FOOTBALL | Page 3 Pep in new territory with title fi ght

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 Rabia II 19, 1440 AH Du Plessis backs GULF TIMES Amla to find form against Pakistan SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT Qatar edge Kyrgyzstan 1-0 SA eye No 2 Test rank as Pak aim to bounce back from NZ defeat ICC Qatar defeated Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in a friendly played behind closed doors ahead of next month’s Asian Cup in the UAE. Akram Afif scored the only goal of the match in the Centurion 69th minute. Three days ago, Qatar had beaten Jordan 2-0. Qatar are aiming to win the continental tournament for the first time and training hard for the event. Pictures show action from the match. outh Africa go into their series against Pakistan knowing that a 2-0 vic- CRICKET/ THIRD TEST Story in the three Tests will help them claim the No 2 spot on the Test rankings, going ahead of England by decimal points. Should they sweep the series 3-0 and India lose their remain- ing two Tests against Australia, will be just a point behind top-ranked India. Agarwal, Vihari Apart from the milestones the team will be vying for, there is a Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy will special individual record wait- be tested in South Africa. ing for . The pacer, with 421 Test scalps, is tied with fort zone on the pace-friendly as South Africa’s pitch at Centurion, will still be leading -taker in Tests. an integral member of the visi- Recurrent injuries and prolonged tors’ arsenal. The to open for India hiatuses have kept him on the unit will rely heavily on the likes fringes of the sport over the last of Haris Sohail, and three seasons, and the long- Asad Shafi q, Pakistan’s leading Murali Vijay and K L Rahul axed after poor show in the first two Tests awaited record has turned into a -scorers in Tests this year. bogey. Ahmed’s captaincy will come Reuters order batsman Peter Handscomb in the dian played down the altercations, Uncapped pace bowler Dane under scrutiny in the testing Melbourne only change to the side who won the Perth saying sparks are bound to fl y when two Paterson has been drafted into away series, and the playing XI test by 146 runs. competitive teams meet. South Africa’s squad for the Box- he chooses as well as the bowl- “It’s a long series, our bowlers have had “When both teams are passionate and ing Day Test against Pakistan af- ing changes he makes will be dis- ndia dropped both their struggling a really big workload and we feel we’re desperate to win, obviously those things ter was ruled sected. He passed his fi rst Test openers and opted for the left-arm going to need Mitch’s bowling at some happen on the fi eld. As long as the line out with a broken fi nger. on the tour, though, winning the spin of for the Box- point,” Australia skipper told is not crossed, you have no issues,” said With Vernon Philander and tour game against South African Iing Day Test against Australia in their reporters. Kohli. “I’m sure Tim and myself both un- out with injury, Invitation XI with a six-wicket bid to reclaim the lead in the four-match “I’m sure Pete would be upset. I think derstand what happened and we defi nitely Steyn will be at the forefront of margin. series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground he’s had conversations with the selectors don’t want to do something unnecessary. the Proteas pace battery. The (MCG) starting today. that there’s a few things they would like “We want to lead our team well and experienced campaigner will be KEY PLAYERS Openers Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay him to work on and Pete is open to that.” play good cricket which the public want to gunning to reach the magical Babar Azam (Pakistan): have paid the price for putting together The MCG pitch, a year after being rated see.” The series will shift to Sydney for the fi gure, to reaffi rm his position With his solid technique and just one double-digit stand at the halfway “poor”, sported a green tinge which made fi nale beginning on Jan 3. as one of the greatest cricketers consistent returns with the wil- point of the four-Test series, hardly the India captain optimistic of a produced by South Africa. low, Azam has quickly estab- starts that would help bring India a fi rst result in the penultimate match of the se- Teams: , No 1 on the lished himself as the mainstay of Test series win Down Under. ries. “As a side you always want a result. India: Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, MRF Tyres ICC Test Rankings Pakistan’s wobbly batting unit. Mayank Agarwal will make his Test de- The surface looked pretty dry underneath , Virat Kohli (captain), for Bowling, will spearhead the In 2018, the right-hander has but today with spinning all-rounder Ha- yesterday. There’s a good coverage of grass Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh home attack alongside Steyn. amassed 539 runs in seven in- numa Vihari joining him in a new-look which should keep the surface intact,” Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, The seamer, with his pace, will nings at an impressive average of opening pair. After their decision not to Test debut: Mayank Agarwal of India. Kohli told reporters. Mohamed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit be the most diffi cult-to-parry 59.88. The 24-year-old, though play a specialist spinner spectacularly “It should have enough for the bowl- Bumrah bowler for the visiting batsmen. talented, has just one Test hun- backfi red in Perth, where Australia lev- India also left out paceman Umesh Ya- ers to be interested on all days of the Test Australia: , Marcus Harris, Us- , Quinton de dred to his name so far – a stat he elled the series 1-1, the tourists included dav, while Rohit Sharma returned to bol- match. Hopefully it’s much more lively man Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Kock and , along with will want to improve ahead of the Jadeja in the playing XI after fi rst choice ster the middle order. than it was last time.” Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain-wick- skipper , bring ex- Centurion Test. Ravichandran Ashwin failed to recover Australia have recalled all-rounder Kohli and Paine clashed more than once etkeeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, perience and solidarity to the Kagiso Rabada (South Af- from an abdominal strain. Mitchell Marsh at the expense of middle in the tension-fi lled Perth Test but the In- Nathan Lyon, South African batting line-up. rica): Rabada, who boasts of Newcomer Theunis de Bruyn, the best (20.39) who had a fruitful tour of Sri among the top fi ve wicket-tak- Lanka, will be keen to follow up ers in Tests in 2018, has claimed on his hundred in Asia with a 46 scalps in just 18 . The strong performance at home. 23-year-old pacer has 268 inter- Underperforming batters like national to his name al- and Temba Ba- ready, and has given memorable vuma will also look to regain their performances in his still nascent form in conducive conditions. career. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to bounce back after Squads the setback against New Zealand South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), in the Test series in UAE. Sarfraz Hashim Amla, , Ahmed and his team, who were Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de almost invincible in their adopt- Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Zubayr ed fortress, were beaten 2-1 by an Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden inspired eff ort from Kane Wil- Markram, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso liamson’s Black Caps. Rabada, Dale Steyn, Dane Mohamed Abbas, the spear- Paterson head of their pace battery, has Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar been ruled out of the Boxing Zaman, Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Day Test with a shoulder in- Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, jury. Right-arm quick Hasan Ali, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (c, teenage starlet Shaheen Afridi wk), Mohamed Rizwan, Yasir MCG curator Matt Page inspects the wicket at the and veteran Mohamed Amir will Shah, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. take up the seam bowling man- Mohamed Amir, Faheem Ashraf, tle. Yasir Shah, out of his com- Shaheen Afridi Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 26, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Du Plessis backs Steyn on verge of Amla to regain making history on form against Pak home turf ‘Hashim knows he hasn’t scored the amount of runs he would have liked in the last year but it’s a new season and he’s fresh, coming off a fifty’

Agencies to achieve. I will be highly hon- Centurion oured but I will get back to my mark and try to take the next one. “It’s just nice to have a red ball outh African pace ace in my hand again,” he added. “Sri Dale Steyn enters the Lanka was tough conditions for fi rst Test against Pakistan the fast bowlers, but by the looks at SuperSport Park on the of things — the way the nets have cuspS of becoming his country’s been playing out in the middle — most successful Test bowler. there is some spice. I am looking Steyn needs one wicket to go forward to getting out there and past Shaun Pollock’s record of playing fi ve competitive days of 421 Test scalps, a record that has cricket.” been standing since 2008, when Injury has marred his progress the fi rst of three Tests begins to- over the last two years, but the morrow. 35-year-old gears up to lead the Steyn’s statistics across his attack feeling fi tter and more Hashim Amla has the complete support of his skipper Faf du Plessis. 14-year career are astounding; he fi red-up than ever. has played 88 matches compared The injuries to Lungi Ngidi and AFP of 23.36 since his last , what he described as a “normal players in the world.” some doubts in their batsmen.” to the 108 by Pollock, and boasts Vernon Philander ahead of the Centurion against Bangladesh in October batting line-up”. Du Plessis said South Africa’s Du Plessis admitted, though, a remarkable strike-rate of 42- opening match of the three-Test 2017. Amla had a string of low experience of home conditions that he was not certain how the the third-best of all bowlers in series gives Steyn and his fellow Amla was moved down to scores and was dropped by his could give them the edge over Centurion pitch would play after the world. team-mate, Kagiso truggling South Afri- number four in the order for Durban Heat franchise during a Pakistan. a Test against India last season He admits he has bigger goals Rabada, added responsibility can batting star Hashim South Africa’s most recent Test, recent Twenty20 tournament. “There are two very good was played on a dry surface that than the looming milestone, to lead from the front, but does Amla will return to his against Sri Lanka in Colombo in But Du Plessis said he was en- bowling attacks,” said Du Ples- the South Africans felt suited and is rather focused on putting not rule out the impact of the number three position July, with Theunis de Bruyn fi ll- couraged that Amla had scored sis, anticipating that pitches the Indians. in winning performances for recalled in-form Duanne Olivier. inS the fi rst Test against Pakistan, ing the number three slot and 61 in the second innings of a would off er assistance to bowl- “I’m not sure,” he said. “It the team at his home ground at “The onus will be on your starting at SuperSport Park making a century. franchise match for the Cape ers through the three-match se- looks a bit greener. Last season the SuperSport Park, where he bigger players like KG [Rabada] today, with the full backing of “There was a reason for that,” Cobras last week. ries. “It is going to be a challenge they tried to leave grass on but it boasts an excellent record of 56 and myself to lead the attack,” captain Faf du Plessis. said Du Plessis. “In Sri Lanka we “What is important is time for the batting units.” all burnt dead. I like clarity for a wickets in nine matches played. he explained. “Duanne (Olivier) “Hash has been our rock at needed that (Amla) experience in the middle. Hashim knows He said Pakistan would face Test at home.” “I have a lot more wickets in has been bowling beautifully, number three,” said Du Plessis against the spin and we felt it he hasn’t scored the amount of a similar situation to India and Pakistan captain Sarfraz me than just one more,” Steyn he was the highest wicket-taker ahead of a series featuring two was easier for Theunis as a new runs he would have liked in the Australia, who were both beaten Ahmed said that fast bowler said on Monday. “I haven’t saved in the Mzansi Super League. In strong bowling attacks and two player to come in when the ball last year but it’s a new season in Test series in South Africa last Mohamed Abbas had not re- myself just to take one more the four-day game he played the potentially fragile batting line- was still a little bit harder.” and he’s fresh, coming off a fi fty. season. “Our batsmen are used covered enough from a shoulder wicket than Polly [Pollock], there other days he got a few wickets ups. But Du Plessis said De Bruyn “It is important for him to get to playing in these conditions. injury to be considered for the is a bigger goal at the end of the and even got Faf out. If he slips Du Plessis acknowledged that would drop down to number six off to a good start in this series, If you can get them (Pakistan) in fi rst Test, leaving Pakistan with day. I do think it will be a beauti- under the radar and he comes up Amla, 35, had slipped from his against Pakistan behind Dean just to settle the nerves and be trouble early there’s something three front-line seam bowlers in ful thing to happen, if it happens. trumps with wickets and wins us previous high standards, scor- Elgar, Aiden Markram, Amla, confi dent. Hashim technically in their middle order you can Mohamed Amir, Hasan Ali and “It has taken a long time and the game I will not be complain- ing only 444 runs at an average Temba Bavuma and Du Plessis in he is one of the most sound work with. Hopefully we can put Shaheen Afridi. these records are great things ing.”

BOTTOMLINE I am not here to change perceptions: Kohli IANS me to know the kind of person I am. The peo- Melbourne ple who know me, you can ask them. I won’t be answering this question myself,” said Kohli. On the spat, Kohli said: “That’s past. It’s resh from his spat with Australian , at the highest level, when two counterpart Tim Paine, India skip- tough teams are going against each other, per Virat Kohli said on the eve of the there will be things that will happen on the that he does not get field. I think it is important to leave it there Faffected by all the talk about his public im- and focus on the next Test. age and people who know him and understand “We are not looking to find something to what he is. talk about. As long as the line is not crossed, “What I do or how I think, I am not going to you have no issues. I am sure Tim and myself take a banner outside to the world and explain both understand what happened and don’t that this is who I am and you need to like me want to do something unnecessary. We want or stuff like that. These are things that happen to lead our teams well and play good cricket, on the outside,” the skipper said on the eve of which the public wants to see,” Kohli said. the third Test. Kohli scored a brilliant 123 in the second The series is level at 1-1 after Australia won Test on a spicy Perth track. Asked about his the second match by 146 runs. preparation, arguably the world’s best bats- “I have no control over that. It’s an indi- man said it’s all in the mind and you cannot be vidual choice, what you want to focus on. My daunted by the situation. focus is on the Test match, winning the Test “As a batsman, if at any stage, you are hesi- match and doing well for the team. That’s all it tating or are scared of the pace and the bounce is,” Kohli pointed out. then you are definitely going to get hit. It’s “I honestly have no idea about any of the something that you sit in your room and work articles or anything that people say because on, it’s not something that you can arrive and that does not concern me. It’s not something I feel on that particular day.” have written. Everyone is entitled to his or her Kohli added that for him, it’s about getting point of view, and I have total respect for that. into a positive frame of mind more than any- I just want to focus on good cricket, and try thing and he works relentlessly to achieve it. and make my team win,” said the 30-year-old. Virat Kohli speaks “For me, what has worked is being com- The Australian media has chastised him to the media in fortable in where I am playing. Not necessar- after the row with Paine, even though Indian Melbourne yesterday. ily looking at how difficult the wicket is, but coach Ravi Shastri called him an ‘absolute if you are able to feel comfortable there, then gentleman’. you are more or less in control of what you “He (Shastri) has spent enough time with want to do,” he added. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 26, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Relish rather than fear Old Traff ord, Pep in new territory with Solskjaer to Man Utd Manchester: Manchester United return to Old Traff ord for the first time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s manage- ment against Huddersfield on Premier League title fi ght Boxing Day with a new-found swagger after scoring five goals in the Premier League Spanish manager takes City to Leicester on Boxing Day trailing leaders Liverpool by four points for the first time in five years. The Norwegian’s caretaker AFP spell in charge until the end of Manchester, United Kingdom the season got off to a dream start as United threw off the shackles, that led to turgid ep Guardiola ends the calen- football and deteriorating dar year with his Manchester results under Jose Mourinho, City side embroiled in what has to thrash Cardiff 5-1. suddenly become a thrilling ti- United still face a huge Ptle race for the fi rst time in his Premier challenge to make up an League managerial career. eight-point gap just to qualify The former Barcelona and Bayern for next season’s Champions Munich boss, seven times a league League via a top-four finish. champion in the three countries in But for now the luxury of just which he has managed, takes City to being able to enjoy watching Leicester on Boxing Day trailing lead- a side play with freedom and ers Liverpool by four points. There is the attacking principles that also now unexpected pressure beneath have underpinned the club’s him, with Tottenham’s superb 6-2 win history is enough to excite at Everton having hauled Mauricio Po- United fans again. chettino’s talented side to within two “I think the boys are look- points of City. ing forward to playing at Old It is a far cry from last season when, Traff ord and that’s important. after 18 games, City held a command- We should be looking forward ing 11-point lead over second-placed to that, they are the best fans Manchester United and were already, in the world,” said Solskjaer in the eyes of most pundits, as good when questioned whether as champions. Twelve months earlier, some of the current United in Guardiola’s fi rst season in English squad have been inhibited by football, City were seven points behind the pressures of playing at leaders Chelsea at the corresponding home in the famous red shirt. stage but in the middle of a run of poor Solskjaer is certainly a form which would eventually see them favourite of the United faithful end the season in third place, 15 points having scored 126 goals in 11 behind Antonio Conte’s title-winners. seasons as a player, including City’s shock 3-2 home defeat by the one that famously won struggling Crystal Palace on Saturday the Champions League final has certainly put a new perspective on in 1999. He was serenaded the league table heading into the busy throughout by the visiting holiday period which culminates with fans in the Welsh capital at the current leaders Liverpool visiting the weekend as United hit five for Etihad to face City a week on January 3. the first time since Alex Fergu- For the fi rst time since his days at son’s final game in charge. Barcelona, Guardiola currently fi nds “I just hope in the next five himself caught up in a potentially tense months I do a good enough and exciting title race, with all that en- job for them to keep singing tails. Former Liverpool manager Roy my name when someone else Hodgson, whose Palace side infl icted comes in,” added Solskjaer, such an unexpected blow on City at the Pep Guardiola reacts during Manchester City’s shock 3-2 home defeat by struggling Crystal Palace on Saturday. (Reuters) whose positivity has immedi- weekend, believes, however, that Guar- ately lifted a squad downtrod- diola will have all the necessary per- Certainly, Guardiola’s three seasons spectively, by nine points. In 2009/10, ro — two key attacking players who are that position to take Walker out of the den by Mourinho’s mood spective to cope with a rare setback. in Germany off ered him little in terms however, Barca pipped Real by just three returning from injury lay-off s — on the fi ring line. swings. Rarely has enjoyment “Pep Guardiola is a very intelligent of preparation for a close, down to the points — Guardiola’s closest title race bench. ever been top of Mourinho’s guy, it means that they haven’t caught wire title race, with Bayern winning the to date — and retained their crown 12 The pair are likely starters at Leices- PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES list of priorities, even in his up those four points but he knows there league by at least double digits in points months later, this time by only four. ter, although their manager will clearly most successful spells with Today: Fulham v Wolves (1230 GMT), are 20 matches left to play and one of in each of his three seasons — including Now Guardiola faces several selection also be looking ahead to the Liverpool Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. Burnley v Everton, Crystal Palace v those is going to be against Liverpool,” 2014 when Munich beat now Liverpool dilemmas over a holiday period which game in which victory has now taken However, the levels of com- said Hodgson. “I don’t think he will be manager Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dort- also includes a trip to a suddenly re- on added importance for his side. Per- Cardiff , Leicester v Manchester City, Liv- mitment he demanded from concerned about that and he’ll know mund into second place by a staggering surgent Southampton before the show- haps more alarming for Guardiola was erpool v Newcastle, Manchester United those sides was not evident that no matter how Liverpool play they 19 points. But his four seasons in charge down with Klopp. Holding midfi elder the performance of England right-back v Huddersfield, Tottenham v Bourne- in the current United squad. will come up against a game like this. of Barcelona were more competitive, Fernandinho missed the Palace defeat Kyle Walker against Palace, with the mouth, Brighton v Arsenal (1715 GMT), For the first time this season, They will go somewhere and someone given Barca’s intense rivalry with Real with a slight injury concern and proved City defender badly at fault for two of Watford v Chelsea (1930 GMT) United outran their opponents will beat them against the odds. There Madrid, although in his fi rst and last a major miss, while Guardiola opted to the opposition’s three goals. The City Tomorrow: Southampton v West Ham against Cardiff . is a long way to go yet.” seasons he won and lost the league, re- start Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Ague- manager may opt to play John Stones in (1945 GMT)

FOCUS PREMIER LEAGUE Rising Son now a Spurs star Former boss Benitez’s return a memory AFP London of Christmas past for Liverpool AFP f Tottenham Hotspur’s comprehensive de- Liverpool feat of Everton confi rmed their standing as genuine contenders in the Premier League title race, it also underlined the value of Son afa Benitez’s return to Anfi eld on IHeung-min to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Boxing Day is likely to stir memories The South Korea international was outstanding of an unsuccessful Liverpool chal- in the 6-2 victory at Goodison Park and will again lenge for the Premier League title, be expected to exert his infl uence when Spurs at- butR Jurgen Klopp is trying to focus on the tempt to apply further pressure on Liverpool and present. Klopp’s Liverpool hold a four-point Manchester City when they face Bournemouth at lead at the top of the table as Benitez, the Wembley today. club’s manager between 2004 and 2010, vis- Yet while Son’s emergence as one of the Premier its with his relegation-threatened Newcastle League’s most eff ective forwards this season has United side today. strengthened the belief that Pochettino’s side can There is a strong sense this could be the push the top two all the way, his form also high- season that the English league trophy comes lights the potential impact of his absence when he to Anfi eld for the fi rst time since 1990, al- departs for the AFC Asian Cup in January. though recent history is off ering mixed mes- Spurs have already moved to limit the eff ect sages as to whether that will happen. First, of the tournament by negotiating with the Korea the good news for Liverpool: In eight of the Football Association that Son should be allowed past 10 seasons, the leaders on Christmas Day to join up with international teammates in the have gone on to win the Premier League. United Arab Emirates following the London club’s Now, the bad news: On the two occasions meeting with Manchester United on January 13, it did not happen, the Christmas leaders were three weeks after foreign-based players would be Liverpool. In 2008/09, Manchester United Rafael Benitez, Liverpool’s manager between 2004 and 2010, visits Premier League leaders expected to join the national squad. won the title; in 2013/14 it was Manchester with his relegation-threatened Newcastle United side today. (Reuters) His absence, though, will still be felt with Son City. The late collapse to miss out in 2014 was set to miss league meetings with Fulham, Watford perhaps the more immediately painful expe- ($94.5mn) from Southampton last January, way of Klopp’s men. and Newcastle United, if South Korea advance rience for Liverpool fans, but the failure of has provided the defensive leadership that That side, containing a spine of Pepe Reina, to the fi nal, as well as the League Cup semi-fi nal 2009, under Benitez, maybe off ers more rea- Liverpool missed badly following Jamie Car- Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, second leg against capital rivals Chelsea and a po- son for regret. ragher’s retirement in 2013. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, was tential FA Cup fi fth-round tie. Both cases off er lessons that the Mersey- “He’s very infl uential,” Klopp said of Van strong enough to be champions, but suff ered At a crucial stage of the season, the loss of any side club, however, appear to have absorbed. Dijk. “When I met him fi rst, I thought I knew from a lack of adequate back-up. senior player would be felt. When that player has Brendan Rodgers’ team of 2013/14 were not as about his personality, I was pretty sure he Too many draws against lowly opponents been performing as consistently as Son, the loss balanced as the side current Reds boss Klopp would be like he is. After we lost 4-1 at Tot- proved costly too, with Stoke, Fulham, West could aff ect Spurs’ chances of ending their wait six games, with Son’s fi ne goal against Leices- has now. While Rodgers had an outstanding tenham in October of last season, we started Ham and Hull all coming away from Anfi eld for silverware under Pochettino. The manager has ter demonstrating he has the knack of providing attacking partnership, with Luis Suarez sup- defending better and conceding less but then with a point. Certainly, while Liverpool have a number of other match-winners he can turn to a decisive intervention when Tottenham fail to ported by a fully-fi t Daniel Sturridge, his men Virgil came in on top.” the versatile attacking talent of Xherdan Sha- with Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura having shown click in their usual manner. were defensively suspect. Liverpool’s solid defending means they qiri to call on if they lose one of their main already this season they are capable of turning At least Pochettino can be relieved Son is avail- The then Liverpool manager had four sen- do not have to score as freely to win games, forwards, and good quality options in mid- games. And as good as Son has been in recent able for the gruelling Christmas and New Year ior centre-backs — Martin Skrtel, Daniel Ag- although they are coming up with the goals fi eld now that Fabinho and Naby Keita have weeks, Harry Kane remains Tottenham’s talis- programme. The Everton fi xture marked the fi rst ger, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure — yet when needed. , after a quiet found their feet, they may struggle if any- man. But the South Korean has progressed to the in a tough schedule that will see Spurs play fi ve struggled to settle on a fi rst-choice pairing. A start to the season, is thriving after being thing happens to Van Dijk. extent that there is no doubt his loss will be keenly games in 13 days and the manager will draw on his team who scored 101 league goals conceded a switched from a wide position to a central at- Perhaps that is why Klopp has not ruled out felt. Against Everton, he scored twice but his con- squad depth to limit the eff ects of fatigue. whopping 50; far too many for any side with tacking role. signings in January. “I keep the door open be- tribution to England forward Kane’s second goal An international tournament will add to the serious championship ambitions. His total of 11 Premier League goals is only cause if something happens then we will need demonstrated why Son is now an integral member demands on Son, but if he is able to maintain the The class of 2018/19 should avoid that trap; one fewer than Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Au- to have a look, as there are monstrous num- of Pochettino’s side. form and fi tness he has showed during the fi rst they have the Premier League’s best defen- bameyang, the competition’s leading scorer. bers of games coming and that’s really impor- Drifting wide to collect a ball on the left, his half of the season when he returns from the Asian sive record this season, with only seven goals Yet despite that quality, avoiding the fate of tant that we can react,” said the German. “But fi rst-time cross teed Kane up perfectly. His goals Cup, Tottenham’s prospects of success will only conceded. Virgil van Dijk’s infl uence has the 2008/09 Liverpool team, managed by it’s all good, unless something dramatically at Goodison Park took his tally to fi ve in his last be strengthened. been key; the centre-back, signed for £75mn Benitez, might still need a little luck to go the changes.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Things go from bad to worse for Henry at Monaco The manager was brought in to save the club’s Ligue 1 status but he is struggling to cope with crises on all fronts

By Adam White and Eric Devin tor Michael Emenalo’s recruitment has The Guardian lacked direction, the signing of emerg- ing talents in the past such as Thomas Lemar, Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo dinson Cavani’s goal was met Silva have been replaced by seven-fi g- with a groan. Monaco had em- ure sums for raw teenagers barely ready barrassed PSG by capturing the for the fi rst team. Ligue 1 title 17 months earlier An injury list numbering double fi g- but,E just 11 minutes into their match ures for some weeks, including a host of in October, Monaco were already two prominent fi rst-team players such as down. Nacer Chadil’s injury com- Croatian keeper Danijel Subasic, France pounded the depressed mood at the full-back Djibril Sidibe, former Man- Stade Louis II and, when his replace- chester City forward Steven Jovetic, ment Jordi Mboula was also forced summer signing from Strasbourg Jean off , manager Thierry Henry was seen Ahoulou and last season’s standout mouthing “wow” to himself on the forward Rony Lopes has proven insur- touchline. mountable. Monaco’s disastrous 2-0 home de- Falcao even went as far to criticise the feat to bottom side Guingamp on Sat- current squad’s quality, as injuries, de- urday leaves them 19th in Ligue 1 for partures and questionable acquisitions the winter break, all positivity deci- have left Henry with what is eff ectively mated while the club suff ers through a the youth team and a smattering of es- catastrophic injury crisis and repeated tablished names. Han-Noah Massengo allegations from Football Leaks as rel- and Badiashile, for example, became egation looms. “Wow” indeed. the fi rst players born in the 21st century To underline their slump, Monaco to start a Champions League match. have lost nine of their last 12 games in The future of the club itself also re- Ligue 1, as many as they lost across the mains in question. Rybolovlev, report- previous 73. Excitement and romanti- edly open to selling Monaco for some cism aside, Henry has changed little time, infuriated by various barriers during his 14 games as coach and, after imposed by Financial Fair Play and the just three wins, even that initial prom- French authorities, was held in police ise has disintegrated. Hope generated custody in November at the request of in beating fellow strugglers Caen and a local judge in connection with “active Amiens, thanks to a Radamel Falcao and passive bribery” and “corruption” free-kick and brace of penalties has and his potential complicity in these proven misplaced, as performances matters, according to Le Monde. Al- again melted away this week. though a statement maintained Rybo- Henry has come to personify the at- lovlev was “presumed innocent”. mosphere at Monaco. His obvious frus- Henry insisted he was “not think- tration paired with a sense of despera- ing of the winter transfer window” tion came to the fore this week when but those above him certainty are with he criticised his team after the dire 3-0 Cesc Fàbregas, Michy Batshuayi and loss at Lyon. Gary Cahill all linked this week and the “Without desire, it is diffi cult to win. former Arsenal forward admitting “we Without showing depth, it is diffi cult to play to survive, we do not play for any- win,” Henry explained, expanding on a thing else”. This week perennial Ligue previous claim that his “players are un- 1 caretaker coach Franck Passi, previ- intentionally refusing to play” due to a Monaco’s head coach Thierry Henry (left) talks with his assistant Franck Passi before the defeat to Guingamp last week. (AFP) ously standing in at Lille regularly at crippling lack of confi dence. Marseille, was added to Henry’s coach- The increasingly morose Monaco ing his cool. “Like in the second half in station, deemed him “pathetic”. That the young squad remains questionable. Guingamp while centre-back Jemer- ing staff . Perhaps a sign that Vasilyev vice president Vadim Vasilyev, who, is Madrid, three-man midfi eld, Golo on sulky, withdrawn attitude has been An exasperated glare at Benoît Badi- son’s form, especially in the conceding foresees a change. alleged to personally pocket 10% of all the left,” he told Youri Tielemans dur- transmitted slowly to his players, as ashile after the promising defender left two late goals to Montpellier, has been In 2011, Monaco were relegated and transfer profi ts that the club makes ac- ing the Montpellier defeat. “How many Henry admitted in defeat to promoted his chair in Henry’s way as they left a disastrous. sat bottom of the second division by cording to Mediapart, insisted the club times do I have to say … in English, in Reims they “practically won all the du- press conference underlined his frus- This, however, is only partly down Christmas before Rybolovlev’s billions “didn’t bring [Henry] in as a fi reman, French, what else do you want?” els and played as it should be done at tration over widespread inexperience. to Henry. Despite doing so expertly rescued them. Now the Russian’s fu- he is here for the long term, not the Criticism of Henry in the French me- home. On our side, the desire was not Performances have been verging on beforehand, former coach Leon- ture alongside his manager’s and their short term.” However, Henry’s gloomy dia is mounting as he cuts an increas- there.” Although Henry carries legen- the inept as well as naive and disjointed; ardo Jardim could not regroup after Ligue 1 status is again in doubt. This persona does not hint at long-term ingly forlorn fi gure on the touchline. dary status in England, his aura is not Tielemans, for example, surrendered this summer’s latest exodus of talent, time, however, saviours may not be so thinking, with the manager often los- One pundit on RMC, a prominent radio quite as lofty in France and his hold over possession 34 times during the loss to while former Chelsea sporting direc- forthcoming.

SERIE A Jeje hopes to fi re India in Asian Marotta rings the changes as Inter tackle Napoli Cup in tandem with Chhetri New Delhi: India forward Jeje “I feel together we fit in well AFP Lalpekhlua believes his “tel- and complement each other’s Milan epathic understanding” with styles... We have a telepathic Sunil Chhetri up front will stand understanding on the pitch,” the team in good stead in their he said. nter Milan’s new CEO Giuseppe Asian Cup return after an eight- India will kick off their Group Marotta has begun to ring the chang- year hiatus. Chhetri’s tally of A campaign against Thailand es at crisis-hit Inter Milan with the 65 goals from 103 international on Jan. 6 before taking on axe falling on Belgian bad boy Radja matches since his 2005 debut hosts UAE and Bahrain. Chhetri INainggolan who has been suspended for makes him India’s most prolific is the lone surviving member disciplinary reasons by the club despite striker. of the 2011 team who lost all today’s key Serie A game against Napoli But Stephen Constantine’s three group games in Qatar, looming. Marotta arrived at the Chinese- team will also need Jeje to but Jeje insisted the team had owned Italian club from Juventus this fire if they are to progress made significant improve- month after an eight-year spell during beyond the group stage in the ments since then. which the Turin giants won seven Serie Jan. 5-Feb.1 tournament in the “With every match, we have A titles and four Italian Cups. And the United Arab Emirates. been getting better and have 61-year-old Marotta wants to turn the “I played with him when I achieved a lot in between,” he clock back for Inter whose best decade, made my debut. Since then we said. “This team is a strong one culminating with the treble of Cham- have been playing together,” as we have put in a lot of good pions League, Serie A and Italian Cup the Mizo striker was quoted as work so far. We are confident crowns under Jose Mourinho in 2010, has saying in an All India Football in our abilities and feel that we been followed by the worst. Federation release yesterday. can take on any challenge.” Nainggolan was suspended after again turning up late to training on Sunday fol- lowing the team’s demoralising 1-1 draw against bottom club Chievo. The heavily- ROUND-UP tattooed 30-year-old was also dropped by previous club Roma in January after posting an Instagram video of himself drinking, smoking and swearing at a New Oman captain al-Habsi Year’s party. The Belgian joined Inter last summer to link up with former Roma coach Luciano Inter Milan are in third place, already 16 points behind leaders Juventus, and eight adrift of second-placed Napoli, who are on a ruled out of Asian Cup Spalletti. But he has angered club man- 10-game unbeaten run in Serie A. (Reuters) agement not only by his party lifestyle man captain and goal- SANCHEZ FLORES NAMED but casual approach to physiotherapy his old rival Spalletti whose side are nev- Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny just one point ahead of Roma and a win keeper Ali al-Habsi has SHANGHAI SHENHUA COACH as he recovers from injury. Spalletti had ertheless on a streak of six straight home wants to stretch his run of Serie A clean for either club would allow them to move been ruled out of next Former Watford and Espanyol brushed aside criticism before the Chievo league wins at the San Siro. sheets to seven games. “It’s important closer to the Champions League places. month’s Asian Cup manager Quique Sanchez Flores match, in which the Belgian started but “I don’t know, they give me the im- that we win because there’s a head-to- Lazio travel to Bologna trying to consoli- dueO to injury, the Oman Football has been named as the new head was substituted before the late equaliser. pression of being a growing club and head in Milan between Napoli and Inter, date fourth position ahead of AC Milan, a Association said yesterday. The coach of Chinese Super League “I can only say how he’s spent his week team,” said Ancelotti. Inter’s last win so if we do our job we can improve our point behind in fi fth, before visiting sec- 36-year-old picked up a knock side Shanghai Shenhua. The on the pitch. He trained well. The rest are over Napoli was in April 2016 with cap- position in the table even further,” said ond from bottom Frosinone. playing for Al Hilal against Al Spaniard replaces Wu Jingui, not things that concern me,” said Spal- tain Mauro Icardi scoring his only goal in Szczesny. But Atalanta coach Gian Piero Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso’s future Ahli in the Saudi Premier League who takes over as sporting letti before the game. 13 games played against the southerners. Gasperini hopes to pull off a shock in could be played out in the next two games on Friday. director after steering Shenhua But Spalletti’s future is now also on Spalletti, meanwhile, leads eight to six in Bergamo. “Juventus are beating all the following one win from six in Serie A and Al-Habsi’s injury is a blow to victory in the Chinese FA the line during the fi nal two games before Italian league wins over Ancelotti. records, 16 won out of 17 matches and an embarrassing Europa League exit. for reigning Gulf Cup champi- Cup in 2017. Sanchez Flores has the winter break against Napoli and Em- Unbeaten champions Juventus head a draw, we will try to stop it to celebrate ons Oman, who are unbeaten in not worked since April, when poli, with Inter having won just two of the to Atalanta, in ninth, in record-breaking Christmas with our fans,” said Gasperini. FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) 2018 heading into the Asian Cup he was dismissed by Spanish last nine games in all competitions and form, having not conceded a league goal Roma, down in tenth after last week- starting on Jan. 5. Coach Pim side Espanyol after almost two Frosinone v AC Milan (1130), Atalanta v crashed out of the Champions League. in nearly two months. Cristiano Ronaldo end’s defeat to Juventus, travel to coach Verbeek has called up Ammar years at the helm. The former Inter are third, already 16 points be- looks set to be rested for the fi rst time this Eusebio Di Francesco’s former club Sas- Juventus, Bologna v Lazio, Cagliari v al-Rashidi as a replacement for Real Madrid and Spain defender hind leaders Juventus, and eight adrift season, with Douglas Costa likely to slip suolo. The game will also be a family af- Genoa, Fiorentina v Parma, Sampdoria v al-Habsi in his squad which is makes the move to China having of second-placed Napoli, who are on a into the Portuguese star’s position along- fair as Di Francesco will come up against Chievo (1400), Roma v Sassuolo, SPAL v training in Abu Dhabi. Oman also previously coached Watford 10-game unbeaten run in Serie A. Carlo side in-form Mario Mandzukic and Paulo his son Federico who plays as a winger Udinese, Torino v Empoli (all 1700), start their Group F campaign in Premier League, Benfi ca in Ancelotti is expecting a challenge against Dybala. for the side from Modena. Sassuolo are Inter Milan v Napoli (1930) against Uzbekistan on Jan. 9. Portugal and clubs in the UAE. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 26, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA From rival to respect, Dunn lauds Arcidiacono’s play ‘He took a lot of wins away from me. They had a good team. He was their leader. That’s why I hate him’

By KC Johnson Cameron Payne on the depth Chicago Tribune chart. And the Bulls brought in Antonius Cleveland, Derrick Walton Jr, Kaiser Gates and Ja- ntil Zach LaVine returns Karr Sampson to compete for the from injury, Ryan Ar- fi nal roster spot. cidiacono has remained Arcidiacono, who shuttled a starter in the Bulls’ between the G League and the Ubackcourt alongside Kris Dunn. Bulls last season on a two-way “I hate that kid,” Dunn said. contract, outplayed them all. His Come again? contract becoming fully guaran- “I hate that kid,” Dunn re- teed in January is a mere formal- peated. ity at this point. Then you realise Dunn is smil- “I don’t even know what the ing. And you realise Dunn is date is,” Arcidiacono said of the talking about Arcidiacono the Jan 10 guaranteed date. “I’m just former Villanova star, the one here playing. Until they tell me who eliminated Dunn’s Provi- to leave and get out of town, then dence team from the Big East I’ll stay here. tournament in both their junior “But I try to step back and and senior seasons. think about how I had no idea I “He took a lot of wins away was even going to make the team from me,” Dunn said. “They had this season, let alone play a little a good team. He was their leader. bit. It’s become the norm to be a That’s why I hate him.” contributor. But if you would’ve At one point in the senior told me this two months ago, I year matchup, Arcidiacono drew would’ve been like, ‘I don’t be- gasps from the Madison Square lieve you at all and sign me up if Garden crowd for diving three it’s available as an off er.’ It’s still rows deep in vain pursuit of a kind of surreal. Hopefully it stays loose ball. Arcidiacono popped the norm.” up, yelled “let’s go” to his team- It will be, even when LaVine mates and Villanova ended up returns. Boylen has talked about winning the NCAA champion- Arcidiacono’s interchangeabil- ship as the scrappy guard earned ity at the backcourt positions, Most Outstanding Player hon- which means Arcidiacono will ours. be in the reserve rotation behind Such hustle plays also have Dunn and LaVine. defi ned his Bulls’ play. “He’s the Arcidiacono has 18 assists and defi nition of real cojones,” Dunn no turnovers in his last three said. “He’s not scared of any- games. Overall, he’s averaging 7.1 thing. He plays hard. He plays points, 3.9 assists and shooting fi erce. He’s a real leader. I’m glad 40 percent from 3-point range. that he’s on my team now.” “I want to prove I can play and So is Jim Boylen, who may lead stay in this league,” Arcidiacono the league in postgame gushing said. “I think I’ve been playing when it comes to Arcidiacono. solid. I just have to continue to There’s reason for this: Ar- shoot the ball with confi dence. cidiacono ranks third in the NBA I just try to keep my head down in assists-to-turnover ratio and and have the same routine every makes those aforementioned day and do the little things to hustle plays that can energise a help our team win any way I can.” team. Arcidiacono shared Big East “Archie understands what I Player of the Year honours with want. He’s tough, which I love,” Dunn following their junior sea- Boylen said. “He plays with pride sons. So it’s not all scrappiness. and eff ort. He gives you eve- There’s skill there too. rything he has. He’s a winning “I never really thought I’d be player. I think that’s the greatest playing alongside a dude who compliment I can give him. He’s we were complete rivals through just a winning player.” college and had so many bat- It almost seems like ancient tles together,” Arcidiacono said history now, particularly given of Dunn. “It’s been a lot of fun. Arcidiacono’s prominent role. He’s a big-time competitor. I But Arcidiacono arrived at train- think we complement each other ing camp without even a guaran- well.” And in the case of Dunn, tee that he’d make the roster. he compliments Arcidiacono too Beyond his non-guaranteed – after getting past a past forged The Chicago Bulls’ Ryan Arcidiacono (left) goes in for a layup in front of the Orlando Magic’s Jerian Grant in the first-half of their NBA game at the United Center in Chicago on deal, Arcidiacono sat behind on competition. December 21, 2018. PICTURE: USA Today

FOCUS How some ugly golf helped struggling Timberwolves play some beautiful basketball ing to be by yourself all the time.” he social media feeds of the Gibson said team veterans were able Timberwolves fi lled up with to communicate their past experi- NBA star LeBron apologises for video after video Saturday ences in the league with some of the night of players like Andrew younger players. “We have a team TWiggins and Taj Gibson stepping up full of vets and they always share to a golf tee and taking some ... unor- their wisdom with us,” Wiggins said. thodox golf swings. Sometimes they Rookie Josh Okogie, who drew controversial Instagram post would miss the ball completely. laughs for whiff ing on one of his drive AFP not why I chose to share that But the team outing at a Topgolf attempts, said the night out came Los Angeles lyric,” adding that he regularly driving range in Oklahoma City was at a pivotal time, with the Wolves in posts song lyrics. “That’s what worth more than a few laughs to a precarious position in toward the I do. I ride in my car, I listen to the Wolves. After their 114-112 win bottom of the Western Conference merican basketball star great music, and that was the over the Thunder on Sunday night, standings. LeBron James has apolo- by-product of it,” he continued. multiple players said the previous “It’s very important, especially in a gised for posting contro- “So I actually thought it was a night had been an important one for time like this where our season can versial song lyrics with compliment, and obviously it team bonding. go one of two ways,” Okogie said. theA phrase “getting that Jewish wasn’t through the lens of a lot “You got to be able to communicate, “It’s good just to go back to the draw- money” on Instagram, where he of people. My apologies.” talk about what we need to do better ing board and form some chemistry boasts over 45 million followers. The NBA does not plan to but just kick back,” Gibson said. with the guys, just get to know one “We been getting that Jew- fi ne James over the post, ESPN “It was everybody just understand- another, keep learning about each ish Money, Everything is kosher,” said. James – who regularly ing, putting in their two pieces to the other because it’s a long season. the Los Angeles Lakers forward speaks out on politics and socio- puzzle and trying to relate to one Times like that draws everybody posted in an Instagram story over cultural issues – also made waves another. I felt it was great.” closer and it does translate on the the weekend, reciting lyrics from over the weekend for comparing It wasn’t as if the Wolves were a court.” rapper 21 Savages’ song “asmr” the US professional basketball fractured team before this. But the That’s why it was no coincidence to while wearing a Lakers sweat- and football leagues. “In the NFL season has been a turbulent one. It Okogie that the Wolves survived a shirt. Darren Rovell, a sports they got a bunch of old white began with all the weight of Jimmy raucous atmosphere in Oklahoma business analyst who formerly men owning teams and they got Butler’s trade request and when City and pulled off a late victory worked for ESPN, called attention that slave mentality,” James said Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless thanks in part to 30 points from Wig- to the post’s problematic use of during Friday’s episode of his and Dario Saric joined the team, gins, who also hit the winning layup stereotypes painting Jewish peo- HBO show “The Shop.” the Wolves were in the thick of the with 14.3 seconds remaining. ple as wealthy and tightfi sted. He then lauded the NBA’s season. “We felt like we had each others’ “Surprised LeBron, who commissioner Adam Silver for One staff er said Karl-Anthony Towns back,” Okogie said. makes very few mistakes, put letting players express them- was the driving force behind organiz- “I’m not saying we haven’t felt that this out. Does quoting lyrics selves. “It doesn’t even matter ing Saturday night’s outing. The time way all season, but we had that sense from a song absolve the person if Adam agrees with what we are for these kinds of events is minimal, of urgency and we all knew every- quoting from the responsibil- saying, he at least wants to hear but they’re essential, Covington said, body has to be on board. We ity behind the words?” Rovell us out,” James said. “As long as adding the 76ers would hold regular all fought for each other and it tweeted. “I’d argue no, especially we are doing it in a very educa- events like that. showed.” with a following of 45 million.” tional, nonviolent way, then he’s “It’s building team chemistry. It’s very Now the Wolves need that bond to Speaking to ESPN following absolutely okay with it.” important for teams that want to be stay strong, especially with four of the Lakers’ Sunday loss to the The NFL in recent years has successful. You need stuff like that,” their next five coming away from Memphis Grizzlies, James said grappled with protests from Covington said. home. Perhaps there will be more “it defi nitely was not the intent, players kneeling during the play- “You need outlets, that way you can time to bond. obviously, to hurt anybody.” ing of the US national anthem, as have fun. It doesn’t have to be all “We needed it,” Wiggins said. “Basket- “Apologies, for sure, if I of- part of movement calling atten- about basketball, taking your mind ball can take a toll on you.” fended anyone,” the 33-year-old tion to issues of racial injustice LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against away from basketball instead of hav- Star Tribune (Minneapolis) basketball great said. “That’s and social inequality. the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 18, 2018 in New York. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 26, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Seahawks’ Carroll signs extension Raiders rip Broncos through 2021

Reuters New York

eattle coach Pete Carroll signed a multi-year ex- in possible NFL tension with the club through the 2021 season, the Seahawks announced on Monday. The deal is re- portedly worth more than $11 million per season, accordingS to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Carroll’s cur- rent contract was set to expire after the 2019 campaign. “I am excited to announce that we have extended Head Coach Pete Carroll through the 2021 season,” Seahawks chair Jody Allen said in a statement. “This will continue the farewell to Oakland championship culture that we have created in Seattle.” The Seahawks are headed to the postseason for the sev- ‘Raider Nation is tough, gritty and loyal. We’ve had a lot of good times in that stadium’ enth time during Carroll’s nine seasons with the team. Seattle was Super Bowl champions following the 2013 sea- AFP son and lost in the Super Bowl the following season. San Francisco “So grateful to Jody and the organisation,” Carroll said in the news release. “I love this team and couldn’t be more proud to represent the 12s.” wayne Harris returned a punt 99 The 12s are a reference to the team’s fans and the 67-year- yards for a touchdown and the old Carroll has been a favourite in Seattle while going 88- Oakland Raiders beat the Denver 54-1 and winning four NFC West crowns. Broncos 27-14 on Monday in what The Seahawks are 9-6 entering this year’s season fi nale. mightD have been the hosts’ fi nal NFL game Seattle clinched an NFC wild-card spot with Sunday’s 38- in Oakland. 31 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Beating the Arizona Doug Martin and Jalen Richard added Cardinals this Sunday would give the franchise its sixth touchdown runs for Oakland in a game be- season of at least 10 wins over the past seven campaigns. tween teams already eliminated from play- Carroll, who is the oldest head coach in the NFL, became off contention. the club’s winningest coach earlier this season. He sur- The Raiders improved to 4-11 but will passed Mike Holmgren (86 wins from 1999-2008). miss the playoff s for the 15th time in 16 years Carroll said recently that he was enjoying the season, while Denver fell to 6-9, ensuring back-to- something that seems reinforced by signing the extension back losing seasons for the fi rst time since on Christmas Eve. “I’m thankful for the fun we’re having in 1971-72. this season,” Carroll told reporters. It was the 174th Raiders win in their “To see these guys work so hard and share this experi- 303rd game at the Oakland Coliseum, which ence that they’re having - and it has been ongoing. I’ve opened in 1966 and remains the only NFL talked about it consistently to you guys since the off season stadium shared with a Major League Base- when they saw the opportunities and they went for it, and ball club, the Oakland A’s. the attitude has just been so upbeat and so positive that A federal anti-trust lawsuit fi led by they’re enjoying it.” the city of Oakland to recover damages related to the Raiders’ planned move to Las Vegas in 2020 prompted the team to retract a one-year lease off er for the 2019 campaign earlier this month, leaving the team’s home venue uncertain for next season. Quarterback Derek Carr and coach Jon Gruden were among the Raiders who after the game went to the “Black Hole” - an area where devoted Raiders fans dress in mon- ster-themed Silver and Black outfi ts - and exchanged high-fi ve hand slaps with sup- porters for what might be the last time. Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll (left) greets Kansas City “Raider Nation is tough, gritty and loyal. Chiefs coach Andy Reid following a 38-31 Seattle victory at We’ve had a lot of good times in that sta- CenturyLink Field on December 23 . (USA TODAY Sports) dium,” Carr said. “Raider Nation is the most loyal fan base in the world. We don’t know if we’re going to be here next year so I wanted to say thank you to all of them, thanks for Redskins release Swearinger having our back.” after critical comments Gruden added: “Our fans fueled us. To share the victory with them is always spe- Washington Redskins safety DJ Swearinger said Monday cial.” on 106.7 The Fan that head coach Jay Gruden called him Options mentioned for Raiders 2019 into his off ice and informed him of his release. The news home games include sharing the NFL San comes two days after Swearinger - a Pro Bowl alter- Francisco 49ers stadium in nearby Santa nate who has had a career season - ripped defensive Clara, playing at the home of baseball’s San coordinator Greg Manusky following the team’s loss to Francisco Giants, striking a deal with Oak- the Tennessee , which off icially eliminated Wash- land or playing home games in London, ington from postseason contention. A few hours after England. Swearinger’s radio appearance, the team off icially an- The NFL has staged games in London nounced his release, which allows other teams to claim since 2007, playing three contests at Wem- the safety off waivers. If a team claims Swearinger, it bley Stadium this year. would owe him less than $200,000 in salary the rest of Raiders owner Mark Davis says he hopes Oakland Raiders wide receiver Dwayne Harris celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown on a 99-yard punt return against the Denver the season. Swearinger told the radio station he wasn’t to decide in a few weeks on the team’s home Broncos during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports given a reason for being let go, but it appears to be a for next season. direct result of his comments on Manusky. Harris opened the scoring 4:50 into the 43-yard fi eld goal for a 17-0 Oakland half- ton but the Raiders responded on Richard’s ing, but Carlson added a 45-yard fi eld goal “I’m peaceful about it,” Swearinger said Monday. game, matching the second-longest run- time edge, their biggest lead this season. 3-yard touchdown run. to create the fi nal margin of the Raiders’ fi rst “I don’t regret nothing, because I know I gave 100 per- back in NFL history. Martin added a 24-yard Denver answered on Case Keenum’s Keenum fl ipped a 19-yard touchdown Monday night win since 2002 after seven cent from my heart.” touchdown run and Dan Carlson added a 7-yard touchdown pass to DaeSean Hamil- pass to Courtland Sutton with 7:31 remain- losses in a row.

BOTTOMLINE Miami Dolphins’ main problem isn’t injuries or quarterback... it’s the talent fi nding the talent By Dave Hyde who was so fragile he was al- hurt in mid-game. The Dolphins Last April, the Dolphins had a Sun Sentinel lowed little contact in the sum- coaches guessed wrong before chance to provide a quarterback mer, was lost the fi rst game. the game. Young, a capable right option for tomorrow by trading Defensive tackle Williams Hayes tackle, was thrust into the left up for Josh Allen, like Buff alo t’s Christmas time, and this and centre Daniel Kilgore didn’t tackle role. did. He was brought to Davie for should be a light-hearted last September. Young was beaten badly, too. a pre-draft interview. The deci- column of goodwill, good Frank Gore had a dependable Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sion was made to take Allen, if cheer and some gifts under year, but went out in mid-De- put under severe pressure. Tan- he fell to them, or be happy with Ithe tree of South Florida person- cember, which if the Dolphins nehill then made two awful mis- safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, if he alities. were making a playoff run is takes that became Cincinnati fell. Fitzpatrick is a great rook- To the Panthers goalie Roberto when he’d be needed. That left touchdowns and cost the game. ie. But if Allen becomes a good Luongo: Good health - a season Danny Amendola to last the year. Tannehill also missed the next player, a great safety pales by depends on it! He skipped practices all season fi ve games due to a shoulder in- comparison. To the Marlins’ Derek Jeter: A to preserve his health, too. jury he suff ered that day. They also could have traded up fast forward to 2021! And injuries are to blame for So there, in one telling after- with their second-round pick to But there won’t be any gift the season? noon, was the front-and-centre 32nd to grab Lamar Jackson. Bal- distribution, or much holiday This isn’t to blame Gase - at issue at quarterback and the timore did that. But the decision- cheer, because the Miami Dol- least by himself. The main issue more subtle issue of full-roster makers didn’t like Jackson. So phins have made this another here isn’t coaching. Nor is it the architecture that plagues the instead, Tannenbaum, Grier and bah-humbug sports time. It’s spotty play of quarterback Ryan Dolphins. Like all the old free- Gase married themselves and the not just the Groundhog-Day feel Tannehill, believe it or not. agent signings, this leads direct- franchise’s future for the third to another year. It’s the concern In that sense, it’s good news ly to the offi ces of vice president straight season to an uncertain that the main issue again won’t Ross didn’t chase Michigan of football operations Mike Tan- and now injured Tannehill. be considered the main issue in coach Jim Harbaugh. The prob- nenbaum and general manager How’d that work out? whatever change arrives. lem is bigger than any coach, just Chris Grier. And don’t blame Tannehill, The hope is owner Steve Ross as it has been for years. It takes talent to fi nd talent. who did his best. Nor blame in- doesn’t believe, as coach Adam To understand the root of Do the Dolphins have enough? juries, which are a convenient Gase said on Monday, that inju- everything that has confounded Look at the draft. Tunsil and excuse. By now, the question ries wrecked this season. Every- the Dolphins, ask the mundane Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase sits on the bench in the third quarter of a game against the Jack- cornerback Xavien Howard from Ross must have isn’t why it took one really needs to be more hon- question Gase must each week sonville Jaguars on December 23, 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. the 2016 draft are the talent on his football people this long to est than that. Last off season, the before deciding which players to the team. But Charles Harris, the see this, why they didn’t have a Dolphins signed fi ve free agents deactivate: chise with big problems. But back-up at left tackle. You see, the Patriots. fi rst-round pick in 2017? Zip in contingency plan, why another who would be at least 31 this year Which starting off ensive stay with me here. This ques- the Dolphins don’t have a swing Again, it’s a small thing. Until two seasons. DeVante Parker, the year turns to ashes thanks to this and, ahem, create a “culture.” tackle is more likely to fi nish the tion dictates whether to deacti- tackle, a back-up capable of it isn’t. It wasn’t in the fi fth week fi rst-round pick in 2015? A miss- roster. Four of those fi ve didn’t last game? vate Sam Young, the back-up at playing both sides well like bet- of the season in Cincinnati when tery, as he went from two decent No, the question is where he the season. Guard Josh Sitton, It’s a small question in a fran- right tackle, or Zach Sterup, the ter constructed teams. Yes, like left tackle Laremy Tunsil was years to invisible. turns now. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 26, 2018 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING YEARENDER Enable, Winx make history as Justify captures Triple Crown ‘The fact that she’s been able to do it so many times consecutively just speaks volumes for the management of her’

AFP Paris

nable and Australia’s leading equine lady Winx cemented their places in racing’s record books in a 2018 season that producedE a landmark Melbourne Cup success for Godolphin and a Triple Crown for Justify. Over jumps the Grand National was captured by Tiger Roll, the smallest horse in the fi eld displaying the heart of a lion to prevail in a pulsating fi nish to the world’s most famous steeple- chase. Buveur d’Air defended his Cham- pion Hurdle crown with stablemate Altior taking the Champion Chase but their trainer Nicky Henderson was denied a historic Cheltenham Festival treble when his Might Bite was foiled by Native River in the Gold Cup. But it was two representatives of the fairer sex that stole the season’s head- lines. The John Gosden-trained four- year-old fi lly Enable overcame injury to defend her Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe crown at a renovated Longchamp in Paris in the autumn. Under the masterful guidance of 48-year-old Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, she then became the fi rst Arc winner to go on to capture the Breeders Cup Turf at Churchill Downs. “She conquered America!” ex- claimed Dettori. Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah has confi rmed his super- star stays in training in 2019 with the objective of becoming the fi rst-ever triple Arc winner. Bookmakers make her a 4-1 shot to succeed where only 2013/2014 winner Treve has tried, the French fi lly only missing out in 2015 to Golden Horn, trained by Gosden and ridden by Dettori. Australia’s wonder mare Winx add- ed a record fourth Cox Plate in Octo- ber to extend her remarkable run to 29 wins in a row. Justify runs on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 1, 2018. (Getty Images/AFP) “I can’t believe it,” said long-time jockey Hugh Bowman afterwards. couraging for racelovers that she will Melbourne Cup contender Cliff s of Mendelssohn would become Europe’s Another major racing fi gure – hu- tional winner when third on Seabass “The electricity that came through be back racing as an eight-year-old in Moher had to be put down. fi rst-ever winner of the Kentucky Der- man not equine – heading off into well in 2012, has also decided to withdraw my body when I turned into the home March. After last year’s heroics in setting a by. But his runner wilted in the ‘Run deserved retirement is Luca Cumani. from racing’s frontline. One man not straight. Everyone watching gets so One race Winx will never contest new record for Group/Grade One wins, for the Roses’, trailing in last behind The Newmarket-based Italian considering imminent retirement much joy and pleasure out of this won- due to stamina limitations is the Mel- O’Brien had a quieter 2018 season. Justify, with Bob Baff ert’s colt going on trainer, 69, is bowing out after a career is Mark Johnston, the 58-year-old derful horse,” he added. “The fact that bourne Cup, which this year went to One of the big races he missed out to sweep the Preakness and Belmont spanning more than 40 years with his Scotsman who in August sent out his she’s been able to do it so many times Cross Counter, ending two decades on was the Irish Derby, but he was all Stakes to become the 13th horse to haul of major race victories featuring 4,193rd winner to become Britain’s consecutively just speaks volumes for of frustration for Sheikh Mohamed’s smiles despite defeat as he congratu- capture the coveted Triple Crown. a brace of Epsom Derby triumphs for record-breaking trainer. the management of her.” Godolphin stable, which also enjoyed lated winner Latrobe’s trainer and Sadly injury intervened to scupper Kahyasi (1988) and High Rise (1998). That’s 600 more than John Dunlop, Epsom Derby success with Masar. jockey -- his sons Joseph, 25, and Don- his bid to end his career on a high in the Trailblazing Irish jockey Katie the English training great who saddled O’BRIEN UPSTAGED BY SONS Legendary Irish trainer Aidan nacha, 19. Breeders Cup Classic. A lucrative stud Walsh, who came closest to becoming 10 British classic winners and who died And, like Enable, the omens are en- O’Brien suff ered heartache when his In May, O’Brien had high hopes that career now beckons. the fi rst woman to ride a Grand Na- aged 78 in July.

YACHTING Might Bite out to prove he is king of Kempton Defending champion Might I couldn’t be happier with him Bite heads the betting to and he’s there to give it his take revenge on his Gold best shot,” he said in his Uni- Notorious strait could decide Cup conqueror Native River Bet blog. “I think Politologue in a potentially vintage King will get the trip, in which case George VI Chase at Kempton he will be very dangerous today. and Thistlecrack ran very well Nicky Henderson’s chaser at Haydock so shouldn’t be Sydney-Hobart race record justified strong favouritism discounted either.” AFP in the Boxing Day show- Despite Native River finishing Sydney piece 12 months ago, before ahead of Might Bite on the coming off second best in two occasions they have met, a thrilling clash with Native Colin Tizzard’s Gold Cup hero new record time for River at Cheltenham. He is a 7-1 chance to confirm that Australia’s toughest clearly needed the run on his superiority. yacht race could be seasonal return at Haydock Owner Garth Broom believes thwarted by shifting when finishing a tired fifth of his star’s front-running style windsA in the notoriously wild five behind Bristol De Mai and will suit, but he is liable to be Bass Strait after the 2018 Syd- Native River last month. caught out for a turn of foot ney-Hobart begins today. Even so it was an uninspiring on this flat track. The forecast is for a gusty showing which left Henderson “Whether one or two might be start with a favourable strong searching for answers. that bit quicker on that track, north-easterly breeze, although “He wasn’t jumping as he usu- where we haven’t got the nice a possible southerly change could ally does, normally he’s just uphill finish (as at Chelten- thwart the supermaxis’ record deadly but he was spending ham) to help us, we’ll see. I bid and turn the treacherous too much time in the air,” said think he’ll run his usual solid strait into “a parking lot”. the trainer. “That’s not the race and be thereabouts.” The gruelling annual contest, whole story to it, maybe he Tizzard also saddles lightly- in its 74th edition, will see 85 wasn’t as straight as I thought raced Thistlecrack, his 2016 yachts depart Sydney Harbour he was.” winner. on Boxing Day, December 26, at In this file photo taken on December 27, 1998, the injured crew of demasted Australian yacht ‘Stand Aside’ wait to be rescued by helicopter as they His supporters will have to Bristol De Mai is a dual Betfair 1:00pm (0200 GMT) for the bru- tow a life-raft in the Bass Strait during the Sydney-to-Hobart ocean race 27 December. The gruelling Sydney to Hobart blue-water classic will take a take it on trust that Might Bite Chase winner but struggled tal 628-nautical mile (1,163-kil- poignant turn this year when it marks two decades since six sailors died in a horror storm – one of Australia’s worst sporting disasters. (AFP) has put that flop behind him, in sixth behind Might Bite last ometre) dash across the Tasman with Henderson subsequently year, and more of a threat to Sea to Hobart. “If it is a fairly early sea breeze, eastern Tasmania.” Such a situ- The 100-footer Comanche Wild Oats. Owner-skipper Matt reporting his nine-year-old this trio could be Politologue. This year’s bluewater classic we could see quite a fast start for ation could turn the Bass Strait set a new record of one day, Allen of last year’s Tattersall Cup “fine”. Tackling this three-mile trip will mark the 20th anniversary of the yachts... going out of (Syd- into a “parking lot”, quipped nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 overall handicap winner, Ichi “It was a bit of a bombshell, for the first time should not a fatal storm that saw six sailors ney) Heads,” the bureau’s senior David Sudano, the navigator for seconds in 2017 and was named Ban, is aiming to be the fi rst per- but he’s perfectly sound and pose a problem for one of last lose their lives in mountainous meteorologist Simon Louis told 51-footer Primitive Cool. the line honours winner after ri- son to claim back-to-back vic- bright – and there are no season’s top two milers. seas and wild winds as strong as AFP. Also standing between the val supermaxi Wild Oats XI was tories in over 50 years. injuries anyway, no reason for “It’s got to be a very good those in a category two tropical Predictions had been for north yachts and a new race record is stripped of the title over a near- The handicap honours go to it behind that.” horse who’ll beat him,” cyclone. The devastating deep to north-easterly winds of up to Hobart’s famously sluggish River collision. the vessel that performs best ac- Henderson is also wary of the predicted owner John Hales, depression that struck in 1998 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots Derwent, which could slow the Wild Oats XI had crossed cording to size, and Allen’s TP52 threats posed to Might Bite seeking a third victory in the saw just 44 yachts out of 115 along the entire route. But lat- front runners by hours with its the line in record time, but was is again among the favourites. from Politologue and Thistle- Kempton highlight after One fi nish the race, with sailors this est forecasts indicate a possibil- windless holes. handed a one-hour penalty by an “We know a lot more about crack in particular, saying his Man landed back-to-back wins year set to observe a moment of ity of a trough developing over international jury after the inci- the boat than we did this time charge will have to be better in the 1990s. Success for Poli- silence on Thursday. the eastern Bass Strait between ‘TOUGHEST FLEET’ dent. Other supermaxis in con- last year and we are more confi - than ever before to win. tologue would provide trainer The Bureau of Meteorology Tasmania and the Australian Described as the “Everest” of tention are Black Jack, InfoTrack dent in the boat, our sails and rig “He looks fantastic, but this Paul Nicholls with a 10th said Boxing Day morning would mainland. ocean racing, this year’s Sydney and Hong Kong’s Scallywag. set-up,” he said. “All the crew are is a mighty race and so much King George after See More feature light winds, before a “If that happens, then we’ll to Hobart features fi ve super- “This is the toughest fl eet I’ve looking forward to the challenge better than last year and I Business (1997, 1999), Kauto “very stiff north to northeast- see much lighter winds devel- maxis – including last year’s seen in the history of the event,” of going back-to-back – and the think it’s fair to say he has to Star 2006-2009, 2011) and erly sea breeze” develops in the oping in the second half of the record-breaking Comanche – said Mark Richards, skipper of forecast is looking pretty good produce a personal best, but Silviniaco Conti (2013-2014). afternoon. race over eastern Bass Strait and and 13 international entrants. eight-time line honours winner for 50 footers.”

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT QREC adopts new statutes issued by Sports Minister

By Sports Reporter issuance of licences related to horse the QREC management regarding the Doha aff airs in accordance with the QREC’s development of the its activities. terms of reference and the organisa- In return, the obligations of partici- tion, supervision and participation in pants include taking part in achieving he Qatar Racing & Equestrian local, GCC, Arab, regional and interna- QREC’s goals, compliance with its stat- Club (QREC) is approaching a tional championships. utes and internal regulations and pay- new era following the adop- The new provisions of the QREC’s ment of all dues. The Board of Direc- tion of a new set of statutes in statutes identify the types of participa- tors manages the QREC’s aff airs. It is Taccordance with the decision of HE the tion in QREC’s activities. These include formed of a chairman, a vice chairman Minister of Culture and Sports, Salah three types: the active participant is and not less than three or more than bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali. a Qatari or a person residing in Qa- seven members. The decision appoint- The new statutes include 41 articles tar who is licensed to benefi t from the ing the board and the duration of their governing work at QREC and its rela- QREC’s facilities and participate in its term is determined by the Minister tionship with stakeholders. It super- activities; the associate participant is of Culture and Sports. The Board will sedes the Decision no. 2 of 1987 of the a Qatari or a person residing in Qatar undertake a set of terms of reference, Supreme Council for Youth Welfare and who joins QREC for a defi nite period including approving and supervis- any provision contrary to the provi- of time; and the honorary participant ing the implementation of the QREC’s sions of this decision. The new statutes is a person whom QREC Board decides strategic plan and appointing the chief refer to the QREC as a sports club es- to grant them this capacity for their executive offi cer after having obtained tablished by the State for an indefi nite valuable services to the State or QREC. the approval the supervising entity. period. It further states that the stat- QREC Chairman, Issa bin Mohamed There are also conditions identifi ed in “We wish the Board all the best in utes have been adopted in accordance HE the Minister of Culture and Sports, Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali. al-Mohannadi the statutes for anyone wishing to par- taking decisions in favour of achieving with the provisions and rules estab- ticipate in the QREC’s activities. the QREC’s vision to promote Qatar as a lished in this respect, including Arti- to thank HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nass- Qatar’s sports under the leadership of from the QREC’s facilities and partici- Also, a participant is granted spe- world hub for horse racing and a leader cle no. 53 of the Law Governing Sports er al-Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim pate in its activities. It also refers to cial benefi ts, including participation in the pure Arabian breed, developing Clubs of 2016 and its amendments un- for the attention and support paid to all bin Hamad al-Thani. QREC’s role in promoting and enhanc- in QREC’s activities and programmes, the QREC’s activities, working towards der the Law no. 12 of 2018. clubs”, he said. “HE the Minister is keen According to the new statutes, the ing equestrian sport, in all its disci- use of QREC’s facilities in line with the enhancing the global standing of Qa- QREC Chairman, Issa bin Mohamed to provide a proper environment which Ministry of Culture and Sports will be plines, by various ways, including the QREC Management’s regulations and tar’s equestrian sport in line with the al-Mohannadi, lauded HE the Minister contributes to the development of the the entity supervising QREC. It de- establishment of equestrian schools decisions, access to QREC at the times valuable support and attention from of Culture and Sports’ decision on the activities of the clubs, including QREC, scribes a participant in QREC’s activi- and training academies, holding races established by the QREC management the wise leadership”, said the QREC new statutes. “First of all, we would like which brings about plenty of benefi ts for ties as anyone who is licensed to benefi t in Qatar and abroad, registration and and submission of written proposals to Chairman al-Mohannadi.

BASKETBALL Qatar Bowling Federation to organise Amir Cup in March Doha: Qatar Bowling Fed- In a press release on its eration (QBF) will organise website, QBF said a total of 12 the Amir Cup from March 2 games will be played in the to 8 2019 at the Qatar Bowl- qualifications. In the 2018 edi- Ahli and Shamal ing Centre. With a total prize tion, Singapore’s Basil Dill Ng money of $102,000, the 18th defeated his compatriot Muhd edition of the tournament is Jaris Goh to claim the title. open for bowlers from World The tournament drew 66 play- Bowling member federations. ers from 12 countries and was The winner will walk away with the opening event of the 2018 $20,000, with the runner-up Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) score easy wins getting $12,000. Tour season. (QNA)

Al Ahli ride on 25-point eff orts by Earnest Lee Ross and Julius Coles against Al Khor TENNIS Qatar’s Rashed claims GCC U-14 title

By Sports Reporter Rashed Nawaf and Nasser al- Muscat Yafei took the gold medal after beating Meshari Nawaf and Ali al-Saadi in the fi nal. atar’s Rashed Na- Khalid al-Khelaifi , Board waf claimed the title Member of the Qatar Tennis, of boys under-14 ti- Squash and Badminton Federa- tle in the GCC Tennis tion (QTSBF) and Chairman of ChampionshipsQ being held here. National Teams Committee said In the fi nal match, Rashed de- that the federation is proud of feated his compatriot Meshari the results achieved by the Qatari Nawaf 6-1, 6-1. players as they won both the sin- In doubles event, Qatar’s gles and doubles event.

Al Shamal’s Mikheil Berishvili (left) attempts to get past Al Arabi’s Dalan Chand Ancrum.

By Sports Reporter Al Ahli and Al Khor were neck with 21 points. Doha and neck in the fi rst quarter but Meanwhile, Harat’s 30 points Al Ahli started to pull clear in for Al Shamal came with the the next 10 minutes to secure a help of 11 fi eld goals, including a l Ahli and Al Shamal 38-31 advantage going into the trio of three-pointers. scored comfortable third quarter. Al Shamal led 31-16 after the victories in the Qatar By the end of the third quar- fi rst quarter and 50-40 at the Men’s League at the Al ter they had a match-winning end of the second. Al Arabi, GharafaA Sports Club yesterday. 59-47 cushion and, when they however, lost the fi ght when While Al Ahli rode 25-point scored a whopping 30 points in they could only manage 10 eff orts by Earnest Lee Ross and the fi nal period it was all over points in the third period. Julius Coles against Al Khor, Al for Al Khor. Oumar Seck with 22 and Shamal powered past Al Arabi Of his 25 points, Ross scored Talla Gueye with 14 excelled for with Mohamed Harat scoring 18 in three-pointers and apart Al Arabi Al Shamal scored 20 a match-high 30 points and from Coles got valuable support points from turnovers while Al George Tsinsadze and Mikheil from Seydu Ndoye who chipped Arabi only had 12 in that depart- Berishivli making substantial in with 20. ment. Shamal also scored 20 Action from the match between Al Ahli and Al Khor during the Qatar contributions of 19 and 18, re- For Al Khor, Ameer Jackson second chance points against Al Men’s League at Al Gharafa Sports Club. PICTURES: Anas al-Samaraee spectively. and Dominique Lacy excelled Arabi’s 16. Qatar’s Rashed Nawaf.

FOCUS Doha Triathlon national championship to be held on February 8 oha Triathlon 2019 will al Triathlon Series in the season very happy to celebrate the third stage the Qatar Na- 2018-19, followed by Lusail Tri- event in Qatar National Triath- tional Championship athlon and The Pearl Triathlon. lon Series in lovely location for for second year on Feb- Previous events were previously triathlon in Museum of Islamic ruaryD 8 at the Museum of Islamic held at Katara in November and Art. Art, starting at 6am with 750m Al Ghariya in December. As the Board Member of Cy- swim in the bay, 20km cycling The National Series count on cling and Triathlon Federation in the Corniche and 5km run very competitive participants and founding president of QTRI, around the park. such as Bernad McCullagh and I would like to thank Qatar Mu- Last year, Ebrahim Alromaihi Ethan Bennett who won last year seums for support and host- emerged as a champion with Doha Triathlon men’s over all ing the event, along with all the a time of 1:12:43 seconds fol- Sprint distance with very tight other sponsors and partners, lowed by Mubarak Alajji and results of 1:6.14 and 1:6.55, re- who contributed making the Abdulla Shaheen Alkaabi. Dur- spectively and Carla Pegigueiro event a success for all. Triathlon ing the event, there will also be leading the female Sprint dis- is the fastest growing sport in the other races accounting for Qa- tance with 1:15.49. world and locally.” tar National Triathlon Series to On the men’s Olympic dis- Doha Triathlon is sponsored score points, starting at 6:15 and tance, Aday Alvarez Diez de Ul- by Qatar National Tourism Au- 6:30am with Olympic and Sprint zurrun made it in 2:3.27 and Pia thority, with the support of distances. Sundstedt in 2:17.01. Qatar Triathlon Federation and The Doha Triathlon is the third Dr Nasser al-Mohannadi, Qatar Museums. For more in- of fi ve triathlon events which Triathlon Director at Qatar Tria- formation about the event, visit Last year, Ebrahim Alromaihi emerged as champion at Doha Triathlon’s Qatar National Championship. count towards the Qatar Nation- thlon Federation, said, “We are www.doha-triathlon.com