GOLF | Page 4 Mickelson kicks off year by fl irting with a 59

Saturday, January 19, 2019 CRICKET Jumada I 13, 1440 AH Dhoni shines as GULF TIMES win fi rst-ever ODI series in SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Sanchez plays Al-Attiyah hopes for down ‘favourites’ more backing aft er tag aft er ’s Dakar victory win over Saudi ‘THEY SHOWED GREAT TEAM SPIRIT AND PLENTY OF QUALITY’

AFC Abu Dhabi

atar head coach Felix Sanchez has been quick to play down any notion of Qatar being fa- Qvourites to win the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 following Thursday’s 2-0 win over which saw his side fi nish top of the Group E stand- ings. Almoez Ali scored twice to take his Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar (L) and co-driver Matthieu Baumel (R) of tally for the tournament to an impres- celebrate on the 2019 podium in after their victory in the sive seven, as the Qataris recorded a Dakar Rally on Thursday. third successive victory, a run of form that has yet to see them concede. However, despite the fl ying start, Sanchez is adamant that Qatar’s im- pressive record will count for nothing come the knockout phase. “I want to congratulate my players for the game against Saudi Arabia,” said the Spanish tactician. “They showed great team spirit and plenty of quality. It is good for the team to fi nish fi rst as it helps build confi dence going into the next round.” Felix Sanchez shouts instructions during “Nevertheless, we have fi nished the Qatar’s match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. group stage and now it does not matter if you have three wins or just the one, as it all comes down to just one match go- “We know that our next opponents left to rue the mistakes that cost Saudi utes, but an individual error for the fi rst ing forward. are one of the strongest in the competi- Arabia dear on a night when they fi n- goal and then another mistake from a “Each game is going to be very hard, tion,” he said. ished as runners-up to Qatar, setting up set-piece saw us concede twice. and we do not consider our favourites “It’s not that we would prefer to play Monday’s Round of 16 clash with four- “I am just starting to think of the as we know our opponents in the next Iraq rather than someone else as we al- time champions in the process. game versus Japan. As I have stated be- round will be very diffi cult.” ways play to win the group. It is going “We tried to impose our style of play fore, I respect all of the teams that are Qatar, quarter-fi nalists in 2000 and to be very tough. We know that we will on Qatar, but our fi nishing and our abil- here and do not feel either superior or 2011, are now scheduled to meet Group have to perform well to compete with a ity to make the right decisions at crucial inferior to anyone. It is now important D runners-up Iraq in Abu Dhabi on well-organised team like Iraq who have moments were not there,” declared the for us to learn from the mistakes we Autosport Tuesday, with Sanchez predicting an- talented players.” one-time boss. made against Qatar and perform better Lima strong,” al-Attiyah said. other tough encounter for his charges. Meanwhile, Juan Antonio Pizzi was “We were good in the fi rst 30 min- when we play Japan.” “The team’s missing a little bit of the budget, we are not a manufac- asser al-Attiyah believes turer [team]; we are a private team APPOINTMENT his 2019 Dakar Rally suc- with a little bit of support from cess will prompt Toyota to Gazoo Racing. increase its backing of the “But I am sure Toyota will now NGazoo Racing team in come with an offi cial team for the future. Dakar.” Al-Attiyah claimed his third Dakar Toyota’s maiden Dakar triumph triumph in his by 46 follows the manufacturer taking its Mourinho assistant Rui Faria minutes over his nearest rival, X-raid fi rst-ever Le Mans 24 Hours win and ’s , marking the fi rst the WRC manufacturers’ crown in time Toyota has ever won the event. the last 12 months. It follows al-Attiyah’s previous In the Dakar, al-Attiyah never re- successes with the factory Volkswa- linquished the overall lead after the takes over as Al Duhail coach gen team in 2011 and with the X-raid third stage, as challenges from X- squad in ‘15. raid men Stephane Peterhansel and AFP at a host of top clubs including Chel- Duhail currently stand second in the Toyota’s Dakar eff ort is not a full , as well as pri- Doha sea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manches- Qatar Stars League, two points behind manufacturer outfi t, despite run- vateer Sebastien Loeb, fell apart. ter United over 17 years. Al Sadd, who could be coached by Bar- ning under the same Gazoo Racing De Villiers also led after the second He surprisingly called time on their celona legend Xavi Hernandez from banner used for the marque’s other stage before being forced out of con- ui Faria, an assistant to Jose partnership last year at Old Traff ord next season. There are seven games eff orts that include its World Endur- tention when he hit a rock on stage Mourinho at a number of after working with Mourinho. left in the season for Faria to try and ance and World Rally championship three, meaning a Toyota driver led Europe’s biggest teams, has At the time he said he wanted to help the team grab its second league operations. overall after every stage of the rally. become head coach at Qatari “spend much more quality time” with title in consecutive seasons. Al-Attiyah is hopeful the South Gazoo Racing SA team principal leagueR side Al Duhail, the club an- his family before taking a new job, ac- Faria will replace Nabil Maaloul, Africa-based team, which also ran Glyn Hall, who said prior to the event nounced yesterday. cording to a statement from Manches- who was the coach of the Tunisian na- and Bernhard ten that this year’s Dakar was a “must- It is the 43-year-old’s fi rst job since ter United. Mourinho’s troubled spell tional side at the World Cup last year Brinke this year, will get more sup- win” event for his team in the wake leaving Manchester United, as Mour- as Manchester United boss ended last in , which lost to semi-fi nalists port from the parent company as a of Peugeot’s withdrawal as a factory inho’s number two, last year. month. Mourinho, 55, said on Thurs- and England. result of his win. squad, hailed his team’s “perfect job”. “The club administration has suc- cure Faria as its coach. day that he would return to top-level Maaloul abruptly left the club earlier “It was my dream to win [the “We have been 100 percent reliable ceeded in hiring Portuguese coach “The club will present its new coach football after leaving the English club this month after the team was knocked Dakar] a third time,” said Al-Attiyah. with Nasser, absolutely zero prob- Rui Faria to lead the team... during the to the media in a major press confer- and was “too young to retire”. out of the Asian Champions League at “We also gave the win for Toyota for lems,” Hall told Autosport. coming period after intensive negotia- ence that will be announced in the up- It is the second noticeable coach ap- the quarter-fi nal stage. the fi rst time in their history. I’m “When you have a car that has no tions,” the club said in an announce- coming two days,” it added. pointment made by a Qatari club in re- Duhail were also formerly managed sure Toyota Japan is proud of this. trouble and a driver that is really fo- ment posted on . Faria was assistant for Mourinho cent weeks, after former Iceland boss by Marseille player Djamel Belmadi, “Now we [have] put Toyota in cused on winning the rally and does It said that Duhail had beaten off — who is also in Qatar at the moment Heimir Hallgrimsson was unveiled as who is the current coach of the Alge- fi rst place, I am sure we are coming not care if he does not win the stage, several off ers from other clubs to se- working as a pundit for beIN Sports — Al-Arabi’s boss in December. rian national team. for the next three, four years very then we have a perfect situation.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, January 19, 2019 FOOTBALL

QSL CUP Kharaitiyat stun Rayyan to join Gharafa in semis By Sports Reporter Doha Al Kharaitiyat players celebrate after their win over Al Rayyan. l Kharaitiyat and Al Gharafa PICTURE: Jayan Orma will face off in the QSL Cup semi-fi nals following their quarter-fi nal victories at theA Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Kharaitiyat stunned Al Rayyan 3-2, while Gharafa put it across Al Ahli 1-0. The semi will be played on 26th January. Kharaitiyat’s goals came through Ab- dulhadi Amin (sixth and 17th minutes) and Mohamed Raza in the 90th minute. Sebastian Soria grabbed Al Rayyan’s goals in the 66th and 82nd minute. The match kicked off at a frenetic pace and Al Kharaitiyat were reward- ed for their early eff orts when Amin popped up unmarked at the near post to fl ick a header into the net from a corner. Barely 10 minutes had passed when Al Gharafa’s Mohamed Adi Monkez Amin was again on hand, this time with (left) vies for the ball with Al Ahli’s a piece of individual brilliance. With Nige de Jong during the QSL Cup the defence failing to clear a free-kick quarter-final match yesterday. into the box, Amin received the ball in a PICTURE: Othmn Khalid tight position and beautifully whipped in a curled shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Already at a disadvantage, Rayyan were in further trouble midway through the half when Rodrigo Tabata was sent game drifting towards the fi nale, So- ond semifi nal spot with after testing aimed for the semi-fi nal berth. The Later on, Nigel de Jong looked to his header from distance was sumptu- off after lashing out at Mehad al-Kha- ria scored the equaliser as he ran onto encounter against Al Ahli. The only goal greatest opportunity of the fi rst half deceive the keeper as he disguised his ously directed into the goal via the in- masi. In spite of the numerical disad- a Lucca Borges pass. The match was of the night came from Diogo Amodo in had come from an Al Gharafa coun- goal-bound free-kick, but Abdulla side post. Weiss nearly doubled the lead vantage, Rayyan grew into the game heading for extra time when substitute the 62nd minute. ter-attack as Vladimir Weiss found Abdo was equal to it. The moment of late on, but his drive was saved by goal- with Soria having a host of chances and Raza headed home from close range to The match played out like a chess Mouayed Fedially free in the box. How- the match came midway through the keeper Ivanildo Rodriguez, who was on gave his team a lifeline when he con- send Kharaitiyat through. game from the outset, with neither side ever, he miscued with the goal in plain second half when Amado rose high- hand again when his goal came under verted a cross at the near post. With the Meanwhile, Gharafa secured the sec- looking to give too much away as they sight. est to meet a drifted corner kick and attack from Othman al-Yahri.

LA LIGA ASIAN CUP Japan’s resilience Barca’s biggest makes coach Moriyasu proud AFC Al Ain, UAE tests still to come apan coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his play- ers’ spirit after they came Messi and Suarez now have 31 league goals between them back from going a goal downJ to defeat Uzbekistan on AFP Thursday evening to claim top Madrid spot in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Eldor Shomuro- dov gave the Uzbeks the lead fi ve ith half of the season gone, minutes before half time but a Barcelona own a fi ve-point 43rd minute header from Yoshi- lead at the top of La Liga, nori Muto and a long-range drive boast two strikers with as by Tsukasa Shiotani in the sec- Wmany goals as any other team and look on ond half earned Moriyasu’s side course for their fourth league title in fi ve all three points despite the coach result of their second-place fi n- years. But how good are they? Six league making wholesale changes to his ish in Group F, with the game a wins on the bounce has blurred the mem- starting line-up. rematch of the 2011 semi-fi nal ory of unrest in September, when prob- “I think how we kept doing when the Socceroos registered a lems at the Camp Nou and Santiago Bern- what we needed to do was one 6-0 win. “We still have three or abeu appeared almost on an even keel. key reason we won,” said the four days to prepare our team,” Coach Ernesto Valverde steered his former Sanfrecce Hiroshima said Cuper. “Australia is a really team back into form while Madrid’s coach. “If the players stopped tough opponent and we need to slump plunged deeper, with a change of doing something or if their heads be ready for them, but we need to coach sparking a brief revival, only for old went down after the fi rst goal we focus on our own game and not weaknesses to fl oat back to the surface. couldn’t have scored our fi rst our rivals. Real’s troubles have accentuated Barce- goal. “But their heads didn’t “We need to get the players lona’s superiority, not only in terms of go down, they were very posi- recovered, they must recover points, where there is a 10-point diff er- tive. That’s why we were able to until the Round of 16. Australia ence between the club in the table, but on equalise and that led to our per- have their own advantages but the pitch too. formance in the second half.” we will still come to the pitch to Barca’s 5-1 hammering of Real in Oc- Moriyasu made 10 chang- win, only to win. We will have the tober came as a knockout blow for Julen es from the side that defeated chance to win and if you want to Lopetegui, made even sweeter in Cata- Oman 1-0 in the second round win the Asian Cup you should be lonia that they were the ones to deliver of group games, but the head ready to play anyone.” it. But more generally, every jolt dealt to coach claimed he was not using The Argentinian compliment- Real — by Sevilla, Alaves, Levante, Eibar, the match as a trial for his sec- ed his players’ showing again Real Sociedad and Villarreal in the league Barcelona players celebrate after they beat Levante in ’s Copa del Rey round of 16 match on Thursday night. (AFP) ond string ahead of the knockout the Japanese, even though the alone — has made Barca’s progress appear phase. “I didn’t intend this to be Uzbeks maintained their record all the more smooth. “It is to our advan- celona’s goal diff erence is twice as good likely to depend on it Real still progressed on aggregate. a test, we wanted to show that we of never having won against the tage but I don’t think too much about the as that of second-placed Atletico Ma- Atletico and Sevilla may not prove Victory over Sevilla would deliver a can play as a team and the play- four-time champions. “You can’t other teams teams,” Valverde said recent- drid. The defence, previously creaking, consistent enough in the league but in boost to Real’s chances of fi nishing in the ers showed their motivation to go be content when your team loses ly. “I never discard anyone, not Madrid has tightened. “There was a time when Europe, in a knock-out phase, Barca’s top four but their title hopes are now mi- to a higher level in this competi- and that’s why it hurts a bit, but nor anyone else.” we had to focus on our defending and see mettle will be tested. Valverde’s priori- niscule. In Spain again, Barcelona are in tion,” said Moriyasu. I’m content with my team’s per- Barca’s 3-0 win last weekend against where the problem was,” Valverde said. ties will also come into sharper focus as charge. “The players achieved one of formance,” he said. “They gave Eibar was one of their best of the season “We have to attack well but also give lit- he attempts to juggle three competitions. our goals and that was to advance their all and they fought to the and there is a sense now of a team hit- tle away.” “There are those who think that if we lose FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) to the knockout stage with three end. Japan were really quick. We ting their stride, when rivals were already Barcelona host Leganes tomorrow and in the Copa del Rey we will win the Cham- wins and at the top of the group. knew they would press quickly Today: Real Madrid v Sevilla (1515), Huesca struggling to keep pace. Philippe Coutin- Valverde will know the season is judged pions League,” he said before Thursday’s Before coming here we were and really well, but still we had v Atletico Madrid (1730), Celta Vigo v ho’s absence from Valverde’s start- in June not January. Twelve months ago, win over Levante. “But I don’t.” looking to play with solidar- enough chances to score and we ing line-up had become a concern but his team were eight points and three wins Their lead over Atletico, who face Valencia (1945) ity and as a unit and the players didn’t convert them. I’m satis- against Eibar he returned and was superb. better off . Their defence had been stur- bottom club Huesca today, is unlikely Tomorrow: Real Betis v Girona (1100), showed that on the pitch. It was fi ed that we controlled the ball Luis Suarez, who scored twice, is back dier too, by 11 goals. Despite progress in to grow this weekend but at least one of Villarreal v Athletic Bilbao (1515), Levante a diffi cult match and they played better today but after this loss we to his best. Lionel Messi was quiet, but La Liga and the Copa del Rey, success in Real or Sevilla will drop points, as they v Real Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano v Real well but with this result we have will try to make the proper con- scored his 400th La Liga goal. Perhaps the Champions League remains the pri- play each other at the Bernabeu. Santiago Sociedad (both 1730), Barcelona v Leganes advanced to the next round.” clusions and improve our game. most impressive of all, Barca hardly ority, even if Valverde refuses to admit it. Solari conceded it was a “weak perform- (1945) Japan will now take on Saudi I’m satisfi ed with the eff orts the needed him. Messi and Suarez now have His future, and the activation of a one- ance” that brought defeat by Leganes in Arabia in the Round of 16 while players made. The game was On Monday: Eibar v Espanyol (2000) 31 league goals between them while Bar- year contract extension in the summer, is the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, even if Uzbekistan meet Australia as a equal even though we lost.”

Barca escape Copa expulsion aft er FOCUS federation rejects Levante complaint Iran coach Queiroz set for switch Barcelona: Barcelona will remain in the won the last four editions of the Copa del Copa del Rey after the Spanish football Rey and have lifted the trophy a record 30 AFP “There’s no doubt that Colom- Colombia’s invitation.” ites with South Korea and Queiroz federation (RFEF) said yesterday it had times, won Thursday’s second leg 3-0 at Abu Dhabi bia expressed its interest and con- Despite Team Melli’s strong praised the desire and determina- rejected Levante’s complaint that the the Nou Camp for a 4-2 aggregate win. fi dence in me,” Queiroz said before World Cup showing, Iranian football tion shown by his players despite Catalan side fielded an ineligible player. Ernesto Valverde’s side will face Sevilla, Iran face Oman in the last 16 at the authorities opted not to off er him a the turmoil caused by sanctions im- Levante said that Barca had played de- who they thrashed 5-0 in last year’s final, ran coach Carlos Queiroz said weekend. new four-year contract — a deci- posed on the country. Breaking up is fender Juan ‘Chumi’ Brandariz in last in the quarter-finals following the draw, yesterday that he was “hon- “It is an unbelievable national sion that stung the former never easy, and Queiroz feels a spe- week’s Copa del Rey last-16, first-leg game, which was made shortly after the federa- oured” to be courted by Colom- team with fantastic players and a coach. “I was a little bit surprised to cial bond with his players. which Levante won 2-1, when he was sup- tion announced it had rejected Levante’s bia, who want the former Real very high FIFA ranking (12) — it’s be honest,” he admitted. “I try to select players who put IMadrid boss to join them after the prestigious, an honour and some- “These circumstances weren’t the shirt above everything,” he said. posed to be serving a suspension. complaint. The decision means Barca A statement from the federation said escape the fate of Real Madrid, who were Asian Cup. But the Portuguese, who thing that makes me very proud. created by me — it was the decision “You can never compromise with the head of the competition, Carmen thrown out of the 2015-16 Copa del Rey for has been Iran coach for eight roll- But at the moment my responsibil- of the federation. Coaches have their attitude and character. Either you Perez, had rejected Levante’s complaint playing Denis Cheryshev in a last-32 game ercoaster years, insisted that he re- ity is with Iran,” added the 65-year- futures in the hands of presidents,” have loyalty, courage, attitude — or because it arrived after the 48-hour dead- against Cadiz when he was supposed to mains committed to bringing Asian old, who almost steered Iran to the shrugged Queiroz. “They want to you don’t. You can’t buy it,” added line. Levante said in a statement that they be serving a suspension from the previ- football’s biggest prize back to the knockout stages of last year’s World move in another direction and for Queiroz, whose team are expected will appeal the decision. Barca, who have ous season when he played for Villarreal. country for the fi rst time in more Cup in Russia. “After the Asian Cup sure I will fi nd another solution too.” to prove too strong for Oman in Abu than 40 years. I will take into consideration for sure Iran are joint Asian Cup favour- Dhabi tomorrow. Gulf Times Saturday, January 19, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Slain Ghanaian journalist hailed as ‘national hero’ at funeral

Accra: Ghanaian journalist Ahmed Husein, who helped expose corruption in African Liverpool laying football, was hailed a “na- tional hero” yesterday, as his friends and family gathered for his funeral. The 34-year-old reporter was gunned down as he returned to his home in the Madina area of the capital, Accra, on Wednesday night, in a groundwork for killing that sparked outrage. Husein was part of an inves- tigative team that lifted the lid on graft in the sport last year, which led to the sanction of a string of top off icials, coaches lot of fear in a lot of journalists and referees. His body, wrapped to do investigative journalism. in a white shroud, was brought “He was doing it for the pas- sustained success from a central Accra mortuary sion and the love of his nation to a mosque in Madina before and for his work. He (Husein) prayers, followed by calls was one of the most gentle peo- Klopp is yet to win a trophy since taking charge at Liverpool but there are plenty of for those responsible to face ple we have in the family, very justice. supportive of family issues and signs the German manager is on the verge of ending that drought this term Among those attending was friends here and there.” Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the head Husein leaves behind four AFP but no deal was announced before the of Tiger Eye productions, who children and two wives, said London midday deadline yesterday for the Argen- led the corruption investigation. Mukaz. Police said Husein was tine striker to be registered to enable him Ghana Journalist Association shot in the chest and neck. Anas to feature at the Emirates. president Aff ial Monney told and Tiger Eye said the gunmen urgen Klopp has warned Liver- Sarri previously coached Higuain at AFP: “We have lost a national fired at close range from a mo- pool’s Premier League rivals that Napoli when he scored a Serie A record 36 hero as far as investigative torbike and he died instantly. the leaders are laying the foun- goals in 2015/16. That sort of fi repower journalism is concerned.” The killing has shocked dations for long-term success. is what Chelsea have been badly miss- Before his body was lowered Ghana, which prides itself on Klopp’sJ side sit four points clear at the ing in recent months, with Sarri’s lack of into the ground at the nearby being a stable democracy in top as they chase Liverpool’s fi rst English confi dence in Alvaro Morata and Olivier Muslim cemetery, the imam told an often turbulent region, and title since 1990. Giroud forcing Eden Hazard into an unfa- mourners Husein was “working where media freedom is reason- But the Liverpool boss does not want miliar centre-forward role. for the nation to expose cor- ably high and improving. this season’s potential title triumph to Sarri said he had made the club’s direc- ruption”. Ghana ranked 23rd out of 180 be a one-off . The German believes the tor Marina Granovskaia aware of what his Outside the family home, countries in Reporters Without willingness of Liverpool’s owner John W side needed. “I spoke with Marina two Husein’s family met Ghana’s In- Borders (RSF) 2018 World Press Henry to reward star players with im- weeks ago, so Marina knows very well my spector General of Police David Freedom Index — up three proved contracts is key to fulfi lling his opinion how to improve the team,” said Asante-Apeatu, to update them places on the previous year. ambition for sustained success. Sarri. “Then I decide to be focused on the on the progress of the case. Husein had complained to po- Andrew Robertson is the latest to com- pitch, on matches, on training. I don’t Police spokesman David Eklu lice after a prominent lawmaker mit himself to the club. His new fi ve-year call her every evening, otherwise I spend said: “We came to tell them... we from President Nana Akufo-Ad- contract follows long-term deals for all my mental energy on the market and I are leaving no stone unturned. do’s ruling New Patriotic Party Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto think it’s better if I spend all my mental In addition to that, a 15,000 cedi called on supporters to find and Firmino, Joe Gomez and Jordan Hender- energies on the pitch.” ($3,000, 2,700-euro) ransom beat him. Kennedy Agyapong son. “In general it’s always a good sign to Morata, who joined Chelsea from Real has been placed on the heads appeared on television, showed have the opportunity to extend contracts Madrid for £60mn in July 2017, has been of the suspects. Anyone who the reporter’s picture and called early,” Klopp said. linked with a move to Atletico Madrid but gives us information leading the him “very dangerous”. He “If we can keep these boys together, we Sarri didn’t rule out the possibility that arrests wil get that reward.” promised to pay anyone who are in the middle of our development, so the Spain striker could face Arsenal. Musah Mukaz, 39, described attacked him. He denied claims it’s good news for Liverpool. These 17-18 “For him I think it’s a very diffi cult mo- Husein as “a very calm person, he had “engineered the killing” players plus the really young boys, that’s ment, but it’s normal for a player in Janu- very patient... a very good fel- and said he had never been of- the squad of the future. It should be like ary to be in the market,” said Sarri, who low” who had been a journal- fended by Husein. But his view this. It’s investment, the club gave us the omitted Morata from his squad for last ist for at least five years. “His of his work, and that of Anas, opportunity to do it. Really nice.” week’s win over Newcastle. passion for his work was to look appeared unchanged. “The evil Klopp is yet to win a trophy since taking Chelsea start the weekend in fourth for the truth at all costs. It (his they have been doing will follow charge at Liverpool but there are plenty place and victory today would see them death) is a big loss, it will put a them,” he added. (AFP) of signs he is on the verge of ending that go nine points clear of Arsenal, currently drought this term. While Klopp would fi fth, in the race for Champions League not be drawn on just how successful Liv- qualifi cation. “This match for us is a risk erpool can be with their current crop, he and an opportunity,” Sarri said. “They’re SPOTLIGHT agreed they are now strong enough, on really a very good team. (In) the off ensive and off the pitch, for a period of challeng- phase they are one of the best teams in ing for major honours. the Premier League. We can be dangerous “Progress is something everybody against these opponents, but we have to Milan coach Gattuso should expect. The club gave us a fan- defend with a very high level of applica- tastic opportunity to bring in outstand- tion and attention for 95 minutes.” ing players, to keep outstanding players. banned for Super My job is to make sure we perform on the PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES pitch,” he said. Today (1500 GMT unless stated): Wolver- “Where will we be in two or three hampton v Leicester (1230), Bournemouth Cup referee protest years? I have no idea but the age group is Jurgen Klopp’s side sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they v West Ham, Liverpool v Crystal Palace, good. This season will not fi nish our de- having subsequently, while wait- chase Liverpool’s first English title since 1990. (AFP) Manchester United v Brighton, Newcastle AFP velopment. It doesn’t look like we’ll lose ing for the prize-giving ceremo- v Cardiff , Southampton v Everton, Watford Milan any key player (and) we build a new train- SARRI FOCUSSED ON PITCH AS day’s visit to Arsenal but said his focus ny, addressed further off ensive v Burnley, Arsenal v Chelsea (1730) ing ground, another step in the future,” HIGUAIN DEAL DRAGS ON was already on the game and not moves in words and insinuations towards added Klopp, ahead of today’s clash with Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri will not the transfer market. Higuain is expected Tomorrow: Huddersfield v Manchester C Milan coach Gennaro the referee”. Crystal Palace. be able to call on Gonzalo Higuain for to- to complete a loan move from Juventus City (1330), Fulham v Tottenham (1600) Gattuso was on Thurs- AC Milan club doctor Mario day handed a one-game Brozzi has also been banned until touchline ban for an- February 4 for making “seriously grilyA confronting the referee af- insulting, off ensive remarks in FOCUS ter his side’s Italian Super Cup an arrogant, derogatory manner fi nal defeat to Juventus in Saudi towards one of his own players,” Arabia midweek. which referee Luca Banti noted in West Ham open to selling Arnautovic if price is right Gattuso, 41, angrily confront- his match report. ed offi cials for not awarding a Gattuso will miss AC Milan’s AFP off er his brother and agent Danijel Ar- with an increased off er that would benefi t Despite the speculation, Arnautovic penalty for a foul by Juventus’s Serie A trip to Genoa on Mon- London nautovic pleaded with West Ham to ac- both the club and the player, 29. started last weekend’s 1-0 win over Ar- German midfi elder Emre Can day as the Italian league returns cept. “They are not forcing me to sell Marko senal that lifted West Ham up to ninth in on Andrea Conti late in his side’s after a three-week break. AC Mi- Shanghai SIPG are the side said to be Arnautovic but I think as a manager the the Premier League. However, the Aus- 1-0 defeat in Jeddah. The Lega lan midfi elder Franck Kessie will est Ham manager Manuel interested and have reportedly off ered best thing is to take the solution that is trian appeared to wave goodbye to the Serie A on Thursday banned the also miss that game after his red Pellegrini says the club are Arnautovic a wage packet of £200,000 best for the player and the club, both to- home fans as he was substituted 19 min- former AC Milan and Italian in- card awarded after consultation open to selling star for- per week for a four-year deal. gether,” said Pellegrini. “If they agree, we utes from time. ternational midfi elder and im- with VAR, along with teammates ward Marko Arnautovic this West Ham have so far refused to accept don’t have any problem to change. I am Pellegrini, though, does not expect Ar- posed a 15,000 euros fi ne. Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Wmonth, but only if the price is right. any bids and urged Arnautovic to honour not telling the club about it. If it’s a good nautovic to refuse to play for today’s trip Gattuso was punished for Calabria for yellow-card accu- Arnautovic was the subject of a report- the contract he signed when joining the deal for both parties we will arrange to be to Bournemouth. “When you have such “shouting at the referee in a mulations. Juventus’s Miralem ed £35mn ($45mn) bid from an unnamed club from Stoke in 2017. However, Pel- without Marko. But the club doesn’t want a high off er, everyone wants to leave Of threatening manner and chal- Pjanic will also be suspended for Chinese Super League club last week, an legrini admitted that stance could change to sell him.” course you can’t blame him.” lenging his decisions, as well as his team’s visit by Chievo.

LIGUE 1 Fabregas braced for home bow as PSG return from Qatar

AFP do, Fode Ballo-Toure and Wil- United in the Champions League in in midweek. Paris liam Vainqueur to watch the Cote on February 12. Today, PSG — still It has turned into a wretched d’Azur derby. unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season season for Marseille, last year’s Now the new signings are and 13 points clear atop the ta- Europa League runners-up. The esc Fabregas is set for available again as host ble — host bottom-of-the-table southern giants have already been his home debut as a Mo- Strasbourg still searching for a Guingamp with revenge on their knocked out of both domestic naco player, while Paris fi rst home win of the season as minds. Guingamp visited the Parc cup competitions and the Europa Saint-Germain look for the relegation-threatened side des Princes just last week and League, and slumped down into revengeC against their recent Cup look to climb the table. “With won 2-1 in a League Cup quarter- mid-table on a nine-match win- Monaco’s Spanish conquerors Guingamp in Ligue the new signings we are going fi nal, infl icting a fi rst domestic less run. The latest setback came midfielder Cesc Fabregas 1 today. Fabregas got his fi rst to do some interesting things in Cup defeat on Paris in fi ve years. in a 2-1 defeat at Saint-Etienne on gives a thumbs up during taste of the unusual experience the weeks ahead. I am convinced The derby between Saint- Wednesday, when Dimitri Payet a training session. (AFP) of a matchday in Monaco in mid- of that,” said Monaco’s French Etienne and Lyon is the most au- was left on the bench for the week, but the Spain star had to World Cup-winning full-back thentic in the French game, and whole 90 minutes. The pressure watch from the stands as Thierry Djibril Sidibe. can be one of the most fi ery any- on coach Rudi Garcia continues Henry’s side drew 1-1 with Nice, PSG have spent the week in Qa- where in Europe. When Lyon won to increase ahead of tomorrow’s coached by another former Arse- tar, the land of their owners, a trip 5-0 in Saint-Etienne last season, game at Caen. nal star in Patrick Vieira. set up primarily to keep sponsors a pitch invasion by angry home Signed from Chelsea last week, happy. Thomas Tuchel’s side did fans caused a lengthy stoppage FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) before the fi nal fi ve minutes were Fabregas impressed on his debut squeeze in some warm-weather Today: Paris Saint-Germain v training, but the capital club were played out in an almost empty in a 1-1 draw at Marseille, but the Guingamp (1600), Monaco v Stras- 31-year-old was ineligible against also keen to point out that they stadium. bourg, Nimes v Toulouse, Reims v Nice, a match that was originally became “the fi rst football club in A repeat of that scoreline seems Nice (all 1900) due to be played in December be- the world to take part in a tradi- unlikely this time, but the stakes fore being postponed. Just hours tional camel race”. are high. Les Verts are still un- Tomorrow: Rennes v Montpellier after admitting to journalists it It remains to be seen whether beaten at home this season and lie (1400), Angers v Nantes, Caen v had been a wrench to leave the that will have been the best prep- third in the table, two points bet- Marseille (both 1600), Bordeaux v Premier League, Fabregas sat aration for a busy spell build- ter off than Lyon, who needed a Dijon (1800), Saint-Etienne v Lyon next to fellow new signings Nal- ing up to the trip to Manchester late Nabil Fekir free-kick to draw (2000) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, January 19, 2019 GOLF

SINGAPORE OPEN Casey in joint lead with Thai ‘nemesis’ Poom

AFP Both players renewed their ri- and followed up with a four-un- Singapore valry at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf der 67. Club yesterday tied atop the lea- “It has been a long day but I derboard on 135 after two days of am very happy,” said Poom, who ritain’s Paul Casey took play. along with Casey played 25 holes lead on the sec- The Japanese duo of Taihei Sato yesterday. ond day of the Singapore and Shotaro Wada were tied a Casey, 41, said the rains made Open yesterday with his stroke behind at 136. the course trickier but added it ThaiB “nemesis” Poom Saksansin Heavy rains and lighting dis- was good to share the lead with as their friendly rivalry extended rupted play on the opening day, the Thai. from last year. with 78 players — including Casey “Poom, my nemesis... he’s just Poom, 25, dubbed the “baby- and Poom — having to complete played a marvellous round of golf faced assassin” for scoring upsets their fi rst round early yesterday again. I can’t seem to beat the guy, on the golf course, had beaten Ca- before proceeding into round two. but I’m in good spirits,” he said. sey by one hole in the EurAsia Cup Almost two hours were lost “It’s been a long day, feet are that pitted European and Asian again on day two due to inclement starting to hurt, I’m looking for- teams last year in Malaysia. weather, with 76 players unable to ward to rest.” Casey, who at world number 24 fi nish the round. Poom said: “It was nice playing is the highest ranked player in the Poom birdied four of his last alongside Paul Casey. I played my Poom Saksansin of Thailand putting Singapore tournament, admitted fi ve holes to complete his fi rst own game and he was focused on during the second round of the earlier this week he has a healthy round with a score of 65. He re- his too. We spoke a bit.” Singapore Open golf tournament at respect for Poom. turned after a 45-minute break to Defending champion Sergio the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, Just last month, the Thai edged tee off for the second round and Garcia of Spain, who was hobbled yesterday. out world number two Justin fi nished with a 70 after two bird- by a sinus infection and an up- Rose and Major champion Hen- ies and a bogey. set stomach on Thursday, mixed rik Stenson to win the Indonesian Casey, 41, completed his fi rst three birdies with two bogeys yes- Masters in December. round with three birdies for 68 terday.

DESERT CLASSIC LPGA Mickelson kicks Henderson, Ji set the off the year by early pace fl irting with 59 He became the first player in PGA Tour history to post three scores of 60 or better

AFP

ive-time major cham- pionship winner Phil Mickelson fl irted with a 59 in the opening round AFP and then from there I was ready ofF the US PGA Tour’s Desert to go and made a lot of birdies.” Miami Classic yesterday, settling for Henderson and Ji lead New the third round of 60 in his sto- Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Stacy ried career. anada’s Brooke Lewis of the by Mickelson rolled in 10 birdies Henderson and Ji one shot. and an eagle en route to a 12-un- Eun-hee of South Ko- Ko and Lewis both posted der 60 to become the fi rst player rea set the early pace fi ve-under-par 66s. in PGA Tour history to post three Cin the opening round of the Former world number one scores of 60 or better. LPGA Tour’s Diamond Resorts Ko, ranked 14th, said she had His other rounds of 60 came at Tournament of Champions on not been sure what to expect in the par-71 Phoenix Open where Thursday, carding six-under- her fi rst event of the year. he went on to win the both titles. par rounds to open up a one- Ko posted six birdies but was “It was kind of a lucky day for shot lead. denied a share of the lead after a me in the sense that I did not feel Henderson recovered from bogey on the 16th. sharp heading in,” said Mickel- a shaky start which saw her “You don’t really know son, who is in his 28th year on the bogey the second hole before what’s going to happen,” she PGA Tour. a blistering back nine sent said. “Even though it’s been a “I haven’t really had the in- her surging up the scoreboard pretty short off -season, after tense practice sessions that I at the Four Seasons Golf and an off -season, you don’t really would like, but I felt that all parts Sports Club in Lake Buena know what’s going to happen. were OK and it just clicked. Vista, Florida. The 21-year-old “But I felt like I played with “Sometimes you have days world number nine reached the confi dence and played with a where it just clicks. Bad shots turn at one under after birdies lot of positivity.” that I hit, I got away with it. It was on the fourth and seventh holes Behind Lewis and Ko are a a fun day, but I certainly did not cancelled out her early bogey. group of three players tied for expect this to be the case.” Henderson then unfurled fi fth place after carding four- The 48-year-old Mickelson three consecutive birdies from under-par 67s, Thailand’s Ar- took advantage of the easier La the 11th before two more on the iya Jutanugarn, South Korea’s Quinta course to build a three- 15th and 18th holes. Lee Mirim and Lexi Thompson. shot lead over second place Adam The Tournament of Cham- World number one Ariya Long — and record the lowest pions sees LPGA tournament found herself relegated to a side- round in relation to par in his ca- winners from the 2017 and 2018 show in a pairing with former reer. Long fi red a nine-under 63, Phil Mickelson plays a shot out of the bunker during the first round of the Desert Classic at La Quinta Country Club in . seasons playing alongside ce- Major League Baseball stars while Australia’s Curtis Luck is lebrities and amateurs. Kevin Millar and Josh Beckett. “I in third with a 64. Trey Mullinax, had a good chance,” Mickelson the Tour. It was just his 21st putt feet though,” he said. “I should “I drove the ball fantastically Henderson, whose group on didn’t know who they were, but Adam Hadwin, Wyndham Clark said.Mickelson sank birdies on of the round and he had just nine have hit that closer, but still had well today and hit a lot of shots Thursday included former NBA I know they are baseball play- and Martin Laird all shot 65 and his fi rst two holes and then made putts on the back nine. a good chance to make the putt.” pin high with my irons.” star Ray Allen, admitted the ers,” Ariya said afterwards. “No- are tied for fourth. the turn in six-under 30. Mickelson said he fi rst started World number one Justin Rose Defending champion Jon Rahm pro-am style event had left her body asked me for an autograph. The only other players to shoot After the turn, Mickelson tal- thinking about a 59 as he walked shot a four-under 68 on the more is in a large group of 10 players at struggling at fi rst. They all asked them.” Ariya more than one round of 60 or lied fi ve birdies in his next seven off the 16th green. diffi cult Stadium Course. Rose is 66, six shots adrift of Mickelson. “I had to remind myself it however was satisfi ed to shake better are Jim Furyk and Zach holes. He needed back-to-back But his approach shot on 17, the fi rst world number one to take The Desert Classic is a Pro- wasn’t Wednesday afternoon, out the off -season rust with a Johnson. Furyk owns the Tour birdies on his fi nal two holes to with a sand wedge, left him with part in the event. Am event, with players rotating it was Thursday, and I had to get blemish-free 67 comprised of record with a 58. shoot the elusive 59 but could a longer putt than he had hoped “Once I got going I felt like among La Quinta, the Nicklaus a good score together,” she said. four birdies and 14 pars. ’s Hadwin shot a 59 on only manage a par on the par- for. “On 17 I hit a nice tee shot in I played really well,” said Rose. Tournament Course and the Sta- “I think that’s when things “I’m so nervous. I didn’t play the La Quinta course two years four 17th. He closed with another a good spot to kind of hook a sand “Birdieing my last three to get it dium Course over the fi rst three kicked in on the front nine. I golf for so long,” she said. “After ago. birdie on the par-four 18 to record wedge into that back right pin for to four under kind of made me rounds. Tomorrow’s fi nal day is started getting a couple of bird- a while, I realized I have to play “I was giving it all I had and I the 37th all-time round of 60 on me. And I hit a good shot, I had 18 feel good. played at the Stadium Course. ies to recover from that bogey, golf. So I’m getting better.”

HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP Lowry masters par-threes to extend lead

AFP the golf course on each of the fi rst three solo third place at 12-under par with an can regain his world number one rank- sixth hole onwards helped him move see what the lads behind me can do,” Abu Dhabi rounds, carrying him to a three-shot lead eagle on his fi nal hole, smashing a three ing, although it depends on how Eng- ahead even as the rest of the fi eld strug- said the world number 75, who could in the $7mn event. wood to eight feet and making the putt. land’s Justin Rose plays this week on gled in the wind. move to inside the top-50 with a win He had four other birdies to show in his Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal (68), cham- the US PGA Tour’s Desert Classic. Sterne kept pushing Lowry with a today. hane Lowry continued his mas- fi ve-under par 67, a commendable eff ort pion here in 2014, was one shot behind After starting with a birdie on the chipped-in eagle on the 10th hole, but “I’m not going to say I feel invincible tery over the par-three holes of in windy conditions that took him to a Poulter in fourth place at 11-under. par-fi ve second hole, the 31-year-old birdies on the par-three 12th and 15th (on the par-threes), because we all know the Abu Dhabi Golf Club yester- 17-under-par 199 after 54 holes. World number two Brooks Koepka Lowry unexpectedly made a bogey on took the Irishman three clear. that this game is not easy, and it can jump day, making birdies on three out In his quest for a fi rst win since 2015, (70) improved to tied ninth place at the par-three fourth and was briefl y Even thought he had a three-shot up and bite you when you least expect it. ofS four to take a commanding lead into Lowry enjoys a three-shot lead over nine-under par, but would have to caught at the top by Scotsman Scott cushion, Lowry wasn’t taking anything I’m just trying to go out and do what I’ve the fi nal round of the HSBC Champi- South African Richard Sterne (69) go- make up a defi cit of eight shots to pre- Jamieson, who made a fast start with for granted. been doing. I’ve been hitting some lovely onship. The Irishman has now birdied ing into the fi nal round on Saturday. vent Lowry from winning. three birdies in four holes, and Sterne. “Obviously, I need to go out and play iron shots. It just so happens that I’ve hit the par-3 seventh, 12th and 15th holes of England’s Ian Poulter (69) leapt to A high fi nish would help the Ameri- But a hat-trick of birdies from the my own game and stay aggressive and them on the par 3s and holed a few putts.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 19, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Siakam lift s Raptors, injured Embiid shines for Sixers Siakam’s basket, which was upheld by a video review, bounced off the backboard and went in

AFP I retire.” Los Angeles Elsewhere, Joel Embiid played through the pain of a sore back to fi n- ish with 22 points, 13 rebounds and ascal Siakam banked in the eight assists as the 76ers winning shot at the fi nal buzz- beat the Indiana Pacers 120-96. Embiid er as the Toronto Raptors won winced and grabbed his back several their eighth consecutive home times during the contest but still man- Pgame with a 111-109 victory over the aged to post his 12th double-double in Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Siakam’s the past 13 games. He also has 38 dou- basket, which was upheld by a video ble-doubles this season. review, bounced off the backboard and Jimmy Butler scored 27 points and JJ went in after Suns’ Mikal Bridges had Redick added 20, including a half dozen tied it 109-109 with 13 seconds to go. from beyond the arc in the win. Mike “To be honest I didn’t know what I Muscala also contributed 11 while Ben was going to do. I just wanted to take Simmons had 11 points, eight rebounds the last shot, whatever shot that was,” and eight assists. Siakam said. “We came out early and Thaddeus Young scored 27 points had lead and let them get back in the while Victor Oladipo added 15 on six- game. We knew they were going to of-20 shooting for Indiana, who had fi ght. We just had to make the big plays a four-game winning streak snapped. and we did.” Tyreke Evans had 13 in the loss. Siakam fi nished with 10 points and 12 In Oklahoma City, Kyle Kuzma scored rebounds, Serge Ibaka scored 22 points 32 points as the LeBron James-less Los and Kyle Lowry had 16 points and nine Angeles Lakers held on to beat the mis- rebounds for the Raptors, who have take-prone Oklahoma City Thunder won six of their last seven contests. 138-128 in overtime. Ivica Zubac came “We call him P-Skills for a reason,” off the bench to score a career-high 26 said CJ Miles. “He’s got a lot of skills. points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Lonzo There’s a lot of things he can do with Ball tallied 18 points and had 10 assists the basketball.” as the Lakers played their 12th straight Toronto coach Nick Nurse wasn’t game without James and Rajon Rondo. please that his team squandered a They are 5-7 with James and Rondo 16-point lead but he was happy with out of the lineup. Paul George scored the way Siakam closed it out. “He a team-high 27 points, Russell West- made a great move and fi nished it off .” brook had 26 points and 13 assists for Miles returned from missing a couple the struggling Thunder, who lost for the of games with a hip problem to score 13 fi fth time in their last six. The Thunder points and Fred VanVleet fi nished with compiled an early lead but then wheels 15 in the win. fell off late as they made just two of 12 Phoenix’s Devin Booker scored 30 from beyond the arc and attempted just points, Deandre Ayton had 15 points and one fi eld goal in the extra session. 17 rebounds, and Kelly Oubre scored 18 In London, England, Bradley Beal in the loss as the Raptors swept a back- scored 26 points as the Washington to-back season series against the Suns Wizards rallied from a 16-point defi cit for the fi rst time. Toronto played with- to defeat the New York Knicks 101-100 out star Kawhi Leonard who was rested. in front of a crowd of 19,000 at O2 Are- The Raptors lead 32-20 at the end of the na. Allonzo Trier was called for goal- fi rst quarter, shooting four-of-nine tending on a layup attempt by Thomas from three-point range. Bryant with 0.4 seconds remaining, Phoenix also fell behind 57-49 at the giving the Wizards the win. half. Lowry, 32, came into the game needing six assists to reach 5,000 for RESULTS his career. He got it in the fourth quar- Oklahoma City 128, LA Lakers 138 (OT); ter dishing to Ibaka for a bucket. “I Washington 101, New York 100; Toronto would have never thought I would have 111, Phoenix 109; Denver 135, gotten there at the start of my career,” 105; Charlotte 114, Sacramento 95; Indi- said Lowry. “I’ll look back on this when ana 96, Philadelphia 120 Toronto Raptors' Pascal Siakam (right) dribbles the ball against Phoenix Suns' TJ Warren and Kelly Oubre (left) during the NBA game. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Harden, Durant trail in NBA All-Star fan balloting

Houston: Houston Rockets ence will be the captain. The Maple Leafs stop Lightning’s streak guard James Harden is lead- third update of fan balloting Reuters ing the NBA in scoring with a shows the Los Angeles Lakers’ Toronto whopping 35.4 points per game LeBron James leading the average, but he’s not first in the Western Conference and the hearts of NBA fans. Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis An- itchell Marner scored the tie- In the latest NBA All-Star tetokounmpo leading the East. breaking goal in the second voting results released on Last season, James and period as the Toronto Maple Thursday, Harden was behind Stephen Curry were captains Leafs snapped Tampa Bay’s Golden State’s Stephen Curry and made selections via confer- Mnine-game home winning streak in a and Minnesota’s Derrick Rose in ence call. The order in which 4-2 win over the Lightning on Thursday. fan voting among Western Con- they selected players ultimately Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau had a ference guards. All-Star starters was leaked, and many — includ- goal and an assist, Zach Hyman scored an are named based on the voting ing several players — argued empty-net marker, and John Tavares and of fans (50%), NBA players the draft should have been Nikita Zaitsev had two assists each for the (25%) and media (25%). televised. Maple Leafs, who broke a two-game los- Warriors forward Kevin ing streak. Toronto Maple Leafs right Durant also finds himself on the NBA CHIEF SILVER Brayden Point and Victor Hedman wing William Nylander outside in the fan balloting, trail- SAYS TAKES THREATS TO each had a goal and an assist, and Point’s (left) skates with the puck ing leading vote-getter LeBron KANTER SERIOUSLY marker was his 30th goal for the Light- as Tampa Bay Lightning James of the Los Angeles Lak- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ning, who had won four of fi ve and are defenseman Ryan ers, Dallas rookie Luka Doncic said he supported Turkish 19-3-1 in their past 23. The loss prevented McDonagh defends. and Oklahoma City’s Paul player Enes Kanter's decision Tampa Bay from matching its franchise (USA TODAY Sports) George in the front court. to skip New York Knicks' game record of 10 consecutive home wins. In the Eastern Conference, against Washington Wizards in the leading vote-getters among London on Thursday because RANGERS 4, BLACKHAWKS 3 fans in the front court are Gian- of fears over his safety. The Mika Zibanejad scored the game-winning nis Antetokounmpo of Milwau- 26-year-old center has been goal into an empty net with 17 seconds kee, Kawhi Leonard of Toronto, an outspoken critic of Turkish remaining and Henrik Lundqvist made Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and President Tayyip Erdogan and 24 saves as host New York edged Chicago. Boston’s Jayson Tatum. his human rights record and Zibanejad scored the game-winner when At guard, Boston’s Kyrie Irv- was indicted by a Turkish court he intercepted a cross-ice pass by Patrick ing and Miami’s Dwyane Wade last year on charges of belong- Kane. He scored his 15th goal and New are in the lead, followed by ing to an armed terrorist group, York’s third unassisted goal of the game Kemba Walker of Charlotte and which he denies. after Lundqvist made point-blank saves which fell to 6-2-2 in its past 10 games. ed the go-ahead goal as Boston earned a ton Capitals for the top spot in the divi- Ben Simmons of Philadelphia. Kanter said he had been on Kane and Jonathan Toews in a span The Predators were unsuccessful in their victory over visiting St. Louis. With the sion. Michael Dal Colle, the Islanders’ receiving death threats because of 30 seconds after Chicago pulled goal- bid to present Peter Laviolette with his score tied 2-2 at 5:27 in the third period, 2014 fi rst-round draft choice, gave New ALL-STAR GAME DRAFT of his support for US-based Is- tender Collin Delia for the extra attacker. 600th coaching victory. Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson’s pass found a York a 2-0 lead with his fi rst career NHL TO BE TELEVISED lamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, Zibanejad’s tally gave the Rangers a streaking Wagner for a partial breakaway. goal at 9:19 of the opening frame. A year after being criticized for wanted in Turkey on suspicion 4-2 lead and, with two seconds left, Chi- DUCKS 3, WILD 0 Wagner fought off Alex Pietrangelo to failing to televise its All-Star of orchestrating a failed coup in cago’s Dominik Kahun scored, but it was John Gibson made 37 saves for his sec- convert his sixth goal of the season and KINGS 2, STARS 1 Game draft, the NBA on Thurs- 2016. Gulen denies the accusa- too late. ond shutout of the season and visiting the third game-winner of his fi ve-year Jack Campbell turned away 29 shots, and day confirmed the 2019 version tion. "I will say that there is noth- Anaheim ended a 12-game losing streak NHL career. Wagner also recorded an as- Dustin Brown and Carl Hagelin scored will air on live TV. The draft is ing more important to me than JETS 5, PREDATORS 1 with a win against Minnesota in St. Paul. sist in the game. David Krejci led all Bru- goals as visiting Los Angeles held off of- scheduled for Feb. 7 at 7pm. The the security of our players," Fourth-liner Brendan Lemieux scored Adam Henrique, Rickard Rakell and Brian ins scorers with three points, notching his fensively inept Dallas. Campbell, who game will be played Feb. 17 in Silver said in a news conference twice and Connor Hellebuyck fi nished Gibbons scored and Brandon Montour third three-assist game of the season. was selected 11th overall by the Stars in Charlotte, NC before the start of the game at with 37 saves as visiting Winnipeg had two assists for the Ducks, who went the 2010 NHL Draft, owns the league’s For the second year in a row, London's O2 Arena. "We take strengthened its lead atop the Central Di- a month between victories while estab- ISLANDERS 4, DEVILS 1 best save percentage at.933 through 16 the All-Star Game rosters will very seriously the threat that he vision with a victory over Nashville. Bry- lishing their longest losing streak in fran- Anders Lee scored twice and Jordan Eber- games, 15 of them starts. be set through a draft, with two received even if it was just on an Little scored to extend his point streak chise history (0-8-4).The Ducks scored le netted one goal and one assist as host It was Campbell’s fi rst start against captains selecting players, re- social media." to seven games, and Brandon Tanev and all their goals in the fi rst eight minutes New York claimed a third straight victory Dallas, which traded him to Los Angeles gardless of conference, from a Istanbul's state prosecutor Mason Appleton also tallied for the Jets, to chase starting goalie Alex Stalock (fi ve by beating New Jersey. Goalie Robin Leh- in June 2016. Campbell stopped 18 shots pool of starters voted in by fans, has sought an Interpol "red who secured a four-point lead over sec- saves). He was replaced by Devan Dub- ner only needed to make 16 saves for the in the third period, and got help when two players and media, and reserves notice" to detain Kanter and ond-place Nashville. nyk, who made 20 saves. Islanders, who have won 10 of 12 outings Dallas scoring attempts clanged off the selected by coaches. requested his extradition, a Viktor Arvidsson scored his 10th goal while pushing up the Metropolitan Divi- post. He made a fi nal emphatic stop when The leading vote-getter from spokesman for the prosecutor's in as many contests, and Pekka Rinne BRUINS 5, BLUES 2 sion. New York is just one point back of he gloved a searing shot from Tyler Seg- fan balloting for each confer- off ice said on Thursday. turned aside 29 shots for Nashville, Chris Wagner’s two-point night includ- the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washing- uin in the fi nal seconds. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, January 19, 2019 SPORT

BOXING RUGBY I’m serious, says Pacquiao ready Jones aft er tipping Nowell as for Broner in Las England fl anker ‘I want to show that even at 40 years old I Vegas return can still give the best’

AFP Los Angeles

anny Pacquiao is aiming to off er fresh evidence that life begins at 40 when Mthe Filipino veteran takes on today in his fi rst fi ght in for more than two years. Reuters Thursday after naming a 35- Pacquiao, who celebrated his London man squad for the championship 40th birthday last month with a opener away to Ireland on Feb. 2, lavish birthday party in the Phil- Jones produced a real curve ball ippines, defends his WBA regu- hat do you do if you when he told a group of some- lar crown against are blessed with what startled reporters: “We Broner at the MGM Grand Gar- an abundance of haven’t tried him out but Jack den Arena. talented wingers Nowell is defi nitely an option at It is the Filipino’s fi rst bout on Wbut face a perennial problem at seven. US soil since a unanimous de- fl anker? The obvious answer, if “He has great ball-carrying, cision win over Jessie Vargas in England coach Eddie Jones isn’t great tackling skill, he puts his the Nevada boxing and gaming taking the media for a ride, is to head over the ball, he’s a tough capital in November 2016. put Jack Nowell in the number little bloke. He’s a great option. Since then, Pacquiao’s career seven shirt. He can play wing, 13, 15, seven for has followed an uncertain tra- Even more radically, the Aus- us, he’s going to be the new breed jectory, with a shock defeat to tralian suggested that the game’s of player,” Jones explained. Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane current focus on the breakdown “The game used to be 80 min- in 2017 followed by a year-long battle and his endless search for utes, now it is 100 minutes. The absence from the ring. “an edge” mean that he is con- next change is you will have Pacquiao (60-4-2, 39 knock- sidering playing Nowell as an players who can play backs and outs) made a triumphant return extra fl anker, giving him nine forwards — it’s going to happen.” in Kuala Lumpur last July, scor- forwards. Pressed by wary reporters ing his fi rst knockout win in Nowell has 31 caps for England long used to the Australian lob- six years with a seventh-round and the British and Irish Lions, bing hand grenades into his press stoppage of ’s Lucas mostly on the wing with the odd conference, Jones insisted he was Matthysse. WBA welterweight champion (left) and Adrien Broner pose during a news conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday. (AFP) foray at fullback and centre. A serious. That impressive return paved great fi nisher with slippery skills “Yes, 100 percent,” he said. the way for Saturday’s bout with the top and to show that even ‘KILLER INSTINCT BACK’ in the afternoon, sometimes 10 sure’. We had a little meeting. of evasion, the Exeter man is also “There are great opportunities in the 29-year-old Broner, who at 40 years old I can still give Perhaps signifi cantly, Pac- o’clock at night. But we still had “He said ‘I’m sorry I didn’t powerfully built, mobile and ag- the game to change it and we are boasts 33 wins, 24 by knockout the best of Manny Pacquiao, quiao’s preparations have been to train. His schedule was not invite you to the last fi ght’. I said gressive and wins more turnovers looking at them. Maybe one of in his 38-fi ght career. the speed, the power, every- strengthened by the return to his great, I felt. ‘Forget about it, that’s gone. than just about any other back in them is nine forwards — he could While Pacquiao insists he is thing.” corner of trainer Freddie Roach. “I wasn’t telling him which Where are we at right now?’. the northern hemisphere game. stand blindside wing. looking no further than today’s Broner meanwhile has bris- Roach and Pacquiao split fol- way to go or anything, I just said And we started negotiating like For England he fi nds himself “When Japan played Georgia contest against Broner, many tled at any suggestion Pacquiao lowing the 2017 defeat to Horn, ‘I think you should do one or the we always have done.” probably in competition with in the fi nal warm-up game before observers view the fi ght as a is already looking past him to- when Pacquiao apparently took other.’ So then we didn’t speak Roach, who has shared the Chris Ashton, Joe Cokanasiga, 2015 World Cup (with Jones as stepping stone towards a pos- wards a bigger payday. umbrage at Roach’s statement for a long time. I called Manny’s training duties with Pacquiao’s and maybe Elliot Daly to join coach), we played nine forwards, sible rematch with Floyd May- “People are talking a lot about that his political career in the number a couple of times and friend Buboy Fernandez, has nailed-on Jonny May as Eng- and no-one knew,” he said. weather following their money- Pacquiao fi ghting Floyd May- Philippines — he was elected to left a message, but no response. been impressed by the Filipino’s land’s wide men. “It’s like in football. Everyone spinning 2015 superfi ght. weather again, but I’m pretty the Philippine Senate in 2016 — So then I took it I was fi red.” performance in camp. It is a nice selection prob- used to play 4-4-2, then it be- “My plan is one at a time,” sure Floyd is retired,” Broner was incompatible with boxing. The bond forged during a “He hit me a shot in the chest lem for Jones to have and is in came 5-3-2-1, or whatever it was. Pacquiao told AFP. “I cannot say said this week. “I feel like peo- “After the fi ght in Australia, I successful 15-year partnership, the other day and my whole stark contrast to the problem of So there is no reason in rugby about the future until January ple are trying to throw me to the explained to Manny that being a however, was not so easily dis- body went numb,” Roach said. number seven that has never re- why there might not be changes 19. After that we’ll have a press wolves and overlook me. Senator and being a professional carded. The two men reconciled “His power is unbelievable. ally been solved for any length of in formations. Exciting, isn’t it.” conference. Leave it as a ques- “Manny Pacquiao has done champion boxer is very diffi - in November after a press con- “I’m excited for this fi ght. He time since the departure of 2003 Jones might have been pushing tion mark for now. a lot for the sport. I’m going to cult,” Roach told AFP. ference in Los Angeles. got his fi rst knockout in six years World Cup winner Neil Back. credulity when he suggested that “I’ve accomplished what I beat him up and have a drink “That training camp was up “Manny called me up and said in his last fi ght and it feels like he’s The last year looks to have he might put the plan in place in wanted to accomplish. But I with him afterward...I’m going and down — sometimes he’d get ‘Can I meet you at the hotel?’,” carried it over into this fi ght. He’s provided a potential answer in time for this year’s World Cup, want to maintain my name at to dominate and win.” out of the Senate at three o’clock Roach revealed. “I said ‘Yeah got that killer instinct back.” the youthful and dynamic form or even the Ireland game in two of Sam Underhill and Tom Curry, week’s time. He laughed when who starred in his fi rst few ap- asked if Nowell was aware of it, pearances in South Africa in 2017 but said he was serious about Alvarez to face Jacobs in May 4 middleweight unifi cation bout only to suff er a serious injury. shaking things up. Underhill stepped in and stepped “It’s become so orthodox,” he Reuters titles against Daniel Jacobs on paralysed. After radiation up last November but now he is said. “Be really good at the core Toronto one of the two most important treatments, surgery to remove ruled out of the Six Nations after things of the game, but look at dates that belong to me. I have a tumour wrapped around his ankle surgery. opportunities where you can no doubt that I will be victori- spine and arduous rehabilita- Weighing up his options on change it.” exican Saul “Canelo” ous and that I’ll be one step tion, he returned to boxing in Alvarez and fellow away from becoming the undis- late 2012. Mmiddleweight champi- puted middleweight world The 31-year-old Brooklyn na- SPOTLIGHT on Daniel Jacobs will meet in a champion.” tive (35-2, 29 KOs) is already May 4 unification bout, Golden American Jacobs, known considered one of the best Boy Promotions and streaming as “The Miracle Man” after middleweights of this era and service DAZN announced on winning his battle with bone his clash with Alvarez will be Gatland shows Thursday. cancer, got past Sergiy Der- the biggest of his career. A venue for the fight has not evyanchenko by split decision “This is the opportunity I have been determined but multiple when he last fought in October been waiting for. The oppor- interest in coaching reports have said it will be tion champion Alvarez (51-1-2, “I’m happy to announce my to pick up the International tunity to achieve greatness at the T-Mobile Arena in Las 35 KOs), the fight will be his next fight during the festive Boxing Federation belt. inside the ring,” said Jacobs. “I Vegas. first since earning a technical weekend of Cinco de Mayo,” Jacobs, was diagnosed with have always believed I can beat Lions on 2021 tour For knockout over Britain’s Rocky Alvarez, 28, said in a statement. a form of bone cancer in May Canelo, and on May 4... I will and World Boxing Associa- Fielding last month. “I will unify my middleweight 2011 and was left partially get my chance to play it out.” Reuters yet, but decisions will be made London in due course. The recruitment process has not yet been agreed,” BOTTOMLINE the spokesman said. ales coach War- England coach Eddie Jones ren Gatland has is among the names likely to be had what he called in the running for the Lions job France in need of confi dence as Six Nations start looms “informal conver- as well as Ireland defence coach Wsations” about leading the Brit- Andy Farrell, who is set to take Reuters president Bernard Laporte. who lie second in the French Top ish & Irish Lions on their tour of over from Joe Schmidt as Ireland Paris “When you look at the results 14. South Africa in 2021. coach after the World Cup. you see they lost in the last sec- “We are going to try and fi nish Gatland, who will step down Gatland led the Lions to a ond against Ireland and South building up this squad and fi nd a from his Wales role after this 2-1 win against Australia and a rance have been getting Africa. It is true that they also backbone,” said Brunel. year’s World Cup, coached the drawn series in New Zealand af- closer to the top teams lost to Fiji and it was deserved The coach, however, had to Lions on their two previous tours ter which he ruled himself out of recently but only a suc- but they also beat Argentina and make do with a series of inju- against Australia in 2013 and leading another tour. cessful Six Nations cam- England. I’m not saying France ries that undoubtedly weakened New Zealand four years later. “I’m done. I hated the tour. I paignF will help them approach are the best but they are not far his group as , “I’ve had a couple of informal did,” he said in October 2017. “I this year’s World Cup in top from the best. , , conversations (about coach- just hated the press and the neg- condition. “That is why this Six Nations and most impor- ing the Lions) and that’s all it’s ativity in New Zealand.” Jacques Brunel’s side came is exciting and crucial. Either tantly the brilliant wing Teddy been at the moment,” the New Gatland said he had been hurt agonizingly close to beating Ire- we play a good championship Thomas, out for four weeks after Zealander was quoted by Brit- by criticism from Irish fl anker land last March and South Af- and we go to the World Cup with picking up a muscle injury ear- ish media as saying at a Welsh Sean O’Brien that the Lions rica last November when they some certainty, or we play a bad lier this month. event in Cardiff on could have won the series 3-0 also overpowered Argentina, but championship and the group No surprise then that Brunel Wednesday. with better coaching. even if they felt short-changed, will be eaten up by doubts.” did not set a specifi c target. “What could work out brilliant- “You watch how hard the the results showed that there Les Bleus kick off their cam- “I’m going to repeat what I ly is to fi nish with Wales after the coaches and the backroom staff was still a gap to be fi lled. paign on February 1 with a home in the world rankings, respec- He also injected fresh blood by said last year. The Six Nations is World Cup, have a little break and worked — they worked their ab- France also beat England in game against Wales, a team they tively. France lie in ninth place. picking, in a squad selected for a fantastic opportunity. It’s al- then potentially do the Lions for 12 solute nuts off — and then to have the last Six Nations. have only beaten once in the last To tackle these challenges, the fi rst two matches, 19-year- ways the same teams participat- months heading into 2021.” someone come out and make a “It is a great year for French seven years. Brunel recalled scrumhalf Mor- old , who can ing but every year you wonder A spokesman for the Lions comment like that... it really, re- rugby. I am very excited. I They also face tricky trips to gan Parra and centre Wesley play at centre or fl yhalf. who is going to win,” he said. told the BBC that there would be ally did hurt,” Gatland said. wouldn’t say reassured, I Twickenham and the Aviva Sta- Fofana after the Clermont duo Ntamack, the son of former One certainty, however, is a number of candidates for the “I wouldn’t subject myself to wouldn’t say worried, but ex- dium to face England and Ire- missed the November series France back Emile, has been a that France have not won the head coach job in 2021. that again. It took the gloss off cited,” said French federation land, who are fourth and second through injury. key player in a Toulouse team competition since 2010. “That process hasn’t begun the tour.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 19, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Supreme Court to rule on Indian players Dhoni fi nishes off suspended for remarks about women

Reuters job to clinch ODI New Delhi ndia’s Supreme Court has been asked to decide the fu- ture of two international cricketers suspended for their Icomments about women in a TV show interview last week, stirring a debate over whether they were series for India being treated too harshly. Indian cricket administrators Chahal captures the best figures by any bowler (6-42) in one-day cricket in Australia recalled all-rounder Hardik Pan- dya and batsman KL Rahul from Hardik Pandya. a tour of Australia and charged them with misconduct and in- ducer-director Karan Johar on his discipline after remarks con- celebrity talk show Koff ee with Ka- demned on social media as sex- ran that he liked to watch women ist, racist and misogynist. move in a nightclub. “I’m a little A committee of administra- from the black side so I need to see tors (COA) that is running Indian how they move,” he said. cricket this week asked the top He also boasted about telling court to appoint an ombudsman his parents about the number of to investigate the case and pun- women he had slept with, even ish the cricketers if they were pointing them out at a party, and found to have brought disrepute said his family was proud of him to the game. for it. The court will provide direc- Pandya apologised on Twitter tions on the next steps at its for the comments, saying he “got hearing next week, a cricket of- a bit carried away with the nature fi cial said. of the show” and meant no disre- The involvement of the top spect to anyone. Rahul, who had court stems from a 2017 deci- spoken on the show about how sion to fi re offi cials of the Board they decided which women to hit of Control for Cricket in India upon, has also apologised. (BCCI) for failing to reform one The fact that the court put of the game’s richest bodies af- off a hearing on the matter until ter a spate of corruption scan- next week, prolonging the play- dals and to set up the COA that ers’ uncertainty, fuelled criti- reports to it. cism that they were being judged Pandya had told Bollywood pro- too harshly.

WADA say ‘successfully retrieved’ doping data from Moscow lab

AFP to the former Moscow Labora- Paris tory has been broken and that is significantly good news.” Reedie said that WADA will ADA said Thursday now attempt to authenticate Indian players pose with the trophy after winning the one-day international series against Australia in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) that they have “suc- and review the data to ensure Wcessfully retrieved” it is complete and “that it has AFP where Kohli left off , guiding Australia’s openers again data from the Moscow labora- not been compromised”. Melbourne Scorecard their team to a convincing vic- failed to get a start and Alex tory at the heart of Russia’s “Once the data have been tory. Carey was out in the third over state-sponsored doping scan- authenticated, we will be in a AUSTRALIA Bowling: Kumar 8-1-28-2, Shami when he got a nick off Bhuv- dal which involved more than position to proceed to the third aster fi nisher Ma- UNDERWHELMING BATTING neshwar Kumar and was taken 1,000 athletes and 30 sports. phase and support the various A. Carey c Kohli b Kumar 5 9.4-0-47-2 (1w), Shankar 6-0-23- hendra Singh Dhoni 0 (2w), Jadhav 6-0-35-0, Jadeja India leg-spinner Yuzvendra by Kohli at second slip for fi ve. The world anti-doping agency sports and other anti-doping or- eased India to a sev- A. Finch lbw b Kumar 14 9-0-53-0 (4w), Chahal 10-0-42-6 Chahal earlier captured the best His partner Finch followed had demanded the data be ganisations concerned to build en-wicket victory to U. Khawaja c & b Chahal 34 (1w) fi gures by any bowler in one-day six overs later again to Kumar handed over to complete its strong cases against athletes Mclinch their one-day interna- cricket in Australia to restrict trapped leg before wicket for 14. S. Marsh st Dhoni b Chahal 39 probe into the 2011-2015 scan- who doped and, as part of that, tional series against Australia in INDIA the home side to just 230. Shaun Marsh and Usman dal which saw Russia’s athlet- ensure that certain samples P. Handscomb lbw b Chahal 58 Melbourne yesterday. R. Sharma c Marsh b Siddle 9 Chahal, playing in his fi rst Khawaja steadied the innings ics team barred from the 2016 that are still stored in the Mos- The unfl appable veteran M. Stoinis c Sharma b Chahal 10 match in the series after com- before Adelaide centurion Rio Olympics and exiled from cow Laboratory are re-analysed S. Dhawan c & b Stoinis 23 wicketkeeper hit his third half- G. Maxwell c Kumar b Shami 26 ing in for Test wrist-spinner Marsh was smartly stumped by the 2018 Winter Olympics. in an accredited laboratory no century of the three-game se- V. Kohli c Carey b Richardson 46 Kuldeep Yadav, mesmerised the Dhoni off a wide down the leg- “This is a major breakthrough later than June 30, 2019.” J. Richardson c Jadhav b Chahal 16 ries to again prove the diff erence M.S. Dhoni not out 87 Australians with his six for 42. side from Chahal for 39. for clean sport,” said WADA The Independent Compliance after his match-winning knock A. Zampa c Shankar b Chahal 8 “I enjoyed bowling for the fi rst Khawaja followed three balls President Craig Reedie. Review (CRC) has now submit- K. Jadhav not out 61 in the second game in Adelaide. P. Siddle not out 10 time in Australia (internation- later when he got a thick leading In September, WADA condi- ted a recommendation to be The 37-year-old wicketkeep- Extras (lb1, w7) 8 als). The ball was spinning a lit- edge and off ered Chahal a return tionally lifted a ban on the considered by WADA’s execu- B. Stanlake b Shami 0 er-batsman kept his usual cool Total (3 wickets; 49.2 overs) 234 tle bit, so I planned to bowl slow catch for 34. Russian Anti-Doping Agency tive committee on January 22. Extras (lb2, w8) 10 during an unbeaten 87 off 114 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Sharma), and vary my pace,” said Chahal, Marcus Stoinis lasted 20 balls (RUSADA), paving the way for WADA was strongly criticised balls as India chased down Aus- Total (all out; 48.4 overs) 230 2-59 (Dhawan), 3-113 (Kohli) named man-of-the-match. before he became Chahal’s third its reinstatement. over its decision to lift Russia’s tralia’s 230 with four balls to Chahal shares the record with victim, caught at slip by Rohit One of the conditions was ac- suspension in September Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Carey), 2-27 spare at the Melbourne Cricket Bowling: Richardson 10-1-27-1 fellow Indian Ajit Agarkar, who Sharma for 10, leaving Australia cess being granted to the data before obtaining access to (Finch), 3-100 (Marsh), 4-101 Ground. (2w), Siddle 9-1-56-1 (3w), Stan- claimed the same fi gures against rocking at 123 for fi ve in the 30th by the end of 2018. the anti-doping laboratory in (Khawaja), 5-123 (Stoinis), 6-161 lake 10-0-49-0 (1w), Maxwell It consummated a hugely- Australia at the Melbourne over. But when a WADA team arrived Moscow. (Maxwell), 7-206 (Richardson), 1-0-7-0, Zampa 10-0-34-0, Stoinis successful tour of Australia Cricket Ground in 2004. Glenn Maxwell hit a breezy 26 last month, Russian authorities Outspoken US Anti-Doping 8-219 (Handscomb), 9-228 9.2-0-60-1 (1w) where Virat Kohli’s team also Only Peter Handscomb off 19 balls before Mohammed raised issues with the certifica- Agency chief Travis Tygart had (Zampa), 10-230 (Stanlake) claimed an historic fi rst-ever RESULT: India won by 7 wickets showed any appreciable fi ght for Shami enticed him to pull with tion of their equipment under described Moscow missing 2-1 Test series win Down Under. Australia with his 58 off 63 balls a short-pitched delivery to Ku- Russian law and a December 31 the December 31 deadline as “It’s been an amazing tour for “I am happy to bat at any Dhoni, a much-loved sporting before he became one of Cha- mar sprinting in from the deep deadline was missed. “a total joke”. us. We drew the T20 series, won number,” said man-of-the- hero back home, captained India hal’s victims. to take a diving catch. “It shows we are continuing However, in his New Year mes- the Test and the ODI series,” series Dhoni. “The important to a World Cup win in 2011. He It was an underwhelming Richardson played against to make real progress that sage, International Olympic Kohli said. thing is where the team needs quit Tests in 2014, and stepped batting performance by the the spin and chipped the ball to simply would not have hap- Committee president Thomas “We are feeling confi dent me. I can’t say I can’t bat at No.6 down as the limited-overs skip- Australians, who managed just short midwicket where Jadhav pened without the September Bach insisted Russia had been and balanced as a side with the after playing 14 years.” per three years later. 17 boundaries before they were took the chance for 16 giving 20 decision,” insisted Reedie suff iciently punished. World Cup in mind.” India wrapped up the ODI Kohli looked set for another bowled out with eight balls left. Chahal his fourth wicket. on Thursday. “With its suspension from Dhoni was given tremendous series after losing the opening big score before he was caught “We took it down to the wire. Handscomb was trapped “The first phase of the three- the Olympic Winter Games support from Kedar Jadhav with match in Sydney by 34 runs be- behind off Jhye Richardson for When you give some great play- plumb in front of his stumps phase process outlined by that PyeongChang 2018, the Russian a belligerent unbeaten 61 from fore levelling with a six-wicket 46 off 62 balls in the 30th over ers a couple of chances, it always by Chahal in the 46th over and decision is now complete. The Olympic Committee has served 57 balls in a match-winning 121- win in Adelaide to set up the de- leaving his side at 113 for three. hurts,” Australia captain Aaron Australia’s innings rattled to a long impasse around access its sanction,” wrote Bach. run stand. cider in Melbourne. Dhoni and Jadhav took up Finch said. quick close.

Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival

Al Shaqab Breeding and Show manager Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani and other connections with the trophy after Ramtha Al Shaqab topped Class 2 in the Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival horse show yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Connections receive the trophy after EM Queen Desert impressed in Class 1B yesterday.

Saturday, January 19, 2019 GULF TIMES TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Kyrgios is better on court than behind Sharapova stuns mike, says Federer

Reuters Fritz in straight sets at Rod Laver Melbourne Arena. Former quarter-fi nalist Kyr- gios was knocked out of the fi rst oger Federer’s third round at Melbourne Park and Wozniacki; Nadal, round masterclass signed off with a typically sour against American Tay- media conference, snapping at lor Fritz at the Aus- reporters and making sarcastic tralianR Open yesterday drew remarks. gushing praise from bad boy of Once touted as a future Grand tennis Nick Kyrgios during a Slam champion, Kyrgios’s rank- guest commentary gig for the ing has slumped to 52 amid host broadcaster. struggles with injuries and is Federer plough on Federer, however, was less projected to fall further after the impressed with Kyrgios’s work tournament. behind the microphone for the “He’s always good for a head- Five-time Grand Slam winner will next face in-form local hope Ashleigh Barty Nine Network. line,” said Federer. Asked to comment on the Aus- “Look, I like Nick. I like the AFP 6-2 to stay on track for a third tralian’s assessments, which in- way he plays and all that. Yeah, I Melbourne successive title at Melbourne cluded “Federer’s timing is scary was happy to hear that he was in Park and a 21st Grand Slam good.... Oh, my goodness, but- the commentary booth. crown. ter, so smooth. He’s zoning at the “He’s got a bit of time, sticks aria Sharapova On a rain-aff ected day that moment” among other pearls, around, shows he’s passionate stunned defending delayed play on outside courts, the double defending champion about the game. That’s what we champion Caroline the 37-year-old showed no suggested that the 23-year-old, need to see. But we wish he was Wozniacki to sweep mercy to the 21-year-old in his as an analyst, made a great ten- on the court rather than a com- Minto the Australian Open last 16 100th match on the centre court nis player. mentary booth. But I hope he did yesterday and join ice men Ra- in Melbourne. “Yeah, we need him to play a good job.” fael Nadal and Roger Federer, “I had a really good feeling out fi rst before commentating for the Federer will play Greek young who clinically disposed of their here today against someone who whatever 10-plus years,” Federer gun Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place opponents. can be dangerous,” said Federer said with a smile after beating in the quarter-fi nals. The Russian fi ve-time Grand after reaching the Melbourne Slam winner, who has struggled fourth round for the 17th time — since returning from a drugs more than anyone else ever. REBUTTAL ban in 2017, was at full throttle “Taylor played really well. He in ending the Dane’s dream of a is going to have many more years second major title. on tour playing at this level.” Sharapova won 6-4, 4-6, The double defending cham- Tomic denies 6-3 with the roof closed on Rod pion is gunning for a record sev- Laver Arena and will next play enth Australian title. If he goes in-form local hope Ashleigh on to win the tournament, he Hewitt allegations, Barty, who bounced Greece’s will become the fi rst man ever Maria Sakkari, for a berth in the to claim seven or more crowns at quarter-fi nals. two Slams, having already won calls him ‘liar’: report “I thought the level was quite eight Wimbledons. high. I knew it would be a tough Next up for him is fi ery Greek Reuters ing Hewitt as a “liar”. match,” said the 2008 cham- 14th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, Melbourne “I have never threatened his pion, who has been in sizzling who beat Georgia’s 19th seed family,” Tomic told News Corp form at the tournament as she Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 3-6, Australia. chases her fi rst Slam title since 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. Russia’s Maria Sharapova reacts after winning a point against Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki during their ustralian tennis player “Nice, Lleyton. To think how Roland Garros in 2014. The man who lost to Fed- women’s singles match on day five of the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) Bernard Tomic has de- low of a person you actually (are) “These types of matches are erer in the fi nal last year, Marin nied compatriot Lley- and (it’s) why the Australian what I train for and it was re- Cilic, battled back from two ton Hewitt’s allegations public never liked you. ally rewarding to win that last sets down, surviving two match thatA he had made threats against “I got nothing to do with your point,” added the 30th seed. points to beat Spain’s Fernando the former world number one family and I don’t care what’s Second seed Nadal called Verdasco in a 4hr 18min epic. and his family, local media re- wrong with you, you liar.” young Australian Alex de Mi- ported yesterday. Tomic triggered the war of naur “one of the best in the MY BRAND OF TENNIS Davis Cup captain Hewitt told words after being dumped from world” ahead of their evening Barty beat Greece’s Sakkari 7-5, reporters at Melbourne Park the Australian Open fi rst round. clash, then proceeded to hand 6-1, with the 15th seed yet to late on Thursday that he had At his post-match media con- him a tennis lesson, disman- drop a set in her best perform- banned Tomic from playing in ference, he called for twice Grand tling the teenager 6-1, 6-2, ance at Melbourne Park. the Australian team after receiv- Slam champion Hewitt to be re- 6-4. She has won seven of eight ing physical and verbal threats, placed as Davis Cup captain and “I hit a good serve and played matches this month to back up including “blackmail”, from the accused him of favouritism in a solid game,” said the 2009 a title victory in Zhuhai late last 26-year-old. the awarding of wildcards to the champion who is searching for year to shape up as a dangerous World number 88 Tomic re- Australian men’s players in the an 18th Grand Slam title. opponent for Sharapova. turned serve yesterday, describ- draw. He paid tribute to De Minaur, “It’s getting to the point now who saved six match points. where I’m feeling more and “He’s a big fi ghter and super more comfortable on the court PREPARATION quick. Alex has an amazing fu- and can play my brand of tennis, ture.” which when I execute I know Nadal’s reward is a meeting it works against the best in the with Tomas Berdych, who ral- world,” said a confi dent Barty. Shapovalov hopes lied to beat Argentine 18th seed No Australian woman has Diego Schwartzman 5-7, 6-3, won the season-opening Grand 7-5, 6-4. Slam at Melbourne Park since Nadal videos can The Czech veteran reached the Christine O’Neill in 1978. semi-fi nals in 2014 and 2015 but ’s second seed An- Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a return against Australia’s Alex de Minaur during their Australian Open match is unseeded this year as he returns gelique Kerber, the 2016 title yesterday. (AFP) help topple Djoko from a back injury that almost winner, steamrolled Australian forced his retirement last year. youngster Kimberley Birrell 6-1, Meanwhile, unseeded Ameri- sets. The 17-year-old will play lyuchenkova also advanced, Reuters Swiss great Federer was also 6-0 as the Wimbledon champi- can Amanda Anisimova contin- eighth seed Petra Kvitova for a crushing Aliaksandra Sasnovich Melbourne on fi re in taming big-serving ons continued her under-the- ued her dream run, ousting 11th place in the quarter-fi nals. for a showdown with fi fth seed American Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5, radar progress. seed Aryna Sabalenka in straight Russia’s Anastasia Pav- Sloane Stephens. enis Shapovalov an- nounced himself to the world by stunning Rafa Tiafoe rips into fourth round with LeBron-inspired celebration Nadal two years ago inD Montreal and the Canadian Reuters tennis,” he said. pounded it with his hands like teenager will hope to draw from Melbourne “Obviously you guys know I’m a drum before sitting down to the Spaniard’s tactical manual a big basketball fan. Love the soak up the moment as fans when he meets Novak Djoko- team celebrations.” chanted his name. vic in the Australian Open third oung American Frances Asked by reporters after his “I love playing in big stages, I al- round today. Tiafoe has attributed his match what he liked about the ways play well,” Tiafoe said. “Now Having blitzed his way through Yentertaining post-match Los Angeles Lakers star, Tiafoe I just kind of thrive for those mo- the opening two rounds, the celebrations to basketballer responded: “What don’t you like ments, I want those moments.” 19-year-old Shapovalov revealed LeBron James after extending his about LeBron?” He will play Grigor Dimitrov, he would study videos of fellow stellar run at the Australian Open Brimming with confidence after seeded 20, in the fourth round. left-hander Nadal to prepare with a 6-7 (3), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 dispatching fifth seed Kevin Tiafoe is the last American man for his fi rst meeting with world third round victory against Italian Anderson in the second round, standing in the singles draw number one Djokovic in the hope veteran Andreas Seppi yesterday. Tiafoe came from two sets to in an otherwise disappointing of sealing another big upset. Tiafoe, who turns 21 tomorrow, one down yesterday in his best tournament for US men’s tennis. “I’m glad to hear that, that has become a crowd favourite ever Grand Slam run. However, the first major of the he’s doing his homework and re- in Australia because of his shirt- After unleashing a forehand year does show the country search. It’s important for a young ripping, fist-pumping routines winner down the line to seal has some fast-emerging talents player,” an unworried Djokovic which he said are spontaneous, the win, he tore off his shirt, after 17-year-old Amanda Anisi- said of his opponent’s due dili- but inspired by the basketball pounded his chest and yelled mova stunned 11th seed Aryna gence. great. “Yeah!” at the terraces. Sabalenka to storm into the “He’s impressive not just as “Just try to bring something in He went back to his chair, fourth round. a talented tennis player but also how he goes about his profes- sionalism, his commitments, how he deals with pressure, how said. “Yeah, he’s very pumped. BOTTOMLINE confi dent he is on the court. He brings a lot of energy to the “Nadal and him... the only court, which is great to see. thing they’re sharing I think is “I expect a really interest- the left hand. I don’t think they ing encounter. He will not have Murray pulls out of next month’s Marseille Open share many similarities in their anything really to lose, so I’m game. I think it’s quite diff erent.” sure he’s going to come out really Reuters hip surgery last January and was at Wimbledon. Murray said pulling out was a a lot, have to go through such Serbian Djokovic is back to his pumped.” Bengaluru knocked out in the fi rst round of “With the fi rm intention diffi cult decision as he had fond tough times,” tournament di- dominant best having come back Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the Australian Open on Mon- of coming back this year, the memories of the tournament. rector Jean-Francois Caujolle from elbow surgery last year to another of the next generation day having said the tournament former number one in the world “It’s tough but I don’t have a said. claim the fi nal two Grand Slams players hoping to make a mark on ndy Murray has pulled could be his last as a profes- had put the Marseille tourna- choice, I was very keen on re- “I wish for him to be able to of the season. the biggest stage, takes on Aus- out of next month’s sional. ment on his calendar,” the or- turning to Marseille where I won overcome this episode in order The 31-year-old, who tralia’s Alex Bolt. Marseille Open as he Murray, who is also sched- ganisers said in a statement. the tournament in 2008. This ti- to come back to the courts and thumped old rival Jo-Wilfried Women’s world number one “may have to undergo uled to participate in Montpel- “But due to ongoing pain in tle, one of the fi rst of my career, end his career on his own terms. Tsonga in straight sets on Thurs- Simona Halep faces a potentially surgeryA again”, the tournament lier and Dubai next month, said the hip, Andy Murray may have remains a great memory,” Mur- He deserves it.” day, said he had been tracking tricky test against seven-times organisers said yesterday. after his Melbourne defeat that to undergo surgery again and ray added in the statement. Murray will be replaced in the world number 27 Shapovalov’s major winner Venus Williams Three-times Grand Slam he would decide whether to have therefore playing the upcoming “I feel for him. It makes me main draw of the February 18-24 progress since he toppled Nadal. while US Open champion Naomi winner Murray has struggled to surgery within a week or push on tournaments including Mar- sad to see such a great player, tournament by 2013 runner-up “I’ve been following him the Osaka meets Taiwan’s Hsieh Su- regain form since undergoing through the pain to farewell fans seille was no longer an option.” that is also a person that I like Tomas Berdych. last couple years,” Djokovic Wei.