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Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Rabia II 12, 1440 AH Sri Lanka’s Mendis, GULF TIMES Mathews defy NZ with epic stand SPORT Page 7 FOCUS United done with the Special One Mourinho makes an exit after Manchester United’s worst start in 28 years that has left them 19 points behind leaders Liverpool after just 17 games

AFP But Mourinho did little to help him- The French World Cup winner was season. London self, particularly in a short-lived third not alone. Mourinho was stinging in His cautious nature also clashed with season, which has become an unwanted his public criticism of Luke Shaw and the 20-time English champions’ tradi- hallmark of his managerial career. Anthony Martial among others. tion of attacking football. ose Mourinho reportedly His departure from Old Traff ord came The man who introduced himself to Even more galling for United fans was to cried when he heard he had not a day after the third anniversary of his English football as the “Special One” see fi erce rivals City and Liverpool under been chosen as the heir to Alex sacking from a second spell at Chelsea and proved it by delivering Chelsea’s Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp Ferguson’s throne at Manchester just six months after winning the title fi rst league title for 50 years was now the marrying success with en- United.J with the Blues. surly one. tertaining football. Once he fi nally landed his dream job For the fi rst time since leaving provin- In a recurring theme from his third “The most he only lasted two-and-a-half years cial Portuguese side Uniao de Leiria for season at Real Madrid and the third season important job of before leaving Old Traff ord with his local giants Porto in 2002, Mourinho of his second spell at Chelsea, Mourinho’s football is enter- reputation seriously tarnished. leaves a club having failed to win a message quickly fell on deaf ears. taining the people The axe fi nally fell on the Portuguese league title. Without his confi dant and assistant because it is only yesterday, an increasingly inevitable He did deliver silverware, winning for 17 years, Rui Faria, who left United football and divorce as Mourinho fell out with senior the League Cup and Europa League in in May, Mourinho became even more nothing else,” squad members, blamed his superiors his debut season, and even claiming the volatile. said Klopp earlier for a lack of backing in the transfer Community Shield, a glorifi ed friendly The United board also seemed to this season on market and oversaw a drastic deteriora- curtain-raiser to the season, as a hat- lose faith just months after handing his personal duel tion in performances and results on the trick of trophies. Mourinho a new contract until 2020 in with Guardiola. pitch. United’s highest league fi nish since January. Mourinho Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to bitter rivals Ferguson’s retirement followed last A number of signing targets ear- has always been Liverpool, which left United 19 points season but it was still only second best marked by the manager to improve more pragmat- behind the Premier League leaders after to local rivals Manchester City and by a United’s central defence in the sum- ic. But as his just 17 games, proved the fi nal straw. record 19-point margin. mer were apparently deemed no better previous spells After David Moyes and Louis van than options already in the squad by the in Madrid and Gaal, a third manager sacked in four POGBA POWER STRUGGLE club’s hierarchy, led by executive vice- at Stamford years suggests there is far more to be The seeds of disharmony were also chairman Ed Woodward. Bridge show, fi xed behind the scenes at the world’s sown last season. Mourinho routinely Mourinho’s success has always been when a richest club than a new name on the dropped the club’s most expensive ever built on solid foundations. results-driv- manager’s door. signing, £89mn ($113mn) midfi elder Having not conceded more than twice en manager Former club Gary Neville Paul Pogba, to start a power struggle he in one match for 22 months, United starts losing, raged at a club “rotten to the core” when has ultimately lost. shipped three goals each time in defeats there is rumours over Mourinho’s future fi rst Pogba sat on the bench for the full 90 to Brighton, Tottenham, West Ham, nothing left circulated and after the Liverpool defeat minutes at Anfi eld on Sunday and has Manchester City and Liverpool and have to save his described United’s board as “so naive it’s not started any of United’s past three already conceded more league goals in the job. unbelievable”. league games. current campaign than in the whole of last Pochettino focused on Spurs amid United talk AFP point a caretaker manager But the 46-year-old, whose has win a trophy with Tottenham, London this week to lead the troubled led Tottenham to third in the he has caught the eye by es- team for the rest of the season. Premier League and a place in tablishing a stylish side made That would give them time the Champions League last 16 up of flourishing youngsters auricio Pochettino to tempt Pochettino to leave this season, insists he is only and astute signings. insists he is focused Tottenham, where he has concerned with his current Pochettino wouldn’t comment Mon doing his best established a reputation as team at present. on the reasons for Mourinho’s for Tottenham amid reports one of the brightest young “After nearly five years there downfall. he is the leading candidate managers in Europe during his is a lot of rumours about my “First of all I want to send my to replace Jose Mourinho at four-year reign. position as manager at Totten- best wishes to him. I feel so Manchester United. Pochettino refused to com- ham,” Pochettino told report- sorry,” Pochettino said. Tottenham manager Pochet- pletely rule out any interest in ers ahead of today’s League “I have a very good relation- tino was installed as the the United job, which might Cup quarter-final at Arsenal. ship with Jose, he is a good bookmakers’ favourite to appeal to him given the club’s “I cannot answer this type of friend, it is sad news. It is take charge at Old Traff ord vast resources in contrast to question because rumours not my business what has after Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham, who failed to sign happen. I want to deliver my happened in another club. United yesterday. a single player in the summer best at this football club.” I send my best wishes to United are expected to ap- transfer window. Although Pochettino is yet to Jose.”

CRICKET Mystery Indian spinner stuns at IPL auction

AFP most expensive player in this under the hammer Tuesday, to help West Indies win the His base price was $283,460. Jaipur year’s sell-off along with In- including 120 international World T20 fi nal against England Fellow Brit Jonny Bairstow Top buys dian left-arm seamer Jaydev cricketers, in what is the world’s at the in Kolkata. won his fi rst IPL contract, Unadkat, bagged by Rajasthan wealthiest cricket league. KKR, led by ’s Dinesh picked by Player Team Price ittle-known Indian Royals for the same price. West Indies players proved Karthik, fi nished third in the for $312,057. The wicketkeep- mystery spinner Varun “What a bid! Varun Chaka- to be the top draw among IPL 2018. They have won the er-batsman had gone unsold Jaydev Unadkat (Bowler) $1,191,489 Chakravarthy hit the ravarthy joins us for the new the foreigners, with big-hit- lucrative championship twice, in last year’s auction. Varun Chakravarthy (All-Rounder) Kings XI Punjab $1,191,489 jackpot at the Indian season of IPL!” the Punjab ter going in 2012 and 2014. “Delighted to be joining @ LPremier League auction yester- franchise tweeted. for $709,220 to the Kolkata Another West Indies heavy SunRisers for #IPL2019! Can’t Sam Curran (All-Rounder) Kings XI Punjab $1,021,277 day after he was snared for $1.2 Chakravarthy began playing Knight Riders franchise owned hitter was wait to get started for the #Or- (Batsman) $907,801 million by Kings XI Punjab. cricket when he was 13 but took by Bollywood superstar Shah lapped up for $595,745 by Royal angeArmy,” he wrote on Twitter. The price tag surprised pun- up architecture after several re- Rukh Khan. Challengers Bangalore. In a last-minute develop- Carlos Brathwaite (All-Rounder) $709,220 dits gathered at Jaipur for the jections in age-group cricket. “What a fantastic buy. We The 21-year-old, who im- ment, Yuvraj Singh was snapped Axar Rajesh Patel (All-Rounder) Delhi Capitals $709,220 2019 tournament He later returned to the all know what Carlos did at pressed during the recent West up by Indians for his auction, where the 27-year- game, honing his skills as a Eden back in 2016! Everyone Indies tour of India, will be base price of $141,843. (Bowler) $709,220 old only had a base price of two spinner able to bowl both off remembers the name!” KKR making his IPL debut. There were no takers though (All-Rounder) Royal Challengers Bangalore $709,220 million rupees ($28,369). and leg breaks, with quite a few said on Twitter. England’s rising star Sam for New Zealand’s Brendon After a fi erce bidding war, tricks under his hat. That year, Brathwaite Curran was sold for one mil- McCullum as well as England’s Exchange rate: 1USD = INR70.5 the bowler emerged as the More than 350 players went slammed four consecutive sixes lion dollars to Kings XI Punjab. in the fi rst round. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 FOOTBALL

He’s a very competitive guy, very ambi- I feel so sorry because you know very The only thing I can say to you is I was I’ve been fortunate to spend time at Tot- tious. He has all my respect, he has had well I have a very good relationship surprised — and it is not good news tenham’s training ground, and for me ‘ unbelievable success. I can imagine the ‘ with him, so it’s very sad news what ‘ because, when one coach fi nishes ‘ he (Pochettino) feels like the ideal can- last few months were not a joy for any- happened today. It’s not my business his work like that, it’s not good for other didate. United have tried managers who body, especially him... It’s not nice if you what happened today and only I want to coaches. It is not good news but I don’t have won European cups, they’ve tried face these questions every day. Nobody send my best wishes to Jose. There are a know a lot as to why this decision hap- managers who have won multiple leagues. can take away all the things he won. I lot of rumours about my position as man- pened. My focus is tomorrow on the My view is they need someone who meets hope he has that in his mind when he ager at Tottenham. I cannot answer this derby (against Tottenham), the focus for the three key principles of the football club, leaves and not the few other things that type of question. The business you know me and for every player is just that. and that is promotion of youth, entertain- happened. He is an outstanding manager. very well, a lot of rumours happen. — Unai Emery ing football, and to win matches. — Juergen Klopp, — Mauricio Pochettino Arsenal Manager Gary Neville Liverpool manager Tottenham Hotspur Manager Former United Captain

FOCUS Jose in danger of slipping off elite merry-go-round It is hard to imagine Mourinho’s name being in the mix with the likes of Allegri, Simeone, Tuchel, Klopp, Guardiola, Pochettino or Hit and miss signings at Manchester United While in charge of Manchester United, Jose Mourinho would regularly claim that the Old Traff ord gi- Sarri next time one of the top jobs come up ants were somehow unable to compete with their Premier League rivals in the transfer market. More to the point, however, is the hit-and-miss nature of the signings he did make, which totalled 400mn pounds ($506mn) since his arrival in 2016. Below is a list of Mourinho’s major signings and their impact at the Manchester United.

Eric Bailly League, and this season the last season, and Mourinho re- Villarreal (June 2016) Frenchman appears to have mained loyal to him this season £30mn fallen out with Mourinho after despite a dip in form. Has made making his views felt about some mistakes this term and vorian centre back Bailly was United’s style of play. Mourinho is portrayed as a pragmatic IMourinho’s first recruit and accused him of losing focus player rather than one to add initially looked the part. But this season and started him on much-needed flair. after struggling with injuries the bench in United’s last three last season he has started only Premier League games. Issued Alexis Sanchez five Premier League matches a cryptic social media post Arsenal (January 2018) this season as Mourinho con- after news emerged of Mour- Swap deal tinually chopped and changed inho’s exit, but then quickly lineups. removed it. egarded with envy Rthroughout Europe while Zlatan Ibrahimovic Victor Lindelof he was at Arsenal, Sanchez Paris St-Germain (July 2016) Benfica (June 2017) has nevertheless been a huge Free £31mn flop at United. Injuries and poor form have restricted the he charismatic Swede he Swede has slowly begun Chilean’s appearances this Tserved Mourinho well in his Tto establish himself in season in which he has started first season and gave United United’s defence but has not only five times in the Premier the kind of “star quality” the been helped by the constant League, scoring once. fans have become used to shuff ling at the back as Mour- seeing at Old Traff ord. Scored inho tied and failed to find a Diogo Dalot 28 goals in his debut campaign way to stop the goals going in. Porto (June 2018) and helped United back into The jury is still very much out. £19mn the Champions League. Romelu Lukaku he young right-sided player Henrikh Mkhitaryan Everton (July 2017) Thad to wait for his chance Borussia Dortmund (July £75mn but has impressed since mak- 2016) ing his Premier League debut £27mn he powerhouse former as a substitute against South- TEverton striker began with ampton recently. Tipped as a he Armenian flattered to a bang at United and he could successor to Antonio Valencia, Tdeceive in his only full sea- not stop scoring in the early Dalot is an exciting prospect son at United but was impres- months before his form dried for the future. sive in the Europa League and up. He managed 24 goals in his scored in the final against Ajax first campaign, but this season Fred Amsterdam. Ended up joining he has struggled to recap- Shakhtar Donetsk (June 2018) Jose Mourinho is driven away from his accommodation after leaving his job as Manchester United’s manager yesterday. (Reuters) Arsenal midway through the ture that form, not helped by £52mn following season as part of a United’s defensive tactics. Reuters the Premier League and playing done the rounds of Europe’s top agent Jorge Mendes, one of the deal that took Alexis Sanchez o far the Brazilian has London a brand of football that has been clubs, having coached Paris St best-connected men in football, to Old Traff ord. Nemanja Matic Slooked like an expensive left behind by the likes of Man- Germain, Chelsea, Real Madrid to fi nd him a new challenge. Chelsea (July 2017) misfit with Mourinho appar- chester City and Liverpool. and AC Milan. One option that stands out is Paul Pogba £40mn ently unconvinced that he or more than a decade, It is hard to imagine his name Ancelotti has now moved on Mourinho’s former club Inter Juventus (August 2016) justifies a place in the team. Did Jose Mourinho has been being in the mix with the likes and reinvented himself at Napoli, Milan, who have big ambitions £89mn t was a surprise when not even merit a place on the one of the select few of Massimiliano Allegri, Diego a club with big potential and a fa- under new Chinese ownership to IChelsea allowed the holding bench in last week’s defeat by coaches whose names in- Simeone, Thomas Tuchel, Juer- natical following but still trying challenge Juventus’ dominance ourinho’s biggest signing midfielder to leave to a Premier Liverpool. May get a chance to variablyF crop up when a vacancy gen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Mau- to make the step from challeng- of Italian football. Mhas never really become a League rival. He was a good shine once a caretaker man- arises at one of Europe’e elite ricio Pochettino or Maurizio ing the top sides to actually win- Mourinho won a Champions dominant force in the Premier match for United’s system ager is in place. clubs. Sarri next time one of the top jobs ning titles. League, Serie A and Coppa Italia But after his unhappy two come up. But even if Mourinho’s pride treble in 2010 during his previous years at Manchester United, the Mourinho’s dogmatically de- allowed him to go to a club out- stint at the club. Portuguese may have fallen off fensive tactics look outdated side the elite, there are still hur- Eleven coaches have been em- that privileged merry-go-round. compared to Pochettino’s pro- dles to overcome. ployed since he left and Inter Until recently Mourinho was gressive pressing game at Totten- Ancelotti is known as one of have not won a trophy for seven regarded as a master tactician ham Hotspur, Klopp’s so-called the game’s gentlemen, an ex- years. and supreme motivator, and with “heavy metal football” that has cellent motivator who lives in Other options open to him 20 major trophies as a manager, put Liverpool top of the Premier harmony with his club and can would include a national team including two at United, a reli- League, Sarri’s intricate passing rotate his team without anyone — although his own Portugal able provider of silverware. patterns at Chelsea or Allegri’s complaining. are well-served with Fernando But all that is in danger of be- versatility at Juventus. Mourinho, on the other hand, Santos until at least Euro 2020 ing tarnished by United’s fall And if a club wants a win-at- has burned bridges with his pub- — and there is always the temp- from grace and his incessant all-costs approach, then Atletico lic criticism of United’s young- tation of a money-making move moaning about his own players. Madrid’s Simeone, rather than er players and his fallout with to China. The man who once labelled Mourinho, is probably the man to 90-million pounds French mid- He is still revered in his home- himself the Special One and turn to. fi elder Paul Pogba, never mind land although that is probably livened up news conferences by So where does Mourinho go his constant sniping at match of- too small for him. accusing his opponents of play- next? fi cials. “Portuguese football can’t af- ing 19th football or of The 55-year-old could con- The fi rst thing Mourinho ford the likes of Leonardo Jardim, rivals of being “specialists in ceivably follow in the footsteps of should probably do is take a Paulo Fonseca or Mourinho,” Jose losing” and similar jibes, now Italian Carlo Ancelotti who has break, give himself a rest from a Pereira, head of the Portuguese seems more like a grumpy old carved a new niche for himself. game he no longer seems to enjoy coach’s association, told RTP tel- man. When Ancelotti was fi red by — and also give the game a rest evision. Frenchman Paul Pogba (left) appears to have fallen out with Jose Mourinho (right) after making his He leaves Old Traff ord with Bayern Munich early last season, from him. “They don’t have the money to views felt about Manchester United’s style of play. (Reuters) United 19 points off the top of he had, like Mourinho, just about After that, he can turn to his pay these coaches.”

With United 19 points behind Liverpool He was a panic appointment and they He’s a serial winner. He’s been sacked club when we needed it... You can’t ignore aft er 17 games, with the vast majority of brought someone in to fi x things quick- at United but he’s won them a couple what Jose has achieved as a manager ‘ players playing way below their best... ‘ ly. At the time United weren’t in Europe, ‘ of trophies. He’s done the best job since previously, but I feel the time has come and dour football to boot. Given Mour- they were on a low and he was the man- Alex Ferguson’s left . It seemed they sort of for fresh ideas at MUFC. inho was allowed to spend hundreds ager who could bring in big name players struggled before that but Jose came in and — Rio Ferdinand, of millions on those players, the split and raise the standard in games... he had put a couple of trophies in the cabinet, so I Former United defender seemed inevitable. Would imagine one of a winning mentality. He has done that in don’t think you can criticise him too much. Inevitable is the word I’d use. Mour- the main reasons for sacking Mourinho spells... but the way he plays football has — Steven Gerrard now would be to stop the attempted mass never been the United way. Former United, Liverpool player inho had to go in the end. Simply not exodus of their best players next month. getting anywhere near enough out of — Lee Sharpe I was one of his biggest advocates two ‘ his players. — Gary Lineker Former United Winger Former England international ‘ and a half years ago when he joined — Michael Owen, Man United and felt he stabilised our Former United striker Gulf Times Wednesday, December 19, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PUNISHMENT SPOTLIGHT Fan fi ned for throwing banana at Aubameyang Bolivia looks to join

AFP in a “spur of the moment” ac- without incident and was of panied by a banana emoji. London tion but strongly denied there “exemplary character” but had The incident triggered a Argentina, Uruguay was any racist intent, a magis- since been banned for life by fresh debate about racism in trates’ court in London heard. the club. football, with former Arse- Tottenham fan was But magistrate Mervyn Man- She told the court: “It was a nal striker-turned-pundit Ian and Paraguay fined yesterday for dell said: “We find it was a tar- spur of the moment thing. He Wright saying it had “embar- throwing a banana geted gesture to throw a banana picked up the closest article to rassed” the Premier League. skin at Arsenal for- skin after a goal was scored by him and that happened to be a Raheem Sterling was sub- in World Cup bid wardA Pierre-Emerick Au- a black player. We have in the banana skin. sequently subjected to alleged bameyang after a court ruled circumstances found the racial “He realised the grave error racial abuse during Manchester AFP it was a targeted incident with element was there.” he had made. He has not been City’s defeat at Chelsea — the Montevideo a “racial element”. Panteli was handed a four- charged for any racially aggra- Stamford Bridge club banned Averof Panteli admitted year football banning order vated public order offence.” four supporters pending an in- hurling the item onto the pitch after pleading guilty to throw- After the pulsating 4-2 der- vestigation. olivia’s football-mad at the Emirates Stadium after ing a missile and was also fined by win, Premier League joint Chelsea also condemned an- President Evo Morales the Gabon striker scored and £500 ($634). topscorer Aubameyang posted ti-Semitic chanting from some has off ered his Argen- celebrated in front of Spurs’ Leila Rasool, mitigating, a picture of himself on so- of their fans during last week’s Btine, Uruguayan and travelling support on Decem- The 57-year-old van driver said Panteli had been going to cial media with the caption: Europa League tie with Vidi in Paraguayan counterparts help in ber 2. said he threw the banana skin Tottenham games for 50 years “whysmandoingthis?” accom- Budapest. their joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Morales made the off er to the FOCUS equally passionate presidents, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Uruguay’s Tabare Vazquez and Paraguayan Mario Abdo Benitez during a regional Mercosur heads of state meeting in the Uruguayan nents. If his off er is accepted, capital Montevideo. Bolivia’s Hernando Siles Reyes He proposed “two or three de- home ground in La Paz, which partments as sub-seats” for the has a capacity just over FIFA’s Women in football centenary World Cup, coming 40,000 minimum requirement 100 years since the very fi rst edi- for a World Cup venue, could be tion in Uruguay, won by the hosts. included in the joint South Amer- Morales, 59, wants “to guaran- ican bid. tee that in 2030 there is another Although known to still play World Cup in South America.” football, Morales has never been The last in the continent was president of a club, unlike the held in Brazil in 2014. leaders of the joint bid nations. face daily battle, The 2022 edition will be in Macri was once the head of Qatar while the US, Canada and Boca Juniors, Vazquez was in Mexico will organise the 2026 charge at Club Atletico Progreso edition. Morales’s love of football while Horacio Cartes led Libertad is well documented as he signed a de Asuncion. professional contract at the age of The South American bid faces 54 with a local club, although the competition from Morocco and president of Sport Boys Warnes potentially several other joint says France coach did admit the move was a public- bids, including one from Britain ity stunt. A few years ago, he also and Ireland and another by an played in a football match at the eastern European confederation ‘I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT TODAY NOTHING SHOCKS ME’ top of a mountain to prove that of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and the game could be played at alti- Romania. AFP edness, a bit of jealousy I think tude. Morales is the fi rst ever indig- Hong Kong too. The worst thing is when you He was instrumental, 10 years enous president of Bolivia and has prove you’re capable of success, ago, in convincing FIFA to al- vowed to stand for re-election it’s complicated for them (to ac- low Bolivia to keep playing home next year for a potential fourth railblazing France coach cept).” games in La Paz at more than term, even though the impover- Corinne Diacre said Diacre leads France at Paris’s 3,600 metrers (almost 12,000 ished country’s constitution lim- women in football face a Parc des Princes against South feet) above sea level, after com- its presidents to two consecutive constant struggle for ac- Korea for the World Cup opener plaints from breathless oppo- mandates. ceptanceT and are often regarded on June 7, it will underline how as “objects” despite rising vis- far she has travelled. ibility and media coverage of fe- Diacre, already an interna- HONOUR male players. tional at the time, watched Diacre made history when she France’s home victory at the became the fi rst female coach 1998 men’s World Cup in far of a French men’s professional more humble surroundings — Messi claims record team in 2014, and she is now at a campsite, where she had a hoping to guide Les Bleues to the summer job as a physical in- women’s World Cup title next structor to fund her studies. 5th Golden Shoe year on home soil. In this picture taken on December 17, 2018, France women’s football team coach Corinne Diacre (R) and However, she said she wasn’t But the former France cap- Eastern Football Club head coach Chan Yuen-ting pose after an Eastern team training session in Hong day-dreaming about lifting the AFP tain, who amassed 121 caps and Kong. Trailblazing France coach Diacre said women in football face a constant struggle for acceptance World Cup in Lyon in July, but Barcelona 14 international goals — includ- and are often regarded as “objects” despite rising visibility and media coverage of female players. was treating it more as a mission ing the strike that took France to handed her by the president of their maiden World Cup in 2003 Diacre was speaking in Hong every day. I want to tell you that Diacre said media coverage the French Football Federation, ionel Messi collected a — said it hadn’t been an easy Kong during a FIFA-organised today nothing shocks me,” said of women’s football, including Noel Le Graet. record fi fth Golden Shoe journey. trip to work with Chan Yuen- Diacre, who coached men’s team stepped-up live broadcasts of “I’m not dreaming about it, award yesterday for fi n- “When I started in football ting, another history-maker Clermont in the French second France’s top league, had “de- but yes I’ve been given this ob- ishing last season as the in the 1980s, it was very rare to who, in 2016, became the fi rst tier for three seasons. veloped enormously” ahead of jective by my president: to go and Ltop goalscorer in Europe. see a girl playing, we were re- woman coach to win a top-fl ight “Today, women are still ob- the World Cup.But despite such win the World Cup,” Diacre said. The striker scored 34 goals in ally looked down upon. Because men’s championship. jects,” she added. “You still get advances, she said life in football “I know what my objective is, I 68 games for Barcelona, putting football was supposedly re- Attitudes to women in foot- asked questions about things remained doubly complicated know it will be very important him ahead of Liverpool’s Mo- stricted to men,” she told AFP in ball came into focus this month that to my eyes are quite frankly for women because they have to and very, very good for France to hamed Salah and Tottenham’s an interview. when Ada Hegerberg, the fi rst completely ridiculous... but we contend with factors not faced win this title,” she added. Harry Kane. “But unfortunately there are female winner of the prestigious still have to fi ght today about by men. It’s true that it’s more “But today, even if we’re third Cristiano Ronaldo, who has still too many negative things in Ballon D’Or, was asked if she these issues. diffi cult for us, the diffi culties are in the FIFA rankings, we’re not won the award four times, hit football. (Not just) sexism, but I knew how to “twerk”, a sexually “But we women in football multiplied by two. We know it’s the favourites. So we enter this 26 goals in 52 matches for Real quets and Sergi Roberto. also hear a lot of talk about rac- suggestive dance, as she received today focus on the important always been like that, so we have competition as outsiders.” Madrid. After being presented Messi also discussed Monday’s ism and these are things that are her award. things — that is, our passion for to deal with it,” the 44-year-old France also face Norway and with his latest prize in Barcelona, Champions League draw, which very diffi cult to put up with in “Quite honestly, we’re con- football, and that’s all we are said.“But there (can be) a lot of Nigeria in Group A as they bid to Messi said: “The truth is I had no pitted Barca against Lyon in the 2018.” fronted by that kind of thing about today.” wickedness. Really a lot of wick- win the title for the fi rst time. idea this would happen when I round of 16. “Lyon will be a com- started. plicated opponent,” Messi said. I dreamt of playing profes- “Even if they are not known as LEAGUE CUP DECISION sional football and enjoying suc- one of the strongest teams, they cess, I love the game, but I never are dangerous as they showed imagined I would have so much. against Manchester City, one of “I enjoy the work, the eff ort, the best teams in the world. Emery urges Arsenal players to No fi ft h-round I’m at the best team in the world “It will be diffi cult to go and play with the best team- through, but the opportunity mates in the world, so everything is there for us. We have sev- show passion against Spurs replays in FA Cup is easier.” The ceremony was at- eral Frenchmen in the team like tended by Barcelona president Samuel Umtiti and Malcom, who Josep Maria Bartomeu, as well played in France, so perhaps they AFP Reuters fourth rounds, some will as fellow players like Sergio Bus- can help as well.” London London say the move is another erosion of the importance of the world’s oldest do- INITIATIVE rsenal manager Unai eplays will be mestic club competition. Emery urged his play- scrapped from the In the past smaller clubs ers to show passion in fifth round of this drawn at home to top-tier today’s League Cup season’s FA Cup, opposition in the FA Cup MLS introduces quarter-fiA nal meeting with ri- oneR season earlier than have enjoyed financial vals Tottenham just weeks after originally planned, the windfalls by holding out for a league match between the two Football Association said a draw. short playoff format sides turned ugly. yesterday. The FA said that if a The Gunners sealed a 4-2 In a statement the FA said fifth-round tie this sea- Reuters 21, 2022, MLS said. victory over their north Lon- the move would help ease son ends in a draw after 90 New York The number of clubs qualify- don neighbours in the Premier fixture congestion with six minutes, the prize for that ing for the playoff s will rise to 14 League fi xture on December 2 in Premier League teams par- fixture — 360,000 pounds from 12, with seven teams repre- a match that had several fl ash- “I said to you that I think came to an end at Southampton ticipating in the knockout ($454,644.00) — would be ajor League Soccer senting each conference and the points. showing emotion is very impor- on Sunday. stages of European com- split with 75 % allocated to (MLS) will introduce top seeds in each getting a fi rst- Eric Dier equalised for the tant,” he said. “I think football is Emery, who was without a host petitions and a midweek the eventual winner and 25 a single-elimination round bye. visitors at the Emirates Stadium emotion. In a derby, maybe this of defensive options on the south round of Premier League % to the loser. playoff structure Under the old format, the top before his fi nger-to-lips celebra- emotion is greater. coast and still has a number of fixtures scheduled in late In June, the FA, Premier Mnext year that will shorten its two seeds from each conference tion sparked a fracas between the When you win it’s amazing, selection headaches ahead of February and March. League and English Football season by a month and wrap up had a bye. two sets of players. when you lose it’s horrible. Re- Wednesday’s match, believes the “This season’s fifth round League announced plans all action before the November MLS previously used two legs There were also several arrests spect is very important. defeat will motivate his players to will remain as originally to implement a two-week, international break, it said on to decide the conference semi- made among the supporters, “We can show this emotion improve heading into Christmas. scheduled on the weekend mid-season break in Febru- Monday. fi nals and fi nal ahead of a cham- with a Tottenham fan handed a with respect when we are play- “Sunday for us was a big reali- of Feb. 16-17, moving to ary from the 2019-20 sea- More importance will be pionship decider that has been four-year football ban and fi ne ing but also when they scored ty check in a way,” he added. “We midweek in 2019-20 — with son. placed on the regular season played in December for the last for throwing a banana skin to- against us, they can show their need to improve and also we need no replays,” the FA said in a Premier League matches since higher-seeded clubs will seven seasons. wards Pierre-Emerick Aubam- emotion with their supporters. to continue doing our way in our statement. will still be played every host all playoff matches, which In 2019, the season will con- eyang as he celebrated his open- “But with respect. We need to process. “Therefore, from this weekend over the period, will now consist of 13 single- clude on November10. ing goal in front of the away fans. show this emotion when we are “It’s not a good result but this season onwards, fifth round with five games being held elimination games. With the bulk of playoff action Despite those incidents, Em- playing, when we are winning, reality gives us more motivation ties will be played to a finish on the first weekend and The new playoff format is occurring in October and early ery wants emotions to be run- because I think football needs to continue to work hard, fi nd a on the day, with extra time five on the second. As a re- compatible with the schedule for November, MLS should be able ning high when the two sides this passion.” new thing to work on each day, and penalties if necessary.” sult, FA Cup fifth-round the next World Cup fi nals which to avoid playing critical games meet again so soon after his fi rst Arsenal take on Spurs after and also it makes us demand a lot Although replays remain matches will be moved to are due to start in Qatar on No- in winter weather in its colder taste of the north London derby. their 22-match unbeaten run from ourselves.” in place for the third and mid-week. vember markets. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS BOXING Japan’s ‘Ninja Boy’ aims to take down WTA changes rule Mayweather

AFP dox boxing match without kick- Matsudo, Japan ing, which will be a disadvantage for Nasukawa. “I want to make surprising apanese kickboxer Ten- moves,” said the Japanese fi ght- on rankings for shin “Ninja Boy” Nasu- er, who has just returned from kawa said yesterday he an intensive two-week boxing wants to use the element training in Las Vegas. “I want to ofJ surprise to defeat boxing su- fully use the kickboxing skills I perstar Floyd Mayweather Jr in have.” their bout later this month. Nasukawa now weighs 61 kil- “I want to kick his a**,” the ogrammes and is is four inches 20-year-old baby-faced south- (10 centimetres) shorter than returning mothers paw told reporters after a train- Mayweather, who has won world ing session in the city of Mat- titles in fi ve diff erent weight ‘This is a really good first step and we are using it as a base to continue to look for sudo near Tokyo. classes. The New Year’s Eve bout, fi rst He added that he suspected ways to improve and highlight the importance of mothers working and being on Tour’ announced in early November, Mayweather was “not taking the was abruptly scrapped by the bout seriously”. unbeaten 41-year-old Ameri- Nasukawa is considered can after a “misunderstanding” something of a prodigy in Japa- over the fi ght’s terms, according nese fi ghting circles and began to mixed martial arts promoter learning karate at the age of fi ve. RIZIN. Like Mayweather, he is un- But it was back on as an exhi- beaten, boasting a 28-0 record bition match after RIZIN chief as a professional kickboxer with Nobuyuki Sakakibara fl ew to 21 wins by knockout. He has four Los Angeles for talks with May- wins from four matches in mixed weather and agreed to an ortho- martial arts.

Serena Williams in a black catsuit during the French Open 2018. The WTA has now made the rule explicit, allowing leggings and midthigh-length compression shorts to be worn with or without a skirt, shorts or a dress. (AFP)

Reuters ing on Tour.” New York The board of directors also agreed Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa works out during a training that players at WTA tournaments would session in Matsuda yesterday. (AFP) not be prohibited from wearing leggings he Women’s Tennis Association or compression shorts without a skirt, (WTA) will off er greater rankings dress or shorts over them. The WTA had protection to mothers returning no rule explicitly banning a player from Stuhec wins downhill to the tour after giving birth and wearing such outfi ts but adjusted the for fi rst victory since injury Tintroduce a modernised dress rule as part language of its rule to be more clear. of new rules announced on Monday for The black catsuit worn by Williams at Slovenian world champion Ilka Stuhec secured her first next season. Roland Garros sparked plenty of debate World Cup win since returning from a serious knee The changes address issues that came and attracted the ire of the French Tennis injury with a downhill triumph in Val Gardena, Italy, yesterday. up in 2018 when former world number Federation president Bernard Giudicelli. Stuhec won the downhill discipline crystal in 2017 and claimed gold one Serena Williams, who returned to “While this has not been an issue to at the St Moritz worlds in Switzerland but her fortune turned later action after giving birth, was unseeded date, we wanted to make it clear that that year with a torn cruciate ligament which ruled her out of the for some events and caused an uproar there is no prohibition on these items,” 2018 Winter Olympics. with a black, skin-tight bodysuit she WTA chief executive Steve Simon said in The victory crowns her comeback which started this season and is wore at the French Open. a statement. the eighth of her career, of which five have come in downhill. But after gathering feedback from Victoria Azarenka backs WTA rule changes for mums. “We understand the importance of Stuhec posted a best 1 minute 22.81 seconds on the Saslong piste to players, the WTA said its board of direc- modernising the dress code and ensuring edge out Italy’s Nicol Delago by 0.14 seconds. Austria’s Ramona tors approved changes that will allow from pregnancy or injury. “Our players should feel comfortable that our players have fl exibility in choos- Siebenhofer completed the podium 0.51 seconds off the winner. players out of competition for 52 weeks Williams’s world ranking had fallen and confi dent to take time away from ing the clothing they wear. Our rules Discipline leader Nicole Schmidhofer was 10th to top the standings or longer to use their Special Ranking in to 451 when she was not seeded at the the courts to have a family or recover should not prohibit that.” on 226 points with Stuhec moving behind her on 158. American 12 tournaments. A player returning from French Open. The American was, howev- from injury and I think these new rules Among other rule changes is the roll- technical specialist Mikaela Shiff rin did not compete but maintains a pregnancy will have a three-year period er, seeded 25th at this year’s Wimbledon support that,” Azarenka, who is on the out of a 25-second shot clock between huge lead in the overall rankings. to use her Special Ranking, which will despite being ranked outside the world’s a WTA Players’ Council, said in a state- points at premier events in 2019, with a Val Gardena hosted downhill cancelled from the French resort of Val now begin at the birth of the child. top 32 players. ment. full rollout for all WTA tournaments in d’Isere at the weekend and also has a women’s super-g today. The For players who would qualify for a Former world number one Victoria “This is a really good fi rst step and we 2020, in a bid to speed up the pace of play. men are in action in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, on Wednesday seeded position in the draw, the updated Azarenka, who returned to tennis in mid- are using it as a base to continue to look Players will also only be allowed one with a giant slalom cancelled on the season-opening weekend in rule will ensure they will not face a seed 2017 following the birth of her son, wel- for ways to improve and highlight the toilet/change of attire break per match, Soelden. in the opening rounds whether returning comed the rule change. importance of mothers working and be- down from the previous two.

CYCLING Quintana to spearhead Movistar Tour trident AFP and the Vuelta in September, Unzue revealed. Madrid Landa, recruited from Team Sky will race the Giro in May and then back up Quintana in the Tour de France. “We were always in there olombian climber Nairo Quintana with a chance last season but somehow the will lead the Movistar team at the strategy (of three leaders) fell short and we 2019 Tour de France, Movistar’s failed to meet our objectives. team director Eusebio Unzue re- “We had wonderful moments though with vealedC yesterday at a team presentation in 27 wins, but had bad luck with Quintana and Madrid. Landa not quite as good as we’d been hoping During the 2018 Tour Quintana, who has for,” said the team director. “But that will all won both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta change this year.” a Espana, was co-leader of Movistar along Movistar, the second most powerful team with world champion Alejandro Valverde and in professional cycling after Team Sky, re- the Spanish climber Mikal Landa, but in 2019 newed a deal to sponsor the Spanish outfi t will spearhead the team’s tilt at the Tour de until 2021 just two days ago. France title. Quintana was runner-up to Chris Froome ITALY ROAD RACER in the Tour de France in 2013 and 2015. Now at POZZATO RETIRES his peak, the 28-year-old remains a true con- The Italian road racer Filippo Pozzato, who tender for a win in the sport’s greatest Tour. won stages on the Tour de France, Giro “We will continue dreaming (of the Tour de d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana, announced his France win), and we will continue to work for retirement yesterday. The powerfully built it,” said Quintana. Italian won the Milan-San Remo classic in Unzue admitted last season’s tactics had 2006 and was a regular contender in the failed and that backing the Colombian was Spring one-day classics. He last won a Grand the key to 2019. “We want to concentrate our Tour stage on the Giro in 2010, a year after focus on Nairo on the Tour de France and the winning the Italian national championships. Vuelta too,” Unzue said at a presentation of “I can say today that my childhood dreams the 2019 lineup in Madrid. have been achieved,” said Pozzato, who won “The key objective for the team this year is the Tirreno-Adriatico at just 21. to win a Grand Tour. “And without having seen the time fl y by, The 38-year-old Valverde, who won a it’s all over now. I didn’t always achieve what thrilling, mountainous world championships I could have but I made most of my dreams in Innsbruck in 2018, will race the Giro in May come true,” he wrote on his Facebook page. Team Movistar’s Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana waves during the presentation of Spain’s Movistar Team 2019 in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, December 19, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT New Mets catcher Ramos survived a Durant and Curry terrifying kidnapping in Venezuela in 2011

By Scott Chiusano it’s hard to think about it and lead Warriors over forget about it,” he told the pa- New York Daily News per. ‘I’m blessed to play this game, with great The abduction was a major even years after surviv- news story in Venezuela, where teammates. We can all accomplish great ing a terrifying kidnap- players and fans at three sta- ping in his home country, diums throughout the country things if we stay in the moment’ it’s clear very little that wore a green letter “W” on their Grizzlies happensS on a baseball fi eld can uniforms in solidarity with Ra- faze new Mets catcher Wilson mos, hoping he would be found Ramos. alive. In November 2011, a few The Daily News reported in months after the end of his rook- 2013 that Ramos’ cousin may ie season in the major leagues, have been feeding information four armed men pulled Ramos by to his kidnappers, about his force into a car and whisked him whereabouts, and the times he away to a secluded cabin in the frequented certain places. mountains of Venezuela, where She was one of 14 people held he was held for 51 hours. in custody in connection to the His family feared he would be case. killed, but in the early morning One of Ramos’ rescuers, Joel hours more than a full day later, Rengifo, told the Daily News the national guard rushed the then that the cousin may have house and freed Ramos after a been “desperate for money. You gunfi ght. never know.” President Hugo Chavez gave Ramos was the fi rst known the go-ahead for the rescue mis- MLB player to be kidnapped, but sion, and Ramos was reunited in 2005 the mother of former with his family. pitcher Ugueth Urbina was held A year after the harrowing in- captive in Venezuela for over fi ve cident, Ramos spoke about it to months. the Washington Post. Just a few weeks ago, two Ven- “I know it’s been a year and ezuelan former major leaguers, remembering it, it was a sad mo- Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo, ment and I hope to get away from were killed in a car crash in their it and forget about it,” Ramos home country when hijackers said at the time. reportedly put a rock in the mid- “It’ll be hard to totally forget dle of the road to cause the ac- something like that. But, overall, cident. I’m pretty calm now.” After Ramos’ horrifying kid- The kidnappers, knowing Ra- napping, he returned to the mos was a professional baseball major leagues and spent six pro- player, were looking for a hefty ductive seasons with Washing- ransom by holding him cap- ton, though he was hampered tive. Ramos understandably was by injuries, including a torn ACL hesitant to return to his home that occurred during the season country in the aftermath, and after his abduction. his family moved to a safer city With all of that in the past, that they would not disclose, ac- Ramos now joins the Mets in cording to the Washington Post, Flushing, where he’ll immedi- for fear of anything like this hap- ately bring a productive power pening again. bat to a lineup that has lacked “I love my country and being any production at all from the there, but after what happened, catcher spot in recent years.

Joerger clarifi es Doncic comments: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant shoots the basketball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Garrett Temple (right) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. look on during the first-half of their NBA game at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ‘It was all out of love and positivity’

spi, who fi nished with 20 points and was Every big play. This is an MVP level. He’s Complimentary words can sometimes be taken out of context. Just AFP RESULTS Los Angeles a constant threat to his ex-teammates. been that way the past week and for the ask Dave Joerger. The Kings coach has been the topic of specula- Elsewhere on Monday, LaMarcus Aldridge Milwaukee 107-104 Detroit right reasons. He’s been playing this way tion following his statement about Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka bagged a double-double as the San Anto- for a little bit.” Doncic. Phoenix 128-110 Knicks evin Durant scored 23 points nio Spurs handed the Philadelphia 76ers Donovan Mitchell led the Utah scor- On Monday, a day after the Kings’ 120-113 victory snapped the Mav- as the Golden State Warriors a chastening loss in a 123-96 blowout. Houston 102-97 Utah ing with 23 points while Rudy Gobert ericks’ 11-game home winning streak, some media outlets, including kept the pressure on the Denver Aldridge spearheaded a fi ne all-round of- Minnesota 132-105 Sacramento fi nished with 18 points. Elsewhere Mon- ESPN, questioned if Joerger’s remarks were a shot at the team’s Nuggets with a 110-93 defeat of fensive display from San Antonio as the day, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered front off ice. He looked to “squash some of that” negative talk before Oklahoma City 121-96 Chicago Kthe Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Spurs improved to 16-15 at the ATT Center a 32-point haul as the Milwaukee Bucks the Kings took on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant was one of fi ve Warriors play- in Texas. San Antonio 123-96 Philadelphia maintained their pursuit of Toronto at “All we were trying to do was say something positive about another ers to make double fi gures as the depth of Rudy Gay had 21 points while DeMar Golden State 110-93 Memphis the top of the Eastern Conference with a team’s player. There’s no veiled shots at anybody,” Joerger said. the NBA champions proved too much for DeRozan also had 20 on a night when Portland 131-127 Clippers 107-104 victory over the Detroit Pistons. “De’Aaron (Fox) gushed about him and (Bogdan Bogdanovic) Memphis at Oakland’s Oracle Arena. the Spurs dominated the Sixers in all Antetokounmpo’s points haul in- gushed about him and his ability. ... Stephen Curry had 20 points and Klay departments. The Sixers slipped to 20- season while Utah have slipped to 14-17, cluded one spectacular driving dunk in “It was all out of love and positivity, but people try to turn it into Thompson 16 in a win which left the 12 following the loss. Ben Simmons and one place off the bottom in the Western the second quarter that embarrassed the something between (Kings general manager) Vlade (Divac) and I,” Warriors with a record of 21-10, just be- J.J. Redick had 16 points apiece for the Conference. Harden’s virtuoso display Pistons defense. Antetokounmpo fi n- Joerger said, adding how tight the two are. Joerger was complimen- hind Western Conference leaders Denver Sixers, but Joel Embiid was restricted to included six rebounds and fi ve assists. ished with a double-double, adding 12 tary of Doncic before Sunday’s game in Dallas. The Slovenian for- who are 20-9. 13 points while Jimmy Butler suff ered an Three other Houston players made dou- rebounds to his points tally as well as fi ve ward was selected one pick after the Kings drafted Marvin Bagley III Curry’s points haul took him past off -target night, making just three of 13 ble fi gures, with P.J. Tucker fi nishing assists. The win keeps the Bucks in sec- at No 2 overall. “Perhaps there was an idea that there was a ceiling 15,000 for his career, making him the fi eld goal attempts. with 16 points and Eric Gordon adding ond place in the East at 20-9, 1.5 games on him,” Joerger said. fi fth player in Warriors franchise history 12 points. Clint Capela hauled down 14 back from fi rst place Toronto. “I don’t see it, unfortunately for us. But he’s great for them and he’s to reach the milestone. HARDEN FIRES ROCKETS rebounds to dominate the boards. But it In Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook great for our league.” Doncic played well in the Mavericks’ loss, “It’s a really cool milestone, an unbe- In Houston, James Harden exploded for was Harden’s eye-catching display that bagged the 111th triple double of his ca- scoring a game-high-tying 28 points to go with nine assists and six lievable journey so far,” Curry said. “But 47 points as the Rockets overpowered the dominated the postgame discussion, reer as the Thunder piled on the misery rebounds. Doncic’s name has been said a lot in Sacramento by me- it’s just more motivation to keep doing Utah Jazz 102-97 to extend their winning with coach Mike D’Antoni leading the for the Chicago Bulls with a 121-96 win. dia and fans. There are some in both groups who hint he might have what I’m doing. I’m blessed to play this streak to four games. plaudits. Harden has averaged just over Westbrook posted 13 points, 16 rebounds been a better fit with the Kings than Bagley, who joined the team’s game, with great teammates. We can all Reigning NBA MVP Harden produced 38 points per game in his last fi ve games. and 11 assists as OKC remained third in long list of big men. Joerger explained how excited the Kings were accomplish great things if we stay in the a dazzling display of scoring to delight “This level, the last three or four the Western Conference on 19-10. about their draft choice. “When we drafted Marvin at 2, we were moment.” the home fans at the Toyota Center with a games are as good as he ever played,” Paul George led the scoring for the high-fiving like crazy,” he said. “We got the right guy for us.” Memphis’s scoring was led from the win that took the Rockets above .500 for D’Antoni said. “It’s just the determina- Thunder with 24 points while New Zea- The Sacramento Bee bench by former Warrior Omri Cas- the season. Houston are now 15-14 for the tion that he has. He cares. Every big shot. land’s Steven Adams added 19 points.

NHL Foligno gives Blue Jackets win over Golden Knights ISLES OPEN TRIP WITH WIN AFP RESULTS New York OVER SLUMPING AVS Anaheim 4-2 Pittsburgh Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle had a goal and an assist each, and the New York Islanders Columbus 1-0 Las Vegas ergei Bobrovsky had 28 saves to regis- beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Monday ter his fi rst shutout of the season and Boston 4-0 Montreal night in Denver. Thomas Greiss stopped 30 Nick Foligno celebrated his 800th Ottawa 4-3 Nashville shots, and Johnny Boychuk and Valtteri Filp- NHL game with the only goal of the Islanders 4-1 Colorado pula also scored for New York, which won the gameS to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to opener of its four-game road trip. The Is- a 1-0 victory over the visiting Vegas Golden during a tight-checking game including a landers are 3-1-1 in their past fi ve games. Knights on Monday night. skate save on Anthony Duclair on a breaka- Gabe Landeskog had Colorado’s lone goal. It was the 25th career shutout for Bo- way in the fi rst period. He also got some help Mikko Rantanen, the NHL’s leading scorer brovsky as Columbus won for just the third from the left goal post on a Seth Jones shot with 56 points, had his 14-game point streak time in eight games. Foligno’s 177th career from the bottom of the right circle. ended as the Avalanche fell to 1-3-1 in their goal was also the 30th game-winner of his Foligno then made it 1-0 just 40 seconds past fi ve games. Avalanche goaltender Se- career. into the third period with his eighth goal of myon Varlamov, who has allowed 21 goals in Malcolm Subban, making his fi rst start the season, spinning around in the slot in his past fi ve starts, struggled again Monday. since a 7-2 loss at Calgary on Nov 19, fi nished front of the crease and then whipping in a He made just 17 saves. with 30 saves. It snapped a streak of 13 con- rebound of Jones’ shot past Subban’s blocker New York played the third period down secutive starts by Marc-Andre Fleury, who side. two players. Defenseman Thomas Hickey leads the NHL in wins with 19. Subban, who The Golden Knights pulled Subban with sustained an upper-body injury trying to fell to 0-5-0 this season, hasn’t won a game a minute remaining and Bobrovsky came up check Avalanche center Tyson Jost in the since April 3 at Vancouver when the Golden with saves on a Reilly Smith wrist shot and second period and didn’t return. Knights scored a 5-4 shootout win over the also a Colin Miller blast from the top of the Later in the period, Colorado defenseman Canucks. slot to seal the win. Ian Cole drew a kneeing minor for a hit on Subban, who entered the contest with a Columbus played without left wing and centre Brock Nelson, who did not return. 4.02 goals-against average, matched two- co-leading scorer Artemi Panarin (nine goals, The Islanders were 2 of 34 on the power time Vezina Award winner Bobrovsky over 25 assists), who was a late scratch with a lower play the previous 13 games but doubled that Columbus Blue Jackets players celebrate after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in their NHL game at the fi rst two periods, coming up with 21 saves body injury. Panarin is listed as day-to-day. total in the second period. Nationwide Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY YEARENDER Cracks in New Zealand edifi ce ‘I think Ireland’s success against the All Blacks has been a positive for the whole give rest of world hope world – they’re not invincible’

Reuters London

ew Zealand won 12 of their 14 games, secured the Rugby Champion- ship for the fourth year Nin a row and Bledisloe Cup for the 16th, yet 2018 was the year when people began to think the mighty All Blacks might be vul- nerable. Such is the dominance of the back-to-back world champions, still clearly ranked number one, that rivals are forced to seize on the slightest chink in their armour to build belief they are beatable in next year’s World Cup. That crack, initially ex- posed by the British and Irish Li- ons in 2017, reappeared against a resurgent South Africa this year, in a 36-34 defeat in Wellington and in Pretoria when only a su- perb late fi ghtback earned New Zealand a 32-30 victory. The All Blacks also needed a controversial TMO intervention to scrape a one-point win over England before the game that re- ally buoyed the rest of the world, when Ireland beat them in Dub- lin for the fi rst time. What made that 16-9 vic- tory so much of an eye opener was that it was not any smash and grab aff air or something achieved after an hour of heroic defence, but a controlled and deserved triumph in which Ire- land looked the better team for most of the match and played as if they expected, rather than hoped, to win. It was the fi rst time since 1995 that the All Blacks had failed to score a try against a northern hemisphere team and, in the face of the rush defence master- minded by Andy Farrell, super- stars like Beauden Barrett sud- denly looked distinctly human. “I think Ireland’s success against the All Blacks has been Ireland’s scrum-half Kieran Marmion celebrates but their try is disallowed during the rugby union Test against New Zealand at the Aviva stadium in Dublin on November 17, 2018. (AFP) a positive for the whole world - they’re not invincible,” said tactically invigorated for World of the year and fl yhalf Johnny almost certainly need to beat England also suff ered as Eddie Wales. Traditionally poor at the ter new coach Rassie Erasmus former Ireland captain Brian Cup year when they will head to Sexton player of the year. South Africa or New Zealand in Jones’ previously all-conquering end of the year, they won all four, brought pride back into the jer- O’Driscoll. Japan as favourites. the last eight. Ireland were un- side lost three matches to fi nish including a fi rst victory in 14 sey. “If teams get their act together But that Dublin victory capped SETTLED SQUAD doubtedly the team of the year fi fth – their worst Six Nations against Australia, to take their True, the Springboks won and perform well against the All an incredible 2018 for Ireland With a settled squad and do- but, such are the slim margins of showing for 31 years. A 2-1 se- winning run to nine. only seven of their 14 games but Blacks they are not the team they and coach Joe Schmidt, who will mestic system geared to support elite sport, it should not be for- ries loss in South Africa followed The Wallabies had a poor year, their performances against New were in 2015 when they won the stand down after the World Cup. the national team they head into gotten that they needed a last- but an encouraging November, losing nine of their 13 matches, Zealand in particular reminded World Cup. They’ve not got the They began with a Six Nations 2019 – where they begin their gasp Sexton drop goal to snatch including wins over the Spring- but defi ant coach Michael Chei- everyone just what a fearsomely same quality in certain posi- Grand Slam, beat Australia 2-1 in Six Nations defence at home to victory in Paris in their opening boks and, for the sixth time in a ka said they would be right back aggressive outfi t they can be. tions.” an away series and won all their England – full of optimism and Six Nations game. row, Australia ensured they fi n- in the World Cup mix and, given Perhaps of even greater impor- New Zealand have not domi- November tests. confi dence. That marked the start of an- ished the year in a positive state their remarkable record in the tance, given the quota system nated the game for a century Those achievements were Other than Italy they remain other poor year for France which of mind. tournament, they probably will the team must operate under, without learning lessons from recognised in the World Rugby the only Six Nations team never ended with an ignominious The northern hemisphere be. was the appointment of Siya defeat, however, and they will awards where they were named to have reached the World Cup home defeat by Fiji. sides generally did well in those South Africa will also head Kolisi as their fi rst test-level no doubt return refreshed and team of the year, Schmidt coach semi-fi nals but to do so they will Double defending champions November matches, not least into 2019 in buoyant mood af- black captain.

NFL Panthers’ Reid, Newton use cleats to send their message Saints on brink as Panthers fl op Carolina safety Eric Reid took 8. You have the right to be starting free safety Da’Norris advantage of the NFL’s “my trusted. Searcy was placed on injured AFP cause, my cleats” campaign 9. You have the right to be reserve. Kaepernick remains Los Angeles during the Panthers’ Monday educated. unemployed. night matchup against the 10. You have the right to know Reid has not withdrawn his New Orleans Saints to promote your rights. grievance. he New Orleans Saints continued awareness of social The 27-year-old Pro Bowler Also Monday night, Carolina moved to the brink of injustice. Reid collaborated posted pictures of the cleats on quarterback Cam Newton had clinching homefi eld ad- with activist and artist Brandan Twitter, thanking the artist and a picture of a broken broom vantage throughout the “B-mike” Odums to create the praising Kaepernick, writing: on the side of his right cleat – a Tplayoff s after squeezing past cleats, which Reid said were a “We all benefit and stand on ... reference to the broom he was the Carolina Panthers 12-9 on “tribute to the history of pro- the shoulders of those giants sent after the Saints swept the Monday. test” while promoting former who decided their moment Panthers in three games last Saints quarterback Drew teammate Colin Kaepernick’s was best used for the sake of season. Earlier in the week, Brees was held to 203 yards after “Know Your Rights Camp.” the people. And it’s always the Newton called the gesture a superb defensive eff ort from The design features images of right time to do what’s right. No “disrespectful” and said if the the Panthers, who needed to win protesters holding signs that diff erent from you using your Panthers beat the Saints twice to have any realistic chance of read, “I know my rights,” “If moment to take a knee.” in the final three games this sea- keeping their season alive. not us, who?” and “If not now, Reid, Kaepernick’s former San son, he would send the broom But despite the heroic eff ort of when?” The cleats also spell out Francisco 49ers teammate, back to the person who sent it. the Panthers defense, the home the 10 points of Kaepernick’s was the first player to join The broom has been hanging in side were let down by a tooth- camp platform: Kaepernick in 2016 in kneeling his locker all season. less off ensive display which saw 1. You have the right to be free. during the national anthem as On Newton’s left cleat was quarterback Cam Newton fail to 2. You have the right to be a protest to social injustice and nod to Saints defensive end deliver in key moments. healthy. police brutality. Cameron Jordan, who sent the Carolina’s defense engi- 3. You have the right to be Earlier this year, both players quarterback a bottle of wine neered a lifeline in the fi nal two brilliant. filed a collusion grievance after the sweep. The message minutes, forcing a turnover 4. You have the right to be safe. against the NFL claiming on the shoe read, “Get Back, in the end zone as the Saints 5. You have the right to be the league and team owners Vineyards of N.C. #1 Reserve.” looked to seal the game. But loved. colluded to keep them from The Panthers posted pictures with 1min 44 sec remaining 6. You have the right to be playing. Reid had trouble of Newton’s cleats on Twitter to fi nd a winning touchdown, Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during their NFL game against the Carolina courageous. finding work before Carolina with the message, “Our QB has Newton was unable to move Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AFP) 7. You have the right to be alive. signed him in September when spoken #KeepPounding.” the ball upfi eld, failing to hit tight end Ian Thomas on fourth and 5. contention but would require pair of Will Lutz fi eld goals and The Saints appeared poised to That gave the ball back to New an improbable combination of trailed by a point at 7-6 at the clinch the contest as the clock Orleans, which ran out the clock. results in the fi nal two rounds of end of the third quarter. wound down in the fourth quar- The Saints, who improved to games to advance. Alvin Kamara then galloped ter, but Tommylee Lewis fum- 12-2, now need to win only one The Panthers had started over from 16 yards out to give bled into the end zone to give of their two remaining games promisingly, with running back the Saints a 12-7 lead early in the Carolina one last shot. at home against Pittsburgh or Christian McCaff rey passing to fourth quarter. Newton however was unable Carolina again to be sure of top tight end Chris Manhertz for a Brees’ attempt at a two-point to deliver, capping a miserable seeding in the NFC playoff s. 50-yard touchdown in a superb- conversion ended in disaster night for the Panthers, who ear- The Panthers, who slumped to ly worked trick play. when Donte Jackson intercepted lier this season had looked fi rmly 6-8 following their sixth straight But that was to be the high- and sprinted 84 yards to give the on course for the playoff s after Carolina Panthers strong safety Eric Reid uses artwork on his cleats for a cause during their NFL defeat, are not mathematically light for the Panthers’ off ense. Panthers a defensive two-point a 6-2 start before things unrav- game against New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports eliminated from postseason The Saints were limited to a conversion to make it 12-9. elled. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 19, 2018 7 CRICKET

FIRST TEST SPOTLIGHT Kohli says India Sri Lanka’s Mendis, were convinced of all-pace attack

Mathews defy NZ Reuters ages over 32 with the bat from 39 Perth Tests, also robbed India of bal- ance and lengthened their tail with their last four batsmen to- ndia captain ef- talling just 11 runs between them fectively admitted to mis- for the match. “We all know Ash- reading the pitch at Perth’s win or Jadeja have more ability with epic stand new stadium after not pick- with the bat,” Kohli said. Iing a frontline spinner in a Test “It’s a very tricky decision to match in which off -spinner make what kind of a op- Nathan Lyon emerged as Aus- tion you want to go with or you Duo strike unbeaten tons in 246-run unbroken stand for the fourth tralia’s trump card. want to think whether that guy On the green-tinged pitch the can contribute with the bat as AFP touring side opted for an all-pace well or not. Eventually you come Wellington attack, drafting in quick Umesh to one decision and we backed Yadav for injured off -spinner that decision and we went ahead . All- with it. Whether it comes off or ngelo Mathews celebrated with rounder Hanuma Vihari, who re- not is a diff erent thing. But we push-ups on the pitch after placed , was India’s were totally convinced as a team joining Kusal Mendis in passing only slow bowling option. that is our best combination to 100 yesterday as Sri Lanka bat- Kohli said India would have go with and the batsmen have to tedA the whole day without losing a wicket considered playing Ashwin if take responsibility.” to give themselves hope of an unlikely the spin ace had been fi t but was India will have to address their fi rst Test draw in Wellington. keener to laud Lyon’s brilliance problems at the top of the order Mendis was 116 at stumps on for his match-winning fi gures of with the opening partnerships day four and Mathews 117, with their 8-106 rather than credit the as- from Lokesh Rahul and Murali record-breaking unbroken 246-run sistance from the surface. Vijay of three, 63, six and zero in partnership setting a Sri Lankan record “It was the pace on the ball the fi rst two Tests. First choice against New Zealand. It was also the fi rst Lyon bowled with that got him opener injured his time in New Zealand that a full day’s play the ,” Kohli said after the ankle while fi elding during a tour has been completed without a Test wicket hosts squared the four-Test se- match against a Cricket Australia falling and the fi rst time anywhere since ries at 1-1 with a 146-run victory. XI in Sydney last month and has South Africa achieved the feat against “We didn’t think that we defi - been ruled out of the rest of the Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2008. nitely wanted to consider a spin- series. Fellow opener Mayank The pair’s epic vigil meant the tourists ning option on this pitch, espe- Agarwal, who has yet to make his ended the day at 259 for three after start- cially having a look at the pitch Test debut, was named as Shaw’s ing in a seemingly hopeless position with on day one and how we thought replacement and could replace three wickets down for just 20 in their it would play on the fi rst three either Rahul or Vijay in Mel- second innings after conceding a fi rst- days. We thought a fast bowler is bourne. “You have to keep back- innings defi cit of 296 to New Zealand. going to be more productive and ing them and telling them they Sri Lanka still need a further 37 to avoid more helpful for us.” belong and they are good enough an innings defeat but with a fl at pitch of- India have left-arm spinner to perform,” Kohli said. fering nothing to New Zealand’s seam at- and left-arm “It’s not even giving someone tack and rain threatening on the fi nal day, wrist spinner as individual goals, it’s just telling a draw is now a real prospect. “Even tough the other slow bowling options them that this is what we require it’s a belter of a wicket, the concentration in the squad but preferred speed- as a team from the openers and and commitment they had was unbeliev- ster , who struggled this is the role that needs to be able,” bowling coach Rumesh Ratnayake with match fi gures of 2-139. fulfi lled. There’s not much to say said. “We couldn’t have asked for any- Not picking Jadeja, who aver- to be honest.” thing more.” New Zealand had hoped to wrap up the match early on the fourth day after post- ing an imposing 578 in the fi rst innings, anchored by Tom Latham’s unbeaten 264 — which eclipsed former England cap- tain ’s 244 as the highest Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (right) celebrates with teammate Angelo Mathews after reaching his century during day four of the first score by an opener carrying their bat in Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) Test history. But the home bowlers grew increasingly frustrated by the stubborn after short-ball specialist Neil Wagner. tempts. They have also lost their last fi ve 3-0 Test series whitewash against Eng- rearguard action, resorting to a barrage He blasted four boundaries off Wagner in Tests against New Zealand and suff ered a land last month. of bouncers that failed to rattle the bats- an entertaining period that saw the pace- men. Spinner Ajaz Patel said the Black man concede 35 runs in four overs before Caps had not played poorly and were still captain Kane Williamson ended his spell. SCORECARD upbeat about claiming victory on the fi - After the brief fl ourish with the bat, nal day. “The positive thing for us is that Mendis was content to put up the shutters we are the only team in a position to win and slow the scoring to a crawl. “The plan SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS 282 Extras (lb2, nb3, w8) 13 the game. That’s great position for us to was to bat out a lot of balls, rather than NEW ZEALAND 1ST INNINGS 578 Total (for 3 wkts, 102 overs) 259 be in,” he said. focus on run-scoring,” he said through an SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gunathilaka), 2-10 Mathews sent the New Zealanders a interpreter. (OVERNIGHT 20-3) (de Silva), 3-13 (Karunaratne) defi ant message with his push-up cel- Mathews, 31, who top-scored for Sri To bat: ebration late in the fi nal session that he Lanka with 83 in the fi rst innings, eked M. Gunathilaka lbw Boult 3 D. Chandimal, N. Dickwella, D. Per- still has plenty in the tank and is ready to out his ninth Test century off 248 balls, F. Karunaratne c Boult b Southee 10 era, S. Lakmal, K. Rajitha, L. Kumara bat on. Mendis, who made only two in the while Mendis brought up his sixth Test D. de Silva b Southee 0 Bowling: Southee 20-6-36-2, Boult fi rst innings, was also pumped up, saying ton off 215 deliveries. The partnership 21-3-50-1, Wagner 21-2-100-0 (4w, 2nb), K. Mendis not out 116 he would bat for another entire day if his will be a huge boost for Sri Lanka, who are de Grandhomme 13-4-24-0 (1nb), Patel team required it. The 23-year-old ini- ranked sixth in the world and have won A. Mathews not out 117 26-8-46-0, Raval 1-0-1-0 tially took a positive approach and went only one Test in Wellington in fi ve at- India’s captain Virat Kohli. (AFP)

FOCUS Kids’ stuff and bat fl ips: Australia’s Pakistan seek form in Big Bash bursts back to life Sydney: Australia’s Big Bash children’s backyard cricket. Australian internationals Alex League explodes into life for its “For me it’s a great moment Carey, and Billy eighth season today boasting which reflects what BBL is Stanlake at their disposal. South Africa tour opener new ideas but only a handful of about,” said Kim McConnie, Former New Zealand captain top players as the high-octane Cricket Australia’s head of Brendon McCullum is back AFP jury concerns, with fast bowler Twenty20 tournament tries to the Big Bash League. “Some to lead the Brisbane Heat Johannesburg Mohammad Abbas and opening build on its success. This year’s people don’t like change but alongside big-hitting Chris batsman Fakhar Zaman undergo- fast-paced, family-friendly I’d also challenge people to say Lynn, while the West Indies’ ing treatment in a bid to get them event is the biggest yet with when was the last time anyone will link up with akistan’s batsmen will fi t for the fi rst Test. The Tests will the eight franchises playing watched the coin toss or really Glenn Maxwell at the Mel- seek form when they be followed by fi ve one-day in- each other twice over a total focused on it to a great extent? bourne Stars. But it is Sydney open their tour of South ternationals in which both teams of 56 round-robin matches Now we are making it much Thunder that has one of the Africa with a three-day will be looking to settle on com- in a season spanning nearly more relevant to families, we hottest rosters on paper, led Pmatch against a South African binations ahead of the Cricket two months and culminating are creating a moment which is by England captain Joe Root Invitation XI at Willowmoore World Cup in England and Wales, in semi-finals followed by a much more fitting with kids.” and wicketkeeper . Park in Benoni today. It is the starting on May 30. There will February 17 final. Some are keen for even They also boast Australian only game for the tourists before also be three Twenty20 inter- After a cricket television more change to keep the BBL Test stars Usman Khawaja and the fi rst of three Tests starts in nationals — a format in which rights bidding war, 43 matches relevant amid a growing glut of , although their Centurion on December 26. Pakistan top the international will be shown simultaneously similar Twenty leagues across involvement will be limited due Pakistan twice suff ered fourth- rankings. on domestic commercial and the world. “The tournament to international duty. innings batting collapses in los- pay-TV, with pay-TV airing an- is marketed brilliantly and That will put the onus once ing a recent Test series against Pakistan Test squad: Sarfraz other 16 exclusively. There is a apart from the Indian Premier again on the evergreen Shane New Zealand in the United Arab Ahmed (capt/wkt), Asad Shafiq, promise of more innovation to League is the envy of the Watson, who continues to play Emirates. Both captain Sarfraz Azhar Ali, , Faheem keep fans engaged during an cricket world in many ways,” at the age of 37. Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris event with a history of break- said former Australia batsman Perth Scorchers are the acknowledged on arrival in South Sohail, , Imam-ul-Haq, ing new ground. , now head coach most successful franchise in Africa that posting competitive Shan Masood, Mohammad Abbas, The BBL first introduced of in the the tournament, winning three totals was crucial if they are to , Mohammad flashing stumps which light up . “How- times, but they have lost coach match the hosts in what is shap- Rizwan, , Shaheen when the bails are dislodged. ever, I feel the fans are starting Justin Langer to the Australia. ing as a battle between two teams Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur acknowledged that posting Afridi, Yasir Shah They are now are used in inter- to want more for their money.” Former player Adam Voges with strong bowling attacks. competitive totals was crucial if they are to match South Africa. Fixtures: December: 19-21: SA national matches. The event Jones suggested Australian has taken over and will oversee With the warm-up match Invitation XI, Benoni; 26-30: First was also the first to experiment Test players should find more the return of Cameron Ban- clashing with the resumption of journalists he believed his young where Pakistan have won only Test, Centurion with player microphones, time to play BBL games, there croft, who was banned along South Africa’s four-day franchise batsmen will cope better with two Tests while losing nine on where commentators can should be bigger money to at- with and David competition, the Invitation XI is conditions in South Africa than fi ve tours. South Africa’s bowl- January: 3-7: Second Test, Cape chat to players, and helmet tract more top overseas names Warner over the ball-tamper- drawn from the country’s sec- the low, slow pitches of the UAE. ing will be spearheaded by Kagiso Town; 11-15: Third Test, Johannes- cameras. and the tournament should be ing scandal in South Africa. ond-tier provincial competition. “There are some very talented Rabada and fi t-again , burg; 19: First ODI, Port Elizabeth; More changes are afoot, shortened. While Smith and Warner were The opposition is unlikely to be young batsmen there. They don’t although the hosts will be with- 22: Second ODI, Durban; 25: Third with organisers deciding to The , slapped with one-year suspen- especially challenging, but it is stand on leg stump anymore. Our out the retired Morne Morkel ODI, Centurion; 27: Fourth ODI, break with tradition and scrap coached by Jason Gillespie, sions, Bancroft only got nine an opportunity for the Pakistanis batsmen get to off stump, they and , who has a long- Johannesburg; 30: Fifth ODI, Cape the coin toss to decide who are defending their title with months and will be available to get used to local conditions at cover the bounce, they cover the term injury. Vernon Philander is Town bats first. Instead captains a squad including Afghan leg- from December 29. The other a ground just 60 kilometres from pace and they cover the swing,” a serious doubt for the fi rst Test February: 1: First T20 interna- will flip a bat, calling “hills” or spinner Rashid Khan who was franchises are Hobart Strikers, the venue for the fi rst Test. he said. because of a hairline fracture on tional, Cape Town; 3: Second T20 “flats” rather than heads or the standout bowler of the last Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Arthur, who coached South Even so, the Tests are likely to his right thumb. international, Johannesburg; 6: tails — a practice straight out of tournament. They also have Renegades. Africa from 2005 until 2010, told be a major challenge in a country Pakistan have their own in- Third T20 international, Centurion

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET Australia beat India for fi rst win since ‘sandpapergate’ Set 287 to win, India resumed at 115 for five on the final day but lost their last five wickets for just 21 runs

AFP Perth SCORECARD AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS 326 ustralia captain INDIA 1ST INNINGS 283 was a relieved man after his AUSTRALIA 2ND INNINGS 243 team beat India by 146 runs in Perth yesterday to level the INDIA 2ND INNINGS seriesA with their fi rst Test win since the (OVERNIGHT 115 FOR 5) ball-tampering ‘sandpapergate’ scan- H. Vihari c Harris b Starc 28 dal that rocked international cricket. R. Pant c Handscomb b Lyon 30 Set 287 to win, India resumed at U. Yadav c and b Starc 2 115 for fi ve on the fi nal day and never threatened to pull off a miraculous vic- I. Sharma c Paine b Cummins 0 tory, losing their last fi ve wickets for M. Shami not out 0 just 21 runs. India were dismissed for J. Bumrah c and b Cummins 0 140, with spinner Nathan Lyon claim- ing 3-39 to fi nish with eight wickets for Extras (b6, w3) 9 the match and guide the home team to a Total (all out, 56 overs) 140 drought-breaking success, their fi rst in Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahul), 2-13 seven Tests spanning almost 10 months. (Pujara), 3-48 (Kohli), 4-55 (Vijay), It was Paine’s fi rst Test win in fi ve 5-98 (Rahane), 6-119 (Vihari), 7-137 matches since taking over from the (Pant), 8-139 (Yadav), 9-140 (Sharma), suspended Steve Smith in South Africa, 10-140 (Bumrah) and also the fi rst victory for new coach Justin Langer, coming in his hometown. Bowling: Starc 17-3-46-3 (1w), Hazle- Paine, who was involved in a verbal spat wood 11-3-24-2, Cummins 9-0-25-2 with Indian counterpart Virat Kohli on (2w), Lyon 19-3-39-3 the third and fourth days, said the over- Australia won by 146 runs whelming emotion was relief at fi nally being able to put a dark period in Aus- Four-match series level at 1-1 tralian cricket behind them. “I’m relieved personally,” he said. turion Kohli for 17 on the fourth day, “It’s been hard work — the fi rst two India’s hope rested on overnight bats- Tests of this series have been really men Hanuma Vihari and . tough. We’ve got some inexperienced However, Vihari added just four to his players in terms of Test matches played, overnight score and fell to Mitchell to get a win like that against the best Starc, who took 3-46, for 28. Test team in the world is going to give Australia’s Pat Cummins (top right) takes the catch to The right-hander tried to fl ick the them a huge boost of confi dence.” dismiss India’s Jasprit Bumrah to seal the hosts win in ball through the leg side, ballooned a Kohli defended his side’s decision to the second Test in Perth, Australia, yesterday. (Reuters) simple catch to Harris at midwicket play four fast bowlers instead of picking and the last four wickets followed Ravindra Jadeja to replace injured spin- quickly. The last man to fall was Jasprit ner Ravi Ashwin. Despite the lively and Both captains played down the on- to alter the ball and Australian cricket previous Tests since the scandal was day, saying their century partner- Bumrah, who went for a big shot but at times unpredictable wicket, Kohli fi eld banter during the match, saying it was plunged into turmoil. narrowly hanging on for a draw against ship was critical to the fi nal result, and only succeeded in skying a chance back said the Indians were confi dent they never crossed the line of what was ac- The scandal led to lengthy suspen- Pakistan in Dubai. lauded the growing leadership of Lyon. to bowler Pat Cummins. The fourth- could chase down the target, but paid ceptable. Australia’s previous Test win sions from Cricket Australia for Ban- They had also won only six of 22 He said he expected Finch, who split an match series now heads to Melbourne, credit to the Australian bowlers. “We was against South Africa at St George’s croft, Smith and opener David Warner one-day internationals and Twen- index fi nger while batting in the second with the famous Boxing Day Test start- had the belief we could do it,” he said. Park in March. It was during the fol- and saw Paine appointed as skipper ty20 matches since the scandal. Paine innings, to be fi t for the third Test in ing on December 26 and India looking “They were more relentless and got the lowing Test at Newlands that Cameron just months after being recalled to the praised the eff orts of openers Aaron Melbourne in eight days. to regroup as they seek to win their balls in the right areas for long enough.” Bancroft was caught using sandpaper side. Australia’s best result in the four Finch and Marcus Harris on the fi rst Having already lost fi rst innings cen- fi rst-ever Test series in Australia.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS India hits out at war claims Teen Capito stuns Kaci for as captains play down ‘banter’ last-16 spot at 9-ball Worlds AFP Perth p until the very last mo- ments of the round of 32 on Monday, this year’s ndia yesterday slammed ‘baseless’ re- World 9-ball Champi- ports of a sledging showdown between onshipU was notable for its lack rival captains Tim Paine and Virat Kohli of upsets. That was until Robbie during the second Australia-India Test. Capito decided he wasn’t going IThe Indian team management strongly de- away quietly. nied reports that Kohli had belittled Paine as This cool-headed 17-year-old just “a stand-in captain”. Hong Kong native pulled off what Both skippers were warned by umpire is easily the biggest upset of this Chris Gaff aney during the game which Aus- year’s championship, when he tralia won by 146 runs. The Board of Control came back from certain defeat for Cricket in India said: “It is ‘assumed’ and took down the world number that Kohli said, ‘I am the best player in the one, Klenti Kaci, 11-10, to move world and you are just a stand-in captain’. into the fi nal 16. These claims were based on hearsay and the Capito, who is of Filipino de- BCCI would like to bring into notice that no scent, was trailing the mighty Al- such words were spoken on the fi eld by the banian 1-7. He then slowly clawed Indian captain. The BCCI got a clarifi cation his way back into the match to from the team management about the inci- 8-10, when it looked like Kaci was dent and would like to classify the reports as going to close out the match. But baseless.” Capito, who had earlier defeated Australia’s win was their fi rst in a Test Lebanon’s Mazen Berjaoui in the since a ball-tampering scandal in March, round of 64, never gave up, and which triggered a damning review of a tied the score at 10-all. Break- win-at-all-costs team culture. Exchanges ing in the fi nal frame, he held his Robbie Capito of Hong Kong in action during the ongoing World between Kohli and Paine were picked up nerve and closed out the rack to 9-Ball Championship at Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha yesterday. by stump microphones and prompted Gaf- notch a spot in the fi nal 16. (Dream Sport Management) faney’s call to “play the game”. Capito, who speaks four lan- Paine was heard telling the Indian play- guages and is still in high school, title, and he is also now the only up when Lin Ta Li takes on world ers: “I know he’s your captain but you can’t Virat Kohli (centre) and Tim Paine came into contact as the Australian captain ran for a will now go on to face Germany’s Filipino left in the fi eld. After number two, Chang Jung Lin. seriously like him as a bloke?” At one stage single and his Indian rival rushed in from his fielding position on the fourth day. (Reuters) when the tourna- two wins on Monday, Biado will Chang had struggled in the group Paine and Kohli came into contact as the ment resumes today. The Hong engage in a fascinating match- stages but shook off the rust to- Australian captain ran for a single and his to their Australian tour in 2014, when he criticised by some commentators who high- Kong native will have to reach up in the last 16 against former day and looked his old killer self. Indian rival rushed in from his fi elding posi- claimed to have been called a “spoilt brat”. lighted the team’s history of sledging, or in- into his bag of tricks to stop the world 9-ball champion, and Chi- In the round of 32 he disposed of tion. The two captains played down the ex- Paine also insisted his sparring with Kohli sulting opposition players. Paine said he was fl ashy young German, as Filler na’s last hold-out, Wu Jiaqing. hall of famer , 11-6. changes. Kohli, one of the most hard-driven did not get out of hand. “It was a highly pleased with the competitive spirit his team has looked unstoppable so far. America’s , Lin Wu Kun had to scrape his players in world cricket, said it was just competitive Test match from both teams and showed in Perth. The German played his trade- who is coming off a fantastic Mo- way into the fi nal 16 in an 11-10 competitive “banter”. “As long as there is there was a lot on the line, with both teams “At some point you have got to draw a line mark fast and loose style in two sconi Cup win from a week ago, nail biter against China’s Liu no swearing the line doesn’t get crossed,” he desperately wanting to win,” Paine said. “It and start sticking up for yourself and your easy wins so far, fi rst against continued his march through the Haitao. said. “And no personal attacks. Stump mics (Kohli’s behaviour) was not (worrying) to me, teammates,” he said. “We are all very pas- Greece’s Nikolas Malaj and then fi eld with two steady wins and Lin will face Finland’s Petri and cameras... these things are totally irrel- I love it and I’m sure it was great to watch.” sionate about playing for Aus- Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Tuan. will fi rst have to get through a Makkonen, who beat Jeff rey Ig- evant. It stays on the fi eld.” He added that After the ball-tampering scandal, Aus- tralia. I was really proud of the way our team Like Capito, Poland’s Wiktor red-hot Chris Melling of England nacio of the Philippines 11-9, and the remarks in Perth were nothing compared tralia’s on-fi eld behaviour was sharply conducted itself on the fi eld this week.” Zielinski is still in high school and today. then young Russian Fedor Gorst boasts world class talent. The Corey Duel is the only other 11-8. young Pole proudly displayed his American remaining in the fi eld. World number six formidable wares today in two The veteran earned his spot in looked untouchable in his two big AUSTRALIA RELY ON UNCHANGED SQUAD FOR FINAL TWO TESTS solid wins, fi rst against fellow the fi nal 16 with wins over Can- wins on Monday. In the round of Pole Tomasz Kaplan, and then ada’s John Morra and Spain’s 16, he’ll have to square off with Sydney: Australian selectors kept faith pering scandal, levelling the series as the are looking to regroup as they seek to win Johann Chua of the Philippines. Francisco Diaz Pizarro. Duel will his teammate Alex with the current 13-player squad for their teams head to Melbourne for the Boxing their first-ever Test series in Australia. It will surely be fascinating be up against Taiwan’s Ko Pin Yi Kazakis. The Greek grinded out remaining two Tests against India, after Day Test. National selector Trevor Hohns Australia squad for Tests beginning in to watch how Zielinski handles today. two tough wins today, fi rst 11-10 the team levelled the series 1-1 in Perth said Cricket Australia wanted to “keep this Melbourne on December 26 and Sydney the likes of in the Ko, who won the China Open over Poland’s Radislaw Babica, yesterday. India won the opening match in group together to build on the momentum on January 3: Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins, round of 16. The Austrian, who this year and won this event in then over Finland’s Casper Mat- Adelaide, the team’s first win in Australia we have established in Perth”. , Marcus Harris, Josh won this event in 2016, is playing 2015, hammered compatriot Liu ikainen, 11-9. for a decade. Only rookie Chris Tremain was released Hazlewood, , Usman Khawaja, top notch and looks imper- Ri Teng in the round of 64, 11-5, After a day off yesterday, as the The hosts came back in Perth to secure from the squad prior to the Perth Test. In- Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, vious to the pressure. then did it one better to Korea’s country celebrated the Qatar Na- their first Test victory since the ball-tam- dia, the number one Test team in the world, Tim Paine (capt), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle Defending champion Carlo Bi- Woo Seung Ryu, 11-4. tional Day, play resumes today at ado stayed on track to defend his It will be an all Taiwan match- 11am. (WPA-Pool)