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Thursday, May 23, 2019 TENNIS Ramadan 18, 1440 AH With the world at GULF TIMES her feet, Osaka takes Paris in her stride SPORT Page 2

FOCUS CRICKET Sanchez names 28-man Qatar squad for Copa Kohli’s India By Sports Reporter Mahdi Ali have been also in- B rivals Colombia on June 20 and Doha cluded in the squad which will Argentina on June 23. be holding a training camp in boast fi repower Texas before fl ying out to Brazil. SQUAD: Saad al-Sheeb, Tariq Sal- oach Felix Sanchez A large number of players in man, Boualem Khoukhi, Hassan yesterday announced the squad are from Al Sadd and al-Haydos, Akram Afif, Hamid a 28-member Qatar Al Duhail, the top sides in Qa- Ismail, Salem al-Hajri, Abdelkarim squad for the Copa tar. However, not a single player Hassan and Pedro ( Al Sadd); to make World AmericaC to be held in Brazil from from Al Rayyan, who fi nished Almoez Ali, Bassam al- Rawi, June 14 to July 7. fourth in the QNB Stars League, Karim Boudiaf, Aasim Madibo, The list includes all players has made the team. Ali Afif, Ismail Mohamed, Abdulla who represented Qatar during The squad will be pruned to 23 Abdul Salam and Sultan al-Brake Cup charge their historic Asian Cup triumph after Qatar’s friendly against Bra- (Al Duhail); Youssef Hassan, in the UAE earlier this year, most zil at the historic Maracana Sta- Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaa, AFP portant role in India’s recent notably Karim Boudiaf and Bas- dium in Rio de Janeiro on June 5. Tamim al-Muhaize and Mahdi Ali New Delhi successes. sam al-Rawi, who had missed They will also play a closed doors (Al Gharafa); Musab al-Khater and And former India batsman their recent club matches due to match against a Brazilian club side Ahmed Fathi (Al Arabi); Mohamed Sanjay Manjrekar told AFP that injuries. on June 9 before their fi rst Copa Bakri (Al Khor), Abdul Aziz al-An- ndia boast the game’s un- the spin twins could have a cru- Al Duhail’s Ismail Mohamed, America match against Paraguay sari (Al Kharaitiyat), Ahmed Moin doubted superstar batsman cial role to play for India, who who missed the entire season on June 16. (Qatar Sports Club) and Abdulrah- in Virat Kohli but their bowl- kick off their World Cup cam- due to injury and Al Gharafa’s They meet their other Group man Mohamed (Al Ahli) Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. ing attack could hold the paign against South Africa in Ikey to their hopes of World Cup Southampton on June 5. glory. “In T20 cricket if you don’t FORMULA 1 Despite their status as the have anything in the pitch for game’s global powerhouse, In- these spinners then the batsmen, dia have only won the showpiece by slogging them, have a tenden- tournament twice, in 1983 and cy to get the better of these guys,” 2011. he said. But Kohli’s men, second be- “In the 50-over World Cup, in hind England in the one-day the middle stages, that kind of international rankings, will start pressure won’t be there on these Leclerc dream and the tournament in England and two guys.” Wales among the favourites alongside the host nation and KOHLI FACTOR defending champions Australia. Kohli, 30, has scored more than For all the focus on captain 19,000 runs across all formats of Kohli, the number one batsman the international game and shone in the world in the 50-over for- during India’s tour of England last Lauda memories stir mat and Test cricket, the ability year, despite defeats in the Test of India’s seamers to exploit the and ODI series for the visitors. conditions could be the most im- But the rest of the batting portant factor. line-up appears far from set- Jasprit Bumrah, the top- tled, with Lokesh Rahul and all- ranked ODI bowler in the world, rounder Vijay Shankar vying for leads the pace battery along- the number four spot after Rohit Monaco emotions side Mohammed Shami, Bhu- Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and vneshwar Kumar and Hardik Kohli in the top three positions. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Pandya. Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni takes part in a press Wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav are expected to form the core of conference ahead of the and Yuzvendra Chahal add vari- the middle order. In this May 1, 1979, picture, Sunday’s Monaco Grand ety to India’s attack. “I don’t think the Indian bat- Austrian driver Niki Lauda Prix yesterday. Former India skipper Rahul ting looks settled. Virat Kohli is talks to a mechanic at(AFP) the (Reuters) Monaco Grand Prix. Dravid believes the tournament the only guy that gets me very could be a high-scoring aff air. excited,” said Manjrekar, who “I believe, having experienced admitted Dhoni’s IPL form had some of the conditions in Eng- been good. land last year with the A-team All-rounders Pandya and tour, it would be a high-scoring Shankar will also be crucial to In- World Cup,” he told Star Sports. dia’s chances of making the fi nal “And in a high-scoring World four in the round-robin event. Cup, having bowlers who can An attacking middle-order take wickets in the middle will be batsman, a medium-fast bowler very important. I think India is and quick in the fi eld, Pandya has lucky in that regard. the ability to turn games single- “People like (Jasprit) Bumrah, handedly. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra The 25-year-old Pandya, who Chahal.... (India have) got bowl- earlier this year was suspended ers who can take wickets.” over sexist remarks on a TV chat The 25-year-old Bumrah, with show, is fresh from winning the his ability to bowl yorkers at the IPL title with Mumbai Indians death, has picked up 85 wickets and keen to focus his energies on in 49 ODI matches since making his fi rst 50-over World Cup. his international debut in Janu- “There is no one even close to ary 2016. Hardik Pandya’s talent with both Yadav and Chahal did not have bat and ball,” former India open- “If you look at their perform- at home since Louis Chiron in a great Indian Premier League er Virender Sehwag told cricket- Mercedes have sentiment on ance in the low-speed section of the 1950s. season but have played an im- next website. this (Barcelona) circuit, you would A fi rst career F1 win for the their side, Leclerc hopes to expect them to be very strong (in Monegasque, who crashed out Monaco),” Red Bull boss Christian last year on his debut with Sau- make most of home advantage Horner said after Hamilton won ber, would be truly momentous. in Spain 10 days ago. “It’s my fi rst home GP as a Reuters Now that looks more like a fi t- “They’ll certainly be very Ferrari driver and it’s bound to Monaco ting tribute to a man who won much the favourites.” be a special weekend,” he said. his titles with McLaren and Fer- Red Bull won last year from “I remember as a kid, I would rari but would have been cheer- pole position with Daniel Ric- spend the afternoon with a harles Leclerc will race ing on the Silver Arrows of Lewis ciardo, but the Australian has friend who lived in a fl at with around his home streets Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas as moved to Renault and Max Ver- a balcony overlooking the Ste. in a Ferrari for the fi rst loudly as anyone. stappen is the main hope now. Devote corner. We used to play time in Sunday’s Mo- Various tributes are expected The young Dutchman does with toy cars while the real ones nacoC Grand Prix, a boyhood for one of the sport’s greatest not have such happy memo- rushed past beneath us. dream come true, but dominant characters, who won for Ferrari ries of the track, wrecking his “I always told myself that one Mercedes also have sentiment in Monaco in 1975 and 1976. chances last year by hitting the day, it would be great to be driv- on their side. Mercedes team principal Toto wall in Saturday’s fi nal practice ing in this race.” The death on Monday night of Wolff said his compatriot had and lining up last. Ricciardo, who has fi nished Austrian Formula One great Niki been a guiding light. “Looking at the low-speed only once in the points this year Lauda, a triple world champion “As a team-mate over the past performance in the last sector with a best result of seventh, is and non-executive director of six and a half years, Niki was al- (in Spain), we are clearly not the unlikely to be standing on top of the Mercedes team, has cast the ways brutally honest — and ut- favourite and I also don’t expect the podium on Sunday but the showcase race into a diff erent terly loyal,” he said. A picture of late F1 driver Niki it to be like last year when we Australian does expect a better light. “It was a privilege to count Lauda is seen on a Red Bull Toro were super strong in Monaco,” showing. A week ago there were those him among our team and mov- Rosso car ahead of the Monaco he said. “I’ve done it before so it’s fa- who feared a sixth successive ing to witness just how much it GP yesterday. (AFP) Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is a miliar territory. I’m really curi- Mercedes one-two fi nish, at a meant to him to be part of the two-times Monaco winner but ous actually to see how I per- tight and twisty track that has team’s success.” he has won twice already, and the much of the attention will be form this year in Monaco,” he seen plenty of processions in the Hamilton leads Bottas by sev- characteristics of the car suggest on Leclerc, who was born in the told Reuters. “I think we can get In this March 1, 2019, India cricket team captain Virat Kohli (centre) past, would have the fans turn- en points going into one of the Mercedes will again be frontrun- principality and can become the a good result. Maybe our best of talks to his team members during a practice session ahead of the first ing off in droves. Briton’s favourite races, and one ners. fi rst local driver to score points the year. We’ll see.” ODI against Australia in Hyderabad, India. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 23, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Zverev seeks to rediscover spark With the world at suff ered a second-round loss Reuters Paris to Matteo Berrettini. “It’s just time consuming. It’s energy consuming. Obvi- n the court Alex- ously you have to deal with a ander Zverev has lot of diff erent things. I have proved adept at to deal with lawyers. I have to shouldering the ex- deal with obviously manage- her feet, Osaka takes pectationO heaped on him since ment stuff because I don’t his early teens, but off it the job have anyone. I have to kind of of handling the business side do it myself right now.” of his tennis career is proving a Zverev arrived at Roland more onerous task. Garros a year ago brimming So much so that the with joie de vivre after winning 22-year-old German will head the Madrid title and reaching to the French Open sounding the fi nal in Rome. This clay- Paris in her stride just a little world weary and court season has been a grind. with few backing him to match “Last year, the reason why I ‘Grand Slams to me are like a playground, I have a lot of fun there’ or even better last year’s run to was playing so good, all I was the quarter-fi nals, still his best doing was playing tennis,” he Grand Slam showing. said. When Zverev beat Roger “Everything else was taken Federer and Novak Djokovic care for me. I was going to back-to-back to win the ATP bed, I was waking up, think- Finals last November at Lon- ing about how practice was, don’s O2 Arena it felt like a after practice I was thinking launchpad to the Grand Slam about what to eat, then prac- titles long-predicted for the tice again, go to bed. blonde-haired Hamburg na- “Now it’s more like I have to tive. Yet this season has been wake up, I have to think about, a let-down since reaching the okay, I got this and this email, I Acapulco fi nal in early March have to respond to this and this and putting together any sus- person, I have to make a phone tained form has proved beyond call, do that, then I have to his capabilities. practice. It’s a lot more things.” The slump has coincided With approaching $17 mil- with an ongoing legal wrangle lion already banked in prize with former manager Patricio money, sympathy might be in Apey, which has left Zverev short supply, but tennis fans with far more to worry about will hope that Zverev will re- than just rocking up for his discover his spark soon and practice sessions. continue jousting with other Until that situation is re- rising forces such as Greek solved he is eff ectively running Stefanos Tsitsipas. “Sacha Zverev Inc” on his own He described his defeat by and it is clearly having a detri- Berettini as “horrendous” and mental eff ect on his tennis. rather than rest up ahead of the French Open he is playing this ENERGY CONSUMING week in Geneva hoping to play “I am a young guy that is try- himself back into form. ing to build a brand as well,” “For me, it is about playing Zverev, coached jointly by his well. Once I play well, I know father Alexander and Ivan that I can be on a court with Lendl, said recently at the Ital- anybody. And this is the most ian Open this month where he important for me,” he said.

Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with fans after winning her women’s singles third round match against Julia Goerges of Germany at the China Open in Beijing on October 4, 2018. (AFP)

AFP made the third round, counter- an airline and car-maker to a Her 2019 results, meanwhile, leashed 184 aces across all Paris ing claims she was the ‘coolest noodle company and detergent have been steady rather than surfaces. thing in tennis’ by asserting she manufacturer. In Japan, her coy spectacular – she hasn’t reached “I think for me, I’m kind of was the sport’s ‘most awkward personality and breezy news another fi nal since Melbourne comfortable with clay now. It’s welve months ago at person’. conferences have made her into while her clay court season has just like I randomly slip. I feel Roland Garros, an em- But it was the razzle-dazzle of a media darling. ‘Naomi-speak’ been blighted by injury. like if I can get that under con- barrassed Naomi Osaka New York – helped by a mega- was among the most searched An abdominal strain forced a trol, I’ll be good.” bristled at being hailed meltdown by Serena Williams – phrases online in 2018. pullout from Stuttgart while a Her status in the women’s Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates during his third round Tas the ‘coolest thing’ in tennis. which propelled her to a maiden “She’s multicultural, mul- hand injury sparked an early de- game in general will endure even match against Italy’s Fabio Fognini at Monte Carlo Masters on Now, however, the 21-year- Slam triumph in September. tinational, multiracial,” Stuart parture from Rome last week. wider exposure in 2020 when April 18, 2019. (Reuters) old Japanese returns to Paris as That was backed up by a sec- Duguid, Osaka’s agent and an Not that Osaka is getting too she is likely to shape the image of comfortably the sport’s hottest ond major at the Australian IMG executive, told Britain’s Fi- down on herself. the Tokyo Olympics. ticket with the world number Open, her status as the face of nancial Times. “Grand Slams to me are like It’s all a far cry from the days FOCUS one billing, a bank balance the new generation of women’s a playground, I have a lot of fun when Mari used to get the better bursting at the seams and on the tennis comfortably confi rmed. ‘GRAND SLAMS ARE there,” she said ahead of Sun- of her younger sibling when they brink of a third successive Grand Osaka, the daughter of a Hai- PLAYGROUNDS’ day’s French Open start. were growing up in the US. Slam title. tian father and Japanese mother, However, fame still sits uncom- Clay courts, too, are becom- Back then, Naomi always had IOC recommends “The one word that comes to has since been signed up by Nike fortably with Osaka whose ca- ing bearable for a player whose that something extra even if it my mind is amazing,” says Os- in a deal reportedly worth in the reer earnings have already rock- power game traditionally thrives wasn’t immediately apparent. aka’s older sister Mari, a fellow region of $10 million a year. eted past the $11 million mark. on faster courts. “Sometimes I think she was Boxing keeps its tour player. Despite being based full-time In the wake of her Austral- At Roland Garros last year, throwing the matches on pur- “I’m really proud of her.” in the United States and still ian Open triumph, she shocked Osaka was serving at 121mph pose just so that we could fi nish Naomi Osaka was seeded at a often struggling with the Japa- tennis by splitting with coach (196.2k/ph), a speed matched practice quicker,” recalls Mari. place in Tokyo but Grand Slam for the fi rst time at nese language, sponsors from Sascha Bajin, one of the master- only by Serena Williams. “So the moment she started the 2018 French Open when she home have come calling – from minds of her meteoric rise. This year alone, she has un- trying, I was getting pissed off .” not under AIBA FRENCH OPEN Reuters reporters. “At the same time, Lausanne, Switzerland we off er a pathway back to lift- ing the suspension, but there needs to be further fundamen- Djokovic concedes he has mountain to climb oxing should keep its tal change.” place at next year’s Ol- The recommendations Reuters who is 31, as strong contenders. his close friend in the third. ympic Games but rec- will be put to a full IOC ses- Belgrade “Nadal (is) the number one He then held his nerve against ognition of AIBA, the sion in Lausanne in June. The favourite without a doubt, and the battling Schwarzman before governingB body of the sport’s IOC added that AIBA’s status then everyone else,” a serene running out of steam versus, amateur version, should be should be reviewed after the orld number one Djokovic told reporters after he leaving doubts as to whether he suspended, the International Games. Novak Djokovic has was beaten by the Spaniard at will have enough in the tank to Olympic Committee’s (IOC) While the IOC organises the enjoyed two good the Foro Italico. match world number two Nadal executive board recommended Olympic Games as a whole, weeks on red clay “I think it’s going to be a re- for energy during the gruelling yesterday. the federations run their own Wbut admitted that winning a sec- ally good tournament. Dominic two-week event in Paris. The IOC said in a statement sports competitions within ond French Open title would be a Thiem has been playing some Djokovic has already achieved that it would instead set up a that framework. tall order after a crushing defeat good tennis and he can beat any- the rare feat of holding all four task force to organise the Box- Suspension would rob AIBA by Rafael Nadal in last week’s body, especially on clay. major honours at the same time, ing competitions, including of its main source of funding Italian Open fi nal. “Fognini is also playing qual- having won the 2015 Wimble- the qualifi cation events to be and be a devastating blow to Djokovic clinched the Madrid ity tennis, he showed against don and U.S. Open titles before held between January and May. the body which has organised Open without dropping a set and Nadal in Monte Carlo what he is clinching the Australian Open The recommendations fol- Olympic Boxing for 73 years. then won a pair of epic battles capable of,” he added referring to and French Open crowns the fol- lowed an IOC inquiry into the AIBA president Gafur Rahi- against Argentines Juan Martin the Italian’s 6-4, 6-2 semi-fi nal lowing year. fi nances and governance of mov suspended himself from Del Potro and Diego Schwartz- victory. After two diffi cult years AIBA which has been in tur- the post in March because of man in Rome before succumbing “On a given day, best of fi ve dogged by an injury which re- moil for years. his presence on a US Treasury to the imperious Nadal 6-0, 4-6, (sets), with one day between quired elbow surgery and a dra- AIBA says it has undergone Department sanctions list “for 6-1 in Sunday’s fi nal. matches, players will have matic loss of form, Djokovic a profound reform programme providing material support” to That defeat aside, the Serb’s enough time to really be at their bounced back spectacularly to in the last 18 months and done a criminal organisation. The form seems to have peaked in best. clinch the Wimbledon and the everything that has been asked Uzbek strongly denies the al- time for the May 26-June 9 tour- “Everybody is trying to peak US Open titles again in 2018 as of it but the IOC said that legations. nament. However, the 32-year- for Roland Garros and I am really Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the Madrid Open final well as this year’s Australian “there has been a lack of satis- He has been replaced on an old from Belgrade, who has won looking forward to it.” against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas on May 12, 2019. (Reuters) Open. factory progress”. interim basis by Mohamed 15 Grand Slam titles, made it He is certainly buoyed by “Today’s decision was tak- Moustahsane. clear Nadal, who is the same age, PATCHY FORM A quarter-fi nal loss in Monte maiden French Open title. the prospect of emulating his en in the interest of the ath- The IOC confi rmed the total was the favourite at Roland Gar- Djokovic’s exploits on clay came Carlo came on the back of early But the Serb silenced his achievement of holding all four letes and the sport of Boxing. athlete quota for Boxing at the ros. after several months of patchy exits at Indian Wells and Mi- critics with a vintage run in majors but knows that nothing We want to ensure that the Tokyo Games would remain at He also named Austrian Do- form following his January tri- ami, prompting speculation by Rome, including a rip-roaring less than perfection will be re- athletes can live their dream 286 and the number of eight minic Thiem, the 25-year-old umph at the Australian Open in pundits that Djokovic was head- victory over Del Potro when he quired for what would amount and participate in the Olym- men’s events and fi ve women’s world number four, and 11th- Melbourne where he beat Nadal ing for a dip in form similar to saved two match points in the to a carbon copy of his most suc- pic Games Tokyo 2020,” IOC events would be maintained, ranked Italian Fabio Fognini, in straight sets. the one in 2016 after he won his second set before dismantling cessful 12 months on tour. President Thomas Bach told as previously approved. Gulf Times Thursday, May 23, 2019 3 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Big Show hopes for bowling show Bangladesh aim to at World Cup

Reuters Maxwell bowled plenty of London overs in the United Arab Emir- ates against Pakistan and away to India in recent months as Aaron he bowling side of Glenn Finch’s side claimed confi dence- break new ground Maxwell’s status as an building series victories. all-rounder is often He gave up the chance of a rich ‘At the moment I think forgotten amid the fi re- Indian Premier League deal to Tworks of his power hitting but warm up for the World Cup with going to the semi-finals the mercurial Australian hopes England county side Lancashire. his off spin can tie a few batsmen In six one-day matches with will be big challenge, but in knots at the World Cup. Lancashire, he managed a top Although used sparingly dur- score of only 35 with the bat but at World Cup nothing is impossible’ ing Australia’s 2015 triumph took wickets in every game bar on the pace-friendly pitches of one. “To have that continue into AFP home, Maxwell chipped in with my time at Lancashire, where I Dhaka six handy wickets to go with his got plenty of time at the bowling 324 runs in a fi ne all-round tour- crease, you get that rhythm, you nament. get that feel of the ball coming angladesh have set Spin is expected to play a far out consistently,” he said. their sights on capping bigger role in England, particu- “You need that as a part-time a remarkable rise by larly with warm weather forecast bowler, to have that consistency reaching the World Cup for the early summer, so Maxwell of time at the crease and get a semi-fiB nals for the fi rst time. can see himself playing a bigger few of the cobwebs out, I sup- Mashrafe Mortaza’s arrive in role behind specialist spinners pose.” England confi dent of making Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa. Australia’s bowlers will have the last four on the back of im- At England’s compact cricket containment on their minds pressive form that marks them grounds, that will mean avoiding when they face West Indies and as a serious threat to the estab- getting “hit for six most of the their master blasters in an unof- lished order. time,” Maxwell said at training in fi cial warmup later on Wednes- Bangladesh showed they can Southampton. day at the Rose Bowl’s Nursery compete with cricket’s elite na- “For me I suppose, a lot of the ground, a fi eld small even by Eng- tions when they advanced to the time that I bowl, I just try to limit lish standards. Champions Trophy semi-fi nals the boundary balls,” he added. Maxwell likened the venue to two years ago from a strong “As long as I’m doing that, if Hurstville Oval, a club ground group featuring England, Aus- they hit some good shots off my within a cycling track in Sydney’s tralia and New Zealand. bowling I’m not too fazed. southern suburbs synonymous Signifi cantly for their hopes “If I’m limiting the bound- with big totals in domestic 50- in this edition of the World Cup, ary balls and giving myself the over games. that memorable campaign came best chance to squeeze a few “It’s good to practice your in England. It was also further dot balls, bowl a couple of tight skills under heightened pres- proof of their emergence fol- overs, it might create a bit of sure and what you’re going to get lowing a maiden World Cup pressure at the other end.” later in the tournament,” he said. quarter-fi nal berth in 2015. Bangladesh’s group stage win against England four years ago proved to be a catalyst for the side, boosting their belief and triggering a sustained spell of success. Between April 2015 and Oc- tober 2016, Bangladesh won fi ve one-day international series in a row against Pakistan, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. All of those series were played at home but it was still a huge sign of progress for a Bangladesh team considered as international whipping boys Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. not so long ago. The series wins helped Bang- ladesh climb the rankings, earn- Lanka snap losing streak with Scotland win ing them automatic qualifi ca- tion for the Champions Trophy Sri Lanka snapped an eight- the landmark against Scotland and the World Cup. match one-day international on the same ground back in They maintained that con- losing streak ahead of the 2011. It was one of three fifties sistency with 13 wins from their World Cup with a 35-run win on the innings, including open- 20 one-day internationals in Bangladesh’s captain Mashrafe Mortaza holds the winners’ trophy after the one-day international Tri-Nation Series final against West Indies over Scotland in a rain-aff ected ing partner Avishka Fernando’s 2018 and are currently ranked at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin on May 17, 2019. (AFP) match in Edinburgh on Tuesday. maiden ODI half-century. seventh. Bangladesh will carry The Scots may not have quali- But both batsmen men dropped plenty of experience into the Mashrafe says a semi-fi nal it would have made a comeback Bangladesh may lack enough opener against South Africa on fied for the World Cup but last off Brad Wheal, Karunaratne tournament in the form of cap- place is their goal, but he admits diffi cult for them. But here we big hitters to do that. June 2. year beat tournament hosts at first slip on 13 and Avishka tain Mashrafe, vice-captain it will be tough to get that far have nine games. So far, Bangladesh have suc- “Here we have got to develop and favourites England to prove on 22 at mid-off . Karunaratne Shakib al-Hasan, Tamim Iqbal given the round-robin nature “Those who are expecting to cessfully chased a 300-plus a habit. We have to fi ght giving they were well capable of caus- received a third life on 36 when and Mushfi qur Rahim. of the fi rst stage of the10-team play in the semi-fi nals they will target only twice, against low- everything we have.” ing an upset. Saturday’s opener Calum MacLeod couldn’t hang tournament. have plenty of opportunities to ranked Zimbabwe and Scotland, It also remains to be seen had been abandoned without on to a sharp chance at mid- ‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE’ “At the moment I think go- come back. We have to be care- a record Mashrafe concedes if Bangladesh’s players have a ball being bowled due to rain, wicket off left-arm spinner Mark The solid performances in re- ing to the semi-fi nals will be big ful about it.” they must improve on in this completely recovered after they but the teams had better luck Watt. Sri Lanka pace bowler cent years, combined with the challenge, but nothing is im- While Bangladesh’s biggest World Cup. narrowly avoided being caught with the weather second time. Nuwan Pradeep then took four presence of the veterans, has possible,” Mashrafe said before strength is their team unity, “You see we are not accus- up in the New Zealand mosque Dimuth Karunaratne, the new wickets as Scotland slumped created expectations of success leaving Dhaka for England. they have weaknesses that tomed to chasing 320 or 340. attacks in March. Sri Lanka captain top-scored either side of being set a rain- for Bangladesh that were un- “Of course it is possible, dif- might hurt them on the big oc- At the same time, we cannot Many of the squad reportedly with 77 in a total of 322 for eight revised target of 235, needing heard of in the team’s fi ve pre- fi cult though. In the past a win casion. In an era when sides restrict the opposition to 270 needed counselling to deal with – just his second fifty at this 103 off seven overs, and were vious World Cups dating back over one big team in the group often chase down targets well or 280 on a regular basis,” he the horrifi c experience before level and first since he reached bowled out for 199. to 1999. stage might have been enough, in excess of 300 runs with ease, said ahead of their World Cup returning to domestic cricket.

PROFILE South Africa confront World Cup demons AFP “In previous World Cups, we South Africa will also be with- Johannesburg wanted to do ‘Superman’ things. out their former star batsman We thought we had to be more and talisman AB de Villiers, special, we had to do something who retired from international or South Africans, there more than we usually do, and cricket last year after a stunning is no escape from the we did not do what was good career. reality of the country’s enough before,” Du Plessis said. The team’s approach might bitter history of painful South Africa will go into this have to change, however, if one failureF in World Cup knockout World Cup without the burden or more of the bowlers is injured, games. of being among the favourites, with all three fast bowlers having “People will highlight the despite having won all fi ve of recent injury concerns. baggage – it’s like a big mirror the one-day international series Ngidi missed the IPL because that is always in front of you,” they have played in the past year. of a side strain, while both Ra- said South African captain Faf bada and Steyn returned early du Plessis before departing for DESTRUCTIVE POWER from India because of back and England. In a tournament expected to shoulder injuries. England was the scene of be dominated by batsmen, it is Steyn had yet to bowl at full South Africa’s most spectacular South Africa’s bowlers who will pace when the team left home implosion, 20 years ago, when carry the country’s hopes – pro- and is a doubt for the tourna- the World Cup was last played vided they are fully fi t. ment’s fi rst match against Eng- there. Kagiso Rabada, Steyn and land at The Oval on May 30. With the scores tied in a semi- Lungi Ngidi are a potentially po- Opening batsman Quinton de fi nal against Australia at Edg- tent pace trio who will be backed Kock will be a key player with his baston, Lance Klusener and last by the leg-spin of Imran Tahir, ability to score quickly from the man Allan Donald were involved the leading wicket-taker in this start of an innings, while fellow in a near-farcical run-out that year’s Indian Premier League. left-handers David Miller and JP enabled Australia to go through Du Plessis said this quartet Duminy can unleash destructive to the fi nal. were a crucial part of his team’s power if they have been provided South Africa have reached the ‘Plan A’, even though it means with a solid foundation. semi-fi nals in four of their seven South Africa could have a long Du Plessis and two of Hashim World Cup campaigns but have tail as none of the specialist Amla, Aiden Markram and Rass- yet to reach a fi nal. They have bowlers is a reliable batsmen. ie van der Dussen will be expect- won only one of seven knockout South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the one-day practice match against the Sri Lanka Board XI in Colombo on July 26, It will put a big responsibility ed to provide stability. matches, against Sri Lanka in the 2018. (AFP) on the top six in the batting or- “It’s a long, long tournament,” quarter-fi nals in 2015. der, although there will be a bat- said Du Plessis. “It’s not about That rare victory was followed ended with South African-born off the penultimate ball. has no relevance, other than play without a fear of failure if ting all-rounder, either Andile how you get to the semi-fi nals, by a dramatic semi-fi nal against New Zealander Grant Elliott hit- Despite the frustrating his- providing a lesson that his team they reach the semi-fi nals this Phehlukwayo or Dwaine Preto- you just have to get there and New Zealand in Auckland, which ting Dale Steyn for a winning six tory, Du Plessis believes the past should trust their ability and time. rius, at number seven. then any team can win.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 23, 2019 SPORT

FORMULA 1 ATHLETICS Semenya to race Tributes planned for 3,000m

AFP Los Angeles

wo-time Olympic Lauda at Monaco GP champion Caster Se- menya will race the 3,000 metres at the Dia- Mercedes said members would wear black armbands and there would be a tribute on the cars Tmond League Prefontaine Clas- sic on June 30, a distance she can contest without reducing her Reuters testosterone levels. Monaco The South African has won two Olympic golds at 800 me- tres, and has insisted she will not ormula One will honour take medication to comply with Niki Lauda at this week- new International Association end’s showcase Monaco of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Grand Prix, with teams rules governing testosterone andF drivers yesterday still com- levels in women athletes that ing to terms with the triple went into eff ect on May 8. world champion’s death. The new rules require women The Austrian, who died on with higher than normal male Monday aged 70, won in Mona- hormone levels — so-called co with Ferrari in 1975 and 1976 “hyperandrogenic” athletes — but was latterly the Mercedes to artifi cially lower the amount team’s non-executive chairman of testosterone in their bodies if and shareholder with principal they are to compete in races over Toto Wolff . distances of 400m to the mile. A Formula One spokesman Semenya won the 800m at the said a tribute was in the works, Doha Diamond League meeting with details to be confi rmed. this month in her fi rst race since Others said a minute’s silence losing her appeal of the contro- was planned for before the race. versial ruling at the Court of Ar- Finnish team mate Valtteri bitration for Sport. Bottas took the Briton’s place South Africa have said they instead, and said Hamilton will lodge an appeal of the CAS seemed OK when he saw him ruling with the Switzerland Fed- earlier. eral Tribunal citing lack of clar- “He (Lauda) meant a lot to me ity over how the rules can be im- but was a key member of ours in plemented. the race team and factory, a big Semenya’s case has provoked part of the Mercedes family and a furious debate across sport was a massive motivation for worldwide about gender and everyone and myself as well,” “hyperandrogenic” athletes, Bottas told reporters. those with “diff erences of sexual Mercedes said team members development” (DSD). would wear black armbands The World Medical Asso- from today and there would be ciation has urged doctors not to a tribute, as yet undecided, on Haas F1 technicians practice at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo yesterday. enforce the rules, warning that the cars. attempts to do so would breach Ferrari said they too would Photographs and television until securing a race seat with couldn’t believe it really. Austrian had been key to Ham- of racing’s most formidable ethics codes. honour their late champion, footage of Lauda’s famous 1976 Williams, recalled how he and “I’d only been part of Mer- ilton’s move from McLaren, characters. As the debate rumbles on, the who won two of his titles with duel with rival and eventual Lauda used to watch MotoGP cedes for half a year and there’s particularly in persuading the “His presence in the paddock Prefontaine 3,000m will be Se- the Italian team in the 1970s and champion James Hunt were be- races together. Niki Lauda congratulating me Mercedes board to part with the was a reminder that Formula menya’s fi rst race since the rules came back from severe burns in ing played constantly on screens “He just loved everything at the podium. He was just an money. One is a sport of heroes, an arena went into eff ect. a fi ery near-fatal 1976 crash, on in the Ferrari and Mercedes hos- racing really,” he said. amazing person.” “Niki’s loss is of huge sig- for competitors who push past Prefontaine Classic meet di- their cars. McLaren, with whom pitality units. “I remember at Silverstone Formula One managing di- nifi cance to Formula One,” said common limits of fortitude and rector Tom Jordan said Semen- the Austrian won his third title British rookie George Russell, when I won my fi rst or second rector for motorsport Ross the Briton. “Ours is a sport that endurance and fi nd an elevated ya’s agent reached out to meet in 1984, said they would have a Mercedes-backed driver who GP3 race and he was down at Brawn, who worked with Lauda revolves around larger than life plane beyond the ordinary. Sim- offi cials asking if she could start something on their cars too. was the team’s offi cial reserve the podium with Toto and I at Mercedes in 2012, said the personalities and Niki was one ply, he was a legend.” in the 3,000.

RUGBY CYCLING FOCUS Fiji name Hamilton excused nine Ewan on the double in from Monaco rookies Giro d’Italia 11th stage media briefi ng AFP AFP Wellington Monaco AFP Novi Ligure iji yesterday named nine n emotional Lewis uncapped players in- Hamilton was excused cluding free-scoring ustralian Caleb Ewan won a from attending an of- Toulon winger Filipo Na- sprint finish to take the 11th fi cial news conference Fkosi in their preliminary squad stage of the Giro d’Italia yester- yesterdayA ahead of this week- for this year’s World Cup. day, just ahead of Frenchman Ar- end’s Monaco Grand Prix, fol- Nakosi, who has dotted down naudA Demare. lowing the death of Niki Lauda. on 10 occasions in 18 games for Italian Valerio Conti, riding for UAE The defending fi ve-time the French club this season, is Emirates, kept the overall leader’s pink world champion, 34, arrived in joined by fellow new faces in jersey before the race heads for the first the Mediterranean principality, front-rowers Mesulame Doloko- day in the Alps today. to begin preparations for the Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to, Luke Tagi, Tuvere Veremalua, The 24-year-old Ewan of Lotto-Soudal classic race and was promptly rides a motorbike ahead loose forwards Johnny Dyer, claimed his second stage win of this year’s withdrawn from the media of the Monaco Grand Prix Temo Mayanavanua, Jale Railala race, four days after winning stage eight at event at the request of his Mer- yesterday. and backs Peni Matawalu and Pesaro. Three Italians who have been con- cedes team. Apisai Naqalevu. There was no sistently active in breakaways — Marco Hamilton, the world cham- Verstappen said: “Niki was a place for experienced wingers Frapporti, Mirco Maestri and Damiano pionship leader, was described legend of the sport. He achieved Nemani Nadolo and Timoci Na- Cima — once again led a long escape in the as being emotional following a lot in his career, but also after gusa who both play for French 221km stage raced entirely in sunshine. the death of Lauda on Monday. his career had fi nished — he was club Montpellier as they an- The trio were caught 25km from Novi He was due to attend the news generous and funny. He was a nounced their international re- Ligure, in northwestern Italy. briefi ng alongside Ferrari’s great guy and it is a big loss to tirements in February. The likes In the sprint, Australian Ewan chased Monegasque driver Charles Formula One.” of Clermont’s Naqalevu, Peceli down German champion Pascal Acker- Team Groupama-FDJ rider, France’s Arnaud Demare, celebrates on podium after the Leclerc and Dutchman Max Hamilton had earlier posted Yato and Setareki Tuicuvu, mann, who had to settle for third, a day stage eleven of the 102nd Giro d’Italia at Novi Ligure yesterday. Verstappen of Red Bull. messages expressing his feel- Toulouse’s Sam Matavesi, Rac- after crashing. A Mercedes spokesperson ings on social media. ing 92’s Leone Nakarawa and Demare of Groupama-FDJ, the winner points standings. Today’s 12th stage covers 156km be- said: “We asked for Lewis to be “My buddy, I’m struggling Ben Volavola as well as La Ro- of the crash-marred 10th stage at Mode- Italian Elia Viviani, winner of four stag- tween Cuneo and Pinerolo in the Italian excused in the circumstances... to believe you are gone,” said chelle pair Levani Botia and Kiri na, snatched second place for a boost to es last year, once again fell short, finishing Alps, the scene of Fausto Coppi’s mythical The FIA have kindly agreed a Hamilton. “I will miss our con- Murimurivalu could be late join- overtake Ackermann at the top of the fourth in the sprint. long-range attack in 1949. dispensation.” versations, our laughs, the big ing up with the national team Another scheduled news hugs after winning races to- due to their club commitments. briefi ng with Mercedes team gether. “I expect by the second week BADMINTON chief Toto Wolff , who worked “It’s truly been an hon- of June nearly all the players will closely with non-executive our working alongside you be back with the exception of chairman Lauda, was post- over these past seven years. I any French players whose teams poned until today. wouldn’t have been in this team progress deep into fi nals,” head Korean schoolgirl stuns top star Tai Hamilton’s Mercedes team- if it wasn’t for you...” coach John McKee said. mate Valtteri Bottas took Ham- Lauda’s death, following McKee said the list of play- AFP China, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand are also home and propel themselves and Malaysia ilton’s place at the news confer- long-term health problems, ers wasn’t fi nal and individuals Shanghai into the knockout stages. into the last eight. The hosts are yet to drop a ence. will cast a shadow across a rac- could be added later on. The teenager An, who won the New Zea- match in Nanning, hammering Malaysia 5-0 “It meant a lot to me, but also ing occasion known for glam- “Players can be included at land Open earlier this month, said: “My in their opener and then dismissing India by to every single team member,” orous parties, fabulous boats any time based on them show- eventeen-year-old South Korean strategy was to defend in the beginning of the same comprehensive scoreline. said the Finn, when asked to re- and celebrity visitors as major ing outstanding form and fi t- schoolgirl An Se-Young stunned each rally and then to take my opportunity. Along with top seeds Japan, China — the fl ect on Lauda’s death. sponsors jockey for attention ness level,” he said. The 50-man Taiwan’s world number one Tai Tzu- “My coach advised me to pay attention to 10-time winners of the Sudirman Cup — are “Niki was a big part of the and deals. squad will be reduced to 38 ying at the Sudirman Cup yesterday the front and keep the rally going. the favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday. Mercedes family. He was a But it is unlikely to aff ect the ahead of two matches against Sto burnish her fast-growing reputation. “I’m surprised I could beat her.” Saina Nehwal, India’s 2015 world silver- massive motivation for myself on-track concentration of the the Maori All Blacks on July 13 Rising star An, who is ranked 50th in the The 24-year-old Tai said that she had a medallist, was well beaten by Chen Yufei, the as a driver for everything he drivers, especially at Mercedes and July 20. world, roared back to defeat Tai 14-21, 21-18, niggling injury but did not use that as an ex- third-ranked Chinese winning 21-12, 21-17 in achieved and the diffi cult career where his passing will be most Fiji start their World Cup 21-16 in 66 thrilling minutes in the Chinese cuse. “She’s tall, powerful and has very good 33 minutes. he had — with the comeback. keenly felt, as Hamilton bids campaign against two-time city of Nanning. footwork,” the Taiwanese said of her young “I have had some trouble with my wrist “It is not nice in terms of a to add another Monaco win to former champions Australia Taiwan and title-holders South Korea opponent, who only turned 17 in February. and ankle and didn’t want to push too hard,” mind-set for the team, but I am those in 2008 and 2016 — and on September 21 before facing were already into the quarter-fi nals of the “She’s good in all aspects of the game. She said the defeated 29-year-old, pinpointing sure we can respect Niki by go- register a triumphant tribute Georgia, Wales and Uruguay in mixed-team world championships, but this will be an outstanding player in future for Tuesday’s loss to Malaysia as being fatal to ing fl at out on track and getting to the great three-time world Pool D. was further evidence of An’s precious talent. sure.” China eased to victory to send India India’s hopes. a good result this weekend.” champion Austrian. Gulf Times Thursday, May 23, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors welcome extended break Los Angeles: Pausing to re- flect on their historic fifth con- Raptors thump Bucks secutive Finals appearance should be an easy task for the Warriors. After Golden State put away the Portland Trail Blazers in a 4-0 sweep of the Western Conference finals on Monday, Golden State kicked off an extended idle hour. to level East fi nals at 2-2 With the Eastern Confer- ence finals scheduled through May 27, Game 1 of the NBA Finals is May 30 at either Mil- The winner of the series will take on two-time defending champions Golden State Warriors waukee or Toronto. The Bucks lost to the Raptors on Tuesday AFP back from an early seven-point and head back to Milwaukee Los Angeles defi cit to lead 32-31 after one with the series tied 2-2. “Get quarter — pushing the lead to 65- outside,” Warriors All-Star Klay 55 at halftime. Norman Powell Thompson said of his plans for he Toronto Raptors added 18 points off the bench. the nine-day hiatus. “Hopeful- closed ranks around Serge Ibaka and Gasol scored 17 ly it’s good weather in the Bay hurting star Kawhi Le- apiece, Ibaka also pulling down 13 finally. Just enjoy — just enjoy onard, turning in a total rebounds. Fred VanVleet chipped the downtime, because the Tteam eff ort in a 120-102 victory in 13 points. VanVleet, who NBA Finals, having experience over the Milwaukee Bucks on missed 16 of 20 shot attempts in with it, it’s such an emotional Tuesday to level the NBA Eastern the fi rst three games of the se- roller coaster, that it’s nice to Conference fi nals. Kyle Lowry ries, connected on fi ve of six from get away from the game a lit- led the Raptors with 25 points the fi eld, draining all three of his tle bit before it starts because and Toronto’s bench out-scored three-point attempts. emotions run high, and it Milwaukee’s 48-23 as the Rap- “I think the fi rst two games takes a lot out of you.” tors followed up their double- they really brought the intensity Timing couldn’t be more overtime triumph in game three to us. They came out and were clutch for Steve Kerr’s team, a with a second straight home win. more physical were more ac- pause in the chase for a fourth They knotted the best-of-sev- tive,” Powell said. “We wanted to Larry O’Brien Trophy in five en series at 2-2 with game fi ve in change that narrative and protect tries. The Warriors’ next game Milwaukee today. The winner of home court. We wanted to come will be No. 99 since beating the series will take on two-time out with a lot of juice, be more the Oklahoma City Thunder defending champions Golden aggressive, be more physical and in the regular-season opener State, who completed a Western take the game to them. I think we on October 16. Playing down Conference fi nals sweep of Port- really did that.” two starters, the Warriors are land to reach their fi fth straight Toronto extended their lead to optimistic the R-and-R window NBA Finals. as many as 16 points in the third will be plentiful enough for Leonard, who downplayed period and led by 13 going into rest, relaxation and returns — suggestions he was injured after the fi nal frame. Khris Middleton of forward Kevin Durant and the gritty game-three victory, led the Bucks with 30 points, six center DeMarcus Cousins. looked hobbled at times — winc- rebounds and seven assists. Mil- Durant missed the past five ing noticeably after dunking on waukee’s Most Valuable Player games with a calf strain and Bucks star Giannis Antetok- fi nalist Antetokounmpo added could resume on-court activi- ounmpo in the third quarter. 25 points and 10 rebounds, and ties at the end of the week. Leonard grabbed a pass from Nikola Mirotic scored 11. But the Cousins hasn’t played since Spanish big man Marc Gasol Bucks lost their second straight the opening series of the play- and drove for the basket, An- game, something they did just off s because of a quadriceps tetokounmpo’s move to stop him once during the regular season. injury. Andre Iguodala did not coming too late. Two home wins gave the Rap- play in Game 4, but is pegged Leonard landed hard and held tors some breathing room as they to be back on the court any his left leg — although he would head back to Milwaukee, but day and a “sure thing” for the play on. “I think he’s fi ne,” To- Lowry said they’d done nothing Finals. ronto coach Nick Nurse said. more than hold serve. “They did Curry roasted the Blazers “He’s logged a lot of minutes. what they did at home and we on the heels of an MVP-type He’s certainly tired, like a lot of did what we’re supposed to do performance in the closeout guys in this series are. He looks at home,” he said. “Our back’s game to eliminate the Hou- OK to me. I think there’s a lot of against the wall still,” Lowry ston Rockets. He has scored guys out there that aren’t 100% added. “We’re going into a hos- 30-plus points in five consecu- — on both sides of the ball.” tile environment. They’re going tive games, an epic run that But Lowry said Raptors “un- to be ready to go.” piggybacks similar output by derstood” that Leonard wasn’t Antetokounmpo said there Durant for the first two rounds going to be 100 % and knew go- was no feeling of panic among of the playoff s. ing into the contest that “every- the Bucks. “The feeling is not Curry called Monday night body has to step up and stay fo- any diff erent,” he said. “We’ve a “special moment” to walk off cused on the game plan.” still got to get better, stick with the court with another fancy Lowry scored 18 points in the our game plan. (We’ve) just got to Kawhi Leonard (centre) of Toronto Raptors dunks the ball during the match against Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the NBA Eastern hat and a ticket to the Finals. fi rst half as the Raptors came play with more energy.” Conference Finals in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday. (AFP)

NHL FOCUS Blues reach fi rst Stanley Cup fi nal since 1970 Trail Blazers extend

Reuters Stotts’ contract St. Louis AFP Los Angeles he worst team in the entire NHL a few days into the new year completed an astounding turn- ortland Trail Blazers Taround on Tuesday as the St. head coach Terry Stotts Louis Blues advanced to the Stanley Cup has agreed a new multi- Final for the fi rst time since 1970. Pyear contract extension The club that fi red its coach in Novem- in the wake of the team’s NBA ber and sat dead last in the NHL when the playoff exit to the Golden State sun rose on Jan. 3 dispatched the San Jose Warriors, the team said yester- Sharks in a six-game Western Conference day. Blazers president of bas- fi nals, capped by a 5-1 home-ice victory ketball operations Neil Olshey on Tuesday. The Blues will meet the Bos- confi rmed a new contract had ton Bruins in the championship round. been signed but gave no further “A lot of us felt we were in games and details. Lillard averaged 25.8 points, a close and couldn’t fi nd a way to win them,” Olshey said Stotts’ win- career-high 6.9 assists and 4.6 St. Louis captain Alex Pietrangelo said. ning record had prompted the rebounds in 80 games this sea- “We had some good honest conversations club to lock in the coach for the son. He broke his own Portland and knew we had to be better. We looked long-term. “We win every year,” record by making 237 3-pointers. each other in the eye, and we did it.” Olshey said. “But it goes be- The four-time All-Star would The Blues dominated the under- yond just wins and losses. It’s qualify for a supermax deal if he manned Sharks in the clincher. They now alignment. It’s partnership. It’s is voted to one of the three All- will open the Stanley Cup Final on Mon- knowing the organisation is NBA teams. day in Boston, facing the same team they moving forward. It’s a commit- He made the fi rst team in 2017- met the last time they went this far. That ment to a longer-term view that 18, the second team in 2015-16 series was memorialised by Bobby Orr’s there are priorities beyond just and the third in 2013-14. winning overtime goal for Boston that he the next game.” celebrated by going airborne. Stotts meanwhile told report- DONCIC AND YOUNG IN David Perron collected a goal and an ers that he was happy to be re- NBA ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM assist Tuesday, and Ryan O’Reilly post- maining with the team. “Obvi- Dallas Mavericks swingman Luka ed three assists in the victory. “It was a ously, I’m pleased,” Stotts said. Doncic and Atlanta Hawks point special moment for all of us,” said Blues “I’m pleased that we came to an guard Trae Young were unani- rookie goalie Jordan Binnington, who agreement. I’m very happy here, mous selections to the 2018-19 stopped 25 shots. “We’re excited and I’m happy with the team. This NBA All-Rookie fi rst team. Join- looking forward to the next round.” year was probably the most en- ing them on the fi rst team were The Sharks, who are potentially facing joyable year as a head coach, as Phoenix Suns center Deandre major turnover before next season, were far as the group of guys we had.” Ayton, Memphis Grizzlies for- without a trio of key players. Forwards Joe Stotts, 61, joined the Blaz- ward Jaren Jackson Jr. and Sac- Pavelski and Tomas Hertl were injured in ers as head coach in 2012. This ramento Kings forward Marvin Game 5, while defenseman Erik Karlsson year he led the team to their fi rst Bagley III. was sidelined due to an apparent groin St. Louis Blues players celebrate after their win over the San Jose Sharks in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2019 Western Conference fi nals ap- It’s the fi rst time since 1984-85 injury, and the hosts took advantage. Stanley Cup Playoff s in St. Louis, USA on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) pearance since 2000. The Blaz- that the top fi ve picks in the draft Perron opened the scoring just 92 ers were eliminated from the made the fi rst team. That season, seconds into the clash and Vladimir for the power-play goal that snapped his going to win the next game, we were go- accident. They’re heavy, hard and organ- playoff s however on Monday, as Hakeem Olajuwon, Sam Bowie, Tarasenko netted a power-play goal with goal drought at 13 games. Tyler Bozak ing to win the series because we took ised. There wasn’t any room out there.” the Golden State Warriors com- Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins 3:44 remaining in the opening frame to and Ivan Barbashev iced the game with that road,” Perron said. “I’m glad we ap- Certainly not any room for a Sharks pleted a clean sweep. and Charles Barkley were hon- stake St. Louis to a 2-0 lead. Dylan Gam- third-period goals. St. Louis won the last proached it that way.” comeback. “I was proud of our group to- Meanwhile, Trail Blazers and ored. Making up the All-Rookie brell — who drew into the San Jose line- three games in the series, all coming after The Blues outscored the Sharks 12-2 night,” DeBoer added. “I don’t think the All-Star guard Damian Lillard second team were Los Angeles up due to the injuries — scored his fi rst their controversial Game 3 overtime loss in the fi nal three games. “Their team is a score refl ected the work we put in. I know are expected to agree to a four- Clippers guards Shai Gilgeous- NHL goal at the 6:40 mark of the second in which the winning goal was scored de- hard team. I think the two hardest, heavi- what the scoreboard said at the end of the year, $191mn supermax contract Alexander and Landry Shamet, period to put the Sharks on the board spite an obvious hand pass. est teams are in the fi nal,” Sharks coach night, but I felt we made them earn it. We extension. Lillard, 28, has two Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin and give them life. However, St. Louis’ That game appeared to galvanize the Pete DeBoer said. “Everyone talks about showed up in tough circumstances and years and approximately $62mn Sexton, New York Knicks center Brayden Schenn quashed those hopes six Blues, even if they outwardly shrugged it skill and all the small players, and there got eff orts from everybody. That’s all you left on the fi ve-year, $120mn ex- Mitchell Robinson, and Hawks minutes later when he buried a rebound off at the time. “My feeling was if we’re is room for that, but I don’t think it’s an can ask.” tension he signed in July 2015. guard Kevin Huerter. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 23, 2019 SPORT

MLB Verlander strikes out 12 as Astros defeat White Sox Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel hit a solo homer, and Michael Brantley had a two-run double

Reuters Mazara went 3-for-4 with two doubles Houston for the Rangers, who won their second straight game in the series and third in a row overall. ustin Verlander carried a no-hit- Lynn (6-3) allowed two runs on fi ve ter into the seventh inning, and hits and a walk to defeat Seattle for the Michael Brantley keyed a four- second time this season. Shawn Kelley run uprising in the fi fth with earned his third save of the season de- anJ opposite-fi eld double to left as the spite giving up a solo home run to Omar Houston Astros claimed a 5-1 victory Narvaez with two outs in the ninth. over the visiting Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. DODGERS 7, RAYS 3 Verlander (8-1) fl irted with his third Clayton Kershaw took a shutout into career no-hitter, dominating the White the seventh inning, and Joc Pederson Sox with a season-high 12 strikeouts drove in two runs as Los Angeles earned while allowing just one baserunner an interleague victory against Tampa entering the top of the seventh. After Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his Verlander recorded his 11th strikeout to fi rst career appearance at Tropicana open that frame, he lost his no-hitter Field, Kershaw (4-0) struck out eight, and shutout when Jose Abreu drilled walked one and gave up six hits in 6 1/3 a fi rst-pitch fastball for a homer to innings. straightaway center fi eld. Verlander The Dodgers improved to 7-0 in his gave up one run, one hit and one walk starts this season and have won 15 con- in eight innings. Houston’s Yuli Gurriel secutive times he has taken the mound hit a solo homer, and Michael Brantley going back to last season. Joc Pederson had a two-run double. had two hits and two RBIs for the Dodg- ers. Tampa Bay’s Austin Meadows went METS 6, NATIONALS 5 2-for-5 and drove in a run. Amed Rosario legged out the game- winning RBI infi eld single with two outs REDS 3, BREWERS 0 in the ninth inning as host New York Sonny Gray threw six strong innings capped a wild fi nal few innings by edg- to earn his fi rst win with the Reds as ing Washington. Pinch hitter Adeiny Cincinnati won at Milwaukee. Gray Hechavarria began the game-winning (1-4) allowed fi ve hits, struck out nine rally by drawing a one-out walk against and walked four. The Brewers put their Tanner Rainey (0-1). JD Davis, whose leadoff batter on base in three of the six three-run homer in the seventh gave innings against Gray but went 0-for-6 the Mets a brief lead, followed by work- with runners in scoring position in that ing a full-count walk. span. Kyle Barraclough got Jeff McNeil David Hernandez, Amir Garrett and to hit a grounder that forced Davis at Raisel Iglesias each threw an inning of second before Rosario grounded to scoreless relief for Cincinnati, with Ig- shortstop and beat the throw from Trea lesias earning his 10th save. Turner on a close play. MARLINS 5, TIGERS 4 (11 INNINGS) CUBS 3, PHILLIES 2 Chad Wallach doubled home the go- Javier Baez ripped a pinch-hit, walk-off ahead run in the 11th inning as visiting single in the bottom of the ninth inning Miami extended its winning streak to to lift Chicago to a win over visiting New York Mets shortstop Amed Rosario hits an RBI single in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals in New York on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) four games by downing Detroit. Philadelphia. Before the game, Cubs Brian Anderson homered and drove manager Joe Maddon said Baez would The Orioles have now allowed 100 pitcher Trevor Cahill held the Twins Manny Machado drove in Kinsler in two runs for the Marlins, who gave be held out for the second consecutive home runs in just 48 games to set a A’S 5, INDIANS 3 hitless until the fi fth inning before the with a single to center. Hosmer then away a 4-2 lead in the ninth. day due to an injured heel and would dubious record. The 2000 Kansas City Mark Canha belted a two-run homer Minnesota off ense got rolling with drove Greinke’s next pitch high to left, Nick Anderson (1-1) racked up fi ve undergo an MRI exam. Royals (57 games) were the previous among his two hits in place of injured three runs in the sixth and four more in the drive just clearing the leap of Blake strikeouts in two scoreless innings However, after more than 3 1/2 hours fastest team to serve up 100. slugger Khris Davis, lifting visiting the seventh, primarily against the Los Swihart at the wall. while picking up his fi rst major league on the bench, Baez delivered in the Oakland past Cleveland. Jurickson Angeles bullpen. victory. game’s most critical moment. GIANTS 4, BRAVES 3 Profar hit his second homer in as many Minnesota got a big boost from the ROCKIES 5, PIRATES 0 Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire was Albert Almora Jr. also had an RBI Joe Panik capped a three-run ninth in- games, and Matt Chapman ripped an top of the lineup, as the fi rst four hitters German Marquez gave up three hits ejected in the ninth inning for arguing during a two-run ninth for Chicago. ning with a two-out, two-strike, two- RBI double for the Athletics, who have — Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Marwin over eight shutout innings and added an overturned call, and his team lost its The Cubs bounced back after Andrew RBI single, rallying San Francisco to a won a season-high fi ve in a row. Gonzalez and Eddie Rosario — com- an RBI single as Colorado ended a four- seventh game in a row. McCutchen ripped a two-out, two-run win over visiting Atlanta. After Julio Francisco Lindor launched his 14th bined for eight hits, six runs and seven game losing streak by winning at Pitts- single in the seventh inning to put the Teheran had made his fourth straight career leadoff homer, and Carlos San- RBIs to lead the Twins to their seventh burgh. Marquez (5-2) walked one and BLUE JAYS 10, RED SOX 3 Phillies ahead 2-1. Philadelphia’s four- solid start, the Braves took a 3-1 lead tana went deep for the third time in four victory in their past eight games. struck out seven. Rookie Rowdy Tellez homered twice game winning streak ended. into the last of the ninth. contests for the Indians, who have lost Carlos Estevez stranded two runners and drove in fi ve runs as Toronto end- Atlanta got within one out of a win four of fi ve versus Oakland this season. PADRES 3, DIAMONDBACKS 2 in the ninth to complete the shutout. ed Boston’s three-game road winning YANKEES 11, ORIOLES 4 before Kevin Pillar stroked a single to Davis’ return to the Athletics’ lineup Eric Hosmer capped a three-run sixth Charlie Blackmon (3-for-5 with a two- streak. Tellez belted a towering, two- Clint Frazier homered twice and score Brandon Crawford, getting the didn’t last long as he was lifted in the inning with a two-run, two-out op- run triple) and Trevor Story (solo home run homer to right fi eld in the fourth drove in fi ve runs, and Gary Sanchez Giants within one. After Pillar stole third inning, with pinch hitter Canha posite-fi eld homer off Zack Greinke run) led the Colorado off ense. inning off Eduardo Rodriguez, which hit a three-run homer for the second second and took third on Pablo San- going deep. Davis is dealing with the to give San Diego a victory over visit- Pirates starter Chris Archer (1-4) was quickly followed by a solo shot straight night as New York prevailed at doval’s pinch-hit, infi eld single, Mac lingering eff ects of the left hip contu- ing Arizona. Arizona built a 2-0 lead went fi ve innings, giving up four runs from Randal Grichuk in the next at-bat. Baltimore. Frazier hit a two-run homer Williamson pinch-ran for Sandoval and sion he sustained after running into a against Padres starter Matt Strahm (three earned) on six hits with two The husky Tellez then parked a and a three-run shot. also stole second, putting the potential wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on May on solo homers by Eduardo Escobar walks and three strikeouts. three-run homer to right in the fi fth to Sanchez belted his three-run homer tying and winning runs in scoring posi- 5, and he is headed to the injured list. (fourth inning) and John Ryan Mur- give Toronto a 6-0 lead. It was the fi rst in the fi rst — after hitting a tiebreak- tion. phy (fi fth inning).Ian Kinsler started RANGERS 5, MARINERS 3 multi-homer performance in 64 career ing three-run homer in the ninth in- That’s when Panik, with a full count, TWINS 8, ANGELS 3 San Diego’s sixth-inning rally with a Lance Lynn struck out a season-high games for Tellez, who has eight home ning that gave New York a 10-7 victory poked a pitch from Luke Jackson (2-1) Minnesota started slowly but put to- one-out single to left, and he moved 11 in seven strong innings as Texas de- runs and 24 RBIs this season. Ninth- on Monday night. The Yankees posted into right fi eld, easily scoring the two gether big innings late in the game to to second when Reyes grounded out to feated Seattle in Arlington, Texas. Joey place hitter Brandon Drury had two hits their 12th victory in 15 games. baserunners for the walk-off win. rally past Los Angeles. Angels starting Greinke up the fi rst base line. Gallo hit a two-run homer, and Nomar with three RBIs for the Blue Jays.

SWIMMING ATHLETICS Olympic champ Meilutyte retires Olympic marathon silver medallist at 22 aft er missing doping tests Kirwa of Bahrain suspended for doping

AFP Reuters circumvent tests. Vilnius, Lithuania Paris He also off ered to provide excuses which athletes could use to avoid being penalised for ithuanian swimmer Ruta ahrain’s Olympic wom- missing tests. “The panel reit- Meilutyte announced her en’s marathon silver erates that the charges which it retirement yesterday at medallist Eunice Kirwa has found to be established are the age of 22 after miss- has been provisionally serious,” the statement said. Ling three doping tests, ending a suspendedB after failing a doping “The conduct of Major Rot- career in which she became Ol- test, the Athletics Integrity Unit ich was dishonest and corrupt. ympic and world champion. (AIU) said in a statement. Ken- He sought to undermine anti- Lithuania’s swimming federa- yan-born Kirwa, who switched doping controls and to obtain a tion said earlier this month that allegiance to Bahrain in 2013 and personal fi nancial benefi t in do- Meilutyte faced a suspension of up fi nished second at the Rio Olym- ing so.” to two years for missing three drug pics in 2016, tested positive for The two Sunday Times jour- tests, meaning she would be ruled erythropoietin (EPO), a banned nalists posing as the sports out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. blood-boosting hormone that manager and coach of a fi c- “The swimmer took full respon- improves endurance. 2017. Sumgong’s ban was dou- exchange for money, the IAAF tional British athletics team sibility for missing all tests,” the “The AIU confi rms (a) pro- bled to eight years by the AIU announced yesterday. Rotich met Rotich three times in early federation said, adding that Mei- visional suspension against... after the IAAF found her guilty was exposed by two undercover 2016, according to the Ethics lutyte had failed to properly inform Bahraini long-distance runner of providing false information journalists from the Sunday panel. They were promised ad- international anti-doping au- Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa... for a while defending herself against Times in an article published in vance warning of doping tests thorities about her whereabouts. Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte was a star of the 2012 London Games, violation of the IAAF’s (Inter- the initial sanction but was al- August 2016 and was sent home in return for £10,000 ($12,600, Lithuania’s anti-doping chief where as a 15-year-old she won the 100 metres breaststroke event. national Association of Athlet- lowed to keep her gold medal as in disgrace from the Olympic 11,300 euros). Kristina Jagminiene described it as ics Federations’) Anti-Doping she tested positive in April 2017. Games in Rio which were under The statement said that it had an “unfortunate mistake”. new chapter of my life. Thank depression. During her swim- Rules,” AIU said in a statement. way at the time. found no evidence that Rot- Meilutyte, who has never you all who supported me on this ming career, she won 20 gold Kirwa becomes the second FORMER KENYA He was also provisionally ich did in fact provide advance failed a doping test, was a star of road”, she said in a statement. medals in top international com- women’s marathon podium ATHLETICS CHIEF BANNED banned by the IAAF from his notice of doping tests nor that the 2012 London Games, where Meilutyte said she wanted to petitions, according to Lithua- fi nisher at Rio to test positive 10 YEARS FOR CORRUPTION coaching job. In a statement an he had ever received payments. as a 15-year-old she won the 100 return to her studies and “ex- nia’s swimming federation. Her for the same substance after Kenya’s former athletics team IAAF’s Ethics Board panel said However the panel has found metres breaststroke event. She perience simple things, to grow, last event was the World Cham- Kenyan gold medallist Jemima manager Michael Rotich has Rotich had off ered to warn ath- that Major Rotich acted cor- also won the gold at the world to better understand myself and pionships in China last Decem- Sumgong, who was suspended been banned for 10 years for letes of impending tests so they ruptly and in deliberate viola- championships in Barcelona a the world”. Last year, Meilutyte ber where she failed to qualify for for four years by her country’s agreeing to provide advance no- could fl ush doping substances tion of core principles of the year later. “I am ready to start a admitted she was suff ering from the fi nals. anti-doping agency (ADAK) in tice to athletes of doping tests in from their system in order to Code (of Ethics), it said. Gulf Times Thursday, May 23, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rudi Garcia to quit as Marseille coach Sterling wants to Rudi Garcia will step down as Marseille coach following this weekend’s final round of Ligue 1 matches after the French meet FA, league giants failed to qualify for European foot- ball next season. “I’ve decided to leave. Kroos and Ter I put forth this solution to my president about racism who accepted it,” Garcia said at a press conference yesterday, sat alongside Reuters Marseille chief Jacques-Henri Eyraud. The New York 55-year-old Garcia was appointed coach in October 2016 with the mandate of lead- ing Marseille back into the Champions Stegen out of anchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who is League, shortly after the club’s takeover leading the fi ght against racism in soccer, said on by American tycoon Frank McCourt. He Tuesday he hoped to talk to offi cials at England’s extended his deal last October until 2021, Football Association and the Premier League about but Garcia will leave the Velodrome with Mcombating the menace. two years remaining on his contract after Sterling told a conference in New York that the hectic nature missing out on a top-three finish. “Rudi is of a footballer’s schedule was the only thing that had kept him a great coach and a man of great quality,” from meeting them already. said Eyraud, who dismissed reports of German squad “In football you can get caught up with training every day an eight-figure payout for Garcia and his and games every two, three days so you don’t really have a lot assistants. of time to be out and speaking to people,” Sterling said during Neuer is included despite missing last six weeks with calf strain a moderated discussion at the Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything conference. Gyan backtracks on “But for sure on my off time and holidays if I can get around retirement ahead of and speak to the FA and the people in the Premier league and see how we can go about doing things better in the future for African Cup sure I’ll be there in person to try and do that.” Sterling, named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writ- Ghana national team captain Asamoah ers’ Association last month, scored two goals on Saturday as Gyan yesterday reversed his decision City crushed Watford 6-0 to become the fi rst team to win the to retire from international football, just English domestic treble of league championship and both do- weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations. mestic cups on Saturday. The striker said Monday he was quitting He re-iterated his hope to see clubs slapped with automatic the national team after he was angered nine-point deductions if their supporters indulged in racist be- by coach Kwasi Appiah’s plan to strip haviour. him of the captaincy for next month’s “If I go to a football game and I support Manchester United, finals in Egypt. But President Nana for example, I don’t want to be the person that lets my team Akufo-Addo intervened on Tuesday by down by saying silly remarks in a stadium,” said Sterling. telephoning the Turkey-based player, “If you know your team is going to get deducted nine points urging him to make himself available from them winning the league you are not going to say these for selection. Gyan in a statement said racist remarks even though you shouldn’t have it in your head.” he has accepted the president’s request, Last season, Sterling accused sections of the British media of and was ready for the tournament. “A fuelling racism with negative portrayals of young black players. presidential request is one that can- Sterling also encountered racist abuse during England’s Euro not be disregarded... I have taken the 2020 qualifi er in Montenegro in March, while there have been request of His Excellency Nana Addo many other cases in European soccer in recent months. Dankwa Akufo-Addo in good faith, and Despite that, Sterling felt there had been some encouraging will make myself available for selection signs with regard to fan behaviour. by coach Kwasi Appiah,” the 33-year-old “Ten years ago it was a lot, lot worse than it is now. It’s start- forward said in a statement. “My desire ing to get better and people are understanding that they can’t to help Ghana end the over three- say certain things,” he said. decade long wait to annex the AFCON “But I think it’s partly English culture on a Saturday to go out trophy still burns strong, and I remain early and get ready for the game and start drinking. So a lot of committed to serving this great nation these people are kind of drunk by the time they get (to the sta- and the people of Ghana,” he added. dium). But it’s getting lot better than it used to be.” Hughton ‘hugely disappointed’ by In this March 22, 2018, picture, goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (right) and midfielder Toni Kroos attend a press conference on the eve of an international friendly. (AFP) Brighton sacking

DPA with a calf strain while keeper Marino, June 16-30. Germany Defenders: Matthias Ginter Chris Hughton admits he was “hugely Munich Bernd Leno, midfi elder Julian are defending the title won two (Borussia Moenchengladbach), disappointed and surprised” to be Draxler and defender Jonas years ago in Poland. Marcel Halstenberg (RB Leip- sacked by Brighton. Hughton was axed Hector were all recalled. “We’re happy that we can zig), Thilo Kehrer (Paris Saint- despite keeping the club in the Premier strong second half to Loew will gather his squad count on Jona and Lukas for the Germain), Lukas Klostermann League and leading them to the FA the season was not from June 2 for a training Euros,” U21 coach Stefan Kuntz (RB Leipzig), Jonas Hector Cup semi-finals. The 60-year-old’s enough to earn World camp in the Netherlands be- said. “They are both captains (Cologne), Nico Schulz (Borus- surprise dismissal came just one day Cup winner Mario fore heading to Minsk for the and absolute leaders on and off sia Dortmund), Niklas Stark after Brighton’s final game of a season GoetzeA his place back in the Ger- opening contest six days later. the pitch.” (Hertha Berlin), Niklas Suele in which they finished 17th, two points many squad for coming Euro Mainz then hosts the Estonia In contrast Paris Saint-Ger- (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Tah ahead of third-bottom Cardiff . “I was 2020 qualifi ers, coach Joachim game on June 11. man defender Thilo Kehrer, (Bayer Leverkusen) hugely disappointed and surprised by Loew revealed yesterday. After starting Group C with Bayer Leverkusen duo Julian Midfielders/Forwards: Julian the decision that was made to end my Dortmund forward Goetze a 3-2 win over the Netherlands, Brandt and Kai Havertz, Man- Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), time with Brighton and Hove Albion FC,” missed out on the squad for the Loew has demanded six points chester City’s treble winning Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Ger- Hughton said in a statement released matches away to Belarus and at from the minnows in the com- Leroy Sane and RB Leipzig’s main), Serge Gnabry (Bayern by the League Managers Association home to Estonia next month. ing matches which will not Timo Werner will not join the Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bay- yesterday. “I thoroughly enjoyed my Barcelona goalkeeper Marc- signal the end of the season for U21s even though they would ern Munich), Ilkay Guendogan four and a half years managing this Andre ter Stegen and Real Ma- two his squad. have been eligible to play. (Manchester City), Kai Havertz special football club. I would like to put drid midfi elder Toni Kroos also Defensive duo Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Joshua on record my gratitude to my coach- miss out with injuries. and Lukas Klostermann will SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Manuel Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Mar- ing staff , the players, fans, everyone Bayern Munich captain then join up with the under-21 Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd co Reus (Borussia Dortmund), connected to the club and the wider Manuel Neuer is included de- squad for their age group Eu- Leno (Arsenal), Kevin Trapp Leroy Sane (Manchester City), Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling takes part in Premier community of Brighton & Hove and spite missing the last six weeks ropean Championships in San (Eintracht Frankfurt) Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) League victory celebrations on Monday. (Reuters) wish them luck for the future.” Caparros to step down COMMENT as Sevilla coach Sevilla’s Joaquin Caparros is stepping down as manager but will stay on as part of the technical staff , the Liga club said in US ’99 World Cup win should have a statement yesterday. The 64-year-old, appointed for a third spell in March fol- lowing Pablo Machin’s sacking, met club President Jose Castro and Sporting Direc- tor Monchi during Sevilla’s post-season done more for women’s game: Foudy tour of Tanzania where the decision was reached by all parties. “From the 1919/20 season, the current coach will take up a Reuters front of more than 90,185 fans Foudy, who predicts either the prominent role in the sporting direction Toronto at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, US or France will lift the trophy. of Sevilla, which is headed up by Monchi,” California — still a record at- “There are countries out read a club statement. The club did not tendance for a women’s soccer there who have put the money give any details on a replacement. Capar- he United States’ game. in and are investing and now ros has been in charge of the five-time World Cup triumph on That 1999 victory captivated they are seeing the returns of a Europa League winners for 167 games home soil in 1999 was a the nation and was supposed potential World Cup-winning and led the club to a sixth-place finish in watershed moment for to serve as a lift-off point to a team. But it’s been slow for La Liga this season and Europa League Tthe sport but midfi elder Julie bright future of professional sure.” qualification. They missed out on a Cham- Foudy had hoped it would help women’s soccer leagues, great- Foudy said a number of pions League spot by two points after the women’s game grow at a er exposure and generally more countries have embraced the losing two of their last three games of the much faster pace. of everything for women across women’s game since her team’s campaign. Caparros said last month that The third edition of the tour- the entire sports spectrum. 1999 triumph and pointed spe- he had been diagnosed with leukaemia nament was held in the US in While progress was made cifi cally to France and England, but vowed to continue in his job. massive stadiums for the fi rst over the next 20 years, gaps re- the latter having been wished time and new heights were main, including one that con- good luck ahead of this year’s reached for attendance, media vinced the current US team to tournament by Britain’s Prince VAR success in La Liga, coverage and television audi- sue the US Soccer Federation William. say Spanish referees ences. for gender discrimination in But Foudy suggested other “It was a chance for us to the lead-up to their World Cup countries need to be pushed to The Spanish Referee’s Committee (CTA) show the United States and the defence in France next month. support the women’s game and has said Video Assistant Referee- world what a women’s sport- The 48-year-old Foudy, she did not understand why any ing (VAR) in La Liga has helped in all ing event should look like,” twice a World Cup winner and would hesitate to invest more aspects of the game after their first sea- Foudy, who went on to become Olympic gold medallist who for what she felt was a large re- son with the new system. VAR checked US captain from 2000 to 2004, is currently a writer and com- turn. 4,293 actions — an average of 12 per told Reuters in a telephone in- mentator for ESPN, said she “You still get to this day match — in the 380-game La Liga sea- terview. was beyond surprised that in countries that constantly say, son, intervening a total of 121 times (3.14 “We knew that there was this day and age there was even ‘oh my gosh, I am surprised per game) and leading to 114 changed still a resistance to support- a need for such a dispute. by the reaction by my country decisions. This included the awarding ing young girls playing sports “And frustrated. And tired,” In this July 10, 1999, picture, Julie Foudy (centre) of the US holds up the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the women’s game,’” said of seven red cards that on-field off icials and participating in sports so she added. “It’s exhausting to trophy after the win over China in the final in Pasadena, California. (Reuters) Foudy. missed, with 60 goals awarded by video if we could give an example of keep fi ghting that fi ght and es- “It’s like, when are we going technology. The CTA also said player why it’s so important then we pecially (for them) to do it right that this (winning the World ESPN special that aired last be easy to see at next month’s to stop being surprised? When protests were down 17.3 percent, while wanted to run with that oppor- before a World Cup to launch Cup) is something that has the week called “The ‘99ers, Reu- World Cup. it really is the global game and simulation dropped by 68% following tunity.” that battle, but it meant that potential to create a wonderful nited” and featured fi ve of her “It’s the fi rst (World Cup) it’s simple things. It’s low hang- the introduction of VAR. “Our off icials The US beat China 5-4 on much to them that they felt market for women’s soccer.” former teammates, said more where I’ve been able to count ing fruit supporting girls play- have adapted very well to the changes, penalties in the fi nal, which they needed to do it. countries had since stepped the number of potential win- ing and there’s a large return (on but so have the fans and media, too. It’s was goalless after extra time, “But you look back and say, ‘GOOD SIGN’ up their eff orts to support the ners on more than one hand, a small investment). That’s the like we’ve always played with VAR,” said in searing temperatures in didn’t we show 20 years ago Foudy, who hosted a one-hour women’s game and that will which is a good sign,” said thing that just gets me.” CTA president Carlos Velasco Carballo.

Thursday, May 23, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT QFA president meets U20 players in Poland

By Sports Reporter ners-up in the 1981 edition. Qatar juniors face Nigeria on Doha The QFA president urged the May 24, Ukraine on May 27 and the played to give their best as top US on May 30. teams in the world are competing atar Football Asso- in the event. SQUAD: Hammam al-Amin Ahmed, ciation (QFA) president He underlined the importance Abdullah Saaie, Salah Zakaria (Eu- Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- of doing well at top FIFA events pen), Shehab Mamdouh al-Leithi, lifa bin Ahmed al-Thani around the world. Qatar featured Nasser Saleh al-Yazidi, Ahmed metQ with Qatar players currently in the 2015 edition held in New Sibai (Al Duhail), Nasser Abbas, getting ready for the FIFA U-20 Zealand. A number of players from Issa Ahmed, Khalid Mohamed and World Cup in Poland on Monday. the squad in New Zealand have Yousef Ayman (Qatar), Abdulrah- The FIFA U-20 World Cup will graduated to the senior side. man Ibrahim, Marwan Sharif, be played in Poland from May 23 Prior to arriving in Poland, the Mohamed Wa’ed, Ahmed Suhail (Al to June 15. Qatar juniors underwent training Ahli), Hashim Ali and Yousuf Abdul This will be the fourth time camps in France and Slovakia. Razak (Al Arabi), Andrea Siabutra that Qatar, currently coached by Qatar are in Group D with Ni- (Al Gharafa), Bahaa Mamdouh al- Bruno Miguel, will feature in the geria, Ukraine and the United Liithi (Al Sadd) and Ali Mal Allah (Al tournament. Qatar finished run- States. Wakrah). Coach: Bruno Miguel

FOCUS SELECTION Messi and Aguero in Argentina Copa Sarri to discuss America squad

AFP Buenos Aires

arcelona superstar Li- Chelsea future onel Messi and the re- turning Sergio Aguero headed the 23-man BCopa America squad announced by Argentina coach Lionel Scalo- ni on Tuesday. Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria was also included aft er Europa final but there was no place for striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on loan at Chelsea from Juventus. Italian’s style of football has not been universally embraced by Chelsea fans “These are the best players in an important time for the na- AFP club’s principal target for the tional team,” said Scaloni ahead London campaign of a return to the of the tournament hosted by diffi cult,” admitted Scaloni, who Champions League and reach- Brazil, which begins on June 14. said he’d had “doubts right un- ing two Cup fi nals. Argentina will play in Group til the end” over the fi nal squad helsea manager Mau- “I think that we had a good B alongside Colombia, Paraguay make-up. rizio Sarri plans show- season, with a lot of problems of and guests Qatar, the 2022 World Argentina have not won the down talks with the course,” he added. Cup hosts and current Asian Copa America, or any major in- club’s hierarchy after “We fi nished third in the Pre- champions. ternational tournament, since nextC week’s Europa League fi nal mier League, fi nal of League Messi, who only returned to the 1993, losing in the fi nal in four of to see if they want the Italian to Cup, a very diffi cult competi- Argentina squad in March after an the last fi ve editions of the conti- remain in charge next season. tion, now we have the possibil- eight-month absence following nental showpiece. Sarri’s side recovered from a ity to play the fi nal of the Europa the World Cup in Russia, will turn mid-season slump in time to se- League. 32 during the competition. SQUAD: cure Champions League football “If we are able to win then it Di Maria, like Messi, made his Goalkeepers: Agustin Marchesin, next season via a third-placed will become a wonderful sea- post-World Cup return in March Franco Armani, Esteban Andrada fi nish in the Premier League, son.” ahead of friendlies against Ven- Defenders: German Pezzela, and could end the season with a Arsenal’s preparation for the ezuela and Morocco, but Man- Juan Foyth, Nicolas Otamendi, trophy when they face Arsenal in fi nal has been disrupted as mid- chester City’s Aguero had not Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Baku on May 29. fi elder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been called up since Argentina’s Renzo Saravia, Ramiro Funes However, Sarri’s style of foot- decided not to travel on safety 4-3 last 16 defeat to eventual Mori, Milton Casco ball has not been universally grounds due to political tensions champions France in Russia. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, embraced by the Chelsea fans between his native Armenia and Another high-profi le omission Angel Di Maria, Guido Rod- during his fi rst season in charge hosts Azerbaijan. was Inter Milan forward Mauro riguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Roberto and rumours in his homeland Supporters from both clubs Icardi, who has been left out of Pereyra, Rodrigo De Paul, Ex- have linked the former Napoli also face huge logistical issues the Italian team’s line-up for the equiel Palacios boss with the vacant managerial and expense in trying to attend last two months over a dispute Forwards: Lionel Messi, Sergio roles at Juventus and Roma. the fi nal in a city nearly 2,500 regarding a contract renewal. Aguero, Paulo Dybala, Lautaro “I will speak to the club as miles from London. “Keeping everyone happy is Martinez, Matias Suarez I want to see if they are happy And Sarri joined Arsenal’s with me or not,” said Sarri on condemnation of selecting Baku Wednesday. “I have two more as the host city for such a pres- ASPIRATION years on my contract.” tigious fi nal. The Milan stock exchange “The location is a big problem does not appear to share Chel- for our fans. I think it was bet- sea fans’ reservations. Juventus Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri (right) talks to a player during a training session at the team’s Training ter to be in another location,” he Eden Hazard is my shares rose 5.60 per cent yester- Centre in Cobham, England, yesterday. (Reuters) said. day afternoon following reports On Mkhitaryan’s decision not in the Italian press the Italian his fi ve seasons in charge. Juven- pendent on the outcome of the not right. You are either happy to travel, he added: “Really disap- Chelsea benchmark, champions had been in contact tus shares, which dipped below Europa League fi nal. about my work or not happy.” pointed for the situation, I would with Sarri. 0.60 euros last May before Cris- “If the situation is like this like to see him on the pitch. Juventus are looking for a tiano Ronaldo arrived, reached then I want to go immediately,” ‘GOOD TO WONDERFUL “In a decision like this you says Pulisic manager after parting last week 1.46 euros yesterday. he added. “Ten months of work SEASON’ have to respect the decision of with Massimiliano Allegri, who Sarri insisted any decision and then I have to play eve- Sarri, though, defended his the man. Not of the player, of AFP won the Italian title in each of on his future should not be de- rything in 90 minutes, that is record after guaranteeing the the man.” London

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hristian Pulisic says he wants to make the same impact that Eden Haz- ard has had at Chelsea Cand hopes to play alongside the Ito double takes Kashima into knockouts Belgium superstar at Stamford Bridge. to do this or that,” said Pulisic, Reuters side Sanfrecce Hiroshima next edged past Daegu FC from South The US international signed who is both the youngest player Hong Kong month. Korea with a 1-0 win to take sec- a fi ve-and-a-half year contract to captain the United States and Gyeongnam beat JDT 2-0 in ond place in Group F. with Maurizio Sarri’s team in to score for them in a World Cup the other game in Group E, but In the west of the continent, January but was immediately qualifi er. ashima Antlers’ Sho the three points were not enough Al Wahda of the United Arab loaned backed to Germany to “I just want to be an estab- Ito scored a rapid-fi re for them to reach the next round Emirates secured top spot in fi nish the season at Borussia lished player and someone peo- double to salvage their after Kashima’s victory left the Group B despite being held to a Dortmund. ple respect, who is successful in Asian Champions South Koreans in third place. 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia’s Al It- “It is incredible to see what this league. KLeague title defence as the J- “We lost our shape and our tihad, who also advanced to the Eden can do,” Pulisic, 20, told “It is completely new to me League side fought back to beat combinations after we conced- next round by fi nishing in sec- the BBC. “He (Hazard) is a guy to and something not a lot of Amer- Shandong Luneng 2-1 yesterday ed, so that is something we need ond. look up to and what I would love ican players have experienced.” and book their place in the last to go over,” said Kashima coach Neither side, however, knows to become. Pusilic spent part of his child- 16. Go Oiwa. who they will face in the round “It is defi nitely a goal. Any hood in England and relished the Five minutes after coming “What matters today is that of 16 after the top-of-the-table player would be dumb not to football culture. off the bench, Ito cancelled out we advanced to the next round. clash in Group A between Iran’s want to be in the same team as “I soon realised how much Marouane Fellaini’s early header I’m proud of us for coming from Zobahan and Al Nassr from Sau- him.” people over here loved the game. and the 30-year-old striker put behind to win. But we do have di Arabia — due to be played in a But the £58mn ($73mn) sign- To be in that culture and get his side’s qualifi cation beyond a lot to work on for the next neutral venue in Karbala in Iraq ing appears unlikely to get his thrown right in just grew my doubt less than two minutes lat- round.” — was postponed. wish to play alongside Chelsea’s passion even more,” he said. er when he showed composure Hiroshima had already se- Both teams have booked their star man, with Hazard persist- “Every day after school I was to score the winner. cured fi rst place in Group F and places in the round of 16, with ently linked with a move to Real on the court playing. Kashima, who fi nished sec- claimed a fi fth straight victory Zobahan needing only a draw to Madrid. “I would go to games with my ond in the group behind Shan- with a comfortable 3-1 win over fi nish in fi rst place. Pulisic, who scored four times dad, including one at Chelsea. dong, had needed to avoid de- Melbourne Victory in what was The Asian Football Confed- in 20 league appearances last I don’t remember how old I was feat to qualify for the next phase Kevin Muscat’s fi nal game in eration is yet to announce a date season for Dortmund, who fi n- but it would have been around of the competition, ahead of charge of the Australian side. for the rescheduled fi xture, with ished as runners-up to Bayern the time Jose Mourinho was Group E rivals Gyeongnam FC, Shandong will take on fel- the round of 16 matches in the Munich, said he wanted to in- there. of South Korea, and Johor Darul low Chinese Super League side west to be played in August. spire young American football- “The fans were screaming and Ta’zim (JDT) from Malaysia. Guangzhou Evergrande in the Games between teams in the Kashima Antlers’ Sho Ito (right) shoots to score during the AFC ers. yelling. The atmosphere was The victory set up a round of next phase of the competition east will be played on June 18 Champions League match against China’s Shandong Luneng in “I don’t want to be looked at fantastic. I had never seen any- 16 meeting with fellow J-League after Fabio Cannavaro’s side and 25. Kashima, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) as someone who is the youngest thing like it.”