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Tuesday, December 22, 2020 FORMULA 1 Jumada I 7, 1442 AH Champ Hamilton GULF TIMES honoured with top BBC award SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL Ulsan crowned Asian champs but Qatar the big winners ‘Qataris kept Asian football alive and we, across the whole continent, should be extremely grateful to them’

Reuters given the opportunity to show- Hong Kong case its much-vaunted stadium cooling systems, which maintain conditions inside venues at levels lsan Hyundai reas- conducive to high-performance serted East Asian domi- sport. nance with victory in “We hadn’t experienced this the Asian Champions cooling system before,” said ULeague fi nal but, as the trophy Shanghai SIPG defender Yu Rui. was packed up for the journey to “I think as players we consume South Korea, it was Qatar who less energy and we sweat less, emerged as the major winners of which can make our body react the heavily disrupted competi- better during the game and keep tion. us in a condition to play all the Ulsan’s 2-1 win over Iran’s time.” Persepolis in Doha on Saturday In a year when many of its marked the 12th time a K-League tournaments were cancelled, team had been crowned Asian the Asian Football Confedera- champions, and the eighth in the tion needed to ensure its pre- last nine years from the eastern mier club competition was half of the confederation to se- completed to limit potentially cure the title. damaging compensation claims Al Hilal’s win last year inter- from broadcasters and com- rupted East Asia’s dominance and mercial partners. the Saudi Arabian side also threat- With international travel all- ened to dictate the narrative of the but impossible, Qatar hosted 2020 edition, though this time be- the tournament centrally, and cause of their early exit. matches in the knockout rounds The nature of their elimination were played as one-off aff airs refl ected the diffi culties faced by instead of the usual two-legged organisers determined to conclude ties. the competition when it recon- This year’s fi nal was the fi rst vened in Doha in September after since 2012 — when Ulsan also a six-month suspension caused by won the title — to be played as a the Covid-19 pandemic. standalone game. The Qatari capital had set itself “Facilities here are exception- up as a bio-secure venue to host al,” Persepolis head coach Yahya games involving teams from the Golmohammadi told Iranian west of the continent but a rash state television ahead of Satur- of infections within the Al Hilal day’s decider. squad saw the Saudis eff ectively “I fi rmly believe that had it kicked out of the tournament. not been for the Qatari football Players and offi cials had cele- family, this tournament would brated their domestic league title have been suspended and not win on the eve of their departure Ulsan Hyundai players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left), AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah resumed, as there was no other and, as a result, infections stead- and QFA President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (right) at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. (Reuters) country that would have organ- ily picked off players until Al Hi- ised these matches. lal were no longer able to fi eld a derailed the competition but, af- Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh, the a similar experience by anybody ‘KEPT ASIAN FOOTBALL ber and December, dates which “In my opinion, Qataris kept team for their fi nal group game. ter fi ne-tuning already stringent adviser to the Minister of Public in the world before we did it ALIVE’ closely matched those when Qa- Asian football alive and we, The negative headlines gener- protocols, games continued with Health of Qatar on sports aff airs, in Qatar, so it was definitely a Those experiences carried into tar will host the World Cup fi nals across the whole continent, ated by the loss of one of Asia’s minimal further disruption. told Reuters about the set-up. learning curve for us. We learnt the hosting of the eastern side in two years’ time. should be extremely grateful to most successful clubs could have “It was unique in the world,” “I don’t think there had been so many lessons.” of the competition in Novem- As a result, the Gulf state was them.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE Lamouchi hopes to fi nd right combination as Duhail take on Al Khor

By Sports Reporter make us better and involve the wi, who made a long-awaited re- level and we are looking for the Doha players who are physically and turn from injury when he came as best. We must maintain this spirit technically ready for the match,” a substitute against Al Arabi, hopes and strategy in the team because said Lamouchi yesterday. he can start against Al Khor today. without them we will not achieve ith all eyes on to- “The team has conceded many One of Qatar’s Asian Cup win- any positive results. We must im- morrow’s heavy- goals in previous matches, which ning heroes, al-Rawi had been prove more on the off ensive front. weight clash be- is embarrassing to me and unac- sidelined for more than a year I have full confi dence that we will tween Al Sadd and ceptable. We will work to fi x it. In after suff ering a fracture to his play a good game against Duhail,” WAl Rayyan, dubbed the Qatar every match, Duhail create dan- right leg during Arabian Gulf Cup Hantz added. Clasico, Al Duhail will hope they gerous opportunities to score, last year November. “I was ab- Elsewhere, Al Gharafa face Al can create winning momentum but failed to fi nd the net. But sent from our fi rst XI for a long Wakrah today, with both teams to their stuttered campaign. we succeeded in the last match time, but appeared in the previ- coming off defeats in the previ- The defending champions against Al Arabi in taking advan- ous match for a few minutes. God ous round. Gharafa lost the second take on Al Khor in the QNB Stars tage of the opportunities that willing, in the next match, I will place in the table to Al Ahli, after League today and are lying fi fth we had. My team always focuses participate for a longer period going down to Al Sadd. Wakrah are with 15 points, a whopping 10 on off ensive performance in our and be ready to appear in all the in eighth position with 10 points. points behind leaders Al Sadd. matches and we will work to take coming matches for Al Duhail,” In another match of the day, Duhail have already lost four advantage of the opportunities al-Rawi said. Al Sailiya face Umm Salal. Sailiya games this season. They went we get so that we put the burden Meanwhile, Al Khor coach are having a roller-coaster ride down 1-2 to Al Sailiya in Gamew- on our rivals,” he added. Frederic Hantz said his team will this season. Sami Trabelsi’s men eek 8, but bounced back with a Al Khor are on a high, having put up a tough fi ght against Du- had upset defending champi- 2-0 victory over Al Arabi in the recorded their fi rst victory, a 1-0 hail. “We must do everything we ons Duhail 2-1 in gameweek 8, last round. Sabri Lamouchi’s win against Al Wakrah. It helped can to score points in this match. but crashed to a 1-3 loss to Qatar men will have to lift their game by them on to seven points and Al Duhail are a dangerous team SC in the last round. Sailiya are a few notches if they are to retain jump two places from bottom of and can cause us problems from placed seventh with 11 points. the title, which has looked like the table to 10th. Lamouchi urged all sides. Therefore, we must be Umm Salal, meanwhile, go into slipping with each passing match his side to be wary of Al Khor. careful and double our eff orts. the match on a confi dent note as as Al Sadd crush their opponents “We will face a team which has This match will be completely they have improved their posi- with ease. regained self-confi dence after diff erent from our last game tion to ninth with eight points Ahead of the game, Duhail achieving their fi rst victory this against Al Wakrah,” he said. after being the basement side for coach Sabri Lamouchi admitted season and I think the match will “Our team made an excellent some time. The Orange Fortress he was still searching for the right be important and diffi cult at the eff ort against Wakrah and that was are unbeaten in two games after combination. “I am still looking same time,” he said. what we were looking for. Now I defeating Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 and for the ideal formation that will Duhail defender Bassam al-Ra- feel the development in the team’s drawing with Al Rayyan 1-1. Al Duhail’s Bassam al-Rawi (centre) at a training session yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Benzema stars as Real move level with Atletico at summit Real have the better head-to-head record against Atletico, which is how level teams are split at the end of the season

AFP points in injury time with a cool fi nish Madrid from a tight angle, having been played in by Benzema. Later, Eibar coach Jose Luis Mendili- arim Benzema was described bar vented his fury with Spanish ref- as “phenomenal” after scor- erees’ inconsistency over handball ing the opening goal and cre- decisions as referee Jose Luis Munuera ating two others as Real Ma- Montero chose not to review the Ramos Kdrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday night incident on the pitchside monitor. to move level on points with city rivals “We don’t have any idea what’s go- Atletico at the top of La Liga. ing on, this week there were a lot of Benzema and Luka Modric scored Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema handballs and we don’t know when inside the fi rst 13 minutes in the Basque (right) scores against Eibar they should be punished and when they Country to put Zinedine Zidane’s men during the La Liga match at the should not be,” the coach told report- on their way to a fourth straight league Ipurua stadium in Eibar, Spain, ers. “Today a decision was taken in 20 win, with Lucas Vazquez scoring a late on Sunday night. (AFP) seconds when normally it takes two or third after Garcia Kike pulled one back three minutes after a slow-motion re- for Eibar. play.” “He is decisive. What he does is phe- Mendilibar loudly protested the de- nomenal,” said Real coach Zinedine cision from the sidelines and got a talk- Zidane in praise of French compatriot ing to from the referee before eventually Benzema. “Not just in terms of goals. calming down and he was not punished I’m repeating myself on Karim, but he for his complaints. doesn’t just score goals. Karim brings The coach, who has long opposed clear-sightedness to our game, that’s the use of video technology in foot- very important. When he scores it’s ball due to the disrupting eff ect it has even better, but beyond that he is very on the game, said he did not think that important to us.” VAR would help the lack of clarity over Real sit behind Atletico on goal dif- handballs. ference, but have the better head-to- “It was clear the ball had hit Ramos head record, which is how level teams on the hand, Ramos said so himself, but are split at the end of the season. Diego we don’t know when these incidents Simeone’s Atletico have two games in should be punished and I don’t think hand, though, after Saturday’s 3-1 suc- the referees do either,” he added. “We cess against Elche. are left with the same problem we have Fifth-placed Barcelona are eight had all season and it doesn’t matter points adrift of the Madrid pair follow- whether or not we have VAR because ing their 2-2 draw this weekend with the problem will keep existing.” Valencia. Eibar started brightly, but fell Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal behind in the sixth minute as Rodrygo shared Mendilibar’s frustrating over fed Benzema to slot in his seventh handball decisions even though this league goal of the season. time his side benefi ted from it. Benzema, who was also hailed by Zi- “It’s not clear to us, there are some dane as the greatest ever French centre- plays which do not make sense. The forward earlier this week, created the criteria needs to be cleared up because second goal seven minutes later, cut- otherwise we will protest against any ting inside and picking out Modric who decision,” he said. fi red home right-footed. The striker Earlier on Sunday, former Spain in- should have doubled his tally in the fort, but Eibar got themselves back into the visitors’ two-goal lead before half- as Takashi Inui shot wide following a narrowly off target shortly after coming ternational Roberto Soldado scored 16th minute, but he headed Modric’s the match in spectacular style before time, but was fl agged for a marginal rare mistake from Real captain Sergio on as a substitute. twice as Granada moved into sixth with cross past the post. the half-hour mark. Kike collected the off side, with VAR upholding the lines- Ramos. The capital giants survived a late a 2-0 win over Real Betis, while Getafe Real went close to a third goal again ball outside the area before curling a man’s decision. Eibar, sitting 14th in The reigning champions struggled to scare when VAR decided not to award beat Cadiz 2-0 and Celta Vigo made when home goalkeeper Marko Dmitro- fi ne fi nish past Thibaut Courtois. the table, wasted an excellent chance put the game to bed in the second half, Eibar a penalty after the ball struck it four straight victories by seeing off vic kept out Rodrygo’s close-range ef- Benzema thought he had restored to equalise 11 minutes after the break, with Marco Asensio striking a free-kick Ramos’s arm. Vazquez wrapped up the Alaves by the same scoreline.

FOCUS NINE OUT OF 10 WOULD SAY RAMOS HANDBALL A PENALTY, SAYS KOEMAN Barcelona: Barcelona coach Ronald rules, if you ask 10 people if yesterday’s away win of the campaign since beating downs if we want to improve.” Messi dragged ill feeling Koeman said he is still confused by the incident was a penalty, nine would say Celta Vigo on Oct. 1. Koeman had criticised his side for handball rule in Spain after rivals Real yes,” Koeman told a news conference Koeman said his side must pay equal a lack of maturity in the draw with Va- Madrid were spared a penalty when Ser- ahead of today’s visit to Real Valladolid attention to defence as attack and lencia. However, he reiterated the team from failed Barcelona gio Ramos struck the ball with his arm in La Liga. “I don’t understand the crite- should iron out the lapses in concentra- were in a period of transition due to los- in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Eibar. Eibar coach ria of VAR, there are certain things I just tion that have cost them dear in recent ing experienced players in the summer Jose Luis Mendilibar raged against the cannot understand. Everyone has their matches. “It’s important we play with and replacing them with youngsters. exit into this season decision, which was not reviewed by the right to an opinion and for me yester- more consistency and that we play bet- “We’ve changed lots of things and referee, and even Real Madrid defender day’s incident was a penalty.” ter with the ball than against Valencia now we have more young players, which Dani Carvajal said players do still not un- Barca were denied a third consecu- and do better without it,” he said. “But means we risk being more inconsistent. derstand why certain handball off ences tive league win of the season in Satur- above all we have to have the maximum Things are looking good for the future, are punished and others are not. day’s 2-2 draw at home to Valencia and concentration if we want to win the but when you’re at Barca you need to “I don’t understand the handball head to Valladolid looking for their first game, we have to have fewer ups and win matches and trophies,” he said.

PREVIEW Milan clubs jostle to end year top of Serie A AFP Milan

C Milan and Inter Milan will be vying to end the year top of the Serie A table tomorrow as the city rivals push to deny Juventus day to equal Pele’s goals record aA 10th consecutive ‘Scudetto’ this season. Reuters Barcelona for a single club. However, he has Leaders AC Milan’s unbeaten league run, drastically underperformed this which stretches back to March, faces a campaign, as have his side, who stiff test against Lazio in the San Siro. ionel Messi has admit- trail leaders Atletico Madrid by “We have one game left against Lazio ted the ill feeling between eight points in La Liga. and we might be able to achieve our fi rst him and Barcelona over Messi, who fi nished top scorer objective (staying top of Serie A) on De- his attempt to leave the in La Liga last season and rou- cember 23,” said Milan coach Stefano Lclub in the close season has af- tinely gets more than 40 goals Pioli. “It would add to our success in the fected his form this season, in each year for his club, has only Europa League this season, so we’d end a which he has posted his lowest scored nine times in all competi- very positive year.” goal and assist tallies in 13 years. tions this campaign, fi ve of which But Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan are Messi caused consternation came from the penalty spot. just one point behind in second before at Barca when he sent the club a He also has no assists in 13 their trip to ninth-placed Hellas Verona. burofax (offi cial notice) that he league games after contributing Inter last won the Serie A title in 2010, wanted to leave in August, but 21 last season, making the start with Milan taking the honours the fol- Stefano Pioli’s (left) AC Milan are just one point ahead of Inter Milan. (Reuters) then president Josep Maria Bar- of this campaign his worst since lowing year. Since then Juventus have tomeu blocked the move and the the 2007-08 season, when he dominated. Andrea Pirlo’s champions are but we’ll make the best of the situation the Italian league, led by Romelu Lu- host Torino without injured Nigerian Argentine committed to stay this was 20-years-old and suff ering third, four points behind AC Milan, and as always,” said Pioli. “The squad has al- kaku. Collectively Inter’s forwards have striker Victor Osimhen and club record season to avoid a legal battle. from injuries. have a chance to pile the pressure on their ways done well in turning diffi culties into scored 32 goals in 13 games. “We want scorer Dries Mertens. But captain Loren- He has less than seven months Barca face elections on Jan. northern rivals at home today against a chance to show something diff erent and to fi nish this cycle of fi xtures in the best zo Insigne will return from suspension. left on his contract and is able 24 to pick the successor to Bar- struggling Fiorentina. better. But we still have a very diffi cult possible fashion,” said Conte. “We don’t Seventh-placed Atalanta travel to Bo- to negotiate with other clubs tomeu, who resigned in October, Cristiano Ronaldo has been clinical as match to play, probably with few players want to give up now and we need to hold logna looking to keep in touch with the from January. “Everything that and Messi remained tight-lipped always, leading all Serie A scorers with 12 available but we have the right mental- fi rm against Verona, despite only hav- European places amid ncreasing uncer- happened before the summer, on where his future lay, saying he goals. Juventus can also take advantage ity and character. We’ll try and do it on ing one training session beforehand. The tainty over the future of out-of-favour how the season ended, then the was fully focused on helping his of injury worries among their rivals. Zla- Wednesday against a diffi cult opponent. hope then is to recover a bit of energy Argentine captain Papu Gomez. burofax and everything else... I side return to form. tan Ibrahimovic remains out for a sixth We have to grit out teeth and dig deep and over Christmas because our lads haven’t dragged everything into the start “Right now I’m feeling good consecutive league match for Milan with then enjoy Christmas.” stopped, particularly with international FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) of the season a bit,” Messi said in and looking forward to fi ght- a leg muscle injury, even if Pioli’s side Inter coach Antonio Conte’s focus is commitments.” Today: Crotone v Parma (1730), Juventus an interview with Spanish tel- ing for every competition we have shown they can win even without fi rmly on the league after his Champions Behind the leading trio, Roma host evision channel La Sexta. “The have ahead,” he added. “I know the towering presence of the 39-year-old League hopes came to an abrupt end. In- Cagliari days after crashing 4-1 at Ata- v Fiorentina (1945) truth is right now I’m feeling fi ne the club is in a diffi cult moment Swede. But Pioli also has a crisis in mid- ter’s domestic form has been better. They lanta. Paulo Fonseca’s side are pushing Tomorrow: Hellas Verona v Inter Milan but in the summer I had a very at institutional level and on the fi eld with Ismaël Bennacer out, Franck are on a six-match winning streak and for a return to Champions League football (1730), Bologna v Atalanta, AC Milan bad time.” pitch and everything surround- Kessie suspended, and Sandro Tonali, have proved a tighter unit in December along with Napoli who are just one point v Lazio, Napoli v Torino, AS Roma v The Argentine struck for the ing Barca right now is diffi cult, Ante Rebic and Simon Kjaer in doubt. “I’d with fewer goals conceded. behind in fi fth. Cagliari, Sampdoria v Sassuolo, Spezia v 643rd time for Barca on Satur- but I’m feeling excited.” like to have more options to choose from They also have the top strike force in Napoli lost to Lazio on Sunday and next Genoa, Udinese v Benevento (1945) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT LIGUE 1 Lille reclaim top Arteta to Arsenal spot aft er goalless draw with PSG AFP limped off soon afterwards. Paris Mbappe had been brought on a minute before Kimpembe’s chal- players: ‘Behave like lenge but did very little in the ille moved back top of time aff orded him, and the cur- Ligue 1 on Sunday night tain was soon brought down on after holding Paris Saint- a forgettable encounter between Germain to an uninspir- two tired-looking teams. Ling goalless draw which failed to Germany striker Kevin Vol- live up to its pre-match billing. land scored his sixth Ligue 1 goal fi ghters, not victims’ Lille take fi rst place in the French as Monaco battled to a 1-0 win top fl ight from Lyon on goal dif- at bottom club Dijon to snap a ference after a match which saw three-match losing streak. Their Arsenal hope for some respite when they host Man City in the League Cup tonight just a handful of shots on tar- win moved the seventh-placed get and very little in the way of principality club within seven By Nick Ames incident. PSG are a point back points of Lille and Lyon. Former The Guardian in third after failing to create Bayer Leverkusen forward Vol- Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are 15th in the anything from their territorial land slotted in the only goal on 15 table and without a Premier League dominance, shorn of attacking minutes, with both sides seeing ikel Arteta has called on Ar- win since November 1. (Reuters) inspiration without Neymar and later eff orts ruled out by VAR. senal’s players to behave Mauro Icardi, among others, “After four straight wins and like “fi ghters, not victims” while Kylian Mbappe started on then three defeats on the bounce, as they bid to arrest a cata- the bench as he reportedly strug- the most important thing was Mstrophic run of Premier League form that gles with a thigh knock. to win,” said coach Niko Kovac. has seen them earn just two points from Marseille meanwhile are fi ve “It was not the best Monaco but seven games. points behind the leaders af- we showed lots of character and Arsenal hope for some welcome respite ter their 1-1 draw with Reims on that’s the best way to move for- when they host Manchester City tonight Saturday, although Andre Villas- ward.” in the League Cup quarter-fi nals. Arteta Boas’ side do have two games in Rennes are two points ahead thinks their top-fl ight results do not tell hand on their title rivals. “I saw of Monaco in fi fth after strolling the entire story and, in a lengthy and un- a very strong performance from to a 3-0 win at Lorient, who sit prompted exposition, the Spaniard reeled my team,” insisted PSG coach second-from-bottom after their off a selection of statistics he believes Thomas Tuchel. “We lacked a 11th defeat of the season. Damien show they should be winning “many, lot of quality but we played well. Da Silva opened the scoring with many football matches”. We were very disciplined and we a defl ected close-range eff ort Asked how he would react as a play- never lost our structure.” midway through the fi rst half, er when things were going against him PSG were the stronger side in and Benjamin Bourigeaud dou- Arteta said negative infl uences could not a dismal fi rst half which didn’t bled the away side’s lead with be tolerated in what appeared to become see a shot on target until Moise a fi ne fi rst-time strike with 20 a message to his current charges. “I liked Kean’s weak fl icked header was minutes remaining. to look around me, whether it’s the staff , easy collected by Mike Maignan Martin Terrier completed the coaches or players, and I wanted to see in the 42nd minute. Lille, who scoring six minutes later when he fi ghters,” he said. “Normally when [a bad on Friday were sold to Callisto, cut in from the left before curling run] happens you have two types of peo- a subsidiary of the Merlyn Part- home past Paul Nardi. Rennes are ple: fi ghters and victims. You need fi ght- ners investment fund, struggled level with Marseille on 28 points, ers and you don’t want any victims. to get a foothold in the biggest fi ve behind Lille. “Victims bring excuses, victims bring match of their league campaign Lorient’s day took on a sombre negativity and they start to blame any- so far. tone after it was confi rmed that thing that is happening around them or is PSG’s dominance continued a groundsman working for the not going their way. You need people who in the second period but they club had died after being hit by fi ght, people who contribute and people were lacking their usual creative a falling playing fi eld heat lamp who are ready to give everything to the spark, and the highlight of the just minutes after the match. club in this moment.” latter stages was Presnel Kim- One point ahead of Lorient in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Everton largely how we are losing football matches and way and at the moment it doesn’t.” football matches. It worked there before pembe’s superb tackle on Burak 18th place are Nimes, who came replicated recent setbacks given that, how we are where we are, it is pretty in- Arsenal have only scored twice through and we were winning because our fi nish- Yilmaz with Lille charging to- away from Saint-Etienne with a like Tottenham and Burnley before them, credible,” he said. “Last year we won the a striker in the league since mid-Sep- ing quality was through the roof and we wards goal on the break. 2-2 draw. Everton were largely content to ab- game against Everton [at home] with a tember and have struggled to create were winning those matches.” Kimpembe appeared to injure Elsewhere, Montpellier missed sorb ineff ectual Arsenal possession. But 25% chance of winning, you win 3-2. Last chances, but Arteta said everything bar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal- a hamstring as he charged across the chance to move into fourth as Arteta, seemingly making a pre-planned weekend it was a 67% chance of winning their fi nishing is suffi cient to turn their scoring touch, which resurfaced last to make the goal-saving tackle they were held to a 2-2 draw at point given he had been asked about the any game in Premier League history and form around. “I’m zero interested in ball week in the draw with Southampton, with 12 minutes remaining, and Brest. morale within his dressing room, said the a nine per cent chance of losing, and you possession, I’m interested in what we do will be missing against City. He was ab- in-game statistics show Arsenal should lose. Three per cent against Burnley and with that ball and how effi cient we are,” sent at Goodison Park with a calf injury be picking up far more points and that, to you lose, seven per cent against Spurs, he said. “Our conversion rate and our fi n- and Arteta said that, while the captain a large degree, they are doing enough to and you lose. There is something else ishing quality is what is letting us down felt “more positive yesterday than in the win games. apart from the performance on the pitch, at the moment because with the rest it’s previous two days”, he will have a scan to “When you look at the perspective of it is something else that needs to go our what it should be to win many, many determine when he can return.

FOCUS No new striker for City due to Covid impact: Guardiola

AFP the coronavirus pandemic. the world is what it is. All the clubs strug- will be this season. Game by game is the London City have scored only twice in their last gle — we are not an exception.” only thing I can do and now we go to Lon- three league games but hope to welcome City are eight points adrift of cham- don to play Arsenal in the League Cup.” back Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus for pions Liverpool after 14 matches as they Guardiola, though, can be thankful anchester City’s strikers will today’s League Cup quarter-fi nal with bid to reclaim the title Jurgen Klopp’s side that despite the misfi ring front line his have to rediscover their scor- Arsenal. However, the League Cup hold- took off them last season. Guardiola says defence have been in miserly form with ing touch because reinforce- ers’ record goalscorer Argentinian Sergio the lack of goals harms their chances of seven clean sheets in their last eight ments will not be signed in Aguero is sidelined by an undisclosed catching Liverpool but he hopes City will matches in all competitions. “It’s incred- MJanuary, manager Pep Guardiola has said. issue having had knee and illness prob- be more clinical against out-of-form Ar- ible — that is how we can still be there, Guardiola explained that even with the lems already this season. Asked about the senal. “We are creating clear chances that knocking on the door of teams above us,” backing of their Abu Dhabi owners, City prospect of new blood coming to the club, we cannot score and when this happens said Guardiola. “We need it to be stable were subject to the same fi nancial pres- Guardiola replied: “No I don’t think so we are always going to suff er,” he said. and maybe one day players will be fresh Paris Saint-Germain’s Moise Kean (left) battles for the ball with Lille’s sures as their rivals due to the impact of because the economic situation around “That’s why I’m not able to say how we to score the goals.” Sven Botman during the French Ligue 1 match on Sunday. (AFP)

Ballardini returns for fourth PREMIER LEAGUE spell as Genoa coach Show some fi ght, Allardyce tells West Brom players Rome: Davide Ballardini has on September 20, but have not returned for a fourth spell as won since and are now second AFP coach of relegation-threatened last in the table with seven London Genoa after Rolando Maran points from 13 games. was sacked yesterday. “Genoa Cfc announces that it has en- LORIENT GROUNDSMAN ew West Brom manager Sam Allardyce says trusted the technical manage- DIES AFTER HEAT he wants to see the spirit the players showed ment of the first team to Davide LAMP ACCIDENT in last week’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City Ballardini,” the club said in a A groundsman working for return for the Premier League strugglers’ next statement. “The coach returns Lorient died on Sunday after Ngame against champions Liverpool. to Genoa, where he has already being hit by a falling playing The 66-year-old faces a daunting challenge to pre- coached during three previous field heat lamp shortly after the serve his managerial record of never being relegated from periods.” The 56-year-old was Ligue 1 club’s 3-0 home defeat the Premier League after West Brom slumped to a 3-0 in charge of Genoa from 2010 to Rennes. The mayor of Lori- defeat to Aston Villa in his fi rst game on Sunday. to 2011 and then again in 2013, ent Fabrice Loher confirmed The former England manager’s fi rst match in charge and 2017 while he has also the news after widespread since replacing Slaven Bilic left him with much food had spells at Lazio, Palermo, reports in French media of for thought — not least whether Jake Livermore should Cagliari and Bologna. On two the death. “A member of the be restored to the captaincy when the former England of the three previous times he contracted pitch maintenance international has served a three-game ban for his red took over the team they were team working for the club died card in Sunday’s match. Since the Premier League came already deep in relegation trou- after the accidental fall of a into being, no club with fewer than eight points after 14 ble, but he managed to steer heat lamp,” the city said in a games have stayed up. This was West Brom’s 14th game them to safety. statement. It was Rennes sub- and they have seven points. “An easy one next (Liver- Genoa sacked Maran after stitutes who raised the alarm pool),” quipped Allardyce about next Sunday’s game at the north-western port side fell as they were still on the pitch Anfi eld. “We will give it our best shot, no-one expected to their eighth defeat of the when the accident took place. us to battle against Manchester City and I did not see season against promoted Ben- Players and medical staff were that tonight, we need to fi nd that.” evento at the weekend. Former seen on television rushing back Allardyce is renowned for no-frills football but his Chievo and Cagliari boss Maran out to the pitch to help, and strength is instilling self-belief. He will need to act fast was appointed in August after were shortly joined by a team as Liverpool hammered Crystal Palace 7-0 at the week- the team secured top-flight of fire fighters. end. “It’s one win in 14,” Allardyce said of West Brom. West Bromwich Albion’s head coach Sam Allardyce (right) watches as his midfielder Jake Livermore (left) fouls survival with a 17th-place finish. Some remained on the “My fi rst battle is to make sure they don’t lose confi - Aston Villa’s midfielder Jack Grealish and is sent off during the Premier League match on Sunday. (AFP) But the 57-year-old had a sidelines in shock as rescue dence in their own ability. Then I need to guide them to complicated start when more workers tried to save the man, battle their way out of this position, because they can’t sults they feel they have deserved,” he said. Livermore will have felt the lash of the blunt-speaking than 20 members of the squad reportedly a 38-year-old father play their way out.” The Villa game was the seventh time they have failed to Allardyce after the seven-times capped midfi elder was were infected by Covid-19. of three. He was transported to Allardyce said he would consult with the players over score — and they have kept only two clean sheets. “Small sent off for a lunge on Villa playmaker Jack Grealish. “I Genoa won their season opener a local emergency unit but did their failure to adapt to the Premier League after Bilic moments can defi ne your season. If you concentrate am upset with the red card,” said Allardyce. “It was reck- 4-1 against promoted Crotone survive. guided them back a season after being relegated. “I want when these small moments come along and you stop less and he will be fi ned. He has apologised but I won’t to fi nd out why the players think they haven’t got the re- mistakes, then you stop conceding goals,” said Allardyce. accept another sending-off no matter what.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Australia’s Burns fi t and raring to go De Kock wants to again in Melbourne

Reuters every team in every venue. Our Sydney, Australia bowlers are unbelievable... it’s a great luxury for our team.” Burns took a blow to the elbow here are still many ques- from a Jasprit Bumrah delivery safeguard future tions over Australia’s during Australia’s run chase on opening partnership for Saturday but said he did not an- the second Test against ticipate any lasting issues from TIndia but one thing is all but cer- the injury. tain — Joe Burns will face the new “Had scans yesterday and ball at the Melbourne Cricket there’s no problems, and it’s Ground later this week. been great today, so hopefully Burns came into the fi rst Test there’s no further limitations in tours to S Africa on an extremely poor run of form preparations for the games com- — 62 fi rst class runs in nine in- ing up,” he said. ‘It’s a small part we can play in ensuring future tours in bubble life and Covid times’ nings — but scored a half century Burns played in Adelaide with to drive Australia to victory at makeshift opener Matthew Wade Adelaide Oval on Saturday, seal- and the Queenslander said he had ing the win with a six. been given no updates on the fi t- His innings might be destined ness of potential partners for to be a footnote in the records Melbourne, David Warner (groin) of that remarkable Test after the and Will Pucovski (concussion). Australian bowlers had skittled The 31-year-old said he had India for 36, but it clearly did his not been bothered by question confi dence no harm. marks over his selection before “I felt fantastic out there, just the fi rst Test and was clear on to get the job done on a fantas- what he needed to do over the tic day for Australian cricket, to rest of the series. back up our bowlers, was a really “We’ve got three very tough nice feeling,” he told reporters Test matches,” he said. “My job yesterday. and my goal is to go on and get “We’re the best team in the match-winning hundreds in world, so we’re confi dent against those games.”

In this July 29, 2018, picture, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock plays a shot during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. (AFP)

AFP Both teams are staying in the Australia fulfilling a planned bour relations reasons but that De Kock said his objective for Pretoria, South Africa same country club facility but Test series in South Africa ear- a new squad list would be an- the Test season was to hasten De Kock said there was no direct ly next year. nounced after the next round of the development of young play- contact. The South Africans assem- Covid tests, which will enable ers, with South Africa needing outh African captain “We can see them but we have bled on Saturday and were im- deductions to be made about to make up too much ground Quinton de Kock said our own boundaries and we mediately tested for the virus. who is missing. to be a factor in the world Test yesterday he and his can’t mingle.” All tests came back negative but De Kock, South Africa’s regu- championship. players felt a responsi- The teams will stay at the De Kock said full training would lar white-ball captain, said he “We doubt whether we’ll be bilityS to ensure future tours of same venue for the Tests in Cen- only start after the results of to- had agreed to be Test captain as playing in the fi nal of the cham- South Africa can take place by turion and Johannesburg, with day’s second round of tests were a short-term measure for seven pionship,” he said. strictly adhering to Covid-19 both Test grounds within easy received. Test matches during the current “We have young players who protocols. driving distance. “Obviously we’ve got that season, “until someone really need to learn — and to learn fast. He said the South African It is South Africa’s second ex- bit of responsibility but it’s not puts up their hand. The guys are I want the new guys to come Australian batsman Joe Burns reacts after hitting the winning runs on team were remaining in quar- perience of life in a bio-secure much you can’t handle,” said De looking for a long-term leader- in and start putting up their Day 3 of the first Test against India in Adelaide on Saturday. (Reuters) antine in a ‘bio-bubble’ facil- ‘bubble’ following the ill-fated Kock. ship role and I won’t be doing names.” ity outside Pretoria ahead of a white-ball series against Eng- “It’s just a small part we can that”. De Kock said he expected the two-match Test series against land which was called off early play in ensuring future tours in Although the original reason pitches in Centurion and Jo- UPDATE Sri Lanka that starts in nearby because of positive coronavirus bubble life and Covid times.” for De Kock not being made Test hannesburg to have pace and Centurion on Saturday. tests, which were later found to The South African squad was captain was an overload of re- bounce. The players were adhering be false positives. reduced from 19 to 17 players sponsibility on him as a leading He said South Africa wanted to a strict regime of room serv- Although Sri Lanka arrived when two tested positive for batsman as well as wicketkeep- to play clever, aggressive Test Pakistan captain ice meals, social distancing and in South Africa last weekend Covid last week. A team spokes- er, he said he would continue as cricket in an attempt to reverse training in small groups pending for the Test matches, doubts person said the names could not wicketkeeper in the forthcom- a 2-0 series loss when Sri Lanka a Covid test today. have been expressed about be released for medical and la- ing series. toured in 2018-19. Babar to miss fi rst NZ

BOTTOMLINE England hire South African batting Test due to injury legend Kallis for Sri Lanka tour SL coach Arthur relishing AFP first time as batting coaching London, United Kingdom consultant,” the ECB said in a statement. Boucher battle in South Africa England will leave for Sri outh African cricket Lanka on January 2 and play Reuters icon Jacques Kal- two Tests before going on to Johannesburg, South Africa Slis will be a batting tour India. consultant for England’s tour Both Tests will be played in of Sri Lanka, the England Galle, starting on 14 January ri Lanka coach Mickey and Wales Cricket Board an- and 22 January. Arthur is looking for- nounced yesterday. It will be England’s first ward to slugging it out The 45-year-old is third on tour since the visit to South with his South Afri- the all-time list of Test run- Africa had to be brought to canS counterpart Mark Boucher scorers with 13,289 — he also a premature end earlier this when the teams start a two-Test took 292 wickets. month after two members series in Pretoria on Boxing Day, Kallis coached Kolkata of the touring party tested Reuters weeks since Babar’s injury when hailing the former wicketkeep- Knight Riders in the Indian positive for Covid-19. They Hamilton, New Zealand the fi rst Test starts, it will be hard er for his aggressive style on the Premier League and worked later tested negative. on him and the team to play him pitch. with the South Africa team, England played all three of without any net sessions,” Paki- Boucher was one of Arthur’s but was not part of the the scheduled Twenty 20 akistan captain Babar stan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq most trusted senior players set-up for England’s recent internationals but none of Azam has been ruled out said. when the latter coached the coronavirus-disrupted tour. the three ODIs, the first of of the fi rst Test against “I remain confi dent and opti- Proteas between 2005 and 2010 “Former South Africa all- which was postponed after New Zealand in Mount mistic that other players will rise with excellent success in the rounder Jacques Kallis joins a positive test in the South PMaunganui starting December to the occasion in Mount Maun- test arena. the England setup for the African entourage. 26 due to a fractured thumb, the ganui.” “Mark Boucher and I go back Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan have included un- a helluva long way and I am re- said yesterday. capped batsman Imran Butt in ally looking forward to locking Babar, 26, sustained the in- their 15-man squad for the fi rst horns with him,” Arthur told jury during a practice session in Test. reporters yesterday. Queenstown last week and was The 24-year-old top-order “He was an aggressive player ruled out of the ongoing three- batsman struck 934 runs at an and I’m sure he will be an ag- match Twenty20 series. Opening average of over 62 with four cen- gressive coach too. It will be up veld to Galle for a test series ditions,” he said. batsman Imam-Ul-Haq will also turies and three half-centuries to us to match that intensity. with England that gets under- “We want to create some miss the game after fracturing in the 2019-20 Quaid-e-Azam “There is a wonderful famili- way on Jan. 14, just seven days consistency around selections his left thumb during a net ses- Trophy, Pakistan’s domestic arity for me now walking into after the end of the second test and roles. England is a home sion. fi rst-class tournament. the grounds. Africa never leaves in Johannesburg. series, where our strategy and Both players are yet to return you. That knowledge of the They therefore have a 21- game-plan will be a lot diff erent to the nets with the team’s medi- PAKISTAN SQUAD FOR FIRST conditions will hopefully be of man squad in South Africa and to South Africa. cal staff closely monitoring their TEST: Mohamed Rizwan (c), Abid great benefi t to us.” Arthur believes he is covered for “But if you play well and get progress, the PCB said. Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fa- Arthur was in charge of Paki- all conditions. some wins along the line, irre- Mohamed Rizwan will become wad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, stan when they lost a test series “We have a very good seam spective of conditions, you take Pakistan’s 33rd Test captain Mohamed Abbas, Naseem Shah, 3-0 in South Africa last year. bowling and spin attack, and confi dence and belief, which is when he leads the side in Babar’s Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Sri Lanka move straight from I’m comfortable that our top six very powerful within a playing absence. Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, their bio-bubble on the High- batters can prepare for any con- group.” “Although it will be nearly two Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL DEVELOPMENT NHL brass approve Chiefs win ninth 56-game season starting January 13

AFP Director Don Fehr, for working Los Angeles, United States co-operatively with us to get our league back on the ice.” Bettman said they hope to re- straight, Seahawks he National Hockey turn to their normal 80-game League has given its 31 regular season in October 2021. teams the green light to The league will be divided up play a 56-game season into four divisions, West, Central Tthat will begin January 13 with- and East and one from Canada. out any pre-season games. The Canadian teams will play The owners and the players’ every other team in the division union announced the deal on nine or 10 times, while the other clinch playoff berth Sunday, but because of continu- three divisions will play every ing Covid-19 pandemic restric- other team in its division eight tions there were still a list of times. Seattle are in the post-season for the ninth time in 11 seasons under coach Carroll logistical issues to work out, in- “The players are pleased to cluding where the league’s seven have fi nalized agreements for the AFP Canadian teams will play. upcoming season, which will be Los Angeles, United States Sunday’s agreement includes a unique but also very exciting for 16-team post-season with a tra- the fans and players alike,” said ditional four rounds of best-of- Fehr. atrick Mahomes tossed three seven contests that will wrap up “During these troubled times, touchdown passes as the Kansas in the middle of July. we hope that NHL games will City Chiefs improved to an NFL The Tampa Bay Lightning provide fans with some much best 13-1 with a 32-29 victory captured the Stanley Cup cham- needed entertainment as the Pover Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints on pionship on September 28 in the players return to the ice.” Sunday in Louisiana. last game played after the re- The league did not release any Mahomes completed 26 of 47 passes started 2019-20 season. The sea- details on whether health of- for 254 yards as the defending Super Bowl son had been on hold because of fi cials in Canada were on board champions won their ninth straight game the global pandemic that halted with a plan, especially since the in front of a pandemic-limited crowd of play from March until August. Canadian government closed 3,000 at the Superdome arena. The seven teams that did not its border with the pandemic- “We did a great job of running the ball participate in the 2019-20 Re- stricken United States which has and when we get the opportunity to throw turn to Play will be permitted to seen over 317,000 deaths from the ball we are executing,” Mahomes said. open their training camps as early Covid-19. Brees, who was playing his fi rst game as December 31. Formal training One option would be to have since missing four contests with rib inju- camps will begin on January 3. the Canadian division compete ries, looked out of sorts completing 15 of “The National Hockey League solely in Canadian cities, but 34 passes for 234 yards with three touch- looks forward to the opening of that would still mean bringing in downs and an interception. our 2020-21 season, especially players from outside the country New Orleans dropped to 10-4 on the since the Return to Play in 2019- and quarantining them before season losing their second straight after a 20 was so successful in crowning and after they arrive. nine-game winning streak. a Stanley Cup champion,” NHL Canada is currently hosting Brees’ fi rst three passes were incom- Commissioner Gary Bettman said. the World Junior Champion- plete and his fourth was intercepted by “While we are well aware of ships in Edmonton next week L’Jarius Sneed, leading to Mahomes’ the challenges ahead, as was the and even before the tournament touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill and a 7-0 case last spring and summer, we started exhibition games have lead at the end of the fi rst quarter. are continuing to prioritize the been cancelled after Germany On the fi rst play of the second quarter, health and safety of our partici- and Sweden suff ered coronavirus Mahomes threw a 1-yard touchdown pass pants and the communities in outbreaks. to Travis Kelce for a 14-0 lead. which we live and play. Because of Covid-19 restric- “It feels awesome to win by 20 or 30 Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (centre) passes the ball under pressure from Washington Football Team defensive end “And, as was the case last tions, the NHL used hub cities in points but when you have a team that Chase Young (left) and linebacker Khaleke Hudson (right) in Landover, Maryland, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) spring and summer, I thank the Canada to fi nish out the 2019-20 fi nds ways to win no matter what the NHLPA, particularly Executive season. score is, those are the teams that win the Los Angeles Rams. Brady, who won six Super Bowl titles in championships,” Mahomes said. RESULTS One day after the Buff alo Bills locked 20 seasons with the Patriots before land- With two weeks remaining in the sea- up their fi rst AFC East division title in a ing in Tampa Bay, now has seven career son and the quest for playoff seeding hit- Tampa Bay 31-27 Atlanta quarter of a century, the New England comeback victories when trailing by 17 or Dodgers icon Lasorda ting a key stage, the Chiefs took another Dallas 41-33 San Francisco Patriots — winners of the past 11 division more points. recovering well: report step toward home-fi eld advantage while Tennessee 46-25 Detroit titles — were offi cially eliminated from It was another bitter defeat at the the Saints missed a chance to wrap up the playoff contention. hands of Brady for the Falcons. Covid-19. Indianapolis 27-20 Houston Reuters NFC South. The Pats lost 22-12 to the Miami Dol- In the 2017 Super Bowl, Brady rallied New York, United States The 93-year-old compiled a “We played their hearts out,” Saints Miami 22-12 New England phins, falling to 6-8. They are assured of the Patriots from a 28-3 defi cit to a 34-28 1,599-1,439-2 record in 3,040 coach Sean Payton said. “I’m proud of the Chicago 33-27 Minnesota a record of no better than.500 for the fi rst overtime victory over Atlanta. games over 20-plus seasons eff ort.” time since 2000. But Brady said the Bucs need to avoid Seattle 20-15 Washington all of Fame manager (1976-96) as the Dodgers’ Elsewhere, the Seattle Seahawks “Disappointed,” coach Bill Belichick digging themselves such big holes. Tommy Lasorda report- manager. punched their playoff ticket on Sunday, Baltimore 40-14 Jacksonville said of failing to make the playoff s for the “We’re going to have to do it for 60 Hedly could leave the Lasorda’s Dodgers won the rushing for 181 yards and thwarting a late NY Jets 23-20 LA Rams fi rst time since 2008. “But we didn’t de- minutes, and that’s a big point of empha- hospital before Christmas, National League champion- Washington rally in a 20-15 victory. Arizona 33-26 Philadelphia serve to win today.” sis for us,” he said. “Everyone loves win- ending a nearly two-month ship in 1977 and 1978 in his Seattle are back in the post-season for The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by ning, but we also want to play better. We stay that included a stint in the first two full seasons but lost the ninth time in 11 seasons under coach Kansas City 32-29 New Orleans former Pats quarterback Tom Brady, kept want to play our best.” intensive-care unit, according both World Series to the New Pete Carroll. Cleveland 20-6 NY Giants their bid for a fi rst playoff berth since In Nashville, Ryan Tannehill threw for to a report from MLB Network. York Yankees. Lasorda’s teams The Seahawks appeared to be cruis- 2007 alive as they rallied from a 17-0 three touchdowns and ran for two more Lasorda, who has been in won the World Series in 1981 ing toward victory when they took a 20-3 doldrums opened the door to Washington halftime defi cit to beat the Atlanta Fal- as the Tennessee Titans overpowered the the hospital since Nov. 8, was and 1988, and won eight divi- lead early in the third quarter. backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins, cons 31-27. Detroit Lions 46-25. moved out of intensive care sion titles. Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and quar- who engineered two fourth-quarter Brady and the Bucs off ense, forced to The Titans remained tied atop the around Thanksgiving. The Los He was the National League terback Russell Wilson all topped 50 touchdown drives. punt on their fi rst four drives, came alive AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts, Angeles Dodgers have not Manager of the Year twice yards rushing. Sacks by Seattle defenders L J Collier in the second half, scoring touchdowns who defeated the Houston Texans 27- disclosed specifics about their (1983, 1988), managed four Hyde scored one of the Seahawks’ two and Carlos Dunlap helped the Seahawks on their fi rst three drives. 20. former manager’s diagnosis, All-Star teams. touchdowns on a 50-yard run and Wilson escape. Receiver Antonio Brown’s fi rst TD Elsewhere Sam Darnold threw for 207 but TMZ reported last month Lasorda was enshrined in the connected with tight end Jacob Hollister Seattle improved to 10-4, notching a catch as a Buccaneer with 6:19 remaining yards and the New York Jets earned their that he had a heart condi- National Baseball Hall of Fame on the other. second straight victory as they look ahead made it 31-27 and Tampa Bay’s defence fi rst victory of the season, defeating the tion that was not related to in 1997. But a turnover and a spell of off ensive to next week’s NFC West showdown with held fi rm down the stretch. Los Angeles Rams 23-20 in Los Angeles.

SPOTLIGHT NBA set for leap into unknown as new season tips off AFP and Anthony Davis, the Lakers Los Angeles, United States have added German point guard Lakers’ Kuzma receives $40mn extension Dennis Schroder from the Okla- Reuters three NBA campaigns. (nine starts) last season. He homa City Thunder and Mon- he NBA takes a leap into New York, United States “It is especially gratifying for our averaged 16.1 points as a rookie trezl Harrell from the Clippers the unknown today when Lakers franchise to draft, develop in 2017-18 and a career-high 18.7 as well as Spanish veteran Marc the 2020-2021 season and now sign one of our own the following season. Gasol. tips off after the shortest he Los Angeles Lakers to a contract extension,” Lakers Kuzma was a first-round draft It means the Lakers will most Toff season in history against the announced Sunday that general manager Rob Pelinka pick (27th overall) in 2017 out likely be the team to beat when backdrop of a raging Covid-19 Tthey have signed forward said in a news release. “Kyle has of Utah. the season gets under way — a crisis across the United States. Kyle Kuzma to a multiyear shown tremendous growth over Teammate Anthony Davis was status James relishes. Little more than two months extension. the last three years and played pleased to hear Kuzma had “For me personally, the bulls- after LeBron James and the Los The club didn’t divulge terms a crucial role on last season’s landed the extension. eye has always been on my back, Angeles Lakers brought the cur- but ESPN reported it is a three- championship team. Kyle bas “I mean, it’s good for him,” Davis or on my front since I entered the tain down on a gruelling, pan- year, $40mn deal. been a terrific member of the told reporters on Sunday. “You league,” James said. demic-interrupted season with According to spotrac, Kuzma’s Lakers community and we are all don’t have that contract anxiety “And then you add in the Lak- victory in the NBA Finals in the deal calls for him to make very excited about his continued for the whole year. Now that it’s ers’ name on top of that. The Orlando quarantine bubble, a $12.35mn in 2021-22 and future with us.” out of the way, you can go out Lakers franchise — the bullseye shortened 72-game campaign The floor is wiped down during halftime of the Washington Wizards $13.33mn the following cam- Kuzma averaged 10 points and there and play, which he was has been on this franchise for a gets underway with games in and Detroit Pistons preseason game in Washington, DC, United States, paign. The third season (2023- 3.1 rebounds in 21 postseason doing anyway. He was having a long time as well. Everyone is go- New York and Los Angeles. on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) 24) is a player option worth games last season as the Lakers great preseason. He’s been play- ing to come at us.” The Golden State Warriors face $14.32mn. won their first NBA title since ing great for us in the bubble The Lakers are likely to face a road trip to take on the Brook- the United States at a time when the season — up to March 4 — in Kuzma, 25, has averages of 16 2010. and all of last year. He’s locked stiff competition from several lyn Nets before the Lakers and the country continues to set new order to give itself fl exibility over points and 5.5 rebounds in 208 Kuzma averaged 12.8 points in. He made a great jump on rivals however, including the the Los Angeles Clippers clash at records for coronavirus cases and possible postponements. games (114 starts) over his first and 4.5 rebounds in 61 games both ends of the floor.” Brooklyn Nets, who will fi nally be Staples Center. fatalities. Fans will also be largely absent able to unleash their strike force The new season marks the from arenas. of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. fi rst time league action has taken TRAVEL, SCHEDULE TWEAKS Only a handful of teams are al- NBA champions, will play home to December, a move which allows ‘BULLSEYE’ ON THE LAKERS Former MVP Durant returns after place at home arenas since the The NBA has put in place a range of lowing limited numbers of spec- games in Tampa, Florida, after for a lucrative slate of televised Most analysts expect James and more than a year on the sidelines. 2019-2020 season was dramati- measures designed to mitigate the tators into venues. An ambitious Canadian authorities denied the games over the Christmas period. the Lakers to be involved in the Last season’s fi nals runners- cally suspended in March as the Covid-19 threat, including strict plan by Golden State to fi ll the NBA an exemption to Covid-19 The 72-game schedule also battle for the NBA championship up Miami will also expect to be coronavirus pandemic erupted safety protocols and a tweaked Chase Center to 50% capacity restrictions placed on travel to means the regular season and next year. in the hunt, led by Jimmy Butler, across the United States. schedule that cuts down on travel. was rejected by health authori- and from the United States. playoff s can be completed in time The Lakers, who defeated Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo. When the league resumed in The new-look schedule — ties in San Francisco. Teams and players will be re- for next year’s Tokyo Olympics, the Miami Heat in six games in The Milwaukee Bucks mean- July, teams were based at a single reduced from the standard 82 Arenas will also not carry the quired to click back into gear although it is an open question October to win the franchise’s while will head into the new location at Disney World in Flori- games — will see teams play each “Black Lives Matter” slogans on after what has been the shortest whether players involved in the 17th championship, have been campaign buoyed by the news da and kept in a tightly controlled other on consecutive nights more court as they had when play re- off season in history. NBA Finals will be available to installed as heavy favourites to Giannis Antetokounmpo has bubble for three months to guard frequently to reduce the amount sumed last season, nor will play- NBA Commissioner Adam Sil- make the trip to Japan. retain their crown after an off - committed his future to the fran- against Covid-19 infection. of time spent on the road. ers wear jerseys carrying social ver had initially signalled that the The fi nals are due to conclude season which saw several roster chise. The back-to-back MVP Yet the upcoming season will The league has also only drawn justice messages. league would restart in January, just one day before the Olympics upgrades. inked a new fi ve-year deal last take place in 30 locations across up a schedule for the fi rst half of The Toronto Raptors, the 2019 but the start was brought forward get under way in Tokyo on July 23. Already spearheaded by James week. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Justin Thomas teams with dad to Ko powers to 5-shot win PNC event

Reuters “It was special for both of us. Orlando He’s not going to appreciate this at 11 years old. As the years go by, you start appreciating it more.... eam Thomas, which I’m proud of how he handled win in LPGA Tour paired World No. 3 Jus- everything.” tin Thomas with his fa- Team Thomas posted eight ther and coach, Mike, birdies on the front side and Twon the PNC Championship on seven on the back nine to win the Sunday at The Ritz-Carlton Golf $200,000 fi rst prize. Club Grande Lakes in Orlando, “Wish every tournament was Fla. as fun as this one,” tweeted Jus- Team Thomas opened with tin, a 13-time PGA Tour winner Championship seven consecutive birdies, and who was playing this event for Mike drained a 5-foot birdie putt the fi rst time. “Love you pops. She rolled in a final birdie at the 72nd hole for a total of 270 and a convincing victory on the 18th hole for a round of What a week!!” 15-under 57 in the scramble for- Team Singh reeled off nine mat. They earned a one-shot consecutive birdies, starting at victory over Vijay Singh and son No. 2, in its 14th start at the PNC Qass in the annual winter team Championship since 2003. event that pairs a professional Team O’Meara (Mark and player with a family member. son Shaun) and Team Trevino Team Thomas fi nished 25 (81-year-old Lee and son Dan- under in the two-day event, in iel) tied for third at 23 under. Lee which Tiger Woods was playing Trevino is the only player to have for the fi rst time, paired with his competed in all 23 PNC Champi- 11-year-old son Charlie. They onships. both wore Tiger’s traditional Team Kuchar, which paired Sunday red with black pants, and Matt and his 13-year-old son, the father-and-son team fi red a Cameron, tied for fi fth at 22 un- second consecutive 10-under- der after holding the fi rst-round par 62 to fi nish seventh. lead at 14-under 58. Charlie is the youngest com- Defending champion Bernhard petitor in PNC Championship Langer fi nished tied with 12th at history. He fl ashed a Tiger-like 17-under 127, playing alongside fi st pump after making a 10-foot his daughter, Jackie. birdie putt at No. 10. The event used a scramble for- “It was incredibly special for mat that allows both team mem- us to have the opportunity to bers to hit a tee shot and then spend the quality time we had,” select the preferred shot. This Tiger said. “It’s memories we’ll procedure continues until the have for our entire lives. hole is completed.

Ko Jin-young of Korea imitates a “selfie” as she poses with the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida. Justin Thomas (R) of the United States and dad Mike Thomas pose with the trophy after winning the PNC Championship in Orlando. AFP It was the payoff for the lonely second with a bogey-free fi ve- Miami weeks since she returned to the under par 67. United States in November, “Really nice,” said Green, who Westwood wins European award for fourth time leaving family and friends back celebrated her 24th birthday on orld number one Ko in South Korea. Sunday. “Super stoked to have a London: Veteran Lee West- Ryder Cup captain Padraig Jin-young pulled “I just wanted to play CME,” great round on my birthday.” wood has been named Euro- Harrington said based on his away from second- she said of her determination It was a good day, too, for her pean Golfer of the Year for the form this year, Westwood could ranked Kim Sei- to make the season fi nale spon- playing partners Mina Harigae fourth time, over 20 years after entertain dreams of playing Wyoung with fi ve back-nine bird- sored by CME Group. and Lydia Ko. Harigae carded a he first won the award. in next year’s Europe v USA ies Sunday to win the LPGA’s “Last week I had really good bogey free 68 for solo fourth on The 47-year-old Englishman contest which would be his 11th season-ending Tour Champion- round and then I fi nished top 276. rediscovered his old form in appearance. ship by fi ve strokes. two, so and then I can play here.” New Zealand’s former world 2020, beginning when he won “I am very honoured and ex- Ko, who was playing just her Kim, whose two victories number one Ko had three birdies the Abu Dhabi Championship tremely flattered to have been fourth LPGA event of the pan- since LPGA play resumed after a without a bogey in a 69 for 277, in January to make him the named European Tour Golfer demic-disrupted season, had pandemic shutdown included a tied for fi fth with American Lexi first active golfer to win a tour of the Year as I know the com- only squeezed into the elite fi eld fi rst major at the Women’s PGA Thompson (70). event across four separate petition for the award this year with a tie for second on Monday Championship, had come into “I think we all defi nitely fed decades. would have been extremely at the US Women’s Open. the day with a one-stroke lead. off each other,” Green said. He rounded off the coro- high,” said Westwood, who also But the 25-year-old South Unable to build momentum in “Lydia holed a couple long putts navirus-aff ected season by won the award in 1998, 2000 Korean made the most of her op- an even par round that featured early in the round and Mina did winning the Race to Dubai and 2009. portunity, fi ring seven birdies in three bogeys and three birdies, the same, and then I fi nally holed after finishing runner-up to “Thank you to the media for her six-under par 66 at Tiburon her share of second was enough some putts, too. Matt Fitzpatrick in the World voting for me and also huge Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Kim Sei-young with the Rolex Player of the Year award after the to overtake veteran South Ko- “It really makes a diff erence Tour Championship earlier this congratulations again to She rolled in a fi nal birdie at final round of the CME Group Tour Championship. rean compatriot Park In-bee for when you’re playing with people month. He was the oldest ever everyone at the European Tour the 72nd hole for an 18-under Player of the Year honours under that are playing well.” winner of the Race to Dubai at who did a tremendous job this total of 270 and a convincing win The $1.1mn winner’s prize — ey list for the year. the points system used by the Ko and Kim played together 47 years, seven months and 20 year managing to put on a full over Kim and Australian Hannah down from $1.5mn last year but Her $1.66mn in earnings in LPGA. in the fi nal group, but the duel days. The one thing Westwood international schedule under Green, who shared second on still the biggest in women’s golf 2020 saw her top the $5mn mark Park fi nished in a tie for 35th. between the world’s top two still lacks is a Major. such diff icult times.” 275. in 2020 — put Ko atop the mon- for her career. Green grabbed her share of turned into a lopsided aff air.

BOTTOMLINE Tsunoda aims for instant impact at AlphaTauri

AFP podium fi nishes and four pole posi- “In Formula 2, I didn’t really no- Tokyo tions, told reporters during an online tice my neck moving forward when I press conference. braked, but when I drove an F1 car and “I’m a rookie, so for the fi rst half of hit the brakes for the fi rst time, I re- the season I want to double down on ally felt the G-force on my neck,” said uki Tsunoda said yesterday my attacking style and take it as far Tsunoda. he was confi dent his attack- as I can, even if I make mistakes,” he “At the end of the day, if I didn’t ing driving style would give added. rest my head against the headrest, I Japanese fans plenty to cheer Tsunoda, who is backed by the jun- couldn’t even lift it. I’m going to have Ywhen he makes his Formula One debut ior programme of AlphaTauri’s en- to strengthen my neck muscles in or- for AlphaTauri next season. gine supplier Honda, will join France’s der to compete next season.” The 20-year-old will become the Pierre Gasly at the Italian team next Tsunoda, who said he was so nerv- fi rst Japanese driver to compete in season. ous when signing his AlphaTauri con- Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi “My teammate has a lot of experi- tract that he could barely hold his pen, in 2014 after the team last week an- ence and I want to absorb as much as I is looking forward to the 2021 Japanese nounced he would replace Russia’s can from him while also seeing how far Grand Prix after this year’s race week- Daniil Kvyat. my potential can take me,” said Tsun- end was axed because of coronavirus. Tsunoda was named FIA rookie of oda. He said he was inspired watching the year on Saturday after fi nishing “Then, for the second half of the seven-times world champion Lewis third in his debut season with British season, I want to use everything I’ve Hamilton race at Suzuka when he was team Carlin in the Formula 2 champi- learned and try to improve with every seven or eight years old and would love onship, and the Japanese driver wants race.” to have a similar impact on the next to make a similar impact when he steps The diminutive 1.59 metre (5ft 3in) generation of fans. up in class next year. Japanese admitted he will have to hit “This year has been tough but the “My strong point is my attacking the gym over the winter to cope with Japanese Grand Prix will be at Suzuka style, and I’m confi dent that people the Formula One car’s superior power next year and I’d love fans to come and who see me driving will be impressed and downforce after driving 123 laps see it for themselves. My strong point by it,” the 20-year-old, who won three during his Formula One test in Abu is my overtaking, and I’d love fans to Formula 2 races in 2020 with seven Dhabi earlier this month. come and watch me.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 7 SPORT

BOXING Start of English Championship season postponed Hamilton honoured to March 2021 with top BBC award British Formula One driver claimed seventh world title this year he start of the 2020- By Paul MacInnes 21 season of Eng- The Guardian land’s second divi- Tsion Championship has been postponed to 2021 ewis Hamilton was named the due to the Covid-19 pandemic BBC’s Sports Personality of the and national lockdown and is Year, putting the seal on a year scheduled to begin on March 6, Lof exceptional professional England rugby governing body achievement and a political activism (RFU) said yesterday. that sought to change the shape of the The delay comes as a blow to sport he has dominated for a decade. Saracens’ national team play- Hamilton won a public vote ahead of ers such as captain Owen Far- fellow nominees Stuart Broad, Hollie rell, Maro Itoje, Mako and Billy Doyle, Tyson Fury, Jordan Henderson Vunipola, who will head to the and Ronnie O’Sullivan. In November Six Nations in February without he won his seventh world title, a record any club games under their belt shared jointly with Michael Schumach- since being relegated in Octo- er. He was also staunch in his support for ber. the Black Lives Matter movement and Saracens, winners of four launched the Hamilton Commission to Premiership titles in the past eff ect “real, tangible, and measurable six years, were sanctioned for change” in the diversity of motorsport. spending above the league’s Marcus Rashford was not in the run- 7mn pound ($9.29mn) salary ning for the main prize, but symbolised cap and were docked points be- the unique nature of this year’s ceremo- fore being relegated from the ny as he collected a panel special award top flight in the 2019-20 sea- for his charitable work during this pan- son. demic. “The clubs have chosen not Rashford’s determination to “end to return to play under adapted child food poverty” drew an outpour- laws and the March start date ing of public support and more than allows time for clubs to gain one U-turn from the government. The clarity from Sport England re- 23-year-old’s determination to support garding the Sport Winter Sur- those currently enduring circumstances vival Package before starting he experienced as a child showed not pre-season training,” the RFU only the infl uence of sports stars, but said. “All Championship clubs the human spirit in what was a rare spot are unanimously behind the in- of light in a bleak year. tended competition as outlined, “For me it all started growing up as a but require some weeks of full kid,” Rashford told the presenters Gary Another honour...Lewis Hamilton training, to make squads ‘match Lineker and Gabby Logan on a socially ready’, subsequent to the long distanced stage in Salford’s MediaC- absence of competitive rugby.” ity. “I believe that I started a 100-metre put an extra emphasis on community Receiving his prize from Captain Tom He was the subject of an inspiring vid- prize and received a commendation The Championship has been race 50 metres behind everyone else. It and grassroots contributions. In turn, in a pre-recorded meeting, the mutual eo tribute from his family and former from Klopp, who wrote and read a let- split into two conferences of was more diffi cult for me to do the ba- the emotional moments of Spoty were recognition and warmth between the colleagues who announced the launch ter to the 30-year-old, praising his abil- six teams each who will play sic things. It was a nightmare, but in even more aff ecting than usual. A case pair was inescapably touching. of the Matiu Ratana Rugby Founda- ity to overcome the criticism received home and away within their the end I got to where I wanted to get to, in point was the Captain Tom young “He was so inspirational for me dur- tion. throughout his career and to unite a conference.The top teams in and ever since I’ve had this thing eating unsung hero award. A new prize, it was ing my marathons and now I’ve met him Liverpool won the team of the year team “with not one superstar, but you each conference after 10 games at me to do my best to protect the next named after the centenarian Captain person,” Weller said as he stood under a award and manager Jurgen Klopp the are a superstar in making the team will then contest a two-legged generation.” Tom Moore, who raised £38.9mn for gazebo with his mother, 5 metres from coach of the year after an imperious work”, Klopp said. final to crown the winner, who Due to the disruption caused by NHS charities during the fi rst Covid Captain Tom. “I just feel tremendous.” season in the Premier League led to their In the other prizes awarded on the will earn promotion to the top Covid, there were a number of changes wave, and was himself the winner of this The adult unsung hero award, often fi rst title in 30 years. Along the way, and night, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix was flight Premiership for the 2021- to Spoty’s customary glitzy production year’s Helen Rollason prize for “inspira- the emotional centre of the show, was despite a four-month interruption due named as the young sports personal- 22 season. values. While some of the six nominees tion in the face of adversity”. given posthumously to Matiu Ratana. to the pandemic, Liverpool set records ity of the year after she claimed her fi rst Conference A: Saracens, for the main prize were in attendance, Nine-year-old Tobias Weller was Matiu, known as Matt, died in Sep- for the greatest number of home wins solo international gold medal at the Cornish Pirates, Ampthill, Jer- there was no studio audience. Instead named the young unsung hero. Inspired tember when he was shot by a suspect (18), the most consecutive wins (18), and FINA Diving Grand Prix. sey Reds, London Scottish, a video wall of a 1,000 screens showed by Captain Tom, Weller, who has cerebral while on duty at Croydon police sta- the greatest lead ever held at the top of Khabib Nurmagomedov was voted Hartpury University former winners, members of the public palsy and autism, completed two mara- tion. The New Zealand-born offi cer, the table (25 points, though this reduced world sport star of the year by the pub- Conference B: Ealing Trail- and NHS staff all looking in. thons on his walker this year and has so far who served the Metropolitan police to 18 by the end of the season). lic. The UFC legend retired in the sum- finders, Coventry, Notting- Another consequence of the pan- raised more than £150,000 for Sheffi eld for 30 years, also volunteered as head The Reds’ captain, Jordan Henderson, mer after a professional record of 29 ham, Bedford Blues, Doncaster demic was more welcome, as the show Children’s hospital and Pace School. coach for East Grinstead Rugby Club. was one of the nominees for the main wins and no losses. Knights, Richmond.

BOTTOMLINE Zenhausern gets slalom season off the mark with Alta Badia win

AFP Feller came out best in the bat- Alta Badia, Italy tle behind the winner for second spot, claiming his fi rst podium Binotto expects diffi cult F1 fi nish since March 2019. “It’s the most emotional mo- witzerland’s Ramon Zen- ment of my career,” said Feller. hausern won a tight bat- “I had a very hard season last tle in the fi rst World Cup year and it feels so amazing to see start for Mick Schumacher men’s slalom race of the the green light again after cross- seasonS yesterday in Alta Badia. ing the fi nish line.” Reuters said he was dejected after be- The 28-year-old, who had Alexis Pinturault, winner of London ing replaced by Mexican Sergio been eighth after the fi rst run, the giant slalom on Sunday, had Perez at the Red Bull Formula edged out Austrians Manuel been ideally positioned in sixth One team for next season but is Feller and Marco Schwarz by after the fi rst run. errari team boss Mattia determined to get a race seat in 0.08sec and 0.12sec respectively. But the French skier slumped Binotto expects Mick 2022. Perez, a winner for Rac- It was Zenhausern’s fourth to 27th best in the second, fi n- Schumacher to have a ing Point in Bahrain this season, World Cup win and second in the ishing 11th overall at 0.77sec, but Ftough Formula One de- will slot in alongside Max Ver- slalom. His last victory in that nevertheless extended his lead in but with Haas next year before stappen next season after Albon event came in Kranjska Gora, the overall World Cup standings. getting more up to speed in 2022. was demoted to the role of test Slovenia in March 2019. Pinturault leads Norway’s Schumacher, the son of Fer- and reserve driver. “I was a bit nervous, this being Aleksander Aamodt Kilde by rari great and seven times F1 Albon, who started out at my fi rst race of the season,” said 25 points in the standings with world champion Michael, won Red Bull’s sister team Alpha- Zenhausern. Swiss Marco Odermatt third, 60 the Formula Two title this year Tauri (Toro Rosso) before being It has been 10 months since points behind the Frenchman. and has graduated to the US- promoted in 2019, fi nished sev- the last slalom race was hosted Neither Kilde nor Odermatt owned team with close ties to enth in the standings, level with in Chamonix, France before the participated in the slalom race. Maranello. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz who will coronavirus pandemic forced the Italy’s Alex Vinatzer had led Haas scored only three points race for Ferrari next year. ski season to be cancelled. the way in the fi rst run but fi n- this season and ended up ninth The 24-year-old Thai failed “It’s great to see that I have a ished off the podium in fourth at of the 10 teams. to match Verstappen’s per- good level and I’m looking for- 0.19sec. “I think it will be very dif- formances this season, with the ward to racing again tomorrow The second slalom of the sea- fi cult for him at the start,” Bi- Dutchman winning two races (Tuesday) in Campiglio!” he son takes place today in Madon- notto told reporters in a video and fi nishing third overall. said. na di Campiglio. conference when asked what he “I can’t lie guys, it hurts,” Al- expected from the 21-year-old bon said in a statement on Sun- Ferrari Academy driver. day. “I gave it everything out “If I look at his past experi- there, but it wasn’t quite enough. ence in both F2 and F3, normal- I want to say a huge thank you ly he is delivering his best in the to all of you that supported me second season and not the fi rst. throughout this year, especially “I think Mick, the way he has my Thai fans. developed himself, is learning a “With all the diff erent opin- lot on the fi rst season and be- ions out there, I always had you comes very strong in the second tial two-year deal that could be is very strong in race pace and “A few other technicians will guys to push me through it. I’m half of the second season. That’s extended. consistent in terms of bringing move, reducing our organisa- not giving up, I’ve poured my life why I think two seasons will be They also have close ties with the car home in a good position,” tion which is required for the into this and I won’t let it stop important for him. Swiss-based Alfa Romeo, who he said. Ferrari have strength- budget cap but strengthening here. “But already on the second could also be a future destina- ened their ties with Haas ahead the organisation of our custom- “I have more to give and my I’m expecting to see progress tion for Schumacher after Haas, of next season, with their chas- ers and partner teams,” he said. focus is getting back for 2022 and compared to the fi rst one.” depending on progress. sis engineering head Simone Those transferred to Haas to wave the Thai fl ag again.” Ferrari have held open the Binotto said he wanted to see Resta transferring across. would remain at Maranello but Red Bull, who fi nished second possibility of Schumacher one Schumacher getting progres- Binotto said more Ferrari per- working out of a completely in the constructors’ champion- day racing for them but they sively faster. “I’m really expect- sonnel would follow Resta out as separate facility with no access ship, are aiming to give cham- have Charles Leclerc on a long- ing him to prove how fast he is the team is forced to shed staff to the main Ferrari building, Bi- pions Mercedes a run for their term contract while Spaniard in an F1 context, both qualifying to meet the terms of a budget notto added. money next season which is due Carlos Sainz has signed an ini- and the race...to prove that he cap being introduced next year. Meanwhile, Alexander Albon to start in Australia on March 21. Switzerland’s Ramon Zenhausern reacts after his win yesterday.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar 2022 World Cup will honour all Arabs: Salman Former midfielder Salman was the star of Qatar’s run to the final of the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship he countdown to the fi rst FIFA reaching the World Youth Champion- World Cup to be staged in the ship fi nal in 1981, Al Annabi’s senior Middle East continues. Last team had to wait until 2019 to win the Friday, 18 December 2020, Asian Cup, an achievement Salman Tmarked exactly two years before the fi - considers a source of pride for him and nal of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a the older crop of players. game every Qatari would love to see Al “I’m very proud of the generation Annabi contest. that won the Asian Cup, because they Far-fetched as that dream might achieved what we wanted to do. This seem, a quick search of the history group prevailed against top Asian sides books reveals that in 1981 Qatar did like Japan, Korea Republic, Australia reach a global fi nal - at the FIFA World and Iran, and became the continent’s Youth Championship in Australia - best side,” said the former player, who only to lose to West Germany. currently works as a football pundit. Qatar qualifi ed for the knockout But can Qatar repeat that success and phase as runners-up in Group A, hav- make the FIFA World Cup Final in two ing beaten Poland, drawn with USA and years’ time? “The World Cup will be a lost to Uruguay. In the quarter-fi nals, diff erent story,” Salman said, adding: they beat Brazil, led by Julio Cesar and “We must be realistic because we’re not Josimar, 3-2 thanks to a hat-trick from better than football powers like Brazil, midfi elder Khalid Salman. Germany, the Netherlands, England In an interview with FIFA.com, Sal- and France.” man spoke about Qatar’s impressive “It’s possible that our side will get campaign at that tournament. “Good good results and go beyond the group planning, a quality squad, and the out- stage, which would be an achieve- standing leadership of our Brazilian ment in itself. But honestly, we haven’t coach Evaristo de Macedo all played reached the level of the teams that have an important role in our distinguished top players competing in the major performance at that tournament,” he leagues,” he said. said. “A solid programme was put in Regardless of how Qatar fare at the place for that squad, whose objective World Cup, Salman believes that host- was to represent Qatar in the best way ing the World Cup is magnifi cent in possible. But as we progressed from one itself. “Organising that mega sporting round to the next, we grew more and event and impressing the whole world more hopeful, especially as we weren’t will be an achievement not only for just representing Qatar, but Arab and Qatar, but for all Arabs, as His High- Asian football as well,” he added. ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- mad al-Thani has said. The world-class A DREAM COME TRUE stadiums and the state-of-the-art in- In the semi-fi nal, Qatar beat England Regardless of how Qatar fare at the World Cup, Khalid Salman believes that hosting the World Cup is magnificent in itself. frastructure, be it the metro, tunnels, 2-1, a victory that was beyond the play- bridges or hotels, will be a source of ers’ wildest dreams. However, in the have won had it not been for Sydney’s well as the confi dence we’d gained from before the match didn’t help us; we cause of the condition of the pitch, we pride for Qatar and the whole region,” decider they suff ered an emphatic 4-0 weather conditions at that time. previous games, led us to believe we couldn’t have our training session on didn’t convert them. Honestly, had it Salman explained. defeat against a West German side led “If it weren’t for the rain, Qatar could win and prove that we were in the the pitch because of the amount of wa- not been for the rain, Qatar would have “After 2022, it’ll be diffi cult for any by Ralf Loose, who scored a brace that would have won,” he insisted. fi nal on merit, not luck. ter on it. “We weren’t used to playing won,” he stressed. country to organise a World Cup in a day. Salman recalled the historic tri- “We didn’t expect to beat England, Speaking of the fi nal, Salman said: in rainy conditions, which made things similar fashion. It’ll be an extraordinary umph over England and talked about one of the tournament favourites. “We had as good a chance as Germany, very diffi cult for us. In fact, we had two REALISM FOR 2022 event that will honour not only Qatar that fi nal, which he thinks Qatar could However, the morale in the squad, as but the weather conditions on the day chances in the fi rst 15 minutes, but be- Despite the country’s youth side but all Arabs,” he concluded.

QATAR’S STAR WEIGHTLIFTER FARES LIFTS FOCUS WORLD RECORD WEIGHT IN TRAINING QCA to conduct four-team cricket tournament to mark Qatar’s National Day

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) will be conducting a T10 cricket tournament for Asian communi- ties at the Asian City Stadium on DecemberT 25. Four teams representing the communities of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be participating. The announcement was made at a press conference held celebrating Qatar’s Nation- al Day. Youssef Jaham al-Kuwari, President, QCA, Abdullah Aman al-Khater, Secretary, QCA, and Isa al-Yaqoub, Director, Public Relations, QCA, were present on the occa- sion. The tournament, also being held to mark Qatar’s National Day, is being sponsored by Urdu Radio (FM 107). Youssef Jaham al-Kuwari said he was happy to hold this cricket tournament af- Qatar Cricket Association president Youssef Jaham al-Kuwari and other off icials at the an- ter a long hiatus following the Covid-19 nouncement of the T10 cricket tournament for Asian communities. pandemic. “We are announcing this on Qa- tar National Day, which is an occasion that as the competitions will begin at 9:30am nament. It will be a festive day for the fans represents a great celebration for all. The continue until about eight in the evening. and everyone will enjoy strong competitions tournament is expected to witness a dis- He called on the fans to adhere to social dis- due to the quality of the participating teams. tinguished public presence, especially since tancing, wear masks and show the applica- Each team will have two professionals play- cricket is very popular in Qatar especially tion of precaution. ing. “A match will also be organized between Qatari weightlifter Fares Ibrahim Hassouna (right) poses with Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF) among the Asian communities,” he said. Al-Kuwari pointed out that due to the Qatar’s women’s national team before the president Mohamed Yousef al-Mana after lifting a world record weight in the clean and jerk 96kg Al-Kuwari stressed that all precaution- very diffi cult circumstances because of the fi nal match of the tournament,” he said. category during a training session last week. ary and preventive health measures will be pandemic the participation in this edition Isa al-Yaqoub said that only 50% of the Fares achieved the personal milestone at Qatar Weightlifting Federation’s training centre, which was implemented in co-operation with the Min- has been limited to four teams. The number Asian City Stadium capacity will be used to streamed live. Fares lifted 232 kg, which is 1kg better than current world-record holder Tian Tao of istry of Public Health. All players, partici- of teams will be increased next year with accommodate fans and there will be precau- China lifted in July last year. However, Fares will not find his name in the record books as the lift came pants and work teams will be subjected to participation of international cricket stars. tionary measures in place. The stadium will during a training session. However, it augurs well for the 22-year-old, who is seen as Qatar’s best hope a Covid-19 test in order for the safety of all. For his part, Abdullah Aman al-Khater be opened part by part to maintain social for a medal at the Tokyo Olympics next year. He pointed out that the fans who love invited fans to attend the event. “Prizes will distancing between the fans and the safety cricket will enjoy a busy day of activities, also be allocated for fans attending the tour- of everyone.”

BOTTOMLINE Iraq sports minister lauds Aspire during visit to the renowned academy spire Academy hosted the Minister of Dirjal was highly impressed of Qatar’s sports Youth and Sport from Iraq, Adnan Dirjal development programmes exemplifi ed by As- on his visit to the world-renowned acad- pire Academy. “The work of Aspire Academy is emy of youth sport development yester- well known and praised throughout the world as a day.A Dirjal, one of Iraq’s most celebrated former model of how to successfully develop sport. I was footballers, also coached the Iraq national team as fortunate to have seen the foundation of the Aspire well as manage several clubs in Qatar before taking from the facilities through to the sporting teams up his new role in his home country. that have been developed at this Academy to reach Aspire Academy Deputy Director General, Ali world standard. Salem Afi fa welcomed Dirjal and his delegation. “The work of Aspire is admired by everyone in The Iraqi delegation also met Aspire Academy Di- the world many seek to learn from it, transfer the rector General Ivan Bravo, during which discus- knowledge and model of Aspire to their own coun- sions and deliberations centred on mutual co- tries and we in Iraq also seek to implement similar operation and support for the Iraqis in setting up programmes hence this visit. We have held fruitful youth sport development institutions like Aspire. discussions with Mr Bravo and Mr Ali Salem Afi fa The visitors were shown a presentation of how the and look forward to more cooperation and exchang- academy works and its modus operandi across dif- es as we pursue developing our own sports in Iraq ferent sports. starting with football,” said Dirjal. Iraq’s Minister of Youth and Sport Adnan Dirjal (second left) meets Aspire Academy off icials yesterday.