CYCLING | Page 5 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 10 Viviani Gritty Silva recovers from century dims To Advertise here crash to win Aussie hopes Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 omnium gold of a win

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 Dhul-Qa’da 14, 1437 AH OLYMPICS Brazil’s Da Silva delights with upset pole vault gold Page 3

HANDBALL Qatari riders impress in Jumping Individual Qatar set up quarters clash against

Germany Qatar’s Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi rides Gunder during the second qualifier for Jumping Individual event at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Al-Rumaihi, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani and Bassem Mohamed qualified for the next round, even as Qatar exit from the team competition after finishing ninth with 9 penalties in the Maroons beat Argentina to grab the last quarter-final spot first round.

Agencies Rio de Janeiro

atar’s national handball team booked a date today with Germany in the quarter-fi - STAR OF THE DAY nals of Rio de Janeiro Olym- picsQ after beating Argentina 22-18 in the fi nal game of the group stage. Simone Biles of the United States The win took the Maroon’s tally to fi ve points in fourth place to qualify US gymnastics star Simone Biles claimed a ahead of Argentina and Tunisia who record-equalling fourth Olympic women’s both were eliminated from the com- gold on the floor in Rio yesterday. The petition. The victory was the second 19-year-old sealed the title with a powerful for the team after overcoming Croatia display of acrobatics and tumbling in the in the opening game. Qatar also drew Rio Olympic Arena. The three-time world with Tunisia and lost to France and floor champion scored 15.966 points to Denmark. lead a US 1-2 ahead of Aly Raisman (15.500), Qatar were quick to take the lead, the 2012 Olympic floor champion. Britain’s creating a 3-0 advantage in fi ve min- Amy Tinkler (14.933) won bronze. Biles had utes before Argentina scored their fi rst been bidding to win a record five women’s goal thanks to Federico Pizarro on a gold in Rio after taking the team, all-around fast break in the sixth. Matias Schulz and vault titles. But a slip on the beam on made a great save off Qatar right wing Monday saw her take bronze. She becomes Nasreddine Megdich, then followed the fifth woman to win four gold at the same with another on a fast break from Olympics joining Hungarian Agnes Keleti Kamal Aldin Mallash. (1956), Soviet Larissa Latynina (1956), Czech Once Argentina warmed up, they Vera Caslavska (1968) and Romanian Ecate- were well in the match, though their rina Szabo (1984). slow start had cost them a diff erence they had to work hard to close. Right back Federico Vieyra added the Pan American team’s third goal in the 10th (5-3 for Qatar). Two consecutive goals for the Asian champions, from Zarko Markovic and Mallash, opened a four-goal lead at 8-4 just after the 15-minute mark, before Argentina answered with two of their own courtesy of Vieyra and Pablo Si- monet. The Pan American team moved to a more active defensive system with Sebastien Simonet pushing forward, and he caused a turnover in the 20th Qatar’s Rafael Capote (right) makes an attempt at the Argentina goalmouth that enabled Argentina to come within during the handball match at the Future Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. one on the next attack when Pizarro scored from right wing (7-8). utes left on the clock. Pablo Simonet him a rate of 43 percent at the end of The distance stayed at a steady one kept the diff erence there with a break- the match, Argentina could not fi nd to two goals, with Qatar narrowly in through goal in the 41st, which took the goal for more than 10 minutes un- front at 9:8 when the last fi ve min- the score to 14-16, but that was where til Federico Fernandez did so in the last utes of the half began. The Asian side the close contest ended. minute of the game. After he decreased pulled in front by three goals as the pe- Though Argentina certainly had the defi cit to 17-22, Agustin Vidal add- riod came to an end, and that distance bright moments including great saves ed another goal to secure the fi nal dif- would eventually prove diffi cult for Ar- from Schulz, Qatar pulled ahead to a ference of four, but the comeback was gentina to overcome. fi rmer advantage at 20-16 as the last 10 too late and Argentina were forced to Qatar returned stronger from the minutes began with a goal from right settle for a loss at the buzzer. break, creating a four-goal lead thanks wing Eldar Memisevic, then to a diff er- In the other quarter-fi nal games, to left back Rafael Capote in the 34th ence of fi ve when Capote struck to put Croatia will take on Poland, Slovenia (14-10), before two consecutive goals the score at 21-16. will face Denmark, while hosts Brazil from Vieyra pulled Argentina to a gap As Qatar goalkeeper Danijel Saric will battle it out with world champions of two at 13-15 with just over 20 min- made a save after save, which earned France.

Medals tally

Country G S B T Country G S B T Country G S B T 1. United States 28 27 27 82 11. South Korea 6 3 5 14 21. Poland 2 2 3 7 2. Great Britain 17 17 10 44 12. Hungary 6 3 4 13 22. Colombia 2 2 0 4 3. China 15 15 18 48 13. Spain 4 0 2 6 23. Cuba 2 1 4 7 4. Russia 12 12 14 38 14. New Zealand 3 6 1 10 24. Switzerland 2 1 2 5 5. Germany 10 7 6 23 15. Croatia 3 2 0 5 25. Belgium 2 1 1 4 6. Italy 8 9 6 23 16. Brazil 2 4 4 10 25. Greece 2 1 1 4 7. Netherlands 8 2 3 13 17. Kazakhstan 2 3 5 10 25. Thailand 2 1 1 4 8. France 7 10 10 27 18. North Korea 2 3 2 7 28. Argentina 2 1 0 3 9. Australia 7 8 9 24 19. Kenya 2 3 0 5 29. Uzbekistan 2 0 4 6 10. Japan 7 4 18 29 20. Canada 2 2 9 13 30. Jamaica 2 0 2 4 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 17, 2016

FOCUS ROUND-UP Bleary-eyed Rudisha reigns Makhloufi in 1,500m semis supreme, targets AFP “I wasn’t sure about doubling Rio de Janeiro up. I did some training in Algeria and then we took the decision, me and my coach, here in Rio,” he lgeria’s defending confi rmed. champion Taoufi k Ma- “In my head I said I wanted to khloufi yesterday ad- run the 800m. vanced smoothly to the “I was very pleased with the Olympic treble semi-fiA nals of the men’s 1,500m race, I am so happy with the sil- having had just two hours’ sleep ver medal in the 800m behind after bagging silver in the 800m. Rudisha. I wanted to win, but I ‘I’m looking forward to the world championships next year, 2019, and also 2020’ Makhloufi , who came in sec- didn’t get much chance in the ond in the 800m behind David last 250 metres.” AFP Rudisha late Monday, timed Kenyan Asbel Kiprop, 2008 Rio de Janeiro 3min 47.07sec to win his heat. Olympic gold medallist and “I had some massage after the three-time defending world 800m,” he said. “I was in my bed champion, easily won his heat in avid Rudisha delivered an 800m at 4 o’clock in the morning and I 3:38.97. masterclass in defending his slept only two hours! Also qualifying for tomorrow’s Olympic title on Monday and “This part between the 800m semi-fi nals, with the fi nal sched- immediately targeted the two and the heats of the 1500m was uled for Saturday, are Kiprop’s upcomingD world championships and a always going to be the most dif- teammate Ronald Kwemoi as potential treble at the 2020 Tokyo Games. fi cult part in qualifying for the well as Morocco’s world bronze The Kenyan, also the world champion semi-fi nals of the latter.” medallist Abdalaati Iguider, Dji- and world record holder, timed a season’s Makhloufi admitted that he bouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman and best of 1min 42.15sec to become the fi rst hadn’t been certain that a double American duo Ben Blankenship man since New Zealand’s Peter Snell, in was on the cards. and Matther Centrowitz. 1960 and 1964, to defend the 800m title. Rudisha was quick to dub his stunning victory the greatest moment of his career, but warned there was more to come. “Now this is over, I’m looking forward to the world championships next year and 2019, and also looking forward to 2020,” he said. Defending his title for a third time “is my focus now that this is over”. “I hope I’ll be there in Tokyo in good form and in good spirits.” Rudisha admitted that the race had not panned out as planned. “My plan was to run from the front as usual,” he said. “I talked to my team-mates Ferguson Rotich and Alfred Kipketer before the race. “But when the gun went Alfred ran the Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi (right) competes in the men’s 1,500m fi rst 200m like a bullet! Round 1 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP) “His time was too fast and I settled be- hind him. I slowed down a little because I felt it was a little bit high.” Rudisha added: “I knew I was in good Rollins breezes through as US 1.42 form. I had to maintain and push in the last 300m. eye hurdles sweep “I knew my strategy and how to plan Kenya’s David Lekuta Rudisha (C) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men’s 800m final during the athletics event at my races. I’ve always been good in that the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 15, 2016. (AFP ) respect. “Unfortunately, they (his teammates) Kenya-based Irish priest-cum-teacher, “You have to make a lot of sacrifi ces to Olympic Stadium was half-full at best. didn’t follow the plan and it cost them.” for helping keep him grounded in an ethos be at the top. “London was one of the special races, Rudisha said that his comeback from based on working hard and being humble. “There’s a lot of pressure, people want one of the greatest 800m ever run,” he injury in the wake of his London success “He’s been a great mentor, motivating to see you performing all the time.” said. four years ago had not been easy. me and my family. Rudisha said his world record-setting “But it was also special to defend my “I lost a lot of races,” he acknowledged, “It takes a lot of discipline and dedica- gold medal run in London had been a dif- title, something that’s not been done praising his coach Colm O’Connell, the tion to maintain your form over the years. ferent experience to that of Rio, where the since 1960 and 1964.”

ROUND-UP Bolt continues quest for ‘triple triple’ while Taylor, Perkovic retain titles

AFP Brianna Rollins breezed into the semi-finals of the 100m hur- Rio de Janeiro dles yesterday as a formidable United States contingent eyed a clean sweep of the Olympic honours. Florida-based Rollins, the 2013 world champion, coasted over the barriers to qualify for to- sain Bolt took the next step in day’s semi-finals in a blistering 12.54sec, the quickest time of the his quest for a “triple triple” of opening round. The 24-year-old was followed in the overall first sprint golds yesterday as Amer- round times by Kristi Castlin, who clocked 12.68sec. The third ican Christian Taylor and Croat American in the field, 27-year-old Nia Ali, also reached the semi- USandra Perkovic both retained their Ol- finals with something to spare, winning her heat in 12.76sec. US ympic crowns. hurdlers have been overwhelmingly dominant in the event this Bolt, fresh from winning the 100m title year, with seven diff erent American women posting the seven for an unprecedented third time, safely fastest times of 2016. Such is the US strength in depth in the came through the fi rst round of his fa- event, that Keni Harrison — who smashed the world record with voured event, the 200m. a time of 12.20sec in July — was unable to even make the team. Running in lane fi ve of heat eight of Ali acknowledged that a USA 1-2-3 was achievable but warned 10, the 29-year-old coasted home in against complacency. “It’s very possible but you can’t discount 20.28seconds. American rivals Justin other countries,” she said. “We’re going to do our best and hope- Gatlin and Lashawn Merritt also quali- fully that’s good enough.” fi ed for today’s semi-fi nals, with the fi nal slated for tomorrow. “It’s a morning session and I’m not re- Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (third from left) competes Russians fear Klishina’s ally a morning person. I just came out to in the men’s 200m Round 1 at the Olympic performance will suff er qualify and that’s what I did,” said Bolt, Stadium in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. (AFP) praising the scheduling. “I’m surprised it’s so settled. Normally yes or not.” The head of Russia’s Olympic delegation yesterday criticised we have to do two rounds in one day. It’s The women’s discus went the way of athletics’ governing body for flip-flopping over the eligibility actually much better for the 200m so we Perkovic, the Croat in imperious form of long-jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio, and said he have time to recover over the days. as she dominated the competition, her feared her performance will suff er. When the International As- “For me it’s easy I’ve been doing it for best of 69.21m out-distancing France’s sociation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned Russia’s track years. You just celebrate on the night, just Melina Robert Michon (66.73m) and and field team in June because of state-sponsored doping, it be happy and then you refocus the next world champion Denia Caballero of Cuba initially held open the door to Klishina because she trains and day to go again.” (65.34) by some way. undergoes drug testing in the United States. On Saturday she The morning session’s two medal Elsewhere on the track, Ethiopia’s was suspended because of what the IAAF described as new evi- events went the way of defending cham- newly-crowned 10,000m champion and dence, but on Monday she appealed successfully to the Court of pions. world record holder Almaz Ayana moved Arbitration for Sport, and was due to take part in the qualifying In the triple jump, Taylor set a season’s closer to a distance double as she won her round later yesterday. Delegation chief Igor Kazikov said it was best 17.86 metres with his fi rst leap, good 5000m heat in 15:04.35 to progress to Fri- impossible to understand why the 25-year-old had been given enough to beat compatriot Will Claye in a day’s fi nal. accreditation and a vest number and then abruptly excluded. repeat of their one-two fi nish in London Defending silver medallist and two- “Why is that happening? If you, the international federation, four years ago. time former world champion Vivian have allowed her in, then let the woman compete, why are you “The job is done,” said Taylor. “Back to Cheruiyot, silver medallist behind Ayana hassling her the whole time?” he said. “Some of the decisions back, it’s very special.” in the longer distance in Rio, Hellen Obiri that are being taken are inadequate. This one (Klishina) is let Claye celebrated his silver by proposing and Mercy Cherono will make up a strong in, and then all this fuss starts up again. Why are these things to long-time girlfriend, hurdler Queen Kenyan contingent. going on? It’s impossible to understand. I think it will probably Harrison. have an eff ect because of all this pressure, when someone has “I woke up this morning and said to get ready to compete and you’re having to deal with this legal today is going to be the best day of my Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic celebrates her complication. Not everyone is psychologically able to deal with life,” he said. “It was stressful, man, be- victory in the women’s Discus Throw final that tension.” cause I didn’t know if she was going to say yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 17, 2016 3

FOCUS Brazil’s Da Silva delights with upset pole vault gold Da Silva upsets hot favourite Lavillenie with a 6.03m eff ort, an Olympic record Da Silva’s golden Agencies Rio de Janeiro vault fl ies under radar razilian Thiago da Silva edged out world record holder Re- Reuters naud Lavillenie of France to Rio de Janeiro win the Olympic pole vault in dramaticB fashion on Monday and give the host country its fi rst athletics gold razil is said to have only one-and- medal of the Games. a-half sports, soccer and volley- Against a back drop of raucous fan Bball, and for some Rio residents cheering, Da Silva skipped an at- not even a shock Olympic gold medal in tempt at 5.98 metres and pushed hot athletics will break that stranglehold. favourite Lavillenie to 6.03, which the It was close to midnight on Monday Frenchman failed twice and the Bra- when pole vaulter Thiago da Silva zilian passed at the second attempt to cleared 6.03 metres, an Olympic record, set an Olympic record. to upset world record holder Renaud The upset gold was assured af- Lavillenie of France and become the first ter Lavillenie, who was continually Brazilian man to win an athletics gold booed by the passionate Rio crowd, medal for 32 years. failed to clear 6.08. But the captivating battle between hot “The gold? Incredible. My fi rst time favourite and plucky home hope at the over six metres,” Da Silva told report- Olympic Stadium failed to register with ers. “My home town wanted me to some Rio residents, who were more win.” concerned about a first round volleyball Shown the vault again by a TV in- match between Brazil’s men and France. terviewer, Da Silva said: “Wow, that “Who?” said Joao Bina, 43, an industrial was beautiful. Thank God.” designer watching the volleyball on The Olympic Stadium crowd had television at a Rio bar when asked about been quiet early in the night, which Da Silva. began with a rain delay, but quickly Soccer is king in Brazil, despite a demor- got behind their 22-year-old coun- alising 7-1 loss to Germany on home turf tryman, cheering him wildly and for the five-times winners at the 2014 booing Lavillenie as he prepared for World Cup and the continued failure of his fi nal jump. the men to win Olympic gold. Lavillenie gave a thumbs down sig- Volleyball, which has provided nine med- nal but the crowd continued, chang- als and gold for the women at the last ing to cheers when the Frenchman two Games, is the only other Olympic failed at 6.08. sport that gets top TV coverage in Brazil. “For the Olympics it is not a good That meant Da Silva, like many of the image,” Lavillenie said of the booing. Brazilian athletics team, came into South “I did nothing to the Brazilians. Brazil’s Thiago Braz da Silva celebrates his victory at the end of the men’s Pole Vault final at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (AFP) America’s first Olympics under the radar. “In 1936 the crowd was against “Nobody knew who he was,” said Jesse Owens,” he said in reference to Czech Jan Kudlicka and Piotr Lisek of Nalbert Bitencourt, a commentator for the Berlin Olympics when the black Poland in fourth. Brazil’s SportTV and captain of the men’s American sprinter won four golds. Booed Lavillenie apologises for Owens comparison volleyball team who won gold at the “We’ve not see this since. We have NO BRAZILIAN POLE VAULT 2004 Athens Games. to deal with it.” DOUBLE AS MURER MISSES MARK French pole vaulter Renaud Lavil- “When I saw that he was in the fight for Brazil’s raucous fans, who have Brazilian hopes of an Olympic pole lenie has apologised for comparing the medal I had to ask, ‘hey, what is his brought soccer culture to a number of vault double came to an abrupt end the booing he was subject to during name?’. He surprised the whole nation.” Olympic events, have confounded some when home medal hope Fabiana the men’s Olympic final on Monday American athletics great, Carl Lewis, athletes used to more sedate crowds. Murer bombed out of the women’s to the hostility of Nazi Germany hoped the shock gold, just Brazil’s sec- Even Da Silva, who only took up the competition after failing to register a towards Jesse Owens at the 1936 ond at their home Games, could spark sport at 14, was surprised by the exu- mark. Berlin Games. local interest in the sport. berance. Murer, world silver medallist last The world record holder was bar- “I’ve been talking to people, fans who “The crowd were cheering me too year in Beijing, failed to live up to ex- racked by the Rio crowd when live here and how hard it is for athletes,” much,” he said. “I had to fi x my mind pectations however. attempting to jump 6.08 metres Lewis, winner of nine Olympic sprint and on my technique, forget the people.” The 35-year-old skipped the three to stay in the competition against long jump gold medals, said on SportTV. Outside the quarter-full stadium, fi rst entry marks of 4.15, 4.30 and Thiago da Silva, who sprung a huge “My thought is that this is the begin- shouts echoed through the dark- 4.45m, coming in at 4.55m. surprise by winning Brazil’s first ath- ning, this is the start of what could be a ened streets of Rio’s Jardim Botanico But she failed with her three at- letics gold of the Games in the event. historic event for Brazilian sport.” neighbourhood upon Da Silva’s win. tempts at the height, well below her Lavillenie gave the partisan crowd a Pedro Grether, a 37-year-old physical It was Da Silva’s highest jump ever personal best of 4.87m which she thumbs down at the start of his run- trainer also watching Brazil win the vol- by 10cm, earning the host country’s vaulted this season. up in attempt to get them to stop the leyball 3-1 at a Rio bar, was sceptical. second gold of South America’s fi rst There was no such drama for cur- jeers and said after failing to clear “We don’t care much about anything but Olympics. rent world and Olympic champion the bar that it was a “bad look” for soccer and volleyball in Brazil, some- It was also the fi rst athletics gold Jennifer Suhr of the United States, the Olympics. ideology of racial superiority. reference. times we follow basketball but we aren’t achieved by a Brazilian man since Cuba’s defending Olympic silver “In 1936 the crowd was against Jesse “We’ve not see this since. We have to “Yes, sorry for the bad comparison too good anymore,” he said. Joaquim Cruz won the men’s 800m at medallist Yarisley Silva and European Owens,” he said of the black Ameri- deal with it.” I made,” he said on Twitter. “It was “It’s sad, but we don’t invest in sport. the 1984 Los Angeles Games. champion Ekaterini Stefanidi who all can sprinter whose four gold medals Yesterday, however, Lavillenie ac- a hot reaction and I realise it was Nobody knew him before and we’ll prob- Sam Kendricks took bronze for the comfortably vaulted the qualifying in Berlin were an aff ront to the Nazi cepted that it was an inappropriate wrong. Sorry to everyone.” ably forget him soon.” United States after clearing 5.85, with mark of 4.60m.

BOTTOMLINE TRIATHLON Battle scars worth it for golden girl Miller Jorgensen and Brownlee set high bar AFP Rio de Janeiro Reuters tique to the Brownlees, with Rio de Janeiro Gordon Benson eff ectively sac- rifi cing his own chances to give haunae Miller broke the pain bar- them a tow through the 40km rier for the Bahamas in the wom- listair Brownlee ended bike leg that follows a 1.5km sea en’s 400m, badly grazing her hip the “favourite’s curse” swim off Copacabana beach. after lunging headfi rst at the tape when he triumphed on The bike course contains two toS snatch Olympic gold. home soil in the 2012 sharp climbs that have to be tack- The 22-year-old admitted she had no OlympicA triathlon and, due to led eight times — just the sort of idea if she had pipped American star Al- the absence of Javier Gomez, the technical and physical challenge lyson Felix after she went sprawling on Englishman starts at even short- the Brownlees love, and which the Rio track — until she heard her mum er odds in tomorrow’s swim- should break up the fi eld. screaming. bike-run event. If the reigning champion goes “I still don’t know what happened,” The showdown between into the 10km run anywhere near said Miller, who was declared the win- Brownlee and multiple world the front it is almost impossi- ner of yesterday’s fi nal after an agonising champion Gomez, second in ble to see anything but a second wait for the offi cial results to fl ash up on 2012, disappeared when the gold, though if he does have a the scoreboard. Spaniard broke his arm in a bike weak spot, it could be racing in “When I was on the ground, I didn’t Miller celebrates her win with her mother. (Reuters) crash last month, opening the extreme heat. know if I had won or not until I heard way for Brownlee to become the American Gwen Jorgensen my mom screaming. When I heard her scars, the worst a nasty abrasion on her torious, my coaches are so proud of me, fi rst person to win back-to-back should be an even bigger favour- scream, I knew I had to have won the right hip bone. my entire country is proud of me, so I’m triathlon golds. ite in the women’s race but, as race.” “It really hurts,” she winced, draped ready to go back home and celebrate.” Brownlee has suff ered with in- the previous four Olympics have Miller, who won with a time of in her country’s fl ag after winning a fi fth With her silver, Felix claimed a 20th jury since his London triumph, shown, things rarely go to plan in 49.44sec after hurling herself across the Olympic athletics title for Bahamas. track medal at the Olympics or world eventually undergoing ankle sur- an event with so many variables. line, revealed that her dramatic swan dive “All the cuts are kicking in now and championships, but she felt in no mood gery after fi nding he was running The double reigning world had happened instinctively. they’re really burning, but I’m still so to celebrate that statistic. almost every race in pain. He still champion has totally dominated “It just kind of happened. It was just a thankful.” “It’s a little bitter-sweet,” she said. won most of them. the International Triathlon Un- reaction — my mind just went completely Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller dives to cross Miller, whose great-uncle Leslie Miller “I feel emotionally and physically just Now fully fi t and focused, he ion (ITU) circuit since the last blank,” she smiled after denying Felix a the finish line ahead of USA’s Chase Kalisz competed in the 400m at the 1968 Olym- drained.” looks unbeatable. If something Games, going almost two years record fi fth gold medal. during the women’s 400m final at the Ol- pics in Mexico City, looked to have blown Felix had been close to tears as she spoke goes badly wrong, hyper-con- unbeaten, taking 13 races in a “I’ve got a few cuts and bruises but I’m ympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Mon- a comfortable lead after going out all guns with reporters after the race in what may be sistent younger brother Jonny, row, and winning the Rio test okay. day. (AFP) blazing, only for Felix to reel her in over her fourth and fi nal Olympics. who took bronze four years ago, event last year. Her long-strid- “I didn’t see anyone until the last 20 the last 100 metres. “I’m disappointed. It’s been a tough and strong runners Richard Mur- ing run speed makes her virtu- metres,” added Miller, silver medallist It was such an amazing feeling to look up But Miller’s last-gasp acrobatics year and I was kind of hoping it would ray of South Africa and Spaniard ally unbeatable if she reaches the behind Felix at last year’s world champi- and see the scoreboard.” proved decisive, leaving Felix choking come together,” she said. Mario Mola look best equipped second transition anywhere near onships. Still riding a wave of euphoria after back tears after the race. “I didn’t think about lunging myself. I to challenge him. contention, so the rest of the “The only thing going through my beating Felix by seven hundredths of “We’ve been training so hard for it all tried to give it all I have but I didn’t have As in 2012, Britain has selected fi eld will be doing their utmost to mind was that I had to get the gold medal. a second, Miller showed off her battle year,” she added. “And to fi nally be vic- any more to give in the last 10 metres.” its third man to act as a domes- do some damage on the bike. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 17, 2016

GYMNASTICS Ukrainian Verniaiev swings to gold on Record-equalling parallel bars Rio de Janeiro: Ukrainian Oleg entertainment with his theatri- Verniaiev made up for narrowly cal celebrations on the final missing out on the all-around day of competition. Alvarez gymnastics title by winning wildly sprinted up and down the parallel bars gold at the the dugout with a raised fist as Olympics yesterday. Verniaiev, soon as Leyva had completed who came agonisingly close his routine with a double front fourth gold for Biles to ending the all around reign dismount. of Japan’s Kohei Uchimura But with seven more before missing out on gold by competitors to go after Leyva, just 0.099 of a point, finally got Alvarez faced an anxious wait The US star came out on top on the floor exercise his hands on the top prize by to see if his stepson’s score of winning the bars with a total 15.900 would be good enough Reuters of 16.041. for a medal. Once he realised it Rio de Janeiro He beat American silver was, he was off sprinting again medallist Danell Leyva by along the dugout. US gymnast Simone Biles performs in the 0.141 of a point. Russia’s David Alvarez’s joy was in sharp imone Biles showed off her sassy floor event final of the Artistic Gymnastics at Belyavskiy settled for bronze. contrast to the utter dejection moves and explosive tumbles on the Olympic Arena during the Rio Olympics World champion You Hao felt by world champion You. His the fl oor exercise to win a record- yesterday. (AFP / Toshifumi Kitamura) and Deng Shudi completed a display had the highest diff icult Sequalling fourth gold at the Ol- forgettable Olympics for the of 7.400 among the eight final- ympics yesterday. A day after a wobbly Chinese men’s gymnastics ists and when he swung into performance on the balance beam ended team as they will leave Rio 10 rigidly straight handstands, the American’s hopes of leaving Rio with without a top prize after both it seemed as if he would finally a record haul of fi ve golds for a female finished out of the medals. end China’s wait for a gymnas- gymnast, she was back on form to capture But there was no doubt- tics gold in Rio. the fl oor title with 15.966 points. ing who was number one as But after launching into Aly Raisman completed a one-two Verniaiev waved a raised index his double front somersault for the United States by earning 15.500, finger to the crowd long before with half twist dismount, he while Briton Amy Tinkler burst into tears the judges confirmed his crouched down on his landing after a crowd-pleasing fl oor display to score, giving Ukraine their first before his feet simply gave Kenny G’s version of the song Oh, Pretty gold medal at these Games. away and he fell backwards. Woman earned her the bronze. However, Travelling the bars end-to-end, All his hard work amounted to there was no doubting who was the star Verniaiev swung into a series nothing and he finished last of the show. A sultry routine full of hip- of handstands. Such was the with 14.833. Deng missed out swinging moves to samba music had the diff iculty packed into his rou- on bronze by 0.017 of a point. Brazilian crowd on their feet as she fl ew tine that he managed to breach The nation that captured high into the air to execute her trademark the 16-point barrier despite his seven out of eight men’s golds element, a soaring double layout with legs wavering considerably on in Beijing eight years ago will half-twist at the end. one of the handstands. Once be leaving Rio with a solitary Cries of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ accompanied he nailed his dismount, he fell bronze medal they won in the each of her complex tumbling passes, she into the arms of his delighted team competition. For the first drew gasps of admiration as she balanced coach. time since 1980, when China her entire body weight on her right toes However, it was Leyva’s boycotted the Moscow Olym- while spinning around twice and had the stepfather and coach, Yin pics, the Asian powerhouse did audience roaring their approval as she Alvarez, who provided the real not win a gymnastics gold. bounced her bottom off the fl oor to strike her fi nal pose. The ear-to-ear grin, which had dis- appeared on Monday after she ended up with bronze on the beam, was back on show again and Biles gave the crowd a he was really proud of me,” she said of the thumbs up as she waited for her score. The monarch. mark that did fl ash up not only earned her Despite getting off to a strong start the a fi fth medal at her debut Games, it was 1.45m (4ft 9ins) Biles lost her balance and also the highest score of her four fl oor put her hands down on the beam after performances over the past 10 days. landing a front somersault. “Everyone The 19-year-old team, all around, vault would love to have a bronze at an Olym- and fl oor exercise champion became the pics. I’m just disappointed with my rou- fi rst woman in 32 years, and fi fth overall, tine. I don’t really know what happened,” to win four golds at a single Games. The said the Texan. Soviet Union’s Larisa Latynina (Mel- Becoming the fi rst American woman bourne 1956), Hungary’s Agnes Keleti to win three gold at the same Games, she (Melbourne 1956), Czech Vera Caslavska admitted the reaction to her successes (Mexico City 1968) and Romania’s Eca- back home had been overwhelming. “It’s terina Szabo (Los Angeles 1984) were the scary and exciting and a little bit over- only other women to have four golds at a whelming,” she said. single Games. Wevers took to the beam immediately On Monday, Biles was beaten into third after Biles and decided to change her place on the beam by Sanne Wevers of strategy as she hit all her spins, jumps the Netherlands. The US star fought to and acrobatic skills. “The plan was to go stay on the apparatus during her routine, all-out, but then I saw Simone making scoring just 14.733 points. It handed the mistakes,” said Wevers, a silver medallist 19-year-old her fi rst defeat in a fi nal of behind Biles at last year’s worlds. the apparatus since 2013. “You guys want “After seeing her score, I knew I had to it more than I do,” she said of the bid for change my strategy. I knew that I needed fi ve gold medals. to go all out, to do my highest diffi culty. Wevers, 24, surged to gold with 15.466 But after I saw her I said ‘maybe play it points ahead of American Lauren Hern- safe’. To do the performance of my life andez, who won silver with 15.333, giving and to do it at an the Olympics is unbe- the Netherlands just a second women’s lievable.” Olympic gold — 88 years after the Dutch Hernandez, 16, got her second medal team’s victory. after gold with the US team, but tiny Bra- Wevers unexpectedly found herself in zilian star Flavia Saraiva, standing just the limelight as she was congratulated in 1.33 metre (4ft 4in), fi nished off the po- person afterwards by King Willem-Alex- dium in fi fth. Triple Olympic champion Ukraine’s Oleg Verniaiev competes in the men’s parallel bars ander, and took a phone call from Dutch Catalina Ponor, attempted to win the title (From left) US gymnasts Alexandra Raisman, Simone Biles and Britain’s Amy Tinkler event final of the Artistic Gymnastics. (AFP / Thomas Coex) Prime Minister Mark Rutte. “He just said she won in 2004, but wobbled to seventh. pose with their medal on the podium in Rio de Janeiro. (AFP / Thomas Coex)

TABLE TENNIS BADMINTON Japanese teen secures Danes end Chinese reign in women’s doubles Reuters ended Britain’s dream run in the men’s doubles Rio de Janeiro yesterday to set up a gold medal decider against team bronze Malaysia. The 22nd-ranked Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge battled hard at the Riocentro Reuters iant-killing Danes Christinna Pedersen but were ultimately outclassed by the powerful Rio de Janeiro and Kamilla Rytter Juhl stunned Chi- Chinese duo who kept them at arm’s length in a na’s second-ranked pair in the semi- 21-14 21-18 victory. fi nals of the women’s badminton dou- Both the Chinese will have a chance to clinch apan’s 15-year-old Mima Ito won Gbles at the Olympics yesterday to end the Asian their second Olympic golds in Friday’s fi nal. Fu the game that secured her coun- nation’s 20-year stranglehold on the title. won the doubles with Cai Yun four years ago, try a women’s team bronze medal, An inspired performance at the Riocentro saw while Zhang clinched the mixed doubles title triggering an emotional reaction Pedersen and Rytter Juhl fend off Yu Yang and with Zhao Yunlei at London. There will be no re- fromJ her teammate yesterday. The world Tang Yuanting 21-16, 14-21, 21-19 in a thriller, peat in Rio because Zhang, 26, and Zhao lost to number nine defeated Feng Tianwei in ensuring Denmark will grab their fi rst medal in Indonesia’s Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir the fourth singles to complete the 3-1 the event since badminton joined the Olympic in the semi-fi nals on Monday. win. As the winning ball was struck, Ito’s programme in 1992. “The feeling and everything “The way I played in that (mixed doubles) teammate Ai Fukuhara started crying, inside us is just so happy and proud — really, re- match wasn’t ideal,” he told reporters. “I was before the trio, which included Kasumi ally proud that we have now secured a medal for disappointed but it didn’t really aff ect us today.” Ishikawa, waved and bowed to a bois- Denmark,” said 30-year-old Pedersen. “It’s dif- Fu and Zhang will face the fi red-up Malaysian terous crowd, the majority of whom had fi cult to say it loud because it’s still a dream.” duo of Goh V. Shem and Tan Wee Kiong who cheered them on. “In the doubles Kasu- The Scandinavians will meet Misaki Mat- played out of their skins to defeat Chinese pair mi did a very good job and she got one sutomo and Ayaka Takahashi in the gold medal Chai Biao and Hong Wei in the earlier semi-fi nal. point, but in my opinion it was worth decider tomorrow, the top-ranked Japanese Denmark’s Christinna Pedersen (left) and Kamilla Rytter Juhl celebrate after their win over Chinese Roared on by a huge contingent of Malaysian fi ve points. That gave us energy to carry having defeated South Korea’s Jung Kyung-eun pair Tang Yuanting and Yu Yang yesterday. (Reuters / Marcelo del Pozo) fans, the 12th-ranked pair were hugely impres- on,” said Ai, who lost out narrowly on an and Shin Seung-chan 21-16 21-15 in the earlier sive in their 21-18 12-21 21-17 win, which gives individual medal to North Korea’s Song I semi-fi nal. women’s pairs disqualifi ed for deliberating play- about the medal and that’s really stupid to do,” Malaysia another chance to win its fi rst ever Ol- KimXiaoxia Li. It was another bitter pill for the formidable ing to lose their pool matches in a bid to secure said 32-year-old Rytter Juhl of their stumble ympic title. Mixed doubles pairing Chan Peng “I couldn’t get the medal in the in- Chinese team to swallow, having surrendered more favourable draws in knockout rounds. over the fi nish line. Soon and Goh Liu Ying will have the fi rst shot to dividual so this time I really committed the mixed doubles title on Monday after both “It’s a pity,” 30-year-old Yu, who won the “It was 19-20 and I said to Christinna ‘come grab the steamy Southeast Asian a long-awaited myself to getting the medal and then go- their pairs were eliminated in the semi-fi nals. doubles gold at her home Beijing Games in 2008, on, let’s take it’. I think it’s a good thing for the title today when they contest the fi nal against ing back to Japan,” she said. Singapore’s That ended their bid to defend all fi ve of their told Reuters. “A real pity. They played extreme- ladies doubles that China’s not dominating to- Indonesia’s Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir. Feng, the world number four, said her Olympic titles won at London, the only sweep in ly well, but on the other hand, we played really tally as they were four years ago. It’s nice that it’s Ellis and Langridge will play Chai and Hong in teammates Yu Mengyu and Zhou Yihan Olympic history. badly. I just think it’s a real shame because it’s many countries can get the gold.” the bronze playoff tomorrow and have a chance played very well, but she was not satisfi ed China’s Yu had hoped desperately for a shot my last Olympics.” to grab Britain’s fi rst ever men’s doubles med- with her own performance. at the title, to erase the humiliation in London The Danes did it the hard way, allowing their China stops Britain’s run al. “We’ve still got a great opportunity to get a Reigning champions China were four years ago when she and partner Wang Xiaoli opponents back into the game and blowing four in men’s doubles bronze medal and that will be absolutely massive defending their gold against Germany in were kicked out mid-way through the scandal- match points before closing it out with a smash for badminton so it’s something we’re looking the fi nal late last night. plagued tournament. They were one of four at the end of a fi erce rally. “We were thinking Meanwhile, China’s Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan forward to,” said Ellis. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 17, 2016 5

CYCLING FOCUS Cavendish wins Viviani recovers long-awaited Games medal

Reuters Olympic medal to his collection from crash to win had become almost obsessive af- Rio de Janeiro ter he missed out on the Madison in 2008 with Bradley Wiggins ark Cavendish fi nally and the road race in 2012. His im- got his hands on an provement in the individual 4km Olympic medal when pursuit on Sunday compared to he took silver in the the London worlds was aston- omnium gold Momnium on Monday, and while ishing, putting him right in the the British rider said he was hap- mix for the medals on Monday. py to be on the podium he con- He trailed by 16 points going Italian kept his wits about him during the rest of the 160-lap points race ceded his impressive collection into the fi nal event of the com- of honours is incomplete without petition but could not quite bring Reuters a Games gold. his superior sprinting prowess to Rio de Janeiro The former world road cham- bear in the 160-lap fi nale in the pion, who has also won the Tour Rio velodrome. He fi nished 13 de France’s (2011) points classifi - points behind Viviani, and two lia Viviani’s Olympic gold medal cation title, the Milan-San Remo ahead of 2012 Olympic champion hopes seemed to have vanished (2009), and is a three-times Lasse Norman Hansen. in a tangle of legs and carbon fi - world Madison champion on the “I have got my Olympic medal. bre after a crash during the fi nale track, had put everything on the It is really nice, but gold would’ve ofE the men’s omnium but the Italian re- line for Rio. fi nished the collection,” Cavend- covered to claim an emotional victory on The 31-year-old decided to ish, who won only two of the 16 Monday. Clambering back to his feet after juggle his road season with try- sprints on off er, said. “I did a the mid-race mayhem that left South Ko- ing to gain a place on his coun- pursuit yesterday and was un- rea’s Park Sanghoon in hospital, Viviani try’s powerhouse track team but happy I didn’t break the Olympic kept his wits about him during the rest of his selection was in the balance record, that’s just me.” the 160-lap points race — the sixth and after he failed to make the po- Cavendish joked that the me- fi nal element of the two-day event. dium in his chosen event, the dia might now move the goal- Britain’s Mark Cavendish, culpable omnium, at the world champi- posts after he took silver: “You for the crash, chipped away at Viviani’s onships in London in March. guys will say the only thing miss- lead in the standings, as did charging However, after sealing his spot ing is an Olympic gold medal!” 2012 champion Lasse Norman Hansen of on the team, Cavendish deliv- The British team’s head coach, Denmark, but Viviani showed admirable ered a superb performance over Iain Dyer, said Cavendish had composure in the heat of an attritional two intense days of competition, done himself proud. “It’s third battle. After winning the penultimate eventually taking silver behind time lucky for Cav. He deserves sprint, Viviani knew gold was his, bar- fellow road man Elia Viviani. it. Coming back off the Tour de ring a last-gasp attack by Cavendish or Cavendish said the ground he France, then the last throw of the Hansen. As it turned out, he rode the last lost in Sunday’s elimination race, dice to medal in the omnium, he 10 laps out in front, leaving Britain’s Cav- the third element of the six-dis- did a great job,” he said. endish to take the silver 13 points adrift cipline omnium, which is decid- Former British Cycling team- and Hansen the bronze a further two back. ed on points, had been crucial. mate Victoria Pendleton, twice He grabbed an Italian tricolore for a lap “I’m happy. Elia was the best an Olympic gold medallist, com- of honour and after climbing off his bike, guy there. If you take the points I mentating from the stands, said Viviani, a road cyclist for Team Sky, burst lost in the elimination I would’ve Cavendish had fi nally got the Ol- into tears. been right with him,” Cavend- ympic monkey off his back. “He He was the fi rst Italian to win an Olym- ish said after the points race in said he was pleased with the sil- pic track cycling gold medal since 1996. which he was responsible for a ver but he wasn’t very convinc- “For sure it was a bad moment in the race. mid-race crash that grounded ing,” she told Reuters. “But give it When I saw the Korean guy in front of me Viviani. 24 hours and he will understand go down I thought ‘No chance. I’m going Cavendish’s desire to add an what he has achieved there.” down’,” the 27-year-old told reporters. “I got back on the bike. My adrenaline went up so I was really ready. I really enjoyed Italy’s Elia Viviani reacts after the last 10 laps. It was the race of my life.” winning the Omnium track He graciously did not blame Cavend- cycling event at the Velodrome ish for the crash — saying it was normal during the Rio Olympics on even though the Tour de France great Monday. (AFP/ Eric Feferberg) speared his bike into Park’s coming out of a corner. “I should look where I’m going,” said Cavendish, who had a nervous wait to make sure he had not been penalised before he could savour a long-awaited Olympic medal. “It was my fault. I hope he’s all right. it seemed he could mount a late charge Beijing in 2008, the British track team Men’s sprint champion Jason Kenny is I apologised to Elia after he went down.” but his challenge faded. The Manx Mis- picked up seven of the 10 gold medals also on course in the keirin having reached Going into the points race, where rid- sile was left to rue Sunday’s elimination on off er. With four more in the bank and the semi-fi nals by comfortably winning ers contest a sprint every 10 laps to claim race when an error of judgement cost three still to be decided, Britain were on his heat. But there wasn’t such good news points, Viviani led by 16 from Cavendish. him points. “I gave everything I had, I course to hit the magic seven once again. for sprint silver medallist Callum Skinner Hansen then launched an attack and couldn’t give any more, so I have to be Laura Trott, already a gold medallist who was relegated after crossing over into lapped the fi eld, resulting in a 20-point happy,” Cavendish said. “Elia was strong- with the women’s team pursuit, leads the another rider’s lane, knocking him out of bonus, as did world champion Fernando est in all races, so hats off to the win. I am omnium with two disciplines left after the semi-fi nals. Gaviria who paid later when cramps end- disappointed it wasn’t enough to win.” fi nishing second in the morning time- Kenny has already won two gold med- ed his medal charge. As Park was loaded trial to extend her lead over Belgium’s Jo- als at these Games – the other alongside on to a stretcher the race was neutralised, Brits remain on course to match lien d’Hoore to 12 points. Skinner in the team sprint – and has fi ve giving Viviani the chance to recover from cycling gold haul Both Becky James, the keirin silver in total. Britain have already won the his fall and Hansen to get a breather. medallist, and Katy Marchant made it men’s and women’s team pursuit, men’s Cavendish, who has 30 Tour de France Britain’s dominant track cycling team re- into the women’s sprint semi-fi nals. team sprint and men’s sprint at these stage wins including four this year but mained on course to match their previous They were the top two qualifi ers and Games. suff ered Olympic heartache in 2008 and seven-title Olympic hauls on the fi nal day haven’t put a foot wrong yet, setting up Britain now has 67 Olympic medals in (From left) Silver medallist Britain’s Mark Cavendish, gold medal 2012, was the thoroughbred sprinter in of the Games competition in Rio yester- the possibility of another all-British fi nal track cycling, moving ahead of France on winner Italy’s Elia Viviani and bronze medallist Lasse Norman Hansen the fi eld. When he won the 12th sprint day. Both in London four yeas ago and following that of the men’s. the all-time list of Denmark after the men’s Omnium track cycling event. (AFP)

SWIMMING WADA APPEALS TO CAS AGAINST CLEAN Dutchman Weertman wins CHIT TO INDIAN WRESTLER NARSINGH

New Delhi: Indian wrestler Narsingh his best wishes to the Mumbai wrestler for Yadav’s participation in the Rio Olympics success at Rio. marathon in photo fi nish was in jeopardy yesterday with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealing in Srikanth faces twice Olympic AFP the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) champ Lin Dan in quarters Rio de Janeiro against the clean chit given to him. “Yes, WADA has appealed the verdict on India’s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth will face Narsingh to CAS, which will hear both par- an enormous task of beating two-time ERRY WEERTMAN won a ferocious battle ties on Thursday August 18,” Brij Bhushan Olympic gold medallist and five-time world for the men’s 10km open water swimming Sharan Singh, Indian wrestling’s govern- champion Lin Dan of China in the quarter- gold at the Rio Olympics yesterday, edging ing body president, told IANS. Narsingh is finals. World No.11 Srikanth stunned World Spiros Gianniotis in a frantic photo fi nish to scheduled to open his Rio campaign in the No.5 Jorgensen 21-19, 21-19 in 42 minutes at Fcap a Dutch open water double. 74 kilogram freestyle category on Friday, the pre-quarters stage. And the stakes will Weertman’s triumph by the narrowest of margins August 19, a day after the hearing is sched- be high as Srikanth will aim to prove that — both he and Gianniotis were credited with a time uled to take place. he has really come of age. At Rio, Srikanth of 1hr 52min 59.8sec — followed teammate Sharon “Our lawyer has already acknowledged has joined Parupalli Kashyap, who was the van Rousendaal’s victory in the women’s race off just beating China’s Zu Lijun — both being timed in the WADA letter. We will put a strong de- first Indian men’s singles player to reach Copacabana beach on Monday. 1:53:02.0sec. World champion Jordan Wilimovsky fence for Narsingh. He has a good chance Narsingh’s route had to clear the final the quarter-finals of the Olympics at the But his win bore little resemblance to van Rou- of the United States came home fi fth, 1.2sec off the of getting cleared,” Brij Bhushan added. WADA hurdle to compete, which reviewed London Games in 2012. wendaal’s victory by a margin of more than 17 lead. Only fi ve seconds separated the fi rst 11 swim- Narsingh, who bagged the quota with a the NADA panel verdict and challenged it World No.3 Dan is considered as the seconds. Weertman, the 24-year-old European mers. Before the frenzy at the end, Australia’s Jarrod bronze medal finish in last year’s World at CAS for further deliberation. Narsingh most successful shuttler in history. The champion, reached up to touch the timing board a Poort made a courageous solo bid for the title, lead- Championships, first returned positive for earlier overcame protracted legal hurdles 32-year-old Chinese has completed the “Su- nano-second ahead of Gianniotis, a former double ing for one hour and 39 minutes before he was over- a banned steroid following a dope test to participate in Rio after getting dragged per Grand Slam”, having won all nine major world champion who has competed in all three edi- hauled by the fi eld. Poort had arrowed away from on June 25 by the National Anti-Doping into a bitter courtroom tussle by two-time titles in the badminton world: Olympic tions since open water swimming was added to the the fi eld from the start, opening up a 58-second Agency (NADA). But NADA exonerated him Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar over rep- Games, World Championships, World Cup, Olympic programme in Beijing in 2008. lead on his 24 rivals after the fi rst of the four 2.5km of all the doping charges on August 1, after resenting the country in the 74kg freestyle Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, Super Series “Even after I touched the wall, I wasn’t sure I’d laps, showing a relentless rhythm as his opponents postponing the verdict twice in July, saying category. Masters Finals, All England Open, Asian won,” Weertman said. “It took me a while. I called jostled for position and he increased his advantage he “was a victim of sabotage done by a Narsingh was preferred over Sushil by Games, and Asian Championships -- becom- my friends back home and they said ‘You won, you to over a minute and a quarter by half-way. competitor”. WFI to take part in the Games, that fuelled ing the first and only player to achieve this won!’ and I’m like, ‘Oh really?’ I couldn’t believe it. For a while, it seemed the 21-year-old’s daring The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) a major legal battle between the two grap- feat. Meanwhile, wrestler Hardeep Singh I still can’t believe it.” might pay off but, almost inevitably, he began to also communicated to the world’s apex plers. Sushil missed the qualification for crashed out of the men’s Greco-Roman 98 Gianniotis, 36, said he couldn’t have wished for a tire on the third lap as the chase group rallied. Go- wrestling body, the United World Wrestling Rio due to injury, and Narsingh secured kg 1/8 Final after losing to Turkey’s Cenk better fi nale to his career, even if it ended in silver. ing into the fourth and fi nal circuit of the course his (UWW) on August 1 that NADA has cleared the berth to represent the country. After Ildem 1-2 on points at the Rio Olympics yes- “Every single metre of the training, every single day lead had been trimmed to 40 seconds over a pack Narsingh of all the doping-related charges repeatedly requesting WFI to hold trials terday. Hardeep’s elimination has brought and hour, it’s just come down to the perfect mo- led by reigning champion Ous Mellouli of Tunisia and the 26-year-old would be re-included in anew, Sushil moved the court. down the curtains on India’s campaign in ment,” he said. “That was my last race and I think — who was eventually swallowed up in the rush for the team for the 74kg competition. But the Delhi High Court on June 6 dis- the Greco-Roman category after Ravinder that’s a really good way to go.” home and fi nished 12th. Exhausted, Poort was un- UWW gave the green light to Narsingh missed his plea, clearing Narsingh’s path. Khatri lost to Hungary’s Viktor Lorincz by Seconds behind them there was an equally tight able to maintain the most effi cient racing line, help- for participation on August 3. However, After NADA’s clearance, Sushil conveyed technical superiority in 85kg on Monday. call for bronze with France’s Marc-Antoine Olivier ing his pursuers reel him in. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 17, 2016

SPOTLIGHT ‘Brutal but eff ective’: Why Team GB has won so many medals Sports that have propelled Britain up the medal table have received extra investment while others have had their funding cut

By Josh Halliday slashed from £25.1mn to £20.8mn after a dis- Theguardian.com appointing London 2012, when its three med- als missed the target of between fi ve and seven. With six medals so far in Rio – one gold and fi ve n the past 24 hours, Team GB have rewrit- silvers – it has already passed its target of fi ve ten their Olympic history, moving ahead for this Olympic Games. Its national governing of China into second place in the Rio 2016 body, British Swimming, will hope to be reward- medals table after winning a record-break- ed for this success with an increase in funding Iing fi ve gold medals in a single day. With Olym- before Tokyo 2020. pic champions in tennis, golf, gymnastics and UK Sport funding for medal-winning Olym- cycling – and another assured in sailing – the pians is assured, but some of the clubs where team’s directors hailed national lottery fund- they spend long hours training are struggling ing and the legacy of London 2012 for the Rio to survive. Peaty’s City of Derby swimming goldrush. So how has funding in British sport club was almost forced to close last year when changed in the run-up to Super Sunday? two pools in the city shut down for nearly three UK Sport, which determines how public months, its chairman, Peter Spink, said. funds raised via the national lottery and tax are “If we hadn’t got the focus of the council allocated to elite-level sport, has pledged al- back on to swimming, things would have got a most £350mn to Olympic and Paralympic sports lot worse for us,” he said. “Worst case, closure between 2013 and 2017, up 11% on the run-up to could have happened. I don’t think I felt we got London 2012. that close fortunately but unless we did some- Those sports that have fuelled the rise in Brit- thing drastic and worked our way through it ain’s medal-table positions over the past eight then, if not closed, we would have been a very years – athletics, boxing and cycling, for exam- much diminished club.” ple – were rewarded with increased investment. Steve Layton, the club’s secretary, credited “It’s a brutal regime, but it’s as crude as it is ef- the local authority for fi xing a roof at one pool fective,” said Dr Borja Garcia, a senior lecturer and reopening another that had previously been in sports management and policy at Loughbor- closed, but added that it was only a matter of ough University. time before one of the “not fi t for purpose” fa- Sports that failed to hit their 2012 medal tar- cilities was permanently closed down. Spearheaded by the gold medal-winning Adam Peaty, Team GB secured its biggest Olympic medal haul in the pool since 1984 get – including crowd-pleasers such as wres- The club is trying to raise sponsorship money tling, table tennis and volleyball – either had through partnerships with local companies, he a bit. The issues we have in Derby demonstrate eight in the Olympics can receive up to £21,500 a make cuts since 2010, when grant funding for their funding reduced or cut altogether. Has said, but has so far been unable to raise enough that there really wasn’t the appetite either in lo- year. Future stars, those expected to win medals local authorities was cut by a fi fth, more than that aff ected their prospects in Rio? It may be money to pay for coaches rather than rely on cal or national government to fund sport in that on the world or Olympic stage within four years, twice the level of cuts to the rest of the UK pub- too soon to tell, but so far swimming is the only volunteers. The ultimate aim is to raise enough way,” he said. can get up to £15,000 a year. lic sector sport that has won medals at this Olympics after investment for an Olympic-standard 50m pool Many smaller, older swimming pools are be- having it funding cut post-2012. in Derby, so that the Adam Peatys of tomorrow CYCLING HAS IT WORKED? ing closed at a time when more people are be- The aim is quite simple: to ensure Great Brit- are not confi ned to the city’s 25m pools. ing inspired to get in the water, thanks in part to ain becomes the fi rst home nation to deliver “Swimming is not like football. It doesn’t Along with a knighthood for Bradley Wiggins, Most experts agree that UK Sports “no compro- Team GB medal winners Jazz Carlin, Siobhan- more medals at the following away Games. As it draw the crowds and we are in times of auster- an increase in funding followed Team GB’s cy- mise” funding approach has underpinned Great Marie O’Connor and Peaty. stands after day 10 on Sunday, Team GB has one ity. We understand all that, but we are trying to cling success in London 2012. Their fi nal tally of Britain’s rise from 36th in the medal table in At- The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) more medal than at the equivalent stage in Lon- get sponsorship to give us some support,” Lay- 12 medals exceeded the target of between six and lanta in 1996 to third at London 2012. said this weekend that there had been a huge don – their most successful ever Games. ton said. 10, resulting in a boost to British Cycling’s cof- “It’s a very rational, cold approach. Med- jump in the number of people searching online The grand rhetoric of an Olympic legacy after fers from £26mn to £30.2mn. als have gone up. British elite sport is certainly for their nearest leisure pool during the fi rst few SWIMMING London 2012 did not add up to much for cities In Rio, Team GB has secured six medals – four booming. The returns of medals per pound is days of the Games. such as Derby, but Spink said he was hopeful gold and two silver – and smashed two world there,” said Garcia. Alison Clowes, the ASA’s head of media, said Spearheaded by the gold medal-winning Adam now of more investment in swimming follow- records, with both the women’s and men’s Some critics, however, say UK Sport’s ap- 80,000 people had used its “poolfi nder” app Peaty, Team GB has already secured its biggest ing Team GB’s success in Rio. “The legacy of the team pursuit taking gold. It is well on the way to proach has gone too far and is damaging grass- between 5 and 11 August – almost double the Olympic medal haul in the pool since 1984, but London Olympics was always a big thing. We reaching its fi nal Rio target of between eight and roots sport. They have argued that focusing rate for the same period in July – and the ASA it was one of the elite sports to have its funding saw that a little bit, but of late that has dwindled 10 medals. disproportionately on sports such as cycling, was getting dozens of phone inquiries too. sailing and rowing has meant those such as bas- “We’ve already seen a boost from our Olympic GYMNASTICS ketball risk withering because they were unable successes, which is great,” she said. to demonstrate they would win a medal at either Meanwhile, the average level of swimming Max Whitlock’s heroics in the Olympics arena on of the next two Olympics. profi ciency among schoolchildren requires im- Super Sunday ended a 116-year wait for a British “We can ask all the philosophical questions, provement. ASA research shows that 52% of gymnastics Olympic champion. His double gold which are valid. What about basketball, which children leave school unable to swim 25 metres also boosted Team GB’s medal count in the sport has a lot of social potential in the inner cities? unaided. to four, with Louis Smith winning silver in the What about volleyball? What about fencing? Jennie Price, the chief executive of Sport pommel horse and Bryony Page becoming the Why focus on specifi c sports?” said Garcia. England, said: “Watching our athletes achieving fi rst British woman to win an Olympic trampo- “Participation is going down. Why do we in- great things in Rio is truly inspirational, partic- line medal by claiming silver in Rio. vest all this money in all those medals? Just to ularly for young people. Whether it encourages Having previously lost all of its elite-level get the medals? To get people active? To make them to get more active, try something new or funding, British gymnastics has experienced a Great Britain’s name known around the world? even strive for gold themselves one day, Team steady increase in public investment over the With a cold analysis of the objectives and the GB is making a massive contribution to sport past 20 years, from £5.9mn at Sydney 2000 to money invested, yes it has worked. back home.” £14.6mn in the current cycle, after it benefi ted “I have some sympathy for UK Sport as an or- “A relatively small number of sports feature from a 36% funding increase after beating its ganisation. They were given the objectives and regularly on prime-time TV, so for many the medal target in London 2012. they delivered.” Olympic Games is the moment that catapults In May, Sport England, which focuses on them onto the screens of the nation. We need to FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES grassroots sport, unveiled a four-year strategy capitalise on that, for example with programmes to target inactivity. More than a quarter of the like Backing the Best where Sport England sup- In addition to the funding given to each sport’s population is offi cially defi ned as inactive be- ports young talented athletes at the beginning of Max Whitlock’s double gold governing body, some elite stars – described cause they do less than 30 minutes of activity a their sporting careers. heroics ended a 116-year by UK Sport as “podium-level athletes – also week, including walking. “There will be new Max Whitlocks and Kath wait for a British gymnastics qualify for individual funding to help with living The move is a lurch away from the earlier Graingers out there who Sport England will Olympic champion. costs. Medallists at the Olympic Games, sen- strategy, which was set before London 2012 and support through our funding of the talent sys- (AFP / Ben Stansall) ior world championships and Paralympics gold focused on getting more people to play more tem, but most won’t reach those heights. Our medallists can receive up to £28,000 a year in sport with only mixed results. main aim is making sure all young people get a athlete performance awards funded by the na- Severe cuts to local authority budgets are positive experience when they try a sport and tional lottery. also squeezing resources at the grassroots level. whatever they choose to do, come away with the Sportsmen and women who fi nish in the top Councils across England have been forced to good basic skills and having had a great time.”

FOCUS SC’s social work to leave a lasting 2022 legacy: Denilson

ormer Brazil international Denilson knows in the world when he signed for Spanish side Real what it is like to wear the famous yellow Betis in 1998, said Qatar are well prepared to host shirt of Brazil on the biggest stage. The Sao the world’s greatest competition. Paulo born winger represented his coun- “I played in two World Cup fi nals, fi rst France tryF on 27 occasions at FIFA tournaments, winning and then South Korea and Japan. I would love to be the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament in Japan and in Qatar in 2022 and see the football in those mar- South Korea and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup vellous stadiums. With six stadiums already under in Saudi Arabia, where he was awarded the Golden construction and two more on the way, I have to Ball. He also fi nished runner up at the 1998 FIFA congratulate SC for the work that has already been World Cup in France. done. I am looking forward to a spectacular World The start of his international career took place in Cup in Qatar.” Qatar though, where he was part of the Brazil team After learning about the most important SC leg- at the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championships (now acy projects including Challenge 22 and Generation called the FIFA Under-20 World Cup). So when he Amazing, Denilson concluded by saying that their visited the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Leg- Qatar’s donation of modular seating to developing acy (SC) booth at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro this countries in the region would also leave an impor- week, it was also a return to the start of his playing tant impact on world football. days. “The social work being done by Qatar is very “I have been very pleased to learn more about the important, and the Supreme Committee is setting 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and have had a fantas- an example as to how a World Cup can be planned tic reception here at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro,” keeping in mind the development of the children of Denilson told www.sc.qa. “I was very surprised by the region. The gesture of donating modular seats the whole setup they have here in Brazil, where we to developing nations exemplifi es the good work are living a very important moment with the Ol- being done in Qatar to leave a lasting legacy.” ympic Games. There is a great deal of anticipation With Brazil’s national team the focus of Olympic here to fi nd out what the World Cup in Qatar will be attention as they try to win their elusive gold medal like. That’s why it was important to come here and in men’s football, Denilson said the team is ready to showcase to Brazilians that the 2022 World Cup will deliver: “Brazil have a good side with Neymar pro- enter into the history books.” viding the undoubted quality. We will be hoping to Denilson, at one time the most expensive player go all the way.” Former Brazil footballer Denilson visited the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) booth at Bayt Qatar in Rio de Janeiro. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 17, 2016 7

WEIGHTLIFTING BOXING Rusty Adams makes Proud Uzbek sure of a medal Nurudinov eases

Great Britain’s Nicola Adams reacts after winning against Ukraine’s to Olympic gold Tetyana Kob during the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) quarter-final. ‘I was given that Pride of Uzbekistan award in 2013. There is one higher award — Hero Reuters sealed a medal and now it’s just a Rio de Janeiro chance to change the colour.” Adams won the world cham- of Uzbekistan — but that is very hard to win. But if I win in Tokyo (in 2020)..’ pionship title, her fi rst, in Astana ritain’s Nicola Adams in May. She had previously won secured at least a bronze three silvers. medal and shook off Victory in Rio would make her some rung rust as she the fi rst Briton to win two Olym- Bbegan the defence of her Olym- pic titles since London police- pic fl yweight title with a quarter- man Harry Mallin won middle- fi nal points victory over Ukrain- weight gold in 1920 and 1924. ian Tetyana Kob yesterday. Adams won the fi rst round 10-9 It was by no means a classic on all three scorecards but lost performance from the 33-year- some momentum in the second as old Leeds fi ghter but she did what she toyed with Kob’s defence. was needed to set up a semi-fi nal “The tactics were at fi rst to with China’s Ren Cancan, the move around her...I wanted to woman she beat in the London see what she was like going back 2012 fi nal. so the next two rounds I decided Cancan, who beat Adams in to go forward a little bit, play her the 2010 and 2012 world champi- at her own game,” she said. onships fi nals, saw off Canada’s Ireland’s Katie Taylor, the 2012 Mandy Bujold by the same 3-0 lightweight champion, lost her scoreline. opening bout on Monday but “I felt a little bit rusty, I Adams said that upset was not haven’t boxed since the world on her mind. championships,” Adams, the fi rst “I just have to focus on what woman to win an Olympic gold in I’m doing in the ring,” she said.”If boxing, told reporters. I start thinking about all that I’ll “But I can build from that one lose my focus and be concentrat- now. I’ve got the win out of the ing on other things than just get- way, pressure’s off a little bit, I’ve ting in there and trying to win.”

Suspended Kuwait lauds medallists

Kuwait has hailed the two med- mation minister, told the Al Rai als won by its athletes who are daily that he did not want “to competing at the Rio Games politicise the victory”. as independents, following a “The interests and future of row between the Gulf state and Kuwait come first. This victory world sporting bodies. confirms that we deserve bet- Kuwait is suspended by the ter,” he said. International Olympic Com- Kuwait Olympic Commit- mittee (IOC) and other leading tee head Sheikh Talal Fahad federations such as FIFA, al-Sabah said the victories football’s world body, over showed there was a “need alleged government interfer- to change the lack of vision ence in sport. and wrong path that put our Fehaid al-Deehani, who won athletes in diff icult situations, men’s double trap gold last and prevented them from cel- Ruslan Nurudinov (UZB) of Uzbekistan celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men’s 105kg category at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro. week, and Abdullah Alrashidi, ebrating this historic victory.” who scooped a bronze in Although Deehani was not Reuters ahead of two men who had beaten him “I am so tired, so very tired, I just However, Kazakhstan’s Ilyin and the men’s shooting skeet, entitled to have the Kuwait Rio de Janeiro at the European Championships in April want to sleep,” said Nurudinov, Bedzhanyan are both absent from Rio be- both competed in Rio as so- national anthem played when with a career-best total of 417kg. who has undergone two bouts of cause of doping bans. called Independent Olympic he took to the podium, his vic- It was Armenia’s fi rst medal in Rio. knee surgery in the past two years, Athletes. tory led to a wave of euphoria eightlifter Ruslan Nurudinov “I am the happiest man in the world,” aft er winning with an overall total FROM SURGERY TO GOLD The Gulf state has never won in the Gulf state. lived up to his billing as the Martirosyan said. of 431kg. “Then I want to swim. If Three months before those champion- an Olympic gold medal, and “Many sceptics now realise ‘Pride of Uzbekistan’ with a The bronze went to Kazakhstan’s Al- I’m lucky, man, I might go to the ships, Nurudinov had his fi rst surgery. Kuwaiti ruler Emir Sheikh that this participation and routine victory in the 105kg exandr Zaichikov, who would have com- beach here in Brazil” “Somehow I managed to perform in Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah achievement are good for Wcategory on Monday, before promising bined for more than 416kg had his third Almaty, and then my knee went bust,” he praised Deehani’s achieve- the country. We managed to himself a long sleep and a trip to the beach. clean and jerk lift not been overruled for For this gold medal, I don’t think so. But said. He had a full year of rehabilitation ment as “a unique sporting win the heart of viewers, fans “I am so tired, so very tired, I just failing to fully extend his arms. if I win in Tokyo (in 2020)...” and after a second operation in Germany, success”. and the Arab world,” the gold want to sleep,” said Nurudinov, who has The mistake dropped Zaichikov from The Uzbek had not competed at this he had nine months to prepare for Rio. Sheikh Salman al-Humoud medallist said on his return to undergone two bouts of knee surgery in fi rst to third, although Nurudinov still weight since he fi nished third at the 2014 The contest started at 3am in Uz- al-Sabah, the youth and infor- Kuwait on Sunday. the past two years, after winning with had two lifts to come at that point. IWF World Championships in one of the bekistan but “most people would have an overall total of 431kg. “Then I want to “I was given that Pride of Uzbekistan most remarkable contests in weightlift- been watching” said Nurudinov, who swim. If I’m lucky, man, I might go to the award in 2013,” said the 24-year-old Nu- ing history. smiles and pokes out his tongue during beach here in Brazil.” rudinov, who won Asian, World and Uni- Nurudinov, Ilya Ilyin and the Rus- each lift. IN SUPPORT Armenian teenager Simon Marti- versiade titles that year. sian David Bedzhanyan all broke world “I’ve never bitten it yet,” he said. “And rosyan put in a remarkable performance “There is one higher award — Hero of records in the clean and jerk in a memo- smiling helps me to fi ght stress.” And to take silver, the 19-year-old fi nishing Uzbekistan — but that is very hard to win. rable contest in Almaty, Kazakhstan. helped him win a medal too. Phelps hails role BOTTOMLINE inspiring own defeat

AFP Rio de Janeiro

Singapore swimmer Schooling ichael Phelps has ac- knowledged a “small part” in his own dramatic Olympic Mdefeat by Singapore hero Joseph eyes more Olympic glory Schooling but bears no grudge. Phelps spent most of the Ol- Reuters “Next goal, next step, He is due for an open top bus ympic swimming contest beat- Singapore besides breaking the record parade tomorrow. ing swimmers he had inspired USA’s Michael Phelps. for 100 fl y would be getting He thanked Phelps for his win. into the pool. my 200 fl y back.... I’ve got a “Michael took me under his But Schooling, who was photo- triumph, a photo of a 13-year- ingapore’s fi rst Olympic good shot. I’ve been wing and... said: ‘look you’re graphed with Phelps as a 13-year- old Schooling with Phelps during gold medallist, swimmer training for 200 fl y, that’s so young, you’ve got so much old, stepped out of line in the the US team’s pre-Beijing Games Joseph Schooling, said on why I can fi nish a 100 ahead of you, don’t sweat it’ 100m butterfl y, spoiling the US training camp in Singapore in Tuesday he was looking pretty well” and that still sticks with me legend’s all-win record in Rio. 2008 was a social media rage. toS beat the world record for 100 ‘till today,” he told Reuters in a “It’s incredible,” Phelps said Schooling said Phelps “is the metres butterfl y and planned to ing a new tattoo of the Olympic brief interview after the news Monday of falling to a swimmer 10 reason why I wanted to be a bet- compete in two more events at circles on his right biceps. conference. years his junior, who unabashedly ter swimmer.” the next Olympics in Tokyo. Schooling, 21, fi nished the 100 As part of its Foreign Sports points to the American great as his Two days after wrapping up After winning gold in Rio de metres butterfl y fi nal in an Ol- Talent programme, wealthy inspiration and role model. his fi fth and fi nal Olympics, Janeiro in the 100 metres but- ympic record time of 50.39 sec- Singapore off ers a S$1 million “I would have liked to have Phelps said he couldn’t have terfl y last week and reaching the onds, ahead of his childhood idol ($747,663) prize for gold medals. won. But being able to watch Joe asked for a better legacy. semi-fi nals in 100 metres free- Michael Phelps, South Africa’s Schooling, whose parents sold and being able to watch what Phelps had a chance to see style, Schooling said he might Chad le Clos and Hungary’s Las- their house to fund his training, he’s done over the last couple of Schooling’s progress over the also challenge in the 200 metres zlo Cseh who all fi nished in 51.14 according to news reports, does years and to think that I was a lit- years, as the Singapore swim- butterfl y and the 200 metres in- seconds for a joint silver. not have specifi c plans on how tle small part of his inspiration, it mer trained and competed in the dividual medley (IM). Singapore, a Southeast Asian to spend it. “I’ll let my mum do means a lot,” he added. United States fi rst at the Bolles “Next goal, next step, besides island nation of less than six that, she’s good with money,” he “It’s special, because it shows School in Florida and now at the breaking the record for 100 fl y million, had won only two silver told Reuters. that I have been able to change the University of Texas. would be getting my 200 fl y and two bronze medals since it He will focus on training for sport a little bit and that’s some- Schooling was on Phelps’s back.... I’ve got a good shot. I’ve Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling holds his gold medal poses joined the Olympic fold in 1948. Tokyo instead. thing I’ve always wanted to do.” radar after breaking NCAA col- been training for 200 fl y, that’s upon arrival from Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Schooling has been lifted to na- “When I’m 25 I’m going to be The defeat meant he had one legiate and US Open butterfl y why I can fi nish a 100 pretty tional hero status with parliament at my peak. I’m going to be a lot silver medal to go with his fi ve records swimming for Texas, and well,” he told reporters after re- his home country. good race. An all-around race passing a motion to recognise his stronger than I am now.” Now to golds in Rio. earning world championships turning to a cheering crowd in “I think 200 IM would be a for me,” added Schooling, sport- achievements on Monday. see what happens next. And shortly after Schooling’s bronze in Russia last year. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, August 17, 2016

FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL US men reach the quarter-fi nals, Brazil Marta in tears as oust France Sweden beat Brazil on penalties Cristiane, the Olympics’ all-time top scorer, and Andressa saw spot-kicks saved by

Hedvig Lindahl after neither side could score a goal in 120 minutes Brazil’s Wallace Leandro De Souza celebrates with teammate Bruno.

Reuters “The big challenge was Rio De Janeiro having such emotional matches the previous two and being able to summon he United States secured those emotional reserves a berth in the quarter- and come out and to bring fi nals of the men’s Ol- that again,” said US coach Tympic volleyball tour- John Speraw nament by defeating Mexico on Monday, while an ecstatic home supporters booed every French crowd roared Brazil on to the next serve and roared with delight round with a 3-1 win over France. when the home team scored. The United States, gold med- “The champions are back,” allists in Beijing in 2008, clawed the crowd chanted of Brazil, their way back from the brink of Olympic gold medallists at the elimination in Rio after losing 2004 Athens Games. their fi rst two games to Canada French coach Laurent Tillie and Italy. said his team made too many They began the turnaround mistakes on their serve. with a 3-1 win over Brazil, beat “We were up against a very France by the same score, then good team. We fought and tried defeated Mexico (25-23 25-11 to fi nd our way tactically, but 25-19) in their last preliminary Brazil made no mistakes at the game to set up a quarter-fi nal end of the sets,” he told Reuters. against Poland. Tillie said the crowd was noisy “The big challenge was having but fair and France had enjoyed such emotional matches the pre- the sporting atmosphere. vious two and being able to sum- Brazil, beaten fi nalists at the mon those emotional reserves and last two Olympics, face sport- come out and to bring that again,” ing arch-rivals Argentina in the said US coach John Speraw. quarters. Brazil sent France home after Defending champions Russia recording a 25-22 22-25 25-20 25- play Canada and Italy play Iran. 23 win at Rio’s packed Maracana- Canada defeated group lead- zinho stadium, where Brazilian ers Italy 3-1 on Monday.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY Netherlands, New Brazil’s player Marta (R) is comforted by a Swedish player after Brazil lost in their Rio 2016 Olympic Games Women’s semi-final football match at the Maracana Stadium in Rio. Zealand, Britain and AFP Unlike against the Aussies, five-time pered the Sweden goal. Blackstenius a shot on target which was Rio de Janeiro World Player of the Year Marta did con- Debinha fi red a volley just over and easily mopped up. vert from the spot, but was reduced to forced Lindahl to tip over a header, whilst Veteran midfielder Formiga, the only Germany reach the tears as her ambition of finally winning the Chelsea goalkeeper also nearly turned woman to play in all six Games since weden ended a disconsolate Mar- a major international title fell short of a dipping Marta corner into her own net. women’s football was introduced to ta’s dreams of guiding Brazil’s the final. Lindahl even had to endure chants of the Olympics, came close to a fairytale semi-fi nals women to a fi rst Olympic foot- Marta, who has played her club foot- “Zika” from the home fans, which had end when her low header was just kept ball gold medal yesterday with a ball in Sweden for the past four years, was been previously reserved for outspoken out by Lindahl in the fourth minute of 4-3S penalty shoot-out win to book their consoled by the Swedish players, whilst a USA ‘keeper Hope Solo. stoppage time. place in the gold medal match. huge crowd in excess of 70,000 gave their Marta had inspired the 5-1 thrashing Brazil coach Vadao introduced Cris- Cristiane, the Olympics’ all-time top defeated team a huge ovation. of Sweden with two goals in the group tiane for extra-time despite doubts over scorer, and Andressa saw spot-kicks Sweden coach Pia Sundhage now has stage, but despite their dominance her fi tness after missing the quarter-fi nal saved by Hedvig Lindahl after neither the chance to win a third straight gold the ball wouldn’t go in for the hosts as through injury. side could score a goal in 120 minutes. medal after leading the USA to victory in Marta prodded wide and Beatriz — who But it was Sweden who came closest in Lisa Dahlkvist converted the winning 2008 and 2012. also scored twice in the early win over the extra 30 minutes when captain Lotta penalty to secure a place in the fi nal and Sweden’s hero Lindahl described the Sweden — forced Lindahl into another Schelin headed inches wide from a corner Sweden’s fi rst women’s football Olympic baking sun in Salvador during the Scan- routine save. and then shot into the side-netting at the medal. dinavians’ shock quarter-fi nal win over Solo had castigated Sweden as “cow- end of a sweeping counter-attack. Germany face Canada later in Belo three-time defending gold medallists the ards” for their defensive display in the last Marta saw a low free-kick held by Lin- Horizonte in the other semi-fi nal. United States as “her enemy”. eight, but that seemed to only strengthen dahl, but a rare fl ap by the keeper caused Brazil had thrashed the Swedes 5-1 Lindahl suff ers from vitiligo, a condi- the resolve of Sundhage’s women as they a fl urry of blocked shots inside the Swe- in the group stages just 10 days ago, but tion that causes patches of skin to lose barely threatened the Brazilian goal. den area moments later as they held on were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw their pigment, making the skin particu- Brazilian stopper Barbara — the hero of for penalties. and, just like in their quarter-fi nal win larly sensitive in the sun. an agonising 7-6 shootout win over Aus- Lindahl came up trumps in the shoot- Netherland’s Laurien Leurink (C) celebrates a goal with teammates over Australia, forced to go through the And she was under fi re in the Rio heat tralia — was only forced into action when out, though, and Dahlkvist’s cool fi nish during the women’s quarter-final hockey match against Argentina. agony of penalties. as a fl urry of early Brazilian attacks pep- her own poor clearance allowed Stina plunged a stunned Maracana into silence. Reuters Germany held off a late surge Rio de Janeiro by the United States to advance HOCKEY to the semi-fi nal. Germany’s Marie Mavers efending champions opened the scoring with a goal Netherlands will face midway through the fi rst period. Germany, while Britain Lisa Altenburg knocked in a take on New Zealand in backhanded shot high over U.S. Dthe women’s hockey semi-fi nals goalkeeper Jackie Briggs to put Argentina humiliate defending of the Rio Olympics today. Germany up 2-0 late in the fi rst. World number one Nether- Katelyn Falgowski’s goal with lands, who are seeking a third suc- four minutes left gave the Amer- cessive gold, beat Argentina 3-2 in icans a glimmer of hope, but the the quarter-fi nals, while Germany Germans remained strong de- hockey champions Germany dumped out the United States fensively to set up a semi-fi nal with a 2-1 victory on Monday. clash with Netherlands. AFP “We watched a lot of to goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi who New Zealand hammered New Zealand took an early lead Rio de Janeiro videos of the Germans pulled off 10 saves in total. world number three Australia as Anita McLaren converted a before this game. We had “We didn’t play our best 4-2 in their quarter-fi nal to set penalty corner and Kelsey Smith three corners in the fi rst hockey today, that’s for sure,” up a chance of a rare hockey handed her side a two-goal rgentina humiliated part of the game and then admitted Furste. medal, as Britain, who won the cushion prior to halftime when double defending Ol- we scored three-from-three “They defended well, they bronze medal in the 2012 London she added another penalty cor- ympic champions Ger- so it was good, happy,” said scored three corners, that just Games, ousted Spain 3-1. ner goal. many 5-2 to reach the 24-year-old Peillat can’t happen. After that it was Netherlands were quick off Australia’s Kathryn Slattery men’sA hockey fi nal for the fi rst very diffi cult for us to come back the blocks against world number scored to cut the lead to just one time yesterday. man goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi into the game. two Argentina as they romped but Gemma Flynn and Olivia The South Americans for his teammate to tap home. “But we believed in ourselves. to a two-goal lead thanks to Merry struck for New Zealand in pounced on a German team who We tried everything until the goals from Laurien Leurink and the third period to put the result only squeezed into the semi-fi - TOTAL 10 end, it just wasn’t enough.” Lidewij Welten in the fi rst half. beyond doubt as Slattery netted nals by scoring three times in the Peillat’s triple took his total for Argentina, ranked at seven Kelly Jonker opened up a a late consolation. closing fi ve minutes to beat New the tournament to 10. in the world, have already sur- three-goal gap after she scored Goals from Georgie Twigg, Zealand in the last-eight, 3-2. “We watched a lot of videos of passed their best previous Ol- from a penalty corner just six Helen Richardson-Walsh and Defender Gonzalo Peillat hit the Germans before this game. ympic performance of a fifth- minutes into the third quarter Lily Owsley gave Britain a com- a hat-trick of penalty corners We had three corners in the fi rst place finish at the 1948 Games but Argentina’s Florencia Habif fortable three-goal lead heading with Joaquin Menini and Lucas part of the game and then we in London. pulled one back ahead of the fi nal into halftime. Vila giving Argentina a 5-0 lead. scored three-from-three so it Four years ago, in London quarter. Britain continued their domi- Menini’s 35th minute goal was was good, happy,” said 24-year- again, they were 10th. Delfi na Merino scored eight nance in the third quarter as they the pick of the bunch for an Ar- old Peillat. In the final they will face the minutes from the fi nal whistle to did not give Spain a sight of goal. gentina team who will win their Moritz Furste and Christo- Netherlands, who were Ol- set up a nervy ending but Neth- Spain piled on the pressure in fi rst medal in men’s hockey. pher Ruhr scored late consola- ympic champions in 1996 and erlands nullifi ed Argentina’s at- the fourth period but left it too Agustin Mazzilli escaped a Argentina’s Pedro Ibarra celebrates with teammates winning the tion strikes for Germany. 2000 and silver medallists in tacking threat to book their place late as Georgina Oliva only man- defender to lift the ball over Ger- men’s hockey semi-final against Germany. Argentina were also indebted 2012, or Belgium. in the fi nal-four. aged to grab a consolation. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 17, 2016 9

TENNIS ON A LIGHTER NOTE Quirks and foibles at the occasionally Rio gold a platform odd Olympics

DPA and then jump high. Rio de Janeiro I can feel the mat better this way,” she says.

hy do handball play- HOME COOKING for New York ers repeatedly reach After weighing in on the down to touch their eve of competition, wrestling shoes? And what’s world champion Frank Staebler Wwith all these athletes biting can’t go without the meat broth their medals after the award cer- cooked by his mother. emony? Then there are the table She obviously couldn’t have tennis behaving like Mr Clean. been left at home in Germany. It all seems a bit peculiar at the “As the trip to Rio is so long my challenge: Murray Rio Games. mum is on site shopping and cooking the soup here,” he ex- HAIR-RAISING plained. ‘Novak has played amazing tennis in the last two years and has been consistent. What I She raises her right arm with the ball in the air while her left TABLE MANNERS have been doing in four months he has been doing all year. I need to keep going’ hand holds the braid in her hair. The table tennis players are German shot putter Christina the Mr and Mrs Cleans of sport Schwanitz’s preparations are al- - always wiping the table with a ways the same. “It has become towel or their hands. my ritual and helps concentra- It’s because a single drop of tion,” she says. sweat can change the trajectory Not quite enough this time of the ball. though for a medal. And it’s also a ritual to increase concentration and calm nerves. TOWEL TACTIC After nearly every point Ger- GLUE FIX man tennis player Laura Siegem- Handballers are repeatedly und runs for a towel to wipe away grabbing their shoes. her sweat. Laces undone again? As a result it all gets a little No, its because they like to hectic on the court. smear their fi ngers in resin. Is it a tactic? Coach Barbara And to avoid having to keep Rittner admits it can get on other running to the resin pot on the player’s nerves and they might sidelines they fi x a tape with a lose their focus. portion of the adhesive to the But opponents haven’t thrown side of their shoes. in the towel though: Siegemund It helps give them a better grip went out in the quarter-fi nals. on the ball. Just a small tip: Never shake OLD BOOTS hands with a handball player af- Germany’s Isabell Werth rides ter the match. with a pair of well-worn boots, this time helping her to a sixth THE MEDAL BITE Olympic gold medal. “I have Where would an award cere- been wearing these since 1991,” mony be without the medal bite? says the 47-year-old, the most Many athletes put gold, silver or successful rider in Olympic his- bronze to their mouths in photos tory. “They are hard on the out- taking of the medallists after the side and soft on the inside.” That ceremony. must be a shoo-in then, although Just to make sure they are real shoe-in would obviously be more and not chocolate versions, per- appropriate. haps? They are real, of course - if you discount the fact that a gold MAT ATTACK medal only contains 1.34 per cent Judo bronze medallist Laura pure gold. The rest is sterling Vargas Koch has a routine to get silver. And, course, the ritual is the right traction under her feet. really just a fun pose for the pho- “I slide with my feet over the mat tographers.

File picture of gold medallist Andy Murray (GBR) of Britain reacts after receiving his medal. TOUGH MEASURES

FP “Novak has played amazing tennis on a slow court which meant a lot of Djokovic in the fi rst round and third seed Rio de Janeiro in the last two years and has been con- running. It was very humid and I served Rafael Nadal in the semi-fi nals. sistent. What I have been doing in four badly. All of that made the match tougher All of that from a player who came into You will be caught, months he has been doing all year. I need than it was already.” Rio with a world ranking of 141. ndy Murray believes his historic to keep going,” said Murray. Murray said he was proud of his “When I saw the draw and I was second Olympic gold medal will “The US Open is the next goal. I have achievement especially as it was sealed in playing Novak, I thought that this will IOC medical chief provide the perfect platform for played in the fi nals of all the Slams this a fi nal which featured 15 breaks of serve be a very short tournament,” said the a fresh assault on the US Open year and I want to have a good one this and ended with both men exhausted and 27-year-old. inA two weeks’ time. year in New York.” exchanging a lengthy embrace at the net. Del Potro praised the Argentine fans, warns dope cheats The world number two became the Sunday’s fi nal was played out against a dressed in the sky blue of their national fi rst player to win two tennis singles gold background of deafening noise generated PROUD MOMENT football team, as well as Brazilian spec- DPA in the room: allegations of a medals when he defeated Argentina’s by a legion of passionate, screaming Ar- “It’s very hard to win two golds, I am tators who are never traditionally that Rio de Janeiro state-sponsored doping system Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 gentine fans. proud to be the fi rst but it hasn’t been warm to their bitter neighbours. in Russia that seemingly escaped in a fi nal which lasted over four hours and Murray admitted the fi nal had pushed easy. Lots can happen in four years. I have “They cheered me and with great re- any notice until runner Yulia suff ered numerous, dramatic shifts in him to the limit. had back surgery since I won in London, I spect. The fans kept me going and made oping has cast a dark Stepanova blew the whistle on it. momentum. “It was probably one of the hardest had tough times on court.” me cry.” shadow over the Rio Her claims left Russian athletes Murray has already added a second matches I have had to play to win a big With two golds in the bag, Murray re- Del Potro spent seven hours on court Olympics. worried about whether they would Wimbledon title to his collection in 2016 fi nal,” said the British star. fused to entertain thoughts of a third gold on Saturday and Sunday at the end of D After each breath- be able to compete in Rio at all. and was runner-up to world number one “This was tough emotionally and at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. a week which started with him getting taking performance comes the The fact that they are - after Novak Djokovic at the Australian and physically, there were lots of ups and “I will be 33 in four years time, I don’t stuck in an elevator at the Athletes Vil- inevitable doubt: was the athlete the IOC decided against a blan- French Opens. downs. know if I will still be playing at the same lage for 40 minutes on the morning of his clean or was chemical help in- ket ban - is unlikely to boost the He admits that his Serb rival, who has “This was much harder to win than level then.” match against Djokovic. volved? public’s confi dence in the sport 12 majors to his three and completed a London four years ago. The fi nal then was Del Potro, a bronze medallist in London “Silver is like a gold for me — I will re- Richard Budgett’s job is to be world’s anti-doping eff orts. career Grand Slam with his win in Paris more straightforward. Tonight anything four years ago, was inconsolable, weeping member this for the rest of my life.” sceptical, but he has confi dence But Budgett tried Monday to in June, remains the benchmark chal- could have happened,” he said. as he sat courtside after the fi nal. It was a memorable match for even the in the safeguards that have been restore some trust. lenge in the sport. “I am very tired. We played four hours He had defeated world number one spectators who were watching it. put in place to catch doping at He pointed to the fact that the Rio Games - despite spec- nearly 3,200 doping tests had tacular failures in the system at been conducted since the open- BOTTOMLINE past Olympics. ing of the athletes’ village on July Budgett is the medical and 24, comprising 2,701 urine tests, scientifi c director of the Inter- 191 blood tests and 296 biologi- national Olympic Committee cal passport controls. (IOC).A doctor and 1984 rowing There had also been testing gold medallist, he is in charge not before the start of the Games, only of protecting the health of with a special task force looking Russian boxing star Tishchenko athletes at the Olympics, but also at hundreds of athletes who may of helping lead the fi ght against have fallen through the doping doping. cracks before. “Any athlete who is cheating Armed with the newest scien- should be very scared,” he said. tifi c methods, experts reanalysed booed aft er controversial gold “The message to all cheats out some 1,400 samples taken from DPA treated for a cut, but when he there is: ‘Beware, you will be athletes at the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro came back, he dealt a few strong caught eventually.’” Beijing 2008 Olympics, with 98 blows to Levit in the fi nal seconds Budgett was presented to the testing positive for illicit sub- of the match. “I was thinking that international media in Rio on stances. hey booed when Rus- I won,” Levit told reporters, sum- Monday, after organisers had been The samples taken at the Rio sia’s Evgeny Tishchenko ming up his feelings just before peppered with questions for days Olympics will be stored for 10 was named the Olym- the winner was announced. “But about the latest doping incidents years and can also be retested pic heavyweight boxing you see how it ended up.” to unsettle the Olympics. later once there are new scien- champion,T they booed during One week into the Games, tifi c advances. the medal ceremony, and they ONE-SIDED CROWD Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi, A new gene doping test is for booed before and after the Rus- The crowd in the sparsely fi lled Bulgarian steeplechaser Silvia instance expected to come online sian anthem was played. arena clearly sided with the Ka- Danekova, Polish weightlifter within months. Spectators protested with dis- zakh, who was seen as the un- Tomasz Zielinski and Brazilian A host of security measures belief Monday when gold was derdog despite his current Asian cyclist Kleber da Silva Ramos have been put in place at the lab- awarded to the reigning world champion title. had all been either suspended or oratory doing the doping tests in champion after his Olympic bout People roared with anger expelled after testing positive for Rio, which improved its methods with Kazakh boxer Vassiliy Levit. and shouted “Kazakhstan! Ka- banned substances. ahead of the Games after its ac- The three judges counted 29-28, zakshstan!” long after it had Past dopers such as US sprint- creditation was temporarily sus- 29-28 and 29-28 in favour of the become clear that the Kazakh er Justin Gatlin and Russian pended. Russian, but the result belied the Silver medallist Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) of Kazakhstan reacts to the audience as gold medallist Evgeny won only silver. swimmer Yulia Efi mova were Budgett said he will personally impression of fans and reporters Tishchenko (RUS) of Russia stands at attention for the singing of the national anthem. “It is really a pity that people roundly booed by spectators in review a month’s worth of surveil- that former kickboxer Levit was on the stands reacted like that,” Rio, and Australian swimmer lance footage of the freezer were the more active hitter over wide Russian kept his cool and hit Tishchenko in the lead after In the third, the 28-year-old Tischchenko said. Mack Horton caused a minor athletes’ samples are kept, as part stretches of the three rounds. back with blows to the head in the fi rst break, even though he Levit briefl y brought Tish- “Maybe things looked diff er- diplomatic incident when he of eff orts to prevent tampering. The Kazakh with the shaved between the pummeling. seemed to be on the defensive, chenko to the ground. ent from the side. “The judges publicly dismissed Chinese rival “The quality of the testing head started the bout with re- While the judges saw Levit getting punched into the ropes The 25-year-old Russian spent gave me the medal, so they had a Sun Yang as a “drug cheat.” here, I think, has been higher lentless attacks, while the taller ahead early, their scores put in the second round. a long time in the corner to be reason for it,” he concluded. And then there is the elephant than ever before,” he said. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, August 17, 2016 CRICKET

FOCUS Captain Misbah keen to leave Pakistan legacy

AFP land,” said Misbah. 2009 and Misbah said: “Our people love “It’s their (England’s) decision but if a London “This series-levelling win will go a cricket but they are not able to watch us team is not playing at home, it’s really not long way in establishing this team be- at home. So it is important that we keep good for cricket,” said Misbah. “People in cause in the next six months we have winning and give youngsters and up and Bangladesh love cricket. They have a cra- akistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq series against the West Indies, New coming players the encouragement to ziness for it. If they are deprived of host- has vowed to leave a Test legacy Zealand and Australia,” added the top- take up the game and make their names.” ing cricket, it could be a big loss for them.” after Sunday’s series-levelling order batsman, who made a hundred in Misbah also warned of the damage Since 2009, the United Arab Emir- Pwin against England at The Oval. Pakistan’s win over England in the fi rst that could be done to Bangladesh crick- ates has become Pakistan’s adopted Pakistan marked the nation’s Inde- Test of this year’s series at Lord’s. et should England call off their upcom- home and Misbah, whose side are pendence Day with a 10-wicket victory But after that match, Pakistan suf- ing tour of the country. England are due now in with a chance of becoming the over England in the fourth Test at The fered heavy defeats — by 330 and 141 to fl y to Bangladesh on September 30 world’s number one-ranked Test team, Oval in south London that saw them end runs in the next two Tests at Old Traf- for three one-day internationals and said not playing on home soil for so long the four-match series all square at 2-2. ford and Edgbaston respectively. two Test matches. had been emotionally draining. “The Oval win is not only pleasing Misbah said Pakistan had shown But there been concerns about the “Sometimes people think it’s re- as it is achieved on the Independence remarkable resilience to then level the viability of the fi xtures, the fi rst leg of ally easy for us playing in the UAE. They Day but it will also help us form a legacy series in convincing style at The Oval. an England tour programme that fea- think the wickets suit us and we win for our future Test teams,” Misbah said. “I kept telling the team that we have to tures a subsequent Test series in India, there,” he said. “But just living every “When I took over as captain that was follow the example of great teams who ever since 29 people were killed in a ter- day away from your country, without my aim, so this win will help me leave never look behind and keep working ror attack in Dhaka, the capital of Bang- your family and friends, and playing a legacy for future Test teams,” the hard and that’s what we did,” he said. ladesh, last month. every game away from Pakistan, is re- 42-year-old veteran skipper added. “It was like the Pakistan Move- Pakistan have not played a Test se- ally diffi cult. It’s mentally tough.” Misbah was recalled to the side and ment that even in the time of adversity ries on home soil since an armed at- “I can only see my mother once a year. I given the captaincy following the fall- Quaid-e-Azam never abandoned the tack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore only see my sister once a year. Some of my out from Pakistan’s infamous tour of hard work,” said Misbah, using the Urdu in 2009 saw six players injured, as well friends, I could not see for three or four England in 2010. That saw then Pa- term of ‘Great Leader’ for the founder of as the deaths of six policemen and two years because of these commitments. We kistan captain Salman Butt and pace modern Pakistan, Mohamed Ali Jinnah. civilians. England coach Trevor Bayliss are out of the country all the time.” bowlers Mohamed Asif and Mohamed Misbah said he had told the young and assistant Paul Farbrace, then both Farbrace insisted that no decision on Amir given fi ve-year bans and jail terms players in his squad never to lose hope. holding equivalent positions with Sri whether to go ahead with the Bangla- for deliberately bowling no-balls as “When you play cricket, you have a lot of Lanka, were on the bus at the time. desh tour would be made until England part of a spot-fi xing sting in the 2010 diffi culties and face a lot of challenges, Misbah, while accepting the legiti- team security advisor Reg Dickason had Lord’s Test against England. but through hard work you can achieve macy of security concerns, knows fully reported back from a fact-fi nding trip. But the past six years have not only the toughest of things. ” ing a series in England against a team of will achieve more than one thing if we well how debilitating it has been for Australia cancelled their senior seen Misbah unite the team but also “I remember that when we were com- quality players is a big achievement.” win and level the series, we will also give fans in cricket-loving Pakistan not to men’s team tour of Bangladesh in Oc- keep it scandal-free. “It has been im- ing here (to England) no one was ready to Misbah said he told the players before a gift to the whole nation,” he said. have seen their own heroes in interna- tober for security reasons and then portant for me to unite the team and give us any chance but I and my players the Oval match how important it would Pakistan have not played a Test in tional action and fears what a similar withdrew their side from the Under-19 unity always brings good results, even had the belief. With a bit of luck, we could be for them to mark Independence Day their own country since an armed at- situation might do to the game in fellow World Cup in the country at the start of in challenging situations like in Eng- have won this Test series but even draw- with a win. “I told the players that we tack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore in Asian nation Bangladesh. this year.

3RD TEST/ SRI LANKA vs AUSTRALIA England drop Vince for Pak ODIs England have dropped struggling batsman James Vince for the one-day series against Pa- kistan. But they have recalled fit-again Durham duo Ben Stokes and Mark Wood into a 15-man squad which also features a call-up for Vince’s Hampshire teammate Liam Dawson, who is yet to make his ODI debut. Vince failed to score Gritty Silva ton dims a Test 50 after making his debut against Sri Lanka earlier this season and the recent Paki- stan series saw the Hampshire captain manage just 158 runs in seven innings at an average of 22. England one-day captain Eoin Morgan has been included despite not playing since break- ing a finger batting for Middlesex on July 26. Stokes has been sidelined with knee and calf Aussie hopes of a win injuries this season while Wood has undergone two ankle operations since last playing for England in a Test against Pakistan in Dubai in Silva's 115 helps Sri Lanka, pushing for a rare series whitewash against Australia after winning October. Spin bowler Dawson made an impres- sive international debut against Sri Lanka at the first two Tests, end Day 4 at 312 for eight for a commanding 288-run second innings lead his Southampton home ground in July, taking three wickets in England’s eight-wicket win. The five-match one-day series against Pakistan starts in Southampton on August 24. England’s Finn out for a month England fast bowler Steven Finn is set to be out of action for at least a month after suff er- ing a hamstring injury. The Middlesex quick suff ered the left hamstring tear just two balls into his second-innings spell against Pakistan in the fourth Test at The Oval on Sunday and has been let out of England’s squad for the upcoming five-match one-day series. Finn, 27, is not expected to play international cricket again this season. But the 6ft 7in veteran of 35 Tests and 65 ODIs is aiming to be involved in County Championship action in September. “Middlesex and England bowler Steven Finn has sustained a left hamstring tear,” said an England and Wales Cricket Board statement. “He is antici- pated to be available in approximately four weeks. The 27-year-old will start a rehabilitation programme with Middlesex and England, and is aiming to play a part in Middlesex’s Champion- ship campaign in September.” Ireland suff er Rankin blow Ireland paceman Boyd Rankin will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg. The 32-year-old fractured his left tibia during a training session with English county side Warwickshire. Rankin has now been ruled out of Ireland’s two one-day internationals against Pakistan in Malahide, near Dublin, this week as well as the ICC InterContinental Cup and T20 matches against Hong Kong and next month’s ODIs against South Africa and Australia. “It’s obviously a blow to lose a bowler of Boyd’s quality and experience at such a crucial junc- ture of the season, but these things happen in sport and we wish Boyd a speedy recovery,” said Ireland coach John Bracewell, while add- ing that Ireland would not bring a replacement Dinesh Chandimal (left) hugs for Rankin into the squad for the matches teammate Kaushal Silva after against Pakistan on Thursday and Saturday his century against Australia as they felt they already had suff icient seam in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) bowling options. Rankin has taken 308 wickets in 92 first-class matches and played in the final Test for England against Australia in the 2013- AFP burst into a celebration. Smith and Shaun Marsh had given Australia very hard for a spinner to settle,” he said. “They 14 Ashes series in Sydney before reverting Colombo Off -spinner Nathan Lyon, who claimed four hope of a big fi rst-innings lead on Monday, but swept well, they used their feet well, so a lot of wickets, trapped Chandimal lbw for 43 in the fi - their departure saw the visitors lose their last credit should go to their batsmen.” back to representing Ireland. nal session to break the stand. seven wickets for 104 runs. gritty century from Kaushal Silva gave Silva, who survived an lbw appeal against Veteran spinner Rangana Herath led the Sri Scoreboard Younis returns to ICC top fi ve Sri Lanka a commanding 288-run sec- Lyon after a successful umpire review in the Lankan attack, snaring six wickets, with Aus- Sri Lanka (1st innings)...... 355 Younis Khan is back among the world’s top ond innings lead yesterday, dimming fi rst session, fi nally fell to the left-arm spin of tralia all out for 379 in response to Sri Lanka’s Australia (1st innings) 379 five batsmen following his commanding dou- Australia’s hopes of a consolation win Jon Holland in the 87th over. 355. Sri Lanka now have the chance to register Sri Lanka (2nd innings; overnight 22-1) ble century against England at The Oval. The inA the third and fi nal Test in Colombo. Australia made further inroads into the Sri their fi rst whitewash against a major team since D Perera lbw Starc ...... 8 veteran Pakistani returned to fifth position in Sri Lanka, who are pushing for a rare series white- Lankan line-up late in the day, but de Silva en- gaining Test status in 1981. D Karunaratne st Nevill b Lyon ...... 22 the standings when the latest edition of the wash after winning the fi rst two Tests, were 312 for sured that the hosts maintained their domina- Centurion Silva later said his side was deter- K Silva c Smith b Holland ...... 115 ICC’s Test batting ranking are published on eight at stumps on the fourth day at the Sinhalese tion of the match heading into the fi nal day. mined not to let Australia off the hook. “If we have K Perera c Nevill b Holland ...... 24 Monday after his 218, his sixth double century Sports Club. First innings centurion Dhananjaya de Earlier, Australia benefi ted from a review a really good target like 350 or more then we put K Mendis lbw Starc ...... 18 at this level, set up Pakistan’s 10-wicket win Silva was unbeaten on 44 with Suranga Lakmal yet after Holland had Kusal Perera caught off a top them out of the game, so that’s what we need to A Mathews c Smith b Lyon ...... 26 in the fourth Test at The Oval on Sunday, a to get off the mark at close of play. edge which took the pads and went into the do,” he said. Silva regularly received treatment for D Chandimal lbw Lyon...... 43 result which saw them draw the four-match But the day belonged to Silva, who batted gloves of the wicketkeeper. Perera, who scored his injured left fi nger during breaks. “It was tough D de Silva (batting) ...... 44 series with England at 2-2. The 38-year-old with six stitches on the webbing of his little fi n- 24, was undone by a side angle replay after a initially, because I had a split webbing also,” he R Herath c Smith b Lyon ...... 5 veteran started the series in fifth position but ger after injuring himself while fi elding on Mon- front-on view had been inconclusive and the said. “But I think that in a way helped me because S Lakmal (batting) ...... 0 dropped out of the top 10 following a run of day to make a composed 115. The 30-year-old, third umpire overturned the decision. I knew it wasn’t easy for me to drive the ball. So Extras (b-4, lb-3) ...... 7 low scores before his Oval heroics. Australia mixing dogged defence and controlled aggres- Kusal Mendis hit a quickfi re 18 off 14 balls I thought, let’s focus on the balls that are coming Total (8 wickets, 95 overs)...... 312 captain Steven Smith continues to head a list sion, put together a crucial 90-run partnership with two sixes and a four. But his counter-at- into me and leave the away-going deliveries.” Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44, 3-69, 4-98, 5-156, 6-246, where England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s with fi rst innings centurion Dinesh Chandimal tack was halted when he was trapped lbw by Australian wicketkeeper Peter Nevill praised 7-276, 8-297 Kane Williamson are still second and third to thwart the Australian attack. Mitchell Starc, who has taken two wickets. the Sri Lankan batsmen for their ability to play Bowling: M Starc 17-4-58-2; N Lyon 37-7-123-4; respectively. Meanwhile, James Anderson, Silva, who regularly received treatment for Sri Lanka, who resumed on 22 for one, quick- spin on turning tracks. “Our spinners have done J Holland 20-4-72-2; J Hazlewood 12-2-16-0; S England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, re- his injured left fi nger during breaks, reached his ly scored two runs to erase the 24-run fi rst in- their best to adapt, but I suppose their batsmen Smith 2-0-13-0; M Marsh 3-1-3-0; M Henriques mains top of the Test bowling rankings. century with a boundary off Adam Voges as he nings defi cit. Centuries from skipper Steve have played spin exceptionally well and made it 2-0-9-0; A Voges 2-0-11-0 Gulf Times Wednesday, August 17, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS US SENIOR OPEN Ultimate survivor Sauers clinches title Serena pulls out, Reuters Columbus, Ohio

ive years after defying the odds and surviving a rare and potentially fatal skin disease, Gene Wawrinka returns SauersF clinched the biggest victory of his golfi ng life, a ‘I watched it a lot—it was not easy not to be there. I have some great memories from one-shot win at the US Senior Open in Ohio on Monday. Beijing and London. In Beijing I stayed in the athlete village. I wanted to do the same Sauers suff ered the heart- break of losing in a playoff in Rio, But my body was not ready to be fully fit. Right now, I am confident and ready’ to Colin Montgomerie in the Sauers and Jimenez traded same event in 2014, but the di- the lead during the fi nal round, minutive American went one with the Spaniard surrender- AFP better this time when he sank a ing his advantage with an early Cincinnati short par putt on the last hole double-bogey before seizing it to edge Miguel Angel Jimen- back with a 20-foot birdie at ez and Billy Mayfair. Sauers the 15th hole. lympic absentee Stan carded a closing 69 to fi nish on However, Jimenez bogeyed Wawrinka will test three-under-par 277. the par-three 17th after a poor his recent back in- Now 53, the four-time PGA tee shot, leaving the pair tied jury as the Swiss opens Tour winner was hospitalised heading to the par-four 18th, hisO campaign at the ATP-WTA in 2011 after contracting a skin where Jimenez missed a 10- Cincinnati Masters in the second condition known as Stevens- foot par putt, opening the door round against Jared Donaldson. Johnson syndrome. for Sauers. The young American beat ex- Blood vessels in his arms Trying to avoid thoughts of perienced Spaniard Nicolas Al- and legs clotted and his skin his playoff loss to Montgomer- magro 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) yesterday, started to burn from the inside ie in Oklahoma, Sauers sank advancing before afternoon rain out, leaving him in excruciat- the putt to banish any demons returned on what promises to be a ing pain. He was given only a lurking in his head. diffi cult scheduling week. 25% chance of surviving but Finishing in equal second The hardcourt test is the fi nal made it through with a series place alongside American major tune-up prior to the start of successful skin grafts. Mayfair was another bitter pill of the US Open in a fortnight. “I didn’t think I’d ever be for Jimenez, who led into the Wawrinka is seeded second be- here. I told my wife when I was fi nal round at the Senior Brit- hind Rio gold medalist Andy in the hospital I didn’t think I ish Open three weeks ago but Murray, who owns two Cincin- was ever coming out,” an emo- double-bogeyed the fi nal hole nati titles. tional Sauers said at the vic- to fi nish in a tie for third. Double Grand Slam champion tory presentation. “I been hitting very good Wawrinka had been set to travel “I didn’t touch a club for sev- shots, and not enough putts,” to Rio but called off what would en years and I didn’t know if I’d said the 52-year-old, a 21-time have been the 31-year-old’s third ever be playing again. It’s pretty winner on the European Tour, Olympic adventure a few days be- amazing to win a major. I’m who will no doubt console fore the start. humbled to be here and thank himself with a trademark cigar The Swiss said that he did not the Lord for saving my life.” and glass of red wine. want to risk what has been a solid season of three titles by playing when he was unfi t at the Games. Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia serves “It was tough to make the Cuban volleyball players to David Goff in of Belgium during Olympic decision,” Wawrinka their Cincinnati Masters first round said after learning he would line charged with rape in Finland clash. Goff in won 7-5, 6-3. (AFP) up against the up-and-coming AFP well as Dariel Albo Miranda, 123rd-ranked Donaldson, aged 19. Helsinki 24, Abrahan Alfonso Gavilan, “But it would have been a risk Federer) and London. In Beijing Meanwhile, top seed Serena But Kerber can become number rupted by rain, France’s Julien 21, Ricardo Calvo Manzano, for me to have played. I went back I stayed in the athlete village,” Williams gave up a wild card en- one if she wins the Cincinnati title. Benneteau earned the fi rst up- 19, Luis Sosa Sierra, 21, and to Switzerland (after Toronto end- Wawrinka said. “I wanted to do try in Cincinnati after complain- Williams took a wild card spot set win of the week as he put out ix members of Cuba’s na- Osmany Uriarte Mestre, 21. ed two weeks ago) and saw the doc- the same in Rio, But my body ing of a shoulder injury. The world to get into the draw. She will be Spanish 10th seed David Ferrer Stional volleyball team have The Cuban team has played tor. I was eight days out of tennis was not ready to be fully fi t. Right number one, who is being chased in replaced by lucky loser Misaki 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. been charged with rape in Fin- on without them at the Olym- but I picked up a racquet a week ago now, I’m confi dent and ready to the rankings by German Angelique Doi of Japan. Doi moved into the Injury comeback hope Kevin land, prosecutors announced pic Games in Rio, finishing last and then travelled to Cincinnati. play. There is still a lot of tennis to Kerber, took a free entry only last second round and will face Amer- Anderson of South Africa reached yesterday. The players, who in their group with five straight The back is not so bad, but I need play this season.” week and was seeded atop the draw. ican Christina McHale, who beat the second round when Alexandr have been in custody since defeats. A few days after the to take some days out of tennis for France’s Julien Benneteau But the 34-year-old American Zheng Saisai of China 6-2, 6-2. Dolgopolov — a semi-fi nalist here early July, deny the aggravated alleged crime, Cuba’s national rehab and work with the physio.” earned the fi rst upset win of the reversed course abruptly and with- Australian Daria Gavrilova de- last year from a qualifying start — rape of a woman during the volleyball federation said it Wawrinka said he was a devot- week as he put out Spanish 10th drew from the tournament yester- feated Caroline Garcia of France was unable to carry on after losing Volleyball World League on the would take “measures” against ed viewer of the Olympic event seed David Ferrer 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. day. “I’m very disappointed I’m not 7-5, 6-3; Latvian Jelena Ostapenko the fi rst set 7-5. night of July 2. the suspected players. which ended at the weekend with Injury comeback hope Kevin An- able to compete as I was really look- stopped Anna Karolina Schmiedlova Marin Cilic reached the sec- The alleged victim said she “Preliminary information Murray beating Juan Martin del derson of South Africa reached ing forward to defending my title,” of Slovakia 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5). ond round by beating Serb Viktor was attacked in a hotel in the imputes they are linked to acts Potro in the gold medal match. the second round when Alexandr Williams said. “My shoulder in- Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko Troicki 6-3, 6-4, while Atlanta southern town of Tampere, totally outside the discipline, Murray delayed his Rio departure Dolgopolov — a semi-fi nalist here fl ammation continues to be a chal- defeated China’s Zhang Shiau tournament champion Nick Kyr- where the Cuban team was honour code and respect that until Monday to celebrate his sec- last year from a qualifying start — lenge, but I am anxious to return to 6-3, 6-3 while American CoCo gios saw off Frenchman Lucas playing. No other details have govern our sport and society,” ond Olympic title and was due in was unable to carry on after losing the court as soon as possible.” Vandeweghe put out Italian Sara Pouille 6-2, 7-5. Bulgarian Grigor been released and a trial date it said in a statement. “We will Cincinnati later. the fi rst set 7-5. The absence of Williams now Errani 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Croatian Dimitrov shrugged off a rst-fi has not yet been announced. take measures that demand “I watched it a lot — it was not Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas beat opens the door to Kerber to make Donna Vekic shocked newly mar- round Olympic loss to defeat Gilles The six players include justice for these behaviours easy not to be there. I have some Californian Sam Querrey 4-6, a run at the WTA top ranking. ried former world number one Simon 6-1, 6-3 while US teen- 27-year-old team captain that go against the ethics and great memories from Beijing 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, fi nishing just be- Williams has been No. 1 for 183 Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-2. ager Reilly Opelka put out Jeremy Rolando Cepeda Abreu as principles that we hold.” (doubles gold medal with Roger fore the rain arrived. straight weeks and 306 overall. In men’s play on a day inter- Chardy 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (11/9).

GOLF Day, Scott head powerful Australian team for World Cup defence AFP scenario than to represent Australia good,” Willett said. nament reverts to a 72-hole, stroke European teams down the years, for Sydney in our home country, with one of my In a return to the tournament’s play, two-man team event. The fi rst his part said he was delighted he good mates at Kingston Heath, one of format before 2013, 28 two-man and third days will be foursomes (al- would be making his debut in the my all-time favourite courses.” teams will represent their countries ternate shot) and the second and fi - tournament with Willett. orld number one Ja- World number six Bubba Watson at the Melbourne club on Novem- nal days are fourball play. “Over the past couple of years son Day will team up with will lead the US charge but the two- ber 23-27 for the 58th playing of the Willett, whose form has tailed off Danny has shown what he’s capable Australia’s only Masters time Masters champion has yet to World Cup. since his remarkable win in the fi rst of and I’ve got no doubt he’s going to champion Adam Scott to pick his partner. “I’ve been wanting Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time major of the season in April, earned prove a great partner, so I’m looking defendW their World Cup of Golf crown to make the World Cup of Golf team winner on the PGA Tour, who stands the right to choose his partner be- forward to pairing up with him,” said in November, organisers said yesterday. for a while,” Watson said. “I love the at 20 in the Offi cial World Golf cause he is the highest-ranked Eng- Westwood. The pair won the team title when team format, it is diff erent to other Ranking, will play for Japan. He has lishman. “It’s a diff erent format this “I’ve always enjoyed team golf. it was last played in 2013 and Day events that we play and I know it will yet to decided on a partner. time so I’m really looking forward It’s an exciting format and it adds also took out the individual com- be a great experience.” The highest-ranked players have to playing with Westy,” said Willett, to the occasion when you’re play- petition. He has since recorded nine England’s Danny Willett, who committed to the World Cup and who fi nished 37th in the golf tour- ing for your country, so hopefully we PGA Tour victories including two won his fi rst major at the Masters have until August 26 to choose a nament at the Rio Olympics. “He’s can bring the trophy home with us,” World Golf Championship wins and this year, teams up with Lee West- playing partner. played in nine Ryder Cups and has added the 43-year-old. his fi rst major championship victory wood, one of the men he beat by three Other contenders include Ire- unbelievable experience of four- Scotland also announced their at the 2015 US PGA Championship. strokes at Augusta. “I was at Royal land’s Shane Lowry, Korea’s An somes and fourballs, so I couldn’t duo, in-form Russell Knox, who “The victory at the 2013 World Melbourne in 2013, and although Byeong-Hun and Thailand’s have picked a better partner,” added won the Travelers Championship Australian golfers Jason Day and Adam Scott won the Cup of Golf was a kick-start to a phe- I didn’t play as well as I would’ve Thongchai Jaidee. Victor Dubuisson the 28-year-old. this month, selecting Duncan Stew- team title when the World Cup of Golf was last played in nomenal stretch of golf for me,” Day liked, it was a cracking course and will lead France and Francesco Mo- Westwood, who has been a stal- art, who went to the same American 2013. Day also won the individual competition there. said. “I really can’t imagine a better I’ve heard Kingston Heath is just as linari is in for Italy. The 2016 tour- wart of several Ryder Cup-winning university as him. Rose happy to make son cry with Rio joy AFP So when avid all-sport Olympic watcher “It resonated for a younger audience. It notion. “I would be surprised if next time Rio de Janeiro Leo got to speak with his dad, he was brought golf into a context they can un- around we don’t get a full turnout,” Daw- weeping with joy after seeing Rose had derstand,” Rose said, citing several similar son said. “What they have witnessed on gotten his medal to stand among the texts from “the deep, dark parts of your television will make them realize they have ustin Rose needed only one video- heroes on his telly. phone book that don’t often get used.” missed out on a great event.” phone call home to see the broad im- “I’ve never seen my little boy in tears,” As far going to see Chelsea with his son, As for McIlroy’s message, the man who Jpact of his winning the first Olympic Rose said. “He was actually crying when I Rose said, “I’ll make it up to him.” last month didn’t rank golf as a “real” Olym- golf crown since 1904 reflected in his chil- phoned him. That was very special. Almost It might be harder for McIlroy, top-ranked pic sport, was happy for Rose. “He was very dren’s eyes. And a praising text message had me crying.” Jason Day and some of the 20-or-so other complimentary. Absolutely he watched,” from friendly but absent rival Rory McIlroy The 2013 US Open champion also saw top players who skipped Rio to make up Rose said. “He has said his personal opin- didn’t hurt either. his four-year-old daughter Lottie’s eyes for sitting out the first Olympic golf event ions but he’s very much behind golf being British star Rose won the gold medal widen watching Olympic gymnasts flip and in 112 years. at the Olympics.” on Sunday, then missed his flight home tumble, another sign that his decision to “I think they are going to sit back and He had better be. He’s going to have to on Monday and a football match trip with play had been the right one. realize this was a great event,” Rose said. listen to Rose talk about it through 16 ma- seven-year-old son Leo to Stamford Bridge “It was important to them. That made my “It’s not going to sit well with them. It’s an jor championships from now until the 2020 to see his beloved Chelsea open the Pre- win feel a lot more important,” Rose said. opportunity that comes around so rarely. Tokyo Olympics. “There will be little old me mier League campaign against West Ham. “It has resonated with a wider audience, far Hopefully they are going to take the op- just bragging away,” Rose said. “This has Leo had previously won a medal at a wider than the US Open victory did. It is not portunity in 2020.” made my season. It’s a huge win for me. It football camp and told Rose: “Daddy, I’ve just golf fans. It’s sports fans as a whole. It International Golf Federation president has made my next four years. It’s amazing got my medal, now you go get yours.” hit home with Leo for sure. Peter Dawson seconded Rose on that bragging rights.” Golfer Justin Rose with his son Rio, wife Kate and daughter Charlotte Wednesday, August 17, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

OBITUARY Former FIFA chief Havelange dies at age 100 AFP that fl ags would be fl own at half mast at where he would remain until 2011. and met with Pope John Paul II on no Rio de Janeiro Rio Olympic venues. Brazilian interim In 1974 he got the job of FIFA presi- less than three occasions. However, president Michel Temer called Have- dent, succeeding Sir Stanley Rous as a less savory side eventually over- lange one of the “important leaders” of the fi rst non-European in the role. Over whelmed his image as a clean-living oao Havelange, who died yes- world sport. the next quarter century Havelange powerbroker. terday at the age of 100, turned There’s no doubting the impact of would change the way the world expe- Amid swirling allegations of corrup- FIFA into a global business be- Havelange. As head of FIFA for 24 years rienced football. tion, Havelange resigned from the IOC hemoth and helped bring the Ol- and with half a century on the Inter- Under Havelange the World Cup ex- in December 2011. Offi cially he left for ympicsJ to Rio, only to resign in disgrace national Olympic Committee (IOC), panded from a 16-nation event focused health reasons, but his departure was after a corruption scandal. Havelange thought and acted big, be- on Europe and a few South American two days before he was due to face an The Samaritano Hospital in Rio de coming a central fi gure in the evolution sides to the planet-wide sporting festi- ethics investigation into allegations he Janeiro confi rmed that Havelange, who of today’s sporting mega-events. val it has become. had taken bribes to funnel contracts to had been treated there in July for pneu- Among his last achievements was to By the time Havelange handed over a marketing company called ISL. monia, died early in the morning. use his clout to help Rio win its bid to the FIFA reins to Blatter in 1998, the In 2013, Havelange resigned as hon- Plaudits for the footballing boss host this year’s Olympic Games—the number of competing nations had dou- orary president of FIFA after confi rma- quickly came from his controversial fi rst held in South America. bled to 32, with 12 coming from Asia, tion of reports that he had taken bribes. successor Sepp Blatter, who was sus- Havelange “sees the world through Africa or the CONCACAF region for Critics say that corruption was as pended last year as head of FIFA over a telescope and not through a micro- North and Central America and the much Havelange’s legacy as the suc- ethics violations. scope”, former US secretary of state Caribbean. cessful internationalization of football. “He had one idea in his head, to make Henry Kissinger said. He also oversaw FIFA’s inauguration His successor Blatter would himself football a global game with his slogan Born to a wealthy Belgian immigrant of the Under-17 World Cup, the World announce his resignation in June 2015 ‘football is the universal language’ and family in Rio de Janeiro in 1916, Jean- Youth Cup, the Women’s World Cup, after a massive corruption probe led to he succeeded,” Blatter said in a state- Marie Faustin Goedefroid de Havelange the Indoor World Cup and also intro- the arrests of seven top FIFA offi cials. ment. “It’s his development of football graduated with a law degree, but sport duced the Confederations’ Cup, played Havelange still casts a long shadow that made our sport the uncontested was his true love. He represented Bra- between continental champions. over international sport. leader in society on the social, cultural zil in swimming at the 1936 Olympic management where he rose to the top corruption. “I did not become president of FIFA Athletes competing in the Rio Games and economic levels—and let’s not for- Games in Berlin and again in Helsinki echelons of sporting bodies, setting a Havelange was president of the Bra- just to watch good football and ap- race in a stadium which—despite com- get its political infl uence.” in 1952, where he was on the water polo standard for the kind of lengthy—and zilian Sports Confederation for 15 years plaud,” Havelange said just before mak- plaints from some quarters—still bears Thomas Bach, the president of the team. deeply entrenched—reigns that some and joined the Brazilian Olympic Com- ing way for Blatter. the name: Joao Havelange Olympic International Olympic Committee, said His real calling turned out to be in critics blame for fostering a culture of mittee in 1955, then the IOC in 1963 Havelange neither drank nor smoked Stadium.

PREMIER LEAGUE Police Tasering kills ex-Premier League footballer

AFP Late Costa strike gives London ormer Premier League star Dalian Atkinson, who played for FAston Villa and Spanish club Real Sociedad, died on Monday after being Tasered by British police, relatives said. Atkinson, 48, who played for Villa in the Conte winning debut early 1990s and won the inaugural Pre- mier League goal of the season award, had been battling kidney problems and ‘I think the team played a good game with a great intensity and spirit. It is important to find the had a weak heart, relatives said. Police confirmed that off icers were right spirit and intensity. We know we must improve a lot, but today I am pleased for my players’ called to an address in Telford, western England, at around 1:30am (0030GMT). “Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subse- quently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3:00am,” said a police statement. Neighbours said the address was the home of Atkinson’s father Ernest. “He got Tasered in the street,” the 85-year- old said, cited by media reports. “He was in a real state. I don’t know if he was drunk or on drugs but he was very agitated,” he added. “He was threaten- ing and very upset. I didn’t call the police but someone else did.” Neighbours reported that there had been “banging and shouting, and doors being kicked in” before police arrived, and that “Dalian was shouting about being homeless”. The ambulance service said Atkinson went into cardiac arrest as he was being taken to Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital. The former striker’s nephew Fabian Atkinson told reporters at the scene: “He had some health issues that he was trying to get through and that’s why his heart was weak.” He said police should try to find out the history of the person involved before deciding whether to use electric shock guns. “If you do deploy Taser, then you’ve got to deploy the ambu- lance as well,” he said. The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Com- mission watchdog. “We have begun a full and thorough investigation into po- lice contact with Dalian Atkinson prior to his death, including the level and type of force used,” said IPCC deputy chairwoman Rachel Cerfontyne. “Our investigation team have been securing and preserving relevant evidence, and identifying witnesses.” Atkinson’s death is likely to trigger a debate about police use of electronic stun guns. British police are not routine- ly armed. Soldier Spencer Beynon died Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish in June after being Tasered by police in striker Diego Costa (left) celebrates Llanelli, south Wales, after stabbing a after scoring against West Ham dog and then himself. United in their Premier League There were 10,329 incidents involving opener in London on Monday. (AFP) police Tasers in 2015, a two% rise on the previous year, according to govern- ment figures. AFP to former Leicester City man N’Golo Kante and The hosts’ high defensive line prevented West West Ham looked to have pulled off a smash- Atkinson began his career at Ipswich London saw another debutant, substitute Michy Batsh- Ham bringing lone striker Andy Carroll into the and-grab with 13 minutes remaining when Chel- Town, before moving to Sheff ield uayi, set up the winning strike. game and the fi rst-half chances were all Chel- sea failed to clear a corner and Wales interna- Wednesday in 1989, where he made But it was a bitter defeat for West Ham man- sea’s. Branislav Ivanovic drew a save from Adrian tional Collins lashed a left-foot half-volley past a name as a pacy and skilful striker iego Costa thrust himself back into the ager Slaven Bilic, who lost debutant Andre Ayew at his near post, Hazard curled a shot a foot wide Thibaut Courtois. But with full-time looming, despite the club’s relegation. He scored headlines with an 89th-minute winner to a thigh injury in the 34th minute. following a probing run and Willian obliged former Marseille striker Batshuayi fl icked on a for the England B team in 1990 in his as Chelsea edged West Ham United 2-1 On Costa’s challenge, Bilic said: “We are not Adrian to palm a dipping free-kick over the bar. long ball to Costa, who steadied himself before only international appearance. in Antonio Conte’s fi rst Premier League happy with that. I don’t think it was reckless, West Ham’s resistance was broken two min- guiding a shot between Collins’s legs and beyond Atkinson then moved to Real Socie- gameD as manager on Monday. defi nitely not. It was not deliberate. But it was utes into the second half after Cesar Azpilicueta Adrian’s despairing drive. dad, scoring 12 goals in one season Eden Hazard, symbol of Chelsea’s slump from very late. Nine times out of 10, when you see that charged down an attempted clearance by Michail Conte, 47, has worked his new squad hard in before returning to England to play for champions to a 10th-place fi nish last season, kind of challenge on a goalkeeper, it’s a booking. Antonio on the edge of the visitors’ box. the run-up to the season, with double training Aston Villa. He scored the club’s first ever opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge with a Unfortunately this was the 10th time.” In seeking to atone for his error, Antonio suc- sessions. “I saw a lot of good things, lots of things goal in the Premier League on August penalty early in the second half, before James He added: “We were so close against a top ceeded only in blundering into Azpilicueta from they were working on in the last days,” he said. 15, 1992, and won the league’s inaugural Collins equalised in the 77th minute. side. But they deserved it.” behind, obliging referee Anthony Taylor to point “We have been working for only one month... I competition’s goal-of-the-season compe- Costa arguably should have been shown a sec- With both managers spending the entire to the spot. know we can improve through the work. But to- tition as Villa finished second. ond yellow card after catching West Ham goal- match on the edge of their technical areas, suited Hazard thundered the penalty into the roof day it was important to get the victory.” Atkinson also scored the opening goal keeper Adrian with a late challenge, but he stayed and gesturing animatedly, the game was char- of the net and within four minutes Antonio had Monday’s Chelsea side looked leaner, fi tter of the 1994 League Cup final as Villa beat on to steer a dramatic winner into the bottom- acterised by hasty, imprecise football and full- been replaced by Sam Byram, the former Not- and more motivated than under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. He later played for left corner from 20 yards. blooded tackling. tingham Forest player storming past Bilic and the start of last season. The lively Hazard proved Manchester City and also played in Tur- “I think the team played a good game with a Kante started at the base of midfi eld in the straight down the tunnel. a constant irritation to the east Londoners, who key, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. great intensity and spirit,” Conte said. “It is im- only change to the Chelsea team that started last With West Ham off ering next to no attack- were missing several players through injury, and Aston Villa paid tribute to Atkin- portant to fi nd the right spirit and intensity. We season’s opening game — a 2-2 draw with Swan- ing threat, Chelsea continued to attack, Willian the Belgian international won the man-of-the- son during their second-tier English know we can improve and we must improve a lot, sea City that gave the fi rst hints of the rot that working Adrian with a crisp shot and John Terry match award. Championship match at home to but today I am pleased for my players.” was about to set in. heading over. But the hosts should have been re- In the second half, Bilic’s Hammers side found Huddersfield yesterday. The club held Asked about Costa’s challenge on Adrian, Bilic fi elded two debutants in Ayew and left- duced to 10 men when Costa, booked in the fi rst it tough to string more than two passes together. a minute’s applause in the 10th minute, Conte replied: “I did not see it.” back Arthur Masuaku, but the former was forced half for dissent, caught Adrian with an ugly, high “Let’s be honest. Apart from the fi rst 15 minutes with Atkinson having worn the number The bruising Costa goal made it a positive into a premature exit after injuring himself chas- challenge as the West Ham goalkeeper dallied and the time we equalised, they were better than 10 shirt for most of his Villa career. opening night for Conte, who handed a full debut ing after the elusive Hazard. over a clearance. us,” Bilic added.