AASIANSIAN GGAMESAMES | Page 2 MMLBLB | Page 5 India’s Rahi Blue Jays jack and wushu four home players enjoy runs, rout landmark day Orioles 8-2

Thursday, August 23, 2018 TENNIS Dhul-Hijja 12, 1439 AH India end England’s GULF TIMES resistance in 17 balls to win third Test SPORT Page 3 FOCUS Samba gets into rhythm as Asian Games gold beckons ‘I am very confident that I can win the gold. This is the first Asian Games for me... I’ll do something big here’

By Anil John athletes would be more discreet Jakarta about it, listening to music on their headphones. Samba says music is a big part bderrahman Samba of his life and he cannot do with- talks very fast, without out it. a pause and in a straight “Yeah that’s the way I like it. trajectory. It’s similar to It helps me in my job. I like mu- Ahis run – swift, clean and strong sic very much and I keep track strides that are indicative of ath- of trends in music and dance. I letic prowess. His coach Hennie like many Arab singers, and also Kotze says there’s nothing fasci- Beyonce and Rihanna. I am also nating in athletics than watching aware of Kiki Challenge,” he says, a champion hurdler in action. attempting a dance move pio- There’s one diff erence, though. neered by the Canadian rapper When Samba is hurdling, his ex- Audrey Drake Graham. pression is stern, focused. When Of course, he won’t be jump- he is talking, he is beaming ear ing off cars or doing something to ear, gesticulating wildly and equally silly as he has far more giving the impression he loves it interesting challenges to seek on very much. the cut-throat athletics circuit. “It’s very tough out there. There are lots of good athletes out there. I have to stay focused and healthy.”

Medals tally (top 15)

G S B T 1. China 38 30 15 83 2. Japan 20 23 25 68 3. Korea 11 15 23 49 4. IR Iran 7 3 6 16 5. Indonesia 6 4 7 17 6. DPR Korea 5 2 3 10 7. India 4 3 8 15 8. Thailand 4 2 10 16 Not that he doesn’t love hur- 9. Uzbekistan 3 5 6 14 dling – after all, he is one of the we want to be the best together,” ter American Kevin Young – to Asian Games where, barring a I am very excited about it and come the world champion in best in the world, besides be- Samba told Gulf Times after a go under 47 seconds in the 400m shocking error or an unexpected I’ll do something big here,” the front of home fans would be a 10. Chinese Taipei 3 3 8 14 ing a potential world champion gruelling training session yester- hurdles – a sensational feat upset, he is certain to win gold. 23-year-old added. fantastic achievement. Maybe 11. Mongolia 3 2 4 9 with several years of domination day. considering he fi nished a mod- “I am very confi dent that I Samba is in tune with his also break the world record.” 12. Kazakhstan 1 6 14 21 beckoning. Samba has dominated the Dia- est seventh at the IAAF World can win the gold. This is the coach’s belief that he could In a rare quirk, Samba carries a “Whatever I do, I want to be mond League circuit in his dis- Championships in London last fi rst Asian Games for me and I win the world title at the World music system to his training ven- 13. Lebanon 1 1 2 4 the best. I want to be number one cipline this year, captivating the year. consider it the second-biggest Championships in Doha next ue and prefers to have the sound 14. Malaysia 1 1 1 3 in athletics, I want to be number world and even becoming only He is in supremely fi t shape event in my career so far after the year. blaring and echoing through one in life. Along with my coach the second man in history – af- and looking forward to his fi rst World Championships last year. “Yes, that’s my goal. To be- the empty stadium. Most other 15. Macau 1 1 0 2

Qatar at Asiad

Qatar Ali al-Araimi (left) in action against Kazakhstan’s Akbar Aitakhunov during the men’s Round of Qatar’s Tamer Abdelrasoul (second from right) and Mahdi Sammoud (right) in action during the men’s beach volleyball Pool F match against 16 taekwondo match in Jakarta yesterday. Aitakhunov picked up a narrow 22-19 victory. Iran’s Arash Vakili and Bahman Salemiinjehboroun in Palembang, Indonesia, yesterday. The Iranians narrowly won the thrilling encounter 2-1. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 23, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

FOCUS BADMINTON Japan beat rivals India’s Sarnobat China for fi rst title in 20 years

Reuters China’s He Bingjiao 21-16, 19-21, Jakarta 21-15 to give Japan the lead. and wushu players Olympic doubles champions Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka apan beat China 3-1 in the Takahashi sealed victory with a fi nal of the women’s team 21-16, 21-11 win. event yesterday to secure “China’s our biggest rival and the country’s fi rst bad- I am extremely pleased to win mintonJ gold medal at an Asian this,” Takahashi told reporters. Games since 1998. The win brings Japan their fi rst enjoy landmark day The victory also means China women’s team gold since 1970. were prevented from winning “I believe winning against a sixth consecutive gold in the China means we are a real world Sarnobat wins 25m pistol to become first Indian woman to take Asiad shooting gold event. champions,” said Japan’s coach Japan’s top player and world Park Joo Bong. IANS number two Akane Yamaguchi The women’s team medal was Jakarta India beat struggled in the fi rst rubber, losing the fi rst available in the badmin- to China’s Chen Yufei 21-15, 21-12. ton competition, which the Chi- Hong Kong However, Japan roared back nese are expected to dominate in ahi Sarnobat scripted to win three rubbers on the trot, Jakarta. history by becoming 26-0 in record fi rst through Yuki Fukushima They won four golds in the the fi rst Indian woman hockey win and Sayaka Hirota in the dou- previous Games in Incheon four shooter to win Asiad bles before Nozomi Okuhara beat years ago. goldR while the wushu players India’s men’s hockey team produced their best ever medal romped to their biggest haul at the 18th Asian Games ever tournament win at the yesterday. Asian Games yesterday with India also ensured two medals a 26-0 thrashing of hapless from the tennis court with the Hong Kong — who didn’t men’s doubles team of Rohan have a single shot on target. Bopanna and Divij Sharan, and India scored nearly a goal womens’ singles player Ankita every two minutes as they Raina entering the semi-fi nals broke an 86-year-old record, of their respective categories. surpassing their 24-1 victory India thus rose a rung to the over the United States at the seventh spot on the medals tally 1932 Olympics. with four gold, three silver and India were off to an explo- eight bronze medals. sive start with Akashdeep At the shooting ranges in Singh (2nd minute) Man- Palembang, Sarnobat prevailed preet Singh (3rd), Rupinder in a nervy shoot-off in the wom- Pal Singh (4th, 5th) and SV en’s 25m pistol competition to Sunil, who scored twice in win gold. The 27-year-old got the seventh minute giving the better of Thailand’s Naphas- Gold medallist India’s Rahi Jeevan Sarnobat observes her country’s national anthem during the podium their team a 6-0 lead within wan Yangpaiboon in a shoot-off ceremony for the women’s 25m pistol shooting event at the Asian Games in Palembang yesterday. (AFP) the first seven minutes. after both shot a Games record Vivek Sagar Prasad scored score of 34 in the fi nal round. their respective semi-fi nals. China 4-6, 6-2, 10-2 in another second best Indian performer with a deflection from close In the shoot-off , Sarnobat Each losing semi-fi nalist is as- bitterly fought quarter-fi nal. with 691 points, with 45 10s and range in the 13th minute to hit three while the Thai shooter sured of a bronze medal. In women’s singles, Raina got 21 Xs. Kirar was in ninth spot. put India 7-0 ahead by the Team members of gold medallists Japan take a selfie after their win in missed three to settle for the Naorem Roshibina Devi took past Hong Kong’s Eudice Wong Madhumita Kumari was 11th end of the first quarter. the women’s team badminton event yesterday. (Reuters) silver medal as the Indian im- a bronze in the women’s sec- Chong 6-4, 6-1 to enter the with 689 points, with 46 10s and The Indians continued their proved upon her bronze medal tion after losing 0-1 to China’s last-four stage. 13 Xs, while Trisha Deb shot 683 rampage as Lalit Upad- winning feat at the 2014 edition. Cai YingYing in the 60kg semi- Raina and Bopanna advanced to be 19th. Trisha shot 38 10s hyay (17th, 18th, 35th, 55th) SPOTLIGHT Minjung Kim of Japan took fi nals. to the quarter-fi nals of the and 23 Xs. Mandeep (20th, 22nd), Amit the bronze medal after scoring In the men’s wushu taijijian mixed doubles category with a In the team event, the scores Rohidoss (27th), Manpreet 29, as Manu Bhaker, another category, India’s Mayanglam- 6-4, 6-4 win over Chong and of Vennam, Kirar and Kumari (28th), Varun Kumar (28th), Indian in the fray, fi nished sixth bam Gyandash Singh had to be Wong Chun Hun of Hong Kong. gave India 2085 points, with 148 Akashdeep (32nd, 39th), Sunil Two hospitalised as after a score of 16 as she exited content with the fourth spot. They will meet C B Rungkat 10x and 57 Xs. (45th), Dilpreet Singh (47th), after the seventh series. The Indian tennis players and A Sutjiadi of Indonesia in South Korea delivered a Chenglensana Singh (51st), Meanwhile in Jakarta, India also enjoyed a successful day. the last eight stage. Games record score of 2105 Harmanpreet Singh (52nd, paragliding’s debut bagged four bronze medals in Bopanna and Sharan defeated In archery, Jyothi Surekha points, with 162 10s and 69 Xs to 53rd, 55th), Simranjeet Singh the wushu sanda competition. Hsieh Chengpeng and Yang Vennam fi nished second in the top the team chart. (53rd) and Rupinder (59th) This is the best ever medal haul Tsung-Hua of Chinese Taipei ranking round of the women’s The third place went to Chi- finding the target. marred by crashes by India in wushu at the Asian 6-3, 5-7, 10-1 in a hard fought compound individual event to nese Taipei, who have 2085 India had already overtaken Games. quarter-fi nal encounter. propel India to the second spot points, with 147 10s and 59 Xs. their previous Asian Games AFP the fi nishing area, causing him to Three medals came from The Indians will take on K in the ranking round of the com- Chinese Taipei was powered by record — Monday’s 17-0 Bogor, Indonesia crash, the agency said. the men’s competition as San- Uesugi and S Shimabukuro of pound women’s team event. Chen Yihsuan, who topped the hammering of hosts Indone- Both athletes were taken to tosh Kumar (56kg), Surya Japan in the semi-fi nals. Vennam scored 705 points, individual chart with a Games sia — by the end of the third hospital in Jakarta for treatment Bhanu Pratap Singh (60kg) and The Japanese pair had beaten with 57 10s and 23 Xs, while record score of 706 which in- quarter, when they led 18-0. wo paragliders crash- and are conscious, it said. Narender Grewal (65kg) lost in Gong Maoxin and Ze Zhang of Muskan Kirar proved to be the cluded 58 10s and 26 Xs. landed and were heli- Paragliding is appearing at coptered to hospital yes- Asia’s regional Olympics for the terday as the high-risk fi rst time. The fi rst gold med- Tsport made its Asian Games de- als were won yesterday by In- but in the highlands of west Java. donesia in the men’s accuracy Relief for India swimmer Prakash as family found in Kerala fl oods Afghanistan’s Lida Hozoori team event, and Thailand in the fell from a height of 15 metres women’s. AFP tives had not been found and his “I hadn’t heard from them be- (50 feet) after stalling in mid- Paragliding, where athletes Jakarta family home in Kerala had been cause they were cut off from the air when the wind suddenly take off from a hillside and ma- destroyed by floodwater. (phone) network and not able to dropped, and suff ered a spinal noeuvre a parachute, has come Prakash finished outside the med- contact us,” he added. cord injury, Indonesia’s search under scrutiny following the ndian swimmer Sajan Prakash als in fifth, but his prayers were “I was very nervous but my un- and rescue agency said. death of 44-year-old Hong Kong has been to hell and back at answered after an uncle called to cle called to say they’re all safe Her teammates told AFP the fl ier Patrick Chung. Ithe Asian Games, competing inform him his family members and everything is alright back injuries suff ered by Hozoori — a Hong Kong paraglider Che- in Jakarta while family members had survived the devastating home.” 24-year-old Afghan TV pre- ung Yuk-wah also pulled out of went missing in severe flooding in floods in the southern Indian state Prakash’s mother Shantymol, who senter and pioneering female the Games after crashing into a his home country. that have killed more than 350 is based in the neighbouring state paraglider in her country — were lake in Austria, according to lo- The 24-year-old became the first people. of Tamil Nadu, initially kept news not serious. cal media. swimmer to reach last weekend’s “I had trouble sleeping, thinking of the disaster from her son so he Later yesterday Chinese pa- In the accuracy events, points 200 metres butterfly final despite about my family,” Prakash told could concentrate on his perform- raglider Wang Jianwei suff ered are awarded for landing as close the knowledge that five rela- AFP. ances at the regional Olympics. a broken leg after his parachute as possible to a circular, fl at tar- became folded 20 metres from get area.

SWIMMING Swim giants trade blows as Schooling breezes to win

AFP best 51.04 seconds with China’s feat on the favourite and title Jakarta Li Zhuhao a distant second. holder to win in 4:08.79. “I’ve had an up and down Hagino, who has struggled last two years,” said Schooling, with form since his Rio success, hina and Japan traded who returned to the pool to help touched in 4:10.30, ahead of blows at each other in Singapore take bronze in the Wang Shun of China’s 4:12.31. the Asian Games pool 4x100m freestyle. “That felt great,” said Seto, yesterday before Singa- “But that’s part of the cycle. who also bagged gold in the pore’sC Olympic champion Joseph You can’t always be in tip-top 200m fl y earlier in the week. “It’s Schooling fi nally pierced the ar- shape but what’s important is to a big boost looking forward to the mour of the swimming super- step up and grind it through — Tokyo Olympics.” powers. that’s what defi nes a champion.” Earlier, Japan’s Yasuhiro Ko- Chinese juggernaut Sun Yang Roared on by a travelling army seki robbed Olympic champ and Japan’s Rikako Ikee saw his- of racily dressed cheergirls, Sun Dmitriy Balandin of his Asian tory bids put on ice as the two failed in his bid to capture a crown in the 100m breaststroke, countries vied for dominance record ninth Asian Games swim- setting a Games record of 58.86 in Jakarta, ending a pulsating ming gold for China, victim of a ahead of China’s Yan Zibei (59.31) evening tied on 14 gold medals Japanese ambush in the 4x100m just 24 hours after winning the apiece with two days left. free. 200m gold. Schooling broke the strangle- But barring unforeseen dis- Kazakh hero Balandin, who has hold of China and Japan, who had aster, the three-time Olympic suff ered a lengthy Rio hangover hitherto won every gold medal champ will reach the mark in the and admitted after the heats that on off er, by retaining his Asian 1,500m free on the fi nal day of Singapore’s Joseph Schooling competes in the men’s 100m butterfly final at the Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) he was considering retirement, crown in the 100 metres butter- competition. took bronze. fl y. “I only got the call to swim everything we could — the Japa- to equal countrywoman Yoshimi fl y, 100 free and the 4x100m free, claimed a magnificent sev- Sixteen-year-old Li Bingjie The 23-year-old, who stunned the relay this morning,” revealed nese sprinters are simply faster at Nishigawa’s fi ve gold medals at a still collected her sixth medal — a en medals at the 2014 Asian took gold in the women’s 200m Michael Phelps in Rio two years Sun, who has already scooped the moment, that’s a fact.” single Asian Games in 1970 and silver behind China in the mixed Games, was upset by fellow Jap- free, before Zhang Yufei added ago to win Singapore’s fi rst- gold in the 200, 400 and 800m 1974. 4x100 medley relay. anese Daiya Seto in the 400m another gold to China’s impres- ever Olympic title in any sport, freestyle this week. GOLDEN GIRL IKEE But the 18-year-old, who has Meanwhile, Olympic cham- individual medley. sive haul by winning the women’s breezed to victory in a Games “But I swam great and we did Japan’s Ikee will also have to wait tasted victory in the 50 fl y, 100 pion Kosuke Hagino, who Seto infl icted a punishing de- 200m fl y. Gulf Times Thursday, August 23, 2018 3 CRICKET

FOCUS India end England’s resistance in only 17 balls to win 3rd Test Ashwin polishes off the England innings and give India a resounding victory by 203 runs at Trent Bridge

By Vick Marks The Guardian

n front of a surprisingly large crowd of around 500, who were allowed free entry, it took 17 balls and a cunning IRavichandran Ashwin leg-break to polish off the England innings and give India a resounding vic- tory by 203 runs in the third Test. The two sides shook hands and packed their bags eager for a few days’ respite before Joe Root and Virat Kohli toss up again at the Ageas Bowl on 30August. The series is alive and Indian confi dence is restored, though Root was right to point out amid the doom-mongering about the fragility of his side’s batting that England are currently 2-1 up in a series against the side deemed to be the best in the world in the ICC rankings. The Test team is not in freefall but it remains, most defi nitely, a work in progress. Improvements and changes are needed and the task facing Ed Smith and his se- lectors before the next Test is not entirely straightforward. Howev- er Smith likes a puzzle, intellec- tual or otherwise, and so far this summer he has been coming up with some intriguing solutions In fact selecting the squad for Southampton will not be the diffi cult bit; choosing the fi nal eleven will. So there is the op- portunity for Smith and James Taylor to do some buck-passing. They can present Trevor Bayliss and Root with every possible op- tion and then leave them to it at the Ageas Bowl. In essence the panel has one major decision to make and it relates to the opening pair. Are they prepared to change it again? If they are - and the fi gures sug- gest this might be a good idea India’s captain Virat Kohli (centre) waves after winning the third Test against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham yesterday. (AFP) - does Alastair Cook or Keaton Jennings go? Almost certainly the answer would be Jennings. Scorecard Kohli dedicates win to Kerala fl ood victims A nasty pattern has emerged INDIA 1st innings 329 S. Broad c Rahul b Bumrah 20 among the batsmen recently India skipper Virat Kohli yesterday celebrated entire dressing room. A complete Test for us. “Even the slips did well, and this mix of all ENGLAND tried by England. As they lose 1st innings 161 J. Anderson c Rahane b Ashwin 11 the 203-run thrashing of England in the third There was no panic, and we were outplayed skills couldn’t have come at a better time,” he confi dence amid the greater in- INDIA 2nd innings 352/7 dec Extras (b2, lb16, nb4) 22 Test by dedicating the win to the flood victims in only one game out of the last five, and that added. With the win, the visitors reduced the tensity of Test cricket they start ENGLAND 2nd innings Total (all out, 104.5 overs) 317 in the southern state of Kerala. Coming back was Lord’s,” he added. The 29-year-old praised lead to 1-2 in the five-match rubber, but Kohli dropping catches. This hap- from a 0-2 deficit, India put up a clinical all- his batsmen for putting runs on the board is confident that his team has the ability to A. Cook c Rahul b Sharma 17 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Jennings), pened to James Vince, Mark round performance at Trent Bridge to deflate that gave his bowlers, including the injured turn the tables and make it 3-2. We definitely 2-32 (Cook), 3-62 (Root), 4-62 Stoneman and Dawid Malan; K. Jennings c Pant b Sharma 13 England, who could only blame their dismal off -spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the cushion believe we can come back from 0-2 to 3-2, we (Pope), 5-231 (Buttler), 6-231 now this problem seems to be af- batting eff ort for the loss. “We, as a team, want to attack the in-form English batting. just need to keep moving forward, keep win- J. Root c Rahul b Bumrah 13 (Bairstow), 7-241 (Woakes), 8-241 fl icting Jennings as well - though to dedicate this win to the flood victims in “We dominated in this game because we put ning. We wouldn’t be 2-1 if we didn’t believe.” O. Pope c Kohli bt Shami 16 (Stokes), 9-291 (Broad), 10-317 Cook is not without blemishes in Kerala. This is our bit we can do as the Indian runs on the board and then the bowlers did Meanwhile England’s Stuart Broad has (Anderson) this department either. B. Stokes c Rahul b Pandya 62 cricket team. A tough time there,” Kohli said well, they were waiting and ready, even Ash- been fined and disciplined by the ICC for his The next opener on the rank is J. Buttler lbw b Bumrah 106 Bowling: Bumrah 29-8-85-5 at the post-match presentation, where he was win did well with his injury,” he said. send-off of Rishabh Pant during the Test. (2nb); Sharma 20-4-70-2 (1nb); Surrey’s Rory Burns, an ungainly J. Bairstow b Bumrah 0 adjudged the Man-of-the-Match for his knocks “The bowling group was ready to take 20 Broad dismissed debutant Pant in India’s first but eff ective left-hander. Burns’ Ashwin 22.5-8-44-1; Shami 19-3- of 97 and 103. “The victory was much-needed wickets again, and I’m glad the batsmen innings and was deemed by umpires to have left-handedness does not help C. Woakes c Pant b Bumrah 478-1; Pandya 14-5-22-1 (1nb) in this series and in context, and to have been stepped up. So we, as batsmen, did well to give “walked towards the batsman and spoke in an because Ishant Sharma relishes A. Rashid not out 30 RESULT: India won by 203 runs clinical in all departments is a victory for the them a cushion for the bowlers to go hard. aggressive manner”. bowling to this type of batsman but where are the right-handed opening batsmen? in his 12-year career. ing Worcestershire to victory - a rence, it is a bad policy to start an excellent season; he has just to Bayliss and Root at the Ageas into the side? Too many changes If the selectors are in proac- There may well be an old- double century and eight wickets a game with a player who is only scored 74 and 147 against Not- Bowl even after assuming that suggest instability, but that may tive mood, and there are signs fashioned feel to the selectors’ in the match against Yorkshire 80% fi t, no matter who he is. If it tinghamshire at the Ageas Bowl. the inclusion of Essex’s Jamie simply be a refl ection of where that this how Ed Smith prefers deliberations. They will meet at - was already in the Test squad is decided that he is properly fi t, Like Moeen he is on the crest of a Porter is no longer necessary. this team currently sits. To arrest to operate, then Burns may be an extraordinary time, namely for Trent Bridge; so too was Sam how about considering him as an wave. Modern panels like to stick England could play Moeen with panic let me borrow yet another drafted in for Jennings. However when there is actually some Curran. Both will remain options opening batsman? That is un- to patterns of selection rather Adil Rashid or instead of him. If statistic from Test Match Spe- one should banish any notion fi rst-class cricket going on in the for the fourth Test but the selec- likely to happen. So pursuing the than be too easily swayed by Vince was recalled, perhaps Root cial’s scorer, Andrew Sansom, that Cook has earnt the right shires. So there is the rare possi- tors will probably need to pick a principle of studying the form current form but in this instance could revert to number four and about changes to Test teams. Be- to choose the timing of his de- bility of picking players who are replacement for Jonny Bairstow, and the imminent venue then the impetus to play Moeen in Ollie Pope might drop down the tween 1931 and 1948 England did parture. That should not be the in peak form against a red ball. In who would be a batsman. Even if the name of James Vince sur- the team and to include Vince order - or even out of the team. not play the same side once in case. Of course, the selectors fact Moeen Ali, who has just pro- Bairstow is eager to play as a spe- faces immediately, even though in the squad seems irresistible. Could Stuart Broad, to use the consecutive Test matches (there are entitled to drop him, even duced an herculean performance cialist batsman in the next Test, such a reversion might prompt So there are almost a bewilder- politest of terms, be rotated were 74 of them in that period). though this has never happened at Scarborough while captain- which would be a rare occur- some grimaces. Vince has had ing number of options available with Sam Curran coming back Feel better now?

SPOTLIGHT Shastri hails India’s best all-time pace attack AFP in England’s fi rst innings 161 and Africa in Cape Town in January. conditions that suit us, very few him?,” said Shastri. from the squad for the remain- Nottingham, United Kingdom fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah fi ve “He has that element of sur- Jasprit Bumrah teams will have a sniff . “All you can say is ‘well played’, ing two Tests of the fi ve-match for 85 in the hosts’ second in- prise... With that long spell he “But to go to South Africa, there is nothing else to say. He is rubber against England. Besides nings 317. Moreover, India also surprised us as well - almost England, Australia and try and a champion player.” Shaw, Andhra Pradesh skipper avi Shastri said India have the likes of Bhuvneshwar 30 overs in that one innings, for win there, that’s the endeavour India are bidding to become Hanuma Vihari was also picked now had its most potent Kumar and Umesh Yadav wait- someone who has not played for of this team and they have it in just the second team in Test his- in the squad that will face Eng- pace attack of all time ing in the wings. Team coach a month and a half is commend- them,” the 56-year-old insisted. tory to win a fi ve-match series land in the fourth and fi fth Tests. following a crushing Shastri, asked if India now had able.” India’s comprehensive win in from 2-0, with a Don Bradman- Both Shaw and Vihari are in 203-runR victory over England in their best pace attack of all India may be the world’s top- Nottingham - just their seventh inspired Australia the only side great batting form, having each the third Test at Trent Bridge. time, told reporters: “By a mile, ranked Test side but in the past Test-match victory in England - to have achieved that feat when belted centuries against South India’s pacemen took 19 out by a mile. No (other India) team fi ve years they have won just one followed a huge innings and 159- they defeated England back in Africa A earlier this month. They of 20 England wickets in Not- comes even close.” of their six previous series out- run defeat by England at Lord’s 1936/37. But Shastri brushed also impressed with the bat dur- tingham before Ravichandran Bumrah bowled a marathon side of Asia, against a struggling after a narrow loss in the series aside the comparison ahead of ing their recent trip to England. Ashwin, an off -spinner, ended 26 overs during Tuesday’s play, West Indies. But Shastri who has opener at Edgbaston. the fourth Test in Southampton, the match just 10 minutes into a feat made all the more remark- been involved in India’s back- “All I asked the boys was to which starts on August 30. India squad for 4th, 5th Tests: yesterday’s fi fth and fi nal day by able by the fact this was his fi rst room set-up since 2014, initially give me some accountability and “One match at a time, we live Virat Kohli (Captain), Shikhar dismissing No 11 James Ander- competitive match since suff er- as team director, was adamant can’t ask for more. they were simply magnifi cent,” in the present,” he said. “We Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi son. Because the dry and dusty ing a thumb injury in a Twenty20 they could be a force abroad. “The endeavour of this team is said Shastri, who attributed the move to Southampton and start Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, pitches often found in India tra- international against Ireland in “In the four years I’ve been to be the best travelling team in vastly improved performance to afresh, take a fresh guard.” Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant ditionally favour spinners, their Dublin on June 27. doing this job, I think if you look the world,” former spin-bowling “mental rest”. Meanwhile Prithvi Shaw, the (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravichan- Test attacks were once domi- “He is diff erent, he is like when at a clinical performance over- all-rounder Shastri, a member Trent Bridge also proved a tri- 2018 Under-19 World Cup win- dran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, nated by slow bowlers. (Lasith) Malinga came on the seas, I think this has to be the of the India side that won 2-1 in umph for Virat Kohli, the India ning skipper, yesterday broke Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, But it was a very diff erent sto- scene or a Mitchell Johnson,” said best. When you look at all three England in 1986, added. captain’s innings of 97 and 103 into the India Test side as the Mohammed Shami, Umesh Ya- ry as the pacemen held sway at Shastri of the 24-year-old Bum- departments, they stood up. As “And I believe they’re almost seeing the star batsman named BCCI senior selection commit- dav, Shardul Thakur, Karun Nair, Trent Bridge, with all-rounder rah, who only played the fi rst of a batting unit, as a catching unit there. In India, we know what we man-of-the-match. tee dropped off -colour opener Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hanuma Hardik Pandya taking fi ve for 28 his four career Test against South and as a bowling unit, so you can do. Especially if we play in “What can you say about Murali Vijay and Kuldeep Yadav Vihari. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 23, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS Cheika says Wallabies on course, Murray’s changed despite losses landscape highlighted

Wellington: Australia coach Michael Cheika has acknowl- edged fans have a right to be angry after yet another Bl- by Lendl-Zverev link-up edisloe Cup disappointment, but insisted he is still the right man to lead the Wallabies. Australia are on the verge Coach tempted out of retirement by prospect of working with 21-year-old German while of handing the All Blacks a 16th straight Bledisloe series creaking Murray returns to US Open as an almost invisible former champion victory after a second-half capitulation saw them lose By Kevin Mitchell 38-13 in the opening fixture in The Guardian Sydney last weekend. Cheika said he felt the loss, which has led to calls for his hen Andy Murray hooked sacking, as deeply as any up with Ivan Lendl seven fan. “I’ll tell you now, there’s years ago, he seemed con- no one hurting more than vinced that, after several me, than when I walk down Wexperiments with other coaches, he and the tunnel and I see my two old Rock Jaw would be together for the kids there crying,” he told rest of his career. Australian media yesterday. Within a year, he had broken through “I’m certainly not thinking for an Olympic gold medal and his fi rst we don’t merit a negative Grand Slam title at the US Open. Two response — of course we do.” Wimbledon titles would follow – then Cheika said his team “had injury, struggle and no little angst. to take a lot of bullets” from When Murray arrived this week in critics as they build depth New York to prepare for the US Open, for the 2019 Rugby World the last major of the season, he may Cup but they were working have experienced a shiver of regret, or towards more consistent nostalgia maybe, when he learned Lendl performances. The coach, had come out of retirement to tend to who guided the Wallabies the development of the exciting young to the 2015 World Cup final German Alexander Zverev. Murray soon after his appointment, would hardly be human if he did not at was confident his long-term least wonder how it may have panned plan for the team remained out during his own diffi cult stretches on track. had Lendl not walked away – twice. “I’ve always had a plan Lendl and Murray long ago put their about what I want to do. emotional split to one side. The coach Sometimes you get bumps went off to play a lot of golf and the that take you a diff erent player found contentment with his old course, you lose players, friend, Jamie Delgado, who has bol- diff erent things happen along stered his long-time back-up team. He the way and you’ve got to has new challenges now. be able to adjust to that,” he Murray is 31, still managing the said. “But when you know ex- drawn out recovery of his chronic hip actly where you’re headed, it pain and looking up the rankings rather makes it a little easier to deal than down, at 378 in the world, as the with those things because 21-year-old Zverev consolidates his po- you can stay on track.” sition near the top of the game at No 4. Cheika also refused to Zverev has promised a lot – three write off the Bledisloe for Masters titles – without grabbing the another year, saying Australia biggest prize but he has the game to were capable of snatching scare everyone in the fi eld. It would be their first win at Eden Park a disappointment if he did not reach the in Auckland since 1986 to fi nal weekend; for Murray, getting into Andy Murray had two separate stints with Ivan Lendl and under his guidance won the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon titles. level the three-match series the second week would be a consider- on Saturday. “There’s those able achievement. Nadal, and the former champion Novak though he is convinced he made the Edmund, though, is on an upswing. who can hold their nerve and Were the unseeded Murray and fan- Djokovic, who beat the Swiss in the right decision. After winning a few Bjorn Borg, no less, celebrated his ad- those who can’t,” he said. cied Zverev to meet in the fi rst round, it Cincinnati Open fi nal on Sunday, are matches on grass, Murray has had tough dition to Team Europe for the three-day “I’d like to think I’m some- would be a collision even more electric the two to beat. examinations in Washington – where he Laver Cup in Chicago in late September one who can hold my nerve than when the former world No 1 beat He does not sound that confi dent withdrew after winning three match- with some glowing words. in these situations, keep the Tomas Berdych in the 2015 Australian about his own game, which soared and es – and in Cincinnati, where Lucas “Kyle is an outstanding young player team confident and believe Open semi-fi nal. dipped during the warm-up tourna- Pouille was too good for him in the fi rst who’s achieved some great results and we can go out there this That night his wife, Kim, swore ment before his bankable return of serve round. big wins over top players,” he said. “I’m weekend and win. I know that dutifully in his defence as Murray’s collapsed against Djokovic on Sunday. Djokovic, who limped away from impressed with his meticulous and me- you guys (media) don’t think former mentor, Dani Vallverdu, sat in Nor does Djokovic, it seems, saying Wimbledon with Murray in the quar- thodical approach to the sport and be- that, but I think we can.” the Czech’s box. What added spice to later of Federer: “Having not played ter-fi nals in 2017, has been considerably lieve he will be a great fi t with the team.” All Blacks assistant coach the occasion was the fact Berdych had Roger for over two years was really rejuvenated since winning there on his Europe, with Federer, Djokovic and Ian Foster said Australia were tapped up Lendl to coach him, only to strange. He had it seems like a diffi cult return this summer, then in Cincin- Edmund on board, should be too strong “a smart rugby team” with a be turned down. time [moving] … He didn’t play at his nati. When Nadal, perennially worried for the weirdly named Team World – proven capacity to rebound So much has changed since then for best but I still had to earn the victory.” about his knees and hip, decided to skip even without Nadal. from defeats. And he said all of them. Berdych (who made up with After the barb, the soothing, compul- Cincinnati to get ready for Flushing The Spaniard declared as long ago Eden Park’s intimidation fac- Murray) is not here this year, out in- sory balm of respect. Meadows he sent out a signal of doubt; as June he was making the Davis Cup tor would count for nothing jured again at the tail end of his career. Murray returns to New York an al- Djokovic will surely start favourite. semi-fi nal against France the week be- if the All Blacks did not lift Murray, places below Dan Evans in the most invisible champion, which may be The British have not had many suc- fore a priority over the fl edgling Laver their game in anticipation of rankings, is fl ying so far under the ra- the way he prefers it. Since his return cesses in New York since they beat Cup, the Ryder Cup-style brainchild of a more intense performance dar that Roger Federer did not mention from injury this summer, he has strug- George Washington in 1776, and this Federer in honour of Rod Laver. from the Wallabies. the three-times Grand Slam champion gled to assert himself. When he looked year may be little diff erent. Kyle Ed- This is the face of modern tennis to- “We know we’re going to when discussing whom he regarded as to have conquered his own misgivings mund is the only seed, at 16. Johanna wards the end of an intriguing summer: be playing a wounded beast,” the main contenders. about his fi tness, he then faltered on Konta, who has fallen from four in the individuals torn between personal glory he said. “We know if we don’t As Federer sees it in the fi rst Grand the eve of Wimbledon, unconvinced he world a year ago to 46, is the only oth- (and money) and national obligations. Alexander Zverev has boosted his play to the levels we need Slam tournament featuring the big could survive a fi ve-set match. er British player in the tournament by With the ATP’s own team competition coaching team ahead of the US Open to and get better and better four since Wimbledon 2017, the de- He still is not sure if he can – which right – and she pulled out of the Con- slated to start in 2020, it will only be- by adding former Grand Slam winner then we’ll be in trouble.” fending champion and No 1 seed Rafael is why he should have played there, al- necticut Open this week with a virus. come more complicated. Ivan Lendl to his staff . (Reuters)

ROUND-UP FOCUS For Rod Laver, it’s go big or go home Serena tops Forbes Reuters week, Laver was initially reluctant to pre- list of highest paid New York dict a men’s singles champion. He did, however, have a few names in mind: “No- vak (Djokovic), Del Potro, (Kevin) Ander- female athletes sk Rod Laver how the sport of son. Any of the big guys.” tennis has changed since he won Reuters title at this year’s Australian his last US Open title in 1969 and KONTA OUT OF FINAL US OPEN New York Open, was second on the list with the former world number one TUNE-UP WITH VIRAL ILLNESS combined earnings of ($13mn) doesA not hesitate: The guys today are big — British number one Johanna Konta with- while reigning US Open cham- really big. “Yes, the tennis rackets (there’s drew from the fi nal US Open tune-up erena Williams was the pion Sloane Stephens ($11.2mn) a) diff erent technology there,” Laver, 80, event in Connecticut with a viral illness, highest paid female ath- was third. Spaniard Garbine said on Tuesday. “But how the big, tall tournament organisers said. Konta, who lete for a third consecu- Muguruza ($11mn) and Rus- guys came into play — I’m not sure where beat German Laura Siegemund in the fi rst tive year in 2018, accord- sian Maria Sharapova ($10.5mn) that came from.” round of the Connecticut Open, was due ingS to an annual list published rounded out the top fi ve. Laver, an 11-times Grand Slam singles to face Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro on by Forbes that was dominated by Indian badminton player PV champion, played the sport at the dawn of Tuesday in New Haven. tennis players. Williams, who re- Sindhu ($8.5mn) and retired race the professional era 50 years ago, a change The world No. 46 is the only British turned to competition in March car driver Danica Patrick ($7.5mn) that he calls “the best thing that ever hap- woman with direct entry into the main after giving birth last Septem- were the only non-tennis players pened to tennis.” Former tennis players Rod Laver (left) and John McEnroe at a news conference to draw of US Open, where last year she was ber, earned $62,000 in winnings to crack the top 10, fi lling up the Today he says heightened athleticism — announce details of the Laver Cup, in New York on Tuesday. (Reuters) seeded seventh and suff ered a shock defeat over the past year but received seventh and ninth spots, respec- and, well, height — have altered the game. in the fi rst round. $18.1mn from an endorsement tively. In June, Forbes issued a Laver was fi ve feet eight inches tall (1.73 Of course, even with the “superb ath- Next month, a men’s tournament bear- Konta was enjoying an encouraging portfolio unmatched among ranking of the world’s 100 high- metres), far smaller than the majority of letes” in the modern era, there are pit- ing his name — the Laver Cup — brings North American hardcourt campaign af- women in sports, Forbes said. est-paid athletes and it did not players on the men’s tour today. falls. “Now the ace level is creating — not together top-ranked players to compete in ter reaching the quarter-fi nals in San Jose Williams earned twice as much feature a woman. Serena, who Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro, who a problem — but it’s a lot less rallies,” Laver team competition. “It’s highly competitive and round of 16 in Montreal. Three weeks off the court as any other female was the only woman on the list towers at 6 feet 6 inches tall “can move as said. “If you’re going to see someone serve still but I think it’s a diff erent kind of pres- ago in San Jose, Konta handed Serena the athlete, according to Forbes. the previous year, dropped out of well as (a player who’s) 6 feet one,” Laver two to three aces a game, how much tennis sure,” Laver said of the tournament. worst defeat of her career in her most im- Dane Caroline Wozniacki, who the chart while taking time off to said. “Same as any of the big guys.” are you going to see?” As for the US Open, which starts next pressive win of the season. captured her maiden grand slam have a baby. Gulf Times Thursday, August 23, 2018 5 SPORT

GOLF Niemann takes move to pro ranks in his stride Reuters the same,” Niemann told Reu- energy to the lineup. Cary, North Carolina ters after fi nishing equal 33rd at The International team is the Wyndham Championship in comprised of players outside Woods surprised by fan support Greensboro on Sunday. the United States and Europe. Fourteen-time major winner many years I’ve got left but I’m hilean teenager Joaquin “(The courses) are a little It is intended to be a “world” Tiger Woods says the sup- certain I’m not like I was when I Niemann is hoping for a longer than amateur golf but team though it usually consists port he has received from the was 22. At 42, it’s a diff erent ball tournament victory and nothing crazy diff erent, and I hit mainly of Australians and South galleries this year shows how game.” Woods, who is eligible a spot on the Presidents it long enough.” Africans. “appreciative” fans are of his for the FedEx Cup playoff s for CupC International team when he Had Niemann played in the “Of course it’s in my mind but latest comeback eff ort. the first time since 2013, will tee begins his fi rst full season as a era before Tiger Woods his early I’ve just got to be patient and see The 42-year-old underwent a off on Thursday at the Northern professional on the 2018-19 PGA results would have been hailed what happens,” Niemann said fourth back surgery in April last Trust, the first of the four Tour in October. with great fanfare. of potentially making the Presi- year that caused him to ques- events. He is undaunted by the Niemann was not eligible to Woods, however, set the bar dents Cup team. tion whether he would ever prospect of having to play three qualify for the PGA Tour playoff s so high in his fi rst few months as Before that he is looking for- play competitive golf again. consecutive tournaments for that start this week, but can still a professional that the achieve- ward to a well-earned break. But since his return to the sport the first time in more than five refl ect on a smooth transition to ments of more recent emerging “All my game feels really good in November, Woods has gradu- years to qualify for the season- the professional ranks as he en- talents have paled in compari- right now. I just need to keep it ally played his way into form ending Tour Championship. joys a well-earned break before son. up and try to be on top for next and looked close to his best “That’s a lot of golf (coming gearing up for a busy campaign. But Niemann, who was the season,” he said. when he finished second at this up),” he added. He says his early results as a number one ranked amateur in Niemann is currently ranked month’s PGA Championship. “It’s about pacing myself and pro were “way better” than he the world for nearly a year, had 152nd in the world, which may “I think people are more appre- making sure I don’t practice expected, and have instilled a two top-10 fi nishes in his fi rst seem low at fi rst glance but is ciative,” Woods told reporters too much and don’t overdo it belief in him that he just needs four starts upon turning pro in PGA golfer Joaquin Niemann tees off on the 6th hole during the first good considering he was outside ahead of a practice round at and making sure my training to keep on improving incremen- April, and ended the season with round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament at TPC Deere Run in the top 1500 when he turned Ridgewood Country Club on schedule goes well. tally to have the career that he six consecutive made cuts. Silvis, Illinois, US. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports professional. Tuesday. “They’ve all gone “One of the hardest things envisages. The softly-spoken 19-year- “I don’t like to put goals,” he through it - when you get to from this year is trying to find “I thought (being a profes- old from Santiago lacks the cha- sport is signifi cant from a mar- valuable addition to next De- said when asked to state his tar- your forties you’re feeling it. the right balance, but as the sional) was going to be like a risma of Woods, but his emer- keting as well as a competitive cember’s International team for gets for next season. “They know I’m at the tail-end summer has went on I’ve gotten big change but it didn’t really gence from a continent where aspect. the Presidents Cup in Australia, “I would like of course right of my career. I don’t know how better.” feel that. It was pretty much golf remains mostly a minor He would be a particularly adding diversity and youthful away to win,” he added quickly.

MLB NHL Former Blackhawks Stanley Cup winner Jays jack 4 homers, Handzus to retire

Reuters mer of 2011 before being traded Chicago back to the Blackhawks just in time to help them win the Cup in 2013. Handzus scored three ongtime NHL veteran goals and recorded 11 points in rout Orioles 8-2 Michal Handzus, who 23 games that postseason. Af- won a Stanley Cup with ter one more season in Chicago, ‘It seems like every mistake he makes he’s paying a price for’ the Chicago Blackhawks Handzus returned to Slovakian Lin 2013, plans to offi cially retire to fi nish his career. on Friday, according to multiple reports. Handzus, 41, played for SENATORS LEE RESIGNS six teams over 15 seasons as a de- AMID SUSPENSION pendable, two-way centre who Ottawa Senators assistant gen- tasted the playoff s in 11 of his 15 eral manager Randy Lee has re- years in the league. signed, and a search is underway The left-handed shooter with for his replacement, the team a cult following both because announced on Tuesday. Lee, of long hair in his younger days who had been with the Senators as well as his “Zeus” nickname, for 23 seasons, is facing two har- Handzus last played in the NHL assment charges stemming from in 2014. He returned to play his a May 31 arrest in Buff alo, NY, fi nal three professional seasons and he was suspended indefi - for his native Slovakian team, nitely by the team on June 15. helping lead HC’05 Banská “I have to think about my ob- Bystrica to the Extraliga Cham- ligations to the hockey team,” pionship in 2017 – his fi nal sea- Lee said in a statement. “They son as a pro. need an assistant general man- Handzus played in 1,009 ca- ager who can focus completely reer NHL games, scoring 185 on the coming season. Until this goals with 298 assists for 483 ca- matter is behind me, however, reer points. Originally a fourth- I’m not in a position to do that.” round pick by the St. Louis Blues He added that he intends to in the 1995 draft, Handzus net- spend more time with family. ted a career-high 25 goals as a Lee, 56, was initially charged 22-year-old in his second NHL with one count of harassment season in 1999-2000 – one after allegedly rubbing the of four 20-goal seasons in his shoulders of a 19-year-old male career. He was shipped to the shuttle bus driver and making Phoenix Coyotes in 2001 as part lewd comments while he was in of a package that sent the Blues Buff alo for the NHL combine. Keith Tkachuk, then Handzus A second harassment charge was dealt to the Philadelphia was fi led against him in July. He Flyers in 2002. pleaded not guilty to both charg- It was in Philadelphia where es, and his attorney is seeking Handzus experienced his most their dismissal, but that likely productive scoring success, with can’t happen until at least Sept. back-to-back 20-goal seasons 13 after his Wednesday court ap- in 2002-03 and 2003-04. In pearance was pushed back. both seasons, Handzus ranked The driver’s attorney, Charles among the Flyers’ top playoff Desmond, told the Associated point scorers in advancing as far Press last month he was moni- as the Eastern Conference fi nals toring court proceedings and in 2004. He was dealt to Chicago would consider a civil lawsuit. in the summer of 2006, but only “The (Senators) organization played eight games that season is doing the right thing to pro- after suff ering a torn ACL. tect the public, its employees Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Billy McKinney hits a solo homerun in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Handzus played his next four and other individuals who can seasons (2007-11) with the Los be subjected to his actions,” Des- Reuters ble, took third later on a double-play RESULTS Willy Adames homered and had three Angeles Kings, then signed with mond told the AP in a statement Toronto grounder and scored on a single by Mo- hits, and Joey Wendle had a two-run tri- the San Jose Sharks in the sum- Tuesday. rales. The Orioles tied it in the second on Rays 4-1 Royals ple for Tampa Bay, which won its third an RBI single by Caleb Joseph after load- Yankees 2-1 Marlins straight game. Tommy Pham had three he Blue Jays hit four solo home ing the bases with singles by Adam Jones, hits and a walk for the Rays before leav- runs, Sam Gaviglio pitched sev- Tim Beckham and John Andreoli. Reds 9-7 Brewers ing with a hand injury sustained while Lamar Odom: ‘I had 12 strokes en innings for his fi rst win since Diaz hit his 16th homer of the season in Cardinals 5-2 Dodgers diving back to fi rst base in the eighth. and six heart attacks’ May 25, and Toronto defeated the the bottom of the second to restore To- Indians 6-3 Red Sox Sergio Romo pitched a scoreless ninth Tvisiting Baltimore Orioles 8-2 on Tues- ronto’s lead. to earn his 17th save. Lamar Odom revealed frighten- It never goes away. I mean, I Astros 3-2 Mariners day night. Aledmys Diaz, Justin Smoak, The Blue Jays added three runs in the Ryan O’Hearn homered and Whit Mer- ing details about his near-death want to get high right now. But Kendrys Morales and Billy McKinney fourth. Morales singled and took third A’s 6-0 Rangers rifi eld had a double and a walk for Kan- in 2015. The longtime NBA I know that I can’t if I want to be homered for the Blue Jays, who have won on Kevin Pillar’s ground-rule double. Tigers 2-1 Cubs sas City, which is winless in fi ve games forward, speaking on comedian here for my children.” against the Rays this season. Glenn the fi rst two Games of the three-game McKinney hit a two-run single, moved D’backs 5-4 Angels Kevin Hart’s YouTube channel, Odom, who last played pro series and are 11-1 against the Orioles this to third on Richard Urena’s single and Sparkman (0-2), making just his second talked about the time he spent basketball five years ago, an- season, 9-0 at the Rogers Centre. scored when Renato Nunez booted Luke Braves 6-1 Pirates start of the season, picked up the loss, al- in a coma after being found un- nounced last month that he McKinney’s homer was the fi rst of his Maile’s grounder to third. Nationals 10-4 Phillies lowing three runs on seven hits and three responsive at a Nevada brothel. will make a comeback with an major league career. He also had a two- Mullins hit his second homer of the Twins 5-2 White Sox walks in four innings. He struck out fi ve. “Yeah, all my doctors that see unnamed team in China. run single and a walk. Morales added an season in the top of the fi fth. Smoak led Adames gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead in me say I’m a walking miracle,” The 6-foot-10 Odom played on RBI single. Gaviglio (3-6) allowed two off bottom of the fi fth with his 19th hom- Padres 4-3 Rockies the second inning with his seventh home Odom said. “I had 12 strokes and championship teams with the runs, six hits and one walk. He struck out er of the season, and Morales followed Blue Jays 8-2 Orioles run of the season, a towering drive to six heart attacks when I was in Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 seven. He had gone 15 starts without a with his 17th. Ryan Meisinger replaced Mets 6-3 Giants left-centre that hit the C-ring hanging my coma.... It’s a good day to be and 2010 as part of his 14 years win. Cedric Mullins hit a solo homer for Bundy and allowed McKinney’s homer, from the roof, the fi fth player to accom- alive, considering the alterna- in the NBA. In addition to his the Orioles. and Toronto led 8-2. Blue Jays reliever with his 13th consecutive home start al- plish the feat this season. tive.” seven years with the Lakers, Baltimore starter Dylan Bundy (7-12) Jake Petricka pitched around a single in lowing one earned run or none, passing Wendle extended the lead to 3-0 in After four days comatose, he he began and ended his NBA allowed seven runs and 10 hits (including the eighth, and Justin Shafer overcame a Max Lanier of the Cardinals, who did it the fourth with a two-out triple down woke up to see estranged wife career with the Los Angeles three home runs) while striking out three leadoff walk in the ninth. 12 times in a row from June 10, 1943, to the right fi eld line, driving in Michael Khloe Kardashian at his bed- Clippers, and he had short stints in four-plus innings. May 7, 1944. Perez, who had singled, and Pham, who side. “That was big,” Odom said with the Miami Heat and the “This is probably as tough a stretch as RAYS’ SNELL SETS HOME-SUCCESS The left-hander also became the sec- had walked. O’Hearn cut it to 3-1 with of her presence. Dallas Mavericks. he’s had,” Orioles manager Buck Showal- RECORD IN WIN OVER ROYALS ond pitcher in the live-ball era (since his fi fth homer of the season in the fi fth, Last year, Odom detailed his Odom averaged 13.3 points, 8.4 ter said. “It seems like every mistake he Blake Snell gave up one run on four hits 1920) with 160 or more strikeouts and a 406-foot drive to left-centre that drug addiction in a Players rebounds and 3.7 assists in 961 makes he’s paying a price for.” over six innings and struck out 11, leading fewer than 35 runs allowed through snapped Tampa Bay’s franchise-record- Tribune post. “I’m sober now. NBA games. The Clippers made Bundy is 0-3 with a 9.28 ERA in four the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-1 victory over 24 starts, joining Bob Gibson (168 tying streak of 27 consecutive innings But it’s an everyday struggle,” him a first-round draft pick (No starts this month. the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night strikeouts, 31 runs allowed in 1968). without allowing a run. The Rays also he wrote. “I have an addiction. 4 overall) out of Rhode Island The Blue Jays scored a run in the fi rst. in St. Petersburg, Fla. Snell has 160 strikeouts and has allowed had a streak that long from September I’ll always have an addiction. in 1999. Curtis Granderson led off with a dou- Snell (15-5) set a major league record 34 runs. 12-15, 2013. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 23, 2018 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Barcelona reserve keeper Cillessen suff ers rib sprain

Barcelona’s reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen suff ered a sprained rib during a training session yesterday, the Span- ish club said. “His availability for the upcoming fixtures will depend on his Liverpool could off er recovery from the injury,” Barcelona said in a statement. Cillessen, a 29-year-old Dutchman, joined the La Liga champions from Ajax in 2016 but has struggled to dislodge Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from the number one spot. He has made just two La Liga appearances in his two seasons biggest threat to Man at Camp Nou, but featured heavily in Barcelona's pre-season matches, start- ing all three of the club's International Champions Cup games.

Rangers forward Murphy City’s supremacy ruled out for rest of season Rangers winger Jamie Murphy will miss the rest of the season after suff ering a knee ligament injury, manager Steven Manchester United’s summer of discontent and Spurs’ off -field distractions suggest that Gerrard said. The 28-year-old Scotland international the strongest challenge to Guardiola’s side will come from a more muscular Liverpool was carried off in Sunday’s 3-1 Scot- tish League Cup win over Kilmarnock, By Jacob Steinberg Alisson, Brazil’s No 1, could also prompting Gerrard to criticise the use The Guardian prove to be worth the money after his of a synthetic pitch at Rugby Park. £66.9mn move from Roma and Naby Gerrard said Rangers will do every Keita has brought extra class to the thing they can to support Murphy in his ore than anything, Joeé midfi eld. Klopp has competition for recovery. Mourinho sounded re- places, with another summer arrival, Rangers next face Russian side Ufa signed when he discussed Fabinho, not even in the squad against in the first leg of their Europa League Manchester United’s de- Palace. qualifying playoff at Ibrox today. Mfeat by Brighton. There was gloom Naturally the other contenders will rather than defi ance and it was strange shout for attention. Yet United seem to hear United’s manager explain that to be a shambles and none of the oth- FIFA intervene to run his refusal to talk about the negative ers look as powerful or hungry as Liv- Uruguayan FA aspects of his team’s performance was erpool. Arsenal’s fi rst aim under Unai because of criticism about his previ- Emery must be a top-four fi nish and FIFA intervened to take control of ous brutal honesty. This was not Sir the same applies to Maurizio Sarri at Uruguayan football on Tuesday in a bid Alex Ferguson creating a siege mental- Chelsea, who have been exciting in to ensure free and fair elections can be ity: it was Mourinho protecting him- attack and vulnerable at the back. As held for the association’s president, the self rather than his players. Arsenal demonstrated at Stamford South American Football Confederation The negative vibes from the sum- Bridge last weekend, the problem for (Conmebol) said. mer have rolled into the season and it Sarri is that his defenders are not suit- In a letter to the Uruguayan Football is not premature to suggest that Unit- ed to playing in a back four, especially Association (AUF) the game’s governing ed could be heading for what Antonio with N’Golo Kanté given extra free- body said it would take over the day-to- Conte would call a Mourinho season. dom in midfi eld. day running of the AUF. It is three years since the “palpable Elsewhere in the capital, uncer- It also pledged to revise the associa- discord” that brought about an un- tainty reigns at Tottenham. Mauricio tion’s statutes and adjust them to com- happy end to the Portuguese’s sec- Pochettino’s side have started with ply with those of Conmebol and FIFA, ond spell at Chelsea and the memory edgy wins over Fulham and Newcastle, and when that process was complete, of how Mourinho lost his connection and apprehension has gripped the club hold an election for president. with his players at Stamford Bridge after the failure to make any signings Incumbent AUF president Wilmar feels relevant at the moment, even if and the delays to their new stadium. Valdez unexpectedly resigned in July. United’s individual quality makes it They do not look equipped for more impossible to write them off after two than Champions League qualifi cation, games. although they have a chance to prove West Ham’s Wilshere out Gallingly for Ed Woodward, Unit- their critics wrong when they visit Old to prove a point at Arsenal ed’s executive vice-chairman, it is not Traff ord on Monday. just Manchester City who are threat- City, however, are unlikely to hang West Ham United midfielder Jack ening to zoom away. It is also Liver- around. Guardiola is desperate to re- Wilshere is determined to show Arsenal pool, where excitement is building tain the title and that means Liverpool what they missed out on when he visits about their chances of winning a fi rst will have to maintain a demented pace his former club for the first time in the league title since 1990. to keep up with a team who dismissed Premier League on Saturday. Wilshere They have started with two wins, Arsenal without Kevin De Bruyne, left Arsenal at the end of last season fol- crushing West Ham with an attacking Leroy Sane and David Silva. lowing the expiry of his contract, end- extravaganza on the opening weekend Riyad Mahrez, a £60mn signing ing a 17-year stay at the North London and showing their gritty side against from Leicester, was on the bench for side since joining the club’s academy at Crystal Palace on Monday, and look the 6-1 win over Huddersfi eld and it the age of nine. more mature following their run to the is daunting for the rest to consider “It’s down to me to prove a point to Champions League fi nal with a sum- City’s depth. Liverpool are not quite as Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid mer of focused spending. strong. They know they can beat City of me,” the 26-year-old Wilshere said. It is, of course, far too early for de- in a one-off game, but it remains to be Wilshere struggled with injuries and fi nitive predictions and Liverpool will Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Crystal Palace on Monday. (Reuters) seen whether Adam Lallana, Xherdan loss of form at Arsenal. have a better idea of whether they Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge are capa- can end 29 years of hurt after visiting inho was seen as Guardiola’s nemesis considering how Klopp has targeted Tottenham last season, Harry Kane ble of stepping up if Roberto Firmino, Chelsea and Tottenham in September but that description applies to Klopp his team’s defensive weaknesses. He tormented Dejan Lovren so much that Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah are Silva decisive factor and hosting City on 7 October. Yet the these days. The German holds an 8-5 initially struggled to stiff en Liver- Klopp withdrew the Croatian centre- unavailable. for Fred’s United move pre-season hype looks justifi ed for winning record over Guardiola and pool’s rearguard resolve after replac- back after 31 minutes. All the same, the thrill of the chase the time being and Woodward cannot Liverpool looked prepared for the dif- ing Brendan Rodgers in October 2015 But the arrival of Virgil van Dijk should fi re these players. City are so Brazil international Fred chose Man- have envisaged this scenario when he fi cult months ahead at Selhurst Park, and his critics lined up to accuse him from Southampton in January has al- good that there will be no shame in chester United ahead of several other appointed Mourinho in 2016. withstanding Palace’s physicality and of naive tactics, as though his previ- tered the dynamic of Liverpool’s de- Liverpool fi nishing second and, while top clubs based on the advice of his The biggest threat to City’s suprem- organisation to secure one of the more ous success with Borussia Dortmund fence. The Dutchman is a leader in Mourinho gripes and moans and in- compatriot and agent Gilberto Silva, the acy emanates from Merseyside rather resilient wins of the Klopp era. meant nothing. Neither Simon Mig- the mould of Jamie Carragher or Sami dulges in self-pity, Klopp is making all player said. The 25-year-old midfielder than the man from the red half of Man- Although it would be unwise to read nolet nor Loris Karius convinced in Hyypia and nobody is quibbling about the right moves and gearing his team — United’s major signing in a close sea- chester. There was a time when Mour- too much into one game, it is worth goal and when Liverpool lost 4-1 to his £75mn fee now. for the race of their lives. son transfer market that left manager Jose Mourinho underwhelmed — said Silva, a former Arsenal player, felt ‘The CORRUPTION FOCUS Red Devils’ were the best fit for him. Fred, who moved to United from Ukrain- ian side Shakhthar Donetsk for £47mn, said once Silva spoke with Mourinho, he Brazilian former decided they were the team to go for Lewandowski criticises Bayern rather than the likes of Manchester City, football boss jailed Paris Saint Germain or some Chinese chiefs but no longer wants to leave clubs who were interested. four years in US Justin Kluivert right to AFP DPA choose Roma, says dad New York Munich Dutch football great Patrick Kluivert said he believes his son Justin made US federal judge yesterday sentenced Jose ayern Munich striker Robert the right call in snubbing Manchester Maria Marin, the 86-year-old former head of Lewandowski has criticised the United to join AS Roma. Kluivert, 19, the Brazilian football federation, to four years club for attacking him late last sea- had looked set to head for the Premeir in an American prison over the massive FIFA son but now feels at home again at League this summer but instead the corruptionA scandal. Marin was found guilty on Decem- Bthe German champions and has no intention winger opted to move to Italy after two ber 22 in connection with nearly $6.6mn in bribes from to leave. Lewandowski came under attack for years in Ajax. “I think United would have sports marketing companies in exchange for contracts to not playing well in the Champions League been too big a jump,” former Ajax, AC broadcast major tournaments like the Copa America and semi-fi nals which Munich lost to Real Ma- Milan and Barcelona striker Kluivert, 42, the Copa Libertadores. drid, and his adviser then started looking said. Kluivert has signed until 2023 with He was one of seven FIFA offi cials arrested at a luxury for a new club for the Bundesliga top scorer, the side from the Italian capital who hotel in Zurich on May 27, 2015, and one of only two de- with Real mentioned frequently. finished third in Serie A last season. The fendants convicted at trial in the United States in con- “In April and May almost everyone hit out teenager made an immediate impact nection with the scandal that disgraced world football. at me. I felt no protection from the club. I felt making an assist against Torino. US Judge Pamela Chen said in Brooklyn federal court left alone. I didn’t score in two or three im- that Marin was ‘a cancer’ that corrupted the world’s portant games and suddenly that meant for most popular sport, both at home in Brazil and across the every one: fi re at will at Lewandowski,” he Emery needs time at planet. “He could have and should have said no,” she said told Sport Bild weekly. “I didn’t see anyone Arsenal: Mkhitaryan at the sentencing hearing. Marin cried and was very agi- who was supporting me. None of the bosses tated during the proceedings, before calming down. The defended me.” Arsenal are still adjusting to their new former president of the Brazilian football federation was Lewandowski, who also had a disappoint- style of playing out from the back convicted on six counts of racketeering, money launder- ing World Cup group stage exit with Poland Bundesliga goals in 126 appearances. It re- ons League — only to bounce back 12 months and new manager Unai Emery must ing and bank fraud, and has been awaiting his sentence without scoring, was however declared not mains to be seen if he will really stay until the later with a title treble in which he scored the be given more time to implement his ever since from behind bars. for sale by club leaders. He said he was now end of his contract in 2021. 2-1 winner in the Champions League fi nal philosophy, the Premier League club’s US prosecutors had asked Chen to impose a sentence “back at Bayern with my heart” as he scored But the latest goals could be an indication against Borussia Dortmund. midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has said. of 10 years in prison and a $6.6mn fi ne. Citing his age a hat-trick in the 5-0 drubbing of Eintra- that Lewandowski is back in good form and The striker said he has had “good” talks Arsenal’s campaign began with a 2-0 and frail health, his defence attorneys sought a sentence cht Frankfurt in the German Super Cup, and ready to deliver in a season where Bayern seek with new Munich coach Niko Kovac who defeat by champions Manchester City of just 13 months. Marin spent fi ve months in a prison in the 1-0 winner against amateur side Dro- a record-extending seventh straight league rates Lewandowski a key player. “He is a before they went down 3-2 at Chelsea Switzerland before being extradited to the United States. chtersen in the German Cup. “I have real- title and fi nally want to win the Champions world class striker who has done a lot for our last weekend. Fans and critics have He posted bail of $15mn and spent two years living in ised that the fans here in Munich are behind League again, with the last trophy in that club and in the future will do a lot more,” Ko- questioned Emery’s tactics in both luxury at Trump Tower, the Fifth Avenue skyscraper best me. I feel wanted after all,” he said. “I would event in 2013. vac said. matches and called for more solid known for housing the penthouse and company head- never go on strike. I am not wasting any more Lewandowski could take heart from team- Club president Uli Hoeness struck a simi- defending. “The only thing we have to quarters of the US president. Of the 42 individuals origi- thoughts on other countries.” mate Arjen Robben who came under heavy lar note, saying on Sunday: “Once he fully do is to work hard, believe in ourselves nally indicted in connection with the FIFA scandal, three Lewandowski, who turned 30 on Tuesday, fi re in 2012 after Bayern fi nished runners-up concentrates on Bayern again we will have and use the chances we create to score have since died and 22 have pleaded guilty. has been in Munich since 2014, scoring 106 in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champi- the best new player we have ever had.” goals... we’re creating chances.” Gulf Times Thursday, August 23, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Henry hopes to Ronaldo wants land Bordeaux manager’s job

Champions League By Dominic Fifield guide them to the nation’s best The Guardian fi nish of third at the World Cup fi nals in Russia during the sum- mer, emerged as favourite for the hierry Henry is edging position this week and has ap- closer to securing a fi rst parently made clear his desire to managerial position af- take the job. glory with Juventus ter holding talks at Bor- The situation at Bordeaux is Tdeaux, with the former Arsenal complicated with the club in the striker and current Belgium as- process of being sold by the M6 sistant manager understood to Group to the US-based invest- Ronaldo has five Champions Leagues titles — four with Real and one with United be enthusiastic at the prospect of ment fund General American working for the Ligue 1 club. Capital Partners, and any ap- Bordeaux, who play at Gent pointment would have to be rati- in their fi rst leg of the Europa fi ed by departing and incoming League qualifying play-off s to- owners alike. That could delay day but have been defeated in the process and, as yet, no formal their two top-fl ight games this agreement has been struck. season, sacked Gus Poyet last However, the 41-year-old week after the Uruguayan brand- former Arsenal and Barcelona ed the sale of his forward Gaetan striker is eager for the opportu- Laborde without his knowledge nity to make his mark from the “a disgrace”. Poyet was initially dugout, and hopeful he will be suspended then, having feared off ered his chance. the worst, was dismissed after a This week his former manager brief meeting with club offi cials at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, en- last Friday. dorsed Henry’s candidacy for the There was initial interest in role in France. the former Lyon and Aston Villa “Yes, he wants to do it,” manager Remi Garde, who is Wenger told the Corsican news- working in Major League Soc- paper Corse Matin. “He is intel- cer at Montreal Impact, and the ligent and he has the qualities.” former France manager Laurent Wenger ended his 22-year Blanc, who has since distanced tenure at Arsenal in May. Henry, himself from the Bordeaux role. who played under Wenger at the Henry, who has worked un- North London club, became as- der Roberto Martinez with Bel- sistant manager of World Cup gium for two years and helped to semi-fi nalists Belgium in 2016.

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) in action during the Italian Serie A match against AC Chievo in Verona, Italy, on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP Ajax, Real Madrid, and twice with AC Mi- say what I saw in the stadium helped (his but some things happen naturally, for me Milan lan between 1995 and 2007. move),” Ronaldo said. “And, of course, it was an easy decision, what was done in “We’ll focus on that, with my team- when the people start to applaud me in Madrid is incredible, I won everything, mates, but without obsessing over it. the stadium I was like, ‘wow’. It surprised my family lives there, but it’s part of the ristiano Ronaldo said it had been We’ll go step by step and then we’ll see, me a lot because this has never happened past. I want to try to write the story in this an easy decision to leave Real if it’s this year, next year or the year after in my life, so it was an unbelievable mo- club.” Madrid for Juventus as he bids that,” continued Ronaldo, who has agreed ment.” Meanwhile Ronaldo revealed that his to become just the second player a two-and-a-half-year deal to become The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner said eight-year-old son Cristiano Jr was also a toC win the Champions League with three DAZN’s fi rst global ambassador. “The ob- he had been impressed with his new club promising footballer. diff erent clubs. “I want to win the Cham- jective for the club is to win the League, since joining last month in a 100-mil- “He’s very competitive. He’s like me as pions League with Juventus and we will Coppa Italia and, of course do our best in lion-euro deal. “I’m very happy, the team a child. He doesn’t like losing. He’ll be- do everything to win it,” the 33-year-old the Champions League.” is strong and Juve, as everyone knows, is come like me, I’m 100% sure of it. I’d like Portuguese superstar said in an interview Seven-time reigning Serie A champi- one of the best clubs in the world,” con- to teach him some things, but ultimately with streaming broadcaster DAZN. ons Juventus have lifted the Champions tinued the Portuguese captain. he will choose what to do and he’ll always Ronaldo has lifted a record fi ve Cham- League twice — 1985 and 1996 — but fi n- “I’m positively surprised, we train hard have my support. But of course, I’d like pions Leagues titles — four with Real ished runners-up twice in the past four twice a day. I like how they train, their him to become a player because I think he Madrid and one with Manchester United. seasons. Ronaldo earned a standing ova- mentality. They have special methods, has a passion for it too.” Another with Juventus would see him tion from the Turin crowd when he scored they are very, very professional and for Perform Group’s DAZN secured join Dutch great Clarence Seedorf, the a spectacular overhead kick at the Allianz this reason I feel good. There are things streaming rights this season to three Se- only player to win the top European tro- Stadium for Real Madrid last season. in life that seem to be dictated by destiny rie A matches in Italy per week with the phy with three diff erent clubs. Seedorf “The small details make the big dif- and in this case it was like that. other games to be broadcast by tradition- Thierry Henry was Belgium’s assistant coach at the World Cup won the European title four times — with ference at the end of the day so...I would “I never expected to play in this team, al broadcaster Sky. in Russia this summer. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Players indignant Benfi ca’s hopes in danger as PAOK grab draw over plans to stage AFP La Liga matches in US Paris enfi ca’s run of eight straight ap- Reuters La Liga’s organising body pearances in the group stage is Madrid announced last week in in danger after PAOK Salonika partnership with snatched a 1-1 draw in Lisbon in theB Champions League playoff round on multinational media, panish footballers are sports and entertainment Tuesday night. All three of the night’s surprised and indignant group Relevent that it plans matches, in what is eff ectively the fourth that an agreement to to hold Spanish top fl ight qualifying round, involved a former com- stage regular season La games in the US in future. petition winner. PSV Eindhoven, Euro- LigaS matches in the United States pean champions in 1988, beat BATE 3-2 in has been made without their Belarus after both teams scored in a wild consent, their union said yes- fects them directly.” last couple of minutes. terday. La Liga’s organising body “La Liga is distancing the fans Red Star Belgrade, the 1991 champions, announced last week in partner- from the players, which damages took 70 minutes to manage a shot on goal ship with multinational media, the spectacle and the essence of as they struggled to a 0-0 draw against sports and entertainment group football,” it added. “The players visiting Salzburg. In Lisbon, Benfi ca, the Relevent that it plans to hold again feel they are marginalised 1961 and 1962 champions, had an edge in Spanish top fl ight games in the from decision-making (even possession and goal attempts, but were US in the future. though) they are the fundamen- punished for their wastefulness when La Liga has not yet given details tal actors and their opinions are Amr Warda, a second-half substitute, on when the fi rst game across the essential for the growth of Span- equalised in the 75th minute. Atlantic would take place, how ish football. The players demand After Fernando Varela met a curling many games per season would be that our opinions be heard and Dimitris Pelkas free-kick with a meaty involved, how they would be se- taken into account in any future header that smacked the crossbar, the ball lected or whether it would com- negotiation or decision by La fell to the Egyptian who placed his shot pensate the loss of home advan- Liga which aff ects them.” through a crowd of players. Benfi ca had tage for teams involved. The AFE also demanded “bal- taken the lead in the fi nal minute of the In response, the Spanish Foot- ance and common sense” in de- fi rst half, when PAOK midfi elder Mauricio ballers Union (AFE) said it was cision-making and complained ran into Gedson Fernandes from behind to holding a meeting on Wednesday about the kickoff times for some concede a penalty. to discuss the issue and added to La Liga games this season. “The Benfi ca midfi elder Pizzi made amends PSV Eindhoven’s Donyell Malen (left) celebrates after scoring against BATE Borisov in the Champions League playoff . (Reuters) the criticism which it made at players are again being punished for several earlier misses by drilling the the time of the announcement. by the kick-off times of certain ball low into the corner of the net. Ben- nine minutes when Aleksandar Filipovic old Aleksandr Hleb, who had come on as back to December 2015. The AFE said that “captains matches, which can damage their fi ca have played in the Champions League drilled in a low cross that Finn Jasse a second-half substitute, met a panicky and players” from La Liga sides health because of the weather group stage in each of the last eight sea- Tuominen smashed in from two yards. punch from Jeroen Zoet and volleyed the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFF would participate. “The AFE conditions or the lack of recovery sons, although on six of those occasions The Dutch champions responded in the ball past the groping goalkeeper. ROUND, FIRST LEG RESULTS and the players do not under- time,” it said. they qualifi ed automatically. 34th minute after Nemanja Milunovic But one minute later, another former BATE Borisov (BLR) 2 (Tuominen 9, Hleb stand unilateral decisions,” said “The AFE points out that cer- Last season they lost all six group handled. Arsenal player, 19-year-old Donyell 88) PSV Eindhoven (NED) 3 (Pereiro 35- a statement published yesterday. tain kick-off times can be harm- matches. PAOK have never advanced to Gaston Pereiro’s successful spot-kick Malen, who had come on seconds before pen, Lozano 61, Malen 89) It said the players were “sur- ful for everyone who is involved the group stage but have already crushed was PSV’s fi rst shot on target. PSV took the Hleb’s goal, met a precise cross by Jose prised and indignant that their in the spectacle — players, fans, Basel and eliminated Spartak Moscow in lead when Mexican World Cup star Hirv- Tasende to head his fi rst goal for PSV. Benfica (POR) 1 (Pizzi 45+1-pen) PAOK views were not taken into ac- and referees, whose health can be the qualifying rounds this year. ing Lozano swerved a shot inside the left The victory ended PSV’s 10-match win- Salonika (GRE) 1 (Amr Warda 76) count in an agreement which af- endangered.” In Borisov, BATE took the lead after post. Two minutes from time, 37-year- less run in European games that stretched Red Star Belgrade (SRB) 0 Salzburg (AUT) 0 Thursday, August 23, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Qatar Racing’s Roaring Lion triumphs in York

Agencies there. We were delighted with him. York, England “I was expecting a big performance from him. This horse ran a great race in the Derby. He won his Eclipse well and he’s got better he Qatar Racing Limited-owned through the season,” Gosden added, refer- colt Roaring Lion imposed himself ring to his third place fi nish in the Epsom easily in the Juddmonte Interna- Derby (Gr1) and the Eclipse victory in July. tional Stakes (Gr1) at York yesterday. “He’s got bigger and stronger. He had a TTravelling on the outside of the fi eld un- diffi cult spring, but he’s done nothing but der Oisin Murphy, John Gosden-trained improve since.” Roaring Lion was only pushed forward Murphy was also astride Al Shaqab by his rivals, to win by three lengths and Racing’s Watan in the Tattersalls Acomb a quarter in front of Poet’s Word. Thun- Stakes (Gr3) earlier in the day. dering Blue completed the podium half a Richard Hannon-trained colt had come length behind. in to the race after a victory during the Qa- “This is so special,” Qatar Racing’s tar Goodwood Festival. Sheikh Fahad al-Thani, who lapped up Yesterday, Watan tracked leaders before the moment as he had missed his previous challenging 400m from the post. He cou- Group One win in the Eclipse Stakes, said. rageously took the second place behind “We always knew he was a terrifi c horse. Phoenix of Spain while Persian Moon fi n- He is improving race by race.” ished third. An ecstatic Gosden said: “He’s run a lovely race. They went an honest pace. Oisin Murphy (left) rides Qatar Racing’s You’d got Dubai World Cup winners in Roaring Lion to victory in the Juddmonte there, Poet’s Word came at him and ran a International Stakes (Gr1) in York, England, blinder. There were no hiding places out yesterday. (Racingfotos)

FOCUS MOTORSPORT Heart is where the Hamilton leads F1 back art is for Jaco van from a busy Besides being a pole-vaulter and now a coach with Qatar athletics, the South African has also August break

sketched Pistorius and the likes as a court artist Reuters and put up a very tough fi ght.” Vuuren Spa-Francorchamps Ferrari will also fancy their chances, with their car showing By Anil John plenty of pace and Kimi Raik- Jakarta ewis Hamilton has rea- konen standing on the brink of sons to be cheerful as a milestone 100th podium after Formula One regroups fi nishing in the top three in his magine the scene: you in Belgium with plenty last fi ve races. are with your friends at a Lof developments to digest after The 38-year-old Finn is a four- restaurant in Doha and a an August break punctuated by times winner at Spa, including pony-tailed, bearded man headline-grabbing moves and Ferrari’s most recent victory at Iapproaches you and hands you announcements. the long, sweeping high-speed a sketch. You look at it and are Spa has been good to the Mer- circuit that represents one of the taken by surprise. The image cedes man in recent years and greatest challenges for any racing is sharp and bears a stunning last season the Briton took a driver. resemblance to you. You are at record pole position before cel- Raikkonen’s future is also in a loss for words and thank him ebrating a win that set him on a the spotlight after a summer profusely. run of success that culminated in fl urry of driver moves, including “I like to do that and surprise a fourth title. double world champion Fern- people. Often when I am at a This time he returns with a ando Alonso’s decision to leave public place and I spot some- 24-point lead over Ferrari’s Se- Formula One at the end of the body with an interesting face, bastian Vettel, compared to a year. I’ll do a sketch without him or 14-point defi cit last time around. Sauber’s Monegasque rook- her knowing. Then I present the Even if the weekend turns out ie Charles Leclerc is strongly person with the sketch,” says to be cold and wet, as is so often tipped to step up to Ferrari but Jaco van Vuuren with an impish the case at the historic track in Raikkonen could still fi nd a home smile. the Ardennes forests, Hamilton’s elsewhere. To say van Vuuren is an spirits are unlikely to be damp- Despite the August factory interesting guy would be an ened after a refreshing few weeks shutdowns, the break was less understatement. The 47-year- away. of a lull than usual with Austral- old is a former South African “The second half (of the sea- ian Daniel Ricciardo triggering pole-vaulter — his best eff ort son) is always exciting, it’s always a shockwave with his decision is 5.20 metres — and now a intense, particularly when we go to leave Red Bull for Renault in coach with the Qatar Athletics to the long hauls,” Hamilton said 2019. Federation where he is tasked after winning in Hungary at the That was followed by Spaniard with actualising decathlete Mo- end of July. Carlos Sainz switching from Re- hamed al-Mannai’s undeniable “The second half is usually... it nault to McLaren, following that potential into medals on the gets a bit better on our side.” team’s Alonso announcement, international stage. With nine races to go, the and Red Bull confi rming Pierre But apart from being all that championship could still swing Gasly this week as Ricciardo’s he was also a court artist of either way and Mercedes team successor. international renown for nine boss Toto Wolff is making no The situation at Force India, years. When South African star predictions. who will come out of administra- Paralympian Oscar Pistorius “If this season has taught tion after a takeover led by the bil- was standing trial for murdering us one thing, it’s that there are lionaire father of Williams’ Cana- his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, no clear favourites for specifi c dian driver Lance Stroll, means the it was van Vuuren who was as- tracks anymore and that it’s not driver merry-go-round has some signed the task of sketching him always the fastest car that wins,” spinning to do yet. in the dock. As cameras were he said in a team preview for One of those who could fea- not allowed inside the court Sunday’s race. ture in that is McLaren’s teen- during the trial, as is the case “Instead, the competitive bal- age British reserve Lando Norris, during most cases, it was van ance seems to swing back and who will be making his Friday Vuuren’s sketches of Pistorius forth from circuit to circuit. practice debut in Alonso’s car that were beamed across televi- Jaco van Vuuren poses during a training session with Qatari athletes What is clear is that our compet- before returning to his Formula sion channels around the world. in Jakarta yesterday. Van Vuuren sketches Oscar Pistorius (also above) during the trial. itors are pushing extremely hard Two duties. Pistorius, whose exploits on prosthetic legs is the stuff of time he was 12 years old. We runner in history to compete “happy for the boys”. remaining.” legend, was a superstar in South have been good friends since with able-bodied sportsmen at Van Vuuren says he feels for Van Vuuren, meanwhile, is Africa and a source of inspira- then. We often met up and the quadrennial sporting gala. Pistorius and perhaps, in his enjoying his time in Qatar, a tion for millions of diff erently- talked about athletics which In the 400m, he fi nished heart of hearts, believes his ver- place which he has fallen in love abled people around the world. was our passion. He was an second in the fi rst heat among sion of things – that he mistook with. The fact that he was reduced athlete of unbelievable mental fi ve runners, clocking a time Steenkamp for an intruder who “I love this part of the world. to a hapless wreck in court and strength and resolve. He came of 45.44 seconds to advance to was hiding in the bathroom. The culture here is very diff er- later convicted and jailed, and from a very rich family but even the semi-fi nals. He couldn’t “There are a lot of things that ent. People are very subtle and that too for such a grievous then, you can’t achieve what he advance to the fi nal, though, are not said in court. Court cases diplomatic in the way they deal crime, is something many South achieved if you are not deter- fi nishing last with a time of are like that. In the end you have with things. In the West, people Africans have still not come to mined enough. 46.54 seconds. to accept the verdict. All I can say are more direct, blunt. When terms with. “In fact, a few days before A year before that Pistorius is when you kill someone you also I came here, it was a shock to Pistorius was born with a the murder Oscar and I had was part of the South African die. It’s a punishment that stays me, but I have learned to adjust, condition called fi bular hem- met over coff ee to discuss a 4x400m relay squad which won with you for life.” and I have learned to love it that imelia (congenital absence of charity project in Angola. It was the silver medal behind the US. But he admits that the case way. I won’t exchange that for the fi bula) in both legs. When he something to do with prosthetic He was dropped for the fi nal, has changed their lives. any amount of money. You learn was 11 months old, his legs were limbs and I was trying to con- however, because the South “It changed Oscar’s life. It so much about yourself you amputated halfway between his vince him to accompany me and Africans had decided in advance has also changed my life. I never didn’t know before.” knees and ankles. talk about his experiences as an that whoever ran the slowest thought I would be part of such He says coaching in Qatar has For van Vuuren, the case was athlete.” split in the heat would drop a high-profi le court case involv- changed his perspective about particularly poignant because he Pistorius is one of a hand- out of the fi nal to allow LJ van ing a dear friend who happens how he looks at things. and Pistorius were good friends ful of sportsmen who have Zyl, the bronze medallist from to be one of the most remark- “Here it’s a diff erent ball and it was hard for him to see represented their countries in the 400m hurdles, to run the able athletes the world has seen. game. You don’t want to off end him in that situation as he had to the Paralympics as well as the anchor leg. But because he was It was all very personal.” people, you want to maintain capture all the emotions he went regular Olympics. He was part part of the heats, he is consid- Does he meet him in jail? good ties with everybody. You through during the trial. of South Africa’s athletics squad ered part of the medal-winning “No, I can’t. Only his family have to tune into an athlete’s “It was tough, emotionally. at the London Olympics where team. He eventually reconciled is allowed to meet him. He has psyche to be a successful coach. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (foreground) has a 24-point lead over I have known Oscar from the he became the fi rst amputee with his fate, saying he was a few more years of jail time It’s a work in progress.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel (background).