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Thursday, August 18, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 15, 1437 AH OLYMPICS Trott makes British Olympic history with fourth gold medal Page 5

HANDBALL Qatar go down to Germany World Championships silver medallists’ hopes end after 34-22 loss; France break hearts of hosts Brazil

Qatar coach Valero Rivera Bassel Alrayes of Qatar Qatar right wing Nasreddine looks exasperated. (Reuters) falls down. (Reuters) Megdich scores a goal. (AFP)

Agencies penalty against Wolff and he then began, Qatar’s Bertrand Roine added Rio de Janeioro set up Capote to score off an outstand- his second goal to put the score at 19- ing jump shot in the 17th to level the 29, but as Germany were in front by 10 scores (8-8). goals it was clear the match was more eigning European champions But from that point onwards the or less decided. Germany cruised past Qatar European champions began to create a Wolff was substituted off to bring in STAR OF THE DAY 34-22 to advance to the semi- real diff erence in the match, with four , taking a 41% save fi nals of the Rio Games men’s straight goals from diff erent positions rate for the match with him, and Ger- Rhandball competition yesterday. scored over fi ve minutes as Markovic many easily held on to record a 12-goal Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar The victory for Germany sets up a hit the post and Wolff made three con- victory that booked them a semi-fi nal showdown with Olympic and world secutive saves. berth against France. Qatari icon Mutaz Essa Barshim champions France in tomorrow’s last When Germany hit a 12-8 lead, Qa- Earlier, the day’s fi rst quarter-fi nal made history at the Rio Games yester- four stage. France defeated hosts Bra- tar coach Valero Rivera called his fi rst fi nished with a seven-goal win for day by winning the first ever Olympic zil 34-27 in the fi rst quarter-fi nal of time-out, but on this day, his team France, who ended the noisy home silver medal for his country. Barshim, after the evening. simply were not on the same level as fans’ hearts by seeing off Brazil. smoothly clearing 2.36m, tried to clear Germany are aiming for a fi rst Ol- the European champions. “Thanks to all the people who came 2.38m that could have given him to have a ympic medal in handball since win- The only thing that helped Qatar to cheer for us,” said - shot at the gold but failed in all his three at- ning the silver at the 2004 Games in were the saves of Saric, who was on a born left wing Joao Silva after the tempts. The silver is nevertheless a credita- Athens. 31% rate at the end of the fi rst 25 min- game. “I wish all this can continue The tone for the match was set early utes – though as Wolff recorded 41% and handball can be seen in Brazil as a ble finish, after his bronze in the same event when Germany took a two-goal lead, at the other end and played behind sport that can make people happy.” four years ago in . It is the best ever thanks to and Henrik stronger defence, Germany were able Brazil started the match slowly result by a Qatari sportsman or women Pekeler, and goalkeeper to keep their advantage at 13-10 as while France raced out of the blocks, in the history of the Olympics. In London saved the opening shot of Rafael Capote. Gensheimer scored his third goal in particularly left wing Michael Guigou, 2012, the Qatari took bronze with a jump Bertrand Roine took a couple more the 27th minute. who scored a range of shots to accu- of 2.29m. He also won the gold at the 2014 minutes to add Qatar’s fi rst goal, and Even with Pekeler off for two min- mulate four of the European side’s fi rst World Indoor Championships with a leap of when Capote succeeded in his next utes the European side retained the fi ve goals. When he converted a pen- 2.38m. His personal best outdoors stands long-range shot they closed the gap to advantage, and at the half-time break alty in the sixth France took an early at 2.43m, which he achieved at the Brussels 2-3 just before the clock hit fi ve minutes. the diff erence stood at four in favour of lead at 5-2, before Brazil fought back meet in 2014. Qatar briefl y took a one-goal lead, the Germans. to decrease the scoreline. but two consecutive fast breaks from When the match resumed post the Captain Thiagus Santos caused a right wing earned break, Germany wasted little time turnover and ran a fast break in part- back the advantage (5-4) for the Eu- moving further in front, with Wolff nership with Fabio Chiuff a to level the ropean champions in the 12th minute, making an impressive save on a penal- scores 5-5 in the eighth minute, but and they retained the one-goal lead ty against Markovic in the 32nd minute after that it the reigning world cham- as scored a penalty to keep the four-goal diff erence. pions never gave the hosts a chance to after a two-minute suspension for Al- Five minutes into the period Ger- come back into the game. rayes in the 13th. many had increased their lead to six “We knew the power of the French During Alrayes’ time on the bench, (20-14), and they kept the same diff er- team. They are twice Olympic cham- Germany moved in front with two ence with 15 minutes left as Qatar right pions and world champions,” added goals in a row from Julius Kuhn, creat- wing Nasreddine Megdich missed a Silva. “We knew we had to stay fo- ing a two-goal cushion (8-6) midway shot when he attempted to lob past the cused throughout. Little by little we through the fi rst half. 193-centremetre tall Wolff (24-18). built our game, but in the second half Qatar’s Zarko Markovic scored a As the last 10 minutes of the match we didn’t had luck with some balls.”

German players celebrate their 34-22 win over Qatar in the quarter-final of men’s handball competition yesterday. The reigning European champions will meet defending world and Olympic champions France in the semi-final tomorrow. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 18, 2016

Barshim’s day of glory in Rio

Barshim poses with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and QOC secretary general Dr. Thani al-Kuwari at Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim celebrates after winning silver in the men’s High Jump event on Tuesday. Barshim with coach Stanisław Szczyrba the Rio Olympics. (Facebook/mutazbarshimhj)

FOCUS Qatar’s Elseify in Hammer Throw final Kipruto wins men’s steeplechase gold Win extends Kenya’s remarkable winning streak in the event

AFP Rio de Janeiro

onseslus Kipruto stormed to vic- tory in the men’s 3000m steeple- chase at the Rio Olympics yesterday to extend Kenya’s remarkable win- ningC streak in the event. Kipruto timed an Olympic record of 8min 03.28sec for gold, American Evan Jager tak- ing silver in 8:04.28. “I saw the screen and I saw I was far from them and I knew nobody was going to catch me. I knew I was going to win the gold in the fi nal 100m,” said Kipruto. “In Kenya we love steeple and that’s why we win! Even though today, we had an American who took silver.” Two-time Olympic champion and reign- ing four-time world gold medallist Ezek- Qatar’s Ashraf Amgad Elseify competes in the men’s Hammer Throw qualifying round at the iel Kemboi, also of Kenya, claimed bronze Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Elseify finished fourth in his qualifying round and 12th (8:08.47) and promptly brought the curtain overall with a 73.47m eff ort to reach tomorrow’s finals. (AFP) down on his illustrious career. “The Rio 3000m steeplechase was my before surging with two laps to run. for a comprehensive win. last race after a long career of 18 years,” Kemboi tracked the American, moving Jager, sixth at both the and London Kemboi said. into second with Kipruto, the world silver Games, produced one last spurt to overtake Kipruto admitted he had been worried medallist who is also world leader and has a fast-fading Kemboi for silver, the Ken- Medals tally about Kemboi, whom he said had already won all fi ve Diamond League outings this yan left with a bronze to add to his amazing passed on the baton. year, also threatening. medal tally. It was the United States’ fi rst Country G S B T Country G S B T Country G S B T “I was ready to beat him today,” said Ki- In temperatures hitting 36 degrees Celsi- medal in the men’s steeplechase since 1984. 1. United States 28 30 28 86 8. Netherlands 8 3 3 14 15. New Zealand 3 6 1 10 pruto. us (97F), the fi eld had strung out before the Kipruto’s victory means that Kenya have 2. Great Britain 19 19 12 50 9. 7 8 9 24 16. Brazil 3 4 4 11 “I’ve been a good competitor for him and bell went for the fi nal lap, Kipruto explod- now bagged nine consecutive golds in the 3. China 17 15 19 51 10. Japan 7 4 18 29 17. Canada 3 2 9 14 he already told me to take over the steeple so ing down the back straight to build up what event stretching back to 1988. 4. Russia 12 12 15 39 11. South Korea 6 3 5 14 18. Croatia 3 2 0 5 I’m so happy about that.” proved to be an unassailable lead. Kenya, who have swept the medals twice 5. Germany 11 8 9 28 12. Hungary 6 3 4 13 19. Jamaica 3 0 2 5 Kipruto took up the early running in Coming into the home stretch, Kipruto in that time (1992, 2004), have also taken 6. France 8 11 11 30 13. Kenya 4 3 1 8 20. Kazakhstan 2 3 5 10 scorching heat at the Olympic Stadium, cast a glance back over his shoulders before at least two of the three medals on off er at 7. Italy 8 9 6 23 14. Spain 4 1 2 7 61. Qatar 0 1 0 1 Jager happy to take over for a couple of laps stretching out his arms as he crossed the line every Olympics since that streak started.

AFP ally had to kick on the last lap,” asid of a drugs-traff icking investigation, Stadium, world champion Dibaba hold on for silver from 2011 world Rio de Janeiro Kipyegon. blamed her performance on lack of surged to the front, the field immedi- champion Simpson, whose bronze Kenya’s “I was well prepared for the race. I’m track time. ately strung out with the added pace. was the United States’ first Olympic proud to win for my country.” “I had some injuries in the last month Dibaba held her lead through the medal in this event. enya’s Faith Kipyegon pro- “It’s just amazing, I’m very happy and I was not able to train as hard as bell for the final lap, but was expertly “I love competing,” said Simpson. “I Kipyegon duced a startling last-lap because it’s my first medal in the usual,” she said. reeled in with under 250 metres to go love feeling that stress on the last Kto outpace favourite Genzebe Olympics.” “I had a fierce competitor in Faith and by Kipyegon. lap. I was one of the crowd who could Dibaba of Ethiopia to win the Olympic “It was a good race, a tactical race.” I’m happy with my result.” The 22-year-old Kenyan, who won sil- maybe get third so I’m really happy.” trumps women’s 1500m gold on Tuesday. Dibaba broke the world indoor mile American Shannon Rowbury and ver behind Dibaba at last year’s world The women’s 1500m at the London Kipyegon clocked 4min 08.92sec af- record and won the world indoor Britain’s Laura Weightman, who com- championships in Beijing, pulled level Games has gone down in history as ter her burst over the last 250 metres, 3000m title at the start of the year, peted in the notorious 1500m at the with the Ethiopian and then away the race in which six of the top nine Dibaba for world record holder Dibaba taking but had to delay the start to her out- 2012 London Games from which six of from her in an incredible display of athletes were disqualified for doping silver in 4:10.27. door campaign with a toe injury. the top nine finishers have since been finishing. violations. American Jennifer Simpson claimed The Ethiopian, who also made head- disqualified for doping, took up the Dibaba began to tie up as the line The IOC is still debating whether they bronze in 4:10.53. lines when her Somali coach SJama early pace and it was slow. approached. should re-allocate the medals for that 1500m gold “I knew it would be a fast race, I re- Aen was arrested in Spain as part With two laps to go at the Olympic But the 25-year-old just managed to race. Gulf Times Thursday, August 18, 2016 3

ACHIEVEMENT FOCUS Stepanova McLeod races to believes IOC will bar her Jamaica’s fi rst from Tokyo 22-year-old breaks AFP stranglehold of the US Berlin in 110m hurdles hurdles title ussian whistleblower Yulia Stepanova be- Reuters lieves the International Rio de Janeiro Olympic Committee (IOC)R will bar her from compet- ing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, amaica continued its assault on having already blocked her at- United States dominance of the tempt to compete in Rio. Olympic track when Omar McLeod “After these games in Rio, gave the Caribbean island its fi rst the path to the Olympics will be J110 metres hurdles champion in Rio on blocked for me,” the 800m run- Tuesday. ner told German broadcaster The 22-year-old, the only man to clock ARD. below 13 seconds this year, exploded out “The IOC has led me to be- of the blocks to take a lead that was never lieve that I will not be allowed (to threatened and crossed the line in 13.05 to compete).” win a title that was once a virtual preserve The 30-year-old, who with of Americans. husband Vitaly Stepanov helped Bach for the decision to bar her It was the slowest winning time in lift the lid on Russia’s alleged from competing in Rio. an Olympic fi nal since Canada’s Mark state-sponsored doping pro- “Unfortunately, Thomas Bach McKoy won gold in 13.12 in Barcelona in gramme, has been living in hid- has behaved towards me just like 1992 but that was never going to bother ing in the United States with the Russians. He has used my McLeod, who also won the world indoor her young son since the scandal past against me,” said the 800m hurdles title earlier this year. broke last year. runner. As a result, Russian athletes “Unfortunately, I can’t change “You just feed off them, (Usain) Bolt are currently banned from in- my past so I can’t do anything and Shelly-Ann Fraser, you see ternational competition after about it.” them go out and represent their Stepanova helped lift the lid on On Monday, Stepanova says country and they have fun and a system of state-backed doping she and her husband fear for they win,” McLeod said across many in their lives after an attempt was her country. made to hack her World Anti- “I’m elated,” McLeod told reporters. Despite having served a dop- Doping Agency records. “The feeling is indescribable. ing ban from 2011 until 2013, “If something happens to us, “Never in a mn years would I have Stepanova has been given clear- you should know that it is not thought I would be an Olympic champion ance by athletics’ governing an accident,” Stepanova said in a and a world champion in one year. Jamaica’s Omar McLeod crosses a hurdle on his way to a gold in the 110m hurdles final in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. (Reuters) body, the IAAF, to compete on video press conference. “Hurdles is all about character. I the international stage as a neu- Her warning came six months worked hard, prayed hard and seized the fi fth and his teammate Ronnie Ash, who by the multiple champions that ushered “I was just thinking ‘come on. Go, go tral and ran at last month’s Euro- after two former senior offi - moment. I can’t get my mind around this. looked likely get amongst the medals un- in the golden era of Jamaican sprinting. fi nish’,” he said. “I see the (big screen) TV pean championships in Amster- cials with Russia’s Anti-Doping Is this real?” til he lumbered into the fi nal hurdle, was “You just feed off them, (Usain) Bolt and see my second place. I cannot believe dam. Agency (RUSADA) died suddenly Cuban-born Orlando Ortega was sec- disqualifi ed. and Shelly-Ann Fraser, you see them go this moment.” But the IOC ruled she can not in February. ond in 13.17 to take silver for Spain, while With the exception of the 1980 Mos- out and represent their country and they McLeod also ran 9.99 in the compete at the Rio de Janeiro Ol- Stepanova also believes ath- Frenchman Dimitri Bascou claimed cow Games, which they boycotted, the have fun and they win,” he said. “They this year to become the fi rst man to go be- ympics under a new regulation letes from other nations are us- bronze in 13.24 ahead of compatriot Pas- United States had never previously failed harvest medals and you just want to do low 10 seconds in the fl at sprint as well as excluding any Russian who has ing performance-enhancing cal Martinot-Lagarde. to provide a medallist in the 120-year his- the same thing. It’s contagious, you just under 13 in the high hurdles. previously served a doping ban, drugs while competing in Rio. Nineteen of the 27 previous Olympic tory of the event at the Olympics. want to go out and experience it.” He said he was “a hurdler, not a sprint- Despite dashing Stepanova’s She also thinks those tempted high hurdles champions had come from McLeod’s triumph drew Jamaica level Ortega, who transferred his national er... for now” but had far more important Olympic hopes, IOC president to also blow the whistle on dop- the United States but the event provided with the United States and Kenya at the allegiance from to Spain last year, things planned than deciding where his Thomas Bach has said he hopes ing from other nations will be only disappointment for the Americans top of the track and fi eld medals table at gave his adopted country its fi rst men’s future in athletics lay. other dopers will come forward discouraged by the IOC’s stance on Tuesday. the Rio Games with three golds. medal on the Olympic track since Spain “Now I’m going to eat as much ice and blow the whistle. on barring anyone who has National champion Devon Allen was The hurdler said he had been inspired last hosted the Games 24 years ago. cream and cake as I can,” he said. But Stepanova has criticised doped in the past.

SPOTLIGHT OLYMPIC SPIRIT Semenya cruises Runners given fi nal berth aft er crash drama through 800m heats rated, D’Agostino tenderly percent back of what she gave Agencies Rio de Janeiro helped her to her feet and en- me when she helped me get Reuters couraged her to fi nish the race. up off the track that would be Rio de Janeiro “I went down, and I was like, amazing,” Hamblin said. wo Olympic athletes ‘What’s happening? Why am I “I can’t even put into words who helped each other on the ground?’ Then suddenly how amazing it is that she ac- ot favourite Caster Se- across the fi nish line this hand on my shoulder, like tually fi nished. When I turned menya qualifi ed for after an accidental ‘Get up, get up, we have to fi n- around at the fi nish line and the Olympic women’s Tmid-race collision in the wom- ish this’ and I was like, ‘Yup, she’s still running I was like, 800metres semi-fi nals en’s 5,000m have been granted yup, you’re right. This is the Ol- ‘Wow’. Hwith supreme ease yesterday and places in the fi nal, organisers ympic Games. We have to fi nish “I’m never going to forget that will no doubt be braced for an- confi rmed. this,’” Hamblin said. moment. When someone asks other wave of discussions about Nikki Hamblin and Abbey “I’m so grateful for Abbey for me what happened in Rio in 20 her gender should she go on to D’Agostino were praised for doing that for me. That girl is years’ time, that’s my story.” take the gold medal on Saturday. their sporting behaviour after the Olympic spirit right there. Initially it looked as if both The South African has domi- they clashed during Tuesday’s “I’ve never met her before, women, and a third runner in- nated the event this season and heat. like I’ve never met this girl be- volved in the collision — Jen- there has even been speculation The drama unfolded when fore, and isn’t that just so amaz- nifer Wenth of Austria — had that she could take down Czech American runner D’Agostino ing? Such an amazing woman.” failed to qualify for the fi nal. Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 clipped New Zealander Hamb- D’Agostino suff ered an an- However a statement by Ol- record of 1 minute, 53.28 seconds lin with around 2,000m to go, kle injury in the collision, but ympic organisers late Tuesday — the longest standing athletics sending both sprawling to the Hamblin deliberately hung back said all three had been advanced world record and widely con- ground. in the fi eld to off er encourage- to tomorrow’s fi nal. sidered to have been chemically As Hamblin lay on the track ment as the two women com- D’Agostino’s injury, however, enhanced. distraught, her hopes for an Ol- pleted the race. was serious enough to take her Many observers consider Se- ympic medal seemingly evapo- “If I can even give her like one out of the fi nal. menya to be also running with an unfair advantage, albeit one she can do little about. After winning the 2009 world title as a 19-year-old, tests by the sport’s governing body are reported to have revealed that Semenya was hyperandrogenous, resulting in her body produc- ing an abnormally high amount of testosterone which makes her more powerful than her rivals. An International Associa- South Africa’s Caster Semenya (right), USA’s Ajee Wilson (centre) and Britain’s Shelayna Oskan-Clarke tion of Athletics Federations compete in the women’s 800m Round 1 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP) (IAAF) rule limiting the amount of naturally occurring functional and unbeaten on the Diamond harder than she made it appear. and Canada’s Melissa Bishop, fi rst testosterone for female athletes League circuit. “It wasn’t easy, It was pretty and second in last year’s world appeared to have brought an end IAAF president Sebastian Coe hot,” she said. “I just tried to championships, found themselves of Semenya’s career, but the rule said last week that his organi- hang on and tried to feel my body in the same heat but took both au- was quashed by the Court of Ar- sation was planning an appeal fi rst so I was comfortable, I tried tomatic qualifying spots for Sat- bitration for Sport last year. against the CAS ruling, so this to just get in the top two and tried urday’s fi nal with the two fastest Semenya had struggled to re- week could turn out to be Se- to win so I would be safe for the times of the day, just under a sec- discover the form of her break- menya’s last chance for Olympic semi-fi nals. ond quicker than Semenya. through year — some observers glory following her silver medal “I am not focused on any world Russian duo Mariya Savinova blaming the dip on medication four years ago. records, I am focused on enjoying and Ekaterina Poistogova, fi rst to reduce the testosterone — but She won her heat in 1.59.31 my championship and it’s going and third in the race in London this season she has roared back and, though it looked as if she to be a tough 800. Times don’t four years ago, were unable to to her best and came to Rio with was enjoying a Sunday morning matter but medals matter.” take part in Rio due to the doping New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin (left) stops to help US’ Abbey D’Agostino, who had suff ered an ankle injury the two fastest times of the year jog in the park, she said it was Belarusian Maryna Arzamasava ban on the country’s athletes. after the two had collided earlier in the women’s 5000m Round 1 on Tuesday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 18, 2016

FOCUS Russia stripped of 2008 relay gold due to positive retest Russia was ordered on Tuesday to return its gold medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympics 4x100m women’s relay after Yulia Chermoshanskaya tested positive for a banned substance in a Double-chasing Farah re-analysis of her sample. The International Olympic Commit- tee (IOC) disqualified her for testing positive for steroid use. “The Russian Federation team is disqualified from the women’s 4x100m relay. The corresponding medals and diplomas are withdrawn and shall be returned,” the IOC said. Her relay team- mates in that competition were , Yulia Gushchina and Yevgeniya Polyakova. Belgium finished second survives 5,000m scare in the race and Nigeria won bronze. The IOC requested the federation (IAAF) to modify the results of the event and to consider any further action. Chermoshanskaya, ‘I’ve got such a long stride, I find it hard... I always get tripped...’ who finished eighth in the individual 200m in Beijing, tested positive for several anabolic steroids, including stanozolol, an anabolic steroid favoured by athletes and bodybuilders at- tempting to lose fat while retaining lean body mass. Czech Hejnova fi nds hurdles form at right time Czech double world champion Zuzana Hejnova showed she has fully recovered from an injury-hit build-up by winning her semi-final on Tuesday to qualify impressively for the women’s Olympic 400m hurdles final. Hejnova, who won bronze four years ago in London, had completed only one 400m hurdles race coming into the Games but looked comfortable in winning in 54.55 seconds to advance to today’s final. American Dalilah Mohamed was the fastest qualifier with a smooth 53.89 but compatriot Ashley Spencer had to dig deep to win her heat after clattering the last barrier. The third American in the field, Syd- ney McLaughlin, who turned 17 two weeks ago, failed to make the final. Defending champion Natalya Antyukh was unable to defend the title because of Russia’s ban. Imperious Schippers dominates 200m semi-fi nals World champion laid down a marker to indicate that the Dutch woman remains favourite to add the Olympic 200 metres crown to her list of honours after set- ting the fastest time in the semi-finals on Tuesday. The former heptathlete started well and ran a magnificent bend on her way to an impressive 21.96 seconds in the first semi-final, finishing comfortably ahead of Jamaica’s 100m gold medal winner Elaine Thompson, who ran a season’s best 22.13. Schippers, who was a disappointing fifth in Saturday’s 100m final after setting her sights on two individual medals in Rio, said she still had plenty left in the tank in her bid to back up last year’s magnificent world championship triumph in Beijing. “I didn’t run at a full 100 %. I saw my rivals were falling a bit behind, so I could relax at the end,” the 24-year-old told reporters. “You can’t really save too much energy in a semi-final anyway.” Eaton in decathlon pole aft er fi rst three events US star opened up a 95-point lead over Canadian rival Damian Warner after the opening three events of the decathlon yesterday. The American reigning champion is overwhelming favourite in Rio, unbeaten in com- bined events competition since the 2011 world championships in . Since his triumph in London in 2012, Eaton has won four more world titles — two indoors and two outdoors — and Mo Farah (second from left) tries to balance himself after clipping a falling Mead Hassan (on the ground) in the men’s 5000m Round 1 yesterday. (Reuters) has upped his decathlon world record to 9,045 points with minutes, 25.25 seconds behind Ethiopia’s back in that frame of mind and get ready. mal stuff . You go through a lot and it’s a his scintillating victory at last year’s Beijing world champion- AFP ships. At a sun-kissed Olympic Stadium, Warner actually beat Rio de Janeiro Hagos Gebrhiwet and Albert Rop of Bah- But I’m still hungry and I still want it — wake-up now, you go: ‘look, the job ain’t rain. and that’s the important thing.” done yet.’ I have to lock myself in a room Eaton in the opening 100m, his 10.30 seconds a new Olympic “I always get tripped or tangled up with Farah confessed to still being fatigued and get ready for this race.” record for the blue riband race staged as the opening act of the eigning champion Mo Farah sur- someone but I managed to stay on my from his exertions in the 10,000m, when Farah, who complained his shoulder gruelling 10-discipline event. Eaton clocked the second fastest vived a “nerve-wracking” trip feet. It was quite nerve-wracking again.” he overcame a fall midway through the still hurts when he sleeps following his time, 10.46sec, and took the lead after the , where he from behind to secure his place On Saturday, Farah will be seeking race to power home ahead of Kenya’s Paul 10,000m fall, was thankful to survive his managed a leading best of 7.94 metres to Warner’s 7.67. Eaton in the Olympic fi nal of the men’s to become the fi rst man since Finland’s Tanui. latest scrape. then went out to 14.73m in the shot put, the third event of the 5,000mR in Rio yesterday. Lasse Viren in 1976 to retain two Olympic “I was a little bit tired today,” said the “You’ve got to get through the rounds, morning session held in scorching weather with temperatures The Briton, who recovered from a fall to distance title after completing the double Somali-born star. “In the 10,000 I was on no one’s going to give it to you,” he said. hitting 37 degrees Celsius (97F). retain his 10,000m crown last weekend, in London four years ago. the edge and nothing was going to get in “Now I’ve just to recover — ice bath, the was clipped by American Hassan Mead “It’s possible,” said the 33-year-old, my way. Now it’s like (I’m) a little bit dis- whole stuff , see the medical team and get but stayed on his feet to fi nish third in his who has already achieved the world dou- tracted and I need to get back in the zone in that zone again.” heat and preserve his hopes of a double- ble-double, successfully defending his and focus. Asked if he thought he would be tar- SUPPORT double. titles in Beijing last year. “You do take yourself away from it geted for more rough tactics in the fi nal, “I’ve got such a long stride, I fi nd it “But you look at these guys and they’re sometimes,” he added. “That’s what I did Farah rolled his eyes and laughed: “As al- hard,” he told reporters after clocking 13 ready for me. I just have to get myself as soon as I won the 10,000. It’s just nor- ways, as always!” Olympic chiefs BOTTOMLINE slam taunts against Gardner cultivates tearful Lavillenie beast to reap relay reward

AFP sequences. “That’s what I love about it the most. Rio de Janeiro “Baby Beast defi nitely took the night People just want to know who is this girl, off in the 100m, I wish she wouldn’t she has this name but what’s she about have.” and then when I follow it up with just op American sprinter English Alter egos in sport are nothing new. being me and my performances....it’s an Gardner is seeking “sweet re- Former South African fast bowler An- amazing thing.” demption” in the women’s Ol- dre Nel, quiet and unassuming, would Gardner’s back story is a compelling ympic 4x100 relay after bomb- transform into a fi ery character play- one. Ting in the 100m — as long as Baby Beast ing cricket — when he was taken over by It is a tale of family love and devo- doesn’t have the night off again. ‘Gunther’. tion, of a mother dealing with cancer, of Silver medallist (left) is comforted by IAAF Gardner touched down in Rio after tak- Gardner’s version of Gunther generally a period of homelessness, of a daughter president Sebastian Coe after he cried during the medal ceremony for ing off in the US Olympic trials, her per- rocks up the morning of a big race. battling depression, mum feeding her the men’s Pole Vault in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. (AFP) sonal best time of 10.74 in that exam in “I can feel Baby Beast coming along spoonfuls of ice cream to off set alarming Eugene lifting her to top of the class. when I’m brushing my teeth, or chatting weight loss. AFP IAAF vice president. Once in Brazil she eased through her to my family,” she revealed. The fi ckle ebb and fl ow of fortune has Rio de Janeiro After leaving Lavillenie, Bach heat and semi-fi nal to line up last Satur- “I normally know when she’s com- left Gardner a stronger person, she said. said on Twitter that it was “shock- day with a great shot at gold. ing because my Dad starts to get on my “Adversity has always been my motiva- ing behaviour for the crowd to boo Her life story resembles a Himalayan nerves. tion. If everything goes perfect I wouldn’t thletics legends Se- Renaud Lavillenie on the medal skyline of peaks and troughs. And run- “I know she’s arrived when my coach run good. bastian Coe and Sergey podium. Unacceptable behaviour ning a sedate 10.94s to trail in seventh steps back a little, he gives me space. “At the end of the day life is about Bubka comforted dis- at the Olympic Games”. behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson in the “She starts in the morning and pro- change and evolution and innovation, traught French pole The ceremony completed a fi nal was a defi nite low. gressively gets more aggressive as the and so I have to be better than I was be- vaultA star Renaud Lavillenie after miserable 24 hours for Lavillenie, “I was in a great position to medal race comes.” fore.” he was booed for the second day who on Monday lost his Olympic coming into these Games but like nor- For reasons known only to herself, the Her mother, as ever, was there to pick by a hostile Brazilian crowd on crown to unknown Brazilian pole mal everything kind of went wrong,” the force was a no-show for the 100m fi nal. her up after the 100m. the Olympic medal podium. vaulter Thiago Braz da Silva in a charismatic 24-year-old told AFP. “When I wasn’t as aggressive and “Mum said to me ‘as a little girl you had International Olympic Com- dramatic fi nal. “In this sport you can be on top of the nervous last Saturday I was worried. a dream, that dream was to be an Olympi- mittee president Thomas Bach “It’s disgusting, there is a to- world one second and then ten seconds She’ll absolutely be back for Friday!” an, and you’ve accomplished that dream slammed the behaviour as tal lack of fair-play and I want later be at the bottom.” The Philadelphia-born athlete was al- — a lot of people don’t accomplish their “shocking”. to stress that the Brazilian is not Gardner, a two-time 4x100 relay world ways destined to leave her imprint on this childhood dreams but you did’.” Lavillenie — who hit out at the involved at all,” Lavillenie told silver medallist, is now focusing on a sal- world — her mother Monica knew that. As Gardner talks she plays with a ring host nation’s fans for their con- French television after coming vage mission in tomorrow’s relay. “My mum wanted to name me some- on her wedding fi nger. duct during Monday’s pole vault out of his encounter with Coe, “I’m defi nitely gearing up to try and thing that was spectacular, that stuck in “Everyone always asks me if I’m mar- fi nal — held his head in his hands Bach and Bubka. “But I am going and do something really special with the people’s heads, that they couldn’t forget, ried,” she smiled. but could not hold back the tears to move on,” he added. girls in this relay,” she said. “It will be a and that would sound awesome over the “My dad gave me this ring when I was which streamed his face as he Lavillenie’s fi nal attempts sweet redemption if we do it.” intercom. sixteen, and asked me to be his daughter stood on the podium after re- in Monday’s competition were When she enters the Olympic Stadium forever. ceiving his silver medal. marked by deafening booing and she will be accompanied by her coach, ROLLER-COASTER “I wear it on this fi nger just to keep the In a private room after, the catcalls as he prepared to jump. her parents, and, all being well, with Baby “She named me after this doctor she dogs at bay!” 2012 Olympic gold medallist “It really disturbed me, I felt Beast. nary heights on the track. knew, called English. An Olympic title would only swell the was consoled by international the nastiness of the public and That is what Gardner calls her alter Baby Beast went AWOL though for the “My name sets the room up for me be- size of the pursuing pack. A beast could athletics chief Coe, Bach and we do a sport where you never ego, the force that spurs her to extraordi- 100m fi nal, Gardner said, with dire con- fore I walk in. be needed. pole vault legend Bubka, an see that,” Lavillenie fumed. Gulf Times Thursday, August 18, 2016 5 OLYMPICS

SPOTLIGHT British ‘golden couple’ fi nish with fi ve gold medals

DPA races of the omnium, to win with a from the National Lottery has been a Rio de Janeiro total score of 230 points over the om- major reason for the British perform- nium’s six events. ance, he argued. US eight-time world champion Sa- “We spend it really well. It’s really aura Trott and rah Hammer won her second Rio silver bloody effi cient,” he said. will be remembered as the ‘gold- medal with 206 points, followed by Trott thinks the recent top results en couple’ of the Rio Games. Belgian Jolien D’hoore’s 199 points for were due to a shift in the training. The engaged British pair of bronze. “Over the last 18 months we had a real Ltrack cyclists pushed their joint gold Kenny now has six Olympic golds change in our programme. We did a lot medal count in Rio de Janeiro to fi ve under his belt — one from Beijing, two of work in the gym.” on Tuesday when Trott fought her way from London, and three from Rio. This In addition, the athletes spent many through the omnium, and Kenny raced makes him Britain’s joint most suc- sessions on turbo trainers, equipment to victory in the event. cessful Olympian overall in terms of that allows cyclists to pedal indoors Trott could barely watch as Kenny golds, on a par with fellow cycling leg- while standing in place. took the lead only very late in the keirin end . Her team had also improved their sprint fi nals and barely made it across Trott, with two London and two Rio track cycles, she said: “It’s just a step the fi nish line fi rst, golds, is now her country’s greatest fe- above everybody else’s.” ahead of Dutch rider Matthijs Buchli male Olympian. Although Vogel has been one of the and Malaysia’s . However, Trott doesn’t feel like a most outspoken sceptics, she was vin- The cycling couple hugged and star athlete. “I still feel like that little dicated on Tuesday when she won gold kissed, and Trott shed a few tears af- girl riding her bike because she loves in the women’s sprint — without a ter the race that had started badly for it,” she said. saddle. “It was crazy,” she said. “I had Kenny. “It’s nice to be able to share the Britain have won six out of the 10 a problem with the seat post, and the special moment,” Kenny said. “We’re track events in Rio de Janeiro. The Brit- saddle fell off .” always there for each other,” said Trott. ish dominance has raised questions After she had secured her gold medal He and Awang were at risk of being from other teams. ahead of British riders Becky James and disqualifi ed for an early start, but the German cyclist Kristina Vogel has Katy Marchant, she struck a more con- race was started again, only to be called called Britain’s successes “very ques- ciliatory tone. off a second time after a few rounds be- tionable”, in light of their solid but less “I am proud of them both. For Katy, cause of another premature sprint by sweeping performances over the pre- her fi nish with bronze in her fi rst Ol- other riders. Kenny prevailed the third vious few years. ympics is good,” she said, while also time around. “I was world champion six months acknowledging James’ Trott, a multiple world champion, ago, so we’ve not come from absolutely return from an injury. She added, managed to maintain her dominance nowhere,” Kenny said. however: “They have to keep their eyes through the fi nal fl ying lap and points The funding that his team receives open that there are other nations here.”

ON A ROLL ‘Pocket Rocket’ wins fi rst Trott makes British track medal for Malaysia history with 4th gold

‘It’s a lot of hard work and I think people often forget that because Great Britain win a load of ight years after carrying Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s flag at the “It was my first ever race. I’d gold medals and they think ‘Oh, it’s easy.’ It’s not easy. It’s hard and so stressful, and right now Eopening of the Beijing never trained, I’d never used Olympics, Azizulhasni Awang a track bike,” Awang said. the thought of doing it all again freaks the hell out of me. But it’s something that I would like finally fulfilled the dream of But despite being up against winning his country’s first-ever national cyclists, Awang won. to take on, the idea of winning six gold medals. I’m just going to enjoy the moment for now’ medal on Tuesday. A coach who’d been watch- Awang, nicknamed the ing encouraged Awang to ‘Pocket Rocket’ because of move to Kuala Lumpur to his small stature, came third train. At 18, after continuing to in the men’s keirin at the Rio show promise, he moved once Olympics, earning a bronze more, this time to Australia medal for a country with little where he continues to live. heritage in a sport dominated It was a tough decision. “I by and Australia. love my country but to be a After disappointment in professional cyclist I had to London and Beijing, the leave my family, my friends and 28-year-old who suff ered an stay in ,” he said. horrific injury in 2011 when Awang hopes his success part of a wooden track pierced on the track can help more his leg, finished just behind people get into cycling in the Netherlands’s Matthijs Malaysia and encourage Buchli in a race won by Brit- investment in the sport. “Track ain’s Jason Kenny. “It means a cycling is not a huge sport in lot. We’ve been waiting for an Malaysia. We only have two Olympic cycling medal for a velodromes and one is broken very long time,” he said with a and the other one is going to proud smile after the race. be demolished,” Awang said. Awang came to cycling by But he said a new indoor riding mountain bikes with velodrome could be finished his brother around the fishing as soon as this year. villages where he lived in “After we finish the new eastern Malaysia. He took up indoor velodrome I hope I can track cycling as a 16-year-old spend time during the off sea- after he was spotted racing in son in Kuala Lumpur.”

FOCUS Britain show leaves rivals perplexed

Reuters “machine” might fi nally have Rio de Janeiro snagged its chain. How mis- By Barry Glendenning in Rio “To do what I did in London cause Great Britain win a load of ble that makes for great copy. But By lunchtime on day two, she guided they were. The Guardian and to come here and do it again, gold medals and they think: ‘Oh, there is also a serious, steely side: was further ahead after the time In all, Britain won six of the 10 honestly I cannot believe it,” Trott it’s easy.’ It’s not easy. It’s so hard she is not inclined to suff er fools and trial. Returning for the afternoon s Britain’s track cyclists titles on off er—just down on the said. “When you see people who and so stressful, and right now the as much as anything else—the Boss, session, she sat where she always left Rio’s velodrome on seven they scooped at both Bei- aura Trott became the I idolise backing up in successive thought of doing it all again freaks the boyfriend, the burn—she just sits: headphones on in the same ATuesday with their sad- jing and London, although their fi rst woman in British his- Olympics, like Sir Chris Hoy and the hell out of me. But it’s some- really loves riding her bicycle. corner of the Team GB cabin, next dle bags laden with gold, their total of 11 track medals (every tory to win four Olympic my fi ance Jason, I wondered how thing that I would like to take on, “I was so nervous before the door to the Aussies. rivals were left scratching their member of the team going home gold medals and it took her on earth these people do it. So for the idea of winning six gold med- start of the points race,” she said. Her victory in the fl ying lap heads wondering just how they with at least one) was two more Lonly four events across two Games me to be able to come here and do als. I’m just going to enjoy the “I thought that countries like was peerless, putting her into an managed to keep peaking at the than at home four years ago. to do so. The 24-year-old was tri- it just makes me feel so proud.” moment for now.” Holland and Belgium might gang incredibly commanding posi- Olympics. Britain also shattered two umphant in the omnium, adding With so many points on off er This much we knew already: up on me, because obviously if Jo- tion going into the fi nal race. At “Of course we are wonder- world records in Rio. First, to the Rio gold she had already in the fi nal race, victory was by no Trott hails from Cheshunt in lien took a lap then she’d be right 100 laps of 250 metres each, it ing,” Germany’s Kristina Vogel, when Bradley Wiggins, now won in the women’s team pursuit means a foregone conclusion. And Hertfordshire. She suff ers from a up there with me. So I was a little was quite the victory parade. At who did stem Britain’s charge his country’s most decorated in defending the titles. yet somehow it was. stomach condition that occasion- bit nervous that they might attack its conclusion she was overcome by winning the women’s sprint, Olympian with eight medals, She led going into the fi nal test Trott’s performance over two ally causes her to throw up follow- me like you wouldn’t believe, but with the emotion of it all and told reporters on the fi nal day of led the team pursuit win over of the multi-discipline event, the days was masterful, and she is far ing races and training. She lives I felt in control and I felt strong broke down in fl oods of tears. a memorable track programme. Australia. Then, when Trott sometimes baffl ing blur of bewil- too savvy to have blown such a big in Cheshire with her fellow gold out there. I’ve done so much hard Before these Games, Trott “It seems they do nothing for inspired the women’s quartet derment that is the points race, lead at the fi nal hurdle. miner and several dogs. work for the points race.” joked that she hoped Kenny would three years, then they start at to gold in a world-record time and was never challenged. Her American rival, Sarah Ham- She loves the music of Bruce After three events she had slept win three gold medals and earn a the Olympics and kill us.” in the fi nal against a US side On a night that will be largely re- mer, claimed silver ahead of the Springsteen and really loves the soundly, having taken 128 points knighthood, so that she would be- Yet there had been question boasting a high-tech bike spe- membered for the record-breaking Belgian Jolien D’Hoore. lactic burn that comes from rac- out of 130 available—second in come ennobled through marriage. marks over Britain’s domi- cially designed to beat Britain. success of Trott and her fi ance Ja- “You go through ups and downs,” ing. She once nearly started a the scratch race, fi rst in the indi- Despite his impressive hat-trick, nance of the boards this year. Sprinter , son Kenny, their teammates Becky said Trott. “And I know the next house fi re while attempting to vidual pursuit and the elimination it is fair to say she looks a certainty A slow start to the season part of an Australian team that James and Katy Marchant had to three years are going to be just as bake a potato. She won her fi rst race. A frantic aff air of cycling tsfi to blow through Buckingham Pal- was followed by head coach went home with only a silver settle for the role of proud foot- hard as after London. You step up race and its £2 purse at the age of and starts, Trott dominates The ace under her own steam. Shane Sutton stepping down and a bronze, seemed baffl ed by notes. In time they will hog the to the world championships the eight. She thinks she might once Devil Takes the Hindmost to such “It just seems mad to me, hon- in controversial circumstances Britain’s ability to peak at the Ol- limelight but they settled for sil- year after and you’re back to your have seen her grandmother’s an extent that one could be for- estly,” she said. “Things like that shortly after the team had be- ympics. “It’s hard to know. Un- ver and bronze respectively in the non-Olympic kit and equipment ghost sitting in a chair. given for presuming it is not the obviously come with winning gun to click at the world cham- less there is something hidden in women’s individual sprint here. and you get your feet slammed back We know all this because it was movements of rivals she analyses gold medals, I get that. But I just pionships in London with titles there or some crazy advance in Germany’s Kristina Vogel beat the on the ground, I guess. she who told us. An interviewer’s through that perspex visor, but a feel like that eight-year-old that in fi ve of the 19 events. technology,” he said. “But I think British duo in successive knockout “It’s a lot of hard work and I dream, she is prone to the kind of torrential matrix-style downpour started cycling because she abso- Other envious nations must it’s just they have done a great job rounds to win gold. think people often forget that be- self-deprecating, joke-littered bab- of green digital rain. lutely loved it.” have hoped the British Cycling in getting their athletes ready.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 18, 2016

BADMINTON China women thrash Germany to claim Lin survives to set table tennis gold Rio de Janeiro; China contin- singles events in Rio so far and ued to show why they are the are favourites to win the men’s goliath of table tennis yester- team title. day with a dominant win over Fifteen-year-old Mima Ito of Germany to take the women’s Japan became the youngest team gold, the champions ever Olympic table tennis med- up Lee showdown dropping only one game in allist after she helped her team the final. In a 3-0 whitewash to clinch the bronze medal ear- that lasted just one-and-a-half lier in the day, easing to victory hours, China’s Li Xiaoxia and over Singapore’s Feng Tianwei China’s twice world champ Long meets Axelsen of Denmark in the other semi-final Liu Shiwen utilised booming to secure a 3-1 win. smashes and prodigious spin Reuters shots to overcome Han Ying China, Japan to vie for Rio de Janeiro and Petrissa Solja of Germany men’s team gold without dropping a game in the opening singles matches. Defending champions China wice-Olympic champion Lin Germany showed a little re- will face Japan in the men’s Dan survived a huge scare against sistance in the doubles match final, after beating South Korea India’s Kidambi Srikanth in the when they took the third game in the semis. While South Korea men’s badminton singles in Rio but Liu and her partner Ding fought hard to match their op- Tyesterday to set up a semi-fi nal with Ma- Ning soon regained control to ponents point for point in some laysia’s , the man he beat complete a resounding victory. sets during the Monday meet- for the gold medal in Beijing and London. “Losing that game made the ing, they eventually had to ad- China’s Lin, bidding for an unprece- competition more anxious and mit a 3-0 defeat to the Chinese dented third successive title, was pushed exciting... But of course I didn’t team, made up of individual to the limit in the 68-minute battle with want to lose any game,” Liu gold and silver medallists Ma world number 11 Srikanth but ratcheted said. “I’d admit I was anxious Long and Zhang Jike as well as up the pressure in the deciding game to to win the match and the gold world number three Xu Xin. close out the match 21-6, 11-21, 21-18 at medal but we also had to allow After a tough first match be- the Riocentro. our opponent to participate in tween Zhang and South Korea’s Top seed Lee had a far easier run a gold medal match. We even- Jeoung Youngsik, Ma quickly against Chou Tien-chen in the opening tually won so I’m very happy overcome Lee Sangsu in the match and was never seriously tested by anyway,” she said. second and it was wrapped up the seventh-ranked Taiwanese during a Despite the lop-sided man- by Zhang and Xu in the third 21-9, 21-15 demolition. ner of the defeat, the silver and doubles match against Third-ranked Lin’s seeding put him represents the best ever result Jeoung and Joo Saehyuk. in Lee’s side of the draw, denying fans for Germany in women’s table Earlier in the day the Japa- another battle royale in the gold medal- tennis after the country had nese men’s team avenged their decider but tomorrow’s semi-fi nal will failed to win a medal of any women counterparts’ painful pit two of the fi nest players of the modern kind until they defeated Japan semi-finals loss by beating era against each other in their Olympic in a four-hour marathon in the Germany to secure a spot in swan song. semis. the final, and also guaranteed Thirty three year-old Lee has beaten “The fact that we won one themselves the country’s first Lin in their past two meetings but has game makes us happy”, said medal in the men’s team event only tasted heartbreak in big tourna- Germany’s Han. “Skills-wise in the process. ments against his Olympic nemesis. The the gap between us and China While Germany’s Dimitrij Chinese dashed Lee’s hopes of a fi rst gold is simply too big, so this is the Ovtcharov started strongly to in his fi nal at in first time I’ve not felt pressure take the first game over Ma- 2014 and denied him twice in the fi nal at while playing a match, it was haru Yoshimura, they eventu- the 2011 and 2013 world championships. just about enjoying table ten- ally faltered to lose 3-1 to Japan, “The last big tournament we played nis,” she said. who were anchored by the was the ,” Lin told re- China has won 26 out of explosive spins of individual porters. “We’ve played in tournaments 30 golds awarded in table bronze medallist and world since but the Olympic arena is a bit dif- tennis since the sport joined number six Jun Mizutani. Later ferent. However you look at it, it’s a the Olympic program in 1988, yesterday, Germany beat South match-up between two players. We’ve all claiming gold and silver in both Korea to win bronze. been working really hard these four years and are again at the Olympics, in a semi- fi nal no less,” he added. “At least it proves that we two 33-year-old athletes can still compete at a high level.” Lee, the world number one for much of his career, has been under huge pres- sure to deliver Malaysia’s fi rst Olympic gold medal and the mere mention of Lin’s name was enough for him to cut the post- match interviews short. “(Being) number one is more pressure,” Lee said. “All the way through this tournament a lot of top China’s Lin Dan entered singles players have lost so I must be very care- semi-finals after only narrowly ful and just enjoy the match. I just fo- scraping past India’s Srikanth Kidambi cused on my condition and my match and 21-6, 11-21, 21-18 in Rio de Janeiro I don’t think so much about a semi-fi nal yesterday. (AFP / François-Xavier Marit) against Lin Dan.” China’s twice world champion Chen Long edged South Korea’s Son Wan-ho 21-11 18-21 21-11 and will meet Viktor Ax- Natsir defeated Chan Peng Soon and Goh seeds and defending champions Zhang banged the fl oor with his hands in cel- elsen of Denmark in the other semi-fi nal Liu Ying of Malaysia to win gold in the Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China in the ebration before running over to the Indo- tomorrow. Fourth seed Axelsen was too mixed doubles yesterda. semis and brought their sensational form nesian spectators to receive their acclaim. strong for Britain’s Rajiv Ouseph, win- The Indonesian pair took the fi rst game into the fi nal, dominating from the out- It was a fi rst Olympic gold medal for both ning 21-12 21-16 in the late quarter-fi nal. 21-14 before completing the victory with set. Their victory never looked in doubt Ahmad and 30-year-old Natsir, who adds a 21-12 triumph in the second, delight- as they won both games with relative ease to her mixed doubles silver won at the Indonesia beat Malaysia to ing a noisy contingent of Indonesian due to an array of excellent shot-making 2008 Beijing Games. The defeat was fur- win mixed doubles gold fans who chanted their country’s name and some unenforced errors from the ther heartache for badminton-mad Ma- China’s Ding Ning (left), Li Xiaoxia (centre) and Liu Shiwen pose throughout. Malaysian couple. laysia who are yet to win an Olympic gold with their gold medals at the Riocentro. (AFP) Indonesia’s Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Ahmad and Natsir had stunned top Ahmad, 29, sank to his knees and medal in any sport.

EQUESTRIAN INDIAN ROUND-UP France win jumping Sindhu storms into semi-fi nals, faces Okuhara IANS “I was never unhappy with the way I was Rio de Janeiro playing. I was always playing well. It’s just that I gold couldn’t win or fi nish the matches well, although at times I was actually dominating,” he said. Reuters ndia’s shuttler PV Sindhu will face reigning On being asked about his tactics against the Rio de Janeiro All champion Nozomi Okuhara of Super Dan he replied: “You can’t really plan Japan for a place in the fi nal of the women’s anything against these kinds of players. And you singles event at the Rio Olympics here today. can’t always repeat a game.” rance came from behind to win IThe double World Championship bronze “There wasn’t a special strategy. We just the show jumping competition medallist Sindhu has been in very good form, wanted to be aggressive and not commit sim- yesterday for its fi rst team gold dismissing two higher-ranked opponents Chi- ple mistakes. Overall there wasn’t any special since 1976, after the four teams nese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying and World No. 2 Wang strategy, but to just stay in the rally,” added the thatF had started the day in a tie for the Yihan of China in the pre-quarter-fi nal and the 23-year-old. lead withdrew riders or knocked rails quarter-fi nal respectively. down. On Tuesday, the World No.10 Sindhu stunned Vinesh injured, Sakshi in repechage The United States got silver after Ol- London Olympic sliver medallist Yihan in ympic veteran Beezie Madden withdrew straight games. Faced with a much higher rated India’s women wrestlers Sakshi Malik and due to an injured horse, meaning the opponent, the 21-year-old from Hyderabad Vinesh Phogat lost their respective quarter-fi - United States lost the benefi t of being scripted a 22-20, 21-19 victory in 54 minutes nal bouts in contrasting fashion to dent India’s able to drop its lowest score of four riders. over the former World No.1. medal chances. While Sakshi lost 2-9 to Rus- Olympic debut rider Lucy Davis had a rail The Indian won the majority of the long rallies sia’s Valeria Koblova in 58kg Freestyle category, down for four faults. and used her power-packed smashes and cross- it was heartbreak for Vinesh, who was forced to Germany claimed bronze after its rid- court shots to good eff ect. At Rio, Sindhu has concede her 48kg bout against China’s Yanan ers returned for a jump-off with Canada joined Saina Nehwal, who was the fi rst Indian Sun 1-2 after a freak knee injury. Sakshi was still to break a tie. Daniel Deusser, the third women’s singles player to reach the semi-fi nals in contention for bronze via Repechage as Vale- of four Germans to jump, sealed the deal of the Olympics at the London Games in 2012. ria made it to the fi nal. The medal matches were with a swift and clean round, sparing the Saina won a bronze medal at the London Games. scheduled for late last night. fi nal rider from jumping. Now, Sindhu faces a tricky opponent in Oku- Earlier, Sakshi defeated Moldova’s Mariana Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands and hara, who has been living a dream in a fast-rising Esanu Cherdivara on a four point take down cri- the United States were level going into career. The Japanese won her fi rst BWF Super- teria to enter the 1/4 fi nal round. the fi nal round of the team competition series title at the 2015 home Open. In 2016, the Meanwhile, Despite clocking her season’s best in Deodoro park, while France started the 21-year-old won the prestigious All England India’s PV Sindhu is overjoyed after winning her semi-final against China’s Wang Yihan. (AFP) timing, double lap runner Tintu Luka fi nished day with two time faults from the previ- Open, becoming the fi rst Japanese woman player sixth in the 800 metre heats. Tintu started off ous round of jumping. to achieve this feat in the last 39 years. natsu Mitani of Japan in 2014. 2012 in the third and deciding game. Meanwhile, well but her strategy backfi red to fi nish with a However, its riders left all the rails up to On the other hand, the 21-year-old Indian It will be the fi fth meeting between them with Kidambi Srikanth is happy with his performance timing of 2:00.58 minutes in Heat 3. Tintu fi n- take gold on a tough course, despite scor- became the fi rst ever Indian women’s singles the Japanese dominating thrice and having the after losing in the quarter-fi nals to two-time de- ished overall 29th in the qualifi cation round. ing time penalties. Home-team favour- player to win two bronze medals at the World upper hand at the last meeting at Badminton fending champion Lin Dan of China. The qualifi cation round was topped by Can- ites Brazil fi nished in fi fth behind Canada Championships. Asia Team Championships 2016 at Hyderabad. Srikanth, playing in his maiden Olympic ada’s Melissa Bishop followed by Marina Arza- after all three riders still in the competi- She won the 2013 World Championship Sindhu had just edged over Okuhara in Bad- Games, went down fi ghting to Dan 6-21, 21-11 masova of Belarus and Habitam Alemu of Ethio- tion had a single rail down. bronze by defeating Bae Yeon of Korea and Mi- minton Asia Youth Under 19 Championships and 18-21 in a match lasting near about an hour. pia respectively at second and third spots. Gulf Times Thursday, August 18, 2016 7

FOOTBALL Neymar shines, Brazil rout Honduras to reach fi nal Hosts wait for the winner of the other semi-final between Germany and Nigeria MOURNING BRAZIL MUST BOUNCE BACK FOR BRONZE: MARTA Rio de Janeiro: Women’s football legend MARTA insisted the Brazil team will keep getting better despite an agonising semi-final Olympic exit on penalties to , which goalkeeper Barbara described as being like losing a family member. Despite dominating for 120 minutes at a packed Maracana stadium in Rio on Tuesday, Marta couldn’t unlock the defensive-minded Swedes as both sides settled for their second consecutive penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Brazil’s Neymar (centre) is tackled However, it was Brazil’s luck by Honduras’ Marcelo Pereira (left) that ran out as top scorer in and Bryan Acosta during the semi- Olympics history Cristiane and final at the Maracana stadium in youngster Andressa saw spot- a family member,” said the Rio. (AFP / Odd Andersen) kicks saved to hand the Scandi- 28-year-old. navians a place in Friday’s gold “We know how hard we medal match against Germany. fought to get here. We know “Nothing will take the shine that we had the game to win off the work we did during the the gold medal, but football is whole year,” five-time Player of decided on the pitch and we the Year Marta said. weren’t lucky today.” Marta won two Olympic Outspoken American silver medals when Brazil lost goalkeeper Hope Solo had to the United States in the 2004 described Sweden as ‘cowards’ and 2008 finals. However, with for their defensive tactics in Sweden having shocked the the quarters, but there were no Americans in the quarter-finals, such sour grapes from Brazil Brazil’s women looked set to for their failure to score having win a major title for the first thrashed Sweden 5-1 in the time in their history. group stages. Instead, they will have to pick “We knew they were going to AFP mation back from the nation’s whipping repel, before Bryan Acosta and Allans start of the second period when he fi red themselves up for a bronze go that way,” said Marta, who Rio de Janeiro boy to golden boy was capped by his de- Vargas were booked for taking their un- straight at Lopez with Jesus waiting for medal contest with Canada, was consoled by the Swedish termination to open the scoring after just compromising attempts to stop Neymar a tap-in to complete his hat-trick. How- who lost to Germany in the players at the end when in 15 seconds. too far. ever, Brazil didn’t have long to wait for a other semi-final, in Sao Paulo tears having played her club eymar scored twice, includ- The Barcelona star hounded defender However, it was City’s new fourth when Paris Saint-Germain de- tomorrow. “It’s very hard to football in Sweden for the past ing the fastest goal in Olympics Johnny Palacios to rob possession on the £27mn wonder kid Gabriel Jesus who fender Marquinhos took advantage of think of what to say to them four years. “For them this is the history, as Brazil coasted into edge of the Honduras box and goalkeep- piled on the pain for Honduras with two some awful Honduras marking to sweep (the younger players) now. We only way to try to get as far as Saturday’s gold medal football er Luis Lopez’s attempt to atone for his more goals before the break. Luan’s lovely home a corner six minutes into the sec- have to try to pick up the pieces possible. We should have won Nmatch with a 6-0 thrashing of Honduras teammate’s error only ricocheted the ball through ball was prodded past the help- ond-half. of everything and be strong during the match, because pen- at Rio’s iconic Maracana. off Neymar’s midriff and into an empty less Lopez by Jesus for his second goal of Fittingly, in their best performance of again to go and fight for the alties are a lottery. As we got The hosts now have the chance to ease goal. For a moment, Neymar’s bravery the tournament on 26 minutes. the tournament, Luan converted a fi ne bronze,” added Marta. lucky against Australia, they did some of the pain caused by a 7-1 humilia- looked like it may have come at a cost as Nine minutes later, Neymar turned team goal for Brazil’s fi fth as Gabriel Bar- Barbara was the hero of against us.” tion at the hands of Germany on home soil he had to be stretchered off after being provider with a precise pass down the left bosa slipped in Felipe Anderson to cross Brazil’s marathon 7-6 shoot- Brazil coach Vadao also at the 2014 World Cup by delivering Bra- winded in the challenge. However, there that Jesus burst onto before crashing the low to the far post. And Neymar capped out win against Australia in refused to criticise Sweden’s zil’s fi rst football gold medal. A mouth- was no repeat of his tears of anguish when ball into the roof of the net. Neymar was a fi ne display with his second of the af- the quarters, but her save approach, but called on watering rematch with the Germans is in carried off with two broken vertebrae in even whipping the near capacity 78,000 ternoon from the penalty spot in stop- from Kosovare Asslani wasn’t Marta, Cristiane and 38-year- store should the world champions see off his back that ended his World Cup par- crowd into a frenzy as he uncharacter- page time. Victory also guaranteed Brazil enough to book Brazil a return old Formiga to remain with the 1996 winners Nigeria in late last night’s ticipation in a brutal quarter-fi nal against istically crashed into tackles, with Brazil a fourth Olympic men’s football medal, to the Maracana for the final national team to continue with other semi-fi nal, in Sao Paulo. Colombia two years ago. relieved from the burden of expecta- but after bronze in 1996 and 2008 and the as Sweden secured their first the momentum built up for Neymar had been much criticised for The 24-year-old was soon back ter- tion that appeared to weigh heavy on the shock of losing to Mexico in the London ever women’s football Olympic women’s football in Brazil over his lacklustre displays in two 0-0 draws rorising the Honduras defence as he teed young squad early in the competition. 2012 fi nal, only gold will suffi ce for an ex- medal. “It’s as if we’ve lost the course of the Games. to start the tournament, but his transfor- up Luan for an eff ort Lopez managed to Luan missed a huge chance at the pectant nation back at the Maracana.

FOCUS HOCKEY Judge orders Dutch women reach fi nal aft er shootout

Reuters Lochte, teammate Rio de Janeiro

he Netherlands came out top in not to leave Brazil a sudden death shootout against Germany yesterday to go into Reuters United States ahead of the court the fi nal of the Olympic women’s ruling, the sources said. The Thockey and keep the target of a third suc- Rio de Janeiro swimming competition ended cessive gold medal in their sights. The on Saturday. The sources said the shootout ended 4-3 after normal time of Brazilian judge has or- judge was considering whether the tight contest fi nished at 1-1. dered US swimmers to ask the swimmers to return It took 14 shots to get the result. The Ryan Lochte and James to Brazil to give testimony or al- Netherlands will meet New Zealand or Feigen not to leave the low them to do so in the United Britain in the fi nal. The Netherlands had country,A saying they gave con- States. Lochte said he, Feigen the better of the fi rst quarter, mounting a fl icting accounts of how they and two other team mates were number of fast attacks, but Germany took were robbed at gunpoint outside travelling to the Athletes’ Vil- a surprise lead in the 10th minute when the Rio Games at the weekend. lage in a taxi in the early hours of the ball bounced free from a penalty cor- Judicial sources say they believe the morning, after a party, when ner and Lisa Schutze banged it in. the pair are no longer in Brazil. armed men carrying police badg- The women in orange wasted no time in Judge Keyla Blanc, of Brazil’s es pulled them over. grabbing an equaliser in the fi rst minute Special Tribunal for Fans and The gunmen ordered them to of the second quarter when Maartje Pau- Major Events, ordered the sei- drop to the ground and demand- men took the set up from a penalty cor- zure of the swimmers’ passports ed their wallets and belongings, ner and drilled the ball home. They came until they gave further evidence Lochte said. A lawyer for Lo- close to taking the lead in the last fi ve concerning the incident, which chte could not be immediately minutes of the quarter but German goal- has fuelled concern over security reached for comment. After the keeper Nike Lorenz tipped another pow- at South America’ fi rst Games. judge’s decision, authorities re- erful shot from Paumen over the bar for A US Olympic Committee quested a search and arrest war- the two sides to end the half level. (USOC) spokesman said in a rant for the swimmers with the The Netherlands, playing with great The Netherlands players celebrate after the penalty shoot-out win over Germany in the hockey semi-final yesterday. (AFP) statement that police had arrived aim of fi nding Feigen’s cellphone fl air, piled on the pressure in the third at the Athletes’ Village yesterday in order to identify exactly where quarter but could not break down a Belgium men stun the Dutch tournament, the tournament for life and it away in the fi rst half, it was very silly. and asked to meet the swim- the swimmers were on Sunday doughty German defence. Germany came to set up Argentina fi nal it’s at the right moment, at the Olympics.” We never really were in the race.” mers and collect their passports. night, O Globo reported. close to scoring on the counter-attack in Following a dull fi rst quarter, Truyens Belgium were on the back foot for most “The swim team moved out of Police sources said they have the last minute when Charlotte Stapen- Meanwhile, Belgium set up an intrigu- opened the scoring from a penalty corner of the third quarter as they attempted to the village after their competi- been unable to fi nd the taxi driv- horst cut into the circle on the right but ing men’s hockey fi nal against Argentina attempt and Dohmen doubled the advan- stifl e the impressive Dutch attack, led tion ended, so we were not able er allegedly involved in the inci- her shot was blocked. after they dumped out the world’s sec- tage three minutes later after getting into by Van der Weerden. Early in the fourth to make the athletes available,” dent or to corroborate any details Kitty van Male nearly scored for the ond-ranked team the Netherlands with the circle and knocking in a pass. period, Belgium regained their two-goal said USOC spokesman Patrick provided by the swimmers. The Netherlands with fi ve minutes to go but a resounding 3-1 semi-fi nal victory on Just 23 seconds after Dohmen scored, advantage courtesy of a brilliant counter- Sandusky, adding that he could judicial sources said police were shot too high to the dismay of the boister- Tuesday night. however, the Netherlands cut the lead as attack, which ended up with Van Aubel not confi rm the swimmers’ lo- concerned that Lochte had said ous Dutch supporters, who made an or- Goals from Jerome Truyens, Florent talisman Mink van der Weerden scored his scoring. The Netherlands piled on the cation for security reasons. “We only one man was involved while ange block in the stand. The last few min- van Aubel and John-John Dohmen guar- ninth penalty corner goal of the Olympics pressure with a wave of attacks, which will continue to cooperate with his teammate testifi ed that sev- utes saw the Netherlands besiege their anteed Belgium a place in their fi rst ever to keep his side in the game heading into required goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch to Brazilian authorities.” eral men had robbed them. Police opponents’ goal area but the Germans Olympic fi nal. “It’s an historical night. It halftime. “They played really well and we produce several saves, but Belgium hung Police believe that Lochte, one were also puzzled by video foot- held on for the match to go to a shootout. was a great game, amazing against Hol- just sort of gave it away in the fi rst half,” on for a spot in the today’s fi nal. They of swimming’s most decorated age of the swimmers returning The Netherlands took gold in London land. I think we’ve never beaten them Van der Weerden said. “We played really will face an in-form Argentina side, who Olympians, and his teammate to the Athletes Village physically in 2012 and Beijing in 2008 and are also in an offi cial tournament,” Dohmen told badly in the fi rst half. No proper passing, powered into the fi nal with a stunning 5-2 have already returned to the well and joking with one another. world champions. reporters. “Now we are doing the perfect no proper rhythm, nothing. We just gave upset of defending champions Germany. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, August 18, 2016 SPORT

MLB Duff y dominates as Royals hit four homers victory Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales also homered for Kansas City, which has won eight of 10

Reuters at Minute Maid Park. Pham went 2-for-4 with Detroit a double and a two-run home run while Gyorko produced three RBIs for the Cardinals, who ex- tended their winning streak to three games. anny Duff y won his ninth straight decision with the aid of four solo CUBS 4, BREWERS 0 (GAME ONE) home runs, including the fi rst of Raul Trevor Cahill tossed fi ve shutout innings and Mondesi’s career, as the Kansas City earned a win in his fi rst major-league start since RoyalsD defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-1 in the April 2015 as Chicago posted a victory over Mil- Major League Baseball on Tuesday. waukee in the opener of a doubleheader. Cahill Duff y (10-1) limited the Tigers to one run on (2-3) came off the disabled list on Tuesday for three hits while striking out fi ve in 7 2/3 innings. the spot start and allowed just two hits while He has the longest winning streak by a Royals striking out three and walking a pair. pitcher since Jeremy Guthrie won 10 straight decisions in 2012-13. CUBS 4, BREWERS 1 (GAME TWO) The breakthrough homer for the 21-year-old Jason Hammel allowed two hits over seven in- Mondesi came in his 19th game and 60th offi cial nings while Kris Bryant reached base three at-bat. Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Kendrys times, including a game-winning RBI single, as Morales also homered for Kansas City, which Chicago beat Milwaukee to complete a double- has won eight of 10. Gordon, who scored twice, header sweep. stretched his hitting streak to seven games Ti- The Brewers lost two starters as they dropped gers starter Justin Verlander (12-7) allowed fi ve 23 games behind the Cubs in the National runs — three earned — on four hits while strik- League Central. Starting pitcher Chase Ander- ing out six in seven-plus innings. son and left fi elder Ryan Braun both departed the second game with left leg injuries. BLUE JAYS 12, YANKEES 6 Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin hit two- RANGERS 5, Athletics 4 (10 innings) run homers in the eighth inning as Toronto ral- Rougned Odor was hit by a pitch with the bases lied from a six-run defi cit for a victory over New loaded in the 10th inning as Texas rallied for a York. The Blue Jays, held scoreless for the fi rst 14 win over Oakland. Texas trailed 4-2 going into innings of the series, capitalised on a 42-minute the bottom of the 10th after the A’s scored two rain delay that knocked both starting pitchers in the top of the inning but John Axford (4-4) out early. could not close the deal. Troy Tulowitzki had four hits, including a two-run homer in the sixth and scored the tie- METS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 5 breaking run when Martin hit a 1-2 fastball pitch Noah Syndergaard threw 5 2/3 innings and add- over the right fi eld wall. ed his third homer of the season to help lead the New York Mets to a 7-5 win over the Arizona RED SOX 5, ORIOLES 3 Diamondbacks. Kelly Johnson also homered, TJ Mookie Betts homered twice, including a tie- Rivera had four hits, and Jose Reyes tripled, sin- breaking two-run shot in the top of the eighth gled and drove in a run for the Mets, who won for inning that gave Boston a victory over Balti- the third time in four games. more. Boston earned its fi fth consecutive win Yasmany Tomas homered for the Diamond- and pulled into a tie with Baltimore for second backs, who lost for just the third time in their place in the American League East. Both teams past nine games. are a game back of Toronto. ANGELS 7, MARINERS 6 REDS 6, MARLINS 3 Cliff Pennington hit a triple in the bottom of the Tucker Barnhart’s grand slam highlighted a fi ve- eighth inning to drive Jett Bandy home with the run fi rst inning, and Anthony DeSclafani gave winning run, giving a victory over up two runs over six frames, lifting Cincinnati Seattle at Angel Stadium. Bandy, Jefry Marte to a victory over Miami at Great American Ball and Albert Pujols each hit home runs for the Park. DeSclafani (7-1) overcame an injury scare Angels, who broke an 11-game losing streak, the in the fourth inning when he limped off the fi eld longest in manager Mike Scioscia’s 17-year ten- after being doubled off fi rst base, but remained ure. in the game. PIRATES 4, GIANTS 3 INDIANS 3, WHITE SOX 1 Jung Ho Kang broke an eighth-inning tie with Jason Kipnis had three hits and Corey Klu- a two-out, two-strike solo home run, lifting ber outpitched Jose Quintana as Cleveland Pittsburgh to a second straight victory over San beat Chicago at Progressive Field. The Indians Francisco. The loss knocked the Giants out of scored single runs in the fi rst, third and seventh fi rst place in the National League West for the innings, and Kluber and two relievers made it fi rst time since May 10. The Los Angeles Dodg- stand up. ers, a 15-5 winner at Philadelphia, took over the top spot by a half-game. DODGERS 15, PHILLIES 5 Chase Utley hit a grand slam and solo homer in Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (left) and designated hitter David Ortiz celebrate as Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters looks dejected ROCKIES 6, NATIONALS 2 his return to Philadelphia as Los Angeles bat- during the Major Baseball League game at Oriole Park in Baltimore. Red Sox defeated Orioles 5-3. (USA TODAY Sports) DJ LeMahieu continued his off ensive surge. tered Philadelphia. Howie Kendrick went 4-for- Nolan Arenado exacted a small measure of re- 5 with a two-run homer for the Dodgers, and team and in the process helped Minnesota snap RAYS 15, PADRES 1 game stretch in the franchise’s history. venge. And David Dahl delivered a key pinch hit Yasmani Grandal went 3-for-4 with a two-run a seven-game interleague losing streak against Tampa Bay’s bats have never been hotter, with as Colorado beat Washington. LeMahieu tripled shot. Both drove in three runs. Atlanta. Santana allowed four hits over seven fi ve home runs and a season-high 15 runs in an CARDINALS 8, ASTROS 5 home the go-ahead run in the fi fth against Yus- scoreless innings, Joe Mauer homered as part easy victory over slumping San Diego at Tropi- Tommy Pham and Jedd Gyorko slugged home meiro Petit (3-3) and fi nished a double shy of the TWINS 4, BRAVES 2 of a three-hit game and the Twins defeated the cana Field. In their last three games — all wins runs and St Louis turned a four-run sixth in- cycle. He went 3-for-3 with a walk, giving him Ervin Santana got a victory against his former Braves 4-2 on Tuesday. — the Rays have 35 runs, the most in any three- ning into an interleague victory over Houston eight consecutive hits.

NFL 49ers’ quarterback question becoming a no-brainer

By Tim Kawakami leaping over Gabbert as long as Gabbert is ness? “I don’t look at it as a leg up,” Kelly The Mercury News healthy and avoiding major off ensive cata- said. “We’re just going to judge them on the clysm. opportunities to get in there and go. “Colin isn’t 100 percent,” Kelly said after “So if Colin gets in there and does a great he 49ers’ 2016 quarterback com- the game, asked why Kaepernick didn’t suit job when he’s in, I’m not going to say, ‘Well, petition has been odd, it has been up. “It wouldn’t have been fair to put him in he didn’t get as many snaps as Blaine.’ intriguing, and it might be coming and then judge him on that in the competi- They’re going to be judged on who moves to a very swift and inevitable con- tion. We’re just trying to get him healthy our off ensive football team the best, who Tclusion. Simple facts here: Blaine Gabbert and see if we can get him ready for this week protects the football the best, gives us an started the exhibition-opening 24-13 loss against Denver.” opportunity to win games.” to Houston here on Sunday and was de- Kelly said he has been told Kaepernick Really, if a preseason game can show any- cent, while Colin Kaepernick was held out probably will be ready for the Denver prac- thing, this one was evidence that the 49ers’ with a sore throwing shoulder. The guy who tices _ which start Wednesday _ but it’s not QB issue is an off ensive issue _ they just plays is almost always ahead of the guy who clear if the 49ers expected Kaepernick to don’t look like they’re going to have much doesn’t, especially when coach Chip Kelly miss two practices last week or the game on of a passing off ense. They’ll play up-tempo, has said the exhibition season will be the Sunday. they’ll spread the fi eld, they’ll do what Chip largest determining factor. It’s all blurry with Kaepernick and 49ers Kelly always wants to do. OK, it’s not like Kelly is choosing be- management (Kelly at this point is probably But if the 49ers are going to pick up fi rst tween Steve Young and Joe Montana in their just a bemused bystander), and it has been downs and score TDs, they’ll do it with Car- primes ... or even between a young, unbur- like this for months. And it’s not blurry with los Hyde and others running the ball and dened Kaepernick and a playoff -proven Alex Gabbert, who looked bad early on Sunday only occasional big-pass plays. And they’ll Smith. but rallied to fi nish his three-series eff ort almost certainly do it _ at least to start the But Kelly has to pick somebody to play QB with a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end season _ with Gabbert at QB, because he’s for the 49ers on Sept. 12 against the Rams, Vance McDonald. more reliable, he’s the darling of team man- and every available sign points to Gabbert. Gabbert wasn’t special (4 for 10 for 63 agement, and because Kaepernick is not As it has from the start of this camp ... yards and the TD), but he was running Kel- healthy and defi nitely not the favorite of or, really, from the spring, when it was clear ly’s off ense while Kaepernick was in sweat team management. that both 49ers management and Kaeper- pants and a T-shirt roaming the sidelines. Beyond that, you have to wonder if the nick preferred for him to play in Denver, ex- “It was up and down, both Blaine and our 49ers are thinking about putting Kaeper- cept no deal could be hammered out. fi rst-team off ense,” Kelly said. nick on ice for the entire season, the way It’s kismet, then, that the Gabbert- “I think that fi rst drive, a couple balls he Washington sidelined Robert Griffi n III last Kaepernick duel could end in two practices probably wants back, trying to get us on season once he lost the starting job to Kirk and then a game Saturday against Denver. track. But I think once they settled down, Cousins. But that’s a thought for a later date, If Kaepernick can’t participate this week, got into a rhythm, I thought they did a really when Gabbert offi cially is installed as the it’s almost impossible to imagine he could nice job of executing.” 49ers’ starting QB. Which might happen in make up that time; if Kaepernick can par- So does Gabbert have a leg up in this com- a few days, or a week at the longest, because ticipate but is fl at, it’s just as hard to see him petition due to Kaepernick’s shoulder sore- it has been mostly inevitable from the start. San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert Gulf Times Thursday, August 18, 2016 9 SPORT

RUGBY TENNIS Murray says players will regret Townsend to skipping Rio

AFP Cincinnati

replace Cotter as ndy Murray endorsed the Tuesday decision of the US Open to award a wild card to Juan Mar- tinA del Potro, who gave the Scot a severe weekend test in the Olym- pic tennis fi nal. “You give wild cards to de- Scotland boss serving players,” the Rio gold medallist said as he prepared to take his place as top seed at the Cotter’s contract expires in June 2017 and the SRU has now made public its intention to install ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. “Juan Martin deserves to be in Townsend into the role when his deal with the ends at the same time the slams. “If he had not been injured showcase our sport to the whole SPOTLIGHT (wrist operations) he’d be com- world.” fortably seeded. He deserves that On another rainy day, match wild card for sure. play moved at a slow pace. “He draws good crowds and A pair of French seeds blew South will be an asset to the tourna- through with opening victories ment for sure,” he said of Argen- as number nine Gael Monfi ls tina’s silver medallist and 2009 overcame Rio travel fatigue to African US Open champion. dispatch Pablo Carreno Busta Double Olympic winner Mur- 6-3, 6-4. His 13th-seeded com- ray took the opportunity to light- patriot Richard Gasquet, who rugby boss ly scold his fellow players — some missed the Games with an ab- of whom skipped the Olympics dominal injury, found his form due to scheduling problems or over countryman Adrian Man- Hoskins perceived fears of the Zika virus. narino 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-1. “Every Olympics I’ve been There was a win for Belgian to, I’ve loved it,” said the world 11th seed David Goffi n over quits job number two. “I’ve had amazing Nicoloz Basilashvili 7-5, 6-3 experiences. while Russian veteran Mikhail “Unfortunately some play- Youzhny schooled US teen Taylor ers did not see it that way. I hope Fritz 6-1, 6-3 they regret the decision not to go Two Australians advanced: and hopefully next time we have Bernard Tomic beat Joao Sousa a good turnout again — like we 6-4, 6-3; John Millman had more had in London (2012). of a struggle before overcoming “Perhaps the event should be Malek Jaziri 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. just a few days longer, that would On the women’s side, France’s have helped. Fans would have Alize Cornet beat Dutchwoman enjoyed watching major men’s Kiki Bertens 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 while players in the mixed doubles, Tsvetana Pironkova defeated that doesn’t happen anywhere Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-1. else. First into the third round was “Once every four years it’s Czech 15th seed Karolina Plisko- AFP huge for tennis to be a part of the va, a winner against Latvian Je- Johannesburg Olympics. It’s a great event to lena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-1.

Former Scotland international Gregor he president of the South Townsend has been given a new role African , Ore- Isner, Johnson lead US advance in Cincinnati by the Scotish Rugby Union. gan Hoskins, stepped down yesterday citing the need for Cincinnati: Big-hitting John Juan Monaco of Argentina and Tchange after more than 10 years in Isner and fellow American Steve Ivo Karlovic of Croatia. Monaco charge. Johnson did not allow long leads 6-4 5-3. AFP He has since taken Glasgow progress with wins over Italy to take the development of “Being president of SA Rugby has periods of rain, drizzle and mist American Johnson told Tennis London to the Celtic League play-off s and France. the national team forward become a full-time job and with my to derail their advance at the Channel it had been a stop-start in each of his four seasons in But with Cotter’s two im- with Gregor. term due to end in 18 months’ time I weather-hit Western & Southern day. “I can’t keep track of how charge and led them to their mediate predecessors Andy “Gregor’s playing record decided that, after a decade in the job, Open in Cincinnati on Tuesday. many times we stopped and regor Townsend will fi rst title in 2015 after they Robinson (England) and more as a Scotland international- it was now time to start the next phase Isner powered his way past Ital- started and warmed up,” he replace Vern Cotter also topped the regular sea- recently, Scott Johnson (Aus- ist and British Lion showed of my career,” said Hoskins, announc- ian Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-2, while added. “But I’m super happy to as the head coach son table. tralia), also both coming from he is a man of vision and great ing his decision at an SA Rugby board the bearded Johnson, fresh off come out and get the win.” of the Scotland na- “I am incredibly proud to outside the country, the SRU professionalism, which he has meeting. his Rio Olympics bronze in the Johnson was hoping to build on Gtional side at the end of the take on the Scotland head believe now is the time to since successfully transferred Rugby in South Africa is under doubles, defeated Argentine left- his run in Rio where he paired 2016/17 season, the Scottish coach role at the end of the think of appointing a homeg- into his coaching roles, fi rstly scrutiny in political and non-sporting hander Federico Delbonis 6-4 with Jack Sock to medal in Rugby Union announced yes- season,” said Townsend, who rown coach. with Scotland and subse- circles as it comes under pressure to 7-5 to reach the second round doubles, and took eventual gold terday. won 82 Scotland caps and two “I have been charged with quently Glasgow Warriors. introduce more black players in the of the Masters 1000 event. medalist Murray of Britain to a New Zealander Cotter’s for the British and Irish Lions developing Scottish coaches “It is these factors which white-dominated Springbok team. US teenager Jared Donaldson third-set tiebreaker in the singles contract expires in June 2017 in a playing career where he and believe the time is now I feel will enable Scotland to The federation has pledged to bring is threatening to join them quarter-finals. and the SRU has now made was best known as a fl y-half. right to secure Gregor’s tal- continue its forward momen- up the numbers of non-white players after winning the first set 6-2 Another US teenager tasted de- public its intention to install Cotter, 54, took over as ents, as we build towards the tum, building on the strong to half the squad in time for the next against world number four Stan feat as Russian Mikhail Youzhny Townsend, a former Scotland Scotland coach in May 2014 2019 Rugby World Cup in Ja- foundations laid by Vern, with Wold Cup in 2019. Wawrinka. dismissed 18-year-old Taylor international, into the role after previously being in pan,” Dodson added. the current group of players In the 2015 World Cup, the team The 18-year-old wildcard twice Fritz 6-1 6-3. when his current deal as head charge of club side Clermont, “Vern Cotter has made a and future Scotland interna- fi elded an average of three non-white broke the second seed in win- The Russian qualifier advanced coach of the Glasgow Warri- with whom he won France’s considerable impact on the tionals.” players per match in a country where ning the opening set, helped by to a second-round match ors ends at the same time. title in 2010. development of the Scotland Last year’s Six Nations wins blacks represent 80 % of the popu- a rash of unforced errors from against Japan’s Kei Nishikori. “Gregor’s abilities as a head He nearly took Scotland national side during his ten- are the only two Cotter has lation. However the change will not Wawrinka, before the Swiss Gael Monfils of France, seeded coach are evident and he is into the semi-fi nals of last ure. His rugby philosophy of managed to guide Scotland come easily because there remains a settled down and swept the first ninth, beat Spain’s Pablo Car- increasingly becoming one of year’s World Cup only for the setting high standards with to in 10 fi xtures in European scarcity of non-white players coming three games of the second set. reno Busta 6-3 6-4, while his the most sought-after coach- team to suff er a heart-break- a big emphasis on skill de- rugby union’s showpiece in- through at club level and challenging Play was then called for the day 13th-seeded compatriot Richard es in the game,” said SRU ing quarter-fi nal defeat by velopment has had a positive ternational event. for international spots. with the return of more rain. Gasquet battled past another chief executive Mark Dodson Australia following a contro- eff ect throughout Scottish “Since taking up this role Hoskins was elected president of Rain through the day and into Frenchman, Adrian Mannarino in a statement. versial last-gasp penalty. rugby. I believe we have moved for- the federation in 2006 and r-elected in the night plagued the hardcourt 7-6(2) 3-6 6-1. Townsend, 43, took charge Shortly before that tour- “No-one will forget our ward as a group by working 2008, 2010 and 2014. run-up to the US Open, leaving Isner said he felt he might be of Glasgow — one of Scot- nament, Cotter extended his Rugby World Cup 2015 jour- to execute the simple things Under his mandate the country four men’s matches and three poised to improve on a “medio- land’s two professional teams Scotland contract until 2017. ney as Vern led the team to the well,” Cotter said. ran out world champions in 2007 and women’s contests still to finish cre” season. along with — in His fi rst Six Nations saw quarter-fi nals and so nearly a “I intend to remain focused reached the semi-fi nals in 2015. to complete the first round. “I had a very good serving 2012 after three years as an Scotland lose all fi ve of their semi-fi nal. on the upcoming Autumn In- Mark Alexander, currently vice Double Olympic gold medallist rhythm. I’m happy with how I assistant coach with the na- matches but this year’s edi- “However the board and I ternationals and remaining president, will take over as interim Andy Murray is waiting to face served,” the world number 22 tional side. tion saw the team make now believe the time is right Scotland matches in 2017.” head until new elections are held. the winner of a match between said.

BOTTOMLINE Wigan coach hit by unavailability of Manfredi

AFP Wane.“I’m gutted for him. there for the boys during hard times. tional came through an appearance at , United Kingdom “He will bounce back stronger and “We’ve had a few set-backs with the weekend for dual-registered club the players are very motivated to get injuries, but it’s good to have seen the Doncaster unscathed. “It was good to something from the season for him.” young blokes out there, stepping up. get some game time under my belt. I’m igan Warriors coach Shaun Wane has concerns too over the fi t- “I’ve not been looking at the table, looking to push for a spot in the fi rst- Wane has revealed he is ness of winger Josh Charnley and we’re just focusing on playing well eve- team now, but it’s not going to be easy. juggling a host of injuries stand-off George Williams but at the ry week. It’s about proving ourselves as Everyone’s playing so well at the minute ahead of tonight’s Super other end of the table Wakefi eld Wild- a team every week. so it will be tough to show that I deserve W8s showdown against St Helens — with cats centre Bill Tupou has declared “We won at Widnes in April and it my chance,” he said. star winger Dom Manfredi remaining himself fi t to feature against Widnes certainly will be in our minds that we And Castleford Tigers are on the on the unavailable list for the foresee- Vikings on Sunday. have shown before that we can do it hunt for a fourth successive victory able future. The Tonga international has missed there, and so we believe we can beat when they travel to second-placed Manfredi has scored 14 tries in 21 ap- Wakefi eld’s last two matches with them away from home again. Warrington Wolves who last month pearances this season, form that has hamstring trouble, to leave their hopes “I didn’t play in that game on the ar- overturned an 18-16 half-time defi cit to attracted the attention of new England of a place in the play-off s hanging by a tifi cial pitch, but the lads have told me win 42-26. coach Wayne Bennett with an eye on thread.But Tupou is back and hopes he to expect a good game because of the the Four Nations Series, which com- can make the diff erence. ground.” Pacesetters Hull FC have prop Super 8s fixtures: mences in October. “I was close to playing last weekend, Iafeta Palea’aesina available again for Today (kick-off 1900GMT) But the 22-year-old suff ered anterior but wasn’t quite there with the injury. the visit of fi fth-placed Catalan Drag- Hull FC v Catalan Dragons cruciate ligament damage in Friday’s I’m pretty positive about my chances ons to launch the next round of action Tomorrow (1900GMT) defeat at Castleford Tigers, meaning he for Sunday,” said Tupou, who signed on Thursday night. Wigan Warriors v St Helens is set to miss the third v fourth-place a new two-year deal with the club in The 33-year-old has been sidelined Saturday (1300GMT) clash at the DW Stadium and the re- April. for more than two months with calf Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers mainder of the Super League season. “It’s defi nitely frustrating when you and anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Sunday (1400GMT) “Dom’s out for a long time,” said Wigan coach Shawn Wane have to watch and you cannot be out but the former New Zealand interna- Widnes Vikings v Wakefield Wildcats Gulf Times 10 Thursday, August 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Is Real’s Perez losing his purchasing power? Real switch focus DPA allowed Barcelona to snatch the Madrid promising Portugal midfi elder - and did very little to tempt Robert Lewandowski away from ince taking charge at Real Bayern Munich. Madrid in 2000, Floren- “After two summers and no tino Perez has been the new ‘galacticos’ heading to the most profl igate president Bernabeu, Perez’ powers of per- to Barcelona and Sin world football, capturing the suasion seem on the wane,” com- headlines by splashing out mas- mented British paper The Sun. sively on ‘galactico’ stars like “Perez’ lack of activity in the Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Dav- transfer market is bizarre, unex- id Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, pected,” commented Radio Marca. Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. “The Real Madrid fans are Two years ago, after the 2014 used to at least one big signing World Cup, he again played the every summer and they are now La Liga title Big Spender by buying Toni getting frustrated.” Kroos from Bayern Munich and Maybe Perez thinks his squad James Rodriguez from Monaco. is suffi ciently strong after win- Winning the Champions League last season ensured Real their status as European Perez seemed set fair to contin- ning the Champions League in ue buying the best on the market, 2014 and 2016. Or maybe the football royalty but their focus this season is to halt Barcelona’s La Liga dominance especially given that he had fi rmly club’s fi nances are not as healthy established The Whites at the top as they seem to be in public. AFP of the Deloitte Football Money Or maybe Perez is fi nally de- Madrid League with an annual income of termined to give a chance to 577 million euros (649 million US Spanish youngsters, after years dollars). However, Perez has been of expensive foreign ‘galacticos’. inning the Champions strangely passive since 2014, mak- Interestingly, Real’s only two League last season ensured ing only a handful of ‘bread and signifi cant moves this summer Real Madrid their status as butter’ signings, to the astonish- have been to bring Alvaro Morata European football royalty ment of the football world. back from Juventus and Marco Wbut their focus for the coming campaign For example, Real coach Zidane Asensio back from Espanyol. is to halt Barcelona’s domination on the was reportedly desperate for Pe- Meanwhile, Barca have been domestic scene. rez to buy France midfi elder Paul busy buying a group of promis- President Florentino Perez has thus Pogba from Juventus this summer. ing 22 year-olds - Samuel Umtiti, far resisted the temptation to dig deep Instead, Perez stood aside Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes, Denis into his pockets to sign anther Galac- and allowed Manchester United Suarez and possibly also Paco Al- tico ahead of the new La Liga season next to sign Pogba for a new world cacer - in order to shore up a squad weekend. record fee of 105 million euros. that looked painfully thin towards Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane has won This shattered the new record the end of last summer. over those who doubted his ability to created by Perez in 2013 - when Even neighbours Atletico - convert his world class playing abilities he signed Bale from Tottenham who are normally small spenders into those of a competent coach. for 100 million. compared to their wealthy city The European success over cross-town But ‘El Presidente’ didn’t seem rivals - have spent more than rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in to mind. Zidane then report- Real this summer, splashing out a the Champions League fi nal in May was edly asked Perez to sign Andre total of 80 million euros on Kevin enough to ensure his continued presence Gomes from Valencia, but ‘El Gameiro, Nicolas Gaitan, Sime in the Real hot seat. Presidente’ sat on his hands and Vrsaljko and Diogo Jota. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it” has been the motto of Madrid’s transfer dealings. Zidane himself admitted ahead of their north American tour last month that “it FIFA bans ex-South Africa chief over is diffi cult to improve on this squad”. match-fixing Whilst title rivals Barca and Atleti- co have added significant depth and FIFA ethics committee inves- The possible sanctions follow quality in the latter’s case, Real have tigators have called for a six- a probe led by the deputy restricted themselves to a homecom- year ban against the former chief of FIFA’s Independent ing for Alvaro Morata after two years at head of the South African Ethics Committee, Djimbaraye Juventus by triggering a buyback clause Football Association Kirsten Bourngar, and are subject to for 30 million euros. Nematandani over his alleged approval by judges at world Even that deal looked to have been role in 2010 match-fixing, a football’s governing body. done with the intention of then sell- statement said yesterday. Nematandani, the most ing Morata on to the cash-fi lled Premier The committee was also prominent name in the group, League. seeking lifetime bans over the was put on “special leave” in But after scoring three goals in same off ence against a former December 2012 following a four games for Spain at Euro 2016 the off icial from the Zimbabwe FIFA report into match-fixing. 23-year-old will now battle Zidane fa- File picture of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane gesturing during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy match against Stade de Reims. Football Association, Jonathan He was reinstated in January vourite Karim Benzema for a place in the Musavengana, and the ex- 2013 but not cleared of any starting line-up alongside Cristiano Ro- national tournament by upsetting hosts “If it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it” has son, which will also include a mid-season coach of Togo’s national team, wrongdoing and subsequently naldo and Gareth Bale. France in the fi nal. been the motto of Madrid’s transfer trip to Japan for the Club World Cup, will Banna Tchanile. left the SAFA. “They have been two long years and But for many the central defender Pepe dealings. Zidane himself admit- be a much tougher test of Zidane’s mana- a long wait to return, but I am back at was Portugal’s outstanding performer. ted ahead of their north American gerial mettle. home,” Morata said as he was presented Bale was inspired as he led Wales on a tour last month that “it is diffi cult to Moreover, having won just one league on Monday. historic run to the semi-fi nals and Luka improve on this squad” title in the past eight years, there is INSPIRATION Morata was far from the only Real star Modric dazzled for Croatia, whilst Toni huge expectation on Real to stop Barca to shine at the Euros, another reason for Kroos’ passing in the German midfi eld However, their strong run to the end of boss Luis Enrique matching his friend Madrid’s uncharacteristic prudence in saw him named in the team of the tour- the campaign and of many of his players and former teammate Pep Guardiola’s the transfer market. nament. at the Euros was partly thanks to a light achievement in landing a hat-trick of Conte wants Chelsea Ronaldo cried tears of pain and then of Zidane masterminded a run of 22 wins schedule after their early expulsion from La Liga titles in his fi rst three years in joy as was carried off with a knee injury in 27 games from the point he rescued a the Copa del Rey. charge. Now to see what happens this before Portugal fi nally won a major inter- shipwreck of a season in January. Maintaining that form over a full sea- season in La Liga. renaissance to

BOTTOMLINE emulate Juve revival Champions Juve fl ex muscles aft er vigorous signing campaign

DPA back possibly in November. led by Chinese investors. Aging can be an issue for the Inter moved smoothly under Bianconeri’s defence manned by retail giant Suning Commerce star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on Group, while Sino-Europe Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates after his team’s EPL look at the list of trans- plus aces Andrea Barzagli, Leon- Sports Investment Management game against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. fers signed in the Ital- ardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini Changxin are to acquire the ian Serie A leaves the and Patrice Evra. Devils by November. Reuters worked very hard.” opponents of cham- But support came with arrival Frank de Boer replaced coach London Conte took over at Juve in May pionsA Juventus scratching their of Dani Alves as a free agent from Roberto Mancini last week after 2011, replacing Luigi Delneri heads as two weeks remain until Barcelona and Mehdi Benatia, Inter signed midfi elders Ever who fi nished seventh the season the end of the summer market. on loan from Bayern Munich. Banega, an Argentine interna- ntonio Conte believes before. The Turin squad this weekend Last season’s second-placed tional from Sevilla, and Antonio Chelsea can emulate He guided the ‘Old Lady’ of open the chase of a sixth consec- Napoli were bitter after Hi- Candreva from Lazio. his former club Juven- Italian football to the Serie A title utive domestic title with a lineup guain’s departure and were still De Boer, who set one of the tus as he looks to make in his fi rst season at the club and that looks stronger than those shopping for a high-level striker three Champions League places themA title contenders again, won two further Scudetti before which won the past fi ve scudetti. in the market that closes on Au- as the Nerazzurri’s goal, doubted but warned that success will resigning in 2014. Juve saw Spanish striker Al- gust 31, 10 days after the league’s the expected dominance of Juve. take time. “We can see a bit of the same varo Morata return home to Real opening round. “We must understand how Chelsea won the Premier situation now, no?” Conte add- Madrid for 30 million euros (33.8 Winger Emanuele Giac- they play in midfield,” he told League in 2015 but slumped to ed. “After a bad season, 10th million dollars), but snatched cherini signed from Sunder- La Gazzetta dello Sport yester- a 10th place finish last season, place was no good for the play- Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain land and Polish striker Arka- day. “It is not so certain that with coach Jose Mourinho re- ers, confi dence was low and the from Napoli after he set an all- diusz Milik arrived in Naples they are stronger than last year. placed by Guus Hiddink in De- fans weren’t happy with this time scoring record of 36 goals from Ajax at 32 million euros They do have big names, but we cember following an astonish- situation. last season. for a solid upfront outfit along- do not know yet if they will get ing decline. “But I know only one word Higuain’s transfer fee of 90 side Manolo Gabbiadini. to be a team.” Conte arrived at Stamford that we must follow and that is million euros - a record for the Roma, who placed third with Vincenzo Montella, who left Bridge this summer after leading to work, and to work very hard. Italian league - was widely off set File picture of Juventus’ coach Massimiliano Allegri. 41 goals conceded, against Juve’s Fiorentina for Milan, has been at his Italy to the quarter-fi nals of the If we stay together, in bad and in by the sale of French midfi elder 20, welcomed defenders Juan new team since July, fi tting striker European Championship, and good situations, very, very soon Paul Pogba to Manchester United possibly more eff ective play- A target for Pjainc’s assists Jesus (Inter), Federico Fazio Gianluca Lapadula, last season’s thinks his previous experience we will try to go back to playing for 110 million euros, the highest maker than Pogba, looks set to will be Marko Pjaca, a promis- (Tottenham), Thomas Vermae- Serie B top striker at Pescara, plus with Juventus has prepared him for the title.” ever transfer fee in football. take the role fi lled until 2015 by ing winger signed for 23 millions len (Barcelona) and Mario Rui defenders Leonel Vangioni and to lead Chelsea’s revival. Conte’s reign at Stamford Coach Massimiliano Allegri, star Andrea Pirlo. euros from his home town club (Empoli).In midfi eld they signed Gustavo Gomez in a squad that fi n- “Juventus hadn’t won the ti- Bridge began with a 2-1 victory however, is unlikely to miss the “Miralem is a top player and I Dinamo Zagreb. Bruno Peres from Torino, Ger- ished seventh in May. tle for many, many years and at over West Ham United on Mon- French ace, having welcomed believe he can become one of the As Juve also seek a good show- son from Fluminense and Lean- AC Milan were limited in their the start it did not appear easy,” day evening, and they continue Bosnia’s Miralem Pjanic for 32 world’s best in that position just ing in the Champions League, Al- dro Paredes from Empoli. purchasing power with only the Conte told Chelsea magazine. their campaign at Watford on million euros from Roma, who in front of the defence,” Allegri legri expects a further arrival in Troubled giants Inter and budget left by Silvio Berlusconi, “Confi dence was low and the Saturday. are one of Juve’s top competitors said. “He just has to learn to play midfi eld, as Juan Cuadrado ended AC Milan, meanwhile, under- who sold the club as new own- players didn’t trust themselves. “It’s not easy, but we must try alongside Napoli. the kind of passes that are more a loan from Chelsea and the in- went changes of ownership and ers Sino-Europe Sports’ fi nancial “It’s important to work in that and we must fi nd the right moti- Pjanic, a less fl amboyant, but typical for that area on the fi eld.” jured Claudio Marchisio will be coach, both now being control- support is not yet in. situation and I remember we vation, the right spirit to fi ght.” Gulf Times Thursday, August 18, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT AIM India aim to dominate Windies: Rahane India aiming to IANS Port of Spain (Trinidad)

ndia’s batsman Ajinkya Ra- hane said that the visitors’ aim will be to play attacking crick- et and dominate hosts West consolidate world IIndies in the fourth and fi nal Test match starting here today. India registered a 237-run win in the third Test and took an unas- sailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series, after winning the fi rst Test by an innings and 92 runs, with the second ending in a draw. No. 1 Test ranking A big margin win against the hosts will ensure the Virat Kohli- led side a place in the top of the In- With the team’s batting lacking in the previous three matches, the Kumble-coached ternational Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings replacing Australia. side are unlikely to make big changes in the line-up for the fourth and final Test “Mood has been fantastic in India’s Ajinkya Rahane during a the dressing room. Our goal is to practice session. IANS play attacking cricket and domi- Port of Spain (Trinidad) nate West Indies here. We have changes in the line-up. been playing good cricket and With opener Murali Vijay fi t it is important to fi nish well on after a thumb injury, one can fter bagging the Test series with this tour. A 3-0 win will be very expect Shikhar Dhawan to be a comprehensive win in the good and our long term goal is to dropped for the fi nal match and third match, India will aim to be the No.1 Test team. But it is Vijay being given a chance. consolidate their No.1 ranking important to stay in the present Dhawan has hardly scored withA a big victory against an under-con- moment,” Rahane told reporters much except his 84 in the fi rst fi dent West Indies in the fourth and fi nal ahead of the fourth Test starting match. But with Lokesh Rahul in game starting here today. here yesterday. good form, scoring a century and India registered a 237-run win in the “As Virat Kohli said earlier, we a 50 in two Tests, Kohli might third Test and took an unassailable 2-0 want to express ourselves in the stick to the right-handed bats- lead in the four-match series, having won middle. That means we want to man for the fi nal match. the fi rst Test by an innings and 92 runs. dominate here again like we did Besides Rahul, Rahane would The second Test ended in a draw. in the fi rst three Tests. We have also hold his place after handy India yesterday displaced Australia as dominated every single day in knocks. the top side after the Aussies lost the Test this series and dominated every Speaking about his approach series against Sri Lanka 3-0. single Test so far. So it is impor- to every game and innings, the But with India on 112 points, a defeat tant to be in that process regular- Mumbai batsman said, “I do vis- for them will mean that Pakistan, who ly and think about achieving that ualisation a day before the game, have 111 points, will leap to the top of the No 1 Test status as a team.” and also in the dressing room rankings. The 28-year-old also expressed before I go into bat. I always try With the team’s batting lacking in confi dence in his team’s bowl- and visualise myself in diff erent the previous three matches, the Anil ers, who have managed to pick 20 situations. And actually that is Kumble-coached side are unlikely wickets twice in the two wins. helping me in the middle to bat to make big changes in the line-up. “We think that West Indies is a at number fi ve. It is important to With opener Murali Vijay fi t after a pretty dangerous team at home. assess the conditions once you thumb injury, one can expect Shikhar We played some good cricket go in and play according to that.” Dhawan to be dropped for the fi nal match so far and have improved our- “Of course, what you are and Vijay being given a chance. selves,” he said. thinking may not happen in the Dhawan has hardly scored much ex- “Our bowling unit has been fi eld of play. But what you visu- cept his 84 in the fi rst match. performing really well from alise, most of the times those But with Lokesh Rahul in good form, the Sri Lanka tour and in India things happen. I speak with our scoring a century and a 50 in two Tests, against South Africa as well.” coaches, Sanjay Bangar and Anil Kohli might stick to the right-handed With the team’s batting click- Kumble, so I think that com- batsman for the fi nal match. ing in the previous three match- munication and visualisation Besides Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane would es, the Anil Kumble-coached is really helping me,” the right- also hold his place after handy knocks. side is unlikely to make big handed batsman added. Rohit Sharma, who was given a chance in the third Test, is likely to be persisted with and Cheteshwar Pujara would then FOOTBALL miss out from the playing XI. Skipper Kohli, despite being the top File picture of the Indian cricketers during a practice sessions at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. run-getter in the series with 251 runs, will aim to get some more runs under his with the bat, failing to score a big total Carlos Brathwaite, Shannon Gabriel and ja, Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Russia scrambles belt ahead of the gruelling Test season in three outings.Senior batsmen Marlon Miguel Cummins while leg-spinner De- Mohd. Shami, Shardul Thakur, Umesh lined up at home. Samuels and Darren Bravo will have to vendra Bishoo is the lone specialist spin- Yadav, Ishant Sharma. In the bowling department, with the take the responsibility and score big to ner in the team. aft er work halted at long Test season lined up ahead, sen- have any hopes of ending the series with WEST INDIES: Jason Holder (captain), iors Ishant Sharma or Mohamed Shami a consolation win. Besides the experi- THE SQUADS: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Darren might be rested which might pave way enced duo, the young batsmen in the side INDIA: Virat Kohli (captain), Mu- Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Black- 2018 WC venue for Umesh Yadav or Mumbai pacer Shar- will have to step up to prove a point. rali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, wood, Roston Chase, Leon Johnson, dul Thakur. In the bowling department, skipper Ja- Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shane Dowrich (wk), Devendra Bishoo, AFP Inzhtransstroy-SPB pledged On the other hand, the hosts have son Holder will have to take the responsi- Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Carlos Brathwaite, Shannon Gabriel, Saint Petersburg to “hand over in a civilised man- failed to prove themselves consistently bility to lead the attack again along with R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jade- Miguel Cummins, Alzarri Joseph. ner” the construction to the new fi rm, which has pledged to com- ith the 2018 World plete the stadium by December BOTTOMLINE Cup less than two 26 for 5.38 billion rubles. years away, Rus- sia is scrambling to ‘NO EXTREME DELAYS’ Wresume construction at one of Work on the ill-fated Saint Peters- the tournament’s fl agship stadi- burg stadium began in 2007 with ums where labour disputes have an estimated budget of 6.9 billion threatened to derail eff orts to rubles. It has dragged on nearly a Pakistan begin 2019 World Cup meet deadlines. decade and is now going to cost an Work on the futuristic estimated 39.2 billion rubles. 68,000-seater stadium in Saint Before severing its ties with Petersburg, Russia’s second city, the stadium, Inzhtransstroy- was halted last month over a SPB said that the venue was qualifi cation bid against Ireland contractual disagreement be- 85 percent completed, a fi gure tween local authorities and the Mutko said represents a “high AFP Pakistan’s one-day squad also fi rm overseeing construction. level” of readiness. Malahide features the return of experi- The fi rm building the venue, The remaining 15 percent of the enced pace bowler Umar Gul. Inzhtransstroy-SPB, quit the stadium — which includes work Gul, 32, who played against project, forcing Russian authori- on heating, electricity and the in- akistan launch their Ireland in Pakistan’s shock ties to hastily fi nd a new compa- stallation of fi xed roof — needs to quest to make sure of World Cup defeat back in 2007, ny to build the spaceship-shaped be completed before next sum- an automatic qualifying has not appeared in 50-over in- stadium that will host seven mer’s Confederation Cup, which spot at the 2019 World ternational cricket for 16 months matches, including a semi-fi nal. Russia will host in four of its World PCup in England when they face but his experience of English Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, Cup venues as a rehearsal for the Ireland in two one-day interna- conditions has seen him replace who also heads the country’s 2018 tournament. tionals at Malahide, near , the giant Mohammad Irfan. football union, said last week he Local authorities have re- today and Saturday. Ireland were dealt a huge blow was concerned about the situ- mained upbeat and dismissed The fi xtures, Pakistan’s lead in with the news that former Eng- ation but expressed hope that the prospect of seeing an unfi n- to a fi ve-match ODI series against land pace bowler Boyd Rankin has the new contractor, Metrostroy, ished stadium host the matches. England, come with the 1992 not only been ruled out of the se- would turn things around. “Everything will be ready to world champions languishing in ries but the rest of the season, in- “Poor quality work has been host Confederation Cup match- ninth place in the International cluding the ODIs in Benoni at the done on a string of engineering es in 2017 and the World Cup in Cricket Council’s team rankings end of next month against South systems,” R-Sport news agency 2018,” the deputy head of the for the 50-over format. Africa and Australia. quoted Mutko as saying. Saint Petersburg region, Igor Al- Hosts England and the seven Rankin suff ered a fracture “This was all discovered when bin, told local media. highest-ranked sides in the ta- of his left leg when training for the contract was terminated. President Vladimir Putin last ble come September 30 next Warwickshire’s ongoing English Now we need to build it with month ordered government of- year will qualify directly for the County Championship game composure. We have to start be- fi cials to take “measures to World Cup. File picture of Pakistan’s Yasir Shah (2nd L) holding up the ball after taking five wickets at the Oval. against Surrey. ing more positive.” eliminate the delays in the con- Meanwhile the bottom four Ireland have decided not to The alleged shoddy labour struction of sport or other infra- teams in the standings will be good results in both series will ditions,” Azhar told AFP. well (in England) and the ODI replace Rankin in their 14-man unleashed a bitter war of words structure” for the tournament, joined by six sides from below help them close the gap. “If you look at their recent team will take their lead from squad, happy with the return between Inzhtransstroy-SPB and instructed Prime Minister cricket’s international elite for a For Ireland, currently ranked performances in World Cup that.” of Craig Young following elbow and local authorities, with the Dmitry Medvedev to report on 10-team qualifying competition 12th, a 2-0 series win over Pa- matches they have done very surgery and the impressive ODI company accusing authorities of the issue monthly. in 2018. kistan would see them leapfrog well. But we have new play- SPIN THREAT debut of Durham’s Barry McCa- owing it one billion rubles ($16 Mutko told R-Sport last week The top two sides from that Zimbabwe and Afghanistan into ers who are very confi dent,” the Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez rthy in the recent series against million) and withholding 4.3 bil- that there are “no extreme de- tournament will complete the 10th place. 31-year-old batsman added. and Azhar are the only specialist Sri Lanka. lion rubles in extra funding. lays that would be the cause 10-strong line-up at the 2019 Only six of the Pakistan play- “The performance of the Test batsmen who keep their places Today’s game will be the sev- Local authorities, in turn, for strong concern” in work on World Cup. Pakistan are cur- ers who took part in the exciting team is an encouragement for the from the Test squad along with enth ODI between the teams. claimed the fi rm had missed World Cup venues. rently seven points behind Test series in England -- which ODI team so we will carry that bowlers Mohammad Amir, Wa- Pakistan have won four, most deadlines, violated security But dozens of workers building eighth-placed West Indies. they drew 2-2 with a four-day same momentum and passion. It hab Riaz and Yasir Shah. recently in the fi nal World Cup regulations and neglected con- a 35,000-seat stadium in Kalin- In order to go ahead of the victory at The Oval on Sunday — was a big challenge for the Test “We have two very good group game at Adelaide last year struction standards. ingrad last month staged a strike West Indies in the next month, stay on for the ODIs, in a 15-man team because a lot of people used young spinners in Imad Waseem by seven wickets when both Ire- Work on the venue, which will to protest their labour condi- Pakistan will have to win all squad captained by Azhar Ali. to say that we are only good in our and Mohammad Nawaz, then we land captain William Porterfi eld serve as Zenit St Petersburg’s tions, claiming their salaries had their matches against non-Test “Ireland are always a tough own conditions.” have Yasir and Shoaib Malik so and Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed stadium, is expected to resume been withheld for the past three nation Ireland and England, but team, more so in their own con- “But the Test team has done they can be handy,” said Azhar. scored centuries. by the end of the month. months, local media reported.

Thursday, August 18, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka v Australia 3rd Test scoreboard Completed scoreboard on 3-0, M. Henriques 2-0-9-0, A. the fifth day of the third and Voges 2-0-11-0 final Test between Sri Lanka Did not bat: L. Sandakan and Australia in Colombo yesterday Australia 2nd Innings (target: 324 runs) Sri Lanka 1st innings 355 S. Marsh c Mendis b Aussies lose Test (D. Chandimal 132, D. de Silva D. Perera 23 129; M. Starc 5-63, N. Lyon D. Warner b D. Perera 68 3-110) S. Smith b Herath 8 A. Voges lbw b Herath 1 Australia 1st innings 379 M. Henriques run out 4 (S. Marsh 130, S. Smith 119; R. M. Marsh c K. Perera b Herath 6-81) Herath 9 P. Nevill c Mathews b Herath 2 crown aft er Sri Sri Lanka 2nd innings (over- M. Starc c K. Perera b night: 312-8; D. de Silva not out Herath 23 44, S. Lakmal not out 0) N. Lyon lbw b. Herath 12 D. Perera lbw b Starc 8 J. Hazlewood st K. Perera b D. Karunaratne st Nevill b Herath 0 Lyon 22 J. Holland not out 0 K. Silva c Smith b Holland 115 Extras (b4, lb6) 10 K. Perera c Nevill b Holland 24 Total (10 wickets; 44.1 overs) Lanka whitewash K. Mendis lbw b Starc 18 160 A. Mathews c Smith b Lyon 26 Fall of wickets: 1-77 (S. Marsh), D. Chandimal lbw b Lyon 43 2-100 (Smith), 3-102 (Voges), ‘What a moment... credit to de Silva the way he batted and then Chandimal the way D. de Silva not out 65 4-114 (Warner), 5-115 (Hen- R. Herath c Smith b Lyon 5 riques), 6-123 (M. Marsh), 7-140 they got us through the second and third sessions on the first day and then Herath...’ S. Lakmal not out 4 (Nevill), 8-157 (Starc), 9-159 Extras (b8, lb3, w1, nb 5) 17 (Hazlewood), 10-160 (Lyon) Total (8 wickets dec; 99.3 Bowling: Herath 18.1-3-64-7, overs) 347 D. Perera 22-3-71-2, De Silva Fall of wickets: 1-8 (D. Perera), 4-0-15-0 2-44 (Karunaratne), 3-69 (K. Result: Sri Lanka win by 160 Perera), 4-98 (Mendis), 5-156 runs (Mathews), 6-246 (Chandimal), Man-of-the-match: Herath 7-276 (Silva), 8-297 (Herath) (SRI) Bowling: Starc 19.3-4-72-2, Series: Sri Lanka win three- Lyon 37-7-123-4, Holland 20- match series 3-0 4-72-2, Hazlewood 14-2-33-0, Man-of-the-series: Herath Smith 2-0-13-0, M. Marsh 3-1- (SRI)

India topple Australia as number one Test side India has regained its title as the world’s number one Test team after Australia suff ered a 3-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka yesterday, the International Cricket Council said. India, who had ceded the top slot to Steve Smith’s side at the turn Australia’s captain Steven Smith (C) of the year, regained looks on during the presentation. their crown thanks to their recent series victory over their series with England. West Indies, which meant Aus- tralia had to win the final Test. RANKINGS land Sri Lanka’s cricketers pose for photographers after victory in the third and final Test against Australia at The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo yesterday. Sri Lanka’s 163-run victory 1. India 6. Sri Lanka yesterday has also allowed 2. Pakistan 7. S. Africa AFP a very tough series again, that is the our snared Adam Voges in the same over. series sweep against a major side since Pakistan to leapfrog Australia 3. Australia 8. West Indies Colombo third straight whitewash loss in the sub- Warner, who had batted well for his 68 gaining Test status in 1981. in the rankings table after 4. England 9. Bangladesh continent,” a disappointed Australian with six fours and a six, was Perera’s sec- Defi ant centuries from Dinesh Chan- Misbah-ul-Haq’s team drew 5. New Zea- 10. Zimbabwe skipper Steve Smith told reporters. ond big strike. dimal and Dhananjaya de Silva ensured ustralia lost their crown as the “Can’t fault the prep, got here early, His removal opened up the tail to that the hosts got a decent fi rst-innings kings of Test cricket yesterday worked as hard as we can. Think Sri Lan- Herath who wrapped up proceedings by score of 355. after another devastating burst ka have played some great cricket, (it’s) taking the fi nal wicket of Nathan Lyon, The batting duo put together a defi n- ELATION of spin bowling from the vet- disappointing but a great learning curve.” triggering wild celebrations in front of a ing 211-run stand for the sixth wicket af- eranA Rangana Herath helped Sri Lanka Openers David Warner and Shaun raucous home crowd — many of whom ter the hosts were left reeling at 26 for fi ve clinch an historic series whitewash. Marsh briefl y raised Australian hopes of had been admitted for free. having elected to bat. Set a formidable target of 324 in their a consolation win as they made a brisk “The feeling is unbelievable. This is “What a moment... credit to de Silva the Sri Lanka celebrates second innings of the third and fi nal Test, start to their chase before their partner- one of the top series for us,” a beaming way he batted and then Chandimal the way Australia collapsed were all out for just ship was broken just before lunch with Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews after they got us through the second and third 160 as Herath took seven for 64 at the the score on 77. being handed the Warne-Muralitharan sessions on the fi rst day and then Herath, fi rst whitewash of Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Off -spinner Dilruwan Perera’s dis- Trophy. doing his thing,” Mathews said. It was the third time in a row that the missal of Marsh, who scored a century in Earlier Sri Lanka, who resumed on 312 Australian paceman Mitchell Starc was Australians had lost all of their Tests in the fi rst innings in Colombo, was the cue for eight, declared their second innings the standout performer for the visitors mighty Aussies away series against teams from the sub- for a dramatic collapse by the Australians on 347 for eight with overnight batsman with his 24 wickets in the series includ- continent and allowed India to regain the who lost their last nine wickets for just Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 65. ing three fi ve-wicket hauls. number one slot in the world rankings. 60 runs. Playing in just his third Test, de Silva But the man-of-series award went to And it was the fi rst time that the hosts The destroyer-in-chief was Herath smashed 10 boundaries during his 74- Herath who took a total of 28 wickets in had ever recorded a clean sweep of a ma- who, having claimed six wickets in the ball knock, after scoring a century in the the three Tests, including a hat-trick in jor cricketing nation since they gained fi rst innings, was again close to unplay- fi rst innings. the second rubber. Test status in 1981. able at times. Kaushal Silva’s gritty 115 played a big Sri Lanka had only ever beaten Aus- “It’s a hard one to grasp really, it’s been Smith was his fi rst victim and he then part in Sri Lanka registering their fi rst tralia once before in a Test match.

BOTTOMLINE Skipper Mathews hails Herath, Lanka’s one-legged hero AFP on Tests, we will go series by Colombo series. Hopefully I wish to play next series.” Australian skipper Steve kipper Angelo Mathews Smith, who was dismissed by hailed Rangana Herath as Herath in both innings in Co- Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews (R) with the trophy. Sri Lanka’s one-legged lombo, acknowledged that he hero yesterday after the was a class act. AFP pact” on the entire cricket-crazy spinnerS played through the pain “He’s a very tough character nation of 21 million people as he Colombo barrier to once again demolish to face,” Smith told reporters. thanked Australia for touring the Australia’s batting line-up. “He’s always at you, he’s al- island nation. The 38-year-old Herath took ways at your stumps, he changes ri Lanka’s president and Batting great and Sri Lanka’s seven for 64 in Australia’s second his pace beautifully and bowls former cricket legends chairman of selector Sanath innings of the third and fi nal Test, from diff erent parts of the yesterday hailed the coun- Jayasuriya also congratulated fi nishing with 13 wickets in the crease, changes his angles up,” try’s fi rst series whitewash the team for their effort against match, to confi rm his status as the Smith said. againstS Australia after they regis- Australia, who lost their Test outstanding player of the series. “You never really get a freebie tered an emphatic 163-run win in crown to India after the loss in But it was an even more re- off him or an easy boundary.... the fi nal Test in Colombo. Colombo. markable feat given that he had He is a terrifi c bowler in these Veteran spinner Rangana Her- “Whitewash over the No 1 Test to retire hurt while batting in Sri conditions and he has had a ath claimed seven wickets on team, one of the greatest Test Lanka’s fi rst innings after being magnifi cent series.” Wednesday to bowl out Australia series wins. proud of the boys, struck in the groin while putting Smith admitted that Aus- for 160 on a tense fi nal day’s play Congratulations #SLvAUS,” Ja- on a gritty 33 at the Sinhalese tralia, who have now lost their in the third Test at the Sinhalese yasuriya, who was at SSC to sa- Sports Club (SSC). status as number one Test side Sports Club (SSC). vour the historis win, tweeted. Herath visibly struggled at Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews (R) celebrates with teammates Rangana Herath (C) and Dinesh to India, were comprehensively Sri Lanka, who made Australia The 38-year-old Herath, who times in both the Australian in- Chandimal after victory in the third and final Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia. beaten by the Sri Lankans. lose their Test crown to India, bowled with an injured groin in nings but such was his value “We have been outplayed in recorded their fi rst series sweep Colombo, remained the team’s that he remained skipper Angelo major Test team. been a great team man as well.” retirement from Tests is not far every facet of the game,” said against a major nation since go-to man throughout the series, Mathews go-to man throughout “He couldn’t run and he Herath took a total of 28 wick- away but indicated on Wednes- Smith who had been unbeaten as gaining Test status in 1981. claiming 28 wickets in the three as he sent down 56 overs. couldn’t jump. He was just land- ets in the three Tests, including day that he wanted to add to his captain before the series. “Congratulations to the @of- matches. “He was fantastic. He was ing the ball on one leg and he is a match-winning fi ve for 54 in tally of 332 wickets. “Our plans haven’t worked fi cialSLC boys. So proud,” Presi- “If @HerathRSL was English bowling off one leg,” Mathews unbelievable.” the fi rst match in Pallekele and a “Experience counts a lot, as individuals or as a collec- dent Maithripala Sirisena said on he would be knighted. I am so told reporters as he singled out “The batsmen are having a hat-trick in the second in Galle. every day we learn,” Herath said tive group, we haven’t been Twitter. glad he is Sri Lankan. He deserves Herath while assessing the rea- nightmare facing him no matter The left-arm spinner has al- as he accepted his man of the able to put Sri Lanka under as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief the highest credit and recogni- sons behind Sri Lanka’s fi rst ever how well they play spin. Credit ready called it quits in ODI and match award. much pressure as we would have Thilanga Sumathipala said the tion. Great man,” former skipper clean sweep in a series against a should go to this man. He has T20 cricket and has hinted that “I haven’t decided anything liked,” he added. victory will have a “huge im- Kumar Sangakkara tweeted.