SPORT Wednesday 24 January 2018

PAGE | 27 PAGE | 28-29 PAGE | 30 Referee should not have Cilic in semis as Steve Smith shown Alves the Nadal retires on questions Kohli’si’s red card: Emery day of upsets leadership

Russia confirms Vietnam edge Qatar in thriller, star speed skater Victor reach AFC U-23 Asian Cup final An is banned

THE PENINSULA probed a resolute Vietnamese AFP backline which refused to give an CHANGZHOU: Vietnam yester- inch. MOSCOW: Short track speed day edged Qatar in a penalty Indeed, a Bassam Al Rawi skating star Victor An has shootout in the semi-finals of the We hope that the free-kick from range in the 36th been excluded from the AFC U-23 Asian Cup to set up a players will look minute was the closest either side Pyeongchang Winter Olym- title showdown against came to breaking the deadlock, pics in the aftermath of a Uzbekistan on Saturday. back and realise until defender Bui Tien Dung’s state-sponsored doping scan- In the second semi-final, that they had a good foul on striker Ali in the penalty dal, angry Russian officials Uzbekistan handed 10-man tournament. As area just three minutes later saw confirmed yesterday. Korea Republic a 4-1 defeat in players they never referee Muhammad Taqi point to Six-time Olympic gold extra-time. the spot. The dynamic Afif duly medallist An -- who was born The clash between Qatar and give up and I am sure kept his nerve to convert from 12 in South Korea but took Rus- Vietnam saw the two sides finish they are going to yards and hand Qatar a slender sian citizenship before the extra time at 2-2, with Vietnam do very well in the advantage ahead of the break. 2014 Sochi Games -- was emerging on top in the spot-kick future. I believe they However, after seeing Ali - “absent from the list of poten- drama 6-5 at the Changzhou the tournament’s leading tial participants”, vice Sports Centre. will do just that, says goalscorer - fire narrowly over president of the Russian Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung Qatar coach Sanchez the bar shortly after the restart,s Olympic Committee Stanis- emerged as the hero as he saved Vietnam were soon to draw level. lav Pozdnyakov said. two penalties - an effort that sen- Quang Hai was at the heart of Olympic champion Anton sationally booked them a place Vietnam goalkeeper things for the Southeast Asians, Shipulin and world champion in the final. Bui Tien Dung first seeing his free-kick rattle the skier Sergei Ustyugov were also Akram Afif opened the scor- emerged as the bar and then, following Qatar’s absent from the list of athletes ing in the 39th minute while star inability to clear Nguyen Phong invited by the International striker Almoez Ali fired one goal hero after saving Hong Duy’s cross, pouncing to Olympic Committee (IOC). in the 87th minute in regulation two penalties. The slam the ball home from close- The absent sportsmen have time. Afif gave Qatar the lead by semi-final clash saw range to claim an equaliser on 69 “never been implicated in any converting a penalty kick. Ali the two sides finish minutes. Qatar duly responded type of doping affair and the found the net with a close-range with an Afif shot from distance, numerous tests they have shot after a corner kick. extra time at 2-2 but before they regained the lead passed in their careers show Despite conceding the first Vietnam came on top through Ali’s scrambled 84th that they are clean athletes”, goal, striker Nguyen Quang Hai in the spot-kick drama minute effort, only to lose it again Pozdnyakov said. scored a brace to bring Vietnam to set up a title clash in dramatic fashion moments “Today we will send the back into the game in which later when Quang Hai curled a International Olympic Com- Qatar had taken lead twice. with Uzbekistan. superb shot past Mohammed Al mittee a request for the In the penalty shootout, Tien Bakari to signal the need for specific reasons why the cap- Dung stopped efforts from Qatari extra-time. tains of Russian teams in Action from the Under-23 ASian Cup semi-final match between Qatar and Vietnam in Changzhou, duo Ahmad Moein and Sultan Al By way of contrast to what various sports have not been China yesterday. Vietnam won 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out. Brake to seal the victory, one had just gone before, chances included in the list of poten- which continues Vietnam’s were few and far between dur- tial participants.” incredible journey in the com- adamant that the West Asian football, sometimes you win and Qatar dominated proceedings ing the additional 30 minutes, The ROC said it did not petition under the wily guidance nation’s players will continue to sometimes you lose. Today, it was with sublime football in regula- leaving Tien Dung to emerge as see this as a final decision, but of head coach Park Hang-seo. develop, despite the disappoint- our turn to lose, but I am pretty tion time. Ali, who finished the the hero in the subsequent pen- An’s lawyer told media on While the victory moves ment of falling at the semi-final sure they are going to continue tournament with 6 goals to his alty shootout as Vietnam Monday there would not be Vietnam, incredibly, a step hurdle, just at they did at the (to grow), he added. name, and Afif attacked the Viet- celebrated wildly and Qatari time to appeal before the nearer to the title, it sees Qatar competition’s 2016 edition. “As players they never give namese box regularly. hearts were broken. Games. In a separate state- fall at the semi-final stage for “It was a very tough game up and I am sure they are going With a place in the final Qatar reached the semifinals ment, the Russian figure the second successive compe- against a very good team,” to do very well in the future. I potentially only 90 minutes away, with wins over Uzbekistan, skating federation said skat- tition following their Sanchez said after the match. believe they will do just that,” the the opening period proved to be Oman, China and Palestine. ers Ksenia Stolbova and Ivan fourth-place finish at the tour- “We hope that the players will Spaniard said. a cagey affair, as Qatar, with cap- Al Anabi will now play the Bukin had been banned from nament’s last edition in 2016. look back and realise that they In a game that eventually tain Moein pulling the strings in 3rd-4th place playoff against the games. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez is had a good tournament. In went the distance of 120 minutes, midfield, constantly prodded and Korea Republic.

Brazilian De Souza heads Asian Handball Championship: Qatar to Al Markhiya down Bahrain, book place in semi-finals THE PENINSULA CHINTHANA WASALA with four points. In their last THE PENINSULA game prior to the semi-finals, DOHA: Al Markhiya, in a bid favorites Qatar will take on to bolster their attack, have SUWON, SOUTH KOREA: United Arab Emirates (UAE) roped in Leonardo Henrique Reigning champions Qatar today in their remaining fixture Santos de Souza. became the first team to make of the main round but the out- The Brazilian will join the it to the semi-finals of the Asian come of it will not affect Qatar’s QNB Stars League (QSL) side Handball Championship when presence in the next stage. UAE from South Korean club they put up an impressive show are already out of the compe- Busan IPark, where he was to defeat Bahrain 29-21 yester- tition, having lost both their sent on loan by native team day. Group 2 matches. Coimbra. At the Seo-Suwon Chilbo Japan and Bahrain will be De Souza will replace Gymnasium in Suwon, South vying for the remaining semi- striker Alain Traore, who Korea, Al Annabi proved to be final slot today. parted ways with Yousef too good for their neighbour- Earlier, on Monday, Al Adam-coached Al Markhiya ing rivals and led 13-11 at half Annabi thrashed Japan by a by mutual consent. The time. margin of 40-23 in their open- Burkina Faso player had Frankis Marzo was the star ing match of the main round. joined The Oryxes when they of the day for Qatar, adding Qatar made it to the main round got promoted to the QSL this seven goals to the tally. Youssef following an impressive run in season. De Souza will sign the Ali also made a valuable con- the first stage where they contract after his medical at tribution, scoring six goals to topped Group D. Al Annabi Qatar’s orthopaedic and swell the total. defeated Saudi Arabia, China sports medicine hospital Asp- With yesterday’s win, Qatar and New Zealand to advance etar. Al Markhiya had stays on course for a repeat suc- with flying colours. strengthened their forward cess at the prestigious The top four teams of the line in the current winter championship, extending their championship will make it to transfer window by signing winning streak to five matches. the Handball World Cup which A Qatari player aims to shoot at the Bahrain goal during their Asian Handball Championship in South Brazilian attacking midfielder The win also put Qatar on will take place in Denmark and Korea yesterday. Qatar won 29-21 and qualified for the semi-finals. Eric de Oliveira. top of the Group 2 standings Germany in 2019. 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018

Juventus deny ‘Superstar’ Sanchez the right Balotelli fit for Man United, says Giggs move AFP

AFP Giggs, United’s most-deco- TURIN: Juventus general rated player, said it was an manager Giuseppe Marotta LONDON: Ryan Giggs says extra bonus that the former has dismissed reports that the Alexis Sanchez (pictured) is a Manchester United Arsenal man would be able to Serie A champions are inter- ready-made “superstar” who play in the Champions League signing Alexis ested in signing Italian striker can give Manchester United a -- United play Sevilla in the first Mario Balotelli as “a hoax”. lift as they bid to chase down Sanchez is similar to leg of their last-16 tie on Feb- There were reports that a Premier League rivals Manches- Robin van Persie in ruary 21. five-year deal was in the off- ter City. the sense that they’re “To have somebody like ing for the former Manchester Sanchez on Monday sealed that, who won’t be fazed by City striker, who has hit top a move to United from Arsenal getting a ready- playing in the big games, makes form for Nice this season with in a swap deal with Henrikh made superstar the squad look really strong,” 17 goals. Mkhitaryan, saying he was and you’re seeing he wrote. “Beyond our affection, “thrilled to be joining the big- the contribution United, who have not won esteem and liking for this boy gest club in the world”. the Premier League title since it’s a fantasy football story,” The 29-year-old Chile already with Anthony 2013, are second in the table Marotta told Mediaset Pre- striker, who came close to join- Martial upping his but trail Manchester City by 12 mium on Monday. ing Manchester City last performances, says points -- a gap that looks “His is a profile we don’t summer, has signed what is Ryan Giggs impossible to breach even with need.” believed to be a four-and-a- four months of the season to Balotelli won six trophies half-year contract that will run. with Inter Milan including the make him the highest-paid them lift their levels, and there Sanchez took a parting shot Champions League before player in the Premier League. will be some difficult selection in an Instagram post at ex-Arse- moving to Manchester City in It has been widely reported decisions for Jose Mourinho. nal players who have criticised 2010, followed by two spells that Sanchez will earn a pre-tax “However, Sanchez can also his attitude. at AC Milan either side of an salary of £500,000 ($697,000, play on the right, as he did at “There are people (former unsuccessful stint at 569,000 euros) a week at Old Barcelona, so if Martial is flying club players) who have spoken Liverpool. Trafford. then he may have to play in a with no knowledge of what The 27-year-old left Liv- “Manchester United signing different position, but those happens inside the club and erpool on a free transfer in Alexis Sanchez is similar to sort of decisions are positive for cause damage,” Sanchez wrote. August 2016 to join Nice, who Robin van Persie in the sense a manager to have to make.” “I must say I always gave are sixth in the French league that they’re getting a ready- United boss Mourinho said 100%, until the last day, when this season. made superstar and you’re Sanchez would “complete our I asked to the Mister (Arsenal months at Old Trafford. central defender Virgil Van Marotta confirmed the seeing the contribution already very young and talented group manager Arsene Wenger) to be The Sanchez-Mkhitar- Dijk from Southampton for reigning six-time league with Anthony Martial upping his of attacking players” alongside in the team, because I wanted yan deal is the latest move £75m. champions’ interest in Liver- performances,” new Wales the likes of Romelu Lukaku, to be a contribution.” of a busy January transfer Reports in Germany say pool’s German international manager Giggs said on sky- Marcus Rashford, in-form Jesse Armenia international window during which Liv- striker Pierre-Emerick Emre Can, whose contract sports.com. Lingard and Martial, who has winger Mkhitaryan, also 29, fell erpool sold Philippe Aubameyang could be on expires in June. “That can happen when top scored three goals in his past out of favour with United man- Coutinho to Barcelona for his way to Arsenal from “We know his contract is players come in, those around three Premier League games. ager Mourinho after just 18 160m euros and signed Borussia Dortmund. expiring but he could renew or have other opportunities,” said Marotta. United retain top spot in Serie A: Costa keeps Juve in hot Deloitte ‘Money League’ pursuit of Napoli De Bruyne AFP AFP Perin cleared. signs contract LONDON: Manchester United But Costa broke through narrowly pipped Real Madrid to TURIN: Brazilian Douglas Costa after 16 minutes in the Allianz extension remain the top revenue-gener- scored the only goal as cham- Stadium and exchanged passes ating club in the world as pions Juventus kept in hot with Mario Mandzukic before with City Premier League sides under- pursuit of leaders Napoli with slotting the ball past Perin. lined their growing financial a 1-0 win against Genoa on Although Genoa had strug- AFP clout, Deloitte’s “Money League” Monday. gled for possession before the report said yesterday. Napoli stayed top after the break the champions were less LONDON: Belgian playmaker It is the 10th time United first game following the winter threatening in the second half Kevin De Bruyne has signed have topped Deloitte’s list, with break when Dries Mertens against a side that are 15th in a contract extension with a revenue in 2016/17 of 676m ended a long goal drought in a the league. Manchester City keeping him euros ($828m, £593m) -- just 1-0 victory at Atalanta on Lazio moved third, 11 points at the club until 2023, the 1.7m euros ahead of the Span- Sunday. behind Napoli, thanks to a Premier League leaders said ish giants. Maurizio Sarri’s side have thumping 5-1 win over Chievo on Monday. United on Monday confirmed 54 points after 21 games to stay in Rome on Sunday, equal on The 26-year-old attack- the signing of Chile striker Alexis one point ahead of Juventus. points but ahead of Inter Milan ing midfielder has been one Sanchez from Arsenal in a deal “It was important to win to on goal difference. of the stars of the season so which is expected to make him stay in Napoli’s slipstream,” said Luciano Spalletti’s Inter fell far with City manager Pep the Premier League’s highest- Juventus coach Massimiliano further behind after a scrappy Guardiola even describing paid player. Allegri. 1-1 home draw with Champi- him as “one of the best play- Barcelona -- one of Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny ons League-chasing Roma, who ers” he’s ever seen. Sanchez’s former clubs -- are continued in place of the are three points behind in fifth. “I am really happy to have third in the 21st edition of the injured Gianluigi Buffon in goal Inter are winless in six signed this new deal,” De Bru- list compiled by the British- for the Turin giants, with Costa games in the league and no yne, who joined the Citizens based business advisory firm, Manchester City and Arsenal. English feel this year and with starting ahead of Federico Ber- longer look like title contend- from Wolfsburg in 2015, told followed by Bayern Munich, Combined revenue for the top the new broadcast deal and nardeschi up front. ers, while Roma, who stay fifth mancity.com. 20 Money League clubs in the UEFA competition performance Miralem Panic missed an on 40 points, have fallen even “As I’ve said previously, DELOITTE MONEY LEAGUE: 2016/17 season grew six percent driving broadcast revenue early chance from a free-kick further behind after picking up my intention has always been 2016-2017 REVENUE to 7.9bn euros, a new record. growth of over half a billion awarded after six minutes when just ten points from a possible to stay here at City, where I’ve United’s Europa League vic- pounds for those in the top 20, Gonzalo Higuain was fouled on 24 since beating Lazio in The first figure in brackets is the club’s position in felt at home from day one. tory was crucial to their financial it doesn’t come as a surprise,” the edge of the box, but Mattia mid-November. 2015-2016 and the second is their revenue in that “Not only are we winning, performance, with Real Madrid’s said Tim Bridge, senior manager period. we are playing great football. 1. (1) Manchester United 676.3m euros (689 mln eu- figures boosted by winning the in the Sports Business Group at It’s a pleasure to be a part of ros) Champions League and their Deloitte. and I’m really excited about 2. (3) Real Madrid 674.6 (620.1) Spanish league triumph. “As the Premier League is what we can achieve in the 3. (2) FC Barcelona 648.3 (620.2) A record 10 English clubs currently in the middle of its coming years.” 4. (4) Bayern Munich 587.8 (592) feature in the top 20, generat- rights tender for the next cycle De Bruyne has already 5. (5) Manchester City 527.7 (524.9) ing a total revenue of 3.8bn from 2019/20, the results of this contributed six goals and 10 6. (7) Arsenal 487.6 (468.5) euros, helped by income from will be crucial to determining assists in 24 matches this sea- 7. (6) Paris Saint-Germain 486.2 (520.9) the first season of the current the long-term composition of son with 31 goals from 122 8. (8) Chelsea 428 (447.4) record Premier League broad- the Money League.” appearances in total in the 9. (9) Liverpool 424.2 (403.8) cast rights deal. A separate study released sky blue shirt. 10. (10) Juventus 405.7 (338.9) Broadcast revenue is now earlier this month showed Pre- City announced the con- 11. (12) Tottenham Hotspur 355.6 (279.7) the largest individual revenue mier League leaders Manchester tract extension at the same 12. (11) Borussia Dortmund 332.6 (283.9) stream for the Money League City have greater financial mus- time that cross-town rivals 13. (13) Atlético de Madrid 272.5 (228.6) clubs, making up 45 percent of cle than any other club in world Manchester United revealed 14. (20) Leicester City 271.1 (172.1) total revenue and there is football, with Arsenal second they had signed Alexis 15. (19) Internazionale 262.1 (179.2) increasing speculation that the and United in seventh place. Sanchez. The Chile interna- 16. (14) Schalke 04 230.2 (224.5) likes of Amazon and Facebook The Soccerex Football tional came close to joining 17. (18) West Ham United 213.3 (192.3) could become serious players, Finance 100 ranked the world’s City in the close season only 18. (n/a) Southampton 212.1 (166.2) potentially giving a fresh cash top teams based on both their for Arsenal to pull the plug on 19. (n/a) Napoli 200.7 (144.2) injection. playing and fixed assets, money

Juventus’ Douglas Costa (right) celebrates after scoring their the deal after failing to find a 20. (n/a) Everton 199.2 (162.5) “The Deloitte Football in the bank, owner potential replacement. Money League has a particularly investment and debt. first goal on Monday. WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27 Battling Swansea Can Mkhitaryan turn around shock Liverpool Arsenal’s fortunes? AFP

SWANSEA: Liverpool’s progress AFP creativity. Sanchez has scored 60 Premier towards securing a Champions League goals in 122 appearances, while Mkhi- League spot was halted by the LONDON: Henrikh Mkhitaryan will have his taryan managed just five in 26 games at United. Premier League’s bottom club work cut out to reverse Arsenal’s flagging But the Armenian leads Sanchez in other areas, and a single goal by Alfie Mawson fortunes, after joining the Gunners from making more assists and passes per game. Mkhi- on Monday as Liverpool’s defen- Manchester United on Monday in a swap deal taryan does have more goals in him too, having sive frailties returned. that saw Alexis Sanchez move in the opposite scored 23 in 78 Bundesliga appearances before Jurgen Klopp’s side, with direction. finding himself deployed in a variety of posi- £75m centre-back Virgil van Dijk The 29-year-old had a difficult spell under tions by Mourinho at United. making his away debut, were Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, but Arsenal man- Do Arsenal need another attacking seeking to extend their unbeaten ager Arsene Wenger will be hoping the Armenian midfielder? run to 19 matches and draw level can rediscover the form he showed at Borussia Wenger has been criticised in recent years on points with third-placed Dortmund that led to him signing for United for for buying too many attack-minded midfield- Chelsea. a around £30m in 2016. ers and ignoring other supposed weaker spots But fresh from dramatically Will Mkhitaryan get a starting place? in his team. With close-season signing Alexan- ending Manchester City’s Mkhitaryan struggled to nail down a spot in dre Lacazette struggling to find the net with unbeaten run, the Reds ran into United’s team despite arriving from Dortmund regularity -- he scored his first league goal since a determined Swansea side des- with an excellent reputation after three strong December 2 in Saturday’s win over Crystal Pal- perate to close the gap on the seasons in Germany that produced 27 goals and ace -- Wenger will be hoping Mkhitaryan can strugglers above them. 34 assists in all competitions. Sanchez’s depar- bring the best from the French striker. The Despite laying siege to the ture leaves Mesut Ozil as Arsenal’s 68-year-old Frenchman is confident he can start Swansea goal, Klopp’s side were creator-in-chief. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Mkhitaryan with the likes of Ozil, Ramsey and unable to find the net and Rob- Wilshere have both been plagued by injuries in Wilshere. erto Firmino struck the post with recent years, while Alex Iwobi has failed to con- Can he help Arsenal return to the Cham- a header in the dying seconds. sistently impress despite being given a lengthy pions League? The defeat snapped Liver- run in the side. Mkhitaryan looks set to slot in Arsenal fans expect their team to be chal- pool’s unbeaten 14-match run in alongside Ozil and behind striker Alexandre lenging for the Premier League title, but the stark the Premier League dating back Lacazette if he finds anything like the form he reality suggests that they are some way from to October and old, familiar showed in the Bundesliga and before that with matching Manchester City and even United. Just defensive failings were laid bare Shakhtar Donetsk. returning to the Champions League after miss- despite Van Dijk’s arrival. Is he a replacement for Sanchez? ing out this year for the first time since 1998 is Swansea took the lead against Although Mkhitaryan is moving to Lon- still a formidable task, with Arsenal currently the run of play just before half- don in a switch with Sanchez, he is not a direct lying sixth. If Mkhitaryan can quickly strike up time when Mawson swept the ball replacement for the Chilean international. a relationship with Lacazette and Ozil then Arse- in from a corner after Van Dijk Sanchez provided ruthlessness in front of goal nal could start to close the gap, but they are failed to head clear. and the ability to run at defenders, while Mkhi- probably still another top signing away from Alfie Mawson (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal against Liverpool The ball struck Swansea cap- taryan’s strengths lie with his passing and challenging for the biggest titles. at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, yesterday. tain Federico Fernandez and Mawson swivelled to shoot past Liverpool keeper Loris Karius. tipped over the Egyptian’s free Matip went for scything down It was exactly the kind of soft kick with an acrobatic save on the Lucas. goal that Liverpool manager hour mark. Then, Fabianski dived Salah then put the ball on a Klopp thought he had found the low to deny Liverpool substitute plate for Mane with the last move solution to with the purchase of Danny Ings late on. of the half, but the striker vol- the towering Dutchman. The goal came was a throw- leyed wide from a tight angle. In contrast to their clinical back to the type of problems Liverpool continued to surge performance against City at Liverpool have suffered under forward after the break, but Anfield, Liverpool were wasteful Klopp. Swansea showed their new- and guilty of missing a number Liverpool dealt with one cor- found discipline under Carvalhal. of first-half chances. ner, but conceded a second and A great saving tackle by Kyle Sadio Mane and leading goal- from that kick the Swans took Naughton denied Robertson, scorer Mo Salah both volleyed their unlikely lead through Maw- before the Liverpool full-back cut wide before the break and Van son, leaving Klopp looking aghast. a beautifully inviting ball into the Dijk flashed a header just wide of It was not just Klopp who was box for no takers. the post. rattled as Liverpool pair Andrew On the hour mark, Salah Liverpool kept pressing in the Robertson and Joel Matip were struck a sweet free-kick from the second half, but either found their shown yellow cards in quck edge of the box that looked to be strikers lacking or else discovered succession. dipping under the Swansea bar. Lukasz Fabianski in inspired form Robertson was booked for But Pole Fabianski was equal Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the Swansea goal. hacking at Ayew as he lay over to it as he tipped the ball over at He first denied Salah when he the ball after a foul and then full stretch. Barca loan Zidane hails Brazilian Referee should not have shown Bale’s show Rafinha to against Inter Milan Alves the red card, says Emery Deportivo AFP opponent drew a whistle, leapt Emery said. has it been a lack of disrespect AFP up, ran to referee Clement “But you have to be bal- to disagree? If you want to blame AFP- PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain Turpin and leant as close as he anced, the referee must know me, you can...I have a broad MADRID: Barcelona defender Dani Alves made a could while shouting at the offi- how to handle this kind of back.” He added the hashtag MADRID: Real Madrid coach midfielder Rafinha will join mistake confronting the referee cial, who responded with a red match, because Dani has done “#alwaysgoodcrazy”. Zinedine Zidane singled out Inter Milan on loan until the in the defeat to Lyon, but an offi- card. PSG went on to lose, 2-1. the same thing in other matches. Emery also said Neymar and fit again Gareth Bale for end of the season with an cial “should know how to “Some players play with the The referee could have given Kylian Mbappe are doubts for praise yesterday as he option to buy, the Spanish manage” such situations better heart, and others with the head, him a yellow,” said Emery before PSG’s Cup match with Guingamp prepares his side for a Copa club and the player confirmed PSG coach Unai Emery said but both are important. Dani is adding “I’m not saying the refe- today. Del Rey quarter-final return .In a statement, Barcelona yesterday. intelligent, he has experience ree did his job badly.” Neymar missed the loss to leg against Leganes. revealed Inter “have an On Sunday in Lyon, Alves and he plays with the heart. He Alves posted on Instagram Lyon and has a “muscle pull” Welsh winger Bale pro- option to purchase the player upset when his tackle on an made a mistake, I told him,” on Monday saying: “Since when which Emery called a “small duced a sumptuous strike to for 35m euros ($43m) plus injury” saying “we will see how level against Deportivo La three million euros in varia- he feels after training.” Coruna at the weekend as bles, which must be Mbappe left Sunday’s game Real eventually romped to a confirmed before the end of on a stretcher after a collision confidence boosting 7-1 the current season”. with Lyon’s Anthony Lopes. league win following a poor The 24-year-old Brazil “He wants to play, he told me run of form. Zidane said Bale’s international, who was out of he feels good, but it was a very brilliance and his brace of goals action for eight months last hard blow so we have to listen had lifted the whole club. year due to a knee injury, to the neurologist who is going “What has changed for joined Barcelona aged 13 and to examine him,” said Emery. him is that he has no prob- rose through the ranks. Emery also said that striker lems, nothing is bothering “I’m really happy,” Lucas, who is being starved of him,” the Frenchman said Rafinha told Inter TV. appearance, “needs to find ahead of today’s match. “It’s a great feeling to be another club.” “For a player, it’s funda- here. It’s an important stage “I’ve spoken with him and, mental to have nothing in my life and I had a lot of with all the respect I have for holding you back in training. desire to approach this new him, there’s no chance of him He’s improving his perform- phase in my career. getting more playing time here,” ances, he’s a really important Rafinha needed surgery Emery said. player and he’s proving it,” and was out for more than six Lucas talked to L’Equipe, the said Zidane, who’s side trail months after tearing a cruci- French sports daily, on Barcelona by 19 pints in La ate knee ligament against Tuesday. Liga. Roma at the end of 2015. He “The shock is brutal,” he “I hope he continues to do then went under the knife said. “I thought I had built some- so, so that the team regains again last year after suffering Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva speaks with referee Clement Turpin after Dani Alves is sent off. thing solid here but that’s clearly its confidence and we con- a injury in April. not the case.” tinue in this manner.” 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29

AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS

MEN’S SINGLES Quarter-finals Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 2-0 ret Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) 6-4, 3-6, Cilic in semis as Nadal 6-3, 6-4

WOMEN’S SINGLES Quarter-finals Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) 6-4, 6-0 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Carla Suarez Navarro retires on day of upsets (ESP) 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2

AFPAFP There were no such troubles for MEN’S QUARTER-FINALS Edmund against Dimitrov, as he became FACTS AND FIGURES MELBMELBOURNE:OURNE: RaRafaelfael Nadal’sNa drive only the fourth British man to reach the towardstowards a second AustralianAustralia Open title Australian Open semi-finals in the post- Tennys Sandgren (USA) v Chung Hyeon (KOR) came to a shudderinshudderingg ininjury-inducedjury halt 1968 Open Era. Head-to-head: Chung leads 1-0 onon a day of upsets that saw unseededu Kyle “It’s an amazing feeling. I’m very Fast facts EdmundEdmund aandnd EliElisese MMertensertens mmake the semi- happy,” said the overwhelmed 23-year- Sandgren: Age - 26; World ranking - 97; Prize money finals.finals. old, ranked 49. - $488,735; Career titles - 0; Grand Slam titles - 0; Aus- TThehe world number one rretired against “It was a hard match and I’m really tralian Open best - Quarter-finals (2018) Marin Cilic after an upper rightri leg prob- trying to enjoy the moment. It was my first Kyle Edmund of Britain signs Chung: Age - 21; World ranking - 58; Prize money - lemlem began troubling him thethe fourth set on match on Rod Laver Arena and it’s very Denmark’s autographs for fans after winning $1,709,608; Career titles - 0; Grand Slam titles - 0; RodRod Laver Arena, with thet Spaniard special.” Caroline his quarter-final match against Grigor Australian Open best - Quarter-finals (2018) wincingwincing in pain and limplimpingin as he strug- He is the only British man in the draw Wozniacki Dimitrov of Bulgaria yesterday. gled to continue. after Andy Murray’s injury withdrawal signs Path to the quarter-final HHisis 3-63-6,, 6-3,6-3, 6-7 (5/7),(5/7) 6-2, 2-0 exit before the tournament, raising the pros- autographs Sandgren set up a last-four clash ffor the former pect that it will be him, rather than the after winning 1st rd: bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 USUS Open champion againstaga Britain’s Scot, who breaks through to win in her match 2nd rd: bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI x9) 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 Edmund joins British greats Edmund,Edmund, who stunnedstunne third seed Australia. against 3rd rd: bt Maximilian Marterer (GER) 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 GrigorGrigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Murray has been a five-time finalist, Spain’s (7/5) Mertens, who is yet to drop but lost them all. AP Edmund upsets No. course I want to keep going,” 4td rd: bt Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), Carla Suarez a set, was equequallya convinc- World number 37 Mertens is on a hot Navarro. 3-ranked Grigor Edmund said. 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 inging in blastinblastingg past world streak of form, unbeaten in 10 matches MELBOURNE: There’ll be a Brit- Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Dimitrov, who won the sea- Chung numbernumber ffourour EElina Svitolina after winning in Hobart this month. ish man in the Australian Open 6-4 yesterday to reach son-ending ATP Finals last 1st rd: bt Mischa Zverev (GER x21) 6-2, 4-1 ret 6-4,6-4, 6-0 to bbecomee the first She was too physical for Svitolina as semi-finals for the seventh time November, was coming off back- 2nd rd: bt Danill Medvendev (RUS) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 BelgianBelgian to mmakea the semis she stormed into the semis, incredibly on in nine years. It’ll be Kyle Edmund a Grand Slam semi- to-back wins over No. 30 Andrey 3rd rd: bt Alexander Zverev (GER x4) 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, sincesince Kim ClijstersCli in 2012. her Australian Open debut. this time, though, not Andy final for the first time. Rublev and Nick Kyrgios, who 6-3, 6-0 Wozniacki advances SShehe will play second “It’s amazing. I mean, it was not Murray. was the last Aussie still in conten- 4th rd: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x14) 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) seededseeded DaneDa Caroline expected, especially today. Really tough AFP “She’s had a very good start to It fired up the gritty Spaniard Edmund upset No. 3-ranked tion in the tournament. WozniackiWozniacki or veteran match,” said the Belgian world number the year, she’s unbeaten I think,” she and she sparked the late night Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 yeah, I just try to enjoy it as much “There’s no point for me to Roger Federer (SUI x2) v Tomas Berdych (CZE x19) SpaniardSpaniard CarlaC Suarez 37. MELBOURNE: Second seed Caro- said of Mertens. crowd into life by breaking Wozni- yesterday to reach a Grand Slam as possible.” say what I did wrong — it’s all Head-to-heads: Federer leads 19-6 Fast facts NavarroNavarro for a placepl in Satur- “But I was in the zone today. If you line Wozniacki withstood a The former world number has acki, whose accuracy began to semifinal for the first time. After breaking Dimitrov’s about him right now,” Dimitrov Federer: Age - 36; World ranking - 2; Prize money - day’s final.final. believe in yourself, then anything can hap- fightback from Spain’s unseeded often failed to live up to the hype in desert her. Suarez Navarro suddenly Edmund had never played in a serve in the ninth game of the said, referring to Edmund. “Eve- $111,885,682; Career titles - 95; Grand Slam titles - 19; LLittleittle separated Nadal aandn big-hitting pen. But of course semis is “Wow.” Carla Suarez Navarro to stutter into the majors, but in the opening set found her timing and had a break major quarter-final, had never fourth set, Edmund set up match rything went his way today. It’s Australian Open best - Winner (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, Cilic until the ininjuryjury struck, aas they traded Svitolina blamed a hip injury for her the semi-finals of the Australian she outplayed Suarez Navarro who point in the next service game won five consecutive matches at point with an ace. Then he had to hard to hide a disappointment. It 2017) ferociousferocious groundstrokes in an intense shock ousting as she again failed to get to Open 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 early morn- was trying to become the first Span- which the Dane saved with her sixth tour level, had lost both of his wait before a video challenge hurts, and so it should.” Berdych: Age - 32; World ranking - 20; Prize money - battle.battle. the last four of a Grand Slam on her 22nd ing today. iard to make the last four since ace before breaking back to level at previous matches against Dim- confirmed that Dimitrov’s last Murray reached five Austral- $28,232,533; Career titles - 13; Grand Slam titles - 0; BButut the Spaniard,Spaniard, who wasw beaten in attempt. “I knew it was going to be tough Conchita Martinez in 2000. 4-4. Serving at 4-5 Suarez Navarro, itrov and had never beaten a top shot — a floating backhand — was ian Open finals, but has never Australian Open best - Semi-final (2014, 2015) last year’s final by Roger Federer,Fe called “It was my hip. I started to feel it actu- against her because in the first set Wozniacki was 100 percent who was in her sixth Grand Slam five player. out. won the title at Melbourne Park. thethe phphysioysio at 1-4 in the fourthfourth set and again ally after the final in Brisbane,” she said, a lot of games were very close,” said successful with service returns and quarter-final and third in Australia He checked all those boxes on “I just held my nerve in that He’s skipping the tournament this Path to quarter-final at the changeover when twotw sets apiece referring to the warm-up tournament she the Dane, who is into a second had just three unforced errors in as but had never progressed further, Rod Laver Arena, setting himself last game and prayed that last ball year after deciding to have sur- Federer and the writing was on the wwall. won. semi-final at Melbourne Park, after near a perfect display as is possible saved a match point before taking up for a match against either top- would be out,” Edmund said. It gery on his hip. 1st rd: bt Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 ““ItIt was an unbelievable performance “It’s been there all the time. I had pain losing her first against China’s Li Na over 34 one-sided minutes against it to a third on her first set point in ranked Rafael Nadal or No. 6 was out. And so was Dimitrov, That leaves 23-year-old 2nd rd: bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) fromfrom both us,” said Croat Cilic,C the sixth all the time. But with painkillers, it was back in 2011. the world number 39. the tiebreak. Marin Cilic for a spot in the final who lost a five-set semifinal here Edmund, who had a first-round 3rd rd: bt Richard Gasquet (FRA x29) 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 seed.seed. “It is reallyreally unfortunateunfortunat for Rafa to fine.” “Another semi-final here, I’m Her level inevitably dropped Wozniacki regrouped and at 1-1 of the season’s first Grand Slam. last year to Nadal and had only upset over US Open finalist Kevin 4th rd: bt Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 finish this way.”way.” She needed a run to the final to have excited,” she added after complet- and she had to fend off a break point broke Suarez Navarro’s serve. “I am loving it right now, just just beaten Edmund two weeks Anderson, as the center of atten- Berdych NNadal’sadal’s retirement follofollowsw the depar- a chance of displacing Simona Halep at ing a see-saw win in 2hr 11min. at the start of the second. When she repeated the dose to the way I’m playing,” Edmund ago at the Brisbane tion for the tennis-loving British 1st rd: bt Alex de Minaur (AUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 tureture on MondayMonday of Novak Djokovic,D with the top of the world rankings. Wozniacki will face another Suarez Navarro finally got on lead 5-2, the Spaniard’s resolve was said. “My first Grand Slam semi- International. public. 2nd rd: bt Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 his immediate playingplaying futurefutu uncertain Romania’s Halep plays her quarter- unseeded player, Elise Mertens of the board in the eighth game to pre- broken and she served out at 1:38 final. First time I played on one “When you’re on these types “I know what it feels like to Croatia’s Marin Cilic hits a return against Spain’s Rafael Nadal 3rd rd: bt Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x12) 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 afterafter an elbow injuryinjury flared.flar He also final against sixth seed Karolina Pliskova Belgium, on Thursday for a place in vent a dreaded “double bagel” 6-0, am today in another late night of the biggest courts in the world. of stages, reaching the last stages be Andy Murray the last eight during their men’s singles quarter-final match of the Australian 4th rd: bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x25) 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 appearedappeared to have a hihipp pproblem.rob today. the final. 6-0 scoreline. finish. To beat a quality of player like of the best tournaments in the years,” said the No. 49-ranked Open in Melbourne yesterday. Grigor. They’re great feelings. So, world, it’s very pleasing. But of Edmund.

TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY Nadal crushed by latest injury setback ROD LAVER ARENA Weak eyesight no problem 21-Angelique Kerber (Germany) vs 17-Madison Keys (US) AFP “I can’t tell you exactly the muscle. Not before 0200 GMT It’s high on the leg. Tomorrow we’re going Tennys Sandgren (US) vs Chung Hyeon (South Korea) for giant-killer Chung MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal called on tour to communicate what’s going on after a Not before 0400 GMT organisers to do more to halt injuries to MRI scan,” he said. 1-Simona Halep (Romania) vs 6-Karolina Pliskova (Czech AFP In his homeland, the mass-circulation Cho- top players after heartache at the Austral- “Now is not the moment to say what’s Republic) Not before 0830 GMT sun Ilbo newspaper said the world had been ian Open as he pulled out of his semi-final going on because we really don’t know 2-Roger Federer (Switzerland) vs 19-Tomas Berdych MELBOURNE: Chung Hyeon took up tennis after “caught by surprise”, although the response yesterday. and the doctors really don’t know yet.” (Czech Republic) a doctor recommended that peering at a green was muted with tennis not massively The Spanish world No.1 retired with Nadal said tour organisers had to do court would help his weak eyesight, and the popular. a muscle injury in his upper right leg while something about the growing number of bespectacled South Korean has never looked Former South Korean president Lee trailing 0-2 to former US Open champion injuries among players after the with- back. Myung-Bak though was enthused, praising Marin Cilic in the fifth set of a titanic quar- drawals of Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori He is now in the quarter-finals of the Aus- Chung’s “strong mentality and technique” in ter-final struggle on Rod Laver Arena. before the tournament and Novak Djok- tralian Open after the biggest win of his career a Facebook post. Chung started playing ten- It is the second time he has been ovic struggling ahead of his exit on against 12-time Grand Slam winner Novak nis aged six, encouraged by his father Seok-Jin forced to pull out with injury in Melbourne Monday. Now I know what it feels like to be Djokovic. -- a tennis coach. His brother Hong is also a after calling it quits in the third set of his “Somebody who is running the Andy Murray for the last eight years. Nicknamed “The Professor” due to his semi-professional player. 2010 quarter-final against Andy Murray tour should think a little bit about The better you do the more attention trademark thick white-rimmed glasses, the Struggling with poor eyesight from a young 21-year-old is in electric form, having dumped age, he would blink constantly and an optom- with a knee problem. Rafael Nadal of Spain what’s going on. Too many peo- you get The look on Nadal’s face said it all as ple are getting injured,” Nadal fourth seed Alexander Zverev out in the third etrist diagnosed him with myopia and receives medical treatment Kyle Edmund after his four-set victory round. It has been a gradual build-up for astigmatism, suggesting Chung should play he came to terms with missing a big said. during his quarter-final over Grigor Dimitrov Chung. tennis as seeing the green court would help. opportunity to go after his 17th Grand match against Marin Cilic “I don’t know if they think a He won the 2015 ATP Most “I always play with the glasses,” he said Slam title after looking impressive in his of Croatia yesterday. little bit about the health of the players. Improved Player award, and this week. “Without the glasses, I can early round matches. I don’t know if we keep playing on these signalled his intentions see guys, but I can’t play the same “Tough moments. Is not the first time very hard surfaces what’s going to hap- with a run to the semis tennis.” an opportunity that is gone for me,” he tough December when I missed starting the win, could lose. He was playing good, pen in the future with our lives.” in Munich last year Chung has said he has no told reporters. season in Abu Dhabi and then Brisbane.” too,” Nadal said. Nadal said he was having no prob- Hello Kim, thanks for watching. I before his big break- plans to get surgery to fix the “I am a positive person, but today is Nadal went into the year’s opening “But I was fighting for it. I was two sets lems with the knee that forced him out know you sent me a message before through at the Next Gen problem because he would an opportunity lost to be in the semi-finals Grand Slam tournament with knee con- to one up. Yeah, just have to accept, of lead-up tournaments in Abu Dhabi and the match. Don’t be too stressy! She ATP finals in Milan in “feel bare” without his of a Grand Slam and fight for an impor- cerns, but ironically that wasn’t the recover, go back home, stay with my peo- Brisbane. said she had so much stress in my November. spectacles. tant title for me. problem that finally brought him undone ple and keep going. That’s all.” “I was playing three hours 50 min- last match. I am trying to be in your Employing his trademark “This has already happened to me a in the heat of battle with Cilic. Nadal said his problem was not hip- utes the other day. Today I was playing footsteps this week defensive speed and scything forehand, he upset top-seeded couple of times in this tournament and it’s “I was playing okay. I was playing a related, more a muscle issue high up on over three hours. I was running quite Belgian world number 37 Elise Mertens really tough to accept, especially after a match that anything could happen: could his right leg. well.” Russian Andrey Rublev for his first after beating fourth-seeded Ukrainian title and has carried the form into Melbourne Elina Svitolina after an off-season training in Bangkok. He models his game on Djokovic -- his idol -- and did his best impersonation of the Serb to knock him out sensationally on Monday. “I’m trying to copy Novak because he’s my idol,” he said, adding that he was keen to get We need to wait a couple of hours. a selfie with him after managing to get one It has clearly not been a with Rafael Nadal, hindrance as he zeroes in on a Tomorrow I am going to do a test, an “I have picture taken with Rafa last year. clash against another surprise packet, MRI here, then we will know So one by one,” he added. American Tennys Sandgren, on Wednesday Top seed Rafa Nadal following his Chung is the first player -- man or woman for a place in the semi-finals. retirement against Marin Cilic in the -- from South Korea to reach the last eight of “I’m just trying to focus on the moment,” quarter-finals a Grand Slam as his meteoric rise gathers pace. he said. “I have to be ready.” Chung Hyeon of South Korea 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 India face uphill task on a lively pitch

AFP Tests there, with a win and three initial sting is drawn from the draws going back to 1992/93. surface. JOHANNESBURG: India will On the one occasion where Cheteshwar Pujara made 153 seek to avoid a series whitewash conditions were particularly in the second innings of the when they play South Africa in bowler-friendly, in 2006/07, 2013/14 match and India will be the third and final Test at the South Africa were beaten at their seeking an improvement from Wanderers Stadium, starting own game. their number three batsman, today. Firebrand seamer Shantha- who has made only 49 runs in The Wanderers could live up kumaran Sreesanth took five for four innings, including being run to its reputation as a haven for 30, South Africa were bowled out out in both innings in fast bowlers, especially after for 84 in the first innings and Centurion. South African captain Faf du India went on to win by 123 runs. Ajinkya Rahane, who did not Plessis expressed his disappoint- It remains one of only two Indian play in the first two Tests, had a ment with the slowness of the wins against 10 defeats in 19 lengthy net at the weekend and Centurion pitch where South Tests in South Africa. could be recalled on the strength Africa clinched the series last While bemoaning his team’s of a strong record in overseas Indian cricket week. poor batting in the current series, Tests. players Hardik Two days out from the Indian captain Virat Kohli has Dinesh Karthik was flown in Pandya (left), match, there was a generous hailed his bowlers, who have as a replacement for injured Dinesh Karthik covering of green grass on a sur- claimed 20 wickets in both Tests wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha (centre) and face baking under a hot sun, with so far. This, he believes, gives and could play at the expense of Jasprit Bumrah groundsman Bethuel Buthelezi India the ammunition to be Parthiv Patel, who had a poor during a team saying in a weekend newspaper competitive. game with the gloves in training session. interview that he was planning Kohli himself has happy Centurion. on preparing a “green mamba” memories of the ground, having With their formidable fast -- which South Africans under- scored 119 and 96 in the drawn bowling attack, coupled with play on as many as four days. Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuv- stand as a green pitch offering first Test in 2013/14 when South more resolute batting and bet- Likely teams: Morkel, Lungi Ngidi. neshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, venomous assistance to seam Africa, set to make a world ter fielding in the first two Tests, South Africa: Faf du Plessis India (from): Virat Kohli Mohammad Shami, Jasprit bowlers. record 458 to win, finished on South Africa will again start (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Bumrah. India, though, will be buoyed 450 for seven, in a match which favourites although they will be Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), by their record at the ground. showed that batsmen can pros- wary of a potential Indian back- Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Ian Gould (ENG) Match referee: They have yet to be beaten in per at the Wanderers once the lash. Rain could interfere with Vernon Philander, Keshav Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wkt), Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Shakib shines Smith questions Kohli’s leadership as Bangladesh IANS his players. He’s very aware, post win over he’s focus on the game is on, JOHANNESBURG: Former sweeping or mid-on,” he added. England’s Root to miss Zimbabwe South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who was handed the AFP Smith has raised fingers at India mantle of the South African side T20s in Australia, NZ skipper Virat Kohli’s (pictured) at the age of 22 and went on to DHAKA: Star all-rounder Shakib leadership credentials, asking become one of the finest cap- REUTERS Al Hasan smashed a half-century if he really is the right choice tains, also pointed out the and claimed three wickets as for captaincy in the longer run. disconnect between Kohli and SYDNEY: Joe Root will miss England’s Twenty20 tri-series against Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe The 29-year-old Kohli, who the rest of the team. Australia and New Zealand so he can rest, the ECB said yesterday. by 91 runs in a tri-nation one- started his captaincy stint with “(But) often his reaction to The 27-year-old England Test captain will return home for a day international tournament in impressive wins at home situations... I think that can break having played in every Ashes match and the first three one Dhaka yesterday. against top teams, is facing sometimes impact on your team day internationals with Australia this month. Chasing 217 for victory, Zim- severe criticism after his side negatively. We all know how Root, whose team lost the Ashes 4-0, will miss the T20 series babwe were bundled out for 125 lost the first two Tests in South powerful Virat Kohli is in world starting on Feb. 3, with England’s first game four days later, but off 36.3 overs after Shakib took Africa in the ongoing three- cricket, in Indian cricket. return for the first of five ODI matches against New Zealand in Ham- 3-34 with his left-arm spin for match rubber. “For him, he’s built this aura ilton on Feb. 25. No replacement has yet been named for the T20 the hosts. According to espncricinfo, added. Smith further said there and for him maybe to find a series, with Eoin Morgan, whose team have already secured an unas- Shakib and opener Tamim at a breakfast event organised should be someone in the level where he can connect with sailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series with Australia, leading Iqbal, who top-scored with 76, by South African TV network Indian support staff who could all his players, to get to a level England as limited-overs captain. set up the win as they shared 106 SuperSport, Smith questioned challenge Kohli where can get the Indian team “I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing runs for the second wicket after Kohli’s leadership skills in the constructively. to be as successful as he is, for England and I don’t like missing games of cricket,” said Root, Bangladesh elected to bat first company of former India cap- “When I look at Virat, I that’s something that he, when who suffered from dehydration, diarrhoea and vomiting because on a batting track. tain Sunil Gavaskar and think he needs someone in the I watch him, is grappling with,” of viral gastroenteritis during the final Ashes test. Zimbabwe skipper Graeme cricketer-turned-commenta- support staff who can construc- Smith said. “I had a long chat with (England coach) Trevor Bayliss about Cremer claimed four wickets to tor Pommie Mbangwa. tively challenge him and help “I think if he had a really things and there’s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket restrict Bangladesh to a modest “I don’t know, when I look him grow. He has all the capa- constructive person in his envi- still to be played. It’s going to be really important to make sure that 216-9 despite a strong start pro- at him, if he is a long-term cap- bilities tactically, he knows his ronment, who could talk to him, I’m available for all of that.” vided by Tamim. taincy option for India,” said own game, he sets the standard make him think, maybe even Meanwhile suspended England all-rounder Ben Stokes is to delay The left-handed Tamim reg- Smith, the most successful Pro- in the field for everyone else. challenge him with some dif- his arrival for the country’s tour of New Zealand in order to attend istered his third half-century in teas Test captain. We all know he’s an outstand- ferent ideas, in a constructive his first court hearing into a charge of affray. as many matches, becoming the “At the end of this year, he’d ing player, his intensity really way, not an angry or aggressive The 26-year-old Stokes was charged last week after a lengthy first Bangladeshi to amass 6,000 have been away from home for benefits his own personal game, way, but make him think, open investigation into an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last ODI runs in the process. a while, the pressure he’ll face, he loves that confrontation, that his eyes to other possibilities, September. He was also named Man of the scrutiny from the press -- I intensity brings the best out of that would make him a really While he was included in England’s squad for the Ashes tour of the Match. know he only gets that in India him,” Smith said. good leader,” he added. Australia and subsequent visit to New Zealand starting next month, Bangladesh collapsed from -- but if you’re away from home “Sometimes as a leader After losing the first two he has not been available for selection due to the legal process. 147-2 to 170-8 with paceman and you’re struggling for form you’ve got to consider how you Tests by 72 and 135 runs respec- An initial hearing was set for Feb. 13 at Bristol Magistrate’s Court, Kyle Jarvis grabbing three wick- as a team, I don’t know if I’d impact the others in the envi- tively, India face a daunting task six days after England would have started a triangular Twenty20 ets for 42 runs. want to burden Virat Kohli with ronment, that’s an area of his to avoid a whitewash when they series with Australia and New Zealand and the same day they are that... Or if India have a better leadership that he needs to take on the Proteas in the third scheduled to play a match in Wellington. SCOREBOARD leader in that environment,” he grow. You can see he’s often at Test, starting here today. Bangladesh Tamim Iqbal st Taylor b Cremer ...... 76 Anamul Haque lbw b Jarvis ...... 1 Shakib Al Hasan st Taylor b Raza ...... 51 Mushfiqur Rahim c Muzarabani b Cremer ...... 18 Pope grabs headlines with 8 for 35 Mahmudullah lbw b Cremer ...... 2 Sabbir Rahman c Ervine b Jarvis ...... 6 REUTERS Spinner Lloyd fight left in them and we were myself to him,” said Pope, Nasir Hossain c Taylor b Jarvis ...... 2 constantly talking about winning whose long unkempt hair Mashrafe Mortaza c Taylor b Cremer ...... 0 Pope celebrates Sunzamul Islam c Muzarabani b Chatara ...... 19 WELLINGTON: Lloyd Pope the game,” Pope said. would be shorn when he his eight wickets Mustafizur Rahman (not out) ...... 18 produced something of a crick- in this picture “We didn’t think we were returns home. Rubel Hossain (not out) ...... 8 eting miracle yesterday when the posted on the ICC ever falling behind. “It is good to look at him Extras (LB2, W12, NB1) ...... 15 leg-spinner took tournament Twitter handle “We all felt that we were in and learn. I really would like to Total (nine wkts; 50 overs) ...... 216 record figures of eight wickets @ICC yesterday. it and could win. put my red-ball cricket up Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-112, 3-147, 4-156, 5-163,6-167, for 35 to bowl Australia into the “We always had the belief where he was, that’s the aspi- 7-168, 8-170, 9-196 semi-finals of the under-19 even when they 47 for none.” ration for any leg-spinner Bowling: Jarvis 9-0-42-3, Chatara 7-0-33-1 (nb1, w5), cricket World Cup in New Pope followed his double- really. Muzarabani 7-0-36-0 (w2), Raza 10-1-39-1 (w5), Cremer Zealand. strike by removing Will Jacks for “Comparisons? I don’t really 10-0-32-4, Waller 7-0-32-0 Zimbabwe The 18-year-old’s haul was one and then had Banton and think about them too much.” H Masakadza c Sabbir b Mortaza ...... 5 even more impressive consid- Finlay Trenouth both caught by Pope’s first-ball dismissal of S Mire b Shakib ...... 7 ering the fact that his side had Sangha at slip to leave England England skipper Harry Brook C Ervine c Sabbir b Mortaza ...... 11 been dismissed for 127 in the reeling on 79-5 at the scheduled with a googly would have B Taylor lbw b Shakib ...... 0 34th over of their quarter-final lunch break and staring defeat pleased Warne, who took to S Raza b Mustafizur ...... 39 against England, who were in the face. Twitter to compliment a young- P Moor lbw b Sunzamul ...... 14 cruising to victory at 47 without He finished off the tail after ster armed with a formidable M Waller lbw b Sunzamul ...... 0 loss after seven overs. the break and the comparisons bag of tricks that also includes G Cremer lbw b Rubel ...... 23 K Jarvis c Mahmudullah b Mustafizur ...... 10 Pope, however, was then to leg-spinning great Shane sharp leg-breaks and awkward T Chatara c Sabbir b Shakib ...... 8 thrown the ball by captain Jason Warne were immediately being skidders. B Muzarabani (not out) ...... 0 Sangha and he proceeded to run made. The Australian is widely “This is terrific & brings a Extras (W8) ...... 8 amok, taking two wickets in his pressure scenarios, I feel like I scenarios in the game.” Pope considered to have changed the huge smile to my face. I had the Total (all out) ...... 125 first over off successive balls. bowl better under pressure. said despite the fact his side had art of leg-spin as he tortured pleasure of meeting this impres- Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-20, 3-20, 4-34, 5-68, 6-68, 7-95, “Sangh (Sangha) put me on “Sangh throwing me the ball set such a paltry target at the batsmen worldwide with his sive young man in Adelaide a 8-107, 9-118, 10-125 pretty early,” Pope told report- gives me a bit of confidence that Queenstown Events Centre, no- control and variations before while ago! Was nice to have a Bowling: Shakib 9-2-34-3 (w5), Mortaza 6-0-29-2 (w2), ers after England were bowled my captain is trying to advance one believed they would lose the retiring with 708 Test wickets bowl with him too - Lloyd give Sunzamul 10-0-28-2 (w1), Mustafizur 6.3-3-16-2, Rubel 5-1-18-1 out for 96, despite opener Tom the game and for me to land the game, even after Banton had but Pope said he did not feel it a rip - well done & congrats! Result: Bangladesh won by 91 runs Banton scoring 58. ball in there straight away and given England a blistering start. anything like him. Spin to win my friend,” Warne Man of the match: Tamim Iqbal “I like putting myself in take wickets, I love those “Everybody had some real “I don’t tend to compare tweeted. WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Russia ‘to send young, clean athletes’

AP

MOSCOW: A new generation of young, talented and, above all, clean Russian athletes will compete at next month’s Pyeongchang Olympics, according to Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko. The Russians must compete under the Olympic flag in South Korea after the Inter- national Olympic Committee ruled the country operated a sophisticated doping and cover-up programme when it hosted the 2014 Sochi Games. Mutko — who was sports minister at the time — has been banned from the Olympics for life along with 43 athletes, though he and all but one of the athletes have filed appeals. Those bans, which include 14 medallists, have helped clear the way for younger tal- ent in Russia, Mutko said. While there would usually be about 40 percent changeover in the Russian team between Olympics, he said, this time 80 percent of athletes will not have competed in Sochi. “In practically every event it’s an abso- lutely new, young team,” Mutko said in an interview in a VIP box at the European fig- ure skating championships in Moscow. Although Mutko is no longer sports min- ister, he is still in overall charge of sports policy and the government’s preparations for soccer’s World Cup. Despite the Olympic bans, Russian offi- cials expect about 200 athletes to compete in Pyeongchang. “In every sport we have a lot of interest- ing young athletes with potential and we hope they can realize their potential,” Mutko said. “We’d like them to compete in equal conditions. We’re trying to abstract them from all these political scandals, though it’s extremely difficult.” Mutko said Russia’s young “stars who could break through” in Pyeongchang include 15-year-old European figure skat- This photograph taken yesterday shows the ing champion Alina Zagitova, ski jumper venue for the opening and closing ceremonies Sofia Tikhonova and speedskater Pavel of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to be Kulizhnikov. held in Korea Republic.

NHL: Cousins nets winner NBA: Rockets continue as Coyotes beat Islanders AP

NEW YORK: Nick Cousins scored his second goal of the game 2:21 to roll over top teams into overtime Monday night, lifting the Arizona Coyotes to a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. AFP Cousins’ seventh goal of the season was set up by Christian Taj Gibson of the Minnesota Fischer, who took the puck away and fed Cousins for a backhander Timberwolves grabs a rebound LOS ANGELES: The Houston Rockets aren’t that gave Arizona its second straight win. It was just the Coyotes’ the type of team to rest on their laurels. from Tyrone Wallace (12), Montrezl 12th victory in 49 games, allowing them to snap a tie with Buffalo Just two days after beating the reigning Harrell (5) and Sindarius Thornwell for the fewest points in the NHL. league champion Golden State Warriors, (0) of the LA Clippers during their New York forced overtime with Anthony Beauvillier’s second Houston quickly refocused on Monday night NBA game. The Timberwolves won goal of the game and 12th of the season at 2:53 of the third period, with a 99-90 victory over the Miami Heat 126-118. giving him seven markers in the last six games. Beauvillier col- in a battle of first-place NBA teams. lected the rebound of Thomas Hickey’s shot in the right circle and James Harden scored a team-high 28 roofed a one-timer over Antti Raanta. points while Chris Paul had 16, six rebounds That allowed the Islanders to salvage a point for extending the and six assists for the Rockets, who are blast- game past regulation, but they weren’t able to get the extra point ing through one of the toughest stretches of for winning. Their 53 points is one out of the Eastern Conference’s their season. final playoff berth. “We got to win games like that,” Harden Arizona carried play for most of the first two periods, looking said. “I think they only had seven threes all nothing like the Western Conference’s worst team. The Coyotes night. We buckled down and took away the parlayed an 8-1 shots advantage to start the game into the first paint. Made them make tough shots over us.” goal. Eric Gordon came off the bench to score Cousins collected a loose puck near the lower edge of the left 16 points and Clint Capela delivered 14 for circle and squeezed a shot through Jaroslav Halak’s pads for his the Rockets, who won for the first time when sixth goal at 12:20 of the first period. scoring under 100 points in a game. The Islanders tied it 34 seconds into the second period with a Hassan Whiteside led the Southeast Divi- quick counterattack. After a pair of saves by Halak, Josh Bailey sion-leading Heat with 22 points and 13 fired a stretch pass to Beauvillier. He skated down the right wing rebounds, while Josh Richardson finished and ripped a wrister that Raanta saved, but couldn’t control. Beau- with 12 in the loss in front of a crowd of first-place teams, Golden State, Miami and Elsewhere, Malcolm Brogdon scored a villier potted the rebound. 18,050 at the Toyota Center arena. the Minnesota Timberwolves. career-high 32 points as the Milwaukee However, Arizona regained the lead almost halfway through The Rockets, who are first in the South- Houston welcomed both Trevor Ariza Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 109-105 the period when Brendan Perlini scored a goal for the third straight west Division, improved to 33-12 on the and Gerald Green back to their rotation after just hours after sacking head coach Jason game. Luke Schenn took a shot from the point that Perlini tipped season by overcoming a sizeable early def- they served suspensions for trying to get into Kidd. Kidd was replaced by assistant coach by Halak for his 13th goal at 9:52. icit against the Heat. the Los Angeles Clippers’ locker room fol- Joe Prunty who was promoted to interim Raanta stopped 32 shots to earn the win. Halak made 30 saves Their last three wins have all come over lowing a physical game at Staples Center head coach until a full-time replacement can in defeat. arena. be found. NBA RESULTS Monday’s contest marked the first time Khris Middleton, who scored a team-high LA Clippers 118, Minnesota 126 in a while that the Rockets were fully healthy 35 points, had high praise for his former Dallas 98, Washington 75 and the hope now is they can continue to coach. Atlanta 104, Utah 90 find the right chemistry with all their injured A Bucks statement paid tribute to Kidd’s Denver 104, Portland 101 and suspended players back in the lineup. work in helping the team reach two playoff Houston 99, Miami 90 “We finally got all our guys healthy,” appearances soon after his appointment in Memphis 105, Philadelphia 101 Harden said. “We got guys that can play a 2014. However, general manager Jon Horst Milwaukee 109, Phoenix 105 lot of minutes with a lot of energy.” said the time had come for a change with The short-handed Heat have also the Bucks languishing in eighth place in the New Orleans 132, Chicago 128 ramped up the tenacity in their play of late Eastern Conference standings at 23-22. Charlotte 112, Sacramento 107 as they were coming off a 106-105 win over “We appreciate everything that Jason has NHL RESULTS the Charlotte Hornets. done for the Bucks organization, but we have Colorado 4 Toronto 2 Houston’s Harden nailed a three pointer decided to make a coaching change,” Horst Detroit 3 New Jersey 0 with about three minutes left in the fourth said. Minnesota 3 Ottawa 1 to bust open a close game. In Dallas, Harrison Barnes had 20 points Buffalo Sabres’ goaltender Chad Johnson (31) makes a save as Tampa Bay 2 Chicago 0 The Rockets then went on a 7-2 run to and 10 rebounds, rookie Dennis Smith scored Calgary Flames’ left-wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Buffalo Buffalo 2 Calgary 1 make it 95-90 with 38 seconds remaining. 17 and the Dallas Mavericks finished a sea- Sabres defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) battle for the puck Arizona 3 NY Islanders 2 The Heat led by double digits at halftime son sweep of playoff-contending and kept it close down the stretch. Washington, beating the Wizards 98-75. during their NHL game. The Buffalo Sabres won 2-1. WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 32 We had been preparing intensely for our AFC Champions League Tennis CRICKET Djamel Belmadi Australian Open in India vs engagements and fatigue Coach of QNB Stars League was a problem. side Al Duhail Melbourne South Africa Quarter-finals Third Test match Cup boost for VAR after ‘positive’ test

AFP experiment has allowed people to see the limits” of VAR, he said. PARIS: Video assistant referees Others support VAR without (VAR) could be used at the World reservations, emphasising that Cup in Russia later this year after it can prevent scandals in big the committee responsible for competitions. the laws of football pronounced “Those who have not yet itself “encouraged” by tests. come round to VAR will end up Since March 2016, VAR has doing so. We cannot go back- been tested in more than 20 wards,” said Marcello Nicchi, competitions and in more than president of the Italian union of 800 matches, unleashing mixed referees. reactions and a heated debate. The goal of VAR is to correct On Monday, the International clear and obvious refereeing Football Association Board errors and can only be used in (IFAB), the rule-making arm of four situations: after a goal, a world governing body FIFA, penalty, a direct red card or to heard a statistical presentation correct an identity error of a on the results and pronounced sanctioned player. them “positive and encouraging”. That can mean making off- The board said on its website that A message is displayed on the big screen while Chile’s Eduardo side rulings based on virtual lines “the experiment has been Vargas’ goal is reviewed by the VAR and later disallowed projected on the television thorough”. during the Confederations Cup at Spartak Stadium, Moscow, image. But these, it seems, can IFAB said it would vote on a in this June 18, 2017 file picture. be deceptive. proposal to ensure international IFAB warned, in a document consistency in the use of VAR at posted on its website on Monday, its general meeting in Zurich on “positive impact”, according to only five percent of the test convinced by its success. “At the Former German referee that “checking offside positions March 3. That could pave the way the report. games, a number that IFAB start I was for, now I am Bernd Heynemann is even more of players has proven to be one to using the technology in Russia. The report countered criti- deemed “very encouraging given doubtful,” French former inter- critical of the idea of using VAR of the more difficult tasks. “The philosophy we laid out cism that VAR breaks the rhythm the short time frame of testing national referee Bruno Derrien in Russia this summer: “It is “The exact pitch dimensions, from the start is being respected. and fluidity of the game, insisting and inevitable human errors”. said. simply impossible that it will including any physical camber We wanted the minimum of that “lost time” caused by VAR has been tested in inter- “Of course, VAR will prob- work with just six to eight weeks on the field as well as distortions interference in the game and the reviews represents, on average, national competitions such as the ably help the referee in certain of preparation.” of the camera lenses, make it maximum of benefit,” said an one percent of playing time, a lot Confederations Cup, as well as situations, that’s obvious. IFAB needs to be careful not very difficult for a virtual line to IFAB spokesperson in a tele- less than free-kicks, throw-ins European leagues like the “But in a lot of cases, the pic- to “disempower the referees”, be drawn that accurately repre- phone interview. or goal-kicks. German Bundesliga and Italy’s tures will be open to interpreta- warned another French former sents a true straight line.” In eight percent of matches Errors are also relatively Serie A, and cup competitions in tion. I do not condemn it com- referee Joel Quiniou. IFAB said it was working on video had a “decisive impact on rare. VAR missed a “clear and England and France. pletely, but at the World Cup, it “You have to be careful and developing systems that calibrate the result” and in one in four a manifest” refereeing error in But not everyone is may be a bit early.” not use it all the time. I think the offside lines. Win over Al Rayyan can push us towards title, says Tae-Hee

THE PENINSULA said Tae-Hee. “If we beat Al Al Duhail’s Rayyan, then it’ll be a huge step Nam Tae-Hee DOHA: Al Duhail midfielder towards the title. Al Duhail are Nam Tae-Hee says that a win the best team in Qatar. We’ll try celebrates after over Al Rayyan in the Week 14 to keep up the reputation of scoring a goal. encounter will be a big step Qatar football while playing in towards winning the QNB Stars the AFC Champions League,” the League (QSL) title. Korean added. Action from the Al Kass Cup International match betwen Leaders Al Duhail will be Tae-Hee listed Al Sadd and AC Milan and Wydad at Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. eager to maintain their unbeaten Al Rayyan, along with Al Duhail run and take a giant leap for- as the contenders for the league ward in their pursuit of QSL title title. when they take on Al Rayyan in In the first phased, Al Duhail a crunch match of the week. down Al Rayyan 5-3 in the first AC Milan edge The two teams meet on phase, but Tae-Hee ruled out a Janaury 27 at Duhail Stadium repeat of the resounding win. with Al Rayyan aiming to leap- “In that match, we played Wydad in Doha frog Al Sadd and cut the gap with very well in the first half, but leaders Al Duhail. didn’t have a great second ses- All these factors will make sion and that made things diffi- THE PENINSULA The first half finished goal- it a keen contest and a treat for cult for ourselves. It’s hard to less, with Milan rueing a host of the fans. Obviously, a lot is at predict the result as both sides DOHA: AC Milan secured a missed opportunities, and stake for the sides. have top players in their ranks. narrow one-goal victory over Wydad grateful to still be in the “It’ll be tough for both sides. I believe even small details play Wydad, despite dominating the game. We’ll attempt to play our natural crucial roles in matches like match from start to finish in the MIlan’s best chance of the game. We’ve been putting up this,” Tae-Hee added. Al Kass Cup International at game arrived when the referee good performances this season Al Duhail are in outstanding Aspire Academy here yesterday. awarded a penalty to Milan. and we want to keep winning. form right from the start of this The Moroccans had goal- Tonin stepped up and shot well, This match is crucial because the season and top the standings are on 31 points, the same as Al Rayyan are coming off victo- keeper Taha Mourid to thank but Mourid produced an out- difference between us and Al with 35 points, while Al Rayyan Sadd but behind on goal ries, against Al Arabi (1-0) and for keeping the scoreline standing save, and Haidara Rayyan now is only four points, have not been found wanting difference. Al Kharaitiyat (4-2) respectable, although it was his sliced the rebound horribly which can be raised to seven,” and are placed third. The Lions Both Al Duhail and Al respectively. error that allowed the Italians wide. For a change, Al Duhail’s to prevail, after he had conjured A nasty collision on the big guns failed to fire and a series of world-class saves. hour mark between Wydad’s coach Djamel Belmadi attrib- Milan’s players would have Aziz Mouncef and Milan keeper uted it to players’ fatigue as been aware of their club’s Leonardo Uzzo, as they com- QSL FIXTURES they have also been preparing proud history at Al Kass, and of peted to get on the end of a high Week 14 Fixtures for the AFC Champions how progress from U-17 level ball, saw both players require Tomorrow League games. to first team is possible. treatment. The unfortunate 6.40pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd at Al “Our performance wasn’t at The Italians struggled to Uzzo was forced from the field, Gharafa Stadium the top level as a number of impose thier dominance o n the to be replaced by Niccolo January 26 players weren’t in their usual proceedings. Zanellato. self,” said Belmadi. 4:30pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Markhiya at Al Wydad had come off The Italians had wasted so Al Duhail have the best goal second best in a highly physical many chances that it was sur- Ahli Stadium difference among all teams. The encounter against Esperance prising when they finally went 6:40pm: Qatar SC vs Al Arabi at Qatar Red Knights have the tourna- Tunis on Sunday evening, but ahead in the 78th minute. SC Stadium ment’s top two scorers in this time round they were given Mourid somehow let a straight- January 27 Youssef El Arabi (19 goals) and more time on the ball to settle. forward shot squirm under his 4:30: Umm Salal vs Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Youssef Msakni (11), whereas Al In the absence of goals, the body, leaving Niccolo Corti with Stadium Rayyan have the next two best game became increasingly the simplest of finishes. In truth, 4:30: Al Khor vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Khor scorers — Rodrigo Tabata (10) physical, with wild challenges it was no more than the Ros- Stadium and Abderrazaq Hamdallah flying in and tempers fraying. soneri deserved, although it 6.40pm: Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan at Al (nine). Referee Ahmed Hussain did was desperately unfortunate for Duhail Stadium Al Duhail playmaker Nam well to keep things flowing, Wydad’s keeper, who had easily Al Rayyan striker Rodrigo Tabata (right) celebrates and Al Rayyan striker Sebastian when the temptation must have been their man of the match up with team-mate Koh after scoring a goal. Soria are also there in the list been to reach for his cards. to that point. with seven goals each.