CCRICKETRICKET | Page 6 GGOLFOLF | Page 7 England’s Casey coasts to Foakes accepts 4-shot victory role as Buttler in Desert back-up Classic

Monday, February 1, 2021 FOOTBALL Jumada II 19, 1442 AH Liverpool down West GULF TIMES Ham; Tuchel celebrates fi rst Chelsea win SPORT Page 3 RALLYING Al-Attiyah extends record with 15th rally victory Al-Kuwari and al-Suwaidi make it an all-Qatar podium; al-Thefiri starts MERC 2 title defence in style

Qatar’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari (second from right) and his Irish co-driver James Fulton (second from left) finished runners-up.

Lancer Evo X (MERC 2) 2hr 17min 10.9sec 6. Saleh al-Saif (SAU)/Oriol Vidal Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate their win in the Qatar International Rally yesterday. (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T4) 2hr 19min 45.2sec By Sports Reporter on Ronan Morgan’s record of 41 after the team discovered engine FIA T4 cars are permitted in 7. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/ Losail successes. damage on his SRT Skoda Fabia gravel rounds of the series this Yousef Juma (JOR) Subaru Imp- “Today we did a really good R5 that was sustained on stage season and Saudi Arabia’s Saleh reza (MERC 2) 2hr 22min 31.3sec job,” said al-Attiyah. “Leg one fi ve. al-Saif showed that the Can- 8. Zakariya al-Aufi (OMN)/Am- asser Saleh al-Attiyah was a nice fi ght between me and “Unfortunately no day two Am Maverick X3 is a competitive mar al-Balushi (OMN) Mitsubishi continued to rewrite his Kris Meeke. It was (becoming) a for us,” said Meeke. “On the last package, setting a fi fth fastest Lancer Evo IX (MERC 2) 2hr 33min own history by securing nice race but when Kris got out stage on Saturday, quite close stage time on the way to a superb 51.9sec a comfortable victory from the race it was an easy day to the fi nish, there were some sixth place. 9. Ahmad Khaled (LEB)/Musa Djiy- inN the Qatar International Rally for us. It was great to have some waves (bumps) and I was on a Qatar’s Rashid al-Mohannadi Qatar’s Khalid al-Suwaidi (right) and Portuguese co-driver Hugo erian (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo yesterday. high level in the Qatar Rally. If similar line to my fi rst pass in the and ’s Zakariya al-Aufi Magalhaes were third. X (MERC 2) 2hr 34min 09.7sec The Qatari and French co- you look this year we had seven morning. But the car skipped and reached the fi nish in seventh 10. Zakariya al-Amri (OMN/Mo- driver Matthieu Baumel man- R5s. It was an amazing race. landed nose on the next dip. This and eighth and Lebanon’s Ah- di and Ahmed Allouh. They each Rally at the end of February. hamed al-Mazroui (OMN) Subaru aged the pace perfectly over the Thanks to the QMMF. I hope damaged the front bumper and mad Khaled was ninth. Rally fi rst won a stage on the morning loop Impreza (MERC 2) 3hr 01min closing stages and guided their to continue in this level for this took the water pipe off the radia- timer Sheikh Suhaim al-Thani but time delays cost Allouh his 2021 QATAR INTERNATIONAL 00.2sec Autotek Motorsport Volkswagen championship and this year.” tor. That put an end to our rally. I retired his R5 Škoda before the chance later on and Khalid al- RALLY – POSITIONS AFTER SS11 11. Henry Kahy (LEB)/Carlos Polo GTi R5 to a winning margin Al-Kuwari won three of the really enjoyed the experience. It’s last stage and missed out on a Mohannadi secured the win by 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ Hanna (LEB) Škoda Fabia 1.6 of 1min 48.4sec over Abdulaziz second day’s six special stages in a diff erent kind of rallying here. potential top 10 fi nish. the margin of 8min 32.7sec after Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Volkswa- (MERC 3) 3hr 01min 40.3sec al-Kuwari and his new Irish co- his Tok Sport Skoda Fabia R5 and It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle and Oman’s Zakariya al-Amri duly problems for his rivals. Leba- gen Polo GTI R5 1hr 50min driver James Fulton. was pleased with the runner-up to try to work it out is a challenge rounded off the top 10 and Leba- non’s Jad al-Aawar retired before 48.5sec 2021 QATAR NATIONAL RALLY Al-Attiyah duly broke his spot after infrequent rally ap- enough.” non’s Henry Kahy clinched max- the end of the morning’s loop. 2. Abdulaziz al-Kuwari (QAT)/ – POSITIONS AFTER SS11 own record of achieving a 15th pearances in recent seasons. Nasser Khalifa al-Atya and imum points in the MERC 3 cate- This weekend’s event was James Fulton (IRL) Škoda Fabia 1. Khalid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/ victory in Qatar and a record Khalid al-Suwaidi and his navi- Lebanese co-pilot Georges Nader gory for two-wheel drive vehicles held under the chairmanship of R5 Evo 1hr 52min 36.9sec Kirill Shubin (RUS) Polaris RXR breaking 77th MERC win in the gator Hugo Maghalaes rounded gave the host nation a another after another measured drive in QMMF President Abdulrahman 3. Khalid al-Suwaidi (QAT)/Hugo 1000 (T3) 2hr 17min 42.6sec 218-event history of the series. off the podium places to make it driver inside the top four and Ku- his Skoda Fabia 1.6 to take 11th al-Mannai, senior committee Magalhaes (POR) Škoda Fabia R5 2. Ahmed Allouh (QAT)/Firas Al- Baumel earned his 26th regional a Qatari driver 1-2-3. wait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri began place. 11 of the original 17 starters member Abdulrazaq al-Kuwari 1hr 57min 16.9sec louh (QAT) Can-Am Maverick X3 rally victory on the 41st running Any hope of seeing al-Atti- the defence of his MERC 2 title completed the rally. and the QMMF’s Executive Di- 4. Nasser Khalifa al-Atya (QAT)/ (T3) 2hr 26min 15.3sec of the Qatar event to overhaul yah and visiting WRC star Kris in impressive fashion by win- A furious three-way battle rector Amro al-Hamad. Georges Nader (LEB) Ford Fiesta 3. Ahmed al-Mohannadi (QAT)/ both Chris Patterson and Gio- Meeke battling for stage wins on ning the showroom category and waged for outright success in Action resumes in the FIA R5 2hr 09min 41.6sec Mubarak al-Khulaifi (QAT) Can- vanni Bernacchini in the Hall of the fi nal day fi zzled out when the fi nishing fi fth overall in his Mit- the Qatar National Rally between Rally Championship 5. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 42min Fame. He now has his sights set Ulsterman was unable to restart subishi Lancer Evolution X. Ahmed and Khalid al-Mohanna- with the Oman International al-Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi 24.3sec

SHOOTING Qatar’s Rashid takes Grand Prix skeet win in Rabat Agencies tional event after a long break, fi n- to win for Qatar,” Rashid, the Games, the only one to do so for Rabat, Morocco ished with a score of 54 out of 60. 34-year-old, who represented Qatar so far, will compete along- The ’ Saif bin Qatar at the 2008 and 2016 Ol- side Nasser al-Hemaidi, Rashid Futais came second on 52. ympic Games, told Gulf Times. al-Athba and Saeed Abusharib, atar’s Rashid Saleh Saturday’s leader Aramburu In the women’s skeet section in the men’s individual section of Hamad triumphed in completed the podium places, Russia’s Alina Fazylzyanova held the Trap event today. the men’s skeet event fi nishing third with 43 targets out off the challenge of compatriot The competition is included at the International of 50. The pair of Aramburu and Zilia Batyrshina to emerge trium- in the 2021 World Ranking and ShootingQ Sport Federation (ISSF) Rashid could not be separated dur- phant. She fi nished the fi nal with will help the shooters to collect Grand Prix in Rabat yesterday. ing the opening three rounds, with 54 targets hit out of a possible 60. qualifi cation points for the Tokyo At the Club Les Chênes venue, both hitting 24 targets in the open- Batyrshina, who performed well Olympic Games. Rashid, who led the qualifi cation ing two, before achieving a perfect during the qualifi cation round, “I am looking forward to to- with Spain’s Juan Jose Aramburu, score in the third to end on 73. fi nished as the runner-up with 52 morrow’s Trap event where Mo- topped the standings after missing “It is a big win for me as I was targets out of 60. hamed is taking part. I hope he just six targets yesterday. Rashid, taking part in an international Mohamed al-Rumaihi, who has will also emerge winner,” Rashid who was taking part at an interna- event after a long break. I happy already qualifi ed for the Tokyo added. A video grab of Qatar’s Rashid Saleh Hamad in action at the ISSF Grand Prix in Rabat yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 1, 2021 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

FOCUS Club WC to take place amid strict health, safety protocols ‘We were all thankful to Qatar and the LOC for making us feel safe and secure, and are happy to be back’

ollowing the success- cluding many who attended the ful hosting of the AFC inauguration of Ahmad Bin Ali Champions League and Stadium on December 18 – an Amir Cup fi nals, Qatar is event which safely hosted thou- Fgearing up to host the FIFA Club sands of fans. World Cup for the second time, Commenting on the impor- with matches taking place from tance of Qatar hosting the FIFA February 4-11, 2021. Club World Cup, Nasser al- Due to the Covid-19 pandem- Khater, Chief Executive Offi cer ic, the six-team tournament – of the LOC, said: “We’re very which was originally due to take pleased to be hosting the FIFA place in December 2020 – will be Club World Cup for the second held amid strict health and safety time in February and will ensure protocols which have been fi ne- it’s delivered in a way that safe- tuned in recent months. guards and prioritises the health Players and offi cials will be and safety of fans, players and part of medical bubbles designed offi cials. The tournament off ers to protect their health and well- us a golden opportunity to test being. Additional safety meas- Players of CONCACAF champions Tigres UANL of Mexico arrive in our stadiums, training sites and ures will include regular Cov- Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup. infrastructure as we continue to id-19 testing, safe transportation gear up for the FIFA World Cup methods, regular disinfection of “Knowing that health and of everyone involved in the tour- in 2022.” all tournament venues, including safety measures were also im- nament was the number one pri- Al-Khater added: “During a training and media facilities, as Education City Stadium will host the final on Thursday, February 11. plemented on the bus, in the ority. I was tested on arrival and global pandemic which is af- well as the provision of medical dining area, changing rooms and spent time in quarantine before fecting everyone, we continue to staff in stadiums throughout the At the stadiums and surround- matches will be played in two League champions Al Duhail all common areas was also very joining up with my teammates. believe in the power of football to competition. ing precincts, fans must wear a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sta- SC during the AFC Champions reassuring. When combined We were tested before every unite people and spread joy dur- A limited number of fans will mask, adhere to social distanc- diums: Ahmad Bin Ali and Edu- League and he spoke of his expe- with regular testing, we felt at match and the bubble system was ing these diffi cult times. Qatar be allowed to attend the match- ing, take a temperature check on cation City. rience during the tournament. ease that we could we focus on strictly implemented throughout is committed to playing a role es – in line with Qatar’s public arrival and show the status of In recent months, Qatar has “As players, we felt very safe,” the important task at hand – the our entire time in the country. We in ensuring the continuation of health guidelines. To be able to their Ehteraz track and trace ap- successfully hosted 77 match- said Ali, who will also represent Al football,” he added. were all thankful to Qatar and the top-level club football while the collect a ticket, fans are required plication. Clinics will be set up es during the AFC Champions Duhail during the FIFA Club World Korea Republic international Local Organising Committee for pandemic continues to aff ect to provide a negative Covid-19 within each tournament venue to League by implementing a strict Cup. “All the precautions were Kim Tae-hwan played for Ul- making us feel safe and secure, people’s lives.” antigen test within 72 hours of treat anyone who displays Cov- bubble system and setting an in- clearly communicated ahead of san Hyundai during their suc- and are happy to be back in the The FIFA Club World Cup Qa- a match, present a vaccination id-19 symptoms. ternational benchmark when it time, and that level of support was cessful AFC Champions League country for the Club World Cup.” tar 2020 will kick-off on Thurs- certifi cate obtained a week after FIFA Club World Cup Qatar comes to the safe resumption of tangible in every touchpoint of the campaign – which culminated in Qatar’s successful implemen- day, February 4, and culminate the second dose or present record 2020 stadiums will operate at professional football. competition – from our team ho- victory at Al Janoub Stadium on tation of Covid-19 safety meas- with the fi nal at Education City of Covid-19 infection after Octo- 30% capacity throughout the Qatari striker tel, to the training ground and on December 19. ures has been applauded by the Stadium on Thursday, February ber 1, 2020. tournament. A total of seven played for reigning Qatar Stars match day itself. He said: “The health and safety global football community, in- 11. (Qatar2022.qa) Meet the Contenders

Al Duhail tian titles, 37 Egyptian tions of football’s showpiece event. Bayern Cup crowns and 11 Egyptian Super At Brazil 2014, centre back Jerome Munich Cups. This includes a domestic league Boateng and attacking and cup double triumph last season. Thomas Muller led Germany to their They are also Africa’s most successful fourth title before defender Benjamin club, with 20 titles to their name. This Pavard and midfielder Corentin Tolisso includes the CAF Champions League helped France to their second World (9), CAF Confederation Cup (1), CAF Cup triumph at Russia 2018. Super Cup (6) and the defunct CAF Cup Winners’ Cup (4). Palmeiras Led by former South African inter- national , Al Ahly’s Country: Brazil current squad includes Egyptian inter- Qualified: CONMEBOL Libertadores national goalkeeper and club captain winners and left-back FCWC record: First appearance Ali Maaloul, who was in ’s World Head coach: Cup squad at Russia 2018. Mali inter- national Aliou Dieng is a promising ne of the most successful clubs Al Duhail SC members of Qatar’s national team, defensive midfielder, while Mohamed Oin Brazilian football, SE Palmeiras Leon have been one of the more con- Cup appearance when they return to including key players that led the Magdy was Al Ahly’s hero when he were the last club to book their place sistent sides in Mexico in recent sea- the Middle East in early February. The Country: Qatar Maroons to AFC Asian Cup glory in scored the winning goal in last Novem- at the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar sons. Among their seven Liga MX titles, Korea Republic club’s triumph in Qualified: Host nation champions 2019. They include centreback Bassam ber’s CAF Champions League final. 2020 following a dramatic 1-0 victory their last four triumphs were achieved followed their maiden success as Asian FCWC record: First appearance al-Rawi, Ali Afif and Assim Among the list of former players that over fellow Brazilian side Santos in between 2015 and 2019 (three Apertura club champions back in 2012. Head coach: Sabri Lamouchi Madibo, as well as the tournament’s enjoyed success with Al Ahly are SC the 2020 final on titles, one Clausura crown). Founded in 1983 as Hyundai best player and top goal scorer Almoez ambassadors Mohamed Aboutrika and 30 January 2021. Their triumph in the In his third spell as Tigres head coach, Horang-i, the Tigers concluded their s reigning Ali. Lamouchi’s side also includes . Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro Brazilian-born Ricardo Ferretti is a 2020 campaign with success in the A(QSL) champions, Al Duhail SC will experienced Moroccan international was the Sao Paulo outfit’s second title, familiar face in Mexican club football. AFC Champions League. On the be flying the flag of the host nation at defender Medhi Benatia, Belgian Bayern Munich having won the South American club Nicknamed ‘Tuca’, the 66-year-old has domestic front, Ulsan narrowly missed this year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The winger Edmilson and Brazilian attack- crown for the first time back in 1999. been in his current role since 2010. out on more silverware by finishing Red Knights will be making their debut ing midfielder Dudu, who is on loan Country: Germany Though they will be making their Ferretti’s squad is a mix of Mexican runners-up in 1, three points in the competition after edging Al from Palmeiras in his home country. Qualified: UEFA Champions League Club World Cup debut in the Middle and foreign talent. Defenders Hugo behind champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Rayyan to last season’s league title by winners East, Palmeiras appeared in the 1999 Ayala, Diego Reyes and Carlos Salcedo Motors. It was the same opponent that a single point. Al Ahly SC FCWC record: Second appearance Intercontinental Cup final, where they all appeared at a FIFA World Cup for Ulsan fell short to in the two-leg Ko- Founded in 2009 as Lekhwiya SC, the (best finish: winners in 2013) lost 1-0 to English giants Manchester Mexico, while winger Javier Aquino rean FA Cup final, as Jeonbuk secured club rebranded under the name Al Country: Head coach: Hans-Dieter Flick United. They also won the first inter- featured for El Tri at Brazil 2014 and a league and cup double with a 3-2 Duhail when it merged with El Jaish SC Qualified: CAF Champions League continental club tournament in the Russia 2018. French striker Andre- aggregate win. in 2017. Since coming into existence, Al winners German and European football Copa Rio back in 1951. Pierre Gignac has proven to be a real Along with their two AFC Champions Duhail’s impact on Qatari club football FCWC record: Sixth appearance (best A powerhouse, FC Bayern Munich Palmeiras are led by head coach Abel talisman for Tigres, while Colombian League titles, Ulsan’s honour roll in- has been impressive, as last season’s finish: 3rd in 2006) will be looking to follow a highly- Ferreira, who became the second midfielder Luis Quinones and new cludes winning K League 1 in 1996 and league triumph was their seventh Head coach: Pitso Mosimane successful 2019-20 season by claiming Portuguese and third European coach Paraguayan signing Carlos Gonzalez 2005, the Korean FA Cup in 2017, five QSL title. The club’s honour roll also a second FIFA Club World Cup title in to lead a South American club to a are key players. Argentinian goalkeep- Korean titles and a Korean includes three Amir Cup titles, three idely regarded as world football’s Qatar. Their debut appearance in the Copa Libertadores title. In 2019, fellow er Nahuel Guzman has been a depend- Super Cup in 2006. crowns and two Sheikh Jas- Wmost decorated club, Al Ahly competition resulted in the Bavarians countryman Jorge Jesus led Brazil- able servant, while Guzman’s fellow At Qatar 2020, the Tigers will be led sim Cup successes. SC have been a dominant force in winning the title at Morocco 2013. ian side Flamengo to the title and a countryman Guido Pizarro serves as by a new head coach. Late last month, Al Duhail’s domestic success over the Egyptian and African football, with They also claimed the precursor to runner-up finish at the last Club World club captain. Korea Republic football legend Hong past decade has also earned the club their success earning them the ac- the Club World Cup on two occasions, Cup in Qatar. Myung-bo replaced Kim Do-hoon, who nine consecutive appearances in the colade of ‘Club of the Century’ from winning the Intercontinental Cup title Ferreira’s squad includes two mem- Ulsan Hyundai FC led the side to Asian glory and secured AFC Champions League since 2012, the Confederation of African Football in 1976 and 2001. Bayern secured their bers of Brazil’s gold-medal winning the club’s berth at the upcoming Club with the Doha outfit set to take part (CAF). The -based outfit will be berth at Qatar 2020 after claiming side from the Rio 2016 Olympics in Country: Korea Republic World Cup. again in 2021. making their sixth appearance at a their sixth UEFA Champions League goalkeeper Weverton and centre back Qualified: AFC Champions League Hong’s squad includes several players Al Duhail are led by head coach Sabri FIFA Club World Cup after defeating title with a 1-0 win over Saint- Luan Garcia, while his defensive back- winners who have appeared in the FIFA World Lamouchi, who is a familiar face to fol- arch-rivals Zamalek SC 2-1 in the 2020 Germain in the final last August. line features Paraguayan international FCWC record: Second appearance Cup for Korea Republic. They include lowers of the QSL. The former France CAF Champions League final. Their Founded in 1900, Bayern are Germa- Gustavo Gomez and Uruguayan left- (best finish: 6th place in 2012) goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo (Russia international enjoyed spells with Al best finish in the competition was third ny’s most successful club, having won back Matias Vina. Head coach: Hong Myung-bo 2018), defender/midfielder Rayyan, Umm Salal and Al Kharaitiyat at Japan 2006. a record number of (30), (Russia 2018) and winger Lee Chung- in the latter stages of his playing ca- Founded in 1907, Al Ahly’s trophy Cup (20), Super Cup (9) and League Tigres UANL fter claiming their second AFC yong ( 2010 & Brazil 2014). reer. He was also El Jaish’s last head cabinet includes a remarkable 139 titles Cup (6) titles. Alongside their six UEFA AChampions League title with a 2-1 Kim Kee-hee and Yoon Bit-garam coach before the club joined Lekhwiya in domestic and international club Champions League titles, Bayern’s suc- Country: Mexico victory over Iranian side Persepolis in are key players for the Tigers, while to become Al Duhail in 2017. competitions. They are Egypt’s most cess in European club football includes Qualified: CONCACAF Champions Qatar last month, Ulsan Hyundai FC midfielder Koh Myong-jin had a spell in The current squad includes several decorated club, having won 42 Egyp- winning the now-defunct UEFA Cup League winners will make their second FIFA Club World Qatar with Al Rayyan. Winners’ Cup in 1967, the UEFA Cup FCWC record: First appearance (now UEFA Europa League) in 1996 Head coach: Ricardo Ferretti and two UEFA Super Cup crowns in 2013 and 2020. o debutant at a FIFA Club World Led by former Bayern midfielder Hans- NCup will feel more delighted at Dieter Flick, the Bavarians boast some having the opportunity to face the of world football’s top players. Last world’s best clubs than Tigres UANL. month, Polish international Robert The Mexican outfit have been a strong Lewandowski was crowned The Best contender to win the CONCACAF FIFA Men’s Player after topping the Champions League title in recent years scoring charts in both the Bundesliga – only to come up short at the final and UEFA Champions League, while stage on three previous occasions. German international and FIFA World Last month, however, Tigres finally Cup winner Manuel Neuer was named reached the regional summit when The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. they defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the Four other Bayern players have also final of the 2020 edition. had the fortune of lifting the World Founded in 1960, Club de Futbol Tigres Ulsan Al Ahly Cup trophy during the last two edi- de la Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Hyundai Gulf Times Monday, February 1, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT says he Liverpool down West wants to stay at PSG AFP Paris, France

eymar said yesterday that he hopes to stay at Paris Saint-Germain Ham, fi rst Chelsea beyond this season and Nwants Kylian Mbappe to also commit his future to the French Leeds halt Leicester’s champions. Brazilian star Neymar is in dis- run of seven unbeaten cussions with PSG over a possi- ble new contract, as his current win for Tuchel EPL matches deal is set to end in June 2022. “I am very happy at the mo- AFP ment, things have changed a lot,” course, that’s the wish of all the London, the 28-year-old told French tel- supporters. evision channel TF1. “We want Paris to remain a “I can’t really say why. I feel great team and I want to keep ohamed Salah good, I have adapted, I’m calmer. doing what I’ve always done — scored twice as Liv- I’m very happy here. I want to playing football and being hap- erpool muscled their stay at PSG.” py, they’re the most important way back into the Neymar, who PSG made the things.” MPremier League title race with a world’s most expensive play- Mbappe has scored 16 goals 3-1 win at West Ham yesterday er with a 222-million-euro in all competitions this season after Thomas Tuchel celebrated ($269mn) transfer from Barce- for PSG, with Neymar netting 13 his fi rst victory as Chelsea boss. lona in 2017, scored twice in yes- times despite having a long spell Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit terday’s surprise 3-2 loss at Lori- out of the team with injury. champions appeared to have ent, the club’s fi rst defeat under “We have a relationship like lost their way after a fi ve-game new coach . brothers,” Neymar said of the winless spell but are back on He wants Mbappe — who 22-year-old Mbappe. track after beating Tottenham has been repeatedly linked with “I’m the older one. We like to and West Ham in the space of 72 a possible move to Real Ma- play together a lot. I love to bring hours. drid and said he wanted time to the best out of him. Earlier, defenders Cesar “think” earlier this month — to “He’s a golden boy, I call him Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso sign a new deal. ‘Golden Boy’ because he really is produced stunning fi nishes as “I hope Kylian will want to golden. He has a huge heart, even Chelsea beat toothless Burnley stay too,” Neymar added. “Of off the pitch he is incredible.” 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders FOCUS Manchester City, took the lead against Leeds but Patrick Bam- ford played a part in all three goals as Marcelo Bielsa’s men Barca to sue newspaper stormed back to win 3-1. Liverpool came into their match against high-fl ying West El Mundo for publishing Ham with no fi t senior centre- backs and missing forward Sadio Messi contract Mane. But two goals from Egypt in- ternational Salah lifted them Liverpool’s (right) shoots past West Ham United’s goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to score their second goal during the Premier Barcelona, Spain to 40 points after 21 games, a League match in London, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) single point behind Manchester United and four behind leaders with a brief to haul stuttering absolutely. We had a lot of badge as the players celebrated “We have to go away and learn arcelona said yesterday Manchester City. Chelsea back into the race for touches, half-chances and de- a vital win. from that and then look to get they will take legal ac- Salah put the visitors ahead Champions League spots. liveries in the box, but in the end Leicester, unbeaten in seven back to winning ways on Wednes- tion against Spanish in the 57th minute with a fi ne He oversaw a frustrating goal- I could not care less.” Premier League games heading day,” said Rodgers, who is missing newspaper El Mundo for curling lob over Lukasz Fabian- less draw against Wolves in mid- Chelsea earned the break- into their match against Leeds leading scorer Jamie Vardy. publishingB ’s con- ski and added the second after week but two moments of magic through their football deserved at the King Power Stadium, had “We had a lot of really good tract with the club. a swift break following a West from Azpilicueta and forgotten fi ve minutes before half-time a chance to put real pressure on moments in the game where El Mundo published full details Ham corner. man Alonso mean the German when Azpilicueta lashed home Manchester City. we played through their mark- of the deal Messi penned with Liverpool grabbed a third has four points from six. after a neat assist from the lively Harvey Barnes gave the home ing and pressure, but we just Barca in 2017 until June 2021. when substitutes Roberto Tuchel said the victory would Callum Hudson-Odoi. side the lead in the 13th minute couldn’t quite fi nd that bit of The report said the contract, Firmino and Alex Oxlade- infuse his side with confi dence The home side created a suc- but Leeds were level just 127 sec- quality in the fi nal third.” which was previously described Chamberlain combined to set up but said they needed to sharp- cession of chances after the onds later when Bamford set up by French newspaper L’Equipe for a tap- en up their fi nishing after both break and Alonso made the Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper RESULTS as the most lucrative in football, in before a late consolation for goals came from defenders. three points safe six minutes Schmeichel with a low fi nish. Chelsea 2 (Azpilicueta 40, had contributed to the club’s West Ham’s Craig Dawson. “It should be a signal to our from time when he controlled The visitors went ahead in the Alonso 84) Burnley 0 recent fi nancial troubles, which Earlier, Tuchel celebrated vic- guys up front that we needed a Christian Pulisic cross on his 70th minute when Bamford beat Leicester 1 (Barnes 13) Leeds have been exacerbated by the tory at Stamford Bridge in his sec- defensive players to score,” he chest and thigh before fi ring Schmeichel with a left-footed 3 (Dallas 15, Bamford 70, Har- Covid-19 pandemic. ond match in charge of Chelsea. told BT Sport. past Nick Pope. strike into the far top corner of rison 84) Barca’s last accounts showed The former Paris Saint-Ger- “We lacked precision in the The Spaniard, who had been the net and the Leeds forward West Ham 1 (Dawson 87) their net debt had doubled to Messi, who joined Barca in main boss was brought in to re- last pass and touch, but in the frozen out by Lampard since teed up Jack Harrison for a tap- Liverpool 3 (Salah 57, 68, Wijnal- 488mn euros ($592.24mn), while 2000 aged 13 and made his de- place Frank Lampard last week fi nishing we will work on this September, kissed his Chelsea in six minutes from time. dum 84) the club’s interim president but in 2004, is the club’s all-time Carles Tusquets said recently scorer with 650 goals and has they had been forced to delay also provided 280 assists in 755 SERIE A payments to players. appearances for the Catalans. Barcelona denied any respon- He is also their captain and sibility for the publication of the most decorated player with 10 contract in a statement, adding titles, four Champions they regretted its release as it was Leagues plus six Copa del Rey Lazio revival continues with 3-1 win at Atalanta a “private document governed by triumphs. Reuters day) we went out undeservedly. 94th-minute equaliser earned the principle of confi dentiality The Argentine tried to leave Bergamo, Italy Today, we played a strong game Sassuolo a 1-1 draw at Cagliari, between the parties”. Barca last August via a release and we won in a more than de- leaving Roberto De Zerbi’s ear- The statement added: “FC clause in his contract but even- served way. ly season high-fl iers down in Barcelona expresses its absolute tually decided to stay in order to azio secured their fi fth “Lazio-Atalanta has become a eighth place without a win in support for Lionel Messi, espe- avoid a court case with the club. win in a row with a 3-1 classic. Today it was important to fi ve games in all competitions. cially in the face of any attempt He can move to any club for victory at Atalanta in overtake them in the standings.” Genoa have found form of late to discredit his image, and to free from June but has not ruled Serie A yesterday which The previous four meetings and are up to 14th in the stand- damage his relationship with out staying at Barca, saying in a Lmoved Simone Inzaghi’s side in all competitions between the ings after two goals from striker the entity where he has worked December interview that he will above their opponents into sixth sides had produced 21 goals, and Mattia Destro helped them beat to become the best player in the make his decision at the end of in the standings. it took only just 126 seconds for Crotone 3-0 in Calabria. world and in football history.” the season. Adam Marusic got the visitors the net to bulge on Sunday as In the early kick off , Udinese off to a perfect start with a fi ne Marusic struck from 20 metres captain Rodrigo de Paul scored solo goal inside three minutes, for his second league goal of the and was sent off as they earned before Joaquin Correa latched season. a 1-0 win at Spezia. Man Utd discuss online abuse of on to Ciro Immobile’s header Lazio’s second was very much players with social media companies and fi red home in the 51st to put route one with their top scorer RESULTS Lazio on course for a comfort- Immobile turning provider, but Spezia 0 Udinese 1 (De Paul Reuters United duo Axel Tuanzebe able win. Lazio’s Adam Marusic (right) shoots to score during the Serie A he and his teammates should have 52-pen) London, United Kingdom and Anthony Martial, West Looking to make amends for match against Atalanta in Bergamo, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) put the game to bed from a hatful Cagliari 1 (Joao Pedro 75) Bromwich Albion’s Romaine their midweek Coppa Italia de- of chances in the second half. Sassuolo 1 (Boga 90+4) Sawyers and Chelsea’s Reece feat by Atalanta in Bergamo, Muriqi made sure of the win Napoli beat Parma 2-0 to go Pasalic’s goal only unnerved Crotone 0 Genoa 3 (Destro anchester United are James were targeted this Lazio had chances to make it three minutes later as Lazio fourth. the visitors momentarily, how- 24, 50, Czyborra 29) working with social week. three before Mario Pasalic got moved level on 37 points with “We have great mental ever, as Kosovan striker Muriqi’s Atalanta 1 (Pasalic 79) Lazio 3 Mmedia companies United director of communica- the hosts back in the match with fi fth-placed AS Roma, who host strength,” Lazio assistant Mas- fi rst Serie A goal wrapped up the (Marusic 3, Correa 51, Muriqi 82) to tackle racist abuse after tions Charlie Brooks said the 11 minutes to go. Hellas Verona later on Sunday. similiano Farris told DAZN. “In points in the 82nd minute. Napoli 2 (Elmas 32, Politano Marcus Rashford became the club have held talks with social However, substitute Vedat Lazio were briefl y fi fth before the Coppa Italia (on Wednes- Elsewhere, Jeremie Boga’s 82) Parma 0 latest player to be targeted media companies recently to online following Saturday’s 0-0 stamp out online racist abuse draw at Arsenal. and identity off enders. BUNDESLIGA England international Rashford “The reality is if they are not took to to call out the able to be identified on social abuse but refused to take media, it’s very hard to trace screenshots of the multiple them,” Brooks told Sky News. Wolfsburg up to third with home win over Freiburg messages he received as it “Really the onus has to be on would be irresponsible to do the social media companies to AFP Weghorst has netted 12 league At the other end of the ta- added a third when he was left ace contract was cancelled. so. do something about that. We Berlin, Germany goals this season and forced ble, Cologne earned their fi rst unmarked as Bielefeld struggled On Saturday, leaders Bay- “Humanity and social media at need to see verifiable, identifi- Freiburg goalkeeper Florian home league win for 11 months to reorganise after a double sub- ern Munich maintained their its worst. Yes I’m a Black man able accounts.” Mueller into a string of brilliant to climb out of the relegation stitution. seven-point lead with a 4-1 and I live every day proud that Greater Manchester Police S international John saves in sub-zero temperatures. play-off spot with a 3-1 win Venezuela forward Sergio home win against Hoff enheim I am. No one, or no one com- (GMP) said they are aware of Brooks and Dutch Midfi elder Yannick Gerhardt over fellow strugglers Arminia Cordova came off the bench while second-placed RB Leipzig ment, is going to make me feel the incidents and are investi- striker Wout Weghorst celebrated signing a contract ex- Bielefeld. to claim a consolation goal for edged to a 1-0 victory over Bayer any diff erent,” Rashford wrote gating to find the culprits and netted as Wolfsburg tension in midweek by tapping Cologne are up to 14th after Bielefeld with an easy fi nish Leverkusen. on Twitter late on Saturday. off er support to United players. Ujumped to third in the Bundes- home Wolfsburg’s third goal ending their miserable home after a mix-up in the home de- “So sorry if you were looking “Nobody should be subject liga yesterday with a 3-0 home four minutes from the whistle run, while Bielefeld drop to 16th. fence. RESULTS for a strong reaction, you’re to such abuse and it is deeply win over mid-table Freiburg. to move them up from sixth to On-loan , who captained Cologne 3 (Wolf 9, 28, Rex- just simply not going to get it upsetting not only to those Wolfsburg remain unbeaten at three points behind second- winger Marius Wolf gave Cologne Germany to the silver medal at hbecaj 63) Arminia Bielefeld 1 here.” who suff er it, but to all those home this season and Brooks fi red placed RB Leipzig. an early lead with a simple tap-in, the 2016 Olympics, came on for (Cordova 73) The Football Association (FA) who come across this awful them into an early lead before However they are 10 points then smashed a volley just inside his Cologne debut just before VfL Wolfsburg 3 (Brooks had earlier condemned the language too,” GMP said in a Weghorst showed great fi nishing behind league leaders Bayern the post before half-time. the fi nal whistle, having signed 21, Weghorst 39, Gerhardt 85) racial abuse of players after statement. to make it 2-0 at the break. Munich. Midfi elder Elvis Rexhbecaj in midweek after his Crystal Pal- Freiburg 0 Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 1, 2021 SPORT

ATHLETICS Asher-Smith claims second 60m indoor win AFP She fi nished ahead of Swiss Düsseldorf, Germany sprinter Ajla del Ponte, who ran a Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith celebrates We’ll never ask for athletes to be personal best of 7.16secs. aft er winning the women’s 60m fi nal at the vaccinated fi rst, says CONI Asher-Smith is also set to race in ISTAF Dusseldorf Athletics Indoor Meeting ritain’s 200m world cham- Lievin on February 9 and confi rmed yesterday. (Reuters) The president of the Italian An elderly person has their pion Dina Asher-Smith she will race at the European Indoor National Olympic Commit- sacred right to be vaccinated picked up her second in- Championships in Turon, Poland, tee (CONI) said on Saturday before a 20-year-old athlete door victory over 60m in from March 5-7. that it will never ask for its is. GermanyB this week by winning the Germany’s world champion Ma- athletes to be vaccinated “The athlete is forced to women’s fi nal in Duesseldorf yes- laika Mihambo was victorious on against Covid-19 before oth- move around: they don’t terday. count back in the women’s long ers in the country ahead of participate in gatherings, Having equalled her personal best jump with a leap of 6.74 metres on the Tokyo Summer Games. they go through airports, by running 7.08 seconds to claim her second attempt. Hungary and Serbia began changing rooms, competi- victory in Karlsruhe on Friday, the Swede Khaddi Sagnia matched inoculating their Olympic tions, contacts, to defend the 25-year-old clocked 7.12 to win the Mihambo’s distance leaving Ser- athletes on Friday, while Italian flag. Politics needs to women’s 60m fi nal yesterday. bia’s world indoor champion Ivana ’s Olympic Committee make this assessment, not This week was the fi rst time the Spanovic third with 6.61m. said it had already vaccinat- sport.” British sprint queen has raced in- Mihambo plans to jump at Fri- ed half its Olympic delega- Shortfalls in Covid-19 vaccine doors for three years and anywhere day’s ISTAF indoor meet in Berlin tion and would complete the deliveries from US drug- for well over a year. and described competing Sunday as process by the end of May. maker Moderna have spread “I am happy to be back running “a piece of normality in these pretty International Olympic across Europe, as Italy joined again. It has been quite a long time abnormal times”. Committee (IOC) Presi- France and in since my last race in 2019,” Asher- Swede Armand Duplantis opened dent Thomas Bach said on announcing the company’s Smith told Athletics Weekly. his season with victory the men’s Wednesday the organisation shipments for February “I was very surprised how well pole vault with a world-leading was not in favour of athletes would miss expectations. I started in Karlsruhe,” she added 6.01m but failed in an attempt to “jumping the queue” for vac- Like many European coun- having narrowly missed the British break at his own world indoor record cines, a view backed by CONI tries, Italy is now grappling 60m indoor record on Friday. when he could not clear 6.19m. President Giovanni Malago with broad vaccine delays, “I was very happy to come out Germany’s Torben Blech took in an interview with Italian at least temporarily, as all and run a 7.08 and I was happy to do second with a personal best of newspaper La Repubblica. Western vaccine makers some good performances here (in 5.86m to leave USA’s two-time “We already know there with approved shots – Mod- Duesseldorf) as well.” world champion Sam Kendricks are many countries where erna, Pfizer and its German Asher-Smith dominated at the third at 5.81m. national athletes are about partner BioNtech, and Duesseldorf meet, held behind Ivory Coast sprinter Arthur Cisse to be vaccinated,” he said. AstraZeneca – fall behind closed doors because of the corona- was a hundredth of a second short “We will never ask for this their initial delivery targets. virus pandemic, as she prepares for of his personal best in taking the and we don’t want it either. (Reuters) the Tokyo Olympics. men’s 60m fi nal in 6.54 seconds.

FOOTBALL PSG suff er fi rst defeat under Pochettino to Suarez double at allow Lille to move top Cadiz sends Atletico ‘Our numbers show we are working well and have the mentality to 10 points clear achieve great things’

AFP Madrid

uis Suarez sent Atletico Madrid 10 points clear at the top of La Liga yesterday by scoring a Lsensational free-kick and then a penalty in a pulsating 4-2 win over Cadiz. Atletico’s victory puts their lead at the top of the table into double fi gures and it could get even worse for the chasing pack, given Diego Simeone’s side still have a game in hand. Real Madrid remain closest despite their defeat by Levante on Saturday while Barcelona are now 13 points back, although (From left to right) Paris Saint-Germain’s , Presnel they could reduce the gap when Kimpembe, and Danilo Pereira jump to stop the ball they play at home to Athletic during the French L1 match against FC Lorient at the Stade Bilbao later. “We have a signifi - Yves-Allainmat stadium, in Lorient, western France. (AFP) cant number of points which have taken us to the top and to- AFP minutes later, though, as PSG failed day we were missing vital play- Paris several times to clear and Abergel ers but those who came in did picked out the top corner with the superbly,” said Suarez. outside of his left boot. Neymar lev- “Our numbers show we are aris Saint-Germain suf- elled on the stroke of half-time from working well and have the men- fered their fi rst defeat the penalty spot with his fi fth league tality to achieve great things and under Mauricio Pochet- goal of the season. we need to stay on this path.” tino as lowly Lorient PSG improved after the break Both would have been given Pfought back to claim a dramatic and took the lead in the 57th hope by a rousing display from 3-2 victory yesterday, allowing minute as Houboulang Mendes, newly-promoted Cadiz, who Lille to go top of Ligue 1. who also conceded the fi rst pen- were inspired by the relentless Neymar scored two penalties alty, brought down Mauro Icardi Alvaro Negredo. but the visitors collapsed late and Neymar again made no mis- The 35-year-old scored twice, on at the Stade du Moustoir, as take. It was the fi rst time since could have had a hat-trick and Nigerian netted an Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a certainly did not deserve to be injury-time winner. PSG player had netted two spot- on the losing side. PSG drop to third, one point kicks in a Ligue 1 match. But Suarez’s double, between behind second-placed Lyon, with The visitors pressed for a third, goals from Saul Niguez and Koke Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during their La Liga match against Cadiz CF at the Lille a further two points ahead but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu late on, sealed another three Ramon de Carranza Stadium in Cadiz yesterday. (AFP) after their 1-0 win over Dijon. “We Dreyer made an excellent stop to points for Atletico, who now have to keep the positive aspects keep out an Icardi header. have the La Liga crown within Atletico took the lead in the after Felipe had failed to cover. pounded by Atletico being Negredo was on a mission. He and move forward,” said former That proved to be crucial, as their grasp, even with half of the 35th minute after the maraud- Negredo whipped a left-foot- awarded a penalty three minutes rose high to meet Fali’s cross but Tottenham manager Pochettino. the stubborn home side equal- season left to play. Suarez was ing Joao Felix was brought down ed shot into the far corner of after half-time, Marcos Lopez headed straight into the hands “Accidents happen in football. We ised in the 80th minute. Substi- their driving force yet again, his a few yards outside the penalty Jan Oblak’s net. Atletico edged clattering Lemar and Suarez of Oblak and then nodded over have to keep working. It makes tute scored an ex- two goals making it nine in his area. Suarez stepped up and sent ahead again when Saul’s touch making no mistake. for Saponjic, who looked certain us realise that it can happen if we cellent individual goal, his sixth last eight games and 14 for the a superb shot, curling into the from Lemar’s cross looped, Fali Jimenez almost pulled to head in from fi ve yards but don’t play at 100 percent.” of his fi rst full campaign as a top- season. His goals and assists left-hand corner. seemingly inadvertently, over one back for Cadiz but his mishit Oblak was there again. It was the fi rst defeat in six fl ight player. PSG went in search have now earned Atletico 12 Cadiz rallied and then capi- Jeremias Ledesma and in before cross dropped onto the cross- All hope was extinguished games as PSG coach for Pochet- of a winner, but the closest they extra points in the league, with talised on some lethargic Cadiz had a penalty, Koke’s hand bar and then Negredo did, his in the 88th minute when Angel tino since he took over from the came saw full-back Layvin Kur- Barcelona’s decision to let him Atletico defending as Negredo touching the ball only for VAR to scuff ed fi nish bobbling in with Correa, on as a substitute scut- sacked Thomas Tuchel. The win zawa’s drive fl y narrowly wide. leave, and join title rivals, seem- was too strong for Thomas prompt the referee to rule it out. 20 minutes left after Atletico tled onto a loose ball and squared takes struggling Lorient into the They over-committed in the ing more misjudged by the week. Lemar on the right of the area Cadiz’s frustration was com- failed to clear. for Koke to tap in a fourth. relegation play-off spot. second minute of added time, “(Moffi ’s goal) was magical. leaving no defenders within 60 Against PSG, it’s even crazier,” yards of their own goal as Moffi said Lorient’s , was sent racing clean through. Al Shaqab to participate in Katara International Arabian Horse Festival who scored the opening goal. The 21-year-old, on as a sub, “For a Marseille fan like me, the slotted the ball into the bottom Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Shaqab Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani af- a number of distinguished horses that will Foundation, and the nature of the place at fi rst dream is perhaps to play for corner to spark wild celebrations Foundation, announced Saturday that firmed that Al Shaqab’s participation in the compete in the Katara Festival, adding that which the competitions will be held, saying OM and the second to beat PSG.” for the home team. Christophe 34 horses will take part in Katara Inter- Festival comes after a period of absence of Al Shaqab is looking forward to achieving the magnitude of participation in the Festi- Lorient started brightly and Galtier’s Lille took full advantage national Arabian Horse Festival, which is participation in international tournaments good results in the event. The Manager of val promises high-quality competitions and had the fi rst real shot in anger of PSG’s slip-up with their fourth held under the patronage of HH the Amir due to the Coronavirus pandemic, adding the Breeding and Show Department at Al is in the interest of the Qatari equestrian in in the 30th minute, as Adrian straight league success. Sven Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani from that the highest participation of Al Shaqab Shaqab also noted that the Katara Festival general and Arabian horse competitions in Grbic’s long-range strike had Botman missed an early chance February 2 to 6, 2021. HE Manager of in the Festival will be in the two categories will contribute to achieving great success particular, while whishing all the Festival’s to be pushed away by PSG goal- for the home side against Dijon, the Breeding and Show Department at Al of fillies. He explained that Al Shaqab has in light of the stature of the Cultural Village participants success. (QNA) keeper . but Lille took a 29th-minute lead The hosts did take the lead six through Yusuf Yazici. Gulf Times Monday, February 1, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Canucks end run of futility by Lakers beat Celtics beating Jets 4-1

Reuters on Saturday. Winnipeg Anthony Duclair was stopped on a breakaway by Detroit goaltender Thomas rock Boeser scored Greiss but the puck stayed in in thriller, Blazers twice, including an the Wings’ zone. Duclair then empty-netter with slipped a pass across the crease 2:01 remaining, and to Heponiemi, who tapped it in BThatcher Demko made 23 saves for his fi rst career goal. as the Vancouver Canucks won Aleksander Barkov and Keith ‘You simply cannot put a modern-day their fourth consecutive game, Yandle had the regulation goals defeating the host Winnipeg for the Panthers. Sergei Bo- analytic to Jimmy’s will to win’ Jets 4-1 Saturday night. brovsky made 25 stops for the edge Bulls Nils Hoglander and Zack Panthers. MacEwen also scored for the Anthony Mantha and Tyler Canucks, who were coming off Bertuzzi scored the goals for a three-game sweep of Ottawa the Red Wings, who have gone in which they outscored the winless in their last fi ve games. visiting Senators 16-3. Greiss was credited with 23 Mason Appleton scored and Connor Hellebuyck stopped RESULTS 35 of 38 shots for the Panthers 3-2 Red Wings Jets, who are 2-2 in their seven-game Capitals 4-3 Bruins homestand. Helle- Sabres 4-3 Devils buyck failed in his bid Oilers 4-3 Maple Leafs to become the fran- chise leader in wins Flyers 3-2 Islanders for a goalie, still tied Penguins 5-4 Rangers with Ondrej Pavelec Hurricanes 4-1 Stars with 152. Lightning 4-3 Predators Vancouver snapped a 10-game losing Flames 2-0 Canadiens streak to Winnipeg. Avalanche 5-1 Wild Hoglander scored a Canucks 4-1 Jets highlight-reel goal at 8:17 of the fi rst period Blues 6-1 Ducks to cap an early off en- sive fl urry and give the Canucks a 2-1 lead. saves. Teammate Bo Horvat got the Bertuzzi suff ered an upper puck behind the net and tried body injury and did not play to pass it out front, but it went after the second period. off the stick of Winnipeg’s Detroit once again had fi ve Mark Scheifele, popped into players sidelined due to Cov- the air and off the top netting id-19 protocols. of the goal. The puck fell just in The game was tied at 2-all front of Hellebuyck, and Hog- after the fi rst period. lander batted it out of midair With Mathias Brome in the and into the net. penalty box for holding, the Boeser gave the Canucks a Panthers struck fi rst on the 1-0 lead just 29 seconds into power play at 3:06. the game, deking Hellebuyck Jonathan Huberdeau made and putting a backhander into a backhanded pass to Barkov an empty net after taking a drop behind the net. Barkov slid pass from Alexander Edler. the puck toward the front and MacEwen scored at 6:58 of it defl ected off defenseman the second period, redirecting Danny DeKeyser’s stick and Jordie Benn’s blast from the past Greiss. Aaron Ekblad also right point. received an assist. Winnipeg’s lone goal came On a delayed penalty, Man- at 2:03 of the fi rst, as Adam tha tied the game at 15:02. Taro Lowry won a faceoff , and Ap- Hirose fl icked the puck toward pleton picked up the puck at the Panthers’ net from behind Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (left) looks on as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (right) shoots over guard Jaylen Brown during the third quarter of their NBA the top of the right circle. He the boards. It defl ected off game at TD Garden in Boston. (USA TODAY Sports) fi red a wrist shot into the top Vladislav Namestnikov’s stick far corner of the net. and bounced toward Mantha, AFP James drained a three-pointer to put the coach Erik Spoelstra, who still had to make The Jets’ Paul Maurice who fi red it past Bobrovsky. Los Angeles Lakers up 88-85 with 5:25 remaining and RESULTS do without injured Goran Dragic, Avery coached in his 1,608th career Bertuzzi scored his fi fth the Lakers pushed the lead to as many as Bradley and others. NHL game and moved past goal of the season and fourth seven points before the Celtics again nar- Lakers 96-95 Boston Butler scored 20 points in the fi rst half, legendary New York Islanders in three games by tapping in a nthony Davis scored 27 points to rowed the gap. Charlotte 126-114 Milwaukee but Miami couldn’t get ahead by more coach Al Arbour for fourth on rebound at 16:59. Dylan Larkin fuel the Los Angeles Lakers, who Tatum cut the defi cit to 96-95 with 32.8 Miami 105-104 Sacramento than one and trailed by two at the break. the league’s all-time list. took the initial shot and Marc ended their two-game NBA los- seconds remaining. The Heat led by 11 early in the fourth, Meanwhile Aleksi Heponie- Staal also got an assist. ing streak in dramatic style Sat- Boston’s Kemba Walker blocked a Davis Phoenix 111-105 Dallas before the Kings mounted a rally that mi scored at 2:45 of overtime in The Panthers scored in the urdayA with a 96-95 victory over the Celt- shot but missed at the other end. Team- Memphis 129-112 San Antonio would fall just short. The Charlotte Hor- his fi rst NHL game to give the fi nal second of the period after ics in Boston. mate Daniel Theis grabbed the rebound Golden State 118-91 Detroit nets, with a career-high 27 points from visiting Florida Panthers a 3-2 Staal was sent to the penalty A well-rested Davis, who sat out the but couldn’t get his follow-up eff ort to fall. rookie point guard LaMelo Ball, out-lasted win over the Detroit Red Wings box for high sticking. Portland 123-122 Chicago Lakers’ loss to the Pistons in Detroit on The victory was especially satisfy- two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Gi- Thursday with a bruised thigh, added 14 ing, Davis said, not necessarily for the Houston 126-112 New Orleans annis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee rebounds for the reigning NBA champions. long history between two clubs that own Bucks 126-114. LeBron James fi nished with 21 points, 17 NBA titles apiece but because of what eight three-pointers, closed the defi cit to Antetokounmpo scored 34 points with seven rebounds and seven assists for the happened the last time the Lakers played 122-120 with a strike from beyond the arc 18 rebounds and nine assists. reigning NBA champions, who bounced in Boston in March. with 8.2 seconds left. But with Ball’s eff ort off the bench, and back after defeats in Philadelphia and De- “We got a little revenge,” Davis said. The Blazers then forced a jump ball with 27 points from Gordon Hayward, the Hor- troit. “This team beat us by 30 the last time we 6.2 seconds left and Lillard was able to nets followed up their victory over the In- “We’re a team that takes pride in not were in this building.” snag a loose ball and make the winner. diana Pacers on Friday with another win losing two in a row and we lost two in It came down to the buzzer in Chicago, It was a narrow escape for a Blazers team over a top-fi ve Eastern Conference team. a row,” Davis said. “For damn sure we where Portland’s Damian Lillard drained that led by 19 in the third quarter. Forward And the Memphis Grizzlies, back after weren’t losing three in a row.” a three-pointer as time expired to give Lauri Markkanen scored 31 points and having fi ve games postponed because of It was a close-run game, however. the Trail Blazers a 123-122 victory over the guard Zach LaVine added 26 for the Bulls. coronavirus issues, picked up right where Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and Bulls. Lillard fi nished with 44 points on And it was close in Miami, where Jimmy they left off with a 129-112 victory over the pulled down nine rebounds for the Celtics eight 3-pointers. Butler returned from a 10-game absence Spurs in San Antonio. and Jaylen Brown added 28 points. Chicago appeared headed for victory due to the league’s coronavirus protocols De’Anthony Melton led the Grizzlies It was a one-point game when Boston’s when Coby White made a pair of free to score 30 points in the Heat’s 105-104 with 20 points off the bench and point Marcus Smart departed with 10:28 re- throws to put the Bulls up 122-117 with 11.5 victory over the Sacramento Kings. guard Ja Morant added 19 points and 11 Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (second left) celebrates maining after a fall that left him with what seconds remaining. “You simply cannot put a modern-day assists as Memphis posted a sixth straight their win over the Winnipeg Jets with teammates at Bell MTS Place the Celtics said was a calf strain. But Lillard, whose 44 points included analytic to Jimmy’s will to win,” said Heat win. in Winnipeg. (USA TODAY Sports)

NFL Rams trade quarterback Goff to Lions for Staff ord AFP downs and 10 interceptions and Meanwhile the Atlanta Falcons the Chiefs’ 38-24 win in the AFC Los Angeles he has a career total of 45,109 hired former NFL quarterback TJ title game last week, NFL Net- passing yards and 282 touch- Yates as a passing game special- work reported Saturday. downs. ist, the team announced Satur- After being hit by the ball, he Detroit Lions are The Rams made Goff , 26, the day. Yates was a fi fth-round pick Okafor stood over Allen while trading quarterback top draft pick fi ve years ago. He by the Houston Texans in 2011 yelling at him. Bills guard Jon Fe- Matthew Staff ord to the has led the Rams to three play- and spent the 2014 season as a liciano took off ense and shoved Los Angeles Rams in off appearances in four seasons, backup with the Falcons. Okafor. Bills left tackle Dion Texchange for quarterback Jared reaching the Super Bowl in 2018. Yates, 33, retired after the Dawkins also went after Okafor, Goff , according to multiple re- Before the 2019 season, he 2017 season, having played in 22 as all four players earned un- ports on Saturday. inked a $134 million contract ex- games and starting 10. sportsmanlike conduct penalties The Los Angeles Times, NFL tension. But in 2020, he passed for The former North Carolina Tar on the play. Network and ESPN, all citing a career-low 20 touchdowns, with Heels QB was the Texans’ assist- Feliciano and Dawkins were unnamed sources, said the Rams 13 interceptions and the Rams ant quarterbacks coach in 2020. each fi ned $10,000 for their ac- also sent Detroit a third-round fi nished 10-6. Rams coach Sean He’ll work under new off ensive tions, while Okafor wasn’t pe- NFL Draft selection this year and McVay started backup John Wol- coordinator Dave Ragone and nalized monetarily, according to two future fi rst-round selec- ford in a fi rst-round playoff game new head coach Arthur Smith. the report. tions. against the Seattle Seahawks. “The way it ended doesn’t sit Staff ord, who turns 33 on Feb- After Wolford was hurt in the ALLEN FINED $15K FOR right with me with how chippy ruary 7, was the fi rst overall se- fi rst quarter, Goff came off the FLIPPING BALL AT OPPONENT and ticky tack it got. I’m disap- lection in the 2009 NFL Draft. bench and helped the Rams win, Buff alo Bills quarterback Josh Al- pointed in myself,” Allen said, via A three-time Pro Bowl player, then got the start in the second- len was fi ned $15,000 by the NFL Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com. Staff ord is 0-3 in playoff games. round loss to the Green Bay for fl ipping the ball at Kansas “I let my emotions get to me In the 2020 season, he passed Packers that ended the Rams’ City defensive end Alex Okafor there. That’s not how you’re sup- for 4,084 yards with 26 touch- campaign. after Okafor sacked him during posed to play football.” Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff . Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 1, 2021 SPORT

FOUCS Afi f wins elite National Championship title By Sports Reporter ing revenge for Tuesdays defeat 2. Mohamed al-Khulaifi Team Doha on the individual time trial race Doha Cycling +4.44 where al-Khater took the crown 3. Ahmad al-Subaey Never for the third year in a row. Wasted Shop +4.44 bdullah Afi f clocked In the Qatari age group races, 1:55:12.1s to win the Khalid al-Yafi won in Under 40 National Age Group Champi- elite title of the Ashghal and Khalifa al-Khualifi won Un- onship above-50 National Road Cycling der 50 (both Team Doha Cycling) 1. Saleh al-Mohanadi Qatar ChampionshipA on Friday. managing to stay on the wheels Cyclists 1h32’44 Afi f fi nished ahead of ahead of elite riders and then crossing Open Men Championship U-40 of Hamad Afi f (1:55:12.1s) and the fi nish line solo. While Saleh 1. Jamison Carino (Phi) Bike to Khaleel Abduljanan (1:55:12.1s) al-Mohannadi of Qatar Cyclists Work Qatar 1:55.20 in Dukhan on a windy day to win won the above 50-year category. 2. Cornelis Jan Wouters (Ned) the championship organised The expats races were also Rasen Adventure Shop +4.34 by Qatar Cycling and Triathlon decided in the fi rst lap, where 3. Matthew Chrisp (NZL) Team Federation. three riders Mouhcine Rhaili Al Jassra +5.52 The start of the race was (Team Doha Cycling), Jamison postponed by 45 minutes due to Carino (Bike to work) and Chris Open Men Championship foggy conditions. The Elite race, Murrin (Team Al Jassra) broke U-50 which started off fi rst, saw four away and hold on to the lead un- 1. Mouhcine Rhaili (Mor) Team riders – Abdullah Afi f, Hamad til the end. Doha Cycling 1:55.20 Afi f, Khalil Abduljanan (Doha Lee Jones of Team Al Jas- 2. Chris Murrin (Gbr) Team Al Team Cycling) and Fadhel al- sra was coming on to the leading Jassra +0 Khater (Rasen Adventure Shop) trio, but didn’t manage to catch 3. Lee Jones (Gbr) Team Al Jas- – immediately breaking away them and work with Murrin. sra +20 from the front. Rhaili won the sprint and U50 The four riders worked to- category, Jamison Carino was Open Men Championship gether until third and last lap of fi rst in U-40 and Jose Figueir- above-50 the race, where al-Khater de- edo of Team Doha Cycling won 1. Jose Figueiredo (Por) Team cided to take his chances and try the above 50 category. Doha Cycling 2:1.29 to hold on to the wheels of Doha Women’s race was won with 2. Neil Melville (Gbr) Rasen team riders and maybe surprise solo attack by Pia Sundstedt of Adventure Shop +42 them with the late attack or Rasen Adventure Shop. 3. Christophe Leuranguer (Fra) sprint. TriClub Doha +42 Doha Team used the force of RESULTS wind and prepared a cunning National Elite Championship Open Women Championship attack where al-Khater was left 1. Abdullah Afif Team Doha Winners of the Ashghal National Road Cycling Championship 2021 pose on the podium with the off icials of the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon 1. Pia Sundstedt (Fin) Rasen on the edge of the road fi ghting Cycling 1:55.09s Federation. Adventure Shop 1:28.11 to get into slipstream. 2. Hamad Afif Team Doha 2. Julie Melville (Aus) Rasen The trio eventually broke Cycling +3 National Age Group Champi- Cycling 1:20.34 3. Abdulla al-Maraghi Team ship U-50 Adventure Shop +3’12 away and secured the full podi- 3. Khaleel Abduljanan Team onship U-40 2. Mubarak al-Ajji Never Wasted Doha Cycling +5’27 1. Khalifa al-Khulaifi Team Doha 3. Elizabeth Dunne (Gbr) Team um for Team Doha Cycling, tak- Doha Cycling +3 1. Khalid al-Yafi Team Doha Shop +4’56 National Age Group Champion- Cycling 1:20.44 Al Jassra +3’12

CRICKET ANNOUNCEMENT Pakistan name 20-man squad for Foakes accepts role South Africa T20Is

IANS SQUADS Karachi PAKISTAN: Babar Azam (cap- tain), Aamer Yamin, Amad Butt, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Faheem he Pakistan Cricket Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, as Buttler back-up Board (PCB) on Sunday Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar named a 20-man squad Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohamad for the upcoming three- Niwaz, Mohamad Hasnain, Mo- ‘The way I started in Sri Lanka, I did expect to play for longer’ matchT T20I series against South hammad Rizwan, Sarfarar Ahmed, Africa beginning February 11. Shaheen Afridi, Usman Qadir, Reuters Pakistan are currently engaged Zafar Gohar, Zahid Mehmood New Delhi in a two-Test series against the South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen Quinton de Kock-led side, win- (captain), Nandre Burger, Okuhle ning the fi rst match by seven Cele, Junior Dala, Bjorn Fortuin, en Foakes believes he wickets at the National Stadium Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, deserved a long run af- here on Friday. Janneman Malan, David Miller, ter his spectacular de- The second Test between the Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine but in Sri Lanka but has two sides will begin from Febru- Pretorius, Ryan Rickleton, acceptedB his role as Jos Buttler’s ary 4 in Rawalpindi. Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, understudy as England’s Test The three T20Is will then be Jon-Jon Smuts, Pite van Biljon, wicket-keeper. played at the Gadaffi Stadium in Glenton Stuurman, Jacques Foakes smashed a century on Lahore on February 11, 13 and 14. Snyman. his Test debut at Galle and was adjudged man-of-the-series but has played only two more BOXING Tests, both in West Indies, since that heady tour of Sri Lanka in late 2018. With Buttler set to return Plant defeats Truax home after the opening test against India, Foakes is expected to don the keeper’s role in the to keep super last three matches against Virat Kohli’s men. “The way I started in Sri Lan- middleweight title ka, I did expect to play for long- er,” Foakes told a video confer- AFP “Whoever is in the way, you ence from Chennai, which hosts Los Angeles line them up, I’ll knock them the opening Test from Friday. down.” “I did expect to get more of Truax fell to 31-5 with two a run at that stage. I guess it’s ndefeated Caleb Plant drawn, failing to reclaim the tricky to control your emo- retained his Internation- crown. tions... with everything going al Boxing Federation su- Truax, 37, beat Britain’s James on then and then having to get per middleweight crown DeGale as a 50-1 underdog by it taken away from me because withU a unanimous 12-round deci- majority decision in 2017 at I didn’t get runs in West Indies. sion over former champion Caleb London to take the IBF title but “I know that competition Truax in an all-American show- lost it in a 2018 rematch at Las among the keepers is so high down on Saturday. Vegas. that there are going to be times Plant dominated every round, Plant was more aggressive at when I’m not playing. And that’s winning by perfect totals of 120- the start, following solid jabs something I just have to accept 108 on the scorecards of all three with a variety of quick punches, and be at peace with.” judges in the matchup at Shrine including a two left jabs and a Foakes described Buttler Auditorium in Los Angeles, powerful right to the head in as a “world class player” and staged without spectators due to the third round. Increasing the hailed the “healthy competi- the Covid-19 pandemic. “I felt tempo of the fi ght in the fourth tion” among England’s wicket- like I put on a great performance,” round, Plant bloodied the chal- keeping trio, which also includes Plant said. “I didn’t get touched.” lenger’s nose and kept pressing Jonny Bairstow. It was the third time Plant the attack to the fi nish. “As a keeper, you never know defended the title he took from Meanwhile Up and coming what’s going to happen... you “It’s not the most fun place to happen.” place behind the stumps as and I’m just seeing these three games Venezuela’s Jose Uzcategui in US lightweight Ryan Garcia said always have to be on your guard, be as a back-up keeper but it’s The Surrey player accepted when he is available. as a chance to try and stake my January 2019, the 28-year-old on Instagram Saturday that he ready (for opportunities),” one of those things where you however well he might fare in “I would expect it to be the claim and do as well as possible,” improving to 21-0 but disap- wants to get in the ring with Foakes said. have to always expect them to India, Buttler would reclaim the case. Jos is the number one and added Foakes. pointed he suff ered a hand injury Philippine icon Manny Pacquiao in the fourth or fi fth round. in an offi cial bout. “I kind of hurt my hand early With Yahoo among the outlets in the fi ght, a little bit hesitant at reporting such a fi ght is in the Ganguly discharged from hospital aft er second heart surgery times,” said Plant, who had been works, Garcia said he wanted to hoping for a knockout triumph. make it absolutely clear that it Indian cricket great Sourav Ganguly was the second time this year that the former doctors treating Ganguly, Saptarshi We are with you.” Plant hopes for a unifi ca- wouldn’t be an exhibition. discharged from hospital yesterday after batsman had to be hospitalised, after Basu, told AFP as the former left-handed Ganguly was unanimously elected presi- tion matchup against Mexico’s “Hey everybody, I just want to undergoing a second heart operation in being admitted in early January when he opener left hospital. “His heart is very dent of the Board of Control for Cricket in Canelo Alvarez, who defends the make it real clear: My fi ght with a month, with doctors optimistic that he suff ered a heart attack while exercising. strong. We hope that he can resume his India, the sport’s most powerful body in World Boxing Council and World Pacquiao would not be an ex- will make a full recovery. He underwent an angioplasty and had normal activities in a few weeks.” the country, in 2019. He had retired from Boxing Association titles in Feb- hibition,” Garcia said in a video The 48-year-old, who now heads the a stent inserted to open up his clogged Ganguly was feted by hundreds of Test cricket in 2008 having accumulated ruary at Miami against Turkey’s posted on his Instagram story. country’s powerful cricket board, was arteries. During his second stint in youths outside the hospital and at his 7,212 runs including 16 centuries – his first Avni Yilidirim. “It will be a real fi ght, shoot- admitted to hospital in Kolkata, the capi- hospital, two more stents were inserted, Kolkata home when he was discharged. made at Lord’s on debut. “That’s my goal,” Plant said. ing for 12 rounds, all on the line. tal of West Bengal state, on Wednesday doctors said. They threw rose petals at his car and He also scored 11,363 runs in 311 one-day “I want to become the fi rst un- Our records will be on the line. I after complaining of chest pains. It was “Ganguly is absolutely OK,” one of the shouted: “Welcome Dada (elder brother). internationals. disputed super middleweight just want to make that very clear champion of all time. for everybody.” Gulf Times Monday, February 1, 2021 7 SPORT

BADMINTON GOLF Tai, Antonsen Casey coasts to 4-shot victory in capture titles Desert Classic

Paul Casey poses Two late spectacular drop shots were critical in sealing Tai’s victory with his Desert Classic Trophy after critical in sealing Tai’s victory his four-shot victory 21-19. “Before this match today yesterday. I kept telling myself that I had to play patiently. In the previ- ous matches, all my mistakes were caused (by) my own impa- tience,” Tai said. Thailand has hosted three consecutive badminton tourna- ments in a bio-secure coronavi- rus bubble, without spectators, to guard against the pandemic. Axelsen, ranked fourth, couldn’t control his nerves – losing the fi rst game 16-21 – his body language showing immense frustration as errors piled up and shots landed wide. He managed to regroup to win the second game 21-5. But in the decider Anton- sen had all the right answers, triumphing 21-17 to claim the Agencies with two early birdies on the ing in myself, and if I keep giv- game and the hour-long match Dubai back nine and dropped one ing myself chances like this against an increasingly ruffl ed stroke on the 15th before sealing week-in, week-out, then I’m Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying with her winner’s medal and trophy after beating Spain’s Carolina Marin in their Axelsen. Antonsen is the only the title with his closing birdie. going to bundle one over the women’s singles final match at the World Tour Finals badminton tournament in Bangkok yesterday. man to beat Axelsen in three aul Casey superbly “I didn’t look at a leader- line again at some point. weeks. closed out his 15th vic- board all day,” admitted Casey. “Paul was brilliant today, he AFP The women’s doubles was tory on the European “The key moments on the back stuck to his own game, control- Bangkok an all-Korean showdown with Tour with a confi dent nine for me were the birdie putt led himself brilliantly and I’ve fourth-ranked Lee So-hee Pfour-shot win over Brandon on hole 11 and a big bogey putt got to look up to that and see and Shin Seung-chan pushing Stone at the 2021 OMEGA Du- on 15 – a hole which I’d played where I can get to.” op-ranked Tai Tzu-ying sixth-ranked Kim So-yeong and bai Desert Classic. rubbish all week. I also cleaned Stone made a slow start with won a dramatic cliff - Kong Hee-yong to three games The Englishman carded a up nicely for par on 16 and after three bogeys on the front nine hanger women’s bad- over 92 minutes. 2-under-par 70 at Emirates that is was quite straightfor- but bounced back on the home- minton World Tour Final Lee and Shin lost the fi rst Golf Club to win with a 17-un- ward. ward stretch to post a level-par inT Bangkok yesterday, blocking game 15-21 before scrapping der-par total, well clear of “It was a joy being alongside 72 and move up one place from reigning Olympic champion through to claim the second 26- South Africa’s Stone with Rob- Robert today. He might be part his overnight position and take Carolina Marin’s bid for a hat- 24. They had momentum early ert MacIntyre in third place on of that Ryder Cup Team for Pa- second place outright. trick of titles in three weeks. in the third game and were able 12-under-par. draig; he’s that good, he really The result marked a return The all Danish men’s singles to hold off a late resurgence from “It’s very, very special,” said is. He kept me on my toes but to form at the event for the fi nal was equally nail-biting as their opponents to win the de- an emotional Casey after bird- he was really the only guy I was 27-year-old, who had missed Anders Antonsen denied Viktor cider 21-19. ieing the 18th to put an excla- paying attention to or could pay the cut in his previous three Axelsen a third tournament win In the men’s doubles, sev- mation point on the win. “The attention to.” starts at Emirates Golf Club. in three weeks. enth-ranked Lee Yang and roster of past winners at this MacIntyre struggled to gath- “I’m extremely proud of Marin beat the Taiwanese Wang Chi-Lin of Taiwan won event is unbelievable and I’ve er momentum after his early the performance I put up this 26-year-old two weeks in a row their third title in three weeks. worked so hard. Dubai has been birdie and made four consecu- week,” said Stone. “I played during the previous Thailand They beat Indonesia’s Mo- so good for the European Tour tive bogeys from the eighth some lovely golf, consider- Open tournament fi nals. hammad Ahsan and Hendra and for golf around the world, after a cruel lip-out from in- ing I was – I think around The Spaniard had a shaky Setiawan 21-17, 23-21 in 37 min- and this is so, so cool.” side two feet. He picked up a 2-over-par through fi ve holes start yesterday as Tai exploited Men’s champion Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. utes. Casey began the fi nal day birdie on the 14th but it wasn’t on Thursday, so it’s a fantastic the weaknesses in her defence Lee admitted the pair “were one shot clear of MacIntyre in enough as his charge for a sec- fi ght back. early, but Marin mounted a soon found her own voice. triumphing 21-8. nervous coming in the fi nals the fi nal pairing and the Scot ond European Tour title came “After the fi rst six holes to- successful comeback in the The pair also played mind The decider was fi lled with here.” quickly joined Casey at the top up short. day I’m 3-over par and I didn’t later stages winning the open- games over shuttlecock chang- fast and furious rallies – both “We were playing our idols. of the leaderboard with a birdie “I fought until the end – I really think about winning the er 21-14. Marin was loud and es. In the second game Tai players yo-yoed up and down I thought: ‘oh my god, oh my on the second. got the start I was looking for, I tournament anymore, it felt feisty in her verbal celebra- dominated early and dictated a the scoreboard – but two late god.’ Three titles is incredible,” The 43-year-old moved thought ‘here we go’ after that like I was doing a couple rounds tions, but a visibly annoyed Tai commanding pace, eventually spectacular drop shots were he said. ahead again with a birdie on the fi rst birdie, but sometimes it with Mike Tyson. So then it was par-5 third and then produced a doesn’t go for you and today more a case of playing some stunning chip for another bird- was one of those days,” said good golf, and to fi nish level par HANDBALL ie on the par-3 fourth to extend the 24-year-old, who carded a in the conditions that we had – his lead. closing 74. and all the pressure – is some- He moved comfortably ahead “I’ve just got to keep believ- thing I’m very proud of.” Denmark edge Sweden FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN Co-leader Reed embedded in to retain world crown Torrey Pines rules controversy Reuters world titles at the same venue in 1999, Landin stressed keeping turnovers down Cairo held their own against their more heralded to a minimum was instrumental for Den- AFP the ball out). He did nothing neighbours for three quarters of the high- mark. Los Angeles wrong. He marked it, lifted it and octane contest but they were undone by “We were disciplined and didn’t have called for a ruling.” enmark won their second succes- Landin in the last 15 minutes. too many occasions when we threw the Reed said he would have done sive men’s world handball cham- Having scored three goals in the open- ball away and got punished for it,” the o-leader Patrick Reed nothing diff erently knowing only pionship after an outstanding ing stages, Hansen was tightly marked by 32-year-old goalkeeper told Danish tel- was embroiled in a rules what he knew then. Dperformance by goalkeeper Nik- a robust Swedish defence and the teams evision. controversy over what “I feel fi ne. I feel great,” he said. las Landin helped them to a pulsating 26- were level 13-13 at halftime as Denmark “That is what the Swedes have done was deemed an embed- “I did everything I was supposed 24 win over Sweden in the fi nal yesterday. scrapped a two-goal defi cit. throughout the tournament, and we took dedC ball in Saturday’s third round to do. And I feel even better mak- Landin racked up 15 saves and Denmark’s The Swedes looked on the verge of staging that from them. And then we fi ght as a of the US PGA Farmers Insurance ing birdie at the last.” left back Mikkel Hansen netted seven goals an upset as they led 19-18 midway through team. Across the board, a fantastic team Open. It’s far from the fi rst cheating to keep Olympic champions Denmark at the second half before the eff ervescent Lan- eff ort.” The 2018 Masters champion accusation Reed has faced since the summit after a titanic tussle in the din inspired a 5-1 Denmark run with a series Coach Nikolaj Jacobsen added: “Sweden fi red a two-under par 70 to match his college days, claims he has ve- Cairo Stadium Hall. of stops which forced the fi nal twist. made it diffi cult for us and we wasted too Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz, who post- hemently denied. Earlier yesterday, European champions Second-choice right back Nikolaj Oris many chances in the opening 40 minutes, ed the day’s low round of 66, on At the 2019 Hero World Chal- Spain won the bronze medal with a 35-29 Nielsen also played a pivotal role as he but defence and a world-class goalkeeper 10-under par 206 after 54 holes lenge, tournament leader Reed win over France on the back of eight goals stepped in for injured winger Lasse Svan brought it home.” at Torrey Pines north of San Di- twice moved sand behind his from back-court shooter Alex Dujshebaev. Hansen and netted fi ve goals from as many The 2023 tournament will be co-hosted ego. ball in a waste area. Reed said he Sweden, who won the last of their four shots. by Sweden and Poland. But overshadowing the day’s saw no movement but television action was Reed’s second shot at cameras caught an improved lie the par-4 10th hole and the after- fi nger down there. There was a lip and he was issued a two-stroke math of what PGA rules offi cials on both sides. It had broken the penalty. declared were proper actions on plane (of the ground) so there was Reed said he feels he gets more his part. relief.” scrutiny from viewers over calls “We did exactly what we Social media exploded with than other players. were supposed to do,” Reed said. critics who watched the scene “Defi nitely,” he said. “It’s an “That’s what we felt is the right called for a penalty on the unfortunate thing that hap- thing and what the rules offi cials 30-year-old American. pened today but it’s exactly what thought was the right thing.” “It’s an unfortunate situation I should do. That’s all you can do. World number 11 Reed owned at the end of the day,” Reed said. When you’re out there playing, a four-stroke lead when his shot Reed would bogey four of the you can’t see everything. landed in the left rough, bounced next six holes but sink an eight- “The great thing is I still have a once and settled in the deep foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th chance to win a golf tournament.” grass. But neither Reed, his play- to share the lead with Ortiz. The 30-year-old American ing partners, their caddies or a Rules offi cials did go over video seeks a ninth US PGA victory and volunteer near the landing area of the incident at the 10th with fi rst since last February’s WGC had seen the ball bounce. Reed before he emerged from Mexico Championship. When Reed arrived at the ball, the scorers’ tent, but they also “(I need to) just continue doing he treated it as a potentially em- said he had acted properly given what I’m doing, make solid con- bedded ball, lifted it and felt an he thought the ball had landed tact into the greens and make the indention in the ground, then where it did on the fl y. putter do the work,” Reed said. called over a rules offi cial who Reed said they told him every- Ortiz’s late charge left him in ruled it was indeed an embedded thing he did was “textbook” for the clubhouse well before Reed ball and gave him a free drop, set- the situation. was done. ting up a 14-foot par-saving putt. “It was reasonable to conclude “I drove it really nice. Hit some “Whenever we’re taking relief, it was his pitchmark and it was great shots into the par-3s,” Or- we check to see if it’s embedded,” embedded,” said senior tourna- tiz said. “It was just one of those Denmark’s players celebrate after winning the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship final at the Cairo Stadium Sports Hall in the Reed said. “When I marked the ment director John Mutch. “The days when everything was work- Egyptian capital yesterday. ball, I lifted the ball and I put my player is entitled to do that (lift ing. It was nice.”

Monday, February 1, 2021 GULF TIMES TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT REPORT ‘For some of Venus crushes Rus the people to set up Kvitova Nadal ready to who are suff ering a lot showdown in Yarra at home, we try to have Valley Classic perform for good entertainment ‘suff ering’ fans for them’

AFP Melbourne

afael Nadal pronounced himself fi t and ready to produce some magic to entertain “suff ering” Rtennis fans around the world as they cope with the coronavirus pandemic. The Spanish great, who can move past the injured Roger Fe- derer’s 20 Grand Slam titles with victory at the Australian Open beginning February 8, kicks off his season representing Spain at the ATP Cup from tomorrow. He will take to the courts of Melbourne Park after complet- ing 14 days of quarantine in Ad- elaide, where he was allowed to train for up to fi ve hours a day before an exhibition on Friday against US Open champion Do- minic Thiem. “For me personally, prepa- Venus Williams of the US serves against Netherlands’ Arantxa Rus in ration has been positive,” said Tennis star Rafael Nadal of Spain Melbourne yesterday. Nadal. “I have been able to practices at Melbourne Park in practise around two hours per advance of the Australian Open Reuters Also advancing was Czech day in Adelaide. Some days a lit- yesterday. Melbourne Republic’s Marie Bouzkova, who tle bit more, two hours 15, two downed home favourite and hours 20. That’s it. former US Open champion Sa- “I did, I think, the things that ormer world number mantha Stosur 6-2 6-0. I had to do to be ready. Now is one Venus Williams pro- Unseeded Romanian Ana the moment to start playing and duced a vintage display Bogdan crushed Russian teen- practising with other colleagues to outclass Netherlands’ ager Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2 6-2 and let’s see what’s going on.” that’s over. Is the moment to try to have good entertainment Nadal, who doesn’t usually for most of us. Most of you that ArantxaF Rus in straight sets and to set up a date with top seed Most players are now out start talking about tennis,” he for them. The only way to make play the week before a Grand are around tennis know I never storm into the second round Ash Barty. of quarantine and the world said. that happen is to go on court, try Slam, said it was a diff erent play the week before a Grand of the Yarra Valley Classic as a The tournament is one of six number two is keen to get the “That’s why we came here: to our best.” experience this year, with the Slam,” he said. packed week of Australian Open arranged by Tennis Australia focus back on tennis, although play tennis, to try to give to the He leads Spain in the ATP tournament cut to 12 teams from “So is a little bit new and is warm-up events kicked off yes- before the start of the Australian his thoughts are with those in fans around the world and to the Cup, desperate to make amends 24 and all games in Melbourne a strange situation. But here I terday. Open to allow players a chance lockdowns around the world. fans here in Australia. after being beaten in the fi nal at immediately before the Austral- am, the same like the rest of the The 40-year-old American of some match action after two “When we arrived here, we “For some of the people who Sydney last year by Novak Djok- ian Open. team, to try our best in every broke serve twice in each set to weeks in quarantine hotels. have this quarantine. But I think are suff ering a lot at home, we ovic’s Serbia. “It’s a very unusual situation moment. canter to a 6-1 6-3 victory in a Meanwhile, former French Open little over an hour and set up a champion Jelena Ostapenko date with fourth seed Petra Kvi- fought back from a set down to tova in the next round. reach the second round of the American 13th seed Danielle Gippsland Trophy as a raft of Collins also had a straightfor- Australian Open warm-up tour- Osaka, Djokovic, Nadal keen to be at ward outing as she eased to a 6-3 naments got underway at Mel- 6-3 win against Belgian Ysaline bourne Park. Bonaventure. She was joined in The 23-year-old Latvian ini- Olympics but virus a big concern the second round by compatriot tially struggled with her serve Shelby Rogers, who upset 12th and posted six double faults seed Fiona Ferro 6-2 7-5. in the opening set of her fi rst AFP the public to feel safe.” “the oldest and most traditional Australia’s Daria Gavrilova match since October against ex- Melbourne The 23-year-old has been the event in the history of sport”. opted to skip karaoke night with perienced Italian Sara Errani. poster girl of the 2020 Olympics He too is keen to be in Tokyo. a friend and instead made Slo- The 13th seed, who like her and still hopes to represent Japan “I am personally planning to go vakian Viktoria Kuzmova dance opponent has just completed apanese sensation Naomi at her home Games. for the Olympic Games. I’m re- to her tunes, racing to a 6-2 6-0 two weeks of quarantine in Mel- Osaka, Novak Djokovic “I will stay in my room for two ally hoping that the Olympics will win in under just 65 minutes. bourne, found her rhythm in the and Rafael Nadal said yes- weeks to play the Olympics,” said happen,” he said. “I missed a big event with my second set and ran out a 4-6 6-3 terday they remain keen to Osaka, who lives in Florida. “It’s going to be a lot of people friend Greg’s birthday and go- 6-1 winner after just under two Jcompete in the delayed Tokyo Ol- “I missed out on the last one. obviously. Far more than a tennis ing to karaoke and I was pretty hours on 1573 Arena. ympics, and would be guided by Playing in Tokyo would be very tournament. It’s obviously not up upset about that and thought Estonian Kaia Kanepi had an what the health experts tell them. special to me.” to me to talk about organisation or I had to lock it in today,” said even bigger scare on Margaret Organisers are still adamant the World number two Rafael Nad- what can be done, should be done, the 26-year-old, who faces Court Arena against Austral- Olympics can be held safely even al echoed Osaka’s sentiments and what will be done.” 23-times Grand Slam champion ian Astra Sharma, who was two if the coronavirus is not under hoped to play, but said health ex- World number nine Petra Kvi- Serena Williams next after the points from victory in the sec- control by the time the fl ame is lit perts should have the fi nal say. tova, who won bronze in the American received a fi rst-round ond set before slumping to a 1-6 on July 23. “What we have to do is just fol- women’s singles in Rio, described bye. 7-5 6-2 defeat. Three-time Grand Slam cham- low the instructions of what the the Olympics as a “fi fth Grand pion Osaka admitted being wor- people who really have the right Slam”. ried by a recent poll that found knowledge of all this stuff give to “I hope that the Olympics re- OPINION 80% of the Japanese public were us,” he told reporters on Sunday. ally will happen, for sure,” she opposed to Tokyo hosting the The Spaniard said mandatory said. “For me, the Olympic Games event this year because of the quarantine ahead of the Olympics is very important.” pandemic. would be hard to squeeze into the Second-ranked Simona Ha- Serena still the ‘face Large parts of Japan are cur- congested tour schedule. lep, who competed at the 2012 rently under a state of emergency “Combining our tour with an- London Games but skipped Rio to tackle a spike in coronavirus other 15 days of quarantine to play in 2016 due to concerns over the of women’s tennis’ cases, with borders closed to al- Olympics,” he said. “It looks dif- Zika virus, said vying for her fi rst most all foreigners. fi cult to fi x it in our calendar.” Olympic medal was her top prior- AFP “My concern would be the gen- World number one Djokovic ity this year. Melbourne eral safety of everyone else because has played in three Olympics, “The main goal is a medal at the you’re opening the country,” Osaka winning a bronze at the 2008 Bei- Olympics, to go there and be able said. “Everyone is fl ying in from jing Games, calling it “the great- to compete at the highest level,” aomi Osaka yesterday diff erent places. I would just want est honour” to represent Serbia at she told the WTA website. played down her fast rise into superstar- dom, believing 23-time NGrand Slam champion Serena BOTTOMLINE Williams remains the “face of women’s tennis”. The 23-year-old has made a signifi cant splash on and off the Djokovic ‘home’ in Australia as 18th Slam title beckons court since beating a tempestu- ous Williams in an infamous US on the women’s circuit. AFP Djokovic. “Each year that I come back Open fi nal in 2018. Osaka has “As long as Serena’s here, I Melbourne “That is by far my most suc- to the court, it feels even bet- since added two more Grand think she’s the face of women’s cessful tennis court in my ca- ter,” he said. “The more you Slam titles to her rising tally and tennis,” Osaka said. reer. Had some profound mem- win obviously on the court, the the world number three is one of “Honestly I don’t feel that orld number one ories in the last 15 years, and more confi dent you feel coming the favourites at the upcoming way (about being the new face)... Novak Djokovic you know, won my fi rst Grand back to it.” Australian Open, which she won there’s so many interesting new declared himself Slam back in 2008. Having fans watching is an- two years ago. people. I think I’m one of the “home” yesterday “Had probably the most ex- other big motivating factor for The success has made her new people.” In her fi rst match asW he gears up for an unprec- citing matches played on this the Serb after a year where most a fi rm favourite with fans and since her US Open triumph last edented ninth Australian Open court, and defi nitely the longest tennis has been played in empty sponsors and the Japanese star year, Osaka fell to Williams in title, warning he grows in confi - match ever that I played was in arenas. last year surpassed Williams as an Adelaide exhibition on Friday dence the more he plays at Mel- the fi nals, almost six hours with Australia has kept the coro- the world’s highest paid female after emerging from a mandatory bourne Park. Rafa (Nadal) in 2012.” navirus largely at bay with its athlete after a slew of lucrative 14-day quarantine. The Serbian star won the fi rst And he said being back on aggressive incoming travel re- deals. Despite her increasing “I wasn’t really taking it too of his 17 Grand Slam crowns in during an exhibition in Ad- Cup this week then the Austral- Rod Laver Arena rekindled strictions, making it one of fame and fortune — and promi- seriously as a match,” the Japa- Australia in 2008 and Rod Laver elaide on Friday, playing only ian Open on February 8. “beautiful memories”, which the few places in the world nent advocacy for racial injustice nese player admitted. Arena has since become his one of his two scheduled sets, “It does feel like a home for he plans to use to his advantage where spectators can still at- — Osaka believes the seven-time “But it was fun to be able to hit most successful court. he said he was now “fi ne” ahead me in Australia, in Melbourne, when the opening Grand Slam tend sports events in signifi cant Australian Open champion is with her. I just tried to have fun After struggling with blisters of his season debut in the ATP particularly in Rod Laver,” said of the year gets under way. numbers. still the most infl uential player and experiment a little.”