GGOLFOLF | Page 2 AATHLETICSTHLETICS | Page 3 ‘Monster’ Bromell, Gatlin, Torrey Pines Lyles, Baker – set to test high stakes in golf’s best 100m at US trials

Thursday, June 17, 2021 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 7, 1442 AH Rashford would GULF TIMES relish showdown with Ronaldo SPORT Page 6 Al Duhail, Al Arabi notch wins in Asian club handball Al-Amin clinches silver at Arab athletics in Tunis

Action from the match between Al Duhail (in red) and Al Kuwait (in white and red) in the Asian Club Handball Championships in Jeddah yesterday. Al Duhail came from a 15-18 deficit at half time to win the match and improve their semi-final chances with a 30-27 victory. (Right) In an earlier match yesterday, Al Arabi (in red) beat Kuwait’s Al Salmiyah 35-30 to win for the third consecutive time in the tournament.

UEFA EURO Qatar’s Hamdi al-Amin poses with his silver medal after he cleared 2.16m in the men’s high jump competition at the Arab Athletics Championships at Rades Stadium in Tunis, Tunisia, yesterday.

FOCUS Bale masterminds Japan to set 10,000-spectator Wales’ 2-0 defeat cap ahead of Games The captain sets up goals for Ramsey and Roberts; surprise semi-finalists of of Turkey Euro 2016 now have four points

Reuters Baku, Azerbaijan

ales captain Gareth Bale set up Aaron Ramsey and Con- Workers attach the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games banner on a lamp nor Roberts to score post in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) Wfor a 2-0 victory over Turkey in their Group A match at Baku’s AFP slightly more than 14,000 deaths Olympic Stadium yesterday to Tokyo, Japan despite avoiding harsh lock- take a big step towards qualify- downs. ing for the European Champion- But its vaccination programme ship knockout stages. apan is planning to set has moved slower than many a cap of 10,000 fans at other developed nations, with sports events ahead of the just over fi ve % of the population Olympics, a cabinet min- fully inoculated so far. isterJ said yesterday, as organisers The decision on Olympic weigh how many domestic spec- spectators is expected only after tators can attend the Games. the virus emergency in Tokyo The proposed measure would ends on June 20 and the govern- come into force after a Covid-19 ment confi rms what restrictions state of emergency in Tokyo and will replace it. other parts of the country ends Recent reports have said “qua- on June 20, and would last until si-emergency” measures could the end of August, said Yasu- be introduced, including curbs toshi Nishimura, the minister in on the sale of alcohol or limited charge of virus measures. opening hours for bars and res- It would limit spectators to taurants. 50 percent of a venue’s capac- Experts and offi cials have ity or 10,000 people, whichever expressed concerns that huge Wales’ Gareth Bale celebrates Wales’ Aaron Ramsey (right) scores their first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group A match against Turkey at Baku Olympic Stadium in is smaller, he said. The plan is crowds attending the virus- their win with teammates. (AFP) Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday. (Reuters) expected to become offi cial later postponed Games could acceler- this week. ate the spread of Covid-19 after Ramsey failed to convert two vert a Bale pass past goalkeeper splitting passes but both times key upped the pace after the fl ew high and wide to keep the “It is important that we main- the emergency measures end. chances early in the fi rst half but Ugurcan Cakir to seal the vic- he failed to score, with Cakır de- break. Turks in the game, who then tain thorough anti-infection Takaji Wakita, head of the ad- scored just before halftime when tory. nying him from a tight angle in Captain Burat Yilmaz, who forced a good save from keeper measures to prevent a rebound visory panel, warned of possible he made a run through the mid- “I’m delighted with the win. the sixth minute and then thun- had missed a good chance in the Danny Ward when he punched in cases, especially as we fore- surges of infection in the near dle to chest down Bale’s perfect We fought hard, we worked our dering a shot over the bar in the fi rst half, should have scored 10 a Merih Demiral header wide in see a spread of the Delta variant,” future as people start to go out ball over the defence and slip it socks off like we always do,” Bale 24th. minutes after the restart when the 87th. Nishimura told a government more in some regions, including past the goalkeeper. said after the game, adding that There was nothing lucky he was left completely un- With the Turks having run advisory panel, which endorsed Tokyo. Wales could have doubled his contributions compensated about the third time with Bale marked in front of the Welsh out of steam in stoppage time, the plan. “When the government lifts the lead at the hour mark when for the penalty miss. fl oating a superbly-timed cross goal but blazed a volley from Bale cut inside to feed Roberts The move could set the bounda- the state of emergency, it’s im- Bale was tripped by Zeki Celik The surprise semi-fi nalists of in the 42nd minute for Ramsey three metres out well over the for their second goal. ries for a decision by Olympic or- portant that restrictions are and awarded a penalty, but the Euro 2016 now have four points, who brought the ball down per- crossbar. “We’re in a fantastic position ganisers on how many domestic lifted gradually,” he told report- Welsh skipper skied his eff ort after drawing with Switzerland fectly and slotted under Cakir. Wales found space to counter now. If you’d off ered us 4 points fans – if any – can attend Games ers yesterday after the panel met. after a stuttering run up. in their opener. Their fi nal game attack and Ramsey’s low shot at the start, we’d have bitten events when Tokyo 2020 kicks off Under the current state of Wales scored right at the is against Italy next week. Tur- ‘FANTASTIC POSITION’ was blocked before Bale was your hand off ,” Bale said, paying on July 23. Overseas spectators emergency, spectators are death in injury time when a cor- key take on the Swiss. With Turkish and Azeri Presi- brought down just inside the box tribute to Welsh fans who were have already been banned. capped at 5,000 people or 50% ner was played short and Con- Ramsey was twice picked out dents Tayyip Erdogan and Il- to earn a spot kick on the hour. heavily outnumbered by Turks Japan has seen a compara- of a venue’s capacity, whichever nor Roberts was on hand to di- by Bale with superb defence- ham Aliyev in the stands, Tur- But the 31-year-old’s eff ort in the stadium. tively small virus outbreak, with is smaller. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 17, 2021 SPORT

US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Woodland wanted ‘Monster’ Torrey to be instigator with Pines set to test Koepka, DeChambeau AFP ‘Around the greens, it’s La Jolla, United States o one was more disap- wicked. Spotters will have pointed the US Open to really be on their game’ didn’t place feuding golf’s best rivals Brooks Koepka Nand Bryson DeChambeau in the same trio to start the US Open than Gary Woodland. Woodland, the 2019 US Open winner, was a much speculat- ed third man if 2018 US Open winner Koepka and defending champion DeChambeau were playing together as the past three champions. But the US Golf Association put them on opposite waves Brooks Koepka and compatriot Bryson DeChambeau (right). (AFP) of the event for the fi rst two rounds and put Woodland with in that group would have been As Woodland sees it, any at- two other past US Open win- amazing.” tention is good attention. ners, Webb Simpson and Ger- The dispute began when vid- “Brooks didn’t play for two man Martin Kaymer. eo footage of Koepka showing weeks and he’s all over ESPN, all “I wasn’t approached by the his annoyance at a loud-talking over the sports news,” Wood- USGA at all,” Woodland said. DeChambeau went public from land said. “I think that’s good.” “It would have been great. The an interview area at the PGA Had anyone asked him, fans, all my friends back home, Championship. Woodland was ready to be the everybody was talking about it. That led to a social media middleman in what would have It’s good for the game.” exchange that had Koepka call- been a major attention stealer Woodland joked that he want- ing for fans to yell “Brooksy” at of a grouping. ed to aggravate the situation be- DeChambeau and spectators “I think it would have been tween DeChambeau and Koepka obliging. great. The energy would have,” rather than serve as a referee. While played off as fun and Woodland said. “The fans want “I would have instigated and good natured, the dispute it. That’s the big deal. I defi nite- tried to start fi ghts or whatever gained traction and is sure to ly think the fans want it,” added I could have done,” Woodland benefi t both when it comes to a Woodland, who has fallen to said. “I would have loved to new publicity bonus created by 57th in the world rankings after have played. I think the energy the PGA Tour. an injury-fi lled 2020.

Jon Rahm cleans his club in the practice area during a practice round of the US Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California, United States. The world number three from Spain is a favourite despite spending last week in quarantine due to Covid-19. (USA TODAY Sports) Giro winner Bernal presents Pope with bicycle AFP major winner, agrees about the ter winning last month’s PGA Brooks Koepka, a runner-up at La Jolla, United States diffi culty of the par-71 challenge. Championship, warns that fi rm the PGA, is back after right knee Giro d’Italia winner Egan “This is one of those golf fairways can bring too much dis- surgery in March. Bernal yesterday presented courses,” Spieth said. “You have tance and a tougher approach. “I feel very comfortable on it. Pope Francis with a bicycle here’s still a spectacu- to just be ‘on’ and it will eat you “The ball runs out and it gets I can do everything I want,” he following an audience in the lar view of the Pacifi c up if you’re not.” down there to a pretty good said. Vatican, a day after the rider Ocean at Torrey Pines for Avoiding the rough is always spot,” said Mickelson. “There are “I’ve got more mobility right announced he had recovered this week’s US Open just crucial but especially greenside, a lot of holes where it turns or now than I ever have.” from Covid-19. Tlike golfers see every January at Spieth said. tightens and I don’t really want Rahm and second-ranked Jus- The 24-year-old Colombian the US PGA Farmers Insurance “Around the greens, it’s wick- to get to that spot.” tin Thomas could overtake Dust- tested positive on June 4, less Open. ed,” Spieth said. “Spotters are The left-hander will use a in Johnson for world number one than a week after his triumph Don’t expect much else to be going to have to really be on their 2-wood off several tees for just with a victory if Johnson fi nishes in Italy. the same. game because you can hit some the right distance. worse than 18th. “I have had many experiences Top players in the fi eld of shots fi ve feet off the edge of the “That seems to fi t the right “He’s obviously a guy to look in my life, but this is unique, 156 won’t be fooled by familiar green and really have to look hard yardage on a lot of those holes,” out for,” 2020 PGA winner Collin the most beautiful experience hole layouts when they test the to fi nd your ball.” he said. Morikawa said of Rahm. I have had,” Bernal said after 7,652-yard course starting today, As for the fairway rough, Spi- Patrick Reed, the 2018 Mas- Thomas, like Johnson, has receiving a blessing from the because the US Golf Associa- eth warned, “You’re not really ters winners, also disdained De- struggled lately. Argentine pontiff in the San tion has maximised dense rough, advancing more than a 7-iron for Chambeau’s length at all cost “I clearly haven’t been play- Damasco courtyard inside the fi rmed up fairways and made a lot of those lies, just trying to approach. ing well and consistent, but I Vatican. greens lightning fast. tumble it down the fairway.” “With fairways being more defi nitely have been playing bet- The cyclist presented the This Torrey Pines is a beast. Defending champion Bryson narrow and having the rough so ter than the results have shown,” 84-year-old pontiff with a With teeth. DeChambeau plans on repeating thick, it’s now a more positional Thomas said. “Something I’ve Pinarello F12 bicycle, decked Pope Francis receives the Giro d’Italia pink jersey from So says Jon Rahm, the world the long-distance driving show type game rather than just set up learned is that it doesn’t matter in blue and white stripes and Colombian rider Egan Bernal at the Vatican yesterday. (Reuters) number three from Spain, is an that powered his victory last year and hammer a drive everywhere,” what state my game is in if I’m the Vatican coat of arms, the oddsmakers favourite despite at Torrey Pines. Reed said. not mentally fresh and ready.” same model on which he rode Pope Francis jokingly asked ious race. spending last week in quarantine “For the most part, I’m going Minimzing mistakes will be to victory in the Giro, which Bernal in Spanish if he drank In doing so he became the due to Covid-19. to be trying to bomb it as much PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE vital as well, said 2019 British ended on May 30. “muchos tintos,” or Colombian first Latin American to win the “You can actually get lucky as possible and try to gouge it out Patience will carry the day, pre- Open champion Shane Lowry of The Ineos rider also gave the coff ees before his races. race and, at 22, the youngest and get some decent lies or you when I don’t hit it in the fairway,” dicted Canada’s Adam Hadwin. Ireland. pontiff a pink jersey, the gar- “Honestly it was a unique champion since 1909. can get some that it’s hard to he said. “Patience is probably the big- “Every part of your game, ment that identifies the leader experience, I am very happy, Bernal pulled out of last year’s move fi ve yards,” Rahm said. “It’s “I really don’t know if bunkers gest thing,” he said. “You’re go- every part of your mentality, will of the three-week race around still nervous,” said the South Tour de France having fallen a US Open. You’re going to get or rough is better, but for sure ing to have bad lies. You’re go- be required to do well,” he said. Italy. American, who was accom- well behind. good breaks and bad. getting as close as I can to the ing to have to chip out sideways. “It’s all about leaving yourself in “A gift from me and from all panied by his girlfriend María His participation in the Tokyo “Add that to the fact that you green is going to be a strategy of You’re going to have to make the right spots and taking the big Colombians who at this time Fernanda Gutierrez. Olympics starting next month have quite a few 500-yard par-4s mine.” putts for bogey. Just stay patient. numbers off the card. Let your need his blessing,” Bernal Bernal burst onto the scene in remains in doubt because of and you have a monster of a golf Six-time major winner Phil Everybody else is dealing with mistakes be bogeys and make said he told the pontiff as he 2019 by winning the Tour de recurring back problems. course.” Mickelson, trying to complete a the same thing.” your birdies when you get your handed him the jersey. France, cycling’s most prestig- (AFP) Jordan Spieth, a three-time career Grand Slam at age 51 af- Four-time major winner chances.”

FORMULA 1 Mercedes hope for more dominance, less drama in France Reuters his win in Baku. London, United Kingdom “I’m feeling good but I’m sure that Mercedes will be very strong Ocon signs up to stay at on the ‘normal’ tracks again,” ormula One fans may said Verstappen. Alpine F1 until 2024 groan but Mercedes Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will will be hoping for more meanwhile be going for an un- rench driver Esteban dominance and a lot less likely third pole in a row. Ocon will stay with dramaF at the French Grand Prix The race should draw a line un- FAlpine until 2024, the this weekend after their street der an early season ‘bendy wing’ Renault-owned Formula One race setbacks in Monaco and Az- controversy, with the governing team said yesterday ahead erbaijan. FIA introducing new fl exibility of his home grand prix at Le Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard cir- tests to make sure teams comply Castellet. cuit is loved more for its his- with the regulations at all times. The announcement rules out tory and location, perched on There will also be a revised Ocon as a potential Mercedes a plateau above the Mediterra- protocol for tyre warming and driver, with the reigning world nean coast in the sunny south of pressures after two big Baku champions having him under France, than its layout. blowouts, with Pirelli indicating contract as a youngster and To say that the track has gen- they were caused by how teams reserve before his move to the erated few thrills since its return were running the tyres during the French team. in 2018 after a 28-year absence In this June 21, 2019, picture, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton drives around Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard circuit race. “I’m delighted to continue with would be an understatement. during practice. Hamilton won from pole at the circuit in 2018 and 2019. (Reuters) Experienced Australian Dan- the team beyond this year and two-year deal. Seven-times world champion iel Ricciardo is also looking for- it’s a fantastic feeling to secure Alpine chief executive Laurent Lewis Hamilton won from pole in The champion is four points siderable speculation about his tunes for us.” ward to more predictable terri- my future with Alpine,” said the Rossi said Ocon had grown in 2018 and 2019, with no race last behind Verstappen, who crashed place at the team, needs a strong Mercedes have led every prac- tory as he continues to settle in at 24-year-old, who joined what confidence and stature. year due to the pandemic, and a out in Baku after an alarming result. tice session at Le Castellet in the McLaren. was the Renault team at the “Despite his young age, he is hat-trick would do nicely as the high-speed tyre blowout, after “We come off the back of two last two years and locked out the “I can’t believe I’m going to say end of 2019, in a statement. very experienced in Formula Mercedes driver seeks to retake six rounds. street circuits unsuited to our car, front row of the grid. this, but kind of excited to go to Ocon finished second in One and he’s on a positive the overall lead from Red Bull’s Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri two circuits we knew would be This time, France is the fi rst Le Castellet,” Ricciardo laughed Bahrain’s Sakhir Grand Prix trajectory in both his maturity Max Verstappen. Bottas failed to score in either diffi cult for us, and we were dis- of a triple-header on successive after crashing in qualifying in last year, his best result to date and ability behind the wheel. The Briton led every lap in 2019 race, through no fault of his own appointed to lose a podium fi nish weekends, with two races at Aus- Baku. and first Formula One podium “He is a strong asset for us as Mercedes celebrated their 50th in Monaco after the team were and a victory through our own tria’s Red Bull Ring following on. “Just get a fairly basic track to appearance. now, and also going forward as one-two fi nish but has scored unable to remove a wheel from mistakes,” said Mercedes team Verstappen, twice a winner maybe get away with a few more His current teammate is Spain’s we meet the challenge of the only seven points in the last two his car until 43 hours after he boss Toto Wolff . this season to Hamilton’s three, mistakes. The familiarity with two-times world champion new regulations,” he added, races — seventh in Monaco fol- came in for his pitstop. “The French Grand Prix means is sure to take the fi ght to Mer- that and then a double-header in Fernando Alonso, who began referring to major changes lowed by 15th in Baku after a rare The Finn, out of contract at returning to a more traditional cedes, while Mexican team mate Austria will hopefully make this his comeback this season on a coming in 2022. mistake while second. the end of the year and with con- circuit and hopefully, better for- Sergio Perez will be boosted by learning phase a bit easier.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 17, 2021 3 SPORT

ATHLETICS FOCUS Aussie McKeon eyes Bromell, Gatlin, Lyles, Tokyo gold aft er edging Campbell

AFP week,” said McKeon, who has Adelaide, Australia also qualifi ed in the 200m free- style, where she won bronze in Baker — high stakes in 2016, and the 100m butterfl y. mma McKeon reinforced Mitch Larkin also qualifi ed in her status as a gold medal the 200m medley, having made favourite in the 100m the agonising decision to ditch freestyle at the Tokyo his signature 200m backstroke OlympicsE yesterday, scorching event, where he won gold at the to victory ahead of veteran Cate 2015 world championships and Campbell in the Australian trials. silver in Rio. 100m at USA trials The 27-year-old, who won Those two events are sched- four medals at the 2016 Rio uled back-to-back on the Olym- ‘... at the end of the day, I’ve got to be the first one to the finish line’ Games, made a statement in the pic programme, and he decided morning heats at Adelaide with a it would be too demanding to at- Reuters blistering 52.19secs, the world’s tempt both. New York, United States best this year, and touched in He comfortably qualifi ed in 52.35 to win the fi nal. 1:56.29, second only to Britain’s She now owns the world’s Duncan Scott (1:55.90) this year. fi eld overfl owing with three fastest times of 2021 as Japan’s world champion Daiya talent has all eyes on she zeroes in on the 51.71 world Seto is also shaping as a key rival the men’s 100 metres record set by Sweden’s Sarah as Larkin attempts to win Aus- as the US Olympic Sjostrom four years ago. tralia’s fi rst ever medal, of any TrackA and Field Trials kicks off Campbell was second in 52.59 colour, in the event. tomorrow. to book her spot at a fourth Ol- In his absence, Tristan Hollard At stake in Eugene, Oregon, ympics. swam a 1:56.44 to book his seat in is not only a spot on Team USA Australia has such depth in the 200m backstroke. but a chance to claim some of the sprints that Madi Wilson Elsewhere, Jenna Strauch the spotlight left behind by Ja- and Meg Harris also went under clinched the women’s 200m maica’s Usain Bolt, who retired 53 seconds, boding well as they breaststroke in 2:23.12 to make in 2017 with eight Olympic golds target a hat-trick of gold medals the team along with Abbey Har- as the planet’s most famous and in the women’s 4x100m freestyle kin (2:23.59). Both swam person- beloved sprinter. relay. al bests to get there. World leader Trayvon Bro- China’s Zhang Yufei is the only “I’m just so glad Abbey quali- mell, who ran a scorching 9.77 other swimmer to dip under the fi ed with me, we’ve been on this seconds this month, told Reuters milestone this year. journey together,” said Strauch, he’s not sweating the competi- “I’m been pretty happy with with both women set for their tion — or his favourite status. how I’ve been swimming this fi rst Olympics. “I always had confi dence in my ability, but I don’t really care too much about the placement,” said Bromell, 25, who suff ered a devastating injury in Rio that once cast doubt on his career and kept him off the track for two years. “I just do what I can and just go out there and compete.” Standing in his way are an ar- ray of genuine challengers. Five-times Olympic medal- list Justin Gatlin, 39, is hoping to clinch an age-defying fourth In this April 24, 2021, picture, Trayvon Brommell (right) beats Noah Lyles in the USATF Grand Prix 100m final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Olympic berth after picking up Oregon, United States. (AFP) silver at the 2019 world cham- pionships. Five-times Diamond League going to come out and run and medal-winning team in Doha. Other contenders include Reigning 200m world cham- winner Ronnie Baker told re- people are going to run fast,” “I’m racing this person, I’m 27-year-old Marvin Bracy, who pion Noah Lyles hopes to peak in porters he believed a time of said the 27-year-old Baker. racing that person’ — it really posted an impressive 9.85 this Eugene after failing to crack 10 9.90 or faster would be needed Cravon Gillespie, 24, who doesn’t matter to me — at the month, world championship seconds in the 100m this year, to make the top three. plans to double up in the 100m end of the day, I’ve got to be the bronze medallist in the 400m en route to what he hopes could “It’s supposed to be warm, it’s and 200m at the trials, ran with fi rst one to the fi nish line,” said Fred Kerley, and 2012 Olympian Emma McKeon leads in the women’s 100m butterfly final during the be triple gold in Japan. a new stadium... but people are Lyles in the 4x100m relay gold Gillespie. Isiah Young. Australian Olympic swimming trials in Adelaide on Saturday. (AFP)

India’s javelin coach skewers SWIMMING Olympic preparations

AFP for our athletes, we don’t get Olympic champs King, Murphy pick up US trials wins New Delhi, India the right stuff .” Chopra, 23, a rising star of AFP estly I didn’t think I was going to Katie Ledecky topped the times Indian athletics, has left the Omaha, United States make it. I’m very glad that race is in the 200m freestyle semi-fi nals ndia’s javelin coach has country to train and compete behind me now.” in 1:55.83 as she homed in two accused the country’s in Europe. Smith said knowing the ar- more Olympic events. Isporting bodies of fail- But other javelin teammates in orld record-hold- ray of talent she’d face at trials In a hectic day, the fi ve-time ing to adequately prepare the Olympic squad, includ- ers Lilly King and just to have a chance to reach the Olympic gold medallist easily New Delhi’s athletes for the ing Shivpal Singh, remain in Ryan Murphy will Games meant she hadn’t yet fo- topped the times in the heats of Olympic Games in Tokyo next Patiala city in the northern chase repeat gold in cused much on McKeown. the 1500m freestyle in the morn- month. state of Punjab, where they WTokyo after victories on Tuesday “I haven’t been thinking ing — a couple of hours after post- German coach Uwe Hohn said are training in stifling summer in the US Olympic swimming about things too much inter- ing the second-fastest time in the the Sports Authority of India conditions. trials. nationally, I’m trying to focus 200m free preliminaries. (SAI) and the Athletics Federa- “I’m actually not sure how King won the women’s 100m on things here,” she said. “That “Long day at the offi ce,” tion of India (AFI) “did not do exactly it (Chopra going to breaststroke in 1min 04.79sec world record, I’ve got some work Ledecky said of the daunt- enough” to provide high-level Europe) happened but I guess — a hair off the world-leading to do and I’m glad I have another ing double, which gives her her competitive training for its it was with the help and con- 1:04.72 she produced in the shot in Tokyo to race the best of “biggest day of racing top to athletes. nection of JSW,” Hohn said of semi-fi nals but a signal all the the best.” bottom” in an ambitious pro- The 58-year-old is a former the Indian conglomerate that same of her intentions in Tokyo. gramme that includes the 200m, world record holder who has manages the sportsman. Murphy won the men’s 100m LONG DAY FOR LEDECKY 400m, 800m and 1500m free- coached India’s javelin team “Definitely nothing from the backstroke in 52.33sec to give race and I’m excited to have a Aussie in Tokyo with a 100m Keiran Smith won the men’s styles. for more than three years, in- SAI or AFI. They both definitely himself a chance to defend the new training partner and excited back victory in 58.35sec. 200m freestyle to add a second Ledecky had locked up a trip cluding Neeraj Chopra in 2018 did not do enough to get our gold he won in Rio de Janeiro in to see what we can do.” That didn’t come close to event to his Tokyo programme. to her third Olympics with a vic- when he became the country’s athletes to camps or competi- 2016 in a world record 51.85. Murphy, who won both 100m McKeown’s 57.45, or her own The 21-year-old Smith, who tory in the 400m free on Mon- first javelin champion at the tions (overseas).” King powered to an early lead and 200m backstroke in Rio to previous world record of 57.57, won the 400m free on Monday day, when she admitted that her Commonwealth Games. Hohn added that he and in the breaststroke and had no continue the US winning streak but for Smith it was “a big re- to make his fi rst Olympic team, time of 4:01.27 wasn’t as fast as “When I came here I thought I biomechanics expert Klaus trouble holding on. in those events, will also be ac- lief”. clocked 1:45.29, putting him she was expecting. could change something but Bartonietz were “blackmailed” Behind her however, familiar companied by an Olympic new- “Honestly I’m glad that’s among the top 10 in the world “I was a lot more nervous than it’s probably too diff icult with into signing their latest rivals Bethany Galat and An- comer in the 100m back after over,” said Smith, who went out this year. I expected to be coming back to these people at SAI or AFI,” coaching contracts “otherwise nie Lazor were overhauled by 20-year-old Hunter Armstrong in a blistering 27.90sec then had Townley Haas was second in this environment,” Ledecky said. Hohn told the Indian Express. we wouldn’t have got paid 17-year-old Lydia Jacoby, who roared from seventh at the turn to hold on to edge Rhyan White, 1:45.66 to give himself a chance “I felt like we went from zero to “I don’t know if it’s lack of anymore”. fi nished second in 1:05.28 to give to fi nish second in 52.48. who took second in 58.60. to improve on his fi fth-place 100 when it comes to fans. knowledge or ignorance. The SAI told AFP that the Alaska it’s fi rst US swimming Regan Smith, whose 100m “I had a lot of adrenaline, I fi nish in the 200m free in Rio. “Even for somebody like me Beside camps or competitions, athletics federation would is- Olympian. backstroke world record was think I took that fi rst 50 out a Drew Kibler and Andrew it takes some getting used to,” even when we ask via our sue a statement in response to “It’s kind of what I expected eclipsed by Kaylee McKeown at little too fast,” Smith said. “I was Seliskar fi nished third and fourth Ledecky said, adding she felt nutritionist for supplements Hohn’s comments. coming in,” King said. “But I did the Australian trials this week, very aware of the girls around to book trips to Tokyo as part of “a lot more relaxed coming into not expect Lydia to have that earned a chance to take on the me and how close it was. Hon- the 4x200m free relay pool. tonight.”

BOTTOMLINE India chief laments lack of contest but confi dent of ‘double digit’ goal

Reuters been either cancelled or postponed start,” said Batra, who also heads the staff , canteen staff are also being moni- due to the risk of holding it during a Berhampore, India since the start of 2020, robbing athletes International Hockey Federation. tored regularly and tested twice a week. pandemic. of the opportunity to test themselves at “But this time preparation did not Doping has always been a major con- Lauding the world governing body competitions. get aff ected because people who are cern in India and earlier this month Ol- International Olympic Committee and ndian Olympic Association (IOA) “When you’re training your team practising in India are under bio-bub- ympic-bound freestyle wrestler Sumit the Tokyo organisers, Batra, however, chief Narinder Batra rues the lack for the biggest event in sport, athletes ble and tested twice a week for RT- Malik was provisionally suspended af- said he has never heard or seen any- of competition for the country’s do need good competition,” Batra told PCR. Protocols are also being followed ter failing a test in Bulgaria. thing to suggest that the Games will not athletes in the lead-up to the Ol- Reuters in a phone interview. “So that for those that are training outside. Batra was confi dent that doping will go ahead as planned from July 23. Iympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic they can be sure that whatever they’re “I would say more than half of the to- not become a blot on the country’s im- “There could be minor issues but but is confi dent that the team can trying or doing is on the right track. tal list of athletes have been vaccinated age in Tokyo. I believe the IOC and the organis- achieve its “double digit” medal target “That is something that the athletes twice. Training is going on in full force “I will not hesitate to say that our ing committee in Tokyo have handled in Tokyo. will miss but I don’t see that issue as and all athletes will go to Tokyo with athletes are very much aware of doping. it wonderfully. I haven’t got a feeling The world’s second most populous specifi c to India. I don’t want to put any year, leaving athletes in India stuck in both vaccinations done.” Our eff orts have been vigorous in this from anywhere that it is not happen- nation has been an Olympic laggard pressure on athletes but our expecta- a lengthy shutdown and then the infec- The IOA are not taking any chances regard,” said Batra, who will be attend- ing,” he said. and the six medals the contingent won tion certainly is in double digits given tions surged again in a devastating sec- with the safety of the athletes, Batra ing an Olympics in person for the fi rst “There are suffi cient signs for eve- in London 2012 remains the best outing the way we have planned and things are ond wave in 2021. said. time in Tokyo. ryone to understand that the Olympics for the nation of 1.4bn. going on.” “Last year there was a bit of a glitch For athletes in India, who are not al- Many people, both in Japan and are on. The only issue is with specta- With the pandemic sweeping across The pandemic swept the world’s on how to start preparations, certain lowed to communicate in person with abroad, have called for the Tokyo tors. That’s a call the government will the world, many sporting events have second-most populous nation last things started, certain things didn’t the outside world, their house-keeping Games to be cancelled or postponed take in Japan.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 17, 2021 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Warner, Smith, Cummins skip Windies, Bangladesh tours

Sydney: David Warner and Playing fearless cricket Pat Cummins were among six top names to opt out of Aus- tralia’s white ball tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh yesterday, while Steve Smith will be missing injured. Those who asked not to be consid- ered have spent considerable the priority for Rahane time in bio-secure bubbles over the past few months, and it has taken its toll. ‘What is important for us is to start well, we know New Zealand are a very good team’ Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Agencies Kane Richardson also with- Southampton drew, leaving coach Justin Langer without many of his best players four months be- laying fearless cricket is top of fore the Twenty20 World Cup. the agenda for Ajinkya Rahane Smith has an elbow injury, as he urged India’s batsmen so the decision to leave him to express themselves against out was made on medical PNew Zealand in the ICC World Test grounds. Championship (WTC) Final, which be- Cummins, Maxwell, Warner, gins from tomorrow. Stoinis and Jhye Richardson The 33-year-old right-hander has were only released from 14 been India’s highest run-scorer in the days’ hotel quarantine late inaugural WTC, scoring 1,095 runs at last month after fleeing to the 43.80 during the cycle and notching Maldives from the Covid-rav- three centuries and six half-centuries. aged Indian Premier League. But he will need to be at his very best They spent 10 days in the in Southampton against New Zealand’s Maldives before they could greatest WTC wicket-taker in the form get a plane home after Can- of Tim Southee in one of the most hot- berra shut the nation’s border ly-anticipated battles. to arrivals from India. And while a place in cricketing histo- Kane Richardson left hotel ry is up for grabs for the victorious team quarantine several weeks in Southampton, Rahane insists India’s earlier than the rest of the focus is only on playing their natural IPL contingent, but he has a game rather than the high stakes. “We young child and has opted just want to take this as just another out. Jason Behrendorff , Moi- game, play it as just another game. ses Henriques and Riley Me- What is important for us is to start well, redith have all agreed to tour we know New Zealand are a very good despite also going through team,” said Rahane. quarantine after the IPL. “We don’t want to take them light- Adam Zampa and Andrew ly and as a team, we have been doing Tye left India just before Aus- so well and we just want to continue tralia closed its border and what we’ve been doing over the last they too will play. The squad, two years, play one day, one session at captained by Aaron Finch, a time. Our planning, our strategies will leave for the West Indies will be completely diff erent from when on June 28 and play five T20s we last played against England here in in St Lucia followed by three Southampton [in 2018], the plan was ODIs in Barbados. There is diff erent that time. Ajinkya Rahane has been India’s highest run-scorer in the inaugural World Test Championship, scoring 1,095 runs. still some doubt over the “We just want to take this as just an- Bangladesh leg, Cricket Aus- other game. We don’t want to put our- 2018 but while Rahane hopes his expe- defeated India in back-to-back Tests as will have little room for error against Rohit is only one of many very good tralia said, but if confirmed selves under pressure especially play- rience at the venue comes in handy, he part of the current WTC cycle at the be- India’s dynamic batting line-up. batters in this Indian batting line-up will comprise five T20s. ing a Test match after a long time now. is only worried about the present. ginning of 2020. “It’s an exciting batting line-up, the that we have to be on top of our game Australia squad: Aaron I think what is important in this Test “I have played at this venue many mix of experienced guys and a couple against.” Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, match is playing with freedom, play- times now, I’ve played for Hampshire SOUTHEE PRAISES INDIAN of young guys who have come in and On India’s skipper, he added: “As a Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff , ing fearless cricket as a team and back- also here, so I do know the conditions BATTING LINE-UP played with that freedom and that ex- player, you like to test yourself against Alex Carey, Dan Christian, ing each other. That will really help us well, but what is important is to be in Southee proved a menace in both games citement that they have,” he said. the best and Virat [Kohli] is one of the Josh Hazlewood, Moises rather than thinking about the result. the moment, be in the present,” he add- and comes into the fi nal showdown “Rohit Sharma’s a tremendous player best to play the game, defi nitely one Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, As long as we’re backing ourselves and ed. “I just adjust to the conditions on with 51 wickets at 20.66 in the WTC, in all three formats and personally a guy of the modern-day greats but it’s not Riley Meredith, Ben McDer- following our processes and playing our that particular day so being the highest with three fi ve-wicket hauls and a six- I like watching bat, his style and the way only him. “We know there are so many mott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell natural game as an individual and as a run-scorer doesn’t matter for me now, for against England last time out. he can take a game away from the oppo- dangerous players in this Indian batting Starc, Mitchell Swepson, team, that will matter a lot.” like I said whatever happened was in the But despite the veteran Kiwi pacer sition is great to watch. line-up so we’re going to have to be on Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, India’s last Test in Southampton past.” The last time the two sides met in being in superb form, he acknowledged “But I know as a bowling group that top of our game as a bowling unit and we Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa ended in a 60-run defeat to England in the fi ve-day format, hosts New Zealand that the New Zealand bowling attack it’s a dangerous line-up throughout, know how dangerous they can be.”

FOCUS Spinners help India stage late fightback after Knight’s 95 India’s batting depth India’s Deepti Sharma (second right) appeals successfully for the wicket of England’s envy of world cricket, Heather Knight during the Women’s Test match in Bristol, Britain, yesterday. England, says Gavaskar opting to bat first, were 269 for six on the opening day. For the AFP hosts, Tammy Beaumont made New Delhi 66, while skipper Heather Knight top-scored with 95. At stumps, Sophie Dunkley was ormer captain Sunil batting on 12 while Katherine Gavaskar says India’s Brunt was on 7. batting depth helps them Spinners Sneh Rana (3 for 77) bounce back from tough and Deepti Sharma (2 for 50) situations,F as they face an upbeat fashioned India’s comeback by New Zealand in the World Test triggering a batting collapse Championship fi nal this week. in the final session as England India have a host of batting stars slipped from a comfortable in their line-up including skipper 230 for 2 to 251 for 6. As many Virat Kohli, his deputy Ajinkya as five players made Test Rahane and dashing opener Ro- debut for India, including hit Sharma. Shefali Verma, Sharma, Pooja Ravichandran Ashwin and said Gavaskar, who was part of Vastrakar, Rana and Tanya Ravindra Jadeja, both spinners India’s 50-over World Cup-win- Bhatia, while for England who have six Test centuries be- ning team in 1983. Sophia Dunkley was the lone tween them while batting in the “They have one of the great- player to earn a Test cap. middle and lower-middle order, est batsmen in the world in their The ongoing match is Indian are also expected to take to the team as well as a pace bowler who women team’s first Test outing fi eld in the title clash in South- will be among the greatest left in seven years. (Reuters) ampton starting tomorrow. arm pacers too. They will be high “With Ashwin and Jadeja on confi dence after the win over playing so well, India’s batting England.” depth is the envy of the cricket- India last played in March PSL ing world,” Gavaskar, who is in and are coming out of a stint in England as a television pundit for quarantine but Gavaskar be- the fi nal, said. “Yes, there could lieves the team would be hungry be the odd bad-innings like Ad- to perform. “In terms of match Abrar, Hazratullah and Wahab star in Zalmi’s victory elaide, Australia, but this team is practise, yes, the Indians may like a wonderful rubber ball, al- feel a bit undercooked but they Agencies a double-wicket maiden over – ninth seemed the defending champions would ways bouncing back and keep on will be hungry to get into ac- Abu Dhabi over of the innings. The victory took Zal- not even reach the 100-run mark. bouncing.” tion,” said Gavaskar. “And will mi to second spot in the points table with That the Kings managed to play out the India crashed to a record low have the drive and energy since 10 points from nine games. Kings who 20 overs was largely because of emerg- of 36 all out in the fi rst Test in they haven’t played competitive hree wickets apiece from Abrar suff ered their third loss in a row, are down ing all-rounder Mohamed Abbas Afridi Australia last year before bounc- cricket for over a month.” Ahmed and Wahab Riaz and bel- to fi fth spot of the six-team table with six who top-scored with an unbeaten 18-ball ing back to win the four-match Gavaskar said India’s “enor- ligerent batting from Hazratullah points from eight matches. 27. Afridi struck three sixes and a four as series 2-1 in a dramatic fi nal in mous self-belief” will drive them Zazai guided Peshawar Zalmi to Earlier, after being put into bat, Kara- Kings ended-up with 108 for nine – their Brisbane in January. New Zea- in England’s changing weather Ta comfortable six-wicket win over Kara- chi Kings got off to an awful start as they lowest in the PSL history. Their previ- land, led by the world’s top Test conditions which pose a chal- chi Kings in the Pakistan Super League at lost Babar Azam (fi rst ball duck), Martin ous lowest (109 for nine) was also against batsman Kane Williamson, head lenge to the batsmen. India is ex- the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Guptill (four off seven), Chadwick Walton Zalmi at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in into the fi nal with a recent 1-0 pected to play three fast bowlers, Dhabi on Tuesday night. (fi rst ball duck) inside the powerplay and 2019. For Zalmi, Abrar and Wahab took win over hosts England in a two- led by yorker king Jasprit Bumrah Chasing 109 to win, despite losing Hazratullah Zazai top-scored with 63. were left reeling at 37 for four in the sev- three wickets apiece, while Sameen Gul match series. and veteran Mohamed Shami, Kamran Akmal in the second over, Zalmi enth over with the departure of Sharjeel took two wickets for 13 in three overs. Gavaskar said once peren- and two spinners in their starting got off to a fl ying start. Hazratullah, the the second-wicket with Haider Ali (16 Khan (25 off 24, two fours, one six). Brief scores: Karachi Kings 108-9, 20 nial underdogs New Zealand now line-up at the Ageas Bowl. left-handed Afghanistan international off 16, three fours) which helped Zalmi At this stage Afghanistan left-hander overs (Mohamed Abbas Afridi 27 not have quality players in their team The 71-year-old Gavaskar, known for his big hitting was a treat to chased down the target for the loss of four Najibullah Zadran, who scored unbeaten out, Sharjeel Khan 25; Abrar Ahmed 3-14, that have settled well in English who scored over 10,000 Test watch as he took the charge to the Kings’ wickets with 54 balls spare. Hazratullah 71 for Kings last night was joined by Imad. Wahab Riaz 3-34, Sameen Gul 2-13) runs between 1971 and 1987, said conditions. “New Zealand is a bowlers and scored his maiden PSL half- top-scored with 63 off 26 smashing eight The pair stitched 30 off 43 for the fthfi lost to Peshawar Zalmi 109-4, 11 overs team that has invariably fl own the Indian bowling attack has the century off just 17 balls – joint fastest in fours and four sixes. wicket – the best partnership in the in- (Hazratullah Zazai 63; Imad Wasim 2-2) under the radar and thus under- ability to bowl out an opposition the PSL history. For Kings, captain Imad Wasim picked nings. Wickets continued to fall at regu- estimated by the opposition,” twice in a fi ve-day contest. Hazratullah contributed 84 off 39 for two wickets for two runs, which included lar intervals for Kings and at one point it by six wickets Gulf Times Thursday, June 17, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Lightning fi nd their off ence to level series Durant’s 49-point “I thought we did a pretty good AFP Los Angeles job coming out of the gates 1-1, but it’s hockey. Bounces, breaks, whatever it may be, they were ndrei Vasilevskiy able to get a couple and get the stopped 24 shots and lead, and we weren’t able to get Nikita Kucherov had it back.” three assists as the It is a familiar scenario for the explosion leads Nets TampaA Bay Lightning rediscov- Lightning. They lost the series ered their scoring touch to beat opener twice, including in the the New York Islanders 4-2 in Stanley Cup fi nal, en route to game two of their NHL semi- winning the championship last fi nal series. season over Dallas. So the Light- Sweden’s Victor Hedman tal- ning’s top guns were primed for lied a goal and an assist, Brayden a standout performance in front Point and Ondrej Palat scored of a pandemic-limited crowd of to 3-2 series edge early goals on Tuesday as the de- 14,700 on Tuesday in Tampa af- fending Stanley Cup champion ter the Islanders shut them down Lightning levelled the best-of- in game one. ‘He played the entire game and he barely missed. It is ridiculous what he is able to do’ seven series at 1-1. Tampa Bay opened the scoring “We’ve got good leadership halfway through the fi rst period AFP in our room, and they keep our of game two when Point got in Los Angeles Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets team from getting too high or close and fi red a shot under the heads for the basket as PJ Tucker too low,” Canadian Point said. left arm of Islanders goaltender (left ) and Pat Connaughton of the “I don’t know, it’s tough to put a Semyon Varlamov to stretch his evin Durant fi nished with 49 Milwaukee Bucks defend during fi nger on it really. It’s gone good scoring streak to fi ve games. points while playing every game 5 of the Eastern Conference so far, but we can’t be happy Nelson stuff ed home a re- minute of the game as the second round at Barclays Center with just this one. It’s going to be bound to tie it 1-1, but Palat re- Brooklyn Nets rallied from a in New York City. a hard, long series. We’ve got to stored the one goal lead for Tam- K17-point defi cit to beat the Milwaukee (Getty Images/AFP) look at the next one.” pa by getting to the open space in Bucks 114-108 in game fi ve of their NBA The series shifts to Long Is- the slot and burying a shot past playoff series on Tuesday. land for the next pair of games. Varlamov at 13:15 of the second. Durant also had 17 rebounds and 10 as- Game three is set for Thursday, Mathew Barzal also scored for sists as the Nets seized a 3-2 lead in the with game four on Saturday. The the Islanders, while Varlamov best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi- Lightning bounced back from stopped 23 shots. Varlamov was fi nal series. He took over in the second a tight 2-1 loss in game one, the forced to leave the game in the half for the Nets, who were behind by fi rst time they have trailed in a fi rst period after Point accidently double digits for most of the game and by Stanley Cup playoff series this crashed into him on a hard drive 17 with seven minutes to go in the third spring. “We knew they were go- to the net. Varlamov returned for quarter. The Nets then went on a 17-5 run ing to come with a good response the start of the second, ending a and Durant sealed it with a clutch three- after we got the fi rst game,” brief spell in goal for backup Ilya pointer and four key free throws in the American Brock Nelson said. Sorokin. fi nal two minutes. Durant played all 48 minutes, shot 16- of-23 from the fl oor and fi nished just shy of his playoff career high of 50 points. “I wasn’t planning on playing every minute but I told my coach that I felt good and let me ride it out,” Durant said. Nets coach Steve Nash said this will go down as one of Durant’s “signature” games. “He played the entire game and he barely missed,” said Nash. “It is ridicu- lous what he is able to do. To do it on a night like this when we are down bodies and we are wounded. This is what makes him one of the all-time greats. This is a signature performance.” Brooklyn now has a chance of closing the series out on Thursday in Milwaukee where the Bucks are on a lengthy winning Andrei Vasilevskiy (right) of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save streak. Game seven, if necessary, would against Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders during the first period be Saturday in Brooklyn. in Game Two of Stanley Cup semi-finals in Tampa. (Getty Images/AFP) Durant set a franchise record for points in a playoff game, breaking the mark of 43 set by Vince Carter 15 years ago. He also posted his second career posts- Vikings bring back Richardson eason triple-double and joined Hall of The Minnesota Vikings signed the Cleveland Browns worth Famers Oscar Robertson, Charles Bar- defensive tackle Sheldon $37 million, including $21 mil- kley and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Richardson to a one-year deal lion guaranteed. The Browns Doncic as the fourth player with at least one-of-10 shooting. It was Harden’s fi rst nounced on Tuesday. Former two-time team consists of Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. released Richardson in a salary- 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in game back after missing almost all of the league MVP Antetokounmpo, of the Mil- guard Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers Terms of the deal were not cap move in April. a playoff game. “He is the best player in fi rst four games of the series with a tight waukee Bucks, earned his third straight centre Joel Embiid, Phoenix Suns guard disclosed by the team, however Richardson, 30, recorded 64 the world right now,” said Bucks all-star hamstring. selection and was the only player to re- Chris Paul, New York Knicks forward Ju- NFL Network reported the con- tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced Giannis Antetokounmpo. “We got to beat Brooklyn has declined to announce the ceive fi rst team votes on all 100 ballots. lius Randle and Los Angeles Lakers for- tract was for 2021 and worth fumble in 16 games (all starts) him as a team. We got to keep doing our severity of Irving’s ankle injury but he has Denver Nuggets center Jokic received 99 ward LeBron James. $3.6 million. last season. jobs and hopefully he is going to miss.” been seen on crutches and with a walk- fi rst team votes and Dallas Mavericks’ The third team comprised guards Kyrie According to the report, Rich- He was named the NFL Defen- The Nets have jackhammered their ing boot. Jeff Green scored 27 points, and Doncic had 55. Irving (Brooklyn Nets) and Bradley Beal ardson’s deal can be worth up sive Rookie of the Year at the way through the NBA postseason despite Blake Griffi n chipped in 17 for the Nets. Doncic is the fi rst player to make the (Washington Wizards), forwards Jimmy to $4.5 million with incentives. end of the 2013 season and se- playing for much of the playoff s and the Antetokounmpo had 34 points and 12 fi rst team at least twice in his fi rst three Butler (Miami Heat) and Paul George It marks a return to Minnesota lected to the Pro Bowl in 2014. regular season without their “Big Three” rebounds, while Khris Middleton added NBA seasons since Tim Duncan did it in (Los Angeles Clippers) and center Rudy for Richardson, a first-round Richardson has played 121 of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden 25 points for the Bucks. the late 1990s. Gobert (Utah Jazz). draft pick of the New York Jets career games (118 starts) and on the fl oor at the same. Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry It marked the fi rst career All-NBA in 2013. After four seasons with has 461 tackles (58 for loss), 31 The Nets were pretty much down to ANTETOKOUNMPO UNANIMOUSLY and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles selections for Randle and Beal. James the Jets, he played with the sacks, 92 quarterback hits, 10 Durant Tuesday night as Irving got in- VOTED TO FIRST TEAM ALL-NBA Clippers were also named to the team as notched his 17th All-NBA selection and Seattle Seahawks (2017) and forced fumbles, five fumble re- jured in the previous game and even Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic guards. Curry was voted in for the fourth Paul earned his 10th. The teams were se- Vikings (2018) before signing a coveries and one interception. though Harden dressed he was largely and league MVP Nikola Jokic were named straight year and Leonard for the third lected by a global panel of 100 members three-year free agent deal with (Reuters) ineff ective, scoring just fi ve points on to the All-NBA fi rst team, the league an- consecutive time. The 2020-21 second of the news media.

MLB Altuve hits walk-off slam in 10th as Astros top Rangers Reuters allowing singles to Straw and day injured list due to shoulder Wearing jerseys with gold Boston Martin Maldonado to open that soreness. trim, the Dodgers had pregame frame. ceremonies similar to Opening It wasn’t until the sixth that BETTS’ HOMER POWERS Day. Then they went out and took ose Altuve clubbed a walk- the Astros struck, but even then DODGERS PAST PHILLIES a 1-0 lead in the fi rst inning on a off grand slam in the 10th Gibson limited the damage to Mookie Betts hit a tiebreak- fi elder’s-choice grounder from inning as the Houston As- a Yuli Gurriel sacrifi ce fl y after ing homer in the seventh inning Will Smith. tros rallied for a 6-3 victo- loading the bases with one out. Tuesday and the Los Angeles McCutchen’s home run, his ryJ over the visiting Texas Rangers Gibson, whose 2.49 ERA against Dodgers earned a 5-3 victory 11th, tied the score 1-1 in the sec- on Tuesday. the Astros entering the game was over the Philadelphia Phillies on ond inning. Immediately after Altuve socked his 13th home the lowest of his career against an the fi rst night Dodger Stadium Harper departed in the fourth in- run into the Crawford Boxes in American League opponent, has played host to a capacity crowd ning, the Dodgers took a 3-1 lead left fi eld off Texas reliever De- not recorded a win against Hou- in nearly two years. Los Ange- on consecutive RBI doubles from marcus Evans (0-2), answer- ston this season despite three les won for the seventh time in Zach McKinstry and Urias. A pair ing the solo run Texas scored off strong performances. eight games while Philadelphia of Dodgers defensive miscues Astros closer Ryan Pressly (3-1) Relievers Spencer Patton and dropped its second in a row. helped the Phillies in the fi fth. in the top of the 10th. Altuve fol- Brett Martin combined to sti- Dodgers starter Julio Urias Alec Bohm singled, and Chris lowed walks by Myles Straw and fl e the Astros in the seventh and gave up three runs (two earned) Taylor made a throwing error on pinch hitter Jason Castro after eighth to hold the one-run lead. over 5 2/3 innings and drove in Luke Williams’ grounder. After a Chas McCormick started the in- Sborz got two quick outs in the a run with a double. However, Zach Efl in sacrifi ce bunt, Herrera ning at second.The Astros pulled ninth before Correa struck. he wound up with a no-decision singled to left, with both runners even at 2-2 when Carlos Cor- Texas’ Joey Gallo ripped a dou- and was unable to become the able to score after Beaty’s error. rea drilled a home run, his 12th, ble to the wall in right-center fi rst pitcher in baseball to reach the opposite way to right fi eld fi eld in the fourth that plated double digits in victories. RESULTS with two outs and two strikes in Adolis Garcia, who reached on Andrew McCutchen homered Astros 6-3 Rangers the ninth against Rangers right- a leadoff single against Astros for the Phillies, who rallied to tie Dodgers 5-3 Phillies hander Josh Sborz. right-hander Lance McCullers the game in the fi fth inning when Giants 9-8 D’Backs Texas right-hander Kyle Gib- Jr. Gallo struck again an inning two runs scored on a single from Athletics 6-4 Angels son notched his 11th quality start later, working a four-pitch walk Odubel Herrera and an error by Mariners 10-0 Twins and third in as many appearances against left-hander Blake Tay- Dodgers left fi elder Matt Beaty. Rockies 8-4 Padres against Houston by allowing one lor after McCullers loaded the Phillies right fi elder Bryce Cardinals 2-1 Marlins run on seven hits and one walk bases. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who Harper left the game because of White Sox 3-0 Rays with three strikeouts in six in- walked with one out, scored for lower back tightness after strik- Reds 2-1 Brewers nings. He struck out McCormick a 2-0 lead. McCullers, making ing out in the fourth inning. Red Sox 10-8 Braves following a two-out walk to Cor- his fi rst appearance since May The Dodgers announced that Yankees 6-5 Blue Jays rea to cap the second inning and 22, allowed two runs (one earned) 52,078 fans were in attendance Mets 3-2 Cubs worked around two baserunners on three hits and three walks as the state of California dropped Nationals 8-1 Pirates in the third by getting Altuve to with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 most mask mandates and social- Indians 7-2 Orioles Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros hits a grand slam to defeat the Texas Rangers during the tenth inning hit into a fi elder’s choice after innings. He had been on the 10- distancing requirements. Tigers 4-3 Royals by a score of 6-3 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 17, 2021 SPORT

BOXING Fury vows knockout aft er Wilder’s silent treatment AFP After that, Wilder remained a money-spinning unifi cation planations for his crushing de- Los Angeles silent presence, ignoring ques- bout against fellow Briton An- feat against Fury last year, from tions from a moderator, eyes thony Joshua, the WBA, IBF the weighty, elaborate costume hidden behind dark sunglasses and WBO heavyweight cham- he wore on his way to the ring orld champion Ty- with large headphones clamped pion, until a ruling by a judge to the kind of gloves worn by his son Fury is promis- fi rmly over his ears. last month found that he was opponent. ing to deliver a swift With Wilder giving the audi- contractually obliged to face “We’re all tired of excuse- victory over Deon- ence the silent treatment, it was Wilder for a third time. Wilder, making people,” Fury said. “In Wtay Wilder next month when the left to Fury, the 32-year-old self- who knocked Fury down twice boxing you win some you lose two heavyweights resume their styled “Gypsy King” from Eng- in their fi rst meeting in Decem- some. There’s always somebody rivalry in a blockbuster trilogy land to do the talking. ber 2018 which ended in a draw, better on the night, you get beat fi ght in Las Vegas. Fury – who faced off in a 5min reportedly turned down an off er by a better man on the night Fury, the undefeated World 30sec staredown with Wilder of step-aside money to waive his where I come from you shake his Boxing Council champion, came on stage before the American right to a third fi ght. hands and you say, ‘Fair play. I’ll face-to-face with a stony-faced turned away – was bemused by Fury believes that is a mistake get you next time’. That’s it.” Wilder at a Los Angeles press the former champion’s refusal to that Wilder will come to re- Fury meanwhile revealed conference on Tuesday to hype engage. “It shows how weak of a gret, asserting on Tuesday that that he is planning on bulking the July 24 bout at the T-Mobile mental person he is and how much the former champion (42-1-1) up for next month’s bout, po- Arena. Bizarrely, Wilder, who of the beating from the last fi ght is taking on the rematch for the tentially weighing in at around was given a brutal beating in has taken an emotional and physi- “wrong reasons”. 300-pounds as he chases a seven one-sided rounds by Fury cal eff ect on his life,” Fury said. “I’m looking for a big knock- knockout victory inside three in their second fi ght in Febru- “All this bloodshed stuff , I’ve out straightaway,” said Fury. rounds. ary 2020, declined to talk during heard it all before. He said all “I don’t believe he’s mentally, “I’m not looking for move- Tuesday’s event after brief in- this last time. Decapitation and physically or emotionally in- ment, I’m just looking for a troductory remarks. bloodshed and all that. And we volved in his fi ght. “I think he’s knockout, like I did last time,” “Enough said,” Wilder said. all know what happened after doing it for the wrong reasons. Fury said. “I’m going to run him “Time to cut off his head. Be- that.” And when people do things for over as if I’m an 18-wheeler, and cause come July 24 there will be the wrong reasons they always he’s a human being. I guarantee bloodshed, get your tickets now, ‘WRONG REASONS’ end up wind up getting hurt.” you, he does not go past where Boxers Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder (third from right) face-off on Tuesday in Los Angeles during a press I’ll see you soon.” Fury had been preparing for a Wilder has off ered various ex- he did before.” conference to announce their third WBC heavyweight championship fight scheduled for July 24. (AFP)

FOOTBALL/ EURO 2020 TENNIS Federer suff ers shock second-round Rashford would defeat in Halle relish showdown ‘I think he’s someone a lot of people look up with Ronaldo to, including me’

AFP to become the top goalscorer “Through our careers this is London in European Championship his- going to be up there with one of AFP However, despite losing the tory. the biggest games that we play, Berlin fi rst set, Auger Aliassime, ranked Rashford was in the Manches- one of the games we remember 21 in the world, showed no signs arcus Rashford be- ter United youth ranks when Ro- for the rest of our careers,” he of being intimidated by Federer, lieves England naldo dazzled Old Traff ord be- said. oger Federer suff ered who has won 20 Grand Slams. should fear no one fore moving to Real Madrid for a “It’s similar to the games that a setback in his prepa- The Canadian blasted down 13 at Euro 2020 despite then world-record fee in 2009. I’ve played for my club, against rations for Wimble- aces and earned 15 break points, Mthe prospect of a tough last-16 “Just watching him grow re- like City and Liverpool, those don after crashing out of which he managed to covert tie against world champions ally and develop into the player type of those games you have a ofR the second round of the ATP just three. Federer, who had said France or European Champion- he’s become was the great thing diff erent feeling.” grass court tournament in Halle he needs ten games to prepare ship holders Portugal. about it because when he fi rst Rashford has earned as many yesterday. for Wimbledon, won the fi rst set The Three Lions got off to started playing, he wasn’t the plaudits over the past year for his Federer, who will bid to win a with ease, but struggled from a winning start at a European Cristiano that you see today or work off the fi eld as on it. ninth title at Wimbledon which there on. Championship for the fi rst time fi ve years ago. The 23-year-old spearheaded starts June 28, suff ered a shock He soon started to labour in with a 1-0 victory over Croatia “He was a diff erent player, a campaign to tackle child food 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat to 20-year- the second set as Auger Alias- and face Scotland in a Group D he was always dribbling, always poverty in Britain during the old Canadian Felix Auger Alias- sime converted his fourth break clash laced with historical rivalry taking people on and then just as coronavirus pandemic and has sime, who is almost half Feder- point to go 4-2 up, then served tomoprrow. time went on he just turned into launched a book club to get dis- er’s age. “It’s amazing, for sure I out to level the match at one set The winners of that group will an animal. advantaged children reading didn’t expect this,” Auger Alias- all. It was one-way traffi c in the play the runners-up from Group “He was scoring, he was as- more. Last month he was praised sime told Eurosport after beating deciding set as Auger Aliassime F, with France and Portugal off to sisting, he’s 36 and he’s scoring by former US president Barack one of his heroes at the fi rst at- broke Federer to take a com- winning starts. goals left, right and centre, so Obama for the work he has done tempt on the ATP tour. manding 3-0 lead and eventually “To play against Portgual I don’t have a bad word to say on social issues. “I wanted to win, but Roger converted the fi rst of his three would be a great feeling for eve- about him. I think he’s someone However, Rashford ruled out Federer is my idol and it was a match points. ryone in the squad because to a lot of people look up to, includ- the possibility of moving into huge honour to play him.” In the quarter-fi nals, the Ca- play against some of the best ing me.” politics once his career comes to Federer is exactly 19 years nadian will play either German players in the world, we want to Before looking forward to the an end. older than Auger Aliassime as Jan-Lennard Struff , who knocked test ourselves against the best,” knockout phase, England still “It’s not something I grew the pair share the same birthday out top seed Daniil Medvedev Rashford said yesterday. have work to do in the group, up wanting to do,” he said. “My on August 8, while the Swiss ace in the fi rst round, or American “We don’t want an easy ride, with Scotland hoping to shock mind’s not on that really, but turns 40 this year. qualifi er Marcos Giron. With Fe- we want to play against the best their neighbours at Wembley. it was great speaking to him “I always thought he would derer out, it means Germany’s teams in the world. We want to Rashford is aware of the im- (Obama) and I’ve enjoyed speak- be gone by the time I joined the Alexander Zverev and Russia’s do well against them. For the portance of the rivalry to the fans ing to people like that, learning tour,” admitted the Canadian, Andrey Rublev are the only seeds players, it will be an amazing and compared the clash to his from them and taking what I can who turned professional in 2017. left in the Halle draw. experience. Cristiano Ronaldo experience of facing Manchester from the stories that they tell me. England’s forward Marcus Rashford (centre) and his teammates “I was a little nervous when Auger Aliassime is hoping to scored twice in Portugal’s 3-0 City or Liverpool for Manchester It’s something I will always re- take part in a training session at the St George’s Park in London I realised I could win, but I was win the fi rst ATP title of his ca- win over Hungary on Tuesday United. member.” yesterday. (AFP) playing really well, almost per- reer in Halle after losing all of his fect tennis.” last eight fi nals, including last Federer had pulled out of the week’s grass court tournament SPOTLIGHT fourth round of the French Open in Stuttgart. last week to give himself extra rest after two operations on his RESULTS right knee in 2020 and a year of (x denotes seeding) Snipers ‘were ready to shoot’ Greenpeace parachutist rehab. Halle is his traditional Second round grass court warm-up event be- Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) bt AFP Both were taken to hospital with the pitch. fore playing at Wimbledon and Roger Federer (SUI x5) 4-6, 6-3, Frankfurt head injuries but have since been dis- “Technical diffi culties forced the he won the tournament played 6-2 charged, Munich police spokesman pilot to land inside the stadium. We near Bielefeld for the tenth time Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) bt Sven Mueller told AFP. deeply regret that this put people in in 2019. As the 2020 tournament Corentin Moutet (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 he environmental activ- The Greenpeace activist, identi- danger and caused injuries,” the envi- was cancelled due to the Cov- (7/4) ist who made an emergency fi ed as a 38-year-old man from the ronmental group said. id-19 pandemic, Federer was the Andrey Rublev (RUS x4) bt Jor- landing into the stadium southwestern town of Pforzheim, was It said the protest action had been defending champion in Halle. dan Thompson (AUS) 6-4, 6-4 hosting the Germany-France arrested after landing on the pitch aimed at urging Euro 2020 sponsor TEuro 2020 match in Munich only nar- among the German and French play- Volkswagen to stop selling diesel and rowly avoided being shot down by ers. The pilot was not injured. petrol cars. The protest has drawn snipers because police spotted the He now faces charges of violating criticism and raised questions about British teenager Draper reaches Greenpeace logo, Bavaria’s interior air traffi c law, endangering air traf- security measures at the game, at- Queen’s quarter-fi nals minister said yesterday. fi c, causing grievous bodily harm and tended by 14,000 fans. “The snipers already had him in trespass, according to police spokes- Munich police said they had “no British teenager Jack Draper finalist since Andy Murray in their sights,” the regional minister man Mueller. The man has been re- understanding whatsoever for such continued his impressive run 2006. In it he will face British Joachim Herrmann said in a state- leased from custody, he added. irresponsible actions”. at the Queen’s Club champion- number two Cameron Norrie ment. Bavaria’s interior minister Her- ships as he beat Kazakhstan’s who continued his impressive “If the police had come to the con- SECURITY QUESTIONS rmann said Greenpeace would have Alexander Bublik 7-6(5), season by beating Russian fifth clusion that it was a terrorist attack, In extraordinary scenes widely cap- known in advance of the strict no-fl y 7-6(0) yesterday. Draper, who seed Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-2. he would have paid for it with his life.” tured on camera, the activist was seen zone above the stadium, calling the knocked out Italian world “To be a quarter-finalist at Only the large Greenpeace logo em- fl ying over the stadium strapped to stunt “unjustifi able”. number 19 Jannik Sinner in his Queen’s sounds amazing,” blazoned on the yellow canopy of the a parachute microlight before ap- Bavarian police now plan to in- opening match, used his power- Draper, runner-up in the Wim- parachute microlight saved him, he parently getting tangled in overhead crease aerial surveillance at the next ful forehand to great eff ect bledon junior event in 2018, said. camera wires. three Euro 2020 matches. against the tricky Bublik. said. “I thought I blew it near the The environmental campaign He was thrown off course and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s The 19-year-old did wobble end but I’m glad I stuck with it. group has apologised for Tuesday nearly crashed into the stands before spokesman Steff en Seibert called the when he served for the match The crowd helped me get over evening’s widely condemned stunt, landing on the pitch shortly before protest “an irresponsible act that at 5-4 in the second set and the line.” Two-time Wimbledon which it said did not go as planned. kick-off . His parachute had “Kick out placed people in great danger”, and was broken after a string of champion Murray, making his Two people were injured in the ac- oil! Greenpeace” written on it. said it was “a great relief” the out- errors. He then saved a set return to grasscourts singles tivist’s attempts to make an emergen- Greenpeace was quick to apologise come hadn’t been worse. point to force a tiebreak he won action for the first time in three A Greenpeace protester lands on the pitch before cy landing inside the Allianz Arena, a for the botched protest, saying the UEFA called it “a reckless and dan- with ease. Wildcard Draper is years, faces Italian Matteo Ber- the France-Germany Euro 2020 match at the Arena French citizen, 36, and a Ukrainian, aim had been for the activist to drop a gerous action” that “could have had Britain’s youngest ATP quarter- rettini today. (Reuters) Munich in Munich on Tuesday. (Reuters) 42. latex ball with a protest message onto very serious consequences”. Gulf Times Thursday, June 17, 2021 7 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 France’s Pogba lucky to have perfect sidekick in Kante ‘Pogba was absolutely immense tonight. We know all about his technique. He’s back to his best, physically.’

Reuters Munich Pogba plays down Ruediger ‘bite’ Munich: France midfielder Paul Pogba rance midfi elder Paul Pogba has played down Antonio Ruediger’s earned the Star of the Match apparent attempted bite on his back award for his display in the during the world champions’ Euro world champions’ 1-0 win over 2020 win over Germany, with UEFA GermanyF in their Euro 2020 Group saying the defender would not face F opener on Tuesday but knows how disciplinary action. lucky he is to play alongside N’Golo Television replays showed Chel- Kante. Powerhouse Pogba’s sublime sea defender Ruediger putting his pass in the 20th minute unlocked Ger- mouth on Pogba just before half-time many’s defence, allowing Lucas Hern- in France’s 1-0 win over Germany in andez to drive in a cross that Germany’s Munich on Tuesday. Immediately after Mats Hummels turned into his own net. the incident, Pogba cried out and com- Pogba, 28, delivered several other plained to Spanish referee Carlos del moments of quality as the link between Cerro Grande, who did not punish the France’s midfi eld and the dream at- German, and the Manchester United tacking trident of Antoine Griezmann, star played it down after the game. Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. “I think he nibbled at me a little Adrien Rabiot was also a disciplined bit, but we’ve known each other for presence in Didier Deschamps’ mid- a long time. Toni and I are friends. It fi eld that was ultimately far too crafty was nothing big. We hugged after the for a German side that looked short of game and it’s over,” Pogba said. cohesion. But it was Chelsea’s Kante, Pogba, the man of the match in Mu- who at the age of 30 appears to be el- nich, said it was “better” that Ruediger Paul Pogba in action against evating his games to new levels, who escaped punishment. “I don’t want Germany on Thursday. (Reuters) knitted it together. him to be suspended because of that,” A few weeks after his masterful dis- said the Frenchman, who played a key reviewing the television replays, it play helped Chelsea overcome favour- role in the build-up to Mats Hummels’ would open “no disciplinary case”. ites Manchester City in the Champions ultimately decisive own goal. League fi nal, Kante again showed that Pogba said he told the referee what POGBA REMOVES BEER BOTTLE he remains the beating heart of world happened but was glad there was AT NEWS CONFERENCE champions France. When required as a no “yellow or red card for such an France midfielder Paul Pogba removed defensive shield in the second half, as incident”. In the build-up to the match, a bottle of Heineken beer that had Germany tried to build some momen- Champions League winner Ruediger been placed in front of him at a Euro tum, Kante was immense. had said the Germans would need to 2020 news conference on Tuesday, a Almost inevitably, Kante was also Robert Pires said. “We know all about gether,” added the midfi elder, who said 17. “We spent all night talking about “be a little dirty” against the French. day after Portugal captain Cristiano in close proximity whenever France his technique. He’s back to his best, this week how much of an honour it was France’s attacking players, but again Yesterday, the Chelsea centre-back Ronaldo moved aside Coca-Cola bot- turned over possession — using the physically.” to play alongside Kante. another clean sheet,” former Man- admitted it “looked bad” but insisted tles in a similar set-up. ball effi ciently and with no little vision. Pogba’s words after the game would Eight of France’s starting team chester United skipper Roy Keane said. it was not a bite. “I’m not allowed to Pogba, a practising Muslim, re- Pogba’s Manchester United career has have been music to the ears of De- against Germany played in the 2018 “That’s a defence that can win them the go like this with my mouth against his moved the bottle when he sat down spluttered at times, yet when playing schamps, as he attempts to add the World Cup fi nal win over Croatia and, title. They are brilliant at the back.” back, that goes without saying. It looks to speak to the media after he was for France, Kante’s infl uence rubs off European crown to the World Cup while it was not a fi ve-star display, they For Germany, a fi rst defeat in the bad,” Ruediger said. named ‘Man of the Match’ in France’s on him to such an extent that he looks his side won in Russia in 2018. “We won with something to spare as both opening match of a European Champi- “After the final whistle I spoke in a 1-0 Group F win over Germany. On like a world-beater. In the 28 games he know we need to live up to our tag as Benzema and Mbappe had goals ruled onship gives coach Joachim Loew much friendly way with Paul and both with Monday, Ronaldo removed two bottles has started for France with Kante, Les world champions and come out on to out for off side. to ponder. They looked toothless in at- me and afterwards in an interview he of Coca-Cola at a news conference Blues have won 22, drawn six and lost the pitch with humility,” Pogba said. Those looking for weaknesses were tack with the returning Thomas Muel- confirmed it wasn’t a bite, as some had and held up a bottle of water shouting none. “Pogba was absolutely immense “When we need to suff er, we do it to- left disappointed as France’s unbeaten ler failing to gel with Kai Havertz and thought at first.” UEFA said ithat after “Agua” in Portuguese. tonight,” France’s Euro 2000 winner gether and when we attack, we do it to- run in competitive matches reached Serge Gnabry.

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT The Netherlands eye last-16 spot amid Austria defend Arnautovic ongoing debate over playing style following one-game ban AFP ryone is saying around the country but we are the Netherlands at a major tournament. AFP Arnautovic had come off the Amsterdam trying to achieve something and focus on this He is fi lling in for Jasper Cillessen, who Amsterdam bench in Bucharest and coach and not on public opinions,” De Boer said. was left out of the squad after testing posi- Foda admitted he had been in line “We just want to live from game to game and tive for Covid-19 before the tournament. to start against the Dutch at the hile the Netherlands has been we have only played one game so far.” “If you’d asked me at the beginning of the arko Arnautovic Johan Cruyff Arena. “We thought consumed by a debate about De Boer knows all about the scrutiny – season if I’d have been fi rst choice at the Eu- was defended by about maybe putting him in the what formation the national the Dutch are co-hosts of a Euro for the fi rst ropean Championship I’d have laughed at Austria captain Dav- starting XI but now we will have team should play at Euro 2020, time since 2000 when he captained them you,” said Stekelenburg, who played in the id Alaba and coach to have a rethink,” said Foda, the WFrank de Boer’s side already stand on the to an agonising defeat on penalties in the 2010 World Cup fi nal. MFranco Foda after being handed a German who took over as Austria brink of a place in the last 16 on their return semi-fi nal against Italy. He took advantage of a doping ban to Ajax one-game Euro 2020 ban for in- coach in 2018. “He was provoked to a major tournament. Ahead of the Ukraine game a plane fl ew fi rst-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana to get sulting a North Macedonia player from some North Macedonian The Dutch and their iconic orange shirts over the squad’s training base in Zeist with regular game time with his club this season. in his side’s opening match at the players and out of emotion he had been absent from this level for seven the message: “Frank, play a 4-3-3”. “This is like the cherry on top,” he added. tournament. over-reacted, but he admitted his years since the 2014 World Cup but they Whether he sticks to his guns against Today he will be facing an Austrian side UEFA said Arnautovic had mistake and apologised immedi- marked their return with a 3-2 win over Austria, De Boer confi rmed Juventus de- missing Marko Arnautovic, who has been been punished for “insulting an- ately after the match.” Ukraine in Amsterdam last weekend. fender Matthijs de Ligt will return after given a one-game ban by UEFA for insult- other player” and the 32-year- Arnautovic posted a message In front of a crowd of almost 16,000 sitting out the Ukraine game with a groin ing a North Macedonian player in their old will miss his side’s match on social media on Tuesday to which included King Willem-Alexander problem. “De Ligt will play, no doubt about 3-1 win in Bucharest. That was Austria’s against the Netherlands in Am- say sorry following the incident and Queen Maxima, De Boer’s side grabbed it,” De Boer confi rmed. Who drops out re- fi rst ever win at the Euro and now they too sterdam today as a result. Euro- which led to accusations he had victory thanks to a late goal by fl ying wing- mains to be seen. Stefan de Vrij of Inter Mi- know a victory in Amsterdam will take them pean football’s governing body racially abused opposing players. back Denzel Dumfries. It was their fi rst win lan started with Ajax duo Daley Blind and through to the last 16. had opened an investigation into sulted Leeds United’s Ezgjan “There were some heated at a European Championship since 2008 Jurrien Timber at the back against Ukraine. “We won our fi rst match which was very Arnautovic following the inci- Alioski, referring to the North words yesterday in the emotions and another victory against Austria at the “Matthijs is a top defender so it’s up to the important and now we have to build on dent in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Macedonia defender’s Albanian of the game for which I would like Johan Cruyff Arena in Group C today will coach,” said De Vrij this week. that,” said Austria’s German coach Franco North Macedonia in Bucharest. heritage. to APOLOGIZE– especially to ensure a place in the knockout rounds. The main men in De Boer’s team are Foda, who admitted he had been consider- The former West Ham Unit- “I just wanted to celebrate my friends from North Macedo- Still, in the land of 4-3-3, the debate elsewhere, from Frenkie de Jong and ing handing a start to Arnautovic. ed player, who now plays for with him and I didn’t realise he nia and Albania,” Arnautovic said swirls about De Boer’s decision to switch to Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield to “The Netherlands are the favourites. They Shanghai Port in China, netted had had words with the North in a statement posted on social a 3-5-2 coming into the Euro, even if that Memphis Depay up front. Meanwhile have changed their system to a 5-3-2, they Austria’s third goal in the game Macedonian player,” Alaba told media. “I would like to say one enabled PSV Eindhoven’s Dumfries to cause 38-year-old veteran Maarten Stekelen- have a compact and fl exible team who attack and then launched into an ill- reporters. “He had to put up with thing very clearly: I AM NOT A havoc down the right against Ukraine. burg is set to continue in goal after be- well but they can also park the bus. They tempered celebration until Alaba some bad words from the oppos- RACIST! I have friends in almost “I can’t protect the players from what eve- coming the oldest player ever to represent have a great team but we are confi dent.” intervened to calm him down. ing players and out of emotion he every country and I stand for di- Media reports claimed he in- reacted in that way.” versity.”

FOCUS Man City to visit Spurs in opener remier League cham- for signifi cant crowd numbers race. United and Liverpool face pions Manchester City for the coming season. off at Old Traff ord on October 23 will start the defence of Elsewhere on the weekend of and March 19 at Anfi eld. their title away to Tot- August 14, new boys Brentford tenhamP after the fi xtures for the begin life back in the top fl ight MORATA EXTENDS JUVE 2021-22 season were unveiled for the fi rst time in 75 years LOAN FOR ANOTHER SEASON yesterday. City are among the with a London derby at home Spain forward Alvaro Morata has sides heavily linked with Spurs to Arsenal, while Champion- extended his loan with Juventus striker Harry Kane, throwing up ship winners Norwich entertain from Atletico Madrid until the the tantalising possibility that Liverpool on their return to the end of next season, the Italian the England captain could line Premier League. club confi rmed. Morata returned up against his boyhood club on There are a number of early to Juventus in September having the opening weekend. meetings between the ‘big six’. previously played for the Turin Pep Guardiola’s side won the Liverpool host Chelsea on the giants under Massimiliano Al- league by 12 points last season third weekend of the season be- legri between 2014 and 2016. ahead of rivals Manchester fore the Blues host Manchester During the past season, he United, who open their cam- City in a repeat of the Champi- scored 20 goals in all competi- paign against old foes Leeds at ons League fi nal on September tions, his best tally in a single Old Traff ord. Both clashes were 25. Liverpool renew their rivalry campaign. He also matched his played behind closed doors on with City on October 2 at Anfi eld best season in terms of assists The Netherlands’ Denzel Dumfries (second left), Memphis Depay (centre) and Joel Veltman take part in a training session in Zeist Leeds’ return to the top fl ight and their clash at the Etihad on with 11, which he also achieved yesterday, on the eve of their UEFA Euro 2020 Group C match against Austria. (AFP) last season, but hopes are high April 9 could be key in the title with Juventus in the 15-16 season. Thursday, June 17, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

EURO 2020 Qatar and Germany strengthen bilateral co-operation for Miranchuk reignites organising major events Russia’s campaign ‘The players did what I asked them to do. We had to create chances, and we did’

AFP Saint Petersburg

special goal by Aleksei Miran- chuk allowed Russia to kickstart their Euro 2020 campaign with a 1-0 win over Finland in Saint PetersburgA yesterday, but the game was marred by an injury to Mario Fernandes. Miranchuk, of Serie A side Atalanta, produced a glorious fi nish in fi rst-half stoppage time for the only goal of the game between the neighbours in Group The Security Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery B. It blows open the section after Russia, and Legacy and the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Build- one of nine participating nations at the ing and Community signed signed a joint ‘declaration of intent’ Euro playing matches at home, had lost in Munich to enhance bilateral co-operation in organising major 3-0 to Belgium in their opening game at events. The ‘declaration of intent’ aims to support the capabili- the weekend. ties and development of institutions and individuals in various “Aleksei scored a great goal, we’re fields related to the security and safety of major events, exchange happy,” said Russia coach Stanislav Cher- information and consultations between experts, and organise joint chesov. “We’re happy with the plan, the meetings and conferences between the two parties. players did what I asked them to do. We The declaration of intent was signed by HE the Chairman of the had to create chances, and we did.” Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) of the FIFA Russia’s fi nal group game will be in World Cup Qatar 2022 Major-General Abdulaziz Abdullah al-Ansari Denmark next Monday, while Finland and by the Supreme Commander of the Public Security Support should again have a sizeable support be- Forces at the Federal Ministry of Interior, Reconstruction and hind them as they stay in Saint Petersburg Society Major General Andias Bakov. to play Belgium. A delegation from the Safety and Security Operations Commit- “We deserved at least one point,” said tee (SSOC) of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is currently visiting Finland coach Markku Kanerva. “Belgium Germany, in the context of strengthening joint co-operation in the are one of the strongest teams in the tour- security and police fields, and reviewing the German experience in nament, it will be a huge challenge for us. securing major sporting events. (QNA) But the team have shown that they’re ca- pable of competing.” Finland, making their debut at a ma- jor international tournament, had beaten FOCUS Denmark 1-0 in Copenhagen on Satur- day, a game completely overshadowed by Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest. Here Russia’s forward Aleksey Miranchuk (centre) vies for the ball with Finland’s defender Daniel O’Shaughnessy during the UEFA Euro it was Russia’s Fernandes, the Brazilian- 2020 Group B match in Saint Petersburg yesterday. (AFP) De Bruyne fi t to play born CSKA Moscow right-back, who provided an injury scare. main under supervision while returning Finland thought they had gone in front save to deny Daler Kuzyaev in the second The 30-year-old went up for a high to Moscow. inside three minutes when Joel Pohjan- half. Fernandes’s injury is another blow for Belgium against ball in the Finland box in the fi rst half Russia went on to win the game with- palo headed in a Jukka Raitala cross. to the team who have already lost veteran and came down awkwardly, the back of out Fernandes, as Miranchuk turned on However Pohjanpalo, who got the winner Yuri Zhirkov, who was injured during the his neck taking the full force of the land- the edge of the box and played a one-two against Denmark, was this time denied as 3-0 loss against Belgium on Saturday. Denmark today ing. He needed to be stabilised and was with skipper Artem Dzyuba before send- a VAR check confi rmed a marginal off side Another defender, Fyodor Kudryashov is stretchered off before being taken to hos- ing a glorious left-foot shot into the top against the Bayer Leverkusen player. yet to recover from an injury that he suf- Reuters pital. corner of the net. Russia went on to have the better fered during a pre-tournament friendly. Copenhagen The Russian team’s Twitter feed later That was enough for the 2018 World chances and could have won by a wider Winger Andrei Mostovoy was replaced in said that tests revealed he had not suf- Cup quarter-fi nalists to win the game but margin, with Finland goalkeeper Lukas the squad last week after testing positive fered a spinal injury but that he would re- it could have been very diff erent. Hradecky producing a superb fi ngertip for coronavirus. elgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is fi t to play against Denmark SPOTLIGHT today and make a much anticipatedB entry into the Euro- pean Championship, coach Rob- erto Martinez said. Denmark preparing for ‘emotional’ return to Parken De Bruyne suff ered a double facial fracture in last month’s AFP think Thomas (Delaney) has either,” said Champions League fi nal, miss- Copenhagen RB Leipzig forward Poulsen. “Let’s see. ing Belgium’s build-up to Euro I don’t know how we react going back to 2020 and their fi rst Group B the stadium. It’s a new situation for eve- game against Russia on Saturday, enmark coach Kasper Hjulmand ryone.” when they posted an impressive said yesterday that he is prepar- Denmark’s defeat to Finland leaves 3-0 victory. ing for an emotional return to them needing to bounce back against “He is medically fi t, he has the Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium tough opposition in order to main- green light to be in a match situ- toD take on Belgium after the traumatic tain their drive for the knockout stages. ation,” Martinez told a news con- scenes of Christian Eriksen’s collapse. Danish FA chief Jesper Moller yester- ference yesterday. Playmaker Eriksen had to be revived on day backed the squad by slamming the “Now it is a question of see- the Parken pitch by medics after sudden- decision to fi nish the match, which ing how long Kevin can play and ly falling to the turf near half-time of the was postponed for nearly two hours, as how we can use the two games Danes’ 1-0 loss to Finland on Saturday. “completely unacceptable”, saying that we have in fi ve day to get him Today, they face Group B leaders Belgium the coaches and players shouldn’t have up to full fi tness. I’ve been very hoping to kick-start their Euro 2020 been made to decide whether to play or pleased with the progress he has campaign in what Hjulmand believes will not in that situation. “I know we’re the made and every day he makes a the Parken Stadium where Erik- be a fraught aff air. underdogs here. There’s no doubt that big diff erence. I could add Axel sen had to be revived by med- “It will be very emotional to return to we’re facing the best team in the world,” Witsel is in the same situation ics at the weekend following his the Parken, we expect to have incred- said Hjulmand. “They’re very, very good. and it’s a little diff erent for Eden sudden fall, and Martinez said ible support from our fans and from the They’re the only team that reminds me of Hazard because he was already he and his players wanted to pay whole country,” Hjulmand said. “We have a club team.” involved in the friendly against tribute to the Danish playmaker to be ready for that and use this energy in Key to stopping the rampant Belgians Croatia and the game against ahead of the Group B match. a positive way. What’s crazy is that the Denmark’s players take part in an training session in Helsingor, north of Copenhagen, will be putting the brakes on Romelu Lu- Russia,” he added. “As a team there is a real inten- hospital where Christian is staying is not on the eve of their Euro 2020 Group B match against Belgium. (AFP) kaku, who opened the tournament with “We want every player to be up tion just to show our wishes and far from the stadium. He can see the sta- an impressive brace against Russia on to 90-minute fi tness in the two thoughts to Christian,” Martinez dium and he might even be able to hear that extra motivation to our advantage,” tian in the 10th minute,” the Danish FA said. Saturday. “It’s diffi cult to stop Lukaku games we have ahead,” Martinez told reporters, adding that his everything that is happening there.” said Hjulmand. “We have to play our Denmark’s players have been off ered once he has the ball. The best thing to added. team would make “some sort of If Eriksen hears anything it will be a best game, and we have to be very good the chance to visit the stadium in the do to stop him is to make sure he doesn’t Belgium’s fi nal group game is gesture” at the start of the game. passionate crowd of some 25,000 fans individually, and that’s what we’re go- Danish capital on Wednesday in order to receive the ball,” said midfi elder Thomas against Finland in St Petersburg “Our message is football is not roaring Denmark on against the world’s ing to try and do.” see how they feel about going back, but Delaney. “It’s diffi cult to do. We know on Monday. De Bruyne, 29, broke the same if Christian Eriksen is top-ranked side, who started their Danish fans are planning to stage a Yussuf Poulsen said he hadn’t decided they are a strong side with great players... his nose and an eye socket after not on the football pitch. All we tournament with a 3-0 thrashing of minute’s applause during the game in sup- whether he was going to do so. It’s a team with a clear philosophy. They a clash with Chelsea defender want is a full recovery and to see Russia. “We’re going to take advantage port of Eriksen. “The supporters have or- “Personally I haven’t decided if I’m know the way they play but it’s not im- Antonio Rudiger as Manchester Christian very, very soon on the of that (the crowd), we’re going to use ganised for everyone to applaud for Chris- going to go to the stadium, and I don’t possible to stop them.” City lost the fi nal on May 29. Danish team and for Inter Milan He underwent surgery fi ve and everyone in Belgium is join- days later and spent a week re- ing into those wishes.” covering at home before join- The fans at the Parken Stadi- ing up with the Belgian squad um will stage a minute’s applause Sudan squad arrives for FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers last week. Witsel, 32, is set for a in the 10th minute of the game in surprise return after tearing an support of Eriksen. “We need to Achilles tendon in January while celebrate the quick action from playing for Borussia Dortmund. the doctors to make it such a After undergoing surgery, he speedy reaction,” said Martinez. was told it would be nine months “Every player who is going to be before he could play again, but on that pitch is going to know Martinez said Witsel’s disci- the importance (of the game) and plined rehabilitation has al- what’s at stake and the focus will lowed him to return way ahead of shift quite quickly. But it should schedule. Hazard, 30, had an in- be a celebration from everyone.” jury-plagued season at Real Ma- Belgium striker Romelu Lu- drid but was used as a substitute kaku, who scored twice in their against Russia and showed some 3-0 win over Russia and shouted of his old sparkle in a 20-minute a message of support to Eriksen cameo. into a pitchside camera, said the players would kick the ball out of DENMARK CLASH ‘NOT THE play for the minute’s applause. SAME’ WITHOUT ERIKSEN, “After 10 minutes of the match SAYS MARTINEZ we’ll put the ball into touch to Martinez said that Belgium’s applaud,” said Lukaku, a team- The Sudan squad and off icials landed in Doha yesterday to take part in the FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers. match with Denmark won’t mate of Eriksen at Inter Milan. Seven qualifying matches will be held in Qatar from June 19-25 as 14 nations seek to qualify for the be the same without Christian “Several of our players have FIFA Arab Cup, which will also take place in Qatar later this year. Sudan will play their match against Eriksen on the pitch as he recov- played with him. But tomorrow Libya on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium. ers from his dramatic mid-match we’ll be there to win the game, collapse. Belgium line up today at which promises to be diffi cult.”