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Wednesday, January 3, 2018 FOOTBALL Rabia II 16, 1439 AH Liverpool’s Klopp GULF TIMES quashes renewed talk of Coutinho sale SPORT Page 6 QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Coric thrills as second seed Pablo goes Bust(a) Third-seeded Berdych falls to Germany’s Struff , while former champion Gasquet breezes past Dominican Burgos

By Anil John Doha

little over three years ago, an 18-year-old Borna Coric made the tennis world sit up and take notice of his enor- Amous potential when he sent Rafael Nadal crashing out of the quarter-fi nals of the Swiss Indoors in Basel. His straight sets win in 2014 was not a one-off case of a random teenager coming from nowhere to cause a tem- porary stir in the established order of things on the unforgiving ATP Tour, in the process giving journalists an op- portunity to wax eloquent about a new prodigy on the horizon. Fast forward to 2016, and Coric was once again in the limelight at the Cincinnati Masters, coming face-to- face with Nadal in the round of 16. The result? Coric again wins 6-1, 6-3. Of the four matches he has fi gured in against Nadal so far, Coric has won two. That itself is an honour worthy of much envy, and therefore when he beat second-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain in the fi rst round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open yesterday, it didn’t Croatia’s Borna Coric in action during his Qatar ExxonMobil Open first round match against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta come as much of a surprise. (below, left) at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma “It’s the fi rst match of the year. It’s always maybe a little bit tricky, you know, but I can say from the begin- ning that I was playing very good,” said the 21-year-old Croatian after beat- ing Carreno Busta 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (8) in a marathon encounter that lasted two hours and 41 minutes at the centre court of the Khalifa International Ten- nis and Squash Complex on a busy day which saw 11 singles matches being played. Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff beat Tomas Berdych 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4). “The fi rst set, I lost it, but also I can say that I was playing good. You know, it was two or three points. We decided RESULTS COURT 1 the set. I just knew that I need to remain Singles (Round 1): Borna Coric (CRO) 8-Feliciano Lopez (ESP) vs Q- playing very good. And I need to put bt 2-Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 5-7, Mirza Basic (BIH) even more pressure. That’s what I was 6-2, 7-6(8); Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) Matteo Berrettini (ITA) vs Peter doing,” added Coric. bt 3-Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6-4, 1-6, Gojowczyk (GER) World No 10 Carreno Busta was the 7-6 (4); 8-Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Q-Stefano Travaglia (ITA) vs more experienced pro in the match, the Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 6-4, Guido Pella (ARG) or 4-Alberto 26-year-old having been on the ATP 5-7, 7-6(3); (Q) Mirza Basic (BIH) bt Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) circuit for almost nine years since mak- Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic Andreas Haider-Maurer (AUT) 6-4, WC-Tuna Altuna (TUR)/Elias ing his debut in 2009 and having won grimaces during his first round match 6-3; Aljaz Bedene (SLO) bt (WC) Malek Ymer (SWE) vs 2-Oliver Marach three titles so far. against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff . Jaziri (TUN) 7-5, 6-1; (Q) Stefanos (AUT)/Mate Pavic (CRO) But the unseeded Coric came up with Tsitsipas bt Florian Mayer (GER) 4-6, the desired aggression when it was 7-5, 6-4 COURT 2 needed and took advantage of Carreno Doubles (Round 1): 4-Ivan Dogig Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) vs Busta’s nerves in the second and third (CRO) & Fernando Verdasco (ESP) Borna Coric (CRO) sets to force a tie-breaker during which bt Florin Mergea (ROU) & Nenad Not before 5pm he came up with the big shots for a de- Zimonjic (SRB) 6-1, 6-4. 3-Feliciano Lopez (ESP)/Rajeev serving victory. Ram (USA) vs Nikoloz Basilash- After trading breaks, Carreno Busta TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY vili (GRO)/Andreas Haider-Maurer had wrapped up the fi rst set on his CENTRE COURT (from 3:30pm) (AUT) serve, but his game simply went hay- 7-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs 1-Jamie Murray (GBR)/Bruno wire in the second. Andrey Rublev (RUS) Soares (BRA) vs Borna Coric (CRO)/ Coric secured the fi rst break in the 1-Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs Aijaz Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) sixth game with an excellent lob from Bedene (SLO) the back of the court that just landed Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) vs COURT 3 (Not before 5pm) inside, much to the Spaniard’s frustra- Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) or WC-Gael Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)/Guill- tion. A fi ne volley at the net helped Co- Monfils (FRA) ermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs 4-Ivan ric win the seventh game easily before Q-Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs Dodig (CRO)/Fernando Verdasco he broke again in the next game to take 5-Richard Gasquet (FRA) (ESP) the match into the third set. Things were not too complicated in the beginning when Carreno Busta won 27 of his 33 points at the net. Sixth-seeded Serb Filip Krajinovic, broke Coric in the very fi rst game and “In the third set, obviously it was whose surprising run to the fi nal of the then went on to hold a 5-4 lead with the luck as well. But I was always brave. I Paris Masters caused a stir, was also Spaniard on serve. was running for the shots. I was going upset by German Peter Gojowczyk 6-4, Most players wouldn’t have let the for the win. I was going on the net. And, 6-1 in 66 minutes, breaking him fi ve opportunity slip to close out the match, yeah, I mean, that’s it.” times along the way. but Carreno Busta simply imploded. He That was it also for third-seeded To- Fifth-seeded Richard Gasquet, the failed to put away a simple smash at the mas Berdych of the Czech Republic as only former champion playing the net, the shot strangely landing long, he fell to Jan-Lennard Struff of Germa- tournament, had an easy fi rst round as and then hit another one wide to hand Qatar Tennis Federation president Nasser al-Khelaifi (second from right), ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager ny 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4). It was Struff ’s fi fth he breezed past Victor Estrella Burgos Coric a break when he needed it most Alistair Routledge (second from left) and French ambassador to Qatar Eric Chevallier (left) watch the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Top 20 win of his career and it came in of the Dominican Republic 6-0, 6-2. and help him level 5-5. matches at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. two hours and eight minutes. Eighth seeded Feliciano Lopez sur- Carreno Busta, however, recovered Berdych has not played since October vived a scare from fellow Spaniard quickly and immediately broke back to Coric took the match into the tie- 6/7 and 7/8 but drew level each time made good of his only match point to due to a back injury, but it was the Ger- Guillermo Garcia-Lopez to win 6-4, take a 6-5 lead, but two crucial shots breaker. to get back into the match. A few mo- win the encounter. man who played the more courageous 5-7, 7-6 (3) and set up a second-round into the net on his next service game Coric was on the back foot most of ments later, it was Coric who was one In the end it was his superior front tennis in the end, converting on his meeting against qualifi er Mirza Basic of and a vicious down the line eff ort from the time, facing match points on 5/6, shot away from a win at 9-8 and he court play that clinched the issue as he second match point. Bosnia. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 TENNIS

CELEBRATION ExxonMobil and QTF host gala to celebrate 2018 edition of Qatar ATP tournament By Sports Reporter “Today we’re celebrating 26 years of interests,” he added. Doha partnership with the Qatar Tennis “Over the years, Qatar ExxonMobil Federation, and the promise of anoth- Open has developed to be one of the er spectacular tournament in Doha. most sort after tennis tournaments in xxonMobil Qatar and the Qa- “Hosting a major sports event has the region,” Alami said. tar Tennis Federation (QTF) the power to put a city on the map, and ExxonMobil Qatar has been the ti- jointly hosted a gala dinner to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open shines an tle sponsor of the tournament for 24 launch the Qatar ExxonMobil international spotlight on Doha. It is years, in partnership with the Qatar OpenE 2018. The event was attended by an iconic sporting venue, and a great Tennis Federation. Marking the 26th Qatar’s key business and community example of hospitality and endurance. anniversary of the tournament, this leaders and several of the tennis play- I am so proud to call it home.” year’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open be- ers competing in the 2018, including Tournament director Karim Alami gan on January 1, and will conclude Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreno Busta, said, “We are happy to welcome the on Saturday bringing some of the Tomas Berdych, and Richard Gasquet. world once again to Doha. Qatar is the world’s top players together to com- QTF president Nasser al-Khelaifi hub of global sport and we are pas- pete for the trophy and a share of the and ExxonMobil Qatar president and sionate about tennis. I’ve no doubt prize money. general manager Alistair Routledge that the 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil Open In line with the Qatar National Vi- welcomed the evening’s guests, and will surpass the previous editions in sion 2030, ExxonMobil is committed emphasised the strong partnership all aspects. to supporting Qatar’s sustainable and friendship their organisations “Our tournament has grown over development goals. The company share. the years to become one of the most has partnered with local organisa- “I am honoured to welcome you to keenly contested tennis event in the tions, and has invested in education this celebratory launch of the Qatar region and on the ATP Tour. Through and professional workforce devel- ExxonMobil Open 2018 – it’s so won- Qatar Tennis Federation president Nasser al-Khelaifi (fourth from left), ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager this event we could move tennis for- opment programmes that promote derful to see so many familiar faces Alistair Routledge (second from left), Qatar ExxonMobil Open tournament director Karim Alami (fourth from right) with ward in our region and also helped in a highly skilled, motivated and pro- here this evening,” said Routledge. the players during a gala dinner. developing the game with increasing ductive workforce.

FOCUS Sights from Qatar ExxonMobil Open Brisbane too hot PICTURES: Jayan Orma and Noushad Thekkayil for Muguruza World number two retires from match against Krunic after cramps

AFP Brisbane, Australia

orld number two Garbine Muguruza suff ered a fit- ness scare ahead of this month’s Australian Open Wwhen she was forced to retire from the Brisbane International yesterday with severe cramping. The men’s draw also suff ered a ma- jor blow when Andy Murray withdrew — the second star player to pull out after top seed Rafael Nadal did so late last week. Wimbledon champion Muguruza was ahead 2-1 in the deciding set against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic in the second round of the warm- up tournament for the season’s fi rst Grand Slam event, when she collapsed after a serve. The Spanish top seed could not continue and handed the match to Krunic 5-7, 7-6 (3), 2-1. “I felt in trouble in the second set when I was 2-0 up,” Muguruza said. “I started to feel my calves were cramping.” Muguruza had won a tight fi rst set and appeared heading for a straight sets win over Krunic when she opened up a 5-2 lead in the second. Johanna Konta of Britain hits a return against Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanovic during their Brisbane International second round However, she began to struggle in match in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) the 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) heat and oppressive humidity as Krunic match they (cramps) might go away, Krunic will now play Anastasija set to win the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. fought back to win the second set on and then they were increasing, in- Sevastova after the seventh-seeded Last year’s runner-up Alize Cor- a tiebreak. creasing. And then I had a lot of my Latvian crushed Sorana Cirstea of Ro- net eased into the fi nal eight with a Muguruza received treatment from body cramping,” Muguruza said. mania 6-2, 6-1. straight-sets win over Croatia’s Mir- the physio on court before the start of The loss ends any hope Muguruza Britain’s fi fth seed Johanna Kon- jana Lucic-Baroni. the decider and broke Krunic, only to had of leapfrogging Simona Halep and ta survived a two-and-a-half hour Cornet, who won her fi rst-round collapse while serving to consolidate becoming world number one before the marathon against Croatia’s Ajla Toml- match when fourth seed Caroline Gar- the service break. seedings are decided for the Australian janovic in the evening match. cia retired injured, was too consistent “I continued to think that with the Open, which begins on January 15. Konta came back from losing the fi rst for Lucic-Baroni and won 6-1, 7-5.

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL Edmund battles past Shapovalov in opener

Reuters so it’s defi nitely helped my game Brisbane going into the year.” Edmund next plays Chung Hyeon after the South Korean yle Edmund was tak- world number 58 withstood a en the distance before barrage of booming serves from he outlasted talented fi fth seed Gilles Muller before Canadian teenager winning 6-3, 7-6 (1). KDenis Shapovalov in the open- Earlier, former world number ing round of the Brisbane Inter- one Andy Murray’s lingering hip national yesterday. issues forced him to withdraw Edmund, who prevailed 6-7 from the event with the Briton (5), 7-6 (4), 6-4, struggled with admitting he was unsure whether his serve right from the start of he could recover in time for the the match but managed to save Australian Open later this month. fi ve out of six break points to American Michael Mmoh overcome his opponent in two won his fi rst match on the ATP hours and 30 minutes. Tour after seven previous de- “Everyone wants to start well feats, with a clinical 6-3, 6-4 but the year is so long that if victory over Federico Delbonis. there’s positivity you feel good The teenager takes on eighth but even if you don’t start well seed Mischa Zverev in his next it doesn’t mean the year is going match. to be a bad one,” the Briton said. Denis Istomin had to dig deep “It’s always good to come to to stun seventh seed Damir Brisbane, I made the quarters Dzumhur, winning 6-7 (4), 6-3, last year, got a good win this year 6-2 in two hours and 24 minutes. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 3, 2018 3 TENNIS

HOPMAN CUP SPOTLIGHT Sharapova downs Riske in tough test at Federer cruises Shenzhen Open

AFP Ostapenko meanwhile slumped Shenzhen, China to a shock defeat yesterday only days after beating Serena Wil- liams in the American’s come- ive-time Grand Slam back match. towards Australian champion Maria Sharap- Number two seed Ostapenko ova came back from a set of Latvia lost to the big-serving down to defeat American Czech Krystina Pliskova 6-1, 6-4 FAlison Riske at the Shenzhen in just an hour and 20 minutes. Open yesterday and book a spot Ostapenko had beaten Wil- in the quarter-fi nals. liams via a super tie-break 6-2, Riske, who had been hoping for 3-6, 10-5 in Abu Dhabi on Satur- her fi rst win against the former day, but she had no answer to the Open with victory world number one, proved to be power of Pliskova, identical twin a tough opponent early in the sister of former world number match before the Russian fi nally one Karolina. Swiss star and compatriot Belinda Bencic complete sweep of Russia overcame her 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in “I felt a bit nervous in the sec- just under two and a half hours. ond set, but my serve was re- “I’m glad I got this kind of ally working today, which was a match. Although I would’ve big help,” Pliskova said after the wanted a quick and easy victory, match. these are the kind of matches Pliskova, third on the WTA that you need, especially with Tour’s ace charts last season, such a short preparation go- raced out to a 5-0 lead to start ing into the Australian Open in the match. terms of matchplay,” Sharapova “My serve was great today, es- said afterwards. pecially in the fi rst set. I feel like “I’m just glad that I came back. it’s really fast here, so that can be She played a really great match and tricky for both of us, and the fi rst as I said to her at the net, I thought of us playing fast won the point.” it was a great quality match. In the It was not the start to 2018 that end, I won it so I have another op- Ostapenko wanted, with the fi rst portunity to keep going.” Grand Slam of the year — the Despite Riske’s early lead, Australian Open — starting in 13 Sharapova hit 34 winners, nearly days’ time. three times Riske’s total. Earlier there was disappoint- The world number 59 was ment for the home crowd when helped by 11 aces, and managed Chinese number three seed to save seven out of 10 break Zhang Shuai was bundled out in points. three sets by Kazakhstan’s Zarina French Open champion Jelena Diyas.

Roger Federer of Switzerland serves against Karen Khachanov of Russia during their CoCo Vandeweghe (left) of the United States with 52-year-old former Wimbledon Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after winning a point against Hopman Cup singles match in Perth, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) champion Pat Cash during a mixed doubles exhibition match. (Twitter/Hopman Cup) Alison Riske of the US during their WTA Shenzhen Open second round match in Shenzhen, China, yesterday. (AFP) AFP elder statesman Federer, who 12 months the level high too,” Federer said. ing a fi rst set tie-breaker. Perth, Australia ago stunned the tennis world by ending “It was a good match overall and I was The Group B tie ended with an exhibi- an almost four-year Grand Slam drought happy with my performance.” tion mixed doubles match featuring the FOCUS with a victory at the Australian Open, af- The 74-ranked Belinda Bencic, on return of 52-year-old former Wimbledon oger Federer took another im- ter also preparing at the Hopman Cup. the comeback trail after injuries stalled champion Pat Cash to the court to team pressive step towards his Aus- The 36-year-old was too good for her promising career, then upset world with Vanderweghe, who he coaches. tralian Open title defence yes- Khachanov, making it two straight-sets number 15 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Cash also played in the inaugural Hop- Wozniacki races to terday with a straight-sets win wins from as many singles matches this three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in just under two man Cup in 1989. overR Russian Karen Khachanov at the week as Switzerland beat Russia 3-0 in hours to clinch the tie for the Swiss. Prior to Sock’s injury, Japan’s Naomi mixed teams Hopman Cup, as many of his their Group B tie in front of a record Hop- In the dead mixed doubles rubber, the Osaka had withdrawn from her singles victory in Auckland main rivals faltered due to injury. man Cup crowd. Swiss completed a clean sweep with a match with Vandeweghe due to illness. Around the time Federer was warming Federer was stretched by Khachanov, three-set win under the Fast4 format. The end result of the injury and illness up for his match with the 45th-ranked particularly in the second set when the for both sides was the United States being Classic opener Russian, Andy Murray announced he was pair traded powerful groundstrokes. PAT CASH’S RETURN given an intriguing 2-1 win, as Japan was pulling out of the Brisbane International, The Russian held a set point in the tie- Both Switzerland and the United States’ ruled to have forfeited the women’s singles Reuters moving, trying to make the right while Novak Djokovic a few days earlier breaker and also saved two match points pairing of Sock and CoCo Vandeweghe, and mixed doubles before the Sock injury. Auckland decisions, wait for the right shots withdrew from his season opener in Abu held by Federer, before the Swiss cham- who beat Japan 2-1 in contentious cir- However, the fi tness of Sock for the to play aggressive and go for it, Dhabi. pion prevailed after Khachanov hit a fore- cumstances earlier in the day, have won remainder of the tournament, and more and fi nd the right balance of of- Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Milos hand perilously close to the line. their opening two ties. importantly the upcoming Australian aroline Wozniacki fence and defence.” Raonic and Kei Nishikori are also under It was called in by the linesman, but The victor in their clash tomorrow will Open, was in doubt after he limped off capped 2017 with the The win set up a second round injury clouds, while world number eight Federer challenged and was rewarded advance to Saturday’s fi nal and Federer the court. biggest win of her ca- encounter against Croatia’s Pet- Jack Sock succumbed to a hip problem when replays showed the ball was out by said he expected Sock to be fi t for that tie. Vandeweghe and Sock were beaten by reer when she claimed a ra Martic, who overcame Czech earlier in the day in Perth, forcing him to millimetres, handing the 19-time Grand Sock retired early in the second set the French team of Kristina Mladenovic Cmaiden WTA Finals triumph in player Marketa Vondrousova retire from his singles match. Slam champion a 6-3, 7-6 (8) win. of his men’s singles clash with Japan’s and Richard Gasquet in last year’s decider. October and the Dane has carried 7-6(2) 6-3 in their fi rst round tie But there were no such dramas for the “I thought the intensity was great and Yuichi Sugita, having injured his hip dur- that momentum into the new to advance. season with a ruthless display Elsewhere, former world to kick off her Auckland Classic number two and 2013 Auckland BOTTOMLINE campaign. champion Agnieszka Radwanska The top seed has a chance to was forced to dig deep to remain usurp world number one Simona on a semi-fi nal collision course Halep with a victory in New Zea- with Wozniacki when the Pole Murray fears for Melbourne aft er Brisbane withdrawal land and the 27-year-old need- eked out a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 vic- ed just 58 minutes to race past tory over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad American Madison Brengle with Maia. Reuters ing,” Murray said on his Instagram account. ing in Australia for the next couple of days a 6-3, 6-0 triumph in their fi rst “I’m just very happy to win my Singapore “Having played practice sets here in to see if my hip settles down a bit and will round encounter on Tuesday. fi rst match of 2018, and I think Brisbane with some top players unfortu- decide by the weekend whether to stay The world number three is still it was good timing to come back nately this hasn’t worked yet to get me to out here or fl y home to assess what I do searching for her fi rst grand slam and do it here in Auckland after ormer world number one Andy the level I would like so I have to reassess next,” the 30-year-old added. triumph but after emerging vic- fi ve years,” Radwanska, who has Murray’s lingering hip issues my options. Continuing rehab is one option “Sorry for the long post but I wanted to torious in the elite eight-woman seen her ranking drop to 28th forced him to withdraw from the and giving my hip more time to recover. keep everyone in the loop and get this off event in Singapore, her raised after a poor 2017, said in her on- Brisbane International yesterday “Surgery is also an option but the my chest as it’s really hurting inside.” levels of play could see her make court interview. withF the Briton admitting he was unsure chances of a successful outcome are not Brisbane tournament director Cam- that breakthrough in Melbourne Third seed Barbora Strycova whether he could recover in time for the as high as I would like which has made eron Pearson wished the three-times later this month. was also taken the distance in Australian Open later this month. this my secondary option and my hope grand slam winner well. Wozniacki is also searching for her fi rst round encounter against Murray has not played a competitive has been to avoid that. However, this is “I’m really disappointed for Andy, as I a fi rst triumph in Auckland af- Italy’s Sara Errani, the Czech match since a Wimbledon quarter-fi nal something I may have to consider but let’s know how much he was looking forward ter reaching the fi nal in 2015 and emerging with a 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4 loss last July due to the complaint and hope not.” to getting his season started in Brisbane,” despite being tested by Brengle victory to set up a second round despite coming through a one-set exhibi- The world number 16 had been due to he said. early the contest, the Dane pulled tie against Sweden’s Johanna tion in Abu Dhabi last week, he was un- play his fi rst tournament match of the “As a two-time former champion, he away once she found her rhythm Larsson. able to train yesterday and announced his season on Thursday with a second-round has great memories of playing on Pat and claimed the last seven games The day did not pass without withdrawal. encounter against American Ryan Har- Rafter Arena and thrilling his fans. I wish to seal victory. three upsets, however, with de- “I’m very disappointed to be with- rison at Pat Rafter Arena. He will be re- him all the best to be ready to play the “I thought I played pretty fending champion and fi fth seed drawing from the Brisbane Internation- placed by German lucky loser Yannick Australian Open.” well, especially considering it’s Lauren Davis losing 6-1 6-2 to al,” Murray, seeded second in Brisbane, Hanfmann. Murray’s latest injury setback will also the fi rst match back of the year,” fellow American Sachia Vickery, told tournament organisers before going Murray, who said on Sunday that he come as a blow to Australian Open or- Wozniacki told reporters. “It while sixth seed Yulia Putintseva into further detail of his predicament in planned to trim his schedule in 2018 to ganisers ahead of the year’s fi rst major in took me a couple of games to and seventh seed Mona Barthel an emotional post on social media. prevent a recurrence of his injury issues, Melbourne starting on January 15, along kind of just get the rhythm and both suff ered straight set losses. “Having been recommended to treat will remain in Brisbane for the rest of the with those of fellow ‘Big Four’ members then I started playing better and The Australian Open is the fi rst my hip conservatively since the US Open, rehab perspective and worked extremely week before planning his next move. Rafael Nadal (back) and Novak Djokovic better. grand slam of the season and runs I have done everything asked of me from a hard to try get back on the court compet- “In the short term I’m going to be stay- (elbow). “I’m just trying to get my legs from Jan 15-28 in Melbourne. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Steyn gives South England might take Africa coach a headache a spin with Crane for AFP Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in his Cape Town fi rst three Tests in charge, Gib- son said he was looking forward to a tough series against the team outh African coach Ot- ranked number one in the world. tis Gibson admitted “We’re playing the best team in yesterday that fi tting the world and you obviously have Sydney Ashes Test Dale Steyn into the team to have your A game,” he said. forS the fi rst Test against India Gibson said Faf du Plessis, who in Cape Town was a selection missed the Zimbabwe match be- headache. “He’s had a year off ,” cause of illness, would defi nitely Moeen Ali’s place is under threat with Crane pushing for his first cap said Gibson about the long-time be back to lead the team, while number one bowler in the world, Quinton de Kock has recovered AFP who is recovering from a serious from a hamstring strain which Sydney shoulder injury. prevented him from keeping A virus prevented Steyn from wicket against Zimbabwe. proving his match fi tness in last Indian top-order batsman week’s two-day rout of Zimba- Cheteshwar Pujara, meanwhile, eg-spinner Mason Crane’s ex- bwe. It would have been his fi rst continued the message of con- perience playing in Sydney may Test appearance since Novem- fi dence that has been a hallmark prove the clincher to earn him a ber 2016. “He might well play of the Indian party since they debut as England try to salvage this weekend, depending on arrived in South Africa. “Our Ltheir Ashes series with a win over Aus- the make-up of the team,” said preparation has been fantastic tralia in the fi nal Test, starting tomorrow. Gibson ahead of the start of the so far,” said Pujara. “We are very Trailing 3-0 and the Ashes lost, Eng- three-match series from Friday. confi dent.” land are considering a possible team But with Steyn having bro- Pujara said the Indians had change for the fi fth Sydney Test with ken down in three of the last fi ve been getting ready for the tour Moeen Ali’s place under threat and Crane Tests he has played since late since their three home Tests pushing for his fi rst cap. Moeen has 2015, Gibson said he had to be against Sri Lanka in November played 48 Tests and came to Australia cautious. and December, with pitches pre- as an accomplished all-rounder but he “I wouldn’t think that if you pared to be as much like those in has under-performed, taking only three were to pick a three-man seam South Africa as possible. wickets and averaging 19 with the bat. attack plus a spinner that you “When we were playing Sri The Sydney Cricket Ground has a rep- would want to put him into that Lanka we had this series in mind. utation as a turning wicket, enhancing three-man attack in case some- Obviously it was diff erent from Crane’s chances of playing. The 20-year- thing happened. It would leave what we might get here but we old Hampshire leggie also boasts a fi ve- you too vulnerable in case he tried replicating what we could. wicket haul playing at the famous ground doesn’t fi nish a game.” Even in our net practices we had for New South Wales last year. Gibson said, though, that in mind that we would be touring Crane, who was impressing in Sydney there was a possibility, depend- South Africa and we were trying club cricket, was called up by NSW and ing on conditions, that South to practise accordingly,” said Pu- took fi ve wickets in the Sheffi eld Shield Africa might opt for an extra jara. Pujara is on his third tour of victory against South Australia. “With bowler, which would bring Steyn South Africa. the series lost it gives us the opportunity into the picture. He added that “Most of our players have been to look at some diff erent people,” Eng- he liked the look of the Newlands here before,” he said. “We are land’s Australian coach Trevor Bayliss pitch, although he warned that not bothered about the kind of said this week. it might change by Friday. “It’s pitch that is prepared. Bounce is Asked if Crane was ready for Test crick- got a nice covering of grass and it always a challenge but we know et, Bayliss added: “There’s maybe no time looks quite hard and fi rm. That’s what to expect from the pitch like the present to fi nd out. We think he’s how we like it.” and the opposition. When you a guy that has got the goods and the more After guiding South Africa have spent some time on these he plays at this level the better he will get. to lop-sided victories against pitches you know what to do.” You have got to start somewhere.” England outplayed Australia for large tracts of last week’s fourth Test in Mel- bourne only for Steve Smith to bat out the entire last day with an unbeaten cen- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (centre) walks behind as England cricket captain Joe Root (right) and his Australian tury for a draw. Prior to Melbourne, ex- counterpart Steve Smith shake hands during a reception at Kirribilli House in Sydney. (Reuters) perienced pair Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad were having lean series and under But to break through in Sydney, where I’m changing my plans to them and how Ashton Agar to likely replace Jackson Bird pressure for their spots. they have won twice in the last four Ashes they’re trying to get me out,” Smith said. in the fi nal Australia XI. But Cook carried his bat with an un- Tests, England must fi nd a way of shack- “Hopefully, I can just keep working and TEAMS (PROBABLE): beaten 244 in the highest Test score at the ling the freescoring Smith. Smith has en- keep getting better as well.” Australia — David Warner, Cameron Ban- Melbourne Cricket Ground by an over- joyed a phenomenal series, scoring three Root said his team had to keep believ- croft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), seas player, while Broad bounced back to centuries — including a Test best 239 in ing they can get Smith out. “We just have Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, form with fi ve wickets in the match. “We Perth — to amass 604 runs in six innings to keep trying every option if he does get Mitchell Starc/Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, are a better team than what we’ve played at an astonishing average of 151. in and if it is a good surface to bat on, and Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. on this trip and that is a benchmark for The Australia skipper, who averages keep trusting and believing in what we England — Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, our side moving forward,” captain Joe 63.55 in his 60 Tests, is now in outright do,” Root said. James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Root said after the Melbourne draw. “We second place for the highest-ever ICC Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali/Mason Crane, will try to make sure that we go one better ranking points behind Don Bradman. missed the Melbourne Test with a bruised Chris Woakes, Tom Curran, Stuart Broad, in Sydney and get the win that we want.” “I’m adapting to each of the bowlers, heel, is vying with recalled off -spinner James Anderson.

ASHES MELBOURNE PITCH ‘POOR’, SAYS ICC

Sydney: The Melbourne pitch for the alle noted the unfavourable conditions men too much nor it gave the bowlers the ICC, players and relevant experts to fourth Ashes Test match has been rated in his report to the ICC, while Australia suff icient opportunity to take wickets.” work with the Melbourne Cricket Club to “poor” by the International Cricket captain Steve Smith and England skipper The ICC rating comes just two days ensure this rating is not repeated.” Council (ICC), reportedly the first for an Joe Root also hit out at the lifeless pitch before the introduction of a new penalty The Melbourne Cricket Club, which Australian ground, just days after players after the Test. system for grounds that could have prepares and maintains the playing also criticised the conditions. “The pitch... has been rated as ‘poor’ seen the MCG hit with demerit points. surface and facilities, said it was also The showpiece Boxing Day match, under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Moni- Under the system, if a ground reaches disappointed with the pitch. “We recog- which ended in a draw, denied England toring Process,” the governing body. five points the venue will be suspended nise that the surface did not contain the their first win of the series that Australia In his report, Madugalle had said “the from hosting international matches for bounce, pace or subsequent deteriora- had already claimed with an unassailable bounce of the MCG pitch was medium, 12 months, and for two years if the venue tion that we expected, and was not con- three-nil lead. It was only the second but slow in pace and got slower as the accumulates 10 points. ducive to a balanced contest between Boxing Day Test draw in 20 years. match progressed. The nature of the Cricket Australia Chief Executive bat and ball,” it said in a statement. The drop-in pitch at the Melbourne pitch did not change over the five days Off icer James Sutherland said he was “We will be working rigorously to Cricket Ground (MCG) was unforgiving and there was no natural deterioration,” “disappointed that the traditional charac- improve our performance and are for bowlers, with a total of 1,081 runs he added. “As such, the pitch did not al- teristics of the MCG pitch did not come confident and determined to produce scored and only 24 wickets taken over low an even contest between the bat and to the fore during the Boxing Day Test”. portable wickets that generate entertain- A virus prevented Dale Steyn from proving his match fitness in last five days. Match referee Ranjan Madug- the ball as it neither favoured the bats- “We’ll be taking on board advice from ing cricket in 2018 and beyond.” week’s two-day rout of Zimbabwe. It would have been his first Test appearance since November 2016.

BOTTOMLINE India’s winning run under threat from South African green tops Reuters lands. You see the pitch, you adapt. No excuses, thin and that the weather conditions had made Cape Town no complaints. “Tomorrow you go to England it diffi cult to produce the seam-friendly surface and it might be seaming all over the place. You which the home side would like. There was some come to India it might be turning. If you want to unseasonal light rain on Sunday and Monday — ndia’s long winning streak in Test cricket is be rated as a side, you adapt to the conditions. about four-and-half millimetres in total — but under threat in a quick-fi re three match se- It’s as simple as that.” not enough to break the prolonged drought. “It ries against South Africa this month, where South Africa, who are second in the ICC Test made conditions a bit quicker,” said Flint. their status as the top ranked nation in the rankings, are at full strength for the fi rst time in Iformat faces a stiff examination. almost two years as AB de Villiers returns from a SCHEDULE (QATAR TIME): Virat Kohli’s side have won nine successive lengthy absence from the fi rst class game. First Test Jan 5-9 (11:30am) Newlands, Cape Town series to climb to the top of the International The bowling department is also reinforced Second test Jan 13-17 (11am) Centurion, Pretoria Cricket Council’s rankings but most of the by the return from injury of Dale Steyn and his Third test Jan 24-28 (11am) Wanderers, Johannesburg success has come on batting friendly wickets. long-time new ball partner Vernon Philander. South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), South Africa are expected to prepare ‘green top’ The three Test series is followed by six One Day Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, wickets for the tests in Cape Town, Pretoria Internationals and three Twenty20 clashes be- Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav and Johannesburg, all squeezed into January, to tween the two countries through to the end of Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Mor- hand India an unfamiliar and diffi cult challenge. February. ris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso India have traditionally struggled against the Meanwhile, Cape Town’s worst drought in Rabada, Dale Steyn home bowling attack with just two victories in Virat Kohli’s (centre) side have won nine successive series to climb to the top of the International decades may take some of the sting out of the India Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Ravichandran 17 previous tests on tour in South Africa. But Cricket Council’s rankings but most of the success has come on batting friendly wickets. Newlands pitch for the fi rst Test. There was a Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra while past touring sides have crumbled under covering of green grass on the match surface Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, the barrage of pace, this is an experienced India lenge,” said India coach Ravi Shastri ahead of ence,” he added. when both teams practised yesterday, bringing Parthiv Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, squad, 13 of whom have previously toured South the fi rst test at Newlands, which starts on Fri- “The beauty of this team is it does not matter a smile to the face of South African coach Ottis Lokesh Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Africa and will know what to expect. day. “If you asked me four years ago, I would who opposition it is. For us every game is a home Gibson. Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, “All I can say is the team is up for the chal- have said no. But this team has gained in experi- game. Even this is a home game for us at New- But groundsman Evan Flint said the grass was Umesh Yadav Gulf Times Wednesday, January 3, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL Bears dump coach Fox, Lions ditch Caldwell

Reuters four weeks ago and on Sunday Before becoming a head coach, record since the early 1970s. Chicago the Indianapolis Colts dumped Arians built a strong resume as The Lions made the playoff s head coach Chuck Pagano af- an assistant coach, including twice under Caldwell, but have ter six seasons and the Oakland two Super Bowl rings during his not won a post-season game he Chicago Bears and Raiders dispensed with Jack Del time with the Pittsburgh Steel- since the 1991 campaign. Detroit Lions rang in Rio following three campaigns. ers, where he helped develop Ben “I believe Jim is one of the fi n- the New Year by fi ring Del Rio’s departure was per- Roethlisberger into a champion est leaders we’ve ever had as our their head coaches, while haps the only surprise, with the quarterback. head coach,” Lions owner Martha TArizona Cardinals’ Bruce Ar- others widely expected. Firestone Ford said in a state- ians ended a stellar career when But it was not one-way traffi c TOUGH BUSINESS ment. he announced his retirement on to the exit door on Monday, with Fox, meanwhile, departs Chi- Jackson, meanwhile, has been Monday after fi ve years at the Hue Jackson retaining his position cago after a 5-11 season, and a 14- retained by the Browns, receiving helm. at the Cleveland Browns despite 34 overall record. a vote of confi dence from owner However, on what tradition- presiding over a winless season. “Today is the tough part of our Jimmy Haslam. ally has become known as ‘Black An emotional Arians announced results-oriented business but I The Browns have the fi rst and Monday’, the carnage was rela- his retirement after compiling a wish the Bears organization the fourth overall picks in the 2018 tively light in the National Foot- 49-30-1 record at Arizona. best for years to come,” he said in draft, decisions that could decide ball League. “The tears you see are re- a statement released by the team. the long-term fate of Jackson, John Fox was sent packing fol- ally tears of joy, peace,” said the Fox previously spent four sea- who is 1-35 in Cleveland. lowing three seasons at the Bears, 65-year-old, who has suff ered sons in Denver, guiding the team “It’s not going to be words,” he while Detroit sacked Jim Cald- some health problems recently, to a losing Super Bowl appear- said. “It’s going to be actions and well after four campaigns, bring- including a kidney cancer scare. ance in the 2013 season. it’s going to be what we do. ing to six the number of teams “I’ll miss the players. I’ll miss Caldwell leaves Detroit after “I think being 0-16, the stig- publicly searching for a new head coming out of the locker room, compiling a 36-28 record, the ma that comes with that is that coach. The New York Giants hearing the national anthem be- first head coach at the fran- we are going to have to do some John Fox of the Chicago Bears coach after the Chicago Bears-Cleveland Browns match at Soldier Field ditched head coach Ben McAdoo cause it still gets me.” chise to compile a winning recruiting everywhere.” in Chicago on December 24, 2017. (AFP)

NBA NHL Miller leads Rangers to overtime win DeRozan drops in Winter Classic

Reuters the New York Mets. New York Chicago opened the scoring 4:09 into the fi rst period on a wrist shot by Carey. The shot marked the T Miller scored a power- Boston College product’s fi fth record 52 points in play goal with 2:17 re- goal of the season and his third maining in overtime to in the past six games. lift the New York Rang- Less than fi ve minutes later, ersJ to a 3-2 win over the Buf- Grabner increased New York’s falo Sabres in the NHL Winter lead to 2-0 with his team- Classic on Monday afternoon leading 18th goal. at Citi Field in New York. Buff alo trimmed the defi cit Paul Carey and Michael to 2-1 on the power play in the OT win over Bucks Grabner each scored during fi rst minute of the second pe- regulation for the Rangers. riod. Reinhart beat Lundqvist ‘When you come out here and you’re in those moments, you’ve got to make the best out of them’ New York (21-13-5) notched with a wrist shot for his sixth at least one point for the third goal of the season and his fi rst game in a row and the seventh since Nov 22. time in the past eight contests. The Sabres evened the score Sam Reinhart and Rasmus at 2 on a long wrist shot by Ris- Ristolainen scored for Buff alo tolainen only 27 seconds into (10-20-9). the third period. Rangers goaltender Henrik The game marked the 10th Lundqvist stopped 31 shots anniversary of the NHL Win- to improve to 18-9-4. Sabres ter Classic, which debuted goaltender Robin Lehner made Jan. 1, 2008, at Buff alo’s Ralph 39 saves but fell to 9-14-6. Wilson Stadium. The lone Miller stood in front of the player on the Sabres’ current crease and punched in the roster who played in the inau- game-winner for his eighth gural New Year’s Day event is goal of the season. A tripping 35-year-old right winger Jason penalty by Sabres centre Jacob Pominville, now in his 14th Josefson set up the 4-on-3 season. man advantage for New York. Six baseball stadiums and The teams played under four football stadiums have clear skies with occasional hosted the 10 Winter Classic. sunshine and temperatures Next year’s game will feature in the teens. The wind chill the Boston Bruins and Chicago dipped to single digits at the Blackhawks at Notre Dame stadium, which is home to Stadium in South Bend, Ind.

Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) controls the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon defends during the second-half at Air Canada Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

played like a superstar.” for a fifth straight game. AFP Zach LaVine faces gruelling practice Los Angeles Eric Bledsoe scored 29 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo had Harden out for two weeks stretch, eyes Bulls debut 26 for the Bucks, who had their with leg injury eMar DeRozan scored modest two game win streak Houston Rockets star James The Chicago Bulls are holding out hope that Zach LaVine, a key part of a team record 52 points stopped in the matchup between Harden will be out for at least the deal that sent Jimmy Butler packing in the off season, could return as the Toronto Raptors two Eastern Conference fi rst round two weeks with a hamstring in- in the coming days. won their 12th straight opponents from last season. To- jury, the National Basketball With three practices under his belt, one with the Bulls and two with the homeD game with a 131-127 over- ronto won the series in six games. Association team announced on team’s G League aff iliate, LaVine is showing signs he could be ready to time victory over the Milwaukee DeRozan hit a jump shot in Monday. return from a torn ACL. Bucks on Monday. overtime to give Toronto a 121- The Rockets said Harden suf- The former Slam Dunk champion will have two more practices with DeRozan shot 17-of-29 from 117 lead. His basket came just fered a grade two strain of his left the Windy City Bulls this week, followed by another with the NBA team the fl oor and made all 13 of his free moments after Fred VanVleet hamstring in a game against the before any decision is made. throw attempts for Toronto, who gave the Raptors the lead for good Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. “This is the start of a training-camp-type workload for Zach with are a league best 14-1 at home. He by nailing a three pointer. Harden scored 40 points be- consecutive days of contact,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg told the Chicago is the third Toronto player in his- “He’s dangerous any time he fore leaving late in the fourth Sun-Times. tory to score 50 or more points, puts on a uniform,” Bucks coach quarter of the Rockets’ double- “He’ll get another good one. The good thing is Windy City has a good joining Vince Carter and Terrence Jason Kidd said. “Now to be able overtime win. little stretch here where they don’t play. They’ll be able to go hard, and Ross, who each scored 51. to expand his range out to the He is averaging 32 points, nine Zach will play a big part in those practices.’’ “When you come out here and three-point line just makes the assists, fi ve rebounds and 1.8 LaVine laid out his expectations for the nearly week-long training ses- you’re in those moments, you’ve game easier for him.” steals per game for the Rockets sion: “Full on, full blast. I expect to be sore. If I’m not sore, I wasn’t going got to make the best out of them,” Elsewhere, C.J. McCollum (26-9), who have been struggling hard enough. They’re calling it my training camp, so I should be pretty DeRozan said. DeRozan also had scored the tiebreaking basket of late, losing fi ve of their last six damn sore. fi ve three pointers while Kyle with 56 seconds left in overtime games. The team said doctors The Bulls, who sit at 13-23 – 5.5 games out of the eighth playoff spot in Lowry tallied 26 points and Serge as the Portland Trail Blazers beat would re-evaluate Harden’s in- the East – could use the help. Ibaka chipped in 11 for the Rap- the Chicago Bulls 124-120. jury in two weeks. They had a strong December, finishing the month on a 10-3 run be- tors in front of a crowd of 19,800 McCollum had a team high hind the return of forward Nikola Mirotic. at the Air Canada Centre arena. 32 points while Al-Farouq RESULTS Adding the off ensive firepower of LaVine, who was in the midst of a JT Miller of the New York Rangers celebrates his game-winning “He was playing with a lot of Aminu finished with 24 points Raptors ...... 132 Bucks ...127 (OT) breakout season in Minnesota when he was hurt, should help ease the goal in overtime against the Buff alo Sabres with teammate Mats juice,” Toronto coach Dwane Casey and Evan Turner had 22 for Nets ...... 98 Magic...95 burden on Mirotic and standout rookie Lauri Markkanen, not to men- Zuccarello during the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at said. “You could see the bounce in Portland, which was without Trail Blazers ...... 124 Bulls ...... 120 (OT) tion fellow playmaker and former Timberwolves player Kris Dunn. Citi Field in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough his step. Tonight, DeMar DeRozan leading scorer Damian Lillard Timberwolves 114 Lakers ..96 of New York City. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 3, 2018 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Tough choice to decide Klopp quashes renewed African Footballer talk of Coutinho sale of the Year AFP ‘Him (Coutinho) and Mohamed (Salah) are injured, not massively but at least a doubt for Everton’ Cape Town

AFP Burnley, United Kingdom frica will crown its best soc- cer player tomorrow but the electors have a tough choice urgen Klopp insists in deciding between the three Philippe Coutinho was candidatesA for the 2017 African Foot- genuinely injured for Liv- baller of the Year award. erpool’s 2-1 win at Burnley Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of asJ he laughed off talk of the Brazil Borussia Dortmund and Gabon goes up forward joining Barcelona. against Liverpool’s Senegalese Sadio Coutinho missed Monday’s Mane and Egyptian Mohamed Salah Premier League fi xture at Turf with none of the fi nal three candidates Moor with a thigh injury amid having a defi ning achievement over the a backdrop of speculation over last 12 months to set them apart. a move to the Nou Camp in the The winner will be announced at January transfer window. the annual Confederation of African The rumours were fuelled fur- Football awards being hosted in Ac- ther by pictures - subsequently cra, Ghana. Aubameyang, who was removed - of a Barcelona shirt the African Footballer of the Year in with Coutinho’s name appearing 2015 and runner-up in the last poll to on the website of Nike, the Cata- Riyad Mahrez, fi nished as top scorer in lan club’s kit manufacturer, over the Bundesliga last season, netting 31 the weekend. goals, and continued his form in front However, Reds boss Klopp of goal into the new campaign. claims there was nothing unto- He also scored the winner in the ward behind the 25-year-old’s German Cup fi nal in May but that is absence from Liverpool’s squad hardly likely to resonate with the vot- at Turf Moor as he responded to ers, who are the national team coaches questions about the Nike pic- and captains from each African coun- tures. try plus a selected panel of journalists. “I heard about it. Somebody At national team level, the 28-year- told me and I thought ‘wow’. But I old Aubameyang made little impres- couldn’t be less interested in an- sion at the African Nations Cup fi nals ything in the world!” Klopp said. in his home country at the start of “Him (Coutinho) and Mo- 2017 and then missed most of Gabon’s hamed (Salah) are injured, not unsuccessful World Cup qualifying massively but enough for today, campaign, citing transfer negotiations no chance and at least a doubt among the reasons for his absences. for Everton.” Mane and Salah helped Senegal and Despite Coutinho and Salah’s Egypt qualify for the World Cup after absences, Estonia defender Rag- lengthy absences and have emerged as nar Klavan scored a dramatic leading players this season in the Eng- stoppage-time winner for Liv- lish Premier League. erpool after Johann Berg Gud- Salah, 25, has the edge over his club mundsson had cancelled out Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (centre) is substituted as Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp (right) gestures during the English Premier League match mate since he was a major catalyst in Sadio Mane’s opener. against Leicester at Anfield in Liverpool on December 30, 2017. (AFP) Egypt reaching the Nations Cup fi nal in And Klopp was most satis- Libreville in February, where they lost fi ed with the fortitude shown narrowly to Cameroon, and has scored by his defence on a day when Mourinho lashes out at ‘critical’ Scholes regularly for Liverpool after his record they might have wilted against a transfer for an African footballer in the dogged Burnley side. Jose Mourinho has lambasted former nomenal like he was as a player. That also believes that Scholes has a desire Gary Neville also made uncomplimen- close season. “I am really happy about our Manchester United midfielder Paul does not mean that we all have to be to break into management. tary comments - a point not lost on Mane, also 25, is looking to become attitude and character,” Klopp Scholes after he criticised the manager phenomenal.” The former United player recently Mourinho who described them as “the only the second Senegalese to win the said. “You need to win your av- and key players in his role as a TV Scholes accused Pogba of coasting claimed that his application for a job kings of rock and roll.” award after El Hadji Diouf, who was erage games, win with attitude pundit. through games and failing to make managing United’s under-23 team was He said: “I think the performance was African Footballer of the Year in 2001 when you are not 100 percent. Scholes singled out Paul Pogba, the the sort of impact his £89 million ($120 turned down by the club’s manage- really good so maybe I am lucky and 2002. “Burnley were an opponent club’s record signing, after his anony- million) transfer fee demands. ment. this time - and the kings of rock and The only Egyptian winner was Mah- motivated at the highest level. mous performance in the weekend But Mourinho was clearly in the mood “If Paul one day decides to be a roll who say I was under-performing moud Al Khatib in 1983, while French- We needed to be ready for the draw with Southampton. to defend his player and claimed that manager I wish that he can be 25 last match say, this time, I performed. born Aubameyang is the only player wind, rain. But the French international was far part of Scholes’ attitude was fuelled by percent as successful as myself,” said “I think they would love to be here. from Gabon to win the award, which “It was cold and you need fi rst more impressive in the 2-0 victory jealousy. Mourinho. They would love to be at the club and was fi rst introduced in 1970. of all concentration, you need at Everton on New Year’s Day, which “Paul tries to do his best all the time,” “50 percent of that is 12.5 silverware, that’s a problem I cannot resolve.” readiness to work really hard, or- ended a run of three consecutive he said. “Sometimes he plays very well, 25 percent is around six. If he’s 25 Giggs was an assistant to previous ganisation, discipline and a little United draws and put the Red Devils sometimes he plays well, sometimes percent, he’ll be quite happy.” United manager Louis Van Gaal. Jones urges Haskell to bit of luck. We deserved the three 12 points behind runaway leaders he doesn’t play so well. Mourinho did round off his criticism by Mourinho also revealed that Romelu seize Six Nations chance points. Manchester City. “It’s not Paul’s fault that he made much adding that he believed Scholes was Lukaku, who was stretchered off early “We need the wins on the not The victory allowed Mourinho to more money than Paul Scholes. It’s just “a phenomenal player” and called him in the draw with Southampton, did not England coach Eddie Jones has chal- sunny days. It was a fantastic launch a remarkable verbal attack on the way football is. “one of the best I’ve ever seen playing suff er a concussion and will be avail- lenged James Haskell to win back his moment when we scored. I was Scholes, one of the storied “Class of “I think Scholes will be in history as a in midfield”. able for selection for United’s FA Cup place in the team for their Six Nations never in doubt about the charac- 92” who was a key part of some of phenomenal player, not as a pundit. I “The prestige of this club is based on tie with Derby on Friday. title defence. ter of my boys.” the greatest successes in United’s prefer to look at him as a phenomenal people like him, so successful here,” Arsene Wenger made a similar criti- With Tom Curry ruled out until late history. player that gave so much to the club he said. cism of former Arsenal striker Thierry March by a fractured wrist and Sam ‘Important’ Mane “I think the only thing Paul Scholes that I am proud to represent.” Henry on Sunday, saying “I don’t listen Underhill yet to play since being Mane’s goal was his eighth of does is criticise,” said Mourinho. “I The United manager, who won at ‘Kings of rock and roll’ to what he says” after the Frenchman concussed against Australia, England’s the season and Klopp praised don’t think he comments, I think he Goodison thanks to superb goals from Scholes is the latest of the “Class of claimed the Arsenal squad was riven openside position is up for grabs. the Senegal winger for his deter- criticises, which is a diff erent thing. Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, 92” to have voiced criticism of United by divisions over the attitude of Chil- Haskell was a regular in the back row mination when Liverpool’s top “Not every one of us has to be phe- both of which were set up by Pogba, under Mourinho, after Ryan Giggs and ean star Alexis Sanchez. during Jones’ first year in charge be- players were missing. fore a toe injury and a loss of form. “Sadio is unbelievably impor- His last England appearance was tant for us,” Klopp said. ers with moments where it wasn’t click- Everton at Anfi eld. ence, the modern world. “I thought we had done enough to against Ireland last March, but the “He is strong, quick, so many ing and he still scores.” “Yes, they will go. We have everything “If Mo is not fi t, it will not be for that. earn another point,” he said. 32-year-old is intent on a Test return things. He scores a goal like this Klopp also confi rmed he will show organised. We have two of the three best For our side, it is just a sign of respect. “So I am frustrated with a soft goal and Jones says the Wasps star is in and it is like ‘wow!’. He comes respect by allowing Mane and Egypt African players in our squad. We have to “I know it, I had Aubameyang too, right at the end but impressed with the with a chance. into the dressing room and the forward Salah to attend an awards cer- show them respect,” said the German. and there is nothing more important for mentality overall. “Every game he’s played for Wasps he’s whole team gives him a hand. emony in Ghana this week. “If it had been a matchday they them than to go there. It’s fi ne.” “We were superb physically, tactical- got a little bit better. He trained well this “We need him, we need him so The Liverpool duo are to appear at the wouldn’t have asked, but the night be- Burnley manager Sean Dyche re- ly very good, particularly defensively so week, showed plenty of energy,” Jones much for all teams coming. I am CAF Awards on Thursday, just 24 hours fore is fi ne. We sleep in a hotel, they vealed his frustration with the result but much to be pleased with but to lose like said yesterday. happy because I had a lot of play- before the FA Cup third round tie with sleep in a plane. That is all the diff er- could not fault the eff ort of his players. that is a horrible feeling.”

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Al Gharafa (in yellow and blue) defeated Al Ahli 114-85 in their Qatar Basketball League match yesterday. Al Rayyan (in white) defeated Al Shamal (in red) 93-64. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 3, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Conte lays down Design fl aws leave law on transfers AFP City if the latter beat Watford London late last night. “Our squad is not big,” said Conte at his eve of match press conference. “For Arsenal, Chelsea with ntonio Conte will not this reason I think it’s impossible countenance sell- to send on loan one player or to ing any players unless sell one player, if we don’t take there are replacements another player.” broughtA in the Chelsea, manager Conte would not speak spe- said yesterday. The 48-year-old cifi cally about Luiz, who could Italian’s comments may not be return to the side for the FA Cup uncertain futures music to Brazil central defend- clash with second tier Norwich er David Luiz’s ears as he has City on Saturday but is no longer played just once since October, fi rst choice in the Premier Leagu- although Conte has insisted it is er as Andreas Christensen has Chelsea lag 14 points behind City and Arsenal are sitting six points outside the top 4 not because of a falling out but replaced him. “I’m very happy to due to a knee injury. work with these players, I trust AFP Conte has complained this these players. I don’t see a prob- London season of having too small a lem,” said Conte. “At the same squad for the additional chal- time I understand if some players lenge posed by the Champions are not playing with regularity rsenal and Chelsea have been League as Chelsea’s defence of and want to play with regularity.” reduced to also-ran status by their Premier League title has Conte, whose hard training Manchester City’s blistering been swept aside by Manchester methods are said to have alien- pace in the title race, but there City’s stunning form. ated some players, says his role isA still a lot to learn when the London Chelsea go into today’s clash in transfers is limited to making rivals clash at the Emirates Stadium to- with Arsenal in third spot but suggestions to director Marina day. With champions Chelsea lagging 14 could kick off 17 points behind Granovskaia. points behind City and Arsenal sitting six points outside the top four, there’s clearly plenty of room for improvement in both teams. Here is a look at the problem areas for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Wenger charged by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte:

REBELS WITH A CAUSE FA over outburst After boldly deciding against selling London: Arsenal manager Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil before Arsene Wenger has been the start of the season, Wenger has seen charged by the Football As- his gamble backfi re as speculation about sociation (FA) over his conduct Arsenal’s contract rebels has been a con- following the 1-1 draw with West stant distraction. Sanchez and Ozil are Bromwich Albion on Sunday out of contract at the end of the season English football’s governing and have refused to sign new deals, rais- body announced yesterday. ing the possibility that both could be sold The 68-year-old Frenchman in January to avoid losing them for free reacted furiously to referee in June. Making matters worse, Sanchez, Mike Dean’s decision to award who was frustrated by Wenger’s refusal to a penalty to West Brom in the let him join Manchester City in August, 89th minute for handball by has pouted his way through the campaign Calum Chambers. The FA said — frustrating players, coaches and fans in the charge against Wenger was the process. for his conduct in the match in August, and Ozil’s contracts City, Paris Saint Germain and Real Ma- off icials’ dressing room after are up at the end of the present drid are all contenders to rid Wenger of the final whistle — he has till season. the Sanchez problem, but the damage has 1800GMT on Friday to respond Sanchez’s attitude and already been done. German midfi elder to the charge. Wenger did not commitment to the club have Ozil, wanted by Manchester United and sound repentant earlier on been questioned by fans and Barcelona, has been less overtly trouble- Tuesday at his press confer- some of his team-mates did not some, but his inconsistent performances ence on the eve of their game congratulate the 29-year-old have hardly suggested complete commit- with Chelsea. “It was very Chilean after he scored a dou- ment to the cause. disappointing,” Wenger said. ble in the 3-2 Premier League No wonder former Arsenal star Martin “What is more frustrating for win over Crystal Palace last Keown said: “Wenger puts so much trust me is it happened many times Thursday. in his players but Sanchez and Ozil have this season — at Stoke, Watford, Wenger, whose transfer been overindulged. You wonder where Man City, now West Brom. It is a dealings have been a sore point they would be had these two been fully concerning coincidence for me. with sections of the Arsenal committed for the whole season.” Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez (left), who was frustrated by Arsenal Wenger’s refusal to let him join Manchester City in August, has That is why as well I was not at support, said he would also be pouted his way through the campaign — frustrating players, coaches and fans in the process. (Reuters all happy with the movement on the look-out for players in FORWARD THINKING the referee made as to why the present transfer window. Although Alvaro Morata has been a quali- Milan’s Mauro Icardi and Sassuolo’s Do- a smooth-passing style earns plenty of respect and the result was lethargic and he gave the penalty. It did not “We are open to any position fi ed success in his fi rst season at Chelsea, menico Berardi among potential targets. plaudits from the purists. But the French- damaging defeats at lowly Crystal Palace correspond at all with what for the exceptional player that the former Real Madrid striker has been man’s tactics often leave Arsenal’s full- and West Ham. happened. On that front it’s a can give us a plus. It depends virtually the sole goal threat for Conte’s DEFENSIVE WOES backs out of position and his midfi elders Conte is a notoriously demanding bit worrying. He saw what he a little bit on the injuries as men. Morata has scored 12 times, but only Having leaked 26 league goals this term — too far forward, while his reliance on di- coach and there has been growing specu- wanted to see.” well,” said the Arsenal manager twice in his last seven league games. more than any other team in the top seven minutive playmakers allows opponents to lation that his players are tired of Ital- Meanwhile, Wenger moved on the eve of their match with With 39 league goals this season, the — Wenger once again fi nds his failure to bully the Gunners. ian’s intense training sessions. Balancing to allay the fears of Arsenal reigning champions Chelsea. Blues have scored less than the other fi x Arsenal’s leaky defence is undermin- a need to remain in charge of his stars, fans yesterday saying he would “On the other hand it de- teams currently in the top four. Solv- ing his side’s ambitions. While Wenger SEARCH FOR MOTIVATION while also keeping them onside could be replace both Alexis Sanchez pends if we manage to extend ing that problem has been impossible for has switched formations from a back Manchester City’s sensational fi rst half of a challenge for Conte given the lack of and Mesut Ozil with world- the contracts of the players Conte because Belgian forward Michy three to a back four, changed defensive the season has left Conte with the tricky drama in the title race, but he has no in- class players should they end who are at the end of their Batshuayi, the main back up for Morata, personnel and tried to protect them with task of keeping his players motivated tention of changing his style. up leaving. Both Sanchez, contracts in June. It will depend has scored only twice in the league and diff erent holding midfi elders, the root when it seems they have little to play “You must always have a great desire to who came close to moving to on that as well. We have to take hasn’t netted since October. Conte is cer- cause of Arsenal’s Achilles heel remains for in the league. At times, Chelsea were do this job. My wish for myself is to con- Manchester City on the final the consequences of those tain to push for a new striker to be signed philosophical. Wenger’s commitment to fatally unfocused when they faced op- tinue to have this desire for many years,” day of the last transfer window decisions and respond to it.” in the January transfer window, with Inter an attacking game-plan which relies on ponents who didn’t immediately inspire Conte said.

ROUND-UP Jesus faces long Man City lay-off with ligament injury anchester City striker Gabriel adapt,” said the 46-year-old. yesterday. Kongolo only joined Monaco from keep our best players. We will ask him the Jesus could be facing up to three “Sometimes you have three days’ re- Feyenoord last year, but he will spend the question,” added Puel regarding his future months on the sidelines after the covery, sometimes four, sometimes two, rest of the season in the Premier League. plans. club revealed he had suff ered a everybody is the same. Last season we had Huddersfi eld manager David Wagner ex- Mknee ligament injury in Sunday’s draw with less recovery than this season, maybe next pects the 23-year-old, who played six times STOKE PLAYERS MUST STEP UP TO Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old Brazil- season we will have a little more. It is what it for Monaco this term, to prove a valuable HALT POOR RESULTS, SAYS ADAM ian — who sat out two months of last season is. This kind of thing I can give my opinion, addition as his team try to avoid relegation. Stoke City players have to accept the blame with a metatarsal injury — will undergo a but do you believe I am going to (get the au- Swiss-born Kongolo, who has won three for the club’s poor start to the Premier scan to ascertain the severity of the ligament thorities to) change something? No way.” caps for the Netherlands, could make his League campaign and must fi ght together to damage. Huddersfi eld debut in this weekend’s FA Cup help the team climb up the table, midfi elder Serious ligament injuries can see players LIVERPOOL’S FLANAGAN ADMITS third round tie against Championship side Charlie Adam has said. Stoke are in danger of miss three months with less serious ones ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND Bolton. dropping into the relegation zone after Mon- requiring three to six weeks to heal. Jesus, Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan admitted day’s 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle United who went off in tears early in the first half yesterday a charge of assaulting his girlfriend LEICESTER MANAGER PUEL TO ASK left the hosts two points ahead of 18th- of the 0-0 draw with Palace that brought last month and will be sentenced on January MAHREZ TO CLARIFY FUTURE placed West Ham United, having played two City’s Premier League record 18-match 17. The 25-year-old, who spent last year on Leicester City’s Algerian star Riyad Mahrez games more. The Potters’ perilous position winning streak to an end, remained upbeat. loan with Burnley, was captured on CCTV is to be asked by club manager Claude has piled the pressure on manager Mark “Today (Monday) I went through an image footage in Liverpool city centre beating and Puel where he believes his future lies. The Hughes, with some fans calling for him to exam on my left knee that diagnosed a small kicking Rachael Wall, his girlfriend of 18 26-year-old’s performance in the 3-0 Pre- be sacked. However, Adam believes it is the medial collateral ligament injury,” he wrote months. mier League win over Huddersfi eld Town on players that must take responsibility for on his Instagram account. “Thank God it is Judge Wendy Lloyd told Flanagan he could Monday, in which he opened the scoring and the team’s record of fi ve defeats in their last not very bad and I won’t have to go through expect a community sentence. “I need to set up Islam Slimani for the second, had Puel seven league games. any surgery. Promise to be back as soon as be reassured that these circumstances will purring. “We’re in the mix now,” Adam told the possible!” never be repeated again,” she said. However, the French manager is aware club’s website. “We are down there fi ghting The injury to Jesus and a less serious one Flanagan’s lawyer Lionel Greig said Wall Mahrez — whose contract runs until 2020 for survival, and we need to fi nd some char- to Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne prompted had not provided a statement and there had — had sought a move in the close season and acter to get us out of this mess. We need to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to been no previous instances of domestic the 2016 champions declined an off er of over stand up and be counted, because as a group criticise the crammed match schedule over violence in their relationship. He said both £27mn from Serie A side Roma. Arsenal are of players, we are the ones who have put the festive period. “If you tell me that tech- Flanagan — who won his only England cap in among those reported to be interested in a ourselves in the situation we’re in.” nically, physically it’s good for the players: a warm-up friendly prior to the 2014 World player who was pivotal for the Foxes in their The Scot said that Stoke should prioritize no, it’s a disaster,” said Guardiola, who had Cup — and Wall were under the infl uence of title run and was named African Footballer the league over FA Cup fi xtures but urged the the luxury of winter breaks in both Germany alcohol at the time of the incident. Flanagan of the Year for 2016, but whose form dipped team to get a much-needed morale boost by and Spain when he coached Bayern Munich came through Liverpool’s academy system last term. beating Coventry City in the cup competi- and Barcelona respectively. and made his senior Reds debut in 2011, However, he has shown a return to top tion on Saturday. “League form must take City play their fourth match in 11 days though he has played just once this season in form this campaign with seven goals and priority, but when you’re in this situation, later Tuesday at home to Watford. the League Cup. seven assists in the Premier League. That is you just have to win games. We have to look However, the Spaniard, whose side hold a in stark contrast to his respective totals of six at ourselves, and get a win in the next game,” 12-point lead over Manchester United ahead HUDDERSFIELD TAKE MONACO’S and three for the whole of 2016-17. Adam added. "Coventry City on Saturday is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus was in tears after getting of the Watford clash, conceded that despite KONGOLO ON LOAN “It was a fantastic game for Riyad,” said not going to be an easy test. They are going injured during the Premier League match against Crystal his criticism it wouldn’t make any diff erence Huddersfi eld signed Netherlands defender Puel of Mahrez’s performance agianst Hud- OK in League Two (fourth tier), so it is going Palace at Selhurst Park in London on Sunday. (Reuters) to the scheduling. “It’s a tradition. I have to Terence Kongolo on loan from Monaco dersfi eld. “I like this player and I’d like to to be a diffi cult game.”

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

REVIEW World Cup stadiums begin to take shape across Qatar Khalifa stadium became the first venue in the world to receive Global Sustainability Assessment System certification

t the heart of the 2022 FIFA the precinct, the golf course has been World Cup will be the mag- completed and is due to open in 2019. nifi cent stadiums – and 2017 Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Archi- was another year of incred- tects, Qatar Foundation will have a ca- ibleA progress. Over the past 12 months pacity of 40,000 and host matches up the fi rst 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium to the quarter-fi nals stage in 2022. to be completed opened its doors to the The proposed design for Al Thu- public, another two designs were re- mama Stadium was revealed in August. vealed and visible advancements were Inspired by the gahfi ya headdress worn made at every site. Here we take a look by men across the region, the design at the progress made at every proposed has captured the imagination of mil- venue over the past year. lions. Due to open in 2020, Al Thu- Khalifa International Stadium be- mama Stadium will have a capacity came the fi rst proposed 2022 FIFA of 40,000 and host matches up to the World Cup tournament venue to open quarter-fi nals stage. in May last year. The 40,000 capac- The innovative design for Ras Abu ity stadium was offi cially opened by Aboud Stadium, the fi rst fully de- His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim mountable FIFA World Cup tourna- bin Hamad al-Thani, ahead of the ment venue, was unveiled in Novem- Emir Cup fi nal between Al Sadd and Al ber. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Rayyan. Sadd rallied from a goal down Architects, this 40,000 capacity sta- to win 2-1 in an exciting fi nal, which dium will be built using the shipping was watched by a capacity crowd close containers which transported materials to 48,000 and guests and included the for its construction. Overlooking the FIFA President Gianni Infantino as one stunning Doha Corniche and West Bay of the guests. skyline, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will Also in 2017, the stadium became the host matches up to the quarter-fi nals fi rst venue in the world to offi cially re- stage in 2022. ceive the 4-star Global Sustainability Early works are continuing at the Lu- Assessment System certifi cation. The sail Stadium site, 15km north of Doha. stadium, which will host matches up to Earlier this year it was announced that the quarter-fi nals stage in 2022, is cur- a Qatar-China joint venture (HBK Con- rently being prepared to host the 2019 The 40,000 capacity Khalifa International Stadium became the first proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament venue to open in May last year. tracting Company and China Railway World Athletics Championships. Construction Corporation) had been Work at Al Wakrah Stadium, which stage in 2022, is due to open this year. ter receiving top marks in the Global million man hours without suff ering capacity venue will host matches up to chosen as the main contractor for the was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, The roof is currently being installed Sustainability Assessment System’s a lost-time accident. Also in 2017, the the quarter-fi nals stage in 2022. stadium. Due to open in 2020, Lusail continues apace. Bespoke roof pil- at Al Bayt Stadium-Al Khor City – a culture and heritage section. Al Bayt stadium seating design was revealed. Progress continues to be made at Stadium will host the 2022 FIFA World lars have been installed, while con- 60,000 capacity venue which will host Stadium-Al Khor City is due to be com- Meanwhile, on-site, sub and substruc- our ‘Diamond in the Desert’ – Qatar Cup fi nal, opening game and matches crete pouring has been completed. The matches up to the semi-fi nals stage pleted by the end of 2018. ture works are in progress and precinct Foundation Stadium. More than 80% throughout the tournament. The de- 40,000 capacity stadium, which will in 2022. The stadium also reached a Workers at the Al Rayyan Stadium infrastructure works have begun. Due of concrete has been poured at the con- sign for Lusail Stadium is due to be un- host matches up to the quarter-fi nals sustainability milestone in 2017 af- construction site recently reached 5 to be completed in 2019, the 40,000 struction site in Education City. Within veiled in early 2018. (SC.qa)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Bayern Munich arrive in Doha Oman defeat Bahrain to for winter training camp qualify for Gulf Cup fi nal Agencies Kuwait City

man edged out Bahrain 1-0 in the semi-fi nals to seal their place in the fi nal of the 23rd edi- tionO of Gulf Cup in Kuwait City yesterday. The only goal of the match came in the 28th minute. Bahrain’s Mahdi Abdeljabar de- fl ected the ball on to his own net from an Oman corner. Oman dominated the fi rst half but Bah- rain came back in the second half as they searched for the equaliser in vain. The fi nal will be played at Jaber International Stadium on Friday, with Oman waiting for the winner of the other semi- fi nal between Iraq and the United Oman’s players celebrate after they beat Bahrain in the semi-finals of Arab Emirates. the Gulf Cup at Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City. (AFP)

Bayern Munich players on their arrival at the Hamad International airport in Doha. (Bayern Munich twitter)

By Sports Reporter ome Boateng, Arjen Robben, Ron-Thorben “We have a short amount of time to pre- Doha Hoff mann, Arturo Vidal, Rafi nha and James pare for the fi rst game of the second half of Qatar Sailors shine in Europa Cup Rodríguez travelled independently from the season (against Leverkusen on 12 Janu- their holidays to Doha. ary). Therefore we need to make smart use of Doha: Qatar’ sailing champions ended their 2017 TUNISIA’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL undesliga champions Bayern Mu- Inured Manuel Neuer, Thiago and Chris- the time so that we can pick up from where season on high note by displaying impressive TEAM TO TRAIN AT ASPIRE nich arrived yesterday in Doha for tian Fruchtl have stayed in Munich to con- we left off ,” explained Heynckes. “There are performance in the Laser Europa Cup, which took In preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, their annual winter training camp. tinue their recovery programmes. always things that can be improved and that place in Croatia from 28-31 December, 2017. Tunisia’s national football team arrived in Doha The 25-member squad team will New signing Sandro Wagner is also on we need to adjust as this training camp will The event brought together world’s best 100 yesterday to attend a training camp in Aspire spendB the next fi ve days preparing for the board for the training camp. “He’s a player useful in that aspect,” he added. sailors who competed in a world high class Zone Foundation. The training sessions will kick second half of the season. who’s progressed very well in recent years The Aspire Academy for Sports Excel- Championship amid a cool weather condition off today at 6:30 pm at Aspire Zone Foundation’s “We’ve had a quick pause for breath and and become an international. I think he can lence off ers the best facilities for Bayern and strong winds. Qatar’s champion Waleed al- outdoor pitch No. 8, which is accessible for foot- I hope everyone’s recharged their batteries,” help us,” commented 72-year-old Heynckes. players to get back in shape. “We were here Sharshani came first in race six (Laser standard), ball fans who would like to observe the sessions coach Jupp Heynckes told club’s website be- Shortly after arriving in Doha, Bayern got in 2012/13 too, I remember it well. We got a defeating competitors from Croatia, Ukraine, Italy, from spectators stands. Coach Nabil Maaloul has fore departing Munich. down to business as they trained under light lot out of it then and I hope we will do over Australia and Germany. chosen 26 players for the training camp. Robert Lewandowksi, Franck Ribery, Jer- at the Aspire pitches. the next fi ve days,” said Heynckes.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Qatar SC beat Umm Salal in friendly osts Qatar SC defeated 16 points and Abdullah Mubarak- In between, they had lost the QSL of Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi, who Umm Salal 3-0 in a friendly trained Qatar SC 11th on eight. Cup fi nal 2-3 to Al Gharafa. hoped he would be back in training match played as part of in time for the tournament’s second their preparations for the AL RAYYAN-AL MARKHIYA AL SAILIYA’S GHANEM IN phase. secondH phase of QNB Stars League. Al Sailiya, fourth in the standings FRIENDLY ON FRIDAY INTENSIVE REHABILITATION Qatar SC led 2-0 at half-time Al Rayyan will play a friendly with Al Al Sailiya defender Ghanem Al with 19 points after the conclusion through goals from Fahad Khalfan Markhiya on Friday, the Lions’ only Qahtani is undergoing an intensive of fi rst phase, will host Al Arabi at the and Youssef al-Kubaisi. game during the month-long break rehabilitation programme following Al Ahli Stadium in the 12th round on While Umm Salal tried hard to pull between the QNB Stars League’s fi rst a surgery he underwent at Qatar’s 12th January. one back in the second half, the ri- and second phase. orthopaedic and sports medicine All other players, except Hamad vals were able to score another goal It will be a dress-rehearsal for hospital Aspetar on 11th December to Obaidi and Abdul Karim al-Ali, who through Ameer Abduljabbar. In Week Michael Laudrup-coached Al Rayyan correct an injury on his ankle. did duty for Qatar at the Gulf Cup 12, Qatar SC will play host to lead- ahead of their Round 12 home match He suff ered the injury during their in Kuwait, are attending the team’s ers Al Duhail on 13th January, while against Al Khor on 13th January. 1-2 loss to Al Ahli in Week 10 of the training sessions. Meanwhile, Al Umm Salal travel to Al Khor for their Al Rayyan are third in the stand- QNB Stars League on 2nd December. Sailiya will play a friendly against Qatar SC beat Umm Salal 3-0 away game against Al Kharaitiyat on ings with 25 points. They registered Ghanem is one of the most talented Tianjin Quanjian on today at the As- in a friendly match. 11th January. Umm Salal, coached eight victories and one draw while players in the QNB Stars League and pire Zone, where the Chinese team’s by Mahmoud Jaber, are fi fth with losing two games. a vital cog in the defensive machine winter camp is based. (qsl.com.qa)