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Wednesday, January 30, 2019 NFL Jumada I 24, 1440 AH Brady, Goff raring GULF TIMES to go as Super Bowl circus kicks off SPORT Page 6 AFC ASIAN CUP Almoez equals Daei’s Asian Cup Cool-headed Qatar goals record

AFC Abu Dhabi

atar’s Almoez Ali wrote his name take UAE by storm into history during his side’s 4-0 Qsemi-final win over the United Arab Emirates, scoring a tournament record- equalling eighth goal at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium here yesterday. The 37th-minute strike means the 22-year- old joins Iran’s Ali Daei as the most prolific scorer in a single edition of the competi- with stunning display tion, a mark established in the 1996 Finals, which were also held in the UAE. Ali’s historic strike was his eighth in six ‘I think obviously to not concede goals gives you more opportunities to go forward’ matches in the UAE, and follows the six-goal haul which saw him claim the Agencies “They were very focused on the top scorer award at the 2018 AFC U-23 Abu Dhabi challenge and the side situations so Championship. I think they are working very well as Yeseterday’s goal was one to savour, as Ali a team and that’s the situation. In six collected the ball 35 yards from goal, before elix Sanchez praised his games, we didn’t concede a goal. It’s driving towards the Emirati penalty area and team’s cool-headed ap- very important and one of the main unleashing a searing low drive which gave proach after Qatar handed keys why we are qualifi ed for the fi nal.” goalkeeper Khalid Eisa no chance. AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Meanwhile, UAE head coach Al- It was also a crucial moment in the semi- hostsF the United Arab Emirates a 4-0 berto Zaccheroni has taken full final, giving Felix Sanchez’s side a 2-0 lead defeat to secure their place in the fi - responsibility for his side’s 4-0 on the verge of half-time, a lead they never nal of the Continental championship thrashing. looked likely to relinquish on the way to for the fi rst time in the country’s his- “I would like to apologise to the their first-ever AFC Asian Cup tory yesterday. UAE fans for the result,” declared ffinal.inal. Boualem Khoukhi and Almoez Ali Zaccheroni, who guided Japan to the WhiWWhilele thethe recordrecord is ssharedhared gave Sanchez’s side a two-goal lead AFC Asian Cup title in 2011.” bbetbetweenween stars ooff two genera-genera- at half time before further strikes “We all made mistakes, but every- tiotionsns fforor nonow,w, Ali will have from Hassan al-Haydos and Hamid one did their very best. We wanted to thetht chancechance to cclaimlaim tthehe Ismail completed the win in the sec- make the UAE people happy and we hhonouroonour fforor himselhimselff should ond half to set up a meeting in Fri- tried until the end. However, we have hhee findfind the net once more day’s fi nal with four-time champi- to admit that the Qatar team were iinn Friday’sFriday’s decider, to be ons Japan. better. pplaplayedyed against JapanJapan at Qatar overcame a vociferous and “I am the coach, and I am Abu DhabiDhabi’s’s Zayed abusive home crowd to advance to the fi rst one to be held SSportsports CCityity Sta-Sta- the decider and Sanchez hailed the responsible for the ddium.ium. maturity shown by his young team loss. I admit that the as they completed a sixth straight tactics that I used at game at the Finals without conced- the beginning did not ing a goal. pay off . I tried to change “I think the game was a diffi cult one them but by then it was too late.” with a lot of emotions and we were not Having seen his side emerge as feeling very comfortable in the begin- Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez (in black) celebrates with his players after Hamid Ismail scored the team’s fourth goal Group A winners, and then beat Kyr- ning,” said the Spaniard. “But we were in the AFC Asian Cup semi-final against the UAE in Abu Dhabi yesterday. gyz Republic and Australia in the able to manage to score twice. Round of 16 and quarter-fi nals re- “Obviously in the second half the Ali’s goal was his eight in six games having a great performance. in AFC Asian Cup history to go six spectively, Zaccheroni was left bit- opposition tried to attack more and at UAE 2019 as he equalled Ali Daei’s “But the most important is the team games without giving up a goal. terly disappointed by how his side they put all their off ensive talented scoring record from the last time the scores. We celebrate as a unit, as one “I think obviously to not concede exited the competition. players in front, but the team was very tournament was held in the Emirates and this is one of the main results. It’s goals gives you more opportunities “For us, to reach the semi-fi nal of solid, very relaxed and very compact. but, while Sanchez complimented the an individual achievement but it’s the to go forward,” he said. “I think the the AFC Asian Cup does not mean a “We were defending well in the Al Sadd striker’s haul, he was quick collective because we know that he players showed great commitment lot. I am not satisfi ed; the players wide situations and we were able to stress the importance of the collective. couldn’t make it without all the other because we were in games where we are not satisfi ed. make some good actions in the coun- “We are playing as a team,” he said. players around the pitch.” need to be realistic and the opposi- “We were not expecting this terattack to make the fi nal result, “Of course Almoez is our centre- For that reason, Sanchez was par- tion, they are trying to attack and kind of defeat and the pressure on which is a very good one and I’m very forward and one of his main jobs is to ticularly delighted his team went have good players and diff erent op- the players was very high today. satisfi ed and congratulations to the be close to the goal and try to score through another 90 minutes without tions and the players were very well We failed to succeed, but this is players for the big eff ort.” and he’s been very eff ective and he’s conceding, becoming the fi rst team organised. football.”

Qatar Football Association (QFA) president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, players and members of the delegation celebrate their victory over the UAE in the AFC Asian Cup semi-final. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 AFC ASIAN CUP

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COMMENT QATAR THE TOAST OF THE SPORTING WORLD Qatar’s policy of not mixing politics with sport was adhered to by everybody associated with the team

Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan (left) and teammate Almoez Ali, with UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa during the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The UAE should also educate its citizens to behave properly. Booing during the rivals’ national anthem is not what civilised people do, and throwing bottles and other objects at players betrays a mentality of violent bygone ages.

and skills on the playing fi eld, lie, be it from rival fans or from to get rid of. Another lesson for in which UAE came up a poor propaganda-spewing men in them is that sporting skills are second. It’s as simple as that. authority. There’s a dignity in never hostage to nasty political Qatar’s Hamid Ismail (left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals against the UAE in Abu Dhabi yesterday. silence, which the UAE must machinations. Big hug to Emirates govt have, hopefully, learned by now. The UAE should also educate By Anil John When the rangy striker tory in the hostile cauldron of someone comes up with the idea for sponsoring the They would be richer for it. its citizens to behave properly Sports Editor Almoez Ali strummed his the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium of a museum of sporting trag- tickets for your own fans But as the dust settles down, and display some sportsman- imaginary guitar – a trademark came as the perfect icing on the edies, the images of distraught to watch our goals.. (sic) the UAE establishment and ship. Booing during the rivals’ celebration of his – after his cake. If Qatar manage to pull off Iranian fans after their team lost ‘ media would realise that their national anthem is not what — Social media post f ever there was a case of a curling shot defl ected off the a victory against the Japanese to Japan in the fi rst semi-fi nal on of the day by a Qatar fan unnecessary and often childish civilised people do, and throwing country paying a heavy price far post and went in, the packed in the fi nal on Friday, well, we Monday would be enough to fi ll shenanigans in the run-up to bottles and other objects at play- for political arrogance on the Emirati crowd in Abu Dhabi were would think of another idiom. it. Such is the role that football yesterday’s match contributed ers betrays a mentality of violent sporting fi eld, this was it. stunned into stupefi ed silence. But what a win it was yester- plays in some societies, that try- Qatar’s policy of not mixing heavily to their team’s defeat. By bygone ages. IQatar’s 4-0 victory over the UAE Goals from captain Hassan al- day! Every Qatari’s heart would ing to comfort them by saying it politics with sport was adhered doing some of the things they Meanwhile, the Qataris and in the semi-fi nal of the Asian Haydos and Hamid Ismail in the be beating with pride, every was just a game of football would to by everybody associated did – like putting obstacles in expatriates partied late into the Cup has few parallels and, rest second half completed a glorious expatriate in the country would invite serious trouble. The UAE with the team, with players the way of Qatari fans and me- night, but with grace and dignity. assured, even after a hundred day for the Qatar football team be talking about it for days and probably also would be also feel- and offi cials steering clear of dia, issuing reckless statements The occasion demanded that. years from now, it would form a who cruised into the fi nal of surely reminiscing about it to ing the same way after yester- distracting controversies. Coach and preventing non-Emiratis There was a lot of fl ag-waving, rare chapter etched in stone in Asia’s biggest event unbeaten, their grandchildren several years day’s humiliation. Felix Sanchez and his boys have from buying tickets to the match cheering and a display of patri- the region’s chequered history. unbowed and without conced- from now – God alone knows Qatar’s sporting conquest in never felt the need to add their – they put their team under otism and camaraderie. What When Boualem Khoukhi ing a single goal. It’s a scenario with what embellishments – at front of a frenzied crowd, some voice to the cacophony of nasty tremendous pressure. was tellingly absent was any ill- kissed his team’s logo on his shirt only teams such as Brazil, Spain the expense of the Emiratis! of who vented their frustrations politics unleashed by the sense- Had they been even slightly feeling towards the vanquished. after his calculated drive from or Italy would dare to dream of. Thrill and suspense form es- by throwing stuff onto the field, less blockade initiated by Saudi professional they would have That’s the way sport should outside the box slipped under Until now, that is. sential elements of sport, espe- came through a combination of Arabia and its allies. known that such tactics can be celebrated. Qatar today is the thoroughly embarrassed UAE After Nasser al-Attiyah’s cially in football, where fans live shrewd tactics, fair play and the Their strategy stands vin- often boomerang in your face, undoubtedly the toast of the goalkeeper, the whole of Qatar third triumph in the Dakar Rally and die a thousand times during undiluted of joy of taking sport dicated – you don’t need to staining you with an embar- sporting world for setting this erupted in joy. earlier this month, today’s vic- the 90 minutes of play. If ever for what it is – a battle of wits respond to every slur, insult or rassment that would be diffi cult fi ne example. Qatar celebrates semi-fi nal victory

Qatar fans celebrate the victory over the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals yesterday on the streets of Doha yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

AFC ASIAN CUP SPOTLIGHT Japan stay Qatar managed focused for fi nal against Qatar

AFP in Monday’s semi-fi nal with fi ve Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Iran players busy gesticulating to emotions well the referee for him to book Mi- namino for a dive. apan captain Maya Yoshida ‘We just play football. Let sounded the battle cry after JAPAN PEDIGREE the Blue Samurai beat Iran The Werder Bremen striker the people talk, winning Jto reach the Asian Cup fi nal. smashed home his second from After celebrating Monday’s the penalty spot after the ball 4-0 is more important’ 3-0 victory over the tourna- struck the unfortunate Morteza against UAE ment favourites in Al Ain, Yosh- Pouraliganji’s arm as he slid in to ida called for the Japanese to tackle, knocking the stuffi ng out By Sahan Bidapa complete the job as they chase a of Iran’s players. Doha record-extending fi fth title. Genki Haraguchi added a “We can’t be satisfi ed with stoppage-time third to add insult beating Iran,” said the South- to injury for Iran. here was never any doubt ampton defender after a tem- “I’ve had my problems with that man-to-man and pestuous semi-fi nal, eff ectively injuries so that was a little pay- on form Qatar were the decided by Yuya Osako’s contro- back — to get out the frustra- overwhelming favourites versial second-half double. tion,” said Osako. Tgoing into the Asian Cup semi- “We still have another game “We’ve played our best foot- fi nal against the United Arab that we must win. If we lose that, ball in the biggest game of the Emirates. But playing in front of all the hard work will have been Asian Cup.” raucous and unruly home fans can for nothing so we need to fi nish Japan captured the last of their put even the most experienced it. four Asian Cups in 2011 and have players off the boil. “We talked about going to war never lost a fi nal. But the current Qatari team before we came out here,” added Hajime Moriyasu’s new-look – comprising mainly of players Yoshida, who needed to be re- side have hardly set the world in their early 20s – were unper- strained by his teammates in a alight, but given Japan’s pedigree turbed and determined on the late fl ashpoint after reacting fu- in the competition they will now job at hand yesterday as they riously to Iran striker Sardar Az- be favourites to win Friday’s fi nal thrashed the hosts UAE 4-0. It moun. in Abu Dhabi. has also helped the players that “We have come together as a With Japan unbeaten in 11 their coach Felix Sanchez played strong unit and we need to keep matches since Moriyasu took down all political talk, instead fi ghting as a team.” over after last year’s World Cup, focusing on strategies and keep- Yoshida admitted he had Osako insisted only a winner’s ing his players sharp, physically calmed down just in time to medal would do. and mentally. avoid seeing red. “A lot of young players have “It wasn’t an easy situation,” “If I’d got myself sent off and come in since the World Cup,” admitted Sanchez after the missed the fi nal it would have said the former Cologne forward. semi-fi nal win. “The players been terrible,” he said. “If we can go on to win the were aware there was going to be “What’s important is to en- tournament, it will give them a a lot of pressure but they man- joy the ride and hopefully we massive confi dence boost. aged their emotions quite well — can keep improving. We want to “We’re not fi nished yet, we I’m very proud of them.” make sure we win the fi nal and be have to go again,” added Osako. The 43-year-old Sanchez, Asian champions again.” “Winning the fi nal is all that who took over as Qatar’s head Osako headed a bizarre opener matters.” coach 18 months ago, has been from Takumi Minamino’s cross involved with the current crop of Qatar’s Almoez Ali players since 2006. And much to the Spaniard’s credit he has mar- shalled his boys splendidly as they second half, it only played into the have become the fi rst Qatar team hands of impressive Qatar. to enter the Asian Cup fi nal. Pre- Captain Hassan al-Haydos viously, The Al Annabi only man- and substitute Hamid Ismail put aged to reach the quarter-fi nal themselves on the score sheet stages, in 2000 and 2011. in what once again highlighted But this team under Sanchez their title credentials. is out to make history and their While Qatar have hammered performance so far suggests 16 goals in six matches, they are that they will be upbeat about still to concede one so far. Last their chances against Japan in night’s clean sheet against UAE the fi nal on Friday. Sanchez has ensured they became the fi rst repeatedly said his team are keen team in the history at the Asian to prove they are worthy of a Cup to not concede a goal in World Cup 2022 debut and they opening six games. have shown it on the fi eld as they Barring one chance in the beat two of Asia’s best teams second half, UAE rarely trou- South Korea and Saudi Arabia en bled Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad al- route to the fi nal. Sheeb as Qatar’s back four put Japan’s Maya Yoshida and teammates celebrate their win over Iran in Yesterday, Sanchez stuck in a solid show. This was despite the AFC Asian Cup semi-final on Monday. (Reuters) to his 4-2-3-1 combination to Sanchez missing Bassam al- UAE’s 4-3-3. Tournament top- Rawi and midfi elder Abdulaziz scorer Almoez Ali operated as Hatim, who were suspended af- lone forward and the Qatari ter picking up two yellow cards. forward troubled the lacklustre But Assim Madibo and full- Juventus defender Benatia UAE defence until he was re- back Abdelkarim Hassan who joins Qatari club Al Duhail placed with eight minutes to full were slotted into the side after time and the match clearly out serving their own one-match AFP The defender made 59 ap- of the hosts’ grasp. bans more than made up for it. Milan pearances for Juventus since While the UAE players Before yesterday’s match, Qa- arriving in 2016, winning two watched by the 38,646 home tar faced just seven shots on tar- Serie A and domestic cup titles fans at the Mohamed bin Za- get across their fi ve games and oroccan centre-back and the Italian Super Cup. yed Stadium were under pres- while UAE had three, they were Medhi Benatia has However the 31-year-old fell sure, even struggling to make far from any serious threat to the Mleft Italian giants out of favour with coach Mas- the simpler of fi rst touches, the Qatar defence. Juventus for Qatar’s Al Duhail similiano Allegri following the Qatar players were put in a calm Qatar left-back Pedro Cor- in a deal worth up to 10mn return of Leonardo Bonucci and composed show. reia took great satisfaction from euros ($11.4mn), the Serie A last summer from AC Milan. Like all good modern foot- Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi (C) celebrates his goal with teammates during the AFC Asian Cup semi-final silencing the haters. “We like to club announced on Monday. Bonucci has been sidelined with ball teams, Qatar were lightning against the UAE in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) play games like this,” he said. Juventus said in a statement an ankle sprain but according quick on the counterattack, “Everybody knows about the that Al Duhail will pay eight to press reports Benatia will be which brought them their fi rst not-so-powerful shot only to his tame eff ort. time lead, the victory was never in problems but we don’t care — mn euros in two instalments replaced by Lazio’s Uruguayan goal of the night. In the 22nd see the UAE goalkeeper Khalid And after Almoez Ali scored a doubt. While UAE coach Alberto we just play football. Let the for Benatia as well as a further defender Martin Caceres, who minute, Boualem Khoukhi raced Eisa fl uff a straightforward save record-equalling eighth goal of Zaccheroni put all his men for- people talk, winning 4-0 is more two mn euros in bonuses. has already passed a medical. down the right as he struck a as the ball slipped into net after the tournament for a 2-0 half- ward in search of two goals in the important.”

BOTTOMLINE AFC belatedly call for release of refugee footballer

AFP Patel has appealed to Thai Prime Min- Thailand and Bahrain to do the right religious background and his brother’s Abu Dhabi ister Prayut Chan-o-cha to release al- thing and ensure Mr al-Araibi can go political activism. Araibi, who was arrested in Bahrain in back safely to Australia as a matter of Bahraini authorities sentenced al- 2012 for what he insists were political urgency.” Araibi to 10 years in prison in absentia sian football offi cials yester- reasons and, according to the player, The International Olympic Com- for allegedly helping protesters burn day called for the release of blind-folded and beaten. mittee has also weighed in on the play- down a police station during demon- refugee player Hakeem al- “On behalf of the AFC, I hereby er’s behalf, president Thomas Bach strations that swept the Gulf state in AAraibi, who has spent more respectfully request Your Excellency calling it a “worrying situation”. 2012. than two months detained in Thailand to take the necessary steps to ensure The 25-year-old denied the charges, while Bahrain seeks his extradition. that Mr al-Araibi is returned safely to FLED BAIL saying he was playing in a match at the The Asian Football Confederation Australia, where he has been granted Asian football offi cials, meanwhile, time. The footballer fl ed Bahrain while (AFC) had come under fi re over their Refugee Status, at the earliest possi- had been widely criticised for block- on bail in 2013. silence on the case of al-Araibi, a Bah- ble opportunity,” he wrote in a letter ing questions from journalists about Araibi, who now plays for a semi- raini refugee and Australian resident posted on the confederation’s website. the case at the Asian Cup tournament, professional club in Melbourne, later who fears torture and even death if he “The AFC joins FIFA and other currently reaching its conclusion in publicly criticised Sheikh Salman as is returned to his homeland. stakeholders in the belief that his re- the United Arab Emirates. the Bahraini royal campaigned unsuc- The player claims he is being target- lease will respect Thailand’s obliga- Activists for the footballer warned cessfully for election as FIFA president ed by Bahrain over his criticism of AFC tions under international law and such a stance risked harming al- in 2016. president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim demonstrate the basic human and Araibi’s case after moderators shut Sheikh Salman, who is standing for al-Khalifah, a member of the ruling humanitarian values, which are held down questions at an Australia team a fresh term as AFC chief in April, and family. dearly by your country.” press conference. is also the FIFA number two, has long He has been in custody since arriv- FIFA secretary-general Fatma The former youth international at- denied any links to Bahrain’s crack- ing in Thailand on honeymoon with Samoura, after meeting former Aus- tributes his detention in 2012 — in down on anti-government protesters Former Australian player Craig Foster (left) speaks to the media after handing over his wife. tralia football captain Craig Foster, the wake of the pro-democracy Arab in his former role as head of the Bah- a petition to FIFA calling for Hakeem al-Araibi to be freed in Zurich on Monday. (AFP) AFC senior vice president Praful yesterday urged “the authorities in Spring protests — in part to his Shia rain FA. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT FOCUS Best golfers face tough questions Button and Rosberg before Saudi debut

Reuters Koepka, Dustin Johnson and London Bryson DeChambeau, how- ever, will appear at the event. They are set to collect huge our of the world’s fi ve appearance fees for teeing see big year ahead best golfers will com- off at the Royal Greens Golf pete in the European and Country Club. The play- Tour’s new desert des- ers have avoided questions on ‘It’s going to be a big year for Sebastian, tinationF event in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s human rights which starts tomorrow, but record. Golf Channel analyst I think. When Daniel Ricciardo came into the tournament has already Brandel Chamblee called them thrown up uncomfortable “ventriloquists for an abhor- Red Bull he found it diff icult’ questions for the sport. rent regime”. for Vettel European Tour chief execu- “Politically,I get why you tive Keith Pelley announced a have to capitulate to Saudi three-year partnership with Arabia and maybe from a busi- the kingdom in 2018 aimed at ness standpoint even,” said expanding the boundaries of Chamblee, a former player on golf in the Middle East. the U.S. PGA Tour. But the $3.5 million event, “But a more defi nitive per- which will be staged in King Ab- sonal rebuke can be shown to dullah Economic City, has split the PR stunt of this regime by opinion in the golfi ng world. not participating, by refusing The Saudi regime is under in- to participate, because your tense international criticism participation in some way en- after the murder of journalist riches this regime.” Jamal Khashoggi last October. After winning the Farmers The kingdom has also been Insurance Open in San Diego trying to shake off its ultra- on Sunday to consolidate his conservative image, but the place at the top of the rankings, reform push has been accom- Rose defended his decision to panied by a crackdown on dis- play. “I’m not a politician, I’m sent, including the arrests of a pro golfer,” the 38-year-old women’s rights activists, cler- Englishman said. ics and intellectuals. English golfer Paul Casey ‘MAD SCIENTIST’ confi rmed last week that he Away from the geopolitical and would skip the event because ethical ramifi cations of play- of Saudi Arabia’s “human ing in the tournament, last rights violations”. week’s Dubai Desert Classic Tiger Woods, a 14-times showed DeChambeau could be major winner and one of the a strong contender. He shot 24 sport’s biggest names, also under par over four days in Du- turned down the biggest po- bai to win his fi rst title outside tential overseas paycheck of his the United States and his fi fth career to skip the tournament, since the start of 2018 – more according to media reports. than any other player. Casey went public about his DeChambeau, a physics decision to skip the event last graduate who has earned the week. “As I continue to face nickname “mad scientist” and questions about my partici- famously plays with a set of pation, I feel it’s important to single-length irons, believes clarify I will not be playing in his game is peaking at the next week’s Saudi Internation- right time. “We’ve got a better al event,” he said on Instagram. understanding of how rough “Contrary to reports, I had shots come out, of how bunker also never signed a contract to shots come out, of how putts play. I hope this addresses any break... all these little things confusion.” we’ve accumulated are add- World number one Justin ing up, and... it’s kind of like a Rose and American trio Brooks domino eff ect,” he said.

Sauber’s Charles Leclerc and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel (right) during a news conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix on May 23, 2018. (Reuters) R&A defends rule that cost China’s Li penalty in Dubai Reuters ished fi fth overall, moving to Ferrari at the London F1 to hold season launch event in Australia end of the year. “It’s going to be a big year for Sebastian, Formula One will for the first time hold car launch in the past in order to avoid I think. When Daniel Ricciardo came into ebastian Vettel has a big season a season launch event with all the some teams being overshadowed Red Bull he found it diffi cult,” said Button. ahead of him at Ferrari and could teams and drivers in Melbourne ahead by others, and special events put on “Daniel put him under a lot of pressure feel the heat from new team mate of the opening Australian Grand Prix in before races have not been attended by and actually outperformed him. I think if Charles Leclerc, retired Formula March, the sport announced yesterday. all drivers. Charles can do that this year it’s a tough OneS world champions Jenson Button and decision of where Sebastian is going to go The free public event on Wednesday, Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world Nico Rosberg said on Monday. March 13, will involve all 20 race drivers champion, famously missed an ‘F1 Live’ for the future and what he’s going to do. The 31-year-old Vettel, a four times and the 10 team principals in the city’s event in London that was attended by “Charles seems such a happy-go-lucky world champion, lost out to Mercedes’ Federation Square. all his rivals and aimed to drum up pub- guy, very relaxed, and I think the team are Lewis Hamilton last year after the Ger- The teams are due to present their 2019 licity for the sport ahead of his home really going to take to him. And that some- man and his team made some costly mis- cars next month, either at individual British Grand Prix in 2017. times can hurt the other driver,” added the takes after a strong start to the campaign. team launches, online or the start of Drivers usually spend the Wednesday Briton, who won his title with Brawn GP Ferrari have brought in Leclerc, 21, as the first pre-season test at Barcelona’s before a grand prix carrying out indi- in 2009. Button also expected his fellow a replacement for 2007 champion Kimi Circuit de Catalunya on Feb. 18. vidual sponsorship engagements. Briton and former McLaren team mate Raikkonen and replaced team principal They have resisted holding one joint Hamilton, now a fi ve times champion, to Maurizio Arrivabene with long-time in- relish the challenge of regulation changes The R&A, who run the sport element” to the rule. sider and technical head Mattia Binotto. whole country on you,” added the 2016 Australia on March 17, said the arrival of and new rivals. worldwide along with the “There has been some mis- “The pressure is on, absolutely,” Vet- champion. “He needs to improve and the Monageqsque Leclerc could have a simi- “It’s when the challenges stop that you United States Golf Associa- understanding of the new tel’s compatriot Rosberg told Sky Sports team needs to improve overall. They just lar eff ect to that of Daniel Ricciardo’s de- decide ‘you know what, I’m going to do tion, has defended a new rule rule and I would point out television. “He (Vettel) was feeling it, had too many mistakes last year because but season at Red Bull. Ricciardo teamed something else’,” he said. “But with the that cost defending Dubai that it is designed to prevent I’m sure, already last year, and especially possibly they should have won it.” up with Vettel at Red Bull in 2014, ending way Formula One is, with the regulation Desert Classic champion Li any opportunity for the driving for Ferrari – that’s where the pres- Button, who is joining Rosberg as a the season third and with three race wins changes and the driver changes, he will Haotong of China a two- caddie to stand behind the sure is the highest because you’ve got the Sky pundit for the season that starts in while the German won nothing and fi n- want to keep going.” stroke penalty at the final hole player as he begins to take of the tournament on Sunday. his stance,” Slumbers said. According to the rule, one of “We appreciate it was a F1 a raft of changes introduced very unfortunate situation on January 1, caddies are yesterday and I completely no longer allowed to stand understand Keith Pelley’s directly behind their player concerns... but there is no Russian GP distances itself from criticism of Liberty and help with alignment. discretionary element to the The rule states that, “once rule precisely so that it is Reuters tance themselves from FOPA in Formula One will look like from the player begins taking a easier to understand and can London future. 2021,” said Vorobyev. stance for the stroke, and be applied consistently.” “But personally, I really be- until the stroke is made, the The penalty meant that in- NO COMMENT lieve in Ross Brawn and his player’s caddie must not de- stead of finishing equal third ussian Grand Prix pro- Formula One management, managerial and engineering liberately stand on or close at 16 under par, Li dropped moter Sergey Vorobyev represented at the meeting by skills.” to an extension of the line of into a tie for 12t. It caused a expressed support for chairman Chase Carey and mo- Pringle is managing direc- play behind the ball for any stir across the world of golf, Formula One owners torsport managing director Ross tor of Silverstone, which is out reason.” with a number of Li’s fellow LibertyR Media yesterday after Brawn, declined to comment on of contract after this year along Li was penalised when his professionals taking to Twit- some other race organisers had the FOPA statement. with Germany’s Hockenheim, caddie, who had been stand- ter to defend him. publicly criticised the way the The meeting set out the Italy’s Monza, Barcelona’s Cir- ing behind him, moved to the British Masters champion sport was being run. sport’s short and long-term cuit de Catalunya and Mexico side after he had started to Eddie Pepperell called the The Formula One Promoters’ plans, including digital and tel- City. take his stance for a putt. decision “shockingly bad”. Association (FOPA) had issued evision production, sponsorship Silverstone invoked a break The penalty turned a birdie “Hard to believe @haotong_li a statement ahead of an annual and marketing. clause in 2017 to push for a bet- into a bogey at the par-five has been penalised for this. meeting hosted in London Formula One’s commercial ter deal, arguing that the original 18th and led European Tour Frankly, I think it’s a shock- by commercial rights holders agreement with the 10 teams contract agreed with former F1 CEO Keith Pelley to call for ingly bad decision and for Liberty. British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG GP expires at the end of 2020 and supremo Bernie Ecclestone was a reassessment of the new the life of me I cannot see In it, they expressed concern crosses the finish line to win the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia in talks are ongoing about a poten- not fi nancially viable. A new deal rule. “Let me state initially how (caddie) Mike has lined about a reduction in free-to-air Sochi on September 30, 2018. (Reuters) tial transformation of the sport, has yet to be agreed. that, under the new Rules of Haotong up here,” Pepperell broadcasting, a ‘lack of clarity with plans for budget caps and The television contract with Golf... the decision made by said on Twitter. on new initiatives’ and the risk confi rmed that Russia was one toothless’ and he did not share a more equal distribution of the broadcaster Sky, which means our referees was correct,” Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal also of new races being introduced of the non-members, along with the position of the association’s revenues. viewers do not have free-to-air Pelley said. “It is my strong tweeted his support. “to the detriment of existing Monaco, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and British chairman Stuart Pringle. Race hosting fees make up a coverage in Britain this season belief, however, that the fact “After 2 weeks of golf in the events.” Japan. “All the issues indicated there, major part of Formula One’s rev- apart from their home race, is there is no discretion avail- @EuropeanTour... (one thing Vorobyev, attending yester- Mexico also appeared to dis- in this statement, they are being enues and the newer races, in also a legacy of the Ecclestone able to our referees when is clear)... the @RandA and day’s meeting at the RAC Club, tance itself from the statement, resolved one way or another in locations such as the Middle era. implementing rulings such @usga have to check those told Reuters on Twitter that he with marketing head Rodrigo the current format of communi- East or Asia, are more lucra- Five races have had their con- as this is wrong and should new 2019 golf rules... my did not share FOPA’s point of Sanchez saying on Twitter that cation with Liberty,” he said. tive than those in the European tracts renewed by Liberty since be addressed immediately.” Chinese brother @haotong_li view and approach. he agreed with Vorobyev. “I don’t believe this (FOPA) heartland. the US-based company took On Monday, Martin Slumbers, didnt deserve that penalty FOPA said in the statement The Russian told motorsport. approach to be constructive,” “Like all the participants in over, while a new grand prix in CEO of the R&A defended on the 72nd... the line is to that it represented 16 grands com separately that he felt added Vorobyev, who expected the process, we do not have a Vietnam will be added to the cal- the lack of a “discretionary thin,” he said. prix. A source at the meeting FOPA’s criticisms were ‘fairly some other promoters to dis- clear understanding of what endar next year. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS LeBron getting closer Curry sizzles as to NBA return AFP Los Angeles

eBron James is ramping up his training activity but no date has been set for his return to NBA Warriors rout Pacers Laction after a Christmas Day groin injury, Los Angeles Lak- ‘We’re in a groove, we’re in a good place. We’ve just got to keep going’ ers coach Luke Walton said Monday. Walton told reporters that James took part in three- minute, full-court scrimmages with the team – the closest he has come to playing under game-type conditions. LeBron James “We’ll see how his body re- sponds to that, and from there “Luka’s having a really good we’ll take it as far as making year so far,” Young said Mon- those scrimmages longer, or if he day on ESPN’s The Jump. says, ‘Hey I feel great, I’ll see if I “And for me, all I do is try to can play,’ then we’ll make those focus on myself and my team. adjustments,” Walton said. I know it’s easy to say, but I’m The coach said he was pre- really dedicated to working paring his team for a Tuesday extremely hard every day for game against the Philadel- my teammates and things like phia 76ers as if James won’t be that. available. “...And I think at the end of The Lakers face the Los An- the day it worked out for both geles Clippers tomorrow in a teams. That’s how I look at it. I cross-town clash before a Sat- mean, Luka’s doing really well. urday showdown with the NBA I feel like I’m doing really well champion Golden State War- as well.” riors. Asked who’s going to be a James has missed 16 games better player in fi ve to 10 years, since he was hurt in the holi- Young replied, “In my eyes, it’s day victory over the Warriors, not a question – it’s going to be having never missed more than me. But that’s just the compet- 13 games in any of his 15 prior itive nature in my blood, and seasons. I think that’s the no-brainer “He’s not driving the lane with me.” and tomahawk dunking on The Hawks drafted Don- people right now,” Walton said. cic third overall in June before “But he’s moving well and trading his rights to the Mav- he’s getting into the paint and ericks for the rights to Young shooting jumpers.” – drafted fi fth overall – and a protected fi rst-round pick. ‘DONCIC TRADE WORKED Doncic, who turns 20 in OUT FOR BOTH TEAMS’ February, is averaging 20.5 Atlanta Hawks point guard points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 Trae Young understands the assists per game and became hype surrounding the man he the youngest player in NBA was traded for – Dallas Maver- history to have a triple-double icks forward Luka Doncic – in with 35-plus points on Sunday last summer’s draft, but Young against the Toronto Raptors. It sees the deal as a win-win for was his second triple-double both sides. of the season.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) makes a pass against Indiana Pacers guard Darren Collison during the third quarter of their NBA game at Bankers Life Field- house. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Rockets forward Chriss wants opportunity or trade AFP Warriors, who let “banged up” Draymond the team looks to preserve the long-term RESULTS Los Angeles Green sit out for a bit of rest. health of the All-Star point guard. Houston Rockets forward Marquese Chriss wants to be traded if Turner scored led the Pacers with 16 “Especially with a guy that we were go- the team is not willing to give him more playing time, his agent Clippers 118-123 Atlanta points, but Indiana dropped their second ing to sit him eight to 12 games anyway, so told Yahoo Sports on Monday. olden State star Stephen Curry Boston 112-14 Brooklyn straight since losing guard Victor Oladipo when he does have nicks and bruises, it “Marquese didn’t ask to be traded to Houston,” Aaron Goodwin, scored 26 points on another mile- Denver 95-92 Memphis to a season-ending knee injury. makes sense to sit.” Chriss’ agent, told Yahoo. stone night on Monday, leading Charlotte 101-92 New York In Boston, the absence of Kyrie Irving Nikola Jokic scored 24 points, including “The Rockets are a great organisation and the kid has done eve- the NBA champion Warriors in a was no problem for the Celtics as Jaylen a go-ahead basket with 28.9 seconds left, rything they’ve asked of him to get on the floor. If it’s not going G132-100 rout of the Indiana Pacers. Golden State 132-100 Indiana Brown and Marcus Smart scored 21 points and the visiting Denver Nuggets rallied to happen there, we just want him to be treated fairly.” The Warriors stretched the longest apiece to lead the Celtics to a 112-104 vic- from 25 points down to beat the Memphis Chriss, 21, was dealt to Houston by the Phoenix Suns in August, winning streak in the league this season anxious to get home, but we’ve fi nished tory over the Brooklyn Nets. Grizzlies 95-92 on Monday night. in a deal that also sent Brandon Knight to the Rockets and Ryan to 11 as they wrapped up a fi ve-game road off the trip the right way. “We’re in a Aron Baynes added 16 points, Marcus Will Barton had 20 points, and Malik Anderson and De’Anthony Melton to Phoenix. trip in style in Indianapolis. groove, we’re in a good place. We’ve just Morris scored 15 and Al Horford and Terry Beasley scored 13 of his 18 points in the He has played in just 15 games this season, averaging 1.9 points Curry connected on 10 of 13 shots from got to keep going.” Rozier chipped in 14 each for the Celtics, fourth quarter – when the Nuggets trailed and 1.8 rebounds in just 6.7 minutes per game. the fi eld, including six three-pointers and DeMarcus Cousins added 22 points for whose 16 blocked shots were a franchise by as many as 19 – to help Denver win He has played more than 10 minutes in just three games this became the fi rst player in NBA history to the Warriors, shaking off a scary fall in record. without Jamal Murray. The point guard year. make 200 three-pointers in seven succes- the fi rst quarter. Cousins, playing just his Irving sat out with a sore left hip - pos- missed his second consecutive game due An injury to center Clint Capela did not boost Chriss’ playing sive seasons. He did most of the damage fi fth game for the Warriors after missing sibly the result of a fall in Saturday’s loss to an ankle injury. time, as the Rockets opted to sign forward Kenneth Faried to fill in the fi rst half, when his 23 points in- almost an entire year after a torn Achilles to the Warriors. Denver was down by 19 at halftime, 17 the gap in the rotation. cluded eight straight to break a 16-16 tie tendon, went down hard after Indiana’s “I don’t think it’ll be anything long- after three quarters and 13 with 4:31 left Chriss was drafted eighth overall by the Sacramento Kings in midway through the fi rst quarter – a burst Myles Turner fouled him in transition in term,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said but outscored the Grizzlies 23-7 down the 2016 out of Washington and then traded to the Suns on draft that put the Warriors on their way. the fi rst quarter. before the game. “We’ll see after tonight stretch to win its third in a row. night. He averaged 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes “Just a really good way to fi nish it,” “I wasn’t actually hurt, I was more how he feels tomorrow.” Marc Gasol had 28 points and nine re- per game in 154 contests (124 starts) over his first two seasons Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of the con- spooked from the fall,” said Cousins, who Stevens said it wasn’t a tough deci- bounds, and Mike Conley had 23 points with the Suns before being traded to the Rockets. vincing end to the road trip. “I was a lit- was slow to rise but stayed in the game. sion to have Irving sit out a seventh game and 11 assists for Memphis, which has lost The NBA trade deadline is February 7. tle worried about this game. Everybody’s Kevin Durant added 16 points for the this season, even with a minor injury, as 15 of 17 games.

NHL Zajac leads Devils past Penguins in rare road win Reuters All-Star break, stopped 26 of 32 margin to 6-2. Rust’s goal with 11:25 left in the second, but Bros- Los Anagles New Jersey shots. 1:57 left closed it out. soit made the stick save. It was the teams’ fi rst game The Flyers stayed aggressive since Jan. 19 after the break. KONECNY LEADS FLYERS TO and struck for the initial goal ravis Zajac had a goal New Jersey took a 1-0 lead at 3-1 WIN OVER JETS soon after. Varone gathered a and three assists Mon- 13:08 of the fi rst period as Zajac Travis Konecny scored a goal bouncing puck in front and sent day to help the New picked up his just his third goal and added an assist to lift the it past Brossoit for a 1-0 advan- Jersey Devils break a in the past 22 games. Murray was host Philadelphia Flyers past the tage at 9:47. Tthree-game losing streak with a screened by teammate Cullen Winnipeg Jets 3-1 on Monday. The Jets tied the game at 6-3 win over the host Pittsburgh as Zajac wristed a shot past the James van Riemsdyk and 1 with a power-play goal by Penguins. goaltender. Phil Varone each contributed Roslovic at 12:59, his second tally Zajac has 45 points in 63 ca- Severson made it 2-0 at 14:53 a goal for the Flyers, who won of the season. Roslovic snapped reer games against the Penguins. of the fi rst. Off the rush, he sailed their fourth game in a row. They a 22-game skid without fi nding Damon Severson, Brian Boyle, a shot past Murray’s glove. had secured victories in three the net. Blake Coleman, Kyle Palmieri At 3:30 of the second, Boyle’s straight before the All-Star Konecny, who played in his and Pavel Zacha also scored short-handed goal upped the break. 200th career NHL game, gave for the Devils, who are 3-0-0 Devils’ lead to 3-0. Boyle con- Flyers rookie goaltender the Flyers a 2-1 lead at 18:46 of against Pittsburgh this season. verted a centring pass from Za- Carter Hart was sharp through- the second. He redirected a shot The win gave the Devils a cha. It was the 11th short-hand- out the game and fi nished with by Andrew MacDonald into the 6-17-3 road record, the fewest ed goal given up by Pittsburgh, 31 saves. net. road victories in the NHL. Two most in the NHL. Jack Roslovic scored the Winnipeg’s Tyler Myers of the six have come against the Two seconds after that Pen- lone goal for the Jets, who have wound up and fi red a slap shot Penguins. guins power play expired, at dropped two in a row after win- with about 11:30 remaining New Jersey goaltender Keith 4:28, Brassard scored from the ning six of seven. Winnipeg in the third. MacDonald went Kinkaid made 37 saves to end a right circle to close the defi cit to goaltender Laurent Brossoit sprawling to the ice and made a skid of losses in his previous four 3-1. stopped 28 shots. terrifi c block to maintain a one- starts. At 12:57 of the second, Cole- Hart was stellar in the fi rst goal advantage. Derick Brassard, Matt Cullen man restored New Jersey’s period, and he made a couple of Following a Winnipeg turno- and Bryan Rust scored for the three-goal lead, making it 4-1 off spectacular saves against Win- ver late in the third period, van Penguins, who have lost four of a three-on-two. nipeg’s Patrik Laine in the fi nal Riemsdyk received a pass from fi ve following a 10-1-0 stretch. Palmieri’s knuckler on a pow- couple of minutes. Konecny and tapped it home for Pittsburgh was 0-for-5 on the er play at 11:42 of the third made The game was scoreless at the a 3-1 lead at 16:25. power play and allowed a short- it 5-1. Cullen’s short-handed end of the period, with the Jets The Jets pulled Brossoit for handed goal. goal 48 seconds later made it holding an 11-8 edge in shots. the fi nal two-plus minutes but Matt Murray, who was 10-1-0 5-2, and Zacha’s power-play Sean Couturier skated in and weren’t able to capitalise with New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (left) celebrates his goal with right wing Kyle Palmieri against the in his last 11 starts preceding the one-timer at 13:38 increased the ripped a wrist shot on goal with the extra skater. Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG PAINTS Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 NFL

FOCUS Brady, Goff raring to go as Super Bowl circus kicks off ‘I think the most important thing is to keep the week as normal as possible, try to limit the distractions’

AFP Atlanta

ival quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jared Goff declared themselves raring to go on Monday asR the fi nal countdown to the Super Bowl got under way with the traditional opening night media circus. A day after the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams touched down in Atlanta, the teams who will battle for the biggest prize in US sport were presented to around 9,000 rau- cous fans packed into the city’s State Farm Arena basketball venue. Monday’s media extravaganza marked the start of week-long festivities which will culminate with next Sunday’s Super Bowl showpiece at the futuristic Mer- cedes Benz Stadium. For Brady, the now customary hoopla sur- rounding the opening party is nothing new. The 41-year-old Patriots quarterback will be appearing in a record ninth Super Bowl this weekend, chasing a record- breaking sixth championship. Unsurprisingly, Brady looked at ease on Monday as he sur- veyed a throng of hundreds of journalists which included the usual array of comedians, celeb- rities and bizarre costumes. One credentialled media member ar- rived dressed as a clown. “I think the most important thing is to keep the week as nor- mal as possible, try to limit the distractions,” Brady said when asked for the key to his Super Bowl preparations. Brady and Rams counterpart Goff , 24, had earlier shared a friendly ex- change after being introduced on stage by a moderator. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (left) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during opening night for Super Bowl LIII at State Farm Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Asked what advice Brady would give to Goff as the young build-up as normal as possible. “It speaks to the resiliency of Rams signal caller prepared “It’s just knowing what to this team,” Goff said. Rams ace Robey-Coleman taunts Brady over age for his fi rst Super Bowl, Brady make important, what not to Rams coach Sean McVay said laughed: “I’m not giving him ad- make important,” Goff said. the win over New Orleans had Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell decline. vice.” “Try to keep your routine the emphasized the coolness un- Robey-Coleman has risked the wrath of “He still can sling it, but he’s not slinging it Goff , who would replace Brady same. If you normally go out to a der pressure of his quarterback, Tom Brady after claiming age had finally as much,” he said. But speaking at the Super as the second-youngest quarter- dinner on Friday at home, go to the No 1 overall pick in the 2016 caught up with the New England Patriots Bowl’s Opening Night in Atlanta on Monday, back to win a Super Bowl with a dinner on a Friday out here.” draft. quarterback. Robey-Coleman sought to downplay his victory on Sunday, meanwhile Goff said he didn’t believe “That’s one of the things I’ve Brady, 41, will overtake Peyton Manning as remarks, suggesting his words had been underscored the generational Brady and the Patriots’ familiar- been impressed with since day the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl “taken out of context.” gap between the two players. ity with the Super Bowl environ- one,” said McVay, who would be- on Sunday if he guides the Patriots to vic- “Everybody just made a big deal out of the Asked what memories he had ment would give them a decisive come the youngest coach to win tory over the Rams in Atlanta. situation. Tom Brady’s a great quarterback. I of Brady’s fi rst Super Bowl ap- advantage. the Super Bowl this week at the Brady has looked in superb form during the wasn’t trying to say nothing bad about him,” pearance – way back in 2002 – “Maybe it helps, but we’re age of just 33. NFL playoff s, leading the Patriots to Robey-Coleman said. Goff replied: “None. I was seven, certainly not seeing it that way,” “He’s unfazed, good or bad. a lopsided win over the Los Angeles Charg- “I respect him as the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all I think.” Goff told AFP. His ability to handle and adver- ers before a thrilling overtime victory time) He is the legend. And I think words got “Last week we were inexpe- sity the same way, demonstrates against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC misconstrued, and they got spinned out of VIVID MEMORIES rienced in playing in the NFC the poise and confi dence you title game. context,” he said. Brady by contrast said the mem- Championship game against the want from your quarterback. Robey-Coleman, whose unpunished pass Robey-Coleman’s words are neverthe- ories of the win, against the then Saints, and we came through Against New Orleans he handled interference in the Rams win over New Or- less likely to be motivational manna from St Louis Rams, remained etched that challenge. You try to put it. He didn’t fl inch, he didn’t leans sparked uproar, is adamant that Brady heaven for Brady and the Patriots, who have on his mind. that stuff to one side and play blink, and he played his best is on the wane. been eager to cast themselves as under- “The most important memory your game.” when his best was required. It’s a “Age has definitely taken a toll,” Robey- dogs despite another successful season, is that ball going through the Goff said the Rams had been big reason why we’re here.” Coleman told Bleacher Report. “For him to which has ended with a ninth Super Bowl uprights at the end and us win- emboldened by coming through Goff , for his part, is looking still be doing it, that’s a great compliment appearance since the 2001-2002 campaign. ning,” he said. “So to do it 17 their nail-biting 26-23 overtime forward to the biggest game of for him. But I think that he’s definitely not Asked for his response to Robey-Coleman’s Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell years later with a new bunch of win over the Saints in Louisiana, his career. the same quarterback he was.” comments on Monday, Brady paused before Robey-Coleman during opening night for guys means as much as ever.” where the deafening noise had “Yeah, I’m ready,” Goff told re- Robey-Coleman said he had pinpointed telling reporters: “Yeah I don’t have much Super Bowl LIII at State Farm Arena. Goff , meanwhile, said he created “the most diffi cult envi- porters. “I think you don’t have a Brady’s throwing as a possible area of to add.” PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports would attempt to make the ronment I’d ever played in.” choice. It’ll be fun. I’m excited.”

SPOTLIGHT Dirty player? That’s not me, says Rams star Suh AFP Don’t take my play as an indica- tion,” he says. “There’s a lot of Atlanta tor of who I am as a human be- dimensions that go into who I Gronkowski on retirement: ‘I don’t know’ ing.” am.” There are many in the NFL, What is not in dispute is Suh’s New England Patriots tight end some down time, enjoyment fter amassing more including some former team- talent. The son of a Jamaican Rob Gronkowski said Monday time and you just see where than $440,000 in fi nes mates, who are unpersuaded by mother and a father from Cam- he doesn’t know if Super Bowl you want to go with it.” during a career which Suh’s Jekyll-and-Hyde persona. eroon, Suh was chosen with the LIII will be his last NFL game. Reports have said the 29-year- has seen him sanc- “He’s a dirty player,” was the second overall pick in the 2010 Asked at Super Bowl Media old tight end will strongly con- tionedA for stomping, choking verdict of Suh’s former team- draft after a dazzling college ca- Night if he’s considering sider retirement this off season, and kicking opponents, it’s easy mate LeGarrette Blount in 2016. reer. retirement after this season, perhaps to become an actor or to see why Ndamukong Suh “He has always been a dirty While his checkered discipli- Gronkowski responded, “Oh... I get into wrestling. Gronkowski is often described as the “NFL’s player. He’s going to always be nary history has often overshad- don’t know. I don’t know.” did acknowledge he might dirtiest player.” dirty player.” owed his play, he remains a po- “I’m thinking all -- how to get need a signature wrestling On Sunday, Suh will be hop- The case for the prosecution tent force on the fi eld. myself to go full-go in the game, move eventually. “I never made ing to terrorise Tom Brady when can point to a rap sheet that After three years in Miami, just working on that.” a move of my own yet, but I the Los Angeles Rams take on the boasts a veritable full house of he signed for the Rams this year Gronkowski reiterated that he’s might have to figure that one New England Patriots in Super skullduggery. determined to seek Super Bowl not thinking about the pos- out one day,” Gronkowski said Bowl 53 in Atlanta. Suh was hit with a two-game honors. He fi nished the season sibility one way or another yet, with a laugh. In his ninth sea- The Rams defensive linchpin suspension for stamping on with 59 tackles and 4.5 sacks and with his focus remaining on the son, Gronkowski is a five-time is at pains to emphasise, howev- Green Bay Packers linebacker was a key fi gure in the Rams de- Super Bowl. He plan to ponder Pro Bowler and four-time First- er, that his uncompromising ap- Evan Dietrich-Smith in 2011. feat of New Orleans in the NFC the question two weeks after team All-Pro, but he’s battled proach on the fi eld of play does He kicked Texans quarterback more quarterback Ryan Mallett human being,” Suh said. title game. Sunday’s game. “As of right a number of injuries, and his not refl ect his true personality. Matt Schaub in the groin in 2012 around the throat, but escaped a “Maybe ask who I am, talk to “I had to make a tough deci- now, that’s one of the last things numbers slipped this season. “I would say people think I’m and stepped on Packers star Aar- fi ne. Suh maintains, though, that me, ask me questions, have a sion in the off -season,” said Suh, I’m thinking about,” Gronkowski He had 47 catches for 682 yards a villain, on and off the field,” on Rodgers in 2014. He was also he is mostly misunderstood, and conversation with me. Don’t just when asked about his choice of said, calling it a “tricky ques- and three touchdowns in 13 Suh told AFP. “I want to impose fi ned $100,000 for a dangerous is eager for the curious to engage take somebody else’s opinion. signing for the Rams. tion” as to whether he wants to games, marking his first season my will. I want to be a dominant low block on Minnesota’s John him when he is off the field. Create your own opinion and let “I think I made the right deci- keep playing. “...I love playing since his rookie year in which force when I’m between those Sullivan in 2013. “Truthfully, think of me in it be unbiased.” sion. And I hope that after Sun- the game....A few weeks down he played at least nine games white lines. In 2017, Suh was in hot wa- a space where you’ve actually So who is Ndamukong Suh? day I’ll be able to say that even the road, you relax, you get and did not reach the Pro Bowl. “But that is not who I am 24/7. ter again after grabbing Balti- taken the time to look at me as a “That’s a longer conversa- more.” Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET ‘South Africa have lowered World Cup expectations’ Reuters July 14 tournament. which is expected to include 10 debu- Cape Town “We will go with a little bit less tants. “I remember going through the pressure on us as a team in terms of process of the previous World Cup the expectation of winning it,” Du (in 2015),” he said. “Going through outh Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who team are ranked fourth in the hurt of putting in so much time Plessis picked hosts England the ODI standings, said yesterday. and energy into trying to win a tro- and 2011 champions India as “It is pretty clear that England and phy, and by the end you are absolutely the title favourites for this India are the two favourites. We are a shattered. year’sS Cricket World Cup and said his young group and the guys are just ex- “Yes, all of us badly want to win a side will go into the tournament with cited about the opportunity.” World Cup but for me as a captain, it lowered expectations, which could However, Du Plessis is aware that is very important to make sure that work to their advantage. South Africa will still have to deal players don’t try to be supermen to South Africa’s World Cup adven- with a lot of hype in the run-up and win. tures have often ended in unfortunate during the tournament as well as the “I have felt like we have been guilty circumstances — including falling narrative of their past failures. of that in the past... and that expecta- foul of an unfair rain rule, misread- “We have gone to tournaments in tion can (put) a lot of weight on your ing the Duckworth-Lewis run-rate the past where we have felt like we shoulders. requirement, or comical run outs at had the strongest team on paper, but “They just need to go there and be the death. Four years ago they seemed cricket is not played on paper,” he the best they can be.” to have one foot in the fi nal until New said. “When opponents look at us The World Cup will be played in a Zealand pipped them in a thrilling now, we are not the strongest team. round-robin format with all 10 na- semi-fi nal by belting a six off the pe- But when a South Africa team goes to tions pitted against each other in the nultimate ball of the match. the World Cup, the chat in the media fi rst round and the top four teams ad- Such results have led to South Af- starts, even the opposition starts to vancing to the semi-fi nals. rica being labelled ‘chokers’ at the 50- chat!” South Africa open their campaign over event, and in turn has lowered Du Plessis believes managing the against England at The Oval on May their expectations for the 30 May to mental side will be key for his squad, 30. South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis gestures during second ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on August 1, 2018. (Reuters)

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Azarenka sets up Kvitova clash in Kvitova hails end to St Petersburg

AFP Saint Petersburg

Grand Slam issues ormer world number one Victoria Azarenka set up a second-round clash with Australian OpenF runner-up Petra Kvitova in St Petersburg yesterday with a straight-sets win over Mar- garita Gasparyan. at Australian Open The Belarusian, who was dumped out in the fi rst round ‘I wasn’t too happy after the loss but now the positive things prevail’ at Melbourne Park by Germa- ny’s Laura Siegemund, eased to a 6-4, 6-1 victory against the Russian qualifi er. Next up for Azarenka will be top seed Kvitova, who was beaten in a thrilling Australian Former world number one Open fi nal by Naomi Osaka on Victoria Azarenka. Saturday. “I expect a tough match as drawing from Fed Cup duty at she (Kvitova) is currently in the start of 2017. After sever- top form. For me every match ing her successful doubles re- is very important regardless lationship with Mladenovic, of my opponent’s name. I just Garcia pulled out of a subse- want to play and to progress,” quent Fed Cup tie despite hav- Azarenka said. ing stated she did not want to The 29-year-old has tum- play in the event that year. bled down the rankings since “It’s inconceivable to me to the birth of her son Leo and an not pick her, as the best French ensuing custody battle, and is player... I wanted to select the currently the world number 51. best team possible,” said coach “It’s just the beginning of Julien Benneteau, the succes- the season and every single sor to Yannick Noah as Fed Cup match is hard for me,” Azaren- captain. ka added. Garcia last played in the Elsewhere, fi fth seed Julia competition in 2016 when Goerges reached round two by France lost the fi nal 3-2 to the beating Greek Maria Sakkari Czech Republic in Strasbourg 6-2, 7-5 despite appearing to after she and Mladenovic were suff er an ankle injury in the beaten in the decisive doubles opening set. rubber. The German will next face However, Benneteau was two-time Grand Slam fi nalist unable to guarantee that Garcia Vera Zvonareva. would defi nitely return for the Meanwhile, Carolina Garcia, quarter-fi nal tie with Belgium France’s highest-ranked play- in Liege on February 9 and 10. er, has been called up for next “She knows she’s selected week’s Fed Cup tie against Bel- and is assured the girls, the gium after a two-year absence other players, are waiting for from the competition. her return and that the staff World number 19 Garcia was will do everything to make her selected on Tuesday alongside feel good,” he said. Kristina Mladenovic and Al- The France team also in- ize Cornet, two players with cludes Pauline Parmentier and whom she fell out after with- Fiona Ferro.

Hewitt flays ‘ridiculous’ changes to Davis Cup format

Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has criticised Bar- celona soccer player Gerard Pique and his Spanish investment Japan’s Naomi Osaka (left) and Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova pose with the championship trophy and runners-up trophy during the presentation ceremony of the Australian Open group Kosmos for making sweeping changes to the 119-year-old in Melbourne on January 26, 2019. (AFP) tennis competition. The Davis Cup will be revamped to create a tennis World Cup AFP 28-year-old, who also won Kvitova is fi ghting memories of uered fl ag on those two years,” bourne, she would have replaced after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) signed a 25-year Prague Wimbledon in 2011, told report- an attack at her Czech home by Kvitova said, looking at the silver Halep as the world number one $3 bn deal with Kosmos where the home-away system will ers in Prague. a knife-wielding burglar in De- plate she won at Melbourne. — an honour that went to Osaka be replaced by an 18-team tournament played over a week in “I guess it’s a compensation cember 2016, which left deep One of those to ask her was instead. Madrid. ustralian Open fi nal- for last year which wasn’t the scars on her left hand. former world number one Jim “We didn’t talk about the The new format will have the usual five sets reduced to three ist Petra Kvitova hailed best when it comes to Grand She identifi ed the man and is Courier — on court, following rankings with Simona,” chuck- and Hewitt believes it was “ridiculous” to make so many the end of her Grand Slams,” added Kvitova, who in willing to give her testimony in her quarter-fi nal win against the led Kvitova, adding it was not changes to the sport’s premier international tournament. Slam bad luck — and of 2018 reached the last-32 phase at court in early February on the home crowd’s favourite Ashleigh her top priority. “He (Pique) knows nothing about tennis. It’d be like me asking aA two-year transition following the French and US Open, bowing condition she does not meet the Barty. “I suppose he didn’t want “I’m trying to improve as the to change things for the Champions League,” Hewitt told re- a knife attack that almost ended out of the Australian Open and suspect. to make me cry — but he did,” games go and I think the rank- porters ahead of Australia’s Davis Cup qualifier against Bosnia- her career. Wimbledon at the fi rst hurdle. “Petra takes this as an inevita- Kvitova said. ings will refl ect that,” she said. Herzegovina. Having played only two Grand “I wasn’t too happy after the ble thing. She knows it’s neces- “The interview was pretty Next, the ‘Czech Lioness’ fac- “The two biggest points of diff erence were, one, the home and Slam quarter-fi nals since her loss but now the positive things sary to put an end to the whole tough — but he’s a nice guy.” es a defence of last year’s titles away aspect of it and, secondly, was the best of five sets. If you Wimbledon triumph in 2014, prevail,” said the new world aff air,” her spokesman Karel Te- Sympathy poured in from the from St Petersburg this week and look at the pinnacle of our sport, which are the four majors, Kvitova joked last year that she number two. jkal told reporters. Australian audience and from Doha a fortnight later. they’re best of five sets.” might as well quit playing at the “I felt very well throughout Kvitova herself declined to fellow players. “I’ll enjoy St Petersburg, I’m Former world number one Hewitt is also not in favour of playing top four events. This year’s Aus- those three weeks I played in speak about the attack that re- “Simona Halep sent me three travelling with my friend. It’s a the entire tournament at a single venue, saying it was an idea tralian Open off ered a diff erent Australia.” quired a complicated surgery nice messages — after the Syd- wonderful tournament and I’m that would not work in tennis. picture of the left-handed Czech Kvitova started the year poorly and saw her sink from sixth to ney win, after the quarter-fi nal looking forward to it,” she said. “Having it at one place I think is ridiculous, I don’t think many of who did not lose a single set on at Brisbane where she lost in the sixteenth in the world. with Ashleigh Barty and after the Asked if she was concerned the top players will play,” he added. “They’re basically running her way to the fi nal in which she last 16, but she took the top hon- “Such questions make me a fi nal,” said Kvitova. about her health which has of- the ITF and a soccer league is the main sponsor of the Davis lost to Japan’s Naomi Osaka in ours at Sydney a week later — at bit angry but I can’t do anything “It’s great to have such good ten been an issue in the past, she Cup.” three sets on Saturday. a tournament where she initially about it. But it will be over some relationships even when you’re said: “I know it will be cold at St Australia play their Davis Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herze- “I’m glad it was only a joke, was not expecting to play. day.” at the top of the rankings.” Petersburg but I’ll wear a winter govina in Adelaide on Friday and Saturday. that it didn’t happen,” the Besides the on-court battles, “I guess this trophy is a cheq- If Kvitova had won at Mel- jacket and a woollen cap!”

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS Pakistan captain Sarfraz vows to return an improved man Karachi: Pakistan cricket Murray undergoes hip captain Sarfraz Ahmed vowed yesterday to be a better player as he returned home after be- ing handed a four-match ban for a racial slur against a South African player in Durban last week. The 31-year-old was heard on a stump microphone resurfacing surgery making a comment in Urdu about Andile Phehlukwayo during the second one-day international. Surgeon believes former World No 1 can return to competitive tennis The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday By Sean Ingle and Kevin Mitchell banned Sarfraz for four The Guardian matches — two one-day inter- Britain’s Andy Murray waves to the crowd after his loss nationals and two Twenty20 to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of internationals — of the South ndy Murray will not know for the Australian Open in Melbourne. (AFP) African tour. The Pakistan several months whether he can Cricket Board (PCB) expressed return to the upper echelons disappointment over the pun- of tennis after undergoing hip ishment — saying it believed a resurfacingA surgery in what amounts ban was unnecessary because to a fi nal roll of the dice to save his ca- the matter had already been reer. The 31-year-old has refused to put resolved between the two a time frame on his return to the sport, players — and withdrew the but his hopes of playing in this year’s Pakistan captain from the tour. Wimbledon in July appear remote. Sarfraz was greeted as he Murray’s circle of confi dantes has landed back at Karachi airport shrunk to his immediate family, and he by some 200 fans, who held again bypassed the media to announce placards condemning the the news on Instagram. “I now have ICC’s decision — said the mat- a metal hip,” he wrote, following the ter is behind him. “Whatever operation that involved removing the happened has happened,” Sar- damaged bone and cartilage within his fraz told media at the airport right hip socket and replacing it with a after landing from Cape Town. metal shell. “Feeling a bit battered and “I accepted my mistake and bruised just now but hopefully that will ICC’s decision is in front of be the end of my hip pain.” you. I will improve myself and Earlier this month Murray had my performance in the future strongly hinted that retirement was im- and I thank my supporters for minent because of constant problems their backing.” The ICC said from a “severely damaged” right hip Sarfraz will have to attend “an which had failed to respond to a previ- education programme to pro- ous operation. mote the understanding and However, it is understood that the awareness of issues directly Scot was persuaded to take one last shot relevant to the off ence that he at saving his career by his performance has committed.” in an epic fi ve-set defeat to the Rob- In Sarfraz’s absence, Shoaib erto Bautista Agut at the Australian Malik led the team to an Open – which showed that he was still eight-wicket win in the fourth capable of mixing it with the top play- match in Johannesburg on ers – as well as a conversations with the Sunday. Pakistan and South grand slam winning doubles champion Africa meet in the final match Bob Bryan, who returned to tennis fi ve in Cape Town today, with the months after a similar hip operation. series tied at 2-2. That will be Bryan said that he had warned Murray followed by a three-match that there were no guarantees he would Twenty20 international series. return to the top. “I’m really the only guy lieves the three-time Grand Slam win- “Fortunately, not too many young agonised over the decision at length. He problems in July 2017. Asked about PCB’s decision to be playing on tour with a metal hip so ner could be back within 12 months. “I people develop arthritis of their hips has primarily undergone the surgery to If Murray watched the Austral- to recall him, Sarfraz said: “I he’s been watching me like a hawk, ask- do hope Andy returns to competition,” – but, when they do – the common- improve his quality of life by ending the ian Open fi nal, he will have witnessed don’t see anything in it as I ing me how I’m feeling after matches, he told the Guardian. “He could be back est cause is sport, followed by injury,” pain he feels on a daily basis. But he also Djokovic’s straight-sets humiliation of was playing cricket for the after practices, where I’m at,” the Amer- within a year – and, with strong, fl ex- Stockwell added. Murray now faces holds out faint hopes of returning to Nadal with a mixture of awe and regret. last five months. I will rest ican revealed. “But I never once told him ible, painless hips. There is no reason months of rehabilitation and uncer- tennis, perhaps at the US Open in Au- His struggles with those players, as well and then play Pakistan Super this is the way to go, because I do see why he shouldn’t be competitive.” tainty and there is no guarantee that gust or in Melbourne next January. as against Federer, look to be in the dis- League,” referring to the that singles is a diff erent monster. Those Stockwell said that the hip resurfac- he will ever play competitively again. Yet even if his team can get him back tant past. Yet Murray has always been a league starting in the UAE guys are really sliding around, killing ing, which was known as the ‘Birming- Earlier this month he insisted that he on the court in something resembling fi ghter, so it is no surprise that he des- from February 14. themselves for four hours. Who knows if ham method’ after being developed wanted to play at Wimbledon this sum- his old self, he will be 32 and mere com- perately wants to be back on the biggest But Sarfraz blasted former this joint would hold up?” in Britain’s second city by the surgeon mer, but that seems highly unlikely. His petitiveness at a base level is unlikely to stages of the sport he loves. But, as he fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, Yet while playing singles is far more Derek McMinn, had been developed as body needs time to rest and recover be- satisfy someone who has been world No ventures on yet another comeback trail, who condemned his action taxing on the body, Jason Stockwell, an an alternative to hip replacement sur- fore being rebuilt to grand slam level. 1 and was mixing it with Roger Federer, he knows better than most that the gap as unacceptable for someone orthopaedic surgeon familiar with the gery and was primarily intended for men Nevertheless, the fi re will not go out Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic un- between wanting and doing can be light leading Pakistan. operation Murray has undergone, be- under the age of 55 with osteoarthritis. easily. He has consulted widely, and has til he began to suff er from serious hip years apart.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Aft er Barbados bruising, Pakistan, India to kick off T20 World Cup tournaments in Australia next year England ponder changes WOMEN’S GROUP STAGES ing matches before Australia kicks off the AFP (FEBRUARY 21 — MARCH 3) Reuters Sydney Super 12 group stages on October 24 against Antigua top-ranked Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Group A: Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Ground. Lanka, Qualifier 1 osts Australia will take on Paki- Australia, Pakistan, the West Indies, New Group B: England, West Indies, South Africa, year in which England will host the World stan’s men and India’s women for Zealand and two qualifi ers make up one side Pakistan, Qualifier 2 Cup and the Ashes started in the worst the opening fi xtures of the Twen- of the draw, with defending champions the possible way with an emphatic 381-run ty20 World Cups in 2020, organis- Windies starting their title defence against Semi-finals: March 5 defeat by West Indies in Barbados and ersH said yesterday as the draw for the tour- the Black Caps on October 25. India, Eng- Final: March 8 theyA face major selection choices for the second naments was announced. land, South Africa and Afghanistan and two Test in Antigua starting tomorrow. The T20 World Cups are being held in the qualifi ers make up the other side of the draw. For West Indies, led by one of the game’s most same year and in the same country for the For the women’s fi xtures, four-time win- MEN’S QUALIFIERS: OCTOBER 18 — 23 exciting talents in all-rounder Jason Holder, the fi rst time, with the men’s and women’s fi - ners Australia are in Group A with New Group stages (October 24 — November 8) Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and one quali- contest at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, off ers a nals to be played at one of the world’s biggest Group 1: Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New chance to prove they are a team on the rise — capa- stadiums, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. fi er, while West Indies and 2009 champions Zealand, two qualifiers ble of more than just occasional triumphs. Ten women’s teams will play in 23 match- England join South Africa, Pakistan and a For all the focus on England’s decision to play two es from February 21 to March 8, with reign- second qualifying team. Group 2: India, England, South Africa, Af- spinners and leave out experienced seamer Stu- ing champions Australia to clash with India The women’s fi nal will be played on March ghanistan, two qualifiers art Broad, the fact remains that England’s loss was in the opening game in Sydney. 8 to coincide with International Women’s Semi-finals: November 11 and 12 caused by a shocking fi rst-innings batting eff ort as The men’s competition, from October 18 Day, and the men’s fi nal will be held on No- Final: November 15 they were skittled out for a paltry 77. to November 15, will feature several qualify- vember 15. Concerns over England’s batting increased when part-time spinner Roston Chase took eight wickets in the second innings. Questions are being asked of FOCUS England’s left-handed opener Keaton Jennings who is struggling again after showing his capabilities with a century in Sri Lanka in November. It would be a surprise, however, if England’s se- ICC urges Sri Lanka to come clean lectors decided to immediately jettison him for 32-year-old back-up Joe Denly but Jennings will AFP row. Those who refuse to share informa- was charged with failing to cooperate with again be under pressure to show he merits that Colombo tion with ICC investigators could face fi ve- a match-fi xing probe and concealing infor- faith. Jennings will need to show real toughness year bans if caught. “The ICC considers Sri mation. Zoysa was suspended over match- to rise to the challenge but that is a quality former Lanka the world’s most corrupt cricketing fi xing accusations. skipper Michael Vaughan feels the team is lacking. England’s Ben Stokes (left) and Moeen Ali take a he International Cricket Council nation and the sport’s governance riddled “They do not have the mental strength to fi ght break during a nets session in North Sound, has urged Sri Lanka’s scandal-rid- with graft “from top to bottom”, Sri Lankan SRI LANKA CALL UP UNCAPPED FAST through tough sessions by working hard and forc- Antigua yesterday. (Reuters) den sporting community to come sports minister Harin Fernando said last BOWLER FOR AUSTRALIA TEST ing bowlers into their third or fourth spells. They forward with information about month. The crisis-ridden Sri Lanka Cricket Uncapped right arm fast bowler Chamika are fi ne when they bowl a team out or make a big occasions when the West Indies won a test by big- Tcorruption before an amnesty expires or risk (SLC) governing body is expected to hold Karunaratne has been picked by Sri Lanka score batting fi rst themselves but poor when they ger margins by runs. expulsion from the game. Sri Lankan cricket elections in February after a nine-month to replace injured Lahiru Kumara in the Test are under a little bit of pressure,” Vaughan wrote in They defeated England by 425 runs in Manches- has been mired in corruption allegations in delay from the end of president Thilanga squad as the visitors bid to level the series his Daily Telegraph column. ter in 1976 and crushed Australia by 408 runs in recent years, including claims of match fi x- Sumathipala’s term last May. in Canberra. Australia thrashed Sri Lanka Vaughan pointed the fi nger fi rmly at Jennings and Adelaide in 1980. While the results of the Caribbean ing ahead of an international Test against Sumathipala has been accused of vio- by an innings and 40 runs in the fi rst Test in is worried he won’t be able to handle Holder’s pace side remain well below the standards they once set, England last year, and the sport’s world gov- lating ICC rules by holding offi ce despite Brisbane on Saturday. attack. “Keaton Jennings is a good player against there are signs they may be turning the corner — erning body is in the middle of a major in- alleged links to gambling. He denies the That was a major boost for the Austral- spin but every time he faces pace I shut my eyes. the victory in Barbados was their eighth win in their quiry into the island nation. charges. In November, former Sri Lankan ian team, which recently lost a Test series to He does not know where his off stump is and, as an last 21 Tests. The ICC said it had received a “positive fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was sus- India for the fi rst time on home soil. But Sri opening batsman, that is your number one task,” he Those victories include two against England and response” after granting a 15-day amnesty pended for corruption linked to a limited- Lanka, who recently lost a series 3-0 against said. Pakistan and one against Sri Lanka but Holder, now this month for players, coaches or anyone over league in 2017. Lokuhettige was the New Zealand, now face the unenviable pros- Broad is likely to return to the attack but it is far ranked as the world’s top Test all-rounder, knows else linked to the sport to come clean, free of third Sri Lankan player charged for violating pect of being swept again. In another injury from clear who will drop out and with Antigua pos- there have been plenty of false dawns for his team. the threat of punishment. Council anti-cor- the ICC’s anti-corruption code, following blow, Dushmantha Chameera — who in- sibly friendly to spin, Joe Root may still need to keep “We’ve still got a long way to go. One Test match ruption chief Alex Marshall said new cases charges levelled against former captain and jured his left ankle while bowling during the two slow bowlers. The mood in the home camp is doesn’t make a summer,” he said. “We’ve been in had come to light and urged others to come ex-chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, and fi rst Test — had been ruled out of the second buoyant, after all there have only been two other this position before, so lots of hard work to be done.” forward before the amnesty expires tomor- former paceman Nuwan Zoysa. Jayasuriya and fi nal Test starting on Friday.