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TENNIS / AUSTRALIAN OPEN Thiem outlasts Zverev to storm into fi nal with Djoko There is a glimmer of hope for Austrian in the final — Thiem has won four of the last five matches against Serbian

AFP Melbourne, Australia

ireless Dominic Thiem came from a set down to outlast German Alex- Tander Zverev and make his fi rst Australian Open fi nal yesterday, booking a showdown with seven-time champion No- vak Djokovic, a man he called the “king”. The 26-year-old fi fth seed, the fi rst player from Austria ever to reach the Melbourne decider, battled past seventh-ranked Zverev 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (7/4) on a sweltering evening. “It was an unreal match, two tie-breakers, so tough and so close. It was almost impossible to break him,” said Thiem. “Be- ing in the Australian Open fi nal is unreal. What a start to the season for me.” Defending champion Djokovic awaits him after the second seed 5-Dominic Thiem (AUT) bt 7-Alexander Zverev (GER) ended Roger Federer’s dreams Score: 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) in straight sets on Thursday to make his eighth Melbourne Park 10 Aces 16 fi nal. 4 Double Faults 3 “He’s the king of Australia,” 43 Winners 42 Thiem said of the Serb. Thiem has his work cut out 40 Unforced Errors 33 against the Serb who is on a 4/9 Break Point Conversions 5/14 12-match unbeaten streak this 138 Total Points Won 133 Thiem’s experience helped him over the line. season and has won all seven of the Australian Open deciders he Sweet Caroline brings good times for has contested. Austria’s Dominic Thiem in action during his Australian Open semi-final against Germany’s Alexander Zverev (right) yesterday. (Reuters/AFP) Thiem aft er lights hitch And if Djokovic needs extra motivation, winning tomorrow Thiem had dealt with semi- wide to immediately be on the serves in, and broke again to seal held serve and then broke with an will see him reclaim the world fi nal pressure before, although back foot. the set as the Austrian error- epic backhand winner as Zverev Dominic Thiem said a burst entertain the crowd during the number one ranking after Rafael always on the slower red clay at Both players were nervous and count mounted. again lost concentration and the of Sweet Caroline during a delay, reminded him of good Nadal crashed to Thiem in the Roland Garros, where he reached the German failed to consolidate, But the 22-year-old lost focus momentum appeared to shift. stadium lights malfunction times on skiing holidays with last eight. the past two fi nals only to be broken straight back. and two double faults in game Thiem is one of the best re- helped calm his nerves as he friends. But there is a glimmer of hope beaten by Nadal. Their momentum was inter- three of the second set handed turners in the game and was get- fought back from a set down “I like this song,” he said. “I felt — Djokovic is 6-4 in their head- That experience paid divi- rupted when rain began falling Thiem a 2-1 lead. ting almost every ball back. He to reach the Australian Open like I was in Austria on skiing to-heads, but Thiem has won dends as he coolly closed out the and the roof needed closing, but Zverev managed to break back looked to be on his way, but Zver- final yesterday. holidays, because that’s where four of the last fi ve. match after 3hrs 42 mins to give it was only a brief intermission but he was too erratic as Thiem ev refused to surrender and broke The Austrian fifth seed was 0-1 they play that song all the time. “It’s absolutely his comfort himself another chance to break and Zverev resumed to hold for broke again and clung on, fi ring again to even it up. down in the third set to Alexan- “That loosened me up a bit.” zone here. He always plays his the stranglehold of the Big Three 2-2. an ace to take set two. It went to a tiebreak where der Zverev when the semi-final Thiem went on to win the third best tennis in Australia since and win his fi rst Grand Slam. Thiem was still struggling with Bizarrely, play was halted for Thiem turned on the style to take was halted for nine minutes to and fourth sets for a 3-6, 6-4, many, many years, said Thiem of his fi rst serve and a double fault nine minutes one game into the a stranglehold on the match. fix a light which had gone out 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4) victory and the Serb. LIGHTS FAILURE handed the German a chance to third set when a light went out There was little between them behind the baseline. a place in his first Australian “I need to try and be in the A jittery Thiem was broken in the go 4-3 in front and he grabbed it. above the baseline and it both- in the crucial fourth set as they But Thiem said the Neil Open final against Novak zone straight away on Sunday opening game, saving two break Zverev took command, putting ered Zverev. traded blows. It went to serve Diamond classic, played to Djokovic. night.” points before sending a backhand 90 percent of his booming fi rst When they resumed, Thiem and another tie-breaker when

SPOTLIGHT World Athletics puts the brakes on Nike’s record-breaking shoes

Reuters ple carbon plates inside thick, comment on the decision. ‘SECRET WEAPON’ widespread throughout the fi elds London, United Kingdom ultra-compressed foam, said by “It is not our job to regulate the Nike unleashed the Vaporfl y in of every major race. Nike to help improve running entire sports shoe market but it is 2016 and various versions have Kipchoge and other lead- economy by up to four percent. our duty to preserve the integrity quickly come to dominate the ing athletes have welcomed the ome variants of Nike’s The new rules also state that, of elite competition by ensuring elite and “serious recreational” shoes as a natural technologi- Vaporfl y running shoes from April 30, any shoe used in that the shoes worn by elite ath- side of road running. cal advance, but others say they have been outlawed for elite competition must have been letes in competition do not off er Marathon superstar Kipchoge have gone too far, with Yannis elite competition and generally available to the public any unfair assistance or advan- has been the model’s fl agbear- Pitsiladis, a professor of sport strictS limits on the technology for four months — putting paid tage,” WA President Sebastian er, wearing them to set a world and exercise science at Britain’s developed for any future shoes to the use by Nike and others of Coe said in a statement. record, win the 2016 Olympic ti- Brighton University, calling them introduced after World Athletics prototypes by their athletes in “As we enter the Olympic year, tle and then go under two hours “technological doping”. announced signifi cant changes to major races. There will also be we don’t believe we can rule out in an unoffi cial marathon. Nike says the shoes, which cost its rules yesterday. new rules governing the con- shoes that have been generally Kosgei ran 2:14.04 in last year’s around $250 and have a lifespan The sport’s governing body struction of track spikes. available for a considerable pe- Chicago Marathon, taking 81 sec- of only around 200 miles, have “a (WA) said that with immediate WA’s review concluded that the riod of time, but we can draw onds off Briton Paula Radcliff e’s built-in secret weapon that pro- eff ect and for elite competition new technology “may provide a a line by prohibiting the use of 16-year-old women’s marathon vides a propulsive sensation”. only, road shoes must have soles performance advantage and could shoes that go further than what world record and making her al- Other manufacturers have also no thicker than 40mm and not raise concerns that it might threat- is currently on the market while most three minutes faster than released, or are developing, their contain more than one rigid, em- en the integrity of the sport”. we investigate further. any other woman in history. own carbon-insoled shoes, but bedded plate. WA will now establish an ex- “I believe these new rules Vaporfl ys have featured in WA’s ruling would now appear to The Vaporfl y variants used by pert working group to guide fu- strike the right balance by of- several other records in the last have put the brakes on. Eliud Kipchoge to run the fi rst ture research into shoe technol- fering certainty to athletes and three years and athletes wearing WA’s action echoes that of sub-two hour marathon and by ogy and to assess new shoes that manufacturers as they prepare them took 31 of the 36 top-three swimming’ s governing body, fellow Kenyan Brigid Kosgei to emerge on the market. for Tokyo 2020, while address- fi nishes in the Marathon Majors which a decade ago banned This October 12, 2019, picture, shows the running shoes of Kenya’s smash the women’s marathon Nike did not immediately re- ing the concerns that have been series last year. The distinctive Speedo’s record-smashing LZR Eliud Kipchoge as he stands after his attempt to break the two-hour world record both contained tri- spond to Reuters’ request for raised about shoe technology.” pink and green footwear is now speed suit. barrier for the marathon in Vienna, Austria. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 1, 2020 TENNIS

PREVIEW FOCUS Mladenovic, Babos reclaim Kenin keen to Australian Open doubles title take the fi ght to Muguruza ‘When I’m going on court, I’m there to win, I’m there to do my job’

Hungary’s Timea Babos (left) and France’s Kristina Mladenovic celebrate with the trophy after winning the Australian Open women’s doubles final against Taiwan’s Su-Wei Hsieh and Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova (not pictured) yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP Wimbledon champions 6-2, 6-1 back,” said Babos. “Our perform- Melbourne, Australia in 1hr 12mins to claim their third ance becomes better and better Grand Slam title together and each time.” 10th overall. Mladenovic and Babos, the rance’s Kristina Mladen- Mladenovic, who won the Fed second seeds, had lost their only ovic and Timea Babos of Cup with France in Perth in No- previous meeting with Hsieh Hungary upset top seeds vember, also reached last year’s and Strycova in the Wimbledon Hsieh Su-wei and Bar- Melbourne doubles fi nal with semi-fi nals last year. boraF Strycova to win their second Babos, going down to Sam Stosur Hsieh and Strycova warmed Australian Open women’s dou- and Zhang Shuai. up for the Australian Open by bles title in three years yesterday. “There’s just something about winning in Brisbane and did not The pair beat the reigning Australia — we love coming drop a set in their run to the fi nal.

COMMENT Grand Slam experience has Muguruza primed for title: Henin

Reuters ing the clutch moments had been Melbourne, Australia a revelation. “She doesn’t do anything ex- ceptional but she’s doing what arbine Muguruza’s she can do. She was maybe a lit- big-match experience tle bit nervous in the beginning should prove the dif- (against Barty),” said 37-year-old Sofia Kenin of the US will face Spain’s Garbine Muguruza (right) in the Australian Open women’s singles final today. (Reuters/AFP) ference in the Austral- Henin, who claimed Olympic Gian Open women’s fi nal against tennis gold at the 2004 Athens Reuters she has been showing.” American surprise package Sofi a Games. Melbourne, Australia Paths to the fi nal While 14th seed Kenin has Kenin, according to seven-times “But when she had the oppor- been the form player coming Grand Slam champion Justine tunity to take the lead, she went MUGURUZA KENIN into Melbourne, Muguruza was Henin. for it. She has good vision of the ofi a Kenin will be mak- 1st rd: bt Shelby Rogers (USA) 1st rd: bt Martina Trevisan unseeded as a result of a largely The tournament has had plen- court, moves pretty well. ing her debut in a Grand 0-6, 6-1, 6-0 (ITA) 6-2, 6-4 dismal 2019 season. ty of upsets, with Serena Wil- “Of course it’s going to be her Slam fi nal when she fac- 2nd rd: bt Ajla Tomljanovic 2nd rd: bt Ann Li (USA) 6-1, 6-3 The Spaniard, who reached liams shocked by China’s Wang fi rst Grand Slam fi nal but from es Garbine Muguruza for (AUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 3rd rd: bt Zhang Shuai (CHN) the top of the WTA rankings in Qiang and Kenin dumping top what we’ve seen, she’s pretty re- theS Australian open title today 2017, also suff ered from a vi- seed Ash Barty from the semi- laxed.” 3rd rd: bt Elina Svitolina (UKR 7-5, 7-6 (9/7) but what she lacks in experience x5) 6-1, 6-2 4th rd: bt Coco Gauff (USA) 6-7 ral illness before the start of fi nals, but Belgian Henin expects Henin said Muguruza’s re- the American more than makes 4th rd: bt Kiki Bertens (NED (5/7), 6-3, 6-0 the Australian Open and had to class to win out at Rod Laver Are- union with former coach Con- up for in courage and confi - x16) 6-3, 6-3 5th rd: bt Ons Jabeur (TUN) withdraw from the quarter-fi - na today. who has the potential to play chita Martinez, the fi rst Spanish dence. 5th rd: bt Anastasia Pavly- 6-4, 6-4 nals of the Hobart warmup. Twice Grand Slam champion semi-fi nals and fi nals every- woman to win Wimbledon, had Muguruza has been in three uchenkova (RUS x30) 7-5, 6-3 Semi-final: bt Ashleigh Barty But she recovered to take her Muguruza is playing her fourth where.” helped the 26-year-old reset her previous Grand Slam finals, Semi-final: bt Simona Halep (AUS x1) 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 place at Melbourne Park and has major fi nal, while 14th seed While Muguruza has returned game after a poor 2019 season. winning two of them at Roland (ROM x4) 7-6 (10/8), 7-5 gone from strength to strength, Kenin is in her fi rst, having never to the form that saw her claim Muguruza’s aggressive net- Garros (2016) and Wimbledon downing world number three made it past the fourth round of the 2016 French Open and 2017 rushing in Melbourne, which un- (2017), while the 21-year-old Simona Halep in a scorching any of the Slams prior to Mel- Wimbledon crown, 21-year-old settled Simona Halep during the American had been beyond where I’m playing, I’m going to in and fought back to defeat the semi-fi nal. bourne this year. Kenin has had a fairytale run that semi-fi nal, was also a sign of the the third round only once — fi ght for it. It doesn’t matter,” Australian in front of her home Kenin said she would be out to “I think Muguruza is the clear really kicked off with a tough confi dence in her groundstrokes beating Serena Williams at she said. “Of course, I have a fans. land the fi rst blow. favourite to win, of course, be- fourth round win over 15-year- and tactics. last year’s French Open before lot of respect for my opponents Spaniard Muguruza lost her “Of course, I want to do the cause of her experience at the old American sensation Coco “I think she’s moving well, losing to Ashleigh Barty in the when I’m playing. only prior meeting with Mos- fi rst punches. I don’t want to Grand Slams,” Henin, who won Gauff . also, which we saw during the next round. “When I’m going on court, cow-born Kenin, in Beijing last be in defence against her. She the 2004 title at Melbourne Park, She followed that up by second set against Halep when But Kenin has shown at Mel- I’m there to win, I’m there to do year, and knows the American can really put the ball away. told Reuters in an interview. knocking out Tunisian trailblazer she was in defence,” said Henin. bourne Park she has the game to my job. I’m doing my best.” will be no pushover. She’s really aggressive,” said the “It looks like her mind is com- Ons Jabeur in the quarters before “Sometimes she rushes a lit- beat the biggest names, building Barty learned the hard way “I think she’s playing great. American. pletely on court, totally connect- breaking Australian hearts with a tle bit too much and needs one on a stellar 2019 when she won about Kenin’s fi ghting spirit in I think since a while she’s just “So I feel like it’s going to be ed to what she’s doing. straight sets win over Barty. or two more balls to build but the all three of her singles titles to their semi-fi nal. progressing up in the rankings who’s controlling the points “It’s great to see her back at Henin, a TV analyst for Eu- net-rushing is pretty successful. reach a career-high world rank- The world number one was on and in the results,” said Mugu- more, who is dictating. Hope- this level. rosport, said Kenin was not “She can volley pretty nicely ing of 12. the front foot for most of their ruza. “So I think she deserves fully I can use what I did in Bei- “She’s had lots of ups and among the most impressive play- so we’ll probably see more of that “No matter who I’m playing, match but Kenin dug her heels to be in the fi nal with the tennis jing to help me.” downs for sure but she’s a girl ers on tour but her courage dur- (in the fi nal).”

SPOTLIGHT Time running out for ‘GOAT’ Federer as rivals close in

AFP Federer’s last Grand Slam title came a Wimbledon fi nal last year when the Melbourne, Australia at the Australian Open two years ago. Swiss held two match points before go- So while Federer may still wield the ing down in a marathon fi fth set. sweetest backhand in the game, in the “It’s an amazing fact that he has oger Federer’s fans call him the fullness of time it could be his elegant never retired from a match, not a single Greatest Of All Time but after style rather than his record that sets match, throughout his career. Huge re- defeat at the Australian Open him apart from his peers. spect for that,” said Djokovic. his hold on the men’s record Federer is not about to retire from the forR career Grand Slam titles is growing ‘HUGE RESPECT’ sport either, although he knows injuries ever weaker. However, the Swiss is not going with- could make the decision for him. When Federer walked gingerly off out a fi ght and as the years advance, his “You never know what the future Rod Laver Arena on Thursday after resilience, if anything, is increasing. holds. But especially my age, you don’t his injury-hit semi-fi nal loss to No- Federer pulled off two breathtaking know,” he said, when asked if he would vak Djokovic, he will have been acutely escapes in the earlier rounds in Mel- be back in Melbourne next year. aware that at 38 time is running out to bourne. He was two points from defeat “I’m confi dent. I’m happy how I’m add to his 20 Major wins. to John Millman and saved seven match feeling, to be honest. I got through a good, Rafael Nadal, 33, stands on 19 Grand points against Tennys Sandgren in the nice training block. No plans to retire.” Slam titles and is the favourite to reach quarter-fi nals. Urging him on is the feeling that even 20 at the French Open in May-June — After a groin strain in the Sandgren as he edges towards 40, he is still capa- a tournament where he has only lost match, rumours swirled that Federer ble of wringing more Grand Slam titles three times. may not even take the court against out of his ageing body. Djokovic, 32, has 16 Major trophies Djokovic. He admitted that by playing “Yes, I do believe that,” he said, when and is going for an eighth Austral- he was risking the fi rst retirement in his asked if he still thought he could win ian Open title tomorrow. He shows no 1,513-match career. multiple Majors. “I think by having the signs of slowing down after winning “Today was horrible, to go through year that I had last year, also with what four Grand Slams in the past two years. what I did,” Federer grimaced after I have in my game, how I’m playing, I do Federer will be closing on his 39th Djokovic’s 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-3 win. feel that, yeah.” birthday by the time Roland Garros and “Nice entrance, nice send-off , and Wimbledon roll around — nearly two in between is one to forget because you Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (left) pats years older than Ken Rosewall when he know you have a three % chance to win.” Switzerland’s Roger Federer after became the oldest Grand Slam cham- Djokovic is well aware of Federer’s winning the Australian Open semi-final pion at 37 at the 1972 Australian Open. endurance after their fi ve-hour epic of on Thursday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, February 1, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS U-19 WORLD CUP Mendis defi es Zimbabwe as Lanka clinch Test series Pakistan set up

AFP just before tea when Mathews Harare slapped a delivery from Victor semi-fi nal with India Nyauchi straight to Craig Ervine at silly mid-on. Agencies Abdul Rahman (30), Rahmanul- ri Lanka batsman Kus- Mendis, however, dropped Benoni, South Africa lah (29) and Abid Mohammadi al Mendis frustrated anchor and moved serenely to (28) were the others who made Zimbabwe’s hopes of a his seventh Test ton when he signifi cant contributions. Sseries-levelling win at charged down the pitch to Raza ohamed Huraira For Pakistan, Mohamed Amir the Harare Sports Club Ground and hit him back over his head slammed a fi ne 64 Khan took 3 for 58 in 10 overs, with a stubborn 116 not out as for six. as Pakistan eased to while Fahad Munir claimed 2 for the second Test petered out to a “The wicket was much slower a six-wicket victory 29 in 7 overs. draw yesterday. than the fi rst Test,” said Math- Mover neighbours Afghanistan In reply, Pakistan reached Sri Lanka’s 10-wicket win ews, who was named man of the in the quarter-fi nals of the ICC 190 for 4 in 41.1 overs, thanks in the fi rst Test last week at the series for the double century he Under-19 World Cup here yes- to Huraira’s 64 that came off 76 same venue meant they won the scored in the fi rst Test. “We had terday. balls and had eight fours and one series 1-0. to grind and grind. Pakistan will now clash with six. Zimbabwe faced just one ball Kusal had to bat brilliantly to arch-rivals India in the semi- Mohamed Haris (29) and in the morning which captain save the match.” fi nals on February 4. Haider Ali (28) and Qasim Akram Sean Williams hit for six to bring Mendis added 64 with Dinesh Afghanistan, who elected to (25) ensured a straightforward up his half-century. Chandimal, 13 not out from 75 bat, made a decent start with win for Pakistan. He immediately declared set- balls, before Williams gave up openers Ibrahim Zadran and Huraira was declared the man ting Sri Lanka a challenging tar- the hunt. Sri Lanka now host a captain Farhan Zakhil featuring of the match. get of 361. white ball tour by the West In- in a 41-run stand in six-and-a- They lost the wickets of Di- dies before England arrive for a half overs. Brief Scores: muth Karunaratne, Oshada two-Test series in March. Zakhil went on to top score for Pakistan Under-19s 190 for 4 Fernando for 47 and Angelo Zimbabwe face a one-off Test his side with 40, and although (Mohamed Huraira 64, Noor Ah- Mathews but Mendis’ sev- in Bangladesh and a series of several batsmen got good starts mad 2 for 32) beat Afghanistan enth Test century guided them white ball games. nobody was able to record a half- Under-19s 189 (Zakhil 40, Abdul through to the safety of a draw. century as Afghanistan were Rahman 30, Mohamed Amir His 116 came off 233 balls and Brief scores: dismissed for 189 in 49.1 overs. Khan 3 for 58) by six wickets included 13 fours a six as Sri Zimbabwe 406 and 247-7 (B. Lanka fi nished on 205 for three, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (R) plays a shot as Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva (L) looks during the fifth day Taylor 67, S. still 156 runs short of victory. of the second Test match at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Williams 53 not out, P. Masvaure “Zimbabwe showed a lot of 35, Sikander Raza 34; V. Fern- character,” said Sri Lanka cap- overnight 241 for seven. Raza whose seven for 113 in the seven-over spell. ando 2-43, L. Gayle takes his big-hitting tain Karunaratne. Instead they batted on for one fi rst innings and scores of 72 and The only wicket of the morn- Embuldeniya 2-81) “It is hard to come back af- ball which Williams hit for six 34 earned him the player of the ing came at the other end when Sri Lanka 293 and 204-3 (K. to Nepal’s T20 league ter losing the fi rst Test but they to reach 247 for seven before he match award. Karunaratne nibbled at a Carl Mendis 116 not out, O. played good cricket. declared. “Raza bowled exceptionally Mumba delivery outside off - Fernando 47) We had to stay positive and Williams, who made a fi ne well,” said Williams. “He gave us stump and edged through to Toss: Zimbabwe bat the whole day.” 107 in the fi rst innings and spent a chance. I am very proud of the wicketkeeper Donald Chakabva. Result: Match drawn Rain and bad light had cut much of the time off the fi eld way we played.” Fernando had only added a Man of the match: Sikandar short Thursday’s play but Zim- sick, fi nished 53 not out. The pitch, however, looked a single to his lunchtime 46 when Raza babwe captain Sean Williams He then chose to open the lot more benign and Raza failed he fell leg before to Raza and Series: Sri Lanka win the two- chose not to declare on their bowling with spinner Sikandar to trouble the openers in his fi rst Zimbabwe regained some hope Test series 1-0

T20

‘What’s Kathmandu: West Indies batting hero Chris Gayle has become the biggest international star to sign up for Nepal’s Twenty20 league. happened in The self-proclaimed king of T20 announced late Thursday that he will join Pokhara Rhinos in the Everest Premier League (EPL) that is India snatch the last two preparing for its fourth season. “Nepal get ready for the Gayle storm. It is gonna be dashing. See you games is soon Nepal,” he said in a video message on his Twitter account. Gayle is leading a new crop of foreign imports including Aghanistan’s unbelievable’ Mohammad Shahzad and Sri Lankan batsman Upul Tharanga who will also play in the six-team tournament starting March 14. EPL managing director Aamir Akhtar said it had taken months of negotiations to persuade Gayle to play in the Himalayan nation. another super “The league had to mature and earn a certain reputation in the international market so someone like Chris Gayle would be ready to play,” Akhtar told AFP. “All the hard work from the last three years has actually convinced him that this is a clean, reputable league, followed by passionate cricket lovers. “This signifies that Nepal is gearing up for the next level.” The 40-year-old Gayle, who has not appeared for the West Indies over win over NZ since August last year, recently said he wanted to “carry on as long as possible in T20 and franchise cricket as well”. Sandeep Lamichhane has become Nepal’s biggest cricket name since joining the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2018 and has since appeared at other global tournaments including Australia’s Big Bash. Nepal gained one-day international status at the 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, despite the suspension of their national governing body in 2016 over political interference. The International Cricket Council lifted the ban in October last year.

WOMEN’S TRIANGULAR Harmanpreet leads India to victory

IANS take the side home. Canberra It was a tight aff air as 17 were needed off 12 balls as England dropped a catch and gave away armanpreet Kaur wides in the penultimate over starred with the bat to hand India the advantage. and ensured her Harmanpreet smashed a six off India’s Manish Pandey plays a shot during the fourth Twenty20 International against New Zealand at Sky Stadium in Wellington yesterday. Hopposite number Katherine Brunt to win the game Heather Knight’s valiant knock for India.Earlier, put in to bat, AFP to get India home. New Zealand, chasing India’s for 57. India, sent into bat fi rst, under 140 kilometres per hour was overshadowed as the Indi- England rode on Knight’s bril- Wellington “What’s happened in the last 165 for eight, went into their last made 165 for eight on a fl at track (87mph), Munro found his tim- ans registered a fi ve-wicket vic- liant 44-ball 67 and a 27-ball 37 two games is unbelievable,” over only needing seven runs to at Wellington stadium with the ing with a six and two fours to tory over England in the wom- from Tammy Beaumont to post Kohli said. win and with seven wickets in innings anchored by an unbeat- get the scoreboard moving. en’s triangular series opener 147/7. ndia snatched the fourth “It feels good when you are hand. en 50 from Manish Pandey and In partnership with Seifert here yesterday. For India, Rajeshwari Gay- Twenty20 against New out of the game and then some- However, they were restricted his partnerships with Thakur they put on 72 off 44 deliveries Harmanpreet stayed till the akwad (2/19), Shikha Pandey Zealand yesterday after how fi nd a way to come back and to six runs and lost four wickets and Navdeep Saini. before Munro was run out in a end and remained unbeaten on (2/33) and Deepti Sharma (2/30) Iyet another super over was that shows the character of the to fi nish 165 for seven and set up India were six for 88 in the smart piece of relay fi elding in- 42 off 34 balls (5x4, 1x6) to take grabbed two wickets apiece, needed to separate the two sides team.” the super over. 12th over before Pandey and volving Thakur and Kohli who India over the line with three while Radha Yadav accounted after the scores were tied fol- The win puts India 4-0 up in New Zealand had already suf- Thakur arrested the slide in a threw down the stumps. balls to spare chasing a modest for one at the Manuka Oval here. lowing the regulation 20 overs. the fi ve match series with New fered an earlier setback with tal- 43-run stand with Thakur con- 148. India fi nished on 150/5 in The other team in the tri-se- New Zealand, batting fi rst in Zealand stand-in captain Tim ismanic captain Kane William- tributing 20. Brief scores 19.3 overs. ries is Australia as teams look to the decider, made 13 with Tim Southee not happy that his side son a late scratching having not Saini, who was not out 11 in India: 165 for 8 in 20 overs Besides Harmanpreet, put the fi nishing touches to their Seifert dropped twice before he could not wrap the game up in fully recovered from a shoulder his fi rst appearance on tour, put (Manish Pandey 50 not out, K.L. 16-year-old opener Shafali T20 World Cup preparations. was eventually dismissed. the 20 overs. injury suff ered while fi elding in on 22 with Pandey off the last 13 Rahul 39) Verma hit 30 while Jemimah In reply, Indian captain Virat “It’s very tough, especially game three. deliveries. New Zealand: 165 for 7 in 20 Rodrigues scored 26. India lost Brief Scores: Kohli hit the winning runs with in the position we got ourselves It was left to lusty hitting by In a slow start to their reply, overs: Colin Munro 64, Tim wickets at regular intervals but England Women: 147/7 a ball to spare. into and then to give them a Colin Munro and Seifert to pro- New Zealand were 23 for one af- Seifert 57) never lost sight of the target (Heather Knight 67; Rajeshwari The third match also ended in chance at the end, they’re go- vide the backbone of their in- ter fi ve overs. Result: Match tied, India won largely due to Harmanpreet who Gayakwad 2/19); India Women: a super over with Rohit Sharma ing to grab it with both hands,” nings with Munro making 64 But in the sixth over, when super over decider held one end up and dug deep 150/5 (Harmanpreet Kaur 42*; hitting sixes off the last two balls he said. and Seifert out in the fi nal over Thakur wound back the pace to Series: India lead 3-0 into her wealth of experience to Katherine Brunt 2/33) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 1, 2020 SPORT

GOLF / PHOENIX OPEN SPOTLIGHT LPGA event cancelled, Olympic Birdie barrage soccer qualifi ers changed due to boosts Clark to lead coronavirus Reuters 12, when China play Australia, American fires 10 birdies for his 61 for two-shot lead over compatriot Horschel Sydney, Australia had now been scheduled, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said in a AFP statement yesterday. Los Angeles, United States Perez powers he outbreak of the new “As always, the health of eve- coronavirus caused fur- ryone involved, from players and to halfway lead ther disruption to the offi cials to the fans and contrac- yndham Clark rance’s Victor Perez international sporting tors, remains the number one fi red 10 birdies in Tcalendar yesterday with the elite priority,” said FFA Chief Execu- carded a second a 10-under par 61 Fconsecutive round of women’s LPGA golf tour cancel- tive James Johnson. on Thursday to five-under-par 65 to take a ling an event in China and Olym- “This new format allows us to Wgrab a two-shot lead over fellow pic soccer qualifying matches in stage these matches with that pri- one-shot lead over his former American Billy Horschel in the college roommate Gavin Australia having to be shuffl ed. ority in mind and we now look for- US PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open. Green after the second round More than 200 people in China ward to welcoming all teams and Amid the always raucous at the Saudi International in have died from the fl u-like virus hosting a successful tournament.” crowds at TPC Scottsdale, Clark King Abdullah Economic City with almost 6,000 aff ected after it The LPGA said its Blue Bay teed off on 10 and rolled in a 20- yesterday. emerged late last year in Wuhan in tournament due to be held on foot birdie putt at the 12th. Perez has finished outside the central Hubei province. Hainan island from March 5-8 After another birdie at 13 he the top 20 just once since The World Health Organiza- had been cancelled. picked up three in a row at 15, 16 winning his maiden Euro- tion on Thursday declared the “Given the current health con- and 17. pean Tour title at the Alfred outbreak a public health emer- cerns and signifi cant travel re- He strung another three to- Dunhill Links Champion- gency. strictions put in place due to the gether at the fi rst, second and ship in September, and he The four-team women’s soc- coronavirus in China, the LPGA third — where he blasted out of was impressive again as he cer tournament involving China, along with our partners in China a greenside bunker to fi ve feet claimed seven birdies to get Australia, Taiwan and Thailand have made the decision to cancel and made the putt — and birdied to 10-under overall. was moved from Wuhan — the the 2020 Blue Bay LPGA,” the seven and eight for good meas- Malaysia’s Green, who centre of the outbreak of the vi- Tour said in a statement. ure. started the day with a share rus — and hastily rearranged to “While we are disappointed Clark seized the solo lead with of the lead, birdied his open- be held in Australia by the Asian that the tournament won’t take a birdie at the par-three seventh, ing hole before bogeying the Football Confederation. place this season, we look forward where he stuck his tee shot three 12th but picked up shots on Organisers were forced to to going back to Blue Bay in 2021 feet from the pin, and made it a the 15th, first and fourth to change their match schedule af- and for many years to come.” two-shot advantage with an 11- get within one. ter China’s team, who arrived in Several other international foot birdie putt at eight. A brilliant approach shot to Australia on Jan. 29, were placed sports events have been aff ected “I hit a lot of fairways and I the sixth hole helped him in quarantine in Brisbane until by the outbreak. just gave myself a lot of looks grab a share of the lead but he after Feb. 5. The world indoor athletics and the putter was hot,” Clark dropped a shot at the eighth None of the players has tested championships, which were due said. Wyndham Clark plays his shot from the eighth tee during the first round of the Waste Management to slip back to nine-under positive for the virus, according to to be held in Nanjing from March A red-hot putter fueled Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, on Thursday. (AFP) heading into the weekend. the Chinese Football Association. 13-15, have been postponed until Horschel, who had six birdies and Former US Open champion They had originally been next year. an eagle in his eight-under 63. in-one at the par-three third the ace, one birdie, one par and ally well on the back. Hit it in good Graeme McDowell stayed in scheduled to play their fi rst game Qualifying tournaments in Horschel rolled in two birdie and eight birdies to overcome an one double-bogey through fi ve. spots and made some good putts.” contention for his first Euro- against Thailand on Feb. 3 but boxing and basketball for this putts from outside 25 feet and early double-bogey and a bogey, Holmes, seeking a third Among the top names in the pean Tour win since 2014 as organisers said yesterday they year’s Tokyo Olympics were also one from 41 feet, along with a his seven-under 64 putting him win in the Arizona desert, has fi eld, Spain’s Jon Rahm led a he added a steady 68 to his would now play their fi rst game moved from China, while other par-saving 45 footer. alone in third. played with elbow trouble for group of 10 players on 67 that opening round 64 to finish on Feb. 6. events have been cancelled or His eagle at the par-fi ve third He stormed home with three years and said he improved also included Japan’s Hideki two shots off the lead. An additional match day of Feb. postponed. hole didn’t need that kind of straight birdies, including a mid-round after attention Matsuyama. Defending champion Dustin putting aplomb after he landed 25-footer at the 18th. from his trainer around the Defending champion Rickie Johnson also recorded a 68 to his second shot fi ve feet from “The fi rst fi ve holes were up ninth and 10th holes. Fowler left himself work to do to stand in joint-eighth place on the hole. there, quite a bit of a roller- “Still hurt a little bit, but not as make the weekend after opening five-under, five off the pace. JB Holmes used an eagle hole- coaster,” said Holmes, who had much,” Holmes said. “I putted re- with a three-over par 74. US racing driver John Andretti dies at 56 FORMULA 1 AFP Los Angeles, United States

ohn Andretti, a son of Racing Point to become Aston Martin in 2021 one of America’s most Jfamous motor racing Reuters Ecclestone, who was also families who tested his talent London, United Kingdom around Formula One at the time, on a variety of tracks, has died said the Aston name was cer- of colon cancer at the age of tainly better than Racing Point 56, Andretti Autosport said of his 393 starts with 37 top-10 acing Point will be- and Stroll was a team owner who Thursday. finishes. come the Aston Martin would be striving to win rather “He fought hard and stole He raced the Indianapolis 500 factory Formula One than make up the numbers. back days the disease fought 12 times, his best finish a fifth team from 2021 after Racing Point use the same en- to take away,” Andretti Aut- place on 1991. theirR Canadian billionaire owner gines as champions Mercedes. osport said in a statement. Early on he tried his hand at Lawrence Stroll bought a stake The name change will be only “He helped countless others dirt racing, and won the 1989 in the ailing British sportscar the latest of many for the Silver- undergo proper screening and Rolex 24 at Daytona, one of maker yesterday. stone-based team that started in so doing, saved lives. two sports car victories for The deal means Aston Mar- In this November 2, 2019, picture, Lance Stroll drives his Racing Point car during qualifying for the United out as Jordan in 1991. “We will forever carry with us him that season. tin’s title sponsorship of former States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. (USA TODAY Sports) In 2006 they became Mid- John’s genuine spirit of help- Andretti was diagnosed with world champions Red Bull, who land, then Spyker in 2007 and ing others first and himself stage 4 colon cancer in 2017. use Honda engines, will end af- with Williams in 2017. through fashion brands such as a dealer,” the 89-year-old Briton Force India from 2008 — always second.” He used the social media ter the current season. Lance, 21, joined Racing Point Tommy Hilfi ger and Michael told Reuters from Switzerland, from the same factory, over the Andretti, nephew of 1978 campaign #Checkit4Andretti Stroll will pay 182mn pounds at the start of 2019 after his fa- Kors and owns Canada’s Mont- where Stroll also has a residence. road from the British Grand Prix Formula One World Champion to encourage people go get for a 16.7% stake in Aston Martin, ther bought the assets of Force Tremblant circuit in Quebec. “And he’s a guy that loves his rac- circuit, that Stroll is now setting Mario Andretti, son of Aldo colonoscopies — something which could rise to 20%, and joins India, in administration under Former F1 supremo Bernie Ec- ing. He’s a motor racing guy.” about expanding. and cousin of racer turned he had neglected to do. the board as executive chairman. the co-ownership of fi nancial- clestone, who has known Stroll Aston Martin, a 107-year-old A technology partnership team owner Michael Andretti, After chemotherapy he tweet- The 60-year-old Montreal ly-troubled liquor baron Vijay for more than 30 years, said it fi rm whose cars are closely as- between Aston Martin and Red took to the family business ed in March of 2018 that his native has been a familiar if Mallya, and renamed the team. would be wrong to assume — as sociated with fi ctional British Bull Advanced Technologies will with enthusiasm. scans were clear, but on March publicity-shy presence around Stroll senior, listed last year some have — that the business- secret agent James Bond, com- continue until the Aston Martin He raced for 17 seasons in 29, 2019, he tweeted again to Formula One for years, and a by Forbes as the 18th wealthi- man was only in Formula One to peted in Formula One with a fac- Valkyrie hypercar is delivered. the hugely popular NASCAR say tests showed the cancer paddock regular since his racing est Canadian with a fortune help his son’s career. tory team in 1959 and 1960 with The fi rst batch is due at the end stock car series, winning two had returned and spread. driver son Lance made his debut of $2.6bn, made his money “Defi nitely not the case. He’s a best result of sixth. of this year.

RUGBY Pivac eyes new horizon for Six Nations kings Wales against Italy

AFP most of their attacking talents — them over,” said Pivac. For Italy, 20 years on from Cardiff , United Kingdom something they must do if they becoming the ‘sixth nation’, the are to be genuine contenders for ‘FIRST CRACK’ quest for respect continues. Give the Scots space and Irish will pay the the next World Cup in France. Even so, it will be a major sur- A World Cup where Georgia ew coach Wayne Pivac For example, Wales managed prise if they provide a stern test and Russia again showed their price, says Easterby wants Wales to expand just 10 tries in fi ve matches dur- of George North’s midfi eld de- potential reopened the debate AFP match served as a warning to stood down after the World their attacking game ing last season’s Six Nations fence now that Pivac has moved about whether the Six Nations Dublin, Ireland an Irish team desperate like Cup reflected the form of the but has urged fans to clean sweep. the powerhouse wing to centre should remain a closed shop and the Scots to move on from players at present and not so Nbe patient when the reigning “We’re working hard on our after Jonathan Davies was ruled talk of promotion and relegation their disappointing World Cup much looking towards building Grand Slam champions begin attack, but it’s going to take a out of the entire Championship will only intensify if Italy endure reland must prevent Scot- campaign. for the 2023 World Cup. their Six Nations title defence little bit of time,” said Pivac. because of a knee injury. another winless Championship. land’s half-back partnership “I am not surprised by their “Guess it is a balance but against Italy. “Some of the skill-sets need This weekend’s match will see Caretaker coach Franco Smith Iof Adam Hastings and Ali selection,” Easterby told largely it is working in the here Today’s match at Cardiff ’s to improve, but where there is a North winning his 92nd cap for has two fl y-halves in his starting Price dictating play in today’s reporters at the eve of match and now,” said the 44-year-old Principality Stadium will be the will, there is a way. Wales but making only his fi fth XV, with Tommaso Allan at No 10 Six Nations clash in Dublin like press conference yesterday. England-born former flanker, former Scarlets’ boss fi rst full “At the moment the boys are appearance in midfi eld. and Carlo Canna at inside centre. they did in Glasgow’s thrashing “The team looks strong and who was capped 65 times by international in charge follow- very willing, so it’s a pretty good “George played a couple of Benetton lock Niccolo Can- of Sale a fortnight ago, said the the Scots will always off er you Ireland. ing a 43-33 non-cap win over start in terms of training.” games at centre for the Ospreys, none makes his Test debut while hosts defence coach Simon threats and make life diff icult “Those guys are fully deserv- the Barbarians in November. Italy at home would appear which was great for us,” said Pi- hooker Luca Bigi captains Italy Easterby. without the ball. ing of their selections. Pivac has succeeded Warren to be an ideal match for a new vac. “Jonathan has got the long- in place of Sergio Parisse, the Hastings partners scrum-half “There is plenty of quality look “We have tried to pick on form Gatland, who won three Grand coach’s Six Nations debut. term injury at the moment and back-row great not even in the Price due to Scotland’s number at how their 9 (Price) and 10 and it has been diff icult. Slams and saw Wales to two The Azzurri are on a run of 22 somebody is going to get the op- 23 as his career nears its end. one fly-half Finn Russell being (Hastings) played when Glas- “Andy challenged them in World Cup semi-fi nals during a successive defeats in the tour- portunity to play there. “We have worked hard on and disciplined for breaching team gow ripped Sale apart. December and said make it 12-year reign that included a last- nament, a winless run stretch- “George gets the fi rst crack at off the pitch to build synergy protocols. “It was largely due to how diff icult not to pick you and it four defeat by eventual champi- ing back fi ve years. it, and from what we are seeing, between the staff and the play- However, Easterby said the those two managed the game.” has been. Yes there is always a ons South Africa at Japan 2019. They also conceded 22 tries we’re very happy.” ers,” said Smith. “We know our manner in which Hastings, son Easterby, formerly the thought of down the line but it Yet for all the success they en- during last year’s latest wooden New Zealand-born wing potential and what we can give. of Scotland great Gavin, and forwards coach, said the first is about the here and the now. joyed under Pivac’s fellow New spoon campaign. “Everyone Johnny McNicholl, qualifi ed on “I have faith in the team and Price played in the 45-7 pasting squad selected by head coach “They are in for a reason be- Zealander, there remains a sense starts on zero, the Italians are in residency grounds, makes his can’t wait to see them on the of Sale in their Champions Cup Andy Farrell since Joe Schmidt cause they are in form.” that Wales have not made the front of us and we have to knock Test debut. pitch against Wales,” he added. Gulf Times Saturday, February 1, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL NHL Preds beat Devils in shootout to Mahomes, Chiefs cap wild aff air

Reuters Rinne made 27 saves. Los Angeles Pavel Zacha had two goals while Nikita Gusev, Jesper Bratt and John Hayden scored ilip Forsberg and Matt once apiece for the Devils, aim to end 50-year Duchene scored in the who are 9-11-4 since Hynes shootout Thursday was replaced by Alain Nasred- night for the visiting dine. Goalie Mackenzie Black- NashvilleF Predators, who out- wood recorded 25 saves. lasted the New Jersey Devils The teams wasted no time for a wild 6-5 victory in Ne- getting going in the fi rst pe- wark, New Jersey. riod, when they combined for The two teams combined three goals in the fi rst 8:17. Super Bowl drought for fi ve ties during regulation Ekholm was credited with the and were never separated by game’s fi rst goal just 42 sec- ‘It’s early in my career and I’m excited to go out there with my brothers and try to win’ more than one goal. onds after the opening faceoff The win was the record- before Zacha scored at 4:54. breaking 1,507th (regular sea- The Predators went ahead son and playoff s) as a general again when Forsberg picked manager for the Predators’ up a puck that ticked off the David Poile, breaking a tie skate of Kyle Turris and back- with Glen Sather for most by handed a shot home. any GM in NHL history. Poile Zacha (at 8:44) and Gu- spent 15 seasons as the general sev (at 10:26) scored power- manager of the Washington play goals in a span of 1:42 to Capitals before joining Nash- give the Devils the lead mid- ville in 1997, a year before the way through the second. The team debuted. Predators tied the score on The win also made for a vic- Bonino’s goal just 2:22 later torious homecoming for Pred- before Bratt put New Jersey ators head coach John Hynes, ahead again with 2:36 left in who was coaching against the the period. Devils for the fi rst time since Duchene capped an end-to- New Jersey fi red him on Dec. 3. end rush by the Predators by Forsberg scored twice in scoring the tying goal just 33 regulation, including the goal seconds into the third. Hay- that forced overtime mid- den scored off a faceoff win way through the third period. deep in the Nashville zone to Duchene, Mattias Ekholm and give the Devils the lead again Nick Bonino also scored for at 6:37 before Forsberg evened the Predators, who are 5-4- the score yet again with 10:03 0 under Hynes. Goalie Pekka left in regulation.

File photo of Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. (AFP)

AFP won by the New England Patriots, before Mahomes, who at 24 would be the sec- capable of upsetting that fairytale narra- Miami later being traded to San Francisco. ond youngest quarterback to win a Super tive however. But Garoppolo’s hopes may hinge on Bowl, has cut a relaxed fi gure during this The 40-year-old Shanahan is one Filip Forsberg (left) and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators how successfully the 49ers defense, led week’s build up. of most creative off ensive minds in the celebrate Forsberg’s third period goal against the New Jersey Devils t has been 50 years since the Kansas by the marauding rookie defensive end “I’m going to go out there and try and NFL, capable of unstitching any defense at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday. (AFP) City Chiefs last appeared in the Su- Nick Bosa, is able to thwart Mahomes. have fun and play the way I’ve played all with a playbook brimming with inven- per Bowl — and Patrick Mahomes is It is a puzzle that San Francisco defen- season long,” the young Texan told re- tion. determined to make sure it has been sive coordinator Robert Saleh has spent porters. And the 49ers head coach may feel he Oilers’ Kassian signs four-year extension worthI the wait. the past fortnight trying to unravel. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity has a point to prove after the nightmare The Kansas City quarterback chases that I hope I get to have many times in of the 2017 Super Bowl. Shanahan was Edmonton Oilers right wing Kassian said. “I love being an his fi rst Vince Lombardi Trophy tomor- ‘SUPERSTAR IN EVERY WAY’ my life. It’s early in my career and I’m the off ensive co-ordinator of the Atlanta Zack Kassian signed a four- Oiler, I love the city, I love the row against the San Francisco 49ers at “He’s a superstar in every way you can excited to go out there with my brothers Falcons when they blew a 28-3 third year contract extension, fans, I love my teammates. I the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Mi- possibly imagine and he’s going to be and try to win.” quarter lead to lose in overtime against the team announced early feel when (general manager ami Dolphins. tough to deal with,” Saleh said this week the Patriots. Thursday morning. Ken Holland) came in with The biggest event on the US sporting when asked about Mahomes’ range of ONE FOR ‘BIG RED’? Yet his talent as a coach is undeni- Financial terms were not (coach Dave Tippett), they calendar promises to be a classic battle threats. A victory for Kansas City would also be able. This season Shanahan has overseen disclosed by the Oilers, were building something of styles, with Mahomes and the Chiefs The Kansas City quarterback has elec- the crowning glory of Chiefs head coach a 49ers renaissance which transformed however TSN Hockey Insider special here, and I’m happy trying to outfox the 49ers defense as trifi ed the league over the past three sea- Andy Reid’s long career. the team from a 4-12 record in 2018 to an Bob McKenzie reported that to be a small piece to that the curtain comes down on the National sons with his mobility, arm strength and A popular fi gure known aff ection- imposing 13-3 powerhouse. the deal is for $12.8 mn and puzzle. More than happy, Football League’s 100th season. sheer variety of passes. ately among his players as “Big Red”, the Shanahan says he has used the bitter does not include a no-trade excited for myself, my On the fl ipside, the Chiefs will have But he also has an array of receiving 61-year-old Reid is the most successful memory of the 2017 Super Bowl loss as a clause. daughter, life’s good.” their hands full attempting to contain weapons at his disposal, with the blis- coach never to win a Super Bowl. rallying cry for his young team. Kassian, who could have Kassian scored a career-high a multi-faceted 49ers off ense which tering pace of Tyreek Hill and Sammy “He’s had an amazing career,” Maho- “I’m like ‘Guys, don’t worry I’ve been become an unrestricted free 15 goals for the Oilers last is equally eff ective whether attacking Watkins complemented by the dynamic mes said this week. “Obviously, we want there, and guess what? I was still alive agent July 1, has recorded season. through the air and on the ground. presence of tight end Travis Kelce. to this game, the big one, to put that on the next day, and my life did move on, 13 goals and 15 assists in The 29-year-old has collected For Mahomes’ opposite number, 49ers Nowhere was the Chiefs ability to pro- his résumé.” and things are still alright,” Shanahan 45 games this season. His 80 goals and 91 assists in 511 quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, it is a duce explosive bursts of scoring more “I’m humbled by it,” Reid said of his said. 28 points are one shy of career games with the Sabres, chance to play and win a championship evident than in their divisional round players’ support. “Very humbled by “But whether you win or lose, the key his career high, set with Canucks and Oilers since ring in what is his third trip to the Super against Houston. it. But right now I’m focused on giv- is that you don’t hesitate on anything, the Vancouver Canucks in being selected by Buff alo with Bowl. Trailing 24-0 in the second quarter, ing them the best chance to win a Su- so no matter what, the rest of your life, 2013-14. the 13th overall pick in the Garoppolo was Tom Brady’s back-up Mahomes led a comeback which ended per Bowl.” Reid’s counterpart, the 49ers you can look in the mirror, and you don’t “I’m happy to be here,” 2009 NHL Draft. Reuters at the 2015 and 2017 Super Bowls, both in a 51-31 win. head coach Kyle Shanahan is more than have regrets.”

MLB Dodgers, Red Sox discussing trade for superstar Betts Reuters Diego Padres, according to multiple media reports. Los Angeles Betts, the 2018 American League MVP, bat- ted.295 with 29 home runs and 90 RBIs over 150 games in 2019 while leading the majors with 135 he Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red runs. That came one season after he led the Red Sox Sox could be nearing a trade that would to a World Series title by batting.346 with 32 home send All-Star outfi elder Mookie Betts to runs, 80 RBIs and a major-league-high 129 runs. the National League club, ESPN reported Betts is a career.301 hitter over six seasons, all TThursday. with the Red Sox. He has 139 home runs and 470 The report also indicated that left-handed RBIs, and his play in right fi eld has earned him four pitcher David Price could be part of a trade pack- consecutive Gold Glove Awards. He also has been age. named to the AL All-Star team in each of the past Betts, 27, will become a free agent after the 2020 four seasons. season, and the Red Sox have been unable to engage Including Price in the deal would help Boston him in contract negotiations. He will earn $27mn to save money. The 34-year-old veteran has three this season, agreed to earlier this month to avoid years and $96mn left on his contract, though the arbitration. Red Sox potentially could pay a portion of his sal- A report Tuesday on Boston’s WEEI radio said ary to get the deal done. that in 2018, the Red Sox off ered Betts a 10-year, Left wrist ailments and an elbow injury have $300mn contract extension. Betts reportedly asked limited Price to 63 starts in the past three seasons for 12 years and $420mn. Since then, however, the after he led the majors in starts in 2016 with 35. Red Sox have indicated their interest in shedding In his four seasons in Boston, Price is 46-24 with payroll. a 3.84 in 103 games (98 starts). He started three After two consecutive World Series losses in games in the 2018 World Series, beating the Dodg- 2017 and ’18, the Dodgers could be looking for the ers twice and posting a 1.98 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. fi nal pieces of a championship team. With seven Price won the 2012 Cy Young Award with the prospects in Baseball America’s top 100, Los Ange- Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 and is a fi ve-time All-Star. les has a deep farm system and could put together In his 12-year career, which includes stops with the an attractive package for the Red Sox. Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays, he is 150-80 The Red Sox also have been in talks with the San with a 3.31 ERA. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 1, 2020 SPORT

NBA TOKYO 2020 Organisers dismiss cancellation fears Raptors hold off Cavs over coronavirus

DPA The tests from February 17 to Berlin March 2 have been cancelled after consultation with the Beijing 2022 organising com- okyo 2020 Olympics mittee and following a general to extend winning organisers on yes- IOC recommendation, the IBU terday dismissed ru- said. mours that the Games The women’s football tour- Twere endangered by the spread nament is now to start next of the coronavirus. “We have week in Sydney. The Chi- never discussed cancelling nese team is in quarantine in the Games. Tokyo 2020 will a Brisbane hotel and is to re- continue to collaborate with main there until a day before streak to nine games the (International Olympic their opening match Thursday Committee) IOC and relevant against Thailand. ‘THAT WAS ANYBODY’S GAME FROM START TO FINISH, TO BE HONEST’ organisations and will review The world indoor athletics any countermeasures that may championships set for March be necessary,” organisers said in Nanjing have been post- in a statement to DPA. poned until 2021, while World The IOC also said that prep- Cup ski races have been called arations for the July 24-Au- off on Beijing 2022 Winter gust 9 Games were continu- Games courses in Yanqing. ing as planned. The outbreak The women’s tennis tour WTA of the virus in China earlier and Formula One motor racing in the month has led to nearly are monitoring the situation 10,000 confi rmed domes- ahead of their planned events tic cases and more than 200 in China in April. deaths. It has also spread to International table tennis other countries, with 17 cases stars competing at the German reported in Japan. Concerns Open tournament in Magde- in Japan seemingly arose when burg meanwhile produced a the IOC said it was in contact video clip in a show of solidar- with the World Health Organi- ity with the people in China zation which has now declared aff ected by the outbreak. Chi- the outbreak an international nese players and others in- health emergency. The IOC cluding European champion spoke of “normal practice” to Timo Boll appear in the short work with important agencies clip posted yesterday on the including the WHO in the run- Twitter account of the ruling up to the Games. The Olym- body ITTF, with the hashtag pics bring together more than “Be strong, Wuhan.” “Keep 10,000 athletes. In the past, on fi ghting,” Boll, who is very Games have only been can- popular in China, says in the celled because of World War clip. The outbreak is believed I and II. The coronavirus has to have originated in the city however led to several Olympic of Wuhan which together with qualifying events in sports in- other cities and regions is now cluding boxing, basketball and eff ectively under quarantine. women’s football being moved The Chinese national team outside China. is at the tournament with 14 The latest sport aff ected players and 17 offi cials. Ac- is biathlon, with the inter- cording to the ITTF all un- national biathlon union IBU derwent medical checks be- yesterday calling off tests fore their departure and they at Zhangjiakou, the Beijing are also checked every day in 2022 Olympic biathlon venue. Magdeburg.

Snooker’s China Open postponed The China Open snooker April. tournament became the Snooker is hugely popular latest sporting event to fall in China and three-time UK Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (left) in action during second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports victim to the coronavirus Championship winner Ding outbreak yesterday after Junhui is a star in his home AFP RESULTS Kevin Love and Collin Sexton scored 23 quarter en route to a 127-117 victory. global governing body nation. Los Angeles points each for Cleveland. John Collins tallied 17 points and a World Snooker postponed This year’s edition was Denver 106-100 Utah Darius Garland had 16 points and season-high 20 rebounds for the Hawks, this year’s edition. set to be held between Boston 119-104 Golden State eight assists, Kevin Porter and Larry who avenged an earlier 105-103 loss to the “Following extensive March 30 and April 5, but ewly-named all-stars Kyle Low- Sacramento 124-103 LA Clippers Nance added 13 points each, and Tris- Sixers. Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 31 consultation between World Snooker said that ry and Pascal Siakam combined tan Thompson had two points and 12 re- points. WST, the WPBSA (World “considering the current for 42 points as the reigning Atlanta 127-117 Philadelphia bounds. Young had 14 points and De’Andre Professional Billiards and health and travel situation NBA champion Toronto Raptors Toronto 115-109 Cleveland Toronto took a 10-point lead on a Hunter scored 10 of his 15 in the fi rst Snooker Association) and in China our highest priority Nwon their ninth straight game with a 115- clutch three-point basket with 5:41 re- quarter, as the Hawks won their third Washington 121-107 Charlotte our many partners in China, has to be the welfare of our 109 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers maining. straight at home. we have taken the diff icult players, staff and the many on Thursday. points in the win as the Raptors com- But the Cavaliers went on a 9-0 run, In the late game, Nikola Jokic had 28 decision to postpone the fans who travel around Lowry scored 14 of his 23 points in the pleted a three-game sweep of the season and Love’s three-pointer cut the lead to points and 10 assists, Will Barton scored 2020 China Open,” World China and beyond”. fourth quarter, and Siakam added 19 as series with the Cavaliers. one point with just under four minutes 18 as Denver Nuggets pulled out a 106- Snooker said in a statement. World Snooker added that it the visiting Raptors extended their sea- “That was anybody’s game from start left in the fourth, 100-99. 100 win over the Utah Jazz. The tournament, which was looking for a later date son-best winning streak. to fi nish, to be honest,” Raptors coach Powell followed with a three-pointer Jerami Grant added 15 points, Torrey takes place annually in for the tournament. Lowry, who is headed to the All-Star Nick Nurse said. “You’ve just got to grind and then a dunk with 35 seconds left to Craig scored 13 and grabbed 10 rebounds, Beijing, is a flagship event The postponement of the Game for the sixth straight season, was it out and fi nd a way.” give Toronto a six-point lead. He added and Michael Porter came off the bench to on the snooker calendar and China Open comes after named as one of seven reserves from the Norman Powell scored eight of his 16 two free throws to get the lead back to six score 12 points and 12 rebounds for the the last tournament in which this month’s outbreak of Eastern Conference to join teammate points in the fi nal 62 seconds of the game with 20 seconds left. Nuggets, who overcame a fourth quarter players can earn ranking coronavirus that has caused Siakam, who was chosen as a starter last for Toronto to help blunt a Cavs’ rally. Elsewhere, Trae Young tallied 39 surge from Jordan Clarkson. points before the start of global panic and killed at week. Fred VanVleet had eight points and a sea- points, and the Atlanta Hawks upset the Clarkson scored 24 of his season-high the World Championship in least 213 people. AFP Serge Ibaka scored a team-high 26 son-best 12 assists in the win. Philadelphia 76ers with a 39-point fi rst 37 points in the fourth quarter.

HORSE RACING Al-Qadi scoops Medium Tour title at Longines Hathab series By Sports Reporter Hussain Saeed Haidan fi nished in Doha third spot. Meanwhile, Mohamed al- Ghazali emerged triumphant in amad Nasser al-Qadi the Small Tour with his veteran piloted his nine-year- gelding Alegro. The duo posted a old mare Gibria-B to time of 54.98 secs to win the 115 Medium Tour vic- cm class. Abdulaziz Ghanim al- Htory during the 7th round of the Nuaimi (Birddyz) was second, fol- Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour lowed by Abdushukur Sobirjonov Hathab yesterday. (Kapitel) in third. At the Longines Arena at Al Today on the fi nal day of the Shaqab, al-Qadi and Gibria-B competition, action begins with were in fi ne rhythm as they com- Future Riders’ class (Optimum pleted their round in 32.82 seconds Time 70/85cm, 85/100cm) at to win the 130 cm class. The pair 9am. The Open Class (Power was well ahead of Kamil Sabitov and Skill (Six Bar) Competition and Carmen, who fi nished second 115/125cm), and the feature Big in 35.05 seconds. Awad Alqahtani Tour (Table A, Special two phases followed in third spot with Bellini 130/145cm) will be held from 2pm D’argonne in 35.42 secs. and 5.30pm respectively. The team title in Medium Tour The popular Hathab series is in went to ExxonMobil. Saeed Nass- its third season. The QR1.5mn Na- er al-Qadi, Khalid Mohamed al- tional showjumping series began Emadi and Jaber Rashid al-Amri in October and will run until April. tallied a combined time of 74.07 Hathab aims at honing equestrian seconds as ExxonMobil walked talent in Qatar and prepares riders away with a narrow victory. for international competition. The Off icials pose with Small Tour podium winners. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi en route to Medium Tour victory with Gibria-B during the 7th round of the Team Al Kass was just 0.2 sec- competition is open for participa- Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. onds behind the winners, with tion to all Qataris and residents of ual & QR20,000 Teams 1. Hamad Mohamed al-Ghazali, Mohamed Qatar. Nasser al-Qadi (Gibria-B) Time: MEDIUM TOUR TEAM 2. Al Kass (Mohamed al-Ghaz- sain Saeed Haidan) 73.22 seconds, Time: 54.98 secs, prize money: Khalifa Albaker and Nasser al- 32.82 secs, Prize money: QR5,000 1. ExxonMobil (Saeed Nasser ali, Mohamed Khalifa Albaker, QR4,000 QR2,500 Ghazali competing for them. RESULTS 2. Kamil Sabitov (Carmen) 35.05 al-Qadi, Khalid Mohammed al- Nasser al-Ghazali) 74.09 seconds, SMALL TOUR | Table A, One round 2. Abdulaziz Ghanim al-Nuaimi Overall leaders The Top, consist- Medium Tour | Table A, Special two secs, QR4,000 Emadi, Jaber Rashid al-Amri) Total QR6,000 against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 | (Birddyz) 57.03 secs, QR2,000 ing of riders Mohamed Hazim phases, Art. 274.2.5 | 120/130cm | 3. Awad Alqahtani (Bellini time: 74.07 seconds. Prize money 3. The Top (Mohamed Hazim 110/115cm | Prize Money: QR10,000 3. Abdushukur Sobirjonov (Kapitel) Abara, Faleh Suwead al-Ajami and Prize Money: QR 20,000 Individ- D’argonne) 35.42 secs, QR3,000 QR10,000 Abara, Faleh Suwead al-Ajami, Hus- 1. Mohamed al-Ghazali (Alegro) 57.94 secs, QR1,500 Gulf Times Saturday, February 1, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Real Madrid a reminder of what might have been for Atletico Real have won the Super Cup, pulled three points clear at the top of La Liga and eased into the Copa del Rey quarters

AFP Simeone said, when asked about Felix Madrid earlier this month. With Felix now in- jured, and not expected to recover from a hamstring tear for around a month, eal Madrid were suppos- Atletico’s options are reduced, even if edly in a mess last summer the youngster’s four goals in 24 appear- and Atletico Madrid about ances means the team will hardly miss to challenge for the title but his scoring record. eachR have defi ed expectations ahead of Instead, Simeone, who largely re- their meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu tains the support of the fans, must fi nd today. With Real marching to the top both a replacement and a spark to jolt of La Liga and Atletico languishing in his side back into life. Ten points looks fi fth, the city derby this weekend is less too wide a gap to close in the league but a contest of rivals and more a moder- Atletico will need some momentum to ately awkward assignment for the now have any chance of upsetting Liverpool title favourites. A local derby can have a next month in the Champions League rhythm of its own, as shown by Espan- last 16. A shock victory over Real Ma- yol in 20th holding Barcelona in fi rst to drid, whom they have not beaten in La a 2-2 draw earlier this month. Liga in four years, might be just what But Atletico will need a similar re- is needed, for Barcelona too, who now versal of form, after four games with- trail Real by three points after their loss out a win, in which they have lost to last weekend away at Valencia. Eibar, drawn at home to Leganes — now Quique Setien received a welcome themselves last in La Liga — and been boost as Barca thrashed Leganes 5-0 knocked out of the Copa del Rey by on Thursday in the Copa del Rey and Cultural Leonesa of Segunda B. league games at home to Levante, And as Atleti have fl oundered, Real whom they face on Saturday, Getafe have fl ourished, extending an unbeaten and Eibar should now off er a chance run to 20 matches, during which they to rebuild. Sevilla, in third, are also at have conceded only nine goals and home to Alaves tomorrow, looking to scored 45. In term of competitions, Real recover themselves after losing to Se- have won the Spanish Super Cup, pulled gunda’s Mirandes in the cup on Thurs- three points clear at the top of La Liga day. Getafe, in fourth, play away at and eased into the cup quarter-fi nals, Athletic Bilbao. all without the injured Eden Hazard. And as Atletico have floundered, Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane (left) have flourished in the La Liga, extending an unbeaten run to 20 matches, during which they “We are top of the table again after be- have conceded only nine goals and scored 45. (AFP) FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) ing there a long time ago,” said captain Today: Granada v Espanyol(1200), Real Sergio Ramos. “We have to keep going.” formances failed to improve and when that made Real Madrid such a fi erce reputation for the most stubborn rear- Yet Felix, bought for 126mn euros, Madrid v Atletico Madrid (1500), Mal- When Zinedine Zidane returned as a disjointed transfer window fed into a opponent when they were last crowned guard in Europe but in recent months has only shown glimpses of his tal- lorca v Real Valladolid (1730), Valencia coach almost a year ago, many ques- 7-3 pre-season defeat to Atletico, the Spanish champions in 2017. “Defen- even that defi ning characteristic has ent, a series of muted displays sug- v Celta Vigo (2000) tioned not only the timing but the talk was less about winning trophies sively what we are doing we are doing left them. In some ways, that was part gesting the 20-year-old was not ready wisdom of retaking charge of an age- and more about Zidane losing his job. very well, it is our strength,” Zidane of the plan, a new era centred instead to carry the weight of change on his Tomorrow: Leganes v Real Sociedad ing squad, seemingly on an unerring Yet Zidane weathered the storm, his said last weekend. on Joao Felix, where solidity in defence shoulders. “Every player has a diff er- (1100), Eibar v Real Betis (1300), Ath- trajectory of decline. Sceptics were management by calm and charm recov- Their transformation began at the would give way a little to freedom of ex- ent personality, every player needs a letic Bilbao v Getafe (1500), Sevilla v initially proven right as results and per- ering the players and restoring the steel back, where Atletico once owned the pression in attack. diff erent amount of time,” coach Diego Alaves (1730), Barcelona v Levante.

LIGUE 1 PREMIER LEAGUE Untiring veteran Liverpool cruise as top-four scrap takes centre stage AFP City boss is relaxed about his players’ London motivation, even though the title is out of sight, calling them “incredible”. Hilton ready for Mourinho’s team are in a dogfi ght to iverpool can equal Manchester fi nish fourth and look short of fi repower City’s record of 20 consecutive without injured forward Harry Kane, but home Premier League wins on a they have started to rebuild following the Neymar clash weekend that pits six top-four departure of Christian Eriksen to Inter Lcontenders against each other in the Milan. scramble for Champions League spots. New-signing Steven Bergwijn has been Jurgen Klopp’s men, champions in all handed Eriksen’s number 23 shirt and will but name after 23 wins in 24 matches, will give Mourinho more attacking options as lock horns with in-form Southampton he bids to revive Spurs’ season. at Anfi eld today with the chance to ex- An unlikely victory at Anfi eld would lift tend their lead over City to 22 points. Pep Southampton to the fringes of the Cham- Guardiola’s City travel to face Tottenham pions League race and put extra gloss on while third-placed Leicester host Chelsea an astonishing turnaround under Ralph and Manchester United take on Wolves in Hasenhuttl. Southampton had a dispir- an intriguing set of fi xtures. iting start to their Premier League cam- United fi nally got the Bruno Fernandes paign, including a humiliating 9-0 defeat signing over the line this week and long- by Leicester. suff ering fans will be desperately hoping But now they are sitting comfortably in he can be the key to unlocking opposi- mid-table, eight points off the relegation tion defences. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s re- Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will lock horns with in-form Southampton at Anfield today. places, and looking up rather than down. sources have been stretched thin with in- “It would be normal that we lose (against juries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay four place. When Pep Guardiola and Jose Mour- Liverpool) but this season is anything but but they have struggled all season, partic- Despite their recent wobble, third- inho pitched up in Manchester in 2016, normal for us,” said Hasenhuttl. ularly in midfi eld. “Bruno’s goals and as- placed Leicester still have a sizeable the city briefl y became the centre of the sists stats speak for themselves,” said the 14-point lead over Manchester United, in football universe but the build-up to their FIXTURES Norwegian boss. “He will be a fantastic fi fth spot. “No matter how low it is, you latest clash has been decidedly low-key. Today (1500 GMT unless stated): addition to our team and he will help us have to get on with it,” said Rodgers, re- With so much focus on runaway leaders Leicester v Chelsea (1230), Bournemouth Liverpool, tomorrow’s meeting between AFP played almost every match so far. push on in the second part of the season.” ferring to Tuesday’s defeat by Villa. v Aston Villa, Crystal Palace v Shef- I feel great. I want to continue Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers would “It’s the life of a player. If you’re going the two managerial greats is taking place Paris field United, Liverpool v Southampton, for another year. We will see at have dearly loved to have taken his team to compete, you’re going to have disap- out of the limelight. Newcastle v Norwich, Watford v Everton, the end of the season,” he said on to Wembley for the League Cup fi nal but pointments, so you have to get over them Guardiola’s second-placed team are West Ham v Brighton, Manchester United ost footballers his Thursday. they came up short this week against quickly. It’s all building a great resilience on the brink of conceding their Premier age have long since A title winner with Marseille Aston Villa. Rodgers said today’s match in the squad. Chelsea at King Power Sta- League title and Mourinho is battling to v Wolves (1730) hung up their boots, in 2010 and with Montpellier against Chelsea would galvanise his dis- dium at the weekend, it’s a great game for secure a top-four place for Tottenham Tomorrow: Burnley v Arsenal (1400), perhaps moved into in 2012, Hilton is part of a side appointed players as they push for a top- us really, after a game like that.” after an inconsistent run of results. The Tottenham v Manchester City (1630) Mmanagement or punditry. But sitting fourth in Ligue 1 and Vitorino Hilton, who turns hoping to qualify for Europe. 43 later this year, is still going Montpellier have won their last ROUND-UP strong. Almost exactly 16 years three league games, but it does after he fi rst arrived in France, not come tougher than a visit to the Brazilian centre-back is set Paris. Thomas Tuchel’s side are to lead out Montpellier today unbeaten in their last 18 games Wenger launches FIFA talent development programme as they take on the Paris Saint- and sit 10 points clear at the top Germain of Neymar. of the table. IFA has announced the launch coaching.” The FIFA programme will stunned Sevilla with a 3-1 win on Thurs- want to see this kind of behaviour in the They may be compatriots, And there is Neymar, whose of what it has called a “ground- allow all 211 member associations “to day and their reward is a home tie against team, because we have certain values,” but the diff erence between the brace in last weekend’s win at breaking talent development benefi t from a FIFA assessment of the Villarreal. Defending champions Valencia said Flick. “I don’t expect this kind of world’s most expensive player Lille gave him 47 goals in 50 programme” with the aim of various areas of their high-performance will travel to Granada. The matches will emotion again.” and Hilton is so great they might Ligue 1 appearances. Freducing the gap between the world’s ecosystem in both men’s and women’s be played on February 4, 5 and 6 ahead of Champions Bayern are just a point be- as well come from separate plan- “He is unpredictable with, leading football nations and the rest. football, including all national teams, the two-legged semi-fi nals in February hind Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig ahead ets. Neymar missed PSG’s mid- and without, the ball. You don’t The programme was launched by former domestic leagues, scouting projects and and March. of today’s trip to Mainz, and although week game in the French Cup, know what he’s going to do,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is academies”. Flick wants no repeat of the altercation taking time off to as plan his 28th Hilton. “Playing against Paris is now working as the head of global de- FIFA says its programme will help BAYERN BOSS FLICK REPRIMANDS the 54-year-old said he would not punish birthday celebrations, reportedly unpredictable too, but we have a velopment at world football’s governing develop home-grown coaches, technical BOATENG, GORETZKA FOR SCUFFLE the duo. set for a 800-capacity Parisian good team and there are reasons body. “We are launching the FIFA Talent directors and provide specialised courses Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick nightclub on Sunday, with guests for us to be hopeful. If we do all Development Programme to ensure that for goalkeeping coaches, futsal and beach revealed yesterday he has admonished ARSENAL SIGN SOUTHAMPTON asked to dress all in white. we need to do together I think we every talent gets a chance,” said Wenger soccer. Jerome Boateng and Leon Goretzka DEFENDER CEDRIC SOARES ON LOAN Hilton, meanwhile, captained can get at least a draw.” in Doha, where he has been attending a after the pair came to blows in training. Arsenal announced the signing of Portu- a Montpellier side that was fi ve-day FIFA-run workshop. “The dif- REAL, BARCELONA DRAW TOUGH Tempers boiled over on Wednesday at gal defender Cedric Soares on loan from dumped out of the Cup in the last FIXTURES (GMT) ference in the level of play between Eu- BASQUE FOES IN SPANISH CUP Bayern’s early-morning training session Southampton until the end of the season. 16, losing on penalties to fourth- Today: Paris Saint-Germain v rope and the rest of the world has become Barcelona and Real Madrid avoided each when midfi elder Goretzka went hard into The 28-year-old will be out of contract tier minnows Belfort. Hilton has Montpellier (1630), Amiens v bigger,” added the Frenchman. other in the quarter-fi nals of the Copa a tackle and defender Boateng retaliated in June, having made more than 100 — the pair being swiftly forced apart by appearances for the Saints since joining played almost every minute in Toulouse, Angers v Reims, Dijon “In many countries, the focus of del Rey while giant-killing Mirandes the league for his club this sea- the association is mainly on the senior drew Villarreal. La Liga leaders Madrid teammates. them from Sporting Lisbon in 2015. v Brest, Nimes v Monaco, Stras- son and shows no signs of slow- national team, but this national team is will play at home to Real Sociedad while Both players later took to social media Right-back Soares, who had a loan bourg v Lille (all 1900) ing up. always the consequence of football de- Barca, who have won the cup four times to make light of the matter, posting spell at Inter Milan last season, is cur- He wants to sign a new con- Tomorrow: Nice v Lyon (1400), velopment across the country. We need in the last fi ve years, face a tricky trip to photos where they are grinning broadly rently recovering from a knee problem, tract when his existing deal ex- Metz v Saint-Etienne (1600), more youth competitions to identify Athletic Bilbao. as Goretzka lands mock punches on his so his debut for the Gunners could be pires in the summer. “I have Bordeaux v Marseille (2000) talent, off er them a pathway and develop Mirandes sit 10th in Segunda but teammate’s chin. “It’s clear that I don’t delayed until after the winter break. Saturday, February 1, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Sport media should keep up with digital revolution: experts Digital transformation has brought a clamour from fans to be closer to the action

By Amjad Vanimal a key role as well. Considering the huge Doha return of investment in e-sport, the scope of such endeavours has gone up time-to-time,” she added. he world is in the grip of a digit- Most sports fans now have a vari- al revolution and sports media ety of screens through which they can too will have to keep up with satisfy their passion for their favourite the trend, speakers said during sport or team. When they want to con- Ta panel discussion titled ‘The Digital sume sport content, it’s there; no long- Transformation of Sport Media’ held at er is their access to it is dictated by the the Northwestern University in Qatar TV schedule. on Thursday. According to Bagis Erten, produc- This transformation is taking place tion manager at Eurosport Turkey, both at the venue and via television or social media has changed the way the the internet, deepening connections people view sport as a whole in Turkey. between audiences and sports organi- “In the Turkish media context, the web sations. Despite fears that the needs of content nowadays compete with, as remote fans might outweigh those who well as complement, ordinary broad- physically attend events, the panellists cast programming. Although launched said a unifi ed strategy that takes into earlier, this trend got a particular boost account both demographics is essen- in recent times. It has since become in- tial. creasingly popular with many young- “Digitalisation has invaded all ar- sters watching sports online and dis- eas of society, with sport certainly no cuss their favourite sport and athletes exception. It has transformed fans’ through social media on a regular ba- relationships with their club or ath- sis,” Erten added. lete, shrinking the metaphorical gap between the spectator and what’s hap- PIRACY CONCERNS pening on the fi eld of play or training Many recent studies show that pitch,” said one of the panellists Patrick digital media have not only changed Hruby, an award-winning journalist journalism practices but have also who specialises in the intersection of signifi cantly brought risks and chal- sports and social issues. lenges to journalism. “While digitali- “For players too -– both professional sation facilitates news gathering and and amateur -– it has augmented per- dissemination, it does not necessarily formance, pushed boundaries and re- foster ethics-based journalism,” said moved barriers,” Hruby added. Mohamed El Said, beIN Sports legal The digital transformation has director for the Middle East and North brought a clamour from fans to be Africa region. “Plagiarism, lack of veri- closer to the action, whether that is fi cation, and other unethical journalis- (From left) Craig LayMay of NU-Q, Mohamed El Said of beIN Sports, Roisin O’Shea of StubHub and Bagis Erten of Eurosport at a panel discussion ‘The Digital via Snapchat stories from the players’ tic practices have increased alarmingly Transformation of Sport Media’ held at the Northwestern University in Qatar on Thursday. dressing room or virtual reality motor- in many countries.” sport experiences. The depth of breaching intellectual Roisin O’Shea, head of business de- property right has posed “the most velopment StubHub UK, says: “Tech- pervasive threats” that digitalisation ‘WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION’ nological developments have led to in- has brought to journalism. It is, accord- Digital transformation has been an ongoing process mation of Sport Media’ on Thursday. I think it’s a new whole world out there and I don’t creased demand for real-time insights, ing to El Said, not limited to a country to which media companies have gradually adjusted Simultaneously, given that sports journalism has see a lot of negatives. so that viewers are able to instantly an- or two. “It has become a global issue so and contributed to for a number of years. Susan been, at least in the recent context, somewhat of a “We now have the best of two worlds; you can live in alyse what’s happening, and are armed the media industry as whole has to fi ght Brownell, professor of Anthropology at University of frontrunner when it comes to inventing new online a virtual world of sports, at the same time if you want with the knowledge to predict what will against it globally,” El Said concluded. Missouri - St. Louis, believes that although technol- formats with a new type of audience address, it you can also attend events by physically being there happen next.” NU-Q’s hour-long panel discussion, ogy has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, would perhaps be reasonable to suggest that jour- at the venue, ” Brownell added. O’Shea states that the rise of mo- which was divided into three sessions, there’s still scepticism about the real impact that it nalistic hierarchies –- where sports is not often rated Brownell also pointed out that the growing digitalisa- bile phone use is the greatest driver of ended with a strong message that me- can leave in the area of sport media. especially high in relation to hard news and other tion may not spark the much-feared job losses, but this explosion in opportunities to en- dia houses have to be more aggressive “I think we are in the midst of the transformation “serious genres” –- could also be changing. could create more opportunities for qualified free- gage fans and customers. “It provides in adapting digitalisation to unlock the and it’s not finished yet and we don’t know where “As a sports fan, I have to say I think it (digital lancers who, with the advancement technology, are greater fl exibility in when, where and maximum potential the sector has to it’s going to take us,” Brownell told Gulf Times after transformation) has really improved my experience. now a days well-connected to every nook and corner how users can interact, digest and en- off er in terms of gaining more viewer- delivering her keynote speech at the Northwestern Most people will agree this as they can follow their of the industry and are well-equipped with quality gage with sport. With the support of ship and higher returns on investment. University’s panel discussion on ‘The Digital Transfor- favourite stars on a daily basis, even on hourly-basis. content and resources. digitalisation, e-sport has come to play

QNB STARS LEAGUE PREVIEW Ten-man Gharafa hold Qatar SC Duhail, Rayyan face off in battle of top two

By Sports Reporter By Sports Reporter play with great focus,” Regragui said. take on Al Sailiya at home. The reigning Doha Doha “We respect Al Rayyan, but my focus is champions Sadd are third in the table with 27 on my team and its performance against the points and are six points adrift of leaders Du- team which is in the second place. I expect hail and one point less than Rayyan. l Gharafa snatched a rmed with a fi ve-point lead at the the game to be exciting and strong. Despite The Wolves, who had lifted the season- point from Qatar SC top of the QNB Stars League, lead- the diffi culty of the game, we will ght fi with opening Sheikh Jassim Cup (Super Cup), by holding their op- ers Al Duhail will look to pull away the desire to win so that we can remain at the recently added the 2020 Qatar Cup to their ponents to a goalless further when they take on second- top of the table,” he added. trophy cabinet by defeating Al Duhail 4-0 in draw,A despite playing with ten- placedA Al Rayyan at the Al Sadd stadium Rayyan, meanwhile, are hoping to make the fi nal. Al Sadd started off the second leg man for almost entire duration today. Till last week, Rayyan were enjoying bounce back after a nightmare couple of of QNB Stars League on a disappointing note of the QNB Stars League match a tremendous run before a 2-4 defeat to Al weeks, coach Diego Aguirre said. “We have to losing 1-2 to Al Wakrah, but made a strong yesterday. Gharafa gave Duhail a further cushion at the fi ght if we want to compete for the title. Los- comeback by defeating Al Arabi 6-1 in the Gharafa had disastrous start top. Duhail have the most number of victories ing the last few games pushes us to work to be Qatar Derby. to the match after Mostafa Ka- (10) and are the only unbeaten side so far this better. We are going through a bad patch, but They then defeated Al Khor in another dira was sent off as early as the season. it is the same team that was competing for the match and went on to beat Al Rayyan in the third minute in a match with And with Rayyan also suff ering the igno- lead three weeks ago,” Aguirre said. Qatar Cup semifi nal by a 4-1 margin. Al Sadd consequences at both ends of miny of losing to Iran’s Esteghlal 0-5 in the “It happens to all teams. The solution, in beat Al Shahania 4-2 last week. the table. But Qatar SC failed to AFC Champions League play-off last Tues- my opinion, is to work to restore our level, our Sailiya, on the other hand, are going take advantage of the situation day, Duhail will hope they can pile misery on position, and our chances of competing for through tough times. They are sixth in the and were left frustrated by a re- their closest title rivals. Duhail and Rayyan the title. We feel sad after the big-margin loss standings with 17 points and also suff ered silient Gharafa players. had played out a 1-1 draw in the fi rst leg. to Esteghlal. That feeling will make the play- a loss in AFC Champions League play-off While Al Gharafa were able Duhail’s new coach Walid Regragui, who ers come back strongly and we have to believe against Iran’s Shahr Khodro on penalties. to create some openings, the replaced Rui Faria, felt it will be a tough en- in our capabilities and return to our normal Sailiya, who began their campaign in the clearest chances of the fi rst half counter for his side against Rayyan despite level,” he added. second leg the League by losing 1-2 to Al fell to the away side who struck latter’s dip in form. “The game will be diffi cult Khor, crashed to a 0-1 defeat against Al Ahli the post twice. Abdenasser El despite Al Rayyan’s recent setbacks. They will SADD AWAIT SAILIYA TEST last week. Al Sadd had beaten Al Sailiya 3-1 in Khayati, advancing down the certainly want to make a reaction. We must Meanwhile in today’s fi rst match, Al Sadd the fi rst leg. right-hand side, crossed the ball into the area with Kayke Rodrigues heading against the far post and Qasem Burhan clawed the ball to safety as it rolled across the goal-line. As the half drew to a close, Action from the QNB Stars League between Gharafa and Qatar SC. the lively El Khayati found him- self free on the edge of the area now have 24 points and Qatar rah, who also fi nd themselves and struck a thunderous eff ort SC 16. in the lower positions in the against the outside of the post, league, were not in a charitable to great relief for Al Gharafa. WAKRAH EASE PAST mood and put in a relentless The Kings were on a roll and SHAHANIA fi rst-half performance in which continued to press their op- Al Wakrah overcame a re- they were able subdue their op- ponents. They should have silient Al Shahania with a 4-1 ponents and even get on the taken the lead midway through victory at home. Wakrah’s scoresheet. Omar Ali muscled the second half when Sardor goals were scored by Mohamed his way into opposition terri- Rashidov played in Kayke who Benyettou in the 21st and 90+1 tory and set up Benyettou from rounded the keeper, but struck minutes, Iliass Hassani (63rd) distance and the latter fi red past the post again from a tight an- and Khalid Muneer (88th). Sha- goalkeeper Ebrahim Mordou gle. Al Gharafa grew in confi - hania had earlier equalised in inside the far post. dence and were unfortunate not the 51st minute through Ramin A reinvigorated Al Shahania to open the scoring when Kodjia Rezaein. came roaring out for the second and Alaaeldin combined to fi nd Shanania found themselves half and were nearly on level Sofi ane whose ferocious shot on the wrong end of an enter- terms within a minute when Ali was just wide of the target. In taining must-win game against Fereydoon cushioned a headed the end, the points were shared their rivals in which they let slip pass into the path of Saad Hus- as neither side were able to an opportunity to enhance their sain and his volley forced a good break the deadlock. Al Gharafa perilous league position. Wak- save from Hassan Idriss. Al Duhail players train ahead of their game against Al Rayyan.