FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 5 NBA | Page 8 Non-league Heat roll over To Advertise here Sutton knock Pistons for Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Leeds out of seventh FA Cup straight win

Monday, January 30, 2017 CRICKET Jumada I 2, 1438 AH choke as GULF TIMES Nehra, Bumrah help level series SPORT Page 4 HANDBALL lift sixth world title “We were inspired by the previous rough defence. Les Bleus down generations and we wanted the legend But Gerard found his groove and Les to continue,” said centre back Nikola Bleus were 18-17 ahead at halftime, Karabatic, who now has nine major ti- ending up with 11 saves from 27 shots. Norway 33-26 in tles to his name. His Norwegian counterpart, Torb- “I am so proud of this team. There are jorn Bergerud, managed 13 saves from a tense final no words, there is so much emotion.” 42 shots. Kentin Mahe, who scored five goals Les Blues continued to push forward Reuters in six attempts, praised keeper Vin- after the break and moved fi ve points Paris cent Gerard’s performance: “It’s al- clear (24-19) early in the second half as ways easier when you can rely on such their solid defence made the diff erence. a keeper.” France did not look back and went rance claimed a record-extend- France, coached by their ex-player on to snatch their second world title at ing sixth world handball title Didier Dinart, have won eight of the 10 home after their 2001 triumph. by beating Norway 33-26 in a major championships since 2008, hav- Earlier, Slovenia claimed third place tense fi nal yesterday as their ing only failed at the 2013 worlds where with a 31-30 win over Croatia, over- solidF defence helped grind down their they were knocked out in the last eight turning an 18-13 half-time defi cit. opponents. and the 2016 Olympics where they lost It is the fi rst time that Slovenia have Les Bleus were trailing early on but in the fi nal. made the podium at the world event. In once the defence found their mark, Norway got off to a solid start, open- 2004, they won silver at the European Norway, who had never won a medal in ing up a 10-7 lead after 15 minutes championships played on home soil. a major handball championship, had no thanks to Espen Lie Hansen’s fi ne per- answer. formance, but it was France’s Nikola France now have six world titles, two Karabatic who fi nished with the best France players hold the winners’ trophy Olympic golds and three European ti- total, netting six goals from nine at- after beating Norway in the final of the tles ahead of Russia/Soviet Union and tempts. 25th IHF Men’s World Championship in terms of major champion- Les Bleus were struggling in attack, 2017 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris ship triumphs. being perfectly handled by Norway’s yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 30, 2017 / COMMERCIAL BANK MASTERS Wang becomes fi rst Asian winner of CBQM ‘This feels really fantastic. It’s really, really great. I just don’t want to get any pressure this year. I just want to learn from the other players. I just want to keep winning, I hope. I’ve really got a lot of confidence right now, I just want to play another tournament’

By Satya Rath charge and after a birdie on the tle bit. I was lucky, I thought it 2002 — Wang goes home richer Doha fi fth, he made fi ve in a row from went to the hazard but it was over by $416,660. the eighth before dropping a the green,” he said, while adding The South Korean — who won shot on the 13th. that his chipping won him the the Rookie of the Year award last landmark event de- A Van Zyl birdie on the 13th day. “I missed a lot of greens but season after his victories at the serves a compelling and a Lagergen gain on the 16th my chipping was really good to- Trophee Hassan II, also after a climax. And so was meant that when Wang dropped day. I just wanted to try to make play-off , and the AfrAsia Bank it at the 20th edition a shot on the 14th after going a birdie at the last. I didn’t think Mauritius Open, could now ofA the Commercial Bank Qatar over the back of the green, there about anything. I just wanted to climb as high as 39th in the world Masters at the Doha Golf Club. was a four-way tie for the lead try to make a birdie.” rankings and earn a potential in- Four days, 72 holes, and a but Lorenzo-Vera dropped back The win for Wang comes in vite to the . tense three-way playoff later, with a bogey-bogey fi nish. just his 29th European Tour “When I was young, I really South Korea’s Wang Jeung- South African Thomas Aiken event. He is the third youngest wanted to play the Masters,” he hun yesterday became the fi rst briefl y replaced Lorenzo-Vera player to win three events af- said. “I always imagined that I Asian winner of the European in the leading group with a fi fth ter Matteo Manassero and Seve would play there. Maybe now I Tour event — the 21-year-old birdie of the day on the 16th but Ballesteros. have a chance to play the Mas- edging out Joakim Lagergren when he dropped a shot on the For Van Zyl, it was a case ters. So I’m so happy about it of Sweden and South African next, Wang sank his third birdie of so-near-yet-so-far, as has and I hope I’m going to get in in the playoff for of the day on the 16th to hit happened a few times in his ca- the Masters. That’s my dream, his third European Tour title the front again, before another reer. The South African looked dream tournament,” he said. which, signifi cantly, came on poor chip-shot on the 17th set the favourite when he got on He is also hoping to meet his his Qatar debut. up the dramatic fi nale. the green in two on the play-off idol Tiger Woods at next week’s Wang went into the fi nal In the 18th-hole playoff , pres- hole but a second three-putt . “Oh, yes, round with a three-stroke sure seemed to get the better of of the day cost him dear as he I really want to play with Tiger,” cushion and opened with Lagergren and Van Zyl as they fi nished runner-up on the Eu- he said. “He was my idol when back-to-back birdies. Playing held on for par, while the ever- ropean Tour for the fi fth time in I was young. I’m going to be so partner Van Zyl, three shots calm Wang hit a lovely chip from his 150th event. happy if I see him next week.” behind, too kept pace with the rough to land within three Swede Lagergren is also Wang joins a star-studded three straight gains and added a feet of the fl ag and, after mulling searching for his fi rst win and list of champions of the Com- fourth on the par-4 fi fth to cut over it for an age, quietly sunk it he left himself too much work mercial Bank Wang’s lead to one shot, before in to pump his fi sts in joy. to do when he pulled his second that includes Ernie Els, Henrik a three-putt bogey on the very “This feels really fantastic for shot in the play-off into the Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Retief next hole helped Wang make me. It’s really, really great. I’m greenside bunker. Goosen and Thomas Bjørn, and the turn with a two-shot lead. so happy. I just don’t want to get Aiken and Lorenzo-Vera both two-time winners Adam Scott, But a run of 11 straight pars any pressure this year. I just want fi nished at 15-under, a shot and Paul Lawrie. followed by bogeys on the 14th to learn from the other players. clear of Spanish pair Rafa Ca- Earlier in the morning, Thor- and 17th allowed the rest of the I just want to keep winning, I brera Bello and Nacho Elvira, bjørn Olesen recorded the sec- fi eld to close in on the leader. hope. I’ve really got a lot of con- and Englishman . ond hole-in-one of the tourna- Frenchman Mike Lorenzo- fi dence right now, I just want Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat and ment, hitting the target on the Vera was the fi rst to catch him to play another tournament,” England’s Nathan Kimsey com- 13th with an eight-iron from 182 as he made birdies on the fi rst, said Wang, who was playing the pleted the top 10 at 13-under. yards. However, the 27-year-old third, sixth, seventh, 11th, 12th CBQM for the fi rst time. The youngest ever winner Dane didn’t earn anything for his and 13th and, despite a bogey on He admitted getting nervous of the CBQM — at 21 years and achievement unlike England’s the 15th after fi nding the water, at the playoff . “I was nervous 144 days, he beat the previ- Chris Paisley, who aced the 17th he rolled in an eagle putt from but I tried to look confi dent. I ous record of ’s Adam on Friday to win US$150,000 the fringe of the drivable 16th. just tried to hit it straight, on the Scott, who was 21 years and 244 from Qatar Duty Free, the tour- Lagergren was also on the green, but I think I pulled it a lit- days when winning the title in nament’s Hole-in-One Sponsor. Leading scores 274: Jordan Smith (GBR) 71-66-71-66, Nacho 277: Anton Karlsson (SWE) 68-73-69-67, Elvira (ESP) 67-69-68-70, Rafael Cabrera- Ernie Els (RSA) 68-70-71-68, Jorge Campillo 272: Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 69-67-65-71 Bello (ESP) 70-70-66-68 (ESP) 69-67-75-66, David Lingmerth (SWE) (won in play-off ), Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 275: Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 66-70-70- 71-69-70-67, Chris Paisley (GBR) 74-67-69-67 67-72-67-66, Jaco Van Zyl (RSA) 67-69-68-68 69, Nathan Kimsey (GBR) 66-74-66-69 278: (SWE) 70-70-73-65, Sam 273: Thomas Aiken (RSA) 68-68-69-68, Mike 276: (DEN) 69-68-73-66, Walker (GBR) 68-71-71-68, Chris Hanson Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 69-69-69-66 Chris Wood (GBR) 69-70-70-67 (GBR) 68-69-73-68

CBQM 2017 champion Wang Jeunghun of South Korea receives his winner’s cheque of $416,660 from Commercial Bank CEO Joseph Abraham (second from right) and Hassan al-Naimi (second from left), President, Qatar Golf Association (QGA). Also seen are QGA General Secretary Fahad al-Naimi (left) and QGA Executive Director Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi.

With this win… Is the first player to win the Com- International Schedule victory in his three European Tour titles. The quickest lesteros, Sandy Lyle and Sergio Garcia, Becomes the 12th South Korean mercial Bank Qatar Masters on debut 29th off icial European Tour event. to win their first three off icial events as players to win their first three off icial winner on the European Tour. Wang Jeunghun becomes the first appearance since Ernie Els in 2005. Moves to 436,150 points in the Race was Tom Watson, who won his in seven European Tour events before their 22nd Becomes the first Asian winner of Asian player to win a European Tour title Becomes the third youngest player to Dubai. appearances. Wang is third on the list. birthday. the 2017 European Tour season. in the Middle East, the victory coming in European Tour history (21 years and It's his first European Tour victory To underline his achievement, Sandy Becomes the seventh Asian player Joins YE Yang with three victories as on his debut at the Commercial Bank 144 days) to win their first three titles, since the 2016 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Lyle took 37 events and Seve Ballesteros in European Tour history to win three or the most prolific South Korean winner in Qatar Masters. The South Korean follows following Matteo Manassero (19 years Open win. took 38. (As Watson and Woods were not more titles. European Tour history. Andrew Coltart (1998—first edition), and 206 days) and Seve Ballesteros (20 Becomes the quickest player (29th Members, Wang becomes the quickest Becomes the youngest Asian player Becomes the fourth winner this Adam Scott (2002) and Ernie Els (2005), years and 77 days). European Tour event) to win their first European Tour Member to win his first to win their first three titles, beating the season to lead after 54 holes. as players winning the Commercial Bank The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters three events since Tiger Woods, who three off icial events). previous record of Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Extends his European Tour exemp- Qatar Masters on their first appearance. win is Wang's third European Tour took 12 off icial events to win his first Joins Matteo Manassero, Seve Bal- who was 26 years and 10 days in 2015. tion until the end of the 2019 season. Gulf Times Monday, January 30, 2017 3 GOLF

Happy with Doha show: Graeme McDowell

SPOTLIGHT G-Mac ‘exceeds expectations’ in Commercial Bank South Korea’s Wang Jeunghun celebrates with the prestigious mother of pearl trophy after winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. After a hectic day on the golf course, it was a busy evening for the 21-year-old as he posed for several pictures, including with golf volunteer and members of the South Korean expatriate community in Qatar. PICTURES: Jayaram and agencies Qatar Masters Graeme McDowell was great hospitality and I really, re- happy with his return ally enjoyed my week.” to Doha Golf Club as the McDowell had spoken ear- popular Northern lier of his eagerness to regain the Irishman seeks to form that has earned him 10 Eu- reclaim his place in ropean Tour titles and three PGA Europe’s Ryder Cup team TOUR victories, including his in 2018, while Ernie Els historic win at the 2010 US Open. shone in his fi ft h straight McDowell was a mainstay of Commercial Bank Qatar the Ryder Cup team from 2008 Masters and part of winning sides in 2010, 2012 and 2014, but after missing By Sports Reporter out last year, he’s determined to Doha regain his place for next year’s edition in France. “I played the previous four, raeme McDowell said missed last year and was disap- his fi rst appearance in pointed not to be there,” McDow- fi ve years at the Com- ell said. mercial Bank Qatar “Like I’ve talked about, it’s a GMasters “exceeded expectations” long road back to where I want to after the four-time Ryder Cup be but this week was a couple of star carded a closing 69 to fi nish steps down that road. I’m look- eight-under-par at Doha Golf ing forward to going to Dubai and Club. continuing to work on my game.” McDowell, 37, fi red four birdies Among other star draws, in his last seven holes to conclude four-time Major winner Ernie a week that started with rounds Els – the 2005 champion – fi n- of 66, 75 and 70. The Florida- ished 11-under after a 68, World based Northern Irishman was Number 10 Alex Noren (70) was competing in his fi rst tourna- nine-under and two-time Major ment since the ISPS Handa winner (73) was World Cup of Golf in Melbourne fi ve-under. in late November. In the morning, Thorbjørn “I actually exceeded my ex- Olesen recorded the second hole- pectations this week. Only one in-one of the tournament, hit- part of my game let me down – I ting the target at the 13th with an drove the ball pretty awfully – eight-iron from 182 yards. but the rest of my game was defi - However, the 27-year-old nitely at a competitive level and Dane didn’t earn anything for his bodes well. This was very good achievement unlike England’s on a lot of levels,” McDowell said. Chris Paisley, who aced the 17th “I’ve always been a fan of this on Friday to win US$150,000 tournament and I’ve always been from Qatar Duty Free, the tour- a fan of the course here. The con- nament’s Hole-in-One Sponsor. ditions are usually tougher than First held in 1998, the Com- they were this week; I’m not sure mercial Bank Qatar Masters I’ve ever spent a week in Doha has helped establish Qatar as a when the winds have been this world-class sporting venue and benign. The golf course was in is considered the country’s an- fantastic shape and the greens are nual ‘must-attend’ sporting and phenomenal. social event. Sitting at the heart “It’s my fi rst time back to Doha of the European Tour’s Middle in fi ve years so it’s great to see the East swing, the tournament at- way the city has expanded and tracted over 25,000 spectators the way the skyline has got bigger in 2016 and was broadcast to a and bigger as it prepares for 2022. global TV audience of over 400 St. Regis Hotel was magnifi cent, million.

Final round 68: Ernie Els Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 30, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET England choke as Nehra and Bumrah help India level series England needed eight off the final over but Bumrah claimed two wickets and gave away just two runs

AFP Nagpur, India

ast bowler Ashish Nehra claimed three wickets as he combined with Jasprit Bumrah to choke the England batting andF set up India’s series levelling fi ve- run win in the second Twenty20 inter- national in Nagpur yesterday. Chasing 145 for victory, England needed eight off the fi nal over but Bum- rah claimed two wickets and gave away just two runs to help the hosts even out the three-match series at 1-1. Joe Root, who looked like anchoring the chase with a run-a-ball 38, was giv- en out lbw off Bumrah on the fi rst ball of the 20th over as replays suggested the batsman got an inside edge before the ball hit his pads. Bumrah (2-20) bowled Jos Buttler (15) on the fourth delivery and never allowed Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali to score the remaining runs on the fi nal two balls as England ended on 139 for 6. Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah Bumrah later said his expertise and celebrates after bowling India to proven performance in death overs gave victory in the second T20 against him confi dence to bowl the last over. England at Vidarbha Cricket “It’s always tough to bowl in the death. Association stadium in Nagpur, I tried to remember the past where I’ve India yesterday. (Reuters) done well in such situations. We saw England’s Jos Buttler (right) looks on as India’s Lokesh Rahul plays a shot. (AFP) the fi rst innings, it was on the slower side. Back-of-length deliveries and SCOREBOARD ENGLAND INNINGS (TARGET 145) slower deliveries were diffi cult to get J. Roy c Raina b Nehra 10 away, so that is what I wanted to bowl,” INDIA INNINGS S. Billings c Bumrah b Nehra 12 Bumrah said. V. Kohli c Dawson b Jordan 21 J. Root lbw b Bumrah 38 Nehra said he utilised his vast ex- L. Rahul c Stokes b Jordan 71 E. Morgan c Pandya b Mishra 17 perience to ensure that Bumrah had as S. Raina c Jordan b Rashid 7 B. Stokes lbw b Nehra 38 many runs to defend in the last over. “It Y. Singh lbw b Ali 4 J. Buttler b Bumrah 15 was a pressure game, I wanted to leave M. Pandey b Mills 30 M. Ali not out 1 Jasprit with as many as possible to de- M.S. Dhoni b Jordan 5 C. Jordan not out 0 fend. Hats off to him, this isn’t the rstfi H. Pandta run out (Jordan) 2 Extras (b1, lb2, w4, nb1) 8 time he’s done it for India,” Nehra said. early strikes after getting openers Sam ter getting Ben Stokes bowled, but the second successive time in the series, A. Mishra run out (Ali/Jordan) 0 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 139 “Jasprit asked me if he should bowl Billings (12) and Jason Roy (10) on con- spinner was found to have overstepped made a quickfi re 21 before falling to J. Bumrah not out 0 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Billings), 2-22 (Roy), length. All I told him was ‘you have a secutive deliveries of his second over. the popping crease and the delivery was Jordan. Rahul kept his composure and Extras (b 1, w 3) 4 3-65 (Morgan), 4-117 (Stokes), 5-137 (Root), good yorker, look to bowl full, it’s tough England’s most trusted batting pair in judged a no ball. his end busy with runs despite Eng- Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 144 6-138 (Buttler) to hit a six even if it is a low full toss.’ skipper Eoin Morgan and Root then got Stokes, who hit a 27-ball 38, capital- land spinners, Adil Rashid and Moeen Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Kohli), 2-56 (Raina), Bowling: Chahal 4-0-33-0, Nehra 4-0-28-3, It worked. When 32 were needed off down to resurrect the innings against a ised on Mishra’s blunder to play a cal- Ali, getting a wicket each to reduce the 3-69 (Yuvraj), 4-125 (Rahul), 5-139 (Pandey), Bumrah 4-0-20-2, Mishra 4-0-25-1 (1nb), four overs, I told Jasprit we will win,” persistent Indian spin attack. culative knock, putting on 52 runs with hosts to 69 for three. 6-143 (Pandya), 7-144 (Mishra), 8-144 Raina 4-0-30-0 (2w) he added. Earlier, opener Lokesh Rahul Leg-spinner Amit Mishra broke the Root. Nehra got Stokes trapped lbw in Rahul, who hit 6 fours and 2 sixes (Dhoni) Did not bat: L. Dawson, A. Rashid, T. Mills hit a 47-ball 71 to help India post 144-8 dangerous-looking stand — 43 runs the 17th over to raise India’s hopes and during his knock, got to his fi fty and Bowling: Liam Dawson 2-0-20-0, Mills Man of the match: J Bumrah despite England seamer Chris Jordan’s — after getting Morgan caught at deep Bumrah, who bowled the 18th and the more before Jordan got the prized wick- 4-0-36-1, Jordan 4-0-22-3 (1w), Ben Stokes Toss: England three wickets after the visitors elected mid-wicket for 17 to claim his 200th fi nal over, made no mistakes. et in the 18th over as the Indian batting 3-0-21-0 (1w), Moeen Ali 4-0-20-1 (1w), Adil Result: India won by 5 runs to fi eld fi rst. T20 wicket. Mishra would have got In the Indian innings, skipper Virat slipped further. The third match is slat- Rashid 3-0-24-1 Series: Three-match series level at 1-1 Nehra hurt the England chase with another wicket in the same over af- Kohli, who opened the innings for the ed in Bangalore on Wednesday. Did not bat: A. Nehra, Y. Chahal Next match: Bengaluru on Feb 1

RUGBY ROUND-UP Watson latest England star hit coach Domingo by injury, misses France game ‘can apply for own job’ AFP “This isn’t an easy road,” he said, adding Port Elizabeth, South Africa that it was unfortunate that Pakistan had to play at neutral venues in the UAE. “But you have to remember that an international outh Africa coach RUSSELL team was actually attacked,” he added. DOMINGO could be nearing the end of his tenure after Cricket South AUSTRALIA’S BIG BASH Africa announced on Saturday it was SMASHES RECORDS aboutS to start the search for a coach to take Records have tumbled for the Twenty20 Big charge after his contract ends in August. Bash League, with Cricket Australia saying Domingo, who was appointed in 2013 af- yesterday the enormous crowds and viewer- ter the surprise decision of Gary Kirsten to ship for the fast-paced format this season step down, has had two extensions of his has surpassed expectations. contract. He was initially appointed to take The Big Bash is in its sixth season and has South Africa through to the 2015 World Cup used a blend of sport and entertainment to but before the tournament this was extend- draw families and younger spectators to ed to April 2016. The latest extension is until games. The high-octane format has proved the end of a Test tour of England in August. popular, with more than one mn people at- But it seems no further extensions are con- tending this season’s games at an average of templated. According to the last paragraph 30,114 per match, CA said. “Once again, fans of a statement following a board meeting, have well and truly spoken and we couldn’t Anthony Watson suff ered an hamstring injury during a training camp in and is out for a month. “the board of directors resolved to com- be happier with how this year’s competition mence the recruitment process for the ap- has progressed on all levels,” Big Bash chief AFP international programme with a Tuilagi will play no part owing to pointment of a Proteas head coach to take Anthony Everard said. “The season has well broken jaw after a starring role a season-ending groin injury. charge after the tour to the UK until after the and truly exceeded our expectations”. in their Six Nations Grand Slam England are on a 14-Test win- 2019 edition of the ICC World Cup”. The league concluded on Saturday, with success where he scored in tries ning streak, 13 of those victories Asked for clarifi cation, a CSA spokesman Cricket Council (ICC), is currently making a sold-out crowd at the WACA Ground ing Anthony Watson in three matches, as he was on coming since Australian coach said Domingo could apply if he wanted to a two-day tour of Lahore to assess security in Perth watching as the Perth Scorchers is to miss titlehold- course for a starting position. Eddie Jones took over after their continue. In a recent press conference Do- arrangements for international teams. thrashed the Sixers by nine wickets ers England’s open- Watson’s place in the starting 2015 World Cup debacle on home mingo said he was planning his career “one Clarke met the chief minister of Punjab, to win the fi nal. Twenty matches of the 35 ing Six Nations line-up could go to of soil. They are set to be captained series at a time”. Shahbaz Sharif, offi cials from the Pakistan BBL games this season sold out. Wmatch with France next Saturday Gloucester, with Marland Yarde once again by Dylan Hartley. The Domingo’s position looked shaky last year Cricket Board and other security experts The highest turnout was the derby be- because of a hamstring injury, and competing for France match will be the North- after South Africa lost successive Test series on Saturday. “We are looking to establish a tween Melbourne Stars and Melbourne the Grand Slam winners coach England’s other wing position. ampton hooker’s fi rst competi- against India and England, then failed in the solid and reliable base upon which interna- Renegades at the MCG on January 1, that Eddie Jones revealed yesterday. England have a number of injury tive fi xture since he served a six- World Twenty20. But the team has achieved tional bilateral cricket at all levels can return attracted 71,162 spectators. The host broad- The initial prognosis is that the problems heading into the Six week ban for striking Leinster’s good results in both Tests and one-day on a regular basis to Pakistan,” Clarke said. caster, Network Ten, had an average viewer- 22-year-old Bath star — who suf- Nations, with their back row in Sean O’Brien. matches since then. He said he was impressed with the ar- ship of 1,021,750 per match for the season. fered the injury in a squad train- particular set to have a new look. rangements put in place but cautioned The women’s BBL, in its second sea- ing camp in Portugal — will be on Former captain LE ROUX GETS CLARKE HAILS PAKISTAN SECURITY against rushing things. “We know it’s im- son, also drew an “unprecedented level” of the sidelines for up to a month is set to miss the entire tourna- FRANCE CALL-UP IMPROVEMENTS, URGES CAUTION portant Pakistan play at home but we also crowds and television viewers and encour- which defi nitely also rules him ment after undergoing shoulder France yesterday called up back- A top cricketing offi cial urged caution on know that we don’t want to get it wrong,” he aged more women and girls to play cricket, out of their following game on surgery, while fellow loose for- row Bernard Le Roux to replace Saturday over eff orts to revive international said. Clarke praised Zimbabwe for sending a CA said. More than 100,000 people watched Saturday week in Cardiff against ward Billy Vunipola will miss at injured Raphael Lakafi a in the cricket in Pakistan, which has been sus- team to Pakistan. “Zimbabwe did a great job the women’s games this season, with the and perhaps the game with least the opening rounds with a squad for the Six Nations opener pended for nearly eight years due to security in coming to Pakistan and it was well organ- highest attendance of 24,000 recorded for on February 26. knee injury. Meanwhile experi- against England. fears. Pakistan have not hosted any major ised and we wanted to build on that last year the Melbourne derby on New Year’s Day. “It’s disappointing news for enced back row is The 27-year-old Le Roux has cricket event — barring a limited over series but a terrible incident happened in a La- Cricket Australia has sought to capitalise Anthony and for England, but we struggling to overcome the lin- 24 caps for Les Bleus since 2013. against minnows Zimbabwe in 2015 — since hore park which derailed those eff orts,” said on the league’s popularity by adding eight know he’ll rehab diligently to get gering eff ects of a foot injury. He made his return after a four a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus Giles, referring to a bomb blast in March last matches to the men’s competition next sea- himself right to go as soon as he Vunipola’s brother prop Mako month lay-off for his club Rac- in Lahore in March 2009. year which killed 70 people. son. The venues have yet to be announced, can,” commented Jones. “We’re is also out but fortunately for ing 92 against Lyon in the French Last week, the West Indies refused to Clarke stressed the ICC and the interna- although Cricket NSW chief has said hold- confi dent he’ll be in the mix later Jones his understudy Top 14 on Saturday. France face tour Pakistan for two Twenty20 interna- tional cricket community “recognise the ing the opening round in could in the championship.” has made a remarkable recovery defending Grand Slam champi- tionals in March, citing refusal from play- deep frustration of Pakistan cricket fans be one option. There were no plans at this It’s a further blow to Watson, from a fracture to his lower left ons England at Twickenham on ers over security fears. Giles Clarke, head of that they have been unable to host other in- stage to increase the number of teams in the who missed England’s November leg. Injury-prone centre Manu Saturday. the Pakistan Task Team at the International ternational teams here.” league, CA said on Friday. Gulf Times Monday, January 30, 2017 5 FOOTBALL

FA CUP SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic break ‘Lisbon Non-league Sutton Lions’ record in Hearts win AFP However, his replacement made the knock Leeds out Glasgow most of his opportunity as he fi red Celtic in front in the 30th minute. Sin- ‘To beat Leeds is a fantastic achievement... On Friday, I was on a building site’ clair, playing through the middle in the cott Sinclair scored twice as absence of Dembele and Griffi ths, cut AFP Celtic surpassed a 50-year-old the Hearts defence open with a preci- London club record in style with a 4-0 sion pass to the feet of McGregor who thrashing of Hearts yesterday to prodded the ball in off the inside of the extendS their unbeaten domestic run to post. amie Collins went from builder 27 matches. Hearts didn’t pose any real threat to hero yesterday as his penalty Callum McGregor, only playing due until just before the break when Jamie secured non league Sutton a 1-0 to an injury to Stuart Armstrong in the Walker sent a looping header on to the win over second tier highfl yers warm-up, opened the scoring in the roof of the net from Malaury Martin’s LeedsJ United and a place in the fi fth fi rst half before late goals from Sinclair free-kick. round of the FA Cup for the fi rst time and Patrick Roberts made things com- Celtic upped the tempo in the sec- in their history. fortable for the Scottish champions. ond half and James Forrest should have Sutton, whose assistant coach Ian A stoppage-time penalty from Sin- increased their advantage in the 50th Baird ironically captained Leeds to the clair sealed a 17th league victory in a minute. 1987 FA Cup semi-fi nals, join Lincoln row as the Hoops eclipsed the record The winger latched on to a hopeful in the last 16, the fi rst time in the com- set in Celtic’s greatest ever season — through ball to race into the box but petition’s history two non league clubs the ‘Lisbon Lions’ 1966-67 campaign, delayed his shot allowing Liam Smith have reached that stage. which ended with a clean sweep of tro- to divert it out for a corner with a su- Leeds, who are fourth in the Cham- phies including the European Cup. perb last-ditch sliding tackle. pionship, had captain Liam Cooper The win moves Brendan Rodgers’ Moments later the home side were sent off for a second bookable off ence side, who have already won the League appealing for a penalty when Sinclair’s in the second-half. Cup, 22 points clear of Rangers at the cross appeared to hit the arm of John “It is a great day,” Collins told BBC top of the table as they remain fi rmly Souttar but referee Bobby Madden ig- Radio. “To beat Leeds is a fantastic on course for a domestic treble. nored their pleas. achievement. I have got a lot of family The Hoops boss said it was a huge Celtic came close with a curling ef- here so that makes it even more spe- honour to set a new record. fort from Roberts that went inches cial. “It’s an incredible run that the play- wide before Martin was presented with “On Friday, I was on a building site.” ers are on. Every accolade that they get a rare chance to equalise but Craig Gor- Sutton’s remarkable exploit fol- they deserve because of their focus, the don was equal to his eff ort. lowed two other upsets earlier yes- spirit that they have fostered within the Despite that blip, the Hoops re- terday with third tier Millwall beat- team and the quality of football that mained in complete control and ing Premier League Watford 1-0 and they are producing,” Rodgers said. grabbed a deserved second goal in the Championship outfi t Fulham trounc- “The players I thought were mag- 78th minute. ing Hull 4-1. nifi cent today.” Kieran Tierney’s dangerous low de- A goal by former Wales internation- Hearts head coach Ian Cathro said livery in the box was stopped on the al Steve Morison proved the diff erence his side had wanted to compete with line by Jack Hamilton after being di- between Millwall and a poor Watford. Celtic. verted towards his own goal by Aaron It was Millwall’s second succes- “We believed that we could and we Hughes, but Sinclair was quickest to sive top level scalp after eliminating showed enough evidence that was pos- react and force the ball over the line. Bournemouth in the previous round. Sutton’s Jamie Collins (second from left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Leeds United during their sible throughout,” Cathro said. Tierney was again the provider two There was to be no such glory for FA Cup fourth round match at the Borough Sports Ground in London yesterday. (AFP) “We were looking to push hard and minutes later as he cut the ball back for Championship side Wigan, FA Cup we suff ered a second goal and the game Roberts who took a touch before lash- winners in 2013, as they were at the “We are an honest bunch,” Morison, and have quality and you can see that Fulham, who are 11th in the Cham- started to change a little bit then.” ing the ball high into the roof of the net. wrong end of a 4-0 humbling by Man- 33, told the BBC. “Everyone works today.” pionship but just fi ve points outside Celtic, already having to cope with Sinclair then expertly despatched chester United. hard every day. Sometimes it doesn’t Harris’s Watford counterpart Wal- the play-off spots, rounded off the injuries to strikers Moussa Dembele and a penalty in the fi rst minute of injury German World Cup winner Bastian go for us but we put 110 percent in ter Mazzarri apologised to the fans for scoring through former Celtic star Leigh Griffi ths, were dealt a further blow time to seal the win after substitute Schweinsteiger hasn’t had an awful every day. It is well deserved. We were the defeat. Norwegian international Stefan Jo- just prior to kick-off when midfi elder Jack Aitchison was tripped by Leonard lot to smile about during his spell at brilliant from start to fi nish.” However, he said it should be taken hansen. Armstrong hobbled out of the warm-up. Sowah. United but he hit the target with a de- Millwall manager Neil Harris, the into account that as they are play- Hull’s miserable afternoon ended on lightful overhead kick to round off the club’s all-time leading scorer, was ing Arsenal in the Premier League on a suitably awful note with Abel Hern- scoring. proud as punch of his players who ex- Tuesday he had to be careful with his andez having two penalties saved in SPOTLIGHT Millwall — fi nalists in 2004 — dom- tended their unbeaten run in all com- selections. the fi nal minutes. inated the clash with Morison knock- petitions to eight. Watford are seventh from bottom ing the ball home from close range “I thought we were excellent,” he and eight points above the relegation RESULTS winner to beat Heurelho Gomes. said. “Watford are a top side. In the places. Sutton 1 (Collins 53-pen) Leeds 0 The hosts, who had gone into the fi rst half we were outstanding but I Premier League strugglers Hull Millwall 1 (Morison 85) Watford 0 Premier League game boosted by the news that threats was starting to think ‘will it come?’ went down to their second Cup de- Fulham 4 (Aluko 17, Martin 54, of having to move to outside London But we got that moment of magic and feat in a matter of days and far more Sessegnon 66, Johansen 78) Hull 1 because of a property development fortunately the experience shined. tamely than when they beat Man- (Goebel 49) project had been stalled, had the ball “This club and team epitomise chester United 2-1 in the League Cup Manchester United 4 (Fellaini 44, in the net again shortly afterwards but everything what the FA Cup is about. semi-fi nal on Thursday but lost 3-2 on Smalling 57, Mkhitaryan 74, Schwein- stars tackle it was ruled out. They are an honest bunch, organised aggregate. steiger 81) Wigan 0 weak pound Payet gets his dream move back to Marseille AFP “The weaker pound is rapidly chip- AFP strike at the beginning of the month. for the transfer of Dimitri Payet to refusal to play. He was erased from London ping away at players’ already staggering London He said he would not play for the ,” tweeted their WhatsApp team conversations wages and... agents are clearly seeking club again and his and his wife’s the club on their Twitter page. and excluded from team dinners. to capitalise on this new opportunity to priority was a return to France and “We’re going home,” Payet later Payet, who joined West Ham from he Premier League’s star im- draw more out of the clubs,” said Craig rance international Dimitri his former club. tweeted alongside a photo of a small Marseille for £10mn in 2015 and only ports are demanding huge pay Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda Payet’s long drawn out transfer However, having turned down two private plane with its door open. last February signed a new £125,000 rises as clubs’ TV revenues trading group. Fsaga ended yesterday as Pre- earlier bids — reported to be £19mn Payet, who also starred for France in a week five-and-a-half-year contract, rocket, Chinese teams en- “They will also be very aware of the Ttice them with mega wages — and the fact that (Premier League) clubs can af- mier League side West Ham agreed and £20mn — West Ham changed last year’s 2016 championships had also attracted the ire of the fans. to sell him to outfit Marseille their tune with the higher off er and where they lost to Portugal in the His photograph outside the ground pound slumps ahead of Brexit. ford to meet the higher terms due to the for a reported £25million ($31.3mn). also having signed interna- final, had been demoted to train with had to be guarded by a steward at Some players have secured bumper new TV deals,” Erlam told AFP. The 29-year-old — who starred for tional Robert Snodgrass from Hull. the Under-23 side as he was frozen home matches and the fans normal increases before tomorrow’s transfer “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Hammers last season scoring “West Ham United can confirm that out by Hammers manager Slaven laudatory chant of him was replaced window deadline. some footballers who clearly came to 12 goals — had eff ectively gone on a £25mn fee has today been agreed Bilic and his teammates after his by more abusive terms. Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker England to chase the television money Philippe Coutinho has signed a fi ve- are now using to try and broker a year contract worth between £150,000 better deal,” he added. ($189,000) and £200,000 per week. China has shot into the world’s top BOTTOMLINE But Arsenal have yet to meet the fi ve buyers of international football demands of Mesut Ozil and Alexis talent, a FIFA report said Friday, while Sanchez. British media is frequently linking Reports suggest World Cup win- Premier League players with potential Sex abuse scandal is a disgrace, says Beckham ner Ozil and Sanchez, twice winner of moves to the country. the Copa America, each want around AFP speare and is allowed a book of their could learn the language. £250,000 per week as they also factor POWER OF TV London choice as well as a special object. He told the BBC that his initial stages in the cost of converting pounds into Cohen meanwhile pointed out that the Beckham said he would take his of dating Victoria were carefully orches- their native currencies. falling pound would do little to help England caps to the island, a less con- trated by her manager Simon Fuller. This is signifi cantly higher than bridge a widening gap between TV ngland football icon David troversial choice than late great Amer- “He was very protective and he kind their current weekly wages of about incomes earned by England’s top 20 Beckham labelled the histori- ican writer Norman Mailer who opted of wanted to keep it quiet,” said Beck- £135,000 and above Arsenal’s im- clubs and the broadcasting revenues cal sex abuse scandal that has for marijuana. ham, who has gone on to have four proved off er said to be in the region of made by Europe’s other top leagues, rocked the sport as a ‘disgrace’ Beckham said he keeps his caps at children with Victoria. £200,000. including in . inE an insightful interview on BBC Ra- home but his medals are in a bank in “I used to drive down to see her and “While fans tend to associate player “The falling pound may aid La Liga dio yesterday. safekeeping as they are for his children we used to sit in the car park (of a local costs with transfer fees, it’s important in principle, but it will take a lot more He was unequivocal in his condem- and has over 1000 pairs of football restaurant) and talk. to note that transfer fees only account than a 10 or 15 percent improvement in nation of the sex abuse dating back to boots in storage. “I had an amazing bright blue BMW, I for around one-third of overall player the value of the euro compared to the the 1970’s and 80’s that has emerged His selection of music was eclectic. had spent all my adidas contract money costs,” said Jake Cohen, a sports lawyer pound, and which may or may not be since former Crewe Alexandra youth But there might be words at home as on it and was still living in lodgings. So at Mills & Reeve. permanent, to come close to match- player Andy Woodward went public not one of them was by his wife Victo- we used to sit in the car park, we would “The majority of player costs go to ing, let alone supplanting the Premier last November. ria’s former band ‘The Spice Girls’. kiss of course and talk.” wages,” he said in an interview with League, at least with regards to rev- Beckham was part of a legendary The one record he said he would take Beckham, who said he refused to AFP, adding that some players from enue,” he said. Manchester United youth team which to the desert island would be Ella Fit- watch United matches for three years abroad do in fact sign deals to be paid in Despite Manchester United’s relative included future stars like Paul Scholes, zgerald’s ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’. following their decision to sell him to currencies other than the pound. failure on the pitch last season, the club Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers “We used to get to my grandpar- Real Madrid which took him unawares To help off set the impact of currency has topped Deloitte’s Football Money Gary and Phil. ents at 8 on a Saturday morning and I as he was on holiday in the United fl uctuations, Premier League clubs League in terms of overall revenue for “There was never anything like In this May 1, 2012, picture, David would sit in my grand dad’s chair,” said States, joked about the extravagance have sponsorship and other deals with the fi rst time in more than a decade. that,” said the 41-year-old, capped Beckham sits courtside with his Beckham. “He was stern but loving of his wedding to Victoria in 1999. foreign exchange trading groups that United — who were last on top in the 115 times and captain of his country wife Victoria during the NBA game and used to work nights and get up at “We have renewed our vows since off er them preferential rates. 2003-04 campaign — earned record on 59 occasions. “It is disgraceful and between LA Lakers and Denver 11 in the morning. and it was a lot quieter with only six “Any company engaging in multina- total revenue of 689mn ($737mn) something has to be done. The closest Nuggets in Los Angeles. (Reuters) “I would always be watching Foot- people there,” he said. tional transactions should be consider- — and dislodged Champions League we ever came to that was when certain ball Focus (BBC programme on a Sat- “I even had a top hat in purple at the ing forex options, and football clubs are holders Real Madrid who have ruled the professionals in the senior team would Beckham was appearing as the urday) and he’’d say ‘out’ (of the chair) wedding. What was I thinking!” particularly exposed,” said Cohen. roost for 11 years. make us do a funny dance in front of guest on the 75th anniversary edition whether it was me or my sisters and do Beckham said his marriage to Vic- “Clubs often enter into contracts The Premier League’s clubs are our heroes at the time. of the renowned ‘Desert Island Discs’ the same with my children. toria had had its bad times but they with international companies in for- currently enjoying the proceeds of “It was humiliation but that was programme. “The thing I always remember is remained deeply in love. “People have eign currencies, such as sponsor- a £5.14-billion UK television rights just to teach us a lesson. I would like Ella Fitzgerald’s song would always be said because we’re a brand we stay to- ship deals and service contracts,” he deal for three years up to 2019 — up a to think clubs are all on board with this ENGLAND CAPS playing in his fl at.” gether but it’s not, it is because we love added. staggering 70 percent on the previous and the FA (Football Association) are The invitee is allowed to choose eight Beckham also chose Spanish song each other and we have four amazing Since Britain last year voted to exit the agreement. doing all they can and the more these records and to take to the mythical ‘No es no Lismo’ by Alejandro Sanz as children. We are very respectful of our European Union, sterling has plunged by Including overseas rights, the ex professionals express their opin- desert island a copy of The Bible, the he used to go to a Spanish bar on his lives when we have tough times, we around 18 percent against the dollar and present Premier League broadcasting ions there will be more done.” Complete Works of William Shake- own to eat ham and drink beer so he work through it,” he said some 14 percent versus the euro. deal is worth £8.3bn. Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 30, 2017 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Suarez grabs point Ayew brothers take Ghana into for Barca, 10-man semi-fi nals

AFP Mbokani featured prominently for the Oyem, Gabon Congolese Leopards, and one of his at- tempts was foiled by the woodwork. A suicidal back pass from Ghana- Sevilla beaten rothers Jordan and Andre ian Harrison Aff ul was intercepted by Ayew scored for Ghana as they Mbokani, who rounded goalkeeper Ra- Uruguayan’s equaliser comes after goal was denied despite ball crossing line reached the Africa Cup of Na- zak Brimah, but his scuff ed, angled tap tions semi-fi nals yesterday hit the post. Bwith a 2-1 win over the Democratic Re- Midway through the half, Mbokani Reuters Barcelona public of Congo in Oyem. retained possession under pressure Jordan opened the scoring after 63 from three Ghanaian Black Stars and minutes of a tight, bruising quarter- passed back for Junior Kabananga to arcelona’s Luis Suarez fi nal in northern Gabon and Andre put blaze over. snatched a late equaliser to Ghana ahead again from a 78th-minute A superb pass over the defence from salvage a 1-1 draw at Real Betis penalty. Mpoku gave Mbokani a half-chance on in La Liga yesterday but their They are sons of Ghana football leg- 37 minutes only for his hurried shot to titleB hopes were dented as the cham- end Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew, ranked among the fl y well off target. pions were denied a goal despite the greatest African footballers of all time. As half-time approached, Brimah got ball clearly crossing the line. Between the Ayew goals, Paul-Jose lucky twice as DR Congo continued to Fellow contenders Sevilla also fal- Mpoku levelled for DR Congo on 68 look the likelier side to break the dead- tered with a 3-1 loss at Espanyol after minutes. lock. playing almost the whole game with Ghana, seeking a fi rst Cup of Nations He dribbled across a Congolese at- 10 men after Nico Pareja was sent off title since 1982, will play Cameroon next tacker inside his box when a booted in the second minute, ending their run Thursday in Franceville for a fi nal place. clearance would have been more advis- of fi ve league wins in a row. It will be a sixth consecutive semi- able, and gentler on the nerves of Grant. Barca are second in the standings fi nals appearance for four-time cham- The Spain-based goalkeeper then on 42 points, one behind Real Madrid pions Ghana, who were runners-up in failed to grasp a Mbokani shot from out- who have two games in hand and can 2010 to Egypt and in 2015 to the Ivory side the penalty area, but smothered the tighten their grip on top spot. Madrid Coast. loose ball as a Leopard darted toward it. was scheduled to host Real Sociedad They overcame DR Congo without Ghana, who did not have a shot on later yesterday. captain and striker Asamoah Gyan, who target in the opening half, threatened as Sevilla are third on 42 after fail- failed to recover from a thigh injury sus- the second half progressed and it was no ing to capitalise on Barca’s slip up at tained in a group loss to Egypt four days surprise when they took the lead. Betis, goals from their former player ago. A misplaced Congolese pass was in- Jose Antonio Reyes plus Marc Navarro “We corrected some mistakes at half- tercepted by , who set and Gerard Moreno condemning Jorge time and were a totally diff erent team in up Jordan Ayew to hold off one tackle Sampaoli’s side to a defeat. the second half,” Ghana coach Avram and fi re past . Betis’s Alex Alegria gave the home Grant told SuperSport. But the advantage for the Ghanaians side a deserved lead in the 75th minute “Both our goals were fantastic, as was did not last long as Mpoku took aim after they had hit the woodwork twice Barcelona’s Luis Suarez eyes the ball as he scores a goal during the La Liga match against Real Betis yesterday. (AFP) the one scored by Congo, who were a outside the box and his swerving drive in quick succession although Suarez well organised team.” fl ew past Brimah into the right-hand secured a point for the visitors by ar- Stegen after racing through on goal was given a straight red card for trip- second half and Espanyol made sure Although Ghana had more posses- corner. rowing home Lionel Messi’s through unchallenged. ping compatriot Pablo Piatti in the of the points when Gerard stooped to sion during a goalless fi rst half, it was A rollercoaster game took anoth- ball in the 90th. Suarez’s goal came too late for Barca area and former Sevilla favourite Reyes head home after having a shot cleared DR Congo who came closest to scoring er turn when fouled Before the equaliser Barca were in- to score another as their fi ve-game scored from the spot, apologising to off the line. in a stadium surrounded by dense rain- and Andre Ayew sent censed when Aleix Vidal’s cross was winning streak in all competitions the visiting fans after converting the Athletic Bilbao bounced back from forest. Matampi the wrong way with his pen- defl ected towards goal and the ball ended. penalty. a goal down to beat Sporting Gijon 2-1 Giant Hull City striker Dieumerci alty kick. appeared to cross the line by about a “We did not play well, we made lots Sevilla battled back to level in the at home. metre before Aissa Mandi scrambled of errors in the fi rst half and in the 20th minute when Samir Nasri crafted After Duje Cop put the visitors it away. second half they were completely su- a brilliant team move to tee up Stevan ahead in the 27th minute, second half Unlike in the English Premier perior to us, we were nowhere near our Jovetic to tap in from close range, the goals by Muniain and Aritz Aduriz League, there is no goalline technol- usual level,” Barca coach Luis Enrique Montenegrin scoring his third goal Zubeldia won it for the hosts. ogy in La Liga to help the referee. told reporters. “The fi nal minutes since joining Sevilla on loan from Inter Moments later Vidal had a shot changed our sensations but this feels Milan in January. RESULTS cleared in the goalmouth. like a point gained.” Espanyol made their extra man Real Betis 1 (Alegria 74) barcelona 1 “I have nothing to say about the count, however, laying siege to Sevil- (Luis Suarez 90) GILT-EDGED CHANCE ghost goal, I’ve seen the pictures. la’s goal before the break and scoring Espanyol 3 (Reyes 3-pen, Navarro Betis striker Ruben Castro missed a Technology could help, and it’s obvi- in the last move before halftime when 45+2, Moreno 71) Sevilla 1 (Jovetic 19) gilt-edged chance to seal an unlikely ous that referees need help.” Navarro headed home Reyes’ corner. Athletic Club 2 (Muniain 50, Aduriz win but failed to beat Marc-Andre ter Sevilla’s Argentine defender Pareja Sevilla were a spent force in the 71-pen) Sporting Gijon 1 (Cop 27)

Shaky Dortmund leak late equaliser

AFP lowing Gabon’s group-stage exit leaders Bayern Munich, who won but the goal was ruled off side. Berlin from the Africa Cup of Nations, but 2-1 at Werder Bremen on Saturday The hosts snatched a point seven he had just two shots on goal in thanks to goals by Arjen Robben and minutes from time when midfielder Mainz. David Alaba. Danny Latza was left unmarked to orussia Dortmund conceded Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel Borussia took the lead with just three head home a cross at the far post as a late goal in Pierre-Emerick had lamented their shaky defence minutes gone in Mainz. Mainz pushed for the winner in the Ghana’s Andre Ayew (left) celebrates his goal with teammate John Boye during BAubameyang’s low-key Bun- after last Saturday’s scrappy 2-1 win Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin frantic final stages. the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against DR Congo in Oyem yesterday. (AFP) desliga return yesterday in a 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen and they again lost possession, which Dortmund’s Earlier, midfielder Janik Haberer at Mainz which cost them third place looked unstable at the back. winger Andre Schuerrle and ex-Bayern Munich striker Nils in the table. This was Dortmund’s fourth draw in snapped up to provide the final pass Petersen netted for Freiburg in shock Aubameyang, the German league’s their last five league games. for Marco Reus to rifle home. 2-1 win over high-fliers Ivory Coast coach Dussuyer resigns top scorer with 16 goals, was back Last season’s runners up are now Mainz’s Japan striker Yoshinori Muto Hertha Berlin. Ex-Dortmund striker in Dortmund’s starting line-up fol- fourth — fourteen points adrift of had the ball in the net on 15 minutes, Julian Schieber pulled a goal back. aft er Nations Cup exit

Frenchman Michel Dussuyer Tuesday saw the Ivorians unable resigned as coach of Ivory Coast to defend their African title after SERIE A yesterday following the exit of the drawing their first two group games African Nations Cup holders from the and then losing their key last group tournament. match. “The decision came after The 57-year-old is the second coach- consultation with the federation. We Juve open up four-point gap as Roma fl op ing casualty of the tournament in thank him for his work, as well as his Gabon after Algeria coach Georges humanity, professionalism, humility Leekens quit following his side’s and discretion,” said a statement AFP tom side Pescara on Saturday and have surprise first round elimination. from the Ivorian Football Federation Rome now won nine times on the trot in all Dussuyer had been in the job for just yesterday. competitions. over 18 months and got the Ivorians off Dussuyer has coached at five Na- Defender Danilo D’Ambrosio and to a good start in the group phase of tions Cup, three times with Guinea, uventus’s campaign for a record Portuguese midfi elder Joao Mario put the World Cup qualifiers late last year. once with Benin and then with the sixth consecutive Italian title Inter on cruise control before half- But defeat by in Oyem last Ivorians. gathered pace Sunday as near- time and Brazilian-born Italy striker est rivals Roma stumbled. Eder came off the bench to complete JA 2-0 win at Sassuolo enabled Mas- the comfortable win after the break. similiano Allegri’s Juve to pull four Inter face leaders Juventus next LIGUE 1 points clear at the top of the table as weekend in an encounter increasingly Roma went down to a 3-2 defeat at the looking like a last-chance saloon for hands of Sampdoria. the chasing pack. And with a game in hand — against Inter’s rise was at Lazio’s expense Nice down Guingamp lowly Crotone — over all their closest with the Roman club dropping back rivals, Juve now look to be fi rmly in in the race for European football next AFP Leonardo Jardim’s men face champions control of the title battle. season after a shock home defeat to Paris Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Napoli can join Roma in a share of lowly Chievo, for whom Roberto In- Princes later. second place if they beat Palermo at glese sealed the points with a 90th- Nice coach Lucien Favre admitted home in the Sunday evening match. minute strike against the run of play. ario Balotelli secured a fi rst it had been a struggle at times and in- Roma led twice against Sampdoria in win in four games for Nice sisted his side would continue to take Genoa, but their title aspirations were Sampdoria’s Luis Muriel (left) celebrates his goal against Roma during their Serie RESULTS as they provisionally re- things step by step. dealt a defl ating blow as strikes from A match in Genoa yesterday. (AFP) Torino 1 (Falqué 16) Atalanta 1 turned to the top of Ligue 1 “We scored three goals at key times. Czech forward Patrik Schick and Co- Mwith a 3-1 victory at home to Guingamp Guingamp didn’t have many chances (Petagna 66) lombian striker Luis Muriel turned the striker Higuain has now got in front again though Bosnian Sampdoria 3 (Praet 20, Schick 71, yesterday. but we sat back and suff ered. We have match around in the space of three min- hit the net 15 times in his fi rst season in striker Edin Dzeko, only to see their Muriel 73) Roma 2 (Peres 5, Dzeko 66) Alassane Plea struck after 11 minutes to keep taking it match by match and utes midway through the second half. Turin and it was his pass that allowed eff orts cancelled out quickly. Fiorentina 3 (Ilicic 17, Chiesa 50, to give Nice the lead at the Allianz Riviera we have a big one at Monaco next Sat- Muriel’s strike, which was to prove German midfi elder Samy Khedira to With Atalanta held to a 1-1 draw Kalinic 62) Genoa 3 (Simeone 57, 86- and Jean-Michael Seri, back from Af- urday.” the winner, was a 25-yard, swerving, double the lead, and eff ectively kill the at Torino and AC Milan beaten 2-1 at pen, Hiljemark 59) rica Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Also yesterday, Nolan Roux scored dipping free-kick that found the net match as a contest, after 25 minutes. Udinese, it was a good weekend for Crotone 4 (Stoian 24, Falcinelli 56, Coast, added a second before half-time. twice, while Kevin Monnet-Paquet with the help of a defl ection off the wall. For Roma it was a case of back to bad fast-rising Inter Milan. 90+1-pen, 90+2) Empoli 1 (Mchedlidze Jimmy Briand pulled a goal back for added a third as Saint-Etienne won 3-0 Juve meanwhile were strolling to a defensive ways as they conceded three Stefano Pioli’s squad moved up to 39) Guingamp on the hour but Balotelli, at Toulouse. comfortable 2-0 win at Sassuolo. in Genoa after a run of three clean fourth place with a seventh straight Cagliari 1 (Borriello 90+2) Bologna who was targeted with racial abuse in Gonzalo Higuain scored his eighth sheets. league win to sustain a remarkable 1 (Destro 64) last week’s game at Bastia, sealed the RESULTS goal in six league matches to give Luciano Spalletti’s men had gone turnaround in the club’s fortunes Sassuolo 0 juventus 2 (Higuain 9, win three minutes from time. Nice 3 (Plea 11, Seri 38, Balotelli 87) the Turin giants an early lead after a ahead through Bruno Peres after only since Frank de Boer was sacked as head Khedira 25) The victory ended a run of three Guingamp 1 (Briand 63) sweeping move involving Alex Sandro fi ve minutes and, after Belgian mid- coach in November. Udinese 2 (Thereau 31, De Paul 73) straight draws for Nice who moved a Toulouse 0 Saint-Etienne 3 (Roux and Mario Mandzukic. fi elder Dennis Praet’s equaliser, they Inter cruised to a 3-0 win over bot- AC Milan 1 (Bonaventura 8) point clear of Monaco at the summit. 9-pen, 67-pen, Monnet-Paquet 55) Gulf Times Monday, January 30, 2017 7 SPORT

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP Aspire Academy produce heroic show to enter fi nal Aspire captain Nasser al-rahak showed admirable courage to score low to his left and spark scenes of delirium

By Sports Reporter Doha Real deal fatal blow to spire Academy produced their Frankfurt’s fi nal hopes fi nest performance in Al Kass International Cup’s history to Real Madrid edged a highly they snapped into tackles with come from behind and defeat Red competitive semi-final against a newfound energy. BullA Salzburg by 2-1 in a dramatic semi-fi - Eintracht Frankfurt, running With the Kabuya brothers nal that lit up the Aspire Zone. out 3-1 winners in a game that spearheading their attack Red Bull had deployed Aminu Moham- was far closer than the final Frankfurt began the second ed, hero of their 3-2 victory over PSG, on score suggested. period in inspired form, and in the left of a two-man attack. Meanwhile, The game exploded into ac- the 53rd minute reduced Real’s Aspire had Yusuf Yusuf, himself the scorer tion from the very first whistle, lead to one. A defence-splitting of a wondrous strike in the previous round, and produced a goal within ball through to frontman Wil- leading the line. five minutes. Antonio Casas liam Kabuya found the forward But it was midfi elder Hashim Ali who Marín controlled a Daniel advancing on goal, and the came close to opening the scoring on sev- Sanchez throw-in, and drove classy striker held off a strong en minutes, when he reacted smartly to a the ball low into the box on challenge to finish into the bot- headed clearance to volley a powerful fi rst the turn. Junior Oliveira was tom corner. time eff ort from 25 yards that flew inches unaware that Raul De Blas was Madrid’s youngsters were over the bar. The local side had largely suc- ghosting in, and before the shaken, and suddenly found ceeded in keeping Aminu quiet during the defender could react the ball themselves clinging onto their early stages, but on 20 minutes another was fired into the top corner lead by a thread until, in the threat emerged in the shape of Dominik from close range. 60th minute, their luck nearly Szoboszlai. The midfi elder picked the ball Five minutes later Los Blan- ran out. Brothers William and up 35 yards out in the inside left channel cos found themselves further Jean Kabuya linked up well, and cut inside before unleashing an un- in front. A Pérez cross arrived and worked a dangerous coun- stoppable drive into the top corner of the at the near post, before a leap- ter attack. Jean broke free in helpless Mahmoud Abunada’s net. ing Benjamin Garay headed the box and, with the ball at his Suddenly, Aspire’s powers of recovery the ball across the keeper and feet, attempted an audacious were put to the test, having fallen behind into the far corner. close-range chip. His brilliant for the fi rst time in the tournament. Ten minutes in and 2-0 up, eff ort looped over a scram- Just as Aminu had been anonymous up Madrid were easily the better bling Suarez and came off the to this point, so Aspire’s Yusuf struggled of the two sides at this stage. woodwork, only to bounce to get into the game, with Red Bull’s back Frankfurt were uncharacteristi- agonisingly along the goal line line closely watching his every move and cally sluggish, and their lack before being cleared. responding forcefully whenever he threat- of energy off the ball had seen The chance had been lost ened to get on the ball. Aspire Academy players celebrate after their win over Red Bull Salzburg in the semi-finals of the Al Kass International Cup yesterday. them deprived of possession and, soon after, Real broke At the same time, Aspire’s defenders for the majority of the opening against the run of play and were also performing well, never more so and came close to equalising on 49 min- striker at bay. However, as confi dence spark scenes of delirium. Red Bull’s night period. restored their two-goal than on 27 minutes when Red Bull’s Aldan utes when Mohammed al-Naimi rose levels grew, so each of the Academy play- went from bad to worse soon afterwards, However, a well-worked advantage. Tobias Stirl could Aganovic broke into the area down the highest to power a header inches wide ers began to express themselves with neat when playmaker Ousmanne Diakite was attack straight from the only palm a powerful Mircea right and evaded several tackles before from Khaled Saleh’s inviting free kick. interplay and accurate passing. given a straight red card for serious foul restart saw them awarded Tirlea shot into the path of left Saleh Binhalabi intervened with a superbly Soon after, Ibrahim was set free on the Red Bull were reduced to attempt- play, after frustration got the better of him. a penalty as Carlos López back Daniel Sanchez, whose timed challenge to win the ball cleanly. inside left channel and beat his man before ing shots from distance, as on 71 minutes However, his teammates almost found scythed William Kabuya down ruthless shot to the keeper’s However, Aganovic’s boundless energy delivering a shot of such ferocity that Red when Aminu’s long-range attempt came a way back into the game moments lat- in the area, earning a yellow right was impossible to keep and powerful running were causing prob- Bull keeper Daniel Antosch needed two at- to nothing. Aspire were defending reso- er when left back Benjamin Wallquist’s card in the process. Although out. With only 15 minutes left lems, as the Academy found themselves tempts to bring the ball under control. lutely, their commitment typifi ed by Nasir speculative cross from wide on the fl ank it was clearly a tactical foul, to play, The Whites were home penned in to their own half for long pe- Aspire were enjoying their best spell, Baksh, who was cautioned for a crude hack evaded everyone and cannoned out of the and he was lucky not to see and dry. riods. Deep into added time at the end of and suddenly it was the turn of Salzburg’s on Szoboszlai, who wasted the resulting far post. red, Lopez’s decision paid off . Having deservedly earned the fi rst 45, Abunada saved Nikola Stosic’s defenders to stand fi rm in the face of re- free kick. With time ebbing away, Dario Kolobaric Enrique Zauner’s spot kick was their spot in Tuesday’s final, stinging drive smartly to keep the defi cit peated attacks. But on the hour mark they As the game entered the fi nal quarter of powered into the area on the right and poorly hit, and a weak eff ort Real Madrid will be hoping it’s to a single goal, but is was clear that As- fi nally succumbed, when an inviting ball an hour, Aspire looked to be fi rmly in con- looked to round Abunada, who managed was easily saved by the Madrid third time lucky, having been pire would need to step up their attacking over the top was latched onto by the on- trol, if only they could fi nd a second goal to get a hand on the ball and avert a certain shot-stopper. defeated at the final hurdle of threat to stand any chance of reaching the rushing Ibrahim, who took a touch before that their improved performance war- goal, or penalty. Frankfurt coach Steff en Win- Al Kass twice previously. Their fi nal. With this aim in mind, coach Bruno hammering home to level the score. ranted. The fourth offi cial signalled four min- ter reshuff led his side following goalscoring threat, spread Nogueira made a double substitution at The local youngsters were suddenly in And they were handed a gilt-edged op- utes of added time, and they must have this wasted opportunity, throughout the team, means the beginning of the second half, bringing the ascendancy, as the equaliser appeared portunity on 78 minutes when the ref- felt like an age for Aspire’s youngsters as replacing Zauner with David that they will feel confident of Ahmed Alganehi on for Nasser Alyazidi to take the wind out of Red Bull’s sails. As- eree judged that Ahmed Sebaie had been Red Bull committed everything forward in Siebert. The strategic change going one better this time. and Abdulrasheed Ibrahim for Yusuf, who pire’s preferred tactic – to win the ball in impeded as he strove to get on the end of search of an equaliser. Abunada performed resonated with the Germans, Frankfurt will now compete was perhaps suff ering following some ear- midfi eld and release Ibrahim as quickly as Ahmed al-Hamawende’s header across repeated heroics to keep the ball out, as his who suddenly looked more for third place, having acquit- lier rough treatment. possible – had already paid off , and Salz- goal. Captain Nasser Alrahak showed ad- team saw out the fi nal seconds to complete than capable of forcing their ted themselves admirably Aspire instantly appeared reenergised, burg were struggling to keep the pacey mirable courage to score low to his left and a famous victory. way back into the game, as throughout the tournament.

QSL ROUND-UP GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Kharaitiyat welcome back Qatar-based Frijns settles for Saad for Umm Salal clash second spot at Dubai Autodrome

By Sports Reporter replacement to Brazilian recruit Tata, who left after Doha playing only one game with the side. Charlie Frijns in action. AL SAILIYA SIGN FAYEZ l Kharaitiyat have been handed a boost Al Sailiya has strengthened their backline with the ahead of their Qatar Stars League match loan signing of defender Rami Fayez from El Jaish against Umm Salal on Saturday, confi rm- till the end of the season. ing that winger Mahmoud Saad is set to The signing of Fayez will be a major boost for returnA to fi rst team action for the side. head coach Sami Trabelsi, who had been looking to Saad sat out of his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Al add some local players to his squad. Rayyan through domestic suspension, and now will So far it’s been a busy transfer window for the be available for the Thunders against Umm Salal. Peregrines with the signing of Fayez meaning that In other team news, Al Kharaitiyat will be with- Al Sailiya has signed fi ve players in January alone. out Saud Nasser for the game after picking up a Uzbekistan attackers Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov fourth yellow card of the season against Al Rayyan. and Sanjar Shaakhmedov, have been picked up The loss of the left back will be a bitter blow for head while Romanian Valentin Lazar has been signed on coach Ahmad Al-Ajlani whose side is fi ghting for loan from Dinamo Bucuresti. Qatari attacker Jar- survival in the QSL. alla al-Marri has also been signed on loan from Al The match against Al Rayyan also saw al-Ajlani Rayyan. Al Sailiya are currently in tenth place in the give a debut to Belgium born professional mid- QSL standings with 19 points from 18 games so far fi elder Rachid Tiberkanine who has been signed as a this season.

oha-Resident Charlie Frijns has fi rst race the Qatar driver regained his com- I lost 27 points on Ryan. For Abu Dhabi responded to a disappointing posure and focus but still had to work hard there’s one goal – win the race. Race by race opening race in the third round of for his second position after losing the lead we have to win and we will see how it ends.” the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and falling back to fourth in the early stages. The eight Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge MiddleD East Season 8 to claim second place Frijns did well to overtake Tom Oliphant Middle East continues in the UAE with in the second race at Dubai Autodrome on and Dylan Pereira on consecutive laps but Round 4 taking place at popular Yas Ma- Friday. had to settle for second with Britain’s Oli- rina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on February 10th Frijns, who was leading the champion- phant eventually fi nishing in third. and 11th. The championship represents ship, entering Round 3 came over the fi nish After his second place fi nish Frijns said: the most professional series of its kind in line second behind main rival Ryan Cullen “I had a great start, took a gap of half a sec- the region and off ers a proven pathway to of Ireland. Cullen made it back-to-back ond or something so I could breathe a little world-class international motorsport. wins in Dubai over the weekend and now in the fi rst lap. But then in the back straight I Season 8 features an international grid of leads at the top of the driver’s champion- made a mistake, locked my front tyre. 16 drivers representing 12 diff erent nation- ship by 17 points. “After that three cars passed me and, be- alities covering every level of competition Cullen cruised to take the chequered fl ag cause it was a little bit dangerous to come from professionals, amateurs and rookie by a comfortable winning margin of 2.54 back on track, I slowed down too much. drivers. seconds. Safety is number one though. After that International drivers hail from Ireland, The Irishman had started second on the I was stuck behind Pereira and al-Zubair. Norway, Germany, Luxenberg, Sweden and grid by quickly gained control on the open- After I’d passed them, I decided to close the with the best local drivers repre- ing lap and was untroubled throughout. gap on Ryan. I closed it to two seconds, but senting the , Bahrain, Al Kharaitiyat winger Mahmoud Saad sat out of his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Al Rayyan. After only managing to fi nish 11th in the it still wasn’t enough. This weekend I think Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 30, 2017 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Bettman says Olympic talks Heat roll over Pistons remain at stalemate

AFP for 7th straight win Los Angeles HL president Gary Bettman suggest- ‘Our toughest, most physical, most committed minutes were in the fourth quarter’ ed Saturday that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has some fence mending to do before club Nowners will support league players participat- AFP Miami ing in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Bettman, who said he is growing weary of discussing the matter, said the Olympics was oran Dragic tallied eight of discussed only briefl y during the board of gov- his 23 points in the fourth ernors meeting before Sunday’s NHL All-Star quarter and the Miami Game. Heat extended their NBA “The issue of the Olympics got a 10-second Gwin streak to seven games with a discussion,” Bettman said. 116-103 win over the Detroit Pistons Since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, on Saturday. the NHL has shut down its season in February Wayne Ellington scored 19 points every four years and allowed players to com- and James Johnson fi nished with 18 pete for their homelands, risking injury to top for the Heat, who have the longest talent to grow the sport worldwide. active winning streak in the league. “The biggest hurdle is the concern about the “Our toughest, most physical, disruption to the season, the compressed sched- most committed minutes were in ule, and a whole host of other things we have to the fourth quarter. That was good to talk about,” said Bettman. The NHL and IOC see,” said Miami coach Erik Spoel- have been unable to come to terms on having the stra. world’s best players competing in Pyeongchang, Miami improved to 18-30 on the South Korea in just over 12 months. season, giving them their longest Besides the logistics involved in shutting winning streak since February 2014. down operations in mid-season for a two- Dion Waiters scored 13 of his 17 week period, the two sides have been unable points in the fi rst quarter in front of to agree on costs of travel and insurance — bills a crowd of 19,600. the IOC has paid since the 1998 Winter Games. Detroit dropped to 21-26 on the The IOC spent about $14mn to cover travel season despite getting a team-high and insurance for NHL players for the 2014 24 points from Reggie Jackson. Sochi Olympics. “We said from the outset that Andre Drummond chipped in if they are not going pay the expenses then we with 17 points and a game-high 20 don’t even have to think about this,” Bettman rebounds. said. “A bunch of clubs didn’t give it much Heat center Hassan Whiteside, thought until the IOC said they weren’t go- who entered the game averaging ing to pay. Now they are saying, “If that is how 16.9 points and 13.9 rebounds, made they value our participation then why are we his return from an ankle injury but knocking ourselves out.” was ineff ective against the stifl ing defence of Drummond. Whiteside was held to nine points and 12 rebounds. All-star Weber defends hardest The fi rst quarter featured seven shot title at skills competition lead changes and ended with Miami Los Angeles: Shea Weber won the hardest leading 35-33 but they were never shot competition for the third straight year up by more than two points in the as the Atlantic Division captured Saturday opening stanza. night’s Skills Competition as part of the build Miami shot 57.9 percent from the up to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game. fl oor in the second quarter and took The Montreal Canadiens defenceman blasted a 64-60 advantage into halftime as a shot 165.4 kilometres per hour (102.8mph) there were four more lead changes to defend his title against runner-up Patrik and four ties in the second quarter. Laine, who let one fly 163.7km/h. The game remained tight in the “I have been working on my shot. I will con- third as the Pistons shot an impres- tinue to work on it in practice. It is not easy to sive 72.2 percent from the fi eld in the do,” Weber said. quarter. The Atlantic Division defeated the Pacific The Pistons took a 91-90 lead into Division 9-7 in points as the skills competition the fi nal quarter but the Heat even- determined the matchups for Sunday’s All- tually rallied the troops to keep their Star game at Staples Center arena. streak alive. This is the third time Los Angeles has hosted Meanwhile Stephen Curry scored the mid-season exhibition with the others 43 points to lead the Golden State taking place in 1981 and 2002. Warriors to their most dominant The exposure to the NHL has also fuelled victory of the NBA season, a 114-98 a growth of the sport in California as the rout of the Los Angeles Clippers in Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (center) drives between Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (left) and center Aron Baynes (right) during the second half at number of registered hockey players has Oakland. American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 116-103. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports rocketed from 3,400 in 1981 to 28,000 in “It feels great,” said Curry, who 2016, NHL president Gary Bettman said electrifi ed the crowd with a 51-foot son while the Clippers hadn’t lost by the bench that he could only dream Warriors, who notched their fi fth Clippers, who haven’t beaten the Saturday. shot to close the fi rst half. “I felt like more than 26 this year. of having a game like that. straight home win. Warriors in the regular season since Edmonton’s rising star Connor McDavid won I was always in a rhythm and the Curry notched his third 40-point “How does it feel whatever the Curry also found time for a team- Christmas Day in 2014. the fastest skater event while Pittsburgh guys were setting great screens.” game of the season and came tanta- hell you are feeling right now?” Kerr high nine rebounds and six assists. Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby claimed After the break he drained fi ve lizingly close to his season high of 46 asked in the middle of the game. The Clippers dropped to 1-4 since Results the title of most accurate shooter. three-pointers in the third quarter points despite sitting out the entire “Just once in my life ... for me if I losing star guard Chris Paul to injury Minnesota 129 Brooklyn 109 Crosby had to hit four targets, strategically en route to 25 points in the period. fourth quarter. went like fi ve for six and made four despite having Blake Griffi n back Memphis 102 Utah 95 placed in the corners of the goal, and he com- “It was one of those quarters Even Warriors coach Steve Kerr threes that was about the best I ever in the lineup. Griffi n, who fi nished Denver 123 Phoenix 112 pleted the task in just 10.73 seconds. where everything seems to go right,” couldn’t help but be in awe of Cur- did.” with 20 points, was playing in his Golden State 144 LA Clippers 98 “It was fun just to be out there with all the Curry said. ry’s performance. Kerr, who played Kevin Durant added 23 points and second game since returning from Boston 112 Milwaukee 108 (OT) guys and see everyone showing off their The 46-point margin of victory over 900 games in the NBA, told his a team-high seven assists, and Klay knee injury. Miami 116 Detroit 103 skills. I enjoyed it,” Crosby said. was the Warriors’ biggest of the sea- star player during one timeout on Thompson had 16 points for the J.J. Redick added 13 points for the Sacramento 109 Charlotte 106

BOXING Santa Cruz turns tables on Frampton to claim title

AFP ter a strong 11th round, Santa Berchelt dethrones Vargas, Australia enters ring for Pacquiao-Horn fi ght Los Angeles Cruz withstood a desperate at- Japan’s Miura wins by KO tack from Frampton in the fi nal Miguel Berchelt dethroned WBO welterweight world cham- Suncorp Stadium general round. “He was very clever. He previously unbeaten Francisco pion Manny Pacquiao could manager Alan Graham eo Santa Cruz reclaimed used his reach,” Frampton said. Vargas on Saturday, stopping fight Australian Jeff Horn in said 28-year-old Horn was the World Boxing Associ- “I think he deserved it. I’m being him in the 11th round to seize Queensland state after off icials keen to fight at the Brisbane ation featherweight world honest. I think he deserved it, the World Boxing Council super confirmed Sunday they were venue. title Saturday, handing but it was a very good fi ght. No featherweight title in a show- in negotiations to host the “He’s personally said that he LCarl Frampton the fi rst defeat of excuses.” down of Mexican rivals. bout. couldn’t think of anything more his career and avenging his 2016 Referee Raul Caiz halted the There has been weeks of exhilarating than walking out in loss to the star. Garcia KOs Zlaticanin bout 2:19 into the 11th round af- speculation that the 38-year-old the middle of Suncorp Stadium In an explosive rematch that On the same card, Ameri- ter a bloody cut over the left eye Filipino dubbed “Pac-Man” with a full house and people lived up to their bruising en- can Mikey Garcia won his third of Vargas left the champion una- will get into the ring with Horn backing him... for a fight,” Gra- counter last July, it was Santa world title with a ruthless third- ble to see or stop the triumphant in April, possibly in Australia. ham told reporters. Cruz who this time emerged round knockout of World Boxing challenger. “We now are getting the pieces Horn’s promoter Duco Events with a majority decision, with Council lightweight champion “Francisco Vargas is a great together to deliver this major was not immediately available two judges scoring it 115-113 for Dejan Zlaticanin of Montenegro. champion. When he’s hurt he fight,” Queensland’s tourism for comment. the US-based Mexican while the A right upper-cut followed by throws a lot more punches. He’s minister Kate Jones told report- Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspa- third scored it a draw at 114-114. a monstrous overhand right from got a lot of heart,” Berchelt said. ers in Brisbane. per said Sunday the fight “I wanted revenge,” said Santa Garcia knocked Zlaticanin out Leo Santa Cruz celebrates his majority decision win over Carl “But I came here to win. I came “We are working very closely had been pencilled in for April Cruz, whose loss to Frampton cold at 2:21 of the third round. Frampton after their WBA featherweight title fight in Las Vegas. (AFP) here to show I have heart. I came with Duco Events, (venue 23. last year was his fi rst defeat. “I Garcia’s in-ring celebrations here to be the champion.” manager) AEG Ogden and Pacquiao, who has parlayed his did what I had to do. I knew it gradually turned to expressions to control the bout from the fi rst fi ght on the card between In- Berchelt, 25, improved to 31-1 as well as the (Brisbane City) sporting fame into a career in was going to be another tough of concern as medical personnel round. “I think it was a great per- ternational Boxing Federation with his 28th early stoppage and Council to secure this fight here politics, is a veteran of 67 fights fi ght and like I said, let’s make it worked for several minutes to re- formance,” he said. featherweight world champion 10th consecutive victory while in Brisbane. with 59 victories. a third fi ght.” vive Zlaticanin, who endured his “I fought smart. I kept the dis- Lee Selby of Wales and former Vargas, 32, fell to 23-1 with two “We’re hoping to lock this down His record easily dwarfs that of Santa Cruz improved to 33-1 fi rst defeat in 23 fi ghts. “I’m glad tance, I controlled the range. The world champion Jonathan Victor drawn. as soon as possible.” Horn, who hails from Queens- with one drawn while Frampton my opponent is OK. We never left hand was key to keep him at Barros was cancelled apparently Selby, who had said in the Describing it as the “largest land, who has notched up only fell to 23-1. Although Framp- wish that anything bad happens that distance that best suited because of Barros health issues. build-up to the bout that his boxing event in Australia”, 17 fights with 16 wins. ton landed plenty of telling in the sport,” said Garcia, a former me and follow through with that The Nevada State Athletic dream was to fi ght in Las Vegas, Jones said her government Pacquiao said last week that blows in a fi ght fi lled with fre- featherweight and super feather- right hand. We were able to con- Commission said it declined to was gutted at the weigh-in on was keen to secure the fight at negotiations for the fight, in- netic exchanges, he was repeat- weight titlist who improved to nect, hurt him and put the end to issue Barros a license and ESPN Friday. the 52,500-capacity Suncorp cluding the date and opponent, edly pushed out of position by 36-0 with 30 knockouts. the night.” reported he had tested positive “I’m almost in tears,” he said. Stadium. were still ongoing. Santa Cruz’s eff ective jab. Af- Garcia had used an eff ective jab A third scheduled world title for hepatitis. “But I’m too dehydrated to cry.” Gulf Times Monday, January 30, 2017 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Olympic champions Centrowitz, Stefanidi ‘Queen made me triumph in Boston

AFP “I’m a strong guy, lot of mus- New York cles. I just thought, ‘I’ve got to keep going to the fi nish.’” Lapierre, a 33-year-old eigning Olympic Mauritian-born former Com- a knight, Trump 1,500m champion monwealth Games and world Matthew Centrowitz indoor champion, was level of the United States with Swede Michel Torneus at andR Rio women’s pole vault 7.80m but Lapierre’s second- gold medallist Ekaterini Ste- best eff ort of 7.75 broke the fanidi of Greece were among deadlock in his favour. Saturday’s winners at the Bos- Obiri, the 2012 world in- ton Indoor Grand Prix athletics door 3,000m crown, won the made me an alien’ meet. women’s 3,000 in 8:39.08 with British sprinter Harry Aik- Dutch reigning world 1,500m ines-Aryeetey, Australian long indoor champion Sifan Hassan Mo Farah condemns Donald Trump’s executive order as ‘ignorant and prejudiced’ jumper Fabrice Lapierre and second, 1.91 seconds back. Rio 5,000m runners-up Hellen Chelimo won the men’s Obiri of Kenya and Paul Che- 3,000 in 7:42.39, edging Brit- By Sean Ingle limo of the United States were ain’s Andrew Butchart, sixth in The Guardian also winners at the fi rst event the Rio 5,000 fi nal, by .58 of a in the fi ve-city IAAF World In- second. door Tour. “Training has been great. o Farah has con- Centrowitz, also reigning Now it’s all about confi dence,” demned Donald world indoor champion, won Chelimo said. “I’ve got the Trump’s decision to the mile in 3:55.78, edging confi dence. I’m ready now. I’m ban Muslims from Kenya’s Vincent Kibet by .31 of learning every day. It’s great.” Mseveral countries from travelling a second. to America, calling the decision “Defi nitely enjoyed my off - Gardner stumbles but wins “ignorant and prejudiced” – and season a little bit more after English Gardner, on the saying he will have to tell his kids the Olympics but happy to get US gold medal 4x100 relay at that he might not be able to come back out there racing,” Centro- Rio, won the 60 in 7.17 sec- home to the US from his training witz said. “I was pretty happy. onds, edging compatriot Dez- camp in Ethiopia. Could have gone a little bit erea Bryant by.02 in her lone In a statement Britain’s dou- quicker. I was feeling it out un- planned indoor start of the ble 5,000m and 10,000m Olym- til I made my move.” season. pic champion also contrasted his Stefanidi cleared 4.63m to “I stumbled about three or treatment from the Queen, who win but an expected battle with four steps out of the blocks,” recently gave him a knighthood, 2012 Olympic champion Jenn Gardner said. “But I’m kind of with that of Trump, saying: “On Suhr never materialised after a vet now. I’m able to do stuff 1 January this year, Her Majesty the American took one failed like that and keep my compo- the Queen made me a knight of attempt at 4.53m and withdrew sure. I was able to get back up the Realm. On 27 January, Presi- with muscle tightness. and stand tall and run to the dent Donald Trump seems to Aikines-Aryeetey, third at line.” have made me an alien.” 100m in the 2014 European Donavan Brazier won the Farah was speaking from Ethi- Championships, edged China’s 600 in 1:16.57 after the dis- opia where he is training at high Xie Zhenye at the tape to win qualifi cation of fellow Ameri- altitude in preparation for a race the men’s 60 metres, his time can Duane Solomon, who in Birmingham next month. His of 6.654 seconds taking the crossed the line .21 in front plan was to return to Ethiopia victory by .003 of a second. but only after illegally cutting afterwards for four weeks be- “I just kept pushing to the across the track from outside to fore heading back to the family line,” said Aikines-Aryeetey. inside after the fi rst turn. home he shares with his wife and four children in Portland in mid- March. However, he now fears he will not be able to travel back to Whistleblower doubts Russian Portland because of the execu- attitude has changed tive order signed by Trump bar- ring citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, The woman who helped sia that led to the country’s Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and blow the whistle on Russian athletics team being banned Yemen from entering the United doping doubts her country’s from international competi- States for the next 90 days. attitude toward performance- tion, including last year’s Rio In a strongly worded riposte enhancing drugs has changed Olympics. Although Russia to Trump, Farah said: “I am a fundamentally in the three has made changes in their British citizen who has lived in years since she and her athletics and anti-doping America for the past six years husband exposed the massive programmes and off icials – working hard, contributing problem. “It will be hard to continue to deny state-spon- to society, paying my taxes and change because you need to sored doping, the athletics bringing up our four children in change the mentality,” Yulia ban remains in eff ect. So does the place they now call home. Stepanova said through a Russian hatred toward the Now, me and many others like translator minutes after finish- couple, who now live in an me are being told that we may ing last in an 800m at the undisclosed location in the not be welcome. Boston Indoor Grand Prix in United State after having their “It’s deeply troubling that I her first international indoor lives threatened and called will have to tell my children that competition in two years. traitors. “Here in the States daddy might not be able to come “A lot of coaches in Russia I feel safe because I know I home – to explain why the Presi- were athletes themselves, am physically very far from dent has introduced a policy that Mo Farah and his camp are seeking clarification on his status with US authorities. and they were coached in the Russia,” Stepanova said. “I comes from a place of ignorance USSR system,” the convicted thought the attitude in Russia and prejudice. happen when you follow polices which would appear to make him told the Guardian. would be able to return to the US. drugs cheat said. (toward the couple) would “I was welcomed into Britain of compassion and understand- a victim of Trump’s policy. His “If he thinks something isn’t “Mo has lived in the US for many “It’s hard for them to believe change,” she said. from Somalia at eight years old ing, not hate and isolation.” camp are seeking to clarify the fair he won’t sit on the fence. years, had children there, and that there’s another way to “That I was trying to help the and given the chance to suc- Farah is a British citizen with situation with the US authori- He has always been passionate pays his taxes there. do it.” sport, that I was trying to help ceed and realise my dreams. I a British passport who does not ties. Meanwhile, Alan Watkin- about injustice and he has always And while Mo is the most Revelations by Stepanova and the athletes, but unfortunate- have been proud to represent my have dual nationality or hold a son, the PE teacher who discov- had that side to him.” high-profi le case, the whole husband Vitaly to anti-doping ly that is still not the case.” country, win medals for the Brit- Somalian passport. However, he ered Farah as a schoolboy, said he Watkinson, who was also the policy is complete crackers and off icials and German media Even international athletes ish people and receive the great- was born in Somalia before mov- was not surprised by him speak- best man at Farah’s wedding, hopefully his case will highlight in 2014 helped expose major are not always friendly,” est honour of a knighthood. My ing to the UK at the age of eight ing out against Trump’s deci- urged Theresa May to intervene how ridiculous this blanket ban doping problems in Rus- Stepanova said. story is an example of what can and becoming a British citizen, sion. “Mo has strong values,” he directly to make sure that Farah against Muslims is.”

GOLF Rodgers, Snedeker share Torrey Pines lead

AFP “There’s a lot of guys within a couple shots of the lead so Sinnott takes Myanmar Open La Jolla, United States it doesn’t really mean a whole lot, but this place for what- ever reason seems to bring out my best and I am excited rookie Todd Sinnott that first win. Excited and pretty about the challenge tomorrow will present because I played staged a remarkable comeback proud as well. I’m proud with the atrick Rodgers fi red a fl awless 67 on Saturday to great today.” at the Myanmar Open yesterday, way I played today,” he added. join defending champion Brandt Snedeker atop Rodgers, in his second full season as a US tour member, seizing the trophy with a flaw- Third place was jointly shared by the leaderboard at the US PGA Tour Farmers In- is seeking his fi rst win, but after a standout collegiate ca- less six-under-par final round Miguel Tabuena of the Philip- surance Open at Torrey Pines. reer and to improve on his previous best PGA fi nish of a tie that left his opponents trailing. pines alongside K.T. Kim (65) and PRodgers had fi ve birdies in a fi ve-under round that left for second at the Wells Fargo Championship in 2015 — the The 25-year-old Australian Im Sung-jae, both from South him on nine-under 207. Snedeker, a two-time winner on same year he nabbed a title on the Web.com developmen- began Myanmar’s most lucrative Korea. the picturesque course hugging the Pacifi c coast near San tal tour. “I feel very comfortable in contention,” he said. tournament with a disastrous Japan’s Yusaki Miyazato began Diego, had three birdies and a bogey in his two-under 70. “It’s probably when I’m the most comfortable out here.” first two rounds at the Pun the final day at the top of the In 2012, Snedeker was seven strokes off the lead after 54 Hlaing Golf Club in Yangon, table following three strong holes, before beating Kyle Stanley in sudden death. Last Leading third-round scores firing six balls into the water. But rounds. But he closed at sixth year, he was six strokes back through three rounds, before 207—Patrick Rodgers 68-72-67, Brandt Snedeker 68-69- he came back from the brink, place after firing a disappointing winning in a Monday fi nish. 70 storming from 40th to joint two-over-par 73. “I defi nitely like my odds better than the last two times 208—Tony Finau 73-68-67, Pan Cheng Tsung (TPE) 70- fourth on day three and then I won at this place, that’s for sure,” Snedeker said. “So 69-69 capping his turnaround with a (I’m) in the right frame of mind, exactly where I kind of 209—Pat Perez 68-74-67, Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-72-68, 65 on the final day thanks to a want to be in the last group here.” Patrick Rodgers lines up a putt on the 17th hole during Stewart Cink 68-72-69, Jonas Blixt (SWE) 68-72-69, Harris trio of late birdies. That left him The leading US duo were one stroke clear of Taiwan’s the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey English 71-69-69, Ollie Schniederjans 69-69-71, Robert a comfortable three shots ahead Pan Cheng Tsung, who carded a second straight 69, and Pines South in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Streb 68-71-70, (ENG) 65-71-73 of runner-up Carlos Pigem of American Tony Finau, who signed for a 67. 210—Paul Casey (ENG) 69-73-68, J.J. Spaun 72-69-69, Jon Spain at the close. Sinnott had Overnight leader Justin Rose of England carded a one- Woods, playing his fi rst full-fi eld PGA event in more Rahm (ESP) 72-69-69, (ITA) 71-70-69, only earned his Asian Tour card over 73 to head a group of eight players on 209, alongside than a year after a long recovery from back surgery, Charles Howell 67-74-69 two weeks earlier in Thailand. Americans Stewart Cink, Pat Perez, Harris English, Ollie missed the cut by four strokes. 211 —Gary Woodland 67-75-69, Kyle Stanley 70-73-68, “I knew where I was the whole Schniederjans and Robert Streb, Australian Marc Leish- World number one Jason Day of Australia, third-ranked Hunter Mahan 71-70-70, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 73-70-68, day and knew what I had to do man and Sweden’s Jonas Blixt. and Rickie Fowler also failed to make the Phil Mickelson 71-72-68, Adam Hadwin (CAN) 66-71-74 to get up with the leaders and Twenty-three players are within four shots of the lead. weekend. 212—Ryan Armour 71-71-70, Kevin Tway 72-70-70, Kyle keep pushing on,” he said in a The jam-packed leaderboard promised fi nal-round “This is obviously a tough golf course,” said Snedeker, Reifers 76-67-69, (JPN) 71-70-71, Lucas report put out by tournament fi reworks on Sunday, despite the fact that 14-time major who is trying to become the fi rst repeat winner at the Glover 71-70-71, Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA) 72-68-72, organisers. champion Tiger Woods and a host of other marquee play- event since Woods won it four straight times from 2005- Charley Hoff man 74-70-68, Brian Harman 68-71-73, Zac “I feel a little bit relieved to get ers failed to make the cut on Friday. 08. Blair 70-69-73, Keegan Bradley 69-69-74 Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 30, 2017 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Gritty Federer outlasts Nadal for 18th grand slam ‘Tennis is a tough sport, there are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to accept one tonight and share it with Rafa’

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates his victory against Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the men’s singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday.

Reuters with his rival in the gut-wrenching Nadal, the 2009 champion, was also and Nadal was all over his opponent’s of problems, secured a two sets to one sealed the title with a forehand winner Melbourne drama of the deciding set. typically gracious after losing his third serve at the start of the second and lead with a drop volley. that Hawk-Eye confi rmed hit the line. Federer was forced to endure a nerv- Melbourne fi nal and coming up short grabbed a 2-0 lead. The pendulum had not fi nished “In the fi fth set, I didn’t win one ous wait for his victory after Nadal un- in his bid for a 15th grand slam title. Federer had two break points in the swinging yet, however, and Nadal serve easily. Even if I played great in the oger Federer came out on top successfully challenged the line call on “It was a great match and I think next game but Nadal fought them off broke for 3-1 in the fourth and held break points, I was suff ering a lot,” said after a rollercoaster ride in the second championship point before Roger probably deserved it a little more and then broke again as his rival strug- under huge pressure in the next game Nadal. the 35th chapter of his rivalry becoming the fi rst man to win fi ve or than me,” the 30-year-old said. gled for accuracy under the Spaniard’s with a brilliant crosscourt forehand “He probably remained a little bit with Rafael Nadal to win his more titles at three diff erent grand slams. “I played a great quality of tennis. onslaught. winner at full stretch. more free on points on my serve. That’s fiR fth Australian Open 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 The Swiss, for many the greatest That’s great news for me. I believe that Four big forehands gave the Swiss a Nadal again closed out the set and Fe- what I needed in that moment, and I 6-3 and clinch a fi rst grand slam title in player of all time, celebrated with tears if I have my body in the right condition, break back but Nadal held fi rm to serve derer took a medical timeout before the didn’t have.” four and a half years yesterday. in his eyes but his fi rst words were for I can have a great year.” out the set and Federer needed three start of the decider, returning to court With Federer’s contemporary Serena The 35-year-old capped his trium- his old friend and rival. aces to save three break points at the only to give up his fi rst service game. Williams having won the women’s title phant return from knee surgery with a “Tennis is a tough sport, there are no FIRST BREAKTHROUGH start of the third. Federer was not prepared to give for the seventh time on Saturday, the record-extending 18th major title after draws in tennis but I would have been Federer made the slower start to the The momentum had swung, though, up easily on a fi rst grand slam title 2017 Australian Open is destined be a vintage battle with his Spanish rival, happy to accept one tonight and share contest but it was the Swiss who made and Federer stepped up a gear and rat- since Wimbledon in 2012, though, and remembered as the retro slam. who had won all three of their previous it with Rafa,” he said. the fi rst breakthrough, converting the tled off the next two games with Nadal upped his aggression to put the set Federer gave a reminder that no one is meetings at Melbourne Park. “I would have been happy to lose to fi rst break point of the match with a left scrambling to fend off a second back on serve at 3-3 when Nadal sent a immune to the ravages of time, however. Lefthander Nadal, also returning be honest, the comeback was as good forehand winner to go 5-4 up. break in a marathon fourth game. rasping forehand wide. “Now it’s time to celebrate in a mas- from injury this year, showed sus- as it was. I hope to see you next year That was enough to take the open- He was unable to repeat the feat in He needed another fi ve break points sive way,” he said. “(But) at 35 years old, tained periods of his brutal best from but if not, then it was a wonderful year ing set but this was never going to be the sixth game and Federer, his cross- on Nadal’s next service game before I don’t like to say it, but I’m so old and the baseline but was just unable to stay here and I couldn’t be happier tonight.” a straightforward win for either player court backhand causing Nadal all sorts the Spaniard fi nally cracked as Federer so the body hurts, it aches.”

Federer says 18th slam ‘smallest’ part of Melbourne triumph They came, they saw, they cheered... Roger Federer said winning an 18th grand slam and extending his lead at the top of the list of most prolific major winners was a long way from being the most satisfying thing about winning his fifth Australian Open title yesterday. The 18th slam edged him further ahead of Nadal and Pete Sam- pras, who share second place on the list of major winners with 14, and gave more grist to those who argue that Federer is the greatest player of all time. “That’s the smallest part, to be honest,” the 35-year-old told a packed news conference more than two hours after his victory. “For me it’s all about the comeback, about an epic match up with me, it’s a tricky one. It “I waited for the French Open, I with Rafa again. Doing it here in remains for me the ultimate tried, I fought. I tried again and Australia... that I can still do it at challenge to play against him. failed. Eventually I made it. This my age after not having won a So it’s definitely very special. feels similar.” slam for almost five years. “I haven’t beaten him in a grand The win made Federer the first “That’s what I see. The last prob- slam final for a long, long time player ever to win five titles at lem is the slam count. Honestly, now. Now I was able to do it three diff erent grand slams and, it doesn’t matter.” again.” at 35, the oldest grand slam win- The win was his first against All the emotions of the return ner since Ken Rosewall won the Nadal in Melbourne and after six months out injured and 1972 Australian Open at 37. snapped a six-game losing the long grand slam drought Federer said he hoped to be streak against the Spaniard at would make this one of his back next year at the Australian grand slams, with his last major more special victories, he said. Open, where he has not missed win over his rival coming in the “I think this one will take more a tournament since making 2007 Wimbledon final. time to sink in. When I go back his debut as a qualifier in 1999, “We go furthest back, you to , I’ll think, ‘Wow!’,” but at his age there were no know,” he said of his rivalry with he said. “The magnitude of this guarantees. Nadal. “Rafa definitely has been match is going to feel diff erent. “I have only so much tennis very particular in my career. I can’t compare this one to any left in me,” he said. “If I do get I think he made me a better other one except for maybe the injured, maybe I miss next year. player. The way his game stacks French Open in 2009. Who knows what happens?” Supporters hold signs during the match between Federer and Nadal. Gulf Times Monday, January 30, 2017 11 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT Spears-Cabal win Bring on the clay: mixed doubles title rejuvenated Nadal ‘I just think that I am playing well. I believe that playing like this, good things can happen. (They) can happen here on this surface, but especially can happen on clay’

Reuters “I am with big personal satisfaction. I Melbourne cannot say that I am sad,” said Nadal. Abigail Spears of the US (L) and Colombia’s Juan Sebastian Cabal “I won against the best players of the celebrate with the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy. world, and I competed well against eve- afa Nadal’s hopes of a 15th grand rybody. That’s the most important thing merican Abigail Spears er Arena. slam title were crushed by an for me, and that gives me confi dence to and Colombian partner They took a quick double break inspired Roger Federer in the keep playing, and that’s what I am going Juan Sebastian Cabal in the fi rst set, with the solid Australian Open fi nal yesterday to try.” swept to a fi rst Grand Spears serving it out in under 30 Rbut the rejuvenated Spaniard was already ASlam mixed doubles title yester- minutes. rubbing his hands together with the day with a straight-sets victory Mirza and Dodig surged to a prospect of a “special” season on clay. at the Australian Open. 3-0 lead in the second set but Nadal battled back twice from a set The unseeded pair beat the they couldn’t hold on, with down and held a 3-1 lead in the deciding more experienced Indian- Spears and Cabal clawing back fi fth but was powerless to stop Federer’s Croatian duo of Sania Mirza and into the match and the Colom- victory charge and bowed out 6-4 3-6 Ivan Dodig 6-2, 6-4 on Rod Lav- bian winning it with a smash. 6-1 3-6 6-3 at a heaving Rod Laver Arena. Although defeated for the champion- ship, the 30-year-old lefthander won HERE’S THE PLAN a huge measure of self-belief, having reached his fi rst grand slam fi nal since his 2014 French Open victory. The tournament was a major test of his Serena to play fewer fi tness after a wrist injury wrecked his 2016 season and the signs were good, said Nadal, who will bid to extend his record tournaments to aid haul at Roland Garros to 10 titles in May. “I cannot predict what’s going on in the future,” mused the Mallorcan, who grand slam quest was seeded ninth at Melbourne Park. “I just think that I am playing well. “I believe that playing like this, good Reuters reaches the fi nal, she is able to things can happen. (They) can happen Melbourne pick and choose. here on this surface, but especially can From the start of 2012 to the end happen on clay. of 2016, Serena won 288 matches, “On clay I (can) recover better than erena Williams plans to second only to Poland’s Agnieska here, then the opponents don’t get that play fewer tournaments Radwanska, who won 289. many free points, and I am playing from in the future to aid her But while Radwanska lost 107 the solid baseline. Squest to win more grand matches in that period, Serena “If I made that happen, I think I can slam titles, according to her lost just 29. keep having success in hard courts, but coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Mouratoglou said Indian Wells, on clay can be special.” The 35-year-old American in March, would be Serena’s next Six-times champion Novak Djokovic won her 23rd grand slam title on stop but didn’t expect to see her was conveniently eliminated from his Saturday at the Australian Open, at too many events before the Nadal’s half of the draw early in the tour- breaking the open-era record next grand slam, the French Open, nament, but the Spaniard still had to ne- she held jointly with Germany’s which begins on May 29. gotiate a perilous run to the fi nal. Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks after losing the men’s singles final match to Switzerland’s Roger Federer. Steffi Graf. “We’ve already done the He had to weather fi ve-set marathons Serena will now manage her schedule for the whole year,” against German wunderkind Alexan- schedule as she chases down the Mouratoglou said. “It doesn’t der Zverev in the third round and rising Reliving the Australian Open men’s final – a set by set breakdown all-time leader Margaret Court, mean that the schedule is not Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the semi- the Australian whose record of going to change, it’s meant to fi nals. Set-by-set breakdown of the Australian match on another mistake from the break point and hold for 2-4 down, but 24 grand slam titles straddled the adapt to situations. But generally He also thrashed third seed Milos Open men’s final, after Roger Federer Swiss’s forehand. the set is Nadal’s and he converts the amateur and professional eras. speaking it’s already set for the Raonic in their quarter-fi nal to leave few beat Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 first of three set points to force the “Mentally she has to stay fresh whole season.” in doubt that he was back to a level ap- yesterday: Set 3 – Federer 6-1, 41 minutes decider. and mentally excited when the Mouratoglou said numbers proaching his best. Federer produces three aces to stave off grand slams start, because they alone were not the main factor Prevailing in the epics was the most Set 1 – Federer 6-4, 34 minutes three break points in a 10-minute open- Set 5 – Federer 6-3, 61 minutes are the goal,” Mouratoglou told a behind Serena’s continuing hun- encouraging, said Nadal, feeling that he In a tense atmosphere at Rod Laver ing game, and he immediately makes Federer returns from a medical time-out group of reporters after Serena’s ger, even in her 20th year on tour. had the mental and physical strength to Arena, the final goes with serve until Nadal pay when he breaks him in the and he’s immediately broken to go 0-1 6-4, 6-4 victory over her sister “She was not motivated by 22, handle the rigours of the grand slams. game seven, when a Federer volley sets next game. down when he sprays a forehand wide. Venus Williams gave her a sev- she was motivated to win grand But he admitted that he was feeling the up two break points and he breaks as Nadal saves more break points at 0-3 Nadal fights off three break points in enth Australian Open title. slams,” he said. pinch when taken into the fi fth set by Fe- Nadal fires a backhand wide. down but he is broken again for 1-5 the next game and he moves to 2-1 up “So we have a lighter sched- “That’s her motivation. This derer, who won his 18th grand slam title. It’s all Federer needs to take a one-set when Federer creams a superb back- before Federer has treatment to his ule – not lighter than last year, won’t change until she maybe “It’s true that I probably (lacked) a lit- lead as he serves it out, sealing the set hand return winner. right thigh at the changeover. which would be diffi cult (when one day wakes up and is not mo- tle bit of speed today compared to the last with an ace. Federer, when serving for the set, faces Nadal produces a big backhand winner she played just eight events and tivated to win grand slams, but day in my legs probably, a little bit. But down a break point with a service win- to survive a break point in game four did not play after September) – for now she is. That’s enough. that’s normal after what happened one Set 2 – Nadal 6-3, 42 minutes ner before he grabs a 2-1 sets lead with but Federer breaks back in the sixth but lighter than the year before The record is not the thing that day and a half ago,” he said of the fi ve- Nadal puts Federer under pressure in a cool backhand volley. when the Spaniard flashes a forehand (11 events).” makes her play.” hour semi-fi nal against Dimitrov. his first service game and his one-hand- narrowly wide. At one stage in 2016, Serena And Mouratoglou said Serena “I think I tried. I didn’t play bad. But ed backhand cracks under the pressure Set 4 – Nadal 6-3, 40 minutes At 3-4 down, Nadal bravely saves four held the world number one rank- would not obsess over the record it’s true it was diffi cult to play a lot be- of the Spaniard’s heavy forehands, as Nadal comes roaring back and he breaks break points but on the fifth, Federer’s ing based only on seven events of 24 held by Court. cause he really went for the shots, almost he nets when facing his second break Federer in game four when the Swiss puts wide, sharply angled backhand return is over a 52-week period. “With all the respect for Mar- for every shots.” point. a backhand volley into the net. too much for the Spaniard to get back Germany’s Angelique Kerber garet Court, it was another era, Although losing fi ve straight games Federer then works two break-back The Spaniard holds brilliantly in the over the net. overtook her when she won the US the draws were like 16 players to surrender the title, Nadal hardly lay points in Nadal’s next service game, but fourth game when he retrieves a deep Serving for the championship, Federer Open last September but Serena and they were not professionals,” down. he miscues with his forehand each time. Federer backhand and flicks it back saves two break points before he finally will return to top spot when the he said. He saved nine break points in the fi fth Another forehand error hands Nadal for a crosscourt winner that draws ap- clinches it on his second match point, rankings are updated today. “Of course the record is here set and a match point, forcing Federer to the double break and despite Federer plause from his opponent. despite a despairing Hawk-Eye chal- Serena has traditionally played and we defi nitely want to beat it, rip the match from his hands with ag- getting a break back, Nadal levels the Federer aces twice to see off another lenge from Nadal. fewer tournaments than most but there was a professional era gression and brilliant shot-making. top players, but since she usually and the record was Steffi Graf.”

BOTTOMLINE What the Williams sisters mean in America today The Guardian His record, and his campaign, ran an- other, power through adversity and ab- last met at a grand slam, in the 2015 US London tithetical to almost anything Obama and surdity to reach the highest heights of Open quarter-fi nals, many fans won- the Williams sisters represent. Trump their craft. dered if that would be the last time bragged of grabbing women by their Their stories, and their careers, have they’d see the sisters across the net t was to be Serena’s day. But the genitals; various sexual harassment and inspired a generation – including the from each other at a major. It’d be- impact of an all-Williams fi nal rape claims emerged last year. His com- likes of 25-year-old American pro Coco come something fans expected during at the Australian Open cannot be pany faced a lawsuit from the US Justice Vandeweghe, who, before their semi- the early-to-mid 2000s, before inju- Ioverstated. Department in 1973, which was settled fi nal match, said she’d long counted ries, health issues, and other life events Before Serena’s victory over Venus in with no admission of wrongdoing, where Venus as a hero. Or even 21-year-old posed as twists in the sisters’ tales. Melbourne, the 23rd major title of her Trump’s real-estate business allegedly Madison Keys, the heir apparent to Ser- We can’t be sure if this year’s Austral- glittering career, the last time the two discriminated against black people. He ena’s throne. ian Open will be the last time. For all we sisters went head-to-head in a grand advocated immigration bans for Mus- And on a personal level, although I’m know, 2017 could be 2002-03 all over slam fi nal was at Wimbledon in 2009. lims, and rallied for building a wall with far from a professional tennis player, I again, when Serena prevailed in four Serena bested Venus in a tough two-set – two promises he seems intent once dreamed about that possibility. As consecutive grand slam fi nals over Venus, match. At the time, the sisters had won on keeping based on recently fi led execu- a kid who grew up on Chicago’s South winning her fi rst of two “Serena slams”. multiple titles in their already storied tive orders. Side, I didn’t see or notice much about Whatever happens, however much careers, which began with family prac- A vote for Trump was a vote to tennis; I was being pushed towards longer they play professionally, what tice sessions on the dilapidated courts “Make America Great Again” – or so he basketball or football. That’s until I the Williams sisters have given to fans of Compton. claimed. happened upon Venus playing in the is more than enough, both on and off Off the court, another breakthrough: File picture of Serena Williams (R) holding the winner’s trophy as she poses with Although the all-Williams fi nal has 2000 Wimbledon fi nal, against Lindsay the court. They’ve approached their Barack Obama had recently been sworn her sister Venus Williams at the Australian Open awards ceremony. nothing to do with Trump directly – Davenport. I remember sitting on my careers with style, humour, aplomb, in as the nation’s fi rst African American because we can indeed celebrate their aunt’s bed, as an 11-year-old, watching and even pointed snark when need be. president. When Serena was winning pied the Oval Offi ce. pushed past abject racism at major latest feat independent of politics – the match on an 80s colour TV set. And they, as individuals and as a fam- Wimbledon, Obama was only months And the Williams sisters have repre- tournaments, sexist and misogynist their mere presence and achievement After seeing Venus win, I thought: ily unit, are but one example of Ameri- into his fi rst term. As fraught as his sented something similar for American characterisations of their physicality in the sport, as two black women, tells “Maybe I can try and play that sport ca’s promise – one they’ve achieved for legacy may be, history will likely regard tennis, and the sport at large, carrying a and their bodies, and many other in- a story of the greatness that already ex- someday.” I do so now. Many of my themselves, one they’ve presented as a him as the most inclusive president the legacy that dates back to the triumphs dignities as urban-raised women play- ists in America. friends would say something similar af- possibility to a new generation, and as country has ever had. of Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. ing a sport associated with wealthy For scores of fans, and for up-and- ter watching the Williams sisters in their part of a larger promise that’s yet to be Obama’s presence at the helm of the They’ve defi ed the odds, as a family, suburban whites. coming tennis players, the Williams youth, and as they aged along with them. fulfi lled for black people, women, and nation was a newfound symbol of pos- and as sisters, to achieve unrivalled ex- And as they moved through the draw in sisters have demonstrated what’s pos- But now, at 36 and 35 respectively, other marginalised people, who now sibility. It was the fi rst time that a man cellence on their own terms. Melbourne, a businessman named Don- sible when two individuals, with the Venus and Serena still appear to have live amid fear and resistance in the age who wasn’t white and wealthy occu- Both sisters, black women, have ald Trump became the US president. support of family, community, and each a few more good years left. When they of Trump.