Qatar’s Olympic medal hope Fares lifts record weight, streamed online page 15

TUESday, DECEMBER 22, 2020 Al Duhail seek to find the right combination as they face Al Khor Al Gharafa eager to garner more points

Tribune News Network Doha

With the exciting Week 10 of the QNB Stars League expect- ed to deliver some fascinating results including the Qatar Clasico (Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan on Wednesday), the seven- time winners and defending champions Al Duhail would be locking horns with Al Khor at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Sta- dium in the first clash at 4pm on Tuesday. The Red Knights, who beat Al Arabi in their previous fixture riding on a double from Edmil- son Junior, are currently fifth on the table with 15 points (10 points behind leaders Al Sadd). A successful result against Al Khor would be something they would be very keen on to stay in the race to retain their title. Their coach Sabri Lamouchi said the team will aim to push Al Khor hard while finding the right combine. Speaking at the pre-match Al Duhail defender Bassam Al Rawi during the team’s training session, ahead of the clash with Al Khor, on Monday. conference, the Frenchman said, “We will face a team which has regained self-con- fidence after achieving their Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi speaks to the media on Monday. first win this season. “In every match, Al Duhail QNB Stars League Points Tally create dangerous opportunities to score, but we have failed to Club MP W l D GF GA GD Pts reach the net. But we succeed- Al Sadd 9 8 0 1 35 8 27 25 ed in the last match against Al Al Ahli 9 6 2 1 13 13 0 19 Arabi. My team always focuses Al Gharafa 9 6 3 0 23 15 8 18 on offensive performance in our Qatar SC 9 5 4 0 13 8 5 15 matches and we will work to Al Duhail 9 5 4 0 15 12 3 15 take advantage of the opportu- Al Rayyan 9 3 2 4 11 8 3 13 nities we get so that we put the burden on our rivals.” Al Sailiya 9 3 4 2 12 17 -5 11 The coach added, “The team Al Wakrah 9 3 5 1 10 12 -2 10 has conceded many goals in Umm Salal 9 2 5 2 5 13 -8 8 previous matches, which is em- Al Khor 9 1 4 4 7 14 -7 7 barrassing to and unacceptable. Al Arabi 9 1 5 3 9 19 -10 6 I am still looking for the ideal Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 7 0 6 20 -14 6 formation that will involve play- ers who are physically and tech- is injured. I do not know yet the strongest performance against nically ready for the match.” duration of the injury and the Al Gharafa and come up with a Al Duhail player Bassam period of his absence, which is positive result,” said Marquez. Al Rawi said, “Al Duhail went a big problem for us, as he is the through a difficult period due of the team. He has an Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal to injuries and other chang- excellent personality and is a In another match of the es but now the players have very good player, so losing him day 7th placed Al Sailiya will adapted to the new coaching for a long time will be a prob- play Umm Salal, who are 9th staff. We will return to victories lem. But then, there are other on the table. again and improve our position players, who will play instead of Al Sailiya coach Sami Tra- in the points table.” him and will perform well. belsi said, “My real problem is In contrast, Al Khor coach He, however, added that that Al Sailiya players feel dan- Frederic Hantz said he wants the team would still fight hard. ger only after concede goals his team to be cautious and ““For me, the Al Gharafa team and we do not initiate scoring, make double efforts against this season is considered as one which puts us under pressure Al Duhail. “We must do eve- Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jankovic looks on (far left) as players train, ahead of their match with Al Wakrah, on Monday. of the best after Al Sadd and and we lose our focus.” rything we can to score points have very good players as well Umm Salal coach Aziz Ben in this match. Al Duhail are a more on the offensive front. I Al Wakrah hoping for another Their style of play is the same as a positive result, but we were as an eminent coach. It will be a Askar said, “This match will dangerous and can cause us have full confidence that we will positive result. that of ours. My team will fight not able to do so. Our result difficultmatch for us, of course, bring two teams who play ex- problems from all sides. There- play a good game against Al Du- Al Gharafa coach Slavisa for points, which is the same could not satisfy us because we and there is no doubt about it. citing football together. We, as fore, we must be careful and hail,” stressed Hantz. Jokanovic said, “We’ll try to put for Al Wakrah, I am sure. The got no points,” he said. I think our mentality is positive usual, will prepare ourselves double our efforts. up fighting performance and match will be exciting and will Al Wakrah coach Marquez and I know that we lost a lot for, what I say always, a new “A few weeks ago, we con- Al Gharafa seek points beat Al Wakrah. attract fans of both teams. Re- Lopez said his team would miss of points, but we will continue competitor, a new story and a ceded a lot of goals, but in the In the later (6.30pm) clash “Our match is against a side garding our last match against the captain Isais Sanchez who our path. I told the players that new match. We need to prepare Al Wakrah match we did not at the Al Sadd Stadium, third- that likes to retain ball posses- Al Sadd, I would say that we is injured. “Currently, there is a we need confidence and train for the match well and we have concede any. We must improve placed Al Gharafa will take on sion and control the game. made a great effort and wanted problem which is that Sanchez strongly in order to provide the to play as we used to.” Lewis Hamilton named BBC sports personality of the year

DPA prestigious BBC award in ballers won team of the year he added under a photo London 2014. after romping to the Premier showing him in a gym. “I really wasn’t expecting League title last term, their Hamilton, 35, missed the Seven-times Formula One this knowing that there are first for 30 years.T heir Ger- I really wasn’t expecting this penultimate season race in world champion Lewis Ham- just so many great contend- man manager Juergen Klopp knowing that there are just Bahrain after his positive test ilton was voted as Britain’s ers, but we are all winners,” was named coach of the year. so many great contenders, for the coronavirus but was BBC sports personality of the Hamilton said via video link. “This time my contenders but we are all winners. back for the December 13 year on Sunday after a stun- His Mercedes team are were from all kinds of dif- season-ender in Abu Dhabi. ning season. widely expected to announce ferent sports. I never before Lewis Hamilton The Briton had earlier in The 35-year-old equalled a new contract for Hamil- won something like that,” the season clinched a record- Michael Schumacher’s re- ton in the coming days as he Klopp said on stage at the past two months, 4 of which I equalling seventh F1 world ti- cord of seven titles this year targets the outright F1 title scaled-back ceremony due to lost when I got Covid. I’ve lost tle and is the driver with most and surpassed the German to record. coronavirus. so much muscle,” Hamilton race wins (95) in the sport. hold a record 95 race wins. Manchester United and Later on Monday, Hamil- said on Instagram. In a public vote, Hamilton England forward Marcus ton said he needs to exercise “Starting from a low point Lewis Hamilton was voted as won ahead of Liverpool cap- Rashford was honoured with hard after losing four kilos in strength now, not fun now Britain’s BBC sports personality tain Jordan Henderson, with a special award for his char- during his recent COVID-19 but I’m determined to get my of the year on Sunday after a jockey Hollie Doyle third. ity work. infection. strength back and be 100 per stunning season. (Pic: Lewis He previously won the Liverpool’s men’s foot- “I’ve lost 6kgs over the cent again. No pain, no gain,” Hamilton Twitter) Sports Tuesday, December 22, 2020 13 Burnley find cutting edge to beat I want fighters not victims, Wolves, escape bottom three says Arsenal

AFP boss Arteta Burnley (UK) AFP Burnley rediscovered their London sharpness in front of goal to beat Wolves 2-1 on Monday Under-pressure Arse- and climb out of the Premier nal manager Mikel Arteta League’s relegation zone. says the only way the strug- Scoring has been a head- gling Gunners are going to ache for Sean Dyche’s men, turn their season around is who had netted just six goals if his players show they are in 12 top-flight games before fighters and not victims. the match. The Spaniard is favour- But goals from Ashley ite to be the next Premier Barnes and Chris Wood ex- League manager to be fired tended their unbeaten league as the warm glow of FA run to four matches, lifting Cup success last season has them to 16th in the table. evaporated fast. Wolves started brightly at Arsenal are 15th in the Turf Moor, with Pedro Neto table and without a Premier Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel testing Burnley goalkeeper Nick League win since November Arteta during the English Premier Pope after a driving run midway 1. They have accrued just League match against Everton through the first period, but the two points in the last seven at Goodison Park in Liverpool, threat from the home side grew games and are only four England, on Saturday. (AFP) as the half wore on. points above the relegation Barnes put Burnley ahead zone. he claims, it is a wholly sup- in the 35th minute after a The only respite for Ar- portive atmosphere. quick counter attack, heading teta – who has been in the “Obviously a club of this home at the far post after a post for just over a year – stature deserves the best cross from Charlie Taylor. has come in the cup compe- and when it is not happen- It was his first goal in the titions. ing, everyone is going to Premier League since Novem- They are through to the question what is happen- ber 2019, ending a run of 970 knockout rounds of the Eu- ing,” he said. minutes played in the compe- Burnley’s English striker Ashley Barnes (centre) celebrates after scoring their first goal during the English Premier League match against ropa League and on Tues- “I am the most respon- tition without finding the net. Wolverhampton Wanderers at Turf Moor in Burnley, England, on Monday. (AFP) day they face Manchester sible one in terms of results, Burnley continued to City -- where he cut his so I have to accept that.” threaten and Josh Brownhill Wolves failed to deal with Ash- point-blank range. a way through the disciplined Josh Benson. coaching teeth as assistant Arteta said the quarter- hit the crossbar with with a ley Westwood’s free-kick. Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Burnley rearguard. But despite late pressure to Pep Guardiola -- in the final against the holders right-footed shot from out- Ben Mee headed the ball Santo threw on Adama Traore Wolves earned themselves from Wolves, Burnley held on League Cup quarter-finals. provides a welcome dis- side the box shortly after the back into the danger zone and Fabio Silva as he sought a a lifeline when teenager Sil- to secure all three points. “You have two types of traction from their under- restart. where it came off Rayan Ait- way back into the game. va scored from the penalty Scoreline: Burnley 2 (Barnes people: fighters and vic- whelming league campaign. But they doubled their Nouri before Wood blasted it The away side dominated spot in the 89th minute af- 35, Wood 51) Wolves 1 (Silva tims,” said Arteta. “You “This is what we want lead in the 51st minute after into the roof of the net from possession but could not find ter he was brought down by 89-pen). need fighters and you don’t to use it for (a distraction), want any victims. as well as a competition we “Victims bring excuses, want to try to win,” said Ar- victims bring negativity and teta. “We have two difficult they start to blame anything opponents before in Leices- that is happening around ter and Liverpool, we man- Cristiano Ronaldo honoured with 2020 Golden Foot award them or is not going their aged to beat them both and Cristiano Ronaldo has won the accolade for active players over ceeds Croatian midfielderL uka way. now we are playing at home ‘Golden Foot’ 2020 award. “I am the age of 28 and can only be Modric, with whom he played with “You need people who and we are one step closer honored to win the @goldenfoot- won once. Supporters from all at Real Madrid. fight, people who contribute to Wembley. official and to be immortalised over the world have chosen the ‘CR7’ has outperformed other and people who are ready to “So it is a really nice on the Champion Promenade in best football player of 2020, giv- stars such as FC Barcelona’s give everything to the club game to play, as this is the Monaco, together with some of ing the 18th ‘Golden Foot’ award Lionel Messi, Bayern Munich’s in this moment.” type of game we are looking the greatest football legends of to Cristiano Ronaldo. The star Robert Lewandowski, his Juventus - ‘One step closer’ -Ar- for through the season.” all time! I am truly humbled and of Juventus and the Portuguese Italian colleague Giorgio Chiellini, teta says he ignores what However, he admits want to thank the fans all over the national team who obtained the Man City’s Sergio Aguero, PSG’s is written about him and winning the trophy would world for having voted for me,” highest number of votes among Neymar, Real Madrid’s Sergio Ra- the club, insisting that all not be sufficient to coun- said Ronaldo in a tweet. the 10 candidates selected this mos, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, that matters is the feeling ter-balance a poor Premier The Golden Foot – which was year,” the organisation said. Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and within the club -- and there, League campaign. first introduced in 2003 – is an At 35, the Juventus player suc- Inter’s Chilean Arturo Vidal. (TNN) NBA takes 2020-21 season outside protection of the bubble

more disjointed are the Hou- The 2020-21 NBA season begins Tuesday, ston Rockets, who saw the with new challenges of travel and fans departure of general man- ager Daryl Morey and coach amid the coronavirus and the familiar Mike D’Antoni, traded All- Star Russell Westbrook to sight of LeBron James and the Washington and are sitting Los Angeles Lakers tracking another title. on a trade demand from su- perstar James Harden, who skipped the start of training DPA in home and road markets, camp. Washington limiting travelling team par- “Since I’ve been here, ties to 17 players among 45 there’s nothing that’s be- For its next trick, the NBA employees, and prohibiting ing said about it,” Harden will try to complete a sea- visits to bars, fitness centres said. “Right now, I’m just fo- son outside a bubble. Just and public gatherings of 15 cused on being here.” In the 71 days after superstar or more people. East, the Milwaukee Bucks LeBron James and the Los Players testing positive traded for guard Jrue Holi- Angeles Lakers won the will miss at least 12 days day before signing two-time championship in a coronavi- and may return only after defending MVP Giannis An- rus-free special environment the absence of symptoms or tetokounmpo of Greece to a in Orlando, the NBA starts consecutive negative tests at record five-year, 228 million its 2020-21 season Tues- least 24 hours apart. Active dollar extension, taking him day, with home and road rosters were expanded from off the 2021 free agent mar- games, fans in some arenas 13 to 15 players. ket. and many unknowns. This Teams will play 72 games “I just wanted the team to will be closer to a normal - 10 less than usual - includ- be improved and be better,” season but also present the ing some consecutive con- Antetokounmpo said. problems of positive tests tests against the same foe The Heat re-signed Bam and postponed games that to limit travel. The Toronto Adebayo and Slovenian have affected the National Raptors are playing in Tam- Goran Dragic and added vet- Football League and college pa, Florida to avoid manda- erans Avery Bradley and Mo football and basketball in the tory border-crossing quaran- Harkless to a young team United States. tines. led by All-Star Jimmy But- “It’s going to be a dif- Mavericks coach Rick ler. The Boston Celtics re- ferent season,” Slovenian Carlisle called a recent trip turn with young stars Jayson superstar Luka Doncic of to Milwaukee “a good experi- LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball as Anthony Davis #3 sets a pick on Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during Tatum and Jaylen Brown but the Dallas Mavericks said. ence. We actually had the en- the first half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 18.( Getty Images/AFP) lost forward Gordon Hay- “Some players might get co- tire hotel to ourselves. There ward in free agency. rona, get sick, not be able to will be situations like that game will be top priority,” have been off since March, bull’s-eye has always been 1-2 punch of Serbian centre Both will face a challenge be with the team for 10 days. this year.” Magic chief executive Alex when the NBA suspended on my back - or my front - Nikola Jokic and Canadian from the Brooklyn Nets, who I think that’s going to be a Local guidelines will Martins said. “Our goal is to last season due to the out- since I entered the league,” guard Jamal Murray and the hired Hall of Famer Steve big part.” keep many arenas empty. make everyone feel comfort- break. James said. “You add in the Mavericks led by Doncic. Nash as coach to guide the The NBA announced The Cleveland Cavaliers are able that extensive safety On the court, James, fel- Laker name on top of that, The Los Angeles Clippers superstar pairing of Kevin 48 players were positive in allowing just 300 fans per precautions have been tak- low superstar Anthony Davis the Lakers franchise, the still boast the star tandem Durant and Kyrie Irving, return-to-market testing in game and the Orlando Magic en for the return to Amway and the Lakers will try to re- bull’s-eye has been on this of Kawhi Leonard and Paul both returning from injuries. late November. It was down up to 4,000, with mandato- Center.” peat, having added veterans franchise for a long time as George but had a tumultu- “We know the monsters that to eight on December 10 and ry face coverings for all and Last season ended on Dennis Schroeder of Ger- well.” ous off-season as reports are getting together on all one on December 16. testing for those close to the October 11, making this the many, Marc Gasol of Spain, Challenging the Lakers surfaced of preferential these different teams,” Ir- Media reports said play- court. shortest off-season ever for Montrezl Harrell and Wes in the Western Conference treatment for Leonard and ving said. ers received a 134-page man- “The health and safety of America’s four major pro Matthews. should be the Denver Nug- George criticizing departed “The league is just gonna ual that calls for rapid testing everyone connected to our sports. However, eight teams “For me personally, the gets with their international coach Doc Rivers. Even be that much more exciting.” 14 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Sports Will ’s bubble burst in 2021? AFP November saw the ICC London elect a new chairman International cricket in Greg Barclay, with found a way through this year’s the New Zealander coronavirus pandemic but the questioning the future strain of ‘bubble life’ was evi- of a World Test dent by the end of 2020. The women’s Twenty20 Championship where World Cup, won by Australia the inaugural edition’s in front of a Melbourne crowd points system had of more than 86,000 on March 8, escaped the ravages of COV- to be altered after ID-19 but the men’s game soon several series fell ground to a halt during an Aus- victim to COVID-19. tralia-New Zealand series. In a perfect summary of the heavily in favour of the home topsy-turvy cricket year, India side were highlighted again eventually went to Australia by India’s collapse to their and were bowled out for 36 in record low total in an eight- a humiliating first Test defeat. wicket defeat by Australia in After the March lock- the firstT est at Adelaide on down, international cricket, Saturday, albeit fast bowlers sustained by the broadcast in- and Josh Ha- come from tours and tourna- zlewood performed superbly ments, did not resume again against a side who had made until the England-West Indies 244 in the first innings. Test series in July. While Pakistan overcame That month also saw the longstanding security con- International Cricket Council cerns to persuade England, announce it was postponing Australia and New Zealand this year’s men’s World Twen- to tour the country in 2021, ty20 in Australia until 2022. the year ended with fast The England-West Indies bowler Mohammad Amir an- series, played at the ‘bio-se- Pre-pandemic fears that compressed touring schedules skewed the balance too heavily in favour of nouncing his international cure’ venues of Southampton retirement in protest at his and Manchester, established the home side were highlighted again by India’s collapse to their record low total in an eight-wicket “shabby” treatment. a template for cricket amid the defeat by Australia in the first Test at Adelaide on Saturday, albeit fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Amir had been one of the pandemic and spared the Eng- most exciting players in world land and Wales Cricket Board, Josh Hazlewood performed superbly against a side who had made 244 in the first innings. cricket when he was given a one of the wealthier national five-year ban after being in- governing bodies, from a crip- volved in a spot-fixing case pling financial hit. Together with Pakistan, ‘Room gets smaller’ abandon their tour of South coming out that third-world darity with Indigenous Aus- during the 2010 Lord’s Test. But the ECB still post- another of world cricket’s fi- “Going from bubble to bub- Africa after breaches of their countries can’t manage these tralians, at the start of their The highlight of his return poned its new domestic Hun- nancially poorer leading sides, ble, being isolated in a room, hotel bubble. things properly”. home season. came when he took three wick- dred tournament, a 100 balls the West Indies spent much sometimes the room just gets Michael Vaughan branded England and West Indies November saw the ICC ets as Pakistan beat arch-rivals per side competition for men of 2020 on the road, the two smaller and smaller by the the decision “alarming”, with took the knee as a response elect a new chairman in Greg India in the 2017 Champions and women, while announcing teams travelling to both Eng- second,” said Holder following the former England captain to the global Black Lives Barclay, with the New Zea- Trophy final. 62 redundancies and pay cuts land and New Zealand. the second of West Indies’ two writing in the Daily Telegraph: Matter protests against ra- lander questioning the future Amir’s admirers hoped for players. West Indies captain Jason innings defeats in New Zea- “I worry that in future it will cial injustice. of a World Test Championship his international retirement The ECB also forecast a Holder, who played in an- land earlier this month. only be the rich nations that Holder, however, was where the inaugural edition’s would be short-lived, despite loss of more than £100 mil- other bubble during a lucra- Meanwhile England’s Tom can put on cricket in bio-se- among those who criticised the points system had to be altered the 28-year-old saying he had lion ($135 million) this year, tive Banton and Tom Curran both cure bubbles.” ECB for abandoning the ges- after several series fell victim been “mentally tortured” by potentially rising to £200 mil- moved to the United Arab withdrew from Australia’s Big But Judge Zak Yacoob, ture during subsequent series to COVID-19. team management. lion in 2021. Emirates on health grounds, Bash League after citing bub- the interim board chairman against Pakistan and Australia, Pre-pandemic fears that But what sort of global West Indies won the first articulated the stresses of ble fatigue. of Cricket , criti- with Australia opting instead compressed touring sched- game he might come back to Test but lost the series. cricket in confinement. December saw England cised “an awkward narrative for a ‘barefoot circle’, in soli- ules skewed the balance too remained to be seen. All bases England hire SA covered for De Kock wants to safeguard SA, says future cricket tours to S Africa legend Kallis Lanka coach AFP to hasten the development of for Sri Lanka tour Pretoria South Africa captain young players, with South Af- Arthur rica needing to make up too AFP two Tests before going on to South AFRICA cricket cap- Quinton de Kock much ground to be a factor in London tour India. Both Tests will be AFP tain Quinton de Kock said on feels a responsibility the world Test championship. played in Galle, starting on 14 Pretoria Monday he and his players felt to ensure future “We doubt whether we’ll South African cricket icon January and 22 January. a responsibility to ensure fu- tours of South Africa be playing in the final of the will be a bat- It will be England’s first tour Sri LANKA have “all bases ture tours of South Africa can can take place by championship,” he said. “We ting consultant for England’s since the visit to South Africa covered” ahead of a two-match take place by strictly adhering strictly adhering to have young players who need to tour of Sri Lanka, the England had to be brought to a prema- Test series against South Afri- to COVID-19 protocols. COVID-19 protocols. learn - and to learn fast. I want and Wales Cricket Board an- ture end earlier this month after ca, head coach Mickey Arthur He said the South African the new guys to come in and nounced on Monday. two members of the touring par- said on Monday. team were remaining in quar- start putting up their names.” The 45-year-old is third on ty tested positive for COVID-19. The first Test starts in antine in a ‘bio-bubble’ facil- De Kock said he expected the all-time list of Test run- They later tested negative. Centurion on Saturday. ity outside Pretoria ahead of a the pitches in Centurion and scorers with 13,289 --he also England played all three of Arthur said conditions at two-match Test series against to have pace and took 292 wickets. the scheduled Twenty 20 inter- the Test grounds in Centu- Sri Lanka that starts in nearby bounce. He said South Africa Kallis coached Kolkata nationals but none of the three rion and Johannesburg were Centurion on Saturday. wanted to play clever, aggres- Knight Riders in the Indian ODIs, the first of which was likely to be more helpful to The players were adhering sive in an attempt Premier League and worked postponed after a positive test pace bowlers than they were to a strict regime of room ser- to reverse a 2-0 series loss when with the South Africa team, in the South African entourage. in and , vice meals, social distancing and Sri Lanka toured in 2018/19. but was not part of the set-up Coaches for England’s Test where Sri Lanka gained upset training in small groups pend- for England’s recent coronavi- tour of Sri Lanka: Head coach: wins for a 2-0 series victory in ing a Covid test on Tuesday. SA squad all test negative rus-disrupted tour. Chris Silverwood, Assistant the 2018/19 season. Both teams are staying in Test series in South Africa ear- after the next round of Covid ahead of Lanka series “Former South Africa all- coach: Paul Collingwood, Wicket- “Conditions are going to the same country club facility ly next year. tests, which will enable deduc- All members of the South rounder Jacques Kallis joins keeper consultant: James be totally different from what but De Kock said there was no The South Africans assem- tions to be made about who is African Test cricket squad the England setup for the first Foster, Fielding coach: Carl Sri Lanka had then,” said Ar- direct contact. bled on Saturday and were im- missing. tested negative for COVID-19 time as batting coaching con- Hopkinson, Batting consultant: thur, “but I had a look at the “We can see them but we mediately tested for the virus. De Kock, South Africa’s after they assembled for the sultant,” the ECB said. Jacques Kallis, Bowling coach: pitch at Centurion this morn- have our own boundaries and All tests came back negative regular white-ball captain, upcoming series against Sri England will leave for Sri Jon Lewis, Spin bowling consult- ing and I expect it to be a good we can’t mingle.” but De Kock said full train- said he had agreed to be Test Lanka, Lanka on January 2 and play ant: Jeetan Patel. cricket wicket.” The teams will stay at the ing would only start after the captain as a short-term meas- announced on Sunday. Arthur, who has also same venue for the Tests in results of Tuesday’s second ure for seven Test matches In a brief statement, CSA coached South Africa and Centurion and Johannesburg, round of tests were received. during the current season, said all members of the squad Australia, guided Pakistan with both Test grounds within “Obviously we’ve got that “until someone really puts up were tested when they entered when they were beaten 3-0 easy driving distance. bit of responsibility but it’s not their hand. The guys are look- a bio-secure environment in in South Africa in 2018/19 It is South Africa’s second much you can’t handle,” said De ing for a long-term leadership Pretoria on Saturday. shortly before Sri Lanka upset experience of life in a bio-se- Kock. “It’s just a small part we role and I won’t be doing that.” “CSA is pleased to an- the odds. cure ‘bubble’ following the ill- can play in ensuring future tours Although the original nounce that the entire Proteas He admitted that he had fated white-ball series against in bubble life and Covid times.” reason for De Kock not be- team has returned negative re- a “whinge” about the pitches England which was called off The South African squad ing made Test captain was an sults,” said the statement. on Pakistan’s tour, which in- early because of positive coro- was reduced from 19 to 17 overload of responsibility on The first Test starts in Cen- cluded Tests at Centurion and navirus tests, which were later players when two tested posi- him as a leading batsman as turion on December 26. Johannesburg. found to be false positives. tive for Covid last week. A well as wicketkeeper, he said The squad was reduced But that was a time when Although Sri Lanka arrived team spokesperson said the he would continue as wick- to 17 players on Friday when then-South Africa coach Ot- in South Africa last weekend names could not be released etkeeper in the forthcoming two unnamed players tested tis Gibson called for pitches for the Test matches, doubts for medical and labour rela- series. positive for COVID-19 and that helped his pace bowlers have been expressed about tions reasons but that a new De Kock said his objec- were withdrawn from the two- dominate. Australia fulfilling a planned squad list would be announced tive for the Test season was match series. “I am comfortable we will have good South African con- ditions,” said Arthur. He said the Sri Lankans had done their best to rep- NHL brass approve 56-game season with 31 teams starting January 13 licate likely South African pitches by preparing on AFP The owners and the play- nadian teams will play. ning captured the Stanley Cup The seven teams that did League looks forward to the bouncy, well-grassed surfaces Los Angeles ers’ union announced the Sunday’s agreement in- championship on September not participate in the 2019- opening of our 2020-21 sea- in Kandy. deal on Sunday, but because cludes a 16-team post-sea- 28 in the last game played after 20 Return to Play will be per- son, especially since the Re- “We’ve covered all bases. The National Hockey League of continuing COVID-19 son with a traditional four the restarted 2019-20 season. mitted to open their training turn to Play in 2019-20 was We have 21 guys in our bub- has given its 31 teams the green pandemic restrictions there rounds of best-of-seven con- The season had been on hold camps as early as December so successful in crowning ble here because we are going light to play a 56-game season were still a list of logistical tests that will wrap up in the because of the global pandem- 31. Formal training camps will a Stanley Cup champion,” straight back to Sri Lanka to that will begin January 13 with- issues to work out, including middle of July. ic that halted play from March begin on January 3. NHL Commissioner Gary play England.” out any pre-season games. where the league’s seven Ca- The Tampa Bay Light- until August. “The National Hockey Bettman said. Sports Tuesday, December 22, 2020 15

Qatar’s Olympic medal hope Fares lifts record weight, streamed online

Qatari weightlifter Fares Ibrahim Hassouna (right) poses with Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF) President Mohamed Yousef Al Mana after lifting a world record weight in the clean and jerk 96kg category during a training session last week. Fares achieved the personal milestone at Qatar Weightlifting Federation’s training facility, which was streamed live. Fares lifted 232 kg, which is one kg better than world-record holder Tian Tao of China in July last year. However, Fares will not find his name in the record books as the lift came during a training session. However, it augurs well for the 22-year-old, who is seen as Qatar’s best hope for a medal at the Tokyo Olympics next year. (TNN) Top-ranked Ko powers QCA announces T10 tournament to victory in LPGA Tour Championship to mark Qatar National Day AFP Hannah Green, who shared sec- Miami ond on 275. Four ‘Asian’ The $1.1 million winner’s World number one Ko Jin- prize -- down from $1.5 million teams to play young pulled away from second- last year but still the biggest in at Asian Town ranked Kim Sei-young with five women’s golf in 2020 -- put Ko back-nine birdies Sunday to win atop the money list for the year. on December 25 the LPGA’s season-ending Tour Her $1.66 million in earn- Championship by five strokes. ings in 2020 saw her top the $5 Tribune News Network Ko, who was playing just her million mark for her career. Doha fourth LPGA event of the pan- It was the payoff for the demic-disrupted season, had lonely weeks since she returned The Qatar Cricket Association only squeezed into the elite field to the United States in Novem- (QCA) will be conducting a T10 with a tie for second on Monday ber, leaving family and friends cricket tournament for Asian back in South Korea. communities at the Asian City “I just wanted to play Stadium on December 25. CME,” she said of her de- Four teams representing termination to make the the communities of Pakistan, season finale sponsored by India, Sri Lanka and Bangla- CME Group. desh will be participating. “Last week I had really The announcement was good round and then I fin- made at a press conference held ished top two, so and then I celebrating Qatar’s National can play here.” Day. Youssef Jeham Al Ku- Kim, whose two vic- wari, President, QCA, Abdul- tories since LPGA play re- lah Aman Al Khater, Secretary, Youssef Jeham Al Kuwari, President, QCA, Abdullah Aman Al Khater, Secretary, QCA, and Isa Al Yaqoub, Director, Public Relations, QCA, with sumed after a pandemic QCA, and Isa Al Yaqoub, Di- representatives of the four Asian teams -- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. shutdown included a first rector, Public Relations, QCA, major at the Women’s PGA were present on the occasion. work teams will be subjected Championship, had come The tournament, also be- to a COVID-19 test in order for into the day with a one- ing held to mark Qatar’s Na- the safety of all. stroke lead. tional Day, is being sponsored He pointed out that the Unable to build mo- by Urdu Radio (FM 107). fans who love cricket will en- mentum in an even par Youssef Jeham Al Kuwari joy a busy day of activities, as round that featured three said he was happy to hold this the competitions will begin at bogeys and three birdies, cricket tournament after a long 9:30am continue until about Jin Young Ko of Korea poses with the her share of second was hiatus following the COVID-19 eight in the evening. He called CME Globe trophy after winning the CME enough to overtake veteran pandemic. “We are announc- on the fans to adhere to social Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf South Korean compatriot ing this on Qatar National Day, distancing, wear masks and Club in Naples, Florida, on Sunday. (AFP) Park In-bee for Player of which is an occasion that rep- show the application of pre- the Year honors under the resents a great celebration for caution. points system used by the all. The tournament is expect- Al Kuwari pointed out at the US Women’s Open. LPGA. ed to witness a distinguished that due to the very difficult Qatar Cricket Association President Youssef Jeham Al Kuwari addresses the media on Qatar National Day But the 25-year-old South Park finished in a tie for public presence, especially circumstances because of the ahead of the T10 tournament to be played on December 25 at Asian Town. Korean made the most of her 35th. since cricket is very popular pandemic the participation in opportunity, firing seven bird- Green grabbed her share of in Qatar especially among the this edition has been limited will also be allocated for fans “A match will also be or- accommodate fans and there ies in her six-under par 66 at second with a bogey-free five- Asian communities,” he said. to four teams. The number of attending the tournament. ganized between Qatar’s will be precautionary meas- Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, under par 67. Al Kuwari stressed that all teams will be increased next It will be a festive day for the women’s national team before ures in place. Florida. “Really nice,” said Green, precautionary and preventive year with participation of in- fans and everyone will enjoy the final match of the tourna- “The stadium will be She rolled in a final birdie at who celebrated her 24th birth- health measures will be imple- ternational cricket stars. strong competitions due to ment,” he said. opened part by part to main- the 72nd hole for an 18-under day on Sunday. “Super stoked mented in cooperation with For his part, Abdullah the quality of the participat- Isa Al Yaqoub said that tain social distancing be- total of 270 and a convincing to have a great round on my the Ministry of Public Health. Aman Al Khater invited fans ing teams. Each team will have only 50% of the Asian City Sta- tween the fans and the safety win over Kim and Australian birthday.” All players, participants and to attend the event. “Prizes two professionals playing. dium capacity will be used to of everyone attending.”

Al Ahli down Al Sadd in QVA Men’s League Westwood wins Woods & son finish five European award behind Team Thomas for fourth time AFP event at the Ritz-Carlton Golf AFP Miami Club in Orlando, Florida. London Charlie, the youngest com- Charlie Woods stole the petitor in the tournament’s Veteran Lee Westwood has show alongside 15-time ma- history, displayed a sweet been named European Golfer jor winning father Tiger at the swing that was strikingly like of the Year for the fourth time, PNC Championship as Justin his famous father’s. over 20 years after he first won Thomas and his father, Mike, The similarities didn’t end the award. The 47-year-old walked away with the trophy there. When he rolled in a Englishman rediscovered his in the family event on Sunday. birdie putt at the 10th in their old form in 2020, beginning But trophy or not, Woods 10-under 62 on Sunday, Char- when he won the Abu Dhabi said the outing with his lie gave a swinging fist-pump Championship in January to 11-year-old son was something that was all Woods. make him the first active golf- he’d never forget. “He’s not going to appreci- er to win a tour event across “I don’t think words can ate this at 11 years old,” Woods four separate decades. describe it,” Woods said. “Just said. He rounded off the coronavi- the fact that we were able to “I didn’t when I was with rus-affected season by winning have this experience together, my dad. As the years go by, you the Race to Dubai after finishing Charlie and I, it’s memories for start appreciating it more.” runner-up to Matt Fitzpatrick in our entire lives.” Justin Thomas, whose 13 the World Tour Championship Team Woods, both clad in PGA Tour titles include a PGA earlier this month. He was the Tiger’s signature Sunday red Championship, said winning oldest ever winner of the Race to and black, finished seventh alongside his father might not Dubai at 47 years, seven months in the 20-team field of major have been his most important and 20 days. Al Ahli spikers defeated Al Sadd 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 33-31) in an exciting second round clash of the Qatar Volleyball Association’s Qatar champions playing alongside victory bit it was “100 percent The one thing Westwood Senior Men’s League at the QVA Hall on Monday. In another match, Al Khor drubbed Al Shamal 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-19). a family member in a two-day the most enjoyable.” still lacks is a Major.