TTENNISENNIS | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 6 More Grand Cavani Slam glory becomes beckons PSG’s all-time for Federer leading scorer

Sunday, January 28, 2018 Jumada I 11, 1439 AH Sensational India GULF TIMES claim consolation win in third Test SPORT Page 3 HANDBALL FOOTBALL Uzbeks Qatar ready to take on Bahrain as are U23 third straight Asian title beckons Asian champs By Our Correspondent ships early next year,” the Spaniard said. The Qatari team are Suwon, South Korea “We have a good record against Bahrain in an upbeat mood as we beat them in two previous fi nals and AFC ahead of today’s Asian also during the course of this tournament. Changzhou final against Bahrain. ven accounting for the uncertain- But a title match is a diff erent proposition ties of sport it is diffi cult to fathom and we should not get carried away,” he how Bahrain can stop powerful Qa- added. ubstitute Andrey Sidorov Etar from winning a third straight Rivera, who guided Qatar to second place struck in the fi nal minute Asian Handball Championship title when in the 2015 World Championship in Doha, of extra-time to help Uz- the two Gulf neighbours clash in the fi nal of said he fully trusts his team to deliver the bekistan seal the AFC U23 the prestigious tournament today. goods in the fi nal. ChampionshipS 2018 title with Valero Rivera’s men have steamrollered “I have great confi dence in the ability of a narrow 2-1 win over Vietnam every opposition so far, progressing to the the players to not only win the fi nal, but to yesterday. title clash winning all their seven matches win it in a way that will make the whole of The striker was on hand to and leaving no doubt that they are pretty Qatar proud. We want to prove to the world convert a Dostonbek Khamda- much the ‘Dream Team’ of the tournament. we are force to reckon with globally as far as mov corner with his fi rst touch Coincidentally, Qatar’s two previ- handball is concerned.” of the game, after a 1-1 draw had ous titles also came at Bahrain’s expense Star player Youssef Ben Ali said Qatar had forced the game into an addi- when Manama hosted back-to-back Asian the experience to pull off yet another win tional 30 minutes. Championships – in 2014 and 2016. over Bahrain and win the title. While Uzbekistan’s victory In the fi nal of the 2014 fi nal, Qatar won “The fi nal of any tournament is always saw them add to the AFC U-16 27-26, while in 2016 the scores were 27-22 diffi cult but we have experience. We have Championship title they won in in Qatar’s favour. beaten Bahrain twice in the fi nal and that 2012, it also brought the curtain Coach Rivera, however, was not looking too on their home turf,” said Ali. down on a remarkable Vietnam at his team’s awe-inspiring record when he “They are a tough team and we respect campaign, one which will live spoke to journalists ahead of today’s fi nal. them. After all they are in the fi nal but we long in the memory of the South- “History favours us but we have to fo- are determined to do the job. All our players east Asian nation’s supporters. cus on the final tomorrow and the future, are focused and are physically and mentally In decidedly wintry condi- especially with the World Champion- up to the challenge,” he added tions at the Changzhou Olym- pic Sports Center, it was Uz- bekistan who controlled the early proceedings, and they duly took the lead on eight minutes when a poorly marked Rustam- jon Ashurmatov headed home Khamdamov’s outswinging cor- ner. Uzbekistan continued to press after the breakthrough, as both a Javokhir Sidikov header and Wozniacki wins fi rst Khamdamov’s eff ort from 20 yards forced Vietnam goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung into smart saves. Despite struggling to fully im- pose themselves on the game, Vietnam briefl y threatened to restore parity shortly after the half hour mark when Pham Xuan major at Aussie Open Manh’s excellent cross narrowly eluded the onrushing Phan Vanh Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to win a major, Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai. However, after seeing Azizjon Ganiev fi re narrowly over, Viet- having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010 nam drew level on the stroke of half-time. AFP Wozniacki was growing in confi dence Melbourne and Halep needed to save four break points at 1-1 in the second set in a brutal game that lasted 11 minutes. Qatar’s aroline Wozniacki fi nally lifted Soon after Halep signalled to her her fi rst title at the coach Darren Cahill in the player’s box Almoez is 43rd attempt as she beat Simo- that she wasn’t feeling well and there na Halep 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-4 to were worrying scenes as she had her top scorer winC the yesterday blood pressure taken and an ice towel The Dane, who will take over as world applied in the next changeover. number one, burst into tears as she se- Halep re-emerged with her energy cured the title against the battling Ro- drained and needed the luckiest of net manian top seed on her fi rst match point cords to hold for 4-3. of a gruelling, epic encounter. Cramping and almost limping, she Both players needed medical atten- decided to stand and deliver in the next tion on court before the Dane prevailed game, keeping the points short. in 2hr 49min in energy-sapping hot and Incredibly the tactic paid off as she humid conditions on Rod Laver Arena. broke Wozniacki with a ripping drive Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the up the line and served at 5-3 to level the unwanted moniker of best player never match. Wozniacki forced two break back to win a major, having reached the US points which Halep saved, before level- Open fi nal in 2009 and 2014, and fi rst ling on her third set point. becoming number one in 2010. The tournament’s extreme heat pol- Both of them were in their third ma- icy was invoked meaning the players jor fi nal — their fi rst in — and took a 10-minute break before the start both had saved match points in earlier of the third set. Changzhou: Almoez Ali’s rounds to get there. When they resumed Wozniacki held six goals saw the Qatar ace Wozniacki started the stronger and before wearing Halep down with a series finish as top scorer at the AFC broke Halep’s opening service game of long rallies and securing the break for U23 Championship 2018. with the early evening temperature still 2-0 as the match clock hit the two-hour The 21-year-old Al Duhail above 30 Celsius (86 Farenheit). mark. Halep dug deep and got it back to striker found the net in four of The Dane sped into a 3-0 lead behind 2-1 on her sixth break point of a gruel- his country’s six games at the a consistent fi rst serve. ling game when Wozniacki double- tournament, scoring twice Wozniacki had not won a set in ei- faulted after almost 12 minutes. against both host nation ther of her previous two Grand Slam Both players were feeling the heat China PR and Palestine as fi nal appearances and tightened visibly and two more breaks of serve were ex- Qatar finished third. serving for this one at 5-3. Halep ag- changed as they struggled to fi nd any Losing finalist Nguyen Quang gressively took advantage and moved to rhythm until Halep held for 3-3. Hai from Vietnam finished three break points at 0-40. Wozniacki’s weaker forehand let her second thanks to the five A big second serve and a fi rst ace down twice from deuce and Halep led goals he scored, while Qatar saved two of them but the relentless for the fi rst time in the match at 4-3. midfielder Akram Afif, Uz- Halep forced Wozniacki long with a Now it was the turn of the Dane to call bekistan’s Jasurbek Yakshi- sliced forehand and the fi nal was back the physio. With her left knee freshly boev, Korea Republic striker on serve. strapped she broke Halep yet again to Lee Keun-ho and Palestine’s In the tiebreak the Dane went 4-1 up level at 4-4. She couldn’t manage it and Oday Dabbagh tied for third before a second mini-break and two sol- Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki poses with the championship trophy in the locker room after her victory against Romania’s a backhand into the net brought an end with three goals apiece. id serves gave her the tiebreak 7-2. in the women’s final of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. to her brave challenge. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 28, 2018 TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN More Slam glory beckons Swiss targets his 20th Grand Slam when he meets Cilic, in for ageless Federer trailblazing form, in final today

AFP sured of climbing from his current six Melbourne HEAD-TO-HEAD to a career-high three. Marin Cilic Cilic, 29, has had a trailblazing Age: 36 FEDERER 8-1 CILIC tournament and is the fi rst Croatian Age: 29 ATP ranking: 2 (Highest ranking: 1) nly Marin Cilic stands be- man or woman to appear in a Mel- ATP ranking: 6 (Highest ranking: 4) Grand Slam titles: 19 (Australian Open tween Roger Federer and a 2017: Federer def Cilic 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1 (ATP Finals, hard) bourne fi nal. Grand Slam titles: 1 (US Open 2014) 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017; French 20th Grand Slam title as an 2017: Federer def Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 (Wimbledon, grass) His career high point so far has 2017 Australian Open perform- Open 2009; Wimbledon 2003, 2004, injury-ravaged Australian 2016: Federer def Cilic 6-7 (4), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-3 (Wimbledon, grass) been victory at the 2014 US Open ance: Second round OpenO staggers to its Sunday fi nal at where, as the 14th seed, he swept past 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017; US 2014: Cilic def Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 (US Open, hard) Best Australian Open perform- Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) Melbourne Park. 2014: Federer def Cilic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4 (Toronto, hard) Federer in straight sets on the way to ance: Finalist 2018 2017 Australian Open performance: The 36-year-old Swiss marvel 2012: Federer def Cilic 6-3, 6-4 (Shanghai, hard) beating Kei Nishikori in the fi nal. 2018 Australian Open results: Winner continues to defy the years and at- 2011: Federer def Cilic 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 (US Open, hard) But he was in tears when he gamely First round: beat Best Australian Open performance: Win- trition rate to reach his 30th Grand 2011: Federer def Cilic 6-4, 6-3 (Monaco, clay) played on with a nasty blister on his (Canada) 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) ner 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017 Slam decider and a shot at his sixth 2008: Federer def Cilic 6-3, 6-4 (Paris, hard) left foot in last year’s Wimbledon de- Second round: beat Joao Sousa 2018 Australian Open results: Australian crown while his long-time cider against Federer, describing it as (Portugal) 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 First round: beat Aljaz Bedene (Slovenia) rivals have fallen by the wayside. very tough to deal with. Third Round: beat Ryan Harrison 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 World No.1 , six- without dropping a set. Things must said Federer. Another opportunity to win a sec- (US) 7-6 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4) Second round: beat Jan-Lennard Struff time champion Novak Djokovic and be all right if I haven’t dropped a set “There’s enough wear and tear ond Grand Slam quickly materialised Fourth Round: beat Pablo Carreno (Germany) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4) former winner Stan Wawrinka suc- and in the fi nal.” on the body, there’s enough tough when he toppled injured Nadal in the Busta (Spain) 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (0), Third Round: beat 29-Richard Gasquet cumbed to injuries, while fi ve-time matches throughout the season that quarter-fi nals and rising British star 7-6 (3) (France) 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 fi nalist didn’t even get “I’ve won all my matches when they happen, you take them.” Kyle Edmund in the semis. Quarter-finals: beat Rafael Nadal Fourth Round: beat Marton Fucsovics to the starting line. without dropping a set. Things But he knows he faces a tough sea- He says he is in a good space with (Spain) 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 2-0 (Hungary) 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-2 Yet Federer is again still standing. must be all right if I haven’t soned opponent in Cilic to win the his serve and forehand. Retired Quarter-finals: beat 19-Tomas Berdych Cilic overcame him on the way to dropped a set and in the fi nal,” big one. “I’m feeling really good physically, Semi-finals: beat Kyle Edmund (Czech Republic) 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-4 winning the 2014 US Open fi nal, but Federer said “I defi nitely think him winning the even though I had a few matches that (Britain) 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-2 Semi-finals: beat Chung Hyeon (South it is his only win in nine encounters US Open has given him great belief went more than three hours,” Cilic Korea) 6-1, 5-2 retired and the Swiss defending champion Federer was waved through to the he can do it. If the big moments come said. The former US Open champion has glided to the brink of another title fi nal with an all-too-brief semi-fi nal about, that he can attain this level,” “I’ve played a great tournament so has gone about his business in The defending champion has made without dropping a set. that lasted just 62 minutes when South Federer said. far, I’m playing much more aggres- ruthless fashion at Melbourne Park short work of his opponents this year and Federer is supremely confi dent Korean youngster Chung Hyeon re- “I like his attitude. He’s very pro- sive, hitting most of the shots really this year to become Croatia’s first has not dropped a set at Melbourne Park he has it all in place to join Djokovic tired with severe foot blisters. fessional. He’s always very much the good. Australian Open finalist. en route to a record seventh Australian and Australian Roy Emerson with the Five of Federer’s six matches have same regardless of whether he wins “From the return, moving, fore- The sixth seed, who beat Open final. most Australian titles. fi nished on or under two hours and he or loses. hand, backhand, serving, I think eve- ailing opponents in Rafael Nadal Federer, who thrashed Cilic in the “It’s not about having to improve has been on court for a total of 10hr “On the court, he’s a winner. He’s rything is in a good, solid spot. Feel- and Kyle Edmund in his last two Wimbledon title clash last year and enjoys anything in particular,” he said ahead 50min, some 6hr 13mins less than there to win and not just to be there. I ing really excited about the fi nal.” rounds, will be fresh after two an 8-1 head-to-head record against the of the fi nal. Cilic. think he strives for more.” But on facing Federer, he added: full days off before the final and Croat, will be the favourite to beat him at “I’m pleased that my game has “I would have preferred a normal “When it gets to the semi-fi nals, fi - primed to go the distance against Rod Laver Arena today as he bids for his been good from the very beginning of end (to the Chung match), yes. But I REALLY EXCITED nals, he gets better and better and is Federer as he targets a second 20th Grand Slam title. the tournament so far. must admit, as well, you do take the Win or lose Federer will remain world playing great tennis. So with him it’s Grand Slam. “I mean, I’ve won all my matches faster matches whenever you can,” No.2 behind Nadal while Cilic is en- always a big challenge.”

REACTION Like father like son, Korda emulates dad 20 years on Sebastian Korda marked the 20th anniversary I didn’t want to think about winning: Wozniacki of his dad Petr’s memorable Australian Open triumph by winning the junior singles tile against Taiwan’s Tseng Chun-hsin yesterday. And in keeping with family tradition, the Serena ‘so proud’ of friend Wozniacki Czech celebrated with the same scissor- kicking routine his dad, and coach, performed after beating Chilean Marcelo Rios in 1998. Serena Williams says she is “so 23-time Grand Slam winner. “It feels pretty good. It’s definitely special, proud” of her long-time friend Williams was pregnant when she including being here in Australia,” the Florida- Caroline Wozniacki after the Dane won the Australian Open last based Korda said after his 7-6 (6), 6-4 win. “My succeeded her to become the Aus- January. She gave birth to a girl, sister won her first title here, as well. My dad tralian Open champion yesterday. Alexis Olympia, last September and won his only grand slam title here, so it’s very Williams, who has not played a com- married father Alexis Ohanian in special.” Korda’s sister Jessica is a golfer and petitive match since capturing the November. won her first professional title, the Women’s title at Melbourne Park exactly a year She is set to make her return next Australian Open, in Melbourne in 2012. While ago, was too on edge to watch. month at a Fed Cup tie when the his dad was back home watching on televi- “I got too nervous to watch but United States play host to the Neth- sion rather than in Melbourne, Korda said his woke up to @CaroWozniacki new erlands on an indoor hardcourt at victory made up for missing his 50th birthday number one and aussie open Asheville, North Carolina. last week. “The main goal was try to get this champ,” she tweeted soon after the Wozniacki also won praise from tournament for my dad on his 50th birthday,” 27-year-old beat Simona Halep 7-6 Rod Laver — with the court on he said. Korda, who is also a two handicap (2), 3-6, 6-4, become the new world which she won named after the golfer, admitted his dad’s victory is regular number one in the process. Australian legend. viewing at home. “I’ve seen his match on “So awesome. So happy. Are those “Congratulations @CaroWozni- YouTube a lot. I watch it at least maybe once a tears? Yup they are,” Williams acki — welcome to the Club,” he month. A little bit of motivation,” he said. added, with Wozniacki sobbing tweeted. after ending a long wait to win a Pam Shriver said on Twitter that Marach, Pavic claim men’s Grand Slam title. it was “a breathtaking final” while “From a year ago to today, I’m so stated that “both doubles crown proud my friend, so proud. Literally players deserve all the credit in the can’t even sleep now,” added the world”. Austrian Oliver Marach and Croatia’s Mate Pavic captured the Australian Open men’s doubles crown with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 win over Reuters Not only that but her triumph lifted her “I’m a grand slam champion, and that still The fact that she could share that moment Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Melbourne back to the top of the world rankings for the seems crazy to say, but I’m also back to number with her father Piotr, her coach since she was . Marach and Pavic claimed their fi rst time in six years — a period during which one. I couldn’t have scripted it any better.” seven, added to the occasion. first grand slam title as a team in their fourth life had thrown her several “curve balls”. After two US Open fi nal defeats, many “My dad has been there from the start and we appearance at a major, breaking the Colom- aroline Wozniacki said she stopped “I didn’t want to think too much about how thought Wozniacki might never get another took the journey together,” she said. “To have bians at 4-4 in each set at Rod Laver Arena. herself thinking about what it would it would feel to win before the match because chance to win a grand slam, let alone return to him in my corner on a night like tonight, holding Marach became just the third Austrian to win feel like to win a fi rst grand slam title that’s like in case I don’t, it’s going to hurt even the top of the WTA standings. the trophy and sharing this means a lot.” a men’s doubles grand slam title after Julian in case yesterday’s Australian Open more,” the 27-year-old, less than two years af- “Lots of ups and downs. But one thing that Wozniacki trailed 4-3 in a see-sawing fi nal Knowle won the 2007 US Open with Simon fiC nal against Simona Halep did not go to plan. ter being ranked in the 70s after a career slide, remained consistent was my fi ghting spirit set in which both players seemed close to ex- Aspelin, and Jurgen Melzer claimed the 2010 Wozniacki fi nally added her name to the told reporters with the Daphne Akhurst Me- and never giving up,” Wozniacki, who now haustion. Wimbledon and the 2011 US Open champion- grand slam winners’ list at the 43rd time of morial Cup at her side. holds the record for length of time between But she found some last reserves of energy ships with Philipp Petzschner. Pavic made asking after outlasting Halep 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4 “But now I’m just so happy to have the tro- stints at world number one, said. to reel off three games and leave Halep sucking himself the second Croatian doubles player to on a sweltering Rod Laver Arena, becoming phy. As athletes we don’t enjoy the moments “Life sometimes throws curve balls at you up a third grand slam fi nal loss. win a major trophy after , the 2015 the fi rst Dane to win one of tennis’s four big- very long and I want to enjoy this one because and you have to deal with it. Tonight is such a “I obviously feel very sad for her, but at the winner with . gest prizes. it’s very special. special moment.” same time I’m very happy for myself,” she said. Gulf Times Sunday, January 28, 2018 3 CRICKET

INDIA’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA FOCUS Stokes tops IPL Sensational India bidding war despite court date

AFP claim consolation Bengaluru, India ngland’s star all- rounder Ben Stokes topped the auc- tionE yesterday selling for $1.96mn despite a looming court case for assault. win in third Test On a day in which the eight IPL teams spent over $50mn on ‘We required some character playing on a pitch that was very diff icult to play on’ talent, Stokes’s deal with Ra- jasthan Royals came ahead of snapped up prolifi c-scorer Reuters Indian batsmen Lokesh Rahul Lynn for $1.5mn and left-arm Johannesburg, South Africa and Manish Pandey and Aus- paceman Starc for $1.47mn. tralians Chris Lynn, Mitchell Delhi Daredevils got all- Starc and in the rounder Maxwell for $1.41mn. uperb seam bowling allowed In- top prices paid. “Thanks for getting me on dia to rip through South Africa’s But England captain Joe board. I am really excited to line-up and seal a 63-run Root and wicketkeeper Jonny join the KKR family for this consolation victory on day four of Bairstow, and star batsmen season,” Starc said in a video theS third and fi nal Test at the Wanderers Chris Gayle of West Indies message on Twitter. yesterday. and Hashim Amla of South Among other top pur- Chasing 241 for victory on a Africa failed to attract bids. chases, England paceman with pace, bounce and prodigious lateral Veteran Sri Lanka paceman Chris Woakes was bought by movement, South Africa were on top at Lasith Malinga also went un- Royal Challengers Bangalore 124 for one, but lost their last nine wick- sold but the franchises have the for $1.16m and Indian spinner ets for just 53 runs as India roared back option of getting them back on Ravichandran Ashwin went for into the contest. the auction table today. $1.19mn to Kings XI Punjab. Opener Dean Elgar (86 ) and Rajasthan Royals, return- Punjab were thwarted Hashim Amla (52) had given South Africa ing to the world’s wealthiest in several bids by the IPL’s hope with a 119-run second wicket stand, cricket league from a two- ‘right to match’ rule under but the home side lost their way following year match-fi xing ban, paid which a player’s former side the latter’s dismissal 20 minutes before tea. $200,000 less than the record can match the winning bid to The were shared between the laid out for Stokes last year by claim him back. excellent Mohamed Shami (5-28), Ishant Rising Pune Supergiant. Punjab lost Indian opener Sharma (2-31), Jasprit Bumrah (2-57) and However, Stokes was de- Shikhar Dhawan to Sunris- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-39). lighted with the deal. ers Hyderabad after bid- South Africa claim the series 2-1 after “Buzzing to be represent- ding $818,000 and South victories in Cape Town and Pretoria. South Africa’s team poses with the trophy after winning the three-match series against India 2-1 in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) ing @rajasthanroyals in this Africa skipper Faf du Plessis The Test victory will be especially years IPl (IPL) and great to be to Chennai who will have to pleasing for India after it was achieved on hand off . India is a fantastic team, but we playing alongside @josbuttler equal their $250,000 bid. a treacherous Wanderers wicket. have played some really good cricket in (sic),” he wrote on Twitter. Sunrisers also used ‘right “We required some character playing this series.” Though Stokes’s legal team to match’ to steal Afghan leg- on a pitch that was very diffi cult to play The teams will now play six One-Day has assured the IPL that he spinner Rashid Khan, 19, from on, but our guys showed great guts and Internationals starting on Feb. 1, followed will be available for the full Punjab after they made the determination through the four days,” by three Internationals. April 7-May 27 season, all highest bid of $1.41mn. India captain said at the post- eyes will be on his court hear- A total of 578 players are up match presentation. SCORECARD ing on February 13. for auction. “We took the challenge, we wanted to INDIA 1st innings 187 all out If he is stopped from play- face it head on. Batting fi rst was some- SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 194 all out ing the whole season then the Top ten buys on fi rst thing that didn’t go down well with a lot INDIA 2nd innings 247 all out Royal have the right to fi nd a of people, but we knew it would get even SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings (o/n 17-1) replacement for Stokes, one of day of IPL auction more diffi cult to bat as the game went on.” A. Markram c Patel b Shami 4 the best performers last sea- The batsmen in particular showed D. Elgar not out 86 son, who attracted bids from BEN STOKES (England — bravery and skill on a surface that at once H. Amla c Pandya b Sharma 52 several franchises. allrounder) Rajasthan Royals stage was deemed so dangerous by um- A. de Villiers c Rahane b Bumrah 6 His new team are desperate $1.96mn pires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar that they F. du Plessis b Sharma 2 for success. The Royals were MANISH PANDEY (India — suspended play 20 minutes from the Q. de Kock lbw b Bumrah 0 inaugural IPL champions in batsman) Sunrisers Hydera- close on day three. V. Philander b Shami 10 2008 under Australian leg- bad $1.7mn Resuming on 17 for one, South Africa A. Phehlukwayo b Shami 0 end Shane Watson, but were LOKESH RAHUL (India — played patiently through the rain-short- K. Rabada c Pujara b Kumar 0 barred for two seasons with batsman) Kings XI Punjab ed morning session, but Amla’s dismissal M. Morkel b Shami 0 Chennai Super Kings in 2015 $1.7mn sparked a swing in momentum. L. Ngidi c sub (Karthik) b Shami 4 over a spot-fi xing scandal. CHRIS LYNN (Australia — The key wickets of AB de Villiers (6) Extras (b7, w6) 13 Stokes edged out Australian batsman) Kolkata Knight and Faf du Plessis (2) followed quickly Total (73.3 overs) 177 batsmen Steve Smith and Dav- Riders for $1.5mn afterwards, and when the out of form Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Markram), 2-124 id Warner as the highest-paid MITCHELL STARC (Australia Quinton de Kock was trapped leg before India’s Ishant Sharma (left) and captain Virat Kohli (right) celebrate the wicket of South (Amla), 3-131 (De Villiers), 4-144 (Du Ples- foreigner in the IPL. Smith and — paceman) Kolkata Knight wicket fi rst ball, the home side’s chances Africa’s Faf Du Plessis in Johannesburg yesterday. (Reuters) sis), 5-145 (De Kock), 6-157 (Philander), Warner were retained by their Riders $1.47mn diminished. 7-157 (Phehlukwayo), 8-160 (Rabada), teams for $1.9mn each to avoid GLENN MAXWELL (Australia At one stage India’s rampant seamers “India outplayed us in this Test, we Plessis said. 9-161 (Morkel) the auction. — all-rounder) Delhi Daredev- picked up six wickets for 17 runs, with didn’t take our chances and were sloppy. “It’s very disappointing standing here Bowling: Kumar 18-4-39-1, Shami 12.3- India captain Virat Kohli ils $1.41mn only the lone hand of Elgar able to keep We weren’t as consistent as in the fi rst after a loss, but if you had off ered me 2-1 2-28-5, Bumrah 21-3-57-2 (1w), Sharma secured a record $2.7mn deal RASHID KHAN (Afghani- them at bay. two Tests,” South African captain Faf du before this series I would have bitten your 16-3-31-2, Pandya 6-1-15-0 (1w) before the auction to stay with stan — spin bowler) Sunrisers Royal Challengers Bangalore. Hyderabad $1.41mn KRUNAL PANDYA (India — TRI-NATION SERIES PUNJAB THWARTED all-rounder) Mumbai Indians Rahul and Pandey came just $1.38mn behind Stokes in the bidding SANJU SAMSON (India war. Sunrisers Hyderabad got — wicketkeeper-batsman) Rahul and Kings Xi Punjab Rajasthan Royals $1.25mn Madushanka hat-trick seals title for SL picked Pandey for $1.7mn each. KEDAR JADHAV (India — all- Among the Australian rounder) Chennai Super Kings stars, Kolkata Knight Riders $1.22mn AFP Dhaka, Bangladesh ICC U19 WORLD CUP hehan Madushanka became the fourth bowler in history to claim a hat-trick on debut as Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by 79 runs to South Africa defeat winS the tri-nation one-day international tournament in Dhaka yesterday. The 22-year-old pacer claimed Bang- Kiwis by 73 runs ladesh’s last three wickets before fi nish- ing with 3-26 as Sri Lanka defended their IANS in the tournament. modest score of 221 runs by bowling out Christchurch South Africa took control Bangladesh for 142 in 41.1 overs. through Van Tonder and Breetz- Madushanka took the wickets of Ru- ke after electing to bat. The pair bel Hossain and Mashrafe Mortaza in the aptain Raynard van batted for a major part of the in- last two balls of his sixth over before he Tonder and opener Mat- nings and the team total would removed Mahmudullah Riyad in the next Sri Lankan cricketers celebrate winning the tri-nation series at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) thew Breetzke notched have been more than the 284 for over to complete his hat-trick. superb hundreds as six that they managed, had they He joined South Africa’s Kagiso Raba- wouldn’t be playing. We saw his hand. The Test series will follow two Twenty20 CSouth Africa registered a com- got a few good cameos down the Mahmudullah 4-0-18-0, Saifuddin 4-0-15-1, da, Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and team- We knew it wasn’t possible for him to bat. internationals between the two teams. Shakib 5-0-20-0, Hossain 10-0-46-4 (nb1) fortable 73-run victory over New order. mate Wanidu Hasaranga who have also So we had asked the others not to think Zealand in the Super League In reply, New Zealand were achieved the rare feat. about it. I wouldn’t use it as an excuse SCORECARD BANGLADESH play-off semi-fi nal for fi fth place bowled out for 211 with Dale Mahmudullah staged a valiant fi ght for when chasing 220-odd runs,” he said. SRI LANKA T. Iqbal c Dananjaya b Chameera 3 in the U19 Cricket World Cup at Phillips (74) fi ghting it out with- Bangladesh with 76 off 92 balls but he “Everyone is disappointed in the D. Gunathilaka c Iqbal b Hasan 6 M. Mithun run out 10 the Hagley Oval here yesterday. out much support as South Af- lacked support from other batsmen, who dressing room. We expected to win hav- U. Tharanga b M. Rahman 56 S. Rahman c Gunaratne b Chameera 2 Van Tonder (117, 129b, 10x4, rica’s new-ball bowlers wreaked missed the batting of all-rounder Shakib ing come this far,” he added. K. Mendis c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 28 M. Rahim c Tharanga b Dananjaya 22 1x6) and Breetzke (115, 132b, havoc. al-Hasan due to a fi nger injury he suf- Earlier, fast bowler Rubel claimed four N. Dickwella c S. Rahman b Saifuddin 42 Mahmudullah c Tharanga b Madushanka 76 8x4, 1x6) played brilliant indi- The 17-year-old Gerald Co- fered in the game. wickets to help Bangladesh dismiss Sri D. Chandimal b Hossain 45 M. Hasan c and b Dananjaya 5 vidual knocks to add 231 runs for etzee fi nished with fi ve for 32, Medium pacer Dushmantha Chameera Lanka for 221 runs on a sluggish pitch at T. Perera c Iqbal b Hossain 2 M. Saifuddin run out 8 the second wicket in 37.3 overs, which included the prized scalps and spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed two the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. A. Gunaratne lbw b Hossain 6 M. Mortaza c Mendis b Madushanka 5 South Africa’s highest partner- of opener Jakob Bhula (0) and wickets each for Sri Lanka. Hossain, who returned with the fi gures A. Dananjaya c Mithun b M. Rahman 17 R. Hossain b Madushanka 0 ship in the U19 Cricket World Finn Allen (6), both of who were “We are over the moon... the guys put of 4-46, was ably supported by fellow S. Madushanka b Hossain 7 M. Rahman not out 0 Cup history. caught behind. their heart and soul in the practices and paceman Mustafi zur Rahman (2-29) as S. Lakmal run out 2 Shakib Al Hasan injured absent The result of the match be- Left-armer Akhona Mnyaka then when they go in to the middle they the hosts made regular strikes after the D. Chameera not out 1 Extras (lb 4, w6, b1) 11 tween the two losing quarter- fi nished with two for 49 and had put their heart and soul,” said Sri Lanka visitors elected to bat fi rst. Extras (lb 5, w2, nb2) 9 Total (all out; 41.1 overs) 142 fi nalists gives South Africa a the satisfaction of accounting for captain Dinesh Chandimal. Upul Tharanga top-scored with 56 off Total (all out; 50 overs) 221 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-17 (Mithun), chance to play the winner of to- a well-set Philips. “They had the plans and they executed 99 balls while skipper Dinesh Chandimal Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Gunathilaka), 2-42 3-22 (S. Rahman), 4-80 (Rahim), 5-90 (M. day’s match between Bangladesh well, and credit goes to everyone who added 45. Wicketkeeper-batsman Niro- (Mendis), 3-113 (Dickwella), 4-158 (Tha- Hasan), 6-127 (Saifuddin), 7-141 (Mortaza), and England on January 31, to BRIEF SCORES: South Africa played the series.” shan Dickwella made 42. ranga), 5-163 (Perera), 6-182 (Gunaratne), 8-141 (Hossain ), 9-142 (Mahmudullah) decide the fi fth place. 284 for 6 (Matthew Breetzke 115, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza Sri Lanka will now play two Test 7-209 (Chandimal), 8-217 (Dananjaya), Bowling: Lakmal 9-2-29-0, Chameera New Zealand will play the los- Raynard van Tonder 117; Matthew refused to use Shakib’s injury as an ex- matches against Bangladesh with the fi rst 9-219 (Madushanka), 10-221 (Lakmal) 8-1-17-2 (w1), Perera 7-0-31-0, Madushanka er of today’s match a day earlier, Fisher 2 for 59) beat New Zealand cuse. Test beginning in the port city of Chit- Bowling: Hasan 10-0-53-1, Mortaza 7-0- 6.1-1-26-3 (w2), Dananjaya 9-0-30-2 (w2), on January 30, with the winner 211 all out (Dale Phillips 74; Gerald “When he fell, we were sure he tagong on January 31. 35-1 (w1), M. Rahman 10-0-29-2 (w1, nb1), Gunathilaka 2-1-4-0 (w1) of that match fi nishing seventh Coetzee 5 for 32) by 73 runs. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 28, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Woods makes cut with closing birdie at Torrey Pines AFP spinal fusion surgery in April. the par-four 13th, his fourth hole Leading second round scores La Jolla, United States “I was grinding my way of the day, after another tee shot around the golf course today,” went left into a scrub hazard. An 133-Ryan Palmer (USA) 66-67 said Woods, who hit just three of irked Woods took an unplayable 134-Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-66 iger Woods birdied his fi - 14 fairways and nine of 18 greens lie, then missed the green. His 135-Luke List (USA) 69-66, Tony Finau (USA) 65-70 nal hole on Friday capping in regulation. “I fought hard. chip rolled through the putting 136-Alex Noren (SWE) 70-66 a back-nine rally that saw I was trying to post a number, surface and he walked off with a 137-Michael Kim (USA) 69-68, Jason Day (AUS) 73-64, Martin Flores him make the cut in his which I was able to do.” double-bogey that put him two- 70-67 Treturn to the US PGA Tour at the Woods was one shot outside over and outside the cutline. 138-Retief Goosen (RSA) 70-68, Hunter Mahan 68-70, Harris English 70- Farmers Insurance Open. the cut line when arrived at his Woods responded with four 68, Phil Mickelson 70-68, Tom Lovelady 68-70 The 14-time major cham- fi nal hole, the par-fi ve ninth. birdies coming home. He gave 139-Sean O’Hair 70-69, Cameron Smith (AUS) 71-68, Keegan Bradley pion wrestled four birdies from He was in the right rough off the Tiger Woods plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of his massive gallery – sent 70-69, Robert Garrigus 69-70, Kevin Streelman 71-68, Justin Rose (GBR) his last nine holes on the North tee and his second shot left him the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP) scampering several times by his 69-70, Brice Garnett 69-70, Talor Gooch 71-68, Beau Hossler 71-68 Course at Torrey Pines, carding on the edge of the green, 75 feet errant drives – something to 140-C.T. Pan (TPE) 70-70, Patrick Reed 68-72, Keith Mitchell 71-69, a one-under par 71. That was from the pin. Spain’s defending champion with a respectable even-par 72 cheer about for the fi rst time all Brandon Harkins 70-70, Ben Silverman (CAN) 69-71, Lanto Griff in 72-68, just enough to make the cut – his He nestled his fi rst putt a few Jon Rahm, who could seize the on the South Course – scene of day when he rolled in a 50-foot Danny Lee (NZL) 69-71, Cody Gribble 70-70, Marc Leishman (AUS) 71-69, fi rst since the Wyndham Cham- feet from the cup and made that world number one ranking from his 14th and most recent major birdie bomb at the fi rst hole. Corey Conners (CAN) 72-68. pionship in August of 2015 where for the needed birdie – capping a Dustin Johnson with a victory, title at the 2008 US Open. But “It was nice to get one to fall in he fi nished tied for 10th. 71 for a total of 143 and off ering a carded a six-under 66 and was he struggled off the tee all day - there and get something positive Since then Woods has battled big smile to cheering fans. alone in second on 134. sending his fi rst drive at least 50 going into the back nine,” Woods his second shot left him off the of the greens. We can hear the back trouble that sidelined him for Woods was 10-shots off the Luke List carded a 66 to share yards left. said. green but his chip left him an ball land from the fairway.” all of 2016. He is playing his fi rst 36-hole lead held by Ameri- third place on 135 with fi rst- He laid up in the rough and He got back to even par with easy birdie. Woods got up and down for offi cial tournament since missing can Ryan Palmer, who carded a round leader Tony Finau, who two-putted for par at the par- a birdie at the fi fth, a short par- “My short game’s been good birdie at the seventh, but was the cut here last year in an abor- fi ve-under par 67 on the North carded a 70. Woods had opened fi ve 10th from about 40 feet. But fi ve, where a solid drive trickled all week,” Woods said. “I’m just back outside the cut line after a tive comeback bid that ended with Course for 11-under 133. the tournament on Thursday he couldn’t get out of trouble at into the fi rst cut of rough and trying to get used to the fi rmness bogey at the par-three eighth.

GOLF FOCUS Chinese prodigy Li leads from McIlroy Pakistani teen the par-4 eighth, and there was AFP Dubai another dropped shot on the par-3 fourth hole. But the world number 11, who made a come- hina’s Li Haotong dis- back to competitive golf after played his superstar po- more than 100 days out last week tential as he outscored in Abu Dhabi, fought back on the Rory McIlroy by four shots back nine. Ahmed wins Qatar inC the third round to take a one- “Hopefully that’s the bad one shot lead into the fi nal day of the $3 out of the way. I didn’t get off to million Dubai Desert Classic. too bad a start, just a couple of Starting his third round on loose ones. Missed a short one Saturday trailing leader McIlroy on the fourth and made bogey on by three shots, the 22-year-old eighth,” said McIlroy. Li put together a superb round of “That wasn’t too good. But to eight-under-par 64 to fi nish on come back with a 5-under back amateur title 20-under after 54 holes. nine was good. It was good to Four-time major champion knock that birdie in at the last The victory earns him a spot in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters next month McIlroy came back to the course and stay within one of Li. early in the morning to complete “I’ll probably need to play a bit his second round and made fi ve better tomorrow to win, but you birdies in seven holes. know, it’s two weeks into the sea- However, he could not get go- son and I’ve given myself a sec- ing in the third round and found ond chance to win a tournament. himself one-over at the turn. Looking forward to tomorrow.” But a much better back nine gave him a third-round 68 and three- Leading scores after the third day tally of 19-under 197. round Frenchman Alex Levy had a 196-Li Haotong (CHN) 66-66-64 hole in one at the fourth en route 197-Rory McIlroy (NIR) 65-64-68 to a 65, and he is tied third at 17 199-Alexander Levy (FRA) 67- under par with South African 67-65, Haydn Porteous (RSA) youngster Haydn Porteous, who 66-68-65 also shot 65. England’s Andy 200-Andy Sullivan (ENG) 67-70- Sullivan made a big move with a 63 63 to rise to fi fth place at 200. 201-David Horsey (ENG) 63-70-68 Li made four birdies on either 202-Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) half of the golf course and never 69-69-64, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) looked in trouble because of his 64-72-66, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) impressive ball-striking. Even 69-67-66, David Lipsky (USA) when he was not hitting it close, 69-66-67, Thorbjorn Olesen his short game saved him on a cou- (DEN) 67-68-67, Wang Jeung- ple of occasions, including a good hun (KOR) 69-66-67, Chris up-and-down on the 14th hole. Paisley (ENG) 65-69-68, Branden “Played really solid. Especially Grace (RSA) 68-65-69 had a couple up-and-downs and 203-Ian Poulter (ENG) 68-70-65, was quite happy to shoot eight- Thomas Detry (BEL) 68-66-69, under on this course,” said Li, Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) who will become the fi rst male 66-68-69, Thomas Aiken (RSA) Chinese player to crack the top 67-67-69, Alexander Bjork (SWE) 50 in the world rankings if he 65-68-70, Lasse Jensen (DEN) goes on to win. 65-68-70 McIlroy, winner of the tour- 204-An Byeong-hun (KOR) 72- nament in 2009 and 2015, is 67-65, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) looking to become the second 69-69-66, Brett Rumford (AUS) three-time champion here af- 68-70-66, Martin Kaymer (GER) ter Ernie Els. A couple of loose 68-69-67, Andrew Dodt (AUS) drives resulted in a par on the 67-69-68, Henrik Stenson (SWE) par-5 third hole and a bogey on 70-64-70

Pakistan’s Ahmed Baig (centre) poses with the trophy and other winners of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE By Sports Reporter 21-year-old Omar. Mats Mark- Doha ovits was third among the ama- teurs and former winner Jakub Hrinda fourth. Qatar SC snatch thrilling ising Pakistani teen In the professional category, Ahmed Baig has won a it was England’s Joshua White dream spot in this Feb- who triumphed, a 70 in the fi nal victory from Al Arabi ruary’s Commercial round giving him a three-under BankR Qatar Masters after his 213 aggregate following a strong Brandan Dion Kearney (14) and By Sports Reporter fi nal round 70 gave him a one- back nine. Doha Daishon Amir Knight (11 points). shot victory in the Qatar Open White earned QR7,000 and Despite Qatar SC getting on Amateur Golf Championship at will also get to play the Com- the scoreboard fi rst with a 3-0 the Doha Golf Club yesterday. mercial Bank Qatar Masters as a thrilling last few min- lead, once Arabi got off the mark, The talented 19-year-old reward for his eff orts. utes of the game saw their players kept the pressure from Lahore aggregated three- Two-time winner on the Eu- Qatar Sports Club on, leading by 14 points at 46-32 under par 213 over three rounds ropean Tour, Simon Khan, fi n- snatch a three-point in the third quarter. However, it after recording a birdie on the ished second with a total of 221, (75-72)A victory from Al Arabi in wasn’t to be at the end of it all. fi nal hole yesterday, and in the eight shots off the pace, while their Qatar Basketball Federa- Khalid Suliman Abdi led the process dashed the hopes of Jean-Michel Hall was third tion Men’s League match at Al scoring for Al Arabi with 17 overnight leader, Morocco’s Ay- with 222, completing an English Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. points, while teammates Ni- oub Id Omar, who fi nished one sweep of the fi rst three spots With fi ve minutes to go, Al cholas Stover and Gueye Momar shot behind, on 214. among the professionals. Arabi had a six-point lead at 65- Talla adding 16 points each. Wil- “I am over the moon to get As expected Ali al-Shahrani 59. However, a 9-point streak liam Early Byrd was also in dou- the chance of playing with some and Saleh Ali al-Kaabi were the saw Qatar SC take a three-point ble fi gures with 12 points. of the best professionals at the best among the Qataris in con- lead at 68-65. Both the teams Earlier in the day, Al Wakrah Qatar Masters,” Baig said after tention and will get to play in added seven points each with beat Al Gharafa 78-74 in anoth- his victory. the Masters. Al-Shahrani, who Qatar SC, who were in the lead er close game. Marcus Johnson “I played aggressive and took missed the 2017 event to con- for a mere three minutes and 20 topped the scoring sheets with a my chances. By God’s grace I centrate on his studies, carded seconds in the game, picking up 30-point haul and was also handy got the crucial birdie and won a fi ve-over 77 for an eight-over a memorable victory. in grabbing nine defensive re- this big event on my fi rst ap- Ahmed Baig in action during the final round of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship at the Doha 224 to fi nish 14th overall, while Qatar SC captain Mohamed bounds. He was ably supported pearance in the tournament,” he Golf Club yesterday. last year’s runner-up al-Kaabi Yousif led from the front, top- by teammate Adamu Saaka, who added. was a joint 21st after a third- scoring with 19 points, a haul pitched in with 24 points, and Baig had won the Faldo Chal- Baig went for the kill after managed to pip Omar. “I did not play as well as I round 78 to collect 16 over 232. that included six two-points, Earnest Lee Ross Jr (14) in an Al lenge earlier this month in Ka- parring the 17th hole. His chip Second-placed Omar was expected. I have no complaints Qatar Golf Association Exec- a three-pointer and four free- Wakrah victory. For Gharafa, rachi and also pocketed victo- to the fi nal hole went past the disappointed, having posted 69 with the conditions, they were utive Director Mohamed Faisal throws. The others who con- James Edward Justice Jr scored 28 ries in international amateur pin and rolled back, leaving and 72 in the fi rst two rounds ok. I put myself under a lot of al-Naimi and board member tributed to Qatar SC haul were points, with Mychal Lemar Am- tournaments in Iran and Sri him with a three-and-a-half before a 73 in the fi nal round ru- pressure and also my short game Mohamed Ibrahim al-Mohan- Abdirahman Ibrahim Giama mons and Sammy Monroe Jr add- Lanka earlier. feet birdie putt which he easily ined his chances. was not working well,” said the nadi, gave away the prizes. (16), Nicholas Simon West (15), ing 16 and 14 points respectively. Gulf Times Sunday, January 28, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL ROUND-UP Bills’ Wood Pelicans win but lose retires due to Cousins to injury neck injury uff alo Bills center pointed that the concussion Eric Wood will for- numbers are up,” Dr Allen Sills, Cousins suff ers a leg injury, which Pelicans believe will keep him out for the season mally announce his the NFL’s chief medical offi cer, abrupt retirement from said on a conference call. theB NFL tomorrow because of “It is something which chal- Reuters Los Angeles a neck injury. “I was diagnosed lenges us now to roll up our with a neck injury as part of my sleeves and work hard to see that season-ending physical with number go down.... We take this nthony Davis had 27 points and the Bills,” Wood announced via as a challenge, because we’re 11 rebounds, and the New Orle- Twitter on Friday. “After consul- not going to be satisfi ed until we ans Pelicans won their season- tation with Dr Cappuccino and drive that number much lower.” high fourth game in a row by other physicians, I was informed holdingA off the Houston Rockets, 115-113, that I was no longer cleared to WENTZ INJURES EXTENT on Friday night at the Smoothie King play football, even with surgery OF KNEE INJURY Center in New Orleans. or further treatment.” In addition to tearing the ACL The Pelicans, who won for the seventh Wood played every off ensive in his left knee against the Los time in their last eight games, had won snap for the Bills in 2017 and is Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Ea- three consecutive games on four previ- one season into the two-year gles quarterback Carson Wentz ous occasions, but each time lost as they contract extension he signed last revealed to reporters that he also tried to win their fourth in a row. With off -season worth up to $21.3mn. tore the LCL in his same knee less than 10 seconds remaining, Pelicans Wood, 31, was a fi rst-round pick during the incident. All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was helped in the 2009 draft. He spent his Speaking to the media for the off the court after suff ering a non-con- entire nine-year career with the fi rst time since suff ering the tact left leg injury. Pelicans believe he has Bills. injury in Week 14, Wentz said a torn ACL and will be out for the season. he doesn’t expect the additional Cousins had his second triple-double in SHURMUR EAGER TO ailment to impact his recovery three games, fi nishing with 15 points, 13 WORK WITH MANNING timetable. The 25-year-old said rebounds and 11 assists. York Giants coach Pat Shurmur he is aiming to be on the fi eld made it clear during his intro- for the Eagles’ regular-season BUCKS 116, NETS 91 ductory press conference that he opener in 2018. “My goal is to be Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to ac- “can’t wait to get to work” with out there Week 1. The timetable tion after sitting out two games with a veteran quarterback Eli Man- stuff , I wish I knew just as much sore right knee and scored 41 points in ning. Shurmur, who served as as you guys wish you knew,” Milwaukee’s rout of Brooklyn. Antetok- the Minnesota Vikings’ off ensive Wentz said. “It’s just such a fl uid ounmpo hit 14 of 20 shots and made 10 of co-ordinator this season, gave process, and we’ll just see what 11 from the free throw line. his evaluation of the 37-year-old happens.” He fl irted with a triple-double, as well, Manning. “I think he’s got years grabbing 13 rebounds to go with seven left — how many, I don’t know,” JERNIGAN MISSES assists, two steals and a pair of blocked Shurmur said of the two-time PRACTICE TO ILLNESS shots as the Bucks, playing without point Super Bowl champion. Eagles defensive tackle Tim guard Malcolm Brogdon (strained left Jernigan missed practice Friday calf), improved to 2-0 since fi ring head NFL CONCUSSIONS with an illness in preparation for coach Jason Kidd Monday afternoon. REACHED NEW HIGH IN 2017 his team’s Super Bowl against NFL says players were diagnosed the New England Patriots. CAVALIERS 115, PACERS 108 with concussions 281 times dur- The exact nature of Jernigan’s LeBron James scored 26 points as part of a ing the 2017 season, a new high illness was not announced. In 15 triple-double and JR Smith had 23 points since the league began tracking regular-season games in 2017, as Cleveland rolled past Indiana. James concussions consistently and he made 29 tackles and had 2.5 added 11 assists and 10 rebounds and sharing the data in 2012. sacks. In addition, Eagles run- Smith hit a season-high seven 3-pointers The total, which includes the ning back Jay Ajayi (ankle) was as the Cavaliers beat Indiana for the fi rst preseason and regular season, listed as limited on the injury time in four meetings this season. eclipses the previous high of 275 report. He also was limited in Center Tristan Thompson had 10 in 2015. “Certainly, we’re disap- Thursday’s practice. points and 10 rebounds, his second dou- ble-double of the season, while replacing Jae Crowder in the starting lineup. Coach Tyronn Lue had promised a shake-up af- ter the Cavs lost 10 of their previous 13 games.

BLAZERS 107, MAVERICKS 93 New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (right) defends as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul attempts to shoot during the Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum com- fourth quarter of NBA game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) bined for 49 points and Portland broke things open in the fourth quarter en 76ERS 97, SPURS 78 able to overcome a hot 3-point shooting Rudy Gobert chipped in 18 points and 15 route to a win over Dallas. Lillard scored Joel Embiid had 18 points and 14 rebounds Bulls squad that rallied from two dou- rebounds to lead Utah to a win over To- 29 points and McCollum added 20 for as Philadelphia stunned San Antonio. It ble-digit defi cits. Chicago used the hot ronto. Ricky Rubio added 14 points, six the Trail Blazers (27-22), who won their was Embiid’s fi fth double-double in the hand from outside to go on a 16-1 run in rebounds and six assists. fourth straight game and gave coach Ter- last seven games. Ben Simmons scored the fourth quarter as Nikola Mirotic and Rubio’s fi nal basket turned out to be a ry Stotts his 250th career coaching victo- 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting, Dario Sa- Denzel Valentine each hit a pair of triples game-winning 3-pointer with 4.8 sec- ry. Ed Davis had a big game off the bench, ric added 15 and Justin Anderson had 12 to put their team ahead 92-90. Mirotic, onds left. DeMar DeRozan had a look scoring 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting, for the Sixers, who moved three games who scored 18 points, and Valentine, who from mid-range on the other end, but grabbing 13 rebounds and blocking three above.500 and won for just the second had 16, each made four 3-pointers. The it missed. Jonas Valanciunas scored 28 shots. time in San Antonio since 1986. Timothe Bulls made 17 of 36 from behind the arc. points and DeRozan added 19 to lead To- Luwawu-Cabarrot also had 10. ronto. Utah rallied late in the fourth quar- CLIPPERS 109, GRIZZLIES 100 The Sixers had dropped 13 in a row in KNICKS 107, SUNS 85 ter after shooting 10-of-21 (47.6 %) from Lou Williams registered 40 points, 10 as- San Antonio and hadn’t posted a victory Center Enes Kanter had 20 points and 3-point range. sists and four steals to lead Los Angeles to since January of 2004. Randy Ayers was 10 rebounds for his 20th double of the a victory over Memphis. Milos Teodosic the Sixers’ coach that season when he season and Kristaps Porzingis added 19 HORNETS 121, HAWKS 110 scored a career-best 18 points for the took over for Larry Brown. points as New York ended a seven-game Kemba Walker scored eight points in a Clippers, who halted a three-game slide. road trip with a win over Phoenix. Re- 64-second span late in the game as Char- DeAndre Jordan contributed 15 points LAKERS 108, BULLS 103 serve Trey Burke tied a season high in lotte overcame Atlanta. and nine rebounds, Blake Griffi n had 14 Los Angeles used a series of late runs his second straight 18-point game, Tim Walker fi nished with 29 points on 10- points and eight boards and Wesley John- to down Chicago for its fourth straight Hardaway Jr. had 15 points and Courtney for-22 shooting from the fi eld, including son matched his career best of six steals. victory without star rookie Lonzo Ball. Lee had 11 for the Knicks (22-28), who fi ve 3-pointers. Mario Chalmers had 17 points and Brandon Ingram scored 25 points for Los never trailed while breaking a three-game Walker had 10 consecutive of his team’s 10 assists, Jarrell Martin also scored 17 Angeles, which has been without Ball for losing streak. points before Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s points and Dillon Brooks had 15 for the its last six games since he sprained his left lay-in stretched the lead to 116-110 with Grizzlies, who lost for the third time in knee on Jan. 13. JAZZ 97, RAPTORS 93 1:24 left. Marvin Williams’ 3-point bas- the past four games. Despite Ball’s absence, the Lakers were Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points while ket added to the rally.

FOCUS Team Qatar win Winter Camp basketball tournament he Qatar Olympic Com- the winners. ticipate in at its Winter Camp to female and male teams formed mittee (QOC) Winter Al-Muftah emphasised the provide further opportunities for by the expat communities. The Camp has seen an ac- importance of organising such sports participation and encour- Touch Rugby tournament also tion-packed afternoon tournaments at the Winter Camp age fun and competitive activi- concluded yesterday with Doha Tas the fi nale of the fi rst-ever 3x3 saying: “Organising the 3x3 bas- ties. Rugby Club beating the Hurri- basketball tournament conclud- ketball tournament contributed Qatar’s basketball star Yasseen canes from the men’s team to win ed with Team Qatar announced greatly to the spreading of this Ismail, who was the Director of QR7000 in prize money. Doha as the winners. game among the diff erent com- the 3x3 Winter Camp basketball Rugby Club beat Sand Storm The tournament saw eight munities in Qatar, and I would tournament, said: “I’ve had an team from the women teams to teams compete across three like to thank the President of the amazing three weeks passing on take home QR 3000. weeks in the huge beach-front QOC HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad my knowledge and expertise to The Winter Camp contains a sports zone on Sealine Beach. al-Thani and Jassim al-Buenain, the participating teams. It makes multitude of activities includ- Qatar beat Lebanon in a close- Secretary-General of the QOC, me happy to see how much pas- ing beach volleyball, football and ly-fought fi nal that fi nished 13-11, for their great contribution in the sion there is for basketball in basketball areas, a laser fi eld, a taking home QR10,000 in prize development of all sports, espe- Qatar and how sport is bringing kids’ zone with infl atable slides, money. The camp welcomed dif- cially basketball, and for giving so many diff erent communities swings and games as well as pony ferent participating expat com- us the opportunity to participate together,” rides. There is also an arcade munities where they showed in organising the various activi- Mohammed al-Mesnad, Team dome with table tennis, billiards, great support to their teams. ties at our Winter Camp.” Qatar Winter Camp manager video games and a food and bev- The tournament featured Sponsored by Seashore Group and Sports Aff airs representative erage area for guests to re-ener- many of Doha’s expat communi- and Kahramaa, and in partner- at the QOC was pleased by the gise and relax. ties, including teams from Egypt, ship with the Ministry of Mu- great success that the activities The Winter Camp is open Jordan, Philippines (1) and Indo- nicipality and Environment, the of the Team Qatar Winter Camp every Friday from 1pm-8pm and nesia in Group A while Group B Team Qatar Winter Camp has witnessed, coinciding with the can be found by entering ‘Qa- included teams from Qatar, Phil- successfully completed two of its launch of the new brand of the tar Olympic Committee Winter ippines (2), Lebanon and India. tournaments. For the very fi rst QOC Camp’ into Google Maps. It is The president of Qatar’s na- time, the QOC in collaboration The Touch Rugby tournament free for everyone to enter and one tional basketball federation with its National Federations has is another sporting competition can keep up to date with all infor- Ahmed al-Muftah was also organised competitive tourna- that also kicked off three weeks mation on the Team Qatar social present to present the prizes to ments for the community to par- ago with the participation of 14 media pages. Doha Rugby Club team winners of the women’s rugby tournament. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 28, 2018 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Cavani becomes PSG’s all-time leading goal scorer AFP Neymar, with Kylian Mbappe still defender Pedro Mendes managed to nier raced clear before squaring for London recovering from injury. toe the ball away from the onrush- Argentinian Di Maria to pick out the Having failed to score in con- ing striker. Neymar had been booed bottom corner and score his sev- secutive games, the 30-year-old by the Paris crowd on his previous enth goal in 10 games. dinson Cavani broke Zla- didn’t have to wait long to break the appearance when he scored four Neymar thought he had complet- tan Ibrahimovic’s all-time record. goals in an 8-0 thrashing of Dijon, ed a double, but his eff ort was ruled goalscoring record for Paris Neymar freed Adrien Rabiot but took a late spot-kick that could out for handball. Saint-Germain (PSG) yes- down the left-hand side and Cavani have given Cavani the record. The 25-year-old did net his terday,E while Neymar scored twice turned in the midfi elder’s cutback The controversy from 10 days ago second goal shortly afterwards, in a 4-0 thrashing of Montpellier. from close range to score his 27th was put to bed before half-time, though, and he had Cavani to thank The Uruguay striker tapped in his goal of the season. He celebrated by though, as when the hosts won a as his strike partner dinked the ball 157th PSG goal in the 11th minute at throwing his shirt into the crowd, penalty, Cavani handed the ball to past Montpellier keeper Benjamin the Parc des Princes to spark wild with the referee shaking his hand in Neymar for the Brazilian to con- Lecomte for Neymar to tap in from celebrations, having levelled the acknowledgement of the achieve- fi dently slot home PSG’s 2,000th inside the six-yard box. Swede’s previous mark 10 days ago. ment before booking the striker. goal at the Parc des Princes. The Brazilian has now scored 26 Neymar, on his return to the Cavani’s 157th goal came in his Montpellier, who had the best goals since joining from Barcelona starting XI after a thigh injury, 229th match for the capital club defence in the French top fl ight in the close season. slotted in a 40th-minute penalty, since joining from Napoli for 64 before this game, managed to slow Lyon, who infl icted just a second before following Angel Di Maria’s million euros ($79.5 million) in the pace down after the interval league defeat of the season on PSG strike with his second goal to wrap 2013, after Ibrahimovic managed and midfi elder Junior Sambia drew last weekend, can cut the gap back up the win. Unai Emery’s men are 156 in 180 games during his four an uncomfortable save from home to eight points on Sunday, when now 11 points clear at the Ligue 1 seasons in Paris before leaving for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Marseille also host Monaco in a summit from second-placed Lyon, Manchester United in 2016. But PSG fi nished off the away crucial match in the battle for the who visit Bordeaux today. He almost grabbed number 158 side midway through the second top three and Champions League PSG’s Edinson Cavani (right) celebrates with teammate Neymar after scoring a goal during their Cavani started up front alongside just minutes later, but Portuguese period, as right-back Thomas Meu- qualifi cation. Ligue 1 match against Montpellier at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

LA LIGA Bayern roar back to fl oor Hoff enheim Ronaldo leads Real second goal in as many games on AFP Berlin nine minutes. Aubameyang, who headed over on 32 minutes, was booed obert Lewandowski by home fans whenever he went netted his 18th Bundes- near the ball. Freiburg drew level liga goal this season as on 21 minutes when Petersen runaway leaders Bay- fi red home at the near post. to Valencia victory ernR Munich came from two goals Petersen grabbed his second down to thrash Hoff enheim 5-2 with a spectacular shot after ‘This was a big game in a big stadium and we played with great character’ yesterday. pouncing on a Nuri Sahin mis- Bayern have won 18 of their take and lobbed Dortmund goal- Reuters last 19 games and are 16 points keeper Roman Burki from 30 Madrid clear in the table. metres. However, a dreadful start left However, Germany Under-21 Bayern 2-0 down at home – the left-back Jeremy Toljan spared ristiano Ronaldo con- fi rst time that has happened Dortmund’s blushes with a verted two penalties as since January 1977 – after just 12 93rd-minute equaliser. Dort- Real Madrid battled to a minutes. Bayern’s Joshua Kim- mund are fi fth in the table after 4-1 away win at Valen- mich brought down Serge Gna- their third straight draw. ciaC in La Liga yesterday, lifting bry in the area with two minutes the recent gloom over the de- gone and the referee pointed to Schalke regain second fending Spanish and European the spot. Schalke reclaimed second champions. Gnabry, who returns to Bayern spot from Eintracht Frankfurt, The result leaves Madrid 16 next season when his loan spell who beat Borussia Moencheng- points behind top placed Barce- at Hoff enheim ends, had his ladbach on Friday, with a 2-0 lona on 54, Atletico Madrid are penalty attempt saved by Bayern win at VfB . second on 43, Valencia third on goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. Brazil centre-back Naldo gave 40 with Real another two back. However, Mark Uth tapped the Royal Blues the lead before Real manager Zinedine Zi- home the rebound with three Morocco’s Amine Harit slotted dane was able to fi eld his fa- minutes gone. in a penalty. voured forward line of Ronaldo, Bayern’s fortunes dived fur- Fourth-placed RB Leipzig Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema ther when Jerome Boateng’s were held to a 1-1 draw at home for the fi rst time in 279 days. poor pass was snapped up by to second-from-bottom Ham- “This was a big game in a big Gnabry who drove the ball into burg, whose new head coach stadium and we played with the bottom left-hand corner to Bernd Hollerbach picked up a great character,” said Zidane. “It stun home fans. point on his fi rst game in charge. shows we are still here and that However, Bayern were level Portugal midfi elder Bruma we are ready to fi ght. There’s a with 25 minutes gone. gave Leipzig the lead on nine long way top go in the league and Lewandowski began the minutes, fi nishing a counter- we will do our best possible.” charge by tapping home Kim- attack when Hamburg’s Aaron This was no walk in the park mich’s shot and Boateng made Hunt lost the ball. for Zidane’s men who indeed amends by heading home to However, Hamburg broke had to fi ght until two late strikes make it 2-2 at the break. their run of four straight de- from Marcelo and then Toni Kingsley Coman gave Bayern the feats when Filip Kostic hit their Kroos relieved the tension. lead for the fi rst time with an hour equaliser on 29 minutes. On a sunny afternoon at an gone before Arturo Vidal headed Bottom-side Cologne were animated Mestalla stadium with home on 66 minutes. To com- denied a fourth straight vic- it’s impeccable turf and rowdy pound Hoff enheim’s misery, their tory in their 1-1 draw against Curva Nord stand, Valencia, a Real Madrid’s German midfielder Toni Kroos (left) celebrates a goal with Real Madrid’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during their La Liga ex-striker Sandro Wagner scored Augsburg. Milos Jojic curled in club back on their feet after a match against Valencia CF at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia yesterday. (AFP) his fi rst Bayern goal on 90 minutes a superb free-kick on 40 min- decade of turmoil, had only lost to complete the comeback. utes before Brazilian midfi elder once at home this season and Ronaldo ‘still handsome’ aft er face injury Caiuby headed home an equal- gained a 2-2 draw at the Berna- Aubameyang back, iser 22 minutes from time. beu in August. Valencia’s fast, Cristiano Ronaldo says he is “still hand- so there’s no problem.” Ronaldo is in the next month. “As this is Real Madrid, the fans, Dortmund draw Meanwhile Germany’s World confi dent, counter-attacking some” after his face was left covered in midst of his worst domestic run of form coaches and players are very, very disap- Arsenal-target Pierre-Em- Cup-winner Bastian Schwein- bamboozled Madrid defenders blood from being kicked in the face against since joining Real from Manchester United pointed with our current position but it’s still erick Aubameyang produced steiger has been granted a testi- Raphael Varane and Nacho from Deportivo La Coruna last week and declared in 2009 for a then world record fee of 80 early,” he added. “Perhaps at the end of the a poor display on his Borussia monial by ex-club Bayern Mu- the off and the home team also he wants to remain at Real Madrid despite million pounds ($113 million), with only six season we’ll win the Champions League and Dortmund return in their 2-2 nich against his current team looked menacing from corners. reports that he is unhappy in Spain. league goals to his name, although he is then people will say ‘What an incredible sea- draw against Freiburg whose Chicago Fire, it was announced From one Valencia corner, The image-conscious Portuguese was seen top scorer in the Champions League. Real son.’” The five-times Ballon d’Or winner also captain netted yesterday. Schweinsteiger’s however, Bale headed down to checking his blood-drenched face on the are also enduring a dramatic fall from grace said he wished to remain at Real for many twice. Aubameyang was dropped farewell match to Bayern’s fans Ronaldo who tore down the fi eld, mobile phone of a club doctor as he left the after sweeping to the Champions League years, despite reports in the Spanish media for Dortmund’s two previous will take place on August 28, passing to Marcelo and advanc- pitch injured last Sunday following the clash and La Liga titles last season and they are claiming he is in dispute with club president games as his club reportedly re- 2018 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. ing into the Valencia box where and he required three stitches above the currently 19 points adrift of league leaders Florentino Perez over the unfulfilled prom- jected a second bid by Arsenal of “Bastian Schweinsteiger had Martin Montoya fouled the Por- eye. “Players often hit me in games because Barcelona and on Wednesday were dumped ise of a new contract. 58 million euros ($72m). an extraordinary career at Bay- tuguese superstar as he collected they have to stop me but this time I wasn’t out of the King’s Cup by Leganes. Ronaldo, “Of course I love living here, I’ve lived here The German club are report- ern Munich and was instrumen- a pass. Ronaldo sent Neto the so lucky,” Ronaldo said in an interview with however, believes they can still salvage their since 2009 and I love the climate and the edly holding out for 70 million tal in an extremely successful wrong way on 17 minutes and Chinese social network Dongqiudi. “Now I season by winning the Champions League, people,” he said. “Spain is a great country euros for their top scorer. era,” said Bayern chairman Karl- added a second penalty, for his feel better, I am still happy, I am still hand- with a mouth-watering last 16 tie with Ligue and of course I want to stay here, I love this Dortmund went ahead when Heinz Rummenigge in a state- eighth league goal of the season, some and my vision is as clear as before 1 leaders Paris St Germain awaiting them club.” Shinji Kagawa volleyed home his ment. Montoya fouled him again.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Griffi ths marks Rodgers in winning style

AFP in their two previous league en- The focus before the match couple of yards out before the later and limped off to be re- Glasgow counters, came close through had been on the future of danger was cleared. placed by Dembele. John McGinn late on but the Celtic’s Moussa Dembele but It wasn’t all one-way traffi c More bad news was to come Glasgow giants held on to claim the French forward was left and Hibs’ Brandon Barker used for the home side as Gordon, eigh Griffi ths came back their second successive win. on the bench for the third his lightning fast pace to race who took a heavy knock in a to haunt his former club Victory maintains Celtic’s successive match as Griffi ths through on goal only to see his challenge shortly before half- as his fi rst-half strike 11-point advantage at the top of was chosen to spearhead the shot blocked by Gordon. time, was replaced for the sec- sealed a 1-0 win for the table with Aberdeen moving attack. Griffi ths had never scored ond half by Dutchman Dorus de LScottish Premiership leaders up to second following their 3-1 The Scottish striker had against his former club but the Vries. Celtic over Hibernian at Park- defeat of Kilmarnock. grabbed the winner against striker changed that shortly be- Hibs immediately tried to head yesterday. It was the perfect late birth- Partick Thistle on Tuesday af- fore the half hour mark. put pressure on the new ‘keeper The Scotland striker fi red day present for Celtic manager ter coming on as a second-half Paul Hanlon’s headed clear- with Celtic scrambling clear home his 97th goal for the Brendan Rodgers, who turned substitute and he looked eager ance from Kieran Tierney’s Darren McGregor’s headed ef- champions – whose manager 45 on Friday, as he recorded to make the most of his fi rst cross from the left only went fort before McGinn pulled his Brendan Rodgers was taking a remarkable 73rd win in start since December 26. as far as Griffi ths, who showed shot wide. charge of them in a competitive charge. Only a superb one-handed great reactions to send an an- McGinn had scored on his match for the 100th time – in However, his joy will be save from Ofi r Marciano kept gled fi rst-time eff ort past Mar- last visit to Celtic Park and the 27th minute before limping tempered by the injuries to his curling free-kick from ciano. came close to grabbing a late off injured shortly afterwards. Griffi ths and goalkeeper Craig sneaking in with Scott Sinclair The striker’s joy was short- equaliser but his fi erce strike Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski vies for the ball Hibs, who had claimed draws Gordon, who was forced off at somehow sending his shot on lived however, as he pulled up was turned round the post by with Hoff enheim’s Austrian midfielder Florian Grillitsch (left) during against the Scottish champions half-time. the rebound off the post from a with injury just four minutes De Vries. their Bundesliga match in Munich yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, January 28, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

FA CUP SPOTLIGHT Sanchez stars on Grigg shines as Wigan debut for United

Reuters shock West Ham United London ‘We had lots of energy played with a high tempo and thought our quality today was top draw’ ebutant Alexis Sanchez had little trouble ad- AFP justing to his new place London in Manchester United’s line-upD as he assisted the open- ing two goals in the Premier ill Grigg scored League club’s 4-0 FA Cup fourth twice as third-tier round win at Yeovil Town on Fri- Wigan Athletic day. knocked 10-man Marcus Rashford and Ander WWest Ham United out of the FA Herrera both benefi ted from the Cup with a 2-0 win yesterday. Chilean’s presence either side Wigan have slumped down of halftime, while Jesse Lin- English football’s ladder since gard and Romelu Lukaku scored winning the FA Cup in 2013, late on as the 12-times FA Cup but the League One leaders re- champions overcame a spirited kindled memories of that run performance from the League to Wembley as they reached the Two hosts. last 16 at the expense of Dav- Despite a shaky start to the id Moyes’s depleted Premier match, it proved to be a very League side. Northern Ireland happy evening for manager striker Grigg made it fi ve goals Jose Mourinho to mark his 55th in as many Cup ties this sea- birthday, a day after committing son when he put Wigan ahead his future to Old Traff ord until as early as the seventh minute 2020. The Portuguese coach, with a towering header past who previously criticised his England goalkeeper Joe Hart. side for their lack of intensity To make matters worse for in falling to lower league side the Hammers they were a man Bristol City in the League Cup down four minutes into the sec- last month, this time hailed his ond half when Arthur Masuaku side’s ‘correct attitude’ and sin- was sent-off , having appeared gled out the maturity of his new to spit at Wigan’s Nick Powell. signing in particular. Grigg made it 2-0 from the “Everybody is happy that he penalty spot in the 62nd minute (Sanchez) comes because good following Reece Burke’s hand- players want good players and ball in the box. “From start to Alexis is a fantastic player for fi nish we were the best side,” us,” Mourinho told the BBC. Grigg told the BBC. “We had “And the question as well is lots of energy played with a high which one is going to be axed, tempo and thought our quality where is he going to play – it is today was top draw.” not about that for us. For us it is Elsewhere struggling Pre- the fact that we have a fantastic mier League sides Swansea group of attacking players and and Huddersfi eld played out he’s another one with a bit more 1-1 draws with lower-division maturity, more experience.” Notts County and Birmingham Yeovil started the brighter City respectively, leading to un- of the two teams in front of a wanted replays for teams whose Wigan Athletic’s Will Grigg (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against West Ham United during their FA Cup match yesterday. (Reuters) packed Huish Park and had the priority is remaining in the top fi rst shots on goal, Jordan Green fl ight. The Swans, bottom of the Mounie header. Lukas Jutk- Diabate’s opening goal followed 1-0 as Jack Stephens marked close range following an excel- Nottingham Forest 1 (Vellios in particular testing stand-in Premier League, took the lead iewicz, however, drew a Bir- by two more from Kelechi Ihea- his 24th birthday with a goal lent fl ick-on from South Korean 88) United goalkeeper Sergio Rome- when Luciano Narsingh scored mingham side battling to avoid nacho that gave the Foxes a 3-0 to ensure Javi Gracia’s reign as Son Heung-Min. Middlesbrough 0 Brighton 1 ro after 15 minutes. just his second goal in 31 games relegation from the second- lead at half-time. Hornets manager started with Fourth-tier Newport County (Murray 90) However, they went behind for the Welsh club on the stroke tier Championship level in the Peterborough’s Andrew a defeat. will hope to pull off a classic Millwall 2 (Wallace 17-pen, after 41 minutes when Sanchez of half-time. 54th minute. Premier League Hughes pulled one back in the In the last match of the day ‘giantkilling’ when they face Thompson 90) Rochdale 2 played in Rashford who was But fourth-tier County Brighton were also on the verge 58th minute before Diabate, Harry Kane came to Tottenham eight-times winners Totten- (Henderson 32, Done 53) fortunate that Yeovil defender equalised in the 62nd minute of a replay until Glenn Murray’s who arrived at the King Power Hotspur’s rescue after they were ham Hotspur at their Rodney MK Dons 0 Coventry 1 (Biamou Thomas James hesitated to clear, through Jon Stead. “We were 90th-minute goal secured a 1-0 Stadium from French Ligue 2 just minutes away from a stun- Parade ground in south Wales 64) allowing the English striker to disappointed to conceded the win over Championship side club Gazelec Ajaccio earlier this ning defeat away to lowly New- later Saturday. Chelsea face Notts County 1 (Stead 62) put the ball in. Hopes of an upset goal just before half time,” said Middlesbrough. month, scored his second and port County. Fourth-tier New- Newcastle in another all top- Swansea 1 (Narsingh 45) were further dashed in a swift Stead. “But the response at the Leicester’s fourth in the 87th port, one of several Welsh clubs fl ight clash today when league Peterborough 1 (Hughes 58) United counter-attack around start of the second half was Diabate’s debut double minute. Wilfred Ndidi made it who play in English domestic leaders Manchester City con- Leicester 5 (Diabate 9, 87, Ihea- the hour mark, with Sanchez great and really we should have Yesterday’s early kick-off 5-1 in stoppage-time. Football, put themselves in sight tinue their bid for an unprec- nacho 12, 29, Ndidi 90+2) once again the provider to the scored another goal early on.” saw Fousseni Diabate score Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup of one of the all-time great up- edented ‘quadruple’ of major Sheff ield United 1 (Sharp 80- overlapping Herrera, who rifl ed It was a similar story when a twice on his Leicester debut as run ended just one round after sets against eight-time FA Cup trophies in the one season away pen) Preston North End 0 in with his left foot. much-changed Huddersfi eld the Premier League club won they knocked out holders Ar- winners Tottenham thanks to to second-tier Cardiff . Southampton 1 (Stephens 4) Sanchez’s replacement Lin- side, indicating manager David 5-1 at nearby East Midlands senal courtesy of a 2-1 defeat by Padraig Amond’s fi rst-half goal. Watford 0 gard continued his recent fi ne Wagner’s preference for Pre- side Peterborough. Championship rivals Hull. But eight minutes from time, Results Wigan 2 (Grigg 7, 62-pen) West run of form by running into the mier League survival over a Cup Any hopes third-tier Peter- The fi rst of this weekend’s in-form England striker Kane Huddersfield 1 (Mounie 21) Ham 0 opposition penalty area late on run, took an early lead against borough might create an upset all-Premier League ties saw equalised when, after Spurs had Birmingham 1 (Jutkiewicz 54) Newport County 1 (Amond 38) 1 and fi ring in his 12th goal of the Birmingham through a Steve lasted all of nine minutes, with Southampton beat Watford won a corner, he tapped in from Hull 2 (Bowen 18, Dicko 40) Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Kane 82) season in all competitions.

AL KASS CUP PSG prevail on penalties over Aspire Dreams By Sports Reporter area from deep on the left, which Doha Sibiry Keita nodded over the on- Kashiwa beat Madrid to enter semi-finals rushing Vimalin, only to see his eff ort bounce wide of the left post. Kashiwa Reysol delivered an outstanding display and shot, his eff ort well-saved by Real keeper aris Saint-Germain (PSG) Aspire made a double change on of fortitude and tactical brilliance to overcome Toni Ribera. However, the ball was only half- made it to the semi-fi nals the hour, with midfi elder Djakaria strong favourites Real Madrid and advance to cleared and instantly returned to the area. With of Al Kass 2018, winning a Barro replacing defender Shafi c the Al Kass 2018 semi-finals. Repeating a pattern the static Madrid defence appealing in vain for penalty shootout against Ssebyala, and Otabil withdrawn established in their previous games, Reysol off side, Hiryu Okuda slotted into the bottom left AspireP Football Dreams in a game for fellow-striker Umar Lutalo, as defended stoutly throughout and sought to hit corner. And, on the half hour mark, they sprung that the French youngsters could coach Dia attempted to reinforce their opponents on the counterattack, while Real’s off side trap once more, with Okuda run- easily have lost. his attacking options. AFD con- absorbing continual pressure from a highly ning clear – despite a suspicion of off side – only Both sides had been quietly tinued to dominate, but could not accomplished Madrid side who created enough for his shot to be deflected wide. impressive in the group games, convert this dominance into goals, chances to win several matches. On 38 minutes, Madrid coach Manual Fernan- progressing to the knockout stage wasting chance after chance as the The Madridistas were in command from the dez made an early switch, withdrawing Carlos with a minimum of fuss. Stylisti- game drifted towards a seemingly first whistle and, just three minutes in, were Gonzalez for fellow midfielder Eneko Gines, cally, PSG and AFD are strikingly inevitable penalty shotout. almost in front when Alvaro De Frias collected as Los Blancos patiently attempted to pick a similar, combining solid organisa- But then, out of nowhere, ref- the ball in a central area just outside the box and way through Reysol’s well-drilled formation, tion with technical prowess and eree Ali Al Haddad awarded a spot curled a delicious left-footed strike that looked but mainly confined to long-range eff orts. high fi tness levels. kick to Aspire, having spotted a destined for the top corner, only for Reysol With the interval three minutes away, De Frias AFD had the better of the open- handball from Adil Aouchiche keeper Leo Kokubo to make an athletic save, smashed another superb eff ort from outside ing exchanges, and Isaac Nuhu as he jumped to defend a corner. diving to tip the ball over the bar. The chance the area, which Kokubo was once again equal went close to opening the scor- PSG players celebrate their win over Aspire Dreams in the Al Kass Cup yesterday. Lutalo stepped up and put his was indicative of Madrid’s early dominance, to, as Kashiwa saw out the first half with their ing on four minutes with a good shot low to Vimalin’s left but the with De Frias – playing ‘in the hole’ behind strike one-goal advantage maintained. Within seconds eff ort from the left-hand corner Vimalin, but the keeper was equal play, with Aspire retaining control keeper, at full stretch, produced a partner Juan Latasa – pulling the strings. But of the restart, however, Real almost drew level of the area that curled just wide to his fi rst-time eff ort. of the game for the remainder of wonderful save to somehow keep on eight minutes, Kashiwa – as they have done when substitute Christian Garcia tested Kokubo of the far post. But, with the game Nuhu put a free kick just wide the fi rst half. A fourth PSG substi- the ball out and his side in the so often in the past at Al Kass – ripped up the from eight yards out, the Reysol keeper react- 10 minutes old, PSG produced a from 25 yards out, as Aspire be- tution – this one enforced – was game. formbook, with Mao Hosoya capitalising on a ing smartly to ensure he was not beaten at his moment of brilliance that almost gan to take control of proceedings, made shortly before the interval, The incident provided a spark goalmouth scramble to fire the Japanese into an near post. Undaunted, the Spanish youngsters broke the deadlock. Tanguy Couli- although PSG generally managed with the injured Oufella making which belatedly brought the match unexpected lead. It was a lead they held for just continued to fashion opportunities and, with the baly chipped a diagonal ball from to restrict their opponents to way for Anfane M’Ze. The injury to life, as PSG began to mount at- one minute because, with the very next attack, game an hour old, their patience paid off . Camu- the left into the path of Massinissa shots from distance, with the AFD was a blow for the Parisians, as tacks with a renewed sense of ur- Real were level. Jorge Camunas picked the ball nas beat his man down the left and delivered an Oufella, advancing towards the number 11 once again going close their skipper – along with Couli- gency. However, neither side could up midway inside Reysol’s half, and advanced inviting cross that Latasa rose to meet, planting penalty area, and the Paris captain from the edge of the box on the baly – had been among the side’s change the stalemate, and it was unchallenged before shooting hard and low past a firm header to square the score at 2-2. With 20 smashed a rising drive against the half hour. most infl uential performers. little surprise that the game fi n- Kokubo from the edge of the area. With parity minutes remaining, Latasa put Madrid in front crossbar. Five minutes later, PSG coach As the second-half got under- ished goalless. quickly restored, the match began to develop with another fine header, only for his eff ort to Despite pre-match predictions made a bold tactical move, with way, it seemed clear that Aspire A tense shootout ended with into a fascinating contest of contrasting styles, come back of the crossbar. Incredibly, just two of a cagey encounter, it was soon a like-for-like triple substitution. coach Serine Dia had instructed PSG running out winners by 4-2, with Madrid enjoying plenty of possession, only minutes later, Garcia also thundered a header clear that the fourth of the quar- Perhaps the changes – highly un- his players to get into the oppo- with Alexandre Fressange the hero for their precise build-up play to be frequently against the woodwork. Kashiwa were now ter-fi nals was developing into usual at such an early stage of the nent’s penalty area and resist the of the hour as he converted the disrupted by the highly disciplined Reysol back- struggling to cope with Real’s attack and, within an open match, and it was soon game — represented a tacit admis- temptation to shoot from dis- winning penalty. The young Pa- line, who then looked to feed their forwards in seconds, Garcia had the ball in the net, having AFD’s turn to fashion a goalscor- sion that PSG were struggling to tance. risians will meet Esperance Tu- the hope of launching rapid counterattacks. The run clear and rounded Kokubo before applying ing chance, when Christian Ota- match AFD’s energetic approach. The tactic almost paid off on nis — a side that is yet to concede tactic worked to perfection on 23 minutes when a side-footed finish, only for the referee to signal bil intercepted a sloppy back pass Whatever the rationale, the gam- 52 minutes when the impres- during Al Kass 2018 — in tomor- Fumiya Unoki was set free through the middle off side – a decision that the Madrid contested. and went one-on-one with Trey bit did little to alter the balance of sive Nuhu lofted a ball into the row’s second semi-fi nal.

Sunday, January 28, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Madson shines in Rayyan fi ght back Al Khor’s win over Al Kharaitiyat

By Sports Reporter AL KHARAITIYAT SACK Doha COACH AL-AJLANI to hold Duhail Hours after their loss, Al Kharaitiyat dismissed Tunisian coach Ahmad al- ttacking midfi elder Mad- Ajlani yesterday. The club manage- Leaders Duhail move to 36 points, while Rayyan stay third after thrilling draw son played a stellar role as ment, under the presidency of Sheikh home team Al Khor beat Al Khalifa bin Thamer al-Thani, also Kharaitiyat 2-0 in Week 14 relieved al-Ajlani’s assistant Tawfi q ofA the QNB Stars League yesterday. Zaboub and handed over the reins to Ariel Thierry (11th minute) and Yasser al-Sibai. Madson (15th) scored the early goals. Al-Ajlani’s dismissal came in the Cameroonian striker Thierry was on wake of Al Kharaitiyat’s decline re- target following a near-perfect cross sulting in a series of negative results. from Madson, who picked up the They are staring at relegation being ball from the centre and then quickly in the 11th position with only nine charged down the left fl ank before points, having lost nine matches. swooping into the Al Kharaitiyat box. Once inside the box, Madson spot- AL AHLI DRAW WITH ted fellow striker Thierry on the UMM SALAL other side of the shooting range and Al Ahli fought back to hold Umm slipped in a neat cross. Thierry, in Salal to a 1-1 draw in Week 14 of the one motion, fl icked the ball past Al QNB Stars League at the Al Gharafa Kharaitiyat goalkeeper Ahmed Sofy- Stadium, where the latter play their an who could do little to stop it. home matches, yesterday. Madson once again impressed with Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo gave his quick pace while getting into the Umm Salal the advantage in the 25th scoring act himself. He picked up a minute that was neutralised by Tu- cross from the centre of the fi eld and nisian attacking midfi elder Yassine charged towards the rival goal. Just Chikhaoui in the 88th. a few feet from the box, the stocky Al Ahli earned a penalty in the 55th Brazilian noticed the goalkeeper had when Chikhaoui was brought down charged out of his position. by Dahqani, who was sent off follow- He launched a curling shot that ing a second yellow by referee Salman sailed above the goalkeeper’s head Falahi and Meshaal Abdullah skied and into the net in what was a spec- the resultant penalty. tacular strike. Three minutes from After making many attempts, the half-time, Madson produced an- Chikhaoui fi nally saved Al Ahli’s other tearing run, but his shot from blushes with an on-the-turn shot inside the box hit the outside of the from the edge of the big box that had net. The score remained the same in brilliance written all over it. Al Ahli the second half and Al Khor collected too were reduced to 10 men as Fadhl three valuable points. Omar saw red for violent play.

Al Rayyan players celebrate after scripting a remarkable comeback to draw against leaders Al Duhail at the QNB Stars League yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

By Sports Reporter Hamdallah took his tally to 11 goals kick, awarded when Traore fouled him. ahead as Hamdallah converted a pen- Doha this season, whereas Soria and Nam are Traore’s goal came off a free-kick alty, awarded when South Korean mid- each on eight. Al Duhail moved to 36 that was fi rst headed by captain Youssef fi elder Koh Myong-Jin was felled in the points and Al Rayyan stayed third, be- Msakni. Soria reduced the margin for area by Moosa. l Rayyan waged a spirited bat- hind Al Sadd, on 32. Al Rayyan through a long-range an- Al Rayyan started the second half tle from being two goals down In front of a loudly-cheering sizeable gular shot, capitalising on a defensive with a bang, with Soria missing the inside fi rst 15 minutes to share number of fans, hosts Al Duhail seized mistake. Hamdallah helped them draw mark by a whisker off a Mohammed spoils with leaders Al Duhail, the early advantage in the fast-paced, parity when the rival defenders were Alaaeldin cross from the right. At the followingA a thrilling 3-3 draw in the high-stake encounter between the all out of their positions, perhaps in a other end, keeper Omar Barry came up marquee clash of QNB Stars League’s QNB Stars League’s top teams through bid to score more goals and close the with a timely save to deny Nam, who Week 14 yesterday. headed goals by Boudiaf and Traore. game. Defender Mohammed Moosa did then missed a sitter. Karim Boudiaf (third minute), Dame Boudiaf rose above the rival players his best to prevent him from scoring, in The South Korean playmaker was not Traore (15th), and Nam Tae-Hee (63rd) and made good advantage of his height vain. to be denied for long as he tapped the were Al Duhail’s scorers, while Se- to open the fl oodgates. Al Rayyan soon Al Rayyan then had a couple of close ball in after Murad Naji did the spade- bastian Soria (25th) and Abderrazzaq got a chance to equalise, but The Red calls when the eff orts of Boudiaf and work along the right fl ank. Both sides Hamdallah (28th and 43rd-min pen- Knights goalkeeper Amine Lecomte Youssef el-Arabi went narrowly wide. had chances towards the end. However, Al Khor’s Madson (right) and Al Kharaitiyat’s Mahmoud Saad vie for the ball alty) scored for Al Rayyan. palmed away Rodrigo Tabata’s free- Close to half-time, The Lions went the stalemate continued. during the QNB Stars League match yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT Stunning victory for al-Ajeil in Hathab series

By Sports Reporter Doha

bdullah Ali al-Ajeil sprung a surprise in the seventh leg of the Hathab national equestri- an series, when the 37-year- oldA rider galloped to victory yesterday. At the Al Shaqab arena, al-Ajeil, who has been riding since 1995, surprised the fi eld as he triumphed in the Big Tour class with his 12-year-old mare Blanca. The pair came home fastest in 45.48secs, giving al-Ajeil his most fa- mous victory. The rider was richer by QR7,500 after the victory. Faleh Suwayed al-Ajami came sec- ond with Ulano in 51.76secs, which also had one fault. Awad Alqahtani and his trusted stallion Cassander Van Het Bremhof were fastest in terms of time – 42.46 – but the pair committed four faults which pushed them to third spot. Al-Ajeil, however, wasn’t complain- ing as he soaked in the cheers at Al Shaqab and admitted he was surprised to come out on top. “I was prepared but wasn’t expecting to win this tour,” he said. “I was competing against strong rid- ers and powerful horses. For the next Young riders pose after participating in the Future Riders Class at the Hathab tour, I will start training with my coach national equestrian series yesterday. after giving myself and horse two days of rest. I would like to thank Qatar Ol- Art. 274.5.6, 130/140cm. Prize money: Bois; 50.06secs. QR3,000. ympic Committee President HE Sheikh QR30,000 Future Riders Class – Optimum Time, Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani for giving us Abdullah Ali al-Ajeil poses with his 12-year-old mare Blanca after winning the the Big Tour class during the seventh leg of the 1. Abdullah Ali al-Ajeil; Horse: Blanca; Time: 85/100cm this competition and supporting us. It’s Hathab national equestrian series at Al Shaqab arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi 45.48secs. Prize money: QR7,500 1. Abdulaziz Majid al-Ghanim; Horse: Zuno- a great series and I am glad to partici- 2. Faleh Suwayed al-Ajami; Ulano; flaire. Time: 54.20secs pate in it,” he added. series when he won the Medium Tour The eighth leg of the Hathab will be April 2018. 51.76secs. QR6,000 2. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi; Aqueena; Al-Ajeil said the Hathab series has 120/130cm class. held on February 9th and 10th. The Organisers aim to improve the stand- 3. Awad Alqahtani; Cassander Van Het 56.02secs set the bar high for riders in Qatar. Al-Rumaihi had won Friday with equestrian series has been growing in ard of horse riding among Qatari youths Bremhof; 42.46secs. QR4,500 3. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi; Crispin; “The thrill increases with every tour in Viking D, and he tasted success once popularity since it was launched by Qa- through Hathab, while also encourag- Medium Tour - Table A, Special two 53.65secs. Hathab show jumping competitions. again with the 19-year-old gelding. tar Olympic Committee President HE ing the involvement of private stables phases Art. 274.5.6, 120/130cm. Prize Future Riders Class – Optimum Time, It’s becoming more challenging. The The pair clocked 40.24secs to corner Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. The and individual horse owners to increase money: QR20,000. 70/85cm level of riders is really impressive. We glory, which fetched the rider QR5,000 series, which carries a total prize mon- awareness of horsemanship as part of 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi; Horse: 1. Barzan Azzam Saleh; Horse: Ilse; Time: have already seen some of the riders in prize money. ey of QR1 million, is open for Qatari Qatar’s history and tradition. Viking D; Time: 40.24secs. Prize money: 56.41secs compete internationally,” he noted. The second place went to Saeed nationals and also to residents of Qatar. QR5,000 2. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani; Sita; Meanwhile, Mubarak Yousuf al-Ru- Nasser al-Qadi in Jessico 4, while Mo- The 12-leg event is being conducted 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi; Jessico 4; 58.59secs. maihi registered his second successive hammed Khalifa Albaker guided Dav- jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation RESULTS 40.91secs. QR4,000. 3. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed; Kashmir; win in the seventh leg of the popular idoff du Bois to third. (QEF) and Al Shaqab and will run until Big Tour - Table A, Special two phases 3. Mohammed Khalifa Albaker; Davidoff du 59.49secs.