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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia I 17, 1439 AH English eyes on GULF TIMES Griezmann for crunch Chelsea clash SPORT Page 7 SPOTLIGHT FEAT Rugby League Qatar teen Fares wins set to make big silver at world splash in Qatar weightlift ing Fiji, Samoa and Tonga set to play tournament in Doha in early 2018

QNA Committee under the chairmanship of Anaheim, California HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, in addition to the attention paid by Qa- tar Weightlifting Federation, headed atari weightlifter Fares Ib- by Mohamed Yousuf al-Mana, which rahim won the silver medal provides local and foreign training in the 94kg category at the camps and is keen to participate and be Q2017 World Weightlifting present in all regional, continental and Championships in Anaheim in the US international championships. (QNA) State of California. Before leaving for the US, fares had Fares, aged 19, won the medal after spoken about how weightlifting re- he managed to lift 220kg in the jerk. quires extreme sacrifi ces from an ath- In a statement to Qatar News Agency lete. (QNA), executive manager of Qatar “To reach a high level in weightlift- Weightlifting Federation Mubarak Za- ing requires sacrifi cing many things. I yed al-Khayareen said that the victory spend most of my time in training and is the fi rst for Fares at the men’s level everything I do at home is for the sake and comes shortly after he won the of training,” he said. World Junior Championships in Japan, Following the World Championships adding to his 2016 Asian Champion- next month, his focus will switch to ship title and seventh placing at the Rio the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where win- 2016 Olympic Games. ning the gold medal will “mean that He said that the Qatari mission to one of my dreams have come true and 2017 World Championships in Anahe- will make me so happy and proud that Niue were among the four countries whose players wore jerseys with the words “We stand with Qatar” emblazoned across them at the recent Rugby League World im was headed by HE Sheikh Khalid bin I have achieved something for Qatar”. Cup. At bottom, Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepe Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi with Michael Ibrahim. Khalifa al-Thani. Between now and then, his expecta- He underlined that the remarkable tions are simple: “to win the gold medal By Sports reporter League former greats Andrew Johns achievements of the Qatari sports in in every competition that I compete in”. Doha and Brad Fitler. general and weightlifting in particular Fares may have not won the gold this The sheer tenacity of the Austral- are accomplished thanks to the strong time, but the teen has plenty of years ian businessman enabled him to do support provided by Qatar Olympic ahead of him to achieve his dreams. he national rugby league the impossible. He convinced the teams of Fiji, Tonga and Sa- IRLF to allow four of the participat- moa will be seen in action in ing nations in the recent World Rugby DECISION TIME TQatar during a competition League Cup to bear Qatar’s fl ag with scheduled for early 2018, Michael the words “We Stand With Qatar” Ibrahim, founder and CEO of Aqeeq across the front of their playing jer- Holdings LLC, has said. seys which was viewed by millions IOC to rule on Russia’s Ibrahim noted that negotiations around the world. are in top gear between the sport’s Rugby League is a full contact sport governing body International Rugby governed by the International Rugby 2018 Games fate League Federation (IRLF), the au- League Federation (RLIF). Though thorities of the three Pacifi c nations similar to rugby - rugby league has AFP not compliant with international rules and his company. notable rule diff erences. Teams Lausanne on doping. WADA’s refusal to lift the The Australian entrepreneur has have 13 players, and no mauls or suspension of Moscow’s national anti- been having months of intense dis- lineouts are allowed. Each team has doping body raised the stakes in Rus- cussions with the IRLF and the Pa- six tackles to score or advance fi eld he International Olympic sia’s possible exclusion from South cifi c Islands National Rugby League position after which the play must Committee meets from today Korea. Russia’s chances of going to conglomerates aimed at playing some be handed over to the opposition. to decide whether to bar Rus- Pyeongchang were further damaged of their matches in Doha next year Four points are awarded for a try, not sia from the 2018 Winter Ol- by a raft of bans handed out to its med- that also involves a Qatar select team. fi ve, and the fi eld goal is worth one ympicsT for doping violations, in one of allists at the Sochi 2014 Games in the “We are very close to fi nalising the point, not three. the weightiest decisions ever faced by past week. deal and I’m happy to inform that Rugby league is a popular sport the Olympic movement. In total Russia was stripped of 11 of all indications are pointing to a very in Africa, Australia, China, Eu- The build-up to the high-stakes its 33 medals for cheating, meaning it strong interest from all concerned rope, France, New Zealand, UK, the summit in Lausanne 66 days before has lost its position at the top of the parties,” he said. Americas, Lebanon, Philippines, the start of the 2018 Games has been Sochi medals table to Norway. An avid lover of Qatar, Ibrahim UAE, USA, the Cooks Island, Tonga, dominated by an almost daily drip of The explosive, WADA-commis- said, “With Qatar’s resilience to the Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Tokelau, Solomon negative news for Vladimir Putin’s sioned 2016 McLaren report alleged current blockade it’s important for Islands and is the national sport of winter sports heavyweights. state-sponsored doping in Russia and the country to continue to progress Highness has exercised absolute re- world - FIFA 2022”. Papua New Guinea. On November 26, athletics’ ruling saw the country shut out of the agency. and strive for more greatness. Rugby straint, refraining his majlis and na- Ibrahim was the creator of the The European Super League and body the IAAF maintained its two- The investigation said the cheating league is the greatest game of all and tion from directing any kind of abuse #Weareallqatar best video and photo the National Rugby League (NRL) year long suspension of Russia im- peaked at the 2014 Winter Olympics when it comes to Doha everybody will to other countries and their leaders,” campaigns which attracted over fi fty are the premier club competitions. posed over claims of state-sponsored in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where agree”. Ibrahim explained. thousand entries (50k) worldwide. Rugby league is played internation- doping. Russian secret agents engineered an Despite his business interests in When asked about the facilities Ibrahim’s passion for Qatar saw ally, predominantly by European, That ban prevented its athletes from elaborate system of state-backed dop- Qatar, “it is His Highness the Emir of choice for the international rugby him taking up the role of an ambassa- Australasian and Pacifi c Island coun- competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics ing. of Qatar that I admire,” the magnate league matches Ibrahim said, ““Qa- dor for the ‘We Support Qatar Move- tries. and this year’s World Championships Among those named and shamed for said. “I have the uttermost respect tar is not short of quality infrastruc- ment’, garnishing support from world The fi rst Rugby League World Cup in London. drug-taking last month was Russia’s for His Highness Sheikh Tamim and ture and stadiums. It hosted the Asia leaders such as the Samoan Prime was held in France in 1954, and the The IAAF ruling followed the World fl ag carrier at the Games, Alexander his leadership”. games in 2006 and it will be enter- Minister Tuilaepe Aiono Sailele most recent fi nal was played in Bris- Anti-Doping Agency announcement Zubkov, who was stripped of his four “Throughout the blockade, His taining the biggest sports event in the Malielegaoi and International Rugby bane, Australia, which Australia won. on November 16 that Russia was still and two-man bobsleigh titles. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 5, 2017 CRICKET

ASHES FIGHTBACK Mathews and Chandimal hit tons Wickets tumble in smoggy Delhi

AFP SCORECARD New Delhi India 1st innings 536-7 dec (V. Kohli 243, M. Vijay 155; L. Sandakan 4-167) Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 131-3): as Aussies build ngelo Mathews expressed D. Karunaratne c Saha b Shami ...... 0 helplessness over the wors- D. Perera lbw b Jadeja ...... 42 ening pollution levels after D. de Silva lbw b I. Sharma ...... 1 A. Mathews c Saha b Ashwin ...... 111 his defi ant century lifted Sri D. Chandimal not out ...... 147 LankaA on a smoggy day three of the S. Samarawickrama c Saha b I. Sharma ...... 33 third Test against India in New Delhi R. Silva c Dhawan b Ashwin ...... 0 N. Dickwella b Ashwin ...... 0 yesterday. S. Lakmal c Saha b Shami ...... 5 Mathews (111) shared a 181-run L. Gamage lbw b Jadeja ...... 1 268-run lead fourth-wicket stand with skipper Di- L. Sandakan not out ...... 0 Extras (b4, lb5, nb2, penalty 5) ...... 16 nesh Chandimal, who was batting on Total (9 wickets, 130 overs) ...... 356 England are fighting to avoid going 2-0 down in the five-match series 147 when bad light stopped play at the Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Karunaratne), 2-14 (De Feroz Shah Kotla ground. Silva), 3-75 (Perera), 4-256 (Mathews), 5-317 (Sa- marawickrama), 6-318 (Silva), 7-322 (Dickwella), But the hard work by the Sri Lankan 8-331 (Lakmal), 9-343 (Gamage) batsmen was undone somewhat as the Bowling: Shami 24-6-74-2 (nb1), Sharma 27-6- Indian bowlers struck back to claim six 93-2, Jadeja 44-13-85-2 (nb1), Ashwin 30-8-90-3 wickets, with spinner Ravichandran Toss: India Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Nigel Llong Ashwin picking up three of them. (ENG) The visitors were 356 for nine at TV umpire: Anil Chaudhary (IND) close of play, still trailing India by Match referee: David Boon (AUS) 180 in their fi rst innings with just one wicket in hand. The islanders had resumed the day India. on 131-3 in choking smog that has made The former captain played positive international headlines. cricket during his 268-ball stay that Mathews and Chandimal braved the was laced with 11 fours and two sixes. toxic air for about three sessions after He fell to Ashwin’s off -spin a little be- getting together on a dramatic Sunday fore the tea break. when Sri Lankan players wearing face “Pressure is there all the time. We masks halted play for about 20 min- have to work extremely hard for runs. utes, complaining of the pollution. You don’t get many loose balls,” said “It is pretty much the same (from Mathews. Sunday). Or a bit worse probably. You “The innings of Chandimal and I, we have got to deal with what you have for had to grind.” the next two days,” Mathews told re- Sadeera Samarawickrama, who came porters. down the order after taking a blow on “It is up to the match referee and his helmet on day one, put up some umpires to take the decision (on pollu- resistance with a 33-run knock before tion). We are here to play cricket and we being caught behind off Ishant Sharma. want to get out to the park,” he added. But Ashwin, who ended with 3-90, Mathews, who survived three combined with the fast bowlers to tear dropped catches, ended his two-year into the Sri Lankan lower order in the century drought with a boundary off fi nal session, sending back debutant paceman Ishant Sharma. His last cen- Roshen Silva and Niroshan Dickwella tury, at Galle, had also come against for zero.

England’s paceman Chris Woakes celebrates dismissing Australia’s Steve Smith (L) on the third day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide yesterday.

AFP SCORECARD review to Woakes for six. innings. Adelaide Holders England were fi ght- Lyon fi nished with four for ing to stay in the Test as Aus- 60 and took over from South tralia chased a potentially de- Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (54) ustralia wrestled cisive 2-0 lead in the fi ve-Test as the leading wicket-taker with a seaming pink series after winning last week’s in the world this year with 55, ball under the lights Brisbane opener by 10 wickets. while paceman Mitchell Starc to build a 268-run Lyon and Mitchell Starc claimed three for 49. leadA with six wickets in hand brought off spectacular catch- Woakes and Craig Over- over England in an engrossing es as Australia had England ton dug in to put on 66 for second Ashes Test in Adelaide under pressure in the fi rst two the eighth wicket before yesterday. sessions yesterday. Woakes fell to a short- In testing batting condi- Off -spinner Lyon pulled off pitched Starc delivery tions the Australians struggled a blinding one-handed catch spooning a catch back to against the moving ball in the to dismiss Moeen Ali off his the bowler for 36. Over- fi nal twilight session as Eng- own bowling in the second ton remained unbeaten on land roared back after trailing over after the fi rst break. 41. Australia grabbed four by 215 runs in the fi rst innings. Moeen chipped to the left wickets in the first session, On a fast-moving third day, Australia first innings 442-8 (Woakes), 9-227 (Broad), 10-227 of Lyon, who fl ung himself including key batsmen Joe England were dismissed for declared (S. Marsh 126 not out, T. (Anderson) across the pitch in a split Root and Alastair Cook. 227 but the Australians found Paine 57; C. Overton 3-105) Bowling: Starc 20-4-49-3, second reaction to take the Root shaped to drive Pat it diffi cult to score against the England first innings (overnight Hazlewood 16-3-56-1, Cummins catch. Cummins only to send a thick hooping ball under the lights. 29-1) 16-3-47-2 (1w), Lyon 24.1-5-60-4 Lyon, nicknamed GOAT edge to Cameron Bancroft at At the close, Australia were A. Cook c Smith b Lyon ...... 37 (Greatest Of All Time), again third slip for just nine. Sri Lankan batsmen Angelo Mathews (R) and team captain Dinesh Chandimal 53 for four with Peter Hands- M. Stoneman lbw b Starc ...... 18 Australia second innings produced a sublime example Root, third in the Test bat- run between the wickets during the third day of the third Test at the Feroze Shah comb on three and night- J. Vince c Paine b Hazlewood .....2 C. Bancroft c Bairstow b Ander- of cricketing skill follow- ting rankings, only faced 10 Kotla ground in New Delhi yesterday. watchman Nathan Lyon not J. Root c Bancroft b Cummins ...9 son ...... 4 ing his laser throw to run out balls while Cook, England’s out three. D. Malan c Paine b Cummins ....19 D. Warner c Root b Woakes ...... 14 James Vince in the fi rst Bris- other big hope, was deceived by The Australians lost the M. Ali c and b Lyon ...... 25 U. Khawaja lbw b Anderson ...... 20 bane Test. Lyon’s fl ight and edged to Steve ANNOUNCEMENT wickets of Cameron Bancroft J. Bairstow c and b Starc ...... 21 S. Smith lbw b Woakes ...... 6 Moeen had scored 25 off 57 Smith at slip for 37 off 90 balls. (4) and Usman Khawaja (20) C. Woakes c and b Starc ...... 36 P. Handscomb not out ...... 3 balls in a 30-run stand with The former captain, who to James Anderson and a re- C. Overton not out ...... 41 N. Lyon not out ...... 3 Jonny Bairstow. plundered 766 runs when strained David Warner (14) to S. Broad c Paine b Lyon ...... 3 Extras (lb2, w1) ...... 3 Five overs later Bairstow England won in Australia India name Bumrah, Chris Woakes in the fi nal ses- J. Anderson lbw b Lyon ...... 0 Total (4 wickets; 26 overs) 53 was on his way for 21 after seven years ago, has scores of sion. Extras (lb15, w1) ...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Bancroft), 2-39 Starc juggled the return catch two, seven and 37 in his three Skipper Steve Smith sur- Total (all out; 76.1 overs) ...... 227 (Khawaja), 3-41 (Warner), 4-50 and fi nally accepted it behind innings in the current series. Patel in squad for vived a desperately close leg Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Stone- (Smith) his back. Vince went in the day’s sec- before wicket review before man), 2-31 (Vince), 3-50 (Root), Bowling: Anderson 11-7-16-2, Stuart Broad and Ander- ond over to a poor shot, edg- he had scored off Anderson 4-80 (Cook), 5-102 (Malan), 6-132 Broad 7-2-14-0 (1w), Overton 1-0-8- son were dismissed shortly ing Josh Hazlewood outside South Africa Test series but was not so lucky when he (Moeen), 7-142 (Bairstow), 8-208 0, Woakes 7-0-13-2 after the dinner break both off -stump to wicketkeeper missed out in another tight lbw off Lyon to end the England Tim Paine for two. Reuters in four innings. New Delhi “When you go to South Africa, you defi nitely require two wicketkeepers, BOTTOMLINE you cannot take a chance. We gave him ndia handed a maiden Test call- an opportunity against England and he up to paceman Jasprit Bumrah did beyond our expectations,” Prasad yesterday, naming the right-arm said. Ifast bowler in a 17-man squad for Currently playing a three-Test series the three-match series in South Africa against Sri Lanka, world number one next month. India will leave for South Africa later WI crash to innings defeat Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel also re- this month to play three Tests begin- turned to the Test ranks after a year out ning on Jan. 5 in Cape Town. They also AFP very well in exploiting the bounce in spinner Mitchell Santer, New Zealand SCORECARD as back-up to Wriddhiman Saha. play six one-day and three Twenty20 Wellington the surface,” Williamson said. took the new ball and removed Shai “This is one of the most balanced matches. “I thought the bowlers were excep- Hope (37) and Ronson Chase (18) be- West Indies first innings 134 (K. Powell 42; sides to tour South Africa,” chairman Prasad also named the India squad tional to change their type of thought fore lunch. Sunil Ambris went on the Wagner ...... 7-39) of the selection committee MSK Pras- for the three-match Twenty20 series New Zealand first innings 520-9 dec(T. ortune favoured New Zealand, to play the long game, be patient with fi rst ball after the resumption of play Blundell 107 n.o., C. de Grandhomme ...... 105, R. ad told reporters. against Sri Lanka this month, resting according to captain Kane the way they operated and we saw the and the tail followed quickly. Taylor 93, H. Nicholls 67; Roach...... 3-85) Bumrah’s unorthodox action and his regular captain Virat Kohli and putting Williamson after they cleaned rewards in the second session today.” Matt Henry took three for 57 and West Indies second innings (overnight 214-2) ability to bowl yorkers almost at will Rohit Sharma in charge. up the fi rst Test against the After resuming yesterday at 214 Neil Wanger two for 102 to fi nish with K. Brathwaite lbw Santner...... 91 have made him a limited-overs asset F K. Powell c and b Henry...... 40 West Indies by an innings and 67 runs for two, needing a further 172 runs to nine for the match. S. Hetmyer c Raval b Henry...... 66 and Prasad felt it was time to blood the India’s Test squad against South on day four in Wellington yesterday. make New Zealand bat again, the West Wagner, who was near unplayable in S. Hope c Williamson b Boult...... 37 bowler, who turns 24 on Wednesday, in Africa: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali R. Chase b Henry...... 18 The West Indies collapsed spectac- Indies innings unravelled when Kraigg the fi rst innings as he took a career best S. Ambris c Taylor b de Grandhomme ...... 18 the Test format. Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, ularly in their second innings to be all Brathwaite went for 91. seven for 39 with his short-pitched S. Dowrich c Santner b Wagner ...... 3 “If you see his performance for the Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, out for 319. If was the fi rst of three wickets be- deliveries, was named man-of-the- J. Holder c Boult b Wagner...... 7 past 18 months, he’s been phenome- Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha After a strong start, when they fore lunch and the last fi ve fell for just match. K. Roach lbw de Grandhomme ...... 7 nal... in both one-day and Twenty20,” (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, M. Cummins b Boult ...... 14 reached 231 for two, they lost their 33 runs in nine overs after the interval. “His ability to bowl that short- S. Gabriel not out ...... 4 Prasad said. Ravindra Jadeja, Parthiv Patel, Hardik last eight wickets for 88 runs as they But captain Jason Holder rejected pitched bowling as accurately as he Extras (b4, lb4, w6)...... 14 “Considering his Ranji Trophy per- Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mo- chased a monumental 386 to make suggestions they had caved in, saying does, is not an easy thing to do. We Total (for 10 wickets, 106 overs) ...... 319 formance last year, it was a unanimous hamed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Powell), 2-166 (Het- New Zealand bat again. the plan was to play positively. don’t see many bowlers able to do that, myer), 3-231 (Brathwaite), 4-257 (Hope), 5-273 decision. He defi nitely adds variety to Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah. But the real damage was done when “We said there’s two days left in that accurately, and for that long a pe- (Chase), 6-286 (Ambris), 7-288 (Dowrich), 8-301 our pace attack. India’s Twenty20 squad against Williamson won the toss and made the the game and we had to knock off the riod of time,” Williamson said. (Roach), 9-301 (Holder), 10-319 (Cummins) “Considering the nature of the Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (captain), Bowling: Boult 23-5-87-2, Henry 24-6-57-3 (1w), West Indies bat fi rst on a green surface. defi cit and the only way to do that was Holder put it down to “indecisive” de Grandhomme 19-3-40-2, Wagner 22-3-102-2 wickets there, I think it will suit his Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish They were rolled for 134 and as the staying positive. I don’t think anyone batting which he believed would be (1w), Santner 17-7-25-1, Williamson 1-1-0-0 bowling,” said the former India wick- Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra pitch fl attened out New Zealand took was reckless at any stage,” he said. rectifi ed before the second and fi nal Toss: New Zealand etkeeper. Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Result: New Zealand won by an innings and charge with a monumental 520 for “Unfortunately we lost Kraigg and Test starts in Hamilton on Saturday. 67 runs Patel made a Test comeback after Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzven- nine declared. we never gathered momentum after- “We lost the fi rst Test match obvi- Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG), Rod Tucker (AUS) an eight-year gap against England last dra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak “I thought in the fi rst innings we wards.” ously but there’s a chance to put things TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) year when Saha sustained an injury Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed were fairly fortunate as well as bowling After Brathwaite’s dismissal, lbw to right in the second Test,” he said. and the 32-year-old scored two fi fties Siraj, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 5, 2017 3 SPORT

GOLF WEIGHTLIFTING’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Surprise win for Chilean, records Woods ties for ninth for Iran’s Moradi Reuters 232kg set in 2000 by Poland’s Anaheim Szymon Kolecki, and better by four kilograms his own world record for the total, which he hile’s Arley Mendez re- improved to 417kg. as Fowler wins Hero turned from more than “I wanted to surprise every- four years of inter- body and I did,” said Moradi. national competitive “I am proud to make every exileC to defeat Iran’s Olympic Iranian across the world very champion Kianoush Rostami in happy.” the men’s 85 kilogram class at In the women’s 75 kilogram Weightlifting’s World Cham- class, Spain’s Lydia Valentin, pionships on Sunday, while a medallist at the past three World Challenge Sohrab Moradi broke two world Olympic Games, was the clear records in the 94kg class. winner on 258kg from Ecua- ‘I knew I needed to get off to a quick start today to at least show Charley I was there’ Mendez, who never re- dor’s Neisi Dajomes on 240kg turned home after competing with France’s Gaelle Ketch- AFP for his native Cuba in the Pan anke a further three kilograms Miami American Junior Champion- behind. ships in Santiago in 2013, post- Earlier Egypt and Colombia ed a total of 378kg to win gold took the titles on day fi ve of the iger Woods capped his ahead of Poland’s Krzysztof championships while Mattie return to competition Zwarycz (359kg). Italy’s An- Rogers was one of two med- with a fi ne four-under tonino Pizzolato lifted 358 kgs allists for the United States. par 68 on Sunday as red- to clinch third. Harrison Maurus also climbed Thot Rickie Fowler won the Hero Mendez was only granted the podium for the hosts, the World Challenge in the Bahamas. citizenship by Chile this year. 17-year-old setting a youth Former world number one He could have also taken world record of 193 kilograms Woods, who once wondered if Rostami’s clean and jerk world in the clean and jerk on the way nagging back trouble would spell record had he not failed with to third place in the men’s 77kg. the end of his career, had an ea- his fi nal attempt at 221kg. Rogers became the fi rst gle and six birdies to fi nish 72 “My fi nger got stuck on the American woman to win a holes on eight-under par 280. bar, a technical problem,” said World Championships medal That never put him within Mendez. “Next year the records since Cheryl Haworth in 2005, striking distance of Fowler, who will come. I prepared well and I and Maurus the fi rst male med- produced a remarkable course- knew I would win here.” allist since Wes Barnett in 1997. record 61 on the par-72 Albany Rostami, who injured his “I’ve heard of Wes Barnett, I Golf Club layout. Fowler birdied left knee last week, missed all think I may have met him, but I the fi rst seven holes, and eight three clean and jerk attempts was not aware it had been that in total on the front nine. After and failed to register a total. long,” said Maurus, who like birdies at 11, 13 and 15, he was Moradi, who won gold in Rogers is a former gymnast. eyeing golf’s magic number of 59. Rio last year, broke two world “I adjusted my technique in No more birdies were forth- records in winning the 94 the snatch in the build-up to coming, however, and Fowler kilogram class, to take an easy these championships, which settled for a course-record 61 win over Lithuania’s Aurimas made a diff erence, and it was and an 18-under total of 270. Didzbalis by 29 kilograms. always in the back of my mind Fowler fi nished four shots in Iran’s Seyedayoob Mousavi- that I could win a medal here.” front of fellow American Char- jahari was in third place, three Rogers, 22, fi nished third in ley Hoff man, the overnight lead- kilograms behind the Lithua- the women’s 69kg class be- er by fi ve strokes who carded a nian. The 29-year-old Moradi hind Leidy Solis of Colombia. fi nal-round 72. jumped from 220kg to 233kg Solis won with a 239kg total “I knew I needed to get off to a on his fi fth lift to break the ahead of Albania’s Romela Be- quick start today to at least show clean and jerk world record of gaj (235kg). Charley I was there,” said Fowler, who started the day seven shots adrift. Japan’s Hataoka earns medallist “We took care of that and kept it rolling from there.” honours at LPGA qualifying Fowler was disappointed with Japan’s Nasa Hataoka earned medallist honours Sunday as 20 his par at the eighth, where he players from 12 countries earned their 2018 LPGA tour cards in had hoped to improve on his ca- the final round of qualifying school. reer-best birdie streak. “I’m really happy to be at the top of the leaderboard and winning “Seven (birdies) was the most the tournament,” Hataoka said after playing five rounds of Q- I had made (in a row) before, so Rickie Fowler (right) of the United States poses with tournament host Tiger Woods and the trophy after winning the Hero World Challenge in school in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 12-under par. I was really trying to get that Nassau, Bahamas. (Getty Images/AFP) “It’s really hard to be a professional golfer. LPGA is one of the eighth,” he said. “Didn’t want to best leagues, so I’m going to try to prepare as soon as possible,” get too greedy, just tried to make ‘Bright future’ the 2015-16 season with back ule’s going to be, but my expec- 276 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) added 18-year-old Hataoka, who won the 2016 Japan Women’s it with good speed, but ultimate- Most importantly, he said, he trouble. tations are we’ll be playing next 66-69-74-67, Jordan Spieth 68- Open as an amateur. ly left it short.” played all week without pain. “The issue was how my scor- year. How many? Where? I don’t 67-72-69 Just behind Hataoka was Tiff any Chan at 11-under. Chan is the Jordan Spieth, tied for second “Overall, I’m very pleased. ing was going to be, how was my know yet, but we’ll fi gure it out.” 277 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) first player from Hong Kong to qualify for the LPGA Tour. to start the round, fi red a fi nal- I showed some good signs,” he feel? How am I going to get used Fowler, too, was thinking 71-66-72-68, Patrick Reed “I’m feeling really excited,” said Chan, who played three months round 69 to share third with said, adding that they pointed to the adrenaline in my system, about next year after follow- 72-66-71-68, Justin Rose (ENG) on the developmental Symetra tour this year. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, toward “a bright future”. because it’s the fi rst time in a ing up his runner-up fi nish in 68-68-71-70 “I’m pretty good friends with Nasa, we’ve played together before who signed for a 67. Woods’s impressive display while. the OHL Classic at Mayakoba a 278 - Francesco Molinari (ITA) on Team Asia two years ago... so I think I just tried to have fun Woods fi nished tied for ninth off the tee included a monster “That took a little bit of time,” few weeks ago with his storm- 69-68-71-70 today, but tried to win also,” she added. with Matt Kuchar in the unof- drive at the par-four seventh added Woods, who fi nished the ing win. 280 - Tiger Woods 69-68-75-68, South African Paula Reto (nine-under) and Australian Rebecca fi cial 18-man event that benefi ts that led to his eagle. week with rounds of 69, 68, 75 “It’s nice to see the game hang Matt Kuchar 67-70-72-71 Artis (eight-under) also secured their playing privileges for 2018, his charitable foundation. That was just one of the shots and 68. around,” Fowler said. “We can 281 - Justin Thomas 69-70-74-68 Artis on her fifth Q-school attempt. A back-nine double-bogey that delighted an enthusiastic “I was still scratchy with my build on some things and make 287 - Kevin Kisner 70-72-75-70, The last card came down to a three-hole aggregate stroke-play and two bogeys to fi nish took gallery following the 14-time irons. I drove it pretty good all next year a special one.” Alex Noren (SWE) 73-69-74-71 playoff among Daniela Darquea of Ecuador, Mind Muangkhum- some wind out of Woods’s sails, major champion that included week, made some good putts.” 288 - Daniel Berger 75-73-70-70, sakul of Thailand and amateur Maria Torres. but the 41-year-old superstar, Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal. With one encouraging tour- Scores from the final round Dustin Johnson 68-72-76-72, Torres birdied the 10th, the second playoff hole, to become the playing for the fi rst time since “I knew I was going to be nament under his belt, Woods (par-72, USA unless stated): Kevin Chappell 68-70-74-76 first Puerto Rican to earn an LPGA card. February after yet another back able to play all four rounds, that remained non-committal as to 270 - Rickie Fowler 67-70-72-61 289 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) Twenty-nine players earned conditional status for the coming surgery in April, found plenty to wasn’t going to be an issue,” said his precise plans for 2018. 274 - Charley Hoff man 69-63- 70-71-77-71 season. be encouraged about. Woods, who also missed all of “I don’t know what my sched- 70-72 291 - Brooks Koepka 71-78-72-70

SPOTLIGHT Squash a perfect match for Syria girl refugees in Jordan AFP Life for the family in Jordan has Coach Reem Niaz – herself a Amman been diffi cult and they had to move refugee from Damascus – said the out of a crowded camp to the out- girls on the team were chosen from skirts of Amman. And in those con- dozens of aspirants. leven-year-old Syrian ditions, squash has proved a god- The aim is to help the players refugee Raghda Hasriyeh send for the children. “release the potential inside them- whacks a ball against the “I don’t understand anything selves and let off steam doing some- wall of a squash court as about this sport but I am so happy thing positive,” she said. “Nothing sheE practices in front of her parents to see my three daughters playing is impossible! Just look at where we in the Jordanian capital of Amman. squash. I hope to see them become have all come from and where we Along with a group of other world champions one day,” Nizar are now.” young girls displaced by the war said. in their homeland she has been ‘New life’ playing the sport for almost a year Perfect match For the girls, there is more to thanks to a US charity – and now With its costly racquets and their squash playing dream than she dreams of taking on all-com- purpose-built courts, squash just winning tournaments - they ers. might not seem an obvious choice hope one day to represent Syria at “I love this sport. I train almost for children displaced from Syria. the sport. “I want to take part in every day,” Raghda said. But while the game has never been championships across the globe “I hope that I can travel around mainstream in the country, it is and help raise my country’s spir- the whole world and take part in hugely popular in some parts of its,” said 12-year-old Eman al- Arab championships and interna- the Middle East, most prominently Hassan. tional ones.” Egypt, and major tournaments are Her mother Mona Mohamed Since the confl ict in Syria broke hosted in places like Qatar. can still remember vividly the day out in 2011 the UN estimates more Reclaim Childhood, the charity she fl ed Homs in 2012 with her two than 330,000 children have been behind the programme, insists that children in her arms. among the waves of people who getting the refugee girls involved in “There was nothing left there, fl ed across the border into Jordan. the sport can be invaluable in help- even their school was bombed. Five years ago Raghda and her fam- ing them deal with the hardships That is why I decided to leave to ily escaped the bombs and bul- they face. “Today the team is made start a new life,” she said. Now lets in their battered hometown up of four girls and we are looking despite the diffi culties the family of Homs before gradually making to expand it to 15,” said member has faced creating a new home in a their way to safety in the kingdom. Clayton Keir. foreign country – for her daughter, “God alone knows what would “We train fi ve times a week and squash is at least providing a chink have happened to my fi ve children training includes English les- of light. and I if I had not decided to fl ee my sons aimed at helping them com- “She is doing something that we country,” said Raghda’s father Ni- pete in tournaments in Jordan and never had the chance to accom- US charity Reclaim Childhood’s Clayton Keir (centre) poses with Syrian refugee girls and their parents during a squash training session in zar Hasriyeh. abroad.” plish in our lives,” she said. Amman on November 18, 2017. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 5, 2017 SPORT

NFL RUGBY Scottish revival makes for mouth-watering Seahawks cool off Six Nations contest

AFP last few years and it’s great to Cardiff , United Kingdom get that win against the cur- rent number three team in the world,” Townsend said. obody was left in any “We’ve just got to build on high-fl ying Falcons doubt about which this and make sure this en- team sits atop the ergy, enjoyment and hard work ‘I was just really frustrated at that moment. I don’t really believe in those type of shots’ world rugby pecking keeps on going. Norder, New Zealand’s clinical “Our next three games AFP fi nishing and robust defence in (against Wales, France and Los Angeles their autumn campaign once England) are really going to test again proving they are streets us. Those three are excellent ahead of their rivals. teams but we’ve got to go into ussell Wilson tossed But the Six Nations prom- the Six Nations with real confi - three touchdown pass- ises to be a hotly contested dence that we can do well.” es and Seattle’s defence tournament as Ireland and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, held the NFL’s No. 1 of- Scotland wrapped up their whose team won three from fenceR to a season low in points as November outings in style and three in November, posting the Seahawks upset the Phila- threaten to match the might of a record 38-3 win over South delphia Eagles 24-10 on Sunday. England. The autumn series Africa before edging Fiji (23- Wilson outgunned Eagles was a mixed bag for Wales, 20) and beating Argentina (28- high-fl ying quarterback Car- however, and a catastrophe for 19), insisted that he would not son Wentz and the Seahawks both France and Italy. be experimenting at the Six snapped Philadelphia’s winning The All Blacks blooded a host Nations with fresh faces ahead streak at 10 games. of players little known in the of the 2019 World Cup. “We had to play great foot- northern hemisphere as they “The Six Nations is such ball,” said Wilson. “They are a won all fi ve of their tour games, a tough title to get,” said great football team, well coached although they were made to Schmidt. “In the Six Nations and great players. graft by Scotland (22-17). The you are obliged to go as hard as “We had to come out strong Welsh dominated the fi rst half you can because you still need and stay the course and then fi n- in their 33-18 defeat by Steve your top selection as they need ish really strong. We responded Hansen’s men, but were unable to build their fl uidity and con- really well. They would score to convert pressure into points fi dence.” and then we would come back and the 64-year, 30-Test wait Ireland travel to France for and score. The guys played great for a win over the world cham- their opening Six Nations all night.” pions went on. game, and the hosts at the Seattle improved to 8-4 on the “Gone are the days that the Stade de France have a lot of season and propelled themselves All Blacks would put out a restructuring to do after fi n- back into playoff contention second-string side against a ishing their autumn series with the help of the Atlanta Fal- Wales or a Scotland and com- with three losses and one draw, cons’ 14-9 loss to the Minnesota fortably win the game,” said against Japan. Vikings earlier on Sunday. Wales coach Warren Gat- Veteran coach Guy Noves The Eagles (10-2) dropped land, who led the British and now enjoys the unenviable into a tie for top seed in the NFC Irish Lions to a 1-1 series draw record of 14 defeats and a draw with the Vikings, who also have against New Zealand in the from his 22 matches in charge, 10 wins. summer. “There’s still a gap the side’s worst win-ratio in In the NFC West race, the Se- but I’d like to think it’s closing almost 50 years. ahawks remained a game behind a little bit.” Noves, however, told AFP the Los Angeles Rams (9-3), who Scotland were undoubtedly he would not consider step- beat the Arizona Cardinals ear- the stand-out team of the au- ping down, insisting he was lier Sunday. tumn, Gregor Townsend’s side “optimistic” about getting Les Wentz completed 29 of 45 backing up their close defeat Bleus back on track. throws for 348 yards, with one by New Zealand with a thrill- “There’s neither depression touchdown and one intercep- ing demolition of a 14-man nor worry,” Noves said. “I’m tion. Australia, the last team to have well aware of the period we’re Wilson hit 20 of 31 for 227 beaten the All Blacks. going through. I know some yards and threw scoring passes “There’s been a lot of posi- of the reasons for it but I don’t to tight end Jimmy Graham, tivity around Scottish rugby. really want to list them be- Tyler Lockett and running back A lot of hard work’s gone in cause otherwise they’ll say I’m J.D. McKissic. at a number of levels over the complaining.” Elsewhere, a fi red-up Tom Brady notched another mile- stone NFL win as the Super Bowl Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (No 3) scrambles against Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long during the second quarter Qatar ExxonMobil Open tickets on sale now champion New England Patriots of their N FL game at CenturyLink Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports powered past the Buff alo Bills Tickets for the 2018 Qatar ExxonMobil Open are currently on sale 23-3. Brady connected on 21 of for off ensive coordinator Josh getic after the game. bie Gould booted his fi fth fi eld surprising Los Angeles Chargers, online and in the malls. Tickets are available in the malls at City 30 passes for 258 yards as he McDaniels after the Pats’ fi rst “I was just really frustrated at goal of the game with four sec- who beat the Cleveland Browns Center, Landmark, Lagoona, Villaggio and Mall of Qatar or online notched his 27th career victory fi eld goal. Rex Burkhead rushed that moment,” Gronkowski said. onds remaining. The fi eld goal 19-10. at www.qatartennis.org over the Bills. He broke Brett for two touchdowns. Tight end “I don’t really believe in those capped a 14-play, 86-yard drive The tournament, which brings the best of tennis stars to Doha, Favre’s league record for most Rob Gronkowski caught nine type of shots.” directed by Garoppolo and gave RESULTS will be held from January 1 to 6 at the Khalifa International Tennis quarterback wins against a sin- passes for 147 yards but de- The Bills lost for the fourth the 49ers their fi rst away win of Tennessee ...... 24 Houston ...... 13 & Squash Complex. gle opponent. livered an ugly late hit on Bills time in fi ve games. Making mat- the season. Minnesota ...... 14 Atlanta ...... 9 Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is leading a star cast which Brady also joined Favre, Pey- cornerback Tre’Davious White ters worse, Bills quarterback In Green Bay, Aaron Jones New England ..23 Buff alo ...... 3 includes Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych, Ri- ton Manning and Drew Brees as with the game well in hand in the Tyrod Taylor was carted to the rushed for a 20-yard touchdown San Francisco ..15 Chicago ...... 14 chard Gasquet and Fernando Verdasco as well as Pablo Carreno the only NFL quarterbacks with fourth quarter. locker room with a knee injury with 5:59 left in overtime to lift Green Bay ...... 26 Tampa Bay .....20 Busta, to the event. at least 65,000 career passing White was evaluated for a head early in the fourth quarter. the Packers to a 26-20 victory (OT) “The Qatar ExxonMobil Open has grown to become one of the yards. The Patriots improved to injury after intercepting Brady over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami ...... 35 Denver...... 9 major cornerstone in the Qatar sports calendar. We are proud to 10-2 - their 15th straight sea- late in the fourth. Gronkowski Garoppolo pilots The New York Jets beat the NY Jets ...... 38 Kansas City .....31 host on a yearly basis some of the best players who have always sons with at least 10 wins - but it drove his shoulder into White as 49ers to win Kansas City Chiefs 38-31 on Josh Jacksonville .....30 Indianapolis ...10 looked wasn’t always pretty. he lay face down on the turf after Quarterback Jimmy Garop- McCown’s touchdown plunge Baltimore ...... 44 Detroit ...... 20 forward to starting their season in Qatar. We are looking forward New England didn’t score the whistle. polo, making his third career from a yard out with 2:10 left to LA Chargers .....19 Cleveland ...... 10 to seeing the fans troop out in large numbers to experience this a touchdown in the fi rst half “There is no room in this start and fi rst for the San Fran- play. Oakland ...... 24 NY Giants ...... 17 amazing week of tennis,” Tournament Director Karim Alami, says for the fi rst time this season league for that type of crap,” Bills cisco 49ers, came away with a The Chiefs lost for the sixth New Orleans .....31 Carolina ...... 21 of the upcoming event. To purchase tickets and find all tourna- and Brady’s frustration boiled safety Jordan Poyer said, and 15-14 victory over the Chicago time in seven games and are now LA Rams ...... 32 Arizona...... 16 ment information, please visit: www.qatartennis.org. over with some choice words Gronkowski himself was apolo- Bears after veteran kicker Rob- tied atop the AFC West with the Seattle ...... 24 Philadelphia ...10

QVC clinch Division II Gulf Incon-Metabo Trophy Pak Shamaa win inter-school U-19 title

By Sports Reporter scored 19 and 14 runs, respec- (Haleem 41, Saud 19, Noman 14, Doha tively. Bismillah was declared Bismillah three wickets, Ahmed the man of the fi nal for his out- Khan four wickets, Asrafullah, standing performance, which Ismail one wicket each) ismillah and Ahmed included a catch as well. Man of the Final: Bismillah of Khan guided Pak Earlier, Pak Shamaa School PIS (seven runs, three wickets) Shamaa School to a posted 152 runs in 25 overs as Special awards: 46-run victory over Hussain and Ismail scored Emerging player of the tour- PakistanB International School 38 and 29 runs, respectively. nament: Pratham Mittal (Ideal QVC captain Kamran and AL Zaman Exchange skipper Shafi pose with chief guest Sajjad Ahmed Khan (PIS) in the fi nal of the Qatar Ahmed and Jassim also batted Indian School) 119 runs and five Inter-School Under-19 Cricket well to contribute 26 runs each. wickets. By Sports Reporter Exchange scored 161 runs in 20 contributed 23, 22 and 21 re- Chandran and Qatar Veterans Tournament at the West Bay M Khan claimed three wickets. Best batsman: Saud Kamal Doha overs. Aziz scored 31 runs with spectively runs for the winners. Cricket offi cials distributed the Grounds. Shakeel, Saud and Taha clinched (PIS) 141 runs and two wickets. two sixes and two boundaries Fauzan of QVC was adjusted over 250 prizes. Bismillah claimed three wick- one wicket each. Best bowler: Ahmad Zaid and Imran contributed 26 runs. man of the fi nal. A two-minute SPECIAL PRIZES ets for only nine runs in his four (Ideal Indian School) 11 wickets VC defeated AL Za- Fauzan and Haleem took three silence was observed as mark of Best Batsman: Sandeep/Rap- overs and Ahmed Khan provided Brief scores Player of the tournament: man Exchange by wickets each for QVC. respect to the veteran cricketer idrop commendable support as he Pak Shamaa School 152 all Khalid Moiz (Dukhan English seven wickets in the In reply, QVC achieved the Bacchu Nazareth of IBQ, who Best Bowler: Shafi/Al Zaman grabbed four wickets to restrict out in 25 overs School) 137 runs and four wick- Division-II fi nal to target in 18.1 overs after losing passed away recently. Exchange the rivals to 106 in 20 overs dur- (Hussain 38, Ahmed 26, Jassim ets. Man of the semis: Jassim Qwin the 23RD Gulf Incon-Me- three wickets. Rameez scored Senior sales and marketing ing their chase of a 153-run target. Best All Rounder: Amol/Al Za- 26, Ismail 29, M Khan three Khan (Pak Shamaa School) 154 tabo Cricket Tournament. 26 runs with the help of two manager of Metabo/Gulf Incon man Exchange Haleem waged a lone battle wickets, Shakeel, Saud and runs and one wicket. Abdullah Batting fi rst at the Losail sixes and two boundaries. Za- Sajjad Ahmed Khan along with Best Wicket keeper: Mashooq/ to hold the PIS innings together Taha one wicket each) Rasheed (PIS) 28 runs and two Cricket Grounds, AL Zaman heer Fauzan 22 and Tajammul senior stores supervisor Ravi Al Shaqab Real Estate with 41 runs. Saud and Noman PIS 106 all out in 20 overs catches. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 5, 2017 5 SPORT

NHL Hawks fall to Kings 3-1 despite Forsberg’s best eff ort By Chris Hine You might forgive the Hawks for run- Chicago Tribune ning on fumes given their recent busy stretch, which included an unusu- ally late 8 p.m. puck drop in Dallas on f the Blackhawks like goaltender Saturday night. They certainly looked Anton Forsberg they certainly have worn down in the fi rst period, when an odd way of showing it. Of Fors- they registered just three shots on goal berg’s six starts entering Sunday, despite having two power plays and Ithe Hawks won only one and lost three part of a third. There were a couple of in overtime or a shootout. On Sunday, near misses - Brandon Saad fi red high the Hawks wouldn’t give Forsberg any on a clean look from the slot, and Nick kind of a cushion. Schmaltz airmailed a perfect setup He had to be perfect. He was for over from Patrick Kane on a 2-on-1. 49 minutes, but being very good wasn’t But the good news for the Hawks good enough. was that Forsberg was steady in net as Despite a valiant eff ort from Forsberg he makes his second start in as many in relief of injured starter Corey Craw- nights for the injured Crawford. Fors- ford, the Hawks fell to the Kings 3-1 at berg stopped seven shots in the fi rst the United Center as they conclude an period. The second period was a better exhausting stretch of fi ve games in sev- one for the Hawks as they had 15 shots en days 1-2-2. on goal. Schmaltz nearly put home a Again Forsberg, who had 21 saves rebound on a rush chance and would and allowed just one goal, played well have if not for a hooking penalty from enough to get a win, and again the Kopitar. Hawks failed to get one. Defenseman Cody Franson had his Christian Folin scored the decid- shot defl ect off the skate of Saad and ing salvo 9 minutes, 29 seconds into then hit the post. But the Hawks did the third period when he shot from the control play for the second 20 minutes point fl uttered through traffi c in front of and outshot the Kings 15-6. the net and found its way past Forsberg. But the third period belonged to the Dustin Brown added an empty-net goal Kings and so did the game. at 17:57 to provide some needed insur- ance given Jonathan Toews scored for RESULTS the Hawks at 18:14 to make it interest- Jets 5 Senators 0 ing. Then Anze Kopitar swung the fi nal Golden Knights 3 Coyotes 2 (OT) hammer with another empty-netter at Stars 7 Avalanche 2 Dallas Stars right wing Alexander Radulov scores against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Anton Forsberg during the overtime shootout at the American Airlines Centre 19:08. Kings 3 Blackhawks 1 on Sunday. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA BASEBALL Ohtani narrows list of potential Major Warriors thump League teams

AFP ball - a two-way threat with New York a fastball clocked at 100 mph (160.93 km/h) and an explo- sive presence at the plate. hohei Ohtani may be His move to America had Heat, Rockets rule the “Babe Ruth of Ja- been on hold as Major League pan,” but he won’t be Baseball and Nippon Profes- playing for the Babe’s sional Baseball worked out a ‘When they smell blood, they go for it. So many of NewS York Yankees, general new posting system by which manager Brian Cashman said Japanese clubs are compen- their guys just come alive when they start to get on Sunday. sated for players lured State- Cashman told reporters that side before they become free it rolling - each one of them becomes ignitable’ Ohtani, the coveted Japanese agents. the road star primed to make a move Although his 2017 season AFP to the US major leagues, had with the Hokkaido Nippon- Los Angeles ruled out the Yankees and ap- Ham Fighters was hampered pears to prefer the idea of West by an ankle injury, in 2016 he Coast teams and smaller mar- put up dazzling numbers, with he NBA champion Gold- kets. a 10-4 record and a 1.86 ERA in en State Warriors rode a “(The Yankees) have been 140 innings. dominant third quarter informed today that we have At the plate he hit.322 and to a decisive 123-95 vic- been eliminated from the clubbed 22 home runs. Ttory over the Heat in Miami on Ohtani sweepstakes, so we are In 403 games over four sea- Sunday. out,” Cashman told report- sons with the Japan Pacifi c Miami took a 36-33 fi rst- ers after rappelling down the League club he batted.286 quarter lead despite 16 points in 22-story Landmark Square with 48 homers, 166 RBIs and the period from Stephen Curry. Building in Stamford, Con- a.859 OPS. As a pitcher, he was “When they smell blood, they necticut. “I got a call (Sunday), 42-15 with a 2.52 ERA in 85 go for it,” said Miami coach Erik this afternoon, the fi rst round outings (82 starts). Spoelstra. was presentations. And I don’t On Friday, the Nippon Ham “So many of their guys just know who’s invited to Round Fighters established a post- come alive when they start to Two, but we’re not.” ing price at $20 million -- the get it rolling - each one of them According to the Boston maximum allowable fi gure. becomes ignitable. They start Globe, the Boston Red Sox Any willing to meet the post- foaming at the mouth when the were also informed they were ing price would get a chance to game starts to turn.” eliminated from the bidding. negotiate within a 21-day win- The Warriors saw forward Other media reports indicated dow through December 22. Shaun Livingston ejected in that the Toronto Blue Jays, Cashman said he felt the the second quarter after mak- Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Yankees made an “excellent” ing contact with a game offi cial Twins, Milwaukee Brewers presentation to Ohtani, but while arguing a non-call. But and New York Mets are out of he quickly got a sense that the they roared ahead in the third the hunt. player wasn’t interested. quarter, opening the second half Meanwhile, reports sug- “Then I got the unfortunate with a dunk from Kevin Durant gested that the Seattle Mari- news today that we were out en route to a 12-2 scoring run. ners and San Francisco Gi- of the picture. That does not The Warriors outscored the ants are among nine teams mean that anybody East Coast Heat 37-17 in the third to take a to be granted a meeting with and anybody big market is out 99-77 lead into the fi nal frame. Ohtani. Ohtani, 23, is one of of the picture,” Cashman said. Curry fi nished with 30 points the hottest properties in base- “I can’t speak for them.” as the Warriors improved to 3-0 on their current road trip. Durant added 24 and Klay Thompson scored 19. The Warriors seemed fi red up by the ejection of Livingston, who thought he was fouled on a shot attempt and leaned in to ar- gue with the referee. He bumped heads with the offi cial, who also appeared to be moving forward, and was instantly sent to the locker room. The Oklahoma City Thunder held off the depleted San Anto- nio Spurs 90-87, aided by Rus- sell Westbrook’s seventh triple- double of the season. Westbrook scored 22 points Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is fouled by Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic during the first-half of their NBA game at American with 10 rebounds and 10 assists Airlines Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports for the Thunder, who led 90-82 before failing to score in the fi - ward Kyle Anderson suff ered points, setting a league record. Butler pulled them through. who missed his third straight nal 3:34. A turnover in the clos- a sprained knee when he went Austin Rivers scored 30 points game with an ankle injury and a ing seconds gave San Antonio a down hard under the basket in Butler leads Timberwolves for the Clippers, equalling his apparent fl u, announced shortly chance to tie the game, but Bran- the third quarter. In Minneapolis, Jimmy Butler career-best with seven three before tip-off that second-lead- don Paul missed a three-pointer He hit the court in obvious scored a season-high 33 points, pointers. ing scorer Tim Hardaway would and Oklahoma City’s Raymond pain and had to be helped to the including 20 in the fourth quar- The Orlando Magic encoun- be sidelined by a leg injury. Felton grabbed the rebound to locker room. ter, as the Timberwolves outdu- tered little resistance in a 105- seal it. In Los Angeles, James Harden eled the Los Angeles Clippers 101 victory over the short-hand- RESULTS Steven Adams added 19 points scored 36 points and handed out 112-106. ed New York Knicks. Miami 95 Golden State 123 and 10 rebounds for the Thun- nine assists, and the Houston Karl-Anthony Towns notched Nikola Vucevic scored 34 Los Angeles Lakers 95 Houston der, whose 20 turnovers made Rockets won their sixth con- his league-leading 19th double- points, Evan Fournier added 20 118 it closer than was comfort- secutive road game with a 118-95 double with 15 points and 12 re- and Jonathan Simmons chipped Minnesota 112 Los Angeles Clip- able against a Spurs team miss- victory against the Los Angeles bounds and Taj Gibson added 20 in 16 as all fi ve Magic starters pers 106 ing Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Lakers. points and 11 rebounds for the scored in double fi gures. Oklahoma City 90 San Antonio Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Tony Parker Houston has won all six road Timberwolves, who surrendered The Knicks, already without 87 and Manu Ginobili. Spurs for- games in the streak by at least 15 a fourth-quarter lead before leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis New York 100 Orlando 105 Japanese pitcher and outfielder Shohei Ohtani. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 5, 2017 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Rayyan confi rm participation in AFC CL group stage Second-placed Rayyan Doha: QNB Stars League team Al Rayyan announced yesterday that they have received an off icial letter from the Asian Football Con- federation (AFC), confirming their participation in the AFC brace for Al Ahli test Champions League next year. The AFC has awarded Al Rayyan the AFC Champions League group stage play- Rayyan players Hamdallah, al-Saadi, al-Kuwari and Ziad Ai missed the training session ing card after deciding to increase the berths of Qatar l Rayyan began preparations for their in the group stage to three, QNB Stars League match against Al Ahli meaning that Rayyan will not with a training session yesterday evening. participate in the qualifying Rayyan are second in the table with 24 round for the group stage. points,A three behind Al Duhail, despite being held Al Gharafa are the only by Umm Salal in the last round. Qatari team participating in A few players, including key striker Abderrazaq the qualifying round for the Hamdallah who had to be substituted early during group stage. They replace the Umm Salal game with a pulled thigh muscle, El Jaish, which merged with Ahmed al-Saadi, Sultan al-Kuwari and Ziad Ai, Lekhwiya under the name of missed the training session. Al Duhail last year. Rayyan Al-Saadi is out of action following a cruciate lig- said in a statement on the ament surgery, while Sultan and Ziad are suff ering club’s off icial website that from torn muscles. The match is scheduled at the football manager Mathker Al Ahli Stadium for Thursday, 7th December. al-Shafi will represent the club at the AFC Champions WEISS TO UNDERGO CRUCIATE League draw, which will be LIGAMENT SURGERY held at AFC headquarters in Al Gharafa’s attacking midfi elder Vladimir Weiss Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. will undergo a surgery to correct the cruciate liga- Last week, AFC Executive ment of his knee at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports Committee decided to main- medicine hospital Aspetar on December 12. tain the current home and The Slovak had to be stretchered off the fi eld to- away format as per normal wards the end of fi rst half during their 3-1 victory practice and to follow the over Al Arabi in Week 10 of the QNB Stars League. competition regulations in Tests carried out confi rmed that he had a cut in the the AFC Champions League cruciate ligament, an injury players fear because of 2018 for matches between its long recovery period. clubs from Saudi Arabia, the The absence of Weiss, who has eff ectively been United Arab Emirates and ruled out for the remaining matches this season, Qatar. will adversely aff ect the performance of Gharafa, Following the recommen- who are seventh in the standings with 10 points. dation from the Competi- Meanwhile, Gharafa players started preparations tions Committee, the AFC for their Week 11 match against Qatar SC under the Executive Committee agreed watchful eyes of French coach Jean Fernandez. that all concerned Member Associations (MAs) should SAAD AND YASSER STILL discuss with their respective RECUPERATING FROM INJURIES governments to seek special Goalkeeper Saad Al Dossari and left-back Yasser permission for football Abubaker are still recuperating from their inju- teams/clubs to travel. ries as Al Sadd prepare for their QNB Stars League Al Rayyan are second in the table with 24 points, three behind Al Duhail, despite being held by Umm Salal in the last round. The AFC also backed the game against Al Kharaitiyat. decision of the AFC Competi- Yasser is nursing a strained back, while Saad game which they lost 1-2 to Al Ahli, for their tough AL ARABI’S HAMED SET Bonacic, who replaced Tunisian Qais Yaakoubi af- tions Committee to send a sustained an injury on his shoulder. The duo, who match against leaders Al Duhail. Majdi had re- FOR COMEBACK FROM SUSPENSION ter Week 7, has yet to make an impact in terms of high-level delegation to the was absent from their training session on Sunday, ceived a red card during Al Sailiya’s 0-1 defeat to Suspended right-back Hamed Ismail will return to positive results and they are lying at the rock bot- concerned countries to try had missed their 3-2 victory over Al Khor at the Al Khor in Week 9 and had to sit out for one match. action in Al Arabi’s Week 11 home game against Al tom on six points following their latest defeat. And and mediate the situation Khalifa International Stadium last week. Al Sadd Sami Trabelsi’s men still occupy the fourth po- Khor on 8th December. Hamed had missed out on Bonacic expressed his disappointment over the sad with the concerned MAs and are in third place on 24 points. sition with 18 points despite losing their last two their 1-3 loss to Al Gharafa last week as he served state of aff airs during the team’s training session. Governments to find a solu- games. The players resumed their preparations on suspension with a fourth yellow card he received Talal al-Balooshi, Mardik Mardikian and Hos- tion for the matches, which SAILIYA’S MAJDI RETURNS TO ACTION Monday ahead of the Al Duhail encounter, sched- during their Week 9 game against Al Markhiya. sam Kamal, all injured, lightly went through their have normally been played Al Sailiya midfi elder Majdi Siddiq will return to uled for Thursday, 7th December, at the Al Ahli Al Arabi started preparations for their last match paces as they continued their rehabilitation pro- on a home and away basis. action, after missing their last QNB Stars League Stadium, Al Sailiya’s home ground. in the fi rst phase on Saturday. Croatian coach Luka gramme.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP QFA honours volunteers and Guardiola escapes sanctions over Redmond rant launches ‘Fakhr’ programme anchester City manager Pep Guar- diola will face no sanctions following a bizarre post-match rant aimed at Southampton’s Nathan Redmond Mafter the Premier League leaders stole a late win. Guardiola harangued the Southampton midfi eld- er following his side’s last-gasp 2-1 victory last week and the Football Association gave him until Monday to respond. It initially appeared the City boss was con- fronting Redmond to complain about something but he said afterwards he was complimenting the player. This was later corroborated by Redmond himself. Guardiola conceded he should not have approached Redmond in such a way but could not contain his emotions in the exhilarating aftermath of Raheem Sterling’s late goal. Britain’s Press Association reported yesterday Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (left) had that the FA accepted the Catalan’s version of heated post-match discussion with events and will not take the matter further. Guar- Southampton's Nathan Redmond. (AFP) diola has been reminded of his responsibilities and the matter is now considered closed. opportunities despite leading Australia to the Meanwhile, Guardiola says he wishes City international showpiece in Russia next year. He could face Paul Pogba when the Premier League is reportedly the frontrunner to take charge of leaders bid to re-write the history books in their J-League club Yokohama F-Marinos next season. huge derby with Manchester United. Guardiola According to The Advertiser, Klinsmann’s watched his side equal a Premier League record friend quizzed a former Australian international by winning their 13th straight match on Sunday about the quality of the domestic A-League, the when David Silva’s late volley snatched a 2-1 win strength of the national team and the likelihood for City over West Ham on Sunday. of Australia being competitive in Russia. He is They can break that record — set by Arsenal in said to be interested because “Australia has a very 2001-02 and equalled by Chelsea last season — similar sports landscape to the US”, but could be The Qatar Football Association honoured a selection of volunteers who previously took part in QFA’s matches and tournaments. and deal their local rivals a huge title blow when put off by the salary on off er. they visit Old Traff ord next weekend. Pogba Broadcaster SBS said Football Federation he Qatar Football Association (QFA) popular game whether it’s by playing, or named ‘Fakhr’. The word ‘Fakhr’ in Arabic fanned the derby fl ames in a weekend interview Australia was believed to only have a budget of yesterday celebrated the Internation- volunteering in its’ sports events and tourna- translates to “Pride” in English and is de- in which he quipped that he hoped City suff er Aus$1.5mn (US$1.14mn) per year for the role, al Volunteer Day which falls today by ments.” signed to ensure a constant communication injuries this season only to then rule himself out which would be half what the German was paid honouring a selection of volunteers Khalid al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing is present with the volunteers and ensure of Sunday’s game by being sent off for a stamp on by the United States. Australia have been drawn Twho previously took part in QFA’s matches and Communications of the QFA said: “There that volunteers are recognised for their ef- Hector Bellerin in United’s 3-1 win at Arsenal on in a tough Group C at the World Cup, along with and tournaments, and volunteered the most is no doubt that the Qatar Football Associa- forts and contribution. This database will Saturday. “He said that?” said Guardiola when higher-ranked teams France, Denmark and Peru. number of times. tion’s celebration of the International Volun- allow us to contact the volunteers for future asked about Pogba’s comments. “Hopefully we The International Volunteer Day high- teer Day showcases the QFA’s appreciation tournaments. The reason we named the pro- have no injuries and I wish that Paul could play GATTUSO LICKING ‘STAB’ lights the important role the volunteers of the volunteers’ role in contributing to the gramme “Fakhr” is because we are proud of against us. I like to face a team with their best WOUNDS AFTER BENEVENTO DRAW have in making QFA’s matches and tourna- success of any sporting event which we or- all the volunteers who have participated with players possible to see who we are able to beat. New AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso said Be- ments successful and celebrating this day is ganise. Celebrating this important day and us previously and gave their best to ensure In the end I think it was just an expression. I’m nevento goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli’s last-gasp a unique opportunity for volunteers and QFA honouring some of the volunteers falls under the matches and tournaments were organised pretty sure he didn’t want our players to get equaliser against his team felt worse than being to celebrate their joint eff orts, shared values, our social responsibility strategy and aims to to the highest standards. Those volunteers injuries.” stabbed after the newly-promoted side gained and strengthen their co-operation. The QFA show them that they are an integral part of highly contribute to the successful delivery of their fi rst ever Serie A point on Sunday. honoured some of the volunteers who have our events.” our sports events and this gives us a sense of KLINSMANN KEEN ON SOCCEROOS Brignoli scored an improbable diving header in contributed signifi cantly to the success of the He added: “We have developed an inte- pride to be working with them.” JOB: REPORTS the fi fth minute of injury time to draw 2-2 with tournaments organised previously by the QFA grated plan in which we can benefi t from the The volunteers praised the QFA’s gesture to Former United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann Milan at the Stadio Vigorito and end the south- such as the last Emir Cup which was held in volunteers in the organisation of any future honour their hard work and stressed that this is keen on leading Australia at the World Cup, ern club’s record-breaking losing run, which has the renowned Khalifa International Stadium, sporting event which is in co-ordination with move will encourage more volunteers to take replacing Ange Postecoglou who quit last month, stopped at 14 consecutive defeats. and international matches such as the Super- the local entities that specialise in this fi eld part in QFA’s future matches and tournament. reports said. The German legend, who was “It would have been less painful to suff er a stab coppa TIM Doha 2016. such as Qatar Volunteers Center, and Reach International Volunteer Day is an annual sacked in 2016 after a poor start to the Ameri- wound than concede that goal,” said Gattuso, The QFA recognises the importance of the Out To Asia.” celebration held on December 5, and has been cans’ World Cup qualifying campaign, com- who took over from Vincenzo Montella. “Even volunteers’ participation and this celebration Speaking about the launch of the volun- mandated by the UN General Assembly in missioned one of his closest friends to scout out more so conceding the goal in the last 30 seconds is in line with QFA’s 2021 vision in which the teers programmed, al-Kuwair said: “We have 1985. The aim of this day is to thank volun- the Socceroos job, according to The Adelaide to the goalkeeper which is always something QFA is constantly working towards motivat- created an entire volunteers database of male teers for their eff orts as well as raising public Advertiser and other media late Sunday. strange. We knew that we would fi nd a Benevento ing and encouraging all sectors of the com- and female Qataris and residents who will awareness about their outstanding contribu- The 53-year-old made the inquiry after full of desire, unfortunately we paid dearly for munity to participate in the world’s most benefi t from the volunteers programme we tion to society. Postecoglou walked away to pursue overseas the fi rst mistake.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 5, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT English eyes on Griezmann for crunch Italian pride clinging Chelsea clash Madrid: As a red-hot Antoine how much I repeat that I am Griezmann hopes to keep delighted at Atletico, that I have Atletico Madrid’s faint Cham- a great coach and great team- pions League hopes alive at mates, they ask me regularly Stamford Bridge, the stage is about my future. At Real Socie- also set for the Frenchman to dad I realised I had reached a to Champions League showcase his talents to a host moment where I had to move of Premier League suitors. to keep progressing, that Atletico need to beat Chelsea has not happened at Atletico in London today and hope Madrid. Although, again, I rule Roma don’t beat Champions nothing out.” League debutants Qarabag in The backlash to Griezmann’s the Italian capital if they are to public comments peaked when hopes aft er WC miss make the last 16 for a fifth con- he was jeered off as he was secutive season. The financial substituted during a goalless blow an early exit would bring Madrid derby two weeks ago. to Atletico, who moved into At the time Griezmann was on Four-time champs Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 the new 310mn euro ($369mn) a barren run of eight games Wanda Metropolitano stadium without a goal and, with no one earlier this season, could pre- else off ering reliable back-up, AFP cipitate Griezmann’s departure Atletico’s Champions League Milan from the Spanish capital. campaign stalled with defeat But for his loyalty to Atletico to Chelsea and back-to-back and in particular coach Diego draws with Azerbaijanis he battered pride of football Simeone, Griezmann could Qarabag. “I am with him to the mad Italians is now hanging on have already been out the death,” insisted Simeone back precarious Champions League door last summer. A number then before adding “as long as ambitions less than a month of sides, led by Manchester he is in my family”. Tafter the country’s humiliating World United, seemed willing to meet All has been forgiven, if not Cup exit. The chances of last season’s his 100mn euro buyout clause, forgotten, in the past 10 days runners-up Juventus and Serie A rivals but when Atletico’s appeal as a stunning acrobatic opener Napoli and Roma reaching the knockout against a transfer ban was in a 2-0 win over Roma got stages go down to the wire in this week’s rejected in June Griezmann Griezmann back among the fi nal round of action. agreed to stay on. goals and Atletico winning Four-time winners Italy exited the Griezmann admitted at the again. Having won just two and World Cup prematurely for the fi rst time time it would have been ‘dirty’ scored seven goals in their pre- in 60 years leading to a period akin to to walk out on Atletico when vious 10 matches, Atletico have national mourning. Now the progress they couldn’t replace him since won four in a row, netting an of Italian clubs to the knockout rounds it is they who propelled him average of three goals a game. of the elite European trophy, which they into the European football elite After Griezmann’s fourth have held aloft 12 times — Inter Milan after signing him from Real in three games with a late winning their last title in 2010 — is still Sociedad in 2014. winner against his former side uncertain. That loyalty hasn’t been Sociedad on Saturday, he was Juventus — runners-up twice in the wholly rewarded however, with grappled in a bear hug by Sime- last three seasons — would have expected many Atletico fans unhappy at one that showed his was fully to qualify when they were drawn in Group Griezmann’s frequent flirting back in the fold. One of the best D alongside Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon with other sides, including nights in Simeone’s glorious and Olympiakos, but they head to Ath- La Liga rivals Real Madrid six years at the helm in Madrid ens today still needing a win to progress. and Barcelona, often via the came at Stamford Bridge in A draw or even defeat would be suffi cient French press. “For months 2014, when he outwitted Jose for the six-time defending Serie A cham- now my name has come Mourinho in a 3-1 win that took pions unless Sporting Lisbon beat Barce- out linked with Manchester his side to the first of their two lona at the Camp Nou. United,” Griezmann wrote in his recent Champions League Napoli no longer control their own fate newly-released autobiography finals. Should they fail to repli- as they sit third in Group F before tomor- ‘Behind the Smile’. “The English cate that performance against row’s trip to play last-place Feyenoord. press said they were willing to Conte’s men today and not get Maurizio Sarri’s side need to win in the pay EUR100mn, which is my a helping hand from Qarabag Netherlands and hope Manchester City release clause. it could be the beginning of beat Shakhtar to fi nish second on a supe- “I was not going to waste a long goodbye for star man rior head-to-head record. time denying it. No matter Griezmann. Roma — second in Group C — also need to win against Azerbaijan minnows Qarabag to progress along with Chel- Juventus — runners-up twice in the last three seasons — would have expected to qualify when they were drawn in Group D sea, with Atletico Madrid still in with a alongside Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos, but they head to Athens today still needing a win to progress. (AFP) chance if they win at Stamford Bridge. Italian clubs’ problems in the elite Euro- 43-year-old head of the Italian Players’ 58-year-old had been the favourite to “For example, why are we the only pean competition in which they will have Union, who has been touted as a possible take over from Ventura, but revealed he country in Europe where the stadiums a fourth spot next season mirrors their replacement for Tavecchio, has said age- turned down the off er, preferring to stay aren’t up to scratch and half empty? That national struggles. ing federation bosses who are treating the in club management. “Italian football isn’t the fault of Ventura. I realise there Italy failed to reach the World Cup for sport as a business are the root of foot- has serious problems and I don’t think is a confl ict of interests between clubs the fi rst time since 1958 after losing their ball’s problems. I’m capable of resolving them all alone,” and federations, as there is in Germany, play-off at the San Siro to Sweden 1-0 “I want the game to be the centre of said the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and France and England, but right now Italian on aggregate on November 13. Coach Gi- attention again, that youth football is Bayern Munich coach. football needs the Federation to impose ampiero Ventura was sacked and federa- launched again, from non-League level Ancelotti is the only manager to win its power over the clubs and impose new tion president Carol Tavecchio quickly to A,” said Tommasi who has received the the elite European three times — twice rules to improve the situation,” the Ital- followed. But there is a widespread feel- backing of legendary ex-Roma teammate with AC Milan and once with Real Ma- ian added. ing the problems go deeper. Francesco Totti. drid. “As usual the coach is blamed but “For example, I think Serie A would The 74-year-old Tavecchio was seen Three-time Champions League win- that’s not how it works. There is a struc- benefi t greatly by being reduced from 20 a symbol of the Italian gerontocracy. Ex- ning coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that tural problem,” said Ancelotti who was teams to 18 and I know there are clubs Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann trains in Roma midfi elder Damiano Tommasi, the Italian football is at a crossroads. The sacked by Bayern Munich in September. who are ready to vote for that.” Majadahonda near Madrid yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Mascherano still needed at Barcelona, says Valverde

AFP Barca in 2014. “Masche is our player and we is even evaluating whether to reinforce his Barcelona are counting on him. We want him to recov- central defence in January. “We have time to er as soon as possible and a believe in him a assess. We know Sam’s injury is a long one lot,” Valverde said yesterday ahead of Barca’s but he will return in January,” added Valverde. arcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has Champions League clash with Sporting Lis- “When there are injuries it can change your closed the door on Javier Mascherano bon today. plans, but, in principle, at the moment we are leaving the Catalan giants in Janu- Mascherano had last week raised the pos- happy with what we have.” ary due to Barca’s lack of fi t centre- sibility that his eight-year spell with Barce- Barca are already assured of their place in Bbacks, despite the defender suggesting that lona could be coming to an end due to his lack the Champions League last 16 as Group D he wanted to end his time at the club. of game time this season. “After so long it is winners, meaning Valverde is likely to heavily Samuel Umtiti, who has replaced Mascher- clear I don’t have much more to give to the rotate his side for Sporting’s visit to the Camp ano as Gerard Pique’s regular partner at the club in the future,” Mascherano said. “I don’t Nou. The Portuguese side could join Barca in heart of the Barca defence, was ruled out for say that with a heavy heart, it is the opposite. the last 16 with victory if Juventus fail to win two months after tearing a hamstring in a 2-2 I have had the most marvellous years of my away at Olympiakos. And Valverde raised the draw at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday. career at this club. I am the type of person possibility that midfi elder Sergio Busquets or Mascherano himself is also currently side- that knows when it is time to end an era.” left-back Lucas Digne could be called on as lined with a hamstring injury, while former However, Umtiti’s absence means auxiliary centre-back options. “Busquets has Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has en- Mascherano is in line to start Barca’s trip to played at centre-back before, so has Digne. Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi (centre) takes part in a training session yesterday. (AFP) dured a series of injury problems since joining Real Madrid on December 23, and Valverde We know we have to look for solutions.”

ROUND-UP Coach Southgate safe even if England fail in World Cup ngland manager Gareth Southgate has go against you. He’s not looking at Russia as a struggling side can thrive on criticism over League group, fi nishing ahead of European SIPG coach. According to Chinese journal been told his job is safe even if his side free pass. The World Cup’s a really important their patchy form, admitting the team have not Champions Real Madrid with one match still Soccer News, Shenhua has said it was up to the lose all their group matches at next staging post for our development, I think.” yet learned the winning habit of teams such to play. former Manchester City, Manchester United year’s World Cup in Russia. Southgate England, who are 15th in the FIFA world as Real Madrid. Spurs laboured to a 1-1 draw and Juventus star to decide whether he wanted tookE the reins on a permanent basis 12 months rankings, failed to qualify for the knockout at Watford on Saturday, their fourth Premier to stay at the Chinse Super League (CSL) team, TEVEZ TOLD TO RETURN BY DECEMBER ago on a four-year contract and oversaw a suc- stages in Brazil in 2014. “We go out there League match in a row without a victory, and 26 AS CHINA SAGA DRAGS ON amid claims that he is attempting to engineer a cessful qualifi cation for the 2018 showpiece wanting to win it but also being realistic,” said are a whopping 18 points off top spot. Carlos Tevez has three weeks to resolve his fu- return to Boca Juniors. event, where England will face Belgium, Tunisia Glenn. “No-one wants to have a bad World Cup But despite just two points from a possible 12, ture at Shanghai Shenhua with the handsomely Tevez, who has scored four CSL goals since and Panama in the group stage. but we’re confi dent he’s the right guy to take us Pochettino remains adamant Spurs will emerge paid Argentine forward expected back with the joining from Boca in January, has a year left on Football Association chief executive Martin through for the next few tournaments.” stronger for their struggles. “We want to avoid rest of the squad by December 26. The 33-year- his Shenhua contract, according to transfer Glenn said he would retain faith that England England’s future hopes have been buoyed bad moments and periods but we are not still old, who earns some of the highest wages in tracker transfermarkt.com. Shenhua’s players, have the right man at the helm — ‘for the next by recent age-group successes, including Un- this type of team like Barcelona, Real Madrid world football on a reported 730,000 euros a including Tevez, are expected to return for few tournaments’ — regardless of results in der-17 and Under-20 World Cup victories, and that can maybe keep winning and winning for week, has fl opped in China and was a notable pre-season training on December 26, though it Russia. Glenn believes showing long-term vision is the long periods. We’re completely diff erent, we’re absentee when Shanghai Shenhua won the FA remains to be seen if he will make the deadline. “Gareth has a long-term contract. We’ve got way forward. not in the last stage (of our development). So Cup late last month. Tevez has been widely ridiculed by Chinese a long-term plan. You’ve seen it, you’ve seen we need to use these experiences to improve, to Tevez was not in the Shenhua squad for fans, missing half the games in the season just some of the fruits of it,” said Glenn, quoted in POCHETTINO SAYS SPURS WILL learn, to get more experience.” either leg of the cup fi nal and fl ew back to fi nished and nicknamed “Very Homesick Boy” the English press yesterday. “Long-term plans LEARN FROM POOR RUN In contrast to their struggles in the Premier Argentina just as his side beat Shanghai SIPG, because of his habit throughout his career for are hard to defend when the short-term results Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says his League, Spurs have topped their Champions in what was Andre Villas-Boas’s last act as jetting back to Argentina in times of trouble.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Mourinho Bayern eye revenge not risking Zlatan ahead of against PSG in Munich City clash AFP Bayern crashed to a 3-0 defeat in Paris in September, when Dani Alves, Cavani and Neymar all scored Manchester, United Kingdom anchester United manager Jose Mour- inho says he will not risk Zlatan Ib- Mrahimovic in their Champions League match against CSKA Moscow as he keeps one eye on the derby with Manchester City on Sunday. Ibrahimovic recently returned from a long-term knee injury but Mourinho confi rmed that the experienced Swed- ish striker will miss the game against the Russian side at Old Traff ord today. United require only a point from the match to be sure of qualifying for the knock- out stage of the European Cup as winners of Group A. However, they are eight points behind table-topping City in the Premier League table so Mourin- ho will not take any chances with Ibrahimovic. “Zlatan is not in- jured,” Mourinho said in his pre- match press conference yester- day. “Zlatan needs some time of very hard work on the muscular (from left) Paris Saint-Germain’s area that supports the knee that Neymar, Lucas Moura and Thiago had the problem. When the time Silva take part in a training session for that hard work comes the fa- in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western tigue comes. To work really hard Paris, yesterday on the eve of the for a certain period of time, he UEFA Champions League football cannot play these days. match against Bayern Munich. (AFP) “We decided to do that after Watford. He is on his cycle of work divided between the gym and the pitch. He will be out again for tomorrow, but I believe he will be back to normal work after CSKA.” Mourinho also revealed he will give left-back Luke Shaw the chance to reignite his career in today’s match. The left-back has been a peripheral fi gure at Old Traff ord this season having managed a total of 48 minutes as a substitute over two appear- ances in the League Cup against Burton and Swansea. Shaw has been linked with a January move away from the Red AFP performance a thing of the past. We HEYNCKES TAKES BAYERN ter training. Heynckes is a Champions on, but Heynckes insists he is leaving Devils with Newcastle United Berlin want to show not only that Bayern has BACK TO BASICS League expert, winning it twice in the in June, revealing he “still doesn’t have and former club Southampton a big history, but that we are at the same Heynckes, the 72-year-old disciplinar- three seasons he has been involved in a contract” while at a fan-club visit on both reported to be interested. level with a team which has invested ian who has steadied the ship at Bayern the competition. In 1997-98, he lifted Sunday. But Jose Mourinho said the oalkeeper Sven Ulreich says 500mn euros in the last year. I am very Munich, has urged his side to keep it the trophy with Real Madrid in his only 22-year-old has impressed with Bayern Munich are out to confi dent that I will be able to give the simple against PSG. season at the Santiago Bernabeu. With CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES his attitude in training and de- avenge their Champions supporters a pleasant evening.” Heynckes has stamped his author- Bayern, he suff ered the heartbreak of a THIS WEEK (ALL 1945 GMT): serves a chance. League thrashing at the hands Ancelotti dropped senior stars Arjen ity on his fourth stint at the club after penalty shoot-out defeat against Chel- PLAYING TODAY “When we speak about Luke Gof the Paris Saint-Germain when the Robben, Franck Ribery, Jerome Boat- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president sea in the 2012 fi nal in Munich. Group A: Shaw you are right,” Mourinho At Lisbon: Benfica (POR) v Basel teams clash again in Bavaria today. Bay- eng and Mats Hummels from his start- Uli Hoeness turned to their 2013 treble- A year later, Heynckes lifted the tro- (SUI); At Manchester, England: Manchester said. “He’s working to have an ern crashed to a 3-0 defeat in Paris at ing line-up in Paris and Bayern are still winning coach in their hour of need. phy when Bayern became the fi rst Ger- United (ENG) v CSKA Moscow (RUS) opportunity and sooner or later the end of September, when Dani Alves, smarting from the heavy away defeat. Bayern won nine of their ten following man club to win the treble of Champi- Group B: At Glasgow, Scotland: Celtic that opportunity will arrive be- Edinson Cavani and Neymar all scored “It was a black evening for us, we didn’t matches and now hold a six-point lead ons League, Bundesliga and German (SCO) v Anderlecht (BEL); At Munich, cause he deserves that oppor- at the Parc de Princes. play the football we can,” admitted de- in the Bundesliga. Cup titles before he was replaced by Pep Germany: Bayern Munich (GER) v Paris tunity. Selected for Tuesday, yes The defeat led to the Germans fi ring fender Niklas Suele, who played in Paris Heynckes sees the game as pure psy- Guardiola. Of his 2013 treble-winning Saint-Germain (FRA) for sure. To start or be on the Carlo Ancelotti and rehired Jupp Hey- instead of Hummels. “The line-up had chology. “We want to beat them and side, Robben, Ribery, Thomas Muller, Group C: At London: Chelsea (ENG) v bench. I cannot answer. nckes as head coach. Since then, Bayern nothing to do with it, I was pleased to show off what we are capable of. Every- Rafi nha, Jerome Boateng, Manuel Neuer Atletico Madrid (ESP); At Rome: Roma (ITA) “I am going to make a few, have won ten of their 11 games. With have been able to play, but not much thing else is far from realistic,” he add- and Javi Martinez are still at Bayern. v Qarabag (AZE) but not too many, changes. We both teams through to the last 16, Bay- worked that night.” ed. “I am someone who demands a lot,’ Heynckes’ return has been a big Group D: At Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona didn’t qualify yet, we didn’t fi n- ern need to beat PSG by four goals at the Winger Kingsley Coman says Bay- Heynckes said on his return. The play- plus for Mueller and Boateng who both (ESP) v Sporting Lisbon (POR); At Piraeus, ish fi rst in the group yet, there Allianz Arena today to wrest top spot in ern have something to prove to them- ers will have to get used to that. Disci- struggled for game time under An- Greece: Olympiakos (GRE) v Juventus (ITA) are other clubs also involved in the group, but the Germans have a score selves and the rest of Europe against pline is a part of life and work.” celotti. Heynckes also identifi ed that qualifi cation and I need to keep a to settle regardless of the result. his former club. “The fi rst game is still Former AC Milan and Chelsea boss James Rodriguez, on loan from Real, PLAYING TOMORROW certain balance in the team.” “Of course we want revenge, it will in our heads,” said the 21-year-old who Ancelotti had lost his dressing room was struggling to settle in Munich, so Group E: At Liverpool, England: Liverpool United are still without de- be diffi cult to win the group, but it’s started his career in Paris. “We have long before the PSG hammering. Rob- started addressing the Colombian in (ENG) v Spartak Moscow (RUS); At Maribor, fender Eric Bailly and midfi elder about prestige and we want to show the to prove to ourselves, and the rest of ben quipped that training sessions at Spanish. Slovenia: Maribor (SLO) v Sevilla (ESP) Marouane Fellaini, who both fi rst leg was just a slip up,” Ulreich said. Europe, that we are still one of the top his son’s junior team in Munich were He has also worked wonders with Group F: At Kharkiv, Ukraine: Shakhtar have knocks, while centre-back Bayern’s hopes received a boost on Sat- teams and can win games like this.” tougher than what had become the Arturo Vidal, having already worked Donetsk (UKR) v Manchester City (ENG); At Phil Jones (calf) is also out. urday as PSG suff ered their first French Ulreich is tipping Bayern to win 2-0 norm at Bayern, but Heynckes tight- with the Chilean at Bayer Leverkusen Rotterdam, Netherlands: Feyenoord (NED) French midfi elder Paul Pogba league defeat this season, crashing 2-1 at home and says the current squad can ened discipline immediately. between 2009 and 2011. The midfi elder v Napoli (ITA) is suspended for the derby with at Racing Strasbourg, while the Ger- go far in the knock-out stages. “When He insists on politeness and punctu- has made a vast improvement since Group G: At Leipzig, Germany: RB Leipzig City after he was sent off in mans beat Hanover 96 3-1 in Munich. everyone is fi t, we have a lot of potential ality at all times. Mobile phones are ex- Heynckes told him to knuckle down in (GER) v Besiktas (TUR); At Porto, Portugal: United’s lucky 3-1 win over Ar- “We are realistic: it’s not about win- in the squad and I see our prospects as pected to be neither seen nor heard and training and Vidal has scored in each of Porto (POR) v Monaco (FRA) senal last weekend, where the ning the group, it’s about prestige,” said being very positive, but we need all our training sessions start an hour earlier his last three games. Group H: At London: Tottenham Hotspur Gunners were clearly the domi- Heynckes in yesterday’s press confer- players to do that, but I am confi dent,” than under Ancelotti. The players tidy Heynckes’ future beyond 2017/18 re- (ENG) v APOEL (CYP); At Madrid: Real nant team, and will play against ence. “We want to make the fi rst-leg he said. the dressing room and eat together af- mains unclear. Bayern want him to stay Madrid (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER) CSKA.

SPOTLIGHT Messi’s statue vandalised again in Buenos Aires Arsenal’s Wenger refuses to Buenos Aires: The statue of Lionel Messi in mar is and the admiration that he had for Buenos Aires has been vandalised again — Barcelona and his teammates. I don’t see this time the Argentine hero was cut off at him now going to play for Real Madrid.” give up on Premier League title the ankles between Sunday night and yes- Along with five-time World Player of terday morning. Messi’s boots still chased the Year Lionel Messi, Suarez and Neymar AFP determined,” added Wenger, whose side dominated a ball on the plinth while the severed body formed one of the deadliest strike forces London possession and produced a succession of chances was pushed to the ground and left lying of all-time as they won two La Liga titles but were thwarted by United goalkeeper David De there. The statue was erected in June 2016 and a Champions League in three seasons Gea. “If I am a player, and I think with what we after Messi had announced his retirement, together. However, despite a bitter fallout rsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing produced, we have a huge potential, and we lose brief as it turned out, from the national between the club and Neymar after PSG to concede defeat in the Premier League the game. We cannot accept that. That’s what you team. It was first attacked in early January paid the Brazilian’s buyout clause, Suarez title race even though his team are now want, the players have produced a quality perform- when the Barcelona star was sliced in half The vandalised sculpture of Lionel messi insists he has only admiration and love for 15 points adrift of Manchester City in top ance. What makes you angry is that you produce across the torso. in Buenos Aires yesterday. (AFP) his former colleague. “Ney is now mature spot.A Mauricio Pochettino has ruled Tottenham that performance and in the end you have nothing The statue is on the Promenade de enough and was completely aware of the out of contention but Wenger is refusing to throw to show for it. That’s very diffi cult to accept.” Glorias, alongside monuments to other “admiration” for Barca. Neymar spent four decision he took,” added Suarez. in the towel despite Saturday’s painful 3-1 loss to Argentinian sporting heros including NBA years at the Camp Nou before sensational- “I am sure it was painful because he Manchester United. The Gunners, who last won the veteran Manu Ginobili, tennis star Guill- ly moving to Paris Saint-German in August was happy here, but we all have to accept trophy in 2003-04 and have three more points than ermo Vilas and Formula One great Juan for a world record 222mn euro fee. that he had other challenges he wanted to rivals Spurs, are lagging in fi fth spot after fi ve de- Manuel Fangio. Messi’s neighbours have However, rumours of a move back take on. It was an understandable decision feats in their fi rst 15 games. “I am not Pochettino, I not been immune to attack. In 2016, Gabri- to Spain with the European champions that he took with his family. There is no re- am Arsene Wenger,” the Frenchman said. “I am here ela Sabatini’s tennis racket was stolen. surfaced after Neymar clashed with new proach, only admiration and pure love for to fi ght as long as I can. As long as mathematically strike partner and Suarez’s international what he gave this club and the relationship it’s possible, you have to fi ght. You cannot give any SUAREZ CANNOT SEE NEYMAR teammate Edison Cavani back in Septem- we had during those years.” other message out.” JOINING REAL MADRID ber. “No, not at all,” Suarez told Spanish And Suarez said he had no role in calm- Wenger believes the performance in the loss to Barcelona striker Luis Suarez insisted he sports daily Marca when asked about the ing tensions between Cavani and Neymar. United, who capitalised on two defensive howlers, cannot envisage former teammate Neymar prospect of Neymar moving to Madrid. “No, I was an outsider. They weren’t situa- has revived belief within his squad. “I believe from moving to rivals Real Madrid due to his “Sincerely, I don’t see it. I know how Ney- tions that I could control.” the game, it has to make us angry and even more