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Friday, June 21, 2019 RACING Shawwal 18, 1440 AH Dettori is Ascot’s GULF TIMES golden boy with sublime four-timer SPORT Page 6

FOOTBALL Colombia edge plucky Qatar to enter Copa quarter-fi nals Qatar will now have to beat Argentina to qualify for the last eight of the South American tournament in Brazil

STANDINGS

Group A P W D L G A Pts Brazil 2 1 1 0 3 0 4 Peru 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 Venezuela 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 Bolivia 2 0 0 2 1 6 0

Group B Colombia 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 Paraguay 2 0 2 0 3 3 2 Qatar 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 Argentina 2 0 1 1 1 3 1

Group C Chile 1 1 0 0 4 0 3 Uruguay 1 1 0 0 4 0 3 Ecuador 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Japan 1 0 0 1 0 4 0

of attack versus defence but Co- lombia were struggling to break down the massed ranks of bur- gundy jerseys. When Martinez did split open the defence with a through ball for Cuadrado, the Juventus wing- er’s fi rst touch was too heavy and Boualem Khouki darted across to clear the danger. Colombia thought they had a penalty early in the second half Colombia and Qatar players jump for the ball as Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb (R) looks on during their Copa America match yesterday. but VAR — after an interminable delay — overturned referee Alexis AFP grimly for more than 85 minutes. nal minutes when the game was lombia the lead on 13 minutes Herrera’s handball award against Sao Paulo “It was diffi cult, but we heading for a draw... it leaves you as he met Martinez’s pinpoint Abdulaziz Hatem. showed patience and mustered bitter at not having taken a point cross just seven yards out, but the James found Martinez inside the winning goal. The win was but we also have to appreciate playmaker inexplicably headed the area with a clever pass but the uvan Zapata scored for paramount and we leave happy,” that the team competed with wide. winger fi red straight at al-Sheeb. the second match run- said Zapata, who insisted Co- great opponents.” Much as they had been in the Qatar started to show greater ning to send Colombia lombia wouldn’t be taking things Zapata repaid Queiroz after early stages against Paraguay, ambition and Colombia’s goal- Dinto the Copa America easy in their fi nal group match the Portuguese coach surpris- when they came back from 2-0 keeper David Ospina was called quarter-fi nals with a late header against Paraguay on Sunday. ingly picked the Atalanta striker down to draw 2-2, Qatar were un- upon to make low saves from Ha- to beat Qatar 1-0 yesterday. “We hope for the best possible in place of star forward Radamel der the cosh as Colombia spread tim and Akram Afi f. Carlos Queiroz’s team became fi nish to the group stage.” Falcao. the play intelligently. Queiroz reacted by bringing the fi rst side into the knock-out Qatar, who will host the next “We are on the right path. Juan Cuadrado tried his luck on Falcao for Cuadrado and mo- Colombia’s Duvan Zapata (R) celebrates with James Rodriguez rounds after following up Sat- World Cup in 2022, may now When you have Falcao and Duvan from 25 yards but goalkeeper ments later James teed up Mar- after scoring against Qatar yesterday. urday’s 2-0 win over Argentina need to beat Lionel Messi’s Ar- in your side, scoring is a given,” Saad al-Sheeb was alert to punch tinez again, but the Club America with another victory over the gentina in their fi nal Group B said captain James Rodriguez. the ball away. forward was denied by al-Sheeb. dinked a chip with the outside two strikers,” said Zapata, who dogged Asian champions. match if they are to reach the last Queiroz’s team was off to a fl y- Zapata, as he had during the Colombia kept creating of his left foot to the back post lept above his strike partner to It was a deserved success but eight. ing start, putting the ball in the last Serie A season, caused havoc chances but at times they simply where Zapata rose highest to convert the winner. one that had looked likely to “It leaves a bad taste because net after just six minutes, but in the Qatar defence with his size pumped aimless crosses into the power home a header. He should have had a second elude the 2001 champions as they the end was close,” said Qatar’s Roger Martinez’s close-range and strength but was off target Qatar box. “They said we couldn’t play in injury time but fi red wide on toiled against a Qatar side that Spanish coach Felix Sanchez. header was ruled out for off side. with a pair of headers. The breakthrough fi nally came together with Falcao, but we the counter-attack with only al- defended stoically and held on “Conceding a goal in the fi - James should have given Co- At times it looked like a game four minutes from time as James showed that we could play with Sheeb to beat.

LUCKY Messi saves Argentina as Paraguay pay penalty

AFP However with the two best get a shot on goal until Paraguay A swift counter-attack saw for Martinez, whose shot can- Belo Horizonte, Brazil third placed teams advancing striker Derlis Gonzalez’s eff ort the ball transferred to Newcastle noned off the woodwork. Messi to the quarter-fi nals, Argentina was defl ected behind for a corner United’s Miguel Almiron near pounced on the rebound but can still reach the last eight with in the 29th minute. halfway. Fernandez blocked with a diving Lionel Messi penalty a decisive win over Qatar in their From the ensuing setpiece, The livewire forward turned on save. salvaged a 1-1 draw fi nal group game. centre-half Junior Alonso the after-burners to roast Rob- The chance appeared to have for Argentina against “We have to win,” Argentina scooped a half-chance wide as erto Pereya down the left wing gone begging but VAR had spot- Paraguay yesterday as coach Lionel Scaloni said of his Argentina escaped. before crossing for Sanchez who ted that Martinez’s shot had in theA two-time world champions team’s date with Qatar. “We will That fl urry of activity spurred drove a low fi nish into the bottom fact struck Ivan Piris’s arm be- once again struggled at the Copa take stock of what we did well Argentina fl eetingly at the other corner of the Argentina net. fore hitting the bar and Brazilian America. and what we did not do well and end, with Lautaro Martinez win- A rattled Argentina were giv- referee Wilson Sampaio pointed Messi swept in a 57th-minute we will make decisions. We are ning a free-kick in a dangerous en a huge let-off moments later to the spot. spot-kick at Belo Horizonte’s lucky that we are still alive in this position on the edge of the area when Armani came racing out of Messi stepped up to sweep in Mineirao Stadium to cancel out a tournament,” added Scaloni, sin- after a foul by Paraguay skipper his area to shut down Gonzalez. the spot-kick and Argentina were fi rst-half opener from Paraguay’s gling out goalkeeper Armani for Gustavo Gomez. A wild kick brought down the level. Richard Sanchez. special praise. Messi however was unable to Paraguayan player but Armani Yet there was more drama in Argentina also had goalkeeper “We trust Franco,” Scaloni conjure anything from the free- somehow escaped a red card and the 62nd minute when Para- Franco Armani to thank for a sec- said. “He is our starting goal- kick, fl oating his eff ort up and was only cautioned. guay’s Gonzalez burst into the ond half penalty save that pre- keeper. He saved a penalty and Argentina’s Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De over the wall but without the Scaloni went for broke at box and was clumsily hacked vented Paraguay from taking a kept us alive. I’m glad he had a Paul after scoring a penalty against Paraguay in Belo Horizonte pace to trouble goalkeeper Rob- half-time, bolstering his attack down by Nicolas Otamendi for a 2-1 lead in the Group B battle. good performance.” yesterday. erto Fernandez, who gathered with the introduction of Sergio clear penalty. The draw left Argentina with The South American giants comfortably. Aguero and the move paid instant Armani, who was fortunate to one point from two games and on will need to raise their game how- which followed their opening de- sides struggle to generate any In the 37th minute however, dividends. be on the pitch, dived the right the bottom of the table with one ever to advance any further after feat to Colombia on Saturday. sort of attacking momentum, Paraguay’s more organised per- Aguero deftly lost his marker way and parried Gonzalez’s spot- game remaining. another disjointed performance A lacklustre opening saw both with neither side managing to formance got its reward. on 51 minutes and pulled back kick wide. Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 21, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Messi’s hopes of Egypt pins Africa Copa redemption crumbling under Cup of Nations haphazard Scaloni

Reuters Argentina’s shootout defeat by Belo Horizonte, Brazil Chile in 2016, did not hide his feelings as the prospect of his side’s earliest elimination from ionel Messi returned to the Copa since 1983 edged closer. the Argentina side to con- “It’s very frustrating not to hopes on Salah tinue chasing his dream win, we’ve played twice and not of winning a trophy with won either game, that was not Lhis country at the Copa America, what we thought would happen. but with the team fl oundering It would be crazy if we did not Salah will be hoping to banish the nightmare of last year’s World Cup in Russia under coach Lionel Scaloni, the qualify,” he told reporters. experience is turning sour. “What hurts the most is we Messi’s second-half penalty are not functioning as a team, we salvaged a highly fortuitous 1-1 need to keep searching to how to draw with Paraguay on Wednes- form the best team possible but day which kept Argentina in the there’s no time. Now we have one competition and they must beat game left and the only hope we Qatar on Saturday to stand a have left is to win it.” chance of avoiding a humiliating A member of Jorge Sampaoli’s group-stage exit. back-room staff , Scaloni was an With rookie coach Scaloni uninspiring choice to become continuing to look ever more Argentina’s next coach when out of his depth with each game, Sampaoli was sacked after the however, a win over the Asian chaotic 2018 World Cup and his champions is far from guaran- inexperience is showing at his teed, and even if Argentina do fi rst major tournament. earn a victory, they still need The 41-year-old experimented other results to go their way. with more than 50 players in nine Against Paraguay, Scaloni games before the Copa, includ- made four changes to the team ing trying out eight goalkeepers. that had lost 2-0 to Colombia, Not all of Argentina’s prob- axing high-profi le players such lems lie with Scaloni, though, as Angel di Maria and Sergio as he is the fourth coach to have Aguero. He quickly turned to taken charge since the 2014 Aguero with his side trailing 1-0 World Cup and the national team at halftime but just as Argentina set-up seems beset by short ter- were looking more dangerous af- mism. ter Messi’s equaliser and Franco There are also problems in Armani’s penalty save, he took player development and emerg- off the lively Lautaro Martinez ing talent. To take one example, for Di Maria. only four of Argentina’s starting Messi, who has lost three Copa 11 against Paraguay played in last fi nals and missed a penalty in season’s Champions League.

Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah (second left) takes part in a training session with teammates ahead of their opening match against Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium in Cairo. (AFP)

AFP Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who share be the crowning glory for the man who falling to his knees after he scores. His Paris the award with him, making it an all-Af- grew up in the Nile Delta village of Na- wife Maggie, wearing a headscarf, and his rican aff air. Liverpool though were pipped grig. After Liverpool beat Spurs in this daughter appeared on the pitch at Liver- to the Premier League title by Manchester year’s Champions League showdown, an pool’s Anfi eld home on the last day of the gypt and Liverpool forward Mo- City. “As soon as Salah touches the ball, emotional Salah said: “I made many sac- Premier League season. hamed Salah will carry the hopes he’s dangerous,” Tunisia player Naim Sliti rifi ces for my career. I came from a small Compared to the excesses of Premier of the Africa Cup of Nations hosts said after facing Egypt in a qualifi er. village and went to Cairo. To be an Egyp- League footballers, Salah leads a modest on his slender shoulders just “You just mustn’t let him get the ball, tian at this level (of the football world) is life. Back home, his distinctive smile and weeksE after winning the European crown because something always happens when unbelievable.” curly hair features in TV adverts, on bill- Argentina’s Lionel Messi sits on the ground after being fouled with his club. Egyptians say that all 97mn he has it.” Salah’s mood and fi tness con- Salah began attending Nagrig’s modest boards and on wall murals. during the Copa America group match against Paraguay at the of their compatriots will be rooting for trast to this time last year when his shoul- sports club when he was eight years old. He has made a point of speaking up for Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (AFP) Salah when the Pharaohs kick off the der was injured as he was wrestled to the “I coached Mohamed Salah when he was women in the Muslim world. “I think we tournament against Zimbabwe today. ground by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos in still a child and his talent was clear from need to change the way we treat women Salah, 27, will also be hoping to banish the 2018 Champions League fi nal in Kiev. the day he was born,” Ghamri Abdelha- in our culture. It’s not optional,” Salah the nightmare of last year’s World Cup He had to go off and Liverpool lost 3-1. mid al-Saadani, his coach then, recalled. said after he was chosen as one of Time ATLETICO SIGN LLORENTE in Russia when he played with a barely Although clearly not recovered, Salah ar- He said Salah’s success was not built magazine’s Top 100 most infl uential peo- healed shoulder injury, Egypt were elimi- rived in Chechnya for the World Cup and on talent alone: “He had an iron will and ple in the world. FROM REAL MADRID nated in the fi rst round and their hosts in was promptly paraded with the republic’s huge amounts of perseverance.” He has also lent his highly visible sup- Chechnya used the team for political pur- president Ramzan Kadyrov. Encouraged by his football-mad father, port to anti-drug campaigns aimed at Madrid: Atletico Madrid poses. He comes into the tournament on He was only fi t enough to be a substi- Salah moved on to Tanta, the main town teenagers. With the idolisation comes announced a deal to buy Real a high, having scored the second-minute tute in the fi rst two games but returned in his home region of Gharbeya, before the inevitable media attention and Salah Madrid midfielder Marcos penalty that put Liverpool on their way for the fi nal match against Saudi Arabia moving to Cairo. Opportunities in Europe has hit out at journalists who besiege his Llorente yesterday in a move to winning the Champions League fi nal and scored, but could not prevent Egypt soon beckoned, starting with Swiss club house in Nagrig where he still spends that could pave the way for against Tottenham in Madrid. slumping to a third defeat. Basel. In 2014, Salah moved to Chelsea holidays. “I call that a lack of respect for Rodrigo Hernandez to join The Egyptian also won the Golden The World Cup debacle also revealed but success did not come in that fi rst stint my private life and a lack of profession- Manchester City. Boot for the top scorer in England for that Salah’s supporting cast is nowhere in England. It was only when he moved to alism,” he tweeted. Yet that outburst did Llorente still has to pass a the second season in a row, although this near the level of their star man — every- Roma that the goals began to fl ow and he not prevent him posting, a few days later, medical but, barring any late time his 22 goals were equalled by Liver- thing revolves around him. Leading his earned his move to Liverpool. photographs of his toned stomach as he problems, will sign a five-year pool teammate Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s country to its eighth African title would Salah make no secret of his religion, sunbathed. contract with Atletico and leave their city rivals, where the 24-year-old has struggled for BOTTOMLINE ROUND-UP regular matches. The signing of Llorente, reportedly for 40mn euros, FIFA’s Samoura to oversee would appear to increase the Tanzania launches appeal to likelihood of a departure for Rodrigo, who is expected to African football reforms choose City ahead of either raise bonuses for national team Bayern Munich or remaining AFP at Atleti. Rodrigo has a release Cairo AFP ished bottom of their group with one point. clause set at 70mn euros, a 2015 before being loaned out to Nairobi figure that would secure a Alaves the following season. VAR IN PLAY FROM QUARTER-FINALS considerable profit for the club, But he made only five La Liga IFA secretary general AT CUP OF NATIONS given they signed the Spaniard starts under Zidane in 2017-18 Fatma Samoura has been anzanian authorities launched a fun- VAR, the video review system that sparked cha- for around 20mn euros from and six last term, prompting appointed general del- draising campaign yesterday aimed at otic scenes in the African Champions League Villarreal only last summer. him to consider a move away egate for Africa for six raising nearly half a million dollars to fi nal last month, will be introduced from the Llorente, meanwhile, could from the club he had called monthsF starting August 1 as part “motivate” the national team who are quarter-fi nal stage at the Cup of Nations in prove an astute replacement. home for more than a decade. of ongoing reforms within Afri- Tabout to play their fi rst Africa Cup of Nations Egypt, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad said. He was never likely to dis- “I was a child who, like so can football’s governing body. match in nearly 40 years. “It’s a measure of prudence. It’s a technology lodge the likes of Luka Modric, many others, dreamed of play- The Confederation of African The notion was unanimously ap- By the afternoon, a third of the amount had that a lot of people don’t completely use yet,” Toni Kroos or Casemiro at the ing football,” Llorente wrote on Football (CAF) and its president proved by CAF’s executive com- been raised, said the country’s vice-president Ahmad said in Cairo, on the eve of the opening Santigo Bernabeu but often Twitter, with a picture of him Ahmad Ahmad have been in the mittee, and Samoura and a group Samia Suluhu, adding that “the goal is to reach match between hosts Egypt and Zimbabwe. impressed when given a chance holding the Club World Cup. spotlight after recent governance of experts will work in tandem one bn shillings”, about $436,000 US dollars. “It was planned for the semi-fi nals to start and was named the team’s man “I grew up and started issues, while he was questioned with Ahmad and his team to cov- “Our last participation was 39 years ago. All with, but we insisted that we have to go a little of the match in last season’s dreaming about playing at as part of an inquiry into corrup- er a number of areas, in an agree- this time, we were asleep. Now we are waking bit further. The executive committee decided Club World Cup final. Real Madrid. I learned and put tion, breach of trust and forgery ment that can be renewed with up,” said Suluhu. “This is our team, the Tanza- on the quarter-fi nals, so that it’s a success.” Atletico said they had signed everything aside to do it and in France earlier this month. the agreement of both parties. nian team. We must support it fi nancially,” she The announcement was one keenly awaited a player renowned as “an my dream was fulfilled. But you He was later released without These areas include overseeing said, explaining that the government had not since the controversy that overshadowed the excellent defensive pivot, with a can never stop working, no charge and has dismissed the al- operational management of CAF, set aside a budget for the national team’s pos- second leg of the CAF Champions League fi nal well-known ability for anticipa- matter how much you succeed, legations as “false”. Ahmad pro- ensuring the “effi cient and pro- sible participation in the competition. between Tunisian club Esperance and Wydad tion and intuition to intercept nor stop dreaming, no matter posed the idea of seeking FIFA’s fessional organisation of all CAF Celebrities and companies took turns in front Casablanca of Morocco. In an unprecedented opposition passes”. how much some dreams come expertise to help assess CAF’s competitions”, and supporting of the vice-president to reveal the amounts in decision, CAF ordered the match to be replayed After joining Real Madrid’s true. Today I leave Real Madrid, current situation and speed up the growth and development of their envelopes. Tanzania will play their fi rst following the Cup of Nations after Wydad youth set-up aged 14, Llorente which has been my home since reforms plans aimed at ensuring football in all African regions. match in Group C on Sunday against Senegal walked off the pitch in protest and refused to progressed through the ranks, I was 14 years old. I leave with the organisation operates with Samoura will remain as secretary in Cairo. They will then face neighbours Kenya return after a faulty VAR system was unavail- making his first-team debut in no regrets.” “transparency and effi ciency”. general of FIFA. and Algeria. In the 1980 fi nals, Tanzania fi n- able to judge a disallowed equaliser. Gulf Times Friday, June 21, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Rabiot closing on Juventus move, but Pogba, Higuain Juve ‘crowning moment’ uncertain Turin, Italy: Juventus sport- ing director Fabio Paratici has confirmed the Italian champi- ons are in the chase for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot but played of Sarri’s coaching career down a move for Manchester United star Paul Pogba. “Pogba and Rabiot are two good players,” Paratici said The 60-year-old returns to Italy after just one turbulent season in the Premier League with Chelsea of the French pair during the presentation of new coach AFP Maurizio Sarri at the Allianz Turin, Italy Juventus is the 20th team that Maurizio Stadium yesterday. “Pogba Sarri has coached since the former banker was with us for many years, took over at Stia, a team in the Italian eighth he grew up here and we love aurizio Sarri said his ap- division back in 1990. (Reuters) him, but he is a Manchester pointment as Juventus United player,” continued coach was “the crowning” Paratici. moment of his 30-year “Rabiot is an excellent Mmanagerial career as the former Chelsea player, there are many clubs manager was presented by the Serie A who want him. We are in the giants in Turin yesterday. running, not just for him, but The 60-year-old returns to Italy after there are other targets in our just one turbulent season in the Premier minds. We’ll discuss it with League with Chelsea, having previously Maurizio and try to find the coached his hometown team Napoli for right targets together for the three seasons. Juventus is the 20th team team we want to see.” that Sarri has coached since the former Meanwhile, former Chelsea banker took over at Stia, a team in the coach Sarri said that Gonzalo Italian eighth division back in 1990. Higuain could be set for a “The off er of Juve, the most important return to Juventus after his team in Italy, is the crowning of a very loan spell at Stamford Bridge. long career, which for 80% of the time “I haven’t talked to Gonzalo has been quite diffi cult,” Sarri told a press since the celebration after conference at the Allianz Stadium in Tu- the Europa League final,” said rin. Sarri, decked out in a Juventus team Sarri, who also coached the suit and tie rather than his usual track- Argentine at his previous club suit, was asked if he would adapt to the Napoli. Juventus style. “I had to get my ideas “I don’t know what the Juventus style sorted concerning (the move is,” said the Neapolitan who once fa- to) this club. He is a Juventus mously gave the middle fi nger to some player, so when he returns Juventus fans. from holidays, we’ll have the “Suit and tie or tracksuit? I have to talk chance to talk. I love Pipita to the club. I would prefer not to wear the (Higuain), you know, but it suit and tie on the pitch. The important will depend on him. There are thing is that at my age, they don’t send directors here who have been me out naked onto the pitch.” following these players for Despite his long coaching career Sarri years, so I will listen to their only lifted his fi rst trophy last month opinions too. when he guided Chelsea to the Europa “It would be unfair for me League trophy. “From an emotional point perience, but in the latter half (of the was the best coach for Juventus right but training him will be yet another step The former Empoli coach said that he to impose my ideas on people of view, it was a very long path through season), I felt professional and personal now, just as Allegri was fi ve years ago and forward,” he said. “I’d like to help him would try to prove his critics wrong once who know these players more the lower divisions and then Serie A and needs to return to Italy,” he said. “I de- (Antonio) Conte three years before that. break some new records.” again. “I arrive surrounded by sceptics, than me. Gonzalo didn’t enjoy then Premier League. “It has been step cided to come back to Italy because such Sarri showed he can win in the Premier The Champions League is the top tar- but then I always am. I had the same at the post-Juventus experience after step in a gradual way, a very long an important club wanted me so strongly. League and internationally, so he’s the get for Juventus who have not won the Empoli, Napoli and Chelsea. In football, and was a little shaken after process.” I have never seen so much determination right man for the job.” European title since 1996. “At European I know only one way of removing scepti- that season, these things Chelsea was the only time Sarri has on the part of a club to hire a coach.” Alegri paid the price for anoth- level we have this dream, this target we cism from the minds of people by win- happen,” continued Sarri of coached outside of Italy but he failed to Sarri takes over from Massimiliano er Champions League failure despite have to pursue with great determination ning convincingly. Higuain who also had a loan win over the English fans despite return- Allegri, who led Juventus to an eighth Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100-million-euro but also great diffi culty,” he said. “Ju- “I haven’t won a lot, but I believe that spell at AC Milan. “If he can ing the club to the Champions League consecutive Scudetto title. “He was ab- ($115mn) signing. Sarri said he was rel- ventus will start with the target of win- having fun on the pitch doesn’t stop you get a strong reaction, he can with a third-placed fi nish in the Premier solutely the fi rst choice,” said Juventus ishing the chance to coach fi ve-time Bal- ning the Champions League but with the winning. You can’t think that just be- play another three to four League and winning the Europa League. sporting director Fabio Paratici of Sarri. lon d’Or winner Ronaldo. knowledge there are another eight or nine cause a team is having fun they are su- years at a high level.” “The Premier League was a great ex- “We chose Maurizio because we felt he “I coached some very strong players, clubs that can win.” perfi cial and not determined.”

SPOTLIGHT WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Stimac giving India a dose of Dramatic Nchout late goal against World Cup belief, says Sandhu New Zealand takes Cameroon to last 16 Reuters AFP Mumbai Paris

ndia’s new football coach jara Nchout’s brilliant goal at the Igor Stimac is starting to in- death gave Cameroon a dramatic stil the belief in his players 2-1 win over New Zealand yester- that qualifying for a maiden day and took the Indomitable Li- IWorld Cup fi nals is not a pipe- onessesA through to the women’s World Cup dream but a genuine target, goal- knockout stage. Just 10 seconds of the allot- keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu ted fi ve minutes of added time remained in said. Former Croatia defender Montpellier when Nchout curled a shot into Stimac was appointed coach on the net at the end of a slaloming run to give a two-year contract last month her side the victory. after Englishman Stephen Con- Nchout, who plays club football in Nor- stantine walked away from the way, had earlier given Cameroon the lead job in the wake of the team’s in the 57th minute, controlling with her exit from the group stages of the shoulder before slotting home. However, Asian Cup. when Aurelle Awona sliced a Katie Bowen India has 325 times more peo- cross into her own net with 10 minutes left, ple than Stimac’s home country it looked as though both teams were heading but unlike the 2018 World Cup out. Instead, the last-gasp goal means Cam- fi nalists, their national team have eroon are certain to go through as one of the never ventured to the showpiece best third-placed sides, while New Zealand of the international game and are return home without a point. currently sitting 101st in the FIFA Cameroon were to fi nd out later last night rankings. if their last-16 opponents will be England or Stimac was part of the Croatia hosts France, depending on the outcome of Cameroon players celebrate after their win over New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup team that sensationally reached India's goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. (Reuters) the Group F match between Thailand and Group E match at the Mosson Stadium in Montpellier, southern France. (AFP) the semi-fi nals of the World Chile in Rennes. Cup at the fi rst attempt in 1998 ment was with Al Shahania Club Europe but their stints were all Meanwhile, substitute Lineth Beeren- Canada thought they had won a penalty tine Sinclair converted at the back post from and he is looking to his India in Qatar. India lost 3-1 to the for lower league sides. Sandhu, steyn scored the winner as the Netherlands inside two minutes in Reims only for French an inviting low cross by Ashley Lawrence. squad to similarly buck the odds might of Curacao in the 51-year- who stands 6ft 6in-tall (1.98m), beat Canada 2-1 to make it three wins out of referee Stephanie Frappart to overturn her It was the veteran Sinclair’s 182nd goal for in Asian qualifying for the 2022 old’s fi rst match in charge at the did it the hard way and had to three at the tournament so far and advance decision following a VAR review. her country, leaving her just two shy of Abby World Cup. “I think his dream is King’s Cup but bounced back to wait fi ve months after signing to to the last 16 as Group E winners. After that, Vivianne Miedema hit the post Wambach’s international record with the to make us have a shot at qualify- beat Thailand 1-0 in their next make his debut for Stabek FC in a Beerensteyn turned in a Desiree van Lun- on the turn at the other end, but the Neth- United States. However, defeat for Canada ing for the World Cup because he fi xture. Sandhu said Constan- Norwegian Cup tie against Runar teren cross in the 75th minute in Reims and erlands took the lead early in the second half means they will go to Paris in the last 16 to believes that we can make it and tine, who led India to the ex- in 2015. He then made his league ensure that the Dutch, the reigning Europe- when Anouk Dekker headed in from a free- face the runners-up in Group F, either Swe- that belief has rubbed off on all panded Asian Cup in January debut the following season be- an champions, will face Japan in the last 16. kick. Canada drew level soon after as Chris- den or the USA who clash later in Le Havre. of the players,” Sandhu said in an after a gap of eight years and got fore getting the taste of European interview. them into the FIFA top 100 for a continental competition in the “He wants to create competi- while last year, had built some Europa League — another fi rst FOCUS tion for every position in the team solid foundations. “The time for an Indian. which I believe he already has. under coach Constantine was The 27-year-old returned to Coach Stimac has been amazing fruitful, we jumped in rankings India in 2017 and joined the Ben- so far, he knows what he wants and qualifi ed for the Asian Cup,” galuru FC club, who won the 2018 Scotland knocked out by Argentina from the team and asks for it. He Sandhu added. Indian Super Cup and the last believes in us and wants to show “I think most important thing Indian Super League title. “The AFP through as one of the best third-place fi n- Five minutes later a shot by Bonsegundo how to get to next level by playing that we gained from those years journey from India to Europe and Paris ishers. The fi nal minutes of the game left rebounded off the bar, struck goalkeeper Lee good football using everything a was respect from other Asian back to India has been unbeliev- both sides complaining about VAR. In spite Alexander and went in. With two minutes player has at his disposal.” countries.” able,” the goalkeeper said. of the time taken over two reviews, there was left, after an agonising VAR review, Argen- India will not know their op- Sandhu was signed by sports- “I never thought I would get a lorencia Bonsegundo converted a very little added time. Scotland have con- tina were handed a penalty. ponents until the draw for the wear fi rm Puma this month as chance to play abroad. I am glad re-taken penalty in stoppage time ceded a penalty in all three of their games. Alexander saved Bonsegundo’s tame fi rst World Cup qualifi ers takes place an ambassador after becoming I stuck it out and stayed there as Argentina came from three goals Kim Little, Jen Beattie and Erin Cuth- eff ort, but VAR caught the goalkeeper stray- in Kuala Lumpur on July 17. The the fi rst Indian to play for a top- because it helped me immensely. down to draw 3-3 with Scotland, a bert put Scotland 3-0 up after 69 minutes. ing off her line and the Argentine converted biggest achievement on Sti- tier European club. India players Coming to India and then win- resultF that eliminated both the teams. Cuthbert was voted player of the match. her second eff ort in the fourth minute of mac’s coaching resume is help- like Mohamed Salim, Baichung ning two trophies in two years Victory would have put Argentina After Cuthbert’s goal Milagros Menendez stoppage time. The draw left Scotland on ing Croatia qualify for the 2014 Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri had has been something I could only through, the draw meant that they needed replied with Argentina’s fi rst goal of the one point, bottom of Group D and elimi- World Cup and his last assign- previously plyed their trade in dream of.” freakish results in the last two groups to go tournament in the 74th minute. nated. Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 21, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS Sharapova RUGBY falls to Kerber in England’s Hartley Mallorca left out of World Cup Tsitsipas works AFP Madrid training squad aria Sharapova’s return from Minjury at the overtime to Mallorca Open came to an abrupt end yesterday as she was convincingly beaten 6-2, 6-3 by Angel- ique Kerber. Sharapova had not played since the end of January reach quarters after taking time out to recover from a shoulder injury and her lack of Defending champion Cilic was earlier beaten by Schwartzman sharpness was exposed by Kerber, who cruised Reuters into the quarter-finals. London Kerber will now face either Spaniard Paula Badosa Gibert or France’s op seed Stefanos Tsit- Caroline Garcia, who Reuters caps, did not feature in this year’s sipas survived a day of were scheduled to play London Six Nations, while Robshaw has shocks at the Queen’s later yesterday, for a spot not played for his country since Club grasscourt cham- in the last four. having knee surgery in October. pionshipsT as he claimed two orthampton Saints Harlequins number eight Sharapova had regis- victories yesterday to reach the tered an impressive hooker Dylan Hartley Alex Dombrandt, Northampton quarter-fi nals. opening victory over has failed to recover Saints fl anker Lewis Ludlam and First the Greek 20-year-old Viktoria Kuzmova on from a knee injury in former England Sevens player returned to court to complete Ntime and was left out of England Ruaridh McConnochie were Tuesday but Kerber was his weather-delayed fi rst- always going to off er a head coach Eddie Jones’ fi rst among those who received their round clash with Britain’s Kyle sterner test of the five- training squad for the upcoming fi rst call-up. Edmund before scraping past time major champion’s World Cup in Japan which was Saracens lock George Kruis Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. form and fitness. announced yesterday. and teammate Mako Vunipola Chardy served for the match Facing the tournament’s Hartley, who captained Eng- will be part of the camp for med- in the second set but world top seed at this stage land to back-to-back Six Na- ical treatment. number six Tsitsipas hung in to is the price Sharapova tions titles in 2016 and 2017, has The squad comprises play- level before sealing a 4-7, 7-6 has to pay now for her not played since December. ers who were not involved in last (0), 7-6 (4) victory to prolong lowly ranking of 85 and The fi rst training camp will be month’s English Premiership his debut appearance at the she could well be dealt a held at Pennyhill Park (June 23- semi-fi nals because all those prestigious Wimbledon warm- similarly tough draw at 27) followed by another at the who were have been put on man- up event. Wimbledon, which starts Lensbury (June 30-July 4). datory rest for fi ve weeks. Defending champion Marin in less than a fortnight. “The fi rst two training camps Players from losing semi-fi nal- Cilic, seeded fi ve, was earlier cut Kerber, meanwhile, has are designed to improve indi- ists Gloucester and Northampton down to size by Argentine Diego Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates after winning a game against France’s Jereme Chardy at the ATP endured a rather disap- vidual players’ fundamentals to Saints will join the camp next week Schwartzman in the second Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club in London yesterday. (AFP) pointing first half of the allow them to compete for a place and Jones will name his fi nal train- round, the big-serving Croat season herself, having in the World Cup squad,” Jones ing party, including players from slumping to a 6-4 6-4 defeat. crashed out in the first said in a statement. Premiership fi nalists Exeter Chiefs The result was all the more Federer survives Tsonga scare to reach last eight in Halle round at the French Experienced scrumhalf Danny and Saracens, on July 4. surprising as it was only the di- Open last month, after Care and fl anker Chris Robshaw The Rugby World Cup kicks minutive Schwartzman’s third AFP Bautista Agut eased to a 6-1, losing in the last eight in also missed out on the 29-man off on September 20 with Eng- career victory on grass. Halle Westfalen, Germany 6-4 victory over France’s Rich- Australia in January. training squad after slipping land facing Tonga in their open- Second seed Kevin Anderson, ard Gasquet. But overcoming an awk- down the England pecking order. ing Pool C encounter in Sapporo runner-up at Wimbledon last Home favourite Alexander ward early meeting with Care, who has 84 England two days later. year, went down 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 oger Federer avoided Zverev also advanced to the Sharapova will represent to Gilles Simon while another a major setback in quarter-finals with a comforta- a timely boost of morale Frenchman, Nicolas Mahut, put Rhis preparations for ble 6-3, 7-5 win over American for the German, who won paid to the hopes of three-time Wimbledon as he scrapped to Steve Johnson. Wimbledon last year and Kiwis disappointed as world rugby Grand Slam champion Stan a 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-5 victory over The world number five faces will be one of the favour- tournament plan fails Wawrinka. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Belgium’s David Goff in in the ites again. Mahut won 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (2) in the second round of the ATP last eight on Friday. Belinda Bencic, whom AFP a huge financial risk if teams but there was an awkward mo- event in Halle yesterday. Elsewhere, Italy’s Matteo Kerber beat en route to Wellington were relegated. ment for the veteran French- Federer, 37, appeared firmly Berrettini, who was crowned the title 11 months ago, “Creating a new international man as he was given a code on course for a place in the champion in Stuttgart last is a potential semi-final competition was always going violation for unsportsmanlike quarter-finals at a set and a week, came from behind to opponent in Mallorca, ew Zealand Rugby to be a challenging conversa- conduct after leaving a ball- break up before an impressive beat compatriot Andreas after the Swiss came yesterday lamented tion for world rugby nations,” girl in tears when he struck her comeback from Tsonga took Halle this year, prevailed in a Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and secure from a set down to beat Nthe failure of a plan to NZR Chief Executive Steve with a ball. the match to a decider. tense third set and faces Span- a quarter-final clash with America’s Shelby Rogers. create an annual global tour- Tew said. The qualifi er, ranked down at The Swiss, who is eyeing a iard Roberto Bautista Agut in third-seeded Russian Karen Rogers claimed the first nament, which faltered amid Praising World Rugby’s eff orts 191 but always a threat on grass, record tenth career title at the last eight today. Khachanov. set but retired injured objections to the idea teams to get the deal through, Tew had just dropped serve early after Bencic levelled up could be relegated from the said: “We sought to find a model on and decided to send down a and led in the decider, Six Nations championship. that balanced demands of fans, practice delivery that clipped ploughed into another unfortu- night at 3-3 in the second set. match on a thankfully dry day the match ending at 5-7, The Kiwis had championed with the welfare of all play- the ballgirl in the head as she nate ballgirl. He needed seven match points for both the players. 6-3 3-1. Bencic will now the creation of a new cross- ers, growing the commercial went about her duties at the Mahut and Simon meet for a to end home interest in the sin- Kyrgios had earlier beaten play another American hemisphere Nations Cham- strength of our competition and back of the court. place in the semi-fi nals. gles draw. Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in the quarters, teenager pionship, with the winners ensuring we were providing a It was clearly accidental but Tsitsipas belatedly moved He will face Canada’s Felix in straight sets but became em- Amanda Anisimova, who and runners-up in Europe’s pathway for other nations.” followed another Mahut inci- through to the second round as Auger Aliassime, who beat Aus- broiled in a row with umpire defeated France’s Alize Six Nations taking on their He urged national unions not dent two days ago when he skid- he fi nished off Edmund 6-3, 7-5 tralia’s Nick Kyrgios 6-7 (4), 7-6 Fergus Murphy and was warned Cornet 6-2, 6-4. southern counterparts in an to give up on plans to over- ded over chasing a wide ball and having come off the previous (3), 7-5, in what was the second for unsportsmanlike conduct. expanded six-nation Rugby haul the game, and said the Championship. southern hemisphere would Supporters said the plan try to find “opportunities for would generate much-needed Pacific unions and emerging Nadal to prepare for Wimbledon at Hurlingham event television revenue, make mid- nations to grow the game”. year tests more consequen- “While there were some seri- adal to prepare for Wim- Wimbledon Championships. “I am always happy to play at The The tournament will also third title at Wimbledon, which tial and bring Pacific Island ous issues to be resolved, such bledon at Hurlingham The tournament organisers con- Hurlingham Club and be close to feature last year’s Wimbledon kicks off on July 1, after winning nations and Japan into regular as the varying positions on Nevent firmed Nadal, who has opted to UK tennis fans,” the 33-year-old runner-up Kevin Anderson, the tournament in 2008 and competitions. promotion/relegation, New World number two Rafael Nadal skip competitive tennis since his Spaniard said in a statement. “It Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic, Lucas 2010. However, a controversial idea Zealand Rugby remained com- has entered next week’s Aspall 12th French Open title triumph is a prestigious ground in one of Pouille, Felix Auger-Aliassime He reached the semi-finals last to introduce promotion and mitted to continuing dialogue Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to earlier this month, will partici- the best settings in the UK, mak- and Marcos Baghdatis. year where he was beaten by relegation to both champion- to see if these could be over- get some grass court play under pate in two exhibition matches ing it the perfect way to warm up Nadal, a 18-times Grand Slam rival Novak Djokovic in a five- ships was met with trepidation come for the greater good of his belt ahead of next month’s next Wednesday and Friday. for Wimbledon.” winner, will be bidding for his set thriller. from unions who would run the game,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Osaka defeat in Birmingham Kyrgios in ‘rigging’ rant at Queen’s opens door to No. 1 for Barty Reuters said, only to be told: “I’m not London talking to you. Don’t talk to me. AFP Don’t talk to me.” Birmingham, United Kingdom Kyrgios called the offi cials a ustralian maverick “disgrace” during the tiebreak Nick Kyrgios accused and then demanded to speak to orld number one a line judge of “rig- the tournament supervisor after Naomi Osaka ging” his delayed fi rst- taking the opening set. succumbed to a roundA match against Roberto Three games later when the straight-sets de- Carballes Baena at the Queen’s supervisor arrived, Kyrgios ex- Wfeat by Yulia Putintseva at the Club Championships yesterday. plained his view of events. Birmingham Classic yesterday, Kyrgios won 7-6 (4), 6-3 to “Twenty people over there are handing Ashleigh Barty the set up a second-round clash saying it was way out. Go and ask chance to end the week on top of with Canadian youngster Felix them yourself. They’re not going the rankings. Auger-Aliassime later in the day to lie to you, they’ve got no rea- Osaka admitted ahead of her but once again it was his behav- son to,” he said. “An 80mph sec- fi rst grass-court tournament of iour that provided the talking ond serve. You actually can’t be the season that she is still not point as he was handed a code that bad… That s*** can’t hap- at home on the surface and it Osaka dropped serve at the one spot by winning the title in violation. pen. Know what I mean?” showed as Putintseva romped to start of the second set, but Birmingham and she eased into The 24-year-old lost his cool Controversy has followed a 6-2, 6-3 win. fought back to lead 3-2 before the quarter-fi nals with a 6-3 6-1 and rounded on umpire Fergus Kyrgios around throughout his The US and Australian Open Putintseva won the last four victory over Jennifer Brady. Murphy after missing a set point career and he recently rocked champion now runs the risk of games to close out the match in Barty will face fi ve-time Wim- in the fi rst set when he believed it’s taking the p***. gios continued to berate the of- the boat with uncomplimen- heading into Wimbledon short a little over an hour. bledon champion Venus Wil- his Spanish opponent’s serve “I refuse to play.” fi cials and threatened to walk off tary comments about world of match practice on the grass as “I needed to be more free liams in the last eight today after had been out. Kyrgios was then given a code court. number one Novak Djokovic and she has not signed up to play in with my shots, and not worry the 39-year-old was too wily for “The ball was this far out violation for unsportsmanlike “The ball was this far out on 18-times Grand Slam champion Eastbourne next week. about what happens. I was more Wang Qiang in a 6-3, 6-2 win. (holding hands about a foot behaviour before taking a dislike the second serve. I’m going. I’m Rafael Nadal in a video posted on Putintseva made a blistering aggressive and changed the Julia Goerges is next up for apart), no joke. No joke. What to umpire Murphy’s headgear. not going to give 100 percent social media. start to go 5-0 up in the fi rst set rhythm; that helped me win the Putintseva after the 2018 Wim- are you doing? It’s so far long. “It’s a joke, man. It’s a serious when I’ve got a linesman rigging He pulled out of the French and Osaka’s troubles on serve match,” said Putintseva. bledon semi-fi nalist defeated What are you doing? What are joke. Like your hat looks ridicu- the game, I don’t want to play.” Open because of illness shortly throughout the match ensured French Open champion Barty Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina 6-4, you actually doing up there?” lous, also. It’s not even sunny.” “Be careful, Nick, be care- after saying the tournament she never recovered. can secure the world-number- 6-3. Kyrgios was heard to say. “Bro, Following another point, Kyr- ful what you’re saying,” Murphy “sucked”. Gulf Times Friday, June 21, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB Sabathia gets 250th victory as Yankees rout Tampa Bay Sabathia gets standing ovation from the home crowd after ending his outing with a strikeout of Brandon Lowe

Reuters REDS 3, ASTROS 2 for the Cubs, who won for the 25th time New York Rookie Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker in 37 home games this season. Cubs ripped back-to-back RBI singles with left-hander Jon Lester (6-5) got the two outs in the ninth inning as Cincin- win by holding the White Sox to three C Sabathia pitched six innings nati completed a sweep of visiting runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He of one-run ball for his 250th Houston. Jose Peraza greeted Roberto walked one and struck out six. Leury career victory, Gary Sanchez Osuna (3-1) with a ground-rule double Garcia and James McCann each homer- hit a three-run homer in a six- to lead off the ninth inning before the ed for the White Sox. runC fi rst off Blake Snell, and Gleyber closer rebounded to strike out the next Torres hit his fi rst career grand slam as two batters. INDIANS 10, RANGERS 4 the New York Yankees rolled to a 12-1 Senzel singled to left to plate Peraza Jason Kipnis homered twice and drove victory over the visiting Tampa Bay and forge a tie at 2 before advancing to in four runs as Cleveland earned a vic- Rays on Wednesday. second on a throwing error by outfi eld- tory in Arlington, Texas. Kipnis belted a On his fourth attempt, Sabathia (4- er Michael Brantley. Winker capped his three-run blast to highlight a fi ve-run 4) became the 48th pitcher in baseball three-hit performance in style, sending fi rst inning and added a solo shot in the history to reach 250 career victories. a fi rst-pitch fastball into right fi eld to fi fth to record his sixth career multi- He exited to a standing ovation from score Senzel and extend the Reds’ win- homer performance and second this many in the crowd after ending his out- ning streak to a season-high-tying four season. Roberto Perez homered in his ing with a strikeout of Brandon Lowe. games. Houston’s six-time All-Star second consecutive contest, and Jor- Sabathia allowed three hits, struck out Jose Altuve went 0-for-4 in his return dan Luplow drove in three runs for the seven and walked three in a 94-pitch from a 35-game absence caused by a Indians, who have won 10 of their past eff ort. He matched his longest outing strained left hamstring. 14 games. Oliver Perez (2-1) threw 1 2/3 of the season and fi nished one shy of scoreless innings and was credited with his season high for strikeouts. Sabathia A’S 8, ORIOLES 3 the win. worked with a comfortable lead as the Josh Phegley hit a three-run homer Yankees roughed up Snell (4-6) and and sparked a four-run seventh inning RED SOX 9, TWINS 4 knocked him out seven batters into the with a double, helping host Oakland Mookie Betts went 2-for-5 with a tri- game with one out in the fi rst. complete a sweep of Baltimore. Chris ple and an RBI, and Brock Holt drove Snell allowed six runs on two hits and Bassitt (4-3) allowed just two hits in 5 in three runs to help Boston beat Min- four walks. Snell produced the shortest 2/3 innings, and Yusmeiro Petit pro- nesota in Minneapolis. Michael Chavis, start of his career. According to STATS, tected a one-run lead by pitching out Rafael Devers and Eduardo Nunez also he is the fi rst reigning Cy Young Award of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth as the had two hits apiece for the Red Sox, winner to allow at least six runs and not A’s beat the Orioles for a sixth straight who won for the seventh time in eight get more than one out in a start. time. Oakland capped its third three- games. game home sweep of the season. The The only defeat in that span was a NATIONALS 6, PHILLIES 2 Orioles lost their eighth consecutive 4-3, 17-inning setback to the Twins on Patrick Corbin gave up just one run in game. Tuesday. Boston’s Eduardo Rodriguez seven innings, and Gerardo Parra had (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits the tiebreaking hit and later homered in PADRES 8, BREWERS 7 over seven innings. He walked three, a three-run eighth as Washington beat Franmil Reyes hit a three-run homer in struck out nine and retired 11 of the visiting Philadelphia in the fi rst game of the seventh inning to give San Diego a last 12 batters he faced. Max Kepler and a day-night doubleheader. victory over visiting Milwaukee and a Willians Astudillo homered for Min- Corbin (6-5) allowed four hits and sweep of a three-game series. Reyes’ nesota, which lost for the third time in three walks while striking out eight, 20th homer of the season answered four games. bouncing back after going 0-3 with an a three-run, go-ahead homer by the 11.37 ERA in his past three starts. Brian Brewers’ Yasmani Grandal a half-in- CARDINALS 2, MARLINS 1 Dozier had an RBI double and a two- ning earlier. New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays. (USA TODAY Sports) Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off homer run homer for the Nationals.’ The Padres also had a homer from in the 11th inning, giving host St. Louis Eric Hosmer but lost one in the second dropping six consecutive decisions. ANGELS 11, BLUE JAYS 6 and Donaldson added a two-run shot in a win over Miami. Goldschmidt has just NATIONALS 2, PHILLIES 0 inning. Manny Machado’s towering The left-hander allowed two runs on six Mike Trout hit two home runs — in- the sixth as part of a three-run outburst two hits in his past 24 at-bats — both Max Scherzer, pitching with a broken blast to left landed on top of the wall, hits with one walk and fi ve strikeouts. cluding his sixth career grand slam — that put the Braves ahead to stay. homers. He pulled his 14th home run of nose, gave up just four hits in seven bounced off a secondary wall and back and drove in a career-high seven runs The duo went back-to-back Tuesday the year to left off Adam Conley (1-7). scoreless innings as host Washington onto the fi eld while being ruled in play. PIRATES 8, TIGERS 7 as Los Angeles won at Toronto. Trout in New York’s 10-2 win. Braves starter John Gant (7-0) earned the win, pitch- beat Philadelphia to complete a dou- It was initially ruled a home run, but Rookie Bryan Reynolds hit a go-ahead added an RBI single in the ninth. Justin Max Fried (8-3) worked six innings and ing one scoreless inning. bleheader sweep. Brian Dozier and Vic- the call was reversed after a replay. three-run home run in the sixth inning Upton, who had not played this season allowed two runs on eight hits and one St. Louis fi rst baseman Rangel Rave- tor Robles hit solo homers in the night- as Pittsburgh rallied from a six-run until Monday because of a toe injury, walk. He struck out six and beat the lo, who played 838 minor league games, cap. Scherzer (6-5) bunted a ball into MARINERS 8, ROYALS 2 defi cit to top visiting Detroit. It was the also homered for the Angels, who have Mets for the fi rst time in his career. made his fi rst major league start and his nose during pitcher’s batting prac- Domingo Santana hit two homers and fi rst time in 11 years the Pirates came won the fi rst three games of the four- singled for his fi rst hit. tice Tuesday at Nationals Park. drove in fi ve runs, and Marco Gonzales back from six runs to win. game series. Rowdy Tellez hit two hom- CUBS 7, WHITE SOX 3 He had a black right eye on Wednes- pitched 6 2/3 strong innings as Seattle Starling Marte also homered, and ers and had four RBIs for the Blue Jays. Willson Contreras had two home runs ROCKIES 6, DIAMONDBACKS 4 day but recorded 10 strikeouts, the 88th defeated visiting Kansas City. Daniel Corey Dickerson added a two-run dou- and fi ve RBIs, and the Chicago Cubs Jon Gray pitched six solid innings as double-digit game of his career in that Vogelbach also homered for Seattle, ble for Pittsburgh, which has won three BRAVES 7, METS 2 pulled away for a win over the visiting Colorado beat Arizona in Phoenix. category, and walked just two while which salvaged the fi nale of the three- of fi ve following a seven-game losing Freddie Freeman and Josh Donaldson Chicago White Sox. Contreras clubbed The Rockies earned their seventh con- throwing 117 pitches. Washington’s game series. The Royals had been riding streak. Brandon Dixon hit a two-run each homered for the second night in a grand slam and a solo homer to help secutive victory over the Diamond- Wander Suero threw a perfect eighth a three-game winning streak, which homer, and Harold Castro smashed a a row to help Atlanta bounce back with the Cubs split a two-game series with backs. Gray (7-5) allowed two runs (one inning, and closer Sean Doolittle did matched their season high. Gonzales solo shot for Detroit, which has lost fi ve a win over visiting New York. Freeman their crosstown rivals. earned) in six innings, giving up six hits the same in the ninth for his 15th save. (8-6) won his third straight start after of six. hit a two-run homer in the fi rst inning David Bote also hit a solo home run and two walks while striking out four.

SPOTLIGHT NBA Kucherov a three-time winner at NHL awards Jazz to acquire

Reuters Las Vegas Grizzlies’ Conley he Memphis Grizzlies look to be myself. I’m not try- f the St. Louis Blues’ fi rst Stanley have agreed to trade ing to be nobody,” Williamson Cup championship was a team eff ort, point guard Mike Conley said. “I’m just trying to be the that was proven on Wednesday night to the Utah Jazz for fi rst Zion.” In his one season at when the NHL handed out its annual Tguards Kyle Korver and Grayson Duke, Williamson averaged 22.6 Iindividual honours at the Mandalay Bay Allen, forward Jae Crowder and points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 Events Center in Las Vegas. two fi rst-round picks. assists in 33 games. He was the While the Blues’ Ryan O’Reilly won his According to multiple reports, consensus National Player of the fi rst Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s the picks will be Utah’s 23rd Year and a consensus fi rst-team top defensive forward, the winner of the overall selection in draft and a All-American. Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s protected 2020 fi rst-rounder, most valuable player went to Nikita which would convey in 2020 or MIDDLETON TO Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. 2021 if it falls between picks 8 BECOME FREE AGENT Kucherov beat out fi nalists Sidney and 14, or as a lightly protected Milwaukee Bucks All-Star guard Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and pick in 2022 (top six), 2023 (top Khris Middleton opted out of the Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oil- three) or 2024 (top one). fi nal year of his contract and will ers for the honour. After producing 128 The Grizzlies, who also hold offi cially become an unrestricted points in the regular season, the Rus- the second pick in the draft and free agent. Middleton passes sian right winger won the award for the are expected to take Murray on a one-year, $13mn deal for fi rst time. Kucherov, 26, also won the State point guard Ja Morant, 2019–2020, but he and the Ted Lindsay Award, which goes to the will listen to off ers for the 23rd Bucks are still discussing a new league’s outstanding player as selected by selection acquired from the fi ve-year contract to keep him his fellow players, and the Art Ross Tro- Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov poses with his spoils after the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. (AFP) Jazz. The deal, which cannot be in Milwaukee. Middleton can phy for leading the league in scoring with made offi cial until July 6, ends sign a max value contract for a career-best 41 goals and 87 assists. names that are on that are guys I’ve always nucks, Pettersson collected a rookie-best ship, gentlemanly conduct and ability: Conley’s tenure in Memphis fi ve years with Milwaukee; other “Really honoured to receive this award admired, and to be one of them and to be 28 goals and 38 assists. Florida Panthers center Aleksander Bark- after 12 seasons. The 31-year-old teams can off er a four-year deal and so humbled to be up here again,” on that, it’s amazing. It’s a great cap-off Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top de- ov, who beat out O’Reilly and the Flames’ returned from an injury-plagued starting June 30. Middleton, 27, Kucherov said while accepting the Hart. to that amazing week. Yeah, it’s crazy. It’s fenseman: Mark Giordano of the Cal- Sean Monahan. 2017-18 campaign to play in had a career year averaging 18.3 “(I’d) like to thank my teammates, coach- great. I’m just kind of overwhelmed with gary Flames. Giordano, 35, beat out the A Lady Byng fi nalist for the third time in 70 games last season, averag- points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 es, all the trainers as well as our owner- everything that’s been going on.” 2017 winner, Brent Burns of the San Jose four seasons, Barkov totalled a franchise- ing a career-high 21.1 points assists per game, the latter two ship and the Tampa Bay Lightning organ- Other major awards that were handed Sharks, and last year’s honoree, Tampa record 96 points while committing only along with 6.4 assists and 3.4 marks setting career highs. isation for everything you do for us and out included: Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s Bay’s Victor Hedman. four minor penalties for the Panthers. rebounds per game. for your support. A big part of this award top goalie: The Lightning’s Andrei Vasi- Giordano, the Flames captain, scored a King Clancy Memorial Trophy for lead- BUCKS DEAL 30TH PICK, goes to you guys.” levskiy beat out Ben Bishop of the Dallas career-best 74 points and led the league ership and humanitarian contributions to WILLIAMSON DOESN’T SNELL TO PISTONS O’Reilly, who was the Blues’ top scorer Stars and Robin Lehner of the New York with a plus-39 rating. Jack Adams Award hockey: Forward Jason Zucker of the Min- LIKE COMPARSION Tony Snell will be traded from with 77 points, beat out four-time winner Islanders. Vasilevskiy, winning the award as the league’s top coach (based on regu- nesota Wild, a fi rst-time winner of the A relaxed Zion Williamson met the Milwaukee Bucks to the Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and for the fi rst time, recorded an NHL-lead- lar-season performance): The Islanders’ award, beating out fi nalists Oliver Ekman- with the media in New York, Detroit Pistons, who will also Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights ing 39 victories. Barry Trotz, who beat out the Lightning’s Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes and Hen- the day before he’s expected to receive the 30th pick in the 2019 for the Selke Trophy. O’Reilly had previ- Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rook- Jon Cooper and the Blues’ Craig Berube. rik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. become the No 1 overall pick in NBA Draft, when the morato- ously won the Conn Smythe Trophy as ie: Center Elias Pettersson, 20, of the Under Trotz, who won the award with Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy to the the NBA draft and the face of rium on offi cial transactions most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Vancouver Canucks beat out goalie Jor- the Washington Capitals three years ago, player exemplifying the qualities of per- the New Orleans franchise. And is lifted July 6. The Bucks are playoff s during St. Louis’ title run. dan Binnington of the Blues and defense- the Islanders fi nished 48-27-7, a 23-point severance, sportsmanship and dedication he made one thing clear: Don’t looking to clear cap space as they “It’s obviously a huge honour,” O’Reilly man Rasmus Dahlin of the Buff alo Sabres. increase from 2018. Lady Byng Trophy as to hockey: Lehner, who has struggled compare him to NBA players begin the task of retaining the said of winning the Selke. “Seeing the The fi fth overall pick in 2017 by the Ca- the player best combining sportsman- with addiction and bipolar disorder. who came before him. “I just core of the roster. Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 21, 2019 SPORT

RACING Qatar beat Vietnam to make it perfect fi ve In the semi-finals tomorrow, fter sealing the semi- Qatar will take on Iran, while fi nal spot on Wednes- Vietnam face Oman. The final day, Qatar fi nished will take place on June 24. their league engage- Qatar has won the Asian crown Aments with fi ve wins in fi ve four consecutive time (2011, matches at the 7th AHF Asian 2013, 2015 and 2017). Dettori is Ascot’s Beach Handball Championship The championship in China yesterday in Weihai, Shandong serves as a qualifier for both the Province, China. 2019 ANOC World Beach Games Yesterday in the last Group in Qatar and the 2020 IHF Men’s match Qatar beat Vietnam and Women’s Beach Handball 2-0 to finish with maximum 10 Championships to be held in points. The defending cham- Italy. pions had earlier defeated The top two teams in both the golden boy with Chinese Taipei, Afghanistan, men’s and women’s competi- Philippines and Indonesia, all in tions will receive a direct ticket straight sets. to Italy. sublime four-timer FORMULA 1 Dettori had Stradivarius in perfect position throughout the Gold Cup — extra special to Vettel must forget all involved as it is the one trophy presented by noted turfiste Queen Elizabeth II Canada anger to bounce back

DPA Le Castellet, France

ebastian Vettel must overcome his anger over a fi ve-second penalty which denied him victory atS the Canadian Grand Prix — on Sunday on a French track where he was punished in the same way last year. If that wasn’t enough, the team principal of his Ferrari team freely admits that upgrades planned on the Paul Ricard circuit “won’t be the solution of our problems.” Vettel is a massive 62 points behind leader and title holder Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes af- ter his controversial penalty in Montreal when he came back from the grass in front of Ham- take in developing the car,” Bi- ilton while under pressure in a notti said. manoeuvre deemed dangerous by “What we will be bringing the race stewards. won’t be the solution to our prob- Ferrari have now asked the rul- lems, but the technical feedback ing body FIA to review the deci- we get from these evolutions will sion that cost Vettel a fi rst season be important for the next steps victory after he crossed the line we take.” fi rst in Canada. Vettel will need to control his It remains unclear what new emotions if he wants to do well on evidence they could present the 5.842-kilometre track, after when the case is dealt with today being furious over the Montreal at 3.15pm Qatar Time in Le Cas- penalty and insisting “it’s not the tellet. sport that I fell in love with when Racing meanwhile resumes on I was watching.” the weekend at the venue where Mercedes have meanwhile Vettel lost the championship won all seven season races, fi ve Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (L) watches as Italian jockey Frankie Dettori (R) reacts during the awards ceremony after he won the Gold Cup on Stradivarius, his fourth win of the lead to Hamilton last year when of them from Hamilton who also day, on day three of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet, at Ascot yesterday. he fi nished fi fth last year — pe- topped the podium last year in nalised fi ve seconds for driving Le Castellet in what was the fi rst AFP they could not fi nd an extra gear into the rear of Mercedes’ Valtteri race there in 28 years. Ascot, United Kingdom Stradivarius ridden to overhaul Stradivarius. Bottas early on. But they will be wary of Fer- by Frankie Dettori Melbourne Cup winner Cross Team principal Mattia Binotti rari’s challenge as motorsport tradivarius ridden by wins the 4.20 Gold Counter had looked full of run- named the Le Castellet circuit chief Toto Wolff named Canada Frankie Dettori crowned Cup at Royal Ascot ning coming round the bend but “tricky” with several reliability issues “a a riding master class yesterday. his challenge petered out and he and admitted that planned wake-up call.” by the Italian superstar fi nished fourth. upgrades for the eighth season “We expect another tough atS Royal Ascot yesterday as he Dettori had racked up his hat- race would not necessarily lead fi ght in France next weekend,” added four more winners to his trick in the Ribblesdale Stakes to instant improvement although Wolff said. double from the day before. as he forced home Star Catcher they are keen to match Mercedes “The circuit features some Stradivarius is threatening refusing to give second best to as Vettel and third-place fi nisher similarities to Montreal and the to become as much an equine the favourite Fleeting. Charles Leclerc did in Canada. long straights will present a chal- great as the 48-year-old jockey Dettori had taken the opener “Following Canada we defi - lenge for us. after becoming the fi rst horse to the Group Two Norfolk Stakes nitely want to get back on track “However, unlike Canada, the win successive Ascot Gold Cups guiding home A’Ali. and go racing with our rivals once corner characteristics are spread since Yeats won his fourth in It gave Dettori extra pleasure again. across a range of speeds, which 2009. that the trainer Simon Crisford In France we will have a few should play to our advantage. Dettori was labelled by trainer is an old friend of his, both of small evolutions, elements that We’re looking forward to the Mark Johnston as the greatest them having been employed by represent for us a useful step in chance to put a few things right jockey of all time on Wednes- the Godolphin Operation. defi ning the direction we will again.” day, although many would ar- For the urbane Crisford — gue Lester Piggott remains the who switched to training in 2014 greatest of all time. after leaving his post as racing SPOTLIGHT Piggott — who was present manager for Godolphin — it was on Tuesday for the unveiling of his second winner at Royal As- a statue in his honour — rode a cot, having landed the Britannia record 116 winners at the Roy- Handicap last year. No massive gain al meeting and even with the “I’m pleased to get a winner quadruple yesterday Dettori’s for Simon, I was with him for tally stands at 66, some way off over 20 years at Godolphin so from Honda engine the ‘Long Fellow’. I’m delighted,” Dettori told ITV. Dettori’s hopes of emulat- from a little bit of trouble in the mark for the week earlier when Gosden and Dettori go back The exuberant Italian was ing his remarkable clean sweep fi nishing straight and hit the Dettori rode Star Catcher to vic- a long way and it was the Cam- back in the winners enclosure upgrade: Gasly of a seven race card at Ascot front there seemed little danger tory in the Ribblesdale Stakes, bridge graduate trainer who half an hour later after he col- on British Champions Day in to the John Gosden-trained star said both horse and rider were off ered him a way back after a lected the Group Three Hamp- Reuters all performance will be slightly 1996 were ended in the race stayer. exceptional. wayward time which included a ton Court Stakes — the impres- Le Castellet, France increased but it’s not like it’s go- after Stradivarius’s victory as Dettori performed his trade- “Full marks to a remarkable ban for taking cocaine. sive Sangarius getting the better ing to change massively,” added his mount Turgenev was over- mark fl ying dismount before horse,” said Gosden. Gosden, though, said some- of the favourite Fox Chairman. the Frenchman. hauled by outsider Biometric. modestly praising the horse — “He’s an athlete and he’s a times his mentor-like approach “He (Sangarius) had to fi ght ed Bull can expect better “Let’s see what we can do dur- Dettori had Stradivarius in who is on course for a second charming horse to be around. goes in one ear and out the oth- his way out, but I just hope I performance from their ing the weekend which will give perfect position throughout successive million pound bonus “This 48-year-old kid (Det- er. haven’t used up all my luck be- Honda engines at this us a bit more in the race, but it’s the Gold Cup — extra special to if he adds the Goodwood Cup tori) takes this to another level, “He occasionally listens to fore Stradivarius (in the Gold Rweekend’s French For- not going to be a massive diff er- all involved as it is the one tro- and Lonsdale Cup at York. like a Wimbledon semi-fi nal me, but not too much.” Cup),” said Dettori delivering mula One Grand Prix but Pierre ence in qualifying.” phy presented by noted turfi ste “What a horse, he got me out and fi nal. Both long time pacesetter Dee trainer Michael Stoute his 81st Gasly has played down hopes of Mercedes have won all seven Queen Elizabeth II. of trouble,” said Dettori. “He’s riding quite beauti- Ex Bee and rank outsider Master Royal Ascot winner. a big step up in front of his home races so far this season, world Once Dettori extracted him Gosden, who had got off the fully.” of Reality stuck to their task but He clearly had not. crowd. champion Lewis Hamilton tak- Honda are introducing a new ing fi ve victories and returning to specifi cation engine, their sec- the southern French track where GOLF ond upgrade in eight races, at Le he won from pole position last Castellet for Gasly and Dutch year. team mate Max Verstappen as Verstappen has also been com- well as Toro Rosso’s Russian Da- petitive, fi nishing on the podium European Tour hires Scudamore to boost revenue niil Kvyat. twice with four fourth places. Kvyat will take a grid penalty Gasly, who moved up from Toro Reuters ing its growth into the world’s most lu- executive Keith Pelley and its deputy ers from Sheffi eld Hallam University’s for exceeding his season’s engine Rosso at the end of last year, has London crative soccer league and global money CEO Guy Kinnings. “The success of The Sport Industry Research Centre found allocation, with Thai team mate yet to fi nish higher than fi fth. machine. 2018 Ryder Cup in France demonstrated that the tournament boosted economic Alexander Albon staying with “The changes to the previous The 59-year-old will join a committee the global appeal of the modern-day activity in France by around 235.7mn the old specifi cation to avoid specifi cation are mainly around he European Tour has hired of sports and business executives led by Ryder Cup, but there remains signifi cant euros ($266.27mn). The three day match both Toro Rosso drivers taking a the ICE (engine) and the turbo- former Premier League execu- Damon Buffi ni, former head of private growth potential,” European Tour chair- broadcast reached over 40 global TV drop. charger,” said Honda’s technical tive chairman Richard Scuda- equity group Permira, tasked with in- man David Williams said in a statement. networks to a total household reach of “We have a new, third spec director Toyoharu Tanabe. Tmore to help boost revenue creasing income from the biennial team A record 270,000 fans witnessed Eu- around 620mn. Honda (engine),” Gasly told re- “Our test bench data shows a from the Ryder Cup, the governing body golf competition between Europe and rope beat United States for the Ryder “This committee will look at ways of porters yesterday. “The last was power increase over the previ- announced yesterday. The job is Scuda- the United States. Cup crown at Le Golf National on the optimising that while also protecting more on the reliability side, this ous version...however we know more’s fi rst paid role since leaving the The committee includes Europe’s vic- outskirts of Paris last September. The the contest’s rich heritage,” Williams one will be a bit more focused on that we have not yet matched the Premier League at the end of 2018. torious 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul victory was Europe’s seventh in the last said, adding it would explore opportu- the performance. fi gures from the manufacturers Scudamore was at the helm of the or- McGinley, Premiership Rugby chair- nine contests. nities to grow revenues and profi ts from “But we don’t expect a mas- currently leading the champion- ganisation for nearly 20 years, oversee- man Ian Ritchie, European Tour chief A report compiled by research- the 2022 edition in Italy and beyond. sive gain from it. I think the over- ship.” Gulf Times Friday, June 21, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS Moeen proud to be part of England’s ODI revolution Hosts have played an aggressive brand of cricket since a forgettable 2015 edition and have four wins from five matches

Sri Lanka plot how to douse England fi reworks

AFP dismantling of Afghanistan, ing against Asian sides Bangla- Leeds, United Kingdom who were on the receiving end desh and Afghanistan. of 25 sixes in England’s total of The pre-tournament favour- 397-6 on Tuesday. ites suff ered a shock loss to kipper Dimuth Karu- Morgan hit a record 17 sixes Pakistan but still managed to naratne says Sri Lanka in his 148 in Manchester, but post 334 during the game in Swill have to think “out of Karunaratne said Sri Lanka Nottingham. the box” as they try to tame had a plan for each batsman to Karunaratne believes the Eng- England’s marauding batsmen put the brakes on England at lish batsmen have played spin in their must-win World Cup Headingley. better even than their Asian match against the hosts. “If we don’t have good pace, we counterparts. The 1996 champions must win all have to think out of the box so “I think England is the best bat- four of their remaining games to I think that is what we need,” ting line-up against spinners in have a realistic chance of making Karunaratne said yesterday, the world, so I think if you take the semi-finals after winning just without expanding on the the Asian countries, England one of their five matches so far in details of his approach. are playing better than them,” the round-robin stage, with two “We have played in a home he said. washouts. series against them, so we have “That is what we need to think The problem for Sri Lanka a couple of ideas and we need about, check the grounds and is that they still have to face to work on those things in the what are the combinations we favourites England and Virat middle,” he added. have for the England game. Are Kohli’s India. England have posted more than we playing two spinners? Or are Eoin Morgan’s England are next 300 in four of their five matches, we going with the extra bats- in line today, fresh from their with two scores of 350-plus com- man or fast bowlers?”

England’s Moeen Ali (left) jumps over a wicket during a training session at Headingley in Leeds, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP lived up to their pre-tournament 31 off just nine balls to give the well but if you come off make Leeds, United Kingdom favourites tag, with four wins side fresh impetus after Morgan sure it’s properly.” from fi ve matches so far at the blasted a record 17 sixes in his The fancied sides at the World World Cup. breathtaking 148. Cup are laying down a powerful oeen Ali says he will “It obviously means a lot,” said Moeen, who made his ODI de- marker but Moeen said there was always cherish be- Moeen, a left-handed batsman but in 2014, said batting down still room for upsets. ing part of England’s who bowls off -spin. the order was not easy but was an “At the moment, the top four one-day revolution “To play 100 ODI games for important role. are there for a reason, because Mahead of what could be his 100th England is obviously a dream. It’s “Seven is not an easy position they’re probably playing the best one-day international appear- just being part of the team, being in my opinion,” he said. “You’re cricket of all of the teams and the ance against Sri Lanka today. part of the change. dictated to by the pace of the most consistent,” he said. Moeen, 32, has played a key “Looking back, if I was to re- game and you have to try to get England, fi nalists in 1979, 1987 role in England’s rise to the top tire I’d always be able to say I was quick runs which doesn’t always and 1992, have never won the 50- of the ODI rankings after they part of that change, the whole happen. over World Cup but Moeen said crashed out of the 2015 World mindset changing and the great “Top players like Jos Buttler that they are hoping for glory on Cup in the fi rst round. cricket we’ve played.” and Ben Stokes fi nd it hard as home turf. The Eoin Morgan-led team Coming in at number seven well. I once heard from a great “As a team we know that a tro- have played an aggressive brand in England’s last game against player that if you come off three phy matters for us. Hopefully this Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne takes part in a nets session in Headingley yesterday. (Reuters) of cricket since then and have Afghanistan, Moeen smashed times in 10 you’ve done really is it,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Women’s T20 Shahidi blow sparks debate if players moves closer to Commonwealth should take concussion calls Games spot Reuters HELMETS TO BLAME? Southampton, England Former Australia Test batsman Reuters Phillip Hughes died in 2014 after Southampton, England being fatally hit on the head by a fghanistan’s Hashmatul- bouncer in a fi rst class match. lah Shahidi’s decision to Concussion is a major concern in omen’s Twenty20 cricket moved a step ignore medical advice and other sports as well and rugby has closer yesterday to featuring in the 2022 keep batting even after be- put in place robust guidelines to Commonwealth Games after being ingA fl oored by a bouncer on Tuesday deal with head injuries. nominated by organisers for its poten- has prompted demands that crick- Batsmen with superior tech- Wtial inclusion in Birmingham. eters should not be allowed to take niques including Usman Khawaja The decision needs to be ratifi ed by Common- those calls. and Hashim Amla have also suff ered wealth Games Federation (CGF) members and fol- Shahidi was smacked fl ush on sickening blows to the helmet — the lows a bidding process which included a joint pres- the side of his helmet as he took his Australian in a warm-up match and entation by the International Cricket Council (ICC) eyes off a Mark Wood bouncer in the the South African against England. and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). World Cup contest against England Former Australia captain Ian Chap- “I’d like to thank everyone at the CGF and Bir- at Old Traff ord. The impact split the pell, in a column for ESPNCricinfo mingham 2022 for the nomination and it would be helmet and sent the batsman crash- website earlier this year, blamed it on a real honour to become part of the Commonwealth ing to the turf. the advent of helmets and how it im- Games family,” ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney Medical staff attending him urged pacted batting technique. said in a statement. the 24-year-old to leave the ground “Before helmets, batting tech- Cricket has not featured in the quadrennial Games but Shahidi ignored their advice nique was more inclined to the back since its maiden appearance in 1998 when the South and played on, topscoring for his foot,” Chappell wrote. African men’s team won the gold medal in Kuala side in a losing cause. “Now there’s an increasing ten- Lumpur. The cricketer said he disregarded dency to charge onto the front foot, The ICC last year said Birmingham was the perfect medical advice and kept on batting emboldened by the impression that place for cricket’s return to the Commonwealth Games because he did not want his mother the chances of injury are severely as 23 percent of its residents have links to cricket-play- to worry. reduced than in days past. ing nations outside the United Kingdom. Peter McCabe, chief executive of “This change in attitude makes it ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said it could be brain injury association Headway, Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi falls to the ground after being hit by a ball on his helmet during the 2019 ICC harder to evade short-pitched de- a landmark moment in the development of the sport. lamented the lack of understanding Cricket World Cup match against England at Old Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Tuesday. (AFP) liveries, and this is exacerbated if the “It would present us with a wonderful opportu- about the dangers of concussion. batsman takes his eyes off the ball.” nity to capitalise on the global reach of these Games “Players need to take the advice should promptly do so, there should the governing body does not have a incidents seriously and arranges Chappell reckoned modern bats- to showcase the very best of women’s cricket and of doctors and adhere to the proto- be no debate whatsoever. fi nal say in such cases. pre-event concussion briefing men, lulled into a sense of safety by in doing so inspire a new generation of women and cols, rather than follow a misguided “We know that the signs and “It’s the responsibility of each with every team, the official add- the protective gears, do not follow girls...” he said. sense of duty to their teammates symptoms of concussion can be de- team to look after their players,” the ed. the ball closely enough. Cricket, which has struggled to grow beyond its which could result in a serious, pos- layed in their presentation, which is offi cial said. Earlier this month, Shahidi’s “Before helmets, fewer players traditional bases, was last played at the Olympics in sibly lifelong, injury,” he said in a why it is so important to take an ‘if “Every team has a nominated teammate Rashid Khan failed two were hit in the head, because they the 1900 Paris Games. The ICC has been pushing for statement to Reuters. in doubt, sit it out’ approach to head medical representative who decides concussion tests and could not fi eld had an interest in avoiding contact: the game’s Olympic return with the 20-over format “The decision must be taken out of injuries.” all medical issues relating to play- after being hit by a Lockie Ferguson it was going to hurt. Therefore they but the powerful Indian board has not been keen on players’ hands. If the doctor advises An International Cricket Council ers, including concussion.” delivery in a match against New tended to watch the ball closely to the idea, fearing it might lose its autonomy and be the player to leave the fi eld then they (ICC) spokesman told Reuters that The governing body treats such Zealand. make sure they didn’t get hit.” answerable to the country’s Olympic committee.

Friday, June 21, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET WORLD CUP

REPORT FOCUS Accuracy key on Warner ton against World Cup wickets: Bangladesh sends India pacer Australia top of table Bumrah ‘It’s a great achievement but for us it’s about getting these two points and moving on to Lord’s’

AFP Scorecard Nottingham, United Kingdom AUSTRALIA S. Sarkar run out (Finch) 10 avid Warner’s century paved D. Warner c Hossain b Sarkar 166 Shakib Al Hasan c Warner b Stoinis 41 the way for Australia to beat A. Finch c Hossain b Sarkar 53 M. Rahim not out 102 Bangladesh by 48 runs at AFP U. Khawaja c Rahim b Sarkar 89 L. Das lbw b Zampa 20 Trent Bridge yesterday as the Southampton, United Kingdom reigningD champions went top of the G. Maxwell run out (Hossain) 32 Mahmudullah c Cummins b Coulter-Nile World Cup table. M. Stoinis not out 17 69 Warner made Bangladesh pay for S. Rahman b Coulter-Nile 0 asprit Bumrah says India’s dropping him on 10 with an innings of S. Smith lbw b M Rahman 1 pacemen are focusing on accu- 166 — the left-handed opener’s sec- A. Carey not out 11 M. Hasan c Warner b Starc 6 racy as they plot how to contain ond century of the World Cup — in a Extras (b1, lb5, nb1, w5) 12 M. Mortaza c Maxwell b Stoinis 6 their World Cup opponents on total of 381-5. unhelpfulJ English wickets. Total (five wkts, 50 overs) 381 Extras (b4, lb4, w9) 17 Bangladesh, needing to surpass Ire- Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Total (eight wkts, 50 overs) 333 land’s World Cup record chase of 329- Fall of wickets: 1-121 (Finch); 2-313 bowler in one-day internationals, has 7 against England in 2011, struggled to (Warner), 3-352 (Maxwell), 4-353 (Kha- Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Sarkar), 2-102 claimed fi ve wickets in his three out- keep up with the required run-rate. waja), 5-354 (Smith) (Shakib), 3-144 (Iqbal), 4-175 (Das), ings, with heavyweights India unbeaten Mushfi qur Rahim hit a fi ne 102 not Bowling: Mortaza 8-0-56-0; M Rah- 5-302 (Mahmudullah), 6-302 (S Rah- in the 10-team table. out but the wicket-keeper’s enter- man 9-0-69-1 (1w); Shakib 6-0-50-0; man), 7-323 (Hasan), 8-333 (Mortaza) The 25-year-old, with an unortho- taining fi fth-wicket stand of 127 with Hossain 9-0-83-0 (1nb, 3w); Hasan Bowling: Starc 10-0-55-2; Cummins dox sling-arm action, said pitches in Mahmudullah (69) came too late to 10-0-59-0 (1w); Sarkar 8-0-58-3 10-1-65-0 (3w); Maxwell 3-0-25-0; England were the fl attest in the world, alter the course of the match as Bang- Coulter-Nile 10-0-58-2 (1w); Stoinis forcing bowlers to work hard. ladesh fi nished on 333-8 after their 50 BANGLADESH 8-0-54-2; Zampa 9-0-68-1 (1w) “England has the fl attest wickets. I felt overs. T. Iqbal b Starc 62 RESULT: Australia won by 48 runs England is the most diffi cult place for a Defeat left them in fi fth place, with bowler. There is usually no help,” Bum- only the top four from the 10-team rah said ahead of India’s game against round-robin group stage qualifying Afghanistan in Southampton tomorrow. for the semi-fi nals. “You feel that the ball will swing in “It’s a great achievement but for us cloudy conditions, but the ball doesn’t it’s about getting these two points and swing or seam. At that time you rely on moving on to Lord’s,” said man-of- your accuracy.” the-match Warner. Bumrah is likely to share the new “You’ve got to adapt and it’s about ball with Mohamed Shami after Bhuv- momentum, so far things are working neshwar Kumar was ruled out for two or well,” he added. “It was a tad slow, the three games after injuring his hamstring. wicket, but it was a grind for the bowl- Bumrah said a change in seam part- ers, it was very diffi cult for the bowl- ner would not aff ect his plans. ers.” “We’re just focusing on our The 32-year-old Warner, the high- strengths. When I’m bowling with est run-scorer of the tournament, Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar), we’re discussing with 447 runs, is back to his devastat- that,” said Bumrah. ing best for Australia after completing “I’ve played with Shami before, a 12-month ban for his role in a ball- Australia’s David Warner celebrates his century during the ICC Cricket World Cup the three of us have played before too. tampering scandal in South Africa. match against Bangladesh in Nottingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) We’re just focusing on what we have to He received solid support from Aus- do, it doesn’t aff ect us.” tralia captain Aaron Finch (53) and Us- completing his eighth fi fty in 11 ODI Bangladesh did not help their own Opener Shikhar Dhawan’s exit mid- man Khawaja (89). innings when he guided a rising Sou- cause when a chaotic mix-up between way into the tournament with a broken Soumya Sarkar took 3-58 from eight mya delivery to Rubel Hossain at short Tamim Iqbal and Soumya saw the lat- fi nger is the biggest blow so far for fan- overs but, by the time the sixth bowler third man. ter run out by Finch’s direct hit from cied India. came on, Australia had already ben- An increasingly fl uent Warner mid-on. But Bumrah said Virat Kohli’s side efi ted from plenty of wayward deliv- eventually fell to the same combina- Shakib Al Hasan, fresh from his had quality back-up, with Rishabh Pant eries from an attack missing paceman tion after facing 147 balls, hitting 14 match-winning century against the called in as the replacement for Dhawan. Mohamed Saifuddin, who was ruled fours and fi ve sixes. West Indies, then fell for 41 when he “Obviously it’s unfortunate. He out with a back spasm. Khawaja fell in sight of a hundred chipped a Marcus Stoinis slower ball Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim (centre) talks to Australian players after the played a really good innings against Finch, fresh from his 153 in a win when he bottom-eged a pull off Sou- to Warner at mid-off . match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) Australia, he’s a very important mem- over Sri Lanka, set the tone by launch- mya and Mushfi qur dived forward to Tamim played on to Mitchell Starc ber,” said Bumrah. ing Bangladesh captain Mashrafe hold a good catch. for 62 and the left-arm fast bowler’s spinner Adam Zampa but the experi- for a 95-metre straight six before he “But we’ve got a lot of faith in our- Mortaza — the sole survivor on either Trent Bridge has twice seen England fi rst ball to Liton Das saw the new enced Mushfi qur continued to give the holed out. selves, we’ve got a good balance. We side from the Tigers’ shock 2005 ODI set a record innings score in a one-day batsman struck on the helmet by a massed ranks of Bangladesh fans in the And the crowd rose to their feet are not worried about the changes. The victory over Australia in Cardiff — for international, including the current bouncer but he batted on after receiv- crowd plenty to cheer. when Mushfi qur completed his sev- people who come in as replacements six over cover. mark of 481-6 against Australia last ing on-fi eld treatment. There were more roars of approval enth ODI century, off 95 balls includ- are also equally good and they can take But the opener was out soon after year. Das was eventually lbw to leg- when Mahmudullah launched Zampa ing nine fours and a six. care of the situations.”

APPRECIATION Praise for ‘gem’ Williamson aft er he guides NZ to tense win Reuters side had slumped to 137-5 in the land would win their clash with London 33rd over. Bangladesh before a middle- The 28-year-old’s 91-run order collapse sparked conster- partnership with Colin de nation, said he was refraining laudits were pouring in Grandhomme (60) saw their side from making any predictions on for New Zealand’s “gem through to the cusp of victory Thursday. 21 - 06 - 2019 of a player” Kane Wil- and Williamson sealed it with a Despite receiving the acco- liamson after he dis- six to bring up his 12th ODI cen- lades, Williamson is notoriously Pplayed ice-cold nerves in guiding tury and tie the scores. He hit a self eff acing in a country whose his side to a four-wicket victory four on the next ball. default reaction to any praise is over South Africa in the Cricket an embarrassed, taciturn shrug World Cup. This Williamson innings of the shoulders before a stoic Williamson scored 106 not out today is something staring at the ground. as New Zealand reached 245-6 else... Under immense He was true to form at Edgbas- with three balls remaining in their pressure he has played ton, praising de Grandhomme for innings, a result that moved them ‘ his contribution. an old school gem... What a to the top of the table and has left player... What a Ton... “The partnership and the the Proteas virtually out of the — Michael Vaughan, knock from Colin was outstand- running for the semi-fi nals. Former England captain on ing in terms of swinging that “This Williamson innings to- Twitter momentum, and he hit the ball day is something else... Under beautifully,” he told reporters. immense pressure he has played Williamson, however, did an old school gem... What a play- “What a marvellous innings receive some criticism for not er... What a Ton...” former Eng- from Kane Williamson,” former ‘walking’ when he had appeared land captain and opening bats- India batsman VVS Laxman, who to have got a thin edge from an man Michael Vaughan wrote on is a mentor for the New Zealand- Imran Tahir delivery to Quinton Twitter. er’s Sunrisers Hyderabad Indian de Kock. Former England captain Michael Premier League team said on so- Tahir appealed but the wick- Atherton also took to Twitter to cial media. etkeeper was not interested and describe the New Zealand captain “His calmness stood out in the South Africans did not re- as a “gem of a player”, while former taking New Zealand home.” view the decision. Technology fast bowler and cricket journalist Williamson’s steely resolve showed Williamson may have got Mike Selvey joined the dole of coo- was not matched by some of an edge. ing Englishmen. New Zealand’s radio and televi- “Why didn’t he walk?” former “There cannot be a batsman in sion broadcasters, who nervously South African left-arm wristspin- the world less liable to panic than conveyed the run chase through- ner Paul Adams asked on Twitter. Kane Williamson,” Selvey wrote out their early morning bulletins South Africa captain Faf du on Twitter. on Thursday as the game reached Plessis, however, downplayed There were no signs of Wil- its conclusion. the incident. “Even Kane said he liamson’s pulse quickening on a Radio New Zealand’s Corin didn’t feel it,” Du Plessis said. two-paced pitch that made scor- Dann, who had earlier this month “That’s not where the game was ing diffi cult despite the fact his confi dently predicted New Zea- won and lost.”