NBA | Page 5 GOLF | Page 7 Rose agrees Spieth has to one-year career Grand contract with Slam in sights Cavaliers aft er Open win

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 3, 1438 AH I’m staying at GULF TIMES Real, insists Ronaldo SPORT Page 3 SWIMMING: WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS King, Peaty, Masse smash ‘I was on such a massive high from this morning and it was so hard to ignore the fact that I did a world record in world records the morning and try to get myself emotionally ready’ Agencies PEATY AGAIN BREAKS MEN’S 50M Budapest BREASTSTROKE WORLD RECORD Peaty broke the men’s 50m breaststroke world record for the second time in just he world championships came a few hours yesterday by clocking 25.95 alive yesterday as Lilly King seconds in the semi-fi nals. of the United States won the The 22-year-old had broken his own women’s 100 metres breast- record, set at the 2015 world cham- strokeT title in one of three world-record pionships in Kazan, when he swam swims at the end of a breath-taking 26.10secs in the morning’s heats, with evening session. the fi nal to come today. Adam Peaty of Britain continued “This morning prepared me to do a his breaststroke trail-blazing with his world record again, it was just me eas- second world mark of the day to reach ing through the stroke, touching the wall, the 50m fi nal and Canada’s Kylie Masse progressing to the semi-fi nal,” said Peaty. produced a world-best time to win the “It was the same tonight, I was on women’s 100m backstroke gold medal. such a massive high from this morning. If the day belonged to Peaty, the “I’ve learned from the experience evening will be long remembered by that I’ve had the last two years. Olympic champion King, who posted “I came in tonight, I actually thought one minute 4.13 seconds to overhaul the I’d go slower as I was a little less ener- world-record mark set by Lithuania’s getic, but tomorrow’s the day to do it.” Ruta Meilutyte in 2013. Having won the 100m breaststroke King held off the threat of Russian ri- gold on Monday, Peaty showed his blis- val Yuliya Efi mova, in a race billed as a tering form over the shorter distance by grudge rematch of their acrimonious Ol- breaking the 26-second barrier. ympic fi nal, and the US secured a memo- The scorching time left his rivals in rable one-two as Katie Meili touched for his wake as Brazil’s Felipe Lima was silver in one minute 5.03 seconds. 0.73secs back, while South Africa’s King, 20, has voiced her disapproval Cameron van der Burgh was third fast- at Efi mova being allowed to compete at est into the fi nal at 0.79. global level after the Russian had twice “It’s impressive eh, he’s the fi rst one been caught using banned substances. in history (to go under 26 seconds),” The spiky relationship continued said Van der Burgh. “He’s a legend, it’s a in Budapest with King celebrating her privilege to watch such amazing swim- world record wildly and failing to make ming in my lifetime.” eye contact with Efi mova who had to settle for bronze. Results A disbelieving Peaty, the stand-out Lilly King of the US reacts after winning the women’s 100m breaststroke and breaking the world record during the 17th FINA World Aquatics Championships. male swimmer of these championships, Men’s 200m freestyle: became the fi rst man to dip below 26 LEDECKY WINS HISTORIC 12TH “I then know that I have the work 1. Sun Yang (CHN) 1:44.39 seconds in the 50m breaststroke. WORLD CHAMPS GOLD in the bank and can post those good 2. Townley Haas (USA) 1:45.04 By touching in 25.95 seconds, he low- Katie Ledecky of the United States times.” 3. Aleksandr Krasnykh (RUS) 1:45.23 ered his record mark from the morn- made history yesterday by becoming This was Ledecky’s third gold of ing’s heats by a massive 0.15 seconds. the fi rst woman to win 12 world swim- these championships — from a possible Men’s 100m backstroke: “I was on such a massive high from ming championship gold medals with six she could fi nish with — and she led 1. Xu Jiayu (CHN) 52.44 this morning and it was so hard to ig- victory in the 1500m freestyle. from the start. 2. Matt Grevers (USA) 52.48 nore the fact that I did a world record in Ledecky clocked 15 minutes, 31.82 “I was a good position, holding a 3. Ryan Murphy (USA) 52.59 the morning and try to get myself emo- seconds with Spain’s Mireia Belmonte good pace and held steady there, I tionally ready,” Peaty told reporters. taking silver at a huge 19.07secs back, probably could have raced a bit hard- Women’s 1500m freestyle: Masse produced an outstanding while Italy’s Simona Quadarella earned er in the last 50 metres, but I’m still 1. Katie Ledecky (USA) 15:31.82 world-record swim of 58.10 seconds as bronze at 22.04. happy with the swim and the time,” 2. Mireia Belmonte (ESP) 15:50.89 Australia’s quiet world championships The 20-year-old is now the most she said. 3. Simona Quadarella (ITA) 15:53.86 continued with Emily Seebohm failing decorated woman in world swimming The freestyle expert then showed her to defend her title. championships history as she passed versatility by being the fastest quali- Women’s 100m backstroke: Briton Gemma Spoff orth’s mark of compatriot Missy Franklin, who has 11 fi er from the women’s 200m freestyle 1. Kylie Masse (CAN) 58.10 - WR 58.12 seconds had been set at the 2009 world titles. semi-fi nals. 2. Kathleen Baker (USA) 58.58 world championships in the era of buoy- But despite her achievement, She will target her fourth gold of 3. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 58.59 ancy-enhancing body suits, which made Ledecky said winning is not as easy as these championships in today’s fi nal as Masse’s time all the more remarkable. she makes it look. her rivals are left in awe. Women’s 100m breaststroke: Kathleen Baker of the United States, “It’s hard the other 364 days of the “Katie Ledecky is on another planet, 1. Lilly King (USA) 1:04.13 - WR the Olympic silver medallist, had to year, it’s about putting the work in dur- so the goal of the race was to win the 2. Katie Meili (USA) 1:05.03 settle for the same prize as she beat ing practice, so that then I can step up,” silver medal. For me, it is gold,” said 3. Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 1:05.05 Seebohm by 0.01 seconds. she said. USA’s Katie Ledecky reacts after competing in the women’s 1500m freestyle final. Belmonte.

CRICKET: PREVIEW Kohli tells India to show Lanka who’s No. 1 AFP with the captain — but near domination Test ranking in South Africa, England “We are just looking forward to Galle, Sri Lanka in competition: 13 Tests played, 10 won, and Australia in the next year. the cricket now and in this series two drawn and just one defeat. “It’s pretty diff erent sitting here two to showcase our skills and have Kohli said yesterday that he wants a years after that particular series,” Kohli consistent performances, which wo years ago Virat Kohli’s India defi nitive end to the drama over the de- said of the last Sri Lanka games. we have had as a side ever since started a series in Sri Lanka as parture of Anil Kumble as coach and a Those Tests were “very important in we started our climb back in the the team almost anyone could winning start to the new era with Ravi us coming together as a team in believ- rankings” beat, today they take to the Shastri. ing that we can win a series and not just fiT eld in Galle as the team to beat. “We have spoken enough about these matches. So that was the beginning of Mukund should start the batting. India may have been nervous last issues and it is something that we are that mindset.” “I don’t think there are any massive time, but now Kohli says the side has not focusing on at all now,” the skipper The captain added: “I think we have areas of concern for us,” Kohli said. come full circle with “no massive areas Kohli said. built a really good base for us as a team “We’ve been looking to fi ne-tune of concern” as they seek to strengthen “We are just looking forward to the to be able to do that consistently over smaller areas during the course of the their hold on number one Test nation cricket now and in this series to show- the next few years. game, which probably people might not status. case our skills and have consistent per- “We are pretty humble in our prepa- be able to pick up.” Two years ago, India had not won a formances, which we have had as a side rations and do the hard yards every Kohli said the onus was on the Indian series in seven attempts. ever since we started our climb back in game that we play. players to “put us into a position where They lost the opening Galle Test and the rankings.” “We have all bases covered strongly.” we can’t lose. it was an electro-shock. India have ruled opening batsman “We have been able to put ourselves They won that series 2-1. ‘HARD YARDS’ Lokesh Rahul out of the fi rst Test with in a position in games, 80-85 per cent India have since been embroiled in Kohli said Sri Lanka can expect a diff er- a viral fever. of the games, where there’s only one near chaos off the fi eld — the governing ent start and that India can dominate Kohli said there would be no experi- winner left. body put under Supreme Court adminis- Tests for years to come. ments with the opening lineup, which “That’s the kind of sustained pres- tration and a coach forced out by clashes India’s captain Virat Kohli gestures during a practice session yesterday. They are expected to defend their top means Shikhar Dhawan and Abhinav sure that we’ve been able to build.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 26, 2017 SPORT

SWIMMING WOMEN’S CRICKET Harmanpreet, Jhulan gain big in rankings Masse ‘in shock’ IANS Dubai

ndian cricketers Jhulan Goswami and Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant perform- ances in the just-concluded aft er record 100m IICC Women’s World Cup lifted them to the No.2 and No.6 spots respectively in the latest Inter- national Cricket Council rank- ings for bowlers and batswomen, released here yesterday. Harmanpreet vaulted seven slots to the No.6 position after backstroke gold fi ring a swashbuckling unbeaten 171 to help India defeat Australia by 36 runs in the semi-fi nal and File picture of Indian cricketer ‘It was a goal. I came in with a focus on myself and what I had been working on all followed that with a fi ghting 51 Jhulan Goswami. in the fi nal, which India narrowly season, I also wanted to soak up the atmosphere of it all’ lost to England by nine runs at Goswami has gained four slots Lord’s on Sunday, according to to reach the second position and an ICC statement. within four points of South Af- Le Clos braced to race in The Punjab batswoman is now rica’s Marizanne Kapp. worlds’ ‘lion’s den’ the second Indian to feature in The 34-year-old India pacer the top-10 after her second- had fi gures of 3/23 in the fi nal South Africa’s Chad le Clos is bracing ranked skipper Mithali Raj, who and 2/35 in the semi-fi nal. himself to race in Budapest’s ‘lion’s is 10 points behind Australia Jhulan’s new-ball partner den’ atmosphere against home-town captain Meg Lanning. Australia’s Shikha Pandey (up one place to favourite Laszlo Cseh in the 200m Ellyse Perry is third, trailing Raj 12th) and leg-spinner Poonam butterfly at the world aquatic cham- by 12 points. Yadav (up six places to a career- pionships. Apart from Harmanpreet, best 28th) are other India bowl- Every time a Hungarian swims at Bu- opener Punam Raut has gained ers to move up. dapest’s Duna Arena, the home crowd fi ve slots to reach 14th position As for the ICC Women’s Team roar their deafening support. after scores of 86 and 14 in the rankings, there was no change in Le Clos expects a battle royal as he fi nal and semi-fi nal respectively, positions with Australia retain- tries to wrestle the world gold medal while Veda Krishnamurthy has ing top spot at 128 points. off Cseh. gained seven slots to reach a ca- England have gained one point “It’s going to be tough, I said a few reer-best 26th position follow- to reach 125 in second position, months ago it’ll be like a lion’s den ing scores of 35 in the fi nal and 16 while New Zealand and India here, but I’m a fighter - I don’t like to not out in the semi-fi nal. remain on 118 and 113 points, re- lose,” said Le Clos. Among the bowlers, world’s spectively. The West Indies (105), “I’m not afraid of anybody, I wish him leading wicket-taker in One- South Africa (93), Pakistan (73) all the best. day Internationals (ODI) Jhulan and Sri Lanka (67) follow. “Laszlo and Kenderesi are both good friends, they are the favourites. I’m probably only fourth as it stands.” Bangladesh’s ‘Fizz’ on target for Australia, says Cseh won the world title in Kazan two bowling coach Walsh years ago with Le Clos having to settle for silver. Bangladesh pace bowling “We are also trying to get back With US swim superstar Michael hope Mustafizur Rahman is on his pace to where it used to be Phelps now back in retirement, the track to return to form when and get him a little bit closer South African wants the gold in Australia visit next month, to the stumps. Budapest. fast bowling coach Courtney “He knows what needs to be Cseh was the fastest qualifier into the Walsh said yesterday. done as well. I have to give semis at 1:54.08 mins with Japan’s The 21-year-old, known as him credit because he is eager Daiya Seto, the 400m medley world “Fizz”, created a sensation to get out there and practise.” champion in 2013 and 2015, just with 26 wickets in his first nine The Caribbean great, who behind. one-day internationals. joined the Bangladesh coach- Le Clos, the 2012 Olympic and 2013 He burst onto the interna- ing team last September, said world champion, was fifth fastest at tional scene in 2015 with he did not want to change 1.82secs back, but said it was all part back-to-back five-wicket hauls Mustafizur’s bowling action. of the plan. against India. “I wouldn’t say he will have a “I knew Laszlo was going to be quick, But surgery on his left shoul- new bowling action but we Canada’s Kylie Jacqueline Masse celebrates a new world record after the women’s 100m backstroke final during the swimming he likes to go home fast in the morn- der last year forced a lengthy are trying to get him more competition at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest yesterday. ing,” said Le Clos. layoff and raised worries balanced at the crease and “I love all the heats, you know me I about his future after he took get him a bit closer to the AFP “It was a goal. I was aiming to do it here spiring for younger generations to get like to play games. “It’s ok. We’ll shave just 13 wickets in 18 interna- stumps,” he said. Budapest and if not, there are plenty of other meets into sport.” a bit (of time off ) tonight and get tional since returning. “Last couple of days, he has next year where I could take a shot at it Kathleen Baker of the United States ready for tomorrow.” At the Champions Trophy in been close to what he used to again. I came in with a focus on myself took silver, 0.48sec back, while Emily Le Clos also explained why he was a England this summer, Mustafi- be. He is heading in the right ylie Masse of Canada stormed and what I had been working on all sea- Seebohm of Australia brushed off a cold no-show for the men’s 200m freestyle zur managed only one wicket direction.” to women’s 100m backstroke son, I also wanted to soak up the atmos- to claim bronze, 0.49 behind. heats on Monday, the event in which in four matches even though Australia are scheduled to gold in a new world-record time phere of it all.” “It’s awesome, I kinda thought she he won a silver medal at the 2016 Bangladesh reached the semi- start a two-Test Bangladesh at the world aquatics champi- Masse said winning the bronze medal would do it,” said Seebohm, the 2015 Olympics. finals against India. tour next month and Mustafi- Konships yesterday — and struggled to be- at last year’s Rio Olympics gave her the world champion, of Masse’s record. “We decided about three weeks ago “I noticed he was falling away zur is expected to spearhead lieve she had won. belief to be world champion. “I didn’t come in saying ‘I’m going to not to swim, I did a time trial about 10 a little bit in England. We have the hosts’ pace attack. The 21-year-old clocked 58.10 sec- “It was a dream come true to make the defend my title’, but to rather enjoy racing days ago and I was about 1.47.0,” said been trying to get him to be However Australia’s senior onds, breaking Gemma Spoff orth’s pre- Olympics team and then make the po- these girls, they’re fantastic, there’s great Le Clos. more upright and balanced players have voted to boycott vious mark of 58.12sec from the 2009 dium after that,” she said. depth in the backstroke. “I realised I’m probably not in the right so that he can pull through,” the tour because of the long- championships in the era of the now- “I got a lot of confi dence in myself, com- “If I hadn’t got a cold last week, I could shape to go 1.44 here. Walsh told reporters. running pay dispute. banned neoprene suits. peting in fi nals on an international level. have been a bit stronger on that last leg, “I don’t think to be honest that’s going “I was making sure I was reading the “It’s incredible to be part of this Cana- but I’m proud to be back on the podium to be good enough for me this time right name and the right time, I was lost dian generation. after Rio,” she added having fi nished sev- around, so we’ll see. for words immediately after — I’m still in “Last summer, we got a lot of confi - enth in the 2016 Olympic fi nal. “But definitely in the Commonwealth ALL SET shock,” admitted Masse. dence in ourselves as a team (in Rio). “I did a big job to turn it around from Games next year, and definitely in “I knew it was there, and that I was “In years to come it’s momentum, for the hole that I was in, it’s my best time 2020 (the Tokyo Olympics), I’m back.” close to it after our trials in April. swimming Canada in general, it was in- since 2015.” Rabada raring to go BOTTOMLINE aft er suspension

Reuters London

Stokes wants England to right outh African strike bowl- er Kagiso Rabada is eager to return to action for this week’s third test against EnglandS at The Oval after serv- the ‘wrongs’ in the second Test ing a one-match suspension for AFP room about their fi ght and de- “You take the good disciplinary reasons, bowling London sire for wanting to perform for performances and bad coach Charl Langeveldt said on England.” performances in your Monday. A lack of runs cost England stride and I think it’s all The 22-year-old missed the en Stokes has urged dear in Nottingham, with Joe about how we come back in second test in Nottingham after England to bounce back Root’s side managing 215 in the this Test which will prove being banned for what the Inter- from their Trent Bridge fi rst innings before collapsing to how good of a side we are” national Cricket Council (ICC) thumping by South Af- 133 all out second time around. called “inappropriate language” ricaB and show how good they But with England having won Meanwhile Stokes paid tribute towards England batsman Ben really are when the third Test at the series opener at Lord’s by an to England’s women’s team, who Stokes in the fi rst test at Lord’s. File picture of South Africa’s The Oval starts tomorrow. emphatic 211 runs, Stokes was won a thrilling World Cup fi nal “He is the type of guy who Kagiso Rabada. England were thrashed by 340 confi dent that South Africa did against India in front of a sold- steps up when the heat is on. runs with more than a day to not now have a huge advantage out Lord’s on Sunday. Having KG back is a big bonus “deliberate physical contact” spare at the Nottingham ground in terms of momentum. “It’s an amazing achievement for us,” Langeveldt told report- with Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dick- as South Africa levelled the “It’s 1-1, both games have for them to win a World Cup in ers ahead of the third test which wella in February, but Langeveldt four-match series in command- been pretty one-sided and the England,” he said. starts tomorrow. said the incident has not aff ected ing style. team who won swapped around,” “It proves just how far the “He is a youngster with a lot Rabada’s morale. The hosts have now had over he said. game has come for them. The of energy, he will come with a lot “He has been positive. He a week to ponder on that defeat, “We’ve got two games left so amount of people that watched, of energy. I have no doubt he will was obviously disappointed with all-rounder Stokes insist- we just need to make sure that the amount of coverage it gets,” step up... he will be raring to go,” about what happened but he ing there was nothing wrong we come out here and put in a added Stokes, with England’s Langeveldt added. has learned from that. The im- with England’s attitude. better performance than we did men still to win a major 50-over Rabada was handed one de- portant thing about an incident “You take good performances at Trent Bridge and really take a global tournament. merit point for giving Stokes a like this is to learn from it so that and bad performances in your front foot in the series.” “I actually ended up watching send-off after the all-rounder it doesn’t happen again,” Lan- stride and I think it’s all about The 26-year-old added: “I a bit of the game as well so it was was caught behind in the fi rst geveldt said. how we come back in this Test think the biggest question is just great to see them go from not test, which England won by 211 “KG is a strong character and which will prove how good of a England’s Ben Stokes during nets yesterday. being able to adapt better. looking like they were going to runs, but under ICC regulations he was positive the whole week, side we are,” he told Sky Sports “We obviously didn’t quite get win it to (win). was banned for accumulating he said come Thursday he wants at The Oval yesterday. star added. went wrong and hopefully we to grips with that in that last in- “It was amazing to watch and, four points in a 24-month pe- to be ready for the test.” “Obviously, it wasn’t an ideal “It’s good that we managed to can right the wrongs this week. nings so I think the quicker we can being an Englishman myself, it’s riod. South Africa won the second performance from us as a team get time away and sort of look “No-one’s ever going to get learn to adapt to diff erent situa- always good to see an English The fast bowler had already test by 340 runs to level the four- and we know that,” the Durham back on and assess where we questioned in that changing tions the better off we will be.” team lift the World Cup.” been penalised three points for match series at 1-1. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 26, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TRANSFER Real Madrid close Morata’s Chelsea in on £161mn world record deal for Monaco’s Mbappe debut upstaged by By Sid Lowe departed are Bernardo Silva and The Guardian Benjamin Mendy who joined City for £43.6mn and £52mn respec- tively, and Tiemoue Bakayoko eal Madrid believe cost Chelsea £39.7mn. that they are close to Real Manager Zinedine Zidane smashing the transfer admitted that he was a striker two-goal Mueller world record for the short following Morata’s depar- 18-year-oldR France striker Kylian ture, only to insist the next day Mbappe, after reportedly reach- that he was not requesting any ing the basis of an agreement signings. He did, though, add: 'He is a good buy — but it’s right to give him the right time to adapt to our method' with AS Monaco that would see “Anything can happen between him head to the Santiago Berna- now and 31 August”. AFP béu for a total fee of €180mn It is not so much Morata’s de- Singapore (£161mn). Monaco, though, have parture that made Mbappe’s a denied that they have agreed to target though; indeed, Morata’s the transfer. determination to depart was ig-money signing Alvaro Morata The Spanish newspaper Marca based, in part, on the belief that grabbed an assist on his debut reported that Madrid and Mo- not only did he have Gareth Bale, for Premier League champions naco had agreed, in principle, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Chelsea yesterday but was up- a worth €160mn plus a further Benzema ahead of him but that stagedB by two-goal Thomas Mueller as €20mn in objectives. a move for the Monaco striker Bayern Munich won 3-2 in Singapore. Although Monaco denied that would follow. The Spanish international striker signed to the French newspaper Nice Florentino Perez, the Madrid for Chelsea from Real Madrid in a deal Matin, sources at the Spanish president, has made little secret reported to be worth up to 80mn euros club insist that are optimistic of his liking for the Frenchman. ($92mn) last week, and climbed off the that a defi nitive deal is close. Paris Saint-Germain, Man- bench with about 30 minutes remaining Mbappe would join on a six-year chester City and Arsenal had all of the exhibition match. deal worth around €7mn a year. expressed an interest in the play- Morata made his mark soon after, Madrid have raised over er, rated one of the best rising fl icking on a corner for Michy Batshuayi €100mn in sales this sum- talent in Europe, whose father to fi nish and ensure a tight fi nish to a mer, with Alvaro Morata joining has been handling negotiations. pre-season friendly that saw both sides Chelsea and Danilo signing for Although Mbappe’s prefer- close to full strength. Chelsea boss An- Manchester City, while James ence was Real Madrid, the club tonio Conte, whose side defended poorly Rodriguez has gone to Bayern he supports, there were doubts in falling behind 3-0, praised Morata’s Munich on loan. about the opportunities he “great will to fi ght” but said it was too If the deal is fi nalised, it would would be given at the Bernabeu, early to judge his performance. mean that Monaco, who reached despite assurances that he would “He is a good buy — but it’s right to last year’s Champions League play. He had been told that there give him the right time to adapt to our semi-fi nal, have made more than would be departures that would method, our idea of football,” Conte £300mn in transfers. Among facilitate his involvement as they said. It was German international Muel- the 13 players who have already sought to convince him. ler, whose future has been rumoured to be in doubt after Bayern’s loan signing of James Rodriguez, who was the outstand- ing player on the night. Playing in front of a crowd of over 48,000, it took Bundesliga champions Bayern just six minutes to score with Bra- zilian defender Rafi nha rattling a 25-yard drive past Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who should have done better. Bayern struck again six minutes later and this time the on-form winger Franck Ribery picked out the unmarked Mueller Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller scores the third goal during the pre-season friendly game against Chelsea in Singapore. (Reuters) with a deft chipped cross, and the for- ward volleyed home in acrobatic fash- ion. With Chelsea struggling to fi nd their rhythm and all at sea at the back, a mo- Chelsea’s Kenedy sent home over China slurs ment of brilliance from Mueller saw the Germans extend their lead, as he curled a Singapore: Kenedy has been sent home Kenedy posted the messages ahead “The player was sorry about this shot past Courtois after surging through from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Asia of a friendly against Arsenal in Beijing situation,” Conte said after Chelsea the centre for 3-0. as punishment for his off ensive social on Saturday and was jeered by the were beaten 3-2 by Bayern Munich in a Chelsea’s response came in fi rst-half media posts about China, team boss crowd during Chelsea’s 3-0 win. Chelsea friendly yesterday. “We made this deci- stoppage time as a Victor Moses cross Antonio Conte said yesterday. had already issued an apology after sion about the player, the player must found Marcos Alonso, and the defend- The Brazilian defender was axed from saying that Kenedy’s actions caused know his mistake. He’s sorry for what er drilled past Bayern goalkeeper Tom Chelsea’s tour as the Premier League “great off ence and hurt the feelings of happened and now he must go home.” Starke. Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti in- champions fought to avoid further em- the people of China”. Kenedy has also apologised and sists Mueller is going nowhere. barrassment after the social media slurs Kenedy, signed from Fluminense deleted the posts, but his future with “Thomas is very important because he sparked a furious response in China, a for £6mn ($7.8mn) in 2015, flew with Chelsea now looks in grave doubt. The is an intelligent player and is able to fi nd major market for European teams. Chelsea to Singapore over the weekend full-back was sent on a season-long space, to be ready,” said Ancelotti. “He The 21-year-old put two videos on and trained with the team on Sunday loan to Watford last term, but made just was good also last year, he didn’t score a Instagram, one of which contained a and Monday. But, with Kenedy accused one substitute appearance before the lot of goals but his position on the pitch profanity and another of a security by Chinese media of humiliating their spell was cut short. He went on to make was always good. In this moment, he is guard asleep and the caption: “Wake up country, the Blues removed him from two appearances for Chelsea after they more effi cient close to the goal and this is China. You idiot.” their pre-season preparations. wrapped up the Premier League title. Monaco star Kylian Mbappe would join Real Madrid on a six-year deal important.” worth around €7mn a year, according to a report.

ROUND-UP FOCUS I’m staying at Real, says Ronaldo Ajax's Nouri out of coma, but Ending weeks of speculation about his Hernandez became Mexico’s all-time lead- brain damage unchanged future, Cristiano Ronaldo has told a ing goalscorer earlier this year after scoring Spanish newspaper he is staying put at Real 48 goals in 96 appearances, including at AFP Madrid to plunder more silverware. “To two World Cups. His two years at Bundes- Amsterdam win important trophies with my club and liga outfi t Leverkusen also yielded 28 goals the personal honours last season was bril- in 54 games. Hernandez, known as ‘Chi- liant, to do it again would be nice,” Ronaldo charito’, arrives at West Ham following the tricken Ajax midfi elder Abdelhak Nouri, told the sports daily Marca yesterday in an high profi le acquisitions of Argentine Pablo who suff ered serious, lasting brain damage interview from Shanghai. Zabaleta, England’s Joe Hart and Austrian after collapsing during a friendly, has been Ronaldo’s declaration of intent to remain Marko Arnautovic. transferred out of intensive care, and can at the Bernabeu for the upcoming season breatheS on his own, the club said yesterday. comes despite rumours of his departure SMITH SIGNS NEW The 20-year-old is being cared for at the Aca- which surfaced last month. Those reports BOURNEMOUTH CONTRACT demic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, where he were founded on his apparent feeling of Bournemouth defender Adam Smith signed was brought on July 14 from a hospital in Austria. abandonment by his club over his run-in a new four-year contract with the Premier “He is no longer in an induced coma and has full with the Spanish tax authorities. League club. Smith has made 113 appear- respiratory functions,” the club said, in a state- Ronaldo, 32, has been summoned to ap- ances for Bournemouth since his arrival ment issued in the name of Nouri’s family. But it pear before a judge near Madrid on July 31 to from Tottenham in 2014. The 26-year- added soberly that “his condition further remains fi rst team last season and had made nine appear- answer four counts of evading 14.7mn euros old right-back played a key role as Eddie unchanged from previous updates and is stable, ances in the Dutch top fl ight, will not be forgotten ($16.8mn) in taxes. The four-time Ballon Howe’s side consolidated their place in the but with serious and permanent brain damage.” at the Amsterdam Arena, despite not being able d’Or winner has protested his innocence contract from 2020 to 2018 after his side’s top-fl ight over the last two seasons. Tributes have poured in from across The Neth- to play again. Whiteboards are hung on the walls with O Globo saying he had threatened to Champions League fi nal defeat to Real erlands and from abroad for the youngster, aff ec- so fans can write messages of support, alongside leave Real over the investigation. Madrid last year. BORDEAUX GIVE tionately known as Appie, who joined the Am- the words ‘#Forevernumber34’, and ‘#PrayforAp- Since extending his contract last Novem- But Cadena SER reported yesterday that WELLINGTON THE BOOT sterdam club at age seven and was a promising pie’. A group of young Real Madrid fans from Spain ber until 2021, Ronaldo is the highest paid he had “reached an agreement with Atletico Brazilian midfi elder Wellington Silva’s prospect. Nouri suff ered irregular heart problems also stopped at the stadium. “It’s impossible not sports star in the world with $93mn (83mn to extend his contract by an extra year”, transfer to French club Bordeaux from Flu- in a pre-season friendly against German side Wer- to be touched by his story. He’s only 20 years old,” euro) in 2016-2017, according to Forbes without giving further details. minense has been cancelled after he failed der Bremen in Austria on July 8 and collapsed. one of them said. magazine. On Saturday Real manager Zin- Since cutting the length of his contract, a medical, the Ligue 1 club said. “Following He was resuscitated and fl own to an Innsbruck In the opening match of the women’s 2017 Euro edine Zidane assured Real supporters that Simeone has repeatedly stated his desire to a medical visit, Bordeaux decided not to hospital by helicopter. At fi rst the news seemed in the Netherlands, where Dutch King Willem- the superstar striker “was on holiday and stay at Atletico, who he has led to three ma- complete the transfer of Wellington Silva,” positive, but hopes for a quick recovery were Alexander and Queen Maxima were present, a would be back with us on (August) 5”. jor trophies including the 2014 La Liga title. the club said in a statement. shattered when Ajax later announced he had suf- minute’s applause was held in the 34th minute. In Tuesday’s Marca interview, Ronaldo The 24-year-old arrived in western fered massive brain damage, most due to a lack of Ajax’s rivals PSV Eindhoven posted a photo of also looked ahead to the 2018 World Cup HERNANDEZ MAKES HIS RETURN TO France last Sunday and had been due to be oxygen. Dozens of visitors have fl ocked to the Am- their players holding up papers bearing the words with European champions Portugal. “We PREMIER LEAGUE WITH WEST HAM offi cially presented to the press on Tuesday sterdam hospital grounds to pay tribute to Nouri ‘#StayStrongAppie’ on Instagram, while Nice also still have to qualify but I’m hoping that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has com- afternoon. A Brazilian youth international, since he arrived back in the country on July 14. A voiced support before the match in France today. Portugal can win an incredible title.” pleted a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen Wellington Silva was recruited by Arse- large hedge 100 metres (yards) from the entrance Many other clubs including Manchester United, to West Ham United for 16mn pounds nal in 2011 but could not play in England is decked with Ajax scarves, fl owers, poems, chil- who beat Ajax in May’s Europa League fi nal, did SIMEONE EXTENDS ATLETICO ($20.85mn), the Premier League club an- because of work permit problems. During dren’s drawings and Ajax shirts bearing Nouri’s the same on social media. CONTRACT TO 2019: REPORT nounced on Monday. The 29-year-old, who six seasons in Europe he was loaned to clubs number 34, all accompanied by the slogan ‘#Stay- And Nouri’s team-mates will be hoping to pay Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone previously spent fi ve years in England with in Spain before returning to England to play StrongAppie’. a fi tting tribute of their own, as they go into this has extended his contract with the capital Manchester United winning two league ti- for Bolton after acquiring Spanish national- “The whole country is aff ected, not just Am- season looking to capture the Dutch league title club until 2019, according to a report by tles, joins Slaven Bilic’s side on a three-year ity. He returned to his fi rst club Fluminense sterdam. It was like it happened to our son,” said for the 34th time. In their statement, his fam- Spanish radio station Cadena SER. The deal after completing a medical in London. in 2016, playing his last match on July 13 Connie, a mother of four who went to the hospi- ily again thanked fans for their support and asked 47-year-old Argentinian had shortened his A popular fi gure in his home country, against Botafogo. tal to lay roses. The youngster, who broke into the everyone “to pray for Abdelhak”. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 26, 2017 FOOTBALL

GOLD CUP Maradona backs use of technology Jamaica aim to slay another to prevent another ‘Hand of God’ Zurich: Diego Maradona has giant United States in fi nal backed the use of video assist- ant referees (VARs) in football even though he is aware that his infamous ‘Hand of God’ Since the Gold Cup was instituted in 1991, Mexico have won seven titles, the US five and Canada one goal would not have stood if the technology had existed AFP during his heyday. Los Angeles The goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter- final between Argentina and amaica are out to end North England is one of the most America’s stranglehold on the talked about in the history of CONCACAF Gold Cup when football, alongside his brilliant they take on the favoured United solo run past five defenders in StatesJ today in the fi nal at Levi’s Sta- the same game that gave his dium in Santa Clara, California. side a 2-1 victory. The arrival of Bruce Arena’s men in The diminutive Argentine, the title match of the regional champi- who tapped the ball over the onship for North and Central America is head of onrushing goalkeeper no surprise. Peter Shilton with his fist to Even though they were denied a berth score his country’s first goal, by the Jamaicans with a semi-fi nal loss gained even more notoriety in 2015, they are homing in on a sixth when he claimed afterwards it title in the regional championship for had been scored by the ‘Hand North and Central America and the of God’. Caribbean. Since the Gold Cup was in- “Obviously I think about it stituted in 1991, Mexico have won seven whenever I show my support titles, the United States fi ve and Canada for the use of technology,” one — in 2000. Maradona said in an interview But Jamaica are knocking on the door posted on global football’s again. They stunned defending cham- governing body FIFA’s website pions Mexico in the semi-fi nals to be- yesterday. “I thought about it come the only team besides the US or and, sure, that goal wouldn’t El Tri to reach back-to-back fi nals. have stood if technology had “That’s a cycle we want to break,” Ja- been around. And I’ll tell you maican coach Theodore Whitmore said something else: at the 1990 of the US-Mexico dominance in the World Cup I used my hand event — and the region. to clear the ball off the line “That’s what we, as staff and play- against the Soviet Union. We ers, discuss. It’s always Mexico-US. We were lucky because the ref- want to be in that top group. We want to eree didn’t see it. You couldn’t be a team, a country that someone can use technology back then, but talk about. And that’s what we’re work- Jamaica stunned defending champions Mexico in the semi-finals to become the only team besides the US or El Tri to reach back-to-back finals. (AFP) it’s a diff erent story today.” ing toward.” FIFA has tested VAR Inspired work in goal by captain An- without coach Juan Carlos Osorio as he a solid back fi ve, including Andre Blake guard for the knockout rounds and they helm, replacing Germany’s Jurgen technology at several tourna- dre Blake — and a stunning game-win- served a six-game FIFA ban for com- — very organised. There are areas of the haven’t disappointed. Clint Dempsey Klinsmann who was sacked after a 4-0 ments ahead of next year’s ning free kick by Kemar Lawrence in ments about offi cials at last month’s fi eld that still need to improve, but it’s equalled the USA record with his 57th loss to Costa Rica in World Cup quali- World Cup in Russia, including the 1-0 semi-fi nal win against Mexico Confederations Cup in Russia. working, obviously, in a tournament. international goal in the team’s 2-0 fying. Costa Rica coach Oscar Ramirez at last month’s Confederations — have the Caribbean country back in Jamaica have allowed only two goals And we have to play according to the semi-fi nal victory over Costa Rica. said Arena’s return had re-energized Cup, and its head of referee- the fi nal. The Reggae Boyz were well- across fi ve matches so far. “We have a tournament to get a result.” He could surpass the mark set by the USA. “With Klinsmann there was a ing Massimo Busacca said organised defensively and played with bit of youth and experience and that’s Like Mexico, the United States Landon Donovan with a goal against certain tension, perhaps because several afterwards that the technol- composure against an inexperienced been taking us through the tourna- brought a young, untried squad into the Jamaica. The USA are unbeaten in 13 had problems with him,” Ramirez said. ogy should be refined. Mexican side, who also had to make do ment,” Whitmore said. “I think we have group stage, but Arena called on the old matches since Arena returned to the “I think Bruce has restored their level.” The governing body has already said it would like to use VAR at the 2018 World ROUND-UP Cup, and football’s law-making body IFAB is expected to decide next March whether to allow them to become part of the game on a permanent Giroud ready to fi ght for his place at Arsenal: Wenger basis. VAR involves two video Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud wants to stay at LUKAKU AIMS TO BECOME three years ago and has made 34 appearances for assistant referees who moni- the club and fi ght for his place despite the arrival ‘COMPLETE PACKAGE’ AT MAN UNITED the club in all competitions. tor the action on screens and of Alexandre Lacazette, manager Arsene Wenger Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku does draw the match referee’s has said. Giroud struggled for opportunities at not consider himself a complete striker but is CASSANO RETIRING - AGAIN, attention to possible off iciat- Arsenal last season, starting 11 league games after optimistic of creating his “own history” at Old SAYS WIFE ‘WAS WRONG’ ing mistakes. But criticisms losing his spot to Alexis Sanchez in the lineup. Traff ord. The Belgium international arrived at Former Italy international striker Antonio Cas- include the time taken to The 30-year-old France international could Old Traff ord for a reported fee of 75mn pounds sano confi rmed his retirement for the second time make decisions and the be further bumped down the pecking order by ($97.74mn) earlier this month after netting 25 in a week on Monday, bringing an eventful end to a referees’ criteria in deciding compatriot Lacazette, who arrived at the Emirates league goals for Everton last season. colourful career. The 35-year initially announced when to use the system, with Stadium from Olympique Lyonnais for a reported When asked if he was in the same bracket as he was retiring last Tuesday, before backtracking some close calls being made to 46.5mn pounds ($60.57mn). some of Europe’s elite forwards, including Real on his decision just hours after breaking the news without consulting the VARs. “Giroud fancies the competition,” Wenger told Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich’s to his Verona team-mates. He then said on Mon- Maradona cited Frank reporters. “As a manager, you have him on your Robert Lewandowski, he replied: “No, no, no — day that he was quitting Verona only two weeks Lampard’s disallowed goal for back, wanting to play. He fi ghts hard, you know. I I’m far from that level. I’m 24 years of age. I can’t after joining the Serie A club, but added that he England against Germany at like the way he responds to what’s happening. He say I’m the complete package. I can’t say I’m in my would look to continue playing elsewhere. How- the 2010 World Cup and Geoff is focused and determined and showed that on the prime. There is a lot of work to be done and I’m ever, Cassano later posted another message on the Hurst’s goal that won England (pre-season) tour.” delighted that there is still work to be done. That Twitter account of his wife, Carolina Marcialis, to the Jules Rimet Trophy in means I can become even better than I am now.” clarify that he was indeed hanging up his boots. 1966, which modern replays MORATA SAYS WAS DESTINED Lukaku said winning trophies was the most “Contrary to what appeared on my wife’s later showed did not fully TO PLAY UNDER CONTE AT CHELSEA important thing for him and he joined United after offi cial profi les on social media, I would like to cross the line, as instances Chelsea’s new signing Alvaro Morata believes hearing manager Jose Mourinho’s rebuilding plan. clarify the following,” Cassano said. “Carolina was where technology could have he was destined to play under manager Antonio wrong. After thinking and refl ecting, in the end I made a diff erence. Conte at a club good enough to compete with KLOPP CONFIRMS MARKOVIC decided: Antonio Cassano will not play football “People used to say that Europe’s elite. Morata had joined Juventus ahead SET TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL anymore. I apologise to the city of Verona, all we’d waste a lot of time, that it of the 2014-15 season, shortly after Conte had left Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has said the the fans, to president Maurizio Setti, to sports would cause a lot of annoy- the side to take charge of the Italian national side. Premier League club intend to sell winger Lazar director Filippo Fusco, to coach Fabio Pecchia, to ance. But that’s not the case,” The pair have now been united at Stamford Markovic during the current transfer window. The my team-mates and to the medical and technical he said. “Football can’t fall be- Bridge and the Spanish striker was confi dent he Serbia international, who spent the last season out staff . At this moment, I feel my priority is to be hind. Given the rate at which can adapt to Conte’s tactics. “I know Antonio year at Juventus, but I really want to work with on loan at Sporting Lisbon and Hull City, featured close to my children and wife,” he added. Cassano, technology is advancing and wanted me in the past and I really want to work this coach and fi nally I can. I know his work, in Liverpool’s fi rst pre-season friendly against renowned for his volatile behaviour, signed for the fact that every sport uses with Antonio, and fi nally destiny put us together,” the staff . I know it is a lot of tactics and I really Tranmere Rovers but was left out of the squad for Verona on July 10 after the club secured promotion it, how can we not think about Morata said. “It was disappointing in 2014 when like this game and I know how to play with this the tour to Hong Kong. back to Serie A. The veteran forward hadn’t played using it in football?” he went to Italy, but I played well and had a good system.” Markovic, 23, arrived at Anfi eld from Benfi ca since his release from Sampdoria in January.

FOCUS Generation Amazing teams up with QF to deliver summer camps he Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) is working with Qatar Foundation (QF) to sponsor its fi rst Pre-University Education team’s sum- Tmer camp, and as part of the collaboration is de- livering bespoke Generation Amazing sessions for attendees. The camp, which is running from 2–27 July in the state-of-the-art Awsaj Academy in Edu- cation City, is open to boys and girls aged 6-17. Mead al-Emadi, the SC’s Corporate Social Re- sponsibility Local & Regional Manager, said: “We are delivering the Inclusive Generation module of our Generation Amazing programme to 120 children. “With these sessions we will reinforce communication, teamwork and lead- ership skills with two diff erent sets of students.” The camp has been organised in partnership with a number of local organisations, includ- The Inclusive Generation module the Generation Amazing programme with Qatar Foundation is being delivered to 120 children. ing Al Shaqab, Msheireb Properties, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Translation and Inter- gramme has provided workers, schoolchildren three primary initiatives: Inclusive Generation, who wins or loses.” made many friends here.” Meanwhile, Hissa preting Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Texas and vulnerable people the skills and means to Healthy Generation and Green Generation. Mohammed Shaqfeh, nine, explained that he al-Kubaisi, QF’s Head of Curriculum, added: A&M University at Qatar, and Doha Film Insti- help eff ect social change in their communities. Participants at Qatar the events spoke posi- wasn’t really a fan of sport before he started the “The SC’s participation, represented through tute. Schoolchildren from across the country, The programme has been driven by the be- tively of their Generation Amazing experiences camp. “Since I’ve become a part of Generation the Generation Amazing programme, has im- including from nine QF schools under the PUE lief that change works best when people lead it so far. “I love that girls are able to play football,” Amazing, I’ve started to love playing football. mensely contributed in reinforcing team build- banner, have been invited to attend. Since it was themselves. It empowers people to create unit- said Maha al-Salem, 10. “This game is not just I’ve learned that you can only succeed if you ing skills, integrity, and honest competitive founded in 2010, the Generation Amazing pro- ed, healthy and sustainable societies through its for boys. It’s so fun to take part; it doesn’t matter work together as a team and through this I’ve spirit among participants.” (SC.qa) Gulf Times Wednesday, July 26, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL NHL Islanders, Pelech agree on four-year Bellinger’s homer contract extension

By Laura Albanese 53 games in his career total. Newsday But the pains the Islanders have taken to retain him indi- cate that they see him being a he Islanders want part of their future, and per- rescues Dodgers in their future to include haps even taking a bigger role defenseman Adam in the future. He registered Pelech, and Monday, three goals and seven assists in Tthey took yet another step to 44 games last year, averaging ensure that will be the case. 16:50 minutes per game, with After already protecting Pe- 68 even-strength blocks and 17 lech in the expansion draft, takeaways. the Islanders locked down the “Adam has proven at a very 6-4 win over Twins 22-year-old until 2021, signing young age that he’s capable of him to a four-year deal, with an playing an important defensive ‘It’s been a long road for him. And for him to finally make his major league debut at annual average of $1.6 million. role on our team,” Islanders “I was thrilled,” Pelech said. general manager Garth Snow Dodger Stadium with a win, I know he and his family are thrilled. The guys were excited’ “It’s a great feeling when an said in a statement. organization puts that type of “He will be an important By Bill Shaikin faith in you. ... Hopefully, over piece of our defensive core Los Angeles Times the next four years I can estab- moving forward and I’m ex- lish myself as an NHL regular cited to watch him continue to and push the Islanders toward develop at the NHL level.” he chants were not sus- (the playoff s).” Pelech said he’s already spo- tained, but they were Injuries, though, have ken briefl y with new assist- loud, and they were joy- plagued Pelech in his nascent ant Luke Richardson, who will ous. NHL career - most notably, a work with the defensemen. T“M-V-P,” the Dodger Stadium stretch in the 2015-16 season “There’s always a bit of crowd chanted. On the day the where he missed three months wanting to prove yourself,” he Los Angeles Dodgers put the last because of thoracic outlet syn- said, especially being a young player to win a most-valuable- drome. The blood clot condi- guy and only having 50 games player award for them on the tion surfaced after he’d played (under your belt). You always disabled list, the kid who res- only nine games. He’s played want to prove yourself.” cued their summer did it again. On the fi rst day of life without Clayton Kershaw, rookie Cody Bellinger put the Dodgers on his shoulders. With the Dodgers fi ve outs from a defeat, Bellinger hit a three-run home run, his 28th homer, powering the team to a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The crowd also chanted for a curtain call. Bellinger obliged. And, really, he might not have even had the best story on this night. The winning pitcher was left-hander Edward Paredes, making his major league debut at 30, in his 12th professional season. Paredes played in the inde- pendent Atlantic League for three years, a fact Dodgers fans can use to dazzle rival fans that insist the Dodgers success is all about the money. “It’s been a long road for him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And for him to fi nally make his major league debut at Dodger Stadium with a win, I know he and his family are thrilled. The guys were excited.” One night after blowing a save Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger (right) celebrates with third baseman Justin Turner after hitting a three-run home run for the fi rst time this season, against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Penguins sign Dumoulin to 6-year deal Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth inning for his 25th save. found out why, on their fi rst day lugged an earned-run average hander Grant Dayton. major league game,” Roberts The Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to terms with defenseman Brian It is diffi cult to imagine that without Kershaw. above 8.00 into this one. They The fi rst left-handed batter, said. “The next day, you’re in Dumoulin on a six-year contract to avoid salary arbitration. the Dodgers could lose the best It was not the only weakness did post three runs in the fi fth, Eddie Rosario, hit a home run, shorts and a T-shirt. The deal begins with the 2017-18 season and runs through pitcher on the planet and still they displayed. The Twins took including consecutive home tying the score 3-3. The second 2022-23, with an average annual value of $4.1 million, the team not list starting pitching as their a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning, runs by Yasmani Grandal and Joc left-handed batter doubled. RESULTS announced. “We’re happy it’s settled,” Dumoulin’s agent, Lewis greatest need on the eve of the when Dodgers infi elder-turned- Pederson, before the Twins hus- That made the eighth inning Dodgers 6 Twins 4 Gross, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by phone trade deadline, but it might well outfi elder Chris Taylor mis- tled Colon out of the game. one of the most intriguing. The Marlins 4 Rangers 0 The Nashville Predators signed forward Austin Watson to a three- be true. played a line drive into a double. “Once the fi fth inning came, Dodgers summoned Paredes, Mets 5 Padres 3 year, $3.3 million contract to avoid salary arbitration. Roberts told the Los Ange- That allowed Miguel Sano to that’s when I ran out of gas,” Co- whom they had called up Mon- Diamondbacks 10 Braves 2 The hearing was scheduled for Monday in Toronto. The deal will les Times last week that he had score; he had reached base when lon said. “I couldn’t have a feel day. It was three up, three down. White Sox 3 Cubs 1 pay Watson $1 million in 2017-18, $1.1 million in 2018-19 and $1.2 no preference as to whether right-handed reliever Josh Fields for anything.” Kershaw watched the game Indians 6 Reds 2 million in 2019-20, the team announced on Monday morning the Dodgers should trade for a hit him with a pitch. The Dodgers had nursed Hy- from the Dodgers dugout. Orioles 5 Rays 0 after the deal was announced. starter or a setup man, but he did The Dodgers also neglected to un-Jun Ryu through fi ve innings, The Dodgers hope he can re- Blue Jays 4 Athletics 2 The Winnipeg Jets agreed to terms with goaltender Connor have one request, and very ex- score over the fi rst four innings and they had taken a 3-2 lead. turn from what they called a Astros 13 Phillies 4 Hellebuyck on a one-year, $2.25 million contract to avoid salary plicit at that. against 44-year-old Bartolo Co- The Twins had left-handed bat- lower-back strain in four to six Cardinals 8 Rockies 2 arbitration. The two sides were scheduled to have an arbitration “Wipeout lefty,” Roberts said. lon, who pondered retirement ters lined up for the sixth inning, weeks. Royals 5 Tigers 3 (12 inns) hearing on August 1. As if on cue, the Dodgers aloud after his last start and so the Dodgers turned to left- “One day you’re starting a Mariners 4 Red Sox 0

NBA Rose agrees to one-year contract with Cavs

By Marla Ridenour Rose, 28, was willing to take been so much of a wave. To be where he was going. But he av- Akron Beacon Journal less money to join a contender. like, ‘We’re going to sit here for a eraged a career-high 10.1 points He suff ered through a tumul- whole year on whether or not Le- in the paint, second in the league tuous 2016-17 season with the Bron’s coming back,’ that’s got to for point guards behind the Rap- onsidering Kyrie Irv- New York Knicks after being be tough on anybody, everybody.” tors’ DeMar DeRozan, and shot ing’s uncertain future, traded from the Chicago Bulls Since being the No. 1 overall .471 from the fi eld, his best per- the Cavaliers are taking last June. pick in the 2011 draft, Irving has centage since 2009-10. a stab at a bargain. According to Wojnarowksi, played for four coaches – Byron In 2011, Rose became the CFree agent point guard Der- Rose met Friday with the Los Scott, Mike Brown, David Blatt youngest player in league his- rick Rose committed to sign- Angeles Lakers, who wanted him and Tyronn Lue – and the Cavs tory to win the NBA MVP award. ing with the Cavs on Monday to mentor rookie Lonzo Ball. The just named their third general In his career, he’s averaged 19.5 evening and underwent a physi- Lakers had the cap space to of- manager in that span. points, 3.7 rebounds and 6 as- cal, Shams Charania of The Ver- fer more money, but Rose saw a Although Irving told the Cavs sists. tical reported. better avenue to the NBA Finals he wants to escape James’ shad- The Cavs had to weigh Rose’s A league source confi rmed with the Cavs, who have played ow, according to Windhorst, Jef- long list of knee injuries, but he that Rose agreed to a one-year for the title each of the last three ferson tried to downplay any rift comes at a cheap price as he tries contract for the veteran mini- seasons and won a champion- between Irving and James. to jump-start his career. mum of $2.1 million. ship in 2016. “I think Kyrie knows how im- His issues began in the 2012 With Irving’s trade request Acquiring Rose might give portant he is to our team. Le- playoff s, when he tore the ante- creating a likely need for an- the Cavs fl exibility to look for a Bron knows how important he rior cruciate ligament in his left other point guard, the Cavs met star player at another position sponse, Windhorst said. Kyrie and Kev,” Jeff erson said coaches. LeBron comes back. is,” Jeff erson said. “They’ve been knee. Ten games into his return with Rose in Ohio on Monday, as they explore trade options for Other than what may have during the podcast that featured Now there’s trade rumors. Now on this podcast together multi- in 2013, he tore his right menis- ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski re- Irving, who can’t become a free been a cryptic tweet by Kevin Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and it’s LeBron’s leaving. At some ple times where LeBron is like, cus, which he re-tore in 2015. ported. According to The Verti- agent for two years. But accord- Love and a rap song posted to so- was taped at Vonn’s home Friday. point in time, anybody would ‘Dude, this is my guy. I need him. Last season Rose missed the fi nal cal, Rose was to have dinner with ing to Wojnarowski, the Cavs are cial media by James that includ- “Kyrie is a hyper-intelligent want some sort of stability, even He is so important to me. My fi ve games with a torn meniscus new Cavs general manager Koby still including a point guard in ed the lyrics “heavy heart,” there kid, really, really smart, doesn’t if it’s the unknown. I don’t know kids love him.’ in his left knee that required ar- Altman Monday night and is ex- discussions about an Irving deal. has been little reaction from get enough credit for how smart he if he asked to be traded, but I “Just like any family, there’s throscopic surgery. pected to sign Tuesday. Charania On Friday, ESPN’s Brian Cavs players since news broke of is. I think seeing that the franchise will say that he’s had a tougher ups and downs, there’s moments The Cavs already signed a said Rose is amenable to a start- Windhorst reported that Irving Irving’s trade request Friday. is in fl ux, seeing [general manager time if you look at it from start that you hate them, moments backup point guard, adding Jose ing or backup role. asked the Cavs to trade him ear- Richard Jeff erson discussed David Griffi n] leave, the amount to where we are right now, of that you love them and you just Calderon, 35, to take the spot According to Wojnarowski, lier this month because he was the situation on the latest in- of coaches, I think Kyrie has had a the ups and downs of a franchise kind of keep it moving.” held at the end of last season Rose communicated with LeB- tired of playing in the shadow of stalment of his “Road Trippin’” much tougher time in this stretch more than most. Last season, Rose averaged 18 by Deron Williams. Also on the ron James throughout his talks James. The bombshell left James podcast released on James’ “Un- of the organization than anyone “Even though we’ve been suc- points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 as- roster is 5-foot-9 Kay Felder, a with the Cavs. James also tweet- “blindsided and disappointed,” interrupted” platform Monday. ever really wants to fully... cessful and even though we’ve sists in 64 games. Rose skipped a second-round pick in the 2016 ed out fi ve rose emojis with the but James will stay out of the “I don’t think that there’s a “He’s the No. 1 pick right after won a championship and he’s game in January without telling draft acquired from the Atlanta message, “Let’s Rock G!!” Cavs’ front offi ce moves in re- power struggle with LeBron and LeBron. He has three diff erent been an All-Star, there’s still Knicks offi cials or teammates Hawks. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 26, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY Former Ireland star O’Leary retires Former Ireland and Munster scrum-half Tomas O’Leary announced his retirement yesterday. Revived hooker Polota-Nau O’Leary made his name on international stage when he started four of Ireland’s five games in their victori- ous 2009 Six Nations campaign. It was only Ireland’s sec- ond Grand Slam and their still a Wallabies force first since 1948. O’Leary was selected for ‘Stephen and I have an understanding that whoever starts and whoever finishes will do the job’ the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa Reuters before being ruled out by Melbourne a broken ankle sustained while on Munster duty. Cork-born O’Leary, who transfer to an endan- won 24 Ireland caps, also gered provincial team won the European Cup in the rugby backwa- twice with Munster in ter of Perth has proved 2006 and 2008. anA unlikely catalyst for Tatafu “I have had an incredible Polota-Nau’s return to the Wal- career from my academy labies front row after an injury- days in Munster to my plagued season. last game in Montpellier, After 11 successive campaigns all of which have been at Sydney-based Super Rugby extremely satisfying,” side New South Wales Waratahs, O’Leary wrote in announc- the veteran hooker was poised to ing his retirement on the sign for English side Bristol last Navy Blue blog. year, looking to rejuvenate a ca- “I have realised my reer he felt had grown stale. ambition of representing However, a lingering forearm Munster and Ireland. injury not only scuppered that “Wearing the red and move, it ended his international green jerseys has been a season two months early and real honour. forced him into a hasty back-up “Highlights that stand out plan. are the two Heineken Cup Plan B was a one-year deal victories with Munster and with the battling Western Force, winning the Grand Slam in a team several timezones away 2009 with Ireland.” from rugby’s eastern heartland O’Leary played nearly 130 in Australia and one fi ghting to games for Munster before avoid being axed from Super joining English Premier- Rugby. ship club London Irish in The Australian Rugby Union 2012. He returned to Mun- has committed to cutting ei- ster in 2015 and finished ther the Force or the Melbourne his career with French Top Rebels as the 18-team competi- 14 side Montpellier last tion contracts to 15 teams next season. year, saying it will help save the Meanwhile Inside back cash-strapped local game from Karmichael Hunt has been going bankrupt while lifting the ruled out for eight weeks nation’s competitiveness across following ankle surgery the board. and will miss the Wallabies’ Polota-Nau says that axing Bledisloe Cup opener with the Force would be devastating New Zealand next month, for rugby in Western Australia, team off icials said Monday. where Australian Rules football, Hunt, one of the stars of the popular indigenous sport, Australia’s home Tests last tends to hog the headlines. month, had an ankle sprain “If they axe the team it’s not and will miss a chunk ideal for rugby in Australia,” the of the Wallabies’ rugby 71-test hooker told Reuters by Championship campaign, telephone from the Wallabies starting with the All Blacks training camp in Newcastle, some Australia’s Tatafu Polota-Nau is tackled by Scotland’s Jonny Gray during their match on June 17 in Sydney. (Reuters) in Sydney on August 19. 4,000 kilometres east of Perth. Hunt and Kurtley Beale “It’s just a shame we don’t get mates can do but wait, their ca- and delighted Wallabies coach said Polota-Nau. little to improve the mood, but Seeing the British and Irish were set to compete for the same coverage that AFL (Aus- reers in limbo and futures un- Michael Cheika, who gave the “That’s all we got told. If any- Cheika is confi dent his side Lions tie a hard-fought series the No.12 spot but with the tralian Football League) does. certain. Sydney-born hooker his fi rst thing we just want to make sure will challenge the world cham- with the All Blacks earlier this dual rugby international “It’s just about trying to keep The Melbourne Rebels blamed start in the number two jersey we both put our best foot for- pion All Blacks when they open month has given the Wallabies out for an extended period the faithful and create more of a the constant speculation over for two years during the June in- ward because we both have the the Rugby Championship with hope they can end the drought, Beale is in line to make his buzz for rugby to thrive because their future on their miserable ternationals. capacity to start and fi nish but back-to-back tests next month. however. first start for the Wallabies at a community level, it’s amaz- season of one win from 15 games. While well-received by Pol- obviously he has the leadership To that end, the coach has “They played some high qual- since 2015. “Karmichael ing to see how many juniors The Dave Wessels-coached ota-Nau, it had the awkward role being captain.” organised a punishing training ity rugby throughout that series, is going to be out for six there are out there.” Force, however, got on with the side-eff ect of relegating captain The Super Rugby season was schedule at camps in Newcastle both teams,” said Polota-Nau. to eight weeks,” coach job, fi nishing with a 6-9 win- Stephen Moore to the bench a gloomy one for Australia, with and nearby Cessnock to lift his “And that’s our aim, too... I’d Michael Cheika told report- IN LIMBO loss record, the second best in for the matches against Fiji and none of its teams qualifying for squad’s mental and physical fi t- love to touch that big silver tro- ers. He ended up having The Force have vowed to fi ght the fi ve-team Australian confer- Scotland. Polota-Nau said there the semi-fi nals this weekend or ness. Australia have not won the phy for once in my life and that’s a small operation on his the ARU in the courts if they ence and superior to the ‘safe’ had been no need for any quiet able to record a single victory annual Bledisloe Cup series con- the reason why we’re here to- syndesmosis injury and move to axe the team and are provincial teams in Canberra, chats to smooth things over with over a New Zealand opponent in tested with New Zealand since gether in camp, to just give it all will do nothing for the first scheduled for mediation with Brisbane and Sydney. the seasoned skipper. 26 attempts. 2002, much to the disappoint- that we have. 10 days before we start the governing body. Polota-Nau’s bullocking “Stephen and I have an under- The Wallabies’ surprise loss ment of Polota-Nau, who has “Because two weeks go so working on him and his Meanwhile, there is nothing presence helped drive the Force standing that whoever starts and to Scotland and a huge scare participated in six losing cam- quick and it could be decided in fitness levels. Polota-Nau and his Force team through its respectable season whoever fi nishes will do the job,” against lowly Italy in June did paigns dating back to 2008. two games.”

SPOTLIGHT High-fl ying Dunking Devils and 3x3 basketball to dazzle crowd at QSF Summer Entertainment City By Sports Reporter Doha

SF Summer Entertainment City, now in its fi fth week, is providing a basketball theme to this week’s entertainment, featuring Serbia’s Dunking Devils acrobatic slam dunking team. QIn addition, the organisers QSports, hosts a QSF 3x3 MallJam Basketball Tournament, giving players of all backgrounds a chance to win QR8,000 as prize-money. The action is open to the public and is located at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (next to the City Center Mall). The line-up this Friday and Saturday at Summer En- tertainment City includes: QSF 3x3 MallJam Basketball Tournament-all day long and Dunking Devils – Three High-Flying Shows at 6:00pm, 7:15pm, and 8:30pm and XTÔRK – Extreme skating and BMX demonstrations each evening Speaking about this weekend’s entertainment, Adil Ahmed, Founder & CEO of, QSports, said: “In celebration of the fast-rising sport of basketball in Qatar, we have created the perfect platform, at Summer Entertainment City, to display Qatar’s best players and Serbia’s famous Dunking Devil’s team.” He added “there will be many local basketball teams competing for signifi cant prize money, making Summer Entertainment City the centre of Qatar’s basketball scene. “In addition to our entertainment, there will be more than 85 activities available for the entire family, making the Gold Pass (QR165) a popular choice among our visi- tors, saving up to 85% off regular prices of included at- tractions,” he said. The theme of Summer Entertainment City changes weekly, in line with scheduled entertainment and social media contests. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 26, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Qatari boxer qualifi es Spieth has career for World C’ships

QNA of this year’s competition was decided Doha in Doha, after the bid it proposed to the executive committee of the association on the sidelines of the Doha competi- atari boxer Hakan Eresker tion. Grand Slam in sights qualifi ed for the AIBA World President of the Qatar Boxing Fed- Boxing Championships eration Yousuf Ali al-Kazim expressed 2017 which will take place his happiness that Qatar will be pre- inQ Hamburg from August 25 to Septem- sented once more in the competition, ber 3. noting that this time it came through Hakan will compete in the 60 Kg. qualifi ers compared to the 2015 edi- with global stars from continents tion when Doha was the host. He also aft er Open triumph across the world. A total of 260 boxers praised Eresker for his commitment to are expected to compete in the cham- improving his sporting performance, pionships 10 categories. His qualifi ca- noting that the player became the fi rst ‘It’s incredible. It’s a life goal of mine. It’s a career goal’ tion means Qatar will participate in the boxer in Qatar’s history to reach the Ol- competition for the second time. The ympics in Rio 2016. AFP fi rst time was when Doha hosted the Kazim stressed that qualifying to the Southport, United Kingdom competition in 2015, the fi rst Middle- World Boxing Championships through Eastern company to host the event. Asia was not an easy feat, especially International Boxing Association said due to the popularity of the game on ordan Spieth will go into the US that the Doha edition was the best one the continent. There were many world PGA Championship next month in the history of the competition. champions and Olympians from Asia looking to join an elite club and The choice of Hamburg as the host as well. complete the career Grand Slam afterJ his memorable British Open tri- umph on Sunday. BLOW Spieth’s dramatic victory on the links at Royal Birkdale in north-west England saw him add the Open’s fa- mous Claret Jug to the Masters green Elbow injury may rule jacket he won at Augusta in 2015 and his US Open title the same year. The Texan has now emulated the Djokovic out of US great Jack Nicklaus in winning three diff erent majors before the age of 24 — his 24th birthday is this coming Open: report Thursday. At the moment Nicklaus is one of just fi ve players to have claimed all Reuters four majors, but Spieth can join that London elite group by winning the PGA at Quail Hollow in North Carolina start- ing on August 10 — and would be the ormer world number one No- youngest to get there. vak Djokovic is in doubt for “It’s incredible. It’s a life goal of the US Open due to his elbow mine. It’s a career goal. Growing up injury, Serbian media reported, playing golf, I just wanted to be able citingF the country’s Davis Cup team to play in major championships and Jordan Spieth of the US poses with the Claret Jug and fans after winning the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale golf doctor. compete with the best in the world, course near Southport, England, on Sunday. (AFP) Djokovic retired hurt during the and things have happened very quick- quarter-fi nals at Wimbledon and said ly,” said Spieth on Sunday. tion, versus just being able to kind of 22-year-old Seve Ballesteros won at just one stroke behind Kuchar before he was considering taking a break He survived a major wobble in the go about your own thing. And I never Royal Lytham in 1979. three birdies and an eagle in the next from playing to recover from the long- last round at Birkdale to end on 12 un- realised how underrated that was.” “But I’m very careful as to what that four holes sealed the deal. standing injury to his right elbow. der par and beat compatriot Matt Ku- Along with Nicklaus, the other means going forward because what It was a remarkable show of guts, all Serbia’s Sportski Zurnal reported char by three shots. players to have completed the career those guys have done has transcended the more so with memories still fresh that the 30-year-old could face up to 12 He was already the fourth-youngest Grand Slam are Woods, Ben Hogan, the sport. of his collapse at the 2016 Masters, weeks on the sidelines. man to capture two majors with his Gary Player and Gene Sarazen. But “And in no way, shape or form do I when he blew a fi ve-stroke lead on the “He has a bruised bone due to exces- 2015 double, having previously be- Spieth is not a fan of comparisons be- think I’m anywhere near that, what- back nine on the last day. sive playing,” it quoted Zdenko Milink- come the youngest winner on the PGA tween him and the greats of the sport. soever. So it’s a good start, but there is His victory, and the manner of it, ovic as saying. news conference in Belgrade this week. Tour in over 80 years at the John Deere “I feel blessed to be able to play the a long way to go.” drew praise from Nicklaus. The 12-times grand slam champion “We are doing diff erent checks and Classic in 2013. game I love, but I don’t compare my- Spieth showed great nerve on Sun- “He’s won 11 tournaments and I had won the US Open in 2011 and 2015. This getting opinions from more than one Adding to his achievements, Spieth self. And I don’t think that they’re ap- day after quickly frittering away a won eight before 24,” Nicklaus, now year’s tournament begins on August 28. doctor,” The Times quoted his spokes- warmed up for Birkdale with a victory propriate or necessary. three-stroke overnight advantage and 77, wrote on Twitter on Sunday. Britain’s The Times said Djokovic man as saying. at the Travelers Championship last “To be in that company, no doubt is then almost blowing it completely on “If you look at his victory total, his would make a decision about his playing Djokovic has appeared in 51 straight month which allowed him to match absolutely incredible. And I certainly the back nine. win today and the way he won, Jor- schedule over the next 24 hours and that grand slams since his debut at the 2005 Tiger Woods in reaching double digits appreciate it. And we work really hard A wayward tee shot on the 13th dan has shown an amazing display of an announcement would me made at a Australian Open. for tour wins by such a young age. to have that, with that being the goal,” forced him to take a drop and play maturity for someone so young, and “It’s good and bad, because a lot said Spieth after becoming the young- his third from an adjacent practice he has been doing that for a quite a comes with it. And a lot more atten- est British Open champion since a ground. He escaped with a bogey to sit while.” TENNIS ATHLETICS Haas makes Hamburg Bolt, Thompson to lead Jamaica at Worlds fi rst-round exit DPA but, when he reached the semi-fi nals. Reuters announced by the Jamaica’s athletics Hamburg He has a record of 18 wins and 12 losses Kingston administration (JAAA) on Monday. at the clay-court tournament and fi n- Hansle Parchment, who won 110m ished runner-up in 2012. hurdles silver at the last world cham- ermany’s Tommy Haas yes- “There are a lot of thoughts going sain Bolt is among three Ol- pionships in Beijing, and rising star terday bid sporting farewell to through the head,” he said. “I was not ympic champions leading a Ronald Levy join world leader Mcleod his hometown fans in Ham- able to fi nd my game, I was struggling strong Jamaican team at the in the event. burg, with the 39-year-old with self-confi dence.” athletics world champion- Reigning 100m hurdles world Gending the home portion of his swan- Kicker, ranked 96th in the world to Uships in London next month. champion Danielle Williams, who set song tour by going out in the fi rst round Haas’s 249th, broke the German three Bolt will chase his fourth succes- a new personal best of 12.56 seconds to of the German Open. times in the opening set, which he won sive 100 metres world title and a fi fth win the Jamaican title last month, was Haas, who is set to retire at the end of in 52 minutes. Haas was unable to rally consecutive 4x100m relay gold at the also included, along with Olympic and the ATP season after a career plagued by in the second and ended his 905th ATP August 4-14 meeting, his last interna- world 400m bronze medallist Sher- hip and shoulder injuries, lost 7-5, 6-2 to Tour match by saying his goodbyes to tional competition. icka Jackson. Argentina’s Nicolas Kicker. The German the 4,000 spectators, who applauded Olympic double sprint champion The Jamaican team have started veteran had a poor day on serve and was one of Hamburg’s favourite sons. Elaine Thompson and Omar Mcleod, their warmup camp in Birmingham broken fi ve times in a match played under When the tour season is over, Hass who won Jamaica’s fi rst 110 metres and will aim to improve on the 12 med- a closed roof due to rain. will concentrate full-time on his job hurdles gold at the Rio Games, were als secured at the 2015 world champi- Local boy Haas was competing 20 as tournament director of the Indian also included in the 59-member squad onships in Beijing. years after making his Hamburg de- Wells Masters.

SPOTLIGHT Russians going to Worlds as Defending champion Duan dumped neutrals will be paid by state South Africa’s Semenya to out of Jiangxi Open Russia told athletes set to compete as neutrals at next month’s world Australia’s world number 132 Arina Rodionova stunned defending champion championships that they will be paid by the state despite not of- and home favourite Duan Yingying in the first round of the WTA Jiangxi Open ficially representing their country. Nineteen Russian athletes were on seek double gold in London in China yesterday. Russian-born Rodionova saw off the world-ranked 64 Duan Monday entered into the competition being hosted from August 4-13 in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, in one hour and 42 minutes in sweltering Nanchang, in London. Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov said athletes who Reuters ASA added. southeastern China. Fifth seed Duan, standing at over six feet (1.82 metres), compete at the championships will not miss out financially. Russia’s Cape Town The 1500m heats are on the opening towered over the diminutive Rodionova. But that counted for nothing as the athletics federation remains suspended over a 2015 World Anti-Doping day of the championships on Aug. 4 27-year-old Australian powered a forehand winner to seal a convincing victory Agency report which alleged state-sponsored doping in the sport, with the fi nal three days later, while the on the Jiangxi Open hard courts. Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic, 32, a former world something the Kremlin denies. However, the world governing body, aster Semenya will chase 800m heats start on Aug. 10. number one, made it a second Chinese loser on the day as she swatted aside the IAAF, has so far cleared 47 Russian athletes to compete interna- a golden double at next Semenya’s double bid follows the Kang Jiaqi 6-2, 7-5. But three other home players — Wang Yafan, Lu Jingjing tionally this year under the neutral flag after they demonstrated that month’s world champion- example of compatriot Wayde van and Zhu Lin — were all victorious to get into the second round. their training environment met its anti-doping standards. ships in London after adding Niekerk, who is seeking gold in the theC women’s 1500 metres to her 800m men’s 200m and 400m. entry, Athletics South Africa (ASA) Semenya has had to contend with Australia mourns death of grand slam Britain’s Rutherford pulls out of said yesterday. controversy throughout her career. Semenya, who had to undergo gender After winning the 2009 world title as winner, coach Rose world championships testing before being cleared to compete a 19-year-old, tests reportedly revealed World long jump champion Greg Rutherford will not defend his as a woman after winning the world that she is hyperandrogenous, resulting Mervyn Rose, who won two grand slam titles and a pair of Davis Cups for crown in London next month after being forced to withdraw from 800m title in 2009, is the Olympic in her body producing an abnormally Australia before coaching some of the greats of the game, has died at 87. A the championships through injury, British Athletics announced champion at the shorter distance. high amount of testosterone, which pugnacious left-hander with an occasionally combustible temper, Rose won yesterday. The former Olympic champion had been hoping to She set a world-leading time of makes her more powerful than her ri- the 1954 Australian Open and the 1958 French Open along with five grand return to the stadium where he famously won his gold on ‘Super 1:55.27 last week in Monaco at the Dia- vals. slam doubles crowns. He was part of the Henry Hopman-captained teams that Saturday’ in 2012 but has had to admit defeat to a series of injury mond League meeting, which is also her An International Association of beat the United States for the Davis Cup in 1951 and 1957, and later enjoyed a woes over the season. He said he felt “gutted” by having to pull out. personal best. Athletics Federations (IAAF) rule lim- successful coaching career, mentoring Margaret Court, Billie Jean-King and “In the last few days I have had to accept an unfortunate reality. I The 26-year-old has rarely raced in iting the amount of naturally occur- Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, among others. Born in Coff s Harbour, a coastal town did everything I could, but a string of injuries at the worst possible the 1500m, but won the African title in ring functional testosterone for female in northern New South Wales state, Rose was inducted into the international time means I will be unable to defend my world title in London,” Durban last year in 4:01.99 which al- athletes appeared to have restricted Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001. “A left-hander who perfected the art of the chip Rutherford said in a statement. The news is a blow for the home lows her to enter the event in London. Semenya’s prospects but that rule was and charge, the only thing sharper than Rose’s volleys was his wit,” Tennis challenge at the championships that begin on August 4. She will also form part of the South then quashed by the Court of Arbitra- Australia said in a statement. Africa team for the 4x400m relays, tion for Sport (CAS).

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatar’s para athletes return to grand welcome QOC Secretary General lauded achievements of Abdulrahman Abdulqader and Sarah Masoud

QNA Doha

atar’s para athletics team arrived in Doha yesterday after participating in the 2017 World Para Athletics Cham- pionships concluded in London on JulyQ 23. The event brought together more than 1,100 athletes from 95 countries. Abdulrahman Ab- dulqader won the gold medal of Men’s Shot Put (F34) event while Sarah Masoud claimed the silver medal of Women’s Shot Put (F33). Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, QOC Deputy Secretary General Jas- sim Rashid al-Buenain and other members of the Qatar Paralympic Committee received the delegation at Hamad International Airport. QOC Secretary General Dr Thani bin Abdul- rahman al-Kuwari lauded the achievements accomplished by Qatar’s Abdulrahman Ab- dulqader and Sarah Masoud and stressed that their results refl ect the development of Para Athletics in the state of Qatar. He added that HE QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, through a tel- Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari with the Qatar’s para athletics ephone call, was among the fi rst to congratu- team after they arrived in Doha from London, where they participated in the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships. Abdulrahman Abdulqader won gold in men’s Shot Put (F34) event. late Abdulrahman Abdulqader after winning the gold medal, a matter which encourages him and the rest of his colleagues to do more in the upcoming tournaments. For his part, Abdulrahman Abdulqader ex- pressed his happiness with winning the gold medal in the world championship, adding that the gold medal was the result of his meticulous training. “After my silver medal at the Rio Olympics I continued to put in some hard work. I succeed- ed in achieving what I was aspiring to achieve,” he said. Sarah Masoud dedicated her achievement to HE QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- Thani and said that she was proud to raise the fl ag of Qatar in the world championship and achieve the silver medal. She hoped to achieve more medals in the upcoming events. The Qatari delegation participating in the Para athletics Championships in London was led by Dr Hassan al-Ansari, Secretary General of the Qatar Paralympic Committee. The Qa- tari squad included Abdulrahman Abdulqader, Nasser al-Sahoti, Mohamed al-Kubaisi, Kha- led al-Hajri, Mohamed Khallas and Sarah Ma- Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari with soud. Sarah Masoud, who claimed silver in women’s Shot Put (F33) event.

MOVE SPOTLIGHT Qatar meet Uruguay today in beach handball Al Arabi sign Khalfan QNA Australia, while Group A con- Anis Abdulrazzaq El Zouaoui, participate in the World Games. Wroclaw, Poland tains teams of Croatia, Hungary, Mohammed Ahmed Zaki, Hani the team took part in the last Egypt and Poland. The fi rst and Marwan Kakhi and Hadi Hazem edition held in Colombia in 2013 second teams of each group will Hamdoun. The team held a and fi nished fourth after losing he Qatari beach hand- qualify for the semi-fi nals. training camp in Poland for to Croatia 1/2. Ibrahim from Al Sadd ball team will meet Uru- The Qatari team in the tour- a week in preparation for the Qatar are seeking to add a new guay today in their fi rst nament consists of ten play- World Games, for which they achievement to their previous match of the the 10th ers. They are Muhsin Mohamed qualifi ed after fi nishing third in series of achievements, which Tedition of the World Games held Al Yafi ’i, Mahab Ali Mahfouz, the latest world championships include two third place fi nishes in Wroclaw, Poland. Mu’tasim Mohamed Abdul- held in Hungary last year. in World Championships, four The match is played in Group wahed, Amir Dengir, Sayed Ali This is the second time for the Asian Championships titles and B which includes Brazil and Qenaoui, Ahmed Ragab Morjan, Qatari national handball team to three Asian Beach Games titles.

ASIAN FUTSAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Naft Al Wasat beat Rayyan to seal top spot

AFC Ho Chi Minh City

raq’s Naft Al Wasat secured top spot in Group B after defeating Qatar’s Al Rayy- an 4-2 in the AFC Futsal Club Champi- onship Vietnam 2017 yesterday. IWith the top spot in Group B at stake, the stage was set for an explosive fi nal group match of the competition between two powerhouses who had already sealed their last eight spots. The standings prior to the match were in favour of Naft Al Wasat, who were clearly more clinical and their superiority was ap- parent after the Iraqi side snatched two goals inside the fi rst minute. “Today’s result was not important; the By Sports Reporter 2013 season. “Al Arabi have one of the big- most important thing was the performance. Doha Following the signing, Khal- gest fan bases in Qatar and I hope It was a good match for us to get good practice fan Ibrahim said that, “I return they will come out in large num- against one of the best teams in Asia to help to Al Arabi where I grew up, and I bers and support our team,” he prepare for Al Dhafrah. Naft are an excellent Action from the match between Naft Al Wasat (in white and green) and Al Rayyan (in black). l Arabi have confi rmed would like to thank the club offi - said. team, we could see today, it is almost as if they the successful transfer cials for the confi dence they had “I grew up here and I played for can score when they want to. But I am happy Al Rayyan pulled one back in the second half this time leaving Noor with no chance. of Qatari international in me and I hope to be an asset for the club early in my career. I wish we were able to match them in parts,” said Al when Mohssein did brilliantly to draw away Just when it seemed the tie was headed for Khalfan Ibrahim from the team.” them the best and hope they win Rayyan coach Carlos Cesar Gago. the Naft defence before dispatching a cross- a stalemate, Bahadori fi red a rapid double — AlA Sadd on a one year deal. The Qatari former Asian Play- some trophies. With just 25 seconds gone, Farhad Ta- shot which fell neatly onto the path of Hazem fi rst capitalising on a defensive error by Al Khalfan is one of the biggest er of the Year will now join the Khalfan said he is indebted to vakoli made a lightning sprint past Amro Samy who was left with a simple fi nish. Rayyan to squeeze his shot between two de- stars in Qatari football and began Dream Team on their pre-season his fans for the support they have Mohssein before cutting back for Waleed Samy’s goal breathed new life into the fenders and adding another moments later his career with Al Arabi in 1998. training camp in Slovenia from given him. Khalid to slot home after his initial attempt match, instilling in Al Rayyan a renewed after dispossessing Samy to round off with He then moved to Al Sadd in July 31 to August 26. “I owe a lot to them. They have rebounded off custodian Abdulrahman sense of belief as they surged forward deter- a precise fi nish. 2004 and since then has con- Ibrahim, one of Qatar’s best supported me all through my Mohsin. mined to fi nd the equaliser. Naft Al Wasat’s victory sets up a classic tributed a great deal to the players ever, had an indiff erent career. I look forward to the new Taking barely a moment to breath, Tava- Taheri would prove the diff erence though quarter-fi nal with home side Thai Son Nam teams’ success over the course season last year when he missed season and I thank the club offi - koli was at his menacing best once again, as four minutes later, he reacted quickly while Al Dhafrah will now prepare to take on of his career, he was also award- most of Al Sadd’s matches be- cials for their support.” this time driving a low right-footed eff ort to Bahadori’s mistake and waltzed past Al Rayyan in the last eight with both match- ed the best player award in the cause of an injury. from Ghodrat Bahadori’s kick-in. Hameed before letting fl y a roaring eff ort, es tomorrow.