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Thursday, January 4, 2018 CRICKET Rabia II 17, 1439 AH Woakes out, Crane to GULF TIMES make Test debut for England, says Root SPORT Page 4 EXXONMOBIL OPEN Thiem battles on as seeds The tournament will see a new champion this year after Gasquet fall by the wayside is sent packing by Tsitsipas

By Anil John RESULTS Singles (Round 1): 1- (AUT) bt Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 7-5, 6-4; even down, one more to go! Or- Peter Gojowczyk (GER) bt Matteo dinarily, that’s not how tennis Berrettini (ITA) 6-2, 6-2; Mirza Basic reports are supposed to begin (BIH) bt 8-Feliciano Lopez (ESP) but considering the rather unu- 6-4, 7-6 (2); Guido Pella (ARG) bt sualS circumstances at the Qatar Exxon- Stefano Travaglia (ITA) 7-6 (4), 6-3; Mobil Open, one just also cannot totally Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt 7-Fernando wish that thought away. Verdasco (ESP) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4; Borna As of yesterday, the third day of the Coric (CRO) bt Nikoloz Basilashvili 26th edition of the prestigious tour- (GEO) 6-1, 6-3; Gael Monfils (FRA) nament, as many as seven of the eight bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 6-3, 1-6, seeds had fallen by the wayside, four 6-3; Q-Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) bt ousted in the fi rst round itself and three 5-Richard Gasquet (FRA) 6-3, 6-4 following them in the second. Blame it on the imperfections of the TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY seedings system or the early-season CENTRE COURT (from 3:30pm) blues, the fact remains that the non- Q-Mirza Basic (BIH) vs Guido appearance of , Stan Pella (ARG) Wawrinka and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs Borna through injuries and the premature Coric (CRO) ouster of many of favoured players 1-Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs Q- among the confi rmed lot have robbed Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) the event of some star power. WC-Gael Monfils (FRA) vs Fifth-seeded Richard Gasquet, sev- Peter Gojowczyk (GER) enth-seeded and eighth-seeded Feliciano Lopez bowed COURT 1 (from 5pm) out in the second round yesterday, fall- Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)/Guill- ing to Greek qualifi er Stefanos Tsitsi- ermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs 2-Oliver pas, Russian Andrey Rublev and Bos- Marach (AUT)/Mate Pavic (CRO) nian wildcard Mirza Basic, respectively. 1-Jamie MURRAY (GBR)/Bruno The results mean that the tourna- SOARES (BRA) or Borna CORIC ment will have a new champion this (CRO)/Jan-Lennard STRUFF (GER) year, with the exit of 2013 champion vs 3-Feliciano Lopez (ESP)/Rajeev Gasquet. Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem in action against Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene during their Qatar ExxonMobil Open match at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Ram (USA) Earlier, Pablo Carreno Busta, Tomas Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Berdych, Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Filip Krajinovic had fallen at the fi rst again on show in the second set. He had I come in. And maybe I come in a little happy to take my revenge because I lost hurdle. a golden chance to break Bedene in the bit more often, but I’m not going to against Fernando (2017 Paris Masters) Thankfully, though, Dominic Thiem, second game itself but couldn’t capi- come in every short play on the volley.” a few months ago. Also a tough match. the top seed, has survived, albeit not talise, thanks to a couple of wayward Thiem played in Qatar for the fi rst Today I won a tough match, so I’m re- before blowing hot and cold against shots. It was the same story in the sixth time as a qualifi er in 2014, and having ally happy. And I’m really happy to be in unseeded Slovenian Aljaz Bedene. game which Bedene managed to save made the transition to top seed at this the quarter-fi nal, and I will try to do my The 24-year-old Austrian played a with great diffi culty. year’s event, was pretty pleased with best tomorrow,” added the rising Rus- patchy match. One moment he was sub- Games went with serve, until the himself. sian, whose father was a professional lime, the very next he was atrocious. In Austrian, leading 5-4, broke Bedene in “When I played here in 2014, I think I boxer and mother a tennis coach. fact, the main reason why he got through the 10th game to secure victory after a was 140 in the world. So it was amazing Croatian Borna Coric, meanwhile, to the quarter-fi nals was that he had a lacklustre match. for me to qualify. I was the happiest guy followed up his impressive upset victo- superior serve and also because of Be- Thiem said he had no complaints, on the planet because I qualifi ed and ry over second seed Carreno Busta with dene’s own lack of self-belief. having won the match in two sets, even it was the start of my career basically. a 6-1, 6-3 romp over Georgian Nikoloz Thiem won 7-5, 6-4 when logically saying his two matches so far were a Everything started here. Basilashvili. It was the world number he should have wrapped up the en- perfect start for him in the new season. “And now, of course, I’m experienced. 48 Coric’s fi rst win over the Georgian counter with much more ease. But then “I’m pleased today. I’m through in I know how the Tour works. I’ve probably in three meetings, having previously when you convert only three of your 13 straight sets. It was a tough match, but I played 350 matches since then. And it lost to him in Lyon and Cincinnati last break points such things are bound to expected it and had two tough matches was nice back then. I was inexperienced. year. Coric will take on Rublev in the happen. which I both won in straight sets. So I I was really young and fearless. And a lot quarter-fi nals. Thiem was up 5-4 and held two set think that’s a perfect start to the new of things change. But of course, it’s better Gael Monfi ls of France, who was points in the 10th game but he squan- year,” said the Austrian who has won to be up in the ranking and top seed then given a wildcard, also advanced to the dered the advantage allowing Bedene six titles so far. have to pay the qualies.” quarters, beating German Jan-Lennard to draw level. That left the match in a “If you have to fi ght a lot, if you have Seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco lost to Russia’s Andrey Rublev yesterday. Earlier in the day, Rublev, 20, ousted Struff 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, who had shocked tricky situation but the Austrian was to suff er a bit, I think it’s very good like Spain’s seventh-seeded Verdasco in third-seeded veteran Tomas Berdych in quick to recoup, winning his next serv- this. You get a lot of tough situations fi nals against Tsitsipas, added that im- that easy to come in nowadays. All the three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, and wildcard the fi rst round. ice game and then breaking Bedene to already in the fi rst matches, and that’s proving his net play was a priority for players are very fast. They play really world number 138 Mirza Basic shocked In the last singles match of the day, take the set in 51 minutes. why I’m happy with the start.” him. good passing shots. So I improve my eighth seed Lopez 6-4, 7-6 (2). Tsitsipas went past veteran Frenchman Thiem’s lack of consistency was Thiem, who will play the quarter- “I practise volleys a lot, but it’s not volley, but still I have to watch out when “Of course I’m really happy. I’m Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets.

BOTTOMLINE Djokovic to return to action Asian kids still prefer studies, says ITF VP Khanna before Australian Open Novak Djokovic is finally set to Classic and is also scheduled to By Sports Reporter “Costs are constantly rising and it return to action next week after take part at the Tie Break Tens Doha has become diffi cult to fi nd sponsors. six months out with an elbow evening exhibition at Melbourne Countries like China are still doing well injury and will then decide Park next Wednesday. though, also, India, but costs are so pro- whether to take part in the Janu- The former world number one, sian children prefer the safety hibitive that not many others can aff ord ary 15-28 Australian Open. who won the last of his 12 grand net of a good education rather to host big tournaments.” “After pulling out from Abu slam honours when he captured than risk their future taking He was all praise for the Qatar Exx- Dhabi and ATP Doha events his maiden French Open title up professional sports, Inter- onMobil Open which was voted the best due to pain in his right elbow, in 2016, has not played since Anational Tennis Federation (ITF) vice- ATP World Tour 250 Series event for two Novak is travelling to Australia retiring against Czech Tomas president Anil Khanna said yesterday. successive years by players. where he will take part in two Berdych with the injury in the Khanna, who is also the President of “The International Tennis Federa- exhibition tournaments,” said a Wimbledon quarter-finals in the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF), was tion and the Asian Tennis Federation are statement on Djokovic’s website July. speaking to journalists in Doha where he very proud of the Qatar Open. We are not (www.novakdjokovic.com). He pulled out of the Abu Dhabi is attending the Qatar ExxonMobil Open ITF vice-president Anil Khanna (left) and QTF assistant secretary-general Tariq Zainal. surprised that it won the award for two “After the two events, a decision event last week only hours at the Khalifa International Tennis and straight years,” Khanna said. will be made about his participa- before his match with Spaniard Squash complex. in the top echelons of sports like tennis,” 40 players below them also make some “In fact if you ask me I’d say it’s even tion at the first Grand Slam of Roberto Bautista Agut after the “You will fi nd very few kids deciding at he added. money, but players further below often better than some of the ATP 500 tour- the season, the Australian Open, pain in his right elbow flared up. an early age that they want get into profes- Khanna said the situation in profes- end up not making any money. Actually naments. “I’ve been coming to Qatar where Novak has been crowned On medical advice, he also sional sports. It’s because they know it in- sional tennis is such that a player has to many of them end up losing money.” for many years now and I know that the champion six times.” withdrew from the Qatar Open volves a big risk. If they don’t make it big it be really good to strike it rich. Khanna said that holding tennis tour- Qatar Open has done wonders for Asian The 30-year old Serbian is to and now faces a final fitness test could aff ect their future,” he said. “The top few players are the ones naments has become a very expensive players. It has given recognition to Asia. return at the Jan 10-12 Kooyong for the Australian Open. “That is why you fi nd very few Asians that are making lots of money. Thirty or aff air these days. It is a great incentive for Asian players.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 4, 2018 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS National tennis teams have ExxonMobil co-hosts tennis strengthened Qatar’s sporting clinic with QTF, introduces status, says Khalid al-Khelaifi QNA and regional achievements, the joyable for them by using slower Doha most recent of which was Qatar balls, smaller rackets and play- junior team that fi nished run- grounds to help children con- ner-up in the Qatar Asian Junior tinue to play the game. racing bike simulator halid al-Khelaifi , di- U14 Tennis Tournament hosted This plan has contributed to rector of national by the QTSBF last month. an annual increase of 20 per- teams at Qatar Tennis, The QTSBF aims to develop cent in the number of male By Sports Reporter This is the fi fth year that kids Squash and Badminton all national teams by adopting and female players enrolled in tennis clinics are off ered to chil- FederationK (QTSBF), said that a long-term strategy that puts the centre, bringing the total Doha dren as part of the broader tour- the national tennis teams are the players on a priority and en- number to 160. nament. The clinics provide up- playing an important role in the sures their sporting excellence Regarding women’s tennis, n partnership with the Qa- coming tennis players with the development of tennis in Qatar and sustainable development, al-Khelaifi said that the QTSBF tar Tennis Federation (QTF), opportunity to learn new skills as they contributed to promot- he added. gives great attention to wom- ExxonMobil Qatar has been from world-renowned tennis ing the values of community and Al-Khelaifi said that the en’s tennis by attracting a large the title sponsor of the Qatar stars, and develop an interest had achievements at the local QTSBF has put a number of number of Qatari women to join IExxonMobil Open for 24 years. in physical activities, as part of and international levels, which plans and initiatives, most no- the Qatari teams and to develop As title sponsor, the company’s leading a healthy lifestyle. They will strengthen Qatar’s sporting tably development of a children their skills and talents. There annual stand at the Public Village also promote a love for tennis and status in the world. tennis centre by launching a are 60 women in all categories is designed to be creative and ap- encourage children to pursue the In remarks yesterday at the global and modern programme aged between 4 and 18, he said. pealing, and includes a unique sport beyond a recreational ac- media centre of the Qatar Exx- in 2015 aimed at increasing the The QTSBF hosts some 25 key entertainment piece each year tivity. onMobil Open, al-Khelaifi said number of Qatari players under tournaments, including the Qa- that draws visitors of all ages. “We are honoured our children that the national teams have in ten years. tar ExxonMobil Open and the ExxonMobil Qatar has debuted got to spend time with Mirza Ba- recent years made progress as This programme seeks to Qatar Total Open, besides six a racing motorbike simulator sic at today’s kids clinic – I am more than 240 male and female meet the needs of this age tournaments overseen by the at its stand in the tournament’s grateful to ExxonMobil Qatar and players joined in, and made local group and make the game en- international tennis federation. Public Village this year. The the Qatar Tennis Federation for simulator off ers a new and excit- arranging this wonderful activity ing motorbike racing experience for them,” said Chris Warren, a for users. It comes in a set of two parent form the ExxonMobil Qa- ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager Alistair Routledge Surgery not end of world for Murray: former coach motorbikes so people visiting the tar community. (left) at their stand in the Public Village. stand can compete against other “I’m sure professional ten- AFP The Scotsman said he would “But of course it’s never quite visitors. nis players, including Mirza Ba- London make his mind up by the the same. It would probably be The simulator isn’t just for sic started out like our kids did, weekend whether he would more worrying if he’d had the tournament-goers - several of this with somebody who got them play in the year’s first Grand surgery and still wasn’t quite year’s line-up of tennis players interested in playing, and en- ormer men’s tennis Slam the Australian Open — in right, so there’s still a plan B.” have already visited the Exxon- gaged them in playing the sport. world number one which he has been a finalist Maclagan, who has also Mobil Qatar stand including Jamie He taught the kids technique and FAndy Murray can be five times — which gets under coached Australia’s 2011 US Murray, Bruno Soares, Richard gave them great tennis tips, but I encouraged by the examples way on January 15. Open champion Sam Stosur, Gasquet. If they’re lucky, visi- think the most important thing of and Milos Maclagan, who coached said Murray would have to tors of the Public Village may get a they learned from him today Raonic, who both returned Murray from 2007-10, said the adapt his style if he does chance to see their favourite stars. was that tennis is a social sport, from hip surgery, according upside was he wasn’t feeling undergo surgery. Also as part of the tournament and they should have fun when to his former coach Miles like this after surgery. “If he can get fit, it might force activities, ExxonMobil Qatar and they’re on the court.” Maclagan. “It’s concerning because the him to play a diff erent sort of QTF co-hosted an annual kids In line with the Qatar National The 30-year-old two-time first option hasn’t worked game, with shorter rallies,” tennis clinic for children from the Vision 2030, ExxonMobil is com- Wimbledon champion with- out, which was a lot of rehab,” Maclagan said. “That could be ExxonMobil Qatar community. mitted to supporting the State of drew from the tournament Maclagan told the BBC. very exciting, [but] he’s got a Mirza Basic spent over an Qatar’s sustainable development in Brisbane on Tuesday and “I know he’s put as much into tough road back. hour yesterday working with goals. By partnering with local raised the prospect he may it as he possibly could. “The characteristic of these the young participants. During organisations, the company in- require surgery on the hip “There have been big ad- great players is that when the entertaining and informal vests in education and profes- that has kept him off the ATP vancements in medicine and they’ve had a setback they of- session, he helped the children sional workforce development circuit — apart from a one set there are guys like Lleyton ten come back stronger, rein- strengthen their hand eye coor- programs that promote a highly loss last week in an exhibition Hewitt and who vigorated in the mind. He said dination and build their confi - skilled, motivated and produc- in Abu Dhabi — since losing at had this sort of surgery and he was tired, so could come dence in making contact with the tive workforce that can build a Tennis player Mirza Basic spent time working with the participants of Wimbledon last June. came back to a good level. back with a fresh mentality.” tennis ball. bright future for Qatar. the kids tennis clinic. Gulf Times Thursday, January 4, 2018 3 SPORT

TENNIS / BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Kyrgios battles Germany on track for fi rst Hopman on, Raonic exits fi nal in 20 years

Australian rallies to beat compatriot Ebden with leg strapped AFP Perth, Australia AFP Brisbane, Australia ermany are poised for a fi rst Hopman Cup ustralian third seed fi nal appearance in overcame more than 20 years a leg injury to reach the Gafter a resurgent Angelique quarter-fi nals of the Kerber helped lead them to a BrisbaneA International yesterday 3-0 win over Canada in Perth as fourth seed Milos Raonic was yesterday. bundled out by wildcard Alex De The last time Germany Minaur. reached the decider in the Kyrgios came back from losing mixed teams tournament was the fi rst set to fellow Australian in 1995, when Boris Becker and Matthew Ebden to win 6-7 (3), Anke Huber gave the country 7-6 (5), 6-2, fi nishing the match their second title. vrilova on Sunday, Bouchard take,” she said. with his leg heavily strapped. The Germans are unbeaten af- barely fi red a shot against Ker- “For me, I can’t worry about In the late match on Pat Rafter ter two ties and Kerber and team ber in the fi rst set but resurrect- it, I’m trying to do my best. Arena, 18-year-old De Minaur mate Alexander Zverev just need ed her game in the second. “However long it will take is had the biggest win of his career to beat the host nation tomorrow At 3-3 in the second set Bou- what will happen, and I’ll have when he stunned former cham- in their last Group A tie to ad- chard held four break points, to deal with that.” pion Raonic 6-4, 6-4. vance to Saturday’s fi nal. but Kerber staved them off , held World number four Zverev Raonic has not played since Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a Belgium beat Australia 3-0 serve and then strolled through cruised past the 108th-ranked October because of calf and wrist volley return against compatriot in the evening tie yesterday and the last two games comfortably Pospisil in a 6-4, 6-2 win that problems and he looked rusty Matthew Ebden during their both those teams could sneak to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes. the German said was a reward against De Minaur, making a host match at the Brisbane into the fi nal if the Germans With emphatic wins over for putting in extra practice of unforced errors. International yesterday. (AFP) lose tomorrow. Belgium’s Elise Mertens and after his disappointing singles De Minaur was also able to Coming off a frustrating 2017 Bouchard, who had troubled loss to Belgium’s David Goffi n handle the Canadian’s huge during which she slid from Kerber in previous meetings, on Monday. serve, breaking him once in the breaker, the third seed had his leg when I move,” he said, “just when his 6-1, 6-2 win over Argentina’s number one in the world to 21st the German was thrilled with The 20-year-old was de- fi rst set then twice in the second heavily strapped and came back to I’m kind of straightening my leg. Horacio Zeballos. in the rankings, Kerber is un- her early season form ahead lighted to have kept his team on to open a 5-2 lead. win the next two, allaying any fears “I’m sure it will be fi ne.” “At the start of the year I’m beaten in two singles matches of the Australian Open, which track for the fi nal. Raonic managed to get one back he might join the long injury list at World number one Rafael keen to play, I have a lot of energy in Perth and her confi dence is provided her maiden Grand “We have two wins now in as De Minaur faltered while serv- the top of men’s tennis. Nadal and second seed Andy and that’s why I’m fl ying on the building again. Slam in 2016. the group, hopefully we can get ing for the match for the fi rst time. “A couple of days out (from the Murray were both high-profi le court,” Dolgopolov said. She easily accounted for “I was feeling very good from one more,” he said. But he held his nerve on his tournament) I was playing some casualties in the men’s draw. The world number 38 is now struggling Canadian Eugenie the fi rst point,” she said. “It is a team competition and second attempt and closed out points with Lleyton (Hewitt) and Nadal pulled out last week free of injury after battling a Bouchard in straight sets yes- “I was trying to be aggres- we are in a good spot.” the victory to set up a surprise then I kind of felt my knee a bit,” while Murray withdrew on Tues- string of problems in 2017. terday, before Zverev sealed sive and play my game. It is not In the evening tie, Belgians quarter-fi nal against American he said. day, before he had played his fi rst “Usually I have some problem the tie with a similar scoreline so easy to play against Eugenie, Goffi n and Mertens notched their qualifi er Michael Mmoh. “I’ve been kind of nursing it match. Both are now in doubt for like blisters or pains during the against Vasek Pospisil and the but today it was a good match.” fi rst win and stayed in the hunt Mmoh upset Germany’s eighth the last day or two but didn’t re- the Australian Open. off -season and couldn’t sustain Germans wrapped up a clean Meanwhile Bouchard could for the fi nal by powering past the seed Mischa Zverev 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. ally know what it was.” Kyrgios will next play tricky three to four weeks of work,” he sweep in the mixed doubles. barely contain her frustra- Australian pairing of Gavrilova Earlier, Kyrgios took to the Kyrgios said he had some fl uid Ukranian Alexandr Dolgopolov said. Kerber, 29, was bouyant af- tion, complaining about match and Thanasi Kokkinakis. court with tape on the back of his on the back of his left knee but it in the quarter-fi nals. “This time it was quite solid. I ter she notched her second scheduling and the off -court The Belgians won both sin- left knee. was not a cause for concern. Dolgopolov, the 2012 runner- didn’t have any days off and sus- straight-sets win in Perth to activities in Perth after an er- gles matches, with Mertens After losing the fi rst set in a tie- “It doesn’t really hurt me up to Murray, was untroubled in tained the work.” start the new year, while Bou- ror-riddled performance. recovering from a set down to chard, once ranked fi fth but The 23-year-old said she was beat Gavrilova 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 now 83rd, was testy after yet trying not to be consumed by and Goffi n too good for the another comprehensive defeat. the pressure to climb back up promising Kokkinakis 6-4, 6-2. Svitolina, Pliskova storm into quarters As was the case in her the rankings. Belgium plays winless Canada straight-sets loss to Daria Ga- “It will take as long as it will tomorrow in their fi nal group tie. AFP Svitolina said. Brisbane, Australia “I try to always find my good tennis out there and, you know, TENNIS / AUCKLAND CLASSIC play well. That’s the most impor- kraine’s tant thing.” continued her impressive Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi, the 2012 Ustart to the season when champion, moved into the last Wozniacki continues march she demolished Croatian Ana eight with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Konjuh 6-3, 6-1 in the second Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko. Reuters Top seed Wozniacki started brightly with a round of the Brisbane Interna- Once ranked as high as 15th Auckland, New Zealand break of serve to love on her way to an early 3-0 tional yesterday. in the world, Kanepi is on the lead and added another break in the eighth game Svitolina took just 64 minutes to comeback trail after injury to wrap up the opening set in just 24 minutes on a see off Konjuh at the Pat Rafter forced her out of the game in aroline Wozniacki continued to build on glorious day in New Zealand’s largest city. Arena and book an enticing June 2016 for just over a year. her WTA Finals victory late last year with Martic tried to mount a comeback early in the quarter-final showdown with She reached last year’s US Open another impressive performance on her second when she broke for a 2-0 lead but Wozniacki Britain’s . as a qualifier and had to qualify way to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Croatia’s won the fi nal six games behind impressive serving CPetra Martic to reach the quarter-fi nals of the numbers, including six aces, to book a last eight en- She was joined in the final eight in Brisbane as well. by defending champion and But her powerful serve proved Auckland Classic yesterday. counter with young American Sofi a Kenin. second seed Karolina Pliskova, too much for Tsurenko and she The Danish world number three ended 2017 with Kenin, a 19-year-old wild card, knocked out who took 10 minutes less to will now face Pliskova in the the biggest title of her career in Singapore and re- compatriot Varvara Lepchenko 6-4, 7-6(6) ear- demolish American Catherine She won five tournaments in Navarro but was relatively un- quarter-finals. turned a day after thrashing Madison Brengle in her lier in the day and there were also victories for Bellis 6-1, 6-1. 2017 and goes into the Austral- troubled against world number Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra season opener to hit 21 winners against eight un- Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei and Barbora Strycova. Svitolina, 23, started the week ian Open as a serious contender 44 Konjuh. Sasnovich booked a quarter-fi- forced errors in the 53-minute win over Martic. Hsieh recorded a 6-4 6-3 triumph over Belgian as world number six but would for the year’s first Grand Slam. “I’m playing well and I’m happy nal against Frenchwoman Alize “I’m trying to stay aggressive,” Wozniacki said in qualifi er Ysaline Bonaventure to set up a quarter- finish it as number four if she She had a tough opening round that I’m showing good tennis Cornet when she beat Estonia’s a court-side interview. “I still made some unforced fi nal clash against Strycova after the third seeded wins the tournament. win over Spain’s Carla Suarez from the start of the year,” Anett Kontaveit 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3. errors. It’s taking a few matches to play like 100 per- Czech edged out Sweden’s Johanna Larsson 6-1, cent but I still felt I played pretty well today.” 6-7(3), 6-2.

BOTTOMLINE Ferrari pay GOLF tribute as Halep rallies past Duan in Shenzhen, Schumacher Spieth ready to be turns 49 ‘the man’ in 2018 ensures top billing for Australian Open AFP Milan Reuters But I’m the one in the arena. Reuters Cary, North Carolina “In general, there are going Bengaluru to be critics and people who talian Formula One team disagree with the way you do Ferrari paid tribute to ordan Spieth’s victory things but I think I’m in a great orld number one IMichael Schumacher in last year’s British place and starting 2018. as- yesterday as the former Open had boosted his “I’m ready for anything. sured herself of top seven-time world champion self-belief, convinced I’m ready for failure, success billing for the Aus- himJ to ignore any critical and everything in between.” turned 49 years. Wtralian Open after powering past nay-sayers and gave him the With three major victories “Today Michael turns 49, local hope Duan Yingying and our thoughts are always confi dence to become ‘the and a couple of other close into the quarter-fi nals of the with him. #Keepfighting man’ in golf in 2018, even if calls under his belt, Spieth Shenzhen Open in China yester- #ForzaMichael,” the Italian Tiger Woods was planning knows he will face stiff com- day. stable wrote on their Twitter a comeback. The 24-year- petition in 2018 from fellow Halep hit 21 winners and won account, Scuderia Ferrari. old Spieth, who clinched 20-somethings like compa- fi ve out of eight break points to The retired German racing his third major title at Royal triot Justin Thomas, the de- prevail 3-6 6-1 6-2 and secure ace, widely regarded as one Birkdale, recognised that fending champion at Kapalua. her number one ranking going of the greatest Formula he is now under a relentless “The unknowns are very into next week and top seeding One drivers ever, suff ered spotlight, but the three-shot exciting right now with the for Melbourne ahead of Caroline catastrophic brain injuries win over fellow American amount of depth and talent Wozniacki and Garbine Muguruza. in a skiing accident in 2013 Matt Kuchar had helped re- at a younger age, mixed with However, the Romanian did and has been receiving care lease that pressure. guys in their 30s, number not have it easy until her rival at his home in Switzerland “The Open Champion- one in the world DJ (Dustin suff ered a thigh problem late since. ship just did wonders for me, Johnson),” Spieth said. on in the match after blazing Schumacher won two titles individually, not only my “Obviously the major through the fi rst set to take the with Benetton in 1994 and view of myself but being the question, what’s it going to lead. 1995 before five consecutive man in the arena,” the world be like with Tiger coming Caught off guard by Duan’s big heavy strapping on her left thigh. “I knew that she is playing re- was a very tough match.” world drivers’ titles with Fer- number two told reporters in back,” he added in reference hitting early on, Halep turned Halep, who battled past Duan ally hard and hitting every ball. Halep’s compatriot and fourth rari between 2000 and 2004. Hawaii ahead of today’s fi rst to 14-times major champion things around in the second set in their previous meeting in I knew I had to be strong on my seed Irina-Camelia Begu over- His records of seven titles, 91 round at the Tournament of Woods, who hopes to play a and broke the world number 91 Eastbourne last year, took advan- legs,” Halep said. came Russia’s Ekaterina Alex- career victories, most fastest Champions. full schedule after a back fu- twice for a 5-1 lead before level- tage as Duan struggled to fi nd her “After the fi rst set I was think- androva 4-6 6-1 6-2. She was laps (77) and most races “I’m the one out there sion operation last April. ling the contest. rhythm and raced to a 5-0 lead. ing I have to fi nd rhythm, to stay joined in the quarter-fi nals by won in a single season (13), putting it on the line every “It’s a pretty special time Duan took a medical timeout She then subdued a late fi ghtback closer to the baseline and open Czech Katerina Siniakova who remain unchallenged. week. I’m going to fail and to be a part of professional and returned for the decider with to seal the win in 97 minutes. the court better, which I did... It beat China’s Wang Yafan 7-5 6-3. learn, I’m going to succeed. golf.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 4, 2018 CRICKET

ASHES FIFTH TEST THIRD T20 Munro blasts record Woakes out, Crane to ton as New Zealand crush West Indies

AFP long on. The West Indies reply Mount Maunganui, New Zealand began disastrously with Chad- wick Walton and Chris Gayle out make Test debut for without scoring in Tim South- ew Zealand’s master ee’s opening over. blaster Colin Munro Andre Fletcher did his best to attributed his record- rebuild the innings and ensured setting century to the tourists kept up with New Nsink the West Indies in the third Zealand’s run rate for the fi rst Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui eight overs. But the introduc- England, says Root yesterday to a hit-and-hope phi- tion of spin saw Ish Sodhi end losophy. “I try and go out there Fletcher’s innings for 46 and the and swing from ball one and momentum fi zzled. From 80 for see what happens,” he said after four after eight overs, the last fi ve Woakes had scans on his injured left side strain and was ruled out of the Sydney Test blazing 104 off 53 deliveries. West Indies wickets fell for 44 On the back of Munro’s hero- runs in 51 balls. AFP ics, New Zealand won the third Sydney Twenty20 by 119 runs to com- SCOREBOARD plete a sweep of the tour by the New Zealand innings West Indies, having won both M. Guptill c Walton b Emrit 63 eamer Chris Woakes has been Tests, all three one-day inter- C. Munro c Hetmyer b Brathwaite 104 ruled out with a side strain open- nationals and two T20s. Munro T. Bruce b Brathwaite 23 ing the way for young leg-spinner became the fi rst player to score A. Kitchen run out(Walton/Emrit) 9 Mason Crane to make his debut three centuries in international K. Williamson b Taylor 19 forS England in today’s fi nal Ashes Test T20s, going one clear of four G. Phillips not out 7 against Australia. other players, including the West M. Santner not out 6 England skipper Joe Root confi rmed Indies’ Chris Gayle. Extras: (lb4, w7, nb1) 12 20-year-old Crane will play following the “If I’m lucky enough to get a Total (for five wkts; 20 overs) 243 injury set-back to Woakes. good start, I try and carry that Fall of wickets: 1-136 (Guptill), 2-191 Woakes had scans on his injured left momentum and if it’s my night, (Bruce), 3-204 (Kitchen), 4-226 (Wil- side yesterday and was ruled out of the it’s my night and if not then back liamson), 5-226 (Munro) Sydney Test as the tourists seek to win to the drawing board,” said the Bowling: Taylor 4-0-53-1 (1nb), their fi rst Test win of the series. 30-year-old left-hander, who Badree 4-0-51-0 (1w), Nurse 4-0-43- The Warwickshire paceman missed a cracked 10 sixes and three fours. 0, Brathwaite 4-0-50-2 (2w), Emrit signifi cant part of England’s home season New Zealand made 243 for fi ve 4-0-42-1 after straining his side during last year’s in their 20 overs and the West In- Champions Trophy and pulled up sore dies’ reply ended at 124 for nine WEST INDIES INNINGS after last week’s fourth Melbourne Test. in 16.3 overs, with Shai Hope C. Walton c Munro b Southee 0 Woakes has taken 10 wickets at 49.5 unable to bat after being injured C. Gayle c Phillips b Southee 0 in the four Tests and scored just 114 runs while fi elding. Munro was named A. Fletcher b Sodhi 46 through seven innings batting number man of the series after scores R. Powell c Williamson b Kitchen 16 eight at an average of 16.28. But he is a key of 53 and 104 in the two com- S. Hetmyer run out (Guptill) 7 member of England’s limited overs sides pleted Twenty20s and 66 in the C. Brathwaite c Bruce b Boult 15 — and with both a one-day international washed-out second match. A. Nurse not out 14 series and a Twenty20 tri-series to fol- The West Indies, desperate to R. Emrit lbw b Sodhi 5 low over the next month, England are not get at least one win on the tour, J. Taylor c Santner b Boult 13 prepared to risk him. tried every trick in their play- S. Badree c Bruce b Southee 2 “More than anything it’s making sure book but Munro was too good. S. Hope Injured. Did not bat he’s not out for a signifi cant period of Munro and Martin Guptill (63) Extras: (w4, nb2) 6 time like he was throughout the summer,” put on 136 in 11 overs for New Total: (for 9 wickets; 16.3 overs) 124 Root told reporters. Zealand’s fi rst wicket. That in- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Walton), “It gives him another week to get him- cluded 16 off the fi rst over by 2-1 (Gayle), 3-42 (Powell), 4-49 self right and hopefully that’s the case Rayad Emrit, who was making (Hetmyer), 5-80 (Fletcher), 6-92 and he’s fi t and ready to go when those England spinner Mason Crane (centre) speaks to captain Joe Root as teammate Moeen Ali (left) bowls in the nets during training at his T20 debut at the age of 36. (Brathwaite), 7-99 (Emrit), 8-114 games come around.” the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, on the eve of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia. (AFP) But Emrit claimed success in his (Taylor), 9-124 (Badree) Crane, who has made two Twenty20 second over when he had Guptill Bowling: Southee 2.3-0-21-3, Boult appearances, comes into the Test having one that is going to back down from any he told reporters: “There’s maybe no time the out-of-sorts Moeen Ali another caught behind. 4-0-29-2 (3w, 2nb), Kitchen 4-0- taken fi ve wickets for New South Wales challenge,” Root said. “He’s performed like the present to fi nd out. We think he’s chance. Moeen has played 48 Tests and Munro continued until the 33-1 (1w), Santner 2-0-16-0, Sodhi at the SCG last year while playing Syd- very well when he’s had his opportunities a guy that has got the goods, and the more came to Australia as an accomplished fi rst ball of the fi nal over when 4-0-25-2 ney club cricket. “The way he went about on this trip.” he plays at this level the better he will get. all-rounder but he has under-performed, he drove a Brathwaite full toss New Zealand won by 119 runs those Twenty20s shows he is right up for England coach Trevor Bayliss this week You’ve got to start somewhere.” taking only three wickets and averaging straight to Shimron Hetmyer at New Zealand won series 2-0 international cricket and he’s not some- indicated Crane was in line to debut when The injury to Woakes is likely to give 19 with the bat.

Starc returns for fi ft h Ashes Test, Smith ‘fi ne’

Sydney: Australia captain Steve Smith with before,” Smith said. “I’ll have a good brushed off concerns about his fitness hit and a good catch today and I’ll be fine on the eve of the fifth and final Ashes tomorrow. I love batting out here at the Test against England yesterday before SCG, it’s my home ground and I’ve made Mitchell Starc’s return to spearhead the a few good scores. So hopefully I can pace attack was confirmed as the only continue the run.” change to his team. The side was confirmed after Austral- Left-arm quick Starc, the leading wick- ia’s training session with Starc returning et-taker in the series after claiming 19 in in place of Jackson Bird, who laboured the first three Tests as Australia wrested as a stand-in on an Melbourne Cricket back the Ashes, missed the drawn fourth Ground pitch rated as “poor” by the gov- Test in Melbourne with a bruised heel erning International Cricket Council. but confirmed his fitness in the nets. Left-arm tweaker Ashton Agar was “Starcy’s pulled up pretty well this also brought into the squad to off er Aus- morning and said he’s ready to go,” tralia the option of going with two spin- Smith told reporters at the Sydney ners if it looked like the SCG was going Cricket Ground (SCG). “The break that to off er a lot of turn. Smith, though, said he’s had from bowling has helped his the state of the pitch made it unlikely heel heal, it’s coming on nicely, he’s that one of the quicks would make way confident. You’ve got to take the player’s for Agar to play alongside off spinner words sometimes, and hopefully he gets Australia’s captain Steve Smith (right) takes a catch as teammate Shaun Marsh Nathan Lyon as the hosts look to wrap through fine...” looks on during training at the SCG in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) up the series 4-0. “The wicket’s got a fair The Australia skipper, who has ac- bit of grass and looks to be a pretty good cumulated a series-leading 604 runs doubt that he would be leading his side Tuesday because of a bad back. “It’s a wicket,” he added.”I’d say we’d probably at an average of 151, left no one in any out tiday despite missing training on little bit stiff but nothing I haven’t dealt opt for just the one spinner.” New Zealand’s Colin Munro celebrates after scoring a century during the third Twenty20 match against West Indies yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Maxwell, Wade axed Jadeja a doubt for fi rst South Africa Test from ODI squad Reuters important. “It is actually a very, Cape Town very important role because you AFP “No one is in any doubt about have to support the fast bowlers Sydney Glenn’s ability or his potential as well. If you can bowl the spin- to produce match-winning con- ndia all-rounder Ravin- ners in the game, they can come tributions with the bat,” Hohns dra Jadeja is a doubt for the in big time and get a couple of egulars Glenn Maxwell said. “What we have wanted fi rst Test against South Af- wickets here and there, so it will and Matthew Wade from him is more consistency rica due to a viral illness, the be a great help for us,” he said. were axed from Aus- but in his past 20 matches in this IBoard of Control for Cricket in The right-hand opener re- tralia’s squad yesterday format he has averaged 22 and India (BCCI) said yesterday. vealed that this time he has done forR this month’s one-day inter- we need more than that from a The left-arm spinner has been his homework better than the national series against England. player in the side’s batting en- suff ering from the illness for the last time when he toured here. Chief selector Trevor Hohns gine room.” last two days and a decision on “I am preparing myself to be a said ODI specialist Maxwell was He said Paine had seized his his inclusion for the opening little more open-minded than I omitted over consistency con- opportunity behind the stumps Test in Cape Town will be made was last time. You cannot have a cerns, while Tim Paine takes the during the Ashes after being before the fi rst day of play starts set pattern you cannot go into a wicketkeeping gloves from Wade preferred to Wade. Hohns said tomorrow. Meanwhile, batsman Test thinking that you are going following his outstanding form selectors wanted the fi repower Shikhar Dhawan has been de- to leave so many balls. You also in the Ashes Test series. of Starc, Hazlewood and Cum- clared fi t after recovering from a have to be in a frame of mind to Selectors also named Aus- mins in the one-day series and minor ankle injury. India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and South Africa’s skipper Faf du Plessis pose with trophy yesterday, score runs,” Vijay said. tralia’s Test pace trio — Mitch- had added extra pacemen Jhye Virat Kohli’s side are atop the ahead of the first Test in Cape Town . (AFP) Commenting on the pitch, ell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Richardson and Andrew Tye in International Cricket Council’s Vijay said: “It is quite green. I Pat Cummins — and prodigious the squad to share the workload. (ICC) Test rankings after win- The two teams will play three frame of mind for the match and pen in a couple days’ time. I just don’t know how it is going to Twenty20 batsman Chris Lynn AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Steve Smith ning nine successive series but Tests, six One-Day Internation- not taking any sort of stress. want to prepare myself and be in behave on day one. For an open- for the fi ve-match series, start- (capt), David Warner, Patrick Cum- their record on tour in South als and three Twenty20 matches “I just want to go out there a confi dent state of mind, which ing batsman, the swing is more ing in Melbourne on January 14. mins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Africa is dismal. India have won through to the end of February. and whatever is thrown at me, I am at the moment,” he added. diffi cult to face than bounce. Hohns said the selection panel Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Mitchell just two of the 17 Tests played Meanwhil, Indian opener I just want to play my ‘A’ game Despite the conditions and Personally, I think I am able to wanted to have another look at Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, there since 1992, losing fi ve of Murali Vijay said he wants to and do well for my country,” Vi- pitch favouring the fast bowlers, manage bounce more. If the ball Lynn, while seeking more con- Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, the six series, with the 1-1 draw play his ‘A’ game against South jay said. “I don’t want to think the Tamil Nadu batsman said swings around, it is diffi cult for sistency from Maxwell. Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa. in 2010-11 their best return. Africa, adding he is in positive too much about what will hap- the role of spinners will also be any batsman to keep his shape.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 4, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL Cardinals QB Palmer announces retirement Reuters tle in 2005 but on the fi rst snap of his fi rst Phoenix, Arizona playoff game he suff ered a torn ACL after Hall of Fame fi nalists include Moss, Owens, Lewis, Urlacher taking a low hit. After a lacklustre stint in Oakland The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 2018 Mod- final 15 in their first year of eligibility have gone on to be rizona Cardinals quarterback where he won eight games over two sea- ern Era finalists Tuesday, led by linebackers Ray Lewis and enshrined that year: Junior Seau (2015), Brett Favre (2016), Carson Palmer announced sons, Palmer rejuvenated his career in Brian Urlacher and wide receiver Randy Moss, each of Jason Taylor (2017) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2017). his retirement from the NFL on Arizona under head coach Bruce Arians’ whom is in his first year of eligibility. A 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the ATuesday after 15 seasons, leaving vertical-passing scheme and alongside San Francisco 49ers general manager and former Buc- Year, Lewis seems likely to join that group of first-ballot the team with two big voids after their head future Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fit- caneers and Broncos safety John Lynch is also a finalist, selections. Moss has a compelling case as well – he ranks coach made the same decision this week. zgerald. capping a year in which he went from TV analyst to NFL second all-time in receiving touchdowns and fourth in The 38-year-old Palmer was drafted But Palmer’s career was hampered by GM. receiving yards – but Owens has yet to be chosen thus fi rst overall in 2003 by the Cincinnati injuries, including in the 2014 season The full 15-man group: off ensive tackle Tony Boselli, far despite a similar resume (second all-time in receiving Bengals, where he played eight seasons, when he missed Arizona’s playoff run wideout Isaac Bruce, safety Brian Dawkins, off ensive yards, third in receiving TDs), and Bruce (fifth in yards, 12th and then after a forgettable two-year with a torn ACL. guard Alan Faneca, off ensive guard Steve Hutchinson, in TDs) adds to the mix at wide receiver. stint with the Oakland Raiders joined the Palmer, who missed the fi nal nine off ensive tackle Joe Jacoby, running back Edgerrin James, Also worth watching will be Lynch and Dawkins, as the Cardinals in 2013. games of Arizona’s season with a bro- cornerback Ty Law, Lewis, Lynch, center Kevin Mawae, path to induction for safeties has been exceedingly “Over the years, I’ve had teammates ken arm, ends his NFL career 12th on the Moss, wideout Terrell Owens, Urlacher and cornerback diff icult. Kenny Easley’s selection last year, via the senior who decided to hang it up and I would ask all-time rankings with 294 touchdown Everson Walls. committee, made him just the eighth pure safety ever them how they knew when it was time to passes. Nine of the 15 were also finalists last year, while a 10th inducted, and the first since 1998. walk away,” Palmer wrote in a statement He also hold the Cardinals franchise (James) was a finalist in 2016. Hutchinson joined Lewis, Ur- The Modern Era group was whittled from an original list released by the Cardinals. records for passing yards and passing lacher and Moss as a first-year eligible finalist, while Walls of 108 nominees to 27 semifinalists in November. The 15 “The answer was almost always the touchdowns in a season, both marks set reached this stage for the first time in his 20th year of finalists will join senior nominees Robert Brazile and Jerry same ‘you just know’. in 2015. eligibility. Faneca, Jacoby and Owens have been finalists Kramer and contributor nominee Bobby Beathard for “For me, that time is now. Why? Quite Arians announced his retirement on in each of the last three years, while Lynch has done so in consideration for nomination into the 2018 class. simply, I just know.” Monday and Fitzgerald, 34, has said he five consecutive years. A maximum of five Modern-Era candidates will be chosen Palmer enjoyed early success with does not know if he will return for the Since 2015, four of the nine candidates to reach the for induction Feb. 3, the day before Super Bowl LII. Cincinnati as he led them to a division ti- NFL’s 2018 season.

NBA NHL Bruins stay red-hot with 5-1 rout of Thomas scores 17 New York Islanders

Reuters Bergeron put the Bruins New York ahead with an unusual goal 8:28 into the second. Brad Marchand’s shot from point- ive players scored a blank range skipped over the points in Cavs win goal apiece Tuesday head of Halak and behind the night for the Boston net, where Bergeron caught it, Bruins, who remained dropped it and wrapped a shot red-hotF with a 5-1 win over the off the back of Halak’s skate New York Islanders at Barclays and into the back of the net. Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Marchand and Schaller scored Danton Heinen scored in the a little less than six minutes fi rst, Patrice Bergeron scored apart in the third to put the against Blazers the go-ahead goal in the sec- game away for the Bruins. ond and Brad Marchand and ‘It was great see him get his first basket and go from there’ Tim Schaller provided insur- Ovechkin guides Caps ance goals in the third for the past Hurricanes AFP win over visiting New York. Bruins (22-10-6), who capped Alex Ovechkin scored the Los Angeles LaMarcus Aldridge fi nished the scoring with an empty- tying and winning goals as with 19 points and fi ve boards netter by Noel Acciari with the Washington Capitals ral- while Manu Ginobili scored 12 2:13 left. Boston has won seven lied for a 5-4 overtime victory eBron James dropped in points and Pau Gasol had 11 and of its last 10 (7-1-2). against the Carolina Hurri- 24 points and two-time eight rebounds for the Spurs. Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, canes on Tuesday night in all-star Isaiah Thomas Kristaps Porzingis was one of three who was named the NHL’s fi rst Raleigh, N.C. made his Cleveland de- Knicks with 13 points and also star of the month for Decem- Ovechkin’s 26th goal of the Lbut as the Cavaliers defeated the grabbed nine rebounds. Courtney ber earlier Tuesday, recorded season came unassisted 1:57 Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 on Lee and Lance Thomas also scored 25 saves in winning his sixth into overtime as the Metropol- Tuesday night. 13, Enes Kanter had 12 and Jarrett straight start. Rask went 9-0- itan Division-leading Capitals The Cavaliers had fi ve players Jack chipped in 12 for New York, 1 last month. snapped Carolina’s six-game, in double fi gures including Tho- which has lost fi ve of six. Jordan Eberle scored for the home-ice winning streak. mas who showed fl ashes of his Islanders (20-16-4), who have Ovechkin tied the game at 4-4 off ensive skill in a long-awaited Suns 104, Hawks 103 lost three straight (0-3-0) and with 7:15 to play in regula- fi rst game with his fourth Na- Devin Booker scored 34 points, seven of 10 (3-6-1). Goalie Ja- tion. Alex Chiasson, Devante tional Basketball Association sinking fi ve three throws in the roslav Halak made 33 saves. Smith-Pelly and Dmitry Orlov team. Thomas tallied 17 points in fi nal 12.3 seconds, and Phoenix Both teams scored goals im- also scored for the Capitals, 19 minutes of play as he embarks scored 11 consecutive points late mediately off faceoff s within a who were playing in their only on a soft return to NBA action in the fourth quarter to steal a 73-second span shortly before game of the week. following injuries to his hip and victory over visiting Atlanta. the midway point of the fi rst. Carolina (18-13-8) lost its shoulder. Dennis Schroder’s driving lay- After the Bruins’ Riley Nash second game in a row follow- “It was great see him get his up with nine-tenths of a second won a faceoff deep in the New ing a season-high, four-game fi rst basket and go from there,” remaining ended the Suns’ 11-0 York zone with John Tavares, winning streak. Victor Rask James said of Thomas. “He is a run, but Phoenix successfully in- the puck bounced to Heinen, collected two goals for the spark and the jump we needed on bounded the ball to end the game. whose shot from the circle Hurricanes, and Elias Lind- our team right now.” TJ Warren scored 31 points on sailed past Halak 8:17 into the holm and Teuvo Teravainen James also had seven assists 15-of-21 shooting, and Chriss period. also scored. and four steals while starters had 17 points and 11 rebounds Bergeron won his faceoff Kevin Love (19) and Jae Crowder for the Suns. Ersan Ilyasova had against the Islanders’ Mathew RESULTS (17) scored in double fi gures for 21 points and Schroder and Kent Barzal in the Boston zone, af- Golden Knights...... 3 Predators ...... 0 the Cavaliers in the win. Bazemore added 20 apiece for the ter which the puck skittered Lightning ...... 2 Maple Leafs 0 Thomas and Dwyane Wade Hawks. towards the net as Eberle and Penguins ...... 5 Flyers ...... 1 came off the bench to score 16 Bruins defenseman Bran- Sharks ...... 4 Canadiens ...... 1 and 15 points respectively. Clippers 113, Grizzlies 105 don Carlo chased after it. But Bruins ...... 5 Islanders ...... 1 Lou Williams scored 33 points Carlo fell, which left Eberle all Ducks...... 5 Canucks ...... 0 Even though the Cavs’ next to lead Los Angeles to a victory alone in front of Rask. Eberle Kings ...... 5 Oilers ...... 0 game is against the Celtics, over visiting Memphis. maneuvered the puck to the Blue Jackets ...... 2 Stars ...... 1 Thomas already said he Williams connected on all 15 left of the net and, with Rask Wild ...... 5 Panthers...... 1 isn’t keen on facing his old of his free-throw attempts as the falling to the right, tucked a Blues ...... 3 Devils ...... 2 (SO) teammates just yet. Clippers won their fourth con- shot into the corner. Avalanche ...... 3 Winnipeg 2 (OT) secutive game and their sixth in Thomas was traded by the the past seven. Boston Celtics along with Crow- Williams topped 30 points in der, Ante Zizic and two draft four of the past six contests and picks to Cleveland for Kyrie Irv- is averaging 30.8 points during ing in the off season. the stretch. Blake Griffi n added Thomas’ last game was May 19, 21 points and eight assists, and game two of the Eastern Confer- C.J. Williams scored 18 points for ence fi nals against the Cavs. He Los Angeles. played hurt through the fi rst two Tyreke Evans scored 18 points rounds of the playoff s, then was and Mario Chalmers added 15 for furious that Boston traded him. Memphis. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said The Grizzlies shot just 36.6 earlier that Thomas would play percent from the fi eld in the sec- restricted minutes on Tuesday. ond half to fi nish at 48.7 percent. Even though the Cavaliers’ next game is against the Celtics, Hornets 131, Kings 111 Thomas already said he isn’t keen Nicolas Batum scored 21 on facing his old teammates just points, and Dwight Howard had yet. 20 as Charlotte rolled to a victory “I can wait until February,” over Sacramento. Jeremy Lamb Thomas said when announcing and Johnny O’Bryant III each his return. “I think we play them had 16 points, and Kemba Walker in February again, so I can wait contributed 12 points and 10 as- and put on a show then.” sists for the Hornets. Damian Lillard returned to the Charlotte shot 57.3 percent Blazers lineup from injury and from the fi eld and coasted after fi nished with 22 points. Lillard building a 20-point halftime lead missed fi ve games with a sore right that grew to 23 late in the third hamstring. Jusuf Nurkic scored a quarter. team-high 23 points and CJ Mc- Randolph fi nished with 24 Collum chipped in 19 in the loss. points and 10 rebounds, and Skal Labissiere had 17 points and 15 Spurs 100, Knicks 91 rebounds for Sacramento, which Kawhi Leonard scored 25 has lost three straight home points on 8-of-20 shooting and games since beating the Cava- The Boston Bruins players celebrate a goal by Danton Heinen grabbed eight rebounds in 30 liers last Wednesday. The Kings Shabazz Napier of the Portland Trail Blazers tries to stop Cleveland Cavaliers’ Isaiah Thomas (right) during (left) in the first period of their NHL game against the New York minutes to pace San Antonio to a have lost fi ve of six. the first half of their NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (AFP) Islanders at the Barclays Centre. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 4, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT HONOUR Salah favourite to complete hat-trick Zidane, Real hoping of awards

AFP round derby date with Ever- Accra ton. However, Liverpool manag- er Jurgen Klopp did not hesi- iverpool star Mohamed tate to release his African for more glory Salah hopes to add the duo for the Accra ceremony, African Player of the which will include six other ‘I will try to finish the season as well as possible because we still have a great chance Year award in Ghana awards. Ltoday to his rapidly expand- “It is a sign of respect,” he of winning things again. That is what motivates me and the team’ ing collection of individual told reporters in Liverpool. honours. “We sleep in a hotel and they The Egyptian, scorer of 23 sleep in a plane. That is the goals in all competitions mid- only diff erence.” way through his fi rst season at Salah is a doubt for the Mer- Anfi eld, has been voted BBC seyside showdown, though, African Footballer of the Year having missed the English and Arab Player of the Year. Premier League victory at Salah, Liverpool teammate Burnley this week owing to a Sadio Mane of Senegal and groin strain. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Should Salah be named of Borussia Dortmund and Player of the Year, he will be Gabon are the contenders for only the second Egyptian af- the highest African individual ter 1983 winner Mahmoud al football honour. Khatib to hoist the symbol of The scoring feats of Salah individual brilliance. have installed him as the pub- It would be the fi rst time lic and media favourite to suc- since 1986 that north Africans ceed Algerian Riyad Mahrez of have won successive editions Leicester City as the number of the poll, which this year one African footballer. involved national coaches, “I want to be the best Egyp- journalists, offi cials and the tian footballer ever,” said Salah public. after receiving the BBC award Morocco midfi elder Mo- last month. hamed Timoumi was the 1985 “When I came to Liverpool winner, followed by compa- I hoped to show everyone my triot Badou Zaki, one of two abilities. I scored a lot of goals goalkeepers to be voted the with Roma and am very happy best African footballer. being successful at Liverpool.” Footballers from the west of Salah also starred for Egypt, the continent have dominated scoring fi ve of the goals that recently with Samuel Eto’o of qualifi ed his country for the Cameroon and Yaya Toure of 2018 World Cup in Russia af- the Ivory Coast each winning ter a 28-year absence from the four times. global showpiece. While Salah has made the Mane will also be in Russia top three for the fi rst time, next June, adding abundant prolifi c Bundesliga scorer Au- creativity to a physically for- bameyang fi nished fi rst once midable Senegal side. and second twice in the past Gabon did not qualify and three award ceremonies. Aubameyang shunned several Mane came third last sea- World Cup call-ups, a fact that son, but his valuable input for could count against him. Liverpool has been overshad- Salah and Mane will leave owed by Salah, second in the Accra soon after the awards Premier League scorers’ charts ceremony as Liverpool have behind Harry Kane of Totten- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane during a training session in Madrid. (AFP) a Friday night FA Cup third- ham Hotspur.

AFP After last season’s Champi- son as well as possible because Barcelona edge Real Madrid on TV income Madrid ons League and La Liga double we still have a great chance of triumph, Real have already won winning things again,” added La Liga leaders Barcelona received a record 146.2 million euros three trophies this season. Zidane, who is without Karim ($175.6 million) last season from television rights, figures from La Coutinho? I prefer my players, fter enjoying extraor- They followed their victories Benzema due to injury. Liga show, earning seven million euros more than champions Real says Barca coach Valverde dinary success in 2017, in the European and Spanish “That is what motivates me Madrid. with an unprecedented Super Cups at the start of the and the team. I am not looking The 20 clubs in Spain’s top flight took in 1.247 billion euros, rising Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde shrugged off speculation haul of fi ve trophies, campaign by winning the Club beyond the next six months.” from 1.237 billion from the previous year, with Barca earning an over an imminent swoop for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho AZinedine Zidane begins his World Cup in December to make Meanwhile, Zidane was extra 6.2 million than the year before. yesterday by insisting: “I prefer the players I currently have in third year in charge of Real Ma- it a record fi ve trophies for the guarded on suggestions that the The income is distributed according to results in the last five years, the team.” drid with a trip to second-tier year. club would make a move for the explaining why Barca, champions in 2013, 2015 and 2016, earned Brazilian international forward Coutinho has been linked with Numancia in the Copa del Rey However, the year ended with Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa more than Real, who won the title last season for the first time since a 150 million euro (£134 million; $180 million) switch to the today. a 3-0 home defeat to Barcelona Arrizabalaga in this month’s 2012. Spanish giants in the current transfer window just as he was The match will mark the sec- in the clasico, a result that left transfer window. Real earned the second biggest amount, 140 million euros, Atletico when the English side thwarted a series of approaches from ond anniversary of Zidane’s ap- them fourth in La Liga, 14 points “We have the possibility of Madrid picked up the third largest share, 99 million, while Athletic Barca last summer. pointment as Madrid coach as behind their great rivals at the signing players until January 31 Bilbao took the fourth largest sum, 71 million. “I have nothing to say on the subject of Coutinho, he isn’t one the successor to the sacked Ra- summit, albeit with a game in so anything could happen. Leganes, who in 2016 were promoted to the top flight for the first of our players,” said Valverde. fael Benitez. hand. “I am satisfi ed with my squad. time ever, earned the smallest amount of all the teams, pocketing “He is at another team and we respect the fact that he is at The Frenchman has since gone The Copa del Rey is the one I have built it myself, so I take re- 39.3 million. another team. He is a great player and we don’t know what is on to win eight out of a possible trophy Real have not won under sponsibility for that.” Barca are nine points clear of Atletico at the top of La Liga, which going to happen in the future. 10 trophies from just 116 games Zidane, and they will be eager Holders Barcelona also play resumes on Saturday after taking a two-week winter break. “However, I much prefer the players that I currently have in my in charge, a remarkable tally for to avoid a slip-up when they today, travelling to Celta Vigo, Last season was the second campaign in which La Liga sold its team and they are the ones who concern me.” someone who had never previ- go to the bitterly cold northern who eliminated Real last season television rights collectively following a change in the Spanish law in Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has also refused to get caught up ously coached at the top level. town of Soria to face Numancia in the quarter-fi nals. The return 2015. Under the previous system, based on club’s negotiating their in the feverish speculation over the 25-year-old’s immediate “Your appetite comes from in the fi rst leg of their last-16 matches will be played next mid- deals individually, the league earned a total 851 million euros from future. eating. We are never tired of tie. week. television rights. Rumours of a move to the Camp Nou were fuelled by pictures winning,” Zidane said at a press It is the start of what will be La Liga, which controls the top two divisions in Spanish football, - subsequently removed - of a Barcelona shirt with Coutinho’s conference yesterday. a hectic month, as long as Real Fixtures distributes 90 percent of income to the top flight, with 10 percent name appearing on the website of Nike, the Catalan club’s kit “Perhaps it does wear you continue to progress in the Cup, TODAY going to the second tier Segunda Division. manufacturer, over the weekend. down a bit. Certainly, when you before they host Paris Saint- Celta Vigo v Barcelona, Leganes The league is currently negotiating its next television deal, coming “I heard about it. Somebody told me and I thought ‘wow’. But are at such a high, the only way Germain in the last 16 of the v Villarreal (both 1800 GMT), into eff ect from 2019-20, which the organisation’s president Javier I couldn’t be less interested in anything in the world!” Klopp to go is down a bit before you can Champions League in February. Numancia v Real Madrid, Espan- Tebas says could be worth 2.3 billion. said. then climb back up again.” “I will try to fi nish the sea- yol v Levante (both 2000 GMT)

FOCUS FIFPro delegation meets Qatar Players’ Association By Sports Reporter in ensuring that success.” made this agreement possible.” Doha As part of its commitment to FIFPro, The QPA and FIFPro are now working the QPA said that an agreement has been towards reviewing and the implementa- reached between relevant government bod- tion of a standard employment contract to he Qatar Players’ Association (QPA) ies and offi cials from the Qatar Football guarantee minimum working conditions, as last Thursday hosted representa- Association (QFA) and well as reviewing the existing Foundation tives from FIFPro, the Interna- (QSL) to immediately implement the re- of Qatar Sports Arbitration rules to ensure tional Association of Professional forms announced by the Qatari government that players have access to a fair, football- TFootballers, to discuss initiatives aimed at within the footballing administrative bod- specifi c legal system in the event of dispute. aligning the QPA with FIFPro-approved ies. The ‘Kafala’ system is replaced by an “We have worked hard to establish the QPA standards on how to best represent players. employer-employee contract. as an integral entity within the Qatari football FIFPro offi cials welcomed recent devel- “We’re pleased to see the end of restric- family and as a respected and independent opments between the International Labour tions on freedom of movement,” Piat said. players’ representation organisation on the Organisation (ILO) and the Government of “By elevating the rights of players, it pro- international stage,” QFA General Secretary Qatar who have entered into a three-year vides a promising new platform to build the Mansoor al-Ansari said. technical co-operation commitment aimed game in Qatar. It is vital that players are ad- “The Zahir Belounis’ case underlined at strengthening national regulations and equately represented and with that in mind, the importance of the existence and rec- practices and implementing extensive labour we look forward to ratifying the QPA’s sta- ognition of the QPA. We worked diligently reforms. The agreement provides an outline tus as a full member of FIFPro at our Board – along with FIFPro and numerous local for ensuring employers and workers realise Meeting in early February 2018”. stakeholders to ensure that solutions were fundamental principles and rights at work, in FIFPro and the QPA took the opportu- found satisfying all parties. line with international labour standards. nity today to announce that a solution had “We are pleased to hear that our status FIFProo president Philippe Piat said: been found in the long-running dispute as a full FIFPro member will be approved, “The ILO agreement with Qatar will ben- between French-Algerian footballer, Zahir and very much appreciate president Piat’s efi t players as workers, together with the Belounis, and El Jaish Sports Club. Bel- support. This is an important step for the creation of the QPA, the country’s fi rst- ounis left Qatar in late 2013 amid claims of development of our organisation. ever association for professional football- unpaid wages. Existing within FIFPro’s framework pro- ers. The 2022 FIFA World Cup is inspiring “FIFPro has been advising Zahir Belounis vides us with the support system required progress in Qatar, and I expect the event for some time and with the assistance and to properly ensure that the rights of our and its legacy to be a big success. We look mediation of the QPA we were able to ne- players are protected inside and outside of forward to working together with all par- gotiate a fair settlement,” Piat said. “We’re Qatar and we look forward to a long and ties representing to assist happy to move on and thankful to all who productive relationship. Gulf Times Thursday, January 4, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE QNB STARS LEAGUE Bulent gets down Quick-fi re Man City to business at Al Gharafa back in the groove l Gharafa’s new coach ing nine victories and two draws. Bulent Uygun started The game against Tunisia must training his wards on be a good exposure to Al Duhail, Tuesday following his coached by Algerian Djamel Bel- Llorente fires Tottenham Hotspur to 2-0 victory over Swansea appointmentA in place of French- madi, ahead of the remaining part man Jean Fernandez. of the season. AFP The players went through their Duhail’s preparation is going London paces in the morning and evening full steam ahead. Players who as they prepared for the QNB represented Qatar at the Gulf Cup Stars League’s second phase, in Kuwait returned to the squad, aheem Sterling scored the fast- starting on 11th January. while they are missing the serv- est goal of the Premier League Gharafa are seventh in the ices of those doing duty for the season as leaders Manchester standings after the fi rst phase Qatar Olympic team at the forth- City got back on track with a 3-1 with only 11 points from two wins, coming AFC Under-23 Champi- winR against Watford on Tuesday night, four draws and fi ve defeats. They onship in China. while Fernando Llorente put Tottenham travel to Al Ahli for their 12th on course for a 2-0 victory at his former round match on 12th January. FATHI BACK IN ARABI FOLD club Swansea. The Cheetahs are scheduled to AFTER NATIONAL DUTY Sterling struck after just 38 seconds play a friendly against Qatar SC Ahmed Fathi, who represented before Christian Kabasele’s fi rst-half at home on Sunday and Bulent, Qatar at the ongoing Gulf Cup in own goal put ’s side in con- who had coached Umm Salal dur- Kuwait, joined Al Arabi’s prepa- trol at Eastlands. Sergio Aguero made it ing 2013-16, will utilise his fi rst rations for their friendly against three as City gave the perfect response match in charge to try out various Al Mesaimeer, scheduled for to- after their 18-game winning run was combinations before giving a fi nal day. Arabi had recently lost to Al ended in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace shape to his strategy. Markhiya by a solitary goal in an- on Sunday. Many young players such as other friendly. Unbeaten City are 15 points clear of Nasser al-Kaabi, Ilyas Ahmed, The matches are part of their second-placed Manchester United as Mohamed Ismail, Hassan Waleed preparations for the second phase they continue to turn the title race into a Bakhit and Mohammed Badi at- of QNB Stars League. lengthy coronation party. Guardiola had tended the training. The Dream Team will resume complained that the hectic festive fi x- Yusuf Hassan and Tamim Mu- their campaign with an away ture schedule was a “disaster” after City hazah, who are with the Qatar game against Al Sailiya at the Al striker Gabriel Jesus suff ered a knee liga- Olympic team preparing for the Ahli Stadium on 12th January. Al ment injury at Palace. AFC under-23 Championship in Arabi have only nine points from But Guardiola was able to replace the China, were missing. two victories and three draws. Brazilian with Sergio Aguero, while David Othman al-Yahri as well as Al- They suff ered six defeats. Saad Silva returned from a two-game absence. mahdi Ali, who represented Qatar Nateq, who did duty for Iraq at City, playing their fourth match in 11 at the Gulf Cup in Kuwait, will the Gulf Cup, is expected to join days, were ahead inside a minute as Ster- soon join the squad. the squad soon. Arabi’s Croatian ling met Leroy Sane’s cross with a near- coach Luka Bonasic would be post fi nish for his 18th goal this season. DUHAIL TO PLAY FRIENDLY keen to take the positives from Having won 6-0 at Watford in Sep- AGAINST TUNISIA the two friendlies as they seek to tember, City looked on course for another QNB Stars League leaders Al Du- improve their ninth position half- rout in the 13th minute when Watford’s Manchester City’s David Silva is fouled by Watford’s Roberto Pereyra (left) during the Premier League game on Tuesday. (Reuters) hail will host a friendly match way through the season. Kabasele sliced an attempted clearance against Tunisia on Sunday, 7th into his own net from Kevin De Bruyne’s score again as Argentine forward Aguero Tottenham move above Arsenal into fi fth mier League: Derby with 32, Sunderland January. The Tunisian national QSLM HOLDS cross. Yet they had to wait 50 minutes to netted from close-range for his 16th goal place and sit four points behind fourth with 26 and Norwich with 21. team, which has qualifi ed for this TECHNICAL MEETING of the season. placed Liverpool with a game in hand. Crystal Palace came from behind to year’s World Cup in Russia, is The Qatar Stars League Manage- Andre Gray’s 82nd minute goal for “The weather was horrible but we win 2-1 at Southampton thanks to Luka currently having a training camp ment (QSLM) held a technical POINTS TABLE Watford came way too late to avoid a sixth dominated and tried to play football. Milivojevic’s late goal. Palace fell behind in Doha. meeting at its headquarters at the (played, won, drawn, lost, for, against, defeat in their last seven league matches. Overall I think we were better and de- in the 17th minute as Saints striker Shane The match is part of Duhail’s Al Bidda Tower yesterday ahead points): “We played really well. After dropping served the three points,” Tottenham Long scored for the fi rst time since Feb- preparations for the second phase of the QNB Stars League’s second Man City 22 20 2 0 64 13 62 two points, we spoke about our reaction boss Mauricio Pochettino said. Swansea ruary last year. of QNB Stars League, which be- phase. Chaired by QSLM’s Head Man Utd 22 14 5 3 45 16 47 because big teams drop points but not too remain bottom of the table as new boss Long’s fi ne fi nish raced into the top gins on 11th January. The Red of Operations Ahmed al-Sayed, Chelsea 21 14 3 4 39 14 45 much,” Guardiola said. Carlos Carvalhal was beaten for the fi rst corner from Jeremy Pied’s cross. But Pal- Knights will travel to Qatar SC for the meeting was attended by rep- Liverpool 22 12 8 2 50 25 44 With Harry Kane only fi t enough for a time in his second match since replacing ace equalised in the 69th minute when their opener on 13th January. resentatives of teams as well as Tottenham 21 12 4 5 41 20 40 place on the bench after illness, former the sacked Paul Clement. Scotland midfi elder James McArthur Duhail are leading the stand- the Qatar Football Association’s Arsenal 21 11 5 5 38 26 38 Swansea striker Llorente made his fi rst Andy Carroll’s stoppage-time strike volleyed home from Christian Benteke’s ings with 29 points. They stayed Referees’ Committee. The clubs Burnley 22 9 7 6 19 19 34 league start for Tottenham at the rain- sealed a vital 2-1 win for West Ham header. And Serbia midfi elder Milivojevic unbeaten in the fi rst phase, the were urged to include reserve Leicester 22 8 6 8 34 32 30 lashed Liberty Stadium. Llorente marked against second bottom West Bromwich redeemed himself for missing a last- only team to do so, by register- players in their squads. Everton 22 7 6 9 25 34 27 the occasion with a 12th minute goal, the Albion at the London Stadium. James minute penalty against Manchester City Watford 22 7 4 11 31 40 25 Spaniard powering home a header from McClean’s defl ected shot from the edge at the weekend as his long-range curler in Huddersfield 22 6 6 10 18 35 24 Christian Eriksen’s free-kick despite of the area put Albion in front in the 30th the 80th minute lifted Palace away from Brighton 22 5 8 9 17 27 23 Swansea’s appeals for off side. minute. the relegation zone. Newcastle 22 6 4 12 20 30 22 Puddles all over the pitch made it hard But Carroll equalised with a bullet Crystal Palace 22 5 7 10 20 33 22 for Tottenham to establish their smooth- header in the 59th minute, his fi rst goal ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS Bournemouth 22 5 6 11 22 34 21 passing game and Kane, who fi nished since April. Carroll followed up his open- Manchester City 3 (Sterling 1, Kabasele 13-og, West Ham 21 5 6 10 24 39 21 2017 with consecutive hat-tricks, was er with a dramatic winner from close- Aguero 63) Watford 1 (Gray 82) Southampton 22 4 8 10 21 32 20 sent on for Llorente after 68 minutes. range, lifting David Moyes’ side out of the Swansea 0 Tottenham 2 (Llorente 12, Alli 89) Stoke 22 5 5 12 23 47 20 Kane made his presence felt with a per- bottom three. Southampton 1 (Long 17) Crystal Palace 2 West Brom 22 2 10 10 16 30 16 fect pass to Dele Alli and the Tottenham West Brom are winless in 20 top-fl ight (McArthur 69, Milivojevic 80) Swansea 22 4 4 14 13 34 16 midfi elder fi nished at the second attempt fi xtures — only three clubs have endured West Ham 2 (Carroll 59, 90+3) West Brom 1 to wrap up the points in the 89th minute. longer runs without a victory in the Pre- (McClean 30)

ROUND-UP Livermore reacted to fan abuse of dead son ngland midfi elder Jake Liver- would like to stay at the club but accept- more climbed into the crowd to ed that it was not ultimately his decision. confront a West Ham fan over a manager Pep Guardiola appears content remark he made regarding the for him to stay as long as he wants given player’sE baby son who died in 2014, his what he said in December. ” club West Bromnwish Albion said in a statement yesterday. EXUBERANT CONTE SEEKS The fan — who has been identifi ed by RESPITE IN YOGA the London club — was ejected soon after Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is re- the incident whilst Livermore, who had nowned for his livewire touchline behav- just been substituted, had to be escorted iour, sometimes diving into the crowd down the tunnel during Tuesday night’s when his side score, and he has revealed match. West Brom issued a statement that he fi nds relaxation in yoga. yesterday off ering the “total support of The 48-year-old Italian has apparent- everyone at the club” to Livermore. ly alienated some members of the Chel- “Following his substitution in the sea dressing room with his demanding Al Gharafa’s new coach Bulent Uygun at training. second half, Jake was subjected to gen- training sessions but has admitted that eral abuse from home supporters which even he needs to take a break himself, he shrugged off ,” the club said in the especially over the busy holiday period. statement. “However, he acknowledges “I think I am well trained for this but that he moved to confront one specta- to play every three days is a big eff ort not Atalanta upset Napoli tor who chose to make a comment about only for my players but also for me,” said the death of his infant son. The club West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jake Livermore (right) in action against West Ham Conte. Conte, whose side were playing would like to think that all right-minded United on Tuesday night. (Reuters) Arsenal in the Premier League late last to reach Coppa semis football supporters could understand night, says having a trainer on the Chel- this reaction which did not result in any leaders starting line-up for Tuesday’s Premier League leaders Manchester City sea staff who is an expert in relaxation Milan: Atalanta continued their who blasted the ball into the physical exchanges before Jake was led 3-1 win over Watford after missing four which runs until 2020. The 29-year-old techniques has been a real boon. impressive season when they net from close range after away to our dressing room. Jake is an matches — thanked everyone for their Argentinian striker had been rumoured “This is good, personally I like it and won 2-1 at Serie A leaders Na- Andreas Cornelius’s shot hit a outstanding young individual who has support on his twitter account. to be unhappy at not always being a fi rst- am very interested in yoga. I like to read poli on Tuesday night to reach defender and rebounded into the total support of everyone at the club “Also I want to share with you the choice starter. However, he looks set for books about these topics,” he said. the semi-finals of the Coppa his path. and he has made it clear he considers this birth of my son Mateo, who was born a long run in the starting line-up with Italia. The Bergamo-based Gomez added a brilliant statement to be an end to an unhappy extremely preterm and is fi ghting day by Brazil youngster Gabriel Jesus suff ering BESIKTAS DENY AGREEMENT WITH team, whose only major title second in the 81st minute when incident.” The English Football Associa- day with the help of the medical team,” a knee ligament injury in Sunday’s 0-0 EVERTON FOR TOSUN SALE success was when they won he collected the ball on the left, tion has also requested observations he tweeted. City manager Pep Guardiola draw with Crystal Palace. “I have until The chairman of Turkish champions the same competition in 1963, sped past Vlad Chiriches as the from all parties on the incident by today. allowed Silva to miss his side’s league 2020, I think,” said Aguero regarding his Besiktas said there was still no deal with have also reached the last 32 Napoli defender slipped and Once the investigations are concluded, games with Tottenham, Newcastle and contract. “The truth is that I hope to see English Premier League side Everton of the Europa League and are unleashed an unstoppable shot West Ham intend to take swift action Crystal Palace and their League Cup win out my contract and I’ll try to do my best for the highly rated Turkish interna- ninth in Serie A. from a narrow angle past Luigi regarding the individual concerned, with over Leicester said Silva’s priority should from here until the end of the season, tional striker Cenk Tosun. Everton have Napoli rotated their team, Sepe. Mertens, brought on the a stadium ban being considered. be his family. Silva’s former club Valencia and after that we will see what happens reportedly been in intense talks in recent leaving forwards Dries Mertens in second half, pulled one back — for whom he made over 150 appear- with me,” added Aguero, who is City’s days to sign Tosun for a deal worth some and Lorenzo Insigne on the in the 84th minute but Atalanta, CITY’S SILVA ABSENCE DUE TO ances — tweeted their support for the all-time leading scorer and netted his 30mn euros ($40.7mn). bench, and were unrecognis- who beat Napoli home and PREMATURELY-BORN SON two time European champion and 2010 185th goal for the club in Tuesday’s 3-1 But Besiktas, who have reached the able from the side which usu- away in the league last season, Manchester City’s Spanish international World Cup winner. win over Watford. knockout stage of the Champions League ally plays the most flowing and comfortably held on. Atalanta forward David Silva missed four matches Aguero has been with City since 2011 where they will face Bayern Munich in entertaining football in Italy. will face either titleholders recently because his prematurely-born AGUERO CONTENT TO SEE OUT and memorably scored the goal that the last 16, want as high a price as possi- Atalanta went ahead five Juventus or Torino, who were baby son is fi ghting for his life, he re- CONTRACT AT CITY clinched the title on the last day of the ble. “Besiktas is a serious institution and minutes after the restart with playing late last night, in their vealed yesterday. The 31-year-old — who Sergio Aguero says he would like to see season in 2012 at the expense of city all moves are taken very seriously,” club a goal from Timothy Castagne, two-legged semi-final. returned to the runaway Premier League out his present contract with runaway rivals Manchester United. He insists he chairman Fikret Orman said.

Thursday, January 4, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

WINTER CAMP Bayern Munich’s training session in Doha attracts hundreds of fans German Bundesliga giants arrived on Tuesday night for their eighth annual winter training camp at Aspire

FOCUS Wagner living his dream at Bayern, eyes World Cup

DPA Doha

ewly-signed Sandro Wagner is ready to fi ght for as much playing time as possible at Bay- Nern Munich — and hopes to ful- fi l his World Cup dream as well. Wagner, 30, returned to Bayern, where he played in his youth and early professional career, from Hoff enheim. He was signed as a backup for Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski but told reporters yesterday at a training camp in Doha he won’t be content with a role as reserve alone. “I know what I am facing,” Wagner said. “No player likes to be a sub. But it is obvious that I will be on the bench a few times. My dream scenario is getting my play- ing time here and boarding the World Cup train.” Lewandowski has been im- perious again this season with 16 goals from 17 games while Wagner has found the net four times in 11 games in a below-par Bayern Munich players train at Aspire Zone’s outdoor football pitch in Doha yesterday. campaign. Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has not fully ruled out By Sports Reporter 10:30am tomorrow (Jan 5), and 10am on Sat- is dependent on how the swelling of his fi nger playing them both every now Doha urday (Jan 6) and Sunday (Jan 7). On Saturday goes down, but the team do not fear he will be and then, and Wagner would not evening, the team will also play a friendly out for a long period of time. object as he mainly fi ghts Mario match at 5pm on Pitch 05 against Qatari club Ulreich has been standing in for the in- Gomez for a place on the World spire Zone’s outdoor football pitch- Al Ahli SC. In addition to Bayern Munich and jured Manuel Neuer, who is recovering from a Cup squad. “That would defi - es witnessed an infl ux of local, re- Paris Saint-Germain, AZF’s facilities have foot fracture but is walking without crutches nitely work out. Many teams play Sandro Wagner has returned to Bayern Munich, where he played in gional and international football attracted visits from many other major clubs, again. He stayed in Bavaria along with Thiago with two strikers,” he said. his youth and early professional career, from Hoff enheim. fans as hundreds of keen spectators including the likes of Manchester United, Alcantara, who has been out with a muscle The veteran Gomez has also showedA up to watch Bayern Munich’s fi rst Schalke 04, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Shanghai tear. Coach Jupp Heynckes also has Robert had a homecoming in Janu- the transfer was discussed with Kimmich and the Munich-born open training session yesterday. Greenland Shenhua FC, KAS Eupen and Cul- Lewandowski (knee) and Mats Hummels (ad- ary, back to VfB Stuttgart from national team coach Joachim striker is fully dedicated as he The German Bundesliga giants arrived on tural y Deportiva Leonesa. ductor) in the treatment room. Wolfsburg, in order to make to Loew because “his opinion is im- makes his presence felt at his new Tuesday night for their eighth annual winter Hummels was able to take part to light run- Russia in summer. Wagner has portant for me.” old club. training camp in Doha, which will run un- INJURY SCARE FOR ULREICH ning exercises yesterday while Lewandowski the upper hand for now with Wagner is getting plenty of at- “I want to help the team, in at- til January 7. This year’s training camp at- Meanwhile, there was a brief heart-in-mouth was in the weights room. frequent nominations since his tention as Bayern started train- tack and defence. It is cool to give tracted Bayern Munich fans from numerous moment for Bayern as they began training However, the arrival of striker Sandro Wag- maiden cap in June, winning the ing at Aspire Zone in Doha, even it your all all the time... The level countries, including fan association members yesterday. Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich suff ered a ner from Hoff enheim means there may be no Confederations Cup and scoring more because Lewandowski is and quality is extremely high. from Qatar and others who fl ew to Doha from blow to the middle fi nger of his right hand and need to rush Lewandowski back. Bayern, who fi ve goals in seven caps. not training with the team owing But I am familiar with that from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Algeria had to leave the pitch early. are 11 points clear of Schalke at the top of the Despite the risk of getting less to knee problems. the national team,” Wagner said. and Kuwait. Bayern Munich will hold their The diagnosis confi rmed the goalkeeper table, return to action on Friday, January 12, time to shine than at Hoff enheim. He has headed in crosses from “It is an absolute dream to be open training sessions at 11am today (Jan 4), only has a light sprain. His return to training with a trip to Bayer Leverkusen. Wagner has no regrets and said national team partner Joashua back home at Bayern Munich.”

Aspire Academy and Leeds United SPOTLIGHT ink new unprecedented partnership Van Niekerk completes rehab Doha: Leeds United have off icially joined forces is truly motivating to see that by joining eff orts with the Aspire Academy in a unique partnership both organizations can accelerate their growth which aims to provide long term benefits to the on the field, including in the development of elite club’s on the field performance. youth players with potential to represent club and programme at Aspetar The Aspire Academy, founded in 2004, is a national teams at the highest levels” Qatari based sports organisation, renowned for Leeds United Managing Director Angus Kinnear he 400m Olympic Champion and being one of the finest academies in the world added: “This is an exciting partnership for Leeds World Record Holder, Wayde van with ties to some of the biggest clubs in Europe. United, you only have to look at the quality of the Niekerk, is set to return to South The partnership will see Aspire provide support programme and facility in Qatar to realise that Africa after completing a month- Tlong successful rehabilitation programme and insight in fields such as academy and youth having access to the Aspire Academy is going to development, performance analysis and sport sci- be beneficial to our long term vision for the club. at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine ence. The collaboration also allows Leeds United We also now join a network of clubs which can hospital, Aspetar. to join a network which features some of the big- only help us to develop and grow.” Placed under the observation of his fellow gest and best clubs in Europe. Aspire Academy was established to produce countrymen, Dr Louis Holtzhausen, Sports The Aspire Academy is headed by Leeds United the next generation of elite Qatari athletes, iden- Physician at Aspetar, the South African Board Member Ivan Bravo who said: “both Aspire tifying and training them to fulfil their potential, champion was admitted for rehabilitation to and Leeds United share ambitious goals for particularly in the years leading up to the 2022 regain his muscle strength following a knee becoming a reference of excellence in football. It FIFA World Cup Qatar. operation to repair an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear sustained while play- ing a rugby match in Cape Town. The injury forced him to withdraw from the 2018 Com- AFC CHAMPIONSHIP monwealth Games in Australia. Speaking during his visit, Niekerk said: “It’s been a great experience so far. Right af- ter my operation, I reached out to Dr Louis Qatar U-23 team arrive in China who practised in Bloemfontein where I grew up. He opened his door for us to come here oach Felix Sanchez an- (to Aspetar) and continue the rehab. It was nounced the Qatari a no-brainer for us to come here to get my squad to participate in rehabilitation running as soon as possible the AFC U-23 Champi- after my operation. The services I received onshipC to be held in China from at Aspetar were world-class and I’m feeling January 9. Qatar is in group A very positive about my recovery.” alongside Oman, Uzbekistan and The ACL tear will leave Niekerk off The Olympic and world 400-metre champion Wayde van Niekerk has returned to South hosts China. sprinting for some time, but the 25-year- Africa after a successful one-month rehabilitation programme in Doha for a knee ligament The Qatari team arrived in old is aiming to return stronger than ever to tear sustained last October. China on Tuesday to prepare for compete in the upcoming championships the championship. and looking forward to taking part in the race with a world-breaking record of 30.81 in the track and fi eld is being celebrated. THE SQUAD: Mohammad al-Bakri, 2019 World Championships in Athletics in seconds in Ostrava last June, the young Hopefully this will spark a small competi- Shehab al-Lithy, Bassam al-Rawi, Doha. Niekerk said the major sporting event star’s performance earned him a well-de- tion among us and help keep our standards Al Moez Ali, Abdullah al-Ahraq, will be a “great starting point” for him to get served included in shortlist for this year’s high.” Yousef Farahat, Abdulrahman back on his feet. 2017 IAAF Best Athlete of the Year award. Commenting on the growing Qatari Fahmi, Khalid Saleh, Sultan “I see this as an opportunity to have a The award eventually went to Qatar’s high sporting talent, Niekerk noted that he’s had al-Beraik, Sulim al-Hajri, Ahmad strong comeback after my injury. I’m very jumping star Mutaz Essa Barshim. a chance to meet a few Qatari athletes, in- Suhail, Hashem Ali, Meshaal motivated now and very hungry to achieve Speaking about the competition, Niekerk cluding Barshim and hurdler Abderrahaman al-Shammari, Meshaal Barshim, greater things for myself. I think Doha said: “The quality of the athletes was quite Samba, saying: “I’ve seen new and upcom- Yousef Hassan, Tamim al-Mehaiza, would be a great starting point for me to get amazing. I can’t really compare us because ing athletes and I’m sure we’ll be seeing Salah al-Yahri, Abdulrashid Umaro, back and gain my confi dence as an athlete every athlete is great in his own right. I’ve more Qatari athletes rise up by the time we Omar al-Emadi, Nasser al-Nasr, and continue to dominate in every event I got great respect for Mutaz [Barshim] and get to the 2019 World Championships in Essam Madabo, Akram Afif, Ahmad do,” he said. for Mo Farah. I’m a fan of Barshim as well so Athletics in Doha. There are amazing facili- Moeen, Khalid Munir and Tariq Having won two medals at the World I’m glad that he had that opportunity and ties around here and I’m looking forward to Sulaiman. Championships in London and the 300m that blessing. It’s great to see that everyone seeing the atmosphere in 2019,” he added.