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Thursday, February 6, 2020 CRICKET Jumada II 12, 1441 AH Taylor ton fi res New GULF TIMES Zealand to victory over India in 1st ODI SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/ AMIR CUP Boli double as Rayyan post 4-0 victory over SCRAPE PAST UMM SALAL 2-1 TO REACH QUARTERS OF ’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS TOURNAMENT We aim to win every match, Action from the match says Al Sadd’s Prats between Al Sailiya and Umm Salal yesterday. l Sadd assistant coach David Prats said his team aim to Awin every match they play as Qatar’s most successful side in history embark on their Amir Cup campaign. Prats attended the pre-match press conference ahead of to- day’s round of 16 match against minnows Al Kharaitiyat as head coach Xavi was busy with a team training session. “The game against Al Kharaiti- yat will not be easy. They have good players, with many of tant to us.” them having played in the first On the new Mexican player, division. We must maintain this Marco Fabian, the assistant same performance in order coach said: “Marco Fabian is to win and reach the quarter- an attacking midfielder, who finals,” said Prats. diff ers from the Ivorian striker He continued: “Al Sadd plays to Gervinho, and we will see about win every match, and our aim his position in the team. He will who provided the breakthrough near the goal area instead of clear- headed into the net from the box, is to reach the final of the Amir help us with all his strength. for fi ring home from ing the ball. after a fi ne cross from Boussoufa. Cup.” Xavi is the one who will decide close after a pass from Franck Mesaimeer survived several Yusuf had replaced injured Ansa- Al Sadd, who have won the his position with the team.” Kom in the 11th minute. scares in the second half but Boli’s rifard before the start of the sec- Amir Cup a record 16 times, Al Sadd first team player Ayoub Boli, who played as a profes- clinical fi nish in the 82nd minute ond half. were beaten by Al Duhail in last Mashhour is also looking sional in France and lately Bel- helped Al Rayyan bolster their Umm Salal pulled a goal back year’s final, but Prats said he forward to the upcoming game gium before joining Al Rayyan score. Veteran Rodrigo Tabata in the 81st minute when Nasser was not dwelling on the past. against recently, was playing only his then struck in stoppage time as al-Nasr slammed home into the “Yes, we lost the previous final Al Kharaitiyat. Al Rayyan’s Yohan Boli (second from left) is congratulated by his second match in Qatar and has al- Al Rayyan sealed their spot in the empty net. While Umm Salal against Al Duhail but this is “We faced Al Kharaitiyat more teammates after his first goal against Mesaimeer yesterday. ready made a tremendous impact. last-8 stage. chased the equaliser, it was Saili- a new tournament. We are than once in the league, and we Last week, he scored the only Earlier in a battle between QNB ya who had the chance to put the excited to play and win in a faced problems against them. Sports Reporter Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre goal of the match as Al Rayyan Stars League sides, Al Sailiya sur- game to bed but Mohamed Abu competitive atmosphere and if Our aim (in the next game) is had said at his pre-match press defeated previously unbeaten Al vived a late fi ghtback from Umm Sharara fl uff ed an easy opportu- we maintain our level, I think we to win. We will look to score conferences that he wanted no Duhail their fi rst defeat in the Salal for a 2-1 victory and enter nity to score. In the end it didn’t will be able to reach the final. early on and get to the quarter- surprises in the match and his QNB Stars League to stay in the the quarter-fi nals. matter for Sailiya as Umm Salal “All the tournaments are finals,” he said. l Rayyan ensured there players ensured that indeed was hunt for the title. At the Al Ahli stadium, Sailiya failed to take the game into extra important for Al Sadd. Yes, they Meanwhile, Al Duhail will clash were ‘no surprises’ as the case. Yesterday, too, he was the main went ahead in the 41st minute time. are diff erent tournaments, such with today. Coach they thrashed minnows Aguirre is at the helm at Al man for Al Rayyan, proving a after Umm Salal defender Ayoub The victory provided a much- as the Champions League, the Walid Regragui asserted that Mesaimeer 4-0 to ease Rayyan for the second time in his constant menace for Mesaimeer. Azi brought down striker Karim needed relief for Sailiya’s Tuni- QSL, and the Amir Cup, but we the defending champions will Ainto the quarter-fi nals of the coaching career and had been in Immediately after his fi rst goal, Ansarifard in the box, with the sian coach Sami Trablesi, who has want to compete in all of these have to be at their best to win Amir Cup yesterday. charge when they won the Amir he was a victim of a violent tackle referee awarding the penalty af- been under pressure recently. tournaments and fight with our the tournament this year. New Ivorian recruit Yohan Cup for the sixth and last time in from Mesaimeer’s Mohamed ter consulting the VAR. Mbark Sailiya haven’t been at their maximum strength to win. Our “It’s an important champion- Boli struck once either side of 2013. Faid, but escaped unhurt. Faid Boussoufa sent goalkeeper Sami best in the QNB Stars League, focus will on winning the next ship for all clubs. As we face the break, while Khalid Muftah Mesaimeer defended stoutly received a yellow card for his in- Subait the wrong way as Sailiya having lost seven of their 14 game against Al Kharaitiyat Muaither we are coming from and veteran Rodrigo Tabata also during the fi rst 10 minutes of play discretion. went into half time with a one- matches to languish in seventh and after that, we will begin to a loss against Al Rayyan in the scored as The Lions completed but it was not long before they Al Rayyan consolidated in the goal cushion. spot. They also suff ered a heart- prepare for the two Champions QNB Stars League. I’ve asked dominated the match at the Ab- caved in to the sustained Al Rayy- 37th minute through Khalid Muf- Six minutes into the second breaking loss to Iran’s Shahr Kho- League games against Al-Nassr the team to show some reac- dulla bin Khalifa Stadium in Du- an pressure. tah who punished Mesaimeer for half, Sailiya doubled their lead dro in penalties in the AFC Cham- and Sepahan, which is impor tion.” hail. And sure enough it was Boli playing too many risky passes after an unmarked Maher Yusuf pions League playoff match.

SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah upbeat as Oman Rally revs off today

By Sports Reporter short super special stage of 3.55km. and make it to the fi nish. Hopefully we his international rivals on home gravel Muscat File picture of Qatar’s Spectators are welcome to attend the can do our best to win the rally.” stages. Nasser al-Attiyah in action. stage taking place at the OAA. Al-Attiyah faces competition in the The Mitsubishi driver said: “I am A winner of fi ve Oman rallies and a R5 category from two rivals. His cousin the driver for the 968 Racing Team. I he Sultanate of Oman returns veteran of a record-breaking 73 MERC Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah drives a Ford am excited for the Oman International to the international rallying rally wins, al-Attiyah teams up with Fiesta R5 and Oman’s Abdullah al-Ru- Rally, the fi rst round of the Middle East arena for the fi rst time since Matthieu Baumel of France who, him- wahi has graduated from the MERC 2 Rally Championship. I will be compet- 2015 this weekend when the self, has won 21 regional rallies. category and a Subaru Impreza STi to ing with a Mitsubishi Evo IX in Group OmanT Automobile Association hosts Competitors passed through ad- drive a second of the powerful Fords. N and am looking forward to the battle the Oman International Rally, the ministration and technical checks yes- Al-Ruwahi said: “This is the open- with the Middle East champions in this opening round of the 2020 FIA Middle terday. ing round of the Middle East and it will category. East Rally Championship (MERC). An upbeat al-Attiyah said: “I am re- be held in Oman. We are very happy to “I will be working hard to fi nish in Eighteen teams will tackle three days ally looking forward to participate in have the championship back here. This the top three in the event and to par- of competitive action on demanding this rally. I am pleased that the Oman will be my fi rst time participating in an ticipate in more rounds of the champi- gravel special stages in the Al-Hajar International Rally has returned to the R5. I am still getting used to it. I hope onship this year.” mountains and the defending regional MERC again after around fi ve years. everything will go well. The stages in Omani rival Khalid al-Manji added: champion Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah tops For me, this is one of the best rallies in Oman are very tough and beautiful as “After stopping rallying for fi ve years, the seeded entry list in his Volkswagen the Middle East. well. The goal is to fi nish on the po- I am returning at the Oman Rally. My Polo GTI R5. “The stages remind me a little of dium.” last rally was this event in 2015. I have After the ceremonial start at the Rally Finland. But you can see the Omani drivers dominate the coun- an N14 Subaru and am competing in Oman Automobile Association (OAA), mountains and enjoy a diff erent land- try’s return to the regional rallying Group N. The stages are very nice as the timed action gets underway at scape. I have taken part in this rally a scene and Zakaria al-Aufi is relishing usual. I know most of them, but they 15.49hrs tomorrow afternoon with a lot and I hope everybody will succeed the challenge of succeeding against have been regraded and are well done.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 6, 2020 CRICKET

REPORT India receive third consecutive fi ne for slow over-rate

India have been fined once again for a slow over-rate, this time after their first ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton yesterday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement that India have been fined 80% of their match fee and that captain Taylor-made win Virat Kohli pleaded guilty to the off ence. “Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Virat Kohli’s side was ruled to be four overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration,” said the ICC. “In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate off ences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the al- as Black Caps down lotted time. Kohli pleaded guilty to the off ence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.” This is the third consecutive time India have been fined for a slow over-rate. The first of these instances was also the first time that India were fined for an over-rate off ence in 264 international matches. India in run-fest Ganguly impressed with Iyer’s Shreyas Iyer’s maiden century goes in vain as Taylor’s unbeaten ton wins it for hosts maiden ODI ton Shreyas Iyer’s maiden ODI hundred impressed BCCI president AFP and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who lauded India’s Hamilton, New Zealand No 4 for his eff ort. Iyer, aged 25, slammed 103 from 107 deliver- ies with the help of 11 fours and a six to help India post 347 for 4 while batting first against New Zealand in the first ODI in Hamil- n unbeaten century ton. However, a brilliant unbeaten century from Ross Taylor and from veteran batsman fifties from Kiwi stand-in skipper Tom Latham and opener Henry Ross Taylor powered Nicolls ensured the hosts won by four wickets and take a 1-0 New Zealand to a stun- lead in the three-match series. “It’s his first century. Very nice,” ningA four-wicket win over India Ganguly said at Eden Gardens on a day Avishek Dalmiya and his in the fi rst one-day internation- elder brother Snehasish Ganguly were elected unopposed as al in Hamilton yesterday. the Cricket Association Bengal (CAB) president and secretary The hosts completed the sec- respectively. The 38-year-old Avishek became the youngest CAB ond highest run chase in their president, a position which lay vacant after Sourav Ganguly history to fi nish on 348 for four took over as the BCCI chief. Ganguly’s elder brother Snehasish and overhaul the imposing tar- became secretary. get set by India. It was a morale-boosting vic- tory for the Black Caps, who Former Australia coach Lehmann to went into the match as under- undergo heart op dogs after a 5-0 whitewash in the recent Twenty20 series, Former Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann will undergo a when they repeatedly squan- heart bypass operation after being rushed to hospital yesterday dered winning opportunities. suff ering chest pains, Cricket Australia reported. The popular The roles were reversed at former Test batsman was celebrating his 50th birthday watch- Seddon Park, with India posting ing his son play cricket on the Gold Coast when the health scare a mammoth total of 347 for four occurred, the off icial cricket.com.au website said. It said he was after losing the toss, including a resting in hospital and would have surgery on Saturday. “I would maiden century to Shreyas Iyer like to thank everyone in the Australian cricket family for their and half-centuries for skipper concern,” Lehmann said. “I am receiving the best of medical care Virat Kohli and K L Rahul. and am confident I’ll be back on my feet soon.” Lehmann quit as But the tourists’ bowling at- Australia coach in 2018 after a ball-tampering scandal that rocked tack failed to prevent a match- the game in the sports-mad nation. He returned to a coaching role turning innings from Taylor, this summer with the Big Bash League’s Brisbane Heat. who scored a 73-ball century, his 21st in ODIs, and ended the match on 109 not out. He was supported by a SPOTLIGHT quick-fi re 69 from captain Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls’ hard-fought 78, although three late wickets gave India hope of England need a rescuing the match. “It’s been a long time between Scorecard drinks,” said Latham, whose side game-plan to stifl e suff ered a 3-0 Test series de- INDIA H. Nicholls run out Kohli 78 feat in Australia before the T20 P. Shaw c Latham b de Grandhomme 20 T. Blundell st Rahul b Yadav 9 drubbing on home soil. “It’s nice De Kock: Woakes to get over the line and we man- M. Agarwal c Blundell b Southee 32 R. Taylor not out 109 aged to keep our composure at V. Kohli b Sodhi 51 T. Latham c Shami b Yadav 69 the end and get there.” S. Iyer c Santner b Southee 103 J. Neesham c Jadhav b Shami 9 Kohli was gracious in defeat, saying India produced a “de- KL Rahul not out 88 C. de Grandhomme run out Kohli 1 cent” performance that was not K. Jadhav not out 26 M. Santner not out 12 quite good enough on the day. Extras (lb 7, w 19, nb1) 27 Extras (lb 4, w 24, nb 1) 29 “You have to say that the op- position played better than us Total (4 wickets, 50 overs) 347 Total (6 wickets, 48.1 overs) 348 because they were more in- FoW: 1-50 (Shaw), 2-54 (Agar- FoW: 1-85 (Guptill), 2-109 tense,” he said. wal), 3-156 (Kohli), 4-292 (Iyer) (Blundell), 3-171 (Nicholls), 4-309 Bowling: Southee 10-1-85-2 (w1), (Latham), 5-328 (Neesham), ‘SPECIAL TALENT’ Bennett 10-0-77-0 (w6), de Grand- 6-331 (de Grandhomme) New Zealand started their chase homme 8-0-41-1 (w3), Neesham Bowling: Bumrah 10-1-53-0 (w13), well, reaching 147 for two after New Zealand’s Ross Taylor (also above) celebrates his 100 runs 8-0-52-0 (nb1, w3), Santner 10-0- Shami 9.1-0-63-1 (w7), Thakur 9-0- 25 overs as Taylor and Nicholls during the first ODI against India at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New 58-0 (w2), Sodhi 4-0-27-1 80-1 (nb1,w2), Jadeja 10-0-64-0 developed a promising partner- Zealand, yesterday. (AFP) (w1), Yadav 10-0-84-2 (w1) ship. NEW ZEALAND It took a piece of fi elding bril- was the highlight of India’s in- paced his innings, a very mature RESULT: New Zealand win by M. Guptill c Jadhav b Thakur 32 liance from Kohli to break it with nings, debutant opening bats- knock,” the Indian batting leg- four wickets India’s skipper swooping on a men Mayank Agarwal and Prith- end said in commentary. stay ball and tossing it underarm vi Shaw also performed solidly, Laxman’s praise for Rahul, with skill in mid-air to run-out a bring up an opening partnership who scored an unbeaten 88, The ever-reliable Kohli inaccuracy proved expensive on diving Nicholls. of 50. was even more fulsome, saying cruised to his 58th ODI half- the small ground. But Taylor continued his as- Iyer rode his luck at times — the wicketkeeper-batsman had century in a 102-run partner- Tim Southee was the best sault with Latham to take New dropped on nine and 83 — but cemented his spot in the Indian ship with Iyer that ended when performer with two wickets, Zealand to 292 for three with earned praise from V V S Lax- side after recovering from a form spinner Ish Sodhi clean bowled but he conceded 8.5 runs an over 10 overs remaining and the man for the way he set about slump. him on 51 with a deceptively taking them. 35-year-old remained at the dismantling New Zealand’s at- “He’s a special talent, I’d put fl ighted ball. The second ODI will be played South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (left) celebrates his century during the crease to hit the winning run. tack. him in the league of Rohit Shar- It was a rare highlight for the at Auckland’s Eden Park on Sat- first ODI against England in Cape Town on Tuesday. (Reuters) While Iyer’s 103 from 107 balls “I really enjoyed the way he ma and Virat Kohli,” he said. New Zealand bowlers, whose urday. Reuters big player for them.” Cape Town, South Africa England went from 51 without BOTTOMLINE loss to 108 for fi ve, and eventual- ly 258 for eight in their 50 overs, ngland must fi nd a way which set the home side a record to combat South Africa score to chase down, something captain Quinton de Kock they managed with 14 balls to South Africa’s Bavuma hits out at double or they will face a series spare. lossE in their fi rst outing since “It was a respectable total, lifting the World Cup last July, probably not by any means a seamer Chris Woakes said. great score, but something to standards in transformation debate South Africa eased to a seven- bowl at. If we took wickets at im- wicket victory in the fi rst One- portant times we could have put Reuters players get dropped, everyone eyes of transformation,” he said. Day International at Newlands pressure on them. Cape Town, South Africa goes through slumps of not “When you do well, transfor- on Tuesday, with a fi ne 107 from “But that partnership between scoring well,” Bavuma told re- mation is not spoken about but De Kock and an equally attractive Temba and Quinton was pretty porters. when you do badly transforma- 98 from Temba Bavuma. good and won them the game.” emba Bavuma hopes “The awkwardness and dis- tion is thrown at the top of the De Kock appeared to play Joe Denly top-scored for Eng- his eye-catching in- comfort from my side is when agenda. I have a serious problem within himself as he reached his land with 87, but only Woakes nings in South Africa’s you are thrown into talks of with that. 15th ODI century and Woakes (40) was able to add another seven-wicket victory transformation. “We’ve got to be able to take said England, who have rested score of some substance, and the Tover England in the fi rst one- “Yes, I am black, that’s my the good with the bad. If trans- their talisman Ben Stokes for this regular fall of wickets knocked day international at Newlands skin. But I play cricket because formation is bad when black Af- series, know the South Africa England off their rhythm. on Tuesday will end the debate I love it. rican players are not doing well, skipper often holds the key to “We were constantly rebuild- over whether he deserves his “I’d like to think the reason I then when we are doing well, their batting potential. ing through the middle. Ide- place in the side. am in the team is because of per- let’s also recognise transforma- “I have bowled against him ally you want two guys set to take Batting at number three, Ba- formances I have put forward in tion for what it’s done.” quite a bit and he is a world class those middle overs through to vuma’s excellent 98 comes after my franchise side, and also for The diminutive batsman said player,” Woakes told reporters. the back end. That gives you the a diffi cult month in which he the national team, whenever I he is not taking his place in the “With him being captain now platform for a good score. But we was temporarily dropped from have been able to.” team for granted. as well, he has that side of the kept losing wickets. the Test side for a home series The 29-year-old, who has “I don’t think I have nailed my game where he wants to see them “We have done some good against England that South Af- been a top performer across all spot in the side. This was just my over the line and that might stuff today, obviously we can do rica lost 3-1. formats in domestic cricket over third game and I am just happy mean he plays even better. it better. It was by far not our best His axing stirred debate on to redress imbalances from the mixed-race and Indian com- the past few years, has hit out at to be on the fi eld,” he added. “We have to fi nd ways to get performance, but we can take social media about whether country’s apartheid era. munities in each team, averaged what he saw as double standards “I don’t know what’s going to him out. I have been fortunate some positives and put it right.” his place in the team was de- Cricket South Africa targets through the year. in the transformation debate. happen after this series or next to play with him in the IPL, and I The second match takes place in served or whether he was only the inclusion of two black Af- “It has been hard. It’s not “The one thing that irks me is week. It’s just to enjoy the little know we must fi gure out how we Durban tomorrow, with the series being picked because of eff orts rican players and four from the so much the dropping part, all when you are seen through the moments I have.” can stop him scoring runs. He is a fi nale in Johannesburg on Sunday. Gulf Times Thursday, February 6, 2020 3 SPORT

CHANGE CRICKET beIN Media Group recruits Verow as Chief Sports Nepal’s fi rst home Offi cer, Markham is promoted to wider group role ODI ends in loss as

By Sports Reporter Obaidly, as part of the beIN Sen- back against beoutQ and piracy Special Adviser to the Chairman going through a transformation, Doha ior Management Team. generally. (Nasser al-Khelaifi ) and CEO under Richard’s direction I know Oman win by 18 runs beIN, through its fl agship Verow has been the commer- (Yousef al-Obaidly), where he that we will continue to lead, in- sports network beIN Sports, cial director at Sky Sports since will work closely with lead exec- novate and grow. More broadly, Reuters Nepal’s 29-year-old captain n a major industry move, holds the single largest portfo- 2012 – overseeing major negoti- utives across the wider portfolio Nasser and I are also delighted Bengaluru, India and batsman Gyanendra Malla beIN Media Group, the lio of sports rights of any global ations with the , of group companies, entities and that Daniel will be working with had spoken about what a proud leading sports, media and broadcaster, operating across 5 the International Cricket Coun- interests. us much more closely across the moment it would be for his coun- entertainment group, has continents, 43 countries, in 9 cil, Formula 1, UEFA, England Commenting on the appoint- full group of companies. His ex- housands of fans turned try to host an ODI recognised by Irecruited experienced sports diff erent languages and with over Cricket, England Rugby, the ments, al-Obaidly said, “Our pertise will be invaluable to our up to watch Nepal play the International Cricket Coun- rights executive Richard Verow 55 million subscribers world- NFL, the NBA and more. He ambition is to become the lead- ambitious plans.” their fi rst ever offi cial cil. – the long-standing and highly wide. As well as being one of the was previously a senior com- ing sports and entertainment Verow said, “Yousef’s vision one-day international “When we started playing respected commercial director most valued partners of the IOC, mercial lawyer for the Inter- group in the world and to achieve for beIN is both ambitious and (ODI)T on home soil in Kathman- cricket, everybody wanted to get of Sky Sports – as Chief Sports UEFA, FIFA, the English Premier national Cricket Council; was that we need the very best tal- tremendously exciting. beIN is du yesterday but Oman spoiled ODI status and get big cricket Offi cer. League, LaLiga, the NBA, the senior counsel for UEFA; and ent in the business – without a group that has a strong global the party as they won by 18 runs. over here,” Malla had told ESPN- Verow takes responsibility NFL, Wimbledon, USTA, Ten- has played a major role in other doubt, Richard and Daniel are presence, great plans and never It was the fi rst of six matches cricinfo earlier this week. for the group’s unrivalled glo- nis Australia, FFT, the ATP and leading organisations in enter- leading examples of this. The sits still. Sky has been a tremen- in a tri-series that also includes “Finally, one-dayers are here bal sports acquisitions and dis- WTA, the broadcaster is the of- tainment, media and sport over next few years could not be more dous place to be and it took a the United States at the Kir- in Kathmandu, one of my fa- tribution portfolio. The role is fi cial domestic broadcaster of the past two decades. exciting for beIN as we look to very special role and challenge tipur Cricket Ground, which was vourite venues. The fi rst ODI primarily based in London and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Daniel Markham, whom Ve- grow globally while addressing to draw me to the next stage of packed on a special day for the home series, that’s one of the he will report directly to beIN also being at the forefront of the row is succeeding in the role, has the piracy challenges we face in my career. I am delighted to join Himalayan nation. proudest moments for me as a Media Group CEO, Yousef al- sports industry’s global fi ght- been promoted to Chief of Staff , MENA. While our industry is beIN at this exciting time.” Put into bat by Nepal, Oman captain.” scored 197 for nine in their 50 Lamichhane, the fi rst Nepa- overs, with middle order bats- lese picked up at the Indian FOCUS man Mohamed Nadeem anchor- Premier League (IPL) auction in ing the innings and fi nishing 2018 when he signed for the Del- with a patient 69 not out off 96 hi Capitals, hopes they will one balls. day play test cricket. Nepal were all out for 179 de- “I have a dream to play test spite late heroics by Sandeep cricket for Nepal and every lit- Lamichhane after Sharad Ve- tle contribution from my side sawkar scored 55 at the top of the will go for Nepal cricket,” the UN launches programme order. Lamichhane’s cameo had 19-year-old had said. “Till the the fans on their feet as he hit day of retirement of my cricket three boundaries and a six before career, I would like to play test falling for 28 off 27 balls. cricket for Nepal.” on securing sports events SPOTLIGHT New Zealand cricket with Qatari backing defend controversial QNA New York, United States coach holiday

he fi rst meeting of the AFP international experts Wellington, New Zealand group at the United Na- tions, led by the United TNations Offi ce of Counter-Ter- ew Zealand Cricket rorism, concluded in New York on Tuesday defended with the launch of a global pro- Black Caps coach Gary gram on securing major sport- Stead’s decision to ing events and using sports to Ntake a holiday after critics ac- counter-terrorism. cused him of abandoning his Under the umbrella of the team in their hour of need. United Nations, attendees from The Black Caps are in the midst more than 100 countries world- of a form slump, following up a wide, led by Qatar, China and 3-0 Test series hiding in Australia South Korea, and a broad repre- with a 5-0 Twenty20 whitewash sentation from the United States on home soil against India. of America met for two days It has left the team, who just “The brilliant Indians are to discuss the two issues. The a few months ago were being world sport rock stars, a team to opening ceremony witnessed a hailed as one of New Zealand’s measure your mettle against,” he remarkable international pres- best, short on confi dence and wrote. “Surely any coach would ence, the State of Qatar was rep- desperately seeking leadership. move heaven and earth to be part resented at the meeting by HE Which is why Stead’s deci- of an ODI series against Virat Permanent Representative of the sion to take a mid-season break Kohli’s men?” State of Qatar to the United Na- as New Zealand face India in New Zealand Cricket (NZC) tions ambassador Sheikha Alya a three-match one-day series chief executive David White Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, who raised eyebrows among Black said Stead’s week off had been was one of the keynote speak- Caps supporters. planned six months ago. ers after the opening speech at HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani was present dur- To make matters worse, skip- “Of any sport in New Zealand, the meeting that was delivered ing the meeting that was also attended by Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations United Nations Counter-Terrorism Off ice Vladimir per Kane Williamson is sidelined cricket has the most demands for by Under-Secretary-General of Voronkov and International Centre on Sport Security CEO Masimiliano Montanari. with a shoulder injury, robbing time,” he told reporters. the United Nations United Na- the team of his batting prowess “These guys are away from tions Counter-Terrorism Offi ce International Centre on Sport Alliance of Civilisations, and ers of the project. She praised the video, Secretary-General of SC and tactical nous. home for a long time and we Vladimir Voronkov. Security (ICSS) CEO Masimil- the ICSS, which is the partner eff orts of Under-Secretary-Gen- Hassan al-Thawadi, expressed Former captain Jeremy Coney must manage their workload.” Also speaking at the event iano Montanari also attended in charge of the United Nations eral of the United Nations United his appreciation to Voronkov said Stead should be concentrat- White said the Twenty20 where Permanent Representa- and delivered an opening speech Offi ce for Counter-Terrorism. Nations Counter-Terrorism and the attendees of the event. ing on turning around his team’s World Cup in Australia later this tive of the People’s Republic on behalf of Mohamed Hanzab, The latter is implementing the Offi ce, highlighting the strong Al-Thawadi stressed that the fortunes, not going on holiday. year and the new Test Champi- of China to the United Nations Chairman of the Board of Direc- technical side of a program on cooperation between various SC is keen to co-operate and “Can you see Steve Hansen onship were priorities for 2020, ambassador Zhang Jun, Per- tors of the ICSS, the technical securing major sporting events UN organisations and the State work with the international leaving the All Blacks after they so Stead was concentrating on manent Representative of the partner implementing the new and promoting sport and its val- of Qatar. HE Sheikha Alya also community to exchange infor- are one-nil down against the those formats rather than ODIs. Republic of Korea to the United international project. ues as a tool to prevent violence praised the Supreme Committee mation, experiences in any way (British and Irish) Lions, and Despite the outrage in New Nations ambassador Cho Hyun, The meeting and the discus- and extremism. for Delivery & Legacy (SC) for its that that enhances aspects of taking a week off before the sec- Zealand, Kohli also downplayed High Commissioner of the Unit- sions that followed over two Voronkov thanked the ICSS, World Cup 2022 organisation ef- safety and sports security, con- ond Test?” he told Radio Sport. the importance of the ODI series ed Nations Offi ce for Alliance days centred on launching a stressing that fruitful coopera- forts, whether in terms of secu- sidering that the State of Qatar is “This is the job and this is the yesterday, saying it was a chance of Civilisations Miguel Angel new international project spon- tion between the United Nations rity or for promoting the event, a leader in the fi eld and pointed main part of the season. It’s ri- for India to experiment with new Moratino and Executive Direc- sored and funded by the United Offi ce for Counter-Terrorism noting that the State of Qatar out that the International Center diculous this is happening at this players. tor of the Counter-Terrorism Nations and led by the United and the ICSS would contribute organises many international for Sports Security is led by Mo- crunch time.” “ODIs are not as relevant as Executive Directorate (CTED) Nations Offi ce for Counter- to achieving goals in accordance sporting events and is open to hammed Hanzab is a testament New Zealand Herald sports T20s this year, especially hav- Michele Coninsx, and Director Terrorism with the participation with international standards. cooperation with all countries to that. He added that the SC and columnist Chris Rattue said the ing the (T20) World Cup and the of the United Nations Inter- of three main parties, including For her part, HE Sheikha Alya and partners in the fi eld of safety the ICSS are working closely to- decision to take a break in the Test Championship running si- regional Crime and Justice Re- two international organisations, said that the State of Qatar was and security. gether to organise a memorable midst of a tour by India was “un- multaneously,” he said before the search Institute Bettina Tucci. UNICIRI, the United Nations happy to be one of the main back- In a speech broadcast via World Cup 2022 in Qatar. fathomable”. opening ODI match in Hamilton.

BOTTOMLINE Legend Norman proud of Al Mouj Golf progress ahead of Oman Open

Agencies gets underway on February 27 Other courses in the region that Muscat, Oman and will fi nish on March 1, Nor- Norman has designed include Jor- man is always pleased to hear dan’s fi rst championship course positive feedback from those in- at Ayla Golf Club and the Earth orld-renowned golf volved in the event. Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, course designer “When designing a course, I Dubai, which plays host to the Eu- Greg Norman has always strive to create a layout ropean Tour’s season-ending DP reaffi rmed his belief that is both challenging yet play- World Tour Championship, and Wthat his creation at Al Mouj Golf able for all levels of golfers and the Australian believes Al Mouj is is one of the best in the world as it is especially rewarding when the pick of the bunch. the venue is set to host the Oman a course is then selected to host “Each hole should have its own Open on the European Tour for a Championship event,” he said. unique characteristics and the the third successive year. “The huge bonus for me was that course should have as wide a varie- The transformation of the I was able to create a vast natural ty of holes as is possible and I reck- scrubland between Oman Air- habitat which quickly became on we achieved that. I can reaffi rm port and the Gulf of Oman could a haven for birdlife and various that my original assessment that have been a daunting challenge fl ora and fauna. Al Mouj is one of the best courses for Norman, but the two-times “The original site was devoid I have ever designed.” Major winner and holder of the of plant life so we brought in as The 2018 Oman Open win- World No1 position for 331 weeks, many indigenous plants, bushes ner Joost Luiten and a host of the took it in his stride and created: trees, cacti and shrubs we could European Tour’s top stars are set “One of the fi nest courses I have fi nd and introduced lakes and to compete in the $1.75mn Oman ever designed anywhere in the streams to the layout, which soon of the Hajar Mountain range and our golf courses as eco-friendly as “I was pleased that the ‘moun- ing the views towards the airport, Open looking to collect valuable world.” became home for all manner of the Gulf of Oman in the back- we possibly can and It’s extremely tain-shaped’ grassed sand dunes which enhanced the views to- World Ranking and Ryder Cup With the stars of the European creatures. drop, and you end up with a visu- rewarding to see the positive eff ect that run the length of the course wards the Hajar Mountain range, qualifi cation points in addition Tour set to touchdown in Oman “Combine this newly created ally stunning golf course. this project has had on the growth on the inland side, achieved ex- and silencing the noise from the to seeking out the silverware on ahead of the tournament, which habitat with the incredible views “It’s important to me to make of golf in the Sultanate. actly what we planned, in mask- nearby highway.” off er for the winner. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 6, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Solution rolls in to help Muslims pray at Games Folau ‘grateful’ for

Reuters ti-faith prayer spaces for ath- Catalans chance Tokyo, Japan letes and spectators are under consideration in venue opera- AFP tions planning.” London, United Kingdom or the thousands of According to a investigation Muslim athletes, offi - by Waseda University, there cials and supporters ar- were 105 mosques in Japan at srael Folau says he is riving in Tokyo for the the end of 2018. But with these “grateful” to be at Super OlympicF Games later this year, spread across the country and League outfi t Catalans Drag- it may be a struggle for them to many of them small and on the ons as the competition’s fi nd an appropriate place to pray. outskirts of Tokyo, it may be dif- Iclubs held talks yesterday over The answer might just be fi cult for Muslims who need to the controversial signing of the found roaming the streets of To- pray fi ve times a day. dual-code international. kyo on the back of a truck. Inoue said he has already spo- The French rugby league club By the time the Games start in ken to several Olympic commit- have been heavily criticised for July, there will be prayer rooms tees, including most recently signing the 30-year-old, who available at the currently under- Indonesia, about helping their was sacked last year by Austral- construction athlete’s village. athletes. ian rugby union chiefs over his However, some venues may not Topan Rizki Utraden, an In- highly publicised homophobic have a designated space. donesian who has lived in Japan views. There is also a dearth of prayer for 12 years, came to the Mobile Folau, who arrived in Per- spaces in hotels and public areas Mosque for the fi rst time with pignan at the weekend to begin across the Japanese capital. his daughter. training with his new teammates This is where the Mobile A Mobile Mosque on the back of truck providing a portable solution for Muslim athletes, off icials and sup- He said it can be challenging to ahead of Sunday’s round two Mosque, a fully-equipped porters at a parking lot in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) fi nd a quiet place to pray in Japan, fi xture at Wakefi eld, said he was 48-square-metre prayer room particularly outside Tokyo. raring to get started. that opens up on the back of a ues during the Olympics, which said Inoue, pointing to the white avenues to provide appropriate “It is really diffi cult to fi nd “I’m excited to be back playing parked truck, comes in. run from July 24 — August 9. truck parked next to Tokyo Tow- facilities for all religious groups. mosques near your place,” said the game that I grew up playing,” The back of the modifi ed The organisation’s CEO Yasu- er on Wednesday. “The Organising Committee Utraden. “If you are in the city Folau said. Folau. truck can be widened in seconds haru Inoue hopes athletes and “I hope it brings awareness that is preparing a list of religious there is no problem but if you “It’s been 10 years since I last Hull KR chairman Neil Hudg- and the vehicle also includes Ar- supporters alike will use the truck. there are many diff erent people in or faiths centres that could be take a road trip outside Tokyo it played rugby league and I’m grate- ell wrote a letter to the Dragons abic signage and outdoor water “I want athletes to compete this world and to promote a non- contacted or visited if requested is diffi cult. ful for the opportunity to be part of warning them of possible legal taps for pre-worship cleaning. with their utmost motivation discriminatory, peaceful Olym- by residents of the Villages dur- “Sometimes I pray in a park a great organisation, a great team consequences in the event of his The Yasu Project, the organi- and for the audience to cheer on pics and Paralympics.” ing the Games,” Tokyo 2020 told but sometimes the Japanese in the Catalans Dragons.” club losing out fi nancially due to sation behind the enterprise, with their utmost motivation as Tokyo 2020 said yesterday Reuters in an email. look at me like ‘what are you do- Coach Steve McNamara ad- the presence in Super League of plan on pitching up outside ven- well. That is why I made this,” that they were looking at various “In the Games’ venues, mul- ing?’” mitted the club had expected the Folau. signing of Folau to be controver- Guasch, who has defended his sial. club’s decision to hand Folau a FOCUS But he added: “Having spent 12-month contract, was expect- a lot of time speaking to him and ed to attend the regular meeting understanding him a lot more, but had not arrived when it got and getting the reassurances we under way at 1000GMT. did, we made a decision as a club Folau, who scored 37 tries in that we would support the sign- 73 Test appearances for the Wal- ing of Israel and give him another labies, was dismissed last May opportunity in our game.” after a social media post warning Tokyo boss ‘worried’ Dragons chairman Bernard “hell awaits” gay people. Guasch was conspicuous by his Rugby Australia in December absence at a meeting of Super reached mediated agreement to League clubs in the northern end Folau’s lawsuit over his sack- English city of Salford yesterday, ing but the fi nancial terms of the where the hot topic for discus- deal were confi dential. sion was the signing of Folau. Folau had been demanding about deadly virus The other clubs had specifi - Aus$14mn (US$9.5mn) in com- cally requested the presence of pensation, claiming he was un- Guasch after he ignored the will lawfully dismissed under legis- ‘We will do our everything we can to protect the athletes’ of both Super League and the lation that bans sacking someone Rugby Football League in signing because of their religion. AFP Tokyo, Japan No case against cycling’s Fuglsang, he chief executive of- doping body admits fi cer of the Tokyo Olym- pics admitted yester- The Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) admitted yesterday day that organisers are it had no case against Danish star Jakob Fuglsang, who was T“extremely worried” about the accused of links with disgraced doctor Michele Ferrari. Olympic possible eff ect of the deadly new road-race silver medallist Fuglsang was the top performer in coronavirus on this summer’s last season’s spring classics, winning Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Games. CADF said it had received information suggesting a link between Toshiro Muto said he hoped Ferrari and Astana team captain Fuglsang, who has never failed the outbreak in China would a doping test, but had been unable to produce any evidence. be quickly contained to restore “I have no case to answer. I am extremely concerned that such confi dence in the run-up to the rumours could be spread out in the press,” Fuglsang said in a Olympics. statement after the report. A leaked CADF report was published “We are extremely worried in Sunday by Danish newspaper Politiken suggesting the Italian the sense that the spread of the doctor Michele Ferrari had visited Fuglsang in Monaco. Ferrari infectious virus could pour cold was banned for life by the United States Anti-Doping Agency water on momentum for the (USADA) for his relationship with the disgraced Lance Arm- Games,” he said before a meet- strong, who was also kicked out of the sport and stripped of his ing with the International Paral- seven Tour de France titles after he admitted doping. ympic Committee (IPC). “I hope that it can be eradi- cated as quickly as possible. We Tokyo Olympics CEO Toshiro Muto (second from right) attends the International Paralympic Committee project review meeting for the Tokyo Wales call up Lake and Basham to Six plan to cooperate with the IOC 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) Nations squad (International Olympic Com- mittee), the IPC, the govern- Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor promised at the weekend to im- the World Health Organization The Japanese government Wales coach Wayne Pivac has added hooker Dewi Lake and flank ment and the city of Tokyo to of the Athletes’ Village where an plement “thorough measures” to (WHO) to ensure preparations has chartered three fl ights to Taine Basham to his Six Nations squad ahead of Saturday’s clash tackle the disease.” expected 11,000 sportsmen and protect people from the coronavi- for the Tokyo Olympics would repatriate 565 Japanese nation- with Ireland in Dublin. The uncapped pair have been training More than 20 countries have women will stay, struck a som- rus in the run-up to the Olympics. not be disrupted. als from Wuhan, the central with the group in the last few weeks, but have now off icially been confi rmed cases of the patho- bre tone. Japan has warned citizens He also revealed that Japan Chinese city hardest hit by the drafted into the squad and will be available for selection. Lake, gen, which has killed nearly “I hope from my heart that against non-essential travel to was developing rapid test kits virus. who has yet to start a senior game for Ospreys, is likely cover 500 people and infected at least we can overcome this (virus) and China and fast-tracked new for the virus. The health scare has led to for hooker Elliot Dee, who has been battling with a rib injury. He 24,000 in mainland China. have a smooth Olympics,” said the rules including limits on enter- “By coordinating our eff orts the cancellation of Olympic captained the Wales side at the World Rugby Under-20 Champi- Japan has had no reported former Japanese football chief. ing the country as it tries to con- with the WHO and other related qualifying events in China onship in 2019. Basham has been in impressive form for Dragons deaths so far, but at least 10 peo- “We will do our everything we tain the spread of the virulent agencies, we will take appropri- such as boxing and badmin- this season and was called into the squad for the November ple on a cruise ship carrying 3,711 can to protect the athletes to al- new coronavirus. ate steps so that preparations ton. fixture against the Barbarians. Defending champions Wales won passengers and crew quarantined low them to produce their best Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to hold the events will steadily The Tokyo Olympics begin their Six Nations opener at home to Italy last weekend, overcom- off Yokohama have tested positive performances.” vowed earlier this week that continue,” Abe told a parliamen- on July 24 with the Paralympics ing a sluggish start to the second half to race to a 42-0 victory. for the new coronavirus. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike the country would work with tary session. starting on August 25. England winger Watson ruled out of FORMULA 1 Scotland game with calf injury England’s Anthony Watson will miss Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Scotland after the winger failed to recover from a calf injury, Chinese GP in doubt as Shanghai suspends events forwards coach Matt Proudfoot said yesterday. Watson was ruled out of their opener against France as England fell to a shock 24- Reuters essary due diligence before year, which could mean a big hit 17 defeat in Paris last weekend and the 25-year-old will now miss Shanghai, China making any commitment about for Liberty if they make the fi rst the Calcutta Cup clash in Edinburgh after suff ering a recurrence either delaying or postponing move. of the issue. “We’ll give him the opportunity to get over it 100 or cancelling the race,” said Red China is seen as a major percent before we give him the go,” Proudfoot told BBC Radio hanghai sports authori- Bull team boss Christian Horner growth area for the sport, how- 5 Live. “He won’t be available for the weekend.” The injury is ties have recommended ahead of Wednesday’s meeting. ever, and Formula One is keen to another blow for coach Eddie Jones who will also be without the the suspension of all “So we have to trust their keep on good terms with the lo- services of centre Manu Tuilagi, who injured his groin in the first sporting events in the judgement, their knowledge.” cal organisers. match and was taken off after 16 minutes. England are fourth in cityS due to the coronavirus out- The last Formula One race In 2011, Bahrain still paid the the standings after the first round of fixtures while Scotland are break, casting further doubt on to be cancelled was the Bah- hosting fee despite not having a fifth. whether the Chinese Formula rain Grand Prix of 2011, due to race. One Grand Prix will take place. months of social unrest in the The outbreak has aff ected The fourth grand prix of the Gulf kingdom. numerous international sports Scotland to host All Blacks, Argentina season is scheduled for April 19 This year’s calendar has a events in China. Among them and Japan in November in Shanghai. record 22 races, leaving lit- was the world indoor athletics The race was expected to be tle chance of any rescheduling. championships scheduled to be Scotland will host the All Blacks, Argentina and Japan in three on the agenda at a Formula One Russia, whose race is in Septem- held in Nanjing on March 13-15, tests in November, Scottish Rugby confirmed yesterday. The Strategy Group meeting yester- ber but has previously been held which have been postponed un- series begins with Argentina’s visit to Murrayfield in Edinburgh day amid increasing speculation in April, has already ruled out a til next year. on Nov.7, Japan a week later and the clash against the All Blacks that it could join the growing list A general view shows the usually full Hongqioa train station in date swap. The all-electric Formula E on November 21. Scotland lost to Japan at last year’s World Cup, of sports events already post- Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) Formula One sources ex- motor racing series has aban- when the tournament hosts beat them for the first time in the poned or cancelled. pected the governing FIA and doned plans for a race in Sanya pool stage decider to send the Brave Blossoms into the knockout The Shanghai Sports General lated by Reuters, that all sports the locked-down central city commercial rights holders Lib- next month. stages at Scotland’s expense. “To host Argentina, Japan and New Association called on sports or- events should be suspended of Wuhan, where the virus erty Media to wait for a formal Basketball, badminton and Zealand at BT Murrayfield following our games against England ganisers to “strictly abide by the “until the epidemic is over”. emerged late last year. request from the Chinese pro- boxing qualifying tournaments and France in the Six Nations provides fantastic challenges,” requirement of the Shanghai China said another 65 peo- Some Formula One insiders moter to postpone or cancel. for this year’s Tokyo Olympics coach Gregor Townsend said in a statement. Scotland, who lost Sports Bureau to stop organ- ple had died as of Tuesday, the hold out little hope of the race Hosting fees make up a sig- have also been postponed, re- their Six Nations opener in Ireland last weekend, are prepar- izing sports events during the highest daily total yet, taking happening. nifi cant proportion of Formula scheduled or moved, while an ing for a Calcutta Cup clash against England in Edinburgh on epidemic”. the overall toll on the mainland “I’m sure they (Formula One One’s revenues, with some rac- LPGA Tour golf tournament has Saturday. It said, in a statement trans- to 490, most in and around and the FIA) will take the nec- es paying as much as $40 mn a been moved to next year. Gulf Times Thursday, February 6, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Beauvillier’s OT goal lift s Isles over Stars Giannis powers Reuters er than 90 seconds apart late Los Angeles in the second. The Stars took a short-lived lead when Blake Comeau picked off a Nelson nthony Beauvil- pass near center ice to begin a lier scored his second rush that ended with Dickin- goal of the game with son fi ring a shot past Varlam- 2:08 left in overtime ov’s right leg at the 12:12 mark. Bucks to comeback TuesdayA night as the host New The Islanders didn’t wait York Islanders rallied to beat long to take advantage of a the Dallas Stars 4-3 in Brook- Stars turnover. Dallas de- lyn, NY. fenseman Miro Heiskanen Brock Nelson won a bat- won a battle for the puck be- tle for the puck in the neutral hind his net, but Kieff er Bel- zone and fi red a backhanded lows, who made his NHL de- pass to Beauvillier, who beat but Tuesday, beat Jamie Benn win over Pelicans Ben Bishop on a breakaway. to the puck and passed to Beauvillier also opened the scor- ‘It’s going to be good if we win 70 games. All that hard work is going to pay off ’ RESULTS ing in the fi rst pe- riod. Derick Brassard Colorado 6-1 Buff alo and Mathew Barzal Columbus 1-0 Florida added goals for the Islanders, who have Montreal 5-4 New Jersey earned points in four NY Islanders 4-3 Dallas straight games (2-0- Tampa Bay 4-2 Las Vegas 2). Semyon Varlamov recorded 28 saves. Washington 4-2 Los Angeles Denis Gurianov, Anaheim 3-2 Ottawa Jason Dickinson Minnesota 3-2 Chicago and John Klingberg scored for the Stars, St. Louis 6-3 Carolina who had a two- Nashville 2-1 Winnipeg game winning streak Arizona 3-0 Edmonton snapped. Bishop San Jose 3-1 Calgary made 37 saves. The Islanders needed just Michael Dal Colle. The New 90 seconds in to take the lead. York left winger then dished Ryan Pulock’s pass from the to Brassard, whose shot from New York zone sailed up the next to the cage snuck through ice to Jordan Eberle, who was and into the back of the net stationed at the back of the with 6:22 left in the second Stars’ zone. Eberle dished to period. Beauvillier, who backhanded a The Stars took the lead 6:56 shot past Bishop. into the third when Kling- The Stars were outshot 18-6 berg’s shot from the blue line in the fi rst period but tied the sailed past a screened Var- score on Gurianov’s power- lamov. play goal late in the period. Nelson’s goal with 5:27 left Corey Perry backhanded a no- was overturned due to goalie look pass across the crease to interference on Anders Lee. Gurianov, whose shot sailed The Islanders then tied it with beyond Varlamov’s glove with 3:59 left, when Barzal put back 5:52 left. the rebound of a Devin Toews The teams traded goals few- shot.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) scores past New Orleans Pelicans forward Nicolo Melli (second left) and guard Josh Hart during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP star Zion Williamson had 20 points de- us and closed out the game early,” Davis RESULTS Los Angeles spite 5-of-19 shooting from the fl oor with said. “We just want to come out and make seven rebounds and fi ve assists. sure we play defense every night.” Milwaukee 120-108 New Orleans “I’m happy he’s going to be out there DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 28 eigning NBA Most Valuable Houston 125-110 Charlotte and help his team win,” Antetokounmpo points. Player Giannis Antetokounmpo Denver 127-99 Portland said. “It’s good playing against him. It’s NBA scoring leader James Harden, scored 34 points and grabbed going to be a great duel for a lot of years.” chasing a third consecutive NBA scoring LA Lakers 129-102 San Antonio 17 rebounds to lead the league- In Los Angeles, the Lakers got 36 points, crown, poured in 40 points, passed off leadingR Milwaukee Bucks over the New Conference fi nal and failing to lift the nine assists and seven rebounds from Le- 12 assists and grabbed nine rebounds to Orleans Pelicans 120-108 on Tuesday. Bucks into their fi rst NBA Finals since Bron James and 18 points from Anthony power the Houston Rockets over visiting Antetokounmpo hit 12-of-17 from the 1974, three years after Milwaukee won its Davis and Kyle Kuzma as the hosts rolled Charlotte 125-110. fl oor and 9-of-13 free throws while add- only title. over the San Antonio Spurs 129-102. Harden could match the third-longest ing six assists, a steal and a blocked shot That’s why chasing the NBA one-sea- The Lakers improved the best record run of scoring titles in NBA history, be- as the Bucks improved their NBA-best son best record of 73-9 by Golden State is in the Western Conference to 38-11, 3 1/2 hind only the record seven seasons in a record to 43-7 thanks to a 42-24 scoring not the Bucks’ major goal. games ahead of the second-place Los An- row of scoring crowns won by Michael edge in the third quarter. “It’s going to be good if we win 70 geles Clippers. Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. “I had a good game but I could get bet- games. All that hard work is going to pay James sank fi ve 3-pointers in the fi rst Serbian center Nikola Jokic scored 29 ter,” Antetokounmpo said. “Closing down off ,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s going to 3 1/2 minutes of the fourth quarter to points, grabbed 13 rebounds and passed the third quarter, we didn’t do a good job. be even better if we get better every game stretch the Lakers’ lead from 87-77 to 108- out nine assists to spark the Denver Nug- We got sloppy.” and play for the championship.” 87 and seal San Antonio’s fate. gets over visiting Portland 127-99. Dam- New York Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier reacts after The Greek star still feels the sting of Brandon Ingram led the host Pelicans “LeBron came out and hit fi ve straight ian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 21 scoring the game winning goal at Barclays Center. PICTURE: losing to Toronto in last year’s Eastern with 32 points, while 19-year-old rookie threes in 3 1/2 minutes, he got the lead for points. USA TODAY Sports

NFL REPORT Chiefs hope to keep WR Watkins TE Olsen to visit Reuters ping voluntary off season work- Seahawks Los Angeles outs. “I’m not really focused on the money aspect of it,” Watkins said. Reuters way to classify it right now “I’m really focused on my health, Los Angeles I’m just kind of doing some he Kansas City Chiefs mental health.” due diligence. The last thing I hope to keep wide re- Although he has played six would want is to make a rash ceiver Sammy Watkins NFL seasons, Watkins is just 26, ree agent tight end decision to not play and go do in 2020, despite specu- but his production has been spo- Greg Olsen will visit some TV, and always kinda Tlation about his possible de- radic in Kansas City. the Seattle Seahawks, wonder what could’ve been? parture, NFL Network reported He had 52 catches for 673 yards according to multiple “... I don’t think any fi nal Tuesday. and three touchdowns in 14 reg- reportsF Tuesday, as he looks decisions have been made one Watkins’ salary-cap hit climbs ular-season games in 2019, but a for his next destination fol- way or another. I think a lot of next season to $21mn — the high- huge chunk — nine catches, 198 lowing his release from the it depends on how things play est of any NFL wideout — in the yards and all three touchdowns — Carolina Panthers. out at these visits, how things fi nal year of a three-year, $48mn came in Week 1. Watkins had 40 Multiple outlets reported play out as I go out and meet deal he signed in free agency in catches for 519 yards and three Monday that Olsen would visit with these teams and gather March 2018. The Chiefs, who scores in 10 games in 2018. the Buff alo Bills and Washing- that info.” currently have about $19mn in In the playoff s, however, Wat- ton Redskins, two teams with Olsen was offi cially released cap space, could free up $14mn kins has made a larger impact. familiarity for Olsen — Bills GM on Monday, a move that saved by releasing or trading Watkins. He had 10 catches for 176 yards Brandon Beane and coach Sean the Panthers $8mn. The sides But according to the report, in two games last season and then McDermott are both former announced the transaction as the Chiefs hope to bring back piled up 14 grabs for 288 yards Panthers, as is Washington a “mutual parting,” although Watkins, potentially with a con- and a touchdown during this coach Ron Rivera. Olsen’s trip Olsen said the Panthers made tract extension or adjustment. year’s run to the Super Bowl title. to Buff alo is set for today, with it clear they didn’t plan to Watkins was asked before the That included fi ve catches for 98 dates for the other visits expect- bring him back. Super Bowl about possibly rene- yards in Super Bowl LIV, with a ed within a week or two. A 13-year veteran and three- gotiating his contract, and he re- 38-yard reception setting up the Olsen, who turns 35 in March, time Pro Bowler, Olsen ranks plied by suggesting he might not go-ahead touchdown. told The Athletic on Tuesday fi fth in NFL history among play at all in 2020. Selected by the Bills with the he hasn’t yet decided if he will tight ends with 718 receptions “If it suits me and my family and File photo of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports fourth overall pick in the 2014 play another NFL season. He is and 8,444 receiving yards. He my needs, for sure,” he told report- draft, Watkins spent three years also weighing going directly into was the fi rst tight end in NFL ers. “But I’m really in a diff erent chill out. I might sit out a year. You chill.” After the Chiefs beat the San Sirius XM Radio, saying he plans to in Buff alo before being traded to broadcasting with Fox. history to post three straight space right now. I don’t know what just never know. Not retiring, but Francisco 49ers 31-20 on Sunday, play in 2020 but hopes to take bet- the Los Angeles Rams, for whom “I don’t know,” he said, per 1,000-yard seasons when he I’m going to do. If we win, I might I might just want to rest up and Watkins elaborated Tuesday on ter care of his body, perhaps skip- he played one season. The Athletic. “I think the best did so from 2014-16. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 6, 2020 SPORT

NBA Heat, Derrick approaching crossroads at trade deadline By Ira Winderman becomes, amid this time of need been high-end deals, such as the Whiteside to the Portland Trail South Florida Sun Sentinel for the versatile, athletic for- four-year, $142mn package that Blazers. ward, is whether to attempt to lured Jimmy Butler last summer. A Heat decision with Jones get something tangible in return The lessons learned previous- might be made easier if for- he timing of the mo- by Thursday’s deadline or risk ly were the nominal returns on ward Justise Winslow was still ment shows the value of losing the 6-foot-6 contributor mid-tier deals, such as the four- not sidelined by the lower-back Derrick Jones Jr. to the in fi ve months to free agency. year, $60mn contract for James bone bruise that has had him out Miami Heat, with his In many ways, Jones stands Johnson in 2017, the four-year, for all but one game the past two Tability to step into the power ro- as the Heat’s ultimate sweet- $52mn package to Dion Waiters months. tation amid the ankle sprain that ener, his good salary potentially that summer, or even the four- Parting with Jones could po- has Meyers Leonard sidelined or enough to get a trade partner to year, $50mn agreement that off - tentially be eased if the Heat, as into the wing rotation with Tyler take on some of the Heat’s bad season with Kelly Olynyk. has been speculated, were able Herro out with ankle soreness. money. Another school of thought is to reach an agreement with the But the moment at hand also While Jones maintains Bird that with Jones’ youth and up- Memphis Grizzlies for veteran presents a crossroads, with day’s Rights, meaning he can be re- side, even if the Heat were to of- championship forward Andre 3pm NBA trade deadline loom- signed by the Heat above the sal- fer a multiyear deal, it would be Iguodala, who has been inactive ing. ary cap, the Heat have prioritised far easier to unload than what this season while seeking a trade While a source of pride for the cap space for the 2021 off season, the Heat have been dealing with to a title contender. Heat’s development program, when Giannis Antetokounmpo, on Johnson’s and Waiters’ con- As it is, even if the Heat were Jones is approaching the end of among other elite players, will be tracts. to part with the youth of Jones, his contract, to become a free a free agent. The Heat reportedly balked at who turns 23 next week, there agent on July 1, not eligible for an So unless the Heat compro- moving Jones last summer, when remains the youthful pipeline of extension in the interim. mise would be a high-end, one- an initial permutation of the Herro, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan About the only certainty about year deal, with the possibility of Butler sign-and-trade transac- Robinson, Chris Silva and Bam his future is that his starting sal- revisiting something lengthier tion had the Dallas Mavericks Adebayo. ary next season will be a signifi - based on the twists of 2021, there believing they were acquiring But at the moment, Jones cant upgrade from his current likely would be more for Jones Jones and Olynyk. The Heat stands as essential — perhaps on $1.6mn — somewhere. elsewhere this summer. For the instead fi nished off the Butler dual levels during trade-dead- Miami Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr. (centre) in action against Boston Celtics during a regular season game at So the question for the Heat Heat, the priority of late has transaction by trading Hassan line week. the AmericanAirlines Arena on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. (TNS)

NFL TRIBUTE Gregg remembers Kobe ‘like a superhero who Are Dolphins aiming was actually human’

By Kyle Goon completely changed over their Daily News, Los Angeles roster since the days of facing Bryant’s Lakers, were mourn- ing in their own way. Notably, or a 12-year span, DeMar DeRozan, a Compton for an elite talent like the Western Confer- native, entered Staples Cent- ence ran through two er both Monday against the Froads. Clippers and Tuesday against Plenty of uncertainly remains Through Los Angeles. Or the Lakers wearing Bryant’s through San Antonio. In that jersey on his back. Tim Dun- around Tagovailoa in the coming span from the 1998-99 season can, a Spurs legend who now to the 2009-10 campaign, the serves on Popovich’s bench, weeks before the 2020 NFL draft Lakers and Spurs combined to was also present at the game Tagovailoa? win nine NBA championships. and hugged the Lakers’ LeB- Much of the Spurs’ success ron James before tip-off . By Safid Deen was credited to the strategic Popovich’s wife, Erin Popo- Sun Sentinel brilliance of Coach Gregg vich, died in April 2018 after a Popovich. And much the long battle with a respiratory Lakers’ success was credited illness. Popovich seemed to ua Tagovailoa held $15 in to the brilliant play of future acknowledge this brush with singles in his hand, ready Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. mortality and compare it to to spend $1 or up to $5 on Speaking Tuesday night what the Bryant family has his favourite Kansas City before another tilt at Staples gone through in the last week- TChiefs and San Francisco 49ers Center against the Lakers, and-a-half. players for a video segment with Popovich took a moment to “When somebody’s sick Bleacher Report ahead of the Su- refl ect on the rivalry that was for a long time and you ex- per Bowl. He spent his fi rst $3 with Bryant, who died on Jan. pect it, you deal with that,” he on Patrick Mahomes, the fl ame- 26. One of the hardest parts of said. “But when somebody is throwing Chiefs quarterback learning that Bryant had died, taken the way that he and his who led a comeback win over the Popovich said, was his aura daughter and the other peo- 49ers in Sunday’s big game. of invincibility. Even a coach ple were taken, that makes it a “I have to go with Pat,” Tago- who bested him several times tragedy, more painful in some vailoa said. in playoff series thought of ways.” Mahomes, shortly after be- him in those terms. LEBRON JAMES NAMED coming the youngest Super Bowl “He was like a superhero PLAYER OF THE MONTH MVP at 24, was asked if he thinks who was actually human,” he After the Lakers went 10-4 he’s now the face of the league. said. “We kind of thought of in January, LeBron James was He was quick to mention South him as one of those kind of named the Western Confer- Florida native Lamar Jackson. people.” ence Player of the Month “There’s several guys that can The Spurs knew Bryant — the fi rst time a Laker has be the face of the NFL,” Maho- well: They met in the posts- earned the honour since Kobe mes said. eason seven times during Bryant did it in 2013. “Lamar, who was the unani- Bryant’s 20-year tenure as a James averaged 25.4 points, mous MVP last night, he had Laker. Behind a competitive 10.4 assists, 8.1 rebounds one of the best seasons of all rivalry, Popovich said, was a and 1.4 steals during January, time at the quarterback position. healthy respect. when the Lakers had the best There’s guys like that every sin- “A lot of competitiveness, record in the Western Con- gle year.” playing against him, coaching ference. He had nine double- Jackson made history him- against him, being with him doubles, and three triple- self on Saturday. He became the at All-Star games,” he said. doubles during his run, which youngest NFL MVP at 23, break- “I think everybody has their also saw him eclipse Bryant ing a record set by Mahomes a situations where, even if they as the No. 3 leading scorer in year ago. He also became the didn’t know him at all, they NBA history. second player to win the award feel they did, especially the James extended his own unanimously after Tom Brady people in Los Angeles. So we record of 39 NBA Player of the did it in 2010. all have those thoughts just Month awards, which he had “I’m trying to chase Brady,” pass by when you lose some- not won since March/April of Jackson said. “I’m not worried body, and they just keep com- 2018. Bryant won the award about any other quarterback be- ing.” last for the Lakers in February cause he’s got six Super Bowls. Many of the Spurs, who have of 2013. I’ve got to get my fi rst one.” Notice a theme here? Game File photo of Tua Tagovailoa of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (TNS) recognises game. As both Mahomes and Jackson view in Miami Beach ahead of the Saturday afternoon in Wyn- really make the decisions on the 2008. Most importantly, they raised the bar for young quarter- Super Bowl. wood as Tagovailoa’s agent, draft choices. We have to look at have not won a Super Bowl since backs in the NFL this past week “I mean, it’s a beautiful place,” Leigh Steinberg, used his Super his health is and everything else winning back-to-back titles in in South Florida, the rest of the Tagovailoa said. “I think where Bowl party to benefi t the Make- and see what the alternatives 1972 and 1973. NFL world has taken notice. If we’re staying, it’s a little tour- A-Wish foundation and honour are.” Maybe, Tagovailoa could be you’ve got a good but not great isty. But we’d have to see because Ross for his philanthropy work in It may not have been the most the dynamic quarterback to lead quarterback now, you need a I don’t know too much about the process. glowing endorsement by the the way for Miami like Mahomes better one or at least put excep- where the guys stay, that play Tagovailoa and Ross did not Dolphins owner, but Ross surely lifted Kansas City to its fi rst Su- tional pieces around him to be a football, live around here so it have much contact during the knows the magnitude of his foot- per Bowl in more than 50 years. playoff contender. could be diff erent in that aspect.” event, similar to when they were ball team’s evaluation of Tago- The Dolphins already have a This is what the Miami Dol- Maybe, he’ll fi nd out soon standing a few yards away from vailoa before the draft. coach with big-game experience phins need to work on this off - enough. each other before the Alabama- Ross spent more than $700 in Brian Flores, who came up in season to reverse their fortune. Tagovailoa, joined by his par- Michigan Citrus Bowl game in million on his Miami Gardens the New England Patriots organ- And an option for Miami could ents Galu and Diane, weren’t shy Orlando shortly after the New entertainment complex which isation. This was the fi rst time in be Tagovailoa, a 21-year-old tal- about basking in South Florida’s Year. But they will likely have a includes Hard Rock Stadium. His four years Flores wasn’t in the ented but perhaps injury-prone food and weather. They moved formal meeting at some point lavish venue shined brightly as Super Bowl. He helped the Patri- quarterback out of Alabama. from Hawaii to see their son play in the coming weeks as the Dol- Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the ots win two titles in three years. Plenty of uncertainly remains in Tuscaloosa, Ala., so they’d phins prepare for the draft. 49ers with halftime performers A Flores-Tagovailoa partner- around Tagovailoa in the com- likely follow him to South Florida Just a day earlier in the same Jennifer Lopez and Shakira cap- ship would be interesting. But ing weeks before the 2020 NFL if the Dolphins were to draft him. venue, Ross modestly discussed tivating a worldwide audience there’s two months, several NFL draft, where teams like the Dol- “It’s really like Hawaii,” Diane his rise as a New York business- during Sunday’s Super Bowl. teams looking for a quarterback, phins will likely spend a lot of said about her fi rst impressions man during the Bloomberg Power Ross expressed his regret and it could take a draft-day their time deciding whether to of South Florida. Players Summit. He also bluntly about the Dolphins not play- trade to move Miami from the No. take a chance on the charismatic Tagovailoa has enjoyed his discussed several football top- ing in the Super Bowl in Miami 5 pick into the top three to land quarterback, who also happens time here, too. Last week was ics and praised Tagovailoa, while – a sentiment he shared at least Tagovailoa if his health checks to enjoy South Florida – but is his second time already this also addressing the clear concern three times during the Bloomb- out in the coming months. Also, recovering from a serious hip in- year visiting the area. He joined about his future. erg event. the Dolphins are more than just jury. some friends on a trip earlier this “I’ve been down there to see The Dolphins have not won a a quarterback away from being “You’re looking around here month. him. Tua is a great player. I just playoff game since 2000. They a playoff contender, but have the in Miami. What do you think? Tagovailoa’s family and Dol- worry about his health,” Ross have competed in the postseason draft capital and assets to build a Do you like the city?” Tagovailoa phins owner Steve Ross were said. just two times since 2001. They strong team that could compete was asked during a radio inter- several feet from each other last He then added: “The coaches have not won the AFC East since as early as next season. Gulf Times Thursday, February 6, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

FA CUP Liverpool youngsters beat Shrewsbury to reach fi ft h round Reds face Chelsea in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge in March as they remain on course for a potential treble

AFP London

iverpool’s youngest ever team proved coach Jurgen Klopp was right to rest his stars as they reached the FA Cup fi fth Lround with a 1-0 win against third-tier Shrewsbury on Tuesday night. Klopp and his entire fi rst team were all absent for the fourth round replay at Anfi eld as part of the club’s winter break. The Liverpool manager was criti- cised for disrespecting the FA Cup, but his youngsters proved up to the task and their mature display was rewarded when Ro-Shaun Williams headed the decisive own goal in the closing stages. Liverpool will face Chelsea in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge in March as they remain on course for a potential tre- ble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Klopp had turned over the responsibility of leading Liver- pool to the club’s under-23 coach Neil Critchley, who also took charge when the Reds played an under-strength side for their League Cup quarter-fi nal de- feat at Aston Villa earlier this season. On that occasion, Klopp had a bet- ter excuse for his absence as Liverpool were in Qatar on course to win the Club World Cup. This time, it was purely his decision to ignore the FA Cup, but rest- ing Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and company at least gave fans a glimpse of the next generation. With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, it was Liverpool’s youngest ever starting line-up in all competi- tions. There were seven teenagers, in- cluding 16-year-old Harvey Elliott, while Pedro Chirivella was the oldest player in the team at 22. Liverpool-born teenager Curtis Jones became the club’s youngest cap- tain at 19 years and fi ve days. Liverpool had blown a two-goal lead in that original meeting, but several of Liverpool’s Neco Williams (right) celebrates with teammates after Shrewsbury Town’s Ro-Shaun Williams scored an own goal during the FA Cup fourth round match in Liverpool on Tuesday night. (Reuters) these youngsters had helped stun Ever- ton in the third round and once again bury keeper way off his line, the ball for the fi rst time since 2006 after a dra- trip to second-tier West Bromwich Al- DC United, spent 13 years with the Old (Bakayoko 50, Biamou 114) aet they showcased their potential. looped over him into the empty net. matic 3-2 win at third tier Oxford. Sean bion. Traff ord club and won a host of major Birmingham won 4-1 on penalties; Despite dominating possession, Liv- “The manager sent a message prior Longstaff opened the scoring in the Wayne Rooney booked an emotional trophies before returning to Everton in Cardiff 3 (Murphy 19, 93, Glatzel 54) erpool almost fell behind in the 58th to the game with some words of ad- 16th minute and Joelinton got on the clash with his former club Manchester 2017. “He’s going to face the club where Reading 3 (Richards 69, Rinomhota 79, minute when Shaun Whalley headed vice and support, which was fantas- scoresheet in the 30th minute, netting United as second tier Derby cruised to he had a wonderful career so of course Meite 116) aet, Reading won 4-1 on home, only to see VAR disallow the tic,” Critchley said of his contact with just his third goal since his big-money a 4-2 win over Northampton at Pride it is special,” Derby boss Phillip Cocu penalties; Derby 4 (Wisdom 28, Holmes goal for off side against one of his team- Klopp. “He is delighted with the per- move from Hoff enheim last year. Park. Rooney scored Derby’s fourth said. 35, Marriott 51, Rooney 77-pen) mates in the build-up. formance. There was a message at half- But Liam Kelly got one back with a goal from the penalty spot to wrap up Northampton 2 (Adams 47, Hoskins Liverpool made the most of that es- time and at full-time. He said Chelsea fi ne free-kick in the 84th minute before an emphatic victory that brought the FA CUP RESULTS 84-pen); Liverpool 1 (Williams 75-og) cape to win it in the 75th minute. Neco away could be an opportunity for one or Nathan Holland equalised deep into prize of a reunion with 12-time FA Cup (aet denotes after extra time): Shrewsbury 0; Oxford 2 (Kelly 84, Williams’ long pass looked harmless two of them and they put in a perform- stoppage-time. Allan Saint-Maximin winners United. Holland 90) Newcastle 3 (S.Longstaff 16, but Ro-Shaun Williams tried to head ance tonight.” saved Newcastle’s blushes four minutes The former England star, who re- Fourth round replays: Birmingham 2 Joelinton 30, Saint-Maximin 116) aet back to O’Leary and, with the Shrews- Newcastle reached the fi fth round from the end of extra-time to clinch a cently joined Derby after a spell with (Dean 90, Bela 120) Coventry 2

FOCUS GERMAN CUP Qatar Shell and QFA to host Koora Haaland goal not enough for Dortmund AFP Time to mark National Sport Day Berlin o mark National Sport Day, Qatar Shell and Qa- n astonishing eighth goal in four tar Football Association appearances for teenage striking (QFA) are teaming up sensation Erling Braut Haaland Tonce again to organise a myriad couldn’t help Borussia Dortmund of family-oriented activities at intoA the German Cup quarter-fi nals af- Katara Cultural Village as part of ter they were knocked out 3-2 at Werder the award-winning Koora Time Bremen on Tuesday. programme. Running from 7am Haaland continued his incredible run of to 5pm on February 11, the event form since signing for the Bundesliga title will off er families the opportu- chasers when he tapped home in the 67th nity to participate in a variety of minute to pull one back for the away side football and fi tness activities for after Davie Selk and Leonardo Bittencourt all age groups in a fun and non- had put Werder two ahead in the fi rst half- competitive environment. an-hour. The strike means the 19-year-old Andrew Faulkner, Managing has scored in each of his appearances for Director and Chairman of Qatar Dortmund despite only making one start Shell Companies, said: “We are and playing barely two matches’ worth of delighted to once again invite football in the few weeks since his arrival Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland has words with Werder Bremen’s Niklas Moisander during the local community to join us at in Germany. On this occasion he entered the German Cup round of 16 match in Bremen, northern Germany on Tuesday. (AFP) our highly anticipated National the fi eld as a half-time substitute, but three Sport Day celebrations. By en- minutes after his goal Milot Rashica put the away side two ahead six minutes before the Marco Reus has picked up a muscle injury gaging youth and their families in hosts 3-1 up and put his side through to the break. Schalke struck back in the second that should keep him out of the fi rst leg of football activities, we are deliv- next round, despite Giovanni Reyna pulling half through goals from Daniel Caligiuri their Champions League last 16 tie against ering on our long-term commit- one back with 12 minutes remaining. and Amine Harit before Raman fi nished off Paris Saint-Germain. In a statement Dort- ment to promoting the adoption Werder will be joined in the next round by a counter-attack in the 115th minute to send mund said the 30-year-old should be out of an active and healthy lifestyle Koora Time off ers children 72 hours of extra-curricular physical Fortuna Duesseldorf and Eintracht Frank- the fans into raptures. Bayern Munich was “for around four weeks” after picking up among Qatar’s youth.” education in an 18-week period. furt after their wins over Kaiserslautern and facing Hoff enheim in one of four matches the injury late in defeat at Werder Bremen, As part of National Sport Day RB Leipzig, and Schalke, who squeezed past last night as the last eight line-up is decided. ruling him out of the home leg of the PSG activities, Koora Time coaches the trophy will be on display. (BMI) of 95% of participants Hertha Berlin 3-2 thanks to Benito Raman’s clash on February 18. He should however be will be organising training ses- Khalid Mubarak al-Kawari, while 50% of the programme’s extra-time winner. INJURED DORTMUND CAPTAIN REUS back for the return leg in Paris on March 11. sions and football matches, in- Director of Marketing and Com- participants are girls, refl ect- Krzysztof Piatek thought he had made SET TO MISS PSG CLASH The Germany forward will be a big miss for cluding one dedicated to chil- munication, QFA said: “National ing the positive role of women in a dream full debut for Hertha following Meanwhile, Dortmund were dealt a blow Dortmund, as he has scored 12 goals and set dren aged 12 and under. Our Sport Day celebrations provide sport and further supporting fe- his move from AC Milan when he put the yesterday after announcing that captain up seven more this season. programme will also include an an opportunity to further expand male empowerment in Qatar. Aerobics Zone, where 30-min- Koora Time’s reach, and to raise With the aim of improv- utes fi tness classes will take place awareness about one of our most ing the health and wellbeing of throughout the day, including successful and longest-running young people in Qatar through German FA to investigate Torunarigha racism incident Pilates, Martial Arts, Zumba, initiatives in partnership with football and contributing to the Yoga, Boot Camp and HIIT. Qatar Shell, an organisation with Social Development pillar of Berlin: The German FA (DFB) is to investi- director Jochen Schneider said he has players complained after Torunarigha, 22, Other child-oriented activi- whom we share the key objective the Qatar National Vision 2030, gate after Hertha Berlin defender Jordan apologised to Torunarigha and vowed to was the victim of racist chants before he ties include Panna Cage, a mini of promoting a healthy lifestyle Koora Time has been a resound- Torunarigha was subjected to racist abuse find the culprits. was sent off during extra time in the 3-2 football match played in an oc- in the Qatari community”. ing success in Qatar, securing an during a German Cup match against “There is zero tolerance. I lack any under- third round defeat. tagonal shaped fi eld; and Football Based on FC Barcelona Foun- impressive 12 awards since its in- Schalke in Gelsenkirchen. standing for complete idiots of this kind,” “The boy was insulted. We told the Darts, a one player game where dation’s FutbolNet methodology, ception almost a decade ago. Yesterday, the DFB’s disciplinary com- said Schneider after the game. referees that they had to protect him,” the player kicks Velcro balls with Koora Time off ers children 72 To fi nd out more about Koora mittee asked Torunarigha for a statement “We will do everything we can to track Klinsmann said. Hertha defender Niklas the aim of hitting the bullseye. To hours of extra-curricular physi- Time, or to register your child after the Germany Under-21 defender was down those responsible and impose conse- Stark, 24, heard “monkey calls” aimed at To- add to this, the Amir Cup trophy cal education in an 18-week pe- for the award-winning and im- the victim of chanting at the Veltins Arena quences.” runarigha. “There were racist insults from tour is expected to kick-off at riod. Last year’s season saw a pactful programme, please visit during Tuesday’s match. Schalke’s sporting Hertha coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his the stands,” Stark said. Koora Time’s NSD event, where reduction in Body Mass Index www.kooratime.qa. Thursday, February 6, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

LIGUE 1 PSG move 15 points clear with tight victory over Nantes AFP long periods despite the absence of to push away ’s close- Paris Neymar with a rib complaint, and it range fl ick. Earlier, Rennes missed the was Kylian Mbappe, starting following chance to go second after Loic Remy’s his touchline spat with Tuchel at the early goal consigned them to a 1-0 de- aris Saint-Germain further weekend, who created the opener. feat at Champions League-chasing strengthened their dominance World Cup winner Mbappe burst Lille. Remy struck in the fourth minute of on Tuesday night down the left fl ank before pulling back for the hosts when he collected Jonath- with a 2-1 win at Nantes that perfectly for Angel Di Maria, whose an Ikone’s pass before lashing home a Pmoved the champions 15 points clear shot brushed fellow Argentine Icardi long-range eff ort to move his fourth- of the domestic rivals. Goals in either before nestling in the back of the net. placed side up to 37 points, three be- half from Mauro Icardi and Thilo Kehr- The three points looked to be sealed 11 hind Rennes. er were just about enough for Thomas minutes after the break when Kehrer The away side remain a further three Tuchel’s side to stretch their lead over headed home Di Maria’s corner. points away from Marseille, who would second-placed Marseille ahead of their However, Kimpembe let Nantes back have been temporarily overtaken by trip to Saint-Etienne last night. into the game 11 minutes later when his Rennes had they won by two goals or PSG extended their unbeaten run in fl uff ed attempt at a fl icked pass to cen- more. Monaco meanwhile won their all competitions to 20 matches despite tre-back partner Kehrer gave Simon his fi rst league match of 2020 1-0 over a Presnel Kimpembe howler allowing chance. PSG had a series of good op- Angers thanks to Stevan Jovetic, who to race through and pull portunities to go back two goals ahead, guided in Youssouf Fofana’s long pass one back in the 68th minute, setting with Mbappe twice denied by fi ne last- with his head to move Robert Moreno’s up a nervy fi nish. “I’m thrilled with ditch defending, but they failed to capi- side ninth, level on 32 points with four how we played for 70 minutes, I’m very talise and had to thank Keylor Navas for other teams. satisfi ed,” said Tuchel said. “We should twice saving the result in the fi nal min- The victory ends a four-match win- have scored four times but only scored utes. less run in the league for Monaco that twice, and then that error... I think it First, he got out well to stop Simon was made worse by last week’s French was a bit too much confi dence.” as the Nigerian bore down on goal and Cup exit at the hands of Saint-Etienne The capital club were dominant for in stoppage time got down brilliantly last week. Paris Saint-Germain’s defender Thilo Kehrer (left) celebrates after scoring against Nantes in the Ligue 1 on Tuesday. (AFP)

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Qatar prepares Messi criticism of for National Sport Day celebrations atar will celebrate the meet with some of Team Qatar’s ninth edition of its star athletes. It is our hope that National Sport Day on these world-class athletes will Abidal won’t aff ect Tuesday, February 11. encourage young people to be TheQ Qatar Olympic Commit- physically active, and perhaps tee (QOC), along with various even inspire the future genera- national sports federations, will tion of Qatari athletes.” mark the day by off ering mem- He added: “Qatar recognises bers of the public a wide-ranging the importance of sports, and it programme of sports activities is a key goal of ours to encour- and demonstrations. age people to stay fi t and active, Barca, says Setien The National Sport Day has not only on National Sport Day, been celebrated across Qatar but all year long. Qatar is one of since 2012, and is an extremely the fi rst countries in the world ‘I will do everything I can to ensure this does not aff ect the team’ popular day which aims to bring to have a paid national holi- people together in celebration of day which is dedicated solely to Reuters sport, whilst encouraging people sports and exercise, which re- Barcelona of all ages to stay fi t and active. fl ects both the forward-thinking QOC has also again organ- leadership of Qatar’s sports lead- ised a Team Qatar Sports Village ers, and the fact that sport is an arcelona will not be destabilised to be held at Barahat Msheireb important pillar of the Qatar Na- by a possible confrontation be- in Doha from 8am until 8pm. tional Vision 2030.” tween talisman Lionel Messi and The event will feature a diverse One of QOC’s primary aims for sporting director Eric Abidal, range of sports catering for all the National Sport Day is to pro- coachB Quique Setien said yesterday. The ages, including: athletics, bas- mote a healthy community both usually introverted Messi caused a stir by ketball, volleyball, gymnastics, physically and psychologically by criticising his former teammate Abidal on table tennis, boxing, wrestling, educating the community on the Tuesday, saying in a post on Instagram taekwondo, karate and judo. many benefi ts of participating in that the club’s hierarchy, not the players, Throughout the day there will sports. QOC’s eff orts to promote should take responsibility for sacking Er- also be live sports workshops sports, physical education and nesto Valverde last month. featuring gymnastics and mar- sustainable development within Abidal had told newspaper Sport that tial arts, as well as on-stage en- the community are all steps to- he had sensed that “many players weren’t tertainment from football free- wards helping to achieve the Qa- satisfi ed or working hard” under Val- stylers and sport jugglers. tar National Vision 2030. verde. Messi responded by saying Abi- Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, National Sport Day is a pio- dal should name which players he had in Secretary-General of the QOC, neering initiative adopted by mind so as not to tarnish the image of the said: “This year is an Olym- His Highness the Amir Sheikh entire squad. pic year, which makes National Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who Messi’s intervention dominated the Sport Day 2020 an even more issued the Amiri Decree No. 80 front pages of yesterday’s sports newspa- signifi cant day! The events and for the year 2011 on December 6, pers: Sport said his reaction had caused a activities we have planned with concerning the Qatar’s National ‘tsunami’, Marca declared the Argentine the valuable help of national Sport Day. The Decree states that had delivered ‘a knockout blow’, while AS sport federations and stakehold- the second Tuesday of every Feb- headlined their edition ‘FC Chaos’. ers, will give our community the ruary shall be a sports day which In the newspaper interview Abidal opportunity to try new sports encourages everyone to partici- said: “Many players weren’t satisfi ed and enjoy engaging workshops. pate in sporting activities. or working hard and there was also an There will be an opportunity to internal communication problem. The relationship between the coach and the dressing room has always been good but there are things as an ex-player that I could smell. I told the club what I thought and we reached a decision (on Valverde).” Messi responded on Instagram, writ- ing: “Sincerely, I don’t like to do these Eric Abidal (right) and Lionel Messi played together at Barcelona between 2007 and 2013, with the French defender returning to things but I think that people have to be the club after retirement to become sporting director in June 2018. (Reuters) responsible for their jobs and own their decisions. The players [are responsible] control anything else and won’t waste my about Dembele’s injury than Messi’s glowingly of Messi and had sounded op- for what happens on the pitch and we are energy,” he told reporters. musings on social media, adding that the timistic of an extended deal. “I’m sure the fi rst to admit when we haven’t been “This situation doesn’t aff ect me, all club’s all-time goalscorer was in good we’ll come to a deal with Leo because he good. The heads of the sports department I can do is give the players the tools they spirits and did not need to be reminded knows we need him. He’s on top form, have to take their responsibilities too and need to make the most of their talent. about his responsibilities. enjoying his game and breaking records,” above all own the decisions they make.” Every single club has its problems but “Of course I believe he is as motivated said Abidal. Setien said he had spoken to the play- there are things I can’t control, so please, as ever, he’s smiling, he looks well and he “We as a club want to make him even ers about the disagreement for around only talk to me about football.” loves coming here to train. He’s the same happier and to do that by surrounding a minute and that they were only con- Messi’s criticism of Abidal came on as yesterday or the day before,” Setien him with the right teammates. We want a cerned about their upcoming matches, the same day Barca learned that winger added. “Messi has enough experience strong team with a good everyday feeling beginning with today’s Copa del Rey Ousmane Dembele had ruptured his and ability to know what he needs to do, and above all we want to win titles.” quarter-fi nal tie at Athletic Bilbao. hamstring and would miss the rest of the I’m not going to get involved in his life or Messi signed his last extension in 2017, “I will do everything to ensure this season, adding to their shortages in at- anyone else’s. I’m not the father of any of with his current deal running through to does not aff ect the team, all I’m interested tack while Luis Suarez recovers from knee these players, all I have to do is get them 2021 but reportedly containing a clause in is tomorrow’s game and the obligation surgery. to train. The rest isn’t part of my job.” that could allow him to quit Barcelona in to get through to the next round. I can’t Setien said that he was more concerned Earlier Tuesday Abidal had spoken June. The National Sport Day has been celebrated across Qatar since 2012.

MIDFIELDER ERIKSEN SAYS HE WAS ‘BLACK SHEEP’ AT TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR London: Christian Eriksen says his the changing room, that ever since I that I am in a new place and I can start wasn’t a diff icult choice.” 183,000 euros ($201,574) in damages to decision to run down his contract at said I wanted to leave, it was no good again.” a house he rented in the Baix Llobre- Tottenham made him a “black sheep” me being there.” The Dane said speculation over his UMTITI FACES COURT HEARING gat area in Barcelona province. The at the Premier League club. The Eriksen said there was a sense of future did not aff ect him but that he BEFORE BARCA CUP CLASH player’s representatives could not be 27-year-old midfielder joined Inter relief in starting a new chapter in Italy. felt he played about 30 matches that Barcelona player Samuel Umtiti will reached for comment. Milan last month for a fee of around “England, for the last few years, was seemed like “goodbye games”. have to make his own way to the team’s Umtiti was included in Setien’s squad £17mn ($22mn), ending his six-and-a- very hectic,” he added. “If you have a short contract, you will Copa del Rey match at Athletic Bilbao for today’s game, although the coach half year stay at Spurs. “After what I said in the summer, it be the black sheep. Of course, I did the today as he has a date in court on confirmed that the player would make The Dane would have been out of was just about, ‘When is he going to interview. I was very honest. I felt I had the same day as the match, his coach his own travel arrangements. contract at the end of this season and leave?’ Every game it was, ‘Is he leav- to be honest.” Quique Setien has said. “It’s a personal issue that has come had been linked with a move away ing? Is he not leaving?’ Of course a lot Eriksen confirmed there had been A spokeswoman for Catalonia’s up but it’s not a big deal, there is always from London since revealing he was of people were speaking about it. Even talks with Manchester United but said judiciary confirmed that France’s World a solution to every situation,” Setien ready for a new challenge after Spurs’ the fans you see on the street were like, a move to Old Traff ord was never likely. Cup winning defender, 26, faces a civil told a news conference. Champions League final defeat to “I did get the blame for a lot of stuff , ‘Thank you, goodbye and good luck’. “It just came down to wanting to try hearing at 1100 CET on Thursday but “We have to be positive, it’s a setback Liverpool in June. That admission for being the bad guy,” he told BBC But I was still there. It was a bit weird. a new challenge in a new country,” declined to give further details on the but he will travel afterwards. We are prompted some fans to turn on him. Sport. “I read I was the bad person in In my head and for my body, it is good he said. “Once Inter came up it really case. Umtiti was being asked to pay relaxed about it.”