 32-year-old. Lewis Hamilton believes he is heading into the due to a penalty for an unscheduled gearbox tion with the tyres, but I would like to see in The Wallabies will wear an indigenous- Earlier, in the post-race news confer- second half of the season at the wheel of argu- change. Budapest, how the car works, with a low speed themed jersey for the first time when they ence, he had said he felt “no current rea- ably the fastest car, after his crushing triumph Punctures for both Ferraris as they pursued an and high temperatures and then maybe I will face New Zealand later this year to com- son to want to have to stop. for Mercedes in Sunday’s British Grand Prix. aggressive tyre strategy enabled Mercedes to have a more complete picture.” memorate the role Aborigines have played in “I’m still enjoying it and I still have a Just a few weeks after team boss Toto Wolff enjoy their success with some comfort, as they Hamilton added that Ferrari had taken an early rugby. The shirt, designed by a Sydney artist contract with the team for at least a year described Hamilton’s F1 W08 as “a bit of a diva” reeled off their third win in four Grands Prix and advantage with the speed and reliability of their and unveiled yesterday by Kurtley Beale, so I plan to see that out at the moment,” because it was proving to be so diff icult to set Hamilton closed within a point of leader Sebas- car in the opening races. symbolises indigenous and non-indigenous he added. up, the three-time champion was purring with tian Vettel in the title race. “This car has been a little bit trickier to get used communities coming together as one. Only Michael Schumacher, with 91 satisfaction about the car’s potential. The team only missed winning last month’s to and get the set-up right,” he said. “When we “As a current indigenous Wallaby, I hope that wins, is ahead of Hamilton on victories “This weekend we’ve been able to exploit the Azerbaijan Grand Prix because Hamilton’s head- started off on the wrong foot, some of the week- by wearing this jersey I can do my family and while only four drivers since the cham- full performance of our car, particularly on both rest worked loose when he appeared certain ends, we still didn’t get the car in the perfect my people proud,” said Beale. pionship started in 1950 have won four cars, more so than any other race so far this to triumph, but such a strong run has yet to window and didn’t exploit its performance. “There are heaps of young indigenous kids titles or more. year,” said Hamilton. convince Wolff of his team’s current supremacy. “Ferrari really hit the nail on the head from the out there who are really talented at rugby, “Even in getting another champion- “It’s a great showing and puts us in a good posi- “I would like to feel it, but the moment you say beginning. It works everywhere, but with a lot and I hope this jersey helps inspire them to ship, it will never be, ‘OK, now it’s time tion and gives us a strong platform to start from that, you go to the next race and feel as though of work, a lot of analysis, we started to move strive to reach their goals in rugby and in to hang up the gloves’. I’ll always want to for the second half of the season.” you’ve been slapped in the face,” he said. forward - and particularly at the last two races, life.” win more,” said Hamilton, whose previ- Hamilton dominated both qualifying and “It’s tricky and our car is not always easy to set if not three. Fourteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait ous teammate Nico Rosberg quit imme- the race as Mercedes delivered their second up and we have become much better at doing “Here at Silverstone, we started off immediately Islander players have donned the Wallabies diately after winning the 2016 title. one-two of the season, with team-mate Valtteri so. on the right foot and it’s great that it’s happened shirt, including the likes of Mark Ella, Lloyd “Even when I do stop, something in- Bottas finishing second despite starting ninth “This has been a great team eff ort in combina- so soon - for the midpoint of the season.” Walker, Wendell Sailor, and Saia Faingaa. side me will say I still want to get more.”

SPOTLIGHT Oman win friendly volleyball tournament opener Sainz could leave if the price is right, says Horner

Reuters not believe that these rumours Kvyat handed a drive-through London are out there for the Hungarian penalty. race,” he said. Toro Rosso has historically Horner said there were no of- been a feeder team for Red Bull panish Formula One fers on the table at present and Racing but there are no vacan- driver Carlos Sainz emphasised that any decision to cies there, with Australian Dan- could leave Toro Rosso if let Sainz go would have to make iel Ricciardo and Dutch teenager the price is right, accord- fi nancial sense. Max Verstappen locked in con- ingS to Red Bull team boss Chris- “Carlos Sainz has a contract tractually. tian Horner. with Red Bull Racing,” he said. Kvyat’s place might appear at The 22-year-old was slapped “There’s two years left on that risk, with French prospect and down by Red Bull earlier this contract. 2016 GP2 champion Pierre Gasly month when he suggested he “If somebody was prepared eager to make his F1 debut, but would not be staying for a fourth to make an off er, of course we’d Horner sounded supportive of year at the team owned by the consider it. the Russian in the run-up to Sil- Austrian energy drink manufac- “But it would have to have a verstone. turer. signifi cant value attached to it “When you look actually at Horner had said that Sainz Britain’s Jolyon Palmer, who has because we’ve invested in Car- the performances that he’s had would be in a Toro Rosso again failed to score a point in 10 races. los signifi cantly... you’re not just in detail, he’s actually driven next year but there has been Horner chose his words care- going to give an asset away.” pretty well,” said Horner last persistent speculation that the fully in speaking to reporters af- Toro Rosso team boss Franz week. youngster is set to leave. ter Sunday’s British Grand Prix Tost was not immediately avail- “We have until December 31st One German media report last but did not categorically rule able for comment after a race to make our minds up for the fu- week suggested he could be in a anything out. that saw his drivers collide on ture but this year for him, when Oman defeated Qatar 3-2 (21-25, 19-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-19) in the first match of the Sixth International Renault at the next Hungarian “I don’t know where these the opening, with Sainz retiring you look beneath the surface, a Men’s Friendly Volleyball Tournament in Doha yesterday. Grand Prix as a replacement for rumours come from but I can- on the spot and Russian Daniil pretty decent year so far.” Gulf Times Tuesday, July 18, 2017 7 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE SPOTLIGHT Qatar win gold at para-athletics c’ships Park Sung-hyun

QNA (Rio 2016) last year. London The Qatari delegation participating wins US Women’s in the Para-athletics Championships in London is led by Dr Hassan al-Ansari, atar’s Abdulrahman Abdulqad- secretary general of the Qatar Sports Fed- er won gold in men’s Shot Put eration for Special Needs. Qatar players in Open by two strokes (F34) event at the Para-athletics the championship are Abdulrahman Ab- Championships in London. dulqader, Nasser al-Sahoti, Mohamed al- QThe championships, which will conclude Kubaisi, Khaled al-Hajri, Mohamed Khal- believably joyous thing for me,” said Reuters on July 23, will see participation of more than las and Sarah Masoud. Bedminster, New Jersey Choi through an interpreter. 1,100 athletes from 95 countries. The support staff in the delegation com- Abdulqader won gold with an eff ort of prises team manager Mohamed Dahim al- KOREAN DOMINANCE 11.38 metres, while Iran’s Mohsen Kidi Dosari, technical manager Mohamed Su- he South Korean juggernaut The Korean dominance of women’s won silver with a 10.89m throw. Ecuado- hail, coaches Al Hassan Abu Thalja, Walid continued as long-hitting Park golf, providing seven of the last 10 US rian Maurice Valencia threw 10.63m for a Maghmoul and Nabil al-Mousalmani, Sung-hyun broke a three-way Women’s Open winners, was evident bronze. and specialist physiotherapist Anis Boug- tie with two late birdies to win with the nation providing eight of the Abdulqader was the fi rst Qatari medal- moura. Tthe US Women’s Open by two strokes top 10 fi nishers, including the two new list in the history of the Paralympic Games The team held their outdoor camp in at Trump National on Sunday for her faces at the top who could further ex- when he won the silver medal in Men’s Poland from June 12 to July 3 in preparation fi rst major championship. tend that domination. Shot Put (F34) at the Paralympic Games for the World Championship. The 23-year-old Park, runaway fa- Shanshan Feng of China, a seven- vourite to win LPGA Rookie of the Year time LPGA Tour winner who had led honours, birdied the par-fi ve 15th to since the opening round, hung in with GOLF forge ahead and, after co-leader ama- a chance, needing to hole out from the teur Choi Hye-jin double-bogeyed the fairway with her third shot for an eagle 16th, added a six-foot birdie at the 17th at the 18th to tie Park. for some cushion. But after her shot bounded beyond Park, who won seven times on the the green, the 27-year-old Feng duff ed Korean LPGA Tour in 2016, saved par her fi rst chip and went on to card a tri- at the par-fi ve 18th with a superb chip ple-bogey for 75, fi nishing equal fi fth at from a tight lie behind the green to post six-under. DeChambeau earns a fi ve-under-par 67. World number one Ryu So-yeon of As the poker-faced Park made her South Korea (70) and compatriot Hur way from the 18th green to the scor- Mi-jung (68) shared third on seven- ing tent, she paused to wave and bow under. towards US President Donald Trump, For Park, it was a sweet bounce-back who looked down from his bullet- from last year’s US Women’s Open at proof, glass-enclosed private box. CordeValle in California. British Open berth “To be honest I still cannot believe Park, the 36-hole leader, fi nished this is actually happening. It’s almost 74-74 there, losing a chance at the ti- like I’m fl oating on a cloud in the sky,” tle when she hit into a water hazard on DeChambeau sinks 14-foot birdie putt to clinch his first PGA Tour victory Park said through an interpreter after the 72nd hole and ended up third, two signing for 11-under 277. shots out of a playoff . Reuters The precocious, 17-year-old Choi She timed her run better this time, Cary, North Carolina found water off the tee at the par-three carding 73 and 70 in the fi rst two 16th to scuttle her chance for an histor- rounds and began the fi nal day three ic win, but birdied the last to complete strokes back before posting her second hysics major Bryson De- a 71 for sole second at nine-under. Choi successive 67. Chambeau worked out all the was beaming with pride with a runner- Choi narrowly missed becoming angles to win the John Deere up medal hanging around her neck. the second amateur in 72 years of the Classic in Illinois on Sunday “This tournament for me, even if I event to win and fi rst since 22-year-old Pand earn a spot in next week’s British could just come and play, that alone Catherine Lacoste of France hoisted the Open. would be an honour, but on top of trophy 50 years ago at The Homestead DeChambeau, a former amateur that... I get the runner-up and it is un- in Hot Springs, Virginia. champion, sank a 14-foot birdie putt at the fi nal hole to clinch his fi rst PGA Tour victory in style. He stormed home with six back- nine birdies to card 65 and fi nish at 18-under-par 266 at TPC Deere Run, one stroke ahead of fellow American Patrick Rodgers, who bogeyed the par- fi ve 17th. DeChambeau, 23, is known for his revolutionary approach to the game. He plays with all of his irons the same length, which he believes is a mechan- ically superior approach. “I’ve been working so hard my whole life to try to do this. To have it happen at the John Deere is incred- ible,” he told CBS television, tears in his eyes as the emotions spilled out. DeChambeau felt the victory justifi ed his decision to eschew tradition with his scientifi c approach to the game. “I think that’s the true meaning behind what I try and do,” he said. “I Bryson DeChambeau poses with the championship trophy following the final round of the John Deere Classic in Silvis, show everybody there’s plenty of ways Illinois, on Sunday. (AFP) to do it and I like doing it my way and I feel comfortable doing it my way. run perfectly, an excellent two-putt the right, but it caught the edge of the a bunker blocking the line to the hole. Whatever way you want to do it out birdie at the par-fi ve 17th bringing him hole and toppled in, prompting a Tiger Rodgers, like DeChambeau, was there, you can do it.” within one stroke of the lead. Woods-like series of fi st pumps as the playing for a spot in the British Open, He was thrilled that his victory in- He then rifl ed his approach shot to the large gallery went wild. with the top fi nisher not already ex- cludes an invitation to the British par-four 18th, his ball landing just short The birdie gave DeChambeau a empt earning a ticket to Royal Birk- Open, which starts on Thursday. “I of the hole before trickling beyond, not share of the lead with Rodgers, who dale. can’t believe it,” he said. as close as he would have liked but not minutes later bogeyed the penultimate Rodgers parred the last and had to DeChambeau was an after-thought bad under the circumstances. hole after his approach shot found settle for second place after a round for most of the fi nal round, timing his His putt appeared to be sliding off to the green but forced him to chip over of 70.

MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah to lead Overdrive and Toyota challenge in Spain Park Sung-hyun of Korea poses with the trophy after winning the US Women’s Open at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Sunday. (AFP) Agencies navigator Alex Haro. Teruel, Spain Roma is one of the most experi- enced of the off -road drivers racing at the top level of the sport and is a fi rm Woods outside top 1,000 for fi rst time verdrive Racing’s and Toyota favourite amongst the local crowds Gazoo Racing South Africa’s on an event that he holds close to his in new rankings decision to miss the ongoing heart. He was victorious here in 2005, Silk Way Rally has enabled 2009 and 2013, 2014 and 2015 on four AFP Last month the 14-time major winner theO two teams to join forces to mount a wheels after previous success as a fac- Los Angeles said he planned to seek profes- powerful challenge for honours in this tory enduro rider. sional help to treat pain medication weekend’s Baja Spain Aragón, round Poland’s Aron Domzala suff ered en- dependency. seven of the FIA World Cup for Cross- gine issues at the last round of the se- iger Woods has dropped Woods, whose 79 career PGA Tour Country Rallies. ries in Italy and was unable to improve outside the top 1,000 players wins are three shy of Sam Snead’s The team has entered four Toyota upon his sixth position in the cham- Tin the world for the first time all-time record, has not won a major Hiluxes in the most popular of all the pionship standings. He continues to in his professional career, latest rank- title since the 2008 US Open and has European Bajas, as Qatar’s Nasser work alongside fellow countryman ings showed yesterday. not won any event since the 2013 Saleh al-Attiyah aims to extend his Maciej Marton in the fourth of the The off icial World Golf Ranking World Golf Championships Bridge- championship lead and Spain’s Joan Toyota Hiluxes entered in Spain. showed Woods placed at 1,005, stone Invitational. ‘Nani’ Roma, South African Leeroy Overdrive Racing’s CEO Jean-Marc reflecting the former world number Scottish Open champion Rafael Poulter and Poland’s Aron Domzala Fortin said: “This is an important one’s injury-hit two years that have Cabrera-Bello broke into the world’s target podium fi nishes and vital hours Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah will be hoping to extend his FIA World Cup lead in Spain. event for us for several reasons. It’s seen him hardly play. top 20 for the first time , after his behind the wheel of the South Afri- a chance for Nani and Leeroy to gain Woods, whose attempts to resurrect victory at Dundonald Links. can-built V8 Toyotas. thieu Baumel. South African even more experience more seat time this season and for his career have been scuttled by The Spaniard jumped 14 places in A date clash forced al-Attiyah to Last year, al-Attiyah delivered a on which to build his Dakar chal- Nani to continue his remarkable record a series of operations on his back the world rankings to 17th as a result miss the last round of the series in sensational last stage performance to lenge next January. Germany’s Dirk of success on his home event. But it is since 2014, has made only one top- of his play-off win over Callum Shink- Italy, but the Qatari has claimed three earn Toyota and Overdrive Racing a von Zitzewitz will co-drive the Toyota also an important event for Nasser and 20 finish in the past two seasons. win on Sunday. victories so far this season in Dubai, fi rst ever victory at this event. He also Gazoo Racing South Africa car. Aron in terms of the championship. The 41-year-old once held the world American Bryson DeChambeau Qatar and Kazakhstan, and heads to won this Baja with Swedish female Roma was Overdrive Racing’s high- There is always a strong entry, tem- number one ranking for a record 683 climbed 63 spots to move inside the the baking heat of Teruel in Spain’s navigator Tina Thorner back in 2008. est-placed fi nisher in this year’s Dakar peratures are often very high and the weeks. top 100 for the first time, after he Aragon Province keen to defend his Leeroy Poulter enjoyed an impres- in fourth position and the two-time tracks and the dust can be tricky. It’s This year Woods’ rehabilitation from claimed the John Deere Classic on 36-point lead in the drivers’ champi- sive showing in Qatar back in April Dakar champion and fi ve-time win- important that we continue our win- injury was overshadowed by his arrest the PGA Tour with birdies at the final onship. He teams up with long-time and the demanding tracks and pun- ner of Baja Spain in a car returns to ac- ning momentum to take into the latter in May for driving under the influence. two holes. collaborator, French navigator Mat- ishing heat of Baja Spain will give the tion in an Overdrive Toyota Hilux with part of the year.”

Tuesday, July 18, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS Rock star Federer feels next gen not ambitious enough ‘Since mine and Rafa’s generation the next one hasn’t been strong enough to push all of us out really’

Reuters London SPOTLIGHT

roaky and hung over, Roger Fed- erer could barely recall where he Muguruza will learn had been as he celebrated until dawn, but he was soon smiling as thatC familiar warm feeling of waking up as from past aft er Wimbledon champion seeped back into his mind on Monday morning. After his surprise win in the Australian Wimbledon success Open at the start of the year Federer said he had “partied like a rock star”, and he Reuters more calmly and enjoying it,” was at it again following his record eighth London Muguruza told Spanish news- Wimbledon triumph on Sunday that took paper Marca. his career grand slam tally to 19. “Digesting success is dif- Sitting proudly reunited with his fa- imbledon wom- fi cult. In Paris I won and the vourite trophy back at a near-deserted en’s champion next day I was already playing Wimbledon, Federer told reporters: “My Garbine Mu- again. I want to enjoy the mo- head’s ringing, I don’t know what I did last guruza says she ment a little more. night. I drank too many diff erent types of Wwill savour her victory in or- “I always try to keep my feet drinks I guess. der to prevent a similar slump on the ground and I repeat, this “After the ball we went to, I guess it was in form to the one she suf- victory will not change my life. a bar, with 30 or 40 friends and had a great fered after winning the French Everyone tells me that I will time. I got to bed about fi ve and woke up Open in 2016. change and I say I will not. not feeling too good.” The Spaniard earned her “I will have more pressure, He started to feel better as he thought fi rst grand slam at Roland more responsibility, but I will back to his straight sets dismissal of Marin Garros, beating Serena Wil- carry on the same.” Cilic, along with the realisation that a few liams in the fi nal, but then The world number fi ve em- weeks short of his 36th birthday, having meekly capitulated at Wim- phatically dismantled Venus’ had six months out of the game to recover bledon to Jana Cepelova in challenge with a 7-5 6-0 vic- his fi tness, he was still able to produce ten- the second round, also expe- tory for her maiden Wimble- nis of a quality nobody else in the game can riencing early elimination at don title, having lost to her match. the Rio Olympics and the US opponent’s sister Serena in Asked if he was now targeting a 20th Open. the 2015 fi nal. slam, or perhaps 10 Wimbledon titles, However, after defeating Muguruza is the fi rst player Federer said he had learned from his six veteran American Venus Wil- to beat both Williams sisters months out not to look too far ahead. liams at the All England Club in grand slam fi nals, some- “The target now is to enjoy being Wim- on Saturday to break a run of thing which makes her feel bledon champion,” he said. “I haven’t set disappointing tournaments, particularly proud of her a sight on a number of grand slams; I was the 23-year-old believes she achievements. very content at 17, that was a wonderful knows how to handle victory “It feels like a dream come number. So was 18, and now 19 is great. better and will avoid the pit- true,” added Muguruza. “I think now it’s about enjoying myself, falls of the last year. “When you beat one of the staying healthy and playing for titles.” “I will try to learn from Williams in the fi nal, you feel Federer’s eighth Wimbledon triumph what I felt after winning at like you’ve been the best play- was his most emphatic yet — he is the fi rst Roland Garros, taking it all er at the tournament.” player since Bjorn Bjorg in 1976 to do it without the loss of a set. Switzerland’s Roger Federer arrives with his trophy at the Champions Dinner in central London on Sunday. (AFP) That he was able to do that, and win the Australian Open in January, and that Rafa “It’s frightening to me at this level that Nadal could take his 10th French title last when I look at the stats that the guy I’m Play until I’m 40 — Federer eyes new era of supremacy month, has re-ignited the debate about going to face has played two percent serve the dearth of challengers to the sport’s and volley points in the championship,” AFP pras since his last triumph in 2012. “big four”. Federer said. London It also gave him a 19th Grand Slam title Federer said he felt the current compli- “I wish we would see more players, more in his 29th final at the majors. cated points system did not adequately re- coaches, taking chances at the net because With his 36th birthday just three weeks ward some of the younger players for their good things do happen. uoyed by his record-setting eighth away Federer believes that he could occasional successes against the big guns “A slugfest from the baseline with Andy Wimbledon title, Roger Federer still be playing the tournament when on the regular Tour and that it was conse- Murray, Niko Djokovic or Rafa? Good luck Bwarned rivals yesterday that he he’s 40. “You would think so, if health quently diffi cult for them to put together if you are 50th in the world. The young could play until he’s 40, spearheading permitting and everything is okay,” said the consistent run of upsets necessary to guys could choose not to play that way, but a late-life era of supremacy alongside Federer, who won his first Wimbledon climb the ladder. you can be sucked into a mode where you Rafael Nadal. title in 2003. However, he also said some of them don’t want to attack. Federer eased past injury-hit Marin Cilic His confidence in his longevity is based needed to show a bit more ambition if they “Since mine and Rafa’s generation the to become the oldest Wimbledon men’s on the radical transformation he’s made wanted to break the status quo. Federer, next one hasn’t been strong enough to champion of the modern era on Sunday, to his playing schedule since his semi- Nadal, Murray and Djokovic have between push all of us out really.” he said. “So that’s breaking the tie for seven All England final defeat to Milos Raonic at Wimble- them taken all the men’s singles titles at helpful for us to be able to keep hanging Club titles he had shared with Pete Sam- don in 2016. Wimbledon since 2003. around.”

CYCLING / TOUR DE FRANCE Aft er avoiding disaster, Froome ready to tackle Alps

Reuters possibly join him in trying to overthrow Le Puy-en-Velay, France Froome, as the Colombian is something of an all-in type of rider. Froome does “For me, if we risk everything and it not deserve to fter narrowly averting disaster ends up in fi fth place because we rolled in the Massif Central, Chris the dice and it went the wrong way, be booed, says Froome believes he is ready for c’est la vie,” his Cannondale-Drapac the fi nal stretch of the Tour de team manager Jonathan Vaughters said. Bardet FranceA with a handful of rivals breath- “A front against Froome? Have you ing down his neck. seen any kind of front against Froome Chris Froome’s Tour de France The Tour will hit its last mountain since the start? For now it looks pretty rival Romain Bardet said that range, the Alps, with a couple of gru- ominous because nobody takes initia- the defending champion did not elling stages tomorrow and Thursday, tives, and Froome has such an armada deserve the boos aimed at him and the defending champion still has with him that they are tough to unset- during Sunday’s stage on the the yellow jersey on his shoulders. He tle,” Bardet said. Frenchman’s home turf. also has a virtual extra advantage in the While Bardet and Aru could well lose Froome was jeered by part of the form of Saturday’s fi nal time trial in around a minute to Froome in Satur- crowd as he was chasing to catch Marseille, a strong event for the British day’s 22-km solo eff ort in Marseille, a group featuring Bardet after suf- rider. Uran fares better riding against the fering a mechanical problem. Things went pear-shaped for the clock. The 15th stage was held in the three-time champion on Sunday when “Uran is more of the dark horse Massif Central, not far from Bri- he dropped out of the main contenders’ who slips under the radar but he is the oude, Bardet’s hometown. group due to a mechanical problem. But strongest time-trialist of the group of Asked about the incident on he eventually powered his way back just riders (challenging me),” said Froome, Sunday, Froome just said he could before the top of the last climb. who believes he timed his peak of form understand the massive support “That was a huge save. I think I’m well. Bardet was getting in his area. really, really grateful I’ve gone through “I am feeling better and better as “I heard that Chris Froome had yesterday,” Froome told reporters on the race goes on. I came in really fresh, been abused at times during Monday, the second rest day of the I hope that means going into the third yesterday’s stage. I’m sorry about three-week race. week that is going to put me in bet- that,” the Frenchman told a news “If I hadn’t reached that front group ter shape than some of my rivals,” the conference on Monday. by the top of that climb, I don’t believe 32-year-old said. “He is a champion and he I would have made it to the fi nish line in Froome can also rely on the support deserves respect. I respect him yellow.” of the strongest team in the fi eld — a as an opponent and he does not The Team Sky rider leads Italian Fa- fact which often frustrates his rivals. deserve that kind of treatment.” bio Aru, who appears to be running “Their strength is that they have In the 2015 Tour de France, out of gas, by 18 seconds, and French three or four potential (team) leaders. Froome was spat at and had urine daredevil Romain Bardet by 23, with Team Sky rider Christopher Froome poses before a training session during the 104th edition of the Tour de France in Le Sometimes it can be discouraging,” said thrown at him due to doping al- Colombian dark horse Rigoberto Uran Puy-en-Velay, France, yesterday. (AFP) Bardet. legations. in fourth place, 29 seconds off the pace. That strength could also be Sky’s Bardet is third overall in this year’s Ireland’s Dan Martin is fifth 1:12 off the pace. “I think that with the two consecu- ALL IN weakness, however, as Landa may fan- Tour, 23 seconds behind race behind, and Froome’s own team mate Bardet believes Thursday’s mountain- tive stages in the Alps and the fi nish in The AG2R-La Mondiale leader has rid- cy his own chances after some impres- leader Froome, having finished as Mikel Landa of Spain, who has been in top fi nish at the Col d’Izoard, 2,360 me- altitude, there could be big gaps,” said den very aggressively, and although al- sively smooth rides in the mountains. runner-up to the Briton last year. ominously good form, lies sixth 1:17 tres above sea level, will be key. Bardet, Froome’s runner-up last year. liances are a bit of a fantasy, Uran could “He’s the X-factor,” said Vaughters.