GULF CUP | Page 2 CRICKET | Page 4 Oman ‘ready’ Yasir hits ton as for Saudi Australia sniff Arabia in win against crunch game Pakistan

Monday, December 2, 2019 Rabia II 5, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

PREVIEW QATAR VS UAE (5:30PM) Hassan key as Qatar target semis spot with win over UAE Hassan put Qatar’s campaign back on track vs Yemen; he became first Qatari to score a hat-trick in a Gulf Cup match

By Sahan Bidappa well for us. He has always had a match a virtual quarter-fi nal, Doha professional mentality and he urged his players to go all out for showed that again against Yem- win and not to play or a draw. en. He was there to help the team “We need all players to do well. atar were already with- and we are happy with his com- It’s like playing the fi nal so win- out Bassam al-Rawi, mitment and excellence.” ning this game is the only thing when Abdulaziz Hatem Hassan, who was named the on our minds right now. We want injured his shoulder 2018 Asian player of the year, to reach the semi-fi nals,” the Qa- duringQ the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup hasn’t had the greatest of times tar coach said. match against Yemen on Friday. recently. He was slapped with The last time both teams faced Defender al-Rawi had broken a hefty fi ve-month ban from each other was in the semi-fi nal his leg in Qatar’s surprising 1-2 all Asian Football Confedera- of the AFC Asian Cup in January, to loss to Iraq and Hatem’s in- tion club competitions for mis- when Qatar crushed the hosts jury in the 29th minute had only conduct in Al Sadd’s 4-1 loss to 4-0 before Sanchez’s men cre- worsened the mood in the hosts’ Al Hilal in the AFC Champions ated history by winning their camp as the game remained in league fi rst leg semi-fi nal in maiden continental title. stalemate. Doha. UAE, who got their campaign As Hatem was stretchered off Hassan was penalised for ag- off to a fl ier with Ali Mabkhout’s and was replaced by Karim Boud- gressively remonstrating with hat-trick leading them to a 3-0 iaf in the midfi eld, Abdulkarim referee. With the suspension win of Yemen, stumbled against Hassan gestured with his hands commencing on October 21, he Iraq. Now Bert van Marwijk’s in the air, urging his teammates will not be able to feature in AFC side will hope they can bounce to lift their spirits. As it happened club competitions until March back into form against Qatar. few seconds later, Hassan took it 2020, which means he will miss Van Marwijk, who took over upon himself to bring smiles in half of next season’s AFC Cham- the UAE job after the Asian Cup, the Qatar dugout. pions league group stage matches feels his team will start as the un- With Qatar wasting many with Sadd having already quali- derdogs. “Qatar has players who chances to score, the left-back fi ed. have been playing for years with opened Qatar’s account as he But Hassan seems to have each other, and this was evident capitalised on an error from Yem- taken that setback in his stride. from their performance against en’s Nasser Ahmed and fl icked A solid defender, the Al Sadd Yemen. Our project started the ball into the net. That was the star has shown he can be a goal- months ago with new players, start of the goal surge from the scoring threat and has excelled but there have been positive de- Asian champions as Hassan add- in a winger role employed by velopments and we know what ed two more goals – including a Sanchez. Now Qatar will hope we have to do,” the Dutchman stunning strike from 30 yards – he can continue to deliver as they said. to lead Qatar to a crushing 6-0 face the United Arab Emirates in “We haven’t trained enough be- win over a hapless Yemen. a crucial Group B match at the cause there was not enough time Hassan’s starring performance Khalifa International Stadium even before the start of the tour- not just put Qatar’s campaign today. nament. Our performance in the back on track but he also became With al-Rawi out of the com- fi rst half against Iraq was bad, but the fi rst Qatari player to score a petition, Hassan will be expected the performance improved in the hat-trick in a Gulf Cup match. to shield the defence and at the second and if we play the same Head coach Felix Sanchez was ef- same time be a constant threat pattern against Qatar we will win. fusive in his praise of the defend- in attack. “He will be an impor- Mental preparation is very impor- er after the game, but was not tant player for us against UAE,” tant and it is the basis of a good surprised by the 26-year-old’s Sanchez noted. preparation, but we are here to play performance. A draw would ensure a semi- well and get good results. We have “Hassan was excellent in the fi nal spot for Qatar, thanks to to win all the games, but that is the game,” the Spaniard said. “It’s their superior goal-diff erence beginning of a young team,” Van not the fi rst time he has done to UAE. Sanchez, calling today’s Marwijk added.

Qatar’s Akram Afif (left) and Almoez Ali stretch during a training session on the eve of their 24th Arabian Gulf Cup match against the UAE in Doha. (Right) Fahad al-Abdulrahman (left) and Hassan al-Haydos in action during practice. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad Gulf Times Monday, December 2, 2019 2

FOCUS ‘They play fast, have Oman ‘ready’ for Saudi the physical strength in the back and in the midfield, but I Arabia in crunch game am confident’

Oman coach Erwin Koeman (left) listens to a question during a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

By Yash Mudgal match and on Saturday defeated Bah- need to do if we have the ball is we have and yesterday against Kuwait, they Doha rain 2-0 for their fi rst win. Kuwait, now to keep the ball little a bit longer with were a big help for us. And we have have three points and Bahrain are at short passes, otherwise you will kill support from Oman also. I hope they the bottom with one point. All the four yourself as your energy level will drop will be tomorrow again at the stadium efending champions Oman teams are still in contention to reach down. I like passing-the-ball game be- to support us.” are ready for the “best team the semi-fi nals. cause it’s the best.” Oman striker Saeed al-Ruzaiqi, who in our group” in their last but Koeman, who joined Oman as coach He feels that the fi tness of the players scored two goals against the Saudi Ara- crucial Group B match against in February this year, has overseen an is very crucial for the game against an bia in the last edition of the Gulf Cup in SaudiD Arabia. impressive run of just one defeat in his experienced Saudi side. Kuwait, is also confi dent that his side Oman resisted Kuwait’s challenge in last 10 outings with Al-Ahmar (The “A lot depends on the fitness of the will play a good game and qualify for their second match on Saturday to win Reds). Central to Oman’s success has players when you have to play such the semi-fi nals. 2-1 and now sit at the top of the group been a resolute backline, with the Gulf crucial games without much recov- “It will be a tough game for sure, but with four points from two matches, champions only conceding six goals ery time. I have to look at the readi- we need to play a positive game. I have with Erwin Koeman’s side having under Koeman’s tenure. ness of our players while selecting the confi dence in my team and we are ready drawn their opening match against Oman is aiming to become the fi rst best line-up for the Saudis, who have to give our hundred percent,” al-Ruza- Bahrain. side since Saudi Arabia to win back-to- more experience of playing in big iqi said. “I think Saudis are the best team in back Gulf Cup titles. games like this. We have some play- Omani forward Abdulaziz al-Mu- our group but we are prepared very well Koeman is impressed with his team’s ers who play with army teams and qbali, who scored two goals against for the match,” Koeman said yesterday. show against Kuwait but the second they are used to play several matches Kuwait, is confi dent of his side’s win “They are technical very good. They half is a matter of concern for him. in several days. So stamina wise they against Saudi Arabia. play fast, have the physical strength in “We have played very well, especially are very good. And we also need play- “We have a strong team. We played a the back and in the midfi eld, but I am in the fi rst half and we created opportu- ers from the last game also for proper very good fi rst half against Kuwait and confi dent. I have watched several vide- nities. We could have scored three goals combination,” he said. “We have only hope to do it against Saudi to qualify for os of the Saudi team, and after studying at least, but in the second half we had one day to play and there is no special the semi-fi nals,” said 30-year-old al- in depth we have our plan ready.” diffi culties,” the Dutchman said. preparation for this game.” Muqbali, who has four Gulf Cup goals Three-time winners Saudi lost their “We need to show the same spirit Talking about fans’ support in the to his credit and also scored two goals opener against Kuwait 1-3 as most of like yesterday’s game and we have to stadium, he said, “They were amazing against Kuwait in Riyadh in the 2014 Oman’s Abdulaziz al-Muqbali (centre) scored both the goals in the 2-1 win against their players were not available for the do better in the second half. What we during the fi rst game against Bahrain edition. Kuwait on Saturday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

SPOTLIGHT Saudi hope to repeat Bahrain result against Oman

By Yash Mudgal will play a high standard of foot- Doha ball against Oman, but we must focus.” Commenting on Oman’s per- audi Arabia’s fate is in formance, Renard said: “They are their own hands, coach the champions of the last edition Herve Renard has said and are still the title holders and ahead of their crucial have a strong motivation to stay. 24thS Arabian Gulf Cup against They made a strong game against Oman, adding that his team has Kuwait and progressed 2-0 and the credentials to reach the semi- did well; and in the second half fi nals. retreated a bit, but they won in “We did not have enough time the end and topped the group. to prepare for the next game, but we have to be ready for this dif- I was satisfi ed with the fi cult group. Our fate depends on young players in the us. In fact our tournament began fi rst game, although the yesterday,” Renard said yesterday. result was not positive. Defending champions Oman ‘ The players are very skilled. are at the top of Group B with For me the competition four points, while Kuwait sits in started in the second round second place with three points and the ceiling of our and a +1 goal diff erence. Saudi ambitions has risen, Arabia, in third place, also have three points but are behind on — Herve Renard, Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard (left) listens to a question during a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed goal diff erence, and Bahrain is at Saudi Arabia coach the bottom of the group with one point. “Well, I was satisfi ed with the “We do not fear any team, but young players in the fi rst game, we respect all teams. In the cur- although the result was not posi- rent situation, Oman is the top of tive. The players are very skilled. our group and a draw is enough For me the competition started in for them, and because of this, the second round and the ceiling this task is not easy, and we have of our ambitions has risen,” the to play as we played against Bah- Frenchman said. rain. It is simple; we have to win. All of the remaining group “Only winning is the fi rst stage matches will be played out choice. I lost in the fi rst outing today, with the Group A matches against Kuwait, but we are back taking place at 5:30pm, and the and we have won against Bahrain. Group B matches at 8:00pm. Iraq I hope this will be repeated in the are currently the only team with next game against Oman. a defi nitive place in the semi- “Everybody knows how dif- fi nals. fi cult the preparations for this “If you look back at the history tournament were, especially of this Cup, you will fi nd that since most of the players partici- teams which have lost the fi rst pated before the tournament in match have won the champion- the AFC Champions League. And ship. So nothing is lost and we now the team is better with the have our task cut out. We have return of Al Hilal players and we two win tomorrow,” Renard said. Saudi Arabia’s players (in white) react to scoring a goal during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group B match against Bahrain on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, December 2, 2019 3

Sights from the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Jayan Orma Gulf Times 4 Monday, December 2, 2019 SPORT

DAY-NIGHT TEST SPOTLIGHT Vacations with wife makes King Yasir hits century as Kohli feel human

AFP gest earners in sport, said New Delhi there has been a “drastic change” over the past four years as his fame has grown ndia superstar Virat Kohli along with the importance of Australia sniff win told Saturday how he goes social media. to isolated places like He said that before, “peo- the mountains in Bhutan ple would respect our space,” Ito escape his cricket-crazed without the couple being homeland. snapped for a picture wher- Facing an even more in- ever they go. tense social media spotlight “From 2015 onwards my since he married Bollywood career grew and social media against Pakistan actress Anushka Sharma in was also growing simultane- 2017, the Indian captain said ously. It gets diffi cult under- ‘It is a dream come true for any batsman to score 100 against Australia. I was very excited’ the escapes were the only way standing this transition that’s the couple can preserve their why we like being in our own “own space”. space all the time.” “Virushka”, as the couple Kohli also said his wife was a are known to Indian media, “soft target” for criticism be- went to Bhutan for Kohli’s 31st cause of his position. birthday in early November. “Some of the things that “We loved going to treks come out are really funny. and interacting with people. Without actually checking On a daily basis you don’t get with anyone people come to to interact with people,” Kohli conclusions. The lies are spo- told India Today TV. ken so much they start be- “There we would go on bike coming truth,” said Kohli. rides and in between meet “People in this day and age some local people and talk to don’t bother fi nding out the them. It was beautiful, it was truth when someone’s a soft like getting back to being hu- target like her. We don’t get man beings before we became hurt by it but we need to ex- famous.” plain to people what the truth Kohli, now one of the big- is.”

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma during their recent vacation. PICTURE: (Twitter/Virat Kohli)

Cheptegei sets new 10km road Pakistan’s Yasir Shah celebrates scoring his century against Australia on the third Babar Azam plays a shot on the third day of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide record for 2019 treble day of the second Test in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP) yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP Scorecard probably haven’t had that consistency.” GLOOMY CONDITIONS Adelaide, Australia Australian skipper Tim Paine enforced In a scintillating spell under lights last Australia 1st innings: 589-3 dec (D. the follow on and it started badly for Paki- night, left-armer Starc snapped up four Warner 335 n.o, M. Labuschagne 162) stan, whose fi rst task was to survive intact quick wickets and the omens for Pakistan akistan was battling to stave off de- for 15 minutes before the dinner break. did not look good. But the gloomy condi- feat in the day-night second Test Pakistan 1st innings: 302 (Y. Shah 113, They failed with opener Imam-ul-Haq — tions at Adelaide Oval off ered little for the against a relentless Australia yester- B. Azam 97; Starc 6-66, Cummins 3-83) recalled after being overlooked for the fi rst bowlers during daylight hours yesterday day after being forced to follow on, Pakistan 2nd innings Test in Brisbane, which they lost by an in- and Azam and Yasir took advantage. They withP Tim Paine’s men needing seven wickets nings and fi ve runs — out lbw for a duck to put on a 105-run stand and Azam looked S. Masood not out ...... 14 to clinch the series 2-0. Josh Hazlewood. destined for a third Test century until Imam-ul-Haq lbw Hazlewood...... 0 The visitors, who have lost 13 consecutive It was quickly 11 for two with Starc tempt- Starc pounced again, with the 25-year-old Tests in Australia, were in big trouble at 39 A. Ali c Smith b Starc ...... 9 ing skipper Azhar Ali into a thick outside edging an attempted drive to Paine behind for three when rain forced an early end, 248 B. Azam c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 8 edge and Steve Smith taking a quality catch the stumps on 97. runs behind with two days left and their top just seconds before rain forced them off . Azam — who scored a century in the fi rst A. Shafiq not out ...... 8 Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei believe it,” the 23-year-old said order decimated. Showers had been threatening all day and Test at Brisbane and is rapidly emerging as set a new 10km road world after completing the memora- They had resumed on an overcast and cold Extras: ...... 0 when they returned after 30 minutes Hazle- his country’s top batsman — left the fi eld record in Valencia yesterday, ble 2019 hat-trick. afternoon teetering at 96 for six in their fi rst Total: (three wickets; 16.5 overs) ...... 39 wood bagged the key wicket of dangerman dejected but to a standing ovation. closing out his season in style “I knew that Valencia was go- innings, in reply to Australia’s 589 for three Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Imam-ul-Haq), 2-11 Azam for two, caught behind by Paine. The very next ball Starc grabbed his sixth, by eclipsing the previous ing to be a really fast course, declared, built on the back of David Warner’s (Azhar), 3-20 (Azam) But more rain soon blew in, to Australia’s with Shaheen Afridi plumb lbw before Mo- benchmark set by Kenyan one of the fastest in the world. monumental 335 not out. frustration, and the umpires called it a day. hammad Abbas fended off the hat-trick ball. Leonard Komon. So to get to achieve what we Yasir Shah smacked a dogged maiden Still to bat: Iftikhar Ahmed, Moham- Earlier, Yasir and Azam had kept Pa- Abbas made a gutsy 29 before he was un- The current 10,000m world came here for is something Test century and Babar Azam hit 97 but they mad Rizwan, Yasir Shah, Shaheen kistan’s slim hopes alive with disciplined done by a Pat Cummins bouncer, caught at champion, who won the IAAF really special. were all out for 302 and still 287 runs adrift. Afridi, Muhammad Musa, Mohammad fi rst innings batting. Better known as a spin gully by Warner. World Cross Championships “This year has made me so Mitchell Starc was the hero, taking 6-66, Abbas bowler, Yasir had never gone better than At the other end, Yasir showed com- earlier this year in Denmark, happy.” Cheptegei reached the but he put Australia’s commanding position Bowling: Starc 4-1-10-1, Hazlewood 42 in his previous 36 Tests, making his 113 posure to compile his fi rst-ever ton, clocked 26 minutes 38 sec- halfway mark in 13:23 and the down to greater consistency within the team. 8-3-15-2, Cummins 4.5-2-14-0 against one of the world’s most fearsome bringing up the milestone off 192 balls, onds, improving Komon’s 2010 world record appeared within “The first two Test matches, the huge partner- pace attacks even more remarkable. clattering 12 fours and kissing the turf in mark by six seconds, at the his grasps when he reached ships we’ve had, the individual scores. We’ve “We’ve been fantastic in bowling part- “It is a dream come true for any batsman celebration. Valencia Trinidad Alfonso. eight km in 21:37. He covered talked a lot about big first innings totals and the nerships as well. Pakistan have had a cou- to score 100 against Australia. I was very ex- He was fi nally out hooking a Cummins “What a year it has been. I can’t the final kilometre in 2:45. guys have really responded,” he said. ple of positive innings individually, but cited,” said Yasir. delivery to Nathan Lyon.

FOCUS Despite Root, Burns tons England ‘disappointed’ AFP Scorecard keep on trying.” Hamilton, New Zealand With Root and Burns putting New Zealand 1st innings: 375 O. Pope not out ...... 4 on 177 for the third wicket, Eng- England captain Joe Root (T. Latham 105, D.Mitchell 73, B. Extras: (lb14, nb1) ...... 15 land found the “bat-long” part- celebrates his century on day espite centuries to Joe Watling 55, R. Taylor 53; Broad nership they had been searching three of the second Test against Root and Rory Burns 4-73, Woakes 3-83) Total: (five wickets; 99.4 overs) . for in their attempt to follow the New Zealand at Seddon Park in ...... 269 England expressed dis- England 1st innings: (over- same recipe New Zealand used to Hamilton yesterday. (Reuters) appointment at stumps night 39-2) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sibley), win the fi rst Test. But following the onD day three of the second Test dismissal of Burns, Ben Stokes was 2-24 (Denly), 3-201 (Burns), 4-245 R. Burns run out (Raval/Watling) against New Zealand after losing (Stokes), 5-262 (Crawley) gone for 26 while Zak Crawley made late wickets in Hamilton yester- ...... 101 one on debut. Root was under added day. D. Sibley lbw Southee ...... 4 To bat: S. Curran, C. Woakes, J. pressure to not only guide England Archer, S. Broad England captain Root ended his J. Denly c Watling b Henry ...... 4 to a position of strength but also to run drought with an unbeaten 114 Bowling: Southee 26-3-63-2, end his own run dearth amid sug- J. Root not out ...... 114 while Burns rode his luck to post 101. Henry 21.4-5-56-1, Wagner 23- gestions the pressure of captaincy But after they took England to B. Stokes c Taylor b Southee ...26 3-76-1, Mitchell 12-4-28-0 (1nb), was affecting his form. To that end, 201 for two, the tourists were 269 Z. Crawley c Watling b Wagner . 1 Santner 17-4-32-0 he was in no mood to take risks as for fi ve at stumps and still trailing he faced 258 deliveries in six hours New Zealand by 106. to reach 99, before his century came “I enjoyed the fact I got it (hun- by rain in the fi nal session, Eng- Tim Southee who accounted for on a surprise mistiming that saw an dred) but at the same time disap- land’s vision of building a healthy Stokes, adding that New Zealand inside edge fly past the wicketkeeper pointed me and Rooty couldn’t lead was rapidly fading. never gave up hope despite the 63 to the boundary. stretch our partnership and get us The tempo swung away from overs it took to break the Root- His 17th Test hundred was his deeper into the game,” Burn said. England when Burns was run out Burns partnership. “We hung in fi rst in 15 innings since the West “We’re disappointed to lose a and New Zealand followed up with there for long enough and we were Indies in February. couple of wickets at the back end the quick wickets of Ben Stokes able to get those rewards late in the Burns lead a charmed life on the 87 survived a run-out opportunity reaching three fi gures he ambled celerated on the return leg he was a as well.” With only fi ve wickets re- and Zak Crawley. day for all the toil we put in. way to his second century when he when New Zealand botched the through the fi rst single when Root centimetre short when BJ Watling maining and 16 overs washed out “The run out got us going,” said “If things aren’t happening you was dropped on 10 and 19 and on return throw. But two balls after called for two and although he ac- broke the stumps. Gulf Times Monday, December 2, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Allen’s future with Redskins uncertain Harden joins Jordan left tackle Trent Williams, Reuters New York who held out for half of the season and requested a trade due to distrust with the team’s ashington Red- medical staff . Allen denied the skins president request for months, saying he Bruce Allen’s job expected Williams to play for could be in jeop- the Redskins this year, then for third most 60 Wardy as the team struggles reportedly explored trades through another down season, shortly before the October multiple outlets reported Sat- deadline but could not fi nd a ‘WE CAME LOCKED IN AND urday. suitable deal. NFL Network reported Williams ultimately will not WE DIDN’T GET A GREAT owner Dan Snyder is “truly play at all in 2019, having been evaluating” the job status of placed on the non-football in- START BUT WE RODE IT OUT’ Allen “for the fi rst time” since jury list. The team reportedly point games he joined the team in Decem- will not pay the remaining $5.1 ber of 2009. mn of Williams’ salary, a deci- The Washington Post later sion the left tackle is expected reported that Snyder is plan- to contest with a grievance. ning a “complete evaluation” Allen has hired and fi red of the team after the season, two head coaches during his which could include a “deeper tenure in Washington, bring- assessment” of Allen’s tenure ing in Mike Shanahan in 2009 than has occurred after previ- and then Gruden in 2014. Each ous seasons. coach led the team to one play- Allen has drawn extensive off appearance, losing in the criticism this year, as Wash- wild-card round both times. ington has started 2-9 while Washington hired Scot Mc- fi ring head coach Jay Gruden Cloughan as general manager after fi ve games. Many re- in 2015, giving him fi nal say on ports have said Allen and the personnel decisions instead of front offi ce drove the decision Allen, but McCloughan was to draft quarterback Dwayne fi red in March of 2017, with Al- Haskins in the fi rst round, de- len again assuming GM duties. spite Gruden’s disagreement. The team is 61-96-1 since Allen has also been criti- Allen was hired, including cized for the handling of dis- 44-82 when excluding Mc- gruntled seven-time Pro Bowl Cloughan’s tenure as GM.

File photo of Redskins president Bruce Allen. (Twitter)

Texans’ Watt eyes playoff Houston Rockets guard James Harden celebrates after he made a three-point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Toyota Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports return from pec injury had 60 and didn’t play the fourth quarter. The Hornets cut the defi cit to three AFP RESULTS Los Angeles Name another player who could do that points early in the second quarter but J.J. Watt’s season might not be “there is real optimism from all Houston 158-111 Atlanta right now.” that was as close as they would get. over after all. parties that he can return for Milwaukee 137-96 Charlotte The Rockets have now won the past In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had 32 The Houston Texans’ star the playoff s,” Rapoport wrote. ames Harden tied Michael Jordan four games with the hapless Hawks, who points, 11 rebounds and nailed all 15 defensive end was considered Watt, 30, was injured while for the third most 60-point per- Philadelphia 119-116 Indiana are the last place team in their conference of his free throws as the Philadelphia to be done for the season after making a tackle during an Oct. formances in NBA history Satur- Sacramento 100-97 Denver with just four wins in 20 games. 76ers edged the Indiana Pacers 119-116. suff ering a torn pectoral muscle 27 game against the Oakland day as the Houston Rockets blasted “We came locked in and we didn’t get It was Embiid’s 12th double-double in late October. He even took Raiders. The three-time NFL Jthe last-place Atlanta Hawks 158-111. Chamberlain (118), Jordan (31) and Bry- a great start but we rode it out,” Harden as the Sixers won their third in a row. to Twitter to write: “This game Defensive Player of the Year has Harden fi nished with 60 points to reach ant (25). said. Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo “I changed my mindset,” Embiid can be beautiful and it can also 24 tackles, 20 quarterback hits the mark for the fourth time and tie Jor- “It’s like everything else he does — un- scored 26 points as the Milwaukee Bucks said. “I hadn’t been as aggressive, so be brutal. Absolutely gutted and four sacks this season, leav- dan. Only two players, Kobe Bryant (six) believable,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. breezed to their 11th consecutive vic- I’ve been more aggressive creating that I won’t be able to finish the ing him four shy of 100 sacks and Wilt Chamberlain (32) have more. The two-time reigning league scoring tory with a 137-96 rout of the Charlotte contact and causing other people to season with my guys and give for his career. Teams can bring “That’s greatness right there. Those champion came into the game averaging Hornets. Despite his superb perform- foul me.” the fans what they deserve.” back two players from injured guys are something that I’m trying to get 37.7 points per game and has now scored ance, Antetokounmpo’s double-double Tobias Harris scored 22 points, Al But NFL Network’s Ian Rap- reserve each season. to,” said Harden, who fi nished one point 40 or more points eight times. streak to begin the season was halted at 19 Horford added 15 points in the win. oport reported yesterday that The Texans earlier activated shy of his career high of 61. His off ense has been boosted this games. The reigning NBA most valuable T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 29 his sources say Watt’s rehab is tight end Jordan Thomas from “Hopefully when I am done, I can be season by the addition of guard Russell player fi nished just shy of the double- points while Malcolm Brogdon added going “incredibly well” and that IR. Watt was limited to three mentioned in that group forever.” Westbrook in the backcourt. Opponents double with nine rebounds and shot 11 28. the Texans are saving their final games in 2016 due to a back Harden made 16 of 24 fi eld-goal at- have tried without success to slow him of 19 from the fi eld. His was the longest Ben Simmons had three steals in the injured reserve/designated to injury and five games in 2017 tempts, including eight of 14 from three- down by double-teaming him. such streak since Bill Walton recorded 34 fi nal 13.9 seconds to seal the win for the return spot for Watt. with a knee injury. He returned point range, and connected on 20 of 23 Harden sat for the full fourth quar- straight in 1976-77. Sixers. With Houston at 7-4 and leading in 2018 to play in all 16 games, free-throw attempts. He played just 31 ter with Houston up 127-73 at the end of “I love being able to get steals and the AFC South heading into notching 16 sacks and 25 QB minutes and also had eight assists. three. DOUBLE-DOUBLE STREAK ENDS turn guys over,” said Simmons, who Sunday’s home game against hits to earn his fifth first-team He is the fourth player to score 50 or “What he’s doing has not been seen,” The Eastern Conference-leading Bucks fi nished with 15 points and 13 assists. “I the New England Patriots, All-Pro nod. Reuters more points on 20 occasions, trailing teammate Austin Rivers said. “My man closed November 15-1 for the month. take pride in it and it gives us energy.”

NHL Avs rout Blackhawks in Rantanen’s return Reuters 10th of the season 85 seconds later New York RESULTS when he used a J.T. Compher screen to make it 2-1. MacKinnon fi nished Rangers 4-0 New Jersey the trio of fi rst-period goals when oonas Donskoi and Nazem Philadelphia 4-3 Montreal he scored his team-leading 17th on a Kadri had two goals apiece, feed from Rantanen at 11:08. Calgary 3-1 Ottawa Mikko Rantanen had a goal Chicago had a chance to get at and three assists in his fi rst Washington 5-2 Detroit Florida least one back with 58 seconds of a gameJ in more than a month, and the 5-on-3 power play late in the fi rst, Florida 3-0 Nashville Colorado Avalanche beat the Chi- Islanders 2-0 Columbus but Grubauer made a few big saves. cago Blackhawks 7-3 in Denver on The Blackhawks still had 2:37 of a Saturday night. Carolina 3-2 Tampa Bay power play as part of a double-mi- Nathan MacKinnon added a Toronto 2-1 Buff alo nor to start the second, but managed goal and two assists, Tyson Jost San Jose 4-2 Arizona just one shot on goal, and 17 seconds also scored and Philipp Grubauer after the penalty was over, Don- stopped 26 shots for the Avalanche, St. Louis 5-2 Pittsburgh skoi scored on a rush the other way. who swept the back-to-back set Colorado 7-3 Chicago Rantanen made it 5-1 at 5:50 of the against Chicago. Colorado won 5-2 Vancouver 5-2 Edmonton second, slamming home a rebound in Chicago on Friday night. of a Samuel Girard shot. That ended Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad and Los Angeles 2-1 Winnipeg Lehner’s night, having allowed fi ve Dominik Kubalik had goals, and Co- goals on 14 shots. rey Crawford fi nished with 13 saves to be precautionary reasons. Colorado got two quick goals on in relief of Robin Lehner for the Saad scored a short-handed goal Crawford, the fi rst on Donksoi’s 11th Blackhawks, who played without at 1:37 to give the Blackhawks a 1-0 of the season and Jost’s fi fth 2:10 lat- defenseman Duncan Keith due to a lead, but the Avalanche responded er that made it 7-1. groin injury. later in the period. Kubalik answered with his sixth Rantanen missed 16 games with a Kadri tied it on a power play when of the season 36 seconds after Jost lower-body injury sustained at St. Rantanen fed him in front, as he put scored. Kane’s 14th in the third, on Louis on Oct. 21. He sat out the third it past Lehner on the far side at 7:53. a power play, extended his points Joonas Donskoi of the Colorado Avalanche drops for a block against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago, period Saturday for what is believed Kadri got his second of the game and streak to 15 games. Illinois, on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, December 2, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT BOXING Joshua taking tips from Klitschko ahead Hamilton ends the of Ruiz rematch

Reuters London

ritain’s Anthony F1 season in style Joshua has been taking advice on his ‘Our pace was quite decent but Mercedes and Lewis were too quick’ training regime and Bdiet from former heavyweight Reuters champion Wladimir Klitschko Abu Dhabi ahead of his title rematch with Joshua was dropped to the Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia canvas four times in the June on December 7. bout by Ruiz and the 30-year- ix-times world champion Mexican-American Ruiz old Briton is looking for re- Lewis Hamilton wrapped produced one of boxing’s demption having triggered a up the Formula One sea- biggest upsets when he de- rematch clause, admitting his son in style yesterday by throned the previously unde- fi rst defeat had made him a cruisingS unchallenged to a domi- feated world champion Joshua smarter fi ghter. nant victory in Abu Dhabi in his with a seventh-round stop- The second WBA, IBF and 250th grand prix. page at New York’s Madison WBO title showdown has The 34-year-old Mercedes Square Garden in June. been dubbed the ‘Clash on the driver led every lap from pole po- Klitschko was defeated by Dunes’ but Joshua, a former sition to chequered fl ag, banging Joshua in 2017 at Wembley Olympic champion, said the in a fastest lap for good measure Stadium with a technical belts would not defi ne his to emphasise his supremacy un- knockout and the two boxers legacy. “There’s nothing I’ve der the Yas Marina fl oodlights. have stayed in touch even af- missed about being world Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max ter the Ukrainian retired later champion,” Joshua said. Verstappen was runner-up, 16.7 that year at the age of 41. “I’ve always said the belt seconds behind the Briton, to ce- “He said loads of stuff to should never defi ne the man. I ment third place in the champi- me, Wlad was defi nitely ahead walked as a champion before I onship. of the game. He’s more dis- even had a belt. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was ciplined than me, he’s more “This is fi ghting. One loss third but in danger of diplomatic,” Joshua told Brit- doesn’t take the spots off a disqualifi cation for a fuel ir- ish media. cheetah. We don’t play games regularity. Valtteri Bottas fi n- “He was giving me dietary when it comes to boxing, ished fourth for Mercedes after and training advice and that is we’re serious and after I took starting last on the grid due to maybe what people are talk- the loss I’ve had time to re- engine penalties, with Ferrari’s ing about now when they see fl ect. Sebastian Vettel fi fth. a diff erence in my body. May- “I now have things to prove “That was an absolute master be that’s why – because I’ve to myself. I want to take it class,” said Hamilton’s engineer adapted some of his teaching more seriously because I’m over the radio, congratulating – my weight may fl uctuate.” going to that next level.” the Briton – who won his sixth title in Texas last month – on the cool-down lap. “You look like FOCUS you didn’t break into a sweat.” “I can assure you, I am defi - nitely sweating!” Hamilton re- sponded. His 84th career victory, Johnson out of record fi fth in Abu Dhabi and 11th of the season meant the Briton equalled his own Formula One World Challenge, record of 33 consecutive fi nishes in the points. The 11 wins in a season still planning on matched his personal best for a campaign, achieved in 2014 and 2018, with a record points haul Presidents Cup of 413. He is now only seven wins short of Michael Schumacher’s Reuters “I have informed captain all-time record of 91. Mercedes New York Woods of my decision, which had already won both champion- he fully supports and under- ships for an unprecedented sixth Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his win at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, after the final race of the Formula One Grand stands, and cannot wait to tee season in a row. Prix season, yesterday. (AFP) merican World it up with him and my team- “Even though we had the number four Dustin mates next week in Australia.” championship won, I just really ranello team to switch to ‘Plan C’, this year,” said the Monegasque Red Bull-Honda) at 16.772sec, Drivers Johnson has with- The World Challenge is an wanted to keep my head down meaning a two-stop strategy. who has beaten four-times world 3. Charles Leclerc (MON/Fer- 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 413 pts drawn from next exclusive 18-man event which and see if we could learn and ex- “Our pace was quite decent champion Vettel in his fi rst sea- week’sA Hero World Challenge does not count as an offi cial rari) 43.435, 4. Valtteri Bottas (champion), 2. Valtteri Bottas tract more from this beautiful car but Mercedes and Lewis were too son with the team. (FIN/Mercedes-AMG) 44.379, 5. (FIN) 326, 3. Max Verstappen in the Bahamas but says he will victory on the PGA Tour. that’s a piece of art,” said Hamil- quick,” said Verstappen who suf- Alexander Albon fi nished sixth Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) (NED) 278, 4. Charles Leclerc be fi t for the Presidents Cup The American Presidents ton. “I feel so happy with today, fered from engine-braking issues for Red Bull ahead of Racing 1:04.357, 6. Alexander Albon (MON) 264, 5. Sebastian Vettel the following week. Cup team is already miss- man.” during the race. Point’s Sergio Perez. (THA/Red Bull-Honda) 1:09.205, (GER) 240, 6. Carlos Sainz Jr Johnson, who has not ing world number one Brooks “Overall it’s been a positive Lando Norris was eighth for 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing (ESP) 96, 7. Pierre Gasly (FRA) played since having left knee Koepka, who is rehabilitating CLOSER BATTLES season and to be P3 in the cham- McLaren, who end the sea- Point-Mercedes) 1 lap, 8. Lando 95, 8. Alexander Albon (THA) 92, surgery in early September, an injured knee. The Presi- Hamilton gazed across to the two pionship is encouraging.” son fourth in the constructors’ Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) 9. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 54, 10. announced the decision on dents Cup will be played at 22-year-olds completing the po- Leclerc’s race had a cloud standings and ahead of engine 1 lap, 9. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Sergio Perez (MEX) 52, 11. Lando Twitter on Saturday. Royal Melbourne from Dec. dium and looked forward to more hanging over it after regulators suppliers Renault. Toro Rosso’s Rosso-Honda) at 1 lap, 10. Carlos Norris (GBR) 49, 12. Kimi Raik- He said Tiger Woods, cap- 12-15. The Americans, who battles. “I really feel privileged found a ‘signifi cant’ discrepancy Daniil Kvyat was ninth ahead of Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault) konen (FIN) 43, 13. Daniil Kvyat tain of the United States team have lost the event only once to be in the period of time when between the amount of fuel Fer- Norris’s team mate Carlos Sainz, 1 lap, 11. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ (RUS) 37, 14. Nico Hülkenberg to take on the Internationals at in 12 stagings, are favoured they are here,” he said. “I hope it rari had declared and what was who rounded out the top 10. Renault) 1 lap, 12. Nico Hülken- (GER) 37, 15. Lance Stroll (CAN) the Presidents Cup in Austral- over an International team gets closer for us next year.” actually in the car. Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg berg (GER/Renault) 1 lap, 13. 21, 16. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) ia, approved of the plan. that has also been hit by injury. While Hamilton was out The team were summoned to was 12th in what may have been Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo 20, 17. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) Johnson said that while the Australian former world ahead, Verstappen and Leclerc the stewards after the race. his last Formula One race. Racing-Ferrari) 1 lap, 14. Kevin 14, 18. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 8, cartilage in his knee was fully number one Jason Day with- engaged in a battle for second Ferrari tried everything, in- Robert Kubica, who is leaving Magnussen (DEN/Haas) 1 lap, 19. Robert Kubica (POL) 1 healed, he felt he would be drew on Friday due to a back place. The Red Bull driver started cluding a botched double-stack Williams, ended his comeback 15. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) better off spending the week problem, replaced by South alongside Hamilton on the front pitstop, to squeeze something season in last place after banging 1 lap, 16. Antonio Giovinazzi Constructors practising rather than Korean An Byeong-hun. row of the grid but could not stop positive from the fi nal race of wheels with Alfa Romeo’s Anto- (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 1. Mercedes-AMG 739 pts, 2. Fer- playing. And South African Charl Leclerc from sailing past on the an ultimately disappointing nio Giovinazzi. 1 lap, 17. George Russell (GBR/ rari 504, 3. Red Bull-Honda 417, 4. “After a lot of careful Schwartzel, a mainstay on the fi rst lap. season. Leclerc, who has won Williams) 1 lap, 18. Pierre Gasly McLaren-Renault 145, 5. Renault thought and consultation, I International team at the past Having pitted much later than two races this season and taken RESULTS (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) 2 laps, 91, 6. Toro Rosso-Honda 85, 7. have decided that it is in my four events, was unavailable his rival, Verstappen was able the most poles, still saw the posi- 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mer- 19. Robert Kubica (POL/Williams) Racing Point-Mercedes 73, 8. Alfa best interest if I withdraw for selection due to a wrist in- to catch and pass the Ferrari on tives. cedes-AMG) 1hr 34min 05.715 2 laps Romeo Racing-Ferrari 57, 9. Haas from next week’s Hero World jury. He has not played since his fresher tyres forcing the Ma- “I’m extremely happy about sec, 2. Max Verstappen (NED/ Chasmpionship standings 28, 10. Williams 1. Challenge,” he wrote. April.

GOLF Larrazabal wins Dunhill despite blisters, horror start AFP Larrazabal, 36, went into the him with a short birdie putt. Bes- him at the top of the leaderboard Maleane, South Africa fi nal round with a three-stroke seling was tied for the lead play- before Larrazabal’s closing birdie. lead over playing partner Bes- ing the last but an eight-iron seling but his chances of break- second shot went over the green Leading scores after the final pain’s Pablo Larrazabal ing a four-year victory drought and fi nished in a furrow at the round survived a badly blistered seemed to have evaporated when edge of the water. He was able 280-Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 66- foot and “the worst golf he literally limped to a six-over- to chop the ball out but fi nished 69-70-75 of my career”to win the par fi rst nine of 41. Struggling with a six to miss a chance of a 281-Joel Sjoholm (SWE) 70-74- AlfredS Dunhill Championship at with blisters, he took his shoes fi rst European Tour win. 68-69 Leopard Creek yesterday. off as he walked down the ninth “It’s been a long road. I really 282-Charl Schwartzel 70-72-70- Larrazabal birdied three of the fairway. “I woke up this morning struggled the last four years,” 70, Branden Grace 68-70-71-73, last four holes as he recovered and I couldn’t walk,” he said. said Larrazabal, one of a minor- Wil Besseling (NED) 65-73-70-74 from a round which included six “I have a big blister on my right ity of players who chose to wear 284-Daniel van Tonder 68-75- bogeys and a double bogey. foot.” But he was still in conten- trousers on all four days despite 73-68 His fi nal round of three-over- tion, two behind Besseling, who players being allowed to wear 285-Justin Harding 70-73-71-71, par 75, for a four-round total of was one over for the round at shorts for the fi rst time on the Johannes Veerman (USA) 72- eight-under-par 280, gave him that stage. “I said to myself, you Tour because of extreme heat. 71-70-72, MJ Viljoen 72-71-69-73, a one-stroke win over Joel Sjo- are playing the worst golf of your “To win in paradise is so very Zander Lombard 72-70-69-74 holm of Sweden in the fi rst event career and you’re just two be- special,” he said, referring to the 286 - Connor Syme (SCO) 69-75- of the 2019/20 European Tour. hind,” said Larrazbal. “You can- course’s location on the edge of 73-69, Garrick Porteous (ENG) On a day when wind and chal- not walk but you are only two the Kruger National Park, with 66-75-75-70 lenging pin positions sent scores behind. Let’s keep struggling its sightings of African wildlife. 287-Calum Hill (SCO) 73-73-71-70 scoring, Sjoholm’s fi nal round and put some heart (in it).” “I will come back until I can’t 288-Jonathan Caldwell (NIR) of 69 was the best of the leading His fi ghtback started with a play any more.” Former Masters 74-69-74-71, Robin Roussel contenders. South Africa’s Charl birdie on the 11th hole, a short par champion Schwartzel, a four- (FRA) 68-75-74-71, Jaco van Zyl Schwartzel and Branden Grace four, but he dropped another shot time winner at Leopard Creek, 69-72-75-72, Richard Sterne and Holland’s Wil Besseling at the par-fi ve 13th before fi nish- fi nished strongly after being out 70-74-72-72, Laurie Canter (ENG) were tied for third, a further ing with birdies at the par-fi ve of tournament action since April 71-73-70-74 (Instagram/EuropeanTour) stroke back, in a tournament 15th, diffi cult par-three 16th and with a wrist injury. He missed a 289-Christiaan Basson 71-74-77- co-sanctioned by South Africa’s the par-fi ve 18th, where a wedged relatively short eagle putt at the 67, Renato Paratore (ITA) 74-71- Sunshine Tour. approach to the island green left last hole which would have tied 75-69, Eddie Pepperell (ENG). Gulf Times Monday, December 2, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A EPL Watford sack coach Flores aft er 85 Martinez double days in charge

Reuters the best. Stay strong!” London Since Sean Dyche’s depar- ture in 2012 when the Pozzo family took over ownership atford sacked of the club, 10 managers have puts Inter atop as manager Quique come and gone - including Sanchez Flores Flores twice - of whom only yesterday less Gracia lasted more than one Wthan three months into his season. reign following a poor run of Flores was previously in results in which the club won charge of the club during the only one of their 10 league 2015-16 season, after which he matches with the Spaniard in was surprisingly sacked. He Juve slip at home charge, the Premier League took over from Gracia after his club said. fellow Spaniard won only one ‘Now let’s try to guard it jealously and enjoy it in the right way’ Flores, who was reappoint- point in the fi rst four matches ed in September for a second of the season. spell in charge, is the second Under Flores, Watford’s sol- manager to be sacked by the itary league win came against club this season after they let promoted Norwich City last go of Javi Gracia four games month while they beat Cham- into the campaign. pionship side Swansea City in “With regret, Watford the League Cup before being Football Club confi rms the eliminated in the fourth round departure of Head Coach by Everton. Quique Sanchez Flores,” the In the league, he oversaw club, who are bottom of the fi ve defeats - including an standings with eight points 8-0 humbling by champions from 14 games, said in a state- Manchester City - and his last ment https://www.watfordfc. game in charge was Saturday’s com/teams/first-team/club- 2-1 defeat at Southampton statement-quique-sanchez- where they let their lead slip in fl ores. the fi nal 12 minutes. The club have not an- “Quique is a man of great nounced a replacement but integrity and it was clear how British media reported that much he wanted to have a pos- former Brighton & Hove Al- itive impact, but ultimately bion manager Chris Hughton results have dictated our deci- was a candidate. sion,” Watford chairman and “I would love to say a big CEO Scott Duxbury said. thank you from my heart for “The appointment of a new the appreciation, respect and head coach is imminent and support that I’ve felt in each with nearly two-thirds of the moment I’ve lived in the lovely season remaining, we will family that Watford is,” Flores provide all the support nec- said in a statement. essary to make the coming “This is not the time to months successful.” think about individual feel- Watford’s next game is a ings, it’s time to have a collec- league trip to Leicester City on tive reaction... I wish you all Wednesday.

Sevilla seal narrow win over Leganes Sevilla beat basement club forward Youssef En-Nesyri Leganes 1-0 at home in an almost giving them the lead Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates after scoring against SPAL during their Serie A game at San Siro, Milan, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) enthralling encounter yester- with a vicious bicycle kick day to climb up to second in early in the second half. AFP league games for the fi rst time, a fi rst half without application 20 minutes. Three minutes later “You need courage when play- La Liga. The win lifted them They laid siege to Sevilla’s Milan and they reclaimed the top spot and little energy from the char- Boga pounced on a Caputo cross ing here, otherwise you’re dead to 30 points after 15 games, area in added time but which they had held until their acter point of view. and sent it past an out-rushing before kick-off ,” said De Zerbi. one behind leaders Real Julen Lopetegui’s side clung 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Octo- “But we were coming off two Buff on from an angle. He also heaped praise on Tu- Madrid, who have a game in on, surviving nervy final autaro Martinez’s fi rst- ber 6. games in which we used up a lot rati for his solid performance. hand, although Barcelona, seconds when a VAR review half brace put Inter Milan “When a team like Juventus of energy against Atalanta and RONALDO LACKING “I had no doubts about him, on 28 points, will climb back took place to determine top of Serie A yesterday drops points, you need to make Atletico Madrid. “We woke up BRILLIANCE he is the classic goalkeeper a lit- above both sides if they beat whether the visitors should with a 2-1 win over SPAL sure that you make the most after going behind.” Caputo added a second fol- tle crazy. Before the game, I told Atletico Madrid later. be awarded a penalty for Lafter champions Juventus were of that,” said former Juventus Ronaldo started up front, hav- lowing a mix-up between Juan him to enjoy the moment - to be Sevilla defender Diego Carlos pushing in the box. The result held 2-2 at home by Sassuolo. coach Conte. “Now let’s try to ing missed last weekend’s league Cuadrado and Matthijs De Ligt 18 playing against these champi- struck the only goal in the stretched Sevilla’s unbeaten “We didn’t use our heads,” la- guard it jealously and enjoy it in game with a slight knee problem, in the Juventus defence, with ons is wonderful. “From the way 63rd minute of an end-to-end run to 10 games in all com- mented Juventus boss Maurizio the right way.” as Paulo Dybala, who scored in Buff on then fumbling the eff ort he looked at me at the end of the game, blasting into the roof petitions, of which they have Sarri after his side lost their fi rst In Turin, Leonardo Bonucci their Champions League win into the back of the net. game, I think he enjoyed it.” of the net from close range won eight, but Lopetegui was points at home this season. struck early for the eight-time over Atletico Madrid, started on Turati got down low to deny Lazio consolidated third inside a crowded penalty box not pleased with how his side Cristiano Ronaldo scored reigning Serie A champions but the bench. Higuain after getting his hand to place - seven points behind In- after Jules Kounde’s over- performed. “We can’t kid our- from the spot to rescue a point Jeremie Boga and Francesco Eighteen-year-old Stefano send a Ronaldo free kick over the ter - with a 3-0 win over Udi- head kick was parried. Even selves, we need to improve but Juventus slipped one point Caputo hit back for Sassuolo Turati made an impressive debut bar. Ronaldo’s penalty pulled the nese thanks to a double from though they are still propping a lot. We should have tried behind Antonio Conte’s Inter before Ronaldo’s point-saving in the Sassuolo goal, and pulled hosts level on 68 minutes after Serie A top scorer Ciro Immo- up the table, Leganes have to keep playing attractive Milan. Argentinian Martinez put intervention. Sassuolo, in 12th, off a string of fi ne saves, denying Filippo Romagna fouled substi- bile, including one from the made huge improvements football and we would have Inter ahead after 16 minutes at claimed their fi rst ever point at Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and tute Dybala. It was the Portu- spot, to bring his tally to 17 goals under Mexican coach Javier created more chances, but the San Siro, and then connected Juventus, and held Sarri’s un- Dybala late. guese star’s fi fth Serie A goal this this season, and a Luis Alberto Aguirre and last week came sometimes you play badly with Antonio Candreva’s cross beaten champions to their third But Juventus counterpart Gi- season. penalty. AC Milan, struggling close to causing a shock and win and play well but you before the break to head in his draw of the season. anluigi Buff on had a nightmare. “Ronaldo has regained stam- in 11th, got their fi rst win in a against Barcelona, eventually lose,” the coach told report- eighth league goal this season. “We got into trouble on our The 41-year-old, making just ina, the next step will be to re- month 1-0 at Parma with Theo losing 2-1. They produced ers. “Things got very tough Mattia Valoti pulled a goal own, we didn’t use our heads in his fi fth start this season, was at cover brilliance, but the road is Hernandez scoring the winning a gutsy and bold display in for us in the second half, back, but second-from-bottom the fi rst half, as the goals con- fault in Caputo’s goal just after right,” insisted Sarri. goal two minutes from time. Seville and created numerous we made mistakes and lost SPAL fell to their ninth defeat. ceded show,” said Sarri. the break. Sassuolo coach Roberto De AS Roma, in fi fth, travel to Ve- chances to score throughout control, and after we scored Conte has guided Chinese- “Every time we lost the ball Bonucci got Juventus off the Zerbi hailed “an important rona later Sunday, with Napoli, the game, with Moroccan we couldn’t stay calm.” owned Inter to 12 victories in 14 we left ourselves open. We had mark with a long-range eff ort on point” for his team. in seventh, hosting Bologna.

BUNDESLIGA Gladbach stay top thanks to Embolo double Reuters ing the lead through Marcus Berlin Thuram in the third minute be- fore Freiburg, who had lost only one of their previous nine league orussia Moenchenglad- games, levelled with Jonathan bach forward Breel Em- Schmid scoring from a free kick bolo scored twice, set up three minutes later. another and also missed Embolo put the ball in the net aB penalty as the league leaders a little later but his eff ort was beat Freiburg 4-2 in a roller- ruled off side before Thuram hit coaster game yesterday to stay the post for the hosts. one point clear at the top. Gladbach, however, shot out The Foals bounced back after of the blocks after the restart, last week’s shock loss to Union with the 22-year-old Embolo Berlin to move up to 28 points, putting them ahead in the 46th one ahead of RB Leipzig, with minute from a Patrick Herrmann their fourth win in their last fi ve assist and then missing a penalty league games.“It was an intense two minutes later. game and both teams contrib- Yet he quickly made amends and uted to that. We deserved the returned the favour to Herrmann, win but Freiburg did have the setting him up for their third in the chances to level,” Gladbach 51st as Freiburg looked rattled. The coach Marco Rose, who is enjoy- visitors bounced back, however, ing a dream debut season in the to cut the defi cit through Lucas Bundesliga, told reporters. Hoeler. They also went agonisingly “I am satisfi ed with the result close to an equaliser but Glab- as well as our performance. We dach’s Ramy Bensebaini cleared could have scored more goals to- the ball off the line. wards the end.” Next week Gladbach host champions Bayern Munich, who Moenchengladbach’s forward suff ered a shock 2-1 home loss Breel Embolo (left) scores a to Bayer Leverkusen on Satur- goal during the Bundesliga day, dropping to fourth place on match against SC Freiburg in 24 points. The game got off to a Moenchengladbach, yesterday. fi ery start with Gladbach tak- (AFP)

Monday, December 2, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Stage set for Qatar National Road Cycling Championships atar Cycling and Triathlon The reigning champion Fawaz al- Federation, the governing Shammri will not defend his title due to body of cycling and triathlon injury. This leaves last year’s runner-up in Qatar, will organise The Marwan al-Jalham starting as favour- MastersQ Medical Center National Road ite. A bunch sprint fi nish is unlikely Cycling Championships this Friday, but road racing is a tactical as well as December 6, in Dukhan. physical challenge and we can expect “The Nationals” are the premier surprises. events in Qatar’s road racing calendar. In addition to the Qatari Champion- Each year the best Qatari cyclists com- ship, there are races for masters (aged pete to be recognised as their country’s over 40), veterans (aged over 50) and best cyclist and earn the right to wear expats. Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari, Presi- the National Champion’s jersey for one dent of QCTF said: “We, at QCTF have year. Results will be offi cially logged been always very active with event with cycling’s governing body, the UCI. organisation. Most events target the Dukhan, with its elevated limestone whole cycling or triathlon community formations, is easily the best location and each year we are welcoming new for road cycling in Qatar. members to both of our sports. The Qa- The 25km lap heading out of town tar Road National Champs are very im- into hilly oilfi elds to the northeast then portant part of our events calendar. We returning along the windy seashore to are looking forward to see who are the the west, has plenty of interesting ele- best Qatari and expats in the country”. ments which makes the race demand- The event is sponsored by The Mas- ing enough to separate the riders ac- ters Medical Center and supported by cording to ability and discover the true Royal Air Maroc, Rayyan Natural Water champions. and Rasen Adventure Shop. Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation president Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari with other off icials.

PREMIER LEAGUE PSG’s game at Monaco falls victim to Iheanacho helps Leicester storm alert Monaco: Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match at Monaco yesterday evening has been called off due to forecast heavy storms. The fixture “will close gap on Liverpool be postponed to a later date” Monaco announced. Two French regions, includ- ing Alpes-Maritimes which sur- Arsenal draw 2-2 at Norwich in Freddie Ljungberg’s first match as interim manager rounds the principality, were placed on red alert for floods DPA the table. Norwich, who might have won it by Meteo France, the French London but for some superb goalkeeping by Bernd weather service, yesterday Leno, stayed second-bottom. morning. It said the area faces “I want this club to do well, it is only what it called a “marked Medi- eicester scored deep in injury time winning that counts: I wanted to win the terranean episode” of intense as they beat Everton 2-1 yesterday games so I am disappointed but I have storms. to cut the gap on Premier League also seen some positive things,” Ljungberg Rainfall could total as much leaders Liverpool to eight points. said. “But we need to work on the transi- as 200mm (almost eight LKelechi Iheanacho scored the winner, with tions, we dominated and they break us too inches) over the weekend, the video assistant referee confi rming easily. In the beginning I saw a lot of things Meteo France said. It said that he was onside, as Leicester moved back we worked on in training, but we need to it expected coastal areas to be to second and left Everton still hovering score goals and take the lead.” the most aff ected, with “very above the relegation zone. Teemu Pukki opened the scoring with significant risks of runoff and Arsenal drew 2-2 at Norwich in Freddie a defl ected shot after 21 minutes but Au- overflow from coastal rivers.” Ljungberg’s fi rst match as interim manag- bameyang equalised soon after with a re- PSG are five points clear er while Manchester United are ninth after taken penalty, having missed the fi rst but of Marseille with Monaco in a 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa. Wolves being given a lifeline because of encroach- 14th, just three points clear remained sixth after a 1-1 draw at home ment. of the relegation zone. As to Sheffi eld United, who stayed one point Todd Cantwell restored the home side’s for Sunday’s lost fixture, the and one place behind. lead on the stroke of half-time but Au- “Professional Football League Leicester went into their match with bameyang scored following a corner on Competitions Committee Everton full of confi dence but fell behind 57 minutes. “It was a great performance will later set the date of the to a goal by Richarlison after 23 minutes. — we delivered what we wanted to do,” match” the league said in a Jamie Vardy scored for the sixth match in Norwich manager Daniel Farke said. “I’m statement. a row to equalize on 68 minutes, taking his disappointed to some extent — we should In Alpes-Maritimes and the tally at home to 13 goals in 13 league games. have got three points. Some of that was neighbouring Var region 148 Everton looked set to hold on for a point due to a world class Bernd Leno. (But) four municipalities were declared but Iheanacho broke free to score in injury points from two games is quite good.” disaster areas on Saturday time, and though the linesman’s fl ag ini- Matt Doherty cancelled out Lys Mous- after the damage caused by tially suggested he was off side, VAR said set’s goal for Sheffi eld United as Wolves a previous Mediterranean the goal should be allowed. “We have to extended their unbeaten run to nine episode last weekend, which enjoy this and go again on Wednesday games. “We started both halves terrifi c,” resulted in the death of six night,” said Vardy, who said thoughts of Sheffi eld United manager Chris Wilder people in the Var. the title like 2016 were not being discussed said. “We had plenty of chances and we at the club. “We have lots of attacking should have scored more than one. We threat and we’re putting it all together. knew they’d fi ght back after we went We’ll just carry on doing what we’re do- ahead because of the fi ght they have as a FOCUS ing.” team. This is always a tough place to come Arsenal interim manager Ljungberg said so I’m delighted we’ve kept our away he could see some positive signs after his record going.” side came from behind twice to draw 2-2 Manchester United’s troubles contin- Al Sadd at Norwich in his fi rst game in charge. ued. Jack Grealish fi red Villa ahead early Two days after the sacking of Unai Emery, on but a Tom Heaton own goal put United Arsenal needed two goals from Pierre- in front. When Victor Lindelof gave Unit- reveal new Emerick Aubameyang to secure a point ed the lead on 64 minutes it seemed Ole against an impressive Norwich side. Gunnar Solskjaer’s side would win it, but The result was Arsenal’s ninth draw of Tyrone Mings equalised two minutes later. emblem the season, extending their winless streak Villa are 15th, but only fi ve points behind Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho (right) celebrates after scoring against Everton as teammate James Maddison (left) to eight matches, leaving them eighth in Tottenham in fi fth. and manager Brendan Rodgers look on in Leicester yesterday. (Reuters)

OOREDOO CUP Wakrah beat Rayyan to continue unbeaten run By Sports Reporter ensued as neither team grabbed the ini- Doha tiative early on. It took until 10 minutes into the second half for the fi rst goal when Moustafa got his side ahead. atar football giants Al l Wakrah maintained their Umm Salal were quick to recover from Sadd SC announced unbeaten run as they beat Al the setback and turned the game around the start of a new era Rayyan 1-0 in the fourth round shortly after. The ever-present threat of in its history, with the of the Ooredoo Cup at the Al Yannick Sagbo levelled the scores be- launchQ of the new emblem of the KhorA Stadium yesterday. Mohamed fore Brimil gave his side a lead just seven club, coinciding with the 50th Benyettou scored the winning goal in minutes later. Umm Salal were unable anniversary of its establishment. the 54th minute. Al Wakrah have eight to secure their fi rst Ooredoo Cup win The new emblem, which will points, while Al Rayyan stood on seven. of the season when Bounedjah scored to be used from the beginning of Al Wakrah attacked more in the fi rst half get his side on level terms, which turned the upcoming 2020-21 season, which, however, ended goalless. out to be a crucial goal as the teams set- retains the circular shape of all Wakrah’s Mohamed Abdulrahman tled for a point. previous club logos during the tested rival goalkeeper Saoud al-Hajri Action from the In another match, Al Ahli bounced past fi fty years and is minimal and the latter blocked the shot with Ooredoo Cup back to beat Al Shahania 2-1 at the Al compared to the ones that came ease. After barely a minute, Wakrah’s fourth round match Wakrah Stadium. After a goalless open- before. The name of the club, in Meshaal Abdullah narrowly hit wide between Al Wakrah ing session, Al Shahania went ahead Arabic and English, is written from an acute angle at the near post. and Al Rayyan through Nigel de Jong, who converted a with the same font that was used Wakrah went ahead through Benyet- yesterday. penalty in the 63rd minute. in the last emblem. The year of tou, who volleyed the ball home. They Al Ahli were not to be bowed and the club’s founding is placed at nearly doubled the lead in the 66th fought with renewed vigour. The Brig- the heart of the emblem, while minute, but no player was on hand to adiers equalised in the 88th minute the two golden stars above it stab home a measured cross from the through Majed Mohamed and then represent the Asian Champions left by Mohamed Abdulrahman. struck a vital blow on their rivals League wins of 1989 and 2011. Even though Wakrah were the better through prolifi c striker Abel Mathias in The launch of the new em- side on view overall, Rayyan tried hard in the 88th minute. Then, in stoppage Al Shamal Stadium. through Yannick Sagbo in the 60th stoppage time (90+1). blem comes in line with the as the match progressed, but could not time, Abdulrahman Mosed too had a Sadd’s goals came from Moustafa minute and Ilyas Brimil in the 67th Al Ahli took their points tally to nine, commercial and sporting vision cross the hurdle, where Hassan Idriss goal disallowed. Mashaal in the 54th minute and Bagh- minute. With both sides stuttering for whereas Al Shahania remained on one of the club, and the goals that it was the last line of defence. Wakrah’s Meanwhile, Al Sadd secured a 2-2 dad Bounedjah in the 75th minute, with form in this season’s Ooredoo Cup, it point, that they earned from their goal- seeks to achieve in various fi elds Faisal Abdullah had a goal ruled off side draw against winless Umm Salal at the Umm Salal getting on the scoresheet was no surprise that a cagey fi rst half less draw with Al Wakrah. in the coming years.