FOOTBALL | Page 3 FORMULA 1 | Page 6 Sampaoli Alonso back banking on as Ferrari Messi for seek to seize WC revival control

Friday, June 9, 2017 NBA Ramadan 14, 1438 AH Warriors one win away GULF TIMES from title aft er late rally shocks Cavaliers SPORT Page 5 ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY Sri Lanka eff ortlessly chase down 322 to shock India Lanka defied the odds to win with eight balls to spare and they can qualify for the semi-finals if they beat Pakistan in Cardiff

AFP nathilaka set about giving Sri Lanka hope. That added to the tension, but India London He hit Umesh Yadav for a sky-scrap- were bereft of ideas. Gunaratne came ing six and, together with the aggressive in to spank a pair of sixes, putting Sri Mendis, imposed himself well enough Lanka on the brink, and Mathews saw ri Lanka staged a superb run to build a quick-fi re 50 partnership. them over the fi nish line to complete chase to stun India and keep Hardik Pandya had a chance to re- their joint highest ever ODI run chase. alive their Champions Trophy move Mendis with the score on 70- challenge as Kusal Mendis in- 1, but young all-rounder dropped a Scoreboard spiredS a famous seven-wicket victory chance off his own bowling. over the holders yesterday. If complacency was an issue for In- SRI LANKA Needing 322 to avoid a second suc- dia’s wayward bowlers, Gunathilaka N. Dickwella c Jadeja b Kumar 7 cessive Group B defeat, Sri Lanka pow- made them pay, reaching his half-cen- D. Gunathilaka run out (Yadav) 76 ered to a memorable triumph at The tury in emphatic style with another six. K. Mendis run out (Kumar) 89 Oval thanks to key contributions from By the time Sri Lanka reached 108-1 K. Perera retired hurt 47 Mendis (89), Danushka Gunathilaka in the 20th over, the holders were be- A. Mathews not out 52 (76) and captain Angelo Mathews (52). ginning to worry. A. Gunaratne not out 34 Mathews admitted earlier this week Jadeja, the world’s top ranked ODI Extras: (11lb, 5w 1nb) 17 that many experts expected his under- bowler, was slapped away for four by Total: (3 wkts, 48.4 overs) 322 dogs to be thrashed by in-form India. Mendis, who sailed onto fi fty with his Did not bat: D. Chandimal, T. Perera, But Sri Lanka defi ed the odds to win fi rst six. S. Lakmal, L. Malinga, N. Pradeep with eight balls to spare and they can An audacious reverse sweep for four Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Dickwella), 2-170 qualify for the semi-fi nals if they beat by Gunathilaka off Jadeja showed Sri (Gunathilaka), 3-196 (Mendis) Pakistan in their fi nal group match in Lanka’s rising confi dence, which hold Bowling: Kumar 10-0-54-1 (1w), Yadav Cardiff on June 12. spiked higher after the diving Rohit 9.4-0-67-0 (1w), Bumrah 10-0-52-0 After losing by 99 runs against South Sharma dropped Gunathilaka. (1nb), Pandya 7-1-51-0 (1w), Jadeja 6-0- Africa in their opener, that would be a When Mendis hit three successive 52-0 (1w), Jadhav 3-0-18-0 (1w), Kohli remarkable turn around for a young Sri boundaries, their partnership was up to 3-0-17-0 Lanka team in the midst of a major re- 159 and India were in danger of letting building project. the match slip from their grasp. INDIA India’s failure to secure a second con- But Gunathilaka’s career-best ODI R. Sharma c T. Perera b Malinga 78 secutive win after thumping arch rivals innings came to an end when he was S. Dhawan c Mendis b Malinga 125 Pakistan was a major surprise and they run out by Umesh Yadav after rashly V. Kohli c Dickwella b Pradeep 0 must beat South Africa at The Oval on trying to turn a single into two. Yuvraj Singh b Gunaratne 7 Sunday to avoid a humiliating exit. Incredibly, Sri Lanka didn’t learn MS Dhoni c Chandimal b T. Perera 63 Shikhar Dhawan’s 125 had put India from that mistake and Mendis perished H. Pandya c K. Perera b Lakmal 9 in a strong position as the holders piled in the same fashion, easily run out by K. Jadhav not out 25 up 321 for six. Kumar’s direct hit while attempting to R. Jadeja not out 0 The 31-year-old hit 15 fours and one six steal a single. Extras: (4lb, 10w) 14 in his 128-ball innings, receiving strong Crucially, Mathews, playing his fi rst Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 321 support from Rohit Sharma (78) and MS ODI since August after a calf injury, Did not bat: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Dhoni (63), but it wasn’t enough. came in to steady the ship with a nerve- Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah India had only themselves to blame less innings. Fall of wickets: 1-138 (Sharma), 2-139 after squandering the momentum Assisted by the opportunistic hitting (Kohli), 3-179 (Yuvraj), 4-261 (Dhawan), given to them by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, of Kusal Perera, he turned the tide back 5-278 (Pandya), 6-307 (Dhoni) who dismissed Niroshan Dickwella in his team’s favour. Bowling: Malinga 10-0-70-2 (1w), Lak- for seven when the opener’s edge was Perera gave Sri Lanka a scare when mal 10-1-72-1 (3w), Pradeep 10-0-73-1 caught by Ravindra Jadeja. he suff ered what appeared to be a ham- (6w), T. Perera 9-0-54-1, Gunathilaka Needing what would be a record run string injury and had to retire hurt after 8-0-41-0, Gunaratne 3-0-7-1 chase in ODIs staged at The Oval, Gu- Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis in action during the match against India yesterday at the Oval. limping through several runs.

BOTTOMLINE OPINION Unpredictable Pakistan can’t Morkel wary of Kohli threat be written off , says Afridi AFP won for a fourth time in their Birmingham, United Kingdom last fi ve ODIs against the Pro- Reuters teas. London “We haven’t played good orne Morkel is hop- cricket and we’ve got to take that ing for a chance to on the chin,” said Domingo. ormer cricket all-rounder Shahid Afridi put the brakes on the “Pakistan played better than said it would be a mistake to write off Pa- prolifi c Virat Kohli us and it had absolutely nothing kistan after they proved they remain argu- Mwhen South Africa face India in to do with complacency as far as Fably the most unpredictable team in inter- their fi nal Champions Trophy I’m concerned.” national cricket by trumping South Africa. group match this weekend. India thrashed Pakistan by 124 Three days after being steamrolled by arch-ri- Sunday’s clash against the runs on Sunday. vals India, Sarfraz Khan and his team mates upset title-holders at the Oval has But Pakistan bounced back to South Africa in a rain-hit match on Wednesday to taken on added signifi cance for restrict South Africa to a modest revive their Group B campaign in Birmingham. the Proteas after a shock defeat 219 for eight on a miserable day Consistency has never been their strong point by Pakistan at Edgbaston on for skipper AB de Villiers who but Afridi, who featured in Pakistan’s fi ve Champi- Wednesday. was dismissed for a fi rst golden ons Trophy campaigns, said the win has the poten- The one highlight in the fi eld duck in his 212th ODI innings tial to transform the young side. for South Africa was the form of and suff ered a hamstring niggle. “It is heartening to see Pakistan play the way it the towering quick bowler Mor- They replied with 119 for three did and I hope it continues its good work and brings kel, who took two wickets in four India’s captain Virat Kohli arrives for the match against Sri Lanka. off 27 overs when rain ended the smiles on the faces of our passionate cricket fans,” File picture of Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman during the balls on his way to three for 18 in match, enough for victory by 19 Afridi wrote in a column for cricket governing body ICC Champions trophy match against South Africa. seven overs. the 32-year-old had not played to myself this is really an opportu- runs on the Duckworth-Lewis website www.icc-cricket.com. But asked what his plans were an ODI since June 2016, with nity for me to stand up and unfor- method. “I also feel that Pakistan shouldn’t be ruled out Afridi was particularly impressed with 23-year- for bowling at India’s captain Proteas coach Russell Domingo tunately it wasn’t meant to be. “Everybody gets fi rst-ballers, of title contention anymore. The win today can old Hasan Ali, who walked away with the man-of- Kohli, who made an unbeaten 81 worried his inclusion length- it’s just taken him 200 games. make this side do some amazing things in the tour- the-match award. against Pakistan last weekend, ened the batting tail. ‘TAKE IT ON THE CHIN’ I’ve got no concerns with AB de nament. Once again write Pakistan off at your own “I don’t recall Pakistan fast bowlers deliver- paceman Morkel told reporters: But with wickets likely to be at “Today, we need to write off , just Villiers,” said Domingo. peril,” he added. ing match-winning performances in recent years, “I was hoping you guys could tell a premium against India’s pow- see it as an average game. Hope- “I’m expecting a big perform- Paceman Hasan Ali led Pakistan’s improved hence Hasan’s three-wicket spell made me really me that. erful top order, Morkel, a vet- fully on Sunday we can turn it up ance from him on Sunday. He’s bowling performance against South Africa, claim- happy. “Sunday is a big day for us. It’s eran of 111 ODIs, may have done and deliver something special.” that type of player that when the ing 3-24 to help restrict the Proteas to 219-8 in 50 “He is a mature bowler for his age, has decent going to take a big team eff ort to enough to retain his place. South Africa may be top of the team needs him he’ll turn it up.” overs. pace and the ability of seaming the ball while he knock over India. But we have to “The last eight months there International Cricket Council De Villiers played down his Pakistan were 119-3 in 27 overs, 19 runs ahead un- can also make the old ball reverse with impeccable back ourselves to win.” have been a lot of uncertainties,” ODI rankings but the stand- injury as a “little tweak”. der the Duckworth-Lewis method – which governs control.” Prior to South Africa’s re- said Morkel. ings were turned on their head “I don’t think it’s too serious,” such weather-hit contests – when rain intervened to Pakistan conclude their Group B campaign cent series against England, “When I got on the fi eld, I said by eighth-ranked Pakistan who he told Sky Sports. give them their fi rst win in the tournament. against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 9, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT CONFLICT Warner slams CA over Sarfraz hails pay dispute video ‘home’ crowd aft er stunning S.Africa Australia’s David Warner during a press conference yesterday. AFP contracted players beyond the Birmingham June 30 expiry of their current fi - ‘That is a feeling we miss, not playing in Pakistan. Maybe that was a diff erence, the nancial deal if they do not accept a new off er. crowd was supporting us and that’s why the players were boosted’ avid Warner has ac- Warner has become the most cused Cricket Australia high-profi le senior Australia in- of trying to wreck the ternational in robustly arguing team’s bid to win the the players’ case, with the left- ChampionsD Trophy by broad- handed opener arguing that if casting a new video relating to they don’t have a contract then the ongoing pay dispute. they won’t be able to play in the A resolution to the increasing- showpiece home Ashes Test se- ly bitter row looked as far away as ries against England that starts ever when a fresh war of words in November. between Cricket Australia (CA) “As we’ve said, we just want a and the Australian Cricketers’ fair share but leave it (the talks) Association (ACA) broke out on until after the games,” Warner Wednesday. added yesterday. CA’s latest video release saw “We have 100 percent sup- their lead negotiator, Kevin port with the ACA to get to the Roberts, anger the ACA by con- table with CA. All the players are tradicting their claims over the sticking together as one.” costs of running Australian “We’re the ones that have been cricket. here putting it through social Australia face hosts England media and CA are the guys who in a make or break Champions have been trying to explain via Trophy match at Birmingham’s videos.” Edgbaston ground on Saturday, Australia coach Darren Leh- where a defeat could see them mann, once an ACA executive fail to qualify for the semi-fi nals member, has found himself caught of a tournament featuring the in the middle and he urged the world’s top eight one-day inter- feuding parties to begin discus- national teams. sions as soon as possible. “We’re here to win and if CA “I just want them to start talk- want to try and help us win I ing, we want it resolved from a think they wouldn’t be releasing player point of view and obvi- videos like that,” Australia vice- ously from a CA point of view,” captain Warner told reporters at said the former Test batsman. Edgbaston yesterday. CA is determined to scrap rev- “From our stance as players it enue-sharing after 20 years, say- is disappointing. For us we have ing more funds are needed for the an important game coming up game’s grassroots, and that the this week and that is our focus off er it has on the table provided and the MoU (memorandum of handsomely for players. understanding) can wait until But the ACA is equally ada- after the game and the tourna- mant in wanting to retain reve- ment.” nue-sharing, saying the system CA has threatened not to pay does not need fi xing.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez with Babar Azam (R) during the Champions Trophy Group B match against South Africa. OPINION

AFP “Maybe that was a diff erence, the “Mohammad Hafeez and Imad Wasim Sarfraz praised the way backroom Birmingham, United Kingdom crowd was supporting us and that’s why bowled really well and they took the staff led by South African coach Mickey the players were boosted.” pressure off for us,” he said. Arthur had helped restore the side’s self- Lehmann wants ODIs Pakistan have had to play most of their “We had a good bowling meeting (on belief. akistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed matches overseas since a 2009 terror at- Tuesday),” added Sarfraz, who saw his “They backed us after the defeat, they said playing in front of a ‘home’ tack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. attack rebound after India struck 72 from supported us very well, so that’s why we to be more ‘liberal’ crowd had helped inspire his side But chants of “Pakistan Zindabad!” the fi nal four overs of their innings on played a good game.” to a shock 19-run win over South (“Long live Pakistan!”) rang round Edgbas- Sunday. A feature of Pakistan’s performance PAfrica in the Champions Trophy at Edg- ton which was turned into a sea of green. “We took wickets. If you take wickets, against the Proteas was their vastly im- during rain delays baston on Wednesday. Sarfraz’s side gave their fans reason every good team feels under pressure.” proved fi elding, after a shambolic display Pakistan went from zeroes to heroes in to cheer when spinners Imad Wasim Pakistan also improved with the bat against India. Reuters three days, bouncing back from a 124-run and Mohammad Hafeez took three early after slumping to 164 all out against In- Sarfraz drew laughter from report- London thrashing by arch-rivals India to topple the wickets before paceman Hasan Ali re- dia. ers when he admitted the improvement world’s number one-ranked ODI side. moved a trio of middle-order batsmen. Debutant Fakhar Zaman helped get couldn’t be down to practice. Pakistan fans dominated a crowd of Pakistan kept the Proteas to a mod- their chase off to a brisk start. “I think actually we do no fi elding at ustralia coach Dar- more than 16,000, giving it the air of a est 219 for eight in their 50 overs, having They lost two wickets but Babar Azam all,” he said. “We had rain the other day, ren Lehmann wants home game for Sarfraz’s men in Birming- conceded exactly 100 more against title- (31 not out) and Shoaib Malik (16 not so actually we do nothing.” one-day international ham, a city with one of the largest Asian holders India. out) took Pakistan to 119 for three off The result throws Group B wide open matches to continue as populations in Britain. “I think the diff erence was our bowling 27, enough for victory by 19 runs on the and gives Pakistan a chance of qualify- longA as conditions are safe, even “That is a feeling we miss, not playing and fi elding,” said wicketkeeper-captain Duckworth-Lewis method when rain ing for the semi-fi nals when they face Sri if not ideal, after back-to-back in Pakistan,” said Sarfraz. Sarfraz. ended the match. Lanka in their fi nal match on Monday. washouts left his team’s Cham- pions Trophy campaign in com- plete disarray. BOTTOMLINE The 50-over world champions are particularly upset after their second Group A match against Bangladesh was washed out on Monday just four overs short of what could have been a comfort- able victory after having to split Bangladesh and New Zealand points with New Zealand in their Australia coach Darren Lehmann tournament opener. during nets. Fear of rain looms large over tomorrow’s do-or-die match “I think we’ve just got to be against Ashes rivals England as more liberal to play some clash with hopes on the line well and Lehmann said adminis- cricket. The fans want to see AFP Trent Boult told reporters at we cannot focus only on Wil- trators need to think more about a result. Especially this time Cardiff Cardiff yesterday. liamson,” said Bangladesh cap- the fans who expect a result. of year in England, you “I think we all know the im- tain Mashrafe Mortaza at his “I think we’ve just got to be can get (wet) weather. So portance of getting wickets early pre-match press conference. more liberal to play some cricket. it’s a case of if it’s not raining angladesh and New in the innings and putting the “They have players like Mar- The fans want to see a result,” or it’s drizzling, we should Zealand head into their team under pressure is where tin Guptill who can change the Lehmann said. just play” fi nal group match of you can really set the game up. game.” “Especially this time of year this year’s Champions “That’s the challenge tomor- Bangladesh were just four in England, you can get (wet) lays but more needed to be done, TrophyB desperate for victory row. I’m sure we’d love to come overs away from all but certain weather. So it’s a case of if it’s said the former player. but knowing even a win in Car- hard at the top order, which has defeat and tournament elimina- not raining or it’s drizzling, we “Players and administrators diff today may not take either of been playing very well.” tion when rain came to their res- should just play.” have to move the game forward in them into the semi-fi nals. New Zealand captain Kane cue against Australia. He cited the example of Twen- the best way for the fans. Because Both teams have a point apiece Williamson made a brilliant Their most recent meeting ty20 cricket where matches con- we’ve got to grow the game.” in the one-day international hundred against Australia be- with the Blackcaps saw Bang- tinued in light rain. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa tournament after they were each fore following up with 87 against ladesh beat New Zealand by fi ve “My view is simple – play as has said Australia were looking well beaten by England, while England — a match where he wickets in a warm-up match in much cricket as you can, where at the match against England as their respective matches with was fi ned but not banned for a Dublin. you possibly can,” said the a quarter-fi nal contest and Le- Australia ended in rain-induced dreadfully slow over-rate. New Zealand, however, were 47-year-old. hmann suggested big-hitting no results. Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal without several key players in “You have to consider the batsman Chris Lynn could fea- England are already into the also started the tournament Guptill, Williamson, plus pace- safety of the players. That’s im- ture in the playing XI, possibly at last four and Australia will join with a century, against England, men Boult, Tim Southee and portant and umpires and match the expense of all-rounder Moi- them there if they defeat the before making 95 against Aus- Adam Milne. referees take that into account. ses Henriques. tournament hosts in the fi nal tralia. “We have beaten their strong- “But we’ve played games in “He’ll come into contention Group A fi xture at Edgbaston on For both sides the innings has est team at home (in Bangladesh) the past, I can think of a T20 again for the last game against Sunday. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson during nets. tended to fall away following but maybe not so strong in Ire- game in South Africa (in 2014) England,” he said of. It all leaves Bangladesh and the exit of their key batsman, land,” Tamim told reporters in where we had sand or sawdust on “At the moment, with the New Zealand needing to win in tions. in Cardiff on Tuesday. with New Zealand losing their Cardiff on Wednesday. the ground to play.” make-up of our side, Zampa Wales and then hope England New Zealand should have the “When it’s not seaming and last eight wickets for 65 against “They have serious quality International Cricket Council’s came in for (John) Hastings (af- put one over their arch-rivals, edge over Bangladesh when it it’s not swinging, obviously we England following Williamson’s players. If we want to repeat the infl uential Cricket Committee, of ter the fi rst game) because we assuming more bad weather comes to local knowledge given need to look at diff erent meas- dismissal. result again, we have to execute which Lehmann is a member, has thought it would spin. He bowled does not disrupt those calcula- their 87-run defeat by England ures,” New Zealand paceman “Yes, he is in great form but well,” he added. had several discussions on rain de- very well.” Gulf Times Friday, June 9, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WC QUALIFIER Rogic stunner Sampaoli banking reignites Australia’s World Cup bid

AFP ing kick went straight to Juric, Adelaide who found the an empty net after seven minutes. on Messi for revival But the Saudis threatened spectacular long-range with their slick passing and run- strike from Tom Rogic ning off the ball and equalised Argentina will square off with Brazil before a capacity 100,000 crowd at the MCG delivered Australia a through Salem al-Dawsari, who crucial 3-2 win over fi nished well off a neat give-and- SaudiA Arabia yesterday to stay on go with Mohammed al-Sahlawi track for next year’s World Cup in the 23rd minute. The Austral- fi nals in Russia. ians could hardly string a pass The stylish midfi elder reprised together but somehow regained his match-winning exploits for the lead with Juric’s second goal Celtic in last month’s Scottish off a fl icked header from James Cup fi nal when he scored the Leckie’s cross from the by-line. Socceroos’ winner in the 64th But the Saudis rocked the minute. The Australians joined home side with another equaliser Japan and Saudi Arabia at the top deep in fi rst-half stoppage time, of Asia Group B with their vital when Taiseer al-Jassam’s con- win after twice relinquishing the trolled header across goal was lead to the skilful Saudis in Ad- fi red home by al-Sahlawi. Aus- elaide. The Socceroos, who have tralia coach Ange Postecoglou qualifi ed for last three editions of reacted by bringing on Aziz Be- the World Cup, now face a huge hich for left-back Brad Smith at game against Japan in Saitama the start of the second half. on August 31. “We made it a little Robbie Kruse replaced Jack- diffi cult for ourselves in the fi rst son Irvine just before Australia half but we showed our quality grabbed the lead for a third time and limited their chances in the with Rogic’s scintillating, left- second half and went on for the foot piledriver on 64 minutes. win,” Rogic said. Australia had a big shout for “I thought the goal was com- a penalty when Salman al-Faraj ing. We started to get on top in appeared to take out Leckie in the second half and I just wanted the goal area, but it was waved to get the boys on the right way away by the referee. The Soc- and to get the win which was the ceroos controlled the second half most important thing.” and protected their lead to the fi - Swiss-based striker Tomi Juric nal whistle. The top two teams in twice gave the Socceroos the lead the group will progress to Russia in the fi rst half but both times the 2018 with the third-placed na- Saudis fought back to be level at tion forced into play-off s. Saudi 2-2 at half-time. The Socceroos Arabia have not made an appear- were given a gift-wrapped open- ance at a World Cup since Ger- er when goalkeeper Yasser al- many in 2006, and Japan have a Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (centre) and teammates get a briefing during a training session in Melbourne yesterday, ahead of their match against Brazil. (AFP) Mosailem slipped and his clear- game in hand.

AFP commitment to get his country to next have great expectations. I believe that qualifi ed for next year’s World Cup, are Melbourne year’s World Cup fi nals in Russia. they will be able to help the team.” without their talisman Neymar but Man- “I’m very thankful that the best play- But Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, chester City midfi elder Fernandinho said er in the world cut short his vacation in recalled to the Argentine squad for the they were hellbent not to lose their edge ew manager Jorge Sampaoli China and was able to travel here for a fi rst time since 2013, is in doubt for to- against Argentina. says he is looking to superstar friendly,” Sampaoli told reporters yester- day’s match with a thigh injury. Sampaoli “Brazil and Argentina is never a friend- Lionel Messi to revive Argenti- day. “He has the will to participate and said he was keen for Icardi to at least play ly, everybody wants to win and we know na’s World Cup fortunes start- drive Argentina to the World Cup, so he’s a few minutes “but unfortunately the how important this is being a classic,” Ning with today’s friendly with Brazil in very much involved toward these goals. doctor is not on the same page”. Fernandinho said. “We need to continue Melbourne. Sampaoli has been installed The things that he’s done for the team, “So it doesn’t matter how strongly we in our rhythm, but Argentina has a new to kick-start the two-time world cham- especially this time round, are really val- want him to play if the medical advice is coach and he had really good work with pions’ ailing South American campaign uable. I really hope that the abilities that to the contrary. We’re hoping for a mira- Chile and Sevilla. This is more motiva- where they lag outside the automatic he shows as a leader and as a player will cle in the next 24 hours for him to be able tion for them.” qualifying positions in fi fth spot with help Argentina improve.” to play at least a few minutes.” Despite the Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago four games left. Sampaoli wants to use the Melbourne match being classifi ed as a friendly, the Silva said he was looking forward to the Argentina will square off with Bra- match to see Messi and Paris Saint-Ger- former Sevilla manager said his players challenge of containing Messi. “It’s very zil before a capacity 100,000 crowd at main’s Angel Di Maria work together. were committed to show how well they diffi cult to play against a player like Messi. the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of “They are very good players, individually, can play, particularly against their arch- Lately I’ve had to do it many times, every their crucial next qualifi er in Uruguay on and these friendly games give us the op- rival. “They want to play very strongly year in the Champions League,” Silva told August 31. Sampaoli, who is Argentina’s portunity to test their compatibility and to demonstrate that they really value reporters. “I think tomorrow’s game is third coach during the current World see how well they can work together,” coming here as a team and there’s also not him playing for Barcelona, it’s Brazil Australia' Tomas Rogic (centre) is congratulated by teammate Aaron Cup campaign after Gerardo Martino and Sampaoli said. the aspect of playing a very strong rival versus Argentina, and it’s not a friendly Mooy after scoring a goal against Saudi Arabia during the World Cup Edgardo Bauza, said he valued Messi’s “They’re both great players and we team,” he said. Brazil, who have already game, both sides will be very motivated.” Asian qualifying match in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Kane ready for captaincy Conte doesn’t want me at Chelsea: Costa Diego Costa insists he will look for an exit AFP route out of Chelsea after being told by man- Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom ager Antonio Conte he is not in the Italian’s plans for next season. Costa was an integral part of Chelsea’s Premier League winning ottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane campaign this season, scoring 22 goals. says he is ready to succeed Wayne Rooney However, he claims he has no option but to as England’s long-term captain. England leave Stamford Bridge in the coming months manager Gareth Southgate has eased after being told by Conte he has no future TManchester United forward Rooney, 31, out of the with the English champions. “I am going to picture and says he will decide who captains his be honest, the other day I got a message from side on a match-by-match basis. the coach, Conte, that I am not part of his He has praised Kane’s “leadership qualities” plans,” Costa told reporters after Spain’s 2-2 and despite only being 23, the Spurs hotshot says draw with Colombia on Wednesday. he is ready to carry the responsibility that comes “Right now I am a Chelsea player because I with the armband. Asked if he thought it might England’s Harry Kane. (Reuters) have a contract, but if the coach doesn’t want be too soon for him to take on the captaincy, Kane me there then I have to leave.” Costa said replied: “For me personally, I don’t think so. I’ve since the 1-0 win in Slovakia last September that last month that he would only contemplate a been captain for Spurs a few times. You wear an was to prove the one and only game of Sam Al- move back to Atletico Madrid, from whom he armband and it gets built up a lot to be a captain. lardyce’s ill-fated reign as manager. Having sat joined Chelsea in 2014. “It is a fantastic thing, but in this team — and out England’s last six games, he is due to make his However, with the Spanish side banned by in this day and age — there should be more than fi rst appearance under Southgate in tomorrow’s FIFA from registering new players until Janu- just one leader out there. For me, I don’t think it World Cup qualifi er against Scotland in Glasgow. ary, any move to Atletico before the end of Spain’s Diego Costa (right) and Gerard Pique during a training session. (AFP) would (be too early), but that is a matter of opin- Kane scored 29 goals to win the Premier August would mean Costa would have to wait ion really.” On Southgate’s praise, he added: “It’s League’s Golden Boot for the second year run- until the new year to play. “I don’t know,” $80mn. Swiss tennis great Roger Federer played a World Cup decider since their 1966 fantastic to hear. Any player growing up as a foot- ning, but he is desperate to improve an England said the striker when asked about a return to ($64mn) and Golden State Warriors guard victory in the senior edition. baller dreams of being England captain one day record of fi ve goals in 17 games. Atletico. To not play for four or fi ve months Kevin Durant ($60.6mn) rounded out the top and I am no diff erent.” Kane has scored seven goals in his last two is diffi cult. People know that I love my team- fi ve — just as they did last year. The Forbes SEVILLA HIRE BERIZZO TO Injuries mean Kane has not played for England games of the season for Spurs. mates at Atletico, I love to live in Madrid, but fi gures include salaries, prize money and REPLACE SAMPAOLI I need to think about my future.” bonuses earned between June 1, 2016, and Eduardo Berizzo will take charge of Se- Costa does, though, believe Conte’s stance June 1, 2017. Endorsement incomes are an es- villa next season after the Spanish club will allow him to leave on the cheap. “Now it timate of sponsorships, appearance fees and announced yesterday a two-year deal had is much easier. If the coach doesn’t want you licensing incomes for the same 12-month been agreed with the Argentine. The former Man City sign goalkeeper Ederson in his team, Chelsea have to sell me, and in period based on conversations with industry Celta Vigo boss replaces his compatriot Jorge the sales.” insiders. Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Sampaoli after the latter left to take charge London: Manchester City have completed the from Parma for 53 mn euros in 2001. He began Slam winner, was the lone woman on the of Argentina’s faltering World Cup qualify- signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson from his career with home-town club Sao Paulo and RONALDO STAYS ATOP FORBES LIST list with an estimated income of $27mn — ing campaign after just one season in charge Benfica, the Premier League club announced spent time in Benfica’s youth system before OF RICHEST ATHLETES $19mn of which came from endorsements — at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Berizzo enjoyed yesterday. The announcement came a week launching his senior career with Portuguese Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo remained to place her 51st overall. three largely successful campaigns at Celta, after Benfica said they had agreed to sell the club Ribeirao. After a three-year spell with Rio atop Forbes magazine’s list of 100 highest- leading the Galicians to the Europa League 23-year-old to City for 40mn euros ($45mn, Ave, he returned to Benfica in 2015. Ederson paid athletes, with Cleveland Cavaliers star SOLANKE BLASTS ENGLAND INTO semi-fi nals this season where they narrowly £34.7mn), making him the second most expen- only became Benfica’s first-choice goalkeeper LeBron James moving up to second on a list U20 WORLD CUP FINAL lost to Manchester United. sive goalkeeper ever. last season and helped the club to a league heavy on NBA players. The 32-year-old Por- Dominic Solanke struck twice as England Ederson will off icially become a City player and Portuguese Cup double. He is uncapped at tugal forward is estimated to have earned a beat Italy 3-1 to reach the Under-20 World SHAKESPEARE PENS on July 1. City did not disclose the length of senior level, but was named in Brazil’s squad for total of $93mn between his football salary of Cup fi nal for the fi rst time in their history PERMANENT LEICESTER DEAL his contract. In signing Ederson, City manager their upcoming friendlies against Argentina and $58mn and $35mn in endorsement income. yesterday. Liverpool-bound Solanke can- Craig Shakespeare has signed a three-year Guardiola hopes to have put an end to the goal- Australia in Melbourne. It’s the second straight year Ronaldo has celled out Riccardo Orsolini’s early opener contract as manager of Leicester City, the keeping saga that plagued his first season at Ederson is City’s second major signing of topped the list, released Wednesday just days when he scored in the 66th minute, before former Premier League champions an- the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola allowed Joe Hart the close season following the £43mn capture after he spearheaded a 4-1 victory over Ju- Everton’s Ademola Lookman put England 2-1 nounced yesterday. Shakespeare, 53, was to join Torino on loan, but Hart’s replacement, of Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva from ventus that made Real Madrid the fi rst team up 11 minutes later. promoted from his role as assistant coach on Claudio Bravo, proved inadequate and back-up French champions Monaco. Caballero, Pablo to retain the UEFA Champions League title. With two minutes left, Solanke buried an interim basis following the shock dismiss- goalkeeper Willy Caballero ended the campaign Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Jesus James, with estimated earnings of a glorious strike from distance to confi rm al of Claudio Ranieri in February. as City’s number one. Navas have all been allowed to leave as Guar- $86.2mn, was one of 32 NBA players who England’s place in Sunday’s fi nal against His appointment sparked a striking upturn Ederson becomes the most expensive goal- diola reshapes a squad that finished 15 points made the top 100 — up from 18 last year. He Venezuela, who edged Uruguay on penalties. in form that saw Leicester secure their keeper since Gianluigi Buff on joined Juventus below champions Chelsea in third place. took over second place from the Argentine Neither side has reached the fi nal before and Premier League status and reach the quarter- footballer Lionel Messi, now third with for England, it will be fi rst time they have fi nals of the Champions League. Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 9, 2017 SPORT

ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT Double Olympic hosting decision close Bolt treasured by AFP Meanwhile, LA 2024 chair- Lausanne man Casey Wasserman sug- gested the Californian metrop- olis was open to a mooted deal lympic bosses appear which would see Los Angeles set to recommend stage the Games after Paris. that hosting rights “To be blunt, LA 2024 has for 2024 and 2028 never been only about LA Jamaicans not GamesO be awarded simulta- or 2024,” Wasserman said neously, a landmark step that Wednesday. could hand winning bids to LA later issued a statement rival candidates Paris and Los declaring that “LA is not con- Angeles. ceding anything in the race for The International Olympic the 2024 Games”. Committee’s executive com- Los Angeles off ers the mittee meeting in Lausanne chance to host the Games only for his speed today will receive reports from without egregious public a working group that studied spending, a top IOC priority. the idea. If endorsed, the pro- The city last hosted in 1984 ‘He ends his competitive career this year, but he does not end the image, and the legacy’ posal will go to a vote of the and much of the infrastructure IOC’s roughly 100 members remains in place. LA has said it next month for fi nal approval. will use university residences With that hurdle cleared, the to house athletes, instead of IOC’s main meeting in Lima on building an Olympic village. September 13 would then hold Crucially, the LA team says it a double vote to award both the has secured $5.3bn (4.7bn eu- 2024 and 2028 Games. ros) in private funding, which The plan fi ts the IOC’s eff ort if delivered could set a new to make Olympic bidding less paradigm for hosting Games costly, with cities often spend- that have historically relied on ing tens of millions of dollars taxpayer money. But, the LA only to come up empty handed. camp warns, those pieces may Hosting the Games has also not stay in place if the city has become an increasingly daunt- to wait four more years. ing prospect for cities, with In Paris, the case against fewer willing to take on the vast waiting is symbolic, logistical expense. The IOC is therefore and political. The French capi- anxious to lock in two low-risk, tal last hosted the Games in high-quality bids from cities 1924, so a return 100 years later with a record of successfully would inevitably trigger mar- staging major sporting events. keting and promotion oppor- IOC chief Thomas Bach has tunities around the centenary. complained that there are “too IOC evaluators have also many losers” in Olympic bid- stressed public transport is a ding and has voiced support for priority for the successful city. both Paris and LA winning the Los Angeles, famous for right to host the Games. snarling traffi c and clogged While the idea of a double freeways, has launched a mas- vote in the Peruvian capital is sive public transportation gaining traction, a fi erce battle overhaul independent of the is continuing over which city Olympic bid. But the work is in gets to go fi rst. its infancy and Paris has noted that its Metro already carries 2024 or nothing? eight mn passengers per day, Both Paris and LA insist they suggesting LA could benefi t remained set on 2024, but the from the extra time. terrain is shifting. New French president Em- The French side is holding a manuel Macron pledged un- tougher line, while LA for the equivocal support for the Paris fi rst time this week opened the bid immediately after taking door to the prospect of 2028. offi ce, promising to be on hand “Our project has been built to support his side in Lausanne for 2024,” said the co-chief of next month, and in Lima in the Paris bid, Tony Estanguet. September. “That’s my mandate... And Paris has stressed that the we can’t really consider 2028 prospect of both Macron Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrating winning the final of the men’s 100m at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium in Beijing on August 23, 2015. (AFP) at the moment,” added the and supportive Mayor Anne former Olympic champion ca- Hidaldgo being in offi ce in Reuters that amplify Jamaica,” Prime “Everybody from every part of ity to inspire youngsters to take have brought Bolt the level of noeist, while conceding that it 2024 would be a boon for the Kingston, Jamaica Minister Andrew Holness told the world knows where Jamai- up the sport, said Warren Blake, supremacy and excellence he has “makes sense” for the IOC to Games, while 2028 is rife with Reuters in an interview at the ca is right now (and) everyone Jamaica Athletics Administra- achieved, Glen Mills, his coach look at a double vote. political uncertainty. Kingston National Stadium on knows who Usain Bolt is and it’s tive Association president. since 2005, told Reuters. sain Bolt’s value to Ja- Wednesday. not just because of his speed but “When he won the double “But all good things, one day, maica over the last dec- “Great personalities like Us- because they’re captivated by sprint gold medals in Beijing must come to an end and he has Fowler seeks to tighten up game before US Open ade has gone far beyond ain Bolt... make people want whom he is.” 2008 and then added the sprint decided that this is it for him,” just winning medals to see what else Jamaica has to Tomorrow Jamaicans will see relay gold also in record time, Mills said. World number eight Rickie to work on, what needs to Uon the track, the island’s leading off er, so he literally opens doors Bolt run his last competitive race it had an eff ect right across the “He has served the sport well Fowler hopes to use this be tightened up. “(I prefer to athletes and politicians said, as for Jamaica to the rest of the on the Caribbean island. spectrum in Jamaica because all and the sport has served him week’s St. Jude Classic to fine- be) able to do that through the sprint king prepares for his world.” A ‘who’s who’ of modern track the high schools reported that well and we’ll miss him.” tune his game heading into the week here and minimise fi nal race on home soil this week. Before Bolt, Don Quarrie was greats, including world record the number of athletes coming What he will do after retire- the US Open. While most of what I’m trying to do Monday The 30-year-old multiple one of Jamaica’s best-known holders Wayde Van Niekerk and out to train to make their school ment is a matter for conjecture the competitors in the year’s through Wednesday the week Olympic gold medallist, who track and fi eld athletes after he David Rudisha and double Ol- teams for Boys and Girls Cham- but the prime minister said second major in Wisconsin are of a major. “Ultimately I want has decided to retire after the won gold in the 200 metres at ympic and world champion Mo pionship doubled.” there was an open invitation for taking this week off to hone to be in contention here but world championships in Lon- the 1976 Olympics. Farah, will be among those par- Maxine Walters, who has pro- him to play a role in government. their swings at home, Fowler part of that is making sure the don in August, will bid farewell Quarrie said Bolt’s impact was ticipating in the meet. duced all of Bolt’s international “The possibilities for him are is among 32 players in the St. game is in a good spot.” to the fans in his island home in as much about his spirit as about commercials in Jamaica, said endless and I’d like to say to him Jude field who have qualified Fowler is coming off a the 100m at tomorrow’s Racers his sporting feats. INSPIRING THE YOUNG of the lanky sprinter: “He’s an that my door is always open and to play in Erin Hills next week. near-miss at the Memorial Grand Prix. “He brought so much joy to “He ends his competitive ca- amazing treasure for Jamaica, I have a seat for him anywhere he “I like playing the week before tournament on Sunday, where For Jamaicans he ranks as a track and fi eld, not just from reer this year, but he does not not just as an amazingly suc- wants to serve,” Holness added. majors,” the popular Ameri- he stood in the final fairway national treasure, transcending his times, but from his personal- end the image, and the legacy cessful sprinter and the fastest “I would love to see him can told reporters at TPC thinking a birdie would prob- his sport just as Brazilian Pele ity, which at fi rst people thought of course, that Usain will leave.” man in the world but as a human take interest in the sport itself Southwind on Wednesday. ably be good enough to get did soccer and Muhamad Ali was a put-on, but they later real- Jamaica Olympic Association being with his contribution to from the leadership, govern- “It allows me to see where into a playoff with eventual boxing. “Usain Bolt continues ised that it was genuine and they president Mike Fennell told Reu- his country.” ance and administrative point of the game’s at, what I need winner Jason Dufner. in that great tradition of voices loved it,” Quarrie told Reuters. ters. That legacy lies in his abil- Twelve years of hard work view.”

CYCLING/ CRITERIUM DU DAUPHINE Bauhaus wins sprint as De Gendt keeps lead

AFP the Grande Boucle, comes after a Macon, France treacherous descent to the bottom of the mountain.

erman youngster Phil Results Bauhaus won a bunch Stage 5 sprint ahead of stunned 1. Phil Bauhaus (GER/SUN), French duo Arnaud De- 175.5km inn 4hrs 04min 32sec, 2. Gmare and Bryan Coquard in the Arnaud Démare (FRA/FDJ) same fi fth stage of the Criterium du time, 3. Bryan Coquard (FRA/DEN) Dauphine at Macon yesterday. s.t., 4. Adrien Petit (FRA/DEN) s.t., The fl at stage precedes three 5. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/COF) s.t., days in the mountains where the 6. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/KAT) form of Tour de France favourites s.t., 7. Pascal Ackermann (GER/ Chris Froome, Alberto Contador BOR) s.t., 8. Edvald Boasson Hagen and Richie Porte will be scrutinised (NOR/DDT) s.t., 9. Enrico Battaglin on some iconic climbs. Belgium’s (ITA/LNL) s.t., 10. Oliver Naesen Thomas De Gendt of Lotto retains (BEL/ALM) s.t. the overall lead ahead of Porte and Alejandro Valverde with Froome Overall and Contador both close behind. 1. Thomas De Gendt (BEL/LOT) The 22-year-old Bauhaus got his 17hrs 10min 25sec, 2. Richie Porte nose ahead after a long, nervous last (AUS/BMC) at 27sec, 3. Alejandro 2km with the peloton bunched. Valverde (ESP/MOV) 51, 4. Stef “I had a good shot at a stage win Clement (NED/LNL) 55, 5. Alberto on Monday, I felt good and had Contador (ESP/TRE) 1:02, 6. Chris two teammates leading me in,” he Froome (GBR/SKY) 1:04, 7. Brent said. Friday’s stage features a be- Bookwalter (USA/BMC) 1:12, 8. yond category mountain which Jesus Herrada (ESP/MOV) 1:15, 9. will also be on the Tour de France Sam Oomen (NED/SUN) 1:17, 10. but the fi nish line, as with many on Diego Ulissi (ITA/EAU) 1:22. Germany’s Phil Bauhaus (L) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in Macon, France, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, June 9, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors one win from title aft er late rally shocks Cavs ‘It’s probably the most firepower I’ve played in my career. I played against some great teams but I don’t think no team has had this kind of firepower. So even when you’re playing well, you’ve got to play like A-plus-plus

AFP the Cavaliers did become the Cleveland fi rst team in NBA Finals history to rally from a 3-1 hole to swipe the crown over Golden State last olden State, powered year. “We had a game that we had by Kevin Durant’s won that we let slip away,” Cava- clutch scoring in the liers coach Tyronn Lue said. closing minutes, ral- “Of course, you’re defl ated Glied to beat defending champion from losing a game that you Cleveland 118-113 yesterday in should have won. But you’ve got the NBA Finals, moving one vic- to get back to the drawing board. tory from the fi rst perfect playoff If we come out with the same run in league history. fi ght and intensity... we got a good Durant scored seven of his 31 chance of winning on Friday.” points in the Warriors’ game- Irving and James each played ending 11-0 run, the biggest of about 45 minutes on the court, them a 3-pointer with 45 sec- leaving them fatigued when it onds remaining that put Golden mattered most. State ahead to stay at 114-113. “Kyrie and LeBron had it go- “K.D. made some huge plays ing the whole game, but that’s down the stretch,” Warriors pretty taxing to go one-on-one coach Steve Kerr said. “He took the whole game,” Kerr said. over. You can tell he knows this is “Both those guys were amazing. his moment. He’s been an amaz- But that takes a lot out of you.” ing player in this league for a long time and I think he senses ‘That was liberating’ this is his time, his moment, his Cleveland’s J.R. Smith sank a team... and I think he’s having 3-pointer to give the Cavaliers the time of his life out there.” a 113-107 lead, but the Warriors Klay Thompson scored 30 scored 11 points in the fi nal 2:20 points and Stephen Curry added for the fi ghtback triumph while 26 for the Warriors, who seized the Cavs missed their last eight a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven shots. series and stretched their record “It’s defi nitely tough. It playoff win streak to 15-0. hurts,” Irving said. “Did some They will make the fi rst un- great things. Came down to the beaten playoff run in NBA his- stretch, and they made some big tory with a victory in game four time plays. K.D. comes down, on Friday at Cleveland. hits a big three... I’ll probably be “To fi nd a way to win was an replaying that play for a while. Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (right) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith (second right) in game three of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans amazing accomplishment and But it defi nitely hurts.” Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports set us up for hopefully a great Durant, seeking his fi rst career night Friday where we can back title after joining the Warriors it up,” Curry said. from Oklahoma City last July, “We want 16 wins. It doesn’t and Curry scored on drives to the Cavaliers need greater than greatest rally now matter how we get there. But hoop to pull Golden State within Having made the greatest comeback in have and limit some of the things they’re give, James said, “It’s so hard to say, but now that we’re in this situation, two. Durant then followed a Kyle NBA Finals history to beat Golden State comfortable at.” for me personally, I gave everything I why not take care of business Korver 3-pointer miss for Cleve- last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers need For superstar LeBron James, who had, so win, lose or draw you live with the and fi nish the job.” land with a tension-packed an even better rally to defend the crown achieved a life dream by rallying his results. They played a really good game The Warriors set the North 3-pointer with 45 seconds re- after Wednesday’s 118-113 loss to the War- hometown Cavaliers last year to win as well, but they made shots down the American sports playoff win maining that put the Warriors riors. Golden State’s Kevin Durant scored Cleveland’s first major sport title in 52 stretch. They got stops and then they streak mark with their 15th con- ahead 114-113. 31 points, including seven in a game-end- years, the focus will be on improving made play after play down the stretch.” secutive triumph, moving past “That was liberating right ing 11-0 run that stretched the Warriors’ every possession in every quarter. “You go against a team like this and you the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins’ there,” Durant said. “All I was playoff unbeaten run to 15-0 and their “It’s a dramatic situation to be in,” James put together a game like we had where 14-game run from the 1992 and looking at was the bottom of the lead in the best-of-seven championship said. “We’re going to come in tomorrow, we had an opportunity, it’s definitely 1993 Stanley Cup playoff s. net and I made sure my feet were series to 3-0. watch some film, see ways we can get draining.” behind the 3-point line.” No team has ever recovered from a 3-0 better and just try to take it one game at Irving felt it as well. “But game four, I look Must play ‘A-plus-plus’ Irving missed an off -balance deficit to win an NBA playoff series in 126 a time. I’ve got to go home, get my mind forward to it,” Irving said. “Another chal- LeBron James scored 39 3-pointer and Durant and Curry attempts, although no club had rallied focused and get my body focused for lenge for us to get better and go against points, grabbed 11 rebounds and each made two free throws on from 3-1 down in the NBA Finals until game four and we take it one possession a great team.” passed off nine assists while the next Golden State posses- the Cavs did it last year to defeat the at a time.” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said he never Kyrie Irving added 38 points to sions to seal Cleveland’s fate. Warriors. James had 39 points, 11 rebounds and considered resting James or Irving with pace the Cavaliers, but James The win moved Durant one And while the Cavaliers are far from sur- nine assists in 45 minutes, tiring at the the game on the line. “I decided to stick said he has never faced a “jug- win from the title he sought rendering, there is a sense the addition end as even his indomitable will was with those guys, being at home, down gernaut” like the Warriors. when he left Oklahoma City of Durant has made Golden State a much found wanting when guarding Durant 0-2. Great players, they always dig deep “It’s probably the most fi re- for the Warriors last July, one harder team to vanquish even once – let on a pivotal 3-pointer with 45 seconds LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and have their will to win. And they gave power I’ve played in my career,” he failed to get in 2012 when alone four times. remaining that gave Golden State the looks on in the first half against the us everything they had,” Lue said. James said. “I played against his Thunder lost to Miami and “They’re a juggernaut of a team,” said lead for good. Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the “Durant made eight straight points that some great teams but I don’t James won his fi rst career crown Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, who scored NBA Finals in Cleveland, Ohio. (AFP) was very critical, three big shots, and think no team has had this kind with the Heat. 38 points in game three. “They do a great ‘Definitely draining’ that’s why they brought him here, for of fi repower. So even when “It’s an exciting time. I’ve job of spacing out the floor, keeping a “I gave everything that I had, so at times winds. I don’t contribute as losing this those situations. “They’re a great team, you’re playing well, you’ve got to never been in this position, be- high tempo and just made some big-time throughout the game I was tired, but game because we got tired. We missed but I think we’re a great team also. play like A-plus-plus.” ing up in the fi nals and trying to plays down the stretch. that’s just because I was just playing as some shots, and they made some.” They’re playing at a high level. Our team No team in NBA playoff his- close it out,” Durant said. “But “We have to come out with an unbeliev- hard as I could,” James said. “But I was Asked if he thought the Warriors had scrapped and competed. I can’t be disap- tory has ever rallied from a 3-0 the job’s not done. We’ve still got able mindset, unbelievable focus like we able to get second and third and fourth taken the best shot Cleveland had to pointed with the eff ort.” defi cit to win a series, although a lot of work left to do.”

MLB Royals roll past Astros aft er Keuchel scratched

By Blair Kerkhoff Vargas held up his end of the Perez legging home from fi rst on The Royals held off an upris- The Kansas City Star bargain, giving the Royals fi ve Cuthbert’s double to left. ing in the eighth when the Astros solid innings. Perez had singled for the Roy- scored three, the fi nal two on It didn’t match the shutout als fi rst hit, and with two outs, an Escobar error with the bases he pitching showdown eff ort of his previous outing at Cuthbert doubled to the corner. loaded. Kelvin Herrera closed it on Wednesday between Cleveland, but Vargas provided Left fi elder Josh Reddick was out for his 13th save. Jason Vargas and Dallas enough to keep the momentum slow to make a play, and third- Vargas, who improved to 8-3 Keuchel never materi- after Tuesday’s walk-off victory base coach Mike Jirschele waved and struck out fi ve, won his third Talised because Keuchel didn’t that ended the Astros’ 11-game Perez home. straight decision and remains materialise. winning streak. Escobar followed with a sharp among the American League Some 10 minutes before the The Royals made it two single to right that scored Cuth- leaders in several categories. game, Keuchel was announced straight by scoring in four con- bert. He’s second in ERA at 2.18 and as a scratch because of an illness, secutive innings, with all the The Royals had answered the victories. spoiling the fi rst matchup be- runs in those frames scored with Astros, who got on the board in Keuchel leads both lists and he tween ERA leaders this late in the two outs. the second on Brian McCann’s was looking to become the fi fth season – Keuchel is fi rst, Vargas They also had to withstand solo home run to centre. The pitcher since 1987 to start the second – since 2005, according a late Astros rally fuelled by an blast extended Houston’s streak season with a 10-0 record. to Elias Sports. error. The bottom of the Royals of games with a homer to 15 and The Royals didn’t mind at all. order was especially produc- was their major league-leading RESULTS They knocked around emer- tive, including second baseman 94th this season. Orioles ...... 9 .. Pirates ...... 6 gency starter Dayan Diaz in his Ramon Torres, called up earlier Lorenzo Cain’s home run in Mariners ...... 6 .. Twins ...... 5 fi rst major league start and the in the day and making his major the third inning, his fourth of the Dodgers ...... 2 ...Nationals ...... 1 Astros bullpen in a 7-5 victory league debut. season, landed in about the same Diamondbacks ....7 ...Padres ...... 4 on Wednesday in front of 25,628 Torres sliced an RBI double place. Yankees ...... 8 .. Red Sox ...... 0 at Kauff man Stadium. in the fourth inning for his fi rst Perez opened the fourth with Royals ...... 7 ...Astros ...... 5 The outcome pushed the Roy- major-league hit. He added a a double off the wall in right- Rockies ...... 8 .. Indians ...... 1 als’ record to 26-32 and their second hit, an infi eld single later center. Escobar poked his second Brewers ...... 6 .. Giants ...... 3 mark in the long home stand to in the game. RBI single to right, and Torres Marlins ...... 6 .. Cubs ...... 5 5-4. Cheslor Cuthbert, Alcides Es- followed with his double to right Mets ...... 4... Rangers ...... 3 With four victories in six cobar and Torres – hitting 7-8- fi eld. Tigers ...... 4... Angels ...... 0 games, the Royals have clinched 9 – contributed six hits and six Jorge Bonifacio singled and Braves ...... 14 . Phillies ...... 1 the season series against the RBIs, and got things started in Cain walked to open the fi fth. Reds ...... 6 .. Cardinals ...... 4 Astros, who own baseball’s best the second inning off Diaz. Moustakas walked to load the Rays ...... 3 ...White Sox ...... 1 record. The teams play their last The fi rst run scored in an un- bases, and two scored on Cuth- Blue Jays ...... 7 ..Athletics ...... 5 Alcides Escobar connects on an RBI double in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Kauff man regular-season game Thursday. expected way, with Salvador bert’s single to right...... (10 innings) Stadium in Kansas City. (Kansas City Star/TNS) Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 9, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE MANSELL SCEPTICAL OF MERCEDES ‘UNDERDOGS’ CLAIM Alonso back for Epsom, United Kingdom: cedes like they have” and was Formula One world champions delighted for his old team. Mercedes say they are now “But now it’s going to be a the underdogs to Ferrari in race on development, whatever this year’s title race but Nigel manufacturer develops at a Mansell is taking that with a faster rate will ultimately win pinch of salt. The 1992 world the world championship,” he McLaren as Ferrari champion, who won his title added. The Briton tipped Mer- with Williams but was loved cedes to work through their by the Ferrari fans as ‘Il Leone’ issues and said triple world (The Lion) during his earlier champion Hamilton remained time at Maranello, told Reuters “a class act” who was lightning he was sceptical of the claim. quick and would be in conten- “That’s rhetoric. I don’t tion right to the end providing seek to seize control believe they’re underdogs,” reliability held up. “What Lewis said the 63-year-old Briton, has got to do when things are who was speaking before being not quite right is get the best Two-time champion re-joins McLaren Honda after missing Monaco Grand Prix inducted into the Motor Sport he can possibly out of himself Magazine Hall of Fame at a gala and the team,” he said. dinner on Wednesday. “I think “But Lewis still can win the they are very close.” championship this year, it’s Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel going to be very close between has won three of the six races them,” added Mansell, describ- so far, with closest rival Lewis ing Bottas as a clear number Hamilton 25 points behind two despite doing a great job Fernando Alonso (right) of McLaren Honda after two victories. Finland’s since joining in January as and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes GP during Valtteri Bottas has also won replacement for retired cham- a press conference ahead of the Canadian for Mercedes. Mercedes have pion Nico Rosberg. Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in won the last three drivers’ and Mansell also spared a Montreal, Canada, yesterday. (AFP) constructors’ championships thought for Honda, McLaren’s without conceding more than beleaguered engine partners, three races in any of those sea- after comments by the team’s sons. Mercedes team boss Toto executive director Zak Brown Wolff said after Ferrari finished casting doubt on the future of one-two in Monaco last month the partnership. that the champions were now “I’d suggest probably underdogs and revisited the something has got to change,” theme ahead of this weekend’s said Mansell, who won races Canadian Grand Prix. in Honda-engined cars at Wil- “It’s painful, but we are not liams. “And fast. And hopefully the favourites for this year’s it can change where McLaren championship. At the moment and Honda get it right together. it’s Ferrari,” said the Austrian in “They should now be a race preview. competing for the wins and Mansell said that Ferrari had the world championship. And done “an absolutely outstand- sadly, for whatever reason best ing job through the winter known to them, it’s not hap- to come out and challenge Mer- pening.”

SPOTLIGHT Lions must halt ‘monster’ Sonny

AFP this weekend with champions Mercedes said. “They have a very strong package feels like I’ve spent a lot of time in North Montreal on a circuit where he has won fi ve times, and we need to rise to the challenge to America recently. “The Indy 500 was an including his maiden triumph in 2007. He prove once again that we are the team to incredible experience and it’s been amaz- Bill, says Webb bids for a hat-trick after winning in 2015 beat.” ing to learn a completely diff erent style of ernando Alonso may return to and 2016. He and Mercedes team-mate Wolff pointed at the tyres as the main driving, but I’m ready to get back to my his “day job” with a look of envy Valtteri Bottas, who have struggled with cause of his team’s inconsistency this ‘day job’ again. this weekend as his former team tyre-performance this year, have both year in which they have matched Ferrari’s “The circuit is not going to suit our car Ferrari seek to seize control of enjoyed racing at the Circuit Gilles Vil- three wins, but shared them between as much as the twisty, slower corners of theF Formula One world championship at leneuve in the past and the team may see Hamilton, with two, and Bottas. “How a Monaco, but I’m excited to get back and the Canadian Grand Prix. The two-time this race as a key opportunity to claw back chassis interacts with tyres is a complex catch up with the guys and girls in the world champion re-joins McLaren Honda lost ground. subject,” said Wolff . “There are dozens of team.” after missing last month’s Monaco Grand Bottas, signed by Mercedes to replace factors that interact. Prix to race at the Indianapolis 500. retired 2016 champion Nico Rosberg, was This is not about seeking an excuse be- STANDINGS But he will be stepping back from the third on the grid for Williams in Canada cause others are able to extract the per- Drivers: 1. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 129pts, 2. limelight to the supporting cast while Se- in 2013 and on the podium in the last formance. “It’s a problem that seems to Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 104, 3. Valtteri Bottas bastian Vettel bids for his fourth Ferrari two years. Those statistics suggest both have hit everybody, but not Ferrari. All (FIN) 75, 4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 67, 5. Daniel win in seven races this year and the scu- men love the challenge of the high-speed credit to them, they have a solid car that Ricciardo (AUS) 52, 6. Max Verstappen (NED) deria’s fi rst in Canada since 2004. Four- straights, sharp hairpins and unforgiving is capable to cope with the tyres.” 45, 7. Sergio Perez (MEX) 34, 8. Carlos Sainz time champion Vettel extended his lead walls, but in this year’s Mercedes car it He added that Mercedes would fi ght Jr (ESP) 25, 9. Felipe Massa (BRA) 20, 10. ahead of Lewis Hamilton in this year’s may be diff erent. all the way and that “everything is com- Esteban Ocon (FRA) 19, 11. title race to 25 points with his Monaco Vettel, who has only one Montreal win pletely open. I’m expecting an interesting Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 14, 12. Romain Gros- success ahead of teammate Finn Kimi on his record — with Red Bull in 2013 — weekend. It could be a tricky race. It will jean (FRA) 9, 13. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 5, Raikkonen, a triumph shrouded in post- could also fi nd this weekend’s contest be about us doing our homework right to 14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER) 4, 15. Daniil Kvyat British and Irish Lions’ Rhys Webb passes the ball during the rugby race talk of team orders that cost the 2007 more challenging, despite being installed give the drivers the car they need.” (RUS) 4 union match against Auckland Blues at Eden Park in Auckland. (AFP) champion a merited victory. as title favourite by his rivals’ team boss For Alonso, who retired while running Constructors: 1. Ferrari 196pts, 2. Mercedes- Three-time champion Hamilton, who Toto Wolff . “It’s painful, but we are not seventh in Indianapolis, it is ironic to be AMG 179, 3. Red Bull 97, 4. Force India 53, 5. AFP lete and individual. He’s a world- said he was convinced Ferrari are favour- the favourites for this year’s champion- crossing the Atlantic again. “It’s good to Toro Rosso 29, 6. Williams 20, 7. Renault 14, Auckland class player.” ing Vettel, has a chance to bounce back ship — at the moment, it’s Ferrari,” he be heading back to Canada,” he said. “It 8. Haas 14, 9. Sauber 4 Webb conceded halting Wil- liams was easier said than done, he British and Irish Lions saying the imposing Aucklander RUGBY won’t panic after losing was diffi cult to tackle. “If you go to the Auckland Blues too high he might sit you down but understand more or bounce you. Maybe we need thanT ever the need to stop “mon- to put three or four men on him,” ster” centre Sonny Bill Williams, he said. Noves bets on Machenaud, Plisson scrum-half Rhys Webb said. Coach Warren Gatland said he Williams inspired the Blues would continue to rotate his 41- AFP and scrum-half Ross Cronje for the fi rst to a 22-16 win over the Lions at man squad for the Lions’ next Johannesburg time. Another uncapped winger, West- Eden Park on Wednesday but the match against the undefeated, ern Stormers Dillyn Leyds, is among the tourists were vastly improved on top-of-the-table Canterbury eight replacements. Coetzee, Skosan and the side that scratched out a 13-7 Crusaders tomorrow. He expect- oach Guy Noves chose half- Cronje formed part of the Golden Lions victory in their opening match ed another intense match, say- backs Jules Plisson and Maxime team that fi nished runners-up in the against the Provincial Barbari- ing playing New Zealand’s Super Machenaud yesterday to spear- 2016 Super Rugby championship and are ans. Webb said the Lions felt they Rugby sides was “great prepara- head France’s bid to dominate challenging for the title again this year. did enough to beat the Blues but tion” for the Test series. SouthC Africa in a three-Test series that Ghana-born Rhule plays for the Central let themselves down by conced- Dan Biggar (head) and Jared kicks off in Pretoria this weekend. Cheetahs, another of six South African ing too many penalties and mak- Payne (calf) were forced off with Machenaud, 28, was chosen at scrum- sides competing in Super Rugby. A sur- ing poor decisions at crunch mo- injuries against the Blues but half in place of Noves’ usual choice Bap- prise starter is another Lion, lock Franco ments. “Our discipline was poor Gatland said they should be fi t to tiste Serin. He last started on November Mostert, as Pieter-Steph du Toit was ex- and we’ve given away a lot of face the Crusaders if needed. 26 against New Zealand and will begin on pected to partner fellow Stormer Eben penalties in our fi rst few games,” Saturday alongside Plisson, 25, who last Etzebeth instead of being on the bench. the Welshman said. THREE BARRETTS IN saw action against Argentina in June last Only three of the team thrashed 27-13 “We can’t aff ord to do that SQUAD TO FACE LIONS year. The Stade Francais playmaker has in Wales last November at the end of a against the All Blacks because Three Barrett brothers were benefi ted from the absence of fi rst choice dismal season survive — fl y-half Elton they’ll punish us...(but) they’re named yesterday in a powerful Camille Lopez, who will miss the tour. Jantjies, prop Tendai Mtawarira and No. 8 easy fi xes. We’ve taken a hit but All Blacks squad to face the Brit- “Why Maxime? Because it’s a Test series, and new skipper Warren Whiteley. the boys aren’t going to hit the ish and Irish Lions with Jordie we want to try out everyone a bit,” Noves Centre Francois Steyn — one of four panic button after one bad re- Barrett one of only two new play- told a media conference in Johannesburg. Europe-based players called up — starts sult.” Webb said two-time World ers in the New Zealand side. “It’s a choice. We want to see Maxime on the bench with Coetzee opting for Cup winner Williams was a cru- Coach Steve Hansen called it while also knowing the level of the two French rugby coach Guy Noves announces the team in Johannesburg. (AFP) Northern Bulls pair Jesse Kriel and Jan cial diff erence between the sides. one of the “toughest” squads he youngsters (Serin and Antoine Dupont) Serfontein. South Africa have won 10 of The former rugby league star has had to select as he assembled who will have an opportunity to play The other Tests are in Durban (June 17) FOUR NEW SPRINGBOKS 21 home Tests against France, drawn fi ve scored a try of his own and set up a line-up with 1,164 Test caps later.” The coach also picked Henry Cha- and Johannesburg (June 24). TO FACE FRANCE and lost six. Ihaia West’s match-winner as he worth of experience for a warm- vancy over Parisien star Jonathan Danty France Team (15-1): Brice Dulin; Yoann Meanwhile, Under-fi re South Africa South Africa Team (15-1): Andries Coetzee; made a triumphant return from up Test against Samoa and then to join Gael Fickou as the centres. Huget, Henry Chavancy, Gael Fickou, Virimi coach Allister Coetzee has included four Raymond Rhule, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, injury. Webb said shutting down three against the Lions. The In the front row, Clement Maynadier Vakatawa; Jules Plisson, Maxime Machen- uncapped players in his starting side for Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje; Williams’ ability to offl oad in the 20-year-old Jordie Barrett, who starts in the absence of captain Guilhem aud; Loann Goujon, Louis Picamoles, Ya- the fi rst of three Tests against France Warren Whiteley (capt), Oupa Mohoje, Siya tackle would be key to stopping accompanied the All Blacks as Guirado, who will be held back from the couba Camara; Yoann Maestri (capt), Julien that could decide his future. Reports Kolisi; Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth; Frans the All Blacks in the three-Test an “apprentice” on their north- fi rst Test. He will be alongside Uini Ato- le Devedec; Uini Atonio, Clement Maynadier, have claimed that a series loss to France Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira series against the world cham- ern tour last year, steps up to join nio and Jeff erson Poirot. “It’s a team that Jeff erson Poirot. Replacements: Camille could spell the end for the former West- Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven pions. “Sonny Bill’s a monster, his older brothers Beauden and has developed gradually through training Chat, Eddy Ben Arous, Mohamed Boughan- ern Stormers coach. After a disastrous Kitshoff , Coenie Oosthuizen, Pieter-Steph du isn’t he?” he said. “Everyone Scott with full All Blacks status. in Normandy (in May) and through the mi, Bernard le Roux, Kevin Gourdon, Baptiste eight losses in his fi rst season, Coetzee Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Hougaard, knows what he can do. We know It is the fi rst time three broth- beginning of our time in South Africa,” Serin, Jean-Marc Doussain, Vincent Rattez chose full-back Andries Coetzee, wing- Francois Steyn, Dillyn Leyds he’s going to be a threat in a cou- ers have been in the same All said Noves. Coach: Guy Noves (FRA) ers Raymond Rhule and Courtnall Skosan Coach: Allister Coetzee ple of weeks. He’s a special ath- Blacks squad. Gulf Times Friday, June 9, 2017 7 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN SPOTLIGHT ‘Garbage’ man ‘Scary’ Stan is hot title threat, Murray, Nadal says Wilander eye dream fi nal Nadal has dropped just 22 games, while Murray has sent mixed messages

Reuters gerous opponents like Fabio Fognini, Paris Gael Monfi ls and Cilic without any alarms. Against Cilic he won 79% of points f Stan Wawrinka’s hot streak ex- on his second serve and won half the tends another four days, the Swiss points off the Croatian’s mighty deliv- might be unstoppable in his quest ery. for a second French Open title, “He is playing great tennis. Very ag- Ithree-times former champion Mats gressive, but controlled,” Wilander Wilander told Reuters. said. “He blew the seventh seed off Third seed Wawrinka outclassed court. That’s some seriously good ten- Marin Cilic 6-3 6-3 6-1 in the quarter- nis. fi nals on Wednesday and next oppo- “Wawrinka in these majors, he is as Spain’s Rafael Nadal will play Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the semi-final. (Right) Murray faces Stan Wawrinka in the last-four stage. (AFP/Reuters) nent Andy Murray should be rightly big a favourite as Federer, Nadal, Djok- concerned, according to the Swede ovic and Murray these days, no diff er- AFP “My only goal is try to be ready to who describes Wawrinka’s run so far ence between the fi ve of them. Paris Nadal can win 15 French Opens: Kuerten play my best. The rest of these things, here as ‘scary’. “Second week of the slams he is part we can always fi nd behind the stones.” “He can win it,” Wilander, in Paris of the big four, big fi ve. Actually of the Gustavo Kuerten marked the 20th because he has been a role model. Wawrinka, like Murray a three-time as a presenter of Eurosport’s daily fl ag- guys left, Nadal might be a little less ndy Murray and Rafael Nadal anniversary of his first Roland Gar- “He’s not only an excellent tennis major winner, has made his trademark ship show ‘Game, Set and Mats’, said. scared of Murray who plays a more can edge closer to an intrigu- ros triumph yesterday by backing player. He is a wonderful person. He understated progress to a third suc- “Not many players can ‘win’ a grand controlled game. ing French Open fi nal rich Rafael Nadal to win 15 French Open is entirely dedicated to his disci- cessive Roland Garros semi-fi nal. slam like Stan, they can prevent losing “Wawrinka and (Dominic) Thiem are in landmark moments today titles. pline.” The Swiss third seed, at 32, is the it by wearing the other guy down, but wild, they can be scary for sure. Nadal afterA drastically contrasting cam- oldest man to get to the last four since he can go out there and win it off his hasn’t won this yet.” Brazilian star Kuerten won his first Nadal will face Austria’s Dominic paigns in Paris. Paris crown in 1997, going on to win Thiem in today’s semi-final. Jimmy Connors back in 1985. racket.” While Nadal has only dropped 22 World number one Murray was the again in 2000 and 2001. If he gets through that he would He trails Murray in head-to-head Despite having as many grand slam games in reaching the semi-fi nals — fi rst British man in the Roland Garros Nadal is just two match wins away come up against world number one meetings 10-7 and lost to the Briton titles as Murray (three), Wawrinka is better than when he was in his pomp in fi nal since Bunny Austin in 1937 when from capturing a 10th French Open. Andy Murray or 2015 champion Stan in four sets in the semi-fi nals last year. often positioned just below the so- 2008 — Wilander thinks the fact that it he fi nished runner-up to Novak Djok- “Rafa could potentially win up to 15 Wawrinka in Sunday’s final. Wawrinka has lost 54 games — called ‘Big Four’ of Roger Federer, Rafa is three years since the Spaniard lifted ovic last year. times,” Kuerten said yesterday in Kuerten said Roger Federer’s sur- identical to the fi gure at the same stage Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Murray the trophy could add some pressure. Two more victories, however, start- praise of the 31-year-old. prise run to the Australian Open title in 2015 when he became champion. when it comes to making predictions “He maybe has a little more to lose,” ing with his semi-fi nal against 2015 “Two years ago, nobody really in January at the age of 35 for an “In the semi-fi nal last year, Andy for majors. Wilander said of the 31-year-old chasing winner Stan Wawrinka, would make thought he would ever win a Grand 18th major proved that age is not a was really aggressive,” said Wawrinka. But Wilander does not really buy an unprecedented 10th French Open. him the fi rst Briton to lift the men’s Slam tournament again, especially factor in the sport. “He was pushing me all the time, so it into that, especially when grand slams “His confi dence is high but he won’t trophy since Fred Perry 82 years ago. Roland Garros. “I think the chase, it’s amazing, was tough for me to fi nd any solution.” reach the second week. be looking too far ahead. He will be the Nadal, who tackles Dominic Thiem, “Well, I think he’s back, and he’s a fa- right? Like the cat and rat, they are Wawrinka, Nadal and Murray in the Wawrinka has won all 15 sets he has fi rst to say you have to hold on for a the conqueror of defending champion vourite, as he was a favourite during one after another,” said Kuerten. semi-fi nals means it’s only the third played here so far, knocking over dan- long time to win this thing.” Djokovic, is bidding to become the his best years. So it is very possible, “That’s my belief. It’s because of time that three men over 30 have got fi rst man to capture the same major on and I think we need to thank him, them both they are so good.” to this stage. It happened at Roland 10 occasions. Garros in 1968 and at this year’s Aus- REACTION Murray arrived in France suff ering Then, in what was expected to be through fi ve rounds. tralian Open. from a fever, the latest woe in a season a third-round ambush, he sailed past Murray has needed the best part of However, Thiem won’t mind being which has seen him endure an elbow Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets 14 hours playing time while Wawrinka the odd man out. injury, fl u and shingles. and was similarly at ease against Karen has been in action for almost 11 hours The 23-year-old Austrian con- Serbian papers lament “I came in playing garbage,” admit- Khachanov in the last 16. and Thiem just under 10. demned Djokovic to a fi rst straight- ted the 30-year-old of a Masters clay- However, in the quarter-fi nals, Nadal has dropped just 22 games so sets loss at a major in four years in court swing which saw him exit in the he dropped the fi rst set against Kei far, a fi gure aided by compatriot Pablo his stunning quarter-fi nal triumph, Djokovic decline third round in Monte Carlo and Ma- Nishikori before his greater stamina Carreno Busta retiring through injury avenging his defeat to the Serb in the drid and lose his opener in Rome. proved decisive. in the second set of their quarter-fi nal. 2016 semi-fi nals. AFP daily, which lamented his “inglorious “If someone had off ered me a semi- Nadal, meanwhile, is the hot favourite Bjorn Borg surrendered just 32 He is the only man this year to have Belgrade farewell to last year’s title”. fi nal spot before the tournament, I to collect an unprecedented 10th French games on his way to the 1978 title, but defeated Nadal on clay with his last- “What was worst about this failure would have signed up for that.” Open and 15th career major. Nadal insisted he has no interest in eight win in Rome off setting losses in was not the really negative result... but His form in Paris has sent out mixed The 31-year-old Spaniard, like such records. the fi nal in Barcelona and Madrid. erbia’s press yesterday la- that Djokovic did not have the slightest messages. Wawrinka and Thiem, hasn’t dropped “I don’t know how many games I “It’s going to be the toughest match mented the poor performance chance in the second and third sets, nor He needed four sets to get past An- a set at the tournament. lost this year, but I really don’t care you can imagine,” admitted sixth seed of national tennis hero Novak did he show any of the quality seen in drey Kuznetsov and Martin Klizan in He should also be the fresher having about this. I only care that I am in the Thiem, who trails Nadal 4-2 on head Djokovic after he crashed out of his best days,” commented the news- the fi rst two rounds. spent just under eight hours on court semi-fi nals,” said Nadal. to head. theS French Open, the latest shock in a paper. year-long slide in form. The Vecernje Novosti newspaper said Defending champion Djokovic suf- the defeat “will cost a lot” as Djokovic BOTTOMLINE fered a stunning 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-0 quar- may now fall to fourth position in the ter-fi nal defeat to Austria’s Dominic world rankings. Thiem in what was his earliest exit at The former world number one was Roland Garros in seven years. knocked off top spot in November by The 30-year-old Serb hinted that Britain’s Andy Murray. French federation president raps he may step back from the sport to re- Last month he announced he had group, just 12 months after holding all parted ways with his training team, in- four Grand Slam titles. cluding long-time coach Marian Vajda, “This has not happened to Novak in believing that this “shock therapy” could performance of French male players the past 12 years,” read a headline in Blic help him return to the top of the game. newspaper’s online edition. He then brought in Andre Agassi as The defeat was Djokovic’s fi rst coach. Reuters really. And then who is coming next? straight-sets loss at a major in four Djokovic lives in Monaco but re- Paris Lucas Pouille, okay... but right now years and his fi rst 6-0 “bagel” at a Slam mains hugely popular in his native this kind of golden generation has not since the 2005 US Open. country, where he set up a foundation got much more time. This group is not “Djokovic outplayed like never be- developing early childhood education rench federation president going to be around forever. fore,” read a headline in the Politika projects. Bernard Giudicelli has hit out “You would have expected them to at the country’s male players have maybe won a grand slam by now.” after their disappointing run The women have, however, fared atF Roland Garros, saying they lacked better in Paris this year. Kristina Kellogg fi ghts Kokkinakis over physical strength and grit. Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia were No French man went past the fourth both defeated in the quarter-fi nals — ‘Special K’ trademark round at the French Open this year, the fi rst time France had two women in with the country’s top-ranked player the last eight since 1994. Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis faced “Kellogg will continue to defend our Jo-Wilfried Tsonga going out in the “If the women have succeeded, it’s court action yesterday from cereal very strong and iconic Special K fi rst round to unheralded Argentine not by chance. They took another path giant Kellogg, which is not happy at brand — which is known and loved by Renzo Olivo. because we discussed, we questioned plans to use his nickname “Special K” many Australians,” the company said. “What the French men lacked to some things,” said Giudicelli. commercially. The Sydney Daily Telegraph said go further, it’s grit,” Giudicelli told Mary Pierce, the last French player to Kokkinakis and doubles partner Kokkinakis, who has slipped down the French radio RMC. win the French Open in 2000, said the Nick Kyrgios have been dubbed the rankings from a career-high 69 due “When a coach says that the player men should not be judged too harshly. Special Ks by media and the public, to injury, wanted to create a logo and can spend eight hours on court when “I don’t really agree with what he and the 21-year-old wants to use the brand for himself in a similar way that the temperature is 45 degrees Celsius said,” Pierce told Reuters, referring to moniker as a branding campaign Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have and that he gets cramps in the fourth France’s Lucas Pouille receives medical care during his French Open match Giudicelli’s comments. “We have a lot across clothing and tennis wear. But created lucrative businesses market- set, there’s a problem,” said Giudicelli, against Spain’s Albert Ramos at Roland Garros in Paris last week. (AFP) of great French men tennis players but the US-based multinational, which ing their own range of products. referring to Lucas Pouille who lost unfortunately they didn’t do so well has held an Australian trademark for It is not the first time an Australian against Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas slam title since Yannick Noah lifted mentating for Europsport, told Reu- this year. its Special K breakfast cereal for more player has become embroiled in 6-2 3-6 5-7 6-2 6-1 in the third round. the French Open in 1983, some- ters last week. “Tsonga lost early, but maybe with than 50 years, launched court action. a trademark dispute, with Lleyton “Enough talking. We need to work thing the so-called golden genera- “If you look at those guys, (Jo- the new baby perhaps he’s not had the A spokeswoman for Kellogg told AFP Hewitt losing a case in 2011 over the according to the norms of modern tion should have achieved, according Wilfried) Tsonga, (Richard) Gasquet, chance to train as much as he wanted. that the Kokkinakis family had tried to use of the term “C’mon”, which was tennis. It means having physical abili- to seven-time grand slam champion (Gael) Monfi ls... look at their rank- They will be back next year. But we register their own trademark, which a hallmark of his game. Another Aus- ties very early and also working on the Mats Wilander. ings... for no-one to get to the quar- should focus on the positives and cel- sparked the retaliatory action, with a tralian had already trademarked the mental.” “It is disappointing, for sure,” Wi- ter-fi nals is really quite disappointing. ebrate the achievements of Kristina procedural hearing yesterday. phrase in 2004, the newspaper said. No French man has won a grand lander, who is at Roland Garros com- “I think they have underperformed, and Caroline.”

Friday, June 9, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS / FRENCH OPEN Master of defence Halep sets up fi nal vs Ostapenko Romanian third seed will climb to top of the world rankings if she beats her Latvian opponent in tomorrow’s final

FOCUS Bopanna, Dabrowski win maiden Slam title

India’s Rohan Bopanna (right) and Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski pose with their French Open mixed doubles winners’ trophy at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

Romania’s Simona Halep returns the ball to Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova during their French Open semi-final at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. Halep will face Latvia’s Jelena AFP said victory was particularly Ostapenko (below) in tomorrow’s final. (AFP/Reuters) Paris special as it came 20 years af- ter Bhupathi had teamed with Agencies said Ostapenko as the crowd sang But the Latvian took the chal- Japan’s Rika Hiraki to win the Paris ‘happy birthday’ to her. lenge to Bacsinszky with her ag- ndia’s Rohan Bopanna mixed crown in Paris. “I was always playing aggres- gression, nipping ahead at 4-3 and Canada’s Gabri- “It’s really, really special, sive and hitting the ball when I before the Swiss called for the ela Dabrowski saved two especially for India. I think omanian Simona Halep have a chance. It probably helps trainer. match points to claim mixed doubles was the fi rst showed the full extent me to win today.” Bacsinszky complained of a Itheir fi rst Grand Slam title slam 20 years ago, you know, of her defensive skills to For 30th-seeded Bacsinszky it problem above her right knee af- yesterday with victory in the when Mahesh won it. beat Karolina Pliskova was a second semi-fi nal defeat in ter jarring her foot in the clay and French Open mixed doubles “I’m really happy to be part 6-4R 3-6 6-3 and reach her sec- three years in Paris. resumed play with her leg heavily fi nal. of those athletes who have won ond French Open fi nal yesterday. “Of course I’m disappointed. taped. The seventh seeds defeat- slams after that. For me, it was The third seed, who will be- I’m a competitor, and it really Ostapenko faltered when she ed Anna-Lena Groenefeld always a personal goal to win a come world number one if she annoys me not to be in the fi nal,” tried to serve it out at 6-5, but the of Germany and Colombia’s slam.” defeats Latvia’s Jelena Ostap- said Bacsinszky, who was beaten Latvian took the tie-break with a Robert Farah 2-6, 6-2, 12-10 The pair only teamed up enko in tomorrow’s showdown, on her 28th birthday. swinging backhand volley. in the fi nal. at the US Open last year and benefi ted from her opponent’s “I’m not ashamed to say that Ostapenko, whose average But they did it the hard way, made the quarter-fi nals at the unforced errors in the fi rst set she played better. She was braver. forehand speed of 76 mph this coming back from a set and Australian Open. before Pliskova rediscovered her She had more courage. She was tournament has eclipsed that of break down as well as trailing “At the US Open, I put my touch. more successful.” Andy Murray (73), continued to 9-7 in the super tiebreak where name on the looking list, and Overwhelmed by Pliskova’s Ostapenko fell in the fi rst let fl y with a bombardment of they faced two match points. Rohan texted me. I think it power in the second set, Halep round on her main draw debut winners and errors. It was a fi rst Slam title for was the morning of sign-in,” regained the momentum in the in Paris last year but is one win Bacsinszky pounced as Os- both the 37-year-old Bopanna recalled Dabrowski. decider, frustrating her second- away from becoming the fi rst tapenko’s radar misfi red to break and his 25-year-old partner “Luckily for where my seeded opponent with her ability player since Gustavo Kuerten in for 4-3 in the second set before from Ontario. ranking was at the time, and to soak up punishment. 1997 to win their maiden tour- the Latvian gifted it to her with a “It’s truly special. You him being 17, of course I said She ended the contest on her level title at a Slam. double fault on set point. know, you always, as an ath- yes immediately.” fi rst match point with an un- Kuerten won that year’s French But Ostapenko’s fearless ap- lete, when you start play- Mirza was amongst the fi rst returnable serve to reach her Open — the fi rst of three Roland proach paid off after a series of ing tennis, you want to win a to congratulate Bopanna and second Roland Garros fi nal af- Garros titles for the Brazilian — breaks to start the decider, the Grand Slam,” said Bopanna. Dabrowski. ter losing the fi rst one to Maria Ostapenko, the world number fi nal of a major since a 19-year- on the same day Ostapenko was Latvian landing the crucial blow to Bopanna is only the fourth “Bopannnaaaaaaaaa... long Sharapova in 2014. 47, is the fi rst unseeded player to old Caroline Wozniacki fi nished born. pull 4-3 ahead before sealing vic- Indian player to win a ma- time coming !!well done you Earlier, Ostapenko became the reach the fi nal at Roland Garros runner-up at the 2009 US Open. Bacsinszky, who was beaten in tory in two hours and 25 minutes. jor title after Sania Mirza, two #grandslamchampion,” fi rst Latvian Grand Slam fi nalist since Mima Jausovec in 1983. “I am really happy. I love to three sets by eventual champion Her successful all-or-nothing Leander Paes and Mahesh tweeted Mirza, a mixed dou- after blasting past Switzerland’s The Latvian, who turned 20 play here, I love you guys, you’re Serena Williams on her previous approach saw her fi re 50 winners Bhupathi. bles champion in Paris in Timea Bacsinszky 7-6 (4), 3-6, on Thursday, is also the young- amazing. I’m just happy with the trip to the last four, broke Ostap- and 45 unforced errors against Bangalore-based Bopanna 2012. 6-3. est woman to advance to the way I celebrated my birthday!” enko for an early 2-0 lead. Bacsinszky.

RAMADAN SPORTS FESTIVAL Thrilling volleyball tournaments conclude with teams Eagles, Aktor on top

By Sports Reporter gave away the awards to the top Doha two teams. At the warm-up track in As- pire Zone, the fi rst matches of the eam Eagles and Team Ak- RSF’s football tournament, which tor secured the top spot will continue till June 14, kicked in the men’s and women’s off with 16 teams in participation. volleyball tournament Furthermore, the RSF’s junior Tin the Aspire Zone Foundation’s futsal tournament for teenagers (AZF) Ramadan Sports Festival between the ages 14-16, and the (RSF). men’s basketball tournaments The tournaments drew to a will start next Saturday in Aspire close after several days of exciting Dome. competitions, held in the Aspire The RSF is an annual sporting Dome and the Ladies Sports Hall event that runs for two weeks. in Aspire Zone. Over 1,300 members from the Team Eagles beat Team Umm local community are set to par- Ghuwalina in all three sets, leav- ticipate in 11 sports tournaments ing the latter in second place. taking place across Aspire Zone’s Team International trailed in world-class sporting facilities. third place after another stunning This year’s festival is sponsored win in all three sets against Team by Ooredoo and Saleh Al Hamad Blue Door. Al Mana Co. AZF Events manager Abdullah The festival is an example of Aman al-Khater presented the the year-round programme of ac- awards to the top three teams. tivities hosted by AZF designed to Meanwhile, in the Ladies cater to all members of the com- Sports Hall, Team Aktor won the munity. Aspire Zone has become tournament by the skin of their one of the most popular destina- teeth after a tough 2-1 win against tions for Qatar’s residents to take Team JA1 Lady Eagles. part in sporting activity as well as RSF organising committee enjoy a wide range of cultural ac- member Al-Anoud al-Misnad tivities. Aspire Zone Foundation Events manager Abdullah Aman al-Khater with the winners of the men’s volleyball tournament in Ramadan Sports Festival at Aspire Zone.