SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 21 The bigger picture is that if he () had scored those two double-hundreds, Round 15: Today's Fixtures Al Khor vs Al Gharafa: At Al Khor Stadium (4.35pm) it would have been very Thilan Samaraweera special for a 23-year old Sri Lanka batting coach Qatar SC vs Al Sadd: At Qatar SC Stadium (6.45pm)

Davis Cup: Australia, Mendis, de Silva lead Germany share honours on first day

Sri Lanka run fest AFP The world number five had looked down and out when de AFP BRISBANE: Australia and Minaur, playing superb defen- Germany finished the first day sive tennis against the more CHITTAGONG: Kusal Mendis of their Davis Cup World Group attacking German, took a two and piled on tie in Brisbane one rubber sets to one lead. the runs to put Sri Lanka in a apiece after Nick Kyrgios and But Zverev fought back to comfortable position on the third Alexander Zverev both won in win the fourth set before day of the first Test against Bang- vastly contrasting styles recovering from an early break ladesh in Chittagong yesterday. yesterday. in the fifth to force a Birthday boy Mendis just Zverev gave Germany the tiebreak. missed out on a double century, early advantage with a gruel- He then created a mini- hitting an impressive 196, while ling four-hour win over Alex de break at 3-4 in the tiebreak and de Silva added 173 as Sri Lanka Minaur 7-5, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 served superbly to take the reached 504-3 at stumps trailing (7/4), before Kyrgios disposed match and give his country the Bangladesh’s first innings total by of Jan-Lennard Struff in straight early advantage. just nine runs. sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Zverev, 20, has a disap- Roshen Silva was unbeaten The mercurial Kyrgios, who pointing Davis Cup record, on 87 alongside skipper Dinesh has responded well to the Davis with one win and four losses Chandimal, 37 , when Cup captaincy of Lleyton before Friday’s match. stumps were drawn at the Zahur Hewitt, was in sublime touch Considered one of the Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. against Struff. rising stars of the men’s game, Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam The German battled hard he also has a poor Grand Slam gave Bangladesh a rare occasion but he was a class below the record and fell in the third for joy on an arduous day when Australian and succumbed in round of the Australian Open. he removed Mendis just before 97 minutes in front of a large But the German said he had the tea break. and passionate crowd at the Pat taken heart from eventual Pace bowler Mustafizur Rafter Arena. champion Roger Federer, who Rahman earlier broke Mendis’ Kyrgios had Struff under spoke to him after his loss in 308-run second wicket stand pressure on serve throughout Melbourne and told him to keep with de Silva, who added 69 runs and broke once in each set for working hard and success to his overnight 104. a straightforward win. would come. Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (left) celebrates with teammate Dhananjaya de Silva after scoring a century De Silva and Mendis domi- Earlier, Zverev outlasted de De Minaur said Zverev’s during the third day of the first Test match against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium nated the Bangladesh bowlers for Minaur in a four-hour experience on the big stage nearly two sessions after Sri Lanka in Chittagong yesterday. marathon. helped the German. resumed their innings on 187-1. The hosts had to wait for the “The bigger picture is that if “(It) is very important for us SCOREBOARD second new ball to get their first he had scored those two double- to see how quickly we can bowl Bangladesh (I innings) ...... 513 success as Mustafizur got a hundreds, it would have been them out (tomorrow) and then Sri Lanka (I innings) leading edge from de Silva and very special for a 23-year old,” bat well in the second innings,” D Karunaratne c Kayes b Mehedi ...... 0 Chung eyes Grand wicketkeeper Liton Das took a Samaraweera said of Mendis, he said. K Mendis c Mushfiqur b Taijul ...... 196 high catch. whose previous career best was Bangladesh were also D De Silva c Liton b Mustafizur ...... 173 R Silva not out ...... 87 Slam after remarkable De Silva faced 229 balls and 194 runs. unlucky in the morning when de D Chandimal not out ...... 37 hit 21 fours along with a six in his Mendis survived a run-out Silva survived a strong lbw Extras (B7, LB3, W1) ...... 11 fourth Test century and the when he had a mix-up with Silva appeal on 119 off Taijul when the Total (3 wkts) ...... 504 run Down Under second in as many Tests. in the middle of the pitch after ball hit him on his toe before Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-308, 3- 415 Mendis, who faced 327 balls crossing the 150-run mark. going to the slips. To Bat: N Dickwella, D Perera, R Herath, S Lakmal, L AFP for his career best innings as he But an awkward throw from Having already used both Sandakan, L Kumara turned 23, added another 107 Mehidy Hasan from extra cover their reviews, the hosts had no Bowling: Mustafizur 25-5-88-1 (w1), Sunzamul 37-2-128- SEOUL: Rising tennis star runs with Roshen Silva for the allowed him to return to safety choice but to accept the decision 0, Mehidy 19-0-97-1, Taijul 51-13-144-1, Mosaddek 3-0-24- Chung Hyeon believes he is third wicket before he gave a before Das could break the of the on-field umpire. 0, 2-0-6-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-7-0 on course to become South I’ve not set any catch to Mushfiqur Rahim at stumps. Mendis hit left-arm spinner Korea’s first tennis Grand specific target (for midwicket. Bangladesh team director Sunzamul Islam for a boundary runs in Tests on 154, joining Roy Slam winner, as he recovers the French Open) “I think he is so disap- Khaled Mahmud admitted that to bring his fourth Test hundred Dias as the quickest Sri Lankan from his remarkable but pointed,” said Sri Lanka batting Sri Lanka were now in the driving off 200 balls. to achieve the feat in his 23rd gruelling run to the but I will be able to coach Thilan Samaraweera. seat. De Silva reached his 1,000 innings. Australian Open semi-finals. win a Grand Slam Chung, 21, was the sur- tournament some day prise package in Melbourne in the future: Chung as he stormed his way to the last four, but had to retire while trailing defending “My performance on clay Stokes could make England champion Roger Federer 1-6 courts was good last year”, 2-5 because of painful blis- Chung told journalists. ters. Federer went on to win The number of his Insta- the event -- the Swiss mas- gram followers increased return in New Zealand ODIs ter’s 20th Grand Slam -- but tenfold to more than 100,000 Chung said Friday he has set during the Australian Open. AFP That date clashes with what England had his sights on winning his first. “The number will soon hoped would be Stokes’s planned international “I’ve not set any specific reach a million, I hope”, he LONDON:LONDON: BenBen StokStokes’ses (pictured) long- comeback in a with New target (for the French Open) said jokingly. awaitedawaited return to EnglandEng duty could take Zealand. but I will be able to win a Chung’s unexpected run placeplace in hhisis nativenativ New Zealand after England remain optimistic that Stokes will Grand Slam tournament to be the first South Korean the all-all-rounderroun was included be available for all of a five-match ODI series some day in the future”, he in a Grand Slam semi-final ThursdayThursda in a 15-man squad that starts on February 25 but the complexi- said. has drawn new fans to the forfor a one-day interna- ties of the legal system mean they cannot be Chung uploaded a hor- sport in his homeland, where tiontionala series against the certain. rific picture of his blistered tennis lags far behind golf BlackBlack Caps “subject to any As a result Thursday saw the latest in a foot after the Federer clash and baseball in the popularity courtcourt obligations”. series of qualified ECB statements regarding on his Instagram account, stakes. StokesSt has not played Stokes, with the board saying: “Ben Stokes’s sparking a flood of messages It also sparked top tele- internationalintern cricket since involvement is subject to any court obliga- from fans praising him for his vision ratings and a spike in beingbein suspended by the tions in relation to the incident in Bristol in courage. sales of tennis gear. EnglandE and Wales September and his travel arrangements are “I’ve seldom played so Board (ECB) fol- yet to be confirmed.” many games unremittinglyemittingly lowing his involve- Stokes, who had been Test skipper Joe and my feet reachedched theirtheir mentm in an incident Root’s vice-captain, was selected but later limits”, he said. outsideou a Bristol night- deemed unavailable for both the Test and ODI “My doctor saysys the blisblis-- club in September that series in Australia. tered feet are curingng wellwell duedue reportedlyreport left a man with After he was charged, Stokes said he was to my young age aandnd a fractufracturedre eye socket. “keen to have an opportunity to clear my I will be able too AAss a result,res the Durham all- name” but would wait for his court date. start training rounderrounder missmissede the whole of Eng- “Walking out on to the field with the Eng- next week”, he land’sland’s 4-04-0 AshesAsh series defeat in land shirt on is a privilege and a honour,” said said. AustraliaAustralia Stokes after the T20 squad was announced. Chung said he ButBut llastast mmonthonth saws Stokes included “I’m extremely delighted to be given this was alreadyy in England’sEngland’s squadsquad ffor the upcoming tri- opportunity to do this again.” looking forward too angularangular TwenTwenty20ty20 series that is being Stokes, who came to England as a boy the next Grandnd co-hostedco-hosted bbyy Australia and New when his father, a former New Zealand rugby Slam, the Frenchch Zealand.Zealand. league international, got a coaching job Open in late May,ay, ENGLAND SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND ODIS However,However, EEnglish legal author- sparked talk of a possible international recall which is uniqueque Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos itiesities tthenhen aannouncednnou that Stokes was by playing for New Zealand domestic side Can- among the four majorajor Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe duedue to appeaappearr ini a magistrates court terbury for a month and last weekend, despite events for using clayclay Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes onon FeFebruarybruary 13 after Stokes was his looming court date, he topped the Indian courts. Chung Hyeon chargedcharged with affray. Premier League auction, selling for $1.96m. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2018 Patriots look to hit high note REUTERS once again hinge on the arm and England beat Philadelphia 24-21 play of their evergreen 40-year- and Brady will be the only player MINNEAPOLIS: The New old quarterback, who has faced from either team on the field on England Patriots band will break as many questions about retire- Sunday who took part in that up after Super Bowl and they ment during Super Bowl week game. Since then New England have every intention of going out as he has about the Eagles pass has been back to the Super Bowl on a high note when they take rush. Statistically, there certainly four times, winning it twice. Phil- on the underdog Philadelphia would seem no good reason for adelphia has been back once. Eagles in Sunday’s National Foot- Brady to hang up the cleats. The Eagles have made it to ball League championship game. He led the NFL in passing their third Super Bowl despite Playing in their third Super yards this season with 4,577 losing number one quarterback Bowl in four years the Patriots while his 32 touchdown passes Carson Wentz to a knee injury in success could be their dynasty’s ranked third. Week 14 after leading his team demise with offensive coordina- For those looking for a sign to a 10-2 record. tor Josh McDaniels and defensive of decline there has been none. The loss looked a devastat- mastermind Matt Patricia poised He has his team back in the ing blow to the city’s hopes of to move to the head coaching Super Bowl for the third time in celebrating a first Super Bowl ranks soon after the Vince Lom- four years and has had the type title but back-up Nick Foles has bardi trophy is hoisted. of season that has once again stepped up, leading Philadelphia The three pillars of the Patri- placed him in the most valuable to playoff wins over the Atlanta ots empire, quarterback Tom Justin Timberlake speaks player conversation. Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. Brady, coach Bill Belichick and during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Brady could be without his The key to victory for Philadel- owner Robert Kraft, remain in Halftime Show press conference favourite target in tight end Rob phia will be the play of their place but even there cracks in the in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Gronkowski, who remains under defensive line, which is among foundation have begun to appear Thursday. concussion protocol, but will the league’s best, and putting with an ESPN report this month have plenty of weapons at his pressure on Brady. detailing dissension at the top of disposal including Danny Amen- The Eagles will give the the New England ranks. the Seattle Seahawks to be as we go. “Every game is differ- Brady and Belichick have dola, who had two touchdown Patriots the respect they have The Patriots, however, have crowned champions. ent, every team’s different, every teamed up to win five Super grab catches in their comeback earned and deserve but will not rarely been distracted from their “We prepare for all situa- situation is a little bit different so Bowls, including two in the last win over the Jacksonville Jaguars be intimidated. objective. Even the Deflategate tions that we can going into a we’ll just do what we normally three years and another on Sun- in the AFC championship game. “All I can tell you is, we’re scandal that swirled around the game,” Belichick told reporters. do.” day would tie them with the The Patriots and Eagles have coming home with that trophy,” team in 2015 could not cause “We have a game plan, as the Normally that means win- Pittsburgh Steelers for the most met once before in the Super Philadelphia wide receiver them to lose focus as they beat game unfolds then we’ll adjust ning championships. by any franchise. Number six will Bowl, in 2005 when New Alshon Jeffery said.

Rodgers backs Man United fighting to be ‘top-class’ Brown after Levein jibe second best, says Mourinho AFP

AFP LONDON: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hit back at claims from Hearts boss Craig Manchester United’s Paul MANCHESTER: Jose Mourinho effec- Levein that players need more protection from Pogba receives instructions tively conceded the Premier League Hoops captain Scott Brown. title to Manchester City yesterday, from manager Jose Levein expressed his annoyance about a admitting that his Manchester United Mourinho during the English collarbone injury suffered by 16-year-old mid- side are competing to be “first of the Premier League match fielder Harry Cochrane following an aerial last” in the table. against Tottenham Hotspur challenge with Brown during Hearts’ 3-1 defeat United lost in midweek at Tot- at Wembley Stadium, by Celtic on Tuesday. “I think everybody should tenham, allowing their local rivals to London, on Wednesday. get a bit more protection from Scott Brown open up a commanding 15-point lead, really,” Levein, Brown’s former national team with just 13 games remaining. manager, said when asked if young players But Mourinho insisted that there should get more protection from referees. is still plenty for his team to play for “I’ve known Scott for a long time and he in the league this season, with second is aggressive in the way he plays,” Rodgers place and qualification for the Cham- responded. And the former Liverpool boss pions League his primary focus. backed claims it was Levein’s side who were “It makes me feel that they are the real aggressors. doing so, so well that they are not let- “Scott Brown goes into every single game ting the others come close to that, as to dominate the game; that’s what I ask him to simple as that,” said Mourinho when do and what’s I ask the team to do. asked how City’s dominance made “He’s a top-class international player - him feel. Scott is a great example of a top-class player, “With the number of points and who plays on the limit every single game. improvement we have in relation to “It’s why our supporters love him and why last season, in normal conditions the other players will respect him because he distance would be a distance that bad or Tottenham is doing bad or to be the first of the last, we have to good teams. Chelsea is champions shows his fight in every single game. leaves the fight open. Chelsea is doing bad because the try to finish second.” again, (had a) fantastic (transfer) mar- “If you go back to the game itself, there “And, at the moment, the fight is number of points we have are a very Better than last season - And ket, Liverpool is a great team, Arsenal were more fouls made by Hearts players than open for second, third, fourth, fifth reasonable number of points.” Mourinho challenged his players to improved a lot in the market, Totten- Celtic players. Like we always do, we always and sixth but it is practically closed Mourinho was talking ahead of shrug off the after effects of defeat at ham is a fantastic team and they are look to play and win games in the most sport- for the first.” the home Premier League meeting Spurs to continue their upward curve five points behind us. ing way that we possibly can, whilst winning However, the Portuguese insisted with Huddersfield, where United will in the league this season compared “So we are doing quite well, with on the scoreboard.” that falling short to Pep Guardiola’s mark the 60th anniversary of the his debut campaign at United last some negative moments, Wednesday Next up for Rodgers’s Celtic is a trip to rampant City, who have dropped just Munich air disaster that falls on Tues- year. “We were first for a few weeks was one. It is very important to do Rugby Park on Saturday to face a Kilmarnock seven points all season, shouldn’t be day. The United manager paid his and then we were always second, I better than last season and try to win side reinvigorated by manager Steve Clarke. classified as a failure. respects to the tragedy that shaped don’t remember us being fourth, fifth something, and, if not, do better.” Clarke came to Kilmarnock with his rep- “If you tell me all six want to be his club’s history but insisted that it is or sixth, we have been there since the United look set to be without utation dented following an unsuccessful spell champion and only one will be cham- also vital that they return to winning beginning of the season, better than midfielder Marouane Fellaini for sev- as assistant manager at Aston Villa. However, pion and the other five fail, I think is ways. last season in every aspect - points, eral weeks due to a knee injury, but like Rodgers, the former West Bromwich Albion too pragmatic a way to look at it “It’s not because of this Munich position, number of goals scored, con- Mourinho had more positive news on and Reading manager has seen his stock rise because you can do positive work and disaster that the game becomes ceded, better in everything. Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic since arriving in Scotland leading Killie away not win the title,” added Mourinho. important for us,” he said. “The game “So we have to try to stay there who he hopes can both return before from the relegation zone to within two points “I cannot say that we are doing is important because we need points and is not easy because there are very the end of the month. of a top-six spot. Suarez header puts Barca on course for final REUTERS against one of the top teams in the Valencia were trounced 7-0 on Barcelona forward league, only 50,000 fans made it to their last Cup visit to Barcelona when BARCELONA: Barcelona beat Valen- Barca’s 99,000-capacity Nou Camp Gary Neville was in charge and coach Luis Suarez cia 1-0 on Thursday thanks to a diving stadium after heavy rain throughout Marcelino opted for a cautious celebrates after header from insatiable striker Luis the day. approach, with his side having under scoring during the Suarez to stay on course for a place in Barca defender Sergi Roberto 20 percent possession at one point in King’s cup first leg the King’s Cup final for a record fifth risked getting sent off but was only the game. The visitors’ best chances semi-final match consecutive year. booked for a wild lunge on Andreas came from distance strikes at goal, with against Valencia Suarez broke Valencia’s resolve in Pereira, who was unable to come out Martin Montoya and Francis Coquelin CF at the Camp the semi-final first leg by leaping to in the second half and had to be narrowly missing the target either side Nou Stadium in meet a cross from Lionel Messi in the substituted. of halftime. Barcelona on 67th minute, scoring a 12th goal in 10 “We dominated the play but they “It’s not a good result for us but we Thursday. games in all competitions to leave had a plan, which was to leave here deserve credit for how we competed,” Valencia needing to win by two goals with a result that kept the tie open and Marcelino said. “It makes the tie very in next Thursday’s second leg at they defended well. It’s not a big advan- difficult but keeps it alive. We’re going Mestalla to advance to their first final tage and there’s still a long way to go to fight with all our strength to win the in a decade. in the tie,” Barca coach Ernesto Val- tie. It might seem impossible but we’ll Despite being a Cup semi-final verde told reporters. try and pull off a miracle.” SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 23 Coetzee steps Te’o returns to England down as South Africa coach AFP side for Italy opener JOHANNESBURG: Allister Coetzee stepped down as South Africa’s rugby AFP unprecedented third successive outright “You’ve got to get your set piece coach on Friday following a string of Championship title with a victory. right, you’ve got to be strong defensively poor results and a leaked letter in LONDON: Ben Te’o will make his first “Our preparation over the last two and you’ve got to play with aggression which he alleged that officials were England appearance in nearly a year weeks has been excellent and the play- and energy.” undermining him. after being selected at outside centre in ers feel refreshed. We want to start the SA Rugby said in a statement that the defending champions’ Six Nations tournament well and are ready to go “it had reached an agreement with opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday. hunting against Italy,” said Jones after Allister Coetzee to part ways with British and Irish Lions midfielder announcing an England side that boasts immediate effect”. Te’o, a powerful ball-carrier, has dis- 689 caps across the starting XV. After only 11 victories in 25 Tests placed Jonathan Joseph, more of a With powerhouse No.8 Billy Vuni- during two years guiding the Spring- traditional ‘running’ centre, in the side pola (arm) and stand-in Nathan Hughes boks, there had been increasing picked by Australian coach Eddie Jones (knee) both injured, Jones has had to media speculation that the 54-year- after recovering from a severe ankle reshape his back row. old faced the sack. injury that ruled him out of England’s Sam Simmonds, an impressive ball- “First and foremost we had to November series. carrier with Premiership champions assess what is in the best interests of The match will be the first time Te’o Exeter starts at No.8 and Jones said: the Springboks,” Jurie Roux, head of has played since October, with the New “Sam is a good young kid, he does the SA Rugby, said. Zealand-born rugby league convert simple things well, he runs hard, tack- “We’d like to thank Allister for partnering Owen Farrell in midfield. les hard, works hard. his passion and dedication to the Te’o’s only previous start for Eng- “He is a humble boy, he’s really fit- Springbok cause and wish him every land was also against Italy in the ted into the team well and his success in his next role.” corresponding fixture at Twickenham enthusiasm for ball carrying is going to Coetzee said in the statement: “I last season when an eventual 36-15 win be important on Sunday. have always held Springbok rugby for Jones’s men was overshadowed by “We don’t want to rely on one dom- dear to my heart and will continue to the controversial ‘no ruck’ tactics inant ball-carrier because if you rely on do so and for that reason I think now deployed by Azzurri coach Conor one then the opposition find a way to is the time the team and me strike out O’Shea. stop that ball-carrier and you’re stopped in new directions. “We’ve decided to give Ben Te’o a going forward.” “I wish Springbok rugby every run but Jonathan is unlucky not to start Courtney Lawes -- best known as success in the future -- as I have and will play a significant role as a fin- a lock -- is at blindside flanker, with the always done.” isher (replacement),” Jones told back-row completed by former Eng- In a recent leaked letter, the englandrugby.com. land captain Chris Robshaw at openside former inter-provincial scrum-half Dylan Hartley remains as captain, flanker, while Maro Itoje starts in the said his efforts to build a team capa- with the hooker -- who will be winning second row alongside Joe ble of winning the 2019 Rugby World his 90th cap -- looking to lead England Launchbury. Cup in Japan were being severely to their 23rd victory in 24 Tests under “It’s important to have three regu- hampered by officials. Jones. lar jumpers and we have that with Maro, In the letter to SA Rugby, Meanwhile, Ben Youngs has Courtney and Joe,” said Jones. Coetzee angrily alleged that officials retained his place as the starting scrum- “Chris Robshaw is also an accom- “embarked on a deliberate attempt half, despite continued pressure for the plished jumper so it gives us to undermine me from the word go. No.9 shirt from Danny Care. three-and-a-half jumpers.” “(This) creates a public impres- Despite injuries that have cost them Jones said doing the basics well sion of incompetence on my part several first-choice players, England -- would be the key to victory, explaining: Wales’ scrum-half Aled Davies tosses a ball during a training session at while wilfully obstructing my efforts who have won all 23 of their previous “Test match rugby never changes, it the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales on the eve of their Six to be successful,” he wrote. Tests against Italy -- will be huge doesn’t matter who you are playing and Nations Championship match against Scotland. “I will fight to protect my hard- favourites to start their bid for an where you are playing them. earned reputation.” Galhinna Cricket Club win Kundapura Trophy THE PENINSULA Vice President, Mubarak Kodi did welcome speech on behalf of KTC, Deepak Shetty , organ- DOHA: Galhinna Cricket Club (GCC) defeated a izing committee member and past President of fighting, Alliance Qatar Team to win the second KSQ, introduced chief guest , Inthikhaab Alam edition of Kundapura Trophy . General Secretary KTC, thanked everyone who The tournament was organised by Kundapura were involved in making this Tournament a huge Taluk Cricketers (KTC), a non-profitable sports success, Shehzaad Sports secretary managed the body representing cricketers and cricket lovers logistics and Mr. Tufail Matheen conducted the from Kundapura taluk in Karnataka State, India, ceremony. at old Ideal School grounds. Imran Navunda of Qatar Freelance group, In the Finals, put into bat, Alliance scored 56 Akbar Gangolli ex- President of KTC, were also runs in 6 overs. Chasing a moderate target, an present alongwith, all Karnataka based organi- The podium winners at the Flickers badminton tournament pose for a picture at Cambridge school explosive knock from Hussni towards the end sations Presidents – H K Madhu, KSQ, Asmath Ali in Doha. helped Galhinna reach their target in 5.1 overs. President of Tulukoota and coordinator of cricket The following prizes were awarded Man of tournament, Mr. Abdulla Monu President of KMCA, The Finals: Hussni , GCC; Best Bowler of the Tour- Prakash Noronha President of MCC, Mr. Abdul nament: Mudasir, Yorker; Best Batsman of the Majeed President of SKMWA, Mr. Ravi SHETTY, Badminton: Bamba siblings Toutrnament: Sajeev, Yorker; Man of the patron of Tulukoota. Series:Sifan, GCC. Ten Teams took part in 4-day The following were sponsors of the tourna- long floodlit tournament held on a league-cum- ment: Qatar Freelance group - Event sponsor; Main top at Flickers Mixed Doubles knockout basis. sponsors- Akbar Gangolli of NAMKO Builders, K. Jayaprakash Hegde, former Karnataka Min- Mubarak of Office solutions, Asmath Ali of Golden ister, ex-MP, ex- MLA graced the closing ceremony Trading and decoration and. Deepak Shetty. THE PENINSULA as Chief guest of Honour and Mr. Azim Abbas – Support sponsors: ATS, M Pallonji, QDC, Space Chairman and Head of ISC as Chief Guest. Earlier Trading, Al Muftah Contracting, Al Zaman DOHA: Raquel Bamba and Ryan , guests were brought into the ground in a color- Exchange Europarts, Intermodal Services and Bamba won the Mixed Doubles ful and yet traditional procession , involving Multiline. mini tournament of Flickers children waving both Qatari and Indian flags, Sponsors: Venkat Rao, Kiran Anand and Qatar at Cambridge School. Melam drums and duff songs. Alkaline. Flickers Qatar is a group of badminton playing group whose numbers have swelled since its formation one year back, informed, Presdient Carmencita Ortiaga. “We play and practice at two venues- Cambridge school in Mamoura and at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena in Al Sadd, three days of the week,” she said. “Our members range from six-year-olds to members above the age of 45. The prime motto is to stay healthy through sports,” Ortiaga said. Mixed Doubles winner Raquel Bamba and Ryan Bamba, receiving She said some promising the winners trophy from Carmencita Ortiaga (left), President of youngsters are emerging from the coaching programmes Flickers Qatar and Renato Ajero (right), Founder of Flickers Qatar. started by the group. “A few youngsters have The group conduct tourna- competitions. “The beginners showed excellent talent and are ments throughout the year of the game are clubbed in to be watched out in the future. among the 150 odd members, Group D and they compete They have excelled by winning and classify their players among themselves, while the some Qatar based tourna- according to proficiency of the experienced one see action in Galhinna Cricket Club the winners of the second edition of Kundapura Trophy celebrate their win. ments,” she added. sports in the inhouse Group A,” added Ortiaga. SPORT Saturday 3 February 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 StokesS could make Chung eyes Grand Man Utd fighting to EnglandE return in Slam after remarkable be second best, says NewN Zealand ODIs run Down Under mourinho Its ‘Just the Msakni hat-trick seals beginning’ easy win for Al Duhail for Neymar THE PENINSULA at PSG DOHA: Youssef Msakni led from the front with a hat-trick and an assist AFP as Al Duhail thrashed hosts Al Ahli 4-0 in their QNB Stars League PARIS: Neymar (pictured) insists his Paris Saint- encounter yesterday. Germain career is just getting started as the runaway Captain Msakni scored in the French league leaders prepare for a crucial stretch seventh, 23rd and 77th minutes while of matches that will likely define their season. Youssef El Arabi’s strike in the 36th PSG go to struggling Lille on Saturday, exactly minute made the goal tally for the six months on from Neymar’s world-record trans- winners. fer from Barcelona, with the Brazilian superstar Msakni took his tally to 14 goals bidding to add to his overall haul of 26 goals from and El Arabi 20 as the tournament’s 24 matches. top two scorers. “I wasn’t expecting this at the beginning, With yesterday’s win, Al Duhail these statistics with Paris Saint-Germain. But moved to 39 points, while Al Ahli I’m here to help the team and my teammates stayed on 16 in the standings. and to try and do better each day, in each match, Al Duhail showed no let-up and and that’s the most important thing,” Neymar dominated from the beginning as told PSG TV. play was mostly restricted to the Al “It’s not my objective to be the team’s main Ahli area. Murad Naji impressed with player, the lad who gets the most assists or his darting runs along the right flank Al Duhail skipper Youssef Msakni (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring his third goal against Al scores the most goals. I just wawant to play as well as precise crosses and cor- Ahli during their QNB Stars League match played at Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. Picture: Baher Amin/The Peninsula my oownwn football, that’s how it is,is I want to ner kicks. make things happhappen.”en.” Msakni opened the scoring with his hat-trick, with Karim Boudiaf QNB STARS LEAGUE mix-up between Mousa Harounroun and Neymar followed up a four-goalfour- per- a long-range shot following a quick doing the spadework. goalkeeper Oumar Barry. formance in an 8-0 win over DDijon with Yesterday’s results reaction and doubled the lead by Elsewhere, at Al Arabi Stadium, Early in the second half and a brace in last weekend’s 4-4-0 rout of Al Duhail beat Al Ahli 4-0 heading in a corner taken by Naji, Al Rayyan recorded a 3-1 victory Barry was again involvedd as his Montpellier,Montpellier, and desdespitepite constconstant spec- giving goalkeeper Yazan Naim no against struggling Al Markhiya Al Rayyan beat Al Markhiya 3-0 spilled catch was pounceded on by ulation about his future, he is adamant chance. yesterday. Al Arabi drew with Umm Salal 0-0 Saleh who blasted over. there is much more to come in Paris. El Arabi made it 3-0 after evad- Goals from Sebastian Soria in the Today’s matches Al Rayyan regained the lead “It’s“It’s justjust the beginning,”beginn said ing the offside trap and being set up 10th minute, Abderrazaq Hamdal- 4:35pm: Al Khor vs Al Gharafa through Hamdallah as he beat the the 25-year-old,25-year- who by Msakni. lah (70th) and Rodrigo Tabata (86th) at Al Khor Stadium offside trap to reign in on goal and scorscoreded ttheh club’s

Al Duhail took it a bit easy in the were enough for The Lions. Al 6:45pm: Qatar SC vs Al Sadd curl his shot into the far corner.rner. 2000th goal at second half, whereas Al Ahli showed Markhiya’s goal came through at Qatar SC Stadium With the victory all but secured, the ParcP des more alacrity. The Brigadiers’ striker Mohamed Salah in the 22nd. Tabata finished off a fine passipassingng PrincesPrince against Meshaal Abdullah went off the field Al Rayyan now have 35 points move late on to pile further pressurpressuree MontpMontpellier. injured and was replaced by Majid and Al Markhiya stayed on eight. The A minute later, they were made on the home side. “Making“Ma his- Mohammed. Lions thus geared up for the Qatar to pay as Mohsine Moutaouali fed Later, at the Al Arabi Stadium, tory with this club After Al Duhail’s Ismail Moham- Clasico against Al Sadd on February Sebastian Soria inside the box for the 10-man Al Arabi securedd a veryvery is an imimportant med missed a sitter on the hour 8. front man to grab his ninth goal of hard-fought point in a 0-0-0 drawdraw thingthing for a mark, Al Ahli’s first real chance to An edgy opening to the game saw the season with a left-footed shot against Umm Salal. playplayer. That’s score came in the 73rd, but Yassine few early chances. However, Al across the face of the goal. Today, Al Khor will meetet strstrongong why I came Chikhaoui failed to connect. The Markhiya were denied the lead when The home side grew into the Al Gharafa at their own backyardackyard here. To Tunisian attacking midfielder was Salah’s close-range header struck game and were able to capitalise while Qatar SC will take onn visitingvisiting make history thwarted by rival goalkeeper Amine the turf before bouncing up and on midway through the half as Salah Al Sadd in the final matchh of thethe and help PSG Lecomte after Msakni had completed to the crossbar. tapped in following a defensive week. progress.” FIFA Technical Experts’ Workshop a grand success

THE PENINSULA Workshop 2018 is the first of four Steven Martens said: “You have workshops organised by the FIFA a country that has all the facili- DOHA: The FIFA Technical in Qatar this month. The three ties within a short distance from Experts’ Workshop 2018 remaining FIFA workshops each other, and that will also concluded at the home of the which will be organised starting make the World Cup quite Qatar Football Association (QFA) next week include the 2018 FIFA unique and different from what in Doha yesterday. World Cup Russia Referees we have had in the past. Yester- The four-day workshop was Workshop from 5-9 February, day we visited Aspire, and from held at the Intercontinental Hotel the FIFA Women’s World Cup what we saw I can say Qatar can Doha and featured the partici- France 2019 from 12-16 Febru- be proud of such a facility. I have pation of 75 experts representing ary, and the FIFA Master been around the world and seen 45 different countries, and the 6 FUTURO Workshop from 19-23 many world class facilities and confederations. February. Aspire is really a world class The purpose of the four-day Speaking at the closing cer- facility.” workshop was to inform the var- emony, Steven Martens, FIFA’s “The people that are here ious FIFA experts taking part, of Technical Director thanked the today are experts from all over FIFA’s new ‘FIFA 2.9’ structure QFA for hosting the workshop in the world. We wanted to bring and philosophy, and tell them of Qatar and for providing assist- the expertise together because the recently-introduced pro- ance to ensure the success of the different parts of the world have gramme to improve technical workshop. different issues and different excellence. He said: “We have a fantas- challenges and by bringing peo- The FIFA 2.0 strategy is tic relationship with Qatar, Qatar ple from different backgrounds, designed to further develop the has a great climate and is ideally we can cater to that more effi- game to new heights and ensure situated to bring experts from all ciently during the workshop.” that it spreads to all nations. across the world in an accepta- Martens said. The workshop also focused ble distance. Qatar possesses Speaking at the closing cer- on education and further train- great facilities so it was a great emony, Director of Football ing for technical directors and choice to hold the workshop in Development Department at the FIFA Technical Director, Steven Martens (left) Gifts Director of Football Development Department at for men’s and women’s coaches Doha. Obviously this (workshop) QFA, Fahad Al Zaraa said: “The QFA, Fahad Al Zaraa the Official FIFA World Cup Match Ball during the FIFA Technical Experts’ Workshop from member associations, as will not have a direct impact on workshop, which lasted for four well as the development of wom- 2018 at the QFA headquarters yesterday. the running of the World Cup but days, discussed the most impor- en’s football and promoting the it is how we will help to grow tant topics for the development game at youth and grassroots specifically tailored to their area and conduct some of the practi- Technical Director, Steven Mar- football across with the world, of football in the member asso- level. of expertise. Participants also cal sessions at the world-class tens, and QFA’s Director of and our partnership with QFA is ciations. I would like to thank Participants were divided had theoretical and practical ses- facility. Football Development Depart- fantastic for that.” FIFA for choosing Qatar to host into different groups who sions throughout the four days, Present at the workshop ment, Fahad Thani Al Zaraa. When asked about the qual- this important workshop, the attended workshops that were and had the chance to visit Aspire closing ceremony were FIFA The FIFA Technical Experts’ ity of the facilities in Qatar, decision is highly appreciated.”