FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 SPORT 17 Pakistan batsman Babar This is my best innings. The TODAY TOMORROW wicket was very difficult and Azam on his match-winning unbeaten 101 against New Sri Lanka vs South Africa Pakistan vs Afghanistan turned a lot in the second half. 36th match, in Leeds Zealand in Birmingham on 35th match The plan was to go through to in Chester-le-Street New Zealand vs Australia Wednesday. the end and give my 100%. 12:30pm (Qatar time) 37th match, (D/N) in London

NBA considers Budapest to host revamped 12-team Fed Cup finals shortening AFP A total prize pot of $18m will be on offer with $12m going inaugural finals in Madrid this being too strung out and not 2021-22 LONDON will be on offer with to players and $6m to national November. protecting player welfare $12m going to players tennis associations. “The launch of the Fed Cup which led many top players to regular season An overhaul of the Fed Cup and $6m to national The finals will feature four Finals will create a festival of stop representing their format will see 12 nations groups of three teams, with the tennis that elevates this flagship countries. compete in a six-day event in tennis associations. winners progressing to the women’s team competition to “The format respects the REUTERS Budapest from 2020-2022 with semi-finals and final. All a new level, yet remains loyal existing women’s tennis cal- NEW YORK a huge boost in prize money on joined by the winners from matches will consist of two to the historic core of the Fed endar by reducing Fed Cup to offer, the International Tennis eight qualifying matches to be singles and one doubles. Cup,” said ITF President David two weeks of competition in When the NBA celebrates its 75th Federation announced held in February. The move to reform the Fed Haggerty. existing Fed Cup weeks, and anniversary in 2021-22, it might yesterday. The tournament will be Cup comes after a similar The previous format, which supporting player health do so by giving its players -- and This year’s finalists, Aus- played on clay with the first overhaul of the Davis Cup in saw the eight-team World through the extension of the off fans -- a shorter regular season as tralia and France, hosts outing of the new format from men’s tennis that will see 18 Group decided over three ties season by moving the Finals part of a restructured calendar. Hungary and one yet to be con- April 14-19 April 2020. teams compete for the title and separated over the course of from November to April,” According to an ESPN report, firmed wild card nation will be A total prize pot of $18m $20m of prize money in the the season, was criticised for added the ITF. the league has begun exploring options that include a possible midseason tournament, a posts- eason play-in tournament and an abbreviated regular-season schedule. Wary of past pain, Nadal ESPN reported that an advisory committee with about a dozen top team executives from both basketball and business oper- eyes 3rd Wimbledon title ations took part in a June 17 con- ference call to discuss with the league office possible alternatives REUTERS It is why Nadal’s excitement is tem- to the traditional NBA schedule for LONDON pered by a little trepidation every time the 2021-22 season. he heads to his most erratic Grand Slam The “wide-ranging brain- Rafa Nadal (pictured) received a degree and why there is a sense of unfinished storming session” was very of sympathy this week when he ques- business. Rafa now winning the Angelique Kerber in action exploratory, according to the ESPN tioned a Wimbledon seedings formula After backing up his 2008 triumph French Open I feel he might yesterday. report. Proposed reforms would that relegated him down to third in this by beating Tomas Berdych in the 2010 be a great contender, be adopted as a pilot year’s draw despite a world ranking of final and reaching the final again in 2011 programme. two. -- Nadal then went five visits without compared even to Roger A new midseason cup-style After all, he has been champion there going past the fourth round. and Novak he might be, in Kerber beats tournament would likely require twice, is bang in form after a record- Those dismissing his grasscourt my own feeling, he might a shorter regular-season schedule, stretching 12th French Open, is injury free prowess were forced to eat humble pie Halep to reach which could greatly affect team and last year was a whisker away from last year when Nadal roared through to be slightly ahead. We’ll see: revenue for franchises committed reaching the final. the semi-finals when he lost 8-6 in the Marin Cilic Eastbourne to local broadcast partners that Despite that, the 33-year-old would fifth set to Novak Djokovic in one of the also rely on revenue from game be the first to admit that despite twice highest-quality matches ever seen on attendance. lifting the trophy the All England ClubClub’s s Centre Court. matchesmatc in the build-up to Wimbledon, semi-finals Discussions included reducing lawns have not alwaysalways been a happyhappy WithWith aann exhaustedexhausted KevinKevin preferringprefe instead to practise in Mallorca the regular-season games to as hunting ground. Anderson waiting in the and tthen take part in the Aspall Classic REUTERS few as 58, which would allow each WhileWhile hhisis 2008 ddefeatefeat ooff RogRogerer finalfinal NaNadal’sdal’s cchanceshances ooff exhibitionexhib event at the swanky Hurl- EASTBOURNE team host each of the 29 other Federer in a final for the ages claimingclaiming a third WiWim-m- inghamingh Club where on Wednesday he teams, but a smaller reduction is standsstands as one of his greatest bledonbledon crown were waswas soundly beaten by Marin Cilic. Angelique Kerber’s Wimbledon prepa- possible. Few officials favour a days,days, shock losses at the hands bright.bright. NotN that Cilic was reading too much ration gained momentum as she major reduction in the number of ofof Steve Darcis, Lucas Rozol, “Last“Last year he was into thatt and even suggested Nadal could thumped Simona Halep 6-4, 6-3 in a games, according to the ESPN Dustin Brown andand GiGilleslles very close,” uncle and bebe favouritefa to win the title and match battle of former world number ones to report. Muller representrepresent some of his formerformer coach Toni BjornBjorn Borg’s record of winning Wim- reach the semi-finals at Eastbourne The NBA would need cooper- darkestdarkest moments.moments. Nadal said this month bledonbled immediately after winning the yesterday. ation from several parties, Wimbledon’sWimbledon’s llowow in Mallorca.Mallorca. FrenchFren on three occasions. The Wimbledon champion converted including the players’ union, own- bouncing lawns also provide the “If“If hadhad beatenbeaten “Rafa“ now winning the French Open five out of seven break points to secure ership groups, national and local ultimateultimate test ooff tthehe creacreakyky kkneesnees DjokovicDjokovic I tthinkhink hehe wouldwould I feelfeel he might be a great contender, com- the win and set up a last-four clash with broadcast partners and sponsors, that disrupted Nadal’s season this have won the finfinal.”al.” paredpared even to Roger and Novak he might Ons Jabeur. Unseeded Tunisian Jabeur was to agree to the changes. year and forced him to withdraw NadalNadal has again opted be,be, in my own feeling, he might be slightly made to work hard for a victory over Alize While able to make recom- ffromrom Miami.Miami. toto plaplayy no compet-compet- ahead.ahea We’ll see,” Cilic said after handing Cornet as she shook off an ankle injury in mendations to the NBA’s Board of iitivetive grass-grass- NadalNada something of a grasscourt lesson. the final set to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. Governors, the advisory com- coucourtr t NadalN will sharpen his game before “At this tournament, I’m the queen mittee has no official governing WimbledonWim starts and despite being third of losing the first set and then coming authority. favouritefavou behind Djokovic and Federer, back,” Jabeur, who has rallied back from An ESPN report says, the appearsappe to be in the mood to do some a set down to win three of her four damage.dam matches in Eastbourne, said. league has begun exploring “I“ know I played a great event last “It’s another motivation for me to options that include year.year. I have been able to be very close to win, to play better in the second set, but a possible midseason winwin aanother title there. I love to play on I’m really happy with this win. tournament, a postseason grass,”grass he said shortly after claiming his “It wasn’t easy at the end, I was play-in tournament and an 18th18th Grand Slam title by defeating scared for my ankle, but hopefully eve- abbreviated regular-season DominicDom Thiem in Paris. rything will be good. I tried to move “Honestly, the last two years that I better, be better on court, and that helped schedule. playedplay in Wimbledon, I felt close again.” me regain my shots.” Ecclestone proposes blueprint for F1 revival

AFP SPIELBERG followed this season by the Teams’ World Championship. more level playing field. Eccle- on who is going to win,” he decline of their rivals -- Ferrari “The Drivers’ World Cham- stone suggested that this idea added. “By having two champi- Former ring-master Bernie struggling to fight for a win and pionship would not be affected revived memories of bygone onships -- aside from the Ecclestone (pictured) would Red Bull reduced to two in any way.” years in the sport when the so- drivers’ -- we’re helping the bring back refuelling, give all F1 has to get people’s podiums in eight outings. Explaining his thinking in an called customer teams small teams while letting the teams the same engine and attention again. Mercedes have reeled off a interview with ESPN’s Maurice attempted to win against the manufacturers race the way introduce a new third world If you’ve got four record eight season-opening Hamilton, the 88-year-old Briton, mighty manufacturers, using they want,” he said. championship category to friends going to a wins in a row and stretched their now ‘chairman emeritus’ of the great drivers like Stirling “IfIf Ferrari want to stop,stop, they revive Formula One’s flagging winning streak overall to 10 races. sport, said his ‘new’ constructors’ Moss. can stop. Or thetheyy can jjoinoin appeal. race, you want to In support of comments made last championship would be for the “F1“F1 hashas to get tthehe team peoppeoplele iiff theythey Ecclestone, who was the have a situation weekend, by Hamilton, Eccle- major engine and chassis manu- people’speopl e’s want to. The chochoiceice is sport’s commercial boss and where none of them stone agreed that any revamp facturers. This would include attentionattention theirs. EverythingEverything is greatest influence for more than can agree on who is should be managed without any Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. again. IfIf upup fforor discussion.discussion. four decades, responded to involvement from the current The team championship you’veyou’ve ggotot ButBut tthehe bottobottomm linlinee claims that the sport has been going to win: Bernie contestants. would be for other teams all fourfour friendsfriends isis hhavingaving aaffordableffordable reducted to a Mercedes pro- Ecclestone “Firstly, I wouldn’t be using the same engine and a goinggoing to a entertainmente n ter tainme n t cession, with Ferrari chal- talking to the teams,” said simpler less-technological car race, yyouou want rratherather than ververyy lenging, has become a ‘turn-off’ with ease ahead of Mercedes Ecclestone. than those in current usage. to havehave a sisitu-tu- expensexpensivei ve for fans. team-mate Valtteri Bottas. “It’s like having a committee He said he would give these ationation whwhereere nnoneone technology.”technology.” The sense that Formula On top of that, Mercedes -- and you don’t need that when teams a complete car, a spare ofof themthem can agreagreee One’s image was becoming tar- have won the drivers’ and con- making decisions like this. engine and $30 million dollars nished by the predictability of structors’ double every season “I would be saying: We’re annually, thus resolving budget Mercedes domination and Lewis since the start of the current V6 going to have two champion- cap problems. Hamilton’s supremacy in the hybrid turbo era. ships. They’re both World These teams, he said, should drivers’ championship came to That translates as five Championships -- one is the refuel during races. He added a head at last weekend’s French double titles in a row, an Constructors’ World Champi- that the constructors’ cars may Grand Prix where Hamilton won achievement that has been onship and the other is the be weighted to help create a 18 SPORT FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 India eliminate WI to inch towards semis

REUTERS SCOREBOARD at number four and managed MANCHESTER Kohli fastest to reach 20,000 INDIA S. Ambris lbw b Pandya ...... 31 only 14. K.L. Rahul b Holder ...... 48 S. Hope b Shami ...... 5 Holder dealt the biggest blow runs in international cricket Two-time champions India stood R. Sharma c Hope b Roach ...... 18 N. Pooran c Shami b Yadav ...... 28 with a half-tracker which Kohli on the cusp of securing a spot in V. Kohli c sub b Holder ...... 72 S. Hetmyer c Rahul b Shami ...... 18 pulled straight to the mid-wicket V. Shankar c Hope b Roach ...... 14 J. Holder c Jadhav b Chahal ...... 6 REUTERS / MANCHESTER the World Cup semi-finals after fielder to depart after his fourth they stretched their unbeaten K. Jadhav c Hope b Roach ...... 7 C. Brathwaite c Dhoni b Bumrah ...... 1 successive half-century. Virat Kohli yesterday became the fastest batsman to reach M.S. Dhoni not out ...... 56 F. Allen lbw b Bumrah ...... 0 run in the tournament with a H. Pandya c Allen b Cottrell ...... 46 K. Roach not out ...... 14 The India captain stood 20,000 international runs as he anchored India’s innings clinical 125-run victory against M. Shami c Hope b Cottrell ...... 0 S. Cottrell lbw b Chahal ...... 10 rooted to the crease for a while against the West Indies in the World Cup match in Manchester. West Indies that eliminated the K. Yadav not out ...... 0 O. Thomas c Sharma b Shami ...... 6 after playing a horror short to The Indian captain reached the landmark in his 417th Caribbeans yesterday. Extras (1b, w6) ...... 7 Extras: (b9, lb3, nb1, w5) ...... 18 end a breezy knock during which innings with a single off West Indies skipper -- Opting to bat first, India’s Total (seven wickets, 50 overs) ...... 268 Total: (all out, 34.2 overs) ...... 143 he also completed 20,000 runs India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Caribbean batsman Brian Lara middle order did not exactly Did not bat: Y. Chahal, J. Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Gayle), 2-16 (Hope), 3-71 in international cricket. both required 453 international innings to reach the landmark. cover themselves in glory but Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Sharma), 2-98 (Rahul), (Ambris), 4-80 (Pooran), 5-98 (Holder), 6-107 Hardik Pandya, who made a skipper Virat Kohli’s elegant 72 3-126 (Shankar), 4-140 (Jadhav), 5-180 (Kohli), (Brathwaite), 7-107 (Allen), 8-112 (Hetmyer), whirlwind 46, played with the 6-250 (Pandya), 7-252 (Shami) 9-124 (Cottrell), 10-143 (Thomas) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s kind of freedom which was in Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-50-2 (2w); Roach 10-0- Bowling: Shami 6.2-0-16-4 (1w); Bumrah 6-1- laboured 56 not out helped them 36-3; Thomas 7-0-63-0 (2w); Allen 10-0-52-0; 9-2; Pandya 5-0-28-1 (1nb); Yadav 9-1-35-1 stark contrast to Dhoni’s early to a competitive 268-7 at Old Holder 10-2-33-2; Brathwaite 3-0-33-0 (2w) (2w); Jadhav 1-0-4-0; Chahal 7-0-39-2 struggles during their 70-run Trafford. WEST INDIES Result: India won by 125 runs collaboration. Mohammed Shami and his C. Gayle c Jadhav b Shami ...... 6 Man-of-the-match: Virat Kohli Dhoni, who survived a bowling colleagues then stumping opportunity early in returned to skittle out West his innings and got another Indies for 143 in 34.2 over as the standings after registering appealed for caught-behind but reprieve when India jumped to second place in their fifth win in six matches with was turned down. West Indies spilled him off his own bowling, one no result. They lie one point reviewed the decision and Rohit smacked two sixes in the final behind holders Australia, who was left shaking his head when over en route to his first fifty of ICC WORLD CUP 2019 have played one more game. the replays showed contact with this year’s tournament. POINTS TABLE West Indies became the third the ball and he was duly given Shami (4-16) rocked West team -- after Afghanistan and out. Indies early in their chase - dis- RANK/TEAM M W L N/R PT South Africa -- to be eliminated Roach later sent back Kedar missing and Shai 1: Australia 7 6 1 0 12 after their fifth defeat in seven Jadhav in similar manner, dis- Hope in a two-wicket burst. 2: India 6 5 0 1 11 matches. missing him caught behind using Sunil Ambris (31) and 3: New Zealand 7 5 1 1 11 Earlier, Kohli continued his the review system. (28) forged a prolific run in the tournament Opener KL Rahul raised 69 half-century partnership but 4: England 7 4 3 0 8 but West Indies twice made runs with Kohli to steady the wheels came off their chase 5: Bangladesh 7 3 3 1 7 smart use of the review system innings after the loss of Rohit. when both fell in quick suc- 6: Pakistan 7 3 3 1 7 to reduce India to 140-4 in the A typically busy Kohli accu- cession to leave their middle 7: Sri Lanka 6 2 2 2 6 29th over. mulated runs in his risk-free way order with the onerous task. After a quiet start, Rohit but Rahul, who made 48, fell to Jasprit Bumrah then 8: West Indies 7 1 5 1 3 Sharma had nonchalantly pulled Jason Holder as India threw claimed two-in-two, including 9: South Africa 7 1 5 1 3 India’s captain Virat Kohli celebrates the wicket of West (3-36) for a six away another good start. the scalp of , Indies’ Sunil Ambris in Manchester, yesterday. 10: Afghanistan 7 0 7 0 0 before the quick sneaked one Vijay Shankar flunked to effectively seal the win for through his bat-pad gap and another opportunity to impress India. Duminy ‘ashamed’ of SA flop Pakistan team’s 1992 World Cup parallels AFP responsibility for a dismal cam- CHESTER-LE-STREET paign in the event. “It’s always a difficult one are ‘freaky’: Waqar JP Duminy has apologised to when they bear the most brunt South Africa fans after the coun- of our performances,” he added, AFP Australia. The hosts now need try’s “dismal” showing at the speaking ahead of South Africa’s LONDON to win both their remaining World Cup. match penultimate match games against India and New Faf du Plessis’s men have against Sri Lanka today. Former captain Waqar Younis Zealand to hold off Pakistan, beaten only win-less Afghanistan “The important thing for us says it is becoming “impos- should Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men in their opening seven games, is to take responsibility for that sible to ignore” the parallels beat Afghanistan and Bang- meaning they cannot mathemat- and sort of stand up and be man between Pakistan’s World ladesh in their final two ically reach the last four of the enough to know that you know Cup resurgence and their 1992 matches. tournament. we have come up short. triumph. “It’s moving in the “It’s been pretty dismal from “They have given us the Victories against South direction that they might our part,” said Duminy, who will support. They have given us all Africa and New Zealand in the qualify and, if it does, that retire from the 50-over game the backing that we need to go past week have breathed new would be something very after the tournament in England out there and put in big perform- South Africa’s JP Duminy attends a press life into Pakistan’s bid to reach special if they could win the and Wales. ances, but we are the ones that the semi-finals in England and World Cup,” said Waqar. conference, yesterday. “We obviously want to apol- have come up short,” said Wales after they won just one The prolific fast bowler ogise to the public and the South Duminy. of their opening five was robbed of his role in the African fans for letting them fixtures. tournament 27 years ago due down. Their trajectory through to a back injury. “You know when you rep- the tournament has so far But he is hoping for a resent your country it is always Pakistan World Cup clash draws mirrored that of their only repeat of the scenes of joy wit- a proud moment and you under- World Cup triumph to date, nessed when the team stand that you represent 50, 60 229 million TV viewers in India when they started slowly in returned victorious to million people, that is a proud 1992 before picking up pace Pakistan, for a nation that has moment in itself. REUTERS attracted 381 million viewers, massive global audience and to lift the trophy. seen little international cricket “And when you put in per- MUMBAI according to Broadcast organisers received nearly “It is becoming impossible since Sri Lanka’s team bus formances like that, you know, Audience Research Council of 800,000 applications for to ignore the parallels with was attacked in 2009. you in a way almost feel The June 16 clash between India. tickets at the 23,000-capacity 1992,” said Waqar in a column “It was heartbreaking, ashamed of that.” neighbours India and Pakistan The Virat Kohli-led side stadium. Official broadcaster for the ICC. especially when we won,” said Reports have emerged that attracted 229 million television had four matches -- including Star India is showing the World “The similarities are Waqar of missing the 1992 team’s coach Ottis Gibson will viewers in India, accounting for the washout against New Cup in six languages, including freaky and even though the World Cup. be in the firing line after the over 60% of the screen Zealand -- slotted in during English. players won’t have been “I was over the moon tournament, with Cricket South audience for the first three that period, drawing a com- The broadcaster’s live thinking about it, there is no though and I still remember Africa (CSA) president Chris weeks of the World Cup in the bined total of 321 million streaming platform Hotstar way they can put it out of their every second when the team Nenzani promising that “heads cricket-crazy nation. viewers. saw 100 million daily active minds altogether.” came back from Australia. It will roll”. The first 27 matches in the The rain-hit, stop-start users during the India-Pakistan Pakistan’s chances of was wonderful. I’m hoping All-rounder Duminy, who 10-team quadrennial tour- World Cup match at Old match, making it the highest- reaching the last four have and praying that something has not featured in the past four nament, which is being played Trafford, Manchester, between ever single day reach for the been helped by England’s similar happens again,” he matches, said the players, not the in England and Wales, the political rivals drew a platform. defeats to Sri Lanka and recalled. coaches, should take Sri Lanka coach warns of Proteas threat

AFP Australia has thrown the their 20-run win against enough talent and the skill-set CHESTER-LE-STREET World Cup wide open. England. to compete with them Hathurusingha said South “We think that we have a tomorrow.” Sri Lanka coach Chandika Africa still posed a threat in good chance because we are The coach talked about the Hathurusingha has warned today’s match, even though coming off two wins (they also importance of putting partner- When you have that misfiring South Africa they will be heading home beat Afghanistan earlier in the ships together and the need to no pressure of could still be dangerous after after the group phase. tournament) and a very good “click as a batting group,” he qualifying, they his side revived their World “When you have no win against England, although said. Cup hopes with a shock victory pressure of qualifying, they we didn’t play our best cricket “We have been practising can come and against England. can come and play without any to win the game in terms of a lot of power-hitting with play without any The Sri Lankans, the 1996 pressure, fearless cricket and batting. various ways of using the net pressure, fearless champions, had a miserable that can get them going, so at “And I think we had a facilities we have,” he said. cricket and that start to the tournament in the same time they can turn perfect bowling display, Sri Lanka have six points England and Wales, with just up and just want to go home, defending that target (232-9). after six matches, one behind can get them one win from their first five so you never know,” he said. I mean, cricket is a funny Bangladesh and Pakistan and going: Sri Lanka games, during which they suf- Sri Lanka lost their game. two behind fourth-placed coach Chandika fered two washouts. one-day international series “You can lose so many England. Chandika Hathurusingha Hathurusingha But last week’s win against earlier this year in South Africa games and win the one that is Those three competing the hosts and England’s sub- 5-0 but Hathurusingha said the most important, it is this teams have all played seven sequent defeat at the hands of the team were confident after next game. I think we have games. FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 SPORT 19

Colombian team members gather during a practice session in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday, ahead of their Copa America quarter-final match against Chile. Argentina’s Armani wary of Venezuela

AFP RIO DE JANEIRO

Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani warned his team-mates on Wednesday not to be caught out by minnows Venezuela when the sides meet in the Copa America quarter-finals. Argentina scraped into the knock-out rounds courtesy of a 2-0 win over invitees Qatar in their final pool match having gone into it bottom of Group B. And now they’re wary of avoiding a banana skin against the tournament minnows, one of only two of South America’s 10 national sides -- the other being Ecuador -- never to win the Copa. “We need to score goals, to be very careful... to avoid a surprise,” said the River Plate goalkeeper ahead of today’s clash at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. Armani said Venezuela would “look to win back the ball quickly and attack” from Chile vs Colombia one of the the flanks, where “they have quick players.” And in Newcastle United forward Salomon Rondon, they have “a centre- forward who holds up the ball well and has highlights of Copa quarters good movement.” While 14-time former winners Argentina may have been a disappointment for many AP ball on the ground, but it also gives you COPA AMERICA: final against México in 2001, though it onlookers, Armani feels they are finding their SÃO PAULO space, allows you to play as well,” he REMAINING QUARTER-FINALS has made it to the quarterfinals four form as they progress deeper into the said. straight times. This will be Chile’s fifth competition. One of the most anticipated games of Colombia, seeking its first South Today: straight last-eight appearance. They began with a 2-0 defeat to Colombia the Copa América won’t feature South American title since 2001, was the only Venezuela vs Argentina One of Chile’s leaders this year has before benefitting from a couple of conten- American powerhouses Brazil, team to win all of its three group-stage Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro been Sánchez, who is coming off a tious decisions in a 1-1 draw with Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. matches, beating Lionel Messi’s dismal season with Manchester United only securing qualification to the latter stages It will be today’s quarter-final Argentina, guest team Qatar and Par- Colombia vs Chile but is thriving in the Copa América with victory over Qatar. between Chile and Colombia that could aguay. That last win against Paraguay Arena Corinthians, São Paulo with two goals from three matches. There has been little so far to suggest they prove the highlight of the South came despite Queiroz resting most of His attacking teammate, Vargas, scored might end a 26-year trophy drought, though. American tournament so far. Two-time his regular starters, including Tomorrow: twice in the opener against Japan to “We’ve gone from worse to better in this defending champion Chile faces a Rodríguez, who has been thriving since Uruguay vs Peru become Chile’s all-time leading scorer Copa. Match by match we’ve gained confi- Colombian team with the best cam- the start of the tournament in Brazil. Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador in the South American competition dence, we’ve gained the functionality the paign in the group stage. Rueda also rested some starters in with 12 goals. team needs, and we arrive in good shape for It will be the Chilean duo of Alexis Chile’s last group game, a 1-0 loss to Vargas is one goal short of becoming this quarter-final,” he said. Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas against Uruguay that dropped his team to “It’s a team that has changed how the tournament’s outright all-time But Argentina haven’t beaten Venezuela Colombia’s James Rodríguez and second place and created the matchup it plays. It defends better and attacks leading scorer among active players. in their last three meetings, and lost 3-1 when Radamel Falcao, and Colombian coach against the red-hot Colombians. with speed,” said Fuenzalida, who Peru’s Paolo Guerrero also has 12 goals. the sides met in Madrid in a friendly in Reinaldo Rueda leading Chile against Veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal was scored in the 2016 semi-final, when Queiroz, who took over the March, when five-time Ballon d’Or winner Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz among those rested after Chile had Chile took a two-goal lead with around Colombia squad at the start of the year, Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return leading Colombia. impressed in a 4-0 rout of guest team 10 minutes gone. “It’s a difficult will be able to count on the return of to the national team after an eight-month “This is the ideal match for a great Japan and a 2-1 win over Ecuador. opponent. It can give us space to play, goalkeeper David Ospina, who missed absence. performance,” Chile striker José Pedro Chile has gotten the best of but it can also hurt us at any moment the last group game against Paraguay For Venezuela captain Tomas Rincon, Fuenzalida said. Colombia in the Copa América on counterattacks.” because he traveled back to Colombia Argentina have lost the fear factor they once Colombia midfielder Mateus Uribe recently, winning seven of the last 11 Chile went on to beat Argentina in to visit his ill father. had thanks to a multitude of star players. said Chile is “the best rival” for his team matches between the teams, including a penalty shootout in the 2016 final, Colombia and Brazil were the only “It’s been a while since they won, with to play now. all three in knockout stages, with the just like it did in the 2015 tournament. teams not to concede goals in the their history and their (star) names,” said “It’s a team that plays well with the last one in the 2016 semifinals. Colombia’s only Copa title came in a group stage. Rincon.

Lucas Torreira Rooney scores from own half for DC United Guardiola hails Silva as a ‘European great’

REUTERS MANCHESTER

Manchester City boss Pep Guar- diola has said that David Silva is a “European great” and he hopes the club can have another Torreira back successful season before the Spanish midfielder bids farewell for Uruguay in 2020. Silva said on Tuesday that he AP will leave the English champions SALVADOR at the end of the 2019-20 season, bringing the curtains down on a David Silva Uruguay midfielder Lucas 10-year spell at the club he joined Torreira says he will be able to in 2010 from Valencia. play tomorrow when his team The 33-year-old has won times for City in all competitions faces Peru in the Copa America four Premier League titles, two scoring 71 goals, was a key quarter-finals. FA Cups and the League Cup four member of their domestic treble- Torreira skipped Uruguay’s times with City while, on the winning side last season. 1-0 win over Chile on Monday DC United forward Wayne Rooney (left) dribbles the ball past Orlando City SC players during their international stage, he won the “He helped me personally, he with a fever and stomach match played at Audi Field in Washington DC, USA, on Wednesday. Wayne Rooney grabbed the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros has helped us a lot in these three problems. headlines in Major League Soccer when he scored an incredible goal with a strike from inside his in 2008 and 2012 with an all- years we have been together,” The 23-year-old Torreira own half for the second time in his career as DC United won 1-0. conquering Spainpain side.side. GuardiolaGuardiola added. says “those were complicated “We have toto enjoy himhim in thethe days with a lot of fever, head- year that he hashas left,”left,” fellowfellow aches, vomit. I lost three kilos, Spaniard Guardiolardiola waswas qquoteduoted but I will be ready for as saying by Skyky Sports. Saturday.” FIFA takes Macau out of Qatar 2022 “He has beebeenn oonene ofof tthehe Torreira became a starter greats not onlynly in SpanishSpanish after midfielder Matias Vecino qualifiers for refusing to play in SL football, but in European injured a muscle in the 4-0 win football as well.ll. over Ecuador. Torreira played AP must forfeit the second leg 3-0 for failing to play. “He has playedayed forfor 10 in the 2-2 against Japan in Uru- ZURICH The Macau federation was also fined 10,000 Swiss years in Manchesterchester guay’s second match. francs ($10,000). and it is not easyasy to Uruguay coach Oscar FIFA has removed Macau from qualifying for the Sri Lanka joins a 40-team lineup in the next perform in thatthat Tabarez has several options in 2022 World Cup, sending Sri Lanka to the next stage of World Cup qualifying. Eight five-team league forf or midfield, with both creative and round. groups will be drawn on July 17 in Kuala Lumpur, someone with hhisis defensive players that include The Macau soccer federation refused to send Malaysia. Group winners and the four best runners- qualities. He hasas Nicolas Lodeiro, Nahitan its team to Sri Lanka this month, citing security con- up advance to a final Asian qualifying round. Four done incrediblyy Nandez, Rodrigo Bentancur, cerns after terrorist attacks in April. Macau led 1-0 teams then qualify for the World Cup in Qatar while well.” Giorgian De Arrascaeta and after the first leg. another team can qualify in an intercontinental Silva, whoo Pep Guardiola Federico Valverde. FIFA says its disciplinary panel ruled Macau play-off. has played 3966 FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Wary of past ICC World Cup: pain, Nadal India eliminate eyes 3rd title Windies to inch at Wimbledon towards semi-finals Qatari teams gear up for World Championship openers

THE PENINSULA HAMBURG

Two Qatari teams will begin their campaigns in their respective Pools at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships which kicks off in Hamburg, Germany, today. World’s number-six ranked beach volleyball duo, Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will meet their opponents in Pool D, Kamara and Bangura from Sierra Leone in their opening fixture at the Am Rothenbaum Stadium. Later, in Pool E, the second Qatari pair, Mahmoud Essam and Tamer Abdulrasool will also begin their journey at the World Championships. Qatari beach volleyballers Cherif Younousse, Ahmed Tijan, Mahmoud Essam and Qatari beach volleyball players take part in a Tamer and Mahmoud will face Tamer Abdulrasool pose for a photograph with a team officials ahead of the FIVB practice session in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday, Russia’s Semenov and Leshukov ahead of their opening pool matches. in their opening clash roday. Beach Volleyball World Championships which kicks off in Hamburg, Germany, today. Tokyo 2020 aims to beat the heat Davis Cup: Qatar AFP off to a winning TOKYO start in Singapore Mist sprays, cooling scarves and pots of morning glory flowers were among the measures unveiled THE PENINSULA yesterday by Tokyo 2020 officials DOHA to beat the heat during next summer’s Olympics. The Qatari men’s tennis team began their campaign Doctors have warned the Games at the 2019 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group could see deadly medical emer- III with a 2-1 victory over their Malaysian coun- gencies as athletes, volunteers and terparts on Wednesday. The event is being held in spectators face the sweltering Tokyo Singapore and will conclude on June 29. summer where the mercury can In the first singles match, Qatar’s Mousa easily reach 40 degrees Celsius. Shannan edged past Christian Didier Chin 7-6, 6-2. Organisers plan to create shaded Then in the second singles match, Mubarak spaces, rest areas if people fall ill, Shannan defeated Shamiral Shahril Mohamed cooling fans and misting stations to Adam Das 7-5, 5-7, 6-1. combat the heat. In the doubles match, Qatar’s Rayane Alrami Tokyo 2020 also showed off a and Mousa Shannan went down fighting against new line of licensed products Christian Didier Chin and Syed Mohamed Agil Syed designed to ward off heatstroke, People takes photographs of the Olympic rings at the Japan Sport Olympic Square in Tokyo in this file photo. Tokyo Naguib 0-6, 6-2, 2-6. including cooling scarves and sun 2020 officials yesterday announced that mist sprays, cooling scarves and pots of morning glory flowers will be 2019 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group III visors. among the measures which will be implemented during next Olympics to beat the summer’s heat. brings together Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Malaysia, Sri Sporting one of the scarves, Lanka, Syria, Vietnam and Singapore. Tokyo 2020 Games Delivery Officer Qatar were pooled in group A along with Iran, Hidemasa Nakamura enthused: “It’s access special apps with heat and mountain biking have been through several deadly heatwaves Syria, and Malaysia while Group (B) includes so cool when worn after putting in warnings, he said. The plans will be brought forward to avoid the worst and Japan was also battered by a Vietnam, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and hosts Singapore. water.” “brushed up” later, including how of the potentially blistering temper- series of typhoons that caused death, The Qatari delegation is chaired by Ahmed Nakamura also revealed that much it will cost. atures for the July 24 to August 9 destruction and delay. Sultan Al Obaidly and includes Mousa Shanan, organisers are considering allowing Among the more unique “pre- Games. At one point, the mercury touched Mubarak Shanan, Rayyan Alami, Rashed Nawaf fans to bring in their own drink ventative measures” is the use of The last time Japan hosted the a record 41 Celsius. and the team captain Sultan Khalfan in addition to bottles under certain conditions, summer flowers as a “psychological Summer Olympics, in 1964, the com- The hottest day of Olympic com- the head coach Oliver Gross, fitness coach Luis adding that security and sponsorship measure.” petition was held in October to avoid petition in history was recorded at Lobez and physiotherapist Alex. issues had still to be worked out. Schedules of sports such as the the hot summer conditions. the 2004 Athens Games when tem- As per the new format of the tournament, the Tourists will also be able to marathon, rugby sevens, triathlon Last summer, Tokyo sweated peratures soared to 36C. winners of each group will secure their places in the 2020 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II while the runners up of each group will fight for the third spot in Group II. Kipchoge to attempt sub-two hour marathon The head coach Oliver Gross was satisfied by the result and the performance of his players against REUTERS April. He ran 2:00.25 in his previous non-world Malaysia and stressed all the matches are so VIENNA record attempt in Italy in 2017 - the Breaking2 important in our way to qualification to group II. project. Khalid Al Khalaifi, Chairman of National Teams Kenyan world record holder Eliud Kipchoge’s The latest attempt to break the two-hour mark, Committee at the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Bad- second attempt to break the two-hour barrier for dubbed the ‘INEOS 1:59 Challenge’ is a project minton Federation congratulated the players on the marathon will take place in Vienna on Oct. 12 backed by Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of their victory over Malaysia in the beginning of their this year, event organisers INEOS said yesterday. chemical firm INEOS. campaign at Daivs Cup. The 2016 Olympics marathon gold medallist A number of venues were considered by INEOS Al Khalaifi stressed that the victory will lowered the legal world record by an astonishing who finally settled on the Austrian city where Kip- motivate the players do more in the upcoming 78 seconds when posting 2:01.39 in Berlin last Sep- choge will run a multi-lap marathon that centres matches. tember and ran the second-fastest time in history on a 4.3km straight stretch of run inside the Prater In the other matches, Kuwait defeated Sin- liud Kipchoge when winning the London marathon in 2:02.37 in Hauptallee. gapore 2-1 while Vietnam edged past Sri Lanka. Australia, Indonesia in talks for joint 2034 World Cup bid

REUTERS “Football Federation Australia con- It was unclear how advanced discus- added. Indonesian media, citing PSSI sec- “Indonesia is ready to work with MELBOURNE firms it has held discussions with the sions were between Australia and Indo- retary general Ratu Tisha, reported on anyone, it can be ASEAN, it can be with Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) nesia, with statements from both feder- Wednesday that the federation had Australia.” Australia has held talks with Indonesia about the possibility to jointly bid for the ations suggesting the talks were prelim- decided to partner with Australia after Australia was a candidate in the con- about making a joint bid for the 2034 2034 FIFA World Cup,” the FFA said in inary, at best. Thailand had pulled out of the 2034 bid troversial bidding process for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, despite the Southeast a statement emailed. “An Indonesia-Aus- The FFA said it noted the joint South because it was “not ready”. World Cup awarded to Qatar but managed Asian nation’s involvement in another tralia joint bid was also discussed at last East Asian bid was endorsed at the A PSSI executive told Reuters the to win only one vote from FIFA’s exec- bid with regional neighbours for the same week’s ASEAN Football Federation ASEAN summit and declined to elaborate Indonesian federation would be willing utive council members in 2010. tournament. Council Meeting in Laos.” whether talks with Indonesia were to work with “anyone” on a 2034 bid. The 2026 World Cup is being jointly Football Federation Australia told The revelation came only days after ongoing. “Of course we welcome it (a joint bid hosted by the United States, Canada and Reuters yesterday that it had met Indo- Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha “FFA welcomes the opportunity to with Australia) and we will work hard to Mexico. Multiple countries have nesian soccer federation (PSSI) officials told a news conference in Bangkok that further discuss a ASEAN bid for the 2034 make it happen,” Yoyok Sukawi, a expressed interest in making joint bids to discuss a 2034 bid at an ASEAN 10 countries from the ASEAN bloc, FIFA World Cup with fellow Member member of the PSSI’s executive com- for the 2030 finals, including South meeting last week. including Indonesia, would bid for 2034. Associations in the region,” the statement mittee, said. American and eastern European nations.