Pakistan cap home Test return with series triumph over Sri Lanka page 14

TUESday, DECEMBER 24, 2019

Hassouna, Chanu declared best ’s Fares Ibrahim Hassouna and India’s Mirabai NBA Chanu adjudged best weightlifters at pg 15 GS WARRIORS vs M TIMBERWOLVES Mbappe adds Olympic appearance to packed 2020 wish list

AFP is also due to play for Back at Aspetar for / at the Euros which run from recovery programme June 12 to July 12. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbap- Kylian Mbappe is putting If I don’t manage to go in If the 21-year-old Parisian pe arrived at Aspetar – the himself forward for the French 2020, I’ll still have 2024 star were to be called up by world’s leading orthopaedic team at next summer’s left, in Paris. I’d really like to Olympic coach Sylvian Ripoll, and sports medicine hospital Olympics, while adding that do the Olympics at least he would take his holiday at in Qatar – on Monday for a re- he would not want to fight once in my career. the start of the club season. covery programme. his club Paris Saint-Germain The striker said he had dis- The PSG star was welcomed (PSG) over participation. Paris Saint-Germain French cussed a possible appearance by Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari, “Playing in the Olympics, forward Kylian Mbappe at the Games with France sen- Aspetar’s Acting Chief Execu- I don’t control everything,” he ior coach Didier Deschamps. tive Officer. told France Football magazine “The coach was adamant On his arrival at Aspetar, the in an interview to be published he responded to the French that it would never be to the Parisian player said, “Aspetar is on Tuesday. team’s qualification in June detriment of the Euro,” Mbap- incredible and the infrastructure “Of course I want to go, but with a “TOKYO 2020” tweet pe said. “I reassured him by is perfect to work and recover, if my club, which is my em- accompanied by a flashing telling him that I also wanted everything is optimised for the ployer, doesn’t want me to go, emoticon and a French flag. to play in the Euro, and he athletes at its best.” I won’t force a clash. Olympic football at Tokyo, said: ‘So it’s up to you to deal He added: “Many of my “We’ll soon talk about it,” an under-23 tournament with with the people it concerns’. teammates and other people said the 21-year-old, who al- each side allowed three over- “If I don’t manage to go in recommended me to come to ready has a World Cup win- age players, runs from July 22 2020, I’ll still have 2024 left, Aspetar for recovery, and I am ner’s medal. to August 8, which is also the in Paris,” Mbappe said. “I’d happy to be here. I recommend Mbappe had already scheduled date of the start of Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian MBappe with Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Aspetar’s Acting Chief Execu- really like to do the Olympics this place for any injury or re- dropped an Olympic hint when the French season. Mbappe tive Officer, at Aspetar – the world’s leading orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital– in Doha on Monday. at least once in my career.” covery purpose as it’s the best”.

QNB Stars League Big guns boom as Al Sadd thrash Gharafa 5-1, Duhail blank Ahli 3-0 Tribune News Network Doha

Defending champions Al Sadd, and former winners Al Duhail returned to the 2019- 20 QNB Stars League action in style recording thumping wins in Round 11 on Monday. While the Wolves roared with a 5-1 victory over high- fliers Al Gharafa at the Al Gharafa Stadium, Al Du- hail blanked Al Ahli 3-0 at the Al Ahli Stadium. The Al Sadd contest pro- vided goals galore as Bounedjah opened scoring in the very second minute of the match, before slammed in three goals (13th- minute penalty, 52nd and 72nd minutes). Skipper Has- san al Haydous (31st-minute penalty) also contributed to Al Sadd’s Akram Afif, who scored three goals, battles for the ball the scoreline. during the match against Al Gharafa on Monday. Al Duhail players celebrate one of their three goals against Al Ahli. For Al Gharafa, reduced the deficit in two games in hand, deferred tripped Edmilson. return to action in Round 12 Wakrah play Al Sadd, and Al 74th minute. due to their AFC Champions The QNB Stars will now from January 2, 2020 when Al Ahli meet Al Arabi. Al Sadd now have 18 points League commitment. with two games in hand, Al Ahli remained on 13 against Al Arabi and Al Khor points following their sixth which were deferred due to loss. their AFC Champions League Al Ahli put up a brave fight, engagements. Al Sadd Hassan al Haydos celebrates a goal with Baghdad but their players could not Al Shahania, Al Khor play Al Gharafa stand on 20 Bounedjah against Al Gharafa on Monday. match the pace and skills of points as they suffered their their Al Duhail counterparts. third defeat. The scoreline did an exciting 2-2 draw Fresh from their FIFA QNB Stars League Standings (Top 5) swell because of the alertness Club World Cup exploits, Al Club MP W D l GF GA GD Pts of Al Ahli goalkeeper Ivanildo Tribune News Network Sadd faced up against one of 1. Al Duhail 11 9 2 0 24 10 14 29 Rodriguez. Doha this season’s top sides in Al 2. 11 7 4 0 24 9 15 25 Msakni opened the scor- Gharafa, but were in no mood 3. Al Gharafa 11 6 2 3 21 16 5 20 ing after he latched on to a Al Shahania and Al Khor to compromise as they set off 4. Al Sadd 9 6 0 3 26 17 9 18 through ball, evaded the chal- played out a 2-2 draw in their at a blistering pace. lenge of Ali Faiz and placed the Week 11 of the QNB Stars 5. Al Sailiya 11 5 2 4 14 14 0 17 With the game barely a ball home past the goalkeeper. League at the Al Ahli Stadium minute old, the home side Ismail doubled the lead on Monday. was unable to clear its lines jah’s free-kick was handled the penalty area, but the com- moments before the half-time Ahmed Hammoudan (25th as Akram found Bounedjah by Adlene Guedioura in the prehensive victory was well and whistle off a cross from the left minute), and Tiago Bezerra with a through ball and the wall, resulting in a penalty. truly completed by that point. by Paulo Edmilson. (53rd minute) scored for Al Algerian nutmegged his op- Bounedjah then missed the On Al Ahli’s part, Moham- Khor, while Al Shahania’s goals ponent before exquisitely subsequent penalty with VAR Al Duhail 3 Al Ahli 0 med Diame skied his shot and came through Kesse Aman- chipping the ball over an ordering a re-take as Qasem Meanwhile, Al Duhail Abel Mathias headed over the goua (36th minute) and Ramin onrushing to had advanced off his line too blanked Al Ahli 3-0 at the Al bar during the half. Rezaeian (82nd minute). open the scoring. soon. This time, Al Haydous Ahli Stadium. On resumption, Al Duhail Al Shahania ended up Ten minutes later, they took control with a perfectly- Yousef Msakni (29th made forays into the rival goal as the only winless team as were offered the chance executed shot. minute), Ismail Mohammed time and again. The 52nd min- they completed the first leg of to double their lead when The fourth and fifth goals (45+3) and (86th- ute saw brisk action. Ivanildo 2019-20 QNB Stars League. Yousef Muftah brought down of the evening came in similar minute penalty) scored the blocked Edmilson’s shot, Is- They have five points, having Action from the Al Shahania-Al Khor QNB Stars League clash played Bounedjah in the penalty area, fashion from the left side as goals as Al Duhail moved to 29 mail attempted the rebound lost six matches. at the Al Ahli Stadium on Monday. with the referee having no op- played in points, four more than second- and so did as the Al Al Khor moved on to six tion but to point to the spot. Akram to chip over the luck- placed Al Rayyan, who beat Al Ahli goal had a close call. points. Al Khor have played possession with 58 per cent. minated in a long-range shot Akram stepped up confidently less Qasem from an acute an- Wakrah on Sunday. At the other end, Abel was one game less as their Week 7 Both teams had their share of that went in. And the first half to send Qasem the wrong way gle, before he completed his Al Duhail now have a slow to respond to a rebound fixture againstA l Sadd was de- chances and the match was al- ended 1-1. and extend Al Sadd’s lead. hat-trick with a well-executed 11-point lead over reigning from Amine Lecomte, who ferred owing to the latter’s AFC most evenly fought. Tiago again put Al Khor VAR then played a big role pass into the side of the net. champions Al Sadd, who de- blocked Nabil El Zhar’s shot. Champions League engage- After Hammoudan gave ahead with an angular shot. in the third goal as it twice in- Al Gharafa had time for a feated Al Gharafa in the day’s Almoez sealed the win by ment. It has now been sched- Al Khor the lead, Amangoua Al Shahania’s second tervened in the same passage late consolation when Sofiane another kick-off. converting a penalty, award- uled for 21st January, 2020. helped Al Shahania draw par- equaliser came late, in the of play, firstly to rule Bouned- scored a drive from outside of However, Al Sadd have ed after Mohammed Diame Al Shahania dominated ity with a solo effort that cul- form of a header by Rezaeian. Sports Tuesday, December 24, 2019 13 Lazio rejoice as Ronaldo Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the loses 1st final in 5 years English Premier League match against Leicester AFP City in Manchester on Rome Saturday. (AFP)

Lazio returned to a heroes welcome in Rome on Monday after their thrilling 3-1 Italian Guardiola ready victory over Ju- ventus in which ended Portuguese star Cristiano Ron- to back players in aldo’s five-year victorious run in finals. Ronaldo had been on a run racism walk-off of 12 consecutive wins with Por- tugal, Juventus and Real Ma- AFP the football world it is more drid going back to the Spanish Manchester in vision because every game, Super Cup in August 2014. every week, every day, a lot of And the 34-year-old five- Pep Guardiola has said he actions happen.” time Ballon d’Or winner’s would back his players if The Catalan added: “It is a frustration was obvious as he they ever found themselves battle we have to fight it every quickly took the silver medal compelled to walk off dur- day, in schools especially, in off his neck and did not wait ing a game in protest against the families at home to try to to see Lazio lift the trophy for racist abuse. make a better society in the fu- a fifth time. Simone Inzaghi’s The Manchester City man- ture for the next generation. side have won the Cup twice ager was talking following the “It is a battle day-by-day. in the past three years, hav- scenes that marred Chelsea’s Of course, all the initiatives, it ing also beaten Juventus 3-2 Lazio’s players celebrate winning the Supercoppa Italiana final against Juventus in Riyadh on Sunday.( AFP) 2-0 win away to Tottenham happened for the players and in 2017. Hotspur in the derby the federation, we are going to The Roman-based team problems,” said Juventus coach on Sunday. support.” landed in the early hours at the Maurizio Sarri. Chelsea defender Antonio Guardiola has been an out- city’s Fiumicino airport where Paulo Dybala had equalised Rudiger reported he was sub- spoken anti-racism advocate in they were greeted by 1,000 fans, for Sarri’s side just before half- jected to racist abuse by home his time in the English game waving the club’s white and time, but the Romans hit back supporters which resulted in but believes the issue extends blue flags, scarves and banners. in the second half. the Premier League’s anti-rac- far beyond football and may “We’re doing something “My feeling is that we ist protocol being initiated for never be fully defeated. incredible, between the eight didn’t lose from fatigue, but the first time. “I don’t think it will be com- wins in a row (in the league) from a lack of brilliance,” Those measures could have pletely eradicated. We have to and this victory in the Cup,” continued Sarri. seen players leaving the field fight but wewill need a lot of said Luis Alberto, who scored “We are sorry we lost a -- a stance Guardiola insisted time to eradicate it,” he said. the opening goal. trophy, but we still have many Monday he would support “It was a problem that’s “Lazio have confirmed competitions at stake in the should it happen in a game in- happened for decades, cen- that they are a great team, next five months.” volving reigning English cham- turies. Now you can visualise with a winning mentality and Eight-time reigning league pions City. it more because the media is great players.” champions Juventus – joint “Of course. I support my closer and more up front about Ronaldo has played two top of Serie A with Inter Milan players, I support the initia- the problem. finals since joining Juventus – return to action on January tive,” Guardiola told a news “It has happened for a long from Real Madrid in 2018, scor- 6 against Cagliari, while third- conference. time. We have to fight, again ing the winner to beat AC Milan placed Lazio travel to Brescia “What happened, you have and again, especially for the 1-0 in the Italian Super Cup in on January 5. to battle day by day. It’s not little kids, in the schools. Of January 2019. The Roman club have about one club or one person course, if it happens be strict to “There is anger but cry- won two Serie A titles in 1974 or anything specific that hap- avoid these kinds of persons to ing over it does not solve the Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana final.( AFP) and 2000. pened. I said many times, in avoid it happening.” Inspiration for football youth from Qatar and 24 countries Tribune News Network fident, to show my leadership and I Doha Inaugural Generation Amazing Festival was working really hard to show the team that I have a responsibility to The first Generation Amazing Fes- and personal skills they acquired event, Supreme Committee for De- guide them – and I think I accom- tival brought together 140 young throughout the event. livery & Legacy (SC) ambassadors plished this.” leaders inspired to implement social In her welcome address, Gen- , Adel Khamis, Azit Ojha, a 19-year-old Genera- change in their communities through eration Amazing’s Marketing & Wael Gomaa and tion Amazing youth ambassador from football. Communications Director, Moza al inspired youth with their presence, Nepal, spoke about the benefits of Held at Qatar Foundation’s Oxy- Mohannadi, said, “You are the future while participants also got the chance football3 and his experience at the gen Park, the festival celebrated social game-changers. Welcome to Genera- to interact with global legends Tim festival. inclusion and the promotion of gen- tion Amazing, welcome to Qatar, wel- Cahill, John Arne Riise, Michael “Football3 is so exciting and pro- der equality, in line with the United come to the country that will host the Owen, Yaya Toure, Santiago Solari, motes quality teamwork and respect. Nations Sustainable Development World Cup in 2022. I hope to see you Kristine Lilly, Steve McManaman, It’s really nice to be here, to be an Goals and Qatar National Vision here again and again.” Bebeto and Julio Cesar. ambassador of this programme and 2030. Youth from 24 countries, in- Speaking at the medal ceremony, Attendees also met Dutch legend to be a part of this festival.” cluding Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Leba- Generation Amazing’s Programme Johan Neeskens, who gave an inspir- The closing ceremony was attend- non, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Director, Nasser al Khori, said, “As ing speech about the positive impact ed by Hassan al Thawadi, Secretary- Nepal, Italy, Belgium, the UK and a programme, Generation Amaz- of football. Participants also took part General of the SC, as well as high level , participated in the festival. ing operates today in eight countries in a talk with former Liverpool and dignitaries and representatives from Key highlights of the festival in- and reaches 28 diverse communities, England striker Michael Owen, and the event’s partners and supporters. cluded football for development which you can see are all fantastically had the chance to attend training Qatar Airways was the event’s workshops, a football3 tournament, represented here at the festival. We’ve sessions organised by the Paris-Saint official airline partner, while beIN activities led by youth ambassadors, been able to reach 500,000 benefi- Germain Academy in Doha. SPORTS was named as official me- a FIFA Legends day, cultural per- ciaries so far and this is something we The festival featured a range of dia partner. The festival was also formances and celebrity footballer are proud of and hold in our vision to cultural, networking and celebratory supported by Qatar Football Asso- events, as well as the chance to attend achieve a lasting impact. activities, including a visit to the Na- ciation, Qatar Museums, Ashghal, the semi-final of the FIFA Club World “Besides building football infra- tional Museum of Qatar. Participants Q Life and Medical Insurance Com- Cup between Liverpool FC and CF structure, we have the football for also got the opportunity to attend a pany, and the University Campus of Monterrey. development programme, which FIFA Legends day which rounded off Football Business. Generation Amazing partner participants have actively engaged the festival with talks, training ses- The FIFA Foundation also part- clubs – AS Roma, KAS Eupen, Leeds in throughout the festival. Promot- sions and a match between star play- nered with Generation Amazing for United and Sheffield FC – all sent ing gender equality is an important ers and the young leaders. the event, which was organised in col- youth delegations, as did Brazilian aspect of the programme and seeing Generation Amazing coach, laboration with streetfootballworld. champions CR Flamengo, who took an equal split among female and male 26-year-old Jafla alH ajri, was a team Qatar Foundation was a strategic part in the FIFA Club World Cup, and participants at the festival has been leader during the festival. partner having provided the main the English Football Association. exciting. Thank you to the youth for She said, “I learnt to be more con- grounds for the festival. A football for good tournament participating with us and rounded off the festival’s educa- our partners and team for tional and entertainment experi- making this festival possi- ence and offered participants the ble,” he added. chance to apply all the technical During the five-day

Held at Qatar Foundation’s Oxygen Park, the first Generation Amazing Festival celebrated social inclusion and the promotion of gender equality, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030. 14 Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Sports

Pakistan’cricketers celebrate with the trophy after winning the second Test against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Karachi on Monday. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali (centre), and Nasim Shah (right) celebrating a Sri Lankan . (AFP) Pakistan cap home Test return with Sri Lanka series triumph Hosts needed just 16 balls to do the inevitable in 14 minutes on fiinal day Hosts thank visitors for helping afp Scoreboard proved security allowed them Karachi to host various limited over se- them bring back Pakistan (1st innings): 191 L. Kumara not out 0 ries in the last four years. Pakistan celebrated the re- Sri Lanka (1st innings): 271 Extras: (lb 3) 3 The first Test of the series turn of Test cricket for the first Pakistan (2nd innings): 555-3 decl Total: (all out; 62.5 overs) 212 in Rawalpindi marked the AFP Pakistan,” said Azhar after his Since then they have been time in over 10 years with a Sri Lanka (2nd innings, ovrnght 212/7) Fall of : 1-39 (Karunaratne), 2-40 rerturn of Test cricket in Paki- Karachi team wrapped up victory in forced to play their home 263-run rout of Sri Lanka in D. Karunaratne c Rizwan b Abbas 16 (Mendis), 3-70 (Mathews), 4-96 stan, but it was spoiled by bad just 14 minutes of play on the matches at neutral venues in the second Test in Karachi on O. Fernando c Shafiq b Shah 102 (Chandimal), 5-97 (De Silva), 6-201 weather. Pakistan thanked Sri Lan- fifth day. the . Monday, taking the series 1-0. K. Mendis c Azam b Naseem 0 (Dickwella), 7-212 (Perera), 8-212 The final day began in a dra- kan on Monday for helping Azhar said the occasion Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka It was just a 14-minute and A. Mathews c Rizwan b Afridi 19 (Embuldeniya), 9-212 (O. Fernando), matic manner when Naseem them bring Test cricket back and win brought happiness to for three one-day internation- 16-ball formality for Pakistan D. Chandimal lbw Naseem 2 10-212 (V. Fernando) dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya to the country for the first all his players, who had never als and matches on the fifth morning to grab D. de Silva b Yasir 0 : Afridi 14-3-51-1, Abbas 12-2- off the very first ball, catching time since the 2009 attack taken part in a Test match at in September-October that Sri Lanka’s last three wick- N. Dickwella b Sohail 65 33-1, Naseem 12.5-4-31-5, Shah 20-3- his gloves on the way to wicket- on the same visitors led to home. paved way for this Test series. ets, dismissing them on their D. Perera c Rizwan b Naseem 5 84-2, Sohail 4-0-10-1. Toss: Pakistan keeper Mohammad Rizwan. international matches being “It’s a great occasion for Sri Lankan skipper Di- overnight total of 212 in the L. Embuldeniya c Rizwan b Naseem 0 Result: Pakistan won by 263 runs From the other end leg- suspended. happiness for all of us that we muth Karunaratne said his second innings. V. Fernando lbw b Naseem 0 Series: Pakistan win 1-0. spinner Yasir Shah had Osha- Pakistan’s players went to won the series. team had felt safe in Pakistan. The writing was very much da Fernando caught in the slip the Sri Lanka dressing room “It carried great impor- “Security was 200 per- on the wall when Pakistan set youngster bowled with fire to years, 303 days. for his overnight score of 102. to thank them soon after the tance and was very significant cent,” said Karunaratne, one a daunting 476-run target for finish with 5-31. Naseem was only six when Oshada’s 180-ball knock home team posted a convinc- because we were playing our of ten players who withdrew the tourists on Sunday and had Fellow Pakistani Nasim- international cricket was sus- had 13 boundaries. ing 263-run win in the second first home Test,” said Azhar. from the limited over tour over them staring at defeat on 212-7 ul-Ghani - a left-arm spinner - pended in Pakistan following Naseem wrapped up the Test of the their first home se- security fears. at close of play. holds the record as the young- an attack on the Sri Lankan match by trapping Vishwa Fer- ries in a decade. Tight security “Security people were like Befittingly it wasN aseem est bowler with a five-wicket team bus in 2009. nando with the fifth ball of the Pakistan captain Azhar Ali Pakistan became off-limits fathers to us. They kept talking Shah who at 16 years and haul in a Test innings. Pakistan were forced to next over, triggering jubliation said his country owed a big for visiting sides after Islamic to us and they were right be- 307 days became the second Ghani completed his feat play all their home matches at among the Pakistan players thank you to Sri Lanka. militants attacked the Sri Lan- hind us every time. When we youngest bowler to take five against the West Indies at the neutral venues of United who all played their first Test “They have given us im- kan team bus in Lahore in were going out to eat or shop- wickets in a Test innings. The Georgetown at the age of 16 Arab Emirates, before im- series at home. mense happiness by playing in March 2009. ping, they were there.” Philander to retire 2019 ‘A great year’ for India, says skipper Kohli

AFP “We’ll keep chasing that Boult was next with 38 scalps. after England series New Delhi ICC trophy. But apart from Kohli was full of praise for that, the way we’ve played has his quicks across all formats AFP Africa won by eight wickets. declared it “a “Apart from been satisfying.” despite the recent absence of Johannesburg The 34-year-old has played great year” for India cricket af- the 30 minutes India lead the new world specialist Jasprit Bum- 60 Tests, taking 216 wickets at ter ending 2019 on a high with at the 2019 Test championship table with rah who has been unavailable South Africa seamer Vernon an impressively low average of a series-clinching win over the three series sweeps away to due to a stress fracture of the Philander announced on Mon- 22.16. He has also appeared in West Indies. World Cup the West Indies and at home back since September. day the upcoming Test series 30 ODIs and seven T20 inter- The India captain’s master- (in England), against South Africa and “Having a bunch of fast against England will bring nationals. ful 85 set up a successful 316- it’s been a Bangladesh. bowlers who can bowl out any down the curtain on his inter- The four-Test series run chase on Sunday to win the Kohli ended the year with opposition anywhere, them national career. against England starts on De- third one-day international by great year.” 1,377 runs in 26 ODIs, behind taking the attention away from Philander made his Pro- cember 26 at Centurion. four wickets and complete a 2-1 swashbuckling opener Rohit the spinners in India is a huge teas debut in a one-day-inter- “I feel that it is the appro- series triumph. Sharma who topped the sea- achievement,” said Kohli. national in 2007 but came to priate time to conclude what Kohli’s side end the year son’s chart with 1,490 India will next host Sri worldwide prominence four has been an amazing journey,” ranked number one in Tests Captain Virat Kohli runs including seven centu- Lanka for a three-match years later in Cape Town when Philander said in a statement and second in ODIs, with the also said he was ries. But it was India’s fast Twenty20 series starting Jan- he marked his Test debut by released by Cricket South Af- only regret being a World Cup delighted with India bowlers who stood out with uary 5 followed by Australia taking five wickets for 15 runs rica (CSA). semi-final defeat toN ew Zea- being ranked No. 1 pace and control – even on for three ODI matches starting in seven overs as Australia “My entire focus and land at Old Trafford in July. in Tests and spin-friendly Indian pitches. January 14. were bowled out for just 47 in energy at this time is to help “Apart from the 30 minutes second Pace spearhead Moham- India then tour New Zea- their second innings. the Proteas beat England in the World Cup, it’s been a in ODIs. med Shami led the 2019 world land for five Twenty20 inter- He was named player of which I am really looking great year,” Kohli said after his wicket-taking charts with 42 in nationals, three ODIs and two the match in a fixture South forward to.” team’s win in Cuttack. 21 ODIs. New Zealand’s Trent Tests in January-February.

Peter Siddle treated for BCCI plans ‘Super Series’ from 2021 bushfire smoke inhalation signed and the Indian board, nations to host it – October/ afp not stay out there too long.” Ganguly confirms under the new management November for India, Septem- Sydney “’Sids’ is back to Mel- led by former captain Sourav ber for England and Octo- bourne and joining the Aus- that the first Ganguly, along with CA and ber/November or February/ Australia Test bowler Peter tralian squad,” for the Boxing ECB, have reportedly rejected March for Australia. Now, Siddle was treated for smoke Day Test against New Zealand. edition will be the idea. since the ICC doesn’t allow inhalation after a Big Bash “There are bushfires held in India BCCI Secretary Jay Shah multi-nation tournaments League match in Canberra was around the country and as and Treasurer Arun Singh with more than three teams, abandoned at the weekend be- players, there is a bigger pic- Tribune News Network Dhumal were in London re- with the Asia Cup being an cause of toxic bushfire haze. ture than just cricket,” said DOHA cently to meet the ECB offi- exception; it remains to be Organisers decided to press Carey, entertaining the idea cials and perhaps discuss the seen whether this ambitious ahead with Saturday’s Sydney that an air quality meter could Indian cricket board head possibility of an ODI series idea gets approval from the Thunder clash Twenty20 clash be introduced. Sourav Ganguly confirmed to featuring India, England, Aus- cricketing body. against the , The Australian Cricketers host a Super Series in 2021, in- tralia, and another top team. However, it seems, the but players were forced off Association has it is working volving Australia, England, In- “Australia, England, India, three boards might go ahead with the Thunder 40-1 after with to devel- dia and a top team. The three BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. and another top team will fea- with the plans and the ap- four overs chasing 162 to win op guidelines for when smoke boards might go ahead with ture in the Super Series, which proach for approval from ICC when the field was enveloped affects matches and the Inter- the plans and the approach for Australia (CA), England and ICC’s intentions – agreed to begins in 2021, and the first is rather a symbolic one. There in a thick soup of smoke. national Cricket Council is de- approval from ICC is rather a Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and in principle by member nations edition of the tournament will were hosts of meeting with CA “It was pretty unsafe out veloping an “air quality policy.” symbolic one. Board of Control for Cricket in earlier this year, to add an ex- be played in India,” Ganguly chair Earl Eddings and chief ex- there” said Strikers captain Pollution has also been a The International Cricket India (BCCI) are not in agree- tra 50-over tournament to the was quoted as saying by ESP- ecutive Kevin Roberts recently . “We had a couple problem on the Indian sub- Council (ICC) had planned to ment for the same given that already packed calendar to the NCricinfo.com. hosting ICC chief executive of cases after, the doctor had to continent. include an ICC event every year it might affect them financially ICC events cycle beginning in Other details for the event Manu Sawhney for a meeting in come in an assess him (Siddle), In 2017 play was stoped starting from 2023. However, and have come up with a solu- 2023. However, the Members purportedly include potential Melbourne, in addition to Gan- we have a few asthmatics in the during a Test between India the big three boards in Cricket tion of their own. Playing Agreement is yet to be windows for each of the three guly’s visit to London. team as well, luckily they did and Sri Lanka in New Delhi. Sports Tuesday, December 24, 2019 15 Qatar begin preparations for 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games Asia volleyball qualifiers Tribune News Network spectively. Rayyan Club will be held on DOHA At the moment, 16 play- January 18 after all the play- ers have been selected for the ers return from the as- The Qatar national volleyball camp. They are: Mubarak signment. team launched the prepara- Dahi Waleed, Sultan Ab- Former champions Al Ara- tions for the Asian qualifiers dullah, Ahmed Jamal, Mo- bi Club have clean-swept all for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic hamed Ibrahim Said, Bilal the nine matches in the first Games at the QVA Headquar- Nabil, Suleiman Saeed, Mi- phase and lead the table with ters Gym in Doha on Mon- los Stevanovic, Nader Abu 25 points. Police, with seven day. The Asian qualifiers are Bakr, Renan Rebeiro, Assam wins and two losses, are in the scheduled in China from Jan- Mahmoud, Geraldo, Nagy second spot, trailing the lead- uary 7 to 12. Mahmoud, Khaled Samiah, ers by five points. In the third Ali Abdullah al Haddad Nikola, Othman Abdul Wahid spot are Al Wakrah, who have Qatar’s Fares Ibrahim Hassouna holds the Best Lifter of the Qatar Cup Trophy posing with IWF officials and IWF Vice-President Mohammed has been named the head of and Ahmed Bassam. tallied 19 points from seven Yousef al Mana (second right) during the closing ceremony at Hotel Radisson Blu in Doha on Monday. the national team. Camilo The QVA League first wins in nine matches. Soto is the coach, while Car- phase will restart on Decem- Al Rayyan, after five wins los Jermain is the fitness ber 25 with Al Shamal taking in eight matches, are holding coach. Cornel Klinsky and on Al Khor in a lone match. the fourth spot with 17, while Abdul Hafeez Asmawi are the Then the last match between Al Ahli have 15 points from Hassouna, Chanu statistician and therapist, re- Qatar Sports Club and Al five victories in nine games. declared best in Qatar Cup lifting Boyanka, who got 700.468 and jerked 220 kgs, four more Djuraev sweeps 109kg; Two gold points. Lativian Rebeka Koha kgs than what the Bulgarian was third after collecting raised. He won the third gold medals for Armenian Minasyan 679.630 points. in total, collecting 405 kgs, in Plus 109kg Four-time world champion while Haristov got 400 kgs. and former world record hold- The total bronze medal went er Ilya Ilyin from to Russian Timur Naniev, who Tribune News Network junior champion who won two was also honoured at the func- was fourth in both snatch and DOHA gold medals in his category on tion. Ilyin, who finished fourth clean and jerk. Sunday, secured the honour as in snatch and fifth in total in Gor Minasyan led an Ar- Qatar’s Fares Ibrahim Has- he 907.344 points. Ironically, the 96kg category, has also menian 1-2 in the Plus 109 kgs souna, the 96 kg class winner, the Iranian lifter who Has- been named the IWF Weight- category. While Minasyan to- was adjudged the Best Lifter souna beat in the competition, lifter of the Year four times. taled 424 kgs, his compatriot of the Qatar Cup at the closing finished second with 899.904 On the fourth and final Ruben Alesanyan aggregated ceremony which was held in in the Robi Total Point Table. day of the event, two catego- 416 kgs to finish runner-up. Doha on Monday. Turkey’s Daniyar Ismay- ries were contested – 109 kg Minasyan topped the snatch International Weightlift- ilov, who clean-swept the 73kg and over 109 kg. ’s with a massive 198 kgs, Ale- ing Federation President Ta- class, was third, collecting Akbar Djuraev dominated the sanyan dominated the clean mas Ajan presided over the only 836.448 points. 109kg class and topped in the and jerk with 236 kgs. Only prize distribution. Also pre- In the women’s catego- snatch, clean & jerk and total. four lifters competed in the sent on the occasion was IWF ry, India’s Saikhom Mirabai Djuraev faced a close com- heaviest category and Alge- Vice-President Mohammad Chanu, the former World petition in snatch from Bul- rian Walid Bidani defeated Yousef al Mana, who is also and Commonwealth Games garian Hristo Haristov and the New Zealander David Liti to the Asian, Arab and Qatar champion, was declared the former emerged the winner secure the bronze medal in to- weightlifting chief. best. The 49kg class winner by a kg when he snatched 185 tal. Bidani was second in the Hassouna, the world silver tallied 744.719 points to beat kgs. In the next competition, snatch and Liti was second in Charles Leclerc extends medallist and former world Azerbaijan’s Minkova Kastova he was too good and clean the clean and jerk.

Saif bags bronze at West Asian Billiards & Snooker Championship Ferrari contract until 2024 AFP Milan

Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc has extend- ed his contract with Ferrari by two years until 2024, the Italian team and driver an- nounced on Monday. “Extremely happy to an- nounce that I will be staying with Scuderia Ferrari for five more years,” the 22-year-old said on . Leclerc impressed in his first season alongside four- Charles Leclerc: Pleased to stay with Ferrari for five more years time world champion Sebas- tian Vettel, finishing fourth in for the most illustrious team Scuderia have a firm future to- the 2019 world championship. in Formula 1 has been a dream gether. Charles has been part He had seven pole posi- year for me,” said Leclerc. of our family since 2016 and tions, nine podium finishes, “I cannot wait to enjoy an we are more than proud of the with wins at Spa-Francor- even deeper relationship with results we are achieving with champs in Belgium and the the team after what has been our Academy. Italian Grand Prix in Monza. an intense and exciting 2019. “We are therefore very Leclerc’s original contract “I’m keen to see what the pleased to be able to announce with the Italian stable was un- future holds and I can’t wait to that he will be with us for many til 2022. German Vettel’s con- get going again next season.” years to come and I’m sure that tract at Ferrari ends after the Ferrari team principal Mat- together, we will write many 2020 season. tia Binotto added: “It demon- new pages in the history of the Qatar’s Ahmed Saif bagged a bronze medal in the West Asia Billiards and Snooker Championship, which was held in , Bahrain. “This past season, driving strates that Charles and the Prancing Horse.” LeBron-less Lakers fall to Denver, suffer third loss in a row AFP third game in a row. NBA Results his career high, while New Zea- the lead for good. Los Angeles James missed his first game land center Steven Adams add- of the season due to a thoracic Toronto 110 Dallas 107 ed 20 points and 17 rebounds Epic rally With superstar LeBron muscle strain, suffering the to lead the Oklahoma City Defending champion Toronto James sidelined by a muscle mid-section injury in the Lak- Boston 119 Charlotte 93 Thunder over the Los Angeles made the greatest comeback strain, the Los Angeles Lak- ers’ Tuesday loss at Indiana but Milwaukee 117 Indiana 89 Clippers 118-112. in club history, rallying from a ers suffered their most lop- playing Thursday and produc- Paul George scored 18 30-point deficit to defeat visit- sided loss of the NBA season ing a triple double in a loss at Oklahoma City 118 LA Clippers 112 points and received a warm ing Dallas 110-107. on Sunday as injury fears were Milwaukee. welcome in Oklahoma City Kyle Lowry scored 20 of his Denver 128 LA Lakers 104 raised about star big man An- Without James, the Lakers in his first visit since a block- 32 points in the fourth quarter thony Davis. had 19 turnovers and a season- buster trade sent him from the and also passed off 10 assists Paul Millsap scored 21 low 18 assists, eight off their floor. Thunder to the Clippers in the while Chris Boucher had a ca- points, Nikola Jokic added 18 average. Denver trailed 67-65 be- off-season. reer-high 21 points to spark the and Will Barton had 14 points Davis was bothered by a fore going on a 37-15 run for a It was the Thunder’s third Raptors’ comeback victory. and 13 rebounds for Denver in right knee issue in the third 20-point lead with 10 minutes victory from 18 points or more Down 85-55 late in the a 128-104 road victory over the quarter but kept playing and remaining. Denver’s 73 sec- down this month and Oklaho- third quarter, the Raptors bat- Western Conference-leading produced 32 points, 11 re- ond-half points were the most ma City’s fourth win in a row. tled back over the last 15 min- Los Angeles Lakers. bounds and four blocked shots. allowed by the Lakers in a half German guard Dennis utes and made the first fight- The Nuggets (20-8) won He went to plant his right this season. Schroder scored 10 of his 28 back from 30-down to win their sixth straight game to pull foot but it didn’t land solidly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander points in the fourth quarter to since Sacramento rallied past within three games of the Lak- when he moved right to defend scored 32 points, the 21-year- Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets: Good support to main scorer Paul spark the Thunder rally, which Chicago from 35 points behind ers (24-6), who dropped their the basket and he fell to the old Canadian guard matching Millsap with 18 points. included a late 9-0 run to seize 10 years ago.