FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 RRUGBYUGBY | Page 6 Van Dijk, Fit-again lock Rapinoe among Barrett returns, FIFA Best player Hansen cuts 5 nominees from squad

Thursday, August 1, 2019 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 29, 1440 AH Clinical Sri Lanka GULF TIMES whitewash ‘negative’ Bangladesh SPORT Page 7

HORSE RACING / QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Ebraz wins big in Arabian feature on second day His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s horse wins Qatar International Stakes on his third attempt

QREC chairman Issa al-Mohannadi (second from left) presents the trainer’s trophy to John Gosden (centre) after Too Darn Hot won the Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday.

Al Shahania Stud director Abdulrahman al-Mansour (fourth from right), trainer Julian Smart (third from right) and jockey Maxime Guyon (second from right) celebrate Ebraz’s victory in the Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA) at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

By A Correspondent this sponsorship, the answer has in the last two renewals of the Goodwood, United Kingdom become quite clear. The event Group 1 event and Smart was de- has been held since 1802, and lighted that he had fi nally got his therefore has its traditions and head in front. He said: “We came is Highness Sheikh heritage. The sponsorship has back to try and win this race with Mohamed bin Khalifa contributed to strengthening the Ebraz again this year. The Qa- al-Thani’s Ebraz landed partnership between Qatar and tar Goodwood Festival is a very the big Arabian prize on the United Kingdom in various prestigious meeting and to have Hsecond day of the Qatar Good- fi elds. an Arabian race within the meet- wood Festival, going one better “Through the embassy, we ing is very important. It gives us than his previous attempts at conducted a study on the impact a wider audience and allows peo- the Qatar International Stakes of Qatar’s sponsorship of the ple to watch our racing.” (From left) QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi, QREC chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi and (Group 1 PA) yesterday. Festival. The results were great, Al Shahania Stud director Qatar’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Yousef bin Ali al-Khater at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. Present yesterday were Qatar’s demonstrating a high increase Abdulrahman al-Mansour ex- ambassador to the United King- in the turnout of both racegoers pressed his pleasure with Ebraz’s Arabian World Cup at Paris- up his 11th Group 1 win this year. £75,000 Unibet Handicap to be- dom Yousef bin Ali al-Khater, and TV viewers, and in the Eng- win. “First of all, I would like Longchamp in October. I wish The partnership beat the Aidan come trainer Mark Johnston’s Qatar Racing and Equestrian lish people’s awareness of Qatar’s Stakes (Group 1 PA) with Max- to congratulate His Highness Al Shahania Stud all the best O’Brien-trained duo Circus 79th winner at the famous meet- Club (QREC) chairman Issa bin commitment to horseracing and ime Guyon in the saddle. Julian Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- especially with the high atten- Maximus and I Can Fly in the ing. Johnston had another win- Mohamed al-Mohannadi, Qatar the equestrian sport, as well as Smart-trained six-year-old fi n- Thani,” he said. tion paid by His Highness Sheikh mile-long contest. ner when Mrs Bouquet topped and the Asian equestrian fed- the success of the events spon- ished with a fl ourish to win the “It is the fi rst victory for Ebraz Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani John Quinn-trained Liberty Alice Keppel EBF Fillies’ Condi- erations president Hamad bin sored by Qatar. The study has miler by two and three-quarter during the Qatar Goodwood Fes- and his keenness to own the best Beach recorded her fourth win tions Race (Class 2). Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, QREC also shown the appreciation of lengths. Tayf, owned by His tival. It is certainly special be- Arabian breeds in the world.” from fi ve starts with a smart suc- Mannaal was Simon Crisford’s CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi offi cials in England for Qatar’s Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin cause it coincides with Gazwan’s Newmarket trainer John Gos- cess in the £75,000 Markel Insur- fi rst success at the Festival, win- and QREC Board members. role in sponsoring the Festival, Khalifa al-Thani and trained by victory at Newbury a few days den and Frankie Dettori notched ance Molecomb Stakes (Group 3). ning the £30,000 British EBF “When Qatar got the right to which is one of the best sports Alban de Mieulle, was the run- ago, which means that Al Sha- their second straight feature at the Luke Morris rode Timoshenko Premier Fillies’ Handicap, while sponsor this prestigious Festival sponsorships in the United King- ner-up with Olivier Peslier in the haniya Stud dominates the Ara- Qatar Goodwood Festival with Too to a gutsy victory in the £50,000 Richard Hannon-trained Dirty in 2015, the question was what dom currently.” saddle. Tadgh O’Shea rode Karen bian racing scene in the UK.” Darn Hot landing the £1,059,250 Unibet Goodwood Handicap Rascal captured the fi nal race on benefi t would Qatar get from His Highness Sheikh Moham- Van Den Bos-trained Lightning Al-Mansour added: “We will Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1). for Newmarket trainer Sir Mark the second day of the Festival, such sponsorship,” said al-Khat- ed’s Ebraz won the prestigious Bolt to third. have other challenges in the near Too Darn Hot was nudged to Prescott. the £ 25,000 New & Lingwood er. “Five years after the start of £400,000 Qatar International Ebraz had fi nished second future, especially in the Qatar victory by Dettori, who picked Sir Ron Priestley won the Handicap.

ATHLETICS IAAF hails ‘parity and clarity’ aft er Semenya ruling

AFP in events between the 400m and Swiss Federal Tribunal that classifi ed, biologically, as men. “human guinea pig” and vowed “Thus, with the participation of Paris mile, as she did in June and July. “there are some contexts, sport It is a position hotly contested by never to again allow the IAAF to a female athlete with ‘46 XY DSD’ “The IAAF welcomes the being one of them, where biol- South African offi cials. enforce medication upon her in in the ‘protected class women’, a Swiss Federal Tribunal’s decision ogy has to trump gender identity, In the build-up to the 2009 order to compete. basic principle of top-class sports, Swiss court ruling that today to revoke its Super-Provi- which is why the IAAF believes world championships in Ber- The Swiss Federal Tribunal, in namely fair competition, is disre- blocks South African sional Order of 31 May 2019 after (and the CAS agreed) that the lin, where Semenya went on to its ruling released Wednesday, garded from the outset.” Caster Semenya from hearing the IAAF’s arguments,” DSD (diff erences of sexual devel- win gold in the 800m, the South was also not optimistic for Se- Semenya on Tuesday ex- defending her world the International Association of opment) regulations are a neces- African had to undergo gender menya’s ongoing appeal. pressed her disappointment at A800m title in Doha in Septem- Athletics Federations said after sary, reasonable and proportion- verifi cation testing to confi rm It concluded “in a fi rst sum- being ruled out of defending her ber creates much-needed “par- the judge’s ruling was made pub- ate means of protecting fair and her eligibility to compete in the mary examination, that Caster title, adding: “This will not deter ity and clarity” in athletics, the lic yesterday. meaningful competition in elite women’s category. Semenya’s appeal does not ap- me from continuing my fi ght for sport’s governing body said yes- “This decision creates much- female athletics”. She was subsequently put on pear with high probability to be the human rights of all of the fe- terday. needed parity and clarity for all medication to reduce her tes- well founded”. male athletes concerned.” A judge at the Swiss Federal athletes as they prepare for the ‘PEOPLE CAN BE MEAN’ tosterone levels, spending six “The CAS, after thoroughly She later tweeted: “People can Tribunal on Monday revoked a World Championships in Doha Semenya is classifi ed as a wom- months sidelined by the IAAF. evaluating the expert evidence, be mean. Don’t take it personally. temporary suspension on the this September.” an, was raised as a woman and Semenya, born with the “46 found that the ‘46 XY DSD’ char- It says nothing about you, but a IAAF’s controversial testoster- Semenya had appealed to the tration for Sport (CAS). races as a woman. XY” chromosome rather than the acteristic has a direct impact lot about them.” one-curbing rules, meaning Swiss court in May after failing The IAAF added that it would But for the IAAF, women like XX chromosome most females on performance in sport, which Semenya followed that up yes- two-time Olympic champion to get the new IAAF regulations maintain its position in the re- Semenya, with certain mascu- have, described the experience could never be achieved by other terday by saying: “Determined Semenya can no longer compete overturned by the Court of Arbi- mainder of proceedings at the line attributes due to DSD, are as like that of being treated like a women,” the tribunal said. spirit is unstoppable.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 1, 2019 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT African Champions Van Dijk, Rapinoe League fi nal remains in limbo aft er CAS decision among FIFA Best Yet the referee ruled it out for Reuters Lausanne, Switzerland off side and turned down animat- ed appeals from the Wydad play- ers to consult the VAR because he decision to order a the system was not working. replay of the African Wydad refused to continue Champions League fi nal and the argument continued on was thrown out by the the pitch between the teams and player nominees TCourt of Arbitration for Sport offi cials for some two hours be- (CAS) yesterday, who told the fore the game was called off and Confederation of African Foot- Esperance were awarded the tro- Liverpool’s Klopp and US women’s team’s Ellis among nominees for coach of the year ball (CAF) to refer the case to its phy. proper disciplinary structures Five days later, CAF’s execu- for a decision. tive committee said the second Women’s World Cup champs ‘right’ to The Swiss-based court’s rul- leg must be replayed on neutral pursue equal pay: men’s union ing leaves the fi nal in limbo. The territory, a decision made after original fi xture was abandoned a meeting in Paris just before the AFP Men’s World Cup — to be and the match awarded to Es- FIFA Congress. Los Angeles hosted jointly by the United perance after opponents Wydad Esperance appealed to CAS to States, Mexico and Canada — Casablanca left the pitch follow- be reinstated as champions af- until the federation pays its ing a disputed decision. ter Wydad’s walk off , while the he union representing women’s national team “fair After a delay of almost two Moroccans argued they should players on the US men’s and equitable wages.” hours, home side Esperance were be declared winners or, alterna- Tfootball team Tuesday Cordeiro said Monday that, in handed the trophy and winners’ tively, both legs of the fi nal be slammed “false accounting” fact, women players were paid medals, but were told to return annulled and a single replay or- used by US Soccer president $34.1mn by the federation from them days later after the CAF dered. Carlos Cordeiro in claim- 2010 to 2018 in salaries and executive committee ordered a CAS said it rejected Wydad’s ing the federation had paid bonuses — including National replay on neutral territory, citing appeal, but the question of women players more than Women’s Soccer League sala- “unsafe conditions”. whether the match would be re- men. ries for national team members After appeals by both clubs, played and the associated disci- Cordeiro made the claim on — while members of the men’s CAS ruled that CAF’s executive plinary procedure, would need to Monday in an open letter national team were paid committee “did not have juris- be considered by the appropriate to federation members, $26.4mn over the same period. diction” to order that the fi nal be CAF body. with mediation looming in a The figures did not include replayed and annulled that deci- CAS’ decision will be seen as federal lawsuit brought by bonuses received by US Soccer sion. another setback for CAF’s belea- players on the women’s team from FIFA for World Cup per- In a statement yesterday, CAS guered president Ahmad Ahmad, that accuses the federation formances because, Cordeiro said it had referred the matter whose committee ordered the of “institutionalised gender said, the federation couldn’t be back to the African soccer body replay amid accusations by his Liverpool’s Dutch player Virgil van Dijk and US national team’s Megan Rapinoe. (Reuters) discrimination” that includes held responsible for the dispar- for the “competent CAF au- critics that he was pandering to inequitable compensation ity in those sums. thorities to review the incidents” the Moroccans. DPA Ball for best player at June and won the Copa Libertadores. when compared to players on When the bonuses are and decide whether the match Ahmad is facing a FIFA ethics Berlin July’s World Cup in France. Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, France’s the men’s national team. included, members of the should be replayed or not. The investigation into alleged cor- Teammates Alex Morgan, Julie Didier Deschamps and Fernando “This is more of the same men’s team earned a com- two teams had drawn 1-1 in the ruption and sexual harassment Ertz and Rose Lavelle are also on Santos of Nations League win- from a federation that is bined $41mn between 2010 fi rst leg of the fi nal in Casablanca while CAF’s administration is iverpool’s Champions the shortlist with Lyon’s Ada ners Portugal complete the list constantly in disputes and and 2018, while the women and Esperance were 1-0 up in the being taken over on Thursday League-winning de- Hegerberg among others named. of nominees for the men’s prize. litigation and focuses on received $39.7mn. return match on May 31 when by FIFA general secretary Fatma fender Virgil van Dijk Last year’s winner Marta of The favourite for best coach increasing revenue and The women have won back- Wydad netted what they thought Samoura, who is leading an over- and Megan Rapinoe, who Brazil is not included. of a women’s team would appear profits without any idea how to-back World Cup titles while was a 59th-minute equaliser. haul of the African organisation. Linspired the United States to a The winners in all categories to be Ellis, who announced on to use that money to grow the men failed to qualify for second straight women’s World will be announced at a gala in Tuesday she would leave her job the sport,” the men’s players’ the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Cup title, were among the nom- Milan on September 23. in October having become the union statement said. “The Molly Levinson, a spokesper- inees yesterday for FIFA’s ‘Best’ Liverpool coach Juergen fi rst coach to win two women’s women’s national team play- son for the women players, awards. Klopp and departing US wom- World Cups last month. ers deserve equal pay and are called the figures cited by Cor- FIFA said in a statement that en’s coach Jill Ellis are among Also on the 10-person short- right to pursue a legal remedy deiro “utterly false” and said Netherlands captain Van Dijk, the nominees for the coach of list is Reynald Pedros, who in- from the courts or Congress.” inclusion of the NWSL salaries who also helped shore up Liver- the year awards. spired French women’s club side The issue was centre stage as inflated their compensation. pool’s defence as they fi nished Klopp faces competition from Lyon to their league, cup and the United States triumphed The men’s players’ union also a close second in the Premier two other Premier League coach- Champions League treble. in the Women’s World Cup in said the figures were suspect. League, had been joined on the es. Manchester City’s Pep Guar- The public can vote for their France in July, chants of “equal “The Cordeiro letter includes shortlist by Reds teammates Mo- diola won the title by a point from preferences via FIFA’s website. pay” raining down on the the claim that the USWNT lost hamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool last term while Totten- The fan vote will be equally champions after they defeated $27mn over the past 11 years, Croatia and Real Madrid’s ham Hotspur’s Mauricio Pochet- weighted alongside the votes the Netherlands in the final. but admits that is based on Luka Modric, winner in 2018, tino lost to Klopp in the Champi- of journalists, national team Lawyers for the women play- false accounting because the was omitted but Cristiano Ron- ons League fi nal. coaches and captains. ers filed a lawsuit on March Federation ‘traditionally’ does aldo, Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, Others contenders include The men’s player award used 8 demanding equal pay and not count any of the sponsor- Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Brazil’s Copa America-winning to be called FIFA World Player conditions to their less suc- ship, television, or marketing Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de coach Tite, Ricardo Gareca of of the Year before merging with cessful male counterparts. money the Federation gener- Jong were included. runners-up Peru, Djamel Bel- France Football’s Ballon d’Or in US lawmakers have proposed ates from USWNT and USMNT For the women’s award, Rapi- madi of African Nations Cup 2010. They split again in 2016 legislation that would block players and their games,” the noe is nominated after winning champions Algeria and Marcelo and FIFA’s award was rebranded federal funding for the 2026 statement said. In this June 1, 2019, picture, the video assistant referee (VAR) system the Golden Boot and Golden Gallardo, whose River Plate side Best Player of the Year. is seen on field during the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Tunisia’s Esperance sportive de Tunis and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club at the Olympic stadium in Rades, Tunisia. (AFP) BOTTOMLINE CHANGE Security, heat and lawsuits — the story Scaloni confi rmed as of European football clubs in Asia Argentina coach for

AFP hours on social media or read 2022 WC qualifying Suzhou, China news from back home — which Newcastle United’s young goal- AFP keeper Freddie Woodman said Buenos Aires, Argentina uge entourages, heavy was a blessing. security and demands for the sort of police ‘SURVIVAL’ FOR GUARDIOLA ionel Scaloni signed a protection normally The visits — Singapore, Japan, contract extension with Hreserved for heads of state — South Korea and Australia were Argentina on Tuesday to European football teams jetting also on some itineraries — are run until the end of the across Asia leave nothing to ultimately about creating profi ts Lqualifying period for the 2022 chance, but sometimes run into and goodwill, but not every visit World Cup in Qatar, the Argen- problems anyway. has ended well. tine Football Association (AFA) The money-spinning pre- According to South Korean said on its website and social me- season tours are a far cry from media, demands from Juventus dia channels. 30 years ago, when the likes of to have a police escort — nor- The 41-year-old was initially Manchester United would play mally reserved for visiting heads hired as interim coach last Au- friendlies against local sides, or of state — were refused. gust, just over two weeks after at most hop over to Ireland. Juventus arrived at the sta- Jorge Sampaoli was sacked fol- United, now a global brand, dium for an exhibition match in lowing Argentina’s last 16 elimi- sent staff to Shanghai sev- Seoul 15 minutes after kick-off , nation from the 2018 World Cup Lionel Messi, following the Copa eral times ahead of last week’s delaying the game by an hour, in Russia. America. friendly against Tottenham to In this July 20, 2019, picture, Manchester City’s coach Pep Guardiola gives instructions during the match after their plane from China Last November his deal was Messi, though, will miss the ensure that the Hongkou Sta- against Wolverhampton Wanderers’ at the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy in Shanghai. (AFP) landed late. extended until December of this start of World Cup qualifying dium pitch was up to scratch. The Italian champions then year. Following a third-place after he was handed a one-game Paris Saint-Germain dis- were left empty-handed. assembled squad — plus dozens up at the deluxe Fairmont riled fans by keeping star attrac- fi nish at the Copa America in ban by South American football’s patched a chef ahead of the City’s guarded approach — of club staff — took over the ex- Yangcheng Lake hotel. tion Cristiano Ronaldo on the Brazil, which ended earlier this governing body CONMEBOL for team’s arrival in each location in their security detail was never clusive, 130-room Banyan Tree Throw in training in fi erce bench. More than 2,000 South month, Scaloni has been given his red card in the Copa America Asia to check that the food ad- far away — angered China’s state hotel in Shanghai. heat, and media and commer- Koreans plan to sue the sports the chance to try to qualify for third-place play-off , in which heres to the players’ strict pre- news agency Xinhua, which ac- Rooms at the self-styled “ur- cial duties, and midfi elder Julian agency involved. the World Cup. Argentina beat Chile 2-1. season diets. cused City of an “attitude of ar- ban retreat in the city’s most Draxler said it was no holiday. There is little teams can do Qualifi ers begin in March 2020 South American qualifying for Security — which usually rogance”. scenic location” start at nearly The 25-year-old German about temperatures touching 40 and will run until mid November the World Cup involves a single means keeping away overzeal- Guardiola retorted: “Maybe 2,000 yuan a night ($300). World Cup winner told AFP that degrees (104F), heavy rain, jet 2021. round robin with 10 teams play- ous fans — has been a primary one journalist is a little bit up- PSG brought a heaving del- he was happy to be in China and lag, traffi c and fl ight delays. He will also be in charge for ing each other home and away. concern for the clubs fanning set, I don’t know why, but it’s far egation of 120 people for their meet Chinese fans, but conced- Bad weather saw PSG stuck next year’s Copa America hosted The top four sides will qualify out across Asia this month. away from what is reality.” trip to Shenzhen, Macau and ed: “Honestly, when we are in in Suzhou yesterday morning, jointly by Argentina and Colom- directly for Qatar while the fi fth Manchester City coach Pep Suzhou, among them eight se- pre-season, we see the hotel, the while City’s fl ight to China was bia. placed team will go into an inter- Guardiola was accompanied by ‘NO VACATION’ curity personnel with walkie- plane, the bus and the pitches. It’s delayed by two days because of a Scaloni, who had never held continental play-off . a beefy member of security as he When it comes to accommo- talkies and at least two cooks in not like we go out and try some paperwork problem. a head coach job before being Argentina play friendlies made the short walk to the team dation for City, United, Paris club-crested chef uniforms. restaurants or go shopping.” When they fi nally arrived, appointed to lead the national against Chile and Mexico in the coach inside the bowels of Nan- Saint-Germain, Juventus and While in the Chinese city of In China, because of Inter- Guardiola hardly looked de- team, had been boosted by sup- United States in September and jing Olympic Stadium. the rest, it is only the best. Suzhou for Tuesday’s 3-0 win net restrictions, players have lighted. port from his players, including then travel to face Germany in Autograph and selfi e-hunters Guardiola and his expensively over Sydney FC, PSG pitched not been able to while away the “It’s survival,” he grimaced. fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner October. Gulf Times Thursday, August 1, 2019 3 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE LOC all set to host exceptional Beach Games By Sports Reporter World Beach Games programme tara Beach and the Gharafa Beach Doha have been chosen and agreed upon Sports Complex. between the ANOC and the LOC. Qatar has been awarded the Representatives from more hosting rights of ANOC First he Local Organis- than 80 NOCs attended the Chef World Beach Games due to its glo- ing Committee (LOC) de Mission Seminar in Doha on bal sport reputation, fi rst-class of ANOC World Beach July 8-10. sport infrastructure, beautiful Games Qatar 2019 has The meeting had a presenta- beaches and distinctive record in Tstarted its preparations in organ- tion on the delegation registra- hosting major sport events. ising ANOC’s inaugural Beach tion process as well as compre- Some of the major events that Games from October 12-16 under hensive presentations on Games the country has hosted are 2006 the umbrella of Association of Services, including arrivals and Asian Games, 2010 World Ath- National Olympic Committees departures, accommodation, letics Indoor Championship, (ANOC). transport, security, media, anti- 2011 Arab Games, 2014 FINA The ANOC World Beach doping, telecommunications, Short Swimming Course, 2015 Games LOC is seeking to organ- ticketing and ceremonies. The IHF Handball World Champi- ise an exceptional fi rst Beach meeting concluded with presen- onship and in the same year IPC Games where they will be utilis- tations on NOC services. Athletics and AIBA Boxing world ing the vast experience of Qatari The Chef de Missions toured championships, 2016 ICU Road sport offi cials in hosting major the Athletes’ Village, which will World Cycling, 2018 Artistic international sport events and be located in the Ezdan Hotel, Gymnastics World Champion- providing good environment for and visited the diff erent accom- ship. In addition to the upcoming athletes to compete in 14 beach modation rooms and meeting events this year, Qatar will host sports at Katara, Aspire and Al rooms. Delegates then saw the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Gharafa beach venues. proposed locations of the venue FINA Open Waters World Cham- All competitions in the ANOC master plan as they toured Ka- pionship. Representatives from more than 80 NOCs attended the Chef de Mission Seminar in Doha recently.

TENNIS FORMULA 1 Verstappen hopes Americans Gauff , to continue the Stephens crash out party in Hungary Swede Peterson sent top seed Stephens packing, while Kazakh Diyas beat Gauff

Reuters Washington, United States Azarenka stomps Tan at Silicon Valley Classic

op seed and former Agencies six games to set up a second- champion Sloane Los Angeles round clash with Spain’s Stephens crashed out of eighth-seeded Carla Suarez the Citi Open in Wash- Navarro. Tington as she suff ered a stun- ormer world number “I’m in for another match, so ning 6-2, 7-5 fi rst-round loss one Victoria Azarenka I’m pumped,” said Mattek- to Swede Rebecca Peterson on Foverpowered tourna- Sands, who like seven-time Reuters and ‘could have beens’,” com- Tuesday while teenager Cori ment qualifier Harmony Tan Grand Slam champion Williams Budapest mented Red Bull boss Christian ‘Coco’ Gauff also fell in straight 6-2, 6-4 to reach the second received a wild card into the Horner after a wet and chaotic sets. round of the Silicon Valley draw. weekend in Hockenheim. Stephens, whose best result Classic in Northern California Mattek-Sands was sidelined for ed Bull’s German Grand “We’ve got a car that’s capa- this year was a run to the Madrid on Tuesday. more than a year after suff er- Prix winner Max Ver- ble of qualifying near the front semi-fi nals in May, was mis- The Belarusian converted ing a ruptured Patella tendon stappen and his Dutch now, we’ve got a great racecar fi ring from the start and never seven of her 12 break point op- and dislocated kneecap at army of Formula One and everybody in Milton Keynes, managed to settle into much of a fansR hope to continue the party Adrian (Newey) and his team, are portunities to advance to the Wimbledon in 2017. groove in her fi rst meeting with second round, where she will She returned to win the US in Hungary on Sunday, even if it all getting performance through the Swedish world number 70. face fifth-seeded Donna Vekic Open mixed doubles title in will be hard to match the mad- to the car as well. Peterson enjoyed a dream of Croatia. 2018, but has been sidelined ness of Hockenheim last week- “Hopefully we can sign off start as she raced out to a 5-2 American Danielle Collins again this year by another knee end. with a good result in Budapest lead and ultimately took the came out ahead in a marathon injury. The Hungaroring, narrow and then the second half of the opening set in 29 minutes when 6-4 5-7 6-2 battle with China’s “It’s been a tough couple of and technical and sometimes year we’re expecting hopefully Stephens sent a routine back- Zhang Shuai on a sun-soaked years,” she said. “I’ve had a few described as ‘Monaco with- some more good things.” hand from the baseline into the afternoon on the campus of surgeries – I feel like I’ve had out walls’ because of the diffi - Verstappen’s hopes went up in net. San Jose State University. 12 surgeries – but I’m feeling culty of overtaking, is a circuit smoke after six laps in Hungary Stephens, who triumphed The rising 25-year-old Univer- really good.” that should play to Red Bull’s a year ago, when the team were here in 2015, started to settle sity of Virginia product said her and I think it paid off today.” since the Australian Open, ral- Unable to capitalise in the strengths. powered by Renault engines and down in the second and led 5-4 conditioning was the diff erence Collins will next face Zheng Sai- lied to beat Venus Williams 6-7 first-set tiebreaker after claw- Verstappen arrives with two Hamilton won from pole position but Peterson broke back to get in her first-round match. sai after the Chinese defeated (4), 6-3, 6-1. ing back from 4-2 down, she wins from the last three races after a wet qualifying. back on serve and never looked “I think I did a really great job Britton Heather Watson 6-3 6-1 Mattek-Sands, 34, notched her dominated the next two sets. and, while a massive 63 points Hamilton has won a record back. making it physical,” Collins in their first-round match. first singles match win in more “I think I neutralised Venus’s adrift of fi ve times world cham- six times in Budapest and he has Up next for Peterson will be said. than a year -- since a first-round serve a little bit,” Mattek-Sands pion Lewis Hamilton in the vowed to “come back with fi ght- Italian Camila Giorgi, who de- “I’ve been working a lot on my MATTEK-SANDS RALLIES TO victory at the 2018 French said. “A lot of times she can get standings, is looming increas- ing spirit” after a German week- feated Sachia Vickery to ad- fitness the last couple weeks BEAT VENUS Open. some free points on that first ingly in the Mercedes mirrors. end in which he started on pole, vance. after Wimbledon. I’ve had a Bethanie Mattek-Sands, playing She dropped her serve to open serve, so I stood back a little The track is a favourite, even if fi nished 11th on the track and was Gauff , the 15-year-old sensa- good couple weeks of training her first WTA singles match the third set, but won the final bit.” it gave the 21-year-old plenty to then promoted to ninth. tion who made a stunning run swear about last year. The champion, who has won to the fourth round at Wimble- “We’ve won two races so far seven of 11 races, said on Sunday don and came through quali- and a couple of other podiums, he was going home to sleep and fi ers to reach the main draw in a couple of ‘should have beens’ had cleared out his diary. Washington, fell 6-4, 6-2 in the afternoon to Zarina Diyas of Ka- zakhstan. GOLF The turning point came at the end of the fi rst set as Diyas con- verted her fourth set point of the game when Gauff sent a fore- Woods commits to hand into the net. That brought an end to a game that had lasted more than 10 two playoff events minutes and left the youngster visibly frustrated. Reuters Diyas held at love to start the Toronto second set and rolled to the win before packed stands on a hot and humid day in the US capital. iger Woods will return Gauff did herself no favours, to action for the fi rst two smacking her 33rd unforced er- legs of the FedExCup ror on match point having also playoff s, which will mark given Diyas 16 break points, fi ve Tonly the second time all year he of which she was able to convert. has competed in consecutive weeks. BAPTISTE STUNS KEYS Woods, who has committed As one American teenager fal- to playing a reduced schedule in tered another delivered as unh- hopes of preserving his health, eralded 17-year-old Hailey Bap- said on Twitter he will tee it up tiste shocked second-seeded at the Aug 8-11 Northern Trust in Madison Keys 7-6 (4), 6-2 in New Jersey followed by the BMW their fi rst-round meeting. Championship in Chicago the Keys appeared in control following week. when she went up a break in the The two tournaments will fi rst set but Baptiste immedi- mark the fi rst time Woods, who Woods, who was written off ately broke back and managed missed the cut at the British by many experts as he battled to outslug the hard-hitting Keys Cori Gauff of the United States returns a shot to Zarina Diyas (not Open in his last tournament out- back problems, has competed in the rest of the way to claim her pictured) of Kazakhstan in the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center ing, has competed in back-to- 10 events this season including fi rst career WTA match win. in Washington, DC, United States, on Tuesday. (AFP) back weeks since playing at Rivi- at the Masters in April where he Olympic champion Monica era and Mexico in February. claimed his 15th major title. Puig, fourth seed Hsieh Su-wei winning end of a tight 6-4 2-6 with 11th seeded Gilles Simon of After missing the cut in Woods is ranked 27th in the and France’s Kristina Mladen- 7-5 battle to send the second- France on Tuesday. Northern Ireland at the year’s FedExCup standings and must ovic all advanced in straight sets seeded Russian packing. Big-serving Marin Cilic and fi nal major, the 43-year-old be in the top 30 after the BMW to the second round on Tuesday. In the night match Austral- promising newcomers Daniil Woods decided to skip last Championship to qualify for the On the men’s side Frenchman ian Nick Kyrgios blasted 15 aces Medvedev and Kyle Edmund week’s WGC-Fed Ex St. Jude In- season-ending Tour Champion- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga improved his to defeat qualifi er Thai-Son also advanced in straight sets Sloane Stephens of the United States returns a shot to Rebecca vitational in Memphis, saying he ship, an event he won last year record against Karen Khachanov Kwiatkowski 7-5 6-4 to set up to reach the second round on Peterson (not pictured) of Sweden in the Citi Open at Rock Creek wanted to rest up before prepar- for his fi rst PGA Tour victory to 3-0 after coming out on the a second-round showdown Tuesday. Tennis Center in Washington, DC, United States, on Tuesday. (AFP) ing for another post season push. since 2013. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 1, 2019 SPORT

GOLF Ko aims to join elite group at Women’s British Open ‘To win two or three Majors in a year is really tough. I have a chance this week and I will do my best’

AFP four days. But to win two or three Ma- Woburn, United Kingdom jors in a year is really tough. I have a chance this week and I will do my best.” Next year, Ko has another big goal as o Jin-young fi rst attracted she targets an Olympic debut in Tokyo. international attention when “I’m excited that I might play in the To- she fi nished runner-up to In- kyo Olympics,” she admitted. “The Ol- bee Park at the 2015 Women’s ympics are really important for Korea. KBritish Open at Turnberry. Four years It would be so good.” on, and Ko arrives at this week’s Wom- Georgia Hall melted home hearts last en’s British Open at Woburn as the year when she won the British Open at world number one and seeking to join Royal Lytham and St Annes with her an elite group of golfers who have won father working as her caddie. The de- three majors in one season. fending champion heads a strong entry Ko fi rst claimed the world’s top rank- from the host country. ing when she won the fi rst major of the Charley Hull, who grew up playing at season — the ANA Inspiration. She Woburn, and Melissa Reid, third in this snatched top spot back from fellow season’s LPGA Championship, will also South Korean Park Sung-hyun with be aiming to mount a serious challenge. victory in the Evian Championship on “The year has gone by very quickly,” Sunday. said Hall. “I’m excited to be back and Winning back-to-back majors to be able to be in England. I think it is would be a huge feat and the 24-year- really cool. I haven’t played the course old would become only the seventh at all this year. When it was here three player to gather three major titles in a years ago, I practised quite a bit and I single campaign. Ben Hogan and Tiger didn’t do very well. So I decided to take Woods have done it in the men’s game the same approach as last year and just and Babe Zaharias, Mickey Wright, Pat play it the week of the tournament. Bradley and Inbee Park, in 2013, are the And Dad is on the bag again. He always women who achieved the same feat. works the British Open, so it’s very nice “I was always looking forward to this for him to be back and to have my Mum week, but to win in Evian has made it here as well.” even more special,” Ko said. “I honestly One downside over the past year for can’t remember much about Turnberry Hall was when the replica trophy was but I missed the cut last year. My game stolen from her car in London — it has has undergone a big change since then. never been found. I got a new short game coach, and a “Someone smashed my back window mental trainer. That’s the diff erence. at 12 o’clock in the middle of the day, “Because it is two majors in a row and just took it,” she said. “There was I am feeling like there is no Monday, no CCTV. Now I’m trying to fi nd out if I Tuesday, Wednesday. It is two straight can get another one.” South Korea’s Ko Jin-young celebrates after winning the Evian Championships at the French Alps town of Evian-les-Bains on Sunday. (AFP)

ROUND-UP BOXING McIlroy joins Tiger at Japan’s fi rst PGA event Whyte suspended ormer world number one Rory will include 49 events, three more than McIlroy will join 15-time major- the current season, with additions to the by WBC over drugs winner Tiger Woods at Japan’s early events and some shifts late in the fi rst PGA Tour tournament schedule near the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. laterF this year, organisers announced The new season begins September 12- test fi ndings yesterday. Woods had already confi rmed 15 at the Greenbrier resort in West Vir- his participation, but McIlroy’s addition ginia followed by four more US events, The Guardian suspension and that it will aff ord considerably brightens the star power including the Houston Open, which like London Mr Whyte the opportunity to at the $9.75mn Zozo Championship in the Greenbrier took a one-year hiatus present its position to the WBC October. “It is wonderful we have the after a major PGA schedule revamp for at an investigative hearing which opportunity to compete in Japan this this season. illian Whyte has been will take place at a place and time year and I’m truly excited to be head- A three-week Asian swing follows provisionally suspend- to be announced in the near fu- ing” to the tournament, the 30-year-old with the CJ Cup in South Korea, the new ed by the World Boxing ture. Northern Ireland star said in a press Zozo Championship in Japan replacing a Council pending an in- “Throughout its investigation release. McIlroy’s commitment is “a fan- previous stop in Malaysia and the WGC vestigationD into an adverse fi nd- and hearing, the WBC will af- tastic addition,” organisers of the Zozo HSBC Championship in Shanghai the ing in a drugs test that took place ford Mr Whyte and his team the Championship said. same week as the new Bermuda Champi- before his recent bout against opportunity to present any avail- “I know golf fans in Japan are very onship at Port Royal in Southampton. Oscar Rivas. able information and materials, supportive and knowledgeable of the The 2019 portion of the season con- Whyte, who was cleared to and any exculpatory evidence game and it’ll be really cool and fun for cludes with November stops in Mexico fi ght by UK Anti-Doping and the they might deem appropriate.” the PGA Tour players to perform in front and at the RSM Classic. British Boxing Board of Control, If any impropriety is proven, of them for the fi rst time,” McIlroy said. The tour resumes in January and the won the WBC’s interim title and the 31-year-old Londoner, who “In my career, I’ve won all around the nearly the fi rst fi ve months are un- the right to challenge champion served a two-year doping ban world and it’ll be an achievement if I can changed before the Rocket Mortgage Deontay Wilder after his unani- between 2012 and 2014, could register my fi rst title in Japan.” Classic in Detroit moves from late June to mous decision win. However the face a suspension from the sport. McIlroy, the world number three, is Digest reported the tour’s policy board don’t think this is taking away earnings the end of May, adding an event between WBC – whose offi cials say they Whyte was cleared to take part currently ranked second on the FedEx- approved changes that will reduce the or opportunities for players — this is the the PGA Championship and the US were not informed of the positive in the fi ght with Rivas – which he Cup points list. The four-time major- number of players making the 36-hole right thing to do,” Casey said. Having Open. The WGC St. Jude Invitational sample before the contest – said won on points – after attending winner was world number one for 95 cut from the top 70 players and those fewer players on the weekend will reduce and the PGA’s Barracuda Championship, in a statement: “A sample Ukad an independent panel hearing. weeks between 2012 to 2015. A total of 78 tied to the top 65. instances of having to play in threesomes played just last week in the current cal- collected from Mr Dillian Whyte UK Anti-Doping offi cials have players, including the leading 60 players The new rules will also eliminate the rather than pairs and use split tees in endar, shift to July 2-5 while the 3M Open in relation with his bout against yet to comment on the matter from the FedExCup points list, will com- secondary 54-hole cut, which were used order to get the fi nal rounds completed in Minnesota shifts to July 20-26, the Oscar Rivas yielded an adverse while the British Boxing Board of pete at the Zozo Championship in Chiba, to reduce the fi eld for the fi nal round in on schedule. “We have to protect the week before the Olympic tournament, fi nding. Control said it deferred its anti- near Tokyo, from October 24-27. tournaments in which 78 or more players product,” Casey said. “We have too many which ends August 2, and the week after “In light of that adverse fi nd- doping programme and sanc- made the 36-hole cut. England’s Paul three-balls and two-tee starts on the the British Open. ing, and pending the outcome tions to Ukad. US PGA TOUR TO REDUCE Casey, a member of the tour’s Player weekend.” After the Olympics comes the PGA of the WBC’s own investigation Last week Whyte wrote on NUMBER OF PLAYERS Advisory Council, told Golf Digest he’s in Meanwhile, new events in Japan and Tour season fi nale August 6-9 at the and adjudicatory process, the Twitter: “I am so disappointed WHO MAKE THE CUT: REPORT favour of the system, even though it will Bermuda plus a return for the Green- Wyndham Championship followed by WBC is provisionally suspend- with the rubbish that has been Fewer players will make the cut at US see prize money going to fewer players. brier and Houston Open were named on the tour’s three season-ending play- ing the WBC’s recognition of said about me over the last few PGA Tour events in the 2019-2020 sea- “As long as we’re not taking away Tuesday as part of an expanded 2019-20 off events, culminating with the Tour Dillian Whyte as WBC interim days. I have lawyers dealing with son, US media reported on Tuesday. Golf opportunities to get into events — and I US PGA schedule. The next campaign Championship on August 27-30. world heavyweight champion it and I have been told that I can’t and mandatory challenger of the talk about it for good legal rea- division. sons. I was cleared to fi ght and “The WBC has notifi ed Mr I won that fi ght fair and square. SAINA, SRIKANTH ADVANCE INTO SECOND ROUND OF THAILAND OPEN Whyte and his team of the WBC’s Thanks for the support.” Bankgok: India’s Saina Nehwal register- Ashwini Ponnappa recorded one of the ing a straight-game win over local hope biggest wins of their career, stunning Ol- Phittayaporn Chaiwan to sail into the ympic silver medallists Chan Peng Soon women’s singles second round of the and Goh Liu Ying in the first round. Thailand Open yesterday. The unseeded Indian pair battled for Returning to action after nearly two one hour and two minutes to get past months, Saina, who made last-minute the fifth-seeded Malaysian duo of Soon withdrawals from Indonesia Open and and Ying 21-18 18-21 21-17. It is only the last week’s Japan Open because of second time that world number 23 Pon- injuries, got past Chaiwan 21-17 21-19 in nappa and Rankireddy got the better of her opening round contest. The seventh Soon and Ying, ranked 5th in the world. seeded Indian will next play Japan’s The Indian pair had defeated their Malay- Sayaka Takahashi, who beat Ruseli Harta- sian opponents in the mixed team event wan of Indonesia 21-8 21-10. of Gold Coast Commonwealth Games It was good news for Indians in the last year. Ponnappa and Rankireddy will men’s singles event as well as the likes of play Indonesia’s Alfian Eko Prasetya and Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Marsheilla Gischa Islami in the second Kashyap and Shubhanker Dey all pro- round. gressed to the next round by overcom- The other Indian mixed doubles pair ing their respective rivals. Kashyap came from a game down to and world number 1 Kento Momota of of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Fifth seed Srikanth was made to toil beat Israel’s Misha Zilberman 18-21 21-8 Japan in his opening round contest. Reddy eased past Japanese duo of Kohei hard for one hour and seven minutes by 21-14. Both Prannoy and Kashyap have However, it was curtains for Sourabh Gondo and Ayane Kurihara 21-16 21-13. Chinese qualifier Ren Peng Bo before the tough second-round encounters in hand Verma. He fought hard for 64 minutes They will next play eight seeds Tang Indian came out victorious 21-13 17-21 21- as they are up against sixth-seeded Japa- against seventh seed Kanta Tsuneyama Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong 19. Srikanth will be up against Thailand’s nese Kenta Nishimoto and third seed of Japan before going down 21-23 21-19 Kong. In another women’s singles match, Khosit Phetpradab in the second round. Chou Tien Chen of Taipei respectively. 5-21 in his opening match. India’s Sai Uttejitha Rao Chukka was no Prannoy defeated Hong Kong’s Wong Lady luck smiled on Subhankar Dey as Earlier in the day, the mixed doubles match for China’s Chen Xiao Xin, losing Wing Ki Vincent of 21-16 22-20, while he was handed a walkover by top seed pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and 17-21 7-21 in the first round. Gulf Times Thursday, August 1, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB FOCUS Indians trade Bauer to Reds Davis hits late homer as in three-team deal: reports

By Ryan Lewis Akron Beacon Journal

Orioles rally past Padres he Indians have report- edly found a trade part- ner – in a way, two – for The home run off left-hander Matt Strahm was Davis’ eighth of the year, first since July 5 Trevor Bauer, and Tthey’ve also discovered the right- handed hitters the lineup has largely missed this season ahead of last night’s trade deadline. Fol- lowing Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to the Houston Astros, reports hit that the Indians had dealt Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds in a three- team deal that also involves the San Diego Padres. In return, the Indians are re- portedly acquiring outfi elder Yasiel Puig from the Cincin- nati Reds and outfi elder Franmil Reyes and left-handed pitcher Logan Allen from the Padres. Reds outfi elder prospect Tay- lor Trammel is also reportedly headed to San Diego in the deal. Further details of the trade are still emerging. Puig is the biggest name in the deal, but Reyes is the major as- set. Reyes, who recently turned 24, becomes a signifi cant long- term piece in the Indians’ lineup. He was a rookie last season and in 185 games in the majors has posted an .843 OPS. This season, he’s hit .253 with 27 home runs, eight doubles and 46 RBI. He’s also under club control through the 2024 season. Puig, 28, is eligible for free agency this winter. This season, he’s hit .255 with a .785 OPS, 22 Baltimore Orioles third baseman Renato Nunez hits a two RBI single in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres during the MLB game in San Diego on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) home runs, 15 doubles and 60 RBIs in 99 games. He’s also been By Nathan Ruiz The victory allowed Baltimore to avoid a RESULTS after Davis made a diving stop at fi rst scoreboard. That was until the fi fth in- one of baseball’s most entertain- The Baltimore Sun four-game series sweep (including two but bobbled the ball before tossing it to ning, when the Astros broke the score- ing players since breaking into losses to San Diego in late June) and fi n- Pittsburgh Pirates 11, Cincinnati Reds 4 pitcher Gabriel Ynoa covering the bag. less deadlock. the league in 2013 with the Los ish July with a 12-12 record after enter- Renato Nunez tied the game with a two- Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos, Angeles Dodgers, with a fl air for hris Davis stepped into the Pet- ing the month with 24 wins. St. Louis Cardinals 2, Chicago Cubs 1 run single off Strahm in the seventh, the No. 9 hitter on Tuesday night, pro- the game and some interesting co Park batter’s box in the top Baltimore added another two runs in Houston Astros 2, Cleveland Indians 0 setting the stage for Davis to provide the vided all the off ense the Astros would tendencies, namely the habit of of the eighth inning on Tues- the eighth inning as Trey Mancini, one Oakland Athletics 3, Brewers 2 lead an inning later. Shawn Armstrong need no one swing with a solo home licking his bat. He also has one day with three strikeouts in his of a handful of Orioles who are candi- entered in the eighth and completed run that cleared the wall in right-center of the game’s stronger arms from threeC at-bats on the day, 14 strikeouts in dates to be traded by Wednesday’s 4pm Atlanta Braves 11, Nationals 8 a six-out save. Orioles closer Mychal fi eld. As soon as it left the bat, Bieber the outfi eld. 16 hitless at-bats on the three-city road deadline, delivered a two-run single as Philadelphia 4, San Francisco Giants 2 Givens, another trade candidate, was crouched on the mound in frustration, Allen, 22, adds some pitch- trip and 18 straight at-bats without a the Orioles rallied back from a 4-0 defi - Tampa Bay Rays 6, Boston Red Sox 5 not used, but he pitched three times knowing it was gone. ing depth as a lefty. This season, hit. He began the road trip with a .192 cit. Mancini exited on a double switch from Thursday to Sunday and allowed a The Astros (69-39), via a former he’s posted a 6.75 ERA in 25 1/3 Diamondbacks 4, New York Yankees 2 batting average, his highest after a game before the bottom of the eighth. run in each outing. friendly face at Progressive Field, then innings with the Padres. At Tri- since the end of 2017, but he came to the Fernando Tatis Jr.’s leadoff home run Minnesota Twins 2, Miami Marlins 1 added an insurance run. Jose Altuve ple-A, he has a 5.15 ERA this year. plate hitting .178. off Orioles starter Tom Eshelman was Dodgers 9, Colorado Rockies 4 ASTROS BLANK INDIANS doubled to left fi eld and was followed Bauer takes a record of 9-8 and a Naturally, he proceeded to hit the his second in as many days, making the In Justin Verlander, the Indians on by former Indians outfi elder Michael 3.79 ERA to the Reds. New York Mets 5, Chicago White Sox 2 tiebreaking home run in the Orioles’ 20-year-old the youngest player in his- Tuesday ran into a buzzsaw of a mo- Brantley, who roped a single to right 8-5 victory over the San Diego Padres, tory with leadoff homers on consecutive Los Angeles Angels 6, Detroit Tigers 1 mentum killer in a 2-0 loss to the Hou- fi eld to score Altuve. Tyler Naquin made supplying the lead that led to a winning days. Two batters later, former Orioles Baltimore Orioles 8, Padres 5 ston Astros. Not entirely unlike how the a strong, diving eff ort to take the run off infi elder Manny Machado homered off the board and came close enough that road trip and Baltimore’s fi rst month Seattle Mariners 8, Texas Rangers 5 Indians seemed to hit a brick wall last without a losing record since August Eshelman. It was the Padres’ 16th home October against the Astros in the Amer- the Indians challenged the play, but it 2017. The home run off San Diego left- run against Orioles pitching, setting a Toronto Blue Jays 9, Kansas Royals 2 ican League Division Series, Verlander was a challenge that they lost. hander Matt Strahm was Davis’ eighth record for the most home runs by any locked down the Indians’ lineup and The Indians came away with only two of the year, fi rst since July 5 and fi rst off team in a season series of four or fewer into a double play as a run came home. the Houston lineup did enough against singles against Verlander. Their fortune a left-handed pitcher since he homered games. Then, the resiliency the Orioles have Shane Bieber to make it hold up. against the Astros bullpen wasn’t much off former teammate Zack Britton on Wil Myers nearly added the 17th af- shown in the past month carried into Verlander (14-4) was at the top of better. Will Harris relieved Verlander in August 24 of last year. With a distance ter Eric Hosmer singled, doubling off their fi nal game of July. Jace Peterson this Cy-Young-level self, striking out the eighth and came away with a 1-2- projected by Statcast of 417 feet, it was the right-fi eld wall to bring in another scored Mancini with an opposite-fi eld 13 across seven innings and allowing 3 inning of his own that included two Davis’ longest home run of the year. run off Eshelman. After getting out of single, and Richie Martin brought two only two hits. In his seven innings, the strikeouts. In the ninth, Roberto Osuna Davis’ home run came on an 0-1 slid- the fi rst, Eshelman, a native of nearby more Orioles home with a bases-loaded Indians went three-up, three-down fi ve (24 saves) closed the door and didn’t er from Strahm, turning it around and Carlsbad, allowed one run over the next single up the middle after Davis struck times. have much more trouble putting the In- sending it over the center-fi eld fence to three innings. A single by Machado in out for the inning’s second out. Bieber (10-4) didn’t start quite as dians’ off ense away for good. break a 5-all tie and give the Orioles (36- the third helped the Padres (50-57) load The Padres added another run in the sharp, allowing a few hits up the mid- Tuesday’s game was the beginning of 71) their fi rst lead against the Padres this the bases, and the Orioles couldn’t con- fi fth via an error and two infi eld sin- dle in the fi rst inning alone, but he was a diffi cult month-long stretch for the season in any inning other than the fi rst. vert Francisco Mejia’s one-out grounder gles, and a review confi rmed the latter able to keep pace with Verlander on the Indians (62-44).

NBA NFL Blazers’ McCollum inks $100mn Bengals’ Green to miss a couple of games

Reuters concerned with the timing of extension for three years Cincinnati his deal relative to other wide- outs seeking big paydays. ortland Trail Blazers Asked if he wants to wait for guard CJ McCollum incinnati Bengals wide New Orleans’ Michael Thomas agreed to a three-year receiver AJ Green will or Dallas’ Amari Cooper — who contract extension on likely miss a few regu- are both entering contract years PTuesday, the team announced. lar-season games af- — to sign extensions and reset The value of the extension is Cter having clean-up surgery on the market fi rst, Jones replied, $100mn, according to multiple his left ankle on Tuesday, head “We’re not in the same boat. reports. It increases the 27-year- coach Zac Taylor told report- They’ve got their own thing go- old’s current deal to fi ve years ers. “There’s a good chance he’s ing on, I’ve got my own thing.” and $157mn (through 2023-24). going to miss a couple games,” “I’m not waiting on Michael “CJ McCollum is a franchise Taylor said. “We’re hopeful he’s Thomas, I’m not waiting on cornerstone and a critical part back at the beginning of the sea- Amari Cooper,” Jones contin- of our future,” said Trail Blazers son. A little more extensive than ued. “It’s just us going back and president of basketball opera- we initially thought.” forth right now and negotiating. tions Neil Olshey in a team re- Previous optimism that But that’s it. There’s nothing at lease. “This extension represents Green could be ready for Week 1 this point for me to tell.” a strong level of commitment faded after the surgery, accord- Jones has repeatedly ex- between CJ, the Trail Blazers and ing to Taylor. “When they got in pressed trust in the team’s com- the city of Portland.” there and got the surgery done, mitment to giving him an exten- Portland’s fi rst-round pick they realized it’s going to be a sion, after he received a contract (10th overall) in 2013, McCol- little bit longer,” he said. adjustment last year following a lum has averaged better than 20 Green had torn ligaments in brief holdout. He has two years points per game in each of the the ankle and would miss six to and $21mn remaining on his past four seasons. eight weeks, likely putting him SEAHAWKS COLLIER OUT ers looking at his right leg. The current deal. out of Week 1 and potentially FOR PRE-SEASON Seahawks drafted Collier, 23, Meanwhile, Jones said he will 76ERS SIGN FREE through Week 3. Seahawks fi rst-round defen- 29th overall out of TCU in April. not play in the preseason for the AGENT BURKE averaged 10.9 points, 3.6 assists portedly leaked on the Warriors The Bengals open the season sive end LJ Collier was carted He was expected to play a major second straight year. “I don’t Philadelphia 76ers signed free and 2.1 rebounds in 361 career Reddit page. Fan screenshots at Seattle on Sept. 8.Green, who off the practice fi eld on Tues- role as a rookie after defensive need preseason to get ready,” the agent point guard Trey Burke. games (128 starts) with the Jazz, were grabbed before the links turned 31 yesterday, was carted day with a reported right an- end Frank Clark was traded ear- 30-year-old said. “It’s a men- Terms of the deal were not Washington Wizards, Knicks and were taken down. off the fi eld on Saturday during kle sprain. The injury will keep lier in the off season. tality thing. As long as I get my disclosed, but it was previously Mavericks. The updated front of the War- the team’s fi rst training camp Collier out of the pre-season. In his last three years with reps in practice — I practice the reported as a one-year deal for riors uniform is still classic blue, practice at the University of A report said it’s a high-ankle the Horned Frogs, Collier had way I play, so once I get my reps the veteran’s minimum. Burke, WARRIORS’ NEW and other versions include “The Dayton. He missed seven games sprain, which typically requires 14.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for in and things like that, I’ll be 26, split last season with the UNIFORMS LEAKED Bay” gold uniform, “The Town” last season with an injured right a longer recovery than a low- loss, including six sacks and 11.5 ready to go.” New York Knicks and Dallas With the Golden State Warriors black uniform and “The City” toe, falling short of 1,000 re- ankle sprain. TFLs as a senior. Jones did not play at all last Mavericks, averaging 10.9 points moving from Oracle Arena in gold uniform. Versions of “The ceiving yards for just the second Collier went down during an preseason, after playing in just and 2.7 assists in 58 games. Oakland to the Chase Center Town” and “The City” editions time in his eight-year career. 11-on-11 drill and appeared to FALCONS’ JONES one exhibition game in 2017. He Burke was drafted ninth in San Francisco to open the have each been used previ- Green has 602 receptions for be in signifi cant pain, accord- TO SKIP PRESEASON had played in three in 2016 and overall by the Minnesota Tim- 2019-20 season, the beginning ously. A possible white optional 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns ing to reports. He hobbled off Atlanta Falcons wide receiver all four in 2015. In 2018, Jones berwolves out of Michigan in of a new era will also include a uniform would include a similar in 111 games since the Bengals the fi eld and was tended to on Julio Jones off ered an update on led the NFL with 1,677 receiv- 2013, and his draft rights were new look. update to the blue uniform, ac- selected him fourth overall in the sidelines before being carted his contract situation on Tues- ing yards. He caught 113 passes, traded to the Utah Jazz. He has The new uniforms were re- cording to Reddit. the 2011 NFL Draft. to the locker room, with train- day, telling reporters he’s not eight of them for touchdowns. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 1, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Brazil, Argentina renew rivalry Fit-again lock Barrett on Pan Am handball court

Reuters returns, Hansen cuts 5 Lima hether soccer or basketball, a World Cup or an Olympics, the Brazil-Ar- gentina rivalry is one of the greatest in sport and it played out again on WTuesday on the Pan Am Games women’s handball court. from All Blacks squad The two countries can work themselves into a lather with nothing more than pride on the line but Hansen trims squad down to 34, Sonny Bill Williams sent back to provincial rugby the stakes were much higher at a seething Videna Sports Centre, with a gold medal and direct quali- fi cation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics going to the winner. This round went to Brazil, who broke open what had been a tight contest with a second half surge, cruising to a 30-21 win to punch their Tokyo ticket. It was the 11th gold of the Games for Brazil, keeping them in front of their bitter rivals who sit eighth in the standings. The United States continued their gold medal rampage, improving their haul to 28 after just four days with Mexico a distant second on 13 followed by Brazil. The U.S. grabbed gold on land, sea and air on Tuesday, led by Karissa Cook and Jace Pardon who capped an unbeaten run to the women’s beach vol- leyball gold with a 14-21 22-20 15-10 win over de- fending champions Argentina. Gymnast Riley McCusker was fl ying high at the Polideportivo Villa El Salvador, taking top spot on the uneven bars fi nals while weightlifter Sarah Robles picked up gold with victory in the women’s over-87kg division. Timothy Sherry in the 50 metre rifl e and Brian Burrows in the trap were on target in the men’s shooting competition while waterskier Regina Jaquess added her third gold to the U.S. cause by winning the overall women’s title. After a slow start, Canada fi nally found its gold medal mojo, doubling their total from four to eight to leap up the leaderboard. Gymnast Ellie Black, Canada’s most decorated athlete at the 2015 Pan Am Games, is well on her way to repeating that performance. She picked up a second gold and third medal in three days by winning the vault event. The 23-year-old also took bronze in the un- even bars to take her tally to four medals for these Games and nine over the last two Pan Ams. Black led Canada to a team silver on Saturday then on Monday successfully defended her all- around crown. “We wanted to deliver some strong perform- ances and we were able to do that,” said Black. “It is awesome to bring some more medals home for Canada.” It was a big day in the canoes for Canada with Alanna Bray-Lougheed and Andreanne Langlois triumphing in the women’s K2 500m and Dominik Crete getting home fi rst in the men’s K1 200m sprint. Dorien Llewellyn triumphed in the men’s Scott Barrett is back in the team after being sidelined for a month with a broken finger. overall water Skiing competition.

Reuters Barrett returns after being side- mains in the race to be the starting Sonny’s playing ability, obviously,” Blacks retain the southern hemi- Wellington lined for a month with a broken fi n- blindside fl anker in the absence of Hansen said. “We know he can play sphere trophy for a fourth consecu- ger, replacing former World Player Liam Squire. at this level - the unfortunate thing is tive season if the Springboks lose of the Year Brodie Retallick, who Rookie loose forward Luke Jacob- he hasn’t played much and we want- their fi nal match away to Argentina. ll Blacks coach Steve dislocated his shoulder in the 16-16 son has retained his place in after ed to see him on Saturday be able to Hansen has recalled fi t- draw against South Africa in Wel- making his test debut off the bench cope with the rigours of test football SQUAD again lock Scott Barrett lington last Saturday. in the opening Rugby Championship which he did so that’s a big tick.” Forwards: Dane Coles, Liam Colt- while omitting loose for- Along with Frizell, Asafo Aumua, win over Argentina in Buenos Aires. Australia, who defeated Argentina man, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, wardA Shannon Frizell among fi ve Josh Ioane, Dalton Papali’i and Karl Inside centre Sonny Bill Williams, 16-10 in Brisbane last week, meet Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, players cut from a trimmed-down Tu’inukuafe have been cut, and the who will turn 34 on Saturday and the All Blacks in Western Australia Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, 34-man squad for the two Tests fi ve are now unlikely to feature at the has struggled with injuries over the state capital Perth for the fi rst time. Scott Barrett, Jackson Hemopo, against Australia. World Cup unless there are injuries. past two seasons, has been retained “The Bledisloe Cup is the second Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel White- The world champion All Blacks “They can jump into the mix, but but will be rested for the fi rst Wal- most important trophy for us, after lock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Luke play their fi nal match of the abridged it’s obviously getting harder, isn’t labies match. the Rugby World Cup, and we’re re- Jacobson, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Rugby Championship against the it?” Hansen told reporters yesterday. He emerged unscathed from his ally looking forward to the next two Matt Todd Wallabies at Perth Stadium on Au- “Because we are trying to narrow return to the Test arena against the Tests coming up,” said Hansen. Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, gust 10, which also doubles as the it down. We have got two big games Springboks but will nonetheless The defending champion All Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie fi rst clash of the Bledisloe Cup, the coming up and then we will refl ect head back to provincial rugby with Blacks are second in the Rugby Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Lau- annual series contested between the and get (the squad) down to 31.” Counties Manukau for the next two Championship standings behind mape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny trans-Tasman nations. The second Frizell’s omission, after he started weekends before returning for the South Africa ahead of the fi nal Bill Williams, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Brazil players celebrate after defeating Argentina Bledisloe Cup match is in Auckland against South Africa in Wellington Auckland clash. round. Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, in the women’s Pan Am Games handball final in on August 17. last Saturday, means Vaea Fifi ta re- “We’ve got a lot of respect for Victory in Perth will see the All Sevu Reece, Ben Smith. Lima on Tuesday. (Reuters)

PAN AM GAMES Cold and gold as US, Chile take beach volleyball titles Reuters er may have been dull, the action here,” said Cook. Lima was hot and atmosphere electric If Lima was not chilly enough, particularly during the women’s Cook’s next destination will be fi nal where Cook and Pardon Argentina to take part in the last urf, sand, sun and fun found themselves down a set and stop on the FIVB’s Snow Volley- are beach volleyball hall- tied 20-20 in the second before ball World Tour. marks but it was cold and mounting a comeback. “I’m going to the snow tomor- gold at Pan Am Games on “Argentina came out really row, fl ying to Bariloche,” laughed TuesdayS as the United States and strong and I don’t think they Cook. Chile claimed titles on a chilly, ever let up,” said Cook. “I think Beach volleyball has been dreary afternoon on the Costa it was just about us staying really played in parking lots, like it was Verde. gritty and even though we never at the 2015 Pan Am Games in The crowd at the Estadio Vo- felt it was beautiful volleyball we Toronto, and the Horse Guards leibol de Playa bundled up in were playing we just found a way Parade in central London for fl eecy jackets, woolly hats and to score.” the 2012 Olympics and now the scarfs to watch Karissa Cook and Together since May, the new FIVB, world volleyball’s govern- Jace Pardon of the US rally for a partnership has been a hugely ing body, is working on its next 14-21 22-20 15-10 win over de- successful one, the pair immedi- cool thing - a snow volleyball fending gold medallists Argen- ately winning a domestic tour ti- World Tour. tina. tle and cruising through the Pan Not everyone, however, is ex- It was a bad day for sunbathers Am tournament dropping just a cited about the winter version. and title holders alike as Chil- single set along the way. Canadians Aaron Nusbaum and ean cousins Esteban and Marco But while the Grimalts, who Mike Plantinga, who lost the Grimalt snatched the men’s gold were the top-ranked team in bronze medal contest to Argen- from 2015 winners Mexico 21-19 Lima, immediately turned their tina, may hail from the Great 22-24 15-10. focus towards the 2020 Tokyo White North but insist snow is Lima off ers plenty of thunder- Olympics, Pardon and Cook will not for them. ing surf and wide expanses of have to be satisfi ed with Pan Am “That’s defi nitely not for us,” sand but sun has been in short gold. assured Nusbaum. supply during the Peruvian win- “For Tokyo the beach volley- “It’s a growing sport and it is ter that forced most athletes out ball qualifi cations have already actually quite fun to watch but I Chile’s Marco Grimalt and Esteban Grimalt (centre) celebrate with Mexico’s Juan Virgen and Rodolfo Ontiveros (left) and Argentina’s Julian of their swimsuits and into full started so we are not in hunt don’t think it is anything I will be Azaad and Nicolas Capogrosso on the men’s beach volleyball podium after winning gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the Pan Am body spandex. While the weath- which is why we’re able to come looking to do.” Games in Lima. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, August 1, 2019 7 CRICKET

OPINION Warner is Australia’s dangerman, says Stokes Reuters would be a really big plus for us for want to win that fi rst day because London the rest of the series. hopefully that can carry on into the “We don’t want to give anything next four days.” away to any of their batsmen. We Stokes missed the 2017-18 ustralia’s returning bats- want to let them know that we’re Ashes defeat Down Under after man David Warner poses here to be serious and everyone in his involvement in a brawl outside the biggest threat to Eng- the changing room is desperately a Bristol nightclub in September land’s hopes of regaining trying to get that urn back.” 2017 but will be a key fi gure for theA Ashes, according to all-round- The fi ve-match series begins at England with bat and ball and as er Ben Stokes who says his team- Edgbaston on Thursday – a ground vice-captain to Joe Root. While mates must pressure the 32-year- England have turned into a fortress he has worked hard to clean up his old from the off . and have not lost a test against act and Australia have been on a Warner, former captain Steve Australia since 2001. charm off ensive after their disci- Smith and Cameron Bancroft are Australia’s returning trio will plinary woes, Stokes knows that all returning to the test arena for get a vociferous ‘welcome’ from once hostilities begin on Thursday the fi rst time since serving bans the home fans and Stokes said it the mood could change. for their roles in a ball-tampering will be vital for England to apply “It is weird Aussies trying to be scandal in South Africa last March maximum pressure on the visi- nice to you,” he said. “Once you – adding steel to Australia’s bat- tors on day one. “That fi rst morn- get out in the middle and cross the ting. But it is Warner who Stokes ing of any series is when you want white line, the real competitive believes is Australia’s key man. to stamp your authority as a team side of both teams will come out “Warner is a player who can take with bat and ball,” he said. and the Ashes is the biggest test games away from you,” Stokes was “You can’t feel your way into series played in the world. quoted in The Times yesterday. any Ashes series – you have to hit “There is always something that “He is a phenomenal batsman the ground running. Getting off happens between teams in Ashes and a very dangerous opener so to a good start can make it fl ow series and I don’t think this will be to tie him down and not let him throughout the series and you any diff erent. Both teams are des- establish his authority against us want to be the team on top and you perate to win.” Australia’s David Warner (right) and Mitchell Starc during a net session. (Reuters)

ODI SERIES SPOTLIGHT Will India dump Shastri? Moody Clinical Sri Lanka among challengers for coaching job

AFP after losing in the semi-fi nals New Delhi in two straight World Cups whitewash ‘negative’ and the world T20 champion- ship “a change could be good ndia’s hunt for a new for the side”. ‘There are a lot of negatives, starting coach has attracted top Shastri’s contract ended international names, in- with the World Cup but he from myself to the team. We have to cluding Australian Tom and his support staff have IMoody, despite skipper Virat been given a 45-day extension hold it tight and come back strong’ Kohli backing Ravi Shastri to for the West Indies tour that Bangladesh get a new deal, reports said starts Saturday. yesterday. The post will be picked by The deadline for applica- the national board’s Cricket tions ended Tuesday as the Advisory Committee (CAC), Indian side set off for a tour of comprising World Cup win- the West Indies with pressure ning captain Kapil Dev, former mounting on Shastri after the head coach Anshuman Gaek- team were upset by New Zea- wad and ex-women’s team land in the World Cup semi- captain Shantha Rangaswamy. fi nal. Kohli had made his choice According to media reports, clear before leaving for the Moody, former New Zealand West Indies, saying the team coach Mike Hesson, Sri Lanka has a “great camaraderie” stalwart Mahela Jayawardene, with the former India all- ex-India player Robin Singh rounder and will be “happy” and former India manager and if he continues. The 57-year- current Zimbabwe coach Lal- old Shastri will be in the West chand Rajput are all in conten- Indies when interviews are tion with Shastri. conducted and he will speak It was also widely reported with the advisory committee that former Test player Pravin by video call. Amre applied for a batting Shastri, who was India team coach post, while South Afri- director from August 2014 to ca’s Jonty Rhodes is eyeing the April 2016, succeeded former fi elding position. spinner Anil Kumble as coach While Shastri remains fa- after in 2017. Kumble stepped vourite and has an automatic down after a year in charge, entry in the process, Singh citing his “untenable” rela- told The Hindu newspaper that tionship with Kohli.

Sri Lanka players celebrate after their victory over Bangladesh in the third ODI of the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Scorecard Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam Colombo removed Karunaratne to break the partnership and Rubel Hos- SRI LANKA 5-251 (Shanaka), 6-280 (Jayas- T Islam not out 39 sain got rid of Perera in the next uriya), 7-284 (Mathews), 8-284 ri Lanka put on a clini- A Fernando lbw b Shafiul 6 S Islam c Perera b Hasaranga 1 over to bring Bangladesh back (Dananjaya) India head coach Ravi Shastri (right) with Virat Kohli. (Reuters) cal performance with D Karunaratne c Mushfiqur b Taijul R Hossain run out 2into the contest. bat and ball to record a 46 Bowlers: Shafiul 10-2-68-3(w1), But Mathews and Mendis Rubel 9-1-55-1(w1), Taijul 10-1-34-1, Extras (lb 2, w5) 7 122-run win in the third K Perera c Mushfiqur b Rubel 42 snatched the momentum back andS fi nal one-day international Mehidy 9-0-59-0, Soumya 9-0- Total (all out ; 36 overs) 172 thanks to some sloppy fi elding Nash, who was hit by Sobers for six and complete a clean sweep K Mendis c Sabbir b Soumya 54 56-3(w1), Mahmudullah 3-0-22-0 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Tamim), 2-29 by Bangladeshi players. sixes in an over, dies at 74 over Bangladesh in Colombo A Mathews c Mushfiqur b Soumya (w1) (Anamul), 3-46 (Mushfiqur), 4-60 Mushfi qur Rahim dropped yesterday. 87 BANGLADESH (Mithun), 5-83 (Mahmudullah), Mathews on 32 off Shafi ul before Malcolm Nash, the Glamorgan proaching a declaration and Former captain Angelo Math- D Shanaka c Sabbir b Shafiul 30 A Haque c Fernando b Rajitha 14 6-105 (Sabbir), 7-117 (Mehidy), Sabbir Rahman gave the former bowler who entered cricket Nash was experimenting with ews led Sri Lanka with 87 off 8-143 (Soumya), 9-149 (Shafiul), Sri Lankan captain another life folklore when Garfield Sobers slow bowling. 90 balls, guiding the side to S.Jayasuriya c Tamim b Shafiul 13 T Iqbal c Perera b Rajitha 210-172 ( Rubel) on 63 off Mehidy Hasan’s bowl- struck him for six sixes in an Nash, a left-armer, took 993 294-8 before Dasun Shanaka W Hasaranga not out 12 S Sarkar b Dananjaya 69 Bowling: Jayasuria 6-0-40-0, ing. over, has died at the age of 74. first-class wickets in a 17-year backed his 30 off 14 with three A Dananjaya c Sabbir b Soumya 0 M Rahim c Mendis b Shanaka 10 Rajitha 5-0-17-2 (w3), Dananjaya Mathews, who hit eight fours Nash’s name was forever career between 1966 and wickets for 27 runs to complete and a six, was fi nally dismissed linked with that of Sobers 1983, while also scoring 7,129 K Rajitha not out 0 M Mithun c Kumara b Shanaka 4 10-0-44-1, Shanaka 6-0-27-3 (w2), the rout. Hasaranga 3.5-1-16-1, Kumara by Soumya Sarkar in the last over after the West Indies star runs and holding 148 catches. Extras (w4) 4 Somuya Sarkar hit the only Mahmudullah c Perera b Shanaka 5-0-26-2 but not before Bangladesh re- went on the attack during a “Malcolm was a true Glamor- half-century for Bangladesh, 69 Total ( eight wickets; 50 overs) 294 9 viewed a caught behind appeal County Championship match gan legend whose exploits off 86 balls, but it gave Sri Lanka Result: Sri Lanka won by 122 initially dismissed by on-fi eld Fall of wickets: 1-13 (A. Fern- S Rahman c sub b Kumara 7 between Glamorgan and have gone down in club folk- no trouble as the visitors were runs umpire. ando), 2-96 (D. Karunaratne), Nottinghamshire at Swansea lore,” chief executive Hugh bowled out for 172. M Hasan c sub b Kumara 8Series: Sri Lanka won series 3-0 Soumya fi nished with 3-56 3-98 (K. Perera), 4-199 (Mendis), in 1968. Morris told the club’s website. Kasun Rajitha (2-17) and La- while medium pace Shafi ul also It was the first time any bats- “His name is connected with hiru Kumara (2-26) comple- aged to entertain a sparse crowd two matches respectively by 91 innings after skipper Dimuth claimed 3-68. man had hit six sixes in an that of Garry Sobers... but he mented Shanaka with the ball to at the R. Premadasa Stadium and runs and seven wickets. Karunaratne won the toss and The island nation’s cricket over in first-class cricket. was a fantastic cricketer who complete the victory in 36 overs. delay the result. “There are a lot of negatives, elected to bat fi rst. board has dedicated the match to The first five balls were was an integral part of the Leg-spinner Akila Dananjaya “I worked hard after getting starting from myself to the team. Mathews and Mendis put on pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara dispatched cleanly by the club’s history and the side deceived Soumya with his fl ight dropped from the side. I was We have to hold it tight and come 101 for the fourth wicket. who announced his retirement West Indian and the sixth was that lifted the County Cham- to bowl the left-hander in the confi dent with my batting which back strong,” said Bangladesh Bangladesh got an early last week. carried over the ropes by a pionship in 1969.” 32nd over for his only wicket, helped me perform well. We’re captain Tamim Iqbal, who scored breakthrough when Shafi ul Is- Tamim-led Bangladesh wore fielder. Nash died in hospital in rendering the rest of the game a all relieved as a team because we 21 runs in the three matches. lam removed Avishka Fernando black armbands to pay respect Sobers had been frustrated London after being taken ill mere formality. performed together,” Shanaka Mathews and Kusal Mendis, for six but Karunaratne (46) and to their fi rst national captain, by his team’s slow progress at a function at Lord’s Cricket Tail-ender Taijul Islam’s un- said after the match. who made 54 off 58 balls, set Kusal Perera (42) steadied the in- Shamim Kabir, who died on as Nottinghamshire were ap- Ground on Tuesday. beaten 39 off 28 balls only man- The home side won the fi rst the platform for Sri Lanka’s big nings with an 83-run stand. Monday.

Thursday, August 1, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

PREVIEW England seek a ‘double’ as Australia eye Ashes history ‘For some of us this is the start of our international summer and it’s our job to keep the energy going as a team’

AFP COMMENT Birmingham, United Kingdom

ngland return to ‘Fortress Edgbaston’ for the fi rst Test against Australia Root glad to today looking to round offE an already memorable season by completing a World Cup and Ashes double. If the World Cup remains the have Stokes pinnacle of the 50-over game, for England and Australia there’s nothing quite like a renewal of Test cricket’s oldest rivalry. But now there’s arguably more as his deputy at stake for both sides than the AFP ‘ALL-TIME HIGH’ series result. Birmingham, United Kingdom “I think if you speak to anyone For England, a home season who has captained England and billed as the most important in is on the verge of an Ashes se- a generation started brilliantly ngland captain Joe Root ries, to say it doesn’t mean as with their impressive run to a is looking forward to much as any other event, I don’t fi rst men’s World Cup title. having “natural leader” think any of them would agree,” International cricket in Britain Ben Stokes back along- he said. emerged from behind its satel- sideE him as his Test deputy dur- “It’s huge. It’s a great oppor- lite television paywall for the fi rst ing the Ashes. tunity. Cricket in this country is time since the celebrated 2005 The pair have been friends probably at an all-time high, it’s Ashes so that millions could since their days playing youth got interest it probably hasn’t watch England’s nerve-shred- cricket, with Root lobbying for had for a long time and we’ve got ding Super Over win against New Stokes’s return to a position the an opportunity as a team to make Zealand at Lord’s earlier this all-rounder held until he was in- this summer a very memorable month. volved in a street brawl in Bristol one.” Building on that ground- in 2017. Root is going back up to swell of support is a key part of Stokes missed fi ve months of number three in the batting the England and Wales Cricket international cricket, including order and Joe Denly dropping Board’s post-tournament strat- England’s 4-0 Ashes series loss down to four as England look to egy. Regaining the Ashes rep- in Australia under Root, before shore up their struggling line- resents an ideal chance to keep being cleared of aff ray in a court up. those new followers on board, case in August 2018. “I think it’s important to even if none of the fi ve Tests are But the 28-year-old was one spread the experience out and on free-to-air television. of the stars of England’s trium- it gives me an opportunity to For Australia, an Ashes series phant World Cup campaign ear- lead from the front as well,” win under the dignifi ed leader- lier this season and Root, also said Root, England’s best bats- ship of Tim Paine would help involved in that success, is eager man. draw a line under the ball-tam- to have Stokes back as his Test “I also feel I’m in a place where pering scandal in South Africa vice-captain after Jos Buttler I’ve got my head around the cap- that led to long bans for former took over the role. taincy and my batting and I’m captain Steve Smith, David “I have asked for a long time able to separate the two.” Warner and Cameron Bancroft. (to have Stokes back as vice- World Cup-winner Jofra All three batsmen are likely to captain) but he was made availa- Archer will have to wait for his feature at Edgbaston, with Ban- ble at the end of the World Cup,” Test debut after the fast bowler croft set to hear the same booing Root said during his pre-match was left out of England’s team that greeted Smith and Warner press conference at Edgbaston announced yesterday following during the World Cup. yesterday, on the eve of the se- his struggles with a side injury. Australia have not won an ries opener. “Jofra is obviously coming Ashes in England for 19 years, England’s captain Joe Root (left) and Australia’s captain Tim Paine hold the trophy for the Ashes series on the eve of the first Test at Edgbaston “It is fantastic to have Ben back from a very serious injury,” with their batsmen struggling in Birmingham. (AFP) back, not just playing and play- said Root. against the heavily stitched ing back somewhere near his “We looked at conditions, Dukes ball on pitches that off er best - it has been coming a long what we thought was best... and seam movement. Australia captain Paine feels no pressure for his place time. The way he stepped up in it also allows him time to get ab- Yet the fi rst Test will be Aus- big moments in that World Cup solutely ready and fi t.” tralia’s opening fi rst-class match Australia captain Tim Paine says day if he felt under pressure to England and Wales. Australia wicketkeeper who was was just him down to a tee. It is The Barbados-born quick, of the tour, although the likes of he has no fears about losing justify his place, Paine replied: Paine said they were taking renowned for ‘sledging’ or ver- what he does - he responds well who has been struggling with Bancroft, who has been captain- his place as he prepares to lead “No, I do not at all. I’m 34 years their cue from Winston Churchill bally abusing opponents during to responsibility and to the big a side injury, was omitted from ing English county side Durham, his team in the first Ashes Test old, I don’t really care about my although there is doubt over his playing days. moments. an original 14-man squad along have recent experience of local against England today. place in the side any more. I’m whether Britain’s prime minister Meanwhile Paine was glad of the “He off ers with all three de- with fellow pacemen Sam Cur- conditions. The wicketkeeper found himself here to do a job. during World War II ever said the strength in depth of an Australia partments - he bowls, bats and ran and Olly Stone, who both The way an England side fea- unexpectedly thrust into a “I’ve been put in this team to words ascribed to him by the fast-bowling unit where Pat he is one of the best fi elders and featured in last week’s Test win turing several World Cup stars leadership position in the fall-out captain and wicket-keep to the Australians. Cummins, Mitchell Starc, James he drags people with him as a against Ireland. were dismissed for just 85 by Ire- from last year’s ball-tampering best of my ability and I’ve said “We are going to play competi- Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood and natural leader on the fi eld and in With the series comprising land at Lord’s last week before scandal in South Africa. before, at 34 years of age, if you tive Test match cricket like every Peter Siddle are all vying for a the dressing room.” fi ve Tests in six weeks, England winning the fi rst Test between Then-captain Steve Smith and are looking further ahead than other nation does,” he said. place in the side. Root praised Buttler but said have opted for caution in how the countries tells its own story David Warner, his deputy, were the next Test match you are kid- “Our guys understand what’s “We are in a really good situation Buttler was aware Stokes would they handle Archer, even though of ongoing top-order woes. stripped of their positions ding yourself. expected of them and we are at the moment where we have a be brought back as vice-captain he made a sooner-than-expect- England captain Joe Root plans by Cricket Australia after the “I’m not going to waste time role models,” added Paine, with number of quality fast bowlers when there was an opportunity ed return to action with Sussex to move back to number three to incident and both were banned looking over my shoulder. I’m Australia looking to win their in particular,” Paine said. to do so. in a Twenty20 match last week. help shore up a top order featur- from international cricket for 12 enjoying the job that I’m doing.” first Ashes series in England “We are lucky that we feel we England’s World Cup win un- ing novice Surrey openers Rory months. With Cameron Bancroft, the since 2001. have a lot of bases covered,” der the leadership of one-day ENGLAND SQUAD: Rory Burns, Burns and Jason Roy. Australia’s squad for the Ashes man who applied sandpaper “There’s been a quote going added the skipper who said specialist Eoin Morgan achieved Jason Roy, Joe Root (capt), Joe James Anderson, England’s all- includes another wicketkeeper to the ball during that fateful around our changing rooms this Australia would name their a long-held goal but Root reject- Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, time leading Test wicket-taker, is in Matthew Wade, who has Test in Cape Town, also set to week from Winston Churchill team at the toss, unlike England, ed suggestions that meant the Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Moeen set to return from a calf injury to already played 22 Tests. be included in Australia’s team and that is ‘behaviour doesn’t who confirmed their side on pressure to regain the Ashes had Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, lead an attack that could feature Wade has been in fine form with for the Ashes opener alongside lie’. Wednesday. eased as a result. James Anderson. World Cup hero Jofra Archer. the bat during the recent Aus- Smith and Warner, there will be “We can talk all we like about “It’s up to us to come up with tralia A tour of England, scoring a renewed focus on the tourists’ how we are going to play and the best combinations to take ‘KEEP THE ENERGY GOING’ three hundreds. on-field conduct. ultimately you guys will see 20 wickets. Our quicks that have Australia, meanwhile, are poised By contrast, Paine has managed But the side, under the leader- how we play and judge for been here before, have learnt to put their faith in a rapid four- just one first-class century in his ship of Australia one-day captain yourselves,” added Paine, who lessons from being here before. man attack featuring James Pat- entire career. Aaron Finch, conducted them- said the tourists had been made It’s important that we learn from tinson and Pat Cummins. Asked during a pre-match press selves in exemplary fashion aware of the quote by assistant them and put what we’ve learnt Several of England’s World conference at Edgbaston yester- during the recent World Cup in coach Brad Haddin, the former into practice in this series.” Cup winners appeared jaded against Ireland but Anderson, who no longer plays one-day in- With runs expected to be baston in any format since 2001, result of offi cials cramming an Australia great Steve Waugh, the ternationals and so was not in- at premium while the bowl- a run that includes their recent Ashes into the same season as a victorious captain in the 2001 volved in that success, hopes he ers hold sway, England will World Cup semi-fi nal loss to lengthy World Cup, could have a Ashes, who is mentoring the cur- can revive any fl agging spirits. hope all-rounders such as Ben England, when Roy made a spar- bigger bearing on the series, the rent squad. “For some of us this is the start Stokes, restored to the vice- kling 85. England, by contrast, fi rst in the ICC’s new World Test “Depth in the squad will be of our international summer and captaincy, can again make have won their last 11 interna- Championship. important but I honestly think it’s our job to keep the energy go- valuable contributions with tionals at the raucous Birming- “I really believe it’s a big ask for if I was a betting man I wouldn’t ing as a team,” said Anderson, 37 the bat. ham ground. the fast bowlers on both sides to back either side because I don’t today. Australia have not won at Edg- But a congested schedule, the play fi ve Tests in six weeks,” said know who’s going to win.” England’s Ben Stokes during nets yesterday. (Reuters) THE ASHES: THREE KEY BATTLES

World Cup winners England are switch- resuming his Test career after serving a see how Roy goes in Test cricket,” said crowds during the World Cup, will feel several options have been tried, includ- batsmen but are masters of exploiting ing their focus to regaining the Ashes, ban for his part in last year’s ball-tam- Hazlewood. “He has only played one he has something to prove. ing Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Joe English conditions with swing. with Australia desperate to beat their pering scandal in South Africa. Test match and it’s a lot diff erent open- Averaging an eye-catching 61.37 in Denly. But none has settled the debate Australia, on the other hand, have a oldest enemy away from home for the Warner, 32, who has scored 21 Test ing the batting in a Test than a one-day 64 Tests, with 23 centuries, Smith is and now Root is ready to return to a battery of fast bowlers who could inflict first time since 2001. centuries, has the knack of quickly tak- game, that’s for sure.” still the main man for Australia and he position from which he scored his Test- real damage on England’s fragile top- AFP Sport looks at three key battles ing the game away from the opposition scored a total of 687 runs when the best 254 against Pakistan in 2016. order. “Australia have bowlers who can in the five-Test series that starts at and England will be desperate to get SMITH VS ROOT teams last met, hitting three centuries blast you away - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Edgbaston today: him early. Jason Roy, 29, has played a When Australia and England last met, in five Tests. Root’s Test average has ENGLISH GUILE VS AUSTRALIAN Starc, James Pattinson and Josh Hazle- single Test, against Ireland last week, in Australia in 2017-18, Steve Smith and dipped below 50 but he remains one PACE wood,” said former England paceman WARNER VS ROY after 84 one-day internationals for Eng- Joe Root were the opposing skippers. of most feared players in the game and England have a new weapon in pace- Steve Harmison. “But if they don’t get Both England and Australia have bats- land and will be keen to show he can Since then, Smith has been stripped of England’s finest batsmen, with 16 Test man Jofra Archer but the key to their it quite right they can go at six an over. men at the top of the order with the bring his swashbuckling style into the the captaincy and he is preparing for centuries under his belt. Ashes bowling attack will be veteran Broad and Anderson will very rarely go ability to dictate the pace of an innings Test arena. But Australia paceman Josh his first Test outing since being banned The Yorkshireman is moving back up to opening bowlers James Anderson and at six an over. and with something to prove. Hazlewood has warned him that Test over last year’s ball-tampering incident. number three to boost England’s strug- Stuart Broad. Anderson and Broad, with “They’ll be down on pace compared Australia’s David Warner, who had an cricket is a diff erent ball game from the Smith, like Warner subjected to some gling top order. Since Root dropped a more than 1,000 Test wickets between to the opposition, but they’ll have total impressive World Cup campaign, is frenetic limited-overs format. “We’ll rough treatment from the English place during the India series last year, them, lack the sheer pace to frighten control of what they’re doing.”