SPORT 16 FRIDAY 23 JUNE 2017 Sanchez sets record in draw with Germany

Kazan AFP

rsenal's Alexis Sanchez became Chile's all-time top-scorer with his 38th interna- tionalA goal in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Germany at the Confederations Cup. The Gunners' star, voted man of the match, wrote him- self into the record books by capitalising on an early mis- take in the German defence. However, Lars Stindl net- ted his second goal of the tournament to equalise for the world champions just before the break to eventu- ally share the points. The result leaves Chile top of Group B on goal difference from Germany. Australia's midfielder Mark Milligan (left) shots to score in a penalty during the 2017 Confederations Cup group B match againstCameroon at the Saint With both teams on four Petersburg Stadium yesterday. Right: Chile's forward Alexis Sanchez reacts after scoring a goal during the 2017 Confederations upC group B football match points, three ahead of Aus- against Germany at the Kazan Arena Stadium in Kazan, yesterday. tralia and Cameroon who drew 1-1 earlier, they are in pole position to reach next week's semi-finals. Germany play Cameroon Milligan penalty rescues draw for Australia on Sunday in Sochi while Chile face the Socceroos in Moscow. Saint Petersburg Cameroon play world cham- CONFEDERATIONS CUP relied on long balls down the It should have been 2-0 to AFP Despite leaving all his pions Germany in Sochi on Results and fixtures from the Confederations Cup flanks, a tactic that led to the Cameroon on 57 minutes when World Cup-winning stars at Sunday, while the Socceroos play Cameroon 1 Australia 1 opening goal, while Australia's Aboubakar fired a great chance home, Germany's head coach ustralia captain Mark Mil- Copa America holders Chile in Chile 1 Germany 1 brightest moments resulted in wide, leaving Broos with his Joachim Loew still managed ligan converted a Moscow. Next round Fixtures of Group B (GMT): Robbie Kruse firing straight at head in his hands on the side-

to name four of his first- Asecond-half penalty in "I am quite disappointed June 25 Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice lines, just before Australia

choice team. yesterday's 1-1 draw with Cam- because we had the means to Chile vs Australia (1500) Ondoa.Matt Ryan then held a equalised. With an hour gone, He started with wing- eroon in Saint Petersburg that win the match," said Zambo Germany vs Cameroon (1500) shot from Cameroon skipper Milligan tucked away a penalty backs Jonas Hector and left both teams heading for an Anguissa, who was named man Benjamin Moukandjo following after Alex Gersbach was brought Joshua Kimmich with Liver- early Confederations Cup exit. of the match. a deft back-heel from Vincent down in the area by Cameroon pool's Emre Can and Paris Cameroon midfielder Andre- "But nothing is over, we still parts of the game, but there was Aboubakar, but the opening goal right-back Ernest Mabouka. St-Germain's Julian Draxler, Frank Zambo Anguissa scored have a match to go against Ger- a small lapse in concentration was worth the wait. The video assistant referee who all impressed in Mon- with a superb flick on the stroke many. There'll be pressure but right at the end of the half that A beautifully weighted pass was consulted and confirmed the day's 3-2 win over of half-time, but Milligan slotted that is why we do this job." cost us," said Milligan. down the right from centre-back decision, with Milligan making Australia. home a spot-kick on 60 minutes Just like against Germany, "We'll look at our game Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui was no mistake with the spot-kick. Chile boss Juan Antonio as both sides picked up their first whose captain Julian Draxler again, take the positives from it brilliantly scooped by Zambo Australia coach Ange Postec- Pizzi started with an expe- point in Group B. netted a penalty just before half- and we'll aim to beat Chile." Anguissa over the advancing oglou threw on Tim Cahill, the rienced side, including nine The draw left both sides time in Monday's 3-2 win over Before Zambo Anguissa's Ryan and into the net. country's all-time leading scorer of the team which beat trailing Germany and Chile and the Socceroos in Sochi, another magical flick, there were few It was the fourth match in a with 48 goals, but the 37-year- Argentina on penalties in needing to win their final match lapse in concentration proved clear chances for both sides in row the Socceroos had conceded old could not break the deadlock the 2016 Copa America just to have any hope of reach- costly for Australia. an intense opening 45 minutes. a goal either in the first or final on his 99th international final. ing the semi-finals. "I think we dominated large Hugo Broos' Cameroon minute of a half. appearance. Federer beats Zverev Aspire Academy and Delhi to reach quarters Dynamos FC sign deal Armstrong Vas potential and Aspire Academy’s The Peninsula involvement will help to cement Halle, Germany The Swiss, who lost his first World number nine Kei Delhi Dynamos FC’s reputation Reuters comeback match in Stuttgart last Nishikori's own Wimbledon ndian Super League (ISL) out- as one of the most exciting clubs week, is still lacking some game preparations suffered a setback fit Delhi Dynamos have in Indian football. Both organi- op seed Roger Federer beat sharpness and squandered three when he was forced to retire Isigned a partnership deal sations have lofty expectations Germany's Mischa Zverev set points at 5-4 in the first set injured for the third straight with Aspire Academy, it was and we will work hard to pro- T7-6(4), 6-4 to advance to of an entertaining serve-and- time at this tournament. announced here yesterday. vide global opportunities for the last eight of the Halle Open volley encounter. The third seed needed to The agreement is likely to young Indian players and make yesterday as the 18-times Grand He persisted and carved out take a medical time-out against see the world-renowned acad- football the number one sport slam champion sharpens his two more, winning the tiebreak Karen Khachanov to treat a back emy share its best management in Northern India. " grasscourt game ahead of by whipping a crosscourt back- injury before playing on for a practices and football know- The ISL was founded in Wimbledon. hand winner on his fourth set few points and retiring with the how with the 2016 ISL 2013 and has become one of the Federer, who skipped the point. Russian leading 3-2 in the first semifinalists. fastest-growing professional entire claycourt season after Zverev's erratic first serve set. As part of the deal, Aspire football leagues in the world, winning the Australian Open was a liability and Federer Wimbledon, the only grand Academy coaches, talent scouts with an average match attend- and claiming titles at Indian pounced again at 4-4 in the sec- slam to be played on grass, starts and analysts will travel to Delhi ance of more than 26,000 (2015 Wells and Miami this year, will ond set to break the German, on July 3. to help develop the club’s exist- season average), the third-high- next play defending champion whose younger brother Alexan- Khachanov will now play ing talent and promote best est of any domestic professional Florian Mayer who beat der is through to the fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, practice in scouting for the club's football development between league in the world - behind Frenchman Lucas Pouille in quarter-finals, and served out who earlier beat Mikhail youth development Qatar and India." only the Bundesliga and the Pre- three sets. the match. Youzhny. programmes. The tie-up brings together mier League - and the highest In return, youth players two of the most ambitious in Asia. Since its inaugural sea- Switzerland's Roger from the Dynamos will join the "young" footballing nations, son, the ISL and Delhi Dynamos Federer returns the ball "Aspire Residential Pro- pairing the 2022 World Cup FC in particular have attracted gramme", which gives young hosts with a country which has some of the biggest names in to Germany's Mischa footballers the chance to train potentially one of the sport's world football, including Ales- Zverev during the ATP and learn at the Doha largest audiences in the world. sandro Del Piero, who was the tennis tournament in academy. Anil Sharma, owner of Delhi global league ambassador, Halle, western Germany, Ivan Bravo (pictured), Dynamos FC, said: "India and Florent Malouda, Roberto Car- yesterday. Aspire Academy's Director Gen- Qatar are two countries with los and John Arne Riise, to name eral, said he was "thrilled" by the close ties and it is only natural a few. partnership. that there is a partnership Aspire Academy’s agree- "Today's announcement between two organisations ment with DDFC is the first of marks an important milestone based in their respective capi- its kind in the Indian subconti- for Delhi Dynamos FC and tal cities." nent for the academy and Aspire Academy," he said. "I am happy and excited to follows a global network the "Our two organisations see Delhi Dynamos FC partner academy has developed with share many of the same values with a prestigious organisation other leading clubs including and ambitions, and together we in order to help grow football KAS Eupen (Belgium), Cultural will lay the first foundations of not only in Delhi, but in North- y Deportiva Leonesa (Spain) and what we hope will become a ern India as well. The Indian Independiente del Valle long-standing partnership in Super League has great (Ecuador). FRIDAY 23 JUNE 2017 SPORT 17 Veteran defender Marquez All Blacks say they can crack Lions' defence relishes playing for Mexico Auckland AFP

Rizwan Rehmat evident in the first half (against he All Blacks believe Moscow New Zealand).” they've cracked the code When asked about the eight Tto beating the British and eteran Mexican changes to the playing XI against Irish Lions rushed defence, with defender Rafael New Zealand, Marquez said coach (pictured) Marquez is relishing Colombian coach Juan Carlos saying yesterday they have the opportunity to Osorio had things under plans to outsmart their light- play for the national control. ning line speed. sideV at the ripe age of 38 and the “The coach knows what to Hansen also dismissed South American star says he is do,” he said with a smile. claims by his Lions counterpart keen to add the Confederations In a bizarre scenario in Warren Gatland that he was Cup title glory in his impressive Wednesday’s clash, Osorio was "worried" ahead of the long- ahead of the vastly more expe- resume. involved in a heated argument awaited first Test between the rienced on the “I am happy to be playing for with one of New Zealand’s world champions and the Lions wing. the national side in such a huge assistant coaches after Salcedo in Auckland tomorrow. Ioane is the fastest member tournament,” Marquez said after went down with an injury in the Although the tourists have of the All Blacks squad and also his side rallied to beat New Zea- first half. lost two midweek games, their offers a safe option with Ben land 2-1 at Fisht Stadium in Sochi Osorio later apologised for shadow Test line-up managed Smith and Israel Dagg with the on Wednesday. losing his temper during the to put away lead- All Blacks back three expected “I’m just so pleased to be match. ers Canterbury Crusaders and to face an aerial bombardment playing for my favourite team,” “I would like to apologise to a strong Maori All Blacks side from Lions halves Conor Mur- the 140-cap veteran added. our fans, the way I spoke to one with a defensive intensity that ray and . Forward Chris Wood put of their assistant coaches was crushed the life out of the Apart from Ioane, Hansen New Zealand ahead three min- not OK,” he said after the feisty opposition. picked a predictable All Blacks utes from the first-half whistle. contest. "You would assume that side, which includes the return Mexico rallied in the second “There is no place for disre- because they have had a lot of of from injury of captain Kieran half and equalised through Raul spect in football and I am sorry. success with their line speed Read. Jimenez in the 54th minute. The game was rough, almost and their ability to dominate up He believed the Lions team Oribe Peralta netted the match violent on occasion, so I lost my front that that's what they'll try was also well telegraphed, par- winning goal in the 72nd minute. temper.” and do with us," Hansen said, ticularly their back three of Despite a lacklustre show, Osorio said: “New Zealand after naming his Test team. Liam Williams, Anthony Marquez warned his rivals: “But are a very good team. They are "Have we got a plan for it? Watson and Elliot Daly, with keep in mind we want to win this Mexico’s Rafael Marquez (right) in action against New Zealand’s even better in the aerial game. Well obviously we hope we do," Ben Te'o preferred in a close tournament.” Chris Wood during their Group A FIFA Confederations Cup They are very strong physically. he added, without revealing contest for inside centre. The CF Atlas skipper added: match at Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Wednesday. They play with a spirit that was how the All Blacks will combat "He's picked the best back “We can win, why not? We have seen in the All Blacks side.” the threat. three. He could have played a team of good players, every- Group A, just need a draw to half we came out with a differ- Mexico will take on Russia "We'll see how good the Farrell or Ben at 12. At some one is equal. And we deserve to reach the semi-finals. ent attitude,” he said. in Kazan tomorrow. plan is when we get out there stage I think Farrell will end up go out on the field and do well.” However, Mexico will sweat When asked about the next on Saturday night but it would there because (Johnny) Sexton Mexico, who are on top of on the fitness of key defender opponents - hosts Russia - Mar- be very foolish to believe will come on... and the forwards Carlos Salcedo who went down quez praised the home side. they're not going to bring some selected themselves," Hansen Facts about the with a dislocated shoulder in “It is hard to tell what will line speed." said. seasoned defender Wednesday’s clash. happen. Playing against them is Hansen has named Sonny Amid the pre-match hype There’s no word on how bad a difficult situation in itself. It Bill Williams, with his ability to over the past week, Gatland In 2014, Marquez became the first player the injury is but it seems the will be a hard battle. Russia has offload in the tightest situations, accused Hansen of being "wor- to captain his national team in four con- 23-year-old could be out for the a strong side. They play compact and Ryan Crotty, a master ried" ahead of the first Test, secutive editions of the FIFA World Cup, remainder of the tournament. football but we believe in our- reader of the game, as his start- which the usually laid-back All captaining the Mexican side in the 2002, Marquez, the former Barce- selves,” Marquez said. ing centres. The surprise Blacks coach found rather 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions of the lona defender, admitted New “We will fight as we do not selection was Rieko Ioane amusing. Zealand fought well in the Group expect to just get out of the group "Pretty cool, calm and tournament. A encounter. and win the Confederations excited," is how he rated Marquez has played more World Cup NZ squad “New Zealand proved to be Cup,” Marquez said. himself. matches than any other Mexican player, stiff opponents. But we managed “But my players understand New Zealand (15-1): ; Israel "Worry is a wasted emotion. representing his country in 16 games. to get our act together for most their roles. Sometimes they can If the thing you're worried about Dagg, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Wil- part of the match. In the second be hard on themselves as was Rafael Marquez has happened you need to fix it liams, Rieko Ioane; , so there's no point worrying Aaron Smith; (capt), Sam about it. If it hasn't happened, Cane, ; , then get a plan so you don't have Everton's ; , Codie to worry about it. Oscar handed eight-match Taylor, . "But it's good feedback from Bolasie seeks Replacements: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Warren. Look, Warren Gat- Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Bar- land's a good coach. He's got his benefits of ban for sparking CSL brawl rett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron own style and selected a really Cruden/Lima Sopoaga, Anton Lien- good team and we've got to go ert-Brown out and earn the respect as injury layoff Hong Kong offended opposing players in an and Fu Huan of SIPG were sent they've got to earn ours." Reuters immoral manner, leading to a off for their part in the ensuing London massive brawl which has had a altercation. Reuters ormer Chelsea midfielder very bad influence on the Chi- The 25-year-old joined SIPG Oscar was handed an nese Super League's reputation," from Chelsea in January for an Boks look to continue verton winger Yan- F eight-match ban by Chi- an official statement said. Asian record transfer fee of 60 nick Bolasie nese football authorities The incident was triggered million euros ($66.96 million) E expects to return yesterday for his role in a brawl in the dying seconds of the first as Chinese Super League clubs momentum in 3rd Test from his serious knee that broke out during Shanghai half of Sunday's game after continued a spending spree that injury a more cautious SIPG's draw with Guangzhou Oscar had set up Hulk to score has seen several high-profile player, believing the R&F at the weekend. his side's equaliser, with acquisitions in recent years. Johannesburg pack that at times gave the approach will improve The Brazilian, who moved Guangzhou players complain- Oscar's purchase was the Reuters home side a battering in his composure on the to China for a record transfer fee ing to officials the strike should third time in a 12-month period Durban. ball and help him reach in January, was also fined have been ruled out for the Asian transfer record had outh Africa will seek to "This is their last match of the next level. 40,000 yuan ($5,855) by the offside. been broken with the fee paid maintain the feel-good the season and they will be The speedy Congo- Chinese Football Association in Soon after the restart, Oscar for the Brazilian surpassing that Sfactor that has returned to highly motivated to finish on a lese wide man was the latest move by the country's deliberately kicked the ball at paid by SIPG for Hulk seven their rugby in the third test high, so they will yet again pose recruited by manager authorities to stamp out two Guangzhou players, pro- months earlier. against France tomorrow, a serious threat," Coetzee said. Ronald Koeman last indiscipline. voking a response that led to a His sanction is another sign knowing that tougher chal- "We will have to work August and made 13 Pre- "According to the referee's scuffle on the halfway line. Chinese authorities intend to lenges lie ahead this season. extremely hard against a very mier League report, video evidence and a Oscar was pushed to the crack down on poor behaviour History beckons for the physical French side who will appearances before sus- written explanation from the ground by Guangzhou's Chen as the profile of the Chinese team with a win at Ellis Park, again test us in all taining a season-ending parties involved... Oscar Zhizhao, while R&F's Li Tixiang Super League grows overseas. where they have lost all four departments." injury in December. He previous tests against the tour- France coach Guy Noves was ruled out for a year This file photo taken on June 18, 2017 shows ing French but can now sweep has made just three changes to and has since undergone Shanghai SIPG's Oscar (left) kicking the ball at a three-match series against his backline, including a recall two surgeries. a Guangzhou R&F player (right) in an incident their European opponents for to the flyhalf position for Jules "Strangely, I think that led to a brawl during their Chinese Super the first time. Plisson. that having this injury League match in Guangzhou, in China's A sense of optimism has Other changes see Brice will give me the compo- returned to the team after a dis- Dulin come in for South Afri- southern Guangdong province. sure that I have been astrous 2016 in which they lost can-born Scott Spedding at looking for," Bolasie said. eight of their 12 tests, including fullback and Nans Ducuing get "I know that will take historic defeats to Ireland, Italy a first test start ahead of Yoann my game to another and Argentina. Huget on the wing. level. I am going to be It is with that in mind that "Three changes seemed subconsciously more Springbok coach Allister right to us, we have had two cautious with any sharp Coetzee has again made mini- tests to evaluate the players' movements, but that mal changes to his side, mindset," Noves said on should improve my game preferring continuity over the Thursday. massively. temptation to give a number of "We've got nothing to lose "My old managers fringe players a run after two in the sense that what we have Alan Pardew and Tony convincing wins so far. to do is defend the jersey. I felt Pulis always felt I would The Bok coach says he there was a lot of progress from gain more composure expects another physical bat- one test to the next. Admittedly with age." tle, especially as the French the first game was so poor, that have maintained their forward wasn't difficult." 18 SPORT FRIDAY 23 JUNE 2017

McLaren outlook Ireland, Afghanistan join Test elite for Baku bleak, says Vandoorne London I'd like to thank the ICC and the Ireland’s Paul Stirling (left) listens AFP members for the positive out- to captain William Porterfield come," said Cricket Ireland chief Baku during a training session in reland and Afghanistan executive Warren Deutrom in a AFP were awarded Test match statement. Brisbane, in this February 2015 file status yesterday, taking the "Test cricket is the pinnacle photo. Porterfield is delighted after ernando Alonso and number of countries play- of the sport and it's what we've his team got Test status yesterday. McLaren-Honda team- ing at the pinnacle of all been aiming for." Fmate Stoffel Vandoorne Icricket from 10 to 12 in a deci- Ireland captain William Por- will be "competing to start sion described as "fantastic" and terfield added: "It's wonderful from the back of the grid" at "remarkable". news for all of Irish cricket, with this weekend's Azerbaijan Both countries were con- all the players already talking Grand Prix in Baku. firmed as full members after a about playing in a Test match for Belgian driver Vandoorne unanimous vote at an Interna- the first time. expects the misery to con- tional Cricket Council (ICC) "We've all played in World tinue for the crisis-hit meeting during its annual con- Cups and achieved some mem- McLaren team, he told report- ference in London. orable results along the way, but ers during a news conference Now Ireland and Afghani- to play in a Test would be a bit ahead of Sunday's race. stan's men's teams will be special." "We have some penalties eligible to play five-day Test Ireland international Gary already to start the weekend, cricket, widely regarded as the Wilson tweeted: "Let's not for- which is not ideal, but this is sport's supreme format. get the tireless volunteers who the situation we are in," said Bangladesh were previously worked so many years to get us Vandoorne. the last country to be granted where we are. "We will try to do our Test status in 2000. "Men who played for free best, focus maybe a bit more But Afghanistan and Ireland and managed for free...As well and we dared to dream that this cricket taking place during the significant development and on race runs and hopefully have now joined an exclusive as for us, this is for them." would happen and today it has 1980s and 1990s, as refugees fled growth of cricket in their respec- we can play a bit during the club that also includes founder Meanwhile, Afghanistan become a reality." to Pakistan to escape the Soviet tive countries," said race. We are probably com- members Australia and England, Cricket Board chief executive Afghanistan international invasion. Richardson. peting to start from the back who played the first Test match Shafiq Stanikzai said: "For a Mohammad Nabi took to his own The ICC announced the "Both have clearly demon- of the grid." at Melbourne in 1877, South nation like Afghanistan it is a Twitter feed to say: "Finally our establishment of cricket's 11th strated they meet the new Lewis Hamilton's 2008 Africa, New Zealand, the West huge and remarkable achieve- hard work pays off and the and 12th Test nations with a criteria and as such have made world title was the last of 12 Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka ment, the entire nation will be dream of @ICC Full-Membership statement via its Twitter feed the progression to Full Member- drivers' championships for and Zimbabwe. celebrating. comes true. Can't control my saying: "@ACBofficials and @Ire- ship," the former South Africa McLaren, who are enduring "It's fantastic news for all "Afghanistan cricket has sentiments." landcricket confirmed as Full wicket-keeper added. their worst run in the team's involved with Irish cricket and gone from strength to strength Cricket has been played in Members after a unanimous vote Last year, Afghanistan's modern history. Ireland for nearly 200 years but at ICC Full Council meeting. national team shifted its base Without a point this sea- it wasn't until 1969 that they "Both will now be eligible to from Sharjah in the United Arab son and unlikely to stop the made the rest of the world game play Test cricket following a rec- Emirates to Noida, Delhi, while rot this weekend, McLaren take true notice when they ommendation that their India's former batsman Lalchand have been hit by a series of bowled out the West Indies for applications met newly approved Rajput replaced Pakistan's setbacks as Honda, in their We've all played in World Cups and just 25 at Sion Mills in a match member criteria." Inzamam-ul-Haq as their third season as exclusive achieved some memorable results along recorded by television. ICC chief executive David national team coach. partners and engine suppli- Ireland have since estab- Richardson paid tribute to the Questions remain, however, ers, struggle to deliver reliable the way, but to play in a Test would be a lished themselves during the efforts of the two new Test about how well Afghanistan and units. The Japanese company bit special: Ireland captain William course of several World Cups, countries. Ireland, now coached by former has suffered recurrent prob- recording one-day international "I'd like to congratulate New Zealand off-spinner John lems with its engine Porterfield wins over Pakistan, the West Afghanistan and Ireland on their Bracewell, will do in the game's components, including Indies and England. Full Membership status which is longest format. Bangladesh another failure for Vandoorne Afghanistan's progress has the result of their dedication to famously floundered for their first in practice at the Canadian been even more rapid, with improving performance both off decade while New Zealand took Grand Prix two weeks ago. many Afghans' first contact with and on the field resulting in the 26 years to win their first Test. Both two-time world champion Alonso and Van- doorne will be using their sixth turbocharger, and other Sri Lanka pacer Malinga in hot Lasith Malinga parts, this year and collect likely 15-place grid water over 'monkey' comment penalties.

Colombo "In my criticism of the appall- side's Champions Trophy win AFP ing fitness levels of our players, I over Sri Lanka. Both catches were did not name Malinga, but he has off the bowling of Malinga, who ri Lanka fast bowler Lasith chosen to put the hat on and ended up with just one wicket for Malinga faced an investiga- attack me publicly." 52 runs. Stion yesterday after he Malinga told a television net- Jayasekera said he ordered a compared a government minis- work the minister knew nothing fitness test on the team after their ter to a monkey following about cricket. return from England last week criticism that the country's crick- "I don't care about criticism and found that most of them carry eters were too fat. from those who are simply too much fat. Bottas keen Sports minister Dayasiri warming chairs," he said. "The typical body fat amounts Jayasekera said he ordered an "What does a monkey know for a cricketer should be about 16 for long-term inquiry after Malinga lambasted about a parrot's nesting hollow? percent, but most of our players him for questioning the endur- This is like a monkey getting into have over 25 percent," Jayasek- Mercedes ance of Sri Lankan players a parrot's nest and talking about era said. following their failure to reach the it." "I want the results analysed Champions Trophy semi-finals. Jayasekera said some Sri and in future no one will be cricket in the previous 18 Mumbai Indians. Malinga was deal "He is now under investiga- Lankan players had pot bellies included in a national squad if months because of injury. the only player excused from tion for making statements to the that stopped them moving and they are above 16 percent." Just prior to the Champions Sri Lanka's high altitude train- Baku media in breach of his contract that often they could not hold Malinga, 33, was a surprise Trophy, however, Malinga won ing camp before the Champions AFP with Sri Lanka Cricket (board)," catches. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz choice for the Sri Lanka squad as the cash-rich Indian Premier Trophy, because of the IPL Jayasekera said. Ahmed was twice dropped in his he has played little international League (IPL) title with the campaign. altteri Bottas (pictured above) made clear Vyesterday that he is keen to secure a long-term future with Mercedes and is Kohli 'respects' Kumble but India crisis stays in-house not speaking to any other F1 teams about 2018 and beyond. Port of Spain In announcing his decision, decision. I have total respect for winners who failed for the first The Finn, who joined AFP the former Indian leg-spinner him as a cricketer and what he time in 42 years to qualify for a Mercedes last December as said he had been informed by has achieved. There's no taking major International Cricket replacement for retired 2016 ndia captain Virat Kohli (pic- officials of the Board of Control away that aspect of him at all Council event. world champion Nico Ros- tured) refused to be discuss for Cricket in India (BCCI) that and we respect him totally." Unless they can upset the berg, said he felt no pressure Ithe bitter departure of head "the captain had reservations Had this development and form book in five matches in not having a contract coach Anil Kumble yesterday, with my style and about my the shock thrashing by Pakistan against India and a further five beyond 2017. admitting he "respects" the continuing as head coach." transpired ahead of a more ODIs in England in September, "I feel normal, because former spinner but that he will The issue of an apparent challenging assignment there the ninth-ranked West Indies every single year I've been in not betray dressing room strained relationship between might be cause for worry. also appear doomed to go Formula One I was in the secrecy. Kohli and Kumble first arose However in the West Indies, through the qualifying tourna- same situation at this time of Although his contract had three weeks earlier just prior to the Indians are taking on oppo- ment next year for the 2019 the year, as I had no idea, at come to an end at the conclu- the start of the Champions Tro- nents whose form has dipped World Cup in England. this point, what I was going sion of the Champions Trophy phy with reports suggesting that alarmingly in the past 12 months "That's no concern for me. to do the following year," said tournament in London last Sun- players were uncomfortable to the extent that they have won We have to focus on our game Bottas, who has had a pole day, Kumble was retained for with was described as Kumble's just three of 16 ODIs during that and leave India to deal with their position and a race victory the forthcoming brief Caribbean "intimidating" style of man period and only managed a 1-1 own problems," said West Indies this year in his opening seven campaign. management. draw in a rain-affected three- captain Jason Holder when ques- Grands Prix with the team. However, he announced his "What happens in the match series with Afghanistan tioned about the circumstances "So, for me, it's a normal resignation the day after the change room is something that's speaking to the media on the in their last campaign. of Kumble's departure. situation. But it's still early days title-holders and favourites suc- very sacred and private to all of eve of the series against the That series was played con- "We have a chance of beat- and for sure I'm keen to have cumbed to a crushing 180-run us, and something that I would West Indies. currently with the Champions ing India but only if we deliver a long-term relationship with defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan not express in details in a pub- "His point of view is out Trophy, serving to highlight the on the day in all departments of Mercedes. Every day I work in the final at The Oval. lic scenario," said Kohli, there and we respect that steep decline of the former the game." hard to make the most out of every single situation." FRIDAY 23 JUNE 2017 SPORT 19 Querrey ends Thompson's Queen's fairytale

London "Queen's is one of my Halep accepts AFP favourite places to come. It was fun to win it back then. ordan Thompson was una- "But to be able to win two wild card for ble to build on his stunning matches in a row gives me Queen's Club victory over more confidence than winning key Wimbledon Andy Murray as the Aus- the tournament seven years Jtralian was beaten by Sam ago." warm-up event Querrey in the second round With Murray, Stan yesterday. Wawrinka and Milos Raonic London Thompson, ranked a lowly already knocked out, Croatian AFP 90th, was the talk of the tennis fourth seed Marin Cilic is the world after his astonishing highest ranked player left in the rench Open finalist straight-sets victory over world draw. Simona Halep will make number one and Wimbledon The 2012 Queen's champion Fit eight out of the wom- champion Murray. breezed through with a 6-0, 6-4 en's world top 10 appearing But the 23-year-old's bid to second-round victory over at the Wimbledon warm-up, reach only his second Tour- American teenager Stefan the International, after level quarter-final was brought Kozlov. accepting a wild card invita- to an end by Querrey's 7-6 (7/3), Cilic's sixth Queen's Club tion yesterday. 3-6, 6-3 win at the Wimbledon quarter-final appearance will The 25-year-old Roma- warm-up event. come against American Don- nian -- ranked second in the While Thompson will rue ald Young as the former US world and beaten by the his missed opportunity, he Open champion aims to reach unseeded Latvian Jelena should leave west London with the final for the third time. Ostapenko in the French Sam Querrey of the US returns against Australia's Jordan Thompson during their men's second renewed belief in his ability Watched by David Beck- Open final -- joins world after his brief but memorable ham and son Romeo, round match at the ATP Aegon Championships t at Queen's Club in west London, yesterday. number one Angelique Ker- moment in the spotlight. highly-rated Russian youngster ber and number three Beaten by France's Jeremy Daniil Medvedev defeated Aus- Karolina Pliskova at the tour- Chardy in the second round of tralian wildcard Thanasi nament in Eastbourne, Queen's qualifying on Sunday, Kokkinakis 6-2, 6-2. Svitolina crashes out southern England. Thompson received an unex- Kokkinakis, the world Halep, who had a good pected call-up when Aljaz number 698, became the low- clay court season winning in Bedene, Murray's scheduled est ranked player to beat a Madrid but losing in the Rome opponent, withdrew with a top-six opponent since 1994 final before her defeat to wrist injury just hours before when he shocked former Wim- of Birmingham Classic Ostapenko in three sets in Tuesday's match. bledon finalist Raonic in the Paris, said she is delighted to After spending his career first round. But Medvedev, 21, get some grass court compe- trying to eke out a living on the is emerging as a potential star Birmingham, UK BIRMINGHAM RESULTS round, the two leading seeds tition in before Wimbledon unglamourous second-tier and, just a week after beating AFP Results from the WTA tournament in Birming- have now both departed early, after pulling out of this week's Challenger circuit, Thompson Kokkinakis at 's-Hertogen- ham yesterday (x denotes seeding): following belated withdrawals WTA tournament with a sore thrived on the big stage, out- bosch, the world number 60 orld number five Elina Second round from four other top-10 players. ankle. playing Murray to shatter the was on top again as he cruised Svitolina became the Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x5) bt Shuai Zhang Although this week's event is Play gets underway Scot's hopes of a third succes- to a quarter-final meeting with Wlatest in a series of (CHN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) only a warm-up for Wimbledon, today and runs to July 1 sive Queen's title. Bulgarian sixth seed Grigor top-10 casualties when she lost Garbine Muguruza (ESP x6) bt Alison Riske (USA) it is a premier-level tournament whilst Wimbledon begins on There was no sign of any Dimitrov. to qualifier Camila Giorgi in the 6-1, 6-4 with high prize money. If it July 3rd.

hangover from that epic per- Spain's Feliciano Lopez second round at Birmingham Camila Giorgi (ITA) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x2) 6-4, proves even the slightest indi- "I am very much looking formance when Thompson advanced to his third Queen's yesterday. 4-6, 6-2 cator of events at Wimbledon, forward to playing in East- returned to centre court to face quarter-final with a 6-1, 7-6 It is only a month since the there are some shocks in store bourne," said Halep. Querrey. Querrey, ranked 28th, (7/4) win against French qual- 22-year-old Ukrainian tasted heat to drizzle and damp, it when the Grand Slam tourna- "The quality of the draw has impressive pedigree on ifier Jeremy Chardy. the euphoria of winning the Ital- became hard for Svitolina, who ment gets underway on July 3. is very high so I'm hoping for grass after lifting the Queen's ian Open in Rome, but while has had issues with a foot prob- Svitolina often played well some great matches to give trophy in 2010 and memorably QUEEN'S CLUB ATP RESULTS struggling with injury, she slid lem, to cope. in the second set and broke me the best possible prepa- shocking Novak Djokovic at Results from the ATP tournament at Queen's to a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 second-round Another was that Giorgi serve to lead early in the third, ration ahead of Wimbledon last year. Club in London yesterday (x denotes seeding): defeat to a player ranked out- adapted to the slick surface very but her standards dropped Wimbledon." Yet Thompson made the Second Round side the top 100. well, hitting some raging fore- away. Also in the high quality American work for every point Sam Querrey (USA) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) One of the reasons for such hand drives, finding some good Afterwards she even sug- field are world number six before finally succumbing in 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-3 a dramatic contrast was that the angles, and occasionally com- gested she would consider and defending champion two hours and 11 minutes. Marin Cilic (CRO x4) bt Stefan Kozlov (USA) 6-0, tournament is played on lush ing to the net effectively. pulling out of Wimbledon. Dominika Cibulkova and 6-4 "Jordan is tough. I knew he grass in the English midlands - She increasingly played "There is a question about local girl Johanna Konta, who Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis was confident coming off that utterly different to the high close to the standard that two it," she admitted. is ranked one rung below the (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 win against Andy," said Quer- bouncing brick dust of the Foro years ago took her to 30 in the "I will talk with my physios. champion. Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Jérémy Chardy (FRA)

rey, who faces Luxembourg's Italico. world. The season is very long and I Halep will also hope to

6-1, 7-6 (7/4) Gilles Muller for a place in the Combined with a sudden With Dominika Cibulkova must look at the bigger eat into Kerber's small lead semi-finals. change from Wednesday's fierce having already lost in the first picture." in the world rankings.

McIlroy backs PGA Tour Al Shaqab’s Qemah wins at Royal Ascot

drug testing The Peninsula to succeed by three quarters of a length. Aljazzi was runner-up ahead of Ush- l Shaqab Racing’s Qemah won the erette, who finished very well after not reforms Group Two Duke of Cambridge finding an opening. AStakes on Wednesday to record her Qemah’s jockey, Frenchman Gregory New York second win in as many visits, having won Benoist, said, “She won nicely here last Reuters the Group One Coronation Stakes last year. Last time at Lingfield, she wasn’t year. very exciting but today the fast ground, our-time major winner Jean Claude Rouget’s smart filly was the pace of the race helped her, and she Rory McIlroy has voiced very relaxed and waited amongst the was in a good day. She was ready for this Fsupport for the PGA group of horses that cantered along the race and we are very happy to have won Tour's drug-testing reforms inside rail. Once she got an opening, the twice at Royal Ascot. Last time it was soft that introduce blood screen- filly took the advantage 200m from the ground here, but she’s raced on good ing and revise the list of post. ground in France, she can go banned substances to match She then resisted the attacks from anywhere.” the World Anti-Doping Agen- Aljazzi on her outside, and Smart Call and Trainer Rouget too was elated. cy's directory for the 2017-18 Usherette on the inside and held on well “The lad at home, Jerome, had been season. doing strong work with her every day and Last July, the 28-year-old he had been very happy that it was not Briton expressed concern the same filly that ran at Lingfield; there Al Shaqab Racing’s Qemah in action in the Group Two Duke of Cambridge over the lack of regular drug had been a big change. I hope now she’s Stakes at the Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Bottom: Al Shaqab representative testing in golf compared with in a good place for the rest of the season. receiving the winner's trophy. other Olympic sports and After that we’ll go to Deauville for the Prix advocated the introduction of Rothschild.” Qemah had won the Prix blood testing. Rothschild (Gr1) in last year. The PGA tour said on In the Prince of Wales’ Stakes, High- Tuesday that urine tests land Reel delivered Irish training great would still make up a bulk of Aiden O’Brien his 300th Group One win- examinations but blood ner over flat and jumps. screening would be intro- Highland Reel, winning his second duced to detect human Group One race inside a month, also growth hormone. brought relief to the 47-year-old trainer Policies regarding player after his hotly-fancied Churchill had failed suspensions for illegal drugs to fire and finished only fourth in Tues- use will also be made more day’s feature, the St James’s Palace Stakes. transparent. O’Brien hailed Highland Reel as ‘unbe- "If we're not blood testing lievably courageous’. we're not doing all we can to “If it comes anywhere near courage, make sure that golf is a clean then he will be there fighting,” said sport, so I obviously welcome O’Brien. “He has danced every dance. I’m the news," McIlroy was not sure we have ever had a horse with his own landmark of 300 Group and team,” he said. “It’s a huge chain of peo- quoted as saying by the Daily the constitution he has.” Grade One wins. ple involved and I feel privileged to be Telegraph note. O’Brien was typically humble about “I’m just a small part in a massive part of it.”