SATURDAY 20 JULY 2019 SPORT 17 Our job is to fight. He has to Manny Pacquiao says prove something, and I have to ahead of his bout CYCLING FOOTBALL prove something. It’s easy to with American Keith Tour de France: Stage Brazilian Serie A: say things. But it’s not so easy Thurman for the WBA 14, between Tarbes to Vasco da Gama vs

to do it in the ring. welterweight crown. Tourmalet Bareges ACTION

TODAY’S Fluminense Cunha clinches third Sun under fire, US stars straight 25km open set to shine at Worlds water race in Gwangju AP Alessio Occhipinti of Italy AFP GWANGJU earned the bronze medal, 3.30 GWANGJU seconds behind Reymond. Ana Marcela Cunha keeps Another Italian, Simon As the cream of world swimming setting the bar higher in open- Ruffini, was fourth, 8.70 seconds limbers up for the World Cham- water swimming at the World behind. Australian Kai Edwards pionships, explosive doping alle- Swimming Championships. took fifth, 11 seconds behind gations against Chinese giant Sun The 27-year-old Brazilian Reymond. The top Americans in Yang that refuse to go away won an unprecedented third the men’s race were David could overshadow events in the consecutive 25-kilometer race Heron in 14th place, 4 minutes, pool. yesterday and her second gold 05.60 seconds behind the Boasting unparallelled medal of the Gwangju titles after winner, and Brennan Gravley, strength in depth, Americans are A Caeleb winning the 5-kilometer race on who finished right behind Heron expected to dominate the medals Dressel’s Wednesday. in 15th, 6:11.30 behind. once again with swimming glit- file photo. It was also her fifth gold American Erica Sullivan was terati Caeleb Dressel and Katie INSET: Katie medal and 11th overall at the fifth in the women’s race, 3 Ledecky leading their charge for Ledecky speaks world championships since 2011. minutes, 20.20 seconds behind gold in South Korea. during a press Cunha finished in 5 hours, 8 Cunha, while teammate Katy “It’s all about racing now, conference minutes, 03.00 seconds, 8.60 Campbell finished in ninth place, about staying positive and really in Gwangju, seconds ahead of second-place 3:56.60 behind the winner. just rolling with it,” Dressel said yesterday. finisher Finnia Wunram of Only two of the 24 starters yesterday. Germany. Lara Grangeon of failed the complete the men’s “I’ve never been very public France claimed the bronze, race, while five of 21 women did about goals but the point of this 18.20 seconds behind Cunha. not finish their race. meet is really just getting your In the men’s race, Axel The 25-kilometer races hand on the wall first.” “drug cheat” over a prior three- storm enveloping swimming’s men’s blue riband event and Reymond dueled with Russian ended the seven-event open However, the spectre of month suspension for using a enfant terrible will be looking to some sizzling performances in Kirill Belyaev over the final water program at the worlds. another damaging doping banned stimulant. build confidence at these world the run-in that suggest he could meters before the Frenchman Only two open-water events will scandal looms after a leaked The bombshell revelations in championships in a dress even threaten Brazilian Cesar lunged ahead for a three-tenths be held at the Tokyo Olympics FINA doping panel report the FINA report have stirred a rehearsal for the 2020 Tokyo Cielo’s 10-year-old world record of a second victory. next year - the men’s and appeared to confirm rumours hornet’s nest likely to trigger Olympics. of 46.91sec. Reymond finished the men’s women’s 10-kilometer races - that the sport’s pantomime more salty reaction from athletes “I feel really good about my Australia flopped at the 2017 race in a time of 4:51.6.20 while and the top 10 finishes here villain smashed blood samples when they bump into Sun over preparation,” said Ledecky. world championships, finishing Belyaev clocked 4:51.06.50. qualified for those events. with a hammer after testers the next week. “Let’s see where we are eighth in the medal table but visited him last September. “Hopefully there will be no against the best in the world so have brought a leaner, meaner Sun, a nine-time world problems,” said FINA executive we can make adjustments going team to Korea led by Chalmers champion and the only swimmer director Cornel Marculescu. into 2020.” and Cate Campbell, who is to win Olympic gold over 200m, “It’s difficult to say but I don’t American swimmers plun- chasing a freestyle sprint double. 400m and 1,500 metres free- think it’s going to have an dered 18 gold, 10 silver and 10 Swedish star Sarah Sjostrom, style, clashed with rival Mack influence on the swimmers.” bronze medals in 2017 with reigning world and Olympic Horton at Rio in 2016 -- when After World Anti-Doping Britain (4-1-2) a distant second champion in the 100m butterfly the Australian labelled him a Agency (WADA) appealed to the and Russia (3-3-4) third. and world record holder over Court of Arbitration for Sport, Dressel ruled the pool in one and two laps of free, will Sun faces a possible lifetime ban Budapest, becoming only the have a say in the shake-down if found guilty at a hearing set to second swimmer to capture for medals. convene in September. seven gold medals at a single Elsewhere, Britain’s Adam Let’s see where we Any public row in Korea World Championships after Peaty takes aim at his own world would further embarrass FINA Michael Phelps achieved the feat record in the 100m breaststroke are against the best at a world championships whose in 2007. as he tries to extend a five-year Brazil’s Ana in the world so we slogan “Dive into Peace” runs The 100 metres butterfly title unbeaten run over two laps in Marcela Cunha can make adjustments alongside posters of disgraced appears Dressel’s to lose but the major competitions. celebrates during going into 2020: Katie South Korean swimmer Park tattooed pin-up will find his “The world record is my the medals Tae-hwan -- who himself has 100m freestyle crown harder to main motivation now,” he said. Ledecky ceremony, served a lengthy doping ban. cling to. Olympic champion Kyle “How to get below that magic 57 yesterday. Those not caught up in the Chalmers looks a good bet in the seconds.” US Open to be richest Pacquiao battles age, hungry Slam in history: USTA Thurman in title showdown AFP The US Tennis NEW YORK Association says the AFP for the naturally bigger Thurman. winners of the men’s LAS VEGAS Roach, who expects This year’s US Open will be and women’s singles Thurman to enter the ring at the richest Grand Slam tennis titles at the tournament Twenty-four years after first around 160 pounds once he has tournament in history after climbing into a professional rehydrated after yesterday’s will receive a record organisers yesterday boxing ring, Manny Pacquiao will weigh-in, is bracing for an early announced prize money for payday of $3.85m while attempt to defy the march of onslaught. the event had been increased the men’s and women’s time here today when he battles “I feel he’s going to try and to $57m. doubles champions undefeated American Keith come for Manny and try to prove The US Tennis Association would receive Thurman for the WBA welter- that he’s the bigger, stronger said the winners of the men’s $740,000. weight crown. man,” said Roach. and women’s singles titles at The 40-year-old Filipino “He will come forward. He’s the tournament will receive a icon clashes with Thurman at the a pretty good puncher but record payday of $3.85m and WTA Tour to help fund MGM Grand in Las Vegas in what Manny’s footwork should keep while the men’s and women’s transition programmes for is arguably his most challenging him out of trouble. doubles champions would players leaving the sport. assignment since losing to Floyd “I would love a collision receive $740,000. “We strive to be inno- Mayweather in 2015’s money- Manny Pacquiao (left) and Keith Thurman pose during their final because Manny will beat him to The purse is an eight vative, and feel that our new spinning “Fight of the ”. press conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday. the punch every time. One guy percent increase over 2018 contribution of $500,000 to Pacquiao, who has managed is fast, one guy is slow. Thurman prize money, and enables the both the ATP’s pension plan to successfully juggle a political opportunity to destroy a legend,” Pacquiao said. “Our job is to hits hard but he has no speed at US Open offer the highest and the WTA Tour’s transition career in the Philippines while Thurman declared, placing Pac- fight. He has to prove something, all. I don’t see him being able to payouts for each round of any programs for players will go continuing to box at a high level, quiao in the boxing pantheon and I have to prove something. get close to Manny because of of the four tennis majors. a long way toward the long- looked sharp in his last outing in alongside some of the sport’s It’s easy to say things. But it’s not his speed.” Over the past four years, term financial well-being of January, a unanimous decision greatest practitioners. so easy to do it in the ring.” Yet Roach acknowledges payouts for first round losers all of our sport’s athletes,” against Adrien Broner. “It’s as if I’m fighting Sugar Pacquiao’s preparations for that for all Pacquiao’s impressive have increased by 47 percent, Galbraith added. But the eight-division world Ray Robinson or Roberto the fight have followed a familiar form in training, the acid test will while players eliminated in the This year’s US Open takes champion is facing an altogether Duran,” Thurman said. routine. come under the bright lights of second round of the 2019 US place at Flushing Meadows in higher-calibre opponent in the “This is Manny Pacquiao. It’s After spending the first part the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena Open will receive $100,000. New York from August 23. shape of Thurman, renowned as a tremendous feeling, and it’s of his training camp in the Phil- today. Boxing history is littered “The US Open prides itself Meanwhile, Anna one of the hardest punchers in going to feel even greater when ippines, he relocated to Los with veterans who needed one on offering the best tennis Tatishvili, who was stripped the welterweight division with my hand is raised at the end of Angeles to work under the fight too many to realise they are players in the world the of her entire 46,000-euro 22 knockouts in 30 fights. the night.” guidance of long-time trainer shot. richest total prize money in ($52,000) prize money at Thurman, who at 30 years Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 Freddie Roach at his Wild Card “This is true,” Roach said. our sport,” USTA Chairman Roland Garros for “not playing old is a full decade younger than knockouts) has shrugged off gym in Hollywood. “Usually it doesn’t show up Patrick Galbraith said. at a professional standard”, Pacquiao, sees today as an Thurman’s blood-curdling Roach maintains that Pac- in the gym. It only shows up in The US Open is also to has had her punishment over- attempt to build his legacy, and pledges of destruction, insisting quiao has shown no sign of the fight. And I’m very aware of make a $1m contribution, split turned, the player announced has bluntly vowed to send the he harbours no animosity decline during gruelling sparring, that. And if it does show in the evenly between the ATP Tour on Twitter, yesterday. Filipino into retirement. towards the brash American. and is confident that his speed fight I’ll be the first one to stop “This is a once in a lifetime “For me nothing is personal,” and mobility will cause problems the fight if need be.” 18 SPORT SATURDAY 20 JULY 2019 Alaphilippe wins time trial, extends lead

REUTERS Bernal lost ground as the PAU, FRANCE TOUR DE FRANCE Colombian finished 22nd, 1:36 off the pace and slipped from Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe Team Ineos’ sole leader, by 1:26 third to fifth in the general continued to amaze as he and Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk classification. claimed an impressive victory in by 2:12. Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, the Stage 13 of the Tour de Today’s 14th stage is a who lost considerable ground France, a 27.2-km individual 117.5-km mountain trek from when caught at the wrong end time trial, to extend his overall Tarbes ending at top of the Col of a bunch split last Monday, lead yesterday. du Tourmalet, where the pre- moved up to seventh thanks to The Deceuninck-Quick Step race favourites will show their a solid performance that kept rider clocked 35 minutes over the hands. him within two minutes of lumpy course to beat defending “I knew on that kind of Thomas and took him to 30 champion Geraint Thomas by 14 course I could perform but I seconds behind Bernal. seconds and Belgian Thomas De didn’t think I could win. The Alaphilippe’s team mate Gendt by 36 seconds. route suited me so I told myself Enric Mac also had good day as Following his second stage ‘give everything, you have the Spaniard moved up to fourth Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe win this year, Alaphilippe leads nothing to lose’,” said world overall and snatched the white (left) poses with former French Thomas, who is emerging as number one Alaphilippe, winner jersey for the best Under-25 rider champion Bernard Hinault as he of the Milan San Remo classic from Bernal. celebrates his overall leader’s Following his second this season. Today’s Pyrenean stage is yellow jersey on the podium of stage win this year, “I pushed my limits, it was expected to be a major test for the thirteenth stage, yesterday. Alaphilippe leads crazy with the crowds, I don’t the GC riders, and all eyes will Thomas, who is emerging realise yet.” be on Thomas, who will be as Team Ineos’ sole Alaphilippe is the first expected to start gaining time on hope I won’t crack. I will cer- “I didn’t really expect that, Adam Yates, who slid down to leader, by 1:26 and Frenchman to win an individual Alaphilippe. tainly not give up.” Thomas He’s obviously going incredibly 10th in the GC after losing 2:08 time trial - prologues, which are “It’s not going to be like any- remained calm. well, so he’s certainly the on Alaphilippe. Dutchman Steven shorter, excluded - since Jean- thing we’ve seen so far during “There’s a long way to go and favourite and the one to watch No Frenchman has won the Kruijswijk by 2:12. Francois Bernard in 1987. this Tour,” the Frenchman said. a lot of hard stages to come at the minute.” The time trial was Tour since Bernard Hinault in Thomas’s team-mate Egan “I will give my best and I now,” the Briton said.. a sobering moment for Briton 1985. ICC approves concussion substitutes

REUTERS The rule has been included in the governing body’s Nicholson said. Discussions on LONDON playing conditions and will be effective starting concussion and player safety August 1 when the Ashes series between England intensified after former Australia Men’s and women’s teams and Australia begins at Edgbaston. Test batsman Phillip Hughes across all formats of interna- died in 2014, having been fatally tional and first class will hit on the head by a bouncer in be allowed to replace concussed allowed to bat and bowl, must season while the England and a first class match. players during matches be deemed a “like for like” Wales Cricket Board adopted the Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha (centre) talks with following a two-year trial in the replacement approved by the regulations for its four profes- Shahidi ignored medical advice (left) as looks on during a training domestic game, the Interna- match referee. sional domestic competitions in and continued after being session in Dubai, in this September 14, 2018 file photo. tional Cricket Council (ICC) has “Following a two-year trial... 2018. Cricket Australia (CA) and hit on the head by a bouncer in a said. in domestic cricket, the ICC the Australian Cricketers’ Asso- World Cup clash with England last The rule has been included approved concussion player ciation (ACA) welcomed the month, prompting demands that in the governing body’s playing replacements in all formats of ICC’s move to expand the rule players should not take those to sack conditions and will be effective men’s and women’s interna- to cover international cricket. calls. starting August 1 when the Ashes tional cricket and for first class “Creating an environment CA sports science manager series between England and cricket worldwide,” the ICC said where players feel comfortable Alex Kountouris said the new coaches over World Australia begins at Edgbaston. in a statement following their in dealing with concussion... and rule would allow players to Decisions on concussion will annual conference in London. are able to be appropriately declare symptoms of concussion be made by the team’s medical Concussion substitutes have accessed, is vital for their long- that could occur well after the Cup failure: Officials representative while the been on trial in Australia’s term health and wellbeing,” ACA incident, knowing their team incoming player, who will be domestic game since the 2016-17 chief executive Alistair would not be disadvantaged. AFP contract runs out.” Hathurus- ingha also acknowledged that team management had to Sri Lanka’s sports minister has “accept responsibility for what ordered the sacking of the happened.” national cricket coach after a arrive in Sri Tamim to lead Bangladesh in SL lacklustre World Cup campaign Lanka today to become the first that saw just three wins from foreign sports team to visit the AFP replacements for Mashrafe and nine games, officials said island since the April 21 suicide Saifuddin. yesterday. bombings that killed 258 people. Bangladesh will play three Chandika Hathurusingha The series starts on July 26 Bangladesh yesterday named one-day internationals in Sri and his assistants would be fired and ends on August 1 at the opener as interim Lanka respectively on July 26, after Sri Lanka’s upcoming Premadasa Stadium in for the upcoming Sri 28 and 31. one-day series against Bang- Colombo. Lanka tour after regular skipper All the matches are ladesh, said a . The contracts of fielding was ruled out scheduled in R Premadasa Sports minister Harin coach Steve Rixon, batting coach with a hamstring injury. Stadium in Colombo. Fernando has ordered the Jon Lewis and Mashrafe picked up the Mashrafe earlier at the press coaches “should go after the coach Rumesh Ratnayake will injury during a training session conference refused to confirm if Bangladesh tournament,” the also not be renewed when they shortly after he attended Bang- he would retire after the Sri official said, adding that end, according to Sri Lanka ladesh team’s formal press con- Lanka series and likened his sit- Fernando had wanted to make Cricket officials. ference in Mirpur ahead of the uation to former India captain the changes before the World Sri Lanka cricket was in tour. MS Dhoni. Cup. crisis when Hathurusingha was “Mortaza (Mashrafe) injured Tamim Iqbal (left) and Mushfiqur Rahim during Mashrafe and Dhoni both Under-pressure Hathurus- appointed in December 2017, his left hamstring during training Bangladesh’s training session in this file photo. were expected to clear their ingha had insisted last week he after a successful three-year today. He received immediate retirement plan after the recent would stay to see out his spell in charge of Bangladesh. MSK ultrasound examination Therefore, he is ruled out from All-rounder Mohammad World Cup in England in which contract. They had just been ham- which has revealed a grade 1 participation in sporting activity Saifuddin was also ruled out for they struggled with individual “I have another 16 months,” mered in Tests by India at home injury,” Bangladesh Cricket for a month,” he added. the series after he aggravated an form. he told reporters after returning and away, and played poorly in Board senior physician Debashis BCB named Tamim as old back injury, said BCB cricket While Dhoni, who made a to Colombo from the tour- one-day internationals. Under Chowdhury said in a statement. interim captain in Mashrafe’s operations chief Akram Khan. fifty in India’s losing semi-final nament where Sri Lanka fin- Hathurusingha, Sri Lanka “It is a recurrent injury that absence as regular vice-captain Pace bowler to New Zealand, remained silent ished a disappointing sixth. notched up Test wins against could take around three to four was rested for and all-rounder Farhad Reza on his future, Mashrafe chose to “I hope to remain until my England and Australia. weeks to recover from. the series. were immediately recalled as continue as team captain. Stokes nominated for New Zealander of the Year award: Report

REUTERS Stokes was born in New WELLINGTON disappointment at Lord’s but response from the awards Zealand but grew up in throughout the tournament, organisers when contacted. England when his father resonated powerfully with Kiwis Nominations for the award Ben Stokes After ripping the heart out of Gerard moved there from all walks of life,” the only opened on July 1 and close New Zealand’s bleary-eyed to take a rugby league award’s chief judge Cameron on September 15. cricket fans on Sunday with a Bennett told the New Zealand A shortlist is confirmed in man-of-the-match performance coaching job. Herald yesterday. December with the winner in the final, “Interesting to see some named next February. England all-rounder Ben Stokes 84 in the final that character having a bob each The award is typically given has now been nominated for helped his side to their maiden way: we also received nomi- to prominent members of the the New Zealander of the Year 50-over World Cup title at nations for England’s... Ben community with comedian Mike award. Lord’s on Sunday. Stokes. King, who has become a mental The 28-year-old Stokes was His exploits in the final “He might not have been health and suicide prevention born in New Zealand but grew earned some early nominations playing for the Black Caps but, advocate, the most recent to up in England when his father for the awards, as did New having been born in receive the award. Gerard moved there to take a Zealand captain Kane Wil- Christchurch, where his parents The last sportsman to win it rugby league coaching job. liamson, local media reported now live, and with Maori was former All Blacks captain Stokes remained in England yesterday. ancestry, there’s clearly a few Richie McCaw in 2016 after he when his parents returned “The way he (Williamson) Kiwis about who think we can led the side to their second suc- home and carved out a suc- conducted himself, not only in still claim him.” cessive Rugby World Cup title cessful cricketing career, scoring the face of such devastating There was no immediate in late 2015. SATURDAY 20 JULY 2019 SPORT 19 Girona FC edge Al Arabi in Spain friendly Lampard

THE PENINSULA hoping to rely on youngsters Girona FC beat Al Arabi 2-1 in their first friendly match played in Spain on Thursday. Zouma, Mount The Qatari side is currently holding a pre-season training camp in Spain, in preparation for the new season. REUTERS Al Arabi took the lead in the 15th minute before the YOKOHAMA home team equalised in the 22nd minute and produced a second goal in the 43rd minute. Frank Lampard knows he will have Al Arabi started the match with Gomez to guard the to rely on youth during his first goal, Abdul Rahman Bilal Yassin Yacoub, Jasser Yahya, season as Chelsea manager, but the Fahad Shanein, Hossam Kamal, Abdullah Marafih, Abdul former midfielder is excited about Rahman Anad, Youssef Abdul Razak, Fahd Khalfan and working with two of his young German Lasuga. charges in particular - Kurt Zouma The Al Arabi coach brought in a number of players and Mason Mount. in the second half to give the opportunity to all players Following Chelsea’s 1-0 pre- to participate in the friendly. The replacements included season friendly loss to Japanese Al Arabi and Girona FC players in action during their friendly match played in Spain, on Thursday. Jassim Jaber, Mohammed Assem, Khalifa Al Maliki and champions Kawasaki Frontale in Mahmoud Abundi. Yokohama yesterday, Lampard praised Zouma, 24, and Mount, 20. French defender Zouma spent last season on loan at Everton, where Coach Sanchez visits Al Sadd’s pre-season training camp he impressed so much that the Mer- seyside club’s manager Marco Silva Qatar national wants him back. Lampard, however, team coach Felix wants to keep his man at Stamford Sanchez (centre) shakes hands Bridge. with Al Sadd’s “He is a very good defender for Qatari defender us. A very good person, professional Abdelkarim Hassan and I want him here. Simple as that,” as his coach, said Lampard. Xavi Hernandez “We are competitive with the (left) looks on centre backs we have in the team and during their pre- he had a very good season at Everton season training - I understand why they want him - session in Olot, but he is a Chelsea player. I want him Spain, yesterday. and I want him to be happy.” The Wolves will Zouma played alongside David conclude the Luiz at centre back during the first training camp on half against Kawasaki and the Bra- July 29. RIGHT: zilian wants to make that a per- Al Sadd players manent partnership this season. in action during a “He is a great player and a great training session. friend of mine so it was amazing to be with him again,” said Luiz. “I hope he can stay because he Eriksen will help us a lot.” Another player to return to trains alone Chelsea this campaign is midfielder United’s Lukaku still Mount, who played under Lampard on loan at Derby County last season. during Spurs’ He signed a five-year contract earlier this month and Lampard is Singapore tour happy to throw the Chelsea academy not fit to face Inter product into the first team REUTERS immediately. SINGAPORE REUTERS Pogba, who joined United from “It is time for him,” said Lampard. SINGAPORE Juventus in 2016 for a then-world “His qualities will improve, even Tottenham Hotspur midfielder record fee of £89.3m ($110.83m) and more with the quality around him Christian Eriksen trained on his Manchester United manager Ole has been linked with a move away and everybody knows the hopes I own yesterday ahead of a pre- Gunnar Solskjaer said Romelu Lukaku from the club. have for Mason. season match against Juventus was not fit to play against Inter Milan “I’m looking to get all the players “He showed today just a start, a in Singapore, adding to specu- in Singapore today, as the Italian side back to the form that we were on little glimmer in early pre-season of lation the Real Madrid and reiterated their desire to lure the striker when I first came in. It’s not about just what we might see this year and Barcelona target could leave the to Serie A. Paul Pogba getting back to that form. going forward.” London club. Speaking to media yesterday It’s every one of us,” Solskjaer said. Chelsea have enjoyed success at Eriksen is entering the final ahead of the match at Singapore’s “Everyone has been spot on pre- academy level, winning seven FA year of his contract at Tot- National Stadium in the International season and the games they’ve played. Youth Cups between 2009-2018, but tenham and could leave for free Champions Cup, Solskjaer said: “He is When they are out on the pitch, I can’t few of those players have gone on to next summer. not fit, so he won’t be able to play.” fault anyone. When we have got play regularly for their first team. Last month, the Denmark Asked if Lukaku would still be a meetings, they are more Yet with the club under a FIFA international said he was ready United player at the start of the season, proactive...I’ve been very transfer ban for the next two to take on a new challenge. he added: “I don’t have any updates.” encouraged.” windows, Lampard may have to rely Argentine manager Mauricio Lukaku is yet to feature on the pre- United have pledged to invest in more heavily on youth. Pochettino told reporters season trip to Australia, Singapore and their squad in the close-season fol- Captain Cesar Azpilicueta Eriksen trained alone due to a China after taking a knock in training lowing a disappointing sixth-placed believes Lampard is the best man to “minor surgery” the playmaker earlier this week. finish in the Premier League, 32 points bring through young talent. underwent after Tottenham lost The Belgium international, who behind champions Manchester City. “We are very lucky; we have the 2-0 in the Champions League joined United two years ago, has been They have so far signed defender best academy in England,” said the final to Liverpool in June. targeted by Inter Milan, but talks Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal defender. “It’s difficult for me to between the two clubs have stalled Palace and Wales winger Daniel “We know we have the manager comment for the player,” recently, according to British media James from Championship side and his staff that have worked with a Pochettino said when asked reports. Swansea City. Solskjaer said the club lot of young players during the last about Eriksen’s desire to leave Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte, is working on “one or two” more seasons and in a very successful way.” the club. who also spoke to media on Friday, targets before the transfer window Chelsea were second best against “Because he got a small, little did not hide his desire to secure a deal closes. Kawasaki and the raucous home minor surgery after the final... for Lukaku. Solskjaer has already said the crowd got what they wanted when that is why today rather to train “I like this player and I consider team would need a “miraculous Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao alone. him an important player for us to have season” to mount a challenge in the took advantage of some sloppy “We give the option to stay a good improvement. We will see what next campaign because of how much Chelsea defending to head the in London but the medical staff will happen but now, for sure, Lukaku their rivals have improved. winner four minutes from fulltime. they decide that he can be is a United player,” Conte said. United kick off their new league Romelu Chelsea are in action again on available to play, maybe, and Solskjaer was also pressed on the season against Chelsea at Old Trafford Lukaku Tuesday, when they play Barcelona that is why he’s here.” focus and form of midfielder Paul on Aug. 11. in Saitama, just north of Tokyo. De Ligt not fazed by price tag after Juventus move

Dutch defender AP Ajax to the semi-finals. On want to do that. It’s important you want to be a good player, time Fabio Cannavaro was a Matthijs de Ligt TURIN Thursday, Juventus signed the to work hard every day and to you have to deal with it. defender that I admired,” he Netherlands defender. learn, and I hope to become a “It’s not a big deal for me. said. “I always had a good If you can’t beat them, buy Juventus is an over- better player.” I’ll just play my game, work feeling about Juventus and I’ve them. That appears to be whelming favorite to win a De Ligt became the most hard and show it on the pitch. always been a fan.” Juventus’ philosophy as it record-extending ninth expensive defender in Serie A In the end, everyone will see Another reason De Ligt continues its quest for the straight Serie A title but it is history when he completed a how I deal with it, but it’s not chose Juventus was because Champions League title. desperate to end its long wait €75m ($85m) transfer from going to be a problem.” of new coach Maurizio Sarri, In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo for European success. Ajax. A photo emerged during who replaced Massimiliano scored for Real Madrid against Since Juventus’ last title in But the teen is not fazed at the week of De Ligt wearing a Allegri at the end of the season. Juventus to eliminate the Serie 1996, it has finished runner- the price tag. Juventus shirt as a child and “I spoke to Sarri on the A champion from Europe’s up five times in the Champions “Of course, when a club he admitted he grew up idol- phone before coming, just to premier club competition. A League. buys you for a big amount of izing Juventus defender Fabio get to know each other,” De few months later Juventus “We want to win them all: money, there’s a lot of Cannavaro, who captained Ligt said. “He was one of the signed him. this is the mentality of pressure, but pressure is Italy to World Cup success in reasons that I wanted to join This year Matthijs de Ligt Juventus,” said De Ligt at his normal in football,” De Ligt 2006. here, I’ve heard a lot of good scored the goal that eliminated first news conference as a said. “The photo of me in a things about him and I like his Juventus from the Champions Juventus player yesterday. “I’m “I think pressure is the Juventus shirt was taken when footballing philosophy and League in April as he captained 19, I can still improve and I most important thing and if I was about six or seven, at that how he prepares his defense.” SATURDAY 20 JULY 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Pacquiao battles Man United’s age and hungry Lukaku still Thurman in title not fit to face showdown Inter Milan Barshim makes Diamond League return

THE PENINSULA The 2017 World Athlete In the women’s 400m, Salwa Eid European champion. British fans will DOHA of the Year will join Naser will start as favourite to also be delighted to see sprinter compatriot Abderrahman capture her eighth 400m victory of James Ellington return to the track Star high jumper Mutaz Essa Samba and 19 reigning the season, and 12th straight over the two and a half years after surviving Barshim, the 2017 World Athlete of distance. a serious motorcycle accident. the Year, will be under the spotlight world champions at the Thirteen days ago, the 21-year- World leader Elaine Thompson when the 28-year-old Qatari makes two-day Muller Anniversary old scorched to a 49.17 win in (22.00) is the class of the field in the his first IAAF Diamond League Games in London. Lausanne, the second fastest of her women’s 200m while Karsten appearance in 13 months tomorrow career. But she was chased to the line Warholm returns to action in the in London. current world leader Ilya Ivanyuk there by Aminatou Seyni, the 400m hurdles for the first time since Barshim will join compatriot who topped 2.33m in Szekesfe- 22-year-oldold from Niger who clipped his European record run of 47.33 in Abderrahman Samba and 19 reigning hervar, Hungary nine days ago. more thann a secosecondnd ffromrom heherr llifetimeifetime OOsloslo in June. AnotherAnother world champions as the British Syria’s Majd Eddin Ghazal, who took best in thathat race, finishinfinishingg jjustust 0.02 worldworld chamchampion,pion, capital welcomes some of the top bronze at the IAAF World Champi- behind thee Bahraini. She’ll be looking Omar McLeoMcLeodd athletes in the world at the Muller onships London 2017, where to better ttimeime hherer ffinishinish on SaturSaturday.day. headsheads tthehe fieldfield Anniversary Games which begin Barshim won the gold, is also on the Jamaica’ss Olympic bronze medallist inin thethe 110m today at the London Stadium. slate. Sherickaa JacJackson,kson, wwhoho cclockedlocked a hhurdles,urdles, takingtaking The reigning world champion Meanwhile, the men’s 400m will 49.78 lifetimeetime best in Kingston a onon Briton Andy and the two-time Olympic medallist, see a wide open contest. One-lap month ago,go, is alsoalso in tthehe line-up.line-up. PozziPozzi anandd AsianAsian Barshim, who was sidelined due to hurdles speciallist Abderrahman The mmen’sen’s 100m will round out championchampion Xie an injury which he suffered during Samba will be contesting the flat the first day’say’s action on tthehe DiamonDiamondd Wenjun of an attempt on a would-be world after his runner-up finish in that League programme.rogramme. The favourites China. record of 2.46m in Szekesfehervar Monaco race. include AfricanAfrican championchampion Akani last year, resumed training in April Jonathan Jones of Barbados will Simbine, OlympicOlympic 100m before making a roaring return to line up with hopes for a bit of bronze mmedallistedallist action, leaping to 2.27m to win at redemption after last Friday’s fiasco Andre Dee GGrasserasse Sopot Grand Prix Athletics in Sopot, during which he ran the entire lap and Greatat BritBrit-- Poland, in June. after not hearing the recall gun that ain’s ZZharnelharnel In London, he will be up against sounded an apparent false start. Hughes,, thethe Abderrahman Samba Mutaz Essa Barshim Holmes, Lowry on Qatari officials attend FINA General Congress the charge at Open

REUTERS Three-time champion two American heavyweights Fleetwood grew up PORTRUSH, N IRELAND Tiger Woods and Phil have both appeared that playing links golf at neither survived for the Southport and delighted the Ireland’s Shane Lowry Mickelson miss the cut. weekend. crowd with a birdie on the proved master of the Lowry, given loud 18th. Westwood, 46, has had Dunluce links for the second It is the first time in support by the packed gal- to wait a lot longer for his successive day to move into the 83 majors in which leries, opened with three first major, having had 18 a share of the halfway lead successive birdies, made top-10 finishes but never a with American J B Holmes at the two American another at the fifth and victory. the British Open yesterday. heavyweights have another at the eighth to But with his girlfriend on A flurry of birdies early both appeared that move into the lead his bag, he rolled back the in a sizzling outward nine of neither survived for outright. years with a brilliant round, 31 looked like giving the When his ball, sporting including a 65-foot birdie at 32-year-old from across the the weekend. the four-leafed clover the 16th. border the outright lead but emblem, disappeared after Koepka suffered a cool a bogey at the 18th left him a monster putt on the 10th day with the putter but was Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim Al Buenain and President on eight under after suc- Smith, who scored a 66, and he held a two-shot lead but happy to be in the pack. of Qatar Swimming Association, Khaleel Al Jabir, pose for a photograph with the cessive rounds of 67. England’s Justin Rose after a three-putted the 14th. A “Right where I want to be President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), Julio Maglione, and Holmes, the overnight 67. super par-save at the 17th and close enough to make a other officials during the FINA General Congress and gala dinner held in Gwangju, leader, had the better of the South Africa’s Dylan Frit- kept him ahead but he paid run this weekend,” the four- South Korea, yesterday. weather earlier in the day telli, who only secured his for an aggressive chip on the time major winner said. and consolidated his chal- place last week, was also on last and missed a 12-foot par Late in the day all eyes lenge with a 68. six under after his charge putt. turned to local favourite They will play together was tempered by a double- “I’m disappointed with Rory McIlroy who produced in the last group today in bogey at the 17th. the bogey but I’m where I a thrilling counter-attack in what promises to be a battle Holmes left several other want to be and happy with a bid to make the cut after of the beards. bigger-name Americans in my two days’ work,” said his nightmare 79 on Once again the par-71 the shade again although Lowry, from County Offaly Thursday. layout on the Antrim coast Brooks Koepka, the world in Ireland. “I knew the rain After 12 holes McIlroy proved tough terrain for the number one, and 2017 was coming so I wanted to was five under for his round world’s best golfers, although winner Jordan Spieth, are get a fast start. I’m very, very and just two shots of the one- there were some low well-placed to challenge on excited for over cut mark. numbers on a congested five under. There will be no tomorrow. leaderboard. trademark Tiger Woods English duo Tommy charge on Saturday, Fleetwood and Lee however, after he missed the Westwood, both looking for cut. their first majors, made hay Woods looked more like with rounds of 68 moving a 15-time major champion them to seven under while yesterday after his opening- South African Justin Hard- round 78 but his one-under ing’s posted the lowest round 70 was in vain. of the day, six birdies and an Phil Mickelson was also eagle helping him to a six- cut, meaning it is the under 65 to move three off first time in the 83 the lead. Alongside Harding majors in are Aus- tralian which Cameron the Qatar’s Cherif, Tijan advance in Espinho Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan in action during the FIVB World Tour Four- star event in Espinho, Portugal, yesterday. The reigning Asian champions defeated their Italian counterparts Tiziano Andreatta and Andrea Abbiati 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) in their first Main Draw - Pool F match before going down to Spanish duo Pablo Herrera Allepuz and Adrián Gavira Collado 0-2 (19-21, 23-25) in the second match. US golfer J B Holmes tees off on the 18th hole during The Qatari duo, ranked fourth in the world, advanced to the knockout round and will the second round of the British Open at Royal Portrush meet Canadians Sam Pedlow and Sam Schachter in round 2 today. golf club in Northern Ireland, yesterday.