SPORT 07 Special Thanks to Sri Lanka on December 26: Crystal Palace Vs West Ham United from the Bottom of Our Hearts

TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 Special thanks to Sri Lanka On December 26: Crystal Palace vs West Ham United from the bottom of our hearts. Pakistan’s Azhar Ali thanks Sri Lanka while Tottenham vs Brighton & Hove Albion Everton vs Burnley They have given us immense Aston Villa vs Norwich City Sheffield United vs Watford celebrating his ﬁrst hhappinessappiness by playinplayingg in AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal Manchester United vs Newcastle Test win as captain. ﬁxtures LEAGUE Pakistan.Pakistan. This week’s Chelsea vs Southampton United PREMIER Ferrari secure Leclerc for five years

REUTERSRREUREU champion whose contract expires at the back-to-back wins in Belgium and Italy, MMARANELLOAARARANRANR N end of 2020, in the drivers’ standings. provided optimism even if his speed also “I am very happy to be staying on triggered incidents with Vettel, who FerrariFeFerrrrraararii putppuut ththetheitheirh ir long- with Scuderia Ferrari. This past season, started the year as Ferrari’s main man termtererm faithffaifaaiitthhhi iinn CChCharlesh driving for the most illustrious team in I cannot wait to enjoy an but felt uncomfortable in the car and LeclercLecLeclLeclc erercc (pictured)((p(picpicctutururureredd)) yes- Formula One has been a dream year for even deeper relationship made plenty of mistakes. terdaytteerdererdrdaayyyb bbyy eexextendingxttetenenennddin the me,” Leclerc said in a statement. with the team after what has The pair collided in Brazil, a low 22-year-old’s22-y22-222 yeear-earr--oololdldld’d’s contractcocon “I cannot wait to enjoy an even been an intense and exciting point for Ferrari. forfoor fivef e mmomoreoorre yearsyey arars until deeper relationship with the team after “Charles has a lot of talent. I think thehhe endenndnd oofff2 22024.020024024.4. what has been an intense and exciting 2019. I’m keen to see what he has surprised even ourselves as to TheThhee MMonaMoMonaco-bornnaco-coo-o 2019. I’m keen to see what the future the future holds and I can’t what he was capable of doing,” Ferrari FormulaFFoorormrmmuululalala OneOOn drivdriverriver won holds and I can’t wait to get going again wait to get going again next chief executive Louis Camilleri told twotwwowo ofof thethehe2 2211 grandsgrananda prix next season.” season: Charles Leclerc reporters this month. inin 22019,01001911999,, mmakmamakingaakinginng himhihiim the The decision ensures Leclerc will “And the most encouraging thing is ItalianItalItI iiaianann teateteam’seaeaamm’’ssys y youngestounoouun be with Ferrari when the sport enters a as the season unfolded, he became winner,winwiwinnwinnnnnerrr, wwhwhilehhilhi e hihhiss sseven new era in 2021, with Vettel’s future far replacing Kimi Raikkonen at Maranello, stronger not only as a driver, but as an polepolele pospopositionsossiititiotionss wwereererere more from certain. had been easy. integral part of the team.” thanhanann aanyanyonenyyooneonnee else It also means the youngster could “With each passing race this year, Binotto said at the same lunch in managed.manamananaannaaggeeded.ed.d. be an eventual team mate to six-times our wish to extend our contract with Maranello that Leclerc had learnt a lot HeHe alsoallsso endedenndndedee the world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Charles became ever more self- from Vettel. campaigncacaammmppaigaignaignn fourthfof subject of plenty of speculation about evident,” he said. “I think we need to see our strategy overallooveere alallll and his plans after Mercedes. “It demonstrates that Charles and developing next year. I think we need aboveabobovove his The Briton’s contract expires at the the Scuderia have a firm future to see as well the performance and how 32-year-old332-y32-322-yeaa end of next year and Ferrari have con- together...I’m sure that together, we will he does fit with the car and his moti- teamteateamamm mate firmed meetings with chairman John write many new pages in the history of vation for the future,” he said of the Ger- SebSSebastianebab Elkann. the Prancing Horse.” man’s future. Vettel,Vetet a Team principal Mattia Binotto indi- Ferrari finished runners-up to Mer- “It’s not about his mistakes or not. fourffo cated the decision to commit to Leclerc, cedes this year, despite starting as It’s really a matter of how does he see titimes who made his F1 debut with Sauber favourites. himself as far as his future and how we worldw (now Alfa Romeo) in 2018 before Leclerc’s performance, with do see our lineup.” Eagles beat Cowboys to seize edge in play-off chase

AFP WASHINGTON

Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz threw for 319 yards and a touchdown on Sunday as the Eagles won a gritty 17-9 home victory over Dallas, seizing command of their NFL play-off-berth battle. The injury-hit Eagles Qatari spikers gear up improved to 8-7 but still need a victory next week Dallas Mavericks’ guard Jalen Brunson dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors’ guard Kyle Lowry for Olympic qualifiers over the New York Giants (right) defends during their NBA game on Sunday. (4-11) to secure the NFC East division title and a play-off berth. The Cowboys fell to 7-8 and need to beat arch-rival Raptors stun Mavs with Washington (3-12) next week plus have the Eagles lose in order to reach the 30-point comeback play-offs. Wentz completed AGENCIES finished with 18 points. Steven straight. Malik Beasley chipped 31-of-40 passes without an TORONTO Adams had 20 points and a in 16 points off the bench. interception and ran six season-high 17 rebounds as the Anthony Davis led the times for 22 yards to spark Kyle Lowry scored 20 of his 32 Thunder won a season-high Lakers with 32 points, 11 the Eagles to their biggest points in the fourth quarter and fourth straight to move rebounds and four blocks, but win of the year despite an added 10 assists and eight over.500 for the first time (15- he sustained a knee injury. Kyle early rib injury that sidelined rebounds as the Toronto 14). The Clippers rested Leonard Kuzma, who returned after Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Raptors overcame a 30-point after he played 27 minutes on missing the previous five games “It was a huge one for third-quarter deficit to post a Saturday night in a 134-109 win with an ankle sprain, had 16 us,” Wentz said. “Guys made 110-107 victory over the visiting at the San Antonio Spurs. points off the bench for the plays. Defense down the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Leonard has not played in back- Lakers, who dropped their third Qatar national volleyball team players taking part in training stretch made great plays. The 30-point deficit was the to-back games this season in a row. No other Laker scored sessions ahead of their participation in the Asian qualiﬁers for Man this one feels good. largest the Raptors have because of lingering knee issues. in double figures. next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games. Eight teams will strut their Philadelphia seized the overcome to win a game in stuff in the AVC Men’s Tokyo Volleyball Qualiﬁcation at Jiangmen lead on Jake Elliott’s 36-yard franchise history. The previous Celtics 119, Hornets 93 Bucks 117, Pacers 89 Sports Center Gymnasium, China from January 7 to 12, 2020 field goal, and Wentz later high was 27. Jayson Tatum scored a Wesley Matthews scored 19 to vie for the top honour and the lone ticket for the Olympics. flipped a 6-yard touchdown Toronto extended its career-high 39 points and points in his return from a one- Qatar will compete in Pool B which also include world No.15 pass to Dallas Goedert for a winning streak to five games Kemba Walker added 23 against game absence due to a right Australia, world No.24 Korea and world No.131 India. Hosts and 10-0 lead. and handed Dallas its first road his former team as Boston ham- thigh contusion as host Mil- current world No. 20 China are in Pool A with Iran, the only Kai Forbath answered loss since a 106-103 setback to mered visiting Charlotte. waukee recorded a victory over team from Asia to contest the 2016 Rio Games in Brazil, world for Dallas with second- New York on November 14. Jaylen Brown had 16 points, Indiana. No.34 Chinese Taipei and world No.39 Kazakhstan. quarter field goals of 32 and Chris Boucher added a Grant Williams chipped in 12 Giannis Antetokounmpo 49 yards to lift the Cowboys career-best 21 points for the and Enes Kanter contributed 13 collected 18 points, 19 rebounds within 10-6 at half-time. injury-depleted Raptors, rebounds as the Celtics won and nine assists for the Bucks, Wentz drove the Eagles Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 18 their third straight. Tatum, who who outscored the Pacers 80 yards in 10 plays late in points and Fred VanVleet had also had 12 rebounds, scored 22 58-34 in the second half to the third quarter, and Miles 10. points in the fourth quarter improve to 21-1 in their last 22 Sanders capped the march alone to eclipse his previous games. George Hill and Brook with a 1-yard touchdown Thunder 118, Clippers 112 career best of 34 set in January. Lopez each made three run as Philadelphia took a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 3-pointers en route to 17-point 17-6 edge. matched his career high of 32 Nuggets 128, Lakers 104 performances as the Bucks Forbath kicked another points set in his previous game Paul Millsap scored 21 points improved to 9-0 against 49-yard field goal, and to lift host Oklahoma City past and Gary Harris added 19 as Central Division rivals. Dallas drove 65 yards in 11 Los Angeles, which played Denver used a second-half burst Domantas Sabonis plays late only for Eagles without Kawhi Leonard. to defeat host Los Angeles, recorded 19 points and 18 cornerback Sidney Jones to Gilgeous-Alexander was which played without the rebounds, and Doug break up Dak Prescott’s part of the trade that sent six- injured LeBron James. McDermott added 15 points for fourth-down pass to time NBA All-Star Paul George Nikola Jokic had 18 points the Pacers, who saw their five- Michael Gallup in the end to the Clippers last July. George, and six rebounds, while Will game winning streak come to zone to foil the final Dallas who received a warm reception Barton finished with 14 points a halt as they fell 6 1/2 games threat. from the crowd in his first and 13 rebounds for the in back of first-place Mil- return to Oklahoma City, Nuggets, who won their sixth waukee in the Central Division. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 A year of upheaval, heartbreaks and triumphs Nadal, Djokovic dominate Grand Slams

REUTERS Nadal-inspired home side, Novak Djokovic and Novak Djokovic LONDON beating Canada in an emotional Rafael Nadal dominate final in which Nadal’s team mate the Grand Slams, Djokovic In many ways 2019 felt like a Roberto Bautista Agut won his beating Nadal and Roger year ofof upheavalupheaval withwith a singles match just days after the Federer to claim the revampedrevamped Davis Cup, a sshake-uphake-up death of his father. It was a Australian Open and inin the ATP hierarchy and new memorable end to a long week faces lightinglighting up the women’s which saw 18 nations do battle Wimbledon, and Nadal game, yet some things - notably over 25 ties in the soccer World sealing a 12th French thethe furniture at the totopp of men’s Cup-type format that replaced Open crown by beating tennis - refuse to budge.budge. the old World Group format Dominic Thiem and then NovakNovak Djokovic and Rafael spanning almost a year. fighting off young Russian Nadal dominated the Grand While it was an encouraging Daniel Medvedev to win Slams, Djokovic beating Nadal start, the International Tennis andand RogeRogerr Federer to claim the Federation (ITF) and partners the US Open. AustralianAustralian Open and WiWim-m- Kosmos, Barcelona soccer player bledon, and Nadal sealinsealingg a Gerard Pique’s investment Federer misses out, 12th French Open crown byby company which is bankrolling most notably in beating Dominic Thiem and then the event to the tune of $3bn fightingfighting off young Russian Daniel over 25 years, will need to make heartbreaking fashion MedvedevMedvedev to win the US Open. tweaks. in Wimbledon’s longest Federer missed out, most Many ties were played in ever men’s singles final, notablynotably in heartbreakinheartbreakingg front of banks of empty seats failing to convert two fashion in Wimbledon’sWimbledon’s while the packed schedule meant championship points longestlongest ever men’s singlessingles play went on beyond midnight before losing in a fifth- final, failing to convert twotwo on most nights - one tie between championshipchampionship points beforebefore Italy and the US concluding at set tiebreak triggered at losinglosing iinn a fifth-set tiebretiebreakak 4.04am. 12-12 - an historic first for triggered at 12-12 - an hishis-- “The most important thing a Wimbledon final. toric first for a WimbleWimbledondon by far is the soul of the Davis finafinal.l. Cup,” Pique, whose partner It left the 38-year-old Shakira sang before the final, Japan’s Naomi Osaka, 22, FedererFederer stuckstuck onon 2020 GGrandrand said. beats Petra Kvitova to SlamSlam tittitlesles anandd wwhenhen SpaniarSpaniardd “I’m sure that for next year win the Australian Open, Nadal,Nadal, 33, won the US Open we will improve a lot because backing up her 2018 a few weeks later he moved now people know what to expect US Open title. Ashleigh to 19 - bbringingringing tthehe worworldld GreekGreek SteStefanosfanos TTsitsipas,s became the first Canadian to win from this new format.” numbernumber oneone ccloserloser winner of the ATP FinalsFin title, one of the four majors. The While the ITF wrestled with Barty, 23, becomes the than everever to MedvedevMedvedev andand CaCanada’snada Felix tennis season culminated in its flagship event, men’s gov- first Australian woman drawingdrawing level with Auger-Aliassime, to namename just MadMadrid d wwhere e e tthe e new ew incar- ca erninge g body the t e ATP had ad a to win the French Open his Swiss rival.rival. three, will believe they canccaan usher nation of the 119-year-old Davis tumultuoustumultuous year, with cchiefh since 1973, beating With inin a new era of GraGrandnd Slam Cup was won by the h e eexecutivexecutive andand chairmanchairman ChChris Czech teenager Marketa Djokovic on 16 champions.champions. KermodeKermode being ousted after he Vondrousova in the final, and the goldengolden NoNo one is holdingholdinngg theirtheir failed toto gagarnerrner the reqrequireduir trio refusing to breathbreath fforor that,that, butbut in the supportsupport from the BoardBoard.. and ended the year movemove aside,aside, women’swomen’s game the futurefuttuure has JugglingJuggling the con-co ranked as the WTA’s theirtheir battlebattle for arrived.arrived. flictingflicting demands of number one. supremacysupremacy willwill Japan’sJapan’s Naomi Osaka,Osaakka, 22, players and tournamenttourname recommencerecommence in a beatbeat Petra Kvitova toto winwin thethe ownersowners will nnowo The tennis season fewfew weeksweeks in AustralianAustralian Open, backibackingnngg up her become the ppoisonedoison culminates in Madrid MelbourneMelbourne 20182018 US Open title.title. AAshleighshleigh chalicechalice of IItalianstalia where the new wherewhere a Barty,Barty, 223,3, became the firstfirst Aus-Aus- Massimo Calvelli,Calve incarnation of the fearlessfearless tralian woman to win thethhee FrenchFrench confirmedconfirmed as thet newnew Open since 1973, beatingbeatinngg Czech newnew cchiefhief eexecutivexecut 119-year-old Davis Cup gang Rafael Nadal teenagerteenager Marketa VondrousovaVonddrrousova this month, and nnew was won by the Nadal- led in the final, and endedended thethe year chairmanchairman AndAndrear inspired home side, by rankedranked as the WTA’s numbernumber Gaudenzi. beating Canada in an one. Naomi Osaka emotional final in which At the US OpenOpen SerenaSerena Wil-Wil- Nadal’s team-mate liamsliams hadhad a fourthfourth chancechhaance to equalequal Margaret Court’sCourt’s Roberto Bautista Agut recordrecord 2424 GrandGrand SlamSlaamm won his singles match singles titles but lost toto just days after the death 19-year-old19-year-old BiancaBianca of his father. AndreescuAndreescu wwhoho in tuturnrn Woods makes one of sport’s greatest ever comebacks

AFP down Jack Nicklaus’ long- hero, with his winning putt on PARIS standing record of 18 major wins The most memorable moment of the year came back in the 17th in the penultimate match has been reignited. April at Augusta National when Woods tapped in to seal enough to ensure victory, Tiger Woods completed one of Lowry delights Portrush his ﬁrst major championship victory since the 2008 US sparking wild celebrations from sport’s greatest ever comebacks Irishman Lowry provided an Open. The now-43-year-old has since had to battle personal playing-captain Woods, who set by winning his 15th major title at enthralling finale in a party problems, injury woes and a shocking loss of form. the tone by getting the first point the Masters in April, before atmosphere as Royal Portrush on the board. ending the year as a winning staged the British Open for the “I trusted all my 11 guys. I Presidents Cup captain. first time in 68 years. trusted them implicitly. I told Ireland’s Shane Lowry won The 32-year-old won his them from the very get go. They the first British Open to be held maiden major title with a dom- went out there and got the points in Northern Ireland since 1951, inant six-shot victory over Eng- we needed,” said Woods. while a potential rivalry between land’s Tommy Fleetwood in dif- What to watch in 2020 Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy ficult conditions on the final day. Koepka, McIlroy threaten to started to emerge. “I let myself enjoy it and it dominate -- Koepka and McIlroy Tiger roars again was incredible walking down 18, have pulled clear as the best two The most memorable they were singing and going players in the world according moment of the year came back mad. I could not believe it was Tiger Woods the rankings, after the American in April at Augusta National happening to me,” said Lowry celebrates after won his fourth major at the when Woods tapped in to seal after becoming only the second winning the USPGA Championship and the his first major championship player from the Republic of 2019 Masters, Northern Irish star claimed four victory since the 2008 US Open. Ireland, after Padraig Harrington, in this April 14, titles and was named PGA Tour The now-43-year-old has since to lift the Claret Jug. 2019 ﬁle photo. Player of the Year. had to battle personal problems, Reed ‘cheating’ storm “He (Koepka) talked about injury woes and a shocking loss Patrick Reed was accused of trying to be the dominant player of form. cheating after being given a two- in the game ... and I thought: ‘He’s He surprised the golfing stroke penalty for twice moving going to have to go through me world by returning to the top sand behind his ball with his club rules “unintentionally”. season by winning two women’s while she also went 114 holes first’,” McIlroy said after beating events in 2018, winning the PGA during the Hero World Challenge Spanish star Sergio Garcia majors, four LPGA Tour titles in without a bogey -- breaking Koepka at the Tour Tour’s season-ending Tour in the Bahamas. also caused uproar over his total and finishing the year as Woods’ record of 110. Championship. Championship, before capping The infraction cost the behaviour in a bunker earlier in world number one -- all in only “It’s phenomenal,” said Ko’s But the world number one his comeback this year in former Masters winner a place February, when he was disqual- her second LPGA campaign. veteran caddie Dave Brooker. hit back, saying: “I’ve been out incredible fashion by winning a in a play-off as he finished two ified from the already contro- The 24-year-old South Tiger signs off in style here for, what, five years. Rory fifth Masters green jacket. strokes behind eventual versial Saudi International after Korean won for the first time in Tiger Woods’ United States hasn’t won a major since I’ve Woods went on to lift a champion Henrik Stenson. smashing his clubs into putting the US with a thrilling victory in produced a stunning turnaround been on the PGA Tour. So I just record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour Reed was jeered mercilessly greens and bunkers in fits of the Founders Cup in March, to deny the Internationals a first don’t view it as a rivalry.” title in Japan in October, before the following week by the home rage. before securing her maiden Presidents Cup in 21 years, dom- With McIlroy and Koepka leading the United States to crowd at the Presidents Cup at ‘Phenomenal’ Ko breaks major two weeks later at the ANA inating the singles on a tense the joint-favourites to win April’s victory in the Presidents Cup in Royal Melbourne, despite through Inspiration. final day that went to the wire at Masters, the competition Melbourne as a playing captain. insisting that he was not a Ko Jin-young produced the Another followed at the Royal Melbourne. between the two appears set to Now, the talk of him chasing “cheat” and that he broke the biggest breakthrough of the Evian Championship in France, Veteran Matt Kuchar was the become fiercer in 2020. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

SCOREBOARD Philander Pakistan 1st innings 191 Sri Lanka 1st innings 271 to retire Pakistan 2nd innings 555-3 dec. Sri Lanka 2nd innings D. Karunaratne c Rizwan b Abbas ....16 after O. Fernando c Shafiq b Shah ...... 102 K. Mendis c Azam b Naseem ...... 0 England A. Mathews c Rizwan b Afridi ...... 19 D. Chandimal lbw Naseem ...... 2 series D. de Silva b Yasir ...... 0 N. Dickwella b Sohail ...... 65 AFP JOHANNESBURG D. Perera c Rizwan b Naseem ...... 5 L. Embuldeniya c Rizwan b Naseem ...0 South Africa seamer Vernon V. Fernando lbw b Naseem ...... 0 Philander announced yesterday L. Kumara not out ...... 0 the upcoming Test series Extras: (lb 3) ...... 3 against England will bring Total: (all out; 62.5 overs) ...... 212 down the curtain on his international career. Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Karunaratne), 2-40 Philander made his Proteas (Mendis), 3-70 (Mathews), 4-96 (Chandi- debut in a one-day-interna- mal), 5-97 (De Silva), 6-201 (Dickwella), tional in 2007 but came to 7-212 (Perera), 8-212 (Embuldeniya), worldwide prominence four years later in Cape Town when Pakistan’s 9-212 (O. Fernando), 10-212 (V. Fernan- he marked his Test debut by cricketers do) taking five wickets for 15 runs Bowling: Afridi 14-3-51-1, Abbas 12-2- pose for a in seven overs as Australia were photograph 33-1, Naseem 12.5-4-31-5, Shah 20-3-84- bowled out for just 47 in their with their 2, Sohail 4-0-10-1 second innings. trophy, Result: Pakistan won by 263 runs He was named player of the yesterday. Series: Pakistan win 1-0 match in a fixture South Africa won by eight wickets. The 34-year-old has played 60 Tests, taking 216 wickets at an impressively low average of Pakistan seal triumphant Test 22.16. He has also appeared in 30 ODIs and seven T20 internationals. The four-Test series against England starts on December 26 return with win over Sri Lanka at Centurion. The final Test in Johannesburg begins on AFP and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul- from the bottom of our hearts,” From the other end leg- January 24. KARACHI Ghani holds the record and was said Azhar. spinner Yasir Shah had Oshada “I feel that it is the appro- just four days younger when he “They have given us Fernando caught in the slip for priate time to conclude what Pakistan celebrated the return completed the feat against the immense happiness by playing his overnight score of 102 after has been an amazing journey,” of Test cricket for the first time West Indies at Georgetown in a in Pakistan, it was pretty a 180-ball knock that contained Philander said in a statement in over 10 years with a 1957-58 series. emotional. 13 boundaries. released by Cricket South Africa convincing 263-run win over Naseem was aged six when “Naseem is a special talent Naseem wrapped up the (CSA). Sri Lanka in the second Test in international cricket was sus- and we can build on our match by trapping Vishwa “My entire focus and energy Karachi yesterday, taking the pended in Pakistan following an bowling attack in the years to Fernando with the fifth ball of at this time is to help the series 1-0. attack on the Sri Lankan team come.” the next over, triggering jubi- Proteas beat England which I It took just 14 minutes and bus in 2009. Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth lation among the Pakistan am really looking forward to.” 16 ball for Pakistan to wrap up Pakistan were forced to play Karunaratne praised Pakistan. players who were all playing in Graeme Smith, Philander’s the win on the fifth morning as all their home matches at the “We dominated the first two their first Test series at home. former Test captain who is they took Sri Lanka’s last three neutral venues of United Arab days and then they batted very It is Pakistan’s first series CSA’s interim director of wickets without any addition to Emirates, before improved well and put pressure back on win at home against Sri Lanka cricket, praised Philander’s their overnight 212. security allowed them to begin us and outplayed us. We since 1992. cricket and his character. Naseem Shah poses for a Pakistan had set a daunting hosting limited-over series over couldn’t build pressure with the The win lifts Pakistan to “One of the many things photograph as he kisses a ball 476-run target on Sunday and the past four years. ball despite taking a lead of 80,” third in the World Test Cham- that have stood out for me reduced the tourists to 212-7 at The first Test of the series in said Karunaratne. after taking ﬁve wickets. pionship table with 80 points. with Vern is his character, his the close. Rawalpindi marked the return Pakistan turned the match Pakistan got 60 points from the determination and the way Teenage quick bowler of Test cricket in Pakistan, but on its head with a huge second figures. Abid had also scored win and 20 from the first Test that he has always been up for Naseem Shah at 16 years and it ended in a draw after being innings 555-3 declared on hundred in the first Test. draw. a fight and a challenge has 307 days became the second spoiled by bad weather. Sunday, with 174 from man-of- The final day began in a India (360) and Australia shown the heart of the man,” youngest bowler to take five Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali the match and man-of-the dramatic manner when Naseem (216) are currently first and Smith said. wickets in a Test innings as he thanked Sri Lanka for their part series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off second. Nine teams are com- “I hope he can finish his bowled an express spell to finish in allowing Test cricket to Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 the first ball, catching his gloves peting in the Championship, final series for South Africa with with 5-31. return. not out from Babar Azam as the on the way to wicketkeeper with the top two contesting the the same character and flair Fellow Pakistani “Special thanks to Sri Lanka top four all reached three Mohammad Rizwan. final in June 2021. that has become synonymous with him.” SL captain declares Pakistan Kohli declares 2019 ‘200%’ safe to host cricket ‘great year’ for India AP play Tests, T20s or one-dayers KARACHI - it’s safe to play in Pakistan.” after WI victory That was music to the ears AFP Sri Lanka lost the series but We were feeling of Pakistan Cricket Board batting chart with 1,490 runs signed off satisfied with safety chairman Ehsan Mani. NEW DELHI including seven centuries. and security measures after secure and safe here. “Now the whole world But it was India’s fast bowlers Pakistan’s first home Test series They’ve done a really knows cricket has come back to Virat Kohli declared it “a great who stood out with pace and in 10 years. good job. Pakistan Pakistan and it is completely year” for India cricket after control -- even on spin-friendly Captain Dimuth Karunaratne safe,” Mani told a news ending 2019 on a high note with Indian pitches. (pictured) called the security for fans are really conference. a series-clinching win over the Pace spearhead Mohammed the two-Test series “200%” yes- good - they kept “There was no incident and West Indies. Shami led the 2019 world terday and promised to return. supporting us: Dimuth the Sri Lankan players were very The India captain’s 85 set up wicket-taking charts with 42 in The series held major signif- Karunaratne happy. If anything, they wanted a successful 316-run chase on 21 ODIs. New Zealand’s Trent icance for a host nation deprived more freedom of movement and Sunday to win the third one-day Boult was next with 38 scalps. of international cricket for that will happen in due course. international by four wickets and Kohli was full of praise for almost a decade. Pakistan had first Test series required a longer When people slowly get more complete a 2-1 series win. his quicks across all formats been forced to play its home stay for Sri Lanka of around 15 comfortable, that will begin to Kohli’s side end the year despite the recent absence of series mostly in the United Arab days. happen.” ranked number one in Tests and yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah Emirates since 2009, when the “It was 200%,” Karunaratne Mani reiterated his pre- second in ODIs, with the only who has been unavailable due bus carrying the Sri Lanka team said of the security. “Really good. series comment that Pakistan regret being a World Cup semi- to a stress fracture of the back was attacked by terrorists in They were like fathers for us. will no longer play home Tests final defeat to New Zealand at since September. LaLahore.hore. Six policemenpolicemen They kepkeptt tatalkinglking to us anandd they overseas. He intimated Bang- Old Trafford in July. India will next host Sri Lanka aandnd a ddriverriver were rightright behind us every ladesh was next scheduled to “Apart from the 30 minutes for a three-match Twenty20 escortinescortingg match time.time. visit Pakistan but was reluctant in the World Cup, it’s been a series starting January 5 fol- oofficialsfficials were “When“When we were going to play a full series. He said the great year,” Kohli said after his lowed by Australia for killed.killed. out to eat or something,some PCB has turned down Bangla- team’s win in Cuttack. three ODI matches PakistanPak istan theythey were there.there We desh’s request for a limited tour “We’ll keep chasing that ICC starting January 14. India hostedhosted briefbrief were feelingfeeling secusecurer and and asked them to come. trophy. But apart from that, the then tour New Zealand Twenty20Twenty20 andand safesafe hhere.ere. TThey’vehey’ve done “No one should be under any way we’ve played has been for five Twenty20 inter- one-dayone-day inteinter-r- a reallyreally googoodd job. misapprehension as to where satisfying.” nationals, three ODIs nnationalational enengage-gage- PakistanPakistan fans are really Pakistan’s home Tests will take India lead the new world Test and two Tests in mments,ents, bbutut good - theythey kept sup- place,” he said. championship table with three January-February. ththisi s portingporting us. “All of Pakistan’s matches, series sweeps away to the West “What“What I canca say against Bangladesh or anyone Indies and at home against South Indian captain Virat is thatthat it’s rreally else, will take place in Pakistan. Africa and Bangladesh. Kohli takes part in a safesafe herehere andan that No one should be in any doubt Kohli ended the year with all tthehe oother about this. I still hope the BCB 1,377 runs in 26 ODIs, behind training session at the countries playingpl will reflect on the matter and swashbuckling opener Rohit Barabati Stadium in cricketcricket - they accept there is no reason for Sharma who topped the season’s Cuttack on Saturday. can come and them not to visit Pakistan.” 10 SPORT TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019

Qatar Under-23 prepares for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualiﬁcation campaign

Coach Felix Sanchez during a training Qatar players during a training session yesterday. Qatar are preparing for the AFC U-23 Asian session of the Qatar Cup to be held from January 8 to 26 in Thailand. Qatar are placed alongside 2016 champions Under-23 in Doha Japan, Saudi Arabia – runners-up in 2013, and Syria in Group B. Besides continental glory, 15 yesterday. of the 16 teams will also be competing for places in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the top three sides will join hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives next July.

Broad, Archer England fancied for Test series bowl at full pace in nets

AFP as Proteas look for fresh energy BENONI, SOUTH AFRICA

REUTERS England fast bowlers Stuart PRETORIA Broad and Jofra Archer bowled at full pace in the nets on England will be looking to bring Monday, raising hopes that they a heady year to a successful close would both be fit for the first in the opening Test of their four- Test against South Africa, match series against South starting at SuperSport Park on Africa, which starts on Boxing Thursday. Day in Pretoria, but must beware “They’re exactly where we a home side eager to revive their hoped they would be,” said fortunes. England coach Chris Sil- English cricket has been verwood, who said both basking in the glory of dramatic bowlers would be considered World Cup success in 2019 but for selection if they continued the Text arena did not offer any to make progress. subsequent triumphs as they Broad, Archer and left-arm failed to regain the Ashes and lost spinner Jack Leach have yet to last month in New Zealand. bowl in a match situation on the Yet they are favourites to tour after falling ill and missing beat their hosts, who have had a both the touring team’s year of turmoil both on and off warm-up match. the field. Leach also bowled in the South Africa surprisingly lost South Africa’s Jacques Kallis (left) nets but may miss out on a home series to Sri Lanka earlier and Paul Harris speak together selection if England decide to in the year, flopped at the World as they attend a team training field an all-seam attack on a Cup and were comprehensively session at the Supersport Park ground which has not been thumped in India in October, Cricket Stadium in Centurion on receptive to spin in recent losing all three Tests to sit bottom Saturday. years. of the new World Text Champi- Broad and Archer both onship standings. bowled five overs at full pace There has also been a crisis most successful captain Graeme who looked listless in India and Johnny Bairstow back, and Archer and Stuart Broad are both in an optional practice attended at Cricket South Africa, who are Smith as acting director of where they suffered a series of excitedly awaits to see if Ben scrambling to be fit in time to by the three recovering bowlers at logger heads with the players cricket. heavy defeats. Stokes can repeat the bludg- make Thursday’s team line-up. as well as Craig Overton and union, have been accused of mis- In turn, he appointed old But captain Faf du Plessis eoning he handed South Africa The first Test, from Dom Bess, who arrived in South management, losing millions on team mate Mark Boucher to will take charge of a relatively in the 2015-16 series and what December. 26-30, at Centurion Africa on Saturday to be on an ill-conceived Twenty20 coach the side, with another inexperienced team after a series Jofra Archer might be able to in Pretoria is followed by Tests standby in case the originally- venture and are soon to lose their stalwart Jacques Kallis brought of recent retirements from the extract from seamer-friendly at Newlands in Cape Town (Jan selected players were not fit. major sponsors. on board as a batting Text arena, including Hashim wickets. 3-7), St George’s Park in Port Silverwood said he did not Several changes have consultant. Amla and Dale Steyn. A bout of illness in the Elizabeth (Jan 16-20) and the believe it would be a gamble to recently been made, including The changes are expected to Joe Root leads an England England camp on the eve of the Wanderers in Johannesburg (Jan pick Broad and Archer, pro- the appointment of Test cricket’s infuse energy to a moribund side, side that has James Anderson first Test, however, means 24-28). vided they came through the next two days in good health. “If Broady tells me he’s fit I’ll believe him,” said Silverwood. NZ’s Boult says ready for second Test “He’s got a lot of expe- rience, he knows his body and REUTERS New Zealand’s Trent Boult great to have the quality of Trent he knows what he needs to do MELBOURNE celebrates with team-mates after come back into the side.” during the Test match. Jofra, dismissing England’s captain New Zealand’s prepara- too. He’s had two good days and New Zealand received a boost Joe Root during the fourth day tions for the Test were dis- as long as his pace is up and he yesterday with Trent Boult of the ﬁrst Test match at Eden rupted due to extreme heat in feels good and gets the practice appearing to be back to full Park, Auckland, in this March Melbourne with one day of he needs he’ll be a serious fitness from a rib injury as he 25, 2018 ﬁle picture. their warm-up match against contender.” bowled against his own team the Victoria XI abandoned Silverwood confirmed that mates in a warm-up match before play began. there was a possibility that ahead of the second Test against The MCG pitch will be scru- England would not pick a Australia. tinised heavily after a first-class spinner. The left-arm pace spearhead game between Western Aus- “You look at what is missed the 296-run first test loss tralia and Victoria was aban- effective on this ground. We’re to Tim Paine’s side in Perth after doned earlier this month not definitely going all-seam sustaining the injury in New Zea- because it was considered but we’ll discuss it over the next land’s previous series against dangerous. few days.” England. Groundsman Matt Page, The England coach said a However, the 30-year-old however, told reporters yes- drawn three-day match against proved in a warm-up game on terday the wicket for the Boxing South Africa A, which ended on Sunday that he was ready to Day Test would be a fair contest Sunday, had been encouraging take the new ball again on between bat and ball and Boult despite the absence of the three Thursday when his side return said he was looking forward to front-line bowlers. to the MCG for their first test seeing how it played. “The opposition we faced since 1987. “We’re probably expecting was a really good side. I think Boult turned out for a Vic- something definitely different in both teams came away with toria XI against his team mates, terms of the wicket here, from something really positive.” The bowling 11 overs for 23 runs and how it’s played over the last few England coach said the batsmen snaring the wicket of opening get some time in my legs,” Boult to getting out there. “It was more three-match series. “Boulty is years,” he said. had applied themselves to batsman Tom Latham. told reporters yesterday. about rhythm and loading from tracking pretty well and he was “From my point of view, I’m ensure the tourists posted a big “I was a proud representative “It’s all going well, I feel like my point of view.” Latham said running in pretty hard,” he said. going to be looking to pitch the first innings total. of Victoria yesterday. It was good I’ve ticked the right boxes in his team mate was back to his “He was his usual self in the ball up, swing it around and “We’re continuing to build fun and nice to get some overs terms of my rehab and prepara- old self, welcome news for New nets the other day, bouncing hopefully get some wickets that those methods and create good under my belt, field for a bit, and tions, and I’m looking forward Zealand as they look to level the around, which is a good sign. It’s way.” habits,” he said. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Lazio return to heroes Real Madrid lose ground in welcome after Italian Super Cup victory

AFP title race after stalemate ROME

AFP Lazio returned to a heroes welcome in Rome MADRID yesterday after their thrilling 3-1 Italian Super Cup victory over Juventus in Riyadh which ended Portu- Real Madrid were left to rue a series guese star Cristiano Ronaldo’s five-year victorious of near misses on Sunday as they run in finals. stumbled to a 0-0 home draw with Ronaldo had been on a run of 12 consecutive Athletic Bilbao, dropping two points wins with Portugal, Juventus and Real Madrid going adrift of Barcelona in a tight Spanish back to the Spanish Super Cup in August 2014. title race. And the 34-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or win- Real also drew 0-0 in midweek ner’s frustration was obvious as he quickly took the at Barcelona but Sunday’s result silver medal off his neck and did not wait to see Lazio leaves Madrid on 37 points at the lift the trophy for a fifth time. half-way stage of the season, two Simone Inzaghi’s side have won the Cup twice points off Barcelona who top the in the past three years, having also beaten Juventus table on 39. 3-2 in 2017. Toni Kroos hit the bar, Karim The Roman-based team landed in the early hours Benzema saw an effort cleared off at the city’s Fiumicino airport where they were the line with a back-heel and both It was neither bad greeted by 1,000 fans, waving the club’s white and Rodrygo and Vincius Junior forced luck nor complacency. blue flags, scarves and banners. snap saves on a frustrating night for There’s no reason to “We’re doing something incredible, between the Madrid. get depressed about eight wins in a row (in the league) and this victory Real defender Eder Militao was in the Cup,” said Luis Alberto, who scored the opening forced off after being poked in the this, we need to keep goal. eye and his replacement Nacho calm and keep our “Lazio have confirmed that they are a great team, Fernandez also hit thje woodwork. heads up: Zidane with a winning mentality and great players.” Coach Zinedine Zidane brought Ronaldo has played two finals since joining on Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic, but Juventus from Real Madrid in 2018, scoring the Madrid failed to find a winner. winner to beat AC Milan 1-0 in the Italian Super Cup “It was neither bad luck nor in January 2019. complacency,” Zidane said after the Athletic Bilbao midfielder Raul Garcia (left) and Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy jump for the ball “There is anger but crying over it does not solve game. during the Spanish league match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Sunday. the problems,” said Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri. “There’s no reason to get Paulo Dybala had equalised for Sarri’s side just depressed about this, we need to before half-time, but the Romans hit back in the keep calm and keep our heads up.” nerves when Athletic flooded Suarez and Arturo Vidal also on a home defeat to Barcelona a month second half. “We created lots of chances and forward deep into added time with target. Sevilla are third on 34 points ago but have since qualified for the “My feeling is that we didn’t lose from fatigue, if we keep going then they’ll start Asier Villalibre almost clinching a after their 2-0 win at Real Champions League last-16 where but from a lack of brilliance,” continued Sarri. going in. winer at the death. Mallorca. they can savour the chance of meas- “We are sorry we lost a trophy, but we still have “I feel sorry for the players. It Barcelona go into the brief Earlier, on Sunday Angel Correa uring themselves against Liverpool. many competitions at stake in the next five months.” would have been nice for them to Spanish winter break on top of La came off the bench to score one and European champions Liverpool Eight-time reigning league champions Juventus -- get more; three points from three Liga after a glittering show led by make another as Atletico Madrid travel to Madrid in February for the joint top of Serie A with Inter Milan -- return to action games isn’t great.” For Bilbao, Kenan Lionel Messi saw the defending climbed back into the top four with Champions League first leg match on January 6 against Cagliari, while third-placed Kodro’s thunderbolt shot was ruled champions beat Alaves 4-1 on Sat- a 2-1 win at Real Betis. and will have noted the commitment Lazio travel to Brescia on January 5. out for off-side in the first half while urday. Messi hit his 50th goal of the The red-and-white half of inspired by Atletico’s feisty Argentine The Roman club have won two Serie A titles in the Santiago Bernabeu lived on its year with Antoine Griezmann, Luis Madrid were in the doldrums after coach Diego Simeone. 1974 and 2000. Mbappe adds Olympic Milan hit new low appearance to packed in five-goal defeat REUTERS executive, Boban brought in for the 2020 wish list MILAN newly-created post as chief football officer and Frederic Massara named as AFP AC Milan’s dream of returning to the elite sporting director, reporting to technical PARIS of European football looked more distant director Paolo Maldini. than ever after they gave what their own At the same time, Milan have battled Kylian Mbappe is putting director described as an “embarrassing” with UEFA’s break-even rule known as himself forward for the French performance in a 5-0 defeat to Atalanta financial fair play. They were banned team at next summer’s Tokyo on Sunday. from European football for one season Olympics, while adding that he The seven-times European cham- in 2018 for breaching the rules but won would not want to fight his club pions were outplayed in every an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Paris Saint-Germain over department as they reached the Sport (CAS). participation. Christmas break in eleventh place in However, UEFA opened another “Playing in the Olympics, I Serie A - a familiar part of the table for investigation this year and, in a nego- English referee Anthony Taylor (centre) points out to players where comments and don’t control everything,” he them over the last few seasons - and it tiated settlement, Milan agreed to a one- objects are coming from in the crowd during the English Premier League match told France Football magazine was difficult to know where they will go year suspension which means they in an interview to be published between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London next. missed out on this season’s Europa today. yesterday. Chelsea won the game 2-0. “The performance wasn’t there,” said League. “Of course I want to go, but the club’s chief football officer Zvonimir A lack of spending has not been the if my club, which is my Boban, a former Milan player. problem. This year alone, Milan have employer, doesn’t want me to Lampard savours win over “It hurts a lot, it was embarrassing, spent more than 150m on new players go, I won’t force a clash. this can’t be Milan. It was very painful to including Krzysztof Piatek, Lucas “We’ll soon talk about it,” see their (Atalanta’s) domination.” Milan Paqueta, Rafael Leao and Ismael Ben- said the 21-year-old, who old mentor Mourinho have had eight coaches and changed nacer. Yet, none of those have performed already has a World Cup win- hands twice since winning the last of in anything more than fits and starts. ner’s medal. REUTERS former Chelsea coach their 18 Serie A titles in 2011 and they “What is missing? Perhaps stability Mbappe had already LONDON Antonio Conte used it to have not taken part in the Champions after an era as successful as that of Ber- dropped an Olympic hint when win the league title in the League since 2013-14. lusconi and with the almost total change he responded to the French When the final whistle I’m not trying to 2016-17 season. Italian media tycoon Silvio Ber- in the world of football,” said Leonardo team’s qualification in June blew on Sunday, jubilant clone anyone’s “They played in a lusconi, at the helm during Milan’s Araujo, who left as the club’s sporting with a “TOKYO 2020” tweet Chelsea coach Frank system where they are very heyday, sold the club to a Chinese-led director in July after only one year in the accompanied by a flashing Lampard ran to the visiting system,” he said. comfortable with, a system consortium in a $832m deal in April 2017 post. “It is not easy for a team with the emoticon and a French flag. fans to throw his coat into “The way that I where they played for two and it was taken over by US hedge fund expectation of Milan.” Boban said that Olympic football at Tokyo, the crowd in celebration, play, the message years with Antonio Conte,” Elliott Management the following year. more time was needed, although fans runs from July 22 to August 8, as if their 2-0 Premier that I give is Mourinho said. That led to a further re-structuring may feel their team has been in tran- which is also the scheduled date League win over Lampard bristled at the which saw Ivan Gazidis appointed chief sition for long enough already. of the start of the French Tottenham Hotspur had different. The suggestion. “I’m not trying season. Mbappe is also due to been a cup final victory. players took the to clone anyone’s system,” play for France at the Euros For Lampard, it was not plan on incredibly he said. “The way that I Inter Milan which run from June 12 to July only his most significant well as we all play, the message that I 12. If the 21-year-old Parisian league win in charge of give is different. The midfielder star were to be called up by Chelsea, against one of saw: Lampard players took the plan on Stefano Olympic coach Sylvian Ripoll, their biggest rivals, after a incredibly well as we all Sensi (left) he would take his holiday at the run of four defeats in five first-half goals by Willian, saw.” outruns Genoa start of the club season. games. one of them a penalty, Lampard said he midfielder The striker said he had dis- It was also a triumph of could have been followed played three central Nicolo Rovella cussed a possible appearance tactics over his former by others. Spurs were taken defenders to snuff out the during the at the Games with France mentor Jose Mourinho who, by surprise by the visitors’ threat from Spurs’ ability to Italian Serie senior coach Didier as Chelsea manager 15 formation which included get their attackers behind A match at Deschamps. years ago, turned Lampard three central defenders and the back line, while the use the San Siro “The coach was adamant from a promising player the return of left-back of wing-backs helped to Stadium in that it would never be to the into the club’s all-time top Marcos Alonso to add stretch the hosts’ typically Milan on detriment of the Euro,” Mbappe goal-scorer and one of attacking threat. compact defence. Sunday. said. “I reassured him by telling England’s best midfielders Mourinho said “We had an element of him that I also wanted to play of his age. Lampard had resorted to protection in the way it in the Euro, and he said: ‘So it’s Lampard’s Chelsea the same three-at-the- worked but it also allowed up to you to deal with the were in control from start back system that was us to have loads of control people it concerns’. to finish on Sunday. Two familiar to the team after of the ball,” he said. SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 08 Formula one: Tiger Woods makes Ferrari secure one of sport’s Charles Leclerc for greatest ever ﬁve years comebacks

Tuesday 24 December 2019 Four-day Qatar International Cup Weightlifting Championships conclude Tokyo-bound Fares edges Rostami to top field CHINTHANA WASALA successfully lifted 404kgs THE PENINSULA (176kg+228kg) to push Rostami to second place in Local favourite Fares Ibrahim their contest on Sunday. Hassouna topped the Robi Points, a system standings as the 6th edition of developed by Robert Nagy, the Qatar International Cup former Technology Director weightlifting competition of the IWF, is the official IWF which concluded in Doha calculation method for com- yesterday. paring individual athletes’ Fares, who won the gold total results scores across medal in the 96kg category on each of the bodyweight Sunday and booked his place categories. in next year’s Tokyo Olympics Yesterday, at the Radisson Games, topped the Men’s Robi Blu Hotel, Armenians Gor Points table with a 907.344 Minasyan and Ruben Ale- mark. sanyan booked the top two The local hero came up spots in the podium by sharing Qatari weightlifter Fares Ibrahim Hassouna (third right) posing for a photograph with the President of the Qatar weightliftingnd a Fencing with a dazzling performance two gold medals among them Federation, Arab and Asian Weightlifting Federations, Mohamed Yousef Al Mana (second right) during the closing ceremony of the 6th to push Rio Olympics gold in the men’s over 109kg weight edition of the Qatar International Cup weightlifting competition in Doha yesterday. medallist (85kg category), class, the final event of the Kianoush Rostami of Iran to Doha Championship. Algeria’s Walid Bidani 415 the second spot in the The Rio Olympics silver (190kg+225kg) won the overall Armenians Gor standings with 899.904 medallist, Gor lifted a total of bronze medal. New Zealand’s Minasyan (centre), points. Turkey’s Daniyar 424kg by topping the snatch David Liti also secured a spot Ismayilov, the silver winner with a 198kg mark, followed on the podium after recording Ruben Alesanyan in Rio who made a clean by a clean and jerk of 226 to the second best clean and jerk (left) and Algeria’s sweep in the men’s 73 weight win the gold in Doha. mark (231kg) in the event. Walid Bidani posing class, finished third with Ruben failed to lift more The Championship was is for a photograph 836.448 Robi points. than 180kg in his snatch hosted by the Qatar Weight- after the medal The 21-year-old two-time attempts, but raised 10 kilos lifting Federation (QWF) ceremony of the Junior World Champion and more than his compatriot to under the auspices of the men’s 109kg event a silver medallist at the 2018 win the gold in clean and jerk. International Weightlifting yesterday. PIC: Asian Games, Fares He finished second overall. Federation. EBRAHIM KUTTY Afif hat-trick leads Al Sadd Study reveals Barcelona players best paid in the world to 5-1 rout of Al Gharafa REUTERS AVERAGE BASIC PAY LONDON THE PENINSULA Al Sadd’s players celebrate after defeating Al Gharafa. PICTURE: TWITTER/@ALSADDSC £9.8m ($12.75m): Barcelona DOHA Barcelona have retained their £8.9m: Real Madrid position as the world’s best paid A brilliant hat-trick by AFC professional sports team while £8.1m: Juventus Asian Player of the Year National Basketball Association £8m: Portland Trailblazers Akram Afif powered Al Sadd (NBA) sides took seven out of the top £6.9m: Manchester City to a 5-1 win over Al Gharafa 10 places this year, a study by as the Wolves returned to research body Sporting Intelligence winning ways at the Thani bin has revealed. Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and Jassim Stadium yesterday. Data from the annual Global Cleveland Cavaliers. In the round-11 clash of the Sports Salary Survey shows the English soccer champions Man- QNB Stars League, Baghdad average basic pay at the Spanish chester City are 13th at £6.9m - Bounedjah opened the scoring giants this season is £9.8m ($12.75m), below France’s Paris St Germain in in the second minute, with Afif dipping slightly from last year’s 12th (£7.1m) - but ahead of local (13th-minute penalty, 52nd £10.5m. rivals Manchester United who are and 72nd minutes) and Hassan Barcelona holding onto top spot 33rd (£6.1m). Al Haydous (31st-minute is largely down to Argentina forward The average annual salary of a penalty) also contributing to Lionel Messi’s gross basic annual pay Premier League player climbed over the scoreline. of more than £50m including guar- £3m for the first time - a rise of 6.1% Sofiane Hanni reduced the anteed image rights fees. from last year - making the compe- deficit for Al Gharafa in the Real Madrid are second on the tition the highest paying soccer 74th minute. list with an average basic pay of league, while the NBA was first Al Sadd now have 18 around £8.9m while Serie A cham- overall. points with two games in pions Juventus - who signed Messi’s Major League Baseball teams hand, against Al Arabi and Al greatg rival Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 experiencedp mixed fortunes on the Khor which were deferred due -- are in third place with £8.1m. llist.ist. to their AFC Champions option but to point to the spot. Al Gharafa had time for a game less as their Week 7 PortlandPortland TraiTrailblazerslblazers are ffourthourth TheThe New YorYorkk YanYankees,ke who last League engagements. Akram stepped up confidently late consolation when Sofiane fixture against Al Sadd was withwith an average pay ofof ££8m,8m,, weekweek signesignedd pitcpitcherher GeGerritr Cole to a Al Gharafa stood on 20 to send Qasem the wrong way scored a drive from outside of deferred owing to the latter’s aheadahead of felfellowlow NBAA nine-yearnine-year deal worth a reported points as they suffered their and extend Al Sadd’s lead. the penalty area, but the com- AFC Champions League sides Golden StaStatete $324m,$324m, are 32n32ndd wwhilehile the Toronto third defeat. VAR then played a big role prehensive victory was well engagement. It has now been Warriors,Warriors, Orlando BlueBlue Jays,Jays, BaltimoBaltimorer Orioles, Fresh from their FIFA Club in the third goal as it twice and truly completed by that scheduled for 21st January, Magic,Magic, OklahomaOklahoma KansasKKansas CCityity RoyaRoyalsls aand Arizona World Cup exploits, Al Sadd intervened in the same point. 2020. City Thunder,Thunder, DiamondbacksDiamD ondbacks were among the faced up against one of this passage of play, firstly to rule Earlier, Al Shahania and Al Al Shahania dominated bibiggestggest fallersfallers.. season’s top sides in Al Bounedjah’s free-kick was Khor played out a 2-2 draw at possession with 58 per cent. Data revealedrevealed tthathat Spain’s La Gharafa, but were in no mood handled by Adlene Guedioura the Al Ahli Stadium. Both teams had their share of Liga and the Premier LLeaguee were to compromise as they set off in the wall, resulting in a Ahmed Hammoudan (25th chances and the match was joint-top in terms ofof socialso media at a blistering pace. penalty. Bounedjah then minute) and Tiago Bezerra almost evenly fought. popularity,popularity, wewellll aaheadhead oof the NBA, With the game barely a missed the subsequent penalty (53rd minute) scored for Al After Hammoudan gave NFL aandnd SeSerierie A.A. minute old, the home side was with VAR ordering a re-take Khor, while Al Shahania’s Al Khor the lead, Amangoua unable to clear its lines as as Qasem had advanced off his goals came through Kesse helped Al Shahania draw BarcelonaBarcelona holdingholding ontoont top spot Akram found Bounedjah with line too soon. This time, Al Amangoua (36th minute) and parity with a solo effort a through ball and the Algerian Haydous took control with a Ramin Rezaeian (82nd that culminated in a long- is largely down toto Argentina nutmegged his opponent perfectly-executed shot. minute). range shot that went in. forward Lionel Messi’sMe gross before exquisitely chipping the The fourth and fifth goals Al Shahania ended up as And the first half ended basibasicc annualannual ppay of more ball over an onrushing Qasem of the evening came in similar the only winless team as they 1-1. tthan £50m Burhan to open the scoring. fashion from the left side as completed the first leg of Tiago again put Al including Ten minutes later, they Boualem Khoukhi played in 2019-20 QNB Stars League. Khor ahead with an guaranteedg were offered the chance to Akram to chip over the They have five points, having angular shot. double their lead when Yousef luckless Qasem from an acute lost six matches. Al Shahania’s second imageim rights Muftah brought down angle, before he completed his Al Khor moved on to six equaliser came late, in fees. Bounedjah in the penalty area, hat-trick with a well-executed points. the form of a header by with the referee having no pass into the side of the net. Al Khor have played one Rezaeian.