TENNIS | Page 2 HORSE RACING | Page 7 Nadal-led Spain Bughanaim and Argentina helms Raqee to sweep into thrilling sprint quarters victory

Thursday, January 9, 2020 FOOTBALL Jumada I 14, 1441 AH Mane crowned GULF TIMES Africa’s 2019 Player of the Year SPORT Page 6

TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Veteran Verdasco advances, Tsonga falls to Kecmanovic Russian Rublev got the better of Kazakhstan’s Kukushkin 6-4, 6-2 in 69 minutes to book his spot in the quarter-finals

By Anil John Doha

omeone suggested he could opt for the Seniors Tour if he so wants, but when he is still pound- ingS heavy forehands at age 36 and blasting aces that leave the younger lot feeling like a casta- way marooned on an island, why should he even entertain the thought? You probably must have guessed, the player in question is Fernando Verdasco. A Doha resident and ardent admirer of Qatar, especially for what it does for sport, the Spaniard hardly gave any hint that he has tired of the punishing ATP circuit by producing a scintillating display against Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic for a 7-5, 4-6, 6-0 victory and a spot in the quarter-fi nals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The match took two hours and fi ve minutes and was not without a wobble – you would grant that to someone who turned pro in 2001 at age 18 – but then didn’t he fi nish it in some style! Krajinovic was the sixth seed in Doha after a remarkable 2019 that saw him reach two fi nals – in Budapest and Stockholm, the third round of the Masters in Mi- ami and the fourth round of the Spain’s Fernando Verdasco returns during the Qatar ExxonMobil Open match against Serbia’s Filip Russia’s Andrey Rublev in action during the Qatar ExxonMobil Open match against Mikhail Kukushkin (not Masters in Indian Wells, falling to Krajinovic (not pictured) yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil pictured) of Kazakhstan at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, respectively. He also had other more confi dent this year. Fucsovics (HUN) bt WC-Cem Ilkel notable credits. Wawrinka and Tiafoe beaten by Bopanna and Koolhof “I improved during the last (TUR) 6-1, 6-4; Fernando Verdasco At 27, he is also nine years half year. I raised my level of bt 6-Filip Krajinovic (SRB) 7-5, younger than Verdasco, but that By Syed Arhm Ahmad with each other. But their rivals, good friends and practice a lot serve, often successfully getting which I’m confi dent and I’m re- 4-6, 6-0; Pierre-Hugues Herbert was not much of an advantage Doha specialist doubles players, were together so it is going to be fun returns down low and forcing ally happy with that. (FRA) bt 5-Laslo Djere (SRB) 6-1, yesterday. He showed promise too good and applied constant to play together,” Wawrinka said. them to hit very diff icult volleys. “But anyway, every match is 6-3; Miomir Kechmanovic (SRB) bt but also displayed a lot of irrita- pressure on the serves of Their chemistry was obvious in In the other three doubles tough. Every match you don’t 3-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (11-9), 6-1; bility. On several occasions, his he popular pairing of Swiss Wawrinka and Tiafoe, breaking both the matches but it was not quarterfinals of the day, Frederik know how you feel because you Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA) beats expressions gave advance notice star Stan Wawrinka and them three times in the match. enough to get them over the line. Nielsen from Denmark and Tim cannot play amazing every day. It 4-Milos Raonic (CAN) 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) he was not going to win. The TAmerican Next Gen star Wawrinka was asked about his Bopanna and Koolhof have im- Puetz from Germany upset will be for sure some days, even if Doubles (Quarter-finals) powerful down-the-line fore- Frances Tiafoe were ousted by decision to enter the doubles pressive doubles credentials and the top seeds, Mate Pavic from you’re confi dent, some days will Frederik Nielsen (DEN) & Tim hand that Verdasco unleashed to Rohan Bopanna from India and draw at the beginning of the yesterday it was evident why. Croatia and Bruno Soares from be that you’re not feeling the ball Puetz (GER) bt 1-Mate Pavic (CRO) win the fi nal set at 6-0, perhaps Wesley Koolhof from the Nether- week and he mentioned his de- Bopanna is a former top-5 dou- Brazil, 4-6, 6-2, 10-7. well. So this is normal.” & Bruno Soares (BRA) 4-6, 6-2, 10- came only as a formality. lands in the doubles competition sire to get more match practice bles player and reached the US Luke Bambridge from Great Brit- Meanwhile, third seed Jo-Wil- 7; 2-Henri Kontinen (FIN) & Franko “Yes it’s a pretty amazing feel- of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. at the start of the season. open finals in 2010. Koolhof is ain and Santiago Gonzalez from fred Tsonga’s stint at this year’s Skugor (CRO) bt Ken Skupski & ing to win here. I am a resident Bopanna and Koolhof won the “I didn’t play any matches since currently ranked inside the top Mexico upset fourth-seeded tournament ended with his fi rst Neil Skupski (GBR) 6-7 (2), 6-4, here and I am so happy and hon- match 6-3, 6-4, taking 48 min- the end of the season so it is 20 and has four doubles titles to French pair of Jeremy Chardy match as he was ousted by Serbia’s 13-11; 3-Rohan Bopanna (IND) & oured to win in front His High- utes to reach the semi-finals. quite good to play doubles his name. and Fabrice Martin 6-3, 7-6 (7). Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (9), 6-1. Wesley Koolhof (NED) bt Stanislas ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Wawrinka and Tiafoe had beaten and play more points and The pair served especially well Second seeds Henri Kontinen Tsonga, who won here in 2012, Wawrinka (SUI) & Frances Tiafoe Hamad al-Thani,” Verdsaco said Andrey Rublev and Alexan- more matches. I enjoy playing yesterday with a successful first from Finland and Franko Skugor had admitted that, unlike Verdsa- (USA) 6-3, 6-4; Luke Bambridge during a courtside interview. der Bublik in their first round doubles and always try to play serve percentage of 71. They from Croatia beat British pair of co, age was catching up with him, (GBR) & Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) He added that it was tough los- encounter and looked to very with someone that I like, I like also played a good return game Ken and Neal Skupski 6-7 (2), 6-4, and the 34-year-old was no match bt 4-Fabrice Martin (FRA) & Jer- ing the second set and that he had much enjoy playing doubles to play with Frances, we are leading to the three breaks of 13-11 in a nail-biting encounter. for the 20-year-old Serb who won emy Chardy (FRA) 6-3, 7-6 (9-7). to summon all his physical and their very fi rst meeting yesterday. mental resolve to fi ght back. But the third set was a breeze as The 22-year-old got the better And especially our last meetings so it was more about mental.” “I tried to stay calm especially TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY After nine games went with he served and returned accurately. of Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukush- for — I don’t know — let’s say for The Russian said he felt the in the tie-break and it paid off . Centre Court (starts at 3:30pm) serve in the fi rst set where both So much so that Krajinovic didn’t kin 6-4, 6-2 in 69 minutes to book the last one and a half year, out nerves during his fi rst day at the I played some really good ten- „Q-Marton Fucsovics (HUN) vs played steadily, Verdasco sneaked have a clue as he conceded a bagel. his spot in the quarter-fi nals. of four, he beat me three times, offi ce this year. nis today and I’m really happy Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) in a break in the 10th game before Verdasco said it was important Although the scoreline does quite confi dent. And the last time “Today it was the fi rst match of about it,” said Kecmanovic, who „Pierre-Hugues Herber (FRA) wrapping it up. for him to stamp his authority say something of the ease with I remember that I won was really, the season, fi rst match since two reached his best world ranking of vs 2- Andrey Rublev (RUS) In the second set, the game pro- early in the decider. which Rublev achieved the task, really tough in Cincinnati,” said months. And, of course, I was a lit- 42 last September. „1-Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs Aljaz duced a similar pattern but Ver- “I think it was very important there was a bit of history between Rublev. tle bit nervous. And my team felt it “It’s defi nitely a pretty cool Bedene (SLO) dasco couldn’t win the big points, to establish control early. The them, with the Russian at the “So I expected it’s going to be, since the beginning and I felt it also feeling. I hoped it would hap- „Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA) vs with the result that as many as two double faults by him early wrong end of it. again, really tough match for me, since the beginning. And, yeah, it pen but obviously didn’t know it Fernando Verdasco (ESP) eight break points went to waste. in the third set really helped. He They had clashed four times in that it will take a lot of — I don’t was more stress, nervous. would be that quick. I am really Court 1 (starts at 3:30pm) “Not winning any of the eight was playing really good earlier regular play and two times dur- know — things for me to beat “But in the end, I’m happy that excited to be here and hopefully I „3-Rohan Bopanna (IND)/Wes- break points I had in the second and I’m sure he’ll be a bit disap- ing the qualifi ers of ATP tourna- him. And I’m really happy that I I was focused more on the things can keep going.” ley Koolhof (NED) vs 2-Henri Kon- set was particularly tough, espe- pointed,” added Verdasco. ments, with Kukushkin winning could win in straight sets today.” that how I can win with the game tinen (FIN)/Franko Skugor (CRO) cially mentally. But the support Earlier in the day, second seed four of them. But anyway, I think it was — that I have today. And I’m happy RESULTS Court 2 (starts at 3:30pm) I had from the fans helped me to Andrey Rublev showed why he is “I expect it was going to be re- today was a more mental match. with my performance.” Singles (2nd Round) „Frederik Nielsen (DEN)/Tim stay strong,” he said after blast- rated very highly by even players ally, really tough match because I Both of us were not really feeling Rublev, the runner-up here in 2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Mikhail Puetz (GER) vs Luke Bambridge ing 17 aces. like Roger Federer. know Mikhail since a long time. the ball as normally we can feel, 2018, added that he feels much Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-4, 6-2; Q-Marton (GBR)/Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 9, 2020 TENNIS

FOCUS Tennis stars visit ExxonMobil Qatar stand ennis fans at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 were delighted to meet their favourite tennis Tstars at the ExxonMobil stand in the Public Village since the start of the tournament. Stan Wawrinka, Andrey Rublev, Filip Krajinovic, and Pierre-Hugues Herbert were some of the fi rst players to visit the stand this year. ExxonMobil Qatar provides hundreds of tournament-goers from all over the world with the opportunity to meet their fa- vourite stars who drop by the stand to meet fans and sign auto- graphs during the six day event. Wawrinka and Krajinovic had a great time trying out the Mo- tion Sphere – a thrilling motor- cycle racing virtual reality ex- perience, as well as the stand’s other exciting activities. More tennis stars will be visit- ing the stand during the tourna- ment - fans can increase their chances of meeting their favour- ite players by making sure they pass by regularly throughout the tors - we want them to have an especially young tennis players the world to work hard and reach agenda, with our partner Exx- the title sponsor of the Qatar ExxonMobil partners with event. excellent time when they visit from the community. It’s won- their full potential,” he added. onMobil Qatar. The Qatar Exx- ExxonMobil Open for 26 years. local organisations like QTF to “Our stand is an extremely us,” said Saleh al-Mana, Vice derful to see their faces light up Tareq Zeinal, Secretary- onMobil Open has raised ten- Every year, the company ensures support a variety of education popular venue during the Qa- President and Director of Gov- when they get to meet their roles General Assistant of QTF said, nis tournaments to new heights that its stand at the tourna- and professional development tar ExxonMobil Open and that ernment and Public Aff airs for models – we’re pleased that we “We are delighted to once again through the successes it has ment’s Public Village is an excit- programs, with the goal of creat- is because we plan our activi- ExxonMobil Qatar. can help them have such an ex- host the Qatar ExxonMobil achieved and will continue to ing and creative spot for players ing a highly skilled workforce to- ties so that they are entertaining “Some fans wait all year to perience with world-class ath- Open - one of the most success- achieve in the future.” and visitors with its variety of wards building Qatar’s sustain- and interesting for all our visi- meet their favourite players, letes who inspire people all over ful championships on the ATP ExxonMobil Qatar has been activities. able future.

ATP CUP AUCKLAND CLASSIC Second-seed Martic fi rst big name to Nadal-led Spain and fall in Auckland

AFP was down 15-30 in the fi nal Auckland game. Cornet, who also ral- lied from a set down to win her fi rst-round match against econd-seed Petra Mar- Ysaline Bonaventure, will meet Argentina sweep tic became the fi rst big- Jessica Pegula in the quarter- name casualty at the fi nals after the American had a ‘Sydney’s got a big Serbian WTA Auckland Clas- comfortable 6-2, 6-2 second- sicS when she was bundled out round win over Tamara Zi- community, hopefully the by France’s Alize Cornet in a dansek. The 18-year-old Ani- three-set marathon yesterday. simova needed only 73 minutes support can be as good as Eighth seed Caroline Gar- to put away former top-10 cia also lost her second- player Daria Kasatkina in the into quarters it was here, even better’ round match while third seed featured singles match in the Amanda Anisimova cruised night session. AFP through to the quarter-fi nals Anisimova made 32 unforced Sydney on a limited day three of the errors, twice as many as the tournament. Martic, the world Russian, but was still far too number 15, lived up to her sen- strong with her all-round play. orld number one ior status in the fi rst set against She will play Eugenie Bou- Rafael Nadal steered Cornet but could not maintain chard in the quarter-fi nals af- Spain into the ATP the momentum as her oppo- ter the Canadian upset Garcia Cup quarter-fi nals nent fought back to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. yesterdayW despite an uncharac- 6-4, 6-4, sealing the outcome Both are former top-fi ve teristically error-ridden per- with three aces back-to-back stars looking to get their way formance, with Argentina also in the fi nal game. back into the top echelon with powering through. “What a match,” said Cor- Bouchard, the 2014 Wimble- After six days of round robin net, who is ranked 57th, as she don fi nalist, now as low as 262 play at the inaugural team event left the court. Cornet switched in the World while Garcia is across Sydney, Brisbane and coaches to Martic’s former ranked 46th. Bouchard lost in Perth, eight teams are left stand- mentor Sandra Zanieswka dur- the fi rst round at 12 consecu- ing from the 24 that started. ing the off -season and said she tive tournaments last year, but Australia, Serbia, Russia and initially had trouble adjusting said she is feeling more confi - Britain booked their spots in to her new pre-match instruc- dent now having put extra em- the knockout phase on Tues- tion to be aggressive. phasis on her fi tness. day, with Spain - who won the “It was going out of my “I worked really hard over revamped Davis Cup in Madrid comfort zone and in the fi rst the off season, so I want to run in November - and Argentina set I didn’t manage to do it, down every ball and fi ght to rounding out the six group win- but fi nally I found my rhythm the last ball, because you never ners. and was playing much better. know what can happen,” she Belgium and Canada joined Thank God my serve helped said. “It’s served me well and them as the two best-placed me,” she said with her only it’s defi nitely won me some runners-up. three aces coming when she points.” All the quarter-fi nals are in Sydney with Australia facing Britain in the fi rst encounter today, followed by Argentina against Russia. Novak Djokovic’s Serbia take on Canada on Friday, while Spain are pitted against Belgium. Nadal saw off the brave chal- lenge of Japan’s Yoshihito Nish- Rafael Nadal (left) of Spain takes a team selfie after receiving their medals for qualifying for the Cup quarter-finals in Perth yesterday. (AFP) ioka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, but the 19- time Grand Slam winner made didn’t lose a match yet.” hopefully that can allow me to Croatia and Argentina to bat- the match.” It was not all doom 36 unforced errors. He came on court after team- build my form for Sydney and tle it out to secure an automatic and gloom for Croatia, who still “It was important the fi rst mate and world number 10 Melbourne later,” said world quarter-fi nal place. had the chance to sneak into the set, and then in the second I had Roberto Bautista Agut downed number two Djokovic. Left-hander Guido Pella got last eight as one of the best run- some tough moments but at the Go Soeda 6-2, 6-4 to secure the “Sydney’s got a big Serbian Argentina off to a strong start, ners-up. Petra Martic of Croatia hits a return against Alize Cornet of France same time I was able to manage tie. community, hopefully the sup- defeating former world number After losing their two singles, during their second round match at the Auckland Classic. (AFP) well to have a break at the right Djokovic was also a winner port can be as good as it was three Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/1) 6-3, they needed to win the doubles, moment, so happy for the vic- Thursday, continuing his un- here, even better.” before a focused Schwartzman but Ivan Dodig and Nikola Me- tory,” said Nadal, who is yet to beaten record at the tournament In other action, emerg- crushed Coric 6-2, 6-2. ktic blew the chance, allowing drop a set. as he warms up for a crack at an ing Polish young gun Hubert “I think everyone who is in the Canada to go through instead. Muguruza powers her way into “I played against a player that eighth Australian Open crown. Hurkacz upset world number quarters is ready for the quar- David Goffi n’s Belgium, who Shenzhen quarters, Wang advances started the season on fi re win- The superstar eased past four Dominic Thiem for his ters. We are ready to play against were not playing Wednesday, ning two great matches against Chile’s Cristian Garin 6-3, 6-3 third win over a top 30 player (Karen) Khachanov or (Da- also crept into the knockouts at Garbine Muguruza won consecutive matches for the first time two very good opponents and as Serbia won their tie 2-1, with at the tournament after beating niil) Medvedev, the singles and the expense of France and South since last year’s French Open when she beat American Shelby with very comfortable results. Dusan Lajovic also clinching his Diego Schwartzman and Borna then we see the doubles,” said Africa. Rogers 6-1 7-6(2) to advance to the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen “So it’s a positive victory for singles match. Coric. Schwartzman. Some US$15 million in prize Open yesterday. me and it’s an important vic- “I really am really happy with Poland’s 2-1 win over Austria “I need to rest because money and up to 750 singles and The sixth seeded Spaniard, a two-times Grand Slam winner, fired tory for the team. We go to Syd- the challenges that I’ve had in ended Thiem’s team’s chances Medvedev is putting every ball 250 doubles ATP rankings points 10 aces and won 80% of her first serve points to advance in an ney with the confi dence that we the last six, seven days here, and of topping their group, leaving on court, so I need to be ready for are at stake. hour and 23 minutes. “I think she started to play better and the match was more equal,” Muguruza said. “I was happy that at the end in the tiebreak, it was 50-50, and that I could win the match. Keys leads trio of Americans into Brisbane quarters “Every match is very important and it’s great to start the year here and get as many matches as possible. Every tournament is a Eighth seed Madison Keys led a her best result at the Brisbane world number five Elina Svitolina really ripping and going for shots will take on either second seed challenge and I’m happy to keep playing.” trio of Americans through to the International in four attempts. 6-1, 6-1 in the first round and has and she’s making pretty much all Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Muguruza will face Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas who beat Russia’s quarter-finals of the Brisbane She will play fellow American lost only three games in two of them right now.” Republic or Australia’s Ajla Anna Blinkova 6-1 6-7(9) 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and International with an impressive Danielle Collins in the quarters matches, spending just 114 min- The third American through on Tomljanovic in the quarter-finals. 45 minutes. Blinkova had upset top seed Belinda Bencic on Tues- win over Australia’s Samantha after Collins thrashed Kazakh utes on court over two rounds. a day when only three singles Pliskova and top seed and world day and despite breaking Diyas five times, she dropped serve Stosur yesterday. Keys beat qualifier Yulia Putintseva 6-1, 6-0 “It’s going to be tough,” Keys said matches were played was Alison number one Ash Barty, who had nine times herself and made 11 double faults which proved deci- the former US Open champion to continue her blistering start to of her quarter-final opponent. Riske, who downed Czech opening round byes, play their sive. Fifth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia got the better of 7-5, 6-3 to reach the last eight, the season. Collins demolished “She’s playing incredibly well and Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-4. Riske first matches today. China’s Peng Shuai, a former finalist, with a 7-6(7) 6-1 victory. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS FIRST ODI Lewis hits undefeated 99 as Windies ease to Sizzling Stokes had victory against Ireland

AFP hard work in training and do- Bridgetown ing the yards. “I kind of had an idea of how I wanted to bowl today, pening batsman and I just kept it simple and more than cricket on Evin Lewis fell bowled to my plans.” agonisingly short Wicketkeeper Lorcan of a century as his Tucker was Ireland’s top scor- undefeatedO 99 helped West er with 31 as the tourists col- Indies to cruise to a fi ve- lapsed following a solid start wicket win over Ireland in the at Kensington Oval. fi rst one-day international at Joseph dismissed open- Kensington Oval on Tuesday. ing pair Paul Stirling (15) and his mind at Newlands The 28-year-old left- debutant Gareth Delaney (19) hander made his runs off 99 as well as the dangerous Kevin ‘I HAVEN’T SPOKEN TO HIM YET BUT HOPEFULLY I HAVE MADE HIM PROUD’ balls with 13 boundaries and O’Brien for just four as Ireland two sixes. slumped from 51-1 to 88-6. Reuters After dismissing Ireland A seventh-wicket stand be- Cape Town for just 180, the West Indies tween Tucker and Mark Adair reached their target with 100 worth 54 runs restored a glim- balls to spare. mer of hope for a side playing ngland all-rounder Ben Stokes For Lewis, it was his eighth their fi rst ODI since July. dedicated his match-winning ODI half-century but he made Adair hit two fours and a six performance in the second Test a gallant attempt to go to what in a brisk 29 off 34 balls before at Newlands to father Ged as he would have been a third cen- he was stumped off the bowl- nowE seeks to help the tourists claim the tury. ing of Hayden Walsh, with series in South Africa. With the scores level, he Tucker soon departing as Stokes scored a rapid 72 from 47 balls launched Barry McCarthy Joseph struck again. to give England the quick runs they over extra cover but his hopes The three-match ODI se- needed for an early declaration in their of a six to end the game in ries continues at the same second innings on day four, time that style fell just inches short. venue today and concludes in proved vital in the end as South Africa Off -spinner Simi Singh Grenada on January 12. came within eight overs of saving the was the only Ireland bowler to That will be followed by Test. complete his 10 overs, fi nish- three Twenty20 internation- He also took six catches in the game, ing with 2-44. als in Grenada (January 15) and wrapped up the South African tail Earlier, West Indies fast and St Kitts (January 18 and with three quick wickets after a brilliant bowler Alzarri Joseph picked 19). spell of fast bowling late on the fi fth day. up four wickets as Ireland Stokes’ Herculean performance comes stumbled to 180 all out in the BRIEF SCORES as his father Ged receives treatment in a 47th over. West Indies 184 for 5 (Lewis Johannesburg hospital having suff ered a “For me, it’s a really good 99, King 20, Simi 2-44) beat stroke ahead of the fi rst Test in Pretoria start to the year,” said man- Ireland 180 (Tucker 31, Adair that started on Boxing Day. of-the-match Joseph. 29, Joseph 4-32, Walsh 2-30, “I always had my dad in the back of my “It’s about putting in the Cottrell 2-39) by five wickets. mind,” Stokes told reporters. “He came out here to watch me and unfortunately he’s not been able to, so there was a lot more in my eff orts this game, doing it for him. I haven’t spoken to him yet but hopefully I’ve made him proud.” Captain Joe Root turned to Stokes late on the fi fth day as South Africa looked as though they might bat the 146 overs they needed to save the Test, and the all-rounder duly delivered with a superb spell of reverse-swing bowling that saw him pick up the last three wickets. “I said, ‘You’re not getting the ball out of my hand until this day is done.’ It was Root, Du Plessis back fi ve-day Tests aft er Newlands thriller one last push,” Stokes said. “We have a few days off (after the England captain Joe Root and his South day in which Cricket South Africa sent four-day games to ease a crammed in- Test), so I was trying to put everything African counterpart Faf du Plessis have out a statement in which they off icially ternational calendar and reduce player into every ball. For some reason it just both backed five-day Tests, despite backed the plan four-day Tests. workload. started reverse-swinging, which helped their cricket boards advocating for four- “I am a fan of Test cricket going five England have said they will support getting the right-handers nicking the day games to be played in the future. days,” he said. “The great draws of the the idea after 2023, Australia are to ball.” England beat South Africa by 189 runs game always go to five days. give serious consideration to the plan, Stokes will now seek to give England in the second Test at Newlands on “I’m not speaking about the other while South Africa have already made the advantage in the third Test that starts Tuesday to level the four-match series stuff that comes to four-day cricket. I up their minds. “Cricket South Africa’s in Port Elizabeth on Jan. 16. “The best at 1-1 after the hosts lasted almost 138 understand there is a lot of money be- off icial policy to support four-day Test thing about being an all-rounder is that overs in their second innings, but could ing burned on five-day cricket because match cricket,” CSA said in a statement there are four innings in a Test match so not see out eight more that would have a lot of games are not going to the fifth on Tuesday. four opportunities to infl uence a game. I earned them a draw. day. The powerful Board of Control for will always try to do that,” he said. The match went into the last hour of “There will always be an opinion on Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to off er England will check on the fi tness of the fifth day, providing drama aplenty in both sides, but I am still a purist of the an opinion, but India captain Virat Kohli seamer James Anderson ahead of the Cape Town after both sides had toiled game and have been part of some great said he was totally against the plan. game after he pulled up with a side strain hard in search of their desired results. draws that went five days. “I am not a fan,” Kohli told reporters. “I on the fi nal day at Newlands. “I like five-day Test cricket. I’ll leave at “There would definitely not have been think the intent will not be right then be- “He’ll go for a scan, get some treat- that, otherwise I’ll get in trouble,” Root a result in four days on the wicket we cause then you will speak of three-day ment and we’ll see how he pulls up,” Root told reporters in the wake of the thrill- have just played on now.” Tests, I mean where do you end? said. ing Newlands win. The International Cricket Council is “Then you will speak of Test cricket dis- South Africa won the fi rst Test in Pre- Du Plessis was more forthcoming on a set to discuss the idea of making Tests appearing. I don’t endorse that at all.” toria by 107 runs.

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Latham joins casualty list from Players unwilling to endorse four-day New Zealand’s captain Tom Latham instructs his teammates during the second day of the third Test against Australia in Sydney on Test plan: FICA NZ’s worst tour January 4, 2020. (AFP) Reuters a calf strain in the fi rst test in Perth Reuters en the green light by the ICC in Wellington and was ruled out of the remainder of Mumbai 2017 when South Africa hosted the tour. Zimbabwe, and England have Williamson, middle-order batsman since played one against Ire- om Latham became the latest Henry Nicholls and all-rounder Mitch layers are unlikely to land. casualty from New Zealand’s Santner all also missed the third test embrace the proposed With an increasing number poor cricket tour of Australia after suff ering from infl uenza. four-day Tests until of Test matches ending pre- after X-rays confi rmed the New Zealand coach Gary Stead said administrators clarify maturely, the administrators openingT batsman broke a fi nger in the all of the injured or ill players were still howP they plan to utilise the are keen to free up more space third test in Sydney, the team said yes- recuperating but likely to be in con- calendar space freed up by the in the schedules for lucrative terday. tention to face India next month. move, the Federation of Inter- shorter-form matches. The 27-year-old, who led the team “Lockie Ferguson has returned national Cricketers’ Associa- Indian batting great Sachin in the absence of the ill Kane William- to running and performing bowl- tions (FICA) said yesterday. Tendulkar told Reuters he is son in the 279-run loss that completed ing drills,” Stead said in the state- The International Cricket fi rmly opposed to shortening a 3-0 series whitewash by the Austral- ment, adding that he expected the fast Council is set to discuss the Test matches to four days from ians, is expected to be out of action for bowler to play domestic cricket next idea of trimming the current fi ve and warned against stray- four weeks. month. fi ve-day Tests by a day to ease ing too far from the game’s New Zealand host India later this “Trent Boult has been resting his a crammed international cal- roots in the quest to attract a month in a Twenty20 series, but broken right-hand and will return endar and reduce player work- younger audience. Latham was unlikely to make that to bowling later this week. He’ll be load. “Given the obvious crick- squad anyway having not played a T20 touch-and-go to be available for the FICA, which counts play- eting implications, if the ICC international since 2017. Indian T20 series later this month. ers from England, Australia and/ or Boards do want to make The team said in a statement they “Matt Henry has had his broken and South Africa as members a broader case for four-day expected he would be fi t for the three- left-thumb splinted and will require among others, fears the new Test cricket, we would need to match one-day series that starts in around a month for it to fully heal.” gaps in the calendar could well clearly understand what both early February. The loss was New Zealand’s fi rst be fi lled with more cricket. the economic and scheduling Latham was just one of three players whitewash in a three-match series in “From our discussions with benefi ts would be, so we can to have broken bones on the tour, with Australia and the team, riding high af- players around the world, and discuss that with players and opening bowler Trent Boult sustaining ter a superb run over the last two years, our global survey data, it is clear gauge genuine collective feed- a fracture in his right hand during the have been heavily criticised on both that there is currently a lot of back,” FICA said. second test in Melbourne. sides of the Tasman Sea. negative sentiment, within the England have said they will Matt Henry, Boult’s replacement for The team were described as “gut- global collective of players, to- support the idea after 2023, the third game at the Sydney Cricket less” by Stuff Media columnist Mark wards such a signifi cant change Australia are to give serious Ground, then broke his left thumb Reason, while Australia’s Fox Sports’ to the game’s most traditional consideration to the plan, while while fi elding early on the fi rst day. Tom Morris hoped New Zealand did format,” FICA said in a state- South Africa have advocated for Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson also not return “until they can off er more ment yesterday. four-day games to be played in broke down after bowling 11 overs with of a contest”. Four-day matches were giv- the future. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 9, 2020 SPORT

GOLF NFL Brady plans to play Lowry, Finau star in next season as postponed Hong Kong Open tees off ‘IT’S NICE TO BE BACK AND IT’S NICE TO HAVE MY OWN CAR THIS WEEK’

AFP ary cap space available and New York could aff ord a steep asking price for Brady and also spend to bolster the off ensive line to ix-time Super Bowl better protect him. champion quarterback The Oakland Raiders, with Tom Brady said yes- $67mn in salary cap room, terday he plans to play will move to Las Vegas for inS the NFL next season at age next season and could want 43, but where he would play a big-name signal caller in remains a major mystery. Brady rather than Derek Carr In a posting on his Instagram for their new stadium and fan account, Brady looked back on base. this past campaign with the Carolina and Chicago have New England Patriots, which also been mentioned as pos- ended with a Saturday home sible Brady options, but would playoff loss to Tennessee, and have to bench established into his future as a free agent. starters in Cam Newton and “In both life and football, Mitch Trubisky respectively. failure is inevitable. You don’t Brady could also return always win,” Brady said. to the Patriots, although his “You can, however, learn posting on Instagram, com- from that failure, pick your- plete with a photo of him run- self up with great enthusi- ning onto the fi eld in uniform, asm, and place yourself in the read like a farewell note as he arena again. And that’s right thanked fans for their years of where you will fi nd me. Be- support. cause I know I still have more “After a few days of re- to prove.” fl ection, I am so grateful and Brady, who turns 43 next humbled by the unconditional August as NFL teams are in support you have shown me training camp, has won more the past two decades,” Brady Super Bowls than any other wrote. player over a 20-year ca- “Running out of that tun- reer, but his completion rate nel every week is a feeling that of 60.8% this season was his is hard to explain. I wish every worst since 2013 and New season ended in a win, but England’s attack often sput- that’s not the nature of sports US big hitter Tony Finau (centre) and Ireland’s Shane Lowry (right) during a press conference in Hong Kong. PICTURE: Asiantour.com tered in critical games, going (or life). Nobody plays to lose. scoreless in the second half of But the reward for working AFP Thant told AFP. fending champion. and dog legs. the Tennessee loss. hard is just that, the work!!” Hong Kong The tournament at the historic Fanling Finding big names to come and play “If you hit it in the fairway and hole The Patriots have not re- Brady, the husband of Bra- course — whose previous winners include “wasn’t easy”, said Cho. “But, most of some putts you could be holding the tro- signed him for next season, zilian supermodel Gisele Bun- Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose — was orig- the burden was on the (Hong Kong) golf phy at the end of the week,” said the world even though Brady has, when dchen, has completed 6,377 of pen champion Shane Lowry inally slated for November, but was post- club, and they’ve come through with fl y- number 16, the fi rst Polynesian to play in healthy, directed the team’s 9,988 pass attempts for 74,571 and US big hitter Tony Finau are poned as the fi nance hub wrestled with ing colours.” a Ryder Cup. off ense under coach Bill Beli- yards and 541 touchdowns as the headline acts as the Hong the often-violent protests. Lowry’s last appearance in Hong Kong chick for most of the past two well as running for 1,037 career Kong Open fi nally goes ahead After a WTA tennis tournament, a For- ON THE BUSES came in 2010, shortly after he had turned decades. yards and 22 touchdowns. Oyesterday, six weeks after it was post- mula E race and other events were can- That includes tempting Lowry to make professional, and on the heels of close Brady, who has led the Pa- “I have been blessed to fi nd poned over the pro-democracy protests celled, a recent period of calm encour- his fi rst appearance at Fanling in a dec- friend Graeme McDowell’s victory at the triots to nine Super Bowls in a career I love, teammates who gripping the city. aged organisers to squeeze the Hong Kong ade as he kicks off a year where “the main US Open. 18 seasons as a starter, fi gures go to battle with me, an or- Organisers hope a successful staging Open — one of Asia’s biggest and oldest thing” is securing selection to country- The Irishman remembered McDowell to get a look from several other ganization that believes in me, of the $1mn golf tournament will show golf fi xtures — back onto the sporting man Padraig Harrington’s Ryder Cup “getting all the red carpets laid out for teams. and fans who have been behind that normality is returning to the semi- calendar. team. him... and all the cars and I was on the The Indianapolis Colts, us every step of the way,” Brady autonomous Chinese territory, which has The re-scheduled tournament is sanc- Australia’s Wade Ormsby, the 2017 (player’s) bus”. Since that year, when he who lost Andrew Luck to re- said. seen months of unrest and demonstra- tioned by the Asian Tour but not the champion, and the Asian Tour Order of failed to make the cut at Fanling, he has tirement in August, went 7-9 “We’ve been rewarded with tions. European Tour, which will resume its Merit Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand had an “incredible” decade, topped off by under former backup Jacoby something that the scoreboard “Hopefully the tournament this week support when the event returns to its No- are also in the fi eld. the win at Portrush. Brissett and would be in the won’t show — the satisfaction shows everyone that things are starting to vember slot later this year. Finau, who averaged 309 yards per “I’m certainly going to take it all in and market for a veteran leader like of knowing we gave everything get back to normal... that it’s safe to come The changed date also resulted in the drive in the 2019 season, said he was enjoy it,” Lowry said. Brady. to each other in pursuit of a back here and stage your event,” Asian loss of original headliners Patrick Reed, looking forward to the unusual challenges “It’s nice to be back and it’s nice to have The Los Angeles Chargers common goal. That is what Tour commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Henrik Stenson and Aaron Rai, the de- of Fanling’s short fairways, small greens my own car this week.” have more than $55mn in sal- TEAM is all about.”

TWENTY20 RANKINGS RUGBY Qatar’s Tanveer shines in 2019 Parisse to retire By Sports Reporter privilege and an honour to play for Qatar aft er Six Nations Doha and I am proud of it.” Talking about the best moments of the 2019, Tanveer said, “Any performance that has helped my ohamed Tanveer is second team win is memorable for me. However, cricketer from Qatar to have if I have to single out one memorable in- found a place among the top nings, I would say it was a half-century T20 International perform- against Oman, which took the match into Mers in the world during the 2019 calendar the Super Over where we won.” With year. cricket becoming very demanding, Tan- Qatar national team captain Iqbal veer says his new goals are fi tness and be- Hussain Chaudhry fi nished the last year ing more consistent. “I am working hard on a high when he got the 10th spot by on my fi tness and I am thankful to have picking up 26 wickets in 15 Twenty20 In- a captain like Iqbal (Hussain Chaudhry), ternational matches. who always backs me and motivates. We Tanveer accumulated 428 runs in 15 also have a wonderful coaching team and matches, including four half-centu- the QCA management to support us. Also ries. He smashed his highest 57 not out I will focus on scoring more consistently Reuters Parisse, who has been capped against Jersey. A hard-hitting batsmen, for Qatar.” Paris 142 times — third in the all-time Tanveer cracked 36 boundaries and 22 “The national team’s practice camp rankings behind All Blacks’ sixes as well. Qatar Cricket Associa- has started. We are enthusiastic about it great Richie McCaw (148) and tion President Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari and looking forward keenly to playing in taly’s most-capped rugby Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones was thrilled with a second national team upcoming tournaments. We have great player Sergio Parisse will (143) — said he would not play player getting a spot among the top T20I lined up and we hope the Qatar team will agement, I don’t think if I would have support and direction from our QCA get a chance to fi nish his the entire Six Nations tourna- players. keep the national fl ag fl ying,” al-Kuwari done this. president Mr. Yousef Jeham al-Kuwairi 18-year career in front of ment after discussions with in- “We are extremely pleased to see Mo- added. “I want to add here that I owe a lot to for the Qatar national team. Boys are fi t Ihis home fans at this year’s Six terim head coach Franco Smith. hamed Tanveer fi nishing the 2019 year as Tanveer, who has switched to Galfar Al my previous club Al Feroz Youngsters enough and are waiting to kick off 2020 Nations tournament when the “I told Smith my desire to the 11th best batsman in the T20I cricket Misnad team in the new season from Al and its owner Zahid for this performance with a bang. Italians play Scotland and Eng- end my international career in in the world. It is really a big and proud Feroz Youngsters, expressed his delight too. The kind of facilities and support I “The Qatar team has Alhamdulillah land at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in front of my family, my moment for the QCA as its two players at his overall display in the year gone by. got there, it was always very inspiring. It progressed consistently and I feel we will Rome. friends and our fans,” Parisse were able to land spots among the best in “Thanks to Almighty Allah, tt feels great helped us put up a consistent display at soon be achieving big victories in future. The loose forward, 36, was told Corriere dello Sport. the world. when you are on the list of achievers with the domestic level,” Tanveer added. Winning the ICC World Cup qualifi er is set to retire after Italy’s World Italy begin their Six Nations “This is just a beginning and we will cricketing greats like Virat Kohli. It is re- The player also expressed a wish that our top goal. Tournament like the recent Cup campaign in Japan last year campaign with a trip to Wales hopefully have more players getting in- ally wonderful to get so many runs. I am I cricket, which is bringing internation- Qatar T10 League has indeed helped Qa- but was denied his chance to on Feb. 1 followed by a second spiration from such performances and happy the way I scored runs. al recognition to Qatar, should get the tar cricket in general. We should be hav- play a potential farewell match away game in France a week trying to follow them. We will also try to “I also wish to thank the QCA, my same backing just as other sports. “I ing more tournaments like this in future when Typhoon Hagibis forced later. Their fi rst home game is maximise the opportunities for the na- teammates both in the national team and would also like to urge Qatar, media and so that the local players get a chance to the cancellation of their fi nal against Scotland on Feb. 22 and tional team to improve and bring better the club and my family for their bless- fans to support cricket in same spirit as play and learn from international players pool game against New Zea- they host England in their fi nal results in 2020. There are a lot of events ings. Without their support and encour- they support football here. It is always a during the matches,” he added. land. game on March 14. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Zion participates in fi rst 5-on-5 practice Davis injury scare as since surgery Lakers rout Knicks; Melo stuns Raptors

‘I trust in my workout. I trust in my shot. It’s a shot I work on every day, and it went in’ Reuters practices before he’s ready to Los Angeles go. That won’t be an easy task with the team about to start a stretch of four games in six ew Orleans Peli- days, with the last three on the cans rookie power road. forward Zion Wil- Gentry also is concerned liamson participat- about the expectation level, Ned in 5-on-5 drills at practice particularly for a 19-year-old on Tuesday for the fi rst time who will have missed roughly since undergoing right knee half the season. surgery on October 21. “We got a glimpse of what Williamson, the top pick we think he could be in the in the draft, will also be on a preseason, but obviously the minutes’ restriction once he regular season is much diff er- is cleared to play in games. He ent,” Gentry said. “He’s go- initially won’t play in back- ing to be a really good player. to-back contests as well. It doesn’t matter time-wise, “It’s not worth the gam- but we know that that’s going ble of just trying to make this to happen. As coaches, as ad- thing something that it’s not ministrators, as fans, we just right now,” Pelicans coach have to be a little bit patient. Alvin Gentry told reporters. It’s not anything that’ll hap- “We want to make sure that pen overnight.” everything is in place and Williamson shot 71.4% we’ll take our time. Obviously while averaging 23.3 points he’s not going to come out and and 6.5 rebounds in four pre- be a 30-minute-a-game guy. season games. It’s going to be a slow process He reported knee soreness to get him to the minutes that to the club and was diagnosed everybody wants to see him.” with a torn lateral meniscus. The date of Williamson’s The initial timetable for his NBA debut remains unknown. return was six to eight weeks. “We’re hoping that it’s New Orleans is 12-25 this soon,” Gentry said. season but has played well The plan calls for William- lately with six wins in the past son to participate in more full nine games.

Aussie NBA stars commit $750,000 to bushfi re relief eff orts

Nine Australian NBA (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joe stars have partnered Ingles (Utah Jazz) and Thon with the league and the Maker (Detroit Pistons) also National Basketball Players contributed. Association Foundation to A statement said the funds Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (right) dribbles past Reggie Bullock of the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at Staples Center on Tuesday in Los Angeles. (AFP) donate $750,000 towards would help aid immediate relief and recovery eff orts for relief eff orts as well as long- AFP Caldwell-Pope 15. a win over the reigning NBA champions, Australia’s bushfire disaster, term rebuilding projects. Los Angeles RESULTS R J Barrett led the Knicks with 19 Anthony nailing the winner with 3.3 sec- the NBA said on Tuesday. “Our players have a deep points. onds on the clock. “We are heartbroken over connection to the places Detroit 115-113 Cleveland The Lakers improved to 30-7 to extend “I trust in my workout. I trust in my the devastation these fires where they grew up and he Los Angeles Lakers stretched Portland 101-99 Toronto their lead at the top of the Western Con- shot. It’s a shot I work on every day, and it are causing all across our have always responded with their winning streak to six games Brooklyn 103-111 Oklahoma ference standings, 4.5 games ahead of the went in,” Anthony said afterwards, prais- homeland,” the players said generosity and compassion with a rout of the New York second-place Denver Nuggets. ing the team’s composure in the fourth in a joint statement. in the aftermath of disasters,” Memphis 119-112 Minnesota Knicks on Tuesday but were given quarter as they chased down the Raptors. “Our thoughts are with our NBPA Foundation executive Ta scare as Anthony Davis hobbled off with Sacramento 114-103 Phoenix VINTAGE MELO STUNS RAPTORS “We just stayed with it. We played to- families, friends and all of the director Sherrie Deans said. a back injury. LA Lakers 117-87 Phoenix Elsewhere on Tuesday, Carmelo Anthony gether, we stayed composed. We got some people of Australia. We hope “The Foundation’s board The Western Conference leaders rolled back the years with 28 points and stops and made some shots in the fourth you feel our love and support is committed to extending cruised to a 117-87 win against a Knicks into the best team in the Western Confer- a last-gasp winner as the Portland Trail quarter,” he added. “And it always helps and know that we will our long-standing support team who remain near the foot of the ence this season — writhed in pain on the Blazers upset the Toronto Raptors 101-99. when you make shots.” continue to bring awareness of players’ financial Eastern Conference with 10 wins and 27 Staples Center court after the fall. Anthony fi nished with seven rebounds Portland talisman Damian Lillard, to this crisis globally and contributions in response to losses. Davis eventually rose unsteadily with to continue an impressive run of recent double-teamed for most of the game, fi n- provide assistance in any disasters through this joint LeBron James led the scoring for the the help of teammates and limped away form which included 26 points in last ished with 20 points while C J McCollum way we can.” eff ort.” Lakers with a 31-point haul that included gingerly to the locker room without re- week’s loss to the New York Knicks. had 10 points. The players contributing to Twenty-five people have six three-pointers as well as fi ve rebounds turning for the remainder of the game. The 35-year-old 10-time All Star had Hassan Whiteside, with 14, and An- the fund include Philadelphia died since the start of the and fi ve assists. The Lakers later said X-rays had come not played for more than a year when he fernee Simons, who had 12, were the other 76ers duo Ben Simmons and disaster in September, more But the main talking point from a one- back negative, with Davis suff ering a signed for Portland in November. Portland players to make double fi gures. Jonah Bolden and Phoenix than 1,800 homes have been sided game came after Davis fell heavily sacral contusion. It was not immediately Yet the veteran drew on all of his ex- Portland remain outside the playoff Suns ace Aron Baynes. destroyed, and some 8mn while making an attempted block with clear how long Davis may face on the perience to help Portland stage a fourth- places at ninth spot in the Western Con- San Antonio’s Patty Mills, hectares (80,000 square just under three minutes remaining in the sidelines. quarter fi ght-back at Toronto’s Scotia- ference standings with 16 wins and 22 Ryan Broekhoff (Dallas kilometres) has burned, an third quarter. With Davis sidelined, James received bank Arena. losses. Mavericks), Matthew area the size of Ireland or The 26-year-old centre — who along- support from the Lakers bench with Kyle The Blazers overturned a double-digit Toronto’s loss saw them fall to 24-13 in Dellavedova and Dante Exum South Carolina. – AFP side James has transformed the Lakers Kuzma adding 16 points and Kentavious points defi cit in the fi nal period to dig out the Eastern Conference table.

BASEBALL MLB probing Red Sox over sign-stealing report AFP the regulations regarding use of is not believed to have taken place Los Angeles electronic equipment or the inap- during the playoff s however when propriate use of the video replay the MLB installed an in-person room,” Major League Baseball told monitor in each replay room, which ajor League Baseball is The Athletic. are normally used to help managers investigating the Bos- “Given these allegations, MLB determine whether or not to chal- ton Red Sox over alle- will commence an investigation lenge an umpire’s call. gations the 2018 World into this matter.” The Red Sox said Tuesday the MSeries champions improperly used The Red Sox were fi ned for sign- team was cooperating with the MLB video replay to steal opposing stealing in 2017 after it emerged a investigation. teams’ sign sequences. trainer had used an Apple watch to “We were recently made aware The league, which is already relay stolen signs to players during of allegations suggesting the inap- probing allegations of sign-stealing a game against the New York Yan- propriate use of our video replay by the Houston Astros throughout kees. room,” the team said in a statement. 2017, confi rmed it was now looking Following that incident Manfred “We take these allegations seri- at allegations against the Boston said he had received “absolute as- ously and will fully cooperate with Red Sox reported by The Athletic surances” from the Red Sox that MLB as they investigate the mat- website. they would not engage in any illegal ter.” The Athletic reported that Red sign-stealing in future. MLB is already investigating Sox players during 2018 had used The league later warned all 30 the 2017 World Series champion the team’s video replay room to try teams that future incidents of elec- Astros after former pitcher Mike and decode signs used by oppo- tronic sign-stealing would be sub- Fiers alleged the whole team stole nents. ject to tougher penalties in a memo signs with the help of a strategically The alleged rules breach came sent out before the 2018 campaign. placed video camera in home play- despite a reminder from MLB Com- However, The Athletic report off games. missioner Rob Manfred in 2017 that yesterday said the Red Sox per- Manfred warned in November any electronic assistance to steal sisted to skirt the rules during the the league is ready to issue tough signs was illegal. 2018 regular season by sending punishments if the allegations “The Commissioner made clear some players into the video replay against the Astros are proven, de- in a September 15, 2017, memo- room to scrutinise the signs of op- scribing the claims as “the most se- randum to clubs how seriously he ponents. rious matter” which “relates to the In this file photo taken on October 27, 2018 the Boston Red Sox celebrate their 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five to would take any future violation of The Athletic said the practice integrity of the sport.” win the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 9, 2020 FOOTBALL

HONOUR Mane crowned Africa’s 2019 Player of the Year AFP 2002. He scored 34 goals and at the ceremony. Neither Salah boss Desiree Ellis was also voted Hurghada, Egypt produced 12 assists in 61 appear- nor Mahrez, who was playing for top coach for the second con- ances in 2019, according to CAF Manchester City, were present secutive year. statistics. on Tuesday. Cameroon’s women’s team iverpool star Sadio Mane Salah’s tally stood at 26 goals Mane, Salah and Mahrez was selected as the continent’s was crowned on Tuesday and 10 assists in 55 matches played for their respective coun- best after reaching the last 16 of as Africa’s 2019 Player of while Mahrez accounted for 14 tries in the 2019 Africa Cup of the World Cup. the Year for the fi rst time goals and 18 assists in 48 games Nations. The Egyptian Football Asso- Lat an awards gala in Egypt. last year. Salah’s Egypt crashed out of ciation also won the Federation The 27-year old Senegalese The key Senegalese player the competition shortly after it of the Year award. striker was up against his Liver- shared the 2018/19 Premier kicked off but Mane and Mahrez The CAF Team of the Year fea- pool teammate Mohamed Salah, League Golden Boot award with faced off in the final. tured Salah, Mane and Aubam- the Egyptian who won the award Salah and Arsenal’s Pierre-Em- Algeria claimed the title fol- eyang as well as Mahrez and Ajax the last two years, and Algerian erick Aubameyang from Gabon. lowing a 1-0 victory over Senegal duo Andre Onana and Hakim Riyad Mahrez of Manchester “I would love to thank all the in Cairo. At the ceremony, other Ziyech. City. Senegalese people. They have male awards went to Algerian Paris Saint-Germain mid- “I am really happy and at the been for me all the time, they coach Djamel Belmadi, Algerian fi elder Idrissa Gueye was includ- same time I am really proud to push me,” said Mane, extending Youcef Belaili for African Inter- ed alongside Senegal teammate win this award,” said Mane at the sincere gratitude to people from clubs Player of the Year and Al- Kalidou Koulibaly, with Hakimi, ceremony organised by the Con- his village Bambali. geria’s national team. Joel Matip and Serge Aurier also federation of African Football FIFA president Gianni Infan- The award for the youth cat- selected. in the Egyptian Red Sea city of tino as well as former Argentin- egory was given to Morocco’s Hurghada. ian player Juan Sebastian Veron Achraf Hakimi of Borussia Dort- “It’s a big day for me.” and Brazil’s Cafu attended Tues- mund. Female awardees includ- Senegal winger Sadio Mane Mane became the second star day’s event. ed Nigerian Asisat Oshoala, who smiles after winning the Player from Senegal to be named Af- Some of Africa’s former star won the African Women’s Player of the Year award during the rican Player of the Year after El players including Senegal’s Di- of the Year prize for the fourth 2019 CAF Awards in Egyptian Hadji Diouf, who was the con- ouf, Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan and time. resort town of Hurghada on tinent’s best player in 2001 and Algeria’s Rabah Madjer were also South African national team Tuesday. (AFP)

LEAGUE CUP SPOTLIGHT Sacking coach Conte cost Chelsea Job only half done 26.6mn pounds, accounts show

Reuters and sponsorship rights. The London accounts also showed Chelsea for Guardiola as received 247 million pounds of increased funding from Rus- acking Italian manager sian billionaire owner Roman Antonio Conte in July Abramovich in the year cov- 2018 cost Chelsea 26.6 ered. million pounds ($34.92 “The company has received million)S in compensation and confi rmation from its par- legal fees, according to the Pre- ent undertaking that suffi - City outclass United mier League club’s accounts cient funds will be provided for the 2018-19 season. to fi nance the business for the ‘It’s a good result, but it is not over because it is United’ Conte joined the West Lon- foreseeable future,” the ac- doners in 2016, and won the counts added. AFP league in 2017, but was dis- The Daily Telegraph re- Manchester, United Kingdom missed with 12 months to run ported that the fi ring of nine on his contract. Fellow-Italian permanent managers in the Maurizio Sarri, his replace- Abramovich era had cost more ep Guardiola warned ment, lasted a season before than 90 million pounds. The Manchester City of moving to Juventus. club made a loss of 96 million Manchester United’s The accounts, published on pounds after taxation, com- powers of recovery af- the Companies House web- pared to a 60.1 million profi t in Pter his side outclassed their city site, said exceptional items of 2017-18 and said this was due rivals 3-1 at Old Traff ord to put 26.6 million pounds related mainly to increased wages and one foot in the League Cup fi nal. to “changes in respect of the salary costs as well as reduced The holders were rampant be- men’s team management and profi t on player sales. fore the break as Bernardo Silva’s coaching staff , together with Matchday income fell by wonder strike, Riyad Mahrez’s associated legal costs.” 7.0 million and broadcasting cool fi nish and an own goal from Former Italy midfi elder income dropped by 4.0 mil- Andreas Pereira put City well on Conte is now coaching Serie A lion, with Chelsea playing in course for a third straight fi nal. side Inter Milan. Exceptional the Europa League last sea- United’s captain for the items in the previous year of son compared to the previous evening Marcus Rashford re- 6.0 million related entirely to year’s more lucrative Champi- stored some pride for the hosts the buyback of retail, licensing ons League. to reduce the defi cit 20 minutes from time, but they face a huge task when the sides meet again for the semi-fi nal, second leg on Lazio fi ned 20,000 euros for January 29. However, Guardiola remains Balotelli racist abuse wary after Ole Gunnar Solsk- jaer’s men recovered from losing 2-0 at home to Paris Saint-Ger- main in last season’s Champions League last 16 to progress. “It’s a good result, but it is not over because it is United,” Guar- diola told Sky Sports. “Last season is a good exam- ple against PSG. Hopefully in front of our fans we can make a Manchester City’s Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez (centre) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (left) good game and reach the fi nal.” and midfielder Bernardo Silva during the English League Cup semi-final first leg match against Manchester United in Manchester. (AFP) United have shown their ability to win at the Etihad already this ty net. Five minutes later it was season as they tore City apart on 3-0 as De Bruyne left Phil Jones the counter-attack to shock the fl at on the ground before his Premier League champions on powerful shot was parried by De Brescia’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli heads the ball during home soil just a month ago. But Gea into the path of the unfortu- the Italian Serie A match against Lazio on January 5, 2020 at City restored their recent domi- nate Pereira, who could only turn the Mario-Rigamonti stadium in Brescia. (AFP) nance of this fi xture with a third the ball into his own goal. consecutive win at Old Traff ord “After they scored we did Lazio were fined 20,000 euros yesterday for the racist abuse and a fourth in fi ve away derbies not cope with that setback well some of their fans aimed at Mario Balotelli during their 2-1 Serie A since Guardiola took charge. enough,” admitted Solskjaer. win at Brescia at the weekend. The Catalan responded to Only a brilliant save from De In its decision, the disciplinary committee of the Italian football the problems United posed his Gea to deny Silva a second and federation (FIGC) referred to “racially discriminatory” chants in side last time out by deploying Sterling’s miss from a inviting the 21st and 29th minutes, and “insulting chants” on three occa- an extra midfi elder with both Kyle Walker cross prevented the sions, all aimed at Balotelli. City strikers Sergio Aguero and scoreline from becoming even The disciplinary committee also requested further investigation Gabriel Jesus left on the bench. more embarrassing for United saying it wanted, among other things, proof of Lazio’s “eff ective Guardiola’s tactical plan before the break. collaboration in identifying the individuals involved.” worked to perfection as a fl uid “We just did not recover from Lazio, who after the game issued a statement condemning the front four of Silva, Mahrez, Ra- those goals until half-time when behaviour of a “tiny minority” of fans, subsequently promised to heem Sterling and Kevin De we could get into their heads a “prosecute” those responsible. Bruyne were too fl eet of foot little bit and we did better sec- Balotelli gave Brescia the lead after 18 minutes of the match on and thought for a United de- ond half,” added Solskjaer. Sunday and shortly afterwards complained to the referee about fence without the injured Harry City eased up after the break the abuse. Maguire. “I enjoyed it a lot, es- and United grabbed a lifeline “It’s already the second time,” Balotelli told referee Gianluca pecially because it worked,” said when they fi nally caught the vis- Manganiello after half an hour, with the latter replying: “Now I’ll Silva. “I think the fi rst half was itors cold on the break as Mason take care of it”. the perfect 45 minutes, we could Greenwood teed up Rashford to The referee briefly interrupted the match, and while an an- even have gone to half-time calmly slot into the far corner for nouncement was read over the stadium speakers reminding winning four or fi ve because we his 17th goal of the season. spectators that play would be suspended and their club penalised missed a few chances.” There was no late rally from if they continued, Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi gestured in front of The Portuguese international the Red Devils to further cut the visiting fans to stop the chanting. was back to his best and opened City’s advantage, leaving Sol- “Lazio fans that were today at the stadium SHAME ON YOU! #say- the fl oodgates by smashing a skjaer hoping for a repeat of the notoracism”, Balotelli posted on Instagram after the game. shot into the top corner from miracle in Paris that landed him Racist incidents have been a recurrent problem in Italian stadi- outside the box on 17 minutes. the United job on a permanent ums in recent seasons. In addition to Balotelli, Inter Milan stroker Silva turned creator for City’s basis last March. “We’ve shown Romelu Lukaku, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, Fiorentina’s second as one pass split the Unit- before we’ve been down from a Manchester United’s manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola Brazilian Dalbert and Ronaldo Vieira of Sampdoria have already ed defence and Mahrez rounded home tie and turned it round,” (right) shout instruction to their players from the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final first been victims this campaign. David de Gea to slot into an emp- said the Norwegian. leg match at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Tuesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Preparations on for fi rst Al Shaqab Showjumping Bughanaim helms Competition

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Shaqab, member of Raqee to thrilling Qatar Foundation, will conduct the inaugural Al Shaqab Showjump- Champion trainer Ghazali ingA Competition on January 10 and 11, at the Al Shaqab Indoor and his son Mohamed Arena. Organised by Al Shaqab’s saddle four winners in all Equine Education Department sprint victory (EED), the competition will be a national event, open to Qataris Qatar through Equine Education and residents of Qatar. It aims Department. to improve the standard of horse “The Al Shaqab Showjump- riding among Qatari youth, pro- ing Competition is another step duce future international eques- in that direction. We are con- trian champions for Qatar, and stantly striving to conduct vari- encourage the involvement of ous competitions and events all private stables and individual year round to provide our train- horse owners. ees as well as the next generation Showjumping, an Olympic of local riders with the neces- discipline, is one of the most sary experience to participate popular horse-riding activities in equestrian events conducted in Qatar. to international standards. It is The Al Shaqab Showjumping our intent that riders learn to Competition will comprise fi ve participate competitively while categories of various age groups, adhering to the true spirit of supporting Qatar’s vision to sportsmanship.” develop sustainable human In line with Al Shaqab’s com- capacity. mitment to community engage- The youngest age group is the ment, the competition will be Future Riders Program, for chil- a family-friendly event open to dren aged 6 and above, leading the public, and admission will be up to the Senior (big tour) group, free. Entertainment will include for individuals. a fun zone for children, bouncy Khalifa Mohamed al-Attiya, castles, and cafes. Chairman, Organising Com- Two Al Shaqab Showjumping mittee Al Shaqab Show Jump- Competitions have been sched- Khalifa bin Issa Bojamhoor al-Hassan al-Mohannadi (third from left) and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (third from right) with the winners of ing Competition, said: “We have uled to take place in 2020, with the Al Thakhira Cup after Raqee won the 1,200m race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim always sought to train and equip the second to follow on March the next generation of riders in 20 and 21. By Sports Reporter Owner: Zakhir Stud. Trainer: Doha Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Race 4: 1. Lo De Nalane (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. Bint atari jockey Faleh Saff ian (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 3. WARM-UP Bughanaim rode his Lawless Louis (Harry Bentley), second winner of the 4. Romantic Heart (JP Guil- season when Hassan lambert). Won by: ½, 4 ¼, 3. al-Matwi’sQ Raqee won the Al Time: 1:12.21. Owner: Khalifa bin Thakhira Cup at the Qatar Rac- Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim ing and Equestrian Club’s Al Mohamed Ghazali. Rayyan Park yesterday. Race 5: 1. Dheban (Ali Khalid In the dirt feature for Local al-Mosallam), 2. Majdi (Faleh Purebred Arabians, Bughanaim, Bughanaim), 3. Moamar who had won the Qatari Jockey (Abdulaziz Jaber Dharman), of the Year Award at the Sport 4. Capofaro (Saleh Salem al- Excellence Day Awards in No- Marri) Won by: 2 ¼, 1 ¼, 6. Time: vember last year, got his mount 2:03.04. Owner: Al Ghazali into the lead right out of Gate 1. Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim As the pace quickened in the Ghazali. six-furlong sprint on the home Race 6: 1. Sir Commander (Sou- straight, JP Guillambert-ridden fiane Saadi), 2. Catch A Wave Lekhraib and Harry Bentley- (Ryan Curatolo), 3. Tadeem ridden Rassan, both saddled by (Harry Bentley), 4. Al Gomry Jassim Mohamed Ghazali, came Faleh Bughanaim (left) rides Raqee to Al Thakhira Cup victory at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. (Faleh Bughanaim. Won by: 4 threateningly close but ran out ½, ½, 1 ¾. Time: 1:11.72. Owner: of real estate as Raqee won for ners with Khalifa bin Sheail by almost four lengths in a six- (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1 ¼, Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim the fi rst time since February last al-Kuwari’s Lo De Nalane and furlong Local Thoroughbred 16, 4. Time: 2:00.25. Owner: Al Mohamed Ghazali. year. Champion trainer Ghazali Injaaz Stud’s Sir Commander Handicap event for horses rated Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban Race 7: 1. Dhergham Bu Thaila and his son Mohamed saddled notching victories. 70-90. de Mieulle. (Anas al-Seyabi), 2. Admiral four winners on the day. Apprentice rider Ali Khalid Earlier in the day, two of Al- Race 2: 1. Maruf (Ronan Tho- (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Sarat First it was Zakhir Stud’s Al al-Mosallam helmed Al Ghaz- ban de Mieulle-trained Ara- mas), 2. Fahd De Faust (Tomas Abha (Alexander Reznikov), 4. Rayyan Park that entered the ali Stud’s Dheban to a fi ne win bians shed their respective Lukasek), 3. AJS Al Zaeem Attaf (Ivan Rossi). Won by: 3 ¾, winner’s circle. It was the six- in a Thoroughbred handicap maiden statuses with Al Shaqab (Harry Bentley), 4. Almesk (Sha- Nk, 2 ½. Time: 1:12.81. Owner: year-old’s fi rst victory on his race for Qatari riders. It was al- Racing’s Maiuf and Umm kir al-Balushi). Won by: 7 ½, 2 ½, Subaiya Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: 21st career outing, with cham- Mosallam’s second victory this Qarn’s Maruf winning a maiden 15. Time: 2:00.26. Owner: Umm Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. pion jockey Harry Bentley guid- season. each under Ronan Thomas. Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Race 8: 1. Raqee (Faleh Bugha- ing Ghazali Senior’s ward to In the penultimate race of the Race 3: 1. Al Rayyan Park (Harry naim), 2. Lekhraib (JP Guillam- victory in a local Thoroughbred day, it was Mohamed Khaled RESULTS Bentley), 2. Sky Blue (Eduardo bert), 3. Rassan (Harry Bentley), PSV Eindhoven players in action during a training session at the maiden. Elahmed-trained Dhergham Bu Race 1: 1. Maiuf (Ronan Tho- Pedroza), 3. Al Hadah (Alex- 4. Al Mustafiz (Ronan Thomas). Aspire Zone in Doha yesterday. The Dutch club will play a friendly Then Eduardo Pedroza and Thaila who notched a victory mas), 2. Mkayns (Faleh Bugha- ander Reznikov), 4. Charles Won by: Nk, Hd, 1. Time: 1:18.52. match against Belgium’s Club Brugge today. Soufi ane Saadi guided two with Anas al-Seyabi riding the naim), 3. Yago Du Cayrou (Harry De Gaulle (Faleh Bughanaim). Owner: Hassan al-Matwi. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Thoroughbred Handicap win- gelding to a fantastic victory Bentley), 4. Wardan Al Hashm Won by: 3 ¼, 2, 1. Time: 1:53.03. Trainer: Hassan al-Matwi.

VOLLEYBALL FOCUS Qatar beat Australia in Olympic qualifi ers, enter semis WADA to take Russia

Agencies Jiangmen, China case to CAS this week

AFP cials, secret agents and traffi cked atar defeated Australia for their Lausanne urine vials. Under the sanctions, second straight victory to ensure Russian sportsmen and women their place in the semi-fi nals of will still be allowed to compete the 2020 Men’s Volleyball Asian he World Anti-Doping at the Olympics this summer but OlympicQ Qualifi cation Tournament in Agency will take its case only if they can demonstrate that Jiangmen, China, yesterday. for the exclusion of Rus- they were not part of the dop- At the Jiangmen Gymnasium, Qatar sia from international ing network. This was also the won 25-15, 25-21, 25-323 for their second Tsporting competitions to the case at the Pyeongchang winter straight-set victory and take on South Court of Arbitration for Sport Games in 2018. Korea in the third match today. Opposite (CAS) “by the weekend”, a WADA Russia’s athletics body has Geraldo Graciano Da Silva Filho again offi cial told AFP yesterday. come under increasing pressure collected a match-high 14 points and CAS, the world’s highest from high-profi le athletes for its three aces to lead Al Annabi win. sporting court, will have to de- handling of the scandal. Later in the day, Iran and hosts China cide whether to confi rm the On Tuesday three-time high- stayed unbeaten on the second day of the four-year ban WADA imposed jump world champion Mariya event in Pool A and joined Qatar in the on Russia last month, or listen to Lasitskene, alongside three last four stage. The second spot in Pool Russia’s case against the other Russian athletes, urged her B looks open and is likely to be decided sanction. fellow competitors to challenge between South Korea and Australia, both WADA decided on December their country’s athletics body have one win each in two matches. 9 to ban Russia for four years over its handling of the doping Qatar’s Argentine coach Camilo Soto from participating in interna- ban. was delighted with his team’s superb dis- tional events, including the 2020 Lasitskene has been a vo- play as they pulled off 10 blocks to six by Tokyo Olympics, 2022 Beijing cal critic of the Russian sport- Australia. Belal Nabeel Abunabot came Winter Olympics and the 2022 ing authorities, and has already up with the most blocks in the match Football World Cup, over what warned she would quit Russia with fi ve. it considers a state-sponsored and train elsewhere so as not to “Australia are a very high-potential programme of doping. miss the Tokyo Olympics after team and they are improving. As for us, Qatar players and off icials celebrate their victory over Australia yesterday. WADA says Russia “manipu- being excluded from the 2016 playing two games in a row in the morn- lated” data from an anti-doping Rio Games over the scandal. ing was not easy for our players (as they The fi rst set which Qatar won at 15 set Besides Filho, Saeed had a fi ne all- For Australia, no player could reach laboratory in Moscow, the lat- Yesterday the Executive Board are not used to this). I am satisfi ed with the tone of the match and Qatar captain round game as he secured 13 points, three double digits. Beau Graham had seven, est episode in a scandal which of the International Olympic their performance today, especially in Mohammed Ibrahim Saeed said, “It was blocks and three aces. Abunabot added including four attacks. Nehemian Mote started with the revelation in Committee (IOC) discussed the defence. And we will just keep going like a good play from our side at the begin- 12 points, including seven attacks. Nader and Lincoln Alexander Williams earned 2015 of long-term institutional Russia situation during a meet- this,” Soto said. ning and it helped us win the match.” Abubacar got nine. six each. doping that involved senior offi - ing in Lausanne.

Thursday, January 9, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

Co-ordination meeting for 2020 Qatar Cup Bayern Munich training camp in Qatar

Qatar Stars League (QSL) held a co-ordination meeting at its headquarters in Al Bidda Tower yesterday ahead of the 2020 Qatar Cup semi-finals in the presence of Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing, Sales and Communication.

FOOTBALL / AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP

Sanchez keen to Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick (left) watches his players take part in a training session during the club’s winter camp at Aspire look ahead as Qatar Zone in Qatar yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil play Syria today ‘This is an opportunity to prepare for the future and also to show their capabilities’

AFC Bangkok

elix Sanchez has stressed the Qatar side he has brought to the AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020F should not be compared to the squad he led to the semi-fi - nals of the last edition two years ago as the clock ticks towards his team’s clash with Syria in their Group B opener today. Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper and Bayern Qatar fi nished in third place at Munich Executive Board member Oliver Kahn (right) watches the 2018 AFC U-23 Champion- the players during the winter camp yesterday. ship in China having missed out on a place at the Olympic Games two years earlier when they lost to Iraq in the third place play-off . But the Spanish coach, who led Qatar’s senior side to their fi rst-ever AFC Asian Cup title last January, prefers to look forward as the start of the latest edition of the competition looms. “China was two years ago and we’re a diff erent generation now,” he said. “We are a young team and we have the target to do well, so we don’t want to compare generations. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez and Syria head coach Ayman Hakeem (right) address a press conference yesterday. “This is an opportunity for them to prepare for the future and also to show their capa- Electrifying start for hosts Thailand against Bahrain bilities to join the fi rst national team in the near future, which is AFC the Rajamangala Stadium in genuine opportunities. and adds momentum to their an objective for them. Bangkok Bangkok to go top of Group A. Supachok Sarachart scored bid to reach the knockouts for “The fi rst game is diffi cult Two goals from Suphanat one right after the break, while the first time in three attempts. because everyone wants to start Mueanta provided the platform substitute Jaroensak Wonggorn Iraq’s Mohamed Qasim struck well and we just hope the players hailand made an ideal for success on a night when rounded off with two late goals. with a long range beauty to are able to manage the situation, start to their AFC U23 both the Buriram United ace and The result leaves Akira Nishino’s cancel out Reno Piscopo’s to be calm and concentrate. TChampionship Thailand Thailand shone brightly from charges two points clear at the equally stunning free-kick for “We know our opponent has a 2020 campaign yesterday as start to finish against a Bahrain summit following Iraq’s 1-1 draw Australia at the Thammasat strong team and we know we’re the hosts beat Bahrain 5-0 at outfit which, in truth, created few with Australia earlier in the day Stadium yesterday. going to have to play a very good game to have the opportunity to have the result we want.” the AFC U-19 Championship. harbour hopes of a place in the said. “It’s diffi cult because of the match is the key for qualifying Qatar begin their campaign Given the stellar achieve- knockout rounds. strong teams in our group and we for the next round. against Syria today before taking ments of their opponents in re- “All of the teams that have respect everyone in our group but “Our players are preparing on Japan and Saudi Arabia in a cent years, Syria come into the qualifi ed for this tournament nothing is impossible.” themselves to be in the fi rst team group that is among the tough- tournament as underdogs and are the best teams in Asia and “The fi rst match for every in the next couple of years and I est of the tournament, with the coach Ayman Hakeem knows his our group is one of the toughest team is very diffi cult, but I hope hope they perform well tomor- Japanese and Saudis having both team must make a strong start groups, but we hope to perform all the players are responsi- row and throughout the whole Bayern Munich players take part in a training session yesterday. impressed in recent editions of to their campaign if they are to well and we hope to qualify,” he ble and perform well. The fi rst tournament.”

DAKAR RALLY Qatar’s al-Attiyah stays second aft er fourth stage

QNA the course. We were cautious,” historic Nabatean temples, to Honda teammate Ricky Brabec. OVERALL STANDINGS (TOP 10) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia said three-time champion al- finish stage four in 4hr 14min 1. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ Attiyah. 34sec. CARS STAGE 4 RESULTS (TOP 10) ESP/Mini) 15hr 12min 12sec, 2. “I’m happy we didn’t suff er At one point they made a wrong 1. Stephane Peterhansel/ Nasser Al-Attiyah/Matthieu atar’s Nasser al-Attiyah any punctures. Mathieu did a turn which cut away some of their Paulo Fiuza (FRA/POR/Mini) Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) at successfully navigated great job, we tried to take care of lead but they still came home 4hr 04min 34sec, 2. Nasser Al- 3:03 (penalty: 3:00), 3. Stephane the pitfalls of stage four our car because we’ve still got a ahead of al-Attiyah in his Toyota. Attiyah/Matthieu Baumel (QAT/ Peterhansel/Paulo Fiuza (FRA/ and came back strongly long way ahead of us. It’s a tough Overall leader Sainz, who FRA/Toyota) at 2:26, 3. Carlos POR/Mini) 11:42, 4. Yazeed Al fromQ a three-minute penalty Dakar, I’ve changed my driv- pulled out a stunning drive to win Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ESP/Mini) Rajhi/Konstantin Zhiltsov (KSA/ to fi nish in second place, just ing style to play it safe whenever on Tuesday, fi nished third more 7:18, 4. Yazeed Al Rajhi/Konstan- RUS/Toyota) 23:10 (penalty: 2min 26sec behind stage winner necessary,” he added. than seven minutes behind Pe- tin Zhiltsov (KSA/RUS/Toyota) 2:00), 5. Orlando Terranova/ Stéphane Peterhansel in yester- Meanwhile, Frenchman Pe- terhansel. 11:30, 5. Mathieu Serradori/Fa- Bernardo Graue (ARG/ARG/ day’s 672km charge from Neom terhansel, otherwise known as Former Formula One world bian Lurquin (FRA/BEL/Century) Mini) 23:13, 6. Mathieu Ser- to Al Ula of Dakar Rally. Mr Dakar for his 13 victories in champion Fernando Alonso 13:17, 6. Giniel De Villiers/Alex radori/Fabian Lurquin (FRA/ The defending champion is the marathon rally, overcame a couldn’t reproduce his great drive Haro Bravo (RSA/ESP/Toyota) BEL/Century) 26:55 (penalty: now within three minutes three wrong turn to clock his fi rst stage on stage three, fi nishing 26 min- 18:16, 7. Bernhard Ten Brinke/ 2:00), 7. Giniel De Villiers/Alex seconds of the overall leader Car- win of the 2020 race. utes behind Peterhansel who gave Tom Colsoul (NED/BEL/Toyota) Haro Bravo (RSA/ESP/Toyota) los Sainz. Peterhansel and his Portu- a ringing endorsement of the new 18:35, 8. Jakub Przygonski/Timo 34:40, 8. Bernhard Ten Brinke/ “We did a great job, but it guese navigator Paulo Fiuza Saudi setting for the race. Gottschalk (POL/GER/Mini) Tom Colsoul (NED/BEL/Toyota) wasn’t easy. We tried to attack threw their Mini across the Chilean Jose Ignacio Cornejo 19:23, 9. Wei Han/Min Liao (CHN/ 44:40, 9. Martin Prokop/Viktor near the end, but it was tricky. rocks and sand that made up Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel Florimo won the bikes category CHN/2wd) 19:58, 10. Orlando Chytka (CZE/CZE/Ford) 1h 09:41, I’m happy because it looks like the greater part of the 453k spe- compete during Stage 4 of Dakar 2020 between Neom and Al-Ula, and is third in the overall stand- Terranova/Bernardo Graue 10. Yasir Seaidan/Kuzmich Alexy tomorrow there’ll be dunes on cial which also ran close to the Saudi Arabia, yesterday. (AFP) ings, 8:31 behind his American (ARG/ARG/Mini) 22:22 (KSA/RUS/Mini) 1h 30:25