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Tuesday, December 13, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia 1 14, 1438 AH Ronaldo wins GULF TIMES fourth Ballon d’Or award SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL BARCA ARRIVE IN QATAR TO TAKE ON SAUDI’S AHLI Sell-out crowd expected at Gharafa Stadium to see Messi, Neymar and Suarez in action for the first time in the country several stars in their line-up who can conjure up some magic of their own. Their potent forward line popularly referred as ‘MSN’ has Messi partner- ing Uruguayan Luis Suárez and Brazil- ian Neymar, both world class strikers in their own right. It will be interesting to see whether coach Luis Enrique will play them all together against Al Ahli. Enrique is bringing a strong squad to Doha, with French defender Jérémy Mathieu the only absentee due to injury. But with an important match against Espanyol to be played on Sunday in the La Liga, where they trail leaders Real Madrid by six points, Enrique is ex- pected to rotate his players during the match, which will have unlimited sub- stitutions. Barcelona arrived in Doha last night after a training session at their home base Ciutat Esportiva before their de- parture. The Catalans have never faced a team from Saudi Arabia before. However, it will not be the fi rst time Barcelona will be playing against a team from the GCC. The only time Barca faced a GCC team was when they took on Qatar’s Al Sadd in the 2011 Club World Cup in Yokohama. Barca won that game 4-0 win which took them into the fi nal against Neymar’s Santos. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker and Supreme Committee Secretary-General Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez celebrate their team’s goal against Osasuna in the La Liga on On the other hand, for Al Ahli play- Hassan al-Thawadi pose with the Qatar Airways Cup which will be awarded to the Saturday. The Catalan giants will be at their full strength when they take on Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in Doha today. ers this will be a once-in-a-life op- winners of today’s match between Barcelona and Saudi side Al Ahli. portunity to play against Barcelona. Al sored by the country’s national car- By Sahan Bidappa the ‘Blaugranas’ were always expected Ahli, coached by Swiss Christian Gross, ularly known as Amoory has been given Sergi Roberto, André Gomes, Aleix Vidal, Umtiti, rier. Usually friendlies are expected to Doha to come to Qatar to play a match. are currently in third place in the Saudi special permission by Al Ain to play for Aleñá and Borja López. be low-intensity aff airs but with the Tonight that will become a reality. Arabian fi rst division. Al Ahli against Barca. The playmaker, fi xture being a sell-out, about 25,000 Schedule One of the world’s best to have played The foreign imports in the squad who supports Barcelona and cites An- supporters are expected to throng the 5:30pm: panish football giants Barce- the game, Lionel Messi will be in action are Mohamed Abdelshafi (Egypt), Luiz dres Iniesta as his favourite player, will Performance from world champion stadium. freestyler Pawel Skora lona are fi nally making their at the Al Gharafa Stadium as he leads Carlos Martins (Brazil), Giannis Fet- also use the trip for his annual medical It’s no secret that all eyes will be on 5:50pm: Barcelona and Al-Ahli teams warm-up way to Doha. It was a trip that Barcelona to a ‘Match of Champions’ fazidis (Greece) and Omar al-Soma check-up at the Aspire Academy. 6:25pm: Opening ceremony begins with the Messi. To see the Argentinian in fl esh, was long in the making, but friendly against Saudi side Al Ahli at (Syria). Interestingly, Al Ain and UAE Pheonix Performance Group with all his mesmerising skills, is one of Barcelona squad: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Masip, keptS getting postponed. Since the time 7pm. star Omar Abdulrahman will take the 6:45pm: Musical performance from special the purest joys of watching football. But Piqué, Rakitic, Busquets, Denis Suárez, Arda, Qatar Airways tied up with Barcelona The teams are playing for the Qatar unusual step of playing for another Gulf guest Barcelona are not just about Messi, with Iniesta, Luis Suárez, Messi, Neymar Jr, Rafinha, to become their shirt sponsor in 2013, Airways Cup since they are both spon- club. The Asian player of the year, pop- Mascherano, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, Digne, 7pm: ‘Match kick-off

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways in talks to be Barcelona’s airline partner as shirt sponsorship comes to an end

By Sports Reporter ways Cup trophy was revealed for the fi rst time. Doha Designed by a team from Qatar Airways, taking inspiration from the modern aircraft they fl y, the Cup is handmade in Doha and cast in 18 carat gold. atar Airways and FC Barcelona are It is designed to refl ect the global unity that sport among the greatest brands the world inspires, and signifi es the reward for teamwork, has known, so when they struck up a eff ort and determination. partnership in 2013, it made headlines Supreme Committee Secretary-General Has- bothQ in the business and sports sections of major san al-Thawadi, who is also the Vice-President news organisations. of the organising committee, thanked the players, However, all good things come to an end. Now coaches and management of FC Barcelona and Al after four years, Qatar Airways’ association with Ahli Saudi FC for ensuring the ‘Match of Champi- Barcelona as their shirt sponsor is set to end in ons’ became a reality. June 2017. The airline’s Chief Executive Akbar al- “The enormity of this match is a testament to Qa- Baker said yesterday that it was ‘unfortunate’ that tar’s growing standing as the home of international the partnership was coming to end. football in the GCC, where the world’s greatest play- Al-Baker was speaking at the unveiling of the ers are converging to bring world-class competi- Qatar Airways Cup trophy, for which Barcelona tions to the region. It is also a signifi cant marker in and Saudi champions Al Ahli will lock horns in a our journey towards 2022 when we will proudly host friendly match at the Al Gharafa Stadium, tonight the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” al-Thawadi said. at 7pm. “Through the Social Development pillar of the “We lost the FC Barcelona deal to a Japanese Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker and Supreme Committee Secretary-General Hassan al-Thawadi address a press conference in Doha yesterday. Qatar National Vision 2030, our leadership aims company for next four years. It is unfortunate that to promote sport as a physical activity, particu- another brand was selected ignoring our brand edly worth €55 million euros ($59 million) a offi cial airline. So when you are the offi cial airline of the strong brand we are. However, we still have larly amongst the nation’s youth. By bringing such which is so strong and recognised all over the year. then we don’t want it by just name but also want time in order to know which direction we are go- popular sporting heroes to their doorstep, we are world,” said al-Baker. “We have lost it unfortunately because some- some value against the sponsorship. We are at the ing to go,” said al-Baker. enabling sports fans to live their football dreams, “We represent a very strong internation- body had more cash than us,” admitted al-Baker. moment negotiating with them and once it is con- “Though we have not been very active, except and are inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of al brand, recognised all over the world. We He revealed that Barcelona might still continue cluded, we will let you know either it is going to be with Barcelona, we have come to the conclusion of their favourite players. will look at other opportunities, of course, to be associated with Qatar Airways, with nego- or not going to be.” said al-Baker. our sponsorship with Al Ahli Saudi Club. We will “For this, I would like to thank Qatar Airways because sport is a very important branding tiations ongoing to become Spanish champs’ of- He said many football clubs over the world are be looking at negotiating further with clubs that for their continued support in not only facilitating platform for airlines,” he added. Last month, fi cial airline. interested in having a tie-up with Qatar Airways could give us very good refl ection of our brand,” global-level events such as these, but for contrib- Barcelona unveiled Japanese firm Rakuten as “Our sponsorship will end towards June and and the fi nal decision will be taken in due course. added al-Baker. uting to the well-being and social development of their new shirt sponsor for four years, report- we are now talking with FC Barcelona to be their “Many clubs want us to sponsor them because Yesterday, a stunning design of the Qatar Air- the State of Qatar,” he added. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Big goals and big titles win Ronaldo fourth Ballon d’Or Ronaldo described Portugal’s surprise victory over hosts France in the final of the Euros as “the happiest moment” of his life despite a bittersweet ending to his tournament as he limped off in tears with knee ligament damage just 25 minutes into the final

AFP Indeed, Real’s last defeat, 2-0 away to Wolfs- Madrid burg in the Champions League quarter-fi nals, was rendered meaningless as Ronaldo’s hat- trick overturned the defi cit in the return at the ristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have Bernabeu. made the Ballon d’Or their own per- Such is Real president Florentino Perez’s sonal tug of war and yesterday the title gratitude, Ronaldo has been rewarded with a for the world’s best player swung back bumper new fi ve-year contract to protect his theC Portuguese’s way. status as the world’s highest-paid sportsman. A hoarder of personal records and awards, it “His stats are scandalous and he is also a is Ronaldo’s reward for being on the winning player that has understood very well the philos- side in the Champions League with Real Madrid ophy, history and values of Real Madrid,” Perez and captaining Portugal to a fi rst international told AFP. trophy at Euro 2016. “I hope they give him a fourth Ballon d’Or... Messi was second best as a league and cup and a fi fth and a sixth.” double with Barcelona failed to mask Champi- ons League disappointment and a third straight major fi nal defeat with Argentina at the Copa HOW HE WON THE AWARD America. Ronaldo, 31, described Portugal’s surprise AFP Sports looks at five key moments from 2016 victory over hosts France in the fi nal of the Eu- that landed the Portuguese the biggest individual ros as “the happiest moment” of his life despite prize in football. a bittersweet ending to his tournament as he Snaps unbeaten Barca run Real Madrid are limped off in tears with knee ligament damage currently riding a club record 35-game unbeaten just 25 minutes into the fi nal. run, but back in April it was old foes Barcelona who Whilst he never tires of showing off his im- seemed unbeatable as they carried a 39-game pressive physique, the fi rst signs of his body streak without defeat into El Clasico. breaking down under the strain of his own Yet, despite going first a goal and then a man relentless demands made Ronaldo’s achieve- down, Ronaldo’s late winner silenced the Camp ments over the past 12 months all the more im- Nou and signalled a swing in the balance of power pressive. throughout 2016 towards Madrid. He had two prolonged spells on the sidelines Wolfsburg wounded Real’s last defeat came in spring and autumn, but still struck 50 goals just four days after victory at the Camp Nou in a for club and country for the sixth successive shock 2-0 reverse to Wolfsburg in the first leg of calendar year. the Champions League quarter-finals. Three of them came at Euro 2016 where, if However, amidst a typically fervent atmosphere not prolifi c, Ronaldo still came to his country’s at the Santiago Bernabeu on a big European night, rescue in their hour of need. Ronaldo inspired a Real fightback with a hat-trick Three times Portugal trailed Hungary and to win 3-0 and progress to the semi-finals. were headed for an embarrassing group-stage Spot-on in Milan Ronaldo didn’t manage to exit before Ronaldo made one and scored two to score in regulation time in the Champions League ensure they sneaked through. final, but still proved decisive as Real broke Atletico He played his part too in the winner that saw Madrid hearts for the second time in three years. off Croatia 1-0 in the last 16 and kept his cool Ronaldo scored the winning penalty as Real won as Portugal squeezed past Poland on penalties an 11th European Cup 5-3 in a shootout after the in the quarters. sides couldn’t be separated in a 1-1 draw after 120 However, the highlight of a tournament that minutes in Milan. proved to be the crowning glory of a magnifi - Halts early Portugal exit Ronaldo described cent career came in a showdown with Madrid winning Euro 2016 with Portugal — their first ever teammate Gareth Bale and Wales in the last major tournament win — as the “happiest moment four. of his life”. However, their unpredictable run to No one in Europe scored more headed goals glory in France could have been so diff erent had last season than Bale. Yet it was Ronaldo who Ronaldo not rescued them from an embarrassing soared highest for a bullet header to open the early exit at the group stages. scoring before his shot was turned home by After draws against Iceland and Austria, three Nani for Portugal’s second in a 2-0 win. times Portugal trailed Hungary in their final group Not bad for a player who started life as a game only to be bailed out. winger at Sporting Lisbon and was initially de- Ronaldo teed up Nani for the first equaliser before rided as a one-trick pony with no end product scoring two of his three goals in the tournament when he moved to Manchester United, where he to ensure Portugal sneaked through as one of the spent six years before sealing his dream move to best third-placed sides. Real. Calderon goodbye Whilst Ronaldo’s collective It was a similar story this season at club level. achievement in winning both the Champions Ronaldo’s sensational goalscoring form in 2015 League and Euro 2016 was the reason he won the had been criticised for a lack of goals when the award, the 31-year-old also hushed the critics who going got tough. suggested he was past his best at the start of this Yet he routinely came up with the goods season with a hat-trick to again vanquish Atletico when Real needed a hero in the midst of a now last month. club-record 35-game unbeaten run.

BOTTOMLINE AGAINST Former FA chiefs hit United coach Mourinho left out at governing body

AFP tributes, as has been recognised London in many past inquiries and re- ports. scared by Mkhitaryan injury It would give millions of play- AFP “It’s a pity because he ive former English Foot- ers and fans confi dence they will Manchester is going to miss matches ball Association bosses no longer be marginal to the fu- in his best period but at have hit out at the gov- ture of their sport. least we don’t lose a player Ferning body and urged “It may well move us to re- ose Mourinho admits he for so long” the British government to reform dressing the woeful lack of Eng- was scared when he saw an “out of balance” organisation lish players or managers and the Manchester United mid- of allowing him to take his time fi lled with “elderly white men”. embarrassing failures of our na- fi elder Henrikh Mkhi- adapting to the English game. David Bernstein, David Dav- tional team for the past 50 years.” taryanJ stretchered off the eldfi “I have had players with a ies, Greg Dyke, Alex Horne and Responding to the letter, Col- during his team’s 1-0 Premier similar adaptation process. But David Triesman grouped togeth- lins wrote: “The select com- League victory over Tottenham we bought him, he was not a er to write to Damian Collins, mittee shares your concern that Hotspur. player chosen by other people,” chairman of the Culture, Media the current structure of the FA Mkhitaryan scored the win- Mourinho said. and Sport Committee. makes it impossible for it to re- ning goal against Tottenham on “We bought him because I They say the “well-meaning form itself. Sunday and is fi nally displaying asked the club to do it because individuals” in charge of the FA “As such, there is currently the sort of form that had con- I liked the player. I analysed the are “collectively unrepresenta- no eff ective governing body for vinced United to sign him from player so it would be more frus- tive of English society” and football in England that is ca- Borussia Dortmund in the close- trating for me if everything went “under-qualifi ed” to deal with pable of responding to the chal- season. wrong. modern football. lenges that face the modern But late in the game at Old “But he needed the period of The group also called for leg- game.” Traff ord, the Armenian went adaptation at every level and in islation to be passed, blaming the Collins said the committee is down under a foul from Spurs that period he was a great pro- FA’s “inability to reform and mod- working to prepare a draft Bill defender Danny Rose and had fessional because maybe anoth- ernise in a fast-changing world”. which would reform the struc- to be carried from the fi eld with er guy in this position would fi nd The letter said the FA lacks in- ture of the FA. what appeared a nasty injury to excuses. dependence and makes decisions He also said the committee his ankle. “Another player would blame based on vested interests due to a would ask for a debate in the Speaking on Monday about the manager, he would blame lack of checks and balances. House of Commons calling for a the incident, Mourinho said he the pitch, he would blame the It also said the FA was resist- vote of no confi dence in the FA. had feared a lengthy absence Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho. weather, he would blame some- ant to change and that parlia- “We cannot aff ord to wait any was likely as it looked a serious thing, like many of the players ment needs to step in. longer,” he said. injury. “Hopefully he can play at “It’s a pity because he is going former Bundesliga player of the now do. The letter concluded: “Foot- A statement from the FA in But to the relief of the United Christmas. We believe it’s pos- to miss matches in his best pe- year initially struggled to adapt “Mkhitaryan was quiet, he ball is a much-loved sport en- response to the letter to Col- manager, Mkhitaryan should sible,” Mourinho told reporters. riod but at least we don’t lose a to his new surroundings. closed his mouth, worked really joyed by millions, and it has lins read: “The FA is currently miss just two games, away at “When I saw him on the player for so long.” A disastrous debut did not hard waiting for this opportu- genuine cultural signifi cance in working on governance reforms Crystal Palace and West Brom- stretcher I thought it would be The Spurs game was just help in the home derby defeat to nity and is playing so well now. the country which fi rst codifi ed to adhere to Sport England and wich Albion this week, before more diffi cult. When I watched Mkhitaryan’s third league start Manchester City in September, “But hopefully it’s not a few what is now a global sport. UK Sport’s Governance Code for returning for the busy holiday the tackle on TV, I was a bit for United and his fi rst goal in but Mourinho is now convinced matches out that are going to “A focused intervention can Sport which was released in Oc- schedule. scared. the English top fl ight after the he is about to reap the benefi ts stop his evolution.” undoubtedly build on these at- tober this year”. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 13, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EUROPA LEAGUE Pogbas to clash as Man United draw Arsenal get Bayern Saint-Etienne again, Barcelona return to Paris Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (L) will face his brother Florentin ‘We know Arsenal from the last few years when we often played against them, twice Pogba who plays for Saint-Etienne as a defender. already in the last 16, when we had a good experience and got through’ AFP there will be no long away trip Nyon, Switzerland this time. “The good thing is the travel distance. We were very unlucky anchester United in the group phase, we had to go will take on Saint- very far, it was very diffi cult to go Etienne in the last to Turkey, Ukraine,” he said. 32 of the Europa “Now we go to France because MLeague, with Jose Mourinho’s the fl ight is easy and it’s not an side hosting the French club in easy period, there are lots of the fi rst leg, after today’s draw. games, so that is good.” The tie will see United and Saint-Etienne, 10-time French France midfi elder Paul Pogba, champions and European Cup the world’s most expensive runners-up in 1976, are currently player, come up against his elder eighth in Ligue 1. brother Florentin, the Guinea in- “Saint-Etienne is an historic ternational defender. old club with lots of tradition. “That’s a nice thing,” said People of my generation will Mourinho at a press conference never forget that (Michel) Platini yesterday. “Paul was already team and it will be diffi cult be- laughing about it and for sure his cause every team now is a good brother is also laughing. team in the competition. “It has happened a few times “For sure, Manchester United in the history football and it’s a is one of the big names in the nice thing.” competition but we have two The teams met in the now de- months without the Europa funct Cup Winners’ Cup fi rst League, two months to forget it, round in 1977, with United win- then we will see.” ning 3-1 on aggregate. The other Premier League On that occasion, United were representative, Tottenham Hot- forced to host the second leg in spur, will face Gent of Belgium UEFA Champions League last 16 draw the southern English city of Ply- after being eliminated from the mouth, 450 kilometres away, fol- Champions League at the group Manchester City (ENG) v Bayer Leverkusen (GER) v lowing crowd trouble in the fi rst stage. Monaco (FRA) Atletico Madrid (ESP) leg in France. Villarreal of Spain will face Real Madrid (ESP) v Napoli Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Mourinho’s men fi nished Italian giants Roma in one of the (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) second in Group A behind Fen- standout ties, while Bundesliga Benfica (POR) v Borussia Sevilla (ESP) v Leicester erbahce of Turkey while Saint- club Borussia Moenchenglad- Dortmund (GER) City (ENG) Etienne topped Group C. bach were drawn against Fioren- Bayern Munich (GER) v After also having to go to tina of Italy. Arsenal (ENG) - First legs on February Ukraine to face Zorya Luhansk The fi rst legs will be played on FC Porto (POR) v Juventus 14/15/21/22, second legs in the group stage, United’s Por- Thursday, February 16, with the (ITA) on March 7/8/14/15 tuguese manager is pleased that return matches a week later.

The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed before the round of 16 draw of the UEFA Champions League football tournament at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. CLUB WORLD CUP

AFP We know Arsenal from the last few years Madrid will face Napoli as they look to City will take on last season’s Europa Nyon, Switzerland when we often played against them, win the trophy for a record 12th time, League winners Sevilla as a reward for twice already in the last 16, when we had while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City topping their group in their debut ap- Real hot shots ready a good experience and got through,” said face a testing two-legged encounter pearance in the competition, with a visit rsenal were once again drawn Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. against Monaco. to the Sanchez Pizjuan in the fi rst leg. against Bayern Munich in the “Arsenal are a strong team and I rate City, currently struggling for form, Leicester’s European form — an Eng- for Japan test: Zidane last 16 of the UEFA Champions them as stronger at the moment than in cannot aff ord to take the principality side lish record 5-0 defeat at Porto last week ALeague yesterday, while Barce- the last few years.” lightly — they are the most prolifi c side in apart — has provided a welcome tonic lona will also come up against familiar PSG came second to Arsenal in Group Europe’s leading leagues this season and amid a poor defence of their domestic ti- foes in the shape of Paris Saint-Germain. A, leaving them more vulnerable to a have beaten Arsenal and Tottenham Hot- tle, but Sevilla sporting director Monchi Arsene Wenger’s side had hoped win- tough draw and fi ve-time winners Bar- spur in the Champions League in the past is wary of Claudio Ranieri’s side. ning their group for the fi rst time in fi ve celona have eliminated the French club in two years. “They are a team that last weekend years would spare them a tie against the quarter-fi nals in two of the past four “We are happy to be here, and then scored four goals against Manchester one of the continent’s giants in the fi rst seasons, while the teams also met in the we have avoided Real Madrid and Bar- City. They had a great group stage and knockout round. group stage in 2014/15. celona,” City’s director of football Txiki I think they will be very diffi cult oppo- But instead they must face Carlo An- “If I could have chosen another team, I Begiristain told BT Sport. nents,” he said. celotti’s German champions, who came would have done,” admitted Paris direc- “Monaco are playing probably the best Atletico Madrid, runners up to city ri- second in their section, with the fi rst leg tor of football Patrick Kluivert, a former football in France now. In a group with vals Real in two of the last three seasons, in Bavaria. Barcelona striker. Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen they were drawn against Germany’s Bayer Bayern eliminated Arsenal en route Barcelona vice president Jordi Mes- were top and they have young players and Leverkusen in a repeat of their clash at to winning the trophy in 2012/13 and tre told beIN Sports Spain: “There is no a lot of talent.” the same stage in 2014/15. repeated the feat a year later, while the guarantee but it does give you a certain Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim said: On that occasion, Atletico emerged vic- teams also met in the group stage last confi dence to have beaten them before. “Manchester City are looking to win the torious after a tense penalty shoot-out. season – the Gunners won 2-0 in London Every game is diff erent and we will see Champions League. We are not the fa- The fi rst legs will be played on Febru- but lost 5-1 at the Allianz Arena. what happens.” vourites but we believe in our qualities.” ary 14, 15, 21 and 22 with the second legs “It’s an interesting and diffi cult draw. Reigning European champions Real Premier League champions Leicester on March 7, 8, 14 and 15.

Real Madrid’s French headcoach Zinedine Zidane. LIGUE 1 AFP “We are here to win the Yokohama, Japan Club World Cup. It’s an extremely important target for Real Madrid” eal Madrid coach Zin- edine Zidane looked said a smiling Zidane, who Cavani double rescues PSG frazzled after arriving hoisted the Club World Cup’s in Japan yesterday but forerunner, the Intercontinental “We really suff ered out there, heR has promised his side will be Cup, with Real in 2002 and Ju- AFP “That match taught us Paris they imposed a terrible rhythm something we didn’t know ready for the Club World Cup. ventus in 1996. early on and it was diffi cult for about ourselves. It keeps The European champions, “But the players will be ready. us, but then came that extraor- us top and we can do even chasing a second world title in We’re on a fantastic run and second-half brace dinary goal,” Favre said. better,” the striker said three years, worked out the kinks that’s because we have a great from Edinson Cavani Cavani had the ball in the back as night fell, talisman Cristiano bunch of players — quality play- saw champions Paris of the net again with 15 minutes left-foot shot that saw the home Ronaldo leading the players in a ers, intelligent players — who Saint Germain come to go but Blaise Matuidi was off - side booed off at the break. gentle jog around a pitch in chilly work their socks off every day in fromA two down to earn a 2-2 side when receiving the ball to In the second half, Paris con- Yokohama. training to be as good as they are. draw with Ligue 1 leaders Nice at provide the fi nal pass. centrated on the fl anks and the “We’re very tired from the “We have played nine matches the Parc des Princes on Sunday. The PSG front line’s assault two Cavani goals, which took long fl ight of course,” a bleary- in three weeks but we want to The visitors withstood an ear- saw Nice ‘keeper Yoan Cardinale his league taly to 16 so far, came eyed Zidane told AFP. “But that’s keep this run going,” added the ly onslaught to go into the break produce seven saves, the last a from wide crosses from Serge normal. We will untangle our- former World Cup winner. 2-0 up after a sumptuous free- brilliant stop on the line from a Aurier and Kurzawa. selves a bit and feel better after a Real will be without Gareth Bale kick from Wylan Cyprien on 32 Layvin Kurzawa header. Mario Balotelli came on as a late good night’s sleep. as they look to be crowned the minutes and a slick left-foot But earlier Cavani was in the substitute and quickly produced “The serious work starts to- world’s best team for a fi fth time. shot from Alassane Plea right on right place at the right time to a snap shot that PSG keeper Al- morrow,” added the Frenchman, The Welshman is recov- the break. prod home the equaliser after phons Areola saved well. whose side take on Mexico’s Club ing from ankle surgery, but the The result puts Nice on 40 Cardinale had punched away a Hatem Ben Arfa, who America on Thursday for a place Spanish giants have been boost- points from 17 games, one clear cross right into his captain Dante switched to PSG from Nice in the in the fi nal. ed by the return of German Toni of second placed Monaco, who and the Uruguayan pounced on summer, also made a late cameo. “We are here to win the Club Kroos after a metatarsal fracture. beat Bordeaux 4-0 on Saturday the loose ball. Cyprien said after the game World Cup. It’s an extremely im- Real president Florentino Perez and four clear of under-pressure The opening goal came when his side had never expected to portant target for Real Madrid.” has demanded the team complete Unai Emery’s champions. Cyprien whipped a ferocious be top at this stage. “That match Zidane’s Spanish table-top- a Champions League, UEFA Super Nice coach Lucien Favre looked free-kick round the PSG wall taught us something we didn’t pers, who have strung together Cup and Club World Cup treble. relieved with the point after Cav- into the top right hand corner know about ourselves. It keeps a club record 35-game unbeaten But Marcelo shrugged: “This ani had fi nished from close range against the run of play. us top and we can do even bet- run, swept into Tokyo before is Real Madrid — we’re obliged to on 46 minutes and then on the And then, just before the ter,” the striker said. sunrise on Monday and were win. We haven’t had much time hour mark before the champions break, Plea beat both Thiago Sil- PSG players refused to speak greeted at the airport by around to sleep and it’s a crazy schedule ripped into the Ligue 1 leaders all Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates va and Marquinhos at the edge to reporters having decided to 300 fans. but it would be a dream for the the way to the fi nal whistle. after scoring a goal against Nice at the Parc des Princes stadium. of the PSG area to dispatch a deft impose a media blackout. “Personally, I’m knackered,” players to win this title.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT KEEP CALM! Klopp demands cool heads aft er more Conte impressed defensive woes by reformed Costa ‘It’s fantastic and it’s important to continue this way. Diego for sure is a great striker. He is enjoying playing his football. Now he is showing his passion in the right way’

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp applauds the fans.

AFP “Nearly everybody was Liverpool involved in our off ensive situations and we had two centre-backs and some- iverpool manager Jur- times Hendo (Jordan Hend- gen Klopp bemoaned his erson) behind the ball, and side’s defending and lack nearly everybody else the of composure after they other side,” he said Lfell behind in the Premier League title race with a 2-2 draw at home “We had a problem with sec- to struggling West Ham. ond balls but not too often. The Divock Origi scored for the goals (we conceded) weren’t in fourth consecutive match after situations like that but we let the Darren Randolph’s blunder to game go a little bit away in these save a point for frail Liverpool, moments, we were not com- who sit third, six points behind pletely in control like we could leaders Chelsea. have been.” Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Klopp acknowledged that on Karius last week gifted Bourne- current form it will be diffi cult mouth a winner and Klopp’s to catch red-hot Chelsea, who side — so good going forward and have won their last nine Premier top of the table last month — are League matches and now look being regularly undermined by the team to beat. their defensive failings. “It’s diffi cult to stay in the race Karius’ positioning on Sunday with Chelsea when they win eve- for West Ham midfi elder Dimitri rything. This is the moment to Payet’s equaliser, which can- collect as many points as possi- celled out Adam Lallana’s open- ble,” he said, calling for his side to er, was questionable. remain calmer in future. Michail Antonio then capital- “The way to get a real top- ised on a mistake by Joel Matip fl ight team is for them to make to put the visitors 2-1 up before the right decisions, and stay Origi’s fortuitous 48th-minute cool.” leveller. West Ham manager Slaven Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates after the game with Diego Costa. Klopp was hardly convinc- Bilic has problems of his own. ing in his defence of the German He was pleased with the point, AFP 12th league goal in 15 appearances this senal defeat Diego had four yellow cards. Chelsea have a relatively unthreaten- stopper Karius, 23, saying mere- which saw his side climb out of London season to seal the leaders’ 1-0 win over He was on the edge but he continued to ing list of fi xtures in the coming weeks, ly that he had “no idea” about the relegation zone, but they West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. stay on the edge and not go over. I think raising the possibility of equalling Arse- whether his summer signing was have not won in six matches and “I’m happy for him because he is he can arrive at January without a yellow nal’s Premier League record of 13 con- at fault for the Payet free-kick the pressure is on. helsea manager Antonio Conte showing great passion. In every game he card. I hope!” Conte said. secutive wins in one season. strike because he had only seen “After we lost our last game 5-1 believes Diego Costa has become is showing great commitment and work “I always tell my players to stay focused “I’m interested in continuing this way, it once. against Arsenal and after a start a reformed character because rate to help the team,” Conte said. on the football. I don’t like the provocation. but I’m not interested in the record,” But the Liverpool boss was here that couldn’t be worse, we the fi ery striker has rediscovered “It’s fantastic and it’s important to I’m trying to transfer this. I’m very lucky Conte said. clearly not happy with the way expect the confi dence to drop,” hisC love of the game. continue this way. Diego for sure is a because my players know this.” “I’m interested in three points because Liverpool were opened up by the he said, refl ecting on Lallana’s Costa’s quality was never in doubt af- great striker. it means we will stay top of the table and Hammers at Anfi eld. fi fth-minute opener. ter he fi red Chelsea to the Premier League “He is enjoying playing his football. FOCUSED fi ght for something important.” “Nearly everybody was in- “But we showed a great reac- title two years ago, but the Spaniard Now he is showing his passion in the Chelsea’s ninth successive league win Albion were unlucky not to take what volved in our off ensive situations tion after the goal. Particularly in found himself in hot water time and again right way. reopened a three point lead over second would have been an impressive point af- and we had two centre-backs the fi rst half, I was pleased. I was due to his volatile temperament. “If you ask me why he didn’t in the placed Arsenal, but Conte refused to get ter stifl ing Chelsea for long periods and and sometimes Hendo (Jordan pleased with the character over The 28-year-old cut a miserable fi g- past I don’t know. I can talk very well carried away when asked about Chelsea’s boss Tony Pulis was impressed with the Henderson) behind the ball, and the 90 minutes, but in the fi rst ure last season as he squabbled with op- about his commitment and his behaviour chances of winning the title in his fi rst way his team matched the leaders. nearly everybody else the other half, we showed we could hurt ponents and even rowed with Chelsea in the training sessions.” season in England. “They play a diff erent formation than side,” he said. them.” team-mate Oscar on the training ground. With no bookings in his last 10 match- “Now it’s important to think of the most teams in the Premier League, but But Conte has managed to tame the es, Costa has so far managed to avoid the next game at Sunderland because we we had a good week working on it and I worst of Costa’s excesses since taking yellow card that would trigger a suspen- have only two days to prepare this game,” thought we were well set up,” Pulis said. charge at Stamford Bridge during the sion for his fi fth booking of the season. he said. “The goal is disappointing because Swansea have grit Wenger won’t let close-season and the forward is now Conte would love his star striker to “It’s important to be focused because Gareth should have dealt with it, but I’ve to survive relegation Oxlade-Chamberlain able to channel his energy into goals- continue to toe the line until January to this is an important period. We have a no qualms with anyone because they all scrap, says Britton leave Arsenal coring instead. ensure he is available for all of the busy lot of games in the Christmas period. It’s played well. They put so much eff ort into Swansea City captain Leon Arsene Wenger says he is de- The results have been spectacular and Christmas period. important to win and play with a good the game and it took a wonderful goal by Briton believes his team have termined to keep Alex Oxlade- Costa maintained his resurgence with his “It’s incredible because after the Ar- intensity.” Costa to beat us.” proved they have the bat- Chamberlain amid speculation tling qualities to survive the the England winger could be Premier League relegation set to leave Arsenal. BOTTOMLINE dogfight after thrashing fellow The Gunners are reported not strugglers Sunderland 3-0 on to have opened discussions Saturday. over a new contract with Swansea made it two wins Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has in three games thanks to a 18 months to run on his cur- penalty from midfielder Gylfi rent deal. Sigurdsson and a brace by The north London club are Arsenal are in title race: Wenger striker Fernando Llorente, locked in negotiations to ex- AFP even better. of course it is simple to say ‘con- lifting them above Sunderland tend contracts for stars Alexis London “I’m happy for him because cede fewer goals and score more’.” and Hull City into 18th in the Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, who he is showing great passion. In Jose Mourinho will be hop- table. have similar terms remaining every game he is showing great ing United’s win over Spurs will “I think we have shown we on their existing deals. rsene Wenger believes commitment and work rate to spark a sequence of wins espe- are ready to scrap. We have Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal are in the help the team,” said Conte. cially as three of their next four the character and spirit and Arsenal from Southampton in ‘fi ght’ for their fi rst The two London clubs gained are against teams in trouble experience,” Britton told Brit- 2011 and has won 24 England APremier League title some breathing space at the starting away at Crystal Palace ish media. caps, but he has struggled to since 2004 and insists the Gun- weekend as the chasing pack all tomorrow. As ever, though the “People associate Swansea hold down a regular place in ners will maintain the pressure dropped points — Manchester ‘Special One’ preferred to look with great football but we the starting line-up. on leaders Chelsea in today’s trip City and Spurs both losing and at a half empty glass. have shown over the years But Arsenal boss Wenger to out of sorts Everton. Liverpool held 2-2 at home by “We can (win them all), but to that we can be dogged and insists that isn’t a snub of Arsenal have not lost in the struggling West Ham. play at Palace, it is not an easy determined and dig out Oxlade-Chamberlain because Premier League since the open- Spurs — who host struggling match,” said Mourinho. results as well. When we have he is still part of his long-term ing day of the season, and had Hull tomorrow — could at least “To play at West Brom is not needed to pick up points in plans. a short stay at the top at the point to a narrow 1-0 defeat by an easy match and to play at past years we have done that “I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to weekend before Chelsea eked Manchester United whereas Pep home against two teams that as well,” he added. stay at the club. I bought him out a 1-0 win over West Brom to Guardiola’s problems appear will fi ght desperately for a point, “Sometimes it ain’t pretty, es- at a very young age, I think maintain their three point lead. to be mounting with City’s 4-2 Middlesbrough and Sunderland, pecially away from home, but he’s developing well,” Wenger Wenger, though, is pleased humbling by Leicester. teams that want to avoid relega- that is what you have to do said yesterday. with the way his side have pro- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Guardiola, whose side have tion, will be diffi cult too. in this league. People say we “This season he’s making gressed from last season when won just four times in 15 match- are a passing team but I have steps, moving forward. When they fi nished a distant second to a hamstring injury, which will be to the Manchester City match es, didn’t off er much in the way FIXTURES no concerns with the fighting you’ve invested so much time Leicester having never posed a music to the ears of Belgian in- earlier this month — despite the of a solution to his players in- (2000GMT unless stated) spirit in the squad.” and work in a player, and the signifi cant challenge. ternational Romelu Lukaku. Black Cats having won three of ability to tackle. Today Britton has been impressed player loves it here and is “At the minute there is no dif- He returned to form with a their previous fi ve matches. They failed to win one in the Everton v Arsenal (1945), by the calm approach of the integrated in the qualities we ference anyway with the other brace in the 3-2 defeat to Wat- Chelsea manager Antonio opening 35 minutes against Bournemouth v Leicester (1945) club’s new manager Bob want him to have, overall, I teams,” said Wenger. ford but Ronald Koeman’s hon- Conte has proved the doubters Leicester something which the Bradley. want him to stay.” “But we are in there. We are eymoon with the Everton fans is wrong in sending out a far more Watford forwards will be licking Tomorrow “There has been pressure Chile forward Sanchez and in the fi ght. We were not too bad well and truly over after a run of fl uent and happier side than the their lips at ahead of tomorrow’s Crystal Palace v Manchester from the outside but I have Germany midfielder Ozil have last year but I believe we have just one win in 10 games. one that led to Jose Mourinho clash. “I am not a coach for the United, Manchester City v Wat- seen no change from the been key figures in Arsenal’s improved. I believe that we have Chelsea’s trip to Sunder- being sacked last season. tackles. I don’t train for tackles. ford, Middlesbrough v Liverpool manager,” he said. “He has just impressive Premier League created confi dence.” land shouldn’t pose too many Diego Costa, who scored his What I want is to try to play well (1945), Sunderland v Chelsea gone about his business.” form this season, but Wenger Wenger will be without the problems — even with rumours 12th goal of the season on Sun- and score goals. What are tack- (1945), Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea travel to face eighth- refused to give an update on impressive German internation- swirling they may be punished day, is one of those who have les?,” said Guardiola. Hull, Stoke v Southampton, West placed West Bromwich Albion the pair’s contract negotia- al Skohdran Mustafi , who went with a points deduction over the been transformed and Conte is “I have to improve, but I want Bromwich Albion v Swansea, today. tions yesterday. off in the 3-1 win over Stoke with players role in the angry climax expecting the 28-year-old to get to play the football I feel because West Ham v Burnley (1945) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 13, 2016 5 SPORT

COMMENT McLaren report a ‘political act’, says Isinbayeva Reuters no chance to develop the sport in Rus- panded globally. Executive Board of the Russian Olympic Moscow sia, we lose visibility otherwise,” the “How could IAAF consider athletes Committee. double Olympic champion and world who have been suspended twice for She also said the McLaren report record holder added. doping clean and allow them to com- had failed to deliver proof to back up its he International Association of The suspension was upheld follow- pete while I was not?” Isinbayeva said in fi ndings including the names of viola- Athletics Federations (IAAF) ing an appeal earlier this year, ruling all a separate interview with French sports tors, the drugs used and other details. must reinstate Russia as soon but one Russian track and fi eld athlete, daily L’Equipe, referring to American “They talk about proof but we have not as possible to prevent the coun- long-jumper Darya Klishina, out of the sprinter Justin Gatlin. seen any,” said the former three-times Ttry’s athletes from stagnating, Russian Rio Olympics. “When Coe asked my support at the world champion. Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) chair “We must fi nd a solution as the beginning of his campaign to become What she said dismayed her most Yelena Isinbayeva has said. worst thing has happened already — IAAF president, I gave it to him without was the condemnation of all athletes The Russian Athletics Federation we missed the Olympic Games. Russia asking questions. Then he put me on rather than the search to identify and was banned in November 2015 after must be allowed back,” the 34-year-old the list with everyone else. He did not punish the cheats. “I am against the an independent World Anti-Doping Isinbayeva stressed. “A line needs to be take into consideration who I am, my cheats but I don’t like generalisations. Agency (WADA) study exposed wide- drawn under the situation, otherwise it history, the absence of doubts (on my How can I agree there is institutional spread state-sponsored doping and the could go on for years.” performances)... Sebastian Coe has had doping (aff ecting everybody) when I IAAF confi rmed last week that the ban In the latest blow to the country, an no respect for me and it hurt me. have never been part of it?” will run into next year. independent WADA report said on Fri- “Yes, Russia is poisoned by doping... Isinbayeva is still furious at being “I want to believe they will fi nd a day that more than 1,000 Russian com- but to focus the investigations on one barred for the Rio Games as part of a compromise soon. We have done eve- petitors across more than 30 sports were country is a political act. I hope that Mr collective sanction taken by the IAAF in rything they asked — we did it even involved in an institutional conspiracy McLaren’s investigation will be extend- response to the fi rst part of the McLaren before Rio 2016,” the Russian former to conceal positive drug tests. ed worldwide.” report published in July which revealed pole vaulter told insidethegames.biz, a Isinbayeva, who also won three As well as her role with RUSADA, state-sponsored doping. “Of course I sports website focused on the Olympic World Championship golds and set 28 Isinbayeva was elected as a member of agree that our cheats should be banned. Movement. world records, also lashed out at IAAF the International Olympic Committee They cheated, let them pay the price. “I hope that we can compete inter- President Sebastian Coe and called for (IOC) Athletes’ Commission during Rio But what upsets me is the collective ban nationally soon, otherwise we will have any doping investigations to be ex- 2016 and has also been appointed to the that solves nothing.”

SWIMMING Kyrgios thinks ban will help him push Magnifi cent seven for top-10 in 2017 for Hosszu, Park wins 1500m his third gold The 27-year-old Hosszu wins 100m butterfly for her seventh gold at the Short Course World Championships, having already stamped her class with wins in the 100m, 200m Reuters and 400m medley as well as the 200m butterfly and 100m and 200m backstrokes Sydney ustralian world number 13 Nick AFP Kyrgios thinks his ATP-imposed Montreal Asuspension will stand him in good stead when he makes a push for the top 10 next season. atinka Hosszu brought The 21-year-old rose to a career high the curtain down on a week ranking this year but his tour season of dominance at the Short Course World Swimming ended with a $25,000 fine and a two- KChampionships by clinching her sev- month ban from the ATP for not trying enth gold medal of the meet. in a match at the Shanghai Masters. The Hungarian swimming star, af- The ban was reduced to three weeks fectionately known as the ‘Iron Lady’, after he agreed to see a sports psycholo- surged to victory in the 100m but- gist. “The ATP wanted me to see a psy- terfl y to cap a superb campaign at the chologist to help me out and I’ve been championships in Windsor, Ontario. doing that,” Kyrgios told Fox Sports Hosszu touched the wall in 55.12 after helping the Singapore Slammers to seconds, taking the gold ahead of the Indian Premier League Tennis title in Kelsi Worrell of the United States Hyderabad on Sunday. (55.22) and Japan’s Rikako Ikee 55.64. The 27-year-old Hosszu had al- “It’s actually been good, just relaxing ready stamped her class on the cham- a little bit, spending more time with my pionships with wins in the 100m, family and my girlfriend as well. 200m and 400m medley as well as “So the suspension, one way to look the 200m butterfl y and 100m and at it, is getting more time off with the 200m backstrokes. people you love and I’ve been training Sunday’s fi nal win at the WFCU as well, so it’s set me up in good stead Centre completes a phenomenal for 2017. Obviously I wouldn’t have 2016 for Hosszu, who also lit up the wanted to get suspended but it gave Rio de Janeiro Olympics with three me time to think about and analyse gold medals. what I’ve got to get better at.” There was more gold too for South The tempestuous Kyrgios, Australia’s Korea’s Park Tae-Hwan, who added the 1,500m title to the 200m and brightest hope of a men’s Grand 400m crowns won earlier in the week. Slam champion since Lleyton Hewitt, The win ensured Park fi nishes clinched his first three titles this year the year on a triumphant note after in Atlanta, Marseille and Tokyo. He also a tumultuous season which saw him dubbed his eff ort losing to Andy Mur- battle to compete in Rio after serving ray at Wimbledon as “pretty pathetic”, a drugs ban only to come away from however, and withdrew himself from Brazil empty-handed. contention for the Olympics after a Park fi nished well clear of his rivals public slanging match with Australia’s in 14:15.51, ahead of Italy’s Gregorio team leader for the Rio Games. Paltrinieri, who clocked 14:21.94 for A week after his Tokyo triumph, he silver and Poland’s Wojciech Wojdak, who took bronze in 14:25.37. clashed with fans as well as the chair Elsewhere, South Africa’s 2012 Ol- Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi gets two-year ban for doping umpire at the Shanghai Masters and ympics breaststroke champion, Cam- walked off court midway through a eron van der Burgh, won gold in the hinese swimmer Chen Xinyi Diuretics increase urination rates previously been embroiled in doping point against Mischa Zverev. 50m discipline. Van der Burgh took the has been banned from and can be used as “masking agents” controversy, with athletes at Rio call- “It’s been a rollercoaster, we had a lot title in 25.64 seconds, fi nishing ahead Ccompetition for two years, to hide the presence of performance- ing China’s star swimmer Sun Yang a of highs, a lot of lows,” Kyrgios added. of Peter Stevens of Slovenia (25.85) world swimming federation FINA an- enhancing substances that are “drug cheat”. Sun served a three- “But ultimately, my ranking jumped and Brazil’s Felipe Lima (25.98). nounced yesterday, after she failed a screened for in doping tests. Chen month doping ban in 2014, which was from about 30 to 13, so that’s a success- But there was more disappoint- doping test at the Rio Olympics. first made headlines when she won only announced retrospectively by ful year. I’ve got a couple of guys in my ment for US teenager Lilly King. The 18-year-old tested positive gold in the 100m butterfly and 50m Chinese authorities. In March, the Chi- team who hopefully can help me push King, one of the rising stars of US for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, freestyle events at the 2014 Asian nese Swimming Association revealed for that top 10 spot next year. swimming who won gold in the 100m on August 8, the same day she took Games, with times that set champion- that six of the country’s swimmers “It was a fun year. I did a lot of fun breaststroke at the Rio Olympics, fi n- part in the women’s 100m butterfly ship records. She also won gold at the had tested positive for drugs in the things. I got Australia back in the world ished outside the medals in the 200m final, finishing fourth. She is banned 2015 World Championships with the preceding months, including three for breaststroke. from competing for two years, from Chinese 4x100m medley relay team. hydrochlorothiazide. Two of the six group of the Davis Cup, won a couple King, pipped for gold in the 100m August 11 this year to August 10, 2018. The country’s swimmers have athletes received only warnings. of titles, so it’s been a good year so breaststroke, fi nished fourth in a race hopefully I can back it up in 2017.” won by Britain’s Molly Renshaw, who Kyrgios also said he was working to clocked 2:18.51. Canada’s Lauren Wog took fi rst in 23.60 seconds. Italy’s onship record time of 14 minutes 15.51 won the 400 freestyle in Beijing in That would have ruled him out of steer clear of ATP disciplinary authori- took silver in 2:18.52 while another Silvia Di Pietro won silver in 23.90, seconds, more than six seconds clear 2008, had completed an 18-month contention for Rio but the Court of ties in the future, vowing to make a Briton, Chole Tutton, won bronze with Madison Kennedy of the United of Italian Paltrinieri. ban imposed by world governing Arbitration for Sport cleared Park to fresh start when he kicks off his new with a time of 2:18.83. States bronze in 23.93. For Park, triple gold would have body FINA in March after testing compete at the Olympics. season in less than three weeks at the Triple Olympic champion Rano- Park Tae-hwan banished memo- tasted extra sweet following his dis- positive for testosterone ahead of the However, the Korean struggled Hopman Cup in Perth. mi Kromowidjojo, meanwhile, won ries of a dismal run at the Rio Olym- appointing form at the Rio Games 2014 Asian Games. in Rio, mainly due to insuffi cient “One way to look at it is getting more gold in the 50m freestyle. The Dutch pics by winning his third gold medal. in August when he won a late battle Under a controversial Korean Ol- training. Park failed to qualify from sprinter, winner of Olympic gold in Park swam neck-and-neck with to compete after appealing against a ympic Committee regulation, he was the heats for the 100, 200 and 400 time off with the people you love. I’ve the 4x100m freestyle relay in the world record holder Paltrinieri in the doping ban. then hit with an additional three- and then pulled out of the 1,500 in been training as well, so it’s set me up 2008 Games before a 50m/100m early stages of the 1,500 before pull- Park, the fi rst Korean to claim an year ban from the national team the what would have been his fi nal event in good stead for 2017,” he said. double in London four years later, ing away to take the title in a champi- Olympic swimming medal when he day the FINA suspension expired. at the Games. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 SPORT

OPINION Cheika still remains key to Wallabies recovery His knowledge of the evolving international player market should be reason enough to keep his job despite the Wallabies’ annus horribilis

By Rajiv Maharaj nifi cent and historic Soldier Field win). or South Africa. by has to follow suit. The 60-Test thresh- theguardian.com But losing to England 4-0, including a Cheika as a coach can only work with old “Giteau Law” be damned. Throw the three-Test series at home in June and the talent at his disposal — and he has gates open. There’s no choice. the November fi xture at Twickenham? slim pickings at present. However, Cheika and Pulver have probably efl ecting on the Wallabies’ car The Australian rugby team, two-time Cheika as a savvy businessman with heard enough from Jones to last a life- crash 2016 season, it’s tempt- World Cup winners, should never lose knowledge and experience of European time. They should, however, heed his ing to call for coach Michael a home series 3-0 to anyone. The last player workforce markets, can assem- views on this issue. Cheika’s immediate sacking time it happened was against South Af- ble a world-class team brimming with “The ARU must formalise a reten- asR head coach. His removal is easily jus- rica almost 50 years ago. The season has talent and depth, to not only keep the tion plan which starts with clearly tifi ed — played 15, won six, lost nine. been one big rotten apple, and the June Wallabies competitive, but also to start identifying the players they must keep It’s a terrible return despite the sug- series whitewash the very core of it. having realistic ambitions of winning for the 2019 World Cup,” Jones wrote ar-coating by sycophantic local media, Despite headlines to the contrary, another World Cup. As things stand, in a Courier-Mail column. “There are including some who embarrassingly there are no silver linings. The last Wal- Australia winning the 2019 World Cup number of strategies to use — sabbati- tipped the Wallabies to roll England labies coach to lose nine games in one is nothing but a pipedream. cals, fl exibility in selecting players from three-zip in the June series and who, season got the punt. Eddie Jones was The ARU chief executive, Bill Pulver, overseas clubs and use of feeder clubs. despite the complete opposite outcome, actually a very good coach, arguably the must take Cheika’s cue on what needs to A good plan for retention implemented then talked up the prospects of a grand best in the business at present. So why happen. It’s no longer purely about re- today is better than an excellent plan slam in the just completed European should Cheika, schooled by Jones at eve- tention. Only Pocock, Folau and Bernard implemented tomorrow. Number one is tour. The glowing pre-Test commen- ry turn this year, keep his job? If a coach Foley, and maybe one or two others, are being proactive, not sitting on hands in tary has been cringe-worthy at times. as good as Jones gets axed after nine retention targets — the best have already some trendy cafe in rugby boss Bill Pul- Indeed, the comedown for Cheika, losses, shouldn’t Cheika get the same? left. Now the conversation and focus has ver’s Sydney suburb of Mosman.” who took the Wallabies to the World Cup The answer is an emphatic no. He We must accept the Wallabies’ best Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Drew to be about contracting the best back Jones wrote those comments two fi nal in 2015, has been epic — and in no has to remain Wallabies coach for one players are not playing Super Rugby. Mitchell and Liam Gill to name a few. into the national team, and restructur- years ago. Pulver has been too slow to small measure due to overblown public crucial reason — his knowledge of the They’re in Japan, England and France. More players will surely follow, and ing the national program to accommo- react. It’s time for him to double down expectations fuelled by sympathetic and rapidly evolving international player That’s the reality. It won’t change. most worryingly those at the tier below date for the global player market reality on Cheika and give him the authority to wildly optimistic local coverage. market. Specifi cally, he knows what it The Wallabies of 2016 simply didn’t Test level; promising NRC and Super of players dropping in and out when re- travel the world and cut the deals need- There’s no enduring shame in los- will take to contract the Wallabies of to- have the talent to be competitive. With players who will fi nd the money on off er quired for national duties. ed to keep the Wallabies strong. Cheika ing all three Tests against the All Blacks morrow. In this respect, he is arguably the exception of Israel Folau and David abroad too good to knock back. What’s International football does this, includ- the international player contractor will, (the New Zealanders were quite simply the most precious asset the Australian Pocock, the best Australian players are happening here is a basic jobs market — ing what is now arguably the country’s in time, give way to Cheika the winning at another level to everybody else this Rugby Union have to turn around the all overseas — Will Genia, Nic White, the workforce gravitates to where the premier national team, the Socceroos (it coach. He can’t be the later until he as- year, notwithstanding Ireland’s mag- fl agging fortunes of the national team. Kurtley Beale, Matt Toomua, Adam work pays best. And it’s not in Australia used to be the Wallabies). Australian rug- sumes the role of the former.

RUGBY German athletes call for 2008, 2010 & 2014 Olympics retests erman athletes yester- The athletes said they expect day called for retests clarity before the 2018 Winter Gof all drug test samples Games in Pyeongchang in from the 2008, 2010 and 2014 order to have a level playing Wasps, Toulon post Olympics in the wake of the lat- field in South Korea. est report on doping practices In a second report published in Russia. The athletes commis- on Friday, independent World sion of the German Olympic Anti-Doping Agency investi- Sports Confederation (DOSB) gator Richard McLaren said also said in a statement that that more than 1,000 Russian implicated athletes, coaches athletes had been implicated and off icials should be sanc- in connection with systematic Champions Cup wins tioned as soon as possible. and state-organized doping “Public trust in international practices in the country. high-performance sport has The International Olympic ‘To win with 14 guys in scoring four tries is good for the group. After the sending off I been heavily damaged in Committee (IOC) has an- the long term through the nounced retests of all Russian thought the match was finished, so that’s why the group turned in an exceptional current doping scandal,” the samples from their 2014 home statement said. “Now it is Winter Olympics in Sochi. performance. It’s a big success to pull out such a match against a powerful Castres side’ about regaining trust, and the It has also conducted athletes in Germany demand selected retests of 2008 and a strong and clear signal from 2012 Games samples, with the sports federations in their many Russian and other ath- dealings with the results.” letes caught.

ROUND-UP I am not dead, says England’s Haskell aft er steroid claims

AFP an application to wind up the London troubled second-tier club. Brit- ish Customs offi cials had asked for the historic London Welsh ngland fl anker James team to be wound up at a Bank- Haskell was forced to ruptcy and Companies Court assure the rugby world hearing in London yesterday. he is still alive after bi- But Registrar Christine Der- zarreE rumours surfaced that he rett adjourned the application had died of a steroid overdose. until January 23 to give credi- Amid reports Haskell had tors time to hold a meeting. been selling drugs and had A judge had analysed the subsequently died, the Wasps case at a hearing in October back row posted a video on when a barrister represent- YouTube yesterday in which ing Customs chiefs indicated he described the fake stories as London Welsh owed more than “click-bait”. £90,000 ($113,000) in tax. “You may have seen there are The club, founded in 1885 by Wasps’ Josh Bassett celebrates after he scores a try during Sunday's European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 2 match against Connacht. Wasps won 32-17. (Action Images via Reuters) quite a lot of fake news stories a group of Welshmen living in operating on Facebook, that I the English capital, once boast- AFP have died of a steroid overdose, ed some of the biggest names Paris which is not true, that I have in Welsh rugby, including in- England gatecrash South Africa sevens party died of a drug overdose, which ternationals John Dawes, JPR is not true, and that my career Williams, Gerald Davies, John asps went top of their Euro- AFP last weekend, which South Africa won. to score in the corner. However, Geduld missed is over because I have been try- Taylor and Mervyn Davies. But pean Champions Cup group Cape Town “We trained all summer and this makes it the tricky conversion to give England the win. ing to sell drugs,” he said. the club, now mid-table in the with a 32-17 win over visiting all worth it. We were a bit disappointed last “We played well in Dubai and made the “Another rumour is circu- Championship, has fallen on Connacht while Montpellier weekend and we wanted to put it right. It’s final in Cape Town, although we’re very lating that I had to quit rugby hard times and last week chair- sawW off Castres to close in on Pool 4 leaders and left everyone in my family man Gareth Hawkins said he ngland stunned South Africa 19-17 to been a bumpy road, but it always is.” disappointed that we could not win this for Leinster and Toulon edged Scarlets in Pool 3. win the Cape Town Sevens on Sunday Chris Dry outpaced Mitchell to the line the wonderful local supporters,” said South and moved away. Just to make aimed to take London Welsh Australian star Kurtley Beale was in the Eafter the hosts missed a last-gasp for the first try of the match before Richard Africa coach Neil Powell. it clear, this is absolute rubbish. into voluntary liquidation. thick of things on his debut for Wasps as he conversion. Werner Kok scored a try in the de Carpentier hit back to give England a South Africa made the final on Sunday It is all click-bait. Rest assured, scored a try after just seven minutes before final seconds while England were down to 7-5 lead. Dan Norton added another try for with a 14-7 win over New Zealand while I’m not dead and not disgraced Slimani pens Clermont being sin-binned for a high tackle on Niyi six men, but Justin Geduld couldn’t convert England for a 12-5 lead at the break. England swept past Scotland 33-14. and for those of you who are contract until 2020 Adeolokun which brought a caution at the as England claimed a first World Series win But Rosko Specman drew the Blitzboks England are now second in the World sceptical, we get drugs-tested Ricoh Arena. since Tokyo in 2015. level early in the second half before man-of- Series standings on 39 points, two behind all the time. I’m not dead and rance prop Rabah Slimani Beale was coming off some six months on “It was a tough tournament,” said England the-match Ruaridh McConnochie restored South Africa. Olympic and World Series for those of you who wish I was Fhas signed a three-year con- the sidelines nursing a knee injury suff ered captain Tom Mitchell, whose side finished England’s lead. In a tense finale, Norton was champions Fiji are third with 32 points while dead, better luck next time.” tract with Clermont, the Top 14 while still with Super Rugby outfi t Waratahs. third at the season-opening Dubai Sevens sin-binned in the last minute and Kok pounced Scotland and New Zealand have 27. Haskell is currently recover- leaders confi rmed yesterday. Sweeping up a maximum fi ve points in ing from a foot injury that re- Slimani, 27, will join Clermont sealing a bonus point, Wasps stung their quired surgery after England’s from Stade Francais next season rivals as No8 Nathan Hughes, skipper Joe sending off for Georgian tighthead prop asking a lot to get the bonus point on the Guilhem Guirado and all converted by triumphant tour of Australia in and his deal also includes an Launchbury — returning from a ban — and Davit Kubriashvili. board with 15 never mind 14.” Halfpenny — brought an attacking bonus June, but is expected to return option for a fourth year. wing Josh Bassett also went over while fl y- “To win with 14 guys in scoring four tries Leinster had put the pressure on, the point as Toulon continued to recover from for Wasps this month. The front-rower is the club’s half Jimmy Gopperth added two penalties is good for the group. After the sending off Irish winning at Northampton 37-10 on an opening reverse to reigning champions The 31-year-old has seen his second major recruit for 2017 and three conversions. I thought the match was fi nished, so that’s Friday and they lead Montpellier by a point Saracens, who Saturday crushed fellow international career rejuve- after also signing Scotland Scrum-half Kieran Marmion and re- why the group turned in an exceptional owing to a defensive bonus point garnered English side and tailenders Sale 50-3. nated by the arrival of England captain and scrum-half Greig placement Rory Parata scored tries for the performance. The forwards were fantas- in their earlier 22-16 loss to the French at In Sunday’s fi nal game, Bordeaux defeat- coach Eddie Jones, establishing Laidlaw from Gloucester in the Irish while fl y-half Jack Carty converted tic,” said White. the Altrad Stadium. ed Exeter 13-7 in Pool 5. The French side and himself as fi rst-choice open- English Premiership. both and added a penalty. “It’s a big success to pull out such a match Welsh outfi t Scarlets meanwhile slumped Ulster trail leaders Clermont by three points. side fl anker and reaching 70 Slimani won the Top 14 ti- The two sides will meet next week in Ire- against a very powerful Castres side,” White to a 31-20 loss at three-time champions Ulster handed Clermont their fi rst defeat on caps for his country. tle with Stade in 2015 but an- land with Wasps defending a three-point added after the southerners bolstered their Toulon in the south of France in Pool 3. Saturday in an exciting 39-32 fi nish. Cler- nounced his departure at the lead over Connacht while they currently chances of emerging from Pool 4. Toulon, the only side to win three mont shrugged off a measure of their disap- London Welsh winding start of this season, with Rap- stand four ahead of French giants Toulouse. Montpellier centre Alexandre Dumou- straight European titles closed the gap to pointment in landing two bonus points. up order adjourned hael Lakafi a, Geoff rey Dou- South African coach Jake White saluted lin said: “We told ourselves it was going fi ve points on runaway leaders Saracens The fi ve pool winners will qualify for the mayrou, Hugo Bonneval and his Montpellier side after they swatted fel- to be very tough after the sending off . We ahead of next week’s Welsh return. quarter-fi nals along with the three best- ondon Welsh’s future won’t coach Gonzalo Quesada all low French side Castres 32-14, nabbing dug deep to fi nd the necessary ingredients Four tries — from Mamuka Gorgodze, placed runners-up. Lbe resolved until January since revealing they too will four tries to sweep home despite an early to pull out the win. We thought it would be Leigh Halfpenny, Romain Taofi fenua and following a decision to adjourn leave the Paris-based outfi t. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 13, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Holiday time for Pelicans as New Westbrook’s streak Orleans beat Suns

The Sports Xchange mates that give me an oppor- Los Angeles tunity to just play.” Davis scored 14 points or fewer for the fourth time this ith Anthony season, but he didn’t mind. stopped, Warriors Davis struggling “That’s why we have a through a rare team. That’s why we have poor shooting other guys on the fl oor,” he Wnight, the New Orleans Peli- said. “Guys stepped up and cans were forced to rely on the made shots when I couldn’t. supporting cast to rally the It’s good for us and something team and pull out a rare road we want to carry over.” win. Eric Bledsoe scored 32 rebound from loss Jrue Holiday scored 16 of points before fouling out in his 23 points in the fourth overtime for the Suns, who quarter and overtime, and missed a chance at recording ‘It’s really one of the most impressive streaks that I’ve ever seen. That’s a lot of games’ Tim Frazier compiled his fi rst just their second set of back- career triple-double as the to-back wins this season. Ty- Pelicans came from 15 points son Chandler added 14 points AFP down in the third quarter and and 21 rebounds for Phoenix Los Angeles beat the Phoenix Suns 120- (7-17). 119 Sunday. “They made big plays, Frazier fi nished with 14 clutch baskets and got de- ussell Westbrook had his streak points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists fensive stops,” Bledsoe said. of triple-double scoring snapped and a game-high fi ve steals. “(Scoring 32 points) doesn’t but he still scored a game high 37 The Pelicans (8-17) matter. We lost.” points to power the Oklahoma snapped their fi ve-game los- Leandro Barbosa had 18 CityR Thunder to a 99-96 victory over the ing streak and won for the fi rst points and Devin Booker 16 Boston Celtics on Sunday. time since Nov. 29 despite for the Suns, who led 79- Westbrook saw his streak of consecu- getting only 14 points from 64 with 3:21 left in the third tive games with triple-doubles end at sev- Davis, who missed 13 of 17 quarter but couldn’t hold on. en as he shot 14-of-26 and tallied 12 re- shots and fi nished well below “We really needed this one bounds and six assists in front of a crowd his league-leading average of today. We knew that com- of 18,400 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. 31.4 points per game. ing in,” Booker said. “I think “We have got to be able to close the “We have to fi nd a way to we got complacent once we door,” Westbrook said. “We are not going score when A.D. isn’t going had the good start. We played to be able to blow teams out like we used well, and we did that tonight,” down to our competition after to. We have got to grind it out.” New Orleans coach Alvin that, and they just came back.” Steven Adams added 16 points and Gentry said. “For us to be a Langston Galloway scored all eight rebounds for the Thunder who im- good team, that’s the way it 12 of his points in the fourth proved to 15-9. Enes Kanter came off the has to be. We can’t continue quarter for New Orleans, all bench to score 14 points. to count on him to get 35 or 40 coming on 3-pointers. His Al Horford led Boston with 19 points for us. We have to have guys last one gave the Pelicans a and six rebounds. Jae Crowder and Avery who can step up when he’s 105-103 lead with 2:53 left. Bradley each fi nished with 18 points as fi ghting it.” The teams traded baskets in Boston dropped to 13-11. Frazier, who had fi ve triple- the fi nal minutes, with Bled- Westbrook, who leads the NBA in fourth doubles in two seasons with soe answering two Holiday quarter scoring, had 13 in the quarter. the Maine Red Claws of the free throws with a driving “I’ll say this about the triple-doubles, NBA Development League, layup with 35.3 seconds left. because I always fi nd this interesting,” was on the fl oor for the fi nal 17 Both teams had one fi nal Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. minutes as Gentry went with shot, but Holiday and Bled- “On a night like tonight, does it make it four guards and Davis. soe each missed 3-pointers to any less special if he had a couple of more He is the fi rst bench player force overtime. assists. He did a lot of diff erent things that to record a triple-double this Holiday produced seven impacted the game at a high level.” year and the fi rst player to of the Pelicans’ 10 overtime With 3:20 left in the fourth, Oklahoma have a triple-double and at points to put the game away. City’s Adams completed a three-point least fi ve steals off the bench “We were attacking, and play to cut the defi cit to 90-89. Bradley since John Williams of the it was a good lineup for us,” responded with a jumper on the other end. Washington Bullets in 1989 Holiday said. “If (Davis) can Westbrook then sank a three-pointer to against the Milwaukee Bucks. get 30 and the rest of us dis- tie the game. But once again Bradley an- “We didn’t throw in the tribute the ball like that, we’re swered with a basket off a missed shot. towel. We wanted this win going to be hard to beat.” Westbrook tied the game with 1:20 re- pretty bad,” Frazier said. The Suns stretched their maining in the fourth. Boston gave the ball “My fi rst triple-double lead to as many as 15 points to Horford, but he had his shot blocked by wouldn’t have meant much twice in the third quarter, Adams. without a win. We had fi ve but the Pelicans closed the The Thunder got the ball with 39 sec- guys out there fi ghting, and defi cit to 82-76 by the end of onds left and Westbrook carried down the we hit big shots and got big the period. Holiday capped a lane to the front of the rim for a layup and stops when we needed it. 24-9 New Orleans run with a Oklahoma City grabbed a 96-94 lead. “I fought my way into the 3-pointer to tie the game at 87 Westbrook won a tip ball and tapped it league, and I have great team- with nine minutes left. ahead to Anthony Morrow. He pushed it to Jerami Grant for an impressive two-hand- ed dunk with 14 seconds left in the game. The Celtics were able to cut the lead down to two, but Westbrook nailed one- of-two free throws. Marcus Smart had a Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (R) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier during the sec- chance to tie, but his three-point attempt ond quarter of their NBA game at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports missed. In Minneapolis, the Golden State War- “It’s really one of the most impressive during that fourth-quarter run. and 10 rebounds and fi nished one assist riors rebounded from a road loss to beat streaks that I’ve ever seen,” said Warriors Kevin Durant added 22 points and eight shy of a triple-double as the Philadelphia the rebuilding Minnesota Timberwolves coach Steve Kerr. “That’s a lot of games.” rebounds, Stephen Curry had 22 points 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons 97-79. 116-108 and extend their NBA-record One night after a road loss to the Mem- and nine assists, and Draymond Green streak of not losing back-to-back games. phis Grizzlies, Golden State trailed by 10 scored 18 for the Warriors, who improved RESULTS The Warriors delivered in the fourth after three quarters but outscored Min- to 21-4. NY Knicks 118 LA Lakers 112 quarter to fend off the Timberwolves and nesota 38-20 in the fourth to pull away Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns tal- New Orleans 120 Phoenix 119 (OT) make sure their 111-game streak of not for the win. Golden State began the fourth lied his 15th double-double of the season Oklahoma City 99 Boston 96 losing consecutive regular season games quarter with a 25-4 surge. Warriors guard with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Golden State 116 Minnesota 108 continued. Klay Thompson scored 12 of his 30 points In Detroit, TJ McConnell had 12 points Philadelphia 97 Detroit 79 Jrue Holiday

NFL Giants corral Cowboys, Broncos in peril

AFP said it is not going to happen on mired in crisis. triggered shortly after Titans New York this fi eld. Sure enough it didn’t The Rams, struggling to fi nd receiver Harry Douglas fl ew into happen. We came out and did reasons for optimism after a Broncos cornerback Chris Har- what we had to do,” Beckham diffi cult fi rst season back in Los ris Jr with a wild block below he New York Giants ral- said. Angeles, were humiliated 42-14 the knee. Broncos enforcer Talib lied to sneak past Dallas The win follows a 20-19 New at home by the Atlanta Falcons sought out Douglas in the next 10-7 in a defensive battle York win in September as the Gi- on Sunday. play, triggering an ugly scuffl e. on Sunday, snapping the ants swept the Cowboys for the “It was a dirty play by a sorry TCowboys’ 11-game win streak fi rst time in fi ve years. Broncos in peril player,” Talib told reporters. and giving the Giants’ playoff The Giants overcame a 7-0 In Tennessee, reigning Super “He tried to do something hopes a boost. halftime defi cit by scoring 10 Bowl champions Denver suff ered dirty, so that’s why I’m going to Not only did the Giants sweep unanswered points in the second a blow to their hopes of a playoff beat his ass.” the season series by handing the half. berth after slumping to a 13-10 Harris later wrote on Twitter Cowboys just their second loss Dallas was sloppy with their defeat at Tennessee. that he felt Douglas had tried to of the campaign but they also ball handling as receiver Dez An ill-tempered game marred “end my career” with the tackle, prevented Dallas from clinching Bryant fumbled on his fi rst catch by a brawl involving Denver cor- calling for the Titans player to be the NFC West. of the game which came in the nerback Aqib Talib saw the Ti- fi ned. The Broncos are now lan- “At some point you got to wake fourth quarter. Moments later tans hang on for a gritty victory guishing in third spot in the AFC up,” said Giants receiver Odell Giants Leon Hall intercepted at the Nissan Stadium. West on 8-5 behind Kansas City Beckham. “We all knew what a pass intended for Bryant and The contest was settled in and Oakland who are 10-3. was on the line. We just weren’t New York was off to the races. Tennessee’s favour with less They face a daunting fi nal doing enough in the fi rst half but Elsewhere Sunday, Aaron than a minute remaining in the three games of the regular sea- the defence is really what held us Rodgers threw for three touch- fourth quarter when Avery Wil- son — against both the Chiefs together.” downs to reignite the Green Bay liamson stripped A.J. Derby to and the Raiders as well as the Beckham said the Cowboys Packers postseason push in a 38- New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (No 23) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys corner back Bran- force a fumble and hand posses- New England Patriots. had a celebration all planned 10 rout of the Seattle Seahawks. don Carr (No 39) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens (No 59) during the second quarter at sion to the Titans. If the Broncos fail to snaffl e with commemorative hats and Rodgers made 18 of 23 for 246 MetLife Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports The Titans had taken a 13-0 a wild card place they will be- shirts to put on if they clinched yards as the Seahawks were sent lead into the fourth quarter fol- come the latest team to fall vic- the division title on Sunday night spinning to their heaviest defeat Wilson was picked off fi ve The Packers meanwhile im- four-game losing streak. lowing an early DeMarco Murray tim to the so-called “Super Bowl at the Giants MetLife Stadium. of the season at a frigid Lambeau times as the Seahawks fell to proved to 7-6, leaving them Seattle meanwhile will get the touchdown and two fi eld goals curse” which has seen various “The coach talked about it all Field where everything went 8-4-1, dealing Pete Carroll’s with renewed hope of making chance to bounce back rapidly from Ryan Succop. franchises suff er in the seasons week. Them having their box of wrong for quarterback Russell team a stinging reality check as the postseason after their third when they host a Los Angeles The main talking point of the following their respective tri- goods, the hats the shirts and he Wilson. they head for the playoff s. consecutive victory following a Rams team on Thursday who are fi rst half was a protracted melee umphs. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 SPORT

NHL SPOTLIGHT Blackhawks defeat Stars Wild win 4th game in By Chris Hine Chicago Tribune

he Blackhawks survived another game without some of their injured veterans as they defeated the Stars 3-1 on Sun- day at the United Center. a row, defeat Blues 3-1 TThe Hawks played without captain Jonathan Toews (back), goaltender Corey Crawford (ap- pendectomy) and Brent Seabrook (apparent ‘I thought that was our best third period of year. We had a one-goal lead and we didn’t give them anything’ head injury). The Stars got on the board fi rst in the second period when Devin Shore scored after cleaning By Michael Russo up a rebound of a John Klingberg shot that hit Star Tribune (Minneapolis) the side of the net 1 minutes, 25 seconds into the period. The Hawks answered 52 seconds later when Marian Hossa shot the puck from on’t look now, but the Wild the left wing. Kari Lehtonen stopped the puck are offi cially on a roll. initially but it rolled past him and into the net In peeling off points for at 2:17 to tie the score at 1. the ninth time in 10 games, The Hawks got their second goal of the night Dthe Wild also won a fourth consecu- later in the period. After a penalty ended on tive game for the fi rst time this sea- Ryan Hartman, Hartman emerged from the son Sunday when they edged the St. penalty box and won a puck battle with Stars Louis Blues 2-1. defenseman Stephen Johns. Hartman put the The Wild, 6-1-3 in their past 10 puck on Lehtonen but Lehtonen came up with games, moved two points behind the the save. Blues for second in the Central Divi- However, Artem Anisimov charged the net sion. It was also their fourth straight and fought for the rebound with Johns, who win on home ice with the fi nal game ended up banking the puck into the net off An- of the homestand coming Tuesday isimov’s skate at 12:30. It was Anisimov’s 12th against Florida. goal of the season. The Wild got second-period goals The Hawks added a goal in the third period by Matt Dumba and Nino Nieder- from Artemi Panarin, who sent home a blister- reiter and 22 saves from Devan Dub- ing one-timer at 10:03 to provide some insur- nyk, who improved to 6-0-2 in his ance. Former Hawks Johnny Oduya, who had past eight starts. not played since Nov. 19 because of a lower- “I think that’s nine out of 10 body injury, was back in the lineup Sunday. games that we’ve gotten points in,” Another former Hawk, Patrick Sharp, missed Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said. the game because of concussion symptoms. “I thought that was our best third Toews has heard the question often over the period of the year. We had a one- last three weeks: Do you think you’ll be healthy goal lead and I thought we didn’t enough to play? give them anything. That is the way And since Toews hurt his back November 23 we play when we’re playing really against the Sharks, the answer has always been good. That’s a positive thing. I hope no. Each time he has to answer negatively, it they’re starting to believe they’re a gets a little harder. good team.” “The frustrating thing is you keep getting Mikael Granlund scored an emp- asked the question and you feel like the next ty-net goal to provide the Wild’s fi rst game is going to be the game you’re getting two-goal outcome in seven games. back,” Toews said Sunday in his fi rst comments Eric Staal picked up his 800th career about the injury since last week. “There’s only point on the goal. so many times you can keep giving yourself The Blues were the better team and others bad news.” on the ice in the fi rst period, out- There was some good news for Toews and attempting the Wild 23-10 on shots. the Hawks on Sunday, when he participated Luckily for Minnesota, Dubnyk was in the optional morning skate. He did not play there for 11 saves and allowed the against the Stars, however, making it nine con- Wild to escape the fi rst scoreless. secutive missed games. The Wild did have a couple sus- The Hawks also were without defenseman tained forechecks, especially after Brent Seabrook, who practiced but missed his Kurtis Gabriel fought heavyweight second consecutive game because of an ap- Ryan Reaves. Also, Staal couldn’t parent head injury. Seabrook appears close to convert a breakaway, which, other returning on the upcoming three-game trip. than the shootout winner against Toews was optimistic Sunday that he could Edmonton in the previous home make the trip but added that while he doesn’t game, has been a season-long trend. consider his injury serious, it is delicate. Staal has six goals this season. If “It is the type of injury that’s really tough,” he scored on half his breakaways, Toews said. “You almost have to sit around and he’d probably have 11 or 12. wait for it to heal and get better. Sometimes But the Wild were able to jump you feel good, and all of a sudden you do some out to a 2-0 lead in the second pe- Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk makes a save in the third period against Blues at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Wild won 3-1. (Star Tribune/TNS) little movements here or there that seem to riod. Just 45 seconds in, Dumba took just fi re everything up. So yeah, I guess in that Zach Parise’s pass and crossed the through traffi c that found the back and instead of unleashing a shot, he the subject of much scorn. the goal line just as Brenk blew his sense it is frustrating.” blue line. of the net for his eighth point in nine skated himself to a bad angle. He The Wild didn’t like minors he whistle. That’s not permitted, and Toews said last week that he would play It looked like Allen thought he was games. But with the Wild buzzing, gave the puck to Staal, who’s at- called on Parise for slashing and after a video review, the call stood. through the injury if this were the playoff s. He going to pass to Jason Pominville to Allen, who was 9-1 in his past 10 tempted pass or shot pinballed up Staal for goalie interference, so im- said Sunday that was still the case, but for now his right. Instead, Dumba ripped a starts, proved his worth by making a high for the Blues to transition with agine what coach Bruce Boudreau RESULTS he and the Hawks recognize that it’s December, shot over Jake Allen’s blocker for his number of key stops to keep the defi - speed and the Wild fl at-footed. felt when Brenk wiped out what the Edmonton 3 Winnipeg 2 and it’s important for Toews to fully heal before second goal in two games. cit to two goals. Spurgeon caught up, but Robby Wild felt should be a 3-1 lead. Chicago 3 Dallas 1 he returns. After a faceoff later in the period, That proved big because late in the Fabbri spun away and crossed a pass In all fairness, it looked like he Colorado 3 Toronto 1 “There’s not a whole lot of things that any Niederreiter scored his eighth goal. period, red-hot Vladimir Tarasenko to Tarasenko, who was not picked up made the right call. NY Rangers 5 New Jersey 0 of our guys wouldn’t play through,” Toews He took Ryan Suter’s pass after an made it 2-1 after the Wild got a little coming off the bench by Parise. After Allen denied Mikko Koivu Minnesota 3 St. Louis 1 said. “And for myself in this case, I feel like it’s Erik Haula faceoff win, circled the greedy late in a shift. Young referee Jake Brenk, 34, who at the goalmouth, Koivu pushed at Philadelphia 1 Detroit 0 (OT) something that when everything’s on the line back of the net all the way to the top Jared Spurgeon skated keep into was born in Detroit Lakes and played Allen’s left pad. The momentum Washington 3 Vancouver 0 you suck it up and deal with whatever the af- of the circles before whipping a shot the off ensive zone with the puck at Minnesota State-Mankato, was forced Allen back and the puck over Anaheim 5 Ottawa 1 termath is in the off season.

BASEBALL Rangers’ ‘money’ issues won’t aff ect Darvish’s return

By Mac Engel of a World Series in this truly They’re clearly in fear that if benefi t of a 95-mph fastball, and Fort Worth Star-Telegram enjoyable run of relevance has they push back on anything he the Rangers will gladly take that nothing to do with payroll. It has desires it will be used as an ex- chance on a man who will turn more to do with how the money cuse to leave the club when he 30 in August. ot too long after the was spent. becomes a free agent after the All signs also suggest we’ve Arlington taxpay- Four times in the past fi ve 2017 season. Free-agent pitch- seen the best of Yu Darvish; that ers agreed to hand the years the Rangers have ranked ers have, historically run from was back in 2013 when he was Texas Rangers roughly in the top 10 in MLB in payroll, Arlington. 13-9 with a 2.83 ERA in 2092/3 N$500mn guaranteed to build a which has resulted in one wild- No Ranger since Alex Rod- innings. new stadium that is truly more card appearance, two division riguez has been given as much Yu is a guy who likes to be luxury than necessity, the team titles and no playoff -round vic- freedom as Yu, and considering comfortable, and the is no sign says it doesn’t have a dime to tories. That’s not on the owners. there is no other available pitch- Yu is anything but that with the spare on payroll. This pair wants to win and er close to being a No. 2 caliber Rangers. He makes a fortune, Despite needs in the outfi eld, continues to give GM/president coming up from the minors any can set his routine to his prefer- fi rst base and starting pitching, Jon Daniels whatever he wants, time soon, expect the Yu party ence, and if he underperforms payroll is the excuse why the from Shin Soo Choo to Prince will continue in Arlington. no one comes down on him. At Rangers were mostly quiet dur- Fielder to Cole Hamels. Add an In an eff ort to contend, the all. Ever. ing the winter meetings. extension for Yu Darvish, too. team has dealt most of its top He can get away with it in Ar- Not a good look. Or the right Yu is one year removed from minor league prospects away; lington, whereas in a place like thing to say - especially when Tommy John surgery and is en- the best pitching prospects are Boston or Chicago – teams that history says such a statement is tering the fi nal year of his origi- in A ball at the moment, mean- will have the type of money nec- untrue. nal fi ve-year, $60mn deal. Think ing they are years away. essary to bag Yu – such criticism The Rangers often insist they he grabs fi ve years, at least $20 Ray Davis and Bob Simpson would be most unwelcome. won’t increase payroll, and million per year, when he be- are not spending this type of If you want the Rangers to somehow owners Ray Davis and comes a free agent. At least. money on payroll for their win- move from Yu, there is nothing Bob Simpson always fi nd a few It doesn’t matter if you don’t dow to be anything other than coming up. In an eff ort to remain extra million in the change buck- like it or think it’s a bad baseball open. The only way that stays competitive at the highest level et for a player or two or three. deal - this is going to happen. open is if Yu returns. the team has traded away count- They slashed in other places, That is the going price of a good Personally, I don’t think he’s less prospects for established namely every place but team pitcher, which is what Yu is. Yu going to be worth the absurd stars from Hamels to catcher payroll, which has badly hurt the Darvish is a good, but not great, money he’s going to get but Jonathan Lucroy and others. morale of club employees, many big league pitcher. who is? He’s fast approaching It’s worked in the sense such of whom have recently left. His home-run tattered start in Yu Darvish. that dangerous point in a power moves kept the Rangers com- Since Davis and Simpson Game 2 of the American League pitcher’s career when the veloc- petitive and close. bought the club in 2010, how- Division Series against the To- things don’t matter. here for a while. other than continue to do what ity goes and he must learn how to And despite what the team ever, the team has blown cash ronto Blue Jays was pathetic – Good pitchers are scarce, The White Sox trade of ace they have done since Yu came pitch more than just throw. says the Rangers have money on players like a government fi ve innings, fi ve hits, fi ve runs, JD loves him and they are not Chris Sale to the Red Sox leaves here in 2012, which is to sit back All signs suggest Yu will fi gure to spend on players, which Yu contractor. The Rangers’ lack four home runs _ but these trading him. He’s going to be the Rangers with no other option and applaud whatever he does. out how to get outs without the Darvish will soon fi nd out. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 13, 2016 9 CRICKET

IND VS ENG, DAY 5, 4TH TEST FOCUS Cook bemoans Ashwin leads weakened India to series spin options in Mumbai loss

Reuters balance to the side. Mumbai “In 2012, we could play the four win over England bowlers, two seamers and two spinners, but in this side we need more options.” ngland no longer have the Cook admitted England had erred Five-wicket haul was the 24th for the world’s top-ranked Test bowler world class spin options avail- by picking an extra seamer in Jake Ball able to them that they enjoyed while overlooking Gareth Batty as the when they stunned India in pitch had nothing in it for the quicker 2012,E captain Alastair Cook said after bowlers. his side fell 3-0 behind the hosts in the “Here we knew it was going to spin,” fi ve-match series yesterday. Cook said. “But one thing we have England are the last team to win a strength in depth in is our seamers and series in India when they beat the hosts we can get control with our seamers if it 2-1 four years ago with spinners Grae- is not spinning a huge amount. me Swann and Monty Panesar revelling “Generally here in Mumbai it spins in the conditions, and ably supported slightly later on in the game but it spun by prolifi c wicket-taking paceman pretty much from ball one and last time James Anderson. in 2012 it didn’t and the pitch looked During that series, Panesar took exactly the same.” 11 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium Cook was also left to rue England’s while Swann picked up eight more to failure to take the chances that came help England thrash India by 10 wick- their way. ets. Jonny Bairstow missed a stump- However, leg-spinner Adil Rashid, ing opportunity of Murali Vijay on 45, who is England’s highest wicket-taker while Rashid dropped a diffi cult return in the ongoing series with 22 victims, catch from India captain Virat Kohli on and off -spinner Moeen Ali have failed 68 and Joe Root also put down Jayant to match those performances. Yadav at slip on eight. “No disrespect to Mo and Rash but Vijay scored 136, Kohli went on to Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar make 235 and Yadav 104. were world class bowlers in 2012,” Cook “We missed three good chances to told reporters after England’s defeat by take wickets and they made us pay,” an innings and 36 runs. “In these con- Cook said. “Missing Kohli, missing Vi- ditions you need that. jay and Yadav cost us dearly. “Mo and Rash have bowled well but “It is just frustrating. To beat India they are not yet in that league... I do in these conditions you have to play the not mean that disrespectfully at all and perfect game and we haven’t managed that is why we need a slightly diff erent to do that.”

India’s R Ashwin (left) and Virat Kohli (second from right) celebrate a wicket on Day Five of the fourth Test against England in Mumbai yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters match in Rajkot. lower order capitulated meekly. 640 at an average of 128. Mumbai “This series win is probably the There were some angry words ex- The fi fth and fi nal Test will be sweetest of all we’ve won so far in the changed between James Anderson and played in Chennai from Friday. past 14-15 months,” India captain Vi- the India players when the England ff -spinner Ravichandran rat Kohli said at the presentation fol- number 11 walked in to bat with the SCOREBOARD Ashwin blew away Eng- lowing his side’s fi fth series victory in umpires forced to intervene to prevent ENGLAND 1st innings 400 all out land’s lower order resistance a row. “It could not get any better. the incident from escalating further. INDIA 1st innings 631 all out to spin India to a crushing “To win at Wankhede, going three- On what has been a generally dismal ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n: 182/6) series-clinchingO victory on the fi nal nil against a top quality side that has tour for England, they also picked up A. Cook lbw b Jadeja 18 day of the fourth Test at the Wankhede beaten us convincingly last two times, an unwelcome statistic of becoming K. Jennings lbw Kumar 0 Stadium yesterday. it feels really good.” just the third side in Test history to J. Root lbw J. Yadav 77 The touring side, who resumed the Trailing by 49 runs entering the fi - compile 400 in the fi rst innings and M. Ali c Vijay b Jadeja 0 fi nal day on 182 for six, were only able nal day, England’s hopes of making In- still lose by an innings. J. Bairstow lbw Ashwin 51 to add 13 runs to their total as Ashwin dia bat again rested on a pair of wick- “Historically on this ground 400 is a B. Stokes c Vijay b Ashwin 18 (6-55) took all four remaining wickets etkeeper-batsmen — Jonny Bairstow, good score in the fi rst innings and in the J. Ball c Patel b Ashwin 2 in a little more than half an hour and the who was unbeaten on 50 overnight, second innings, we had our chances,” J. Buttler not out 6 hosts won by an innings and 36 runs. and Jos Buttler. rued England captain Alastair Cook. C. Woakes b Ashwin 0 The fi ve-wicket haul was the 24th Bairstow, however, misread Ash- “We’ve just not taken those chances. A. Rashid c Rahul b Ashwin 2 for the world’s top-ranked Test bowler win’s ‘carrom’ ball, a fi nger-spinner “We were in the game for three days J. Anderson C Yadav b Ashwin 2 and his seventh 10-wicket haul, after delivered with the knuckle, to be but not good enough to take those op- Extras (b15, lb2, nb2) 19 the 30-year-old also took six wickets struck in front of the wicket after add- portunities and that’s what cost us.” Total (10 wickets, 55.3 overs) 195 in England’s fi rst innings, inspired In- ing just a run to his overnight score Ashwin, who has won the man of the Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Jennings), 2-43 dia to an unassailable 3-0 lead. and was unable to overturn the leg be- series awards in each of India’s last four (Cook), 3-49 (Ali), 4-141 (Root), 5-180 England had beaten India in their fore decision on review. Test series, took his tally to 27 wickets (Stokes), 6-182 (Ball), 7-185 (Bairstow), last three Test series including a 2-1 from the four matches against England. 8-189 (Woakes), 9-193 (Rashid), 10-195 triumph on their last visit to the South ANGRY EXCHANGE Man of the match Kohli, who hit 235 (Anderson) England’s Moeen Ali (left), Adil Rashid (centre) and Alastair Cook walk off the field Asian country in 2012 but the tourists Ashwin then claimed a wicket in each in India’s massive fi rst innings total of Bowling: Kumar 4-1-11-1, U. Yadav 3-0- at Wankhede Stadium. Referring to the 2012 Test in Mumbai, Cook said yester- have been thoroughly outplayed by of his next three overs to bring about a 631 for his third double century of the 10-0, Jadeja 22-3-63-2 (1nb), Ashwin day, “No disrespect to Mo (Ali) and Rash (Rashid) but Graeme Swann and Monty the hosts since drawing the opening quick end to proceedings as England’s year, leads the run-scoring list with 20.3-3-55-6, J. Yadav 6-0-39-1 (1nb) Panesar were world class bowlers in 2012.” (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE Beating England not as easy as it looked: Kohli

Reuters But man of the match Kohli hit 235 to res- Mumbai cue his team and led them to a massive fi rst- innings total of 631. “With the bat as well we have shown re- ndia’s unassailable 3-0 lead over Eng- ally good character to come back into the land has not been achieved as comfort- game, showing enough patience, more than ably as it might appear against qual- the opposition,” the 28-year-old said, add- ity opposition, captain Virat Kohli said ing it was the best out of his fi ve series wins Iyesterday. as captain. India thrashed England by an innings and “No series win is easy, especially not this 36 runs just over half an hour into the fi nal one, we know England is a quality test side day at the Wankhede Stadium to clinch the and we knew that they will try to bounce series with a match to spare. back. England were the last team to win a test “Even in this game after being 2-0 down, series in India, 2-1 four years ago, and they they put 400 runs in the fi rst innings. This made a strong start in the drawn test in Ra- is not a team that will throw in the towel. We jkot this time round. were tested but we came out on top.” “I don’t think it’s been easy. We have It was the fi fth consecutive series win for been put under pressure many times. I India following triumphs in Sri Lanka and think I would give my team a lot of credit West India and home victories over South for bouncing back from those tough situa- Africa and New Zealand. tions,” Kohli told reporters. Kohli was pleased with the unselfi shness “We haven’t got anything on the platter. of his team mates. We have had to work hard for it and it’s been “A lot of the times, you have an hour in a result of constant pressure that we have the test match where you can take the game forced the opposition to make mistakes.” away and you are still not willing to go for Trailing 2-0 in the series, England posted it because you are close to your milestone or 400 in their fi rst innings in Mumbai and had things like that,” he said. the hosts, ranked number one in the world, “These are the things that we have gotten in trouble by reducing them to 307 for six. out of our system completely.” India’s captain Virat Kohli (left), wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel and Murali Vijay (right) react after the near dismissal of England’s Jonny Bairstow yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 13, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ASHWIN-ANDERSON SPAT De Villiers quits as SA Test captain Kohli turns Reuters “Following the squad’s outstanding Cape Town performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confi rmed as permanent Test captain. peacemaker B de Villiers has resigned as South Africa’s Test captain, “I have known Faf for almost 20 opening the way for child- years, ever since we played in the same hood friend Faf du Plessis to school side at Afrikaans Hoer Seunsk- takeA over on a permanent basis. ool, and he will have my unequivocal De Villiers, 32, has been struggling support.” with an elbow injury for six months De Villiers is not targeting a re- and is out of the three-match home turn to the side for the one-day series Test series against Sri Lanka that against Sri Lanka that starts at the end starts on December 26. of January. “The interests of the team must “AB’s left elbow is much improved always outweigh the interests of any but he is still regaining the last few individual including me,” he said in a degrees of straightening,” said team Cricket South Africa news release yes- manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee. terday. “Fitness to play requires a full range Du Plessis was praised for lead- of elbow movement and this may take ing South Africa to a 2-1 Test series another three to four weeks to achieve. victory in Australia last month in the Faf du Plessis (left) was praised for leading South Africa to a 2-1 Test series victory He will be unavailable for the Test se- absence of De Villiers but was found in Australia last month in the absence of AB de Villiers (right). (AFP) ries against Sri Lanka and will target a guilty of tampering with the ball in the return for the ODI series.” second Test in Hobart, a verdict he will Hashim Amla but led the side in just “It was a fantastic honour for me to Du Plessis will be the third perma- appeal against on Dec. 19. two Tests against England at the start be asked to captain the Test side but I nent captain for South Africa since the De Villiers was appointed captain in of the year, and also missed a home se- have missed two series,” said De Vil- retirement of long-serving Graeme January following the resignation of ries win over New Zealand in August. liers. Smith in March 2014. India’s R Ashwin (left) speaks with England’s James Anderson (centre) after the win in the fourth Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) PAKISTAN’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA Reuters “Ashwin wasn’t pleased with what Mumbai he (Anderson) said in the press and I didn’t even know about it. He told me on the ground. irat Kohli adopted an unchar- “So I didn’t know what to make of it, acteristic role as peacemaker I was laughing about it, Ashwin wasn’t yesterday when the India cap- too impressed and he let him know Pakistan coach tain acted to pacify an angry without using any bad words, honest- Vexchange between off -spinner Ravi- ly,” Kohli added. chandran Ashwin and England pace- “I think he (Ashwin) told me he was man James Anderson on the fi nal day of pretty disappointed with what he said the fourth Test. and it is important to accept defeat as The incident occurred when England it is. Later on, I told James these things number 11 Anderson walked out to bat happen and let’s move on.” Arthur plays down and was greeted by a volley of angry Anderson has a history of disputes words by Ashwin, whose views were with India and the team fi led a charge echoed by his teammates in the innings against him for pushing Ravindra Jade- and 36 runs victory for the hosts. ja during the Trent Bridge Test in 2014. Ashwin appeared irked by Ander- He was later cleared by the governing son’s comments on Sunday that Kohli’s body International Cricket Council. technique was not being thoroughly Yesterday, the contretemps between return to Australia tested on the docile pitches in India af- Ashwin and Anderson threatened to ter he hit 235 at the Wankhede Stadium boil over with England captain Alastair ‘It’s about two very good cricket teams going head-to-head’ for his third double hundred of 2016. Cook saying it was unnecessary and England’s record wicket-taker in left a “sour” taste. Reuters Tests dismissed Kohli four times dur- “It was a bit of a sour end really. A New Delhi ing India’s tour of England in 2014 but disappointing end in terms of how well the batsman has fl ayed Anderson and the spirit’s been between both sides,” his bowling partners this time, already Cook said. akistan coach Mickey Arthur amassing 640 runs in the ongoing se- “It was clearly reference to what remains ill at ease with the ries at an average of 128. Jimmy said yesterday which has kind spotlight shining on his re- “For the fi rst time I was trying to of been blown out of all proportions, turn to Australia and cannot calm things down in the middle at which it can do here. He was just stat- Pwait for the focus to shift to cricket, a time when James Anderson is in- ing a fact which if you asked Virat is the 48-year-old said yesterday. volved,” a grinning Kohli, who is often probably quite true. Arthur’s 19-month tenure as Aus- very demonstrative on the fi eld, told “But yes it was obviously just stick- tralia coach came to an acrimonious reporters after India moved 3-0 ahead ing up for their captain which I thought end weeks before the 2013 Ashes se- in the fi ve-match series. was slightly unnecessary.” ries, following a collapse in team dis- cipline and prompting a high-profi le severance claim against his former FOCUS employers Cricket Australia. The South African is now busy plot- ting the downfall of his former charges in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on Thursday. How Tendulkar “This series isn’t about me against Australia,” Arthur told reporters. “It’s about two very good cricket teams go- ing head-to-head and I hope that can put Kohli on be the focus for the remainder of the tour for that is what it is.” Asked if he wanted to prove that Cricket Australia made a mistake by path to glory sacking him, Arthur said: “Of course there’s a part of me that feels that. I’d not be honest if I say otherwise. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (left) talks with coach Mickey Arthur during a practice session on the tour to England “I always maintain that I loved the earlier this year. Arthur’s 19-month tenure as Australia coach came to an acrimonious end weeks before the 2013 Ashes fi rst year and a bit of it, it was out- series, following a collapse in team discipline. standing and I felt we made some sig- nifi cant progress.” Australia paceman Mitchell Starc has already sent down a bouncer in Pakistan confi dent Yasir will be tfi to face Australia Arthur’s direction, saying the current team were a lot “closer” under coach Reuters Darren Lehmann. Sydney “It’s a totally diff erent group, to be honest. Only a akistan coach Mickey Arthur couple of us played under is confident leg spinner PYasir Shah will be fit to face Mickey Arthur. We are a Australia in this week’s day-night new group. I’m not really opening test of a three-match series concerned what Mickey at the Gabba in Brisbane. Yasir, who was left out of Pakistan’s Sachin Tendulkar (left) advised Virat Kohli not to read or look up things that were Arthur is doing, to be hon- final test of the recent series in New said about him after the latter flopped in the England series in 2014. est,” Australian off -spinner Zealand, missed last week’s pink-ball Nathan Lyon said tour match against a Cricket Aus- AFP got,” said Kohli. tralia XI in Cairns because of a back Mumbai “That was one thing that kept pull- “It’s actually great to hear,” Arthur injury sustained in training. ing me back as far as Test cricket is said. “I’m not beating around the bush “I saw him at the team hotel before concerned,” added Kohli, who suc- when I say the team wasn’t very close I came and he seemed fine,” South irat Kohli revealed yesterday ceeded Mahendra Singh Dhoni as cap- during those times, but that was be- African Arthur told reporters in that sage advice from India tain early last year. cause of diff erent characters. Brisbane. great Sachin Tendulkar after “Being captain took my mind more “It was a largely insecure time for “Which is good because you don’t a disastrous tour of England off those things because I had abso- the players as well because there was Vtwo years ago helped turn him into lutely no time to read up or hear what want to deprive the Australian public a lot of changes that was coming the chance to see an unbelievable world cricket’s top batsman. people had to say about me. about...” leg-spinner go about his business. Kohli fl opped during India’s 3-1 se- “It was all about thinking about what Arthur is naturally in a position to “And obviously he is integral to our ries defeat in England in the summer the team has to do and that has helped off er Pakistan inside information but plans as well.” of 2014, making a total of only 134 runs me immensely to stay focused on what the onus would be on the players, he Pakistan have never beaten Australia over 10 innings and mustering a top I have to do on the fi eld,” said the star said, to exploit them. in a test series Down Under and score of just 39. batsman. “We’ll be providing a whole lot of the ability to dismiss their hosts Two years on and 28-year-old Kohli Kohli has been the standout batsman information... but the information is twice in a match will be key to their is celebrating a 3-0 series victory over of 2016, amassing more than 1,000 useless unless you put it into practice,” hopes of doing so in the upcoming Alastair Cook’s side, which included a runs in Test cricket for the year and he said. contests, which also includes tests in century and a stunning double century bringing the total for his career to more Judging by Nathan Lyon’s reaction, Melbourne and Sydney. — his third of the year. than 4,000. Australia were unconcerned by what Yasir, who has taken 116 wickets in Kohli said he spoke to Tendulkar, The Indian skipper smashed 235 runs Arthur may claim to know about the 20 tests at average of 27.89, is their also said he would be looking for a runs,” Arthur said. “Adapting outside regarded by many as the greatest bats- in the second innings against England current crop. top-ranked bowler in the ICC test better batting performance from the our conditions is diff icult. It is like man ever, and attributed some of the as the hosts humiliated their oppo- “It’s a totally diff erent group, to be rankings and took 12 wickets at an tourists after their middle and lower Australia playing on the sub-con- turn-around in his form to what the nents in the fourth Test, winning by an honest,” the off -spinner said. “Only average of a shade over 17 when collapsed against the Black Caps in tinent but we are working hard on former India captain had to say. innings and 36 runs. a couple of us played under Mickey Pakistan swept Australia in his debut Hamilton last month and they lost that.” “The best advice was not to read It came after he scored a century in Arthur. We are a new group. I’m not series in the UAE in 2014. the series 2-0. The opening test, the first day-night- or look up things that were being said the fi rst Test in Rajkot. Kohli has also really concerned what Mickey Arthur Arthur, a former coach of Australia, “It’s no secret we need to get some er at the Gabba, starts on Thursday. about me. I’m not joking or trying to hit double tons against the West Indies is doing, to be honest.” be sarcastic. That was the best advice I and New Zealand this year. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 13, 2016 11 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Ooredoo named offi cial telecom Compact World Cup sponsors of Barca-Ahli match By Sports Reporter can be ‘forerunner’ Doha oredoo has yester- day announced it will be the Offi cial Telecom Sponsors ofO the upcoming FC Barcelona vs Al Ahli Sports Club friendly for future: Pearce football match. The event, named Qatar Airways ‘Match of Champi- ‘What Qatar are doing has never been done before, on this micro scale’ ons’, will take place on 13 De- cember 2016 at the Gharaff a Stadium in Qatar, and several By Jamie Reid top players from both teams Doha have been announced to take part including Ooredoo’s Glo- bal Brand Ambassador Lionel uring a career that spans fi ve Messi, Barcelona striker Luis COO OQ Yousuf al-Kubaisi decades, English football legend Suarez and Al Ahli Centre- Stuart Pearce has travelled the Forward Omar Soma. around the world via our globe for major international The match, which is a joint award-winning Supernet.” tournamentsD as a player, a manager, a eff ort between Qatar Airways, As Offi cial Telecom Spon- coach and a fan – and says the concept of Qatar Football Association, sors, Ooredoo will provide a compact FIFA World Cup would become Qatar Stars League and the internal communications for the norm for future editions. Supreme Committee for De- the event via the company’s Pearce, who was in Doha to attend the livery & Legacy, has been de- TETRA radio solutions. Soccerex Asian Forum, spoke exclusively signed to give Qatar’s growing Ooredoo will also promote to www.sc.qa and said having one place to football fan base the chance to the event via its social media live and train throughout the tournament see two internationally channels and SMS broadcast would be benefi cial to players, coaches renowned clubs showcase system. and fans. their talents in a local sta- In return the company will “What Qatar are doing has never been dium or live on TV around the have its logo broadcast in top- done before, on this micro scale,” he said. world. quality across Qatar and the “So it will be the forerunner of a tourna- Ooredoo’s Chief Operat- world, with millions expected ment like this. If it works, people are going ing Offi cer Yousuf al-Kubaisi, to tune in to the highly-antic- to be turning round saying: ‘Why haven’t commented: “Having the cur- ipated match. we done it before?’ rent La Liga and Saudi Profes- Ooredoo has a long his- All eight proposed 2022 FIFA World sional League champions play tory of supporting footballing Cup stadiums fi t into an area of 153m2, in Doha will help inspire foot- events in Qatar. which means they could fi t into Greater ball fans in Qatar, and encour- Currently the company is London four times over. The greatest dis- age our next-generation of the Offi cial Telecommuni- tance between Qatar’s most northerly and football stars to work hard and cation Partner for all Qatar southerly venues is just 50km. follow their dreams. Football Association events “This is a huge step forward until 2018, as the organisa- The players will also benefi t, ac- for our country’s standing as tions work together to pro- cording to the 54-year-old who has a top sporting destination, mote football in Qatar in attended fi ve major tournaments and Ooredoo will do all it can preparation for the 2022 FIFA with England, as it means they to ensure this event is shared World Cup Qatar. will be able get into a consistent rhythm, allowing them to focus solely on the football Joshua can stun Klitschko, says trainer Pearce drew on one of England’s recent experiences to illustrate the benefi ts of Anthony Joshua can stun big punchers before, but I Qatar’s compact setup. Wladimir Klitschko to be- think Anthony’s more than a “You’ve only got to go back to England’s come the undisputed world big puncher. venture in Poland and Ukraine at EURO heavyweight champion, ac- “Anthony can box, can move 2012,” he continued. cording to the British fighter’s well, has great balance. “They decided ahead of the tournament trainer Rob McCracken. Speed is the key as well — to base themselves in Poland, but the way Former Olympic gold medal- when you have his speed, the draw worked out they had to play all list Joshua linked up with Mc- they don’t see the punches their games in Ukraine – and were already Cracken on a full-time basis coming. And that will be committed to their selected base. before beating Eric Molina in the plan for Klitschko, that “They were fl ying in and fl ying out for a second successful defence Klitschko just can’t avoid or every game. That’s far from ideal, espe- of his IBF heavyweight title defend what’s coming from cially for recovery for players – in terms of on Saturday. Anthony. general recovery and in terms of any inju- teams and fans to plan their journeys in major tournaments with England, as it one base, I must say. That way it would McCracken looked on as “Without a doubt he can ries that might have been picked up. advance. Not something, Pearce says, that means they will be able get into a consist- leave us to focus on the most important Joshua stopped Molina knock anybody out. If he hits “So to have that operation in place, the anyone will face in 2022. ent rhythm, allowing them to focus solely thing, which was the games.” within three rounds at Man- them hard enough, he will training facility, the hotel – everything “Once the tournament progresses and on the football. The 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-fi nalist chester Arena, with promoter without a doubt knock them put in place and confi rmed from day one you start travelling, you can put things “Getting into a routine was the most concluded by saying that, after experi- Eddie Hearn swiftly announc- out. He’s looking forward to to the day you go out of the tournament, it in place but you’re never going to get the important thing for me – and it’s the same encing Qatar’s weather during the exact ing a deal had been struck it. He’s enjoying his boxing. will be a big advantage.” similar standard of training facility or ho- for a lot of players today,” he continued. time of the year the tournament will take for the Briton and Klitschko The tests lie ahead but he’s in Another problem travelling managers, tel that you’re looking for,” he continued. “If you take the Italy World Cup in place, the often-talked about heat will not to meet in a unification show- a great place and we’re more players and fans often face at major tour- “To have one base that you know you’re 1990, we prepped in Sardinia in one ho- be a problem. down at Wembley Stadium than confident that he’ll beat naments is the element of the unknown. going into – especially with the travelling tel for a week and then moved to another “We’re in Qatar now [in December] and on April 29. Klitschko. Once the group stage is over, those who implications as well, that’s massive. To hotel – and then once we got out of the there was talk about the temperature, but Convinced Joshua, 27, can “My gut feeling and my expe- progress are placed into a knockout game have bases that are no further than an hour group stages, we moved from the island the dates we’re now talking about playing topple giant Ukrainian rience tells me he’s the real at one of two stadiums, dependent on or so from any of the stadiums, I would onto mainland Italy, and after every game the tournament on are around 24-25 de- Klitschko, who will be 41 by deal and I think he’s more their fi nishing position within the group. think that’s an absolute utopia for a lot of we were travelling. grees – it was more than that in Italy when the time the fight takes place, than capable of becoming This, in turn, aff ects the potential lo- the teams that are going to come to here.” “That really cut down your recovery we played the World Cup and nobody McCracken told BBC Radio undisputed heavyweight cations of their team’s pathway through The players will also benefi t, according time, your training time, it cut down eve- mentioned it then. So that rules that issue Five Live: “Klitschko’s beaten champion.” to the fi nal – making it very diffi cult for to the 54-year-old who has attended fi ve rything. I would have preferred to stay in out of the equation.” (SC.qa)

GOLF Tickets on sale for historic Qatar Masters

By Sports Reporter winners features many who have The 2016 tournament was show at the driving range. Doha since gone on to reach the very yet another scorcher and saw Kids of all ages will be able to pinnacle of the game. Branden Grace become the tour- try out a range of sports includ- They include two-time de- nament’s third two-time winner ing mini and soft golf alongside ickets for the historic fending champion Branden and the fi rst to successfully de- gourmet food off erings. 20th anniversary edition Grace; four-time Major runner- fend his title (2015, 2016), fol- For many years Commercial of the world-renowned up and perennial crowd favourite lowing former Open champion Bank Qatar Masters has stressed Commercial Bank Qatar Sergio Garcia, 2016 Race to Du- Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012) and the importance of introducing TMasters have gone on general bai winner and Open Champion former World No. 1 Adam Scott golf to children by providing golf sale to the public. Henrik Stenson, and two time (2002, 2008). clinics from internationally cer- Part of the iconic January winner in Doha Adam Scott, “History is made on the Doha tifi ed coaches in a bid to encour- ‘Desert Swing’ trio of European who went on to claim the world Golf Club course every year and age more young people to try out Tour tournaments in the GCC, number one spot and a famous the 20th edition is set to be the the sport. the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters green jacket. best one yet. This is a golf fan’s Tickets for the 20th Commer- Masters, organised by The Qatar “There have been some spec- chance to get incredibly close to cial Bank Qatar Masters are now Golf Association (QGA), the Qa- tacular performances here at the the action and watch legendary available for purchase at Virgin tar Olympic Committee (QOC), Doha Golf Club over the past 20 golfers at the peak of their craft Megastores (online and in-store Doha Golf Club and long-term years, from great moments of on a truly unique golf course. in Doha), Doha Golf Club, St Regis title sponsor, Commercial Bank, on-course rivalry, to fi nal hole “We are privileged to be in- Hotel Doha, Intercontinental will return to Doha Golf Club excitement and drama,” said volved in such a prestigious Hotel Doha, Radisson Blu Hotel from January 26 to 29. CEO of Commercial Bank Joseph tournament that has grown ex- Doha, Fnac Lagoona Mall and on- For 20 years the Commer- Abraham. ponentially year on year, and line at q-tickets.com, 800tickets. cial Bank Qatar Masters has “Every year we’ve hosted golf has created a legacy in Qatar to com and iloveqatar.net. witnessed the best talents in the stars that have lit-up Doha and inspire local golfers and future Entry is free for children un- sport grace Doha Golf Club’s helped evolve this event to what stars,” president of QGA Hassan der 14 years of age. Championship course and it is today – a world-class golf al-Naimi said. For those looking for an extra- vie for the Mother of Pearl tro- championship that continues to In addition to great golfi ng special experience with the best phy and the USD2.5mn prize possess quality and excitement moments, daily entertainment views of the course and an exclu- purse. for everyone involved. Two-time defending champion Branden Grace. will be happening all around the sive culinary experience hospi- Over the past 20 years the “Twenty years is a huge mile- Public Village and the ever-pop- tality packages are now available Championship has played host stone for us and we are looking Qatar Masters with all the golf- The highly anticipated tour- 20th edition on one of the most ular trick shot show will return to purchase through the tourna- to many of the world’s favourite forward to celebrating another ers, fans, sponsors and families nament will once again feature challenging golf courses in the to entertain kids and adults alike ment’s offi cial website qatar- golfers, and its illustrious list of unbeatable Commercial Bank this January.” a star-studded line-up for its region. with an action-packed daily masters.com/hospitality.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 GULF TIMES QATAR STARS LEAGUE

BIG MATCH FOCUS Late penalty Bounedjah scores helps Lekhwiya brace as Sadd blast edge Kharaitiyat By Sports Reporter In fi rst half injury time, Le- Doha khwiya were denied again thanks to a strong save by Soufi ane, who was fast becoming Al Kharaitiy- our-time QSL champi- at’s best player. A cross by Ismael ons Lekhwiya left it late Mohammed found the head of eight past Umm Salal to secure a 2-1 win over El Arabi and his header looked Al Kharaitiyat yesterday destined for the bottom left hand evening.F Djamel Belmadi’s side corner. However, the Moroccan Sadd follow up big Rayyan win with style; Umm Salal suff er second straight loss came from a goal behind and was denied again by the Qatari dominated throughout to regis- keeper who pulled off another ter their eighth win of the season fi ne save. thanks to goals from Yusef Msa- After a goalless fi rst half, Al kni and a Yusef El Arabi penalty. Kharaitiyat made a dream start Lekhwiya welcomed Msakni to the second half, after being back to the starting line-up after rewarded a penalty two minutes an injury; the Tunisian interna- after the restart. Lekhwiya strik- tional hit a shot from a tight angle er El Arabi was adjudged to have to test Ahmed Soufi ane in the fi fth handled the ball and the referee minute. It proved to be a signal of promptly pointed to the penalty intent from the Red Knights. spot. Thunders number ten An- Lekhwiya looked more and ouar Diba stepped up and placed more likely to fi nd the opener as the ball into the right hand cor- the tie progressed. Al Kharaiti- ner to give Ahmad al-Ajlani’s yat, who are placed bottom of side the most unlikely of leads. the table, had the woodwork Lekhwiya pushed hard to fi nd and reactions of Ahmed Soufi - a leveller and eventually broke ane to thank in the 30th minute. the Al Kharaitiyat resistance in Lekhwiya put together a slick the 57th minute. Khaled Muftah passing move which resulted in a swung in an accurate cross that good save from Soufi ane to deny found Msakni, who headed the Luiz Martin the opener. Whilst ball in from close range. seconds later a cross fell to Is- Predictably the tie swung in mael Mohamed, whose shot rat- the favour of the four-time QSL tled the woodwork. champions Lekhwiya as the ref- Al Kharaitiyat registered their eree awarded his second penalty only chance of the fi rst half in of the match with ten minutes the 37th minute. On a rare foray left to play. El Arabi stepped up to forward Brazilian defender Do- dispatch the penalty, which went mingos headed just wide off an in off keeper Soufi ane to score his Anouar Diba free-kick. thirteenth goal of the season.

Al Sadd’s Pedro (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates Xavi (second from left), Baghdad Bounedjah (right) and others during their Qatar Stars League match against Umm Salal at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

By Sports Reporter Doha RESULTS Lekhwiya 2 Al Kharaitiyat 1 Al Sadd 8 Umm Salal 0 fter a 5-0 drubbing of Al Rayy- Al Arabi 2 Al Khor 1 an in their last match, Al Sadd dished out an 8-0 hammering to STANDINGS Umm Salal in the 11th round of Team P W D L GD Pts theA Qatar Stars League at home yesterday. 1. El Jaish 11 9 1 1 11 28 With a brace under his belt, Baghdad 2. Al Sadd 11 8 3 0 26 27 Bounedjah stayed as the league’s top-scor- 3. Lekhwiya 11 8 3 0 15 27 er, while Pedro, Khalfan Ibrahim, Morteza 4. Al Gharafa 11 6 2 3 5 20 Lekhwiya’s Yusef Msekni (left) scores past Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper Pouraliganji and Ibrahim Majid scored a 5. Al Rayyan 11 5 4 2 2 19 during their QSL match yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Samaraee goal each, besides penalties by Hassan 6. Al Arabi 11 4 1 6 -5 13 Haydoos and Meshaal al-Shammari. 7. Umm Salal 11 3 4 4 -8 13 Charismatic captain Xavi had three as- 8. Al Sailiya 11 3 3 5 -5 12 SPOTLIGHT sists to his name in what was a football 9. Al Ahli 11 2 5 4 -2 11 masterclass from the former QSL cham- 10. Al Shahania 11 2 5 4 -8 11 pions. 11. Muaither 11 3 0 8 -10 9 The result meant that the Wolves kept 12. Al Khor 11 2 2 7 -4 8 their undefeated streak and are in tied Umm Salal coach Bulent Uygun (left) and Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. 13. Al Wakrah 11 1 4 6 -6 7 Arabi bounce second spot with Lekhwiya, who secured 14. Al Kharaitiyat 11 1 3 7 -11 6 a 2-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat earlier in the ganji. The Iranian international connect- Jesualdo Ferreira’s men ended the fi rst evening. Both the teams have 27 points in ed with the free kick and sent a looping half with four goals to their favour and their kitty but Sadd is ahead on goal dif- header over the keeper to make it 2-0. dominating possession with more than In the 82nd minute Khalfan’s shot from back to beat Khor ference. Just a minute later, defender Pedro 60 percent of the ball. Al Sadd had fi ve outside the box defl ected off a defender Al Sadd scored the fi rst of eight goals added a third goal to the score line. The shots on target and four goals while Umm into the net to make it 6-0. A minute isitors Al Khor grabbed in the 11th minute of the game cour- Qatari international intercepted a clear- Salal had no shots on target in the open- later, al-Shammari won a penalty and the lead yesterday but tesy Bounedjah. Xavi’s long ball picked ance before curling the ball into the far ing 45 minutes. stepped up to take it. He slotted the ball home side Al Arabi out Abdelkarim Hassan on the left, who corner from just inside the box. Five minutes into the second half bottom left corner to make it 7-0. turned things around in then played the ball to Bounedjah, who Al Sadd kept on exploiting the Umm Bounedjah scored his second goal of the Al Sadd were not done yet as Ibrahim Vadmirable fashion, winning the converted the ball into a goal from close Salal defence and in the 33th minute night off an assist by Xavi. The Spanish Majid’s free kick in the last minute of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash range. they won a penalty when Ali Assad was superstar caught Bounedjah’s run and game went under the wall and into the 2-1 at Grand Hamad Stadium. The Wolves continued their attack and fouled by Umm Salal captain Jawad Ah- played an inch perfect pass to the Alge- goal deceiving the goalkeeper. Al Arabi’s captain Boualem were awarded with a second goal in the nash. Haydoos stepped up for the spot rian striker who just guided it into the Bulent Uygun will need to go back to Khoukhi and Wagner scored the 24th minute when Xavi’s free kick was kick duty and chipped it into the net for a net on the near post to compound Umm the drawing board after his team’s second goals in the fi rst half to nullify headed into the goal by Morteza Pourali- show-stopping fi nish. Salal’s defensive woes. defeat in a row and heavy one at that. Al Khor’s early lead in the round eleven clash. Al Khor grabbed the lead BOTTOMLINE through a fi eld goal in the 7th minute through a well-co-ordi- nated move as defender Sultan al-Enazi defl ected an easy ball Didn’t expect draw against Ahli: Shahania offi cial into the net from close range. Al Khor defender Abdulrah- man Ruban – on the right fl ank Al Arabi’s captain Boualem l Shahania’s head of Foot- mari said, “It won’t be an easy game – chipped in a long ball towards Khoukhi celebrates after scor- ball, Mohammed al- versus Al Khor and we will play for teammate Abdulkarem Ali who ing off a penalty strike. PICTURE: Shammari, believes that the three points in order to stay failed to defl ect the ball into the Noushad Thekkayil his team won’t give up on away from the bottom of the league net as the running momentum theA QSL campaign and will continue table. We have huge confi dence in forced him to lose his balance. In the 37th minute, Khoukhi their battle right until the end of the the players as well as the techni- However, Al Khor’s man of opened the scoring from the season. cal staff led by the head coach Jose the moment al-Enazi, who was penalty spot. Al Enazi brought “We didn’t expect the draw Fernando.” unmarked inside the box, shot down Al Arabi’s Paulinho in- against Al Ahli considering that we Al-Shammari expressed his sat- the ball into the net with con- side his own box with a reckless were leading the game. We play for isfaction with the players’ perform- summate ease, easily beating tackle. Referee Abdulrahman the win in all our games, however, ance but the results don’t serve the the out-stretched hands of goal- al-Jassim quickly pointed to the we are happy that we came away team best benefi ts. keeper Rajab Kassim. It was al- spot kick and Khoukhi easily with the point,” al-Shammari said Commenting on whether the club Enazi’s second goal of the season converted from the penalty spot after the 1-1 draw versus Al Ahli. will be planning to support the team for the Knights. for the equaliser. He also pointed out that the team with some players during the winter At the half-hour mark, Al Ara- With four minutes to go in the lacks the concentration and luck transfer window, he said, “It is early bi’s Assie Koua Vivien, the tall fi rst half, Al Arabi grabbed the in some games. “The players are to speak about this as we are only fo- defender from Ivory Coast, pro- lead with a slick fi nish by Wag- putting in their best eff orts,” he said. cusing on gathering as many points duced a snap-header inside the ner, who smashed the ball in However, hesitation and the ab- as possible till the end of the fi rst leg Al Khor box but his defl ection from close range hitting the top sence of a few players have aff ected of the QSL. Of course, the technical was punched by goalkeeper Baba of the net with a fast-paced shot. the team in the league. Al Shahania staff and the club management will Djibril on his goal-line. Minutes It was the former El Jaish’s man have been missing a number of key decide later whether the team needs later, Al Arabi’s Nigerian forward fi rst goal of the season. players such as the Iranian profes- some new players, noting that the Ezekiel easily volleyed a close- Despite conceding the fi rst sional Mehrdad Pooladi. club management, chaired by Man- range ball into the net but the goal, hosts Al Arabi rallied in Talking about their match against ahi al-Shammari, are supporting the goal was disallowed as off -side fi ne style to register their second Al Khor later this week, al-Sham- football team in every possible way.” by the linesman. straight win in the QSL.