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Thursday, January 18, 2018 TENNIS Jumada I 1, 1439 AH Nadal dominant as GULF TIMES big guns pull off great escapes SPORT Page 2 FOCUS AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP Palestine 2022 will have big focused from start to fi nish, impact across Arab says captain

AFC knowing that only a substantial Changzhou, China win over Thailand, coupled with defeat for DPR Korea in their game against Japan, would be world: Di Maria alestine captain Mah- enough to secure a ticket through moud Abuwarda be- to the knockout phase. ‘It’s important to have compact World Cup as it will be comfortable for players’ lieves tournament debu- tants Palestine delivered “We knew that we had to aP focused and near perfect per- By Matthias Krug win by a decent amount of Doha formance during Tuesday’s 5-1 goals to be able to qualify thumping of Thailand, a win for the next round,” which saw them qualify for the Palestine captain Mahmoud rgentina star Angel Di Maria be- AFC U23 Championship quar- Abuwarda said lieves the 2022 FIFA World Cup ter-fi nals against Qatar. will have a huge impact in Qatar First half goals from Mohanad With their continued par- and across the Arab world. Fannoun, Oday Dabbagh, Mah- ticipation in the competition on ATalking on the sidelines of Paris Saint- moud Yousef and Mohamed Dar- the line, Palestine were, accord- Germain’s recent winter training camp wish laid the foundations for the ing to Abuwarda, eager to pile in Doha, Di Maria said he had no doubts impressive victory, as Palestine on the goals in the opening half about the tournament’s signifi cance to edged DPR Korea for second spot in a bid to ease the pressure on the region. in Group B thanks to a superior themselves – and ratchet up the “It will be a very important World Cup,” goal diff erence. tension for their Korean counter- said Di Maria. “The stadiums are very im- Shehab Qumbor duly added a parts. Something they achieved pressive and I know the tournament will fi fth for his side late on to con- to great eff ect. be a big boost for the Arab world. fi rm a mouth-watering last eight “We knew that we had to win “I have been to Doha a few times and meeting with Qatar on Friday. by a decent amount of goals to every time I have been received very well, “The match was excellent in be able to qualify for the next both on a personal level and with the every aspect, whether it was round,” he said. team.” technical, tactical, or physical,” “Although we also knew it de- Di Maria, who has won 92 caps for his Abuwarda said. pended on the score in the Japan country, went on to praise Qatar’s com- “We were focused from the versus DPR Korea match. pact tournament plans, which will give start to the fi nish. We listened to “However, we concentrated fans the chance to see more than one the coach’s instructions on the on finishing the match by scor- match a day in 2022. fi eld which defi nitely helped us ing goals in the first half, so as “I have played in World Cups in coun- win the game and play to the best not to have to play the second tries which are very big and having to take of our abilities.” half with a lot of pressure on long journeys is diffi cult and complicated Palestine entered the game ourselves.” for the team,” said Di Maria, who was part of the Argentina squad which made it all the way to the 2014 FIFA World Cup fi nal. “It is very important to have a compact World Cup as it will be a lot more com- fortable for the players.” Argentina has already tasted success on Qatari soil after its youth team won the U20 World Cup in 1995 – something Di Maria hopes is a good omen. Paris Saint-Germain’s Angel Di Maria (second from left, also inset) takes part in a practice session during their Qatar Winter Tour in “I hope we can repeat the success of Doha’s Aspire Zone last month. 1995,” said Di Maria. “We have the World Cup coming up this year which we can ites, fi rst of all because we have Lionel and that makes the games very special.” but he is already the best. Hopefully foot- aim to win, and if we win in Russia, hope- Messi. There are other teams playing at a Di Maria also heaped praise on Messi, ball will give Messi this World Cup – it fully we can win in Qatar as well.” high level, like Spain and France, but Ar- who he described as the greatest player of would be good for everyone. Di Maria, 29, is confi dent Argentina gentina is among the best. all time. “Messi has achieved everything in his can lift world football’s most prestigious “We have to keep working hard to re- “Messi is already the greatest,” added career – the only thing missing is a World event for the fi rst time since 1986 this main at the top level. World Cup tourna- Di Maria, who has also turned out for Real Cup. Obviously as an Argentine and a summer after coming so close in Brazil. ments are always diff erent to the qualify- Madrid and Manchester United. “Win- teammate of his, I would love for it to “Argentina is always one of the favour- ing rounds. If you don’t win, you go home, ning the World Cup would validate him, happen in Russia.” (SC.qa)

DAKAR RALLY

Sainz closes in on second title; al-Attiyah third overall Palestine captain Mahmoud Abuwarda (left) in action against Thailand during their group stage game on Tuesday. AFP competitor. Chilecito, Argentina Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke (Toyo- ta) won the stage with a time of 4hr 10min Quarter-fi nal fi xtures IRAQ: Group C winners with 54sec, ahead of Cyril Despres (at 4min two wins and a draw to their arlos Sainz has his second Dakar 35sec) and Sainz (at 4min 40sec). Peter- Qatar v Palestine: name. rally title in his sights after over- hansel (at 4min 50sec) and al-Attiyah (at Changzhou Olympic Sports VIETNAM: Came second in coming his second tough exam in 5min 56sec) rounded up the top fi ve. Center, January 19 Group D thanks to a win and the Argentine dunes in yester- Sainz had lost 13 minutes to Peterhan- Japan v Uzbekistan: Jiangyin a draw. day’sC 11th stage and maintaining his lead sel on Tuesday’s 10th stage but after con- Sports Center, January 19 KOREA REPUBLIC: Topped over Stephane Peterhansel in the general taining his closest rival yesterday made a Iraq v Vietnam: Changshu Group D with seven points. classifi cation. crucial step towards taking the 2018 title, Sports Center, January 20 MALAYSIA: The competition’s Spaniard Sainz is an hour ahead of with a move away from the dunes and to Korea Republic v Malaysia: other debutants. Finished fellow Peugeot driver Peterhansel with more manageable routes. Kunshan Sports Center, Janu- second in Group C. three stages of the rally to go after fi nish- Matthias Walkner is also close to the ary 20 ing third yesterday, 10 seconds ahead of motorcycle title despite fi nishing fi fth on Numbers Game the Frenchman. Qatar’s two-time Dakar Wednesday, nearly 10 minutes behind his How they qualifi ed champion Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (Toy- nearest challenger Kevin Benavides. Group Stage Top Scorer: Al- ota) is third in the overall classifi cation. KTM rider Walkner is 32 minutes QATAR: Finished top of Group moez Ali (Qatar) and Lee Keun- “This is one of the Dakar classics. I lost ahead of Honda’s Argentine rider Bena- A with three wins from their ho (Korea Republic): 3 goals the Dakar here in 2009 when I started vides, and after seeing former leader three games. Most Goals Scored in the with a 30-minute lead and I ended up in a Adrien Van Beveren crash out on Tues- PALESTINE: Tournament Group Stage: 6 (Palestine) hole, so it’s very good to have got through day witnessed Honda’s Joan Barreda debutants who were second in Fewest Goals Conceded in it,” said Sainz. retire in the special stage, finally giv- Group B. the Group Stage: 1 (Qatar, “We have to continue like this, day af- ing into the knee pain that he had com- JAPAN: Were top of Group B Uzbekistan, Japan, Iraq) ter day, and what was important was not plained of since Saturday. with a perfect record thanks to Largest Group Stage Margin to lose Stephane.” Barreda had won three stages and was their three victories. of Victory: Thailand 1-5 Pales- Sainz’s bid was strengthened fur- second in the general classifi cation go- UZBEKISTAN: Group A’s tine (Group B) ther after offi cials decided to rescind a ing into Wednesday’s 11th stage, won in second-placed team who beat 100 percent Group Stage 10-minute penalty imposed on Monday 4hr 01min 33sec by Australian Toby Price Toyota driver Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah of Qatar and his co-driver Matthieu Baumel of China 1-0 in the group stage. Records: 2 (Qatar, Japan) for a dangerous overtake of a quad bike who climbed to third overall. France finished fifth in the 11th stage of the Dakar Rally 2018 yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 18, 2018 TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Singapore to host WTA Finals for last Nadal dominant time in 2018

AFP call home”. Singapore But last year he said the WTA had also received bids from Man- chester, Prague, St Petersburg ingapore will host the and Shenzhen to host the event, as big guns pull off elite WTA Finals for the according to local media. last time in 2018, organ- The tournament would be isers said yesterday, end- moved to a “new stadium” in ingS the season-ending tourna- Shenzhen, local daily the Straits ment’s run in the city-state. Times reported yesterday, citing The $7mn event, which Sin- sources. gapore took over from Istanbul China already hosts a number in 2014, sees the top eight female of top-level tour tournaments great escapes players battle it out for the Billie and has several purpose-built Jean King trophy, and is part a facilities. busy end-of-year schedule fo- They include a new tennis Wozniacki and Dimitrov survive scares as Dane rallies from 5-1 down in third set cused on Asia. centre with a 5,000-seat cen- Event organiser Lagardere tre court in the southern city of to beat Croat Jana Fett, while Bulgarian is stretched to five sets by qualifier Sports confi rmed the decision Zhuhai, while in Wuhan there is a yesterday in a joint statement main stadium for 15,000 specta- AFP with the country’s tourism au- tors, similar to Wimbledon. Melbourne thorities and the national sports Without Singapore, the wom- agency. en’s tour will have no longer have “With the fi ve-year contract an event in Southeast Asia. afael Nadal swept into the Aus- for hosting... ending in 2018, the A spokeswoman for the WTA tralian Open third round to Singapore Tourism Board and declined to comment on the news. keep his Grand Slam title hunt Sport Singapore evaluated the “We are not commenting on on track yesterday, as Caroline opportunity of a potential ex- who is in or out. What you have WozniackiR and Grigor Dimitrov pulled off tension and have decided not to heard is speculation and nothing great escapes to stay in contention. pursue this,” the statement read, is fi nal,” she said. The world number one Spaniard’s without giving further details. Singapore’s last WTA Finals march towards a 17th Grand Slam crown Women’s Tennis Association will be held from October 21 to 28 was never threatened by Argentina’s Le- (WTA) chief Steve Simon said in at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. onardo Mayer, who took him to a third set 2016 the body was searching for Records show that 133,000 tiebreak before being swatted aside 6-3, a permanent base for the season- fans attended the event last year, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Rod Laver Arena. fi nale, and Singapore was a loca- an increase from the 129,000 in “Playing this court is always a big mo- tion it “would be very proud to 2014. tivation for me,” said Nadal, who lost last year’s fi nal to Roger Federer. “He was a dangerous opponent and I’m happy to be in the third round. Funny things happening to Roger “For my team and my family, this is our favourite tournament of the year, so I hope to stay around a bit longer,” he added. Nadal, showing no signs of the trou- blesome knee that bothered him late last season and interrupted his Melbourne lead-up, next plays Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur. Surprisingly, he was not the prime time men’s night match on centre court, with that honour going to third seed Dimitrov, who survived a huge scare from unher- alded qualifi er Mackenzie McDonald. The Bulgarian needed to call on all his experience to down the 186th-ranked American 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 0-6, 8-6. “I’m very happy with the win, not be- cause the way I played, but because the way I fought,” said Dimitrov. “It all came Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks with actor Will Ferrell (left) down to a few points here and there.” and retired tennis player John McEnroe (right) after winning his In contrast to Nadal’s easy progress, Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates a point during their men’s singles second round match against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer on day match against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia on Tuesday. (Reuters) world number two Wozniacki also strug- three of the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) gled against little-known Croat Jana Fett. It was all going so well for Roger Federer when he waltzed The Dane saved two match points and I know she goes just for everything. You through to the second round with a straight sets win over Aljaz rallied from 5-1 down in an epic third set know, a little bit like a headless chicken,” Bedene — until the post-match interview. John McEnroe was in to keep her dream of a fi rst Grand Slam she said. charge of the chat when actor Will Ferrell — as his Anchorman title alive. French Open champion and seventh alter ego Ron Burgundy — strode onto court and took over. The She looked out for the count, and was seed Jelena Ostapenko also progressed, Swiss master stayed cool and volleyed back the comedy ques- struggling afterwards to work out how but she too needed three sets to get past tions in true champion style, and with great humour. “Roger, she survived 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 against a player China’s Duan Yingying. tonight you seemed like a gazelle out there on the court. Would ranked 119. On a hot Melbourne day, Croatia’s you describe your game as like a silky gazelle?” Ferrell asked. “That was crazy, I don’t how I got back sixth seed Marin Cilic advanced, with last “Maybe not. Don’t they get eaten at the end?” Federer replied, to in the match,” said Wozniacki, adding year’s Wimbledon fi nalist easily beating roars of laughter from the packed Rod Laver Arena crowd. “Not that “experience was crucial”. Joao Sousa. if they’re fast enough,” said Ferrell. Further probing from Ferrell Fourth seed Elina Svitolina also came US Open semi-fi nalist and 10th seed included whether Federer was a witch or a vampire to be so from a set down to overcome spirited Pablo Carreno-Busta also went through young at 36 and whether the secret to his Aussie Open success Czech Katerina Siniakova 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. after French veteran Gilles Simon retired was a diet of wombat meat. The Ukrainian is now on a seven- injured when trailing 6-2, 3-0. match win streak and after picking up And fi ghting former fi nalist Jo-Wilfried Mum knows best for Marta fi ve WTA Tour titles last year, more than Tsonga saw off rising Canadian youngster any other woman, is a serious Grand Slam Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki saved two match points to beat Croatia’s Jana Fett (not Denis Shapovalov in a fi ve-set thriller. Like most 15-year-olds, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk is never far from contender. in picture) yesterday. (AFP) But Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenk- her mobile phone. So one of her first thoughts was to check ova, a quarter-fi nalist last year, became all her congratulatory messages after becoming the youngest ‘I’M TALENTED’ Olivia Rogowska 6-3, 7-5. “But I know that only talent will not help the latest seed to slump out in the wom- player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis in 1996. Her next task is tackling 15-year-old sen- Her win streak at Melbourne Park is me to play good. So I’m working pretty en’s draw, which has been shorn of lead- “Well I take the phone, and I had to eat at the same time,” she told sation Marta Kostyuk, who became the now 11 straight matches after claiming hard.” ing names over the fi rst two rounds. reporters. “My mum told me leave the phone and eat properly. youngest woman to reach the third round the Australian Open girls’ title in 2017 Svitolina said she knew little about the Venus Williams’ conqueror Belinda I was quite hungry — and at the same time I had to check! Once since Martina Hingis got to the quarter- and coming through qualifying this year. youngster, and was preparing for a no- Bencic also ran out of steam, having no I entered WhatsApp, I had to put (down) the phone, and I think, fi nals in 1996. “I heard a lot of times that I’m talented, holds barred fi ght. answers against Thai qualifi er Luksika ‘no’. I didn’t still reply to a lot of people.” Also Ukrainian, she beat local wildcard and I know that,” said the confi dent teen. “She has nothing to lose, so that’s why Kumkhum, slumping out 6-1, 6-3.

BOTTOMLINE Sharapova gets patience test with Melbourne set to sizzle

Reuters Australian Open champion a dec- said last year she did not talk to the Melbourne ade ago, Sharapova said she would Canadian, who beat her in the 2014 not be looking to race through their Wimbledon semi-fi nals. third match in fi ve months. Halep, who turned her ankle aria Sharapova returns “It’s not an easy match, not an in her opening victory over local to Rod Laver Arena for easy match for anyone, especially Destanee Aiava on Tuesday, will the fi rst time since her for an aggressive player like I am,” face Bouchard in the evening on drug ban for a second she said. Margaret Court Arena before Stan Mround match against Anastasija “You know, she’s an opponent Wawrinka continues his comeback Sevastova today as players, offi cials that tests my patience, and I’m will- against Tennys Sandgren. and fans alike prepare for sweltering ing to be there and out there for as Wawrinka’s fellow Swiss Roger heat at the Australian Open. long as it takes.” Federer resumes his title defence The former world number one, Another former champion, No- against German Jan-Lennard Struff who missed last year’s tournament vak Djokovic, is also likely to have with top fi ve seeds Alexander Zverev because of her ban for the use of his patience tested in his second and Dominic Thiem also in action a banned substance, takes on the match on the same court later in the on day four. Latvian 14th seed in the fi rst match day with mercurial Frenchman Gael Top seed Rafael Nadal, who will on the main showcourt so should Monfi ls having made something of play his third round match against escape the worst of the heat. a speciality of producing the unex- Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzum- Temperatures are forecast to pected. hur on another scorcher tomorrow, reach 40 degrees Celsius today and Although six-times Melbourne urged organisers close the roofs of tomorrow but it is those on the more champion Djokovic has won all 14 of the showcourts if the heat became exposed outer courts who usu- their meetings at the elite level, his extreme, to preserve players and ally suff er most during the annual near contemporary is sure to fully fans. scorcher at Melbourne Park. test the fi tness of the elbow that “I think it’s a health issue... When Sharapova lost a fourth round kept the Serbian on the sidelines for it’s too much, (it) becomes danger- match in three sets to Sevastova the second half of last year. ous for the health,” he said. on her return to grand slam tennis The meeting between Simona “I would not like to see here re- at the US Open last year but got a Halep and Eugenie Bouchard might tirements. Conditions that create a measure of revenge in another tight bring a little frost to a hot day as bad show for the crowd. The crowd clash at the China Open. the top seed and world number one is suff ering, too, there.” Maria Sharapova of Russia signs autographs after winning against Tatjana Maria of Germany on Tuesday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, January 18, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ronaldinho: a player so good he made you smile The Brazilian has retired after an extraordinary career but his wonderful talent will be remembered forever

By Sid Lowe ground, had told him to play. His older brother The Guardian Roberto was at Gremio too. And then, growing up, there was Bombom, his dog. He also played. Ronaldinho’s brother was his idol but he onaldinho. See? You’re smiling already. ended up better than him. He was better than Just thinking about the things he did anyone at the time: you genuinely wondered if and the way he did them, the way he he might end up better than anyone else ever. was, gets you giggling. Look him up It didn’t last long enough for that but it lasted onR YouTube and maybe you’ll fall for him all because he did things you’d never witnessed be- over again, a bit like all those defenders. Watch fore, skills most never imagined let alone repli- for long enough – it won’t take long – and you cated, and that emotion remained. “His feet are might even feel like standing to applaud, just so fast he can touch the ball four times in half a like the Santiago Bernabéu did, an ovation for second. If I tried to do what he can do, I’d end up a Barcelona player, as if for all the rivalry they injuring myself,” Philippe Cocu said. hadn’t so much been beaten by his genius as For three years no one could match the wow, shared in it. the wonder, the silliness, the jaw-dropping, Sergio Ramos was on the fl oor, they were on laugh-out-loud daftness of it all. The back- their feet. Cameras zoomed on a man in the heels, step-overs and rubber ankles, the power north stand with a moustache and a cigarette too, the change of pace, the passes without hanging limp from his lip. Bloody hell, did you looking. The passes with his back, for goodness see what he just did? sake. The free-kicks over the wall, round the It’s a question that was asked a lot. What wall and under it. Nutmegs, lobs, bicycle kicks, Ronaldinho did, no one else did. And it wasn’t everything. just what he did; it was the way he made people An advert featuring Ronaldinho showed him feel. Nostalgia, memories, are about that: not so ambling to the corner of the penalty area, pull- much events but emotions. Watching Ronaldin- ing on new boots, fl icking a ball into the air and ho was fun, it made people happy. Those may be keeping it there. Strolling around the area, he two of the most simple, childish words of all but volleys the ball towards goal. It hits the bar and they are the right ones. Football stripped right comes straight back to him, he controls it on his down to its essence: happy, fun. Funny, too. chest, swivels and volleys it goalwards. Again, it There may never have been a player who made hits the bar and comes back. the game as enjoyable as Ronaldinho, in part be- He controls it again and, still without let- cause he played and it was a game. ting it drop, hammers it goalwards a third time. “I love the ball,” he said. One coach, he re- For a third time, it thuds off the bar and sails called, told him to change, insisting that he straight back. Without letting the ball drop, he would never make it as a footballer, but he was strolls back to where he started, sets it down and wrong. It was because he played, because he smiles. On the boots is stitched the word “hap- enjoyed it, that he succeeded: the grin on his piness.” face was not just there after he won the league, It is quite astonishing; it is also a fake, a mon- the Champions League, the World Cup and the tage. Or was it? There was a debate. You didn’t Balon d’Or, it was there while he won them. It know – and that was the point, the measure of became contagious. “He changed our history,” him. The fact that anyone could even begin to Barcelona midfi elder Xavi Hernandez said. believe that such a nonchalant demonstration One Real Madrid director claimed that Ma- of mastery might be genuine was eloquent – and drid hadn’t signed him because he was “too only with Ronaldinho would they. ugly” and would “sink” them as a brand. That didn’t happen, no, but the Bernabéu “Thanks to Beckham, everyone wants to ovation did. So did the shot thundering in of the blame us,” he said. He, too, was wrong: everyone bar against Sevilla – at 1.20am. The goal against wanted to embrace Ronaldinho, enjoy him. The Milan. That toe-poke against Chelsea. “It’s like long, Soul Glo hair, the goofy grin, that surfer’s someone pressed pause and for three seconds “wave”, thumb and little fi nger waggling – a all the players stopped and I’m the only one that gesture so his, so symbolic of Barcelona’s revival The Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho has retired from football. The 37-year-old, who also won the Champions League and Ballon d’Or in a moves,” he said. that is was fashioned from foam and sold in the glittering career, has not played for a professional team since leaving Fluminense in 2015. (AFP:) The Brazilian legend Tostao claimed: “Ro- club shop. naldinho has the dribbling skills of Rivelinho, An entire publicity campaign was built around acter himself, he inspired the “BarcaToons” and siveness. “When you have the ball at your feet, feeling will make you spread joy to others. You’re the vision of Gerson, the spirit and happiness of him, the embodiment of “jogo bonito”. He might on Spain’s version of Spitting image his puppet you are free,” Ronaldinho wrote in an open letter smiling because football is fun. Why would you Garrincha, the pace, skill and power of Jarzinho not have been beautiful but his game was and giggled and laughed and repeated one word over to his younger self, repeating a mantra: creativ- be serious? Your goal is to spread joy.” He said and Ronaldo, the technical ability of Zico and no one was more attractive, a marketing dream and over: fi esta!. “I am like that,” he admitted. ity over calculation. that was the way his father, a shipbuilder and the creativity of Romario.” Above all he had one, Madrid missed. Almost a comedy cartoon char- On the pitch, too, an extension of that expres- “It is almost like you’re hearing music. That football fan who worked weekends at Gremio’s very special ability: he made you smile.

FOCUS PREMIER LEAGUE VAR helps Leicester advance Everton sign Walcott

AFP to FA Cup fourth round London verton signed England AFP winger Theo Walcott London from Arsenal in a deal worth a reported £25mn ($34mn,E 28.3mn euros) yester- eicester made history as English day. Walcott had been out of fa- football’s fi rst benefi ciaries of the vour with Arsenal boss Arsene Video Assistant Referee system after Wenger for much of this season the replay technology was used to and has opted to move to Goodi- Laward their second goal in a 2-0 FA Cup win son Park in a bid to kick-start his over Fleetwood on Tuesday night. faltering career. When Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho The 28-year-old made just ran onto a Riyad Mahrez pass to slot home 16 appearances for Arsenal in all in the 77th minute of the third round replay, competitions this season and last Theo Walcott has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Everton. his strike was initially ruled out for off side. started a Premier League game But after a short delay while the attack was for the Gunners in April. 397 matches for Arsenal in total of goals so to add power in our being analysed by the VAR assistant Mike “There’s something about this since joining them from South- goalscoring ability would be very Jones, the decision was changed — replays move I’ve just felt good about,” ampton in 2006. He becomes important for me.” showed Nigeria’s Iheanacho was just onside Walcott said. Sam Allardyce’s second signing Wenger admitted recently that — and referee Jon Moss awarded a goal. “It felt like it was time for me of the January transfer window he did not want Walcott to leave. The VAR system was fi rst used in England to move on. It was sad but it’s following the arrival of Besiktas But he said he could not guar- earlier this month for Brighton’s FA Cup exciting at the same time and I striker Cenk Tosun. antee the England international third round tie against Crystal Palace and want to reignite my career and Speaking last Friday, Allardyce playing time, which was a sensi- the League Cup semi-fi nal fi rst leg between push Everton to win things as said: “Theo’s not as risky (as To- tive issue for Walcott as he tries Chelsea and Arsenal. However, this was the they have done before. The man- sun) because he’s proven. He’s to win a place in Gareth South- fi rst time it had actually been needed to re- ager is very hungry and it’s just scored 100 goals for Arsenal from gate’s squad for the World Cup in verse a decision. what I need. I’ve had a couple of wide positions as well as many Russia later this year. “I didn’t know if I was onside or off side Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho (left) scores against Fleetwood Town during the FA Cup chats with him and straightaway assists. His pace is one of his key Walcott, who has 47 Eng- but I agree totally now that I was onside,” Third Round Replay match in Leicester, Britain, on Tuesday night. (Reuters) I felt that hunger and that desire strengths which we lack in this land caps, has not featured for Iheanacho said. “I was concentrating on that he wanted from me.” squad. His assists are pretty good his country since the friendly the goal, I didn’t think if I was onside or off - With City boss Pep Guardiola watching defender Burke, who slammed in his fi rst Walcott scored 108 goals in as well as his goals. We are short against Spain in November 2016. side but Riyad told me that I was onside. We from the Field Mill stands, Bruno Manga put goal for the club with only eight minutes just waited to see what the decision was.” Cardiff ahead in the 34th minute. left before a penalty shoot-out. In the Former Manchester City youngster Ihea- Danny Rose equalised for Mansfi eld fourth round, West Ham will play Wigan or nacho had already put Leicester ahead in 60 seconds later. But Neil Warnock’s side Bournemouth, whose were set for replay last United may land Sanchez without Mkhitaryan move the 43rd minute at the King Power Stadium, dominated in the second half and Junior night. Championship sides Reading, 3-0 running onto Islam Slimani’s pass and fi ring Hoillet put them ahead in the 66th minute. winners against Stevenage, and Sheffi eld London: Manchester United could buy Alexis does not leave, Mourinho believes that given the home. Leicester’s reward for a comfortable Anthony Pilkington made it three after 71 Wednesday, who beat Carlisle 2-0, will meet Sanchez from Arsenal even if Henrikh Mkhitaryan club’s robust finances Woodward could still sanc- win against their third tier opponents is a minutes and Hoillet’s second in the 89th in the fourth round. refuses to move the other way, with Jose Mour- tion a move for a player who would potentially trip to Peterborough, also of League One, minute ensured City will visit south Wales inho hopeful that Ed Woodward, the executive vastly improve United. in the fourth round. VAR, which has already on January 28. West Ham needed a goal late ENGLISH FA CUP RESULTS vice-chairman, would sign off a deal financed There is some disquiet at Old Traff ord regarding been used in other competitions around the in extra-time from Reece Burke to clinch a 3rd rd replays (aet denotes after extra-time): without money received from the Armenian’s sale. Raiola’s stance and a view that he may be postur- world, can be called on to rule over goals, 1-0 win over third tier Shrewsbury Town at Leicester 2 (Iheanacho 43, 77) Fleetwood 0 Mino Raiola, Mkhitaryan’s agent, has claimed ing. As Mkhitaryan has regularly been dropped straight red cards, penalty decisions and the London Stadium. Hammers boss David Mansfield 1 (Rose 35) Cardiff 4 (Manga 34, his player holds the key to Sanchez’s transfer by Mourinho from the match-day squad his pros- cases of mistaken identity. Moyes suff ered one of the worst defeats of Hoilett 66, 89, Pilkington 71) to United in a transaction that would be worth pects of regular game-time would be bleak should Elsewhere, Cardiff set up a fourth round his career at the hands of Shrewsbury when Reading 3 (Bodvarsson 32, 44, 64) Stevenage 0 around £60mn once the Chilean’s fee and that of he refuse to leave for Arsenal. This may cause him clash with Premier League leaders Man- he was in charge of Everton. Sheff ield 2 (Matias 28, Nuhiu 66) Carlisle 0 his agent are factored in. to accept his career at United is over and agree chester City as the Championship side won But Moyes avoided more FA Cup mis- West Ham United 1 (Burke 112) Shrewsbury However, it is understood that if Mkhitaryan the transfer. 4-1 in their replay at fourth tier Mansfi eld. ery against the minnows thanks to young Town 0 aet Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Sevilla down QFA President receives Iraq’s Sports Minister Atletico he President of the Qatar Football Associa- Madrid: Diego Costa’s third tion (QFA), Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin goal in four matches wasn’t Ahmed al-Thani received the Iraqi Min- enough for Atletico Madrid ister of Youth and Sports, Abdulhussein as Sevilla twice scored late AbtanT and the Iraq Football Association (IFA) Pres- to stun their hosts 2-1 in the ident, Abdulkhaleq Masoud, yesterday in QFA’s first leg of the Copa del Rey headquarters in Al Bidda Tower. quarter-finals yesterday, The meeting was attended by Ahmed al-Buain- while Valencia also came ain, Executive Committee Member of the QFA, from a goal down to beat Mansoor al-Ansari, General Secretary of the QFA, lowly Alaves. Costa struck for Ali Dawood, Executive Director of the QFA Presi- dominant Atletico on his first dent offi ce, and Mushtaq al-Waeli, Executive Di- appearance since being sent rector of Strategy and Institutional Development off for wildly celebrating his of the QFA. last goal at Getafe, this one a The Iraqi delegation’s visit to Doha highlights superb first-time shot past Se- the distinguished relations between the QFA and villa keeper Sergio Rico after the Iraqi sports family, especially with the IFA. It the ball ricocheted to him in also highlights a longstanding relationship that has the 73rd minute. been in place for many years, and an upcoming pe- However Sevilla grabbed a riod of football-related projects that will fl ourish hugely fortunate and barely in the near future. deserved equaliser seven min- During the meeting, they discussed issues of utes later when a speculative common interest, the importance of activating cross deflected off Atletico de- them and means of developing them in the coming fender Lucas Hernandez and period, in order to serve the football system in the was then inexplicably pushed two countries and activate the terms of the joint into his own net by keeper co-operation between the two associations. Miguel Angel Moya. The Presidents also held talks on the bilateral re- New Sevilla coach Vincenzo lations between the two brotherly associations and Montella sealed his third win prospects for strengthening and developing them since arriving in Spain — all to serve the game in both countries. of coming them in the cup — The QFA and IFA have recently signed a fi ve- with a much better goal two year co-operation agreement as an extension to minutes from time, Joaquin the initial agreement which was signed back in Correa racing on to Wissam 2015, the agreement includes many aspects related Ben Yedder’s knock-on and to football development and means to enhance the tucking a fine finish past role of both associations in order to serve the game Moya. in both countries. President of the Qatar Football Association Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed al-Thani with Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abdulhussein Abtan (left).

LIGUE 1 FOCUS Real Madrid Falcao strike rescues without Ronaldo Monaco a point aft er unimaginable, says Zidane

AFP attitude but Zidane insists Ron- Madrid aldo has only one focus. “I speak with Cristiano about Balotelli double the pitch and when he comes eal Madrid coach Zin- here he only talks about the pitch edine Zidane yesterday and that’s best for everyone,” The point extends Nice’s unbeaten run to seven league games dismissed media specu- added the coach who has led Real lation linking superstar to back-to-back Champions CristianoR Ronaldo with a move League victories as well as last AFP Paris away from the Bernabeu. “I can’t season’s La Liga title. imagine a Madrid without Cris- Real, though, have strug- tiano,” said the Frenchman, a gled this season and are down in adamel Falcao scored an injury- World Cup winner as a player. fourth in La Liga following Sat- time equaliser to snatch Mo- “He’s in his club. Everyone, urday’s shock 1-0 defeat at home naco a 2-2 draw with a Mario the club, the fans, want him. We to Villarreal. That left them a Balotelli-inspired Nice on Tues- know what can be said outside but mammoth 19 points behind eter- dayR night, but Marseille leapfrogged the within, what Cristiano must do nal rivals Barcelona. Ligue 1 champions into second place by is just think about playing as he They have a Spanish Cup beating Strasbourg. has been doing, and that’s what clash against Leganes today and Monaco took a fi rst-half lead at the I want, to talk only about his at- having fi nished second in their Stade Louis II through Adama Diakhaby, titude and what he can bring us.” Champions League group to Tot- but Balotelli turned in an equaliser less With the January transfer tenham and with a last 16 clash than two minutes into the second period. window open, speculation has against Paris Saint-Germain to The enigmatic Italian completed his dou- been rife over a possible exit for come, the domestic cup looks ble in the 68th minute, but Falcao stabbed Ronaldo from the Spanish capi- their likeliest route to silverware in on his return from injury in the second tal, with former club Manchester this season. “It’s not a fi nal but minute of added time. United a rumoured eventual des- we know that every match we The point extended Nice’s unbeaten tination. Some have been trying have now is hugely important,” run to seven league games, while Monaco to read an intent to leave into his added Zidane. will still slip out of the three Champions League places if Lyon win at Guingamp last night. Marseille’s third straight vic- tory leaves them second, nine points adrift of runaway leaders Paris Saint- Germain and one point clear of Monaco, while Nice stay sixth. The away team were the better side early on without creating any clear-cut chances, with Balotelli curling a long- range free-kick wide and Pierre-Lees Melou fi ring straight at Danijel Subasic Monaco’s Radamel Falcao (right) vies for the ball with Nice’s Santos Marlon during the French Ligue match on Tuesday. (AFP) from the edge of the box. But Monaco forged ahead against the run of play in the completing a turnaround, but couldn’t the Colombian was in the right place at ing and set up a simple fi nish. “We missed 33rd minute as Diakhaby took advantage get enough contact onto another danger- the perfect time to tap in his 16th league pace and speed in the fi rst half, but we of a stroke of luck to net his second goal ous Saint-Maximin cross into the area. goal this term after Stevan Jovetic’s shot were able to get back in the second with in three games. The game continued to open up and Le- was saved. character and the missed penalty galva- A hopeful ball forward ricocheted off mar, linked with a January move to either Late goals from substitutes Clinton nised us,” said Payet. Monaco winger Thomas Lemar and fell Liverpool or Arsenal, was denied by a N’Jie and Dimitri Payet sealed a 2-0 home Elsewhere, Bordeaux slipped to a fi fth perfectly for Diakhaby to send the ball brave block from Nice midfi elder Jean- victory for Marseille over Strasbourg. defeat in six league games as they were into the roof of the net, with Nice appeals Michael Seri. Valere Germain saw a 72nd-minute pen- beaten 2-0 by Caen. PSG were hosting for handball against Lemar waved away Balotelli did put Lucien Favre’s visitors alty saved by Strasbourg goalkeeper Al- Dijon late last night, with Neymar set by the referee. Nice continued to play the ahead midway through the second half, as exandre Oukidja, but N’Jie pounced to to return after missing Sunday’s win at better football after the restart, though, he powered forward before seeing a de- slam in with 11 minutes to play. Nantes with a rib injury. and Balotelli, who also scored twice in fl ected eff ort loop over goalkeeper Suba- Payet fi nished off the victory for Rudi RESULTS a 4-0 thrashing in September’s reverse sic and into the net. It was Balotelli’s 18th Garcia’s men with a brilliantly-taken Marseille 2 (N’Jie 79, Payet 87) Strasbourg 0 fi xture, stretched to divert a low Allan goal of the season, despite having missed goal late on. It was only the 30-year-old’s Bordeaux 0 Caen 2 (Santini 88-pen, Rodelin Saint-Maximin cross in at the near post. much of the campaign through injury and third goal from 22 games this season in 90+4) With the January transfer window open, speculation has been rife The former Manchester City and Inter suspension. Falcao was a peripheral fi g- all competitions, but it arrived in style as Monaco 2 (Diakhaby 33, Falcao 90+2) Nice 2 over a possible exit for Ronaldo from Real Madrid, with former club Milan striker went agonisingly close to ure for the majority of the contest, but his outrageous dummy left Oukidja fl ail- (Balotelli 47, 68) Manchester United a rumoured eventual destination. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Manchester United overhaul Spanish pair as Europe’s biggest earners

anchester United enjoyed the biggest revenue between the elite ones and the rest was increasing. PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and City. United was also age midfi elder Christian Cannavaro, son of Italian football of any European club in the last fi nancial year English Premier League television revenues were now burdened with the highest net debt of 561mn euros, ahead great Fabio Cannavaro. Benevento president Oreste Vigorito after a 32% increase propelled them above Real such that mid-table Bournemouth earned the same as of Benfi ca, Inter Milan, Juventus and Liverpool. The report confi rmed the arrival of the 18-year-old, the eldest of the Madrid and Barcelona, UEFA said in an annual three-times European champions Inter Milan. United’s rev- confi rmed that the English Premier League enjoys by far the former Italy captain and 2006 World Cup winner’s three Mreport published on Tuesday. The European Club Football enue for 2016 was 689mn euros, compared to 521mn euros in highest revenues in Europe, averaging 244.4mn euros per children. Cannavaro Snr — the 2006 Ballon d’Or winner Landscape report said revenues among Europe’s 700-odd 2015, the report said. club. Next was Germany’s Bundesliga with 149.6mn per club and considered among the greatest defenders over a career top-fl ight clubs totalled 18.5bn euros for 2016, compared United were followed by Barcelona and Real Madrid (both followed by Spain (126.3mn) and Italy (100.2mn) at Juventus, Real Madrid and Inter Milan — is now coach of to 16.9bn the year before and 2.8bn in 1996. However, the 620mn), Bayern Munich (592mn), Paris St Germain (542mn) Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande. His son plays in report acknowledged that nearly half that amount — 9.1bn and Manchester City (533mn). United’s operating profi t of BENEVENTO SNAP UP CANNAVARO JR midfi eld rather than defence, like his father and uncle Paolo, euros — was generated by 30 clubs and that the fi nancial gap 232mn euros was also the highest followed by Real Madrid, Serie A strugglers Benevento completed the signing of teen- who played for Napoli and Sassuolo before retiring. Gulf Times Thursday, January 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Dunn, Blues top Leafs in overtime Davis scores 45 as seconds left in regulation. To- Reuters Toronto ronto’s Connor Brown scored a short-handed goal midway through the third period. ince Dunn netted the overtime winner af- Predators 1 Knights 0 ter the Blues scored Juuse Saros made 43 saves in the fi nal minute for his third shutout in only 12 Pelicans defeat toV tie the game, and St. Louis starts this season as Nashville escaped with a 2-1 victory over blanked Vegas at Bridgestone the host Toronto Maple Leafs Arena in Nashville. on Tuesday night. With its entire fi rst line Carter Hutton made 30 out of action by game’s end, saves for the Blues, the biggest Nashville avenged two earlier coming just before the win- losses to its expansion oppo- ning goal when he denied Wil- nent and moved within a point Celtics in overtime liam Nylander on a breakaway. of idle Winnipeg for fi rst place Soon after, Dunn zipped in the Central Division with 58 ‘I just go out there and try and lead my team to victory. It was a good win for us tonight away from his own zone with points. Kevin Fiala provided the puck to create a two-on- the only goal at 8:00 of the AFP one rush. third period with his fi rst tally Los Angeles He elected to shoot instead since December 21 against of passing and cleanly beat Carolina. Toronto goalie Frederik An- nthony Davis scored dersen on the blocker side at RESULTS 45 points as the New 1:43 for his fourth goal of the Sharks 3 Coyotes 2 (SO) Orleans Pelicans jolted season. Devils 4 Islanders 1 the Boston Celtics 116- The win snaps a three-game Stars 4 Red Wings 2 113A in an overtime thriller at the losing streak for St. Louis, Rangers 5 Flyers 1 TD Garden on Tuesday. which tied the game on an Predators 1 Knights 0 Davis, who before the Alexander Steen goal with 57 St. Louis 2 Toronto 1 (OT) game had brushed off reports linking him to a move to Boston, gave the home fans a glimpse of RUGBY what they might be missing as he turned in a virtuoso perform- ance. The 24-year-old power for- England coach ward showed sensational form, also chipping in with 16 re- bounds and two assists, as the Jones extends Pelicans improved to 23-20 to rise to sixth place in the Western Conference standings. contract until 2021 It was the third consecutive 40-point game for Davis, who AFP World Cup,” Brown said. “We scored 48 against the New York London have a position that’s really Knicks on Sunday and 41 against clear if we don’t.” Portland on Friday. In November 2014, the “I just go out there and try and ngland coach Eddie RFU gave Lancaster a six- lead my team to victory,” Davis Jones has extended his year contract extension, but said. “It was a good win for us contract to 2021 where 12 months later he was out tonight.” he will work with his of a job after the World Cup Davis was backed with 23 eventualE successor in the fi - failure. Australian Jones, 57, points from Jrue Holiday while nal year, though the handover has led England to consecu- DeMarcus Cousins added 19. process might be cut off at the tive Six Nations triumphs as Ian Clark added 15 from the knees if England fail again at well as series wins in Australia bench as the Pelicans held their the 2019 Rugby World Cup. and Argentina, taking them to nerve in overtime to close out Jones, who has won 22 of his number two behind New Zea- the win. 23 tests since taking over from land in the world rankings. He The Celtics meanwhile remain Stuart Lancaster at the end of is the highest-paid national fi rmly in charge at the top of the 2015, was originally contract- coach in the sport, earning NBA’s Eastern Conference at 34- ed until the end of next year’s a reported 500,000 pounds 11, but they saw a seven-game World Cup. The new deal ($689,750) per year. winning streak snapped with the runs for a further two years, Jones, who had always said loss. New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (right) is guarded by Boston Celtics centre Aron Baynes (left) during the first half at TD Garden. including a year mentoring he planned to depart after the Kyrie Irving led the scoring PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports his successor, but includes a 2019 World Cup, said he was for Boston with 27 points but the break clause based on Eng- delighted to be asked to stay on Celtics were left ruing an inabili- But Cousins hit back with a two- You’d like to have some of those play from France’s Fournier, who ly against a very good team,” land’s performance in Japan. in what had become a dream ty to close out the win after lead- pointer before Holiday made it shots back. fi nished with 32 points, helped Fournier said of his display. The RFU’s CEO Steve job. “I never take my role as ing 101-96 with two minutes left 114-113. “There was a lot that contrib- the Magic stun the Timber- “They were playing really well Brown declined to give details England head coach for grant- in the fourth quarter. Holiday then sunk a 13-footer uted to it but I’d say the defen- wolves, who have the third best before us. It’s a good win. Defen- of exactly what “success” in ed and did not presume I would Davis had provided the inspi- to make it 116-113 and the Peli- sive end, we were really poor on record in the Western Confer- sively we did the job.” 2019 would represent fol- be asked to stay on, but, once ration for New Orleans, produc- cans held on. that end.” ence at 29-17. Jimmy Butler led the scoring lowing England’s pool stage the conversations started very ing two clutch free throws to put “I told him to be aggressive Elsewhere Tuesday, Evan D.J Augustin posted 18 points for the Timberwolves with 28 exit in 2015. But, in a hastily- recently, it was not a diffi cult New Orleans 104-102 ahead as and he was,” Davis said of Holi- Fournier starred for the Orlando from the bench on a night when points while Taj Gibson chipped convened Twickenham news decision to make,” he said. the buzzer ticked closer. day’s performance. Magic in a 108-102 upset of the six Magic players cracked double in with 18 points and Karl-An- conference yesterday, he and “It’s quite exciting. The team But Irving conjured a driving Celtics coach Brad Stevens Minnesota Timberwolves in digits. thony Towns 15. Jones dropped enough hints has great potential and I’d like layup with 11.8 seconds to force blamed poor defensive play in Florida. Aaaron Gordon had 14 points to suggest that anything but to be involved in creating and overtime at 104-104. the closing minutes for the de- The Magic went into the con- while Bismack Biyombo pro- RESULTS winning the tournament sustaining a successful team. Marcus Smart made a 10-foot feat. test languishing at the foot of duced a towering defensive dis- Boston 113 New Orleans 116 (OT) would see Jones leaving and “The fi rst priority is still to win pullup jumper to help Boston “We didn’t guard tonight,” the Eastern Conference with the play with 10 points, 16 rebounds Portland 118 Phoenix 111 the succession plan in tatters. the World Cup and then to make take a 113-110 lead with just over he said. “We went on a drought worst record in the division. and fi ve blocks. Denver 105 Dallas 102 “We won’t go into specifi cs sure the guy taking over has a two minutes left in overtime. quite late and that was critical. But a career-high scoring dis- “It feels good, especial- Orlando 108 Minnesota 102 but the focus is on winning the good team and good structure.”

BOXING GOLF Banned Haskell to miss England’s Six Nations openers Pacquiao says in talks to fi ght Garcia hopes for another big England flanker James Haskell will miss the first two matches of the world champion Lomachenko year aft er Masters triumph champions’ Six Nations title defence after being banned AFP Reuters of the game that I know I can for a dangerous tackle while Manila Singapore get better. If I manage to do that playing for Wasps in a Eu- then it will be fi ne. We’ll see if ropean club match against we can pull another one out of Harlequins. Haskell was sent hilippine boxing legend ergio Garcia fi nally the bag like we did last April.” off in Wasps’ dramatic 33-28 Manny Pacquiao said fulfi lled his incred- Garcia also gave his approval defeat by English rivals yesterday he was in talks ible promise whewn he to the calendar changes global Harlequins on Saturday for a for a blockbuster bout captured a fi rst major at golf will undertake from 2019, shoulder-led high tackle on Pwith world champion Vasyl Lo- lastS year’s U.S. Masters and the when the PGA Championships Welsh centre Jamie Roberts. machenko, widely considered Spanish Ryder Cup veteran is will be moved from it’s current Wednesday’s decision by a the best “pound-for-pound” hoping for another big season September slot to May, a deci- European Professional Club fi ghter on the planet. as he kicks off his 2018 cam- sion he feels can only improve Rugby independent discipli- Pacquiao, 39, who has won paign at a familiar venue. Sergio Garcia the event. nary committee saw the red world titles in an unprecedented The 38-year-old started last “I think its a good idea as it card upheld and Haskell, 32, eight weight divisions, is eyeing Manny Pacquiao season at the Singapore Open can build from that.” opens up more possibilities for given a four-week ban that an April date with the Ukrain- and Garcia, who tied for 11th Following his Dubai Desert the PGA Championship be- leaves him free to play again ian World Boxing Organization record standing at 59 wins, seven wanted his next bout to be a re- in 2017, is hoping he can use Classic win in February, Garcia cause now, being played in late on February 12. superfeatherweight champ dur- losses and two draws, is now in turn to the octagon after losing the event again as launch pad backed up his Augusta victory summer when its extremely That means he will miss ing a break from his duties as the twilight of his career. a boxing bout to unbeaten Floyd to add more majors and tour- with a second Andalucia Mas- hot means there’s only so many both England’s Six Nations a Philippines senator. “There The Filipino southpaw retired Mayweather by a 10th-round nament victories to his ever- ters triumph in October and as courses that can host it at that opener against Italy in are negotiations now about the briefl y in 2016 but made a come- technical knockout in their expanding list of honours. he embarks on a campaign that time of the year,” he said. Rome on February 4 and the number one pound-for-pound back to retake his WBO title much-hyped fi ght in Las Vegas “Winning is nice and it will likely see a ninth Ryder “Moving it earlier will open following week’s clash with (boxer) which is Lomachenko,” from Jessie Vargas just months in August last year. doesn’t matter which time of Cup appearance, the Spaniard more doors to new venues, Wales at Twickenham. Pacquiao said in an interview on later. He has not scored a knock- On Wednesday, Pacquiao re- year it comes. To do it early is looking forward to another diff erent types of grass and Haskell’s ban leaves England ABS-CBN television. out win in the past eight years. jected calls for him to retire for is great for confi dence and I “big” year. diff erent courses.” Of his own without two experienced “There are still talks on the In contrast Lomachenko ce- good, adding he did not believe played well here last year, then “All years are big. There future, Garcia remains more back-row forwards, with weight, reducing the weight,” mented his status last year after his recent losses tarnished his went on to Dubai and man- are no small years anymore. fl exible and will be content to Billy Vunipola set to miss said Pacquiao, who has been retaining his WBO junior light- record. “You know, I miss box- aged to win there,” Garcia told There’s always four majors and just put himself in position for the entire tournament fi ghting as a welterweight. weight title. ing,” Pacquiao said, adding reporters at the Sentosa Golf they are all special no matter more victories and maybe one after fracturing his forearm Pacquiao aides told AFP there Lomachenko, who won gold he was “still okay.” Pacquiao, Club on Wednesday. where they are played,” Garcia, day triumph at his “favourite in title-holders Saracens’ has been no agreement on the in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, elected a senator in 2016, said “It was a good kick-start who is due to welcome his fi rst major”, the British Open. 15-15 Champions Cup draw venue and the actual date of the rocketed to the top of his weight he would only train for three point so it would be nice to play child in March, said. “I just want to keep on im- with the Ospreys - only his Lomachenko fi ght. class after turning pro in 2013, months for an April fi ght so he well, if we win here it will be “Obviously, the Ryder Cup proving my game and hopeful- second game since return- Rated by boxing experts as the winning nine world champion- did not neglect his legislative du- amazing but even if we don’t, is in even years and it makes ly give myself plenty of more ing from three months out world’s top “pound-for-pound” ship fi ghts in his fi rst 11 contests. ties. “That’s more than enough.” we can still take a lot of posi- them a little bit more special chances at majors,” he added. with knee trouble. England fi ghter, Lomachenko, 29, has lost Pacquiao, who has not climbed Pacquiao said Wednesday he tives out of it,” he added. as it’s always exciting, so it will “Obviously I would love to coach Eddie Jones, who is just once in 11 pro bouts and won the ring since the Horn loss, said was also open to fi ghting British “The fi rst week is always in- be great,” he added of this Sep- win a British Open before I call due to name his Six Nations all the others by knockout. last month he had opened talks boxer Amir Khan but said any teresting to test yourself as you tember’s edition, which will be it quits but all I can do is put squad today, will now have Pacquiao, whose loss of his to fi ght mixed martial arts star fi ght would have to be done in haven’t played a tournament held in France for the fi rst time. myself in contention to win it to reshape his back-row and WBO welterweight title to Aus- Conor McGregor in April. April when the Philippine Con- for a couple of months, every- “I just hope to stay healthy and see if I can perform like I loose forward bench cover. tralia’s Jeff Horn last year left his But the Irishman said he gress would go on break. thing is fresh and hopefully we and keep improving on aspects did at Augusta last year.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 18, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Stokes available for England despite charge AFP February’s triangular Twenty20 series two others with aff ray, confi rmation of play for England and now that he has Ian Chappell spoke for many observ- Flintoff would consider London that is being co-hosted with Austral- his intention to contest the charge and been charged with aff ray they are let- ers when he said England “didn’t have ia. Afterwards, England will remain in the potential length of time to trial, ting him become available for selec- a hope in hell” of winning the series becoming England coach New Zealand for fi ve one-day inter- the board agreed that it would not be tion. “It is a very, very complicated without him. Andrew Flintoff has revealed he could en Stokes will now be con- nationals and two Tests. fair, reasonable or proportionate for matter and they are saying this is go- Chappell was proved right, al- consider applying to become England sidered for England selection Today’s announcement leaves the Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for ing to drag on so long they are going to though such was Australia’s domi- coach when the job is open next year. again and is set to return next ECB in an awkward position given they a further indeterminate period,” the let him be available.” nance that even if Stokes, an aggres- Trevor Bayliss has announced his inten- month despite being charged banned Stokes when he had not been ECB said. But Stokes’s fellow former England sive batsman, lively pace bowler and tion to step down after the 2019 Ashes withB aff ray, the England and Wales charged with any off ence and have now captain and Sky pundit Mike Atherton brilliant close-catcher, had played series and former England all-rounder Cricket Board (ECB) announced yes- made him available for England duty ‘Incredibly diff icult’ labelled the ECB’s stance “illogical”. England may well have still lost the Flintoff is pondering a bid to take over. terday. just days after prosecutors brought Former England captain Nasser Stokes and the two other men will fi ve-Test series. Flintoff , 40, played a key part in a memo- Stokes was suspended from inter- charges against him on Monday. Hussain sympathised with the ECB, appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court Stokes, who came to England as rable Ashes win for England in 2005 and national duty by the ECB following his But following a board meeting, in telling Sky Sports: “It was an incred- on a date to be fi xed following the in- a boy when his father changed jobs, says he was so “disgusted” by the state of involvement in an incident outside a which they said “all considerations were ibly diffi cult decision to make for the cident in the early hours of September sparked talk of a possible internation- the national squad a couple of years ago nightclub in September that report- taken into account”, the ECB said it had ECB and I don’t envy them – they 25 after England had beaten the West al recall by playing for New Zealand that he sent an email to the England and edly left a man with a fractured eye been agreed that Stokes “should now be were damned if they do (select Stokes) Indies in an ODI in the city. domestic side Canterbury for a month Wales Cricket Board to make his interest socket. considered for England selection”. and damned if they didn’t. Stokes responded to Monday’s and he had recently been cleared by in the position known. Speaking in the lat- As a result, the Durham all-rounder The ECB said Stokes’s intention to “They have a person who at the charge by vowing to “clear my name” the ECB to appear in this year’s edition est episode of BBC Radio 5 live’s podcast missed the whole of England’s 4-0 contest the charge had been crucial in moment has not been found guilty of and thanking family, friends, team- of the Indian Premier League follow- Flintoff , Savage and the Ping Pong Guy, Ashes series defeat in Australia. its decision to allow him to resume an anything in court of law and as he said mates and cricket fans for their sup- ing an impressive fi rst season in the he said once it was established that Peter Although England are currently in- England career that currently compris- in his statement he is going to contest port, saying his intention now was to lucrative Twenty20 tournament. Moores would be reapplying for the job, volved in a one-day international se- es 39 Tests, 62 one-day internationals the charge which means it is going to focus on his cricket. Under English law, aff ray, which his interest cooled. However, Flintoff ries in Australia, the ECB said Stokes and 21 Twenty20 internationals. go on longer. It seems odd in certain Prior to the Ashes, Stokes had been refers to fi ghting in public, can carry would not rule himself out of the running was expected to return to the England “Given the CPS (Crown Prosecution ways that when he wasn’t charged vice-captain to England Test skipper a maximum sentence of up to three when the top job comes up again. squad in his native New Zealand for Service) decision to charge him and with anything he was not allowed to Joe Root and former Australia captain years in prison.

CENTURION TEST ODI Chatara grabs four as Zimbabwe beat Lanka Ngidi bowls South impressive fi gures of 4-33 in AFP Dhaka 8.1 overs, ran through the Sri Lankan tail including the prized wicket of Thisara Perera. ast bowler Tendai Ch- Sri Lanka captain Angelo atara claimed four wick- Mathews made 42 and Dinesh ets to help Zimbabwe Chandimal added 34 runs to edge Sri Lanka by 12 runs show some fi ght but Zimbabwe Africa to series win inF the second one-day interna- bowlers made regular break- tional of the tri-nation tourna- throughs to keep them in the ‘It took a lot of hard work and was one of the harder Test in terms of what you had to put in’ ment in Dhaka yesterday. contest. Earlier, opener Masa- Chasing 291 for victory, Sri kadza gave Zimbabwe a solid Reuters Lanka were bowled out for 278 in start with his 73-run knock be- Pretoria 48.1 overs despite a fi ghting 37- fore middle-order batsman Raza ball 64 by Thisara Perera. Opener added an unbeaten 81 off 67 balls Kusal Perera top-scored with 80. – his second successive ODI fi fty. ebutant Lungi Ngidi Zimbabwe batsmen Hamilton Raza, who hit eight fours and a took six wickets as Masakadza and Sikandar Raza set six during his innings, also took South Africa defeated up the win with half-centuries one wicket after opening the at- India by 135 runs to that took the team’s total to 290- tack with his off -spin bowling claimD victory in the second test 6 after being put into bat fi rst. for Zimbabwe. He was named in Pretoria yesterday and also In reply, Thisara Perera, hit- man of the match. Skipper and win the series with an unas- ting fi ve fours and three sixes, leg-spin bowler Graeme Cremer sailable 2-0 lead in the three- fought a lonely battle after Sri and paceman Kyle Jarvis took match contest. Lanka slipped to 181-5, but his two wickets each to contribute to Seamer Ngidi, 21, recorded departure spelt doom for the is- Zimbabwe’s comeback win after fi gures of 6-39, his best in fi rst landers. Chatara, who returned losing the opener to Bangladesh. class cricket, as South Africa bowled out India for 151 just be- fore lunch. SCOREBOARD India are the top-ranked side Zimbabwe in test cricket according to the H. Masakadza c Sub b Gunathilaka ...... 73 International cricket Coun- S. Mire c Mendis b Perera ...... 34 cil) rankings with South Africa C. Ervine c Mathews b Lakmal ...... 2 second, though the Proteas will B. Taylor b Perera ...... 38 not be able to overhaul the sub- S. Raza not out ...... 81 continent side even with a 3-0 M. Waller c Tharanga b Gunaratne ...... 29 series win. The third Test starts P. Moor c Dananjaya b Gunaratne ...... 19 in Johannesburg on January 24. G. Cremer not out ...... 0 “It took a lot of hard work Extras (lb4, w10) ...... 14 and was one of the harder Test Total (six wickets, 50 overs) ...... 290 matches in terms of what you Fall of wickets: 1-75 (Mire), 2-85 (Ervine), 3-142 (Masakadza), 4-169 had to put in,” South Africa (Taylor), 5-226 (Waller), 6-287 (Moor) captain Faf du Plessis said at the Bowling: Lakmal 10-0-70-1 (w2), Dananjaya 10-0-67-0, Perera 10-0- post-match presentation. 43-2 (w2), Chameera 10-0-51-0 (w5), Hasaranga 3-0-18-0, Gunaratne “Bowling was tough, batting 7-0-37-0 (w1) was tough, but over the fi ve days South African bowler Lungi Ngidi (third from right) celebrates the dismissal of Indian batsman Hardik Pandya (right) during the fifth day of Sri Lanka I thought we were on top most the second Test at Supersport cricket ground in Centurion yesterday. (AFP) K. Perera c Muzarabani b Raza ...... 80 of the time.” U. Tharanga c Moor b Jarvis ...... 11 India resumed the fi nal day de Kock that saw Pujara short. dia reeling at 87 for seven. surprising,” Kohli said. “We H. Pandya c De Kock b Ngidi 6 K. Mendis c Cremer b Chatara ...... 0 on 35 for three chasing a victory Pujara had also been run out Rohit Sharma (47) took the tried our best but South Africa R. Ashwin c De Kock b Ngidi 3 A. Mathews c Raza b Muzarabani ...... 42 target of 287, having been dealt fi rst ball in the fi rst innings and attack to the bowlers before he were better than us in every de- Mohamed Shami c Morkel b D. Chandimal b Jarvis ...... 34 a huge blow the evening before has now been involved in six of was magnifi cently caught at partment, especially fi elding.” Ngidi 28 A. Gunaratne St Taylor b Cremer ...... 4 when Ngidi bagged the wicket India’s last eight run-outs in fi ne leg by De Villiers off Rabada I. Sharma not out 4 T. Perera c Raza b Chatara ...... 64 of captain Virat Kohli (5). Tests. It would start a proces- attempting a hook. SCOREBOARD J. Bumrah c Philander b Ngidi 2 Hasaranga c Moor b Cremer ...... 11 Their slender hopes were sion of wickets as Parthiv Patel The innings wrapped up South Africa, first innings, 335 Extras (b4, w1) 5 A. Dananjaya c Cremer b Chatara ...... 8 dealt a further set-back when (19) picked out Morne Morkel quickly after that, as Moham- India, first innings, 307 Total (50.2 overs) 151 S. Lakmal not out ...... 5 Cheteshwar Pujara (19) became on the fi ne leg boundary off Ka- med Shami (28) was caught by South Africa, 2nd innings, 258 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Vijay), Chameera c Sub b Chatar ...... 1 the fi rst Indian player ever to be giso Rabada (3-47), with the big Morkel off Ngidi and Jasprit India, 2nd innings 2-16 (Rahul), 3-26 (Kohli), 4-49 Extras (b4, lb3, w9, nb 2) ...... 18 run out twice in a test. fast bowler pulling off a mag- Bumrah spooned a catch to M. Vijay b Rabada 9 (Pujara), 5-65 (Patel), 6-83 Total ( all out; 48.1 overs) ...... 278 Ngidi had a hand in that too nifi cent catch on the run. Vernon Philander at mid-off L. Rahul c Maharaj b Ngidi 4 (Pandya), 7-87 (Ashwin), 8-141 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Tharanga), 2-47 (Mendis), 3-132 (K. Perera), as he chased the ball down to Hardik Pandya (6) was caught to hand the youngster his sixth C. Pujara run out (De Villiers) 19 (R. Sharma), 9-145 (Shami) 4-157 (Mathews), 5-181 (Chandimal), 6-194 (Gunaratne), 7-224 the boundary and stopped a by De Kock off Ngidi, before the wicket and debut match fi gures V. Kohli lbw b Ngidi 5 Bowling: Philander 10-3-25-0, (Hasaranga), 8-261 (Dananjaya), 9-275 (T. Perera), 10-278 (Chameera) four, with his cut-back to AB seamer also induced an edge of 7-90. P. Patel c Morkel b Rabada 19 Rabada 14-3-47-3, Ngidi 12.2- Bowling: Raza 10-0-54-1(w1), Jarvis 8-0-56-2, Chatara 8.1-0-33-4(w3), de Villiers allowing for a bullet from Ravichandran Ashwin (3) “We thought the wicket was R. Sharma c De Villiers b 3-39-6, Morkel 8-3-10-0 (1w), Muzarabani 9-0-47-1(nb2, w1) Cremer 10-0-62-2(w1), Waller 3-0-19-0 (w3). throw to wicketkeeper Quinton to the wicketkeeper to leave In- really fl at to play on, it was quite Rabada 47 Maharaj 6-1-26-0.

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP Afghanistan, NZ, SA qualify for Super League ICC resulted in New Zealand notch- January 19 in Whangarei will be- (New Zealand) Bartlett (Australia) Christchurch ing a mammoth 436 for four, the come the second side to progress South Africa beat Windies by 76 Group D second highest total in ICC U-19 to the Super League from Group runs, Bay Oval, Tauranga Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by World Cup. D. In the fourth and last match South Africa 282-8, 50 overs 32 runs under DLS method, scintillating double- In another Group A match of the day, Australia coasted to a (Wandile Makwetu 99 not out, Cobham Oval, Whangarei century stand between in front of broadcast cameras, comfortable seven wickets vic- Jiveshan Pillay 47) Afghanistan 284-7, 50 overs New Zealand openers Wandile Makwetu scored a run- tory over Zimbabwe to notch up Windies 206 all out, 45.3 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 86, Darwish Jakob Bhula and Rachin a-ball 99 not out and fast bowler their fi rst win in Pool B. On Fri- (Alick Athanage 76, Kirstan Rasool 63, Ikram Ali 55; Nipun RavindraA lit up the Hagley Oval Hermann Rolfes took four wick- day, 19 January, Australia will Kallicharan 44, Gerald Coetzee Malinga 2-56, Thisaru Rashmika as several records were bro- ets to help 2014 champions South take on Papua New Guinea and 2-21, Hermann Rolfes 4-33, Jade 2-64) ken during the Group A match Africa defeat defending champi- India will meet Zimbabwe, and de Klerk 2-40) Sri Lanka (target 235 from 38 against Kenya which the hosts on the Windies by 76 runs. if both Australia and India win Player of the match: Wandile overs) 202 all out, 37.3 overs (Je- won by a huge margin of 243 runs The result means New Zealand their matches, they will qualify Makwetu han Daniel 48, Krishan Arachige in Christchurch. and South Africa have progressed for the Super League. Group B 41, Ashen Bandara 38, Kamindu Bhula’s astounding innings of to the Super League after two Brief Scores Australia beat Zimbabwe Mendis 32; Naveen-ul-Haq 4-35, 180 was the highest individual successive wins, while the Win- Group A by seven wickets, Lincoln 3, Azmatullah Moarzai 2-37, Qais innings in the history of U-19 dies and Kenya, following back- New Zealand beat Kenya by 234 Christchurch Ahmed 2-37) ODIs, while his 245 runs fi rst to-back defeats, will now feature runs, Hagley Oval, Christchurch Zimbabwe 134 all out, 33.2 overs Player of the match: Ibrahim wicket partnership with Ravin- in the Plate Championship. New Zealand 436-4, 50 overs (Robert Chimhinya 27; Xavier Zadran dra (117) was the best-ever open- Elsewhere, Afghanistan de- (Jakob Bhula 180, Rachin Ravin- Bartlett 3-20, Will Sutherland Today’s fixtures ing stand in U-19 World Cup. feated Sri Lanka by 32 runs to be- dra 117, Finn Allen 90) 2-21, Lloyd Pope 2-31) Bangladesh v England, John The opening wicket partner- come the fi rst side to qualify for Kenya 193-4, 50 overs (Aman Australia 135-3, 18.2 overs (Max Davies Oval, Queenstown ship set the tone for more on- the Super League from Group D. Gandhi 63, Thomas Ochieng 39 Bryant 44, Jack Edwards 40, (Group C) slaught as Finn Allen joined the This result means the winner of not out; Rachin Ravindra 2-33) Jason Sangha 30) Canada v Namibia, Bertsutcliff e party with a belligerent 90 that Sri Lanka and Pakistan match on Player of the match: Jacob Bhula Player of the match: Xavier Oval, Christchurch (Group C) New Zealand’s Jakob Bhula. Gulf Times Thursday, January 18, 2018 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING FOOTBALL Al Kass tournament Rassan, Bentley all set to showcase shine in thrilling future stars feature victory Champion Jockey Bentley rides three winners including Al Shaqab Cup winner Al Kass International Cup Aspire Zone Foundation CEO Organising Committee chairman Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi. Issa Abdulla al-Hitmi.

By Sports Reporter a knockout round with the fi nal Doha match scheduled to take place on January 31. Al Kass TV, the offi - cial sponsor of the tournament, hat do Paris Saint- will provide live broadcast of all Germain’s Adr- games, both online and on TV, ien Rabiot, Bayern with English and Arabic com- Munich’s Kingsley mentary. WComan and AC Milan’s Patrick Aspire Zone Foundation Cutrone all have in common? (AZF) CEO Mohamed Khalifa Not only did they break into pro- al-Suwaidi said, “With the 2022 fessional football at an early age World Cup rapidly approaching, and have taken on important we take immense pride in co- roles in their teams – only a few organising and sponsoring this years ago, each one of them fea- tournament. In addition, Al Kass tured in an edition of the Al Kass International Cup continues to International Cup in Doha. And contribute towards the develop- those are just a few examples of ment of football skills among our future star players that were part youth at the Aspire Academy. of this world-class Under-17 This falls within helping us in the competition. accomplishment of our AZF vi- From January 21-31, the tour- sion to become the reference for nament returns to Qatar for the sports excellence world-wide by seventh consecutive year teem- 2020 and our mission of enhanc- ing with youthful talented play- ing sports performance.” ers from 12 of the world’s best Al Kass International Cup clubs ready to showcase their is organised by Al Kass Sports skill at Aspire Zone. This year’s Channels in collaboration with teams represent the world’s top Aspire Zone Foundation (Aspire) talents from Real Madrid (Spain), and the Qatar Football Associa- Harry Bentley (foreground) rides Rassan to victory in the Al Shaqab Cup yesterday. Paris Saint-Germain (France), tion (QFA). Benfi ca (Portugal), Fenerbahce Eagerly anticipating the up- old gelding to a comfortable two length (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Haleda (Carlo (Turkey), Tottenham (England), coming tournament, Issa Ab- victory over Alban de Mieulle-saddled Fiocchi). Won by: 2 ¾, 1 ¼, ½. Time: 2:01.67. Kashiwa Reysol (Japan), Es- dulla al-Hitmi, chairman of the Mutawassal, while Bentley was once Owner: Zakhir Stud. Trainer: Mohamed pérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Wy- Organising Committee of Al Kass again in the frame, this time aboard Mo- Salama Salim Ashour. dad AC (Morocco), Guangzhou International Cup, said, “Build- hamed Rashid al-Kuwari-trained Akram. Race 3: 1. Woodkid (Theo Bachelot), 2. Evergrande (China), AC Milan ing on its success in previous Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah (left) receives the owner’s trophy from Al Shaqab’s Nasser Ali Deborah Mountain-saddled Black Or- Rich History (Marc Lerner), 3. Al Mikdam (Italy) and Aspire Academy (Qa- years, the 7th edition of Al Kass al-Kuwari after Rassan won the Al Shaqab Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club ange may have played diffi cult to mount (Marvin Suerland), 4. Cristofano Allori tar), and Aspire Zone’s CSR-in- International Cup has estab- yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim for Carlo Fiocchi but it did prove to be a (Darren Williams). Won by: Nk, 8, 6. Time: itiative Aspire Football Dreams. lished itself as a key international willing partner on the home straight for a 1:49.90. Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin In 2017, Aspire Academy’s football event, bringing together By Mikhil Bhat Aaley Al Magam when they had faced off win in the Class 5 Thoroughbred Handi- Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. team made it to the fi nal for the the world’s leading youth clubs Doha in December, but did well to register a cap event for horses rated 75 and below. Race 4: 1. Black Orange (Carlo Fiocchi), 2. fi rst time in tournament history in a competition that caters to a memorable win. Fiocchi and his partner fi nished two Town Crier (Harry Bentley), 3. China Club and put on a good fi ght against large fan base from around the The win was Ghazali’s second on the and a half lengths ahead of Injaaz Stud’s (Marc Lerner), 4. Lawless Louis (Faleh eventual winners Real Madrid. world.” assim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Rassan day, having earlier won with Injaaz Stud’s Town Crier in the six-furlong sprint, Bughanaim). Won by: 2 ½, ¼, Shd. Time: In 2016, ‘Kenyan Messi’ Mo- Supreme Committee for De- and Champion Jockey Harry Bent- Midaawi. Ghazali’s son, Mohamed, too while Hamad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani’s 1:13.32. Owner: Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. hamed Rama Katana inspired livery & Legacy (SC) secretary- ley posted a triple of sorts with the had a winner — Moamar — also from In- China Club made it to the top three under Trainer: Deborah Mountain. Aspire Football Dreams to a win general Hassan al-Thawadi said, grey son of Amer registering his jaaz Stud. Marc Lerner. Race 5: 1. Moamar (Harry Bentley), 2. over Real Madrid in the fi nal. His “We are delighted to be part of thirdJ victory this season, while the Brit- Moamar, with Bentley astride, made Earlier in the day, trainer Julian Smart outstanding game was noticed the seventh edition of the Al Dheban (Marvin Suerland), 3. Alizoom on sweeping three victories out of eight it two-in-two, following up his 2000m and jockey Theo Bachelot combined well (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Truancy (Khadija by international scouts and soon Kass International Cup and to races yesterday at the Qatar Racing and turf handicap victory from two weeks as two of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khal- Abdulwahed). Won by: ¾, 4 ½, 1 ¾. Time: after the tournament he signed welcome some of the world’s Equestrian Club (QREC). ago, with yet another victory, this time ifa al-Thani’s horses — Stelah and Wood- 2:04.60. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: a professional contract with the most promising young players to The two combined well to top the Al beating Mohamed Nasser Abdulaziz al- kid — shed their maiden status. Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Portuguese top club Sporting Doha. The tournament is an im- Shaqab Cup, yesterday’s feature on dirt, Attiyah-owned Dheban by three quarters Stelah registered a smashing victory in Race 6: 1. Midaawi (Harry Bentley), 2. Lisbon. portant fi xture in Qatar’s annual in a thrilling fi nish that saw the Jassim of a length in the 1900m Thoroughbred the fi rst race of the day, Purebred Arabian Rock Up (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Poet’s Starting Sunday, 12 teams will sporting calendar and allows us Mohamed Ghazali’s ward edge out His Handicap event for horses rated 75 and Maiden Plate event for four-year-olds, Song (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Saakhen (JP be placed into four groups of to highlight the country’s world- Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa below. Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim while Woodkid edged out Rich History to Guillambert). Won by: 1, ½, 4. Time: 1:30.74. three sides playing each other class sporting infrastructure al-Thani’s Aaley Al Magam by smallest of guided Mountain’s Alizoom to third place top the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate event. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mo- to determine the quarter-fi nals and event organisation capabili- margins at the line. in the race. Zakhir Stud’s Dijlah Zakhir too regis- hamed Ghazali. places as well as the rest of the ties and showcase Qatar’s warm In the 2000m race for Local Purebred Bentley’s second win of the day was tered her fi rst career victory winning the Race 7: 1. Waeed (Vaclav Janacek), 2. tournament ranking. hospitality ahead of us hosting Arabians, Rassan tracked early lead- astride Midaawi, who beat Said Khamis Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate event for Mutawassal (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. The opening match this year the historic FIFA World Cup in ers Al Marboush of Injaaz Stud and AJS al-Mutani-schooled Rock Up by a length, fi llies and mares. Akram (Harry Bentley), 4. Cannon (Gerald will feature defending cham- 2022.” Wathanan of Al Jeryan Stud. while Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani’s Poet’s Avranche). Won by: 2, ½, 1. Time: 1:13.43. pions Real Madrid against Fen- QFA general secretary Man- Julian Smart-saddled Aaley Al Mag- Song completed the top three in the RESULTS Owner: Rashid bin Mubarak al-Jafali erbahce. The second match of sour al-Ansari added: “AlKass am upped the pace coming off the fi - Thoroughbred Handicap event for horses Race 1: 1. Stelah (Theo Bachelot), 2. al-Naimi. Trainer: Hadi Nasser Rashid the day will see Guangzhou take International Cup has become nal bend under Theo Bachelot, and was rated 85 and below. Maraam (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Jethjath (JP al-Ramzani. on Benfi ca before the fi rst day’s without doubt one of the most soon joined by Rassan, with Umm Qarn’s Al-Ramzani then had a winner in the Guillambert), 4. Baltic De Saularie (Marc Race 8: 1. Rassan (Harry Bentley), 2. Aaley play rounds off with Esperance popular competitions among Damas in pursuit. A furlong out, Rassan penultimate race of the day with Waeed Lerner). Won by 7 ¼, Nk, 2. Time: 2:01.30. Al Magam (Theo Bachelot), 3. Damas squaring up with Wydad AC. international clubs seeking to gained a slight advantage and held on at topping the six-furlong Local Thorough- Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. AJS Al Rayyan The top two teams from each engage their young players on a the post for his 12th career victory. bred Handicap event for horses rated 70- al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. (Gerald Avranche). Won by: Shd, 3 ½, 3 ¼. group will then face each other in professional level.” Rassan had lost out to the AJS Al Rayy- 90. Race 2: 1. Dijlah Zakhir (Marc Lerner), 2. Time: 2:22.43. Owner: Jassim bin Ali al- an, who fi nished fourth yesterday, and Vaclav Janacek helmed the six-year- Deebaj (Theo Bachelot), 3. Hareemah Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Sadd overcome Gharafa CRICKET in basketball thriller QCA runs coaching clinic at Bangladesh MHM School

By Sports Reporter schools, it conducted a coaching clinic at dian, Praveeth Kumar Pattika and Suneth ed Asif Raza, head of Accountant and Lo- Doha the Bangladesh MHM School and College. Peiris, assisted by school sports teachers gistics, supervised the clinic and ensured The coaching programme was a suc- Mohamed Delwar and Amir Nafgis Khan, a smooth ending. cess with 177 students taking part, and held practical sessions and gave tips in QCA Operations manager Manzoor he Qatar Cricket Association completing it with dedication and com- bowling, batting and fi elding. The coach- Ahmad thanked vice-principal MD (QCA), under the presidency of mitment. es also focused on the importance of fi t- Zulfi ker Azad for the co-operation and Al Sadd’s Michael Alexander Moser (left) in action against Al Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, has The QCA deployed its qualifi ed coach- ness. They urged the students to take out his active role in the successful comple- Gharafa during their Qatar Basketball Federation Men’s League been keen to build a strong base es, who had prepared an extensive orien- some time and practise the game every tion of the coaching programme. He also match at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Moser scored 27 Tof cricketers at the grass-root level. Af- tation plan for the young students. Aruna week to improve their skills. presented a memento to the principal points in his team’s 83-82 win. In the second match of the day, Al ter having hosted the Cricket Festival for De Silva, Abdul Salam Mohamed Sheik, QCA offi cials Amin Ul Islam, head of during the closing ceremony as a token of Arabi defeated Al Wakrah 97-71. boys aged between 7 and 11 years at various MAP Anil Perera, Ravi Seeni Vellapan- Schools Cricket at the QCA, and Moham- appreciation.

Thursday, January 18, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS We are not in Ahli, Al Khor clash awe of Duhail: Arabi coach

By Sports Reporter point from their draw against in must-win game fourth-placed Al Sailiya that saw Doha them jump up by one place to eighth in the standings. Both the sides are coming off defeats that saw them slip in the table by one place he Al Arabi vs Al Duhail The Dream Team have been tomorrow clash hogs showing marginal improvement By Sports Reporter the limelight among the ever since Luka Bonacic re- Doha QNB Stars League Week placed Tunisian coach Qais Yaa- T13 fi xtures. The kick-off is at koubi. The Croat has focused on 16:25 at the Al Arabi Stadium. strengthening their porous de- l Ahli and Al Khor will be des- Al Duhail will surely take the fence that was conceding goals perate for a victory when the fi eld in an upbeat mood as they aplenty. two sides clash in the QNB Stars took one more stride towards Bonacic said: “We are up League today. Both the sides are their march to title after opening against Al Duhail. Naturally, we comingA off defeats that saw them slip in up a four-point lead at the top are preparing hard for this game the table by one place. Al Ahli have reg- over the chasing pack of Al Sadd in all aspects mainly because Al istered four victories so far to be on 14 and Al Rayyan. The Red Knights Duhail are so strong a side. We points and are in seventh place, while widened the gap from two to four had a good game against Al Saili- Al Khor’s are ninth with three wins and points as they are on 32 following ya last week, which was drawn, 10 points. Ahli lost 1-2 to Al Gharafa af- their huge victory over Qatar SC. and we are keen to again put up a ter taking the lead last week, whereas Al At the moment, Djamel Bel- fi ghting performance before our Khor caved in meekly to third-placed Al madi’s men look unstoppable match against Qatar SC in Week Rayyan 0-3. and have the distinction of be- 14. That fi xture will be crucial for The result also saw Gharafa occupy the ing the only unbeaten team in us as we will be fi ghting with Qa- sixth position in the standings on better the tournament. The outstand- tar SC for relegation.” goal diff erence after being tied with Al ing form of Moroccan striker “We are not in awe of Duhail, Ahli. Al Khor had won 2-0 when the teams Youssef el-Arabi as well as cap- who are leaders and are unbeat- met in the fi rst phase. Al Ahli has suff ered tain and Tunisian attacking mid- en. We too have the quality. Fi- a setback as they will miss the services of fi elder Youssef Msakni should nally, it is 11 players vs 11 players injured striker Mohammed Muntari, who boost their confi dence. on the pitch. We will do our best. is on loan from Al Duhail. And infl uential El-Arabi has so far bagged 19 We will try to restrict them as midfi elder Yassine Chikhaoui is unlikely goals and looks well set to emu- best as we can,” Bonacic added. to start as he is also nursing an injury. late his top-scorer tally of 24 Their new signing, Croatian However, they have the likes of cap- goals last season. El-Arabi had defender Ivan Foster, played his tain Meshaal Abdullah and Ali Qadri to bagged a hat-trick and Msakni a fi rst match against Al Sailiya af- make up for the shortcomings. And coach brace against Qatar SC. ter being recruited in place of George Jorge, who recently replaced fel- And South Korean playmaker Tunisian defender Ammar Jemal, low Spaniard Joaquin Caparros, knows Nam Tae-Hee is there to provide whose contract with the club was how best to utilise the available resources them with precise passes. Add to ended recently by mutual con- as he had been training their youth squad. that, a host of players who can sent. If Khalfan Ibrahim and his Jorge said: “We know what we can do deliver the goods. spirited Al Arabi teammates rise against Al Khor. The match will be tough, Al Duhail will miss the services to the occasion, then Al Duhail as always. Our priorities are clear and we of Almoez Ali, who is doing duty will fi nd the going tough. have prepared in the best possible way. for Qatar at the Asian Under-23 “A draw is enough for us, but Our preparations went off well and we are Championship in China. The we will play to win. We had many ready to face all situations. striker netted Qatar’s both goals problems on the player front ini- “We played well against Al Gharafa, in their 2-1 victory over the host tially, but we are somewhat okay but could not sustain the momentum as nation on Monday that saw them now. Our performance has im- the match wore on. We will sorely miss go through to the quarter-fi nals. proved and we can aim for a sev- striker Muntari for this game and we may Al Arabi got a much-needed enth-place fi nish,” Bonacic said. lose his services for ever as he might go back to Al Duhail, ending his loan period Al Ahli have registered four victories so far to be on 14 points and are in seventh place. with us.” “I have tried out various combinations ways a tricky side and that makes Jorge’s one which we lost 0-3 to Al Rayyan. The gies on the fi eld. Al Khor are a great side with the players who are in good form. I task harder. team management is making eff orts to and I want to be a valuable addition to have trained the side for just one game, Al-Bayawi said: “All, our players are strengthen the side with a goalkeeper and them,” said Youssef. but I know the squad having coached ready, except Iranian defender Soroush defender,” added al-Bayawi. their youth team. We will hopefully im- Hossein because he is suspended. We Al Khor striker Youssef Ahmed said: FIXTURES prove a lot in the coming weeks,” Ahli had suff ered due to the absence of Kha- “The game against Al Ahli assumes great Today: At 18:35pm: Al Ahli vs Al Khor at Al coach added. led Radwan and Musab Abdelmajid. And signifi cance for us. We wanted at least a Ahli Stadium Al Khor have been showing improve- goalkeeper Amine Lecomte returned to draw against Al Rayyan, but we lost by a Tomorrow: 16:25pm: Al Arabi vs Al Duhail at ment under Tunisian Nassif al-Bayawi Al Duhail after his loan period. The other big margin. We want to compensate for Al Arabi Stadium; 18:35: Al Markhiya vs Qatar after he replaced Frenchman Laurent players worked harder so that their ab- that against Al Al Ahli. The coach is fi nal- SC at Al Arabi Stadium Banide. Brazilian attacking midfi elder sence was not felt.” ising our game plan. On Saturday: 16:25pm: Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya Madson once again shoulders their re- “I’m concerned about the less chances “Our performance has improved ever at Al Sadd Stadium; 18:35pm: Al Rayyan vs sponsibility of scoring, ably supported by we create even though we did quite well since coach (Al Bayawi) has taken charge. Al Kharaitiyat at Al Sadd Stadium; 18:35pm: captain Naif al-Buriki & Co. Khor are al- in the recent matches, except the last The onus is on us to implement his strate- Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa at Al Gharafa Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic.

SPOTLIGHT GHARAFA UNVEIL IRAN’S TAREMI Sneijder hails Qatar’s 2022 WC preparations

QNA On his view of the Spanish and on taking them while with the Doha Italian football as a former player national team. of Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Asked about the goalkeeper the Dutchman said: “In Spain whom he failed to score against, l Gharafa star Wesley they raise players to pay extra at- Sneijder said :”I have scored Sneijder expressed his tention to skill and that is why all against Gianluigi Buff on, Manuel delight at being in Doha Spanish clubs have technically Neuer and many senior keepers and praised the facili- gifted players who like to show but he never scored against Iker tiesA at Aspire Academy and As- their skills, while in Italy they are Casillas.” petar Hospital as well as Qatar’s more concerned with the tacti- He also said that the player he preparations for hosting the 2022 cal side of the game and raise the was most comfortable playing World Cup. players to focus on getting the alongside was Real Madrid’s Guti Speaking to the media, the three points by doing their best who, he added, had great harmo- Dutch midfi elder said that things to keep the draw and then score ny and cohesion with. are taking place in a professional a goal and preserve it until they Sneijder said the player that manner and everyone will see win. In Spain they train players he wished to play along with is that on the ground when they to play good football and that is Lionel Messi, adding that every come to Qatar for the 2022 World the diff erence between the two player would love to play with Cup. As for his football impres- schools.” him and noting that he had al- sions following his fi rst match Sneijder said he owes his skill ready played with Cristiano for Al Gharafa against Al Ahli in taking free kicks to coach Ron- Ronaldo. Al Gharafa had re- Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi was unveiled by QNB Stars League side Al Gharafa yesterday. Taremi becomes the second signing in the in Round 12 of the QNB Stars ald Koeman when he was at Ajax, cently snapped Sneijder on an winter transfer period for Gharafa, after Dutch star midfielder Wesley Sneijder joined last week. Mehdi, who had an outstanding career League, Sneijder said the match adding that he also used to train 18-month deal. with defending Iranian league champions Persepolis since 2014, donned the Iran national team jersey 22 times, scoring 10 goals. started well for his side, adding that had they scored in the fi rst 15 minutes, they would have been able to register a big win. He added that Al Gharafa made it diffi cult for themselves after Al Qatar to take on New Zealand in Asian Ahli scored but noted that he was confi dent in winning as the team were doing good group work. re- Handball Championship opener garding what he can off er for Al Gharafa as a former Ajax player, a Suwon, South Korea: The Qatari national handball team will open Bangladesh making their debut in the competition, and the club known for nurturing young their campaign against debutants New Zealand in Group D when specially-invited Australia and New Zealand teams from Oceania, talents, Sneijder said the most the 2018 Asian Handball Championship kicks off today in Suwon, who will also break new ground. important thing is the mentality South Korea. Group D also includes China and Saudi Arabia. The 14 teams will be split into four preliminary groups across of the player. The 18th edition of the championship will be held under the two venues in the city, the Seo-Suwon Chilbo Stadium and Suwon He added that when he was at aegis of Asian Handball Federation over a period of 10 days. The Indoor Stadium. Group A features Japan, Iran and Uzbekistan, Ajax academy, there were a lot of tournament also acts as the Asian qualifying tournament for the Group B features Bahrain, Oman and Australia, Group C is home highly skilled players but their 2019 World Men’s Handball Championship. The top four teams to host side Korea, UAE, India and Bangladesh, while Group D sees mentality was not good and, will qualify for the world championship to be held in January next Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China and New Zealand prepare to face each hence, they did not succeed. He year. The Spanish Coach of Qatar handball team Valero Rivera has other. The top two teams in each group then progress through to advised young players to focus on selected 18 players for the tour. the main round with all teams below them vying for the highest football 100% because that is the Korea are the record title holders of the competition (nine), possible position in the tournament. First and second place posi- proper way to become a profes- but the force from the middle east, Qatar have taken the regional tions in the main round will then go directly into the semi-finals sional footballer and play at the superiority crown, winning the last two editions (2014 and 2016) and the winners of those matches will throw-off for the continental highest level, stressing that tal- and they will be the side to beat again. Some of those firsts include title on Sunday 28 January. ent alone is not enough. Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder joined Al Gharafa last week. (AFP)