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Thursday, January 3, 2019 FOOTBALL Rabia II 27, 1440 AH Guardiola hopeful GULF TIMES De Bruyne fi t for crucial Liverpool tie SPORT Page 3 TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Djokovic survives scare to reach quarters in Qatar Swiss Wawrinka beats Chilean Jarry to stay on course for a semi-final date with Serbian world number one

By Sahan Bidappa Dusan Lajovic, who edged past Doha Lithuanian qualifi er Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (4), 0-6, 7-5 in two hours and 11 minutes. ne set up and facing a Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who break point while serv- had stunned second seed Do- ing at 4-5 down in the minic Thiem in the fi rst round on second, Marton Fuc- Tuesday, also won yesterday. The sovicsO had his heart in his mouth, Frenchman had to work hard be- when he asked for a TV review fore winning against Maximilian of Novak Djokovic’s forehand, Marterer of Germany 6-3, 6-7 which was called in. (6), 7-6 (6). As it turned out, the ball had Djokovic and his younger landed just inside the baseline, brother Marko entered the dou- and Fucsovics, who had a swing bles semi-fi nals at the Qatar at the ball half-heartedly pre- ExxonMobil Open yesterday. suming it was out, lost his chal- The Serbian siblings beat Damir lenge and the set. It was just Dzumhur of Bosnia and Dusan the opening Djokovic needed to Lajovic of Serbia 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 in make a comeback in the second the quarter-fi nals. round match at the Qatar Exxon- The Djokovic brothers, who Mobil Open yesterday. Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in action against Nicolas Jarry (not had not won a match together in After having lost the fi rst set, pictured) of Chile during their second round match yesterday. fi ve attempts before coming to Djokovic had failed to impose Doha, have now won two in two. himself on Fucsovics in the sec- and bold hitting. The world No Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia. They face either Nikola Mek- ond as well, before that crucial 36 drew Djokovic to long ral- The fi fth seeded Basilashvili tic and Alexander Peya or David misjudgment from the Hungar- lies, varying the pace all along. eased past 2018 runner-up An- Goffi n and Pierre-Hugues Her- ian in the 11th game gave the At 4-4, Fucsovics broke serve drey Rublev of Russia 6-3, 6-4. bert, for a place in the fi nal. world No 1 a chance to fi ght back. on his third break point to move Djokovic has won the only match In another semi-fi nal, Robin While Fucsovics lost his focus, ahead before closing the set with he played against Basilashvili, but Haase and Matwe Middelkoop Djokovic turned into beast mode a service winner in the following the Serb will have to put on a much take on Santiago Gonzalez and and ran away with the third set game. better show in the semis against Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi. and match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to seal Just like in the opener, there the tournament dark horse. his place in the quarter-fi nals at were no break points in the fi rst Meanwhile, three-time Grand RESULTS the Khalifa International Tennis eight games of the second set as Slam champion Stan Wawrinka SINGLES (SECOND ROUND) and Squash Complex. the two players preferred to play put on another solid show to keep 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt “For the fi rst two sets he was from the baseline. But 14-time him on course for a semi-fi nal Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 the better player,” acknowledged Grand Slam champion Djokovic date with Djokovic. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Djokovic after the match. “He used all his experience when it The 33-year-old got the better Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-4, 7-6 (3) played really well, smart, chang- required as he made a nice hold of Nicolas Jarry of Chile 6-4, 7-6 7-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) ing up the rhythm and the pace of for a 5-4 lead, forcing Fucsovics (3) over 89 minutes for a place in bt Q-Guillermo Garcia-Lopez the ball and moving me around. I to serve to stay in the set. the quarter-fi nals. Wawrinka, (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 was kind of in a corner and I had Djokovic then found his range the 2008 Doha fi nalist, broke Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Q- to fi nd my way and fi ght my way on his forehand side, earning two Jarry in the fi fth game of the fi rst Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 7-6 (4), through.” set points with a sharp-angled set and took early control of the 0-6, 7-5 The two-time champion im- forehand winner before clinch- second set tie-break. He set up Pierre-Hughes Herbert (FRA) proved to 14-1 in Doha, with his ing the set in dramatic fashion a clash against seventh-seeded bt Q-Maximilian Marterer (GER) only loss coming against Ivo Kar- as Fucsovics made an ill-judged Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (8-6) lovic in the quarter-fi nals on his Hawk Eye challenge on a Djoko- who cruised past fellow Spaniard 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) w/o debut in 2015. He is also now on vic forehand which clipped the and qualifi er Guillermo Garcia- Guido Pella (ARG) a 12-match winning streak and is baseline. Lopez 6-1, 6-4 in 70 minutes. 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) well on course for a third Qatar In the deciding set, Djokvoic Italy’s Marco Cecchinato re- bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-3, 6-4 title, to tie with Roger Federer. was all over Fucsovics, breaking ceived a walkover after his op- But all that seemed a far- the latter’s serve three times. He ponent Guido Pella of Argen- DOUBLES (QUARTER-FINALS) Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his victory over Marton Fucsovics (not pictured) of Hungary during fetched possibility when Fuc- sealed the match with three win- tina was forced to pull out due to Robin Haase/Matwe Middelk- their Qatar ExxonMobil Open second round match at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex sovics overpowered Djokovic in ners in the seventh game, to set lower back pain. Fourth-seeded oop (NED) bt Maximo Gonzalez yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil the opening set with some clean up a quarter-fi nal clash against Cecchinato will next face Serbia’s (ARG)/Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-2, 6-4

SPOTLIGHT Youngsters need to love their sport, work hard: al-Khelaifi

By Sports Reporter yourself. You don’t need some- in Qatar. It is an alliance that has and General Manager Alistair Doha one to push you.” come to defi ne what a synergy Routledge said, “I am pleased to Al-Khelaifi , a former ATP between partners with similar announce the Qatar Tennis Fed- player himself, hoped to see a goals and visions can achieve eration (QTBSF) and ExxonMobil atar Tennis, Squash and Qatari player break into the top- when given the opportunity.” Qatar’s partnership. For 27 years, Badminton Federa- 500 in the near future, before ExxonMobil Qatar has been we have had the privilege of be- tion (QTSBF) president adding that they are already best the title sponsor of the annual ing QTF’s partner and the tour- Nasser bin Ghanim in the GCC region. tennis tournament for the last 27 nament’s title sponsor for 25. Our al-KhelaifiQ has urged the young “Our ambition is also to see years. partnership with QTF isn’t just athletes to “love their sport and them achieve a world ranking The QTSBF president said that about bringing exceptional ten- work hard” in order to achieve inside 500. That is our goal. the tournament has continued nis to Qatar for the world to see success at the world level. While they are on top in the to grow in leaps and bounds over - it’s about supporting the Qatar Al-Khelaifi was speaking on GCC and the region, and second the years and he was immensely National Vision 2030 by promot- the sidelines of the Qatar Exx- among youth, we want them proud of the achievements, which ing a healthier and stronger local onMobil Open yesterday, where to rise higher. We are provid- includes winning the prestigious community that can contribute the title sponsor ExxonMobil re- ing the best of facilities to our ATP 250 Tournament of the Year to the country’s future. newed its sponsorship agreement players and we have also hired award on two occasions (2015 and “It gives me great pleasure to- of the ATP 250 Tournament for a new German coach Olivier to 2017); an accomplishment which day to formalize and deepen the another three years. help them develop physically is unrivalled in the region. partnership between our two or- When asked what was his and mentally. We aim to see one “Our partnership with Exxon- ganisations by announcing that message to the youngsters in of our players or two make it to Mobil Qatar is a key enabler for ExxonMobil Qatar is renewing Qatar, al-Khelaifi said: “Young- ATP 500,” he said. QTF to organise a high-quality its title sponsorship of the tour- sters need to love their sport and On ExxonMobil Qatar extend- event for all in attendance, and nament for another three years should be ready to work hard. ing its title sponsorship of Qatar to continue to defi ne Qatar as a – 2020, 2021 and 2022. This is a There are no secrets in any sport. Open till 2022, al-Khelaifi said: globally renowned and vibrant signifi cant milestone in our on- You need to do more than the “The enduring strategic part- centre for world-class sporting going collaboration, and we are others and you need to be there nership between our two great events,” he added. very excited about the tourna- Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) president Nasser bin Ghanim al-Khelaifi (left) and each day to train and do things by organisations is one of the oldest ExxonMobil Qatar President ment’s future,” added Routledge. ExxonMobil Qatar President and General Manager Alistair Routledge during a press conference yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 3, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS Aspetar provides world-class medical services at ExxonMobil Open

By Sports Reporter As part of its mission to as- Doha sist athletes to achieve their maximum performance and Murray’s comeback full potential, Aspetar is also or the eighth consecutive off ering tailored physiotherapy year, Aspetar is provid- solutions to participating ath- Fing expert world-class letes. In addition, players can medical services at the ATP use Aspetar’s state-of-the-art Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019, rehabilitation facilities, de- the international tennis tourna- signed to treat injured athletes ment which is currently taking from all over the world. halted by Medvedev place at Khalifa International Since 2011, Aspetar has been Tennis & Squash Complex in the official and exclusive Doha and scheduled to run Medical Partner for the Qatar Briton cut short his season last until January 5. ExxonMobil Open as part Aspetar’s nine-strong team of the hospital’s long-term September after suff ering pain in includes experienced sports partnership agreement. This his hip following surgery medicine physicians, physio- is an extension of Aspetar’s in Brisbane therapists, massage therapists, on-going efforts to provide and podiatrists, and they will integrated sports medical be providing comprehensive care in support of all local on-site provision of service to and international tourna- Top seed Svitolina crashes out 32 world class singles players ments held in Qatar, while in Brisbane and 16 doubles teams as well ensuring fast, on-the-spot re- supervising medical services action to any injury obtained AFP kind of match in the first tour- to other event clientele. during play. Brisbane nament, to see how much I can push myself,” she said. “Obviously I can play long, op seed and defend- play good and win, so I’m re- WTA SHENZHEN OPEN ing champion Elina ally happy about that.” TSvitolina crashed out Estonia’s Annet Kontaveit of the Brisbane International caused a boilover when she at the hands of Belarusian beat fourth seeded Czech Struggling Sharapova Aliaksandra Sasnovich Petra Kvitova 7-5, 7-6 (1). yesterday. Kontaveit, whose compatriot In a replay of last year’s final, Kaia Kanepi won this tourna- progresses aft er Sasnovich reversed that ment in 2012, was too consist- result as she ousted Svitolina ent for Kvitova, who was 6-4, 0-6, 6-3. backing up after a three-hour opponent retires The Belarusian displayed first-round win over Danielle some breathtaking shot Collins late Tuesday afternoon. AFP was retiring from the match, making in the first set before “We played each other quite Beijing adding that the teenager had a Svitolina stormed back in the a lot of times last year so great career ahead of her. second. I knew it was going to be “It’s not the way either of us But Sasnovich continued to tough from the beginning,” ormer world number one wants to fi nish the match, win go for her shots and broke Kontaveit said. Maria Sharapova quali- or lose,” said Sharapova, who is Daniil Medvedev of Russia hits a return against Andy Murray (below) of Britain during their men’s singles Svitolina twice in the third “I was just trying to hang in fi ed for the quarter-fi nals ranked 29. second round match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament yesterday. (AFP) set to seal victory and book a there in the second set. I’m of the Shenzhen WTA “I thought (Wang) was abso- Fafter struggling against China’s lutely the dominant player in this quarter-final against Croatian just so happy.” Reuters set, I made too many mistakes. Donna Vekic. Latvian Anastasija Sevastova great tennis hope Wang Xinyu, match, and had all the opportu- Brisbane “I think when you play bet- Vekic continued her good earlier thrashed British quali- who was forced to retire from the nities to win it, even though I felt ter players... they will expose form when she downed fier Harriet Dart 6-2, 6-0. match in pain. like I was fi nding my stride and any errors that you make in your Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens in Former champion Karo- The fi fth-seed Russian was getting a little bit closer to the ndy Murray’s latest game or any shots that you’re three sets 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-5. lina Pliskova downed fellow surprised early on by the power line and being more aggressive.” comeback from a per- not hitting particularly well. Vekic looked in trouble when countrywoman Marie Bouz- of her 17-year-old opponent, Wang won two junior doubles sistent hip issue ended And he did that tonight.” she was down 4-5 in the third kova 7-5, 6-2 and will face off who took the fi nal game of the titles last year at two Grand Slam prematurely yesterday Medvedev next faces Can- with Bertens serving for against Australia’s Alja Toml- fi rst set 7-6 and broke in the sec- tournaments (at Wimbledon and whenA he was beaten 7-5, 6-2 by ada’s Milos Raonic who eased ond. the Australian Open). She was the match, but the Croatian janovic in the quarter-finals. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the past Serbian qualifi er Miomir fought back to win the next Tomljanovic secured her But Wang Xinyu had to retire given a ild card for the tourna- second round of the Brisbane Kecmanovic 6-3, 7-6 (2). three games and book her place in the last eight with a hurt, apparently after feeling ment in Shenzhen. International. The tournament lost anoth- place in the quarter-finals. 6-2, 7-6 (2) win over Britain’s pain in her thigh, while she was In the next round, Sharapova Murray cut short his season er big name when Rafa Nadal “I’m really happy to have this Johanna Konta. leading 5-2 in the second set. takes on top-seed Belorussian last September after suff ering pulled out due to a thigh strain, “You played unbelievable,” Aryna Sabalenka, who had an pain in his hip following surgery casting doubt on his participa- Sharapova told Wang, after the easy win over Russian Ekaterina earlier in the year that ruled him tion in this month’s Australian Chinese player announced she Alexandrova yesterday 6-3, 6-3. out of three of the four Grand Open. Slam tournaments. Jeremy Chardy rallied to The 31-year-old had defeated beat holder Nick Kyrgios 6-7 local hope James Duckworth in chances on his service games,” (5), 6-2, 6-3 to leave Alex De his season opener on Tuesday Murray, who won the tourna- Minaur as the sole Australian but was comprehensively beaten ment in both of his previous ap- man remaining in the draw af- by fourth seed Medvedev who pearances in 2012 and 2013, said. ter the 19-year-old beat Jordan fi red 16 aces and lost only seven “And then on my own service Thompson 6-4, 6-2. of his fi rst-service points in the games I made too many errors Grigor Dimitrov downed local contest. in the rallies, especially early on favourite John Millman 6-3, 6-4 “I think he served extremely I was trying to play a little bit to set up a quarter-fi nal with Ja- well, I didn’t really get many more off ensive. In the second pan’s Kei Nishikori. Nadal pulls out of Brisbane International with thigh problem

Reuters abdomen and ankle injuries The 32-year-old did not play pens when you’re coming back Brisbane and the world number two said after retiring against Juan Mar- from injuries. I have to accept the decision to skip the season- tin del Potro in their US Open and keep going,” Nadal, who opener was precautionary. semi-final last September and had withdrawn from the tourna- Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return against Wang Xinyu of China afael Nadal has pulled “I still wanted to play... but if I underwent ankle surgery two ment last year as well, added. during their Shenzhen Open second round match yesterday. (AFP) out of this week’s Bris- play here, there is a important months later. Lucky loser Taro Daniel will Rbane International due risk to (not) have the chance He lost a three-set exhibition replace Nadal in the second to a minor thigh strain, but the to play Melbourne,” Nadal, match against South Africa’s round against Tsonga. WTA AUCKLAND CLASSIC Spaniard is hopeful that he can who was due to face French- Kevin Anderson in Abu Dhabi Despite an injury-curtailed 2018 shake off the problem in time man Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last week and had indicated season, Nadal managed to win for the Australian Open later second round today, said in a that he was fighting fit ahead of five titles last year, including a this month. statement. the Brisbane event. record-extending 11th French Wozniacki cruises Nadal endured an injury- “It’s a small thing that can However, an MRI scan revealed Open title that took his Grand plagued 2018 season that become a much bigger... when better than I did four days ago... otherwise. Slam tally to 17. saw him contest only nine you compete the intensity on the it’s a risk to damage my body for “I have to be ready to under- The Australian Open begins in ahead of Melbourne tournaments due to hip, knee, muscle it can get worse... I feel one month if I play here.” stand that this kind of stuff hap- Melbourne on January 14. title defence FOCUS AFP nitely wasn’t my prettiest match Auckland but I just tried to hang in there, and tried to serve well and hit a lot of balls back and tomorrow’s aroline Wozniacki be- going to be better,” she said. Germany and Australia eye last Hopman fi nal gan her warm up for her “I’m just so happy I’m back Australian Open title here and warming up in the same AFP to need it, but with Ash by my dropped three successive games defence with a compre- way and hopefully that will lead side we can do it.” as the Frenchwoman claimed Chensive 6-3, 6-2 win over Laura me to also having good luck in Perth, Australia Barty’s impressive early the set. Siegemund in the fi rst round of Australia this year.” season form continued when However, Kerber settled and the WTA Auckland Classic yes- Wozniacki will play Canadian ermany and Australia she disposed of Muguruza in won the next two sets to win 5-7, terday. qualifi er Bianca Andreescu in will face off for a place straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. 6-2, 6-4 in just over two hours With tournament sixth seed the second round while Williams in what is expected to Muguruza, currently ranked and maintain her perfect singles Venus Williams an interested plays fellow American Lauren be the last Hopman 18th, three spots below Barty, record in Perth, with six wins spectator, top-seed Wozniacki Davis. GCup fi nal after they both re- didn’t drop a point in her fi rst from as many outings. gave herself a pass mark against Canadian Eugenie Bouchard’s mained unbeaten in the mixed three service games of the match, Ranked fourth in the world, German qualifi er Siegemund and comeback was almost derailed teams tournament in Perth yes- but was broken in the fourth. Zverev started well against the declared the signs were good. in an error-fi lled encounter with terday. That enabled the Australian to 32nd-ranked Pouille and took The 28-year-old Dane, the the 30-year-old Dutch journey- The Germans are on track for claim the fi rst set and one more the fi rst set comfortably on the runner up in Auckland last year woman Bibiane Schoofs. their second successive Hopman break in the seventh game of the back of a service break in the on her way to winning in Mel- Bouchard, the 2014 Wimble- Cup fi nal by beating France and Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return against Alize Cornet of second set was enough to secure eighth game. bourne, said she was looking for- don fi nalist, dropped her serve the Australians won a thrilling France on day five of the Hopman Cup in Perth yesterday. (AFP) the win. However, the match tightened ward to meeting Williams in the seven times but still managed to mixed doubles match to clinch In the men’s singles, veteran up in the second set, with both Auckland quarter-fi nals if both beat Schoofs 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4 their tie against Spain. ranked opponents. the tie in a seesawing Fast4 Ferrer squared the tie with a 7-6 players holding set points. get through their second round to set up a quarter-fi nal clash The two teams will play on Kerber had to come from a set mixed doubles encounter which (1), 7-5 win. The deciding mixed Zverev had a match point matches on Thursday. with defending champion Julia Friday and the winner will ad- down to beat feisty Frenchwom- swung on almost every point. doubles saw the Spaniards win during the second set tie-break, “I know how she is play- Goerges. vance to the fi nal of the tourna- an Alize Cornet, while Zverev Ebden, who said winning his the fi rst set in the abbreviated while it wasn’t until his sixth set ing, and she has been playing Goerges, who did not get on ment, which is widely tipped to squandered a match point in the home town tournament would tie-break, but Australia won the point that Pouille levelled the well, apparently, so I know she court until after 10:00pm, raced be scrapped after 31 years due to second set before defeating Lu- mean as much as a Grand Slam next two in similar fashion to match. is ready,” Wozniacki said. “Let’s through her match against fellow a scheduling clash. cas Pouille in three. title, called for local fans to turn prevail 3-4(3), 5-4 (0), 4-3(3). The pair traded service breaks hope we both get there.” German Mona Barthel 6-4, 6-4. The German pairing of Alex- Ashleigh Barty gave Austral- out on Friday to support the The Germans secured their tie early in the third set, but Zver- Against Siegemund, Wozni- Tournament seventh seed ander Zverev and Angelique Ker- ian a perfect start to their tie by home team, who will start as by winning both singles matches. ev gained a second break for a acki broke in the fourth game of Kirsten Flipkens was stopped ber, beaten in last year’s fi nal by beating former world number underdogs against the higher- 4-2 lead when the Frenchman the fi rst set and mostly control- in the second round by Spain’s Switzerland’s Roger Federer and one and dual Grand Slam winner ranked Germans. CONSOLATION FOR THE double faulted and that sealed led the match from there apart 22-year-old Sara Sorribes Tor- Belinda Bencic, made it two wins Garbine Muguruza, before David “We wanted to make it all to FRENCH Pouille’s fate. from dropping her service once mo, losing 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 with from as many group outings when Ferrer levelled the encounter by play for on Friday and hopefully Kerber served for the fi rst set in The French gained some con- in the second set. Sorribes Tormo moving on to the top 10 duo both won their beating local Matthew Ebden. everyone comes out and get be- her singles match against the solation by winning the dead “I was a bit rusty out there. play Hsieh Sui-Wei in the quar- singles matches against lower- The Australians then clinched hind us,” he said. “We are going 45th-ranked Cornet, but then mixed doubles rubber. Playing my fi rst match it defi - ter fi nals. Gulf Times Thursday, January 3, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW FOCUS Coach Klopp not underestimating Guardiola hopeful ‘world’s best side’ City

Reuters all the other games – but with London the knowledge that the op- ponent is still the best team in the world,” Klopp told a news iverpool will need all conference. De Bruyne fi t for their fi ghting qualities to “I said it weeks ago because overcome the “best team it’s 100 percent my opinion; in the world” Manches- the way they play and all the Lter City in Thursday’s block- things they have achieved and buster Premier League meeting the things they will achieve. between the two, manager Juer- Nothing has changed, only the gen Klopp said yesterday. points changed, but not the Shortly after City manager preparation for the game. crucial Liverpool tie Pep Guardiola described table- “And we are a very, very, toppers Liverpool as Europe’s very good football team as ‘You have to see how many chances we concede. We are the second-best team in best team in his news confer- well. That’s why we have the ence, Klopp returned the com- amount of points, that’s why Europe in terms of the chances we create, so we are not precise enough’ pliment with interest and said we had the results, that’s clear. City could not be taken lightly But we prepare for one game.” despite a dip in form. James Milner missed Liver- Defeats by Chelsea, Crys- pool’s last two games due to a tal Palace and Leicester City hamstring injury but the mid- last month have left Guar- fi elder is in contention to fea- diola’s side in third place with ture against his former side. 47 points, seven points behind “He was back in training unbeaten Liverpool and one with us yesterday for the fi rst behind fellow title contenders time, so we will see,” Klopp Tottenham Hotspur. said. “His infl uence on the “We have to be brave, we team is massive... experience is have to be full of desire, angry always important if you know again, all that stuff – like in how to use it.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp applauds the fans after their EPL match against Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool on December 29, 2018. (AFP)

Man City must stick to their style to close gap on Liverpool: Aguero Manchester City must trust their playing style to overcome a poor run of results that has left the defending champions third in the Premier League before Thursday’s high voltage clash with leaders Liverpool, striker Sergio Aguero said. City blended high-intensity soccer with a possession-based ap- Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (right) shakes hands with Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during proach to cruise to the title last season but Pep Guardiola’s side the English Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 30, 2018. (AFP) have hit a few roadblocks in the current campaign, losing three out of their last five games. Unbeaten Liverpool have capitalised AFP fi elder, City’s player of the year, the morning but he is much diola. “We are the second-best ola. “I have the feeling it is a big on City’s blip in form to open up a six-point lead at the top, ahead Manchester, United Kingdom has endured an injury-aff ected better.” team in Europe in terms of the opportunity for us to reduce the of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but Aguero believes his campaign, restricting him to just chances we create, so we are not gap. Everybody is asking what team must stick to the formula that has worked well for them in six league appearances. He was ‘THE BEST TEAM IN EUROPE’ precise enough. will happen if we lose but we are the past. “Our focus should be on our own game. We’re confident evin de Bruyne could out of action from August until In contrast to City’s indiff er- “In the past few games, we going to try to win. in our playing style and believe it’s the most eff ective to lead return from injury as late October with a knee injury, ent recent league record Jur- have conceded more goals than “It is our chance to fi ght for us to victory,” Aguero told City’s website. “This is football after Manchester City bid to then suff ered a calf problem in gen Klopp’s side have won nine usual but the number of chanc- the Premier League, to go as far all though, and anything can happen, but we will play as we infl ict Liverpool’s fi rst early November that sidelined league matches in a row, and es we have conceded is not too as possible,” added the 47-year- always play as it has served us so well.” City have collected 47 PremierK League defeat of the sea- him for more than a month. have the best defensive record, much.” old Spaniard. Liverpool have points from 20 games, one less than second-placed Tottenham, son and put pressure on them in Having returned again in mid- conceding eight goals in 20 Guardiola has tried to play dropped just six points all sea- after defeat at Chelsea last month was followed by unexpected the title race, City manager Pep December, he suff ered a muscle matches this season. down suggestions defeat on son, and Guardiola believes they losses against Crystal Palace and Leicester City. City returned Guardiola said yesterday. problem during the defeat at During that nine-match win- Thursday would eff ectively end are currently the most consist- to winning ways at Southampton but another defeat in the The return of De Bruyne would Leicester on Boxing Day. ning run, Liverpool have kept six City’s chances of retaining the ent team in Europe. biggest game of the season on Thursday would leave Juergen boost City’s hopes of beating Guardiola, though, is hopeful clean sheets and conceded just title they won with a competi- “It is Liverpool, the best team Klopp’s Liverpool side in an even stronger position to win their Liverpool and reducing their De Bruyne can feature on Thurs- three goals, and Guardiola ac- tion record of 100 points last in all England in history. We can first league title since 1990. “December didn’t pan out the way lead at the top to four points. day as City look to drag them- knowledges his own team have to May. beat them. I know today nobody we wanted and now we’ve got more ground to make up ... that It would also be a fi lip to their selves back into the title race. improve their defensive record, “The reality is clear. We are trusts us but it is what it is. makes the game more important,” Aguero said. “There’s no title defence which suff ered a se- “He trained today,” said Guar- as well as becoming more ruth- seven points down, but it is the “They are in the moment the denying it’s a huge game for both clubs. Direct clashes between rious blow with three defeats in diola at his eve of match press less in attack. second game of the second half best team in Europe, in their leading teams have a major impact towards the end of the sea- their last fi ve league matches. conference. Tomorrow (Thurs- “You have to see how many of the season, so there are a lot of consistency, the way they con- son. Football always gives a chance to even the score.” The 27-year-old Belgian mid- day) we need another check in chances we concede,” said Guar- points to play for,” said Guardi- trol the details in their game.”

SPOTLIGHT AZF attracts 10 world class teams for training camps By Sports Reporter a mini championship between training equipment, hospital- Doha a number of Russian clubs from ity services to medical centres, 20 January – 31 January. Spartak AZF’s facilities rival those of the Moscow will be in Doha from the greatest sports teams around the spire Zone Founda- 18 – 30 January, FC Rostov and world. tion (AZF) is gearing FC Lokomotiv Moscow from 20- In addition to its outdoor facil- up to host comprehen- 30 January, and FC Zenit Saint ities, Aspire Dome is the world’s sive football training Petersburg from 15 to 29 January. largest indoor multi-purpose campsA for a number of world- Commenting on the training dome, off ering the highest qual- class teams this January. Time camps this year, Ibrahim Hilal, ity facilities for multiple sports and again, these teams return to Head of Federation and Teams Af- and international events. The AZF during the northern hemi- fairs at AZF, said: “AZF’s unique total seating capacity of Aspire sphere’s winter to benefi t from trio of Aspire Academy, Aspetar Dome is 15,500 across 13 separate Qatar’s perfect outdoor training and Aspire Logistics off er world- multi-sport halls. It is situated weather at this time of the year class outdoor and indoor facili- right next to Aspire Academy. and prepare for a range of inter- ties combined with sports science Qatar thrives during winter national and continental tour- and sports medicine expertise. Head of Federation and Teams with a moderate temperature naments in ideal settings. This convenient structure ensures Aff airs at AZF Ibrahim Hilal. that rarely exceeds 25 degrees During this year’s training everything is readily available for Celsius. For European teams ea- camp season, AZF has announced visiting athletes, who return to ASPIRE OFFERS EXCELLENT ger to stay sharp over their win- that it will host 10 international Aspire Zone Foundation’s training SPORTING FACILITIES ter football breaks, this provides football teams, all of whom are camps year after year.” Of particular importance to an ideal alternative to domestic eager to benefi t from its world AZF is globally recognised for football clubs are Aspire Zone’s training camps. class training, accommodation its ideal training environment for training pitches. Elite interna- Previous training camps at and entertainment facilities. elite athletes, giving them access tional teams look for excellence Aspire have witnessed a tremen- Bayern Munich are scheduled to training fi elds of the highest in the smallest things and Aspire dous turn-out of sports enthu- to visit from January 4-10, Hol- quality, multi-purpose halls for a Zone Foundation’s commitment siasts eager to see major global land’s Eindhoven from January variety of sports, and swimming to maintaining the highest inter- sports stars up close. 4-12, Belgium’s Club Brugge from pools, gyms, and indoor and national standards makes its of- Aspire training camps attract January 5-12 and Kas Eupen from outdoor tracks equipped with fer truly world-class. athletes from the Middle East, January 8-13, Persepolis, the Ira- the latest technologies. In addi- Teams return to AZF’s because Asia, the Americas, Europe and nian football team, from January tion, teams are also encouraged the quality and convenience of beyond, helping to demonstrate 9-19, and Paris Saint-Germain to return because of the success the venues are at least equal – sport’s ability to bridge cultures. from January 13 – 17. in domestic and international and often better than – even the This year, AZF has high hopes for In preparation for the Russian tournaments that follows their biggest teams’ home training further success in using sport to league, Aspire Zone will also host Aspire Zone training camps. facilities. From pitch quality to bring people together. A file photo of Paris Saint-Germain players during their training camp at the Aspire Zone. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 3, 2019 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Chelsea kick start transfer window with Pulisic splurge AFP towards being a contributor to fer fee nor the player’s contract. Paris their team of world class play- The 22-year-old arrives in ers,” said Pulisic in a statement France from Defensor Sporting, published on the Chelsea web- a club based in the Uruguayan helsea made an early site. capital Montevideo where he splash in the January Dortmund will keep the played more than 100 matches transfer window yester- 20-year-old right winger on since making his debut as a teen- day by making Christian loan until the end of the season ager in 2013. PulisicC the most expensive USA as part of what they described “It was a dream of mine to footballer as clubs across Europe an “extraordinarily lucrative of- come and play in Europe and geared up for business. fer from Chelsea” as they look to today I have made this dream a The Premier League club win their fi rst league title since reality by signing for Montpel- signed Pulisic – regarded as one 2012. lier,” the player said on the club’s of the hottest properties in Eu- Pulisic made his Bundes- website. ropean football – on a fi ve-and- liga debut for Dortmund aged Suarez made his debut for a-half year contract for a report- just 17 after rapidly progressing the national team in a 1-0 loss ed fee of £58 million ($74mn) through the team’s academy and against Brazil in November, be- from German Bundesliga leaders quickly established himself as fore playing the full 90 minutes Borussia Dortmund a day after one of the most exciting pros- days later in another single-goal the winter window opened. pects in Europe. defeat against France. The sum smashed the pre- In November he became the In Spain, Villarreal released vious highest transfer for an youngest player to captain the former Chile international American, the reported 20mn United States’ senior side, aged Manuel Iturra after the 34-year- euros German club Wolfsburg 20 years and 63 days. old defensive midfi elder, who stumped up for John Brooks in In France, Ligue 1 club played 33 times for his country, 2017. Montpellier signed promising started just one match for the Chelsea sign American star “It’s a privilege to have signed Uruguay international defender La Liga strugglers this season Pulisic from Dortmund. for such a legendary club and Mathias Suarez, choosing to re- after signing from Malaga in the I look forward to working hard veal neither details of the trans- summer.

LA LIGA Over 60 wounded in Algeria football clashes More than 60 people, mostly police off icers, were wounded in clashes with supporters at a Football match in Algeria, local Solari backs forgotten authorities said yesterday. The fixture between top division club MC Alger and third league Village Moussa was marred by repeated stone-throwing before the referee called it off in extra time over fears for players’ safety, government newspaper El Moud- Isco to restore joy to Real jahid reported. The round of 16 Algeria Cup ‘There is nothing like a competitor to push you, to get the best out of you and your teammates’ match took place in Jijel, 360 kilometres (220 miles) east of Reuters Algiers, where Village Moussa Madrid fans started throwing stones after their team conceded a third goal in the first half. Security forces eal Madrid coach San- responded with tear gas and en- tiago Solari expects suing clashes wounded 62 people out-of-favour attack- including 45 police off icers. ing midfi elder Isco to Jijel Civil Protection off icial Ahlem remainR at the club and rediscov- Boumala told the Algeria Press er the form that made him one of Service the injuries were caused the team’s most important play- by “stones and projectiles”. ers over the past two years. Algeria has long been plagued by Isco has not started a league violence, sometimes deadly, with game since Solari succeeded Ju- fans targeting both police and len Lopetegui as Madrid coach players. at the end of October, but the team’s results have improved dramatically in his absence, with Real winning fi ve out of six SPOTLIGHT league games since the Argen- tine took charge. The Spain international’s prolonged absence has sparked FIFA reports that he will seek an exit from the club, but Solari said Isco can work his way back to ‘analysing’ prominence at the Santiago Bernabeu “Every player here has to be possibility committed, dedicated and keep working with hope and excite- ment; they are all fundamental of 48-team to us,” Solari told a news con- ference ahead of Real’s resched- uled game away to Villarreal on World Cup Thursday. “Isco has given us a lot of joy Reuters and he has to keep doing that. Dubai He’s a magnifi cent footballer and, now that we have lost Mar- cos Llorente, Javi Sanchez and IFA should if possible in- Mariano, we’re going to need crease the size of the soccer everyone.” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 Real’s 2018 was a year of highs to 48 from 32 teams, the glo- and lows. A third successive balF governing body’s president Gi- Champions League triumph anni Infantino said. was followed by the Club World Last month, Infantino said a ma- Cup title, but the team’s La Liga jority of national soccer federations showing has been peppered with were in favour of expanding the disappointments. tournament and a decision was ex- Victory over Villarreal would pected ahead of the qualifying draw put Real level with Sevilla in in March. third place, though they have Infantino, speaking at a sports not won their fi rst away game of conference yesterday, also said FIFA a new year since 2014. was seeing whether it would be pos- “I have been told about this sible for some of Qatar’s Gulf neigh- statistic and we will try to bours to host some of the matches. change it,” Solari said. He said last month that it would “We’ll try to play with com- be “diffi cult” to stage an expanded mitment and energy. It’s a dif- tournament in Qatar alone. fi cult date, but the competition Saudi Arabia, the United Arab doesn’t stop and we have to for- Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt get about the date.” A file photo dated December 12, 2018, shows Real Madrid’s Isco in action against CSKA Moscow during their Champions League group stage match Madrid. (Reuters) launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that has complicated the prospect of sharing the tournament. Godin leads list of Atletico defenders with unclear futures FIFA voted in 2017 to increase the size of the tournament from 32 to 48 As Atletico Madrid prepare to clinched the La Liga title in 2014. 33, are also in the final six months tions and provoked a series of hur- teams starting from 2026 but, since resume their La Liga title chase However, the 32-year-old only has of their contracts with the club, ried denials from the Spanish club. then, Infantino has been mulling the with a mouthwatering trip to Sevilla six months left on his contract, who boast the best defensive Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil possibility of bringing the change next Sunday, uncertainty surrounds meaning he is free to negotiate record in La Liga for a fourth con- Marin may have ruled out the forward to 2022. the future of their defence, which with other clubs and can leave in secutive season. Atletico are three player leaving in January, but has “If you think it’s a good thing to has been the bedrock of their June for no transfer fee. points behind leaders Barcelona. left the door open for his departure have 48 teams in the World Cup, why sustained success under Diego “Atletico and Godin don’t see eye- The uncertain status of the trio in July, while Hernandez has done not try four years before, that’s why Simeone. to-eye,” Spanish newspaper Marca appears to signal a changing of the little to stamp out the speculation we are analysing whether its possible Captain Diego Godin leads a list of said on Wednesday, reporting that guard in Simeone’s side, but the he could leave the club where he to have 48 teams already in 2022,” four players who have all been the the player and club made a verbal coach’s long-term plans have also grew up. Infantino said yesterday. fulcrum of that reliable rearguard agreement last August on a new been thrown into doubt by Bayern “There are plenty of European “The World Cup will take place in in recent years but have an unclear deal after the Uruguayan received Munich’s pursuit of World Cup win- clubs that I dream of playing for. Qatar with 32 teams. Obviously, if we status at the club whose fortunes an off er from Manchester United, ning defender Lucas Hernandez. I’m fine here in Madrid, but I would can increase it to 48 teams and make they have transformed. but that no progress has been Reports that Bayern were ready to think about leaving tomorrow if the world happy we should try it.” Godin has been the heart and made on signing a new contract. trigger the 22-year-old’s 80-million- a project interested me,” he told Qatar said it would not take a fi nal soul of Atletico’s revival and is still Spanish right back Juanfran and euro ($91.1 million) release clause French newspaper Le Figaro last decision on the tournament expan- revered for scoring the goal which Brazilian left back Filipe Luis, both rocked Atletico’s Christmas celebra- week. sion until it has seen details of a fea- sibility study from FIFA. Gulf Times Thursday, January 3, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT James to miss fourth Leonard’s 45 points straight game Reuters Los Angeles

os Angeles Lakers for- ward LeBron James was set to miss his fourth fuel Raptors over Jazz consecutive game last Lnight, but he has made some strides in his recovery from a left groin injury. James was shooting 'We just tried to stay in it till the end of the game. It was a good win for us tonight' in front of coach Luke Walton during practice on Tuesday in AFP his most signifi cant action since Los Angeles sustaining the injury on Christ- mas Day against the Golden State Warriors. “He’s working awhi Leonard poured in a ca- on his body, his game, himself reer-high 45 points to lead the all the time,” Walton said. “But Toronto Raptors to a 122-116 that’s the fi rst time I’ve seen him NBA victory over the Utah Jazz shoot (since the injury).” The Kon Tuesday. With the win the Raptors team ruled James out of late last improved to 28-11, keeping the pressure night’s game against the Okla- on the Milwaukee Bucks who boosted homa City Thunder but contin- their league-leading record in terms of ues to list him as day-to-day. winning percentage to 26-10 with a 121- The Lakers are 1-2 without 98 victory over Detroit. James, and swingman Lance The Raptors were again without in- Stephenson admitted the star’s jured Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Lowry absence has an eff ect on the — whose return date remains uncertain team. “It’s defi nitely tough be- after he received anti-infl ammatory in- cause he’s very vocal,” Stephen- jections to combat back pain last week. son told reporters.”With him In their absence, Leonard excelled, missing, it’s like everyone is qui- making all seven of his fi eld goal at- et. You don’t know what’s going tempts in the third quarter as he scored on on the fl oor. But the games 19 points in the period and the Rap- that we had (this week), I think tors — who trailed by two at halftime we got better at it.” — pulled away. After making just two The contest has a bit of hype three-pointers in the fi rst half, the Rap- associated with it due to Paul tors connected on their fi rst three from George’s presence in town. beyond the arc in the third to seize con- George, who broke into the NBA trol of the contest. They took a 10-point with the Indiana Pacers, grew up lead into the fourth quarter, and while an hour north of Los Angeles and the Jazz managed to cut the defi cit to as had long expressed a desire to few as four, they couldn’t get any closer. return to the area. “They’re a well-coached team, However, the Pacers traded they’ve got great guys on their team George to Oklahoma City in that compete every possession,” Leon- the summer of 2017, and he re- ard said. “We just tried to stay in it till signed with the Thunder as a the end of the game. We had to get some free agent in July 2018 while the stops on the defensive end and try to Lakers signed James as a free come back and execute on the off ensive agent. “I wanted to play in LA end — it was a good win for us tonight.” That is where I wanted to go,” Pascal Siakam contributed a career- George told The Undefeated this best 28 points with 10 rebounds for summer. “Had that trade never the Raptors and Norman Powell added went down, had I played one 14 points off the bench as Toronto im- more year in Indy, I would have proved to 28-11. The Bucks won their Toronto Raptors’ forward Kawhi Leonard (left) dribbles the ball past Utah Jazz’s Royce O’Neale during the NBA game on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) been in a Lakers uniform.” fourth straight gagae thanks to 25 points Walton had little interest in from Brook Lopez, 22 from Khris Mid- by 16 by halftime, the margin swell- rebounds propelled the Nuggets to of the season — scoring in double dig- lard came alive late, forcing overtime discussing George. “It doesn’t dleton and 18 from Eric Bledsoe. “I was ing to as many as 28. “Pleased with the a 115-108 victory over the New York its in three key statistical categories as with a layup with 15.5 seconds remaining matter,” Walton said. “You prep feeling good,” Lopez said. “We were focus, pleased with the eff ort,” said Knicks. The Knicks dropped their the Nuggets won their third straight. in regulation and scoring fi ve of his 25 yourself, you do your work and moving the ball really well and were Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. “We eighth straight, but they didn’t go qui- The Portland Trail Blazers opened 2019 points for the Trail Blazers in overtime. then whatever’s gonna happen is making great passes all night.” keep talking about wanting to do it for etly, leading by as many as 10 in the fi rst in dramatic style, winning an overtime gonna happen. You don’t get too Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo 48 minutes... felt like tonight was one of half and pulling within four points with thriller against the Kings in Sacramen- RESULTS emotionally attached to it. We had a relatively modest 15 points, but those nights where we got closer to that, less than four minutes to play before a to 113-108. Jusuf Nurkic produced 24 LA Clippers 113, Philadelphia 119; Toronto went after players, LeBron decid- they included a stunning one-handed without a lull or very few lulls if any.” three-pointer from Jokic with 2:55 re- points and a career-high 23 rebounds to ed to come, Paul didn’t. That’s our 122, Utah 116; Denver 115, New York 108; dunk over Jon Leuer in the fi nal minute In Denver, Nikola Jokic’s triple- maining helped Denver pull away. go with seven assists, fi ve blocked shots team now. We’re very happy we Milwaukee 121, Detroit 98; Sacramento of the fi rst quarter. Milwaukee were up double of 19 points, 15 assists and 14 Jokic notched his third triple-double and fi ve steals for Portland. Damian Lil- have LeBron James on our team.” 108, Portland 113 (OT)

FOCUS NHL NHL announces 2019-20 outdoor Bruins defeat Blackhawks in Winter Classic games, All-Star Reuters Weekend South Bend, Indiana

Reuters ean Kuraly’s tiebreaking goal Chicago midway through the third peri- od carried the Boston Bruins to a 4-2 win over the Chicago Black- he NHL announced hawksS in the 2019 Bridgestone Winter on Tuesday the dates Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South and locations for three Bend on Tuesday. Kuraly broke a 2-2 tie outdoor games as well when he backhanded in his fourth goal Tas All-Star Weekend for the of the season at 10:20 after it bounced 2019-2020 season. NHL com- off fourth-line teammate Chris Wagner missioner Gary Bettman made as Boston won the 11th Winter Classic the announcements during the in front of a sellout crowd of 76,126, the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter second-largest in event history. Classic between the Chicago Jonathan Toews hit the post with Blackhawks and Boston Bruins 1:37 left and with the Blackhawks’ net in South Bend, Indiana. empty, Brad Marchand scored into the Outdoor action will kick off empty net for the fi nal margin. David Oct. 26 when the Calgary Flames Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron each had meet the Winnipeg Jets in the a goal and an assist, and Tuukka Rask 2019 Heritage Classic at Mosaic made 36 saves in his 469th outing, set- Stadium in Regina. The Heritage ting the mark for most games played by Classic returns to the league’s a Boston goaltender. regular-season schedule after The Bruins, who won their second two years — 2016 in Winnipeg. straight, were playing in their third It also has been played in Van- game in the elements and improved couver (2014), Calgary (2011) and to 2-1-0. They played in two previ- Edmonton (2003). The Dallas ous Winter Classics and both were on Stars will play in their fi rst reg- home ice — at Fenway Park in 2010 and ular-season outdoor game when Gillette Stadium in 2016. Brendan Per- they host the 2020 Winter Clas- lini and Dominik Kahun tallied for the sic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas Blackhawks, who had won fi ve of six, on New Year’s Day. and Cam Ward stopped 32 shots. The The Stars’ opponent will be outdoor game was the sixth for Chicago Sean Kuraly (left) of the Boston Bruins scores a goal past Gustav Forsling (centre) and Cam Ward of the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL Winter Classic. (AFP) announced at a later date. The (1-5-0) and its fourth Winter Classic 2020 NHL All-Star Weekend (0-4-0). The Blackhawks’ lone win was jumped ahead 2-1. With Boston on the and Bernie Parent for 21st place on the 12 edge in shots on goal, including minute to go, and Tuch then sealed the will head to St. Louis on Jan. in the 2014 Stadium Series in a 5-1 tri- power play, Bergeron hustled to thwart NHL’s all-time shutout list. 18-0 to start the second period before victory with an empty-netter, his 14th 24-26. This is the third time the umph over the Pittsburgh Penguins. a Kampf short-handed breakaway by It also was Fleury’s league-leading Fleury had to stop back-to-back slap goal of the season. Blues will host the event and The contest was the NHL’s sixth in lifting his stick. Bergeron soon tied it at 23rd victory of the season. Pirri, who shots by Anze Kopitar and Tyler Tof- fi rst since 1988 when Mario Le- Indiana — and fi rst since 1992 — and 2 with a backhander and the Bruins still also assisted on Alex Tuch’s game- foli on a power play. The Kings then just ARVIDSSON SCORES TWICE IN mieux earned MVP honours as Chicago has played in all of them, in- on the man advantage. clinching, empty-net goal with 33 sec- missed taking the lead when Ilya Koval- PREDATORS’ WIN OVER FLYERS the Wales Conference beat the cluding a 3-2 loss to the Bruins at the onds to go, scored his sixth goal in seven chuk rattled a shot of the right post. It Viktor Arvidsson scored two goals, and Campbell Conference, 6-5. Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum in HOT KNIGHTS SHUT OUT games this season. It was his ninth goal marked the fi rst time in Golden Knights Craig Smith and Rocco Grimaldi added The 2020 Stadium Series Indianapolis in 1954. KINGS BEHIND FLEURY in nine career games with Vegas, which history a game at T-Mobile Arena was one each to lift Nashville past visiting game will feature the Colorado Perlini gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 Brandon Pirri broke a scoreless tie with improved to 15-3-3 in its past 21 games scoreless after two periods. Pirri then Philadelphia. Juuse Saros stopped 32 Avalanche on Feb. 15 at the US fi rst-period lead with a goal from the a third-period goal, and Marc-Andre moved into a tie for fi rst place with Cal- gave the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead at shots as the Predators won their second Air Force Academy’s Falcon Sta- low slot after David Kampf’s stick-lift Fleury made 17 saves to register his gary in the Pacifi c Division. the 3:43 mark of the third period, one- game in a row following a six-game los- dium outside Colorado Springs. of Torey Krug behind Rask’s net and league-leading sixth shutout as the Jack Campbell, making his fi rst ap- timing a shot from the side of the right ing streak. This will mark the second regu- slick pass out front. However, Pastrnak Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Los pearance since sustaining a knee injury circle that glanced off Campbell’s glove It was his sixth career shutout and lar-season outdoor game for the grabbed a pass from Bergeron and tied Angeles Kings 2-0 on Tuesday night in on Nov. 10, was brilliant in the loss, fi n- and into the net. The Kings had a chance second of the season. Nashville im- Avalanche, whose opponent has it at 1 four minutes later with his 24th Las Vegas. ishing with a career-high 46 saves for to tie it four minutes later when Tof- proved to 15-7-0 at home, which ranks yet to be announced. The Bruins goal on the power play. Positioned in the The Golden Knights earned their the Kings. Los Angeles fell for just the foli came in on a clean breakaway but second in the NHL for the most home defeated the Blackhawks 4-2 in right circle in the second period, Kahun fourth consecutive win. It was the second time in the past seven games. was stopped by Fleury, who stuck out wins, trailing only Tampa Bay (17-4-0). Tuesday’s Winter Classic at No- redirected a long shot by Erik Gustafs- 54th career shutout for Fleury, who The game was scoreless after two his left pad to deny a shot by the right The reeling Flyers dropped their fourth tre Dame Stadium. son from the point at 11:24 as Chicago moved into a tie with Eddie Giacomin periods despite Vegas rolling up a 27- post. The Kings pulled Campbell with a consecutive game. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 3, 2019 SPORT

MLB Mariners reach a deal with left -handed pitcher Kikuchi An agreement has been reached on a four-year contract between the Mariners and Kikuchi

By Ryan Divish “He’s very good,” Dipoto said. “His Seattle Times performance speaks for itself. He’s got real stuff . He’s had a lot of success in Japan. We’ve probably scouted him as t appears the Mariners have much as any player that’s been in the reached an agreement with one of NPB in recent years, because he’s been the top starting pitchers remaining there for a number of years. So we’ve on the free-agent market. A report had a lot of volume in that.” Ion Monday evening in Yahoo Sports Dipoto hopes the Mariners’ track said Seattle was nearing an agreement record with Japanese players such as with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Mac Suzuki, Kaz Sasaki, Kenji Johjima, About two hours later, Jon Heyman Ichiro, Nori Aoki and Hisashi Iwakuma and Jon Morosi, both of MLB Network, could be a selling point. “We are a great both tweeted that an agreement has market for any player,” Dipoto said. been reached on a four-year contract “But any player, specifi cally for a pitch- between the Mariners and Kikuchi. er and specifi cally for a pitcher from Ja- The details of the contract were leaked pan, we do off er a lot of comforts that to Heyman and it’s certainly diff erent I think makes us unique in MLB mar- than a typical free agent contract. kets. We have great diversity in the city. He’s guaranteed four years — three The way our market has taken the star years for a total of $43mn and a player players from Japan and really maxim- option for 2022 for $13mn per year. ised their potential, whether it’s from Kikuchi can opt out after three years. a marketing perspective or within the The Mariners can also extend him for community. “Those players, whether it four more years at a total of $66mn was Kaz Sasaki, Kuma or Ichiro, those after the fi rst three years of the deal, players turn into superstars. I think making it a seven-year contract. some of that comes from the market. Sources confi rmed Kikuchi visited We do have a great Japanese-American Seattle a few days ago and met with community. We are heavy in our infl u- ownership and the team’s front offi ce. ence organisationally, whether it was By rule as a player being posted and the Nintendo years or those great play- transferred from Japan’s Nippon Pro- ers that are still connected to the or- fessional Baseball, there is a window for ganisation.” the negotiations to take place and deal Seibu “posted” Kikuchi on Dec. 4, to be fi nalised. giving every team a chance to negotiate The deadline for Kikuchi to sign with with him. Under the new posting sys- a team was last night. If he fails to do so, tem agreed upon by MLB and NPB, the he would return to his team in Japan — release fee to the Lions is determined by the Seibu Lions — for 2019. Kikuchi’s how large of a contract Kikuchi signs. agent, Scott Boras, told reporters in his Any MLB contract with a total guaran- annual winter meetings media briefi ng Yusei Kikuchi throws a teed value of $25mn or less, the release that he would hold meetings in Los An- pitch for the Seibu Lions. fee is 20% of that guaranteed value. geles with teams invited to make their For contracts between $25mn and sales pitch for Kikuchi. $50mn, the release fee is 20% of the More than a dozen teams are re- fi rst $25mn of the guaranteed total plus ported to have interest. From there, the 17.5% of the total guaranteed exceeding plan was to reduce the fi eld and have would fi t the organisation’s plan for a “But we are interested. He does fi t whether he wants to come here or not, I mid-90s with excellent off speed pitch- $25mn. And for contracts of $50mn or Kikuchi visit the “fi nalists.” Mariners “step back” in 2019 and a playoff push our timeline. By the time we feel like can’t tell you that.” es. In 2017, he was 16-6 with a 1.97 ERA more, the release fee is 20% of the fi rst general manager Jerry Dipoto was open in 2020 and 2021. “Sure, he’s 27,” Dipo- we’d get to our next window, he’d be 29 Kikuchi posted a 14-4 record and with 217 strikeouts in 187 1/3 innings. $25mn, plus 17.5% of the total dollars at the winter meetings about his inter- to said. “I don’t know what his interest years old. He should be very capable of 3.08 ERA for the Seibu Lions last sea- Seattle has scouted him extensively, between $25mn and $50mn and anoth- est in signing Kikuchi and how well he level in playing in Seattle is just yet. being a part of what we want to do, but son. He has a fastball that sits in the knowing he’d be posted this off season. er 15% of the total exceeding $50mn.

NFL Jets, Cardinals to interview Kingsbury: Reports Cooter out as Lions’ off ensive New York: Despite posting a career losing Big 12 play in all six of Kingsbury’s seasons. He was Houston’s off ensive coordinator, record as Texas Tech’s head coach, Kliff Kingsbury landed a new job in December then held the same position at Texas A&M Kingsbury reportedly is drawing interest when he was hired as Southern California’s before landing the top job at Texas Tech. coordinator aft er three seasons from two NFL teams with head-coaching off ensive coordinator. He has coached quarterbacks Case Kee- vacancies. Both Yahoo Sports and NFL. However, the reports on Tuesday indicat- num, Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield, Reuters yards this year, the fi rst time in a season in which com reported on Tuesday that the Arizona ed he still could move on for an NFL posi- all of whom have experienced varying Detroit he played all 16 games that he failed to reach the Cardinals and the New York Jets plan to in- tion. Kingsbury, 39, threw for 12,429 and 95 levels of success in the NFL. 4,000 mark. The conservative nature of the off ense terview the former Red Raiders head coach touchdowns in four seasons as Texas Tech’s The Jets fired head coach Todd Bowles was clearly evident, which Patricia noted while regarding their top coaching positions. quarterback from 1999-2003. His only NFL on Sunday after the team concluded a 4-12 im Bob Cooter is out as off ensive coordina- also sharing responsibility after the Lions were Texas Tech fired Kingsbury on Nov. 26 experience was with the Jets in 2003, when season. Bowles had a 24-40 mark in four tor of the Detroit Lions after three seasons. eliminated from postseason contention a couple of after the team completed a 5-7 season, los- he appeared in one game and completed 1 years on the job. The Cardinals made a The club announced Tuesday that Cooter’s weeks ago. “Jim Bob’s in charge of the off ense and ing its last five games. The Red Raiders put of 2 passes for 17 yards. coaching change for the second year in a contract would not be renewed after the he puts the packages together, but I’m in charge of up sub-.500 marks in each of the past three Following his playing career, which row, axing Steve Wilks on Monday after his Lions’J off ense struggled to make progress during all of it,” Patricia said then. “So, all three phases are seasons, leaving Kingsbury with a 35-40 included stints in NFL Europe and the Ca- lone season produced a league-worst 3-13 Matt Patricia’s fi rst season as Detroit’s head coach. going to have what I feel is going to help us win that record in his six years on the job. nadian Football League, Kingsbury moved mark. Arizona will have the first pick in the “I think it’s only fair, at this point of the season, game in particular.” The team finished with losing records in into the coaching ranks in college football. April draft. for all aspects of the team, players, coaches, per- Caldwell hired Cooter to coach the team’s quar- sonnel, all of it, to allow the emotion of the season terbacks in 2014, then promoted him to off ensive to come down and for everybody to just have that coordinator in the middle of the 2015 season, after opportunity to clear your head and then go back the Lions fi red Joe Lombardi. There were the usual CYCLING through and analyse everything from that stand- moves and injuries that aff ect most NFL clubs dur- point to see what is best for the team moving for- ing the season, but Cooter didn’t make any excuses ward, in all aspects,” Patricia said on Monday, when last week. asked about potential staff changes. “Gosh, the opportunity to run an NFL off ense, go Froome eyes joining legends as “It’s not just coaching. It’s support staff , it’s out there, call plays, draw up diff erent plays for dif- players, it’s scheduling, it’s everything. So, we’ll ferent guys, try to adapt as the season goes, that’s defi nitely evaluate everybody.” In 2018, the Lions’ the job of an NFL off ensive coordinator,” he said. off ense ranked in the bottom third of the league in “That’s the league. I plan on being in this league for fi ve-time Tour de France champions most categories, despite the fact that three fi rst- a long time. I plan on sort of going through a bunch round picks and two signifi cant free agent additions of these seasons, whatever manner they take, and AFP were on the off ensive line. they’re going to take a lot of diff erent manners. London Quarterback Matthew Staff ord also failed to So, we’re going to do everything in our power, I’m improve after performing near the top of his game going to do everything in my power to turn that into under Cooter in 2016 and ’17, when Jim Caldwell a positive situation. So, like I said, it’s kind of the ritish cyclist Chris Froome will fo- was the Lions’ head coach. Staff ord threw for 3,777 same answer I give you in the spring.” cus on becoming only the fi fth rider to win fi ve Tour de France crowns this year and forego defending his GiroB d’Italia title Team Sky announced on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Kenyan-born cyclist will aim to dethrone his Team Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas, who will also target the sport’s showpiece event. If successful Froome would join Spaniard Miguel Indurain, French duo Jacques An- quetil and Bernard Hinault — whose overall victory in 1985 is the last time a Frenchman won — and Belgium’s Eddie Merckx as fi ve- time winners. American Lance Armstrong fi nished fi rst seven times, but was stripped Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas (left) is the reigning Tour de France champion but Chris of his victories for doping. The highly-re- Froome said he wants a record fifth title in France. (Reuters) garded 21-year-old Colombian Egan Bernal will lead Team Sky’s challenge for the Giro able to win the Tour de France for a fi fth time home tour, said Italy was like a second home and along with Froome and Thomas hope to and join that very elite group of bike riders — to him. “I lived in Italy for three years, so I deliver a fairytale end to British media com- only four other people have ever done that have a lot of friends there and I really like the pany Sky’s nine-year backing. — it would just be incredible.” Italian fans. I know the roads, I really like the Froome, who in 2017 achieved the Tour Thomas, 32, said he might have focussed Giro, and I want to do a good race there.” and Vuelta double, said age had been a fac- on the Giro/Vuelta double had he not been Bernal will begin his campaign defend- tor in what had been a “diffi cult decision”. defending his Tour crown. “Having won ing his Tour Colombia title which gets un- “I’ve got some amazing memories from last the Tour, I’ll have the number one on my derway in Medellin on February 12 and ends year, but I think, with the Tour de France as back and it would be sad not to go back and in nearby Alto de las Palmas on February 17. my main objective, it’s probably better that I not to go back at 100 per cent as well,” said Froome will be riding alongside Bernal. skip the Giro d’Italia in 2019,” the 33-year- Thomas, who will also compete in the Road “It will be the fi rst race with Froomey old said in a team statement. World Championships in Yorkshire, Eng- there so we want to do it well!” the Colom- “I’m getting to the point in my career now land, in September. bian said. The Giro — the fi rst of the year’s where I’m starting to think about what kind Bernal, who showed his promise last year three Grand Tours — runs from 11 May to 2 of legacy I want to leave behind and if I am in winning the Tour of California and his June, and the Tour from 6-28 July. Gulf Times Thursday, January 3, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS

‘WADA must act now on Russia missing deadline’

The World Anti-Doping Agency should act now over Russia’s failure to meet a De- WADA ‘bitterly disappointed’ at cember 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow, the National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADO) said yesterday. WADA, whose underfire president Craig Reedie declared himself “bitterly disappointed” by Rus- sia missing the deadline, have scheduled a Compliance and Review Committee (CRC) meeting in a fortnight’s time, but NADO said in their statement it must be Russia’s failure to meet deadline brought forward and dealt with immediately. “NADO leaders now call on WADA to Reuters was clearly in the best interest of clean tion team visiting the Moscow labo- Doping Agency, said on Tuesday. “In acknowledge the gravity of this missed deadline and call for an immediate review London sport. The process agreed by WADA’s ratory was denied access to raw data September, WADA secretly moved the and recommendation from the CRC,” it said in a statement which was supported ExCo in September will now be initi- after Russian authorities said that the goal posts and reinstated Russia against by the National Anti-Doping organisations of 16 countries including France, the ated.” inspection team’s equipment was not the wishes of athletes, governments United States and Australia. “After more than three years of review, indecision he World Anti-Doping Agency WADA’s Compliance Review Com- certifi ed under Russian law. and the public. “In doing this, WADA and compromise in response to the worst doping scandal in the history of sport, on Tuesday said that Russian mittee (CRC) will meet Jan. 14-15 to IOC President Thomas Bach on guaranteed Russia would turn over the the time has come to demonstrate that no individual nor nation is exempt from authorities had failed to pro- review the situation and make a rec- Tuesday suggested the IOC was ready evidence of its state-supported doping compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.” vide access to laboratory dop- ommendation to WADA’s executive to move on following Russia’s ban scheme by today. The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Ting data by their year-end deadline committee on how to proceed. from the Pyeongchang Winter Olym- “No-one is surprised this deadline Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to and it will consider sanctions against If the CRC recommends declaring pics in February. was ignored, and it’s time for WADA return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state- the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RU- RUSADA non-compliant and the ex- “In Pyeongchang, we sanctioned to stop being played by the Russians sponsored doping programme in Russia. The decision to lift the ban aroused a SADA). ecutive committee agrees, the Russian the systematic manipulation of the and immediately declare them non- wave of criticism directed at Wada and especially at 77-year-old Reedie. RUSADA was stripped of its ac- agency will have the right to challenge anti-doping system in Russia dur- compliant for failing yet again to meet WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December but were unable to extract all of creditation in 2015 after a WADA- in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, ing the Olympic Winter Games Sochi the deadline.” the promised data. Wada said at the time its team could not complete its mission commissioned report found evidence who will hear the case and make the 2014,” he said in a New Year’s message. The United Kingdom Anti-Doping “due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team’s equipment to be of widespread state-sponsored doping fi nal decision. “With its suspension from the Olym- Agency athlete commission and Drug used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law”. in Russian athletics. But it was condi- Reedie said WADA had written to pic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018, Free Sport New Zealand were among With Wada waiting and the December 31 deadline looming, RUSADA chief Yury tionally – and controversially – rein- Pavel Kolobkov, Russia’s minister of the Russian Olympic Committee has the groups that called on WADA to fi nd Ganus asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to stave off another stated in September. sport, and Yury Ganus, the director served its sanction.” RUSADA non-compliant for missing ban that put Russia “on the brink of the abyss”. “I am bitterly disappointed that data general of RUSADA, to notify them of the deadline. However, the Kremlin said RUSADA’s concerns about new sanctions were “with- extraction from the former Moscow the situation and to remind them of CRITICS RALLY “Time for negotiation and com- out foundation”. “We recognise RUSADA has been working with WADA in an eff ort Laboratory has not been completed by the next steps in the process. But critics of Russia urged WADA to promise with Russia is now past,” said to resolve these issues, but the conditions agreed on 20 September 2018 were the date agreed by WADA’s (executive Kolobkov on Saturday said Moscow take a hard line against the nation for Nick Paterson, chief executive for unequivocal and without the data there can be only one outcome,” the NADO committee) in September 2018,” said and WADA were discussing a date for missing the deadline. Drug Free Sport NZ. “Clean sport and statement went on. WADA President Craig Reedie. WADA experts to visit and receive lab- “The situation is a total joke and clean athletes deserve our support. “It “The importance of this situation does not warrant providing a further two weeks “Since then, WADA has been work- oratory data in the hopes of avoiding an embarrassment for WADA and the is time to stand strong, and all those for Russia to comply.” NADO took a markedly diff erent line to Russia returning to ing diligently with the Russian au- another suspension. global anti-doping system,” Travis involved in the fi ght against doping to the sporting fold to International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach. thorities to meet the deadline, which Last month WADA said an inspec- Tygart, the CEO of the US Anti- stand together.”

ATHLETICS/MARATHON SPOTLIGHT Schumacher ‘in the Two-hour mark tipped very best of hands’, says family to tumble, but not for another decade ‘In an eff ort to see if it was possible for it to be done in my lifetime I have been plotting Seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. each world time since my 2:08. It has been an amazing constant downward trend, London Michael Schumacher app will Reuters be released today to enable indicating a two-hour marathon around the year 2030, with 2025 the absolute earliest’ fans to review all his career successes. The Keep Fighting Reuters he family of stricken Foundation has also created a New York seven-times Formula virtual museum. One world champion “The app is another mile- Michael Schumacher stone in our eff ort to do justice liud Kipchoge moved tantalisingly Thave assured fans the Ferrari to him and you, his fans, by close to the magic two-hour mark great is being well cared for as celebrating his accomplish- for the men’s marathon last year, they prepare to celebrate his ments,” the family said. but a former world record holder 50th birthday today. “Michael can be proud of andE a sports science expert both think it Schumacher, who retired what he has achieved, and so could take another decade or so for the from racing in 2012, has not are we... we want to remember barrier to fall. been seen in public since he and celebrate his victories, his Kipchoge’s record time of two hours, suff ered severe head injuries in records and his jubilation.” one minute and 39 seconds, set in Berlin a skiing accident fi ve years ago. Schumacher won his fi rst in September, has ignited talk in the ath- The German is being cared for two titles with Benetton in letics world of whether the Kenyan, or at home in Switzerland. 1994 and 1995 before fi ve in perhaps someone else, can dip under two “You can be sure that he is a row with Ferrari between hours sooner rather than later. in the very best of hands and 2000-2004. Derek Clayton is a member of the ‘later’ that we are doing everything He remains the sport’s most camp. humanly possible to help him,” successful driver, with a record “For the past 40 years I have been the family said in a statement 91 grand prix wins. watching with great interest the improve- that made a rare comment Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, ment as the time edges closer to the two- about his condition. now a fi ve-times world cham- hour barrier,” Clayton said in an e-mail to “Please understand if we are pion with 73 wins, has already Reuters. following Michael’s wishes and claimed several of the Ger- The 76-year-old Australian knows keeping such a sensitive sub- man’s records and could ulti- his subject. Clayton set a world record ject as health, as it has always mately match his title tally if in clocking 2:09.37 at Fukuoka, Japan, in been, in privacy,” it added. he continues his current rate of 1967, a time that a half century later would The family said an offi cial success. still have placed him seventh in Berlin last year. He went even faster with 2:08.34 in MOTORSPORT Antwerp in 1969. “In an eff ort to see if it was possible for it to be done in my lifetime I have been plotting each world time since my 2:08,” Record number of 17 Clayton said of the two-hour mark. “It has been an amazing constant downward trend, indicating a two-hour women to compete marathon around the year 2030, with 2025 the absolute earliest. “I have been forecasting (as a bit of fun in Dakar rally as against any real science) the year 2030 for the past 20 years and so far it seems I IANS am still on course. Hopefully I will still be A file photo dated September 16, 2018, shows Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge celebrating after winning the Berlin Marathon alongside a clock Lima around to see it!” showing his world record breaking time. (Reuters)

CLAYTON WORKED FULL-TIME Michael Joyner, a doctor and researcher AGE NOT ON KIPCHOGE’S SIDE Whether it is Kipchoge, Berega or record number of ON TOP OF PUNISHING at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, backs But Kipchoge is now 34 and, while he someone else, Joyner thinks a legal ver- 17 women will par- TRAINING REGIMEN Clayton’s opinion that it will probably is still improving, it would be a big ask sion of Kipchoge’s Monza’s run is the best ticipate in this year’s Clayton ran his times for the classic 42.2- take another decade or so for the two- to expect him at his age to take another bet to break two hours. Dakar Rally when the km race despite being self coached and hour barrier to be breached. 100 seconds off his personal best, even if “If you got the right people, on the right eventA gets underway in Peru working a full-time job on top of a pun- He wrote a paper nearly 30 years ago someone was good enough to push him course, on the right day with the right next week. ishing training regimen of roughly 250km predicting that a sub two-hour time was until the dying stages. prize money scheme, it would really help,” The fi gure is three more than a week. feasible, and has observed nothing in the “If he stays motivated and avoids in- he said. the previous high set last year, It makes one wonder what he might have ensuing years to change his mind. jury, no reason he can’t go another three Joyner doubts that today’s runners have though it remains dwarfed by done had he run full-time, and enjoyed Much as he admires Kipchoge, he or four years at a high level,” Joyner told cardio measurements much if any higher the number of male competi- the benefi ts of modern shoes, a scientifi - thinks it is doubtful the reigning Olympic Reuters in a telephone interview. than the greats of yesteryear. tors, which will exceed 500 cally-devised training regimen and a good champion will be the one to do so. “My guess is he probably thinks he can “The engines of these elite athletes in 2019. Spain leads the way support system. Kipchoge performed his Berlin barn- get another 10 or 20 seconds.” aren’t getting any bigger,” he said. with four women followed by Kipchoge’s Berlin record came wear- stormer despite running solo for nearly Joyner thinks there is a roughly 50 per- “All of these guys are turbo charged.” Germany, the Netherlands, editions in which she has par- ing Nike’s Vaporfl y shoes, which have a half the race, and on a day that was warm- cent chance that somebody will break two So what will be the fi nal piece of the the Czech Republic and Peru, ticipated. Others include Rus- curved, carbon-fi bre plate embedded in a er than the ideal distance running tem- hours by 2028. puzzle to push someone across the sub with two each. Bolivia, France, sia’s Anastasiya Nifontova in thick layer of lightweight foam. perature. It came some 16 months after A more likely candidate than Kipchoge two-hour line? Italy, Paraguay and Russia will the original motorcycle class Independent studies have concluded Kipchoge clocked 2:00.25 in an unoffi cial is perhaps Ethiopian teenager Selemon The shoes perhaps? all have one female competi- and Spain’s Cristina Gutierrez, that the shoes improve metabolic effi - Nike-organised attempt on the Monza Barega, who ran 12:43.02 in the 5,000m “I assume there will be a shoe arms race tor each, reports Xinhua news who last year became the fi rst ciency by 4 percent, though that does not motor race track. Pacemakers there this year, a time bettered by only three and that the materials science folks will agency. Spanish woman to fi nish the necessarily mean a runner will be 4 per- dropped in and out and ran in a diamond others in history. have a fi eld day,” Joyner said. The highest profi le female car category. cent faster. formation to shield the Olympic champi- Kipchoge ran 12:46.53 for the 5,000m in “At some point there might be more entrant is Spanish cyclist Laia The 5,000km event, which Whatever the specifi cs, it makes logical on from the wind. Pacemakers, to be sure, 2004 before stepping up to the marathon, detailed rules about the mechanical prop- Sanz, who fi nished ninth in will run from January 6 to 17, sense to conclude that modern shoe tech- are allowed in offi cial races, but cannot where he has lost only once in 11 career erties of the shoes that limit what is al- the category in 2015. She has will begin and end in Peruvian nology is of some assistance. drop in and out of the race. starts. lowed.” completed each of the eight capital Lima.

Thursday, January 3, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

PAKISTAN’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA SPOTLIGHT New Zealand to use Sri Lanka ODIs as Du Plessis confi rms World Cup trial

AFP Corey Anderson injured, Jimmy Wellington Neesham and Doug Bracewell have been recalled as all-rounder options. ‘enforcer’ Olivier ew Zealand have put At the World Cup in England a line under their Test and Wales, 300-plus totals are series win over Sri expected to be the norm and Lanka and switched to Stead wanted “to see more of the NWorld Cup mode with the fi rst of all-rounders” as well as back up three one-day internationals in wicketkeeper Tim Seifert. Tauranga today. It’s been a year since Guptill “It’s really now about looking last played for New Zealand and for second Test ahead to the World Cup, being four years since he lit up the last clear on the game plans we want World Cup when he blasted an to use,” coach Gary Stead said af- unbeaten 237 off 163 balls against Olivier took 11 wickets in South Africa’s six-wicket win in the first Test in Centurion ter New Zealand beat Sri Lanka the West Indies. 1-0 in the Test series to move up The tall opener said he doubts AFP to third in the rankings behind his role will change under new Cape Town India and England. coach Stead and he will be tasked New Zealand, who are also with “having a bit of fun” at the third in the ODI rankings, face top of the order. outh African captain Faf eighth-ranked Sri Lanka in the “Pretty much business as du Plessis said yesterday opening round of the World Cup usual to be honest, I don’t see that fast bowler Duanne in Cardiff in June. my role changing too much in the Olivier would be used Stead described the home ODI side,” he said. inS an “enforcer” role as part of series against Sri Lanka as being “I haven’t played for New Zea- a pace barrage in the second “about tweaking, looking at the land since last summer which Test against Pakistan starting at style of play and how we want to is quite a long time ago so to be Newlands yesterday. play and looking at the options back here is extremely exciting Du Plessis said he wanted to who fi t those roles as well. It’s and I’m looking forward to get- keep the pressure on the Paki- defi nitely a trial period still”. ting back into it.” stan batsmen after Olivier took Both sides have made a Sri Lanka have bolstered their 11 wickets in South Africa’s six- number of changes from their side with return of the unortho- wicket win in the fi rst Test in Test line-up, with Sri Lanka dox seamer Malinga along with Centurion. bringing in six new faces in- Kusal Perera, Asela Gunaratne, There had been speculation cluding Lasith Malinga, while Seekkuge Prasanna, Thisara Per- that Olivier might have to sit out New Zealand have brought era and Dasun Shanaka. at Newlands because of the re- back big-hitting Martin Gup- The 35-year-old Malinga will turn to fi tness of Vernon Philan- till and are resting regulars Tom captain the limited-overs side der. But Du Plessis said he would Latham and Colin de Grand- for the fi rst time in two years af- defi nitely play. homme. ter injuries cost him his place in “He brings variety to our at- With de Grandhomme out and the squad. tack,” said Du Plessis, adding that Olivier provided a contrast to the skill and control of South Africa’s other fast bowlers, Ka- Sachin’s childhood coach giso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Achrekar passes away “Duanne is more of an en- forcer who puts you on the back Batting legend Sachin pay tribute to Achrekar. foot and can be a bit challenging Tendulkar’s childhood coach “The BCCI expresses its deep- for batters, especially when they Ramakant Achrekar passed est sympathy on the passing of come from the sub-continent away here yesterday. Dronacharya Award-winning where the ball doesn’t bounce as He was aged 86. He was guru Shri Ramakant Achrekar. high,” said Du Plessis. “He’s a fi t reportedly unwell for the last Not only did he produce great guy and he can bowl long spells. several days. cricketers but also trained He’s diff erent, he runs at you, Apart from Tendulkar, the them to be fine human beings. he’s around your head most of Dronacharya Award winning His contribution to Indian the time, it’s not comfortable.” coach also mentored former Cricket has been immense,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz India stars Vinod Kambli, the BCCI tweeted. Ahmed acknowledged that Ol- Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe Achrekar also received the ivier had caused problems for and Balwinder Singh. Padma Shri, the country’s his batsmen in Centurion. The Board of Control for fourth highest civilian award, “We will defi nitely talk about Cricket took to social media to in 2010. him. He’s a diff erent type of In this December 27, 2018, picture, South Africa’s Duanne Olivier (right) celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq at SuperSport Park bowler with a fast bowling ac- Stadium in Centurion, South Africa. (Reuters) tion,” he said. Du Plessis said South Africa not recovered from a knee injury good enough and they have been He admitted that bowler- ing to play winning cricket. Our FOCUS did not want to let Pakistan off that kept him out of the fi rst Test working hard in the nets and friendly conditions were diffi - focus is to win as many matches the hook following their collapse and was unlikely to play again in talking to the batting coach.” cult for South Africa’s batsmen as we can.” in the second innings in Centu- the series. He said Pakistan would Du Plessis said the Newlands as well as those of the visitors. Sarfraz said the return of rion. “You could see there were keep the same batting line-up pitch looked similar to those used “Our success rate in home Mohammad Abbas to the bowl- India’s Ashwin back one or two things in their bat- that played in Centurion. in recent years, with help for the conditions in the last three years ing line-up would strengthen ting line-up that we could get Sarfraz admitted there were fast bowlers and the possibility has been very high,” he said. “It’s his team, while he expected the through. For me it’s about mak- big challenges for his batsmen of taking spin later in the match. been tough on the batters when pitch to have “something” for in Test frame, pacer ing sure we keep that pressure on fast, bouncy pitches. “We are A Test against India last January you’re playing against quality leg-spinner Yasir Shah. “Our on them,” he said. used to playing on low bounc- was completely in what was ef- seam attacks, which most teams bowling gives us so much confi - Sarfraz said Haris Sohail had ing pitches. But our players are fectively three days of cricket. have these days. But we’re look- dence,” he said. Sharma left out

AFP Kohli brushes off injury fears as back ‘niggles’ Sydney

AFP But the 30-year-old, widely considered “If the workload gets high it can get ndia reversed their deci- Sydney the best batsmen across all three into a spasm, I mean you don’t neces- sion yesterday to rule out formats of the game and crucial to sarily get serious issues, you get fine top spinner Ravichandran India’s success, said it wasn’t a major in two or three days,” he said. Ashwin from the fourth ITest against Australia, while pace ndian skipper Virat Kohli yesterday concern. “I’m not too concerned with it, you just played down fears that recurring “I’ve had this issue since 2011, it’s have to manage it physically and stay spearhead Ishant Sharma was Iback spasms could hinder his stel- nothing new,” he said in Sydney ahead ahead of the injury and I have been mysteriously missing from their lar career, insisting all players get “nig- of the fourth and final Test against able to do it for now. 13-man squad. gles” and they were “nothing new”. Australia. “I’m sure I’ll find other ways and more Indian offi cials had earlier Kohli received treatment from the “I’ve been able to manage it because options to keep countering that. told reporters Ashwin had not Rohit Sharma. physio on day two of the Melbourne of the physical eff ort I’ve put in over “I mean, it’s impossible to keep going recovered from an abdominal The Ashwin U-turn was not Test against Australia last week, ap- the past few years. And when you without niggles and I think it’s fine to strain that has kept him out of explained although there was pearing to be in pain just before he have a back that has these issues you have a few niggles here and there. You the last two Tests, and skipper speculation that Jadeja may also was out for 82 in the first innings. can only maintain it that way.” just need to be able to manage it.” Virat Kohli had lamented the off - not be fully fi t. He has a recent history of back The passionate Kohli, who admits The prolific Kohli has been at the fore- spinner’s absence, saying he was Kohli had earlier said of Ash- problems and was forced off the field he is obsessed with winning cricket front of Indian cricket for a decade, India captain Virat Kohli (right) and teammate “very disappointed” to miss the win: “The physio and the trainer during the second Test in England matches, added that he was “not too playing 76 Test and more than 200 Cheteshwar Pujara at a training session in fi nal match of the series. have spoken to him in terms of earlier this year. bothered” about the issue. one-day internationals. Sydney yesterday. (AFP) But barely an hour later, his what’s required in order to get name was on the squad list over that injury. tweeted by the BCCI, India’s “He is very disappointed with governing body. the fact that he has not been able BOTTOMLINE “A decision on R Ashwin’s to recover in time, but the things availability will be taken on the have been laid out to him (over) morning of the Test,” it said what needs to be done to get back ahead of what is expected to be to full fi tness. Paine wants public to give Smith, Warner another chance turning wicket at the Sydney “Honestly, you can’t predict Cricket Ground. an injury, when it happens you AFP Warner fi ngered as the instiga- Test against India. overs form in the red ball game, In a surprise, fi rst-team regu- just manage and doing what he Sydney tor and then captain Smith ad- Bancroft is eligible to re- Usman Khawaja has struggled lar Sharma was not included can to get over that injury.” mitting he turned a blind eye. turn now after his ban ran out and newcomer Marcus Harris is with the reasons unknown. Fast India go into the fi nal Test 2-1 The scandal rocked the sport last weekend and he began to yet to post a big score at the top bowler Umesh Yadav was named up and with a fi rst series win in est skipper Tim Paine and led to national coach Darren resurrect his career with the of the order. as his replacement. Australia in their sights. yesterday urged Aus- Lehmann resigning and an over- Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash Paine admitted after Australia Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Ya- But Kohli insisted making his- tralia’s public to give haul of senior executives at gov- League. lost the third Test to India in dav was also on the squad list tory was not their primary mo- the disgraced Steve erning body Cricket Australia. Smith and Warner could pos- Melbourne last week that Smith and could play alongside fi nger- tive. TSmith and David Warner a sec- Asked if the trio should be sibly make their comebacks in and Warner were being badly spinner Ravindra Jadeja if Ash- “The reason why we want to ond chance, saying he hoped welcomed back with open arms, a one-day international in late missed. win is not fi t and India opt for win this Test is because we un- “they’re welcomed back” into Paine replied: “I think so.” March, when Australia have pen- “I think it’s pretty clear that if two slow bowlers. derstand as cricketers how diffi - the national team. “I hope they’re welcomed cilled in a series against Pakistan you take two or three of the best Middle-order batsman Rohit cult it is to come here and play,” The pair’s year-long ban for back. I mean everyone is entitled in the United Arab Emirates. players out of anyone’s line-up Sharma, who hit a gritty 63 in he said. ball-tampering is due to expire to their own opinion and will According to the Cricket around the world, you’re going the fi rst innings at Melbourne, is “It’s is not only the team you at the end of March and they are have a diff erent view on it. Australia website, the series to struggle a little bit at times not available after jetting back to are playing against but the whole widely expected to be rushed “But I think that once they’ve was tentatively set for March and you are going to have incon- Mumbai to be with his wife who nation as they get behind their back into a side that has strug- done their time I’m very hopeful 15-29, but Pakistan have report- sistent performances,” he said. recently gave birth. team so well. gled without them. that the Australian public will edly proposed pushing it back to “The silver lining is that we K L Rahul, who was axed for “Purely just to take that chal- But how the Australian pub- welcome those three guys back March 31-April 13. do have world-class players that the last Melbourne Test, is back lenge on, we want to win here. lic responds remains to be seen Africa last March. and give them a fair chance. Their exile has left a big void are available soon to come back in contention and could open the It’s got nothing to do with prov- after they were widely slammed During the Test in Cape Town, “I mean, just to be treated like in the Test team. into this side, and clearly when innings with Mayank Agarwal, ing that we have done something for tarnishing the country’s im- Cameron Bancroft tried to alter all other cricketers are,” he add- Opener Aaron Finch has been they do they will make a huge with Hanuma Vihari dropping that hasn’t been done in the age with their antics in South the ball with sandpaper with ed ahead of the fourth and fi nal unable to reproduce his limited- diff erence.” back down to No 6 as cover for past.”