SPORT Tuesday 11 December 2018 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 11

India end 10-year Inter, PSG and Australia drought in Liverpool sweating first-Test thriller on last-16 spots QOC President attends FIE Congress in Paris

THE PENINSULA PARIS

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Pres- ident H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani joined officials from all around the world to attend the International Fencing Federation (FIE) annual Congress, which was held in Paris recently. The FIE accomplished multiple decisions and procedures as part of its official charter, according to FIE.org. The FIE also celebrated its 105th anni- versary during the Congress, which had 135 federations present or represented. H E Sheikh Joaan met with several officials to discuss promotion of the sport. FIE President Alisher Usmanov said: “We have many achievements to be fencing. The organisation of our major technology; improving the quality proud of. We have ensured that all 12 tournaments has significantly improved. and increasing the number of tel- fencing disciplines will be part of the We are in constant search of new ways evision broadcasts of our compe- Olympic program.” of promoting our sport and have made titions, and millions of people all QOC President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani during the FIE “I consider it to be one of the most great progress in this respect: testing over the world can now watch annual Congress in Paris. QOC Secretary General Jassim Al Buenain important points in the history of and introducing state-of-the-art fencing,” the FIE president added. accompanied H E Sheikh Joaan.

Al Sadd’s Al Duhail out to ‘prove’ a point as Ferreira, Bounedjah Al Sadd eye edge in crunch battle bag QSL honours FAWAD HUSSAIN The match, which was rescheduled due to Al support of their team. among others. Moroccan striker THE PENINSULA Sadd’s AFC Champions League semi-final against Iran’s “Al Duhail are leading the Yousef El Arabi will spearhead Al THE PENINSULA DOHA Persepolis, has turned out to be a significant game that standings and a victory will give Duhail’s offence, in the company Coach Nabil Maaloul has urged Al us great incentive,” said Ferreira. of Almoez Ali and Paolo Edmilson. could play crucial role in battle for the Duhail players to ‘rise to the “It will be a working day but I Though they will continue to miss Jesualdo Ferreira was named occasion’ as an in-form Al Sadd title among the two Qatari football KICK-OFF: 6:30PM hope Al Sadd fans will come and injured midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, the ‘Best Coach’ while look to take the QNB Stars League back us in this important match. they have the services of the likes Baghdad Bounedjah got the (QSL) command in a crunch battle Defending champions Al Duhail, who are still It is a kind of match that brings of Karim Boudiaf and Luis Martin award for ‘Best Player’ as Al on their home turf today. unbeaten in this QSL season, are leading the points the best out from players and I am in the middle and Lucas Mendes, Sadd swept the QNB Stars The match, which was table with 36 points from 14 matches, just a point hopeful the players will give a Mohammed Mousa and Murad League (QSL) honours for the rescheduled due to Al Sadd’s AFC ahead of Al Sadd. Al Sailiya are third with 28 points. good show,” the coach said. Naji at the back. months of November and Champions League semi-final Matching oppositions Good turn out expected in December. against Iran’s Persepolis, has Both Al Duhail and Al Sadd crucial tie Under Ferreira, Al Sadd turned out to be a significant game The price of a main stand ticket for the game is have proved themselves as the Tickets sale for the highly- played five matches in weeks that could play crucial role in QR 10, while the stands on either side of the VIP gallery best teams of the season so far. anticipated match, which will kick 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 and won battle for the title among the two will cost QR 20. The VIP gallery ticket costs QR 50. Both sides are bolstered by off at 6:30pm, is under way. all of them, collecting the full Qatari football giants. quality players whether in The sale started yesterday quota of 15 points. Defending champions Al defense, midfield or on the front. while tickets will also be available The Wolves’ victories Duhail, who are still unbeaten in Hernandez. Al Sailiya are third in on the other hand, continued their There is also little to differentiate near the stadium entrance today. were against Umm Salal (5-1), this QSL season, are leading the the standings with 28 points. goal fest thrashing Al Shahania between their seasoned coaches. The price of a main stand Al Kharaitiyat (7-1), Al Arabi points table with 36 points from The Red Knights, however, 4-1, after a brace from record- Al Sadd’s Portuguese coach ticket is QR 10, while the stands (3-0), Al Gharafa (8-1) and Al 14 matches,ches, just a point aaheadhead ooff lookedlooked farfar fromfrom ttheirheir bestbest lastlast breakingbreaking BaghdadBaghdad BounedBounedjahjah FerreiraFerreira has had over 30 years’ on either side of the VIP gallery Shahania (4-1) in that order. Al Sadd,, captained by legend XaviXavi week when they were held to a (pictured).(pictured). experienceexperien in the game, and has will cost QR 20. The VIP gallery Al Sadd had also beaten 1-1 draw byby Qatar SC. The Wolves, MaaloulMaaloul iiss aawareware ofof whwhatat lieslies mmanagedanage a host of top European ticket costs QR 50. Al Khor 2-1 in their aheadahead forfor hishis teamteam at Al Sadd sides includinginc the likes of Malaga rescheduled game from Week StadiumStadium totoday,day, tetellinglling hhisis pplayerslayers in Spaininn and Panathinaikos in 5. It was played on 28th toto give t theirheir b bestest in t thehe b bigig game. Greece.Greecee. November. “The match has much at Maaloul,Maaaaloul, who replaced Ferreira’s men scored 27 stake,”stake,” Al Duhail coach said on the AlgerianAlgeriaann DDjameljamel Belmadi ahead goals while conceding just eveeve of the tie. ofof the 2018-192018-19 season,season, has an four, with 56 shots on target “This“This is an important game forfor imimpressivepressssive track record in and 13 against it. bothboth teams coaching.coachinngg. He guided his country According to STATS, the andand thethe TunisiaTunisia ata thethe 20182018 FIFA WorldWorld official statistics and figures wiwinnersnners CupCup in RRussia.ussia. provider for the QSL, Al Sadd willwill hhaveave Al SaSSadd’sadd’s attacattacksks will be lleded made an average number of an edge in by AlgerianAlgerian striker Bounedjah,Bounedjah, 663 passes, of which 588 thethe rraceace to whowho lastlaasst weekweek becamebecame thethe were successful. Short passes thethe titletitle,”,” he QatarQatar lleleague’seague’s all-timall-timee numbered 429 and forward added. toptop scorersccoorer inin a passes 201. MaaloulMaaloul adadmittedmitted tthathat hihiss singlesingle season There were 18.8 crosses team, wwhichhich is bbeeneen hhitit bbyy injuries, whenwhen hehe tooktook (7.2 from the left and 11.6 from waswas not at its bbestest llastast weeweek.k. hishis per-ppeer- the right). They also made 20 “Our team has a few injuryinjury sonals o naa l tackles and nine dribbles. worriesworries and we did not have tallytally toto Meanwhile, star manymany options in our last match 2288 goalsgoaals Bounedjah scored 10 goals against Qatar SC, whichwhich enendedded afa f t e r scoringscori n g and gave six assists in the five This is an It is a kind of inin a draw. I feel our players will ttwicewice againstaaggainst Al Shahania. He matches. important game match that brings rise to the occasion aagainstgainst Al ssurpassedurpassseed Brazilian striker CleClem-m- The two goals against Al for both teams the best out from SaddSadd anandd prove tthathat we are tthehe eersonrson SSoSoares’oares’ recordrecord ooff 27 goagoalsls Shahania helped Bounedjah and the winners players and I leadersleaders not by defaultdefault.. ssetet in tthehhee 2007-08 season foforr Al become the Qatar league’s “There was not much time GharGharafa.affa. all-time top scorer in a single will have an edge am hopeful the to prepare fforor tthishis gamegame butbut I Al SaddSaSadd alsoalso havehave HassanHassan Al season as he took his personal in the race to the players will give am hopeful that the players will HHaydousaydoouus and Akram Afif in tally to 28 goals. title: Al Duhail a good show: give their best,” he added. aattack,ttack, wwhilehile their midfield will The Algerian surpassed coach Nabil Al Sadd coach AlAl Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer-Fer- be helheldd ttogetherogo ether bbyy Xavi and Gabi Brazilian striker Clemerson reira was expecting a nail-bitingnail-biting FeFernandez.rnannddez. Soares’ record of 27 goals set Maaloul Jesualdo Ferreira match,match, callingcalling out tthehe WoWolves’lves’ In defence,dedefence, ttheyhey hhaveave Asia’s Yousef El Arabi in the 2007-08 season for Al fanfan to come in numbers in best playplayerayyer Abdelkarim Hassan Gharafa. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018

SCOREBOARD India (I innings) ...... 250 Australia (I innings) ...... 235 India (II innings) ...... 307 Australia (II innings) A Finch c Pant b Ashwin ...... 11 M Harris c Pant b Shami ...... 26 U Khawaja c Sharma b Ashwin ...... 8 S Marsh c Pant b Bumrah ...... 60 P Handscomb c Pujara b Shami ...... 14 T Head c Rahane b Sharma ...... 14 T Paine c Pant b Bumrah ...... 41 P Cummins c Kohli b Bumrah ...... 28 M Starc c Pant b Shami ...... 28 N Lyon not out ...... 38 J Hazlewood c Rahul b Ashwin ...... 13 Extras (LB6, B1, NB3) ...... 10 Total: (10 wkts) ...... 291 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-44, 3-60, 4-84, 5-115, 6-156, 7-187, 8-228, -259, 10-291 Bowling: Sharma 19-4-48-1, Bumrah 24-8- 68-3, Ashwin 52.5-13-92-3, Shami 20-4-65-3 (3nb), Vijay 4-0-11-0 Result: India win by 31 runs

Pant ‘happy’ to help India win with record India’s players celebrate after they defeated 11 catches Australia on day five of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday. AFP ADELAIDE

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said yesterday he was “very happy” to have helped India win the first Test in Adelaide after equalling the world record of 11 India end 10-year Australia catches in a match. The 21-year-old, playing in only his sixth Test, matched the record held by England’s Jack Russell and South Africa’s AB de drought in first-Test thriller Villiers when he caught Aus- tralia’s Mitchell Starc off the AFP tour that this could be their Head’s bat as he tried to fend it bowling of Mohammed Shami ADELAIDE opportunity to make history by off and Ajinkya Rahane took the yesterday. Australia’s batsman Mitchell Starc avoids a winning the series. catch at gully. “It was really nervous as bouncer during day five of the first Test in India won their first Test on Aus- They now take the Paine joined Marsh and they they were coming close, but we tralian soil in a decade yesterday, momentum into the second Test upped the ante, capitalising on Adelaide yesterday. did well,” he told Indian media bowling out the home side in a in Perth starting Friday, with some loose balls from Shami to after eclipsing the India record nail-biting finale to clinch the Melbourne and Sydney to follow. chip away steadily and close the of 10 catches in a game by Wrid- opening match and raise hopes “The odds were stacked gap. dhiman Saha and helping his of their first ever series victory against them. They fought really Marsh brought up a valuable side to a tense 31-run victory on Down Under. well but we executed our plans 50 -- his 10th in Tests -- with a the fifth day. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant well and got that last wicket boundary from a pull shot off “I’m very happy to con- pouched a world record- which we were intending to get,” spinner Ashwin. tribute to the team, first time equalling 11 catches for the said Kohli. It was a much-needed knock getting to this milestone. I match as India, after setting an “I’m super-proud of the for the left-hander, who was on always enjoy troubling batsmen. improbable target of 323, finally bowlers, to have four bowlers a run of six consecutive single- “I love it when they concen- dismissed Australia to win by 31 and take 20 wickets is a great figure Test scores, although he trate on me and not on the runs on day five at Adelaide Oval. achievement and something that has been in scintillating form in bowlers.” Australia, attempting what we haven’t done in the past. domestic cricket. Russell achieved the feat would have been a record chase “It shows us that if the But Marsh didn’t last much against South Africa in 1995 and at the ground, gallantly battled batsmen step up regularly, we longer with Jasprit Bumrah De Villiers matched the to 291 before Josh Hazlewood will be gunning for a win in every getting the big breakthrough as achievement against Pakistan became the last man to fall to Test match.” he pushed at a perfectly angled in 2013. Ravichandran Ashwin, who fin- Paine, who fell to a rash shot delivery, getting a faint edge to ished with 3-92. Shaun Marsh after lunch, said the defeat was Pant behind the stumps. I’m super-proud of made 62 and Tim Paine 41. “shattering” but he was proud of By lunch Australia had It was a huge breakthrough the way the team took it to the fought to 186 for six, still needing the bowlers, to have for captain Virat Kohli’s men, wire. a further 137 runs for victory, four bowlers and who went 1-0 up with three Tests “We thought we could win, with Paine not out 40 and Pat take 20 wickets is a to go after becoming the first no doubt about that. We saw Cummins on five. great achievement Indian team to win the opening how the pitch is playing and told But in the second over after match of a Test series in ourselves we are going to dig they resumed Paine top-edged and something that Australia. deep, but unfortunately, myself, a pull shot from Bumrah and we haven’t done in Pant took the plaudits after Travis (Head) and Shaun couldn’t Pant easily took a catch. the past. matching the record of 11 catches bat long as long as we should Cummins, who survived two India captain in a Test held by England’s Jack have.” big reviews within four balls, Russell and South Africa’s AB de Australia resumed the final with the technology both times Virat Kohli Villiers. day needing another 219 for going in his favour, showed gritty India’s last Test success in victory with four wickets down, application with Mitchell Starc We played in good Australia was at the WACA but lost their last two specialist in a 41-run eighth wicket stand. Ground in Perth in 2008, and the batsmen before lunch, shifting And when the target dropped spirits. We can only previous one in Adelaide was the odds heavily in India’s below 100, the crowd dared to concentrate on the 2003. They have now won just favour. dream before Starc fell to Shami brand and the style six times in Australia in more Marsh and Head had started for 28. It brought Nathan Lyon of cricket that we than 70 years. cautiously, grinding out 11 runs to the crease and he got the But with the home team in the opening seven overs pulses racing with a quick 38 to want to play. missing banned batsmen Steve before seamer Ishant Sharma set up a tense finale, before Australia skipper Smith and David Warner, Kohli struck with the score on 115, Hazlewood departed to end the Tim Paine and his team sensed ahead of the bowling a bouncer that caught match. You don’t have to talk rubbish, says Paine AFP Both teams shook hands before and gave up, and you don’t have to talk runs yesterday in the improbable chase ADELAIDE after the match as a mark of respect rubbish and carry on a like a pork chop of a winning target of 323, eventually and Paine said his team showed you to prove that.” going down by 31 runs. Australian captain Tim Paine says he’s didn’t have to “carry on like a pork The Australians came face-to-face “Our whole bowling attack, your proud of the way his team not only chop” to be competitive in a match that in Adelaide with famously combative see those four together and you can see fought hard against India but played in went to the wire. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who thrives how much it means to them playing the right spirit as they put on a friendlier India eventually won by 31 runs on on the verbal banter and has never for Australia, whether they’ve got the face after the ball-tampering scandal. the fifth day to take momentum into been shy of riling the opposition. But bat, ball or in the field,” he said The opening Test in Adelaide was the the next Test in Perth starting Friday. while he celebrated wickets enthusi- yesterday. first at home for Australia since the “We played in good spirits. I don’t know astically, there were few, if any, niggles “You can’t question their com- cheating row blew up in South Africa about the Indians, we didn’t pay between the teams during the highly mitment. They have a red hot crack last March, leading to bans for then attention to them and we won’t be for competitive game. every single ball. skipper Steve Smith and his deputy the whole series,” he said yesterday. Paine pointed to the experienced “That’s what we’re building to, David Warner. “We can only concentrate on the foursome of Mitchell Starc, Josh that’s the style of cricket we want to A scathing review into the scandal brand and the style of cricket that we Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan play. “They’re obviously some of our criticised Australian cricketers for want to play. From a cricket point of Lyon as showing the type of never-say- more experienced players and I think “playing the mongrel” against oppo- view, we have some areas to tighten die, but fair, commitment he wants in the more they do that the more it will Australia’s batsman Tim Paine (left) and Pat nents and in response the team pro- up and I thought today was a nice the team. rub off on the rest of the group. I Cummins walk off the field at lunch during duced a players’ pact vowing to tone snapshot of how we want to go about They all bowled consistently and couldn’t question any of those guys,” day five of the first Test in Adelaide. down their infamous abrasive attitude. it. “We fought really hard and never for long periods, and added valuable he added. TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

Paine hopes Clarke says India’s Pujara likely lower order fight can rub off on top to dominate the batting chart batsmen

RIZWAN REHMAT stunned Australia side by 31 runs guns,” Shastri said yes- REUTERS THE PENINSULA yesterday. terday in his post-match ADELAIDE The 30-year-old was comments on Sony TV. Indian batting star Cheteshwar declared the Man of the Match “There is belief in the “Shattered” Australia captain Pujara looks in prime form to for his overall tally of 194 runs camp. We batted poorly Tim Paine praised his lower score big in the remaining three in the low-scoring Test. in the first innings but order for giving India a scare Tests against Australia, former “I think what really there were some rash in the first Test but demanded skipper Michael Clarke warned impresses me about Pujara is shots. That wasn’t fearless more from his leading yesterday. that he plays with low hands. In cricket. That was foolish batsmen ahead of the second Pujara produced a busy 123 Australia, with that extra bounce, cricket,” the former India contest in Perth. in the first innings of the you think you can get him out skipper said. Some swashbuckling tail- Adelaide Test where the right- with that low-hand grip but he “They have learned end batting by Nathan Lyon, hander also managed a score of has adjusted his game,” Clarke from that in the second Pat Cummins and Mitchell 71 in the second knock as India said in his post-match comments innings. Pujara was just Starc gave Virat Kohli’s team yesterday. magnificent. I just heard a fright before India closed “That’s a player learning Michael say he bats with out a 31-run victory at from his experience. That will do a low-hand grip. That’s Adelaide Oval at the end of his confidence a world of good one of the things we’ve yesterday’s extended middle in Perth. It will be a drop-in ppitch asked him to do - to be a fifth day session. so we don’t know little upright in his stance,” “Our whole bowling what we will get but he added. attack, you can see how much he will be confident of With the second Test it means to them playing for making another starting in Perth on Australia, whether they’ve got hundred no matter Friday, there was good the bat, ball or in the field, you India’s Cheteshwar Pujara what condition he gets news for India’s frontline can’t question their com- celebrates after scoring Australia will start (to bat on),” Clarke pacers. mitment,” Paine told to think about their batting order said. his century during day “Well they (the reporters. now that they have played the “He must be one of the first Test at the bowlers) have to rest. To “They have a red-hot Indian fast bowlers. They will be saying ‘I can be suc- Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, hell with the nets,” Shastri crack for every single ball. thinking whether ‘we should bat cessful here’. He is Australia, in this December said with a smile. That’s what we’re building to, first if there is a green tinge on the such an important part 6, 2018, file photo. INSET “You can come there that’s the style of cricket we wicket’ or they will be thinking of Indian batting AT LEFT: A file photo of and mark your attendance want to play. ‘should we bat first if we win the line-up. He bats at Michael Clarke posted on and go back to the hotel. “They’re obviously some toss?’ India, on the other hand, will number three. That’s his Twitter handle. They need to be fully fit of our more experienced be saying to their batsmen to just what you want after and get ready for the players and I think the more show a little more patience for the the first Test,” the Perth track which will be they do that the more it will five-day game like how they did in retired batting star quick. It is a drop-in rub off on the rest of the the second innings. Get us off to a added. Clarke said unlike Pujara take him downtown and he “The (Australian) bowlers surface. There will be very good group. I couldn’t question any decent start, 50-60 for no loss, and Australia’s number three Usman (Ashwin) got him (Khawaja) out knocked out India for 250 but carry there. There will be some- of those guys.” we will still be able to get to 300. Khawaja failed to impress in the again,” the 2015 World Cup they needed to get (at least) a thing on offer for the fast Paine’s team head to the Michael (Clarke) said at the start of series opener. winner added. 100-run lead because they had bowlers,” Shastri said. second of four Tests starting this series that if Australia get 300 “That’s what you look for - “India were the better team the best batting conditions on “I thought the bowlers were on Friday having become the or 350 every time, with their attack, somebody in your top four and deserved to win over the last day two. They needed to capi- brilliant in the first innings. first Australian side to lose a they will beat India. I do believe it making a 100. That’s what you five days,” Clarke said. talise with a 100-run lead on the They knew they had no choice series-opening Test to India is pretty much the same with India. look for every single Test match “I think Australia showed board but they couldn’t,” he but to defend 250 was great. on home soil. If they score 350, we will see India’s but if you look at Khawaja, he great fight. Australia were bril- added. India coach Ravi Shastri The discipline was magnificent. With both pace attacks bowling attack bowl Australia for also bats in that position, but he liant in the second innings. They was thrilled with the outcome of I mean that’s something they putting in good performances, under that.” is wondering ‘how do I play wouldn’t want to look at the first the first Test. have worked on. That hasn’t India’s superior batting Ashwin?’,” Clarke said. innings. To make the runs they “I am very happy. It was a come overnight. When you proved the difference, as man Former India captain “In the first innings, he made on day five was a good tough Test match. The boys show that kind of discipline, of the match Cheteshwar Sunil Gavaskar blocked and he got out and in effort. The concern for Australia showed discipline, they showed you can get sides out,” he Pujara scored a decisive 123 the second innings, he tried to is their batting in the first innings. patience. They stuck to their added. in the first innings and 71 in the second to lay the platform for victory. Travis Head top-scored for Australia with 72 and only India’s previous Test wins in Australia Shaun Marsh, who compiled AFP 60 in the second innings, ADELAIDE helped set Australia a target of 387 the last laugh, winning the final Test usher Chauhan back to the middle, ** 2008: Australia streak ended - joined him with a score which they never remotely troubled, in Adelaide by 47 runs to secure a prevented the innings, match and After going 2-0 down in losing higher than 50. slumping to 164 all out with Chan- pulsating 3-2 series win. series being conceded. India set the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ Test Most Australian batsmen India beat Australia by 31 runs in drasekhar bagging an identical Australia just 143 to win before at Sydney, where Harbhajan were out playing loose shots, Adelaide Monday to lead the series 6-52 haul. **1981: Gavaskar’s meltdown - Kapil Dev took 5-28 in 16.4 overs Singh was accused of racially while question marks linger 1-0. It was their first victory on Aus- India had been unhappy with as Australia crumbled to 83 all out abusing Andrew Symonds, ten- over Aaron Finch’s place at tralian soil for a decade, and only ** 1978: The great leveller - India umpire Rex Whitehead’s decisions in a little over two hours. sions ran high as the teams the top of the order after he their sixth in 70 years. kept the Melbourne momentum all series and in the second innings headed to the WACA in Perth was bowled for a duck in the We recall the five other occa- rolling into the fourth Test in Sydney of the third and final Test at Mel- ** 2003: Ponting’s epic in vain - where the tourists won to end first innings and dismissed for sions India won Down Under: on January 7 and levelled the series bourne, the simmering anger Ricky Ponting is probably wondering Australia’s 16-match Test winning 11 in the second. with a crushing victory by an innings exploded. Whitehead raised the to this day how his side lost the streak. After India posted 330, With six wickets in the ** 1977: Sunil, Chandra shine at and two runs. Chandrasekhar again finger to Gavaskar for lbw with the second Test in Adelaide after he Irfan Pathan and RP Singh shed at the start of day five, MCG - India were 2-0 down when was the chief destroyer as he and score on 165, but the opener was scored a brilliant 242 out of a reduced Australia to 61 for five Head fell quickly for 14 and the third Test began in Melbourne spin partner Bishen Bedi ripped the convinced he had edged Lillee’s mammoth 556 first innings. Rahul on their way to 212 all out -- their Marsh was unable to build a on December 30 and when Sunil hosts out for 131 after Australia won delivery and stood his ground. Dravid’s marathon 233 off 446 balls lowest first innings score for 24 big score to put more pressure Gavaskar, who had scored centuries the toss and made the mistake of When Lillee, never one to shy from in reply was backed up by VVS Lax- home Tests. India then set a on India. Nursing a finger both at Brisbane and Perth, fell for opting to bat on a damp track. a confrontation, encouraged man’s 148 as the pair put on 303 to 413-run target and reduced the injury, Paine was also out a duck in the tourists’ first-innings Gavaskar put on 97 with Chetan Gavaskar to leave with some col- enable India to post 523. Ajit Agarkar Aussies to 253 for eight. An slogging for 41 to hasten Aus- 256, it looked as though the five- Chauhan, the best opening part- ourful language and a finger then stepped up with a deadly spell entertaining late cameo from tralia’s defeat. match series could be gone. But nership of the series. Gundappa pointed at the pad, the enraged of 6-41 as Australia were skittled for Mitchell Johnson, who scored 50, “We saw how the pitch is leg-spinner Bhagwath Chan- Viswanath (79) and Karsan Gharvi opener ordered batting partner 196. Dravid again proved immovable took the home side to 340 all out playing and told ourselves we drasekhar had other ideas, taking (64) took India to a huge 265-run Chauhan to leave the field with him. and his patient 72 guided India to as India ran out convincing are going to dig deep, but 6-52 as Australia crumbled to 213 lead. Erapalli Prasanna then took Only the swift intervention of team their 230-run target with four wickets 72-run winners. But they lost the unfortunately, myself, Travis all out. Gavaskar was not to be four wickets as Australia suc- manager Shahid Durrani, who met to spare to go 1-0 up in the series, series 2-1 after the final Test in and Shaun couldn’t bat long denied a second time and his 118 cumbed for 263. But the hosts had the pair at the boundary edge to which they went on to draw 1-1. Adelaide ended in a draw. as long as we should have,” he said. Kohli savours ‘very special’ victory

AFP in Australia, something that for us “It was priceless from Pujara, we ADELAIDE is a huge boost,” he said. “And it’s were down and out at lunch on day Sri Lanka draw given us the right momentum that one. His grit and determination tour match in NZ Virat Kohli said yesterday it was we needed to play a big series like brought us back in it,” said Kohli. “very special” to captain India to this and it’s something that we’ve “We always knew that runs on AP their first Test win in Australia for a had to work hard for. the board would make the home NAPIER decade and gave his side crucial “Any Test victory is special side tentative. Any lead was gold and momentum in their bid for a maiden because you work hard over five we got 15. In the second innings Sri Lanka completed its preparation series victory. days, and then the physical and the again, he and Rahane batted well.” for the first cricket Test against New The visitors won a tightly-con- mental toil and the emotion of it all Asked if thought 323 would be Zealand in a drawn three-day tour tested opening Test in Adelaide by comes together in a result is a very enough to win, Kohli said his middle match against a New Zealand XI 31 runs on the fifth day after setting special feeling.” and lower order could have done which ended yesterday. Australia a target of 323, which Kohli, who has long led India’s better after a 5-25 collapse at the Opener Danushka Guntahilaka would have been a record run chase batting charge with admirable con- end of the second innings. pressed his claims for selection in at the ground. sistency across all three formats but “We could have added another the first Test starting Saturday with It was a big breakthrough for failed to fire in Adelaide, said he 30-35 runs more which could have an impressive 83 in the Sri Lanka Kohli’s men, with their last triumph believed his team collectively were taken the game totally beyond Aus- second innings of 321-5 declared. on Australian soil at the WACA better than Australia and deserved tralia. So these are things that we Kusal Mendis made 72 before Australia’s batsman Nathan Lyon Ground in Perth in 2008. In to win. The win was built on have to think about going to Perth, retiring helping Sri Lanka to an plays a shot in Adelaide yesterday. Adelaide, their sole previous win Cheteshwar Pujara’s first innings 123 but if someone had told me before overall lead of 261 after trailing by was in 2003. and his second innings 71, while the series that I would be 1-0 up as 60 runs on the first innings. The New “Obviously it’s a great feeling. wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant took a soon we started the series, I would Zealand XI ended at 139-2 at stumps We’ve never taken a lead in a series world record-equalling 11 catches. have taken it with both hands.” on the last day. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018 QFA President gets re-elected

THE PENINSULA rahman Majid Al Qahtani. Qatar’s junior team will feature DOHA The QFA gathering took at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup place at Sheraton Hotel in the in Poland next year.” The General Assembly of the presence of representatives from The QFA President said: “The Qatar Football Association (QFA) 17 QNB Stars League clubs. QNB Stars League is producing yesterday overwhelmingly Speaking at the beginning of good players and our clubs are re-elected President Sheikh the meeting, the QFA President getting stronger. I am sure we Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed said: “I thank the QFA family that will get even better at the club Al Thani for another four-year has gathered here today. We football. Our player Abdulkarim term that will end in 2022. welcome everyone at the Hassan won the AFC Player of The QFA General Assembly meeting which was called to the Year award which is a great also retained Executive Com- elect new office bearers and to achievement. Next year Qatar mittee members Saud Al discuss key football matters.” will feature in Copa America. We Mohannadi, Hani Ballan and He added: “The next four are looking forward to an The President of Qatar Football Association Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Buanain. years are very important for exciting time for football in this Al Thani poses for a picture with other Executive Committee members after his Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmed QFA. Qatar will host the 2022 country.” re-election in Doha yesterday. bin Hamad Al Thani, President FIFA World Cup as well as other Key football matters will be of Al Ahli, was signed in as the key football tournaments. We discussed in the coming weeks new member of the Executive have to prepare strong teams at and months with presidents of Committee along with Abdul- the junior and senior levels. club under a committee that will be chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin in detail during the General Saud Al-Mohannadi 16 and Hani hoped the new members would Hamad, it was revealed. Assembly yesterday. Officials Talib Ballan 16. ‘create exciting opportunities to A member of the electoral The QFA President under- said budgetary matters were also Matters relating to poor take the game forward in Qatar.’ college of Qatar Football lined the importance of debated. player behaviour across all He thanked the out-going offi- Association casting his vote attracting fans to the venues to Chairman of the Electoral leagues also came up for dis- cials for their ‘meritorious during the elections in Doha watch football matches during a Commission Abdullah Hamed cussion. President of Qatar services’. yesterday. regular season. He stressed Mulla also spoke during the Sports Club Sheikh Jassim bin The QFA made a special overall the game of football General Assembly. Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani mention of thanking the media remained healthy in Qatar. The top vote was received by called for the provision of a for their ‘high contribution in The minutes of the previous Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin sports psychologist to assist the taking football to every home in General Assembly were also dis- Ahmed Al Thani, who bagged 17 players who exhibit poor the country’. cussed in detail. votes out of 18 and got behaviour on or off the field. The QFA President wished Al In the coming days and re-elected. At the end of the General Mohannadi success in his bid to weeks, QFA will discuss the A total of 17 members voted Assembly, the QFA President become the AFC President. development of U-23 League while one abstained. Ibrahim thanked the clubs ‘for the great For his part, Al Mohannadi with the Ministry of Culture and Khalil Al Mohannadi received 15 support of federation for helping thanked the clubs for their Sports. Reports from the pre- votes, Ahmed bin Hamad Al- develop the game on profes- support and thanked the QFA vious season were also discussed Thani 16, Ahmed Abdulaziz 16, sional lines.’ The QFA chief President for his leadership. Five stages await competitors at Qatar Rally

THE PENINSULA drivers and riders from around the 26th before the ceremonial finish on DOHA world to enjoy the challenges and the Pearl. Rally officials have put demands that our off-road terrain and together a generous concessions Officials at the Qatar Motor and Motor- difficult navigation throws up. We have package that includes free shipping cycle Federation (QMMF) have again tweaked the format for the 2019 from Europe with a 20ft container for announced initial plans for next year’s edition. Our start ceremony and prize each competitor, prize monies and Qatar Cross-Country Rally (QCCR), the giving will both take place at the fab- other logistical support and an entry opening round of the FIA Cross-Country ulous location of the Pearl and will package as per the event regulations. Rally World Cup. The event takes place feature live television coverage. The deadline for shipping over five stages on February 21-26, “Our team has laid on a chal- equipment from the European ports of 2019. lenging five-day route through the Rotterdam or Genoa is January 6. Cars The QCCR will be the first round of remotest and most spectacular parts and equipment would then be available the prestigious FIA series for the first of the State of Qatar and we look at the service park from February 14 time since it joined the championship forward to welcoming competitors with the fee paid by the QMMF for the in 2012. It will feature live televised and showing our traditionally warm Europe-Doha-Europe segment. start and finish ceremonies on the Pearl Arabic hospitality and support.” The Rotterdam option has a loading and five demanding desert special Rally headquarters and the media deadline of January 8 for a sailing date stages. centre will be based at the new Losail of January 18 and an arrival date of Feb- “We are delighted that the Manateq Sports Arena, adjacent to the Losail ruary 11. The Genoa vessel will load on Qatar Cross-Country Rally will be the International Circuit, and a bivouac will January 11/12 and sail on January 24. It opening round of the FIA World Cup be located outside the main indoor will also arrive on February 11. Teams for Cross-Country Rallies for the first facilities. need to be registered with the QMMF time in 2019,” said Abdulrahman Al- The ceremonial start will take before the shipping procedure. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Mannai, QMMF President and Chairman place from 18.30hrs on February 21st Entries open on December 23 in action in this file picture. of the organising committee. and the five desert sections will take and the closing date will be on “We have great pleasure in inviting centre stage from February 22nd to January 22.

Villarreal sack 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open: coach Calleja

REUTERS Promotional activities launched MADRID Villarreal yesterday have THE PENINSULA the word out that this out- sacked coach Javi Calleja Karim Alami, Tournament Director of DOHA standing annual sporting event with the club just three Qatar ExxonMobil Open takes a selfie with is coming to Doha very soon. I’m points above the relegation ExxonMobil Qatar and the Qatar Saleh Al Mana (centre), Vice President also pleased to announce that we zone in La Liga, the club Tennis Federation (QTF) have and Director of Government and Public are raising awareness of a local said. launched a series of promotional Affairs for ExxonMobil Qatar and Tareq environmental conversation A former Villarreal mid- activities marking the launch of Zeinal, General Coordinator of Qatar issue in this year’s tournament fielder, Calleja took over as the 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil ExxonMobil Open in Doha yesterday. activities.” coach in September 2017, Open, which will take place at “We look forward to another leading the Yellow Submarine the Khalifa International Tennis great year as we continue our to a fifth-placed finish and and Squash Complex on mission to highlight the Europa League football last December 31, 2018 - January 5, remarkable tennis experience season. 2019. the tournament offers in the However, this campaign A ribbon cutting ceremony wonderful and welcoming city the club has struggled, marked the official launch of the of Doha,” added Routledge. winning just once in La Liga promotional activities. Saleh Al Tareq Zainal- General Coor- since September and progress Mana, Vice President and dinator of Qatar ExxonMobil through to the knockout Director of Government and Open said: “We are pleased to stages in Europe is still in the Public Affairs for ExxonMobil mark once again the countdown balance. Qatar; Tareq Zeinal, General of a new edition of the pres- “Villarreal has decided to Coordinator of Qatar ExxonMobil tigious Qatar ExxonMobil Open rescind Javi Calleja’s contract Open, and Karim Alami, Tour- with this series of promotional as first team coach. The club nament Director took part in the activities. We are proud of our would like to thank the coach event. tremendous association with for his work, dedication and At the centre of this year’s ExxonMobil in promoting tennis professionalism since taking activities is an exciting and cre- a dugong mascot called Morjan through a competition that took for the 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil in Qatar.” over last season,” read a club ative environmental awareness and his family Toola and Marah, place at government schools in Open together with our partner “The 27th Edition of the statement. campaign, which ExxonMobil as it aims to help raise awareness October. The winning students the Qatar Tennis Federation,” event is coming up in three His successor has not yet Qatar launched on November 27, of the dugong population that were present at the launch said Alistair Routledge, President weeks from now and we hope been named, however the 2018 to run through January 5 - lives in Qatar’s waters. ceremony. and General Manager for Exx- tennis fans will have another club have suggested one will the last day of the tournament. Morjan, Toola and Marah’s “We’re pleased to announce onMobil Qatar. spectacular tennis experience be appointed “in the coming The campaign revolves around names were chosen by students the start of promotional activities “Today’s event will help get with us.” he added. hours.” TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 11 River edge Boca to win Copa Libertadores

AFP MADRID

River Plate won the Copa Liber- tadores by beating their fiercest rivals Boca Juniors 3-1 after extra time on Sunday, bringing an end to a final tainted by violence and moved more than six thousand miles away from Argentina. Boca took the lead through Dario Benedetto but Lucas Pratto equalised before Juan Quintero and Gonzalo Martinez scored in extra time, aided by Wilmar Barrios being sent off, to win a fittingly dramatic contest for River. It means River prevailed 5-3 on aggregate after the first leg finished 2-2 and the club reclaim the trophy they had last won in 2015, lifting it for the fourth time in their history. “The only thing I feel is sadness for not winning the cup River Plate’s Colombian Rafael Santos Borre celebrates with the trophy after winning the second leg and giving it to the people of of the all-Argentine Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Boca,” Boca coach Guillermo in Madrid, on Sunday. Barros Schelotto said. “It is difficult to say to people Madrid, which will also host view of a stadium most of them that we haven’t won, especially the Champions League final in had never played in before. those that made so much effort June, was chosen in part because onatan Maidana was playing to come from Argentina.” of its record of hosting major for Boca when they last won the The President of the Qatar Football Association Sheikh Hamad bin Postponed on three occa- Lionel Messi, Antoine events and the security, which Copa Libertadores 11 years ago Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani during the Copa Libertadores final in sions and then relocated from included around 2,500 police and, now in the red and white of Griezmann and Madrid. The QFA President met with several top officials during Buenos Aires to Madrid, the sup- Diego Godin were officers, did its job before River, he almost gave his former porters of these two great clubs kick-off. club an early lead, slicing just his visit to Madrid. showed in the Santiago Bernabeu among the 62,200 in Fans were separated into over his own crossbar. why this fixture had been billed attendance. zones either side of the stadium The game lacked quality but before the latter pulled back for the underside of the crossbar. as one of football’s greatest ever. and had to go through checks came alive one minute before Pratto to sweep home. Leonard Jara almost Lionel Messi, Antoine even to enter the area immedi- half-time. Nahitan Nandez’s The game meandered snatched a late Boca goal but his Griezmann and Diego Godin extinguish the lingering sense of ately surrounding it. superb pass split two River towards full-time and seemed shot nicked the outside of the were among the 62,200 in regret. The shame was only that the defenders and Benedetto kept a destined for penalties until post. Then, with Boca’s goal- attendance. There was no repeat of the operation was not as thorough cool head, guiding into the Barrios was shown a second keeper Esteban Andrada up for But, despite the bouncing scenes that cast a shadow over 15 days ago and that a minority corner, before taunting the yellow card for a tackle on Exe- a corner, River added the final huddles in the streets, the plumes Argentinian football and saw the decided to take advantage. beaten Gonzalo Montiel. quiel Palacios and soon after, touch. of blue and red smoke, the original game at River’s El Mon- When the players shuffled River had been inferior but Quintero struck. Martinez ran the ball into the swinging scarves, fluttering flags umental on November 24 post- out two hours before kick-off to improved. Their first real It was a goal worthy of empty net and River’s substitutes and fans that were chanting in poned, when around 50 fans inspect the pitch, they held up attacking move was also a bril- winning the tournament, as he and staff were already pouring their seats three hours before attacked Boca’s team bus and left their phones to capture the thou- liant one as Leonardo Ponzio and collected 25 yards out, glanced onto the pitch to begin the kick-off, there was nothing to some of their players injured. sands already inside and the Quintero exchanged passes up and whipped the ball in off celebrations.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES All times in GMT Today Inter, PSG and Liverpool Galatasaray vs Porto (1755) Schalke 04 vs Lokomotiv Moskva (1755) Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid (2000) Monaco vs Borussia Dortmund (2000) Barcelona vs Tottenham Hotspur (2000) sweating on last-16 spots Inter Milan vs PSV (2000) Liverpool vs Napoli (2000) REUTERS guarantee their spot in the knockout stages of the Cham- Crvena Zvezda vs PSG (2000) LONDON next round. Napoli could even pions League in every season Tomorrow lose and still go through if PSG since 2012-13 but have never Real Madrid vs CSKA Moskva (1755) The bid to reach the knockout lose to Red Star Belgrade. gone on to reach the final. stages of the Champions Should Neymar and co After claiming one point Viktoria Plzeň vs Roma (1755) League reaches its climax this prevail in Serbia, Liverpool from their first three matches Shakhtar Donetsk vs Olympique Lyonnais (2000) week with Inter Milan, Paris would need to win 1-0 or by in Group B Tottenham looked Manchester City vs Hoffenheim (2000) St Germain and Liverpool two goals or more due to pip out of contention but con- Young Boys vs Juventus (2000) among seven clubs sweating Napoli on their head-to-head sective wins against PSV Eind- Valencia vs Manchester United (2000) on taking the remaining four record. Liverpool’s Egypt hoven and Inter mean they

Ajax vs Bayern München (2000) places for the last 16. striker Mo Salah certainly head to the Nou Camp in

Today’s fixtures includes looks capable having scored second place and knowing a Benfica vs AEK Athens (2000) a number of blockbuster a superb hat-trick at Bourne- win will guarantee them a encounters as Liverpool hope mouth in the Premier League place in the last-16 for the for one of those magical on Saturday. third time. European nights at Anfield If Napoli, PSG and Liv- Luciano Spalletti’s Inter Ronaldo issues against Napoli in Group C, erpool all finish on nine points, side, who are level with Tot- while Inter will be relying on the Merseyside club would tenham on seven points but Serie A challenge Group B winners Barcelona to finish top with second place below them on head-to-head, do them a favour and see off determined by the scoreline lost 1-0 to Serie A leaders to rival Messi Tottenham Hotspur. at Anfield. Juventus on Friday but will be Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool, A group stage exit for PSG heavy favourites at home to AFP sitting third in the group on six would be humiliating for new bottom side PSV who have just MILAN points behind PSG (eight) and manager Thomas Tuchel given one point from seven matches leaders Napoli (nine), must the club’s Qatari owners’ des- in the Champions League this Cristiano Ronaldo has urged long-time rival win to have any chance of peration to see the French season. Lionel Messi to be more like him and push his progress while the Serie A side champions conquer Europe. Tottenham lost 4-2 against limits by challenging himself in another league need just a draw at Anfield to They have reached the Barcelona in the home leg at than Spain. “I’d like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he’s happy there then I respect that,” Ronaldo told the Italian press yesterday. The two strikers have been rivals for the past decade winning five Ballon d’Or trophies each before their domination was broken by World Cup runner-up Luka Modric last week. Wembley, but may have an need a draw to qualify. Asked if he missed the 31-year-old Argen- advantage in the fact that Shakhtar must get tinian, who has spent his entire senior career Barca have already qualified maximum points to seal their at Barcelona, Ronaldo replied: “No, maybe as group winners and may fifth appearance in the com- it’s him who misses me... take a leisurely approach as petition’s round of 16. “I’ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Por- they wind down for the mid- The 12 teams who have tugal and for my national team, while he’s season break. qualified already for the still in Spain. Mauricio Pochettino’s knockout stages are Ajax, “Maybe he needs me more... For me, life team also do not necessarily Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, is a challenge, I like it and I like to make need a win, as merely Bayern Munich, Borussia people happy. matching Inter’s result will Dortmund, Juventus, Man- “He’s a fantastic player and a good guy, do.Tomorrow, Lyon and Sha- chester City, Manchester but I don’t miss anything here. This is my new khtar Donetsk will face each United, Porto, Real Madrid, life and I’m happy. other in the final showdown Roma and Schalke 04. “I left my comfort zone and took on this for a last 16 place in Group F. However, only Barca, Inter Milan’s players during a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League challenge here in Turin, everything has gone The French side sit second Porto and Real have clinched Group B match against PSV Eindhoven, yesterday at the training ground of Appiano Gentile, well, I’ve proven I’m still an incredible player,” on seven points, two ahead of top spot in their respective said Ronaldo. north of Milan. the Ukrainians and so only groups. TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 07 I’ve always clarified my goals. The first was to come back to FOOTBALL FOOTBALL the Champions League with Mauro Icardi Barcelona vs Tottenham, Monaco vs Dortmund, Inter and we reached it, the Serie A footballer Liverpool vs Napoli Inter Milan vs PSV

second was to win something of the Year ACTION Kick-off: 11.00pm Eindhoven, 11.00pm with Inter. TODAY’S

Warriors named Sports NBA: Bucks edge Raptors in Illustrated’s Sportsperson battle of top Eastern teams of Year AFP quarter.Davis returned to the AP LOS ANGELES Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) game in the third period but fin- MIAMI moves to the basket against Milwaukee ished with just six points on two- The Milwaukee Bucks bounced Bucks centre Brook Lopez (11) at Scotiabank of-seven shooting with nine The three-time NBA back from a disappointing defeat Arena during their NBA game on Sunday. rebounds, four assists and five champion Golden State with a big win in Toronto on blocks. Warriors are the fourth team Sunday, edging the Raptors “He was probably 50 to be honored as Sports Illus- 104-99 in a battle of the NBA’s percent,” Pelicans coach Alvin trated’s Sportsperson of the top Eastern Conference teams. Gentry said. Year. The Raptors still own the “But just having him out The Warriors join the best record in the league at 21-7, there -- defensively I thought he 1980 US hockey team, the but they suffered a second did a great job for us. 1999 US Women’s World Cup straight defeat after falling Holiday filled the void with soccer squad and the 2004 106-105 to the Brooklyn Nets on 37 points, one shy of his career Boston Red Sox as the other Friday. high. He tied a career-best with team honorees. Malcolm Brogdon’s back- six three-pointers. He pulled Sports Illustrated to-back three-pointers with down five rebounds, handed out announced the winner 1:07 remaining first tied the five assists and came up with Monday, and editor-in-chief score then put the Bucks up three steals. Chris Stone said they have 100-97, a lead they wouldn’t Randle added 28 points with been thinking of some way to relinquish. six rebounds and five assists. honor the Warriors during Brogdon scored 18 points. “Everybody stepped up and their run of three titles in four Giannis Antetokounmpo scored played well when we needed years. He also acknowledged 19 and matched his season-high them to,” Gentry said. that there were a couple years with 19 rebounds for Milwaukee, “Obviously, Jrue did a fan- where Steph Curry has been who fell to the two-time tastic job controlling the in the conversation. defending champion Golden game.” Elsewhere, the San “There is something tran- State Warriors on Friday. Antonio Spurs defeated the scendent about the team Brook Lopez also scored 19 Utah Jazz 110-97, avenging a where the sum of their parts for Milwaukee, who became the 34-point loss to the Jazz on was apparent from the first team to beat the Raptors in ourselves. We’re resilient. He did produce seven assists, woes. “Can we get a little confi- December 4. beginning,” Stone said. twice this season. We’ve got a coach that has con- and Toronto coach Nick Nurse dence back, get a little pep in our DeMar DeRozan scored 26 “What they have built into “We came off a tough loss to fidence in us every night win or said the Raptors didn’t play badly step?” points and Rudy Gay had 23 a dynasty is a function of the Warriors, we knew we lose.” Toronto have dropped two offensively. Jrue Holiday and Julius points and 15 rebounds as the empirical success. They’re needed this one going into this straight for the second time this “We did a lot of things well Randle combined for 65 points Spurs put together two straight really a generational team. I back-to-back,” Brogdon said. season and have lost three of enough to win the game, but we to lead the New Orleans Pelicans wins for the first time since they don’t know if, in my lifetime, The Bucks, who improved to their last four. just didn’t score,” said Nurse, past the Detroit Pistons won four straight from October there has been a team where 17-8, host Cleveland on Monday. Serge Ibaka scored 22 points who admitted to concern over 116-108. 27-November 3. the pieces have blended so He said shaking off the loss and Kawhi Leonard had 20 for missed shots at the rim and Holiday and Randle rose to The victory was the 1,210th beautifully together.” to Golden State wasn’t difficult. the Raptors. But Kyle Lowry missed open looks from the the occasion after star teammate of coach Gregg Popovich’s Stone also said that the “We’re a really good team went scoreless for the first time perimeter. Anthony Davis was hobbled by career, moving him into a tie Warriors’ honor is more this year,” he said. this season, missing all five of his “That’s more the question,” a sore hip after a clash with with Pat Riley for fourth place in about the celebration of the “We have a lot of confidence shots. he said of solving those shooting Detroit’s Blake Griffin in the first NBA history. organization doing something unique over an extended period while the other teams were honored for what they did in a certain year. Alexander Ovechkin, who Kizzire and Harman win QBE Shootout led the Washington Capitals to their first Stanley Cup title, AFP they leapfrogged McDowell and Molinari was named the Tiger Woods and LeBron MIAMI Grillo, who had pulled one ahead European Tour’s Golfer of the Kevin Na, watches where James also received consid- with their seventh straight birdie Year for the first time yeserday, his ball lands after teeing eration, but Stone said the Patton Kizzire and Brian Harman at 17. Kizzire and Harman carded capping a stellar season in which off during the 30th annual Warriors felt like the favorite eagled the par-five 17th on an 11-under final round of 61 for he won the British Open to QBE Shootout Pro round when they repeated as NBA Sunday to seize victory in the QBE a 30-under total of 186. become the first Italian major two at Tibur—n Golf Club champions. Shootout in Naples, Florida, McDowell and Grillo had a champion. on Sunday. “In the same way they ahead of Graeme McDowell and total of 10 birdies -- three on the The 36-year-old also won the play, they seem to speak in a Emiliano Grillo. front nine before their streak of PGA Championship at Went- single voice,” Stone said. “The Harman and Kizzire were one seven from the 11th through the worth, the Tour’s flagship event, unity of message with the behind McDowell and Grillo 17th -- in a 10-under 62 for 187. and claimed a maximum five Warriors is the same way we when they arrived at Tiburon Golf It was McDowell’s second straight points to help Europe beat the refer to LeBron and his Club’s 17th in the fourball final runner-up finish in the event, United States in the Ryder Cup. answering some of the hard round of the unofficial team event after finishing tied for second “It is an award that means a questions. They did it force- founded by Greg Norman. with partner Shane Lowry last lot to me and is a nice way to end fully, but also civilly, in a way Both hit iron shots close and year. a very special year,” Molinari said that helps advance when Kizzire holed his eagle putt Meanwhile, Francesco in a statement. conversations.” Jets rout Flyers 7-1; Montreal down Chicago AP Krug took a cross-crease Bo Horvat and Nikolay Pontus Aberg, Ondrej Kase WINNIPEG, MANITOBA pass from David Krejci and beat Goldobin also scored for the scored in regulation for the goalie Mike McKenna with a Canucks, who won consecutive Ducks, with three of the goals Josh Morrissey scored one of one-timer. games for the first time since deflected off New Jersey players. Winnipeg’s three power-play Brad Marchand had the reg- winning three straight from Oct. Anaheim’s Ryan Miller, goals and the Jets got goals from ulation goal for the Bruins (16- 29 through Nov. 2. Vancouver looking to become the all-time seven players while routing the 10-4), and Tuukka Rask made 27 was 2-10-2 in its previous 14 leader in US-born goaltender Philadelphia Flyers 7-1 on saves. games. wins, left the game with 12:47 left Sunday. Mark Stone scored in regu- Jacob Markstrom made 22 in the third period after a pair of Kyle Connor, Brandon Tanev, lation for the Senators (13-14-4), saves to improve to 10-9-3 on players crashed into him at the Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, who got a 42-save performance the season and 2-4-0 lifetime net. Bryan Little and Tyler Myers also from McKenna, including a against St. Louis. He appeared to have injured scored for Winnipeg (18-9-2). diving two-pad stack save Jake Allen stopped three of his left leg. Miller stopped 23 of Mark Scheifele assisted on all against Sean Kuraly in overtime. six shots in 14:06 before being the 27 shots he faced. Gibson had three of Winnipeg’s second- CANADIENS 3 BLACK- pulled in favor of Chad Johnson, seven saves through overtime. period goals, and Nikolaj Ehlers HAWKS 2 who made 12 saves. Allen OILERS 1, FLAMES 0 and Patrik Laine each had two Tomas Tatar scored the tie- recorded his first shutout of the Mikko Koskinen made 24 assists. breaking goal on a deflection Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) passes the puck away from the season Friday at Winnipeg. saves in his third shutout of the Jakub Voracek scored his with 1:17 left in the third period reach of Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) during DUCKS 6 DEVILS 5 season and Connor McDavid eighth goal for the Flyers and Montreal beat Chicago for the third period at T-Mobile Arena during their NHL game on Sunday. Daniel Sprong and Ryan scored the only goal to lead (12-13-3). its third straight win. Getzlaf scored in the shootout to Edmonton. The Jets’ power play was 3 Max Domi and Shea Weber tie the score for Chicago, which Quenneville on Nov. 6. lead Anaheim. The Oilers have won three for 6, while the Flyers went 0 for scored in the first period to give has lost seven straight and nine CANUCKS 6 BLUES 1 Ducks goalie John Gibson straight and have gone 6-1-0 in 2. Montreal an early lead. Carey of its last 10. Corey Crawford fin- Brock Boeser scored his blocked one New Jersey shot in their last seven games. BRUINS 2 SENATORS 1 Price, starting for the seventh ished with 25 saves. second career hat trick, Elias Pet- the shootout and Taylor Hall’s David Rittich made 29 saves Torey Krug scored 3:07 into straight game and 11th in the last The reeling Blackhawks fell tersson had a goal and four attempt bounced off the crossbar. for Calgary, which had a five- overtime and Boston beat 12, stopped 37 shots. to 3-11-2 under coach Jeremy assists, and Vancouver beat St. Jakob Silfverberg, Kiefer game winning streak snapped is Ottawa. Patrick Kane scored twice to Colliton, who replaced Joel Louis. Sherwood, Brandon Montour, 9-2-1 in the last 12 outings.