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Tuesday, December 27, 2016 CRICKET Rabia I 28, 1438 AH Lakmal strikes give GULF TIMES Sri Lanka edge over South Africa SPORT Page 7 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea make it 12 in a row, Toure sends City second Ibrahimovic scores one and sets up two as United down Sunderland to draw level with fifth-place Tottenham

AFP ‘scorpion kick’ volley that was allowed London to stand despite a suspicion of off side. United are now level on points with Tottenham, who visit Southampton to- edro Rodriguez scored twice as morrow. red-hot Premier League lead- Fabio Borini replied for the visitors, ers Chelsea crushed Bourne- but it was a return to forget for Sunder- mouth 3-0 yesterday to reg- land manager David Moyes, sacked by Pister a club-record 12th consecutive United in April 2014. league victory. “I didn’t like the fi rst-half perform- Pedro struck either side of Eden Haz- ance. I like the result,” said Mourinho. ard’s 50th English league goal at Stam- “The players know the principles of ford Bridge to give Antonio Conte’s side a how we play and they are comfortable, provisional seven-point lead at the sum- but we need to improve.” mit following the Boxing Day action. Sam Allardyce was denied victory in “To win 12 games in a row is not easy his fi rst game as Crystal Palace man- in this league,” Chelsea manager Conte ager after Troy Deeney’s 100th Watford told the BBC. goal earned his side a 1-1 draw at Vicar- “It’s a fantastic run, but it’s impor- age Road. tant to continue that now. In four days Ex-England manager Allardyce we have another tough game (against saw Yohan Cabaye put Palace ahead, Stoke City) and we have to prepare very but Christian Benteke had a penalty well. Because now, every team wants to saved by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho beat you.” Gomes before Deeney equalised from With Liverpool not in action until the spot in the 71st minute. today, when they host Stoke, Pep Guar- Champions Leicester’s woes con- diola’s Manchester City stole past them tinued as they were condemned to a into second place by winning 3-0 at ninth defeat of the campaign as Everton bottom club Hull City. claimed a 2-0 win. Olivier Giroud prevented Arsenal Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku losing more ground, his 86th-minute scored to leave Leicester three points header snatching a 1-0 win over West above the relegation zone in 16th place. Bromwich Albion to keep Arsene West Ham United eased their relega- Wenger’s side in fourth place, nine tion fears by winning 4-1 at second- points off the pace. bottom Swansea City, while Andre Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one goal Gray’s late eff ort gave Burnley a 1-0 win and set up two more as Manchester over Middlesbrough. United drew level with fi fth-place Tot- tenham Hotspur by beating Sunderland RESULTS 3-1, while champions Leicester City Arsenal 1 (Giroud 86) West Brom 0 lost again. Burnley 1 (Gray 81) Middlesbrough Chelsea’s victory, which came in the 0 absence of suspended duo Diego Costa Chelsea 3 (Pedro 24, 90+3, Hazard and N’Golo Kante, left them one win 49-pen) Bournemouth 0 short of Arsenal’s 2002 record of 13 Chelsea’s Pedro celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates during their English Premier League match against Bournemouth in London yesterday. (Reuters) Leicester 0 Everton 2 (Mirallas 51, successive victories within the same Lukaku 90+1) top-fl ight season. City lost the recalled John Stones to Beaten 2-1 by Everton and then City four minutes to play. to record a fourth successive league win Manchester United 3 (Blind 39, Ibra- Pedro broke the deadlock in the 24th an early injury and were made to sweat on their two previous outings, Arsenal for the fi rst time under manager Jose himovic 82, Mkhitaryan 86) Sunderland minute, curling a left-foot shot into the before second-half goals from Yaya narrowly avoided going three league OPENING DRAW FOR ALLARDYCE Mourinho. 1 (Borini 90+1) top corner from the edge of the box. Toure and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho games without winning for the fi rst “In the end we had to be patient against Ibrahimovic teed up Daley Blind to Swansea 1 (Llorente 89) West Ham Hazard made it 2-0 four minutes into secured victory at Hull. time since January 2012. a well-organised West Brom side. open the scoring in the 39th minute be- 4 (Ayew 13, Reid 50, Antonio 78, Carroll the second half, rolling a penalty into Toure scored from a 72nd-minute Alexis Sanchez’s shot against When you don’t score early, you can’t fore Paul Pogba freed him to run through 90) the bottom-right corner after he had penalty after Andrew Robertson fouled the post looked to be the closest rush,” said Wenger. and score his 17th goal of the season. Watford 1 (Deeney 71-pen) Crystal drawn a foul from Simon Francis, with Raheem Sterling, with an Iheanacho Arsenal would come until Giroud “We knew we had to win today after Ibrahimovic turned provider again Palace 1 (Cabaye 26) Pedro adding a defl ected shot in stop- tap-in and a Curtis Davies own goal marked his return to the starting XI by two disappointing defeats.” late on, crossing for Henrikh Mkhi- Hull 0 Manchester City 3 (Toure 72- page time. completing the win. looping a header over Ben Foster with Manchester United sank Sunderland taryan to seal victory with a stunning pen, Iheanacho 78, Davies 90+4-og)

FOCUS Fixtures favour Chelsea, complains Mourinho

AFP sibility of congestion with fi xtures, if in that team in that direction. OK. And we have to do Manchester, United Kingdom period they don’t have it, obviously it makes it. We have to do it. We’re going to do it.” a diff erence. Mourinho was perhaps mindful of the fact “You don’t need to be a scientist to under- that he has appeared before the Football As- anchester United manager Jose stand that to play with one day’s rest is diff erent sociation’s disciplinary powers three times al- Mourinho claims the festive fi x- to playing with four days’ rest. It’s completely ready this season. ture schedule heavily favours his diff erent. He may have been keen to avoid a fourth such former club Chelsea, but believes “For me, the point is why? But over the appearance by being openly critical of the Pre- Mthere is no point approaching the Premier years nobody really answered me because I mier League’s handling of the schedule. League to complain. had this also when I was in Chelsea.” Mourinho was also diplomatic when com- Mourinho was shocked to discover that Mourinho was also pressed as to whether he, paring his treatment this season with that of Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders will or United, have made representation to the Pre- Wenger, who escaped punishment despite play their three seasonal games over 10 days, mier League over what appears to be a signifi - criticising the match offi cials following his compared to eight days for United and Arse- cant advantage for Conte’s in-form side. side’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. nal and seven for Liverpool. “I’m not surprised. I can’t say more than Chelsea already benefi t from not being in- WENGER LET-OFF ‘NOT SURPRISING’ that,” said Mourinho. volved in European football and Mourinho “No. They do what they want,” said Mourin- “But I’m not surprised. When I read his feels their kinder Christmas schedule gives ho, ahead of his side’s Boxing Day clash with quotes I felt there would be no problem... for them an additional advantage. Sunderland. him. No, it doesn’t irritate me because I’m “Why? I don’t know either,” Mourinho said “They will give excuses — that TV, they not happy with the problems others have. when asked if he could explain the inconsist- have their choice. So it’s not the Premier “Some people, not just in football but in ency. “I’m not speaking about Chelsea; it League, it’s Sky, it’s BT. life, it looks like they are happy, not with the happened the same with Liverpool a couple “They want a certain club to play this day things they get, but happy with bad things of years ago and this year too. (But) a team not and for a club to play that day. There are al- others get. playing in European competitions has a big ways reasons. “I’m not like that. I’m not happy other advantage for sure. “I prefer not to lose my time with that. I people are in trouble or have problems. I’m “If on top of that when there is a fi rst pos- prefer to get what I get and to try to work the just unhappy when I have them. That’s it.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

INTERVIEW Neymar says not obsessed with winning Germany coach Loew the Ballon d’Or AFP Madrid

arcelona’s Brazilian star Neymar says winning the Ballon d’Or is one of his goals critical of plans to but he will not lose any sleep ifB he never takes home football’s top individual award. “If I don’t win the Ballon d’or, its okay,” he said in an interview posted on the La Liga website yesterday when asked if he was disappointed that he was not named as one of three finalists for the expand World Cup prize this year. “I don’t play football to win the Ballon d’Or, I play football to be happy because ‘You have to be careful that you do not overdo things with too many games, because the quality I love it, because I want to play football. Unfortunately only one person can win must not suff er. Fans would then also turn away and the interest would subside. If you have it,” he added. “Of course it is one of my goals — winning the Ballon d’Or — but I a good product, like football, you should also think about limiting it to keep the quality high’ won’t die if I don’t.” The Ballon d’Or has passed back and forth between Real Madrid’s Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi for the last nine years since Brazilian Kaka won the 2007 award. Neymar was a finalist for the prize for the first time last year before losing out to Messi who won the accolade for the fifth time. Ronaldo was rewarded with the 2016 Ballon d’Or earlier this month for help- ing Real win the Champions League and leading Portugal to Euro 2016 glory. Since moving to Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos in 2013, Neymar has won two league titles, two domestic cups, the Spanish Super Cup, the Cham- pions League and the Club World Cup. Playing alongside Messi, the club’s record goalscorer, and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, who finished top scorer in La Liga last season, the 24-year-old has es- tablished himself as one of the world’s top players. The strike trio scored 131 goals between them last season. “It’s a bit strange because one of us is Brazilian, another Argentinian, the other Uruguayan, we are rivals in our coun- tries in South America,” Neymar said. “I don’t know what happened. We have a great friendship, we are always joking around with each other. It makes me very happy to have people like that in football,” he added.

DPA between commercial interests and a ity when, as in this year’s European to press their claims for a place in the also taking place. However, he gener- Berlin sporting perspective,” Loew added. Championship, three from four teams national team. ally looked at the advantages of such a “If you look at over several years, the can qualify from their group or a team “I’m a bit divided. Sure, you should tournament. top players are physically and men- can progress with three points (as not overstretch everything,” he said. “One advantage is that at the Confed ermany coach Joachim tally at the limit. You have to be careful tournament winners Portugal did with “There are, of course, diff erent per- Cup you have the opportunity to inte- Loew has warned football’s that you do not overdo things with too three draws and third place in their spectives. But for some players, par- grate young players better than with world governing body FIFA many games, because the quality must group), Loew said. “I did not like this ticipating in such a tournament can individual qualifi cation games, which and European entity UEFA not suff er. trend. This means that many teams really be a good opportunity to present surely will be important with regard to Gagainst tournament expansion plans “Fans would then also turn away change their tactics and no longer play themselves and play to a higher inter- the World Cup,” he opined. “For young and says coaches are not being ad- and the interest would subside. If you with an open visor,” he added. national level.” players this is a good opportunity to equately involved in decision-making. have a good product, like football, you World champions Germany will, “If they are on the level with (group present themselves at this level.” “We coaches would certainly some- should also think about limiting it to meanwhile, be looking to stamp their opponents) Chile, that’s good,” he add- The focus though will be on World times wish that our perspective from keep the quality high.” authority on their qualifying group for ed. “This can lead to a further devel- Cup qualifying, where Germany have the sporting side of things be consid- On January 10, the FIFA Council is the 2018 World Cup and to have new opment. For heavy-duty players with a won all four of their games at the top ered. But there are barriers,” he told to decide on an increase in the number players come into the squad and play lot of international games, champion- of Group C, and developing up-and- DPA in an interview. of participants from the tournament at the highest level, Loew said. ship and Champions League, one has coming players to world-class level. The 56-year-old is critical of the de- from 2026. But Loew said plans to Although German football federa- to look at the load individually. It has “There are some very talented play- velopment to increasingly more games increase the number of teams at the tion (DFB) president Reinhard Grindel pros and cons.” ers, but if we speak of world class, that and competitions in international World Cup fi nals were not yet fully has suggested the Confederations Cup Loew said he and his coaching team is the level of a (Cristiano) Ronaldo, football. “FIFA and UEFA are respon- thought out and the current 32-team be scrapped, Loew said the tourna- would choose the Confed Cup squad a (Lionel) Messi... This must be the sible, they need a sense of propor- format was “absolutely balanced”. ment in Russia from June 17 to July 2 carefully, bearing in mind an Un- benchmark for a team that wants to tion and have to fi nd the right balance A tournament loses sporting qual- would be an opportunity for players der-21 European Championship was defend the world title,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE No plans to replace Stones with Van Dijk, says Guardiola

AFP Otamendi must improve, like (Ale- Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Manchester ksandar) Kolarov must improve and Tottenham — all of them have quality. Man City coach like Vincent (Kompany) is coming back “The diff erence is the personality, Pep Guardiola (from injury). how they react in the bad moments. speaks to John anchester City manager “I decided to play with a back four John is one of them, I don’t have doubts Stones. (Reuters) Pep Guardiola says he has against Watford (a 2-0 win) for some about that.” not lost faith in England reason and I tried the same back four Guardiola, further, insisted Van Dijk Mcentre-back John Stones for the Arsenal game (a 2-1 win). I know will not be on his way to the Etihad Sta- and has no plans to replace him with that people think if a player doesn’t play dium in the new year. While the City Southampton’s Dutch defender Virgil it is because the coach doesn’t trust him manager does not necessarily expect a van Dijk. City and Premier League lead- anymore. That is not the truth. new signing at the club in the January ers Chelsea have been linked with Van “Our job is uncomfortable. It is un- transfer window, he refused to rule out Dijk despite Southampton’s insistence fair in most of the cases of many, many a potential move for a full-back. the highly regarded centre-back is not players because they deserve to play, “Will Van Dijk come here? Next for sale. but I cannot fi nd a solution for these month here? We are going to South- Stones, 22, has struggled since his kind of things. ampton to play against them. He is not £47.5mn ($59.3mn, 56.8mn euros) switch “All of them have to prepare because going to come here next month, be- from Everton and has spent City’s last it is so long and now we start a tough cause it is impossible,” laughed Guar- two games on the bench, but Guardiola moment and immediately arrive in the diola. “Because he is a Southampton said he was merely being rested. (FA) Cup and the Champions League player and we don’t want him now. We “It’s the fi rst time in his career he and everybody has to be prepared.” are going to go to Southampton to play played every three days,” Guardiola Guardiola also believes that, de- them, that’s for sure. said. “It had never happened before spite his tender years, Stones has the “I said before that if you ask me to- with the Champions League and the strength of character and personality to day, ‘No.’ But maybe next week if we de- League Cup and every three days you cope. “He’s young, he has to improve, cide to change and we realise maybe we have to be focused. but he’s open and he has a lot of person- need something special maybe in one “He played a lot. If I didn’t have ality,” said Guardiola. “When you play position, one more player in that posi- confi dence in him, he would not have in the big teams, the character is there. tion because we don’t have too much, played the games that he played. Of All the big clubs buy huge players. especially in the full-backs. But the course he must improve, like (Nicolas) “I am not able to say the players from other positions we are quite happy.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Jose denies he is unhappy living in Manchester

By Jamie Jackson family as part of the job. ed, you have to say that. We are getting one of the greatest players this club has The Guardian “I don’t go to cities to enjoy cities, too many draws and our results are the ever had—Ryan Giggs. I go to work,” he said. “If I wanted to type a defensive team has—yet we’re “His second season was not compa- enjoy places I would go to Los Angeles not playing like a defensive team.” rable with the season when he started. ose Mourinho has spoken out and go to the beach every day. I’m here Mourinho added that he did not view Then, in the third season, he reached strongly to state he is not un- to arrive at the training ground every any of the players in United’s academy the level of Giggs. It was the fi nal explo- happy at Manchester United. His day at 8am and leave on a normal day as good enough for promotion. sion of Giggs. remarks follow comments the at 6pm. I give everything I have. I have He said: “Excite me, yes. Ready? No. “That happens with many youth managerJ made in October that living in nothing more to give in terms of my Last season, some of the boys were players. They are free when they fi rst Manchester is “a bit of a disaster”. time, my desire and my ambition.” waiting. Some of them with great tal- come, free of responsibilities and to He is thought to have said this hu- Mourinho knows he has a major re- ent. Marcus Rashford is head of that express themselves. Opponents don’t morously and he has clarifi ed his situ- building challenge at the club, though talent. They were in a period where they know them, they’re caught by surprise. ation. “To give people this idea that I’m does not regret his stance on taking had to play. “That changes in the second season, not happy here but that I was happy in over in the summer that United should “They had no pressure at all. Nobody but we train many times with the young London—it’s bullshit,” the manager aim for this season’s title. expected anything from them. There players here. told the fanzine United We Stand. “In the Premier League right now were no senior players on the bench “In international weeks me, and “My family is in London because my there are clubs with 5% of United’s his- waiting for them to make a mistake, Nicky Butt (the academy head) and be- daughter is at university. My son plays tory and probably at this moment they just them. The choice was Rashford or fore Nicky with Warren Joyce, we have for Fulham. I cannot demand they fol- are better equipped for success,” he Rashford. Timothy Fosu-Mensah or the young players together and inter- low me, they have their lives and they’re said. “If you remember my words from Mensah. There were no other options, acting. at that age where they want to fl y. my fi rst press conference, I was not ar- the injuries were so many. “It helps accelerate their process. So “One day a week—when I can and rogant. I knew I was being risky with “The situation is diff erent this sea- yes we want to play young players but at the moment it’s diffi cult with all the my words when I said: ‘I want United to son. The number of injuries is smaller, sometimes in football it’s about the games—I go to London to have dinner be champions now.’ the expectations about the players are moment. So yes, the people here are with the family.” “But I felt—and keep feeling—that no higher. I investigated the history of aware of the history and tradition of He regards the separation from his matter what the conditions are at Unit- some young players at the club. One is young players at the club.”

IT’S PART OF THE GAME Iniesta keen to extend Mourinho off ers Barcelona contract sympathy to Moyes

Madrid: Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta says he wants to stay on at the Catalan club “for a long time” after his current contract with the club expires in 2018. “In 2018 my contract ends and my desire is to continue, the whole over United sacking world knows this, it is no secret. But my level of performance will determine if I can stay at Barca. I hope it will be for a long time,” the ‘I think a manager that’s not sacked is not a manager, or at least is not a good 32-year-old said in an interview with sports daily Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona recently manager. We have to be sacked. So I think it was just a bad moment in David’s career reached a deal to extend the contract of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez to June 2021. His and he has to do what I did (post-Chelsea), what we all do, move on and he did that’ previous deal was due to expire in 2019. In October, the club also extended the contract of Brazilian superstar Neymar until 2021 and they have already started talks to seal a new Sunderland manager David Moyes (right) deal with Lionel Messi. and his Manchester United counterpart Along with Messi, Iniesta is Barcelona’s most Jose Mourinho during yesterday’s Premier decorated player ever with 29 trophies, but he League game between the two sides at Old is even more loved across Spain for his win- Traff ord. (Action Images via Reuters) ning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands. Iniesta is second behind only former teammate Xavi Hernandez as the player to have made most Barca appearances. He is also hopeful coach Luis Enrique will renew his contract with Barcelona when his current deal expires at he end of the season. “He is very motivated, I hope we can remain together and keep celebrating things, which is what we all want,” Iniesta said. Barca have also already tied down Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano to contract extensions this year. Liverpool star Firmino charged with drink driving

London: Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has been charged with drink driving after being arrested in the early hours of Christmas eve. Firmino was stopped by police while driving in Liverpool city centre on Saturday and was later charged with the off ence. “Merseyside Police has charged a 25-year-old man with drink driving after his car was stopped in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Saturday, December 24,” a Merseyside Police spokesperson said yesterday. “Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on January 31.” Brazil forward Firmino, 25, is currently preparing for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Stoke at Anfield today. His court date could prove By Jamie Jackson in London guys 25, 26, 27; it’s another thing to a problem however as it is scheduled for the The Guardian Sunderland will not sell ‘priceless’ Defoe, says Moyes have them at 31, 32,” he said, as Moyes same day that Liverpool play title rivals Chelsea had only a 39-year-old Giggs when at Anfield. Firmino is a key member of Jurgen avid Moyes yesterday Sunderland’s manager half-suspects on a knee — has no compunction he took over. Klopp’s side and has scored 17 goals, including ose Mourinho has said David described Jermain Defoe as Defoe, seemingly top of Slaven Bilic’s about deploying Defoe as a solitary “Obviously that plays a part, so six this season, in 67 appearances since joining Moyes’s sacking by Manchester D“priceless” and “indispensa- January shopping list, has hit upon spearhead, he feels Victor Anichebe’s there are generations and in a certain Liverpool from Hoff enheim in July 2015. United was the kind of experi- ble” to Sunderland as he emphasised the secret of eternal youth. “His stats arrival as his new, highly eff ective and period when David came the situa- ence all top managers must go that any £6mn bid West Ham United have been brilliant in 2016,” said apparently reborn, attacking partner tion was not so easy; not so easy to go Jthrough but is clear he would have rel- in that winning direction. Leicester make masked may be preparing for the former Eng- Moyes. “I don’t see him as a 34-year- is bringing the best out in him. ished following Sir Alex Ferguson be- land striker is destined to fail. old — he trains like he’s much younger, “I think it suits Jermain to have “At the same time—I think this is protest over Vardy ban cause of the squad that was left behind. Although Defoe is now 34 years old, he trains every day and nobody can someone closer to him,” said Moyes even more important—the Premier Moyes replaced Ferguson in the his goals almost single-handedly kept say they see a decline in him.” who off ered Anichebe, then a free League was changing.” Leicester: Leicester City’s owners distributed summer of 2013 but struggled almost Sunderland in the Premier League Defoe scored 18 goals in 34 appear- agent, a lifeline in September. “But Jer- Mourinho has been disciplined by around 30,000 Jamie Vardy masks ahead of instantly and lost his job the follow- last season and once again their ances last season and has eight in 18 this main showed last year he can score the Football Association this season yesterday’s game against Everton in protest at ing April after 34 Premier League survival hopes apparently rest inside season, an extraordinary strike rate for a goals on his own as well.” for two separate incidents in which he the England striker’s three-game suspension. games in charge. the shooting boots of the former West man often operating as a lone forward in Anichebe and Defoe attended the commented about the referees Mark Vardy was banned by the Football Association This came 10 months into a six- Ham United, Portsmouth and Totten- a struggling side. Tottenham Hotspur’s club Christmas party-cum-karaoke Clattenburg and Anthony Taylor. after being sent off for a two-footed challenge year contract. Mourinho is the third ham Hotspur forward. Harry Kane is the only Englishman to night held for Sunderland’s play- Yet, Arsene Wenger is not facing on Mame Biram Diouf during champions manager to follow Ferguson, Louis “No, a £6 mn bid for Jermain would not have bettered those goalscoring feats ers, staff and their partners in a any potential sanction for his view Leicester’s recent 2-2 draw at Stoke City. Leices- van Gaal having superseded Moyes be even considered,” said Moyes. “I don’t during the past calendar year. local Italian restaurant. “It was very that Martin Atkinson allowed two ter had an appeal against the punishment and spent two seasons in charge. think any price would buy Jermain — he’s Although Moyes — who has lost his old-fashioned and very good,” said off side goals in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at rejected, which Thai chairman Vichai Srivad- Of Moyes, whose Boxing Day arriv- priceless, his goals are so valuable to us. I influential midfielder Jan Kirchhoff Moyes. “We had a nice meal and then Manchester City last week. dhanaprabha described as “unfair”. al at Old Traff ord with Sunderland is wouldn’t even think about any off er. With- for at least three months after the the karaoke which always helps. Every “I’m not surprised. I can’t say more Prior to the game, pictures circulated on his fi rst return as a manager, Mourin- out Jermain we’d be really struggling.” German underwent cartilage surgery player was there, which says a lot.” than that. social media showing rows of Vardy masks ho said: “I think a manager that’s not “But I’m not surprised. When I placed on the blue seats at Leicester’s King sacked is not a manager, or at least is read his quotes I felt there would be Power Stadium ahead of their home game not a good manager. We have to be The 53-year-old joked that It was put to Mourinho that Moyes’s “I don’t feel it as a burden. I feel the no problem—for him. with Everton. Television footage showed Vardy sacked. So I think it was just a bad Pardew’s removal last Thursday by challenge was greater at United than great history of the club as only a pos- “It doesn’t irritate me because I’m jokingly putting a mask over his face after tak- moment in David’s career and he has Crystal Palace was not the kindest his because the Scot directly followed itive thing and not negative things. not happy with the problems others ing his seat in the directors’ box. to do what I did (post-Chelsea), what given its timing. Ferguson, a manager considered the The problem is, if you have the condi- have. Some people, not just in foot- He then gestured to suspended teammates we all do, move on and he did that. “They could have sacked him a cou- greatest in domestic history. tions to follow that success of history. ball but in life, it looks like they are Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs, sitting along- “After Manchester United he went to ple of days later on Christmas Day, “I wouldn’t mind to be at a club And then that’s a diff erent story.” happy, not with the things they get side him, both of whom laughed. FA chairman Spain (Real Sociedad), also a diff erent which would have been even nicer,” with great expectations but to have Mourinho off ered some under- but happy with bad things others get. Greg Clarke was also due to attend the match. experience for him, then back to Eng- said Mourinho. “He has to move on, Ryan Giggs and Chicharito (Javier standing for Moyes. “I’m not like that. I’m not happy Leicester went into the game 15th in the land, back in the Premier League. He enjoy his family and a new job will ar- Hernández), I think (Nemanja) Vid- “The only thing is Gary Neville, other people are in trouble or have Premier League table, three points above the moved on and this is what we have to do rive. I’m like this. I’m pragmatic. No ic still in the team. (Patrice) Evra. I Paul Scholes, David Beckham and problems. I’m just unhappy when I relegation zone. and (Alan) Pardew has to do the same.” problem. It’s part of football.” wouldn’t mind,” he said. Giggs and (Nicky) Butt —all those have them. That’s it.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 27, 2016 SPORT

NBA Wong makes commitment to St. Louis, adjusts to new challenges

At the end of the most mad- dening summer of baseball he’s ever had, Cardinals Warriors blow 14-point second baseman Kolten Wong left Busch Stadium in October with a list of things he wanted to do this winter, from unplugging for a break to unwinding his swing. But first, he needed to buy a winter coat. lead, lose to Cavaliers Or four. A native of Hawaii, Wong heard it would be a chilly ‘It’s nothing like playoff s. But the intensity was up there. This is what you want to be a part of as a professional’ winter in St. Louis, and seeing as he had less experience in the snow than he has in AFP center field, he wanted to be Los Angeles prepared. He raided a local store for four winter coats, two pairs of snow pants, two yrie Irving’s turna- pairs of boots, cold-weather round jump shot over training gear and several Klay Thompson with beanies. Anything. Every- 3.4 seconds left lifted thing. For warmth. He and his Kthe NBA champion Cleveland wife, a University of Hawaii Cavaliers to a 109-108 Christ- alum, had made their deci- mas Day triumph over the Gold- sion during a warmer season: en State Warriors on Sunday. This year would be the year The rematch of last June’s that they would leave the NBA Finals headlined the beach behind and call St. league’s holiday slate, and Louis home. didn’t disappoint. “We wanted to engulf The Cavaliers — who rallied ourselves in St. Louis,” Wong from 3-1 down in the champi- said this past week, as he pre- onship series last season to deny pared for the holidays at his the Warriors a second straight new house. “We really, really title — trailed most of the game wanted to see what St. Louis and were down by as many as 14 is like, enjoy our first home, earlier in the fourth quarter. get to know what St. Louis is LeBron James’s rim-rattling all about in a way that didn’t dunk with 1:43 to play put Cleve- mean going to the ballpark. I land up 105-103 — their fi rst lead really wanted to find a place since early in the fi rst quarter — to call home, something more and Irving capped the comeback than, ‘This is just where I’m with a clutch shot that recalled playing.’ I wanted to be a part his championship-winning of a place. That can add fuel three-pointer in the fi nal minute to the fire, right?” he said. of game seven last June. “This is a place to be, to stay.” “He’s just a killer on the Wong and his wife, Alissa (nee court,” Cleveland coach Tyronn Noll), welcomed his sister and Lue said. younger brother to St. Louis A beaming Irving said it was this week and spent the week- the perfect holiday treat. end hosting Christmas for the “It’s nothing like the play- first time. Wong described off s,” Irving said, “but the in- his first off season without a tensity was up there. This is return to Hawaii as a natural what you want to be a part of as extension of the commitment a professional.” the Cardinals made to him Irving fi nished with 25 points, this past spring with a five- while James had 31 points and year, $25.5million contract. 13 rebounds. Kevin Love had 20 But there’s another commit- points and six rebounds for the ment the Cardinals have in Cavs. mind for 2017. All winter, as Kevin Durant, who arrived at they’ve described how to Golden State as a free agent in revitalize the Cardinals’ play, the off -season, was superb in off icials have said it’s time - his fi rst appearance in the War- past time, even - to give Wong riors-Cavs rivalry. what he needs so that his Durant scored 36 points and gifts give back: playing time. pulled down 15 rebounds. But “I don’t make lineups but you after Irving’s key basket he was have to have the understand- unable to get off a potentially Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Klay Thompson at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109- ing of patience,” general man- game-winning shot, getting 108. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ager John Mozeliak said. “He’s tangled with Richard Jeff erson such a talented defender and hitting the fl oor. No foul 108-105. Curry gestured to the tie-breaking three-pointer with 16 minutes. game, the young Minnesota The Lakers capped the day and when your team is built was called and time ran out. Cleveland crowd in celebration, 47.8 seconds to play helped Russell Westbrook scored 31 team shot 55% in taking a 27- with a 111-102 victory over the around groundball pitching “I was trying to make a move. but it proved to be too soon. the visitors thwart the Knicks’ points and handed out 15 assists 23 fi rst-quarter lead. But they injury-depleted Clippers in it’s nice to have that behind I didn’t fall on my own,” an irked “We’re mad, man,” Thomp- comeback bid. to lead the Thunder to a 112- couldn’t keep up the pace and an All-Los Angeles duel. The you.” Durant said. son said. “The way we lost that In San Antonio, LaMarcus 100 victory over the Minnesota the Thunder, led by a gleefully Lakers beat the Clippers for Said manager Mike Matheny: Thompson scored 24 points game, we gave them a gift.” Aldridge hit his fi rst 11 shots Timberwolves in Oklahoma relentless Westbrook, pulled the fi rst time since October of “I see exciting things ahead and Draymond Green added 16 from the fl oor en route to a sea- City. away for a third straight victory. 2013, snapping an 11-game skid for him.” despite foul trouble. Aldridge leads Spurs son-high 33 points in the Spurs’ Westbrook also pulled down “I just go out and have fun,” against their cross-town rivals. At various times this off sea- NBA Most Valuable Player The contest was the highlight 119-100 victory over the Chi- seven rebounds for the Thun- Westbrook said. son, both Matheny and Moze- Stephen Curry scored 15 points of the NBA’s fi ve-game Christ- cago Bulls. der, who had 22 points from “I don’t know if it’s the most RESULTS liak have referred to Wong as but connected on just four of 11 mas Day line-up. The Boston The Spurs built a 20-point center Steven Adams of New fun I’ve ever had but it’s defi - Cavaliers 109 Warriors 108 a “Gold Glove-caliber second from the fl oor. It was a modest Celtics opened the action with fi rst-quarter lead but had Zealand and 20 from Turkey’s nitely at the top because of the Spurs 119 Bulls 100 baseman” and an “exciting showing for the prolifi c Curry, a 119-114 victory over the New slipped behind midway through Enes Kanter. group of guys we have. Every- Celtics 119 Knicks 114 everyday player.” but his three-pointer with 1:14 York Knicks at Madison Square the third quarter before again In the Timberwolves’ fi rst body is so unselfi sh. Everybody Thunder 112 Timberwolves 100 St. Louis Post-Dispatch to play put Golden State up Garden, where Marcus Smart’s roaring past the Bulls in the fi nal appearance in a Christmas Day is willing to do great things.” Lakers 111 Clippers 102

NFL Chiefs end playoff hopes of champion Broncos

AFP Oakland fall to the Broncos next fi nal period. Los Angeles week. The Broncos, less than a year The Steelers beat their bitter di- removed from their Super Bowl 50 vision rivals for the fi rst time in fi ve triumph over the Carolina Pan- clashes. he Super Bowl champion thers, are the eighth champion in “We punched our ticket, and Denver Broncos saw their 20 years to fail to reach the playoff s that’s an awesome thing,” Steelers slim hopes of returning to the next season. The Panthers have coach Mike Tomlin said of securing the NFL post-season ex- also been eliminated from post- a playoff berth. Ttinguished on Sunday with a 33-10 season contention. Roethlisberger, limited to an loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. Kelce and Hill combined for 255 opening drive touchdown through The Chiefs went into the contest of the 484 off ensive yards Kan- three quarters, drove the Steelers assured of a playoff spot after the sas City piled up against Denver’s to three touchdowns in 12 minutes. Pittsburgh Steelers defeated bit- vaunted defense, which endured a That included two TDs from ter division rivals Baltimore 31-17 bruising night. Le’Veon Bell some four minutes in the fi rst of two Christmas Day Defensive end Derek Wolfe went apart that helped the Steelers erase games. into the game with a neck injury a 20-10 defi cit and take a 24-20 That victory gave the Steelers the and departed with the injury in the edge. AFC North crown, and with Sun- second quarter. Cornerback Kay- But Baltimore surged back as day night’s result in Kansas City von Webster departed with a con- quarterback Joe Flacco mounted all of the American Football Con- cussion after absorbing a frighten- a 75-yard, go-ahead touchdown ference playoff teams were set, the ing fi rst-half hit. drive capped by Kyle Juszczyk’s 10- fi nal berth going to the Miami Dol- The Chiefs defense, meanwhile, yard scoring run. phins with Denver’s defeat. Chiefs forced two Denver fumbles and Roethlisberger had just enough tight end Travis Kelce and wide seized a last-play interceptions, time to fashion a game-saving receiver Tyreek Hill scored early surrendering only one touchdown 75-yard drive, capped by Brown touchdowns to give Kansas City a and limiting the Broncos to just 246 reaching with an arm to get the ball lead they wouldn’t relinquish. off ensive yards. across the goal line. “I have to get Hill scored on a 70-yard running the ball in. I have to get the ball in,” play and Kelce delivered an 80-yard Steelers surge in fourth Brown said of his mindset. “I know touchdown on a screen pass from In Pittsburgh, the Steelers ex- I’m going to take some contact, and I quarterback Alex Smith. ploded for 21 points in the fourth knew after that I was going to be able Kansas City improved to 11-4 quarter to get past the Ravens, who to get the ball in.” and are headed to the playoff s for were eliminated from playoff con- Added Roethlisberger: “When the third time in four seasons under tention. Ben Roethlisberger con- AB came in there, I thought I could head coach Andy Reid. nected on a four-yard touchdown get it to him. He caught it at the The Chiefs can still claim the pass to Antonio Brown with nine one (yard line) and he reached over AFC West crown if they can beat seconds remaining as the Steelers and it was just an awesome play by Free safety Darian Stewart (L) of the Denver Broncos grabs the facemask of running back Charcandrick West of the Kansas City Chiefs San Diego and division leaders overcame a 10-point defi cit in the him.” as he carries the ball during the game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 27, 2016 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Jagr’s marks in NHL history may never be topped ‘The amazing part is we stopped talking about his age’

By Harvey Fialkov or more goals in those respective “For me, it’s like No. 1,” Jagr “There’s a lot more defense Sun Sentinel seasons. Last season four players told AP. “I don’t really count nowadays; goalies are a lot bet- topped 40 goals, with Washing- Wayne Gretzky. He was from an- ter,” he said. “People block a lot ton’s Alexander Ovechkin pot- other planet.” more shots, so it’ll be tough. he overused sports’ ting 50, while only Chicago’s New York Islanders Hall of There’s some good players com- axiom that records are Patrick Kane reached 100 points Fame defenseman Denis Potvin ing up, but again, Jags played for made to be broken just with 106. That’s been the norm believes player movement and 23 years. Even if you fi nd a player may not apply to profes- over the last decade. lack of long-term line chemis- who scores 120 points a year, can Tsional hockey. Even Jagr, who possesses an try has contributed to decreased he do it for that many years to put Sure, future generations of Einstein-like grasp of hockey, scoring. He also feels that Mc- him in the mix? ... Bobby Orr only athletes are expected to sur- can’t picture today’s crop of David, who has 42 points in 36 played until what 28, so you never pass their predecessors because stars such as Kane, Pittsburgh’s games this season after an inju- know what’s going to happen?” of technological advances in Sidney Crosby and Edmonton’s ry-curtailed rookie campaign, Orr, the Boston Bruins’ Hall of equipment as well as being bet- teenage phenom Connor Mc- has an outside shot, but not a Fame defenseman, notched six ter educated about nutrition, David being around long enough realistic one. consecutive seasons of 100-plus physiology and exercise. to challenge the all-time greats. “McDavid may get 100 points points, but was never the same That said, when 44-year- “It’s a tough question,” Jagr this year and have a 20-year ca- after injuring his knee at age 26. old Jaromir Jagr notched his said while stroking his gray reer?” Potvin said. “But he won’t Jagr, who started slow af- 1,888th point Thursday to move stubble as he often does when catch Gretzky, but possibly the ter dropping 20 pounds in the into second place all-time be- contemplating. “First of all you others. It will never happen off season to keep up with the hind Mark Messier (but still far have to be very lucky with the again because nobody plays with league’s recent trend toward behind Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857) injuries. ... It looks like it’s a lit- the same players for 10 years. speed and skill over size and it would be hard to imagine that tle bit tougher to score goals than “What’s unbelievable is Jagr brawn, has heated up lately with this Mt. Rushmore of hockey it was before because the videos, has done this playing on eight nine points (19 overall) in his legends will be threatened in the preparations of the teams, diff erent teams. The guys that past 10 games. their lifetimes or perhaps ever. because of (improved penalty are ahead of him played on lines “The amazing part is we Unless there are some major killing). with (nicknames) and with the stopped talking about his age,” rule changes like shrinking of “There’s not one or two good same guys for 20 years. ... It’s Buff alo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma the goalie’s equipment or wid- lines. There are four good lines beyond incredible what Jagr’s said earlier this week. “I see the ening of the net, the top three who can play against the top, top accomplished.” numbers periodically of who all-time goal scorers: Gretzky players. There’s little diff erence Crosby leads the NHL with 24 he’s passing . .. guys I thought (894), Gordie Howe (801) and on the team between the best goals in 29 games, but at 29 with were untouchable, like Gordie Jagr (755), also seem as reachable players on the team or the worst a history of concussions, his 976 for sure. Who knows how long as Neptune. players on the team, so that way career points trail Jagr by 912 he’s going to play to get higher?” Can they also shrink the slew it’s kind of tough. When you look points, which means he would Next on Jagr’s milestone list of 6-foot-6 goaltenders? at staying healthy for 20 years in need to average 92 points over is former Penguins teammate From 1985-86 when Gretzky this leagues that’s tough to do.” the next 10 seasons to catch Jagr Paul Coff ey, who he trails by was dominating the sport, un- Jagr, a fi tness fanatic who’s for second. one assist (1,134) to tie for fi fth til 2015-16, goals-per-game has fi fth in games played at 1,664, Ovechkin, who has won six all-time. After that, he’ll set his dropped from 3.64 to 2.79 per has never sustained a serious in- scoring titles and averaged 51 sights on Howe’s mark of playing team, and games now include jury. Because of off ensive depth goals over the past three seasons, until he’s 51 or beyond. shootouts but those don’t count on teams, top-line forwards are has 540 goals and 940 points. “I thought I’d be standing here in the player’s scoring column. only averaging about 19 minutes But at 31, the Russian great at 35,” Jagr joked of reaching No. During the same time span, a game compared to the 24 min- would have to average 36 goals 2. “When I was 17 I thought I’d the average single-season points utes prolifi c goal scorers such as and 156 points over the next six be the best in the world for 20 leader (Art Ross Trophy) has Pavel Bure averaged in the late seasons to catch Jagr in both cat- years. That’s the way I think. dropped from 165 to 106, with ‘90s. egories. The former may be do- “I always compare it to regular Jamie Benn winning it with just Jagr’s numbers would be able, but not the latter. life. Some people die at 60, some 87 in 2015. much higher, but still not Gretz- Panthers 39-year-old for- die at 100. That doesn’t mean When Gretzky was scoring a kyesque, if he didn’t take three ward Shawn Thornton, who also when you hit 70, you don’t want career-high 215 points in 1986 years out of his prime to play in played with Jagr in Boston, rivals to live anymore. It’s the same for or potting 92 goals in 1982, 13 the KHL in Russia or lose anoth- him in fi tness and Stanley Cups a hockey player. If I got the gift players topped the 100-point er three seasons worth of games (two each), if not point produc- from God and have the ability to barrier and 22 players scored 40 due to NHL work stoppages. tion. do it, I’ll play as long as I can.”

FOCUS BASEBALL Stottlemyre ‘doing much Blackhawks are thriving in better’ aft er health scare

By Laura Albanese including a tremendous shot to dead center fi eld Newsday at the old Yankee Stadium. Mantle fl ung his bat away in disgust, but his drive cleared the 461- 1-goal games, third period foot sign and was said to have gone 502 feet. el Stottlemyre’s son Todd revealed Stottlemyre went 9-3 with a 2.06 ERA in the through various social media posts fi nal seven weeks of the 1964 season and was a on Friday that the former Yankees key reason the Yankees won the American League Mpitcher was fi ghting for his life in his pennant. He made three starts against the St. battle with a rare blood cancer. However, pub- Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson in the 1964 World lished reports and Todd Stottlemyre himself in- Series, going 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA, and lost Game dicated that he was feeling better Saturday. 7 on two days’ rest. Stottlemyre won at least Todd Stottlemyre wrote on Facebook on Sat- 20 games in 1965, 1968 and 1969 and lost 20 in urday: 1966. He pitched 303 innings in 1969, leading the “Our family has been overwhelmed with Joy league with 24 complete games, and 291 in 1965. at the amount of love and prayers for my father Renowned for his excellent sinker, he fre- and family. Please know that the greatest warrior quently struggled in the fi rst inning – when he I have ever known is doing a lot better. He is re- was too strong and his sinker didn’t sink – and covering at God speed and he is looking forward to improved later in games as he began to tire. getting out of the hospital. It’s just a matter of time Stottlemyre hit seven home runs in his career, before he is fi shing again. Please share this post so including an inside-the-park grand slam off Red that all the people who have been praying know Sox right-hander Bill Monbouquette on July 20, that their prayers have been answered and that our 1965, at Yankee Stadium. He also went 5-for-5 family is forever grateful. We will continue to pray in a two-hit shutout of Washington on Sept. 26, for the less fortunate during this holiday season. 1964. Stottlemyre pitched his fi nal major-league May God Bless You and Merry Christmas.” game at the age of 32 in 1974 as a rotator cuff On Friday, he had written: “Calling all prayer injury derailed his career. Stottlemyre won fi ve warriors during this holiday season. My father is World Series rings as a pitching coach – one with in the hospital fi ghting for his life. He has battled the Mets in 1986 and four with the Yankees in cancer for 16 years. He is the greatest champion 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. He also served as a that I have ever met. I’m praying hard for you pitching coach for the Astros and Mariners. Dad. I love you pops. Please lock arms with me Speaking to United Press International’s Mil- (L to R) Patrick Kane Jonathan Toews and Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate Toews’ goal in the second period against the and pray for all our loved ones who are fi ghting.” ton Richman in 1985, Rookie of the Year Dwight Colorado Avalanche at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday. (Getty Images/AFP) Under a photo of his father pitching on Instagram, Gooden said of Stottlemyre, “There isn’t the Todd added: “Praying hard for you Dad while you slightest question in my mind how much Mel had By Chris Hine are not fl ukes. “It comes with being in the moment. The lead- of times. We don’t want to be continue to fi ght cancer. I love you pops.” to do with whatever I accomplished. He didn’t Chicago Tribune the culture with this team,” de- ership group really sets the in those situations, but we’ve The Daily News quoted Stottlemyre’s wife, try to hit me with a hundred diff erent things at fenseman Brian Campbell said. standard there, and it’s a trickle- proven we can come back.” Jean, as saying that her husband was “doing once. He made sure I learned one thing fi rst be- “They’ve done it for so long. down eff ect.” The Hawks have not lost when much better” on Saturday. The News reported fore he went on to the next. he two games before the How many times do you watch The Hawks have four victories leading after two periods, an- that Stottlemyre was admitted to a Seattle-area “The biggest thing is you’re able to talk to him. Blackhawks’ Christmas games and they fi nd ways to win? and two overtime losses when other statistic that is a point of hospital on Wednesday because of what his wife He doesn’t make himself out to be a god. He’s break were more the ex- “It’s ingrained in everybody as trailing after two periods. Their pride. They have preserved leads said was a “bad reaction to his chemotherapy very approachable. You never have any trouble ception than the rule. soon as you walk in this locker 10 points when trailing after two thanks to sound third-period medicine” and quoted her as saying, “He’s not in sitting down with him. He’ll listen to you.” TThe Hawks lost one-goal de- room that you’re going to fi nd are tied for third in the league. defense and good goaltending a life-threatening situation right now.” Stottlemyre, who again was Gooden’s pitch- cisions to the Senators and the ways to win or get that goal. It’s They have gotten a lot of help in from Corey Crawford and Scott Stottlemyre, 75, was fi rst diagnosed with mul- ing coach with the Yankees, resigned in 2005 Avalanche after building a West- kind of like an aura.” that department from Marian Darling. tiple myeloma – a disease of the plasma cells in after a disagreement with Yankees owner George ern Conference-best 49-point Veteran winger Jordin Tootoo, Hossa and Artem Anisimov, who “This team has played in a lot the blood that can manifest in bone pain, kidney Steinbrenner and joined the Mariners in 2008 total on the basis of a 13-5-5 in his fi rst season with the have combined for 10 game- of big games, so the bigger the failure and neurological problems – in 2000. before his retirement. His sons Todd and Mel Jr. record in one-goal games. Hawks, said the team’s leader- winning goals. “It’s hard to ex- game, the brighter the star for It is not curable, but treatable. After going into also pitched in the major leagues, and Mel Jr. is The 13 victories are the most ship helps create that culture, plain it,” Campbell said. “It’s so some of these guys,” Campbell remission, Stottlemyre had a recurrence in 2011 the Mariners’ pitching coach. Stottlemyre’s son in the NHL. enabling the Hawks to withstand ingrained and happens so much said. “We’re comfortable play- and has battled the disease since. Stottlemyre Jason – who his father and his brothers said was A lot of those wins have come pressure situations. that in the pressure situations, ing in those situations. We’re pitched his entire 11-year career with the Yan- the best baseball player of the three sons – died thanks to the Hawks’ play in the “There’s a standard way of these guys continue to thrive.” comfortable waiting to get our kees, compiling a 164-139 record and 2.97 ERA at age 11 in 1981 after battling leukaemia for fi ve third period, in which they have playing, and it’s all a work- Added center Marcus Kruger: goals if that’s the case in close despite pitching for some very poor teams. He years. He passed away days after receiving a bone scored 35 goals and allowed just manlike attitude around here,” “If we get one, two goals down games. We’re just fi nding ways was named an All-Star fi ve times. He made his marrow donation from his brother Todd, and af- 21. The latter number also ranks Tootoo said. “This is our job, and ... we still feel like we can score. to win.” major league debut on Aug. 12, 1964, and pitched ter his own diagnosis, Mel Stottlemyre has said fi rst in the league. it’s not about wondering what’s And late in games, pulling the And at the most opportune a complete game in a 7-3 victory over the White he drew strength from the way his young son To the Hawks, those statistics next. It’s about being present, goalie, we’ve proven that a lot times. Sox. Mickey Mantle homered twice in that game, battled the disease. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 27, 2016 SPORT

Fide World Rapid Championship Open 2016

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (left) and Georgia’s Levan Pantsulaia mull their next move during their second round game in the Fide World Rapid Qatar’s Mohamed al-Sayed (right) makes a move during his first round game against Egypt’s Bassem Amin Championship Open 2016 at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. Carlsen lost this game. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed yesterday. Amin had won this game.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Al-Khelaifi elected as Josoor completes president of Qatar Tennis, Squash and training, development Badminton Federation

QNA Institute gearing up for 2017 Doha Certificate, Diploma programmes programmes asser Ghanim al-Khelaifi has been elected unopposed as president of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Fed- Neration (QTSBF). QTSBF General Assembly held at the Emiri Lounge at QTSBF building on Sunday, also elected Tarek Zainal (secretary general), Yousef al-Obaidly, Khalid al-Khelaifi and Karim Alami as members, according to the Qatar Ol- ympic Committee (QOC). The General Assembly saw eight new members joining the QTSBF, includ- ing Saad Saleh al-Mohannadi, Ibra- him Saleh al-Khelaifi , Ahmed al-Batti, Ahmed Sultan al-Obaidly, Abdulrah- man al-Hadad, Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla, Hamad Saad al-Kuwari and Mariam al-Ali.

GOLF

Speaker Damien Comolli, former director of Football at Liverpool and Tottenham, along with delegates from the Advanced Leadership Programme. McIlroy out to keep up

By Sports Reporter partnerships, which include Lead- Practices in the Media Sector’ and was gramme. The learnings of the sessions Doha ers, a global event for publishing and held for the SC’s community engage- were tailored to address the challenges proud Dubai Classic record consultancy business in sport, the ment. of the sports and events industries in organising and delivery partner of The November workshops also the Mena region.” Reuters osoor Institute completed third the Training and Development Pro- featured an ‘Executive Networking’ The recent sessions on ‘Sports and Dubai round of its Training and De- grammes. session that brought together senior Event’s Marketing’ saw dynamic de- velopment Programmes and the The sessions delivered in Novem- executives to discuss the future of bates between delegates who were fi nal session of the Advanced ber focused on upskilling sports and sports and events sponsorship in the able to share the knowledge and learn- orld number two Rory LeadershipJ Programme with great events marketers by focusing on dig- region, and a student ‘Outreach’ ses- ings gained from their working experi- McIlroy will be looking success. ital marketing, brand building, media sion that explored the past, present ence in the Mena region. to maintain a proud record It is now gearing up for the start of and communications strategies, fan and future of digital marketing and The workshops attracted delegates when he competes in the its second set of Certifi cate and Di- engagement and new marketing best social media. from the Qatar Football Association, W$2.65mn Dubai Desert Classic in Feb- ploma programmes in 2017. practices. Speaking about the Training and Qatar Stars League, Aspire, SC among ruary. The latest programmes ran in No- The programmes featured fi ve sets Development Programmes, Josoor others. The four-times major champion vember and December, welcoming of off erings that began in September, Institute’s executive director (act- Sharing his experience of being a won the event in 2009 and 2015 and delegates from a range of Qatar’s including ‘Advanced Leadership Pro- ing) Mushtaq al-Waeli said, “As we speaker at the workshops, Everton has fi nished in the top 10 in each of his leading sports and events organi- gramme,’ that wrapped up after a set of shift into the digital age, marketing FC’s Marketing and Communica- seven previous visits to the Emirates sations. The diversity of delegates monthly workshops tailored to sports strategies are starting to adopt new tions director Richard Kenyon said, Golf Club. presented a unique learning experi- and events industry leadership. Each techniques and channels of commu- “The benefi ts of workshops like these “I have great memories of this tour- ence as they gathered insights from edition discussed a variety of top- nications to reach its audience. The come from sharing good practice nament,” McIlroy said in a news release not only speakers but also from their ics, with the last session in December workshops have shed light on the new and gaining a diff erent perspective yesterday. “I made the cut here for the British Open champion and world industry peers. concluding the set and focusing on approaches of reaching targeted audi- from people coming from diff erent fi rst time in a European Tour event as a number four Henrik Stenson and US Josoor Institute is a centre of ex- developing Mena region professionals’ ences, explored in detail the most im- organisations. The true value comes 17-year-old amateur in 2007 and it was Masters winner Danny Willett, who cellence for sports and events indus- leadership and management capabili- pactful social and digital medium and from learning from other people’s here I secured my fi rst professional win lifted the Dubai Classic trophy last tries, inspired and developed by the ties. content formats to use. experiences and applying some of the two years later. year, are also in the fi eld for the Feb. 2-5 Supreme Committee for Delivery & The week long programmes in No- “With the challenges that we are gained insight to your own organisa- “I will always cherish those impor- tournament. Legacy (SC). vember also included ‘Professional facing in the run up to the 2022 FIFA tion. I was delighted to see high level tant moments in the early part of my The Dubai Classic is the last in the Josoor’s educational and develop- Development Workshops’ that ex- World Cup there is a real need to de- of engagement from the delegates, I career. That fi rst win was a real step- tour’s three-event Middle East swing ment off erings are presented at the plored sports and events market- velop leaders in the sports and events believe that everyone benefi ted from ping-stone for me, helping my confi - that also includes the Abu Dhabi highest international standards. This ing. The programmes also included a industries, this is being tackled in the discussions and debates that were dence and leading to the successes that Championship from Jan. 19-22 and the is guaranteed through its strategic ‘Masterclass’, which focused on ‘Best part by the Advanced Leadership Pro- carried in the sessions.” followed,” said the Northern Irishman. Qatar Masters from January 26-29.

RALLYING Acciona returns to Dakar Rally with electric car

AFP be the only zero emissions vehicle,” the The race will set off from the Para- supplemented by solar panels, was dis- Madrid company said in a statement. guayan capital of Asuncion, with race qualifi ed from the 2016 Dakar Rally af- “We compete in Dakar 2017 with sporting director Marc Coma promis- ter it failed to make it to the start line for an electric vehicle because we believe ing “the toughest edition in the history the 11th stage on time. panish energy fi rm Acciona said 100% in the potential of renewable en- of South American rally-raiding”. Founded in 1997, Madrid-based Ac- yesterday it will compete in the ergy,” it added on the Facebook page of Acciona entered its car in the 2015 ciona focuses on the development Dakar Rally next month in Latin its Dakar Rally team. Dakar Rally, making it the fi rst zero- and management of renewable energy America for the third straight Some 316 vehicles, including 83 cars emissions vehicle to compete in the projects and infrastructure around the yearS with the only electric vehicle of the and 146 motorbikes, are registered for event, but it pulled out after just three world. It posted a net profi t of 348mn gruelling off -road race. the 39th Dakar Rally, which will be days due to a navigation system mal- euros ($364mn) during the fi rst nine “Next January in Asuncion (Para- staged over nearly 9,000 kilometres function. months of the year, more than double guay) we will once again cross the start- (5,600 miles) from January 2-14 in Ar- The Team Acciona car, which fea- the 166mn euros it made during the ing line of the Dakar, and we will again gentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. tures a lithium battery pack that is same period last year. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 27, 2016 7 CRICKET

SRI LANKA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA INSENSITIVE Celebs back Shami aft er FB post draws Lakmal strikes social media ire

IANS “beautiful moments” attracted New Delhi shameful remarks as his wife was seen wearing a sleeveless dress. “The dress that Mrs. Shami elebrities from all walks is wearing is extremely elegant give Sri Lanka the of life yesterday came and dignifi ed. Anyone who has out to voice their sup- any problem with it is sick in his port for India pacer Mo- mind,” wrote Akhtar. Chammed Shami, whose wife’s “The comments are really, re- photo on Facebook drew social ally shameful. Support Moham- media fl ak. med Shami fully. There are much Some users even went to the bigger issues in this country. extent of advising the India star Hope sense prevails,” tweeted edge over S Africa to “follow Islam” and “ensure Kaif. that she wears the hijab and Tennis star and world No 1 modest clothes”. women’s doubles player Sania Sri Lanka’s opening bowler Suranga Lakmal pegged back the hosts by taking the first The cricketer yesterday hit Mirza had earlier faced attacks back at his critics by tweeting over her dress. In 2005, a cleric three wickets and later dismissed South African captain Faf du Plessis that he “knows what to do and issued a fatwa (edict), order- what not to do for his family”. ing the then 18-year-old to stop “Shame on you. As a Muslim, wearing ‘indecent’ clothes and keep your wife in purdah (cov- instead be covered from head- ered clothing). Learn from oth- to-toe while playing. ers,” one user commented. Shami, who is currently un- From poet and songwriter dergoing rehabilitation for right Javed Akhtar to former cricketer knee soreness after missing the Mohammed Kaif, all jumped to last two Tests against England, the Bengal pacer’s defence af- had posted the photograph on ter a post on Sunday night titled December 23.

Zimbabwe’s Vitori handed one year ban for illegal action The International Cricket with Suspected Illegal Bowling Council (ICC) yesterday Actions (the “Regulations”) banned Zimbabwe pacer and subsequently underwent Brian Vitori from bowling in the independent assessment international cricket for 12 in Pretoria in accordance with months after an independent the regulations,” the ICC state- assessment found his bowling ment read. action to be illegal. “The assessment revealed that The 26-year-old left-arm some of Vitori’s deliveries ex- bowler was assessed after the ceeded the 15-degree level of legality of his bowling action tolerance, thus, he employed was brought under question an illegal bowling action,” it by the match off icials during added. the recent tri-series final Vitori was originally suspend- against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo ed from bowling in January on November 27, according to 2016 but was permitted to a statement from the global resume bowling in June 2016 body. after remedial work and a Vitori, who underwent an in- subsequent reassessment. dependent assessment of his “As this report has constituted bowling action at the Univer- the player’s second report sity of Pretoria on December within a two-year period, the 12, was found to exceed the first of which led to a suspen- 15-degree level of tolerance. sion, he is now automatically “Vitori was reported by the suspended from bowling in in- match off icials pursuant to ternational cricket for a period the ICC Regulations for the of 12 months,” the statement Review of Bowlers Reported read.

Sri Lanka bowler Suranga Lakmal (L) celebrates the dismissal of South African batsman Hashim Amla (R) during the first day of the first Test in South Africa. Uncapped Tom Bruce named in New Zealand T20 squad AFP at lunch. Scoreboard It was a continuation of a poor run of Port Elizabeth, South Africa They started cautiously and left the form by Amla, who scored only 98 runs at Uncapped batsman Tom Bruce tin, Corey and the two Colins is ball well before gradually lifting the tem- South Africa 1st innings an average of 16.60 during South Africa’s has been called into New an exciting prospect.” po. S. Cook c Chandimal b Lakmal 59 series victory in Australia last month. Zealand’s Twenty20 squad for Wheeler played six one day uranga Lakmal took four wick- Any thoughts of a South Africa run D. Elgar c Chandimal b Lakmal 45 The dismissal meant that Amla’s Test their three-match series against internationals last year but not ets and gave Sri Lanka a slight feast in the afternoon were spoiled by H. Amla c Chandimal b Lakmal 20 career average dipped below 50 for the Bangladesh next month, while been picked for New Zealand edge on the fi rst day of the fi rst Lakmal in a superb spell immediately af- J. Duminy lbw b Herath 63 fi rst time in more than four years. left arm pace bowler Ben since. He has been brought Test against South Africa at St ter lunch. F. du Plessis c K’ratne b Lakmal 37 Duminy, meanwhile, was unable to bat Wheeler has been recalled to into the side with Tim Southee George’sS Park yesterday. He was backed up well by Angelo with his earlier fl uency as the Sri Lankans T. Bavuma lbw b Herath 3 the national side. being rested for the entire Lakmal took four for 62 in 23 overs as Mathews and Nuwan Pradeep as only 13 Q. de Kock not out 25 altered their line to prevent his fl ow of The right-handed Bruce would series, while Trent Boult will South Africa reached 267 for six at the runs were added in 10.2 overs for the loss V. Philander not out 6 off -side drives. provide a powerful hitting miss the first game in Napier end of a day on which they failed to capi- of both openers. Extras (lb-3 nb-5 w-1) 9 He eventually lost patience and missed lineup for New Zealand with on Jan. 3. talise on a century opening partnership Cook was stuck on the crease as he Total (for 6 wickets, 90 overs) 267 a sweep against Herath to be given out leg the aggressive Martin Guptill, “Its been great to see Ben back between Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar. edged a ball from Lakmal that seamed Fall of wickets: 1-104 S. Cook,2- before wicket. Colin Munro and Colin de playing cricket and getting near Opening bowler Lakmal pegged back away from him, with wicketkeeper Di- 105 D. Elgar,3-178 H. Amla,4-213 J. He sought a review but umpire Bruce Grandhomme and Corey his best,” Larsen added. “He the hosts by taking the fi rst three wickets nesh Chandimal taking a good, low catch Duminy,5-225 T. Bavuma,6-253 F. du Oxenford’s decision was shown to be Anderson, who has been se- has put in a lot of hard work to and later dismissed South African cap- to end an opening stand of 104. Plessis To bat: K. Abbott, K. Maharaj, correct. lected solely as a batsman. get to this point again, so were tain Faf du Plessis. Only one run was added off the next 29 K. Rabada Duminy made 63 off 95 balls with ten “Tom is one of the cleanest looking forward to having him Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took balls before the left-handed Elgar pushed Bowling fours. strikers of the cricket ball in back in the mix. two wickets, including that of JP Duminy, at a ball angled across him to present a S. Lakmal 23-6-62-4; N. Pradeep 17- The Sri Lankans, though, successfully the country,” selector Gavin “Ben’s ability to swing the ball South Africa’s top scorer with a fl uent 63. second catch to Chandimal. 4-48-0 (nb-2); A. Mathews 13-5-26-0 reviewed a decision by Oxenford four Larsen said in a statement at a decent clip can trouble When Du Plessis won the toss and de- Duminy threatened to swing the bal- (w-1); D. Chameera 14-1-68-0 (nb-3); R. overs later when Temba Bavuma went on Monday.”He has averaged any batsmen, as he has cided to bat on a well-grassed but slow ance back to South Africa. Herath 20-4-48-2; D. de Silva 3-0-12-0 back to Herath and was originally given 76 at a strike-rate of 174 this shown in domestic cricket this pitch, it was anticipated that the fi rst The left-hander hit the fi rst ball he not out when he was struck on the pads. season, so has proven himself season.” two hours would be the most diffi cult for faced from Lakmal through the covers for Lakmal’s fourth strike came in the to be a very dangerous player. Top-order batsman Ross batsmen, with early life before moisture four and raced to 34 off the fi rst 23 balls timing, scoring only 20 runs off 76 balls fourth over with the second new ball “Power is a critical element to Taylor was not included as he in the surface dried out. he faced, including eight fours. before Lakmal returned to the attack im- when he made the ball move sharply off Twenty20 cricket, so to have continues to recover from eye Cook (59) and Elgar (45) were seldom By contrast, Hashim Amla, who came mediately after tea and had him caught the pitch to have Du Plessis caught at him alongside the likes of Mar- surgery last month. troubled as they reached 92 for no wicket in at number three, struggled to fi nd his behind. second slip for 37.

BOTTOMLINE Jharkhand beat Haryana to enter Ranji semis IANS tively, handled the fi rst hour of play run stand to get their side only 84 be- play yesterday to put Mumbai in a com- Vadodara quite well. They had shared a 87-run hind the target. manding position against Hyderabad. stand for the third wicket when Na- Left-hander Ishan, who was India’s The visitors ended the day at 121/7 and deem gave Jharkhand the breakthrough captain at the 2016 Under-19 World still need 111 runs to win. Earlier Mo- harkhand defeated Haryana by by removing Shivam (43), with Haryna Cup, punished all the bowlers as he hamed Siraj’s fi ve-wicket haul had re- fi ve wickets after chasing down at 178-3. smacked nine fours and six sixes to stricted Mumbai to 217 and Hyderabad a fourth-innings target of 175 Nadeem then dismissed Rajat Paliwal score 86 from just 61 deliveries. had initially threatened to overhaul the runs on the fourth day of their (2), while Kaushal Singh got into the act When medium pacer Pahal removed target. But Gohli’s second fi ve-for, in as RanjiJ Trophy cricket quarter-fi nal at by getting the key wicket of Bishnoi (52) Ishan, Jharkhand were only 26 runs many matches, brought Mumbai back the Moti Bagh Stadium here yesterday. to ignite Jharkhand’s hopes as Haryana away from the target. And even though into the game and put them on course Haryana, who were 146-2 on the were reduced to 188-5. Virat Singh (21), Sumit Kumar (18) and for yet another semi-fi nal appearance. third day, were dismissed for 262 runs Nadeem struck again, getting a LBW Ishank Jaggi (8) fell cheaply, they were Brief Scores: Hyderabad 280 and 121 as left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem decision for Rohit Sharma and Amit hardly pressurised. for 7 (Anirudh 40*, Gohil 5-28) need an- took four wickets for 78 runs for a Mishra (0) ran himself out as they In the end, Kaushal Singh (12 not out) other 111 runs against Mumbai 294 and match fi gure of 11-157. Leg-spinner Sa- crumbled. Till then, Haryana were 193- and Saurabh Tiwary (0 not out) saw the 217 (Tare 57, Lad 46, Siraj 5-52) mar Quadri picked 3-75 in the second 7, with a lead of merely 106 runs. team home to reach the semi-fi nals. innings. Lower-order batsmen Sanjay Pahal BRIEF SCORES: Haryana 258 all out and Jharkhand, who had a fi rst innings (29), Harshal Patel (25) and Yuzven- 262 all out (Chaitanya Bishnoi 52, Shivam GUJARAT VS ODISHA lead of 87 runs, chased down the total dra Chahal (12) tried their level best to Chauhan 43; Shahbaz Nadeem 4-78, Sa- Overnight batsman Samit Gohel bat- in a hurry, thanks to opener Ishan Kis- push Haryana’s total. Quadri sent back mar Quadri 3-75) vs Jharkhand 345 and ted all day with a string of partners to han’s blistering knock of a 61-ball 86. Sanjay, while Harshal was accounted 178-5 (Ishan Kishan 86; Sanjay Pahal take Gujarat to 514 for 8 against Odi- Haryana would be ruing a middle- for by Rahul Shukla. With Nadeem 2-36, Yuzvendra Chahal 2-43). Jharkhand sha. Gohel, who started the day on 110, order batting collapse as they were removing Chahal, Haryana’s innings won by fi ve wickets on fourth day. added another 151 runs on the fourth nicely placed at 146-2 on the third day ended at 262, setting a target of 175 for day to increase their lead to a massive with a lead of 59 runs. Jharkhand. 578 runs. Shivam Chauhan and Chaitanya And Jharkhand went about their MUMBAI VS HYDERABAD Brief Scores: Gujarat 263 and 514 for Bishnoi, who were unbeaten on their business fl uently. Openers Ishan (86) Left-arm spinner Vijay Gohil took 8 (Gohel 261*, Dhiraj 5-139) lead Odisha individual scores of 33 and 22 respec- File picture of Jharkhand’s left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem. and Anand Singh (27) provided a 91- three wickets in the last 30 minutes of 199 by 578 runs Tuesday, December 27, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

PAKISTAN TOUR OF AUSTRALIA ‘Bird strike’ puts Australia on top against Pakistan ‘We think that in the fourth innings that it will be tough to score, history says it is... we’ve still got a hell of a lot of work to do in getting some runs and then bowling very well when we get first crack with the ball’

Pakistan batsman Younis Khan (R) reacts after been dismissed by Australia’s Jackson Bird (L) on the first day of the second cricket Test match in Melbourne yesterday. Pakistan were 142/4 at the end of day’s play with Azhar Ali (below) unbeaten on 66.

AFP succession just before the rain set in “We’re comfortable that will con- Scoreboard captain Steven Smith took the catch at Melbourne to give the home team the ascendan- tinue, and when you win the toss and fi rst slip. cy, removing experienced duo Younis bat you always rationalise that deci- Stumps, Day 1 in Melbourne Ali survived a confi dent lbw appeal Khan (21) and Misbah-ul-Haq (11). sion against what could happen in the from the bowing of Josh Hazlewood ustralian seamer Jackson Bird Khan, who had been given out lbw fourth innings. PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS when he was on six and was compre- claimed two crucial wickets on three but successfully appealed, “We think that in the fourth innings S. Aslam c Smith b Lyon 9 hensively beaten by the next ball, but just before rain stopped play looked to be fi nding his touch when that it will be tough to score, history Az. Ali not out 66 steadied to anchor the innings. on the opening day of the Bird sneaked a ball between his bat and says it is... we’ve still got a hell of a lot B. Azam c Smith b Hazlewood 23 But Hazlewood (1-15) struck with the secondA Test against Pakistan at the pad to bowl him. of work to do in getting some runs and last ball of the morning session, with Y. Khan b Bird 21 MCG yesterday. Misbah got an inside edge onto his then bowling very well when we get Misbah c Maddinson b Bird 11 Babar Azam (23) edging to Smith in the When tea was called early due to pad and short leg Nic Maddinson dived fi rst crack with the ball.” A. Shafiq not out 4 slips. Smith, who made some rare catch- rain, the visitors were 142 for four with forward to take a fi ne catch which was Pakistan’s openers Sami Aslam and Extras (b-4 lb-3 nb-1) 8 ing errors in the fi rst Test, went low to his opener Azhar Ali on 66 and fi rst Test confi rmed by the third umpire. Ali played and missed on occasion but Total (for 4 wickets, 50.5 overs) 142 right and just managed to cling onto the centurion Asad Shafi q on four, and that However, Pakistan coach Mickey were able to negotiate the seamers, and Fall of wickets: 1-18 S. Aslam,2-60 sharp chance to reward some excellent proved to be the stumps score as well. Arthur was comfortable with the deci- it was not until the introduction of off - B. Azam,3-111 Y. Khan,4-125 Misbah- bowling from Hazlewood. The rain continued after tea and play sion to bat fi rst, saying the pitch would spinner Nathan Lyon that the home ul-Haq Australia kept the same side which was abandoned without any more ac- remain diffi cult to bat on. side tasted success. To bat: S. Ahmed, W. Riaz, M. Amir, won the fi rst Test of the three-match tion. After winning the toss and choos- “I think the wicket was tough,” Aslam had batted with great caution Y. Shah, S. Khan series in Brisbane by 39 runs, keep- ing to bat the visitors made a cautious Arthur said. “It was really tough to bat for nine from 41 balls but was surprised Bowling M. Starc 11-2-25-0; J. Hazle- ing faith in struggling rookie batsman start but only Ali was able to build an on for a period, if you got the ball in the by some extra bounce off the third ball wood 13-5-15-1; J. Bird 15.5-2-53-2(nb- Maddinson. innings of substance. right area there was just enough there from Lyon. 1); N. Lyon 11-1-42-1 Pakistan made one change, replac- Bird (2-53) struck twice in quick for the bowlers. It caught the glove and Australian ing seamer Rahat Ali with Sohail Khan.

BANGLADESH TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND Latham’s ton leads Kiwis to comprehensive win AFP required run rate had ballooned out to Scoreboard Christchurch 10.69. But it was always going to be a big ask First ODI between New Zealand and Bangladesh for Bangladesh after Latham’s 137 off Bangladesh in Christchurch. T. Iqbal c Santner b Neesham 38 pener Tom Latham’s career 121 deliveries. I. Kayes c Ronchi b Southee 16 best 137 set New Zealand up The left-hander had a nerve-wrack- New Zealand S. Sarkar c Williamson b Neesham 1 for a crushing 77-run vic- ing moment on seven when a Mashrafe M. Guptill c Sarkar b Mustafizur 15 Mamudullah c Ronchi b Neesham 0 tory over Bangladesh in their Mortaza delivery sailed just over the off T. Latham c Mushfiqur b M’fiqur 137 S. Al Hasan c Southee b Ferguson 59 openingO one-day international at Hag- stumps but otherwise he remained un- K. Williamson c Mushfiqur b Taskin 31 M. Rahim rtd hurt 42 ley Oval yesterday. fl ustered despite the inability of the top N. Broom lbw Shakib 22 S. Rahman c Boult b Ferguson 16 With Latham in commanding form order to stay with him. J. Neesham lbw Shakib 12 M. Hossain not out 50 and Colin Munro chiming in with a rol- Martin Guptill (15), Kane Williamson C. Munro c Taskin b Shakib 87 M. Mortaza c Broom b Santner 14 licking 87, New Zealand posted 341-7 (31), Neil Broom (22) and Jimmy Nee- L. Ronchi b Taskin 5 T. Ahmed c Ronchi b Ferguson 2 and the Bangladesh innings closed at sham (12) all failed to push on. M. Santner not out 8 M. Rahman b Southee 0 264-9 with Mushfi qur Rahim retired New Zealand were 158-4 when T. Southee not out 7 Extras: (b1, lb6, w18, nb1) 26 hurt. Munro joined Latham and proceeded Extras: (b6, lb8, w3) 17 Total (9 wickets, 44.5 overs) 264 It was New Zealand’s highest score to smack 87, his personal best, from 61 Total (7 wickets, 50 overs) 341 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Kayes), 2-48 in 26 matches against Bangladesh and deliveries. Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Guptill), 2-79 (Sarkar), 3-48 (Mahmudullah), 4-81 Latham’s 158-run stand with Munro Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes made (Williamson), 3-134 (Broom), 4-158 (Tamim), 5-144 (Shakib), 6-167 (Sab- was a New Zealand record for the fi fth a solid start for Bangladesh, pushing (Neesham), 5-316 (Munro), 6-323 bir), 7-242 (Mortaza), 8-252 (Taskin), wicket against the tourists. through to 34 in the eighth over before (Latham), 7-327 (Ronchi) 9-264 (Mustafizur) For New Zealand, it was the com- Kayes was the fi rst to fall for 16. Bowling: Mortaza 10-0-61-0, Mustafi- Bowling: Boult 9-0-43-0 (3w), manding performance they were look- With his dismissal, and the introduc- zur 10-0-62-2 (2w), Taskin 9-0-70-2, Southee 9.5-2-63-2 (3w), Ferguson ing for after their recent 3-0 hiding by tion of all-rounder Jimmy Neesham to Shakib 10-0-69-3 (1w), Sarkar 4-0-25- 9-0-54-3 (5w), Neesham 7-1-36-3 3w, Australia. the attack, New Zealand took control. 0, Mosaddek 7-0-40-0 1nb), Santner 10-0-61-1 (3w) But for Bangladesh there were few With his second delivery, Neesham highlights to launch their New Zealand removed Soumya Sarkar and two balls tour. New Zealand’s Tom Latham lifts his bat to the crowd as he walks from the field later the medium pacer had Mah- Neesham removed Tamim for 38. For New Zealand, Neesham took Their talisman Shakib Al Hasan after being caught out during the ODI against Bangladesh in Christchurch. mudullah caught behind without scor- Shakib off ered stubborn resistance three for 36 and Lockie Ferguson three topped their bowling (3-69) and bat- ing and Bangladesh were 48-3 in the with 59 off 54 deliveries and Mosaddek for 54. ting (59) performances, and Mosaddek maiden ODI half century. string strain ended his innings, but by 11th over. also batted better than a run-a-ball for The second match in the series is in Hossain was not out 50 at the end, his Mushfi qur reached 42 before a ham- then Bangladesh were 219-6 and the By the 18th over it was 81-4 when his 50. Nelson on Thursday.