SSWIMMINGWIMMING | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Dressel and Atletico Ledecky strike humble Real gold for US at Madrid 7-3 in Worlds friendly

Sunday, July 28, 2019 ATHLETICS Dhul-Qa’da 25, 1440 AH Coleman eyes gold GULF TIMES at Doha 2019 aft er US trials win SPORT Page 3

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Qatar Goodwood Festival to kick off on Tuesday QCA announces By Sports Reporter tar Nassau Stakes. trained Taymour and the Frederic Dee Ex Bee had won two ner in Japan, is trained by Mit- Doha Entries for the Qatar Inter- Sanchez-trained Hayyan. Group 3 contests over two suru Hashida. national Stakes (Group 1 PA) A rematch between Stradivar- miles in 2019 — Ascot’s Sagaro Frankel’s three-year-old fi lly include top performers of the ius (John Gosden) and Dee Ex Bee Stakes and the Henry II Stakes Mehdaayih will take her chance thrilling new T10 or fi ve days, starting calibre of 2017 winner Tayf and (Mark Johnston) is set to provide at Sandown Park. in the £600,000 run, a race her Tuesday, over 100,000 2019 Qatar Gold Sword win- the best possible start to the Qa- Gosden also has Too Darn trainer, Gosden, has won four people would fl ock ner Yazeed, both owned by His tar Goodwood Festival. The two Hot set for Wednesday’s £1mn times already. Meydaayih won to what is one of the Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin stayers head 13 confi rmations feature Group 1 Qatar Sussex the Group 2 Prix de Malleret on cricket league world’sF most famous festivals — Khalifa al-Thani and trained by for the highlight of day 1 — the Stakes. The three-year-old reg- June 30. Qatar Goodwood Festival — to Alban de Mieulle; His Highness £500,000 Qatar Goodwood Cup istered his fi rst victory of the There will also be three Group enjoy some top class horse rac- The Amir Sword winner Ebraz, (Group 1) over two miles. A length campaign in the Group 1 Prix 2 races, namely, the seven-fur- ing action. owned by His Highness Sheikh separated the duo last time out in Jean Prat at Deauville earlier this long Qatar Vintage Stakes and The 2019 edition of the event, Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani the Group 1 Gold Cup over two month. the seven-furlong Qatar Len- which includes four Group 1 and trained by Julian Smart; and a half miles at Royal Ascot on Aidan O’Brien’s Circus Max- nox Stakes on Day One as well as races, will run from July 30-Au- and last year’s Qatar Derby win- June 20, with Stradivarius coming imus has been supplemented the six-furlong Qatar Richmond gust 3 and Qatar continues its ner Amir Al Cham, owned by Al out on top. for the mile contest. The three- Stakes on Day Three. generous support with the prize Shaqab Racing and trained by Stradivarius is going for a year-old Galileo colt took the Qatar Goodwood Festival will money totalling over £5.5mn. Thomas Fourcy. record third straight win in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes also feature fi ve Group 3 races, The highlights of the rac- The £400,000 mile-long con- opening day highlight. He has at Royal Ascot last month. including the Goodwood Mar- ing extravaganza are the Group test will be run on Wednesday, looked as good as ever in two The star Japanese Deirdre is kel Insurance Molecomb Stakes 1 races — Qatar International July 31, with the entry list also fea- starts this season, capturing the set to run in the Group 1 Qatar on Wednesday. Trainer Joseph Stakes for pure Arabians, the turing Francois Rohaut-trained Group 2 Yorkshire Cup at York in Nassau Stakes over 10 furlongs Patrick O’Brien has entered the Qatar Goodwood Cup, the £1mn Muraaqib, winner of this race last May before a second successive on Day Three. The fi ve-year-old Qatar Racing-owned Air Force Qatar Sussex Stakes and the Qa- year, the Antoine de Watrigant- Group 1 Gold Cup victory. Harbinger mare, a Group 1 win- Jet in this fi ve-furlong race.

CYCLING Qatar Cricket Association president Yousef al-Kuwari. (Othman Khalid)

By Mikhil Bhat Given the Qatar national Doha team’s recent exploits, he said, “We have a lot of talent, not only in the national team, but also Bernal all but wraps iding on the passion of at under-19 and under-16 lev- Qatar’s big cricket crazy els. The potential is huge but we population, an exciting need to facilitate and help them recent World Cup and rise to the international level. For Rwith an aim to take the game in the new league, we would like to the country to the next level, the choose players with potential to Qatar Cricket Association has play alongside the more experi- announced the Qatar Premier enced international names, be- up Colombia’s fi rst T10 Cricket League (QPL). cause we also hope to build teams The Qatar national team has of the future.” been making waves at various He added: “We need a lot of continental level tournaments backing, our resources are lim- and qualifi ers in recent years, ited, without help and assistance making it to the Asian division it will be diffi cult. Not just the of the ICC World T20 Qualifi - Qatar Olympic Committee, but ers, picking up a thrilling victory we are also looking for backing of title recently in a T20 international major sponsors, TV channels like series at home against Kuwait, beIN Sports, Al Kass.” ‘We still have to make it to .... I will need a few days, it’s incredible’ among other achievements. Cricket has a “massive reach” “I would like to announce that among the population in Qatar, Reuters the Qatar Cricket Association will he said, and with some “great Val Thorens, France be organising a T10 professional umpires, offi cials”, “a good league competition towards the ground” in Asian Town Cricket end of this year,” Qatar Cricket Stadium, and more importantly limbing phenomenon Association president Yousef Je- “a lot of passion among people was poised ham al-Kuwari said, adding that here”, it is a “great opportunity”. to become the fi rst Co- the tentative dates will be around “Qatar is a sporting nation lombian to win the Tour November-December. with great advantages, includ- deC France when he retained the “We already have the approval ing infrastructure, experience to overall lead after yesterday’s from the International Cricket host big events, backing of the 20th stage, a 59-km ride from Council (ICC). Our intention is electronic media, the tourna- Albertville. to have around 4-6 teams, with ment will provide an all-round The Team Ineos rider, 22, fi n- as many as eight professional benefi t,” al-Kuwari said. ished fourth in the stage won by players from overseas, and of Citing the recent World Cup 2014 champion Vicenzo Nibali, course three domestic players. which provided some thrilling the only man to interrupt the It will be a great opportunity for cricket action, including in the British outfi t’s reign on the Tour Qatar players to play alongside fi nal between New Zealand and since 2012. and against some of these ex- hosts England, he said, “Cricket His teammate and defend- perienced international players, as a game is growing. The excit- ing champion Geraint Tho- which in turn will help them and ing World Cup games have only mas is second overall ahead of us to take the players to get to the expanded the reach of the game Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk next stage.” across the world. It is an unpre- after France’s Julian Alaphilippe Al-Kuwari also said that dictable sport. You could score cracked in the fi nal ascent to the the Association had spoken to 300 runs one day and not even ski resort of Val Thorens. former Pakistan captain Sha- 80 the next day, and you still Today’s fi nal stage from Ram- hid Afridi to come on board as have a big opportunity to win in bouillet to Paris is a largely pro- a brand ambassador and that either cases. cessional ride with only the fi nal the famous all-rounder, known “In Qatar, cricket cuts across sprint being contested. around the world as one of the socio-economic lines, with eve- Bernal, who claimed the yel- best hitters of the cricket ball, ryone from a doctor to a con- low jersey when he was the fi rst earning him the nickname Boom struction worker playing the at top of the Col de l’Iseran in Boom Afridi, had agreed. game, sometimes on their only the truncated 19th stage, was Egan Bernal (left) of Colombia is congratulated by his Team Ineos teammate of Great Britain as he crosses the finish line of With the approvals and fi rst few day off irrespective of the weath- never bothered in a stage that the 20th stage of the Tour de France in Val Thorens, France, yesterday. (AFP) baby steps taken, al-Kuwari said er outside. had been shortened due to land- the hard work to host a successful “Parents from countries where slides on the initial course. and never looked in a position Valverde, who took second place week long races. 3. Mikel Landa (MOV) +0:14 tournament will begin now. cricket is big, like India and Pa- “We still have to make it to Par- to threaten him on his favourite 10 seconds behind with his Mov- He will become the youngest 4. Egan Bernal (INE) +0:17 “Frankly speaking, it will be kistan, are more than happy to is. I can’t understand what’s hap- terrain. istar teammate and fellow Span- rider to win the Tour de France 5. Geraint Thomas (INE) challenging. The fi rst season es- have their children play cricket pening, I will need a few days, it’s Kruijswijk is 1:31 off the pace. iard Mikel Landa fi nishing third. since the end of the Second 6. Rigoberto Urán (EF1) +0:23 pecially will be diffi cult and not besides studies, which is great. incredible,” said Bernal. “It was a diffi cult Tour for me World War. 7. Emanuel Buchmann (BOR) everything will be smooth run- It’s all-round development and “I felt good in the climbs, I FIRST OF MANY but I never gave up and fi nally I “Congratulations Egan Bernal. 8. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +0:25 ning but this is the time to build healthy.” took it kilometre by kilometre.” The Dutchman’s Lotto Jumbo- win again on this race,” said Ni- What a rider! The fi rst of many,” 9. Wout Poels (INE) +0:30 trust among all stakeholders for Talking about the longevity of Three Colombians will fea- Visma team set a high pace at the bali, who had no huge expecta- Thomas wrote on Twitter. 10. Nairo Quintana (MOV) the future,” he said. the competition, he said, “To be ture in the top 10 as former po- foot of the climb to Val Thorens tions after fi nishing the Giro Frenchman Romain Bardet, “We will also have to work honest a lot depends on the suc- dium fi nishers Rigoberto Uran and Laurens De Plus stepped d’Italia second overall this year. who dropped out of overall con- OVERALL LEADERS (TOP 10) hard to ensure television cover- cess of our fi rst edition. To build and Nairo Quintana lie seventh up a gear to trim the peloton as Bernal, who will also win the tention early in the race, is set to 1. Egan Bernal (INE) 79:52:52 age, sponsorships etc. It is a very trust with the ICC is not easy, but and eighth overall, respectively. the breakaway riders’ advantage white jersey for the best Un- snatch the polka dot jersey for 2. Geraint Thomas (INE) +1:11 promising opportunity and a good of course if we can do a great job Alaphilippe cracked with melted. der-25 rider in the race, crossed the mountain classifi cation and 3. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +1:31 step forward. Sport, in general, with the fi rst edition, there is no 14km to go in the fi nal 33-km Sensing the main pack breath- the line 17 seconds off the pace is expected to win a 4. Emanuel Buchmann (BOR) +1:56 has a good base in Qatar and now reason why they will not back us climb ending 2,365 metres above ing down the neck of the breaka- to Thomas’s accolade. record seventh green jersey for 5. Julian Alaphilippe (QST) +3:45 cricket will also be stepping up. for future editions. sea level and slipped from sec- way, Nibali, looking to salvage a In the absence of four-time the points classifi cation. 6. Mikel Landa (MOV) +4:23 The government is still interested “Our priority is to make the ond to fi fth overall. poor campaign with a stage win, champion and team mate Chris 7. Rigoberto Urán (EF1) +5:15 in cricket for Qatar. After all it is event and the sport successful, Bernal is 1:11 ahead of Tho- went solo with 12.5km left. Froome, Bernal rose to the STAGE 20 RESULTS (TOP 10) 8. Nairo Quintana (MOV) +5:30 one of the most popular sports which will also bring in the fi - mas, who was always bested by He never looked back and held challenge after winning the 1. Vincenzo Nibali (BAH) 1:51:53 9. (MOV) +6:12 here, and it shall be a great event nancial success. So we are focus- the Colombian in the mountains off world champion Alejandro Paris-Nice and 2. Alejandro Valverde (MOV) +0:10 10. Warren Barguil (ARK) +7:32 for the players, fans to enjoy.” ing our energies.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 28, 2019 SPORT

SWIMMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SELECTION ‘Doping is doping’ — Australian’s positive Dressel, Ledecky test hits Worlds strike gold for US United States also set a world record in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay final

Reuters Gwangju, South Korea

aeleb Dressel lit up the pool by winning his fourth, fi fth and sixth gold medals yester- dayC but even his electric per- formance failed to brighten the mood on a dark day at the world AFP always has been committed to a swimming championships in Gwangju, South Korea clean sport,” CEO Leigh Russell Gwangju. said in a statement. Athletes awoke to news that “We have consistently sup- several water polo players had ustralian relay world- ported a zero tolerance approach been injured in a terrifying acci- record holder Shayna to doping and have been strong dent in the early hours yesterday Jack denied wrongdo- supporters of a rigorous and con- morning when the second fl oor ing yesterday after she sistent approach to drug testing of a nightclub came down on the failedA a drugs test and was forced both here and overseas.” heads of revellers below. to miss the swimming world The athletes, who had been championships in South Korea. ‘BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED’ letting off steam at the end of The 20-year-old, part of Aus- Australia’s Horton took a highly their tournament, escaped seri- tralia’s 4x100m freestyle team that visible stance when he snubbed ous injury but two South Kore- set a world record at last year’s Sun at a medals ceremony, pro- ans were killed. Commonwealth Games, failed an voking a furious reaction from Sprint sensation Dressel, who out-of-competition test late last China’s 11-time world champion, had already won three gold med- month and has been suspended, who accused him of “disrespect- als in Gwangju, added the 50 Swimming Australia said. ing China” by not stepping on freestyle and 100 butterfl y titles The fi rst positive test related the podium. to his collection before helping to the Gwangju world champion- Britain’s Duncan Scott copied the Americans to victory in the ships is embarrassing for Aus- Horton after Sun retained his mixed 4x100 freestyle relay. tralian swimming after Olympic 200m freestyle title and several The United States set a world champion Mack Horton’s protest swimmers, including King and record of three minutes and against Chinese rival Sun Yang in fellow Olympic champion Adam 19.40 seconds in the mixed Gwangju over salacious claims Peaty, spoke out in support of the 4x100m freestyle relay fi nal. he smashed vials of blood fol- two. The quartet of Dressel, Zach lowing a test last year. But Sun’s coach Denis Cot- Apple, Mallory Comerford and Jack, who returned home days terell slammed his fellow Aus- Simone Manuel helped the US before the start of the world tralians for “double standards”, better their own world record of championships in South Korea noting Horton’s Australian 3:19.60 set en route to the 2017 USA’s Caeleb Dressel in action during the men’s 100m butterfly final at the World Championships Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday. (AFP) citing “personal reasons”, de- teammate Thomas Fraser-Hol- world title in Budapest. nied deliberately taking a banned mes was banned by FINA for 12 Australia (3:19.97) took silver substance. months for missing a trio of drug while France (3:22.11) claimed “I did not take this substance tests. bronze. knowingly,” Jack posted on In- Jack’s failed test will now sup- The 22-year-old has been the stagram. ply Sun and China with plenty of big story of the championships, “Swimming has been my pas- ammunition to shoot back. grabbing golds and breaking sion since I was 10 years old and Relay teammate Cate Camp- world records in the manner of I would never intentionally take bell said: “I had absolutely no Olympic great Michael Phelps. a banned substance that would knowledge of this before tonight. Dressel now has 13 world titles disrespect my sport or jeopardise We stand for a clean sport and I from two world championships. my career.” think the fact that Shayna isn’t Phelps won 26 golds from six But American Lilly King sav- here strengthens that stance.” appearances at the worlds. aged the swimmer later on Sat- Russell expressed sadness at Freestyle queen Katie urday. Jack’s failed test. Ledecky finally got to the top “She’s a drug cheater,” sniff ed “As you would expect, we are of the podium in South Korea, the Olympic champion. “She has bitterly disappointed with al- holding off a brave challenge tested positive on a drugs test — legations a swimmer has a pro- from Italian Simona Quadarel- doping is doping.” hibited substance in her system la in the 800. Australian offi cials ushered although it is important to point Ledecky had surrendered her (From left) USA’s Caeleb Dressel, Zach Apple, Mallo Comerford and Katie Ledecky of the US celebrates her win in the women’s 800m Jack back to Australia from a out that the matter is yet to be 400 title to Australian Ariarne Simone Manuel pose with their gold medals after their win in the freestyle final at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South world championship training determined,” she said. Titmus earlier in the week before mixed 4x100m freestyle relay yesterday. (AFP) Korea, yesterday. (AFP) camp in Japan after the results “We will continue to provide pulling out of the 200 heats and of the June 26 test and gave her appropriate support for Shayna. 1,500 fi nal due to medical reasons. training to bring me home,” she the women’s 200 backstroke, day was the women’s 50 but- said the Olympic 100 butter- a provisional suspension, Swim- Our organisation will continue Unfortunately for Quadarella, said. “Simona was having a great 17-year-old American Regan terfl y, which went to Sarah Sjos- fl y champion, who had needed ming Australia said. to reaffi rm our zero tolerance ap- who won the 1,500 in Ledecky’s race and pulled up right next to Smith returned to win the fi nal, trom — the Swede’s fi rst gold of an oxygen mask after winning “Swimming Australia is and proach.” absence, the closing speed that me and when she did that I kind while the mixed 4x100 freestyle the meet. bronze in the 200 freestyle. had deserted the American in of felt like I could stick with her saw the US team win their fi fth “I’m very happy that I could “I don’t think I ever had such the 400 had returned. and rely on my speed.” gold of the night. win another gold medal espe- a tough programme in a big COMMENT “I took it out like I usually do A night after setting a world The only world title to escape cially after such a tough pro- championships like this before.” and just kind of relied on my record in the semi-fi nals of the Americans’ clutches yester- gramme I’ve been having,” The meet concludes today. Don’t deserve ‘insult BOTTOMLINE and slander’: Sun Peru bursts with pride as Lima opens Pan Am Games Reuters Gwangju, South Korea Reuters however, with the crowd erupt- Lima ing in a mighty roar that might have carried to Machu Picchu hina’s Sun Yang says he when sailor Stefano Peschiera does not deserve “insult ong known for its ancient led the Peru team into the sta- and slander” from his treasures, Peru revealed dium. rival swimmers, insist- a modern face on Friday A second tier multi-sport Cing he did not violate any rules as the country celebrated event often compared to the during a controversial doping Lhosting its fi rst Pan Am Games Commonwealth and Asian test last year and that the stand with a wondrous opening cer- Games, the Pan Ams will miss he took was in the interest of his emony that paid homage to the Olympic A-listers like Ameri- fellow athletes. past while looking to the future. can gymnast Simone Biles and Sun is competing at the world Precious medals rather than swimmer Katie Ledecky. championships under the shad- Inca gold will be the target for But there will be quality ow of a World Anti-Doping more than 6,000 athletes from spread across 39 sports. More Agency (WADA) appeal against 41 countries during the July 26- than 100 Olympic medallists governing body FINA’s deci- heats, joining Australian Mack Aug. 11 competition, which also and world champions will look sion to clear the 27-year-old of Horton, who declined to join the serves as Olympic qualifying for to make their mark less than a wrongdoing during the random Chinese swimmer on the podium, in 23 sports. year out from the Tokyo Games. drug test last September. and Briton Duncan Scott. An eye-popping 4,981 medals The United States are again Documents leaked to the media Other top swimmers have pub- will be awarded across the Pan expected to dominate and bring have revealed that the multiple licly backed the protests and FINA Am and Parapan Am Games. a 643-member team boasting 19 world and Olympic champ ques- have sent a directive to delegations Peru have never made an im- Olympic champions and 34 Ol- tioned the credentials of the test- forbidding any more disruption of pression on the Pan Am medal ympic medallists. ers before members of his entou- victory ceremonies. table but the hosts are eager to US gymnastics will have rage smashed the vials containing Scott was the subject of an an- claim their share and show they an elite squad led by Morgan his blood samples with a hammer. gry outburst from Sun after re- are ready to step up and join Hurd, the 2017 world all-around The Court of Arbitration for fusing to shake his hand or pose Brazil and Argentina as South champion, who many see light- Sport will consider WADA’s ap- for the traditional photograph on America’s sporting heavy- Peruvian ex-volleyball player Cecilia Tait lights the flame during the opening ceremony of the 2019 ing up Japan next year. peal in September but three of the podium with the Chinese. weights. Pan-American Games at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Friday. (AFP) The scheduling of the ongoing Sun’s rivals have made their feel- Sun said that although he Peru’s best haul came four swimming world championships ings clear in Gwangju by snub- would not react after every in- years ago in Toronto where they bids for elite competitions. athletes. The Pan Am Games cent medal haul along with the in Gwangju has watered down the bing him after races. cident, he did feel he deserved won three gold medals but in the “Welcome everyone to the may not be among sport’s most infrastructure upgrades, which fi eld but Nathan Adrian, an eight- “FINA has already made it more respect. “Having got to this seven previous Pan Ams, they greatest show this city has ever coveted events but past hosts include an athletes village to be time Olympic medallist is poised clear, I have no violation. I have point, I shouldn’t have to take topped the podium once. seen,” Carlos Neuhaus, the or- have parlayed success into big- converted into aff ordable hous- for an emotional comeback after abided by the relevant rules. I this kind of insult and slander.” The country’s largest sport- ganising committee president, ger things. ing units, could do more than battling testicular cancer. think what I did is in the interests Sun served a three-month ing event has come with a $1.2bn told a capacity crowd at the Es- Rio de Janeiro used the 2007 boost national pride. The upcoming world athlet- of all athletes,” Sun told Chinese doping suspension in 2014 for price tag. tadio Nacional. Pan Ams as an audition for the The city’s chaotic traffi c is a ics championships have also reporters in Gwangju. taking stimulant banned a few Most of the funds were dedi- “Lima 2019 has already trans- 2016 Summer Olympics and To- factor, however, and getting to cut into the track and fi eld but “Everything I said is reason- months before that he said was cated to the construction of per- formed sports in Peru. Today ronto toyed with the same idea some of the magnifi cent sport- Jamaican sprint queens Shelly- able and justifi able, every line is to treat a heart condition. manent sports infrastructure, Lima has become the new sports after staging the showcase in ing venues might prove a medal- Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine true. With no fabrication.” A second doping violation like the fi rst Olympic size swim- capital of the Americas.” 2015. worthy challenge in itself. Thompson, winners of the last Brazil’s Joao de Lucca was the would inevitably bring a harsher ming pool since 1962, which There is a lot riding on the Lima has given no indication There were few late arrivals three women’s Olympic 100 latest to refuse to shake Sun’s hand sanction and could rule him out Peru hopes could allow for more next two weeks for Peru and its it wants an Olympics but a de- for a striking opening ceremony, metres, will headline. on Friday after the 4x200m relay of next year’s Tokyo Olympics. Gulf Times Sunday, July 28, 2019 3 SPORT

ATHLETICS SELECTION World Cup-winner Coleman eyes Archer in squad for Ashes opener

AFP lone specialist spinner. Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad fi nished the Ireland match gold at Doha 2019 in spectacular style, the seamers ncapped fast bowl- taking six for 17 and four for 19 er Jofra Archer has respectively as the visitors col- been included in Eng- lapsed to 38 all out. land’s 14-man squad England’s top-order frailties, Uannounced yesterday for next however, were exposed during week’s Ashes opener against a fi rst innings where they only Australia, with all-rounder Ben managed 85. aft er US trials win Stokes re-appointed as vice- Opening batsman Rory Burns, captain. despite twice being dismissed in ‘The whole goal throughout the year was to make the team. The mission’s not over’ The pair both enjoyed star- the match for six remained in the ring roles in England’s stunning squad even though he now aver- AFP World Cup fi nal win over New ages just 22.28 from seven Tests. Des Moines, United States Zealand at Lord’s on July 14, with all-rounder Stokes ensur- ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ ing England drew level with the England national selector Ed hristian Coleman swept Black Caps total in regulation Smith said: “Though it is unu- to victory in the 100 play before Archer bowled the sual to select a squad of 14 for a metres at the US cham- decisive Super Over that sealed home Test, there are compelling pionships on Friday, victory. reasons to do so here. bookingC his place at this year’s Archer, 24, who only became “Several bowlers are recov- World Championships with a England qualifi ed earlier this ering from injuries or niggles. commanding performance. year, could now make his Test In addition, some bowlers who Coleman, who had comfort- debut when the fi rst of a fi ve- played in the World Cup are be- ably outpaced world champion match series starts at Edgbaston ing closely monitored to assess Justin Gatlin to win his semi- on August 1. their preparation for Test match fi nal in 9.96sec, led virtually He carried a side strain cricket. from start to fi nish in the fi nal at throughout the World Cup but “The wider circumstances — Drake Stadium to win in 9.99sec. reported fi t after a brief holi- a successful home World Cup Gatlin, already assured of his day in his native Barbados, with campaign followed so quickly by ticket to the World Champi- Archer returning to action for a home Ashes series — are un- onships through his 2017 gold Sussex on Friday, where he took precedented. medal, elected to skip the fi nal 2-21 in a tied Twenty20 Blast “It feels sensible to select after his semi-fi nal loss. match with Surrey. an expanded squad and leave a That left the fi eld clear for the Since making his senior de- number of bowling options open stocky Coleman, who stormed but in 2016, Archer has taken 131 for the fi nal team selection,” the out of the blocks and rapidly put wickets in 28 fi rst-class matches former England batsman added. clear daylight between himself at an average of 23.44. Meanwhile an England and and the rest of the fi eld. Stokes was restored to his Wales Cricket Board statement Michael Rodgers was a distant position as Joe Root’s deputy said Stokes’s return to a leader- second in 10.12sec while Chris- after being stripped of the vice- ship position has been cleared by topher Belcher was third. captaincy following a late night several senior offi cials. It was a satisfying win for brawl in September 2017. He was “Colin Graves, chairman of Coleman, the fastest man in the subsequently cleared on a charge the ECB, has approved the reap- world this year over 100m with a of aff ray last year, with Jos But- pointment of Ben Stokes as Test season-leading 9.81sec. tler acting as vice-captain. vice-captain following the rec- The 23-year-old will now Both Buttler and Stokes were ommendation from managing head to the worlds in Doha as rested from a see-saw Test against director of England men’s cricket the man to beat in sprinting’s Ireland that England eventu- Ashley Giles and ECB chief ex- blue riband event. Christian Coleman runs to 100m victory during the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, United States, on Friday. (AFP) ally won by 143 runs at Lord’s on ecutive Tom Harrison.” “It feels great,” Coleman said Friday, with veteran spearhead Australia hold the Ashes but after the win. “The whole goal the women’s 400m fi nal with a “It’s such a diff erent mindset James Anderson also returning to England have not lost a Test se- throughout the year was to make Brown upsets De Grasse in Canadian 100m typically defi ant display. this time around. I don’t think the squad after missing the match ries at home to their arch-rivals the team. The mission’s not over. Felix, the only female track I could ever say before ‘It feels with a side injury. since 2001. “I came into the year wanting Aaron Brown edged Olympic triple medallist Andre De Grasse and fi eld athlete to win six Ol- good to be in a fi nal.’ But while 10 of the 11 play- to win a gold medal in Doha, and in a photo finish to win the 100 metres at the Canadian cham- ympic gold medals, had strug- “But I just have to keep re- ers who defeated Ireland were ENGLAND SQUAD FOR 1ST this was just a step on the way to pionships in Montreal on Friday. Brown, a bronze medallist on gled through her opening heat minding myself what I’ve been included, there was no place for ASHES TEST: Joe Root (capt), get there.” Canada’s Olympic 4x100 metres relay team, claimed his second on Thursday with a fourth place through this year and just take left-arm spinner Jack Leach fol- Moeen Ali, James Anderson, 100 metres title in 10.021 seconds. De Grasse, the Olympic 100 fi nish. one day at a time,” added Felix, lowing his man-of-the-match Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, CELEBRATORY MILKSHAKE metres bronze medallist, was second in 10.024 as they qualified However the 33-year-old ran who gave birth via an emergency heroics that saw the nightwatch- Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos In the women’s 100m fi nal, for September’s world championships in Doha. Both had run a clever tactical race in her semi- C-section in November. man make a career-best 92 in Buttler (wkt), Sam Curran, Joe rookie professional Teahna Dan- sub-10 seconds in the semi-finals, the 27-year-old Brown clocking fi nal on Friday, fi nishing strong The men’s 400m meanwhile England’s second innings. Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly iels powered to an upset victory a personal best 9.96 seconds and De Grasse later running 9.98 in to come home third with a time followed the form book, with Moeen Ali was retained as the Stone, Chris Woakes in 11.20sec. his semi-final. of 51.45sec. 21-year-old prodigy Michael The 22-year-old from Texas That mark is still well outside Norman qualifying fastest for got off to a smooth start and ac- Felix’s personal best of 49.26sec Saturday’s fi nal with a time of celerated into the lead at around contention and fi nished last. best shape I could be. set in 2015, but the American 44.04sec. Norman will line up halfway to pip 2016 Olympics Daniels, who only turned pro- “I’m a power runner but I star, who was racing in Iowa against 2012 Paralympic 400m gold medallist English Gardner fessional this week, meanwhile knew with that extra fat it’s just this week for the fi rst time in 13 silver medallist Blake Leeper in for fi rst. said she owed her dazzling form not going to work,” added Dan- months after taking a year off to the fi nal. Gardner fi nished second in in Des Moines to a diet that has iels, who was planning to cel- give birth to her baby daughter, Leeper, who runs on prosthetic 11.25sec while Morolake Akino- seen her shed 19 pounds (8.61kg) ebrate her victory with a burger was happy to reach the fi nal. carbon fi bre blades after being sun was third in 11.28. since December last year. and a milkshake. “I haven’t raced in so long I’m born with no legs below the knee, But there was disappointment “Losing weight was a major just trying to use the rounds to won his semi-fi nal in 44.38sec. for Sha’Carri Richardson, the thing for me,” said Daniels. “It’s FELIX INTO FINAL feel myself and where I’m at,” “I’m just really trying to do my job third fastest woman in the world been a long, long journey. I had Elsewhere on Friday, Allyson Fe- Felix said. “It feels good to give and try to show the world that I over 100m, who bombed out of to dedicate myself to be in the lix dug deep to force her way into myself a shot. belong here,” Leeper said.

CRICKET Bancroft to be true to himself aft er recall Reuters London Aussie greats baffl ed by Carey omission

AFP with Warner and Wade coming ustralian batsman in at number six, while opting Cameron Ban- fot fast bowler James Pat- croft admits there tinson instead of Mitchell Starc were times during his lex Carey’s omission alongside Josh Hazlewood, Pat suspensionA when he doubted from the Ashes squad Cummins and Nathan Lyon. whether he would play interna- Awas met with disbelief Former Australia captain tional cricket again and he is de- yesterday by former Austral- Taylor said opener Burns termined to make the most of his ian greats Mark Waugh and and middle-order batsman second chance. Shane Warne, while Mark Patterson missing out was The opener’s selection in the Taylor said he was surprised tough to take given both made Vettori, Langeveldt take Ashes squad with David Warn- Joe Burns and Kurtis Patterson centuries in Australia’s last er and Steve Smith on Friday missed out. Test, against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh coaching roles brings all three players banned Australia named a 17-man squad recent World Cup, was contro- “I was disappointed Kurtis Pat- for their parts in the Newlands for the five-Test series against versially overlooked. terson didn’t make the squad. angladesh have appoint- and a trip to New Zealand in ball-tampering incident back England on Friday, with opener “Got to be kidding re Alex You can’t help but feel a little ed former New Zealand 2020, said in a BCB statement. into the fold for the fi rst time Cameron Bancroft recalled Carey,” 128-Test veteran Waugh bit sorry for both him and (Joe) Bcaptain Daniel Vettori Vettori, the former left-arm since the scandal in April 2018. alongside Steve Smith and tweeted. “For me Alex missing Burns,” Taylor said. “They’re as a spin bowling consultant spinner, has previously been Bancroft was the last of the all, but of course I’m extremely David Warner following their the squad is the biggest shock both coming off hundreds in while former South Africa head coach of Indian Premier trio to get a recall after serving proud and excited to be selected bans for a ball-tampering scan- particularly after his batting their last Test matches.” paceman Charl Langeveldt League side Royal Challengers the shortest ban of nine months in this squad again.” dal in South Africa last year. during the World Cup and being Taylor said their omissions will become their new pace Bangalore and Australia’s Big but that still gave him plenty of Bancroft was given the light- Matthew Wade also made the second best gloveman.” reflected the country’s current bowling coach, the country’s Bash League team time to ponder his future. est punishment by Cricket Aus- the grade, having not played Spin king Warne was also selection ethos. cricket board said yesterday. Heat following his retirement “There were defi nitely times tralia because he was adjudged a Test for nearly two years, stunned at Carey’s omission. “It’s a sign of the times,” he Vettori’s contract is until next in 2015. when I was challenged, a lot, but to have been led astray by his following recent outstanding “Very surprised/disappointed said. “They (the selectors) are year’s Twenty20 World Cup in “It’ll be a pleasure to work you go through those moments then captain and vice captain. form with the bat. that Carey didn’t make the Aus- picking on recent form rather Australia and the 40-year-old with... Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy and you learn a lot about what The Western Australian, who He can act as back-up wicket- sie squad,” he said on Instagram than their last Test matches, will be available to the team Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and you need to do to keep moving was playing his eighth test when keeper to captain Tim Paine, as in posting what he believes will and I guess you could say for around 100 days during the other up and coming forward,” the 26-year-old said he took the piece of sandpaper could Bancroft, which meant be Australia’s team for the open- that Bancroft, (Marnus) their preparation. youngsters which I’m looking after being named in the squad onto the fi eld at Newlands, said the fast-improving Carey, who ing Test at Edgbaston. Labuschagne, and Wade won Langeveldt, 44, takes charge forward to with a lot of inter- on Friday. he was determined to trust his starred for Australia at the Warne has Bancroft opening that battle of the batsmen.” as a full-time coach, the Bang- est,” he added. “If you’d asked me 18 months own values in the future. ladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Langeveldt joins following a ago if I’d be sitting here now, it “One of the big lessons that takes that you make and you try The rapid recall of the New- “It doesn’t bother me too added. stint as Afghanistan’s bowling would have been the last thing I learnt last year was about be- and be better moving forward. lands trio has not gone down well much,” he said. “This is a team on the rise and coach and has previously on my mind but it is what it is ing true to yourself. There is no At the end of the day, what you in the British media and Bancroft “It is what it is. People will there is so much experience worked as South Africa’s fast now. doubt that I wasn’t as true to do and your actions is complete- accepts that he is likely to be react how they want to react. and potential,” Vettori, who will bowling specialist coach and a “It probably hasn’t complete- myself as I could have been at ly up to you. I made a mistake booed by the Edgbaston crowd if Hopefully I can use it if people also prepare Bangladesh for high performance consultant ly sunk in yet. I’m sure sitting times,” he added. and I’ll learn from it and move he gets selected for the fi rst test, want to be like that, to give you the tour of India later this year with their governing body. by myself tonight I’ll digest it “You learn from those mis- forward and get better.” which starts on Thursday. energy to perform well.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, July 28, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY PACIFIC NATIONS CUP Japan launch World Cup warm-ups with Emotional Genia 34-21 win over

AFP late withdrawal of the inspi- Tokyo rational Nasi Manu, had two players in the sin-bin when Afasetiti Amosa and then Bel- otaro Matsushima gium Tuatagaloa swung the leads Wallabies to scored two tries as game Samoa’s way with tries Japan beat Fiji 34- in the closing minutes. 21 in a confi dence- Manu, who was cleared Kboosting win ahead of their of testicular cancer only last home World Cup yesterday. month, was set to cap his re- The Brave Blossoms bagged markable recovery by captain- fi ve tries to Fiji’s three in their ing Tonga, but a few hours be- opening match of the Pacifi c fore kick-off the Tonga Rugby win over Pumas Nations Cup, two months be- Union tweeted that the aff able fore Japan hosts the fi rst World 30-year-old was injured and ‘There were two clear chances in the first half and one in the second and we lost by six points’ Cup to be held in Asia. out of the tournament. Earlier, Samoa opened Torrential rain before kick- the tournament with a 25- off reduced Apia Park to a 17, come-from-behind win quagmire which aff ected the against Tonga in a match game as a spectacle despite a played in a greasy mudbath willingness by both sides to in Apia. Japan, hosting their throw the ball around. fi rst Test match at World Cup Samoa dominated posses- venue Kamaishi, which was sion and territory but were ravaged by the 2011 tsunami kept out in the fi rst half by the disaster, took an early lead. staunch defence of Tonga who After a penalty, led 10-3 at the turn with two dived over for tries coming when they re- their fi rst try before Levani verted to wet-weather rugby. Botia crossed at the other end The fi rst was initiated by a for Fiji. However, Matsushi- raking kick downfi eld by Sam- ma scored his fi rst try shortly isoni Fisilau with Cooper Vuna afterwards before Timothy winning the race for the ball to Lafaele and Kazuki Himeno toe it over the line to score. made it four tries to Japan in Human battering-ram Ben the opening half-hour. Tamiefuna scored the second Matsushima’s second ef- from a close-range charge fort, in the second half, round- through the Samoan pack. ed off the scoring for the hosts A short lineout early in the in front of 13,000 fans. second half fi nally exposed “I’m so glad to win against a hole in the Tongan defence the wonderful team,” fl y-half with the debutant Amosa Tamura said. “We outper- strolling through a gap to put formed them in contact,” he Alapati Leiua away for the try. added. Captain Fly-half Ulapano Seuteni, said: “We really felt progress another of the four Samo- in our team. Fiji were really ans playing their fi rst Test, tough.” landed the conversion to level “People’s strife was our the scores and then kicked a motivation,” added Leitch, re- close-range penalty to put the ferring to Kamaishi’s eff orts to hosts ahead for the fi rst time. recover from the 2011 disaster. Replacement hooker Sefo Kamaishi’s World Cup sta- Sakalia scored under the posts dium is on the site of two to regain the lead for Tonga schools devastated by the tsu- but then undid the good work nami, where 400 pupils man- by being yellow-carded for aged a miraculous escape. pulling down a maul, when his side was already a man down QUAGMIRE following a Onehunga Havili Earlier Tonga, hampered by the no-arms tackle.

Boxing legend Chavez says he was mugged at gunpoint in Mexico City Australia’s flicks a pass during match against Argentina at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) Mexican Boxing legend Julio with authorities about the AFP each, but three penalties from Australian coach six points,” Pumas coach Mario winger then dummying to centre Cesar Chavez said on Friday incident. Brisbane - back with some breathing space after a se- Ledesma said. before passing to he had been mugged by Mexico is currently suff ering the Wallabies after fi ghting off ries of poor results in 2018 and “But my concern is much fullback . armed robbers in Mexico City, from record murder levels leukaemia - saw the Wallabies their defeat at the hands of the more the set piece - the scrum Beale then drew the defence and he slammed mounting that have made the capital, ustralia recovered from home in front of 32,000 sup- Springboks. in the second half and the lin- before giving Hodge a simple run violence that has recently long regarded as a rela- last week’s loss to the porters at Suncorp Stadium. “I think we earned it, we eout in the fi rst - we were clearly to the line to give the Wallabies a plagued the capital. tively safe haven, increasingly Springboks to beat Ar- Former bad boy James worked hard,” Cheika said. dominated. “It’s really diffi cult 10-3 lead at the break. “I’ve just been the victim prone to outbreaks of violent gentina 16-10 in the O’Connor also came on in the “We were able to build the at the set piece, without quality Lealiifano made it 16-3 in the of a robbery, with a pistol crime. Problems with security RugbyA Championship on Sat- second half for his fi rst appear- game, build the score, through ball, to win the game.” second half with two penalties to my head, my watch and were under the spotlight this urday, giving scrum-half Will ance since the Wallabies tore up moments when we had the dom- After Lealiifano and Nicolas as the Pumas began to struggle chain were snatched. There’s week when two Israeli men Genia an emotional send-off in his contract in 2013 following a inance, and in the moments we Sanchez traded early penalties, at the scrum. no question your life can were gunned down inside his fi nal Test in Brisbane. series of transgressions. didn’t have dominance we found Argentina should have scored The Wallabies always looked be gone in a second,” the an upmarket Mexico City A week after their disappoint- The Wallaby defence, which a way to get out of a jam.” the fi rst try in the 25th minute, in control, but they let the Pu- 57-year-old Chavez wrote on shopping mall in an apparent ing 35-17 loss to South Africa, leaked fi ve tries in last week’s However, the Pumas will rue only for front-rower Nahuel mas back in the game when Twitter. gangland hit. the Wallabies gave Genia a fi tting loss, was vastly improved this their lack of discipline in Bris- Tetaz Chaparro to drop the ball they conceded a penalty at the “The insecurity in Mexico City A former world champion farewell at his home ground pri- week as they easily handled the bane. The visitors, who were so a metre out with the line wide breakdown with fi ve minutes is enough to make you weep.” at three diff erent weight or to his retirement from Tests threat from the dangerous Pu- impressive in their 20-16 loss open. They were punished fi ve remaining. From the ensuing Chavez did not provide more divisions, Chavez during his after the . mas outside backs. They held the to the All Blacks last weekend, minutes later when Australian line-out, Isa barged over to get details on the incident, aside prime was considered one He was outstanding against visitors tryless until six minutes dropped the ball at key moments winger fi nished the visitors within striking dis- from suggesting that a com- of the best pound-for-pound the Pumas, organising the back- from full-time when number against the Wallabies. off a fi ne attacking move which tance. But they never looked like panion was also robbed. fighters in the sport. He is line brilliantly and often getting eight Facundo Isa crashed over at “The opportunities were started from an attacking scrum overhauling the Wallabies and an Via Twitter, the Mexico City at- widely held to be one of the the Wallabies out of trouble with the back of a rolling maul to get there. There were two clear on the 22 metre line. Argentina knock-on in front of torney general’s off ice asked greatest Mexican boxers of a fi ne kicking game. the Pumas to within six points. chances in the fi rst half and one Lealiifano found Marika Ko- their own posts was a fi tting end Chavez to get in contact all time. Both sides scored one try The win will give under-siege in the second, and we lost by roibete on the inside, the big to the game.

SPOTLIGHT Late Jantjies try gives Boks draw against All Blacks AFP stricted to penalties as they built to learn if Retallick had suff ered the outcome of the game. a 16-9 lead. Then, in a reversal a break as well. However, Hansen The Springboks were on top of the fi rst half, the game ended put a positive spin on the game. for most of the fi rst half apart with the Springboks storming “The last couple of seconds from one brief moment when the oach Rassie Erasmus back. Jantjies grabbed a bounc- was pretty tough to watch but All Blacks mounted a 60-me- said the Springboks ing ball to score his try in the fi - we’ve done that to plenty of sides tre attack from rare turnover were “lucky in a big nal minute, with Handre Pollard ourselves so sometimes you’ve ball, and the end result was a try way” after a last-gasp kicking the conversion under got to take your own medicine,” to Jack Goodhue converted by tryC by scrum-half Herschel pressure to leave the scores level. Hansen said. . Jantjies snatched a thrilling 16- As the Springboks celebrated, “But there were enough signs New Zealand carried that 16 draw with world title-hold- the All Blacks were distraught there to say that if we keep work- form into the second half but like ers New Zealand in the Rugby with captain Kieran Read say- ing away, get our timing better, the Springboks in the fi rst 40 Championship. ing it felt like a loss. “I think so. get our execution better then minutes they were forced to rely The dress-rehearsal for their If you saw the reactions from the we’re going to hurt some teams. on penalties as they built a 16-9 highly anticipated World Cup two sides (a loss) is what it feels So we’re not going to panic. lead. As full time neared and the opener didn’t disappoint as like,” Read said. “We had to fi nd some things partisan New Zealand crowd South Africa were on top in the “When you come back to draw out, we’ve found them out which prepared to celebrate, the game fi rst half but fell away in the sec- it feels a lot better. It’s one of is great and we’re reasonably turned on its head in the fi nal ond until Jantjies’ crucial score those things. The bounce of the happy, not so much with the per- play when Jantjies won the race at the death. “For the fi rst 35 ball in the 80th minute and you formance but we are happy with for the ball over the line. minutes we played really well. draw a Test match. We don’t what we’re seeing and where we In the last four Tests between In the second half I think they go out to draw and lose so our know we can go.” the All Blacks and South Africa totally dominated except the last shed’s a bit down.” The Springboks had their the margin has never been more minute,” Erasmus said. own injury problems with Faf than two points with the All “So, fairly lucky in a big way.” ‘NOT GOING TO PANIC’ de Klerk, whose clever kicking Blacks winning two, South Af- Although the All Blacks were The match may also have come game placed the All Blacks un- rica one and now a draw. outplayed for most of the fi rst at a high price for the All Blacks, der pressure throughout the fi rst half in Wellington they still just two months out from the half, failing a head injury assess- managed to turn with a 7-6 lead, World Cup, with star lock Brodie ment in the third quarter which New Zealand’s Shannon Frizell scoring their only try of the game Retallick taken to hospital with a brought Jantjies off the bench. is tackled by South Africa’s just before the break. dislocated shoulder. Just a week after his two-try Herschel Jantjies during their But while they took control All Blacks coach debut against Australia, Jantjies Rugby Championship match in in the second half they were re- said he was awaiting test results again played a signifi cant role in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, July 28, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Cowboys’ Elliott fails to report to Betts belts 3 HRs as training camp

Reuters It is their livelihood,” he said. New York “It does no good to give daily updates. Certainly, we’ll be working behind the scenes. allas Cowboys run- “We feel optimistic. These Red Sox rout Yankees ning back Ezek- things usually work them- iel Elliott wasn’t selves out.” ‘A lot of hard work. A lot of work. That’s what I can attest it to’ present for the open- Elliott is the second high- ingD of training camp on Friday, profi le running back to hold Reuters missing the team physical and out. Los Angeles Chargers Boston a conditioning run, NFL Net- running back Melvin Gordon work reported. also was a no-show. He was not on the team’s Elliott, who was the fourth ookie Betts homered in each of plane headed to the Oxnard, overall selection by the Cow- his fi rst three at-bats and had Calif., camp on Thursday but boys in the 2016 NFL Draft, four hits and fi ve RBIs total as could have travelled on his will make $3.85 million in the the Boston Red Sox once again own to meet the report date. upcoming season, with an op- Mromped past the visiting New York Yan- “He’s late,” owner Jerry tion in 2020 for $9.10 million. kees, winning 10-5 on Friday. Jones said. “We have reported.” The Ohio State product Betts led off the bottom of the fi rst with Elliott could be fi ned up to rushed for an NFL-leading 1,434 a homer before hitting another solo shot $40,000 for each day of camp yards in 2018, and his 95.6 yards in the third and a two-run moonshot in he misses. per game also led the league. He the fourth. The right fi elder doubled home Coach Jason Garrett said had six rushing touchdowns and a run in the sixth and grounded out in the the Cowboys will do their three receiving. eighth, settling for his fi fth career three- work without Elliott. Elliott, 24, has started all 40 homer game. Four of those have come “We expect all our players games he has played in over from the leadoff spot in the order, a major to be here,” he told reporters. the past three seasons. He has league record. “Zeke has been a good player rushed for 4,048 yards on 868 “A lot of hard work,” Betts said, while for us for the last three years. carries with 28 touchdowns. talking about his game. “A lot of work. This is the business of the NFL He also has 135 receptions for That’s what I can attest it to.” that happens. Our focus is on 1,199 yards and six more TDs. J.D. Martinez also went deep and drove the guys who are here.” He is expected to be seeking in three runs, and Rafael Devers had three Executive vice president a deal similar to that given to hits as the Red Sox posted at least eight Stephen Jones confi rmed Fri- Todd Gurley of the Los Ange- runs against the Yankees for the fi fth day that the Cowboys have ne- les Rams, who is under con- straight meeting. gotiated with Elliott’s agents. tract for four years and $57.5 All of Betts’ blasts came off Yankees “This is a business to them. million. starter James Paxton, who, like Masahiro Tanaka in Boston’s 19-3 win on Thursday, had a rough night from the start. Following Betts’ fi rst homer, Martinez hit a two-run shot later in the fi rst for a 3-0 Boston lead. The Red Sox made it 5-0 in the third, with Betts once again lead- ing off with a homer and Martinez tripling home a run. Betts’ fourth-inning dinger made it 7-0. New York got a run back in the sixth, and after Boston scored two in the bottom of the frame, made it 9-3 with another two runs in the seventh. The Red Sox reached double digits on a Sam Travis RBI double in the seventh, and the Yan- kees completed the scoring with two more runs in the ninth. Paxton (5-6) gave up seven runs on nine hits in four innings, though he struck out nine and walked none. Yankees starters have failed to pitch past the fourth inning in six straight games. Andrew Cashner (10-5) got the win, his 49ers QB Garoppolo ‘good to go’ fi rst in three starts since being traded to for camp practices Boston. He allowed three runs on 10 hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings, fanning six. The San Francisco 49ers received good news a day before their Betts’ performance marked the fourth first training camp practice. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo straight day in the major leagues with a made the announcement on Friday. three-homer game, extending a record. “It’s off icially off icial,” he said. “We’re good to go.” He followed the New York Mets’ Robin- The veteran quarterback was cleared to participate fully begin- son Cano (Tuesday), St. Louis Cardinals’ ning Saturday after completing a long rehab following surgery Paul DeJong (Wednesday) and Minnesota in October to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his Twins’ Nelson Cruz (Thursday). Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts hits his third home run of the game during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees left knee. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of a Sept. 23 at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He planted hard on his left leg to GOLDSCHMIDT’S HOMER LIFTS cut inside instead of out of bounds, and the knee buckled as he CARDS OVER ASTROS homer. Pressly, who entered with a 3-2 Carlos Correa, back in the Astros’ lineup took a big hit. Garoppolo was out for the remaining 13 games of Paul Goldschmidt homered for a fi fth lead, failed to retire any of the three bat- following a 50-game absence, setting the RESULTS the 2018 season. He finished 53 of 89 for 718 yards, five touch- consecutive game, his three-run blast ters he faced. St. Louis’ Carlos Martinez stage for the Goldschmidt heroics. downs and three interceptions. in the eighth inning lifting the St. Louis worked around a single in the ninth to Flaherty, who retired the fi nal seven Red Soxs 10-5 Yanks He began participating in organised team activities on a limited Cardinals to a 5-3 victory over the visiting earn his 10th save. batters he faced, allowed two runs on three Giants 2-1 Padres basis during the spring, including seven-on-seven and indi- Houston Astros on Friday. Michael Brantley drove in all three runs hits and one walk with nine strikeouts Cardinals 5-3 Astros vidual passing drills, while avoiding other team drills. The Cardinals won their sixth consecu- for Houston. His two-run home run to over six innings. Rookie right-hander Jose San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Garoppolo won’t be Brewers 3-2 Cubs tive game and claimed the opener of a right-center fi eld plated Alex Bregman Urquidy delivered a second consecutive limited in training camp practices, according to an ESPN report. three-game interleague series by parlay- and broke the scoreless tie in the fourth strong start for the Astros. He gave up one Rockies 12-2 Reds But the quarterback will continue to wear the titanium knee ing two late-inning homers into four runs inning. Bregman had drawn a one-out run on four hits, all singles, and two walks Dodgers 4-2 Nationals brace that helped protect him during the spring. against the Houston bullpen. walk against Cardinals right-hander with six strikeouts over six innings. “Full go, he was doing seven-on-seven for all the OTAs, so he’s Braves 9-2 Phillies Matt Wieters belted a game-tying Jack Flaherty. Brantley worked a two- St. Louis scratched across a run in the been pumped to get an off ensive line in front of him and a de- home run off Astros right-hander Will out, bases-loaded walk against Cardi- bottom of the fourth, posting three hits Mets 6-3 Pirates fensive line,” Shanahan said. “So he’s more than ready to go.” Harris, his ninth of the year, an inning be- nals left-hander Andrew Miller (4-4) to in the frame, capped by an RBI single by Marlins 3-2 D’backs However, Shanahan on Friday ruled out Garoppolo for the pre- Kolten Wong that plated Goldschmidt and fore Goldschmidt took right-hander Ryan nudge Houston ahead again in the top of Twins 6-2 White Sox season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on August 10. Pressly (2-2) out to center fi eld for his 23rd the eighth. Miller recovered to strike out sliced the defi cit to 2-1.

SPOTLIGHT Seahawks’ Wagner becomes NFL’s richest ILB Reuters step toward that. It feels amazing that period. He has topped 100 Seattle being here. I’ve watched people tackles every season since Seat- stay, I’ve watched people go, and tle drafted him in the second to have the trust from the organi- round in 2012 out of Utah State. ot only did All-Pro zation to continue to let me lead Finishing fourth in the league Bobby Wagner of the this team, lead the defense, it’s a in tackles last season with 138, Seattle Seahawks ne- great feeling. I’m excited to get his fi ve-season total of 656 leads gotiate a contract ex- back to work.” Wagner, a middle the league over that period, ac- Ntension, but he reportedly is now linebacker, earned an average cording to ESPN. He had a fran- the NFL’s highest-paid inside of $10.75 million after signing a chise-record 167 tackles in 2016, linebacker. 2015 extension. among his team-record seven The team announced Friday “We feel blessed that we were straight 100-tackle seasons. No. merely that Wagner signed a able to draft Bobby in 2012, keep 2 in team history with 916 career multiyear extension, but ESPN him here on a second contract, and tackles, he could be on his way and NFL Network reported that now to have him sign a third con- to passing Eugene Robinson’s he got a three-year deal worth tract is a huge deal for us,” Seattle record mark (984) in 2019. $54 million, including $40.2 general manager John Schneider Wagner had other ideas about million guaranteed. said, according to Seahawks.com. sports before getting drafted, The $18 million average per “Everyone in the whole building once telling reporters, “I thought season surpasses the $17 million is excited, I’m sure his teammates I was going to be the next average that C.J. Mosley received are going to be very excited. He Michael Jordan.” by signing a fi ve-year, $85 mil- exemplifi es everything that we’re Meanwhile Sean McVay, who lion free agent deal with the New all about, his professionalism, in- coached the Los Angeles Rams York Jets in March. According to tensity, the way he handles him- to their fi rst Super Bowl ap- Spotrac, the $18 million average self off the field. pearance in 17 years, has signed puts Wagner in a tie for sixth “There’s no doubt in my mind a fi ve-year contract extension with Detroit Lions cornerback that he’ll go down not only as with the NFL club, the team an- Tre Flowers among NFL defen- one of the greatest Seahawks, but nounced Friday. sive players. also as one of the greatest middle McVay has gone 24-8 in two “I’m really excited to have this linebackers in NFL history. It’s a seasons guiding the Rams, de- done, excited that I get to be a major deal for our organisation livering their fi rst playoff berth Seahawk for a long, long time,” moving into the future.” since 2004 in the 2017 season Wagner said, according to the Se- Wagner, 29, has been selected and into the championship game ahawks’ website. “Like I’ve always to the Pro Bowl over fi ve consec- of the 2018 campaign, falling said, I want to play my entire ca- utive seasons and earned fi rst- 10-3 to New England this past reer here, and I feel like today is a team All-Pro four times during February. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, July 28, 2019 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Hyo-joo takes one-shot lead Fitzpatrick shoots 64 at Evian AFP Evian, France

ormer champion Kim Hyo-joo will take a for second round lead one-shot lead into the fi nal round of the Evian ChampionshipF yesterday after The 24-year-old was two strokes in front of Rahm, Smith, Cantlay and Horschel a rain-hit third round at the Al- pine venue left two groups with AFP the green, hopefully there should be less 12 majors between them chasing Los Angeles mistakes.” the title. Kim, the 2014 cham- A victory would see Fitzpatrick book pion, carded a third-round 65 a place in the US PGA Tour’s season- to jump to the top of the leader- ngland’s Matthew Fitzpatrick ending playoff s. He’s already pencilled board at 15 under par. “I defi nite- birdied the fi rst four holes on in some time off in those weeks, and ly have good memories of this Friday as he powered to a two- said qualifying would be a “bonus”. tournament because of my win,” shot lead in the WGC-St.Jude “Obviously I’d love to win,” he said. she said after birdies on four of InvitationalE in Memphis, where he is “Winning a WGC is a goal of mine, but her closing six holes. seeking a fi rst US PGA Tour title. we’re only halfway through the tourna- Two-time major champion The 24-year-old, who has won fi ve ment so hopefully just keep pushing on and world number one Park European Tour titles since turning pro and see where we end up.” Sung-hyun birdied the last hole in the wake of a stellar amateur career, Rahm, who surged to the fi rst-round for a third-round 66 to stand is seeking to improve on his best US lead with an eight-under 62 on Thurs- one shot behind her South Ko- Tour title — a runner-up fi nish at Bay day, had bogeys at three, four and 12 — rean compatriot. In today’s fi - Hill this year. where he was in the water — before his nal group, they will be joined He was in good position heading into fi rst birdie of the day. He followed an- by fellow Korean and this year’s the weekend of the elite World Golf other bogey at 15 with birdies at 16 and ANA Inspiration champion Ko Championships event at par-70 TPC 17 for a one-over 71 that put him on 133. Jin-young, who is tied for third Southwind after a six-under par 64 for He was joined there by Cantlay at 11 under with seven-time ma- a nine-under par total of 131. He was and Smith, who both carded 68s, and jor winner Inbee Park. Both are two strokes in front of overnight leader Horschel, who fi red a 66 that included a four shots off the pace. Inbee Jon Rahm of Spain, Australian Cameron 22-foot eagle at No. 3 — his 12th hole of Park will play in the penultimate Smith and Americans Patrick Cantlay the day. Horschel’s chance for solo sec- group, alongside 2012 Women’s and Billy Horschel. ond evaporated with a bogey at his fi nal PGA Championship winner Feng It was a further stroke back to Japan’s hole, the ninth. Shanshan and Lee Mi-hyang Shug Imahira, who carded a 69 for 134. Smith also closed with a bogey, at Lee who are tied for fi fth,a shot Fitzpatrick’s sizzling start owed plenty 18, his only miscue in a round that in- further back. Thailand’s Ariya to crisp iron play. He rolled in a 26-foot cluded three birdies. World number Jutanugarn shot the round of the birdie putt at the second, but stuck his one Brooks Koepka carded a 67 to head day with a 7-under par 64 and is approaches at the fi rst and third eight a group on 135 that also included Eng- in a tie for eighth at eight under. feet from the pin and made those before land’s fourth-ranked Justin Rose, Alex landing his tee shot at the fourth nine Noren, Ian Poulter, Bubba Watson and LEADING 3RD ROUND SCORES feet from the hole and making that. Webb Simpson. 198 — Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 69 Unable to get up and down for par Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy Matthew Fitzpatrick of England plays 64 65 from a greenside bunker at the eighth, and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama were a shot during the second round of the he drained seven-foot birdie putts at the among fi ve players who were fi ve off the World Golf Championship St. Jude 199 — Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 67 ninth and 12th before making another lead on 136. Invitational in Memphis, Tennessee. (AFP) 66 66 long one at the 16th. “My irons have 202 — Ko Jin-young (KOR) 65 71 been pretty good all year to be honest. LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES 66, Inbee Park (KOR) 65 68 69 My putter is what I’ve been struggling (USA unless noted, par-70) with,” Fitzpatrick said. “That’s obvi- 203 — Lee Mi-hyang (KOR) 65 ously done well so far this week.” 131 — Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 67-64 67 71, Feng Shanshan (CHN) 69 He admitted he was surprised at how 133 — Patrick Cantlay 65-68, Cameron 66 68 the golf course was playing, having Smith (AUS) 65-68, Jon Rahm (ESP) 62- 204 — Caroline Hedwall (SWE) tested it on Tuesday when it was wet 71, Billy Horschel 67-66 72 64 68 and playing long. “Gave myself abso- lutely no chance,” Fitzpatrick said, but 134 — Shugo Imahira (JPN) 65-69 205 — Chella Choi (KOR) 67 70 added that the fi rmer, faster conditions 135 — Alex Noren (SWE) 66-69, Webb 136 — Kevin Na 70-66, Henrik Stenson 137 — Andrew Putnam 66-71, Tyrrell Reavie 68-70, Marc Leishman (AUS) 68, Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 70 changed everything. “I defi nitely think Simpson 69-66, Ian Poulter (ENG) (SWE) 69-67, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-67, Hatton (ENG) 66-71, Thorbjorn Olesen 69-69, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 68-70, 71 64, Jennifer Kupcho (USA) 66 if you can just keep giving yourself a lot 66-69, Justin Rose (ENG) 67-68, Brooks Nate Lashley 66-70, Hideki Matsuyama (DEN) 66-71, Justin Thomas 68-69 Adam Scott (AUS) 70-68, Li Haotong 70 69, Megan Khang (USA) 68 of chances, playing to the smart areas of 70 67 Koepka 68-67, Bubba Watson 65-70 (JPN) 65-71 138 — Corey Conners (CAN) 67-71, Chez (CHN) 69-69

BADMINTON TENNIS Praneeth goes down to World Basilashvili battles past favourite No. 1 Momota in semi-fi nals Zverev into Hamburg title clash Agencies mota in a match that lasted for 45 The Olympic bronze medallist Tokyo minutes. Momota, the top seed, took the fi rst game and held off Reuters will take on Indonesia Jonatan a late rally from the Canadian in Hamburg Christie, a 21-14 21-14 victor the second to clinch a 21-12, 21- ndia’s campaign at the on- over Denmark’s Jan O Jørgensen. 18 win. Yamaguchi joined Oku- going Japan Open came to Meanwhile, third seed Nozomi hara in the fi nal as she continued efending champion Nikoloz Basi- an end as Sai Praneeth lost Okuhara and fourth seed Akane her pursuit of a second consecu- lashvili saved two match points his men’s singles semi-fi nal Yamaguchi will meet in an all- tive BWF World Tour title by de- against Alexander Zverev before Iclash to World No 1 Kento Mo- Japanese women’s singles fi nal. feating second seed Chen Yufei battling past the German 6-4 4-6 mota at the $750,000 tourna- Okuhara progressed to today’s of China. 7-6(5)D to reach fi nal of the Hamburg Euro- ment yesterday. fi nal with a straight-games vic- The Indonesia Open winner pean Open yesterday. Praneeth, who had recorded tory over Canada’s Michelle Li, avenged the loss she suff ered to Basilashvili was staring at defeat while an easy win over Indonesia’s who knocked out top seed Tai Chen in the fi nal of the Sudirman trailing 3-5 in the third set but the 27-year- Tommy Sugiarto to enter the Tzu-ying on Friday, at Musashi- Cup earlier this year with a 21-15, old dug deep to deny local favourite Zverev semis, lost 18-21, 12-21 to Mo- no Forest Sports Plaza. 21-15 triumph. and stay on course for a third career ATP ti- tle. In today’s title clash, the fourth-seeded Georgian takes on Russian Andrey Rublev who beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 7-5 6-1 in the other semi-fi nal at the Rothenbaum Tennis Centre. “It was a tough match, a tight match. There were a lot of ups and downs... I was emotional on court but I was able to fi nish it in the tiebreak and I’m really happy about that,” Basilashvili said in a courtside interview. Asked if he played his best tennis under pressure, he added: “It depends on the pres- sure. If it’s a little bit of pressure I play good. Today I was extremely tired in the tiebreak but I went for my shots and they all went in. It’s good that I’ve managed to reach back- to-back fi nals. Hopefully I can get some rest and prepare for it.” Basilashvili, who won his fi rst title in Hamburg last year, saved 16 of the 20 break Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili plays a backhand during his semi-final against Alexander points he faced against world number Zverev of Germany at the Hamburg Open yesterday. (AFP) fi ve Zverev and converted four to seal the match in a little over three hours. The world Rublev crushed an inside-out forehand Minaur of Sydney. “I hope Bernard gets bet- number 16 trailed 2-5 in the fi nal-set tie- winner to fi nish the match, turning around ter and recovers, and hopefully he’s all good break after rallying back into the match but to his team and pumping his fi st in celebra- for the next tournament.” held his nerve for only his second win over a tion. The Russian struck 11 aces and broke Tomic bowed out of the quarter-fi nal player ranked in the top fi ve. Carreno Busta’s serve fi ve times. contest because of a hand injury after hav- This will be Rublev’s fi rst ATP Tour fi nal Basilashvili won his only previous match ing his serve broken three times. The third- since 2018 Doha, which came in the fi rst against Rublev, emerging victorious in seeded de Minaur will next face Ameri- week of last season. The Russian won his straight sets in Doha earlier this year. Rublev can Reilly Opelka, who beat Daniel Evans maiden tour-level trophy two years ago in will try to lift his fi rst ATP 500 trophy when of Great Britain 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 to reach the Umag as a lucky loser. he battles the defending champion. semi-fi nals in Atlanta for the second time. Akane Yamaguchi of Japan hits a return during her singles semi-final match against Chen Yufei of China Rublev, who climbed as high as No 31 in The 20-year-old de Minaur was domi- at the Japan Open badminton tournament in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) the ATP Rankings last February, has strug- DE MINAUR ADVANCES nant on serve, winning all but one of his gled with injuries over the past year and a TO SEMI-FINALS OF fi rst-serve points. He did not face a break half. He missed three months last season ATLANTA OPEN point against the 26-year-old Tomic. Else- due to a lower back stress fracture, and he Alex de Minaur advanced to his second where, Brit Cameron Norrie prevailed 7-5, Qatar’s Qasabi fi nishes fi ft h at Arab Chess Cup was out for six weeks this year due to a wrist semi-fi nal of the year after Bernard Tomic 6-4 over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. Norrie injury. retired because of an injury in their all- will face second-seeded Taylor Fritz who Doha: Qatar’s chess team came up with some did Qatar’s promising player Abdullah al-Hameed, It seemed Carreno Busta, who was pur- Aussie matchup at the ATP Atlanta Open on beat Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 7-6 positive results at the 2019 Arab Chess Cup in who finished in 23rd place in the U-14 category af- suing his fi rst fi nal since triumphing in Es- Friday. (7/1). Jordan’s capital city of Amman on Friday. ter scoring 3.5 points. The championship brought toril two years ago, was too solid from the De Minaur, who won the Sydney Interna- “I’m pumped to get through that. It Lian Mansoor Qasabi shared the fifth place with together 276 players from 15 Arab nations, baseline for the powerful Rublev. But the tional title in January, was leading 6-2 and wasn’t easy because he’s young, up-and- Lebanese’s Mariam Saigh and Jordan’s Rivana Hi- including Qatar, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, 21-year-old began to fi nd his range, frus- 3-0 when Tomic called it quits. “It’s not coming and talented,” said Norrie. “It’s an- lal after finishing wit five points each. Sisters Lian Tunisia, Libya, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, UAE, Saudi trating the Spaniard. And once the World No ideal obviously for him, but I’ll take this any other semi-fi nal now, so I’m just going to and Rowdah Qasabi also put up a good show, so Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and hosts Jordan. 78 got into a rhythm, he rode his momentum day of the week. I got here to play some good look to keep my level and keep pushing for to the fi nish line. tennis, and ended up with the win,” said de more.” Gulf Times Sunday, July 28, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRANSFER Bale set for ‘£1mn Atletico humble a week’ Jiangsu Suning move AFP Paris

eal Madrid forward Real 7-3 in friendly Gareth Bale was on the verge of signing a ‘£1mn a week’ deal with Chi- 'In a top-level match such as this, we had a very bad start' neseR Super League outfi t Jiangsu Suning, reports claimed on Fri- day. The 30-year-old Welshman has already been told by Real coach Zinedine Zidane that he does not form part of his future plans at the Spanish giants. Spanish daily claimed that Bale, who has been at Real since 2013 since signing from Tottenham, will earn 22mn euros per season in China and that the deal is almost fi nalised. However, later reports by Sky Sports in England suggested the player’s representatives were negotiating a mind-boggling £1mn a week contract before the Chinese transfer window shuts “He had a good game and I’m on Wednesday. Real boss Zidane happy for him,” Zidane said. “I said last weekend he thought it do not know what’s going to hap- would be “best for everyone” pen, for now he’s with us. It did if Bale’s departure could be ar- not change anything.” ranged quickly — comments Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett Bale’s agent branded “disre- has already insisted that any spectful” of a player who helped deal which sees the Welshman the side to a Spanish league title leave the Bernabeu would have and four Champions Leagues to be a permanent one and not since arriving from Tottenham one that sees him shipped out on six years ago. loan. “There will be no makeshift Zidane then insisted on Mon- deals to get him out of the club,” day he meant no disrespect be- said Barnett. “Gareth is one of fore Bale came on as a substitute the best players on the planet. I in a midweek 3-2 friendly win can guarantee you he will not be over Arsenal in the United States. going on loan to any club.”

Arsenal set to smash transfer record aft er £72mn bid for Pepe London: Arsenal have made an ick Aubameyang from Borussia €80mn (£72mn) off er to Lille Dortmund in January 2018. This Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Real Madrid during the International Champions Cup match in New Jersey. (AFP) for the winger Nicolas Pepe summer Arsenal have brought and hope to beat Napoli to the in the midfielder AFP tween the Madrid rivals proved a dismal across his body to make it 1-0. Felix struck challenge on Thomas Lemar saw tem- signing of the Ivory Coast inter- from Real Madrid on loan and New York night for Zidane’s Real Madrid, who saw in the eighth, slotting home a ball that was pers fl are, with both Costa and Carvajal national. The two 18-year-olds in the forward Serbian starlet Luka Jovic hobble off after cut back to him by Saul Niguez. Real Ma- sent off . Undeterred, Atletico grabbed club are ready to smash their Gabriel Martinelli and the an awkward collision with Atletico keeper drid keeper Thibaut Courtois could only their seventh goal in the 70th thanks’ to transfer record to secure the defender , who iego Costa scored four goals as Jan Oblak in the 24th minute. watch Correa’s 19th-minute blast into the a superb solo run by Vitolo, who seized 24-year-old on a five-year con- has been sent straight back to Atletico Madrid embarrassed Zidane can only hope the news on his bottom left corner. the ball from two defenders and beat two tract and lead Napoli in the race Saint-Étienne on loan for next rivals Real Madrid 7-3 injury will be better than that on Marco Costa bagged his second to make it 4-0 more to score. to buy him, although the Italian season. The Guardian on Friday night in a pre-season Asensio, who could miss most if not all of in the 28th, Saul winning the ball after a Karim Benzema converted an 85th- club will make a fresh bid. friendlyD at MetLife Stadium. Costa had the La Liga season after rupturing a knee poor pass from Real Madrid’s Sergio Ra- minute penalty and Javi Hernandez scored Pepe scored 22 goals in the a hat-trick by halftime and added one ligament against Arsenal on Tuesday. mos and sending a pass for Costa. Costa in the 89th to trim the defi cit, but there French league last season, more goal before he was sent off in the Portuguese 19-year-old Joao Felix, signed made it 5-0 on the stroke of halftime, was little for Real Madrid to be proud of. second to Paris Saint-Germain’s 63rd, when both teams were reduced to from Benfi ca this month for 126mn euros converting from the penalty spot after he “I’m not concerned, but I’m hurt. You Kylian Mbappe, and provided 11 10 men after a testy shoving match. ($142mn), scored his fi rst goal for Atletico, was brought down in the area by Isco. don’t play to lose. But we can’t be looking assists before joining the Ivory “We started the game very poorly. In and helped set up two more. Atletico’s lead swelled to 6-0 in the backwards, it was a bad game and now we Coast squad for the recent a top-level match such as this, we had a Angel Correa also scored for Atletico, 51st minute when Costa teamed with Felix have to focus on what went wrong so we Africa Cup of Nations. He was very bad start," Real Madrid coach Zin- who had run the score to 5-0 at halftime for his fourth of the night, Felix slotting can try and make sure it doesn’t happen born in France and has also edine Zidane said. “The players are well and 6-0 before Real Madrid got one on the a pass through Real Madrid’s defence for again,” said Zidane. played for Angers and on loan aware and they’re disappointed. We don’t scoreboard before a packed house at the Costa to arc over Keylor Navas. Eden Haz- Welsh star Gareth Bale — reportedly on at Orleans. need to dwell on it, this is a pre-season East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the ard helped Real Madrid pull back a goal in the verge of a lucrative move to Chinese The signing of Pepe would game. They were better in every respect NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants. the 59th with a cross that Nacho bundled Super League outfi t Jiangsu Suning — was break the club record £56mn and that’s all there is to it.” Costa set the tone in the fi rst minute. over the line. sent on with less than half an hour re- Arsenal paid to get Pierre-Emer- The fi rst meeting outside of Europe be- Put through in the area by Felix he fi red Minutes later Daniel Carvajal’s late maining but couldn’t provide a spark.

FOCUS FRIENDLY beat Iniesta’s Kobe Inter edge Neymar-less PSG on penalties AFP lona were able to come here and AFP Kobe, Japan play. It was a good game honestly Macau as we played well.” The World Cup-winner, who arles Perez scored his lifted 32 major trophies with Bar- ortuguese midfi elder Joao Mario fi rst two goals for Bar- celona, signed for Kobe last May scored the fi nal spot-kick as In- celona as the Spanish in a deal worth a reported $30mn ter Milan beat Neymar-less Paris giants won 2-0 against a year. Iniesta, 34, became team Saint-Germain on penalties in aC side featuring An- captain in April. Kobe also an- PMacau yesterday. With their want-away dres Iniesta, a legend of the Cat- nounced the signing of Belgium Brazilian superstar left out of the trip to the alan club. As Kobe’s Iniesta, Dav- defender , former Portuguese colony, PSG were sec- id Villa and Sergi Samper were all after the 33-year-old report- onds from victory before Samuele Longo’s reunited with their former team, edly turned down an off er to join injury-time equaliser made it 1-1. it was Perez who stole the lime- countryman Vincent Kompany Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic saved light with a top-class double. at Anderlecht. from Adil Aouchiche and then Arthur Zagre The 21-year-old, a product of Yesterday’s win wrapped up before Mario stepped up to slot the winner Barcelona’s academy, played a Barcelona’s Carles Perez Barcelona’s pre-season friend- for Inter, who edged the penalties 6-5. The one-two inside the box and nut- celebrates after scoring against lies in Japan following their 2-1 win for Antonio Conte’s side comes just megged the goalkeeper for his Vissel Kobe in a friendly. (AFP) loss to Chelsea earlier this week. days after they lost to Italian rivals Juventus fi rst goal, and fi red a stunning World Cup-winning French on penalties in a friendly in China. left-footer for his second in the celona and I’m glad to score striker Antoine Griezmann and Neymar, linked with a move back to his dying minutes. Iniesta had his even two,” Perez said. “It’s been former Ajax midfi elder Frenkie former club Barcelona, remained in China’s chances and 28,000 fans sighed my dream to score goals for this de Jong, who both made their Shenzhen, PSG’s previous stop on their their frustration as he put a fi erce great team since my childhood,” unoffi cial debuts in the Chelsea Asian tour, while his team-mates fl ew to shot just wide. he added. match, played again yesterday gambling enclave Macau. “It was my fi rst goal for Bar- Iniesta said: “I am glad Barce- with no goals. In a scrappy game in sweltering Macau, Inter were quicker out of the blocks forcing three fi ne stops from PSG’s Alphonse Areola BOTTOMLINE in the fi rst 10 minutes. New signing Stefano Sensi and Ivan Peri- sic were instrumental in the early Inter at- tack, producing quick probing passes and De Bruyne, Sterling on target in City win causing problems behind the PSG defence. AFP cut inside and unleashed a pow- vo before Nmecha, 20, bundled In Neymar’s absence it was French World , Japan erful shot with his left foot. in the visitors’ third goal in the Cup-winner Kylian Mbappe who drew Keita Endo scored a surprise fi nal minute after a cross from cheers from the 8,800-strong crowd with equaliser for Yokohama before 18-year-old Adrian Bernabe. The his driving runs, although he was often let evin De Bruyne, Ra- De Bruyne released the pace of victory ended a sometimes dif- down by his fi nal touch. heem Sterling and Lu- Sterling, who made no mistake fi cult Asian tour for Pep Guar- Just before half-time Mbappe was brought kas Nmecha were all as he slotted past the goalkeeper diola’s City, who kicked it off by down by Milan Skriniar and new signing Pa- Paris St Germain’s Edinson Cavani (right) vies for the ball with Inter Milan’s Sebastiano on target as Premier with two defenders in pursuit. arriving two days in China and blo Sarabia fl oated a free kick which a climb- Esposito during the International Super Cup match in Macau yesterday. (AFP) KLeague champions Manchester The fast-paced fi rst half gave faced criticism in Chinese state ing Thilo Kehrer glanced into the net. Inter City wrapped up their Asian tour way to a slower second period, media for their treatment of fans. leapt into the attack in the second half, with over on 78 minutes. But in the last minute PSG’s Adil Aouchiche’s eff ort was stopped with a 3-1 win over Japan’s Yoko- with a few missed chances for The Sky Blues now head home Perisic jinking his way into the box to force of injury time substitute Longo picked up by Handanovic, but Antonio Candreva’s hama Marinos yesterday. both sides including an attempt ahead of next Sunday’s Com- another fi ne save from Areola, before send- a bobbling pass trickling through the PSG cheeky attempt to chip Areola backfi red and Bernardo Silva fed De Bruyne by Sterling in the 58th minute munity Shield game against ing the rebound soaring over the bar. box to drive the ball into the bottom corner, glanced off the crossbar. for the game’s opener in front of that was ruled out for off side. Liverpool, with the new Premier Inter continued to squander chances, past the otherwise rock-solid Areola, who It was up to Handanovic to make another 65,000 fans at Nissan Stadium, Kazaki Nakagawa was denied League season starting a week with the heat adding to their frustration, thumped the ground in frustration. fi ne stop from Arthur, before Mario calmly just outside Tokyo, as the Belgian by City goalkeeper Claudio Bra- later. with Perisic seeing another chance creep Penalties went to sudden death after buried the crucial kick.

Sunday, July 28, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY BAJAS Abdulla closes the gap on series leaders aft er fourth round

Agencies by the FN Speed Team with support 04min 12sec Teruel, Spain from Ooredoo. At the fi nish in Teruel, 2. Aleksandr Dorosinskiy (RUS)/Dmitry he said: “Because of the problem with Pavlov (RUS) Can-Am Maverick X3. the fl at tyre on Friday, we dropped to Time: 7hrs 04min 17sec atar’s Adel Abdulla remains 30th or 31st overall and that made eve- fi rmly in contention to chal- rything worse because you are starting 3. Gerard Farrés (ESP)/Armand Mon- lenge for the FIA T3 title at behind slower drivers and you start to león (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3. Time: the halfway stage of the 2019 pass a lot of drivers. Some of them make 7hrs 10min 26sec FIAQ World Cup for Cross-Country Ba- you late. 4. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean-Michel Po- jas, after guiding his Can-Am Maver- “Then I caught one driver towards lato (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3. Time: ick X3 to fourth position in Baja Spain the middle of the stage and he did not 7hrs 15min 28sec Aragon yesterday. want to move over. We arrived at the Holding fourth in the category for passage control together and I thought 5. Michele Cinotto (ITA)/Rafael Torna- modifi ed cross-country vehicles at the he would let me pass, but he didn’t. I bell (ESP) Polaris RZR 1000. Time: 7hrs night halt, the former FIA T2 World continued behind him in the dust to the 24min 37sec Champion settled into a competitive end of the stage. It was worse today. 6. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMN)/Faisal pace over the remaining two sections “I pushed more on the last stage. Al-Raisi (OMN) Can-Am Maverick X3. to stay well clear of his rivals and keep Michele Cinotto was in front of me Time: 7hrs 38min 58sec the pressure on the leading trio, despite in the stage. I caught him after about losing time in the dust of several slower 50km and I lost even more time until 7. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin vehicles who were in his path. I took risks to get closer to him and he (RUS) Can-Am Maverick X3. Time: 8hrs Spaniard Santiago Navarro claimed gave way. I lost more time. I pushed to 02min 22sec outright victory over Russian Aleksan- the end and we managed to get 12 points 8. Ilya Rouss (AND)/Anton Yarashuk dr Dorosinskiy by the margin of just fi ve here. Now I look to do something even (AND) Can-Am Maverick X3. Time: 9hrs seconds with Spanish former enduro better on the next race.” 01min 03sec rider Gerard Farres in third place. After fi nishing the opening stage But, with series leader Michele Ci- in fourth place on Friday, Adel stayed notto and rival Fedor Vorobyev only fi rmly in contention for victory through Qatar’s Adel Abdulla in action at the Baja Spain Aragon yesterday. OVERALL STANDINGS fi nishing in fi fth and seventh positions, the second special where Navarro AFTER ROUND 4 the chasing pack have bunched up con- moved in front of Dorosinskiy in the some time. No problems with the car, 33sec and consolidated fourth overall son. Action in the FIA World Cup for siderably to set up a grandstand fi n- overall standings and Farres slipped expect for the fl at tyre.” behind Farrés. Cross-Country Bajas resumes with the 1. Michele Cinotto (ITA) 62 points ish to the T3 contest at the remaining to third. Adel added: “We started the Navarro was fastest on the repeat of Navarro confi rmed the win by just fi fth round in Hungary in early August. 2. Santiago Navarro (ESP) 58 four rounds in Hungary, Poland, Jordan second stage very well and we caught a the shorter stage yesterday morning fi ve seconds, despite a late charge by 3. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS) 57 Dorosinskiy, and fourth on the fi nal and Portugal. Adel now trails the series T1 car and passed them. Then I caught and a time of 1hr 14min 26sec enabled T3 POSITIONS AFTER SS4: leader by 17 points, having arrived in another car in the dust for more than the Spaniard to extend his overall lead stage was suffi cient for Adel to earn 12 4. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 45 Teruel 19 points in arrears. 20km and I hit a rock and had a fl at tyre. over Dorosinskiy to 1min 32sec. Adel valuable championship points to take 1. Santiago Navarro (ESP)/Dani Oliveras 5. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMN) 34 Adel is running a Can-Am prepared We changed the wheel and dropped Abdulla recorded a time of 1hr 17min into the halfway stage of the Baja sea- (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3. Time: 7hrs 6. Aleksandr Dorosinskiy (POL) 28pts

F1 SPOTLIGHT have an illness Hamilton sweeps that needs a cure, says Mercedes boss

AFP ure that prevented him running Hockenheim, Germany in Q3. They will start 20th and 10th on the grid respectively. “I don’t know what hap- to German pole harles Leclerc and Se- pened,” said Vettel. bastian Vettel struggled “Something broke with the to control their emo- turbo and that was ‘game over’ tions yesterday after from there. Obviously [it’s] very CFerrari endured a double disas- bitter. I think the car is great ter that wrecked their hopes in and lost out on a big chance, but qualifying for the German Grand hopefully we’ll have a big one aft er Ferrari falter Prix. Four-time champion Vettel coming again tomorrow. I think said he felt “bitter” to be unable the car was good... We did some to run in front of his home fans at changes also that should have Mercedes driver was comfortably quicker than Red Bull’s Verstappen Hockenheim where he will start been great for this afternoon, but today’s race from the back of the it wasn’t meant to be.” grid. Leclerc, who starts from It was the second time in three Pole sitter Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton 10th, said it was “a diffi cult day Grands Prix that Vettel was hit (right) shakes hands with Red Bull’s for the team” and “a shame”. by a technical problem in quali- Max Verstappen after the qualifying Toto Wolff of Mercedes, who fying. While Vettel, in desperate session for the German Grand Prix saw his defending fi ve-time need of a strong result after a in Hockenheim, southern Germany, champion Lewis Hamilton take series of disappointments in- yesrerday. (AFP) the 87th pole of his career, said: cluding a collision with Max Ver- “It’s a shame for Ferrari and a stappen’s Red Bull at Silverstone, shame for Sebastian in his home was fastest in free practice two, Grand Prix. It’s a bit subdued Leclerc had been top in opening in the crowd and Ferrari have and third practice — clear proof an illness and they need to cure that Ferrari were on the pace. that because we need them for a “I have no idea if it was the strong championship.” same problem as Sebastian for Ferrari’s double failure came me,” said Leclerc. “On my side, it as Mercedes celebrated the 125th was a fuel system problem. It’s a anniversary of motorsport and shame, but we’ll be trying to un- their 200th race derstand what happened to try entry by sporting ‘retro’ 1950’s and not reproduce it. It’s a diffi - uniforms and recovered from a cult day for the team, but I hope challenging run of practice ses- it’ll be a positive day tomorrow. sions. Vettel was hit by a pre- I felt great in the car and the car session turbo failure and Leclerc felt great, all weekend. So it’s a was halted by a fuel system fail- shame it ends up like this.”

FOCUS thrills crowd in his father’s Ferrari

AFP front of a big crowd at the Hock- enheim circuit. GERMAN GP STARTING GRID Hockenheim, Germany Reuters the sport’s most successful and glamor- faster than Hamilton in fi nal practice Now a Formula Two driver, 1st row: Hockenheim, Germany ous team, with home favourite Sebastian but failed to match his teammate when Lewis hamilton (GBR/Mercedes); Schumacher wore a helmet that Vettel the fi rst casualty when he failed to it mattered. “A disappointing qualifying, Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) ick Schumacher paid tribute to his father’s career set a time in the opening phase. The Ger- I couldn’t fi nd the grip I found in FP3,” 2nd row: Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes); completed an emo- as he drove the car that carried ormula One leader Lewis Hamil- man, hoping for a happier homecoming said Bottas. “Obviously I’ll try to come up Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull-Honda) tional three-lap his father to 13 victories and the ton seized for Mer- than last year when he crashed out of the from the third place.” demonstration run drivers’ title in 2004. cedes in their 200th race at the lead from pole, will start last after a prob- The race at Hockenheim has been won 3rd row: Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Min his father Michael’s champi- “I just wanted to go out and German Grand Prix yesterday af- lem with the air fl ow to the car’s turbo. from outside the front row only twice Romeo Racing-Ferrari); Romain Grosjean onship-winning Ferrari F2004 I just wanted to drive,” he said. terF both Ferrari drivers were sidelined by Leclerc then failed to make it out of the since the track was redesigned in 2002, (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) car yesterday before qualifying at “Obviously, having to wait, even engine problems. The fi ve-times world pits in the fi nal top 10 shootout due to a one of those being Hamilton from 14th 4th row: Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren- the German Grand Prix. in front of the pit exit, was more champion lapped the 4.5km Hockenheim fuel system issue. “It’s a diffi cult day for last year. That should boost Verstappen’s Renault); Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing The 20-year-old son of the like torture. I never lost a smile. circuit in one minute 11.767 seconds for the team, I hope it will be a very positive hopes of challenging for his second win in Point-Mercedes) seven-time world champion said It was always on my face. Even a record-extending 87th career pole and day tomorrow,” the 21-year-old Mon- three races. it felt like “torture” as he waited when I was locking up, I was his fourth of the season. egasque Leclerc told reporters. “I felt “We could have been closer,” said 5th row: Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault); to emerge from the pit-lane in smiling! It was really cool.” The Briton was comfortably quicker great in the car and the car felt great today the Dutchman who won in Austria last (MON/Ferrari) than Max Verstappen, who will start and all weekend so it’s a shame it ends up month, dealing Mercedes their only de- 6th row: (ITA/Alfa alongside the 34-year-old on the front like this.” feat so far this season. “I went a bit wide Romeo Racing-Ferrari); Kevin row in his Red Bull. Valtteri Bottas, 39 Hamilton, who revealed a sore throat and bottomed out, but it’s a good result.” Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) points behind Hamilton in the standings had left him uncertain about taking part Behind the top three, Frenchman after 10 of 21 races, qualifi ed third in the in qualifying, was glad to pick up the Pierre Gasly, who crashed heavily in Fri- 7th row: Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault); other Mercedes. pieces. “I don’t know really how we did day’s practice, was fourth for Red Bull. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda) “Lewis, this is Toto. You never stop it today,” said the Brit, who will be chas- Kimi Raikkonen was fi fth for Alfa Romeo 8th row: Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point- to amaze us,” team principal Toto Wolff , ing his eighth win in 11 races today. “It’s ahead of Romain Grosjean in the Haas Mercedes); Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren- and McLaren’s Carlos Sainz. Sergio Perez whose employers are also celebrating such an important race for us, it’s just in- Renault) their 125th year in motorsport with a credible to celebrate this week in this way. was eighth for Racing Point ahead of Ger- retro livery and team clothing, told him The car’s been feeling good. If (Leclerc) many’s Nico Hulkenberg who will start 9th row: Alexander Albon (THA/Toro over the team radio. Ferrari, who had been had been able to complete a lap, I think it his home race alongside Leclerc in ninth. Rosso-Honda); George Russell (GBR/ fastest in both Friday and yesterday’s would have been close between us.” Lance Stroll, in the other Racing Point Williams-Mercedes) practice with Charles Leclerc, could only Bottas, itching to hit back after an ill- car, made it out of the opening phase of 10th row: Robert Kubica (POL/Williams- German driver Mick Schumacher, son of former champion Michael, lick their self-infl icted wounds. timed safety car dashed his victory hopes qualifying for the fi rst time this season. Mercedes); (GER/Ferrari) drives his father’s last title winning Ferrari F1 car, the F2004 at the It all went wrong when it mattered for at the last race in Silverstone, had been The Canadian will start 15th. Hockenheim racing circuit in southern Germany yesterday. (AFP)