SPORT

Thursday 21 December 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 Ronaldo trailing in Messi’s Gatlin agent sayss EnglandE will have wake after mimicking doping claims to think about celebration ‘just big talk’ changes: Johnson Cup glory Doha fans set for stargaze as delights Al Gharafa PSG head for winter break coach The Peninsula FawadFawad HussainHussain its infrastructure and offerings The PeninsulPeninsulaa This is the fifth time that since our last visit,” Al Khelaifi arely does Al Gharafa PSG will hold their winter said in a statement released coach Jean Fernandez loballobal ffootballootba icon camp in Doha. yesterday. Rexpress his emotions. NNeymareymar Jr wwill lead Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Win or lose, his face is as tthehe ststarar ccastas when Chairman at QTA, said: “We are impassive on the pitch as it is EuropeanEuropean giantsgian Paris PSG acquired Neymar delighted to be hosting the Paris at the pre-match or post- Saint-GermainSaint-Germa (PSG) from Barcelona in a Saint-Germain squad in Qatar match Press conferences. Glandland in Doha today fforo their world-record €222m once again. We hope the players However, on Tuesday, as annualannual mid-season QaQatartar Winter move during the summer will enjoy exploring what our his wards lifted the QSL Cup Tour trainingtraining camp, it was transfer window. country has to offer, from state- to end their long title drought announcedannounced yesterday.yesterday. of-the art sport facilities to that dated back to 2012 when TheThe Brazilian striker,strike who The winter break in France authentic tourist experiences.” they won the Emir’s Cup, the signed for the French giantsgia just is a short one and lasts Since 2012, QTA and PSG have Frenchman sported a delight- bbeforeefore tthehe start ooff tthehe nnewe foot- only for two weeks till the worked on a strategic partner- ful look, acknowledging the ball season in August, is eexpected ship to promote Qatar’s sport and cheers from well-wishers. to be jjoinedoined bbyy UruUruguayanguay for- first week of January. The leisure tourism offerings. QTA has Fernandez very well wardward EdinsonEdinson CavaniCavani andand French top-flight clubs then swing hosted several tours for PSG knew that they had brought star Kylian Mbappe as theth team back to action with the teams, including the Qatar Hand- the smile back on the faces of spendsspends time in QQatar.atar. French Cup. ball Tour 2014 and 2015, the passionate Al Gharafa fans The French champions,champio who Qatar Ladies Tour 2015 and the whose morale was at a low are currentlcurrentlyy leadinleadingg LiLigueg 1 and Qatar Winter Tour in 2013 and ebb having gone through a have also ququalifiedalified fforo last 16 hold training at the world-class 2015. long phase without a stage of ChampionsChampions League Aspire Zone facilities while sev- A further aspect of this part- trophy. after a remarkableremarkab run in eral of French club’s players are nership affords QTA the In the process, Al Gharafa groupgroup stage, will be also expected to try spearfishing continuous presence at PSG’s became the first team in the arrivinarrivingg fofollowingl which is a popular local sport. home stadium in Paris where history of six editions of QSL ttheirheir game against Qatar Tourism Authority thousands of football fans expe- Cup to win it for a second SMSM Caen whichwh was (QTA) has also arranged the rience a flavour of Qatari culture time. played las lastt night. team’s visits to Msheireb Muse- and hospitality through interac- “Ours is a good unit which PSG’sPSG’s Qatar ums; as well as safari to country’s tion with Qatari cultural and can fight till the very end. Our Winter TourTo is yet magnificent Inland Sea. heritage offerings. defence was good. So was our another opportu-o Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chairman “Our partnership with Paris offence. (Luis) Jimenez played nityn ity for and CEO of PSG, hoped his team Saint-Germain has been invalu- the ’s role to perfec- footballfo will benefit from the tour as able to our promotion efforts, tion and we were on top of fans in always. helping us spread understanding our opponents in every stage Qatar “We are excited to return to of Qatar and its offerings in of the final,” said to meet Qatar for this new winter tour. France and even beyond our tra- Fernandez. andand greetg the The team wants to benefit from ditional markets,” Al Ibrahim said. “Al Rayyan are a big side. superstarssupers of training in the country’s warm “This year in particular we are There’s a huge difference Paris Saint- tthehe club,club, owned winter weather and its remarka- looking forward to leverage the between us in the QNB Stars Germain’s byby their ccountry. ble facilities in Aspire Zone. Our team’s growing following to League standings. I had said Neymar, DuringDurin the team always enjoy visiting Qatar, spread our message of welcome that we fully deserved to Dani Alves short campcamp which experiencing first-hand the cul- to the world, following the deci- reach the final. We had and Kylian willwill culminateculmin on ture, visiting various sites and sion to grant visa-free entry to 80 beaten formidable opponents Mbappe . DecemberDecember 23,23, PSG will witnessing the developments in nationalities,” he added. in our group and overcame the challenge from Umm Salal in the semifinal. Gulf Cup: Coach Sanchez names Qatar squad

The Peninsula

atar’s charge at the Gulf Cup QATAR SQUAD will be headed by feared FOR GULF CUP Q striker Hassan Al Haydos Saeed Al Shaeb who was named as the chief for- Yousuf Hasan ward in the 23-man squad Mohamed Al Kubri announced by interim coach Felix Pedro Miguel Sanchez. Assim Madibo Al Haydos, who plays for Al Akram Afif Sadd, has been the pillar of the Hassan Al Haydos national team in recent times and Almoez Ali finds his name before veteran for- Abdullah Al Harq wards Rorigo Tabata and Sebastian Bassam Al Rawi Soria. Tabata and Soria have not Al Mahdi Ali been considered recently. Abdulkarem Salim Al Haydos, 27, is likely to be Ahmed Fatehi joined by Mohammed Muntari in Hamad Al Obaidi the attack at the Dec 22-Jan 5 event Mohammed Muntari to be held at two venues in Kuwait. Ahmed Yasser Experienced midfielders Asim Ali Faredon Madibo and Musab Kheder are also Abdulkarem Hasan part of the squad. Al Duhail central Musab Kheder defender Karim Boudiaf is expected Ismaeel Mohammad to hold fort at the centre. Karim Boudiaf Saad Al Sheeb will be the first- Othman Al Yahri Ahmed Moein choice goalkeeper for Sanchez. Coach: Felix Sanchez Qatar, the defending champi- ons of the Gulf Cup, are placed in Group B with Yemen, Iraq and Bah- rain. Qatar open their campaign against Yemen on December 23 fol- in the 2014 final of the Gulf Cup. It The 23rd edition of the Gulf eight teams including Saudi lowed by games against Iraq (Dec was the third title win for Qatar Cup - the region’s most popu- Arabia, the UAE, Oman and 26) and Bahrain (Dec 29). who had won the title in 1992 and lar football tournament for hosts Kuwait who form Group Qatar coach Felix Sanchez Qatar beat hosts Saudi Arabia 2004 also. national sides - has attracted A. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 League Cup: City join Arsenal in semis after penalty drama

London Tomas Rosicky AFP

much-changed Man- Rosicky ends chester City held off a spirited challenge professional from Leicester on Tuesday to reach the career LeagueA Cup semi-finals follow- ing a dramatic penalty shootout, as Arsenal also progressed. Prague Pep Guardiola showcased Reuters the riches at his disposal by mak- ing nine changes as his runaway ormer Arsenal mid- Premier League leaders held fielder and Czech their nerve to edge through 4-3 Fnational side playmaker on spot-kicks after the two sides Tomas Rosicky – dubbed were locked at 1-1 following “Little Mozart” for his vision extra time. and pinpoint passing -- ended Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 his professional career yes- to keep alive the prospect of two terday after years of injuries mouthwatering semi-finals fea- often kept him off the pitch. turing four of English football’s Rosicky, 37, retired at “Big Six”. Sparta Prague where he In an ironic twist at the King began his career before mov- Power Stadium Jamie Vardy -- ing to Borussia Dortmund in who had earlier scored a penalty 2001 and to Arsenal in 2006 deep into time added on to keep where he played for a dec- the tie alive -- missed his spot Manchester City’s Chilean goalkeeper ade. He returned to Sparta in kick in the shootout and Riyad Claudio Bravo (foreground) celebrates 2016 but only appeared 12 Mahrez had his effort saved by after saving the final Leicester penalty to times due to injury. City keeper Claudio Bravo. win the penalty shoot out after extra time “My body was telling me “The way we had to react during their League Cup quarter-final in for a long time that it does not was not easy, we were tired, we want (to do it) any more,” he Leicester on Tuesday. had a lot of young players, Danilo told a news conference. was playing at centre-back for “I would probably have the first time in his life,” said nothing to offer my team Guardiola. “It’s not easy because between them but Guardiola and to have a foothold in the game, were given fresh reason to hope It was a fantastic game between mates and Sparta.” Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez Foxes boss Claude Puel showed the visitors struck. when a match official held up a two good teams.” The attacking midfielder, were there. their priorities lie elsewhere with Gundogan, one of only two board announcing there would City, already being hailed as who made his international “What I liked the most is how almost all of the big names miss- players to keep their places fol- be eight minutes of added time. one of the finest sides of the debut at age 19, started 105 we reacted and overcame that ing from the two starting lowing Saturday’s 4-1 victory With the seconds ticking modern era, are on a record- games for the national team, situation. It’s a good indication line-ups. over Tottenham, surged forward down, Gray burst into the box breaking run of 16 straight making him the third most- for the future.” Despite the changes in per- from the centre of midfield and and went down under a chal- Premier League victories and are capped player in the country’s City and Leicester have won sonnel, City -- featuring England fed Bernardo Silva, who finished lenge from City substitute Kyle through to the Champions history. the League Cup seven times teenage star Phil Foden -- dom- coolly through the legs of Ben Walker and the referee pointed League knockout stages. Rosicky won a Bundesliga inated the early stages of the Hamer in the 26th minute. to the spot. Arsenal booked their place title with Dortmund and two contest, twice going close to Leicester started the second Vardy slotted home under in the semi-finals courtesy of a FA Cups with Arsenal, for LEAGUE CUP RESULTS scoring through Ilkay half brightly while City struggled intense pressure to take the tie Danny Welbeck strike shortly whom he appeared in 246 Quarter-finals Gundogan. to regain their earlier fluency into extra time, in which neither before half time. games and scored 28 goals. Arsenal 1 (Welbeck 42) West Ham 0 Leicester -- without the likes and Puel threw on Vardy and side could break the deadlock. Manager Arsene Wenger “I lived through beautiful Leicester 1 (Vardy 90+7) Manchester City of Vardy and Mahrez, who were Mahrez after about 11 minutes to The match went to penalties fielded an entirely changed start- moments but unfortunately on the bench -- began to stretch the delight of the home crowd. and it was Leicester’s star pair ing eleven from the side that beat also terribly negative ones,”

1 (Bernardo Silva 26) -- aet, Manchester City’s defence through the lively As they continued to press, who blinked first. “We were Newcastle at the weekend against he added. “Without even City won 4-3 on penalties Kelechi Iheanacho, formerly of the manager also introduced unlucky,” said Puel. David Moyes’s West Ham, who thinking about, I would City, but just when they appeared Demarai Gray and Leicester “We have had most chances. have been on a good recent run. immediately do it again.” Ronaldo trailing in Messi’s wake FIFA turns to China for yoghurt and ice cream to after mimicking celebration soothe sponsor Beijing/Zurich officer Philippe Le Floc’h. Barcelona five-gamefive-game ban, missinmissingg Real’s in Spain’s top flightflight this season, LeagueLeague with nine ggoalsoals and last Reuters Wanda is a so-called tier one Reuters openingopening four LigaLiga games.games. with Messi leadileadingng the wwayay with weekendweekend struck the onlonlyy gogoalal in partner, meaning they receive By the time Ronaldo made 141 4 goals.goals. thethe Club World Cup final against hina’s number two the highest sponsorship rights, he defining image off tthehe hishis ffirstirst lleagueeague appearance ooff tthehe RonaldoRonaldo hashas com- GremioGremio to hhelpelp ReaReall sign ooffff 2017 dairy company will be including rights to all FIFA previous ‘Clasico’ inn the seasonseason in aann eeventualventual 1-1-00 dedefeatfeat pensated for his poor withwith a clubclub recordrecord fivefive Cthe official supplier of competitions and corporate Tleague last April wass the byby Real Betis on SeptemberSeptember 20, domesticdomestic form by trophies.trophies. drinkable yoghurt and pre- activities up to and including sight of Lionel Messi defiantlyantly Messi was alreadyalready on a remark-remark- maintaining hhisis usuausuall His flounderingfloundering leagueleague dis-dis- packaged ice cream at next the 2030 FIFA World Cup. showing the back of his shirtirt to ableable nine goals,goals, wwhilehile MaMadriddrid highhigh standardsstandards in playsplays havehave not affectedaffected hishis year’s World Cup after sign- Mengniu, Vivo and the baying Real Madrid crowdrowd werewere seven points aadriftdrift ooff Barca ininternationalternational cocom-m- self-confidence,self-confidence, either.either. ing an agreement with global Hisense are so-called tier- after burying the winning goalgoal atat thatthat stage. petitions. He is tthehe “There“There is not a more com- soccer body FIFA two partners who have to settle a thrilling contestt 3-2 TheThe champions host their top scorer in this pleteplete player than me and I yesterday. sponsorship rights for the for Barcelona. bitterbitter rivalsrivals on SaturdaySaturday sitting season’sseason’s believebelieve I am thethe bestbest playerplayer in China Mengniu Dairy Co tournament in Russia. The goal, also the Argentine’stine’s fourthfourth in the Liga standings, 11 ChCham-am- thethe history of football, in the became the fourth company FIFA is trying to recover 500th strike for his club, provedoved points bbehindehind Barca, aalthoughlthough pionspions ggoodood andand thethe badbad moments,” from the country to sign a from the worst corruption futile in Barca’s pursuitit ooff theythey havehave a game in hand.hand. No RRonaldoonaldo toldtold France FootballFootball deal with FIFA after Dalian scandal in its history and has Madrid, who still won a firstst La sideside has ever won the Liga thisthis month after winning the Bal- Wanda, Hisense and Vivo. been struggling to sign up Liga crown in five years, butut hashas afterafter fallingfalling eighteight points lonlon d’Ord’Or andand tying Messi in beingbeing Chinese firms have sponsors since several dozen had a surprising knock on eeffectffect behindbehind the leaders.leaders. namednamed world player of the year increasingly been backing football officials, including on the current campaign. NotNot helpedhelped byby hishis lacklack a recordrecord fifthfifth timetime.. high-profile world sports several in senior FIFA posi- Cristiano Ronaldo (pic-(pic- ofof matcmatchh practice, RonaRonaldoldo WithWith ffiveive goagoalsls in hhisis llastast events, especially in soccer, tions, were indicted in the tured), locked in a compellingelling did not open his account inin four games in all competitions, even though the country’s own United States in 2015 on cor- battle with Messi for the titletle ofof thethe leagueleague untiluntil hishis fourthfourth RonaldoRonaldo hheadseads into tthehe ‘C‘Clasico’lasico’ team failed to clinch a spot in ruption-related charges. being the best player inn the lleagueeague game, striking the inin prolific form, and it would be the tournament scheduled to FIFA offers a maximum world, replicated Messi’s cele-cele- winnerwinner against GetaGetafe,fe, wwhilehile no bbigig surprise iiff hhee inspireinspiredd kick off next June. of 36 sponsorship slots and bration four months later whenwhen hishis secondsecond goalgoal diddid not come MadridMadrid to victory over FIFA said in a statement it still has around half of he scored for Real against BBarcaarca untiluntil his ninth appearance, Barca. But even if he does, that Mengniu would be “the those open six months before in the Nou Camp in the Spanishanish againstagainst Malaga.Malaga. RealReal wiwillll stistillll ffaceace a hhugeuge official drinkable yoghurt and the tournament in Russia. Super Cup, but his actionss had HisHis two goals in the last task in chasing down pre-packaged ice-cream of FIFA needs sponsorship unintended consequences.. lleagueeague outing against SevillaSevilla thethe CataCatalans,lans, wwhoho the FIFA World Cup and the to help reach its target of a Ronaldo incurred an auto-auto- tooktook himhim to fourfour forfor thethe sea- marchedmarched into an official milk and powdered $100m surplus for the four- matic booking for removingng his son, his worst campaign so early lead milk of the FIFA World Cup yearly cycle ending at the shirt to celebrate the goalal in farfar in nine years in whilewhile RonaRonaldoldo for Greater China.” 2018 World Cup. Real’s 3-1 win and two minutesnutes Spain.Spain. was shack- “Mengniu is one of the It is also under pressure later was sent off for a secondcond TwentyTwenty one ledled bbyy hhisis biggest dairy producers in the to increase its revenue after yellow card, this time forfor plplayersayers havehave ban,ban, partlypartly world and is a strong brand president Gianni Infantino, diving. sscoredcored mormoree duedue to in the Chinese market. Grow- elected last year, promised Incredulous at the decision,sion, tthanhan thethe usu- mimickingmimicking ing the game worldwide is to increase payouts to its 211 he pushed referee Ricardoo De aallylly prolific Messi’s one of our key priorities,” member federations to Burgos Bengoetxea and was susub-b- PPortu-ortu- iiconicconi c said FIFA’s chief commercial develop the sport. sequently slapped withth a guese celebration.celebration. THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 IOC sanctions Save the Dream, Qatar Airways Slovenian from Vancouver fly high at Pisa Marathon Games re-tests Doha / Rome The Peninsula Berlin Reuters

ave the Dream - the lovenian biathlete Teja Gregorin (pic- global non-profit tured below) was sanctioned by the movement that aims SInternational Olympic Committee to promote and pro- yesterday after re-tests of samples showed tect the values and she had used banned substances during Sintegrity of sport in young the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. people – and Qatar Airways The IOC said the athlete, who did not joined forces at the 19th Pisa win a medal, was disqualified from those Marathon this week to engage Games and all events she competed in, and inspire young people along with the entire 4x6km relay team around Italy through the pos- of which she was part. itive values of sport. Gergorin’s best finish was fifth in the Building on previous joint 12.5km mass start. activities in Italy – including “The re-analysis... followed an intel- Save the Dream Week 2017- ligence-gathering and risk-assessment and internationally, Save the process that started in January 2017,” the Dream and Qatar Airways IOC said in a statement. united once again to conduct “The process is now completed, ahead a range of activities that pro- of the statute of limitations for the sam- moted the positive role that ples collected, expiring in February 2018.” sport can play in educating The IOC regularly re-tests samples of and inspiring young people, past Games in order to catch cheats using as well as how the positive new methods of detection of banned sub- values of sport can empower stances or testing for ones that were not society and encourage inclu- A participant takes part at 19th known at the time of the competition. sivity and integration within Pisa Marathon earlier this week. Re-tests from the Sochi 2014 winter local communities. Olympics, triggered by allegations of sys- With over 4,000 runners tematic doping and tampering of samples from Italy and over 60 other of children and sportspersons activities at this year’s Pisa “Sport is such a powerful “Sport provides joy and of Russian athletes, led to the ban of Rus- foreign countries taking part, to come together under the Marathon, Save the Dream unifying force for good, so we educational opportunities to sia from next year’s winter Games in the Pisa Marathon provided a banner of Save the Dream. will support the efforts of local are delighted to promote this all children regardless their Pyeongchang, South Korea. platform for a diverse range In particular, through its organisations in favour of both amazing endeavor and sup- physical or social condition. Russians who are cleared to compete able-bodied and para-athletes port the aspirations of athletes This was the vision that will do so as independent athletes under by bringing young people of of all abilities with Save the inspired our campaign, which the Olympic flag. all ages and abilities and giv- Dream. Qatar Airways will was implemented jointly with ing them the opportunity to continue to be a proud sup- Qatar Airways and Save the train, compete and achieve porter of sports that bring Dream Ambassador and Par- With over 4,000 runners from Italy their Olympic and Paralym- people together.” alympic athlete, Giusy and over 60 other foreign countries pic dreams together. Massimiliano Montanari, Versace. Qatar Airways Senior Vice Executive Director - Save the “As part of our participa- taking part, the Pisa Marathon President Marketing and Cor- Dream said: tion in the Pisa Marathon, provided a platform for a diverse porate Communications, Ms. “Building on the activities Save the Dream is delighted Salam Al Shawa, said: “It is that took place in Italy during to help raise funds to support range of children and sportspersons truly inspiring to see so many Save the Dream Week 2017, a number of local children’s to come together under the banner of people joining together to take we are delighted to land at the charities and to enable and part and support the 19th Pisa Pisa Marathon to complete empower them to support Save the Dream Marathon and Save the our campaign in Italy and help more children and disabled Dream. It has become a firm empower and give more chil- young people to play sport.” sporting fixture on the Italian dren with mental and physical To support Save the Dream, calendar and every year impairments better access to information can be obtained at grows in popularity. sport. savethedream.org.

Former champ Russia to learn 2018 Gatlin agent says doping Vinokourov to Paralympic fate in claims ‘just big talk’ face corruption January, says IPC trial London Rio Games silver Brussels AFP AFP medallist Justin London The IPC established a Gatlin AFP taskforce to monitor and he agent at the centre of a ormer Olympic cham- assist the Russian Paralym- investigation by a British pion cyclist Alexander he International Para- pic Committee (RPC) in a Tnewspaper into world 100 FVinokourov is to face lympic Committee (IPC) process of reforming. metres champion Justin Gatlin’s trial for corruption in Belgium Tyesterday maintained Parsons added: “The IPC entourage said on Tuesday he over allegations he paid a Russia’s doping suspension Taskforce still has significant invented a story about obtain- rival to let him win a major with a decision on their par- concerns as to the lack of any ing banned drugs to impress race. ticipation in the 2018 material progress regarding undercover reporters. The 44-year-old Kazakh, Paralympics to be made in the provision of an official Robert Wagner, who has who won Olympic road race January. response from the Russian occasionally represented Gat- gold in London in 2012 hav- In a statement IPC pres- authorities that adequately lin, and Gatlin’s coach Dennis ing served a two-year doping ident Andrew Parsons said addresses the findings made Mitchell were secretly filmed by ban from 2007-09, is accused they had extended the ban as by Professor McLaren. the Daily Telegraph newspaper of having paid Russian Alex- the Russian Paralympic Com- “This is a requirement of claiming they could obtain and ander Kolobnev 150,000 mittee (RPC) had not made the WADA roadmap for the administer human growth hor- euros ($178,000) to let him sufficient progress to justify reinstatement of RUSADA mone and testosterone for win the 2010 Liege-Bastogne- their reinstatement. and a reinstatement criterion $250,000. Liege prestigious one-day ”The RPC is making for the RPC.” The newspaper’s reporters management and family for say- bans during a controversial classic. He will stand trial in headway with the IPC on He concluded that it was had gone to meet the pair at Gat- ing completely false things about career. The 35-year-old Amer- Liege on March 13, 2018, the three of the five remaining “keeping the door open” for lin’s Florida training base and him and I apologise to other ican sprint star, who beat Usain Belgian public prosecutor said reinstatement criteria. Russia to compete at had posed as producers inter- completely innocent athletes Bolt in the final of the 100m at on Tuesday. Kolobnev will “However sadly, and Pyeongchang for as long as ested in making a film about a also wrongly implicated by my the London world athletics also stand trial. much to our growing disap- possible but warned that sprinter -- the drugs were meant words.” championships this year, said The two riders are pointment and frustration, “January’s deadline is fast to help the film’s lead actor get Wagner said he reported his he had sacked Mitchell after accused of having come to an there is a lack of progress approaching”. into shape. meeting with the reporters to hearing of the claims. agreement to let Vinokourov regarding an official response Russian Sports minister But in a statement given to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Anti-doping officials have win the Liege race in April from the Russian authorities Pavel Kolobkov said he was Britain’s Press Association by a and would assist the investiga- launched an investigation into 2010 after they had broken specifically and adequately “surprised” at the IPC’s deci- British-based public relations tion it had started “in every way the claims while International clear of the pack and looked addressing the McLaren find- sion and suggested the Russian company, Wagner said the Tel- I can”. Association of Athletics Feder- set to contest the victory. ings and evidence.” Paralympic Committee (RPC) egraph’s story was “deeply Earlier on Tuesday, Gatlin ations (IAAF) president Seb Coe The investigation is based Russia were suspended “had met all its obligations”. flawed” because it was based on posted a statement on his Insta- said athletics needed to do more on emails between the pair and by the IPC in August 2016 fol- The RPC said it was false comments he made up to gram account, saying he was to tackle the scourge of doping two bank transfers -- one of lowing revelations of regrettable that “the hos- impress people he thought were “shocked and surprised” when that has long tainted the sport. 100,000 euros and the other widespread state-sponsored tages” of the IPC’s demands in the film business. he learned Mitchell had alleg- “We are looking at who we for 50,000 euros, in July and doping uncovered in a report were the athletes “whose “It was just big talk -- I did edly offered to supply want in our sport,” Coe, a two- December 2010. At the time, by Richard McLaren on faults haven’t been proved”. not actually source or supply the performance-enhancing drugs. time 1500m Olympic gold the two rode for rival teams -- behalf of the World Anti- The 2018 Paralympics substances the reporters asked “I am not using and have not medallist, said in a statement. Vinokourov for Kazakhs Doping Agency (WADA). are being staged in South for but stupidly claimed I could,” used PEDs (performance- “Focusing on the influences Astana, where he is the current Korea from March 9-18. the US-based Austrian said. enhancing drugs),” wrote Gatlin, that surround athletes is a crit- general manager, and Kolob- “I apologise to Mr Gatlin, his who has twice served doping ical area of work,” he added. nev for Katusha of Russia. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 Zimbabwe Chahal takes four as India P aceman Starc seek to end England will have to think cleared of underdog tag thump in first T20 Cuttack, India serious injury AFP India’s Yuzvendra Paarl, about changes: Johnson Sydney AFP Chahal delivers AFP a ball during pener Lokesh Rahul’s attack- the first T20 imbabwe coach Heath Streak said Perth player that had failed to stand up for “Because it’s the Ashes you’re def- Perth and 426 runs for the series. ing half-century and four ustralian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been on Tuesday he wanted his players to play Reuters the currentHe has campaign managed atonly a paltry 83 runs aver- in his team with the bat while being sad- initely under the microscope a lot The Ashes had been disappoint- by leg-spinner Yuz- international cleared of a major foot injury, but remains in O cricket match “winning cricket” when they meet South age of 13.83. dled with a series of off-field more. He’ll learn and he’ll definitely ing from a “fan’s point of view” but vendra Chahal powered India to Adoubt for the Boxing Day Test, reports said Z against Sri Africa in a one-off day-night Test next week. athan Lyon’s wish to see Broad has only five wickets from distractions, said Johnson. get better.” that was of little concern to Johnson, their biggest ever win, yesterday. “We’d rather lose trying to play a winning the end of some England the three matches at 61.80 runs apiece The left-armer recalled his own Johnson was naturally more gen- who enjoyed a number of fiery on- outplaying Sri Lanka by 93 runs in Lanka at The Scans confirmed he only has a bruised heel after brand of cricket than just compete,” said Streak careers after another and came off his worst ever Test fig- wayward during the 2009 erous in his praise of the home side field exchanges with England players the first match yesterday. Barabati Stadium he was seen hobbling on crutches as he left Perth of a Test South Africa are expected to win Ashes whitewash could ures in the third match at the WACA. Ashes in England when tabloids were and their captain, with during his international days. Chahal returned impressive fig- in Cuttack after Australia claimed the Ashes by beating England comfortably. easily come true if the With England’s lack of pace awash with reports of a rift with his Steve Smith lead- “As an ex-player, ures of 4-23 to help dismiss Sri Lanka yesterday. by an innings and 41 runs in the third Test this week. “The main thing is belief and shaking off that Ntourists’ struggling senior players fail exposed on mother. ing brilliantly I’d love to see a 5-0 for 87, in 16 overs, while chasing 181 The injury was assessed in Sydney on Wednes- underdog mentality we had,” he said in Paarl, the to lift quickly, former Aussie paceman Australian He felt England’s boozy indiscre- with a double- (whitewash), I’m not as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the day and the paceman was “cleared of serious injury”, western Cape town where Zimbabwe began a Mitchell Johnson (pictured) has said. wickets, tions during the current tour had century in really that fussed three-match series. cricket.com.au said, adding that he would link up with three-day warm-up match against a South Afri- Johnson captured 37 wickets in John- probably taken a similar toll on their on what happens India’s previous biggest T20 tri- Australia’s 13-man squad later this week in can Invitation team yesterday. the 5-0 sweep of Alastair Cook’s Eng- son skipper’s on-field out in the mid- umph in terms of runs was their Melbourne. Zimbabwe have played just 10 Tests since they land in 2013/14 which sparked the doubted performance. dle. I don’t like 90-run win over England in the 2012 But local reports said Starc still remained a doubt last met South Africa in Harare in August 2014, exits of a number of senior players they “For me ‘09 was seeing close World Cup group match in . to play, with Jackson Bird likely to replace him should losing nine and drawing one. and staff. could win a struggle when you games when Rahul smashed 61 off 48 balls as he fail to recover. “It’s well documented how little England spinner Graeme Swann in Melbourne or Sydney with- have off-field things it’s against India posted a challenging 180-3 “We’d love to win 5-0 and have the big three we play,” said Streak. “I think for us it’s less about promptly retired after the third Test out a genuine quick, and happening, per- England, I after being invited to bat first. (Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood) going all the the type of cricket than about playing at interna- of that ill-fated series, while batsmen urged selectors to recall sonal things that just want to But it was Dhoni (39) and Man- time,” skipper Steve Smith said after the Perth win. tional level. Michael Carberry and Kevin Pietersen Durham seamer Mark have happened see them get ish Pandey (32) who set up India’s “But we’ve also got an important tour to South “Whether it’s playing Tests or one-day inter- were never seen again in Test whites. Wood. and they’re out thumped.” big win with their unbeaten 68-run Africa after this series, which we’d love to have him nationals, it’s the gaps in between that are the With Joe Root’s team having given “I look forward to in the public,” stand for the fourth that lifted (Starc) available for.” biggest challenge for us.” back the urn and 3-0 down heading him playing if he gets the he said. the team from 112-3 to put up a chal- Meanwhile, the BBC said seamer Craig Overton The contest with South Africa will be Zimba- to the fourth Test in Melbourne, John- opportunity, they should lenging total. was also a doubt for Melbourne, where England will bwe’s first day-night Test and captain Graeme son said selectors should make hard pick him even if he’s slightly Dhoni hit 4 fours and a six dur- be desperate to salvage some pride. Cremer admitted: “We haven’t played with a pink decisions now rather than wait until underdone,” Johnson said of 10-Test ing his 22-ball blitz while Pandey Overton, who made his debut in the second match ball and we haven’t played a lot under lights.” the end of the series. Wood, who recovered from an ankle also hit the bowlers to all parts of the of the series in Adelaide, is still struggling after being Cremer said this week’s day-night match at “Going to the next Test I think injury to bowl in the tour match in ground during his 18-ball stay. hit in the ribs by a Cummins bouncer. Park was a crucial part of his team’s prep- England will have to think about Perth. Earlier Rahul, who replaced “We’re going to assess it over the next couple of aration for the Test. changes,” the 36-year-old told Reu- “From a pace point of view, some- Shikhar Dhawan in the XI, put on a days,” he told the broadcaster. “We’ve had two sessions under lights to see ters after training with Big Bash side one bowling over 140-145 (km/hour) crucial 63-run stand with Shreyas “Melbourne might be a push, but it’s still an option how it (the pink ball) reacts,” said Cremer. Perth Scorchers at the WACA. can definitely change the game.” Iyer, who made 24, after India a to play at the minute.” “At twilight, when it’s starting to get dark a “I’m not sure if (paceman) Stuart Root, meanwhile, was a “great” lost an early wicket. little more seems to happen off the wicket. Broad is up to it at the moment. There got skipper “This warm-up game will give us a good idea will be some question marks around Rohit Sharma caught at mid-on for of what to expect and there will be lots of discus- him, (as) a senior player. 17 to check India’s surge after the sion before the Test.” “(Opener) Alastair Cook is some- openers gave the team a brisk Both Streak and Cremer are looking forward one who I think has been thinking I’m not sure if Stuart Broad is up start. to playing in the first scheduled four-day Test in about retirement. Rahul, who hit 7 fours and a more than four decades. “I just wonder now with the to it at the moment. There will be six, carried on with his attacking “The so-called bigger teams will probably scoreline being 3-0 whether that will some question marks around him, play as he reached his second T20 have to score a bit quicker and give the lesser take a bit of pressure off him and he’ll fifty in 34 balls, prompting skip- teams more opportunities to take wickets. The just go out there and score runs. I’m (as) a senior player. Alastair Cook per to rotate his game will move a lot quicker, I think,” said not sure. is someone who I think has been bowling options. Cremer. “I think the scars are there from thinking about retirement, says The ploy worked as Sri Lanka Streak said that with 98 overs a day instead the last series.” took two quick wickets including of the usual 90, there would be plenty of time to Cook, who will be 33 when the Australia’s Mitchell Johnson that of Rahul and also managed to achieve results. Boxing Day Test starts, scored 766 runs stem the flow of runs. Perera bowled “With 98 overs a day, it makes it a four-and- in England’s 2010/11 triumph Down Rahul on a well-disguised slower SCOREBOARD a-half day Test and the twilight conditions will Under but struggled with the bat as . India U Tharanga c Dhoni b Chahal ...... 23 be more challenging for batters,” he said. captain during the 2013/14 series. But Dhoni and Pandey finished R Sharma c Chameera b Mathews ...... 17 K Perera c Dhoni b Yadav ...... 19 off the innings with a flurry of fours L Rahul b Perera ...... 61 A Mathews c & b Chahal ...... 1 and sixes as India got 66 runs in the S Iyer c Dickwella b Pradeep ...... 24 A Gunaratne st Dhoni b Chahal ...... 4 M.S Dhoni () ...... 39 D Shanaka c Pandya b Yadav ...... 1 last five overs. M Pandey (not out) ...... 32 T Perera st Dhoni b Chahal ...... 3 In reply, the Sri Lankan batting Extras (B1, LB1, NB1, W4) ...... 7 A Dananjaya c & b Pandya ...... 7 faltered against the Indian wrist Total (3 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 180 D Chameera c Rahul b Pandya ...... 12 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-101, 3-112 V Fernando c Unadkat b Pandya ...... 2 Bracewell stars on return as New Zealand win first ODI spinners as Upul Tharanga top- Did not bat: D Karthik, H Pandya, J Unadkat, K Yadav, J N Pradeep (not out) ...... 0 scored with 23. Bumrah, Y Chahal Extras (W2) ...... 2 Whangarei, New Zealand Shimron Hetmyer (29). Lewis was Fast bowler Hardik Pandya Bowling: Fernando 2-0-16-0, Dananjaya 4-0-30-0, Cha- Total (all out, 16 overs) ...... 87 AP SCOREBOARD meera 3-0-38-0 (w2), Mathews 3-0-19-1, Perera 4-0-37-1, given out lbw to leg-spinner Todd claimed three wickets while left-arm Pradeep 4-0-38-1 (w2, nb1) West Indies New Zealand Astle, who took 3-33 on his one- unorthodox bowler Kuldeep Yadav Sri Lanka Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-39, 3-46, 4-55, 5-58, 6-62, 7-70, 8-76, 9-85, 10-87 C Gayle c Latham b Bracewell ...... 22 G Worker b Nurse ...... 57 N Dickwella c Rahul b Unadkat ...... 13 Bowling: Pandya 4-0-29-3 (w1), Unadkat 2-0-7-1, Chahal oug Bracewell took Chris E Lewis lbw b Astle ...... 76 C Munro c Nurse b Williams ...... 49 day international debut, although picked two. 4-0-23-4 (w1), Bumrah 2-0-10-0, Yadav 4-0-18-2 Gayle’s wicket with his first S Hope c Latham b Bracewell ...... 0 K Williamson b Holder ...... 38 replays made it clear Astle’s wrong- The second match is scheduled Result: India won by 93 runs delivery for New Zealand S Hetmyer c Ferguson b Astle ...... 29 R Taylor (not out) ...... 49 un was turning past off stump. for tomorrow in Indore. D J Mohammed b Ferguson ...... 9 T Latham lbw b Nurse ...... 17 in 16 months, helping the home J Holder c Taylor b Bracewell ...... 8 H Nicholls c Hope b Holder...... 17 With no reviews remaining, side to a five-wicket win over the R Powell c Williamson b Bracewell ...... 59 T Astle (not out) ...... 15 Lewis was forced to accept the West Indies yesterday in the first A Nurse lbw b Astle ...... 2 Extras (LB2, W5) ...... 7 decision of umpire Chettithody R Beaton c Latham b Ferguson ...... 3 Total (5 wkts) ...... 249 of three one-day matches. K Williams (not out)...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-108, 2-118, 3-175, 4-201, Shamshuddin and his innings came Man-of-the-match Bracewell S Gabriel (not out) ...... 0 5-230 to an end after 35.2 overs in a major ended a lengthy exile from inter- Extras (LB6, W18) ...... 24 Did not bat: , Tim Southee, setback to the West Indies. The Total (9 wkts) ...... 248 Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult. Sharma hails spinners after Mitchell Starc national cricket by dismissing Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-41, 3-103, 4-117, 5-134, Bowling: Gabriel 10-0-57-0 (1w), Beaton 9-1- tourists were 177-6 and looked Gayle (22) and Shai Hope (0) in his 6-177, 7-182, 8-201, 9-246 42-0 (2w), Holder 9-1-52-2, Williams 5-0-18-1, unlikely to set New Zealand a chal- Bowling: Southee 10-2-49-0 (3w), Boult 10-2- Nurse 10-0-55-2 (1w), Mohammed 2-0-13-0, first over. He went on to take 4-55, 48-0 (4w), Ferguson 10-0-49-2 (3w), Bracewell Powell 1-0-10-0 (1w) lenging total until including the first and last wick- 8-0-55-4 (1w), Astle 10-1-33-3 (1w), Munro 2-0- Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets hit 59 from 50 balls with two sixes ets of the innings, as the West 8-0 New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 and four fours before being the last India’s biggest T20 win Indies were held to 248-9 in 50 man out. Hathurusingha overs after losing the toss. Powell, who reached his first Cuttack “It’s important to understand what Angelo Mathews got skipper An untried partnership ODI half century from 47 balls, with AFP the team expects of them and they’ve Sharma caught at mid-on for 17 to between George Worker (57) and a six and a four off the bowling of delivered. They don’t fail to impress check India’s surge after the openers takes charge of Colin Munro (49) put on 108 for Trent Boult, put on 45 in a valua- kipper Rohit Sharma yesterday us.” gave the team a brisk start. the first wicket and ble ninth-wicket partnership with lauded the wrist spinners for their Earlier opener Lokesh Rahul Rahul, who hit 7 fours and a six, struggling Sri Lanka was stranded on 49 not out as New Kesrick Williams, who ended 16 not Swicket-taking abilities after Yuz- smashed 61 off 48 balls as India posted carried on with his attacking play as Zealand reached its winning tar- out. Worker and Munro’s century vendra Chahal powered India to their a challenging 180-3 after being invited he reached his second T20 fifty in 34 get with four overs remaining to stand in 16.4 overs set up the New biggest Twenty20 win, as the hosts to bat first. balls, prompting skipper Thisara Per- Colombo take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Zealand run chase. Worker outplayed Sri Lanka by 93 runs in the But it was Dhoni (39) and Manish era to rotate his bowling options. AP series. Taylor was denied his 39th reached his half century from 59 first match. Pandey (32) who set up India’s big win The ploy worked as Sri Lanka took ODI half century when the win- balls and went on to his highest Chahal returned impressive fig- with their unbeaten 68-run stand for two quick wickets including that of handika Hathurusingha took charge as Sri Lanka ning run came from a wide. score in his five ODI appearances ures of 4-23 with his leg-spin to help the fourth wicket that lifted the team Rahul and also managed to stem the cricket coach yesterday, looking to replicate the The second match is in while Munro fell one run short of dismiss Sri Lanka for 87, in 16 overs, from 112-3 to put up a challenging flow of runs. Perera bowled Rahul on Csuccess he found with Bangladesh. Christchurch on Saturday. his fifth half century. while chasing 181 as the hosts took a total. a well-disguised slower delivery. Sri Lanka has been without a coach since Graham Bracewell’s absence from the Ashley Nurse bowled Worker, 1-0 lead in the three-match series Dhoni hit 4 fours and a six during But Dhoni and Pandey finished off Ford resigned six months ago. Fielding coach Nick New Zealand team since he played caught Munro off Kesrick Williams, yesterday. his 22-ball blitz while Pandey also hit the innings with a flurry of fours and Pothas had been interim coach since then. in a one-day international against and dismissed Tom Latham (17) to Left-arm unorthodox bowler Kul- the bowlers to all parts of the ground sixes as India got 66 runs in the last authorities hope Hathurusing- India in Dharamsala in October finish with 2-55 with his skidding deep Yadav also chipped in with two during his 18-ball stay. five overs. ha’s arrival will change the national team’s fortunes was partly due to a knee injury but off breaks. Captain Jason Holder wickets while paceman Hardik Pan- Rahul, who replaced Shikhar Dha- In reply, the Sri Lankan batting fell after a string of losses in recent months. more the result of his latest disci- took 2-52 on a difficult pitch at dya claimed three to flatten the Sri wan in the XI, put on a crucial 63-run like a pack of cards against the Indian “My plans with Bangladesh, New South Wales, Sri plinary lapse. He was sentenced Cobham Oval. Lankan batting in Cuttack. stand with Shreyas Iyer, who made wrist spinners as opening batsman Lanka A and Moors have all been successful. I will be Jason Mohammed of the West Indies (centre) is bowled by Lockie Ferguson (right) of New Zealand during the to community service in May for Gayle limped from the field India’s previous biggest T20 tri- 24, after India a lost an early wicket. Upul Tharanga top-scored with 23. implementing a similar plan,” Hathurusinghe told first ODI cricket match at Cobham Oval in Whangarei yesterday. his third drink-driving offense. In early in the New Zealand innings umph in terms of runs was their “I think KL Rahul at the top was a “Our batting line-up didn’t click. reporters. his defense, Bracewell said he but didn’t appear to be seriously 90-run win over England in the 2012 great move. He wasn’t a part of the Really disappointed. We are working “This team has the potential to go two or three steps chose to drive home from a party series only because regular all- work over the winter rehabbing, Bracewell grasped the oppor- fine edge to wicketkeeper Tom Hope challenged the decision injured. World Cup group match in Colombo. ODI squad but he came and showed hard at practice, to handle the wrist- higher if we go along with a plan.” to comfort his partner who had rounder Colin de Grandhomme so it’s nice to be back now,” tunity of a more permanent return Latham. Two balls later Shai Hope unsuccessfully and that ultimately “It was a tough start to the “Those two guys (Chahal and Kul- that he belongs here,” said Sharma. spinners,” said Perera. Hathurusingha, who was contracted with Bangla- phoned to say their parrot had had to return to his native Zimba- Bracewell said. “I’ve been out of when he dismissed an out-of-sorts was also undone by Bracewell’s cost the wicket later in the innings series,” Holder said. “We lost wick- deep), if you look at their careers over “He (Rahul) batted magnificently “These are the best 15 (players) desh until the 2019 World Cup, resigned to take up the died. bwe due to his father’s death. the team through unfortunate cir- Gayle with his opening delivery. awkward length and provided of the West Indies’ top-scorer Evin ets at crucial stages of the game the last few months, they have always and we felt that he was hitting the ball we have (in the squad) so we have to job in his native country. He won a recall to the New “It’s been a bit of a tough road cumstances but it’s good to be He hit a length which forced Gayle Latham with another catch from Lewis who made 76 in partnerships and never really got any been a wicket-taking option in the well. And great finish to the batting stand up and do the job in the next He played 26 test matches and 35 one-day inter- Zealand squad for the current back but I’ve done a lot of hard back in the mix.” to play and the batsman flicked a the finest inside edge. of 40 with Gayle and 62 with momentum.” middle,” Sharma said of the spin duo. innings by MS and Manish,” he added. match.” nationals for Sri Lanka. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Randolph powers Kings past 76ers

Philadelphia remaining Tuesday to spark the AP Milwaukee Bucks over visiting Cleveland 119-116 in an NBA ach Randolph and thriller. Vince Carter have The Cavaliers were led by 39 been playing for so points from LeBron James as long that some of their Cleveland made a furious fourth- teammates were tod- quarter rally only to fall short at Zdlers when they broke into the Milwaukee’s Bradley Center. NBA. The Bucks (16-13) snapped a That double dose of experi- three-game losing streak over- ence worked out quite well for all and had dropped their past Sacramento on Tuesday night. five meetings with Cleveland, Randolph scored 27 points which used a 24-2 run to battle and Carter had two key plays late back. Dwyane Wade had 14 in the game, helping the Kings to points and Jeff Green 13 but each a 101-95 victory over the slump- had nine in the fourth quarter. ing Philadelphia 76ers. Eric Bledsoe added 16 points Buddy Hield had 24 points for Milwaukee, which trailed 113- and Frank Mason III finished 112 after James scored six points with 16 for Sacramento, which in a row late in the fourth came back from a 16-point sec- quarter. ond-half deficit. Milwaukee’s Tony Snell fol- “Zach started us out and lowed with a 3-pointer and really carried us for a while,” Antetokounmpo added a 3-point Kings coach Dave Joerger said. play to help deliver the victory. “He was really, really terrific.” “You’ve got to play to the last The 36-year-old Randolph minute. I got the ball in my hands was rejuvenated after he rested and I was able to do it,” the Green during Sunday’s 108-93 loss at standout said. Toronto. He made 12 of 19 shots Forward LeBron James (23) drives for a shot “We wanted to play tough and grabbed five rebounds. between Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson defensively and move the ball “He’s an amazing low-post (31) and guard Eric Bledsoe (6) during the second offensively. That’s what we threat, for a long period of time,” quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Tuesday. did and that’s why we got the Philadelphia coach Brett Brown win.” said. Australian guard Matthew Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives for a shot between Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) and Besides putting up solid Dellavedova returned to Milwau- numbers — Randolph entered guard Eric Bledsoe (6) during the second quarter of their NBA game at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Tuesday. kee’s starting lineup after missing leading the team in scoring and 15 games with left knee rebounding at 15.2 points and 7 while playing without center Joel full-court outlet pass to Garrett mistakes and help our guys when — missing shots, not calling the tendinitis. boards per game — he is enjoy- Embiid for the second straight Temple for a layup that made it I can,” Carter said. “I’ve been in right plays,” Simmons said. “It’s Sacramento forward Zach ing his role as veteran leader. night due to a back injury. Rob- 92-86 Sacramento with 4:18 left. big situations so I enjoy being on just little things like that. It comes Randolph took advantage of the “We get along well,” he said. ert Covington led the 76ers with The 40-year-old Carter the court.” down to us focusing, and mak- absence of Philadelphia scoring “These kids are working, they’re 17 points. made another crucial play down Simmons answered with a ing sure we’re committed to and rebound leader Joel Embiid playing hard, and it’s showing on Philadelphia looked out of the stretch, hustling for an offen- driving basket that made it defense and offense at the same to produce 27 points as the vis- the court. We believe in them.” sync without Embiid and Sacra- sive rebound that led to 96-92, but he couldn’t convert time.” iting Kings rallied to defeat the Ben Simmons had 13 points, mento took advantage. Randolph’s jumper with 1:59 to the free throw after being fouled Meanwhile, Greece’s Gian- 76ers 101-96. 12 rebounds and nine assists for Hield gave the Kings a 79-78 play. and the rally fizzled from there. nis Antetokounmpo capped a The Sixers fell to 14-16 and Philadelphia, which lost for the lead with a 3-pointer with 9:48 “Coach trusts me to be solid “I don’t think we’ve been 27-point performance on a 1-6 without Embiid, who is strug- seventh time in eight games remaining. Carter made a and consistent, not make focusing down the stretch three-point play with 5.9 seconds gling with a sore lower back. Deslauriers scores twice as Canadiens beat Canucks 7-5

Vancouver, British Columbia players hit the score sheet for But they insisted Tuesday’s game playing their best hockey of the AP Montreal. was an improvement over Sun- year,” Green said. “But if you’re “I’m not here for my points,” day’s 6-1 home loss to Calgary. trying to get me to throw blame ack indoors, the Montreal Deslauriers said. “But if I can “Tonight was a lot better,” on our goalies, I’m not going to Canadiens got back on contribute like this and take Vanek said. “It was a step in the do that.” Btrack. some pressure off our top line, right direction.” Boeser ripped his 18th past Nicolas Deslauriers had the it means a lot.” Vancouver coach Travis Price’s glove to make it 5-4, but first two-goal game of his career, Montreal entered 1-3-1 over Green agreed with that Galchenyuk restored the two- Carey Price made 34 saves and its previous five following a five- assessment. goal lead with his eighth. the Canadiens beat the Vancou- game winning streak that “Had almost 40 shots, scored Vanek and Danault ver Canucks 7-5 on Tuesday coincided with Price’s return five goals on a pretty good exchanged goals in the final 1:01, night. from a lower-body injury. goalie, played a lot more aggres- with Danault scoring into an Montreal traveled to the “It wasn’t the ideal way to sive. Our compete level was a lot empty net. West Coast after losing 3-0 out- win,” Petry said. “What I liked is higher,” he said. “There’s games that’s going doors to Ottawa on Saturday in when they capitalized and With the score tied 3-all in a to be 2-1, there’s games that are the frigid NHL 100 Classic. scored it seemed like we pushed wild second period, Petry gave going to be like that,” Deslau- “It felt like in practice yes- back quickly.” Montreal the lead for good with riers said. “You want to keep the terday and this morning we were Thomas Vanek had three 46.1 seconds left when his shot scoring tight, but we responded sucking dirty pond water when goals and an assist for Vancou- from the point on the power play well after every goal.” we were breathing,” said Cana- ver, while Daniel Sedin and beat Nilsson cleanly through a The injury-riddled Canucks diens captain Max Pacioretty, Brock Boeser each added a goal screen. got some good news before the Vegas Golden who had two assists. “It was and an assist. Anders Nilsson That came three seconds game with Boeser’s surprise left wing good to get back (and play stopped 25 shots, and Henrik after Vancouver’s Alex Biega was return to the lineup after leav- David Perron inside).” Sedin chipped in with two whistled for cross checking — a ing Sunday’s loss. The (57) celebrates Jeff Petry, Daniel Carr and assists. call that left Green fuming. 20-year-old sniper, who entered a goal against Philip Danault each added a goal “There’s nothing sweet about Byron made it 5-3 at 1:37 of Tuesday leading both his team the Tampa Bay and an assist for Montreal. Paul it,” Vanek said after his 10th the third after getting a second and all NHL rookies in scoring, Lightning at Byron and Alex Galchenyuk also career hat trick. “We’re really chance on a nifty behind-the- crawled to the bench in agony T-Mobile Arena scored. struggling right now.” back feed from Pacioretty for his against the Flames, but tests on Tuesday. The fourth line of Deslau- The Canucks have dropped 10th. Monday revealed only a bone riers, Carr and Byron Froese six of their last seven in regula- “You’re not going hear our bruise. combined for five points as 14 tion by a combined 36-14 score. goalies sit there and say they’re Panthers linebacker Davis has suspension cut to one game

New York Carolina’s home game against media for the hit that followed That didn’t prevent Adams head and ear hole a defenseless (expletive) twice in a year it takes Reuters the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but an interception during the third from speaking out on Twitter, player.... a lil toll on u so excuse me.” he can return to the active ros- quarter at Bank of America Sta- however. “Look it’s football but no Adams’ words prompted an arolina Panthers line- ter on Dec. 26. The Panthers dium. Davis was penalized but “I’ll never understand it,” room for (expletive) like that. We apology from Davis over social backer Thomas Davis had conclude the regular season at remained in the game, which Adams wrote. “Game is already supposed to be in this together n media. Chis two-game suspension Atlanta on Dec. 31. Carolina won 31-24. dangerous enough and we got look out for one another not “I understand your frustra- reduced to one game after an Davis was suspended for his Adams was left with a con- Pro Bowl players out here head mess with a mans livelihood and tion and I do apologize for the appeal, the NFL announced on blindside hit Sunday that resulted cussion and couldn’t talk with hunting and saying they ‘didn’t hand out unnecessary concus- hit!” Davis wrote. “In no way was Tuesday. in a concussion for Green Bay reporters following the contest mean to harm me.’ sions. We all got mouths to feed I trying to hurt you. My first Appeals officer James Packers wide receiver Davante because players in concussion “Somebody please explain to what if I did that to him and his instinct was turn and make a Thrash, a former NFL wide Adams. protocol are barred from speak- me what I wasnt trying to hurt kids can’t eat. block. In all sincerity I do apol- receiver, heard Davis’ appeal. The 34-year-old Panther ing to the media until they have him means when we nowhere “Not the type to rant but ogize. I truly respect you as a Davis will not play Sunday in apologized to Adams over social been cleared. near the play and u lead with ya when u go through this player and I made a mistake!” 36 SPORT THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2017 2013 Wimbledon champ Bartoli says she’s coming back

Paris two months later, after losing a Then came the magical AP match at another tournament, two-week run to the champi- she abruptly retired from pro- onship there six years later. arion Bartoli, the 2013 fessional tennis. Bartoli never dropped a set Wimbledon champion, Bartoli was an original and capped her fortnight with Msays she is coming out player — and personality — dur- a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Sabine of retirement and returning to ing her playing career. Lisicki in the final, closing the the tennis tour next season. She hit two-fisted shots for match with an ace. The 33-year-old French- forehands and backhands, just A year later, Bartoli became woman made the like her idol, Monica Seles, the first woman in 17 years who announcement via a Twitter whom Bartoli recalled admir- declined to try to defend her post on Tuesday. ing as early as at only 7½ years Wimbledon title. “Hi, guys. I have something old. At a news conference to tell you: I am coming back. ... Bartoli was coached by her before the 2014 tournament, It’s going to be a huge chal- father, a doctor, and they came Bartoli tugged at the collar of lenge,” Bartoli said in a video up with other unique her white top to reveal strips of she put on Twitter. “I have still elements. blue tape providing support for a lot of practice ahead of me, but She would cross her arms her right shoulder and I am hoping to be ready for before serving, never bouncing explained: “Literally, I can’t March and the Miami Open.” the ball before a toss. She would even lift my arm every Bartoli mentioned three stand well inside the baseline to morning.” events she is particularly look- receive an opponent’s serve. That, she said, was why she ing forward to: the French Open, And she would hop in place or harbored “definitely no regrets the Fed Cup and, of course, take practice swings between at all” about walking away from Wimbledon. points. tennis back then. She surprisingly won her Her first big breakthrough She since moved on to only Grand Slam title while came in 2007, reaching the other pursuits, including TV seeded No. 15 at the All England Wimbledon final before losing commentary, launching a shoe France’s Marion Bartoli celebrates beating Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, in the Wimbledon final Club four years ago. Less than to Venus Williams. line and designing jewelry. in this July 2013 file picture. Kyrgios going it alone Djokovic to launch new tennis format

Sydney for 2018 ATP tour AFP ormer world number one Novak Djokovic will warm up for a tilt MelbourneMelbourne Coach lookout at a record seventh Australian Open crown by playing in an inno- ReuterReuterss vative quickfire event at the Melbourne venue. The 22-year-old F Djokovic, who has been sidelined since July with a right elbow icki Kyrgios has sacrificed Australian is yet to find injury, is making his long-awaited return to the game at an exhibition hish love of basketball for a candidate with his tournament in Abu Dhabi from December 28-30. morem time in the gym to ‘best interests’ at heart, The Serbian world number 12 and volatile Australian Nick Kyr- getg fit for the Australian gios will headline the eight-man Tie Break Tens tournament at Margaret OpenO but sees no imme- ranking has slipped to 21 after a sea- Court Arena at Melbourne Park on January 10. Ndiate need forfo the extra discipline of son blighted by problems with his Each match will last for one tiebreak, with the first player to 10 a ffull-timeull-time ccoach.o hip but said he was doing everything points winning. TheThe 2222-year-old- Australian in his power to be in prime shape The entire tournament will be completed on the night, and the workedworked witwithh Frenchman Sebastian for Melbourne Park in January. That winner will pocket $250,000. GrosjeanGrosjean onon a part-time basis this has extended to less time playing The Australian debut of the novel format comes after three pre- year but has yet to find a candidate his beloved basketball, which he vious events in London, Vienna and Madrid. wwithith his “best“bes interests” at heart, he blamed for causing a knee injury in Kyrgios, who brought an early end to his season in October because toldtold rereporterspo in Brisbane the leadup to the 2017 tournament of a long-standing hip injury, said the tournament “really suits my yesterday.yesterday. where he crashed out in the second game style”. “I“I haven’haven’t got a coach and I think round. “I am looking forward to having some fun with it and I reckon the I’m just goinggoin to go about my thing “I was playing a lot (of basket- crowds will really get into it,” he added. thethe same wawayy that I did this year,” he ball) through the off-season but I The Australian Open’s tournament director Craig Tiley said he was said.said. know it’s not great on my body,” said “absolutely thrilled” the format would feature in Melbourne, adding “I’ve“I’ve prprettye much done it all Kyrgios. that it was “fast, its flashy and heaps of fun for everyone”. alone the lastlas three years to get to a “Especially training for tennis The Australian Open begins at Melbourne Park on January 15. career high ofo 13. and playing that, it’s not the smart- Meanwhile, suspended Polish player Piotr Gadomski has “To“To brinbringg someone on, it’s tough est. But you know, I’ll live.” received further punishment for breaching the terms of his ban for to kknownow wwhetherhe they’re just doing Kyrgios will warm up for the corruption offences when he attended the Wimbledon qualifying it fforor tthehe sasakeke of getting a bit of cash year’s first grand slam at the Bris- tournament, the Tennis Integrity Unit said in a statement on oror rratherather havehav best interests at heart. bane International before heading Tuesday. “I’m“I’m nnoto looking for someone to Melbourne to play in Tie Break Gadomski, who in September 2015 was fined $15,000 and given whowho hhasas a big name or anything, Tens with Novak Djokovic, an exhi- a seven-year ban after being found guilty of charges involving match- it’s moremo trying to find some- bition of 10-point tiebreak matches.“I fixing, has received a further 18-month suspension. oneone who has my best feel like I’ve taken care of my body The 26-year-old Gadomski admitted attending the Wimbledon interestsinte and I can confide a bit more than last year,” said qualifiers at Roehampton in London in June 2016, violating the terms Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts in.in. Kyrgios. of his earlier suspension that prohibited him from attending any pro- “So far I haven’t really “Last year I wasn’t doing any- fessional tennis event. during his Davis Cup world metm anyone that meets thing, I was kind of playing too much The breach, investigated and revealed by the Integrity Unit, group quarter-final match ththose requirements. I basketball. increases Gadomski’s ban but the 18-month extension is suspended against John Isner of the US don’td think I’m ready for “I had so many niggles going into providing he does not commit any further violations of the Tennis at the Pat Rafter Arena in a full-time coach just yet the Australian Open. I feel like I’ve Anti-Corruption Programme. Brisbane. either.”eith done everything I can. I’ve still got a Gadomski reached a career-high singles ranking of 338 in April The mmercurialer talent’s world lot of time to kind of find my feet.” 2014. Serena sorts out baby teething issues, hints at return

Miami begins on January 15 at Mel- me to sleep cause I’m so AFP bourne, which would be barely stressed. Help? Anyone??” beyond four months after Wil- Among the advices she erena Williams says she has liams gave birth to her daughter received -- “try a wet washcloth struggled with her baby on September 1. for the baby let her chew it.” Sdaughter’s teething pain Williams began her latest On Monday, there was no even as she tweeted a photo tweets on Sunday with a plea for mention of teething but a hinting she might be working on help on how to ease the torment photo of the open court, a rac- a comeback to defend her Aus- of teething. quet bag leaning on a stool tralian Open title. “Teething- aka the devil - is with towels and a bicycle The 23-time Grand Slam so hard,” tweeted Williams. nearby serving notice that Wil- singles champion and former “Poor Alexis Olympia has been liams might have found a cure world number one drew sym- so uncomfortable. She cried so for herself with the next Grand pathetic replies to Sunday much (she never cries) I had to Slam tournament only four Serena Williams tweets about baby daughter hold her until she fell asleep. I’ve weeks away. celebrates after Alexis Olympia’s teething issues, tried amber beads... cold tow- Williams has said she winning the complete with a photo, then els.... chew on mommies intended to defend the crown Wimbledon posted another picture Monday fingers.... homeopathic water (lol she won earlier this year while of an empty tennis court look- on that one) but...... unknowingly pregnant but has Championship in ing set up for the start of a “Nothing is working. It’s not confirmed any firm plans to this July 2016 file workout. breaking my heart. I almost play in Melbourne since the picture. The next Australian Open need my mom to come and hold birth of her daughter.