IOC Chief Urges Japan to Support Games As Covid Hits Village ‘I Appeal to the Japanese People to Welcome These Athletes Here for the Competition of Their Life’

CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 OOLYMPICSLYMPICS | Page 4 Azam leads Warholm Pakistan to eyes fi nal win over jewel in England crown

Sunday, July 18, 2021 FORMULA ONE Dhul-Hijjah 8, 1442 AH Verstappen wins GULF TIMES fi rst sprint race to claim pole SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT IOC chief urges Japan to support Games as Covid hits Village ‘I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition of their life’

AFP Bach’s plea comes just six days before ties meeting to address this with the moto tried to reassure athletes arriving Tokyo the opening ceremony for the Games, relevant anti Covid-19 measures,” said in Japan, admitting they are “probably which will take place in biosecure Bach. Anti-Olympics protesters held very worried”. Several competitors have “bubble” conditions and up placards during expressed concern over conditions at OC chief Thomas Bach urged the largely without fans. Bach’s visit to Hiroshi- the Olympics, which are marked by Japanese people to get behind It also coincided with the ma on Friday and about ubiquitous temperature checks, hand the Tokyo Olympics yesterday as fi rst case in the Olympic 30 demonstrators were sanitiser and daily testing. the fi rst coronavirus case hit the Village, concerning an un- blocked by police out- Australian basketball player Liz IGames Village, prompting fresh jitters named person who is now side yesterday’s IOC Cambage withdrew, fearing for her about the health risks posed by the gi- in isolation. However, Bach executive board meet- mental health in the “terrifying” biose- ant event. said just 15 people had testing at a luxury hotel cure bubble, and British weightlifter Bach, who has faced scattered pro- ed positive out of 15,000 in Tokyo. A welcome Sarah Davies said: “Genuinely, feels like tests since arriving in Japan, appealed arrivals in July, citing it as reception for Bach to- we’re in prison.” to the public to throw their support proof that the strict anti- day will be attended by Organisers pledged full transparency behind the athletes despite fears of a coronavirus measures, in- Japanese Prime Minis- about cases in the Village, and urged spike in cases as thousands of interna- cluding daily tests for ath- ter Yoshihide Suga and people taking part in the Games to stick tional visitors arrive. The International letes, are working. 40 guests, according to by the anti-coronavirus rules. “Ath- Olympic Committee president said He also held the door reports. letes who are coming to Japan are prob- he was “very well aware of the scepti- open to a possible return of But Bach said “we ably very worried. I understand that,” cism” surrounding the postponed 2020 fans if conditions improve, are just guests” at the Hashimoto said. “That is the reason Games, which have attracted low opin- citing a communique issued after talks event, which will take place while To- why we need to make full disclosure.” ion-poll ratings for months. between the IOC, International Paral- kyo remains under a state of emergen- Prime Minister Suga said he hoped “I appeal to the Japanese people to ympic Committee, Tokyo 2020, Japa- cy. “We are the guests of the organising the Olympics would bring excitement, welcome these athletes here for the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach speaks during a news nese government and Tokyo authority. committee for this invitation and we even if they are taking place behind competition of their life,” Bach said, conference in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) “We will keep monitoring the anti- trust that the organising committee closed doors. “Even without specta- insisting the Tokyo Olympics were Covid developments. And if the cir- will follow all the regulations and re- tors, I think it is important to bring ex- safe, calling them the “most restrictive “I would like once more to ask and to welcome and support the athletes cumstances should change, then we strictions,” he said. citement... to people in Japan and the sports event... in the entire world”. to invite the Japanese people, humbly, from around the world,” he added. do have another immediate fi ve par- Earlier, Games chief Seiko Hashi- world,” he said on Nippon TV.

FOCUS I am ready to give my best, says al-Rumaihi

By Sports Reporter Doha Athletics stars continue training

fter the athletics contingent, two more Qatari athletes – Mo- hamed al-Rumaihi and Tala Abu Jbara – touched down in Tokyo Ayesterday, to take part in the Olympics, which will begin from July 23. Trap shooter al-Rumaihi’s event is on July 28 and 29, while Tala will make his- tory in Tokyo by becoming the fi rst Qatari female to participate in a rowing singles sculls event event at the Games. Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Ahmed Tijan and Cherif Younousse will arrive in Tokyo today ahead of their participation in the Games. A total of 15 athletes will repre- sent Qatar in seven sports at Tokyo 2020 Olympics as Qatar will compete in seven sports and 6 track and fi eld disciplines. Team Qatar’s Chef de Mission for To- kyo 2020 Olympics Mohamed Saeed al-Misnad thanked the organising committee of games for their co-operation with all the participating delegations and wished all success for Team Qatar athletes. “We are keen to provide our athletes Rower Tala Abu Jbara (left) and shooter Mohamed al-Rumaihi (centre) pose with off icials in Tokyo yesterday. World high jump champion Mutaz Barshim and World Championships with all possible means of support during 400m hurdles bronze medallist Abderrahman Samba (below) train their participation in the games. The pre- after qualifying for Olympics. I am hope- in Takasaki, Japan, yesterday. Qatar’s athletics squad also include co-ordination between Qatar’s admin- ful he will give a strong performance,” Abubaker Hayder, Abdirahman Saeed Hassan, Musab Adam, Femi istrative delegation and the organising said al-Mannai. Ogunode and Ashraf Amgad El Seify. committee of Tokyo 2020 Olympics be- “We started the journey since the qual- gan a long time ago to ensure the safety of ifi cation in 2019 and we developed a pro- participating athletes, especially in light gramme that aims to make Qatari shoot- of the current circumstances as a result of ing at the forefront of the teams seeking Covid-19 pandemic” said al-Misnad. to win a medal in the Olympics. Our Meanwhile, trap shooter al-Rumaihi, presence in Tokyo will be a turning point who was accompanied by coach Robert in the shooting world and we expect to Mlodzianoski, said he was ready to give achieve an honourable result,” he added. his best. “My training for Olympics has Majid Ahmed al-Nuaimi, QSAA Sec- been very good. The training camp in retary-General said al-Rumaihi has a Italy which lasted for more than a month strong chance of achieving good results was very useful as I competed in diff erent in Olympics. “Al-Rumaihi has shown a events there,” al-Rumaihi said. lot of commitment in the last two years. “After qualifying for Olympics two From attending training camps to partici- years ago following the Asian Cham- pation in the events, he has left no stone pionship in Doha, I underwent exten- unturned in his preparations. He is now sive preparations and I am ready to give Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Ahmed Tijan (right) and Cherif Younousse (left) pose ready to compete in Olympics and I feel my best. I always wanted to be among with QVA President Ali bin Ghanem al-Kuwari (centre) and other off icials in Doha our chances in the Olympics are great,” the elite athletes and I am very happy to yesterday before their departure to Tokyo. said al-Nuaimi. compete in Olympics where I will give Meanwhile, Tala was accompanied by my best to honour Qatar sports. I want to added. Shooting & Archery Association (QSAA), coach Malcolm Gillock as the two Qatari thank the Qatar Shooting & Archery As- Saeed al-Mannai, Chairman of the hoped al-Rumaihi will excel at Olympics. stars checked in at Olympic Village yes- sociation for their help and guidance,” he National Teams Committee of the Qatar “Al-Rumaihi has done a lot of hard work terday along with other offi cials. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, July 18, 2021 SPORT

MOTORSPORT/BRITISH GRAND PRIX Verstappen wins fi rst sprint race to claim pole AFP Hamilton started the 17-lap sprint up of Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari in 4th row Silverstone, United Kingdom at the front of the grid having topped fourth, Britain’s Lando Norris, in Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine- qualifying on Friday but was im- a McLaren, in fi fth, and teammate Renault) mediately passed by Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo just behind. Two- Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin- orld championship He admitted he will face a battle to time champion Fernando Alonso, Mercedes) leader Max Verstappen secure a 99th career win in front of behind the wheel of an Alpine, 5th row won Formula One’s in- around 90,000 fans on Sunday with shrugged off his 39 years to climb to George Russell (GBR/Williams- augural sprint race yes- the main event raced over 52 laps. seventh on the grid. Behind him are Mercedes) Wterday to take pole position for the “First of all, let me say thank you four-time world champion Sebas- Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) British Grand Prix. to the fans, their energy is amazing,” tian Vettel in the Aston Martin, Wil- 6th row The Red Bull driver fi nished the he said. “I gave it everything today, liams’ George Russell and Esteban Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 100km dash around Silverstone I’m just sorry I couldn’t win it for Ocon in the second Alpine. Satur- Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri- ahead of defending world champion them. Tomorrow we will fi ght again, day’s sprint qualifying race was the Honda) Lewis Hamilton with Valtteri Bot- but Red Bull are just so strong.” fi rst of three planned for this year. 7th row tas in the second Mercedes in third He added: “Verstappen was pull- Another will follow at the Italian Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo- place. ing away and there was nothing I Grand Prix in September with the Ferrari) Verstappen went into the week- could do to hold on to him. Their third venue still to be confi rmed. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin- end with a 32-point lead over sev- starts have been great this year and Mercedes) en-time champion Hamilton who is we’ve lost a bit on our starts and los- THE GRID 8th row hoping to capture an eighth British ing position is never a good thing - I Front row Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo- Grand Prix triumph today. wish we could do the start again.” Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull- Ferrari) “We were pushing each other hard Bottas shared Hamilton’s lack of Honda) Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri- as the tyres were blistering a lot,” optimism for today. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Honda) said Verstappen who collected three “We tried to do something diff er- 2nd row 9th row points for his win. ent and the target was to try and get Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams- Hamilton took two and Bottas Verstappen in the fi rst lap. It didn’t Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) Mercedes) one. “I am happy to have scored the happen,” said the Finn. “Today 3rd row Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas- three points and it is funny to say I shows that tomorrow is not going to Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mer- Ferrari) have scored the pole position too, be easy. If it’s going to be a bit warm- cedes) 10th row but we’ll take it,” added the Dutch- er, then we might see more issues. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren- Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning sprint qualifying of the British Grand Prix man. The rest of the top 10 was made Mercedes) Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters)

CYCLING CRICKET Sri Lanka seek wicketkeeper on Exhausted Pogacar eve of India series

AFP after the troubles that Sri Lanka Colombo have gone through in recent months. Three senior Sri Lankan play- wenty-four hours before ers, including vice captain Kusal eff ectively seals Sri Lanka start a one- Mendis, were suspended dur- day series against India ing last month’s tour of England today, the beleaguered after they violated a biosecure Thome side still did not know who bubble. Perera and bowler Binu- their wicketkeeper would be, ra Fernando were on Friday ruled new captain Dasun Shanaka said. out of the ODIs due to injuries. With a multitude of disci- Batting coach Grant Flower plinary, injury and coronavirus tested positive for Covid-19, Tour de France title problems, Shanaka was also dealing another blow to a side putting on a brave face over that has lost fi ve straight series. throwing fi ve players with no in- “We are facing India with- ‘I’m so happy its coming to an end. What a demanding three weeks it has been’ ternational experience into the out some senior players as well squad of 23. Shanaka took over as our batting coach,” Shanaka AFP as team leader for the three one- told reporters. “But we will try to Saint-Émilion, France UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar of day games and three Twenty20s overcome these challenges.” Slovenia in action during stage 20 of the after captain and wicketkeeper “We may not be able to con- Tour de France yesterday. (Reuters) Kusal Perera was ruled out of the trol who wins, but we can assure adej Pogacar all but became tournament through injury. a good game.” champion of the 2021 Tour de Shanaka admitted that the France yesterday as the UAE rider replacement wicketkeeper re- SRI LANKA SQUAD: Dasun protected his large overall lead in mained uncertain. Shanaka (capt), Dhananjaya de Tthe stage 20 time-trial, ahead of the tra- “We will be able to decide on a Silva, Avishka Fernando, Bhanu- ditionally ceremonial fi nal run to Paris. wicketkeeper only after practic- ka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Wout van Aert won the time trial, but es today,” said the 29-year-old. Charith Asalanka, Wanindu defending champion Pogacar’s solid ride Minod Bhanuka, 26, and Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, means he need only cross the Champs- 27-year-old Lahiru Udara are the Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Udara, Elysees fi nish line with the peloton in leading candidates. Ramesh Mendis, Chamika today’s 21st, and fi nal, stage to retain Shanaka said the large number Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, the fabled yellow jersey as winner of the of new players could be to Sri Dushmantha Chameera, Lak- world’s greatest bike race. Lanka’s advantage as India - also shan Sandakan, Akila Dhanan- Pogacar won three stages on his way weakened with their main stars jaya, Shiran Fernando, Dhanan- to this dominant triumph in a manner preparing for a Test series in jaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, reminiscent of former champions Alber- England - were unproven. Praveen Jayawickrema, Asitha to Contador and Chris Froome, strong in But what critics have called an Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru both the time-trials and the mountains. India B side remains formidable Kumara, Isuru Udana. He will also win the awards for best rider under-25 and the king of the mountains polka-dot jersey, a triple he also FOOTBALL achieved on his debut last year. The Monaco resident, who earns fi ve million euros (5.9 million dollars) a year, appeared overcome as he climbed the Giroud completes podium for his three jerseys, with Briton Mark Cavendish also wearing a huge grin as he picked up his green sprint jersey. AC Milan move “I’m so happy its coming to an end,” said Pogacar, admitting he was wiped AFP out. “What a demanding three weeks it Milan has been. “I wasn’t so motivated last night, and had to get myself going,” said Pogacar, helsea’s France attacker who ended the day 5min 20sec ahead of Olivier Giroud has the second place rider in the overall clas- completed his move to sifi cation. AC Milan, the Italian The top three in the standings re- in the general is great,” said van Aert, who Ineos, with no stage wins, bears a whiff of ger (SUI/EF1) 44, 6. Mattia Cattaneo (ITA/ Cclub announced yesterday. mained the same after the 30km run on also won stage 11 which climbed Mont the end of their era after the 2020 failure DEC) 49, 7. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN/UAE) 52, 8. The 34-year-old World Cup a sizzling holiday Saturday as rowdy fans Ventoux twice while American Sepp Kuss was blamed on Egan Bernal’s bad back. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 57, 9. Magnus winner underwent a medical on packed the roadsides all the way to the took stage 15 in the Pyrenees. The British outfi t went into this race Nielsen (DEN/EF1) 1:00, 10. Dylan van Friday before signing with the pretty Saint-Emilion vineyards. “But if we want to win the Tour de with four co-leaders hoping to win an Baarle (NED/INE) 1:21. Serie A runners-up who return Jumbo’s Jonas Vingegaard goes into the France we need to stay on our bikes and eighth title in ten years, but suff ered to the Champions League next Champions league have been fi nal day run in second, while Ineos’ Ri- fi nish the Tour with a full team. dreadful luck as three suff ered bad falls, Overall standings season after a seven-year ab- magnifi cent.” chard Carapaz is in third. “Tadej deserves his win, but I don’t be- leaving only Carapaz to soldier on, al- 1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 80hr 16min sence. At AC Milan, Giroud is ex- A second place for Dutch team Jumbo is lieve he is unbeatable,” said Van Aert. though they did win the Giro d’Italia in 59sec, 2. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN/JUM) “AC Milan are delighted to pected to rotate with Swedish a triumph of sorts after their leader Pri- Van Aert also sent out a warning to May with Bernal. at 5min 20sec, 3. Richard Carapaz (ECU/ announce the signing of Olivier star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 39, who moz Roglic fell heavily early in the race. Cavendish who is targeting an all time INE) 7:03, 4. Ben O’Connor (AUS/AG2) Jonathan Giroud on a permanent is recovering from knee surgery Van Aert’s victory on Saturday also record of 35 wins on the Champs-Elysees RESULTS AND STANDINGS 10:02, 5. Wilco Kelderman (NED/BOR) transfer from Chelsea,” the club and remains uncertain for the gave them three stages, even though only sprint Sunday. “I’ll be challenging for Stage 20 10:13, 6. Enric Mas (ESP/MOV) 11:43, 7. said in a statement without giv- start of the coming campaign. four of the eight-rider team have made sure. I won’t miss out. The Camps- 1. Wout van Aert (BEL/JUM) 35min 53sec, Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ/AST) 12:23, 8. Guil- ing details of the duration which He joins compatriots Theo it through to the fi nal stage after a series Elysees sprint is a huge thing in the career 2. Kasper Asgreen (DEN/DEC) at 21sec, 3. laume Martin (FRA/COF) 15:33, 9. Pello Italian media reported is for two Hernandez and Mike Maignan, of falls. “I’m very proud of our perform- of any rider,” said Van Aert. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN/JUM) 32, 4. Ste- Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 16:04, 10. Rigoberto years. the new goalkeeper at the Ros- ance, these three wins and a second place A third place fi nish for British outfi t fan Küng (SUI/GFJ) 38, 5. Stefan Bisseg- Urán (COL/EF1) 18:34. “The French striker will be soneri, who last won Serie A in wearing the number 9 jersey.” 2011. Giroud won Ligue 1 with Chelsea extended Giroud’s Montpellier in 2012 before mov- German sprinter Greipel to retire from cycling contract last month for a year ing to England, spending six Andre Greipel, who spent his 39th birth- his team. “I am super happy with what from now on,” he said. “I hope somehow called Cavendish a “selfish bastard”. until June 2022, but he preferred seasons in Arsenal before joining day on Friday riding a 207km Tour de everything I have achieved together with to stay in the cycling,” he concluded. Cavendish countered that Greipel was a move away from Stamford Chelsea in 2018. For the Gunners France stage, announced yesterday he my team-mates,” added Greipel. Greipel, the gentle giant of peloton and not a true sprinter. While Cavendish has Bridge after falling out of favour he scored 105 goals in 253 games, will retire at the end of the year. The rider from Rostock also won seven also one the senior riders, initiated a rider dominated the sprints on this year’s Tour, with just eight Premier League winning three FA Cups and three The muscular German sprinter, nick- stages at the Giro d’Italia and four at protest at the start of stage 4. Shortly Greipel’s high point came when he was starts last season. Community Shields. named the Gorilla, has ridden every Tour the Vuelta a Espana, where he took the after the start in Redon, the peloton dis- part of a long breakaway on stage 12, “To all the Blues, to my team- With Chelsea he scored 39 since 2011, winning 11 stages including points category in 2009. All his Tour mounted for a minute to show their dis- but the presence of such a formidable mates, to all my coaches, to the goals in 119 appearances, win- two, in 2015 and 2016, in the traditional successes came in his time at the Belgian satisfaction with the number of crashes. sprinter encouraged his compatriot Nils whole club, a huge thank you ning the FA Cup trophy and also closer along the Champs-Elysees, where Lotto team from 2011-18. “I’m not looking Greipel has long had a contentious Politt of Bora-Hansgrohe to attack before for these special moments I’m the Europa League in 2019 and the race will end today. back in anger, but I am looking to the relationship with Briton Mark Cavendish the finish in Nimes. Today, Greipel has one starting a new journey with a Champions League last season. “Tomorrow’s stage will be definitely my future with a lot of happiness, because which started when the two were briefly last chance. A farewell victory would also light and happy heart,” Giroud “We thank Olivier greatly for last in the Tour de France,” Greipel said I can do what I want. I can suff er when team-mates at Columbia competing to prevent Cavendish claiming the outright said on Twitter after his medi- his service and wish him the very in a video posted on social media by I want. I can spend time with my family be the preferred sprinter. In 2009, Greipel record for Tour stage wins. cal on Friday. “Our victories in best in his future career,” the the FA Cup, Europa League and London club said in a statement. Gulf Times Sunday, July 18, 2021 3 SPORT

CRICKET RUGBY Late penalty gives 14-man Australia Azam leads Pakistan win over France

AFP game only decided in the 80th Brisbane, Australia minute when Australian lock Darcy Swain managed to disrupt a French rolling maul inside the 14-man Australia edged Wallaby 22, sparking massive to win over England France 33-30 to win a celebrations from the 37,000 thrilling third rugby fans at Suncorp Stadium. The Test and take the series Wallabies got off to a disastrous ‘After mine and Rizwan’s partnership all the batsmen came and performed their roles’ 2-1A in Brisbane yesterday. With start when they lost recalled the scores locked at 30-30 in the winger Filipo Daugunu in the AFP isolation,” said Livingstone. “It closing stages of an evenly fought fi rst minute with what appeared Nottingham, United Kingdom was nice to have that break and I Test, Australian fl yhalf Noah to be a broken wrist. came back in feeling really fresh. Lolesio kicked a crucial penalty Moments later they were be- “I didn’t pick a bat up for 10 days to put the Wallabies ahead with hind 3-0 thanks to a Melvyn abar Azam led from the then came back in yesterday two minutes remaining. Jaminet penalty from right in front as Pakistan beat (Thursday) and felt really good.” The win came against the odds front after a Wallaby infringe- England by 31 runs in Azam, fresh from a superb after the Wallabies lost winger ment in the breakdown. the fi rst Twenty20 in- hundred in the third ODI at Edg- Marika Koroibete to a contro- It got worse for the home side Bternational at Trent Bridge on baston on Tuesday, faced just 49 versial red card following a high when Koroibete was sent off , Friday despite a blistering hun- balls as he and Rizwan took a tackle on French captain Antho- the visitors taking immediate dred from Liam Livingstone. toll of an experimental England ny Jelonch in the fi fth minute. advantage when scrumhalf Bap- Pakistan captain Azam made attack. The skipper was in typi- Koroibete charged through fol- tiste Couilloud crossed out wide, 85 and shared an opening stand cally elegant form while hitting lowing a kick and smashed Jelonch crashing over the top of opposite of 150 with Mohamed Rizwan eight fours and three sixes be- with a big tackle, but after watch- number Tate McDermott. Jami- in a national record T20 total fore he was caught behind off ing a number of replays referee Ben net converted from the sideline of 232-6. But Livingstone gave David Willey. Fast bowler Af- O’Keeff e agreed with the television to make it 10-0. But only three the hosts hope with a 42-ball ridi took a brilliant caught and match offi cial that the Australian minutes later it was McDer- century, England’s quickest in a bowled to dismiss opener Dawid winger’s shoulder had made con- mott’s turn to score when a per- T20 international and the fi fth Malan on his way to 3-30. tact with Jelonche’s head, and he fect cutout pass from Lolesio put fastest of all-time, hitting six Roy’s rapid 32 kept England was shown the red card. Australian Michael Hooper through a hole fours and nine sixes on his way in the hunt before Livingstone, coach Dave Rennie said he did not and he found McDermott in sup- to three fi gures. looking to establish himself in think the card was warranted and port. Lolesio converted to make Yet it wasn’t enough to pre- the England set-up, found his hinted that the French captain had 10-7, but that soon became 13-7 vent Pakistan going 1-0 up in range with consecutive sixes off milked the penalty. Unsurpris- with another Jaminet penalty. this three-match series, with leg-spinner Khan. ingly, Jelonch had a diff erent opin- The home side fi nally hit the England bowled out for 201 af- Livingstone needed just 17 ion, but said the red card may have lead in the 20th minute when ter player of the match Shaheen balls for his fi fty. Morgan then helped the Wallabies. Lolesio intercepted a French Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan fell cheaply to leave England The two sides could barely be pass and crossed untouched be- took three wickets apiece. “Eve- looking to Livingstone. separated over the series, both side the posts to make it 14-13. ryone took part in today’s win,” The Lancashire all-rounder scoring 49 points apiece head- A Lolesio penalty from right in said Azam following Pakistan’s Pakistan’s Babar Azam in went to his hundred in style ing into the decider. Australia front gave the Wallabies a 17-13 fi rst victory of the tour after a action during the fi rst T20 with a six before Khan had him had won the fi rst Test 23-21, lead after 26 minutes. 3-0 reverse in a one-day inter- match against England at caught in the deep. England’s with France, who left many of That lead lasted 10 minutes, national series. Trent Bridge, Nottingham, tail now had too much to do and their fi rst choice players at home, French fl anker Cameron Woki “After mine and Rizwan’s Britain. (Reuters) Afridi ended the match when claiming the second 28-26. touching down after going over partnership all the batsmen he bowled Matt Parkinson with And that closeness was high- the top of a goal line ruck and us- came and performed their roles four balls left in the game. lighted when they went into the ing his long arms to touch the ball and we got a brilliant total. break locked at 20-20 after a down beside the posts to make “We want to carry on the mo- Livingstone’s innings by saying: ible knocks from (Jason) Roy or missed the ODI series after all BRIEF SCORES pulsating fi rst 40 minutes. it 20-17. But right on halftime mentum on to the next game and “It was an incredible knock. (Jos) Buttler or (Moeen) Ali and the originally selected squad Pakistan 232 for 6 (Azam 85, In a see-sawing match the lead Lolesio kicked his second pen- take the positives from today,” “The biggest compliment I that knock was as good as any of had to self-isolate following a Rizwan 63) beat England 201 changed throughout, with the alty to square it up at the break. he added. Meanwhile, England could pay him is our changing them. He was incredible.” Covid outbreak in the England (Livingstone 103, Afridi 3-30) by skipper Eoin Morgan praised room has watched some incred- Livingstone and Morgan both camp. “We’ve spent 10 days in 31 runs.

England’s Livingstone in T20 World Cup frame aft er stunning century

Liam Livingstone could yet force his way Livingstone’s Lancashire home ground, England white-ball top order. “You think “He can bowl leg-spin and off -spin, de- into England’s first-choice XI at this year’s on Tuesday. “He’s put his hand up, it’s as you’ve got a real powerful unit there and pending on whether he’s bowling against Twenty20 World Cup after his stunning simple as that,” Collingwood told report- then Liam does something like that,” right or left-handed batsmen, and he’s an century against Pakistan, assistant coach ers. “You can’t do any more than what Collingwood said. “It’s adding something exceptional fielder. As an overall pack- Paul Collingwood said yesterday. he’s done,” added the former England special. That is a scary batting line-up.” age, these are the kind of players that Livingstone hit England’s quickest T20 all-rounder, in charge of the squad while For all Livingstone’s natural talent, you want to draw upon.” hundred, off just 42 balls, including nine head coach Chris Silverwood takes a Friday’s innings was about more than Meanwhile, Collingwood confirmed Jos sixes, in a 31-run defeat by Pakistan in break. “He’s got two more opportunities ‘slogging’ as Collingwood acknowledged. Buttler would return to the side at Head- Nottingham on Friday. over the next two games. It’s very hard “It’s not just a God-given gift that he’s ingley following a calf injury to reclaim His previous highest score in four T20 not to pick a guy if he’s played like that. got, he puts a lot of hard work and eff ort his opening spot from Dawid Malan. international innings was 29 not out but “I think the innings he played is as excit- into it,” he said. “He’s very thoughtful and But whether England will recall Adil his tour de force at Trent Bridge may ing as we’ve seen in an English shirt for analyses quite a lot. “As much as people Rashid on his Yorkshire home ground, make the 27-year-old Livingstone tough some time.” might think that he just stands there and after rival leg-spinner Matt Parkinson to ignore at the T20 World Cup in the Collingwood, England’s captain when swings, there’s a lot of thought that goes bowled four wicketless overs for a costly United Arab Emirates in October. they won the 2010 World Twenty20 into his game, there’s a lot of skill that 47 runs on Friday, remains uncertain. He now has two more chances to impress with a team featuring gifted batsman goes in and hard work as well. “It’s a balance,” said Collingwood. “Of in a three-match T20 series against Kevin Pietersen, was in no doubt of the “And it’s not just his power-hitting, it’s course Adil will come back into the Pakistan that continues at Headingley calibre of Livingstone’s century - and also what he gives with the ball. He’s very frame, but it’s still important to see what today before finishing at Old Traff ord, what it might mean for an already strong much a modern T20 cricketer. Parky can do.” (AFP) Australia’s Noah Lolesio (right) celebrates his try with teammates during the third Test against France in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Reece scores hat-trick as Lewis powers West Indies All Blacks thump Fiji 60-13 AFP Argentina outscore Wales 3 past Australia in fi nal T20I Hamilton, New Zealand tries to one to win Test series AFP Argentina flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez kicked over Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia hree tries to left wing Sevu Reece pro- 18 points as they beat Wales 33-11 in the second vided the impetus the All Blacks needed test at the Principality Stadium yesterday to to overcome a shaky start and chalk up a clinch the series after last week’s 20-20 draw. pening batsman Evin Lewis was at 60-13 victory over Fiji in another bruis- Argentina outscored Wales three tries to one his rampaging best with an innings Ting encounter in Hamilton yesterday. The All with Sanchez contributing four penalties and of 79 in setting the West Indies on Blacks, who needed to step up after an uncon- three conversions to prove the diff erence in a their way to a 16-run victory over vincing performance for much of the fi rst Test scrappy game before a restricted 8,000 crowd. AustraliaO in the fi nal T20 International of last week, were clinging to a 7-6 lead after 30 Wales, without 12 players involved with the tour- their fi ve-match series at the Daren Sammy minutes but by the fi nal whistle had outscored ing British & Irish Lions in South Africa, scored Stadium in St Lucia on Friday. Fiji by nine tries to one. the first try after eight minutes with Owen Lewis’ punishing innings off just 34 balls, With their bone-crunching tackles and relent- Lane slipping a tackle and powering down the highlighted by nine sixes and four fours, lifted less driving forward play, the determined Fijians wing to touch down. But the lead lasted three the home team to 199 for eight and earned again rattled the New Zealanders in the opening minutes before Matias Moroni got the visitors’ him the “Man of the Match” as the Caribbean exchanges until the explosive closing 10 min- first try, forcing his way over from close range team also took the series by a convincing 4-1 utes of the fi rst half when the All Blacks rammed to mark his 50th cap. Darting scrumhalf Tomas margin. home a match-defi ning 22 points. Coach Ian Cubelli sniped over from the back of a maul for Pacers Sheldon Cottrell and Andre Russell Foster said the All Blacks performance was a step the Pumas’ second try just before the half-hour then claimed three wickets apiece while none up from the fi rst Test but there was still room for mark. Wales pulled the score back to 8-17 before of the tourists’ top-order batsmen were able improvement. Fiji coach Vern Cotter blamed ill- the break when Jarrod Evans put over the first to sustain the eff ort deep into the innings and West Indies players celebrate with the trophy at the end of the 5th and final T20I against discipline for his side dropping off the pace. of two penalties, the second coming 11 minutes they were restricted to 183 for nine in reply Australia at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. (AFP) Reece revelled in the shift from the right wing into the second half to reduce the deficit to six despite being well on course halfway through to the left - to accommodate Will Jordan in the All and hand Wales hopes of a comeback. the chase. work by the versatile Allen. “This is a won- Finch of his team’s eff ort in the field. Blacks backline - and scored his triple in the fi rst Mitchell Marsh, who posted three half- derful achievement for the team. I am espe- “Unfortunately we just haven’t backed it half, with a fourth try before the break coming centuries in his previous four innings in the cially happy for Hayden Walsh. He works so up with the bat. There are some guys here from Ardie Savea who provided a physical edge They won a breakdown penalty under the posts series and was by a long way the visitors’ out- hard on his game and we know that leg-spin- with not a huge amount of international ex- on his return from injury. Jordan scored immedi- and Ben Volavola put the fi rst points on the board. standing performer, looked set for another ners can often be champions in T20 cricket.” perience so it can be tough for them, but I ately after half-time and as New Zealand emptied A succession of penalties helped the All Blacks substantial contribution but fell for 30 off 15 Walsh, the Antiguan leg-spinner, was don’t want to be too critical of them.” the bench, replacements Rieko Ioane, Samisoni forge their way to the Fiji 22 where Havili ran a balls to a sharp caught-and-bowled dismissal named “Man of the Series” for his haul of 12 Buoyed by this performance, which in Taukei’aho and Shannon Frizell added tries with perfect line off lineout ball and put Reece in for his off the fi rst delivery bowled by Russell in the wickets across the fi ve matches, one short of some ways made amends for the preceding Taukei’aho claiming a double on debut. Prop Ravai fi rst try - only for Fiji to reply immediately with match. the T20I series record of New Zealand spin- 3-2 series loss to South Africa in Grenada, Peni scored Fiji’s sole try. Savea and Sam White- another Volavola penalty. Twice the All Blacks Despite being hampered by what appeared ner Ish Sodhi, also against Australia, earlier West Indies can now look forward to anoth- lock added steel to the All Blacks pack while inside turned down kickable penalties in favour of a line- to be an ankle injury, Australian captain this year. While he went wicketless, veteran er fi ve-match series against Pakistan in the backs Richie Mo’unga and David Havili kept the out and twice the ploy failed. When a third oppor- Aaron Finch sought to keep his team in the player Chris Gayle made an invaluable con- continuing countdown to their defence of the attack straight, which were two areas where coach tunity arose they conceded there was no easy way hunt. However when he fell for what proved tribution with the ball in conceding only nine World T20 title in the United Arab Emirates in Ian Foster had demanded improvement. through the Fijian defence and Mo’unga landed the a topscore of 34 to Hayden Walsh via an out- runs through three overs of spin to frustrate October-November. But despite the 47-point margin, there remained three-pointer which opened the fl oodgates. From standing catch by Fabian Allen at long-on in the best eff orts of the Aussie middle-order to questions about the All Blacks and in particular the the restart, a booming clearing kick from Havili the tenth over, the innings gradually ran out stay in the hunt for the challenging target. BRIEF SCORES way they appeared fl ustered in the opening stanza. was knocked on by Kini Murimurivalu on the Fiji 22 of steam. “He changed the game for us with “I thought we did extremely well in the West Indies 199 for 8 (Lewis 79, Tye 3-37) From the moment Brive centre Riko Buliruarua and from the resulting scrum Mo’unga ran blind, that catch,” was stand-in captain Nicholas second half of their innings to limit them be- beat Australia 183 for 9 (Marsh 30, Finch 34, barrelled through the All Blacks backline in the putting Reece over for his second try and the con- Pooran’s assessment of that superb bit of low 200, given the start they had gotten,” said Cottrell 3-28, Russell 3-43) by 16 runs. second minute, Fiji had the All Blacks scrambling. test was as good as fi nished. Sunday, July 18, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

OLYMPICS Czech Olympic team reports Covid case upon landing in Tokyo Aft er world record, Warholm eyes fi nal jewel in crown An unnamed staff member of the Reuters Tokyo including American Rai Ben- Czech Olympic team tested positive Oslo jamin, Qatari Abderrahman Samba, for Covid-19 after landing in Tokyo, the who fi nished second and third behind Czech Olympic Committee said in a him at the World Championships statement yesterday. ith World Championship in 2019, respectively, and 21-year- The staff member had a positive titles and the 400-me- old Brazilian Alison dos Santos, who antigen test at the airport and the infec- tre hurdles world record won the Stockholm Diamond League tion was confirmed by a subsequent in his possession, there meeting earlier this month. PCR analysis. The man who has no Wis only one jewel left for Karsten “The 400-metre hurdles is all of a symptoms of the disease is currently Warholm to add to his athletics sudden a very, very competitive race,” in isolation, just like several other team crown: Olympic gold. Yet it could be said Warholm. “You always got to members identified as his close con- the hardest test the 25-year-old Nor- have your competitors in the back of tacts from the plane. Organisers said wegian has faced so far. your mind because they are there and they had registered the first Covid-19 “You have to be at a world-record they want my position.” case in the Olympic Village earlier level to be able to compete for a gold His chief rival, 23-year-old Ben- yesterday, six days before the opening medal in Tokyo,” Warholm told re- jamin poses perhaps the biggest ceremony. porters in the lead up to the Games. threat, having nearly broken the “There is no doubt about that. But 400m hurdles world record himself at Weight of expectation what the time is going to be, that’s the US team trials last month, where grounds Spain’s fl ight hard to tell — and only time will show.” he won the fi nal in 46.83. In front of an ecstatic, home crowd Warholm said the event has under- A flight carrying Spain’s Olympic team earlier this month, Warholm ran gone a “renaissance”, including on the to Tokyo was delayed yesterday due 46.70 seconds to break Kevin Young’s women’s side, with American Sydney to a combination of the searing sum- 29-year-old world record by eight McLaughlin breaking the women’s mer heat and their equipment being hundredths of a second. He described 400m hurdles world record at the overweight. “The average weight per it as a relief after months of specula- June trials in her ongoing rivalry with passenger + luggage for today’s flight tion over who could topple the long- Rio Olympic champion Dalilah Mu- is 25% higher” than the usual flights to est-standing record in men’s track. hammad. Tokyo, said national carrier Iberia. “You need to be at your a-level and to “When you see other people per- The delegation of 221 people includes do all the right things, both in practice form well it motivates you somehow the president of the Spanish Olympic and in competition,” he said. “It was to do it as well,” said Warholm. “You Committee, Alejandro Blanco. This is really special.” know you have to step it up when the second flight carrying members of He has scarce time to savour that the other guys (are) bringing their A- the Spanish Olympic team heading for accomplishment, facing a fi eld in game.” Tokyo after an earlier one left for the Japanese capital on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT South Korea removes anti-Japan banners South Korea has removed anti-Japan banners at its accommodation in the Tokyo Olympic Village because they violated International Olympic Com- mittee guidelines, its president Thomas China eager to atone Bach said. The banners, hung on the balconies of competitors’ rooms, spelt out the slogan in Korean: “I still have support from 50mn Korean people.” The slogan refers to a naval battle during the 1592- 1598 Japanese invasions of Korea. The two countries are still engaged in a for ‘worst Olympic fl op’ territorial dispute over an island chain. Bach said the South Korean delegation China had their worst Olympic performance in two decades with 26 golds at Rio Games had removed the banners at the IOC’s request. “This obviously happened AFP the medals table in Tokyo, behind the upon request of the IOC, because the Shanghai United States, partly because Chinese guidelines... say very clearly the Olym- athletes will feel more at home in the pic Village is one of the protected areas familiar surroundings of Japan than where the athletes should and can live hina are missing banned su- they did in Rio. peacefully together without having to perstar Sun Yang but they “Because the Winter Olympics face any kind of divisive messages,” will take a record contingent are right on our doorstep, China will Bach said in a press conference. to Tokyo seeking a strong want good results (in Tokyo) to drive showingC with their own Olympics just everyone’s enthusiasm for sport,” Germany walk off Olympics months away. The world’s most pop- added Ma, who has 800,000 follow- friendly aft er Torunarigha ulous country topped the medals ta- ers on the Twitter-like Weibo. “After ble at Beijing 2008 but then slumped Chinese people feel the vibe in Tokyo, racist abuse to third behind the United States and they will pay more attention to the Germany walked off after 85 minutes of Britain at Rio 2016, their worst Olym- Beijing Games.” yesterday’s pre-Olympics friendly with pic performance in two decades with Like all athletes, China’s competi- Honduras after Jordan Torunarigha 26 golds. The disappointment was tors have been badly disrupted by the suff ered racist abuse. summed up in a tweet by the state- coronavirus, restricted to national The 2016 silver medallists played the run Xinhua news agency which said: tournaments and training in secure Central Americans in Wakayama, Japan, “No gold for CHN gymnasts, Team “bubbles” in the lead-up to Tokyo. as they warmed up for their Games China have suff ered the worst Olym- State media has, however, been keen campaign which starts on July 22 pic fl op at Rio 2016.” to give the impression that they are against champions Brazil. At the Tokyo Games, which were gamely ploughing on with limited im- German head coach Stefan Kuntz de- pushed back a year by the coronavirus pact to their preparations. fended his 23-year-old squad member. and will fi nally open on July 23, China Because of repeated obstacles “When one of our players is racially will have a giant squad of 777 athletes thrown up by the virus, there will be abused, playing on is not an option,” and staff , their largest contingent at particular interest in the women’s told DFB’s Twitter account. The Hondu- an overseas Olympics. But if they are football team. The “Steel Roses” en- ras Football Federation said the situa- to improve on Rio, China will have to dured a tortuous qualifying campaign tion was down to a “misunderstanding do it without their biggest star. that saw them quarantined and train- on the pitch.” Controversial swimmer Sun, a China’s table tennis players arrive for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Narita International Airport in Narita. (AFP) ing in a hotel corridor in Australia in In February 2020, Hertha Berlin triple Olympic gold medallist, was the earliest days of the pandemic. centre-back Torunarigha was sent off banned last month for more than four carting off all eight golds in the sport. winning fi ve gold medals and a silver. just six months between the Summer After repeated delays and resched- for reacting to alleged monkey chants years after a second doping violation. There are also high hopes for the China’s performances at the Olym- Games in Japan and Winter Games uling, they fi nally sealed a last-ditch from Schalke fans during a German In his absence, China does not have an women’s volleyball side, led by star pics and place in the medals table are in Beijing. The 2022 Olympics in the spot in Tokyo in April after defeating Cup loss. internationally recognised big name, spiker Zhu Ting, and in the swimming always a source of national pride, but Chinese capital will come into sharp South Korea in extra time in a tense In that match, Torunarigha, who is of but the country will still anticipate pool with Zhang Yufei. there is added spice this time because view immediately after Tokyo, espe- play-off . Fittingly, China’s match- Nigerian descent, picked up a water hoovering up gold medals in diving, Chinese media dubbed the of the fi erce historical rivalry between cially when it comes to how organis- winner was Wang Shuang, the Wuhan bottle carrier and slammed it to the table tennis and weightlifting. 23-year-old Zhang “the new butterfl y China and Japan. ers will deal with the coronavirus. native who was stranded in the city ground before being shown a red card Chinese media has branded its queen” after she soared at the nation- Moreover, because of the year’s Sports blogger Ma Bowen is confi - when the outbreak emerged there to- for second bookable off ence. divers a “Dream Team” capable of al swimming championships in May, delay to the Tokyo Olympics, there is dent that China will come second in wards the end of 2019.

WRESTLING GOLF India’s Phogat returns Oosthuizen takes one-shot British Open lead AFP contention with a 68 to move to seven stronger, smarter Sandwich, United Kingdom under. World number one Dustin Johnson dropped back to four under with a three Reuters Currently training in Hungary, over par round which could have been New Delhi Phogat is the world number one ouis Oosthuizen held off a charge much worse but for birdies at the 14th and in women’s 53kg category and from Collin Morikawa and Jor- 16th. Four-time major champion Brooks also the top seed in Tokyo. She dan Spieth to stay in front by one Koepka is three under after making three ive years after being has been training under Hun- shot on 12 under par at the British bogeys in the fi rst fi ve holes to post a 72. stretchered off the mat garian coach Woller Akos since LOpen after a sun-bathed third round at Canada’s Corey Connors and American with a twisted knee in 2018 and the partnership had Royal St. George’s yesterday. Scottie Scheffl er are well-positioned at Rio, India’s Vinesh worked wonders for her, said The South African is aiming to lift the eight under. PhogatF believes she has grown the Commonwealth and Asian Claret Jug for a second time today after Earlier, Rory McIlroy’s hopes of a fi fth mentally stronger and Games champion. his sole major victory to date came at St major title faded on the back nine after technically accomplished “People won’t under- Andrews in 2010. However, he has fi n- an electrifying start from the Northern as she resumes her bid for stand from outside ished second in six majors since then, in- Irishman entertained the thousands fol- an Olympic gold in Tokyo. but earlier my game cluding at the US PGA Championship and lowing his third round. Crowds of up to Phogat’s dream of a had technical fl aws. I US Open in the past two months, and will 32,000 have been allowed into the 149th medal in her fi rst Olym- can see that now I’m have to hold his nerve on the fi nal round. Open Championship despite surging in- pics was cruelly cut short smoother and display Resuming on 11 under par in pristine fection rates for the coronavirus in Eng- in 2016 when she hurt her clean wrestling on the conditions, Oosthuizen was unfortunate Collin Morikawa (left) of the US shakes hands with South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen land. The biggest galleries of the tourna- ankle during her quarter- mat. I don’t feel stuck not to make more than a solid start as after the third round of the British Open in Sandwich, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) ment so far saw McIlroy make fi ve birdies fi nal bout against a Chi- on the match any- birdie putts at the fi rst two holes shaved on the front nine to take the turn in four nese opponent and left more. There is motion the cup in a run of six straight pars. His start to his third round, dropping two But, just as in his second round when under par for the day and the champion- the mat in tears. in my game.” patience paid off as he birdied the par-fi ve strokes in the fi rst six holes. However, he blamed being hungry for a poor fi n- ship. But a combination of wild driving “I now have the experience of As for motivation, Phogat said seventh and then picked up another shot the 24-year-old quickly bounced back to ish, the three-time major winner strug- off the tee and sloppy putting saw McIl- playing one Olympics. I know she never forgot her pain in Rio. at the ninth. However, after dropping just make the turn in level par for his round gled coming home as he also made bogey roy drop shots at the 11th, 13th and 15th to what to expect, how to prepare “...every time I go on the mat for one shot in his opening two rounds, bo- and consecutive birdies at 13 and 14 put at the 11th and 16th. The expected push fall back to one under. and how to conduct myself,” the a match, that injury motivates geys at 11 and 13 allowed Morikawa and him in a great position to challenge for his from a stellar cast of former major cham- Bryson DeChambeau has dominated 26-year-old told the Times of me,” said the wrestler from Har- Spieth to briefl y take a share of the lead. second major at 11 under. pions further down the leaderboard never the headlines in Sandwich for the wrong India newspaper. yana. “It was one of the lowest Oosthuizen regained his composure and Spieth’s bid for a second Open Cham- materialised on ‘moving day’, with the reasons after taking aim at the standard “All these setbacks helped points of my career. There was a his precise putting for birdie at the par- pionship faltered late on as he three- third round often the time when potential of his driver after a disappointing open- me become stronger, and I feel I lot of negativity from within. But three 16th to retake the lead outright and putted on the 18th green to fall back to winners emerge. ing round. The American, who just made enter Tokyo as a much stronger I was able to come out of it and in will again be partnered with Morikawa in nine under. The American had got off to Pre-tournament favourite and recently the cut, suff ered another frustrating day athlete mentally. I want to fi nish hindsight, it has helped me be- the fi nal group on Sunday. a fl ier with birdies at the second, fourth, crowned US Open champion Jon Rahm as a double bogey at the ninth set the tone what I have started.” come mentally strong.” The young American made a nervous sixth and 10th to move to 11 under. was the one big name to haul himself into for his two over round of 72.