SPORT Monday 1 January 2018

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 3366 Barshim ascends Smith and Kohli Fit-again AndyAndy throne in world dominate Murray readyready of athletics ICC rankings for 20182018

QATAR OPEN RECORDS Gasquet, Thiem and Berdych MOST SINGLES TITLES: 3 Switzerland Roger Federer (2005, 2006, 2011) MOST CONSECUTIVE SINGLES TITLES: 2 in spotlight at Qatar Open Sweden Stefan Edberg (1994–1995) Switzerland Roger Federer (2005–2006) ARMSTRONG VAS The withdrawal of United Kingdom Andy Murray THE PENINSULA Djokovic provides (2008–2009) DOHA: Former Champion an opportunity Serbia Novak Djokovic (2016-2017) Richard Gasquet will be look- for some players MOST SINGLES FINALS: 4 ing for a positive start when the to shine at the United Kingdom Andy Murray Frenchman opens his Qatar (2007, 2008, 2009, 2017) ExxonMobil Open campaign $1,286,675 MOST CONSECUTIVE SINGLES against Victor Burgos Estrella tournament. FINALS: 3 of Dominican Republic here United Kingdom Andy Murray today at the Khalifa Interna- (2007–2009) tional Tennis and Squash and he hopes to hold aloft the MOST DOUBLES TITLES: 4 Complex. winner’s trophy after the Jan- Spain Rafael Nadal The World No. 31 defeated uary 6 final. ( 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015) Russian Nikolay Davydenko in “I’m the first (one) here for MOST DOUBLES FINALS: 4 the final five years back to win the press (conference) and I The Bahamas Mark Knowles his maiden title in Qatar in one hope I’m going to be the last (1996, 2000, 2001, 2003) of the season’s traditional one for the press (conference curtain-raisers. after the final). That’s always Top seed at the Qatar Exxonmobil Open, Dominic Thiem of Austria Canada Daniel Nestor Seeded fifth this year, the the best one when you come (left) and Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic pose for a photograph (1996, 2001, 2003, 2009) 31-year-old is among the eight first and leave last. Let’s hope with Tournament Director Karim Alami (centre). Spain Rafael Nadal seeded players who will be for that,” he added. (2005, 2009, 2011, 2015) vying for the top prize along In the other interesting with 24 other players, four of clashes of the first round, World them who are qualifiers and No.5 Thiem of Austria will take three wildcards. on Evgeny Donskoy of Russia The Frenchman faces a her- while Spaniard Lopez, faces culean task with a number of compatriot Guillermo Tennis is more than just players ranked much higher to Garcia-Lopez. him in the fray. Two other seeded players Besides Gasquet, the other from Spain, Fernando faces the top players who are in the spot- challenge of Sela Dudi of Israel light with the withdrawal of while Ramos-Vinolas will need ‘big four’, says Berdych former World No.1 Novak Djok- to overcome Pella Guido of ovic, include top seed Dominic Argentina. Number two seed, Thiem of Austria, Filip Kraji- Busta faces Croatia’s exciting ARMSTRONG VAS pretty long time. So it was very “It’s about that day, and from novic of Serbia and Tomas young talent, Borna Coric. THE PENINSULA exceptional. The guys (were) that one day you can create a Berdych of the Czech Republic, A lot of local interest will be having great results and really great week. From one great while the Spanish quartet of centered around the clash of DOHA: The 2018 battle for the being consistent for so many week, you can make it two and Pablo Carreno Busta, Albert Qatar’s Jaber Al Mutawa, who ATP top spot rankings is all set years,” Berdych said. They (the big four) that’s what you are looking for. Ramos-Vinolas, Feliciano squares up to a qualifier. to begin from today. The ques- The injury concerns of were (on top for a) To be honest, that’s the only rea- Lopez and Verdasco Fernando Outside the seeded list, Gael tion utmost on the most tennis Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and pretty long time. So it son why I’m still around,” he complete the seed players list Monfils the 2014 runner-up to fans mind is - will the race to the Andy Murray and with age was very exceptional. added. at the $1,286,675 event. Rafael Nadal, who is one of the World No.1 rankings again be catching up with Roger Federer, Berdych wants to push him- The withdrawal of Djoko- three players handed wildcards, confined to just the ‘big four’ or the new season has thrown open The guys (were) hav- self to achieve some of the goals vic provides an opportunity for will aim to spring a surprise. will it be wide open? the door for the start of a new ing great results and he has set in the new season. some new stars to emerge out The Frenchman, who at his Wimbledon finalist Tomas era. really being consist- “I want to challenge myself of the Doha tournament. peak form has touch a summit Berdych said the beginning of a Berdych said the dominance against the young guys as the Djokovic, the champion in ranking of World No.6, but with new era is on the cards and the by a few players for a long ent for so many years: guys that they have been with Doha for the past two years, a present ranking of World No. day will not be far when domi- period is not good for fans. Berdych me around for a long time, and pulled out on Saturday because 46 will take on Italian Paolo nance of the quartet will be a “I think people maybe get just enjoying playing,” Berdych of problems with a niggling Lorenzi, who is ranked three thing of the past. too spoiled of that they are going said. elbow injury. places higher on the ATP rank- “It’s hard to say right now. to say always Roger, Rafa, Andy, hard, been close to that. Unfor- Berdych begins his quest for Last year the Serbian super- ing computer ranking, in the But yes, I think it’s very possible. and we cannot forget Stan tunately, the result didn’t come the title against Germany’s Jan- star beat Britain’s Andy Murray, first round clash. I’m not sayingyg that it’s over but ((Wawrinka)) won also three uppy yet,” , the tall Czech right- g Lennard Struff. then world number one, in a I thinkthink it’s thethe nature ofof thethe proc- Slams.Slams. I tthinkhink iitt wouldwould bbee ververyy hhandedanded said.said. TheThe lastlast twotwo thrilling three-set final in front essess of time and of the sport,”sport,” sadsad if we wouldwould be ddominating,ominating, “When“When I wwasas NNo.o. 4 in tthehe seasonsseasons havehave beenbeen of a sell-out Doha crowd. BerdychBerdych saidsaid yesterday.yesterday. thethe whwholeole titimeme aandnd ttherehere wwillill be woworld,rldd, pprobablyrobably ththatat wwouldould bbee a a mano-a-manomano-a-mano The year before, Djokovic TheThe CzechCzech star,star, a two-timetwo-time no otherother yyoungoung gguysuys comicomingng uup,”p,” bbetteretter moment forfor me to bebe talk-talk- contest foforr ththehe destroyed Rafa Nadal in the semi-finalistsemi-finalist at thethe Qatar Exx- BerdychBerdych said.said. iingng ababoutout wiwinningnning some ((Grand)Grand) year-enyear-endd ranrank-k-k final, dropping just three onMobilonnMoM bib l OpOOpen,en, wawwasas spsspeakingeaaking ttoo TheThe 32-year,32-year, whowho hashas SlSlamam andand beingbeing one ofof them.them. But ings withwith MurrayMurrayy games against the Spaniard in journalistsjoj urnalists ahaaheadead of tthehe ATPATPP slslippedipipped too WorldWorld no.19noo.19 fromfrom a I ththinkiink ththat’satt’’s tthehhe bbeautyeauty of oourur edgingedging DDjokovicjookok viv c to a breathtaking display to take tournamenttournament iinn DoDoha.haa. one-timeone-time high of four,four, hashas notnot ssportport that no mattermatter wherewhere you finishfinishs ffirstirsts iinn 202016.16. the title, an ideal warm-up “They were ((onon top for aa)) givengiven up onon winning thethe GrandGrand arare,re,e yyouou sstilltill hhaveave a bbigig chchance.ana ce. LastLaL st season alalsoso before claiming his sixth Aus- Slam.Slam. fefeaturedatured a ttwo-manwo-man tralian Open crown a few “Well,“Well, I’veI’ve beenbeen trying it forfor race,race, as NadalNadal beatbeat Fed-Fed- weeks later. quitequite a longlong time,time, erererer to ffinishinish atoatopp tthehe Berdych is another seeded beenbeenn ttryingryyining vevveryeryy rankingsrankings hhierarchyieraarcr hy ffororr player who aims to make the thethe fourthfof urthh time.time. most of Djokovic’s absence. The Czech star checked into Doha early to get accustomed to the climatic conditions and is happy to begin the season in Qatar. “It’s a great week to start the season. It’s really amazing how time flies fast and that we are here again for another sea- son. I’m pleased that I can be here (In Doha) and I can play some tennis here after quite a long break for myself, which was the longest so far I had in my career, and just looking for- ward to being back on the court,” said the 32-year-old Berdych. Berdych - a semi-finalist in the past two years in Doha - will begin his campaing against Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. Picture by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 30 SPORT MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 Guardiola Crystal Palace draw halts calls for more protection for Man City’s winning run players REUTERS City’s failure to score in a league game for the Manchester City’s Ederson (left) first time since last April meant they fell short LONDON: Manchester City saves last-gasp penalty to avoid manager Pep Guardiola feels in their bid to equal Bayern Munich 19-game defeat. winning run of four years ago, the longest in more needs to be done to protect players from suffer- Europe’s five major leagues, set under their ing serious injuries after current boss Pep Guardiola. seeing Kevin De Bruyne carried off in a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace yesterday. Following City goalkeeper AFP Guardiola, who also said for- Ederson’s dramatic late pen- ward Gabriel Jesus was likely to alty save, Palace’s Jason LONDON: Ederson’s last-gasp be out for up to two months after Puncheon lunged in on De penalty heroics saved Manches- an injury early in the game, Bruyne and took out the Bel- ter City from defeat but a 0-0 called for referees to take firm gium midfielder who left the stalemate at Crystal Palace action. pitch on a stretcher, with his yesterday brought the Premier “Please, referees, they have right leg in a brace. League leaders’ record-break- to protect players,” he said. De Bruyne was later seen ing 18-match winning run to an “We were lucky against Tot- being helped down the touch- end. tenham and against Newcastle. line back to the dressing room Luka Milivojevic was pre- Today we were not lucky. by City’s medical staff. sented with the chance to seal a “Referees have to protect. Guardiola feels stronger memorable victory for Roy We know how strong physically action needs to be taken on Hodgson’s relegation-threatened it is England but teams miss big such deliberate fouls, but side when Wilfried Zaha was players, not just Manchester City. stopped short of saying he brought down by Raheem Ster- The replay speaks for itself. We would approach the Football ling in injury time. have to protect players.” Association to raise the issue. But the Palace midfielder Hodgson claimed before the “They (the FA) know what struck his spot-kick too close to game there was “no magic for- they have to do. They must Ederson, allowing the City goal- mula” to competing with City, protect the players,” Guardi- keeper to preserve his side’s insisting his Palace side’s hopes ola said. 21-game unbeaten start to the of getting something from the “Please, referees, they league campaign. game hinged on working hard centre-back, presenting Chris- penalty area but that proved to after the restart, when City have to protect players. We City’s failure to score in a and defending well while main- tian Benteke with an opportunity be a rare moment of concern for finally began to move through were lucky against Totten- league game for the first time taining an attacking threat. that he could not take. home goalkeeper Wayne the gears. ham and against Newcastle. since last April meant they fell The manager could be satis- Both sides were forced into Hennessey. But Hennessey proved Today we were not lucky. short in their bid to equal Bay- fied that during the opening 45 early changes, with Palace cap- And while Palace were una- equal to the task, blocking Referees have to protect. We ern Munich 19-game winning minutes his players stuck to the tain Scott Dann being stretchered ble to carve out many clear Leroy Sane’s close-range vol- know how strong physically run of four years ago, the long- prescribed plan to the extent that off in the 19th minute and City chances at the other end, Wil- ley at the far post and denying it is England but teams miss est in Europe’s five major by the half-time break, the frus- striker Jesus following shortly fried Zaha was a constant threat De Bruyne as City struggled to big players, not just Manches- leagues, set under their current tration among Guardiola’s afterwards. down the Palace left, frequently find openings in a well-drilled ter City.” boss Pep Guardiola. players was obvious. The subsequent reshuffle getting the better of City right- Palace backline. The draw brought City’s And City’s afternoon was fur- There was an early sign the appeared to affect the visitors back Kyle Walker. In other match, West Brom 18-game winning streak to an ther soured when Kevin De visitors might not be at their best more, with Palace growing more An animated conversation held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw with end, but Ederson’s stoppage- Bruyne was stretchered off when a breakdown in commu- into the game the longer the half between De Bruyne and Leroy Jay Rodriguez scoring the level- time penalty save to deny immediately after the spot-kick nication between Eliaquim went on. Sergio Aguero, Jesus’s Sane confirmed the sense that ler on a penalty in 89th minute. Luka Milivojevic did preserve following an ugly challenge by Mangala and Ederson led to the replacement, struck the post in City were growing increasingly Arsenal got the lead on James City’s unbeaten Premier Palace substitute Jason goalkeeper directing an the 28th minute with a deflected uncomfortable. Palace found it McClean’s own goal in the 83rd League run this season, which Puncheon. attempted clearance against his shot from the edge of the far harder to be as expansive minute. now stands at 21 games. Guardiola defended his side’s rare slip-up, insisting Wenger breaks dropping points was always going to happen. Nike advertises Coutinho Barca shirt Ferguson’s “Eighteen wins in a row, that is not normal, unreal,” Premier League Guardiola added. AFP Coutinho is spon- “The next one will not be sored by Nike and record easy. But it is December, there PARIS: An apparent wears their boots. are lot of fixtures to play. gaffe by Nike has fired He handed in a “To play in four competi- speculation that transfer request in AFP tions and this level of intensity Philippe Coutinho August after Barcelona is impossible. Of course we could leave Liverpool had a bid for the Bra- LONDON: Arsenal manager cannot win every match.” for Barcelona in the zilian rejected, but the Arsene Wenger took charge On the transfer front, January transfer Reds then turned down of his 811th Premier League Guardiola refused to be window. a further two offers. game yesterday to set a new drawn on whether De Bru- The sportswear The current La Liga record, overtaking Alex yne’s injury would influence giant, who manufac- leaders had offered over Ferguson. his pursuit of Arsenal’s Alexis ture Barcelona’s kit, £100m ($135m), but Liv- The 68-year-old French- Sanchez. “I don’t know advertised a Barca shirt erpool owners Fenway man achieved the new mark (what’s going to happen) but on their website with Sports Group publicly as the Gunners kicked off he’s a player of Arsenal and I the Brazilian midfield- stated Coutinho was not against West Bromwich think he is going to stay er’s name on it. for sale. Albion at The Hawthorns in there,” Guardiola added. Headlined “Where The 25-year-old the final Premier League “In the internal meetings the magic happens”, missed the start of the match of 2017. we are going to decide what the page, which has season with a back Wenger joined Arsenal is best. But my feeling now is since been taken down, problem but has been in 1996 and in his first 10 that he’s an Arsenal player continued with the in outstanding form years at Arsenal amassed and he will be.” message: “Philippe recently, scoring seven three league titles and four Coutinho is ready to goals in his last eight FA Cups, putting him on light up Camp Nou.” games. course to rival the trophy hauls of the most successful managers to have worked in English football. They (the FA) know But the trophies have what they have to do. dried up and Wenger stands They must protect the third when judging post-war players, says Pep managers by trophies won, Guardiola. Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho in action. behind Ferguson and Liver- pool’s Bob Paisley. Atletico Madrid finally unveil Diego Costa and Vitolo AFP back to the club from Chelsea of Costa, with Spanish media summer to pay the 37.5m euro Wanda Metropolitano, at the and sign winger Vitolo from saying they had agreed to pay buyout clause to sign Vitolo from start of this season, failed to MADRID: Atletico Madrid Sevilla. Both will be able to make Chelsea around 60m euros Sevilla. make it out of the Champions unveiled new signings Diego their debuts with the winter win- ($71.3m) to bring back a player He has spent the first half of League group stage. Costa and Vitolo yesterday as the dow opening today. who starred for them when they this season on loan at Las Pal- However, Simeone’s side are Spanish club’s transfer ban “I know there is a lot of com- won La Liga and reached the mas although he has recently the nearest challengers to lead- finally comes to an end. petition, that they have a lot of Champions League final in been sidelined with a thigh ers Barcelona in La Liga, sitting Atletico had been unable to goals in them,” said Costa, 29, of 2013/14. injury. nine points behind in second register new signings in last sum- the prospect of competing with Costa, who has signed a deal “The injury is behind me. I place with more than half the mer’s transfer window after the likes of Antoine Griezmann through to 2021, scored 20 goals have spent the last month work- season still remaining. being handed a ban by FIFA for and Fernando Torres for a start- for Chelsea as they won last sea- ing with the physios. It’s They face lower-league Lle- irregularities in relation to the ing berth in Diego Simeone’s son’s Premier League title but fell forgotten about now,” said the ida in the Copa del Rey on transfers of minors. side. out with Antonio Conte, his man- 28-year-old Spain winger. Wednesday before returning to But they had already agreed It was in September that ager in west London. Atletico, who moved into a league action at home to Getafe Diego Costa deals to bring Spain striker Costa Atletico announced the signing Atletico also agreed in the new 68,000-seat stadium, the at the weekend. MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 EPL clubs ready for January sales

Liverpool set the tone another offer after having bids of before the market had over £100 million rejected in even officially begun August. when they splashed Daniel Sturridge is a much stronger bet to leave, with South- out a world record fee ampton interested in the for a defender, paying out-of-favour England striker. £75m ($100m) for Tottenham Southampton’s Virgil After a frustrating first half of the season in the league, Tot- van Dijk. tenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will look to spark his side with a major move in AFP midfield. Everton’s Ross Barkley is LONDON: With the January admired by Pochettino and transfer window opening on New although he rejected a last- Year’s Day, the English Premier minute move to Chelsea in League’s (EPL) superpowers are August, the England international ready to flex their financial might be persuaded to accept an muscles in a frenzy of spending. offer from Tottenham, who could Liverpool set the tone before land him for a bargain price as he the market had even officially has just six months left on his begun when they splashed out a contract. world record fee for a defender, Arsenal paying £75m ($100m) for South- Amid mounting speculation ampton’s Virgil van Dijk. that Arsenal players and coaches Manchester City might be are sick of a reported lack of com- Liverpool’s new defender Virgil running away with the Premier mitment from Sanchez, Gunners van Dijk (centre). League title race, but the leaders boss Arsene Wenger must decide can afford to add a piece or two what to do with the unsettled from a position of strength, while former Barcelona forward. Manchester United, Chelsea and in for long-term target Alexis while fast-rising Fulham young- and Daley Blind could be sold Alvaro Morata than the under- Sanchez has refused to extend Tottenham prepare to spend, Sanchez if he thinks he can land ster Ryan Sessegnon could be after falling out of favour. whelming Michy Batshuayi a contract due to expire at the end spend, spend in a bid to catch the Chile forward on the cheap in signed with one eye on next Chelsea Bayern Munich midfielder of the season, leaving Wenger to their rivals: the final six months of his Arse- season. Blues boss Antonio Conte has Arturo Vidal, who worked with either cash in now or lose him for Manchester City nal contract. Long linked with a move to spent much of the season grum- Conte at Juventus, is another nothing in June. On a record 18-match win- Manchester United United, Rose is the most likely bling about his squad’s lack of player who interests the City came close to signing ning streak in the league, City Frustrated by United’s fail- signing as he may have worn out depth after Chelsea failed to land champions. Sanchez in August and remain have no obvious flaws, but that ure to keep pace with City at the his welcome at Tottenham after his top targets in the summer. Liverpool interested, while Paris Saint Ger- won’t stop boss Pep Guardiola top, Jose Mourinho has already expressing unhappiness with his Lagging well behind City in Having broken the bank to main and Real Madrid are also considering making additions. made it clear his side must big reduced role on several the title race, Chelsea can ill- bring Netherlands centre-back potential suitors. Wenger, who West Bromwich Albion cen- spend to have any chance of occasions. afford to waste this chance to Van Dijk to Anfield, Reds boss Jur- could move for Crystal Palace tre-back Jonny Evans, who City bridging the gap. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Borus- upgrade Conte’s options. gen Klopp might find himself winger Wilfried Zaha, will also made two bids for in the summer Top of Mourinho’s shopping sia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl and Atletico Madrid’s Yannick most preoccupied with trying to receive offers for Ozil, with United window, is still on Guardiola’s list are a left-back and a winger. Bordeaux’s Malcolm are possible Ferreira Carrasco and Napoli’s hold onto Philippe Coutinho. and Barcelona interested in the wish-list as defensive cover for Juventus’s Alex Sandro and candidates to bolster United’s Dries Mertens have been linked Brazil forward Coutinho has German midfielder, who is injury-prone Vincent Kompany. Tottenham’s Danny Rose would midfield. as Conte searches for a forward been in superb form of late and approaching the final months of Guardiola could also go back fit the bill for the defensive berth, United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan who can offer better back-up to Barcelona are likely to return with his contract. Lazio coach Pogba urges Inzaghi Dybala must ignore Messi and misfiring ‘negative’ Ronaldo comparisons: Allegri United to about VAR AFP ‘wake up’

VERONA: Paulo Dybala should AFP REUTERS avoid worrying about compar- isons with Lionel Messi and LONDON: Paul Pogba has MILAN: Lazio coach Simone Cristiano Ronaldo if he wants to called on Manchester United Inzaghi said that the video become the best player in the to “wake up” after a third replay system (VAR) being world, said Juventus coach straight draw over the Christ- trialled in Serie A is taking the Massimiliano Allegri on Satur- mas period saw them slip excitement out of football day. behind Chelsea in the Premier after his side had a penalty The 24-year-old Argentine League table. revoked on Saturday. -- linked with a possible move Draws against Leicester Inzaghi calculated that to Manchester United -- has not and Burnley either side of VAR decision have cost his hit the heights of last season Christmas severely under- side seven points so far this despite scoring 14 goals in 19 mined United’s status as season after their goalless Serie A games including a dou- challengers to Manchester draw at Inter Milan. But he ble in Saturday’s 3-1 win at City and Saturday’s 0-0 stale- was more worried about the Verona. mate at home to Southampton effects it was having on play- Dybala had been on the means they are now third in ers, coaches and fans. bench in the previous three the standings, 14 points adrift “My verdict is absolutely games but started on Saturday of City. negative because it takes the and ensured the six-time The problems are mount- excitement out of football; defending Serie A champions ing for manager Jose players don’t hug each other won for the first time in Verona Mourinho, with Zlatan Ibra- after scoring a goal any more, since 2001. himovic’s knee problem instead they look straight “It’s important that Paulo keeping him out for a month towards the referee,” he said. found the net again,” said Allegri. and Romelu Lukaku taken off “It takes the excitement “After the goal, he started to play on a stretcher after a nasty away from us and the fans. better, as he was in a delicate clash of heads with Wesley For me, it’s removing the moment where things weren’t Hoedt. adrenaline and my enjoyment quite going his way. United may also be of football.” “Psychology is everything in expecting contact from the Lazio are also involved in football and confidence is key. Football Association after the Europa League this sea- “You have to be focused and footage emerged of Ashley son and Inzaghi said he determined. I think the only Young apparently elbowing preferred that competition to advice for Paulo is to think just Dusan Tadic in the stomach. Serie A thanks to the absence about his football and his jour- Everton await on New of the VAR. ney, not worrying about Year’s Day and Pogba has “I enjoy the Europa comparisons with players like Juventus’ Paulo Dybala celebrates after demanded better from his League games more,” he Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. scoring a goal. side, despite the short said. turnaround. Lazio were awarded a “We didn’t lose but we penalty on the hour after Ciro “In the next three years he will Caceres scored from 20 yards. “What I hope for the second have to wake up, bounce Immobile’s cross hit Inter be, together with Neymar, the Dybala then hit his five- half of the season is that Juven- back and get back to win- defender Milan Skriniar on You have to be focused most important player in the minute double, the first on 72 tus stay in the running on all ning,” the Frenchman told the leg and then arm. How- and determined. I think world. Today there are Messi and minutes when Sami Khedira slid three fronts,” said Allegri, who MUTV, United’s in-house TV ever, the referee changed his the only advice for Ronaldo and it is difficult, but his a through-ball to Stephan Lich- also refused to rule out the chas- channel. mind after consulting the Paulo is to think just path is that he has to improve tsteiner with the right back ing pack of Inter Milan, AC Milan “We drew again. Three VAR, ruling that the it was physically, technically and sending a cross into the box to a and Lazio who all failed to win draws we have to win, some- accidental handball. about his football and mentally.” waiting Dybala. on Saturday. thing has to change and we Serie A is among several his journey, not worry- Blaise Matuidi scored Juven- The Argentine did the sec- “It was important to increase have to change to win. competitions where VAR ing about comparisons tus’s earliest goal this season ond on his own, dribbling the gap on those behind us and “It’s only one day and technology is being trialled with players like Leo after six minutes, finishing off a through the Verona defence to remain close to Napoli,” he said. then we have to play against before football’s law-making Messi or Ronaldo, says Gonzalo Higuain rebound. seal the win which moved “The others are not out, there Everton -- that’s football. body IFAB decides whether Massimiliano Allegri The hosts pulled level just Allegri’s side to within a point of are still lots of games to play. The Tomorrow’s another day and to approve its use on a per- before the hour mark when Napoli at the end of the first half championship will be resolved we have to go out there and manent basis. former Juventus player Martin of the season. in the last games.” win.” 32 SPORT MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 33 Play of the year Star Barshim ascends throne International sporting achievements of 2017 Waiters strikes the pose Qatar’s Mutaz THE PENINSULA/QNA Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim celebrates with fans after winning the gold medal in the men’s high DION Waiters was in no hurry. He knew exactly what he was jump final at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London in this August 2017 file photo. Essa Barshim going to do. DOHA: World and Olympic was one of the After Kevin Durant’s dunk pulled Golden State into a 102-102 champions Mutaz Barshim is highlights of World tie with Miami with 11.7 seconds left, Waiters took the inbounds at the helm of Qatari sports pass, coolly brought the ball upcourt, made a move on Klay achievements in 2017 after of athletics last Serena record Joshua beats Klitschko Real rule Thompson and delivered a straightaway 3-pointer that gave the being named the male athlete year. The 26-year- Heat a win — punctuated by his striking an arms-folded pose of the year by International old superstar was afterward, one that quickly became part of Heat lore. Association of Athletics Feder- named the male ations (IAAF) as well as the best athlete in Asia by the Associa- Athlete of the Year Sloane’s US Open victory tion of National Olympic by International Committees (ANOC). Association of IT’S hard to pickk one plaplayy that The honour was vested in Athletics Federations stood out for Sloaneane Stephens him following his achieve- Federer back on top Bolt retires (pictured) in her rideride to thethe USUS ments throughout the year in (IAAF) as well as the Open title this summer,ummer, but which he remained unbeaten best athlete in Asia this 25-stroke pointoint mightmight in 11 championships. by the Association have been the gem.em. The 26-year-old won the Stephens was servingrving down gold medal at the World Ath- of National Olympic 4-5, 30-30 in thehe thirdthird set letics Championships last Committees (ANOC). to Venus Williamsms in the August in London and the sil- semifinals, and ver medal of the Rio de Janeiro needed a backhandand 2016 Olympics. Froome’s four Hamilton joins greats Neymar fee winner down thehe The Qatari champion, who ship gold medal to claim a line to help herer won the world championship senior World Championship 29 Serena Williams wins 3 Real Madrid become first 26 New Zealand beat England to JAN JUN eventually hold.d. in London after jumping 2.35 bronze medal in a strong 400m record 23rd Grand Slam at team to retain Champions win Women’s Rugby World Cup Had that shot meters, is aiming to break the final. Australian Open. Roger Federer League title with emphatic missed, she world record of 2.45 meters of In September, young eques- 17 Slovenia win their first wins men’s title, his 18th major win over Juventus SEP would have Cuban Javier Sotomayor. It’s trian athlete, Hamad Al Attiyah, Eurobasket title – winning all faced match noteworthy that Barshim’s shone at the Ashgabat 2017 5 Cameroon defeat Egypt 11 Rafael Nadal wins at nine matches – beating Serbia in final FEB point. Instead,, record jumping height is 2.42 Asian Martial Arts and Indoor to secure fifth Africa Cup Roland Garros – first 27 Lewis Hamilton joins Stephens went oonn to meters. Games as he won Qatar’s first of Nations crown player to win single OCT capture the title. Also, Qatari runner Abdale- gold in the individual show Grand Slam 10 times select club of only five drivers with four or more Formula 1 lah Haroun won the bronze jumping, adding another vic- 5 New England world championships – Michael medal in 400 meters in the tory to our equestrian team’s Patriots produce 25 Team New Zealand Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, World Athletics Champion- recent accolades. greatest comeback beat defending champions Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel ships in London. In motorsport, Qatar’s star in Super Bowl Oracle Team USA to Meanwhile, Qatar won rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Atti- history to claim win America’s Cup 1 Houston seven medals at the Asian Ath- reflecting the strength and was crowned World Junior that he will be one of the key Super Globe after being Champion with gold in the T34 yah clinched his 13th FIA Middle dramatic overtime NOV Astros win letics Championships, exciting future potential of Champion in weightlifting, weightlifters to watch at the defeated in the third-place shot put, and Sara Masoud, East Championship crown in triumph against 15 Grass court JUL first ever MLB including six silver and one Qatar’s young female shooting adding to his 2016 Asian Games Tokyo 2020 Olympics. play-off by RK Vardar. who last year became Qatar’s September and he is in no mood Atlanta Falcons master Roger World Series with bronze. team. title and seventh placing at the In Football, Al Duhail won In July, Qatar’s para-ath- first-ever global female med- to slow down. Federer wins record victory over Los In May, Al Dana Al The Qatar Olympic Com- Rio 2016 Olympics. the league to raise their tally to letes made further history at allist with Paralympic silver at The 46-year-old, who also 18 England win Six Nations 8th Wimbledon title MAR Angeles Dodgers Mubarak became our first mittee launched the new ‘Team Ibrahim won a 94 kg silver five league titles. Al Sadd won the London 2017 World Rio 2016, added another silver has an Olympics bronze medal rugby but miss setting new female athlete to win a gold Qatar’ brand and strategy ear- at the World Weightlifting the Emir Cup after beating Al Championships. medal to her collection, also in to his name, is eyeing another record for consecutive Test wins 23 Golfer Jordan Spieth, 23, wins 12 Marc Marquez medal at the Islamic Solidarity lier this year, which embodies Championships in Anaheim, Rayyan 2-1 and won the Sheikh Abdelrahman Abdelqader the T34 shot put. shot at the region’s top title this British Open, his third major title becomes youngest Games as she claimed the 25m the shared values of the nation California in early December. Jassim Cup after beating Al became Qatar’s first-ever Just a few weeks later in the year and will be eyeing his third four-time MotoGP pistol shooting title, whilst and of sport. The Qatari prodigy has Duhail 4-2. Para-Athletics World same London Stadium, Dakar Rally crown when the 23 Chris Froome wins Tour de champion, aged 24 team-mate Kholood Al Khalaf In June, 19-year-old Fares proved Al Sadd came fourth in the 20-year-old Abdelalah Haroun events flags off on Saturday. France – claiming yellow jersey won bronze in the mixed team Ibrahim 2017 IHF built on his 2016 World Youth for fourth time in five years 14 John Gosden-trained Enable is trap shooting, Champion- named Horse of the Year at Cartier 3 Paris Spieth from the sand AUG Racing Awards after five consecutive St-Germain Group One race wins, including HERE’S how you win a playoff: Hole out from 60 feet from the sign Neymar from Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe sand. Jordan Spieth (pictured above) hit plenty of stellar shots Barcelona for world 9 Sergio Garcia celebrates record transfer fee 1 Draw for 2018 World Cup in 2017, none of them probably more memorable than his bunker APR DEC first major title – at 74th of €222m pits host Russia against shot in a playoff to beat Daniel Berger and win the Travelers attempt – at U.S. Masters golf Championship. Berger had a 50-foot putt that just missed after Saudi Arabia in opening match 12 Track giants Spieth’s dramatic moment — and tipped his cap afterward. 29 Boxer Anthony Joshua knocks Usain Bolt and 2 Australia beat “Jordan does Jordan things,” Berger said. out Wladimir Klitschko to pick up Mo Farah retire, England 6-0 to “So there’s not really much you can say.” two more world heavyweight belts Bolt pipped into retain Rugby silver in World 100m, Farah taking League World Cup. 12 Chelsea claim Premier MAY 10,000m gold, 5,000m silver Australia women Edelman’s Super catch League glory – led by coach also win, beating Antonio Conte – 21 Rafael Nadal New Zealand 23-16 DOWN by eight points with about two minutes left in the Super while Real Madrid takes No.1 tennis Bowl, the New England Patriots needed all the heroics they could secure La Liga, rank for first time 7 Cristiano Ronaldo get — and Julian Edelman delivered . Juventus win since 2014 – wins fifth Ballon d’Or His diving, juggling catch of a Tom Brady pass that almost got Serie A and caps resurgence award, equalling haul intercepted was perhaps the biggest moment in the Patriots’ Bayern Munich with 16th major of La Liga rival stirring rally from being down 28-3 and beating Atlanta in over- storm Bundesliga title at U.S. Open Lionel Messi time for their fifth Vince Lombardi Trophy. Source: Wire agencies Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS Fares Ibrahim Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Al Sadd players celebrate with the Emir’s Cup World of athletics braces for life without Bolt

REUTERS successor as 100m king, with a There was to be no warmth that proved beyond a bay- storybook farewell for LONDON: As the man who carried ing crowd in the London Stadium, athletics on his back through dark who simply rained boos down on the I genuinely can’t the great Jamaican as days sprinted off into the sunset in two-time doping offender as if remember a time when IAAF President he bowed out at the 2017, the sport itself was left to crowning him as the sport’s golden the sport was so Sebastian Coe world championships ponder an uncertain future without bogeyman. after the its shining beacon, Usain St Leo Bolt. Therein lay the sport’s new competitive and the stories in London, unable to retirement of Alas, there was to be no storybook dilemma. With Bolt gone, the new around them so rich. maintain his decade- farewell for the great Jamaican as he standard bearer for world sprinting sprint legend Usain Bolt long domination as the bowed out at the world champion- now appeared to be a 35-year-old ships in London, unable to maintain that athletics could neither believe in world’s fastest man, his decade-long domination as the nor forgive. athletics super-power, suspended jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, who was Asked again about being coached earning only a bronze world’s fastest man, earning only a So where were the sport’s new amid allegations of state-sponsored unbeatable all summer. by Alberto Salazar, who is being in the 100 metres. bronze in the 100 metres. heroes going to come from? And who doping, was significantly changing Then, there was Norway’s young investigated by the US Anti-Doping More anti-climactic still, his last was going to fill the yawning cha- its attitude to tackling the problem converted decathlete Karsten Agency over his training methods, race, the anchor leg in the sprint relay risma chasm left by Bolt as he now but there was still no timescale for Warholm winning from gun to tape Farah protested: “Why bring it up final, ended with him crumpling to lounged around idly dreaming of one Russia’s return. in the one-lap hurdles and the bril- year after year, making it into head- the track with a hamstring injury, day playing for Manchester United? Still, though, Coe, who could not liant Belgian all-rounder, heptathlete lines? I’ve achieved what I have out of the 400m after being diagnosed before defying his medical helpers to Those world championships be faulted for inventiveness in trying Nafi Thiam, who broke the 7,000 achieved. You’re trying to destroy it.” with norovirus, muttered darkly rise gingerly and hobble over the line. offered only partial answers despite to make his sport more relevant and point barrier in Gotzis, Austria before Farah, who will now concentrate about a conspiracy to ensure Van The crowd offered their hero a the booming declaration of organis- appealing to a new generation, dominating in London. on road running, has since ended his Niekerk was the face of London. sympathetic roar and he applauded ing co-chair Ed Warner that “London offered an upbeat assessment that Cynicism, though, remained dev- coaching arrangement with the Sadly, the sport’s great South Afri- back to them -- a poignant scene that 2017 has given athletics its belief athletics was enjoying a fresh lease ilish opponents for athletics to American. can hope then ended his year by Usain Bolt of Jamaica summed up the unique relationship back.” of life. combat. Even in London, some of As for the man projected to take suffering a ACL tear in a celebrity celebrates victory between the greatest showman the True, it was a vibrant, hugely “I genuinely can’t remember a those ‘rich stories’ that Coe enthused Bolt’s mantle, Wayde van Niekerk touch rugby match which will keep after the Men’s 4 x sport had seen and his disciples. well-attended event, full of surprises, time when the sport was so compet- about were sprinkled with failed in his 400m/200m golden dou- him out for nine months. 100m Relay Final of For Bolt, at 30, it had been a but it was hardly the complete pan- itive and the stories around them so scepticism. ble bid, winning the one-lap race but With a crazy setback like that for the Rio 2016 Olympic championships too far yet he bowed acea for a sport still so troubled that rich,” he enthused. For instance, after Britain’s dis- ending up, bizarrely, in tears after its supposed new poster boy, allied Games at the Olympic out with reputation enhanced, show- the world’s biggest country, Russia, Certainly, London offered a tance king Mo Farah had ended a winning ‘only’ a silver in the shorter to the old diet of off-track controver- Stadium in Rio de ing as much dignity in defeat as he was again left on the outside looking glimpse of a promising future with track career on a par with Bolt’s with event. sies and doping tales that keep Janeiro, Brazil, in had always demonstrated pleasure in at the London party. genuine star quality obvious again, a 10,000 metres gold and 5,000m He complained of a lack of gnawing away at its revival, no won- this file photo. after his 19 global race triumphs. IAAF President Sebastian Coe said most strikingly in the performance silver, the home hero ended up hav- respect from Isaac Makwala, his Bot- der athletics must already be missing He congratulated Justin Gatlin, his he believed this of the peerless flying Qatari high ing to wearily defend himself. swanan rival who, having been kept its old lightning ringmaster. 34 SPORT MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018

Kiwis wary of Gayle revival as Agar gets Test team call-up as series sweep beckons

Australia think of spin tricks AFP

AFP one-dayers in India (this year) A file photo of Australian was a pretty whirlwind experi- WELLINGTON: New Zealand spinner Ashton Agar who SYDNEY: Ashton Agar said ence. So I certainly feel a lot were yesterday wary of Chris yesterday he was ready for better walking out onto the SCG could play in the fifth and Gayle coming into form in the another crack at England after now.” final Ashes Test in Sydney. second Twenty20 as they being called into Australia’s Skipper Steve Smith said he eyed a series sweep against squad as the second spinning was unsure what to expect from the West Indies. option for this week’s final Ashes the SCG pitch following Satur- The home side have Test in Sydney. day’s attritional fourth Test draw already tucked away victo- Whether Agar plays along- on a lifeless Melbourne Cricket ries in the two Tests, three side first-choice spinner Nathan Ground pitch. one-dayers and the first of Lyon depends on the state of the The hosts have already three Twenty20 matches. Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, clinched the Ashes with an unas- New Zealand captain which in the past has earned a sailable 3-0 lead in the series Kane Williamson said “it reputation as a turning wicket. ahead of the final Test in would be great” to pull off a Agar shot to Test fame when Sydney. series sweep in the he made a record score of 98 Pace spearhead Mitchell Twenty20 in Mount Maun- while batting at number 11 Starc, who missed the Melbourne ganui on Monday, but the against England at Trent Bridge Test with a bruised heel, was Gayle factor was lurking in in July 2013. bidding to play in Sydney and it the background. However Agar, 24, has was likely either Agar or Starc The West Indies talisman played only three Tests since would replace Jackson Bird in was in devastating form in then after he managed just two the final Australia XI. early December when he wickets at 124 in two matches in Agar insisted he was a far smashed a record 18 sixes in that series more than four years more consistent bowler than the an unbeaten innings of 146 ago. one who made his stunning experience. “I’ve grown up a lot “We’ve worked on my action Sydney. “We’ll turn up there off 69 balls in the Bangla- He played in both Tests Ashes debut in 2013. since then. Life experience and a little bit a few years ago. It’s and see what the wicket is,” desh league. against Bangladesh this year and “I don’t look back on that cricket experience. just been a lot of bowling and Smith said after Saturday’s Test But he has failed to fire said he was ready to take on (Trent Bridge) too much. They “I’m still reasonably young, self-confidence,” Agar said. draw. so far in New Zealand, with England if he got his chance in are great memories but I’ve def- but the time is now so I’m just “All you’ve got is yourself out “You don’t know what you’re scores of 22 and four in the Thursday’s Sydney Test. initely moved forward since then going to give it a good crack.” there and it’s certainly grown.” going to get in Sydney. One day two ODIs he played and 12 “I feel better coming into a and I feel like I’ve improved as Agar has worked with men- Smith, who hit an unbeaten it could be green, one day it in the first Twenty20. Test match now. It doesn’t feel a player,” Agar said. tor John Davison and Indian spin 102 to play out a draw against could spin a bit. “He’s a fantastic player, too fresh or too out of the blue,” “I was a kid. I was 19 ... I’m guru Sridharan Sriram to pre- England in Melbourne, said he “We’ve got all options there. probably the best T20 record Agar told reporters. “Playing the certainly better for the pare better for Test cricket. did not know what to expect in We’ll wait and see how we go.” in the game and can take the game away at any time,” Williamson said on his return to the New Zealand squad after sitting out the last three games. Smith, Kohli dominate ICC rankings “If he gets away on you in 10 overs or so he can IANS score of 491, In the rankings for Test bowlers, there change a game and that’s which has is no change in the top nine with Eng- what it’s about. DUBAI: Indian captain Virat Kohli helped him to land’s James Anderson leading the field. “We know in this format (pictured right) held onto the second spot jump nine Anderson had started the year on 810 the West Indies T20 side are in the year-end rankings for Test bats- places to the points in sixth position and has finished one of the best sides in the men just behind Australian Steve Smith eighth on 892 points at the top spot. world and we know that at (pictured far right), while Cheteshwar position. The spin trio of Ravichandran Ash- any time they can turn it on.” Pujara remained at the third spot. He will win, Ravindra Jadeja and Rangana Herath Williamson said New According to the last rankings of 2017 now start 2018 had started 2017 in the top three posi- Zealand could only focus on released by the International Cricket with South tions, and have finished at the third, fourth building on their perform- Council (ICC) here yesterday, Kohli has Africa’s sev- and sixth places, respectively. ances, with an unbeaten run amassed a total of 893 points with Smith enth-ranked Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood in six games so far against enjoying a comfortable lead at the top spot Hashim Amla started and finished the year at the fifth the West Indies. with 947 points. Pujara is trailing Kohli firmly within spot. In the first Twenty20 by 20 points. his sights. Amla The only change in the top 10 is the they unearthed two new Smith’s contributions of 76 and 102 is 17 points ahead of the former England return of South Africa fast bowler Morne stars in rookies Glenn Phil- not out in the fourth Ashes Test in Mel- captain. Morkel to the 10th position. lips and Seth Rance. bourne have not only strengthened his Cook had begun the year in 15th posi- The 33-year-old claimed a haul of 5/21 Phillips, in only his position at the top of the table but also tion, and had entered the Ashes at the 10th in Zimbabwe’s first innings for which he fourth international, scored given him sole possession of second place spot. has been rewarded with a rise of three a half-century with the bat for the highest-ever ranking points. England captain Joe Root is the other places, which has now put him one place and pulled off two stunning For his efforts in Melbourne, Smith batsman to improve his ranking, when ahead of compatriot Dale Steyn. catches behind the stumps, earned two points and is now 14 points he moved up one place to join New Zea- It is for the first time in nearly two including have to turn and behind Don Bradman (961) and two points land skipper Kane Williamson at the years that Morkel is within the top 10. run nearly 30 metres to dis- ahead of Len Hutton (945) in the all-time fourth place. Root and Williamson had Morkel’s team mate Keshav Maharaj, miss Gayle off debutant list. started 2017 at the third and fourth posi- who returned 5/59 in Zimbabwe’s second Rance. Meanwhile, a magnificent unbeaten tions respectively. innings, has gained two places and is now Seamer Rance removed double century by England opener Alastair Australia opener David Warner is at at a career high 16th position. Chadwick Walton with his Cook in the fourth Ashes Test in Mel- sixth, 24 points behind Root and William- Outside the top 20, Chris Woakes of next delivery and finished bourne has helped him to finish the year son, after his scores of 103 and 86 in the England and Australia’s Pat Cummins with the impressive figures inside the top 10. fourth Ashes Test earned him 30 points. have moved up three places each. Woakes of three for 30 from his four The 33-year-old left-hander remained Warner had started 2017 at the fifth is now in 28th place, while Cummins is overs as New Zealand not out on 244 in his side’s first innings position. now ranked 36th. cruised to a 47-run victory. The ones to watch in the new season

AFP 306 in the world and with plenty of confidence image and the social media profile to become a under his belt. “I believe if I do every step right and much-needed star of the sport. PARIS: Here are six names to watch out in work hard, the good results will come along,” says 2018: Wu. GOLF Jon Rahm CRICKET RUGBY UNION The big-hitting Spaniard burst onto the scene Rashid Khan Gabriel N’Gandebe in 2017 by winning three titles to soar to fourth in Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan (pic- Standing at just 1.73m tall and weighing in at a the world rankings. Rahm joined the European Tour tured left) is already an established member paperweight 74kg, Cameroon-born N’Gandebe in a bid to qualify for next year’s Ryder Cup in Paris, of the national team having made his debut doesn’t have the physique of a modern rugby player and already appears sure to make Thomas Bjorn’s just after his 17th birthday. Still just 19, he is in but the 20-year-old has a big reputation and speed team after ending his season with victory in the global demand for franchise T20 teams where to burn -- his nickname is GGV, a pun on the high- World Tour Championship at Dubai. Yet to fire in his box of tricks has batsmen bamboozled. Ear- speed French intercity TGV trains. The flying wing the majors, the 23-year-old will have April’s Mas- lier this year, he fetched almost $600,000 in moved to Top 14 giants Montpellier this season and ters firmly in his sights as he looks to follow Sergio the IPL auction, the highest ever bid for an celebrated his first start with a try in a 32-22 victory Garcia in pulling on the green jacket. Associate player. Already a veteran of 32 one- over Toulouse. N’Gandebe has impressed for France’s day internationals and 27 T20s for Afghanistan, under-20 team, scoring seven tries in 10 matches. FOOTBALL he has 112 wickets and will be a key figure Harry Winks when the ambitious Asian side make their Test ATHLETICS The 21-year-old Englishman broke into the Tot- debut in 2018. Sydney McLaughlin tenham team last season and has impressed, Athletics will be looking to exciting talents like especially with his composure under big-game TENNIS 18-year-old American sprint/hurdler McLaughlin pressure and range of passing. Winks played a key Wu Yibing to begin to fill the huge hole left by Usain Bolt. part in Spurs’ stunning win over Real Madrid that Just 18 years old, Wu Yibing has already McLaughlin, who qualified for the 2016 Rio Olym- helped them wrap up top spot in their Champions made history for China by winning the junior pics aged just 16, looks set to become the next League group and has also made a successful inter- title at the US Open last year before seeing off Allyson Felix. She has a similar languid style over national debut. With worries over the depth of experienced Taiwan player Yen-Hsun Lu to 400 metres but can run the 400m hurdles too and Gareth Southgate’s midfield, Winks could force his capture his first Challenger crown in Shang- holds a host of world age bests. Still a student at way into the starting XI for England’s World Cup hai. Wu will head into the new year ranked at the University of Kentucky, McLaughlin has the opener against Tunisia on June 18. MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 35 Farrell marks Curry dazzles in return for century with Saracens win

AFP

Warriors as Jazz sink Cavs LONDON: England fly-half Owen Farrell celebrated his Sidelined for 11 games 100th English Premiership Stephen Curry (right) in NBA RESULTS with a sprained right appearance with 16 points as action against Memphis Philadelphia 107 Denver 102 Saracens beat Worcester ankle, two-time NBA Grizzlies on Saturday. Golden State 141 Memphis 128 Most Valuable Player Warriors 46-31 in an enter- Utah 104 Cleveland 101 taining encounter on Curry was electrifying Atlanta 104 Portland 89 Saturday. in his return. His 10 Detroit 93 San Antonio 79 Victory for Saracens --

three-pointers -- in Miami 117 Orlando 111 who ended a seven-match NY Knicks 105 New Orleans 103 losing run last weekend -- just 26 minutes on saw them regain second spot the court -- surpassed after Wasps had taken it from Portland guard for Utah. James scored 29 points them with a 31-26 victory Damian Lillard’s nine and added eight rebounds -- over Bath on Friday. eclipsing 8,000 rebounds for his Leaders Exeter, who have as the most by any career. The four-time NBA Most a five-point advantage over player in a game this Valuable Player was impressed Saracens, play out-of-form season. by what he saw from Mitchell. Leicester Tigers on Sunday. “Kid’s got a lot of game,” Saracens did not have James said. ‘he’s not afraid of things all their own way and the moment. He just goes out went into the break against AFP there and plays ball.” Reggie second-bottom Worcester on Bullock’s big night pushed the level terms at 17-17. LOS ANGELES: Stephen Curry Detroit Pistons to a 93-79 home However, a brace of tries spiced things up with 10 three- victory over perennial Western apiece from Jackson Wray pointers and 38 points as he Conference power San and Nathan Earle put two- returned from injury on Satur- Antonio. time European champions day to propel the Golden State Bullock, who started in just Saracens in control, although Warriors to a 141-128 win over seven games in his first four NBA Warriors did secure a bonus the Memphis Grizzlies. seasons and became a regular point for scoring four tries. Sidelined for 11 games with Draymond Green -- who improved to 29-8, are perfectly Cavaliers -- denying LeBron starter for the Pistons in early One of their quartet of a sprained right ankle, two-time received two technical fouls for positioned heading into the new James the victory he wanted for December, scored a career-high touchdowns came from the NBA Most Valuable Player Curry arguing foul calls. year. his 33rd birthday. 22 points. Premiership’s leading try- was electrifying in his return. “Our flow as a team from the “I think we’re right were we Mitchell slashed his way past He was also a key contribu- scorer Josh Adams, who has His 10 three-pointers -- in beginning was amazing,” said want to be,” he said. James for a layup with 35.4 sec- tor in a strong defensive display scored in six successive just 26 minutes on the court -- Curry, who nailed a layup off an “Best record in the league. onds remaining as the Jazz by a Pistons team again playing domestic matches. Worces- surpassed Portland guard assist from Green in his second We’ve shown we can win a lot thwarted a Cleveland comeback without injured point guard Reg- ter are 10 points clear of Damian Lillard’s nine as the most minute back. A minute later he of different ways.” bid that saw the Cavs pull within gie Jackson and shooting guard bottom-placed London Irish, by any player in a game this drained a three-pointer as the Spanish big man Marc Gasol one point three times in the Avery Bradley and with top who went down to their 11th season. Warriors raced to a 10-0 lead led the Grizzlies with 27 points, fourth quarter after trailing by reserve Stanley Johnson also successive defeat, losing The Warriors were a more just 2:08 into the contest. one of six Memphis players to double digits in the third. sidelined. 20-15 to Newcastle Falcons, than respectable 9-2 in Curry’s Curry had four three-point- score in double figures. “I’m just treating the last two “I’m just trying to do it all to for whom Alex Tait scored absence. But with him back on ers in both the second and third But the Grizzlies lost for the minutes as if it’s the same as the help my team with players down two tries. the court their prolific offense periods, and added one more for 13th time in 17 games since sack- first two,” Mitchell said. “You’ve and it’s working out for me,” Bul- Despite victory, Saracens was in full flow. good measure in a brief appear- ing coach David Fizdale on just got to go out there. If you lock said. Kawhi Leonard led the director of rugby Mark McCall Klay Thompson added 21 ance in the fourth -- his ninth November 27. over-think it, that’s the first mis- San Antonio with 18 points -- was far from happy. points, Kevin Durant scored 20 career game with 10 or more In Salt Lake City, Utah rookie take right there.” half of them coming from the “Our first-half perform- and Zaza Pachulia added 13 as from beyond the arc. Donovan Mitchell scored 29 Late free throws from foul line. LaMarcus Aldridge ance was nowhere near the the Warriors shook off the sec- He said the reigning NBA points to lead the Jazz to a 104- Thabo Sefolosha and Derrick added 15 for the Spurs, who standard we want,” he told ond-quarter ejection of champion Warriors, who 101 victory over the Cleveland Favors finally sealed the win scored a season-low in points. the BBC. Joshua confident Doughty scores in third period over fight with to lift Kings over Canucks 4-3

Parker in March AP

AFP completing with Joseph VANCOUVER: Left red-faced on Parker,” he added. a highlight-reel sequence he LONDON: Anthony Joshua (pic- When asked when a fight says has only happened one tured) said yesterday that talks with the New Zealander would other time in his career, Drew over a March fight with Joseph take place and if it would be on Doughty didn’t need long to Parker are 95 percent complete British soil, Joshua added: “End make amends. as the British boxer bids to of March, I would say. Doughty scored early in the become the undisputed heav- “It has to be (in this coun- third period to lift the Los Ange- yweight champion of the world. try), the British support, what les Kings over the Vancouver The 28-year-old currently we’re achieving here is Canucks 4-3 on Saturday night. holds three of the five heavy- phenomenal.” Doughty was beaten badly weight titles, having this year Should he defeat Parker, by Nikolay Goldobin late in the added the WBA and IBO belts Joshua would then need to take second period on a slick toe to the IBF belt he won in 2016. on and beat undefeated WBC drag that tied the game at 2. He aspires to become the champion Deontay Wilder to Doughty made up for it in the first boxer in history to hold all realise his ambition. third, finding the puck after his five titles and thinks a deal to He also suggested he would initial shot was blocked by fight WBO champion Parker in be willing to fight fellow Brit- defenseman Alexander Edler, the next few months is close. ish boxer Tyson Fury. then ripping his seventh of the “What I think can be a real- Of course, he’s a lively season at 6:49. ity is, I want to fight for the opponent when he’s fit,” Joshua “I don’t get dangled very other championship belts,” said about Fury. often ... only the second time I Joshua told BBC Five Live when “He has his own battles and can remember in my NHL career askedas ed wwhat at his s aambitions b t o s wewere e demonsde o s to face ace and, a d, onceocees he’s where I got dangled for a goal,” forfor 2018.2018. got over them, he’s more Doughty said. “I was pretty “There’s“There’s ononlyly twtwoo thanthan wewelcomelcome to enter embarrassed and pretty pissed left,left, I have three. a ring with me. It’s off at myself. There’sThere’s ffiveive on tthehe somethingsomething thatthat we “I was going to do everything tabletable andand I havehave shouldshould bebe focus-focus- in my power to try to help us win three of them, I ing on in 2018.”2018.” that game.” want to fightfight forfor Fury hhasas not Doughty swung his arm in the fourth one, fought since his celebration along the boards thethe WBO shockshock win with team-mates as the Canucks hheavyweighteavyweight agaagainsti nst fumed at the officials, apparently Action from Kings vs Canucks game on Saturday. championship WladimirWlad imir angry that the Kings had too ofof thethe world.”world.” KlitschkoKlitschko in many men on the ice — a griev- “I think we’re NovemberNovember 2015. ance that appeared to be backed Stecher, Goldobin and Nic Dowd period that bounced down in the later when Trevor Lewis circled 95 percent ofof thethe by replays. scored for Vancouver, which got crease and stayed out. back off the rush before laying way ttherehere “Definitely didn’t get any 32 saves from Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom kept the Canucks the puck in front to Clifford, with satisfaction out of it,” Vancou- Ben Hutton had two assists. alive with a big stop on Toffoli, who eventually banged home ver coach Travis Green said. “I The Kings improved to 3-3-2 but Vancouver couldn’t find a his first. didn’t ask (the referees), I wasn’t since an eight-game winning way past Quick. Stecher put Vancouver going to bother.” streak, while the Canucks The home side grabbed a 3-2 ahead 4:31 into the first, but Tof- Kyle Clifford scored the tying dropped to 2-8-1 over their past lead 41 seconds into the third foli and Gaborik scored a minute goal 2:22 into the third to set up 11. Sam Gagner, who had two when Dowd, who was acquired apart later in the period to make Doughty’s winner, and Tyler goals and an assist in Vancou- from Los Angeles on Dec. 7, fin- it 2-1 Kings. Gaborik’s goal came Toffoli and Marian Gaborik also ver’s 5-2 victory over Chicago ished on a 2-on-1 rush by on the power play. Goldobin scored for Los Angeles. Jonathan on Thursday, rang a shot off the beating Quick with his first. made his move around Doughty Quick made 22 saves. Troy crossbar midway through the The Kings replied just 1:41 to tie it late in the second. MONDAY 1 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 36 I don’t know if I am totally 3.30PM 6.00AM ready to come back on the tour Serena Williams , TODAY’S Brighton vs Bournemouth Stoke vs Newcastle yet. I know that when I come After losing to French EPL 6.00PM back I definitely want to be Open champion Jelena Burnley vs Liverpool 8.30PM Ostapenko in an exhibition ACTION Leicester vs Huddersfield Everton vs Man Utd competing for championships. match on Saturday.

Hopman Cup: Australia Serena loses down Canada Fit-again Murray in exhibition in opener REUTERS comeback PERTH: Daria Gavrilova beat ready for 2018 AP Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets but Thanasi Kokkinakis ABU DHABI: Serena Williams lost in her return to was made to work harder to tennis after giving birth in September, beaten by edge out Vasek Pospisil and French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in an give Australia a winning start exhibition on Saturday and still unsure if she will to their Hopman Cup defend her Australian Open title. campaign against Canada Andy Murray of Williams called it a “wonderful” match despite yesterday. Great Britain the defeat — she took the second set in a score of Gavrilova gave the hosts 6-2, 3-6 and 10-5 in a super tiebreaker. a flying start in the round The Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam robin stage of the eight- tournament, begins January 15. nation mixed team event, “I don’t know if I am totally ready to come back beating former world number on the tour yet. I know that when I come back I five Bouchard 6-1, 6-4 at the definitely want to be competing for championships. Perth Arena. I am definitely looking forward to getting back out The nimble-footed Aus- there,” Williams said. tralian raced to a 5-0 lead in “I am taking it one day at a time. I am going to the opener but faced more of assess everything with my team before deciding.” a challenge in the next, The 36-year-old Williams took time off after despite claiming the first winning the Australian Open last January while three games of the second set pregnant. She gave birth to her first child, a girl against the Canadian. named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on September Gavrilova held firm as AFP Murray has not played 1. She married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian Bouchard mounted a come- on the ATP tour since in November. back attempt, saving three BRISBANE: Former world number Williams struggled with her serve in the break points at 3-2 before one Andy Murray said yesterday losing a tough five- 67-minute match at the Mubadala World Tennis sealing the straight-sets he was desperate to get back into setter to American Sam Championship. But, after nearly a year away from victory. competitive tennis after a five- Querrey in the quarter- the game, she did win a set against the world’s No. “The first set was great month absence due to a debili- finals at Wimbledon. 7 player but I definitely felt some tating hip injury. “I don’t think I am going to rate my perform- nerves at the end. I was going Murray, who is in Queensland ance,” Williams said. “I have plenty of comebacks, for it all too much. It bodes for the season-opening Brisbane from injuries, from surgeries, but I’ve never had a well and it was nice to win International, has not played on Novak Djokovic (elbow) in doubt comeback after actually giving birth to a human again,” the world number 25 the ATP tour since losing a tough for the Australian Open, the being. So, in my eyes, I feel it was a wonderful, told reporters. five-setter to American Sam 30-year-old Scot said other wonderful match for me.” “I was very happy with Querrey in the quarter-finals at players should follow his example. Williams insisted she has a lot more tennis to play. the start. I was very physical Wimbledon. “Just because I’ve not played “Certainly, when you miss a “Knowing that I have won 23 Grand Slam titles from the beginning, made it He said despite some lingering for such a long time,” he said. period, you realise how lucky you and several other titles, I don’t think I have any- tough for her out there from problems with his hip, his body “And also I just want to enjoy are to be doing this as a job,” he thing more left to prove,” she said. “But I am not the very first point.” was feeling much better than at playing again. I’ve really missed it said. done yet.” Kokkinakis needed to the same stage last year. the last six months or so. “Giving yourself breaks, espe- Williams won her opening game, breaking take a longer route for his “I don’t feel like there’s many “I don’t mind if it’s 30 in the cially as you start to get older, I Ostapenko. But she was nowhere near her best in 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 triumph. miles in my legs, which, you know, world level. I would love it to be think, is very important and the first set before fighting back and winning the After dropping the was certainly the case at the number one in the world level, but something that I’ll certainly be second. After the initial break, Ostapenko latched opener, Pospisil dug deep to beginning of 2017, where most I just want to play.” looking to do for however long I onto Williams’ weak serves and capitalized on sev- force a decider and went toe- days I was quite sore kind of all Murray spent 41 weeks at keep playing. eral unforced errors to go up 4-1 with two breaks. to-toe with the Australian over,” he said. number one, losing that ranking “For tennis as a sport, it’s not Williams again struggled with her serve in the until the sixth game when he “Right now the hip is the only in August during his injury- good when so many of the top second set. But she went ahead 3-0 with a couple staved off three break points thing that is any concern. The rest enforced absence. players are injured and for of early breaks and hit with more confidence, before Kokkinakis capitalised of my body feels really good.” He is now ranked 16th in the extended periods,” he added. including several crowd-pleasing double-handed on the fourth to make the vital Murray admitted he wasn’t world and said he had adjusted “I certainly think it’s some- passing shots. Another break in the ninth game gave breakthrough. heading into this tournament or his schedule to play less in 2018 in thing that should be looked at and her the set. The Canadians went on to the Australian Open with great a bid to avoid further injury. to understand why, what the In the super tiebreaker, Ostapenko raced to an win the dead rubber expectations. With Rafael Nadal (knee) and reason for that is.” 8-2 lead before halting a brief recovery by doubles. Williams. Qatar Airways, QDF welcome beIN all set to bring action global stars to ExxonMobil Open as it happens THE PENINSULA Both Qatar Airways Airline partner of FIFA, is a leading supporter of major global sporting THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar Airways and Qatar and Qatar Duty events, including the 2018 FIFA Duty Free (QDF) will celebrate the Free will mark their World Cup Russia and the FIFA Club DOHA: The 2018 ATP Tennis season is officially opening of the highly-anticipated presence at the World Cup. underway with the start of the Qatar ExxonMobil Qatar ExxonMobil Open Men’s The award-winning airline Open, a tournament that brings the world’s best Tennis Tournament 2018, as the Offi- The annual event by hosting received a number of accolades in Tennis stars to Doha every year. cial Airline and Retail Sponsors. competition has special booths at 2017, including ‘Airline of the Year’ The ATP award-winning event begins today World number-five Dominic the sponsors’ village, by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax at the home of tennis in Qatar- the state-of-the- Thiem of Austria leads the lineup of become a major World Airline Awards, which was art Khalifa International Tennis and Squash competitors at this year’s champi- offering fans a taste held at the Paris Air Show. This is the Complex. onship, which will host 32 singles highlight on Qatar’s of their world-class fourth time that Qatar Airways has beIN will bring the action as it happens with players and 16 doubles teams during sporting calendar. hospitality. been given this global recognition. on-site coverage to ensure no one misses a thing. the exciting six-day event, where all In addition to being voted ‘World’s Andy Kerr and Nicky Crosby will be joined by eyes will be on the world’s top Best Airline’ by travellers from former tennis star Prakash Amritraj to preview players to see who will take home around the world, Qatar’s national and recap the day’s play on beIN SPORTS HD12. this year’s winning title. The tourna- thousands of international and local are able to sample Qatar’s world- carrier also won a raft of other major Coverage gets underway at 15:00 Mecca time ment will be held at the state-of-the- fans alike to watch some of the best famous hospitality and are warmly awards at the ceremony, including everyday throughout the tournament, with art Khalifa International Tennis and players in the world compete. Spec- welcomed by Qatar Duty Free. ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ Arabic coverage also available on beIN SPORTS Squash Complex in Doha from today. tators can be certain the event will “Special prizes are available at ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and HD9. Qatar Airways Senior Vice Pres- serve up some amazing matches our Qatar Duty Free booth, and four ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Despite defending champion Novak Djok- ident Marketing and Corporate Com- during the course of the competi- lucky winners will walk away with Lounge.’ ovic’s late withdrawal due to injury, a star cast munications, Ms. Salam Al Shawa, tion. Qatar Airways believes in the amazing gifts signed by the tourna- Qatar Airways operates a including Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych, and said: “Qatar Airways is thrilled to power of sport bringing people ment’s top players.” modern fleet of more than 200 air- Pablo Carreno Busta will feature in the tourna- once again be the official airline together, and is proud to support Both Qatar Airways and Qatar craft to a network of more than 150 ment. Follow the conversation on social media partner of the ExxonMobil Open Qatar’s emergence as a world-class Duty Free will mark their presence key business and leisure destina- across beIN’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Men’s Tennis Tournament in Qatar. sports and entertainment destina- at the event by hosting special booths tions across Europe, the Middle East, YouTube pages. Updates will also be available as Together we have attracted the tion,” she added. at the sponsors’ village, offering Africa, Asia Pacific, North America they happen on beIN’s main website and mobile world’s most talented tennis players Senior Vice President Qatar Duty tennis fans a taste of their world- and South America. The airline is application. to Qatar to compete in this fantastic Free, Luis Gasset, said: “Qatar Duty class hospitality. Qatar Duty Free will launching a host of exciting new More details on latest tennis action can be championship. Free is thrilled to participate in this also display unique gifts signed by destinations in 2018, including Can- obtained by visiting beIN.net/subscribe and sub- “This annual competition has fantastic event and welcomes visi- the players, providing four lucky berra, Australia; Thessaloniki, scribing to one of many available packages to get become a major highlight on Qatar’s tors of all ages to watch the compe- fans with the chance to win them. Greece and Cardiff, UK to name but in touch with every major tournament throughout sporting calendar, drawing tition. We will ensure that spectators Qatar Airways, the Official a few. the year.