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Thursday, February 8, 2018 Jumada I 22, 1439 AH Sublime Kohli guides GULF TIMES India to crushing win over South Africa SPORT Page 4 ‘Fun Run’ to promote Asian Games today

By Sports Reporter legacy it left for us. This legacy had a one for two-km for the students, and great impact on the development of the other for one-km for the rest of the sport movement in the country the participants,” QOC’s Sport Aff airs that has now become a global sport Department director Khaleel al-Jaber hree hundred schoolchildren hub,” al-Buenain said. said. along with Team cham- The Asian Games will be held in Indo- On Qatar’s preparations for the Asian pions will take part in the ‘Fun nesia from August 18 to September Games in Indonesia, he said: “Qatar’s TRun’, an event to promote the 2, 2018, with 10,000 athletes from 45 started its preparations last year as upcoming 18th Asian Games Jakarta- countries of the region participating in more than 500 athletes are expected Palembang 2018, at the Aspire Park 462 disciplines. to participate in the Asian Games. We today. Indonesia will be hosting the Asian have won 10 gold medals in the 2014 Addressing a press conference, Qatar Games for the second time, following Asian Games and the QOC is working Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary- the fourth edition in Jakarta in 1962. closely with its sport federations to general Jassim al-Buenain yesterday The Fun Run events will run right achieve more in this year’s event.” said, “As directed by HE Sheikh Joaan through July 18 in Jakarta, exactly one OCA director general Husain al-Musal- bin Hamad al-Thani, the QOC presi- month before the opening ceremony lam thanked HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- dent, we are delighted to support the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary-general Jassim al-Buenain (fifth from left) QOC’s Sport Aff airs Department of the Games at the Gelora Bung Karno mad al-Thani for hosting this important Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in its director Khaleel al-Jaber (third from left), OCA director general Husain al-Musallam (fourth from left) and other off icials at Main Stadium in the Indonesian capital. event to promote the Games. campaign for the Asian Games which yesterday’s press conference. “Jointly, teams from the QOC and the “Qatar hosting this event reminds us of will be held this year in Indonesia by OCA are working together to organise the 15th Asian Games in 2006 in Doha, organising the Fun Run event tomor- Qatar champions and other residents.” programme among 45 national Olym- stan in Lahore on December 7, 2017. the run. School children, professional which had a great positive impact on row morning at the Aspire Park. Three Al-Buenain said OCA is organising the pic Committees around the continent, “We carry beautiful memories from the athletes, Qatari artists are invited to the sport movement not only in Qatar, hundred schoolchildren will participate series of ‘Fun Run’, a dedicated social to promote the Asian Games. which were hosted participate in this special event which but in the Middle East,” al-Musallam in the event, joined by our own Team sports development and promotion The first ‘Fun Run’ was hosted by Paki- in Qatar and we are very proud of the includes two running competitions, said.

FOOTBALL/ QNB STARS LEAGUE Big guns have a lot at stake on day of the Qatar Clasico If Al Rayyan beat Al Sadd and Al Duhail lose to Al Gharafa, it would trigger a frantic race to the finish with just six games remaining

By Sports Reporter Doha

s Al Rayyan and Al Sadd get caught up in the Qatar Cla- sico hype, Al Duhail are intent on going about their business Aquietly and effi ciently in the QNB Stars League as they have done throughout this season. The defending champions, who are still unbeaten in the this season, are well aware that they have their sixth title well within their grasp provided they don’t suff er a late season meltdown. Although only two points separate them at the top and Al Sadd, it’s Djamel Belmadi’s Al Duhail who have caught Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. that is a great responsibility. We have a ers and we have a policy to groom the imagination of fans with their squad of many youngsters and we hope youngsters. Al Duhail and Al Sadd dashing brand of football they have ex- and we are well prepared for that. Of to play a good match against Al Duhail. must keep winning as Al Rayyan are hibited throughout the season. course Al Rayyan and Al Sadd have a We have decided to rest some senior close behind. I am also happy that Their Moroccan striker Youssef El historic rivalry in Qatar but it’s im- players for this game in view of our Akram Afi f has joined us.” Arabi is the leading scorer this season portant for us to not worry too much forthcoming AFC Champions League Ferreira added that the return of with a whopping 20 goals, six clear of about what they are up to.” fi xture,” said Uygun. Baghdad Bounedjah after a long injury his Tunisian teammate Youssef Msa- Belmadi, whose team will be also in- “I am very confi dent in the young break augurs well for his team. kni, while Al Rayyan’s Abdelrazzaq volved in the AFC Champions League players and their abilities. Al Duhail “Our strength is team work and not Hamdallah is third with 12. this season was happy about the fact have some good players much like Al individual players. Ours is a squad con- But Belmadi, was not getting carried that a total of four Qatari teams would Rayyan and Al Sadd. They are perhaps sisting of many star players. The return away at his press conference ahead of be fi guring in this year’s lucrative con- the strongest side in the QNB Stars from injury of Baghdad Bounedjah Al Duhail’s match against Al Gharafa tinental event, which gets underway League, but we will try to win.” means another player would be on the today next week. The Turk added for good measure bench,” said Ferreira. “Our goal is to keep winning and we “We are happy to also have three that Al Gharafa are not scare of any Al Sadd’s attacking midfi elder are fully prepared for tough times that other Qatari clubs — Al Sadd, Al team. Jugurtha Hamroun, who also attended require us to stay concentrated. The Gharafa and Al Rayyan — in this year’s “We neither fear any team nor think the press conference, said he was full title race is still wide open and it’s too AFC Champions League. Managing about their players or standings. Rath- of confi dence ahead for his team’s clash early to talk about winning the league,” the team technically well will be im- er, we focus on our players and what against Al Rayyan. portant in the next phase and we must they can do to win matches. The per- “I don’t think there is any shortage be ready for all championships. formance in the last few games in the of motivation or confi dence. It’s the He also praised Al Gharafa for rop- league does not actually refl ect our true biggest match in Qatar’s league and ing in Dutch star Wesley Sneijder and level. We have quality players who can everyone is motivated. I hope we beat Iran’s Mahedi Taremi during the re- make a big diff erence and we deserve a Al Rayyan and make up for our earlier cent transfer window. better position in the standings.” loss,” said the Algerian. “Al Gharafa have undergone some Meanwhile, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Meanwhile, Al Rayyan have just changes after the winter transfer peri- Ferreira exuded confi dence ahead of his strengthened the squad with defender Al Duhail striker Youssef El Arabi Al Duhail have 39 points from 15 od and they have a new coach in Bulent team’s Qatar Clasico against Al Rayyan Ahmed Yasser, who played for Spanish is the leading scorer in the league matches, while Al Sadd have 37 and Al Uygun. Even otherwise, all matches at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium to- side Cultural Leonesa, joining them with 20 goals so far. At left, Duhail Rayyan 39, meaning today could turn are diffi cult at this stage. They have day. They also have Abdulrahman al- coach Djamel Belmadi. out to be the most decisive day this been improving of late and have lost “The game is crucial and we know Harazi after his loan period to Al Sailiya season as far as the QNB Stars League only once in the second phase.” the importance of winning it though and Hossam Kamal following his loan told journalists. is concerned. However, Al Gharafa, who are 19 we still have seven games remaining. move to Al Arabi. “This match is important for both If Al Rayyan beat Al Sadd and Al Du- points off the pace, have decided to The players are aware of it. We had teams, especially for us, and we have hail lose to Al Gharafa, it would trigger concentrate on the Champions League not been playing with a full squad for TODAY’S FIXTURES to win it. The same day, Al Sadd and a frantic race to the fi nish with just six and decided to rest some of their sen- a long time. However, we won many Al Gharafa vs Al Duhail, Al Gharafa Al Rayyan are playing too. Our team games remaining after today’s match- ior stars. matches,” said the veteran Portuguese Sports Club, 4.40pm wants to stay in the lead and for that es. “We are in the process of develop- coach. Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan, Jassim bin Ha- winning is crucial.” “We are only focused on our match ing a strong squad for the future and “I have great confi dence in my play- mad Stadium (Al Sadd), 6.50pm Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

FRENCH CUP FOCUS Evra, kicked out of Marseille, joins West Di Maria fuels PSG Ham on free transfer

AFP West Ham are 12th in the Pre- London mier League with 12 matches to play, but are only three points above the teams in 18th and 19th, est Ham signed two of the three relegation plac- as Marseille hit nine former Manches- es. Evra’s departure from France ter United defender came after he lashed out in re- ‘He deserves to be in the squad, in the starting XI, like all the other players. My Patrice Evra on a sponse to a group of supporters Wfree transfer yesterday, with the who had come to the pitchside to opinion of him hasn’t changed today, he’s an important player for us’ Frenchman set to link up again berate him for what they consid- with former boss David Moyes. ered sub-par displays. Evra has won multiple league The 36-year-old, capped 81 titles and the Champions League times by France, was hit with a in an illustrious career but his season-long ban that only ap- spell at Marseille ended abruptly plies to UEFA club competitions. in November after he launched Alex Ferguson took the Sen- a kung-fu kick at a supporter. egal-born player to Manchester Evra, who joins the Hammers on United from Monaco in Janu- a contract until the end of June, ary 2006, and won fi ve Premier worked with Hammers manager League titles and the Champions Moyes during his time at Old League. Traff ord and is looking forward After spending his fi nal season to linking up with his old boss. at Old Traff ord working under “Im really happy to be a Ham- Moyes, the defender moved to mer, to be back in the Premier Italian champions Juventus in League and I love this game,” 2014 and enjoyed more domestic said the left-back. success before moving back to “When you have to make a France in January 2017. deal and money is not the is- Evra’s career has been dogged sue, the deal could be done in by controversy, not all of his fi ve minutes,” added the Evra in making. At the 2010 World Cup a statement on the club’s web- in South Africa he led a revolt of site. “The main thing was for the French players against coach me to join West Ham and to help Raymond Domenech. my teammates to win as many A year later, while playing for games as we can. United, Evra was the target of a “It was the fastest thing I have racist insult from then Liverpool done in my life, because both striker Luis Suarez. parties wanted to work together, The Uruguayan was banned so it was very easy to make an for eight matches and fi ned over agreement.” the incident.

FA CUP Swansea City win, Huddersfi eld through to face Man United Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring a goal during the French Cup round of sixteen match against Sochaux (FCSM) at the Auguste Bonal stadium in Sochaux. (AFP) Reuters rejuvenated since the appoint- London ment of manager Carlos Car- AFP Layvin Kurzawa cross at the far French Cup without injuries,” Rudi Garcia’s side, who are cant home defence to score the valhal at the end of December, Paris post, and Thiago Silva then rat- said Emery, whose side travel second in Ligue 1 after thrashing fi fth before half-time. scored four times in each half tled the crossbar with a header to Real Madrid next week for Metz 6-3 last week, romped into Argentinian Ocampos ampant Swansea City against beleaguered County. from a corner. the fi rst leg of their Champions a 4-0 lead inside 20 minutes at grabbed his second early in the thrashed fourth-tier Kyle Naughton, Wayne ngel Di Maria scored Di Maria added a third just League last 16 tie. the struggling Ligue 2 side and second half, although he was Notts County 8-1 in a Routledge, Tom Carroll and a hat-trick as hold- prior to the hour with a com- “We’re very happy with (Di showed no mercy against hap- made to wait to complete his replay to reach the FA Daniel James were also on tar- ers Paris Saint-Ger- posed fi nish after he was re- Maria),” added the Spaniard, less opponents. treble as Marseille went a game- CupR fi fth round on Tuesday as get for the Swans, who drew main (PSG) defeated leased in behind the home who has seen the revitalised “We had an actual night- high 23 minutes without scor- they chalked up their biggest 1-1 at Meadow Lane in the fi rst second-tierA Sochaux 4-1 on defence by a pass from Italian Argentine score nine goals in 10 mare, the two sides were a ing before he headed home. victory in the competition. game and now face Carvalhal’s Tuesday to reach the French midfi elder Marco Verratti. matches since the turn of the world apart,” admitted Bourg- Mitroglou quickly got back in Swansea’s fellow Premier old club, second-tier Sheffi eld Cup quarter-fi nals, while Mar- He completed his hat-trick year. en-Bresse coach Herve Della on the act as some more awful League side Huddersfi eld Town Wednesday who the Portuguese seille demolished Ligue 2 outfi t just three minutes later by forc- “He deserves to be in the Maggiore. defending allowed him to nod fought back against second-tier left on Christmas Eve. Bourg-en-Bresse 9-0. ing home a rebound from close squad, in the starting XI, like all “We watched them play.” in his seventh goal for the club, Birmingham City to progress Birmingham took the lead The Argentine winger headed range after Sochaux goalkeeper the other players. My opinion of Despite making six changes before Clinton N’Jie wrapped with a 4-1 extra-time replay win through Che Adams early in the PSG, who were playing without Lawrence Ati Zigi parried a him hasn’t changed today, he’s to the starting XI, Marseille up the scoring with number and will host Manchester United. second half, but Huddersfi eld the rested Neymar, ahead inside fi erce shot from Cavani. an important player for us.” ended the tie as a contest with nine from the penalty spot. Third-tier Rochdale knocked drew level with an own goal from the fi rst minute at the Stade Dani Alves fi nished the game early goals from Luiz Gustavo, Marseille have now won eight out Championship club Millwall Marc Roberts after Tom Ince’s Bonal in eastern France, but in goal for PSG after Kevin Mitroglou, Ocampos shine Dimitri Payet, Ocampos and and drawn one of their last nine 1-0 thanks to Ian Henderson’s shot was parried by the keeper. twice former winners Sochaux Trapp was sent off in the clos- Earlier, both Kostas Mitroglou. matches in all competitions, 53rd minute goal to set up a tie at Town pulled clear in extra levelled through Florian Martin ing stages for a foul outside his Mitroglou and Lucas Ocampos Greek international striker scoring 30 goals in the process. home to Tottenham Hotspur or time with Steve Mounie heading before the quarter hour. area on Sochaux striker Thomas scored hat-tricks as in-form Mitroglou has struggled to nail But they fell well short of Newport County. the visitors into the lead before Edinson Cavani restored the Robinet. Marseille crushed a hapless down a place in the team since their record win – a 19-0 French Tammy Abraham, on loan Rajiv van La Parra slotted in a lead for Unai Emery’s team on “The goal today was to ad- Bourg-en-Bresse in a heavily joining from Benfi ca last year, Cup victory over Stade Raphae- from Chelsea, and Nathan Dyer rebound and Ince added a fourth 27 minutes when he turned in a vance beyond this round of the lopsided last 16 tie. but he strolled through the va- lois in 1933. both scored twice as Swansea, with a fi erce drive.

SPOTLIGHT Chelsea coach Conte won’t be sacked for now AFP London Players must be responsible for Chelsea defeats: Cahill ntonio Conte won’t be sacked as Chelsea manager in The Chelsea players need to shoulder the respon- the short term at least after being granted a stay of ex- sibility for their “abysmal” Premier League displays ecution by Roman Abramovich, according to reports in recent weeks and not under-fire manager on Tuesday. Antonio Conte, defender Gary Cahill said. AConte’s future with the troubled Premier League champi- The defending champions have endured a ons was cast into doubt on Monday after a dismal 4-1 defeat turbulent period on the pitch, losing 4-1 at Watford against Watford. Fourth-placed Chelsea are languishing 19 on Monday, five days after a 3-0 home defeat by points behind leaders Manchester City after a turbulent cam- Bournemouth, increasing speculation over the paign marred by Conte’s squabble with his club’s hierarchy future of their Italian coach. over their transfer policy. “The players have to take responsibility. The man- Blues owner Abramovich has never been shy about wield- ager has done an absolutely unbelievable job,” ing the axe when his managers under-perform and it was sug- Cahill said. “This is the worst I’ve felt for a while. gested the debacle at Vicarage Road, coming hot on the heels of Performance-wise, I didn’t recognise us or myself. a wretched home loss to Bournemouth, could prompt Conte’s It was abysmal.” dismissal. The defeat against Watford left Chelsea fourth in But widespread reports in the British media on Tuesday the table, 19 points adrift of runaway leaders Man- claimed former Juventus and Italy manager Conte is now ex- chester City with a clash against basement side pected to remain in charge for Monday’s game against West West Bromwich Albion coming up on Monday. Bromwich Albion. “We just need to keep strong. I’ve been here before While there were meetings between various Chelsea board at this club. It’s about staying calm. It hurts a lot members on Tuesday, it is understood they were non-football when you come off after a performance like that.” related, over other corporate and commercial issues, with the Fellow defender Cesar Azpilicueta said Chelsea future of the manager not on the agenda. must focus on finishing in the top four and sug- Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is among the big names gested they could still salvage their season by who have been linked with the Chelsea job, but Conte is said to winning a cup competition. be refusing to contemplate resigning after less than two years Chelsea face Hull City in the fifth round of the in charge at Stamford Bridge. FA Cup and are in the last 16 of the Champions The Italian is believed to have irritated his squad with his de- League, where they take on Spanish side Barce- manding training schedule and intense personality. And Conte lona later this month. has now given Chelsea’s players three days off to recover after “I’m sure this team will fight back. We have three the Watford defeat. Having publicly complained about Chel- targets to go for and we have a massive three or sea’s failure to land his top transfer targets this season, Conte four months ahead of us,” Spaniard Azpilicueta risked angering Abramovich last week when he questioned said. why the club hadn’t given him a vote of confi dence amid spec- “As a player, what I want is to get back on the ulation over his future. Chelsea backed their manager, who still training field as soon as possible, work hard for has 18 months of his contract to run, during the January trans- Monday’s game, get the three points and get fer window by bringing in defender Emerson Palmieri from some confidence back.” Roma and France forward Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte during an EPL match against Watford. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, February 8, 2018 3 SPORT

GERMAN CUP Bayern hit Paderborn for six to reach semis Agencies found Joshua Kimmich, who Wolfsburg visit Schalke 04 in the ter to allay fans fears. Berlin beat the keeper at his near post remaining quarter-fi nal ties. “The medical staff took good with a calm fi nish. care of me after I was taken off Bayern landed a further blow 10 Mueller plays down and I will be able to play again ayern Munich dismantled minutes into the second half when injury fears soon. No worries! Thanks for all third-tier Paderborn to Corentin Tolisso headed home Thomas Mueller has played the well wishes,” wrote Mueller sweep into the German unmarked from a corner. Rob- down fears he could miss Bay- on the social media platform. Cup semi-fi nals with a ben curled the ball home from the ern Munich’s home Champions Bayern head coach Jupp Hey- Bthumping 6-0 win on Tuesday. edge of the area and then tapped League last 16 match against Be- nckes was more conservative The lower league side, who suf- in from close range to complete an siktas in a fortnight after limping when asked about the health of fered successive relegations after emphatic win late on. out of a German Cup win. Germany’s forward. “We’ll have playing in the Bundesliga three Bayer Leverkusen also reached Mueller, Bayern’s with to see how things go in the next years ago, began brightly but were the last four after fi ghting back Manuel Neuer currently injured, few days,” said Heynckes. “But swiftly outclassed by visiting from 2-0 down to beat Werder badly bruised his thigh collid- we hope that he will be back with Bayern, who have won the com- Bremen 4-2 after extra time. ing with Paderborn’s goalkeeper us on Saturday - Thomas is a petition a record 18 times. Max Kruse and Aron Johanns- Michael Ratajczak in the build- very important man for us.” Kingsley Coman gave Bay- son had given Bremen a two-goal up to Kingsley Coman’s opening Mueller is the lynchpin in ern the lead after 19 minutes, lead inside seven minutes, but goal in a 6-0 cup quarter-fi nal Bayern’s attack and in great form sweeping home from close range Julian Brandt scored either side away win on Tuesday. with three goals in his last fi ve after Arjen Robben had missed of halftime to drag Leverkusen Mueller played on, but came Bayern games. He is due a break his kick, and the France forward back into the match. off after 32 minutes raising fears after making an appearance in then teed up Robert Lewand- Karim Bellarabi and Kai he could miss Bayern’s home all of Bayern’s last 11 games. The owski with a delightful pass for Havertz then scored late in ex- Bundesliga match against Schal- Bavarian giants are 18 points the second. tra time to complete a superb ke this Saturday, plus their key clear in Germany’s top fl ight. Bayern eff ectively ended Pad- turnaround. The semi-fi nal home European match against Fifth-placed Schalke are in the erborn’s resistance four minutes lineup will be completed when Besiktas on February 20, with pack looking to bridge the gap before halftime when a beautiful last year’s runners-up Eintracht the last 16 return in Istanbul on and hinder Bayern’s march to a long ball from Mats Hummels Frankfurt host Mainz 05 and VfL March 14. Mueller took to Twit- sixth straight Bundesliga title. Bayern Munich’s Sebastian Rudy and teammates celebrate their victory over Paderborn. (Reuters)

QNB STARS LEAGUE TENNIS Final countdown begins for Qatar Soria: Al Rayyan can Total Open 2018 still win the title ‘I firmly believe that we can win the league as there’re many points to be won’ ebastian Soria is a goal machine in Qatar foot- ball for long 13 seasons, be it for the clubs he hasS represented or the national team. The talismanic player of Al Rayyan has been among goals aplenty ever since he joined Al Gharafa in the 2004-05 season. He has also played for Qatar SC and erstwhile Lekhwiya, and won many titles, including the 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medal. Soria has scored 38 goals from 119 matches for the Qatar national team as well. This season, he has scored nine goals, in the process playing a key role in Al Rayyan’s credit- able run that has seen them in By Sports Reporter Kerber from Germany (9) and the third position in QNB Stars Doha Julia Georges of Germany (10) League standings. headlining a strong fi eld from In an Interview with QSL On- the top-ten list besides many line ahead of Al Rayyan’s Qatar ith less than fi ve other world ranked players. Clasico against Al Sadd in Week days to go, the fi - Ticket sales are on and more 16 of the QNB Stars League to- nal countdown has importantly, the best women’s day, Soria gives his takes on begun for the Qatar tennis players are warming up various topics. WTotal Open 2018, the 16th edi- ahead of their big dash in Doha. Excerpts. tion of the annual WTA Premier The stars are expected to be How has your long jour- 5 category tournament. touching down from Thursday, ney in Qatar football been? Already, the Khalifa Interna- February 8 with Muguruza being Looking back, I’m so happy tional Tennis & Squash Com- the fi rst to arrive in the country. to have been playing at the top plex, the venue of the seven-day Next to arrive will be two-time level in Qatar, for clubs and the event which will be held from champion and a strong contend- national team, for long 13 sea- February 12-18 is wearing a new er for the Diamond Ball trophy, sons. I’ve enjoyed many privi- look with attractive branding Maria Sharapova of Russia. leges and got much respect, and refl ecting the mood of the tour- Other players are expected I’m indebted to all those who nament. This year’s tourna- in the country before the com- have supported me all along. ment carries a total cash prize of mencement of the tournament Yet, I believe I’ve a lot of football $2,666,000 with singles draw of on February 12. “The expecta- left in me. 64 players and doubles of 32. tions for this year’s tournament How do you rate Al Rayy- Tennis fans will have the won- are quite high considering the an’s performance in the derful opportunity of witnessing calibre of players on parade. We 2017-18 QNB Stars League their favourite stars on parade are delighted to play host to such season? with Australian Open champion, a strong fi eld. Tennis fans in the We’ve had an outstand- Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark country are set for a week-long ing season so far even though (World No.1), Simona Halep of feast of great games which is there’s still a long way to the Romania (No. 2), Elina Svitolina something we are happy about. fi nish. We’re only four points of Ukraine (3), Garbine Muguru- Ticket sales have been quite en- behind the leaders (Al Duhail). za of Spain (4), defending cham- couraging and we believe Qatar While we won some important pion Karolina Pliskova from Total Open 2018 will be the best matches, we lost points in some Czech Republic (5), Jelena Os- ever,” says Tournament Director games which we could’ve won. tapenko of Latvia (6), Angelique Saad al-Mohannadi. We drew with Umm Salal and lost to Al Ahli in the last two rounds of fi rst phase. Those SPOTLIGHT points would’ve helped us fur- ther. Al Rayyan did well to hold Al Duhail 3-3 in Week 14… QSLM in tie-up with Yes. We could put up a bet- ter performance than we did against Al Duhail in the fi rst- Indian Sports Centre phase match, which we lost 3-5. In fact, we could’ve won the he Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM), in its bid to game had we been a bit more promote the game among all sections of the society, signed a lucky in converting chances. co-operation agreement with the Indian Sports Centre (ISC), Where do you see Al Rayy- functioning under the aegis of Embassy of India. An ISC del- an at the end of this season’s Tegation, comprising Chairman Nilangshu Dey, General Secretary Mo- QNB Stars League? hamed Habibun and Omar Kanumal, visited the QSLM headquarters I fi rmly believe that we can yesterday morning. QSLM’s Marketing and Communications Depart- win the league as there’re ment Acting Executive Director Hassan al-Kuwari appreciated the many points to be won. I agree tie-up between both entities as an agreement was signed. the games from now on will be Al Rayyan’s Sebastian Soria battles for the ball with Lekhwiya’s Mohamed Musa during a QNB Stars League match. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Accordingly, the centre will get involved in and support the activi- tough with the AFC Champions ties of QNB Stars League clubs as well as QSLM. League engagements too com- goals as I can right till the end of to give off our best. A good per- on. The build-up to the event ing under Michael Laudrup? ing up, but we’ve the chance to the season and thus contribute formance by the referees will also generates excitement. I’ve played under Laudrup in emerge as victorious. to the team’s cause. add to its value. Al Rayyan have perhaps erstwhile Lekhwiya, so I knew I wish we continue in the What’s your approach to What makes Qatar Clasico the best fan base in Qatar… his style of coaching. He was a same way as we did in the fi rst the Qatar Clasico? so special in your view? Yes. Our fans are a strong great player. but the most im- phase, but for the games against Well, it’s more important For me, it’s the competitive source of support for the play- portant thing in football is re- Umm Salal and Al Ahli. Yes, the for us for the mere fact that we as well as festive spirit. I always ers. They always spur us on to sults. And we’re getting them league title is still in our hands. can’t aff ord to drop points. We like to play against strong op- greater performances, the latest under him. The most peculiar What’s your personal tar- had won in the fi rst phase and position. Then, it’s a delight to instance being our game against aspect of his coaching is that get? we’ve the players to put it across watch thousands of fans come Al Duhail a couple of weeks ago. he wants us to keep the ball as I would like to score as many Al Sadd this time too. We need to the venue to cheer the teams What’s your view of play- much as we can. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 8, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET / SA VS IND, 3RD ODI CRICKET / AUS VS ENGLAND, 2ND T20 Maxwell century Sublime Kohli guides powers hosts to win over England

AFP victory. India to crushing win Hobart, Willey fi nished with three for 28 off three overs. England, troubled by Aus- India take 3-0 series lead after Kohli’s unbeaten 160 leads visitors to 124-run victory lenn Maxwell tralia’s spinners, lost their last slammed a last-ball six wickets for 33 in registering a AFP six to score a masterful below-par total of 155. Cape Town century and lead Aus- Dawid Malan cracked 50 off 36 Gtralia to a fi ve- victory balls with fi ve fours and two sixes over England in the second tri- but England fell away after reach- ndian captain Virat Kohli hit 160 not series in ing 94 for two in the 10th over. out and led India to a third successive Hobart yesterday. Maxwell captured three for 10 convincing win in the third one-day Maxwell, who earlier took and Ashton Agar took two for 15 international against South Africa at three wickets in two overs, was as Australia sent England’s mid- INewlands yesterday. man of the match with an un- dle order tumbling. India won by 124 runs to take a 3-0 beaten 103 as the Australians Kane Richardson (1-27) began lead in the six-match series. “We can’t chased down England’s 155 for the damage by removing danger- lose the series so that is a huge boost for nine in the 19th over. ous opener Jason Roy for nine, the team,” said Kohli. “Now we want to Maxwell, who was controver- before Malan hit his lively half- increase our intensity even more to close sially dropped from Australia’s century. that door.” one-day team for the recent se- He was supported by Alex Kohli dominated India’s total of 303 for ries against England, responded Hales with 22 from 15 balls, and six after the tourists had been sent in on a with a 58-ball century including captain Eoin Morgan, also 22 good pitch. 10 fours and four sixes at Belle- from 14 balls. Needing to mount the highest success- rive Oval. Hales was the fi rst of two ful run chase at the ground, South Africa “It was nice to get one over the caught-and-bowled wickets fell woefully short. They were bowled out rope and fi nish the job,” Maxwell for Agar. When Morgan went, for 179. said. caught by Warner off Maxwell, it Indian wrist spinners Yuzvendra Cha- “For us to start the series the sparked a middle-order collapse. hal and Kuldeep Yadav again bamboozled way we have has been outstand- Jos Buttler (5) fell cheaply, the South African batsmen, taking four ing. We haven’t had a lot of suc- caught by Maxwell off Marcus for 46 and four for 23 respectively. The cess in T20 cricket for the last Stoinis (1-16), while Sam Bill- two spinners have taken a combined 21 few years. ings (10) popped a return catch wickets in the fi rst three matches of the “Missing out on the one-day to Agar. series. squad and not playing any part Malan was caught in the deep “They’re world-class spinners,” ad- in the Ashes, it was obviously by Andrew Tye for Maxwell’s mitted South African captain Aiden where I wanted to be this sum- second wicket and David Willey Markram. “After the third time we have mer. (3) was dismissed next ball to give played them the guys are still struggling “I had to do a lot of work be- Alex Carey his fi rst international to read the ball.” hind the scenes and I feel I’ve stumping. Markram gave credit to Kohli and the done that and got back into the Maxwell’s hat-trick ball was two spinners but added: “As much as Aussie colours.” wide of the leg-stump line. they’ve played really well we’ve got our- Maxwell had a big moment on Adil Rashid (1) got the toe end selves to blame.” 59 when his lofted drive found of the bat on a shot off pace- Kohli hit his second century of the se- the fi ngertips of long-off fi elder man Billy Stanlake and was well ries and the 34th one-day international India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the third ODI against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday. (Reuters) Jason Roy. caught by Stoinis, while Tom hundred of his career. He has scored 318 But Maxwell stood his ground Curran (6) was well held by a runs in three matches and only been dis- the innings. R. Sharma c Klaasen b Rabada 0 A. Markram st Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav 32 and although umpire Gerald back-pedalling Warner after missed once. Kohli was content to play the support- S. Dhawan c Markram b Duminy 76 J. Duminy lbw b Chahal 51 Abood’s soft signal was out, the failing to pick Tye’s knuckle ball. It could have been diff erent, though. ing role in a second wicket stand of 140 V. Kohli 160 H. Klaasen lbw b Chahal 6 television umpire deemed Roy Chris Jordan hit the fi nal ball He was given out leg before wicket to Ka- with Shikhar Dhawan, who pounded 12 A. Rahane c Phehlukwayo b Duminy 11 D. Miller c Dhoni b Bumrah 25 did not complete the catch. for six to fi nish with 16 from 11 giso Rabada before he had scored. Umpire fours in making 76 off 63 balls. H. Pandya c Klaasen b Morris 14 K. Zondo c sub (Pandey) b Chahal 17 Australia had a rocky start to balls, with Mark Wood on fi ve Ian Gould had to overturn his decision The pair came together after Rohit M. Dhoni c Ngidi b Imran Tahir 10 C. Morris lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 14 their run chase when David Wil- not out. Tye fi nished with 1-28. when an ultra-edge replay showed a spike Sharma was caught behind off Rabada in K. Jadhav c Klaasen b Phehlukwayo 1 A. Phehlukwayo c Kohli b Kuldeep Yadav 3 ley dismissed David Warner and as the ball passed the bat. the fi rst over without a run scored. B. Kumar not out 16 K. Rabada not out 12 Chris Lynn in the space of three BRIEF SCORES: England 9 for “I didn’t start off that well but it is an- South Africa, already without three Extras (lb3, w12) 15 Imran Tahir c Kohli b Chahal 8 balls. But Maxwell rebuilt the 155 (Malan 50; Maxwell 3-10, Agar other pleasing day individually and as a leading batsmen through injury, lost Total (6 wkts, 50 overs) 303 L. Ngidi lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 6 innings with stands with D’Arcy 2-15) lost to Australia 5 for 161 team,” said Kohli, who said he was strug- Hashim Amla leg before to Jasprit Bum- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Sharma), 2-140 Extras (lb2, w2) 4 Short (30), Travis Head (6) and (Maxwell 103 not out; Willey 3-28) gling with cramp when he was on about rah in the second over. Markram and JP (Dhawan), 3-160 (Rahane), 4-188 (Pandya), Total (all out, 40 overs) 179 Alex Carey (5 not out) to secure by 5 wickets 95. “There are times when you are tested Duminy put on 78 for the second wicket 5-228 (Dhoni), 6-236 (Jadhav) Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Amla), 2-79 and it is pleasing to go through it and do before Markram was deceived by Yadav’s : Rabada 10-1-54-1 (3w), Ngidi 6-0- (Markram), 3-88 (Klaasen), 4-95 (Du- well.” second ball and was to start a 47-0 (2w), Morris 9-0-45-1 (1w), Phehluk- miny), 5-129 (Miller), 6-150 (Morris), Kohli took a relatively sedate 119 balls slide from which the hosts could not re- wayo 6-0-42-1 (5w), Imran Tahir 9-0-52-1, 7-150 (Zondo), 8-158 (Phehlukwayo), to reach his 34th one-day international cover. Duminy 10-0-60-2 9-167 (Tahir) hundred, hitting only seven fours, but Bowling: Kumar 7-0-41-0, Bumrah 7-0- added another five fours and two sixes SCORECARD SOUTH AFRICA 32-2 (1w), Pandya 8-0-35-0 (1w), Chahal off 40 more balls in a blazing finish to INDIA H. Amla lbw b Bumrah 1 9-0-46-4, Kuldeep Yadav 9-1-23-4

BOTTOMLINE Sanga calls for Test pay minimum to stop T20 exodus

AFP its annual meeting. Hong Kong Fans as well as players need to be can- vased on the changes required to keep SRI LANKA’S TOUR OF BANGLADESH as the sport’s pinnacle, in- ri Lankan veteran Kumar San- cluding day-night and four-day Tests, gakkara has called for Test crick- said Sangakkara. et to introduce a minimum match “We need to understand what Test Mahmudullah eyes fee for all countries to stop young cricket means to players and what it is to playersS ditching the long-form for lucra- fans,” he said. tive Twenty20 leagues. “Relevance in sport is so important in series win over SL Sangakkara, the fi fth-highest run terms of not just growing the sport but scorer in the history of Test cricket, re- also sustaining it. AFP longest form of the game. tired from the fi rst-class game last year “I think international cricket is very Dhaka Mahmudullah said the Dhaka but has continued playing for domestic strong still. For any player, I think the pitch was “result-oriented” and T20 franchises around the world, includ- honour of representing their country be would favour spinners — condi- ing in this week’s Hong Kong T20 Blitz. been discussed, about parity of pay, es- ven Smith was due to earn $1,469,000 in it in Test, one-dayers or T20 cricket, it’s cting Bangladesh cap- tions absent in the run spree at The 40-year-old praised the shorter pecially when it comes to match fees for 2017 while Zimbabwean skipper Graeme still the pinnacle of the game.” tain Mahmudullah Ri- Chittagong. format for spreading the game’s popular- Test cricket. Cremer pocketed just $86,000. Sangakkara, who is appearing for Gal- yad said yesterday his The International Cricket ity to new markets but warned that with- “Shouldn’t there be a blanket mini- Twenty20 competitions have sprung axy Gladiators Lantau in this week’s team was confi dent of Council penalised the “below out change Test cricket could face a battle mum pay for Test cricketers? up around the world, from Australia’s Hong Kong tournament, also praised the Agetting its fi rst-ever Test series average” pitch in Chittagong for to remain relevant for young players and “The top countries are being paid a Big Bash League and India’s IPL which shorter format for extending his career. win over Sri Lanka after eking providing no seam movement to fans. certain Test match fee — shouldn’t that stretch out over many weeks to smaller “T20 is defi nitely the easiest format at out a dogged draw in the opener. fast bowlers and too heavily fa- “T20 is the ideal format to introduce — be refl ected all throughout the Test-play- competitions in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, my age to stay competitive in,” said San- The decider starts today in vouring the batters. you talk about the Americas, with China,” ing countries?” and the UAE which last just a few days. gakkara, who retired from the fi rst-class Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Batsmen plundered more than Sangakkara told AFP yesterday. Currently, international match fees game in September. Stadium and follows a contro- 1,500 runs over fi ve days — in- “Since its inception it’s been a huge paid to cricketers from diff erent Test TESTS ‘THE PINNACLE’ Sangakkara went out at the top with a versial drawn fi rst Test in Chit- cluding fi ve centuries and six pillar of strength for world cricket. nations vary wildly, with the sport’s so- Players from poorer nations can often remarkable fi nal fl ourish for Surrey in the tagong that drew censure from half-centuries. “But there are a few negatives... a lot called “Big Three” — India, England and earn more in the Twenty20 world than by English county championship, fi nishing cricket’s governing body. Sri Lanka captain Dinesh of young players taking up T20 instead of Australia — far ahead of the rest. representing their countries at Test level. as the competition’s top scorer with 1,491 The hosts managed a draw de- Chandimal said Bangladesh playing international cricket. According to a survey last year by The MCC world cricket committee last runs at an average of 106.50. spite Sri Lanka leaving them in would be tough to beat at home “There are various things that have ESPN CricInfo, Australia’s captain Ste- month endorsed calls for wage reform at “I’m defi nitely a has-been!” he joked. a precarious position at 81-3 at on a spinning track, but they had stumps on the fourth day. experienced players to deal with The visitors — who declared the conditions. at a colossal 713 for nine in their “When you look at this pitch, fi rst and only innings — criti- defi nitely there will be a result. Football, cricket and golf handicapped by UK climate change: study cised the pitch after the match. The pitch looks dry. Spinners Mahmudullah, who is stand- will defi nitely come into play. It AFC report underscored that warming threat- Steve Isaac, director of golf course “Climate change and rising seas are ac- ing in for injured skipper Shak- is challenging for both teams,” Kuala Lumpur ens sports beyond those dependent on management at the R&A, the governing celerating the retreat,” he told Reuters. ib Al Hasan, said Bangladesh he said. snow and ice on display at this month’s body for golf outside the United States US President Donald Trump, who doubts played better at home and were “They are really good, espe- Pyeongchang Olympics. and Mexico, said in the report that he that greenhouse gas emissions are the confi dent of clinching a historic cially (on) their home soil. They olf, cricket and football are suff er- A main problem is that six of the seven reckoned golf was “more impacted by prime driver of climate change, owns series win in Dhaka. have performed well here. We ing from wetter weather linked to wettest years on record in Britain have climate change than any sport aside two courses in Scotland. “We got out of a tough position never underestimate them, they Gclimate change in Britain, the na- been since 2000, said Piers Forster, from skiing”. The England and Wales Cricket Board in the fi rst match. So this game is are playing really good cricket. tion which laid down the modern rules a professor of climate change at the Coastal golf courses were suff ering from said it was suff ering from less predictable a great chance for us to win a Test “We have more experienced for the games, a study said yesterday. University of Leeds who contributed to storm surges and a rise in sea levels, weather. Twenty seven % of England’s series,” he told reporters. players in our Test side compared More downpours meant pitches and the study. caused by a melt of ice from Greenland home One Day Internationals were played “I think our team is better, es- to the ODI side. It is still chal- fairways were more likely to be soggy “Britain is particularly susceptible to to the Himalayas. with reduced overs since 2000 due to rain pecially at home. It will be a good lenging to us but we have some or unplayable while sea level rise was storms coming in from the North Atlan- Montrose, for instance, has moved tees disruptions, the study said. contest, which was mostly the game plans according to the also aggravating erosion of coastal golf tic,” he told Reuters. and fairways inland because of erosion, And for football, extreme weather case in Chittagong.” conditions and their players. We courses in Scotland, such as Montrose Rain, extreme weather and and erosion said Chris Curnin, director at the Mon- events caused the cancellation of 25 Bangladesh have not won a need to execute that well.” which dates back to 1562, it said. meant “cancelled football matches, trose Golf Links. Dredging and natural Football League fixtures during the Test series since beating Zim- Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will The Climate Coalition, of 130 non- flooded cricket grounds and golf shifts in the North Sea explained some 2015-16 season, the study said. It did not babwe 3-0 at home in 2014 and also play two Twenty20 interna- governmental groups in Britain, said its courses crumbling into the sea,” it said. of the erosion, of 70 metres in places. give comparisons to other years. have defeated Sri Lanka just once tionals after the Test series wraps in their last 19 contests in the up. Gulf Times Thursday, February 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL ROUND-UP Patriots coach Cavaliers buried by McDaniels stuns Colts with U-turn

AFP pundits — the Patriots sitting Orlando ‘avalanche’ Los Angeles one of their best defenders in a game where they leaked points as the Eagles won 41-33. ew England Patriots A report on Tuesday said Harden scores his 15,000th career point to extend Houston’s winning streak to five coach Josh McDaniels Butler had been omitted after a stunned the Indiana- “perfect storm” of issues, which AFP polis Colts on Tuesday, included violating a rule over Ndramatically reversing an ear- team curfews during Super Bowl Los Angeles lier decision to join the franchise week as well as illness and poor and opting to stay in Boston. The form in practice. eBron James and the Cleveland Colts had confi rmed one of the However Butler took to social Cavaliers crashed to yet another worst-kept secrets in the NFL media on Tuesday to address the humiliating defeat against the Or- earlier Tuesday, saying Patriots reported reasons for his bench- lando Magic on Tuesday as James off ensive co-ordinator McDan- ing. “I would never do anything LHarden scored his 15,000th career point iels had agreed to join the Colts to hurt my team’s chances of to extend Houston’s winning streak to as head coach. winning a game, including this fi ve games. McDaniels, a close confi dante year’s Super Bowl where I vis- In Orlando, James scored 25 points but of Patriots quarterback Tom ited with my family every night,” it was not enough to prevent the Cavs Brady and a key lieutenant of Butler wrote in a post shared on from slumping to a 116-98 loss in a roller head coach Bill Belichick, was Instagram and Twitter. coaster game. Cleveland looked to be in due to be formally unveiled at a “During Super Bowl week the mood for an emphatic win after piling press conference yesterday. I never attended any concert, on a massive 43 points in the fi rst quarter But in a shocking U-turn late missed curfew, or participated and powering to 67-51 at half-time. Tuesday, the Colts announced in any of the ridiculous activities But Orlando dominated the second that McDaniels, 41, had changed being reported. They are not only half, outscoring the Cavs 65-31 in the fi - his mind. false, but hurtful, to me and my nal two quarters to complete a crushing McDaniels’s departure was family. Although I wish I could win before their home fans. A grim night one of the most prominent off - have contributed more to help for Cleveland also saw coach Tyronn Lue season changes expected at the my team win, I have to get ready leave courtside midway through the sec- Patriots, who suff ered an upset for the next opportunity.” ond quarter with an undisclosed illness. 41-33 defeat to the Philadelphia Butler’s post was later liked Lue did not reappear and reportedly Eagles in Sunday’s Super Bowl. and commented on by Patriots watched the remainder of the game from However, reports said that Pa- quarterback Tom Brady. “Love the locker room. Orlando were sparked triots owner Robert Kraft had you Malcolm, you are an incred- by 34 points from Jonathon Simmons, lobbied McDaniels to rethink, ible player, teammate and friend. on a night when all of Orlando’s starters and ultimately persuaded him to Always!!!!!!,” Brady commented. cracked double digits. stay with an off er of an improved Cavs star James pinpointed a disas- contract. trous third quarter — when Orlando McDaniels has won fi ve Super poured on 41 points — for the loss. “They Bowls with the Patriots in two hit some big-time shots in the third quar- separate stints with the fran- ter,” James said. “The snowball turned chise. On Monday, Patriots de- into an avalanche in the third. A 41-point fensive co-ordinator Matt Pa- quarter is hard to come back from.” tricia confi rmed his departure. James said Lue’s illness had also aff ect- He will join the Detroit Lions as ed the team. “Unfortunately he’s sick and head coach. The Patriots, mean- that’s all we heard,” James said. “He’s the while, may also face personnel captain of our ship so it’s a tough blow.” changes, with star tight end Rob The Cavs face the Minnesota Tim- Gronkowski hinting he may re- berwolves next in Cleveland, who have tire in the aftermath of Sunday’s already beaten the Cavs this season. Super Bowl loss in Minneapolis. “We’ve got a great opportunity tomorrow against a team that beat us up pretty good before,” James said. “We look forward to Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (right) blocks a shot of Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo during the first half of the BUTLER HITS OUT OVER the challenge. We’ve got to come out and NBA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami on Tuesday night. (USA TODAY Sports) SUPER BOWL BENCHING sustain the challenge.” New England Patriots defensive In New York meanwhile, Rockets star terwards he was not thinking about per- lobbing the ball at an offi cial. main in top spot on 39-16. In New York, star Malcolm Butler hit back on Harden brought up 15,000 career points sonal honours. “Just want to win, and In Toronto, Kyle Lowry scored 23 points Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis suff ered Tuesday as the mystery of his on as Houston swept to a 123-113 win over put ourselves in the best position that we as the Raptors closed to within two games a season-ending knee injury as his team Super Bowl benching rumbled the Brooklyn Nets to maintain pressure can for post-season and then we’ll take it of the Boston Celtics at the top of the were downed 103-89 by the Milwaukee on. Butler spent most of the on Golden State at the top of the Western from there,” Harden said. Eastern Conference with a 111-91 victory. Bucks. Porzingis landed awkwardly after Super Bowl on the bench as a Conference. Golden State meanwhile were thumped Raptors ace Lowry made eight rebounds a dunk and twisted his left knee. An MRI frustrated spectator after being Harden fi nished with 36 points as the 125-105 by Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul with four assists while CJ Miles came off scan later confi rmed a torn anterior cru- left out of the starting defensive Rockets bagged a fi fth straight victory to George and Russell Westbrook combined the bench to score 20 points in 15 minutes ciate ligament. line-up. improve to 39-13, two wins back from the to dismantle the Warriors defence. George on court.DeMar DeRozan had 15 points, RESULTS: Orlando 116 Cleveland 98; Head coach Bill Belichick and Warriors. Chris Paul had 25 points, with fi nished with 38 points while Westbrook with six assists and three rebounds. Kyrie Toronto 111 Boston 91; Atlanta 108 Memphis defensive co-ordinator Matt Pa- Clint Capela adding 18 and Gerald Green added 34. Kevin Durant led the scoring Irving had 17 points for the Celtics on his 82; Houston 123 Brooklyn 113; Milwaukee 103 tricia later said the 27-year-old contributing 16 points from the bench. for the Warriors with 33 points against return from injury. New York 89; Philadelphia 115 Washington cornerback had been left out for Harden was bombarded with chants his former team. Draymond Green was The Raptors’ win puts Toronto at 37- 102; Oklahoma City 125 Golden State 105; LA “football reasons”. The decision “M-V-P!” during the game but said af- ejected for the third time this season after 16, second overall in the East. Boston re- Lakers 112 Phoenix 93 baffl ed many former players and

NHL Penguins beat Knights to spoil Fleury’s homecoming

Reuters in off the stick of Vancouver’s Chris- Allen. Devan Dubnyk made 35 saves to Pittsburgh, USA topher Tanev. Vancouver goalie Jacob earn the win. Hutton lasted just one pe- Markstrom, a former Panthers draft riod, allowing three goals on eight shots pick and player, made 37 saves. Markus before coach Mike Yeo inserted Allen vgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel Granlund scored a short-handed goal before the second period. Allen wasn’t each had a goal and an assist for the Canucks. much better, permitting three goals on during a fi ve-goal spurt to rally 12 shots. the Penguins to a 5-4 victory BRUINS 3, RED WINGS 2 overE the Golden Knights on Tuesday Sean Kuraly and Danton Heinen each JETS 4, COYOTES 3 night in Pittsburgh, spoiling the home- had a goal and an assist as Boston edged Dustin Byfuglien scored a goal and add- coming for Vegas goaltender Marc- host Detroit to win for the eighth time ed an assist in his 800th NHL game to Andre Fleury. Ryan Reaves, Ian Cole in nine games. David Krejci scored the pace Winnipeg Jets to a win over visit- and Jake Guentzel also scored goals other goal for the Bruins. ing Arizona. and Matt Murray fi nished with 21 saves Boston goalie Tuukka Rask stopped Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made for Pittsburgh, which won its eighth 26 shots and has given up just four goals 21 saves for the Jets, who have rid- straight home game. Sidney Crosby over the past three games. den a 6-0-2 run to claim fi rst place in added two assists. Martin Frk had a power-play goal the Central Division. Winnipeg is two William Karlsson, James Neal, Ryan and an assist for Detroit, which has lost points ahead of the Nashville Predators, Carpenter and Jonathan Marchessault four of its past six games. Frans Nielsen but has three games in hand. Christian scored goals for the Pacifi c Division- scored the other Red Wings goal while Dvorak and Derek Stepan each collect- leading Golden Knights, who lost for Jimmy Howard made 28 saves. ed a goal and an assist for Arizona. just the second time in 24 games when scoring the fi rst goal of a game. SENATORS 5, DEVILS 3 FLAMES 3, BLACKHAWKS 2 Fleury, a key member on three Mike Hoff man and Chris DiDomenico Michael Stone scored the go-ahead Stanley Cup championship teams in scored power-play goals 58 seconds goal with 3:30 remaining in the third 13 seasons with the Penguins, fi nished apart in the fi rst period to give Ottawa a period, and Calgary held on for a win with 33 saves. The No 1 pick of the 2003 lead it never relinquished in a win over at Chicago. Dougie Hamilton and Sean NHL Draft, who set team records for visiting New Jersey. Matt Duchene, Co- Monahan also scored for the Flames, games, minutes played, wins and shut- lin White and Zack Smith also scored who completed a three-game sweep outs, picked up his 2017 Stanley Cup for the Senators, who won for the third against the Blackhawks during the reg- ring from owner Mario Lemieux be- time in four games. ular season. fore the game and also received a spe- Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson re- Calgary improved to 14-5-5 on the cial video tribute and lengthy standing Pittsburgh Penguins center Riley Sheahan skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period corded 30 saves. Travis Zajac, Tay- road. Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane ovation during the fi rst break in the fi rst of their NHL match at PPG PAINTS Arena in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) lor Hall and Kyle Palmieri scored for scored for Chicago. The Blackhawks period. the Devils, who had their three-game dropped to 2-5-2 in their past nine con- ton player to reach the 200-goal mark. earlier goal. Elias Lindholm scored for heim’s Ondrej Kase and Buff alo’s Jack winning streak snapped. Goalie Keith tests and fell to 12-11-3 on home ice. CAPITALS 3, BLUE JACKETS 2 Ovechkin added two assists. the Hurricanes, who dropped to 2-2-1 Eichel each had a goal and an assist. Kinkaid made 16 saves before being Nicklas Backstrom scored his 200th on a season-high, eight-game home- pulled after allowing the Senators’ AVALANCHE 3, SHARKS 1 career goal with 43 seconds left to give FLYERS 2, HURRICANES 1 (OT) stand. PANTHERS 3, CANUCKS 1 fourth goal. Jonathan Bernier made 38 saves and Washington a victory over host Colum- Jordan Weal’s goal with 3.1 seconds re- Rookie goalie Harri Sateri made 26 Tyson Jost and JT Compher each had a bus. Alex Ovechkin began the game- maining in overtime gave Philadelphia DUCKS 4, SABRES 3 (OT) saves to win his fourth consecutive WILD 6, BLUES 2 goal and an assist to lead Colorado past winning play by sending the puck to- a victory at Carolina. Adam Henrique scored the overtime game, and Aleksander Barkov scored Six Wild players scored goals as visit- San Jose for a ninth consecutive home ward the net, and TJ Weal’s goal came on only the second winner for visiting Anaheim, and twice as Florida defeated visiting Van- ing Minnesota took advantage of spotty win. Gabriel Bourque also scored a goal Oshie got it in the left circle and overtime shot for the Flyers after the Ducks goalie Ryan Miller earned a vic- couver on Tuesday. goaltending to rout St. Louis. for the Avalanche, who won despite made a blind pass to the right side. Hurricanes dictated play for much of tory in a return to the city in which he Barkov scored the go-ahead goal for Nino Niederreiter, Marcus Foligno, getting outshot 39-20. Backstrom was waiting and fi red it the extra session. The center’s seventh spent the bulk of his career. Miller, the the Panthers and added an empty-net- Mikko Koivu, Jason Zucker, Matt Dum- Joel Ward scored a goal and Martin past Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. goal of the season ended his eight- all-time winningest goalie in Sabres ter with 42 seconds remaining. ba and Zach Parise scored for Minneso- Jones stopped 17 shots for San Jose, Backstrom, who also had an assist in game stretch without a point. history, made 30 saves to help snap his Florida’s Jamie McGinn was also ta, which collected its goals on just 20 which had a two-game win streak the game, became the fi fth Washing- Wayne Simmonds scored the Flyers’ team’s three-game losing streak. Ana- credited with a goal that actually went shots against Carter Hutton and Jake snapped. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 8, 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS

SPOTLIGHT FURY World champ Bailey rips IOC, Organisers and biathlon bosses over athletes run for Russia doping mess cover as cold bites Pyeongchang is plunging to minus 20 degrees Celsius at night and rarely breaking above freezing in the day rendering digital equipment useless and triggering health concerns

Reuters A hardy construction Pyeongchang, South Korea worker at the media centre in Pyeongchang, layered up with only his eyes and nose exposed ven for cold weather to the elements, said the cold AFP Bailey also dismissed any idea warriors hardened by was “diff erent” here. “This is Pyeongchang of anti-Russian politics in the years of winter sports not Seoul,” he said. “This is situation. Etraining, the icy chill of Pyeongchang cold.” “It’s not revisiting the Cold South Korea’s frigid February The current cold snap is the orld 20km indi- War,” he said. “Unfortunately has come as a shock to the sys- latest to blanket the country over vidual champion the political rhetoric is this is tem in the leadup to this month’s the past few months, prompting Lowell Bailey was a clash between the West and Pyeongchang Olympics. the Korea Centers for Disease doubtful of fair Russia. It’s not. It’s about clean Plunging to minus 20 degrees Control and Prevention to issue Wand clean biathlon events at the sports. We all have to abide by Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) at night warnings about cold weather in- Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the WADA code.” and rarely breaking above freez- juries such as hypothermia and hammering slow and inadequate Bailey, who backs life bans ing in the day, the temperatures frostbite. responses to the Russian doping for doping, noted the World have put Pyeongchang on track Not everyone is praying for the scandal. Cup events will still have to be the coldest Olympics in sweet release of spring, however, The 36-year-old American Pyeongchang-banned biath- decades and present athletes with manufacturers and retail- called upon the International letes, and the IBU World Cup fi - with a very diff erent set of con- ers of cold weather gear enjoying Olympic Committee, World An- nal remains scheduled to be held ditions from the sunshine and something of a boon. Sales of hot ti-Doping Agency and Interna- in Russia. slushy snow of Sochi four years packs, which generate heat for tional Biathlon Union for tough- “We’ll be in a country respon- ago. Athletes walk past a Winter Olympics symbol at the biathlon venue in Pyeongchang yesterday. hours when activated through er punishments in the wake of sible for the worst doping scan- The 1994 Winter Games in shaking, have skyrocketed, cre- systemic doping at Sochi 2014. dal in the history of our sport Lillehammer, Norway, where he added. “It’s the same as light- $58mn open-air Olympic sta- ly as possible.” ating shortages of materials for “It’s clear to me our sport is and our federation thinks that’s temperatures dipped to minus 11 ing a fi re and burning your (ski) dium. The Korean Meteorological manufacturers, Yonhap News not completely clean and that fi ne,” Bailey said. Celsius, are currently the coldest base because the snow crystals The ceremony has been Administration (KMA) may just reported last week. doesn’t live up to the Olympic “They need to take stronger Olympics on record but recent get such sharp edges.” slimmed down to a brisk two- have provided a ray of sunshine “In December, securing iron ideal,” Bailey said. actions, the fi rst being we can’t Games in Turin, Vancouver and Health concerns too have ris- hour march from the typical for organisers yesterday, how- powder was a bit diffi cult,” an “We all — the IOC, WADA, have a World Cup fi nal in Rus- Sochi have all been signifi cantly en to the fore. Norway’s cross- four-hour procession and or- ever. “According to our fore- offi cial from TPG told Reuters, IBU — need to work harder to sia this year. It sends the wrong warmer. country team have brought ganisers plan to dish out hats, cast the temperature will not be adding that while supplies had make sure the athletes have the message. This is the fi rst step Sporting and digital equip- some of their training indoors blankets and seat-warmers to problematic to have the opening since stabilised the outlook was fundamental right to compete they have to do to earn back the ment appears no match for the to prevent cold air from damag- combat the cold, though that ceremony,” KMA Deputy Direc- uncertain. “Lately demand has on a level playing fi eld.” respect of athletes.” biting cold either, with skis ing athletes’ airways while fears has not been enough to reassure tor Choi Heung-jin told report- been growing because of the Ol- Russia has been banned from Bailey said athletes are un- warped to such an extent coach- that an outbreak of norovirus, some spectators as a number of ers. ympics so we will have to see.” the Pyeongchang Games, al- happy at sharing World Cup es are tossing them out like “gar- known as the ‘winter vomiting tickets have already been re- Temperatures would range North Korea has agreed to though some Russians will com- podiums with Olympic-banned bage” while cellphone and TV bug’, would sweep through the turned. from minus 2 to minus 5 Celsius participate at the Games amid a pete as “Olympic Athletes from rivals, and spoke of his own feel- camera batteries are being ren- Games prompted organisers to Sadie Bjornsen, a cross- (28.4-23 F) which would not be thaw in relations with the South, Russia” under a neutral fl ag. ings at fi nishing behind athletes dered lifeless in minutes. keep infected security staff away country skier on Team USA, told overly concerning, he added. and the cold does not seem to But asked if the biathlon later proven cheats. Austrian Alpine skier Mar- from work. Reuters they were taking the Yoon Hee-dong, director of the be anything out of the ordinary events will be clean and fair at “You feel violated. I don’t cel Hirscher said athletes were But it is the threat of hypo- cold threat seriously. “We’ve got KMA’s forecast bureau, said for their delegation. “I don’t Pyeongchang, Bailey was uncer- think there’s any other way to using a diff erent pair of skis on thermia at tomorrow’s opening these heated jackets from Ralph spectators coming to Gangwon know whether it’s cold because tain. feel about it,” he said. “I don’t every run as the frigid tempera- ceremony that has set organisers Lauren, and we’ve also been told province should realise that I’m from North Korea,” Vice “It’s my hope that’s the case,” think you ever really get over it. tures sharpened snow crystals. on edge, with presidents, prime that there’s going to be a warm it was colder than other parts Sports Minister Won Gil-woo, he said. “We have maybe the best It just sort of taints the way you “Snow crystals get really sharp ministers and some 35,000 area that we can stand in,” she of Korea and that they should who led the North’s delegation chance of it being a clean fi eld look back at that competition. when temperatures go to minus spectators scheduled to gather said. “After it’s over it’s about “bundle up” and take other pre- to the Games, told reporters. we’ve ever had.” “When you are retroactively 20 degrees and the base burns,” under the stars at Pyeongchang’s getting back on the bus as quick- cautions to keep the cold at bay. “Pyeongchang weather is good.” He said IOC eff orts to ban awarded a higher place, no mat- cheats had “robust criteria” ter what they do, if they award and added: “It’s my hope that’s you a medal, if it’s four years or APPROVAL BOTTOMLINE enough to create clean sport.” four days later, you’ve lost that Bailey said the probe into Rus- moment.” sia’s doping schemes at Sochi Recalling a World Cup third should have been expedited and that was later upgraded to sec- Pope included Moscow lab data still ond, Bailey said: “I was retro- unseen. “The IOC was right to awarded the higher spot. But a N Korean cheerleaders take away Russian participa- letter in the mail doesn’t make praises tion,” Bailey said. “There have up for a moment lost. He served been some startling transgres- his two years and was welcomed sions from Russia. It’s clear the back. The Russians don’t seem joint Sochi Games were compromised to have a problem with that.” spark South fashion envy by their actions.” Bailey was also annoyed at the But the current system of delays in dealing with the scan- Korean AFP piece jackets and skirts com- safeguarding fair play is inad- dal. Two days before the opening Inje, South Korea plete with Kim Il-Sung and Kim equate, Bailey said. ceremony, 47 Russians barred Jong-Il lapel pins — were seen “It did fail clean athletes. It from the Games still have ap- teams chatting among themselves at did not protect fair play and peals pending before the Court round tables. “A new era of rec- we’re at a critical moment right of Arbitration for Sport. Reuters ore than 200 sharply onciliation has been opened,” now,” he said. “The timing of all this is ridic- Vatican city dressed North Ko- said a North Korean delegate “It’s up to the IOC, WADA and ulous. It should have been done rean cheerleaders leading the cheer squads, re- the (sport governing bodies) to in a much more expedited way,” decked out in ex- ferring to a thaw in North and take a stance. Are you coming he said. “If you look at the evi- ope Francis said yes- pensiveM fur smiled and posed for South Korean relations ahead down on the side of clean sport dence out there, there’s enough terday the participa- the media and onlookers yester- of the Games. The guests were and fair play, or be on the side of proof to make judgements at that tion of North Korean day after arriving in South Korea served grilled scallops, shrimp ‘it’s unclear’? It’s not unclear.” point.” athletes in the Olym- for the Pyeongchang Olympics. wrapped in pickled radish, bar- picsP raised hopes for recon- The 229 chic young women wore becued beef, beef stew and fruit. ciliation on the Korean pe- tailored knee-length scarlet With only 10 North Korean ath- ninsula and that the Vatican coats with fur hats, fur collars, letes competing for their coun- IOC chief defends response was ready to back any peace and matching cuff s to ward off try at the Games, and another initiative. “The traditional Ol- the winter chill. 12 on the roster of a unifi ed Ko- AFP group of “clean” Russian ath- ympic truce acquires special “By the way, I love the North rean women’s ice hockey team, Pyeongchang, South Korea letes to compete under a neu- importance this year,” he told Korean cheering squad’s outfi t. the cheerleaders will reportedly tral fl ag. The late wrangling to pilgrims and tourists at his It’s quite something! I want that support South Korean athletes join this group has proved a dis- weekly general audience. hat!” said one South Korea fan when none of their own are in lympics chief Tho- traction before Pyeongchang Delegations from the two of the women who were part of action. mas Bach defend- and echoes the confusion at Rio Koreas will march together a 280-member delegation who The delegation, led by ed his handling of 2016, when the IOC stopped under a single fl ag and athletes crossed the Demilitarised Zone Pyongyang’s sports minister the Russian dop- short of banning Russia and in- will compete as a single team that divides the two Koreas at a Kim Il-Guk, also includes three Oing scandal yesterday as legal stead let sports federations de- in some sports at the Winter post north of Seoul. North Korean cheerleaders attend a welcome banquet at the Inje other offi cials from the National bids by 47 Russians to join the cide whether to admit Russian Games starting on Friday in They were immediately Speedium resort complex in Inje county, north of Pyeongchang, Olympic Committee, 26 taek- Pyeongchang Winter Games athletes. Pyeongchang, South Korea. whisked away in a convoy to ahead of the Winter Olympic Games. (AFP) wondo demonstrators and 21 looked set to go down to the Bach, asked whether he had “This allows for hope for a their hotel in Inje county, a small journalists. The Olympics have wire. Bach refused to be drawn presided over a “fi asco”, said world where confl icts can be rural town located 120 kilome- One of those in the 2005 enforcing tight security while at triggered a rapid rapprochement on the cases before the Court this week’s IOC session had resolved peacefully through tres from the Games venue in group, Ri Sol-Ju, went on to be- the same time maintaining close on the divided Korean peninsula, of Arbitration for Sport, which overwhelmingly backed a vote dialogue and reciprocal re- Pyeongchang. “I am happy to come the wife of North Korean surveillance on the large group after the nuclear-armed North’s has already lifted life bans im- of confi dence in the handling of spect, as sport teaches us to see you,” said one cheerleader, leader Kim Jong-un. The young of Northerners. But hours be- leader Kim Jong-un expressed a posed on 28 Russians by the the crisis. “This was a very clear do,” he said. beaming broadly but refusing to women were given a quick fore the arrival of the guests, the willingness to participate in his International Olympic Com- message after all the arguments “May these Olympics be a disclose their cheerleading rou- bathroom break at a rest area in hotel was bustling with media New Year speech. The two Ko- mittee. had been addressed,” said Bach, great feast of friendship and tine. “You just wait. If I tell you Gapyeong, located about half- and police offi cers who had put reas held a rare high-level meet- Fifteen of the Russians are adding that the “timing (of sport,” he said, adding that the now, it would be less exciting way to their hotel destination. barriers up at all entrances to the ing last month and the North’s appealing against the IOC’s Russia’s suspension) was not in Vatican was ready to back any when you see it.” They strutted past South Kore- resort. ceremonial head of state is due decision to refuse them invi- our hands”. “useful peace initiative that The cheerleaders are report- ans onlookers, who snapped out The cheerleaders got off the to arrive tomorrow, the highest- tations for the Pyeongchang “Studies had to be done... favours peace and encounter edly the product of a careful se- their smartphones for photos of bus one by one and scurried past level Pyongyang offi cial ever to Winter Olympics, which will evidence had to be provided among peoples”. lection process in North Korea, the rare sight. the media, who fi red questions visit the South. South Korea’s start with a gala opening cer- and fair hearings for Russian Francis has in the past called screened for their family back- Banners welcoming the at the young visitors ranging unifi cation ministry said Kim emony tomorrow. Another 32, athletes had to be off ered,” he on all nations to support dia- grounds, looks, skills and loyalty North’s Olympic participation from their health to the chilly Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-Jong, including Korean-born speed said, describing the work of logue to ease tensions on the to the ruling Workers’ Party. The in the February 9-25 Olympics weather. Most quickly walked a senior member of the ruling skater Victor An, launched a the IOC’s disciplinary com- Korean peninsula and to work North has sent cheer squads to lined the hilly drive up to the Inje into the building without saying Workers’ Party, will also be part similar appeal on Tuesday. The mission. Former world anti- for a legally binding ban on three international sports events Speedium, a four-star luxury a word but some occasionally of the delegation. cases have been adjourned to- doping president Dick Pound nuclear weapons.. hosted by the South — the 2002 resort with a car racing theme smiled and waved at the camera, But critics in the South allege day. After revelations of a state- on Tuesday slammed the IOC’s The pope, who is a soccer Asian Games in Busan, the 2003 park. and said: “Nice to meet you.” the North has been allowed to sponsored doping conspiracy, response to Russia, insisting fan, said he would be accom- Summer Universiade in Daegu Surrounded by mountains At a dinner banquet hosted by hijack the Pyeongchang Games, the IOC suspended Russia in the body’s credibility had been panying the Games with his and the 2005 Asian Athletics and seemingly secluded, the re- South Korea, the cheerleaders dubbing them the Pyongyang December but allowed a large badly aff ected. prayers. Championships in Incheon. sort is seen as an ideal spot for — in matching bright red two- Olympics instead. Gulf Times Thursday, February 8, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET Qatar host Uganda in preparation for T20 World Cup qualifi ers

By Sports Reporter sion Five. QCA has done an excellent Tomorrow: Qatar vs Uganda (50-ov) Doha job so far and they are working hard,” Feb 10: Qatar vs Uganda (T20) al-Kuwari said. Feb 11:President’s XI vs Uganda (50-ov) Uganda, coached by former Feb 13: President’s XI vs Uganda (T20) atar national team will play captain Steve Tikolo, also sees this as an two Twenty20 and one 50- opportunity to get ready for the World QATAR SQUAD: Inam-Ul-Haq, Moham- over cricket matches against Cricket League Division 4 tournament ed Rizlan, Mohamed Awais, Malik Faisal, Uganda starting from to- in Malaysia in April. After the series Javed Khan, Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry, morrow,Q February 9, at the Asian Town in Qatar, Uganda will travel to India to Dharmang Hasmukh Patel, Qalandar cricket stadium. The bilateral series is play some more practice matches. Khan, Mohamed Nadeem, Kamran part of Qatar team’s preparation for the This is Tikolo’s second stint with Khan, Tamoor Sajjad, Zaheeruddeen Asian regional qualifi ers for the ICC Uganda; he served as an assistant and Ibrahim, Mohamed Tanveer, Mohamed Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Ku- batting coach in 2012-13. During that Imran Ashraf and Khurram Shahzad wait in April. tenure, Uganda won the T20 African UGANDA SQUAD: Roger Mukasa, Announcing the fi xtures, Qatar Premier League and qualifi ed for the Hamu Kayondo Bagenda, Zephania Cricket Association (QCA) President 2014 World Cup Qualifi er after fi nish- Arinaitwe, Simon Sseazi, Shahzad Ukani, Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari said the series ing in the top two with Nepal at WCL Lloyd Paternott, Deusdedit Muhu- provides an ideal chance for Qatar team Division Three in May 2013. muza, Brian Masaba, Frank Nsubuga, to prepare for six-nation tournament in Tikolo said his aim is to take Uganda Kenneth Waiswa, Fred Achelam, Irfan Kuwait. “This is a great opportunity for to Division Two. They are now in Di- Sahibzada, Henry Senyondo, Charles Qatar team to get some match practice vision Four so Tikolo has a tough task Waiswa, Trevor Bukenya, Bilal Hassun ahead of the Asian regional qualifi ers. ahead of him, but is confi dent he can and Riazat Ali Shah Off icials: Jackson The tournament in Kuwait is an im- achieve results with the team. “I have Kavuma, Stephen Ogonji Tikolo, Habiba portant one for us as we seek to qualify Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) President Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, Uganda coach Steve Tikolo, players and other off icials at been with Uganda for almost two years Kulusumu Anguyo for the 2020 World T20, which is a long a press conference yesterday. now. It’s my second stint. Cricket in PRESIDENT’S XI SQUAD: Ushantha step. And I hope the matches against Uganda is taking a good shape. Lot of (HBK), Gayan (Galfar Al Misnad), Anoop Uganda will be benefi cial for the team,” After a day’s rest, the two national Uganda on National Sport Day in large confi dently say that it’s most played players are coming through. Uganda (Tusker), Phillip (CBQ), Khalid Khateeb al-Kuwari said at a press conference teams will face each other for one last numbers. We want to promote cricket sport in Qatar. We have around 2000 has a very good development system, (Royal Stars), Mujeeb-Ur Rehman (Feroz yesterday. time in a T20 match as part of Qatar’s in Qatar massively and National Sport people playing the game in various di- where they bring players to national Youngsters), Shahid (Royal Stars), Prior to the opening match against National Sport Day celebrations on Day is an ideal platform to do that,” the visions. It’s a good number. level. But we need to make them good Noman Sarvar (Feroz Youngsters), Qatar, Uganda will play a T20 warm-up February 13. QCA president observed. “We are still developing the game international players,” said Tikolo, who Mansoor Khalid (Qatar Airways), Mo- encounter against President’s XI today. Al-Kuwari said it was a good op- Al-Kuwari said cricket is growing here and are determined to take it to the played 135 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Kenya hamed Mirza (Police), Moiz Siddiqui (ex- Tomorrow, the two national sides will portunity for cricket-loving Asian rapidly in Qatar and it’s the most popu- next level. But there have already been in an international career spanning al- under-19 player), Awais Junior (Royal face-off in a 50-over match, followed community in Qatar to watch a quality lar sport in the country. lots of improvements. In the 2017 ICC most 18 years. Stars), Omran Hussain (Qatari Diar), by a T20 match on Saturday. On Sun- match. “The fans have a great chance “I must say cricket is the most fol- Division Five Mugheeb (HBK), Waleed (CBQ), Harris day, President’s XI will play another to watch cricket in Qatar. I am sure lowed sport in Qatar. In terms of play- held in South Africa, Qatar won the SCHEDULE Butt (Al Feroz), Nafees (Qatari Diar) and practice match against the visitors. people will come to watch Qatar play ing the game too, it’s the highest. I can third-place playoff to remain in Divi- Today: President’s XI vs Uganda (T20) Hussain Khan (ex-under-19 player)

HORSE RACING Hat-trick for Ghazali-Bentley as Anima Rock wins feature Champion Trainer had four winners on the day, three of those were helmed by Champion Jockey

By Mikhil Bhat Jassim Ghazali; Race 2: 1. Silk Trade (Vaclav Doha Janacek), 2. Masterful Man (Pier Convertino), 3. Screen Angel (Harry Bentley), 4. Al Hadath (Syed Sadath). Won by: 2 ½, Dist, Dist. Time: 2:14.16. halifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Anima Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi al-Ramzani; Rock capped a memorable day for Race 3: 1. Sarmad Bu Thaila (Darren Williams), Champion Trainer Jassim Mohamed 2. Al Ayyar (Theo Bachelot), 3. Queen Maouya Ghazali, who had four winners on the (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 4. Saab Al Manal (Harry Kday, with a victory in the Marmi Cup, yester- Bentley). Won by: 5, 7 ½, 2 ½. Time: 1:51.59. Own- day’s feature race at Qatar Racing and Eques- er: Subaiya Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: Mohamed trian Club. Khaled; Race 4: 1. Musical Terms (Harry Bentley), The victory also meant that Champion Jockey 2. Woodkid (Theo Bachelot), 3. Yaarmen (Jean Harry Bentley picked up three victories on the day. Baptiste Hamel), 4. Succeed and Excel (Marc The six furlong sprint on dirt, for three-year- Lerner). Won by: 2, 1 ¼, 6. Time: 1:48.20. Owner: old Thoroughbreds, saw Bentley set the pace Khalil Mansoor Khalil al-Shahwani. Trainer: Jas- alongside another Ghazali ward, The Pantry, sim Ghazali; Race 5: 1. Izghawa (Theo Bachelot), early on, before taking a slight advantage on the 2. Saakhen (JP Guillambert), 3. Munira Eyes (Edu- straight, eventually holding off the challenge by Jockey Harry Bentley ardo Pedroza), 4. Poet’s Song (Tomas Lukasek). Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-saddled Random De- rides Anima Rock to Won by: ¾, ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:12.14. Owner: Sheikh cision at the line. victory in the Marmi Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ghazali, who also had a winner in the day’s Cup yesterday. Ibrahim al-Malki; Race 6: 1. Barra (Stephan opening race, combined well with Bentley for Ladjadj), 2. Haddaj Dukhan (Rashid Ali al-Marri), two more victories with Khalil Mansoor Khalil Jassim al-Thani, to a sprint victory in the Thor- Marri registered his fi rst victory of the season 3. Dheeb Al Shajaa (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. al-Shahwani-owned Musical Terms winning oughbred Handicap event for horses rated 70-90. guiding Ghazali-trained Al Fouz to a fantastic Al Malhoufa (Harry Bentley). Won by: 3, 4 ½, on his second outing, and Jassim bin Ali al-Atti- Mohamed Khaled Elahmed-schooled Sarmad four-and-half-length victory in the Local Pure- ½. Time: 1:19.38. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: yah’s Rassan continuing with his impressive run Bu Thaila took early lead before pulling away over bred Arabian Novice Plate event for Qatari rid- Alban de Mieulle; Race 7: 1. Rassan (Harry this season. QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid the course of the 1700m race, and eventually win- ers only. Smart-schooled Al Ghawja, ridden by Bentley), 2. Lucky Sand (Marc Lerner), 3. Rasi In the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap event al-Kubaisi (right) presents the trophy to Khalifa ning the Local Thoroughbred Handicap event for Ali Khalid al-Mosallam, was second ahead of (Pier Convertino), 4. Shabah (Theo Bachelot). for horses rated 80 and below, Musical Terms bin Sheail al-Kuwari after Anima Rock won the horses rated 75 and below by fi ve lengths. Saleh Salem al-Marri-helmed Al Raad. Won by: ½, ½, Shd. Time: 2:07.02. Owner: Jassim tracked early leaders Succeed and Excel and Marmi Cup yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-schooled Al Ayyar Al Jeryan Stud’s Silk Trade shed her maiden bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali; Race Subhaan, before going past them coming on to was second under Bachelot, while Qatari rider status on her sixth outing, topping the Class 6 8: 1. Tamih (Theo Bachelot), 2. Shabbab (Pier the home straight, and winning comfortably In the penultimate race of the day, jockey Rashid Ali al-Marri was third astride Queen Thoroughbred Maiden Plate event under Vaclav Convertino), 3. Pearl Bridge (Marvin Suerland), 4. with two lengths to spare. Theo Bachelot and his partner Tamih, trained by Maouya for trainer Abdulaziz Hamad al-Marri. Janacek’s ride. Generalship (Harry Bentley). Won by: 5 ¼, ¾, 1 ½. In the 1800m Purebred Arabian Conditions Khalifa bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, raced to The result was the fi rst of the two top-three Time: 1:54.38. Owner: Al Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: event, Rassan had stayed midfi eld even as Ha- a smashing victory beating an in-form Shabbab fi nishes for Qatari rider al-Marri, who guided RESULTS Khalifa bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Attiyah; Race 9: 1. mad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani’s Lucky Sand set by a little more than fi ve lengths to win the nine- Mansoor Mesfer al-Hajri-schooled Haddaj Race 1: 1. Al Fouz (Abdulla Hazam al-Marri), 2. Anima Rock (Harry Bentley), 2. Random Decision the pace up front under Marc Lerner. The action furlong Thoroughbred Conditions event. Dukhan to a creditable runner-up fi nish be- Al Ghawja (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 3. Al Raad (Theo Bachelot), 3. The Pantry (JP Guillambert), heated up once in the fi nal two furlongs, and This was Bachelot’s second victory of the day, hind Umm Qarn’s Barra in the Purebred Arabian (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 4. Akbar (Abdulla Rashid 4. Rockin Fella (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 ½, while Lucky Sand tried holding his own, Rassan having earlier guided Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Handicap event for horses rated 90 and below. al-Adgham). Won by: 4 ½, 12, Shd. Time: 2:08.99. 5 ¾, 25. Time: 1:12.61. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail managed to edge forward in the fi nal 100m. Izghawa, owned by Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Earlier in the day, Qatar’s Abdulla Hazam al- Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali.

Muaither win Division II title SPOTLIGHT Gulf Lights cricket from next Friday

By Sports Reporter Salim Kaiser. DIVISION I Doha Gulf Lights is one of the top Pool A: Hanan XII, Alliance, M Pal- electrical contracting and trad- lonji, Wellon CC, Jaidah Motors ing companies in Qatar. Pool B: Asian Cricket Club, CCRC, he Qatar Veterans’ Crick- The Gulf Lights Cricket Tour- Talib XII, McDonalds, Al Jazeera et League got a boost to nament 2018 will begin on Fri- Media Network their eff orts of promot- day, February 16, with the fi nals DIVISION II ing softball cricket with scheduled for April end. Pool A: QVC, Rapidrop, Ceylone theT return of one of their original Eight matches will be played Warriors, Al Zaman Exchange, sponsors, Gulf Lights Electrical every Friday at the Losail Cricket Alfardan. Engineering WLL. Complex. Pool B: MIC, Loveley Littles, Engg Muaither players and off icials celebrate their victory in the QFA Division II finals against Al Shahaniya yesterday. Muaither won the Sanaullah AR of Gulf Lights All cricket enthusiasts are Supplies, Mitra Mandal match 3-2. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil signed the sponsorship agree- welcome to come and enjoy these Pool C: Mumbai XII, Serandeep B, ment with chief co-ordinator games. Gulf Lights, GC Stars