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Monday, June 4, 2018 TENNIS Ramadan 19, 1439 AH Zverev on course GULF TIMES for semi-final clash with Djokovic SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL/ WORLD CUP WARM-UP Neymar back with a bang as Brazil star sinks Croatia Neymar needed just 23 minutes to prove how CRICKET important he is to Brazil’s hopes of a sixth world title England stop the rot with thumping win

Pakistan captain Safraz Ahmed (L) and England captain Joe Root pose with the Natwest Test Series trophy after England win the second Test yesterday.

AFP er Faheem Ashraf for six. Leeds But with Buttler fi ve runs short of equalling his Test-best 85, made on debut against India at Southampton in 2014, No ngland won their fi rst Test match 11 James Anderson was caught in the slips since September as they thrashed off Hasan Ali. Pakistan by an innings and 55 Buttler faced 101 balls, including 11 runs in the second Test at Head- fours and two sixes. ingleyE yesterday. Pakistan had been behind in this game Victory, completed inside three days, ever since they were dismissed for 174 in saw England level the two-match series their fi rst innings after captain Sarfraz at 1-1 after Pakistan won the fi rst Test at Ahmed won the toss on a good pitch but Lord’s by nine wickets. saw his batsmen struggle in overcast, It was also England’s fi rst victory in a bowler-friendly, conditions. Test match since they beat the West In- Their second innings started in style dies at Lord’s in September last year, with when Azhar Ali drove the fi rst ball, from the side having endured a winless run of Anderson, for four. six defeats in eight Tests coming into this But Anderson, England’s all-time fi xture. leading Test wicket-taker, knocked over By sharing the spoils in this short cam- the middle stump of Azhar, who made 11. paign, England avoided a third successive Pakistan were 30 for two when Haris series loss after reverses in Australia and Sohail (eight) saw a hard-hit drive off An- Brazil striker Neymar celebrates after scoring against Croatia in their International friendly match at Anfield in Liverpool yesterday. New Zealand. derson brilliantly caught one-handed by Jos Buttler’s blistering 80 not out on a diving Bess at extra-cover. AFP front of Anfi eld’s legendary Kop of his concerns about winning that Chelsea’s Willian and Manchester Sunday saw England to a total of 363 and Liverpool End, and punched the air in obvious race and described his rehabilita- City’s Gabriel Jesus, who was named commanding fi rst-innings lead of 189. SCORECARD delight as he was mobbed by team- tion as the biggest challenge of his captain for the day, the 15th player to Pakistan then collapsed to 134, losing Pakistan 1st Innings 174 (Shadab Khan 56; S mates. career. wear the armband under the reign of their last seven wickets for just 50 runs. Broad 3-38, J Anderson 3-43, C Woakes 3-55) razil star Neymar made a The sublime strike leaves Neymar He also sat out training with the manager Tite. Stuart Broad took three for 28 and off - England 1st Innings (363 all out (J. Buttler 80, D. stunning return from injury on 54 goals for his national team, national team at Tottenham’s Lon- Despite the looming spectre of spinner Dominic Bess grabbed his fi rst Bess 49, A Cook 49; with a superb goal in their one behind Romario, who is third on don base on Thursday as a precau- the World Cup, now less than two Test wickets in a return of three for 33. Pakistan 2nd Innings B2-0 friendly victory over the country’s all-time list, and with tion. weeks away, the game proved a England resumed yesterday on 302 for Azhar Ali b Anderson ...... 11 Croatia yesterday. only Pele and Ronaldo ahead of him But Brazil coach Tite had an- physical one. seven, with Buttler 44 not out and Sam Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Bess ...... 34 Just 98 days after suff ering an in- in the Brazil record books. nounced his intention to use Ney- Croatia’s Andrej Kramaric and Curran, unbeaten on 16. Haris Sohail c Bess b Anderson ...... 8 jury he feared would keep him out Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, on mar against Croatia, with the Brazil- Ivan Perisic were both cautioned by Curran, however, was out for 20 on his Asad Shafiq c Bairstow b Broad ...... 5 of the upcoming World Cup in Rus- his home ground, completed the ians having just one more warm-up English referee Michael Oliver in the 20th birthday when he was well caught Usman Salahuddin c Root b Bess ...... 33 sia, Neymar was back with a bang at victory in stoppage time when he game — against Austria in Vienna on fi rst half, along with Brazilian Fern- low down at second slip by Shafi q off Sarfraz Ahmed lbw b Woakes ...... 8 Anfi eld. controlled a through ball on his June 10 — in which his asset can gain andinho whose high-footed chal- man-of-the-series Mohammad Abbas, Shadab Khan c Cook b Curran ...... 4 The Paris Saint-Germain forward chest and calmly beat the advancing much-needed game-time. lenge left Vrsaljko needing a large who took eight for 64 at Lord’s. Faheem Ashraf c Malan b Bess ...... 3 appeared as a half-time replacement keeper with a delicate lob. True to his word, Tite brought bandage to a head wound. At this stage, no batsman in the in- Mohamed Amir not out ...... 7 for Manchester City midfi elder Neymar, the world’s most expen- on Neymar at the interval and he Neymar’s introduction at the nings had scored a fi fty, although Bess Hasan Ali c Cook b Broad...... 9 Fernandinho as the Selecao stepped sive player following his blockbuster appeared comfortable, steering an start of the second half drew an en- had made a commendable 49 in his role as Mohamed Abbas c Root b Broad ...... 1 up their World Cup preparations. move from Barcelona last year, had early shot, from a wide angle on the thusiastic reaction, from the Anfi eld nightwatchman to follow a fi fty on debut Extras (b5, lb5, n1) ...... 11 And Neymar needed just 23 min- been sidelined since the end of Feb- edge of the area, directly at goal- crowd and his team-mates alike. at Lord’s. Total (all out, 46 overs, 229 mins) ...... 134 utes to prove how important he is to ruary when he fractured his foot keeper Danijel Subasic who saved He joined Jesus and Willian in at- Buttler, dropped on four on Saturday Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Azhar), 2-30 (Sohail), Brazil’s hopes of a sixth world title. playing for PSG in a league victory well. tack, with Coutinho dropping into when Hasan Ali failed to hold a routine 3-42 (Shafiq), 4-84 (Imam), 5-97 (Sarfraz), 6-102 Receiving a pass from Philippe against Marseille. It was a notable afternoon also for the midfi eld place vacated by Fern- chance at midwicket, soon altered that (Shadab), 7-111 (Ashraf), 8-115 (Salahuddin), 9-124 Coutinho, Neymar cut into the area, He sprained his ankle and frac- former Liverpool striker Coutinho, andinho. statistic. (Hasan), 10-134 (Abbas) beating Sime Vrsaljko and Duje Ca- tured his fi fth metatarsal, requir- who made his fi rst appearance at Brazil instantly appeared more He went to fi fty in style with two Bowling: Anderson 10-2-35-2; Broad 12-2-28-3 leta-Car with impressive close con- ing an operation which had left the Anfi eld since his transfer to Barcelo- threatening, with the PSG man link- boundaries in as many balls off Abbas -- (1nb); Curran 7-2-10-1; Woakes 6-0-18-1; Bess trol and dribbling, before burying a 26-year-old facing a battle to be fi t na in January, and received a smat- ing up quickly with Jesus. an extra-cover driven four followed by a 11-1-33-3 shot into the roof of the goal, via the in time for Brazil’s opening World tering of boos from some of his old Before Neymar’s brilliant opener, hooked six. Result: England won by an innings and 55 runs crossbar, from the edge of the six- Cup match with Switzerland in Ros- club’s supporters. Croatia might have struck fi rst when Buttler was missed in the deep by Us- Series: Two-match series ends level at 1-1 yard area. tov-on-Don on June 17. He formed part of a potent three- Ante Rebic’s header forced a fi ne man Salahuddin on 66 and the3 very next Man-of-the-match: Jos Buttler (ENG) Neymar ran behind the goal, in Neymar had spoken last month man forward line that also featured save from Alisson. ball saw him straight drive medium-pac- Man-of-the-series: Mohamed Abbas (PAK) Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 4, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Beware of fl ying barbs as Serena Zverev and Djoko meets Sharapova edge closer to semi-fi nal clash ‘Well, I’m young, so I might as well stay on court, get some practice and entertain you...”

In this combination of file photographs, Russia’s Maria Sharapova (L) and Serena Williams of the US in action at the French Open.

Reuters have... to go out there and do the Paris best. It’s a Wimbledon fi nal... it would be more shocking if I wasn’t in tears. t has been almost 2-1/2 years “I think what happens there since Serena Williams and should defi nitely stay there and Maria Sharapova last faced not necessarily (be) talked about off across the net but when in a not-so-positive way in a Iit comes to these two great on- book.” court foes, absence does not Apart from Sharapova’s in- make the heart grow fonder. discretions, there were other While Sharapova’s quarter- things in the book that irked fi nal defeat by Williams at the Williams. 2016 Australian Open ended up “The book was a lot about being the last competitive match me. I was surprised about that... the Russian would play for 15 (because) I didn’t expect to be months after she was slapped reading a book about me, that with a doping ban, her American wasn’t necessarily true,” added rival was on a maternity break for Williams. most of 2017. “I didn’t know she looked up Making her Grand Slam come- to me that much or was so in- back in Paris following the birth volved in my career. of her daughter Alexis Olympia “I feel like women should last September, Williams will bring each other up. The success renew her fi erce on-court rivalry of one female should be the in- with Sharapova today when they spiration to another.” meet in a highly-anticipated Sharapova did not want to fourth-round showdown at the delve too much into their bit- French Open. ter past on Saturday and instead Their on-court encounters simply concentrated on the have been a bit of a mismatch match ahead by saying: “There because Sharapova has proved is a lot of things in her game that to be the kind of prey Williams she’s done much better than I likes feasting on. Williams, the have. Numbers don’t lie. holder of 23 majors, has strung “Despite the record that I together an 18-match winning have against her, I always look streak against the Russian dating forward to coming out on the back to 2005. court and competing against the In her autobiography, Sharap- best player.” ova appears to take credit for that As far as Williams is con- Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts during his men’s singles fourth round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov on day eight of the French Open yesterday. run with a bit of reverse psychol- cerned, she does not reserve any ogy — suggesting that the Amer- special on-court treatment for AFP RESULTS Dzumhur, battled back from 2-1 down in er won a Grand Slam match before this ican was so traumatized by her Sharapova — no matter what the Paris sets to force a decider, before securing an week, stunned Belgian eighth seed David defeat by the then 17-year-old Russian divulged in her autobi- impressive victory that featured 63 win- Goffi n 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3. Russian in the 2004 Wimbledon ography. Men 4th rd: Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt ners and 17 aces. US Open champion Sloane Stephens fi nal that she is still driven on by “Whenever I play her, I go out erman second seed Alexan- David Goff in (BEL x8) 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 Thiem, the only man to beat Rafael cruised past Estonian Anett Kontaveit that memory. there the way I play everyone der Zverev and Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) bt Fernando Nadal on clay this year, held off a short- 6-0, 6-2 to book a last-eight spot for the A clearly unimpressed Wil- else. I go extremely hard. I don’t edged closer to a possible French Verdasco (ESP x30) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 Dominic lived Nishikori revival on Court Philippe fi rst time. liams did not hold back when it play anyone diff erent. I play eve- Open semi-fi nal clash of gen- Thiem (AUT x7) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN Chatrier to set up the meeting with Zver- Stephens, the 10th seed, had previ- came to sharing her thoughts on ryone so hard because they play Gerations, with the youngster edging out ev. ously made the fourth round for four suc- the matter on Saturday. me really hard and I always have x19) 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 Alexander Zverev Karen Khachanov and the former cham- (GER x2) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS) 4-6, “I think that’s the matchup most of the cessive seasons and will next play either “The book was 100 % hearsay, to be ready for it,” said Williams, pion seeing off Fernando Verdasco in the 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 fans in Germany and Austria were hoping Australian Open champion and second at least all the stuff I read and whose ranking of 451 is not fool- last 16 yesterday. Women 4th rd: Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) for when they saw the draw,” he said. seed Caroline Wozniacki or Russia’s Daria the quotes that I read, which ing any of her opponents. The 21-year-old Zverev claimed his bt Barbora Strycova (CZE x26) 6-4, 6-3 “He’s an amazing player. I mean, prob- Kasatkina. was a little bit disappointing,” She showed that she too can third successive comeback win in fi ve sets Madison Keys (USA x13) bt Mihaela ably now the third-best after Rafa and “Obviously... making the fourth round said the 36-year-old. indulge in a bit of reverse psy- to reach his fi rst Grand Slam quarter-fi - Buzarnescu (ROM x31) 6-1, 6-4 Sloane Roger (Federer). So it’s going to be an four times or whatever is pretty good, but “I have cried in the locker chology. nal, beating Russian Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 Stephens (USA x10) bt Anett Kontaveit amazing challenge for me.” to fi nally get over that hump of quarter- room many times after a loss, “Quite frankly, she’s prob- (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. (EST x25) 6-2, 6-0 Djokovic, seeded 20 after a year of fi nals feels very nice,” she said. and that’s what I have seen a lot ably a favourite in this match, for Djokovic eased past Spanish veteran struggles with an elbow injury and medi- American 13th seed Madison Keys also of people do. It’s normal. If any- sure,” Williams said with a smile, Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and will play in ocre form, was never in trouble against an reached her fi rst Roland Garros quarter- thing, it shows the passion and knowing full well no one believed the last eight at Roland Garros for a record pearance at the 12th attempt. erratic Verdasco, who needed treatment fi nal with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Romania’s the desire and the will that you her. 12th time. “Well, I’m young, so I might as well for a badly blistered left foot at the end of Mihaela Buzarnescu. Zverev produced some stunning tennis stay on court, get some practice and en- the second set. Keys, the US Open runner-up to CRICKET in the closing stages of a dramatic fourth- tertain you guys,” smiled Zverev, who is The 12-time Grand Slam champion Stephens last year, will face Kazakhstan’s round victory and will next face Dominic bidding to become the fi rst German man took the fi rst two sets by a single break Yulia Putintseva for a place in the semi- Thiem who reached a third successive to win the French Open since 1937. of serve and raced through the third as fi nals, after the world number 98 saw off quarter-fi nal in Paris by seeing off Japan’s “Me and my brother (Mischa) are guys 34-year-old Verdasco ended with 48 un- Barbora Strycova 6-4, 6-3. Khan spins Afghans Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4. that spend three, four hours a day in the forced errors. “First week, my goal is to get to the sec- World number 38 Khachanov has now gym, lifting heavy weights, on the tread- Former world number one Djokovic ond week,” said 23-year-old Keys. lost at the last-16 stage at Roland Gar- mill. It paid off today.” will face Italian surprise package Marco “Then once you get to the second week, to big win in 1st ros twice in a row, while Zverev ended his The world number three, as he did in Cecchinato in his 40th major quarter- every match obviously has more nerves, wait for a maiden major last-eight ap- his wins over Dusan Lajovic and Damir fi nal. The world number 72, who had nev- and there’s more on the line.” Bangladesh T20 BOTTOMLINE AFP Dehradun, India

Time for me to break Grand Slam jinx, says Thiem een sensation Rashid Khan led an inspired spin attack to help Af- AFP anymore,” said Thiem. Thiem admits that trying to ghanistan trounce Bang- “He’s only 21.” make a Slam breakthrough dur- ladeshT by 45 runs in the fi rst Paris Thiem, ranked at eight in the ing the same golden era as Fed- Twenty20 international yester- He returned impressive bowl- world, once famously trained erer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy day. ing fi gures of 3-13 in his three ominic Thiem ad- carrying tree trunks on his back Murray has been particularly Khan claimed three wickets overs. Paceman Shapoor Zadran mitted yesterday that to build up his body mass. challenging. with his wily leg-spin to help also took three wickets including with his 25th birthday There is no doubt that he also However, he has often been bowl out Bangladesh for 122 as Mahmudullah’s prized scalp for fast approaching, it has tennis stamina. his own worst enemy with some hosts Afghanistan took a 1-0 29. Earlier opening batsman Mo- wasD high time he fi nally claimed It took Djokovic and Nadal serious black marks on his ma- lead in the three-match series in hamed Shahzad top-scored with a Grand Slam title after years of — who were to be the eventual jors record. the northern Indian city of De- 40 to help Afghanistan post 167- under-performing. champions — to stop him in the At the Australian Open this hradun. 8 after being put into bat fi rst. Thiem made the quarter- Roland Garros semi-fi nals in year, he was dumped out in Off -spinner Mujeeb Ur Rah- Samiullah Shenwari, who hit fi nals at Roland Garros for the 2016 and 2017. the fourth round by American man struck with the fi rst ball of an 18-ball 36, and Shafi qullah third successive year on yes- For the second straight year, world 97 Tennys Sandgren. the innings to trap Tamim Iqbal Shafi q, who made 24 off 8 balls, terday, beating Japan’s Kei he is the only man to have de- At Wimbledon in 2016, he lbw for nought. provided a late blitz to take the Nishikori 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4. feated Nadal on clay prior to the exited in the second round with Fellow spinner Mohamed Nabi attack to the opposition bowlers. In the last two years, the French Open. Czech journeyman Jiri Vesely, soon joined in to claim the two Paceman Abul Hasan and off - Austrian with the fl ashing one- This year, he ended the 10- ranked 64 at the time, delivering crucial wickets of Liton Das, for spinner Mahmudullah took two handed backhand has gone on to the fourth round. ‘NextGen’, whose leader Alex- time French Open champion’s the killer blow. 30, and Shakib Al Hasan, for 15, wickets each. the semi-fi nals in Paris. As a result, and after years ander Zverev he meets in Paris 21-match and 50-set clay court “At the Grand Slams, there are as Bangladesh were reduced to The Asghar Stanikzai-led Af- However, that it is as good as of being tipped as the heir ap- on Tuesday. win streak in Madrid. the ‘Big Four’. And the last ten 3-64. ghanistan, who are tuning up it’s got for Thiem. parent to Roger Federer, Rafael “I think for me it’s time to That was the fi rst set Nadal years you needed to beat at least The 19-year-old Khan then for their debut Test against India At the Australian and US Nadal and Novak Djokovic, he’s move on to make a great step, had dropped on clay since also two of them in a Grand Slam to broke Bangladesh’s back with starting June 14, next take on the Open and Wimbledon, he has in danger of becoming over- because I’m turning 25 (in Sep- losing to Thiem in Rome 12 win, and not many players did two successive strikes in his very visitors on Tuesday at the same never managed to get beyond taken by the widely-touted tember). I’m not that young months earlier. it,” said Thiem. fi rst over to derail the chase. venue. Gulf Times Monday, June 4, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Morocco WC bid delegation visits Qatar, meets top offi cials high-level delegation from the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid team met with QFA president and other top offi cials, it was an- nouncedA on Saturday. The delegation of Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup bid team included Charafat Afailal, Minister of State for Water Aff airs, Rkia Derham, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Hamid al-Suwairi, member of the Executive Offi ce of the Moroccan football federation. The delegation met with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, president of QFA, along with Vice President Saud al-Mohannadi. Hassan Abdullah al-Thawadi, Secre- tary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, was also present. Vice-President of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence was also present during the meeting in which the offi cials exchanged souvenirs. The Qatar offi cials congratulated the guest delegation as the Morocco World Cup bid was approved to enter the fi nal vote. Morocco are competing with a combined World Cup bid from North America that in- cludes the United States, Canada and Mex- ico. The hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided on June 13 at the 68th FIFA Congress to be held in Moscow. Morocco’s World Cup 2026 bid delegation met with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (second left), the president of Qatar Football Association, in Doha on Saturday.

FOCUS CONCERN Captain Mikel seeks England’s Southgate improvement as name fi nal ready to protect World Cup squad AFP Abuja

igeria yesterday named a fi nal 23-man squad for the World Cup with troubled Sterling Chelsea defender Ola NAina and Mikel Agu from FC Porto placed on standby. Howev- ‘It wasn’t about getting a response, I knew with the form he was in he would play well’ er, both Aina and Agu will travel with the team for a training camp AFP in Austria. London The Nigeria Football Federa- tion (NFF) announced the fi nal squad on their Twitter account. areth Southgate claims Raheem Leicester City midfi elder Wilfred Nigeria’s captain . Sterling justifi ed his decision Ndidi, who has been a major in- to protect the troubled England jury concern, made the fi nal cut, the day before the match. star despite his booking for div- while Russia-based defender “The fi rst lesson is we are not Ging against Nigeria. Southgate kept faith Bryan Idowu and FC Crotone ready yet. We have to work much with Sterling after a troubled week for the striker are the more in the two weeks before our Manchester City winger and he respond- two players who are yet to make fi rst game,” the German said. ed with a mixed performance in Satur- an offi cial debut for the team. “We missed totally the fi rst half day’s 2-1 win in the World Cup warm-up The team, who lost 2-1 to Eng- but the preparation wasn’t good. at Wembley. land on Saturday at Wembley, We couldn’t train on Friday be- Sterling had been forced to apologise will fl ew out of London yester- cause of rain, the pitch wasn’t to his England teammates after turning day to Austria before they head good. We arrived after a 10 hour up to their training camp a day late fol- out to Russia for the World Cup fl ight, with many stops. lowing a fl ight mix-up on his way back on June 11. Meanwhile, Nigeria “In the fi rst half our usual for- from a holiday. Adding to Sterling’s woes, captain John Obi Mikel admits mation didn’t work. Some of our the 23-year-old endured criticism for his side have to improve quickly players weren’t fi t and England unveiling a new tattoo of an M16 assault if they are to make an impact at put the pressure on us. This bad rifl e on his calf that he said was a tribute the World Cup. beginning was an opportunity to to his father, who was shot dead when the The Super Eagles were pun- change and play a bit more like City star was a child. Southgate had con- ished for a dismal fi rst half dis- England in the second half. It was sidered dropping Sterling for the Nigeria play at Wembley as goals from much better. Also we changed clash, but after what the England man- Gary Cahill and Harry Kane put four players. Unfortunately we ager perceived as unfair criticism of the England in control. Arsenal’s can’t change four players if there tattoo, he decided it was right to stand by pulled one back for is a problem in the World Cup.” his man. Sterling partially repaid South- the visitors after the interval, but NIGERIA’S 23-MAN SQUAD gate’s faith with a lively fi rst-half display Nigeria couldn’t fi nd an equalis- Goalkeepers: which included setting up Harry Kane for er despite their improved second (Enyimba), (Chippa England’s second goal. half performance. United/RSA), (Depor- But that was overshadowed when he Mikel knows Nigeria have to tivo La Coruna/ESP) was booked for an embarrassing dive in a sharpen up in Russia if they to get Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, failed attempt to win a second-half pen- through a tough group featuring (/TUR), alty. Southgate said he hadn’t clear seen Argentina, Iceland and Croatia. (Brighton Hove the incident so he didn’t want to pub- “We are a very young team and Albion/ENG), licly reprimand Sterling. “I’ve not had a we have to learn, it is good for (Chelsea/ENG), Bryan Idowu (Am- chance to see that back again, it looked England’s Raheem Sterling is greeted by manager Gareth Southgate after being substituted during the International Friendly this young team to have a taste of kar Perm/RUS), a very tight call from where I was sitting. against Nigeria at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday. (Reuters) what we are going to face in Rus- (FC Porto/POR), Elderson Echiejile He was travelling at such speed,” he said. sia,” Mikel said. (Cercle Brugge/BEL), Tyronne Asked whether he was relieved to see want to see again. But I think that was the before they jet off to Russia and South- play Tunisia but it won’t be far away.” “We have to learn together as Ebuehi (Benfica/POR) Sterling give a committed performance best way to deal with it. You have to bal- gate hinted the team that started so well Southgate was especially encouraged a team, we have to improve and Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Tianjin following his diffi cult week, Southgate ance the message to the group.” against Nigeria — with Kane’s goal pro- by the solid showings from Dele Alli, Jesse that is why we played this game Teda/CHN), (Trabzon- said: “It wasn’t about getting a response, A contrite Sterling insisted he had no ceeded by a Gary Cahill header — could Lingard and Sterling. “We were really against such a quality side. We spor/TUR), (Hapoel Be’er I knew with the form he was in he would complaints about Southgate’s handling of be the one that opens the World Cup. good with the ball. Dele and Jesse made can know where we are and now Sheva/ISR), (Leicester play well. I had a decision about whether the incidents. “He is honest. I completely Englandmen face Tunisia in their fi rst some fantastic runs. That was as good a we go back to training and try City/ENG),Oghenekaro Etebo (CD to play him when he turned up late, but understand where he’s coming from. I group match on June 18. “We were pret- half as we have had,” Southgate said. and improve.” Feirense/POR), (Torino FC/ once he started coming under fi re from all have to go out there and show him what ty clear for a fair while, but there is real “Second half, it took us seven or eight Coach agreed ITA) directions it wasn’t a diffi cult decision. I’m capable of,” Sterling said. “People will competition for places in certain areas of minutes to come to terms with their with Mikel’s assessment that Ni- Forwards: (Chang- “The most important job for me is to see stuff in the wrong way. It’s a distrac- the pitch. Everyone has to maintain their change of formation. It was a really good geria have much to work on. But chun Yatai/CHN), , protect the players. The lateness was 10 tion you don’t need, but it’s one of those level,” he said. “My experience of these test for us. It could have gone against us, the Nigeria boss blamed their (Leicester City/ days ago, how long do you go on with I’ve learned to deal with now.” tournaments is these things will evolve as but we got our composure back. We have slow start on fatigue caused by a ENG), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/ENG), something? The situation was one we England have only one more friendly the matches progress. It won’t necessar- to learn from it, because in a tournament diffi cult journey to England and Simeon Nwankwo (FC Crotone/ITA), didn’t want to happen and one we don’t against Costa Rica in Leeds on Thursday ily be that the team that played today will that spell could be enough to put you out.” rain that stopped them training (Chelsea/ENG)

BOTTOMLINE Salah’s absence playing on Egypt’s mind, says coach Cuper

Reuters The draw means Egypt have now gone Egyptians conclude their preparations the negative eff ects of the players abstain- Cairo fi ve games without victory, stretching before heading to Russia. Egypt last won ing from food and water for a large number back to last October. Salah is still in doubt against Congo last October in the World of hours. I’m most worried about turning for Egypt’s opening match in Group A on Cup qualifi ers and since then have drawn from defence to attack as quick as we can. ohamed Salah’s absence June 15 against Uruguay in Ekaterinburg with Ghana, been beaten by Portugal and We’ve tried to achieve satisfactory form is aff ecting Egypt’s World after suff ering a shoulder injury in the Greece in March, and also drew their last especially playing against a big team like Cup preparations, coach Champions League fi nal for Liverpool late two matches. But Cuper saw positives in Colombia. The draw was a good result but Hector Cuper said after the last month. He also missed Egypt’s draws Friday’s draw. we want to win in the coming matches.” Mteam played out a goalless draw with Co- with Kuwait on May 25, as he was still pre- “The result was good, especially as the The seven-time African champions are lombia at the start of the weekend. paring for the fi nal against Real Madrid. players’ performances were aff ected by in Group A at the World Cup, taking on “We are working to cover the absence of Salah, however, posted a picture of the fact that they were fasting,” Cuper hosts Russia on June 19 in their second Salah. The players responded perfectly to himself in the gym working out with his said, referring to the Islamic month of Ra- game before going up against Saudi Arabia our instructions, but Salah’s absence af- shoulder free of any sling. But Salah will madan during which Muslims fast during on June 25. Egypt make their fi rst World fects any team negatively,” Cuper said after also not be in the line-up against Bel- daylight hours. “We are trying to solve this Cup appearance since 1990, when they Friday’s goallesss draw in Bergamo, Italy. gium in Brussels on Wednesday when the problem with nutrition experts, to avoid were eliminated at the group stage. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 4, 2018 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY ROUND-UP Bendtner out of Loew fumes as ‘sloppy’ Denmark squad triker Nicklas Bendtner has been left out of Den- mark’s 23-man World Germany crash to Austria Cup squad due to a groin injuryS that he sustained playing for his club side Rosenborg in Norway before joining up with ‘If we play like that in Russia, then we have no chance’ the national team a week ago. The 30-year-old trained AFP separately and played no part Klagenfurt, Austria in Denmark’s scoreless draw against Sweden in Stockholm on Saturday. He tried to prove his oachim Loew slammed “sloppy” fi tness yesterday but Norwe- Germany as the world champions gian coach Age Hareide later crashed to a 2-1 defeat by Austria announced that Bendtner and on Manuel Neuer’s comeback defender Andreas Bjelland were toJ leave them winless in their last fi ve ruled out of the fi nal 23-man games. “If we play like that in Russia, squad for the tournament in then we have no chance,” fumed Ger- Russia. Denmark face Peru, many head coach Loew in Klagenfurt on Australia and France in Group C. Saturday. “We don’t believe they’ll be Less than a fortnight before the fi t in time for the fi rst game World Cup kicks off in Russia, Germany against Peru, it’s too tight and have now suff ered back-to-back de- that match is very important,” feats after also sliding to a 1-0 loss to Hareide said. “Most likely, we Brazil in Berlin in March. The good news are battling Peru and Australia from a German perspective is that Bay- for second place, and that’s why ern Munich goalkeeper Neuer looks set it’s important to get a good start, to go to the World Cup, having proved and we have to have fi t players,” his fi tness despite eight months on the Hareide added. sidelines due to injury. The talented but inconsistent However, when the Germany defence Bendtner, who has played for buckled in the second half, Neuer was Arsenal and Juventus in a career powerless to stop Martin Hinteregger beset by controversy, scored and Alessandro Schoepf scoring after Denmark’s fi rst goal in a 2-1 Mesut Ozil had given the Germans an win over Cameroon at the 2010 early lead. “That was a good comeback World Cup in South Africa. from Manuel Neuer after so long out,” said Loew. “He made one or two out- BARCELONA EXTEND standing saves, but the defeat annoys UMTITI’S CONTRACT me. We didn’t put into practice what France defender Samuel Umtiti we had planned. After the break, we fell has agreed to extend his contract into a pattern which I didn’t like at all with Barcelona for fi ve more and we were far too sloppy in our game seasons, the club said yesterday. going forward.” Umtiti, who is part of the French However, Loew was keeping calm World Cup squad training at with one eye on the World Cup. “There Clairefontaine, near Paris, will is a lot of work to do, but we won’t drive today make a trip to the Camp ourselves crazy,” he said. “In two weeks, Nou in Barcelona, where he will the team will be very diff erently pre- sign the contract. pared and I won’t be having sleepless Umtiti arrived at Barca from nights.” Lyon in 2016 for 25mn euros Loew left out World Cup winners ($29mn) and rapidly cemented Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos, Mats his place in the starting lineup. Hummels and Jerome Boateng, but The Cameroon-born 24-year- the Germans only controlled the rain- old also has 18 France caps. The delayed game for the fi rst half an hour. Austria’s Martin Hinteregger (second right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Germany in the international friendly in Klagenfurt, Austria. (AFP) 60mn euro buyout clause in Loew declined to comment when a poll his old contract had begun to showed the majority of German fans goalkeeper’s problematic left foot re- fend their world title in Russia. “It’s al- World Cup squad and several players utes against Austria. “I’ll keep calm look low after Liverpool paid would rather see Barcelona goalkeeper acts. This was Austria’s fi rst win over ways fun to win, but it is especially nice have reason to worry. “After the break, and let myself be surprised by what- 84mn euros for Virgil van Dijk in Marc-Andre Ter Stegen than Neuer play their neighbours in nearly 32 years — against Germany,” said Schalke mid- we couldn’t fi nd a structure that de- ever happens on Monday,” said the ex- December and Manchester City at the World Cup. dating back to October 1986 when Rudi fi elder Schoepf. “But they have some served to win against Austria,” said Nils Bayern Munich striker. Germany play paid 70mn euros for Aymeric Both Neuer and Ter Stegen are set to Voeller scored West Germany’s only quality players and are still one of the Petersen. The Freiburg striker was the Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen on Friday in Laporte in January. fl y to Russia. Despite missing 259 days goal in a 4-1 defeat in Vienna. favourites for the title. top scoring German in the Bundesliga, their fi nal warm-up match before fac- The size of the new buyout in with a fractured foot, Neuer looked Austria’s match-winner still sees Loew must cut four names today be- but is one of the chief candidates to be ing Mexico in Moscow in their opening Umtiti’s revised contract was sharp but Loew says he will see how his Germany as among the favourites to de- fore Germany name their fi nal 23-man axed after making his debut for 76 min- World Cup match on June 17. not revealed yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Belgium’s Kompany sent for Australia’s Cahill off to fourth World Cup

Reuters scan amid fears he may miss WC

im Cahill looks set to play in a fourth World Cup fi nals at the age of 38 this month after being included in ’s fi nal 23-man TAustralia squad for Russia yesterday. The totemic forward made the cut along with 32-year-old defensive midfi elder Mark Mil- ligan, who is also included in the Socceroos squad for a fourth successive tournament even if he never got on to the pitch in Ger- many in 2006. Croatian-born fullback Fran Karacic, a biggest football tournament if we continue Korea), (Millwall, England), surprise selection in Van Marwijk’s initial to work collectively and intensively over the (Western Sydney), squad who has never been to Australia, Aus- next two weeks and into the competition.” (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland) tralia-based midfi elders Josh Brillante and The Socceroos play one fi nal warm-up Midfielders: (Aston Villa, and striker match against Hungary in Budapest next England), (Hull City, England), were the players omitted. weekend before heading to Russia where (Bochum, Germany), Massimo There was a place for , who has they meet France in their fi rst Group C Luongo (Queens Park Rangers, England), Mark been struggling with a knee injury, and for match in Kazan on June 16. Milligan (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), the player brought in as late cover for the (Huddersfield Town, England), Luzern striker, . AUSTRALIA SQUAD (Celtic, Scotland). “Every step of the selection process has Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Brighton & Hove Al- Forwards: (Millwall, England), Tomi Belgium’s coach Roberto Martinez (centre) speaks with Vincent Kompany after the defender got injured been diffi cult because the players have all bion, England), (Genk, Belgium), Juric (FC Luzern, Switzerland), Matthew Leckie during the friendly against Portugal at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Saturday night. (AFP) given everything to make the fi nal selection,” (Feyenoord, Netherlands) (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Van Marwijk said from the team’s train- Defenders: (Bursaspor, Turkey), (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan), By Ed Aarons leg injury. did make 17 ap- ing camp in Turkey. “I believe this group of Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos, Japan), (Newcastle Jets), ( The Guardian “You don’t want to lose players pearances for City this season players can do Australia proud at the world’s (Suwon Bluewings, South City), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian, Scotland). like Vincent,” Martínez said after – more than he has managed the match in Brussels. “There’s since 2014/15. He won his 77th he Belgium manager, the experience ... there’s a lit- cap against Portugal, having Roberto Martínez, will tle bit the knowhow, there’s the made his debut for the national Palestinian FA protests planned Messi game in Jerusalem make a call on whether to communication on the pitch. team in 2004. “We feel a little select Vincent Kompany I think that understanding – bit disappointed for him because Ramallah: Palestinian football boss Jibril his country’s embassy there. The embassy FIFA statutes which state that a member Tin his fi nal World Cup squad to- knowing what’s expected in big he’s been working so well in the Rajoub called yesterday on Barcelona star opened on May 14, fanning Palestinian country’s teams cannot play matches on day, with the Manchester City games, and big moments, is im- camp,” Martínez added. “Already Lionel Messi not to play in an Argentina- anger and intensifying protests on the the territory of another association without defender having undergone a portant, so you don’t want to lose his infl uence in the group is al- Israel game in Jerusalem and urged fans Gaza border, with at least 61 Gazans killed permission. scan on the groin injury he sus- any of those players.” ways positive, he always wants to burn their shirts if he does. Rajoub, head in clashes with Israeli forces that day. The Israel-Argentina game is to take tained in 0-0 draw with Portugal He added: “It is one of those to help and he’s been working ex- of the Palestinian Football Association, has Palestinians claim the eastern part of place at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on Saturday night. blows nobody deserves. Since tremely hard.” long demanded sanctions against Israel, Jerusalem, annexed by Israel, as the capital which has a capacity of 31,733 seats. Tickets The 32-year-old walked off the day one, he has worked at an Martínez is still due to omit which has six league teams based in Israeli of their future state. The Jewish state sold out within 20 minutes of going on sale pitch without waiting to be sub- incredible level. He has tried to fi ve players from his original se- settlements in the occupied West Bank. considers the entire city its own “indivis- last month. Argentina will play against Haiti stituted early in the second half drive the team forward and taken lection, but last week was forced At a news conference in the West Bank ible” capital. “Messi is a symbol of peace on May 29 and then Israel just one week after he over-stretched in a chal- responsibility. to deny his squad had been re- city of Ramallah he told journalists he had and love,” Rajoub said. “We ask him not to before their first match in the World Cup lenge on Gelson Martins, with “It has been a joy and you vealed by a television report that written to Argentina’s government asking participate in laundering the crimes of the against Iceland on June 16 in Moscow. Martínez admitting afterwards wouldn’t want to break that. showed footage of mattresses that Messi not take part in the June 9 occupation.” In Group D, Messi’s men will face Croatia that he would need to “wait 48 When he came off we were all being loaded up by a Belgian friendly. “This match has become a political Messi, he added, “has tens of millions on June 21 and Nigeria on June 26. Israel hours” before a decision could be very much worried, particularly bedding company before their tool,” Rajoub said in Arabic. “The Israeli of fans in the Arab and Muslim countries... finished fourth in Group 7 in qualifying made over his fi tness. because it is so close to naming departure for Russia with labels government is trying to give it political we ask everyone to burn their shirts which for the World Cup, behind Spain, Italy and FIFA’s deadline for countries to the fi nal squad. We need to re- indicating the player for which significance by insisting it be held in Jeru- bear his name and posters (with his im- Albania. They last qualified in 1970. name their fi nal 23-man squads main neutral in our judgment. He they were designated. salem.” age).” When Contacted by AFP, Israel’s In the past, Argentina have played Israel expires at midnight, meaning told me he felt discomfort and he That predicted goalkeeper Palestinians are outraged at US President sports ministry had no immediate response several times in friendly matches, usually the former Everton could have knows his body well. He knows Matz Sels, Christian Kabasele Donald Trump’s decision last December and the Israel Football Association spokes- before the World Cup, suff ering a 1-2 defeat to take a risk to include the de- when something is not right.” and Jordan Lukaku, Leander to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, person could not be reached. The Palestin- in 1998 but crushing the Israelis 7-2 in 1990 fender, who also missed the 2016 Kompany’s career has been Dendoncker and Adnan Januzaj breaking with decades of policy, and move ian association says Israel is in breach of with Maradona at the helm. European Championship with a blighted by injury, although he would miss out. Gulf Times Monday, June 4, 2018 5 SPORT

NHL Ekman-Larsson, Coyotes discussing contract extension The Arizona Coyotes and de- fenseman Oliver Ekman-Lars- son have begun discussing a long-term contract extension, Coyotes general manager Kuznetsov leads Capitals John Chayka said. “We’ve been very clear that we’re willing to do whatever we possibly can to have him come back, and think he’s a heck of a defenseman, heck of a player, heck of a person,” Chayka told reporters at the past Knights for 2-1 edge 2018 NHL Scouting Combine in Buff alo. ‘I don’t think we change at home. I just think managing the puck is a key for us at home’ “Really believe in him and what he can bring to our team. Reuters better defensively than earlier in Trying to get something done Washington the series, so that was a positive to lock him up long, long step. Gallant said tightening up term. Build around him and the defense was one of the pri- really put together a team he vgeny Kuznetsov was orities. deserves. healthy enough to pro- “I think we know the way we “He’s had some hard times and vide a goal and an assist want to play,” Fleury said. “We we feel we can really surround as the Washington Capi- just have to execute it. I think him with the best people and talsE defeated the Vegas Golden this group has been through it the best players so that he can Knights 3-1 in Game 3 of the together.” show what he’s capable of.” Stanley Cup Final on Saturday Kuznetsov, the NHL playoff Ekman-Larsson, 26, is eligible night at Capital One Arena in scoring leader, was on the ice for a new contract starting on Washington. after suff ering an upper-body July 1. He could become an The Capitals are in good injury in Game 2, creating un- unrestricted free agent next shape, too, as their top players certainty about his availabil- summer if he doesn’t re-sign keep producing in the postsea- ity. Kuznetsov has registered 27 with Arizona. son. Alex Ovechkin and Devante points in the postseason, includ- Ekman-Larsson signed a six- Smith-Pelly also scored for ing an assist on Ovechkin’s goal. year contract with Arizona in Washington. Capitals defenseman Brooks 2013, and the Coyotes have The Capitals lead the best- Orpik also was in the lineup af- failed to make the playoff s of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 is ter he needed stitches to repair a while he has played out that Monday night in Washington. fi nger injury sustained in Game contract. Ovechkin continues to come 2. However, he wasn’t on the ice The former No. 6 overall pick through with solid production, late in the game, receiving some in the 2009 NHL draft had 42 and it’s no surprise that he’s treatment for an undisclosed points (14 goals, 28 assists) maintaining a high level of play ailment. Neither team scored in in 82 games this season. In during this high-profi le time of the fi rst period, with a total of 12 576 career games, he has 290 the season. “You can tell by the shots on goal. points (102 goals, 188 assists). expressions on his face all the While some of the scoring Arizona (29-41-12) finished time, his emotion,” Washington chances might have seemed last in the Pacific Division this coach Barry Trotz said of his star tame compared to the two games season under first-year head winger. in Las Vegas, there was no short- coach Rick Tocchet. Saturday night marked the age of action. The Capitals had “I would obviously like to fi rst Stanley Cup Final game in an apparent fi rst-period goal figure something out,” Ekman- Washington in two decades, with nullifi ed because of goalie inter- Larsson told reporters on the Capitals winning on home ference against Smith-Pelly. April 9. ice for the fi rst time at this stage Ovechkin’s goal came 70 sec- “I’ve said it so many times. This of the season. They went 0-2 at onds into the second period. It is where I want to be. Hope- home in the 1998 fi nals against was his 14th goal of the postsea- fully we can work something the Detroit Red Wings. son. Kuznetsov scored with 7:10 out.” While much is being made left in the second period to give about the Capitals playing at the Capitals a 2-0 lead. home in pursuit of their fi rst While one of Vegas’ goals was Stanley Cup championship, to cut down on the space the Trotz wants the team to keep to Capitals had to work with on the its principles. off ensive end, that lasted only so “I don’t think we change at long. Washington posted 14 sec- home,” he said. “I just think ond-period shots. Nosek scored managing the puck is a key for us 3:29 into the third period. That at home. When we do that, we do ended Holtby’s home-ice streak it well. We’re pretty eff ective.” of more than 103 minutes with- Washington goalie Braden out yielding a goal. Holtby made 21 saves. Holtby Smith-Pelly’s goal eased some faced only 13 shots through two tension for the Capitals, com- periods. Tomas Nosek scored ing with 6:07 to play. Jay Beagle for Vegas, which has lost two picked up his second assist of the games in a row. Vegas, an expan- game on the scoring sequence. sion team bidding for history, The Capitals hadn’t played at has dropped consecutive play- home since May 21, when they off games for the fi rst time. The won Game 6 of the Eastern Con- team’s bounce-back ability is ference fi nals against the Tampa one of its strengths, coach Ger- Bay Lightning. ard Gallant said. “We can get some matchups “We’ve done that all year,” that we actually prefer,” Trotz Gallant said. said. Golden Knights goalie Marc- “We’re very comfortable with Andre Fleury stopped 23 shots. our record over the last four Evgeny Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals celebrates his second-period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the game three of the Oliver Ekman-Larsson The Golden Knights played years at home.” 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Difo’s triple sends Nats past Braves in 14th Reuters Gonzalez until Nick Markakis throw went to second base, Toc- ed in the sixth inning and singled Washington led off the fi fth with a single. ci being tagged out and Profar in the eighth. That eighth-in- Tyler Flowers followed with a reaching home too late for the ning single marked the end of hit, and Johan Camargo got them run to count, essentially ending the night for Hamels, who was ashington second both in with a three-run homer, the game. charged with two runs on fi ve baseman Wilmer his fi fth, to give Atlanta a 3-2 But the Rangers challenged hits, one walk and two hit batters Difo delivered a lead. the call, and while Tocci was in seven-plus innings. triple to score Max The Nationals evened the still ruled out, the call at home Richards was coming off one WScherzer in the 14th inning and score at 3-3 in the seventh when was reversed, Profar scoring the of his worst starts of the season lead the way for the Nationals’ Soto hit the third pitch he saw game-tying run. last week in a loss to the Yankees, 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves from reliever Sam Freeman for Angels starter Garrett Rich- but after Choo’s leadoff single, on Saturday. a solo homer, his second. It was ards gave up a single to Shin-Soo Richards did not allow another Scherzer knocked a pinch-hit the only the fourth hit for a left- Choo on the very fi rst pitch of Rangers batter to reach base until single against Atlanta reliever handed hitter in 32 plate appear- the game, but didn’t allow an- the seventh, when Choo reached Miguel Socolovich (0-1) with ances against Freeman. Atlanta other the rest of the night. on an error by third baseman Je- one out and scored easily when fi rst baseman Freddie Freeman He pitched into the eighth fry Marte. Difo tripled into the gap in cen- extended his hitting streak to 15 inning and was removed after Choo went to second on a wild tre. Spencer Kieboom drove in games with a double. walking Joey Gallo to lead off the pitch, to third on a groundout Difo with a single to left to help Washington fi rst baseman frame on his 101st pitch of the to second and scored on an RBI the Nationals end their two- Matt Adams had to leave the game. groundout by Nomar Mazara. game losing streak. game after his second at-bat On a night when Angels fi rst After Richards walked Gallo to The winning pitcher was Jus- when he fouled a ball off his foot. baseman Albert Pujols was hon- start the eighth, Justin Ander- tin Miller (2-0), who threw three ored before the game for reach- son entered the game and walked scoreless innings, did not allow Replay review helps ing 3,000 hits, it was Mike Trout Rougned Odor. But Anderson re- a hit and struck out fi ve. Sean Rangers edge Angels in 10th who stole the show in the bat- tired the next three hitters to end Doolittle pitched a clean 14th to Ronald Guzman’s one-out ter’s box. the threat. earn his 14th save. single in the 10th inning off He hit his 19th home run of Richards gave up one un- The Nationals improved to 2-3 Jose Alvarez scored Rougned the season in the fi rst inning, earned run on one hit and one in extra-inning games, and the Odor from second base, lifting matching Boston’s J.D. Martinez walk while striking out nine. Braves dropped to 1-6. The Na- the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 vic- for the major league lead. He tionals are 4-5 against Atlanta tory over the Los Angeles An- tripled in the third inning and RESULTS and pulled to within a half-game gels on Saturday night at Angel singled in the sixth, all three hits Nationals 5 Braves 3 of the Braves for fi rst place in Stadium. The Rangers entered coming against Rangersstarter Cubs 7 Mets 1 (14 innings) the National League East. The the ninth inning trailing 2-1 but Cole Hamels. Yankees 8 Orioles 5 Nationals had an earlier chance pushed across a run to tie the Needing a double for the cycle, Red Sox 5 Astros 4 when they loaded the bases in game, thanks to a replay chal- Trout popped out to fi rst base in Rangers 3 Angels 2 (10 innings) the 11th inning against Jesse lenge. the eighth inning against reliever Dodgers 12 Rockies 4 Biddle, but Juan Soto struck out They had runners on fi rst and Jose Leclerc. Trout later fl ied out Giants 2 Phillies 0 swinging to end the threat. At- third with one out when Adrian in the 10th inning against Keone Twins 7 Indians 1 lanta starter Brandon McCarthy Washington Nationals shortstop Wilmer Difo (No 1) celebrates with manager Dave Martinez (No 4) after scoring Beltre fl ied out to left against Kela, ending the game. Cardinals 3 Pirates 2 pitched six strong innings but a run against the Atlanta Braves during the fourteenth inning in Atlanta. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Angels reliever Blake Parker. Ju- Trout has hit for the cycle once Brewers 5 White Sox 0 did not receive a decision. He al- rickson Profar tagged from third in his career, doing it on May 21, Royals 5 Athletics 4 lowed two runs on four hits and Washington starter Gio He struck out nine and did not Michael A. Taylor connected on and went home, while Carlos 2013, against Seattle. Tigers 7 Blue Jays 4 struck out seven. McCarthy was Gonzalez pitched seven innings walk a batter. a long two-run shot to centre Tocci tagged from fi rst and went Besides Trout, the only Angel Padres 8 Reds 2 looking for his fi rst career vic- and allowed three runs, all com- The Nationals scored a pair of fi eld. It was Taylor’s fi fth homer. to second. to get a hit off Hamels was ex- Diamondbacks 6 Marlins 2 tory against Washington. ing on a home run, on fi ve hits. runs in the second inning when The Braves didn’t get a hit off Left fi elder Justin Upton’s Ranger Ian Kinsler, who homer- Mariners 3 Rays 1 Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 4, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY NBA Cavs’ Smith admits blunder, vows tighter Elias’ late try lift s focus for fi nals

AFP anything at that point,” Smith Oakland, United States said. He can be sure, however, that the Cavaliers cannot af- leveland Cavaliers ford such errors in game two Wales over S Africa guard J.R. Smith con- if they hope to send the series fessed to clueless- back to Cleveland next week ness Saturday in his level at 1-1. botchedC rebound play in the “A few plays happened and NBA Finals opener, promis- we kind of lost our heads at ing a tighter focus in Sunday’s the end, so we’ve got to stay crucial second game. locked in the whole game,” Smith squandered a fi nal Smith said. “I’m ready to go.” in Washington chance at a regulation-time The Cavaliers came to Cleveland victory in a game Smith’s emotional rescue. ‘The end was dramatic and maybe our game management could have been better’ Golden State won 124-114 in “My teammates have been overtime on Thursday. great,” Smith said. “Every- AFP An exasperated glance at body says it’s not just the one Washington Smith from teammate LeBron play that is the reason why we James became a social media lost. They’re very supportive. sensation. Got a lot of good feedback.” arren Gatland be- Smith rebounded team- lieves his young mate George Hill’s missed free Smith is resilient players showed throw with 4.5 seconds to play James didn’t talk with Welsh rugby has a in regulation and the score Smith but praised him Sat- Wbright future after they held on deadlocked at 107-107. He urday and said he’s confi dent to secure a dramatic 22-20 victo- dribbled away from the bas- Smith will bounce back. ry over South Africa at Washing- ket, as if running off the nalfi “I don’t think I need to say ton’s RFK Stadium on Saturday. seconds of what he thought anything to J.R. I’ve known The game in the American was a victory. J.R. since he was in high capital had its critics, with both In video replays, Smith ap- school. J.R. knows what I ex- sides fi elding inexperienced peared to tell a stunned James, pect out of him,” James said. line-ups ahead of their Test se- whose 51 points were the most “J.R. is one of the most re- ries with Argentina and England in NBA Finals history for a los- silient guys I’ve ever been respectively. ing team, that he thought the around. He probably took that Gatland had hit back in the Cavs were leading and coach loss as hard as anybody on the build-up to kick-off , declaring Tyronn Lue said as much after team. critics “bitter and twisted” and the game. “But one thing about J.R., then saw his players deliver on “The video where I said he has an uncanny ability to the pitch thanks to a late match- I thought we were ahead? I bounce back. People have seen winning try from Ryan Elias. might have said that,” Smith that throughout our post- A penalty from Robert du said. “I’m not sure, but I might season runs, where he hasn’t Preez looked to have given the have. played well or played to his South Africans victory, but the “Plenty of things ran though ability that he thinks he should replacement fl y-half then had my mind.” have played, and then the next a clearance kick charged down Smith said after the game game he comes on and shoots by Tomos Williams and Elias that he knew the game was the ball extremely well.” pounced to win the game. tied and was trying to move Cavaliers forward Kevin “Who would want to be a away from Warriors forward Love said resiliency is among coach?” Gatland said. “The end Kevin Durant for a better shot, Smith’s strengths. was dramatic and maybe our but dribbed well beyond that “J.R. is always going to be in game management could have point and passed off before the a light mood,” Love said. “The been better, but I thought we fi nal buzzer. best thing he can do is just played well in the fi rst-half. “After thinking about it a go out there and be himself. “The young guys will take a lot lot the last 24 hours or how- We’re going to get, I would from this and there will be a lot ever many since the game was imagine, a great eff ort out of of learning from them moving over, I can’t say I was sure of him tomorrow.” forwards. I thought captain Ellis Jenkins was outstanding and so was Tomos Williams. “There are a couple of things to work on, but Fiji hammer Kiwis to enter quarters we are looking forward to going Toulon winger Josua Tuisova crossed for a brace of tries as to Argentina now which will be a Ryan Elias (third from right ) of Wales is congratulated by teammates after scoring against South Africa in Washington, DC. (AFP) Fiji hammered New Zealand 27-7 in their final pool match on big step up for us.” Saturday to set up a Cup quarter-final against Canada in the Skipper Jenkins added: “The makeshift squad missing their “There are 10 or 11 players who by so it’s something for us to look liant, but we’ll just have to wait London leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series. Boasting not guys showed great determina- British and Irish Lions contin- aren’t here who, if their form is forward to.” and see. The heat out there was only Tuisova but also free-running Bordeaux-Begles-bound tion to see out the game and the gent, who have been rested after good enough, they’re probably something we’ll experience in back Semi Radradra among their ranks, the Fijians had far too main positive is the caps and last year’s tour to New Zealand. going to make the World Cup Evans injured Japan at the World Cup next year much firepower for the Kiwis, who only managed to score a late experience some of our younger Some of Saturday’s top per- squad. “But the biggest thing In the second half the Spring- and that will be a big benefi t to us consolation try through Sam Dickson. guys got from the game. formers could yet fi nd them- that I want is for guys to be under boks hit back as Williams’ fellow moving forwards.” Series leaders Fiji had earlier seen off Argentina, 28-19, and “It’s a Test match and the at- selves out of the World Cup pressure. Hopefully there’s a few Test debutants Travis Ismaiel South Africa head coach Rass- Scotland, 39-12, while New Zealand also beat those two sides mosphere was very good. Every- squad for next year’s tourna- of those 10 or 11 players sitting at and Makazole Mapimpi both ie Erasmus was disappointed to (36-5, 24-12) to finish second in Pool A and set up a quarter-final thing we’ve heard surrounding ment in Japan. home at the moment... realising crossed for tries, the latter com- see his team lose at the death in against South Africa. The Blitzboks topped Pool D after wins this game was very positive and “We were pretty straight up there are a couple of players that ing after a yellow card for Wales what was the former Munster over Russia and Canada, though they dropped their final pool we’re really pleased to get the with these guys and they’re all have played exceptionally well centre Owen Watkin. boss’ fi rst game in charge of the game, 21-12, to Samoa, who had lost their first two games. result.” well aware of what we’ve been and have won.” Du Preez then replaced Springboks. Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell was far from pleased with Wales had gone to the break trying to do in the last 18 months Gatland was looking forward Jantjies and kicked South Af- “We didn’t get the result we his team’s performance. 14-3 up, tries from Hallam Amos and that’s to really develop some to the challenge against Argen- rica ahead, but Elias won it at wanted and that’s disappoint- “It was disappointing losing to Samoa, but even more so and scrum-half debutant Wil- depth and some competition in tina. the death. The only downside for ing because no one ever wants to because we did not bring the eff ort as a team. That is not who liams responding to a penalty certain positions,” Gatland said. “We’ve got a couple of tough Wales was an injury to Steff an lose a Test match,” Erasmus said. we are as a team. We could not find any momentum all day,” from Elton Jantjies. “This is very much what the games against Argentina,” he Evans which required a scan. “There were a lot of defensive said Powell. “Against Samoa our problems were compounded Wales now head to Argentina autumn was about last year and said. “Most of them play for the “Steff hyper-extended his errors and we have to improve. by lots of individual errors. “This is now time to get together for two Tests against the Pumas the Six Nations and the guys who Jaguares team so they’ll be fairly knee and we’ll have to have a “All three of Wales’ tries came as a team, regroup and show that we really want to remain the on June 9 and 16. went on the summer tour last familiar with everything and look at that on a scan,” Gat- from kicking errors and overall it champions.” They will, however, have a year to play Tonga and Samoa. they’ve done well in Super Rug- land said. “It doesn’t look bril- was very tough.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT All Blacks facing test of depth Jones likens English rugby club owner to ‘Donald Trump’

AFP ahead of France opener Durban

Reuters Hansen last week called up Wellington Chiefs prop Karl Tu’inukuafe nder-fi re England to his squad as cover for Tim coach Eddie Jones Perry (hamstring) and will have called a club owner ll Blacks coach Steve been relieved to hear the loose- the “Donald Trump Hansen looks likely head was suff ering only cramp ofU rugby” yesterday as a storm to face a severe test of when he was taken off the field in over his training methods his squad’s depth for Hamilton. moved from London to Durban. theA fi rst test against France next First-choice loosehead Joe Bruce Craig, who owns Eng- week after a string of injuries Moody recently returned from lish top-fl ight club Bath, criti- over the last few days further shoulder surgery, while Kane cised the Australian coach after diminished his already depleted Hames, who won eight caps last Ben Te’o became the 15th train- stocks. year, has not played at all this ing-camp injury victim since The All Blacks were always season as he battles concussion. Jones took charge in 2015. going to be without captain Ki- Goodhue’s injury is the latest Five of the 15 casualties play eran Read, who is still recover- All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. to hit Hansen’s midfi eld options for Bath, including Beno Oba- ing from back surgery, but the after Sonny Bill Williams was no, whose knee and hamstring number eight has been joined on contest after missing the Can- because of injuries. ruled out for the series on Friday injuries sidelined him for al- England coach Eddie Jones. the casualty list by a handful of terbury Crusaders’ last three There was some good news for after undergoing knee surgery. most a year. Jones reacted by other fi rst-choice players. matches because of concussion the coach late on Sunday when Ryan Crotty, who with Wil- saying: “Bruce is obviously an “Everything we do is about South African rugby having The latest was Brodie Retal- symptoms. Cooper had margin- Liam Squire, who is among the liams forms Hansen’s preferred expert in training ground inju- training to get better, it is not been part of the staff under lick, who suff ered a pectoral ally better news about All Blacks contenders to replace Read at the centre partnership, also missed ries so I will have to be subser- about satisfying some guy in head coach Jake White that won injury playing for the Waikato openside fl anker Sam Cane, back of the scrum, was cleared Super Rugby action for the Cru- vient to his greater knowledge.” Bath who has got plenty of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Chiefs in Super Rugby on Satur- who, he said, might not have to play after having a charge of saders on Saturday because of The coach continued his ver- money and thinks he knows Paris. day. Chiefs coach Gavin Cooper been a late withdrawal from the dangerous play dismissed by a concussion. bal off ensive against Craig after everything about rugby. South Africa lost their open- told local media on Sunday that Chiefs’ bench with an abdomi- disciplinary committee. The consensus over the last arriving in Durban to prepare “If I knew that much, I would ing match this season 22-20 to the injury was serious and Re- nal strain on Saturday had the The Otago Highlanders fl ank- few years is that New Zealand for a three-Test series against probably have as much money Wales in Washington Saturday, tallick was unlikely to face the match been a playoff . er had been cited for leading could beat most of their inter- South Africa, which begins on as him. Unfortunately, I don’t, but could fi eld an entirely dif- French in Auckland next Satur- Crusaders number eight Jor- with his shoulder when clearing national rivals with a team of Saturday. so I will just stick to rugby.” ferent starting XV in Johannes- day. dan Taufua (calf) and centre out TJ Perenara from a ruck on reserves such is their strength “Bruce Craig sounds like the Former South Africa assist- burg this weekend. Stand-in skipper Sam White- Jack Goodhue (hamstring), both Friday but the committee de- in depth and the world champi- Donald Trump of rugby and has ant coach Jones hopes to lead Coach Johan ‘Rassie’ Eras- lock, Retallick’s second-row named in Hansen’s squad for cided the Wellington Hurricanes ons could be in the position of the same hairstyle,” Jones told a England to a fi rst series success mus kept 17 players in South partner, must also be rated the France series, were unable to scrumhalf had dropped to his having to prove that against the press conference in the Indian in the republic. Africa to train and they cover doubtful for the Eden Park take to the fi eld to face the Chiefs knees just before impact. French next Saturday. Ocean port city. He has a deep insight into every position. Gulf Times Monday, June 4, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Olesen beats Molinari DeChambeau has by one shot to win Italian Open thriller

AFP at the start of the day, Olesen wasted Brescia, Italy little time making his move with a birdie from 12 feet, with Molinari in the one-shot lead, group ahead converting from ten feet enmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen on the same hole. claimed his fi fth European Birdies on the fi fth and seventh tour title at the Italian Open kept Olesen in the upper echelons of a with a thrilling one-shot win crowded leaderboard heading into the overD two-time champion Francesco back nine. Further gains from 20 feet Molinari of Italy yesterday. on the 12th and tap-in distance at the Olesen, playing alongside overnight next saw him pull clear but Molinari Woods in the hunt leader Lee Slattery of England, hit sev- kept himself within one by birdieing en birdies in a seven-under-par round the 14th from 20 feet. of 64 at the Gardagolf Country Club in Molinari, chasing a third Italian DeChambeau signs for a bogey-free 66 to move to 14-under 202 northern Italy. Open after 2006 and 2016 a week after The 28-year-old Dane, one stroke winning in Wentworth, fi nished sec- behind Slattery after the third round, ond after a damaging bogey on the 17th fi nished on a 22-under 262 for his fi rst hole in a fi nal round 65. title since the Turkish Open in Novem- Olesen needed a par at the fi nal hole ber 2016. after Molinari sent the crowd wild with “To come from behind and win, it’s his seventh birdie of the day from 30 unbelievable,” said Olesen. feet on the 18th. “I haven’t done that in my career so The Dane looked in trouble when he far, so that was very special. pulled his drive a long way left but he “It was nice to hole that putt on the held fi rm to complete a fi nal round 64. last and to get that feeling of holing it Slattery carded 67 to fi nish third on when it really matters. 20-under after a mixed round which “This is exactly what I needed.” included an eagle on the 15th, four One behind playing partner Slattery birdies and two bogeys.

FOCUS Ariya takes four-shot lead at US Women’s Open

Reuters Shoal Creek, Alabama

fter waking up before day- break to complete her second round at the US Women’s Open, Thailand’s Ariya Ju- tanugarnA said she would have little trouble sleeping on Saturday night as she heads into the fi nal round with a four-stroke lead. Ariya, who had to rise at 4am to complete the weather-delayed second round at Shoal Creek before cracking Ariya Jutanugarn (right) and Sarah on with her third round, carded a fi ve- Jane Smith embrace after the third under-par 67 for a 12-under 204 total round of the US Women’s Open at and a healthy cushion over Sarah Jane Shoal Creek, Alabama, on Saturday. Smith (74). (USA TODAY Sports) South Korean Kim Hyo-joo (68) was another two shots back in third place “She rolls the ball beautifully. She’s Bryson DeChambeau plays his second shot on the 15th hole during the third round of The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, on Saturday. (AFP) on a day when nobody could make a just the whole package. It was fun to sustained challenge at the two front- watch her play. AFP of the board with birdies at the fi fth draw on his amateur successes as he runners. “I know Ariya is going to have a great Dublin, United States and seventh holes. He posted back-to- tries to win on Sunday, when the fi eld “I think I’m going to sleep pretty well day. That is a given,” she added. back birdie “threes” at 13 and 14 and will tee off early from the fi rst and 10th because I didn’t sleep much last night “I’m going to need a really good day picked up a stroke at 16 before landing tee as organizers try to beat expected and I’m so tired right now,” said Ari- to have a chance.” ryson DeChambeau birdied his 145-yard approach at the last fi ve inclement weather. ya, who started the third round three Ariya said she had some weaknesses four of his last six holes to feet from the pin en route to a birdie. “It’s a strong fi eld on the leader- strokes adrift of Australian Smith. in her game, but was stumped to name surge to a one-shot lead on “I just want to birdie every hole,” he board and I think everybody’s going to Victory for the Thai would give her them. Saturday going into the fi nal said. “That’s all we’re trying to do out go out there and try to make the most a second major title after her 2016 “Wait, I’m thinking,” she said. “I’m roundB of the US PGA Tour’s Memorial there. birdies possible,” Niemann said. “So I Women’s British Open triumph, and not sure what, but I’m pretty sure I tournament. “No matter if you’re one back or think that I have to go low tomorrow to break the recent dominance at the US have. I’m pretty sure tomorrow is going DeChambeau, 24 signed for a bo- tied for the lead every hole is an op- have a chance.” Women’s Open by South Korean and to be a good day, even though I don’t gey-free 66 to move to 14-under 202 portunity to make a birdie and that’s Woods rolled in a 14-foot eagle putt American players, who have claimed know what the outcome is going to be.” as the Californian looks to secure a just what I’m going to try and do every at the par-fi ve fi fth and was fi ve-un- the past 11 tournaments. The second round, which was inter- second PGA Tour victory after captur- single day.” der for the day through nine. Ariya used her prodigious power to rupted by a long lightning delay, was ing last year’s John Deere Classic. DeChambeau said his brilliant The fi ve-time Memorial winner muscle her favourite three-wood tee completed earlier on Saturday. Red-hot Chilean sensation Joaquin Woods carded 68 on Saturday. (AFP) putting display was his best since he missed a short birdie on 14 but gained shots past Smith’s drives with regular- Ariya, who had 10 holes left, trimmed Niemann, Patrick Cantlay and Kyle captured the 2015 US Amateur title. a share of the lead at 11-under with a ity, and displayed a deft short game in a the margin from four shots to three be- Stanley were a stroke back on 203. lead before stumbling with two bogeys “I would say I’m putting the best I birdie at 15. round that included only one blemish, fore grabbing a quick lunch and getting Overnight co-leaders Niemann and in his last three holes. have in my life,” he said. Three-putt bogeys at 16 and 18 a bogey at the par-three 16th. back to work. Stanley both carded 70 while Can- South Korea’s An Byeong-hun was quelled his momentum and Woods was Smith, who failed to land a single Two early birdies brought her to tlay’s 66 included two eagles, one of alone in fi fth after a 69 for 204 and WOODS ‘PLAYED BEAUTIFULLY’ left to wonder what could have been. birdie but remains Ariya’s closest pur- within a shot of Smith, who bogeyed them a hole-in-one at the par-three England’s Justin Rose carded a 69 for Niemann, 19, highlighted his round “I shot 68 today but, again, that’s suer at eight-under 208, said the Thai the eighth and ninth holes to surrender eighth. 206. with a 50-foot eagle putt at the par- probably the highest score I could have was a “spectacular player”. the lead. It was a masterclass at times A further six players were within Woods posted a 68 to head a group fi ve seventh. possibly shot today,” he said. “I played “She hits it a long way but her short from Ariya, one of the highlights be- fi ve shots of DeChambeau’s lead — in- on 207 that also included Japan’s He is contesting just a fi fth US PGA really, really well. I played beautifully, game is impeccable,” added the world ing a four-iron approach at the par-fi ve cluding 14-time major champion Ti- Hideki Matsuyama (71). Tour event since turning pro straight actually, had total control of what I number 97, who is winless in 222 starts 11th that covered the pin and led to a ger Woods. DeChambeau, ranked 38th in the after the Masters in April, and the was doing out there and just didn’t on the LPGA Tour. tap-in birdie. Woods briefl y grabbed a share of the world, kick-started his push to the top Santiago-born teenager said he will fi nish it off .”

CYCLING RAMADAN CUP TWENTY20 CRICKET TOURNAMENT Sky’s Kwiatkowski wins Shiraz, Harsha bowl Galfar to victory, Dauphine prologue

AFP Tariq stars in Qatar Rail’s triumph Valence, France

By Sports Reporter anxiety due to fi ne bowling from Ku- Doha mar Thapa (four for 18) and Raj Mo- oland’s Michal Kwiatkowski hamed (three for 28). of Team Sky won the Criterium However, Tariq turned out to be the du Dauphine opening day pro- hiraz and Harsha captured trouble-shooter. His match-wining logue yesterday with a time of nine wickets between them to 64 in 33 balls with two sixes and eight P7 minutes 25 seconds in a 6.6km indi- pave the way for Galfar Al Mi- boundaries lifted the team to the vic- vidual time-trial. snad’s three-wicket triumph tory. The 2014 world champion beat againstS Spider Sports in the Ramadan Riyaz also contributed a fi ne 24 with a Dutchman Jos van Emden by just one Cup Twenty20 Cricket Tournament, six and two fours, while a 14 from Anas second and his Sky teammate the Ital- organised by the Qatar Cricket Asso- also proved very handy for the winners. ian Gianni Moscon by three seconds. ciation. Another Sky man Geraint Thomas At the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, BRIEF SCORES crashed yet again but only dropped Shiraz took fi ve wickets for 12, while Premier and A Divisions: Spider 21sec on the winner fi nishing a couple Harsha’s four-wicket cost him 12, Sports 106 in 18.5 overs (Nafees 35, of seconds ahead of fellow race con- There are seven hills on today’s menu limiting Spider Sports at 106 all out in Faisal 21; Shiraz 5 for 12, Harsha 4 for tenders Frenchman Romain Bardet and with a 179km run to the foot of the Alps. 18.5 overs in a Premier and A Divisions 12) lost to Galfar Al Misnad 107 for the Italian Vicenzo Nibali. match. seven in 17 overs (Bhagya 24, Rizlan 24; “These time diff erences are derisory RESULTS (top 10) Nafees hit three fours in his 45-ball Omran 2 for 15, Amir 2 for 20) by three by comparison to what awaits us,” said 1. Michal Kwiatkowski (SKY) 7min 25sec 35 and Faisal’s 21 in 13 deliveries in- wickets. Man of the match: Shiraz Bardet, in reference to the four straight 2. Jos van Emden (LNL) +1sec cluded two sixes and a four. Galfar Al Misnad’s Shiraz and Qatar Rail’s Tariq (right) received Man of the Match (Galfar Al Misnad) summit fi nishes with which the eight- 3. Gianni Moscon (SKY) +3 Galfar Al Misnad were troubled by awards in their respective matches. B & C Divisions: Al Noof 131 for nine day race culminates. 4. Victor Campenaerts (LOT) +5 Omran and Amir, who shared four (Yunus 56; Riyaz 4 for 20, Shabbir 2 Kwiatkowski agreed with the 5. Patrick Bevin (BMC) +5 wickets. However, 24 each by Bhagya The B and C Divisions match be- eight fours to post 56 in 43 balls and for 26) lost to Qatar Rail 132 for eight Frenchman. 6. Matthias Brandle (TRE) +6 and Rizlan saw them through after the tween Qatar Rail and Al Noof went Salman got 17 out of 131 for nine, de- in 16.2 overs (Tariq 64; Kumar Thapa “I’ve still got to lose a bit of weight 7. Bob Jungels (QST) +7 pair added 55 runs for the third wicket. down the wire with the former man- spite Riyaz removed four players for 20 4 for 18, Raj Mohamed 3 for 28) by to be at peak form and looking ahead 8. Jens Keukeleire (LOT) +9 Shiraz was declared the man-of-the- aging a two-wicket win in 16.2 overs. and Shabbir returned with two for 26. two wickets. Man of the match: Tariq this is much more diffi cult than most 9. Jonathan Castroviejo (SKY) +9 match for his impressive bowling. Al Noof’s Yunus cracked a six and Qatar Rail faced several moments of (Qatar Rail) years,” he said. 10. Brent Bookwalter (BMC) +11

Monday, June 4, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTOGP On the ball Lorenzo back to winning at Mugello Marquez’s fall causes him to finish 16th, remains top of the standings but with his lead cut to 23 points

SPOTLIGHT Josoor delegates to attend 2018 World Cup

By Sports Reporter Doha

osoor Institute, a Qatari centre of excellence for the sports and events industries that is inspired and devel- oped by the Supreme Committee for DeliveryJ & Legacy (SC), is providing two of its delegates with the opportunity of a life- time: to attend the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. These delegates will be part of the SC’s Observation Programme and will gain fi rst-hand experience of what it takes to put together a major sporting event. Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo celebrates after winning the Italian MotoGP in Mugello yesterday. (AFP) The two delegates – Iman al-Khamri and Hamad al-Kuwari – are both Qatari nation- AFP als who have previously attended several of Luco di Mugello, Italy Josoor Institute’s programmes and work- shops. Al-Khamri is a graduate from Qatar University and Josoor Institute’s fl agship Hamad al-Kuwari and Iman al-Khamri will gain first-hand experience in Russia. orge Lorenzo claimed Football and Sports Management Profes- his fi rst MotoGP win for sional Diploma. She has also attended sev- the Sports Leadership Summit, which was commitment to providing delegates with Ducati, who look set to eral of Josoor Institute’s Student Outreach exclusively delivered with Georgetown Uni- access to unrivalled learning opportunities drop the Spaniard next sessions. She has a keen interest in the versity in Washington, DC, and is currently such as this. season,J as world championship sports industry and has recently been work- working with Al Kass as a Senior Producer. Afraa al-Noaimi, Executive Director of leader Marc Marquez crashed in ing on projects with the Qatar Tennis Fed- Al-Kuwari aspires to be the fi rst Qatari Di- Josoor Institute, said, “By attending one of the Italian Grand Prix at Mug- eration. As part of her 2018 FIFA World Cup rector to take part in the TV production crew the world’s biggest sporting events, we hope ello yesterday to reignite the title Russia Observation Programme, she will be that will work on the football tournament in that these individuals have the learning ex- race. based in Sochi. 2022. He will be observing the 2018 FIFA perience of a lifetime. In return, we simply Lorenzo, starting from second Al-Kuwari also earned a Professional Di- World Cup Russia in Moscow. ask that they bring back and apply what they on the grid, dominated the race ploma in Football and Sports Management Sending al-Khamri and al-Kuwari to have learned – to help us deliver an amazing to lead a Ducati 1-2 ahead of It- from Josoor Institute. He has participated in Russia is an example of Josoor Institute’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.” aly’s Andrea Dovizioso with Ital- ian star Valentino Rossi, who had started from pole position, com- TABLE TENNIS pleting the podium on a Yamaha. Qatar’s Hassan sparkles at Global Spaniard Marquez — targeting a fourth straight win this season Champions Tour in France — had moved up to third place on Qatar to host the opening lap from sixth. Qatari rider Bassam Has- But the 25-year-old came un- san put up an impressive stuck as he tried to put pressure performance in the sixth fi rst round on Lorenzo, sliding into the grav- leg of the prestigious el on the fi fth lap before strug- Longines Global Cham- gling to restart his Honda. pions Tour to clinch third of 2019 ITTF The four-time world cham- place in one of the five pion remounted his bike and fi n- star events at Rivieral World Tour ished in 16th position, remaining resort of Ramatuelle/Saint- top of the championship stand- Tropez on Friday. QNA ings after six races but with his Hassan clocked a time of Lausanne, Switzerland lead cut. Honda’s Marc Marquez was in second spot when he slid into the gravel 54.24 without any faults Former seven-time MotoGP before rejoining the race and finishing 16th. (Twitter/MotoGP) at 145 cm height, finishing event is bringing together Qatar is represented by champion Rossi, 39, moves up to behind Spaniard Eduardo 200 riders (men and four riders, including he International Table Tennis second overall, 23 points behind “A lot of people thought that didn’t think I would be second in Alvarez Aznar, the winner, women) from across 20 Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al- Federation (ITTF), led by Tho- Marquez with Spanish Yamaha my method was not good, that the championship standings af- and Frenchman Patrick countries worldwide for Thani, Hamad al-Attiyah, mas Weikert of Germany, has rider Maverick Vinales, who fi n- I was looking for excuses,” said ter Mugello.” Delaveau. competitions in various Hassan and Rashid chosen Qatar to host the fi rst ished eighth, in third position a Lorenzo, who failed to fi nish in Five riders including Spaniard Tround of the World Table Tennis Profes- The prestigious three-day classes. Toweim al-Marri. further fi ve points behind. Qatar and Spain. Dani Pedrosa crashed in the fi rst sional Championship, Platinum Class, After Marquez’s crash, Loren- “The team fi nally gave me a two laps, with Marquez hitting 2019. zo led Rossi and Dovizioso, with new fuel tank, and I was able to the gravel on Turn 10 before re- Having hosted the event twice before the latter moving ahead of Rossi keep a more constant pace since starting. FOCUS — in 2016 and 2018 — the decision is a on lap seven of the 23-lap race. Friday,” said the 31-year-old “I’m still leading and I’m go- confi rmation of the international body’s Lorenzo extended his lead to whose adventure with Ducati ing to give my best in Barcelona confi dence in Qatar as an organiser. 1.5sec by the 13th lap with the will end in November when he in two weeks,” warned Marquez. The ITTF revealed the list of the six three-time MotoGP champion in will be replaced by Italian Danilo Earlier Portuguese KTM rider QFA delegation to take countries hosting the Platinum catego- control for the rest of the race to Petrucci. Miguel Oliveira snatched his ry, which begins in March with the fi rst claim his fi rst win since Valencia “I’m happy to have won one of fi rst win in the Moto2 category round, and concludes its competitions in 2016. the best races of my career and this season, while Spaniard Jorge part in Russia World Cup the sixth round in November of the same “Today no one could catch me, sad, because if I had this bike Martin rode his Honda to a thrill- year. I was in control and to win here before, my performance would ing victory in the Moto3 class. QNA tional Federation and the till the quarter-fi nals stage, Qatar will host the first round of with Ducati is like a dream,” said have been much better,” added Doha Russian Federation and and Jassim in St. Petersburg professional tournaments — Plati- Lorenzo, who moved up to tenth Lorenzo. MOTOGP RESULTS (top 10) representatives of Qatar till the semi-fi nals. num — next year from March 26 to 31. in the overall standings. The evergreen Rossi be- 1. J Lorenzo (Ducati) 41:43.230 Football Association (QFA). The QFA delegation, The 2018 edition, which was held from Lorenzo claimed his 45th came the fi rst rider to break the 2. A Dovizioso (Ducati) +6.370sec he Qatar Football QFA delegation includes headed by President Sheikh March 21 to 25, saw a big increase in the top class victory by a margin of 5,000-point mark in the elite 3. V Rossi (Yamaha) +6.629 Association (QFA) Ahmed al-Adsani, Director Hamad bin Khalifa bin prize money totalling USD 230,000, 6.3sec on Dovizioso, last year’s category. 4. A Iannone (Suzuki) +7.885 delegation will take of Competitions Depart- Ahmed al-Thani, will leave and was attended by 220 players from winner at Mugello, who held on “It was one of the most diffi - 5. A Rins (Suzuki) +7.907 part in the 2018 ment of the Qatar Stars for Russia on June 11 (26 Ra- 43 countries. by 0.259sec for second despite cult races of the year,” Rossi said. TFIFA World Cup in order League, Ali Hammoud, madan) to attend the 68th Qatar Table Tennis Federation 6. C Crutchlow (LCR) +9.120 pressure from Rossi. “And yesterday’s pole position 7. D Petrucci (Pramac) +10.898 to gain organisational ex- Chairman of Competitions FIFA Congress in Moscow (QTTF) chairman Khalil Ahmed al- was crucial: there was a moment 8. M Vinales (Yamaha) +11.060 pertise, especially as Qatar Department in QFA as well on June 13. Mohannadi, who is also the senior vice BITTERSWEET VICTORY in the race when I suff ered a lot.” 9. A Bautista (Ducati) +11.154 hosts the next edition of the as Abdullah Jassim and Ah- The FIFA Congress will president of the International and the It was a bittersweet victory for “When (Andrea) Iannone at- 10. J Zarco (Tech3) +17.644 World Cup in 2022. mad al-Abbasi. discuss a proposal by sev- Asian confederations, said the decision Lorenzo who had come under fi re tacked me (for third place) I FIFA will hold a three- Hamoud will be in Sochi eral federations in South to choose Qatar as the host of one of from Ducati for his lack of results thought about all the eff orts I Standings (top 3) day workshop for asso- till the quarter-fi nals, while America to raise the number the professional platinum tournaments compared to his massive salary, had made during the week and 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 95 pts ciations contest managers al-Adsani will be stationed of teams participating in for the third year is a great achievement reported to be over 12 mn euros I told myself that I would not be 2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 72 with the participation of in Moscow till the fi nal. Al- the 2022 World Cup in Qa- for the federation and table tennis in ($14m) per season. fooled. I’m very happy now, I 3. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 67 offi cials from the Interna- Abbasi will be in Moscow tar from 32 to 48. the country.