CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 2 CRICKET | Page 7 Aru wins fi ft h Root ‘excited’ to stage, while lead England in Froome series opener grabs yellow against SA

Thursday, July 6, 2017 FOOTBALL Shawwal 12, 1438 AH Messi to stay at GULF TIMES Barcelona until 2021 under new deal SPORT Page 3 TENNIS Murray, Williams through, Kvitova exits Wimbledon Nadal blazes past American Donald Young, while Nishikori and Konta advance too as players battle flying ants

AFP London

ndy Murray comfortably overcame everything the unorthodox Dustin Brown served up yesterday as the de- fending champion breezed into the Athird round at Wimbledon, where players bat- tled sizzling temperatures and fl ying ants. Venus Williams, Kei Nishikori and Johanna Konta ground out victories to make the last 32, while new mum Victoria Azarenka continued her comeback bid for Grand Slam glory. Rafael Nadal continued his imperious run of form as he swept aside American Donald Young 6-4 6-2 7-5. The two-times champion was rarely troubled by an opponent ranked 43rd in the world who chose to slug it out from the back of the court against the supreme Spanish baseliner. However, Petra Kvitova, the two-time Wim- bledon champion and favourite for the 2017 ti- tle, was knocked out in the second round. The Czech 11th seed lost 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 to Madison Brengle of the United States. Kvitova, who is playing in her second Grand Slam since recovering from a terrifying knife at- tack in her home, needed to call for medical as- sistance during the third set. Brown, the dreadlocked German with Ja- maican roots, knocked out Nadal in the second round two years ago at the All England Club. However, world number one Murray was not caught out by his extrovert drop shots, racing to Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova receives medical a ruthless 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Centre Court. attention during loss to Madison Brengle of the “Once I got the break in the fi rst set, I felt the Great Britain’s Andy Murray in action during his second round match against Germany’s Dustin Brown at the All England Club yesterday. (Reuters) US yesterday. (AFP) momentum was with me. I started to see the shots he was going to play a little but quicker ousted Czech 22nd seed Barbora Strycova, in Watson who downed Latvian 18th seed Anas- fresh from winning a historic 10th French Open, Tsonga was one of several players bothered by and that allowed me to get to some of the drop Friday’s third round. tasija Sevastova. was facing fellow left-hander Donald Young of an invasion of fl ying ants. volleys,” the British star said. Former world number one Azarenka, playing the United States. “That was strange... it was in my nose and in Next up for Murray is a clash with colourful her fi rst Grand Slam tournament since giving BIG DAY FOR BRITS Nishikori dug deep to keep his Wimbledon my ear,” he said. Italian 28th seed Fabio Fognini in tomorrow’s birth to fi rst child Leo in December, knocked out British sixth seed Konta reached the Wimble- hopes alive as the Japanese ninth seed ground Sam Querrey said: “I almost wanted to stop third round. Russian 15th seed Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-3. don third round for the fi rst time with a mara- out a 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 6-1, 7-6 (8/6) win over because they were hitting you in the face when US fi ve-time champion Williams survived a The 2012 and 2013 Australian Open cham- thon 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 10-8 win over Donna Vekic Ukrainian qualifi er Sergiy Stakhovsky. you were trying to hit balls.” scare against Chinese rising star Wang Qiang, pion, 27, could become the fi rst mother to win which left her opponent in tears. He next faces Spanish 18th seed Roberto Querrey and fellow seeds Marin Cilic, Gilles eventually winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. the Wimbledon singles since Evonne Goolagong Konta and Watson’s victories made it the fi rst Bautista Agut. Muller, Steve Johnson and Karen Khachanov Williams is trying to concentrate on tennis Cawley in 1980. time that two British women have reached the France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 12th seed, made it through, however Lucas Pouille was against the backdrop of impending legal action “Travelling is a little stressful for me, travel- last 32 at their home Grand Slam since Jo Durie made short work of Italian qualifi er Simone knocked out by Jerzy Janowicz, a 2013 semi- back home over a fatal car crash. ling with a baby. I want to make sure that every- and Anne Hobbs in 1986. Bolelli in the sizzling heat. fi nalist. The 37-year-old veteran, devastated by the thing is okay. But overall, it’s just great. It’s re- With Murray and Aljaz Bedene’s wins, four Fans shielded their faces from the sun with Romanian second seed Simona Halep reached incident, broke down in tears on Monday when ally fun that I’m able to go home and spend time British players have reached the Wimbledon towels, programmes and napkins as tempera- the Wimbledon third round with a 7-5, 6-3 win talking about the crash. with my son,” the Belarusian said. third round for the fi rst time since 1997. tures reached 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia. Halep will Williams faces Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who Azarenka next faces British wildcard Heather Two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal, Fahrenheit). face China’s Peng Shuai for a last-16 spot.

BOTTOMLINE Medvedev loses the plot by tossing Azarenka wants more help for tennis mothers coins at umpire’s chair A hot and bothered Daniil AFP Wimbledon champion Serena Wil- Medvedev is facing disciplinary London liams is currently away from the sport action from Wimbledon off icials after preparing to give birth for the fi rst a bizarre row with umpire Mariana time in September, but the American Alves ended with him tossing coins ictoria Azarenka has called star hinted she would return to action at the off icial’s chair yesterday. on WTA chiefs to provide in the future. The Russian, who had sensationally more support for players who Azarenka has spoken to Williams beaten US Open champion Stan return to the tour after hav- and Clijsters about the unique de- Wawrinka on Monday, suff ered a Ving children. mands of being a mum on tour. meltdown on Court 16 following his Azarenka stepped up her bid to be- “I have talked to Serena and I have 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 second-round actually don’t remember what I said come the fi rst mother to win Wim- talked to Kim, actually. Kim was com- loss to Ruben Bemelmans. during the match.” bledon in 37 years as the former world ing after my practice court and it was After shaking hands with his con- In an incident-packed clash, number one defeated Russian 15th just fun to chat,” she said. queror, Medvedev grabbed his wallet Medvedev asked a supervisor to seed Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-3 in the sec- “We both agreed it’s the best thing and pulled out some coins before remove Alves from the match after ond round yesterday. that can happen to you in the world. hurling them towards the foot of the she had docked him a point. In her fi rst Grand Slam since taking a It’s nice to see some of my colleagues umpire’s chair. Medvedev admitted he was frus- year off to have her fi rst child in Decem- been already talking about this point bledon winner, has two sets of twins that have children and we have much Unsurprisingly, he was bombarded trated with a call made by Alves in ber, the 27-year-old Belarusian hopes to to some of the people in WTA,” Aza- who are often seen at his matches more in common than just tennis.” with questions about the bizarre the fifth set and that while packing become the fi rst mother to lift the Wim- renka said. “I’ll do anything to make along with his wife Mirka. Azarenka, twice a Wimbledon behaviour, with some suggesting up his belongings after the match, he bledon women’s singles trophy since that happen, because I think it’s really But, asked if she was inspired by semi-fi nalist, will play British wild that he was questioning the integrity saw his wallet and snapped. Evonne Goolagong in 1980. important. Federer’s success while being a father, card Heather Watson for a place in the of the off icial. “I don’t know why I did it. I was Azarenka has brought her son Leo “The guys do have that luxury of Azarenka made it clear it is women last 16. “In the heat of the moment, I did a frustrated to lose the match. Maybe with her to Wimbledon and has her having the nurseries and stuff at every who put in the hardest work. Regardless of her performance at bad thing. I apologise for this,” the there were some bad calls. It can partner and mother around to help. event and I think it’s time for women “Roger defi nitely has not inspired Wimbledon, Azarenka’s love of par- 21-year-old Russian said. happen in sports,” he said. But she believes it is time the wom- to have the same benefi t. me. No disrespect to him, and I think enthood has given her a new perspec- So was he trying to say the Portu- “I was just disappointed and did a en’s tour provided more on-site facili- “I think for women is much more it’s amazing, you know, but it’s a little tive on her career. guese umpire was biased towards his stupid thing.” ties for players with children, pointing important and harder.” diff erent for him,” she said with a grin. “I just really feel like I’m enjoying Belgian rival? Tournament off icials could charge out that the ATP has nurseries at their Only Goolagong, Margaret Court Azarenka is one of a growing myself coming here every day. Enjoy- “No, not at all. No, no. I mean (that) Medvedev with unsportsmanlike tournaments for dads who bring along and Kim Clijsters have won a Grand number of women trying to balance ing the journey and being able to bring would be really stupid,” added conduct or he could be hit with a their kids. Slam singles title after having a child. the demands of motherhood with a my son here. Hopefully in 20 years Medvedev. “It has no meaning. more severe sanction if the circum- “Yeah, I hope that’s the case. I have Roger Federer, a seven-time Wim- tennis career. he’ll be playing here.” “(It) was very hot out there. So I stances prove serious enough. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 6, 2017 SPORT

TOUR DE FRANCE Tour de France: Statistic, quote & fact of the day STATISTIC OF THE DAY: 19.66 victory at La Planche des In kph, the average speed of Belles Filles saw him rise to Astana rider and stage winner third in the overall rankings, Fabio Aru of Italy. behind Team Sky duo Chris His peak of 22kph came when Froome and Geraint Thomas. he launched his attack on the 5.9km climb at an average FACT OF THE DAY: Aru matches Nibali gradient of 8.5 percent which The Giro d’Italia-Tour de proved decisive. France double is one of the toughest challenges in cy- QUOTE OF THE DAY: cling. None of the riders who “We’re going to prepare some took part in the Italian grand surprises for Sky” - Astana tour, which took place in May, manager Alexandre Vinok- finished in the top eight of this with stage victory, ourov after team leader Aru’s stage.

Sagan accepts Cavendish praises disqualifi cation from jury’s courage for Tour de France kicking Sagan out

Froome in yellow World champion Peter Sagan Cavendish praised the Tour de accepted defeat yesterday France jury’s “courage” after it in his bid to have his Tour kicked world champion Sagan ‘That penultimate stage last year was worse than being cut by a knife. But I learnt a de France disqualification out of the race for sending the overturned. Briton crashing to the ground lot and promised myself I’d come back as soon as possible because I love the Tour’ Speaking to journalists yester- in a chaotic sprint finale on day morning, Sagan said he Tuesday. didn’t agree with the sanction “It takes a lot of courage, a lot but had accepted it. of balls, to eliminate the world The 27-year-old Slovak was champion from the Tour de kicked off the Tour on Tuesday France,” Cavendish. for having elbowed Mark Cav- Sagan’s fate, however, was not endish into the metal barriers Cavendish’s main concern. during the sprint finish to the “My initial worry was my Tour’s fourth stage. finger. There was just a puddle Cavendish crashed hard and of blood on the floor. I thought was taken to hospital where I’m going to bleed to death he was diagnosed with a bro- here,” he said. ken shoulder blade, ending his Cavendish dismissed sugges- own Tour participation. tions that he was forcing his “I can only accept the decision way between Sagan and the of the jury, but I disagree. I safety barrier when Sagan don’t think I’ve done anything flicked his elbow out. wrong in the sprint,” said “I know what kind of gaps I Sagan, who was reading a can fit through,” he explained. statement. “It was an honourable thing The Tour’s race commission to see Peter here at the bus, disagreed, though, and had already come to apologise. disqualified him for having It shows the man he is, and “endangered some of his col- I appreciate that more than leagues seriously”. anything,” he added.

GOLF McIlroy shuts off social media aft er tweet clash

Italy’s Fabio Aru celebrates as he crosses the finish line at the end of the 160.5 km fifth stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France cycling race yesterday.

AFP impressive as it was gleaned against all Overall standings (Top 10) “Going forward we cannot aff ord to al- Plancher-les-Mines, France the best climbers in the world. low Fabio that kind of a gap again. But he didn’t want to get carried away, Classification from Tour de France “He’d already shown in the Dauphine especially after his experience last year after Stage 5 yesterday: he was in great shape and that was con- abio Aru made a statement of in- when he had a disastrous penultimate 1. Chris Froome (Britain/Team Sky) fi rmed today.” tent yesterday and showed he is stage, dropping from sixth overall to 13th. 2. G. Thomas (Britain/Team Sky) +12” Nairo Quintana was the biggest loser of the heir apparent to 2014 Tour de “That penultimate stage last year was 3. Fabio Aru (Italy/Astana) +14” the day, coming in 14sec behind Froome, France winner and Italian com- worse than being cut by a knife,” said Aru. 4. D. Martin (Ireland/Quick-Step) +25” leaving him ninth overall at 54sec. patriotF Vincenzo Nibali. “But I learnt a lot from it and promised But with the top 10 separated by a sec- 5. R. Porte (AUS/BMC Racing) +39” Aru won the 160.5km fi fth stage at La myself I’d come back as soon as possible 6. Simon Yates (Britain/Orica) +43” ond over one minute, and all the con- Planche des Belles Filles by 16 seconds to the Tour because I love the Tour.” 7. Romain Bardet (France/AG2R) +47” tenders in there, the race is now truly on. from Ireland’s Dan Martin to move up to He attacked with 2.4km left of the 8. Alberto Contador (Spain/Trek) +52” An eight-man breakaway took off early third overall. stage that started in Vittel, and quickly 9. N. Quintana (COL/Movistar) +54” in the stage and built up a maximum lead And it was on that very same climb in opened up a winning gap. 10. Rafal Majka (Poland/BORA) +1:01” of three and a half minutes. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy shares a joke with Manchester City 2014 that Nibali had tasted victory before Time and again, Aru kicked on with But with Sky reluctant to chase them manager Pep Guardiola during the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. going on to dominate, and win, the Tour great determination to consolidate his down, BMC decided to take over pace- title. advantage, also riding into the polkadot Aru, though, is now just 14sec back setting duties, in the hope of setting up AFP by a fellow player and also a fel- AS with Nibali three years ago, Aru king of the mountains jersey. and Froome said he and his Sky team- Porte for the stage win and the time bo- Portstewart, United Kingdom low winner of the PGA Champi- also did so whilst wearing the Italian na- First Froome 1.7km out and then Richie mates would not be able to take their eyes nus that would off er. onship. tional champion’s jersey. Porte in the fi nal kilometre counter-at- of the Sardinian again. With just over 13km left Philippe Gil- “It’s not what was said. It was “I’d never climbed it before but of tacked behind but it was Ireland’s Mar- “Fabio rode a great stage and attacked bert, on his 35th birthday, attack his fi ve ory McIlroy has taken who said it,” said McIlroy. course I saw that last climb on the Inter- tin who took second place to move up to at just the right moment before the climb remaining breakaway companions and himself off social media net when Chris (Froome) won in 2012 and fourth overall at 25sec. fl attened out before the last kick,” said only Jan Bakelants could respond. and publicly revealed GOOD FRIENDS Nibali in 2014, so that’s why I decided to Briton Froome rolled over the line in the 32-year-old Briton. When they reached the foot of the his distaste following “Anyone that’s been in that envi- attack with 3km to go,” said Aru. third at 20sec, just ahead of Porte, to “If anything, behind we gave him a climb, though, they had a lead of less theR tweet clash with Australian- ronment should realise how hard Back in 2014, Nibali had no peers as take the race leader’s yellow jersey off little too much space. After I made my than a minute over the peloton, now led born golfer Steve Elkington. golf is at times, and I think that’s Froome, who now leads the Tour after his compatriot and teammate Geraint move, three or four guys followed me but by the Sky armada. Elkington tweeted on June 17 the thing that got to me more fi nishing third, and Alberto Contador Thomas, who drops to second, although no-one really wanted to pull on the fl at They held on for almost 2km more but that he felt McIlroy was disen- than anything else. had both crashed out of the race. at the same 12sec gap that he previously part. with 4km to ride, it was over and now all chanted with golf and simply “So, if that was written by a So Aru’s achievement was even more enjoyed. “That allowed Fabio to open up a gap. down to the overall contenders. going through the motions while member of the media or some- pocketing millions. thing, I could let it slide, because He is “so bored playing golf... I can sort of say to myself, they FORMULA 1 without Tiger the threshold is don’t really know how it is and prolly 4 majors with 100mill in they don’t know what you have bank”, Elkington tweeted. to deal with. A Twitter spat then followed “But a former player that has with McIlroy quickly respond- won a major and been success- ing to the 54-year old Houston- ful; that’s sort of why it got to me based Elkington: “@elkpga and that’s why I sort of retaliated Vettel, Hamilton face off again More like 200mil... not bad for a a little bit.” Reuters a fan’s supportive post on Insta- ternal battle between Lewis and ‘bored’ 28 year old... plenty more The current world number Spielberg, Austria gram that said the Paris decision Nico and this year it seems that where that came from.” four kick-started the week on had sent the message that “you the fi ght is on between Ferrari And McIlroy attached to his Tuesday ahead of his defence of can do whatever you want on and Mercedes and Lewis and Se- tweet an image from his Wikipe- the Irish title night by hosting ebastian Vettel cel- track, smash into each other but bastian,” said Wolff . dia profi le listing all his achieve- a Rory Foundation evening in ebrated his 30th birth- if you suck up and just apologise “As calm as it started, it was ments. Belfast with special guest, Pep day on Monday but it and you get away with it”. only a matter of time until the McIlroy fi red back again Guardiola. can be safely assumed Hamilton is now 14 points be- rivalry would eventually become ‘questioning’ Elkington’s aca- Guardiola then joined McIlroy, thatS Lewis Hamilton will not be hind Vettel after eight of 20 rac- more fi erce and controversial. demic background when the a devout Manchester United fol- bringing any gifts to Austria this es, with a loose headrest costing That moment happened in Baku Australian began a second tweet lower, yesterday as a member of weekend. the Briton victory in Azerbaijan. and we saw the results of that with the word ‘New’, a misspell- his pro-am team. After the ‘road rage’ of Az- Vettel, despite a stop-and-go tension on track. ing for ‘Knew’, according to the “I was good friends with him, erbaijan two weeks ago, the For- penalty, fi nished fourth and one “We have moved passed that Northern Ireland star. and then he picked the City job, mula One title rivals head to the place ahead of his rival. moment now and it is a closed McIlroy had spoken about so I don’t know,” said McIlroy bucolic surroundings of the sce- Austria, the birthplace of chapter.” the controversy during the re- smiling. nic Red Bull Ring, and its back- Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff Aside from the Mercedes- cent Travelers Championship in “But no, my relationship with drop of hills and forests, with and non-executive chairman Ferrari battle, Red Bull will also Connecticut but found himself Pep started at The Ryder Cup controversy still simmering. Niki Lauda, off ers Hamilton the fancy their chances in front of drawn back to the matter ahead in 2012. He was there. That was Vettel, Ferrari’s champion- chance to take some of those lost a home crowd after Australian of the Irish Open at Portstewart sort of his sabbatical year from ship leader, had risked a heavy points back. Daniel Ricciardo won in Baku starting today. management. He loves his golf. penalty for his moment of mad- Mercedes have won every year for his fourth successive podium McIlroy has some 3.15 mil- He went to the Masters that year. ness in driving into Hamilton’s since the race returned to the fi nish. lion followers on Twitter but Went to The Ryder Cup. Struck Mercedes behind the safety car File picture of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel (L) shaking hands with calendar in 2014 and Hamilton This time, Dutch teenager since the clash with Elkington up a bit of a relationship. in Baku but instead the German Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (R) during happier times. is the only driver on this season’s Max Verstappen will be hoping it has posted just three tweets and “Actually Pep and my dad, ba- arrives in Austria with no fur- grid to have won in Austria – is his turn. one of those was to congratulate sically, walked all three days to- ther sanction and the matter of- ban looming if he collects any ately even if Mercedes say they doing so last year after a last lap “Luck evens itself out. Dan- good friend Brook Koepka on gether and my dad is a huge City fi cially closed. more penalty points on his li- have moved on. collision with his now-retired iel has had four podiums and a winning at Erin Hills. fan at that time he was asking, Vettel has had to accept full cence this weekend. Hamilton, for one, has said teammate Nico Rosberg. race win but I’m sure a big race However, it was not the nature Pep, when are you going to come responsibility, and apologise to But the incident, the sport’s nothing. “Every great Formula One is around the corner for Max,” of what was said by the Austral- manage City, and obviously he Hamilton, and will have to stay major talking point post-Baku, But he has kept social media season is marked by a great ri- team principal Christian Horner ian, who has lived most of his life got his wish four years later I on best behaviour with a race is unlikely to die down immedi- buzzing with news he had ‘liked’ valry. Last year it was our in- said after Baku. in Houston, but that it was said guess. That’s how it started.” Gulf Times Thursday, July 6, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Modric questioned over false Messi to stay at Barcelona testimony

Zagreb: Croatian prosecutors yesterday questioned Real Madrid’s Luka Modric over his alleged false testimony at until 2021 under new deal the trial of Dinamo Zagreb’s powerful former boss, Zdravko Mamic. “I came here to present my defence and tell The Argentine star forward joined Barcelona as a teenager 17 years ago the truth as every time so far,” Modric told reporters after AFP the questioning in the eastern Barcelona town of Osijek, where the trial is being held. “My conscience is clear,” the 31-year-old ionel Messi has agreed to stay at Croatia captain said. “I’m cer- FC Barcelona until 2021 in a deal tain that eventually it will be that all but commits the star shown that I did not commit striker to ending his top-fl ight any criminal act.” Lcareer at the Spanish giants. In June the prosecutors The megastar who joined Barcelona opened a probe of Modric as a teenager 17 years ago will remain whom they suspect of giv- at the club until he is 34 under the new ing false testimony during deal, the Catalan club announced yes- Mamic’s trial, which is punish- terday, ending months of speculation able with up to five years in about the future of the fi ve-time Ballon jail. Mamic is accused — along d’Or winner. “The deal will be signed in with his brother Zoran Mamic the coming weeks, when Messi returns and two others — of abuse to the team for pre-season training,” the of power and graft that cost club said in a statement, as the 30-year- the former Croatian cham- old enjoyed his honeymoon just days pions more than 15mn euros after he wed his childhood sweetheart ($16.9mn), and the state 1.5mn in Argentina. euros. Messi has hinted in the past that he Cash was allegedly embez- would like to return in the future to Ar- zled through fictitious deals gentina to play for his very fi rst club, CA related to player transfers. Newell’s Old Boys in his hometown of Modric testified in mid-June Rosario, where he wed last week. But he over the details of his 2008 has also said that his priority is to win transfer from Dinamo to Tot- more honours with Barca, the club he tenham Hotspur. From there has called his home since he was 13. he joined Real Madrid in 2012. Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu The prosecutors alleged has made keeping Messi at Barca a per- that, when questioned at the sonal crusade. tribunal, Modric falsely said “We wanted to ensure that the best he had signed an annex to a player in the history of football remains contract with Dinamo over at the club,” he said. “He plays here and conditions for future transfers he should retire here.” in July 2004. When ques- No fi nancial details of Messi’s new According to reports, Lionel Messi's tioned during investigations contact were disclosed, but Spain’s deal includes a 300-million-euro in 2015, Modric said the annex Marca sports daily reported on Tues- termination clause. was signed after he joined day that the deal included a 300-mil- Tottenham, according to the lion-euro ($340-million) termination prosecutors. Another Croatian clause. Under his current contract, due international, Liverpool de- to run out in June 2018, Messi earns fender Dejan Lovren, is to ap- around 20mn euros a year in salary, ac- pear as witness in September. cording to Spanish media — and this The 28-year-old is expected didn’t include millions of euros in rev- to be questioned over his enues earned from ads and perform- fi rst senior goal with a clever lob against though Barca did win the Copa del Rey. ered the world’s best player along with was found guilty last year of tax fraud 2010 transfer from Dinamo ance-linked bonuses. Albacete at the Camp Nou.” Messi’s contract extension consoli- Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, his in Spain. But he has lived in Catalonia to French side Lyon. The Messi joined FC Barcelona in 2000 The deal announcement is likely to dates the much-feared “MSN” striking Real Madrid rival. since his early teens, and currently re- trial, which opened in April, when he was just 13 years old in the reassure fans and members of FC Bar- trio which also includes Brazil’s Ney- “He’s the best player I’ve ever seen on sides in Barcelona with his now-wife has attracted huge interest youth training centre. “He made his celona, which has had a disappointing mar and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez. Both the pitch,” said Ernesto Valverde, Bar- Antonella Roccuzzo, their son Thiago, from media and residents of fi rst team debut at just 16 years of age season by the club’s own high stand- have also renewed their contracts until celona’s new coach, of Messi. four, and Mateo, one — both of whom Osijek where it is being held in a friendly against FC Porto, before ards. The club was eliminated from the 2021. With 507 goals scored in 583 of- Now 30, Messi could have been were born in Spain. And Messi himself reportedly to avoid Mamic’s making his debut the following season Champions League in the quarter fi nals fi cial matches, Messi is the club’s all- tempted by other horizons — hav- said in May that his aim as a footballer influence on judges in the against Espanyol at 17,” the club said in a by Juventus, and came second behind time leading scorer and the top scorer ing been courted by clubs like PSG and was to “try and win the most titles pos- capital Zagreb. statement. “Shortly after, he scored his arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, in La Liga history. He is widely consid- Manchester City — particularly as he sible” with FC Barcelona.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Besiktas sign Pepe from Real Naples to confer honorary Portuguese international defender Pepe yesterday signed for Turkish champions Besiktas of Istanbul from Real Madrid on a citizenship to Maradona two-year deal. Pepe, 34, landed in Istanbul DPA If they hadn’t done that, we’d have been champions before dawn aboard a private plane and Rome already. I think this is the right moment for Mau- was given a rousing welcome by hundreds rizio Sarri, Pepe Reina, Insigne, Dries Mertens and of fans who had waited overnight at the all the others. They can prove that Napoli can win airport. He then went through a full medi- rgentine football icon Diego Armando the Scudetto. Many generations have passed since cal and signed his two-year contract at a Maradona was yesterday feted in Naples my day. Now the Dads have to fi nd videos of my news conference at club headquarters. “I with the awarding of an honorary citizen- goals to play to their sons. Even the youngest kids had wonderful times at Real Madrid and the ship from the city whose home team he led know me in Naples and that makes me very proud.” supporters liked me a lot. I hope at Besiktas toA victory in the 1980s and 1990s. Mayor Luigi de Magistris, former team members to make the supporters proud with my “Tomorrow I will become a citizen of Naples and and other local stars were due to celebrate Marado- work, my devotion and my love,” said Pepe. I thank the council for doing this, but I have been a na in the central Piazza Plebiscito last night. Some Pepe will receive a total salary of 9.5mn citizen ever since the fi rst day I wore the number 10 30,000 people were expected to attend. Maradona, euros ($10.75mn), plus performance shirt for Napoli,” Maradona said in a press confer- 56, played with Napoli from 1984 to 1991, helping bonuses, over the two years, Besiktas said ence on the eve of the ceremony. them win the 1987 and 1990 national titles, the Ital- in a statement. There was no indication of “I thank my teammates, without whom I ian Cup in 1987 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. the transfer fee. For years in the shadow of wouldn’t be here today and we wouldn’t have won He left Italy in 1991 amid charges of drug use Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce and Galatsaray, all that we won. I dedicate this citizenship to my and has been involved in a long controversy over the Black Eagles have won the Turkish mother, my father and all the Neapolitans. Tomor- alleged tax evasion. He was also accused of enjoy- Super Lig title for the last two seasons. row will be an unforgettable day for me. I also want ing friendly relations with members’ of Naples’ With the title, Besiktas also claim Turkey’s to point out that those who said I am here for money Camorra mafi a. Nevertheless, he has always en- sole automatic Champions League spot and are lying. I earned my status as a Neapolitan on the joyed cult following in Naples. will hope for a drastic improvement on their fi eld, ok? I’d like to fi nd the person who said I came When Italy played Argentina in Naples in the group-stage exit last time round. here to earn €230,000 and I’d spit in his face,” the 1990 World Cup semi-fi nal, most of the local spec- Few are better qualifi ed to help Besiktas outspoken Argentine said. tators rooted for the guest team just because Mara- with that goal than Pepe, who helped Real Maradona was asked if current star and local lad dona played for them. Italy lost the match on pen- Madrid win the Champions League three Pepe (left) and Besiktas’ president Fikret Orman shake hands during the Portuguese Insigne should be awarded the Number 10 jersey alties. Earlier this year, Maradona starred in a show times in his career. While French interna- defender's signing ceremony for the Turkish champions in Istanbul yesterday. (AFP) next season. “If he scores more goals than me, then at Naples’ San Carlo theatre celebrating the 30th tionals Mathieu Valbuena and Bafetimbi he can wear it! I hope this can be the right season anniversary of Napoli’s fi rst league title, and was Gomis have signed for Fenerbahce and before the defender left for Madrid in 2011, I’M DIFFERENT FROM DAD, for the Scudetto, as they have the right experience inducted in the hall of fame of the Italian football Galatasaray respectively, Pepe is arguably where he won two La Liga titles and two INSISTS ENZO ZIDANE now not to drop the points where they did last time. federation. the biggest name to arrive in Istanbul so far Champions Leagues. Enzo Zidane insisted yesterday that he this summer. Pepe spent the last decade as On loan at Monaco in 2015-2016 he was a “diff erent player” from his father a key member of the star-studded Real Ma- picked up an injury late in the season and Zinedine, after being unveiled at La Liga drid side and helped Portugal to victory in missed Portugal’s European Championship club Deportivo Alaves. “I don’t think much Euro 2016, winning the man-of-the-match victory in France. about that,” the 22-year-old attacking mid- award in the victory in the fi nal over France. Coentrao went before a Spanish judge on fi elder said when asked about comparisons At Besiktas, Pepe will join forces with Monday accused of tax evasion and report- with Zinedine Zidane, a 1998 World Cup his Portugal teammate, the winger Ricardo edly paid out 1.7mn euros ($1.9mn) to tax winner feted as one of the fi nest talents of Quaresma, who has played for the Istanbul authorities in a settlement. his generation. side from 2015 after an earlier 2010-2012 “I’m Enzo, I’m diff erent, a diff erent stint and is a big favourite with fans. HUDDERSFIELD SIGN player,” Zinedine’s eldest son insisted of MONTPELLIER STRIKER his father, who now coaches Real Madrid, REAL MADRID LOAN Newly promoted Huddersfi eld have signed last season leading the Spanish giants to a COENTRAO TO SPORTING 22-year-old Montpellier forward Steve second successive Champions League title. Portuguese international left back Fabio Mounie, the club announced. The Benin Enzo Zidane signed a three-year deal Coentrao has been loaned to Sporting international who also has French national- with Alaves having previously played for Lisbon for the 2017-2018 season although ity has agreed to a four-year contract with Real Madrid’s third division reserve side owners Real Madrid will continue to shoul- the Premier League club. Castilla of which his father was coach der much of his salary, his new club said. Mounie scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 last before taking over the reins of Real’s fi rst The 29-year-old with 51 Portugal caps season and Huddersfi eld boss David team. Last season, Enzo made a scoring said on Instagram he was “very happy with Wagner said the player had “a very exciting debut for Real in the King’s Cup, and has the opportunity to play at such a huge club” combination of attributes that makes him a played 78 games for Castilla. alongside a photo of himself at the stadium very attractive proposition as a young strik- Deportivo Alaves, based in Vitoria- with his partner and children. er”. Hudderfi eld reportedly signed Mounie Gasteiz in the Basque country, reached the Sporting coach Jorge Jesus knows Coen- for 11.5mn pounds, a club record fee, but the fi nal of last season’s King’s Cup, where they Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona waves during a press conference on the eve of a ceremony trao from their time together at Benfi ca club did not confi rm the amount. lost to Barcelona. to receive his honorary citizenship of Naples yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 6, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal break club record to land Lacazette from Lyon The French striker joins Arsenal in a club record €60mn deal and signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants

AFP World Cup, having only played one internation- Lyon al in the last two years. The north London club will be expecting Lacazette to add some much- needed fi repower up front, after a disappointing rsenal agreed a deal to sign France fi fth-placed fi nish in the Premier League last striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon term that saw them miss out on the Champions for a club-record fee that could rise to League for the fi rst time in 19 years. He scored 37 60mn euros ($68mn, £52.56mn), the goals in all competitions last season, including twoA clubs confi rmed yesterday. The transfer 28 in just 30 league games. fee is also a new record sale for the Ligue 1 out- Lacazette is expected to travel with his Ar- fi t, worth an initial 53mn euros, according to a senal team-mates to Sydney on Sunday for the statement on the Lyon website. fi rst part of the club’s pre-season preparations. The deal beats the 50mn euros that Arsenal A number of teams had registered an interest in paid to bring Mesut Ozil to the Emirates from Lacazette, who has 11 caps and was contracted Real Madrid in 2013, while it sees Lyon break to Lyon until 2019 after graduating through their highest sale for the second time in a month their exceptional academy system. after seeing midfi elder Corentin Tolisso move to The player had expressed a desire to join Bayern Munich for 47.5mn euros. Atletico Madrid, having deemed the time right Arsenal said the 26-year-old had signed a to further his career by departing Ligue 1, but “long-term contract”. According to reports, he the Spanish club’s transfer ban, which stands will earn bumper £200,000-per-week deal that until January 2018, complicated their pursuit will make him the top earner at the Emirates. and allowed Arsenal to steal a march on the “We are very happy to have Alexandre join our 26-year-old’s other suitors. group. He has shown over a number of years that The striker, who has scored a century of he can score goals and that he is a very effi cient league goals for Lyon in 203 appearances, is ea- fi nisher,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said ger to make his mark at club level before the 2018 in a statement. “As well, he has very interesting World Cup fi nals in Russia. Lacazette had hoped technical qualities and a strong character. So he to play in the Champions League next season, is a guy who is a great addition for us, and some- a competition for which Arsenal have failed to one who will help us challenge at the top level qualify after fi nishing fi fth, but that disappoint- this season.” ment could be eased by evidence of the club’s He had been at Lyon since the age of 12, and renewed ambition in the market under Wenger scored 129 goals for the senior team, including this summer. 100 in Ligue 1. Lacazette, who has made 11 inter- Meanwhile, the signing puts the Arsenal fu- national appearances for France, last season be- ture of Olivier Giroud in doubt. The former came the fi rst player to score 20 goals or more in Montpellier front-man is currently above Laca- three successive French top-fl ight seasons since zette in France coach Didier Deschamps’ peck- Jean-Pierre Papin in 1992. ing order, but he could now struggle to fi nd a “I am very pleased with the success of Al- place in Wenger’s Gunners starting XI under exandre, who, besides being one of Olympique pressure from his compatriot. Lyon’s best-ever strikers, is a charming player Giroud has been linked with possible moves who I became very close to,” said Lyon president to both Everton and West Ham United. But Ar- Jean-Michel Aulas in his club’s statement. senal supporters will be delighted to see Wenger Lacazette will be hoping that the move to spending big, as they look to mount a serious Arsenal can help boost his hopes of cementing challenge on a fi rst league title since ‘the Invin- a place in the France squad ahead of next year’s cibles’ lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004. Alexandre Lacazette (left) poses with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after joining the Premier League side yesterday.

FIVE FACTS ON NEW ARSENAL STRIKER LACAZETTE QSL ROUND-UP Five facts on French international striker anywhere else but Lyon. It could be dou- Alexandre Lacazette, after he signed for Alexandre Lacazette with bly diff icult that he is moving to another Calderon named English Premier League side Arsenal the Arsenal jersey. country entirely. on Wednesday for a club-record fee He is Lyon through and through that could rise to 60 mn euros ($68m, having been born there, began playing new Qatar SC coach £52.56m) from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon: football with a junior club in the city and then got taken on by Lyon aged 12. By Sports Reporter The duo will also be joined by FALLS FOUL OF LYON FAITHFUL “Yes I score goals but in Europe in gen- Doha left back Yusef Muftah and cen- Lacazette may have provided many eral I am not well known. I have a desire tral midfi elder Khalid Abdulra- great moments for Lyon fans but they to see if I can respond to the questions ouf who used to play for El Jaish. are an unforgiving lot. As soon as that a lot of people have posed about me ewly-promoted Qatar The move for the quartet rep- he remarked in February that a big and to make progress as a player even Stars League side Qa- resents somewhat of a coup for move would interest him they were on more,” he said. tar SC have confi rmed the Cheetahs, with all four play- his back. It left him ‘psychologically that Argentine coach ers having considerable experi- NGabriel Calderon has joined the ence in the QSL despite their destroyed’, according to Lyon owner FOOTBALL IN THE BLOOD Jean-Michel Aulas. Lacazette is not alone in his family in club on a two-year contract. young age. “Alexandre hasn’t betrayed the club. enjoying a playing career, one of his Calderon was presented to the So far it’s been a relatively busy He simply said that one day if like his siblings Benoit did not reach his heady local media on Tuesday evening summer for Gharafa, following friend Sam (Umtiti) he could go play for heights but did play abroad in the Swiss in the presence of Qatar SC pres- the announcement of former Al Barcelona or if like Karim Benzema, who fourth division. Two of his other brothers ident Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Khor coach Jean Fernandez join- left for Real Madrid and everyone was look after his financial aff airs. bin Nasser al-Thani. The Argen- ing the side. It’s also expected happy for him, he could go to a big club, His cousin Romuald Lacazette was tine coach is no stranger to the that the Cheetah’s will make he might,” commented Aulas. on Paris Saint-Germain’s books, but the GCC having managed a number further changes to their squad Lacazette for his part didn’t hold a midfielder never played for the first team of sides in the region, including ahead of the new QSL season. grudge about that and made clear his and was snapped up by then German most recently a stint with Ara- love of the club before the final game of second-tier outfit 1860 Munich in 2015. bian Gulf League side Al-Wasl. UMM SALAL RELEASE the season.”It is the club of my heart,” Speaking at the press confer- SALEM KHALIFA he said. “The most important moments generally acknowledged to be the great- season for the past four campaigns he SINGING THE BLUES? ence, the 57-year-old revealed QSL side Umm Salal has an- in my life have been at Lyon,” added the est players in the world at the moment. has a fantastic record, but Anderson’s His international career at senior level his excitement at taking charge nounced that they have parted 26-year-old. “What he is doing at the moment is words will be more firmly tested in the has been a bit stop-start, winning 10 of the Kings. “I’m excited for ways with striker Salem Kha- alsmost as good as what (Cristiano) Ron- more competitive Premier League. caps from 2013-15, scoring once, before a the challenge ahead with Qatar lifa. The club confi rmed that the AS GOOD AS MESSI, RONALDO..... aldo or (Lionel) Messi are doing, only that two-year hiatus and a recall from coach Sports Club. I would like to thank 26-year-old attacker has been Former Lyon forward Sonny Anderson playing in France he receives less media WILL HE GET ACCUSTOMED? Didier Deschamps in June. He enjoyed the management of the club for released from his contract with didn’t let hyperbole get in the way of exposure,” the Brazilian told SoFoot. Perhaps the biggest problem Lacazette a successful time at all age levels from welcoming myself and I hope the Orange Fortress. making a comparison to the two players Having scored more than 20 times a will face is getting accustomed to living Under-16 to Under-21. that we can get Qatar SC back to Khalifa played for two seasons their rightful place in the Qatar for Umm Salal and made a host Stars League.” of appearances for the side dur- ing the QSL season. The club FOCUS QATARI QUARTET JOIN will now concentrate on a re- AL GHARAFA placement for the striker, as they The Qatar Stars League side Al begin their preparations for the Gharafa has strengthened signif- new season. icantly ahead of their new cam- It’s been a busy summer so Stadium closed aft er refs hurt in China attack paign confi rming the signing of far for Mahmoud Jaber’s side AFP the visitors converted the spot-kick to association called a “malicious” incident. The six-times Chinese champions lost four new players. The club made who has secured the signature Shanghai snatch a draw. The Chinese Football As- The club were ordered to play a game 4-3 to suff er a first league defeat in 13 a brief statement on Tuesday of three defenders Rami Fayez, sociation (CFA), which has issued a series behind closed doors and its Dutch head games as the Fabio Cannavaro-coached confi rming that young attackers Muhannad Darjal and Khaled of lengthy bans in recent weeks to star coach Johannes Bonfrere was banned Tianjin ended Evergrande’s 11-game win- Abdulmajeed Enad and Ahmed Al Zakiba. Umm Salal are set to Chinese second-division club names including Shanghai SIPG’s Oscar from the bench for two matches for be- ning run. The defeat saw Guangzhou’s Alaaeldin of Al Rayyan will join head to the Netherlands for their were ordered yesterday to play in the top-tier Super League, said Baod- rating the referee. In the chaotic after- lead over Shanghai SIPG reduced to a the club. preseason training camp. a home match behind closed ing players and staff angrily confronted math of the match Baoding chairman point as the season reached the halfway doors after four match offi cials Huang afterwards on the pitch. Meng Yongli burst into tears at a press stage and China captain Zheng was repri- wereA attacked following a controversial The referee and his assistants had to be conference, alleging his side had been manded by the club for his reaction. draw. Police are investigating who beat escorted off by security personnel as fans cheated out of the win, and later said he “We always require players and coaches up the referee and his assistants after the pelted them with debris, state-run news- was pulling the team out of League One. to pay full respect to our opponents and power was mysteriously cut on Saturday paper The Beijing News said. “At around Meng soon after quit as chairman and to referees,” Guangzhou said in a state- in their changing room at Baoding Rong- 10:30 pm on that night, the power in the Baoding subsequently apologised, saying ment on the club’s website. “On 2 July da’s stadium, in a fresh low for Chinese referees’ dressing room was suddenly cut the club had no intention of leaving the 2017, during our away game against Tian- football, which has invested huge sums in off ,” the CFA said in a statement. “A dozen league. Meng has been handed a two-year jin Quanjjan, Zheng Zhi failed to comply improving the sport and signing foreign people rushed inside the referees’ room at nationwide stadium ban. with the club regulations and failed to be players. around 11:10pm and beat up the four offi - the leading example to the team.” Baoding Rongda, a club near Beijing, cials. That resulted in injuries to the head, EVERGRANDE SKIPPER FINED FOR The move follows a series of sanctions are at the bottom of China’s second tier waist, leg and other parts.” SNUBBING REFEREE HANDSHAKE handed out by the Chinese Football As- and were infuriated when referee Huang Police are helping the CFA identify who Meanwhile, Guangzhou Evergrande cap- sociation in recent weeks, with Shanghai Xiang added seven minutes of injury time the attackers were, why the power was tain Zheng Zhi has been fi ned 100,000 SIPG striker Oscar handed an eight-game at the end of a game that they were lead- cut and why there was not enough secu- yuan ($14,716) by the club for not lead- ban for initiating a mass brawl. The Brazil ing 2-1 against Wuhan Zall. rity to protect the offi cials. The CFA, who ing his players to an end-of-game hand- midfi elder’s team mates Hulk and Wu Lei Home players and fans were further are investigating the performance of the shake with the referee following Sunday’s were also handed two-match bans, along riled when Huang awarded Wuhan a de- offi cials, handed out a series of fi nes and Chinese Super League defeat at Tianjin with coach Andre Villas-Boas, for pro- batable penalty in stoppage time and punishments to Baoding, over what the Quanjian. testing Oscar’s punishment. Gabriel Calderon (right) has joined Qatar SC on a two-year contract. Gulf Times Thursday, July 6, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB BOXING Pacquiao wants review of ‘unfair’ Red Sox beat Rangers Horn loss

AFP for a review, which may call for Manila sanctions on the referee and judges if so warranted, in fur- therance of our mutual goal of hilippine boxing leg- protecting the integrity of the for 6th straight win end Manny Pacquiao sport,” the board wrote. yesterday urged the Pacquiao attached a copy of ‘What I know about Darvish is he loves to learn, he loves to compete and wants to be great’ World Boxing Organi- the letter to his own statement. Pzation (WBO) to review the “WBO should take appro- By Jeff Wilson “unfair decision and offi ciat- priate action on the letter sent Fort Worth Star-Telegram ing” after losing his welter- by the Games and Amusement weight title to Australia’s Jeff Board so as not to erode the Horn. people’s interest in boxing,” uch like the Boston Pacquiao endorsed a formal Pacquiao said. Red Sox had a fi eld call by the Philippines’ Games The WBO on Tuesday re- day on Tuesday, so and Amusement Board for the sponded to the controversy in did those who be- WBO to review the outcome of its Twitter account. Mlieve that Yu Darvish is overrated Sunday’s fi ght in Brisbane. “The discretion of a referee and should be allowed to leave “I love boxing and I don’t or judge cannot be reversed, this off -season. wanna see it dying because of except in a case of fraud or vio- The right-hander, the Texas unfair decision and offi ciat- lation of laws which is not the Rangers’ lone All-Star this season, ing,” Pacquiao, 38, said in a case in Pac vs Horn,” the WBO barely made it to sundown against statement issued by his offi ce. said. the hottest-hitting team in the “I had already accepted the “The contract for Pac vs American League before exiting in decision but as a leader and, Horn provides a rematch the fi fth after allowing seven runs at the same time, fi ghter I have clause, which the WBO is in on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings. the moral obligation to uphold accordance (with) if the pro- Darvish’s performance at sportsmanship, truth and fair- moters decide to move for- Globe Life Park was one of the ness in the eyes of the public,” ward.” worst of his career, as the runs said Pacquiao, also a sitting While saying he respected and hits allowed matched ca- senator. the fi ght outcome, Pacquiao reer-highs. The 88 pitches in In the twilight of a 22-year had questioned the referee’s fewer than fi ve innings have been pro career in which he won decisions and made disparag- par for the course of late. The world titles in an unprece- ing comments about Horn. Rangers lost 11-4 and were saved dented eight weight divisions, “He’s not really good but from total embarrassment by a Pacquiao had initially called he’s really strong,” Pacquiao three-run homer from Mike Na- for a rematch, but later said he said of Horn on Monday, while poli in the eighth and a solo shot would also “think hard” about the Filipino’s camp criticised by Delino DeShields in the ninth. retiring. the referee for supposedly al- All of the bad in the Rangers’ Widely written off by ob- lowing the undefeated Aus- third straight defeat, and their servers, Horn, 29, shocked tralian to get away with a host sixth in the past seven games, Pacquiao with his ultra-ag- of illegal tactics. came with them seemingly gressiveness to earn a unani- “The problem here is that clinging to fading playoff hopes mous 12-round decision. the referee, I don’t know if he as they weigh whether to sell off A day after the bout, the did it deliberately or he just did impending free agents at the July Philippines’ sports regulatory not have experience, he just al- 31 trade deadline. body wrote the WBO calling lowed it and did not even give Darvish is among of them. for a “thorough review” on the any warning for how many Undoubtedly he’s the best of decisions of American referee times,” Pacquiao said. them and would fetch the most Mark Nelson and the judges. “It’s as if the referee wanted lucrative package of players in “We are making this request to help my opponent.” return, though likely not as lu- crative as the pro-trade crowd is anticipating. But one bad start among the 30-plus Darvish is on pace to make this season won’t alter the Rangers’ desire keep him long- term after this season. More of- ten than not, he has given them a chance to win, with the chance of doing something great. Maybe that doesn’t meet the expectations many have heaped upon him, but the Rangers know how good Darvish can be. “The guy still has wipe-out Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (right), left fielder Andrew Benintendi (left) and Boston Red Sox centre fielder Jackie Bradley stuff ,” manager Jeff Banis- celebrate after beating the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ter said. “I look at what does Darvish expect of himself more lead before Andrew Benintendi length of the second wild-card Jon Daniels said that the Rang- RESULTS so than what the outside expec- launched a three-run homer in spot, which could prove to be ers are in an evaluation period to tations are. What I know about the fi fth to end Darvish’s night. a sucker’s bet if they decided see what the team looks like as Red Sox 11 Rangers 4 Darvish is he loves to learn, he The Red Sox’s 5-9 hitters went to press their luck for a third close to full strength as it’s been Astros 16 Braves 4 loves to compete and wants to be 10 for 12 vs. Darvish. In Darvish’s straight postseason appearance. all season. So far, the bullpen Dodgers 4 Diamondbacks 3 great. Not just great. He wants to defense, many of the hits he sur- Throwing in the 2017 towel has conspired most against the Nationals 11 Mets 4 be considered one of the best. rendered were jam shots, seeing- at the deadline becomes more Rangers this season. Tigers 5 Giants 3 “Are the outside expectations eye singles or fl ares. In Boston’s of a possibility with each loss. On Tuesday, it was the com- Blue Jays 4 Yankees 1 unfair? I don’t think they meas- defense, and as a lesson to the With six signifi cant contributors bination of Darvish, the Rangers’ Rays 6 Cubs 5 ure up to his own and what he Rangers, good things are bound headed for free agency, trying to strikeout-prone off ense and Ben- Marlins 5 Cardinals 2 expects of himself.” He expected to happen when a team repeat- get something of value for them intendi, who was 5 for 5 with two Twins 5 Angels 4 far more against the Red Sox, who edly puts the ball in play. would help reload a farm system homers and six RBI. But one bad Brewers 6 Orioles 2 actually were retired in order in Darvish (6-7) had only four that is light on upper-level pros- start won’t alter the Rangers’ de- Athletics 7 White Sox 6 two of the fi ve innings they faced strikeouts. He is scheduled to pects. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy sire to keep Darvish long-term. He Pirates 3 Phillies 0 Darvish. But Boston collected start again Sunday to close out is likely the most attractive free- hasn’t hit the expectations many Padres 1 Indians 0 four hits in the second and four the fi rst half. At 40-44, the agent-to-be after Darivsh. But heaped upon him, but the Rangers Royals 7 Mariners 3 Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines swings and misses during his more in the fourth to build a 4-0 Rangers remain within arm’s only a week ago general manager know how good he can be. loss to Jeff Horn of Australia in Brisabne on July 2. (Reutes)

NBA Heat waive Bosh, plan to retire his jersey number

Agencies All-star Hayward agrees Boston to sign with Celtics Free agent Gordon Hayward has agreed to join the hris Bosh, an 11-times All-Star who has been side- Boston Celtics in a move which will reunite him lined for over a year with blood-clot issues, has with his former US college coach Brad Stevens, The been waived by the Miami Heat, the NBA team said Players’ Tribune reported on Tuesday. The all-star on Tuesday. swingman Hayward addressed his decision to move CBosh was an All-Star in each of his six seasons with Mi- from the Utah Jazz to the Celtics in an article he ami, playing a key role in the Heat’s two championships in wrote for the website which was titled “Thank You 2012 and 2013 and their four consecutive trips to the NBA Utah”. Hayward spurned his now former NBA team Finals from 2011-2014. as well as the Miami Heat to commit to the Celtics “Chris changed his life and basketball career when he and Stevens, who coached him at Butler University. came to Miami,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. “And that unfinished business we had together, “And he changed our lives for the better, in a way we never back in 2010, when I left Butler for the NBA,” would have imagined, when he joined the Miami Heat.” Hayward wrote of Stevens, who has been with the Bosh was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors Celtics since the 2013-14 season. “As far as I’m con- in 2003 but left for Miami in 2010 to team up with LeBron cerned, all of these years later, we still have it: And James and Dwyane Wade, forming the team’s fabled ‘Big that’s to win a championship.” Three’ that set in motion a dominant four-season run in Hayward averaged 21.9 points per game last season which the team went 224-88. and played in his first all-star game. Hayward said The 33-year-old American forward, who also won a gold he felt a need to address speculation that he was in medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has averaged 19.2 fact making a switch to Boston. “This has been the points, 8.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game during his career. toughest decision that I’ve ever had to make in my Bosh planned to attempt a return to the Heat last Septem- life. This weekend has probably been the longest ber but a failed physical left him sidelined for the season. He weekend of my life. And today... well, today has was fi rst sidelined by blood clots shortly after competing in definitely been one of the craziest days of my life,” the 2015 All-Star game and missed the balance of that sea- he wrote. “What’s crazy is — before I even had a son. chance to make my decision, before I had a chance “We will forever be indebted to CB for how he changed to sit down and write this, and before I even had a this team and led us to four trips to the NBA Finals and two chance to talk about it with the people I love — I was NBA championships,” said Riley. already reading reports about where I was going.” “He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in the This the second year in a row the Celtics have history of the franchise. The number “1” will never be worn landed a big-time free agent. Last year they signed by another player and we can’t wait to someday hang his jer- Al Horford. sey in the rafters.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 6, 2017 SPORT

BADMINTON India needs strong roots to match China: Gopi

Reuters Sindhu’s silver followed Sai- In Indonesia, HS Prannoy also we needed to play in a diff erent tion to come up, we need to put Mumbai na Nehwal’s bronze in London shone as he defeated three-times style. The kind of badminton a system in place which actually for success-starved India, but Olympic silver medallist Lee we were playing was not in tune identifi es and nurtures talent. Kidambi Srikanth’s three con- Chong Wei and China’s Chen in with what was needed at the We have grown exponentially ndia stands on the brink secutive Super Series fi nals ap- consecutive rounds before losing highest level.” but there is lot more which needs of a badminton revolution pearances has given badminton in the semi-fi nals. India now boasts a larger pool to be done. but the sport’s foundations a shot in the arm in the world’s “China as a dominant force of players poised to succeed at “It’s quite hard to push a rock need to be strengthened if second-most populous country. has been challenged, both in the the highest level but Gopichand up the mountain but if you slip Ithe country hopes to emulate “For the number of people men’s and women’s. We have is not resting on his laurels, then it slips back very fast.” mighty neighbours China, na- who have taken up playing the been responsible for it,” beamed yearning for a more robust sys- The stellar results have earned tional coach Pullela Gopichand sport, I will say yes,” Gopichand Gopichand when asked if Chi- tem and better coaching. Gopichand the moniker of ‘Su- has told Reuters. said when asked if India was on na’s hegemony was over. Indonesian Mulyo Handoyo, per Coach’, hardly surprising China has been the dominant the verge of a badminton revolu- “But I think the world cham- best known for guiding country- considering the amount of work force in badminton for decades tion. pionships, the Olympics are the man Taufi k Hidayat to Olympic he continues to put in at his but after sweeping all fi ve titles “And hopefully these per- big championships and medals gold in 2004, has been added academy. at the 2012 London Olympics, formances are more consistent. which are critical. When we can to India’s coaching staff , which “I think it’s a huge responsi- last year’s Rio Games proved “It’s not only my academy, all beat them at those big events Gopichand says has given him bility... a coach’s job is tough and far less productive for the Asian academies across the country then I feel we can say that.” more time to focus on the needs in India it is even tougher,” Gop- super power as other nations are running full. There are many, Pullela Gopichand (left) with Olympic medallist PV Sindhu. of players individually. ichand added. sought to take advantage. many parents who want their FITNESS FOCUS “Although I am very happy “It’s been 13 years, regular, They bagged the men’s sin- kids to give up everything and All three men’s players, Ne- fruit. er... we were not fi t enough to and very satisfi ed with the per- disciplined work ethic and very gles and doubles titles but only concentrate on badminton.” hwal and Sindhu are products “If we look at the performanc- play at the highest level. Tech- formances, I think for us to be little time off to do anything else. added a solitary bronze to that Srikanth lost to compatriot B of the Gopichand Badminton es in the last few years it has been nically, we have been good for a sustainable, for us to call our- And to work 12-14 hours on most tally as India’s Pusarla Sindhu Sai Praneeth in the fi nal in Sin- Academy in Hyderabad, where good,” the 43-year-old said. “We long time but in fi tness levels, we selves a superpower in badmin- days, stressful days. If I were to took silver in the women’s sin- gapore before going on to win in the former All England cham- have been able to work better as were lacking. ton there is still a lot of work call that sacrifi ce, it is. gles, losing out to Spain’s Caro- Indonesia and Australia, where pion credits a focus on fi tness for a unit and all players have been “At grassroots level, badmin- which needs to be done struc- “But honestly I have loved lina Marin in one of three fi nals he beat Chinese Olympic and the success and said many years peaking at the right time. ton was going in a certain direc- turally,” he said. each part of the journey and without Chinese players. world champion Chen Long. of hard work was fi nally bearing “The fi tness levels are high- tion but to beat them (China) “I think for the next genera- never felt it was a sacrifi ce.”

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT 2024 — a ‘tale of two great Olympic Barrett, Laumape cities’, says IOC

AFP “Los Angeles is one of the Lausanne most entertaining sports and leisure destinations on the planet; Paris has a history sec- he IOC lavished praise ond to none,” said Baumann. get fi rst Test starts yesterday on Los An- “On any given day, people geles and Paris in an around the globe enjoy Holly- evaluation of the two wood off erings of great story- Tcities’ bid to host the 2024 Ol- telling and showcasing tech- ympic Games. nology, while at the same time “Members of the Evaluation they dream of visiting Paris, Commission have used the one of the world’s most daz- terms ‘forward-looking’, ‘in- zling tourist destinations. against Lions novative’, ‘vibrant’ and ‘cool’ “With the support, enthu- to describe the Los Angeles siasm and passion of their ‘This final match in the series is going to be a cracker. It’s the series we expected it to be’ candidature, and ‘historical’, citizens and athletes, Los An- ‘cultural’, ‘iconic’ and ‘amaz- geles and Paris have presented ing backdrops’ for that of the best of their cities. And Reuters Paris,” said Patrick Baumann, their best is as good as it can Auckland chair of the 2024 Evaluation possibly get for the Olympic All Blacks coach Steve Hansen Commission and member of Games.” the International Olympic ordie Barrett and Nga- Committee (IOC). Vast expense ni Laumape have been “However, whatever the de- IOC bosses have already given their fi rst starts by scription, it truly is a tale of recommended that hosting All Blacks coach Steve two great Olympic cities. The rights for the 2024 and 2028 HansenJ for the deciding third two projects are diff erent in Olympics be awarded together, Test against the British and Irish nature, but each city presents virtually assuring that the two Lions in Auckland on Saturday. a proposal which is genuinely rival bidders will both get the Barrett made his debut off the authentic and refl ects the best Games. bench against Samoa last month, of what each has to off er.” Thomas Bach the IOC pres- while Laumape did likewise in The two bid cities were left ident said the proposal had the 24-21 second test loss to the beaming at the complimentary been “unanimously” endorsed Lions last week in Wellington report. LA 2024 chairman Ca- by the executive, adding the after Sonny Bill Williams was sey Wasserman said: “We are IOC had a “golden opportu- given a red card for a dangerous delighted that our eff orts have nity” with two “great cities” shoulder charge. resonated so clearly with the competing for 2024 and did Laumape had been expected IOC Evaluation Commission.” not want to turn either away. to be elevated into the starting Tony Estanguet, co-chair of Interest in hosting Olympics side despite his inexperience as Paris 2024, said: “We are abso- has faded, with cities increas- the squad’s only specialist in- lutely delighted that the IOC’s ingly reluctant to take on the side centre. Malakai Fekitoa had report highlights that Paris vast expense. wAssuming the been brought into the squad af- would be an excellent host of dual award recommendation ter Williams was banned for four the 2024 Games and is ready is approved at the July session weeks and some pundits had said to deliver a wonderful celebra- in Lausanne, the body’s main he should start with Anton Lien- tion of Olympic sport with real meeting in Lima will then ert-Brown given his experience. and meaningful legacy.” choose the host city for not Fekitoa, who has played 23 The IOC report noted that only 2024 but also 2028. Tests, was named on the bench. in line with the reforms of Ol- “With both Los Angeles and “This fi nal match in the series ympic Agenda 2020, both Los Paris, the Olympic Games are is going to be a cracker,” Hansen Angeles and Paris are planning in very good hands,” Baumann said in a statement. “It’s the se- to use a record number of ex- said in Wednesday’s report. ries we expected it to be. It now isting and temporary venues, a “The Evaluation Commis- comes down to this Saturday – fi rst in Olympic history. sion fi rmly believes that both winner takes all - and that’ll cre- “Such proposals will lead to Los Angeles and Paris are more ate its own unique pressures. signifi cant cost reductions in than capable of hosting out- “It’s going to be interesting to organising the Olympic Games standing Olympic and Paral- see how both sides cope with it.” and make them more sustain- ympic Games. The 20-year-old Barrett, able,” it said. The commis- “Their candidatures have however, was a bigger selection sion’s report will be the key put the Olympic Movement surprise by Hansen, with Israel reference document for IOC in a win-win situation with Dagg moving to fullback last members in the lead-up to the very little to separate the two week after Ben Smith failed a 2024 Candidate City Briefi ng projects. In other words, we concussion test during the 30-15 on July 11-12 in Lausanne, with have two projects which are fi rst test victory in Auckland. the fi nal vote scheduled to take great for the respective cities Dagg has moved back to the become the seventh New Zealand team have been based since Sun- Carwyn James’ 1971 vintage, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read place during the 131st IOC ses- and two cities which are great right wing with Waisake Naholo player to achieve 100 Test caps. day. “Very rarely do they lose and and if the current crop are to re- (captain), 7-Sam Cane, 6-Jerome sion in Lima on September 13. for the Olympic Games.” dropping out of the squad. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins very rarely do they lose at home peat that success they will have Kaino, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Bro- Hansen also recalled winger said the Lions know they must so everything is on the line. to overcome the All Blacks at a die Retallick, 3-Owen Franks, Julian Savea after he was left out play the game of their lives to “It’s the series decider, World venue where they have not lost 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Joe Moody. Wallabies skipper Moore welcomes of the matchday 23 with Rieko beat the All Blacks, who won the Cup fi nal if you like. Whatever since 1994, to France. Replacements: 16-Nathan Har- Ioane preferred instead for the fi rst test at Eden Park 30-15. you want to label it as, it’s a hu- ris, 17-Wyatt Crockett, 18-Charlie extra fi tness work fi rst two tests. Ioane scored two “Look, we know what’s com- mongous game. We know how New Zealand: 15-Jordie Barrett, Faumuina, 19-Scott Barrett, Captain Stephen Moore has welcomed the Wallabies plan to get tries in the fi rst test, but the ball ing. They’re incredibly good. We hard it’s going to be.” 14-Israel Dagg, 13-Anton Lienert- 20-Ardie Savea, 21-TJ Perenara, Australia’s players fit enough for Test rugby ahead of crunch did not run his way during the know that,” Jenkins told report- The only Lions team to beat Brown, 12-Ngani Laumape, 11-Ju- 22-Aaron Cruden, 23-Malakai matches against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. second. Captain Kieran Read will ers in Queenstown, where the New Zealand in a series was lian Savea, 10-Beauden Barrett, Fekitoa. Moore had expressed his frustration with the fitness levels of his colleagues after Australia laboured to a 40-27 win over Italy in Brisbane last month, fading badly in the second half before grab- George keeps ‘clear head’ as Lions history beckons bing two late tries to stave off a shock defeat. Wallabies coaches have contacted Super Rugby franchises to ensure those in con- Hooker Jamie George says the concentrate on their rugby for The Lions edged the 14-man All The Saracens front-rower said the bench, has hit a rich vein of tention to face world champions New Zealand on August 19 are British and Irish Lions cannot let the decider against the back-to- Blacks 24-21 in Wellington but the Lions could also not aff ord form in New Zealand, earning in prime condition. “We didn’t want to be in that situation where the occasion overwhelm them back world champions. George said the tourists would to be intimidated by the All himself a starting spot in the we did have to top players up at this stage of the year, but we are,” as they chase a historic Test “Immortality? We’re fully aware need to improve against a New Blacks’ record at Eden Park, first two Tests. hooker Moore told reporters. “We just have to work as hard as we series win over the All Blacks. of what’s at stake... (but) we Zealand side intent on revenge. where they have not lost for 23 “I’ve taken a lot of confidence can now to make sure we’re as well prepared as we can be for that Tied at 1-1, the Lions can snare can’t get carried away with the “It’s about taking it to another years. from the way I’ve been play- first test match.” None of Australia’s five Super Rugby teams have their first series in New Zealand emotional side,” he said. level now,” he said. “We know “There’s a huge amount of ing. I’m learning a lot from the beaten New Zealand opponents this season with two more weeks since 1971 when the tour “We’ve got to go into the game that the All Blacks will be hurt- excitement. We’re aware of the people around me; the likes of of matches plus the playoff s still remaining. After easing past Fiji reaches a blockbuster finale at with clear heads and attack it. ing and will come back firing. record at Eden Park but we’re Tadhg Furlong and Alun Wyn in Melbourne in the first of three June internationals, Australia suf- Eden Park on Saturday. “Sometimes you can maybe get “So we need to be able to take going to be looking to change Jones,” he said. fered a surprise 24-19 loss to Scotland in Sydney before the huge George acknowledged the im- overawed by the occasion and ourselves to a place we’ve never that this week,” he said “To be run around by Conor scare against Italy at Lang Park. “I think there was a recognition portance of the match but said think about making history. But been before, both mentally and The 26-year-old, whose 17 Murray and Johnny Sexton is the loadings weren’t where they needed to be going into that June Warren Gatland’s men had to we can’t think about that.” physically.” England caps have all come off pretty special.” series so that’s the cold, hard facts of it,” Moore added. Gulf Times Thursday, July 6, 2017 7 CRICKET

PREVIEW: ENGLAND VS SOUTH AFRICA, 1ST TEST WOMEN’S WORLD CUP India beat Sri Lanka Root ‘excited’ to by 16 runs lead England at last ‘I have had a long time to think about a few things since becoming captain and that is the decision I have made. I think it is where I play my best cricket’

AFP Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu is bowled out by India’s Poonam London Yadav during their Women’s World Cup match yesterday.

Agencies run mark. For Sri Lanka, Weerak- oe Root says he feels excited by the Derby kody scalped three wickets while prospect of fi nally leading England Ranaweera took two wickets. in a Test on the eve of the South Africa series opener at Lord’s. rilliant all-round per- BRIEF SCORES: India 232/8 JMonths of waiting will come to an formance helped India (Deepti Sharma 78 Mithali Raj end on Thursday for the 26-year-old beat Sri Lanka by 16 runs 53; Weerakkody 3/28) against Sri Yorkshire batsman, who was named as in a group stage match of Lanka: 216/7 (Dilani Manodara Alastair Cook’s successor as Test captain Bthe ICC Women’s World Cup at 37, Shashikala Siriwardene 61; back in February. the County Cricket ground here Poonam Yadav 2/23) England, however, have been concen- on yesterday. trating on limited overs action since then Chasing 233, Sri Lanka never ENGLAND CRUSH S AFRICA but Thursday’s match, the fi rst of a four- looked in the contention as they England scored a mammoth 373 Test series, will mark their return to red- lost their wickets at regular in- and despite a strong reply South ball cricket. tervals. Middle-order players Africa fell 68 runs short to give “I’m very excited,” Root told reporters — Chamari Atapattu (25), Dilani the hosts a great win. Sarah Tay- at Lord’s yesterday. Manodara (37) and Shashikala lor and Tammy Beaumont both “For it to fi nally come round has made Siriwardene (61) — however, dis- scored huge centuries and shared it feel a little bit more real. I just want to played some good batting, but a second-wicket stand of 275 – get out there.” Indian bowlers soon overpow- the highest in Women’s World Root confi rmed that Hampshire spin- ered them. Cup history and the second- ner Liam Dawson would play today. Besides these, however, no oth- highest in all women’s ODIs. Meanwhile recalled batsman Gary Bal- er Sri Lankan batswomen stepped South Africa did put up a fi ght, lance will come in at number three, the up to the occasion and losing becoming the fi rst team to score new skipper at four and their Yorkshire wickets at the regular intervals, Sri more than 300 while chasing team-mate Jonny Bairstow at fi ve. Lanka went down to India. second, thanks to half-centuries “I have had a long time to think about For India, Poonam Yadav and from Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle a few things since becoming captain and Jhulan Goswami took two wick- Lee and Chloe Tryon. But even- that is the decision I have made,” said ets each. tually they fell short. Root. “I think it is where I play my best Earlier, winning the toss and cricket.” electing to bat, Deepti Sharma BRIEF SCORES: England women Dawson’s inclusion means that, for the (78) and skipper Mithali Raj (53) 373 for 5 (Beaumont 148, Taylor second year in a row, uncapped paceman helped India post what turned 147, Kapp 3-77) beat South Africa Toby Roland-Jones has missed out on out to be a decent 232/8. 305 for 9 (Lee 72, Wolvaardt 67, the chance of making a Test debut at his After a poor start by the top Hazell 3-70, Knight 2-52) by 68 runs Middlesex home ground. order batswomen, Deepti and This match will be left-armer Daw- Mithali forged a 118-run third- AUSTRALIA CRUSH PAKISTAN, son’s fi rst Test on home soil after he made wicket partnership in 26 overs to MAKE IT FOUR WINS IN A ROW a debut in an innings and 75-run defeat stabilise the Indian innings. The defending champions by India at Chennai in December. But just when things seemed crushed Pakistan by 159 runs The 27-year-old Dawson made an un- good at the middle, Deepti was and moved closer to a semi-fi nal beaten 66 in that match and also took two sent packing in the 37th over by spot. The best part for the Aus- for 129 in 43 overs, conceding on average pacer Ama Kanchana. Deepti sies was that they did it without just three runs an over. slammed 10 boundaries in her their captain Meg Lanning, who “When he came into the side he bowled 110-ball knock. sat out of the game because of a with great control,” said Root of Dawson. New batswoman Jhulan Gos- shoulder niggle. “He looked very at home and he will England’s Joe Root with coach Trevor Bayliss (left) during nets. wami (9) was dismissed in the Australia didn’t have the best complement the rest of the attack as 40th over and in the same over of starts. But then Elyse Villani well.” born 27-year-old left-hander. Root averages over 52 in Test cricket, “When I get out in the middle, I’ll look Miltali was adjudged leg before and Ellyse Perry resurrected the “A lot of people asked questions about having scored 11 hundreds in 53 matches — as I have previously — to play the situ- wicket off Slow left-arm ortho- innings and Alyssa Healy pro- QUESTIONS OF BALLANCE the last time he played for England but I at this level. ation that’s in front of me.” dox Inoka Ranaweera. vided the boost in the end. Ballance, dropped twice by England, has look at his game now, as do the other se- Concerns have been expressed that the South Africa have lost just one away Middle-order batswomen Har- Pakistan couldn’t muster a forced his way back in after piling on lectors, and he is a completely diff erent responsibility of captaincy might hinder Test series in the last 10 years and Root manpreet Kaur (20) and Veda god enough response. Except for the runs for Yorkshire — he is averag- player.” Root’s run-scoring. said: “They’re a side that generally al- Krishnamurthy (29) added 50 runs their ever-dependable skipper ing over 101 in the First Division of the England lost eight Tests last year al- But, having seen fellow leading bats- ways play well in foreign conditions. for the sixth wicket before both Sana Mir, who scored 45, the rest County Championship this season — though they did start 2016 by completing men Steve Smith (Australia) and Virat “Their seamers have proved to be very players were dismissed by pacer S. didn’t show up. even though his last six Test innings have a 2-1 series win in South Africa. Kohli (India) continue to score heavily as strong in the past. A lot of the guys have Weerakkody in the same over. yielded just 49 runs in total. “We had a tough year last year in Test Test skippers, the new England captain experience of facing them over in South Lower-order batswomen Su- BRIEF SCORES: Australia 290 for “In terms of Gary I look at how he has cricket but I think a lot of the squad is said: “I can’t see how I’ll approach bat- Africa, which should help going into this shma Verma (11) and Mansi Joshi 8 (Perry 66, Healy 63*, Villani 59, performed this year and the amount of very settled and has learnt a lot from that ting diff erently. series. (2) struggled in the slog overs, Mir 3-49) beat Pakistan 131 (Mir runs he has scored and he has been phe- and is ready to put that right this year,” “I’ve generally prepared as I’d normal- “But it’s about making sure we look af- and as a result Sri Lanka man- 45, Beams 3-23, Gardner 3-28) by nomenal,” said Root of the Zimbabwe- Root said. ly prepare for any other Test. ter our game now.” aged to keep India below the 250- 159 runs

BOTTOMLINE SUGGESTION Pakistan’s Raja Elgar won’t let Lord’s get to him wants Test ‘window’ AFP London Philander says South Africa won’t AFP play their part as well. London “You have to acknowledge and ‘get in a Faf’ over absentees respect the status of Test match tand-in South Africa Vernon Philander believes Philander told reporters at cricket and it has to come from captain Dean Elgar has South Africa have the re- Lord’s on Tuesday. ormer Pakistan batsman the cricket boards, in Asia spe- insisted that while hon- sources to cope without two “It’s an opportunity for some- Ramiz Raja has urged cifi cally. oured to lead the Proteas senior batsmen when the first one else to step up and make the International Cricket “For example, MS Dhoni re- inS the fi rst Test against England Council to set aside a tired from Test cricket yet got the Test against England starts at a name for himself,” added the at Lord’s, he won’t be over- two-monthF window solely for A-grade contract from the BCCI, Lord’s today. 32-year-old. whelmed by the occasion. Proteas captain Faf du Plessis “That’s the way we always Test matches in a bid to preserve Shahid Afridi retired from Test The 30-year-old opening will miss the match as he see it.” the longest form of the game. cricket yet got the A-grade con- batsman is in charge for the se- spends time at home with De Villiers has not played Test While crowds for Tests in tract from PCB. ries opener after regular Test his wife after the birth of the cricket since January last year countries such as England re- “It is under a lot of stress in captain Faf du Plessis decided couple’s first child. and Philander said: “We’ve main strong, Raja, a member of Asia but if we have a properly to remain at home with his wife Meanwhile former skipper AB made adjustments in order to the infl uential MCC world crick- planned Test match champion- following the recent birth of de Villiers, one of the world’s move on. et committee, fears interest in ship, that’s the way out of this, their fi rst child. leading batsmen, has decided “I think that’s a personal deci- Asia is “dwindling” thanks part- otherwise we will be struggling Du Plessis is, however, ex- to opt out of the four-Test se- sion. It’s entirely up to him ly to the rise of lucrative domes- to put aside as much money as pected back in time for this ries completely as he consid- what he wants to play. tic Twenty20 competitions such is available for the T20 leagues,” month’s second of a four-Test ers his international future. “We’re a settled unit now. The as the Indian Premier League. Raja insisted. series at Trent Bridge. South Africa’s Dean Elgar during nets. It now falls to opener Dean boys have obviously done “I feel that the ICC has a de- Meanwhile the committee, In the meantime it falls to El- Elgar to skipper South Africa well over the last 12 months,” cent plan in the shape of the whose members also include gar to lead the side at the ‘home “It’s an enhanced feeling he would be able to exert all the for the first time but Proteas insisted Philander of a Proteas World Test Championship,” said such illustrious names as Ricky of cricket’, where the Proteas when you get here, an emotion authority he required, even paceman Philander was in team that have risen to sec- Raja after a committee meeting Ponting, Brendon McCullum, have not lost in six Tests since to try and do well. That’s the though he’s set to be in charge upbeat mood as he contem- ond in the world Test rankings. at Lord’s on Tuesday. Sourav Ganguly and Kumar San- their re-admission to interna- feeling anywhere in the world,” for just the one Test. plated another Test at Lord’s “Our focus is not on one par- “There should be a window for gakkara, has come down against tional cricket, a sequence com- explained Elgar, who has scored “If you take me off the eldfi after his second-innings five ticular player. Our focus is on that and everything else should reducing Tests from fi ve days to prising four wins and two draws. seven hundreds in his 35 Tests, I’m quite a reserved and quiet for 30 at the ‘home of cricket’ the team.” stop for a period of two months four days after it was suggested a Elgar, asked at a Lord’s news with a career batting average of guy, and if I get to know the indi- five years ago played a key As for Elgar, Philander said: so the best players are available shorter game might be more fan- conference yesterday how he nearly 40. viduals I’m a bit of a clown. role in a 51-run win that sealed “He’s got a job to do. I hope to play Test cricket.” friendly. would feel walking out onto the “But because Lord’s has got “But once I cross the line, you a 2-0 series victory. he’ll get a win under his belt. He added: “It’s got to get bet- “Last time we met, the com- ground today, replied by saying so much tradition and history can see it in my batting, I’m a bit “We’ve lost players in the past, “We’ll probably make his job ter. In Asia, for example, because mittee was split, with some it would be the “most proud day it’s maybe a little bit more than tougher and more nuggety. and guys have stepped up,” as easy as possible.” of poor Test match scheduling, believing we should trial four- so far of my career”. other venues.” “In that sense the captaincy the interest is dwindling. day Test matches,” said outgo- He added: “Everything about Elgar stressed that all that vibe will be within those kind of “When you go back home you ing chairman Mike Brearley, the Lord’s seems to want you to do had to be put to one side come lines — a little bit more aggres- you are away from home, that’s Test series. are never sure if you are going former England captain. better. You hear all the folklore the match itself, saying: “As a sive, a bit more of a fi ghter out the only family you have. “I loved it. It was a very good to have a one-Test series, a two- “This time, most of us when you’re growing up and captain you have to look at it as there, maybe taking the play to “We fi nd a way to make it work three months for me at Somer- Test series or whether you are thought, looking at the fact that you watch it on TV, and it always another game of cricket. the opposition.” for us,” added the new skipper. set,” he said. going to have a Test series at all.” over half the matches that got looks so nice. “You can’t let the occasion get South Africa are a formidable Now Elgar hopes the time he “I’m a bit of a cricket thinker. I results last year got results in “Once you reach the big arena the better of you. Give it the ac- side on the road having lost just spent with county side Somer- do watch the game quite closely. ‘RESPECT’ the fi fth day, that we didn’t want all those memories come fl ood- knowledgement and respect like one Test series away from home set earlier this season, where he “Playing against diff erent Raja said national governing Test cricket to become more bor- ing back, and you have your fi rst it does deserve, but you’ve still in the last 10 years scored 517 runs at an average of guys is a good insight, especially bodies such as the Board of Con- ing. So from a cricket point of opportunity to play here and try got a job to do.” “Everyone gets along and 47 in the County Championship, if you might face them in the in- trol for Cricket in India and the view, we believe they should stay do well here. Meanwhile Elgar had no doubt tours well,” said Elgar. “When will pay dividends during the ternational arena.” Pakistan Cricket Board had to fi ve days.”

Thursday, July 6, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING First French success for Emir’s Sword winner Ebraz

Agencies this champion, who won HH The La Teste-de-Buch, France Emir’s Sword in Doha in an impres- sive style. “He won nicely and we are sat- is Highness Sheikh Mo- isfi ed,” trainer Julian Smart said. hamed bin Khalifa al- “The horse will run in Goodwood, Thani-owned Ebraz im- the fi rst leg of the Doha Triple posed himself in the Coup Crown. It is not an easy challenge duH Sud-Ouest des pur-sang Arabes because he is not a miler. Today (Gr2 PA) at La Teste-de-Buch on the race was selective and the style Tuesday. of his success shows that he could The colt, quiet at the beginning produce a good performance in under Christian Demuro, was kept England. After Goodwood he will up in the middle of the fi eld, while go to Chantilly for the Qatar Ara- Thabid and Al Mouwaff ak were bian World Cup. The French race leading the race at a fast pace. On could fi t him because he has a lot of the home straight, Ebraz showed a class and stamina. He is a bit imma- nice turn of foot and took quite eas- ture even if he is a 4 years old. For ily the advantage at 100m from the Chantilly, Cristian Demuro could post. ride him. He has a lot of experience Jockey Cristian Demuro and trainer Julian Smart with Ebraz in the winner’s enclosure after the His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned colt won Coup du It is a fi rst success in France for on that course.” Sud-Ouest des pur-sang Arabes (Gr2 PA) at La Teste-de-Buch on Tuesday. (JDG)

FOCUS BEACH VOLLEYBALL Qatar duo Aspire Academy Jeff erson and hosts Barca stars Cherif score Pique, Alba and Busquets praise Aspire Academy facilities on their visit Gstaad upset

Barcelona players Gerard Pique (second from left), Sergio Busquets (third from left) Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (left) and Jeff erson Santos Pereira scored an and Jordi Alba visit the new extension of the Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. (AFP) upset win over Olympic silver medal winners Daniele Lupo and Paolo Nicolai of Italy yesterday. By Sports Reporter to Spain’s Second Division, Pique added: Doha “I think this will be a great experience for Agencies matches against American and the team. It’s also good for Aspire Acade- Gstaad, Switzerland Chilean duos, respectively. my because they will be able to send their Entering this week’s FIVB arcelona stars Gerard Pique, Jor- players to Spain to help them prepare for World Tour event in the Swiss di Alba and Sergio Busquets vis- the Qatar World Cup 2022.” atar duo Jeff erson San- Alps, Jeff erson and Cherif had ited Aspire Academy yesterday. When asked if he’d consider playing in tos Pereira and Cherif won only two of six matches in As part of their visit, the play- the Qatar Stars League like former team- Younousse posted their previous tournaments this Bers received a tour of Aspire Academy’s mate Xavi Hernandez, Pique said: “Right the biggest upset in season after placing 33rd, 25th, facilities and the latest technologies on now, I would like to fi nish my football ca- theQ fi rst round of the main draw 17th and 33rd at international off er, including a sneak peek of Aspire reer with Barcelona, but in football you action here yesterday at the events in China, Russia, The Academy’s new building, which is still never know. I cannot rule anything out US$600,000 Gstaad Major with Netherlands and Croatia. Prior under construction. completely.” a three-set win over Olympic sil- to the 2017 campaign, the Qatar Spain’s star defender Gerard Pique Meanwhile, Jordi Alba advised Aspire ver medal winners Daniele Lupo duo had placed fi fth in the 2015 praised Aspire Academy, saying it is Academy’s student-athletes to soak up and Paolo Nicolai of Italy. FIVB World Championships in equipped with great facilities. as much knowledge from their coaches as Barcelona player Gerard Pique (centre) poses for a photo during a visit to Sealine Seeded 29th in the Gstaad The Netherlands and ninth at the When asked about his retirement plans possible and to keep fi ghting to their level desert area, south of Doha, yesterday. (AFP) Major main draw after winning Rio 2016 Olympic Games. from the national team, Pique said: “I of football. Commenting on the develop- two qualifying matches Tuesday, In addition to the fi nal pool have thought a lot about this decision and ment of sports in Qatar, Alba added: “The like Aspire provide a good foundation for The players were welcomed to Aspire Jeff erson and Cherif posted a 2-1 play matches the next two days, am happy I have made the right one. I’ll sports fi eld in Qatar is growing steadily. young players to make it into professional by senior offi cials from Aspire Academy, (13-21, 21-13, 23-21) Pool D win the men will play a round of be 31 next year and I want to have a long Qatar has a lot of potential and people are leagues. In order to succeed in football, comprising Aspire Academy deputy di- in 47 minutes over the fourth- elimination matches in the 24- career with my club, FC Barcelona. To do expecting great things from it.” players have to remain committed and mo- rector general Ali Salem Afi fa, Football seeded Lupo and Nicolai. team bracket tomorrow. After that, sometimes you have to make sac- Speaking about Aspire Academy, Spain’s tivated. International exposure provides Performance & Science director Professor It was the Qatar duos’ fi rst two rounds of elimination play, rifi ces and leaving the national team will midfi elder Sergio Busquets praised the spa- this and benefi ts young players, as dem- Valter Di Salvo, Sport and Strategy director win in three FIVB World Tour the men’s semi-fi nals and medal give me more time to rest.” cious facilities and high-level of coaching. onstrated by the growth of Aspire Acad- Markus Egger, Corporate Services director meetings with the Italians. Jef- matches will be contested Sunday Speaking about Aspire-owned Cul- He said, “As a player, I’d personally enjoy emy graduate and Sporting Gijon forward, Ali Sultan Fakhroo and Aspire Academy’s ferson and Cherif conclude pool where the winning team will split tural y Deportiva Leonesa’s promotion using these facilities every day. Academies Akram Afi f.” school principal Jassim al-Jaber. play today and tomorrow with the $40,000 fi rst-place prize.

ASIAN CLUB VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Asian Athletics C’ship begins in Bhubaneswar Al Arabi lose to Sarmayeh Bank of Iran in semi-fi nals

Agencies Ninh Binh, Vietnam

atar’s Al Arabi Sports Club lost to Sarmayeh Bank of Iran in the semi-fi nals of the SMMQ 2017 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Ninh Binh in Vietnam yesterday. Al Arabi lost 3-0 (23-25, 17-25, 19-25) to their Iranian counter- parts during an encounter that was a repeat of the last edition’s fi nal. Al Arabi had seen off Taichung Commercial Bank from Chinese Taipei in straight sets 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-16) to advance to the semi-fi nals. Sarmayeh Bank will now face Action from the match between Qatar’s Al Arabi (in red) and Sarmayeh Japan’s Toyoda Gosei Trefuerza Bank of Iran (in grey) during their semi-final yesterday. in the fi nal. Croatian opposite spiker Igor 16,25-22,25-22 yesterday. pared and executed our tactics Omrcen scored 33 points to steer “It was an amazing game and very well today. It is very nice job the Japanese team past Kaza- a wonderful performance from for us,” said Igor Omrcen, who Asian Athletics Association president General Dahlan al-Hamad addresses a pre-Championship press conference in Bhubaneswar, khstan’s Altay VC with a sensa- my team. We fought very hard to joined Toyoda Gosei Trefuerza India, yesterday. (Right) Glimpse of the opening ceremony at the Kalinga Stadium yesterday. (Twitter/AsianAthletics) tional straight-set victory 25- the fi nal round. I think we pre- for four years.