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Tuesday 3 January 2017 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Nadal hopes Indian court schedule change orders removal of brings success BCCI chief SC takes part in Russia 2018 Djokovic survives first conference QNA

he Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) took round scare in Qatar T part in the conference which was organized by Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee under the title Doha "FWC - 2018: Shaping the Future. AFP Impact and Legacy of Major Sport- QATAR OPEN MEN'S SINGLES ROUND 1 RESULTS ing Events". ovak Djokovic Communications Director at SC battled back Nicolas Almagro (Spain) beat Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-3 Fatma Al Nuaimi presented in the from 5-1 down (Serbia) beat Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany) 7-6(1), 6-3 first plenary session, titled "Grow- against the Dustin Brown (Germany) beat Facundo Bagnis () 6-1, 6-7(2) ,6-4 ing Importance of Legacy and world number Jiri Vesely () beat Anil Yueksel (Turkey) 6-2, 6-3 Impact of Major Sporting Events" N 63 Jan-Lennard Struff to discussing SC competition venues claim his first victory of the and legacy projects, including season at the Qatar Open in social, human and environmental Doha yesterday. legacy. The world number two "It is rare to be part of a confer- lost his opening two service ence with representatives from three games to the German before Olympic Games and four World rallying in determined fash- Cups, as we share experiences and ion to eventually take the knowledge in the impact of event first-round match 7-6 (7/1), planning, operational planning and 6-2. legacy planning for hosting such a "It wasn't a great start, I mega event," said Al Nuaimi. was 1-5 down, it didn't look "Since we won the bid to host the very good," Djokovic said 2022 FIFA World Cup, we have after winning in just under incorporated legacy in all of our 90 minutes. plans, keeping in mind that the tour- "It took me a little time nament may only last a month, but to start reading his serve and the community will benefit in the after that it was a good decades to come." performance." The conference was attended by In total, his big-serving State Secretary - Deputy Minister at Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany, opponent thundered down the Russian Federation Ministry of nine aces. during the ATP Qatar Open competition in Doha yesterday. Djokovic Sport Natalya Parshikova, General The Serb Djokovic, who won 7-6(1), 6-3 Director of the Russia 2018 Local is the defending champion Organising Committee Alexey in Doha, hit 17 winners but Sorokin, Special Adviser to UN Sec- also 20 unforced errors. retary General on Sport for The 12-time Development and Peace Wilfried winner is looking to reclaim ATP launches 'Greatness Lemke and Head of Sustainability his number one ranking after and Diversity at FIFA Federico suffering a relatively poor Addiechi. second half of the season in Within' campaign The conference was also 2016. attended by 100 guests from FIFA The man who replaced The Peninsula titles, and the ultimate crown representatives, International Olym- Djokovic as the number one, of finishing the season as ATP pic Committee (IOC) representatives, , is also in Doha he ATP World Tour World No. 1. The ‘Greatness host country representatives and and is the tournament's launched a new global Within’ campaign will reflect government representatives from number one seed. Tmarketing campaign that season-long quest, bring- the Russian federation, is following If matches go to form the yesterday showcasing its play- ing our tournaments and the Confederation Cup draw, as the rivals will meet in a mouth- ers and tournaments in a players to life in a new and host country prepares to host the watering final on January 7. powerful new way for the next vibrant way to our growing fan upcoming tournament prior to host- Murray's first-round two seasons. base, as well as providing the ing the 2018 FIFA World Cup in 2018. match is against 's Jer- The campaign, titled Tour with a captivating new Recently, the SC announced that emy Chardy on Tuesday. 'Greatness Within', will offer a visual identity.” FIFA have accepted 4 star GSAS cer- The newly knighted fresh look for the ATP World The campaign, which will tification for proposed competition Scotsman was in action in the Tour and its 64 tournaments showcase more than 60 play- venues in Qatar, as a substitute for doubles on Monday, but he but will continue to target ers, will deliver creative assets LEED Certification. GSAS is a prod- and partner Mariusz Fyrsten- younger audiences and lever- for the full spectrum of chan- uct of GORD, a local company in berg lost in straight sets to age the tour’s incredible nels and executions, including Qatar. David Marrero and Nenad generation of players. print, outdoor, TV and digital The conference included two Zimonjic. Chris Kermode, ATP Exec- advertising. It will also provide discussion panels, namely "Legacy Dustin Brown edged past utive Chairman and President, opening sequences for live TV for host countries and host cities - World’s top two ranked players, Andy Murray and Novak Argentina's Facundo Bagnis said: “The ATP World Tour coverage as well as for the case studies from previous major in three sets in the first round Djokovic, pose for a photograph with the Qatar ExxonMobil showcases the world’s great- weekly TV show ATP World sport events" and "Approach of host of the singles, 6-1, 6-7 (7/2), Open trophy, in front of the iconic Museum of Islamic Art in est athletes as they battle week Tour Uncovered, presented by countries and host cities to the plan- 6-4. Doha. The ATP event is organised by Qatar Tennis Federation. in week out for prestigious . ning of major sport events." Racing car simulator returns to ExxonMobil Qatar stand

The racing car simulator at the Qatar The Peninsula padded cockpit headrest, four- as players continue to battle for ExxonMobil Open 2017 Public Village. point racing harness, gear lever the fastest lap time. he racing car simulator paddles, and a quick release car- ExxonMobil Qatar has been returns to the Public Village bon fibre steering wheel, allowing the title sponsor of the Qatar Exx- Tthis year to delight fans and drivers to experience the unique onMobil Open for 23 years, and tennis stars alike at the Qatar movement of the car under real- a partner of the Qatar Tennis Fed- ExxonMobil Open 2017. istic acceleration, braking and eration for 25 years. The car has been a main cornering conditions. As the title sponsor of the attraction of the stand for the past A built-in 5.1 surround sound esteemed tournament, ExxonMo- several years, providing an inter- system also provides users with bil Qatar organizes a number of active and realistic racing a full-sensory experience. exciting, hands-on activities for experience. This year, the likes of Jeremy people of all ages to enjoy at its Based on a full-sized specifi- Chardy, Horia Tecau, Lukas stand in the Public Village. cation racing car, the Lacko, Jan Hernych, and Sergiy These activities include the state-of-the-art, aerodynamically Stakhovsky have all visited the racing car simulator, the “Exxon- engineered simulator offers unri- ExxonMobil Qatar stand to try out Mobil Minute” competition, and valled authenticity, down to its the simulator. opportunities to meet the tennis suspension, front and rear wings, The fierce competition on the stars and receive a signed tennis and tires. It includes an authentic, court has extended to the stand ball. SPORT 3 JANUARY 2017 TUESDAY 21

NBA: Hardaway Ferrer breaks Australian hearts dazzles in Portland's win Stosur crashes out concedes that his days as a top Steve Johnson 6-2, 6-3. 10 player are gone, but says he In the women's draw, reign- Los Angeles Reigning French now just wants to enjoy himself ing champion AFP Open champion on tour. Garbine Muguruza also disap- Muguruza "The last five or six years I pointed the Queensland fans im Hardaway and C.J. disappoints was top 10, but, you know, there when she saw off hometown McCollum both enjoyed Queensland fans are younger players -- it's nor- hero Samantha Stosur in a two- Tcareer nights on Sunday when she saw off mal, no?," he said. hour 45 minute epic. as the Atlanta Hawks sur- hometown hero "I am still enjoying the ten- The fourth seeded Muguruza prised the first-place San Stosur nis, and I hope to improve this came back from a break down Antonio Spurs while McCol- year, but I am happy with myself in the third set to outlast Stosur lum carried the Portland Trail and my career. "My goal this 7-5, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5. Blazers to a come-from- Brisbane, Australia year is to be happy with myself Earlier, two time Grand behind victory. AFP and to focus on every tourna- Slam champion Svetlana McCollum scored a ment that I play, without Kuznetsova celebrated her career-high 43 points as the ormer world number pressure of course." 600th win on the WTA Tour Trail Blazers rallied past Min- three Tomic said it was unlucky when she downed American nesota 95-89 and Hardaway dashed local hopes to come up against someone like Louisa Chirico 6-2, 6-4 and will tallied 29 points, matching his when he downed Aus- Ferrer in the first round, but now play either US qualifier all-time best total, to push the tralia's Bernard Tomic offered no excuses. Bethanie Mattek-Sands or young Hawks over the Spurs 114-112 Fin straight sets in the first round "I feel on a given day, who- Australian Destanee Aiava. in overtime. of the ever plays better is going to win Sixth seed Elina Svitolina of McCollum, who reached yesterday. between us, but unfortunately Ukraine was an impressive 6-3, his previous best of 37 points The eighth seeded Spaniard today he was too good for me." 6-3 winner over Puerto Rica's twice, shot 16-of-25 from the was the model of consistency as Earlier, Frenchman Nicolas Rio Olympic gold medallist field to set a career high for he saw off Tomic 6-3, 7-5 on Pat Mahut came from 1-4 down in Monica Puig, while China's field goals. Rafter Arena. the third set to outlast fellow Zhang Shuai downed German "Obviously, C.J. had an Ferrer, now the world countryman Stephane Robert Laura Siegemund 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), outstanding game," Portland number 21, is ranked just five 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a two-hour 6-3. Eighth seeded Italian Rob- coach Terry Stotts said. places above Tomic and had lost marathon. erta Vinci came back from 2-5 to the Australian on their previ- Britain's Kyle Edmund saw down in the third set to beat veraging 27.1 points in his ous two encounters. But he off American qualifier Ernesto Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko last eight contests, this was proved too strong in the swel- Escobedo in two tiebreak sets 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5), and McCollum's fourth consecu- David Ferrer of Spain hits a return against Australia's Bernard tering conditions in Brisbane, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6), while sev- US qualifier Asia Muhammad tive game scoring over 20 Tomic in the men's first round at the Brisbane International winning in 83 minutes. enth seeded Bulgarian Grigor defeated Croatian Donna Vekic points in place of Damian Lil- tennis tournament in Brisbane, yesterday. The 34-year-old Ferrer Dimitrov cruised past US player 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. lard, who injured his ankle on December 23. McCollum has scored 30 points in seven games this season. Minnesota guard Kris Dunn came off the bench to Nadal hopes schedule change brings success play 21 minutes and spent a good portion of it trying to stop McCollum. Brisbane, Australia good news for me. I like Aus- fishing." Meanwhile, rain dis- "He can shoot the ball," AFP tralia. Last year I decided rupted the first day of the WTA Dunn said. "The three, the already to come here before. Auckland Classic yesterday with midrange, he can drive it to panish superstar Rafael "I don't know if that's going only two matches completed, the basket. Nadal hopes a dramatic to help me better or not -- I'll delaying the start of top-seed "When somebody can do Schange to his longstanding tell you after Melbourne." Serena Williams's campaign. all of those things, you've just schedule will lead to success in Williams was forced to wait got to try and find a couple of the later this Nadal arrived in Brisbane until 9:20pm, nearly three hours things to take away from him. month. after winning the Mubadala past her scheduled start time, He got it going today so it was After opening his season in World Tennis Championship before her first-round match kind of hard." Doha for seven of the past eight exhibition tournament in Abu against Pauline Parmentier of Canadian Andrew Wig- years, Nadal has this year opted Dhabi on Saturday, proving he France and other night matches gins led Minnesota with 24 to begin his Melbourne cam- has recovered from the wrist were postponed because of per- points while the young Tim- paign at the Brisbane injury that plagued him in 2016. sistent rain. berwolves trio of Wiggins, International. "I played well in Abu Dhabi. "The weather has not been Karl-Anthony Towns and It will be the first time since I played three good matches and kind to us and unfortunately we Zach LaVine combined for 48 Sydney in 2009 that Nadal will that's important for me," he said. have to abandon the session points after getting 73 have played an Australian ATP "Last year I was playing tonight," tournament director together on Friday against tournament in the lead-up to the great but I got injured in the Carl Budge told the handful of Milwaukee. year's first Grand Slam. worst moment possible. hardy spectators who braved the Towns finished with 11 The 30-year-old said he "I'm happy to be back in weather. points and 12 rebounds for his decided to change his schedule competition again. Abu Dhabi Former world top-10 Lucie fourth double-double in a to give himself the best chance was a good start. I need to con- Safarova cruised through her row and 24th of the season. of acclimatising to the Austral- tinue that way." first match against fellow Czech Portland quickly rallied ian summer. A relaxed Nadal, who Denisa Allertova 6-1, 6-2, thanks from a 12-point half-time def- "Doha has worked well for moments earlier had been to her markedly superior serve. icit with a 14-2 run to tie the me in the past but Brisbane will swamped by fans as he held a Safarova fired down seven game at 51-51 on a McCol- help me adapt and get used to koala outside the Queensland aces while Allertova served up lum's jumper. Australian conditions, which are Tennis Centre, insisted that if he nine double faults. In the sec- McCollum scored 16 a little bit tougher because of the was fully fit he could add to his ond completed match, Japan's points in the third and the weather," he said on arrival in tally of 14 Grand Slam singles Kurumi Nara comfortably beat Trail Blazers took a 69-64 Brisbane on Monday. titles. "I cannot predict the Antonia Lottner of Germany 6-2, lead into the fourth "Every year is different. All future (but) I can say if I am 6-2. Fifth seed Kiki Bertens of Portland never trailed in of Spain poses with a koala as he arrives to the players are changing sched- healthy, I believe that I can do the Netherlands was 5-3 up on the final quarter and led by ules," he added. it," he said. American Lauren Davis in their take part in the Brisbane International tennis tournament in as many as eight points in the "Being here in Brisbane is "If not, I will be at home first set when rain halted play. Brisbane, yesterday. closing 12 minutes. Wounded Al Shahaniya aim to bounce back against Al Rayyan

The Peninsula ten goal thumping by Lekhwiya QATAR STARS LEAGUE team and hope for a positive 11th position with just 12 points with a win against Umm Salal. at the end of 2016. They also go Today’s Fixtures result tomorrow.” and three wins all season. Jean Fernandes, the head he Qatar Stars League (QSL) into this fixture led by their new Al Rayyan are now fifth in the Al Khor, who currently find coach of Al Khor respects his will resume its action in the Head Coach, Croatian Igor Al Shahaniya vs Al Rayyan table after suffering their third themselves sitting in 9th posi- opponents, “We have a lot of At 4.15pm (Grand Hamad Stadium) TNew Year with the com- Stemac. defeat of the season against Al tion with just 12 points from respect for Umm Salal. We have mencement of Round 14 today. Stimac, wants to restore con- Al Arabi vs Al Sailiyah Khor in round thirteen. The three victories this season, will an obligation to play well and to Today's early kick-off sees fidence in his side. “I know At 6.25pm (Grand Hamad Stadium) Champions will be looking to be hoping for all three points win. The match has become Al Shahaniya take on Al Rayyan Shahaniya didn’t fulfill expecta- Al Khor vs Umm Salal make amends against a strug- when they go head to head more and more difficult that’s at the Grand Hamad Stadium at tions in the first round and it’s At 6.25pm (Al Khor Stadium) gling Shahaniya side. against Umm Salal, who are cur- why we have to try our best to 4.15pm. my job to change that. Some of Tomorrow's Fixtures Michael Laudrup, the head rently sat in 7th position with 16 collect points.” “Umm Salal didn’t Later, Al Arabi will face Al our players are injured but we coach of Al Rayyan, said this points. Al Khor will be brimming lose easily and didn’t lose a lot Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Sadd Sailiyah at the same venue and can bring players from the At 4.15pm (Al Khor Stadium) about his opponents, “They have with confidence after beating Al of matches. They have players Al Khor will meet Umm Salal at bench.” a new coach and they will try to Rayyan 3-1 in the last round and with strong presence on the field. Al Khor Stadium with both “We know we have a diffi- Muaither SC vs Lekhwiya play tactically because it’s his will be hoping to replicate that After the Al Rayyan match our At 4.15pm (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium) games kicking off at 6.25pm. cult game tomorrow against the first game. They are a good team form and steal all three points. team regained full confidence Al Shahaniya, who are cur- champions, Al Rayyan. They are Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli and we will be looking for the Umm Salal will be looking to but during the break we didn’t rently in 12th position with 12 a good team on an individual and At 6.25pm (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium) three points against them as it’s come out strong and bounce just work for the next game but points after registering just two collective level. I hope my play- Al Wakrah vs El Jaish important for us.” back from their loss to Al Arabi for all games which are coming wins so far this season, will ers show commitment to at least At 6.25pm (Saoud Bin Abdel Rahman Al Arabi will be looking to in round 13 as they look to push up,” added the Frenchman. attempt to cause a league upset get a point tomorrow,” added the Stadium) continue their good form follow- on and try and secure a top four Umm Salal are currently sev- when they take on Al Rayyan Croatian tactician. ing their win over Umm Salal in spot. enth in the table with sixteen who are currently in 5th position Speaking about his goals as that we can produce results. The Round 13 which moved them up Al Khor beat the Champions, points from thirteen games. The with 22 points. the head coach, Stimac said, “For players are concerned about rel- to 6th in the league. Al Arabi will Al Rayyan, in their last game and Orange fortress will be looking Al Shahaniya will be looking the moment we have started egation and how they have to face off against league strugglers are ninth in the table with twelve to protect their position in the to bounce back from their heav- working together to improve the behave in order to stay in the Al Sailiyah who are currently sit- points. The Knights will be look- table with a positive result iest ever defeat after receiving a team. We have a strong belief league. I have confidence in the ting further down the table in ing to inch forward in the table against Al Khor. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 3 JANUARY 2017 Shanghai SIPG fans cheer as Oscar arrives in China Tianjin swoop for Shanghai Brazilian arrived at Shanghai's £615,000 pounds a week, Reuters international airport yester- according to media reports. Belgian day. He stopped to sign Shanghai SIPG finished razilian international autographs before being led third in the 2016 Chinese midfielder Oscar was away by team officials. Super League season, which international B cheered by supporters "I think it will definitely ran from March to the end of of his new Shanghai club yes- enhance the team's capabili- October, 12 points behind Brussels terday where some media ties," Shao Lei, a 30-year-old champions Guangzhou Ever- AFP reports said he would earn SIPG supporter, said of the lat- grande and five behind nearly $500,000 a week, est Brazilian to sign with the second-placed Jiangsu hina's buying binge making him the highest-paid Shanghai club. Suning. continued into the New player in the world. "Our goal is to strive for Oscar scored 38 goals in CYear with Tianjin Financial details of Oscar's the championship, nothing 203 appearances for Chelsea Quanjian FC luring Belgian transfer to Shanghai SIPG else," he told reporters. and lifted the Premier League, midfielder Axel Witsel away from English Premier League The figures cited in British League Cup and Europa from Zenit Saint Petersburg club Chelsea have not been media reports would make League titles during his four- with an €18m annual pay released, but media reports Oscar the world's highest paid and-a-half-year spell at the packet, Belgian media have suggested Shanghai paid player at about £400,000 club. reported yesterday. €60m ($62.6m) to lure the pounds a week ($490,760). He will link up with com- Over the four-year deal 25-year-old to the Chinese However, he could be patriots Hulk and Elkeson who Witsel, 28, will pocket €72m super league club. eclipsed by Carlos Tevez when are already plying their trade ($75m) in salary at the club Brazilian football player Oscar (centre) is escorted as he arrives at Fans wearing the team's the Argentine signs a huge at Shanghai SIPG, led by coached by Italian former red and white colours shouted contract with Shanghai Shen- former Chelsea manager World Cup winner Fabio Can- Shanghai airport in China, yesterday. "Oscar, Oscar!" when the hua that could earn the striker Andre Villas-Boas. navaro, the 2006 world player of the year. He joins the club in north- eastern China with immediate effect, Belgian TV station RTBF said on its internet page. Starting off his career at EPL: Ten-man City back on track as Standard Liege, Witsel moved to Benfica before joining Zenit and was linked to a move to Juventus before the big Reds stumble at Stadium of Light money Chinese bid came in.

London AFP I've shut the

ermain Defoe scored two critics up: Ibra penalties as third-bottom Sunderland prevented Liv- London erpool from significantly AFP Jtrimming Chelsea's lead at the Premier League summit in a latan Ibrahimovic 2-2 draw yesterday. believes his goal-scor- Liverpool twice went ahead, Zing form for Manchester through Daniel Sturridge and United has forced his critics Sadio Mane, but Defoe's two to eat their words. spot-kicks mean Chelsea will There were fears that, move eight points clear if they aged 35, the former Paris win at Tottenham Hotspur Saint-Germain star would tomorrow. PREMIER LEAGUE struggle to cope with the fero- Manchester City lost ground cious pace of the Premier after losing 1-0 at Liverpool on FIXTURES League. New Year's Eve, but they Yestereday But he has risen to the bounced back by winning 2-1 at Everton 3-0 Southampton challenge in style, scoring 17 home to Burnley despite the Manchester City 2-1 Burnley goals in his first 27 appear- Middlesbrough 0-0 Leicester City first-half dismissal of Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool ances for the club to keep Fernandinho. West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Hull City United within sight of the Liverpool, who were denied Today Champions League places. a fifth successive league win, Bournemouth vs Arsenal (19:45) "I feel good," he said in were left five points adrift of Crystal Palace vs Swansea City (20:00) Manchester City's goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (centre) scrambles for the ball during comments published by sev- Chelsea in second place, with Stoke City vs Watford (20:00) eral British newspapers Tomorrow a melee which resulted in a goal by Burnley's Ben Mee during their Premier City two points back in third Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea (20:00) League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, yesterday. yesterday. place. Liverpool manager Jurgen "I don't know how many Klopp made just one change to years I have left, but I am his starting XI, Sturridge replac- Ragnar Klavan. Mane restored bench at half-time, sending on Leighton Baines and Romelu Premier League enjoying the football. ing the injured Jordan Liverpool's lead in the 72nd Aguero and David Silva, and Lukaku scored in the last 17 min- "I came to the Premier Henderson, and the England minute, tapping in from a corner, within 17 minutes of kick-off in utes as seventh-place Everton Liverpool, who were League and everyone thought striker gave his side a 19th- but then conceded a penalty for a the second half City were 2-0 up. overcame Southampton 3-0 at denied a fifth it would not be possible" minute lead at the Stadium of needless handball, allowing Defoe Left-back Gael Clichy broke Goodison Park. "It gives me a lot of successive league win, Light. to equalise for the second time the deadlock in the 58th minute, West Bromwich Albion energy, trust me, because were left five points Dejan Lovren miscued his with six minutes to play. curling home with his weaker remain a point below Everton in they get paid to talk and I get volley from a corner, but Stur- Manchester City manager right foot, and four minutes later eighth after coming from behind adrift of Chelsea in paid to play with my feet. ridge reacted sharply to swivel Pep Guardiola gave Kelechi Aguero slammed home from a to win 3-1 at home to second- second place. That's how I enjoy it. and redirect the ball past Sun- Iheanacho a run-out in place of tight angle. bottom Hull City. "Every year they (Premier derland goalkeeper Vito Sergio Aguero at the Etihad Sta- A blunder by Claudio Bravo Champions Leicester City Champions Leicester League clubs) have been call- Mannone with his head. dium. Fernandinho was sent off allowed Ben Mee to reduce the have now gone 12 league games City have now gone 12 ing me and it was not feeling Defoe equalised six minutes in the 32nd minute for flying in arrears following a goalmouth without an away win following a league games without good, so I wanted to come later, netting his 10th league goal on Johann Berg Gudmundsson scramble with 20 minutes drab 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough an away win following when everyone thought I was of the season from the penalty spot with both feet off the ground. remaining, but City held on. that left them six points above the a 0-0 draw at Boro. over," added the Swedish after Didier N'Dong was fouled by Guardiola turned to his Substitute Enner Valencia, relegation zone in 14th place. Striker. Giroud gem inspires Arsenal, Kane hits double for Spurs

London Watford defending shortly before the "It was about luck, I didn't have good Reuters break. Alli grabbed his second immedi- balance but it was a great feeling," said ately after the interval. Giroud whose goal was similar to Hen- rsenal's Olivier Giroud produced The Holiday fixtures continue thick- rikh Mkhitaryan's for Manchester United a piece of New Year's Day magic and-fast over the coming days with on Boxing Day but from further out. A to keep Arsenal in sight of Pre- Chelsea aiming to set a new record of Iwobi's header provoked a brief but mier League leaders Chelsea while 14 consecutive wins when they visit in- largely ineffectual flurry from Palace Harry Kane's double bolstered Totten- form Tottenham on Tomorrow. While and former England manager Sam ham Hotspur's ambitions as London's Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Allardyce still awaits his first win since triple assault on the title continues. Tuesday. replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat. Frenchman Giroud connected with Whatever happens in the weeks Palace remain two points above the Alexis Sanchez's cross with a scorpion- ahead though, few goals are likely to be bottom three. like backheeled volley 17 minutes into replayed as much as Giroud's stunning Kane marked his 100th Premier his side's derby against Crystal Palace opener. League game with two clinical finishes while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a sec- Having played a neat flick early in to take his top-flight tally to 59. ond-half header. a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud He opened the scoring in the 27th Arsenal had started the game out- rumbled forward into the area. minute with a cool finish having been side the top four after Tottenham's 4-1 Sanchez's cross was not the best, fall- played in by Trippier and then showed rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted ing a little behind the Frenchman, but his poaching instinct to connect with Mauricio Pochettino's side into third he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled the fullback's inviting cross. place in the table. forward, connecting with his left heel. Alli punished Younes Kaboul's weak Kane scored Tottenham's first two The ball soared past diving Palace clearance and made it 4-0 as Totten- Arsenal's Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring their first goal against goals, both from assists by right back keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced ham ran riot in the rain. Crystal Palace during their Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made down and in off the underside of the Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford's in London, England on Sunday. the points safe after some woef\ul crossbar. late consolation. TUESDAY 3 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23 : Al Attiyah up in front

The Peninsula Villiers and German co- multi-cultural operation. Argentinean Alejando driver The had joined Yacopini and his fellow he eight Toy- moved into fifth overall a further 79 cars in an countryman Daniel ota Hiluxes in the second entry of 318 vehicles at Merlo. The all-Chinese being run by Gazoo Racing Hilux. the ceremonial start on pairing of He Zhitao and Toyota Gazoo The opening stage of New Year’s Day, which Kai Zhao are crewing an Racing South 39km was hardly was overseen by the Par- eighth Overdrive Toyota TAfrica and Overdrive demanding by Dakar aguayan President Hilux running under the Racing stayed well clear standards, but it made Horacio Cartes. Boundless Young Team of trouble through the history in different ways. The Dutch crew of banner. The Chinese opening 39km special It was the first competi- Erik van Loon and completed the race in stage of the 2017 Dakar tive section of the Dakar Wouter Rosegaar 65th overall last year and Rally, as the rally headed to be held in rounded off the top 10 in began his challenge for out of Asunción in Par- and gave the South their Overdrive Racing 2017 honours with the aguay and moved American country the Toyota and Conrad Rau- fastest time. towards Resistencia in distinction of becoming tenbach and Robert The opening day’s northern Argentina the 29th nation to ever Howie were 15th on the route headed out of the yesterday. host a competitive stage Zimbabwean’s Dakar Paraguayan capital of Qatar’s Nasser Saleh of the event. debut in a Toyota Gazoo Asunción towards the Al Attiyah and his French The Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota Hilux. The city of Resistencia, the navigator Matthieu Racing South Africa and French pairing of Ronan largest city in the prov- Baumel opened their Overdrive Racing teams Chabot and Gilles Pillot ince of Chaco in account in a Toyota consist of eight cars in were classified in 19th. north-eastern Argentina, Gazoo Racing South this year’s Dakar, with The seventh nation- renowned for its hot Africa Hilux, running drivers taking part from ality amongst the drivers summers and agricul- with additional support eight countries in a truly in the Toyota team is the ture. In a route of 454km, from and Oore- 2017 DAKAR RALLY – POSITIONS AFTER SS1: only 39km were compet- doo, with a time of 25min itive to the east of the 41sec to take the outright 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Gazoo Hilux host city, but there was lead by the margin of 24 25min 41sec no margin for error on seconds. With support 2. Xavier Pons (ESP)/Ruben Garcia (ARG) Ford Ranger 26min 05sec the technical tracks cho- from Monster Energy, Air 3. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 26min 10sec sen by race officials. Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and co-driver Europa, Alpine Stars and 4. (ESP)/ (ESP) Peugeot 3008 DKR 26min 14sec Today, the route Matthieu Baumel drive their Toyota during the symbolic Michelin, Joan Roma and 5. (ZAF)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Gazoo Hilux 26min heads across the notori-

start from the podium during the departure ceremony Alex Haro carded the 22sec ous Grand Chaco to the of Dakar Rally 2017 in Asuncion, Paraguay yesterday. third quickest time and 6. Sebastien Loeb (FRA)/Daniel Elena (FRA) Peugeot 3008 DKR 26min 36sec city of San Miguel de South African Giniel de Tucuman.

SCOREBOARD South African batsman Dean Indian court orders South Africa (I innings): Total (for 6 wkts) ...... 297 Elgar celbrates S Cook c K Mendis b Lakmal ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-66, 3-66, 4-142, D Elgar c K Mendis b Lakmal ...... 129 5-169, 6-272. after scoring a H Amla b Kumara ...... 29 Bowling: S Lakmal 21-3-69-2; N Pradeep century during removal of BCCI chief J Duminy c K Mendis b Kumara ...... 0 15.4-3-46-0; A Mathews 14-3-30-0(w-1); L the second Test F du Plessis c Mathews b Herath ...... 38 Kumara 17-1-86-3(nb-1 w-3); R Herath 14.2-3- against Sri Lanka T Bavuma c Tharanga b Kumara ...... 10 34-1; D de Silva 8-0-30-0. yesterday. New Delhi competition. Q de Kock (batting) ...... 68 Sri Lanka: F D M Karunaratne, J K Silva, W U Tha- AFP A corruption and match-

K Abbott (batting)...... 16 ranga, B K G Mendis, A Mathews, D Chandimal, D M fixing scandal in the sixth Extras (LB-2, NB-1, W-4) ...... 7 de Silva, R Herath, S Lakmal, N Pradeep, L S Kumara. udges ordered the dis- edition of the IPL in 2013 missal of the Indian cricket brought about the downfall Jboard's President over the of the board's then-president failure to enact a series of Narayanaswami Srinivasan recommended reforms yes- after his son-in-law was terday, plunging the game's accused of betting on most powerful body into matches. turmoil. The elevation of Thakur Elgar's century In a shock ruling, a panel and Shirke had been seen as of Supreme Court judges said representing a break with the Board of Control for Cricket past. in India (BCCI) President But the board's reluc- troubles Sri Lanka Anurag Thakur and its tance to implement Lodha's number two Ajay Shirke must recommendations, which stand down immediately. included age limits and term Cape Town off 90 balls, will resume with they did not take full advantage for 29 and five balls later Thakur said he would limits on office-bearers, had Reuters nightwatchman Kyle Abbott of the seamer-friendly track as Duminy gloved a quick leg-side respect the decision, while triggered a number of legal unbeaten on 16. they took as many wickets in the delivery to be caught for a duck voicing bitterness at the court battles. ean Elgar's century and a Teenager Lahiru Kumara second two sessions as they had after an acrobatic leap by for siding with a retired judge The recent series against quickfire unbeaten 68 claimed three wickets, includ- before lunch when South Africa Mendis. who had been demanding the England was nearly cancelled Dfrom Quinton de Kock ing two in the same over, after were teetering on 69-3 after los- In the second session, cap- shake-up in the BCCI's on the eve of the first Test as lifted South Africa to 297 for six he was brought into the side fol- ing the toss and being put into tain Faf du Plessis was the only governance. a result of the funding on the opening day of the sec- lowing Sri Lanka's 206-run bat. wicket to fall, making 38 in a "The Supreme Court restrictions. ond Test against Sri Lanka at defeat in the first Test in Port There was an immediate 76-run partnership with Elgar passes an order directing the In a video message Newlands yesterday. Elizabeth. breakthrough before the home that launched South Africa's BCCI president and secretary posted on social media, Elgar scored a career-high But the touring side will feel team had scored a run with fightback. He was caught at first to desist from any board Thakur indicated he would 129 and shared a 103-run part- Stephen Cook, who made a cen- slip by Angelo Mathews off the functions from hereon," said abide by the verdict while nership with De Kock to lift the tury and was named man of the left-arm spin of Rangana the ruling. expressing bitterness at the home side into a handy position Proteas on top match in the first test, out to the Herath. The order comes after decision. after they had struggled early South Africa 297-6 at fourth ball of the game. He After tea, Temba Bavuma, judges slapped restrictions on "For me, it was not a per- on. close on day one pushed at a rising delivery from who twice went out cheaply in the BCCI's accounts last year sonal battle. It was a battle The opener went past his Lakmal and got a faint edge to the first Test, was caught for 10 over its failure to implement for the autonomy of the previous top Test score and his Elgar scored Mendis. trying to flick a delivery over a series of reforms recom- sports body," said Thakur, ton came up off 186 balls before career-best 129 The 19-year-old Kumara the field but taken at square leg mended by a panel headed who is a lawmaker for India's he was caught by wicketkeeper dismissed Hashim Amla and JP by Upul Tharanga off Kumara. by a former top judge, Rajen- ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Kusal Mendis off Suranga Lak- Teenager Kumara Duminy in the same over just Elgar followed with a thick dra Mal Lodha. "I respect the Supreme mal half an hour before the claims three wickets before lunch. edge off the second new ball but Cricket's massive popu- Court as any citizen should. close. for visiting Lions Amla, continuing his indif- not before seeing his team into larity in India has helped the Supreme Court judges feel De Kock, whose runs came ferent form, was clean bowled a relatively strong position. BCCI become by far the that BCCI could do better wealthiest of all of the sport's under retired judges, I wish national boards, netting mas- them all the best. I am sure sive money from sponsorship Indian cricket will do well and TV dealsdeals.. under their guidance."guidance." Misbah to captain Pakistan in Sydney ButBut it hashas alsoalso beenbeen embroiledembroiled in a series of scanscan-- dals,dals, incincludingluding Sydney successful skipper on Monday ported me (was appreciated)." 2015. After the Australia Test accusations ofof AFP appeared at the captain's media "Everyone, from the support series Pakistan do not have any corruptioncorruption anandd conference before the Test to staff to the players -- and they're Tests scheduled until April, when match-fixingmatch-fixing akistan captain Misbah-ul- hose down speculation of his up for that (fight), so I'm also up. they will tour the West Indies for thatthat tarnishetarnishedd the Haq yesterday said that he imminent retirement. I need to play at my best." a four-match series. IndianIndian Premier Pwill lead the side in the Misbah, who has scored a Misbah said he was not think- Misbah's most immediate League ((IPL)IPL) -- the third Test against Australia in total of 20 runs in four innings in ing about the end of his assignment after the Australia board'sboard's lucrativelucrative Sydney, dismissing suggestions the series, said his comments international career that started series will be in the United Arab Twenty20Twenty20 he is about to retire. after the innings and 18-run in 2001, although well-placed Emirates in the Pakistan Super Misbah, 42, raised the possi- defeat in Melbourne were trig- sources said he would make the League with Islamabad United, bility following his team's abject gered by frustration. final decision about his playing which starts on February 9. innings defeat in the second Mel- "That was 2016 -- now it's status once he returns home to Misbah opted against nam- bourne Test last week to lose the 2017," he told reporters. "That is Pakistan. ing a final Test team on Monday, series, when he said he would gone, that is gone. You have to Misbah now concentrates admitting there could be changes contemplate his future and may fight as a sportsman and that's only on Test cricket and retired after his side's woeful last day in even retire before Tuesday's final important for me also. I'm happy from one-day internationals after the Melbourne Test. Test. that I've got a very good family, Pakistan's defeat to Australia in Australia hold an unassaila- Anurag Thakur But Pakistan's most all the team. The way they sup- the World Cup quarter-final in ble 2-0 lead in the Test series.