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Monday, August 1, 2016 TENNIS Shawwal 27, 1437 AH Nishikori seeks GULF TIMES Djokovic revenge in Toronto fi nal SPORT Page 5

FORMULA 1 Hamilton surges clear with win at Hockenheim Dreadful start costs Rosberg as German driver finishes fourth to trail by 19 points in championship

AFP and failed — to stave off a charging Ros- Hockenheim, Germany berg. Verstappen defended aggressively and retaliated, a characteristic that has ewis Hamilton extended his earned him a reputation, but he lacked lead in the Formula One drivers’ the pace needed. championship to 19 points after “He pushed me off the track,” said winning the German Grand Prix Verstappen over the radio. The stew- Lwith ease yesterday, as Mercedes team- ards investigated, agreed and handed mate and title rival Nico Rosberg toiled Rosberg a fi ve-second stop-go penalty to fourth. to be taken at his next pit stop. Home hero Rosberg surrendered his “I was very surprised to get that pen- lead from pole with a dreadful start alty,” a downbeat Rosberg said later. to the Briton, who stormed away to To make matters worse for the luckless claim his sixth win in seven races and Rosberg, Mercedes team manager Ron strengthen his grip in the title chase. Meadows had a problem with his stop Second was Daniel Ricciardo, with watch and the team held him by more Max Verstappen, his young Red Bull than eight seconds instead of just fi ve. teammate, third. “That cost me dearly. It didn’t make Reigning world champion Hamilton any diff erence that I was held longer took full advantage of the poor start than needed as I couldn’t challenge the by Rosberg, who also received a fi ve Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg Red Bulls after the penalty,” Rosberg second pit-stop penalty for an over- said. aggressive passing move, to deliver a Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 “When a day goes completely wrong, fl awless drive. world champion, fi nished eighth ahead all those things come together. “I had a great start and my engi- of Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams and “Being 19 points behind Lewis now is neers gave me a perfectly balanced car,” Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India. not tough — tough is losing the race in Hamilton, who started second on the the way that I did. grid, told the Hockenheim crowd from ROSBERG TOILS “That will take me some time to di- the podium. In front of a big race-day crowd who gest.” “I am so happy to be here and to win had come to see Rosberg grab back the for Mercedes Benz — I have been with title lead, it was Hamilton who was to GERMAN GP RESULTS (TOP 10) them since I was 13. seize the initiative from the off . 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:30:44.200 “Today it was about staying cool As the lights went out, the 31-year- 2. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) +6.996 and I didn’t make any mistakes and in old produced a perfect departure to 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +13.413 my heart I felt I did a great job. For me, dash past his teammate. 4. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) +15.845 yesterday wasn’t perfect, but you learn The German’s poor start also allowed 5. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) +32.570 from those things.” both Red Bulls to surge past him with 6. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) +37.023 For Rosberg, who was seeking to re- Verstappen squirming wide to the left 7. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) +1:10.049 peat his 2014 triumph, it ended up as a to pass Ricciardo and take second as 8. Jenson Button (McLaren) 1 lap day of bitter disappointment. they rushed into the sweeping right- 9. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) 1 lap “A tough one, yes, very tough,” said hander Turn One. 10. Sergio Perez (Force India) 1 lap the 31-year-old. “Really diffi cult. For Down in fourth after the 320 metres me, the start went completely wrong rush down the straight, Rosberg bat- DRIVERS’ STANDINGS (TOP 5) — none of it was good. There was a lot tled to regain a place on lap one with- 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 217.0pts of wheel-spin and it caught me by sur- out reward as the fi eld stretched and 2. Nico Rosberg (GER) 198.0 prise. settled. 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 133.0 “It was not like that in the practice For the championship leader Hamil- 4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 122.0 starts before the race and it was very ton, who has grasped the impetus in the 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 120.0 diffi cult for me after that.” title race in recent weeks, it was a dream The home fans had another German start to the race. For his teammate Ros- CONSTRUCTORS’ STANDINGS (TOP 5) to cheer as four-time champion Sebas- berg it was a nightmare. 1. Mercedes 415 pts tian Vettel fi nished fi fth ahead of his Rosberg was soon tussling with Ver- 2. Red Bull 256 Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen and stappen. 3. Ferrari 242 compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was The Dutch teenager had to run wide 4. Williams 96 Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his win in the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheim circuit yesterday. (AFP) seventh on home turf for Force India. and off the circuit as he attempted — 5. Force India 81

CRICKET / WI VS IND, DAY 2, 2ND TEST Rahul century helps India take control against Windies

AFP Only 59 runs were added from discipline in seeking to ensure that Kingston, Jamaica the overnight position, extend- the advantage achieved on the fi rst ing the second-wicket partnership day of the match was consolidated between Rahul and Pujara to 98, at the start of day two. okesh Rahul completed but none off the bowlers were able In just his sixth Test match, Ra- a patient hundred as In- to make the much-needed break- hul’s innings has already occupied dia closed in on the West through. over four-and-a-half hours during Indies’ fi rst innings total Of further concern to the home which he has faced 199 deliveries, ofL 196, by reaching 185 for one at side would have been the sight stroking 12 fours to accompany the lunch on the second day of the sec- of debutant fast-medium bowler big hit that took him past the cher- ond Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica Miguel Cummins leaving the fi eld ished landmark. yesterday. in some physical discomfort just At the other end, Pujara was even Making the most of his recall to before the interval. more watchful, adding only 19 runs the team due to a thumb injury sus- He beat the bat on more than one to his overnight score without ever tained by Murali Vijay ahead of the occasion during his spell and would looking in any real diffi culty on a match, Raul reached his third Test have been expected to shoulder a pitch that still off ered its challenges century with a six over long-on, but lot of the bowling heading into the to the batsmen. was generally watchful throughout afternoon session, especially with Cummins was able to extract the morning in getting to 107 in the West Indies continuing to use awkward bounce to him on one oc- partnership with Cheteshwar Pu- their premier strike bowler, Shan- casion but in his trademark phleg- jara (37 not out). non Gabriel, sparingly due to his matic manner he continued watch- India’s Lokesh Rahul Trailing in the four-match series very recent history of debilitating fully through the period of play. plays a shot off a delivery following an innings defeat in the injuries. from West Indies bowler fi rst Test in Antigua a week earlier, Rahul’s celebratory six off part- BRIEF SCORES (at lunch): West Jason Holder on the the West Indies were far more dis- time off -spinner Roston Chase was Indies 196 all out (J Blackwood 62; second day of the second ciplined with the ball over the fi rst a rare moment of all-out aggres- R Ashwin 5-52) lead India 185 for 1 Test in Kingston, Jamaica, two hours of play than on the fi rst sion by the Indian second-wicket (KL Rahul not out 107; R Chase 1-52) yesterday. (AFP) evening. pair as they exercised admirable by 11 runs Gulf Times 2 Monday, August 1, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

FOCUS Corpses, litter... welcome to Rio sailing venue AFP The New York Times published a trouble-free Olympics — or almost. “Is Rio de Janeiro picture this week of a bloated human there a chance we’ll have some prob- body in the bay. Another body part lem?” he asked. “It’s not impossible. washed up on Copacabana beach, just But I am very optimistic that we can hen Olympic sailors outside Guanabara, in June. guarantee a fair regatta.” compete in Rio the cam- “It’s shameful,” Kunze said. Martine Grael, daughter of fi ve- eras will show a made- As part of its winning 2009 bid to time Olympic medallist Torben Grael, Wfor-television scene of host the Olympics, Rio promised to is an outspoken critic of the pollution sparkling tropical waters and moun- treat 80% of the pollution, a task re- failure. She was famously pictured on a tains. Luckily, the billions of viewers quiring enormous, expensive infra- paddleboard in Guanabara pretending won’t catch the revolting stink. structure improvements. Having com- to watch a television she’d just found. More than nine mn people live in Rio pletely failed to deliver, Rio opted for Her brother Marco, who is also and towns around the rest of Guana- emergency measures. in the Brazilian sailing team, said all bara Bay. At best only half the sewage A fl eet of 12 trash-collecting boats competitors run the same risks, where they produce is treated before it pours called “eco-barcos” have spent a simple plastic bag around a centre- into the city’s watery heart. months patrolling the bay, plucking an board or rudder could ruin a race. Incredibly, the fact that sailors will average of 45 tons of rubbish a month— “It could happen,” he said. “It’s not compete in a giant cesspit—which Bra- about one and a half tons daily—from something I even like to think about.” zilian researchers say contains drug- the water, according to offi cials. The sailors’ best ally will be mother resistant superbacteria—is not their When the races start, the fl oating nature: tidal streams keep areas picked main worry. garbage collectors will be out in force. for the contests relatively clean, while It’s the big, fl oating stuff capable of The fi rst lines of defence, though, the dry August weather means less rain snaring or even damaging boats and are so-called eco-barriers. to wash garbage downstream. medal dreams that keep athletes like These are nets placed across 17 riv- So, chances are that the contests Kahena Kunze and her 49er crewmate ers entering Guanabara—rivers used by will pass off without incident. Martine Grael up at night. millions of people as garbage dumps appliances including a microwave and shovel the debris into a dumpster. It is everything,” recalled one of the work- “But the Games will go away and the Because garbage collection in great- and open sewers. a fridge. a dirty, potentially dangerous job per- ers, who said he makes only 1,400 reais a pollution will stay,” said Torben Grael, er Rio is no better than the sewage At an eco-barrier on the River Mer- Each day, labourers go out in a small formed amid the choking stench of raw month ($432) and works nine hour days. who now coaches the Brazilian sailing treatment, the bay brims with plastic iti in the Duque de Caxias neighbour- aluminium boat, scooping up some sewage, some of which comes from a Surveying the scene, Rio’s state team. “We were hoping for something bags, bottles, discarded furniture and hood, there was a soup of plastic, car pieces and pushing the rest towards favela slum next door. secretary for the environment, said better” from the Olympics, he said dead animals. tyres, children’s toys and household the bank, where a digger is used to “We’ve found dead dogs, rats, cats, eco-barriers are enough to ensure a sadly. “That’s not going to happen.” SPOTLIGHT Litherland’s medal bid in Rio boosted by power of three From horrors of the AFP When they were youngsters Los Angeles and the family first moved to a house big enough for each to have his own room, they ay Litherland will be initially balked at the idea. swimming for three when “They’re best friends,” An- Jhe tackles the 400m drew Litherland said. “They’re individual medley at the Rio so lucky to have each other. To war to Rio, refugees Olympics. get up in the morning and say, Triplets Jay, Kevin and ‘Hey, get out of bed, let’s go.’ Mick have matched each “Or say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to other stroke-for-stroke in their get to bed early, we’ve got swimming careers. While Jay practice in the morning.’” was the only one to punch his They have rarely, if ever, Olympic ticket this time, he will spent more than a fortnight be buoyed in Rio by the solid apart, so that even if Kevin and ready for the Games support of his brothers. Matt attend the Rio Games as “All for one,” Jay said of the spectators, Jay said it would philosophy that has seen the be a bit of a wrench not having ‘He was abandoned, there was nobody there for him, but for him and others like triplets stick close — despite a them on the team through little sibling rivalry in and out training camp and the Games. him sport has helped him develop as a person; to become confident, become a of the pool. “It’s always kind of diff erent When he knifed his way past when I’m not with my brothers part of society. He is competing for a medal here but his gold medal is humanity’ 2012 champion Ryan Lochte on at a meet,” said Jay, noting the the final freestyle leg to seize month he’ll spend with the US second in the 400m medley team will mark the longest he’s behind Chase Kalisz at the US spent away from the other two. Members of the trials, Kevin and Mick could not While many were astonished Olympic refugee contain their excitement. to see Jay mow down Lochte team pose for a They burst from the stands at trials, the man who once group photo in to congratulate him — only owned the 400m medley — Rio. (Reuters) later worrying if the move Michael Phelps — said there could get him disqualified. was nothing shocking about it. “Once I saw them, I just “I wasn’t surprised with Jay,” started crying,” Jay said. “It said the Olympic superstar, was amazing to share that who had a glimpse of Lither- experience with them.” land’s finishing power during a There were tears in the training camp in Colorado. stands, too, from the triplets’ “He’s like a shark in the mother, Chizuko Litherland. water. He knows how to rise to The three were born in her the occasion,” Phelps added. native Japan, where she met The chances for Kevin and their father, New Zealander Matt to qualify to represent Andrew Litherland, while both the United States in Rio had worked at a ski resort. always looked dimmer. In fact After spells in New Zealand they tried earlier in the year and Dubai, the family moved to qualify to swim for New to the United States in 1999, Zealand but each fell short. living in California and Florida “Yeah, there’s definitely a before settling in Georgia. little jealousy,” Kevin acknowl- Through the many moves edged. “But that’s only going swimming was a constant to make us stronger.” for the triplets, who claim And with Rio still on the citizenship of three countries horizon, the trio were already and speak Japanese as well as looking even further ahead — English. Their father, Andrew, to the chance to form a triple was not surprised to see them threat for the USA in Tokyo in all end up together at the 2020. “This is only the begin- University of Georgia. ning,” Jay said.

AFP on water. Mardini and her sister “does not despair”. “I can hardly believe I’m here then taken on as part of the IOC’s Rio de Janeiro jumped into the water, grabbed a “We have iron wills. We feel with so many people listening to Refugee Team and, speaking con- rope and and spent the next three- sad of course because of the wars us. When I think of those things all fi dent Portuguese, said he in- and-a half-hours in the choppy in our countries,” Anis said. those years ago I feel sad. I haven’t tended to grasp the opportunity. f bravery was an Olympic water towing the boat to safety. For Congelese judoka Misenga, seen my family for 18 years... If “I am not sad that I cannot car- sport, the 10 athletes who Mardini, who has now settled in recalling the devastating toll that you can see me on TV now I am ry the fl ag of my country because American triplets Jay, Kevin and Mick Litherland have matched make up the fi rst-ever refugee Germany with her family as a ref- confl ict has had on his family was alive and well and striving so that I represent refugees around the each other stroke-for-stroke in their swimming careers, but Iteam in Rio would be odds-on ugee, says she will proudly repre- too much. The 24-year-old broke one day I can get a ticket for you world and so I am competing un- only Jay (left) managed to punch his Olympic ticket this time for a clean sweep of the gold medals. sent Syria, the Olympic movement down in tears when he was asked to come here and live with me,” he der the fl ag of all their countries,” From Yusra Mardini, a teenage and her recently adopted home- to comment on what message he added, his voice quivering as he he said. “Sport has transformed swimmer from Syria who braved a land when she competes in Brazil. hoped to send through his Olym- wiped away the tears. my life. Through judo I’ve learned Mediterranean crossing in a leaky “It’s for my country, for Germany pic participation. Misenga was introduced to respect, discipline and focus. But One Brittany replaces another in her sleep dinghy, to Popole Misenga, who and the Olympic Committee, be- Misenga was just nine years old judo in Brazil and quickly pro- this is not just a struggle for sport, ustralian diver Brittany O’Brien was called up to the Rio spent eight days hiding in a forest cause they gave me all the support when he fl ed fi ghting in Kisangani gressed to a level where he was se- it is a struggle for life.” AOlympics in her sleep on Saturday, the teenager drafted in as a terrifi ed child to fl ee bloody to make it possible,” Mardini said. in the Democratic Republic of lected to represent the DRC at the Misenga has been training under to replace injured 2012 silver medallist Brittany Broben. “Brittany fi ghting, each of the refugee ath- Mardini is joined in the refugee Congo. Separated from his family, world championships in Brazil. former Brazil national team coach O’Brien ... has been confirmed to take that 10-metre platform spot,” letes have overcome daunting odds ranks by another Syrian swim- he hid in the jungle for eight days Once in Rio de Janeiro, how- Geraldo Bernardes, a veteran of Australian team chef de mission Kitty Chiller said. “She doesn’t actu- to maintain their Olympic dreams. mer, Rami Anis. Anis fl ed Syria in before being rescued and taken to ever, he was abandoned without four Olympics in a sport topped by ally know yet. She’s still sound asleep. She’s going to get a very nice Mardini, 18, spoke of her de- 2011 to avoid being enlisted into a centre for displaced children in money or papers by his coach and, only volleyball and sailing in terms wake-up call from somebody to find that she will be making her light yesterday at the prospect of the army, relocating to Belgium Kinshasa. He later settled in Bra- along with teammate and fellow of medals won by the country. Olympic debut. We’re trying to get a flight for her at the moment.” participating in Rio, where she will from Istanbul in October last year. zil, staying in the country after Refugee Team member Yoland “I’ve helped people win many O’Brien, 18, and from Sydney, was originally named as team re- compete in the 100 meters butter- “I’m very proud to be here,” the 2013 World Championships. Mabika, fl ed to the streets. medals at the Olympics so I was serve and qualifies under a quota arrangement. Her event starts fl y and 100m freestyle. “It’s abso- Rami said. “But I feel a bit of sad- “I have two brothers that I “I had two diffi cult years in very happy to help,” he said. “He on Aug 17 with the final the following day. She will be the young- lutely an honour for me to be here,” ness that I’m not participating haven’t seen for years. I don’t Brazil. I didn’t have anything to was abandoned, there was nobody est member of the diving squad and joins teammate Melissa Wu. Mardini told a press conference. as a Syrian. We are representing remember their faces,” Misenga eat, I didn’t have papers, I spoke there for him, but for him and oth- Broben was ruled out on Friday after suff ering a further setback Less than a year ago, Mardini people who have lost their human said tearfully. “I want to send only French and I went to the ers like him sport has helped him to a shoulder injury that she sustained at the national trials. The was swimming for her life. Dur- rights and are facing injustices.” them hugs and kisses. I’m here street to get food,” he said. develop as a person; to become youngest member of the Australian team in London four years ing a perilous journey to Lesbos, The 25-year-old butterfl y and in Brazil participating so that one Eventually, with help from a confi dent, become a part of socie- ago, and runner-up to China’s Chen Ruolin in the final, the 20-year- the engine of their packed dinghy freestyle swimmer described day I can bring them to live with refugee centre, he was given asy- ty. He is competing for a medal here old’s withdrawal from Rio came as a big blow to the diving squad. failed and the craft began taking the refugee team as a group that me here in Brazil.” lum and returned to judo. He was but his gold medal is humanity.” Gulf Times Monday, August 1, 2016 3 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT IOC panel to decide which Russians can compete

AFP agencies at my home and at the pool, at Rio de Janeiro least once a month, and sometimes eve- BACH STAUNCHLY DEFENDS RUSSIAN PRESENCE IN RIO ry other day,” he said in the letter pub- lished on his Facebook page. “I am sure artial sanctions against Russian Pound sharply criticised the decision, by the World Anti-Doping Agency, is whistleblower Yulia Stepanova from he International Olympic that in a justice-driven system I have full athletes over the country’s state- saying the IOC lacked the leadership and completed by law professor Richard the Games. The middle-distance runner Committee has said a three- P right to take part in the Olympic Games.” run doping system are preliminary, courage to ban Russia, hosts of the 2014 McLaren. “Now we expect finalising got the ball rolling with revelations on member panel will make the WADA president Craig Reedie, who International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sochi Winter Games, outright. Some the report and then we will take all the German state television ARD and has “fi nal decision” on which Rus- called for a complete ban on Russian President Thomas Bach said yesterday, have even called for Bach’s resignation. necessary measures,” Bach, a lawyer by since fled Russian to North America for sianT athletes can compete in the Rio Ol- athletes in Rio, is to address the IOC defending the organisation’s position “The negative opinions are the ones profession, added. fear of her life. ympics, set to begin in less than a week. meeting. The CAS has already rejected amid vocal criticism. most likely to be quoted,” Bach told Bach defended the IOC’s decision, say- Stepanova, who had herself been The panel will examine each case an appeal by 67 Russian athletes against The IOC opted not to ban all Rus- reporters. “In these diff icult decisions we ing despite the criticism, his organisa- banned in the past for doping, was individually and make the “fi nal deci- a ban ordered by the International As- sian athletes from the Rio de Janeiro will never have 100% majority. In such a tion was not emerging from this scandal refused a spot, despite being proposed sion” before Friday, IOC spokesman sociation of Athletics Federations Olympics after revelations of a wide debate which touches on fundamental with a black eye. “No,” he snapped, when to compete as a neutral athlete by the Mark Adams said yesterday. (IAAF) before the IOC sanctions. state-backed doping programme across principles... if you had 100% it would not asked whether the doping aff air had ruling body of international athletics A ban on individual Russian athletes Athletics was the fi rst sport touched many sports. Instead, it chose a set of be a good debate.” damaged the IOC’s reputation. “And this the IAAF, along with any Russian athlete followed a report by Canadian lawyer by the doping controversy. Russian criteria for athletes to meet, including a Bach said the decision taken this is for very obvious reasons.” with past doping sanctions. Richard McLaren for the World Anti- doping whistleblower Vitaly Stepanov clean doping past and suff icient testing month to allow some Russians to He said the IOC was neither responsi- “With the case of Stepanova we had Doping Agency (WADA) stating that told a Brazilian newspaper that the Rio at international events, that so far has compete was a diff icult one but had to ble for the timing of the McLaren report, to take a very diff icult decision like with Russian doping of athletes had been Olympics “will not be clean”, and blast- allowed more than 250 out of the original be made under severe time constraints nor was it for WADA’s failure to act on the participation of any Russian athlete,” organized by the sports ministry and ed the IOC for not banning Russia. 387 Russian athletes to be cleared for Rio. due to the start of the Games on August the information regarding Russian dop- Bach said. “We have to take all into con- aided by the Russian secret service at Stepanov, who with his 800m runner Many anti-doping agencies, athletes 5. More measures will follow after the Ol- ing it had received years ago. sideration and also respect the Olympic the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. wife Yuliya Stepanova, gave details of and even senior IOC member Dick ympics, once the report, commissioned Bach also defended the IOC’s ban of Charter. It was not easy.” Rejecting calls for a blanket ban on the state-run doping program to a Ger- Russia, the IOC decided on July 24 that man documentary in 2014, said eff orts individual sports federations should in- The three-member panel is made up of Sport (CAS) will hold an emergency ses- last week after the order was published. forceable,” said a CAS statement. “The to clean up sport had failed. vestigate athletes implicated in the re- Ugur Erdener, president of World Archery sion in Rio to hear their appeal, accord- Morozov, a member of the 4x100m swimmers also request that the deci- “It has always been the case in the port and decide who should be excluded. and head of the IOC medical and scientif- ing to sources close to the case. freestyle relay team that took bronze at sion of the FINA bureau of July 25, 2016, Olympics. There has never been a clean So far, at least 117 individuals from ic commission, Claudia Bockel of the IOC Morozov, 24, and Lobintsev, 27, have the 2012 London Games, and Lobintsev, declaring both of them ineligible for the Olympics and there is no reason to be- the 387 that the Russian Olympic Com- athletes commission, and Spanish IOC called on CAS to declare “invalid and who took silver in the 4x200m freestyle Olympic Games in Rio, be set aside.” lieve that Rio will be clean,” he told O mittee wanted to enter have been ex- member Juan Antonio Samaranch. unenforceable” an IOC order for fed- team in Beijing in 2008 and bronze in the Morozov said in a letter to FINA Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper. “Un- cluded. Russian sports minister Vitaly Two Russian swimmers, Vladimir erations to exclude athletes implicated 4x100m freestyle in London, have taken president Julio Maglione this week that fortunately, doped athletes will be Mutko said on Saturday he expected Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev, on Satur- in the investigation into Russia’s state- their action against the IOC and FINA. he had never failed a drug test by Rus- competing,” added the former Russian 266 athletes to compete. Boxing, golf, day launched the fi rst challenge against run doping system. They were among “Both swimmers request CAS to de- sian and international experts. anti-doping agency (RUSADA) offi cial, gymnastics and taekwondo federations the IOC sanctions excluding them from seven Russians banned by the Inter- clare the decision of the IOC executive “Throughout the last six years I’ve now living in hiding in the United States have yet to report their decisions. the Games. The Court of Arbitration for national Swimming Federation (FINA) board of July 24, 2016 invalid and unen- been drug tested by doping control with his wife.

FOCUS FLASHBACK ‘Hitler refused to shake Owens’ hand Judo star eyes gold aft er his 1936 Berlin aft er personal hell Games exploits’ Kayla Harrison provided one of the most compelling stories of the 2012 London Games when she muscled her way to victory in the 78kg category. Only five years earlier, she had been a teenager battling suicidal thoughts as she struggled with the impact of abuse inflicted upon her by her childhood coach Daniel Doyle

Jesse Owens won the 100 metres, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump gold over six magical days at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

AFP was renamed Jesse Owens Al- Berlin lee in tribute to her father. In his autobiography, Owens said Hitler did nothing more ighty years after Jesse than raise his hand in acknowl- Owens won four med- edgement when the pair were als at the 1936 Berlin in the same room during the Olympic Games, his Berlin games. daughterE says Germany’s Nazi “That’s in my favourite leader Adolf Hitler refused to book about him,” said Owens shake her father’s hand. Rankin. “I don’t know for sure The controversial Berlin Ol- if that happened, but my father ympics opened on August 1, was not the kind to make sto- 1936 to much fanfare with Re- ries up. If he said that, then I ich’s Chancellor Hitler hoping think it’s what happened.” to showcase the best of the Ary- ‘Race’, the biographical sports an race with the hosts planning drama based on Jesse Owens’ to dominate the podium across story, and directed by Stephen the 19 diff erent sports events. Hopkins, hit the screens in Owens ruined Hitler’s plans Germany on Thursday in time as the black American sprinter for the 80th anniversary of his won gold in the 100 metres, achievements. There is also an 200m, 4x100m relay and long exhibition of rarely seen pho- jump gold over six magical days tographs from the 1936 Games at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. currently on show at Berlin’s His achievements made a Olympic Stadium. mockery of the Nazi ideology The imposing arena, which of Aryan supremacy and ac- was built for the 1936 Games, cording to sporting folklore, held 100,000 for the opening Hitler refused to shake Owens’ ceremony with nearly 4,000 ath- hand, despite the Americans letes from 49 nations taking part. historic display. But there was no escaping the Owens died of lung can- racist undertone of the 16-day cer, aged 66, in 1980, but his spectacle in anti-semitic Ger- AFP rison has launched a foundation aimed at The road to recovery began when she confront trolls on the Internet. daughter, Marlene Owens many, with only one Jew, Helene Los Angeles helping victims of abuse and is working on left her hometown in Ohio to begin training “To be quite honest there were days Rankin, says as far as she is Mayer, allowed to compete for an educational resource that she hopes will in Boston under the guidance of Olympic when I had no money. And Ronda would go concerned, her father never the German team while several eventually be part of school curriculums bronze medallist Jimmy Pedro and his fa- buy the groceries so we could eat. There’s shook Hitler’s hand. countries boycotted the Games. our years after emerging from across America. ther, Jimmy senior, aka ‘Big Jim’. this big tough Ronda persona out there. But Owens Rankin said her fa- But Owens’ legacy has ech- the horrors of childhood abuse to “I’m writing a book with a psychologist A training partner at the Pedros’ gym the Ronda I remember is the one who used ther always gave one answer oed down the years in Berlin. win America’s fi rst Olympic judo which is intended to be a guideline of what was Ronda Rousey, who would go on to to buy food for the week.” when asked whether he was Sprint star Usain Bolt set the Fgold, Kayla Harrison is a woman sexual abuse is and I want that book to be in become the fi rst American woman to win Unsuprisingly, the parallels between the congratulated by Hitler in Ber- current 100m and 200m world on a mission as she returns to defend her your seventh grade kid’s class curriculum,” a judo medal at the 2008 Olympics before women have led many to wonder if Har- lin, three years before the start records on the famous blue crown in Rio. Harrison said. fi nding fame and fortune as a star of mixed rison’s future lies in the money-spinning of World War II which ended track, when the 2009 World Harrison, 26, provided one of the most “One of the reasons sexual abuse is so martial arts. world of mixed martial arts. with the Nazi leader’s suicide in Athletics Championships were compelling stories of the 2012 Games when prevalent is because we don’t talk about it. Although the two judokas developed a Rousey is now a multi-millionaire and the ruins of Berlin in May 1945. held in Germany’s capital, and she muscled her way to victory in the 78 I remember growing up there was all of this fi erce rivalry in training, Harrison credits one of the most high-profi le female ath- “He always said ‘I didn’t go he refered directly to Owens. kilogram category. material on ‘Stranger Danger’ and ‘Say No Rousey, three years her senior, with helping letes in America. to the Berlin Olympics to shake Both sprinters were 22 when Only fi ve years earlier, Harrison had to Drugs’ and ‘Safe Sex’. Now there’s all this to rebuild her shattered life. Harrison, a gold medallist, remains rela- Hitler’s hand’,” the 77-year-old they made history in Berlin been a teenager battling suicidal thoughts material on anti-bullying. But there’s no “She was a major part of my life at a time tively obscure. Would she consider switch- daughter told magazine Sport — 73 years apart. “Jesse made as she struggled with the impact of abuse material on what to do if someone tries to when I could have gone either way,” Harri- ing sports? “I’ve defi nitely thought about Bild. “’I went there to run. And history here, so I’m going to infl icted upon her by her childhood coach take advantage of you. And I think that is a son refl ects. “I was in a very bad place when it,” Harrison said. “I never say never. Judo that’s exactly what I did. I’m try to do the same,” Bolt said in Daniel Doyle. big big problem.” I fi rst met Ronda. The fact that she was is my fi rst love, it’s my passion. But who here today and where Hitler is, I Berlin in 2009 before winning Doyle, 16 years her senior, was jailed for Harrison said she spent more than a year there for me, and that all my teammates doesn’t want to be famous? do not know.’ Because of that, I the 100m, 200m and 4x100m 10 years in November 2007 after pleading consumed by feelings of guilt and shame were there for me, means they all hold a “I think it takes a special kind of person don’t think he shook his hand.” world gold medals. His times guilty to abusing Harrison over a three- after Doyle’s abuse came to light, often special place in my heart for me.” to do what Ronda does. But, yeah, I think I Owens’ daughter fi rst vis- of 9.58secs for the 100m and year period starting when she was 13. crying herself to sleep whilst grappling Rousey’s care extended to buying food could step in a cage and beat someone up ited Berlin in 1984, when the 19.19m for the 200m have nev- Since winning her Olympic title, Har- with suicidal feelings. for Harrison to stepping in on her behalf to for a lot of money.” road next to the iconic stadium er been bettered. Gulf Times 4 Monday, August 1, 2016 ROAD TO RIO

SPOTLIGHT Laos swimmer, 14, trains for Rio in public pool

AFP may not be a big country but I want the and technique, kids clown around and to attend an international school. Vientiane world to know that we do have swim- launch themselves off diving boards “There are no sponsors. For our mers,” she adds. nearby. So far she has got her personal daughter, we pay for everything,” Sen- She spoke as a government minder best down to 33.71 seconds, a good 10 garun Budcharern says as he watches n one side of the cramped stood nearby, a sign of the authoritar- seconds shy of the world record and a lovingly from the sidelines. He re- outdoor pool, children are ian state’s tight control on its citizens. time that is unlikely to see her progress members his daughter’s fi rst swim- taking swimming lessons. Olympic glory is normally shared beyond the early heats. But she keeps ming victory at a school competition. Opposite, another group of among athletes from wealthy coun- coming back, hoping to give herself the “She was so proud. At fi rst, we didn’t kidsO riotously splash around. In the tries — or at least nations that nurture best possible chance in Rio. think she will continue and swim so middle, a teenager is desperately trying athletes with training, sports science While communist nations are of- well,” he beams. to train for the Rio Olympics. and modern facilities. But Laos is short ten renowned for heavy investment in Inthara Kasem, who coordinates the Conditions are hardly ideal for of money and expertise. athletic prowess, Laos — one of Asia’s Laos Olympics Committee, is realistic Siri Budcharern Arun, one of just Siri Arun and her compatriots go- poorest countries — off ers little state about his country’s prospects. “It is fi ve athletes from the poor, commu- ing to Rio — a fellow swimmer, two fi eld support for sport. There isn’t even a impossible for us to win a medal,” he nist state of Laos travelling to Brazil. athletes and a cyclist — travel with vir- nutritional programme to keep ath- says, adding that his country generally She will arrive as a rank outsider in tually no chance of medal glory. Aside letes healthy. hovers around the foot of the table at the 50-metre freestyle, hailing from from the cyclist, none of the athletes has Meanwhile, precious little of the the regional Southeast Asian games. a Southeast Asian country which has qualifi ed for the competition by right. wider foreign investment that enters But going forward, the Laos au- few sporting heroes, and none known Instead, Team Laos has been gifted the economy, mainly from Vietnam thorities have promised to loosen the beyond its landlocked borders. four wildcard entries, to make sure the and China, trickles down to the popu- purse strings a little. Later this year, It does not help that she is train- Games has a truly global representation. lation. That means Laos’s handful of the government plans to send athletes ing in a 25m public pool — half the size “It’s not easy because we do not athletes tend to come from the small to Bangkok for several weeks to train in of an Olympic pool — whose deck is have the same conditions as others,” middle class who can aff ord to subsi- an Olympic-size pool. strewn with empty beer bottles from laments Santisouk Inthasong, the oth- dise their own training. That will come too late for Siri Arun, parties the night before. er swimmer. Even coaches lack money for train- who says she is simply excited about “I am very proud,” the 14-year-old Laos has one Olympic-sized swim- ing courses, and rely on the Internet for going to Rio. And in a sign of her deter- says, goggles in hand and catching ming pool, but it is rarely used and too trains fi ve times a week in the public, sometimes under the monsoon deluges up-to-date training tips. Siri Arun’s mination, she’s busy taking selfi es for her breath after a training session at far from the capital for the athletes city-centre pool, without any lanes re- that hammer Laos. father works for the UN Children’s her Facebook account — fl ashing a ‘V’ the pool in the capital Vientiane. “We to reach regularly. Instead, Siri Arun served for professional swimmers and While she tries to hone her rhythm Fund (Unicef), a job which enabled her for victory in each one.

CONTROVERSY Australia want enforcement of smoking ban in South Sudan team athletes’ village aft er fi re scare

Reuters Rio de Janeiro selection was swayed he Australian Olympic Com- mittee has demanded Rio T2016 organisers enforce a strict ban on smoking in the athletes’ village after saying a fire in the basement of their building was probably caused by a cigarette by advertising deal? tossed into rubbish. Delegation head Kitty Chiller said it was also “completely unaccept- Olympic committee secretary-general says he felt pressured to choose a runner, who is part able” that a previously tested fire alarm system had been switched off of an ad campaign, in the team for Rio Games despite her not being the country’s fastest at the time without the Australians being informed. The incident, which filled the By Ben Doherty is not allowed. We did not have that stairwells with smoke on Friday theguardian.com privilege. I am very, very sorry that he evening, came after the Australians cannot go, I regret this, but this is the and several other teams had com- situation for South Sudan.” outh Sudan’s fi rst ever Olym- There is no suggestion Hassan has plained about unfinished and dirty pic Games team is in disarray acted improperly in any way. However, rooms before moving in. over allegations that an adver- she is not the fastest female sprinter in “The fire did seem to be acci- Stising deal infl uenced which South Sudan at present. At the recent dental, probably a cigarette thrown athletes were selected to compete at African Games in Durban, she ran 27.61 into rubbish in the building,” Chiller Rio. seconds in the women’s 200m heats. told a news conference. “We have Two of the three runners in South Viola Lado ran 26.98 seconds to set asked Rio 2016 to enforce a very Sudan’s team have been deregistered by a new South Sudanese national record. strict non-smoking policy. Every their country’s athletics federation – Chuot, now a dual Australian- athletes’ village in the Olympic ostensibly prohibiting them from com- South Sudanese citizen and based in Games should be non-smoking so petition—because they weren’t pro- Perth, Australia, is the reigning South we’ve asked for that to be enforced posed for selection by the federation, Sudanese national champion over the but were ultimately chosen in the team 200m sprint and he holds the national because at the moment it’s not.” by the National Olympic Committee. record in the event. A spokesman for the local organ- The secretary-general of South Su- He was the Australian national isers confirmed that a discarded dan’s National Olympic Committee, champion over 200m in 2014, but in cigarette butt was suspected. Tong Chor Malek Deran, has said in 2016 had chosen to run for his home- Firemen were stationed on every correspondence with athletes, and in land at the Rio Games, in honour of his floor, with security guards in the interviews, that he felt pressured to father, Makur Chuot, who was killed basement, as a precaution after the choose one of those athletes, sprinter during Sudan’s bloody civil war. scare but Chiller said such meas- Margret Rumat Rumar Hassan, be- “He had to fi ght to save his people, ures would not continue. cause she was the centrepiece of an and he died doing that... He died a Chiller said she had spoken to advertising campaign for Samsung, hero,” Chuot told the Guardian in an several other national committees extended interview before his expect- despite the fact she was not the fastest warning them to check basements runner in the country. ed departure for Rio. In an e-mail he sent to athletes and Chuot was forced to fl ee his home- for refuse, and the matter would be media after The Guardian revealed the land, and, after spending eight years of raised at a meeting of team chiefs selection crisis, he wrote: “We have Sprinter Margret Rumat Rumar Hassan has his childhood in a refugee camp in Ken- on Sunday. selected Margret as she is an Olympian been included in the South Sudan Rio-bound ya, he and his family were selected for She said organisers and the Inter- (Nanjing Youth Olympics 2014), her team in place of Mangar Makur Chuot (above) resettlement as refugees in Australia. national Olympic Committee (IOC) activity was shown during our rec- He was discovered running in a Perth had been “extremely responsive” ognition by IOC in Kuala Lumpur (at park by coach Lindsay Bunn, who en- and had promised a full report by the meeting where South Sudan was couraged him into his squad, and taught Saturday evening. admitted to the Olympic Games), and him to run. Chuot won the 2014 Aus- An investigation on Friday night moreover she has been contracted by tralian 200m title, but chose to run for had already established that the Samsung to commercial on way to Rio, the country of his birth and returned to fire alarm system was turned off so we are to complete her story to Rio.” South Sudan to compete in 2015, domi- In a radio interview with the ABC in nating the country’s national cham- for several hours pending work on Australia, he said: “That’s correct. We pionships at the Buluk Athletics track. the next door building occupied by choose her because already we have He ran at the African Championships in Germany and Belgium. signed a contract with Samsung, that Durban in June this year, establishing a “We’ve now absolutely insisted she is an Olympian.” new South Sudanese record in 200m. that that fire alarm system is never He confi rmed he felt an obligation to Chuot’s coach Lindsay Bunn has deactivated again,” said Chiller. select Hassan. “I repeat it. I repeat it: said Chuot is distraught by his “un- The Australians had complained yes. And I strongly say yes. Because we selection”. last weekend about exposed wiring had a contract already signed with Sam- “My main concern is for Mangar’s and blocked toilets, saying accom- sung. This is a violation of our contract.” health. I’m really worried about him. modation in the village was “not Samsung has denied any infl u- This has absolutely devastated him. safe or ready” for the Games which That someone can work for six years, ence on the team selection. It said in open on Aug. 5. a statement: “Samsung does not have eration, the authorising body for the begin—that he had not been selected The secretary-general of the athlet- training six days a week, driving him- any sponsorship agreements with sport in the country, selected two and would not be running. He had been ics federation, Jimmy Long John, wrote self so hard to this goal, and then, Organisers then deployed a the South Sudanese Olympic team, athletes for the 2016 Games: Perth- told as recently as July 20 by the South to the secretary-general of the IAAF: a week before the Games, he’s just task force of 600 workers to tackle and Samsung was not involved in the based sprinter and former refugee, Sudan National Olympic Committee “Neither of these two were selected dumped by email, when he’s clearly repairs. Friday’s scare saw some South Sudanese National Olympic Mangar Makur Chuot, reigning na- that he would be competing. by the South Sudan Athletics Federa- their best athlete, and he’s been wait- 100 athletes and off icials evacuated Committee’s decisions.” tional champion and whose personal Instead, the National Olympic Com- tion, therefore, the decision of South ing, with his bags packed, for his fl ight under an emergency response plan, South Sudan is the world’s newest best for the 200m is just 0.26 seconds mittee selected Hassan, and maratho- Sudan Athletics Federation is clear on details. In all my years of involvement but some still managed to sleep nation, emerging from four decades of outside the automatic qualifying time, ner Guor Marial, who ran the London this matter for prompt action taken in sport I have never encountered a through it. brutal civil war to win its independence and; 16-year-old middle distance Olympic marathon under the IOC fl ag. in this regard. The federation has de- more disgusting abuse of process.” Shooter Warren Potent, a 2008 from Sudan in 2011. It remains stricken runner, Santino Kenyi, who ran 3:45 The Guardian understands the ath- registered their participation as South Bunn said he was preparing to lodge bronze medallist in the 50m rifle by famine and drought, and by newly to set a new South Sudanese national letics federation was not told of the Sudanese athletes in Rio Olympics.” a case in the Court of Arbitration for prone category, confessed he was re-emergent internecine fi ghting. record in the 1500m in the recent Af- Olympic committee’s decision to uni- John was quoted as saying by Guard- Sport, supported by the South Sudan one of them and made light of the Rio will be the fi rst Olympics the rican Games. laterally override its selections. ian Australia: “Our country needs its Athletics Federation, to be heard be- country is taking part in, and it in- Kenyi was selected for Rio and will The South Sudan Athletics Federa- best athletes competing.” fore the Games beginning on August 5. situation. “They had the protocol in tended to send a small team to com- run at the Games. Chuot, who was tion has responded furiously, writing to As recently as July 20, Tong had “I’ve not been able to fi nd a lawyer, place but that doesn’t actually work pete only in track and fi eld events. formally told by letter last December the International Athletics Foundation been in email correspondence with so I will write the submission myself. when I’m asleep and the phone’s on No South Sudanese athletes have re- he had been chosen for the Rio team, notifying the sport’s global governing Chuot over travel arrangements for We have to get that hearing,” he said. silent,” he told reporters. corded an automatic qualifying time in and had even received his athlete’s ac- body that it had deregistered Hassan the Rio Games. Tong told the Guardian The de-registered athletes have av- “At least now I can say I’ve sur- their event for the Games. creditation, was informed by e-mail on and Marial, eff ectively preventing their from Juba: “We wanted to take more enues of appeal, including through the vived a burning building.” The South Sudanese Athletics Fed- Thursday—eight days before the Games participation in the Games. athletes but the rules state that this Court of Arbitration for Sport. Gulf Times Monday, August 1, 2016 5 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Halep upsets Nishikori seeks Kerber, meets Djokovic revenge Keys in fi nal

Reuters I gave up at 3-2. But this is me. Montreal I have to improve more in this way and I am just trying to enjoy more and more and to give eve- ifth-seeded Romanian rything I have to win.” in Toronto fi nal Simona Halep overcame A frustrated Halep smashed a crisis of confi dence in her racket on the ground during the second set to reach the seventh game of the second Top seed Djokovic dismisses Gael Monfils, Nishikori overcomes Wawrinka theF fi nal of the Rogers Cup with a set after squandering her 3-2 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 upset victory over lead and her coach, Darren Ca- AFP second seed Angelique Kerber of hill, gave her quiet words of ad- Toronto Germany in Montreal on Satur- vice during the changeover. day. Halep had been a set and a “Take a deep breath, control break up before Kerber reeled off your emotions, keep a cool head ovak Djokovic and Japan’s Kei six straight games to lead 2-0 in and make good decisions,” Cahill Nishikori both powered through the third before the Romanian said. in straight sets on Saturday at regained control, sealing the win Though Halep was also broken the ATP Toronto Masters to set after a topsy-turvy encounter in the next game before Kerber Nup a repeat of a high-profi le spring fi - that lasted one hour 38 minutes levelled the match at a set all and nal. Top seed Djokovic dismissed Gael in Montreal. then raced 2-0 up in the third, Monfi ls 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes, winning The 24-year-old, who was the Romanian heeded Cahill’s the 14th of his last 15 matches at Masters beaten by Kerber in the last eight advice and wrested back the ini- 1000 events. at Wimbledon on July 5, will take tiative with a more positive ap- Nishikori took advantage of a fade in on 10th-seeded American Madi- proach from the baseline. form from Stan Wawrinka as Asia’s top son Keys in fi nal at the hardcourt Halep won the last six games player reached the title match with a event. Keys swept past unseeded of the match, wrapping up vic- 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 win. Third seed Nishikori qualifi er Kristina Kucova of Slo- tory on her fourth match point lost to Djokovic for the title in Miami in vakia 6-2 6-1 in Saturday’s other when a net cord by the left- early April. “It’s going to be interesting. I semi-fi nal, serving up nine aces handed Kerber bounced just haven’t beaten Novak for a long time on as she wrapped up victory in just wide. “I just tried to be more ag- hard court. In Miami he kind of dominat- 51 minutes. gressive, to hit the ball because I ed the game. So I hope I can get revenge “I knew that it was going to started to push it (in the second this time,” Nishikori said. be a tough one, always when I set) and she could take the ini- Djokovic found his game in perfect or- play against her it was a tough tiative of the game and she could der as he stopped the victory run of tenth match,” Halep told ESPN in a dominate,” said Halep, who had seeded Monfi ls. “This was my best match courtside interview after im- lost her two previous matches of the week,” said Djokovic, whose recent proving her career record against against Kerber. “And then I just form has been patchy. Kerber to 4-2. “Mentally I am wanted to fi nish the points and “It came at the right time. Gael has pretty strong and I am a little bit to go over her. I am happy that I been in terrifi c touch, winning Wash- disappointed in the second set could fi nish it.” ington last week. He’s won most of his matches here comfortably. I had to stick with it to win this one. I’m very pleased with how I played.” Djokovic had to save two break points in fi rst service game, but after losing serve in the third game on a double fault, he recovered in the next game to level at 2-2. The 29-year-old solidifi ed a 4-2 lead from a love break of the fading French- man, and lined up three set points three games later. He converted on the fi rst after 37 minutes. Djokovic began the sec- ond set with a break of an error-prone opponent and was never threatened as he Kei Nishikori of Japan returns during his streaked to victory. win over Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland Swiss second seed Wawrinka’s game in the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in went away during the tiebreaker, allow- Toronto, Canada on Saturday. (AFP) ing Nishikori to move into his second Masters 1000 fi nal of 2016. Nishikori was caught on the back foot in the early stages as Wawrinka secured an early break of serve, only to lose it in the ninth game of the opening set. With the battle heading into a tie- breaker, the double Grand Slam cham- pion Swiss took a 3-1 lead. But that slowly slipped away as his 37 unforced errors mounted. The persist- ent Nishikori held his serve as Wawrinka missed on a pair of set points in the de- cider, with the Japanese earning the set on his fi rst opportunity from a Wawrinka forehand wide. The second seed was all at a time. I took confi dence into the sec- Wimbledon. The Japanese player now has “I should have played better. That’s about the Asian ace as Wawrinka’s game ond set, tried to be aggressive on returns 40 wins this season. “It was tough to play it. But to make semi-fi nals in a Masters evaporated. Nishikori closed it out on the and stood farther back than usual.” Kei today, there were tough condition, 1000 here on hard court where I never re- fi rst of three match points. Wawrinka now stands 3-2 in the series quite windy, fast. I had a lot of opportu- ally played well on fast hard court — it’s a Simona Halep of Romania whips a backhand during her Rogers Cup “I just tried to concentrate in the tie- while Nishikori continues to gain con- nity to take the set. I didn’t,” Wawrinka good tournament. There are many things semi-final victory over Angelique Kerber of Germany at Uniprix breaker,” Nishikori said. “I played a point fi dent as he plays for the fi rst time since said. that I can be happy with.” Stadium in Montreal, Quebec on Saturday. (AFP )

RUGBY OLYMPICS Lions include Whiteley in Bryan brothers pull out of Rio squad for Super Rugby fi nal Games citing health concerns Reuters all-action style and leadership la Sharks at the top of the stand- Johannesburg qualities highly. Utility back Syl- ings after downing the Cowboys Reuters to our fans for their unwavering support.” the pair’s “greatest moment”, while Mike vian Mahuza has also been added 16-8 in Townsville on Saturday. Los Angeles Amiable off court, a well-oiled machine said missing out in Athens on their Olympic to the match 23 while scrumhalf North Queensland were on it, the Bryans have carried men’s doubles debut in 2004, when they were expected to outh Africa’s Lions Ross Cronje returns in place of without their inspirational Test for more than a decade. Ten times they have medal, was a low. have included captain the Dillon Smit. The team left for playmaker Johnathan Thurston. mericans Bob and Mike Bryan, the ended a year as top dogs and have held the In an interview at this year’s Wimbledon WARREN WHITELEY Wellington last evening. The Storm have now opened most successful doubles team in number one ranking together for close to championships Bob also stressed the im- in their tour squad for the The Lions are appearing in up an eight-point lead over the men’s tennis history, have pulled 450 weeks in total. portance of the Games. “We know Rio will SuperS Rugby fi nal against New their fi rst Super Rugby fi nal fourth-placed Cowboys head- out of the defence of their title at They were looking forward to represent- be our last Olympics, I can safely say that. Zealand’s Hurricanes in Wel- and are seeking to become the ing into the business end of the theA Rio Games saying their family’s health ing their country at a fourth Olympics, hav- It’s been a huge priority. When we sat down lington on Saturday. fi rst South African winners of season. Storm’s Test scrum-half is their top priority. “After countless hours ing also won bronze in Beijing in 2008, and to plan the year in December we said peak- The number eight has played the competition since the Bulls Cooper Cronk was the diff er- of deliberation Mike and I have decided to had planned to play with gold-painted rack- ing for Rio was the goal. Winning in Rio just 54 minutes since injuring his claimed the last of their three ti- ence, setting up two of his side’s forego the Rio Olympics,” the pair wrote on ets. Bob described their London triumph as would mean everything,” he said. shoulder against Ireland in the tles in 2010. three tries. their Facebook page on Saturday. June internationals and missed The Cronulla Sharks will re- “Though we’d love to compete again, as the 42-30 semi-fi nal victory RAIDERS DELUGE HAPLESS gain their competition lead if husbands and fathers, our family’s health is over the Highlanders last Satur- RABBITOHS WITH TRIES they beat the Titans on the Gold now our top priority.” day. His return to the team would The Canberra Raiders climbed to Coast today. Many athletes have withdrawn from the be a major boost for coach Jo- third spot in Australia’s National Canterbury are in fi fth place Olympics over concerns about the mosqui- hann Ackermann, who values his Rugby League with a 54-4 dem- after holding off St George Il- to-borne Zika virus linked to birth defects olition of hapless South Sydney lawarra 13-10 on Friday, de- in newborn babies and possible neurologi- yesterday. Ricky Stuart’s Raiders spite being held scoreless in the cal problems in adults. crossed for 10 tries for their fi fth second half. New Zealand Test The Bryan brothers are both married and consecutive win, moving above scrum-half Shaun Johnson lifted Bob has three children. The pair won Olym- defending champions North the Warriors to a golden-point pic gold at the London 2012 Games and own Queensland and consolidating a 20-16 win over Penrith in Auck- 112 titles together, including 16 grand slams. top four position in the competi- land on Saturday to move into “Representing Team USA is one of our tion standings. the top eight positions. proudest tennis moments to date and win- The contest was over by half- Johnson scored beside the ning Gold in 2012 will always remain the time, with the Raiders opening goal-posts with a minute of ex- pinnacle of our career,” the brothers added. up a lead of 26-0 over the dispir- tra time remaining after shaping “The Olympics means so much to us for so ited Rabbitohs. They went on to to attempt a drop goal. It was a many reasons and the memories we have post their biggest-ever win over change in fortunes for the War- wearing the Stars and Stripes will burn Souths, surpassing their 48-0 riors, who had lost three of their brightly forever. victory in 1990. previous four games after the 80 “Thank you to the USTA (United States Melbourne joined the Cronul- minutes were up. Tennis Association) for the nomination and Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, August 1, 2016 SPORT

MLB Iglesias’ ninth-inning infi eld single gives Tigers 3-2 win Marlins’ Suzuki, who needs two hits to reach 3,000, entered the game as a defensive replacement and went 0-for-2

Reuters PADRES 2, REDS 1, 10 INNINGS Detroit Adam Rosales led off the bottom of the 10th with a walk-off home run off Cincinnati right- handed reliever Jumbo Diaz to give San Diego ose Iglesias beat out a single to fi rst with the win. Rosales drove a 2-2 pitch into the stands two outs in the ninth to score Tyler Col- in left center. It was the fourth walk-off homer lins from third to cap a two-run rally that by a Padre this season. gave the Detroit Tigers a 3-2 victory over Padres relievers Jose Dominguez, Ryan theJ Houston Astros and extend their winning Buchter, Brandon Maurer and Brad Hand each streak to fi ve games in the Major League Base- worked a perfect inning as San Diego pitch- ball on Saturday. ers retired the fi nal 13 Cincinnati hitters in the James McCann tied the score at 2-2 with a game. line single to left on a 1-2 pitch by Houston clos- er Will Harris, who got the fi rst two outs of the RANGERS 2, ROYALS 1 ninth but then walked Justin Upton and gave up Mitch Moreland’s solo homer with two outs a single to center to Collins. Collins advanced to in the ninth inning gave Texas a walk-off win third after McCann’s hit when left fi elder Alex over Kansas City. The win moved the Rangers Bregman’s throw was offl ine and bounced away fi ve games ahead of the Houston Astros in the from catcher Evan Gattis for an error. American League West, their largest lead since the All-Star break. MARLINS 11, CARDINALS 0 The sliding Royals have lost seven of eight. Colin Rea threw only 3 1/3 innings in his Miami Moreland’s homer capped a night in which the debut and left with a sore right elbow, casting a Rangers got seven innings of one-run pitching pall over the Marlins. The Marlins’ Ichiro Su- from starter Martin Perez and two scoreless in- zuki, who needs two hits to reach 3,000, entered nings from Matt Bush. the game as a defensive replacement and went 0-for-2. Rea pitched well, retiring 10 of the 11 ROCKIES 7, METS 2 batters he faced, including four by strikeout. He Jorge De La Rosa earned his 100th career victory allowed no runs, just a soft single in the third. as he tossed six solid innings. The Rockies have won fi ve straight and nine of 10 to reach.500 INDIANS 6, A’S 3 after the All-Star break for the fi rst time since Cleveland hit four home runs and Josh Tomlin 2010. The skidding Mets have lost four straight pitched seven strong innings. Jason Kipnis, Jose and fi ve of six to fall 2 1/2 games behind the Mi- Ramirez, Abraham Almonte and Mike Napoli all ami Marlins and St. homered in support of Tomlin, who in seven in- Louis Cardinals in the race for the National nings gave up two runs and six hits with seven League’s second wild card. strikeouts and two walks. Rookie Dillon Overton started for Oakland and gave up fi ve runs on 10 ANGELS 5, RED SOX 2 hits, including three home runs, in 3 1/3 innings. Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer to lead Los Angeles over Boston. Hector Santiago won his RAYS 6, YANKEES 3 sixth consecutive start despite throwing a sea- Curt Casali hit his fi rst home run in nearly two son-high 119 pitches during his fi ve innings. He months and Drew Smyly picked up his fi rst allowed two runs, four hits, six walks and a wild win since May, an unlikely combo helping the pitch but fi nished with six strikeouts. Closer Tampa to its third straight win. Smyly had not Huston Street pitched a perfect ninth inning won in his last 11 starts and yet came up with with one strikeout for his ninth save. his second win against the Yankees this season, limiting New York to two runs and four hits in PHILLIES 9, BRAVES 5 six innings. The Rays had other unlikely stars. If Philadelphia is really going to trade pitcher Shortstop Tim Beckham hit a two-run homer Jeremy Hellickson before Monday’s deadline, in the seventh to add insurance against the Yan- he’ll be leaving the Phillies on a high note. kees, who have scored fi ve total runs in its three- San Francisco Giants’ Angel Pagan (left), Gregor Blanco (centre) and Hunter Pence celebrate after win over Washington Nationals. (USA TODAY Sports) The right-hander allowed three runs in 5 2/3 game losing streak. innings and drove in two runs in Philadelphia’s against closer Aroldis Chapman in the eighth run double, helping San Francisco rally from an drove in Avisail Garcia, who led off the inning win. The losing pitcher was Julio Teheran, who BLUE JAYS 9, ORIOLES 1 inning to lift Seattle over Chicago. The Cubs led early three-run defi cit. Six relievers combined with a double to right. Chicago saw its 4-1 lead was making his fi rst start since a sore back JA Happ struck out 11 in seven-plus innings, 1-0 in the eighth inning when Chapman entered to shut out the Nationals on three hits and two slip away and fell behind 5-4 in the bottom of caused him to take extra days off between ap- Kevin Pillar hit a pair of two-run doubles and the game with runners on second and third base walks over the fi nal fi ve innings, allowing the the eighth after Eduardo Escobar hit a three-run pearances. Toronto moved into fi rst place in the Ameri- and two outs. Giants to win for the fi rst time in three tries in home run to put the Twins up by one. can League East. Devon Travis hit a solo homer On a 1-1 count, Martin ripped the left-hand- the series and only the third time since the All- DIAMONDBACKS 4, DODGERS 2 and Russell Martin and Pillar each hit two-run er’s third pitch to left-center fi eld to score Star break. BREWERS 5, PIRATES 3 Jean Segura’s leadoff home run helped the Ari- doubles in the seven-run fi fth as the Blue Jays Shawn O’Malley and Nori Aoki. Martin later Derek Law, the fourth Giants pitcher, was Home runs from Hernan Perez and Kirk Nieu- zona Diamondbacks to a 4-2 victory over the moved a half-game ahead of the Orioles, who scored on a wild pitch by Chapman to make it credited with the win after pitching one shutout wenhuis were the diff erence as Milwaukee held Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night before have lost fi ve in a row. Happ held the Orioles to 3-1. Chapman suff ered his fi rst blown save with inning. Closer Santiago Casilla pitched a 1-2-3 on. Brewers starter Chase Anderson lasted 49,540 at Dodger Stadium. three hits, three walks and one run in winning the Cubs since coming over from the New York ninth for his 23rd save. only fi ve innings, allowing an unearned run on The loss dropped the Dodgers two games his eighth straight decision. The left-hander Yankees in a blockbuster trade on Monday. It four hits and a pair of walks while striking out behind the National League West-leading San has not lost since June 6. was his second blown save of the season. WHITE SOX 6, TWINS 5, 10 INNINGS a season-high seven. The Pirates got strong six Francisco Giants, who defeated the Washington Dioner Navarro delivered a go-ahead double to innings from Jameson Taillon, who only allowed Nationals earlier Saturday. The Diamondbacks MARINERS 4, CUBS 1 GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3 propel Chicago over Minnesota. Navarro’s one- two runs on six hits and didn’t walk a batter won for only the fi fth time in the last 23 games Leonys Martin hit a go-ahead, two-run double Eduardo Nunez had two hits, including a two- out double came off Fernando Abad. Navarro while striking out six. at Dodger Stadium.

NFL ROUND-UP BOXING Fisher agrees to $48mn Frampton wins slugfest over extension with Kansas Santa Cruz to claim WBA title

Reuters AFP New York New York

he Kansas City Chiefs gave off ensive arl Frampton defeated Mexico’s tackle ERIC FISHER a contract exten- Leo Santa Cruz by a majority deci- sion on Saturday. The deal is for four sion on Saturday to claim the WBA Tyears and worth $48mn. Fisher had his Cfeatherweight crown and become fi fth-year option picked up by the team in the the fi rst boxer from Northern Ireland to win spring. Overall, his contract is for six years and titles in two divisions. $63mn, with $40mn guaranteed. Kansas City The challenger Frampton improved to 23-0 made Fisher the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft with 14 knockouts as he had to overcome a after a stellar career at Central Michigan. height and weight disadvantage in one of the ------few times in his career he has moved up to Disappointed with a lack of contract negotia- fi ght at 126 pounds. “It is a dream come true,” tions and playing under his original rookie deal, said Frampton, who was born in Belfast. “I Houston Texans Pro-Bowl wide receiver DeAndre had a dream of winning a world title and I Hopkins didn’t report for training camp and is having ankle surgery this off -season. won it. I won it with my heart, not with my holding out. ------head. I got my hand raised.” Hopkins is entering the fourth year of a Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, The 29-year-old Frampton controlled the $15.552mn rookie contract that included a who was reinstated to the NFL this week from his fi ght between the two undefeated boxers in $3.926mn signing bonus and a total of $6.181mn indefi nite drug ban, defends his friendship with the early rounds, landing a punishing left guaranteed. former teammate Johnny Manziel, the troubled hook in the second round that sent the champ The Texans placed Hopkins on the Reserve/Did quarterback who is currently out of a job. backpedalling across the ring. He then held Not Report list, and General Manager Rick Smith “It’s diffi cult to take people inside that re- on for the win as Santa Cruz gained steam released this statement: “We are disappointed lationship, but that’s one of my good friends,’’ in the middle rounds before the two closed it Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton (left) punches Leo Santa Cruz of Mexico during their WBA DeAndre has elected not to report to training Gordon told Cleveland.com when asked about out by exchanging heavy blows in the middle Super featherweight championship bout in Brooklyn, New York City. (AFP) camp with the rest of his teammates. He has ex- Manziel on the fi rst day of training camp. “I’m al- of the ring as the fi nal bell rang. pressed his position regarding his contract status, ways going to be there to support him and that’s One judge scored it even, 114-114, while the in the sixth, which proved to be one of his wage the fi ght of his life against the disease. and we have been clear with both he and his rep- what I’m trying to do and that’s what he wanted other two gave it to Frampton 117-111 and 116- best rounds of the fi ght as he landed some Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 knockouts) suf- resentatives of ours. Our focus is on the 2016 sea- to do for me. We’re defi nitely two diff erent peo- 112. Frampton previously held the IBF and solid combination punches. But Santa Cruz’s fered the fi rst defeat of his career, losing the son and all of our collective eff orts and attention ple headed down two diff erent paths and we’ll all WBA super-bantamweight titles. Frampton inability to score enough points in the early belt he won also by a majority decision when will be centred on that endeavour.” reach our outcome at a diff erent point in time.” punctuated his impressive early round per- going caught up to him as Frampton did not he beat Abner Mares last August. He de------formance by staggering the champion in the tire in the later rounds. fended it fi ve months ago when he stopped The NFL reinstated San Francisco 49ers off ensive The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent wide second round with a left hook. “He has a diffi cult style, but we know his Kiko Martinez in fi ve rounds. Frampton won tackle Anthony Davis from the reserve/retired receiver Andre Debose and placed wide receiver His short counter shot slammed into the style and will get him in the rematch,” Santa the 126 pound title despite giving away two list. The team added Davis to its 90-man roster Brian Tyms on the injured reserve list. The Ari- right side of Santa Cruz’s head, sending the Cruz said. Santa Cruz had considered pulling inches in height and four inches in reach to and Davis reported to camp. zona Cardinals signed wide receiver Franky Oka- Mexican stumbling backwards into the ropes out of the fi ght a few months ago because his Santa Cruz. He is now 5-0 in title fi ghts and To make room for Davis, the 49ers placed nose for and released wide receiver Rico Richardson. with 45 seconds left in the round. Frampton father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, is battling 8-0 in fi ghts above 122 pounds. The crowd of tackle Ian Williams on the reserve/non-football The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive tackle then padded his lead by winning the next bone cancer. But dad was at his son’s side on 9,062 at the Barclays Center arena included injury list. Williams will miss the season after Claudell Louis to a rookie free-agent contract. three rounds before Santa Cruz turned it on Saturday night as the trainer continues to 4-time major winning golfer Rory McIlroy. Gulf Times Monday, August 1, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NBA Bulls get younger, create mentoring Looking back at chance for Wade Ichiro’s fi rst major and Rondo league hit ‘A lot of them (didn’t) know much about Major League Baseball, and if I struggled the first few games, they might say, ‘Oh, you know, I can’t make it here,’ or something’

MCT Miami Dwyane Wade, formerly with Miami Heat, has joined Chicago Bulls.

t was a bouncing ball, one that the pitcher probably could have gotten MCT comment, even if he downplayed before it hopped and skidded left of Chicago it after Team USA’s exhibition second base and into the outfi eld. On victory against Venezuela on Fri- Iits face, it did not look like anything spe- day night at the United Center. cial. It was a routine single. fter all that, the Bulls “Is it my team? I guess two of But that hit on April 2, 2001 has a place actually did get young- the three alphas have said that,” in history as Ichiro Suzuki’s fi rst in Major er. General manager Butler said, referencing Rondo’s League Baseball. Gar Forman drew some three alphas comment that also More than 15 years have passed since scepticalA reactions in the wake tabbed Butler as the leader. “You that night Ichiro debuted for the Seat- of the Derrick Rose trade by won’t hear me say that. tle Mariners. His pursuit of 3,000 hits claiming he wanted the Bulls to “But I’m liking that role as a brought him to the Miami Marlins, and get younger and more athletic leader. That’s a lot of pressure. I stretching in the clubhouse before a re- and then promptly signing free want that. It’s only going to make cent game, he looked back on that fi rst agents Rajon Rondo, 30, and me better.” night – and why the hit was so important. Dwyane Wade, who will turn 35 Wade, who cited Shaquille “All of Japan, you know, their eyes were in January. O’Neal as essential in his growth on me,” Ichiro refl ected through a trans- But the Bulls, who had lit- as a young player, said he already lator. “A lot of them (didn’t) know much tle indication Wade would be has talked to Doug McDermott about Major League Baseball, and if I available at the start of free and Bobby Portis. But it can’t struggled the fi rst few games, they might agency, will enter training camp be overstated how important say, ‘Oh, you know, I can’t make it here,” with 10 players 25 or younger, Wade’s presence can be in the or something. compared with five last season. continued maturation of Butler, “So there is pressure. That game kind They also have just three play- who has vowed to improve as a of had more pressure to a game than it ers in Rondo, Wade and Taj Gib- leader after some rocky moments usually does.” son who are 30 or older as op- last season. It was the seventh inning at Safeco posed to six last season. “I’ve played against Jimmy,” Field when Ichiro slapped the bounc- And the Bulls will feature 10 Wade said. “I’ve seen him since er past Oakland Athletics reliever T.J. players with three years or less Marquette. I have a feel for how Mathews and cruised into fi rst base. He NBA experience as opposed to six his game is. He’s a competitor. unstrapped his elbow pad and handed it last season. But as a teammate, I don’t know to his fi rst-base coach, then stood next to Whether the Bulls are more everything yet. So fi rst of all, Jason Giambi at fi rst base. athletic remains to be seen and is I have to learn the way Jimmy He couldn’t have known just how contingent largely on player de- works. I need to know when he many times he would make that same velopment. But the younger roster wakes up, when he goes to sleep. trip throughout his career. makes the additions of serious- I need all that information. “I just remember getting that hit and minded professionals Rondo and “I hope Jimmy has an unlim- how important that was,” Ichiro said. Wade all the more essential. ited (texting) plan as he’s travelling “Obviously, the fi rst few games were im- Both veterans already have around the world. Because I’m go- portant just because nobody knew who I fl ashed their leadership skills by ing to be texting him and continue was. But that was kind of the beginning going out of their way to proclaim to try to build this camaraderie be- of it all.” the Bulls to be Jimmy Butler’s fore we even get to training camp, While Ichiro’s memory implies a cer- team. And Wade made clear he will make sure us three as leaders are tain level of anonymity, Mathews re- continue to serve as a mentor. on the same page (for) what we members Ichiro’s reputation a little dif- “I feel it’s our duty as veteran need to do to be successful.” ferently as the Japanese star began his The Miami Marlins’ Ichiro Suzuki fouls out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park in Miami. players to give that knowledge Most organizations experience career in the United States. back to the next generation so smooth sailing in the off season. “Going through the scouting reports The gravity of that game and Ichiro’s “He’s one of the best hitters ever,” faced him the most times (129), given up this game can continue to be as Wade’s arrival still carries with it on him, and I remember it very clearly, it historic hit have not escaped Mathews. Mathews said. “I don’t care if it’s the most hits (37), and is tied with James amazing and great as it is. So I the excitement of a fresh start. But was very similar to the scouting report on “I kind of like to think I’m responsible Japan or USA. He’s right up there Shields for the most times striking him do that,” Wade said. “I do that the new-look Bulls are younger Tony Gwynn,” Mathews said in a recent for his career here in the United States,” with the best of the best” out. Mark Buehrle faced him 70 times, with not only my teammates, I and promise to be intriguing. phone interview. “He’s gonna hit the ball, he joked. and yet Ichiro still hit .409 against him. do that with other guys around Ultimately, the won-lost and he’s very rarely gonna strike out.” tured what would be a defi ning narrative of Mathews only faced Ichiro one more the league. I work out with guys record will determine whether With the A’s holding a 4-2 lead after BAD START their careers against each other. time after that initial meeting and got if they want to work out with me. the moves worked. six and a half innings, Ichiro led off the The fi rst Japanese position player in the According to baseball-reference.com, him out. I talk to guys throughout the year “They didn’t have to give up any bottom of the seventh against Mathews. majors, Ichiro had come up empty in his Ichiro notched just 15 hits in 69 at bats He surely would have preferred to re- via text message. young pieces and they still have After smacking his fi rst base hit, he came fi rst three at-bats of that game. Oakland against Hudson– a .217 average, almost tire Ichiro in that fi rst at-bat, too, but “These young guys on the team, fl exibility to continue to make around to score in an inning that saw the starter Tim Hudson retired the 27-year- 100 points lower than his career mark. instead he is forever tied to the legend of I’m going to give them the knowl- this team better (next off season),” Mariners tie the game at four. old rookie by way of two groundouts and “I can say that he’s defi nitely the one of baseball’s greats. edge that I’ve learned. They can Wade said. “So this whole signing, Then, in the next inning, Ichiro a strikeout. toughest (mentally) pitcher that I’ve ever It’s not a bad consolation prize. take it for what it’s worth, but I’m experiment, whatever you want reached on a bunt single that advanced With Ichiro, as is the case with many faced,” Ichiro said of Hudson. “He’s one of the best hitters ever,” going to give it to them no matter to call it – it’s a win-win for me, a Carlos Guillen _ who scored the eventual other universally respected hitters, pitchers Ryan Vogelsong has faced Ichiro the Mathews said. “I don’t care if it’s Japan what. I’m a leader and that’s all I win-win for the Chicago Bulls or- winning run in the fi rst of Seattle’s record like Hudson have come to play a supporting most times (15) of any pitcher without or the United States. He’s right up there know how to do.” ganization. It’s a win-win for Chi- 116 victories that season. role in his legend. Their fi rst meeting cap- giving up a hit, while John Lackey has with the best of the best.” Butler appreciated Wade’s cago, period.”

NFL Aft er 22 years fans are thrilled Rams are back MCT his name –“Ja-red, Ja-red” – they suf- them show up. This feeling could be $4, bottled water for $2.50, and a Goff Irvine, California fered the indignant stares of the masses stretched out with each wave of new jersey for $149.99. and quickly quieted. fans that enters the Coliseum through- The entire event, which will be “This is unbelievable,” said former out the season. It was a feeling that repeated at 15 more open-to-the- his whole business about the Rams off ensive tackle Jackie Slater, also dominated the stands Saturday on a public practices this summer – free Rams returning to Los Ange- hanging out under a tent. “It’s unbeliev- basically dull sports afternoon that of- admission with $10 parking – felt like les? It just got real. able how much everything has changed.” fered nothing more than newness. a small-town company picnic sur- On a cloudless, scorch- At one point, so many fans were “You want to see the logo with L.A. rounding gladiators engaged in this Ting Saturday afternoon at UC Irvine, crowding the railing to get closer to the on it, you want to see players wearing country’s most popular sport. Even it filled bleachers surrounding two players, a security guard barked, “Move the L.A. uniform and competing, you though no outside food was allowed makeshift football fields with nearly from the bench line and come back to just want it to sink in, that’s why many in the stands, guards relented to allow 10,000 folks who sprinted to their your seats.” of us came here,” said Andre Jeanbart, some old-school Rams fans to bring seats early and stood screaming for Nobody listened. They hung on the another member of the Bring Back the watermelons to wear on their heads. autographs late. railing throughout the fi nal drills, then Los Angeles Rams group and one of The NFL wasn’t like this when it left All for a Rams event that had no crowded it after practice to roar at the many fans who drove several hours to town, huh? What a diff erence a two- score, no statistics and no drama. departing players as if the padded, sit in 85-degree heat and watch guys decade drought makes. It was just a practice. It was just a slick-faced behemoths were walking a play catch. “Looking seriously at this, com- dummy-thumping, horn-rattling, sag- red carpet at Hollywood and Highland. paring this to the 1990s, the NFL has gy-sweats practice. “To walk out here and see the stands POWER OF NFL grown leaps and bounds,” Everett said, But this being the Rams’ fi rst training- like this, we are super blessed to be The other truth is that even when the glancing out to the fi elds. “This is what camp practice as a Los Angeles franchise there,” said Rams punter Johnny Hek- interest in the Rams begins to wane, it is. You’re seeing the growth of the in 22 years, it was horned gold. ker. “Sometimes you put in hours and which it surely will eventually do if the NFL right here, right in front of us to- “The people in St. Louis were like, we hours of work and there’s nobody there. losing overwhelms the curiosity, the day, this is how they roll.” can’t root for the Rams because we’ll all Then you see something like this, we franchise will be carried by the power And so a team that hasn’t made the be at the beach ... well, I guess not,” said are so appreciative, we’re just soaking of the NFL. playoff s in 12 seasons will roll into late Randy Troy, a member of the former it all in.” Much to the surprise of fans who summer underneath the sort of fi re Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams group Joe Ramirez, second from left, and Aron Gonzalez, third from left, wear rams This whole business about the Rams have only ever watched USC or UCLA usually reserved for champions. It is and one of many fans wearing a sweaty horns at the Los Angeles Rams first day of training camp at the University of returning to Los Angeles just got real, so football practice, this wasn’t just a their job to make it last. jersey and a sunscreen smile. California, Irvine, yesterday. real that some early truths about these workout, it was an NFL production. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, a long They cheered calisthenics. They Rams have become immediately obvious. There were tented attractions set up way to go with the football team, but cheered fi eld-goal drills. They cheered former Rams quarterback Jim Everett, quarterback Jared Goff lost consecutive Even if they are as lousy as every- around the edges of the fi eld, stands the atmosphere is certainly going to dudes making fl ying interceptions of watching from under a tent behind the fumbles on bad snaps and let loose with one thinks they will be, they are going selling everything from shaved ice to help,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “It will intentionally lofted passes that they end zones. a loud expletive. The fans then screeched to have a rollicking honeymoon here. kettle corn, giant bouncy houses for help them focus, help them to prepare. were supposed to intercept. As it grew hotter, it grew more amaz- after he threw an interception. When a Even more than wanting them to win, kids and a memorabilia shop for the It’s diff erent. It’s very good for them.” “This whole scene is amazing,” said ing. The fans audibly gasped when rookie couple of fans began derisively chanting it seems fans are just thrilled to see die-hards. Fans could buy a hot dog for It’s real. Gulf Times 8 Monday, August 1, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PRE-SEASON TOUR Atletico Madrid crash to defeat to In Anglo-French Australia’s Victory clash of champs, a big victory for PSG PSG got the breakthrough in the 26th minute when Daniel Amartey clumsily brought down Jonathan Ikone in the area and Cavani sent Schmeichel the wrong way

Paris Saint-Germain players Atletico’s Javier Manquillo fires the ball at Melbourne Victory’s celebrate one of their goals keeper Lawrence Thomas during their friendly match in Geelong during their International near Melbourne yesterday. Champions Cup (ICC) match against Leicester City at StubHub AFP It has been a heady 10 days Center in Carson, California. Melbourne for the twice A-League champi- ons, who beat Italian champions Juventus on penalties in the In- panish giants Atletico ternational Champions Cup last Madrid crashed to a 1-0 week before claiming another loss to A-League side high-profi le scalp in Atletico Melbourne Victory on Madrid. theirS Australian pre-season tour Atletico Madrid, who lost this in Geelong yesterday. year’s Champions League fi nal The European Champions on penalties to cross-city ri- League runners-up fell behind vals Real Madrid, won their fi rst to a goal against the run of play match in Australia against Eng- shortly before half-time and land’s Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in were kept scoreless in the second Melbourne on Friday. half. There were several heavy chal- Defender Nick Ansell power- lenges in Sunday’s game with a fully headed home off a free-kick solid tackle by Uruguayan de- from Tunisian Fahid Ben Khal- fender Emiliano Velazquez forc- fallah to rock Atletico in the 44th ing Victory’s Mitch Austin off the minute. fi eld with a knee injury in the fi rst While manager Diego Simeone half. rung the changes in the second French defender Lucas Her- half his side could not fi nd a way nandez also limped away after through the determined Victory a sliding tackle on Victory mid- defence. fi elder Oliver Bozanic in the sec- Despite the defeat, he was ond half. Simeone made a triple pleased with the benefi ts of the substitution midway through trip to Australia. the second half in an eff ort to re- “I’m very happy. These match- charge his team. es are very helpful for the guys But Melbourne counterpart who have played,” said Simeone, Kevin Muscat took off most of who selected seven players from his leading players among six his club’s academy in the Atletico substitutions at one stage, leav- starting lineup. ing Victory with a largely youth “I take from this many positive side against the Spaniards in the things. The youths are learning fi nal stages. and this is the way to improve. Atletico will return home “Melbourne Victory is a well- on Tuesday and will next play worked team, strong and com- Galatasaray in Turkey as part of pact.” their pre-season on August 6.

AFP A sell-out 25,667 crowd at the al, who moved in the close season from Emery indicated earlier on Saturday Los Angeles StubHub Center was treated to FC Bruges, played a neat assist to Ikone, that a swoop for 23-year-old Real Ma- Reds bounce back with win over Milan passages of sumptuous midfi eld who slotted the ball in off the bar and drid forward Jese Rodriguez was “a pos- interplay as PSG gave the naive beyond Schmeichel. sibility” before the end of the transfer Santa Clara, USA: Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool bounced back from rench title winners Paris Saint- Foxes a taste of what to expect at Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri and his window. Wednesday’s defeat to Chelsea with a deserved 2-0 success over Germain brought English cham- Europe’s top table as they head opposite number Unai Emery made 17 Asked if he was looking to bolster the their Italian opponents AC Milan at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium. pions Leicester City down to into their fi rst Champions League substitutions between them, largely squad further, the Spaniard said he was Liverpool – with James Milner playing at left-back – were on top Fearth with a comfortable 4-0 campaign taking the tempo and purpose out of the “very happy with the team — with the in the first half, new signing Sadio Mané seeing plenty of the ball win in the exhibition International second half. experienced players but also the young and almost setting up Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge Champions Cup in Los Angeles on Sat- little to do. It was over as a contest just after the players.” with crosses. Striker Sturridge also had a shot blocked before the urday. But PSG got the breakthrough in hour when Maxwell sent in a cross from “To be able to perform, to have a good break, while his England teammate Adam Lallana shot over. A sell-out 25,667 crowd at the Stub- the 26th minute when Daniel Amartey the left, which Lucas Moura was able to season, we do have a big team capable of Firmino and Origi were among the half-time substitutes, and Origi Hub Center was treated to passages of clumsily brought down Jonathan Ikone nod in after peeling away at the far post. doing that,” he added. broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, showing good footwork sumptuous midfi eld interplay as PSG in the area and Cavani sent Schmeichel Substitute striker Odsonne Edouard He didn’t mention Jese by name, but before cutting inside and shooting into the far corner. gave the naive Foxes a taste of what to the wrong way from the spot. rounded off the rout moments before said that “other players could join in at- The Belgian had another goal ruled out in the 71st minute for expect at Europe’s top table as they head Leicester clawed their way back into the final whistle when he found himself tack perhaps — that is a possibility.” off side, before Firmino doubled Liverpool’s lead two minutes later, into their first Champions League cam- the play with several promising attacks, one on one with Schmeichel, and slot- Ranieri said that although the result sliding in at the far post to tap in a deflected cross from substitute paign. including a stinging free kick from Al- ted the ball clinically into the back of the didn’t go Leicester’s way, the team had Sheyi Ojo. PSG attacked relentlessly, playing gerian star midfielder Riyad Mahrez net. Emery took over Qatar-backed PSG gained valuable experience ahead of its “Everyone knows about the potential of Divock Origi,” Klopp said neat triangles in midfield and looking which PSG keeper Alphonse Areola just last month from Laurent Blanc, who fi rst European campaign, although the after the game. “I understand why you ask about Divock after a to play mercurial Uruguayan striker Ed- kept out. won the domestic treble twice in a row priority was the Premier League. game like this but tonight wasn’t a night to talk about single play- inson Cavani in through the channels But “les Rouge et Bleu” doubled their but failed to make substantial progress “The focus is to be safe and then, if it’s ers. We should talk about the way we played and the dominance while Javier Pastore whipped in danger- lead seconds before half-time when in Europe. possible, to get experience. It’s the fi rst we had – the passing situations we had in the first half were bril- ous crosses from the left. Thomas Meunier, who scored twice in He has since spent big on Poland in- time in Leicester City Football Club’s life liant. We passed and passed and passed until we were through. The threat was largely cancelled out the last ICC fixture against Real Madrid ternational midfielder Grzegorz Kry- that it is in the Champions League,” he We created chances but didn’t score. We had four or five big early on by captain Wes Morgan and his in Ohio, surged into Leicester’s box on chowiak, French flare player Hatem Ben said. chances. We lost a bit of patience and chose the wrong ways with centre back partner Robert Huth, with the counter. Arfa, and Belgium’s right back Thomas “It’s amazing. With a lot of respect, too many long balls. goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel having The 24-year-old Belgian internation- Meunier. we will try to do our best.”

BOTTOMLINE Rodgers upbeat despite Barcelona defeat

AFP there to face a team who test you and your or- come off his leg that far outside the post and to Dublin ganisation. go in the far corner is disappointing, especially “I thought we were good in terms of some of after us getting back into the game as well. our pressing, our goal comes from our ability to “Look, sometimes these things happen, but rendan Rodgers remains optimis- press and be up the fi eld. I thought we had some overall he did okay.” tic about Celtic’s Champions League really good passages of play. Aston Villa midfi elder Scott Sinclair could yet hopes even after seeing his side beaten “Our only negative was the injury to Nir Bit- join the Rodgers revolution, following Moussa 3-1 by Spanish giants Barcelona in a ton, it looks a nasty one but we’ll assess that Dembele and Kolo Toure, who have already DublinB friendly on Saturday. over the next 24 hours,” the Northern Irishman signed for Celtic. Luis Enrique’s side scored three fi rst-half added. Rodgers said saw plenty of positives in the 3-1 goals through Arda Turan, Munir El Haddadi Former Liverpool manager Rodgers revealed defeat, but accepted the side had plenty of work and an Efe Ambrose own-goal, to cancel out he was looking to sign four more players dur- ahead of them. Leigh Griffi ths’s 29th-minute strike. ing the transfer window, and following another “We’re still a long way away from where I Rodgers had one eye on Wednesday’s Cham- slip-up by Ambrose, the Nigerian international want to be, but what I can’t deny is the mental pions League third qualifying round second leg defender, defence will be an area he is keen to fi tness of the players, and physically how they’re tie with Astana at Celtic Park, and despite some strengthen. pushing themselves, we showed some good mo- poor defensive play, expressed his happiness The Celtic boss refused to confi rm or deny a ments in the game in terms of where we want to with what was a challenging 90 minutes against possible move for Manchester United youngster be, but the reality is other players will be coming the La Liga champions. Paddy McNair, but gave his support to Ambrose, in, and obviously we’ll have more work on the “It was an excellent workout, it’s always a whose substitution appeared to be cheered by training ground,” he said. great education when playing Barcelona in some Celtic fans. Meanwhile Barcelona manager Enrique was terms of how they play, but I was really proud “I think he’s an unlucky guy, bless him,” pleased with his side’s fi rst pre-season game, of the players coming back off a long trip during Rodgers said. with 20 players getting a run out. the week,” said Rodgers, whose side were held to “I think a striker would have been proud of “It was great to be back, to have the team a 1-1 draw in the fi rst leg in Kazakhstan. that goal. He was so unfortunate. The ball is back, quite happy with a good result, we played “They had one day to recover and then out whipped in, there is no real danger and for it to a good game,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, August 1, 2016 9 FOOTBALL

BREAKING THE BANK REPRIMAND Ribery called to order by Bayern Premier League over Pep attacks transfer fees set to break record Last year was the first in which annual fees reached one billion pounds

AFP the Spaniard, has been quick to Berlin praise the Italian. In the magazine Sport Bild, Ribery accused Guardiola of rench forward Franck lacking experience despite win- Ribery has been called ning 14 titles in four years with to order by Bayern Mu- Barcelona and seven trophies in nich over his criticism three years with Bayern. ofF the club’s former coach Pep “He is still a young coach. He Guardiola as well as his conduct lacks experience. Sometimes on the pitch. he talks too much, football is Ribery, currently with Bay- very simple,” the 33-year-old ern on their pre-season tour of Frenchman told the magazine. the United States, has described Ribery’s strained ties with Guardiola as inexperienced and Guardiola during his time at repeatedly compared him unfa- Bayern were no secret and he vourably to his successor at Bay- said he now feels “motivated and ern, Carlo Ancelotti. liberated” again on the pitch. His comments drew a sharp But earlier Saturday he came response from Bayern chairman under fi re from Ancelotti over Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. his conduct in his team’s 4-1 win “I think there is no point in over Inter Milan in their friendly having a go at Pep Guardiola in Charlotte, North Carolina. now that he has gone. We won Ancelotti upbraided Ribery a lot with him, we gained a lot during the fi rst half of the game, from him. Seeking vengeance telling him to calm down after he now serves no purpose,” Rum- was seen engaging in a running menigge told Bavarian television dispute with his Inter opposite channel BR. number Felipe Melo. Ancelotti, 57, has replaced “I don’t like players who be- Guardiola, now with Manches- have in that way. I told him that ter City, as Bayern coach for the he had better put a stop to it,” 2016/17 season and Ribery, who Ancelotti told journalists after had a tense relationship with the match.

Pogba’s proposed return to Old Traff ord could smash the world record of 85.3mn pounds that Real Madrid paid for Wales forward Gareth Bale three years ago. MLS Reuters 35mn pounds for Swiss midfi elder Granit you with 30 goals a season,” he told BBC Former Chelsea manager Jose Mour- London Xhaka. Radio. inho was always likely to spend big in at- But Pogba’s proposed return to Old “Possibly the only two I thought could tempting to revive Manchester United, Traff ord would dwarf that and all other command that fi gure were Cristiano Ro- with Pogba expected to become his fourth Lampard nets ith one month of the trans- sums in the history of the sport, smash- naldo and Lionel Messi because people major signing. fer window left remaining, ing the world record of 85.3mn pounds realise they are exceptional talents that Ironically, the most exciting of them Premier League clubs are that Real Madrid paid for Wales forward will go down in the history of the game.” could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who arrived hat-trick as New Wpoised to push escalating Gareth Bale three years ago. With a lucrative new broadcasting deal on a free transfer from Paris St Germain fees closer to another new record this Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is coming into eff ect this season and new and scored a spectacular goal on Saturday week. among those who are bemused by how managers taking over at Chelsea and the four minutes into his debut. York rout Rapids The projected move of France midfi eld- high fees have risen but still believes two Manchester clubs, it is perhaps not Pep Guardiola, having already spent er Paul Pogba from Juventus back to Man- there is no longer any limit. surprising that a spending spree has ma- 35mn pounds at Manchester City, was re- chester United for a world record 100mn “Since I’ve been in the sport I always terialised. ported by British media yesterday to be on AFP pounds would take spending by the 20 thought it can’t go any higher up and I’ve Under Antonio Conte, Italy’s head the verge of almost doubling that by signing New York teams to almost 600mn pounds, adding to always been wrong,” he told reporters. coach at Euro 2016, Chelsea paid more German forward Leroy Sane from Schalke the 175mn recorded by accountancy fi rm “Maybe it will be 200 or 300mn, who than 30mn pounds for beach of Mar- 04. Deloitte in the January window. knows?” Trevor Francis, the fi rst million- seille’s Michy Batshuayi and Leicester At the other end of the spectrum, rank Lampard scored Last year was the fi rst in which annual pound player in English football back in City’s N’Golo Kante. Burnley and managerless Hull City, two the fi rst ever hat trick in fees reached one billion pounds. 1979, said he was surprised the new world The fee for Kante, who helped Leicester of the newly promoted clubs, have hardly franchise history, pacing So far this close-season Arsenal — record might be set by a midfi eld player. become surprise Premier League cham- begun recruiting. FNew York City FC to its criticised in the past by many supporters “I really thought if (100mn) was paid, pions, clearly illustrated football’s infl a- Once they do over the next 31 days, the largest margin of victory with a for not spending enough — have recorded it was going to be for a striker who could tion rate — a year ago the midlands club amount of money shelled out will only 5-1 win over the Colorado Rap- the highest individual outlay by paying be a match-winner and probably provide paid barely one-sixth as much for him. increase. ids on Saturday. Not only did the hat trick come against the league’s best BOTTOMLINE defence but England legend Lampard has now scored eight goals since June 18, the most by any player in Major League Soc- minutes halfway through the cer. fi rst half because of thunder- “I am really happy, I didn’t re- storms in the area around New alise that (fi rst hat trick),” Lam- York’s Yankee Stadium. ‘Unfi nished business’ at Leics pard said. “I know it is a very The Rapids came into the short history but it’s a great ac- game having allowed a league colade for me as a person. low 14 goals this season, dur- “I’m playing well, feeling ing which they had never trailed good and obviously I can score by more than a goal. Their last made Vardy decision easy goals... But for the team more loss was on April 9 against Real importantly, twice now in recent Salt Lake. Lampard, who is the Reuters urday, start their title defence with a trip weeks we lost a game and came all-time leading goal scorer for London to promoted Hull City on Aug. 13. straight back the next week and Chelsea where he spent 13 years, Goalkeeper Darren Randolph has won.” Tony Taylor and Steven opened the scoring in the 28th signed a new four-year contract with Mendoza also scored for fi rst minute and Taylor’s goal just be- ejecting a move to Premier West Ham United, the Premier League place NYCFC who got the sec- fore the half marked his fi rst ever League rivals Arsenal was an club said yesterday. ond half of their season off with at Yankee Stadium. easy decision for Leicester City The 29-year-old Ireland internation- a bang by snapping the Rapids’ Mendoza added a late tally in Rstriker Jamie Vardy because al, who joined West Ham on a free trans- 15-game unbeaten streak. the 75th minute followed by two he has “unfi nished business” with the fer in 2015, made 15 starts in all compe- Shkelzen Gashi added a stop- quick strikes from midfi elder champions. tition last season but is usually second page time goal for 10-man Colo- Lampard in the 81st and 85th The 29-year-old, who scored 24 choice behind Spaniard Adrian for man- rado to avoid getting blanked. minutes for the Eastern Confer- league goals to help Leicester win the ti- ager Slaven Bilic. The contest was halted for 40 ence-leading New York side. tle last season, spurned the advances of “I spoke to the manager and I know Arsenal, after the north London club had we both have the opportunity to work triggered a release clause in his contract, towards that No. 1 position, which was Brazil’s fi rst choice goalkeeper Prass out of Rio in favour of extending his stay with the part of the reason I was happy to sign a Foxes. new contract,” Randolph told the club’s Rio de Janeiro: Hosts Brazil the nature of the injury which “It’s not been put out there that I have website (www.whufc.com). suff ered a blow in their bid for a will keep him out of the tourna- always said the boys, the close-knit “It is good to know I have the man- first Olympic gold medal in foot- ment which runs August 4-20. A brotherhood, is unbelievable and for me, ager’s backing and it certainly helps my ball when goalkeeper Fernando replacement is yet to be named. there’s a lot of unfi nished business here,” confi dence to know he believes in what Prass had to withdraw from Prass was one of the three older Vardy told Sky Sports. I can do.” the tournament with an elbow players each nation can add “I feel that the club is only going one Full back Aaron Cresswell and mid- fracture. to their under-23 team for the way and that is forward, that’s why I fi elder Michail Antonio have also re- The Brazilian football body CBF Olympic tournament. want to be a part of it. It wasn’t that big cently committed their long-term fu- said yesterday that Palmeiras The others are Beijing Guoan (the decision) when I think about it. It tures to the London club. keeper Prass complained about midfielder Renato Augusto and was quite easy and this is where I want The Hammers, who secured a Europa pain while warming up for a Barcelona star forward Neymar, to be.” League spot for the second successive tune-up game against Japan the who was not at the recent Copa Claudio Ranieri’s men, who lost 4-0 year after fi nishing seventh last season, previous day. America in order to play at the to Paris St Germain in the International open their 2016-17 campaign against Medical examinations revealed Games. Champions Cup in Los Angeles on Sat- Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Aug. 13. Gulf Times 10 Monday, August 1, 2016 SNAPSHOTS

PICTURE PERFECT At the Olympics

BALANCING ACT 1: A Dutch Gymnast practices at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. PIC: Pilar Olivares/Reuters BALANCING ACT 2: Another Dutch Gymnast practices at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. PIC: Pilar Olivares/Reuters

IN SYNC: North Korea divers practice at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro: PIC: Michael Dalder/Reuters. Welcome ceremony performers at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PIC: Ivan Alvarado/Reuters

UNDER WRAPS: A worker talks on his phone behind partially unwrapped Olympic rings at the Olympic golf course ahead of TOP HAT: A welcome ceremony participant at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro. PIC: Ivan Alvarado/Reuters. the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on July 31, 2016. PIC: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP Gulf Times Monday, August 1, 2016 11 SNAPSHOTS

PICTURE PERFECT

PICTURESQUE: The sun sets behind Uniprix Stadium in Montreal as Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Makarova of Russia take on Christina Mchale and Asia Muhammad of the United States in their Rogers Cup semi-final. PIC: Geoff Robins/AFP

POISE: Madison Keys of the United States releases the ball to serve during her Rogers Cup semi-final match against Kristina Kucova of Slovakia at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal, Quebec. PIC: Geoff Robins/AFP CROWNING GLORY: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the German GP. PIC: Thomas Kienzle/AFP

TRIUMPH: Min-Wook Kim reacts after knocking out Louis Cruz during their welterweight boxing match at Barclays Center. PIC: Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

HERE’S THE PLAN... Atlas coach Jose Cruz gives instructions to his players during their Mexican Apertura 2016 FORE! Henrik Stenson hits his tee shot on the fifth hole during the Sunday round of the 2016 PGA Championship golf tournament football match against Veracruz at Jalisco stadium, in Guadalajara, Mexico. PIC: Hector Guerrero/AFP tournament at Baltusrol GC - Lower Course. PIC: Eric Sucar/USA Today Sports

Monday, August 1, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Australia axe inconsistent Maxwell for Sri Shaqab’s Qemah wins Group 1 in Deauville Lanka ODIs Australia have dropped out-of- Agencies Shaqab Racing’s representative form limited overs specialist Deauville, France in France, said: “It is beautiful. Glenn Maxwell from the squad The fi lly confi rmed what she did for the one-day international in Ascot. She was relaxed to- series in Sri Lanka next month, he Al Shaqab Racing- day, which helped her accelerate the country’s cricket board an- owned fi lly Qemah like she did. She seemed to have nounced yesterday. picked up an easy win in reached a point in her maturity. Nicknamed ‘Big Show’, the the Prix Rothschild (Gr1) She is entered in the Jacques le 27-year-old all-rounder made Tat Deauville yesterday. Marois but also in the Matron 46 not out help Australia reach Trained by French trainer Stakes. Maybe the ‘Moulin’, but the final of last month’s tri-series Jean-Claude Rouget, the fi lly we will see with her connections in West Indies but could only was placed on the outside of the for the rest of her programme.” muster a combined tally of seven lot. She followed Amazing Maria Qemah had landed the Coro- runs in three others innings in with Volta right behind. nation Stakes (Gr1) at Royal As- the tournament. Down the home straight, with cot last month after placing third New South Wales all-rounder 300m to go, jockey Gregory Be- in the Poule d’Essai des Pouli- Moises Henriques joins the noist got Qemah into action. ches (Gr1). squad, while batsman Shaun She managed to go past Fran- Trainer Rouget explained: Marsh returns following the birth cis-Henri Graff ard’s ward, Volta, “Today she confi rmed all her of his first child. who made a last ditch eff ort near qualities. She was still a little Australia, who are trailing 1-0 the fi nish line, before fi nishing immature in the Poule d’Essai. in the ongoing three-test series second. Ascot helped her gain experi- against Sri Lanka, will play five Steip Amach made it to the ence. The race did her good. She one-day internationals against third step of the podium, ahead will not run the Jacques Le Mar- the South Asians beginning on of Esoterique. ois but should go to the Matron Aug. 21 in Colombo. Rupert Pritchard Gordon, Al Stakes.” Jockey Gregory Benoist celebrates after riding Qemah to victory in the Prix Rothschild (Gr1) yesterday Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, GOLF / PGA CHAMPIONSHIP James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Hen- riques, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa Day, Stenson in hunt but Pakistan learn little in tour game draw Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets as their two-day warm- up match with Worcestershire, Walker clings to wet lead their final fixture before next week’s third Test against Eng- ‘Just said ‘Trust it,’ on the swing and kept the pedal going. I feel good’ land, ended in a draw. The tourists declared their first AFP charge into the title chase. innings on 261 for three before Springfield, United States “I played pretty well,” Koepka said. Worcestershire ended Friday’s “I drove the ball in the fairway. That’s first day on 30 without loss. key. Every time I was in the rough I had Saturday saw Pakistan spend a op-ranked defending cham- a good lie. Those are the kind of breaks day in the field as Worcestershire pion Jason Day and British you need.” moved on to 260 for six before a Open winner Henrik Stenson Koepka missed the British Open draw was agreed. were chasing unheralded US with a torn right ankle ligament that he The main purpose of this match, Tleader Jimmy Walker after yesterday’s rehabilitated until last week and won- from Pakistan’s point of view, was third round of the PGA Championship dered as late as Tuesday if he would to run the rule over candidates at rain-soaked Baltusrol. play at Baltusrol. pushing for international duty and, Walker, seeking a wire-to-wire vic- “I’ve got it taped up. It feels pretty if possible, let some of their “regu- tory and his fi rst major title, fi red a good right now,” Koepka said. “The real lars” spend time in the middle. two-under par 68 thanks to four bird- test will be walking 36.” This was Pakistan’s only fixture ies on the back nine, the last a tap-in Sharing fi fth on 203 were Japan’s between their 330-run defeat by at the par-5 18th, to fi nish 54 holes at Hideki Matsuyama and Americans England in the second Test at Old 11-under par 199 to pull one stroke William McGirt and Robert Streb, who Traff ord — a result that left the ahead of Day. on Friday matched the record low ma- four-match series all square at 1-1 “Just started feeling more comfort- jor round with a 63. — and the third Test at Edgbas- able with the golf swing,” Walker said Streb, who missed the cut at the ton starting on Wednesday. after two bogeys in the fi rst fi ve holes. year’s fi rst three majors, has not man- Tom Kohler-Cadmore and 20-year- “Just said ‘Trust it,’ on the swing and aged a top-10 fi nish in a US PGA event old Joe Clarke both made fifties kept the pedal going. I feel good.” since his share of 10th at last year’s for Worcestershire at the Midlands Day sank a stunning 74-foot birdie PGA Championship — 27 events of club’s New Road headquarters in at the par-4 sixth, added a fi ve-footer mounting frustration that could end Worcester, while Rahat Ali led the at the par-3 ninth and a tap-in birdie at with him hoisting the Wanamaker Tro- attack with two for 29. 18 for a bogey-free 67. phy and taking a winner’s prize of $1.8 Rahat and fellow left-arm seamer “I played pretty good, gave myself million (1.6 million euros). Wahab Riaz, who took one for some opportunities to shoot a low one 40, were the only Pakistan bowl- but didn’t really take them,” Day said. LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES ers on show to have featured in The fourth round had already started 199 - Jimmy Walker (USA) 65-66-68 the Test series so far. with the fi rst groups only four holes be- 200 - Jason Day (AUS) 68-65-67 Imran Khan, Sohail Khan and hind the fi nal third-round groups as the Jimmy Walker of the United States lines up a putt on the 18th green during the weather-delayed third round of the 2016 PGA 201 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 68-67-66, spinner Zulfiqar Babar looked PGA of America kept the same pairings Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, yesterday. (AFP) Henrik Stenson (SWE) 67-67-67 unlikely to force their way into for the fi nal round and played “lift, clean 203 - William McGirt (USA) 70-67-66, the side for next week’s show- and place” rules near greens for the fi rst but I’m really trying to just put one foot It wasn’t the greatest preparation, but 201 with American Brooks Koepka. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-67-67, piece match in Birmingham after time in tournament history in a bid to in front of the other.” once again the expectations came down “I was struggling with my long game Robert Streb (USA) 68-63-72 taking just one wicket each. fi nish the year’s last major on Sunday. Day began the week fi ghting fatigue and that kind of freed me up.” today. It was a bit of a struggle for me 204 - Branden Grace (RSA) 70-68-66, And when Pakistan batted, it was “It’s exciting to be in this position,” and illness, having never played Bal- to gather my rhythm. I just hope I can Webb Simpson (USA) 69-69-66, Daniel Azhar Ali (81) and Shan Masood Day said. “I’m looking forward to the tusrol’s 7,428-yard layout until a prac- STENSON BATTLING pick up some timing in my long game. Summerhays (USA) 70-67-67 (67), both already in the Test challenge of going out there and trying tice round on the eve of the event. Stenson, who won his fi rst major title I’ll just keep the putting going and see 205 - Kevin Kisne (USA) 71-69-65, Tyr- side, who top-scored for the to win my second major. “I played some really good golf,” Day two weeks ago at Royal Troon, fi red his where it takes us.” rell Hatton (ENG) 71-68-66, Patrick Reed tourists. “It would be nice to go back to back said. “To be honest I have no idea (how). third consecutive 67 to share third on Koepka fi red a bogey-free 66 to (USA) 70-65-70

ZIM VS NZ, DAY 4, 1ST TEST Williams ton not enough as New Zealand win easy

AFP New Zealand began the day needing bit lucky, but from there he dominated.” Bulawayo, Zimbabwe just fi ve wickets to win, and grabbed “The player that he is, he can do that one of them in the second over when on wickets like that. He has got good Craig Ervine was caught behind off the hands and good eyes.” ominant New Zealand bowling of Boult for 50. “He played a fantastic knock. It’s a wrapped up an emphatic in- Having lost their top four for just huge eff ort,” added Williamson. “He nings victory against Zim- 17 runs on the third evening, another wasn’t well, which adds to what a good babwe in the fi rst Test in Bu- Zimbabwean collapse looked likely but knock it was.” lawayoD yesterday despite a maiden Test Williams and Cremer instead gave the “When you are in the position that he century from Sean Williams fi nally giv- home side a glimmer of hope. was in, a lot of fi ght is required. It was ing the hosts something to smile about. While Williams leapt at any opportu- an outstanding hundred.” New Zealand bowled Zimbabwe out nity to score and stroked 21 boundaries, for 295 to win the game by an innings and Cremer blocked up an end and made the SCORECARD 117 runs, with left-arm seamer Neil Wag- Black Caps work hard for his wicket. Zimbabwe first inns 164 all out ner fi nishing with eight wickets in the It took a debatable lbw decision to New Zealand first inns 576-6 d one-sided match at Queens Sports Club. prise the Zimbabwe captain from the Zimbabwe second inns The second and fi nal Test gets under crease after lunch, when he was dis- C. Chibhabha c Taylor b Boult 7 way at the same venue on Saturday. missed by an Ish Sodhi delivery that H. Masakadza c Taylor b Southee 4 After three days of brutal domination looked to be bouncing over the stumps. B. Chari b Boult 5 at the hands of the Kiwis, Williams rose Williams went to his hundred in So- C. Ervine c Watling b Boult 50 from his sick bed to hit the fastest Test dhi’s next over, but he became visibly P. Masvaure lbw b Boult 0 century by a Zimbabwean as he reached strained thereafter as the toll of his ef- S. Raza c Latham b Wagner 37 three fi gures in just 106 deliveries. fort became clear. G. Cremer lbw b Sodhi 33 The left-hander spent the past two After Regis Chakabva was bowled by S. Williams c Williamson b Santner 119 days off the fi eld due to illness as New Tim Southee, the centurion attempted R. Chakabva b Southee 11 Zealand racked up a fi rst-innings lead of one big stroke too many and was caught D. Tiripano c Watling b Wagner 14 412, and came to the crease early on the off the bowling of Santner. M. Chinouya not out 0 fourth morning with Zimbabwe totter- New Zealand went on to wrap up Extras (6b, 9lb) 15 ing on 124 for six, still needing 288 runs to their second-biggest Test win away Total (all out, 79 overs) 295 make the Black Caps bat again. New Zealand players celebrate their win over Zimbabwe on Day Four of the first Test in Bulawayo yesterday. (AFP) from home soon after. Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Masakadza), 2-12 Williams added 118 for the seventh (Chari), 3-17 (Chibhabha), 4-17 (Mas- wicket with captain Graeme Cremer, eight for 103, but Ross Taylor scooped bowling Zimbabwe out for 164 to set captain Kane Williamson. PRAISE FOR WILLIAMS vaure), 5-86 (Sikandar Raza), 6-124 (Er- who made 33, and went on to make 119 the man of the match award for his un- the game up for the tourists. “It’s useful on surfaces that are not Williams though earned plaudits from vine), 7-242 (Cremer), 8-277 (Chakabva), before succumbing to the left-arm spin beaten 173 in New Zealand’s innings. “Neil and Trent (Boult) have shown off ering swing. That fi rst innings put both his home crowd and the opposition. 9-285 (Williams), 10-295 (Tiripano) of Mitchell Santner. Wagner used the short ball to espe- how good they can be, and Neil was us ahead of the game, where he showed “He was still a bit ill, so credit to Bowling: Southee 15-3-68-2, Boult 17-3- Wagner claimed the fi nal wicket to cially good eff ect in the rstfi innings showing us he can be pretty creative some hostile bowling on a surface that him,” said Cremer. “He was a little bit 52-4, Wagner 17-1-62-2, Santner 17-6-32-1, fall, which gave him a match haul of when he returned fi gures of 6 for 41, with the older ball,” said New Zealand didn’t off er much.” loose when he came out to bat and got a Sodhi 12-1-66-1, Williamson 1-1-0-0