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Friday, August 2, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 1, 1440 AH Who is Arsenal’s GULF TIMES new record signing Nicolas Pepe? SPORT Page 2

HORSE RACING Deirdre picks up thrilling win at Qatar Goodwood Festival Japanese contender takes a big victory in the Group 1 feature of the day — Qatar Nassau Stakes Sponsoring Qatar Goodwood Festival realises Qatar’s equestrian sport goals: QREC chairman

atar Racing and relation to the positive impact Equestrian Club (QREC) of the Festival and role of the Qchairman Issa bin Qatari sponsorship in increas- Mohamed al-Mohannadi ing the racegoer turnout which lauded this year’s renewal of amounts to 100,000, extensive the Qatar Goodwood Festival. media coverage, top-quality He highlighted the growth runners. All such factors mo- of the Festival as reflected in tivate us to work towards an the high quality of racing and optimum investment in order horses, and the role of the to realise our objectives in fa- Qatari sponsorship in adding vour of Qatar’s equestrian sport momentum, media coverage in general. and the turnout at the event. “Races have been run at Good- “The partnership with Good- wood for over 200 years. The wood Racecourse continues up association of Qatar’s name to 2024,” said al-Mohannadi at with such a prestigious event the ongoing Qatar Goodwood is therefore very significant Festival. and it brings about numerous “The outcome has been signifi- benefits and fosters Qatar’s cant and has been key to the commitment to Arabian racing extended sponsorship in order worldwide. In addition, the to continue the successes of ing in the UK. All such positive partnership between QREC the previous editions. As I men- aspects have motivated the and Qatar Airways at the Qatar tioned last year, QREC assesses decision to extend the sponsor- Goodwood Festival is an excel- each edition of the Festival and ship under conditions which lent example of cooperation we work towards maximising QREC deem appropriate over between Qatari organisations the positive aspects every year. the next five years.” and QREC. It is for this fact that The Festival has been generally Al-Mohannadi added: “The I invite Qatari organisations successful in promoting the extension of the agreement and banks to fulfil this role with name of Qatar and enhancing has also been associated with us, particularly as the gains are the standing of the Qatar’s the study conducted by the numerous at such a prestigious Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (second from left) crowned the winners of Qatar Nassau Stakes equestrian sports and horserac- embassy of Qatar in the UK in event of this calibre.” (Group 1) after Japan’s Deirdre won the 10-furlong contest at the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim and Zuzanna Lupa

By A Correspondent Goodwood, United Kingdom

eirdre provided Japan with a huge success winning the Qatar Nas- sau Stakes (Group 1) on thirdD day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, which also hosted a la- dies amateur jockey race, besides two other black-type races. In the £600,000 10-fur- long contest, Mitsuru Hashida- trained Deirdre fi nished with a fl ourish under Oisin Murphy, as the fi ve-year-old foiled the at- tempts of trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori, who had won the feature on the fi rst two days of the festival. The daughter of Harbinger captured the honours by a length and a quarter from long-time leader Mehdaayih. Sir Michael Stoute-trained Rawdaa fi nished third. Action from Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3) at the Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) CEO Nasser bin ery Handicap. Ridden by Ryan Sherida al-Kaabi crowned the Moore, Governor Of Punjab winners. Al Kass Sports Channel’s Issa bin Abdulla al-Hitmi (second from left) crowned the winners of the Qatar won the seven-furlong event by Clive Cox-trained Golden Gordon Stakes (Group 3) after Nayef Road won the race yesterday. a length over the Eve Johnson- Horde landed the £200,000 Houghton-trained Sword Beach. Qatar Richmond Stakes (Group Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3). I’m so grateful to everyone who The Al Shaqab Racing-owned 2) under Adam Kirby. The two- Al Kass Sports Channel’s Issa bin has come along to support.” and Richard Fahey-trained Toro year-old son of Lethal Force, who Abdulla al-Hitmi crowned the Gosden registered his third Strike was third. was also trained by Cox, held off winners. victory of the week, when For- In the Markel Insurance Brit- the sustained challenge of the In the Magnolia Cup for lady est Of Dean won the 10-furlong ish EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, well-supported Threat, trained riders, 18-year-old Khadijah £75,000 Unibet Handicap. Charlie Hills-trained Vividly, by Richard Hannon, to score by Mellah emerged as an inspi- Ridden by Harry Bentley, reg- ridden by K Shoemark, fi nished three-quarters of a length in the ration, especially for Muslim istering his fi rst victory at this ahead of LW Bell-trained Cray- six-furlong event. QREC Board women, in sport. She won with year’s Qatar Goodwood Festi- lands and Mark Johnston-trained member Khalid bin Mohamed al- a cool head and skills beyond her val, the three-year-old son of Tulip Fields for the win. Ali, crowned the winners. experience. She became the fi rst Iff raaj ran on strongly up the Tom Clover-trained Celsius Yorkshire-based Scotsman woman to ride competitively on a far-side rail to score by two and won the £25,000 Tatler Handi- Mark Johnston saddled his 81st British racecourse while wearing a half lengths over the Andrew cap Stakes under PJ McDonald. Qatar Goodwood Festival win- the hijab. Balding-trained Fox Premier in ner, setting a record for wins at Among 12 runners, Mel- second. the famous midsummer meet- lah gave the Charlie Fellowes- Johnston registered his fourth Jockey Khadijah Mellah (centre) ing. It was also his 150th win- trained Haverland a well-timed mount of Rachael Gowland. victory of the week and a dou- celebrates after she rode Charlie ner at all Goodwood’s meetings. run to win the 1,100m run Khadijah said: “There are no ble on Ladies’ Day following Fellowes-trained Haverland to Johnston’s landmark victory and score narrowly from Land words to describe this — I’m lost the impressive success of fa- victory in the Magnolia Cup came courtesy of the Silvestre De Filly, ridden by Alexis Green, for words. I’m still trying to fi g- vourite Governor Of Punjab in for lady riders at the Qatar Sousa-ridden Nayef Road in the and Clewbrious Company, the ure out how it all happened, and the £25,000 Telegraph Nurs- Goodwood Festival yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 2, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Who is Arsenal’s new record signing Nicolas Pepe? Pepe becomes Africa’s most expensive footballer after completing his blockbuster £72mn move from French club Lille Top fi ve African transfers

When Nicolas Pepe put pen to paper Manchester City fans will be hoping yesterday to conclude his transfer he continues his good form as Pep from Lille to Arsenal, the fee of £72 Guardiola’s side eye a third straight mn ($87 mn) made the Ivorian the league title. most expensive African footballer in Mahrez, 28, was a revelation with the world. AFP looks at the top five the Leicester, one of the masterminds transfers featuring African players. behind their extraordinary Premier League triumph in 2015-16. Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast): £72 mn ($87 mn), Lille to Arsenal, July 2019 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Napoli made a late approach for the (Gabon): £56mn ($71mn), forward but he had shown a prefer- Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal, ence for Arsenal from the start and January 2018, duly signed on the dotted line. He will Until the arrival of Pepe, Gabonese earn in the region of eight mn euros striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a year and in return Gunners fans will was Arsenal’s most expensive signing want goals as they dream of a return and the fans took an instant liking for to the Champions League. Goals are him, penning a quirky chant to the Pepe’s currency — he scored 22 last tune of Bonnie Tyler’s hit song Total season as Lille finished in a surprising Eclipse of the Heart. second place in Ligue 1. The former Dortmund forward responded with goals, sweeping Cedric Bakambu (Congo): £65.4 the Gunners into this year’s Europa mn ($83 mn), Villarreal to Beijing League final and scoring 22 last Guoan, February 2018 season in the Premier League, sharing An indication of Chinese buying the Golden Boot with two other Afri- power that a player of Bakumbu’s cans, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, both relatively modest achievements of whom are at Liverpool. could command such a high fee. The 28-year-old was born and bred Naby Keita (Guinea): £52.75mn in France and made his name with ($67mn), Leipzig to Liverpool, Sochaux. July 2018 He moved on to Bursaspor and Liverpool thought so highly of the then Villarreal for whom he banged in midfielder that they not only wrote 32 goals in 75 appearances, catching a cheque for Leipzig to the value of the eye of the Chinese Super League £52.7mn but they also handed Keita outfit. He made his international the number eight shirt that had been debut in 2015 and was in the side that, unused since the departure of Steven in spite of his goal, lost on penalties to Gerrard. Madagascar in this year’s Africa Cup Indeed, it was Gerrard himself of Nations last 16. who presented it. The 24-year-old started his career with French Ligue Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) — £60mn 2 side Istres before moving on to Red ($76mn), Leicester City to Manches- Bull Salzburg and then Leipzig. An ter City, January 2018 important part of the Reds midfield he Riyad Mahrez stunner’s earlier in July missed the Champions League victory was enough to give Algeria their first through injury but he was back with Africa Cup of Nations title in 29 years. Guinea for the Africa Cup of Nations. Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe poses with Arsenal jersey after joining the North London Club. (Arsenal)

AFP winger who was wanted by many of with Lille that saw him named in the ity and depth of the Premier League, childhood, with his father working as Galtier took over last year Pepe started London the top teams in Europe. Signing a top- Ligue 1 Team of the Year. He was behind Pepe’s presence should add fi repower a prison guard while his mother was a to thrive on the fl anks and helped save class winger has been one of our key only PSG’s Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue to an Arsenal attack that saw Aubam- housekeeper. While at amateur club the club from relegation in 2017/18. objectives in this transfer window and 1 scoring charts as Lille fi nished second eyang and Alexandre Lacazette score Solitaires Paris-Est, Pepe even played Pepe’s blistering pace became a lethal icolas Pepe has taken a wind- I’m delighted he’s joining. He will add to qualify for the Champions League. 50 goals between them in all competi- in goal for a whole season as the club weapon and his skill earned compari- ing road to the top, but Ar- pace, power and creativity, with the And Lille manager Christophe Galtier tions last season. Pepe was at his best did not have anyone else to fi ll the role. sons to Belgian star Eden Hazard, who senal’s club-record signing aim of bringing more goals to our team.” has no doubts Pepe will prove a big hit playing on the right side of the Lille His father moved his family 200 miles also made his name at Lille. is unlikely to be fazed by his Pepe said: “Being here is very emo- at Arsenal as the north London club attack, cutting back onto his stronger (322 kilometres) south to Poitiers when He fi nished last season with 22 goals Nnew-found fame and fortune. Pepe be- tional because it has not been easy for try to return to the Champions League left foot, and Arsenal manager Emery, Pepe was 14, starting his son’s progress and 11 assists, winning Lille’s player came Africa’s most expensive footballer me. I have come a long way and strug- themselves. who often played a 3-5-2 formation last through the lower leagues. of the season award before playing yesterday after the Ivory Coast winger gled a lot and so signing for this great “He amazes me, he amazes us,” Gal- season, might have to change to a 4-3- Pepe fi rst made his mark with then for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of completed his blockbuster move from club is a big reward.” tier said in February. “He’s certain to 3 system to accommodate his three star fi fth-tier Poitiers before a move to Nations. Renowned for posting eye- French club Lille for a reported £72mn Securing the fl amboyant 24-year- become a world-class player because forwards. Angers. Pepe’s stock continued to rise catching social media photos featur- ($87mn). The deal eclipses the £56mn old is an impressive coup for Arsenal he knows how to do everything.” Arriving at one of the Premier during a loan spell at Orleans, where ing himself and his friends and family spent on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang given Paris Saint-Germain, Manches- Pepe was one of only two players League’s top clubs must seem like he won promotion from the third tier, in extravagant clothes and poses, Pepe in January 2018 as the Gunners add an- ter United and Napoli were report- with 20-plus goals and 10-plus assists a dream come true for France-born before Lille snapped him up two years has shown an inclination to fl aunt his other attacking option to their ranks. edly interested in his signature. Pepe’s in the top fi ve European Leagues last Pepe after his long journey to the big ago on the advice of then boss Marcelo personality. Now Arsenal’s new prize Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: record switch to the Premier League season, alongside Barcelona’s Lionel time. Growing up in Mantes-la-Jolie, Bielsa. Bielsa played him as a central possession has the chance to shine in “Nicolas is a highly rated and talented comes after a breakthrough season Messi. While Ligue 1 lacks the qual- outside of Paris, Pepe had a humble striker with little success, but after the spotlight at the Emirates Stadium.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Bale’s round of golf not a China resurgent in transfer market AFP — transfer record. “The dust has Shanghai settled and teams are now more concern for Zidane savvy about their recruitment,” he said. Reuters areth Bale’s £1-million- But the Shanghai-based Munich a-week move from Real Briton, who is involved in the Madrid collapsed but Chinese transfer scene, said Chinese football has re- that CSL teams continue to of- eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Gemerged as a force in the global fer wages that are two or even Gareth Bale’s personal life is his own transfer market despite measures three times what players earn in business and not something he would to rein in spending. Marko Ar- Europe. That is, however, diff er- get involved in as long as the Welsh for- nautovic, Salomon Rondon and ent from the heady days of a few wardR was training. Bale, who has been strongly Stephan El Shaarawy all landed years ago, when salaries could be linked with a move away from the Spanish club, in the Chinese Super League four of fi ve times higher, he said. missed the trip to Munich for the Audi Cup pre- (CSL) during China’s summer William Bi, a Beijing-based season tournament because he was not fi t and had transfer window, which closed sports expert, said this trans- stayed in Madrid to train, Zidane said on Tuesday. yesterday. fer window was the “hottest” Media reports in Spain said the Welsh winger There was a fl urry of domestic since the winter of 2016. “The had been on the golf course on Tuesday while his transfers too, while Champions football spending spree from the teammates were losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hot- League-winning coach Rafael East seems to have resumed,” he spur, but Zidane was not about to start making Benitez also arrived, taking over said, agreeing with Spencer that any judgements. at Dalian Yifang. Nearly 100mn Marko Arnautovic was the biggest mover to China, swapping West Chinese clubs were now smarter “I am here, I’m here with my players, so I can’t euros was spent in transfer fees Ham for CSL champions Shanghai SIPG for 25mn euros. (AFP) in the market, buying players for really say much. I hope that he has trained there,” by CSL clubs, compared to the footballing reasons rather than the Frenchman told reporters after Real beat Fen- record 128mn euros splurged in last moment because of wran- annual expenditure could not ex- show and shunning has-beens erbahce 5-3 to fi nish third in the tournament on the summer of 2016, said the re- gling over the fee. Two years ago, ceed 1.2bn yuan ($174mn, 158mn looking for a fi nal payday. Wednesday. “I’m not going to stop anyone from spected Oriental Sports Daily. after a series of record deals, the euros) in 2019, which will decline Bi believes that Chinese foot- doing something, you know? Everyone has their The Austrian forward Ar- Chinese Football Association to 900mn in 2021. But in light of ball will attract more highly rated own responsibilities and we will see what he’s nautovic was the biggest mover, — at the behest of the govern- the latest transfer dealings, those coaches like Benitez because been up to in Madrid. I’m not getting involved swapping West Ham United for ment — slapped a 100% tax on measures were now “a pile of there is no transfer fee and clubs with his personal life. He stayed back to train. I CSL champions Shanghai SIPG the transfers of incoming foreign waste paper”, said a commentary can justify the outlay on wages to think he has trained. And we will see about eve- for 25mn euros. But it was Bale’s players. in the Oriental Sports Daily. the government, because having rything else.” proposed transfer to Jiangsu The prohibitive move worked: Harry Belford Spencer, co- top-notch managers helps Chi- The Bale saga has dominated the closed season a problem with the number of goals they conced- Suning which really made head- in the summer of 2017 the high- founder of First Pick Group, a nese football. at the Madrid club, with multiple media outlets ed. “Yes, we’re going to resolve that, we’re going lines and renewed fears about est-profi le arrival was Anthony Shanghai-based sports advisory “For fi nancial reasons, it is still suggesting he was on his way to China to join to work hard and I am one with my players,” he Chinese clubs distorting the Modeste on loan from Cologne. company, said that the swinge- far away from claiming China is Jiangsu Suning only to then report that the move added. “I know we are going to push on and we’re transfer market with wages the The CFA brought in more cooling ing tax slapped on in 2017 has a big spender like three or four had been blocked by club president Florentino going to have a really good season. rest cannot match. measures at the start of this year, deterred CSL clubs from shelling years ago,” said Bi. “But for the Perez. On Wednesday, the Real players that did “And that’s it. Nobody likes to concede three The 30-year-old forward was including a cap on the wages of out huge transfer fees. Oscar’s time being, what we can feel is travel to Munich ensured the 13-times European goals. But the important thing for us is the vic- all set to sign a handsomely paid Chinese players and a limit on 60mn euro move from Chelsea that the hidden hand (of the gov- champions had enough fi repower up front against tory. We won with fi ve goals, and we could have three-year contract with Jiangsu, bonuses. to Shanghai SIPG in January 2017 ernment) curbing football in- the Turkish side but Zidane did concede there was scored more, but that’s it.” but Real pulled the plug at the Clubs were also told that their remains a Chinese — and Asian vestment is gradually loosening.” Gulf Times Friday, August 2, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY FOCUS Women’s World Cup Felix shines as Atletico expanded to 32 teams blanks MLS All-Stars in 2023 Reuters Zurich ‘I haven’t seen too much of Joao Felix but... he looks like he has good technique’ ootball’s world govern- AFP ing body FIFA has ap- Orlando proved the expansion of the Women’s World CupF from the existing 24 teams ortuguese teen sensation Joao to 32 for the 2023 edition and Felix came off the bench to score reopened the bidding process a superb goal Wednesday night for potential hosts. The tourna- as Atletico Madrid blanked the ment has steadily increased the PMajor League Soccer All-Stars 3-0 at number of participating teams rain-soaked Exploria Stadium. from 12 in the fi rst edition in Marcos Llorente, signed from city ri- 1991 to 24 teams in the last two vals Real this summer for $42mn, had editions. put the Spanish side ahead in the fi rst “The FIFA Council has unani- half before 19 year-old, $134mn striker mously agreed to a proposal to Felix scored a brilliant second to decide expand the number of teams a match that failed to spark into ac- taking part in the women’s tion, a swathe of changes on both teams World Cup from 24 to 32, with contributing to a decidedly low-tempo eff ect as of the next edition of aff air. Diego Costa’s late third was no the tournament in 2023,” it said more than the visitors deserved. Los in a statement. Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic The expansion will mean was withdrawn after just 30 minutes it will now be on par with the and despite Wayne Rooney’s best eff orts men’s tournament which has in the fi rst half, it was the La Liga side had 32 teams since 1998. Nine that was far superior. countries have so far submitted “I haven’t seen too much of Joao Fe- bids including Argentina, Aus- lix but... he looks like he has good tech- tralia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, nique,” Rooney said. “I’m sure he will Japan, New Zealand, South Af- be a good player for Atletico in the near rica and South Korea. future.” The deadline for submitting The Spanish side spent plenty of bid documents to host the next money betting Rooney is right. “Of World Cup was in April, with course it’s a big price to pay for such a host due to be appointed in a young player but that’s the way the March 2020 by the FIFA council, market is going now,” Rooney said. but the timeline has now been “Everyone is spending a lot of money. I updated after the expansion. remember a few years ago, Zinedine Zi- “Having been presented with dane went for over $60mn and everyone a background document on the was saying ‘What’s going on?’ But that’s expansion, FIFA’s decision- the price you have to pay now.” making body voted in favour of Madrid manager Diego Simeone re- adopting the 32-team format fused to single out any of his new play- and, as a consequence, updating ers, including Felix. “I’ve been pleased the hosting requirements and with all the new signings and the path Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix (left) scores a goal against the MLS All Star Team at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, US, on Wednesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) the timeline of the bidding proc- we are going on during this pre-season,” ess for 2023,” it added. Simeone said. vourite Nani in their starting line-up. work from Vitolo, while Rooney saw a liantly back fl icking the ball to Llorente, ting before Nicolas Lodeiro was denied FIFA will send a circular next Inclement weather in the Orlando Rooney, the former Manchester Unit- brilliantly struck eff ort from 30 yards who drove the ball past Philadelphia by Atleti keeper Antonio Adan. month to the nine member asso- area delayed kickoff before a sellout ed and England forward, was operating whistle just over the bar. Ibrahimovic, Union goalkeeper Andre Blake. On 55 minutes, Simeone shuffl ed his ciations that submitted bids as crowd for 40 minutes but the rain failed in a deep lying midfi eld role and saw who had barely touched the ball, was James O’Connor, the Orlando City pack by making seven changes of his well as any other eligible mem- to dampen an excellent atmosphere for plenty of the ball in the opening stages withdrawn on 30 minutes, much to the coach in charge of the All-Stars, com- own including introducing Felix, who ber association that is interested the North American league’s annual without being able to penetrate the disappointment of the 25,527 spectators pletely changed his team at half-time, was signed from Benfi ca this summer, in hosting the tournament. The exhibition match. The MLS All-Stars, Spanish team’s defence. who hoped to see the mercurial Swedish including withdrawing Rooney and and his superb long range eff ort in the new deadline for bid submis- captained by leading scorer Carlos Vela Atletico created the fi rst real oppor- superstar in the action. Nani. It was one of the substitutes, Di- 84th minute sealed a comprehensive sions is Dec. 2019 with the hosts of LAFC, boasted the likes of DC Unit- tunity, Rodrigo Riquelme fi ring high Atletico’s opening goal on 43 minutes ego Rossi, who almost equalised when victory. Costa made it three at the death expected to be appointed in May ed’s Rooney, Ibrahimovic and home fa- and wide on 17 minutes following good was a superb team eff ort, Riquelme bril- his close-range eff ort hit the side net- from close range. next year.

SPOTLIGHT DISPUTE Bielsa’s Leeds target Premier League K League disappointed by Juve’s response to alleged breach of contract push as Championship starts Reuters a sincere apology and explain the reason for Ron- Seoul aldo’s no-show,” the league said. AFP “The key point... is that Ronaldo did not play London even for a minute contrary to the contract guarantee orea’s K League said that it feels disap- that he would play for at least 45 minutes. However, pointed and cheated by Juventus over Juventus’ reply did not off er any apology nor did it arcelo Bielsa has another chance the Serie A club’s refusal to apologise for explain what exactly happened that day.” to deliver Premier League foot- forward Cristiano Ronaldo sitting out a On Tuesday, a lawyer revealed irate football fans ball to the success-starved fans pre-seasonK friendly in Seoul last week. Ronaldo was in South Korea were planning to pursue legal action of Leeds United after falling contracted to play at least 45 minutes against the to seek compensation for the cost of tickets and Magonisingly short last season, as the Cham- K League All Stars, according to event organisers, “mental anguish” after Ronaldo’s no-show. The K pionship starts this weekend. but was advised to rest by Juve’s medical staff due League also rejected Juve’s claims that a delay at the The charismatic 64-year-old Argen- to “muscle fatigue” from a match played 48 hours airport and heavy traffi c en route to the stadium had tine, idolised by Tottenham boss Mauricio earlier in Nanjing. forced the match to kick off later than scheduled. Pochettino, gave the three-time English The K League, on Tuesday, sent a letter of pro- “Juventus’ claim that it took roughly 1 hour 50 champions a boost by agreeing to stay on for test to Juve over the alleged contract violation and minutes to exit the airport proved to be a lie,” the a second campaign. Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli responded by deny- K League added. “It... took only 26 minutes to go Leeds start their latest bid to escape the ing that the Italian champions had acted irrespon- through immigration for all 76 (members of the) Ju- second tier on Sunday against Bristol City sibly, but did not apologise. Yesterday, the K League ventus delegation and it was verifi ed by the Korea after the bitter disappointment of letting said Juve’s response was fi lled with “untruth and Immigration Service afterwards. slip a 2-0 aggregate lead against Derby in the deception” and demanded an apology. “K League “It is obvious to say that the club disvalued South play-off semi-fi nals in May. clearly registers our profound indignation and dis- Korea and neglected the current situation (which) Derby should once again be strong after appointment to Juventus’ irresponsible behaviour originated from Juventus’ irresponsible behaviour replacing Frank Lampard, who left to man- and manners, and we strongly urge Juventus to off er and manners including Ronaldo’s no-show.” age Chelsea, with former Dutch star Phillip Cocu. The relegated Premier League trio of Cardiff , Fulham and Huddersfi eld, will be buoyed by parachute payments, but the last Bayern coach Kovac apologises to Guardiola side to go straight back were Newcastle, af- ter they slipped out of the top fl ight in 2016. Berlin: Bayern Munich coach from Burnley — their 11th signing Danjuma rose through the youth West Brom, who reached the play-off s in Nico Kovac admitted Wednes- of a busy summer transfer system at PSV Eindhoven before May are positioned to make a strong push day that he had telephoned window after winning promo- joining NEC Nijmegen in 2016. under former West Ham and Croatia man- Manchester City boss Pep Guar- tion to the Premier League. The Last year he moved to ager Slaven Bilic. But fallen giants Leeds, diola to apologise over his pub- 33-year-old moves to Villa Park Bruges and during his one missing from the Premier League since lic pursuit of the English club’s for an undisclosed fee, reported season there helped them fin- 2004, are the early favourites to complete German striker Leroy Sane. to be £8mn. Heaton, who started ish runners-up in the Belgian their journey back to the top fl ight. Kovac had said he was his career at Manchester United, league, scored in the Champions Bielsa, who has kept faith with most of confident a deal could be done made 200 appearances for the League and made his interna- the squad from last season, also bringing in Under veteran manager Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United are the early favourites to complete for the 23-year-old, comments Clarets after moving to Turf tional debut for the Netherlands. Portugal international winger Helder Costa their journey back to the top flight. which his own president Karl- Moor from Bristol City in 2013. on loan from Premier League side Wolves, Heinz Rummenigge condemned NIGERIA'S OSIMHEN has been succinct in his appraisal of their of new faces at the club, adding “continuity spell in the PSV Eindhoven dug-out. “Over as “not helpful in the negotia- BOURNEMOUTH SIGN MAKES LILLE SWITCH chances of success. “We can arrive at the is our value for next season”. At least Bielsa’s the last few years the club has tried to build tions”. “I phoned Pep Guardiola DANJUMA FROM BRUGES Nigeria international forward goal we want to achieve,” he said. famously tough training regime will not be something and I want to continue this proc- and I apologised to him because Bournemouth have signed Victor Osimhen has joined Lille The goal of automatic promotion has the shock it was on his arrival last year. “You ess, this philosophy,” he said. “I have the I was too off ensive, I will refrain Dutch international winger from Belgian side Charleroi on a been hammered out in no uncertain terms can have double, triple, four sessions a day,” feeling it’s a good fi t and a good moment to in the future,” Kovac said. Arnaut Danjuma from Belgium’s five-year deal. Osimhen, 20, was by the club hierarchy. said captain Liam Cooper. “There were hard step in.” Last week, Guardiola had Club Bruges. He is the fourth part of the Nigeria squad that Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani has blisters on my feet. Everything just ached. Bilic, another high-profi le appointment, urged Sane to decide if he wants signing for Eddie Howe’s side finished third at the Africa Cup stayed put, having denied rumours he was Sometimes I don’t even get to put my little is bullish about West Brom’s chances, de- to stay at English champions or ahead of the new season, joining of Nations, and scored 20 goals trying to sell the club. “When you are really girl to bed at 7:00pm. This is day after day.” scribing them as a “massive club”. “We are go to Bayern after the unsettled Lloyd Kelly, Jack Stacey and in 36 appearances for Charleroi close to something and you don’t get it, you Cocu is taking charge of a Derby side going to try to come back to the Premier star scored twice in a 6-1 rout of Philip Billing. Bournemouth last season. can take two roads,” Leeds director of foot- brimming with young talent and will seek to League this year,” he said. “Short term or Hong Kong’s Kitchee. said the 22-year-old moved The arrival of Osimhen, for ball Victor Orta said. inspire the players after the disappointment long term, this is where this club belongs. for an undisclosed fee and a fee that reportedly could rise “You can think about the chance you lost, of defeat in the play-off fi nal against Aston Like as in every second league in the world of ASTON VILLA SIGN on a “long-term contract” but to 14mn euros ($15.5mn), comes or think about the one in front of you. We Villa. The 48-year-old Dutchman, capped football, it’s not only us who are a big club in GOALKEEPER HEATON Belgian media reported it was with Lille selling Nicolas Pepe have decided on the second one. When you 101 times, is seeking to restore lustre to his the league. There are many clubs who could Aston Villa announced the ar- a five year contract at a cost of and Rafael Leao to Arsenal and look back, you can’t advance.” CV after a brief, traumatic, stay with Turk- say the same things, but West Bromwich Al- rival of goalkeeper Tom Heaton around 15mn euros ($16.56mn). AC Milan respectively. Orta said he was not concerned by the lack ish outfi t Fenerbahce following a successful bion has something special.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, August 2, 2019 SPORT

GOLF South Africa’s Buhai leads Women’s British Open ‘It was very solid all round and I struck the ball well all day. But there is an awful long way to go’

AFP Park had a chance to win a third ma- Woburn, United Kingdom jor last week at the Evian Champion- ship in France. However, she slipped Japan’s Hinako Shibuno back with a closing 75 to fi nish tied was tied for second place at outh Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai sixth behind new world number one Ko the Women’s British Open carved out a one-shot lead after Jin-young. in Milton Keynes, Britain, the opening round of the Wom- A six birdie round got the winner of yesterday. (Reuters) en’s British Open yesterday, the 2017 US Women’s Open and 2018 showingS fl ashes of the form which once LPGA Championship fi rmly back on marked her out as a teenage sensation. the major track. “I was a little worried Under her single name of Simon, Buhai coming in to this week at having to play represented South Africa as an amateur back-to-back majors,” admitted the in the Women’s World Cup of golf. 25-year-old. She turned professional at 18 and al- “But it has been better than I thought. most immediately won the 2007 Cata- I’ve been able to focus and I am feeling lonia Ladies Masters on the European good. My tee time was 7am and it’s a Tour. Since then, she has added four while since I played so early, but I felt more titles, including last year’s South very comfortable on the course.” African Women’s Open, and now com- Shibuno felt quite at home on the petes mainly on the US-based LPGA English parkland lay out. “Woburn is Tour. Her major record is poor, howev- very similar to Japanese courses,” she er, with only one top 30. But an eight- suggested. “I was relaxed and confi - birdie round was the ideal platform for dent. But I am very surprised at my a title challenge a she ended the fi rst position. My game was very good, and round on a seven-under 65. tomorrow I’m going to be playing and “I got off to a great start, lipping out smiling all the time.” for birdie at the fi rst and then mak- Kang, a US Solheim Cup player, had ing gains at two and three,” said the seven birdies, and also expressed her 30-year-old Buhai. love of Woburn. “It’s a really gorgeous “It was very solid all round and I course, a lot diff erent than playing a struck the ball well all day. But there is British Open on a links,” she suggested. an awful long way to go.” “I always enjoy the challenge of the ma- Park Sung-hyun lost her world jors and I am delighted with my start. I number one ranking on Monday, but have been working hard on my wedge she underlined her determination to play, and it paid dividends today.” today,” said Hull of the home support. quite happy with cancelling out all the ing. But today I just went out there and of four birdies in a row from the fi fth. snatch it back after an opening 67. On England’s Georgia Hall, the defend- “It’s quite tricky because I know bad shots I had hit one day and hit some trusted myself and I’ve got to trust my- But a double-bogey at the short 14th fi ve under par, the South Korean was ing champion, and Kim In-kyung, the where not to miss it. In previous years good ones today. I feel like I’ve been self. I feel like I’m in a good mindset.” was a body blow. Thailand’s Ariya Jut- just two shots behind Buhai and one 2017 winner, were both on the same I’ve hit bad shots around here and you playing well all year, I’ve just struggled Ko stayed in touch for back-to-back anugarn, winner at Woburn three years back from Japan’s Hinako Shibuno and mark of three under par. “It puts a bit of just don’t want to think of them be- to trust myself sometimes, so that’s majors with a 68 to be three off the lead. ago, was also on 68 while older sister, Danielle Kang of the United States. pressure on me but I played quite well cause obviously it’s my course. I was where I suppose I haven’t been scor- The South Korean had a blistering run Moriya, was one better.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Speith confi dent of getting back to winning ways Felix inks new ormer world number one Jordan Spieth is confi dent he will soon sponsor deal with be back on top form and believes this week’s Wyndham Champi- onshipF will off er a chance to gauge the Athleta aft er Nike rift quality of his game. Spieth, 67th on the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup points list, is one AFP pose and passion, on and off the of the few big names in the fi eld as most Los Angeles track, especially as she spoke to of the top ranked players opted to skip the unique experience of female the event to get some time off after a athletes,” Athleta chief Sheila busy few weeks. ix-time Olympic gold Shekar Pollak. “We are thrilled to The American hopes his decision to medallist Allyson Felix welcome her to our family. She is play will pay off . “I’m really pumped has inked a sponsorship an inspiration to all of us.” to play here. The only time I’ve played deal with US leisure-wear No fi nancial details of the deal here I really enjoyed it,” the Texan said brandS Athleta following her split were disclosed, although the at Sedgefi eld Country Club, referring to with Nike, it was confi rmed on contract includes full protection the 2013 event that he lost in a playoff to Wednesday. Felix, the only wom- during maternity, reports said. Patrick Reed. an in history to win six Olym- “I’m just really thrilled about it,” “I’m trying to play tournaments that pic track and fi eld gold medals, Felix told People magazine. “The are maybe good fi ts for my game. This had been critical of Nike over its way that they are doing sponsor- course just stands the test of time. It treatment of female athletes who ship to me is incredible. It is fo- doesn’t favour any (type of) player.” Spi- took time off to have children. cused on me as a whole — as an eth has 11 PGA Tour victories, including The 33-year-old revealed in athlete, as a mom, and as an ac- three majors, but has not won since the May she had been off ered a vastly tivist and just to be supported in 2017 British Open at Royal Birkdale. reduced contract by Nike after that way is amazing.” He tied for 12th at the WGC-St. Jude a 29 year-old man on an in-bound fl ight and 1989. The 1987 triumph represented Club for the Women’s British Open was taking a break from the sport in Felix raced for the fi rst time in Invitational last week, despite taking on suspicion of sexual assault, being a historic fi rst victory for Europe on delayed because she had left her passport 2018 during her pregnancy. more than a year at last week’s two triple-bogeys during the fi rst round drunk on board an aircraft and failing to American soil at Muirfi eld Village in in her golf bag. After failing to agree terms on meeting in Iowa, which was and two doubles in the fi nal round. “This comply with the orders of cabin crew,” Ohio, while the cup was retained after The caddie, Ian Wright, was forced to an extension to her Nike deal, also the trials for the US team year’s just been inconsistent for me,” they said in a statement. “He was taken a 14-14 tie at the Belfry two years later. stop en route and wait until Thompson’s Felix competed without a spon- competing at this year’s World he said. “I’m not a patient person, so into custody and subsequently released A tweet from the European Senior Tour own caddie met up with him to retrieve sor at last week’s USA Outdoor Championships. Although Felix it’s been really diffi cult. It’s not a lack of under investigation.” said: “We are deeply saddened to learn the misplaced passport. Wright, who Track and Field Championships failed to qualify in the individual work ethic. It might be frustrating for the Olesen’s agent Rory Flanagan did not of the passing of Gordon Brand Jnr. Our was carrying the clubs of nearly a quarter in Des Moines. 400m, her sixth placed fi nish in rest of the season, but soon enough I’ll respond to a request by Reuters for com- deepest sympathies are with his family at of the fi eld, missed the ferry as a result However, in a statement on the fi nal means she is eligible for be back to the level that I want to be at, ment. Olesen, a Dane with fi ve European this time.” of the three-hour delay and the play- Wednesday, Athleta, part of Gap the 4x400m relay squad. Felix that I’ve been at before, and that is the Tour victories, played in a World Golf Sam Torrance, Brand’s Ryder Cup ers were unable to practise on Monday Inc, confi rmed that Felix had has vowed to chase a place at her ultimate goal.” Championships event in Memphis last playing partner at the Belfry, said on because he arrived only after the course been taken on as an athlete. “We fi fth Olympic Games in Tokyo Spieth, 26, thinks Sedgefi eld will week, fi nishing equal 27th. Twitter: “Heartbroken to hear of the was closed. “I can’t apologise enough,” were so moved by Allyson’s pur- next year. provide a good indication about the state He made his Ryder Cup debut in Paris passing of Gordon Brand Jnr — one of my Thompson told reporters. “I didn’t re- of his game. “This golf course (has some) last year, beating American Jordan Spieth dearest friends for over 40 years. I will alise I was going to cause so much delay really small fairways and so it will be in the fi nal-day singles. Olesen was not miss you RIP.” with the bags for other players. I was a really good test of where I’m at right scheduled to play this week. Brand won two senior tour titles and freaking out. My fi rst reaction was hope- now,” he said. made his most recent appearance at the fully to stop him and get my passport so I EX-RYDER CUP PLAYER GORDON Swiss Open last month. could get to the Women’s British Open. I OLESEN ARRESTED AT BRAND JR DIES AGED 60 do apologise, I would be upset too if I was HEATHROW: REPORTS Two-time Ryder Cup player Gordon THOMPSON APOLOGISES AFTER the other players. A man named by British media outlets Brand Jr has died at the age of 60, the MISPLACED PASSPORT LEAVES 38 “He (Wright) didn’t tell us that he as European Ryder Cup golfer Thorbjorn European Senior Tour announced. The GOLFERS WITHOUT CLUBS could possibly miss the ferry, or anything Olesen was arrested at Heathrow Airport Scot, who turned professional in 1981, World number three Lexi Thompson has like that. I haven’t talked to many players on Monday. London police confi rmed an won eight titles on the European Tour, apologised to her fellow competitors about it, they haven’t come up to me. arrest, without naming the man. “Offi c- the last of them in 1993, and was part of after a caddie carrying 38 LPGA players’ I can kind of feel it but I didn’t mean ers based at Heathrow Airport arrested the European Ryder Cup team in 1987 bags from France to the Woburn Golf anything by it.”

SAINA, SRIKANTH CRASH OUT OF THAILAND OPEN

Bangkok: Ace Indian shuttlers Saina Ne- ouster marks the end of India’s campaign Nishimoto of Japan. But Sai Praneeth, Ardianto. They will face qualifiers Choi hwal and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out in the women’s singles event. who reached the semifinals of Japan Solgyu and Seo Seung Jae of Korea of the ongoing Thailand Open after suf- The world number eight was compet- Open last week, continued his good form today. fering defeats in their respective second- ing at the Thailand Open after a two- and stormed into the last-eight round In mixed doubles, the pair of Ran- round matches of the BWF $350,000 month injury lay-off , which had forced with a comfortable 21-18 21-19 win over kireddy and Ashwini Ponappa defeated tournament here yesterday. her to miss the Indonesia Open and compatriot Shubhankar Dey. Indonesia’s Alfian Eko Prasetya and Seventh seed Saina, who won against Japan Open. Praneeth will be up against seventh Marsheilla Gischa Islami 21-18 21-19 to Thailand’s Phittayaporn Chaiwan in the In men’s singles event, Srikanth lost seed Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan in the make it to the last eight, but the other opening round, squandered a game ad- 21-11, 16-21, 12-21 to Thailand’s Khosit next round. Indian duo of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and vantage to lose 21-16, 11-21, 14-21 against Phetpradab in a second round duel However, there was some good news N Sikki Reddy lost 16-21 11-21 to eight unseeded Sayaka Takahashi of Japan in a which lasted less than an hour. Parupalli in the men’s doubles event as the pair seeds Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet match that lasted 48 minutes. Kashyap also lost his second-round of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag of Hong Kong to bow out of the tourna- In the absence of Olympic silver med- contest to Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan Shetty moved into the quarter-finals ment. Rankireddy and Ponnappa will allist PV Sindhu, who withdrew in the last 9-21, 14-21 in 33 minutes. H S Prannoy too after registering a straight-game 21-17, next play against third seeded Japanese minute from the event after playing at bowed out without a fight, suff ering 17-21 21-19 win over Indonesian combination combination of Yuta Watanabe and Arisa the Indonesia and Japan Open , Saina’s 10-21 defeat against sixth seed Kenta of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Higashino. (IANS) American star Allyson Felix is the only woman in history to win six Olympic track and field gold medals. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, August 2, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NBA Warriors coach Kerr sidesteps Perkins’ Donaldson’s homer fractured logic

By Gary Peterson his contract. Kerr thought that The Mercury News was “bad for the NBA.” Kerr and Tolbert kicked that political hacky-sack around t some point, Steve for a bit before Tolbert refer- lift s Braves over Nats Kerr and Kendrick enced Perkins’ take on Kerr’s Perkins are going to take. “I heard he let me have it, have to hit the road. huh?” Kerr said. ‘It felt good. I was able to put TheirA public will demand it. I believe debate coaches call Talk about disparate points that the Oregon-Oxford non a good swing together and of view and methods of mes- sequitur-esque strategy. Tol- saging. bert must have seen it before. help our team win the game’ Kerr is the jovial outspoken, “He got a little confused in 10th inning socially aware eight-time NBA with Durant coming to your champion. Perkins is a big team and Davis going to the Reuters man with a calm voice, always Lakers,” Tolbert said to Kerr, Washington ready to stoke a controversy, “and one was free agency and with special emphasis on sul- one wasn’t close to free agen- lying the Warriors’ half-dec- cy, but other than that it was osh Donaldson hit a solo home run ade of unremitting success. exactly the same.” with one out in the top of the 10th in- First things fi rst. Not that he had to, but Kerr ning to lead the Atlanta Braves over On Tuesday, Kerr appeared clarifi ed his criticism of Davis. Jthe Washington Nationals 5-4 on on KNBR for a chat with Tom “If it’s done behind the Wednesday. Tolbert, host and Kerr’s one- scenes, there’s no harm done,” Donaldson’s 25th homer of the sea- time college teammate at the Kerr said. “I have no problem son came on a 1-2 pitch from closer Sean University of Arizona. with a player requesting a trade Doolittle (6-3). Almost a week earlier, Kerr, quietly. My point was just the Sean Newcomb (5-1) got the win after appearing on a podcast, took manner in which that hap- blowing a save opportunity in the ninth. issue with the manner in which pened kind of alienated a fan Josh Tomlin worked the bottom of the Anthony Davis attempted to base, and it put a lot of players 10th for his second save. deliver himself from the Peli- in a weird spot on both teams.” “It felt good,” Donaldson said. “You cans to the Lakers midway Given public sentiment, we know, 0-for-4 with two (strikeouts) be- through the 2018-19 season can only hope there is a re- fore that. I was able to put a good swing with one and a half years left on match. together and help our team win the game.” The Nationals tied the game in the ninth, putting two runners on against Luke Jackson before Newcomb entered the game. After a walk, Kurt Suzuki drove in a run with a bases-loaded single and a run scored when Gerardo Parra hit into a double play.

RESULTS Braves 5-4 Nats Rays 8-5 Red Sox Mets 4-2 White Sox Indians 10-4 Astros Cubs 2-0 Cardinals Reds 4-1 Pirates Giants 5-1 Phillies Yankees 7-5 D’backs Dodgers 5-1 Rockies Twins 7-4 Marlins Brewers 4-2 A’s Dolphins legend Buoniconti Tigers 9-1 Angels dies at 78 Blue Jays 4-1 Royals Miami Dolphins legend Nick Buoniconti, a key figure in the Rangers 9-7 Mariners franchise’s Super Bowl-winning unbeaten season in 1972, has Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson hits a solo home run in the tenth inning off Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean died, his family confirmed on Wednesday. He was 78. Buoniconti Washington starter Anibal Sanchez Doolittle (not pictured) at Nationals Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports helped the Dolphins win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and gave up four runs on 10 hits in fi ve-plus 1973, the highlight of a career which spanned two decades innings. Washington’s Matt Adams hit a pinch-hit Michael Chavis homered for the Red Sox, noon trade deadline, starter Rick Porcello between 1962 and 1976. After his retirement, the Hall of Famer The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the sec- homer in the eighth to cut the lead to 4-2. who dropped their third straight. expressed his frustration after allowing was one of the driving forces in setting up the Miami Project ond as Adam Duvall hit a solo homer off The Nationals had a golden chance in Kiermaier’s triple came during a two- a run in the fi rst inning. Back in the dug- to Cure Paralysis, a leading research and treatment centre for Sanchez. It was his third homer in the past the sixth off Soroka. run seventh to put the Rays up 8-2 before out, Porcello slammed his fi sts into two of spinal cord injuries. Buoniconti was inspired to help set up the two days over four at-bats, and his fourth Howie Kendrick led off with a pinch-hit Boston scored three in the bottom of the the team’s TV monitors, shattering both centre after his son Marc was left paralysed while playing col- home run since he was called up from Tri- single but was thrown out at home as he frame. screens. lege football. “My dad has been my hero and represents what I ple-A on Saturday. tried to score on a double by Trea Turner. Chavis’ homer got the rally started, The second inning was far worse for the have always aspired to be; a leader, a mentor and a champion,” Juan Soto of the Nationals hit a long Soroka then retired the next two batters to and Rafael Devers and Martinez each sin- right-hander, with Kiermaier homering Marc Buoniconti said in a statement on the centre’s website on homer to centre – his 20th of the year – end the threat. gled home runs. Colin Poche came in and to lead off the frame and Meadows crank- Wednesday. “He made a promise to me that turned into a revo- in the bottom of the second off Mike So- struck out Andrew Benintendi to escape ing his three-run blast just fair down the lution in paralysis research. We can best honor his dedication roka to tie the game at 1-1. It was Soto’s MEADOWS POWERS RAYS the jam. right fi eld foul line for a 5-0 Rays lead. and endless commitment by continuing with our work until that eighth homer in 25 career games against PAST RED SOX Despite being charged with all three The Red Sox chipped away, scoring an promise is fulfilled and a cure is found,” he added. the Braves. Austin Meadows hit a three-run home runs, Ryan Yarbrough (10-3) earned the unearned run in the third, and Martinez Buoniconti started his career with the Boston Patriots in 1962 Soto became the third player in ma- run, and Kevin Kiermaier and Willy Ad- win, giving up four runs on six hits in 4 added his solo shot in the fourth to make before moving to the Dolphins in 1969. He played a pivotal role jor league history with more than one ames added solo shots as the Tampa Bay 1/3 innings and striking out three. He it 5-2. Meanwhile, Porcello settled before in helping the Dolphins reach three straight Super Bowls in 1971, 20-homer season before his 21st birthday. Rays held off the host Boston Red Sox 8-5 followed opener Andrew Kittredge, who Adames tagged him for his homer with 1972 and 1973. The highlight of his career came in 1972, when He hit 22 homers last year as a rookie. on Wednesday night. pitched the fi rst 2 1/3 innings. two outs in the sixth for a 6-2 Tampa Bay the Dolphins went 17-0 to become the only team in history to Soroka pitched seven innings, giving up Kiermaier, fresh off the injured list Chaz Roe worked around a leadoff sin- lead. record a perfect season en route to the Super Bowl. Buoniconti, one run and three hits. He struck out three (thumb), also had a key RBI triple. The gle and a walk in the ninth to convert his Porcello (9-8) gave up six runs on nine who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, tallied 32 and walked three. Rays have won the fi rst two games of the second career save in 209 games. hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings, his fourth interceptions during his career, the third highest total for any Atlanta chipped away with runs in the series – and fi ve of their last six – and will Like Boston fans upset the team didn’t time allowing six runs in his last six starts. linebacker in NFL history. third, fourth and sixth innings before seek a sweep Thursday. J.D. Martinez and make a deal prior to the Wednesday after- He struck out seven.

NFL Redskins could trade holdout left tackle Williams Reuters I worked with Jay in my fi rst two er this month, has reached seven Washington years in the league, in Tampa. consecutive Pro Bowls. “So, I have a lot of familiar He has been with the Red- faces here - Bruce Allen, (Senior skins since 2010, when they took he Washington Redskins Vice President of Player Person- him fourth overall in the NFL reportedly are discuss- nel) Doug Williams. They said draft. ing the possibility of they needed some help and we Meanwhile Atlanta Falcons trading holdout Pro Bowl worked everything out, so I was rookie off ensive lineman Ka- Tleft tackle Trent Williams, and willing to come in and help.” leb McGary was scheduled to the New England Patriots could Penn said he is good friends undergo cardiac ablation on be a potential landing spot. with Williams and talked to him Wednesday, a procedure de- Jeff Howe of The Athletic re- before signing in Washington. signed to correct heart rhythm ported on Wednesday that while While he wants to keep the con- issues. it’s “unclear what type of com- versation private, Penn said he The team said McGary, the pensation” the Redskins could talked to Williams about Penn No 31 overall pick in the draft, be seeking, there’s “a feeling potentially being a “swing” has had two similar procedures, around the league the Patriots tackle who can line up on the which are considered minimally would be involved due to depth right side and back up either po- invasive, in the past. issues at the position.” sition. No timeline for his return has Newly signed to the Redskins, Patriots off ensive lineman J.J. been disclosed. left tackle Donald Penn said Dielman retired last week, and The 6-foot-7, 317-pound Mc- Wednesday he joined Washing- the team is short-handed along Gary played his college ball at ton for a chance to start. the off ensive line. Washington and twice was an “The main factor was, I was The Redskins placed Williams All-Pac-12 fi rst-team selection. playing left tackle again. I kind on the reserve/did not report list He also won the 2018 Morris of reluctantly played right tackle on Saturday after he failed to Trophy as the conference’s top last year, being a team player, but show up for training camp. off ensive lineman. I’m a left tackle at heart,” Penn Williams is said to be unhappy Teams were aware of his con- said. with the medical staff after a tu- dition before the draft, and NFL “I’ve played left tackle my mour scare earlier this off sea- medical personnel cleared him to whole career. I wanted to go son and also would like at least participate in the scouting com- somewhere where I had a chance an “alteration” to his contract. bine. to start. I play left tackle and I A CBS Sports report earlier this So far in training camp, the know (Head Coach) Jay Gruden’s off season said Williams wanted 24-year-old primarily has off ense pretty well because I out of Washington. worked at right tackle on the Fal- worked with his brother a lot and Williams, who turned 31 earli- cons’ second team. Gulf Times 6 Friday, August 2, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Braley in Italy squad for WC warm-ups Sonny Bill lashes ton Rugby, 22 caps), Andrea Reuters Rome Lovotti (Zebre Rugby Club, 34 caps), Tiziano Pasquali (Benet- ton Rugby, 18 caps), Nicola taly have named former Quaglio (Benetton Rugby, 9 England junior interna- caps), Marco Riccioni (Benet- tional scrumhalf Cal- ton Rugby, 0 caps), Federico lum Braley as one of Zani (Benetton Rugby 7 caps), Ithree uncapped players in a out at media critics Hookers: Luca Bigi (Zebre 38-man squad for the Rugby Rugby Club, 19 caps), Oliviero ‘I find it very interesting when so called ‘private’ conversations end up in the media’ World Cup warm-up matches Fabiani (Zebre Rugby Club, 7 against Ireland and Russia. caps), Engjel Makelara (Benet- Reuters The Gloucester number nine ton Rugby, 0 caps). Wellington will vie with Guglielmo Palaz- Locks: Dean Budd (Benet- zani and Tito Tebaldi for a place ton Rugby, 20 caps), Marco in the side as he looks to secure Lazzaroni (Benetton Rugby, 3 onny Bill Williams has a ticket to Japan next month. caps), Federico Ruzza (Benet- fi red a broadside at me- Braley, who qualifi es through ton Rugby, 12 caps), David Sisi dia for reporting that his his Italian grandfather, was (Zebre Rugby Club, 5 caps), position in the All Blacks called-up during this year’s Six Alessandro Zanni (Benetton squadS is “under pressure” ahead Nations, but did not play. Rugby, 111 caps) of the World Cup in Japan. Other newcomers are Ben- Loose-forwards: Renato Gi- Williams, who turns 34 to- neton Rugby prop Marco Ric- ammarioli (Zebre Rugby Club, morrow and has struggled with cioni, 21, and his club mate, 3 caps), Giovanni Licata (Zebre injuries in the last two seasons, hooker Engjel Makelara, 22, Rugby Club, 7 caps), Maxime was retained in Steve Hansen’s while the squad will be cap- Mbanda (Zebre Rugby Club, trimmed-down squad on tained by experienced loose- 16 caps), Sebastian Negri Wednesday but rested for the fi - forward Sergio Parisse. (Benetton Rugby, 16 caps), nal Rugby Championship match Players not considered be- Sergio Parisse (Tolone, 138 against Australia in Perth next cause of injury include 104- caps), Jake Polledri (Glouces- week. cap hooker Leonardo Ghi- ter, 8 caps), Abraham Steyn With New Zealand boasting a raldini, who ruptured knee (Benetton Rugby, 30 caps), slew of fi t, high-quality centres ligaments in March but is still Jimmy Tuivaiti (Zebre Rugby including Jack Goodhue, Ngani hopeful of proving his fi tness Club, 3 caps) Laumape and Anton Lienert- for the World Cup. Scrumhalves: Callum Braley Brown, the local media have “These matches are crucial (Gloucester, 0 caps), Gugliel- questioned whether Hansen for achieving the objectives that mo Palazzani (Zebre Rugby needs to take a chance on twice we set ourselves for the Rugby Club, 31 caps), Tito Tebaldi World Cup winner Williams. World Cup,” Italy coach Conor (Benetton Rugby, 32 caps) Williams, who will be sent O’Shea told the Italian federa- Flyhalves: Tommaso Allan back to provincial rugby for the tion’s website federugby.it. (Benetton Rugby, 48 caps, next two weekends before re- “It is not an easy task for Carlo Canna (Zebre Rugby turning to the squad for the Wal- any player to start the season Club, 32 caps), Ian McKinley labies test in Auckland, made it with a test match, but it is the (Benetton Rugby, 8 caps) clear he was tired of the specu- challenge that all teams are Centres: Tommaso Ben- lation. facing. The boys have worked venuti (Benetton Rugby, 56 “And for those that say I’m incredibly hard in the sum- caps), Michele Campagnaro under pressure playing a game mer and now are ready for the (Harlequins, 42 caps), Luca that I enjoy. Get your priorities matches.” Morisi (Benetton Rugby, 25 right,” he wrote on Twitter. Italy travel to Ireland on Au- caps), Marco Zanon (Benetton “Look at what’s going on in gust 10, before hosting Russia Rugby, 1 cap), the world. Starving children, a week later. They also have Fullbacks/wings: Mattia the single mother raising 3 kids, warm-up matches against Bellini (Zebre Rugby Club, 17 the atrocities refugees are facing France (August 30) and Eng- caps), Giulio Bisegni (Zebre around the world, racism. This is land (September 6), before Rugby Club, 11 caps), Angelo what I call pressure.” opening their World Cup cam- Esposito (Benetton Rugby, 20 Williams later made a cryptic paign against Namibia on Sep- caps), Jayden Hayward (Ben- tweet about media leaks. tember 22. etton Rugby, 17 caps), Matteo “I fi nd it very interesting when Minozzi (Wasps, 10 caps), so called “private” conversations ITALY SQUAD Edoardo Padovani (Zebre end up in the media,” he wrote, Props: Simone Ferrari (Benet- Rugby Club, 20 caps). adding a quote from rights activ- ist Malcolm X. All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams. “I have more respect for a Wales Faletau ruled out of World Cup man who lets me know where he to the test arena in the starting with the ball. Playing outside by and was rusty so we won’t get people struggling in the world stands, even if he’s wrong. Than number 12 jersey in the 16-16 him, Goodhue ran 56 metres and too judgmental about his rugby and yes we care about them,” Wales number 8 Taulupe broke his arm twice last the one who comes to me as an draw against South Africa in scored a try while making two performance, the fact was his former New Zealand cricket in- Faletau has been ruled out season and has not played for angel and is nothing but a devil” Wellington last Saturday. linebreaks and beating seven de- body held together. That was ternational Mark Richardson the Rugby World Cup in Ja- Wales since March 2018. – Malcom X”. Renowned for his crisp of- fenders. Hansen defended Wil- encouraging,” Hansen said after said on The AM Show, a TV chat- pan with a collarbone injury, But he has trained with Wales Williams missed a lot of rugby fl oads, Williams tallied none liams’s quiet game, saying he the Boks Test. Williams’s Twit- show. “But you are an All Black. the Welsh Rugby Union said this summer and was recently for his Super Rugby side Auck- against the Springboks, record- was just happy to see him emerge ter blast drew a sour response Get over yourself and let people yesterday. part of an intensive two-week land Blues this season after hav- ed no linebreaks nor beaten de- unscathed. from some New Zealand pundits. in this country talk what they The Bath player, who has won camp in the Swiss Alps as he ing knee surgery but returned fenders and ran only 14 metres “He hasn’t played a lot of rug- “Honestly Sonny, yes there are like to talk and that is rugby.” 72 caps for Wales and has built towards potential World played in four Tests for the Cup selection. British and Irish Lions, will Only last month, Faletau Japan 2019 fi netuning plans 50 days out from World Cup need surgery. spoke about his hunger to “Taulupe Faletau has been play again after being side- Rugby World Cup organisers were con- Three World Cup venues – Kamaishi, identify some issues before the tourna- environment at (Osaka) this weekend.” ruled out of Rugby World Cup lined for so long. fident they were in good shape as they Osaka and Kumagaya – are hosting Japan ment begins. World Rugby, who made the risky deci- contention due to a clavicle His absence will be keenly entered the final stretch of preparations warm-up matches, which should give “Overall the match in Kamaishi was a sion a decade ago to take the world’s third injury,” the WRU said in a felt, although Wales have con- for the tournament yesterday, 50 days out organisers a chance to finetune their great success,” said Shimazu, who noted biggest sporting event to Asia for the first statement on its website. siderable back-row resources from the opening match between hosts final preparations. “The key operational that both the Kamaishi game and Japan’s time, are also happy with how the tourna- “The injury was sustained in with Ross Moriarty, Josh Japan and Russia. aspects of the tournament are in good clash with Tonga on Saturday in Osaka ment is shaping up. an innocuous training ground Navidi, Aaron Shingler, Justin Over 400,000 fans from around the shape,” Japan 2019 chief executive Akira have been sell-outs. “We are confident and excited that Japan incident and will require sur- Tipuric and Aaron Wainwright world are expected to descend on Japan Shimazu told Reuters via e-mail. “There were a few operational aspects 2019 will be a very special success on gery. A prognosis and return among those in head coach during the Sept. 20-Nov. 2 tournament, “We are testing and fine-tuning our opera- that did show up, particularly around every level – it will break records and to play time-frame will be Warren Gatland’s training the first World Cup to be held outside of tions across the two Pacific Nations Cup the speed of security screening as fans make history on and off the field,” World established after surgery. squad. rugby’s traditional heartlands. matches and the warm-up match between entered the stadium, and with some of Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in a “The Wales squad and man- Gatland is due to name his Ever since the venue of the final was Japan South Africa at Kumagaya.” the demand and crowd issues around press release. agement would like to wish final 31-man World Cup squad changed in 2015 after the scrapping of Japan beat Fiji 34-21 in Kamaishi last stadium concessions. “We can confidently say that Japan 2019 Taulupe the very best with his in early September, with a proposed new national stadium, plan- weekend, which was not only a good sign “These are things which are straightfor- is already proving to be a transforma- recovery.” Wales’s opening game being ning for the World Cup has been mostly for Jamie Joseph’s Brave Blossoms but ward to correct and we will have another tional driver of sporting and social legacy It is the latest cruel injury against Georgia in Toyota City smooth. the perfect opportunity for organisers to opportunity to test these in the larger in the host nation and across Asia.” setback for 28-year-old, who on September 23.

PAN AM GAMES Long and winding road fi nally takes Holzner to Olympics Reuters but there was something more pre- in the duet with another partner, Lima cious. and Holzner are the only two mem- “For me it is the Olympics,” bers of that squad still competing. smiled Holzner, with a genuine as- “It’s hard to talk about, it was or almost every athlete the tonishment. heartbreaking and took another road to Olympics is a long “I have been training on the na- four years to get here,” said Holzner. and winding path negoti- tional team for seven years now and “Four years is a long time, there ated over years if not dec- to be able to say I am going to the were defi nitely moments I’m not ades,F a physically and emotionally Olympics is amazing. going to lie it wasn’t easy there was exhausting journey to a sporting “It’s been a long road.” two years where I thought what I am Shangri La. The last few weeks have been doing here and then this year was Canadian syncronised swimmer especially busy with Holzner and make it or break it. Claudia Holzner completed such a Simoneau competing on two con- Both athletes are likely to pull journey on Wednesday – twice. By tinents at the world swimming double duty in Japan. taking gold in the Pan Am Games championships in South Korea and Holzner and Simoneau left noth- artistic swimming duet with Jac- at the Pan Am Games in Lima with ing to chance in the duet and, com- queline Simoneau, Holzner claimed only a quick one-night stopover in ing off a seventh place fi nish at the a ticket to her fi rst Olympics. Montreal inbetween. worlds, posted their best score of A few hours later, she was back in If the past few days have been a the season of 180.03 – almost six the Centro Aquatico Villa Deportiva whirlwind, the last four years have full points ahead of silver medallists Nacional pool for the team com- dragged for Holzner. Mexico. petition and reached the top spot The 25-year-old thought she had Canada were no less dominant in on the podium for a second time to realised her Olympic dream when the team competition with a win- help ensure Canada would be rep- Canada won the team competition ning mark of 179.6 leaving Mexico resented at the Tokyo Games next at 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto well back again. The U.S. took the year. only for that spot to be awarded to bronze with a futuristic robot rou- After the duet, Holzner said she Brazil as hosts. tine that has generated considerable had no words to describe her joy and Canada was put back in a second- buzz in the syncro world. there were indeed none required chance pool at the repechage but “Even though this is my third Pan with the look on her face saying again there was only utter despair as Am medal it feels like my fi rst, I am everything. they missed out on an Olympic spot just so excited,” said Simoneau. The gold medal hanging around by.70 of a point. “We prepared our entire year for Canada’s Jacqueline Simoneau and Claudia Holzner celebrate with their artistic swimming’s duet free routine gold medals at the Pan her neck felt wonderful, she said, Simoneau, who qualifi ed for Rio this moment.” American Games in Lima. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, August 2, 2019 7 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING Marquez in charge as MotoGP resumes in Brno

AFP the Dutch GP. He is due to return it on to the Czech podium. Brno, Czech Republic at the British GP on August 25. Marquez looks a certainty to BRIGHT START FOR push on towards his sixth cham- QUARTARARO s Moto GP teams and pionship title unless the Ducatis, Their satellite stable Yamaha- riders gather in Brno who have two wins this season, SRT has benefi ted from a string for Sunday’s Czech GP can sort out the stability problem of strong performances from the to kick off the second which has caused them trouble in rookie Frenchman Fabio Quar- halfA of the season, there is no a number of races. tararo. doubt that defending champion In Germany Dovizioso, still Just 20, Quartararo has already Marc Marquez remains the man hunting for his fi rst world title at notched up three pole positions to beat. the age of 33, did not even make it and two podiums before crash- The 26-year-old Spaniard won into the second round of qualify- ing early in the German GP and fi ve of the fi rst nine races in the ing. injuring his right arm and left front half of the season on his “Despite the fact that our po- shoulder. Honda, including the last one in sition on the fi nish line at Assen “My arm and shoulder feels Germany a month ago, and has and Sachsenring was acceptable, good now, and I’ve been doing built up a 58-point lead in the ti- our feeling on the bike hasn’t some motocross to confi rm it,” tle race. been the best in those circuits,” said Quartararo. “We fi nished the fi rst half of said Dovizioso who did well to “I’m really looking forward to the season in a very strong way come through and fi nish fi fth at seeing how it’ll be during a race and now we must keep our focus the Sachsenring. weekend again. My expectation to continue this,” said Marquez. “Without a doubt, we need to will be the same as in the past few “Brno is a circuit where lots of stay positive. We’ve worked hard races, inside the top eight.” riders are often strong so we can’t on each aspect during these three Alex Marquez, younger broth- take anything for granted.” weeks and we’re ready to tackle er of Marc, goes into the weekend Marquez has chalked up two the second half of the season with an eight point lead over the wins at the Czech circuit, in 2013 with great motivation.” Swiss Thomas Luthi in the Moto and 2017, and last year fi nished Dovizioso’s teammate Danilo 2 title chase. third behind the Ducatis of win- Petrucci, winner of his home Just two points separate the ner Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Italian GP, lies third in the cham- Italian Lorenzo Dalla Porta and the Lorenzo, who has since become pionship, six points behind his Spaniard Aron Canet in Moto 3. his teammate at Honda. teammate and 64 off Marquez. The MotoGP is due to start Three-time champion Lorenzo Over at Yamaha, Valentino at 1400 local time (1200 GMT) remains out of action after frac- Rossi has not won at Brno for a on Sunday with the weather turing two spinal vertebrae dur- decade while Maverick Vinales, forecasters warning of rain and ing a horrifi c crash in practice at winner in Assen, has never made storms during the race.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT No fun playing since Andy Murray reunites Australian Open, says out-of-form Osaka

Reuters “Whenever things go wrong Tokyo I blame myself 100%, I have a tendency to shut down because with brother Jamie I don’t want to burden anyone orld number two with my thoughts or problems,” Naomi Osaka ad- Osaka wrote. mitted yesterday “Unexpectedly, (through) the that the last few worst months of my life have also Wmonths have been “the worst of had some of the best moments my life” and that she hasn’t had cause I’ve met new people.” for doubles victory fun on the tennis court since “That being said I can honestly winning the Australian Open in refl ect and say I probably haven’t January. had fun playing tennis since Top seed Tsitsipas survives in Washington, Fiery Kyrgios advances Osaka’s triumph in Melbourne Australia and I’m fi nally coming was her second successive grand to terms with that while relearn- AFP slam, following her victory at ing that fun feeling,” she added. Washington last year’s US Open, and pro- “I’ve learned a lot about my- pelled the 21-year-old to number self and I feel like I grew so much one ranking in the world. as a person this past year(s) so hree-time Grand Slam Since then, the Japanese has I’m really excited what the future champion Andy Mur- failed to win a tournament, lost looks like on and off the court.” ray moved closer to a her number one ranking and “See you in the US swing.” singles comeback six crashed out at Wimbledon in the Osaka will be looking to regain Tmonths after hip surgery, joining fi rst round to Yulia Putintseva. her form ahead of the US Open brother Jamie for a doubles vic- Yesterday, Osaka posted a mes- later this month, starting with tory on Wednesday at the ATP sage to her fans on social media competing at the Rogers Cup in Washington Open. explaining her recent dip in form. Toronto next week. The Murrays, partnered for the fi rst time since the 2016 Rio Olympics, downed Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Qatar volleyball team beat China in Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-7 (7), preparation for Asian championship 10-5 to reach the last eight at the US Open tune-up event. Qatar’s first volleyball team defeated China 3-2 in their second “The level of tennis I thought friendly match during the team’s training camp, which is cur- was really good,” Murray said. rently underway in China. The camp will continue until August “It felt like there were some 5, in preparation for the 20th edition of the Asian Champion- good points and quick reactions ship scheduled to be held in the Iranian capital Tehran from out there.” September 13-21. Qatar volleyball team had lost the first friendly Murray is practising sin- match against China (1-3) on Tuesday. After returning to Doha, gles and playing doubles as the the Qatari volleyball team will take part in a training camp with former world number one, now India, China and Australia from September 5-9, before leaving ranked 222, continues his fi ght- for Tehran. Qatar is in Group A for the Asian championship along back from right hip surgery in with Iran, Australia and Sri Lanka. The draw has divided 16 teams January. into four groups of four, with the top two teams qualifying for the The 32-year-old Scotsman knockouts, starting with the quarter-finals. feared he could be forced into retirement before the operation. Hamilton wants to edit himself out of He returned to the court in June but only in doubles while he re- Netfl ix series habilitates. “I have no pain,” Murray said. Andy Murray (left) and his brother Jamie celebrate a point during their doubles match against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of Lewis Hamilton has said he will not let Netflix use film of his travails “It’s not restricting me in any of France in the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC, United States, on Wednesday. (AFP) while feeling sick at last weekend’s German Grand Prix to be used in the shots that I’m hitting. I’m their second ‘Drive to Survive’ Formula One series. The defending still maybe a little bit slow. I’m Canadian eighth seed Mi- five-time world champion, who had a sore throat, secured pole posi- hoping that’s something that Top seeds Svitolina and Sabalenka advance in San Jose los Raonic, the 2014 Washing- tion, but endured an error-riddled race. In a tempestuous rain-hit comes back with time.” ton winner, ripped US qualifi er event he finished 11th before being elevated to ninth when both Alfa Murray departed Washington Reuters the Silicon Valley Classic in San for revenge when she faces Tim Smyczek 6-1, 6-4. He next Romeo cars were given time penalties for a technical infringement. in tears from pain and frustra- Los Angeles Jose on Wednesday. Svitolina, who defeated her in meets German lucky loser Pe- “I won’t be in the Netflix show much, because I was sick the whole tion last year after a rain-de- Svitolina’s superior serving was three sets at Wimbledon earlier ter Gojowczyk, who dispatched time,” said Hamilton, as quoted by GPFans (www.gpfans.com) on layed 3:00 am singles victory the diff erence in the one-sided this month. Australian Alex de Minaur 6-3, Wednesday. “I won’t allow them to release that.” Netflix, who were that led him to withdraw. op-seeded Elina Svitolina match as the Ukrainian set up a In the night session veteran 7-6 (6). barred from filming behind-the-scenes at Mercedes in 2018, were “I’m in a much better place crushed Daria Kasatkina tantalising quarter-final meet- Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro In the accompanying WTA granted access for one race this year and chose the team’s home than I was last year. Physically, I T6-3, 6-1 and second- ing with Greece’s Maria Sakkari. battled back to defeat Bethanie event, US third seed Sofia Ken- German Grand Prix. The weekend began with celebrations and an- just feel so much better,” Murray seeded Aryna Sabalenka put Sakkari fired nine aces en route Mattek-Sands 3-6 6-1 6-2 to in, who upset Serena Williams niversaries, but ended in a bruising defeat. said. “I didn’t know how much an end to CoCo Vandeweghe’s to a 4-6 6-4 6-2 win over prom- punch her ticket to the quarter- at the French Open, lost to more I was going to be play- comeback bid with a 6-3, 6-3 ising young Japanese player finals of the WTA Premier tour- compatriot Lauren Davis 5-7, Alfa Romeo appeal German GP ing after here last year. To come win in second-round action at Mayo Hibi and will be looking nament in Northern California. 6-3, 6-4. back and be competing and be An argumentative Nick Kyr- post-race penalties pain-free is brilliant.” gios hammered 24 aces in a The British duo trailed 5-2 in soon as Cincinnati in two weeks. The Murrays, who helped Australian Open semi-fi nals, dominating service display to Alfa Romeo have formally appealed stewards’ decisions that the decisive super-tiebreaker That would be only two weeks Britain win the 2015 Davis Cup, advanced to the third round in defeat Gilles Simon 6-4, 7-6 (5) dropped Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi out of the points but steamrolled back by tak- ahead of the US Open, with Mur- broke the French duo in the fi nal singles by defeating US wildcard in the second round. at the German Grand Prix and extended Lewis Hamilton’s overall ing the last eight points, with ray also saying if he didn’t play game to claim the fi rst set, then Tommy Paul 6-3, 7-5. The 24-year-old Australian Formula One lead. Stewards handed the two drivers 30 second Jamie’s service winner securing Cincinnati he would likely wait outlasted them to the fi nish after US fi fth seed John Isner ad- off ered his critique of the chair post-race penalties for clutch-related irregularities at the start the victory. until after the US Open, cautious one hour and 51 minutes. vanced to the third round by umpire’s performance prior to at Hockenheim. The penalties meant Raikkonen dropped from It was Murray who began the of pushing his luck untested in They will play for a semi-fi nal eliminating Poland’s Hubert match point and continued to seventh to 12th and Giovinazzi from eighth to 13th while Mercedes’ rally with a backhand winner best-of-fi ve-set matches. spot against third seeds Michael Hurkacz 6-4, 6-4. Isner, seek- provide his thoughts following five-times world champion Hamilton moved up to ninth with his and added backhand volley and Murray, who won Grand Slam Venus of New Zealand and ing his 16th career ATP crown, the conclusion of the match on lead stretched to 41 points. If Alfa are successful, the Briton will lose drop volley winners on the two titles at the 2012 US Open and Raven Klaasen of South Africa. was a Washington runner-up in a hot and humid night in the US the two points as well as his run of 23 successive scoring finishes. penultimate points. in 2013 and 2016 at Wimbledon, 2007, 2013 and 2015. capital. Polish driver Robert Kubica, who was moved up to 10th, would also Murray declared on Monday most recently played singles at TOP SEED TSITSIPAS WINS “It was a good start. I’m hap- Kyrgios will next face Yoshi- lose what is so far Williams’ only point of the season as well as the his hip has responded better than the Australian Open in January, Greek top seed Stefanos Tsitsi- py with the win,” said Isner, who hito Nishioka, a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 first of his F1 comeback. Kubica’s last point was in 2010, before he expected and he was “quite close” losing a fi rst-round fi ve-setter to pas, the 20-year-old who ousted faces French 10th seed Benoit (5) winner over seventh-seeded suff ered a near-fatal rally crash. to a singles comeback, perhaps as Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. Roger Federer on the way to the Paire next. David Goffi n.

Friday, August 2, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

REPORT Ton-up Smith turns tide for Australia in Ashes opener ‘I’m really proud of the way I was able to stand up today. We were in a bit of trouble there and we had to dig deep’

AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom

teve Smith marked his fi rst Test since complet- ing a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandalS with a superb century to rescue Australia on the opening day of the Ashes series yesterday. Australia were in dire straits against England in Birmingham at 122-8 but their last two wick- ets more than doubled the score and Smith was last man out for 144 in a total of 284. Rory Burns and Jason Roy then survived two overs as the hosts ended the day on 10-0. Former captain Smith, who returned to international Crick- et during the recent World Cup that England won, was subjected to repeated jeers by a partisan crowd. But he answered the boos in style with his 24th Test cen- tury and ninth against England. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Smith told BBC Radio. “Obvi- ously been a while since I’ve been able to put on the whites and the baggy green (cap). “I’m really proud of the way I was able to stand up today. We were in a bit of trouble there and we had to dig deep on a wicket that wasn’t easy.” Australia had slumped to 17-2 when Smith came in to bat after current skipper Tim Paine had won the toss. Wickets fell steadily but Smith found the ally he needed in Peter Siddle, with the recalled number 10 making a valuable 44 – the second-best score of the innings – in a ninth-wicket partnership of 88. Up until that point it seemed England would not suff er from the absence of James Ander- son, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, who had only bowled four overs before suff er- ing a right calf injury. England’s Stuart Broad celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Steve Longtime new-ball partner Australia’s Steve Smith in action on the first day of the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, yesterday. (Reuters) Smith yesterday. (AFP) Stuart Broad took 5-86 in 22.4 overs and fellow paceman Chris and did not bother with a review, fully reviewed after being given Earlier, there were no Hand- Under. The scene was a com- Scorecard Woakes chipped in with 3-58 on even though technology suggest- out lbw for 34 to Broad not play- shakes as Australia won the toss mon one coming into an English his Warwickshire home ground. ed the ball would have missed ing a shot. Paine fell cheaply as and elected to bat. cricket ground for a clash be- AUSTRALIA 1st innings Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Warner), But Australia’s total may yet be leg stump. As the cheers from the wickets tumbled but Smith Australia captain Tim Paine tween the arch rivals, with cas- C Bancroft c Root b Broad 8 2-17 (Bancroft), 3-35 (Khawaja), enough to embarrass an England the crowd at an early wicket died found the ally he needed in Sid- implemented a pre-game foot- ually-dressed Australians enjoy- 4-99 (Head), 5-105 (Wade), 6-112 D Warner lbw b Broad 2 side who collapsed to 85 all out down, Warner was subjected to a dle, who shamed many of his ball-style Handshake between ing many boisterous exchanges (Paine), 7-112 (Pattinson), 8-122 before beating Ireland at Lord’s prolonged chorus of boos on his top-order colleagues until he was teams when he took over for the with Englishmen in coats and U Khawaja c Bairstow b Woakes (Cummins), 9-210 (Siddle), 10- last week. walk back to the pavilion, with caught at short leg by Jos Buttler fi nal Test against South Africa full-length trousers. 13 284 (Smith) The fans booed the visitors spectators waving strips of sand- off the bowling of Moeen Ali. last year following former skip- Raucous Edgbaston is about S Smith b Broad 144 Bowlers: Anderson 4-3-1-0; when they walked out for the paper and shouting “cheerio”. But soon afterwards Smith per Steve Smith’s suspension. as far removed from the refi ned T Head lbw b Woakes 35 Broad 22.4-4-86-5; Woakes 21- pre-match anthem ceremony Fellow opener Bancroft, who clubbed Ali for a four and a six However, as was reported by surrounds of Lord’s as it can get 2-58-3; Stokes 18-1-77-1 (2w); Ali M Wade lbw b Woakes 1 with Australia’s XI containing actually applied sandpaper to to go to 98 before a cover-driven the British media in the run-up – especially the notorious Eric 13-3-42-1; Denly 2-1-7-0. Smith, David Warner and Cam- the ball at Newlands, then fell for boundary off all-rounder Ben to the opener at Edgbaston, Eng- Hollies stand, the spiritual home T Paine c Burns b Broad 5 ENGLAND 1st Innings eron Bancroft – the three players eight when he edged an excellent Stokes saw him to three fi gures land were not so keen on the idea of England’s vocal ‘Barmy Army’. J Pattinson lbw b Broad 0 banned following the ball-tam- Broad delivery to England cap- in 184 balls, including nine fours and such an occurrence did not The Australian team were wel- R Burns not out 4 P Cummins lbw b Stokes 5 pering incident that took place tain Joe Root at fi rst slip. and a six. Smith, amid a chorus take place. England have not lost comed by a cacophony of boos, J Roy not out 6 a test match at “fortress Edgbas- before the national anthems, P Siddle c Buttler b Ali 44 during a Test against South Af- The combination of Bancroft of boos and cheers, celebrated by Extras 0 rica in Cape Town in March 2018. departing and Smith walking in exultantly waving his bat. ton” in more than a decade, with with the visitors keen to show a N Lyon not out 12 to bat prompted even louder jeers He piled on the agony for Eng- holders Australia not winning united front with arms on each Total (0 wkts, 2 overs) 10 Extras (lb13, w2) 15 CROWD JEERS from what has long been Eng- land, swinging Broad to leg for here since 2001, and home fans other’s shoulders as they sang Bowling: Cummins 1-0-3-0; Dangerous left-handed opener land’s most raucous home crowd. six before the angry seamer clean were keen to point such a fact out theirs, before the Handshake that Total (all out, 80.4 overs) 284 Pattinson 1-0-7-0 Warner was lbw to Broad for two After lunch, Smith success- bowled him. to their counterparts from Down never was.

FOCUS Bangladesh’s Shakib asks teammate Tamim to take a break

Bangladesh all-rounder against Australia. Unsettled India start rebuilding in Florida Shakib Al Hasan yesterday Bangladesh were hoping asked out-of-form teammate Tamim would lift his game in AFP in the third T20 and ODI series chise globetrotters in all-round- Tamim Iqbal to take some Sri Lanka, where they were Lauderhill, United States in Guyana and Trinidad but the er Kieron Pollard and spinner time away from international also missing other key play- Indians will miss the experi- Sunil Narine. Carlos Brathwaite cricket, saying he will emerge ers including Liton Das and ence of Dhoni as well as all- is back as captain. stronger after some rest. Mohamed Saifuddin. ndia head into their all-for- rounder Hardik Pandya, who There is no Chris Gayle in Bangladesh were white- “There are a lot of negatives. mat tour of the West Indies has been rested, and fast bowler Florida as he is hard at work in washed 0-3 in a one-day inter- We have to hold it tight and this weekend with more on Jasprit Bumrah, who will join the Global T20 event in Canada. national series in Sri Lanka come back strong,” Tamim their mind than simply win- the squad for the tour-ending But the big-hitting opener has after Tamim was made the in- said after the team’s 122-run Ining a couple of T20s. Test matches. been selected for the ODI leg of terim captain in the absence defeat in Wednesday’s third For Virat Kohli’s side – and The Tests in Antigua and Ja- the tour, perhaps as a fi nal fare- of regular skipper Mashrafe and final game. indeed for the West Indies – it maica will have a special signifi - well in front of home fans. Al- Mortaza and vice-captain Shakib, who is expected to is a chance to pick up the pieces cance as they will mark the fi rst ready 39, he is hardly likely to Shakib. Tamim struggled with play in next month’s home se- after a disappointing one-day round of matches for each side in feature in the next World Cup in form throughout the series, ries against Afghanistan, said international (ODI) World Cup in the new World Test Champion- India in 2023. making just 21 runs in three Bangladesh should rotate England and put behind them the ship. India will start favourites matches with scores of 0, 19 players to keep them fresh. recent talk of splits in the camp. Unlike the visitors, the West across all three formats although and 2. “It’s not possible for a Kohli’s confi dant Ravi Shastri Indies went into the World Cup the West Indies are expected to “I think the important thing player to play when he feels is on borrowed time before the as one of the outsiders and de- be at their most competitive and for him now is to take some stretched. So these breaks appointment of a new coach, spite a resounding victory over explosive in the T20s. rest, recover well, feel fresh are important. These breaks former captain MS Dhoni has Pakistan to open their campaign, and come back strongly. I am also create opportunity for skipped the tour to do military they slid down to ninth in the fi - T20 TEAMS (PROBABLE) sure he will do this,” Shakib others,” said Shakib. service while Kohli this week has India captain Virat Kohli. (AFP) nal standings amid much disaf- West Indies: Carlos Brathwaite said of Tamim to reporters in Bangladesh will host Afghani- had to dismiss talk of a rift with fection and rancour among their (captain), Evin Lewis, John Dhaka. stan for a Twenty20 series in prolifi c opening batsman Rohit to fi nd plenty of support during New Zealand played Sri Lanka in diehard supporters over the re- Campbell, Shimron Hetmyer, The Sri Lanka series came September. Sharma. the fi rst two T20s on Saturday two T20s. peated manner in which they Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, after a string of poor perform- “It baffl es you as a leader, as and Sunday with expatriate In- West Indies and India played surrendered potential winning Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, ances in the World Cup in a coach, and as a team when lies dians expected to outnumber a T20 there three years ago and positions. Sunil Narine, Khary Pierre, England when Tamim, the are being fl oated around,” Kohli West Indian fans at the delight- produced real fi reworks, with KL Their meeting with India at Oshane Thomas leading run-scorer for Bang- told reporters this week. ful Central Broward Stadium in Rahul smashing a century off 46 Old Traff ord ended in a crushing India: Virat Kohli (captain), ladesh in all three formats, “And they are made to look Lauderhill, Florida. balls and Evin Lewis responding 125-run defeat. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, failed to meet the expecta- believable. We have had no is- for the West Indies with a ton off Now, with an eye on build- K. L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant tions of the team. sues.” LAUDERHILL, HOME OF (USA) 49 balls. The Indians won by just ing towards the defence of their (wicketkeeper), Manish Pandey, He scored just 235 runs in India, unexpectedly beaten by CRICKET one run. World T20 title in Australia in Krunal Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, eight innings at 29.37, which New Zealand in the World Cup The stadium hosted its fi rst in- Rahul will be hoping to repli- 15 months’ time, they have wel- Khaleel Ahmed, Bhuvneshwar included only one fifty Tamim Iqbal semi-fi nal last month, are likely ternationals back in 2010 when cate that form in Lauderhill and comed back experienced fran- Kumar, Deepak Chahar