CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Stokes stars again Arsenal’s Arteta as England seal says facing thrilling win Leeds is like against Proteas going to dentist

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 FORMULA 1 Jumada I 13, 1441 AH Verstappen to GULF TIMES stay at Red Bull till 2023 SPORT Page 6

TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Stan on course with seventh straight victory over Chardy Swiss World No 15 Wawrinka will next clash with Slovenian Aljaz Bedene, who beat Alexander Bublik 6-3, 7-5

By Anil John Qatar ExxonMobil Open will continue to excel, says QTF chief tan Wawrinka shook off any remnants of the rust QNA his body may have ac- Doha cumulated during the offS -season with a straight sets demolition of Frenchman Jeremy atar Federation Chardy in the second round of (QTF) President Nasser the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at Qal-Khelaifi said that the Khalifa International Tennis Qatar ExxonMobil Open will and Squash Complex yesterday. continue to excel in 2020 as it The top seed, who was given has done in previous editions. a fi rst-round bye, gave an early Al-Khelaifi said in a statement glimpse of his resolve to secure a yesterday that the Qatari top-10 world ranking at the end tournament, which has been of the year with a gutsy eff ort that held at the start of the tennis has pretty much defi ned both his season every year, always game and character since turning makes its case to win the best pro at the age of 17 in 2002. tournament award, given the “I’m really happy with the fi rst participation of the top players match, fi rst match of the sea- on their way to the year’s first son, after a few months without — Australia Open. playing matches. I think the level He praised the great eff orts was good. I was really focused, made by the organising commit- moving well also. Yeah, so I’m tee and the Qatari work team, happy with the match, really whose great professionalism happy,” Wawrinka said after his over the many years ensures 87-minute 6-3, 6-4 victory. that the Qatar ExxonMobil Open The three-time Grand Slam outperforms the rest of its peers champion said it doesn’t make in the ATP 250 category. award for the best tournament much of a diff erence to him psy- The QTF president welcomed in the ATP 250 category. chologically that he has got the the tournament’s guests and Al-Khelaifi invited the fans to fi rst obstacle out of the way in the the media people from all over come to the Khalifa Inter- quest for the title. the world who were present national Tennis and Squash “I think my focus is the same Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns during the Qatar ExxonMobil Open second round match against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy (not pictured) to cover the tournament, and Complex to watch the best in every match I play. For sure at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil who contributed, with their tennis players in the world and the fi rst match is always a bit dif- coverage eff orts, to Qatar enjoy some high performance ferent. But, again, as I say, I’ve ing to be back, trying to make 6-2; Q-Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt ExxonMobil Open winning the tennis. been practising well. I arrived him play more, to be a bit more 8-Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-4, early here to be ready for the fi rst aggressive, to move well. And 4-6, 6-4; 5-Laslo Djere (SRB) bt match. Today I played well, so I think I started to play much Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 6-1, 3-6, 6-2; now I’m happy to play doubles better, much more aggressive,” Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt WC- Kukushkin knocks out Arab tomorrow again and then the Wawrinka said. Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-0, 6-3. next match in singles.” It paid off as Wawrinka won favourite Jaziri Wawrinka, who is now ranked the fourth game and secured a DOUBLES (2nd Round) By Syed Arhm Ahmad 15th, thus made it 7-0 against break of his own in the fi fth to Frederik Nielsen (DEN) & Tim Doha Chardy. Had this been crick- inch close. In the fi fth game he Puetz (GER) bt Marcelo Demo- et, Chardy would be called his broke Chardy and from there it liner (BRA) & Matwe Middelkoop ‘bunny’, and he was asked if the was all plain sailing. (NED) 7-6 (10), 6-7, 10-7; Ken Skup- n the first round of the 2020 Frenchman was his “favourite” Wawrinka will next clash with ski & Neil Skupski (GBR) bt Laslo Qatar Exxon Mobil Open opponent on the Tour. Slovenian Aljaz Bedene, who ad- Djere (SRB) & Aljaz Bedene (SLO) Iyesterday, ’s “Not one of my favourite, but vanced to the last-8 with a 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 10-5. Mikhail Kukushkin ousted it’s probably one against who 7-5 win over Alexander Bublik, Tunisian Malek Jaziri, a crowd I have the best record,” smiled the Kazakh who had upset sev- TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY favourite in the region. Wawrinka. enth seeded Frenchman Adrian CENTRE COURT (starts at The Doha crowd played their “But he’s always diffi cult play- Mannarino on Monday. 3:30pm) part in trying to encourage er to play. You know, I’m happy Wawrinka will be meeting Be- Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) vs Jaziri on, applauding his every to have won all those matches, dene for the fi fth time, of which 2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) point with great energy. How- but it’s always been diffi cult. You four were in the opening week of Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs ever, Kukushkin was too good always have to fi nd a way. He’s the season. They met three straight 6-Filip Krajinovic (SRB) on the day. serving well. years in , splitting their Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) vs The Kazakh won a comfortable “But, again, I think today I fi rst two meetings in the 2013-14 3-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) encounter 6-0, 6-3 in only 68 played well. I was moving well, I quarter-fi nals before Wawrinka 4-Milos Raonic (CAN) vs Q- minutes. It was Kukushkin’s was serving well, and fi nding the triumphed in the 2015 fi nal. Corentin Moutet (FRA) first main draw win in Doha right things to do.” Meanwhile, in the fi rst round while Jaziri’s record dropped to The Swiss began well, winning yesterday, Hungarian quali- COURT 1 (starts at 3:30pm) 0-7; he is yet to register his first the fi rst game of the match and fi er Marton Fucsovics shocked Frances Tiafor (USA)/Stan win at the tournament. then breaking Chardy in the very eighth-seeded American Frances Wawrinka (CAN) vs 3-Rohan It was also Kukushkin’s first next with a classic down-the- Tiafoe 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Fifth seed Bopanna (IND)/ victory over Jaziri, having lost line backhand shot before retain- Laslo Djere closed out a 6-1, 3-6, (NED) their only previous encounter Kukushkin closed out the ing his serve for a 3-0 lead. 6-2 victory over Italian Lorenzo Q-Marton Fucsovics (HUN) vs at the 2015 . match in the ninth game of the It could have been 4-0 soon Sonego, and Turkish wild card WC-Cem Ilkel (TUR) Kukushkin set the tone of the second set to move into the but perhaps his concentration Cem Ilkel ousted Ricardas Be- 5-Laslo Djere (SRB) vs Marco match early, breaking Jaziri round of 16. was broken by a cat that ran rankis 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Cecchinato (ITA) or Pierre-Hu- in the very first game. He did It was Kukushkin’s first time in across the court and hid between “Taifoe is a diffi cult player to gues Herbert (FRA) not allow Jaziri a single game Doha in nine years and he was the advertising boards on centre play against but I hung around in the first set, playing a very happy to be back. court. for the win,” said Fucsovics. “I COURT 2 (starts at 3:30pm) consistent brand of tennis and “I am not sure why it took so The players joined the umpire Hungarian qualifier Marton Fucsovics in action against eighth-seed am happy with the fi rst win, let’s Ken Skupski (GBR)/Neal Skup- keeping his unforced errors long to come back but I am and other staff to look for the fe- Frances Tiafoe (not pictured) of the US yesterday. see how it goes,” the Hungarian, ski (GBR) vs (FIN)/ low. happy to be here, this event line off ender, the search lasting whose only title has come on clay Franko Skugor (CRO) Kukushkin successfully man- is one of the best on tour,” he a little over two minutes, with ball to the cat?” Wawrinka was Wawrinka immediately and then in Geneva in 2018, added. Jeremy Chard (FRA)/Fabrice aged to use all the dimensions said. Wawrinka even rolling the ball asked. keeping his serve for a 3-0 lead. Martin (FRA) or of the court, constantly moving Looking forward to his round in the presumed direction of the “I was trying to make him leave It was against the fl ow of the RESULTS (IND)/Artem Sitak (NZL) vs Luke Jaziri around and not allow- of 16 clash against the second cat. the court nicely,” he said. game, with Wawrinka appearing SINGLES (2nd Round) Bambridge (GBR)/Santiago ing him to get into any sort of seed Andrey Rublev, Kukushkin The cat probably disappeared Wawrinka served out the set, a bit tardy, sending shots long 1-Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Jer- Gonzalez (MEX) rhythm. acknowledged that the Russian on its own but when play re- with Chardy missing two break and wide. emy Chardy (FRA) 6-3, 6-4; Aljaz Mate Pavic (CRO)/Bruno While Jaziri played a better will be the favourite, but he sumed, Wawrinka missed two points. But then Wawrinka’s famed Bedene (SLO) bt Alexander Bublik Soares (BRA) or Egor Gerasimov second set, he was once again said he looked forward to get- break points to allow Chardy win The Frenchman began the grit kicked in. (KAZ) 6-3, 7-5. (BLR)/Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) broken early, in the third game, ting out there and giving it his his fi rst game. second set in style, winning the “Yeah, I was thinking it’s just 1st Round: WC-Cem Ilkel (TUR) bt vs Frederik Nielsen (DEN)/Tim courtesy of a double fault. best shot. “You were trying to give the fi rst game at love and breaking a matter of one break. I was try- Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 6-2, 4-6, Puetz (GER) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 8, 2020 TENNIS

FOCUS Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 launched at gala dinner xxonMobil Qatar and the “We believe that when part- ExxonMobil Open has received Qatar Tennis Federation ners respect one another and has motivated us to work even hosted a star studded share the same interests, they harder because we believe there gala dinner to offi cially can better work together to de- is still so much more we can with kickE off the Qatar ExxonMobil liver tangible outcomes. We’re the tournament.” Open 2020, which is taking place bound by a distinct culture, a ExxonMobil Qatar is commit- in Doha. rich history, and the values that ted to realising Qatar’s journey The event was attended by make the Qatar ExxonMobil towards achieving sustainable Qatari offi cials, key business and Open a unique event that is en- development by supporting the community leaders, and sev- joyed by thousands of people goals of the National Vision eral tennis stars competing in every year.” 2030. The company works in this year’s tournament includ- “We hope everyone enjoys this partnership with local organisa- ing: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Stan wonderful country’s hospitality tions to invest in programs that Wawrinka, and Andrey Rublev. and the fantastic tennis coming focus on educational and pro- Nasser al-Khelaifi , President of our way over the next few days,” fessional development towards the Qatar Tennis Federation, and Routledge added. building a skilled workforce for Alistair Routledge, President and Tariq Zainal, Secretary- the future. General Manager for ExxonMobil General of the Qatar Tennis The Qatar ExxonMobil Open Qatar, welcomed the evening’s Federation, said, “Qatar Ten- will run until January 11, 2020, guests. nis Federation values the great bringing some of the world’s “We’re thrilled to celebrate achievements made through its top players to Doha to compete the launch of the Qatar Exxon- strategic partnership with Exx- for the trophy and a share of Mobil Open 2020 - the start of onMobil Qatar over the years. the prize money. Tickets for the another exciting tournament, We have put Qatar on the global six-day event are available to the and one more great years of part- tennis map as one of the top lo- public online at www.qatarten- nership with the Qatar Tennis cations in the ATP World Tour. nis.org, as well as at various lo- President of the Qatar Tennis Federation Nasser al-Khelaifi (fourth right), President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Federation,” said Routledge. The wide acclaim the Qatar cations across Doha. Routledge (fourth left) pose with other off icials and players at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 launch gala dinner.

ATP CUP AUCKLAND CLASSIC Serena powers past Giorgi for ‘solid’ Kyrgios topples start to 2020 AFP Top seed Bencic, Auckland defending champ erena Williams found Sabalenka Tsitsipas as Russia, her power game af- ousted ter a sluggish start as she overcame qualifi er Swiss top seed Belinda Ben- CamilaS Giorgi to open her 2020 cic and Belarusian defending season with a straight-sets champion Aryna Sabalenka victory at the Auckland WTA were both knocked out on Classic yesterday. a day of upsets at ’s With an eye on the Austral- Shenzhen Open yesterday. Britain enter last 8 ian Open later in the month, Russia’s Anna Blinkova the 38-year-old worked her claimed the first top-10 win ‘I’m just glad we got the win. There was a lot of respect out there. He’s a good player, a good kid’ way into a blistering perform- of her career when she ance that proved too much for came from behind to beat AFP the 1.7 metre (5ft 6in) Italian. Bencic 3-6 6-3 6-3 in the Sydney She described her fi rst match first round while Sabalenka since losing the US Open fi nal was beaten 6-4 6-4 by the in September as “solid” rather Czech Republic’s Kristyna battling Nick Kyrgios than spectacular. Pliskova in the last-16. earned a morale-boost- “Spent a long time off from Blinkova started poorly ing victory over world tournament play, match play, against world number eight number six Stefanos so solid is pretty good. It’s a Bencic and was broken three TsitsipasA yesterday, while Russia great start to build on,” she said times in the opening set. and Britain booked their spots in after sealing her 6-3, 6-2 vic- But she never dropped her the ATP Cup quarter-fi nals. tory with her eighth ace against serve thereafter, firing 12 Tsitsipas was on a roll after the 99th-ranked Giorgi. aces and breaking Bencic thrashing Alexander Zverev on “It’s really good that I still five times to advance to Monday, but met his match in have some power left in my the second round. “It was the temperamental Australian, arms and my legs.” a great performance from who was on his best behaviour Williams, originally drawn me today,” Blinkova said. “I during the high-quality 7-6 to play two-time Grand Slam prepared very carefully and (9/7), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5) win. winner Svetlana Kuznetsova I’m happy that I played good “It was exhausting but a lot before the Russian pulled out tennis. I was thinking to just of fun. I knew it was going to be due to a virus, said her prepa- fight for every point. “I didn’t very tough... he’s an amazing ration had been helped by feel great in the beginning player and so young and is going playing doubles with Caro- of the match, I didn’t feel the to do some special things in this line Wozniacki the previous ball and my shots. I didn’t sport,” said Kyrgios, who missed evening which allowed her to play bad, but I managed his last match with a sore back. adapt to the blustery Auckland to increase the level of my “I’m just glad we got the win. weather. game slowly, step by step.” There was a lot of respect out “I knew it was going to be re- there. He’s a good player, a good ally tough but I think the dou- kid.” Australia took the tie, with bles really helped. I got to come in three sets to eventual cham- John Millman winning the other out here and play a little bit in pion Ashleigh Barty, needed 78 singles against ’s Michail these conditions and get used minutes to dispose of Kateryna Pervolarakis 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/1). to them.” Kozlova of the Ukraine 6-3, In contrast, Zverev cut a mis- After more than three 6-4. erable fi gure after he meekly months off court, Williams Unlike Williams, Anisimova succumbed to another defeat, took time to settle and was said she felt quite at home in with the world number seven Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a return against of Greece during their match on day five of the ATP Cup in Brisbane. (AFP) forced to save an early break the Auckland wind. “I’ve been having some serious problems to point with the fi rst six games training in Miami and it’s really iron out ahead of the Australian RESULTS all going with serve. the same,” she said. Open this month. But at 3-3 in the fi rst set, The top fi ve seeds were all in “Generally I’m not playing In Sydney Group F In Perth Williams found her range and action on Tuesday and along good, so there’s a lot of things that Group C Canada 2 Germany 1 Group D from there on the result was with Williams and Anisimova, I still need to improve, but it’s the Britain 3 Moldova 0 Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Felix Auger- Russia 3 Norway 0 never in doubt. Petra Martic, defending cham- start of the season,” said the Ger- (GBR) bt Alexander Coz- Aliassime (CAN) 6-1, 6-4, Denis Shapovalov Karen Khachanov (RUS) bt Viktor Durasovic Auckland is an important pion Julia Goerges and Caroline man after crashing to Canada’s binov (MDV) 6-2, 6-2, Dan Evans (GBR) bt (CAN) bt Alexander Zverev (GER) 6-2, 6-2, (NOR) 6-2, 6-1, Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt tournament for the veteran as Wozniacki also progressed to Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-2. (MDV) 6-2, 6-2, / Denis Shapovalov/Felix Auger-Aliassime Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), Teymuraz she prepares for the Australian the second round. His poor form contributed to (GBR) bt Radu Albot/Alexander (CAN) bt / (GER) Gabashvili/Konstantin Kravchuk (RUS) bt Open later in the month with Second seed Martic from the Boris Becker-led Germany Cozbinov (MDV) 6-2, 6-3 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). Casper Rudd/Viktor Durasovic (NOR) 7-6 her eyes fi rmly on a record- Croatia had trouble at the start losing two of their three ties. Belgium 2 1 Australia 3 Greece 0 (7/4), 6-4. equalling 24th Grand Slam title. against 21-year-old American Australia, along with Novak (BUL) bt John Millman (AUS) bt Italy 3 United States 0 While Williams is the undisput- Usue Arconada and dropped Djokovic’s Serbia, had already (BEL) 6-0, 6-3, David Goff in (BEL) bt Grigor (GRE) 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) ed face of American tennis, she the fi rst set before prevailing qualifi ed for the last eight in the Dimitrov (BUL) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, Sander Gille/Jo- Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 7-6 (9/7), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/1), Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt John has been joined in Auckland by 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. 24-nation tournament as win- ran Vliegen (BEL) bt /Dimitar 7-6 (7/5), John Peers/Chris Guccione (AUS) Isner (USA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), Fabio Fognini/Si- the new wave of US tennis stars, Wozniacki cruised against ners of their respective groups Kuzmanov (BUL) 3-6, 6-4, 10-7 bt / (GRE) mone Bolelli (ITA) bt Austin Krajicek/Rajeem headed by the tournament third New Zealander Paige Houri- and they were joined by Russia, In Brisbane 6-3, 6-4. Rav (USA) 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 10-3. seed Amanda Anisimova who gan with a 6-1, 6-0 victory in with Britain also sneaking in. did not disappoint. 53 minutes while Germany’s The British were on tenter- The 18-year-old, who cap- Goerges came from 2-5 down hooks, with their fate in the on track after Dimitar Kuzmanov pulling out the win today,” said fael Nadal’s Spain will also make Medvedev steered Russia to vic- tured world attention reaching in the second set to beat Greet hands of Belgium and Bulgaria thrashed Steve Darcis in the Vliegen after beating Dimitrov the last eight if they beat Japan in tory, ending Norwegian Casper the semi-fi nals of the French Minnen of Belgium 6-1, 7-6 after they beat Moldova 3-0. opening singles and Dimitrov and Kuzmanov 3-6, 6-4, 10-7. Perth on Wednesday, as will the Ruud’s giant-killing run with Open last year where she lost (7/4). Belgium ended up crushing took the fi rst set in his show- Britain put themselves in con- Marin Cilic-led Croatia by beat- a 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) win as the US the dreams of Grigor Dimitrov’s down with David Goffi n. tention by thrashing Moldova, ing Argentina in Sydney. Open fi nalist continued his Bulgaria in a deciding doubles But Goffi n bounced back to with Dan Evans crushing Radu The two best runners-up also ominous form. World number clash and in doing so allowed win with Sander Gille and Joran Albot and Cameron Norrie eas- go through and will be deter- 17 Karen Khachanov easily beat Britain to win the group. Vliegen clinching the doubles. ing past mined on the last day of round Viktor Durasovic 6-2, 6-1 in the It was a cruel end for Dimitrov “Tough fi nding words right before Jamie Murray and Joe robin play Wednesday. other singles before Russia made and his young team. They looked now. A very special feeling after Salisbury won the doubles. Ra- World number fi ve Daniil it 3-0 in the doubles. Osaka opens year with tough win over Sakkari Japanese star Naomi Osaka came from a Osaka, the tournament’s third seed, said Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra also progressed in three sets, beating break down in the third set to overcome she was pleased with her first match of the Kvitova came back from a poor first set to Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the first round of year, after she was forced out of the WTA defeat Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3. Eighth seed Madison Keys served the WTA Brisbane International yesterday. Finals in October with a shoulder injury. 2-6, 6-1, 6-0, while American qualifier Jen- brilliantly in her impressive 6-3, 6-2 win Sakkari sniff ed an upset when she won “I’m really happy with how I served - I had nifer Brady downed Russia’s Maria Shara- over Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova. The the second set in a tiebreak then broke to retire from my last match because of pova. Sharapova, a former world number American made 70 percent of her first Osaka’s opening service game of the third my shoulder thing, so I wasn’t really sure one, was granted a wildcard into the event serves as she eased to a comfortable vic- set, but the former world number one dug how I was going to serve today,” she said. but although winning the first set, she tory in just 66 minutes. deep and won 6-2, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 in a two- “But I was told I hit 16 aces, so that’s pretty eventually succumbed 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3). “I think it (my serve) was just working Serena Williams of the US hits a return against Camila Giorgi of hour opening-round clash. good for me.” Sixth-seeded Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens pretty well today,” she said. Italy during their singles first round match at the Auckland Classic yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, January 8, 2020 3

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Confusion over South African position on Stokes stars again as four-day Tests

AFP to be consulted before an offi cial Cape Town position was taken. “I was not privy to any dis- cussions which might have tak- ricket South Africa is- en place on this issue before my England seal thrilling sued a one-paragraph appointment,” he said. statement yesterday Andrew Breetzke, chief ex- stating it was offi cial ecutive of the SA Cricketers’ Cpolicy to support four-day Test Association, said SACA aligned match cricket. itself with the position of the But the statement appeared Federation of International to surprise both the acting chief Cricketers’ Associations (Fica). executive of Cricket South Af- “We believe this is an issue win against Proteas rica and the chief executive of which needs extensive research the South African Cricketers’ and discussion,” he said. ‘We had to work incredibly hard, we knew we were going to have to do that’ Association. CSA has been hit by contro- The full statement by CSA versy in recent months, with read: “In view of an unsourced SACA, at least two sponsors and and misleading report in the two former chief executives all media this morning please be calling for the board to resign. advised that it is Cricket South Three of fi ve independent di- Africa’s offi cial policy to sup- rectors resigned in the wake of port four-day Test match crick- the withdrawal of accreditation, et. quickly rescinded, of fi ve jour- “We, in fact, hosted the fi rst nalists who had been critical of offi cial four-day Test match be- the organisation. tween ourselves and Zimbabwe In the wake of the controver- a couple of years ago.” sy, the chief executive, Thabang Asked to elaborate, a spokes- Moroe, was suspended and Faul man for CSA said he was not was appointed for a six-month aware whether CSA had taken acting period, while former a formal decision to support a Graeme Smith was ap- suggestion that the World Test pointed interim director of championship should consist of cricket and former international four-day matches from 2023. Mark Boucher was named head The proposal appears to have coach of the national team. the support of England and It was not clear whether Australia. Smith, Boucher or captain Faf The statement was made du Plessis had been consulted in response to an article in on the issue of four-day Tests. the London Daily Mail which Ironically, the statement was claimed South Africa was op- issued shortly before play start- posed to four-day Tests. ed on what promised to be an Jacques Faul, the acting chief intriguing fi fth day of the sec- executive of CSA, said he be- ond Test between South Africa lieved all stake-holders needed and England at Newlands.

Elgar adamant he didn’t hit ball aft er controversial dismissal

South African opening batsman “It’s a bit of an emotional time Dean Elgar insisted that he was when those kind of things “very confident” he should not happen. Obviously I had to have been given out on Monday simmer down and watching the during the second Test against footage, I could still say that I England’s Ben Stokes (centre) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of South Africa’s Anrich Nortje (left) during the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa at England at Newlands. haven’t hit it.” The left-hander the Newlands stadium in Cape Town yesterday. (AFP) Elgar, who made 88 in the first pushed forward against Denly’s innings, fell for 34 when he was , with a faint ‘spike’ on Reuters selves a chance with some stern given out caught behind by Jos UltraEdge enough for TV umpire Cape Town Scorecard resistance, not least from debu- Buttler off Joe Denly’s occasional Chris Gaff aney to uphold Paul tant opener Pieter Malan who leg-spin, despite referring the Reiff el’s on-field decision of out. ENGLAND 1st innings 269 F. du Plessis c Denly b Bess 19 Fall of : 1-71 (Elgar), 2-123 lasted 288 balls for his 84. decision. “I’m going to reserve my en Stokes took the last SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 223 Der Dussen c Anderson b Broad 17 (Hamza), 3-129 (Maharaj), 4-164 But England looked on course “I wouldn’t waste a referral comments because I don’t want ENGLAND second innings 391-8 (Du Plessis), 5-171 (Malan), 6-237 three wickets as Eng- Q. de Kock c Crawley b Denly 50 for victory at lunch after grab- knowing that I’ve nicked it. I don’t to get into trouble by the ICC, land subdued a stub- declared (De Kock), 7-237 (Van der Dussen), bing the key of South Af- play cricket like that,” the 32-year- but as a player I can say that I’m born South Africa to SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings V. Philander c Pope b Stokes 8 8-241 (Pretorius), 9-241 (Nortje) rica captain Faf du Plessis (19), old told Sky Sports. very confident that I didn’t nick winB a thrilling second Test by (overnight 126-2) D. Pretorius c Root b Stokes 0 Bowlers: Anderson 18-9-23-2, who will be disappointed with “I like to see myself as someone it,” added Elgar. “Sometimes you 189 runs late on day fi ve yester- P. Malan c Stokes b Curran 84 A. Nortje c Crawley b Stokes 0 Broad 23-8-37-1, Bess 33-14-57-1, his shot selection as he tried to who takes their outs when they’re have those things go your way day, their fi rst victory at New- Curran 16-4-37-1 (1nb, 1w), Denly take on spinner Dom Bess with a definitely out. and sometimes you don’t. AFP D. Elgar c Buttler b Denly 34 K. Rabada 3 lands since 1957. 18-4-42-2, Root 6-0-11-0, Stokes powerful sweep and picked out Quinton de Kock and Rassie Z. Hamza c Buttler b Anderson 18 Extras (b4, lb2, nb5, w2) 13 23.4-8-35-3 (4nb, 1w) Denly at square leg. van der Dussen had frustrated K. Maharaj lbw b Anderson 2 Tota (2 wkts, 56 overs) 248 Result: England won by 189 runs “The boys fought very hard. England for 44 overs before They bowled really well and Stokes provided late drama to credibly hard, we knew we were to win, South Africa looked that opened the door for Eng- congrats to them,” De Kock said. fi nish the match with 8.2 overs going to have to do that. relatively comfortable as they land and when Broad removed “Obviously we tried to push to spare and level the four- “It was incredible discipline reached 237 for fi ve with 26 the obdurate Van der Dussen (17 them as far as we can. Unfor- match series. The win will be from South Africa throughout overs remaining in the match. from 140 balls), it was well and tunately we fell just short. I especially pleasing for England the day but we kept saying one For the second time in the in- truly ajar. Stokes accounted for was disappointed because we for the way they stuck to their bit of magic. nings, however, a key man gave Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich had a good partnership going task on a fl at fi fth-day wick- “We set some funky fi elds. his wicket away. De Kock (50) Nortje in successive balls, both and I smoked one straight to a et, with Stokes’s superb burst One breakthrough and we could attempted to pull a dragged caught at slip, and sealed the fi elder.” earning the all-rounder fi gures apply some pressure. You need down delivery from part-time victory in front of an ecstatic South Africa won the fi rst of 3-35. “A great day’s play and a lot of character and skill to leg spinner Joe Denly and suc- Barmy Army when Vernon Phi- Test in Pretoria by 107 runs. a great Test match,” England chase 10 wickets. We are proud ceeded only in picking out Zak lander was caught fending a The third match in the four- seamer Stuart Broad told Sky of taking our chances.” Crawley at mid-wicket. lifting delivery to Ollie Pope. Test series starts in Port Eliza- Sports. “We had to work in- Chasing a Test record 438 It was an unnecessary stroke South Africa had given them- beth on January 16.

FOCUS The starry rise of Australia’s Labuschagne AFP was during the second Test at Lord’s play for the national team. Sydney when master Australian batsman “He brings so much to the team, not Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne celebrates scoring Smith was felled by a vicious bouncer just and bowling.” a century during the first day of the third Test against off England paceman Jofra Archer in Such has been Labuschagne’s grow- New Zealand in Sydney on January 3, 2020. (AFP) ustralia’s Marnus La- the second innings. ing profi le that Australia batting great buschagne has joined the Smith’s departure opened the way Ricky Ponting has tagged him as a po- stars of world cricket in for Labuschagne to become the fi rst tential future Test captain. just fi ve months, soaring to concussion substitute in a Test match “Labuschagne is one that will come fourthA in the batting rankings from a after a change in the International into the conversation in 12-18 months’ nondescript 110th after seizing a freak Cricket Council’s regulations. time once he’s properly established opportunity with both hands. He made the most of his oppor- himself in the team,” Ponting said. Labuschagne emerged from no- tunity, reeling off four consecutive “He seems like the right sort of guy where to become ’s lead- half-centuries and fi nishing the Ashes to maybe be a captain down the track ing scorer last year with 1,104 runs, series with 353 runs at 50.42 — even at some point.” including 896 since November — bet- earning comparisons with the stellar Another former Australia captain tering the great Neil Harvey (834) for Smith. If Labuschagne’s career took Greg Chappell says Labuschagne has most runs scored by an Australian in a off during the Ashes, it has rocketed the temperament and technique to be- fi ve-Test summer. into the stratosphere this Australian come one of Australia’s best number The South African-born 25-year- summer. three batsmen alongside Ponting, Don old now shares rarefi ed air with crick- He peeled off two centuries against Bradman and himself. et’s elite, lagging only Virat Kohli, Ste- Pakistan, fi nishing the two-Test series “He has always had a solid tech- ve Smith and Kane Williamson in the with 347 runs at 173.50, and he was at nique and shots on both sides of the international rankings. another level against the Black Caps. wicket,” Chappell said. “I haven’t really had a chance to stop The gum-chewing number three Labuschagne has been an avid and refl ect on the summer that I have scored 143 in Perth before reaching his watcher of team-mate Steve Smith’s had,” Labuschagne said after his dou- highest Test score of 215 in the third quirky batting technique and has ble century against New Zealand last Test in Sydney. adopted his extravagant ‘light sabre week in Sydney. leave’, mimicking Smith’s fl ourish af- “Looking at it, it has been a very CAPTAINCY CALLING ter leaving the ball outside off -stump. special summer but the real privilege is “People like Marnus, you see someone Labuschagne understands the rich playing in this team.” None of this may with incredible work ethic, incredible history of batting greats Australia has have happened if Labuschagne had not hunger to get better, very coachable had coming in at one wicket down, de- grabbed his chance as a concussion and incredible energy,” said Australia claring the role had been a “pinnacle substitute during Australia’s Ashes coach Justin Langer, who plucked La- one for Australia and there is a lot that campaign in England last August. It buschagne from relative obscurity to comes with that”. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 8, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Outplayed in Australia, Black Caps Thakur, Saini shine look to bounce back against

Reuters “There’s no one more dis- Sydney appointed than ourselves. We in India’s clinical win came over here with some high expectations after some of the ew Zealand could cricket we’ve played, but cred- hardly but concede it has to go to Australia, the that they had been way they’ve played.” outplayed in all de- Latham said there was no Npartments on their tour of time for recriminations with Australia but will try to learn Virat Kohli’s India on their way against from the experience and look to New Zealand for Tests in to rediscover their form in next Wellington and Christchurch ‘This was a clinical performance, and that’s how we want to build on each series’ month’s home series against at the end of next month. India. “It’s important we don’t The Blacks Caps were un- start pointing the fi nger or beaten in their six previous looking at other factors,” he series before they fl ew across added. the Tasman Sea but will head “It’s important we learn home with their tails between from this and when we get their legs after losing by 296 back together as a red ball runs in Perth, 247 runs in Mel- team, we face India and we can bourne and, on Monday, 279 hopefully play our brand of runs in Sydney. cricket.” There were mitigating One bright footnote to an circumstances after injury otherwise forgettable tour was robbed them of their fastest Ross Taylor passing Stephen bowler, Lockie Ferguson, in the Fleming to become New Zea- fi rst test, and their best bowler, land’s most prolifi c run scorer Trent Boult, for the fi rst and in tests when his 22 runs on third matches. Monday took him to 7,174 from Captain Kane Williamson 99 Tests. and batsman Henry Nicholls Taylor paid a tearful tribute were also missing from the to former New Zealand captain Sydney test after falling vic- Martin Crowe, who died of tim to a fl u bug which ripped cancer in 2016, as he spoke of through the camp, but the se- his achievement. ries was already long lost by “My goal was to play one then. test match,” the 35-year-old It would have been hard to said. put a gloss on a batting per- “I guess it’s an emotional formance which saw the team time because my mentor Mar- score more than 250 runs only tin Crowe, that was one of the once in six innings, and stand- goals he put down for me was in skipper Tom Latham did not to be New Zealand’s highest even try. test run-scorer. “From a batting point of “To be honest I didn’t be- view we never reached the lieve him, but I’d have loved standard we set ourselves,” for him to be here and help cel- Latham told reporters. ebrate.”

India’s Navdeep Saini (centre) celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s (not in the picture) during the second T20 in Indore yesterday. (AFP)

AFP “This was a clinical perform- who made 32, on his return from elected to fi eld fi rst. tle the lower-order with three Indore ance, and that’s how we want injury, put on 71 runs for the Sri Lanka kept losing wick- strikes including two in succes- to build on each series. We have opening wicket to lay the plat- ets at regular intervals despite a sive deliveries. Hasaranga signed ticked a few more boxes this form for India’s comfortable brisk start but it was wrist spin- off the innings with three suc- ast bowler Navdeep Saini time,” said skipper Virat Kohli. chase on a good batting pitch. ner Kuldeep Yadav’s two strikes cessive fours off Bumrah but his led a disciplined Indian “Brilliant from Navdeep. He Leg-spinner Wanindu including , for 28, eff ort was not enough. bowling performance to has done well in ODI cricket, and Hasaranga sent back the two that put a lid on the islanders’ “I thought we were lacking by set up a seven-wicket he’s bowling well in T20s, with openers as he bowled Rahul with scoring. about 25 runs. We were looking winF over Sri Lanka in the second experienced guys like Jasprit a googly and then dismissed Saini, who bowled opener at 160 or so,” said Sri Lanka cap- international in In- (Bumrah), Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Dhawan lbw after a successful Danushka Gunathilaka for 20, tain . “The bowl- dore yesterday. Kumar) and Shardul. It’s a really Sri Lanka review. claimed Bhanuka Rajapaksa ers did a good job of sticking to Saini returned impressive fi g- good sign for the team.” Shreyas Iyer, who scored 34 caught behind for nine, as Sri their job.” ures of 2-18 while fellow pace- The 27-year-old Saini, who before falling to paceman Lahiru Lanka slipped to 104 for fi ve. The third and fi nal match is on man Shardul Thakur claimed made his one-day international Kumara, and Kohli, who made an Pace spearhead Jasprit Bum- Friday in Pune. three wickets to help restrict debut against West Indies on unbeaten 30 and hit the winning rah also took a wicket on his Sri Lanka to 142 for 9, a to- December 22, was adjudged man six, put on a key 51-run stand for return from a four-month in- BRIEF SCORES tal the hosts surpassed in 17.3 of the match in his seventh T20 the third wicket. jury lay-off by bowling Dasun India 144 for 3 (Rahul 45, Iyer 34, overs to take a 1-0 lead in the for India. But it was the Indian bowlers Shanaka with a slower ball. Kohli 30*) beat Sri Lanka 142 for three-match series. The opening KL Rahul, who top-scored who built the platform for vic- Thakur returned in his fi nal 9 (Kusal Perera 34, Thakur 3-23, New Zealand’s Tom Latham warms up prior to the first Test match was rained off . with 45, and Shikhar Dhawan, tory after Kohli won the toss and over and the team’s 19th to rat- Saini 2-18) by seven wickets. against Australia in Sydney on January 3, 2020. (AFP)

OPINION It’s important Test cricket stays the way it is: Tendulkar Reuters started, which people enjoyed, and from SUFFER SPINNERS Mumbai there T20 came and next the 100-ball Tendulkar, the only cricketer to score 100 will come,” he added. centuries across all formats, fears cutting “A number of new things are being Tests by a day would produce more draws ndian batting great Sachin Ten- produced for the newer generation. But and would be detrimental to spin-bowl- dulkar told Reuters he is fi rmly op- while you are learning new things you ers, who tend to thrive on deteriorating posed to shortening Test matches to cannot forget your roots. wickets towards the backend of Tests. four days from fi ve and has warned “As a purist, it is important Test “I feel spinners look forward to day againstI straying too far from the game’s cricket stays the way it is.” four and fi ve when there is wear and tear roots in the quest to attract a younger Four-day matches were given the on a scuff ed-up surface,” he said. audience. green light by the ICC in 2017 when “It’s like taking day one out of a Test The International Cricket Council South Africa hosted Zimbabwe, and match for fast bowlers. On day fi ve there (ICC), the sport’s world governing body, England have since played one against are a number of things which happen in is set to discuss the idea of reducing Ireland. Test cricket. You are completely taking all Test matches by a day to free up a With an increasing number of Tests them away. crowded international calendar. fi nishing before the fi fth day, adminis- “Teams which have got spinners, for The future of the longest format has trators are keen to free up space in the sure, will suff er. Subcontinental teams been the subject of debate since the rise schedule for more lucrative shorter- rely on spinners. of Twenty20 leagues over the last dec- form matches. “Like how you play on a green top on ade coincided with dwindling crowds Tendulkar said they should instead day one against seamers, you should be at Test matches outside cricket hotbeds focus on producing better playing sur- able to play spin bowling also on scuff ed- Australia and England. faces to make Tests more appealing. up tracks,” he said. However, Tendulkar told Reuters “What is the heart of Test cricket? I “That is also part of cricket.” there were other ways of making Test think the heart of Test cricket is to pro- Improving the competitiveness of matches more attractive and halting the vide a good pitch where there is enough teams outside the top fi ve nations of In- drift toward the shorter formats. for the bowlers throughout the match,” dia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa “I feel a purist will always enjoy a he said. and England would also make Test crick- fi ve-day match, because that is where “The ICC should look to provide ex- et a more attractive product. you fi nd the challenges,” he said. citing wickets for spectators to come “Everyone is focusing on quantity, fi ve “We should not be looking at Test and watch. You need to provide surfaces days to four days... we need to focus more cricket as a longer format of a limited- where the bowlers are testing batters on quality,” he said. overs match.” also. “With all due respect there are cer- Tendulkar retired from international “There are two formats — ODIs and tain teams which are not challenging cricket in 2013 and remains the leading T20s — where the bowlers are being the leading fi ve teams. The ICC should scorer in the format with 15,921 runs Tested, so you’ve got to have one format be concerned about more teams playing and a record 51 hundreds. where the batters are being tested. Test cricket and being competitive. He said that while the game contin- “That’s why it’s called Test cricket — “But that competitiveness is missing ues to evolve it would be a mistake to it has to Test everyone. completely. So, one needs to focus on focus on the latest trends at the expense “If you provide good pitches which how could we lift that standard and how of Tests. have something for the bowlers, Test we could get them back in Test cricket at “From Test cricket, one-day cricket cricket will fi nd more eyeballs.” a level where they are competitive.” File photo of Sachin Tendulkar. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, January 8, 2020 5 SPOPT

NBA NHL Spurs shock Bucks Ehlers takes the Jets past behind 3-point Canadiens Reuters pass back to Ehlers for Winni- New York peg’s third short-handed marker and Ehlers’ 17th this year. But Chiarot, a Winnipeg de- ikolaj Ehlers notched fenseman for six seasons, made a goal and an assist to it 2-1 at 11:03 by wiring a laser lead the visiting Win- from the top of the left circle that barrage, Mavs win nipeg Jets to a 3-2 win beat Hellebuyck on the short Nover the Montreal Canadiens on side. A misplay by Cale Fleury at The Spurs are fighting to hang onto eighth place in the Western Conference Monday night. the blue line led to Copp’s unas- Josh Morrissey and Andrew sisted breakaway goal at 10:16 Copp also scored, and Blake for a 3-1 lead, but Chiarot’s sec- Wheeler assisted twice for the ond tally soon made it 3-2. Jets, who broke a two-game los- Montreal went on a power ing streak and won for the just play with 3:17 remaining, and the third time in 10 games (3-5- Price went to the bench for the 2). extra skater with 2:15 left. Connor Hellebuyck stopped But Winnipeg allowed just a Washington Wizards guard 29 shots as Winnipeg improved couple of shots on goal and hung Troy Brown Jr. (6) attempts to to 15-0-0 when leading after on for the victory. dunk the ball as Boston Celt- two periods. Adam Lowry played Meanwhile, Connor McDavid ics guard Marcus Smart (36) in his 400th game. had a dazzling goal and three as- defends in the third quarter of Ben Chiarot tallied two goals sists, and the visiting their game on Monday. to reach a career-high seven in Oilers snapped the Toronto Ma- PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports his fi rst multi-goal game, and ple Leafs’ 10-game point streak Tomas Tatar contributed two as- with a 6-4 win on Monday night. sists for Montreal, which lost its McDavid’s goal put the game sixth straight (0-5-1). away at 11:26 of the third. He Carey Price made 24 saves, entered the zone one-on-one and Max Domi’s nine-game with defenseman Morgan Rielly point streak ended. looking as if he intended to pass, Former 2001 No. 1 draft pick then sharply juked left, scooted Ilya Kovalchuk, signed by Mon- by Rielly and fi nished in the top treal last week, made a success- left corner. ful debut for the Canadiens with Alex Chiasson and Leon Drai- an assist, four shots on goal, a saitl each had a goal and an as- plus-2 rating and 19:25 of ice sist for the Oilers, who have won time. consecutive games. Oscar Klef- The home crowd perked up bom, Darnell Nurse and Kai- when the 36-year-old Koval- ler Yamamoto also scored. Mike chuk, wearing his familiar No. Smith made 32 saves in the Ed- 17 given to him by new team- monton goal. mate Brett Kulak, hopped on the Pierre Engvall had a goal and ice for his fi rst shift in the fi rst an assist for the Maple Leafs. minute. He skated down and Jason Spezza, Frederik Gauthier fl ipped a 41-foot wrister that and Auston Matthews also had was easily gloved by Hellebuyck, goals. Kasperi Kapanen added eliciting applause from the Bell two assists. Toronto had been Centre faithful. riding a 9-0-1 stretch. Morrissey put the Jets up 1-0 Semyon Varlamov stopped all early in the second when his long 32 shots he faced in his fi rst ca- shot beat Price at 1:32 for his reer appearance against the team fourth tally. The high-scoring with whom he spent the previ- duo of Ehlers and Wheeler soon ous eight seasons, as New York made it a two-goal advantage beat visiting Colorado in Union- AFP playoff series,” Mills said. “You Reigning NBA Most Valuable Jokic connected on 16 of 25 Gentry said. “End of game.” with the Jets killing their fi rst dale, N.Y. Los Angeles can hone in to their strengths Player Antetokounmpo led the from the fl oor as the Nuggets Bojan Bogdanovic scored 35 penalty. With teammate Math- Anders Lee scored the game’s and weaknesses.” Bucks with 24 points, 12 re- avoided a third straight defeat points and Joe Ingles added 22 ieu Perreault off for hooking and only goal 6:54 into the third pe- But even as he focused on the bounds and eight assists. after falling to the Houston for the Jazz, who pushed their the NHL’s worst penalty-kill riod, as the Islanders ended a eMar DeRozan scored task at hand, Mills said Monday Dallas’ MVP candidate Luka Rockets on Tuesday and the winning streak to six games. unit on the ice, the pair broke two-game losing streak. The 25 points and Patty he had been “keeping a close Doncic delivered his league- Washington Wizards on Satur- Ingram scored 35 points out on a two-on-none break on Avalanche had their two-game Mills put aside con- eye” on the news from Aus- leading 11th triple-double of day. The injury-depleted Wiz- for the Pelicans. Golden State Price, and Wheeler dumped a winning streak snapped. cern about the deadly tralia. the season with 38 points, 11 ards, 12th in the Eastern Con- coach Steve Kerr was irked by fiD res in his native Australia to “It’s very devastating what’s rebounds and 10 assists to lead ference, surprised another top the offi ciating in the fi rst half of help the San Antonio Spurs to happening,” he said. “It’s one of the Mavericks to a 118-110 vic- team with a 99-94 victory over the ’ 111-98 loss to the a 126-104 upset of the NBA- those disasters and a national cri- tory over the Chicago Bulls. the Boston Celtics. Kings in Sacramento. leading Milwaukee Bucks on sis that is hard to comprehend.” Doncic scored 21 points in the Ish Smith had a big game, His protests drew two quick Monday. San Antonio hit 12 of 20 three- third quarter as the Mavs took coming off the bench to score 27 technical fouls and an ejection Mills — who has been using point attempts in the fi rst half, charge of a close game. points for Washington. shortly before half-time, the his social media accounts to of- tying a club record for most made Chicago lost forward Wendell There was controversy in coach walking onto the court to fer updates on the bushfi res — three-pointers in any half. Carter Jr. with 8:25 remaining in New Orleans, where the Peli- give offi cials a further piece of made six three-pointers as the They handed the Bucks their the third, when he suff ered an cans thought forward Bran- his mind before departing. Spurs drained a season-high 19 fi rst defeat since an upset loss to apparent right ankle injury. don Ingram was fouled by Utah from beyond the arc and turned Philadelphia on Christmas Day. In Atlanta, Denver center center Rudy Gobert on a poten- RESULTS the tables on Giannis Antetok- It was also the Bucks’ fi rst loss Nikola Jokic scored 47 points tial game-tying fi nal shot. Dallas ...... 118 Chicago...... 110 ounmpo and the Bucks, who this season to a team without a to lead the Nuggets to a 123-115 No foul was called, and the San Antonio ....126 Milwaukee .....104 had beaten them on Saturday. winning record, but Milwaukee victory over the Hawks. Jazz emerged with a 128-126 Atlanta ...... 115 Denver ...... 123 Mills said facing the pow- maintained the best record in Jokic, stung early when Hawks victory. Sacramento ...... 111 Golden State .98 erhouse Bucks twice in quick the league at 32-6. guard Trae Young made a crisp “All we did is exactly what we New Orleans ..126 Utah...... 128 succession was actually a good The Spurs, who improved to pass between the Nuggets play- were supposed to do — took the Charlotte ...... 104 Indiana ...... 115 thing. 15-20, are fi ghting to hang onto er’s legs to set up Alex Len for a ball, drove it hard to the basket, Orlando ...... 101 Brooklyn ...... 89 Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (27) plays the puck and “You can kind of lock in a lit- eighth place in the Western layup, responded with the high- then they determined it wasn’t Philadelphia ...120 Oklahoma City 113 Canadiens’ Jeff Petry (26) defends during the third period of their tle bit in a smaller version of a Conference. est-scoring game of his career. a foul,” Pelicans coach Alvin Washington ...... 99 Boston ...... 94 game on Monday. PICTURE: Eric Bolte –USA TODAY Sports

NFL Rams part ways with defensive coordinator Phillips Reuters Tampa Bay in Week 4, 45-6 to Balti- Giants end interview with Judge Los Angeles more in Week 12 and 44-21 to Dallas in Week 15. The Rams also held fi ve With another NFC East team fill- Josh McDaniels, who reportedly teams to 10 or fewer points, and it is ing its head-coaching vacancy set a trio of interviews for this he Los Angeles Rams an- that inconsistency that likely con- earlier Monday, the New York coming Friday, up to this week. nounced Monday that they tributed to his exit. Giants are still making the According to the Post, the will not renew the contract “I have been informed by the rounds. The latest to interview Giants could try meeting with of defensive coordinator Rams that my contract will not be for the Giants job: New England McDaniels on Wednesday, one TWade Phillips. renewed,” Phillips wrote on Twitter Patriots special teams coordina- day after the Rhule interview. Phillips, 72, signed a three-year Monday. “I want to thank them for tor and wide receivers coach The Post also reported that contract after the Rams hired head the opportunity to be a part of their Joe Judge, whom New York McDaniels could skip ahead coach Sean McVay in January 2017. success the last 3 years. Most of all I announced Monday afternoon of Rhule on the interview A year after reaching the Super want to thank the players who I loved as the fifth candidate to speak schedule, though it did not Bowl, Los Angeles went 9-7 and working with. I still want to coach with the team about replacing make clear whether that meant missed the playoff s this season. The and feel I can contribute.” since-fired Pat Shurmur. Rhule’s interview would move Rams fi nished 13th in total defense Phillips began his NFL coaching Unlike NFC East rivals Wash- to a diff erent day or both coach- (339.6 yards per game) and 17th in career as a defensive assistant for his ington, who hired Ron Rivera es would interview Tuesday, scoring defense (22.8 points per father Bum Phillips’ Houston Oilers on New Year’s Day, and Dallas, with McDaniels’ happening first. game). in 1976. who tabbed ex-Green Bay boss Rhule also was expected to talk “Coach Wade has been a veteran He compiled an 82-64 record Mike McCarthy on Monday, the with the Carolina Panthers on voice in heading our defense for the as head coach with the New Orle- Giants are taking their time in Monday about their head- past three seasons,” McVay said in a ans Saints (interim in 1985), Den- deciding on their new head coaching vacancy. But the Post statement. “His wealth of experi- ver Broncos (1993-94), Buff alo Bills coach – one full week since reported Monday that Ruhle ence, sound advice, and helpful de- (1998-2000), Atlanta Falcons (inter- dismissing Shurmur and with is likely the Giants’ top target, meanour has been invaluable to our im in 2003), Dallas Cowboys (2007- more interviews reportedly especially with McCarthy no coaches and players, and also has set 10) and Houston Texans (interim in scheduled this week. longer available. Judge, 38, an example for me as a head coach 2013). NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport began his coaching career as and a leader of men. Phillips was the defensive coordi- has reported that the Giants a Mississippi State graduate “I thank Coach Phillips for his nu- nator for the Super Bowl 50 cham- plan to meet with Baylor head assistant from 2005-07. He then merous contributions to the Los An- pion Broncos in 2015 and has been coach Matt Rhule on Tuesday. served three years as an analyst geles Rams and our community, and I DC for the Saints, Philadelphia Ea- The New York Post reported for head coach Nick Saban at wish he, his wife Laurie, and the rest gles, Bills, Falcons, then-San Diego Sunday that the Giants are look- Alabama from 2009-11, joining of the Phillips family the best.” Chargers and Texans. ing to move their meeting with the Patriots in 2012 as an assist- Los Angeles allowed more than 40 Running backs coach Skip Peete Patriots off ensive coordinator ant special teams coach. points three times, losing 55-40 to was also let go on Monday. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 8, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CYCLING Colombian climber Quintana gets Verstappen to stay wildcard to race in Tour de France

AFP a specialist climber who is a Paris consistent contender in the at Red Bull till 2023 overall standings of stage rac- es, won the 2014 Giro d’Italia ‘I AM REALLY HAPPY TO HAVE EXTENDED MY PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TEAM’ olombia’s two-time and 2016 Vuelta a Espana, as runner-up Nairo well as fi nishing second in the AFP Quintana will com- Tour de France in both 2013 LONDON pete in this year’s Tour and 2015. deC France after race organisers The Colombian’s team in- yesterday handed his Akea- cludes fellow climber Warren ax Verstappen has signed to Samsic team a wildcard, along Barguil, who won two moun- stay at Red Bull until the end with a second French team, tain stages and the mountains of 2023 in a clear vote of con- B&B Hotels. classifi cation of the 2017 Tour fi dence in the former world The invitations take to six de France. Mchampions’ Formula One title potential the number of French teams “Quintana-Barguil, the and their Honda partnership. in the 22-strong line-up that ticket looks great for a moun- The announcement yesterday leaves will take part in cycling’s most tainous Tour!” race organ- two of the top three teams with young prestigious race, starting June iser Christian Prudhomme driver talent secure for the long-term, 27 in Nice. said after announcing the two with Ferrari announcing in December The 29-year-old Quintana, wildcards. that Charles Leclerc was staying to 2024. “I am really happy to have extended my partnership with the team. Red Bull be- lieved in me and gave me the opportunity to start in Formula One which I have al- ways been very grateful for,” Verstappen, 22, said in a statement. “Over the years I have grown closer and closer with the team and besides the passion from everyone and the on-track performance it is also really enjoyable to work with such a great group of people. “Honda coming onboard and the progress we have made over the last 12 months gives me even more motivation and the belief that we can win together...I want to win with Red Bull and our goal is of course to fi ght for a World Champion- ship together.” File photo of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during practice. Red Bull fi nished third last year in the fi rst season of a new partnership with times champion team mate Sebastian chances, however, by accusing the Ital- what owners Liberty Media hope will be Honda, which proved an immediate suc- Vettel. Verstappen won three races in ian team of cheating with their engine a more level playing fi eld. cess after the Japanese manufacturer’s 2019, and now has a career total of eight last season – comments that went down “With the challenge of the 2021 regu- failed relationship with McLaren. F1 victories, and is seen as a champion- badly at Maranello. lation changes on the horizon continuity Verstappen was best of the rest behind in-waiting. Mercedes, who also have Bottas out of in as many areas as possible is key,” com- Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and The Dutchman, who in 2016 became contract at the end of 2020, are waiting mented team principal Christian Horner. Valtteri Bottas. the youngest ever race winner in the on Hamilton – who turned 35 yesterday “Max has proven what an asset he is to The rumour mill will now focus more sport’s history, had been linked to both and has had talks with Ferrari chairman the team, he truly believes in the partner- on six-times world champion Hamilton, Ferrari and Mercedes in paddock specu- John Elkann – to decide his next step. ship we have forged with our engine sup- who is out of contract at the end of this lation. Formula One is about to enter a new era plier Honda, and we are delighted to have year, and the future of Leclerc’s four- He may have damaged his Ferrari in 2021 with sweeping rule changes and extended our relationship with him

SPOTLIGHT NHL Predators Can the Seahawks beat the Packers? axe coach They’ll have to play better than this Laviolette, assistant By Larry Stone The Seattle Times

aybe the Seahawks can really pull this off . Maybe they can keep churn- ing out these “bumpy” Mvictories, to use coach Pete Carroll’s term, where you wait in vain for them to forge a comfortable lead, in- stead of the rope-a-dope, win-ugly, skin-of-their-teeth aff airs that are now customary. Sunday’s 17-9 playoff victory over the Eagles gave them 11 of their 12 wins this season by one score, with a scoring margin of a razor-thin plus- 15. They won Sunday by more points (eight) than their cumulative scoring margin for the regular season (plus- seven). Maybe they can keep winning on the road in hostile venues, defying AFP all the conventional wisdom about Los Angeles what is the optimal road to the Super Bowl. They are 8-1 away from home, including a 6-0 mark in the Eastern ashville Predators head coach Peter time zone, with Lambeau Field in Laviolette and assistant Kevin Mc- Green Bay, Wisconsin, up next. Carthy were fi red on Monday after Maybe they’ll keep facing teams fi ve-and-a-half seasons at the club, depleted by injuries, as the Eagles Nthe NHL team announced in a statement. were Sunday even before they lost Predators president of hockey operations their quarterback, Carson Wentz, David Poile said Laviolette and McCarthy had after a helmet-to-helmet hit from been relieved of their duties. Jadeveon Clowney on Philadelphia’s Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Josh McCown (18) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of their The joint dismissal comes with the Preda- second possession. That’s a trend NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan 5. tors, who reached the Stanley Cup Finals in that started with Pittsburgh’s Ben 2017, outside the playoff places after 41 games. Roethlisberger going down in the old Josh McCown, for the bulk of would have happened if the Sea- were able to see, both teams kept the Seahawks have Wilson in charge, The surprise sacking also came just four road opener. the game, they really should have hawks had to punt the ball back one pressing, both teams kept fi ghting, they have hope of winning ugly, days after Poile said he was “not contemplat- Or, far more likely, the Seahawks put away the Eagles more easily. At more time? and both teams wanted it. That’s pretty or somewhere in between. ing” a change of coaching staff . are facing a moment of truth Sunday least, they should have done so a lot “I mean, it’s the playoff s, man,” what football is all about.” Off ensive lineman D.J. Fluker However a defeat to Anaheim on Sunday when they meet the Packers on the sooner than when Wilson’s long pass Lockett said in response to a query Of immediate concern for Seat- summed it up well after the game, in appears to have prompted a U-turn, even if infamous frozen tundra. to Metcalf with under two minutes to about their edge with Wentz out. tle is the 19 yards on 17 carries by which Wilson was sacked just once Poile paid tribute to the transformational During a season in which they’ve play allowed them to fi nally go into “They’ve been successful when he the running-back tandem of Travis despite a revamped line. reign of Laviolette in Nashville. defi ed odds, trends, stats and logic to victory formation. (Wentz) was hurt before. You can’t Homer and Marshawn Lynch. Ob- “The thing is, you keep 3 safe, “Under the leadership of Peter and Kevin, win close game after close game, this Yes, the Seahawks are facing their look at it like that. There’s times viously, that’s an unacceptable out- he can do some magical things out our organisation reached unprecedented is the reality: The Seahawks need own major injury issues that were people go down and that doesn’t give put that will have get better. On the there,” he said. heights — from our franchise-altering run to to play much better to keep their surely a factor in the rhythm of this the other team an advantage. Their positive side, Lynch made his impact Wilson was phenomenal Sunday, the Stanley Cup Final to a Presidents’ Trophy dreams alive. game, as well as the recent stretch of quarterback did a great job when he felt with a bruising 5-yard touch- completing 18 of 30 passes for 325 and our fi rst two Central Division titles,” Poile The Seahawks did much that was three losses in four games entering was out there. He almost got them in down run (“He just wasn’t going yards and a 108.3 passer rating, and said. admirable – and familiar – Sunday. the postseason. position to win the game. to let them stop him,” Carroll said) salvaging the Seattle running attack “Their passion for the game, ability to mo- Foremost, they kept Philadelphia out Seattle is missing its top three “So you can’t really look at it like and a key 20-yard reception on third with 45 yards on nine carries, a cou- tivate a team and drive to be the best makes of the end zone, the fi rst time they’ve running backs, the left side of its of- that. Injuries are 100% a part of the down. The defense had a season- ple bailing the Seahawks out of dire this a diffi cult decision. On behalf of the en- done that to an opponent all sea- fensive line, its center, its tight end game. Your question could make us high seven sacks, and a revitalised predicaments. tire organisation, I would like to thank Peter son. And with the Eagles selling out and one of its starting linebackers – say, ‘What if we had Duane (Brown), Clowney coupled with the return of “I thought his running was spec- and Kevin for all their contributions to the to stop the run, quarterback Russell among others. what if we had (Justin) Britt, what if safety Quandre Diggs bodes well. But tacular,” Carroll said. “His move- Nashville Predators over the past fi ve-and-a- Wilson conjured up his customary But as receiver Tyler Lockett we had Chris (Carson). ... You can’t slowing Packers quarterback Aaron ment was great. There’s three or four half seasons.” magic, with help from a dazzling pointed out, teams can’t allow that look at it like that. You’ve just got to Rodgers will be a big step up from plays he made on the move, creating Laviolette and McCarthy led the Preda- performance by rookie receiver DK to be relevant at this stage. McCown play with what you got. McCown. space for the guys to get open and tors to 248 wins following their appointment Metcalf. turned in a valiant eff ort, complet- “I think they did an amazing job Rodgers and Wilson are the only our guys fi nishing on the route. That at the start of the 2014-2015 season to the But facing the oldest quarterback ing 18 of 24 passes for 174 yards and a playing with what they had. They quarterbacks left in the playoff s with was really beautiful football, and present date — the sixth highest wins tally of to make his playoff debut, 40-year- 94.8 passer rating. Who knows what had injuries just like us and, like you a Super Bowl victory. And as long as that’s what Russ gives you.” any NHL franchise over the same period. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7 SPORT

FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL Qatar beat India in Olympic qualifi ers Arsenal’s Arteta By Sports Reporter and three blocks. No 4 Renan Doha Rebeiro underlined his pres- ence with seven points and four blocks for the winners. atar opened their cam- “India is very strong physi- paign at the 2020 Men’s cally. In each set, they did well Volleyball Asian Olym- in high balls, pushing constantly pic Qualifi cation Tour- towards our service. We under- says facing Leeds is Qnament with a straight-set win stood well where our balls would over India at the Jiangmen Sports be going and had a good per- Center in China, yesterday. formance in the block. We are In the Pool B match Qatar de- very happy to win at the end,” feated India 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 Qatar head coach Camilo Soto in an hour and 24 minutes. said. Qatar will play Australia Geraldo Goiano collected a today. match-high 17 points, including In the other match in the pool like going to dentist 15 attacks, and two blocks to give Australia defeated South Ko- Qatar a crucial victory. rea 23–25, 25–23, 26–24, 20–25, Reiss goal sees Arsenal edge past Leeds United to enter fourth round Nadir Ababacar, Belal Nabeel 9–17 in a thrilling fi ve-setter. Abunabot and skipper Mohamed In Pool A, defeated Chi- Ibrahim Saeed also put up a good nese Taipei 25-16, 25-17, 25-14 show. and hosts China eased past Ka- Ababacar chipped in with 13 zakhstan 25–19, 25–14, 25–18. points and two blocks, Abunabot The winner of the eight-team added 12 points and four blocks, tournament will book their berth while Saeed secured 11 points at Tokyo Olympics.

Action from Qatar-India match in the 2020 Men’s Volleyball Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament at the Jiangmen Sports Center in China, yesterday.

EPL Drinkwater joins Villa on loan till the end of the season

Reuters times for England, most recently London in 2016. He made only two ap- pearances for Burnley this sea- son after damaging ankle liga- Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson scores their first goal against Leeds United in their FA Cup third round match in London on Monday. (Reuters) ormer England interna- ments in an altercation outside a tional Danny Drinkwater nightclub. Reuters Mbappe tops list of estimated transfer values at 265mn euros: study and being positive,” Arteta told has joined relegation- London reporters after a match which threatened Aston Villa RODGERS RULES OUT Arsenal edged thanks to a Reiss onF loan from Chelsea until the MADDISON DEPARTURE Teams interested in sign- 27-year-old Brazilian is economic level of the releasing ing Kylian Mbappe must be now estimated to cost around club when estimating transfer Nelson strike 10 minutes after end of the season, the Premier Leicester City manager Brendan rsenal manager Mikel prepared to splash the cash 100 million euros. England values of players in Europe’s the break. League club said yesterday. Rodgers said the club are under Arteta described play- for the prodigious Frenchman, forward Raheem Sterling may ‘Big Five’ leagues. As many “The players are not used The 29-year-old midfi elder, no pressure to sell James Mad- ing Marcelo Bielsa’s with an algorithm estimating be worth his weight in gold for as 11 players out of the top 20 to a transition game, and they who won the league with out- dison after British media reports Leeds United as being that the 21-year-old would Manchester City and the study with an estimated value of at have to experience it,” added the siders Leicester City in 2016 linked the in-form midfi elder likeA a nightmare trip to the den- Spaniard, despite his Premier and moved to Chelsea in 2017, with a move to fellow Premier cost a staggering 265 million confirmed he too would eclipse least 100 million euros play for tist after his side battled back euros ($296.14 million). Paris Neymar after being valued at Premier League clubs, it added, League team being packed with spent the fi rst half of the season League side Manchester United. to win their FA Cup third round St Germain’s Neymar holds 223 million euros. Liverpool’s with Tottenham Hotspur striker multi-million pound players on loan to Burnley after becom- Speaking ahead of the fi rst leg match 1-0 on Monday following the record after his 2017 move Egyptian striker Mohamed and England captain Harry from around Europe and Brazil. ing surplus to requirements at of their League Cup semi-fi nal a fi rst half in which they were from Barcelona for 222 million Salah was third overall at an Kane ranked sixth with a value He said Arsenal’s 2-0 home win Stamford Bridge. with Aston Villa today, Rodgers overrun. euros, considerably more than estimated value of 175 million of 150 million. Liverpool have over Manchester United in the “Danny was a key member of said he was hopeful the 23-year- Leeds controlled the ball for the 180 million euros the Ligue euros while (125 three of the costliest players in Premier League on New Year’s Leicester City’s title winning old would sign a new deal after almost two-thirds of the open- 1 champions paid Monaco after million euros) and Cristiano terms of playing positions, with Day had taken some of the heat team and has represented Eng- scoring nine goals and making ing period and fi red in 15 shots completing a permanent deal Ronaldo (80.3 million euros) goalkeeper Alisson estimated off his struggling side but they land so he is a vastly experienced three assists in all competitions to Arsenal’s three but failed to for Mbappe the next year. Ac- were lower down in the list. at 87 million euros, centre could not aff ord to ease up. player,” said Villa manager Dean this season. “James is a tal- score as the home side’s stand- cording to an algorithm devel- The study takes into account a back Virgil van Dijk at 93 mil- “It was a big release for them Smith. “He will strengthen our ented player and he’ll be here in in goalkeeper Emiliano Mar- oped by the Swiss-based CIES player’s performance for club lion euros and full back Trent when they won against United squad signifi cantly.” January and beyond... there’s no tinez - and the crossbar - kept Football Observatory, Mbappe’s and country, age, position, Alexander-Arnold at 110 million and they took a little bit of that Villa are 17th in the league and message (to United). Nobody will the ball out. The pressing ability value has sky-rocketed while league of employment and euros. pressure off . And then your one point above the relegation leave in January, that’s for sure,” of Championship leaders Leeds body and your mind tries to zone, with an injury-hit squad. Rodgers told reporters yesterday. under infl uential Argentine relax a little bit,” he said. “We Former Chelsea captain John “He’s a player we’re keen to coach, known for his brand of To play against them is painful for Leeds, you’ll get exposed.” proach seemed to work as they are not in a position to relax be- Terry is Smith’s assistant and remain here and help us on this hard-running football dubbed like going to the dentist - it’s Arteta was so incensed at Ar- improved in the second half. cause we are not good enough the West Londoners loaned their journey over the next years. “Bielsa-ball”, had Arsenal on tough. They are a great team and senal’s fi rst-half performance “We had to react. The big- to relax,” added the Spaniard, current top scorer Tammy Abra- James and his representatives are the back foot. what they’ve built is powerful,” that he gave the players a talk- gest change was how aggressive who last month replaced sacked ham to Villa last season. speaking with the club and these “A nightmare for every team. Arteta said. “If you’re not ready ing to at the break and his ap- we are, making runs forward compatriot Unai Emery. Drinkwater has played three things take time.”

SERIE A Lukaku double gives Inter impressive win at Napoli Reuters Inter coach Antonio Conte. when he had a free header just Naples “It’s never easy to win at Na- before halftime but directed his poli for anyone. We faced the eff ort well wide of the goal. match with great personality Napoli continued to press af- nter Milan forward Rome- and this will give us more self- ter the break but, despite some lu Lukaku scored twice, confi dence and belief. We need fl owing moves, they failed to the fi rst from a run which to carry on like this.” fi nd the fi nal pass and Inter went started inside his own half, Napoli also had chances before further ahead just after the hour. Ito lead his side to an entertain- Lukaku put Inter ahead after 13 Matias Vecino fl oated over a ing 3-1 win at Napoli which kept minutes. The Belgian, who now cross from the right which Na- them top of Serie A on Monday. has 14 league goals this term, poli defender Kostas Manolas Lautaro Martinez was also on intercepted a pass just inside his managed to intercept but, in do- target as Inter claimed their fi rst own half, charged forward and ing so, laid the ball off for Mar- away win against Napoli since scored with a shot which went in tinez to score his ninth league 1997. off the post. goal of the season. Inter lead the standings on His second in the 33rd minute “We made decisive mistakes goal diff erence from Juventus, came with a helping hand from in all three of the goals we con- who beat Cagliari 4-0 earlier on Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, ceded,” said Gattuso. Monday, with both teams on 45 who seemed to have Lukaku’s “However, we showed we can points. The head-to-head record shot covered but allowed it to play football and we need to will be used once the two sides slip through his legs into the net. continue doing that. We have to have met twice. It was tough luck on Meret improve in various areas of the Napoli, on the other hand, who had previously produced pitch.” suff ered their second defeat in two good saves to keep Inter three games since Gennaro Gat- down to one goal. tuso replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli kept plugging away Inter Milan’s Belgian forward coach and stayed eighth with 24 and Arkadiusz Milik tapped in Romelu Lukaku celebrates after points despite showing fl ashes Jose Callejon’s low cross to pull scoring his second goal against of their old style. one back in the 39th minute. The Napoli at the San Paolo stadium “This win is worth a lot,” said Pole should then have equalised in Naples. (AFP)

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Target is to win Qatar Cup: Duhail’s Madibo ssim Madibo, who Qatar Cup Trophy Tour launched returned from an injury Arecently, is one of the he Trophy Tour of 2020 main midfielders of Al Duhail Qatar Cup was launched and Qatar national team. The yesterday. team is getting ready to take on The tournament’s Al Sailiya in the first semifinal of Tsixth edition will be held from 2020 Qatar Cup at the Al Sadd January 10-17 with the par- Stadium on Saturday. Excerpts: ticipation of top four clubs from the 2018-19 season QNB Stars How do you prepare for the Yes, we’ve the ability to win this League — Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al prestigious competition? game. We’ve the desire to do it. Sailiya and Al Rayyan respec- Our team started preparing for We were champions in the last tively. this early. The desire of people edition. We must fight to keep The tour was launched at the associated with the club is to put the title in our club. Al Bidda Tower, headquarters of up an honourable performance. the Qatar Football Family (Su- What’re your targets in the preme Committee for Delivery & What’re your team’s weapons tournament? Legacy, Qatar Football Association in this tournament? Al Duhail have a clear target in and QSL), in the presence of QFA Teamwork is our main weapon. every tournament, which is to vice-president Saud Abdulaziz We always put up a collective win the title. al-Mohannadi and Board mem- performance, which helps us to ber Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Boenain. many victories. What does this competition Also present were star players from mean to you? competing teams — Paulo Edmil- Your view on the semi-final A prestigious tournament for son (Al Duhail), Nadir Belhadj (Al The Trophy Tour of 2020 Qatar Cup was launched yesterday at Al Bidda Tower in the presence of QFA vice-president Saud Abdulaziz against Al Sailiya... all players. It has the name of Sailiya), Akram Afi f (Al Sadd) and al-Mohannadi, Board member Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Boenain, players and other off icials. It’s a game that won’t be easy our dear country. Yacine Brahimi (Al Rayyan) — as for us or for Al Sailiya. Both well as representatives of the me- Talking ahead of their semi- Belhadj, for his part, spoke Brahimi, who made the move in the coming days with sched- teams want to reach the final. What’s your message to Al dia and host broadcaster. fi nal against Al Sailiya, Duhail’s about Sailiya’s readiness for the from Porto to Al Rayyan last year, uled visits, which include many I think Al Sailiya won’t be easy Duhail fans? The Trophy Tour was launched Edmilson said, “If we play to our competition. “The Qatar Cup said, “This is my fi rst partici- public places and institutions, as opponents for us and that will Their presence and support in an atmosphere of enthusiasm full potential, we’ll win the semi- has always been exciting mainly pation in the Qatar Cup. We’re well as a number of universities make the game exciting. are important to us. They give and passion for the cup of Pride fi nal against Al Sailiya and quali- because it’s a knockout compe- ready to compete with great and schools, in order to introduce us the required boost in such a and Glory. Commemorative pho- fy for the fi nal. At the same time, tition. We will be ready for our strength to win the semifi nal and the tournament and encourage Do Al Duhail have the ability match, so be sure to be at the tographs were taken with the tro- the match will be strong as it’s a match against Al Duhail. We thus reach the fi nal.” fans to be at the venue and sup- to beat Al Sailiya? stadium. (QSL.qa) phy, players and offi cials. diff erent ballgame.” hope to reach the fi nal,” he said. The Trophy Tour will continue port the teams.

FOOTBALL / AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP Asian glory, qualifi cation for Olympics up for grabs Al Annabi will have 2016 title winners Japan, and the West Asian duo of Saudi Arabia and Syria for company in Group B

AFC ,

sia’s rising stars will look to clinch both Continental glory and qualifi cation for the 2020A Tokyo Olympic Games when the AFC U-23 Champion- ship begins in Thailand today. A total of 16 teams will look to succeed following their 2-1 triumph over Vietnam two years ago and AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al- Khalifa has sent his best wishes to the Continent’s future stars. The AFC President said: “Asia is home to some outstanding emerging talent and the AFC U23 Championship underlines our ambitions to provide a world- class platform for our players and teams to shine. “The tournament off ers a chance to see stars in the mak- ing — the players who will be looking to earn their places in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, Qatar players take part in a training session ahead of the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand yesterday. (Right) Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (left) speaks to a player during the training session. as well as this summer’s Olym- pic Games, which returns to our former Japan head coach Akira — who are eager to improve on up Korea Republic, China and January 26 with the Video As- – which kajima, Iranian goalkeeper Alire- great Continent in Japan. Nishino in charge, will look to their 2018 performance when, Iran, they will attempt to become sistant Referee system (VAR) be- will play host to the fi nal – the za Beiranvand and Thai dynamo “On behalf of the Asian foot- make the most of the home sup- with Almoez Ali and Akram Afi f the fi rst team to retain the title. ing used throughout, the teams in Pathum have all ball family, I wish all our teams port as they bid to progress. to the fore, beat Korea Repub- In the other action, Vietnam, fi nishing fi rst and second in each Thani, Songkhla’s Tinsulanon gone on to become superstars of the very best of luck and we also Thailand have been drawn along- lic to fi nish third. Al Annabi will whose journey to the 2018 fi nal of the four groups will progress Stadium and the Buriram Sta- Asian football after gracing the convey our heartfelt appreciation side Australia, Bahrain and U23 have 2016 title winners Japan and was no less than remarkable, into the knockout phase from dium. AFC U23 Championship. to FA Thailand for their dedica- heavyweights Iraq, who claimed the West Asian duo of Saudi Ara- feature in a tough looking Group where the top three sides are The three previous editions of This time, and with dual tar- tion in providing the best pos- the title in 2013 and fi nished third bia and Syria for company. D that will also have DPR Ko- guaranteed spots at this year’s the tournament have all featured gets in their sights, there prom- sible environment for the teams three years later. Ljubinko Drulovic’s reign- rea, Jordan and the United Arab Olympic Games. players who have subsequently ises to be yet more drama in store and players.” Group B features a Qatar side — ing champions Uzbekistan begin Emirates vying to go through to The matches are scheduled to developed into key performers for Asia’s next generation of stars The action starts today in under the guidance of 2019 AFC their title defence in Group C the quarter-fi nals. be played at four venues in Thai- for both club and country. Players as they seek to etch their own Group A where Thailand, with Asian Cup winner Felix Sanchez where, alongside 2016 runners- The competition will run until land, namely Bangkok’s iconic such as Japanese ace Shoya Na- names in the history books.

DAKAR RALLY Champion al-Attiyah makes his way up to second

AFP ota, by 3:31. winner, while De Villiers was 16:21 sand after just three kilometres. Graue (ARG/ARG/Mini) 12:52, Neom, Saudi Arabia “We fi nished the stage and off the pace in his Toyota. He received medical treatment 9. Giniel De Villiers/Alex Haro today was a big day. We fi nished “It was really tricky naviga- on site, but was forced to with- Bravo (RSA/ESP/Toyota) 16:21, 10. second,” said Attiyah, who suf- tion once more, but I managed to draw from the rest of the race. Bernhard Ten Brinke/Tom Colsoul efending champion fered one fl at tyre and described follow them quite easily, though, Today’s fourth stage sees the (NED/BEL/Toyota) 16:43 Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah navigation as “diffi cult”. for sure, Nasser and Carlos were rally leave northwestern Saudi of Qatar ended the third “It was a good day and we’re going really fast today,” the South Arabia, a 453km special on a mix OVERALL STANDINGS stage of the Dakar Rally second in the general standings African said. of sandy stretches and gravel 1. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ inD second spot behind two-time overall. Tomorrow, I hope it will In the motorbike category, sections, mostly on tracks, past ESP/Mini) 11hr 00min 20sec, champion Carlos Sainz in Saudi be a good day because I will start American Honda rider Ricky Nabaetean temples towards the 2. Nasser al-Attiyah/Matthieu Arabia yesterday. behind Carlos and we can get a Brabec dominated the stage to historic walled city of Al Ula. Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) at 4:55, The Spaniard, driving a Mini, good time. We just need to fi nish storm into overall lead. 3. Orlando Terranova/Bernardo shot into the overall lead after this week and then next week we Brabec fi nished almost 10 CARS STAGE 3 RESULTS Graue (ARG/ARG/Mini) 8:09, 4. winning yesterday’s stage, his can decide to push because there minutes ahead of teammate Jose 1. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ Yazeed Al Rajhi/Konstantin Zhilts- 33rd stage victory in the race. are a lot of dunes.” Ignacio Cornejo Florimo, in sec- ESP/Mini) 3hr 48min 01sec, ov (KSA/RUS/Toyota) 18:58 (pen- Sainz clocked 3hr 48.01sec After struggling Monday, ond, with a third Honda rider, 2. Nasser al-Attiyah/Matthieu alty: 2:00), 5. Stéphane Peterhan- around the loop-shaped 404km al-Attiyah’s teammate and ex- Joan Barreda Bort, rounding out Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) at sel/Paulo Fiuza (FRA/POR/Mini) route setting out from the fu- Formula One driver Fernando the stage’s podium. 3:31, 3. Jakub Przygonski/Timo 19:00, 6. Mathieu Serradori/Fabian ture megalopolis of Neom, in the Alonso came in fi fth. Defending champion Toby Göttschalk (POL/GER/Mini) 4:19, Lurquin (FRA/BEL/Century) 20:56 north of the kingdom close to the Overnight leader Orlando Ter- Price of Australia, fi nished 35 4. Yasir Seaidan/Kuzmich Alexy (penalty: 2:00), 7. Giniel De Villiers/ Jordanian border. ranova of Argentina and second minutes off the pace on his KTM. (KSA/RUS/Mini) 5:28, 5. Fernando Alex Haro Bravo (RSA/ESP/Toyota) Racing over a sequence of can- stage winner Giniel de Villiers of The stage was marked by sev- Alonso/Marc Coma (ESP/ESP/Toy- 23:42, 8. Bernhard Ten Brinke/ yons and mountains on sandy South Africa both trailed in be- eral falls, the most dramatic ar- ota) 6:14, 6. Yazeed Al Rajhi/Kon- Tom Colsoul (NED/BEL/Toyota) terrain, climbing to this year’s hind Sainz. guably by Frenchman Adrien Van stantin Zhiltsov (KSA/RUS/Toyota) 33:23, 9. Martin Prokop/Viktor summit at 1,400 metres (4,593ft) Mini’s Terranova not only lost Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France Beveren, who lost control of his 7:36, 7. Stéphane Peterhansel/ Chytka (CZE/CZE/Ford) 48:05, 10. in altitude, the 57-year-old Sainz the lead in the general standings compete in their Toyota during the third stage of the Dakar Rally Yamaha and was pitched violent- Paulo Fiuza (FRA/POR/Mini) 10:26, Vaidotas Zala/Saulius Jurgelenas beat home al-Attiyah, in his Toy- but fi nished 12:52 behind the stage around Neom, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. (AFP) ly over the handlebars into the 8. Orlando Terranova/Bernardo (LTU/LTU/Mini) 59:59