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Saturday 10 December 2016 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Real Madrid eye Vijay leads Indiaa rrecorde back where to a strong startt iinn itit began for Zidane Mumbai Test Ovtcharov keeps European hopes alive

The Peninsula ITTF World Tour Romain Ruiz (11-6, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8). sia very much in the I think I was a step Comprehensive wins; it was ascendancy at the above my recent somewhat the same for Japan’s Seamaster matches but still and Hina Hay- 2016 ITTF World some way below my ata in the Women’s Doubles Tour Grand Finals in best. Certainly I felt event but not for ’s DohaA yesterday and it was left to confident against and Lee Ho Ching. of Yui Hamamoto and Hina to keep European hopes alive in Hayata overcame Russia’s Maria the Men’s Singles Dolgikh and Polina Mikhailova The 28 year duly obliged; the , I’ve not played in five games (11-7, 9-11, 11-9, no.8 seed, he accounted for Hong against him a great deal but I 11-7, 11-7); Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Kong’s Tang Peng, the no.14 seed, practised with him for over an Ho Ching needed the full seven in five games (11-9, 11-5, 13-15, hour this morning”, Dimitrij games to end the hopes of Chi- 14-12, 11-6) to reserve his place Ovtcharov. nese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching and in the quarter-finals. Success for Ovtcharov and Huang Yi-Hua (11-8, 11-8, 11-9, Success and it was success that was very much the scenario 5-11, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4). as predicted, the two had met on as the first round Men’s Singles At the semi-final stage of eight previous occasions on the matches concluded. the Men’s Doubles event Masa- international scene, Peng had Chinese excellence was very taka Morizono and Yuya won just once; in 2006, a dec- much in evidence as Fan Zhen- Oshima meet Hong Kong’s Ho ade ago when Ovtcharov was a dong, the no.2 seed accounted Chuang Chih Yuan of Taiwan in action during the Seamaster Qatar 2016 ITTF World Tour Grand Kwan Kit and Tang Peng; Alexei teenager, he had prevailed at the for Japan’s , the no.15 Finals in yesterday. Pic by: Baher Amin/The Peninsula Liventsov and Mikhail Paikov ITTF World Tour Kuwait Open. seed (11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4) face Korea’s Jeoung Youngsik “I’m very satisfied with how and , the no.3 seed, and Lee Sangsu. I played; my focus was better defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chen He beat Japan’s , the , Chuang Chih- conclusion. In the Men’s Doubles Intriguing contests, it is the than in recent matches, I think I Chien-An, the no.11 seed (11-8, no.13 seed, in six games (11-8, Yuan opposes Korea’s Jeoung event Russia’s Alexei Liventsov same in the Women’s Doubles was a step above my recent 11-11, 11-6, 11-8). 11-7, 10-12, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9). Youngsik. and Mikhail Paikov beat Bel- event. Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho matches but still some way Impressive performances, it At the quarter-final stage, in Meanwhile, as play con- gium’s Robin Devos and Cédric Ching play Korea’s Jeon Jihee and below my best. Certainly I felt was the somewhat the same addition to Fan Zhendong meet- cluded in the first round of the Nuytinck (11-7, 11-7, 11-4, 11-9); Yang Haeun. Yui Hamamoto and confident against Tang Peng, I although a little more hard ing Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Xu Xin Men’s Singles event; so the quar- Japan’s and meet colleagues have a good record against him earned for Chuang Chih-Yuan, opposes Yuto Muramatsu; in the ter-finals of both the Men’s Yuya Oshima, the defending Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi and maybe he doesn’t feel too the no.5 seed and like Chien opposite half of the draw ’s Doubles and Women’s Doubles champions, overcame the French Sato; thus a Japanese finalist is confident playing me. Now it’s Chen-An from Chinese Taipei. meets Hong Kong’s competitions came to a pairing of Antoine Hachard and guaranteed. Bowling: Agerbo, Kulick strike gold in Doha

The Peninsula 2012, defeated 2016 PWBA Rookie featured three USA vs. Singapore Jesper Agerbo (left) of the Year New Hui Fen of Singa- matches. Fourth-seeded New, who of and esper Agerbo of Denmark and pore, 214-195, to successfully defend won the season-ending Smithfield Kelly Kulick, United defending women’s champion her title. PWBA Tour Championship for her States, winners JKelly Kulick, United States, struck In the semifinals, Agerbo, who first career PWBA title and the first of the World gold in the World Singles Champi- won three gold medals at the 2016 major, edged top-seeded world Singles Bowling onships which concluded here European Championships (singles, champion Shannon Pluhowsky, Championships in yesterday with the knock-out finals trios and all-events), eliminated No. 238-237, to advance to the title Doha yesterday. at Qatar Bowling Center in Doha. 4 seed, Joonas Jähi of Finland, 234- match. Along with the gold medal, 168. Jähi won two gold medals at the Second-seeded Kulick, who Agerbo and Kulick received $8,000 2016 European Championships made sports history by winning the and $6,000 prize money bonuses, (doubles and team) and finished sec- 2010 PBA Tournament of Champi- respectively. ond to Agerbo in all-events. ons to become the first woman to Agerbo, a seven-time European In the other match, Ismail side- win a PBA Tour event, eliminated champion, flew past 19-year-old lined three-time Asian champion New’s team mate and No. 3 seed, Rafiq Ismail (of , 256-205, Michael Mak of Hong Kong, 235- Shayna Ng, 216-172, in the other to seal the victory. 224. Ismail received the silver medal semifinal match. PWBA spokesperson Kulick, while Mak and Jähi both got a New earned the silver medal who won the inaugural World Sin- bronze medal. while Pluhowsky and Ng shared the gles Championships in Cyprus in The women’s medal round bronze medal.

2016 Qatar Fencing Grand Prix begins at Aspire Zone

Action from the 2016 Qatar Fencing Grand Prix at the Aspire Zone yesterday. The competitions is held for both men and women. The four-day event is bringing together elite fencers representing different countries from across the world including , Hungary, Germany, , , , Poland, Russia, United States of America and hosts Qatar. Around 220 fencers representing 40 countries are competing in this prestigious fencing event. The Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) has been organizing the Grand Prix since 2005 under the supervision of the Federation Internationale D’Escrime (FIE). SPORT 10 DECEMBER 2016 SATURDAY 21

Joshua eyes Klitschko prize Willett roars back into form in Molina bout Hong Kong World Cup of in Melbourne rolled to within a foot of the flag. AFP last month. He also missed the "Fooch (caddie Mark Manchester in October with Futcher), pulled a good club for AFP S Masters champion the injury. once, so that was good," he Danny Willett roared "After DP World (DP World joked. orld heavyweight Uback to form at the Hong Tour Championship) we obvi- Rose is low on match prac- champion Anthony Kong Open yesterday after hit- ously took a couple of weeks off tice, having pulled out of the WJoshua fights Eric ting a four under par 66 in the because of the back and rested Hero World Challenge last week Molina on Saturday, but all second round to challenge for it well," he said. with a sore back. the talk this week has been the leadership at the halfway "I came out here probably The tournament was meant about who the Briton could stage. as fresh as I've been for a month to have been his comeback fight next. The Englishman admitted he and a half." event after taking a seven-week Joshua's second defence was relieved with his perform- He added: "It's probably break to recover from the injury. of his IBF world crown might ance in the opening tournament showed mentally more than He told reporters he was not be generating as much of the 2017 European Tour, fol- anything. The frustrations -- moving more freely on the excitement and anticipation lowing an end-of-season slump even when I hit bad shots I've course Friday after admitting he as his previous fights, but that saw him drop out of the top not let it get to me as much as I had trouble retrieving the balls much is on the line. 10 world rankings. probably did in the previous from the holes on Thursday -- Should he prevail, Joshua After shooting a two under couple of months." but said he was still missing will be set to face former in the first round he moved up Sizeable crowds followed some putts. world champion Wladimir the leaderboard Friday despite Willett round the Fanling course Klitschko in a 2017 mega- starting with a bogey, hitting a Friday but his compatriot Justin SCORES fight and he must therefore series of birdies. Rose, the biggest draw at the $2 ensure nothing upsets those Hong Kong: Leading scores after the second "It's nice to be in this posi- million tournament, did not round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday at plans against American tion after the last few months," enjoy such a strong morning. the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling (par 70): Molina. Willett said. The Olympic gold medallist 129 - Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) 64-65 "I will make Eric look like The 29-year-old has also and defending champion ended 132 - (AUS) 66-66 a novice," said Joshua, who been struggling with a bad back, the day on one under par and 134 - Danny Willett (ENG) 68-66, Paul Peter- has knocked out all 17 of his which saw him pull out of the said he had been worried about son (USA) 66-68, (ENG) professional opponents, at a missing the cut until he rolled in 66-68, Justin Walters (RSA) 67-67 press conference in Manches- 135 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 67-68, Hung Cabrera-Bello leads birdies on holes three, seven and Chien-yao (TPE) 69-66, Danny Chia (MAS) 69- ter on Thursday. eight. 66, Steve Lewton (ENG) 68-67 "It's a breaking-down US Masters "I was on plus one halfway 136 - Carlos Pigem (ESP) 68-68, Peter Uihlein job. This is boxing, this is sci- champion Danny through the back nine. From (USA) 66-70, Daniel Im (USA) 69-67, Benjamin ence. It's about being clever, Willett moves into that , you're aware of the Hebert (FRA) 66-70, Jason Scrivener (AUS) so I'm going to go later on in contention for the cut line and it was nice just to 67-69, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 69-67, David Lip- the rounds breaking him get it I think ... to get comforta- sky (USA) 66-70 down. weekend as Cabrera- Selected: Bello shots a ble, making the cut." 137 - Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 69-68 "If I get past Eric, it's five-under 65 to Last year's cut at Fanling 139 - (ENG) 70-69 only going to get tougher.

was set at even-par. I'm the guy that should beat

extend his lead to 140 - Ian Poulter (ENG) 68-72, Patrick Reed British golfer Justin Rose hits a shot during the first round of (USA) 70-70 three strokes. He almost hit a hole in one Klitschko, so I have to on the eighth, after his tee shot the Hong Kong Open golf tournament in Hong Kong, yesterday. make sure I perform like the guy who should beat Klitschko." Klitschko, who reigned for over nine years until he lost on points to Briton Tyson Bulls send Spurs to first road loss of season Fury a year ago, will be an interested observer when Joshua gets into the ring at the Chicago (13 points, 10 rebounds) in his Manchester Arena. AFP return to Chicago after leaving The Ukrainian power- via free agency in the house, who turns 41 in March, offseason. has been lined up to meet he San Antonio Spurs suf- "Because of our talent and Joshua at Wembley Stadium fered their first road loss quaof play, we are able to make in London on April 29. Tof the season on Thursday, up ground. Tonight we were Molina, 34, is attempting as the Chicago Bulls led wire-to- down (18) and were able to make to pull off a big shock and wire en route to a 95-91 victory up some ground, but in the end scoffed at Joshua's promise to that snapped a three-game skid. it wasn't enough," said Gasol. make him look like a The Spurs needed just one In New Orleans, Dario Saric beginner. more road win to tie the NBA scored eight consecutive points "You have to make me record of 14 straight road victo- in a decisive fourth-quarter look like a novice," Molina ries to start a season, set by the charge and Ersan Ilyasova had said to Joshua. Golden State Warriors last a team-high 23 points as the "If you slip up once, you season. Philadelphia 76ers snapped a will be dancing. All of Britain But they failed to fire against 23-game road losing streak with will be very surprised. a struggling team and coach a 99-88 win over the New Orle- "Joshua's not even the Gregg Popovich was livid that ans Pelicans. best heavyweight in the divi- they couldn't deliver in front of The Sixers entered the game sion. (Deontay) Wilder is the a crowd of 21,400 at United with the NBA's worst record, but hardest puncher in the Center arena. they had five players in double division." "I don't remember playing figures, comprising Ilyasova, It is Molina's second tonight. The guys get a lot of guard Sergio Rodriquez (16), Joel world heavyweight title fight, money to get ready to play," said Embiid (14) and Nik Stauskas (14), after he gave WBC champion Popovich of the Spurs. and Saric with 13. Wilder a scare early on before "No Knute Rockne speeches. The Pelicans lost their being knocked out in the It is your job. If you are a Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs forward David Lee (10) fourth straight game despite ninth round last year. plumber and you don't do your during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeated San Antonio 95-91. Anthony Davis' 26 points and That was the Texan's job, then you don't get any work. 11 rebounds. third professional defeat, If you are a doctor and you botch Bulls Thursday with 19 points. each had 12 for the Bulls, who on the road. You're just thinking Guard Langston Galloway but Joshua is respectful of operations you are not a doctor Rajon Rondo finished an led by as much as 18 points in the about getting the win. "That's a also scored in double figures for Molina's power, with 19 of anymore. assist short of a triple-double third quarter and fended off very good team, of course, but the Pelicans with 19 points. In his 25 wins being "If you are a basketball with 12 points, 10 rebounds and strong San Antonio comeback tonight was about us finding a Salt Lake City, Stephen Curry stoppages. player you come ready." nine assists. Jimmy Butler, who'd attempt in the fourth. way to get a win here at home." scored 26 points and Kevin "He's looking for that Veteran Dwayne Wade, who scored at least 20 points in his "We needed a win," said Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs Durant added 21, including 11 in one-shot knockout and any- left Miami in the offseason to previous 15 games, added 13 -- Wade. "When you're out there and all scorers with 24 points, fourth quarter, to help Golden one who is 17 or 18 stone (108 return home to Chicago after the all in the second half. playing, you're not thinking Patty Mills added 16 points and State hold off a late rally and kilogrammes/238 pounds or Heat gave up on him, led the Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez about how this team's on a roll Pau Gasol had a double-double defeat the Utah Jazz 106-99. 114kg/252lbs), Cash-strapped IPTL will 'bounce back', says Bhupathi

Singapore this year but you know we stayed leg. Bhupathi initially blamed 2016 featured five venues but it five cities and the feedback in next five years.He said his vision AFP afloat which was the most their absence on chaos caused was later trimmed to three: general from players was it was was to turn the IPTL into a brand important thing so you know, by 's withdrawal of 500 and , Singapore and Hydera- possibly too long," he said. "like the Formula One", which he International Premier whatever it is, we will bounce 1,000 rupee banknotes from cir- bad, with Dubai and "One of the things we're dab- he said was less reliant on indi- League will "bounce back," he said in an interview in culation. But he told AFP they dropping out. bling with is doing three cities vidual stars. Tback" despite axing Roger Singapore. were cut to save costs. News website Inquirer.net only every year with probably a "F1 has build their brand, Federer and The IPTL, which features a "The revenue and the cost said the Philippine Mavericks few more days in each city and built their concept and you know over money problems and drop- shortened scoring system, shot- wasn't matching so you know, team owners pulled out because making it rotational." they take that amazing show... ping from five tournaments to clock, cheerleaders, DJs and we didn't want to go into a big the IPTL was late releasing a He added that moving the to new cities and old cities. So I three, its founder told AFP. franchise-based teams is billed (financial) hole just for the sake tournament schedule and dates Indian leg from New Delhi to think that's what we're looking Mahesh Bhupathi, who as a refreshing update to the tra- of doing it," said Bhupathi. for ticket sales. Hyderabad also hit difficulties to do," he said. launched the IPTL in 2014, said ditional tennis format. "So we thought we would get But Bhupathi said the IPTL when the proposed venue wasn't "Regardless of who's racing, he was sure "new money" was But this year's tournament is by with these (other) players and was scaled down not because of ready in time. Despite the prob- the experience of being there on its way for the innovative missing most of the game's top look at the bigger show next financial or logistical problems lems, Bhupathi remains adamant with the music and the entertain- tournament, without specifying players and this week, the IPTL year." He added that both had but after comments from play- there is still an audience for the ment and the fashion it just where it would come from. said superstars Federer and Wil- been "very, very keen to play". ers, who said the tournament IPTL and is eyeing expansion becomes an event that you want "We've had some challenges liams were skipping the Indian An initial IPTL schedule for was too long. "Last year we had within Southeast Asia over the to be part of," he added. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 2016

Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan breaks duck as United go through Mkhitaryan kicks to score Paris a goal against minutes from the end as a fine one-touch Spanish club into the last 32 from Group AFP passing move ended with Paul Pogba L behind the Turkish side Osmanlispor. FC Zorya sending Ibrahimovic away, the Swede Fellow Spaniards Celta Vigo won 2-0 at Luhansk during enrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first running through and finishing coolly. Panathinaikos and qualify from Group their UEFA Manchester United goal to set up United will join Tottenham Hotspur, G, while Fiorentina are through as win- Europa League Ha 2-0 win over Zorya Luhansk in who drop out of the Champions League, ners of Group J after a 2-1 win over match at the Ukraine on Thursday and take Jose in the last 32, but there was bitter disap- Qarabag in Azerbaijan secured by a 76th- Chornomorets Mourinho's side into the last 32 of the pointment for fellow Premier League club minute goal from Federico Chiesa. Stadium in Europa League. Southampton. Claude Puel's men knew a PAOK of Greece are also into next Odessa, Ukraine United required only a point to goalless draw or a win at home to Hapoel week's draw for the first knockout round on Thursday. secure progress from Group A but Mkhi- Beer-Sheva would see them advance from thanks to a 2-0 win against Slovan Lib- taryan's 48th-minute strike and a late Group K but instead drew 1-1 with the erec, while Gent joined Shakhtar Donetsk Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal separated the Israelis and were eliminated. in advancing from Group H. sides and took the Premier League club The visitors went in front in the 79th Kalifa Coulibaly's stoppage-time through in second place behind Fener- minute, Yuval Shabtai pouncing on a strike clinched a 1-0 win over Konyaspor bahce, who won 1-0 at Feyenoord thanks poor pass by Oriol Romeu and setting up in and took the Belgians through to a Moussa Sow effort. Maor Buzaglo to fire home. at the expense of Braga, who lost 4-2 at After a goalless first half, United broke Virgil van Dijk equalised with a home to Shakhtar. the deadlock three minutes into the sec- deflected shot in stoppage time but they AZ Alkmaar beat Zenit 3-2 in the ond half as the Armenian Mkhitaryan burst could not get a winner and Hapoel go and join the Russians in pro- forward from midfield through the mid- through instead. gressing from Group D, while Sassuolo dle of the Zorya defence before finishing A brilliant late chip by Manuel and Genk will try again in Group F on past goalkeeper Igor Levchenko. Trigueros gave Villarreal a nervy 2-1 win Friday after fog in Italy forced their They wrapped up the victory two over Steaua Bucharest that took the encounter to be postponed.

Ronaldo publishes Real Madrid eye record back €225m income details where it began for Zidane Madrid AFP Madrid La Liga AFP ristiano Ronaldo pub- Real Madrid haven't lished his financial eal Madrid can set a lost since April, Crecords on Thursday club record by winning the which showed the Real extending their Champions League, Madrid star declared income unbeaten run to 35 UEFA Super Cup and of more than €225m in 2015 games when Depor- as he battled accusations of opening up a six-point Rtivo la Coruna visit the Santiago tax evasion. La Liga lead over Bernabeu today. An international consor- Deportivo's last visit to Real Barca in the process. tium of media organisations was Zinedine Zidane's first claimed that a huge data leak match in charge back in January Los Blancos will be involving 18 million documents and the 5-0 thrashing of the looking for a perfect showed the Portuguese skip- Galicians was a sign of things to end to their La Liga per hid €150m ($160m) from come in a dream debut year for image rights in the British Vir- campaign for 2016 as the Frenchman as a senior coach. gin Islands. But the 31-year-old they head for the Club Real Madrid's Karim Madrid haven't tasted defeat has released details of his since April, winning the Cham- World Cup in Japan. Benzema (right) income in 2015 which he had pions League, UEFA Super Cup celebrates with already passed on to the Span- and opening up a six-point La Cristiano Ronaldo ish tax authorities. Liga lead over Barcelona in the "We are in the more desper- (left) after scoring a The procedure, known as process. ate situation and we are not goal against Borussia a 'Model 720' and which was "You have to congratulate going to the Bernabeu just to Dortmund during apparently presented to tax the players," insisted Zidane make up the numbers." their UEFA Champions chiefs in March, showed that humbly after Madrid had to set- Madrid are at full strength League match at Ronaldo earned €203.7m tle for qualifying for the last 16 bar the absence of Gareth Bale. Santiago Bernabeu outside of and 23.5 mil- of the Champions League in sec- Toni Kroos and Alvaro Mor- Stadium in Madrid, lion inside the country. ond place behind Borussia ata made their return from injury Spain on Wednesday. "This document confirms Dortmund on Wednesday. in the 2-2 with Dortmund in that Spain's Tax Agency is "They are the ones that are midweek and are likely to fea- knowledgeable of all of Cris- on the pitch, that have to fight ture once more, whilst Mateo week. With their captain Spanish side not assured of their Monday when they visit sixth- tiano Ronaldo's assets and and run." Kovacic could be recalled after restored, the Catalans looked like place in the Champions League placed Villarreal in a crucial income. From now on, the Los Blancos will be looking being rested on Wednesday. the Barca of old by registering a last 16 before this week, but clash in the fight to qualify for player will not make any fur- for the perfect end to their La Barcelona can cut the gap to competition record 993 passes ground out a 0-0 draw at Lyon next season's Champions League. ther statement on this Liga campaign for 2016 as they three points before Madrid kick- against the Germans in midweek. to progress. However, struggles subject," said a statement head for the Club World Cup in off with victory at rock bottom "The most important thing is that on the road have been a com- LA LIGA released by his management Japan tomorrow. Osasuna earlier today. the team continues to believe in mon theme for Jorge Sampaoli's FIXTURES company, Gestifute. However, Deportivo have After the blow of conceding what it does and how it does it," men as despite lying third in La (All times GMT) "As reported in recent also been buoyed by a surprise a last minute equaliser to Madrid said Iniesta. Liga, seven points adrift of Real, Today days, the player has been 5-1 romp over high-flying Real in last weekend's El Clasico, "I am convinced we will get they have won just four of their Osasuna vs Barcelona (12:00) aware of his tax obligations Real Sociedad vs Valencia (15:15) Sociedad on Monday to register Barca got back to winning ways to the final months of the season 12 away games this season. Las Palmas vs Leganes (17:30) right away from the begin- a first league win since early with a morale boosting 4-0 in the hunt for all the trophies." The Europa League holders Real Madrid vs Deportivo la Coruna (19:45) ning of his professional career October and move out of the rel- thrashing of Borussia Neymar is suspended so will be keen to make amends for Tomorrow in all of the countries in which egation zone in the process. Moenchengladbach on Arda Turan is expected to dep- a shock 2-1 defeat at Granada Eibar vs Alaves (11:00) he has resided, and has not "I am always optimistic and Tuesday. utise alongside Lionel Messi and last weekend and maintain a Celta Vigo vs Sevilla (15:15) and has never had any issue I am going there with the hope Crucially the returning Luis Suarez in attack after net- two-point lead over Atletico Espanyol vs Sporting Gijon (17:30) with the tax authorities of any

of getting something from the Andres Iniesta has starred in his ting a hat-trick against Madrid when they travel to Celta Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao (19:45) of those countries.

Monday game," said Deportivo boss first two appearances after a six- Moenchengladbach. Vigo tomorrow. Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid (19:45) Earlier Thursday, Ronaldo Gaizka Garitano. week injury layoff over the past Sevilla were the one Atletico aren't in action until seemingly resorting to a prov- erb to plead his innocence of any wrongdoing. "You believe I am wor- ried? He who owes nothing, Premier League: Cruising Chelsea set eyes on Cloud Nine fears nothing," said the super- star after being approached by Portuguese TV station RTP London prepare for the visit of Tony Pulis's three away matches in the league, to respond to the allegations AFP side. they have won just four of their last after Real Madrid's Champi- It is 32 years since West Brom 14 games in all competitions as ons League clash with ntonio Conte's Chelsea jug- last won at Chelsea, but they have Guardiola continues to search for Borussia Dortmund on gernaut rolls back into drawn on two of their last three a durable winning formula. Wednesday evening. Aaction against West Brom- visits and have climbed to seventh His problems pale in compar- wich Albion tomorrow with the in the table on the back of a four- ison, however, beside those of Premier League leaders chasing a game unbeaten run. Leicester manager Claudio Rani- ninth consecutive win. Guardiola's City will look to eri, who saw a second-string side PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea produced the most kick their title challenge back into trounced 5-0 by Porto in the FIXTURES impressive display of their winning gear when they visit unravelling Champions League on Wednes- Today (15:00 GMT) streak last weekend when they champions Leicester City today. day. With seven defeats already, Arsenal vs Stoke came from behind to win 3-1 at Pep The ill-tempered defeat at Leicester's league form is as alarm- Burnley vs Bournemouth Guardiola's Manchester City. Chelsea's hands left a mark, with ing as last season's was astonishing Hull vs Crystal Palace Leicester vs Man City (17:30) They have not won nine suc- Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho and has left them just two points Swansea vs Sunderland cessive league games within the picking up red cards that will keep above the relegation zone. Watford vs Everton (12:30) same season since 2007. them out until after Christmas. Second-place Arsenal can pro- Tomorrow (14:15 GMT) While most of Chelsea's title City have slipped to fourth visionally take over at the summit Chelsea vs West Brom (12:00) rivals have been in European place in the table, four points if they beat Stoke City by two goals Liverpool vs West Ham (16:30) Chelsea's midfielder Man United vs Tottenham N'Golo Kante action this week, Conte's side have below Chelsea. or more at the Emirates Stadium once again had a full week to While City have won their last today. Southampton vs Middlesbrough SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 23

Langer to coach Vijay leads India to a strong in Sri Lanka T20s

Sydney start in reply to 's 400 AFP ustin Langer will coach Australia for three Twen- Mumbai Mumbai Test The umpire turned down the Jty20s against Sri Lanka in Reuters appeal for catch against Stokes February, officials said yes- Murali Vijay and but India managed to overturn terday, further cementing his urali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara the decision on review with the status as Darren Lehmann's Cheteshwar shared a century stand batsman leaving the field mak- eventual successor. Pujara shared a in India's reply to ing his displeasure evident. The former Test opener century stand as England's total of 400. Jadeja dismissed Chris previously filled in for his ex- India made a Woakes and Rashid cheaply to teammate on Australia's Mstrong start in their reply to Eng- Vijay is unbeaten on boost India's chances of keep- one-day tour of the West Indies land's total of 400 on the second 70 and Pujara on 47 ing England's total to under 350. this year, and has got the nod day of the fourth Test at the not out with India on But Buttler and number 10 again to replace Lehmann who Wankhede Stadium yesterday. 146 for one at the Jake Ball, playing his first match will be in India preparing for a Vijay was unbeaten on 70 close, still 254 runs of the series and second over- four-Test series.Cricket Aus- and Pujara on 47 not out with behind. all, frustrated India with a tralia team performance India on 146 for one at the close, partnership of 54 for the ninth manager Pat Howard said he still 254 runs behind. out 25 minutes after lunch. wicket. was an easy pick. The right-handed pair India off-spinner Ravichan- Ashwin broke the stand "He did a terrific job in the added 107 runs for the second dran Ashwin completed figures when Ball, who was on nought Caribbean in June when he wicket after Lokesh Rahul had of six for 112 for his 23rd five- when India captain Virat Kohli stepped in for Darren Leh- fallen following an opening wicket haul and left-arm dropped a sharp chance at slip mann during the successful stand of 39 with Vijay. spinner Ravindra Jadeja took the off Jadeja, was caught behind. tri-series and so is already England captain Alastair other four wickets. Buttler repeatedly used the familiar with the working Cook introduced spin from both Resuming on 288 for five, reverse sweep against Jadeja environment around the Aus- India's Murali ends after seven overs and there England lost Ben Stokes for 31 and hit six boundaries and a big tralia team," he said. was considerable turn on offer in the third over to Ashwin, who six off Ashwin before Jadeja Vijay plays a "He brings a wealth of for Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. had picked up four wickets on bowled him as he attempted shot on the experience as both a player Rahul hit four crisp bound- Thursday. another big shot. second day and a coach and his record in aries in his 24 before off-spinner of the fourth helping the Perth Scorchers Moeen breached his defences to SCOREBOARD Test cricket to a sustained level of success bowl him. England (I innings): Bowling: Kumar 13-0-49-0; U Yadav 11-2-38-0; match against in the Big Bash League means Vijay twice mis-hit Rashid A Cook st Patel b Jadeja ...... 46 Ashwin 44-4-112-6; J Yadav 25-3-89-0 (1nb); Jadeja England at the he fits the bill in all ways." but the ball landed safely K Jennings c Pujara b Ashwin ...... 112 37.1-5-109-4. Wankhede Local reports said Langer J Root c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 21 beyond the reach of the fielders India (I innings): stadium in beat a strong list of contend- M Ali c Nair b Ashwin ...... 50 L Rahul b Ali ...... 24 on both occasions. The opener Mumbai, India, ers to the role, including fellow J Bairstow c U Yadav b Ashwin ...... 14 M Vijay (batting) ...... 70 hit the leg-spinner for six over B Stokes c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 31 yesterday. Test greats Shane Warne, Jason the long-off boundary. C Pujara (batting) ...... 47 Gillespie, Ricky Ponting and J Buttler b Jadeja ...... 76 Extras (B-1, LB-4) ...... 5 Pujara looked solid and hit C Woakes c Patel b Jadeja ...... 11 Michael Hussey, who were all Total (for 1 wkt) ...... 146 A Rashid b Jadeja ...... 4 some sublime boundaries off the Fall of wicket: 1-39. believed to be interested. J Ball c Patel b Ashwin ...... 31 back foot against the England Bowling: Anderson 8-4-22-0; Woakes 5-2-15-0; Ali While Lehmann has no fast bowlers. J Anderson (not out) ...... 0 plans to step away from the Extras (B-1, LB-2, NB-1) ...... 4 15-2-44-1 Rashid 13-1-49-0; Ball 4-2-4-0; Stokes 4-2- Earlier, Jos Buttler made 76 Total (all out) ...... 400 4-0; Root 3-1-3-0. job in the foreseeable future,

to guide the touring side, trailing Fall of wickets: 1-99, 2-136, 3-230, 4-230, 5-249, To bat: V Kohli (capt), K Nair, R Ashwin, P Patel, R he has already anointed 2-0 in the five-match series, to a 6-297, 7-320, 8-334, 9-388, 10-400. Jadeja, J Yadav, B Kumar, U Yadav. Langer as his potential strong total before they were all replacement. Warner stars as Australia thrash New Zealand

Melbourne paceman Pat Cummins, AFP medium-pacer James Faulkner and part-time spinner Travis pener David Warner Head, all with two wickets. smashed his second Cummins claimed the wicket Ostraight hundred and of opener Tom Latham for 28, Mitchell Starc bowled lethal snapped up by Faulkner at back- reverse swing to spearhead Aus- ward square leg. tralia to a third emphatic win Faulkner got the prized over New Zealand in the Chap- wicket of Kane Williamson, leg pell-Hadlee Trophy in Melbourne before wicket for 13 with the New yesterday. Zealand skipper losing a review The Australian vice-captain in the process. was run out on the last ball of the Martin Guptill chased a wide innings for 156 off 128 balls -- delivery from Head, and Bailey Mashrafe Mortaza more than half of his team's 264 snapped up a leaping catch at for eight total -- with 13 fours and short cover for 34 off 40 balls. four sixes. Eleven balls later Starc It follows Warner's 119 off 115 bowled newcomer Nicholls with Mortaza counting on home balls against the Black Caps in a wicked late-swinging yorker Canberra on Tuesday. for three to reduce the Black Starc then led Australia to a Caps to 83 for four in the 17th memories for Kiwi series series clean sweep helping to over. skittle New Zealand for 147 off Starc then ripped through the Dhaka "New Zealand conditions 36.1 overs to reclaim the Chap- defences of Colin Munro and AFP are different... so it's going to be pell-Hadlee Trophy. trapped Santner leg before difficult. If we can take the good Australia's batsman Starc bowled Henry Nicholls wicket to wreck the Black Caps angladesh limited-overs home memories there and show David Warner and Colin Munro with unplaya- hopes. captain Mashrafe Mortaza the kind of confidence that got shouts in jubilation ble yorkers and then trapped Captain Steve Smith sealed Bsaid yesterday that his us wins at home I think we will as they beat New Mitchell Santner leg before the victory with another stunning team was banking on their recent get a good result," he said. Zealand during wicket with reverse swing to fin- one-handed flying catch at slip fine performances at home to Bangladesh have not played their second ish with three for 34. to dismiss Trent Boult off come good during their upcom- in a bilateral away series since game of the One Warner, with 299 runs at Cummins. ing series against New Zealand. their tour of West Indies in Day International 99.66 from the three matches, The Black Caps began In their first overseas bilat- August-September in 2014 Cricket series was named man of the match strongly and dismissed Aaron eral series in more than two when they lost all their matches. in Melbourne, and man of the series after rais- Finch and Smith cheaply before years, Bangladesh will play Since then they have trans- Australia yesterday. ing his 11th ODI century and Bailey revived the innings with three one-day internationals, formed themselves into a seventh for the year. Warner. Bailey spooned a catch as many Twenty20 internation- successful unit, winning 18 of Only Indian great Sachin to Santner at mid-wicket off als and two Tests from their last 23 one-day interna- SCOREBOARD Tendulkar, with nine in 1998, has Colin de Grandhomme for 23 and December 26 to January 24. tionals at home in addition to hit more ODI centuries in a cal- two balls later Mitchell Marsh Ahead of the tour, Bangla- the recent Test series victory AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND D Warner (run out-Boult) ...... 156 M Guptill c Bailey b Head ...... 34 endar year. was out in bizarre fashion when desh will hold a two-week against formidable England. A Finch c Nicholls b Boult ...... 3 T Latham c Faulkner b Cummins...... 28 Warner was the difference he inside-edged off his back pad conditioning camp in Sydney Their successful home run S Smith c Nicholls b Boult ...... 0 K Williamson lbw Faulkner ...... 13 after New Zealand had made and onto his stumps for a duck, with some of the players of the also included bilateral ODI G Bailey c Santner b De Grandhomme ...... 23 H Nicholls b Starc ...... 3 early inroads into the Australian after his power-hitting 76 off 40 22-member squad having series wins over Pakistan, India M Marsh b De Grandhomme ...... 0 C Munro b Starc ...... 20 batting. He was involved in part- balls in Canberra. already left for Australia. and and a runners- T Head b Santner ...... 37 B J Watling lbw b Head ...... 8 nerships with George Bailey (62) Head maintained his consist- "Two years ago we had tar- up trophy in Asia Cup Twenty20 M Wade c De Grandhomme b Santner ...... 14 C De Grandhomme c Head b Hazlewood ...... 11 and Travis Head (105) which ent series with a fighting 37 off geted to win 80 per cent of our tournament. J Faulkner c Guptill b Boult ...... 13 M Santner lbw Starc ...... 15 M Starc (not out) ...... 0 T Southee c Warner b Faulkner ...... 4 helped Australia fight back from 70 balls before he was bowled matches at home and by the They also reached the Extras (LB-5, W-11, NB-2) ...... 18 L Ferguson (not out) ...... 4 11 for two and 73 for four. by spinner Santner, after scores grace of God we have managed World Cup quarter-final in Aus- Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 264 T Boult c Smith b Cummins ...... 1 Warner gave a tough chance of 52 in Sydney and 57 in to achieve that target," Mortaza tralia and New Zealand at the Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-11, 3-73, 4-73, 5-178, 6-226, Extras (LB-2, W-4) ...... 6 on 18 when he pulled Lockie Fer- Canberra. told reporters in Dhaka at a expense of England in 2015. 7-262, 8-264. Total (all out in 36.1 overs) ...... 147 guson to deep mid-wicket, where Matt Wade chipped in with press conference. In ODIs, Bangladesh are Did not bat: P Cummins, J Hazlewood. Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-74, 3-79, 4-83, 5-98, 6-113, a diving Nicholls couldn't take a 14 and Faulkner 13 before "But it's a different chal- ranked seventh to New Zea- Bowling: Southee; 10-2-45-0; (3w); Boult; 10-1-49- 7-126, 8-139, 9-143, 10-147. difficult low catch. Warner was the last man out lenge to play outside home. land's fourth. In Tests, 3; (2w); Ferguson; 8-0-50-0; (2nb, 3w); Santner; 9-0- Bowling: Starc 10-3-34-3; (2w); Hazlewood 7-1-22-1;

43-2; (1w); De; Grandhomme; 10-0-50-2; (2w); Wil- (1w); Cummins 5.1-0-26-2; (1w); Faulkner 7-0-26-2; Then Australia's bowlers fin- attempting a single off the final Even established teams find it Bangladesh languish at the liamson; 1-0-3-0; Munro; 2-0-19-0. Head 7-0-37-2. ished off the job with Starc in ball only to be run out by Boult, difficult and from that aspect, ninth rank behind the Kiwis on deadly form and supported by who finished with three for 49. it's a bigger challenge for us. sixth.