TENNIS| Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Murray All-Stars To Advertise here avoids James and Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Djokovic’s Irving lead fate at Open Cavs past Suns

Saturday, January 21, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia II, 23, 1438 AH Zidane seeks GULF TIMES quick solution to Madrid collapse SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT The maestro Djokovic Vintage Federer issues warning to era is over, rivals with quick rout of Berdych hints former coach Becker

AFP “I didn’t expect it as such, to be Melbourne honest, especially not this kind of a scoreline,” Federer said. “Especially having to save no breakpoints, just wiss marvel Roger Federer always rolling on the serve. blitzed long-time rival To- That was a big surprise to me. mas Berdych in straight “I think it was a great mental test Ssets to storm into the for me to see if I could stay in the fourth round with a vintage per- match point for point, keep rolling. I formance at the Australian Open was able to do that. File photo of Djokovic and Boris Becker. yesterday. That’s where I’m just really happy The 17-time Grand Slam champion, that I was able to deliver that. I had AFP Arena court where he has won six fi - seeded 17th after an injury-hit 2016, no expectations really for tonight, Melbourne nals, agreed that his opponents now downed the 10th-seeded Czech 6-2, but I did surprise myself.” know he is beatable. 6-4, 6-4, in just 90 minutes. On facing Nishikori in his next “Sure. They wouldn’t be playing Federer reached the round of 16 in match, the 35-year-old Swiss legend ormer coach Boris Becker against me or any other opponent or Melbourne for the 15th time where said: “I’m a big fan of his game. claimed Novak Djokovic has any other tournament, for that matter, he will face Japanese fifth seed Kei He’s got one of the best backhands lost his aura of invincibility and if they don’t believe that they can win,” Nishikori. out there. I love how he can crush his era of dominance is over af- he said. “They go out and they try their terF his seismic early exit at the Austral- best.”Asked what he would take from “From the baseline, honestly I felt it down the line or crosscourt. worlds better than in the first cou- “He’s got wonderful second serve ian Open. the defeat, he said: “Take my bags and ple of rounds. Yeah, it’s wonderful. returns. He’s fast on his legs. Strong The tennis world was abuzz over six- I go home.” I’m really happy, yeah, of course,” in his mind. time champion Djokovic’s stunning Rafael Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam Federer said. “I know how tough he is as the fi ve-set loss to the 117th-ranked Uzbek champion and the 2009 Australian “I’m sure I’ve done some sort of match goes along. He finds his Denis Istomin, his earliest exit from a Open winner, and one of those who can a performance like this (before). range and his rhythm, he’s tough Federer wallops the ball as wife major since Wimbledon 2008. capitalise on Djokovic’s early depar- When you don’t get broken, you to stop.” Mirka applauds at the Australian The 12-time Grand Slam champion’s ture from the draw, said he saw nothing don’t have to save any break points, It was the 23rd career meeting Open yesterday. latest calamity comes on the back of a signifi cant about his great rival’s loss. you’re always in the lead, it’s always between the pair and their seventh troublesome second half of last sea- “What Novak did here is just amaz- easier to play.” meeting at a Grand Slam, and son where he lost his world number ing. Six victories, six titles. For a lot of Any concerns that Federer might fourth at the Australian Open. one ranking to Andy Murray and relin- years he has been in the semi-fi nals, be in for a tough night evaporated Federer extended his record to 17-6 quished his Wimbledon and US Open fi nals and winning here,” Nadal said with a double service break to lead over Berdych and has won their last titles.After winning the French Open after reaching the third round. Berdych 5-2 in the opening set. six meetings. in June for the fi rst time, Djokovic held “This is probably an accident, that’s The Swiss maestro continued to put The last time the Czech defeated all four Grand Slam singles titles, but all,” added the Spaniard. “He’s playing on a tennis masterclass to leave the Federer was in the semi-finals at he has not won a major since. well. Everybody has the chance to lose big Czech floundering. Dubai in 2013. The Swiss legend is Becker, who split with Djokovic at when you go on court.” Federer breezed through the looking to become the third man the end of last year after three years as opening set in 26 minutes, made to win five Australian Open singles his coach, says the door is now open to it 2-0 another 31 minutes later and titles after Novak Djokovic and Roy the next generation as the Serb nears Life is beautiful, cruised through the final set in 33 Emerson, who have both won six. his 30th birthday. Venus says, brushing minutes to complete an astonishing “I’m really shocked that Novak demolition of one of his long-time ‘I’m sure I’ve done some Djokovic lost,” said Becker, who is part off commentator row rivals. sort of a performance like of Eurosport’s live coverage of the Aus- Federer broke Berdych’s big serve this (before). When you don’t tralian Open. MELBOURNE: Seven-times grand four times and did not face one get broken, you don’t have to “I thought he was playing much too slam winner Venus Williams on Friday break point on his own service, save any break points, you’re defensive and never really took the ini- brushed off a remark made about her while hitting 40 winners against always in the lead, it’s always tiative and never really fought for it.” at the Australian Open which led to a just 17 unforced errors. easier to play’ Becker, a six-time Grand Slam cham- TV commentator being stood down pion and twice winner of the Austral- by broadcaster ESPN. ian Open, said Djokovic’s fall off ers his Doug Adler, commentating on the younger rivals the incentive to push on. African-American 13th seed’s second- “It’s a big door open now,” Becker round match against Switzerland’s BOTTOMLINE told the New York Times in Melbourne. Stefanie Voegele on Wednesday, “We talked about the next gen for a provoked outrage on social media long time, and now is the time for these when he was taken to have described 19-, 20-, 21-year-olds to go through Williams charging “like a gorilla”. Adler, Impressive Nishikori powers into fourth round the door. a former tennis professional, said he “When the top dog is struggling a bit had said “guerrilla”. AFP pearances at the Australian Open, hand. — and no disrespect to Andy Murray, Williams was questioned about the Melbourne losing to Andy Murray in 2012, Stan The Japanese star got a double but Novak was the top dog — the way comment after thrashing China’s Wawrinka in 2015 and Novak Djok- break to lead 3-0 and Lacko got was blocked. But now it’s a shift.” Duan Ying-Ying 6-1 6-0 to reach the ovic last year. one break back to trail 3-5 before Becker said Djokovic was missing his fourth round. apan’s Kei Nishikori “There were some little tough Nishikori served out for a two sets trademark intensity and will to win in “All I can say is it’s been a wonderful, reached the Australian Open moments, but I stayed tough in the to love advantage. Thursday’s match, and wasn’t “men- wonderful career for me full of posi- fourth round with a convinc- third set,” Nishikori said. Nishikori peeled off a ripping tally going crazy” as he used to. tives. That’s what I focus on. I mean, ing, straight-sets win over Nishikori broke the 121st-ranked forehand return winner to grab an Australia’s former Wimbledon what else can I do? It’s a beautiful life. JLukas Lacko yesterday. Lacko’s serve four times and gave early break in the fi nal set to hit the champion Pat Cash was adamant that That’s how I feel about every single The fi fth seed made it to the last up his own service only once. front and stay there. Djokovic’s time as a dominant force thing,” the 36-year-old told reporters. 16 for the sixth straight year with a “I did well with my service games He hit 46 winners, 27 of them on was over. “I pay attention and address situa- 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the Slo- and came up with some important his forehand, and dominated the “His defeat just shows that Novak tions that are noteworthy. That’s been vak qualifi er in two hours, 11 min- fi rst serves on the big points,” he rallies. has absolutely lost his edge, there’s no my past record, clearly.” utes.Nishikori will next face his fi rst said. Nishikori became the fi rst Asian doubt about that,” Cash told the BBC. ESPN said Adler “should have been big challenge against either 17-time “I am feeling well physically and man to contest a Grand Slam fi nal “I’d love to see him competing, to more careful in his word selection”. Grand Slam champion Roger Fed- mentally and I’ve been playing well when he lost to Marin Cilic at the be a true number two fi ghting for that “He apologised and we have erer or big-serving Czech 10th seed in my three matches in Melbourne.” 2014 US Open after defeating three number one spot, but at this rate I removed him from his remaining Tomas Berdych. Nishikori got the early advantage top-10 players — Milos Raonic, don’t think we will see that.” assignments,” the broadcaster said in The Japanese is looking to im- with a service break in the seventh Wawrinka and Djokovic along the Djokovic, who faced the media mo- a statement. prove on his three quarter-fi nal ap- game after Lacko overhit a fore- way. ments after coming off the Rod Laver Gulf Times 2 Saturday, January 21, 2017 SPORT

Fired-up Serena ready to raise the roof against Gibbs SPOTLIGHT Venus takes Reuters thrashed Lucie Safarova, the woman she onto the main show court by rising tal- rus, has also said he would need to be at Melbourne beat for the 2015 French Open title, and ent Alexander Zverev and a rejuvenated his aggressive best against wily French- feels she is ready to raise her game further. Rafa Nadal, who is under no illusions of man Gilles Simon on Hisense Arena. out Chinese hopes, “At the end of the day, when I play play- the challenge the German teenager will “He’s going to be there really trying to erena Williams will be primed for ers like Bencic and Safarova, they force present him. get me to play at his speed, his rhythm,” action against compatriot Nicole me to play better,” Williams said ahead of “He’s a player that is for sure one of the third seed said. “Obviously he tries to hungry for more Gibbs in their third round clash her showdown against the 92nd-ranked the next grand slam winners,” Nadal said. slow things down, play low. at the Australian Open today, the Gibbs on Rod Laver Arena. “He has a big chance to become the future “I won’t have the opportunity to get AmericanS battle-hardened by wins over “It forces my game from the very fi rst world number one if he’s able to keep im- too many swings at many shots. I’ve got two former top-20 players in the opening day to be at a high level. So I think it’s ac- proving the way that he’s doing. to serve well and I’ve got to be aggressive rounds. tually good. I needed something to start “I don’t have doubt that his potential is and I’ve got to take it to him. Williams, who is seeking a 23rd grand really fast. I’m not going to complain so, so high and I know I have a very tough “The last thing I want to do is get into slam singles title, humbled Swiss talent about it.” match, and I need to play my best.” this sort of game of playing long rallies Belinda Bencic in the fi rst round, then Williams and Gibbs will be followed Canada’s Milos Raonic, battling a vi- with him.”

TENNIS

Murray avoids Venus Williams waves to fans after defeating Duan Yingying yesterday. AFP need to raise my level. This is my Melbourne primary focus, and nothing else.” Remarkably Duan, ranked 87, admitted ahead of the match that enus Williams ended she’d never seen Williams play, Chinese hopes at the and would be relying heavily on Australian Open yes- her coach’s guidance. Djokovic fate to terday, swatting aside This is despite the seven-time DuanV Yingying to make the Grand Slam winner being one of fourth round for a 10th time — the game’s most prominent play- and said she was still hungry for ers over the past two decades. more. She paid dearly against Wil- The 13th seed was in a diff erent liams who remains a force, mak- league, spanking Duan 6-1, 6-0 ing the fourth round or better at on Margaret Court Arena and three of the four Grand Slams last reach fourth round showing no signs of the elbow year. injury that forced her out of the Williams, 36, exploited Duan’s Murray finished with eight aces to Querrey’s five and broke him five times doubles with sister Serena. weak serve and apparent nerves, She will next play German racing to a quick break in the Reuters Querrey relied on his huge serve qualifi er Mona Barthel, who beat opening set, with no way back Melbourne to get him out of myriad jams Australian hope Ashleigh Barty. for the Chinese star. She won a against Djokovic in that upset but If she comes through that en- consolation game but that was as his main weapon misfi red for much counter, a potential quarter-fi nal good as it got. ith Novak Djokovic’s of the Murray match on a cool, with fellow veteran Svetlana Duan, normally an aggressive reign broken, Andy breezy afternoon. Kuznetsova looms. and powerful player, was never Murray boosted his More renowned for his out- “Oh, yay! It’s good. It’s never able to get into her groove as Wil- claim to the Mel- standing returning game, Murray enough,” said Williams on still liams dictated the points, push- Wbourne Park throne with a com- fi nished with eight aces to Quer- making her mark at Grand Slams. ing her around the court. prehensive 6-4 6-2 6-4 win over rey’s fi ve and broke him fi ve times. “I’ve been in the fourth round Williams didn’t give an inch, American Sam Querrey to reach The Scot had a pre-game chat before. I’ve tasted it before and breaking Duan fi rst service game the fourth round of the Australian with 11-times grand slam champi- it’s always a great feeling because in the second set and romping to Open yesterday. on Rod Laver and placed a number it means, hey, I have an opportu- an easy victory. Top seed Murray, beaten in four of sumptuous lobs over the rangy nity for the quarter-fi nals. That’s Despite the loss, it was an en- of his fi ve fi nals in Melbourne by American that would have im- what I’m going to go for.” couraging tournament for Chi- Djokovic, has become raging fa- pressed the Australian great. The American, the old- na’s number fi ve, who reached a vourite after the Serb’s stunning One of them captured the break est player in the women’s draw Grand Slam third round for the second round exit on Thursday and at 4-4 in the opening stanza, a and playing her 17th Australian fi rst time and was her country’s the Briton lived up to the billing by marathon game of 14 points, and Open, said tennis had given her last player standing. trouncing Querrey in a tick under Murray rode the momentum to a “a beautiful life”. But she isn’t “This is her fi rst time in the two hours at the Hisense Arena. two-set lead in just over an hour. fi nished yet. third round. It’s a lot of pressure,” Murray was among the many The last of 14 Americans in the “Whatever happens, I’m Williams said. surprised by Djokovic’s elimina- men’s draw, Querrey slipped on a looking forward to executing “Having the opportunity to tion but was neither dancing on fresh shirt for the third set and the my game,” she said of her next play this third round, play against the Serb’s grave nor talking up his wardrobe change seemed to help. match. a player of my experience, is go- own hopes of a maiden title in Mel- He rallied from 2-0 down, win- “That’s all that matters at this ing to be a huge stepping stone bourne. ning three straight games and point, is to continue to elevate for her. She’s got talent. It’s per- “It doesn’t change anything un- breaking Murray for the fi rst time myself. As the rounds continue, I fect for women’s tennis.” less I was to potentially reach the to leave the Scot barking his frus- fi nal, because I can’t play Novak tration. But Murray captured the in the fourth round or in the third decisive break in the ninth game round,” Murray told reporters after with two points that showcased his RESULTS CHECK setting up a clash with unseeded speed and appetite for gut-busting Men’s singles 3rd rd: Andy Women’s singles 3rd rd: German Mischa Zverev. running. Murray (GBR x1) bt Sam Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt “I don’t worry about that, re- Flung back and forth across the Querrey (USA x31) 6-4, 6-2, Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) 6-0, ally. Obviously, if you’re to get to court by Querrey, Murray chased 6-4 Mischa Zverev (GER) bt 6-4 Coco Vandeweghe (USA) the fi nal, then it has an eff ect. A lot down ball after ball and the fl us- Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-1, 4-6, bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) of the times when I’ve been in the tered American netted the simplest 6-3, 6-0 Stan Wawrinka (SUI 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 Anastasia Pavly- fi nal here, I’ve played against him. of volleys to give up break point. x4) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB x29) uchenkova (RUS x24) bt Elina Had some tough ones.” Murray then smacked a pass- 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) Andreas Svitolina (UKR x11) 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 Djokovic’s departure aside, ing shot to take his serve and after Seppi (ITA) bt Steve Darcis Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x8) Murray appeared free of another blowing a fi rst match point with a (BEL) 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/2) bt Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 6-4, bugbear, showing no discomfort double-fault, he made no mistake Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x12) bt 5-7, 9-7 Sorana Cirstea (ROM) on the right ankle he twisted in his with a huge serve on the second. Jack Sock (USA x23) 7-6 (7/4), bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-2, 7-6 previous win against Russian teen- “I thought I moved much bet- 7-5, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3 Dan Evans (7/2) Venus Williams (USA x13) ager Andrey Rublev. ter today than I did in the fi rst two (GBR) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS bt Duan Yingying (CHN) 6-1, 6-0 Although he cruised through the matches, which is really positive x27) 7-5, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3) Rog- Garbine Muguruza (ESP x7) bt fi rst two sets, the ankle was given a for me,” said Murray. er Federer (SUI x17) bt Tomas Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x32) good work-out in the third by the “Each match I think I’ve im- Berdych (CZE x10) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 6-4, 6-2 Mona Barthel (GER) desperate Querrey who dumped proved a little bit. That’s a good Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) bt Lukas bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6-4, Djokovic out of Wimbledon at the sign. Hopefully I keep getting bet- Britain’s Andy Murray signs autographs after beating Sam Querrey of the US in their men’s Lacko (SVK) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 3-6, 6-3 same stage last year. ter.” singles third round match on day five of the Australian Open yesterday.

BOTTOMLINE Al-Naimi grabs fi rst pole in Qatar Superstock By Sports Reporter Doha

he opening round of the Qatar Super- stock 600 revved off yesterday at Lo- sail International Circuit with Mishal Tal-Naimi bagging pole position. In free practice 1, al-Naimi was the fastest rider with a lap time of 2:06.607 followed by Saeed al-Sulaiti in 2:07.523. In free practice 2, al-Sulaiti led the timings, stopping the clock at 2:05.627 and al-Naimi fi nished second with 2:05.919. Khalid al-Mal and Hassan al-Mansoori man- aged to get to the Superpole 2 where the winner was al-Naimi. He clocked a time of 2:04.914 and will start today from the fi rst place on the grid. Qatar superstock riders pose with QMMF President Abdulrahman al-Mannai and LCSC Vice “I am very happy with this result, my bike is President and General Manager Khalid al-Remaihi before the race yesterday. At left Mishal really good but I am not really happy with the lap on the way to pole position. time. I tried to make a good lap but I don’t know why I didn’t improve. But I am happy to start Mishal, Nasser and myself. So let’s see what is weather windy and hot. It was nice but as soon from the front row,” said al-Naimi. going to happen tomorrow,” al-Sulaiti added. as I got into a rhythm my lap timing started go- “The championship has just started and let’s Today, the fi rst race of QSTK will start at ing down,” said al-Hajri, who is driving a Toy- see if tomorrow I can win both races. For sure 11:10am and the second race at 14:10 with free ota. there will be a fi ght tomorrow for the fi rst place entrance for all spectators at the grandstand and The second place on the grid was taken by and I will try to make a little adjustment during paddock. Palestinian driver Omran Karama, also driving a the warm up,” he said. Meanwhile, during the practice session for Toyota, who clocked a time of 2:30.176. The second position in the starting grid will the Qatar Touring Car Championship, Qatari “It was a great practice, but I had lots of prob- be occupied by Saeed al-Sulaiti, who clocked a on the front row but I would be happier if I could “We need to work a bit on the set up and we’ll driver Mansoor al-Hajri was the fastest with a lems with the car and still managed to get the lap time of 2:05.264 in Superpole 2. get the superpole. But today it was not possible. be there. Regarding tomorrow’s race, I expect it lap time of 2:28.694. second spot which is very good for the fi rst race “The lap time was not bad. It is good to start But we are not very far away,” he said. is going to be a big fi ght between the top three, “The track today was a bit dusty and the of the season,” said Omran. Gulf Times Saturday, January 21, 2017 3 GOLF

ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP Halfway leader Kaymer stays on title course Reuters “I don’t try to push, I just try to en- Jeung-hun (KOR) 68-67, Tyrrell Hatton Abu Dhabi joy playing my favourite golf course,” (ENG) 67-68, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 64-71 Kaymer said. “Once in a while when a 136 — Sam Brazel (AUS) 71-65, Chris putt drops in you catch momentum and Paisley (ENG) 71-65 erman Martin Kaymer you can make another three or four bird- 137 — Chris Hanson (ENG) 71-66, Lee stayed on course for a fourth ies coming in, like it happened today. Westwood (ENG) 68-69, Maximilian Kief- title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC “I felt like I played a little bit better fer (GER) 70-67, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) Championship with a second than yesterday. It was a bit more dif- 68-69, Curtis Luck (Am-AUS) 72-65, Peter Gconsecutive round of 66 to seize the fi cult today with the wind, especially Uihlein (USA) 70-67, Peter Hanson (SWE) halfway lead yesterday. the fi rst nine. I struck the ball a little bit 68-69, Bradley Dredge (WAL) 68-69 The straight-hitting Kaymer again better and I made a few long putts to- 138 — Ross Fisher (ENG) 69-69, Gary Stal found the course and conditions to day, same as yesterday.” (FRA) 69-69, An Byeong-hun (KOR) 69- his liking to move one stroke clear on Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Ireland’s 69, Branden Grace (RSA) 68-70, Oliver 12-under. Paul Dunne and Englishman Tommy Fisher (ENG) 66-72, Jordan Smith (ENG) Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello also card- Fleetwood, all fi nished on 10-under. 68-70, Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 68-70, Jason ed a six-under 66 to move to 11-under World number four Henrik Stenson, Scrivener (AUS) 68-70, Marc Warren for his two rounds. who set the pace in round one with a (SCO) 66-72, Alex Noren (SWE) 71-67, Kaymer, seeking a fi rst title since the majestic 64, slipped back after a one- Benjamin Hebert (FRA) 71-67 2014 US Open, took a while to get his under 71. 139 — Dean Bermester (RSA) 69-70, Lee round moving. Defending champion Rickie Fowler Slattery (ENG) 68-71, Daniel Brooks (ENG) On the tee at the par-fi ve eighth he signed for a 68 to stay just about in con- 73-66, Anthony Wall (ENG) 69-70, Thorb- was one over for the day but a brilliant tention at four-under but US Masters jorn Olesen (DEN) 69-70, George Coetzee eagle after a superb approach shot was champion Danny Willett had a miser- (RSA) 70-69, David Drysdale (RSA) 70-69 followed by birdies at the 10th and 11th. able time with a 76, including a nine at 140 — Matteo Manassero (ITA) 73-67, Another bogey came on the 12th but he the 10th, to miss the cut. Andy Sullivan (ENG) 70-70, Magnus A replied immediately on the next hole and Carlsson (SWE) 74-66, Mikko Korhonen chipped in for another birdie on the 14th. Leading scores (FIN) 68-72, David Lipsky (USA) 68-72, Cabrera Bello had set the pace with 132 — Martin Kaymer (GER) 66-66 Robert Karlsson (SWE) 70-70, Alvaro seven birdies in his earlier round, but 133 — Rafa Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67-66 Quiros (ESP) 70-70, Rickie Fowler (USA) Kaymer sunk a huge putt on the 16th 134 — Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 67-67, 72-68, Dustin Johnson (USA) 72-68, Ale- to move level with the Spaniard and Paul Dunne (IRL) 68-66, Kiradech jandro Canizares (ESP) 72-68, Ryan Fox moved into the outright lead when he Aphibarnrat (THA) 66-68 (AUS) 69-71, David Horsey (ENG) 71-69, rolled in a birdie on the par-fi ve 18th. 135 — Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Wang Romain Wattel (FRA) 72-68

CAREERBUILDER CHALLENGE SINGAPORE OPEN Scott surges into title contention with a 67 Surprise package to lie two strokes off leader Han Seung-su

AFP of the 18 greens in regulation and Singapore his putter, which had stalled his Bozzelli eagles to progress in the fi rst round, start- ed to co-operate, as he took just ustralia’s Adam Scott 32 strokes with the fl at stick. charged up the leader- One of three joint fi rst-round board at the Singapore leaders, Han continued his im- Open yesterday, get- pressive start to the opening tingA himself within two shots of event on this year’s Asian Tour, clubhouse leader Han Seung-su making six birdies despite play- one-stroke lead when the second round was sus- ing in the afternoon when the pended because of fading light. wind had picked up and the Already a three-time win- greens were faster and trickier. Mickelson marks his return to competition with five birdies for a four-under total ner of the tournament, in 2005, Sergio Garcia also made a 2006 and 2010, Scott put himself late push in the afternoon, just fi rmly in contention to win an missing an eagle on the last hole unprecedented fourth title at the after a super approach shot. The Fan favourite Phil Mickelson, who had Sentosa Golf Club with a second Spaniard settled for a 68 to be at surgeries for a hernia last year, marks his round three-under-par 67 and a three-under. return to competition with five birdies and 36-hole total of seven-under 135. However, South Africa’s Ernie a lone bogey for a four-under 68. (AFP) With two dozen players still Els had another frustrating day to fi nish their second rounds and was in danger of missing the because of a backlog from day cut. The four-time major win- one, Scott moved to outright ner made bogey on three of his second in the clubhouse, trailing fi rst seven holes and although he only the Korean-born American pulled two shots back in carding Han, who followed up his 65 on a 71, his two-over total was not Thursday with a 67. likely to secure him a place for Angelo Que of the Philippines the weekend. and Singapore’s Quincy Quek were safely in the clubhouse, Leading scores tied for third place at six-under, 133 — Han Seung-su (USA) 66-67 with a group of 10 players, in- 135 — Adam Scott (AUS) 68-67 cluding the defending cham- 136 — Angelo Que (PHI) 67-69, pion Song Young-han of South Quincy Quek (SGP) 68-68 Korea, level at fi ve-under on a 137 — Satoshi Kodaira (JPN) heavily congested leaderboard. 65-72, Pavit Tangkamolprasert Returning to the course early (THA) 66-71, Panuphol Pittayarat to fi nish off the last three holes of (THA) 66-71, Song Young-han his opening round after play was (KOR) 68-69, Hideto Tanihara interrupted Thursday because of (JPN) 65-72, Gaganjeet Bhullar a lightning storm, Scott rolled in (IND) 68-69, Miguel Tabuena two early birdies to sign for a 68, (PHI) 68-69, Jbe Kruger (RSA) then was back on the tee soon af- 68-69, Scott Barr (AUS) 69-68, ter to start his second round. Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 69-68 With the greens softened by 138 — Nicholas Fung (MAS) 67-71, an early morning shower, the Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 2013 US Masters champion made 66-72, Thanyakorn Khrongpha the most of the perfect condi- (THA) 72-66 tions, collecting fi ve birdies and 139 — Sergio Garcia (ESP) 71-68 making just one bogey. He hit 17 144 — Ernie Els (RSA) 73-71

Reuters Venezuelan Vegas and Americans Ha- despite feeling a little rusty with his game. “There’s no better place to learn and to La Quinta, California rold Varner III, Patton Kizzire and Hudson “I thought it was phenomenal,” said the get better than to come out here on these Swaff ord opened with 65s while fan fa- 46-year-old American. “I struck it horri- great golf courses and put it (your game) vourite Mickelson, competing for the fi rst ble but I scored like out of my mind so I am to the test,” said Mickelson. “Around here, merican Dominic Bozzelli, in time since recovering from a pair of off sea- very happy with it.” you can get away with some mistakes and only his sixth PGA Tour start, son surgeries, carded a 68. Asked to assess his round, the fi ve-time I was able to salvage a few pars with up- holed out from 113 yards to ea- “That jump-started it (my round) for major champion said: “My fi rst round of and-downs so it doesn’t beat you up too gle the par-four 14th en route to sure,” Bozzelli said about the eagle on his golf (since his surgeries) was Saturday and bad. It’s a perfect place to start the year.” aA one-shot lead after Thursday’s opening fi fth hole of the day. “I made two big par I’ve been able to work out just the last two round of the CareerBuilder Challenge in saves today too. On 15, I got up and down weeks in the last three months. I’ve been Leading scores La Quinta, California. from 85 yards and the other one was on practicing for a week, the game is rusty but 64 — Dominic Bozzelli Bozzelli upstaged high-profi le names two... made a 12-footer to save par. the body feels good.” 65 — Patton Kizzire, Hudson Swaff ord, such as fi ve-time major winner Phil Mick- “Those were huge momentum boosts A 42-time winner on the PGA Tour, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN), Harold Varner elson and 2011 champion Jhonattan Vegas to keep the round going. I was able to make Mickelson had the fi rst of his two surgeries 66 — Chad Campbell, Michael Kim, Boo as he fi red an eight-under-par 64 on the some putts coming in and (get) off to a good just three days after he had tied for eighth Weekley, Ryan Blaum, JJ Spaun Stadium Course, one of three venues host- start. I’ve been working hard, doing all the in the season-opening Safeway Open in 67 — Greg Owen (ENG), Paul Casey (ENG), ing the pro-am event. right things on and off the course, training Napa, California, then required a second Scott Stallings, Luke List, Scott Brown, Zac The 25-year-old from New York state hard, so it was nice to see it pay off a little bit.” procedure after suff ering a setback. Blair, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS), Charles Howell, broke clear of a tightly-bunched leader- Mickelson, who had surgeries for a However, he had always planned to mark Brian Harman, Nick Watney, Danny Lee board by sinking a 14-foot birdie putt on sports hernia last October and December, his fi rst start of 2017 at the CareerBuilder (NZL), Sean O’Hair, Seamus Power (IRL), his fi nal hole, the par-four ninth, to cap a was delighted to mark his return to com- Challenge, a tournament renowned for its Miguel Angel Carballo (ARG) bogey-free day in the California desert. petition with fi ve birdies and a lone bogey, low scoring in the California desert. (USA unless noted) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, January 21, 2017 SPORT

CYCLING HANDBALL Spain down Slovenia to ensure top spot Ewan wins 3rd Tour AFP drawing 27-27 with Macedo- Nantes, France nia who were already qualifi ed. Iceland fi nished on the same number of points as Tunisia but pain downed rivals Slov- went through on goal diff erence. enia 36-26 to ensure top Tunisia wrapped up their spot in Group B at the group campaign with a 43-34 world handball champi- win over Angola but were left to Down Under stage onshipsS as Iceland grabbed the regret lost opportunities in ear- last spot in the last 16. lier 28-28 draws with Slovenia World champions in 2005 and and 22-22 against Iceland. ‘I really could not have asked for a better start to the year. My team did an 2013, Spain led 18-10 at the half- Next up for Iceland is a time mark and never looked clash with defending champi- amazing job and they really backed me, they were committed to winning today’ back leaving Slovenia to set- ons France who fi nished their tle for second place in the pool Group A campaign with a per- and a potentially tricker second fect record thanks to a 28-23 win round match. over Poland. Spanish goalkeeper Rodrigo “It was hard for us to concen- Corrales made 12 stops and was trate on this game which had no named man of the match while meaning whatsoever on our fi - Valero Rivera scored six times nal result. I guess that explains and David Balaguer collected why didn’t win with a large gap,” seven goals. said French winger Kentin Mahe. Spain, who welcomed back “Iceland on Saturday will be captain Raul Entrerrios after a when the real thing begins, they knee injury, will next face Brazil are very dangerous and we are for a place in the quarter-fi nals very aware that they can beat us.” where they will start as huge In the same section, Norway favourites. Brazil managed just took second place with a 38- fourth place in Group A after 23 win over Japan with Bjarte losing 28-24 to Russia. Myrhol hitting seven goals. Nor- Iceland made the last 16 after way will face Macedonia next. Rossi eyes 10th title in wide open 2017 season AFP as he was involved in a series of Madrid bust-ups with Marquez, includ- ing kicking the Spaniard off his bike in Malaysia as Lorenzo otorcycling super- came from behind to snatch the star Valentino Rossi title by five points. Mexpects at least six And with the far less experi- challengers as he targets an enced Vinales, 22, now by his elusive 10th world title in a new side, Rossi is hoping for less MotoGP season dominated by drama this season. riders switching allegiances and “The rivalry on the track is thereby changing bikes too. always very hard, especially After a tense rivalry over with your teammate. After there the past four years with Jorge is a diff erent relationship off Lorenzo, which peaked when the track. I think we can have veteran Rossi accused current a good relationship, yes (with world champion Marc Marquez Vinales),” he said. of conspiring to help Lorenzo “From 2013 when I went back win the title in 2015, Lorenzo has to Yamaha my relationship jumped ship to Ducati. with the racers was not so bad Lorenzo’s move triggered for all the years. We had some a domino eff ect as Maverick problems at the end of the 2015, Vinales joined Rossi at Yamaha, so I think we can have a good whilst Andrea Iannone made relationship and we can work way at Ducati to move to Suzuki. together on the bike to improve “It will be very interesting the bike,” he added. this season because three top Rossi has even talked up Vinal- riders change bike,” said Rossi, es as a potential title challenger who last won the title in 2009, after finishing fourth in the at the launch of the YZR-M1 bike world championship last season. AFP and is clearly the man to the beat for the was then forced to work solo but still led by with Chris Froome winning the Tour de in Madrid. “I think Lorenzo was Yet, even at 37, he admitted he Adelaide General Classifi cation. 33 seconds with 20 kilometres remaining France and Britain scooping 12 medals, in- a historical move. After eight can learn from his mistakes last Spaniard Gorka Izaguirre remains sec- and battled on until the dying stages. cluding six golds, at the Rio Olympics, Brit- years with Yamaha it will be very season to finally land his much- ond, 20 seconds behind Porte despite be- ish Cycling’s image has taken a battering. interesting, but not more easy.” awaited 10th world title. n-form Australian sprinter Caleb ing hurt in a fall on Thursday and treated In April technical director Shane Sut- A record nine drivers won a “Last year I had good speed, I Ewan made it three wins from four in hospital. He still took his place for stage British Cycling chief ton quit over allegations of sexist and dis- grand prix in 2016 and Rossi was competitive in a lot of tracks outings with another charging fi nish four and kept safe in the peloton. Ian Drake leaves job criminatory remarks, leading to an ongo- expects another open cham- and a lot of conditions, but I to claim stage four of the Tour Down Colombian Esteban Chaves, riding for ing review by UK Sport into allegations of pionship. “Maybe nine diff er- made some mistakes, sometimes IUnder in South Australia yesterday. Orica-Scott, is a further two seconds be- Ian Drake, the man who has presided over bullying in the governing body’s elite cycle ent riders is hard because it is I was unlucky,” he added. “It is The Orica-Scott rider again showed hind in third overall. a golden era for British Cycling, stepped programme. very strange, but it is good for very important don’t stop work- great composure and skill to weave his way For Ewan, who won in three hours 45 down as the governing body’s chief execu- British Cycling was also dragged into the MotoGP. I think at minimum six ing and don’t stop improving. It through the sprint fi nish at the end of 149 minutes and 19 seconds, it’s been a near tive yesterday, three months earlier than controversy surrounding Team Sky’s use of riders can win this year.” is quite similar to last season, but kilometres and leave world champion Pe- perfect start to the year. planned. Drake, who has been involved Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) after Rossi has finished second in make the small details better.” ter Sagan in his wake for the second time in “I really couldn’t have asked for a better with British Cycling for 20 years, the last cyber-hackers released details of medica- the championship each of the The 18-race MotoGP season as many days. start to the year,” he said. eight as chief executive, announced in Oc- tions taken by Froome and Bradley Wiggins. last three seasons, but it was gets underway in Qatar on Dutchman Danny van Poppel led the “My team did an amazing job and they tober that he would be leaving his post. UK Anti-Doping is also conducting an 2015 that stung the Italian most March 26. pair nearing the line, but as was the case really backed me, they were committed to “British Cycling can confi rm that Ian investigation into allegations of wrongdo- on stage three on Thursday, Ewan and Sa- winning today. It was tough and I am hap- Drake has completed the handover phase ing in British Cycling, including a package Movistar Yamaha riders gan grabbed him near the line and he fi n- py to come away for the win.” following the announcement in October sent to Team Sky rider Wiggins at the 2011 Italian Valentino Rossi ished third. The early break came from Czech On- that he would be leaving the organisation,” Dauphine. British Cycling said it is coop- (right) and Maverick A brave breakaway bid by New Zea- drej Cink, Bauer and Australian Cam Mey- a statement said. erating fully with the investigations. Vinales of Spain. (AFP) lander Jack Bauer failed to come to fruition er, and they appeared to be working well “Consequently, Ian has been in discus- During Drake’s reign Britain has grown when he was reeled in by the peloton with together. sions with the board of British Cycling into a cycling powerhouse and amateur just three kilometres remaining. Cink dropped off with just under with a view to leaving his role as chief ex- participation has increased massively. It was another productive day through 60 kilometres to go and the other two ecutive earlier than planned. In recogni- Britain has won 22 gold medals in cy- the Adelaide hills for Tasmanian Richie riders shared the front wheel until Meyer tion of the progress made, the board has cling at the past three Olympics. Wiggins Porte from BMC Racing, who worked well dropped off about 30 kilometres from agreed to allow Ian to step down with im- became Britain’s fi rst Tour de France win- with his team and retained the overall lead. the fi nish. mediate eff ect.” ner in 2012 and Froome has won it three He extended his margin by two seconds It was a decision which hurt Bauer, who Despite another memorable year in 2016, times since.

RALLYING Neuville leads tragedy-hit Monte Carlo Rally

AFP undai i20 and is believed to have hit Witnesses and sources close to the Gap, France black ice that made him lose control as offi cial inquiry said the Spanish man he entered a bend. was sitting in a zone where a sign said The Hyundai span round, hit a bank “forbidden to the public”. The fi rst yundai’s Belgian driver and nearly ended up on its roof but timed special was cancelled but the ral- Thierry Neuville held his fi nished on its left side. The 29-year- ly resumed from the second stage and overnight lead at the Monte old New Zealander and his co-driver, Neuville led after the fi rst stage. Carlo Rally yesterday, a day John Kennard, walked away unhurt. The International Automobile Fed- afterH a fan was killed when struck by a But it quickly became apparent that eration, the world body, had ordered car. The 50-year-old Spanish fan was the 50-year-old Spanish spectator was tougher safety measures for the public hit by the Hyundai driven by New Zea- critically hurt. after agreeing to allow more powerful lander Hayden Paddon as he took pho- The man was taken to hospital in cars to make the world rally champion- tos in a banned area. Nice by helicopter but did not survive. ship more attractive. Monte Carlo is the fi rst leg of the “Despite the best eff orts of the medical Cars now are lighter and more aero- 2017 World Rally Championship with staff , the spectator has sadly died,” or- dynamic but have been allowed to add new regulations allowing more power- ganisers said in a statement. 80 horsepower. Some observers have ful cars on the icy roads. Paddon, who won the Argentina said they are similar to Group B cars World champion Sébastien Ogier rally last year, said he was shocked at which were banned in 1987 after a series paid for an error on special stage three, the death. “I an incredibly saddened by of fatal accidents. losing 40 seconds as he needed a push the accident and my thoughts are with Portuguese driver Joaquim Santos from spectators to get his Ford Fiesta the family and friends of the person in- hit a Rally of Portugal crowd in his Ford going. volved,” he said in a tweet. “It’s diffi cult RS200 in 1986 killing three spectators The spectator was killed within an to say much more at the moment as we and injuring dozens. hour of the start of the rally. He was are in shock with what’s happened.” Neuville and reigning world champi- taking photos in a banned area when “Caught out by black ice near the on Sebastien Ogier who had gone before a car driven by Paddon hit him. Pad- end of the stage. The car snapped side- Paddon had set times 10 seconds faster don was the third to start the opening ways and then we were a passenger(s),” than when the rally went over the same against-the-clock section in his Hy- he wrote on Twitter. course last year. Gulf Times Saturday, January 21, 2017 5 SPORT

SAILING Thomson hailed for epic round the world duel AFP very happy with second place. Now I’m behind the winner.” Les Sables-d’Olonne, France looking forward to getting some sleep, He hailed his Banque Populaire boat, seeing my family and having my life designed specifi cally to deliver Vendee back,” he said. Globe glory. “We’ve spent a lot of time n exhausted Alex Thomson The 42-year-old emulated Ellen together, we ended up speaking to each yesterday crossed the fi nish MacArthur, the only other Briton to other, like a rider does with his horse. line in the Vendee Globe round- take second in the race in 2001, albeit We’ve had some strong moments togeth- Athe-world race, beaten into 20 days slower than Thomson. er. I thanked him (the boat) at the fi nish, it second after an epic battle with record- Le Cleac’h had sealed his place in might seem strange to say that, he’s not a breaking winner Armel Le Cleac’h. Vendee Globe folklore on Thursday, person but it’s almost as if he is.” The Hugo Boss skipper raised his crossing the line after 74 days, three Despite missing out on the glory, arms aloft as he completed the gruelling hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds at sea. Thomson played his part in one of the solo non-stop race escorted by dozens The 39-year-old smashed the previous most dramatic editions of the race. of small boats at Les Sables d’Olonne at record set by French compatriot Fran- Like Thomson, Le Cleac’h had been sunrise at 07.37GMT. cois Gabart in 2013 of 78 days 2hr 16 min. accompanied on its triumphant return “We’ve been away a long, long time Thomson’s time was 74 days, 19 hours, 35 by dozens of small boats and a heli- and it’s great to fi nally be here,” the minutes and 15 seconds. On the way he set copter beaming live television pictures Welshman said. “I hoped and prayed the record for the distance covered in 24 hovering overhead. I could catch Armel but about 24 to 36 hours — 536.8 nautical miles. Le Cleac’h, who led the gruelling hours from the fi nish I knew that was After his fi rst night’s sleep since set- race for the last month and a half said the end.” ting sail, Le Cleac’h refl ected on his Thomson had been “a very tough rival.” Thomason led the contest in the “constant battle with the wind, the He spent his fi rst night back on terra early stages but suff ered a broken hy- weather, the boat.” fi rma enjoying a “small dinner” with drofoil. He narrowed the gap with Le “The Vendée Globe has been 74 days his wife, two children and close family. Cleac’h again to less than 40 nautical of fi ghting, intense racing on diffi cult Thomson will have to wait another miles at the end but was held back by a oceans especially in the southern seas. four years for a fresh tilt at becom- malfunctioning autopilot. I had to battle until the end to keep ing the fi rst non-French winner of the Brandishing a Union Jack fl ag, and the lead, it was a fi erce fi ght with Alex Vendee Globe. with his wife Kate, son Oscar and Thomson,” he said. Le Cleac’h became the seventh win- daughter Georgia alongside, he waved “I had to give everything to fi nally ner — all French — of the coveted event to the crowd who had braved the icy be able to win this Vendée Globe after fi rst staged 28 years ago. Jeremie Beyou, conditions on the quayside at the fi nishing second twice, especially four around 550nm from the fi nish, is ex- British sailor Alex Thomson (left) celebrates with his wife Kate (right) and son Oscar (centre) after completing the solo round- French port to welcome him home. “I’m years ago when I was only a few hours pected to come in on Monday. the-world Vendee Globe sailing race, in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, yesterday. (Reuters) NBA No All-Star starting spot All-stars James, Irving for Westbrook lead Cavs over Suns Leonard (34), Murray (24) power San Antonio Spurs past the Denver Nuggets

AFP New York

klahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, averaging a triple double, was snubbed for a Western OConference starting spot in next month’s NBA All-Star Game in voting an- nounced yesterday by the league. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to last season’s NBA title, were named to the Eastern Conference starting five while Golden State teammates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were voted onto the Western Conference opening lineup. The 66th NBA All-Star Game will be played February 19 at New Orleans. A revamped selection format took 50% from fan voting, which concluded Monday, and 25% each from player and media ballots. Out of more than 38mn fan votes—a 146% increase over last year—James was the overall winner with 1.89mn votes, while Curry had 1.84mn, Durant 1.77mn and Irving 1.69mn. Thunder guard Westbrook leads the NBA with 30.6 points a game, ranks second with 10.4 assists a game and pulls down 10.6 re- bounds a contest as he tries to become only the second player to average a triple double for an entire campaign after Oscar Robert- son in the 1961-62 season. But the West starting backcourt will be 3-point Warriors sharpshooter Curry and Houston’s James Harden, who ranks second in NBA scoring with 28.9 points a game and leads the NBA with 11.6 assists a contest. Westbrook was level with Curry and Harden in the weighted point totals but lost out based on fan ballot totals that served as the tie-breaker. Curry and Harden with 1.77mn were more popular with fans than Westbrook with 1.57mn. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James makes “Dude averaging a triple double and not an off ensive foul against Phoenix Suns’ PJ Tucker starting in the all star game is wild,” tweeted (17) yesterday. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons. Others were just as surprised. Los Angeles AFP The Spurs announced the injury double-double of the season, lead- free-throws with three seconds left fi fth player in NBA history to appear Clippers coach Doc Rivers called it “fake news” Los Angeles during the second quarter. “He is go- ing the Washington Wizards to a 113- in the game as the Miami Heat de- in at least 13 all-star games. and said he can’t understand why the fans didn’t ing to be out for a while,” Spurs coach 110 win over the New York Knicks at feated the Dallas Mavericks 99-95. Tyson Chandler scored 22 points vote the way the players and the media did. Gregg Popovich said. Madison Square Garden. Miami, which won its second straight and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Suns Joining Westbrook’s former Thunder team- ll-star game starter Kawhi David Lee added 10 points and a Wall’s two free-throws with 32 game, also got 23 points off the bench after missing one game with stomach mate Durant in the starting West frontcourt Leonard scored 34 points season-high 16 rebounds for San An- seconds to play gave Washington a from Tyler Johnson. problems. Eric Bledsoe tallied 22 points will be San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard and rookie Dejounte Murray tonio, which improved to 33-9 and 111-110 lead after Derrick Rose had Heat center Hassan Whiteside and nine assists, while Devin Booker and New Orleans center Anthony Davis, who added a career-high 24 as won for the sixth time in eight games. given the Knicks a 110-109 lead with started quickly but fi nished with just had 21 points, seven rebounds and will be playing on his team’s home court. theA San Antonio Spurs defeated the The Spurs also got 14 points from Manu 48 seconds left. Carmelo Anthony 13 points and eight rebounds. Dirk eight assists for the Suns, who lost for Golden State big man Zaza Pachulia of Denver Nuggets 118-104 yesterday. Ginobili and 10 points from LaMarcus missed a jumper with 18 seconds to Nowitzki paced the Dallas attack with the fourth time in their last fi ve games. Georgia would have started in place of Davis Leonard, who earlier in the day was Aldridge, who added six assists. go that would have tied the score. 19 points as the Mavericks had their Cleveland led by 21 late in the fi rst had the fan vote been used as in past years. named an NBA all-star starter for the Denver was led by Nikola Jokic’s Anthony scored 34 points and had 10 three game win streak snapped. half and were never really threatened In the Eastern Conference, forward James second straight year, posted his fi fth career-high 35 points and 12 re- rebounds for the Knicks. In Cleveland, LeBron James and by a Suns team with the worst record and guard Irving will be joined by Toronto consecutive game with at least 30 bounds while Will Barton added 18 Kristaps Porzingis scored 15 points Kyrie Irving celebrated being named in the Western Conference. guard DeMar DeRozan, Chicago’s Jimmy But- points while Murray, 20, becomes the points. Jamal Murray scored 13 and in his fi rst game back from an Achil- NBA all stars by combining for 47 Kevin Love missed the game with ler and Milwaukee center Giannis Antetok- youngest player in franchise history to Emmanuel Mudiay hit for 12 for the les injury. Washington has won 13 points in the Cavaliers’ 118-103 rout a sore back. Love was considered a ounmpo of Greece—the first Bucks All-Star score 24 or more points in a game. Nuggets, who had a three-game win- straight home games, but is just 5-13 of the Phoenix Suns. game-time decision after he missed starter since 1986. “I am just happy my hard work is ning streak snapped. on the road where they will play four James, who led all players in fan the second half of Monday’s loss to DeRozan and Boston’s Isaiah Thomas were paying off . This is just another step in Popovich was ejected from the of their next fi ve games. voting, and Irving were named East- Golden State. James Jones started in tied for the second East backcourt spot but my career. Hopefully I can keep it go- game after arguing a foul call with “It’s good to get a road win,” said ern Conference all-star starters for place of Love and scored 14 points. the fan vote tie-breaker favored DeRozan by ing,” said Leonard of the all-star nod. 1:36 to play in the second quarter and Wizards coach Scott Brooks. “We’ve the game on February 19 in New Orle- The Cavaliers broke out of their 796,112 to 755,102. But the win could prove costly the game tied 51-51. It was his fi rst had so many last-second shots on ans. James scored 21 points, matching shooting funk to make 19 three- Had the public vote been used as in previ- for the Spurs. Thirty minutes before ejection of the season. The Spurs led the road that didn’t go our way, so it’s his season-high with 15 assists and pointers. They committed just 12 ous years, Chicago guard Dwyane Wade tipoff , the Spurs announced that 59-58 at the half as Leonard scored 13 nice to close out tonight with the win. grabbing nine rebounds to fall one turnovers while passing for 29 assists. and Philadelphia frontliner Joel Embiid of point guard Tony Parker would miss points and Murray added 10. When our off ence was a little stagnant shy of a triple-double. Cameroon would have been East starters. the game because of left foot pain. Jokic led all scorers at intermission at the end, John (Wall) made a couple Irving scored 26 points as Cleve- Results (Home team in CAPS) James is the all-time top All-Star scorer And it got worse when center Pau with 17 points while Murray added 11 of big plays. He probably took one or land jump-started their off ense, win- Minnesota 104 ...... LA CLIPPERS 101 with 291 points. He will make his 13th con- Gasol broke his ring fi nger on his left points off the bench. The Spurs opened two tough shots, but he makes a lot of ning just their second game in the last SAN ANTONIO 118 ...... Denver 104 secutive All-Star start in 14 NBA seasons. hand during pregame warm up. Gasol the second half with a 15-0 run. winning basketball plays for us.” fi ve. It will be Irving’s second start Washington 113 ...... NY KNICKS 110 Only Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went straight to the San Antonio Elsewhere, John Wall fi nished with In Miami, Goran Dragic scored 32 and fourth all-star appearance in six MIAMI 99 ...... Dallas 95 have started more. locker room and did not return. 29 points and 13 assists for his 25th points and clinched the win with two years, while James will become the CLEVELAND 118 ...... Phoenix 103 Gulf Times 6 Saturday, January 21, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Newcomers lift Champions Ivory Coast hit Bangladesh as back to hold DR Congo

AFP two matches in Oyem, this was a wel- Southee takes fi ve Oyem, Gabon come change for spectators seeking goalmouth excitement. Kebano put twice champions DR ‘I am not satisfied with my eff ort. It was a big opportunity for me so if I had efending champions the Ivory Congo ahead on nine minutes with a Coast had to come from be- sizzling shot across goalkeeper Sylvain made a bigger contribution, I would have felt better’ hind twice to earn a 2-2 draw Gbohouo into the far corner of the net. with the Democratic Republic The goal stemmed from a throw-in ofD Congo yesterday in a lively Africa to Kabananga, who pushed it back to Cup of Nations clash. Kebano, whose fi rst name stems from The result in the northern Gabonese the respect his father had for former town of Oyem kept the vibrant Con- Dutch star Johan Neeskens. golese top of Group C with four points DR Congo were looking sharper than from two matches followed by the Ivo- the title-holders until recalled Bony rians with two. began to make an impact from mid- Togo have one point and Morocco, way through the half with his aerial their opponents later Friday in the strength. second match of a double-header, are He nodded narrowly wide on 22 pointless. minutes and soon after equalised with Another defeat for Morocco, guid- a powerful glancing header past goal- ed by twice Cup of Nations-winning keeper Ley Matampi following a corner. coach Herve Renard, and they will be The teams remained level for only eliminated having gone down by a lone three minutes, though, before Kaba- goal to DR Congo four days ago. nanga put the Congolese ahead again Neeskens Kebano and Junior Kaba- with his second goal of the tournament. nanga scored for the Congolese while Unmarked at the far post, he soared Wilfried Bony and captain Geoff rey to powerfully nod a cross past Gbo- Serey Die got the Ivorian goals. houo, who plays his club football in DR The fi xture had a history of goals Congo with six-time African champi- with four previous Cup of Nations ons TP Mazembe. meetings delivering 13, including four Ivory Coast equalised again midway when the Ivory Coast won a semi-fi nal through the second half with a defl ect- 3-1 two years ago. ed shot from Serey Die leaving Matam- It was no surprise, then, that a lively pi stranded. fi rst half in which both sides were com- Substitute Salomon Kalou thought mitted to attack ended 2-1 in favour of he had snatched a stoppage-time win- the Congolese. ner for the Ivorians, but was correctly After only one goal in the opening ruled off side.

Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar bats during Day One of the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Park Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (AFP)

AFP short or wide on a pitch which off ered Kayes, Mushfi qur Rahim, and Mo- while an edge on 25 went between fi rst Christchurch, New Zealand swing but not extreme pace. minul Haque, and a combined 98 Tests and second slip. Their willingness to search for runs worth of experience, out of the match. Rubel Hossain, who was struck on resulted in early casualties when sen- In their place were Soumya for his the helmet grille and the elbow of his ookie opener Soumya Sarkar ior batsmen Tamin Iqbal (fi ve) and fourth Test and debutants Nurul Has- bowling arm, was not out 16 at the led a makeshift Bangladesh Mahmudullah (19) were removed in- an and 18-year-old Nazmul Hossain close. to a competitive 289 but New side 11 overs to be 38-2. with the fl edgling trio all featuring Southee fi nished with fi ve for 94 Zealand claimed the hon- Shakib Al Hasan mounted a sterling well in the innings. while Boult took four for 87. oursR on day one of the second Test in fi ghtback producing a rapid 127 with Soumya brought up his 50 driving Ivory Coast’s Geoff rey Serey Die (second from right) celebrates with teammates Christchurch yesterday. Soumya who celebrated his return to Colin de Grandhomme to the bound- SCORECARD after scoring a goal against DR Congo in Oyem, Gabon, yesterday. (AFP) “If you can bowl a side out on day Test cricket and maiden innings as an ary and had a life on 52 when dropped BANGLADESH 1st innings one it’s a good eff ort,” New Zealand opener with 86 off 104 balls. off the same bowler in the fi rst of four T. Iqbal c Watling b Southee 5 strike bowler Tim Southee said after In his previous three Tests in 2015, missed chances by New Zealand. S. Sarkar c de Grandhomme b Boult 86 taking his sixth fi ve-wicket haul. Soumya had batted at six or seven with Mahmudullah c Watling b Boult 19 But, despite removing two of the a best score of 37, yet he felt he could RESCUE MISSION S. Al Hasan c Watling b Southee 59 Mane helps Senegal reach last more experienced Bangladesh bats- have done better as an opener against Trent Boult claimed Soumya’s wicket S. Rahman c Southee b Boult 7 eight with Zimbabwe win men in the fi rst 11 overs, it took New New Zealand. after lunch to start a New Zealand N. Hossain c Raval b Southee 18 Zealand until the last over to end the “I am not satisfi ed with my eff ort,” counter-attack which produced three N. Hasan c Watling b Boult 47 innings of an injury-hit side with sev- he said. wickets for 14 runs in 16 deliveries to M. Hasan b Wagner 10 Senegal qualified for the African Nations Cup quarter-finals by beating Zimba- en players having three or fewer Tests “The focus was on playing a big in- have Bangladesh at 179-5. T. Ahmed c Williamson b Southee 8 bwe 2-0 with early goals from Sadio Mane and Henri Saivet in their Group B to their name. nings in my fi rst time as a Test opener. He removed Sabbir Rahman for K. Islam lbw Southee 2 encounter on Thursday. “We were pretty good at the start It was a big opportunity for me so if seven while Shakib, coming off a dou- R. Hossain not out 16 They became the first team to reach the last eight after a second straight win, then they got a bit of a partnership go- I had made a bigger contribution, I ble century and a duck in the fi rst Test, Extras (b4, lb2, w5, nb1) 12 having beaten Tunisia 2-0 on Sunday, and have now emerged as tournament ing,” Southee said. would have felt better. reached 59 before he fell to Southee. Total (all out; 84.3 overs) 289 favourites. “We knew if we could hang in our “Shakib and I tried to lengthen the Test newcomers Nurul and Naz- Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Iqbal), 2-38 (Mah- Mane, the continent’s most expensive player after his 35mn pounds areas for a long period of time then it innings after two early wickets. Af- mul then mounted the second rescue mudullah), 3-165 (Sarkar), 4-177 (Sab- ($43.15mn) move to Premier League club Liverpool last year, scored after nine was our best chance of taking wickets. ter I got out we lost two more wickets mission as they defi ed New Zealand’s bir), 5-179 (Al Hasan), 6-232 (Nazmul), minutes with a back post tap-in after Senegal had missed three good chances. “So once we got that right we looked which put us on the back-foot. If we established bowling line-up with a 53- 7-248 (Mehedi), 8-257 (Taskin), 9-273 A stunning curling free kick from Saivet four minutes later eff ectively more eff ective.” had handled that period better, we run partnership. (Nurul), 10-289 (Kamrul) wrapped up the points and first place in the group. After being put into bat on a stand- could have been in a better position.” Nazmul departed for 18 while Nurul Bowling: Boult 24-4-87-4, Southee 28.3- Earlier, Tunisia beat Algeria 2-1 in Franceville and a draw in their final game ard New Zealand green surface, Bang- Soumya’s recall and elevation to batted for nearly three hours to make 7-94-5 (1w), de Grandhomme 14-4-58-0 will be enough to see them progress. ladesh were ready to punish anything opener came as injuries kept Imrul 47 after being dropped on two and 36 (1nb), Wagner 18-1-44-1

BOTTOMLINE Tragic Chapecoense turn page with Palmeiras friendly

AFP refused to die. will be charged with emotion, but it big names, but experienced players Chapeco, Brazil “Saturday’s match will be very im- will be the final stage in the mourn- such as former Lille striker Tulio de portant to show that everything that ing process because it’s time to think Melo and ex-Benfi ca goalkeeper Artur was accomplished by the players who about the future of Chapecoense,” he Moraes. ragic Brazilian football team left us will continue. It’s the most added. “It’s a privilege to participate in this Chapecoense are ready to turn beautiful tribute we can pay them.” “We’ll take advantage to bond with reconstruction, but it’s also a great the page with new players re- The accident cut short the fairytale run our fans before turning towards the ob- challenge. We have a group of play- cruited in record time to play of the unheralded team who had risen in jectives which those who have left us ers, but we have to form a real team as Ttheir fi rst match today since its squad fi ve years from the fourth division and would want us to achieve.” quickly as possible,” said Moraes of the was wiped out in a plane crash. were playing in their fi rst major fi nal. Among the faithful supporters will be 28-man squad. The friendly against Brazilian cham- Atletico Nacional subsequently Joan Dutra who has followed the side’s De Melo, 31, added: “I simply could pions Palmeiras will be the fi nal trib- asked that their grieving opponents be meteoric rise from this small country not say no. I knew almost everyone who ute to the 19 players and 24 other club awarded the Copa Sudamerica title, club to the heights of South American was in the plane. It was a real shock. members who were killed as the team and the trophy will be offi cially pre- football. “We were chosen for our qualities on travelled to the away leg of the Copa sented today at their Arena Conda de The 60-year-old has made the 130 the pitch, but also off it. It’s a club un- Sudamerica fi nal in Colombia last No- Chapecó Stadium. kilometre trip from Pato Branco, in the like any other, a family, where everyone vember. The tragedy put the town of just neighbouring state of Parana, to attend is very humble but with the soul of a Under new sporting director Rui 160,000 people in the global spotlight the match. warrior.” Costa, 22 players have been recruited, with a large banner at the exit of the “For me, it’s moving to see this, be- Symbolically the fi rst stone in re- the majority on loan, forming the back- tiny Serafi n Enoss Bertaso airport read- cause I lost friends in this tragedy, building will be against the team they bone of the rebuilt team. ing ‘thank you’ in a dozen languages. thank God the team is back, we have to last played on November 27 when Pal- “The club understood that this was be strong to pay tribute to those who meiras beat Chapecoense 1-0 at home the moment to confi rm its greatness by ‘CHARGED WITH EMOTION’ Chapecoense players attend a training session at Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco, have left us and try to do as well as they to lift the Brazilian title, just one day building a strong team, worthy of those The club is torn between the desire to Brazil, yesterday. (Reuters) did if not even better,” said Dutra, a before tragedy struck. who have left us,” Costa told AFP. honour its heroes and at the same time friend of former president Sandro Pal- Its fi rst competitive fi xture since the “The strongest argument was to the need to turn the page, veteran goal- Nivaldo missed the fateful trip to Co- and joined the team’s coaching staff . laoro, who died in the crash. disaster will be at home against Join- show (the new players) that this club keeper Nivaldo told AFP. lombia and has since hung up his gloves “This match against Palmeiras The new-look Chapecoense has no ville on January 26. Gulf Times Saturday, January 21, 2017 7 SPORT

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Paris Saint-Germain Zidane seeks test yardstick for quick solution to rejuvenated Nantes Madrid collapse ‘We aren’t going to lose our heads now because we lost two games’

AFP Madrid

eal Madrid boss Zinedine Zi- dane insists he is responsible for the European champions’ back-to-back defeats as they Nantes’ coach Sergio Conceicao (second from left) celebrates with his players lookR to return to winning ways when after his team beat Caen 1-0 in their Ligue 1 match on Wednesday. (AFP) Malaga visit the Santiago Bernabeu today. AFP Leonardo Jardim’s free-scoring side Madrid hadn’t lost in 40 matches in Paris will target a fi fth win in six at home to all competitions stretching back nine 19th-placed Lorient on Sunday to try months until conceding twice to lose and consolidate their position at the 2-1 at Sevilla last weekend, and fol- ergio Conceicao has inspired a summit. lowed that up with a shock defeat by revival at former French giants Lyon signed Dutch international the same scoreline at home to Celta Nantes but will face the tough- Memphis Depay from Manchester Vigo in the fi rst leg of their Copa del est test of his fl edgling tenure United, with reports indicating he Rey quarter-fi nal on Wednesday. todayS when champions Paris Saint- signed a four-and-a-half year deal Zidane played down his concern, Germain visit the Stade de la Beaujoire. with OL. but admitted “something is wrong for Nantes, who claimed the last of their “He is powerful, strong, capable of sure” after Madrid lost on home soil eight Ligue 1 titles in 2001, have won making goals and scoring. He takes for the fi rst time in 11 months and just four games in a row without conceding free-kicks well, he’s a complete player the second time since he took charge. a goal since former Portugal interna- with considerable room for improve- “We aren’t going to lose our heads tional Conceicao replaced Rene Girard ment,” said Lyon boss Bruno Genesio of now because we lost two games,” the at the helm last month. his expected new arrival. Frenchman told a press conference. His arrival has coincided with Lyon slid to a 3-2 defeat at Caen “We’re going to keep working and Nantes’ rise from 19th to 11th in the in their fi rst league game of 2017 and get to the bottom of this thing.” table, but the Canaries have lost 12 in a host Marseille, another side looking to Worryingly for Zidane, Madrid’s row to PSG with their last victory over strengthen in the January transfer win- lacklustre display in midweek came the capital club coming in 2004. dow, at Parc OL. about despite the fact he picked al- “We don’t want such a good run to Marseille have snapped up young most a full strength side. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane gestures during the Spanish Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg match against RC Celta end even if the mountain that is PSG French midfi elder Morgan Sanson from Karim Benzema looks set to return de Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday. (AFP) stands above us this Saturday,” mid- Montpellier and are also bidding to up front and Keylor Navas will replace fi elder Guillaume Gillet told l’Equipe, re-sign their former midfi eld schemer Kiko Casilla in goal. However, the star front three of Li- lavishing praise on the work done by Dimitri Payet from West Ham. However, with fi rst-choice right- Barca end Sociedad hoodoo, Atletico cruise onel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Conceicao. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic left the back Dani Carvajal out injured for are likely to all start once more. “The coach is really meticulous. He door ajar for a possible reunion but a month, Zidane may have to move Barcelona ended a decade-long Neymar was clearly upended by Captain Andres Iniesta will miss knows exactly what he’s doing and called on Marseille to meet the Premier captain Sergio Ramos or Nacho wide drought without winning away to Aritz Elustondo 20 minutes in. the game with a calf problem though what he wants. He’s a leader of men, League club’s asking price for the un- to avoid handing the hapless Danilo, Real Sociedad on Thursday as Ney- Just as in the last round, Lionel Messi after limping out of Thursday’s cup he passes on his aggression, which is settled France international. who was jeered by the Real fans on mar’s first-half penalty handed the handed over responsibility from encounter. good. He’s like he was as a player.” “The ball is in Marseille’s court. Wednesday, another start. Spanish champions a 1-0 Copa del the spot to the Brazilian and he sent His loss is a serious blow to a team Julian Draxler’s goal on his league They are the ones who expressed inter- Malaga are suff ering a slump of their Rey quarter-final, first leg lead. Geronimo Rulli the wrong way. that struggled to fi nd fl uidity without debut in a 1-0 win at Rennes left PSG est. Now they should act,” said Bilic. own with new coach Marcelo Romero Atletico Madrid also took a huge The two sides meet again for the him during a six-week injury lay-off three points behind league leaders Mo- “Like everybody he has his price.” yet to pick up a point in two games step towards the semi-finals as goals second leg at Barca’s Camp Nou on earlier in the season. naco and injury-ravaged Nice. since former Spurs boss Juande Ramos from Antoine Griezmann, Angel January 26. Atletico Madrid remain on the out- Unai Emery’s side face a busy up- FIXTURES resigned during the winter break. Correa and Kevin Gameiro downed Despite largely empty stands amidst skirts of the title race, six points back coming month with the club compet- Today Top scorer Sandro Ramirez is ex- an under-strength Eibar 3-0 at the freezing temperatures in the Spanish on city rivals Real, and face a serious ing on four fronts and set to host Mo- Nantes v Paris Saint-Germain pected to be out till March through in- Vicente Calderon. capital, Atletico made light work of an challenge if they are to remain in the naco next weekend while coming up Bordeaux v Toulouse jury, whilst the on-loan Diego Llorente Barca hadn’t won in their last eight Eibar side shorn of many of their usual hunt at Athletic Bilbao. against Barcelona in the last 16 of the Caen v Nancy can’t feature this weekend against his meetings at Anoeta with coach Luis starting line-up to ensure the return Meanwhile, two of Spain’s in-form Champions League. Dijon v Lille parent club. Enrique describing their 1-1 draw leg should be a mere formality. sides Sociedad and Celta face off in the Guingamp v Rennes back in November as “almost a mira- “It was diff icult in the first-half but battle for European places tomorrow. DEPAY, PAYET DEALS IMMINENT? Metz v Montpellier RAMPANT SEVILLA cle” given how his side had been you could see the chances would Monaco replaced Nice at the top on Tomorrow A return to winning ways will allow outplayed. come if we were a bit more precise FIXTURES goal diff erence after their 4-1 victory Monaco v Lorient Madrid to open up a four-point lead However, the Catalans continued and that happened in the second- Today at the Velodrome put an abrupt end to Saint-Etienne v Angers at the top of the table before Sevilla signs of their return to form in a half,” said Atletico boss Diego Espanyol v Granada Marseille’s four-game winning run. Lyon v Marseille have the chance to cut the gap, or even bright start that was rewarded when Simeone. Real Madrid v Malaga go top should Real slip up once more, Alaves v Leganes when they travel to bottom-placed Villarreal v Valencia Osasuna tomorrow. hamstring injury. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Tomorrow Wenger pinpoints India as next big Sevilla are in stunning form having Barcelona stand just a point adrift Thursday. Osasuna v Sevilla won their last four league games, but of Sevilla in third and have bounced Barca boss Luis Enrique made seven Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid transfer powerhouse will have to do without the infl uen- back into form themselves with three changes in midweek and is expected Real Betis v Sporting Gijon tial Vitolo for up to a month with the straight wins after a diffi cult start to to make full use of his squad again for Real Sociedad v Celta Vigo China’s Super League clubs may have been grabbing the headlines in the Spanish international sidelined by a the year, the latest of which came at Sunday’s trip to Eibar. Eibar v Barcelona huge transfer fees they have been paying for players but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes India could become a serious player. The 67-year- old Frenchman said he hoped India would emerge as a contender in the SERIE A transfer market but added they should not expect immediate success. “I expect India to come to the game — and hope it will happen,” said Wenger. The Indian Super League — which was founded in 2013 — has attracted age- ing former stars such as Norwegian defender John-Arne Riise who played last year at Chennayin FC — which is managed by Italy’s World Cup winning Milan out for Napoli revenge as title race sizzles defender Marco Materazzi — and Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan who played at Mumbai FC in 2016. AFP just ahead of Suso (5) and Gianluca Milan Nainggolan hits maiden Roma brace in Cup romp Lapadula (4). But the Rossoneri have lost only once, German FA rubberstamps decision to Radja Nainggolan’s maiden Roma pounced on a poor Matias Silvestre to Udinese, at the San Siro this season bid for Euro 2024 esurgent AC Milan host brace stole the spotlight as his team touch to fire a right-footed volley and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Napoli looking to avenge a secured an Italian Cup quarter-final from outside the area into the far top said: “Playing Napoli is always an emo- The German football association (DFB) board voted unanimously yesterday crushing home defeat to the tie against second division Cesena corner minutes before the interval. tional aff air, and we want to do well for in favour of the country’s long-planned bid to host Euro 2024. The DFB, Azzuri last season as the fi ght with a 4-0 romp over Sampdoria on Two minutes after the restart, the fans. It’s a crucial game for us be- which announced its intention to bid for the continental tournament several forR title glory and coveted Champions cause we have to make up for the points Thursday. Stephan El Shaarawy won back years ago, said it would hand in the off icial bid notification to UEFA by March League places intensifi es in Serie A. Although Luis Muriel hit the post possession to set up Edin Dzeko for we’ve dropped recently.” 3. “Euro 2024 can become an important beacon for German football,” DFB A week after leaders Juventus suf- early on for Sampdoria, a sensa- the Bosnian beat Puggioni at his far A third-place fi nish guarantees a President Reinhard Grindel said in a statement. Grindel was elected last year fered a shock 2-1 reverse at Fiorentina to tional Leandro Paredes volley also bottom corner for Roma’s second. play-off to join the group stages of the after the resignation of Wolfgang Niersbach due to his involvement in Ger- allow Roma to close to within one point, hit the woodwork at the other end Dzeko, twice, then Antonio Rudiger Champions League and Lazio striker many’s 2006 World Cup scandal which is currently under investigation. “We the Turin giants have reason to be look- and was a sign of more to come were denied but El Shaarawy made Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has hit will submit a first-class bid and take special care to chose the 10 locations ing over their shoulders as they chase a from Luciano Spalletti’s Serie A title amends with a superbly-taken third three goals in his last seven games in- in a transparent and accountable way,” Grindel said. A final decision on the record sixth consecutive crown. challengers. for the hosts. cluding the opener in a 2-1 win over 10 locations will be taken by the DFB in September. Germany, three-times Eu- Roma are only one point behind in Samp ‘keeper Christian Puggioni did Diego Perotti capped his recent return Atalanta last week, said: “We want the ropean champions, last staged the tournament in 1988. UEFA will announce second before hosting Cagliari and well to bat away another scorcher from injury with a cross for Naing- Champions League, but we’re not the all 2024 bidders on March 10. well-oiled Napoli are only three points from Paredes, but the keeper was golan as the Belgian headed past only ones with this objective.” further behind. Milan, eight points be- left powerless when Nainggolan Puggioni on the stroke of full time. Juventus, who host Lazio on Sunday, hind in fi fth place, have the hardest task will be expected to bounce back from China plans salary caps in spending of Juve’s chasers — beating Napoli. last week’s reverse. Lazio lost 1-0 to the crackdown In October last year Lorenzo Insigne Radio Kiss Kiss: “It won’t be an easy one-match suspensions deprive Milan champions in Rome earlier this season hit a second-half brace as Napoli’s game. They are an organised side that of stability at the back and a hard-work- and have already suff ered defeat to AC Chinese football authorities will impose salary caps on domestic clubs fast-paced fl owing game stunned the always plays a little bit better at home.” ing midfi elder adept at creating chances Milan, Roma and Inter this campaign. and send auditors to probe their finances, toughening a crackdown on the Rossoneri on their way to a chastening Milan owner and president Sil- out of nothing up front. record-breaking sums spent to acquire top foreign players. Teams will be 4-0 win while Milan were under the vio Berlusconi is set to hand the club They are set to be replaced respec- FIXTURES required to provide detailed information on their financial situations includ- helm of Sinisa Mihajlovic. reins to new Chinese owners follow- tively by Gustavo Gomez and Argen- Today ing funding sources, and the salary caps will be devised based on league More than a year on, Milan coach ing completion of an ongoing takeover tine midfi elder Jose Sosa. Chievo v Fiorentina and individual club revenues, the China Football Association (CFA) said in a Vincenzo Montella has fans believing this March, and Montella is so far suc- Insigne (5), Dries Mertens (12), Jose AC Milan v Napoli statement late Thursday. Clubs in China’s top-tier Super League have over that they could pip Roma and Napoli to ceeding where Cristian Brocchi, Mi- Callejon (7) and Marek Hamsik (6) Tomorrow the past year shelled out extravagant amounts to import foreign stars such a third place fi nish and a possible return hajlovic, Filippo Inzaghi and Clarence share 30 of Napoli’s league-leading Juventus v Lazio as Brazil’s Oscar and Hulk, and Argentina’s Carlos Tevez. But China’s sports to Europe’s premier club competition. Seedorf failed — at least in terms of tally of 45 goals so far this season, and Bologna v Torino ministry earlier this month warned of action against clubs that spend reck- Milan set out their stall last October keeping fans’ hopes of qualifying for key striker Arkaduisz Milik (4) has yet Empoli v Udinese lessly, and the CFA this week lowered the number of foreign players that with a deserved 1-0 win over Juventus, Europe alive after Christmas. to return from a cruciate knee liga- Genoa v Crotone teams can field from four to no more than three per match. The CFA said their fi rst of two over the champions so But a big test comes Saturday. Milan ment injury suff ered in October. Palermo v Inter Milan clubs that spend “extremely high sums” on transfer fees will be required to far this season ahead of the sides’ Italian haven’t beaten Napoli since 2014 and Colombian Carlos Bacca, who spent Pescara v Sassuolo put proportional amounts into Chinese youth football programmes. Teams Cup quarter-fi nal next Wednesday. will be without key defender Alessandro a brief spell on the injury sidelines, is Atalanta v Sampdoria will be required to field at least two under-23 Chinese players. Napoli midfi elder Jorginho told Romagnoli and Manuel Locatelli, whose Milan’s top scorer with eight goals, Roma v Cagliari

Saturday, January 21, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE PREVIEW Khor too good Ahli, Arabi look to make it two in a row

By Sports Reporter for lacklustre Doha l Ahli will take on Al Arabi on the up fol- lowing a morale- boosting win over a strugglingA Al Wakrah when the two teams meet in Round 17 of the Qatar Stars League today. Kharaitiyat The Brigadiers will be aiming to register back-to-back wins for the fi rst time this season Abdukholiqov scores on Sailiya debut in 1-0 win over Umm Salal over their local rivals. Talking about the game, Qa- By Sports Reporter tari coach Yusef Adam said his Doha side is fully prepared for the game. “All of my players will be ready for the derby match. The l Khor continued their impressive win was important, but we have start to 2017 with a comfortable 2-0 forgotten about it now. Our next win over Al Kharaitiyat yesterday. aim is to get all three points The Knights dominated play for against Al Arabi and continue mostA part of the game and grabbed all three our good start.” points thanks to goals in either half from Ku- Ahli defeated Arabi 2-1 in the waiti defender Sultan al-Enezi and attacker fi rst game of the season, but Babou Sidiki. the Qatari coach insisted that Jean Fernandez’s side made a dream start it will be a diff erent proposition registering their opener in the sixth minute. this time around. “The match is Babou Sidiki sent a free kick into the box from diff erent from the fi rst round, the left side towards al-Enezi, who leaped up many players from both sides Brazilian Oswaldo Oliveira was confirmed as new Al Arabi coach to meet the ball and guided the ball into the have changed. Al Arabi has had yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi net to give his side an early lead. a mixed season so far, some Khor enjoyed the majority of the ball in the good some bad. All I know is Gharafa will be aiming to get be without strikers Krisztián fi rst half, and came close to doubling their that a win for us will kick-start back to winning ways when Németh though injury and Mo- lead fi ve minutes from half time. Brazilian at- our season, and give our players they take on Al Shahania. hamed Razak though suspen- tacker Madison played a neat one-two pass plenty of confi dence heading Gharafa played out a 2-2 draw sion. with Mouhcine Iajour, who found himself one into the next run of games.” against bottom-of-the-table Al Shahania have two draws on one with the keeper but the Moroccan’s Al Arabi also head into the Muaither last time out but head from their last two QSL games, shot went straight at the keeper, Ahmed Su- derby in good spirits following a coach Pedro Caixinia was quick and will be targeting to con- fyan, who rushed forward to make the save. 2-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat. to note that despite internal tinue their undefeated streak Al Khor ended the fi rst half with a slender 1-0 problems in the club, his side under newly-appointed boss advantage. NEW COACH where only aiming for three Igor Stimac. Just fi ve minutes into the second half Ba- However, they do have a new points against Al Shahania. “We are expecting a diffi cult bou Sidiki tapped in the ball into the goal from boss for today’s game. “We need to win our next game, I am fully concentrated close range to double his side’s lead. Arabi confi rmed that Brazil- game against Al Shahania, de- on my job on the pitch and my The victory takes Al Khor’s tally up to 19 ian coach Oswaldo Oliveira will spite the tough week that we focus is on how I can get points points, while Ahmad al-Ajlani’s team are in take charge of the club for the have had, our primary focus is a from this game for Al Shaha- 11th spot with 15 points to their name. remainder of the season. victory for Al Gharafa.” nia. Looking at the statistics in The Dream Team confi rmed After a strong start in the recent weeks, the numbers are ABDUKHOLIQOV HELPS SAILIYA EDGE the news with a brief press con- league Al Gharafa’s progress has going up, which is good for me. UMM SALAL ference yesterday. slowed in recent weeks, draw- It’s only a matter of time that A goal from January signing Temurkhuja The Brazilian coach is no ing with Muaither last time out. the work we put in training will Abdukholiqov gave Al Sailiya a 1-0 win over stranger to football in Qatar, Caixinia was eager to stress that transfer into a win on the pitch,” Umm Salal to give their survival chances a having previously worked with his opponents Al Shahania will Stimac said. major boost. Al Khor’s Sultan al-Enezi in action against Al Kharaitiyat during their Qatar Stars League match Al Arabi as a fi tness trainer in take on Al Gharafa with a diff er- Stimac also responded to The Peregrines were successful in breach- yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK 1996. Oliveira has managed a ent game-plan. rumours that two key play- ing the Orange Fortress as they ended up host of sides in his native Brazil “I don’t think that Shaha- ers — goalkeeper Khalifah winning the game by a solitary goal in the fi rst the referee immediately pointed to the spot. throughout the 90 minutes. With both sides including Santos, Corinthians nia will play the same way as al-Ammari and striker Fahad half. Uzbek striker Abdukholiqov stepped up having almost equal possession, only the fi rst and Flamengo. Whilst the 66- Muaither, Al Shahania will be Khalfan — could be moving to a At the half hour point of the game, Hamad and duly slotted the penalty to the right of half goal separated the two teams. year old coach has also managed aggressive in defence and on new club in the January transfer al-Obaidi made a fantastic run from the half Baba Malick, who went the wrong way. The win gives Sami Trabelsi’s men a huge Japanese side Kashima Antlers. the counter attack, they have window. “If players are unhap- line. The young Qatari made his way into the Overall, the match was a tactical battle with boost as they move out of the drop zone into played well in recent games and py, it is their choice. Personally, opponent’s box after fl icking the ball through both sides trying to outsmart the other. Umm ninth spot with 18 points. Umm Salal remain GHARAFA TAKE ON we have prepared our side ap- I will be sad if Khalfan leaves two defenders. He was fouled by Umm Salal Salal managed four shots on target without a winless in three games and are sixth in the ta- SHAHANIA propriately for this game.” the club because I believe he has defender Anderson Vieira inside the box and goal while Sailiya managed three shots at goal ble with 20 points. In the second match today, Al He said that the team will great potential.”

Al Kass International Cup begins today

he Sixth Al Kass International Qatar’s Aspire Academy will add local round-robin competition, with the top Currently celebrating its sixth year, Al the foundations of a proud footballing region by off ering up an 11-day action- Cup kicks off today at Aspire flavour to the tournament, which was two teams from each group advancing Kass International Cup is organized by nation up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup packed competition that seeks to pro- TZone, bringing some of the won last year by Aspire Football Dreams. to the knockout round. The final will be Al Kass Sports Channels in collabora- and beyond. pel Qatar to the forefront of sporting world’s top Under-17 teams to Qatar Other participating teams include PSV held on January 31. Off icial tournament tion with Aspire Zone Foundation and Inaugurated in 2012, Al Kass Interna- excellence and leadership. for the sixth consecutive year. Eindhoven (Netherlands), Kashiwa Rey- sponsor Al Kass TV will be broadcasting the Qatar Football Association. The tional Cup is an annual tournament The 12 teams participating in this sol (Japan), Redbull Salzburg (Austria), all games live both online and on TV under 17s football tournament is a that facilitates a unique opportunity TODAY’S SCHEDULE year’s tournament represent some of AS Roma (Italy), Eintracht Frankfurt with Arabic and English commentary. global championship for worldwide for some of the world’s choice young PSV Eindhoven vs Raja Casablan- the most storied clubs in international (Germany), Al-Ahli Saudi FC (Saudi Past winners of the Al Kass Interna- competitive clubs. footballers of tomorrow to demon- ca, 4.30pm football, including Real Madrid, Bayern Arabia), Raja Casablanca (Morocco), and tional Cup include Aspire Football The Al Kass International Cup has strate their ability and skills on the Bayern Munich vs RB Salzburg, Munich and Paris St Germain, giving Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia). Dreams (2016, 2014), Paris St Germain established itself as a key international world stage. The tournament also 6.40pm Doha crowds the opportunity to see The first round will pit in groups of (2015, 2012), and Brazilian club Flumin- football event that supports Qatar’s aims to contribute to the nurturing of Esperance de Tunis vs Eintracht the potential superstars of the future. three teams against each other in a ense (2013). vision and contributes to building on passion for football in Qatar and the Frankfurt, 8.40pm

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea won’t dwell on Costa, Spurs plan City misery

AFP said. Manchester United’s visit to Stoke off ers the London In the unlikely event of a Chelsea slip, second chance to exorcise some bad memories as Jose placed Tottenham could close the seven-point Mourinho’s side target a push towards the top gap on their London rivals when they travel to four. helsea will bid to put the Diego Costa Eastlands. United’s lowest point of last season came crisis behind them when the Premier City’s 4-0 thrashing at Everton last Sunday in this fi xture when, amid fevered speculation League leaders host Hull, while title was the heaviest league loss of Pep Guardiola’s about Louis van Gaal’s future as manager, they chasing Tottenham aim to maintain glittering managerial career and left them lan- performed woefully and slipped to a 2-0 Boxing theirC hot streak at troubled Manchester City to- guishing 10 points behind Chelsea after a sec- Day defeat. day. ond defeat in their last three league games. United have made slow progress since Mour- Blues striker Costa reportedly clashed with That prompted Guardiola to write off City’s inho replaced van Gaal in the close-season, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte last week over the title hopes and led critics to question whether but a 12-match unbeaten run in the league has club’s treatment of his back injury. the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona chief moved them within four points of the Champi- Amid reports that Costa was also the subject of can succeed in England. ons League places. a lucrative off er from Chinese Super League club Tottenham pose another threat to Guardiola’s “Stoke have got some very good players and Tianjin Quanjian, Conte kept his players focused equilibrium after reeling off a six-game winning we know it’s probably not the same going there as they crushed Leicester 3-0 last weekend de- run. now as it was seven or eight years ago,” United spite the absence of the Spain striker. midfi elder Michael Carrick said. With Chelsea refusing to consider selling their INTENSE Fourth placed Arsenal, eight points be- leading scorer, Conte appears to have smoothed But Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who hind Chelsea, have no margin for error against any troubled waters and Costa returned to full handed Guardiola his fi rst defeat as City boss in Burnley. training this week. October, is certain his rival will eventually make Conte has refused to acknowledge there was his mark. FIXTURES even a dispute with Costa, but it will be instruc- “Guardiola is one of the best managers. It is Today tive to see if he restores the notoriously volatile diffi cult to come to a new club and bring a new Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino handed Pep Guardiola (not in picture) his first defeat as Bournemouth v Watford star to his starting line-up with so much at stake philosophy but he is doing very well. I am sure City boss in October 2016. (Reuters) Crystal Palace v Everton in the title race. he will be a success,” Pochettino said. Liverpool v Swansea Hull haven’t beaten Chelsea since 1988, but With his squad short on energy and inspira- “I hope to adapt as quickly as possible in the ter rivals Manchester United last weekend. Manchester City v Tottenham Tigers goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic says the third tion in recent weeks, Guardiola could freshen fi rst contact I have with the game.” But Origi is convinced Liverpool can still win Middlesbrough v West Ham bottom team are a more dangerous unit under up his attack by giving a debut to teenage Brazil Liverpool striker Divock Origi has challenged a fi rst title since 1990. Stoke v Manchester United new boss Marco Silva. forward Gabriel Jesus, who offi cially completed his teammates to keep the pressure on Chelsea “I think it’s very tight above us at the mo- West Brom v Sunderland “He gives us confi dence. We have to play our his move from Palmeiras this week. when they host relegation-threatened Swansea. ment, but you just have to look at it game by Tomorrow football. That’s sometimes diffi cult in the Pre- “I’ve watched the Premier League and I no- Jurgen Klopp’s side are seven points behind game,” Origi said. Arsenal v Burnley mier League but he’s doing a good job and the ticed it’s very hard, intense style of play,” Jesus Chelsea in third place after losing ground in the “There are still a lot of big games, important Chelsea v Hull players have been doing a good job,” Jakupovic said. title race following a frustrating 1-1 draw at bit- games, so we have to stay together and fi nish well.” Southampton v Leicester