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Saturday, August 27, 2016 FOOTBALL Dhul Qa’da 24, 1437 AH No place for GULF TIMES Bastian at United, says Mourinho SPORT Page 3 Barshim wins high jump competition at Athletissima meet in Lausanne Star Qatari high-jumper and Rio Olympics silver medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim won the high-jump competi- tion at the Lausanne ‘Athletissima’ Diamond League meeting on Thurs- day night. Barshim cleared 2.35m on his third attempt which proved to be the winning jump in the end. The Qatar athlete beat Robbie Grabarz into second as the Briton cleared eve- rything up to 2.32m on his fi rst try but found 2.35m beyond his reach. Barshim won the silver medal at the just-concluded Rio Olympic Games, Qatar’s fi rst ever at the Olympics. Aft er competing neck-and-neck with Canadian Derek Drouin till the fi nal stages of the Olympic high-jump com- petition, the 25-year-old lost the gold to the Canadian aft er failing to clear 2.38m three times. His 2.36m leap was enough to get him the silver medal though. Barshim previously took bronze at the London Olympics in 2012 by jump- ing 2.29m, and gold at the 2014 World Indoor Championships in Poland.

CONFIDENT Ready to embrace pressure, says Qatar captain al-Haidos ‘I’m very optimistic. We’re more determined than ever to realise the dream we’ve been pursuing for a very long time’

ith just days to go before edition – improving on their failed bid each of our opponents.” Qatar begin the last round to reach Brazil 2014. Despite their past travails in World of Asian qualifying for the “We’re aware of the pressure upon Cup qualifying, Qatar appear in good 2018 FIFA World Cup Rus- us,” al-Haidos continued. “Our loyal shape to challenge this time, having Wsia, captain Hasan al-Haidos is brim- supporters want to see us at the World topped Group C in the previous round ming with confi dence. Cup, which is entirely fair. The pressure thanks to seven wins from eight games. “This time, I’m very optimistic,” he will only build, but we’re determined to That enabled them to progress before told FIFA.com, sharing his hopes in an transform it into positive energy. One of any other team, and their impressive exclusive interview. “We’re more de- our major assets against our opponents tally of 29 goals was also the best on termined than ever to realise the dream will be our combativeness. the continent. Playing out wide or as a we’ve been pursuing for a very long time.” “Like I’ve said before, optimism withdrawn forward, al-Haidos notched The task awaiting al-Haidos and doesn’t spring from hope alone. Eve- fi ve of those strikes in seven appear- Co is a Group A featuring South Ko- rything we’re experiencing at the mo- ances, and he goes into the next phase rea, Syria, Iran, China and Uzbekistan. ment is feeding our ambition. as Qatar’s leading scorer. They kick off away to Iran at the Azadi “Our preparations have been pro- “Our start against Maldives was hard Stadium in Tehran on September 1, and ductive and varied, and we’ve improved work, but after that the wins kept com- will be eager to improve on past results our physical condition in the early part ing,” he said. “We improved in every if they are to hit the ground running. of this season. Our friendly games have match, as our victories against China That game will be the ninth between shown that the players have progressed and Hong Kong just go to show. We only the two nations, Qatar having recorded in terms of technique as well. We’ve put lost on the last day, when we’d already just one win to go with three draws and in a lot of work and we want to see it pay qualifi ed. As for my goals, if I scored four defeats—all three stalemates and one off on the pitch.” a few it was thanks to the work of the loss coming on the road to Brazil 2014. Qatar will be pitting themselves whole team. For me, it’s more important Al-Haidos played in two of those against a trio of former World Cup par- to win and get points than score goals. I games and he is adamant that his team ticipants in Group A, with South Korea, hope I can continue fi nding the net and need to make a strong start. Iran and China having all graced previ- helping my team-mates do the same.” “It’s always important to begin well,” ous fi nals. For al-Haidos, their pres- At 25, al-Haidos could be forgiven for he said. “I don’t think we could have ence makes his team’s mission even fi nding the captain’s armband a heavy had a more diffi cult opening game. It’s more complicated, but he does not view responsibility, but after several years always very tough against Iran, and those sides as clear favourites. of testing himself on the international even more so away from home in front “Experience counts, but football has stage, he feels comfortable in the role. of their fans. But I think we’re ready to changed a lot,” he explains. “It’s diffi cult “It’s an honour for any player. I hope I’m face the challenge this time. We’ve pre- to pick out a favourite to go through. I able to live up to the greats who’ve gone pared well with (head coach) Jose Car- think all the teams will start on an equal before me in recent years, like Mohamed reno. The players have a perfect under- footing. They’ll all be kicking off with a Salem al-Enazi and Mubarak Mustafa.” standing and everyone is determined to lot of ambition and the intention of tak- Leading from the front, the key now meet expectations over there.” ing points, and that’s normal. is to maintain the momentum that has Those expectations have certainly “What will make things diffi cult is spread such belief through the Qatari risen since Qatar was chosen to host the diversity of the teams in this group. ranks. “We’re all going to pull together the 2022 World Cup, which the nation- Some of them are all about pace and to clinch qualifi cation. I know the fans al team will compete in as automatic excellent technique, while others are will be there for us in the stadiums. qualifi ers. While work on stadiums and more noted for their physical power and Everything will depend on what hap- infrastructure continues around the tactical expertise. We’ll be relying on pens on the pitch and I hope this long country, Carreno’s charges have per- our hard work and our coach Carreno road will lead us to a place at Russia formed well in the lead-up to the 2018 to put the right game plans in place for 2018.” (www.FIFA.com) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT LIGUE 1/ PREVIEW Monaco, PSG ready for domestic duel Blatter fi ghts FIFA AFP Khelaifi told Infosport+, al- Paris though Benjamin Stambouli is on his way out after closing in on a move to Schalke. ith their Champi- Alexandre Lacazette’s su- ons League quali- perb start to the season has fi cation assured, earned him a recall to the Monaco switch France squad following his ban in marathon theirW focus to hosting French Euro 2016 omission, and the title-holders and fellow Euro- 25-year-old will attempt to pean hopefuls Paris Saint-Ger- add to his fi ve goals at Dijon. main in Ligue 1 this weekend. While Lyon president Jean- Monaco secured an impres- Michel Aulas has insisted that sive 3-1 aggregate victory over Lacazette will stay, his pres- Villarreal of Spain in midweek, ence central to OL’s hopes of no insignifi cant result as the navigating a Champions League fi nal appeal at CAS principality club attempts to group including Juventus, Se- keep hold of its top players. villa and Dinamo Zagreb, Lille Leonardo Jardim’s side were winger Sofi ane Boufal is likely ‘I cannot give any prognosis how it will be decided. I will accept the verdict. I do hope it placed with CSKA Moscow, Bay- to join the Ligue 1 exodus. er Leverkusen and Tottenham The Morocco international will be positive for me, but we are footballers. We learn to win but also we learn to lose’ Hotspur in Group E of Europe’s is the subject of bids from premier club competition, while Southampton, coached by PSG, quarter-fi nalists each of former Nice boss Claude Puel, the past four seasons, will face and Watford, although the Arsenal, Basel and Ludogorets 22-year-old hasn’t featured Razgrad in Group A. since hurting his knee in April. Having fallen short in the Today’s visit to Nice, win- play-off round a year ago, ners of their two opening clinching their return to the matches, will come too soon group phase should bolster for the coveted Lille man who Monaco’s ability to retain re- has been stepping up his recov- ported Manchester United tar- ery in Doha. get Fabinho as well as Portugal Elsewhere, Marseille host international Bernardo Silva. Lorient as the beleaguered “The guarantee of keeping French giants chase their fi rst all our players? Unfortunately win of the campaign. OM coach that doesn’t exist in football, Franck Passi drew ridicule for but we were well reinforced,” claiming “all is well” at the said Monaco vice-president club following last weekend’s Vadim Vasilyev, in quotes pub- 2-1 defeat at Guingamp but he lished by French sports daily remains full of optimism. L’Equipe. “We hope to keep the “I’m not worried. I have squad like it is, the sporting very good players but not all of ambition is really the priority.” them all physically ready yet. PSG trail leaders Lyon on You (journalists) only talk about goal diff erence after beginning the result, the supporters too. their pursuit of a fi fth succes- That’s how it is and I’m not go- sive league crown with wins ing to change anything,” he said. over Bastia and promoted Metz. Saint-Etienne host Tou- Club president Nasser al- louse tomorrow, while Bor- Khelaifi said PSG had conclud- deaux will aim to bounce back ed their business in the transfer from a heavy 4-1 defeat in the market following the arrival of Garonne derby last time out Jese Rodriguez from Real Ma- when they take on Nantes. drid a fortnight ago, but the fu- ture of Blaise Matuidi remains uncertain with the France mid- Fixtures (Qatar Time) fi elder strongly linked with a Playing Today move Juventus. Dijon v Lyon (1800); Caen v PSG coach Unai Emery has Bastia; Metz v Angers; Montpel- made no secret of his desire for lier v Rennes; Nancy v Guin- Matuidi to stay, while Khelaifi gamp; Nice v Lille (all 2100) declared on Thursday that the Playing Tomorrow midfi elder would not be leav- Bordeaux v Nantes (1600); ing the Parc des Princes. “Ma- Saint-Etienne v Toulouse Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter arrives at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be heard in the arbitration procedure involving him and the FIFA in Lausanne. (Reuters) tuidi has a contract with us, he (1500); Monaco v Paris Saint- wants to stay and he will stay,” Germain (2145) AFP Platini was really a debt that we had (with Lausanne him),” Blatter said. “This is a principle: if FIFA seeks ban for Qatar offi cial you have debts you pay them.” AFP hannadi concerned his failure to properly FIFA’s ethics committee was not con- ormer FIFA president Sepp Blat- Zurich co-operate and provide truthful informa- vinced by the explanation, banning both ter fought to overturn his ban from tion to the investigatory chamber,” said Blatter and Platini for eight years in De- football in a marathon, 14-hour an ethics commission statement. It added cember. Those suspensions were, how- Fappeal hearing on Thursday, in a IFA’s ethics commission yesterday that the action was “in the framework of ever, cut to six years on appeal in February. long-shot bid at redemption after his ca- Fcalled for a two-and-a-half-year ban another investigation not related to the CAS, however, judged FIFA’s sanctions reer ended in disgrace. against a top Qatar and Asian football awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup”. against Platini “too severe” and trimmed Blatter mounted his defence against the off icial for refusing to co-operate with an The recommendation by the eth- his suspension to four years. That outcome six-year FIFA suspension imposed over inquiry. The off icial, Saoud al-Mohannadi, ics commission’s investigators will be would likely off er little comfort to the age- ethics violations at the Court of Arbitra- is an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided by the commission’s investiga- ing Blatter, whose four-decade career as a tion for Sport (CAS), which typically has vice-president and had hoped to stand as tory chamber. Al-Mohannadi has been football broker is likely over. the fi nal word in major sport disputes. an Asian candidate for the FIFA Council. reported to be one of four candidates for Separate from the Platini case, Swiss Engulfed by corruption scandals since While it did not give details of the allega- two Asian spots on FIFA’s ruling council. prosecutors are also investigating Blatter May of last year and the target of a crimi- tions against the Qatar Football Associa- The election is to be held at an AFC con- over alleged mismanagement during his nal investigation in his native Switzerland, tion vice-president, football’s governing gress in the Indian city of Goa on Septem- 17-year tenure as FIFA president. the 80-year-old Blatter appeared upbeat body said it did not involve the attribution ber 27. He is also head of the organising He was replaced in that job by fellow after emerging from the courthouse well of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. committee for the 2019 Asian Cup in the Swiss national and former UEFA number into the night. “The investigation against Mr al-Mo- United Arab Emirates. two Gianni Infantino in February. “It’s a long day,” Blatter said at 10:35pm An investigation commissioned by (2035 GMT). “I cannot give any prognosis Infantino’s administration also accused PSG coach how it will be decided.” He entered CAS World football’s former most powerful already been made,” he said, vowing to tell Blatter and two top deputies—Jerome Unai Emery shortly before 8:00am wearing a dark man said he would respect the CAS decision, the truth about the infamous payment “for Valcke and Markus Kattner—of awarding navy suit and sporting some light stubble, which should be delivered within weeks. “I the umpteenth time”. themselves nearly $80mn worth of im- telling reporters he remained “optimistic” will accept the verdict,” Blatter said before Platini left CAS after testifying at around proper salary increases and bonuses dur- and had confi dence in the arbitrators. the hearing. “I do hope it will be positive for 4:30pm, but made time for some mild ing their fi nal fi ve years in offi ce. The case that triggered Blatter’s down- me, but we are footballers. We learn to win mocking of Blatter’s stubble. “Mr Blatter is Both Valcke and Kattner have been fall fi rst emerged in September of last year, but also we learn to lose,” he added. a little tired. He has a beard, so I’ll send him sacked by FIFA. Valcke is also the subject when Swiss prosecutors said they were Platini, the former head of European a razor,” the ex-UEFA boss said. of a Swiss criminal probe. investigating him over a suspect two mn football, was also sanctioned by FIFA over Blatter restated his claim that he au- Blatter and Platini were the most promi- Swiss franc payment ($2mn, 1.8mn euros) the funds. The Frenchman lost his CAS thorised the payment because FIFA owed nent casualties during more than a year of he authorised in 2011 to his one-time heir appeal in a May verdict that likely dimin- Platini money. Platini had been hired by unprecedented scandal that upended world apparent, Michel Platini. ishes Blatter’s hopes of victory. FIFA as a consultant from 1999 to 2002 football, but many others have fallen. Blatter has insisted the payment was Speaking to reporters before giving evi- and had apparently not received his full Prosecutors in New York have indicted part of a legitimate oral contract, a claim dence at Thursday’s closed-door hearing, compensation. 40 football and sports marketing execu- that has been rejected in multiple hearings Platini said Blatter’s fate may already be “I am sure, at the end... that the panel tives over allegedly receiving tens of mil- at FIFA’s in-house courts. sealed. “I’m not sure if a decision hasn’t will understand that the payment made to lions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.

FOCUS West Ham target Man City aft er Europa League elimination

AFP ing the ball past Darren Randolph. That their new home. stage with a 6-0 aggregate playoff vic- Etienne endured a torrid fi nal 45 draw against Serbia’s Crvena Zvezda. Paris was enough to hand the Romanians Despite the disappointment, Bilic tory over Steaua Bucharest. minutes at stade Geoff roy-Guichard The Italians had done the bulk of the a 2-1 victory on aggregate, mirroring feels his side can lift themselves and get “Their coach and tactics are diff erent after goalkeeper Stephane Ruffi er was work last week, winning 3-0 at home. Astra’s 4-3 win over the Hammers at a result from Pep Guardiola’s City, hav- from last year. They play football in the sent off on the stroke of half time for Belgian side Anderlecht were anoth- nglish Premier League club the same stage of Europe’s second-tier ing masterminded a 2-1 victory in the full-back areas, which is not normal,” punching Beitar Jerusalem striker Itay er high profi le team to progress to West Ham suff ered a shock club competition last season, a ham- corresponding fi xture last season. Bilic added. Shechter. the next round after they despatched defeat by Romanian side Astra merblow for West Ham fans hoping to “We are all disappointed because it “It’s going to be hard of course, they The Israeli striker had collided with Salvia Prague 3-0 to complete a 6-0 ag- Giurgiu on Thursday that saw see more European football at the club’s was a big blow last night,” Bilic told re- have shown already they have top-class the French ‘keeper with his studs show- gregate win. themE knocked out of the Europa League new Olympic Stadium base. porters. “But we have to pick ourselves players who have gelled.” ing in a seemingly genuine attempt to Greek side Panathinaikos also ad- in a mirror image of last season’s Bilic, however, believes West Ham up and show character and quality. The coach is also confi dent of easing play the ball and Les Verts’ Ruffi er was vanced to the competitions group stage campaign. can pick themselves up and prove “It wasn’t very likely for us to win West Ham’s injury crisis with the sign- appropriately sent off for his reaction. after a 1-1 draw against Danish side Slaven Bilic’s side had left the tie their character by getting a result there last season as Manchester City ing of Juventus striker Simone Zaza. Despite the red carding, Christophe Brondby. The Greeks had won the 1st in the balance after a disappointing against Manchester City in the Premier had started great with fi ve wins, 15 “The personal terms are also agreed Galtier’s side were never really un- leg 3-0 giving them an overall win of 1-1 away draw a week ago and that re- League today. points and no goals conceded,” Bilic and he is due in London today, so we der threat and saw out a 0-0 draw to 4-1 on aggregate. sult came back to haunt them as Astra For the second year in a row, West added. “There’s no reason why we hope it will be done,” Bilic said. “It’s progress to the group stages of the Eu- Turkish side Fenerbahce logically took the lead on the stroke of half-time Ham failed to make the competition’s shouldn’t do it again this season.” very positive and is a boost. ropa League after winning 2-1 in Israel. advanced to the group stages after out- through Filipe Teixeira. group stage after being eliminated by City have a 100 percent record under “We’ve been trying for a long time Italian side Sassuolo, who fi nished classing Swiss outfi t Grasshoppers. West Ham were guilty of slack de- Astra, following up a 1-1 draw in Guardiola after beating Sunderland and now to get a top-quality striker and he sixth in Serie A last year, qualifi ed for The Turks scored two second half goals fending as Daniel Niculae found Teix- Bucharest with a 1-0 defeat at the Stoke City in the Premier League and was always mentioned.” the fi rst time in their history for a Euro- through Fernandao and Miloslav Stoch eira free in the box with the striker roll- London Stadium—their fi rst loss at reaching the Champions League group In other results, French side Saint- pean competition after a lacklustre 1-1 to guarantee qualifi cation. Gulf Times Saturday, August 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

ULTIMATUM Mourinho gives Schweinsteiger United warning

AFP it’s very diffi cult to happen. I’m not ers in the club’s academy have more they would run to Manchester to bring Manchester saying it’s impossible. I’m saying it’s chance of getting a game than Sch- him back, but no, it did not happen,” very diffi cult. weinsteiger this season. Mourinho said. “I am quite surprised “I have Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, “I have 23 players in the squad and that Mr Rummennigge is not here.” anchester United manager Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fel- in principle nobody is leaving because I The United manager, who takes Jose Mourinho indicated to laini and Michael Carrick. That’s fi ve don’t want anyone to leave and no one his team to Hull City in the Premier out-of-favour midfi elder players for two positions. It’s diffi cult is coming, and 23 players is more than League today, revealed that midfi elder Bastian Schweinsteiger that a chance will arise.” enough,” he said. Andreas Pereira will be joining La Liga Myesterday that there will be no place for Mourinho admitted he is surprised “If we have any kind of problem or club Granada on loan. him at Old Traff ord this season. Schweinsteiger is willing to see out opportunity, I have a few young players Mourinho also welcomed a Europa The Germany international has two his deal. “I cannot answer for him,” he in the academy, and I will be more than League group-stage draw that pitted years to run on a reported £190,000-a- said. “It’s his life. It’s his career. He has happy to accelerate their development his team against Dutch side Feyenoord, week ($251,000, 222,200 euros) con- a contract with Manchester United and by bringing them up. Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Ukrain- tract, but has been frozen out by Unit- has decided to stay. That’s not a prob- “I think we are going to have a very ian side Zorya Luhansk. ed’s new manager. lem for us. quiet week in the transfer window, not “It’s good for us because it feels as Schweinsteiger, 32, has declared he “Football is about decisions. I’ve done surrounded by helicopters waiting for if we are in the Champions League,” will not join another European club that throughout my career. Not just me, people to arrive and leave.” he said. “There are groups of a similar and Mourinho suggested that if he everyone does. Some players react in a Schweinsteiger joined United last year quality in the Champions League. We stays, he may not even play in the Eu- diff erent way. Bastian is not speaking a from Bayern Munich, whose president know it will be a diffi cult group. ropa League or the English Football lot, apart from the one statement he has Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised “I think it’s good for the competi- League Cup. made. He is free to do that in an objec- Mourinho’s treatment of the player. tion, which doesn’t have the same Asked if Schweinsteiger might play tive and polite way like he did.” Manager Jose Mourinho (left) has indicated to out-of-favour German midfielder “I thought after I read some quotes glamour in the Champions League. I this season, Mourinho said: “I think Mourinho hinted that even the play- Bastian Schweinsteiger that there will be no place for him at Old Traff ord this season from people at Bayern Munich that think it is good for us.”

PREMIER LEAGUE United set for Van Persie reunion in Europa League anchester United will come season to Istanbul rivals Besiktas, Mup against their former Fenerbahce were eliminated from striker Robin van Persie after the Champions League by Mo- being placed in the same group naco in the third qualifying round. Perfect records as the Dutchman’s current club They have since sacked coach Vi- Fenerbahce in yesterday’s draw tor Pereira and replaced him with for the group stage of the Europa veteran Dutchman Dick Advocaat, League. Jose Mourinho’s side whose squad includes Van Persie will also come up against Dutch and ex-Liverpool defender Martin giants Feyenoord and Zorya Skrtel. Van Persie, 33, spent three Luhansk of Ukraine in Group A. seasons at Old Traff ord before on the line as Hull Second in the Turkish league last moving to Turkey last year. No Van Persie, Depay in Dutch squad obin Van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Memphis Depay are Rthe big name omissions from Netherlands coach Danny Blind’s squad ahead of upcoming matches against Greece and Sweden. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Jorrit Hendrix receives his first call up as the Oranje, who failed to qualify for Euro 2016, play Greece in a friendly in City face United Eindhoven and then travel to Sweden for their opening game in 2018 World Cup qualifying Group A. ‘We have a tough game ahead. It’s never easy and they are one of the four teams that Henry becomes Belgium asst coach have won the first two games this season. They are back in the Premier League this ormer France star Thierry Belgian Football Association. FHenry has been named Very excited. Can’t wait,” Henry year and are having a surprising start. We will try to win and keep our good streak’ as the new assistant coach of tweeted. Henry, 39, finished his Belgium, the national coach glittering playing career in 2014 announced Roberto Martinez with New York Red Bulls after AFP announced yesterday. “Thierry previously starring for Monaco, London is an important figure. He will Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona. bring something diff erent. He Since hanging up his boots, he agreed right away to join us,” said has been working as a pundit for hat a Manchester United side ex-Everton Martinez, who was ap- British television station Sky and boasting world-record signing pointed at the start of the month as an under-18 coach at Arsenal, Paul Pogba have won their open- to succeed the sacked Marc which he left in July because Ting two games of the Premier Wilmots. “Honoured to be assist- Gunners boss Arsene Wenger League season is no surprise — but that ant coach @BelRedDevils. Thanks did not want Henry juggling his newly-promoted Hull City have done so to Roberto Martinez & the Royal coaching with his punditry. certainly is. United, managed by Jose Mourinho, Juve’s Higuain to again start on bench who guided Chelsea to several English ti- tles, splashed out £89mn (105mn euros, uventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that record sign- $116mn) to bring midfi elder Pogba back Jing Gonzalo Higuain will once again start from the bench when the from Juventus and have since beaten both defending champions go to Lazio today. “Higuain is doing really well Bournemouth and Southampton. and is very close to his top condition but in the last couple of days Hull, by contrast, have no permanent he’s had to slow down a bit because he’s had a little bit of a strain,” manager, a squad of just 13 fi t players and Allegri said. Allegri confirmed that Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic and no new signings, while the owners of the Paulo Dybala will therefore play up front with Higuain coming off the northern club are contemplating a sale. bench, just as he did to score the winner at home to Fiorentina last Yet despite all that, Hull, who only won weekend. Lazio, who have lost Antonio Candreva to Inter Milan this promotion via the play-off s, have beaten summer, have not beaten Juventus in Serie A since 2003. Premier League champions Leicester and Swansea to join United, along with fel- Ronaldo absent from Portugal squad low heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea, as just one of four teams to make till recovering from the knee returned to training with his club a perfect start in English football’s top- Sinjury that forced him off in the last week. Portugal beat France 1-0 fl ight this season. final of Euro 2016, Cristiano Ron- in the European Championship Something, however, will have to give in aldo is not in the Portugal squad final thanks to a goal in extra-time terms of a 100% league record when Hull, for the start of their 2018 World by Lille forward Eder. They face under the caretaker charge of Mike Phelan— Cup qualifying campaign. “I have Gibraltar in a friendly on Septem- a former United player who then moved been told that Cristiano Ronaldo ber 1 before taking on Switzerland onto the coaching staff to work alongside is clinically unfit,” Portugal coach in Basel on September 6 in their manager Alex Ferguson as the silverware Fernando Santos said. The Real opening 2018 World Cup qualifier. piled up at Old Traff ord—meet Mourinho’s Madrid forward, who on Thursday Portugal will also take on Hungary, men at the KCOM Stadium today. won the UEFA Best Player in the Faroe Islands, Latvia and United have looked revitalised under Europe award for last season, only Andorra in Group B. their Portuguese manager, while pre- season signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not Veteran Casillas left out of Spain team wasted any time in making his mark. The 34-year-old superstar striker, re- ew Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has left out veteran captain Iker cruited on a free transfer after leaving Paris NCasillas, the country’s most-capped player, from his first squad as St Germain, has scored four times in his manager for upcoming internationals against Belgium and Liechten- fi rst three United games, including their Manchester United’s pre-season signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, recruited on a free transfer after leaving Paris St Germain, has scored stein. “Iker is an absolute reference for the squad, a true icon yesterday, Community Shield win over Leicester. four times in his first three United games, including their Community Shield win over Leicester. Should he extend his run at Hull today, today and I hope tomorrow for Spanish football,” Lopetegui said while Should he extend his run at Hull, the 34-year-old will become the first United player in 91 years, and only the second in all, to score in his first four matches for the club. announcing his first squad yesterday since taking over from Vicente del former Sweden international Ibrahimovic Bosque in July. “But we decided that our first-choice goalkeeper will be will become the fi rst United player in 91 the verge of being appointed Hull’s man- to Claudio Bravo two days after paying has so far brought the best out of the David de Gea. In any case we are not closing the door (to Casillas) and years, and only the second in all, to score ager full time. £17mn to sign the goalkeeper from Barce- volatile striker. Next on Costa’s hit list are will continue to track his performance, but have decided not to include in his fi rst four matches for the club. And the 53-year-old has credited the lona as a direct replacement for England Burnley, who visit Stamford Bridge on the him in this list.” Casillas, 35, has won two European Championships and Already United are looking as though two decades he spent as a player, coach international Joe Hart. back of an impressive 2-0 win over Liver- the World Cup over the course of his 167 senior appearances for his they will challenge for a fi rst league title and assistant manager under Ferguson as In his most signifi cant statement of in- pool and then a woeful League Cup exit at country. Spain take on Belgium in a friendly in Brussels on September since 2013, with midfi elder Juan Mata in- playing a major role in shaping his readi- tent since arriving from Bayern Munich in fourth-tier Accrington. 1, which is Lopetegui’s first game in charge, and four days later host sisting there is better to come. ness to take the step into management. the close-season, Guardiola has axed Hart “We got a win against the odds, and Liechtenstein at home in Leon in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier. “It’s still August and that means we are Phelan won the Champions League, six and turned to Bravo because he believes the then lost against the odds,” Burnley boss Lopetegui, who brought Casillas to Porto last summer while in charge of still working on a few adjustments,” said Premier Leagues and the FA Cup during Chile captain will more successfully fulfi l Sean Dyche said. “We know there’s a the Portuguese club, also left out fellow veterans Cesc Fabregas, Pedro Mata. “We know there’s still room for im- his time working with Ferguson, and he his desire for a ‘sweeper-keeper’ who can group of teams that’s more diffi cult to get Rodriguez, and Juanfran Torres from the squad. Spain will also face Italy, provement. We are laying the foundations said: “I had a fantastic 20 years there. Sir keep possession as well as make saves. points against, particularly away from Albania, Israel and Macedonia in qualifying Group G for the World Cup. of the team for this season. Alex would give you an opportunity to do Bravo has signed in time to face the home, and Chelsea come into that.” “We have a tough game ahead at Hull the work which was good in terms of my Hammers at Eastlands tomorrow and it At White Hart Lane, Tottenham host Top four leagues to get four CL berths City. It’s never easy and they are one of development and it was a great place to will be fascinating to see how he fares if Liverpool in a clash between two clubs the four teams that have won the fi rst two learn about so many aspects of coaching Guardiola selects him ahead of deputy hoping to gatecrash the Manchester du- he top four leagues in Europe places in the group phase, with a games this season,” the Spaniard added. and management.” Willy Caballero, who started City’s league opoly at the top of the table. Liverpool Twill be guaranteed four places in fourth team entering in the play-off “They are back in the Premier League this Hull, who are unbeaten at home in the wins over Sunderland and Stoke. “Claudio duo Emre Can (ankle) and Divock Origi the group stage of the Champions round. Italy has two guaranteed year and are having a surprising start. We league since November, haven’t signed is a fantastic goalkeeper and an excellent (cramp) are struggling to be fi t in time. League from the 2018/19 season, berths while a third team enters the will try to win and keep our good streak.” a senior outfi eld player on a permanent addition to our squad,” Guardiola said. UEFA confirmed yesterday. The play-off s. The move will be seen as a Midfi elder Jesse Lingaard will return to deal for almost a year, but remain hopeful “He has experience and great leadership Fixtures (Qatar Time) changes aff ect the top four domes- manner of appeasing the continent’s the United squad following a hamstring of bringing in reinforcements in the fi nal qualities and is in the prime of his life.” Playing Today (1700 unless stated) tic leagues in UEFA’s ranking, which biggest clubs, especially as UEFA problem, with the out-of-favour Bastian week of the transfer window. Chelsea’s renaissance under former Ju- Chelsea v Burnley, Crystal Palace vs Bourne- are currently Spain’s Primera Liga, have also revealed that financial dis- Schweinsteiger—who this week said he Meanwhile, defender Josh Tymon and ventus and Italy boss Antonio Conte has mouth, Everton vs Stoke, Hull v Manches- Germany’s Bundesliga, England’s tribution to clubs will be “increased would not move to another club in Eu- striker Greg Luer, who were both injured been aided by the predatory instincts of ter United (1930), Leicester vs Swansea, Premier League and Italy’s Serie A, significantly” for the Champions rope—the only senior player not under in Hull’s 3-1 EFL Cup win at fourth-tier Diego Costa, whose late goals have secured Southampton vs Sunderland, Tottenham vs and will initially run until 2021. At League and Europa League and that consideration. Exeter in midweek, face fi tness tests ahead wins against West Ham and Watford. Liverpool (1430), Watford vs Arsenal the moment, only the three leading “historical success in the competi- Phelan, who took charge after the res- of today’s match. Costa had been linked with a move Playing Tomorrow leagues — Spain, Germany and tion will also be acknowledged in ignation of former Manchester United Elsewhere, Manchester City coach Pep back to Atletico Madrid after a tempestu- Manchester City vs West Ham (1800), England — are guaranteed three coeff icient calculation”. teammate Steve Bruce last month, is on Guardiola could give an immediate debut ous second season in England, but Conte West Brom vs Middlesbrough (1530) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 27, 2016 RUGBY

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Backs to the wall, Wallabies will Hansen’s planning perform better, in focus as NZ says coach Cheika take on Australia Hansen’s goal in 2016 has been about ‘refreshing’ the team with an eye on becoming the first side to win three successive World Cups when Japan hosts the tournament in 2019, consistently improving the team’s standard of play along the way

Reuters show your colours. I know where Wellington my colours are.” Cheika understood that fans, the media and former players had ammered on the fi eld, every right to criticise the team, pilloried by fans and even publicly, but he had been local media off it, the encouraged by the quiet support woefully out-of-form off ered by others. WallabiesH have even been called “There is a lot of ex-players delusional by one of their former who contact you (privately)... and players this week. say ‘we understand that it’s pain- Such is the perceived gulf ful but we support you’, because in class between Australia and they will support Australians no New Zealand, bookmakers on matter what,” Cheika said. both sides of the Tasman Sea “At the end of the day, no mat- have made the All Blacks almost ter what sport Australia is play- unbackable favourites ahead of ing, I’ll be supporting them.” their Rugby Championship clash The Wallabies were blown in Wellington today. off the park by the All Blacks’ Coach Michael Cheika, how- speed of pass and ability to get ever, was not quite prepared to their hands free when they were wave the white fl ag and leave brought to ground last Saturday, the Bledisloe Cup, the symbol while Steve Hansen’s side were of trans-Tasman supremacy, in ably assisted by an astonishing New Zealand Rugby’s trophy 40 missed tackles. cabinet, where it has sat since Cheika, however, felt his 2003. team’s tactics last week had His reasoning was that the side been right. They simply did not had been backed into a corner execute them, and the subse- after their 42-8 loss to the world quent performance was not good champions in Sydney last week enough. and there was not much else they His job this week had been to could do but simply perform bet- build up the team’s confi dence. ter. To question each player as indi- “It’s very easy for people to viduals and ask them what they jump on and put the boot in,” could do better when they ran out File photo of New Zealand players singing their national anthem prior to their Bledisloe Cup Cheika, channelling Shylock’s ‘if on Saturday, he said. Rugby Championship match against Australia in Sydney on August 20. you prick us, do we not bleed?’ “Over the week you need to speech from the Merchant of regain your confi dence and be- Reuters raising the standard of play. Even Hansen Venice, told reporters at Welling- lief and say how are we going to Wellington FACTBOX ON ALL BLACKS-WALLABIES CLASH would struggle to fi nd much to grumble ton Regional Stadium yesterday. do this and work out the way you about from last week’s 42-8 victory over “That obviously hurts us. (But) can come back,” he said. When: Aug. 27, 7.35 pm local (0735 GMT) Coach: Michael Cheika the Wallabies. we’ll take it because we haven’t “We feel like we’re in a pretty ll Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s Where: Wellington Regional Stadium, Captain: Stephen Moore Michael Cheika’s men have been pillo- performed but when it gets good space there so we will see long-term planning will again Wellington (Capacity: 34,500) Team: 15-Israel Folau, 14-Adam Ashley ried by their own fans, media and former tough, that’s the time when you how we go.” come into focus today when Referee: Romain Poite (France) Cooper, 13-Samu Kerevi, 12-Bernard Foley, players since that “Bledi awful” defeat, they face Australia in the Rugby Assistants: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), 11-Dane Haylett-Petty, 10-Quade Cooper, with the side labelled as the worst Wal- Championship,A with his mantra of ‘rais- labies team in a decade. Federico Anselmi (Argentina) 9-Will Genia, 8-David Pocock, 7-Michael ing the bar’ also likely to be tested. NEW ZEALAND Hooper, 6-Scott Fardy, 5-Adam Cole- Cheika, who has said the defeat was Bledisloe Cup big, Cooper not so for Hansen’s goal in 2016 has been about World ranking: 1 man, 4-Kane Douglas, 3-Sekope Kepu, the hardest he has had to endure as ‘refreshing’ the team with an eye on be- Coach: Steve Hansen 2-Stephen Moore (captain), 1-Scott Sio coach, has been hampered by a raft of All Blacks coming the fi rst side to win three suc- Captain: Kieran Read Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota-Nau, injuries to his inside backs and a lack of cessive World Cups when Japan hosts Team: 15-Ben Smith, 14-Israel Dagg, 17-James Slipper, 18-Allan Ala’alatoa, depth in other areas. AFP, Wellington: New Zea- the tournament in 2019, consistently im- 13-Malakai Fekitoa, 12-Anton Lienert- 19-Will Skelton, 20-Dean Mumm, 21-Nick That lack of depth has forced him to land say today’s Test in Welling- proving the team’s standard of play along Brown, 11-Julian Savea, 10-Beauden Bar- Phipps 22-Tevita Kuridrani, 23-Reece stick with largely the same side as last ton against Australia is all about the way. rett, 9-Aaron Smith; 8-Kieran Read (cap- Hodge week, while injuries have necessitated a securing the Bledisloe Cup for a The inclusion of uncapped midfi eld tain), 7-Sam Cane, 6-Jerome Kaino, 5-Sam OVERALL RECORD recall for fl yhalf Quade Cooper with Ber- 14th straight year, downplaying back Anton Lienert-Brown for the clash Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Owen Played: 156 nard Foley shunted to inside centre. the appearance of the polaris- at Wellington Regional Stadium (kickoff Franks, 2-Dane Coles, 1-Joe Moody. New Zealand wins: 107 The mercurial Cooper, who once could ing Quade Cooper. 0735 GMT) is the latest selection gamble Replacements: 16-James Parsons, Australia wins: 42 turn a game on its head with his vision The world champion All Blacks Hansen has made on young players. 17-Wyatt Crockett, 18-Charlie Faumuina, Draws: 7 and passing, has not been able to redis- are overwhelming favourites to The 21-year-old, who will be the sev- 19-Liam Squire, 20-Ardie Savea, 21-TJ IN WELLINGTON (since 2000) cover that same spark since suff ering a win, given the way they steam- enth debutant this season, had been on Perenara, 22-Aaron Cruden, 23-Seta 2013 New Zealand 27-16 Australia knee injury at the 2011 World Cup, and rollered the Wallabies 42-8 in the selectors’ radar since he was a stu- Tamanivalu 2009 New Zealand 33-9 Australia the New Zealand-born fl yhalf has always Sydney last week. dent at Christchurch Boy’s High, Hansen AUSTRALIA 2004 New Zealand 16-7 Australia struggled against the All Blacks. Coach Steve Hansen has said, though his elevation came “prob- World ranking: 4 2000 Australia 24-23 New Zealand Despite the mounting problems for the expressed concern that his ably a little earlier than expected”. Wallabies, who are now on a fi ve-match side was so dominant that “All of us knew who he was... and that’s losing streak, Hansen was taking nothing complacency loomed as the why he’s here,” Hansen told reporters on wing for the clash that doubles as a Bl- backs and Ben is a world class winger,” for granted and has made sure there is no big enemy. Thursday. “He’s good enough to be here edisloe Cup game. Hansen said. complacency within the All Blacks ranks. But captain Kieran Read said Bledisloe Cup 14 years ago. and now he gets an opportunity. Hansen said one reason was tactical “We think that we need to fi nd out if “They will be desperate to come out the need to retain the Bledisloe In an eff ort to shore up “We’re very confi dent that he’ll go out — he expected the Wallabies to kick for Izzy (Dagg) can start a test there and do a and redeem themselves from last week,” Cup was enough motivation their ranks after the Sydney and do the job.” territory more often, which would allow job for us because further down the track Hansen said. “It would be foolish to think not to go off the boil. drubbing, the Wallabies have Hansen’s planning was not only evi- Smith to have more impact on the game. it opens up more selection options.” they’re not going to turn up and play re- “We’re a pretty proud bunch brought back fly-half Quade dent with Lienert-Brown’s selection, but The other was simply to test out the The biggest challenge for the World ally well. and the Bledisloe Cup means Cooper for his first international also his decision to return Ben Smith to combination. Cup winners may be simply to meet “If we wait and sit back, then Australia a lot to us so obviously we’ve in 11 months. fullback and move Israel Dagg to the right “Both of them are world-class full- Hansen’s expectations of continually will smack us.” got to do a job tomorrow night Cooper is a ready target for for us to hang on to it,” Read elements of the New Zealand said after leading the All Blacks crowd given his history of BOTTOMLINE through their final training run incidents involving former All on Friday. Blacks captain Richie McCaw. “It’s never easy backing up a New Zealand-born Cooper also great performance and we’re has his detractors in Australia Improving on perfection the motivator — Read looking to go out and do that for his ability to run hot and and really stamp our mark on cold, particularly when playing the game. We’ve got to do that against his country of birth. Reuters Read, however, was mindful yesterday. hand. there.” early. “There will be a queue trying Wellington the Wallabies would be motivat- “So we are looking to go out Injuries and backline reshuf- And as if that was not enough, “The Bledisloe Cup is a massive to blame Cooper if things go ed to ensure they did not pro- there and... stamp our mark on fl es ensured there was less fl u- the team had the opportunity driver for us and that’s still up in pear-shaped,” wrote Jim Tucker duce such an inept performance the game early and then work ency in the second half, while to seal the Bledisloe Cup with the air right now, so we can’t be in the Brisbane Courier-Mail he All Blacks won plau- in the return clash and slump our way back into it. there were uncharacteristic a match to spare, ahead of the saying anything about holding newspaper. dits for the near perfect to a 19th successive loss in New “Otherwise it’s one hell of a fumbles underneath the high third game in Auckland on Oct. onto it until we do the job one But, with McCaw now retired, fi rst half they played to Zealand, a run stretching back night and we don’t come out on ball — a tactic they expected to 22. more time.” Read could not understand rout Australia in their to 2001. the right side of it.” encounter again today. New Zealand have held the Both New Zealand and Aus- what the fuss was about. TRugby Championship opener It would also be their sixth The All Blacks have spoken “Our control of the ball needs symbol of trans-Tasman su- tralia rate the Bledisloe Cup, the “It’s a non-issue for us as a last week, though captain Kier- successive loss in all interna- all week about how hard they to be a lot better,” Read said. premacy since 2003 and rate the symbol of trans-Tasman rugby squad. We’re here to play footy an Read has hammered into his tionals since the 2015 World are working to not fall into a “We probably coughed up a lit- trophy, gifted by a former Gov- supremacy, as second in impor- against whoever it is,” he said. team the need to improve even Cup semi-fi nal triumph over ‘we’ve got this’ mindset before tle too much pill in the second ernor General of New Zealand tance only to the World Cup. “In the past, in New Zealand, further. Argentina. the game kicks off and Read said half last week. in 1931, as second only to the But the Wallabies have not it’s created a bit of stir but a lot The world champions raced “It’s never easy backing up a that his side had identifi ed areas “Looking ahead to tomorrow World Cup in their priorities. sighted it for a long time. They of our guys probably weren’t to a 32-3 lead by halftime at great performance... (and) it’s a that were far from perfect last (Saturday), our territory game “We love playing for the Ble- have lost their last 18 matches involved in those moments and Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, be- big test any time we play Aus- week. will be crucial against a team disloe (and) it is a massive driver on New Zealand soil, dating so it’s just another name on the fore they eventually completed a tralia,” Read told reporters at Too many passes were that has a few kickers and that for us,” Read said. “At the mo- back to 2001, and last held the team sheet for them.” 42-8 victory. Wellington Regional Stadium knocked on, or did not go to will look to really come at us ment, that’s still up in the air.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 27, 2016 5 SPORT

BASEBALL FOCUS Crosby leads Rough night for Canada in World Cup of Hockey

Agencies Wainwright, Cards Los Angeles idney Crosby will cap- tain Canada at the up- coming World Cup of Hockey, it was confi rmed Thursday.S Hockey Canada said in a state- in ugly loss to Mets ment the 29-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins ace would be backed by Chicago forward Jonathan Toews Wainwright receives little support from defense in 10-6 loss to Mets and Montreal’s Shea Weber as al- ternates. By David Wilhelm “These are three leaders who Belleville News-Democrat (TNS) have demonstrated their abil- ity to win at all levels, and we are looking to them to bring that dam Wainwright has steadfastly experience, and their relentless tried to keep his chin up dur- pursuit of excellence, as we come ing this challenging season, but together as a team,” Canada that’s becoming more and more manager Doug Armstrong said. diffiA cult for the longtime St. Louis Cardi- Crosby skippered Canada to nals pitcher. the gold medal at the 2014 So- season as the coach of the Lake Wainwright (9-8) received little sup- chi Winter Olympics. He also led Erie Monsters of the American port from his defense Thursday night Canada to victory in the world Hockey League, guiding the af- in a 10-6 loss to the New York Mets. He hockey championships last year. fi liate of the Columbus Blue allowed seven runs, but only two were The star forward has has 338 Jackets to the Calder Cup cham- earned. goals and 938 points in 707 ca- pionship. Wainwright, who surrendered nine hits reer NHL games. “... I believe that Jared Bed- in fi ve innings, has been raked for a sea- Eight teams are taking part in nar is the best person to lead this son-high 25 runs (20 earned), more than the World Cup of Hockey. Join- team behind the bench,” Ava- in any other month of his career, in fi ve ing Canada in the September lanche general manager Joe Sakic August starts covering 24 innings. He has 17-October 1 event are the United said in a statement released by failed to pitch beyond six innings in seven States, Czech Republic, Europe, the team. of his last eight starts. Finland, North America, Russia “Jared’s track record of success “It’s another game we lose that I start,” and Sweden. as a head coach in the American Wainwright said. “It’s frustrating. I don’t Hockey League speaks for itself know what else to say other than that I’ve BEDNAR IS NEW AVALANCHE and he is considered to be one of just got to keep going.” COACH the top up-and-coming coaches For now, Wainwright isn’t sure what he The Colorado Avalanche on in our business.” needs to repair. Thursday named Jared Bednar as Bednar has 14 seasons of Chuckling, he said: “Let’s wait until the team’s new head coach. coaching experience, posting a next game.” Bednar will succeed Hall of 251-158-42 record in six years Wainwright limited the Mets to one run Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, as a head coach in the AHL and in the second. In the fourth, third base- who unexpectedly resigned as ECHL. man Jhonny Peralta, positioned in the Colorado’s coach and vice presi- The Avalanche went 130-92- hole between third and second, booted dent of hockey operations two 24 in three seasons under Roy, a roller by Curtis Granderson. Wilmer weeks ago. winning the NHL Central Divi- Flores doubled Granderson to third and The 44-year-old Bednar is sion title in his fi rst campaign in Alejandro De Aza followed with a two- coming off a successful second 2013-14. run single to make it 3-0. The Cardinals, meanwhile, could do nothing with Mets rookie right-hander Seth Lugo, who departed after fi ve in- Dodgers land Ruiz in catcher nings because of cramping in his right calf. swap with Phillies Everything unravelled in the fi fth for Wainwright. With two on and two out, The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Carlos Ruiz from the Flores hit a grounder to shortstop Greg Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for AJ Ellis, the teams an- Garcia, who misplayed it into a run. De nounced on Thursday. Aza then lined an 0-1 pitch over the wall The Dodgers also received $1mn while the Phillies got one minor in right for a three-run homer that made St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright pitches to a New York Mets batter during the first inning of their game at Busch league pitcher along with a player to be named later or cash it 7-0. Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) considerations in the deal. “It’s been a tough season,” Wainwright Ellis, 35, is a longtime Dodgers player who is beloved in the club- said. same thing as losing the ball. ... That’s the Curtis Granderson then struck out, but OTHER RESULTS house, but is batting just.194 and played only sporadically. Earlier in the fi fth, replays confi rmed way it’s been going. Garcia’s error and De Aza’s home run put Tampa Bay 2 Boston 1 “Obviously, it was tough decision on a personal level,” said Dodg- third-base umpire Mike Muchlinski’s call “I’ve been frustrated for a while. I try the Cardinals in a hole that couldn’t be Detroit 8 Minnesota 5 ers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. that Yoenis Cespedes was safe at third base not to show too much emotion, but it’s overcome despite four home runs in the Washington 4 Baltimore 0 “We felt like from a baseball standpoint, Carlos fit our team after a bloop single to left by James Loney. not healthy to leave it all in there, either. fi nal four innings. LA Angels 6 Toronto 3 extremely well. I could go on and on about A.J. and his attributes Wainwright appeared to make the tag I don’t know what else to say. It wasn’t Brandon Moss hit No. 24 in the sixth Kansas City 5 Miami 2 and what he brings to a team. And if Carlos didn’t possess similar on Cespedes, but Cespedes jarred the my night. I’ve just got to keep going and to make it 7-2, and No. 25 in the eighth Texas 9 Cleveland 0 things, we wouldn’t have made the move.” glove off Wainwright’s left hand. good things are going to happen. The only to make it 8-3. Jedd Gyorko walloped his Pittsburgh 3 Milwaukee 2 (10 innings) Ruiz, 37, is hitting.261 and brings World Series experience. He “(Muchlinski) said you’ve got to show way it’s not going to turn around is if I get 21st homer in the ninth to make it 10-5, Chicago White Sox 7 Seattle 6 helped lead the Phillies to the title in 2008 and was an All Star in possession,” Wainwright said. “When I down on myself, which I will never allow and Stephen Piscotty powered No. 20 in Atlanta 3 Arizona 1 2012. pulled out of the glove, it’s basically the myself to do.” the ninth to make it 10-6. San Francisco 4 LA Dodgers 0

NBA Ex-Mav Marion talks retirement, Heat, Warriors and Durant

By Dwain Price Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and league for retired players. The league — sons with the Suns, and later played fi ve Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TNS) the Oklahoma City Thunder in fi ve the Champions Basketball League — is years with the Mavs. games in the Western Conference Fi- headed up by former Mavs All-Star for- “I was probably one of the most nals before shocking the world while ward Mark Aguirre. unique and athletic players that played ore than fi ve years after he dethroning the Heat. “A lot of guys actually still play ball in a long time,” Marion said. “I was able helped the Dallas Maver- “I just felt like couldn’t anybody after they retire, to a certain degree,” to invent my game and change my game icks win their only NBA ti- beat us,” Marion said. “We knew what the 38-year old Marion said. “This is to who I was playing with...and it was tle in 2011, Shawn Marion we were capable of when the season for certain guys who exactly didn’t have fun doing it. Mfi nds himself still asked how they were started. the longevity in their careers that they “I actually pride myself in compet- able to pull off that improbable upset. “We just went out and did what we wanted to and they can do this as a way ing, and that’s what kept me around. I The Mavs upended a superbly tal- were supposed to do and took care of for them to actually compete and create was able to do it and do it very consist- ented Miami Heat squad in six games business.” another source of income.” ently, and I was able to do it for a long which consisted of future Hall of Fame It’s the same formula Marion noted Marion has no desire to pursue a ca- time.” players LeBron James, Dwyane Wade the Cleveland Cavaliers used when they reer coaching in the NBA. He spends Marion averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 re- and Chris Bosh. And that includes cap- fell behind the Golden State Warri- his valuable time with his two-year old bounds and 1.5 steals in 1,163 career turing the series clincher in the Heat’s ors, 3-1, in this past June’s NBA Finals, son. games, and also helped the United own back yard. only to rally and win the series in seven “Coaching is a full-time job, it’s a States win a bronze medal at the 2004 Marion, who retired in 2015 after games. year-round job, a year-round commit- Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. 16 seasons, had a simple explanation “Sometimes the best teams don’t al- ment,” Marion said. “And it’ll be too Nowadays, when Marion picks up on how the Mavs defi ed all odds and ways win championships,” Marion said. hard for me right now with me being so the phone to share a conversation with stunned the heavily favoured Heat. “(Mavs owner Mark) Cuban said hot much into my son.” Mark Cuban, basketball isn’t upper- “I’m like this: ‘You put your pants on teams win championships, great teams The quick-witted Marion added, most on his mind. one leg at a time just like I do,’” a defi - make it to the playoff s, but hot teams with a laugh: “I love the game, I love “I talk to Mark, but I’m not talking ant Marion said. “There’s ways to go win championships.” watching it and I love correcting peo- about basketball,” Marion said. “I’m out there and beat guys. As Marion surveys the NBA land- ple when they think they know (every- talking about business opportunities.” “When we got to the Finals every- scape since his retirement, with the thing).” Looking back on a sparkling career body was kind of caught up into being off season acquisition of Kevin Durant, Marion, however, wouldn’t mind which could land him in the Pro Basket- on the stage and playing names. Every- he expects the Warriors to have “a great sharing his wealth of basketball knowl- ball Hall of Fame when he’s eligible in body gets caught up in playing names team.” But he insists that doesn’t guar- edge with various youngsters. four years, Marion knows his grit and de- and not the guys. But I’m going to play antee they’ll win next year’s NBA title. “If I was to coach I’d probably want termination has carried him a long way. a person. I’m not playing his name.” “They have a nice team on paper, but to do it more on the younger level than “I was truly blessed to play the game As he reminisces to the greatest mo- at the same time they’ve still got to go versus the NBA,” he said. “I’d like to for 16 years and I gave what I could give ment of his stellar career, Marion ac- out and get it done,” Marion said. “It’s have an eff ect on the younger gen- to it,” he said. I think I could have given knowledged that the Mavs wore the not like everybody is going to go out eration and try to help them learn the more in certain areas, but at the same underdog tag proudly throughout the there and lie down and give them the game and help them the best way I can time I felt I walked away from the game 2011 playoff s. championship. Shawn Marion helped Dallas Mavericks win their only NBA title in 2011. (MCT) to learn the team concept of playing ball and I left an imprint on it.” Dallas opened the playoff s by beat- “They’re going to have to go out and versus the eye concept of learning it.” That imprint was certainly felt in ing a roughhouse Portland team no one win it.” about trading you, you don’t have (any- “Who cares? At the end of the day it’s Nicknamed “The Matrix’ because Dallas and in Phoenix. wanted to play in six games. They then While many have heavily criticised thing) to do with it, but when all of a his decision and you guys live with it. of his unique athleticism and ability to “I love the Mavericks,” Marion said. swept the two-time defending NBA Durant for leaving OKC for the Warri- sudden it’s your choice to make the de- People are going to have something to defend all fi ve positions, Marion was “I bleed blue, baby. champion Los Angeles Lakers in four ors, Marion off ered an olive branch. cision, everybody wants to get (upset) say regardless of if he (left OKC) or not.” the No. 9 overall pick of the 1999 NBA “I bleed that (Phoenix Suns) purple games in what was Phil Jackson’s fi nal “At the end of the day it’s his choice, and ask you are you sure this is some- Although Marion has retired and Draft by the Phoenix Suns. The 6-7, and orange, too. That’s where it started game as a coach. and so be it – live with it,” Marion said. thing that you feel that you want to do maintains a home in the Dallas area, 228-pound forward made four All-Star at. You never forget where it started, From there, the Mavs dispatched “When everybody else makes decisions or feel like you need to do? he has decided to play basketball in a appearances in eight-and-a-half sea- but Dallas is home.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 27, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Triput overcomes broken spine to make comeback He suff ered the injury after falling four storeys to the ground while attempting to fix a TV antenna

AFP tempting to fi x a TV antenna. ‘It was a strange feeling — to Minsk The physically gifted athlete found be aware of your inability to himself bedridden and was forced to carry out actions that you undergo fi ve operations in order to previously executed without a lexander Triput of Belarus gain the ability to use a wheelchair. moment’s hesitation’ won his fi rst Paralympic But Triput was undaunted and de- medals as a visually im- cided to return to sport right after the level,” Triput said at the time. paired athlete, but has now Triput will carry the Belarusian incident. “I was deeply touched when I found battledA back from an accident that “It was a strange feeling — to be out that plenty of people whom I flag at the Paralympics. severed his spinal column to compete aware of your inability to carry out didn’t even known had raised money at Rio in a wheelchair. actions that you previously executed to help me. Born with sight problems, Triput without a moment’s hesitation,” he “Now I have no choice but to give won his fi rst medal at the age of 22 in told AFP. He recalled being “unable my all in training.” the javelin among visually impaired to go up and down the stairs without Belarus Paralympic commit- athletes at the 2004 Paralympics in somebody’s assistance” and fearing tee chief Oleg Shepel said he was Athens. that he might drown when he made deeply impressed by Triput’s moral But he really captured the public his fi rst visit to a swimming pool after fortitude“I’ve seen everything in my imagination in the fi nal event, the the accident.Luckily Triput’s deter- life, including plenty of athletes who pentathlon, when he completed the mination to recover received power- deserve profound respect for their 1500-metre distance and fell on his ful backing from the country’s top achievements,” he told AFP. back unconscious after taking silver. athletes.World swimming champion “But Sasha Triput is a unique per- X-rays showed that Triput had cov- and London Olympics silver medal- son. His astonishing constancy serves ered the distance with a fractured heel list Aliaksandra Hierasimienia and as an example for every athlete in Be- bone. European athletics champion Alina larus,” he said, using a diminutive of Triput had complained of a pain in Talay organised a charity tournament Alexander. his foot ahead of the start, but insist- to raise funds for Triput that attracted The months of hard training paid ed: “I’ve prepared for these Games for more than 2,000 participants. off as Triput got through the Paral- a long time and I will compete even if I The former skipper of the national ympic qualifi cation at the Grand Prix have to run on one leg.” football team Sergei Shtanyuk and the stage in Dubai in March to gain the After fi nishing fourth in javelin at footballers from fl agship club BATE right to compete at Rio de Janeiro the 2008 Games in Beijing, Triput Borisov also supported the disabled in javelin among wheelchair-bound passionately wanted to win at Lon- athlete. athletes. don, but a leg injury dashed his hopes. The funds that they raised allowed “I simply must win this medal,” he Then on April 23, 2013, Triput was Triput to purchase an up-to-date told AFP. forced to start his life again from wheelchair and a pair of training de- “I have lived through too many scratch after he fractured his spinal vices. He started practicing with an ordeals to retreat now. At Rio I will column in an accident. enthusiasm that verged on fanati- compete in the name of my friends, He suff ered the injury after falling cism. “Don’t worry, I need to do plen- who have helped me to get through all four storeys to the ground while at- ty of work just to reach my former these severe trials.”

CRICKET Lehmann backs Smith’s Ranatunga bemoans Sri Lanka series opt out Sri Lanka reliance on spin

AFP lombo late Thursday. Colombo “I am not putting down their achievement (in beating Australia), but they need to go out (of the sub ri Lanka’s heavy reliance on its continent) and prove themselves. At spin bowlers threatens to un- the moment we are depending entire- dermine their chances at the ly on spinners.” next cricket World Cup on the Sri Lanka’s reputation as one-day Sfaster pitches of England, according to specialists, which was fi rst earned former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. during Ranatunga’s era, has grown Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to over the years after they reached two their fi rst and so far only World Cup of the last three World Cup fi nals. triumph in 1996, told reporters he had But the next tournament in 2019 been heartened by Sri Lanka’s recent will be a major challenge for a team whitewashing of Australia in a home who failed to win any of their nine in- Test series and their strong showing ternationals in all formats on a recent at the start of the subsequent ODIs. tour of England. But the recent success has been The dearth of speedsters has al- largely due to the performances of ready been acknowledged as a prob- spinners such as the veteran Ranga- lem by Sri Lanka’s board, which re- na Herath and the left-armer Amila cently tasked its most successful pace Aponso, who took 4-18 as Sri Lanka bowler Chaminda Vaas with identify- won the second ODI on Wednesday. ing fast bowling talent across the is- Ranatunga, himself a medium-pace land. bowler as well as a powerful middle Ranatunga, who is now a govern- order batsman, said such a formula for ment minister, had warm praise for success would not work beyond the the current skipper Angelo Mathews. Indian sub-continent where pitches “Even if you fail once or twice, you are much less conducive to spin. need to be able to pick yourself up and “We need to build our all round- remain focused,” Ranatunga said in ers and fast bowlers. Spin alone is not reference to the England tour. enough to play in conditions like in “I have a lot of faith in Mathews. I Sri Lankan workers set up lighting at The Rangiri Dambulla Interna- England. If we are preparing for the think he will end up being the best tional Cricket stadium in Dambulla yesterday. Sri Lanka’s Lakshan Sandakan (L) delivers a ball as teammate Dhananjaya de next World Cup in England, spin alone captain Sri Lanka ever produced. He Silva looks on during a practice session at the Rangiri Dambulla International won’t do,” he told Sri Lanka’s Foreign has huge potential. He is able to keep AFP, Sydney: Australia coach Dar- their comments. Cricket stadium in Dambulla yesterday. Correspondents Association in Co- the players together as a team.” ren Lehmann has backed the deci- “It’s obviously a burden but a great sion to rest skipper Steve Smith for burden captaining your country,” the remaining one-day international Lehmann was quoted as saying in BOTTOMLINE series against Sri Lanka after criti- Australian newspapers Friday. cism from ex-captain Michael Clarke, “We just wanted to make sure that reports said yesterday. he’s fresh and ready to go for South Smith will miss three ODIs and two Africa and then the big (domestic) Ethiopia says marathon medallist a ‘hero’ forever Twenty20 games to return home summer ahead. and prepare for next month’s one- “We planned that for a long time and day series in South Africa. he took some convincing. But as a Reuters Reda, told the Thomson Reuters Foun- not trust assurances he would be safe. than 25mn ethnic Oromos, has been Smith played in all three losing Tests coach and a selection panel we’re London dation, adding that Lilesa is an “Ethio- “They kill and they don’t tell the riven by unrest for months over land against the Sri Lankans and the first making sure he’s fresh and ready to pian hero”. world they kill, they jail and they don’t rights and allegations of human rights two one-day internationals before it go each and every time he plays for “He was selected among many in the tell anybody, so how can I believe that?” violations. was announced he would fly home Australia.” he Ethiopian government has fi eld not because he held one politi- he said. Demonstrations began last year to rest up. Lehmann said he had no problems given a public assurance that cal opinion or another, but because he Lilesa said he had not been contacted against a government plan to allocate Clarke, who retired after last year’s with Clarke’s criticism. the Olympic marathon silver was a great, if not one of the greatest directly by any government offi cial but farmland to the capital Addis Ababa for Ashes defeat in England, expressed “We respect our former captains Tmedallist, Feyisa Lilesa, would athletes in the fi eld. As you would agree believed that he could not return home development, potentially displacing his surprise at the decision. and former greats who have an be safe if he returns to Ethiopia, follow- with me, he delivered and delivered once he had made his protest gesture. many farmers. Protesters were quickly “I would of (sic) liked to have seen opinion,” Lehmann told The Daily ing his protest against the treatment of big.” “I knew] I would be jailed or killed if and violently suppressed by security the captain play until the series was Telegraph. his Oromo people as he crossed the fi n- In an email to the Thomson Reuters not, I would [never be allowed] out of forces, according to activists and wit- won and then have a rest,” World “But we think it’s the best thing for ish line. Foundation, the minister said: “He is that country and allowed to participate nesses. Cup-winning skipper Clarke said on Steven to get him right and ready Lilesa crossed his arms above his our hero. That’s good enough a reason in any international competition or Unrest spread to other parts of the social media. to go. head in an “X”, a sign widely used as for him to want to come home. I don’t race at all. I am quite sure those things country and human rights organisa- “In the same breath if Smithy “It’s hard work captaining in all three a symbol of Oromo resistance. The think he needs my assurance or that of would happen to me.” tions estimate that as many as 500 needed a break then he should have formats. So we’re just making sure champion runner did not return home the prime minister or any such. He is The 26-year-old runner said he had demonstrators have been killed over flown home after the Test matches he gets a small break, and we’re only after the Olympics, fearing for his safe- more than welcome back home.” been given temporary leave to stay by the past nine months. not 2x ODIs in.” talking an extra week or two.” ty even though the government said he In a Skype interview with the Thom- the Brazilian authorities but had not The government disputes the death Former Test opener Michael Slater David Warner will take over the would not be punished. son Reuters Foundation from Rio on decided yet where he was going to seek toll and says the protests are being echoed Clarke’s sentiments, but Australia captaincy in Sri Lanka for “He is always welcome,” Ethiopia’s Thursday, Lilesa said he feared his life asylum. staged illegally, stoked by rebel groups Lehmann said he had no issue with the rest of the tour. communications minister, Getachew would be at risk if he returned and did The Oromiya region, home to more and overseas-based dissidents. Gulf Times Saturday, August 27, 2016 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CYCLING / VUELTA A ESPANA Contador crashes Verstappen fastest in as Van Genechten sprints to stage win

AFP “In this race there are few Puebla de Sanabria, Spain opportunities for sprinters. I Belgian GP practice dedicate this victory to the team because they have given me eve- onas van Genechten rything and I’ve been here for Alonso to join Hamilton at the back of the grid in tomorrow’s race timed his sprint perfectly two marvellous years.” to win stage seven of the A touch of wheels caused Vuelta a Espana, the big- Contador to fall in the fi nal mo- gestJ triumph in his career, while ments, but thanks to the three- Alberto Contador crashed in a kilometre rule, he received the chaotic fi nale yesterday. same time as his overall rivals Italian Daniele Bennati of after a stage that took riders from Tinkoff fi nished second behind Maceda to Puebla de Sanabria, the Belgian IAM Cycling rider, across 158.5km. who won in a time of three hours, It was a tight bend that caused 55 minutes and 44 seconds, while the accident, with the Span- Spain’s Alejandro Valverde of ish rider falling badly on his left Movistar fi nished third. shoulder, and also hurting his Colombia’s Darwin Atapuma left knee and hip, with other rid- will keep the red jersey for an- ers then caught up in the havoc. other day as he retained the “It makes things compli- overall lead, although Valverde cated,” he said. “I came inside cut into the BMC man’s lead and and saw that some were going is just 24 seconds off the pace, into the curve without touching while Team Sky’s Chris Froome the brakes, someone hit me and is third and 32 seconds behind. that’s why I went down.” Luis Leon Sanchez of Astana Atapuma thanked his team for and Simon Clarke of Cannondale helping him retain the red jersey made an attack which seemed and believes he can maintain it in like it was going to carry them to the days ahead. the fi nish, but with around 100 “I count on a great team that’s metres to go they were caught shown it can go well, we hope to with Van Genechten emerging continue with the jersey,” he said. victorious. “Tomorrow will be a compli- Van Genechten came into the cated stage for me with a diffi cult fi nale on Valverde’s wheel before and explosive fi nish. We will rest executing his sprint brilliantly well now and let’s see what hap- to take the stage, making it three pens.” Grand Tour wins for his team this Although yesterday’s action as season. a whole was not enthralling, the “At the Vuelta the chances of a fi nale was exciting and a similar victory are really small,” he said. thrilling ending can be expected “You have to fi ght every stage in stage eight today, with a most- and I tried on stage one and two. ly fl at course until a sudden wall This was one of my goals and towards the end. tried to just stay with the bunch Riders leave from Villalpando today. This is the biggest win, and head to Valle de Sabero, tak- for sure. To be on the podium ing on the fearsome La Camp- in a Grand Tour was one of my erona climb as the fi nal hurdle of dreams and now I’ve done it. the 181.5km route.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen drives out of the team garage during the second practice session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit yesterday. (AFP)

AFP great pace today,” said Vertstappen. “I’m not entirely happy, as you can The team was forced to change his Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium “I am very happy to fi nish P1, but of see,” said Vettel. power unit and install a new one, which course it’s only practice. It’s not qualify- “I’m struggling a bit with the balance led to him taking a grid penalty. ing or the race.” of the car. It didn’t feel great out there, Both Rosberg, who trails Hamilton by utch teenager Max Verstappen He dismissed suggestions that he but that’s up to us, myself and the team — 19 points in the title race with nine races delighted his army of fans in the could realise a dream by taking pole at his to work on that and improve the car.” remaining, and Hamilton were given new forests of the Ardennes yester- ‘home’ circuit. Rosberg had been fastest in a Mercedes Mercedes power-units for the open- day afternoon when he topped “I never dream,” he said. “I just want to one-two ahead of championship leader ing free session, a move that the team theD times in second free practice for this work and then we’ll see where we end up.” and defending champion Hamilton in the confi rmed will bring Hamilton at least a weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. With Hamilton due to start from the morning session, but both men concen- 15-place penalty on the grid. The 18-year-old Red Bull driver, who back of the grid after taking two succes- trated on preparation for the race with After taking a second power unit for was born 50 kilometres away from the sive new power units, Verstappen may long runs on medium tyres. the second session, Hamilton is expected sprawling and majestic Spa-Francor- have a chance to claim a memorable win. Finn Kimi Raikkonen, newly mar- to have another installed for third prac- champs circuit at Hasselt in Belgium, Hamilton had accumulated a minimum ried during the month-long European tice on Saturday morning, actions that clocked a best lap of one minute and 30-place grid penalty by the end of the summer break, was seventh in the sec- may lead to him taking an overall record 48.085 seconds. day and it is expected to increase on Sat- ond Ferrari ahead of Frenchman Romain grid penalty of 75 places. That allowed him to outpace Austral- urday if he takes another new power unit Grosjean of Haas, Briton Jenson Button of A series of engine failures early in the ian team-mate Daniel Ricciardo by two- in fi nal practice. McLaren and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez year meant Hamilton quickly reached ACTION PLAN tenths as the Renault-powered outfi t de- “I am cool about it and for sure, it is go- in the second Haas. the limit of new parts he is allowed for livered a strong one-two showing. ing to be an interesting race on Sunday,” the season while Rosberg, who won the It was the third time in Verstappen’s said a smiling Hamilton. ALONSO TO JOIN HAMILTON AT opening four races without problems, is brief Formula One career that he had German Nico Huelkenberg was third- BACK OF GRID within the limits. India to form task topped the session times and did so in fastest for Force India ahead of his com- Hamilton, clearly focused on his race Mercedes policy is aimed to be as fair as front of thousands of supporters camping patriot Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Mexi- rather than qualifying, was 13th, one possible to both drivers and to give Ham- under the trees in the unexpected heat- can Sergio Perez in the second Force India place behind Alonso, who was 12th for ilton suffi cient new parts to last for the wave conditions. and championship contender Nico Ros- McLaren having missed out on the morn- rest of the season with all of his penalties force aft er Rio fl op “Compared to our rivals, we showed berg of Mercedes. ing session due to a water leak. served at one race. AFP the next three Olympic games,” a New Delhi government statement released GOLF LPGA late Friday said. The task force will be set up ew Delhi will form a over the next few days, it added. task force to prepare India, a country obsessed with Ko starts strong in for the next three Ol- cricket, has never fi nished high Reed, Laird grab early ympics after India’s on the medal table — winning Ndisappointing medal tally at Rio, just 28 from 24 Olympic appear- quest for fourth Prime Minister Narendra Modi ances. announced yesterday. Badminton champion PV The special team of experts Sindhu clinched silver at the lead at Barclays Canadian Open title will chalk out a broad strategy Rio Games and wrestler Sakshi AFP have been good enough for a to ensure eff ective participation Malik won bronze, sparking an New York share of the lead had it not been Reuters She completed her round of athletes in the 2020, 2024 and outpouring of national pride and for a bogey on the par-four ninth, Cary, North Carolina in style by sinking a tricky 2028 Games, while aiming to im- celebrations in India. when his second shot landed in fi ve-foot par putt with prove their sports facilities and But it was far below the sports atrick Reed and Mar- the front bunker. her assured cross-handed training as well as their selection ministry’s target of 10 medals in tin Laird fi red fi ve-un- ew Zealand’s Lydia putting stroke at the scenic process. Rio, where it had sent its largest der-par 66s to open up ACCURACY CRUCIAL Ko, chasing her Priddis Greens Golf & Coun- A string of below-par per- ever squad. a one-shot lead after “It was a good solid start,” said fourth Canadian try Club in Calgary. formances saw India win just Indian athletes often complain theP fi rst round of The Barclays Fowler, who believes accuracy off Women’s Open ti- Ko made the Canadian two medals at the recent Games, of substandard training facilities Championship on Thursday. the tee will be key heading into Ntle, made a promising start Women’s Open her fi rst fewer than the six clinched dur- and a lack of government invest- World number 14 Reed rattled the remaining three rounds. when the 19-year-old card- LPGA victory when she tri- ing their best-ever performance ment in sport in the country of off 10 consecutive pars over the “You’ve got to get the ball on ed a fi ve-under-par 67 on umphed in 2012 at the age of in London four years earlier. 1.25bn. opening 10 holes before hitting the fairway. You have to be ag- Thursday before the opening 15. She added further wins at “The Prime Minister Shri The government said it had three birdies and an eagle over gressive off the tee here,” he said. round was suspended be- the tournament in 2013 and Narendra Modi announced at spent about 1.2bn rupees ($18mn) the fi nal eight holes at Bethpage “It pays to be closer on those sec- cause of darkness in Alberta. again last year. the meeting of the Council of preparing the athletes for Rio — a Black in Farmingdale. ond shots.” Morning play was de- “The course and the en- Minister’s today that (a) Task fraction of the amount forked Reed’s impressive opening like I was hitting the ball well. I World number one and de- layed nearly three hours vironment really remind me Force will be set up to prepare a out by China, Britain and other round left him sitting pretty wasn’t being that patient when fending champion Jason Day of due to lightning, ultimately of New Zealand,” the world comprehensive action plan for... countries. alongside Scotland’s Laird after I made 10 straight pars but I was Australia meanwhile was two off leading to the suspension number one told Golf Channel a fi rst round that saw Sweden’s able to get myself on a hot streak the pace, after a 68. with Stephanie Meadow of after the round that included Henrik Stenson limp out injured. and get going. And anytime you Day recovered from a bogey Northern Ireland in the club- six birdies and one bogey. Reed, who teed off on the back shoot bogey-free you’re going to on the second to carve out four house lead after a six-under- She conceded it was a chal- nine, grabbed the fi rst of his get a low one.” birdies and 12 pars for his three- par 66. lenge to stay mentally sharp three birdies on the second, be- Laird meanwhile also pro- under-par total. South Korea’s Chella Choi after the enjoyable but drain- fore eagling the par-fi ve fourth duced a blemish-free round, But it was a disappointing was seven-under through 14 ing experience in Rio, where hole with a 16-foot putt. carding a 66 after sinking fi ve return to the day job for newly holes while Karine Icher was she fi nished fi ve strokes be- Further birdies on six and sev- birdies and no bogeys. crowned Olympic champion Jus- six-under through 14. hind gold medallist Park In- en completed a fl awless display Laird and Reed fi nished ahead tin Rose of England. Four days after her silver bee as golf returned to the for the 26-year-old from San of a group of four players on four Rose, who won the gold medal medal-winning performance Olympics for the fi rst time in Antonio, who is chasing a fi fth under, which included Rickie in Rio de Janeiro as golf made its at the Rio Olympics, Ko wast- more than a century. PGA Tour victory. Fowler. return after a 112-year absence, ed no time getting back into “The Olympics was sur- “My goal today was to stay pa- Fowler’s round included three shot a two-over-par 73 after an the bread-and-butter swing real, a week like I’ve never tient, stay in it,” Reed said. “I felt birdies and an eagle and would erratic fi rst round. of regular LPGA competition. experienced before,” Ko said.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 GULF TIMES TENNIS

DRAW Djokovic, Nadal drawn for potential US Open semi-fi nal clash

AFP ing Wimbledon due to a left wrist in- champion and Olympic silver medal- Williams lost in the semi-fi nals to could meet in the quarter-fi nals. New York jury, faces Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan list, looms large as a potentially danger- Roberta Vinci 12 months ago in New Earlier yesterday, America’s world in his fi rst round match. ous last-eight opponent for Wawrinka. York. number 25 Sloane Stephens withdrew Second seed and Olympic champion The giant Argentine knocked Wawrin- Adding extra spice to the event is the from the US Open with a right foot in- efending champion Novak Andy Murray, the 2012 winner, starts ka out of Wimbledon this year. possibility for her to break Steffi Graf’s jury. Djokovic and fellow two- against Lukas Rosol of the Czech Re- In the women’s draw, Serena Wil- record of 186 consecutive weeks atop The 23-year-old’s withdrawal saw time winner Rafael Nadal public. liams, bidding for a seventh US Open the world rankings, and surpass Chris Olympic champion Monica Puig of were drawn for a potential US The two clashed in an angry match title and a modern era record 23rd Evert for most US Open singles titles Puerto Rico move into the 32nd seed OpenD semi-fi nal clash yesterday. in Munich last year where Murray de- Grand Slam, begins her campaign won in the Open Era. position. Djokovic, the top seed who has been scribed Rosol as one of the most hated against experienced Ekaterina Makaro- Second seed Angelique Kerber, the Stephens, who made the fourth nursing a wrist injury since a shock fi rst players on the tour. va of Russia. Australian Open champion, starts round in New York in 2013, had been on round loss at the Olympics, begins his With Roger Federer missing the Makarova, the world number 36, against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog. a poor run of form in recent weeks. campaign against big-serving Jerzy tournament due to a knee injury which reached the semi-fi nals in 2014, losing Third seed Garbine Muguruza of Since exiting Wimbledon in the third Janowicz of Poland. has shut down his season, fellow Swiss to the American in straight sets. Spain, the reigning French Open cham- round, Stephens lost three consecutive Janowicz, a Wimbledon semi-fi nalist Stan Wawrinka takes the third seeding. But she beat Williams in the round of pion, and fourth-seeded Agnieszka fi rst rounds at Washington, Montreal in 2013, has been plagued by knee trou- Wawrinka begins against Spain’s 16 at the Australian Open in 2012. Radwanska of Poland start against and the Olympics. ble in recent months and has seen his Fernando Verdasco and could face fi ery Williams, 34, comes into the US qualifi ers. This year’s US Open is missing both ranking slump to 228 in the world. Australian Nick Kyrgios in the round of Open after suff ering a shoulder injury Fifth seed Simona Halep of Roma- Victoria Azarenka who is pregnant and Fourth seed Nadal, a gold medallist 16. which forced her out of the Cincinnati nia meets Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium former champion Maria Sharapova at the Olympics in doubles after miss- Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 event last week. in the fi rst round. Halep and Williams who is serving a doping suspension.

FOCUS ROUND-UP Kvitova advances, Serena shoulders Vinci ousted in burden of history Connecticut Superstar matched Steff i Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand at US Open Slams at Wimbledon in July

AFP Kerber, 28, boasts a title at Stuttgart, New York an Olympic silver medal and fi nals ap- pearances at Brisbane in January and this month in Cincinnati — where she missed erena Williams once again ar- her fi rst chance to supplant Williams atop rives at Flushing Meadows poised the rankings. to rewrite the tennis record books Being viewed as a legitimate threat to — if her own troublesome right Williams, Kerber said, “is really special”. shoulderS and increasingly emboldened “Because Serena is one of the best rivals allow. players and athletes in the world,” she The 34-year-old US superstar matched said. “Of course it’s really special that a Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland returns a shot to Kirsten Flipkens of Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand lot of people are speaking about her and Belgium on day 5 of the Connecticut Open yesterday. (AFP) Slam singles titles with her triumph at then speaking about me.” Wimbledon in July. Third-seeded Spaniard Garbine Mu- Agencies GASQUET OUSTED AT With a seventh US Open triumph she guruza also has a shot at the top, although New York WINSTON-SALEM can break Graf’s record, and continue her the 22-year-old who stunned Williams in Meanwhile, top seed Richard Gas- march toward Australian Margaret Court’s the French Open fi nal will need her best quet suff ered a surprise 7-5 6-3 all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam titles. US Open ever to do so. etra Kvitova moved loss to an unsung John Millman in She could also break Graf’s record of In three main-draw appearances she closer to a third straight the quarter-fi nals of the Winston- 186 consecutive weeks atop the world has won just one match. Turning around Connecticut Open Salem Open on Thursday. rankings, and surpass Chris Evert for her Flushing Meadows fortunes would crown after defeating Millman, ranked 81st in the most US Open singles titles won in the further her aim of establishing herself as PEkaterina Makarova 6-3 6-1 to world, broke Gasquet fi ve times Open Era. more than “the girl that beat Serena” at reach the semi-fi nals on Thurs- in the match to reach his fi rst ca- But after seeing a frustrating year go by Roland Garros. day. reer ATP semi-fi nal. between her 21st Grand Slam win and No. “I want to really do well there,” the Kvitova, who won this event “Gasquet is a top player. Play- 22, Williams said she’d learned to let his- Spaniard said. “Hopefully this is the year.” the last two years as well as in ing and beating him is very sat- tory take care of itself. Fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska 2012, stormed past her Russian isfying,” Australian Millman told “I learned not to get involved in those of Poland also has an outside chance at opponent as she looks to join Ve- reporters. debates and conversations,” Williams the world number one ranking if she can nus Williams and Caroline Woz- “Every week that I’m playing said after her straight-sets victory over claim her fi rst Grand Slam title. niacki as a four-time winner in an ATP World Tour event, I gain Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon fi nal. Like Radwanska, Romanian fi fth seed the tournament. more confi dence that I can com- “I defi nitely had some sleepless Simona Halep is seeking a Grand Slam To do that she will have to take pete at this level, and I’m proud nights... I’ve just felt a lot of pressure.” breakthrough while sixth-seeded Venus down top seed Agnieszka Rad- of that.” When the fi nal Grand Slam of the year Williams, who counts two US Open vic- wanska of Poland, who had lit- Millman is an unlikely contend- gets underway on Monday, the pressure tories among her seven Grand Slam sin- tle trouble winning her quarter- er this week. He was knocked out could be on again. gles titles, is one of a handful of former fi nal match, topping Belgium’s in the second round of singles play Williams’s bid to retain her Olympic champions among the seeds. Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-4. at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, singles title ended in Rio de Janeiro this That includes 2004 winner Svetlana Swedish qualifi er Johanna then had to get through qualifying month when she was sent crashing out of forced errors in the straight-sets defeat. is just one of the players poised to pounce. Kuznetsova of Russia and Australian Sa- Larsson pulled off an upset when to make the main draw last week in the third round by Elina Svitolina. Since then she has withdrawn from her The German defeated Williams in the mantha Stosur — who toppled Serena in she beat second-seed Roberta Cincinnati. Williams was clearly hindered by the WTA title defence in Cincinnati, saying Australian Open fi nal in January. Seeded the 2011 fi nal. Vinci 7-6 (9) 6-1. He won one main-draw match shoulder injury that had forced her out the infl ammation in her shoulder “con- second in New York, she is one of three last year’s US Open champion Flavia Larsson had lost in the fi nal at the Western & Southern Open of the Montreal WTA tournament as she tinues to be a challenge”. players with a chance to seize the number Pennetta of Italy will not defend her title round of qualifying for the tour- before falling to ninth-ranked served up eight double faults and 37 un- If Williams isn’t at full strength, Kerber one ranking if Williams falters. after retiring at the end of last year. nament, and only made the draw Dominic Thiem of Austria. when other players withdrew. Next up for Millman is a “It always helps to play many matchup with 16th seeded Pa- matches and to play good tennis,” blo Carreno Busta of Spain, who Larsson said. “It helps keep you knocked off Russia’s Andrey calm and you know when you go Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-3. Eyeing new tennis stars, US Open upgrades its site out there on court, you’re going Second-seeded Roberto to be a tough cookie to beat.” Bautista Agut rolled past Tai- AFP The 2016 tournament, which starts experience that can include time in the identity as a rowdy end-of-summer Larsson, who is ranked 62nd wan’s Yen-Hsun Lu 6-3, 6-2. New York Monday, will be the first of the millen- nosebleed section of the Ashe stadium party, with information walls, live music in the world, now has a semi-fi - Bautista Agut takes on ninth nium without the injured Roger Federer watching superstars like Murray and and constant stimulation. nal matchup with Elina Svitolina seeded Viktor Troicki who out- of Switzerland. Djokovic, as well as jaunts to buy US “That’s the allure of the US Open. You’re of Ukraine. Svitolina, the 10th played 15th seeded Fernando gleaming new retractable roof is Questions also surround the fitness of Open paraphernalia or a gourmet in New York, you’ve got a New York seed, defeated Russia’s Elena Verdasco of Spain 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 the crown jewel in a $600mn US women’s number one, Serena Williams sandwich. flare,” Rossetti said. “It’s not Wimbledon. Vesnina 6-3, 6-1. in the last quarter-fi nal match. A Open makeover that bets big on of the US, who was hobbled by a shoul- Fans can also wander the grounds and It’s not British and proper. It’s much tennis as the sport enters a transition der injury during a third round loss at watch lesser-known players do battle 20 more raw and in your face.” period. the Rio Olympics. feet before their eyes, a pastime espe- The upgraded facility, which will be Anticipation for the final Grand Slam The era’s other major champions are cially popular with hardcore tennis fans. complete in 2018 with the revamping tennis tournament of 2016 has been 30 or approaching it, including Serbia’s An upgraded US Open mobile app will of the Louis Armstrong stadium, will mounting, in part because it will mark Novak Djokovic, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, enable fans to receive push notifica- ultimately have annual capacity of the premiere of a sweeping transforma- Britain’s Andy Murray and Russia’s tions if a favourite player is scheduled 800,000 over the fortnight, an increase tion of the US Open’s home, the Billie Maria Sharapova, who is suspended for to practice, off ering an up-close view of of 100,000 from last year and a key Jean King National Tennis Center in doping. players like Williams or Nadal, unusual means of paying off the debt-financed Queens. “We are transitioning from what many for a major sporting event. enhancements. The centrepiece of the upgrade is have described as a sort of ‘golden era,’” Statistics-geek types can do deep dives Organisers hope to increase mentions the moveable roof over Arthur Ashe said Lew Sherr, chief revenue off icer for on matches in real-time, probing, for ex- on social media, which can improve lev- Stadium, the facility’s mammoth centre the United States Tennis Association. ample which player is better at coming erage with sponsors and broadcasters. court, ensuring continuous play, includ- “We will be in the not-too-distant future back from 0-40 to hold serve. The roof guarantees continuous play, ing for the final weekend’s champion- be transitioning to a new crop of hope- Fans will be able to query via the app on another benefit, although one the USTA ship matches. fully great, exciting new players.” how to find the nearest restroom or con- does not expect will be suff icient to Other major modifications include the Beyond that, professional sports in cession stand for the popular “Honey off set the cost of the addition. launch of a new 8,000-seat Grandstand general is navigating a changing Deuce” vodka drink. The Ashe roof bears the logo sponsor court and the relocation of almost all of landscape as it competes for precious The embrace of mobile technology JPMorgan Chase, a sign of the tourna- the tournament’s outside courts, a shift media oxygen and leisure time with has radically shifted consumer tastes ment’s unabashed commercialism, that allows more walkways and retail everything from “Pokemon Go” to compared with when the Ashe stadium which contrasts with Wimbledon, where space. Game of Thrones. was built in 1997, said Matt Rossetti, a players clad in all-white gear compete A 50 percent increase in the number of “You read today, at least in the US with Detroit architect who developed the amid a much more subdued advertising Wi-Fi access points will provide better many sports teams struggling with masterplan. presence. connectivity for smartphone-addicted ‘How do I get my fan away from the “You don’t sit with that boomer mental- The US Open is “very lively, very loud, patrons across the 40-acre site. couch?’ and away from the TV experi- ity and just watch a sport,” he said. “You very advertising-rich and there’s a lot The upgrade comes as tennis begins ence because that’s become so great?” want to engage it, you want to engage of brands all over the place,” said John to eye a future without a group of elite Sherr said. your friends, so there’s this whole new Kent, a worldwide sponsorship execu- players who have defined the sport in The average fan spends about seven technology of consumption going on.” tive at IBM who works on all four tennis the twenty-first century. hours on the US Open grounds, an The revamp also builds on the Open’s grand slams. John McEnroe serves to James Blake on day 5 of the Connecticut Open in New Haven, Connecticut, on Thursday. (AFP)