FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2-3 BBOXINGOXING | Page 6 Qatar 2022 Fury says he venues take will knock out shape despite Joshua inside pandemic two rounds

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Jumada I 21, 1442 AH Classy Williamson GULF TIMES century swings momentum for NZ SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL Al Duhail take on Al Ahli in Amir Cup opener By Sports Reporter bi will go head-to-head with Umm League of the 2019-2020 season. Doha Salal. The dates will be confi rmed Al Duhail, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, Al later. Gharafa, Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah, Al The draw for the tournament was Arabi and Qatar SC were placed in he 49th Amir Cup will kick held in the presence of Khaled Mu- Group A as they are the top eight sides off on January 25 with a barak al-Kuwari, Director of Market- from the fi rst division. match between Al Duhail and ing and Communications, QFA; Ali Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Ahli, according to the draw Hassan al-Salat, Head of Commu- Al Shahaniya were slotted in Group B heldT yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton nication Department; Ali Hammoud along with Al Kharaitiyat, Al Markhi- Hotel. Sixteen teams are taking part al-Nuaimi, Head of the Competitions ya, Al Shamal and Muaither. in the tournament. Department; and Hamad al-Hajri, The 2021 Amir Cup is beginning In other fi xtures, Qatar SC will take member of the Competitions Com- earlier than usual keeping in view the on Al Shamal, Al Wakrah will play Al mittee, who conducted the draw cer- international engagements of the na- Kharaitiyat and Al Rayyan will face emony with the participation of club tional team. off against Al Markhiya. Elsewhere, offi cials. Last month, Al Sadd beat Al Arabi Al Gharafa will take on Al Shahaniya, The draw for the 49th Amir Cup 2-1 at the brand new Qatar 2022 ven- Al Sadd will play Muaither, Al Sailiya is based on the rankings in the QNB ue, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, to win the have a date with Al Khor while Al Ara- Stars League and the Second Division 2020 Amir Cup title.

DAKAR RALLY FOCUS Al-Attiyah wins Qatar to set up All Asia stage, rises to third Football Lab By Sports Reporter science and sports medicine in ‘We went flat out and everything is working very, very well... no mistakes at all...’ Doha relation to football  The availability of sports AFP centres or other suitable venues Wadi ad-Dawasir, Saudi Arabia atar is building a for competitions, training and state-of-the-art facil- camps ity aimed at facilitat- atari driver Nasser ing the exchange of Potential topics of exchange al-Attiyah won the Qknowledge, innovation, research programmes include: second stage of the and training which will available Good governance Dakar Rally in Saudi to all Member Associations of Marketing and promotion- ArabiaQ yesterday ahead of rivals the Asian Football Confederation al activities Stephane Peterhansel and Car- before, during and after the 2027  Sports venues manage- los Sainz. Asian Cup. ment The three-time winner of the The All Asia Football Lab, as Study and research Dakar sped through the 457-kil- it is called, will be ready by 2026  Technical and condition- ometre stage from Bisha to Wadi and is part of Qatar’s legacy pro- ing coaching ad-Dawasir in 4hr 03min 14sec gramme as the country bids to Refereeing to take the victory after reigning host the 2027 Asian Cup. Football technology champion Sainz won Sunday’s The All Asia Football Lab will Sports medicine opening stage. be designed and planned in close The impact on the Asian foot- “It was a good day,” said al- collaboration with the AFC to ball family would go far beyond Attiyah, who is aiming for a sev- ensure it contributes towards the elite game and would be open enth Olympic skeet appearance elevating Asian football to its vi- to men’s and women’s teams in Tokyo later this year. sion as the world’s leading con- alike. Olympic teams, youth “Yesterday we lost a lot of federation. teams, futsal teams and beach time because we opened the way Off ered services can include: soccer teams will have access to and it was not really good for us Technical and educational the Lab. and we didn’t take risks. courses, seminars and confer- Additionally, the All Asia “But today we went fl at out ences Football Lab will champion and everything is working very,  Experience and exper- meaningful activities directed at very well. The tyres were amaz- tise in the areas of construction, promoting women’s participa- ing and the car too, the pace management of sporting instal- tion in sports, including the de- from start to fi nish, no mistakes lations, materials, sport and sci- velopment of a Women’s Football at all... there’s still a long way, entifi c equipment Programme. but it’s a good start.”  The training of technical It will be a structured training Peterhansel, a 13-time win- personnel and organisational programme, bringing in experts ner of the race, leads the overall procedures to train Qatari women to become standings with Spaniard Sainz  Experience, expertise and international standard coaches 6min 37sec behind and al-Atti- training in the areas of sports and match offi cials. yah just over nine minutes back. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France compete during Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Wadi The Frenchman said he had ad-Dawasir in Saudi Arabia yesterday. (AFP) been stressing about how to avoid getting bogged down in ian Toby Price in Sunday’s fi rst the Empty Quarter, a vast sand quin (FRA/BEL/Century) +10:27 2. Ricky Brabec (USA/Honda) the fi rst sand dunes of this year’s stage after losing his way in the desert that covers much of the 6. Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena +3:55 Dakar. desert terrain. southern Arabian Peninsula and (FRA/MON/Brx) +16:53 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI/Husq- “It was the fi rst dunes, but Barreda, whose victory was given prominence by explorers 7. Brian Baragwanath/Taye Perry varna) +6:02 also the car was full of diesel his 25th on a Dakar special, said such as Wilfred Thesiger. (RSA/RSA/Century) +17:21 4. Ross Branch (BOT/Yamaha) which meant it was really heavy,” he had no option but “to push Organisers have promised a 8. Jakub Przygonski/Timo +11:54 said Peterhansel, whose 13 Dakar with everything — I put it all in “hefty serving of dunes, albeit Gottschalk (POL/GER/Toyota) 5. Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo victories came seven times in a today”. spread far and wide and in small +17:49 (CHI/Honda) +12:06 car and six on a motorbike. “I enjoyed this type of stage a chains” for the 403km special. 9. Vladimir Vasilyev/Dmitro 6. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA/ “So, the priority was not to lot. It’s faster and better for me, Tsyro (RUS/UKR/Mini) +20:38 Yamaha) +12:42 get stuck. After that, I have to better than enduro like it was STAGE 2 RESULTS 10. Bernhard Ten Brinke/Tom 7. Stefan Svitko (SVK/Ktm) +14:15 say that we navigated well.” yesterday,” the Spaniard said. Car (top 10) Colsoul (NED/BEL/Toyota) +21:38 8. Luciano Benavides (ARG/ “Right now, everything is 1. Nasser al-Attiyah/Matthieu Overall standings (top 3) Husqvarna) +15:21 ‘KEEP RIDING’ perfect. Sure, tomorrow will be Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) 1. Stephane Peterhansel/Edouard 9. Daniel Sanders (AUS/Ktm) Spain’s Joan Barreda took the a long day and really hard again, 4:03:14 Boulanger (FRA/FRA/Mini) 7:17:18 +16:31 second stage in the motorbike but the race is like this. We need 2. Stephane Peterhansel/Ed- 2. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ 10. Xavier De Soultrait (FRA/ category, fi nishing ahead of to keep calm and stay in front. ouard Boulanger (FRA/FRA/Mini) ESP/Mini) +6:37 Husqvarna) +17:24 American rider and title holder For sure, there are still a lot of +2:35 3. Nasser al-Attiyah/Matthieu Overall standings (top 3) Ricky Brabec, who is also on a kilometres to come and we will 3. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) +9:14 1. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP/Honda) Honda. try to keep riding, that’s all.” ESP/Mini) +9:17 8:15:38 Brabec has a lot of time to Today’s third stage sees com- 4. Yazeed al-Rajhi/Dirk Von Zitze- Moto (top 10) 2. Ricky Brabec (USA/Honda)+6:23 claw back after trailing in almost petitors racing a loop around witz (KSA/GER/Toyota) +10:24 1. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP/Honda) 3. Ross Branch (BOT/Yamaha) 20 minutes behind Austral- Wadi ad-Dawasir, the gateway to 5. Mathieu Serradori/Fabian Lur- 4:17:56 +6:37 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 SPECIAL

FOCUS QATAR 2022 VENUES TAKE All venues will be completed AL BAYT STADIUM CAPACITY: 60,000 hospitality, the venue will host completed and is ready to host and tested well DESIGNER: Dar Al-Handasah nine matches through to the matches. This includes the DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY semi-finals stage of Qatar 2022 laying of the stadium pitch in in advance of CENTRE: 43km (27 miles) and is covered by a structure world record time. This year, the resembling a traditional Arab venue achieved a high sustain- the World Cup, remarkable sight will wel- tent known as ‘bayt al sha’ar’, ability rating from the Global A come fans to Al Bayt Sta- complete with a state-of-the-art Sustainability Assessment Sys- which kicks off dium, which is being delivered retractable roof. tem (GSAS). The surrounding by Aspire Zone Foundation. Construction update: The Al Bayt Park opened on Qatar on Nov 21, 2022 Designed to represent Arab stadium structure has been National Sport Day in February.

ith less than two years to go until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Su- Wpreme Committee for & Legacy made major progress in stadium delivery during 2020. One of the major highlights of last year was the virtual launch of Education City Stadium, which took place amidst protec- tive measures implemented by the State of Qatar to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The stadi- um’s successful completion was dedicated to frontline workers who have worked tirelessly dur- ing the ongoing pandemic. Later in the year, on Qatar National Day, and in the pres- ence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium was unveiled to the world in a spectacular ceremony during the 48th Amir Cup fi nal – making it the fourth fully operational Qa- tar 2022 tournament venue to be inaugurated.a Four more stadiums are be- ing constructed for Qatar 2022, with Al Bayt Stadium in the fi nal stages of delivery. All the venues will be completed and tested well in advance of the tournament, which kicks off on November 21, 2022. Here is a rundown of the latest progress update from each of the stadiums: AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM

CAPACITY: 40,000 DESIGNER: Ramboll DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY CENTRE: 22km (14 miles) Stadium inaugurated in December 2020

ocated in Al Rayyan, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is built Lon the site of a deconstructed stadium, with the new venue adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and within walking distance of Al Riff a Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line. The stadium’s glowing facade is comprised of patterns that characterise diff erent aspects of Qatar: the impor- tance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the desert city of Al Rayyan. The venue will host seven matches during Qatar 2022 up to the round of 16 stage. In 2021, the stadium will host matches during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020, which will run from February 1-11.

AL JANOUB STADIUM

CAPACITY: 40,000 DESIGN INSPIRED BY: Dame Zaha Hadid Distance from Doha city centre: 23km (14 miles) Stadium inaugurated in May 2019

ocated in Al Wakrah with a design inspired Lby the late British-Iraqi architect Dame Zaha Hadid, the futuristic Al Janoub Stadium will host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. The design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats – in tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past. An innovative cooling system and retractable roof mean the stadium can be used all year round. The stadium was inaugurated on May 16, 2019, ahead of that year’s Amir Cup final. In December, Al Janoub hosted the 2020 AFC Champions League final. The surrounding Al Janoub Park opened on Qatar National Sport Day in February.

AL THUMAMA STADIUM

CAPACITY: 40,000 DESIGNER: Arab Engineering Bureau DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY CENTRE: 23km (8 miles)

he design of Al Thumama Sta- Tdium is inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a traditional woven cap worn for cen- turies by men across the Arab world. It is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be designed by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim M Jaidah. The stadium will host eight matches up to the quarter- finals stage during Qatar 2022. Construction update: Roof and facade works have been completed, along with the stadium’s bleacher installation. Seat installation, along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, plus finishing, are ongoing. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 3 SPECIAL SHAPE DESPITE PANDEMIC EDUCATION CITY STADIUM KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM

CAPACITY: 40,000 vibrant centre for knowledge and inno- ahead of its virtual inauguration in CAPACITY: 40,000 than 40,000 fans. Located in Aspire Club World Cup Qatar 2019. In 2020, DESIGNER: FIA Fenwick Iribarren vation where this ultramodern arena June 2020. More recently, Education DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY Zone, the historic venue has previously the stadium hosted matches in the Architects is a fitting addition and lasting symbol City hosted matches in the West Zone CENTRE: 13km (8 miles) hosted the Asian Games and the AFC West Zone of the 2020 AFC Champi- DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY of sustainability. The stadium will host of the 2020 AFC Champions League Asian Cup. The stadium is set to host ons League and was also a venue for CENTRE: 12km (7 miles) eight matches up to the quarter-finals and was also a venue for the East Stadium inaugurated in May 2017 eight matches up to the third-place the East Zone portion of the competi- Stadium inaugurated in June 2020 stage during Qatar 2022. Zone portion of the competition. The play-off during Qatar 2022. tion. The stadium became the first Qatar stadium will host matches during the n May 19, 2017, Khalifa Internation- Recent events to have taken place at Along with Education City and Ahmad ducation City Stadium is located at 2022 tournament venue to receive upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2020, Oal Stadium became the first Qatar Khalifa International include the 2019 Bin Ali, the stadium will host matches Ethe heart of Qatar Foundation – a a five-star GSAS sustainability rating including the final. 2022 stadium to open when it hosted IAAF World Athletics Championships, during the FIFA Club World Cup in the Amir Cup final in front of more the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup and the FIFA February.

RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM LUSAILLUSAIL SSTADIUMTADIUM CAPACITY: 40,000 Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this ers, with the delivery and installation CAPACITY: 80,000 by the interplay of light and shadow concrete works, bowl steel installation DESIGNER: FIA Fenwick Iribarren 40,000-capacity stadium will be built of all containers now completed. This DESIGNER: Foster + Partners that characterises the fanar lantern. and the first phase of the roof big lift Architects using shipping containers and other includes special containers for the DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY The venue will also become the have been completed with preparation DISTANCE FROM DOHA CITY modular materials. Overlooking the completed Kahramaa primary substa- CENTRE: 16km (10 miles) centrepiece of Lusail – a newly built, for the final phase ongoing. The skybox CENTRE: 10km (6 miles) stunning Doha Corniche and West Bay tion. state-of-the-art metropolis, designed and hospitality lounge pitch-facing skyline, the stadium will host seven All remaining structural steel mem- he 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium specifically with residents’ needs glazing has been completed. Mean- as Abu Aboud Stadium will be matches up to the round of 16 stage bers, including tension rods, have also Twill embody Qatar’s ambition, in mind. The stadium will host ten while, the installation of the stadium’s Rthe first fully demountable and during Qatar 2022. been delivered and installed. Installa- along with its passion for sharing Arab matches up to and including the final steel structure and façade are ongoing, re-usable tournament venue in FIFA Construction update: The stadium is tion of all seats in the stadium’s bowl culture with the world. The design of of Qatar 2022. as are the mechanical, engineering, World Cup history. Designed by being built using 998 modular contain- has also been completed. this magnificent stadium is inspired Construction update: The stadium’s plumbing and finishing works. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP FOCUS Match offi cials for FIFA Club World Cup Mourinho ready Qatar 2020 appointed for ‘biggest game’ of his Spurs reign ‘Yes, I think so. In the perspective of the club chasing silverware for many years, I would say so’ he FIFA Referees Com- The draw to fi nalise the de- AFP mittee has announced tailed pairings will take place London the match offi cials in Zurich on Tuesday 19 Janu- who will be in charge ary at 16:00 CET. Tat the forthcoming FIFA Club The FIFA Club World Cup ose Mourinho yester- World Cup Qatar 2020. Qatar 2020 will kick-off on day labelled Tottenham’s Seven referees and twelve February 1, 2021 and will cul- League Cup semi-fi nal assistant referees have been minate with the fi nal in Educa- against Brentford as the selected for the tournament tion City Stadium on February mostJ important match of his and together with them, FIFA 11, 2021. reign. has also selected seven video Mourinho’s side host second- match offi cials (VMOs) to op- THE LIST OF OFFICIALS: tier Brentford today looking erate the video assistant ref- Referees: Edina Alves (Bra), to reach the League Cup fi nal eree (VAR) system during the Mario Escobar (Gua), Leodan against Manchester United or tournament. Gonzalez (Uru), Danny Makke- Manchester City. The appointment of the fe- lie (NED), Mohamed Mohamed Tottenham are without a ma- male trio led by Brazilian refe- Abdulla (UAE), Maguette jor trophy since winning the ree Edina Alves Batista contin- Ndiaye (Sen), Abdelkader 2008 League Cup and Mourinho ues the path started at the FIFA Zitouni (Tah). is desperate to end that drought. U-17 World Cup India 2017, Assistant Referees: Mohamed Mourinho, who has lifted the where Swiss referee Esther al-Hammadi (UAE), Hasan al- League Cup four times in his Staubli offi ciated one game, Mahri (UAE), Nicholas Ander- career, believes the signifi cance followed by Uruguayan referee son (JAM), Neuza Back (BRA), of winning silverware this sea- Claudia Umpierrez who offi - Djibril Camara (SEN), Mariana son makes the Brentford game ciated two games at the FIFA de Almeida (ARG), Mario more important than any other U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019. Diks (NED), Humberto Panjoj since he took charge in Novem- All of the selected match of- (GUA), Malick El Hadji Samba ber 2019. fi cials will complete their fi nal (SEN), Hessel Steegstra (NED), “Yes, I think so. In the per- preparations in Qatar the week Nicolas Taran (URU), Richard spective of the club chasing sil- before the fi rst match kicks Trinidad (URU). verware for many years, I would off . In light of the Covid-19 Video Match Off icials: Khamis say so,” Mourinho said. pandemic, FIFA and the host al-Marri (QAT), Julio Bascunan “Of course we always have im- country will provide the re- (CHI), Kevin Blom (NED), Drew portant matches, last season we quired safeguards to protect Fischer (CAN), Nicolas Gallo had a match at Palace that would the health and safety of all in- (COL), Redouane Jiyed (MAR), give us participation in this sea- volved in the competition. Jochem Kamphuis (NED). son’s Europa League or not. “The match against Leeds was very important as we went a few games without a victory in Struggling hope new boss the Premier League but I would Svensson can emulate Klopp, Tuchel say a semi-fi nal is always a very important match. The only one Mainz appointed former history at Mainz to return more important is a fi nal.” fan-favourite Bo Svensson recently after their former Mourinho has won the com- as coach yesterday in the bosses Christian Heidel and petition three times with Chel- hope he can keep them in the Martin Schmidt joined the sea and once with Manchester to follow in the board last month. United. footsteps of Jurgen Klopp “Bo has all the qualities It was his fi rst trophy in Eng- and . we’re looking for in a coach,” lish football back in 2005 and he Svensson, 41, made 122 ap- Heidel said. insisted it remains a worthwhile pearances for the club before “He learnt the job from tournament despite some clubs retiring in 2014 and takes scratch in our youth acad- fi elding weakened teams. over from sacked Jan-Moritz emy and also played under Lichte with the side currently coaches like Jurgen Klopp TROPHY HUNTER second from bottom in the and Thomas Tuchel. “I won the Carling Cup in my Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho. (Reuters) league. His first game in “He knows what our football fi rst season after a few months charge will be at home to Ein- has to feel like.” in England in 2004-05, so for me more important and if we win fi nal, which has been moved to ham to face four games in a week when we will play against Ful- tracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Like Svensson, current Liver- every competition is diff erent two matches we win a trophy. April, they are set to face an even as they did at the start of the sea- ham, refusing totally to be Svensson recently coached pool boss Klopp finished his and it doesn’t matter the club “Two diffi cult matches, of more congested fi xture list in the son. punished by congested, crazy Austrian second-division playing career at Mainz and where you are or the ambitions course, but if we win we get a second half of the season as they “I would like to know when we fi xtures like we were at the be- outfit Liefering, but Mainz coached them from 2001-08. you have,” Mourinho said. trophy which I think would be a challenge on four fronts. play against Fulham, of course I ginning of the season. hope he can become the After he left, Klopp won “That is my way of looking at very good thing for the club and Their schedule has not been would like to know that,” he said. “At the beginning of the sea- next Klopp or Tuchel, who back-to-back Bundesliga title things, especially at a club with- for the players. helped by last week’s postpone- “I refuse to speak about the son you can cope a little bit with both started their coaching with and out silverware for more than one “It is about my club, it is about ment of their Premier League Carabao Cup fi nal because may- people who forgot Tottenham careers at the Opel Arena. reached the 2013 Champions decade. the players who want trophies, it game with Fulham, who had be Brentford are playing in it and could be in that situation of The ex-Denmark interna- League final before moving “After more than one dec- is about fans who want trophies.” a coronavirus outbreak, and not us. playing a Europa League play- tional is the third figure with to Merseyside in 2015. ade, every competition becomes If Tottenham make it to the Mourinho doesn’t want Totten- “But I would like to know off . So, I’m waiting.”

SPOTLIGHT Leicester can upset established order: Rodgers

AFP football,” said Rodgers. “Our job Uruguay players union urges FA London is, can we disrupt the hierarchy? We might not fi nancially - we to overturn Cavani’s ban don’t have the fi nances to go eicester have the poten- and get that £70mn ($96mn), The Uruguayan players union interpretation to be made from its tial to disrupt the domi- £80mn, £90mn player - but we (AFU) yesterday urged England’s particular and excluding conclu- nance of the ‘Big Six’ in can in a football way.” Football Association (FA) to sion, however flawed it may be. the Premier League, says Rodgers said his initial goal is overturn the three-match ban “We request the FA to immediate- LFoxes manager Brendan Rodgers. to qualify for European football handed to Manchester United’s ly overturn the sanction imposed The Northern Irishman’s side next term. A loss of form at the Edinson Cavani for using a racial on Edinson Cavani and reinstate lie third in the table after beating end of last season cost Leicester term, saying the sanction showed his good name and honour in the Newcastle 2-1 on Sunday. a Champions League spot but the body’s ethnocentric vision. world that has been so unfairly Leicester - who in 2016 be- they are into the knockout stage The striker was suspended by tarnished by this reprehensible came the only club from outside of the Europa League after top- the FA and fined 100,000 pounds decision.” the ‘Big Six’ to win the league ping their group. ($136,330) after a term he used The Uruguayan Academy of title since 1995 - are a point be- “My ambition is to get into in an Instagram post following Letters, which protects and hind leaders Liverpool, who visit Europe again and for us to United’s 3-2 win at Southampton promotes the Spanish language Southampton later on Monday, progress,” said Rodgers. on Nov 29, before taking it down in Uruguay, also denounced the and second-placed Manchester “What’s nice is our top players and apologising. However, the ban last week, calling the sanction United. Leicester have played a are getting their fi tness back and AFU criticised the FA, saying it an example of English football’s game more than several of their that’s exciting for us in the sec- “committed a discriminatory act lack of “cultural and linguistic rivals in a wide-open title race, ond part of the season.” against the culture and way of life knowledge.” with just seven points separating England midfi elder James of the Uruguayan people”. Cavani, who has scored four times Liverpool and United from West Maddison is one of the players The statement was shared on for United this season, missed Fri- Ham in 10th. who have returned from injury Twitter by Uruguay Diego day’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa due By comparison, Liverpool held and had an immediate impact, Godin. “Edinson Cavani has never to the suspension. The 33-year-old a 27-point advantage over the scoring at Newcastle. Maddison committed any conduct that will also miss their League Cup team in 10th place after 16 games and Belgian international Youri could be interpreted as racist,” semi-final against rivals Manches- last season, as did Manches- Tielemans’s goal helped the the AFU said. “He merely used ter City on Wednesday as well as ter City at a similar stage in the Foxes to their seventh win away a common expression in Latin Saturday’s FA Cup third-round 2017-18 campaign. Rodgers says from home this campaign - the America to aff ectionately address match against Watford. As part of that while Leicester may be un- most in the Premier League. a loved one or close friend. its punishment, the FA also said able to compete fi nancially with “We are playing with intensity “The sanction shows the English Cavani must complete “face-to- the biggest clubs, they can make and a bit of swagger. Newcastle Football Association’s biased, face education”. The FA did not their presence felt on the pitch. felt the full force of a top-of- dogmatic and ethnocentric vision immediately respond to a Reuters “We want to be a team that, the-table Premier League team,” Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers (right) celebrates with Harvey Barnes after their English Premier that only allows a subjective request for comment. (Reuters) year on year, can get European said Maddison. League match against Newcastle United at the St James’ Park in Newcastle, Britain, on Sunday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA Curry pours in career-high 62 as Warriors blast Blazers ‘I just try to stay humble and stay in the moment. As long as I keep being aggressive and decisive then good things will happen’

AFP fi rst quarter. The run dated to March US ‘March Madness’ Los Angeles 2019. Elsewhere, Thomas Bryant stuff ed the go-ahead dunk with 14.9 seconds basketball will return left and the Washington Wizards held in Indiana in ’21 wo-time MVP Stephen Curry on for a 123-122 victory over the Brook- US college basketball’s nation- got his swagger back on Sunday lyn Nets. al championship tournament, night, scoring a career-high 62 Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 27 known as “March Madness” points as the Golden State War- points and 10 rebounds and assisted on to fans, will return this year in Triors outgunned the Portland Trail Blaz- Bryant’s decisive basket, which stood up an Indianapolis bubble after ers 137-122. as Nets stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Du- being scuttled by the Covid-19 It was just like old times for Curry, rant both missed on the fi nal possession pandemic last year. arguably the greatest shooter in the his- of the contest. The National Collegiate tory of the NBA. It was a drama-fi lled fi nish at the Bar- Athletic Association (NCAA), Curry, who played just fi ve games in clays Center in Brooklyn, where Timo- based in the Indiana capital, the coronavirus-shortened 2019-20 the Luwawu-Cabarrot put the Nets announced yesterday that all season due to a broken hand, drained ahead 122-121 with a wide-open layup 67 games will be played in the eight of 16 from beyond the arc to score with 28.2 seconds remaining. After a “Hoosier” state – known for its the most points by a Warrior since Rick timeout, a double-teamed Beal man- devotion to basketball – with Barry scored 64 in the 1970s. aged to fi nd Bryant under the basket. most of them to be staged in The Warriors went wire-to-wire for Irving, who led all scorers with 30 Indianapolis. the win at the Chase Center in San Fran- points, missed a three-pointer with “The 2021 version of March cisco and Curry got into the zone early, less than six seconds remaining. Brook- Madness will be one to delivering 21 points in the fi rst quarter lyn corralled the rebound, but Durant’s remember, if for no other and capping his night with 17 points and last-gasp eff ort also missed. reason than the uniqueness of several late threes in the fourth. “We’ve got two of the best players the event,” NCAA senior vice Curry topped his previous high of 54 ever to touch a basketball on the other president of basketball Dan with two free throws with 2:23 to play side, so it’s a tough task, man, but I think Gavitt said. and capped his night with a nothing- we did an excellent job of accepting that “This is going to be compli- but-net three pointer with 42 seconds challenge,” Beal said of the Wizards de- cated and diff icult. There’s no remaining. It was his seventh career fense. question about that.” 50-point game. Russell Westbrook fi nished with 24 Team selections will be an- points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards nounced on March 14 with the In Memphis, reigning champions the Final Four set for April 3 and 5. RESULTS Los Angeles Lakers notched their third The tournament each year Warriors 137-122 Trail Blazers straight road win, with LeBron James draws big television ratings, scoring 13 of his 22 points in the fourth plenty of bets and people Lakers 108-94 Grizzlies quarter of a 108-94 victory over the filling out brackets in pools Bulls 118-108 Mavericks Grizzlies in Memphis. hoping their team goes all the Celtics 122-120 Pistons The Grizzlies, without reigning way to the title. Rookie of the Year Ja Morant and Jaren Last year’s tournament was Wizards 123-122 Nets Jackson Jr. because of injury, used a 17-0 wiped out by the outbreak Clippers 112-107 Suns scoring run to take an 11-point lead at of Covid-19 but this year, the Utah Jazz 130-109 Spurs the end of the fi rst quarter and led by as NCAA will partner with an many as 12 in the fi rst half. Indiana healthcare provider Nuggets 124-109 Timberwolves But the Lakers closed the half on a to have Covid-19 tests within 20-9 scoring run to lead by two at the a controlled environment for “I just try to stay humble and stay in interval and with a determined James all players, coaches, staff s, of- the moment. As long as I keep being ag- leading the way fi nally pulled away in ficials and administrators. gressive and decisive then good things the fi nal period. The Indiana Convention Cent- will happen,” he said. “We were doing a lot of jostling with er will be used as a practice “I want to make the right decisions. A Memphis,” James said. “At the start of facility with multiple courts lot of it is just not rushing things. I got to the fourth, I wanted to try and imple- Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making his final three-point basket of the night to give him prepared within and most make sure I see everything right.” ment myself and my scoring a little bit a career-high 62 points during their NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday. (AFP) teams staying in a connected The 50-point night was the NBA’s more. Get a bit more in attack mode and hotel with social distancing fi rst of the season, while the 60-pointer see if I could kind of open the game up – by the Grizzlies to the Toronto Raptors Boston Celtics’ 122-120 victory over the Nikola Jokic posted his fourth triple- between dining areas and was the fi rst for a Warrior since Klay and we were able to do that.” two seasons ago. He fi nished with seven Pistons in Detroit, his fall-away jumper double of the season with 19 points, 12 transportation. Games will be Thompson had 60 in 2016. Spanish big man Marc Gasol, who points, six rebounds for the Lakers – with 2.9 seconds left making the diff er- rebounds and 12 assists and Jamal Mur- played on two courts, but only The only blemish for Curry was that started his NBA career in Memphis along with four stitches in a cut above ence as the Celtics bounced back from a ray scored 32 points for the Nuggets in one at a time, inside Lucas Oil his streak of free throws was snapped at where he spent 11 seasons, played there his left eye received in a fall. Jayson narrow loss to the Pistons on the same a 124-109 victory over the Minnesota Stadium. a franchise-record 80 in the for the fi rst time since he was traded Tatum delivered the game-winner in the court on Friday. Elsewhere, Denver’s Timberwolves.

NFL Packers grab bye as Browns among six to reach playoff s

AFP “One of those crazy seasons,” Saints Washington star Drew Brees said. “It was a great RESULTS way to cap off the regular season with a win without our running backs. We Tampa Bay 44-27 Atlanta reen Bay’s Aaron Rodgers had to step up and play diff erent roles.” Giants 23-19 Dallas threw for 240 yards and four “We’ll see how it shakes out,” he New England 28-14 Jets touchdowns Sunday to give said. “Just happy with the position the Packers a 35-16 victory at we’re in.” Detroit 37-35 Minnesota GChicago, a home-fi eld edge in the NFL Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans became the Cleveland 24-22 Pittsburgh playoff s and a fi rst-round bye. fi rst player with more than 1,000 re- Baltimore 38-3 Cincinnati Rodgers completed 19-of-24 passes ception yards in each of his fi rst seven with second-quarter touchdown toss- NFL seasons with a 20-yard catch in Buff alo 56-26 Miami es of 3 yards to Robert Tonyan, 13 yards the fi rst quarter but departed on the Seattle 26-23 San Francisco to Dominique Dafney and 72 yards to next play with a left knee injury in Rams 18-7 Arizona Marquez Valdes-Scantling plus a late the Buccaneers’ 44-27 triumph over Indianapolis 28-14 Jacksonville 6-yarder clincher to Davante Adams as Atlanta. In the late game, Alex Smith the Packers fi nished 13-3 with the Na- threw two touchdown passes and Tennessee 41-38 Houston tional Conference (NFC) top seed. Washington beat Philadelphia 20-14 to Las Vegas 32-31 Denver cap a season in which they clinched the “It was a good win for us. We had Chargers 38-21 Kansas City a lot to play for,” Rodgers said. “Very NFC East Division with just seven wins happy with our guys. Excited about the and nine losses. Washington will host Green Bay 35-16 Chicago post-season. Excited to be the number the Tampa Bay in a wild-card game on New Orleans 33-7 Carolina one seed.” Saturday. It is Washington’s fi rst play- Washington 20-14 Philadelphia The paths to next month’s Super off appearance since the 2015 season. Bowl in Tampa run through frigid Green Bay and American Conference Chargers, Jaguars fi re coaches aft er losing NFL seasons (AFC) top seeded defending champion Kansas City (14-2). But Rodgers won’t The Jacksonville Jaguars and the “I am committed and determined to ponder that. Los Angeles Chargers fired their deliver winning football to the city “We can’t think about that yet,” he Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack (centre) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) during the coaches yesterday, hours after the of Jacksonville,” Khan said in a state- said. “We’re going to enjoy this week third quarter at the Soldier Field. (USA TODAY Sports) end of a NFL regular season in which ment. “Realising that goal requires a off , see who we play and wait for a cold the two teams won just four games fresh start throughout our football and possibly snowy game.” Landry each ran for a touchdown and ed 56-26 at Buff alo and took the AFC The Giants, who started 1-7, beat after being eliminated from playoff operations. The regular season came to a dra- Baker Mayfi eld threw for another as South division crown by beating host visiting Dallas 23-19 to end the Cow- contention. “I’ll always appreciate Doug’s passion, matic conclusion as the Cleveland the Browns sealed their fi rst playoff Houston 41-38 on Sam Sloman’s last- boys’ playoff dreams. The season fi n- Jaguars owner Shad Khan dumped grit and class, and I’m confident he Browns reached the playoff s for the appearance since 2002. play 37-yard fi eld goal that struck the ished on time despite multiple game Doug Marrone after a 1-15 campaign will enjoy success in the next chapter fi rst time since 2002, edging Pitts- “We wanted this. I could see that right upright and bounced through the postponements due to Covid-19. that left Jacksonville with the top pick of his career.” burgh 24-22 to snap the NFL’s longest determination,” Browns coach Kevin posts for the triumph. The Browns, three years after an in the 2021 NFL Draft while the Charg- The Jaguars also fired general man- active playoff drought. Stefanski said. “It’s not over. We’ve NFL rushing champion Derrick 0-16 campaign, withstood a disrupt- ers axed Anthony Lynn despite his ager Dave Caldwell in November after Half the NFL’s 14 playoff berths were got work left to do. I like how this team Henry of the Titans became the eighth ed week of preparation with a facility 33-31 overall record in the post. a 1-10 start. decided Sunday with Cleveland joined responds when their back is up against player to run for 2,000 yards in a sea- closed three of the past four days with The fired coaches joined New York “As the search for our new general by the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee the wall.” son, rushing 34 times for 250 yards Covid-19 issues. Jets coach Adam Gase, dropped manager continues, now the quest Titans, Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Lamar Jackson threw for 113 yards and two touchdowns to fi nish on Defensive plays sparked the Rams Sunday after a 2-14 season, in leaving begins to find a head coach who Bears and Indianapolis Colts for the and three touchdowns and ran 11 2,027 while Ryan Tannehill ran for two over visiting Arizona 18-7, including an a total of six NFL coaching vacancies, shares my ambition for the Jackson- post-season chase that opens Sat- times for 97 yards to spark Baltimore touchdowns and threw for another in 84-yard Troy Hill interception return with Detroit, Atlanta and Houston ville Jaguars and our fans, whose urday. AFC games next weekend fi nd over Cincinnati 38-3. Jackson became the victory. touchdown. That eliminated the Car- having finished the year under loyalty and faith are overdue to be Indy at Buff alo, Baltimore at Tennessee the fi rst quarterback in NFL history Indianapolis took the fi nal AFC dinals and allowed Chicago to advance interim guidance. rewarded,” Khan said. and Cleveland again facing the Steelers with back-to-back 1,000-yard rush- berth by beating league-worst Jack- despite the loss to Green Bay. Marrone, 56, took over as an interim Khan said the team has lacked a in Pittsburgh. ing seasons while J.K. Dobbins ran for sonville 28-14 to end Miami’s hope. The Saints, whose entire set of run- coach for the final two games of the star quarterback but the new coach NFC games fi nd the Rams at Seattle, 160 yards and two touchdowns in the The 10-win Dolphins missed the play- ning backs were out due to Covid-19 2016 season and guided the Jaguars and executive will be in position to Chicago at New Orleans and Tampa Ravens’ romp. off s and were without starting quar- safety measures, ripped Carolina 33-7 into the 2017 AFC Championship, but change that with several top college Bay at Washington. The Titans secured a playoff spot terback Ryan Fitzpatrick due to Cov- to grab a second seed ahead of Seattle, departs with an overall 23-43 record. prospects available in the draft. (AFP) Cleveland’s Nick Chubb and Jarvis when the Miami Dolphins were rout- id-19 issues. which edged San Francisco 26-23. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 SPORT

BOXING RUGBY France’s Galthie to have 37-man squad Fury says he will aft er autumn disagreement

AFP maximum of three team-sheet Paris appearances for each player knock out Joshua during the six-game cam- paign. rance coach Fabien Former Les Bleus captain Galthie will have a 37- Galthie named 11 uncapped man squad for the up- players for the win over Italy coming Six Nations af- and was without the likes terF an agreement between the of Antoine Dupont, Virimi French Rugby Federation (FFR) Vakatawa and skipper Charles inside two rounds and the league (LNR), sources Ollivon for the fi nal defeat told AFP yesterday. against England. Galthie will be able to add For the Six Nations which ‘They’ve been avoiding me for a long time and now it’s finally got to happen’ fi ve “training partners” from begins on February 6 with a Top 14 clubs who have no more trip to Italy, Galthie will keep AFP than one player already in- 28 players from the Wednesday London cluded in the original 37 and before a weekend fi xture, with will be unable to feature in Test the remaining squad members matches. released back to feature for yson Fury said yesterday Last November, Galthie their sides in the Top 14. he can knock out fellow was forced to make wholesale Galthie will be without Ro- British world heavy- changes to his side during the main Ntamack for the two weight champion An- Autumn Nations Cup after a opening fi xtures of the tour- Tthony Joshua inside two rounds compromise between the FFR nament after the Toulouse fl y- due to his recent form. and LNR which stipulated a half suff ered a broken jaw. WBC belt holder Fury said fol- lowing Joshua’s past two bouts - a unanimous points decision over Andy Ruiz Junior in De- cember 2019 and a ninth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev last month - the fi ght would be a no contest. Fury gained a unanimous points decision over Swede Otto Wallin in September 2019 before an impressive seventh-round knock-out to take the WBC title off Deontay Wilder last Febru- ary. “I don’t believe he’s (Joshua) as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn’t believe he is in his own self,” Fury told Sky Sports. “He’s got a confi dence is- Price is right as former rugby player sue. He’s coming off two shaky performances and boxing is all wins world darts title about who is in form and who isn’t. On his last two fi ghts, he’s Welshman Gerwyn Price won he finally sealed victory, not in form. darts’ world championship pocketing 500,000 pounds “On mine, I am, so momen- on Sunday, beating Scot Gary ($683,000) in prize money in tum is with me and I just believe Anderson 7-3 in the final doing so. take him out early, very early, to earn his biggest career “I’ve never ever felt pressure maybe even one round or two victory since swapping a like that in my life,” Price told rounds.” career in professional rugby Sky Sports. Fury is optimistic the fi ght, for the ever-more lucrative Anderson, a two-time winner which would be one of the big- pub game. Price, 35, earned and now three-time runner- gest in British boxing history, a lucky break to take the up, will collect 200,000 will take place as soon as pos- first set after Anderson had pounds for coming second. sible. Potential hurdles in the missed three darts and he Price played rugby in the way of the super-fi ght include proceeded to out-class the Welsh Premier League until Joshua’s WBO mandatory chal- more experienced Scot to quitting in 2014 to fully focus lenger Oleksandr Usyk and an- take a 6-2 lead in the show- on darts after earning his other possible meeting between piece at an empty Alexandra place on the Professional Fury and Wilder. Palace, which was missing Darts Corporation (PDC) as a the usual hum of boisterous qualifier. ‘ONE-ON-ONE COMBAT’ supporters due to coronavi- The two players had a frosty Fury, 32, said now was the time rus restrictions. relationship in the past, with for Joshua to back up his words But Price lost his composure Anderson accusing Price of by fi nally fi ghting him. in the ninth set, squandering deliberately slow play after “Whenever the world gets 11 match darts before eventu- losing the 2018 Grand Slam back to normal, whatever nor- ally clinching the champi- of Darts to him and declining mal may consist of after this WBC belt holder Tyson Fury. onship in the tenth with a to shake his hand. pandemic, then that’s when double five after Anderson But there was no ill-feeling on this fi ght is going to happen,” he licly or they take the fi ght. Either Manny Pacquiao that fi nally picks his opponents and you maybe should have happened had also been wasteful and this occasion and Anderson said. way it’s a lose-lose situation for took place in 2015. never get the two top guys fi ght- four or fi ve years earlier. passed up three chances to admitted he had been well “This fi ght has been brewing him.” Mayweather won it on a unan- ing each other. “So hopefully we get to go win the set. Price, who had beaten. “I just could not get for a long time. They’ve been Fury believes there is an im- imous decision. “We saw the Mayweather- one-on-one combat with not grown ever more frustrated the darts, my doubles were avoiding me for a long time and perative for the fi ght to happen “Boxing is one of those sports Pacquiao fi ght, we were waiting only the two best heavyweights with each clinching dart he atrocious and that’s what now it’s fi nally got to happen. sooner rather than later, com- where rarely do you see the best for that fi ght for 10 years. When out there but two heavyweights had wasted, bowed his head happens when you do that, “They either run away from paring the bout to the one be- fi ght the best,” said Fury. it fi nally happened, I believe who are in their prime and not in a release of emotion when you get thumped,” he said. the fi ght and announce it pub- tween Floyd Mayweather and “It’s always the champion Pacquiao was past his best. It past it.”

FORMULA 1 Australian Grand Prix likely to be postponed uters Last year’s Australian Grand Prix Albon to race in London was called off , only hours before rstfi practice was due to start at the Albert DTM with Red Park street circuit, when a McLaren he Australian Formula One team member tested positive to the Bull backing Grand Prix in Melbourne virus. looks set to be rescheduled The season eventually started in Thai racer Alexander Albon from its season-opening slot Austria in July, with the calendar will compete in selected Tto later in the year due to the Covid-19 heavily rescheduled and reduced from rounds of the German Touring pandemic and a tightening of local an original record 22 races to 17 in Eu- Car Championship (DTM) with quarantine rules. rope and the Middle East. Red Bull backing this season Tickets for the March 21 race at Al- Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit, which is after losing his Formula One bert Park have yet to go on sale. due to host round two on March 28, seat to Mexican Sergio Perez. A Formula One spokesman, asked ended up hosting two races at the end The DTM said in a statement yesterday about media reports of a of November and in early December. yesterday that the 24-year-old likely postponement, said the sport Teams, drivers and travelling me- would race with an as yet uni- looked forward to racing again in dia had to test negative before travel- dentified team whenever his March. ling and again on arrival, with a short Formula One duties as a Red He did not specify where, with quarantine until the results were Bull test, reserve and simulator Bahrain’s Grand Prix also scheduled known. driver allowed. for March. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, Albon finished seventh “In 2020 we proved that we could Britain’s seven-times world cham- overall in F1 last year but was return to racing safely and delivered pion, missed the second race at Sakhir dropped by Red Bull Racing in what many thought was impossible in after testing positive for the virus. December in favour of Perez, a March,” he said. “We have set out our Melbourne would involve a far race winner with Racing Point, 2021 calendar and look forward to the longer period of mandatory isolation. alongside Dutch driver Max return of F1 in March this year.” Hundreds of top tennis players, ex- Verstappen. Local organisers in Melbourne were pected to arrive in Melbourne in mid- Red Bull will also back 18-year- not immediately available for com- January, will have to spend 14 days in old New Zealander Liam ment but various reports said a post- quarantine before the February 8-21 Lawson in the DTM. ponement, rather than a cancellation Australian Open. “The DTM with a high-class for the second year in a row, was likely Seven of Formula One’s 10 teams field and GT3 sports cars is to be announced later in January. are based in England, where cases an interesting platform and a Construction work to erect fences are surging due to a highly infectious real challenge,” said Red Bull’s and grandstands around the tempo- new variant of the coronavirus. Many motorsport consultant Helmut rary street circuit would normally countries have shut their borders to The Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne looks set to be rescheduled from its season-opening slot to later in the year due Marko start by the end of the month. travellers from Britain. to the Covid-19 pandemic and a tightening of local quarantine rules. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 7 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Lyon backs Warner to be ‘X-factor’ against Classy Williamson India in third Test century swings momentum for NZ New Zealand, having recovered from 71 for three in Christchurch, ended the day trailing ’s first innings 297 by just 11 runs with seven in hand

Australia’s Nathan Lyon (L) and Pat Cummins (R) leave the team’s hotel in Melbourne yesterday as the Australian and Indian cricket teams relocate to Sydney for the third cricket Test starting on January 7.

AFP selected, but who pads up along- Sydney side him remains to be seen with dumped after a string of poor scores. athan Lyon yesterday Will Pucovski could make his backed David Warner debut after a concussion scare to open the innings for and selectors may opt for Marcus Australia against India Harris or even stick with Mat- Nin the third Test this week, saying thew Wade who fi lled the role in he had the “X-factor” to change Warner’s absence. a game. Lyon is eyeing the personal The explosive opener missed milestone of his 400th Test the fi rst two Tests with a groin in Sydney, he currently injury, but has been training and has 394. He could then mark his was included in the squad for 100th Test appearance in the fi - Thursday’s crucial clash in Syd- nal match of the series in Bris- ney, with the four-Test series bane next week. locked at 1-1. “If I can play my role and Warner said over the week- make sure we can win this series end it was “highly doubtful” he against a pretty amazing Indian would be fully fi t, voicing con- cricket side, those milestones cern he might struggle with his will be nice to look at come range of shots and not be able to the end of my career,” said the perform in the fi eld at slip to his 33-year-old. usual high standards. “It’s pretty amazing that I’ve But off -spinner Lyon said it got a couple of them just around was worth taking the risk. the corner. “One hundred percent. I think “But for me it’s more about David is an X-factor,” he said. coming out and playing my role, “He is a world-class batter, we and hopefully we can sing the all know that, so I am 100 per- (team victory) song twice and cent expecting David to go out that will top off my milestones.” there in the next couple of Test Crowds at the Sydney Cricket matches and do well. Ground will be reduced after “Obviously, he’s got all of the capacity on Monday was cut to support of the Australian chang- 25%, around 9,500 fans per day, ing room and everyone else from 50% because of a coronavi- around the world to come in here rus outbreak in the city. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson plays a shot during day two of the second Test match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday. and do well,” he added. “Reducing the capacity of the “So I’m looking forward to venue is crucial in achieving so- AFP CHRISTCHURCH SCORECARD The pitch, although drying, continued getting Davey back up to the top cial distancing requirements,” Christchurch to off er the bounce and movement which order for Australia.” said Cricket Australia interim Pakistan 1st innings 297 (Azhar Ali 93, To bat: BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle New Zealand exploited on day one, but Warner will open the innings if chief Nick Hockley. M. Rizwan 61, F. Ashraf 48; Jamieson Jamieson, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, with Latham and Blundell taking guard classic century by Kane Wil- 5-69, Southee 2-61) Trent Boult well in front of the crease the Pakistan liamson in a 215-run stand with New Zealand 1st innings : Afridi 19-5-45-1(1nb), Abbas bowlers were forced to adjust their lines. Aussie Pattinson ruled out of third India Test Henry Nicholls hauled New T. Latham c Sohail b Afridi 33 20-7-37-1 (1nb), Shah 14-1-72-0 (5w, 7nb), The breakthrough came when Faheem Zealand into a strong position at T. Blundell lbw Ashraf 16 Ashraf 18-4-55-1 (2w), Masood 2-0-17-0, Ashraf had a ball jag back sharply and rap Sydney: Australian fast bowler assessed further leading into 286A for three at stumps on day two of the K. Williamson 112 Gohar 11-0-50-0, Sohail 1-0-2-0 Blundell’s pads. James Pattinson was yesterday the Brisbane Test match.” second Test against Pakistan yesterday. R. Taylor c Masood b Abbas 12 Toss: New Zealand In the following over, Afridi found the ruled out of this week’s third Fellow fast bowlers Sean New Zealand, having recovered from 71 H. Nicholls not out 89 Series: New Zealand lead 1-0 edge of Latham’s bat with the ball fl ying for three in Christchurch, ended the day Extras (b2, lb6, w7, nb9) 24 Umpires: Chris Gaff aney (NZL), Chris to Shan Masood who spilled the catch Test against India in Sydney Abbott and trailing Pakistan’s fi rst innings 297 by just Total (three wickets; 85 overs) 286 Brown (NZL) at second slip only for his blushes to be after hurting his ribs during a are also in the squad, with 11 runs with seven wickets in hand. Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Blundell), 2-52 TV : (NZL) spared by the quick refl exes of Haris So- fall at home, team off icials said. the series finely poised after Williamson, newly installed as the (Latham), 3-71 (Taylor) Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) hail who grasped the rebound from fi rst The 30-year-old, in the squad Australia won the first Test in world’s number one Test batsman, was slip. as back-up to established pace Adelaide and India the second unbeaten on 112, his 24th century, with It was a period when the Pakistan spearheads Pat Cummins, in Melbourne. Nicholls on 89. slumped from 52 without loss to 71 for down. The next 30 runs came off 35 balls quicks, having found a good line and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazle- The third Test starts on Thurs- It is Williamson’s third century in as three when Ross Taylor departed in the to reach 50 and it took another 35 balls to length, had New Zealand in a vice-like wood, will be assessed ahead day. many Tests in the past month, although fi fth over after lunch. race from 50 to 100. grip. of the fourth and final Test in Australia squad: Tim Paine fortune was on his side. Late in the day, he It could have been four for 74 when Ni- When Nicholls reached his 11th half- In fi ve overs either side of lunch, New Brisbane. (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean was dropped twice and survived a run out cholls was given out early, caught behind, century with a two to square leg, Pakistan Zealand scored only fi ve runs before Ab- when the bail had only partially dislodged only for the dismissal to be reversed by were very aware of the consequences of bas found the edge of Taylor’s bat and that “Pattinson injured his ribs in Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh in the split second it took to get his bat the TV umpire who detected Shaheen Af- Afridi’s no ball when the left-hander was time Masood made no mistake. a fall at his property while Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, across the crease. ridi’s delivery was a no ball. on three. Masood later failed to pouch diffi cult on approved leave from the Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Pakistan, without a win in 10 away With New Zealand in trouble, William- New Zealand started their innings on a chances from Williamson on 82 and 107, Melbourne (coronavirus) hub , Nathan Tests since 2018, would have felt their son was all patience as he took 70 deliv- positive note with openers Tom Latham while Mohammad Rizwan dropped Ni- following the Boxing Day Test,” Lyon, Michael Neser, Will luck was changing when New Zealand eries to reach 20, but he then put the foot and Tom Blundell in a 52-run stand. cholls on 86. Cricket Australia said. Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell “He will not be replaced in the Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Mat- squad at this time and will be thew Wade, David Warner BOTTOMLINE ex-skipper Mashrafe overlooked for Windies tour Dhaka: Former captain ’s cautious Covid has been left out of Bangladesh’s pre- liminary squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, fuelling uncertainty about the welcome reassures England future of his international career. The Windies are due to tour AFP “Yeah, it was pretty unusual,” Ander- precaution to make sure they safe over England have brought six slow bowlers Bangladesh for three one-day Colombo son told an online press conference of the here,” Anderson said, speaking to report- for the tour after their spinners proved internationals and two Tests and welcome. ers from his hotel room. key in their 3-0 series win in 2018. will arrive in Dhaka on January “But I think from our point of view, we He and his teammates must remain in Dom Bess, and Moeen Ali 10. eginning a Test tour with haz- spoke about it after and it made us feel total isolation and survive off room serv- are in the 16-member squad while Mason It is the fi rst series in the South mat suits, disinfection spray really safe.” ice food until they get tested Tuesday. Crane, Matt Parkinson and Amar Virdi Asian nation since March, when and isolation would knock many The team had the small airport at Mat- They will then be allowed to train in a are in the seven reserves. the coronavirus pandemic saw athletes for six, but England’s tala all to themselves, as virtually no in- bubble if they return a negative Covid-19 But Anderson, who last year became global sporting events cancelled He showed some form with cricketersB are grateful for the cautious ternational fl ights are allowed into the test. the fi rst fast bowler to reach 600 Test or postponed. a career-best fi ve-wicket haul welcome laid on by their Sri Lankan country as it battles a new wave of infec- “In the current situation, I think it’s wickets, said it is not all “doom and “It was a tough decision for us during a recent match hosts, fast bowler James Anderson said tions. the only way to go about things,” An- gloom” for the quicks. but we have to accept the reality in domestic competition. yesterday. After being sprayed and tested, the 23 derson said, adding that top athletes had “Going by the last couple of tours, spin and move ahead,” chief selector Two members of Bangladesh England arrived on the Indian Ocean England players went into a strict hotel to take coronavirus restrictions in their has been a huge part of our success here. Minhajul Abedin said at a press Under-19 World Cup-winning island Sunday to resume a tour cancelled quarantine in Hambantota in southern stride to ensure prevailed over the pan- The wickets have really suited the spin- conference where the 24-man squad – pacer Shoriful Islam and in the early days of the Covid-19 pan- Sri Lanka ahead of the two Tests which demic. ners.” Anderson said. squad was announced. batsmen Pervez Hossain – were demic and will be hoping to repeat their will be played behind closed doors in “I think, we know from the sum- “We have got a good pace attack here. “It’s a new beginning, and included in the squad. 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in 2018. Galle. The fi rst starts on January 14. mer that you can still play sport and not You are still in the game, you still have whoever comes in his place – According to an itinerary re- At the airport, Joe Root’s men were The sanitised welcome was particu- spread the virus,” he added. opportunities. There is reverse swing, the it’s an opportunity for him,” he leased by the Bangladesh Cricket greeted by staff in hazmat suits who larly reassuring to England, who pulled “But there are restrictions on you new ball does swing as well. added. Board, the West Indians will sprayed the team and their luggage with out of a tour to South Africa last month when you do that, so we’re totally under- “Certainly I have had some success at Mashrafe stepped down as quarantine for seven days after disinfectant before they were allowed over Covid fears. standable of the current situation, and Galle before and I know some of the other Bangladesh’s ODI captain in their arrival. into the terminal to take their second “Obviously Sri Lanka with really low we’re just going to try and get on with it seamers have as well. So it’s not all doom March but kept himself available The series will run until Feb- Covid test in as many days. cases, they are obviously taking every best we can.” and gloom for the seamers.” for selection. ruary 15.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar hopes for good show at Handball worlds QNA Qatar used to have preparatory Doha camps outside Qatar besides playing several friendly matches against top teams but they were resident of the Qatar not able to do so this time. The Handball Association national team, managed to play (QHA) Ahmad Mo- only three friendlies in Decem- hamed al-Shaabi has ber - against Tunisia, Argentina saidP that the national team as- Spain. pires to be among the top 10 He pointed out that the im- teams in the 27th IHF Men’s pact of the pandemic on the World Championship which preparations of other teams, will be held in Egypt from Janu- especially the European teams, ary 13-31. is relatively less, as they have Al-Shaabi said in a press strong competitive leagues and statement that Qatar always all their players are profession- prepared well for the tourna- als. The presence of compe- ment, but this time the team’s titions such as the European preparations were impacted by Champions League raises their the coronavirus pandemic. level of readiness, he said. He said Qatar were keen to He explained that the stabil- have a strong league with its ity of the technical staff led by high-level local and profession- Spaniard Valero Rivera is one al players, which would posi- of the positive factors that may tively refl ect on the team, but narrow the gap with the strong this did not happen last season European teams and the rest due to the pandemic. of the competing teams in the He added that prior to pre- World Cup because they know vious World Championships, the players well. Qatar players celebrate after beating Argentina in a friendly international tournament held in Doha last December.

CRICKET FOCUS Karunaratne knock England’s Moeen ensures Lanka lead positive for but SA keep control Covid-19 in Karunaratne’s innings continued a fightback which started with the team’s Sri Lanka AFP bowlers, who restricted South Africa’s first innings lead to 145 at Wanderers Hambantota

AFP Johannesburg ngland all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid-19 ri Lanka captain Dimuth Karu- in Sri Lanka after the naratne ensured his team would team’sE arrival on the island, avoid an innings defeat but the the country’s cricket board tourists were in a precarious po- said yesterday. sitionS at the end of the second day of the The tourists, led by Joe second and final Test against South Af- Root, arrived in Sri Lanka on rica at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday Sunday as airport offi cials in The tourists were 150 for four at the hazmat suits sprayed the team close in Johannesburg, a lead of five with disinfectant before being runs with six wickets remaining. tested. Karunaratne, one of five left-handers “Ali will now observe a pe- in the Sri Lankan top six, made 91 not riod of 10 days self-isolation, out off 116 balls with 17 fours. in accordance with the Sri But there was only one partnership of Lanka Government’s protocol note, 85 for the second wicket with La- on quarantine,” the England The England team’s char- hiru Thirimanne, who scored 31. They and Wales Cricket Board said tered fl ight was permitted to came together after had in a statement. enter Sri Lanka despite a ban been bowled with only one run scored. “Chris Woakes has been on all fl ights and passengers Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi took the first deemed as a possible close from the UK following the dis- three wickets to finish the day with contact, and he will observe covery of a new, more infec- three for 26, having Thirimanne and a period of self-isolation and tious coronavirus strain. caught down the leg side further testing.” An England spokesman said by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Moeen, 33, is part of an that “all England players so- successive deliveries. It was the third 18-man England squad, with cially distanced on the plane”. successive nought by Mendis. seven additional reserve play- The players are already in Karunaratne’s innings continued a ers, in Sri Lanka for a two-Test isolation in their hotel rooms fightback which started with the team’s series in Galle starting January until today. bowlers, who restricted South Africa’s 14. They will then be allowed to first innings lead to 145. The left-handed batsman train in a ‘bubble’ at the Ma- and off -spin bowler is likely to hinda Rajapaksa International Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi took the miss the opening Test. Cricket Stadium in Hamban- fi rst three wickets to fi nish the day The rest of the players will tota until later this week. with three for 26, having be tested for a second time on Moeen, who was England’s Thirimanne and Kusal Mendis Tuesday morning and the team joint highest wicket-taker caught down the leg side by will train for the fi rst time on alongside Jack Leach in their wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Wednesday, the statement 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka successive deliveries. It was the added. in 2018, is one of three spin- third successive nought by Mendis England, whose tour of ners, including Dom Bess and Sri Lanka’s captain (L) plays a shot during the second day of the second match between South Africa South Africa last month was Leach, in the main squad. Vishwa Fernando took five for 101, his and Sri Lanka at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. cut short over coronavirus Mason Crane, Matt Par- first five-wicket haul in Tests, as South fears, had cancelled their Sri kinson and Amar Virdi are the Africa were bowled out for 302, losing ed it much in the second innings, South Lanka tour in the early days of three slow bowlers on the re- their last nine wickets for 84 runs. WANDERERS SCORECARD African centurian Elgar said. “If you the pandemic in March. serve list. South Africa’s collapse seemed un- just keep the ball on off stump there’s likely when Dean Elgar (127) and Rassie Sri Lanka first innings: ...... 157 15-3-42-2 (1w), Hasaranga 4-0-23-0 something there.” van der Dussen (67) scored 68 runs off South Africa first innings By contrast, Sri Lanka produced a su- India players test negative aft er bubble ‘breach’ 14 overs in the first hour of the day. (overnight 148-1) Sri Lanka second innings perbly disciplined performance as they Their second-wicket stand was worth D. Elgar c Thirmianne b Chameera ...... 127 D. Karunaratne not out ...... 91 took South Africa’s last nine wickets for Sydney: India’s team and sup- outdoors and maintain social 184 before the mid-morning drinks A. Markram c Mendis b A. Fernando ...... 5 K. Perera b Ngidi ...... 1 84 to restrict the hosts to a first innings port staff all tested negative distancing. break brought a change in fortunes, H. van der Dussen c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 67 L. Thirimanne c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 31 lead of 145. to Covid-19 after five players While the five were allowed to with both batsmen dismissed in the first F. du Plessis c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 8 K. Mendis c De Kock b Ngidi ...... 0 “Credit to the way Sri Lanka bowled,” apparently breached their continue training, they were two overs after drinks. Q. de Kock c Mendis b V. Fernando ...... 10 M. Bhanuka c Maharaj b Nortje ...... 1 said Elgar. “They attacked off stump bio-security bubble, off icials told to stay apart from the Elgar, who made 95 in South Africa’s T. Bavuma lbw b V. Fernando ...... 19 N. Dickwella not out ...... 18 and fourth stump and adjusted their said yesterday, as capacity at broader Indian squad, with innings win in the first Test at Centu- W. Mulder lbw b V. Fernando ...... 7 Extras (b4, lb2, nb1, w1) ...... 8 lengths really well. They bowled quite a the Sydney Cricket Ground the entire tour party tested on rion, completed his 13th Test century K. Maharaj c Dickwella b A. Fernando ...... 2 Total (4 wkts, 39 overs) ...... 150 few very good balls.” was slashed over coronavirus Sunday. after starting the day on 92. He hit 22 A. Nortje c Mendis b V. Fernando ...... 13 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Perera), 2-86 (Thirimanne), But Elgar said he was confident South concerns. The Indian cricket board, fours in a 163-ball innings. L. Sipamla c Shanaka b V. Fernando ...... 5 3-92 (Mendis), 4-109 (Bhanuka) Africa could complete a 2-0 series win. The quintet — Rohit Sharma, which has not said whether Perera, who made 64 and 60 in his L. Ngidi not out ...... 14 Bowling: Ngidi 9-3-26-3, Nortje 11-1-41-1 (1w), “Of late, we’ve been in quite a few Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, the five will be punished, previous two innings, was bowled for Extras (b8, lb14, w3) ...... 25 Mulder 11-2-43-0, Sipamla 8-1-34-0 tough positions so we’ve got to en- Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep yesterday issued a brief state- one by a ball from Ngidi which swung in Total (75.4 overs) ...... 302 joy this position we’re in now,” he Saini — were filmed dining ment giving them the all-clear from around the wicket. But Karunatne Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Markram), 2-218 (Elgar), Match situation: Sri Lanka lead by five runs said. inside a Melbourne restaurant for Covid-19. and Thirimanne both batted with assur- 3-218 (Van der Dussen), 4-235 (Du Plessis), 5-241 with six second-innings wickets remaining Fernando said he was “really happy” on New Year’s Day. “Playing members of the ance before Ngidi struck again. (De Kock), 6-257 (Mulder), 7-262 (Maharaj), 8-276 Toss: Sri Lanka with his performance. “The bowling The Australian state of Victo- Indian cricket team and sup- Debutant Minod Bhanuka played a (Bavuma), 9-283 (Nortje) group did a really good job.” ria, of which Melbourne is the port staff underwent a test for rash pull against the pace of Anrich Bowling: V. Fernando 23.4-0-101-5 (1w), A. Fern- Umpires: , Adrian Holdstock Fernando said the bowlers had not capital, is battling to stem a Covid-19 on January 3, 2021. Nortje and was out for one, with Keshav ando 19-5-61-2 (1w), Chameera 14-1-53-1, Shanaka (both RSA) been consistent enough as Elgar and cluster of virus cases tied to a All tests have returned nega- Maharaj taking a superb catch at mid- Van der Dussen built their partnership, wider outbreak in neighbour- tive results,” it said. wicket, running several metres before a second-wicket record against Sri Lan- ing New South Wales. Australia’s team and staff were diving full length. South Africa’s Dean Elgar said af- book as they seek to wrap up their two- ka. In response, authorities re- also tested and they too came Niroshan Dickwella made 18 not out to ter the day’s play that the host bowlers match Test series. “There’s quite a lot in “We had a bad time and bowled balls quire restaurant-goers to dine back negative. survive with Karunaratne until the close. should take a leaf out of the Sri Lankan the surface and I don’t think we exploit- in bad areas that went for boundaries.”