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Sunday, December 18, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia I 19, 1438 AH No stopping Chelsea GULF TIMES as they claim 11th straight victory SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Reigning champs Important win for Kharaitiyat Rayyan hammer three past Arabi Strikes from Koh Myong-jin, Sebastian Soria and a Vivien Assie Koua own goal ensured it was a comfortable evening for Michael Laudrup’s side in the QSL

Al Kharaitiyat’s Domingos exults after scoring the winner against Muaither in the QSL yesterday.

By Sports Reporter two passes after kick-off , Sagbo Doha picked out al-Yahari who had evad- ed his marker and beaten the off side trap. mm Salal easily beat league Al-Yahari ran towards goal and players including Sebastian Soria (L) congratulate their Korean teammate Koh Myong-jin after he scored against Al Arabi in the Stars League strugglers Al Wakrah 3-1 drew a defender before cutting it yesterday. At bottom, Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup reacts during the match. at the Qatar SC Stadium as back across the six yard box to a well- UThe Blue Waves continue placed Dheyab al-Annabi who slotted their drop down the table, now sitting home to give The Orange Fortress a By Sports Reporter was bundled down in the box, and the bottom after Al Kharaitiyat registered 2-1 lead. Doha referee promptly pointed to the penalty an important win over fellow strug- Umm Salal all but sealed the three spot. After some time waiting Soria glers, Muaither SC. points when they made it 3-1 on the stepped up and thumped the ball past Umm Salal’s new manager, Mah- 63rd minute. Al-Yahari was again SL champions Al Rayyan se- goalkeeper Rajab Hamza. moud Jaber, was hoping his debut involved in the run of play, deliver- cured Doha Derby bragging Al Rayyan were on the ascendancy would improve the The Orange For- ing a lovely ball to Sagbo down the rights yesterday evening and could have easily had a third but tress’ recent form which has seen right wing who was then able to run Qwith a 3-0 win against bitter Rodrigo Tabata’s curling free-kick them lose their last two. Jaber’s debut at Al Wakrah’s defense before cutting rivals Al Arabi. fl ew just wide of the Al Arabi cross didn’t start well though after Umm it back to the edge of the 18 yard box Strikes from Koh Myong-jin, Se- bar. Again, Al Arabi started the sec- Salal found themselves trailing after where Umm Salal’s number 11, Hilal bastian Soria and a Vivien Assie Koua ond half strongly and perhaps should just fi ve minutes of play. Mohamed, was running in at pace. own goal ensured it was a comfort- have clawed back a goal in the opening Wakrah’s Uruguayan striker, Pablo Hilal smashed the ball on the out- able evening for Michael Laudrup’s minute of the second period. A defl ect- Olivera, received a lay off from his fel- side of his left boot to leave the goal- side who looked the stronger team ed shot came off Al Rayyan defender low South American teammate, Para- keeper with very little chance and bag throughout the tie. Nathan and thumped off the cross bar. guayan Pablo Zeballos, who managed his fi rst goal of the season as it went It was the home side Al Arabi who At the other end Spanish striker Ser- to head down a long cross into his low into the left hand corner of the notched the fi rst chance of the evening, gio Garcia struck a fi ne shot which was path and set him up to hit a volley goal. Umm Salal maintain their mid- and started quickly with the aim of un- well saved by Rajab Hamza. The result- from 24 yards out. table position while Al Wakrah’s sea- settling the reigning QSL champions. ing corner from Tabata curled into the Despite Olivera connecting well son goes from bad to worse. With just a minute on the clock, Al Al Arabi penalty box and was eventu- with the ball and putting it on target, In another match, Al Kharaitiyat Arabi midfi elder Omar al-Amadi fi n- ally stabbed in off the foot of Arabi de- Umm Salal’s goalkeeper Baba Malick registered a vital three points in their ished off a quick passing move to hit a fender Vivien Assie Koua. should have done better and he was quest to beat the drop defeating fellow low drive from outside the penalty area The match was going the way of quick to hold his hands up to apolo- strugglers Muaither 1-0. The game which was comfortably saved by Rayy- the reigning QSL champions and with gise to his teammates. ended with a fl ourish as Kharaitiyat an keeper Omar Barry. 65 minutes on the clock young Qatari With possession fi nely balanced defender Domingos headed the win- Rayyan enjoyed the majority of pos- winger Abdurahman al-Harazi saw his and centred in midfi eld, Umm Salal ner in stoppage time to hand Muaith- session in the opening exchanges but it shot fl ash over the bar. Six minutes lat- managed to fi nd a leveller on the 38th er their fi fth defeat in a row. was Al Arabi who looked livelier on the er, al-Harazi was amongst the chances minute after on-loan Brazilian mid- The fi rst half was a timid aff air break. Striker Imoh Ezekiel went on a again. A slick passing move between fi elder, Alf Santos, played a lovely with both sides reluctant to commit mazy run into the Al Rayyan half but Garcia and Tabata fell to the winger, through ball to Abdulaziz al-Yahari to attacks as they look to preserve the Nigerian international was eventu- but his chipped eff ort inched just wide. who along with Yannick Sagbo was their position in the league. Each side ally stopped by Rayyan defender Mo- Arabi began to dominate posses- able to beat Al Wakrah’s attempted managed just one shot on target and hamed Alaaeldin. sion as the tie went into the fi nal 20 off side trap. not much else to trouble either goal- Koh Myong-jin broke the deadlock minutes. However, The Dream Team Finding themselves two on one keeper. The fi rst 45 minutes ended for Al Rayyan in the 20th minute; a lacked a cutting edge when it mattered. with Al Wakrah’s goalkeeper, al- scoreless with both sides level peg- mele in the Al Arabi penalty area saw Time and time again Al Arabi were shut Yahari squared it to Sagbo once the ging. the ball fall to South Korean interna- down by the resolute Al Rayyan de- goalkeeper had committed, allowing The win gives Kharaitiyat the tional just outside of the penalty area. fence. the big number 13 to make it 1-1 in much-needed three points as they Koh promptly drilled the ball into the The result leaves Al Rayyan within front of an open goal from just three move from the very bottom of the bottom left hand corner for the opener, a point of fourth placed Al Gharafa, yards out. table to replacing Muaither in 12th . much to the delight of the away fans. whilst Al Arabi’s stop-start season Umm Salal took the lead seconds Muaither are suff ering from bad form Five minutes later, the Lions dou- continues with them now in seventh after the second half thanks to yet now second from bottom with nine bled their lead Rodrigo Tabata place in the QSL standings. another assist from al-Yahari. Just points from twelve games. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

EPL PREVIEWSPOTLIGHT Guardiola and Wenger weigh Chelsea record style vs substance 11th straight win, Ibra lift s United Chelsea have matched their record of 11 consecutive wins from April to September 2009, achieving the feat within the same season for the first time

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger

AFP and Leicester, Guardiola reverted London to a back four for Watford’s visit, leaving skittish centre-back John Stones on the bench. ong portrayed as a lone It gave City a more solid look idealist amid the cut- in defence, but as Guardiola de- throat pragmatism of the mands that his teams dominate , Arse- possession, he could elect to Lnal manager Arsene Wenger has deploy an extra midfi elder and found a new ally in his Manches- switch back to a back three. ter City counterpart Pep Guar- Fernandinho and Sergio Ague- diola. ro remain suspended for City, They face off at the Etihad Sta- while Ilkay Gundogan is likely to dium today at a time when Guar- miss the rest of the season after diola’s attachment to attacking suff ering anterior cruciate liga- football has itself come under at- ment damage against Watford. tack, following damaging losses Wenger once again faces ques- to Chelsea and Leicester City. tions about his team’s backbone Guardiola was derided after after their 14-game unbeaten run City’s 4-2 defeat at Leicester for ended in a 2-1 defeat at Everton saying he was “not a coach for on Tuesday. the tackles”, but Wenger, often Alexis Sanchez put Arsenal accused himself of prizing style ahead, only for Everton to hit over substance, rode to his de- back through Seamus Cole- fence. man and Ashley Williams as the “Pep Guardiola, like myself, visitors froze amid the Goodison we are for off ensive football and Park roar. when you don’t win, people It left Arsenal six points be- question that. And that’s as sim- low leaders Chelsea in third ple as that,” Wenger said. place, with City a point behind “Overall, I think what he in fourth. wanted to say is that he promotes Everton manager Ronald Koe- a game that is positive and I agree man mocked Wenger for claim- with him on that. You respect ing Williams’s 86th-minute him for that.” winner stemmed from an erro- Guardiola makes no secret neously awarded corner. of his admiration for Wenger But Wenger has defended and spoke out in support of the himself, arguing that his com- Diego Costa celebrates scoring for Chelsea as Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey cuts a sorry figure during their EPL game yesterday. Frenchman in 2014 after he was ments merely refl ected his will branded a “specialist in fail- to win. AFP Results and Standings cross allowed Costa to nod in his 13th goal eri’s men three points above the relegation ure” by long-time nemesis Jose “In my job, people who like London of the campaign. zone in 15th place. Mourinho. losing — believe me — they don’t Crystal Palace ...... 0 Chelsea ...... 1 Marcos Alonso struck the bar with a late Vardy was shown a straight red card in “This life,” Guardiola said at last a long time,” he said on Fri- Middlesbrough ...... 3 Swansea City ...... 0 free-kick, but Costa’s goal proved suffi - the 28th minute for a two-footed chal- the time, “is not just about win- day. iego Costa earned Chelsea a Stoke City ...... 2 Leicester City ...... 2 cient. lenge on Mame Biram Diouf, ruling the ning trophies.” “And concerning the referee: 1-0 victory at Crystal Pal- Sunderland ...... 1 Watford ...... 0 Chelsea are nine points clear of sec- England striker out of Leicester’s entire Ahead of today’s encounter, yes, I don’t agree with the per- ace yesterday as the Premier West Brom Albion0 Manchester Utd .2 ond-place Liverpool, who visit Everton festive programme. the former Barcelona and Bay- formance of the referee against DLeague leaders claimed a West Ham United 1 Hull City ...... 0 on Monday, and Arsenal, who travel to Bojan Krkic put Stoke ahead with a ern Munich coach hailed Wenger us on Tuesday night, but I didn’t club record-equalling 11th consecutive Standings P W D L F A Pts fourth-place Manchester City today. 39th-minute penalty after Danny Simp- anew. say a word about it (after the league victory. 1 Chelsea 17 14 1 2 35 11 43 “We can improve though,” Conte added. son was adjudged to have handled his “He has been here a long time. game).” Costa headed home Cesar Azpilicueta’s 2 Liverpool 16 10 4 2 40 20 34 “You can always improve in diff erent as- cross, with Joe Allen tapping in a second in When that happens at a club Arsenal have gone six games cross in the 43rd minute at a foggy Sel- 3 Arsenal 16 10 4 2 37 17 34 pects. I am pleased with this level we have fi rst-half stoppage time. such as Arsenal, it’s because without defeat against City, hurst Park to send Antonio Conte’s men 4 Manchester City 16 10 3 3 34 19 33 reached and with work we can improve. But Leonardo Ulloa halved the defi cit, a person is doing a good job,” since a galling 6-3 loss at the Eti- nine points clear. 5 Tott. Hotspur 16 8 6 2 27 11 30 “It is important to understand we are smuggling a header over the line from fel- Guardiola told his pre-match had in December 2013. “The run is fantastic,” said Chelsea 6 Manchester Utd 17 8 6 3 24 17 30 only at the 17th game in the season. We low substitute Demarai Gray’s cross, be- press conference. But Wenger has won just two manager Conte. “Congratulations to my 7 West Brom 17 6 5 6 23 21 23 must not look at the table.” fore Christian Fuchs teed up Daniel Am- “I understand it’s not easy to of his previous eight encounters players, not me. I am pleased for them be- 8 Everton 16 6 5 5 21 20 23 Jose Mourinho’s United drew level on artey to head in an 88th-minute leveller. win the Premier League, but I with Guardiola, whose Bayern cause they deserve this.” 9 Southampton 16 5 6 5 14 15 21 points with fi fth-place Tottenham Hot- Discussing whether Vardy deserved have a lot of respect for his ca- team prevailed 5-1 when their Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as 10 Bournemouth 16 6 3 7 22 25 21 spur, who host Burnley on Sunday, after to be sent off , Leicester manager Ranieri reer. paths last crossed in the Cham- Manchester United won 2-0 at West Bro- 11 Stoke City 17 5 6 6 19 24 21 winning at West Brom to record three suc- said: “One manager says yes, one says no. “I’ve said many times that I pions League last season. mwich Albion, while champions Leicester 12 Watford 17 6 3 8 21 29 21 cessive league wins for the fi rst time since If you listen to me, I say ‘no’. If you listen to admire the way he tries to play Wenger reported no new inju- City weathered the dismissal of Jamie Var- 13 West Ham Utd17 5 4 8 19 31 19 August. Mark Hughes, he says ‘yes’. and especially the quality of the ries after the defeat at Everton. dy to come from 2-0 down and draw 2-2 at 14 Middlesbrough 17 4 6 7 16 19 18 Ibrahimovic opened the scoring in the “I don’t know if he touched the player, players they like and they buy. I Shkodran Mustafi ’s absence Stoke City. 15 Leicester City 17 4 5 8 23 29 17 fi fth minute with a header from Jesse Lin- but he touched the ball. I was angry (with like a lot.” with a hamstring injury means Chelsea have matched their record of 11 16 Burnley 16 5 2 9 15 26 17 gard’s fi ne right-wing cross. the referee) because I saw my players fi ght City returned to winning ways Gabriel will continue to deputise consecutive wins from April to September 17 Crystal Palace 17 4 3 10 28 32 15 After Ben Foster had pushed a shot from and there were so many yellow cards, but it on Wednesday with a 2-0 home alongside Laurent Koscielny at 2009, achieving the feat within the same 18 Sunderland 17 4 2 11 15 28 14 Wayne Rooney onto the bar, Ibrahimovic was a normal battle in the Premier League. victory over Watford, secured centre-back. season for the fi rst time. 19 Swansea City 17 3 3 11 20 37 12 added a second in the 56th minute. Middlesbrough moved above Leicester by goals from Pablo Zabaleta and Per Mertesacker (knee), Santi The only blemishes were yellow cards 20 Hull City 17 3 3 11 14 36 12 The former Paris Saint-Germain striker to 14th place after beating Swansea City David Silva. Cazorla (Achilles), Aaron Ram- for Costa and N’Golo Kante that mean squeezed between two defenders before 3-0 courtesy of a fi rst-half Alvaro Negre- His use of a back three having sey (hamstring) and Danny Wel- both players will be suspended for next scoring via a defl ection off Craig Dawson, do brace and a Marten de Roon volley. backfi red against both Chelsea beck (knee) remain sidelined. weekend’s home game against Bourne- son Puncheon scuff ed wide from Martin leaving him with nine goals from his last 10 Swansea dropped to second-bottom, mouth. Kelly’s cross. appearances and 16 for the season. with Sunderland climbing off the foot of Narrowly beaten 2-1 by Manchester The visitors went in front shortly be- Leicester avoided a ninth defeat of the the table after Patrick van Aanholt’s 49th- SPOTLIGHT United in mid-week, Palace threatened fore half-time after Eden Hazard sprayed campaign thanks to an impressive fi ght- minute goal secured a 1-0 home win over to take the lead against Chelsea when Ja- a pass wide to Azpilicueta, whose fl oated back at Stoke, which left Claudio Rani- Watford. Alexis Sanchez BOTTOMLINE tells Arsenal Coach Pochettino wants Spurs to step on the gas to keep him happy AFP And with Premier League but that feeling is diffi cult to put “We are in a diff erent project, good half at Tottenham,” he London leaders Chelsea already 10 away because the disappoint- a diff erent philosophy, and we said. “Mauricio Pochettino has AFP League and, with negotiations points clear of their London ri- ment, the frustration with the need to take the positive things. done a brilliant job there along London dragging on, Arsenal manager auricio Pochettino vals, Tottenham boss Pochet- Champions League that killed a Sometimes we have too much with his players, and they’re a Arsene Wenger has expressed his admits Tottenham tino knows his team must put little bit the positives of what we focus on negative things.” force to be reckoned with this displeasure at continued ques- have no margin for together a winning run over are doing from the beginning of Tottenham midfi elder Mousa season without a shadow of a lexis Sanchez has told tioning over Sanchez’s future. error as they try to Christmas to remain in the title the season.” Dembele is doubtful with a foot doubt. Arsenal he is “very Sanchez, who has 14 goals makeM up ground in the title race hunt. If Spurs have maintained their injury and the Burnley game “We’ve got to be realistic happy” at the Premier this term, had kept quiet about with a win against Burnley today. “Maybe we feel disappointed level it is also true that Chelsea comes too soon for Erik Lamela about the challenge. There’s League club, but the the situation, but he has now has Pochettino’s side currently for the Champions League and have improved theirs, as have (hip) and Vincent Jansson (an- been good signs, we created ChileA forward insists it is up to put the ball fi rmly in Arsenal’s occupy fi fth place in the Premier the expectations were, from the Liverpool to join Arsenal and kle). chances. It’s tough home or them to come up with the right court. League table after last season’s beginning, too high,” Pochettino Manchester City in the top four. Burnley will be looking to away in this league, certainly for contract to keep him. “It really doesn’t depend on tilt at the title saw them pipped said. “Liverpool or Chelsea are not improve on Wednesday’s trip to clubs like ourselves. Sanchez has 18 months re- me,” Sanchez told by Leicester and then fall behind “But it’s true that after 16 involved in European competi- London, which ended in a 1-0 “We had three golden chances maining on his current deal and when asked about a new con- Arsenal on the fi nal day. games in Premier League we tion and their investment in the defeat at West Ham. at West Ham and an unfortunate both he and Arsenal team-mate tract on Friday. That top four fi nish quali- have four points more (than this summer was massive,” Pochet- The Clarets were timid in the decision goes against us. Mesut Ozil are reportedly seek- “If they want to show confi - fi ed them for the Champions stage last season) and the gap tino added. fi rst 45 minutes but dominated “But we’ve got to take care of ing parity with the Premier dence in me. I’m very happy at League but failure to get beyond with the second in the table is “It’s normal that they improve the second period without re- business ourselves. A few away League’s top earners before ex- the club. I love all the staff . I’m the group stage of Europe’s elite four points and 10 with the top on the summer their squad but I ward and manager Sean Dyche games this season the opposi- tending their deals. very grateful for everybody here. club competition this term has with Chelsea. think we need to compare with is keen for a repeat of the latter tion have been better than us, The 27-year-old has been “I’m focused more on win- left a cloud of disappointment “We can see that we have us and try to improve every sea- rather than the former. and we have to take responsibil- linked with a £500,000-per- ning football matches. I’m stay- over White Hart Lane. improved a bit from last season son. “You can’t aff ord just one ity.” week move to the Chinese Super ing concentrated on that.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 18, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Niguez stunner hands Atletico much-needed win

AFP passed up a huge chance when try- Sporting Gijon. Madrid ing to square for Griezmann moments A dominant start from the visitors later and then fi red wide from point- was rewarded with a two-goal lead inside blank range at the near post. 20 minutes through goals from Jonathan stunning 25-yard strike from Las Palmas dominated possession dos Santos and Nicola Sansone. Saul Niguez snapped Atletico throughout with their neat short- Former AC Milan and Chelsea strik- Madrid’s three-game winless passing but the closest they came to er Alexandre Pato then rounded off a streak with a nervy 1-0 win breaking the deadlock before half-time fi ne individual display with just his overA Las Palmas yesterday to move up was an outrageous hit from fully 40 second goal of the season 16 to fi fth in La Liga. yards by centre-back Mauricio Lemos minutes from time before Carlos Car- Atletico started the day 12 points that came back off the crossbar. mona registered a late consolation for adrift of leaders Real Madrid after a run The game swung in two moments at Sporting. of four defeats in seven league games. either end just two minutes apart at the Defeat for Sporting also ensures However, Niguez’s brilliant hit just start of the second-half. that Valencia will end the year outside before the hour mark brought some Firstly, Atletico ‘keeper Miguel An- the relegation zone on goal diff erence. blessed relief to the Vicente Calderon gel Moya made a vital save from Roque Sevilla can leapfrog Barcelona into as Atletico ensured they will end the Mesa on his fi rst La Liga start of the second place with victory at home to year just a point off the top four. season in the absence of the injured Jan Malaga. Real Madrid are not in league Niguez also had the best eff ort of a Oblak. Niguez then pounced on a loose action this weekend as they face Kashi- bright start from the hosts as he vol- ball at the edge of the Las Palmas area ma Antlers in the Club World Cup fi nal leyed off the inside of the post on 15 to curl home his fi rst league goal of the in Yokohama, Japan, today. minutes. season. Villarreal are fourth on 29 points and Atletico’s struggles have coincided Moya was called into action again are guaranteed to fi nish the year in the with Antoine Griezmann’s loss of form three minutes from time to parry Champions League places. Real Socie- as the Frenchman, who fi nished third Marko Livaja, but Atletico held out for dad can join them on 29 points when in the running for the Ballon d’Or this a crucial three points. they visit struggling Granada but will week, was held scoreless for a ninth Fresh from a 2-0 win over Atletico remain fi fth on goal diff erence. consecutive league game. on Monday, Villarreal remain a point Champions Barcelona host Espan- Griezmann’s strike partner Kevin ahead of last season’s Champions yol today hoping to eat into Real Ma- Gameiro didn’t fare much better as he League fi nalists thanks to a 3-1 win at drid’s six-point lead at the top.

GOAL: Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez celebrates after his stunning 25-yard strike against Las Palmas yesterday. (Reuters)

BUNDESLIGA LIGUE 1 Gutsy Guingamp shock sluggish PSG Leipzig knock down AFP four all at sea at the Stade Rou- Paris dourou. Marcus Coco found Jimmy Briand and he fed De Pauw for a rench title favourites neat clipped fi nish. Paris Saint Germain Belgian De Pauw was starting slumped to a 2-1 loss at for the fi rst time having scored Guingamp yesterday to three times from the bench for Bayern from the top stayF four points adrift of lead- Antoine Kombouare’s men ear- ers Monaco and make it just one lier in the campaign. point in their past three games. Two goals behind, PSG tried PSG, champions for the past belatedly to rally but Cavani had four years to take their overall a goal ruled off for off side with haul to six — the Qatari-owned 12 minutes remaining. outfi t was only founded in 1970 Two minutes later he did re- — huff ed and puff ed in a dire duce the defi cit with a close-range with Hertha triumph opening period before being fi nish for his 17th league goal of caught by a two-goal salvo after the season — but that was as good half-time. as it good for the Parisians. Goals either side of the break by striker Timo Werner and burly centre-back and Angel di Maria and Uru- The win will have given spe- guayan striker Edinson Cavani cial satisfaction to Guingamp captain Willi Orban seal Leipzig’s win and put them back on track after last did their best to rouse a sluggish handler Kombouare, who PSG PSG in the opening 45 minutes sacked fi ve years ago to make way Saturday’s shock 1-0 defeat at Ingolstadt which ended their 13-match unbeaten run but could not fi nd a break- for Carlo Ancelotti even though through on the way to what was they were top of the table at the the club’s fourth league loss of time. The big-spenders ulti- the season. mately came in second behind Like PSG, Guingamp reached Montpellier that season but have the League Cup quarter-fi nals dominated the league ever since. in midweek and that success “The only thing to do is to stop over Lyon underlined the west- talking and work in silence,” said ern club’s league form which PSG midfi elder Marco Verratti. had taken them into the top six “If we’re only third it means that before start of play. we are not playing well.” After the break, it was Guin- PSG enjoyed possession but gamp who seized the initiative were toothless up front in a dull and they promptly took the lead fi rst half. Their best move came on 66 minutes as Yannis Salibur in the 25th minute when Cav- fi red home inside the box. ani’s volley from Angel Di Mar- By then Di Maria had exited ia’s long cross went just wide. the action as the Argentine be- Holding midfi elder Thiago came ever less eff ective, Lucas Motta was far from his best but Moura coming on for the former Guingamp failed to capitalise on Manchester United man. the Italian’s poor performance. Four minutes later it was 2-0 Nice top the table with 40 as midfi elder Nill de Pauw fi n- points from 17 games and will ished off a fl owing move from expect another win bonus at close range with the PSG back home to modest Dijon.

TWO GOOD Siroch brace helps Thais lift Suzuki Cup

AFP dium. Thailand charged confi - Bangkok dently back onto the fi eld after halftime and swiftly widened their lead when Siroch scored hai forward Siroch his second goal eight minutes Chatthong scored twice in. The squad continued their against Indonesia to help onslaught of attacks for the re- Thailand lift the Suzuki mainder of the match but failed TCup in Bangkok yesterday, over- to make another breakthrough. turning a shock fi rst-leg defi cit. In the 81st minute, In- Leipzig captain Willi Orban celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal for his side in their Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin in Leipzig yesterday. (AFP) Goals on either side of halft- donesian goalkeeper Kurnia ime gave Thailand the 2-0 vic- Meiga found some redemption AFP captain Willi Orban sealed Leipzig’s win. Werner was shown a yellow against draw with Cologne to cancel out Artjoms tory that allowed it to retain the in blocking a penalty kick by Leipzig It put RB back on track after last Satur- Hertha for play-acting when he went to Rudnevs’ goal. Ukrainian winger Yevhen hotly-contested Southeast Asian Thailand’s star striker Teerasil day’s shock 1-0 defeat at Ingolstadt which the turf after being blocked by Berlin’s Konoplyanka netted for Schalke in their title for a record fi fth time. Dangda, who earned the cup’s ended their 13-match unbeaten run — a centre-back Jens Hegeler on 59 minutes. 1-1 draw with Freiburg. The pressure was on the top-scorer award with six goals B Leipzig knocked Bayern Mu- record for a team at the start of their fi rst Leipzig sealed the win on 62 minutes On Friday, 10-man Borussia Dort- War Elephants after a crushing in the tournament. nich, who they meet in fi ve days’ Bundesliga season. when Orban got on the end of Emil Fors- mund earned a 2-2 draw at Hoff enheim loss to Indonesia in the fi nal’s The Garuda emerged as the time, off the top of the Bundes- Leipzig used their 64% possession to berg’s corner kick and powered his header as the league’s top scorer, Pierre-Emerick fi rst-leg, when the Garuda took dark horse of this year’s tourna- liga yesterday with a 2-0 win at create 16 shots to Hertha’s three and made home, giving Hertha goalkeeper Rune Aubameyang, netted their second-half advantage of their home turf ment after making it to the fi nal homeR to Hertha Berlin. nearly twice as many passes. Pal Dardai’s Jarstein little chance. equaliser for his 16th goal of the season. to become the fi rst team in the despite missing out on more than With Bayern at bottom side Darm- Berlin drop to fourth after the defeat. Orban looked to have claimed his sec- Hoff enheim remain the only unbeaten tournament to breach Thai- a year of competitive matches stadt today, Leipzig took their chance to Leipzig went ahead when Guinea mid- ond on 78 minutes, but the linesman team in Germany’s top fl ight this season land’s defence with a 2-1 win. due to a one-year ban from in- reclaim top spot with a convincing win at fi elder Naby Keita played Werner into the fl agged with three Leipzig players off side. while Dortmund had Germany winger But Thailand headed into ternational events imposed by the sold-out Red Bull Arena. Leipzig, who box and he darted between two defend- Elsewhere, Mainz midfi elder Danny Marco Reus sent off for a second booking halftime in high spirits on Sat- world soccer body FIFA. had led for three weeks before last Satur- ers to slot home on 41 minutes. It was the Latza hit a hat-trick in his team’s 3-1 home in the fi rst half. urday after Siroch got lucky and The AFF Suzuki Cup was In- day, are now three points clear. ninth goal in 15 games for RB’s top-scorer. win over strugglers Hamburg. Augsburg’s kneed a pass from Theerathon donesia’s fi rst international tour- However, Carlo Ancelotti’s Munich can Werner has been working with the caretaker-coach Manuel Baum got off Results Bunmathan into the net just nament since the ban was lifted regain top spot due to their superior goal club’s psychologist having been booed by to winning start as Martin Hinteregger Schalke 1 ...... Freiburg 1 seven minutes before the break. in May. But the team will now go diff erence by beating Darmstadt, ahead Ingolstadt fans every time he got the ball. scored from a corner in their 1-0 home Mainz 3 ...... SV Hamburg 1 The strike shaved off Indone- home empty-handed from the of Wednesday’s mouth-watering clash That had been the 20-year-old’s fi rst ap- home over Borussia Moenchengladbach. Augsburg 1...... Moenchengladbach 0 sia’s fi rst-leg win advantage and fi nal for the fi fth time, as Thai- against Leipzig at the Allianz Arena. pearance since winning a penalty in the Ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry res- Werder Bremen 1 ...... Cologne 1 set off a thunderous roar from land’s smooth-passing, attack- Goals either side of the break by striker 2-1 win over Schalke a fortnight ago with cued a point for Werder Bremen with his Leipzig 2 ...... Hertha Berlin 0 the raucous, fan-packed stands minded players once again take Timo Werner and burly centre-back and what the club later admitted was a dive. sixth league goal this season in their 1-1 Hoff enheim 2 ...... Borussia Dortmund 2 in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Sta- the Southeast Asian title. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 18, 2016 FOOTBALL

CLUB WORLD CUP Real go stir crazy as they chase Japan glory AFP Japanese opponents, the best Zidane defender sat out the America game Yokohama, Japan could muster was: “They run a lot.” with fatigue. “Sergio is our captain,” But Zidane insisted the Spanish gi- shrugged Zidane. “I expect him to be ants — chasing a second world title able to play 90 minutes tomorrow.” eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- in three years — would not make the Ramos scored crucial late goals in dane admitted yesterday his same mistake as Colombia’s Atletico Real’s previous two games in La Liga players were suff ering from cab- Nacional, who were ambushed 3-0 by but wants to put the fi nal to bed early. in fever after spending almost a Kashima in midweek. “The important thing is to win,” he Rweek cooped up in a Japanese hotel. “Kashima are in the fi nal because said after completing a full training As the European champions pre- they deserve to be,” said Zidane, who session. “Of course I’d love to score pare to plunder more silverware at the has overseen a club record unbeaten but I don’t want to wait until the last Club World Cup, Zidane has noticed run of 36 matches. “We don’t strut minute again. Tomorrow is a fi nal so his players becoming restless before around before games thinking we’ve we have to believe in ourselves and get today’s fi nal against Japan’s Kashima won before they have started just be- the job done.” Antlers in Yokohama. cause we are Real Madrid — we go into Kashima manager Masatada Ishii “To be honest it is very boring hav- battle every game and we show our tried to play down the expectations ing to spend a week in a hotel,” the quality game after game, as we will in of excitable local media. “We have a Frenchman told reporters. “The play- the fi nal.” chance to show that Japanese football ers want to relax and do fun stuff but Real have become European kings has closed the gap a little bit,” he said. we understand that it’s part of the job. for the 11th time and added a Super “I envy the players being able to play in We have to be professional and treat Cup title since Zidane took over from such a big game, although when I was it as a training camp,” added Zidane, Rafa Benitez in January. a player I wasn’t that good — I would whose side beat Mexico’s Club Amer- “I believe in the power of positive have been cheering from the bench.” ica 2-0 on Thursday. “We didn’t start thinking,” said Zidane. “I haven’t been Ishii suggested his side were capable too well in our fi rst game, which was coach for long but I’m blessed with of producing one of the biggest upsets partly down to the long journey and great players and I’m happy how it’s in club football. “I think we can win,” a lack of training but we came here to gone so far.” he said. “I don’t know what the prob- win the trophy and we will be ready.” Zidane welcomes back captain ability is but I have complete faith in Asked for his thoughts on Real’s Sergio Ramos for the fi nal after the my players.”

Real Madrid forward (centre) and other players take part in a training session at the Yokohama Interna- tional Stadium in Yokohama yesterday, ahead of today's Club World Cup final clash against Kashima Antlers of Japan. (AFP)

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE Kolkata look to make it two out of three, as Celtic down Dundee, Kerala eye revenge

IANS for them of late. They turned it around in the business end of the league stages after fl oun- dering initially. tletico de Kolkata In their defence, the likes of move 11 points clear (ATK) head coach Jose marquee player Aaron Hughes Molina will look to Cedric Hengbart — who has Aemulate former coach been one of the best defend- The 2-1 win was the runaway Scottish leaders’ 11th consecutive victory Antonio Habas in winning the ers this season — will form the Indian Super League (ISL) ti- heart with Sandesh Jhingan a tle in his fi rst attempt, while certainty at full-back. AFP Steve Coppell will try and sati- Seasoned campaigner Me- Glasgow Leigh Griff iths scored the ate Kerala Blasters’ ambitions of htab Hossain has been very opening goal for Celtic in exacting revenge and clinching good in midfi eld and win- first half stoppage-time. the fi rst crown in the summit ning the second balls while C eltic restored their 11-point ad- clash in Kochi today. K Vineeth, since coming from vantage at the top of the Scottish While Kerala will have mas- Bengaluru FC, has been a rev- Premiership with their 11th con- sive home support at the Jawa- elation by scoring fi ve times in secutive victory as Dundee were harlal Nehru Stadium in their eight matches. beatenC 2-1 at Parkhead yesterday. favour, Kolkata have history For ATK, the fl anks have been Leigh Griffi ths grabbed the opener strongly backing them. their strength with in-form from a free-kick in fi rst half stoppage- Since November 21 two years Javi Lara and the imperious time before doubled the lead back, the hosts have never Sameehg Doutie likely to man early in the second half. Marcus Haber’s beaten ATK with the fi nal in them. The duo have been the defl ected strike gave Dundee hope but the the same year, which happened most consistent players for ATK Hoops survived some late pressure to ex- to be the ISL’s fi rst edition, besides Iain Hume who after a tend their unbeaten start to the season to crowning the Kolkata outfi t in sedate start got back his scoring 20 matches. glory and shoving the southern boots and in style. Aberdeen failed to reduce the seven- side to the backwaters. Marquee player Helder Posti- point gap that separates them from sec- In this edition too, the former ga is likely to play in the hole ond placed Rangers, who won 2-1 away champions had the last laugh in behind Hume and his industry to Hamilton on Friday, as they lost 2-1 to Kochi in the league stages. But in that area is what Molina will Ross County, while Hearts were held to a past form, as Molina had point- be keenly banking upon. 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle. ed out before leaving Kolkata on Borja Fernandez in midfi eld With one eye on a busy festive fi xture Friday, could count for noth- has been a mainstay and with list, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers ing. Kerala go into the tie with Stephen Pearson, who will be made fi ve changes to his starting line- a record six-match winning run given the role to move up front, up. Griffi ths, who retained his place after at home to bank upon. ATK look settled there. Defence a long run out of the team, came close to “It’s two years ago and we has been their Achilles heel and repaying his manager’s faith early on as he have only a couple of players Molina knows he needs his back played a quick one-two with Bitton before who were part of that match. four to be at the top of their fi ring a fi rst-time eff ort against a post. In fact we have one player who game in the fi nal. Stuart Armstrong, captaining Celtic scored the winning goal (in that India centre-back Arnab in the absence of the suspended Scott match),” Coppell had said. Mondal’s injury means one op- Brown, stung the palms of with “I believe in the present. Past tion less and Tiri and Henrique a fi erce strike from 20 yards as the Hoops is past,” was Molina’s statement. Sereno are the likely options to probed for an opener. Mohamed Rafi que will have be paired along wih Pritam Ko- Celtic’s pressure should have paid off special memories of the 2014 fi - tal, who picked up an eye injury in the 18th minute when nal where he came off the bench in the fracas that broke out after played in Tom Rogic, but the Socceroos to head home the winner in the the semi-fi nal second leg, and star somehow scooped his eff ort over the fourth minute of added time to Prabir Das playing wide. bar from six yards out. seal a historic victory for ATK. Robert Lalthlamuana and The Australian midfi elder tried to make stepped up to lift the ball up and over the the 67th minute when a corner was head- en chance to equalise late on, somehow Since then much has Juan Belencoso picked up red amends on the half hour as he turned his wall into the top corner for his third goal ed on to the post by Haber before Craig chipping over with the goal at his mercy. changed. Rafi que is now with cards in the last game and will marker on the edge of the box to get the in three games. Wighton’s weak eff ort on the rebound was Kerala, incidentally scoring the sit out in the fi nal. ball on to his left foot but his curling eff ort A period of constant Celtic pressure cleared off the line by Armstrong. winning penalty in the semi- The fi nal is also being billed was held by Bain. saw the home side move further in front The Hoops failed to heed the warning Results fi nal against Delhi Dynamos on as a clash between former star Dundee almost made it to the break on in the 57th minute. signs and two minutes later Dundee re- Celtic 2 ...... Dundee 1 Wednesday. cricketers Sachin Tendulkar (co- level terms before they were undone by a Emilio Izaguirre’s cross was only head- duced the defi cit. Hearts 1 ...... Partick Thistle 1 ATK, on their part, will be owner, Kerala) and Sourav Gan- moment of magic from Griffi ths in stop- ed clear to the edge of the penalty area, Haber slipped his marker and fi red in a Kilmarnock 1 ...... Inverness CT 1 hoping to become the fi rst team guly (co-owner, Kolkata), who page-time. where Israeli international Bitton was shot that took a defl ection off Jozo Simu- Ross County 2 ...... Aberdeen 1 to win the competition twice in formed one of the best batting Celtic were awarded a free-kick fol- waiting to side-foot the ball beyond Bain. novic on its way past Craig Gordon. St Johnstone 1 ...... Motherwell 1 three years. partnerships in world . lowing a foul on Rogic and Griffi ths Dundee should have pulled one back in Faisal El Bakhtaoui then missed a gold- Hamilton 1 ...... Rangers 2 Coming to both the team While cricket united the two compositions and key play- sporting legends, the ISL fi nal ers, Kerala won’t like to change today will see them ‘divided’ as too much and stick to the XI they try to inspire their respec- FIFA boss wants video refs at 2018 World Cup that has been winning games tive teams to glory. AFP World Cup the test results will be positive while consulting colleagues, confusing Modric will be a happy fellow.” Yokohama, Japan enough to be able to implement it.” the match referee. Players have complained that it holds Infantino praised the decision to award “The Ronaldo goal was a communi- up play, with Nacional midfielder Mateus Japan’s Kashima Antlers a penalty against cation issue,” said Infantino, who later Uribe calling it “annoying”. But Infantino IFA president Gianni Infantino hopes the South American champions. confirmed that 12 national associations hit back, arguing that players spend more to see video referees used at the “The referee didn’t see the play and his have signed up to trial the system. time feigning injury than it takes video F2018 World Cup in Russia — if its non-decision could be corrected thanks to Real midfielder Luka Modric criticised assistants to review footage. teething problems have been fixed in time. the video technology,” he said on the eve of the system after the game. “I’m sure Modric “We don’t want the flow of the game Colombia’s Atletico Nacional slammed the final between Real and Kashima. “The will be happy next time, if he wins a match interrupted but what is 30 seconds or one the new video assistant referee (VAR) time it took (to award the spot kick) lasted because of it,” said Infantino. “Even if it minute in a World Cup if you can win or technology being trialled at the Club too long, that’s something we can work on. takes a few seconds to make the decision, lose a final because of a mistake by the World Cup in Japan after the first- But the right decision was taken and the the bottom line is the decisions were right.” referee?” he asked. ever penalty awarded under the system penalty awarded, which was correct.” FIFA’s technical development chief “How much time do players waste in a helped knock them out midweek. Chaos followed Ronaldo’s late goal in a Marco van Basten echoed his boss’ senti- match when they fall down? For over 50 Real Madrid were also lukewarm after 2-0 victory over Club America a day later, ments. “It can only be better with VAR years there has been discussion and FIFA confusion around a Cristiano Ronaldo when it appeared video technology could because there are more eyes,” said the has been criticised for refusing to use goal in another game, but Infantino prom- have ruled out the eff ort. former Dutch goal machine. “Modric was video assistance,” Infantino added. “Now ised FIFA would iron out the glitches. Ronaldo’s celebrations were briefly cut a little bit confused like everybody was we have made history here in Japan. “It’s still premature to say when we will short before the goal was confirmed. after Ronaldo’s goal,” he added. “That We are in a test phase and it needs to be go live with this system,” he told report- Infantino blamed the confusion on the happened unfortunately, but it probably fine-tuned but VAR can deliver minimum ers yesterday. “But I hope at the next video assistant pressing the intercom won’t happen next time so I’m sure Mr interference for maximum benefit.” Atletico de Kolkata won the ICL's inaugural edition in 2014 and would be looking to repeat the feat in the final against Kerala Blasters today. Gulf Times Sunday, December 18, 2016 5 SPORT

BADMINTON PREVIEW Favourite India hope to clinch Sindhu goes down to second Hockey Junior World Cup

IANS convert the crucial penalty cor- Lucknow ners. The two have been blamed Hyun in superseries for their poor conversion rate and they need to mix power ome favourites India with accuracy and tactics to be will hope to clinch successful against the Belgians. their second Hockey The duo has also performed Junior World Cup well as defenders, along with titleH when they face maiden vice-captain Dipsan Tirkey. fi nalists Belgium in the fi nal In the midfi eld, captain semi-fi nal in at the Major Dhyan Chand Harjeet Singh will dictate the Stadium today. tempo of play and he will need India’s only title in the help from Nilakanta Sharma, China’s Tian Houwei to meet Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in men’s singles final Under-21 showpiece came Santa Singh, Manpreet and in 2001 and after a gap of 15 Sumit. Against an opponent years, the Harendra Singh- like Belgium, who are known IANS coached side will look to em- for their aggressive build-up Dubai ulate what Rajinder Singh’s play and high pressing, Har- boys did in Hobart, Australia. jeet and Co need to step up. It will be India’s third ap- Indian attackers, led by ndian star shuttler P V Sindhu went pearance in the fi nal in the Mandeep Singh (three goals), down to Sung Ji Hyun of South Korea tournament. They had fi n- will not only have the duty of in the semi-fi nals of the BWF Super- ished runners-up in 1997. fi nding goals but also pen- series Finals at the Hamdan Sports Apart from the home fac- alty corners. Armaan Qureshi, IComplex here yesterday. tor, the impressive perform- Gurjant Singh and Parvinder Olympic 2016 silver medallist Sindhu ance of the Harjeet Singh-led Singh have their task cut out lost 15-21, 21-18, 15-21 as she was topped side has triggered a wave of against the tough-tackling by 2014 Asian champion Sung, who expectations. And it is this Belgian defenders. looked clearly the better shuttler on the factor that the Indians need to Belgium, who had not day. be wary of when they take the reached even the semi-fi nals Following the win, the South Ko- fi eld on Sunday. before this edition, have im- rean improved her head-to-head record They need to continue to proved a lot over the past against Sindhu to 4-6. do what coach Harendra calls few years. Their senior team World No.5 Sung will meet world No.1 “simple hockey”, due to which claimed the silver medal at the Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in the fi nal. the hosts topped their pool Rio Olympics in August and Tai moved past Sun Yu of China 21-19, 21- comprising England, South the U-21 members will be ea- 19 in the other semi-fi nal in 50 minutes. Africa and Canada before ger to prove that they have the The fi nal presents an opportunity for overcoming Spain and Aus- talent to extend their success Sung to avenge the 2014 Superseries Fi- tralia in the quarter-fi nal and as a hockey nation this year. nals’ summit clash loss to Tai, who then semi-fi nal respectively. Their academy-based way had prevailed in straight games at this They have also shown a lot of churning out talent helps same venue. of character in these matches them play as a group. This Sindhu, who was playing in her maiden and to grind out wins against time, they will be out to show Superseries Finals, the season-ending Spain and Australia despite the world that Belgium have meet, looked off -colour on the day. conceding a goal in each truly arrived, overcoming Even though she refused to give up and match early, speaks volumes their mid-ranked team status. fought hard for each point, she committed of the team’s unity and work Meanwhile in the play-off a lot of unforced errors. ethic that helped them to for the bronze medal, record Her strokes had the power but not ac- bounce back. champions Germany will face curacy and due to this she largely suf- For India, drag-fl ick ex- Australia. Germany, the two- fered at critical junctures. Early in the ponents Harmanpreet Singh time defending champions, fi rst game, Sindhu was trailing 2-4 but she South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun defeated India’s P V Sindhu (Below) during their women’s singles semi-final match of the Dubai World Super (three goals) and Varun Kumar lost to Belgium via penalty equalised only to let a couple of shots go series Finals tournament at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) (two goals) will be tasked to shoot-out 3-4. wide, resulting in a three-point lead for Sung at 7-4. Meanwhile, the men’s singles fi nal will Afterwards, Sung kept the 22-year-old be fought between China’s Tian Houwei Indian off balance, never allowing her to and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. Schumacher’s health remains equalise. But the Indian remained in con- In the semifi nals Houwei got the bet- private matter: manager tention till it was 14-15 in favour of the ter of Denmark’s Jan ‘O’ Jorgensen 21-17, South Korean. 19-21, 21-13 in an hour and two minutes, The condition of stricken people, but we are in perfect Sung then produced a barrage of delec- while Axelsen topped Wan Ho Michael Schumacher will agreement with Michael’s table cross-court half smashes to rattle Son of South Korea 21-17, 21-19 in 55 remain private, his manager attitude and we can only four consecutive points to walk away with minutes. said yesterday, nearly three give our thanks for showing the fi rst game 21-15. China’s Chen Qing and Jia Yifan and years after the Formula One understanding.” In the second game, Sindhu fought back Olympic gold medal winners Misaki legend suff ered serious head The Schumacher family are and held a 9-6 lead at a point of time. But Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi from injuries while skiing. setting up the “Keep Fight- Sung managed to claw her way back into Japan won the women’s doubles semi- December 29 will mark the ing” initiative to thank fans the game. And afterwards, it was a close fi nals, reports Xinhua. third anniversary of the for their continued support contest until the 18-point mark when In the tournament’s fi rst semi-fi nal accident in Meribel, France of the seven-time Formula Sindhu managed to hold her own to clinch taking place Saturday, Danish duo Chris- but Schumacher’s family and One world champion. “We the second game 21-18. tinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl, close associates have kept want to encourage others to In the deciding game, Sung, a fast who were last year’s runners up, lost 12- his condition largely secret. never give up, the initiative is mover within the court compared to 21, 11-21 against an almost perfectly The 47-year-old German is another sign of respect and Sindhu, played her best game. harmonising duo of Matsutomo and said to be recovering at his thanks to Michael’s fans,” The 25-year-old South Korean raced Takahashi. Swiss home, but his condi- said Schumacher’s wife away to a 4-0 lead that quickly became “It was a tough match,” said Juhl. Ped- tion remains a mystery. Corinna. 8-3. And till the mid-game break and ersen paid tribute to their opponents, “Michael’s health is not a change of ends, it was 11-6 in favour of saying, “Misaki and Ayaka played really public issue so we will not Sung. Sindhu, who looked a bit tired, well, not only today, but throughout the comment on it, just because failed to put up a fi ght like she did in the tournament so far.” we need to protect the pri- second game, which really took its toll on China’s Chen and Jia defeated South vacy of Michael as much as her. Koreans Chang and Lee 23-21, 22-20 af- possible,” said his manager Sung snatched points one after anoth- ter a fi fty eight minute contest. Sabine Kehm. er and a 16-10 lead meant the writing was Chang, 27, of South Korea said she suf- “We are aware that this is dif- on the wall for Sindhu, who then surren- fered from some pain in her right thigh ficult to understand for some dered the game 15-21. which weighed on her performance.

BASKETBALL/YOUTH GCC All-FILIPINO CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar Junior Falcons emerge triumphant

By Sports Reporter Everyone played their roles to two-day event. ball League. Doha perfection. We’re really happy PIBAQ chairman Pat Carido Rifai Kanakan of Junior Fal- and very proud with the team said the title win has inspired cons was chosen as the Most spirit displayed by the boys. them to extend extra eff ort to Valuable Player of the tourna- ard work and months We think we deserved to be the promote training not ment. of rigid training have champions,” said Junior Falcons only for the young boys in Qatar The Qatar delegation led by paid off for the Filipino coach Francis Mercado. but also to all other countrymen Carido included Gabrielle An- kids in Qatar as they “This is a good exposure to the in the Filipino communities in tonio Cruz from Philippine In- Hbrought home the coveted crown boys especially those aspiring to the entire GCC. ternational School Qatar (PISQ), of the Under-17 Youth GCC All- make it to the highly competitive Adding prominence to the Jesse Andrew Sirios from PISQ, Filipino Club Championship, collegiate basketball league back tournament were the presence of Razle Jan Fajardo from PISQ, held in Manama, Bahrain. home, to follow in the footsteps Philippine ambassador to Bah- Arvin John De Leon from PISQ, The Junior Qatar Falcons be- of rising stars like Russel Aedri- rain, Alfonso S Ver, and cultural Kim Biala from PISQ, Juliano sted fi ve other equally tough ane Estrope. attache, John Jiao, of the Philip- Vincenso Lopez from PISQ, teams from hosts Bahrain, Dubai “I am very proud of them,” pine Embassy in Qatar. Rashad Kanakan from Philip- and Saudi Arabia which paraded said Jojo Longalong, one of the The Filipino Club Basketball pine School Doha (PSD), Jayson the best of the Filipino student trainers of Pinoy Basketball of Group, an active member of Sa- Clark Dominic Pascua from PSD, cagers from an all-star selection Qatar’s (PIBAQ) regular youth mahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas John Kyle Japson from PSD, Es- in their respected Filipino com- basketball camps. (SBP), the basketball governing kit Nosidal from PSD, Sharoff munities. In the past few years, PIBAQ body in the Philippines, led by its Dion Zafar Ali from Doha Eng- The Junior Falcons, who had has been embarking on basket- Chairman Emil Durano Jr hosted lish School and Armiani Josef been undergoing several months ball clinics based on the FIBA in- the tournament. Grimaldo Andres from Newton of training at the weekend bas- ternational standards to mould Durano extended his grati- International School. ketball clinics under the tutelage young Filipinos with good po- tude to the participating teams Also joining the delegation of Filipino veteran coaches led by tential to become future bas- including Qatar Junior Falcons, were coaches Mercado, Lon- former San Beda Red Lions cage ketball stars in the Philippines Batang Jawo Junior Stallions galong, Arvin de Leon and An- star Francis Mercado, survived where the sport is very popular. (Team 1 of Bahrain), Tia Betty’s drew Sirios. a three-point thriller against The tournament, held at the Restaurant International (Team PIBAQ also expressed its grat- Dubai 65-61 in the fi nal, add- Zain Basketball Arena in Mana- 2 Bahrain), White Camel Youth itude to the delegation sponsors ing feather to the cap of the new ma, saw two teams from the host Basketball Club (based in Riya- like Ooredoo, Alicafe, Happy champions. country, two teams from Saudi dh), KSA, New Generation Bas- Journey Travel, Filipino Com- “The heart and willingness of Arabia and one each from UAE ketball based in Dammam, KSA munity Center, Go Sports and the team is their biggest weapon. and Qatar slugging it out in the and JK Sports—Jazzville Baslet- Gulf Air. Qatar Junior Falcons celebrate with the trophy after winning U17 Youth GCC All-Filipino Club Championship. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 18, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT HERO Hood’s three lift s Jazz past Mavs Heat rally before MCT ball. And yet were still right there Salt Lake City at the end. With Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack leading the way, hile the losses keep the Jazz went on an 11-2 blitz to mounting for the go up 81-72. When Joe Johnson Dallas Mavericks, opened the fourth quarter with including an ago- a jumper, the Jazz went up 92-77. falling to Clippers Wnizing one Friday night in Utah, The Mavericks didn’t wilt, the news on the injury front is however. They got within 97- rapidly improving. 91 and had several chances to Despite battling almost all the way back from a 16-point second-half deficit, Miami Before they dropped a 103-100 get closer but could not capi- decision to the Utah Jazz on Rod- talize. They fi nally got within Heat couldn’t sustain the momentum and fell, 102-98, to the Los Angeles Clippers ney Hood’s 3-pointer with 0.8 100-96 and had the ball with seconds left, the Mavericks got under 2 minutes left, and Seth word that J.J. Barea is planning to Curry scored when he got around return to game action next week Gobert with 1:06 remaining. on the pre-Christmas road trip. They got a bucket from Har- And Dirk Nowitzki may not be rison Barnes to tie it at 100 and far behind. then Deron Williams missed a Barea said before Friday’s game 3-pointer that could have won it. that the month (16 games) since he The Jazz did not call timeout and suff ered the injury in Boston has got the ball quickly to Hood, who been arduous, but his leg has felt drilled the 3-pointer. much better in recent days. The Mavericks fell to 6-20, in- “It’s doing great,” he said. “I cluding 1-11 on the road. think next week I should be out The rebounding was awful. there. We’re going to do some Two nights earlier, they were full-court work on Sunday and outrebounded 29-9 in the fi rst hopefully after that I’ll be back.” half by the Detroit Pistons. The The Mavericks start a four- Jazz won the board game 22-8 in game trip on Monday at Denver. the fi rst half, which made it a bit The injury situation also is on the remarkable side that the improving for Nowitzki, who is Mavericks were only down 64-58 inching closer to a return, al- at the break. though coach Rick Carlisle said Utah had hit 65-percent of its that no timetable for a return shots in the half and Rudy Gobert has been established. Nowitzki had as many off ensive rebounds, is hopeful that he will be back in three, as all of the Mavericks did game action before the fi rst of combined. the year. He was on the road with Somehow, the Mavericks were the Mavericks for the Utah trip hanging tough and they got a _ usually a good sign that he is boost from A.J. Hammons, the closing in on a return. 7-foot rookie, who hit a 3-point- As for the night against the er to help the Mavericks move Jazz, the Mavericks had another into a 70-70 tie midway through miserable night rebounding the the third quarter.

Lakers’ players aim to remove mental weakness from their game With his team gathered day night, in the third game of around him on the court at their seven-game, 13-day trip. Temple University, Tarik Black On Thursday, they worked to reminded all those listening release the sting of that eighth that they were lucky. He urged consecutive loss, which came his teammates not to take on Wednesday night to the for granted the opportunity Brooklyn Nets. they had to play in the NBA, to After Wednesday’s game, Josh Richardson of the Miami Heat shoots over Raymond Felton (No. 2) of the LA Clippers during a game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. play in a way that made loved Walton challenged the players ones proud, even those who not to be mentally soft in their MCT with 3:48 to play on a fl oater in the lane The Heat entered short-handed in 4 in the fi rst period for nine points, the already are proud just out of approach. Miami from James Johnson. But after a Heat their backcourt, with Tyler Johnson out Heat went into the second period down filial loyalty. “I don’t think that we are men- defensive stop, Johnson was off with a with an illness that slowed him dur- 31-27. Griffi n was up to 10 points at that Black had asked Lakers tally soft,” Walton said. “I think jumper, leaving the defi cit at fi ve. ing Wednesday night’s victory over the stage for the Clippers, although McRob- Coach Luke Walton whether at times we play mentally soft. his was a case of fi ghting the After failed possessions by both teams, Indiana Pacers and then kept him from erts held his own early in that matchup he could speak to the team There’s a big diff erence. We good fi ght against an opponent Paul made one of two free throws for a Thursday’s practice, and with Dion with a pair of early 3-pointers. after practice. So did forward got a group that we had a lot that had more to off er. 93-87 Clippers lead with 2:12 to play. Waiters still out with a groin issue that The Heat briefl y went with Willie Reed Thomas Robinson, who spoke of success early on, relatively Sometimes in the NBA it can But that’s when Dragic committed just remains without a return timetable. when Whiteside went out with his sec- just before Black. Their goal speaking, and I think we lost beT as simple as that. the Heat’s fi fth turnover of the game, his “He was actually playing sick the other ond foul, but Reed then was pulled after was the same their coach had our priorities and lost our So despite battling almost all the way bad pass putting the Clippers in posses- night,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “From 32 seconds, when Jordan checked out, a night before when he urged focus on what we were doing back from a 16-point second-half defi cit, sion with 1:53 to play and Paul capitaliz- that game, it just wiped him out.” with the Heat then playing James John- his team not to give in to to have that type of success.” the Miami Heat fell, 102-98, Friday night ing on an 11-foot fl oater for a 95-87 Clip- The Heat then lost guard Wayne El- son at center in an undersized lineup. mental weakness in their play. Indeed, before their eight- to the Los Angeles Clippers at American pers lead. lington in the third period with what the The Heat then opened the second pe- It was all geared toward try- game slide, the Lakers Airlines Arena. Against a stifl ing Clippers defense, Heat termed a middle right hamstring riod with Luke Babbitt at power forward, ing to help the Lakers (10-18) were one of the NBA’s most Even with a pair of double-doubles, yet another Heat turnover followed, on a strain. Ellington had 13 points on 6-of- after Babbitt missed seven games with a emerge from their eight-game pleasant surprises. A year the best the Heat could do was whittle 24-second violation with 1:17 to play. 9 shooting to that stage. It left the Heat hip fl exor. losing streak. after going 17-65, they started their defi cit before succumbing to Blake From there, the Heat drew within 95- with only Dragic and Josh Richardson James Johnson then was called for his “Guys voiced some opinions the season 10-10. While last Griffi n, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul. 91 on a Winslow 3-pointer with 22 sec- available at guard. third foul of the game with 9:33 left in the and made some good points,” season their 10th win came in Both centers went for double-dou- onds to play and then within 99-96 on With Winslow back for a second game second period, which led to the insertion Walton said. “That’s what February, this season it came bles, with Hassan Whiteside closing a Josh Richardson 3-point play with 13.2 after missing the previous 16 with a sore of Derrick Williams, the forward’s fi rst we’re looking for. We want in November. with 11 points and 17 rebounds for the seconds left. left wrist, the Heat remained with a start- action in three games, putting the Heat 11 guys constantly stepping up. It proved heady for the young Heat, and Jordan 12 points and 19 re- And then it got interesting, with the ing lineup of Whiteside, Dragic, Ellington, deep by that stage. It’s not easy for young guys Lakers. bounds for the Clippers. Clippers fi rst forced to call their fi nal Rodney McGruder and Josh McRoberts for With the Heat limited to 16 points on in this league to do that. I “I know we were getting a lot The Heat got a second double-double, timeout while inbounding, and then see- an eighth consecutive game. 24-percent shooting in the second pe- was happy with the response of love around town,” Walton from point guard Goran Dragic, who ing Austin Rivers turn the ball over on the The Heat suff ered an early blow when riod, the Clippers busted out to a 60-46 today.” said. “I know that feels good. closed with 21 points and 11 assists, with inbounds pass with 12.4 seconds left. Whiteside was forced to the bench with halftime lead. The Lakers held a practice I know when you feel good, Justise Winslow adding 15 points. That’s when the Heat called their fi nal his second foul with 1:58 left in the The Clippers then went into the fourth in Philadelphia on Thursday sometimes you lose some of The Clippers were paced by the 20 timeout. Dragic then was fouled before opening period, with both fouls coming quarter up 79-69, with Whiteside clos- afternoon, after riding buses that toughness and that edge points of Griffi n, with Paul adding 17. converting a fl oater, going to the line with against Jordan. Whiteside was up to fi ve ing the third period on the bench after from New York. They will face and you want to keep it.” Down by as many as 16 in the third 10.5 seconds left. But his two free throws rebounds and four points at that stage. being called for his fourth foul with 5:53 the Philadelphia 76ers on Fri- Now to see what happens. quarter, the Heat closed within 92-87 weren’t enough, as the Heat came up short. Even with Ellington shooting 4-of- left in the third.

BOTTOMLINE Lakers halt losing streak at expense of Sixers

MCT “We need Ju to be like that,” Lakers delphia go on a 9-0 run, cutting the ing a surprising 10-10 start to the sea- Philadelphia guard Nick Young said. “We were harp- Lakers’ lead to 10 going into the fourth son. They weren’t sharing the ball well ing on that before the game. I told him quarter. anymore, they were turning it over too to turn into hulk smash. He just went to Then Nance happened. much, and their defense was giving up or a while they lost their way. work.” His fourth quarter included six re- way too much. Friday night’s 100-89 vic- Guard Lou Williams had 18 points off bounds, a blocked shot and an assist In the third game of a seven-game tory over the Philadelphia 76ers the bench and Young scored 15. With in the paint to center Timofey Mozgov. trip, the Lakers worked to rediscover marked a step toward who the the win the Lakers improved to 11-18, After the game, Lakers Coach Luke themselves. They’ll need to continue LosF Angeles Lakers want to be. It hap- while the 76ers fell to 6-20, worst in the Walton told Nance it was the best four- that Saturday night, when they face the pened just as soon as they paused to Eastern Conference. point performance he’d seen in while. defending NBA champion Cavaliers in remind themselves that wins weren’t The Lakers led for the entire game, “Pressuring the ball, hands in the Cleveland. everything, that their process mattered and had 27 fastbreak points to the passing lanes, defl ections,” said Nance, “That’s the best we’ve looked since more. 76ers’ eight. Philadelphia didn’t shoot who fi nished with 11 rebounds, two we started getting guys back from the Against a team that also touts its well early, while the Lakers had the kind blocked shots and a steal. “Stuff like injuries,” said Walton, whose team has process, the Lakers ended their eight- of fast start they’ve often lacked this that doesn’t show up (in the box score), been without starting guards Russell and game losing streak. On the backs of two season. They began the game with a setting good screens. I don’t and I’ve Young, backup center Tarik Black and of their recent lottery picks, the Lakers 13-0 run. Philadelphia made only 31.8 never worried about whether the box backup point guard Jose Calderon for notched their fi rst win in the month of percent of its shots in the fi rst quarter, score looks good or not. If my coaches signifi cant stretches. December. setting a tone for the rest of the game. are happy, my teammates are happy “Hopefully we can build on that. We’ve “We’re past it,” forward Larry Nance “Want to give a lot of credit to with the way I played, I’m happy.” got an extremely tough game in less than Jr. said. “We’re off the slide. We’ve got D’Angelo tonight, how he started the The 76ers were the second consecu- 24 hours against Cleveland. Hopefully it’s a winning streak going so let’s keep it game,” Williams said. “He started with tive Lakers opponent that entered the something we can build on and keep this going.” a lot of aggression. He led by example game with just six wins, following the momentum going on this road trip.” D’Angelo Russell, the second overall and a lot of guys followed his lead.” Brooklyn Nets. pick in the 2015 draft, scored 15 points, At halftime the Lakers led by 13 But Brooklyn outworked the Lakers RESULTS seven of them in the game’s fi rst two points. They stretched that to 22 in the on Wednesday night, handing them Nets 111 Magic 118; Pistons 108 Wizards minutes. Julius Randle, the seventh third quarter, before the 76ers began to their eighth consecutive loss. 122; Hornets 88 Celtics 96; Hawks 125 overall pick in 2014, scored 25 points shrink their defi cit, taking advantage of When they traveled to Philadelphia Raptors 121; Clippers 102 Heat 98; Lak- in 33 minutes, making 10 of 13 shots, Lakers turnovers. Three of the Lakers’ the next day, they reminded each oth- ers 100 76ers 89; Kings 96 Grizzlies 92 and had nine rebounds, four assists and six third-quarter turnovers came in the er that they weren’t playing like they Pelicans 100 Rockets 122; Bucks 95 Bulls three steals, along with fi ve turnovers. File picture of D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers. fi nal three minutes. That helped Phila- knew they could _ like they had dur- 69; Mavericks 100 Jazz 103 Gulf Times Sunday, December 18, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ON A HIGH Brady and Patriots having another Budaj gets amazing season as Kings hold on to beat Penguins

‘I thought he played a really strong game. It’s good to see him bounce back. He had a File picture of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. tough game in Buff alo. His last couple of road starts have been tough...’ MCT for the league MVP award. Philadelphia Brady has thrown 22 touch- MCT downs and just two intercep- Pittsburgh tions. His 113.6 passer rating is rying to select the top the best in the NFL and his 320 fi ve New England Pa- passing yards per game is second ne of Coach Darryl Sutter’s triots seasons in the Bill in the league and the second best biggest laments since Jonathan TBelichick-Tom Brady average of his career. Quick suff ered a groin injury era is not an easy assignment. Five of the Patriots’ 11 wins in the ’ sea- Sure you could say that the top have come without superstar sonO opener was that none of the goalies four are the seasons in which Rob Gronkowski on the fi eld and who tried to fi ll Quick’s skates could steal they won the Super Bowl, but it appears as if he will only play a win, that they couldn’t will the Kings that would not be accurate. again this season if New England to victory with an unyielding eff ort, as It is more diffi cult to run the reaches the Super Bowl. Quick so often has done. table in the regular season, as the Belichick, 64, also shows no In the 30th game of the season – and Patriots did in 2007, than it is to signs of slowing down as a sen- with a tired team fi nishing a back-to- win a Super Bowl. You can be a ior citizen. Just consider what back sequence on the road – Sutter fi - good team that has a great day the Patriots do with players that nally got that stolen victory. and win it all. (See Giants, New other teams did not want. Peter Budaj, pulled from his previous York). Only really great teams There are two examples from start in Buff alo after failing to make a and really great quarterbacks the Eagles. Patrick Chung looked timely save, made 39 saves Friday against can win week after week for 16 like one of the worst safeties in the defending champion weeks. football during his one season Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Are- The Patriots’ legacy, of course, with the Eagles in 2013. In three na. Tyler Toff oli’s goal one minute into is also complicated by the accu- seasons since with the Patriots, overtime, made possible when Penguins sations that they have cheated he has started all but one game forward Phil Kessel broke his stick while their way to the top, and there’s and earned high praise as one of taking a shot and opened the way for a certainly credence to that. Even the most reliable safeties in the 3-on-1 break for the Kings, was all they if you think Commissioner Roger league. needed for a 1-0 triumph that ended Goodell was too harsh with his The Eagles had no reserva- Pittsburgh’s seven-game winning streak Defl ategate penalties that fi nally tions about trading Eric Rowe for and turned their own trip to the positive came to an end this season when a fourth-round pick before the side at 2-1. Brady served a four-game sus- season and now he has become a “I thought he played a really strong pension, it does not erase other starter in New England. game. It’s good to see him bounce back,” moments in New England’s Malcolm Butler, an undrafted Sutter said after Budaj’s third shutout checkered past. cornerback out of West Alabama, this season. “He had a tough game in Spygate was real and if you go is New England’s last Super Bowl Buff alo. Actually, his last couple of road back and read the May 2008 tes- hero, thanks to his goal-line in- starts have been tough, one in Arizona timony former Patriots video as- terception in the Patriots’ win and one in Buff alo, so it’s really good to sistant Matt Walsh gave to league over Seattle two seasons ago. He see. You need good goaltending to win offi cials, you can only come to is also now a Pro Bowl player. hockey games.” this conclusion: Belichick and LeGarrette Blount, who is the Patriots are willing to go to having his best season at the age BETTER THAN GOOD great and unsavoury lengths to of 30, has found a home in New Budaj was better than good as the Kings win football games. England after a tainted past in neutralized four disadvantages, including Los Angeles Kings goalie Peter Budaj (31) makes a save against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Scott Wilson (centre). And still it’s impossible not to college at Oregon and with three Pittsburgh’s 30-second, 5-on-3 power admire what they have done. other NFL teams. He leads the play in the fi rst period. “Buds was awe- Toff oli provided the goal by fi nishing ter the Christmas break _ could have a big and to steal more wins. “Cir- This season, in fact, has a NFL with 14 rushing touch- some. He was unbelievable,” defenseman off that 3-on-1 break. After Kessel broke impact on their season. Budaj did his part cle the wagons and stick together. That’s chance to go down as their great- downs. Alec Martinez said. “He was probably the his stick and had to drop it, Martinez cor- Friday to turn this journey toward a suc- what we do,” Sutter said. “We don’t get est of all because of everything The Patriots have a history of biggest reason why we were still in it and ralled the puck behind the Kings’ net and cessful outcome. too caught up in what anybody says out- they’ve had to overcome. The taking on troubled players and why we won.” made a touch pass to Tanner Pearson. He “It was a great game. I felt really good,” side.” Patriots, despite playing their making them into humbled quality That they blanked the Penguins’ high- fed it to Toff oli, who passed it to Mar- said Budaj, who stopped NHL goal scor- Inside their happy locker room Friday, fi rst four games without Brady contributors. They might just do it powered off ense was a bonus to Budaj. tinez on the rush. Martinez gave it back ing leader Sidney Crosby three times and Budaj said no one doubted they’d turn and two of those games with again with receiver Michael Floyd, “The most important thing is to win,” he to Toff oli, who was on the right side, and stopped equally fearsome Evgeni Malkin things around after that 6-3 loss at Buf- rookie quarterback Jacoby Bris- who they claimed off waivers last said. “The shutout is like the cherry on a Toff oli avoided diving defenseman Brian six times. falo. “We always knew we had it in us,” he sett, head into Sunday’s game at week. Floyd had been released by cake. It feels great.” Dumoulin to stuff the puck past goalie “I’m glad on back-to-back nights, es- said. Denver with an 11-2 record, tied Arizona following a DUI arrest in Toff oli, who took the fi rst penalty . pecially in this building against this team The next step is for him to prove he with Dallas for the top mark in Scottsdale, Ariz. in Pittsburgh’s 5-on-3 advantage, ac- The Kings have beaten the Penguins and the strength of the team they have has more game-stealing performances the NFL. Thirty other teams, includ- knowledged the Kings increased Budaj’s twice in overtime this season and are 7-2 and so much fi repower, we were able to in him. You have to think they’ve done ing the receiving-defi cient Ea- workload by going to the box too often. in overtime. get two points. It was a big win for us. it all on the up-and-up given gles, passed on a chance to claim “We took a lot of penalties, too many for Martinez called it a character win, one They came out pretty hard, especially RESULTS how much scrutiny they must be Floyd. You have to imagine that us to kill. Buds was for sure on his game that came at a pivotal time for the Kings knowing it was a back-to-back for us. Islanders 2 Final/OT Sabres 3; Kings 1 under from the league, although they all felt a little apprehensive tonight,” said Toff oli, who has three goals after a bad loss in Buff alo on Tuesday and Thank God I was able to make some saves Final/OT Penguins 0; Capitals 4 Final/ it does defy logic that Brady is about their decision once the Pa- in his last two games after going 10 games a tightly played win at Detroit on Thurs- and felt good out there.” SO Hurricanes 3; Sharks 4 Canadiens 2; still getting better at the age of triots claimed him because New without a goal. “He played incredible. He day. Their results on this seven-game trip Quick isn’t expected back before mid- Panthers 3 Avalanche 1; Blue Jackets 4 39. The quarterback, in fact, England never seems to get those really deserved that shutout he got.” _ which will continue with two games af- February, so the Kings will need Budaj Flames 1; Lightning 2 Canucks 4 should be the leading candidate kinds of decisions wrong.

NFL Rams guilty of sleepwalking in Seattle MCT had the ball stripped and returned for a Teammates were impressed by Goff ’s Bryce Hager intercepted a pass in the Seattle touchdown. eff ort but cautioned against that kind end zone. But offi cials ruled that he did On Thursday, he completed 13 of 25 of play. “He’s trying to score,” tight not have control of the ball when his passes for 135 yards. He was sacked four end Lance Kendricks said. “I can’t say second foot came down inbounds. he future of the Los Angeles times and hit hard on numerous plays. I blame him, but at the same time, you Wilson then tossed a short pass to Rams’ franchise was on the Then came the scramble. have to make sure you keep your body Doug Baldwin for a 17-3 lead, and added a run. With his team trailing On second down, Goff took off from safe and make sure you don’t hurt 57-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tyler by three touchdowns in what the Seahawks’ 17-yard line and ran yourself in the process of trying to do Lockett early in the fourth quarter. Twould be a 24-3 defeat, quarterback along the Seahawks’ sideline. something for the team. With two games left in their lost Jared Goff took off on a fourth-quarter Coaches and teammates said several “He showed toughness and tried to homecoming season, the Rams headed scramble against the Seattle Seahawks thoughts went through their minds as help.” back to Los Angeles. on Thursday night. they watched the play unfold. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 9-3 Players said they would remain mo- The No. 1 pick in the NFL draft turned “Get out of bounds,” Fassel said. in Week 2 at the Coliseum, a victory tivated. the corner and headed toward an end “Leave the running to me,” running that spurred a 3-1 start. “Guys got to play for their job,” said zone pylon at CenturyLink Stadium. back Todd Gurley said, “leave the run- Much has obviously changed since safety T.J. McDonald, who is in the fi - That’s when Seahawks cornerback ning to me.” then, capped by Fisher’s fi ring. nal year of his rookie contract. “Of Richard Sherman slammed into Goff , Goff reached the two-yard line, Players commended Fassel for his course you want to play for each other knocking him out of the game and into where Sherman came fl ying in from the motivation and game plan. as teammates and brothers but guys are concussion protocol. right and knocked Goff out of bounds. “A lot of stuff ’s been going on this playing for their future.” Because of the injury, Goff was not “He looked like he was setting up to whole week,” cornerback Trumaine Off ensive lineman Jamon Brown, available to the media. But as he walked take a dive into the end zone for a touch- Johnson said. “But this game today, we who lined up at fullback for one play, through the locker room, he gave a down,” Sherman said, “and we don’t give wanted to play for each other. said the work would continue and play- thumbs up. “You admire his courage, free meals so he had to feel it.” “We tried to mete everything out ers would lean on each other. but he’s just got to get out of bounds,” Said Fassel: “If he’s of this whole week ... . We just let a couple “We can’t lose sight of that,” he said, Rams interim Coach John Fassel said. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (bottom) sacks Los Angeles bounds, it’s a good hit.” plays get away from us for touchdowns. “even though adversity is at its max “Those young QBs don’t need to fi ght Rams quarterback Jared Goff (on top) at the Century Link Field. Adding insult to injury: The 15-yard Both teams looked sluggish four days right now.” for an extra yard. He’ll learn that.” gain was nullifi ed by a holding penalty. after embarrassing losses on Sunday. Fassel said he would learn from the Goff ’s injury was just the latest in directed to keep the team together. The Seahawks beat the Rams for the It marked the second time this sea- Seahawks quarterback Russell Wil- experience of his fi rst game, especially what has been a tumultuous week for Fassel took some chances and tried fi rst time in four games and clinched son that Goff ran to make a play only to son, who had fi ve passes intercepted in as it relates to Goff . the Rams. to inject some life into the Rams in his the NFC West by improving to 9-4-1. have it erased by an infraction. a 38-10 loss at Green Bay, gave the Sea- When the Rams traded six draft picks A day after a humiliating defeat to the debut. He went for it on fourth down, Before he was injured, Goff contin- This time it also had an added con- hawks a 7-0 lead in the second quarter to move to the top of the draft, they made Atlanta Falcons, Jeff Fisher was redfi as called for long passes and fake punts ued to struggle on a night when the sequence. Goff got up and went to the on a short touchdown pass to tight end Goff their future and primary asset. coach with three games remaining. and even lined up an off ensive lineman Rams’ worst-in-the-NFL off ense pro- Rams’ huddle, but offi cials called a Luke Willson. The Seahawks added a Fassel acknowledged a responsibil- “Our main man was fi red,” receiver in the backfi eld. duced 183 yards. medical timeout and Goff was removed fi eld goal, but the Rams pulled to with- ity to protect it. “Absolutely,” he said. Tavon Austin said. “We were the cause But that was hardly enough against Goff was trying to bounce back from from the game and then escorted to the in, 10-3 with a Greg Zuerlein fi eld goal “It’s a learning experience for me to of that.” the Seahawks. last Sunday’s performance against the locker room. just before halftime. make sure the kid gets down, gets out of Fassel, the special teams co-ordina- The Rams lost for the ninth time in 10 Falcons, when he had two passes in- “He’ll be OK,” Fassel said, “and that The Rams appeared to create a break bounds, protects the football, protects tor, was installed as interim coach and games and dropped to 4-10. tercepted _ including a pick-six _ and probably won’t ever happen again.” in the third quarter when linebacker his body. But he knows that.” Gulf Times 8 Sunday, December 18, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Phelps busy and at peace in fi rst months of retirement ‘Having a family, but also just being engaged in everything in my life. Before, I was just so distant from everything. I didn’t want to talk to anybody. I didn’t want to be around anybody. I didn’t want anything. That’s the biggest diff erence’

MCT to go through life by yourself,” he said. Baltimore “I learned that the hard way.” But he also advised them to write down their greatest ambitions, post them in a vis- n the months after the London ible place and make plans to pursue Olympics in 2012, Michael Phelps them step by step. It was the path he wanted little to do with the busi- followed from a seemingly mundane Iness of being Michael Phelps. The childhood in Towson, Md., to 28 Ol- most decorated Olympian in history ympic medals. was depressed. Phelps broke into laughter after one “I didn’t want to talk to anybody,” he boy raised his hand and wished him recalled. “I just wanted to crawl into a well should he decide to unretire for dark hole and be left alone.” the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Four years later, as he makes plans to “I was like, ‘Wow man, I’m getting teach water safety to kids, to invest in shots thrown at me from every side.’ his own businesses, to watch his son, Even little kids are telling me to come Boomer, learn to walk, Phelps feels back,” he said afterward, grinning. none of the old dread. The retired Ol- He knows he’ll face questions about ympian is confi dent he’ll continue to a comeback for at least the next three feel contented with a life no longer de- years. Why wouldn’t people wonder fi ned by the dark lines at the bottom of after he won fi ve gold medals and a sil- a pool. ver at age 31? “I think just where I am in life, that’s Just as he said in Rio de Janeiro, why it’s so diff erent,” he said. “Having Phelps told the kids he would “prob- a family, but also just being engaged in ably” never swim competitively again. everything in my life. Before, I was just He can’t help leaving the slightest wig- so distant from everything. I didn’t want gle room. But at the same time, he re- to talk to anybody. I didn’t want to be called how his mother, Debbie, greeted around anybody. I didn’t want anything. him at his hotel in Rio after his last Ol- That’s the biggest diff erence.” ympic race in August. Phelps was in Edgewood, Md., on “Four more years?” she said. Friday for a visit to that branch of the “I was like, ‘Mom, you’ve got to Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, stop,’” he remembered. “This is it. I’m where he paired with one of his spon- done. I came back for one more.” sors, KRAVE Jerky, to donate $20,000 He said he knew it for sure as he ap- to help expand the Michael Phelps proached the wall in his last individual Foundation’s “im” water safety and race, the 100-meter butterfl y. It was recreation program. the only one he lost in Rio. The 23-degree temperature was a bit “I said to myself in the last couple of a shock compared to the 75 degrees strokes, ‘Either this is going to end Phelps and his wife, Nicole, felt before perfectly, or it’s going to end how it’s they boarded a fl ight from their home supposed to,’” he said. “And I’ve never in Arizona. But the cold did not dimin- had that thought before.” ish Phelps’ holiday cheer. In the moments after the race, File picture of Michael Phelps speaking to the media after his training session ahead of the Arena Grand Prix on May 15, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Michael, Michael, Michael,” the Phelps, the most hard-bitten competi- elementary school kids chanted as tor his sport has ever known, seemed Sync Battle and travelling to China for new chapter and we get to do some of moon in 2017. And a sibling for Boom- told the greatest swimmer of all time. Phelps ducked in to share lunch with utterly content with his silver medal. appearances on behalf of Under Ar- the things we’re extremely passionate er? “I’m not pregnant!” Nicole quickly Phelps said he has done just that. them. They shrieked with glee after he “It’s just a good way to close my ca- mour and Beats by Dre. about. And that’s the fun part.” interjected. When he’s home in Arizona, which handed out gift bags containing swim reer,” he said Friday. “There’s nothing Earlier this week, he was in New York After his appearance in Edgewood, “It’s safe to say we want him to be hasn’t been often lately, he visits Bow- goggles and Beats by Dre headphones else I need to do or want to do.” for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of Phelps was scheduled to fl y to Lon- over the age of 1 before,” Phelps said. man at the Arizona State pool two or (another of his sponsors). And yet, even Phelps’ agent and close the Year gala, where LeBron James told don with Nicole and then back to the “We would like this year with Boom- three times a week. For the fi rst time “We try to change their lives every friend, Peter Carlisle, recently said that if him, “You’re literally a fi sh. Literally. I couple’s home in Arizona for Boomer’s er to kind of enjoy him a little bit more,” since he was in grade school, he’s able day, and for these 21 kids, getting to Los Angeles wins its bid for the 2024 Ol- have no idea how you do what you do.” fi rst Christmas. Nicole said. to enjoy a casual swim. He and his sit with Michael Phelps is something ympics, he wouldn’t be surprised to see He felt a minor epiphany while he Asked what he looks forward to most The old fi re still rises in Phelps on oc- longtime friend and training partner, they’ll remember for the rest of their Phelps swimming at age 39. was in New York, running on the tread- over the next year, Phelps quickly said casion. He was cleaning out his closet re- Allison Schmitt, recently drove over lives,” said Joe McGovern, executive “I was like, ‘Wow, thanks Peter,’ “ mill at his hotel. He realized his goals his son’s fi rst steps and fi rst words. cently and came across the sheet of goals for a workout, and Phelps joked that director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Phelps said. “I really appreciate you no longer had anything to do with a “I’m pumped to see it, even though he posted in the run-up to Rio. Hard as it his heart fi lled with dread when Bow- Harford County. fi ring that one out there.” clock above a pool. he’s probably going to crush me when might be to believe, he achieved just one man ambled up to watch. Sure enough, He said the $20,000 will allow the Phelps has gone through the past “I think that was my biggest tran- he starts to walk,” he said. “I’m going of fi ve. He especially wanted to break one Bowman began calling out their times. club to expand its use of the “im” pro- few months in the usual post-Olympic sition, just setting goals where, my to be running after him nonstop when more world record. “I was like, ‘No!’ “ Phelps said gram to its summer camp in White whirlwind, striking up new sponsor- whole life, it’s been times,” he said. he’s running around the house, but it’s Phelps texted his longtime coach, laughing. “Just leave us alone. Let us Hall. ship agreements, besting fellow Rio “That’s what I’ve done my whole life. going to be fun.” Bob Bowman, a picture of the sheet. be. But it’s so peaceful being in the Phelps urged the kids to ask for help gold medallists Simone Biles and Aly Now it’s trying to make the transition He and Nicole, who quietly married Bowman texted back a beaming, sun- water now. I love it. It’s the only time from the adults in their lives. “It’s hard Raisman on the television program Lip to the real world. ... We get to start a in June, will also fi nally take a honey- glasses-wearing emoji. “Let it go,” he when I’m alone.”

BOTTOMLINE LEGEND 76ers honour Allen Iverson Don’t boo cheerleading MCT Philadelphia

llen Iverson (right) walked to the podium in the Olympics Friday night wearing By David Whitley, MCT “sport” under Title IX guide- Aenough jewellery for Orlando lines, though there is no over- everyone in the interview room. arching governing body that de- His diamond earrings and huge fi nes what is a “sport.” gold chains sparkled like they he ancient Greeks un- With the IOC, it seems to be were still the property of the jew- doubtedly would have whatever will expand its TV au- eller. But the former 76ers great scoff ed at the latest Ol- dience. That’s why the ancient made it known that his favourite Tympic news. That sound sport known as “wrestling” piece of jewellery was the Basket- they used to hear during chariot was almost kicked off the menu, ball Hall of Fame ring he donned races has evolved into a sport. while skateboarding and climb- on his left ring fi nger. It was cheering. Now cheer- ing will debut in 2020. So the obvious question was if chants of “MVP!” The crowd the last 25 years. He played with leading has come so far that crit- Golf became an Olympic sport and when would the September erupted with a huge cheer once the Sixers from 1996 to 2006 ics can envision a Dallas Cowboys in 2016, which gets to the crux of inductee take the ring off . “When he held his hand to his ear. Then and during the 2009-10 season. cheerleader carrying the US fl ag this debate. How much athletic I get in the shower,” Iverson said. another Sixers great, Julius Erv- He also had stints with the Den- into the 2028 Opening Ceremony. ability is required to make some- “It’s a part of my outfi t now.” ing, presented Iverson with his ver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, The International Olym- thing a sport? He would leave home minus the Hall of Fame jacket before Iver- and Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson pic Committee granted cheer- Curling participants could ring shortly after receiving it dur- son addressed the crowd. briefl y played for Besiktas Mi- leading and Muay Thai (a Thai win a gold medal with a Marl- ing the Hall of Fame weekend. “I don’t think you all under- langaz of the Turkish Basketball martial art) provisional status File picture of cheerleaders for the Wisconsin Badgers performing. boro dangling from their lips. “Me and (one of his friends) stand how much I love you,” League in 2010-11. last week. They will have three You probably won’t see any used to have to turn around and Iverson said. “Till death do us He averaged 26.7 points per years to participate in IOC pro- coach for 31 years and has seen seriously by about 750,000 cheerleaders smoking during or get it, because I wasn’t used to part, for real.” game in his NBA career and car- grammes, then they can apply to cheerleading evolve as a sport high-school and 20,000 college after competition. wearing it all the time,” Iverson Iverson also mentioned how ried the Sixers to the NBA Finals become an Olympic sport. and explode in popularity. cheerleaders in the U.S. At Central Florida, they’re said. “But it’s defi nitely, out of he would not have been able to in 2001. A gritty player, Iverson And to think women were Such famous cheerleaders as The International Cheer Un- lifting weights at 6 a.m. and all the jewelry I had in my life, play under restricted minutes embodied the city perhaps more sometimes thrown off a cliff if Ronald Reagan, Franklin Roo- ion has 4.5 million registered practising four afternoons a my favorite.” or take games off . The Sixers than any other professional they were caught trying to watch sevelt and Dwight Eisenhower participants and federations in week, just like the football team. And being in Philadelphia are bringing Joel Embiid along sports fi gure. That’s why he will the original Games. Now they would never recognize today’s 107 countries. Yes, at this very They get all the support services with his fans is his favourite slowly after he missed the last forever be loved in this city. The might be back-fl ipping off hu- acrobatic artistry. moment a young girl is practis- off ered by the athletic depart- place to be outside of his home- two seasons with a broken right love aff air is mutual. man pyramids and getting med- According the authoritative ing “Two Bits!” somewhere in ment, which is only fi tting for a town of Hampton, Va. foot. He has sat out nine games “It’s a relationship like no oth- als for it. cheerleading website Varsity. Kyrgyzstan. program that’s won two national On Friday night, he got to and has just recently been per- er,” Iverson said. “Honestly, I’ve Last week’s move far from com, the whole thing started There are actually three types titles under Gooch and fi nished celebrate his induction with the mitted to play up to 28 minutes never seen it before with anyone. guarantees cheerleading will when students started cheering of cheerleading. Traditional is runner-up the past three years. fans during his Hall of Fame in the ones he plays. Like I said before, the closest I’ve make the Olympic roster, but at the fi rst American football the rah-rah squads you see at “There is no question these Night at the Wells Fargo Center. “I’m not taking anything ever seen was what Mike Jordan it had cheerleaders doing what game in 1869 between Princeton football and basketball games. young people are athletes,” He started the night off by away from the new era and way had with the Chicago fans. comes naturally. It also triggered and Rutgers. That ignores the All-Star, where teams exist Gooch said. ringing the Liberty Bell be- things go now, but I could never, “These people I know they eye-rolling among sceptics who fact that fans have been cheering strictly to participate in compe- The question now is whether fore the Sixers’ starting lineup ever, ever sit out a game if some- have a good idea of what they did question cheerleading’s Olym- since the fi rst athletic competi- titions, the biggest of which are the IOC will eventually con- was introduced. Then the Six- thing wasn’t broke,” he said. “I by allowing me to grow up.” pic credentials. tion of any kind. usually held at ESPN Wide World sider cheerleading a full-fl edged ers honoured him at halftime of couldn’t do it, because I thought Iverson said he was also “Anyone who does that eye- Cheering _ or the lack of it _ of Sports. sport. For now, cheerleaders their game against the Los An- about you all wanted to see me. I thankful for fans allowing him rolling has never had a daughter sometimes decided the fate of Then there is STUNT cheer- can at least get excited over the geles Lakers. always wanted to put on a show.” to fall and get back up, allowing or granddaughter or niece in- gladiators at the Roman Colos- leading, where all-female thought of getting tossed in the There was a video tribute Iverson was a nine-time all- him to make mistakes and get volved in it,” Linda Gooch said. seum. Judging is no longer life- squads compete head-to-head. air at the Olympics. That sure before Iverson was introduced star and perhaps the most popu- through diff erent obstacles, still She’s been Central Florida’s or-death, but it is taken quite It was created to qualify as a beats getting tossed off a cliff . to the crowd. He walked out to lar Philadelphia sports fi gure in supporting him. Gulf Times Sunday, December 18, 2016 9 GOLF

YEARENDER Tiger’s return, Palmer’s adieu, Olympic gold marked 2016 Woods finished 15th in a field of 18 at the Hero World Challenge, showing flashes of his peak form but lacking consistency

Tiger Woods returned with one-over-par round at Hero World Challenge.

AFP jor titles in the fi rst year since But players began Ryder Cup Washington 2011 that produced four fi rst- week with heavy hearts after time men’s major winners. Palmer’s passing. Golfers played England’s Danny Willett won with “Arnie’s Army” pins and golf year featuring four the Masters after Spieth had a after the competition attended fi rst-time men’s major Sunday back-nine meltdown Palmer’s funeral. champions, the return while in position to claim back- Top-ranked New Zealand teen of Tiger Woods and Ol- to-back green jackets. Lydia Ko, who took a silver medal ympicA competition set the stage Johnson won the US Open on at Rio, won the ANA Inspiration for more thrills in 2017. his way to US PGA Player of the at Rancho Mirage for her second Tears were shed over the death Year honors, ending a series of major victory in a row. of icon Arnold Palmer in Sep- major near misses. But it was Thailand’s world tember. But there was much to Stenson won the British Open, number two Ariya Jutanur- celebrate too, including golf’s outlasting Phil Mickelson in a garn who won the LPGA season returned to the Olympics for the two-man duel down the stretch Race to the Globe and fi ve LPGA fi rst time since 1904, with Eng- at Royal Troon, only to fall short events, three in a row in May land’s Justin Rose, the 2013 US in an Olympic last-day show- plus the Women’s British Open Open champion, and South Ko- down for gold with Rose. Sten- for her fi rst major crown and the rean Park In-Bee, a seven-time son also claimed his second Race Canadian Women’s Open. She major winner, capturing gold to Dubai crown on the European took the LPGA money crown and medals in Rio. PGA Tour. Player of the Year honours. But the Olympics was haunted American Jimmy Walker was There were a trio of fi rst- by the withdrawal of several top the wire-to-wire winner of the time major winners — Canadian men’s players, many over Zika PGA Championship, edging teen Brooke Henderson at the virus concerns, and months later defending champion Day by a Justin Rose won gold in Olympic golf for Great Britain at Rio 2016. Arnold Palmer: ‘The King’ of golf died at 87. Women’s PGA Championship, by the course’s failure to boost stroke after rain set up a mara- American Brittany Lang at the the sport’s impact in Brazil. thon fi nal day and “lift, clean it was McIlroy who claimed the ber after a 16-month layoff fol- Another could be Japan’s a major threat next year. US Women’s Open and Ariya. Australia’s Jason Day fi nished and place” rules. FedEx Cup playoff points crown lowing back surgery. Woods fi n- Hideki Matsuyama, who won the The Americans defeated Eu- South Korean third-ranked atop the world rankings with Day did win three PGA events after winning the Deutsche Bank ished 15th in a fi eld of 18 at the Challenge for his fourth victory rope 17-11 at Hazeltine to re- Chun In-Gee took her second Northern Ireland’s Rory McIl- in 2016, the Arnold Palmer Invi- Championship and season-end- Hero World Challenge, showing in two months and fi fth of the claim the Ryder Cup after having career major at the Evian Cham- roy second, American Dustin tational and WGC Match Play as ing Tour Championship. fl ashes of his peak form but lack- year. lost three in a row and six of the pionship as well as LPGA Rookie Johnson third, Sweden’s Henrik well as the Players Champion- Woods, a 14-time major ing consistency. He won twice in Japan and at prior seven team showdowns, a of Year and the Vare Trophy for Stenson fourth and US star Jor- ship. champion with 79 career US Watching his fi ght back to a WGC event in Shanghai, fi n- US task force assembled after a low scoring average, edging Ko dan Spieth fi fth. Johnson took the PGA money PGA Tour triumphs, made his tournament fi tness fi gured to be ishing a career-best sixth in the 2010 defeat bringing a new push in a fi ght decided on the season’s But only two of them won ma- and low scoring awards although long-awaited return in Decem- one of 2017’s biggest attractions. rankings and serving notice he is for the trophy fi ght. last hole.

SPOTLIGHT Ko has no regrets leaving instructor Leadbetter

AFP parents, came under fi re last 2016 and a silver medal for New Los Angeles week for fi ring instructors Lead- Zealand at the Summer Olym- better and Hogan who she had pics, decided she wasn’t going to been with for three years. rest on her laurels. ydia Ko defended the Following the separation, In October, she split with role her parents have Leadbetter called out her par- her caddie Jason Hamilton and played in her career but ents for interfering with their is also reportedly making an says she can now make daughter’s development. equipment change by switch- Lher own decisions, including her “It’s been diffi cult the last ing from one club manufacturer choice to split with instructor few months, when she’s hearing to another. The separation with David Leadbetter. more than one voice,” Leadbet- Leadbetter is just another move The New Zealand teenager ter told GolfChannel.com. in an off season of change. has been taking care of business Speaking publicly for the fi rst “They say when it’s working on the golf course — winning 12 time since the breakup, the 19- why change?” Ko told the web- times on the LPGA Tour before year old from Auckland admitted site. “Even though I have made the age of 19. Off it, she is learn- she’s sometimes too dependent quite a few changes the past few ing how to fi nd her own voice on her parents. months, I guess I didn’t real- and make major decisions. “I think I have, yes, sometimes ize until people started pointing And that includes the recent been too reliant on my parents it out to me. But I don’t regret move to split with hitting in- because I am so used to being making them.” structors Leadbetter and Sean with them,” Ko told LPGA.com. Ko says this is the start of a Hogan. “But I think I need to learn more new beginning and she is look- “Of course I discussed my about taking ownership and ing forward to the challenge of decision with my parents,” the making my own decisions.” another Tour season. world number one Ko told the Ko said she would have never “I think playing my fi rst tour- LPGA.com website on Friday. been able to have the success nament of the 2017 season I will “They gave their opinions, too. she’s enjoyed at such a young age “But at the end of the day, success. Not only has she won ent track than another of Lead- underachieved. It took her four get a whole new feeling, just like But at the end of the day I made without her parents’ support. even though I may not know it two major championships, but better’s famous clients, Michelle years on the LPGA Tour to win playing in the Bahamas in my the fi nal decision to change. “I am very close with my par- at the time, they are wishing the she is also the youngest player to Wie. Wie, 27, and Leadbetter her fi rst ever 18-hole title and a fi rst event as a rookie,” said Ko. “My parents are a big part of ents. But it would be a lie to say very best for me and it’s because be ranked No. 1, and the young- have been together 14 years and decade to claim her fi rst major. “My biggest goal when play- my golfi ng career and I know I that we have never had an argu- they care and love me.” est woman to ever win a major despite early predictions of major ing is to enjoy and have fun. wouldn’t be here without them.” ment or I’ve never been upset When it comes to Ko’s devel- championship. wins and then a fl eeting moment Ko strives for new heights Hopefully these changes will But Ko, and especially her because of them. opment you can’t argue with Ko’s career has taken a diff er- with the men’s tour, Wie has Ko, who won four times in give me more confi dence.” Gulf Times 10 Sunday, December 18, 2016 SPORT

LOOKING BACK THEY WILL BE MISSED Year 2016 saw quite a few sporting legends leave this world, but their memories will linger for long

Muhammad Ali (Boxing) "Ali shook up the world, and the world is better for it"—so said US President Barack Obama about Muhammad Ali, one of the iconic sporting heroes of the 20th century who died aged 74 after a long battle against Parkinson’s Disease on June 3. Ali’s fame transcended sport, celebrated as much for his three world heavyweight titles as for his fight outside the ring. His refusal to serve in Vietnam earned him prosecution for draft evasion. Vilified in some quarters for that and his earlier conversion to Islam, when he dropped his name Cas- sius Clay, he later earned accolades as a civil rights activist. Ali’s career from 1960 to 1981 saw him retire with a record of 56-5, including such historic bouts as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman who said: “Ali brought out something called greatness in everyone.” Married four times, he's survived by seven daughters and two sons. Thousands turned out in his hometown of Louisville to bid farewell where he was eulogised by former US President Bill Clinton as “a universal soldier for our common humanity”.

Arnold Palmer (Golf) Johann Cruyff (Football) Joao Havelange (FIFA) Football lost one of its master practitioners in March with Brazil’s corruption-tainted former FIFA president who turned the death, aged 68, from cancer of the Dutch legend, football’s ruling body into a global business behemoth and who epitomised the all-out attack Total Football system. helped bring the Olympics to Rio, died during the Games Johann Cruyff won three European Cups as a player with on August 16 three months and eight days after his 100th Ajax and Ballon d’Or titles in 1971 with Ajax and 1973 and birthday. Joao Havelange represented Brazil in swimming 1974 with Barcelona, where he starred from 1973 to 1978. at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and again in Helsinki in As a coach, Cruyff led Barcelona to their first European 1952 at . But his real calling was in management, Cup title in 1992. A one-time heavy smoker, Cruyff re- becoming FIFA boss in 1974. Under his stewardship the vealed in October last year that he had lung cancer. Cruyff World Cup expanded from 16 nations to a planet wide 32- was one of the all-time greats alongside Pele of Brazil, team sporting festival. “I did not become president of FIFA Diego Maradona of Argentina, France’s Michel Platini and just to watch good football and applaud,” Havelange said Lionel Messi of Argentina, Barcelona’s current leader. before making way for Sepp Blatter in 1998. Havelange, who “He was the best player of all time,” Platini said once. His neither drank nor smoked, had a spectacular fall from grace. heavy smoking was blamed for heart bypass surgery in Amid swirling allegations of corruption he resigned from 1991 and he started sucking lollipops on the touchline at the IOC in 2011. Two years later he stood down as honorary Barcelona games. “Football has given me everything in president of FIFA after confirmation he had taken bribes. life, tobacco almost took it all away” he said in a Catalan health department advert at the time. Charismatic golfing god with the common touch, Maria Teresa de Filippis (F1) retained the trophy, also passed away aged 67. Arnold Palmer died on September 26 aged 87. Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, ‘The King’ won seven majors Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to compete in For- among his 95 titles in a storied career spanning more than mula 1, died aged 89. The Italian trailblazer competed in three Bill Johnson (Alpine Skiing) six decades that redefined his sport. His go-for-broke style, grand prix behind the wheel of a privately-entered Maserati. The 1984 Olympic downhill champion Bill Johnson, who raw athleticism and unorthodox swing enthralled fans, and helped spark US alpine ski racing, died aged 55. he became one of golf’s first television superstars, helping make the sport accessible to a much wider audience. “Let’s JT McNamara (Horseracing) be honest, it’s kind of a nerdy sport, Arnold Palmer made One of Ireland’s leading amateur jump racing jockeys Baseball golf sexy.” said Australia’s Jason Day. The son of his local until he was paralysed in a fall three years ago, Ralph Branca, who tossed the ball Bobby Thomson hit in club’s golf professional, he began caddying at 11, turned McNamara died aged 41. 1951 for Major League Baseball’s iconic 'Shot Heard Round pro in 1954. He was the first player to win more than Walter Swinburn, who rode the legendary but ill-fated the World' home run, died aged 90. $100,000 a season. In a sign of how he helped transform Shergar, died at the ege of 55. Nicknamed the 'Choirboy' for Monte Irvin, a Hall of Fame outfielder and the fourth black his sport, Dicky Pride earned that sum coming in a lowly his angelic looks, he was just 19 when he rode the Michael player in Major League Baseball, died aged 96. 246th in this year’s PGA earnings list topped by Dustin Stoute-trained Shergar to a record 10-length victory in the Johnson with a $9.4 million haul. Palmer played on six 1981 Epsom Derby. Swinburn rode another two Derby win- Ryder Cup teams and was the winning captain twice. ners and in 1983 won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Carlos Loyzaga (Basketball) Carlos 'The Big Diff erence' Loyzaga, a two-time Olympian widely regarded as the Philippines’ greatest player, died Carlos Alberto (Football) Anthony Foley (Rugby Union) aged 85. Captain of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning side, Carlos Munster head coach Anthony Foley’s death in a Paris hotel Alberto died on September 26 aged 72. The right-back before a European Champions Cup tie aged 42 robbed Irish starred alongside Pele, Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino in rugby of one of its most prominent and popular figures. As a Cricket the legendary Brazil team that beat Italy 4-1 in the final. He Football robust backrow forward, Foley led Munster to European Cup Australia’s John Gleeson, who mystified batsmen with his scored one of the best World Cup goals in the Mexico City victory in 2006, and he had 62 caps for Ireland. unique bent finger spin, died aged 78. final, running onto a Pele pass and smashing in a thunder- Sylvia Gore, women’s pioneer who scored England’s first South African Lindsay Tuckett, the oldest surviving former ous right-footed shot. Born in Rio in 1944, 'Capitao' played goal in women’s international football, died aged 71, Test cricketer, died aged 97. alongside Pele at Santos from 1966 to 1974 and at the New Nigeria’s former managers Shuaibu Amodu died aged 58, Christy O’Connor Senior (Golf) Former Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohamed, who compiled York Cosmos from 1977 to 1980 after beginning his career days before Stephen Keshi passed away at 54 Ireland’s Christy O’Connor Senior, veteran of 10 consecu- the longest innings in Test history—337 runs in a 970-minute with Fluminense. He won more than 50 caps—missing the Fifty players, coaches and staff from Chapecoense Real tive Ryder Cups from 1955-1973, died aged 91. His nephew, stay at the crease against the West Indies in Barbados in ill-fated 1974 World Cup trophy defence due to injury—and were among 71 dead in plane crash in Colombia. The Bra- Christy O’Connor Junior, best remembered for beating 1958—died aged 81. was named by FIFA in a list of the '100 Greatest Living Play- zilian club was on the way to crowning a fairytale year in Fred Couples in the 1989 Ryder Cup at The Belfry, a stunning Pioneering cricketer Martin Crowe, acclaimed as New ers' in 2004. Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldinho the Copa Sudamericana final against Medellin side Atletico two-iron shot at the last setting up an unlikely victory that Zealand’s greatest batsman who laid the foundations for said on his passing: “Rest in peace eternal captain.” Nacional. helped to ensure the contest finished 14-14, meaning Europe Twenty20 cricket, died of cancer aged 53. Gulf Times Sunday, December 18, 2016 11 CRICKET

REPORT CHENNAISPOTLIGHT TEST Pakistan knuckle Dawson, Rashid down in fi ght to propel England

AFP “It is obviously nice to do well save pink-ball Test Chennai on debut. It was interesting fi rst few balls in for me but I was pleased to get through Skipper Smith chose not to enforce the follow-on after Pakistan were dismissed for ebutant Liam Dawson them,” said Dawson on getting yesterday said it could a bouncer from Ishant Sharma 142 in the first session, even though they were 287 runs in front on the first innings be “hard work” for that saw him lose his balance af- England bowlers on fl at ter being hit on the helmet. deckD after his gritty half-century Dawson has represented Eng- helped the visitors post a formi- land in a one-day international dable 477 on day two of the fi fth and Twenty20 earlier this year, Test against India in Chennai. but the Hampshire allrounder Dawson scored an unbeaten was thrilled to play a part in the 66 and shared a 108-run stand team’s Test performance. with (60), England’s “I was extremely excited and best for the eighth in In- from a team point of view as well, dia, to lift their fi rst innings total we want to fi nish on a high. We after the Indian bowlers hurt the are in a fairly good position,” said visitors with early strikes. Dawson. England, who resumed the day Rashid, who recorded his sec- on 284-4, slipped to 321-7 after ond Test fi fty in his 10th game, overnight centurion also looked solid during his gutsy departed for 146, but Dawson eff ort as he fell one short of his and Rashid made sure the the Test best of 61. tourists keep going. — Ali bounced out — Earlier England’s innings ended 45 Ali seemed relentless in his drive minutes into the evening session to consolidate England’s posi- as India were fi rm in their reply tion after adding 26 runs to his with 60 for no loss at stumps. overnight score but his eff orts Lokesh Rahul (30) and Parthiv were cut short just after the fi rst Patel (28) were at the crease as drinks interval of the day. the hosts trail by 417 runs. Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s “There isn’t huge amount of ploy of getting his pacemen to spin, hasn’t been much pace in bowl short at Ali paid off as the it for the seamers, so tomorrow left-hander mistimed a pull on is going to be hard work for us,” one of Umesh Yadav’s rising de- Dawson, who bowls left-arm liveries. spin, said. Yadav and Sharma took two “But if we keep going all day each while Ravindra and keep trying to take wick- Jadeja, with three wickets on the ets then we can take wickets,” opening day, stood out on the the 26-yer-old allrounder told bowling list for India. reporters at Chennai’s MA “They (England) got some Chidambaram Stadium. quick runs, but I think the ball Allrounder Dawson, who was is not turning that much. That is a late inclusion in the England the problem, we can’t get wick- Australia’s captain (L) celebrates catching Pakistan’s Babar Azam (R) off spin bowler Nathan Lyon during the third day of the day-night cricket Test match in squad before the fourth Test in ets and that momentum,” said Brisbane yesterday. place of Zafar Ansari, showed Yadav, who bowled at a lively his batting prowess during his pace. AFP “We are taking this game step by step, 148-ball stay, hitting 5 fours and “Let’s see how the wicket be- Brisbane SCOREBOARD hour by hour, and we are looking for the a six. haves, if it turns after the third good batting opportunities here.” His eff ort was the highest by day (or not). I think there is still Australia will be pressing hard on Sun- an England No. 8 on debut in some interest left in the game,” akistan were in a backs-to-the- Australia first innings 429 (S. Smith S. Smith c Rahat b Yasir ...... 63 day’s fourth day to win the series opener Tests, surpassing the late David said Yadav. wall struggle to save the day- 130, P. Handscomb 105; W. Riaz 4-89, M. P. Handscomb not out ...... 35 where they have yet to lose at the Gabba Bairstow’s 59 against India in The hosts have already pock- night fi rst Test as Australia took Amir 4-97 N. Maddinson c Azam b Wahab ...... 4 in 27 Tests stretching back to 1988. 1979. eted the series 3-0. a strangle-hold on the third day Pakistan first innings (97-8 overnight) M. Wade not out ...... 1 “We wanted to have a crack at them at Pat the Gabba yesterday. Extras night time,” senior batsman Usman Kha- S. Aslam c Wade b Bird ...... 22 (b2, lb4, nb1) ...... 7 At the close, the tourists were hanging A. Ali c Khawaja b Starc ...... 5 Total (5 wickets declared, 39 overs) 202 waja said, explaining Australia’s decision in at 70 for two with Azhar Ali not out 41 B. Azam c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 19 Fall of wickets 1-12 (Warner), 2-24 (Ren- not to enforce the follow-on. and 112-Test veteran Younis Khan not off Y. Khan c Wade b Hazlewoood ...... 0 shaw), 3-135 (Smith), 4-188 (Khawaja), “We wanted to try and get a big lead, the mark after facing 19 balls. Pakistan M. Ul-Haq c Renshaw b Bird ...... 4 5-199 (Maddinson) give our bowlers another little rest, it’s trailed by 419 runs. A. Shafiq c Khawaja b Starc ...... 2 Bowling Amir 8-0-37-1, Rahat 10-1-40-2, tough for the bowlers to back up in the hot Pakistan made a much better fi st of S. Ahmed not out ...... 59 Yasir 10-1-45-1, Wahab 7-1-47-1 (1nb), Ali humid conditions. playing in the tricky twilight session W. Riaz c and b Hazlewood ...... 1 4-0-27-0 “We’ve got two days and they need to with the pink ball losing just two wickets Y. Shah c Khawaja b Starc ...... 1 Pakistan second innings chase 400-odd, you always want to be in after their catastrophic seven for 24 in M. Amir c Wade b Bird ...... 21 S. Aslam c Renshaw b Starc ...... 15 this position, but we’ve got to do a lot of the fi rst innings on the previous evening. R. Ali run out (Warner) ...... 4 A. Ali not out ...... 41 hard work early tomorrow.” The openers lasted into the 12th over Extras (lb3, w1) ...... 4 B. Azam c Smith b Lyon ...... 14 The highest winning run chase in the before Starc got Sami Aslam to edge to Total (all out, 55 overs) ...... 142 Y. Khan not out ...... 0 fourth innings at the Gabba stands at 236 Matt Renshaw at fi rst slip for 15. Fall of wickets 1-6 (Ali), 2-43 (Azam), Extras ...... 0 for seven by Australia against the West Babar Azam fell to spinner Nathan 3-43 (Khan), 4-48 (Misbah), 5-54 (Shafiq), Total (2 wickts, 33 overs) ...... 70 Indies in 1951. Lyon in the fi nal half-hour when he 6-56 (Aslam), 7-66 (Wahab), 8-67 (Yasir), Fall of wickets 1-31 (Aslam), 2-54 But Pakistan will have to go well be- edged to Steve Smith at slip for 14. 9-121 (Amir), 10-142 (Rahat) (Azam) yond the record highest-ever Test run It was slow going but at least the tour- Bowling Starc 18-2-63-3 (1w), Hazle- Bowling Starc 8-3-28-1, Hazlewood 11-8- chase of 418 for seven set by the West In- ists were not shedding wickets in clumps wood 14-1-22-3, Bird 12-6-23-3, Lyon 5-0, Bird 8-3-24-0, Lyon 6-2-13-1 dies against Australia in Antigua in 2003. to keep the Australians at bay and still 11-2-31-0 Toss Australia Skipper Smith chose not to enforce the with two long days to play. Australia second innings Umpires Ian Gould (ENG) and Richard follow-on after Pakistan were dismissed “We have had some very good part- D. Warner c Wahab b Amir ...... 12 Illingworth (ENG) for 142 in the fi rst session, even though nerships and we are hopeful of get- M. Renshaw c Younis b Rahat ...... 6 Third umpire Sundaram Ravi (IND) they were 287 runs in front on the fi rst in- ting some more partnerships,” Pakistan U. Khawaja c Misbah b Rahat ...... 74 Match referee Ranjan Madugalle (SRI) nings. batsman Asad Shafi q said. Instead Australia amassed a formidable lead over the beleaguered tourists to set up a declaration during the dinner break to capitalise on bowling in the fi nal twi- light session. Smith went after the runs and brought up his 19th Test half-century off 59 balls with his eye on a declaration. But he was caught at long-on by Rahat England’s Adil Rashid (R) and Liam Dawson run between wickets in Ali going for a heave off leg-spinner Yasir Chennai yesterday. Shah for 63 off 70 balls with 11 fours. Khawaja, out cheaply for four in the fi rst innings, cracked 74 off 109 balls SCOREBOARD before he was splendidly caught by Mis- bah-ul-Haq off Rahat nearing the dinner break. England 1st innings (overnight Bowling: Yadav 21-3-73-2, Nic Maddinson once again failed and 284-4; M. Ali 120 not out, B. Sharma 21-6-42-2, Jadeja 45-9- was out for four off just three balls before Stokes 5 not out) 106-3, Ashwin 44-3-151-1, Mishra he was caught off . 25.2-5-87-1, Nair 1-0-4-0 Both the Australian openers were out A. Cook c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 10 India 1st innings before tea. David Warner fell for 12 when K. Jennings c Patel b Sharma ....1 L. Rahul not out ...... 30 he went to hit Mohamed Amir through J. Root c Patel b Jadeja ...... 88 P. Patel not out ...... 28 midwicket only to miscue his pull shot to M. Ali c Jadeja b Yadav ...... 146 Extras: (lb 2) ...... 2 Wahab Riaz at mid-on, while Matthew J. Bairstow c Rahul b Jadeja 49 Total: (0 wicket; 20 overs) 60 Renshaw was caught at second slip off B. Stokes c Patel b Ashwin ...... 6 Bowling: Broad 5-2-6-0, Ball for six. J. Buttler lbw b Sharma ...... 5 3-0-9-0, Ali 7-1-18-0, Stokes 2-0- Earlier Pakistan’s last two partnerships L. Dawson not out ...... 66 12-0, Rashid 2-0-13-0, Dawson battled for almost an hour before they A. Rashid c Patel b Yadav ...... 60 1-1-0-0 were all out for 142. S. Broad run out (Rahul/Patel) ... To bat: M. Vijay, C. Pujara, V. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed top ...... 19 Kohli, K. Nair, R. Ashwin, R. scored with a fi ghting unbeaten 59 off 64 J. Ball b Mishra ...... 12 Jadeja, A. Mishra, I. Sharma, U. balls as the tourists added 45 runs to their Extras: (b4, lb5, w1, pen 5) ...... 15 Yadav overnight total 97 for eight. Total: (all out; 157.2 overs) ....477 Toss: England Sarfraz and Mohamed Amir put on a Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Jennings), Umpires: Marais Erasmus stubborn 54 runs for the ninth wicket be- 2-21 (Cook), 3-167 (Root), 4-253 (RSA), Simon Fry (AUS) fore Amir was adjudicated caught behind (Bairstow), 5-287 (Stokes), TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford off a faint edge, detected by Hot Spot. 6-300 (Buttler), 7-321 (Ali), 8-429 (AUS) Technology again thwarted Pakistan (Rashid), 9-455 (Broad), 10-477 Match referee: Jeff Crowe when after repeated replays Rahat Ali was (Ball) (NZL) Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (R) gives instructions to paceman Mohamed Amir in Brisbane yesterday. given run out by Warner for four.

Sunday, December 18, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

QATAR CRICKET FIESTA Ajmal and Afridi shine as World Stars clinch thriller Pakistan’s off -spinner Ajmal claims four wickets to ensure World Stars victory over Qatar Stars in the Qatar Cricket Fiesta

By Sports Reporter Doha

aeed Ajmal claimed four wickets for 29 runs as World Stars pipped Qatar Stars by two runs in the Cricket Fiesta held at Asian Town Stadium on Friday night. A decent crowd watched the T20 match organised by Pro Events in which several current and international stars from In- dia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, England and Bangladesh took part. Chasing 146 for victory, Qatar Stars appeared well on course to victory over the - led World Stars when Imraz and Lakshmipathy Balaji provided some late fi reworks after a mid- dle-order collapse.

Chasing 146 for victory, Qatar Stars appeared well on course to victory when Imraz and Balaji provided some late fi reworks aft er a middle-order collapse

But off -spinner Ajmal put paid to their hopes by dismissing Tai- moor for 10 and number 10 bats- man Balaji for 18, which came off 11 balls with the help of two sixes. Imraz remained unbeaten on 20 off 18 balls along with last man Nadeem who made four off World Stars captain Shahid Afridi plays a shot during Qatar Cricket Fiesta at Asian Town Stadium. (R) Qatar Stars captain Iqbal Choudhry in action. PICTURES: Shaji Thottathil three balls after former Pakistan wicket-keeper Umar Akmal had given the side a fast start with 22 runs followed by an entertaining 21 off 14 balls by Faisal. Ajmal also removed middle- order batsmen Asad for one and Iqbal for 10 earlier to dent Qa- tar’s Stars’ hopes before Balaji and Imraz steadied the ship. However, the former Pakistan bowler had the last laugh and the dismissal of Balaji ensured a nar- row win for World Stars XI. Earlier, Afghan star Nowroz Mangal slammed 42 off 23 balls as World Stars made 145 for 7. Mangal hit three sixes in his knock before setting the stage for Afridi who blasted 28 off 19 balls with two sixes. Ilyas with 29 and retired South African star Herschelle Gibbs with 13 were the other World Stars batsmen who made valu- able contributions. Ajmal was declared the man of the match. Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal receives the man of the match award. (R) World Stars captain Shahid Afridi with winners cheque.

FOCUS Khetco Team and Sharks XI clinch QCA titles

By Sports Reporter made 15 and Teji collected 12. Doha Lufti notched up a notable all- round performance that guided Sharks XI to a convincing fi ve- ohaib smashed a superb wicket victory in a Division C half-century to inspire fi nal match. Khetco Team to an em- Lufti fi rst picked up three phatic 37-run triumph wickets and in tandem with Zagainst Doha Warriors in the fi nal Sadiq, who also dismissed three of division B of the Qatar Cricket players, he restricted Shaeen XI to Association (QCA) Tournament. a modest 120 for nine in 20 overs. At the West Bay Ground, Zo- During the chase, Lufti hit a haib’s 51 formed the base for Khet- match-high 30 to set up the vic- co Team challenging 163 for six in tory. Support from Qassim (24 20 overs. Doha Warriors could not runs), Raees (19 runs) and Sha- keep pace with the opponents and feeq (15 runs) to the team’s cause fell way short of the target. was also crucial. After Zohaib’s knock, Noor Wahid and Naveed played use- Brief scores ful knocks to consolidate their Division B team further. Wahid made 36 Khetco Team beat Doha and Naveed chipped in 29. Kha- Warriors by 37 runs lil and Samad helped them cross Khetco Team: 163 for six in 20 the 150-mark. overs (Zohaib 51, Noor Wahid 36, Naveed 29, Khalil 15, Samad 13, Luft i notched up a notable Karamat 10, Najeeb 1 wkt, Saleh all-round performance that 2 wkts) guided Sharks XI to a Doha Warriors: Rizwan 34, convincing fi ve-wicket Ramzi 31, Saleh 15, Teji 12, victory in a Division C fi nal Karamat 1 wkt, Naseeb 1 wkt, match Musawar 1 wkt, Arshad 1 wkt, Samad 2 wkts) Saleh was the most impressive of the Doha Warriors bowlers Division C with a brace. Sharks XI beat Shaheen XI Doha Warriors suff ered regu- by five wickets lar blows and could not hold their Shaheen XI: 120 for nine in 20 innings together. Samad picked overs (Aziz 27, Saleem 24, Bilal two wickets, while four others– 17, Rayees 2 wkts, Lufti 3 wkts, Karamat, Naseeb, Musawar and Sadiq 3 wks) Arshad – got one each. Sharks XI: 121 for five (Qassim Rizwan and Ramzi resisted the 24, Shafeeq 15, Lufti 30, Raees 19, most. Rizwan hit a fi ghting 34 Rashid 11, Aziz 2 wkts, Shaheen 2 and Ramzi came up with 31. Saleh wkts, Farhad 2 wkts). Khetco Team and Sharks XI players pose with their QCA division ‘B’ and ‘C’ trophies.