NNBABA | Page 5 GGOLFOLF | Page 6 Dominant Woods in wins for the hunt as Warriors Hoff man and spurs romps

Sunday, December 3, 2017 CRICKET Rabia I 15, 1439 AH Kohli passes 5,000 GULF TIMES runs as India pile on agony for Lanka SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL QNB STARS LEAGUE Man United stun Duhail scrape 2-1 win over Arsenal as Spurs Markhiya held by Watford Pogba was sent off for a studs-up tackle on Hector Bellerin, but Arsenal could not take advantage as they went down in a 3-1 thriller in London

Al Duhail’s Korean star Nam Tae-hee is congratulated by Youusef Msakni and Youssef El Arabi after he scored the winner for his team yesterday.

By Sports Reporter In another match yesterday, a late Doha strike by forward Majed Mohamed steered Al Ahli past Al Sailiya 2-1. Majed supplemented the eff ort of eaders and hosts Al Duhail team-mate Mohamed Muntari, who scraped past Al Markhiya 2-1 had scored Al Ahlis fi rst goal in the after a hard-fought battle 24th minute. For Al Sailiya, Valentin Lin Week 10 of the QNB Stars Lazar found the net in the 21st at the Al League yesterday. Ahli Stadium. Goals by Youssef Msakni (ninth Al Ahli’s third win took their points minute) and Nam Tae-hee (43rd) pow- tally to 11. ered the reigning champions to their In an explosive start to the game, Al ninth victory and 28 points. Sailiya’s Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov Midfi elder Saleh al-Yazidi scored Al smashed a powerful shot against the Markhiya’s only goal in the 15th. Al Ahli crossbar as early as the second Al Duhail opened the scoring when minute. Standing unmarked near the Msakni charged into the Al Markhiya edge of the box, the Uzbek forward box and slipped past three defenders unleashed a powerful shot that rico- before fi ring a low shot past goalkeeper cheted off the horizontal, much to the Mohamed Khuroob. It was his ninth relief in the rival camp. goal this season. A minute later, Al Ahli’s Colom- Six minutes later, feared striker bian import Cristian Nazaret weaved Youssef El Arabi slipped in a neat cross his way into the Al Sailiya box with a from the fl ank, but Msakni’s snap- slick move, but his narrow-angle shot header did not have the pace to beat from close range was smartly blocked Manchester United’s English midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates scoring his team’s third goal against Arsenal in London yesterday. Khuroon. by goalkeeper Mahamat Aziz, who had Soon, Al Markhiya midfi elder Al charged out of his position on the goal- AFP through captain Antonio Valencia in will mean sleepless nights for England sons but their title push has come to a Yazidi equalised with a slick close- line. London the fourth minute and doubling their boss Gareth Southgate, who has the shuddering halt after a string of dam- range fl ick that crashed into the Al Du- Al Sailiya opened the scoring lead just minutes later through in-form unenviable task of nullifying the Bel- aging results. hail net, much to the horror of Al Du- through a solo move by Romanian Jesse Lingard. gian’s threat at next year’s World Cup in Pochettino’s side fell behind to an hail coach Djamel Belmadi. midfi elder Lazar, who found his fourth anchester United blitzed In a thrilling end-to-end contest Russia. Chelsea came back from a goal early Christian Kabasele header. Son Close to the half-hour mark, Al goal of the season. Arsenal with two quick-fi re United looked irresistible on the break down to ease to a 3-1 victory courtesy Heung-Min equalised midway through Markhiya’s Talal Ali got booked with Three minutes later, Muntari raced goals in a breathless en- but Arsenal, with Alexandre Lacazette of two goals from Hazard — including the fi rst half but Spurs were reduced to a yellow card for bringing down Lu- into the Al Sailiya box and beat the counter to close the gap on a surprise inclusion after injury fears, an impudent penalty — either side of an 10 men when Davinson Sanchez was cas Mendes of Al Duhail. In the 34th goalkeeper on his fi rst attempt follow- ManchesterM City yesterday but Totten- enjoyed more than 70 % of possession Alvaro Morata header. dismissed shortly after the restart. minute, star striker Youssef El Arabi ing a long ball from the midfi eld that ham slipped further off the pace with a in the fi rst half, hitting 15 shots as David “The gap is eight points now, and “It is important for us to change the headed home from close, but the lines- landed perfectly in front of the Qatar costly draw at Watford. De Gea’s goal led a charmed life. there’s still a long way to go so that’s feelings,” said Pochettino. “We were man ruled it off -side. forward. With Pep Guardiola’s Premier Arsenal sent the decibel level soar- why we have to keep getting closer and disappointed after Leicester. We are in Two minutes from half-time, South Late in the second half, Majed chose League pacesetters not in action until ing after a lightning-quick start to the closer and hope they slip up,” said mid- a period now that we suff ered things Korean Nam easily slotted one home the perfect moment to score, beating today, United’s 3-1 victory took them to second half as Lacazette lashed home fi elder Cesc Fabregas. “They are there against us. It is good for the group to from inside the Al Markhiya box. Al Sailiya defender Mohamed Mus- within fi ve points of the Premier League Aaron Ramsey’s pass to pull a goal because they deserve it. Our job is to try and learn. It is a long-term project. Both teams traded attacks in the tafa before calmly slotting the ball past summit following emphatic wins for back, and the home side came forward keep winning.” It will be good for the future. You want second half, but neither could fi nd the goalkeeper Aziz with a low shot in the Chelsea and Liverpool earlier in the day. in waves, forcing De Gea to pull off an Free-scoring Liverpool blitzed to win but in tough moments you learn.” net and Al Duhail picked up three valu- 84th. But Mauricio Pochettino must fi nd astounding double save to maintain Brighton 5-1 on the south coast with Former Premier League champions able points in their title chase. Al Ahli are up against Al Rayyan, a way of lifting struggling Spurs after United’s lead. goals from Emre Can, a brace from Rob- Leicester City, enjoying a revival under Al Duhail face Al Sailiya and Al while Al Sailiya run into Al Duhail in they dropped two more points against But just as the home side threatened erto Firmino, a late strike from Philippe new boss Claude Puel, won 1-0 at home Markhiya play Umm Salal in Week 11. the next round. Watford with a 1-1 draw at Vicarage to overwhelm United, Paul Pogba burst Coutinho and a Lewis Dunk own goal. to Burnley courtesy of an early strike Road that leaves them 15 points off the into the box and squared for Lingard to “At the beginning we needed to be from fl ying winger Demarai Gray. pace. net his second and silence the crowd. patient with Brighton’s style, “ said New Everton manager Sam Allardyce Jose Mourinho took his team to the As the match lost some of its high- manager Jurgen Klopp, whose side have watched his side beat Huddersfi eld 2-0 Emirates with questions over how they octane momentum, referee Andre scored 12 goals in their past three Pre- and Stoke came from behind to beat would approach the fi xture after a poor Marriner sent off Pogba for a studs- mier League away games.”We needed to Swansea 2-1 while West Brom, un- Al Ahli players recent away record and a shortage of up tackle on Hector Bellerin to change get used to it. der new boss Alan Pardew, drew 0-0 celebrate their goals against fellow members of the the balance of the contest, but Arsenal “We scored two fantastic goals. It against Crystal Palace. win over Al Sailiya. “Big Six”. could not take advantage. was good to watch. We scored a third Manchester City host struggling But United quashed all thoughts of Eden Hazard’s eye-catching per- which is a good idea in a game like this.” West Ham today, with Guardiola’s men shutting up shop and were immedi- formance in their comfortable win in Spurs have challenged for the Pre- looking for their 13th consecutive Pre- ately on the front foot, taking the lead the early fi xture at Stamford Bridge mier League crown in the past two sea- mier League victory.

RESULTS AND STANDINGS Leicester 1 (Gray 6) Burnley 0 Man City 14 13 1 0 44 9 40 Brighton 15 4 5 6 14 19 17 Arsenal 1 (Lacazette 49) Manchester United Stoke 2 (Shaqiri 36, Diouf 40) Swansea 1 Man Utd 15 11 2 2 35 9 35 Southampton 14 4 4 6 14 17 16 3 (Valencia 4, Lingard 11, 63) (Bony 3) Chelsea 15 10 2 3 28 12 32 Stoke 15 4 4 7 18 30 16 Brighton 1 (Murray 51-pen) Liverpool 5 Watford 1 (Kabasele 13) Tottenham 1 (Son Liverpool 15 8 5 2 33 19 29 Newcastle 15 4 3 8 14 22 15 (Can 30, Firmino 32, 48, Coutinho 87, Dunk 25) Arsenal 15 9 1 5 29 19 28 Huddersfield 15 4 3 8 9 26 15 89-og) West Brom 0 Crystal Palace 0 Tottenham 15 7 4 4 23 13 25 Bournemouth 14 4 2 8 12 16 14 Chelsea 3 (Hazard 21, 74-pen, Morata 33) Playing today Burnley 15 7 4 4 14 12 25 West Brom 15 2 7 6 12 21 13 Newcastle 1 (Gayle 12) Bournemouth v Southampton (1330 GMT) Watford 15 6 4 5 25 26 22 Crystal Palace 15 2 4 9 8 25 10 Everton 2 (Sigurdsson 47, Calvert-Lewin 73) Manchester City v West Ham (1600 GMT) Leicester 15 5 5 5 20 20 20 West Ham 14 2 4 8 12 30 10 Huddersfield 0 P W D L GF GA P Everton 15 5 3 7 19 28 18 Swansea 15 2 3 10 8 18 9 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 3, 2017 CRICKET

ASHES England dismiss captain Smith as Aussies dig in under lights Debutant Overton claims the huge scalp of the world’s top-rated Test batsman for 40 SCORECARD

AFP bowl Smith in a Test match in Adelaide, Australia Australia since New Zealand’s Trent Boult in November 2015. “We’re pretty happy. We ngland snared the felt like we bowled pretty well prized wicket of their all day,” Overton said. “We’ll nemesis Steve Smith come back tomorrow with as Australia toiled un- the new ball and hopefully get Eder the lights in a feisty open- a couple of early ones and be ing day of the fi rst-ever day- quite on top.” night Ashes Test in Adelaide Smith, who faced 90 balls, yesterday. It was debutant had been contained by Eng- Craig Overton who claimed land’s tight line and was nev- the huge scalp of the world’s er given a moment’s peace by top-rated Test batsman for 40 Joe Root’s team to keep him and his fi rst Test wicket in the under pressure. At one stage 63rd over of a grimly-fought James Anderson stood just off Australia I innings Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Bancroft), contest between bat and ball. the pitch and close to Smith C. Bancroft run out (Woakes) 10 2-86 (Warner), 3-139 But the Australians, lead- at the non-striker’s end as D. Warner c Bairstow b (Khawaja), 4-161 (Smith) ing the series after a 10-wick- the pair exchanged barbs and Woakes 47 To bat: T. Paine, M. Starc, et fi rst Test win in Brisbane, needed umpire Aleem Dar to U. Khawaja c Vince b P. Cummins, J. Hazlewood, only lost four wickets after step between the two to calm Anderson 53 N. Lyon being surprisingly sent into tensions. S. Smith b Overton 40 Bowling: Anderson 20-3-45-1, bat by England skipper Joe Smith also traded heated P. Handscomb not out 36 Broad 19-7-39-0, Woakes 15-2- Root. At the close, the home words with Stuart Broad early S. Marsh not out 20 50-1, Overton 17-3-47-1, Moeen side were 209 for four with in his innings as the tourists Extras (lb3) 3 10-1-25-0 Peter Handscomb unbeaten looked for ways to unset- Total (4 wickets; 81 overs) 209 Toss: England on 36 and Shaun Marsh on tle the imperious Australian 20 before an Adelaide Oval skipper. “I’m not sure what England captain since Bob hit the stumps from mid-off record 55,317 crowd. was said, I was on the bound- Willis in 1982 to bowl after as Bancroft scrambled to make “It was a pretty nice one, ary, but obviously they said a winning the toss in Adelaide, his ground and was run out in obviously,” Overton said of few things and it looked like failed to gain any reward un- the mix-up for 10. his dismissal of Smith. “He’s he got under his skin,” Over- til the 15th over after two rain Woakes captured the vital one of the best players in the ton said of the exchanges with stoppages. Key bowlers An- wicket of Warner for 47 in the world to get that one to start Smith. “But he still got 40, so derson and Broad wasted the 34th over. Warner edged an with and hopefully I can carry he played pretty well. It’s nice new pink ball by bowling short outswinger to Jonny Bairstow on with that tomorrow.” to get him in the end.” of a length in the important and left the home side 86 Overton angled one in be- Usman Khawaja raised his fi rst hour. England got the ini- for two as Smith came to the tween bat and pad to scatter ninth Test half-century and tial breakthrough in the over crease. Ashes holders Eng- Smith’s stumps to the un- was dropped on 44 by Mark after tea through a run out. land cannot aff ord another bridled delight of the Eng- Stoneman before he fell in the David Warner played Broad defeat after their fi rst Test land team after the Austral- over after the dinner break. into the covers where Moeen mauling at the Gabba. Aus- ian skipper’s match-turning He shaped to cover drive An- Ali fumbled the ball as Cam- tralia have beaten New Zea- unbeaten 141 in Brisbane. derson only to get an edge to eron Bancroft set off for a run land and South Africa in the Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar (centre) steps between England’s James Anderson (left) and Australia’s Steve Smith to calm The Somerset seamer earned James Vince in the gully for 53. from the non-striker’s end. two day-night Tests played at tensions after the pair exchanged barbs during the first day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide yesterday. (Reuters) kudos as the fi rst bowler to Root, who became the fi rst Woakes picked up the ball and the Adelaide Oval. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 3 CRICKET

THIRD TEST Kohli passes 5,000 Test runs as India increase Sri Lanka’s agony Opener Murali Vijay also plunders 155 as India finish Day One at 371-4 after opting bat to first

AFP New Delhi

ndian captain Virat Kohli blasted an un- beaten 156 to pass 5,000 runs in Test cricket as his side made 371-4 on a painful opening day of the third match for Sri Lanka’s bowl- Iers. Opener Murali Vijay also plundered 155 to increase the agony for the tourists who are one India's captain Virat Kohli slips down in the series. while taking a run during the first Kohli remained on 156 with Rohit Sharma on day of the third Test against Sri six at the end of the day at the Feroz Shah Kotla Lanka at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi. Kohli and Vijay put on 283 Stadium in New Delhi. (AFP) for the third wicket after India lost its top two batsmen in the morning session. “The respon- sibility and ownership lies with the top order. Whoever gets in wants to make it big and they have embraced it well,” India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar told reporters. “The number of big scores that we have had is purely because they understand the responsibility that the team is a batsman short and how somebody who is set can make a big contribution,” he added. Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan hurt the hosts with two late wickets, including Vijay’s prized scalp. Vijay was stumped for 155 though the decision needed approval from the third umpire with the batsman’s back foot just on the line. Ajinkya Rahane’s miserable run with the bat continued as he was stumped in a similar fash- ion to walk off with one run to his name from fi ve deliveries. “He would be disappointed in the manner he got out. He is somebody who works hard on his game like all players do,” said Ban- gar. “His overseas record is phenomenal... he is a quality player who has performed when the chips are down for the team,” he added. Talking about the opening combination India will play against South Africa in the upcoming tour in January, Bangar said: "The team man- agement is clear that it will depend on the form of player, we are so spoilt for choices, whoever is making his opportunity is making it count. "The current form and the way in which the player have the mindset will consider them for the fi nal eleven," he said. Kohli, fresh from a majestic 213 during In- dia’s thrashing of Sri Lanka in the second Test in Nagpur, led the batting charge with his 20th should have brought in the googly much earlier. Test century. The Delhi-born star got a single So hopefully we come with a diff erent aspect to- off Dilruwan Perera after the tea break to regis- morrow,” he said. KOHLI THE RUN-MACHINE ter his fi rst Test century on his home ground and India lead the series 1-0 and need only a draw the crowd stood up in applause. for a record-equalling ninth successive Test 20- Centuries for Virat Kohli in Tests. He's centuries; Rahul Dravid made four in a row. Kohli’s knock, laced with 16 boundaries, took series triumph. England and Australia are the the fifth-fastest, in terms of innings (105), to Kohli scored his third consecutive century him past 5,000 Test runs in his 63rd game. He other sides to have achieved the feat. the landmark, behind Donald Bradman (55), after bagging a duck in the first innings of this also became the fi rst captain to score successive Sunil Gavaskar (93), Matthew Hayden (95) and series against Sri Lanka. Vijay Hazare (1949 to hundreds in a three-match series. Vijay seemed SCOREBOARD Steven Smith (99). Since Kohli's debut, only 1951), Polly Umrigar (1961), Gavaskar (twice: inspired by his captain as the right-hand opener India innings one player has scored more centuries than he 1971 and 1978) and Vinod Kambli (1993) are smashed his second straight ton of the series M. Vijay st Dickwella b Sandakan 155 has - Smith, with 21. the other India batsmen with three back-to- following an innings of 128 when he came back S. Dhawan c Lakmal b Perera 23 back Test match centuries. from injury in Nagpur. C. Pujara c Samarawickrama b Gamage 23 11- Indian batsmen to complete 5000 runs Earlier Perera got his 100th Test scalp to send V. Kohli not out 156 in Tests, with Kohli being the latest addition. 6- Hundreds for Kohli, across formats, opener Shikhar Dhawan back for 23. Perera be- A. Rahane st Dickwella b Sandakan 1 He's the fourth-quickest among the 11 to the against Sri Lanka in 2017 - four in Tests and came Sri Lanka’s fastest bowler to a century of R. Sharma not out 6 landmark. Gavaskar (95), Virender Sehwag two in ODIs. No batsman has made more in a wickets in his 25th match, two less than spin Extras (lb1, nb6) 7 (99) and Sachin Tendulkar (103) got there in single year of international cricket against a legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Total (4 wickets, 90 overs) 371 fewer innings. single opposition. Desmond Haynes in 1984 Cheteshwar Pujara was the second man out, Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Dhawan), 2-78 (Pujara), 3-361 and Tendulkar in 1998 had hit six tons against fifties into hundreds, beginning from the 235 caught at leg slip for 23 after fl icking a sliding (Vijay), 4-365 (Rahane) 50- Innings for Kohli to complete 3000 Australia previously. against England at Wankhede last year. He's delivery from paceman Lahiru Gamage. Sri Lan- Still to bat: W. Saha, R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, I. Sharma, runs as Test captain, the fifth-fastest to this the first India batsman to do so. The only ka’s fast bowling coach Rumesh Ratnayake said M. Shami feat. Bradman did it in a record 37 innings, Ma- 110- Balls taken by Kohli to complete a player with a better conversion rate is Brad- the visitors should focus on the little things they Bowling: Lakmal 14-2-50-0, Gamage 17-6-68-1, hela Jayawardene in 48 and Graham Gooch in century - his fastest in Tests. He had got one man, with 12. did right on day one to bounce back in the game. Perera 21-0-97-1, Sandakan 23-1-110-2 (nb6), De Silva 49. Earlier today, Smith also completed 3000 in 119 balls in the first Test of this series, which “You have to bring in the portions of which 15-0-45-0 runs as captain in the Adelaide Day-Night Test was his previous fastest. He got to his fifty in 283- Runs put on by Kohli and Vijay in they have done well and say if you have done Toss: India playing his 50th innings. 52 balls, also his fastest. Murali Vijay (right) partnership with each other - a new record for those... right then you continue the things Sri Lanka XI: D. Chandimal (captain), S. Samaraw- scored his fastest 50 as well, off 67 balls. India against Sri Lanka. They took over from which we did right,” Ratnayake said. “Also ickrama, D. Karunaratne, D. de Silva, A. Mathews, N. 2002- The last time an India bats- Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev, who change in tactics, whether in fi eld or other- Dickwella (wicketkeeper), R. Silva, D. Perera, S. man scored three or more successive Test 6- Kohli has converted each of his last six added 272 for the sixth wicket in 1986-87. wise... tell Sandakan to bowl more googlies. He Lakmal, L. Sandakan, L. Gamage

ASHES SPOTLIGHT ‘Smith was saying I was slow, it India not losing sleep was nice to beat him for pace’ over Rahane’s form Ali Martin in Adelaide Oval he had earlier lit up, revealing bit. He didn’t do that in the fi rst Reuters The Guardian during a short press conference Test at Brisbane. I don’t know if New Delhi – one that ensured England’s he was doing that to wind our- players would beat their cur- selves up a little bit.” herever Craig Over- few – how some of the on-fi eld Being the junior member of jinkya Rahane has ton’s career takes chitchat had made it all the more the side, and making his debut on been a conspicuous him from here, he sweet. the same ground as the suspend- absentee from the on- will always have Ste- “It was a pretty nice one,” he ed Ben Stokes four years ago, going Indian runfest Wve Smith. At the home of Sir Don- said. “There was a plan to go Overton could not be further re- againstA Sri Lanka but the middle ald Bradman, and on a day when straight at him. We thought we moved from the brains trust. He order batsman appeared to have cricket drew more spectators could keep him quiet doing that. did, however, explain his under- the backing of the team manage- here than ever before, he made Then one went through him a lit- standing as to why the captain, ment ahead of the tour of South player and his overseas record is Australia’s modern-day equiva- tle bit quicker and beat him for Joe Root, opted to bowl fi rst. Africa later this month. phenomenal. He has the ability lent his maiden Test wicket. pace. He was saying I was slow, Overton said: “This morning The 29-year-old right-hander to bounce back very quickly.” Told he was making his debut so it was nice that I beat him for there were overcast skies, so we has been the lone player in In- The Mumbai player has now an hour from the start of play, be- pace.” tried to make sure we capitalised dia’s top six without a fi fty in managed seven runs in his last fore being presented with his cap England appeared intent on on that. The fi rst session didn’t the three-test series against a four innings against Sri Lanka by the former off -spinner John unsettling Smith at the crease, go to plan, but they didn’t get Sri Lankan attack which has whereas Kohli (three), Vijay Emburey, the 23-year-old – one with verbals fl ying from Stu- away from us. They’re not too far leaked many runs. Rahane blew (two), Cheteshwar Pujara (one) half of Somerset’s seam bowling art Broad and Jimmy Anderson, ahead of the game so if we can get another opportunity yesterday, and Rohit Sharma (one) have twins – was left in something of and the umpires, Aleem Dar and early wickets, we’re confi dent.” getting stumped off Sri Lanka helped themselves to centuries. a daze after breaking the defence Chris Gaff aney, having to step in Usman Khawaja, who made 53 left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Bangar pointed out Rahane’s of the Australia captain on 40. on the odd occasion to try and for Australia and did not quite Sandakan for one even as India impressive record abroad where It was just after the dinner temper what is already a frac- manage to capitalise on the life amassed 371-4 with skipper Vi- the batsman has registered six of break when Overton struck, tious series. given to him 44 when dropped rat Kohli and opener Murali Vijay his nine hundreds, the last com- teasing the pink Kookaburra on Overton said: “I was on the at long leg by Mark Stoneman, making big centuries. ing in Sri Lanka in August. “He’s to Smith’s stumps via pad to en- boundary so I don’t know too was not surprised by the call “He would be disappointed scored a century in every country sure that, after 415 balls without much. It looked like they got un- and said the pink ball and a soft with the manner he got out. He’s we’ve toured (in recent times), any joy this series through his der his skin, but he still got 40. It surface were behind the slow somebody who works very hard that speaks of his quality,” Ban- unbeaten 141 in Brisbane, Eng- was nice to get him in the end.” run-rate. The left-hander said: on his game,” batting coach San- gar said. “He’s performed when land had fi nally seen the back of Asked in what way Smith ap- “I had a feeling they might bowl jay Bangar told reporters. “Last chips were down. He’d be hurt- the world’s No1 batsman. peared to be irked, Overton re- fi rst. With it overcast, day one, match and this match, his shot ing with his dismissals but he’s England paceman Craig Overton bowls during the first day of the At the close on day one Over- plied: “Just the way he left the the pink ball – their bowlers do selections would be hurting him too good a player to not making second Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide. (AFP) ton beamed like the Zing bails ball, almost exaggerating a little thrive in those conditions." defi nitely. But he is a quality runs for a long time.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 3, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET Rollicking de Grandhomme ton leaves Windies reeling At stumps New Zealand were 447 for nine, holding a 313-run lead after the West Indies were rolled for 134 in their first innings

AFP Wellington

ew Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme cracked his maiden Test century off just 71 balls to leave the West Indies reeling at stumps on the Nsecond day of the fi rst Test in Wellington yes- terday. It was the ninth fastest Test century of all time as de Grandhomme, in only his seventh Test, made light of a tiring attack and plundered the boundary on a demoralising day for the West Indies. At stumps New Zealand were 447 for nine, holding a 313-run lead after the West Indies were rolled for 134 in their fi rst innings. De Grandhomme was out for 105 after a rollicking innings that included three sixes and 11 fours. Senior batsman Ross Taylor and Henry Ni- cholls set the stage for an all-out attack with their 127-run stand for the fourth wicket which led to de Grandhomme and Tom Blundell adding 148 for the seventh. There was no sign of nerves from the debutant Blundell who was unbeaten on 57 at stumps to go with Taylor’s 93 and 66 for Nicholls on a day in which New Zealand scored 362 runs, lost seven wickets and left the West Indies exhausted. De Grandhomme, who went to the crease when Nicholls was dismissed on the second ball after tea, used the fi rst delivery he faced from Miguel Cummins as a sighter and then smacked boundaries off the next two. It was big hitting with minimal risk as he raced to 99 and then reached his milestone century steering a Cum- mins delivery wide of point for three. But in the following over he was deceived by a slower ball from Roston Chase which was New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme made 105 that chipped to Kieran Powell at long on. Taylor was included three sixes and 11 fours against the West Indies closing in on his 17th century to equal the New in the First Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington. Zealand record held by his mentor, the late Mar- tin Crowe, and current captain Kane William- son, when he fell lbw to Kemar Roach shortly before tea. The initial appeal was turned down by Aus- tralian umpire Rod Tucker with two noises heard as the ball went through suggesting a possible inside edge. But the West Indies were confi dent in their call for a video review which clearly showed only the pad had been hit and the non Gabriel who fumbled the catch at fi ne leg eff ect for New Zealand the previous day when J. Raval c Dowrich b Roach 42 Extras (b4, lb2, nb13) 19 ball was angling towards the stumps, meaning before securing it on the second attempt. Neil Wagner took seven for 39. K. Williamson c Hope b Roach 1 Total (for nine wickets, 127 overs) 447 Taylor’s 160-ball innings was over. After resuming the day at 85 for two, Jeet The most successful of the West Indies bowl- R. Taylor lbw Roach 93 Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Latham), 2-68 (Williamson), Nicholls had a reprieve on the third ball after Raval was the fi rst wicket to fall when he was ers was Roach with three for 73 while Cummins H. Nicholls c Gabriel b Cummins 67 3-109 (Raval), 4-236 (Taylor), 5-272 (Nicholls), 6-281 the lunch break when he was caught behind off a caught behind off Roach for 42 in the 10th over and Chase and two apiece. M. Santner b Cummins 17 (Santner), 7-429 (de Grandhomme), 8-437 (Wagner), poorly executed pull shot, only for video replays of the morning while Taylor went nine overs C. de Grandhomme c Powell b Chase 105 9-442 (Henry) to show the Jason Holder delivery was a no ball. before tea. For most of the day Windies skipper SCOREBOARD T. Blundell not out 57 Bowling: Gabriel 26-3-80-1 (7nb), Roach 19-5-73-3, But there was no such luck on the second ball Jason Holder placed defensive fi elds with a lim- WEST INDIES I INNINGS 134 (Powell 42; Wagner 7-39) N. Wagner b Chase 3 Cummins 24-7-74-2 (4nb), Holder 27-7-85-1 (2nb), after the tea adjournment when he connected ited cordon behind the stumps as he employed New Zealand I innings (overnight 85-2) M. Henry c Dowrich b Gabriel 4 Chase 23-2-83-2, Brathwaite 8-0-46-0. with the pull shot only to steer the ball to Shan- the short-ball tactics which had worked to good T. Latham c Roach b Holder 37 T. Boult not out 2 Toss: New Zealand

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Doha Bank announces 13th Leclerc joins Ericsson at Alfa edition of Al Dana Green Run oha Bank, one of the largest private com- Ahmed al-Henzab, Head of Administration & Romeo Sauber Formula 1 team mercial banks in Qatar, has opened free Property Department at Doha Bank said:” Al Dana online registrations for 2017 Al Dana Green Run is back and we couldn’t be any prouder. Reuters Green Run, which will take place on Sat- We are looking forward to bring the local commu- Arese, Italy urday,D 9th December, at Khalifa Stadium in Aspire nity together once again to promote sustainability Zone. The 13th edition of the annual run, organised and a healthy lifestyle, and, above all, to show our by Doha Bank and supported by Qatar Olympic respect and solidarity to Qatar and its wise leader- ormula Two champion Charles Committee, Qatar’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, ship. This year, Al Dana Green Run is dedicated to Leclerc will move up to Formula One Qatar Sports for all Federation (QSFA), Traffi c De- Qatar, its people and our beloved His Highness Emir with Alfa Romeo-backed Sauber partment, and Aspire Academy, will coincide with Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Moreover, the 13th next season while Marcus Ericcson the commencement of this year’s Qatar National edition is Doha Bank’s way of expressing support staysF in the lineup despite the Swede fail- Day celebrations. to the recent national campaign ‘Tamim al-Majd. ing to score a point in 2017. The announce- On top of promoting environmental awareness We are looking forward to delivering an outstanding ment was made by Fiat Chrysler (FCA) chief and a healthy lifestyle, the 3km run, billed as one edition to celebrate Qatar and its wonderful com- executive Sergio Marchionne yesterday at of the biggest and most widely attended commu- munity.” a presentation of Alfa Romeo’s new part- nity events in the country, will pay homage to Qatar Qatar Sports for All Federation President, Ab- nership with the Swiss team at the Italian and support the recently launched Tamim al-Majd dulrahman al-Dosari said: “We are thrilled to col- marque’s museum near Milan. campaign by spreading messages of unity and soli- laborate with Doha Bank’s Al Dana Green Run for That deal, marking the return of the his- darity among Doha’s community. its 13th edition. This initiative aimed at promoting toric Alfa Romeo name to Formula One af- Al Dana Green Run is open to people of all age green practices and wellbeing of our society closely ter a more than 30-year absence, was an- groups and fi tness levels off ering 10 running cat- matches Qatar’s 2030 focus and vision to encour- nounced earlier in the week. Yesterday’s egories, including professional athletes, heavy- age environmental conservation and eco-friendly event showed off a new red and white livery, weights, families, and special needs among others. development among local residents and communi- with Alfa Romeo branding prominent on the Winners from each category will be awarded cash ties. It is also in line with QSFA’s vision on spread- engine cover, and a redesigned logo. The prizes, while plenty of surprises will be on off er ing the culture of sport to all ages, and providing the lineup leaves Pascal Wehrlein, Ericsson’s for audience members, who will be treated to free required equipment and resources to make sport German teammate, facing an uncertain fu- entertainment all day long. The popular family- accessible to people of all ages.” ture with former champions Williams the friendly event will also feature a dedicated fun zone Al-Dosari added: “I believe that it is our duty to only remaining team with a vacancy but Po- area at the venue to entertain visitors of all ages support this unique event as Qatar is on its way to land’s Robert Kubica is favourite to fi ll it. with a range of activities, such as kids’ concerts becoming a global sports destination. More im- Ferrari-backed Leclerc, 20 and from Mo- and dance parties, face painting, infl atables bouncy portantly, it is an honour and privilege for us to pay naco, had been expected to get the Sauber houses with giant slides, football and basketball homage to our country and the visionary leadership drive after a dominant season in the offi cial competitions, as well as colouring crafts workshops of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad feeder series. Ericsson’s future had been in Drivers Charles Leclerc of Monaco (left) and Marcus Ericsson of Sweden pose next to the to name a few. al-Thani.” doubt, with Ferrari-backed Italian Antonio Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 car in Arese, near Milan, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) Giovinazzi also a candidate under the new partnership. and warned that the deal could end in 2021 also for the team,” said Ericsson, whose fi - Giovinazzi will be the reserve driver in- if Ferrari decided to walk away as they have nancial support has long been linked to stead, taking part in Friday practice ses- threatened. Rausing and the Tetra Laval packaging sions. Marchionne, who is also chairman of “Now there is the additional benefi t that group. “I think obviously we’re starting Sauber’s engine suppliers Ferrari, has made when we sit down at the table to discuss the from quite far behind because we had a diffi - the title sponsorship of Sauber part of his future of Formula One, we’re playing two cult season, but I think we have the potential reshaping of the FCA-owned Alfa Romeo marques,” he told reporters. “I think the to take a good step forward.” brand. Fiat Chrysler have invested billions guns are loaded in a diff erent way.” Alfa Romeo have a strong heritage in For- of euros since 2014 to develop new Alfa Formula One chairman Chase Carey and mula One with the fi rst two world cham- Romeo models that would stand up against former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, president pionships in 1950 and 1951 won by Italian German premium rivals and shed a reputa- of the governing FIA, both attended the Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina and Argentine Juan tion for poor quality and service that has hit presentation. In a speech, Marchionne also Manuel Fangio in their cars. Ferrari’s late sales in the past decade. “Formula One is thanked Sauber Holding chairman Pascal founder Enzo also started out racing and the natural reference point for a marque like Picci and Swedish billionaire Finn Raus- managing a team for Alfa Romeo, before this,” he said. ing for their support in reaching a deal that setting up on his own in the late 1930s. Alfa Marchionne added that the partnership should boost a team that fi nished last overall Romeo supplied engines in the 1960s and Doha Bank off icials announce the opening of free online registrations for 2017 Al Dana Green Run, which would also strengthen his hand in talks this year. 1970s and returned as a constructor in 1979 will take place on Saturday at Khalifa Stadium. with Formula One about the sport’s future “It’s an amazing opportunity for me but before again withdrawing at the end of 1985. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Dominant wins for Race to grab ‘Japan’s Babe Warriors, Spurs Ruth’ is on Klay Thompson leads the way with 27 points, while Kevin Durant added 25 AFP Los Angeles

he race to bring Shohei Ohta- ni to Major League Baseball is offi cially on after MLB owners ratifi ed the new posting system Tfor Japanese players on Friday. Ohtani, the 23-year-old Nippon Ham Fighters star dubbed the ‘Babe Ruth of Japan’ is regarded as one of the hottest properties in baseball — a two- way threat with a fastball clocked at 100mph (160.93Km/h) and an explo- sive presence at the plate. He has an array of interested suitors in Major League Baseball, but his move to America was on hold as a new post- ing system, by which Japanese clubs are compensated for the stars they lose to the States, was hammered out. Now that he can be formally posted — with a release fee of $20mn, Ohtani The new protocol will cover all play- has three weeks, until December 22 — er transfers between Japan and MLB to sign with a major league club. starting on November 1, 2018. For ma- Although his 2017 season in Japan jor league contracts with a total guar- was hampered by an ankle injury, in anteed value of $25mn or less, the re- 2016 he put up dazzling numbers, with lease fee will be 20 percent of the total a 10-4 record and a 1.86 ERA in 140 guaranteed value of the contract. innnings. At the plate he hit.322 and For major league contracts with clubbed 22 home runs. a total guaranteed value between Just where he might end up has been $25,000,001 and $50mn, the release fee a subject of much speculation. with be 20 percent of the fi rst $25mn of According to US reports, the Texas total value, plus 17.5 percent of the total Rangers, New York Yankees, Los Ange- value exceeding $25mn. les Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Seattle For major league contracts with a Mariners are among the teams expect- guaranteed value of more than $50mn, ed to contend for his services. the release fee will be 20 percent of the Any team that signs him will be fi rst $25mn of total guaranteed value, limited to the amount it has available plus 17.5 percent of the total value in its international bonus pool, with between $25mn and $50mn, plus 15 the Rangers, Yankees and Minnesota percent of the total value exceeding Twins the teams with the most funds $50mn. available. Contracts that include bonuses, sal- Ohtani’s posting will be governed by ary escalators or options could lead to Orlando Magic’s Mario Hezonja (left) shoots over Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (centre) and Klay Thompson during the second quarter of the NBA game the terms of the 2013 posting protocol, supplemental release fees. at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) which was extended earlier this month The window during which NBP play- as MLB nd Nippon Professional Base- ers can be posted will also be shortened AFP points. Durant connected on 10 of his the NBA this season. still sidelined, Markieff Morris scored ball worked on their new system. to November 1 through December 5. Los Angeles 14 shots en route to 25 points before he After beating the Grizzlies 104-95 a season-high 23 points. was ejected for swearing at a referee in San Antonio on Wednesday, the Otto Porter added 17 for Washing- over a foul call on his fi nal basket. Spurs piled on the misery in Memphis. ton, who trailed 52-46 at halftime but he NBA champion Golden Durant was clearly miff ed at being LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points opened the third quarter with a 17-0 Yankees reportedly tap Boone as new manager State Warriors produced a tossed. and Rudy Gay added 18 for a Spurs scoring run and ended Detroit’s three- dynamic off ensive display Fri- “The refs run the game, so if they’re team that pulled away in the fourth game winning streak. The New York Yankees have selected He has been working as a television day in a 133-112 wire-to-wire not feeling good today, they can just quarter and led by as many as 28 In Salt Lake City, rookie Dono- former star player Aaron Boone, 44, commentator with ESPN. TNBA victory over the Orlando Magic make any decision they want,” Durant points down the stretch. van Mitchell scored a career-high 41 to replace Joe Girardi as manager, US But he has ties to the club, having in Florida. said. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder points as the Jazz rallied for a 114-108 media reported Friday. clubbed the walk-off home run in The banged-up Warriors, with “So I’ve got to know that they’ve got again nearly let a sizeable second-half victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The New York Daily News, one of game seven of the American League Stephen Curry still nursing a pain- all the power and I’ve got to just shut lead slip away before Paul George’s The Pelicans saw star forward An- several outlets reporting the move, Championship Series against the ful bruised fi nger, Kevin Durant and up and take it.” two free-throws with 5.2 seconds left thony Davis go down with a groin in- said Yankees off icials were attracted to Boston Red Sox in 2003. Klay Thompson battling troublesome Curry, again playing with his right sealed a 111-107 victory over the Min- jury in the fi rst minute of the fourth Boone’s “polish”. Boone has no mana- The Yankees’ search for a new man- ankles and David West suff ering from ring fi nger bandaged, had 23 points nesota Timberwolves. quarter. Davis had to be helped from gerial or coaching experience since ager has taken more than a month. a sore left knee, nevertheless proved and 10 assists as the Warriors seized George had 36 points and Oklahoma the court and didn’t return. retiring as a player after the 2009 Girardi was let go on October 26 more than a match for the Magic. control early and thwarted every Mag- City center Steven Adams of New Zea- Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls en- Major League Baseball season. He after a decade at the helm following Coming off a lethargic-looking ic eff ort to rally. land added a career-high 27 on per- dured their eighth straight defeat, fall- spent most of his 12-year Major League the team’s narrow failure to advance overtime victory over the Los Angeles “The way we played tonight was fect 11-of-11 shooting as the Thunder ing 107-106 to the Sacramento Kings. career with the Cincinnati Reds. to the World Series. Lakers on Wednesday, the Warriors Warriors-like basketball,” Curry said. snapped a three-game losing streak. It was the second one-point loss in as answered the call of coach Steve Kerr “We wanted to get back to that and not Russell Westbrook scored 15 points many days for Chicago. to play with energy and purpose. get bogged down and stagnate on of- and fell just shy of a triple-double The result was a 78-63 point War- fense. Everybody was involved.” with 14 assists and nine rebounds. RESULTS NFL riors lead at halftime — Golden State’s “Obviously it wasn’t a perfect Utah ...... 114 New Orleans 108 highest-scoring half this season. SPURS PUMMEL GRIZZLIES game, we’ve still got a lot to work on,” Miami ...... 105 Charlotte ...... 100 Their 46 assists were the most in The San Antonio Spurs, chasing the Adams said. “But we needed this win, Sacramento ...... 107 Chicago ...... 106 the NBA this season and one shy of the Houston Rockets and the Warriors in so we’ve got to be happy with it.” San Antonio ...... 95 Memphis ...... 79 Panthers defender franchise record. the Western Conference, handed the A second-half rally in Washington Oklahoma City ...... 111 Minnesota ...... 107 “This is a good step in the right di- Memphis Grizzlies their 10th straight propelled the Wizards past the Detroit Toronto ...... 120 Indiana ...... 115 rection,” Kerr said. defeat on Friday, 95-79. Pistons to a 109-91 victory. Golden State ...... 133 Orlando ...... 112 Johnson banned four Thompson led the way with 27 The Grizzlies’ skid is the longest in With Wizards All-Star John Wall Washington ...... 109 Detroit ...... 91 games for doping NHL Agencies pension is over,” he said. Los Angeles Johnson, 31, inked a two-year con- tract extension worth $8 mn prior to the season. Blues are out of sync, out of sorts in loss arolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson has been NFL TO COMMIT $89MN TO SOCIAL By Jim Thomas you’ve got the feel and you’re giv- suspended four games for vio- JUSTICE CAUSES St. Louis Post-Dispatch (TNS) ing up things the way we have been, lating the NFL policy on per- The US National Football League (NFL) I don’t think that it’s a bad thing to formance-enhancingC substances, the promised on Friday to pledge 89mn change. We’ve got to fi nd something league said Friday. dollars to fund social justice pro- he Blues headed into a busy and it wasn’t happening just by leav- Johnson will begin his suspension grammes, according US media reports. December with a revamped ing things alone tonight.” immediately and miss the Panthers’ The new initiative is a response to lineup and a renewed sense For the third time in four games, key NFC South division clash against player demonstrations staged during of purpose, but the results the Jaden Schwartz-Brayden Schenn- the New Orleans Saints today. The the national anthem at football games Tweren’t there Friday in a 4-1 loss to Vladimir Tarasenko line went without teams are tied atop the division at 8-3. to protest social issues such as racial the Los Angeles Kings before 18,322 at a point. That trio combined for two Johnson will be eligible to return to inequality. Scottrade Center. goals and three assists when these the Panthers’ active roster on Decem- A memo from Tod Leiweke, the The last time they played the Kings, teams met on Oct. 30. After an eight- ber 25 and available to play in the fi nal league’s chief operating offi cer, to all 32 a 4-2 win here Oct. 30, the Blues were game scoring streak (seven goals, regular-season game against the At- teams outlined a seven-year plan that the NHL’s only unbeaten team at home 12 assists) that helped him earn the lanta Falcons on December 31. includes working with players on social (5-0). Since then, they’re 4-5 at Scot- NHL’s No. 3 star honor for the month He has started all 11 games this sea- justice causes, NBC sports reported. trade, losing three of their last four. of November, Schenn has gone point- son, making 16 tackles with no sacks. About 3 mn dollars is to be supplied “It doesn’t feel right,” coach Mike less in four games. His 67.5 career sacks are second on by the NFL Foundation, while NFL Yeo said. “It doesn’t feel like we’re Another strong suit in the team’s the Panthers’ all-time list. teams will contribute additional funds, playing like a fi ve-man unit. It doesn’t impressive start, goals by defensemen, “I accept full responsibility,” John- according to the memo. feel like we’re dangerous. ... Just too also has disappeared lately. Goals son said in a statement released by NFL offi cials met with players in Oc- easy to score on right now. Giving up LA Kings’ Tyler Toff oli (right) celebrates with teammates Tanner Pearson (second by Parayko and Edmundson against the team. “I have been recovering tober and decided to focus on how to the odd-man rushes and the chances from right) and Nick Shore (second from left) after scoring a goal against St. Louis Vancouver on Nov. 18 gave the Blues from back surgery, dealing with the “promote positive social change and against that we are, that’s not a recipe Blues during the NHL game in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) 21 goals in 21 games by their D-corps. daily grind of football and mistakenly address inequality.” No policy change for winning hockey games.” A defenseman has not scored a goal thought this could help. It was an error was announced during that meeting. In winning their fourth game in a fact, with Winnipeg’s 7-4 victory Fri- Dmitrij Jaskin was moved up to the since – a drought of fi ve games. in judgment on my part. Anthem protests in the NFL began row, the Kings (16-8-3) scored two day over the Vegas Golden Knights, St. second line, with Vladimir Sobotka So yes, the Blues are out of sync in “We have a special group here I want- over a year ago as a demonstration for early goals and never seemed seriously Louis fi nds itself in second place in the going to the third line. After being just about every way imaginable. ed to be a part of and felt an obligation social justice after a series of police in trouble, even though the Blues out- Central Division with 35 points. The paired with either Alex Pietrangelo or to do my part by getting back as soon as shootings of unarmed African-Amer- shot them 40-28. top spot now belongs to the Jets, who Colton Parayko in his fi rst four games RESULTS possible. I have always prided myself icans. This season, dozens of players “They came out hot and the rest of have 36 points at 16-6-4. back from a fractured ankle, Jay Bou- New Jersey ...... 2 Colorado ...... 1 on being a person who does things the across the league have kneeled or raised the game we didn’t really respond the Once again, the Blues seemed ten- wmeester was paired with rookie Los Angeles...... 4 St. Louis ...... 1 right way, through hard work, dedica- their fi sts during ‘The Star-Spangled way we wanted to,” defenseman Joel tative at times, a step slow, and out of Vince Dunn on Friday. Winnipeg ...... 7 Las Vegas ...... 4 tion and sacrifi ce,” he added, off ering Banner’ before the start of NFL games. Edmundson said. “We really didn’t sync. Perhaps all the lineup changes “Obviously we’d like to fi nd some San Jose ...... 2 Florida ...... 1 an apology to his teammates and Pan- In August, US President Donald play a team game tonight and we just had something to do with that. Oskar consistency and we believe in that,” Pittsburgh ...... 4 Buff alo ...... 0 thers fans. Trump had called for players who weren’t connecting.” Sundqvist and Carl Gunnarsson re- Yeo said, speaking specifi cally about Ottawa ...... 6 NY Islanders ...... 5 “Regretfully, I have disappointed refuse to stand for the anthem to be At 17-8-1, the Blues no longer are turned to action after being healthy the changed defensive pairs. “I think NY Rangers...... 5 Carolina ...... 1 people, but I promise to come back banished from the sport and suggested the Western Conference leaders. In scratches recently. we’ve shown that this year. But when Columbus ...... 4 Anaheim ...... 2 ready to redeem myself when this sus- a fan boycott. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 3, 2017 SPORT

GOLF / HERO WORLD CHALLENGE SPOTLIGHT Woods in hunt as Zunic surges to Australian Hoff man romps PGA lead

Seven-under Woods has plenty of ground to make up with leader at 12-under AFP really what I know I’m capable of do- Gold Coast, Australia ing, so to actually go out and do that AFP when it’s in tournament mode and on a Miami Saturday afternoon is awesome.” ittle-known Australian Jordan Zunic insisted he wasn’t too con- Zunic fi red a superb eight-un- cerned about the way he fi nished his iger Woods fi red a four-un- der-par round of 64 to surge round. der-par 68 to remain in con- to a three-shot lead after the “I just think of 16 good holes, that’s tention in his comeback event Lthird round of the Australian PGA golf all I see in my mind and that’s all I’m at the Hero World Challenge championship yesterday. sure we’ll talk about tonight because I Tin the Bahamas on Friday. The 25-year-old New South Welsh- played unbelievable golf for 16 holes,” The 41-year-old superstar, play- man was in sublime touch around the he said. ing his fi rst tournament in nearly 10 Royal Pines Resort course on Queens- “If you had told me that I was going months, vaulted up the leaderboard at land’s Gold Coast and was 11-under the to have 64 at the start of today, I would the Albany Golf Club with a blistering card after 16 holes. have taken it, that’s for sure.” front nine. However, he bogeyed the 17th before The 24-year-old Smith will like his The 14-time-major champion was a double bogey on the diffi cult 18th saw chances of catching Zunic in today’s fi ve-under for the day after posting him fi nish the day 17 under the card, round, which will fi nish at midday local three birdies and an eagle before the three shots ahead of fellow Australian time in a bid to avoid heavy rain which turn to go eight-under for the tourna- Cameron Smith. is predicted to descend on the Gold ment. Adam Bland, who shared the over- Coast in the afternoon. However Woods’ momentum fal- night lead with Marc Leishman, was a Smith won his maiden tournament tered on the back nine, where two bo- shot further back on 13-under. as a professional at the US PGA’s Zurich geys saw him eventually fi nish the day The in-form Leishman, who many Classic of New Orleans in May. at seven-under. expected to run away with the tourna- He played alongside Zunic yesterday Woods has plenty of ground to make Charley Hoff man of the United States ment, had a disappointing two-over and said he just tried to concentrate on up over the weekend, however, with reacts to his birdie on the 18th green 74 to be on 10-under, alongside David his own game as he shot a fi ve-under leader Charley Hoff man producing a during the second round of the Hero Bransdon. 67. stunning nine-under-par 63 to move World Challenge. (AFP) But the day belonged to Zunic after “It was pretty incredible to watch to 12-under. he blitzed the front nine, making seven actually, and in that wind he was just a Yet Woods was satisfi ed with an- 18th Woods’ tee-shot found the sand birdies and taking just 29 shots. magician on the greens as well,” Smith other solid day of tournament golf bordering the fairway, forcing him to He then had four consecutive bird- said. after spending most of the past two hack out and leaving him with a dif- ies from the 13th to the 16th before his “I just didn’t let Jordan’s round get years sidelined with a debilitating fi cult up and down to save par, which blemishes on the fi nal two holes. ahead of me there. back injury. he duly failed. “It was a bit of a fl ash, that round,” “I just kept doing what I was doing. “I think it was successful because I Tournament leader Hoff man mean- he said. “I can’t remember it almost I knew I was playing well, I knew I was shot 31 on the front nine,” Woods told while tore up the course with 12 birdies because I was just going with the fl ow. putting well. I just needed a couple of reporters afterwards. “I built upon and three bogeys on his way to his 63. “The way I played all day, it was just chances and I took advantage of them. what I did yesterday. I cleaned it up. Hoff man said he was delighted to “The only thing I struggled with Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the see Woods back in contention. was the speed of the greens. They second round of the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday. (AFP) “It’s nice to see again,” Hoff man seemed to be a foot faster.” said. “It’s pretty special to be out here De Jager, Atwal lead Mauritius Open Woods added that he was satisfi ed would have put me one or two back. On the par-fi ve third his eagle putt and see Tiger making eagles and bird- with his fi tness following spinal fusion But I think I’m still in it. from just off the green went just wide ies and hopefully be in contention on South Africa’s Louis de Jager joined The Indian had carded a course- surgery on his back in April. “It’s supposed to blow a little bit but left him with an easy birdie. Sunday.” overnight leader Arjun Atwal of India record 62 in Thursday’s first round “I proved that the surgery was suc- harder tomorrow — if that’s the case I A further birdie came on the fourth, Hoff man leads by three shots from at the top of the leaderboard after not long after completing a 16-hour cessful and that the rehab was fantastic. think a good solid round should get me after another superb approach shot. Jordan Spieth, who carded a fi ve- the Mauritius Open third round yes- journey to Mauritius and shot 68 in I got a chance to go out there and play up there.” It got better on the par-fi ve ninth under-par 67 to move to nine under, terday and the pair will take a one- the third round. competitive golf again,” Woods said. After a solid fi rst round 69 on when he made the green in two before alongside England’s Tommy Fleet- shot lead into today’s final round of Dylan Frittelli of South Africa and Thursday, Woods got off to a yingfl rolling in a 15-foot eagle putt to put wood, who carded a 69. the European Tour event in Domaine Miguel Tabuena from the Philippines ‘JUST GETTING BACK’ start on Friday, reeling off three bird- him into the lead at eight under. Justin Rose is alone on eight un- del Bel Ombre. were a stroke back in third place. “I’m just getting back. I’ve still got a ies in the opening four holes. A further birdie on the 11th put der, four off the lead, while Woods The 30-year-old De Jager, seeking a South Africa’s former British Open long way to go,” added Woods, who also His fi rst birdie came on the fi rst Woods at six under for the day, was joined on seven under by Japan’s first European Tour success, hit four champion Louis Oosthuizen was missed the entire 2015-2016 season. when a 96-yard approach shot land- nine under overall but a bogey on 12 Hideki Matsuyama, Italy’s Francesco birdies in a blemish-free 67 to join in a group of 16 players within five “I felt like today I could have easily ed fi ve feet from the hole for a simple checked his progress. Molinari and Americans Matt Kuchar Atwal on 13 under par after 54 holes. strokes of the leaders. got to double digits under par. That birdie putt. Five more pars followed but on the and Rickie Fowler.

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP RUGBY UNION Cordner try gives Parkes at the double as Australia World Cup Wales edge South Africa AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom

ew Zealander Hadleigh Parkes enjoyed a dream de- but for Wales yesterday, his brace of tries handing his Nadopted country a 24-22 win, and third successive home victory, over South Africa. Parkes, 30, was named at inside centre on the very day he qualifi ed for Wales after serving three years of resi- dency and the Kiwi farmboy produced a strong-running and skilful dis- play as Wales looked like they might squander an 11-point half-time lead. “It’s been amazing. A dream come true,” man-of-the-match Parkes told Wales’ centre Hadleigh Parkes scores his team’s second try during the rugby BBC. “To be able to get a meat pie (try) union Test against South Africa in Cardiff , Wales, yesterday. (AFP) and score a double on your debut is very special so I’m very happy.” Firstly winger Hallam Amos latched Parkes who went in for his second try. The victory meant Wales fi nished on to an inch-perfect crosskick Another intercept and Biggar put in the autumn series with two wins, from the fl y-half and cut back inside a kick chase, but Dillyn Leyds was giv- their scrappy triumph over Georgia Springbok full-back Andries Coetzee en all the time in the world, the winger sandwiched between defeats by Aus- before offl oading to Scott Williams, setting off on a mazy run before nd-fi tralia and New Zealand. who had a simple run in. ing Jesse Kriel, the centre putting in “We wanted to fi nish 2017 off for No sooner had the restart been a perfectly-weighted grubber that the fans,” said Wales skipper Alun gathered than Biggar put in a deft debutant Warrick Gelant dotted down Australian players celebrate their victory in the Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) Wyn Jones. “We had two good halves chip behind a fl at ‘Bok defence which ahead of the covering Aled Davies. against Australia and New Zealand Parkes scooped up to slide over for a Pollard converted to make it 21-10 Reuters “It’s amazing to fi nally get a World The Kangaroos, who hammered and we had a purple patch from the second fi ve-pointer. at half-time and the ‘Boks opened the Brisbane Cup victory on home soil,” Kangaroos away for much of the opening quarter fi rst whistle but we managed to fi nish Halfpenny converted the two tries second period seemingly focused on captain Cameron Smith said. “It was at England’s line, however opened the on a high.” and Welsh tails were up although the less chaotic rugby and with a game- one of the toughest football games I’ve scoring in the 15th minute when Cord- But question marks will surely be South African scrum looked by far the plan based around their powerful for- fi rst-half try to Boyd Cordner played in my career. A really pleasing ner crashed over during their third suc- raised over the future of Allister Co- more dominant. wards led magnifi cently by go-to hit- and desperate defence helped victory for the boys. We spoke about cessive set of possession. etzee, who has led South Africa to up man Steven Kitshoff . Australia win their 11th rugby defence winning games and winning A superb chase game by England on wins over France and Italy over the NO CIGAR FOR MARX The pressure told, Pollard crash- league World Cup title with a tournaments and we just kept turning Luke Gale’s tactical kicks, however, last two weekends, but whose side South Africa’s fl y-half Handre Pol- ing over after several phases of drives 6-0A victory over England in a bruising them (England) around.” gave Wayne Bennett’s side fi eld posi- have gone down to record defeats by lard spurned a shot at the posts after close to the Welsh line. fi nal at Lang Park yesterday. Smith’s team had been virtually un- tion only for errors and penalties to al- Ireland and the All Blacks. Wales strayed off side, and a devas- With Wales tighthead Scott An- Both sides smashed each other into backable favourites for the fi nal after low Australia to escape. “We’re very disappointed,” admit- tating driving maul off clean line-out drews, in his fi rst Test since 2013, tar- exhaustion with punishing defence they romped through the tournament, Kangaroos standoff Michael Mor- ted ‘Bok fl anker Siya Kolisi. ball saw Malcolm Marx crash over in geted in the scrum, the ‘Boks played and a fast-paced game with Australia while England had to overcome the gan crossed early in the second half but “The way we started today wasn’t the corner, only for French referee Jer- it tight, eventually freeing Kriel, who centre Josh Dugan saving two prob- weight of history with a 12-game losing video referee Ben Thaler called it back good enough and we didn’t have the ome Garces to harshly call an unclear powered through Halfpenny for a try able tries with his positional sense and streak to the Kangaroos and not having for interference earlier in the play. patience. We have to be more disci- grounding. Pollard converted from the touchline a desperate ankle tap on his opposite won the title since 1972 as part of the Jermaine McGillvary and Watkins plined at the end of the game and not Pollard eventually got the visitors to hand the Springboks a 22-21 lead. number Kallum Watkins. Britain team. also stormed into open fi eld, only for make silly mistakes. We have to be on the scoreboard on the half-hour But Halfpenny booted a penalty for The only thing that separated the The intensity of the game was set in desperate Australian defence to again better than this next year.” mark with a penalty after Josh Navidi the home side to regain the lead with 12 sides was Cordner’s 15th-minute try as the fi rst hitup by England prop James snuff out the opportunities. The match at the Principality Sta- went high in the tackle. But any threat minutes to play. A raft of replacements they both controlled the ball well, but Graham when he smashed into four “Tough one to take,” England’s Gra- dium came to life after fi ve minutes, of an immediate comeback was short- broke the tempo of the game and Wales England rued stupid errors or poor de- Australian tacklers and reeled away ham said. “Both teams played well. 6-0 Northampton-bound fl y-half Dan lived as Biggar charged down a clear- desperately held out for a much-needed cisions early in the tackle count inside with a cut above his left eye after an ac- doesn’t advertise it as a great game but Biggar twice pulling the strings to ance kick, Taulupe Faletau seized the victory which had looked a lot more ac- the Kangaroos’ 20-metre area. cidental head clash with Matt Gillett. what a spectacle.” great eff ect. ball and fl ung a pass back inside to ademic at half-time. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic blitz Motherwell Mueller shines on as French teenager scores hat-trick AFP to fourth by Hibernian who won 1-0 Glasgow against Partick Thistle. At Celtic Park, Edouard, making his fi rst start since the end of September, return as Bayern rench teenager Odsonne Ed- was one of six changes for the hosts. ouard scored a hat-trick as a And the French under-19 internation- much-changed Celtic warmed al did not take long to show his manager up for their Champions League what he can do as he bundled home Scott clashF against Anderlecht by thrashing Sinclair’s cross for the opener. Motherwell 5-1. It was the French striker’s fi rst goal With one eye on Tuesday’s crunch since his debut in early September but extend lead tie, when Celtic could secure a place in he only had to wait a few minutes to add the Europa League, manager Brendan to his tally. Australian international Rodgers fi elded a side packed with Tom Rogic slipped Edouard a pass 30 Borussia Dortmund only manage a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen fringe players for the third meeting in a yards out and he raced to the edge of week between the sides. the box before drilling a low right-foot AFP And 19-year-old Edouard, making shot into the bottom corner. Berlin just his third start since joining on- It was one-way traffi c but a lapse in loan from Paris Saint-Germain in Au- the Celtic defence allowed Motherwell gust, grabbed his chance to shine as he to pull one back when Frear burst into homas Mueller marked his re- fi red home a 16th-minute opener be- the box and snuck behind the Hoops turn from fi ve weeks out with fore adding a second just after the half- defence to prod Richard Tait’s cross be- injury by creating two goals hour mark. yond Craig Gordon. as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Motherwell, who looked a pale imi- Rodgers immediately brought on TMunich went six points clear with a tation of the side that had come so Forrest and the substitute quickly in- 3-1 win over Hanover yesterday. close to ending Celtic’s long unbeaten creased Celtic’s lead, controlling cut- Germany forward Mueller provided run on Wednesday, pulled one back ting in from the edge of the box and the cross which Arturo Vidal headed through substitute Elliott Frear mid- sending a low angled shot into the bot- home, then set up Kingsley Coman to way through the second half but Celtic tom corner. put Bayern 2-1 up at the Allianz Arena substitute James Forrest restored their Edouard then took advantage of a after Charlison Benschop had equal- two-goal cushion 10 minutes later. slack header back from Motherwell’s ised for Hanover. Edouard took advantage of a defen- Tait to nip in and slot through the legs Robert Lewandowski, the Bundes- sive mistake fi ve minutes from the end of Trevor Carson. Forrest’s late stun- liga’s top scorer, converted a late pen- to seal his hat-trick, with Forrest com- ning shot fi nishing the scoring. alty to claim his 14th goal in as many pleting the rout three minutes later to “The game was eff ectively over games for Bayern this season. extend Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run at half-time,” Motherwell manager The victory restored Bayern’s to 67 matches. Stephen Robinson said. healthy cushion at the summit af- Rodgers was delighted with Edu- “As well as outplaying us they out- ter their shock defeat at Borussia oard’s performance. fought us, which was the biggest dis- Moenchengladbach last weekend. “I just felt today we needed more appointment of the game.” It also boosts confi dence before mobility at the top of the fi eld and he’s Tuesday’s home Champions League been very good in training,” Rodgers RESULTS showdown against Paris Saint-Ger- said. “It was as good a performance as Celtic 5 (Edouard 16, 33, 85, Forrest main, who the Germans must by four you’ll see. For a young player of that age 76, 88) Motherwell 1 (Frear 65) goals to win their group. he has everything in his game.” Hearts 1 (Walker 47) Hamilton 1 (69) After Vidal’s early header, his third Victory sends Celtic seven points Partick 0 Hibernian 1 (48-og) goal in his last three league games, clear at the top of the Scottish Premier- Ross County 0 Dundee 2 (O’Hara 18, Lewandowski had a goal ruled out for ship ahead of Sunday’s clash at Pitto- El-Bakhtaoui 89) off side. drie between second-placed Aberdeen St Johnstone 1 (MacLean 43) Kil- Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and Rangers, who were pushed down marnock 2 (Findlay 10, Brophy 66) saved a fi rst-half penalty by striker Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, Franck Ribery (second from right) and Thomas Mueller (right) joke at the end of the Niclas Fuellkrug, but Hanover drew Bundesliga match against Hannover 96 in Munich yesterday. (AFP) level when Benschop headed past Ul- SPOTLIGHT reich on 35 minutes. Mark Uth added a late fourth. Andrey Yarmolenko, who replaced the Finnbogason netted a penalty before However, Coman restored Bayern’s The result is a blow for Leipzig, who suspended Pierre-Emerick Aubam- adding a late third. lead on 67 minutes by drilling in Mu- likely must beat Besiktas on Wednes- eyang. Werder Bremen remain 17th even eller’s cross before Lewandowski’s day to keep alive hopes of reaching the Dortmund suff ered an early blow though striker Max Kruse scored his Guardiola fears bans spot-kick sealed the points. Champions League last 16 at the fi rst as winger Maximilian Philipp was fourth goal in two games to seal a 1-0 Bayern extended their lead over attempt. stretchered off with a knee injury. win at home to Stuttgart. second-placed RB Leipzig, who suf- Leverkusen deservedly went ahead could derail Man City fered a club record 4-0 defeat at Hof- DORTMUND TOIL AGAIN when Volland netted his ninth league RESULTS fenheim. After throwing away a four-goal lead goal this season by racing away from Mainz 1 (Holtmann 85) Augsburg 3 Midfi elder Nadiem Amiri scored in the 4-4 draw with Schalke last Sat- the defence, rounding Roman Burki (Gregoritsch 22, Finnbogason 43-pen, from a tight angle on 13 minutes, with urday, the pressure on Borussia Dort- and tucking home with half an hour 86) Germany winger Serge Gnabry netting mund coach Peter Bosz intensifi ed gone. Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Volland 30) Hoff enheim’s second on 52 minutes further as his team’s winless league Leverkusen had Brazilian left-back Borussia Dortmund 1 (Yarmolenko 73) after the Leipzig defence was caught run stretched to seven games. Wendell sent off on 40 minutes for a Bayern Munich 3 (Vidal 17, Coman napping. Despite playing against 10 men for crude tackle on Dortmund midfi elder 67, Lewandowski 87-pen) Hanover 1 Gnabry added Hoff enheim’s third on nearly 50 minutes, Dortmund could Gonzalo Castro before Yarmolenko (Benschop 35) 62 minutes with a stunning long-range only draw 1-1 at Bayer Leverkusen. rescued a point for the visitors. Hoff enheim 4 (Amiri 13, Gnabry 52, eff ort from near the centre circle, fi ring A fi rst-half goal by Kevin Volland Augsburg leapfrogged Dortmund 62, Uth 87) RB Leipzig 0 into an empty net with Leipzig goal- was cancelled out by a equaliser 17 into seventh after their 3-1 win Werder Bremen 1 (Kruse 45) VfB keeper Peter Gulacsi off his line, before minutes from time by Ukraine winger at Mainz as Iceland striker Alfred Stuttgart 0

FOCUS QU wins fi ft h straight University League

By Sports Reporter Doha Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola (right) celebrates with David Silva after Raheem Sterling scores a goal during their English Premier League match against atar University (QU) won the Southampton in Manchester, England, on Wednesday. (AFP) University League for the fi fth consecutive time after AFP West Ham as well. We’ll see the team. beating Texas A&M Uni- Manchester, United Kingdom “The last game we didn’t play David versityQ at Qatar (Tamuq) 1-0 at Qatar Silva from the beginning, I rotated and Foundation’s (QF’s) Recreation Center maybe I will again. Nine games in one Pitch 1 this weekend. QU’s Abdullah ep Guardiola admits he is con- month is a lot.” al-Majed scored the only goal of the cerned about potential sus- City will be hoping for a more routine match in the second half. pensions when leaders Man- victory against West Ham than in their Earlier, Carnegie Mellon Univer- chester City face West Ham last three games, all of which have re- sity in Qatar (CMU-Q) beat Qatar PUnited looking to equal a Premier quired late winning goals from Raheem Aeronautical College (QAC) 4-3 in the League record today. Sterling, who has already topped his league’s third-place playoff . Victory over West Ham would mark best ever goalscoring season with 13. An award ceremony was held to a 13th consecutive league victory for honour the fi rst, second, and third Guardiola’s team, equalling the record SOCIAL ISSUES place teams, along with the Qatar for the most straight wins in a sin- The City manager has been keen to Football Association (QFA) referees. gle season, currently owned jointly credit Sterling for his dramatic im- QU received a cash prize of QR30,000, by Chelsea last season and Arsenal in provement, but believes the England while Tamuq and CMU-Q received 2001-02. winger taking his advice and limiting QR20,000 and QR15,000 respectively. That Arsenal team went on to win a his use of social media has been a key The ceremony was attended by Hilal 14th game at the beginning of the fol- factor. al-Mohannadi, Chairman of the Sub- lowing campaign and, should they beat “If the reason why he’s scored a lot of Leagues Committee, QFA; Dr Khalid West Ham, City will have the chance to goals is because he’s out of social media al-Khanji, Vice President for Student tie that record when they travel to Old then I’ll say it to all the players!” said Aff airs at Qatar University; Mohamed Traff ord to face title rivals Manchester Guardiola. “Of course, they are free to Fakhroo, Director of Community Out- “I would like to congratulate Qatar He added: “I would like to thank our across Qatar to compete in the com- United seven days later. do whatever they want but after that, reach and Community Development University for winning the title of the partners for the invaluable support petition. The universities were divid- But three key players — midfi eld- they have 30mn comments and you at Qatar Foundation; Ali al-Salat, 2017-18 University League for the fi fth they provide the league and for active- ed into two groups in the draw which ers Fernandinho and Leroy Sane, plus can’t avoid it, people criticise you be- Head of Media and Communications time in a row, as well as Texas A&M ly being involved in adding a benefi t to took place in October, with fi ve teams captain Vincent Kompany — are one cause you show a picture. If you want to at the QFA; and Fahad al-Darwish, University at Qatar and Carnegie Mel- community football.” in Group A and four teams in Group yellow card away from earning suspen- do it, fi ne. But people can criticise your Recreation Service Supervisor at Qa- lon University in Qatar for earning the Fakhroo, Director of Community B. Defending champions QU were in sions that would rule them out of the family because of how they dress.” tar Foundation. second and third place team honours Outreach at QF, said: “We are de- group B with College of North Atlantic eagerly-awaited Manchester derby. David Moyes has endured a diffi cult The University League is a joint respectively. It was truly a thrilling lighted once again to support this - Qatar, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, And that has raised the prospect of start to life at West Ham and heads to collaboration between the QFA and fi nal match and both teams played fantastic sporting event here in Edu- and QAC, while group A featured Ta- Guardiola resting one or more of those City still looking for a fi rst win in his QF and supports both organisations’ their best until the last minute of the cation City. We send our most sin- muq, Georgetown University in Qatar, players for struggling West Ham’s visit fourth game since taking charge. desire to encourage young people to match,” al-Mohannadi said. cere congratulations to the winning Academic Bridge Program, Weill Cor- to Eastlands. “I was hoping it would be a bit easier, play more organised football and lead “We look forward to launching the Qatar University team, and to all of nell Medicine-Qatar, and CMU-Q. “We will see tomorrow in the training to be honest,” he said. “In football you a more active lifestyle. sixth edition of the University League teams and individuals who took part. The league is sponsored by the sessions what we will do. Of course they just never know. It’s a big task and a big The University League this year with Qatar Foundation and hope more The University League is an important Supreme Committee for Delivery & can play or rest,” said Guardiola, whose job, but it’s a good challenge and they kicked-off on October 19 and matches colleges and universities come on event in our calendar, as it promotes Legacy as the offi cial strategic partner, side are eight points clear at the top. have good players here. I think we’ll be were played on Thursdays and Satur- board to be part of this exciting tour- our objective of encouraging healthy Ooredoo as the offi cial telecommuni- “Vincent Kompany was two months OK. We have got a good team.” days, with the semi-fi nals and fi nal nament. The University League is an lifestyles among the wider community cation partner, Qatar National Bank as injured, he played a game then again The Hammers’ prospects of getting match played on Thursdays. A total example of QFA’s commitment to nur- and provides an excellent platform for the exclusive fi nancial partner, Nike three days later. something from the game haven’t been of 29 matches were played through- turing a football culture among the students to develop as athletes and to as the offi cial supplier, and Al Kass “Fernandinho played a lot of minutes helped by a lengthy injury list. out the league and matches were youth, and providing a platform for network with each other.” Sports Channels as the offi cial broad- but this is an important game, we can’t Jose Fonte, James Collins, Sam played in two 25-minute halves with a the youth to be able to play organised The fi fth University League brought caster. think about United. Byram, Andy Carroll and Javier Hern- 10-minute half-time. football.” nine colleges and universities from “I’m worried about the bookings but andez are all sidelined.

Sunday, December 3, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL/ LA LIGA LIGUE 1 PSG suff er shock defeat by lowly Barca slip in Celta Strasbourg

thriller, Atletico Strasbourg’s players acknowledge fans after beating PSG at the Meinau Stadium in Strasbourg edge Sociedad 2-1 yesterday. ‘We are Barcelona and we want to win every game, but it isn’t always possible’

AFP 13th-minute headed opener Paris three minutes before the break and PSG piling on the pressure. But with PSG camped in Stras- bourg’s half and the rested ewly-promoted Edinson Cavani readying him- Strasbourg stunned self to come on to push for the Neymar’s Paris win, Bahoken raced onto Da Saint-Germain 2-1 Costa’s fl ick-on and thumped Nyesterday to infl ict the fi rst de- his winner past Alphonse Are- feat of the season on the runa- ola to consign PSG to their fi rst way Ligue 1 leaders. defeat in all competitions since The exhausted Strasbourg April. Dominant but waste- players charged over to their ful PSG had two gilt-edged gobsmacked fans at the fi nal chances just before Mbappe whistle of a breathless en- eventually equalised, and both counter which saw the lowly were fl uff ed by Angel Di Maria hosts hold off a bombardment in the space of two minutes. from their all-star guests that First the Argentine sliced lasted right to the end of the wide from a tight angle in the nine minutes of stoppage time. 39th minute after racing onto Stephane Bahoken downed Neymar’s precision through- PSG, who travel to Bayern Mu- ball, then he shot straight at nich on Tuesday, with a bul- Bingourou Kamara when fed let fi nish in the 65th minute to neatly by his countryman Javi- drag the lowly home side away er Pastore. from relegation trouble and up Pastore thought he’d given to 14th. PSG a deserved lead just be- His goal also gave Marseille fore the break when he spun on the chance to close the 10-point Mbappe’s cross and drilled a Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) shows his frustration while Celta Vigo players celebrate at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. gap between Rudi Garcia’s in- hard low shot that fl ashed past form side and PSG when they Kamara but crashed off the AFP Celta’s way in a double blow for Barca. face Montpellier today. post and back into the beaten Madrid Umtiti pulled up with what looked like “We missed out tonight. We keeper’s arms. a hamstring problem as he chased Aspas created chances but we weren’t PSG continued to press down the right and the Spanish interna- able to convert them. We con- for the winner throughout elta Vigo breathed life into La tional then patiently picked out Gomez to ceded two silly goals, we lacked the second half but Bahoken Liga’s title race by becoming fi re into an unguarded net. a bit of concentration,” PSG struck in a lightning breakaway the fi rst team this season to take “It was a series of unfortunate incidents defender Marquinhos told Ca- attack, and Strasbourg shut up points off Barcelona at the Nou in the one move,” lamented Valverde. nal+. shop for the fi nal 25 minutes. CampC in a thrilling 2-2 draw yesterday “Above all for the injury to Samuel than “We will learn from this. We They kept the away side at Iago Aspas gave Celta an early lead, but to give away the goal.” have a very important match bay in a frantic fi nal fl urry that an inspired display from Lionel Messi ap- Griezmann’s return to form continued coming up and we need to saw substitute keeper Alex- peared to have earned Barca another three as Atletico closed in on Barca with their think about that already.” andre Oukidja save the points points as he immediately equalised and fi rst La Liga win at their new Wanda Met- Striker Bahoken struck just with seconds remaining, tip- then helped tee up Luis Suarez to put the ropolitano home since September. as Unai Emery’s side looked ping away Cavani’s header just hosts 2-1 in front. Diego Simeone’s men needed to do it primed to snatch the three as the Uruguayan looked cer- However, the excellent Aspas set up the hard way, though, as they conceded points, with Kylian Mbappe tain to snatch what would have Maxi Gomez 20 minutes from time as for the fi rst time in fi ve games when Jan equalising Nuno Da Costa’s been a heartbreaking point. Barca centre-back Samuel Umtiti suff ered Oblak brought down Mikel Oyarzabal a hamstring tear that will keep him out for inside the area and Willian Jose blasted eight weeks. home from the penalty spot. BASKETBALL Atletico Madrid took advantage of Bar- Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian defender Filipe Luis celebrates after scoring against Real Scoring goals has been Atletico’s prob- ca’s stumble as Antoine Griezmann’s win- Sociedad at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid yesterday. lem this season, but they found a break- ner against his former club two minutes through from an unlikely source when from time earned a hard-fought 2-1 win chances to win, but the league depends on slot home his ninth goal of the season. left-back Filipe Luis cut onto his right Oldham shines as over Real Sociedad. a long season, not just one game.” Celta’s lead lasted two minutes, though, foot to fi nd the bottom corner 27 minutes Real Madrid can join Atletico, six points A positive start from the Galicians on as Messi latched onto Paulinho’s pass to from time. behind Barca, with victory at Athletic Bil- Celta boss Juan Carlos Unzue’s return to fi re low under Ruben Blanco for his fi rst An inspired goalkeeping display from Sadd pip Al Khor bao later on Saturday. the Camp Nou, where he spent three years goal since late October. Geronimo Rulli looked set to deny Atletico Celta have been a bogey side for Barca in as Luis Enrique’s assistant, was rewarded Messi then took control of the game as as he saved from Griezmann, Fernando recent years, beating the Catalans once in 20 minutes in. Barca pressed and fi nally broke Celta’s re- Torres and Saul Niguez. each of the past three seasons. Aspas sprung Barca’s off side trap and sistence just after the hour when his pass However, Griezmann’s bravery was re- “We are Barcelona and we want to win crossed for the unmarked Gomez who was freed Jordi Alba to tee up Suarez for his warded with a fourth goal in three games every game, but it isn’t always possible,” denied by an incredible save by Marc-An- fi rst goal at the Camp Nou in nearly three when he slid in to meet Saul’s looping said Barca boss Ernesto Valverde. dre ter Stegen. months. header despite being sandwiched between “Today we’ve drawn when we had more However, the rebound fell for Aspas to An end-to-end encounter swung back a Sociedad defender and the far post.

BOTTOMLINE 2022 World Cup very important Al Sadd’s Darrius Oldham goes for the basket against Al Khor during their match at the Al Gharafa Sports Club.

By Sports Reporter However, it was Al Sadd’s for Asia, says FIFA boss Infantino turn to prove their mettle in the Doha QNA third session as they scored 27 Bangkok points while restricting their arrius Oldham scored rivals to just 11. a match-high 30 That gave them a 58-51 ad- IFA president Gianni Infanti- points, while JR Jolis vantage going into the decisive no has said that the 2022 FIFA Dexcelled with 20 as Al period which saw both teams World Cup, which will be held Sadd edged out Al Khor 84-79 go on a scoring spree but Al F in Qatar after five years, will in the Qatar Basketball League Sadd held their nerve to clinch a be a very important event for the Asian at the Al Gharafa Sports Club thrilling win. continent. yesterday. Khobi Williamson scored 29 This came on the sidelines of the Mozer Huie and Nasser al- points for Al Khor, while Darrell opening ceremony of the mini-stadium Rayes were the other scorers for Blackmon Jr had 18. project of the Thai Football Associa- Al Sadd who overcame a nine- In another match, Al Gharafa tion, which was inaugurated in the Thai point defi cit at the end of the defeated Qatar Sports Club 87- capital Bangkok, in the presence of the second quarter (40-31) to turn 89 with Sammy Monroe Jr ex- President of the Asian Football Asso- the tables on Al Khor. celling for the winners with 29 ciation Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al- There was precious little to points. James Justice Jr with 19 Khalifah and members of the executive choose between the two teams and Mychal Ammons with 17 committee of the Asian body. who were locked 16-all after the lent Monroe valuable support. The stadiums were created with fi rst period but Khor upped the For Qatar Sports club, Jax- funding from the AFC President’s Ini- Bangkok Thonburi University. amples both at the organisational level football,” The FIFA President said. “We ante with 24 points in the next en Baden top-scored with 25 tiatives Program and the launch of the “The Asian continent is very impor- and at the results level,” said Infantino. are confident that these stadiums will 10 minutes to gain what they points, while Nicholas West new stadiums was held at the Center tant for the FIFA, especially after the “The provision of appropriate facili- have a significant impact on the devel- thought was a substantial ad- and Brandan Kearney had 16 of Excellence of the Thai Federation at continent has presented impressive ex- ties is essential for the development of opment of football in Thailand.” vantage. each.