Sport

MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020 CumminsCum hoping for life in second Test wicket I thought the Ashes Test (in 2017) and the Indian Test at the MMCG a couple of years ago were pretty flat and boring wickets aas a bowler. Last year against New Zealand it was a really ggood wicket. It has a bit of sideways and pace and bounce. HHopefully it will be much the same.

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins Sport |09

QATAR SENIOR MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE: Al Wakrah beat Al Sadd Sports Club 82-69; Al Arabi Sports Club beat Al Khor 74-68 Hellenistique, Lady Princess land Derby wins

THE PENINSULA – DOHA RESULTS QATAR DERBY (QA Gr1) (Far Bend) Injaaz Stud’s Hellenistique made Horse: Hellenistique (FR), Trainer: a spectacular debut in Qatar Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair Maki, Jockey: landing the Qatar Derby (QA Gr1) Marco Casamento (Far Bend) (3 Year Olds) in QATAR DERBY (Gr2 PA) (Far Bend) thrilling fashion at Al Rayyan Lady Princess (FR), Thomas Park on the final day of the Qatar Fourcy,Julien Augé International Derby Festival. QATAR DERBY (Gr3 PA) (Far Bend) At Al Rayyan Park, Minister Antar (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, of Culture and Sports H E Salah Ronan Thomas bin Ghanem Al Ali crowned the QATAR DERBY (Far Bend) winners. The Qatar Racing and Equinoxe (QA), Alban Elie Marie De Equestrian Club (QREC) Mieulle, Ronan Thomas Chairman Issa bin Mohammed LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN Al Mohannadi and the Chairman HANDICAP of the Qatar and Asian Eques- Rodina (QA), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, Saleh Salem Al-Marri trian Federations and Vice THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE Chairman of QREC, Hamad bin (Class 6) Abdulrahman Al Attiyah were Harry Hotspur (IRE), Rashid Al Ali, also present during the trophy Alexander Reznikov presentation ceremony. Minister of Culture and Sports, LOCAL THOROUGHBRED In the feature event of the H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, HANDICAP (Far Bend) festival, Saddled by Zuhair Qatar Racing and Equestrian Dukhan (QA), Mohammed Hussain Mohsen Zuhair Maki, the Hel- Club (QREC) Chairman Issa bin Afroz, Luca Maniezzi lenistique stayed at the back of Mohammed Al Mohannadi, THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP the pack early on in the 2000m Chairman of the Qatar and (Class 3) (Far Bend) run on turf, before Marco Casa- Asian Equestrian Federations Hajaj (IRE), Hadi Nasser Rashid Al mento had the bay horse move and Vice Chairman of QREC, Ramzani, Alberto Sanna outside and steadily up the order Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN coming off the final bend. As Attiyah with the members PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Far Bend) Hellenistique took the lead in the of the Gr1 QA Qatar Derby Wilyan (QA), Majed Mahadi Seifeddine, closing stages of the feature, for 3YO winner, Injaaz Stud's Alberto Sanna another Zuhair Mohsen ward, Hellenistique during the King Pacha, ridden by Julien presentation ceremony. and winning by one and a Auge in the colours of Khalifa bin RIGHT: Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair quarter length. Sheail Al Kuwari, followed but Maki celebrates as Hellenistique Dhafi Rashid Al Marri’s eventually could only manage wins the Qatar Derby (QA Gr1) Dukhan (Local Thoroughbred second three lengths behind the (Far Bend) (3 Year Olds). Handicap - Far Bend - 80 & winner. Gassim Mohammad below), ridden by Luca Maniezzi, Ghazali trained Sir Arthur Al Jeryan Stud’s Harry Hotspur Dayne, helmed by Jason Watson lead but being pursued by (Thoroughbred Maiden Plate - in the colours of Al Kuwari, fin- French raider HM Jalfane, ridden Class 6) with Alexander ished third. by Auge in the colours of Reznikov in the saddle, and Al Kuwari’s Lady Princess, Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah Injaaz Stud’s Rodina (Local second in the Qatar Derby last for Thomas Fourcy. Antar was Purebred Arabian Handicap - 70 season, landed the Purebred able to keep his lead as Auge and & below), ridden by Qatari rider Arabian feature Qatar Derby his partner could only manage Saleh Salem Al Marri, also won (Gr2 PA) (Far Bend) (Purebred second by half a length. Hassan Thani Al Thani’s Al Hindi, trained Hajaj had showed promise on since March 2019. Sanna nudged their respective Arabians 4 Year Olds) com- Ali Alabdulmalik’s Tarek Du by Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, his last two outings over a mile his bay mount forward 100m events fortably. Runner up behind Soleil, ridden by Faleh was third under JP finishing in the frame. In yester- from the post, and Hajaj duly yesterday. Umm Qarn’s Jabalah last year, Bughanaim for Deborah Guillambert. day's Thoroughbred Handicap obliged, grabbing the Thomas Fourcy’s ward, ridden Amanda Clare Mountain, was Earlier, Saeed bin Mubarak (Class 3) (Far Bend) (75-95), the lead on a bunch by Julien Auge, reversed the third. Saeed Aljafali Al Naimi’s Wilyan Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani of rivals, order of the top two this time Meanwhile, Umm Qarn’s made light work of a step up in schooled 6yo raced to his first round as the Amir Silver Sword Equinoxe led a spectacular distance in the mile-long Local victory topper bagged the 2000m run one-two for the colours and the Purebred Arabian Plate (3 Year with two and three quarters of trainer De Mieulle in the Qatar Olds) (Far Bend). The colt took a length to spare at the post. Derby (Far Bend) (3 Year Olds went past the post five H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Local TB). With Ronan Thomas lengths in front of the Khalifa Al Thani’s Methgal, in the saddle, the local Thor- rivals. saddled by Julian Colin Smart, oughbred Guineas winner from Al Jeryan completed the top three under last month and stablemate Stud’s Alberto Sanna. Dream Boy, helmed by Soufiane Umm Qarn’s Antar stayed Saadi, led the field coming on unbeaten in Qatar, winning his to the home straight in the second straight outing at Al 1850m run. Equinoxe surged Rayyan Park in the Qatar Derby forward easing past Dream (Gr3 PA) (Far Bend) (Purebred Boy to win by five lengths, as Arabians 3 Year Olds Only). The Dream Boy held on for a runner mile long run saw Ronan up finish. Sheikh Thomas giving a go-ahead to Abdulla Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle’s ward 200m from the finish and Antar was soon in the

AFC chief applauds Qatar’s readiness to host 2022 World Cup

QNA – DOHA efforts of the medical team in Qatar. of you who have shown great resolve resilience and commitment. The AFC President added: “On and commitment. “This“This hashas beenbeen a cchal-hal- On behalf of the Asian football Asian Football Confederation (AFC) behalf of the Asian football family, I “Today, we celebrate the bestt ofof lenging year for eve-eve- family, I want to underline our President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim want to underline our gratitude once Asian club football, but we also salutelute ryoneryone across ththee Al Khalifa said that the inauguration again to the Qatar Football Associ- your remarkable spirit andand world of football,football, gratitude once again to the of the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium to ation, the Qatar Authorities and all our sacrifice.” andand tthehe AFAFCC iiss Qatar Football Association, the become the fourth fully operational participating clubs. It was an incredible Also, the AFC President congrat-rat- proudproud to havehave Qatar Authorities and all our FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament team effort that showcased the unity ulated Ulsan Hyundai for winning the successfully andand participating clubs. It was an venue confirms the State of Qatar’s and solidarity of Asian football. AFC Champions League title and said:aid: safely delivered the readiness to host the World Cup for “I must also thank our broadcast “On behalf of the AFC and Asianian AFCAFC ChamChampionspions incredible team effort that the first time in the Middle East. partners, our loyal sponsors as well as football family, I would like to con-on- LeagueLeague 2020 for the showcased the unity and The AFC chief attended the inau- the media and our passionate fans, so gratulate both Persepolis and Ulsansan benefitbenefit ooff ouourr cclubslubs solidarity of Asian guration of the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium many of whom continue to be engaged Hyundai for producing a memorableable anandd MemberMember football: AFC on Friday as the stadium hosted the in record numbers. night of spectacular football. Associa-Associ a - Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and “And finally, but most importantly, “Ulsan Hyundai deserve our praiseaise tions.”tions.” President Shaikh Al Arabi (Al Sadd won 2-1). to the medical team in Qatar, our for showcasing outstanding qualitylity Salman bin The AFC President also paid tribute doctors, and front liners as well as the and I would like to congratulate eve-ve- Ebrahim to this years centralised host the delegation in Qatar. Our achievements ryone, from the players, officialss as Al Khalifa Qatar Football Association and the would not have been possible without well as the backroom staff, all of thoseose Qatar Government and hailed the you and this success is a tribute to all working behind the scenes for theirheir Sport MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020 08 Federer training, committed to playing Australian Open: Tiley

AFP — MELBOURNE special charter flights for their 500 tournaments are also planned quarantine. to be held concurrently at Melbourne Russell All the world’s top players, including Every player, including Tiley said they would constantly Park on January 31-February 7. Westbrook 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger, has made a be tested for Covid-19 but allowed Melbourne only emerged from of the Washington Roger Federer (pictured), are commitment to travel to to train for five hours a day in a bio- a months-long lockdown in October expected to be in Melbourne for the secure bubble, although with just following a second wave of Wizards brings coronavirus-disrupted Australian Melbourne to play. We have one other player. COVID-19, complicating planning the ball up the Open, tournament organiser Craig been in touch with him and They will be shuttled between for the Grand Slam and how to allow floor in the first Tiley said. his team and it’s been three designated hotels and Melbourne so many players and support staff toto half against The opening Grand Slam of the days now, he’s hit for the Park,Park, where the tournament is held enter the countrycountry safelsafely.y. the Detroit Pistons. year, in front of at least 50 percent first time in Dubai. He’s in hiss andand ifif anyoneanyone tests positive,positive, they Australia has llargelyargely of normal crowds, has been pushed willwill needneed to isolateisolate in theirtheir containedcontac ined thethe corona-corona- back three weeks until February 8 normal preseason training room.room. virusvirus aalthoughlthough a with all players to undergo a man- routine. “If“If ttherehere are any newn outbreakoutbreak in datory 14-day quarantine on arrival. breaches (of qquar-uar- SydneSydneyy overover The delay could be pivotal for Craig Tiley antine) thethe playerplayer wwillill recentrecent daydayss has NBA: Westbrook Federer, who admitted last week he Tournament Organiser bebe immediatelyimmediately sparkedsparked freshfresh was in a “race against time” to be fit removedremoved fromfrom thethe restrictionsrestrictions in debuts for Wizards as his recovery from two rounds of countrycountry as well as being partsp of the citycity knee surgery takes longer than fined,” Tiley warned.warned. andand eevenven sstatetate expected. Australian Open,” Tiley added. ““ButBut A slimmed-down,slimmed-down, borderborder closures.closures. in win over Detroit Tiley said he had been in touch a lot will depend on how he respondsonds 12-team12-team ATP Cup, thethe AP — WASHINGTON with the 39-year-old and he was to his surgery in the next two to threehree relocatedrelocated AdelaideAdelaide going through his normal preseason weeks of training.” International,International, anandd a ATP Russell Westbrook made his Washington training routine in Dubai. Federer has won the Australianlian 250250 tournament will all Wizards debut. Nikola Vucevic pushed Orlando “Every player, including Roger, Open six times. But after losingg in bebe played in MelbourneMelbournee out to a fast start against the Charlotte Hornets. has made a commitment to travel to the semi-finals to Novak Djokovic,ovic, once plaplayersyers are out off And, the Atlanta Hawks won a free-throw Melbourne to play,” he said after missed the rest of the Covid-inter-ter- isolation.isolation. shooting contest against the Memphis Griz- confirming the new start date on rupted 2020 season followingwing TwoT w o zlies in which 59 fouls were called. Saturday. surgery and could only watchh as WWTATA In the last night of the NBA preseason, “We have been in touch with him Rafael Nadal matched his recordd 2200 Westbrook played his first game for Wash- and his team and it’s been three days Grand Slam titles with a 13th victorytory ington after coming over from Houston in the now, he’s hit for the first time in at the French Open. John Wall trade and got hot near the end of Dubai. He’s in his normal pre-season The men’s and women’s quali-ali- the first quarter, hitting a layup, a 15-footer training routine. fiers will be held in Doha andnd and a 22-footer to give the Wizards a 31-27 “He did say to us that February Dubai respectively from Januaryy lead. 8 was a more suitable date for him 10-13, with players arriving in Westbrook, a former MVP and nine-time in terms of preparing for the Melbourne from January 15 on all star, did not play in the second half, as was planned before the game. He sat out the first two Wizards preseason games to rest. WIZARDS 99, PISTONS 96 In Washington, Westbrook finished with Team Kuchar leads as Tiger and eight points in 17 minutes, Thomas Bryant scored 22 and Bradley Beal added 15 for the Tiger Woods of the United States Wizards. and Charlie Woods warm up cub lurk at PNC Championship Jerami Grant and Derrick Rose each scored on the range prior to the final 14 for the Pistons. Josh Jackson had 13 points, round of the PNC Championship. REUTERS — NEW YORK and Detroit got 11 apiece from Blake Griffin, Killian Hayes and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Matt Kuchar and his In the first half, Detroit committed 15 turn- 13-year-old son, Cameron, overs that led to 17 points for Washington, but birdied 10 of their first 11 had just five miscues in the second. The holes to deliver a 14-under Matt Kuchar looks Wizards led by 14 at halftime. 58 and grab the first-round on from the range MAGIC 120, HORNETS 117 lead in the PNC Champi- during the first In Orlando, Charlotte started the fourth onship on Saturday at The round of the PNC quarter hot and took a 96-94 lead on Caleb Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Championship. Martin’s 3-pointer. Chuma Okeke and Michael Grande Lakes in Orlando, Carter-Williams hit consecutive layups to put Florida. Orlando up 111-107, but Malik Monk hit a basket The duo combined for a and Javin DeLaurier made a 3 to give the total of 14 birdies, including Hornets a 115-111 lead. streaks on Nos. 1-6 and 8-11, Devin Cannady’s 3 and Cole Anthony’s to take a two-stroke lead floater put the Magic up 118-117 with 14.1 over Team Singh, featuring Thomas, who is paired with played with Charlie previ- seconds remaining. Anthony followed with a Vijay and his son Qass, who his father and coach, Mike. ously. “He was impressive. pair of free throws, and Charlotte’s Xavier made their 14th start in the “He hit some of the most Very impressive.” Sneed missed a 3 at the buzzer. annual winter team event incredible golf shots,” said Sitting in a tied for third HAWKS 117, GRIZZLIES 116 that pairs a professional Woods regarding Charlie. “It at 11 under are Team Norman In Memphis, Brandon Goodwin gave the player with a family member. was an absolute blast.... We (Greg and son Greg Jr.), Team Hawks their first lead of the game with a The two-day event is a had so much fun being Lehman (Tom and son Sean) 14-footer that made it 111-109 with 2:02 scramble format that allows around one another and and Team Duval (David and remaining. The Hawks never trailed the rest both team members to hit a cheering one another on. It son Brady). of the way. tee shot and then select the was the most perfect Also tied a 10 under are Memphis led by as many as 19 on preferred shot, from where environment. Team O’Meara (Mark and son De’Anthony Melton’s 3 with 5:36 left in the they play the next shot. This “First and foremost, I’m Shaun), Team Trevino (Lee, third. procedure continues until the dad. There is that competitive 81, and son Daniel), Team Atlanta pulled within six early in the third hole is completed Tiger spirit that Charlie and I both Furyk (Jim and son Tanner) on Trae Young’s floater, but that was as close Woods, making his PNC share. We want to win, but and Team Daly (John and son as the Hawks could get until Solomon Hill hit Championship debut, part- being competitive and being Little John). a short jumper to cap a 16-0 run and make it nered with 11-year-old son with each other and leaning Defending champion 105-all with 4:02 remaining. Charlie and posted a on one another, it was an Bernhard Langer, who won the Sean McDermott’s tip-in put the Grizzlies 10-under 62 to tie for sixth absolute blast.” 2019 event with son, Jason, up 109-107, and Nathan Knight followed with place with five other teams “I knew what he had,” opened with 9-under 63 a layup for Atlanta to make it 109-all with 2:28 including World No. 3 Justin said Mike Thomas, who has playing with daughter, Jackie. left.

Decathlon: Kevin Mayer books early Alvarez defeats Smith to claim two titles AFP — LOS ANGELES Saul Alvarez celebrates after chopping down a tree. His Olympics ticket defeating Callum Smith. best round was the ninth Mexican pound-for-pound when he almost knocked AFP SAINT - PAUL, FRANCE champ Saul Alvarez ended the Smith down -- the ropes the longest layoff of his career on only thing holding the champ Decathlon world record holder Kevin Saturday, brutally overpow- up. Mayer booked his ticket for the Tokyo ering the previously unbeaten All three judges gave Olympics in a specially-arranged Callum Smith to capture two almost every round to Alvarez event on the Indian Ocean island of super middleweight titles with with two scoring it 119-109 La Reunion. a unanimous decision in and the third 117-111. Mayer, the French 2017 world Texas. The opening rounds were champion, scored 8552 points, easily Three-division champion uneventful but Alvarez picked above the 8350 points set as the qual- Alvarez claimed the vacant up the pace in the fourth ification standard by World WBC title and Briton Smith’s landing solid combinations Athletics. WBA version of the 168-pound and doing the first bit of The 28-year-old produced a per- belt, overcoming a stark damage with the uppercut. sonal best of 13.54sec in the 110m height difference as he moved Alvarez put up solid hurdles to set up a solid up in weight class for the fight defence as well, easily slipping performance. in front of a pandemic-limited punches and countering The only nervous moment came crowd at the Alamodome in Smith’s jab. on Friday when Mayer fouled his first San Antonio. dropped to 27-1, 19 knockouts. reach of Smith to attack the 32,000-seat venue. They saw Alvarez bloodied Smith’s attempt in the long jump before “I feel really proud to have Saturday’s victory body and head. Alvarez, who goes by the nose and almost knocked him achieving a cautious 7.40m with his this,” Alvarez said. rekindles the possibility of a “I felt great at 168 pounds. nickname “Canelo”, land down with 84 seconds to go second jump. “I represent not only the third fight between Alvarez This is one of the best nights every punch in his arsenal in the ninth, but the Eng- “I’m relieved. It takes off a lot of boxing world but my country. and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, for me,” said Alvarez. during the glorified sparring lishman survived the round. pressure and a burden has been I did a great job after a who lost to Alvarez in a con- Because of the COVID-19 session with Smith whose Smith avoided Alvarez in lifted,” he said after the competition 13-month layoff. troversial majority decision in pandemic, that has killed busted up face and blood- the final round repeatedly in the French overseas territory. “I am the best in the Las Vegas in 2018. 315,000 people across the US spattered white trunks told the looking up at the clock in a bid Mayer won the silver medal world.” The 30-year-old Alvarez in the past 11 months, organ- story. to finish the fight on his feet. behind American Ashton Eaton at the Alvarez improved to showed he is one of the izers were forced to limit the Alvarez’s best punch was Alvarez tried for a knockout 2016 Rio Olympics. Ashton has 54-1-2 with 36 knockouts, smartest fighters in the sport, crowd size but they still the right uppercut and he as the crowd booed Smith for retired and will not be competing in while Smith suffered the first adjusting on the fly and man- managed to get a permit to threw it with authority, clinching and not throwing Tokyo. defeat of his pro career and aging to get inside the long allow 15,000 people into the imposing his will like he was punches. MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

A horseback archer in action. Al Nashaab Horseback Archery event rehearsal to be held on December 27 THE PENINSULA – DOHA had sixteen horseback archers. category, while riders intending They were divided into two to take part in the senior event In keeping with the Qatar groups of eleven and five. And should be 18 or above. National Day celebrations, the out of these 13 have qualified for Entrants must wear the Qatar Equestrian and Modern the final,” said Al Mudahka. helmet and horse riding shoes Pentathlon Federation, in coop- Notably among these, over traditional wear and the eration with the Horseback Muhammad Sultan Al Naama, horse must be over five-years- Archery Society conducted the Ali Hamad Al Athba and Rashid old. A maximum of two players qualification skills test for the Al Dossary from Lekhwiya stood may participate on one horse. first Horseback Archery Cham- out with their horseback archery Horseback archery is considered pionship (Al Nashaab Champi- skills. Al Mudahka said there will Fuad Al Mudahka, President as one of the important onship) which is to be held on be a rehearsal of the event of Horseback Archery Society upcoming sports activities in December 28. ahead of the championship final Qatar and has a traditional and The organising committee on December 27th. lay down plans to develop and cultural importance. comprising Ali bin Yousef Al The organizing committee expand the horseback archery A team from the Horseback Rumaihi, assistant Secretary- has allocated in-kind and sport in the country and to hold Archery Society, represented by General, Qatar Equestrian Fed- financial prizes for the winners more tours, depending on the Fuad Al Mudahka (Director of eration, and Fuad Al Mudahka, of the championship and success of the inaugural cham- Foreign Medical Projects, President of Horseback Archery extended thanks and appreciation pionship, the committee said. Aspetar) and Abdulaziz Al Society, oversaw the skills test to Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al During the qualification Qahtani (Engineer at Qatar which will see the final twelve Attiyah, President of the Qatar skills test, participants had to Petroleum), participated in the horseback archers competing Equestrian Federation. aim at targets from a horseback 15th edition of World Horse in the final. The referees’ com- They also thanked the great in a 90m arena. Participants Shooting Championship in South mittee is headed by Adel Al efforts made by the head of the need to have a passport for their Korea in 2019, where they Muhannadi. organising committee of the horses, who must be vaccinated, achieved good results. The aim Al Mudahka informed that championship, Ali Al-Rumaihi, and are required to clear a test of the inaugural Al Nashaab the participation for the skills which led to the provision of the before the event. Participants Championship is to spot ama- test was very good despite the venue for the championship and have to obtain a rider’s ID from teurs with talent and to hone newness of the sport in the in providing media support to the technical office of the QEF, their skills for their future par- country. “We had a very good uncover this new sport in Qatar. organisers stressed. Junior riders ticipation in championships as skills qualification test where we The next step would be to must be in the 12-18 age pros. After Kohli exit, Seifert shines as New Zealand Shami injury clinch Pakistan T20 series adds to India’s AFP – HAMILTON New Zealand’s Tim Seifert plays a shot during the second T20 international match against Pakistan at woes Down Under Tim Seifert’s 84 not out trumped Seddon Park in Hamilton, yesterday. an unbeaten 99 by Mohammad REUTERS – ADELAIDE Hafeez as New Zealand claimed the second Twenty20 against A potentially series-ending injury to seamer Pakistan by nine wickets in Mohammed Shami has jolted India’s bid to bounce Hamilton yesterday to take the back in the Test series against Australia, a task the series with a game to spare. tourists will have to accomplish without their talis- The Black Caps chased down manic captain Virat Kohli. Pakistan’s 163 for six with four Kohli will miss the last three Tests to attend the balls to spare, after winning the birth of his first child in India and he leaves behind a first game in Auckland by five team smarting from their shellacking inside three days wickets. after being shot out for 36, India’s lowest innings total, Kane Williamson, back in the in Adelaide. side after paternity leave, hit the As if that was not bad enough, Shami retired hurt winning runs with a boundary to after a painful blow to his bowling arm from a Pat be not out 57 but said the game Cummins bouncer. was all about the bowling of man- “He was in a lot of pain, could hardly lift his arm,” of-the-match Tim Southee and Kohli said at the presentation ceremony, adding the the batting of Seifert and Hafeez. team were awaiting Shami’s scan results. Seifert faced 63 balls for his Kohli’s departure also robs India of their batting 84, while Hafeez was in mainstay as they try to stay afloat in the four-Test destructive form, which he series under Ajinkya Rahane. attributed to taking up golf, as he “I’d definitely have loved it for a fact if we had won plundered 99 from 57 deliveries this game, leaving with victory would have been great,” while Southee restricted the Kohli said in a virtual press conference on Saturday. remaining Pakistan batsmen with The 40-year-old Hafeez, out SCOREBOARD “Having said that, this is Test cricket. Anything can four for 21. first ball in Auckland, was almost PAKISTAN NEW ZEALAND happen at any stage and I’m pretty confident that the “It was a good surface, one on his own for Pakistan with a M. Rizwan c Seifert b Southee ...... 22 M. Guptill c Rauf b Ashraf ...... 21 team’s going to bounce back strongly in Melbourne.” that had a little bit for the bowlers career-best 99 which included 10 H. Ali c Williamson b Soutee ...... 8 T. Seifert not out ...... 84 Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins shared nine second- and obviously if you could build fours and five sixes. A. Shafique c&b Southee ...... 0 K. Williamson not out ...... 57 innings wickets between them to rout India with a partnerships you could gain some It was his fourth half-century M. Hafeez not out ...... 99 Extras (w2) ...... 2 fiery display of pace bowling in the day-night Test. momentum,” Williamson said. from six innings in the past year S. Khan c Southee b Neesham ...... 4 Total (one wicket; 19.2 overs) ...... 164 Kohli pointed to India’s first-innings score of 244 K. Shah c Guptill b Kuggeleijn ...... 14 Did not bat: Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James “It was really satisfying to get and he put the consistency down F. Ashraf c Williamson b Southee ...... 4 Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, and tried to allay any fears his team mates might have across the line. A fantastic knock to taking up golf. I. Wasim not out ...... 10 Tim Southee, Trent Boult. about Australia’s formidable pace attack which also by Seifert, a really good effort “I started golf last year and I Extras (lb2) ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Guptill) includes Mitchell Starc. with the ball and obviously a bril- realised the basics of the game are Total (six wickets; 20 overs) ...... 163 Bowling: Afridi 4-0-38-0 (1w), Rauf 4-0-39-0 (1w), “The way we batted, it allowed them to look more liant knock by Hafeez, the similar -- good balance, good Did not bat: Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf. Ashraf 3.2-0-19-1, Riaz, 1-0-19-0, Khan 4-0-24-0, potent than they probably were in the morning to be master.” Opener Seifert batted base, good swing, good follow- Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Ali), 2-16 (Shafique), 3-33 Wasim 3-0-25-0 very honest because they bowled similar lengths in through the innings and although through that really worked for my (Rizwan), 4-56 (Khan), 5-119 (Shah), 6-133 (Ashraf) Toss: Pakistan the first day as well,” the 32-year-old said. denied a century because of the cricket in the last year,” he said. Bowling: Boult 4-0-33-0, Southee 4-0-21-4, Jamie- Result: New Zealand won by nine wickets son 4-0-43-0, Kuggeleijn 3-0-33-0, Neesham 2-0- Series: New Zealand 2-0 quality of his partners, he did Mohammad Rizwan’s 22 was 10-1, Sodhi 3-0-21-1 Man of the match: Tim Southee (NZL match his career-best 84 against the next best score for Pakistan India last year. and captain Shadab Khan put the Cummins hoping for life He put on 35 for the first lack of a decent total down to his we’re not used to the pitches and they will learn quickly, hopefully.” wicket with Martin Guptill, who players not adapting to New that’s why the conditions are a Tim Southee was the pick of the in second Test wicket was out for 21, and shared in a Zealand conditions. little bit difficult,” he said. New Zealand bowlers with four 129-run stand with Williamson. “It’s not a technique issue, “We have young openers and for 21. REUTERS – SYDNEY

Pat Cummins (pictured) said the Adelaide wicket had played a part in the humbling of India in the first test CA mulls 3rd, 4th Test swap after COVID-19 spike and the Australia paceman is hoping for another good track when the teams meet again in the second test in AP – SYDNEY private plane on Saturday from Melbourne on Dec. 26. Sydney to Melbourne to isolate Cummins took 4-21, including the key wickets of Cricket Australia will consider before joining the Australian team Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, and fellow quick swapping the third and fourth bubble ahead of the Boxing Day Josh Hazlewood 5-8 to skittle India for 36 on Saturday Tests of Australia’s cricket Test Test. Warner is recovering from a and fire Australia to an eight-wicket victory and a 1-0 series against India due to a groin injury sustained latelate last lead in the four-matcfour-matchh series. COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney month during the one-dayay inter-inter- SidewaysSideways movementmo from the where the third Test is due to be national series against India.dia. AdelaideAdelaide ttrackrack hhadad aided the Australian played. An alternative plan, to play cause,cause, CumminsCummin said, and he was Australian media reported yes- consecutive Tests in Melbournelbourne hopinghoping the MelbourneMelbo Cricket Ground terday CA officials have a contin- which will host the secondond TestTest (MCG)(MCG) wicket wowouldu have some life in gency plan to switch the Sydney from Dec. 26, exists but is thought iitt as wellwell.. Test and the fourth Test in unlikely because CA does notnot want “I thought thethe Ashes Test (in 2017) Brisbane if the outbreak worsens. to cancel the Sydney Test.est. The andand tthehe IndianIndi test at the MCG a Officials currently are confident Sydney Test also couldld be couplecouple of yearsye ago were pretty the Sydney Test can go ahead as moved to Manuka Oval in flatflat and boringb wickets as a planned from Jan. 7. Canberra. Australia fastst bowler,”bowle said Cummins. If the Tests are swapped, the bowler Pat Cummins said “Last“ year against Sydney Test will be played from the Australian players NNewew Zealand it was a Jan. 15 to 19. discuss the Sydney outbreak and border with New South Wales. are aware of the issues reallyrea good wicket. It has A total of 30 new COVID infec- its impact on the Test series. That would mean players and tel- involving the Sydney a bit of sideways and tions were reported in Sydney yes- “The third Test is more than evision crews could not travel outbreak and are con- pacep and bounce. terday all associated with an out- two-and-a-half weeks away, from Sydney to Brisbane between fident Cricket Australia Hopefully it will be break in the city’s northern beach which provides us with time to the third and fourth Tests. has matters under control.l. much the same. suburbs. The new cases caused the assess the evolving public health Victoria state yesterday “Of course, we haveve “I think not only New South Wales state gov- situation on the northern beaches declared Sydney a hot spot and been chatting about that.at. as a player but as a fan, ernment to impose fresh restric- of Sydney,” CA interim chief exec- said it would close its borders from Fingers crossed it doesn’tsn’t they are ththee best wickets, when tions on public and private utive Nick Hockley said. midnight to travellers from Aus- escalate too much,” Cumminsmins itit is a good bbattle between bat and gatherings. The plan to swap the third and tralia’s largest city. said. “But Cricket Australiaralia ball. You ffeele like if you do your CA’s coronavirus working fourth Tests is being considered in Australian Test opener David have been amazing withh ourour skillskill well, you can have a big group was due to meet Sunday to case Queensland state closes its Warner beat the closure, flying by medical staff. impact.”impact.” 10 SPORT MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020

Decathlon WR QOC Beach Games 2020 kick off holder Mayer THE PENINSULA – DOHA books early The first edition of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Olympics ticket Beach Games kicked off with the participation of more AFP – SAINT-PAUL, FRANCE than 500 male and female athletes at Aspire Park, Doha Decathlon world record holder yesterday. Kevin Mayer booked his ticket for QOC Secretary-General the Tokyo Olympics in a specially- Jassim Rashid Al Buenain arranged event on the Indian Ocean attended the opening cer- island of La Reunion yesterday. emony with a host of other Mayer, the French 2017 world key officials. champion, scored 8552 points, Beach games lovers and easily above the 8350 points set as amateurs, invited by the the qualification standard by World QOC, take part in the Games Athletics. which reflects the legacy of The 28-year-old produced a last year's ANOC Beach personal best of 13.54sec in the 110m Games which took place at hurdles to set up a solid the Katara Beach. Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim Rashid Al Buenain posing for a photograph with the beach volleyball players performance. The athletes are com- and officials during the opening ceremony of the inaugural QOC Beach Games at Aspire Park, yesterday. BOTTOM: Yesterday's action. The only nervous moment came peting in four beach sports, on Friday when Mayer fouled his namely football, handball, first attempt in the long jump before volleyball and 3x3 bas- achieving a cautious 7.40m with his ketball, as maximum 4 to second jump. 12 teams of men and “I’m relieved. It takes off a lot women are allowed to par- of pressure and a burden has been ticipate in each sport. lifted,” he said after the compe- The QOC Beach Games, tition in the French overseas as a community event, will territory. help promote these sort of Mayer won the silver medal games inside the Qatari behind American Ashton Eaton at society, to keep the coun- the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ashton has try's unparalleled success retired and will not be competing after the 2019 ANOC Beach in Tokyo. Games. The Frenchman, whose world The event is one of the record stands at 9126 points, had to many community events drop out of the 2019 world cham- and activities organised by pionships in Doha due to injury. the QOC annually to take Even as Mayer was securing his all individuals of the place at the Games, 20-year-old society to greater standards Australian Ashley Moloney marked of health and physical himself out as a potential rival for fitness. the Olympic title as he set an The first edition of QOC impressive first-day total of 4613 in Beach Games also receiving the Queensland championships. solid support from a number “I’ll burn him off,” Mayer said of local organisations, with a smile. “A decathlon lasts two including Aspire Zone days but he’s unbelievable. He’s (official partner), along with light years ahead of me at that age, the official sponsors, and even now. Vodafone Qatar, Sports “I like the challenge from these Corner and Al Meera (as young guys but I’m going to try to official supplier). hold onto my territory.” Manchester United thrash Leeds 6-2 REUTERS – MANCHESTER Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes scores one of his team’s six goals against Leeds United yesterday. Scott McTominay and Bruno Fern- andes scored two each as Manchester United turned on the style, thumping Leeds United 6-2 at Old Trafford yesterday to move up to third in the Premier League. United are now on 26 points, above Everton on goal difference and trail from leaders Liverpool by five points, having played a game less. It was the best display this season from United who responded to Leeds’ well known pressing game and relentless running by playing through the press with crisp, swift passing and Members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation during a meeting in Doha yesterday, matching Marcelo Bielsa’s side for where they discussed matters related to the organisation of the 25th edition of the work-rate. Arabian Gulf Cup. McTominay fired United ahead team some encouragement for the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE after 67 seconds in emphatic fashion second half and United keeper David RESULTS with a thundering low drive from De Gea had to be at his sharpest to Brighton 1 (Welbeck 87) Sheffield United AGCFF Forms Committee to visit outside the box after he had set up by keep out a Raphina header. 1 (Bogle 63) Bruno Fernandes. But United put the game beyond Tottenham 0 Leicester 2 (Vardy 45+4, The midfielder then became the Bielsa’s side when the impressive Alderweireld 59-og) Iraq and inspect its facilities first player to score twice in the McTominay found Dan James with Manchester United 6 (McTominay 2, 3, opening three minutes of a Premier crisp pass and the Welsh forward beat Fernandes 20, 70-pen, Lindelof 37, James QNA – DOHA Iraq and inspect its facilities during the League match when he collected a Meslier at his near post. 66) Leeds 2 (Cooper 41, Dallas 73) coming period, after coordination between clever pass from Anthony Martial and Fernandes added United’s sixth -- The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and beat Illan Meslier with a left-foot and his second -- from the penalty FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS (AGCFF) yesterday discussed, during its the Iraqi Football Association. finish. spot in the 70th minute after Martial Lorient 0 Rennes 3 (Da Silva 23, Bourigeaud meeting yesterday in Doha, all matters After completing the inspection, the Fernandes made it 3-0 in the 20th had been brought down in the box by 70, Terrier 76) related to the organisation of the 25th committee will submit a report to the exec- minute, drilling home after the ball Pascal Struijk. Brest 2 (Philippoteaux 57, Chardonnet edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. utive office of the Arab Gulf Cup Federation fell to him at the back post, after a Still Leeds continued to push 78) Montpellier 2 (Laborde 45, Delort 81) The Vice President of the Arab Gulf Cup that includes its observations and recom- swift United counter-attack. forward in numbers and they were Dijon 0 Monaco 1 (Volland 15) Federation Dr. Jassim bin Mohamed Al Shu- mendations, so that its members can review Victor Lindelof added the fourth rewarded when Stuart Dallas beat De Strasbourg 0 Bordeaux 2 (Pablo 38, Otavio 66) kaili, chaired the meeting, which was held and study the candidacy, to make sure that in the 37th minute, converting at the Gea with a wonderful curling shot at the Federation’s headquarters in Doha, there are no deficiencies in the availability back post after Martial had flicked on from over 20 metres out. Nantes 1 (Traore 90+4) Angers 1 (Thomas 42) in the presence of all members, either of the requirements and standards before a Luke Shaw corner. With an animated Bielsa still Saint-Etienne 2 (Moukoudi 8, Nordin 63) directly or through video conference. taking its decision. But Leeds gave themselves a small urging his team forward despite being Nimes 2 (Ahlinvi 14, Ripart 56-pen) In its meeting, the federation decided The Arabian Gulf Cup 25 tournament foothold in the game when defender 6-2 down, Leeds left space for United to form a committee to evaluate and study will be held in Dec. 2021 or Jan. 2022, Liam Cooper headed in a Raphinha to exploit and it was only a series of SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS Iraq’s candidacy to host the Arabian Gulf according to the executive office of the Arab corner, four minutes before the break. fine saves from Meslier that stopped Celta Vigo 2 (Mendez 19, 79) Alaves 0 Cup 25, and to form a committee to visit Gulf Cup Football Federation. That goal gave Marcelo Bielsa’s an even heavier loss. Granada 2 (Soldado 14-pen, 20) Real Betis 0 Al Wakrah, Al Arabi win QBF League matches Al Wakrah's Julius V Coles Jr. dribbles the ball as an Al Sadd player tries to block during their Qatar Basketball Federation Senior Men's League match played at Al Gharafa Indoor Court yesterday. Al Wakrah won the game 82-69. RIGHT: Al Khor's Quintrell Daron Thomas jumps to make an attempt to score against Al Arabi during their League match yesterday. Al Arabi defeated Al Khor 74-68. MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

‘The Lions’ prepare to take on newly-crowned Amir Cup champions Al Sadd Qatar Clasico: Blanc braces for Al Rayyan debut FAWAD HUSSAIN QSL ROUND 10 FIXTURES THE PENINSULA Tomorrow Popular coach Laurent Blanc’s 4:00pm: Al Duhail vs Al Khor at Al Duhail Stadium immediate task in Qatar is to 6:30pm: Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal at Al Duhail Stadium put Al Rayyan’s QNB Stars 6:30pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah at Al Sadd Stadium League (QSL) campaign back on Wednesday track. But the 1998 World Cup winner faces a stiff challenge in 4:00pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi at Al Ahli Stadium his first game as Al Rayyan 6:30pm: Al Ahli vs Qatar SC at Al Ahli Stadium confront an in-form Al Sadd 6:30pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd at Al Sadd Stadium side coached by Xavi this Wednesday. Dubbed the Qatar Clasico, both the Qatar football giants will clash in their QSL’s Round 10 clash at Al Sadd Stadium on Wednesday with Al Rayyan hoping for a turnaround in their performance. Ahead of the game, former PSG coach Blanc - whose 18-month contract with Al Rayyan was announced on Sat- urday - met Al Rayyan’s first and U-23 teams yesterday besides supervising training Coach Laurent Blanc speaks with Al Rayyan star sessions. Yacine Brahimi during his meeting with the team Last season’s runners-up Al ahead of the match against Al Sadd. RIGHT: Blanc Rayyan, are struggling this poses for a group photo with Al Rayyan's U-23 team. season and are currently sixth in the points standings with 13 Hassan, Hassan Al Haydous, hoping to retain their second QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 9 points. Akram Afif and Baghdad place with a win over fourth- Blanc, who has succeeded Bounedjah, Blanc can bank on placed Qatar SC. POS CLUB MATCHES WIN LOSE DRAW GF GA GD POINTS Diego Aguirre after the Uru- quality players like goalkeeper Wednesday’s other match 1 Al Sadd 9 8 0 1 35 8 27 25 guayan quit to join his family, Fahad Younis, Mohammed include a game between Al 2 Al Ahli 9 6 2 1 13 13 0 19 faces an impeccable Al Sadd, Alaaeldin, Franck Kom, Dame Kharaitiyat and Al Arabi. 3 Al Gharafa 9 6 3 0 23 15 8 18 who clinched the Amir Cup Traore, Yacine Brahimi, Reigning champions Al 4 Qatar SC 9 5 4 0 13 8 5 15 after defeating Al Arabi 2-1 on Abdulaziz Hatem and Yohan Duhail – ranked 5th with 15 5 Al Duhail 9 5 4 0 15 12 3 15 Friday. Boli. points - will be eyeing full 6 Al Rayyan 9 3 2 4 11 8 3 13 The Wolves are leading the “I will work with the players points against Al Khor in the 7 Al Sailiya 9 3 4 2 12 17 -5 11 QSL points standing with 25 who are currently trying return match will kick off at 6:30pm. week’s opening fixture 8 Al Wakrah 9 3 5 1 10 12 -2 10 points and are the only the team to top of the (QSL) Meanwhile, QSL’s Round 10 tomorrow. 9 Umm Salal 9 2 5 2 5 13 -8 8 unbeaten side this season. points table,” Blanc was quoted will also bring more exciting Al Sailiya and Umm Salal 10 Al Khor 9 1 4 4 7 14 -7 7 While Al Sadd possess as saying in a tweet posted on games. will square off while Al Gharafa 11 Al Arabi 9 1 5 3 9 19 -10 6 players performing consistently the club’s Twitter handle. Al Ahli, who have been and Al Wakrah meet in tomor- 12 Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 7 0 6 20 -14 6 like Pedro Miguel, Abdelkarim The eagerly-awaited impressive this week will be row’s other games. Leao scores fastest-ever Father and son goalkeepers merge Serie A goal to keep AC Milan top on points table Al Rayyan’s past, present and future THE PENINSULA — DOHA A duo of father and AFP — MILAN SERIE A RESULTS son - Younes Ahmed When Younes Ahmed made his Torino 1 (Verdi 69) Bologna 1 (Soriano 78) (left) and Fahed Younes AC Milan forward Rafael Leao debut for Al Rayyan Sports Club Cagliari 1 (Lykogiannis 27) Udinese 1 (Lasagna Ahmed. scored the fastest-ever goal in 57) in 1978, football in Qatar was a Serie A history yesterday when Benevento 2 (Insigne 57, Sau 89-pen) Genoa rapidly growing sport. Just a year he netted after just six seconds earlier, the Qatar national team 0 in a 2-1 win at Sassuolo which played its first FIFA World Cup™ Sassuolo 1 (Berardi 89) AC Milan 2 (Leao 1, kept his side top of table ahead qualifier against neighbouring of city rivals Inter Milan. Saelemaekers 26) Bahrain. More than four decades

Inter Milan 2 (Hakimi 52, Lukaku 71-pen) Milan, chasing a first Serie later, Younes stands on the turf A title since 2011, launched Spezia 1 (Piccoli 90+4) at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, one straight into attack from kick- of eight stadiums that two years off, with Turkish midfielder points that are worth more from now will host matches Hakan Calhanoglu setting up because they come in delicate during the first FIFA World Cup Leao to slot home the rapid moments." in the Middle East and Arab opener. Portuguese Leao, who world. The previous fastest goal in usually plays on the left wing, For Younes, the moment is the Italian top flight had been started at centre-forward with made even more momentous by Paolo Poggi’s for Piacenza star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic the fact he is joined by his son, against Fiorentina in December still out with a leg muscle Fahed Younes Ahmed, the 2001 after eight seconds of problem and his replacement current Al Rayyan goalkeeper. play. Ante Rebic also injured. Father and son are proud that surpass him, but I aspire to reach wide support, with fans beautiful stadium built to such Milan have a one-point It was the 21-year-old’s the 40,000-capacity venue will his level one day,” he added. spanning the entire Gulf region. high standards that is charac- advantage on Antonio Conte’s third league goal this season soon become the new home of While taking in the views of Dubbed ‘Al Rayyan Nation’, sup- terised by the beautiful red and Inter who beat promoted and fourth in all Al Rayyan – and while Fahed is the new Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, porters of the club have seen the black colours of the seats. I wish Spezia 2-1, with champions competitions. looking forward to playing in the Younes recalled his own career side crowned champions of that I could’ve played in a Juventus four points behind the Calhanoglu thought he had new venue, he also has another as he looks forward to wit- Qatar on eight occasions – most stadium like this when I was a leaders in third after a 4-0 win scored a second after nine dream – to represent his country nessing Fahad’s journey with the recently in 2015 – and Amir Cup player, but what does give me over Parma on Saturday. minutes when he put home a and follow in the footsteps of his same club. Ahmad Bin Ali winners six times. joy is that my son will hopefully “We wanted to start the Leao cross but the goal was dis- father, who played as Qatar’s Stadium was inaugurated on 18 Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, be one of the players that will game well because we missed allowed for offside after a VAR first choice goalkeeper for 17 December when it hosted the which is set to host matches up get to play in this stadium in the out in the last few,” said coach review. years. Amir Cup final – a trophy to and including the round of 16 future.” Stefano Pioli whose side had However Alexis Saele- “When the World Cup gets Younes lifted in 1997. stage during Qatar 2022, is built Having the opportunity to been held 2-2 in both their last maekers doubled Milan’s lead underway in 2022, my dream is “The Amir Cup final that on the site of the old Ahmed Bin play in a World Cup stadium two league games against in the 26th minute following to be part of the starting 11 rep- year is the most memorable club Ali Stadium. A large proportion means something entirely dif- Parma and Genoa. good work from Theo resenting Qatar,” says Fahad, game of my career,” said of the materials from the old ferent for Fahad. “We have four-five kick- Hernandez. who joined Al Rayyan after Younes. “It was the sixth final venue were used in the new “I was really young when my off patterns. Yes, he (Leao) Domenico Berardi pulled a graduating from the world- that I played in having lost the development and precinct. father used to play. I was maybe was prepared. It was an goal back late for Sassuolo, who renowned Aspire Academy. previous five. Al Rayyan hadn’t During legacy mode, the sta- five or six years old, so I don’t important moment. I often tell sit sixth on 23 points after the “I know that the level at won the tournament for 25 dium’s top tier will be removed, remember much but I do young players, there are defeat. which my father played is dif- years, so when I became the first with the excess seats donated to remember watching a lot of ficult for any goalkeeper to captain to lift the cup after such create sporting venues in Qatar videos of him playing. I hope reach. It requires a lot of sac- a long absence, it made the and overseas. playing in Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium rifice and a sharp mindset. You match and victory one that I will Younes said: “As a Qatari becomes a launching pad for my need to remain focused in the never forget.” citizen, I am honoured to see career. I want to make my father face of tremendous challenges. Known as ‘The Fierce’, Al stadiums like this. It’s something proud – just as proud as I was I doubt that I will be able to Rayyan are renowned for their to be proud of, to have a when I used to watch him play.” Pele congratulates Messi for equalling goal record LONDON REUTERS — Domenech. Messi, who made “Like you, I knownow much.” Pele,Pele, nonoww 80, his first appearance for Bar- that there is nothingng made his SSantosantos Brazil soccer great Pele has celona aged 17 in 2004, better than the placeace debut aged 15 inin paid tribute to Lionel Messi for needed 748 matches to score we feel at home. Con-on- 19561956 andand leftleft inin equalling his goal-scoring 643 goals, while Pele managed gratulations on yourr his-his- 1974.1974. record for a single club after the tally in 665 competitive toric record, Lionel.. But the Argentine forward netted games for Santos. above all, congratula-ula- Lionel Messi his 643rd goal for Barcelona “When your heart over- tions on your beautifultiful in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw flows with love, it is difficult career at Barcelona.. with Valencia. to change your path. Like you, “Stories like ours,urs, ooff Messi, 33, hit the milestone I know what it’s like to love loving the same clubub for goal with a diving header just wearing the same shirt every so long, unfortunatelytely AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao (right) before halftime immediately day,” Pele, the only player to will be increasinglygly celebrates after opening the scoring during the after his penalty was saved by win the World Cup three times, rare in football. I Italian Serie A match against Sassuolo, yesterday. Valencia keeper Jaume wrote on Instagram. admire you veryy