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Monday, December 26, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia I 27, 1438 AH Conte, Guardiola GULF TIMES brace for Boxing Day baptisms SPORT Page 3 FOCUS Even in chess you need to be on right side of age: Anand

By Yash Mudgal “My ambitions are high. I’m going to Before the Chennai event, Anand had a Talking about his recent performances Doha play a lot of chess,” Anand said after the 6-3 win-loss record in 29 matches against and the targets for next year, the Indian London Chess Classic recently. the Norwegian, but Carlsen comfortably GM said, “I have had a reasonably good Anand, who became a Grandmaster at dethroned Anand, winning 6.5-3.5. 2016, nothing spectacular, but I have my ive-time world chess champion 18, was called Lightning Kid then. But does age matter in chess? moments. There are positives to take out Viswanathan Anand has had a The former No.1 ruled the world from “In general, age is no criteria for a chess from 2016. mixed 2016. 2007 to 2012 as the undisputed king, with player, but yes, age has an impact on criti- “Next year I am not playing much in the He won the Leon Chess Rap- his famous wins coming against Russian cal thinking and overall game. I would love fi rst quarter of the year, but rest of the year idF Masters tournament and had a very Vladimir Kramnik in 2008, Bulgaria’s to be younger,” Anand, who will play the is hectic. I hope to perform better next good Sinquefi eld Cup in St. Louis, Tal Veselin Topalov in 2010 and Israel’s Boris World Rapid and Blitz championship in year,” said Anand, who has been a part of Memorial tournament and the London Gelfand two years later, all at the World Doha starting today, said. all the world championship fi nals since Chess Classic. Championships. Carlsen, 26, who is on an upswing and 2007. He lost the Candidates tournament In fact, Carlsen even helped Anand pre- will be taking part in Doha event, also ech- This is Anand’s third trip to Doha and he where, despite beating eventual winner pare for the fi nals against Kramnik and oed Anand’s view. is excited to explore the new sights in the Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, Anand ended Topalov. “I agree with Vishy. It’s a combination country. up joint second. He fi nished fourth in the Anand is now considered just off his of youthful energy and knowledge. It is “I am coming to Doha after a gap of 2016 Grand Chess tour, resulting in him peak and is a generation older than his easier to deal with pressure when you are around 21 years and I can see the changes not securing a direct qualifi cation for the Norwegian rival, who is 21 years younger young because the lack of experience is in the country’s landscape. It has a size- Grand Chess tour of 2017. to him. Carlsen had beaten the Indian for easier to deal with, as compared to lack of able number of Indians and I am looking And at the age of 47, he is in no mood to his fi rst world title in 2013 in Chennai and energy and motivation, which is a part of forward to visit a new place during my stay relent. then again in the 2014 fi nal in Sochi. older age,” the young champion said. here,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Monday, December 26, 2016 SPORT

FIDE WORLD RAPID AND BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIPS Carlsen, Anand to headline Rapid and Blitz Worlds ‘The high calibre of players who have indicated their interest is a testimony to the quality of organisation of our past events’

By Yash Mudgal while Ukraine-born Anna Muzychuk Doha is expected to defend her Blitz title she won in Khanty-Mansiysk. “I am happy to be in Qatar, this is my he Fide World Rapid and Blitz fi rst trip to the country and hopefully it Championships should satisfy will be a memorable one,” the GM, who the appetite of chess lovers plays for Slovakia said. who have been craving for big- Al-Medhaiki, for his part said, “We Tger events in Qatar after two successful are happy to host this tournament in editions of Qatar Masters. Qatar. This is the second time an event The twin world championship fea- of such magnitude will be hosted in turing more than 400 players from 75 the Middle East. The high calibre of countries, including world champion players who have indicated their in- Magnus Carlsen of Norway and former terest to come to Doha is a testimony world champion Viswanathan Anand to the quality of organisation of our of India, will start today at the Ali Bin past tournaments, especially the Qatar Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Masters.” The Rapid and Blitz format is not as Qatar is hosting the championships prominent as the classic one, but pres- for the fi rst time. ence of title holders and former cham- “It’s going to be another big occa- pions are a big boost for the champi- sion for us. We’ll live up to our ex- onship. pectations as a good host. The Qatar “Rapid and Blitz are for enjoyment. Masters was a classic tournament, but It is touch and go. You make one mis- Rapid and Blitz events will give fans take and you are gone,” Carlsen said something diff erent to look forward to. during a pre-event press conference We need such big tournaments to edu- yesterday. cate the parents and kids. The chess Carlsen’s World Championship activity improved a lot over the last challenger Sergey Karjakin (Elo 2785) three years with many new students of Russia will also have an opportunity enrolled in QCA training centres,” the to avenge his tie-breaker defeat to the Qatari GM said. Norwegian in the FIDE World Cham- The Rapid event will be held over pionships in New York recently. three days (December 26-28) at a time Anand (Elo 2779), who missed out control of 15min+10s and the Blitz on a World Championship match this Championships will be run on the next year, will get a chance to lock horns two days (December 29-30) at a time with Carlsen, who will be looking to control of 3min+2s. Both the events defend his Rapid title. will be Swiss pairings tournaments. Qatar Chess Association general secretary Mohamed al-Medhaiki (left) poses with women’s Blitz champion Anna Muzychuk (second from left), world champion Magnus The top-seeded Norwegian (Elo The Blitz will have 21 rounds in open Carlsen and former world champion Viswanathan Anand (right) at a press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed 2853) will also face tough challenges championship and 17 rounds in the from France’s Maxime Vachier-La- women’s championship, with a sin- grave (2811), Armenia’s Levon Aronian gle game for each round of the Swiss (2795) and USA’s Hikaru Nakamura event. (2779) in his bid to defend the title. On the other hand, the Rapid will be of The young champion is aware of the 15 rounds for Open and 12 rounds for the tough battle ahead and said it would women’s championship, with a single not be easy as many former world game for each round of the Swiss event. champions would be breathing down The total prize fund for the tourna- his neck in Qatar. ment is $400,000 with $40,000 for “Yes, Vishy and many others will be the winner of each championship and a hurdle for me. Though I can’t pin- $80,000 in the women championships point any specifi c names, who will be a with $10,000 for the winner of each threat to me here,” said Carlsen. championship. The world No. 1 would be looking for World Blitz champions, three-time a ‘double’, eyeing the Blitz title he had winner Alexander Grischuk (2006, last won in 2014. 2012, 2015), Vassily Ivanchuk (2007), Anand, who was also present for the Leinier Dominguez (2008), Levon press conference, said the fi eld looks Aronian (2010), world Rapid champion strong. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2013) and “It will be a tough one,” the 47-year- other top players are also taking part in old Indian GM said. the tournament. The Chennai-born, who became a In the women’s section former grandmaster three decades back, said world Rapid champions Alexandra Ko- he has come back to Qatar after a gap of steniuk, Antoaneta Stefanova, Anna 26 years and over the years the country Ushenina, Zhu Chen, 2014 world Rapid has undergone drastic changes. champion and 2010 world Blitz cham- The Grandmaster said he was confi - pion Katerina Lagno, 2012 world Blitz dent the hosts will deliver an excellent champion Valentina Gunina, FIDE championship. Grand Prix Series winner Ju Wenjun “I have known (Qatar Chess Asso- and other top players also feature in ciation general secretary) Mohamed the participants list. (al-Medhaiki) for many years and I am sure that the organisation of the cham- SCHEDULE pionship will match the high standards 26 Dec: Day 1 – Rapid they have set over the years.” 27 Dec: Day 2 – Rapid In the women’s Rapid event, de- 28 Dec: Day 3 – Rapid fending champion Kateryna Lagno 29 Dec: Day 1 – Blitz of Russia is once again the favourite, 30 Dec: Day 2 - Blitz Qatar Chess Association president Khalifa al-Hitmi

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Davon-Macklin combine crushes Qatar SC

By Sports Reporter na adding 14 and 11 points respectively. Doha James Edward Justice Jr’s match- leading haul of 41 points for Qatar SC ended up in vain eventually, while ith 72 points between teammates Quinton Meddrick Doggett them, Dominic James (14 points) and Abdirahman Ibrahim Davon and Vernon Leon Giama (12 points) were the other play- Macklin sealed the fate of ers to get into double digits. WQatar Sports Club as El Jaish registered Al Gharafa brushed aside Al Arabi a dominating 108-85 victory in the Qa- challenge with a big 93-59 win yester- tar Basketball Federation Men’s League day. at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. While Arabi did lead in the fi rst few In the fi rst match of the day, Qatar minutes of the game, thereafter it was SC started slow as Jaish took a 5-1 lead. Gharafa all the way. However, a nine-point run saw Qatar A 15-point scoring run by Gharafa SC wrestle a 10-5 lead. However, by the meant that they had the upper hand end of the fi rst quarter Jaish was back in towards the end of the fi rst quarter. the front at 28-23. Gharafa’s biggest lead was 47 points at The second quarter was largely an 75-28. even aff air after both the teams dunked Sammy Monroe Jr. II was the top- 26 points each, with the half-time scorer for Al Gharafa with 25 points, score at 54-49. while Wayne Alexander Arnold Jr, Kha- Moments into the fi nal quarter, with lid Abdulla Adam and Abdulrahman the scoreline at 82-71 in Jaish’s favour, Mohamed Saad added 16, 12 and 10 a 13-point haul by Jaish players com- points respectively. pletely decimated Qatar SC’s confi - Adamu Saaka scored 19 points for dence, and the latter were soon staring Al Arabi while teammates Emmanuel at a mammoth task. Osaro Adako and Fahad Abdulla Abu- Jaish pressed on, even extending Faisal added 12 points each. their lead to 29 points at 106-77, before Action in the league returns tomor- ending the game at 108-85. row, with Al Sadd taking on Al Ahli Davon and Macklin dunked 37 and in the fi rst match at 5:15pm, while Al 35 points respectively, while Mohamed Rayyan and Al Shamal facing off with El Jaish’s Dominic James Davon (right) in action against Qatar SC during their Al Arabi’s Adamu Saaka (left) was the top-scorer for his team in the match against Yousef Mohamed and Fadi Hani Abilmo- each other at 7:15pm. match yesterday. Davon scored 37 points in the match. PICTURES: Anas Khalid Al Gharafa yesterday. Gharafa won 93-59. Gulf Times Monday, December 26, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Conte, Guardiola Mourinho feeling right brace for Boxing at home in Day baptisms Manchester Another victory will leave Chelsea one win from equalling Arsenal’s 2002 record for successive wins in the same campaign, which they extended to 14 the following season

AFP London

helsea’s Antonio Conte and his CHELSEA IN NUMBERS Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola are among the Antonio Conte is the first Premier League managers who Premier League manager willC sample England’s Boxing Day foot- to win 14 of his opening 17 ball extravaganza for the fi rst time today. matches. He has managed While the rest of the population gorges 56 victories over his past 66 on Christmas turkey dinners and knocks league games with Juventus back festive drinks, 16 teams will be gear- and Chelsea – an 84.8 per ing up for matches as part of a custom that cent success rate. stretches back over 150 years. Diego Costa has scored 20 With Chelsea six points clear at the Premier League goals in 2016; summit and chasing a 12th consecutive only Sergio Aguero (27) and win, which would set a new club record, Harry Kane (21) have hit more. AFP ance of the former Sweden in- Conte is approaching the visit of Bourne- No team has conceded fewer Manchester ternational and his ability to mouth with a spring in his step. Premier League goals than cope with the rigours of English “This is the fi rst experience for me and Chelsea (11). anchester Unit- football despite his advancing my family, to work, to play football (at this Chelsea have the best goal ed manager Jose years. time of year),” said the Italian. “It can be, diff erence (+24), three better Mourinho says he “I think 35 for him is the same and I hope it will be, a fantastic experience. Liverpool. Mhas started to feel as 25,” Mourinho said. The atmosphere we fi nd in this period is Since the change to a back- “really at home” at Old Traff ord “He scores goals, plays well, very diffi cult to fi nd in another period. It’s three defence, Chelsea have and believes foundations are in I’m really happy for him because fantastic.” won all 11 Premier League place to bring success back to the he will end his career on high, Chelsea have registered 11 consecutive games, scoring 25 goals and club. not in America or China. wins within the same season for the fi rst conceding two. Mourinho endured a diffi cult He’s ending his career at the time after winning 1-0 at Crystal Palace In Europe’s top-five leagues start to life in Manchester af- top. His record is good.He can last weekend. this season, only Bayern ter succeeding Louis van Gaal, improve. With no penalties, that Another victory will leave them one win Munich (nine) have conceded but the Portuguese’s impact has is amazing too. Normally other from equalling Arsenal’s 2002 record for fewer goals than Chelsea (11). started to be felt in recent weeks. guys that are top scorers have a successive wins in the same campaign, Eden Hazard (54) and Diego United head into their Boxing lot of penalties.He had one pen- which they extended to 14 the following Costa (46) are the two most Day fi xture against Sunderland alty in 17 matches.I couldn’t be season. fouled players in the Premier on the back of three consecu- happier with him.” But Conte will be without both top League this term. tive Premier League victories Mourinho is still without Luke scorer Diego Costa and midfi eld lynch- and with the Champions League Shaw (groin), but otherwise has pin N’Golo Kante after they picked up places almost within reach. a full complement of defend- suspension-incurring bookings at Palace. “What I can say is that in here ers to choose from with Marcos Guardiola, too, is full of festive cheer I felt people with open arms. A Rojo, Daley Blind, Phil Jones, following his side’s 2-1 comeback win very calm, and intelligent, board Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly all over Arsenal last weekend, which left City and owners. available. seven points below Chelsea in third place. They know what they want,” Sunderland manager David While the former Barcelona and Bayern Mourinho said. Moyes goes back to Old Traf- Munich coach appreciates the novelty of “They have big experience al- ford in charge of a team for the Christmas football, he is preparing for his ready. Very calm, very pragmat- fi rst time since he was sacked by side’s match at bottom club Hull City by ic, giving me good conditions to United in April 2014. pretending it is a regular fi xture. work and the players and people Moyes was given only 10 “This is my fi rst year here and peo- that surround me. months to make an impact after ple say that at Christmas you have to be “I felt (aware of) some sadness he was chosen to replace Alex focused, because at home you celebrate because people that love foot- Ferguson, but has no regrets with dinner and lunch, and we have to be ball, they want to be successful about leaving Everton to take the prepared,” Guardiola said. and everybody tries to help to go job. “We are going to train on the 25th in the in the same direction. “My time there was too short, afternoon and travel to Hull to play on the “For me it was easy to come.A but as I have said many times, 26th.We will prepare for the game as if it ready and focused again.” Champions Leicester City will hope No sooner have those games fi nished diffi cult job, but easy now to feel you have to win games and I was not Christmas time or Boxing Day.” Jose Mourinho has long been an avowed to give their supporters some Christmas than preparations for the breathless turn- at home. didn’t win enough games,” said Arsenal slipped to fourth, nine points admirer of England’s Boxing Day tradi- cheer when they host Everton in a repeat of-the-year schedule — 20 games in six “Easy to feel good in the club, the Scot. off the pace, after their loss at the Etihad tions and with his Manchester United of the fi xture that preceded last season’s days — will begin. easy to feel that the club wants “I would do it again, 100 %. Stadium, which followed hot on the heels team chasing a fourth straight win, he is title coronation. to progress, the people want to Very few people are off ered of a 2-1 defeat at Everton. relishing the prospect of Sunderland’s Top of the table last Christmas, Claudio Fixtures be happy again and I felt good the job at Manchester United Arsene Wenger’s side welcome West visit. “I love it!” Mourinho told MUTV. Ranieri’s men are three points above the Today: (1500 GMT unless otherwise immediately. and I was honoured to be off ered Bromwich Albion to the Emirates Stadium “I know that the family miss something relegation zone after winning just one of stated): “So fi ve, six months here, but the job. on Boxing Day and centre-back Gabriel from us, but the family loves us. their last eight games. Arsenal v West Brom, Chelsea v Bourne- really feeling at home. For me it “It was a great experience and says his side cannot aff ord to be distracted “They know us, they know our nature, Two points back in 17th place, Palace mouth, Hull v Man City (1715 GMT), was quite easy. one I wouldn’t change because by seasonal excitement. they know that we are happy playing begin life under new manager Sam Al- Leicester v Everton, Man Utd v Sunder- “Obviously expectations are of the quality of the players and “I think all players just want to be fo- football, giving all of the people that love lardyce — appointed as the successor to land, Burnley v Middlesbrough, Swansea v high, results up and down, we professionalism I found.” cused on the game, rather than celebrat- football something really special in a pe- Alan Pardew on Friday — with a trip to West Ham, Watford v Crystal Palace (1230 are in a position that is not the Former United players Donald ing,” the Brazilian told the Arsenal web- riod when almost no country has football Watford. GMT) position where we want to be. Love and John O’Shea could be site. for the fans.” Sunderland manager David Liverpool, second, host Stoke City to- Tomorrow (1715 GMT): “But in terms of passion for in the Sunderland side, but Ad- “If I do have some time, I’ll organise a Moyes will return to Old Traff ord for the morrow, with fi fth-place Tottenham Hot- Liverpool v Stoke my work, passion for my new nan Januzaj, who is on loan from dinner with my friends to make the most fi rst time since he was sacked by United in spur visiting Southampton the following Wednesday (1945 GMT): club, feeling really happy here, Old Traff ord, is not eligible to of the short time off . Then, I have to be April 2014. day. Southampton v Tottenham yes.” face his parent club. Mourinho is again set to start “I will feel that I’m going into with striker Zlatan Ibrahi- a diffi cult game and for us to get BOTTOMLINE movic against Sunderland, the a result we will have to play re- 35-year-old having taken his ally well,” said Moyes. United tally to 16 goals with a “Nevertheless we are in pretty brace in last weekend’s 2-0 win good shape as well. We have had at West Bromwich Albion. a pretty good run, so we want to Veteran Lampard open to He paid tribute to the endur- go there and do well.” Man City coach Guardiola rates Chelsea return as player Messi higher than Ronaldo AFP my hands so I can’t go any further on London that. Hull, UK: Manchester City “I’m very relaxed about it, which manager Pep Guardiola has put is a nice place to be. If the right thing Argentine Lionel Messi ahead rank Lampard admitted on Sat- comes, I’ll take it. of Portuguese rival Cristiano urday he would relish a return to Obviously Chelsea, I’d love that, but Ronaldo, adding there cannot Chelsea as a player and is keen to it doesn’t work that way always.” be any doubt on the long-stand- rejoin the Premier League leaders The 38-year-old left Stamford ing debate. inF some capacity even if he is not off ered Bridge in 2014 after scoring 211 goals in Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or a deal. a 13-year spell at Chelsea, briefly play- award on the back of a stellar The former England midfielder is ing for Manchester City before heading year which included winning Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer to the United States. the Champions League and and is keeping his options open after He scored 15 times in 31 appearances European Championships, but “With all the respect to all the leaving New York City FC following a for New York City and has yet to decide Guardiola said the Real Madrid players, first to Cristiano Ronal- two-year spell with the MLS side. whether he will retire or not. star still has some way to go do – congratulations to him for Appearing alongside Blues captain “I feel fit, I’m fresh in the mind,” to match his FC Barcelona the award – I think Messi is on John Terry on Sky Sports, Lampard Lampard added. “I understand when counterpart. another level,” Guardiola was said: “Myself and John are Chelsea you get even past 30, you start to un- “Messi is the best, he is defi- quoted as saying by ESPNFC. through and through so whatever hap- derstand things are different. nitely the best,” the Manchester Barcelona manager Luis pens, in some capacity I will be at Chel- “What I would say is, if I was to carry City manager told a news Enrique also backed Messi re- sea. on playing, it would have to be perfect. conference yesterday. cently, dismissing the obsession “Whether it’s with my season ticket, I’m not being snobby and hand- “He knows how to play, score with “golden melons” and said watching them, I don’t know yet, I’ll picking what I want to do but perfect and make the other players it was “ridiculous” to compare have very close contact. Whether I’ll for my family, for me and all those play. He is always there. Messi with other players. have the role (as a player), it’s not all in things.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, December 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

PRAISE SPOTLIGHT Angry dressing room exchanges Guardiola pleased spur Leicester

AFP ments that you can’t recreate, Leicester but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us. eicester City host Ever- “Always I encourage my play- with rejuvenated ton today hoping inspired ers to speak.” words from the players Ranieri will have to cope, can transform a season, however, without striker Jamie Lnot just a match. Vardy, who is suspended for The week has revealed how three games after being sent off angry exchanges in the dressing against Stoke, whilst defend- room at Stoke City last Satur- ers Robert Huth and Christian day helped inspire a second half Fuchs will also serve one-match Raheem Sterling performance that saw them fi ght bans against Everton. back from 2-0 down with 10 men And midfi elder Danny Drink- ‘The last month and a half, he was a little bit down. But you can forget again how to claim a 2-2 draw. water is still a doubt with a calf Now the Premier League injury. young he is and he needs to live a lot of experience to become more stable’ champions hope those irate Everton manager Ronald words, and the subsequent per- Koeman admits he is uncertain formance, can turn around a whether Ross Barkley will go on season that has left them fl irting to fulfi l his undoubted poten- dangerously with the relegation tial. Manchester City’s scrap — only three points sepa- Barkley has been tipped for Raheem Sterling rate them from third from bot- greatness with club and coun- tom Sunderland. try ever since he burst on to Goalkeeper Kasper Sch- the scene as a raw teenager fi ve meichel said: “Every now and years ago. then, if something needs to be The midfi elder’s attributes as said, I’ll happily say it. I was very a player have seen him favoura- emotional and very irate at the bly compared to the likes of Paul time and had some things that I Gascoigne and Michael Ballack. wanted to get off my chest. But Barkley — considered “I wasn’t the only one — a fortunate not to be sent off in lot of people spoke.We’ve got the Merseyside Derby last Mon- a dressing room with a lot of day for a brutal foul on Jordan leaders in there so we had a Henderson — has suff ered a dip good chat and decided that this in form this season which has wasn’t the way the game was seen him lose his place in the going to go.” England squad and be dropped Manager Claudio Ranieri said to the bench by Koeman. he welcomed the players speak- The Dutchman off ered a ten- ing frankly. tative reply when asked if there “It is important that eve- was a concern Barkley might rybody reacts,” said Ranieri. never scale the heights for “Sometimes players speak, which he seemed destined. sometimes there are leaders on “I am not sure, I am not sure,” the pitch and it’s important they Koeman said. “Ross needs to im- are linked very well together.” prove to be the player that maybe Ranieri added it could prove everyone expected when he was to be the pivotal moment of 18 or 19. their campaign. “I had the same stories in Hol- “Yes, it could be our turn- land with players who, when ing point but we have to show they were 16 or 17, they were too it in the next three games,” said good in the academy. Ranieri. “They didn’t really have com- “In the dressing room there petition but because they were was a fantastic atmosphere.The stronger or they were a better players believed they could get player than the rest. back and they were right. “But then they step up a level “You can’t repeat that be- and everyone is strong, every- cause there are some moments body is a good player, and still that are very particular mo- you need to make a diff erence.”

AFP Sterling, 22, made a superb start metres. Snodgrass’s form in front of goal has been Kingston upon Hull, UK to the season under incoming “Of course, he is not our top scorer, but one of the plus points of a testing cam- manager Guardiola, but then the he has to feel how beautiful it is to score paign. England winger endured a diffi cult goals, how important it is for the team, “I think he’s an important cog in the anchester City manager Pep period as he struggled to make an but for him as well. system. Robert’s scored goals, he’s played Guardiola believes winger impression in games “He scored a beautiful goal in the last in a couple of positions and he’s enjoying Raheem Sterling has recap- game and he gave us a lot, especially dur- it,” Phelan said. tured his best form in time for of experience to become more stable. ing the fi rst month and a half. “From now until the end of the season Mthe club’s hectic festive programme in the “But in general, his performance He was our key, key player in front and I think it’s important that he continues in Premier League. was high and we need this guy for one- of course we need him.” that vein. “He’s willing, he’s capable and Sterling, 22, made a superb start to the against-one situations.” Sterling has City are still without striker Sergio he’s performed very, very well. season under incoming manager Guardi- found the net six times in all competi- Aguero as he serves the fi nal match of his He had an injury that question-marked ola, but then the England winger endured tions for City this season and Guardiola four-game suspension, but midfi elder whether he would recover. He has done a diffi cult period as he struggled to make has urged the former Liverpool player to Fernandinho is available after a three- and performed really well.” an impression in games. get into the penalty area more often. match ban. Phelan is hopeful the Tigers can hang He produced a fi ne display last time “Sometimes I say to him, ‘You need to Captain Vincent Kompany (knee) and on to the Scotland international, scorer of out, though, as City came from behind to play wide, wide, wide and stay there and midfi elders Ilkay Gundogan (knee) and seven goals in all competitions, when the beat Arsenal 2-1 and ahead of Monday’s make action one-against-one,’” said the Fabian Delph (groin) will miss out, while transfer window re-opens in January. trip to Hull City, Guardiola believes he former Barcelona and Bayern Munich right-back Pablo Zabaleta is doubtful “Any football club should be looking to looks back to his old self. coach. with a knee problem. keep their assets and he’s one of them,” “In the last game, Raheem came back “When he does that, it’s diffi cult for Hull manager Mike Phelan, who has said the former Manchester United as- to the level he started the season,” said him to get into the box, but for example no fresh injury concerns, thinks Scottish sistant manager. Guardiola, whose side sit third in the ta- the fi rst goal, I think it was against Sun- winger Robert Snodgrass will be integral “Because of his contract situation, he’s ble, seven points below leaders Chelsea. derland, he played wide like a winger, to his side’s hopes of avoiding relegation under contract, so unless someone comes “The last month and a half, he was a but he arrived on the penalty spot.I think from the top fl ight. in with a huge amount of money which little bit down. But you can forget again the strikers and the wingers, they have to The Tigers are languishing three points it would take to deliver somewhere else, how young he is and he needs to live a lot move how they feel, especially in the last from safety at the foot of the table, but he’s a Hull City player.” Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri

SCOTTISH SCENE Warburton hails battling Glasgow Rangers

AFP with the points against a hard-working good Manager Richie Foran couldn’t hide his dis- Glasgow team like Inverness you’ve got to take the posi- appointment at not taking anything from the tives. game. “It’s a huge three points for us because we’ve “I thought we controlled the game. angers manager Mark Warburton had three good performances and got the nine To come and dominate the game and not praised his side’s resilience as they points out of nine and today we weren’t good come away with anything is probably the hard- ground out a 1-0 win over Inverness but we still got the three points so I’m very est thing to take,” Foran said. Caledonian Thistle. pleased with that. “Performance-wise we were just lacking a RThe Glasgow giants struggled against the “If they were perfect every week they would little bit of magic and unfortunately we were up Scottish Premiership’s bottom side as they be on a quarter of a million pound a week and against a keeper who was in unbelievable form. needed a Brad McKay own goal to claim their playing in the (Santiago) Bernabeu (at Real Ma- “It is soul destroying to not come away with fourth victory in a row for the fi rst time this drid). at least a point. In all my years of facing them I season. “But the fact is they’re human and they’ve don’t think I’ve been involved in a team that has The victory strengthens Rangers’ grip on played four games and won four games. come to the Old Firm and played that well. second place as they moved seven points clear Three very good performances and a sub- “It was an unbelievable performance but it of Aberdeen and Warburton said it had been a par today, but they’ve taken the points against was not to be our day. huge win for his side. a good team so you’ve got to take the positives “Man for man we were fantastic and the “The players have had a bad day in terms of out of a negative and that’s what we’ll do. players are quite defl ated by this. quality of performance but they’ve emerged “We’ll train well this week and look forward “If we play like that in the remainder of our with the three points,” he said. to another test on Wednesday.” games we will be in the top six.” “All credit to them. 38 points now from 19 games and we’ll move Generally we were loose today but they bat- Inverness had a number of chances in the Ten-man Celtic will be top of the Scottish If you can have an off day and still emerge forward. tled and scrapped and they’ve emerged with the match only for Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foder- Premiership at Christmas as they maintained with the spoils it speaks volumes for the team. “We got the goal, we missed a couple of three points. ingham to deny them with a string of superb their 14-point lead over Rangers with a 3-0 win “That’s four victories out of four, we’ve got chances but we were just too open. “When you’ve had a bad day and you emerge saves. over Hamilton. Gulf Times Monday, December 26, 2016 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT INJURY Raiders turn to Matt McGloin aft er Derek Kaepernick leads Carr breaks fi bula Niners to comeback win over Rams ‘It reminded me of the Miami game. We played good all game, then the last few Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is carted off the field possessions, it’s like we gave up, man, the whole team, including myself’ after an injury against the Indianapolis Colts.

MCT MCT Amari Cooper that allowed the Los Angeles Oakland Raiders to run out the clock and secure the win over the Colts. The victory means Oakland (12- t really could not have ended any att McGloin hasn’t 3) could clinch the AFC West and other way. started a game since a fi rst-round playoff bye if the Not for this Rams team. Not in 2013, but the reigns Denver Broncos beat the Kansas Ithis lost season. of the Raiders of- City Chiefs on Sunday night. A matchup against the NFL’s worst Mfense will be turned over to him “He’s a great quarterback,” defense? A two-touchdown lead in the after MVP candidate Derek Carr Cooper said of McGloin. “I really fourth quarter? suff ered a broken fi bula in Satur- like him. I’m excited to see what As usual, none of that mattered on Sat- day’s 33-25 win over the Indiana- he’s going to do. I’m excited to urday against the San Francisco 49ers. polis Colts. see how he prepares and I’m just The Rams’ 22-21 defeat at the Colise- Carr will spend Christmas Day excited to just go out there and um – punctuated by a decisive two-point having surgery and his season, in work with him.” conversion run by 49ers quarterback all likelihood is done. That leaves McGloin said he tried to stay as Colin Kaepernick – added another igno- the Raiders’ hopes in the hands calm as possible when he entered minious performance to a string of them. of McGloin, the fourth-year pro the game. In a season of bad endings, this one who was a former undrafted free “It is a diffi cult situation,” probably ranked as the worst. agent out of Penn State. McGloin said. “First and fore- “Seems like it’s a little bit more of the McGloin’s last signifi cant ac- most, he is a very good friend of same,” interim Coach John Fassel said. tion came in the 2015 season mine and it is tough to see him go Actually, it was a lot more of the same. opener when Carr left the game down and get hurt. He has been The Rams have lost 10 of their last 11 in the second quarter with a hand having such an incredible season games and will limp into next week’s fi - injury and his last start came and to see him go down like that nale against the Arizona Cardinals with a Dec. 22, 2013. was tough. At the same time, I’ve 4-11 record. “I’m ready to go,” McGloin got to try my best to stay calm, Two of the losses came against the 49ers, who have won only two games – both, of course, against the Rams. The season-opening 28-0 defeat at Levi’s Stadium on “Monday Night Foot- ball” was regarded by some as an anom- aly after the Rams won their next three games and sat atop the NFC West. That thought vanished as the losses mounted. But the Rams, wearing their throwback uniforms, were favoured in the rematch with a 49ers team that had 17 players on injured reserve and fi rst-year Coach Chip Kelly on the hot seat. It did not matter. “It’s horrible,” three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald said. “I don’t know what else to say ... . It’s defi - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (L) runs the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Rams defensive end Morgan File picture of Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin. nitely frustrating, man. I’m kind of tired Fox (R) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (C) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. of going home mad every week.” said. “It has been great work- stay poised, stay focused and do Said receiver Tavon Austin: “We had played good all game, then the last few The Rams’ hopes for a possible game- ing with Derek Carr the past few my job.” the game. We were up by 14 in the fourth possessions, it’s like we gave up, man, the winning fi eld goal ended when Rashard years and working together and For McGloin’s career, he’s com- and we gave it away.” whole team, including myself.” Robinson intercepted Goff ’s pass. seeing what he has done on the pleted 58.3 percent of his passes The defense faltered at the end after The defense had the misfortune of “That’s football,” Rams running back fi eld, trying to learn from that. for 1,847 yards, 11 touchdowns and the Rams’ NFL-worst off ense once again running into Kaepernick just as he recap- Todd Gurley said. “Nothing is in the bag. I’m ready to go. I know this team, 11 interceptions in 12 games of ac- failed to keep it off the fi eld by sustaining tured his vintage form down the stretch. We done went through this before.” these guys around me, this staff , tion. Saturday’s two completions drives. The sixth-year pro mostly made head- Way too many times. the organization will do a great were his fi rst of the year, but his Rookie quarterback Jared Goff com- lines this season for not standing for the “It’s defi nitely frustrating to lose the job of helping me out and em- teammates didn’t waste any time pleted 11 of 24 passes for 90 yards and a national anthem and for speaking out way we have; we just fi nd ways to lose,” bracing me.” rallying behind him. touchdown, with two interceptions. against social injustice. On Saturday, he defensive tackle Michael Brockers said. That’s clearly the only option “Matt’s defi nitely capable “The off ense needs to play better,” Goff engineered two clutch drives and also ran “But I commend these guys for staying for the Raiders as the recover of leading us all the way to ac- said. “It starts with the quarterback, it the ball in for the decisive conversion. together, we haven’t had any big issues from the devastation of Carr’s complish our goals,” said run- starts with me. As the leader of the team, The Rams led, 21-7, when Kaepernick with pointing the fi ngers or anything like injury. Like most backups, Mc- ning back DeAndre Washington, the leader of the off ense I need to be better. scrambled for a touchdown that pulled that.” Gloin’s snaps in practice are fair- who rushed for a career-high “Better than I was (Saturday), for sure.” the 49ers to within a touchdown with The Rams will be off Sunday and then ly minimal so this next week of 99 yards and his fi rst two NFL Despite Goff ’s struggles – he was about fi ve minutes left. return to begin preparations for the Car- practice will be huge to get him touchdowns. “He’s one of the sacked four times – he positioned the The Rams went three and out and the dinals. up to speed. Rookie Connor Cook hardest workers. He’s a perfec- Rams for victory by connecting with 49ers took over at their 27. Fassel said he had an idea for motivat- also now becomes the backup. tionist. He hates making mis- rookie tight end Tyler Higbee for a San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick masterfully drove his team ing players in the fi nale but he declined to He’s been inactive for every game takes. Just his preparation week touchdown with 10:32 left. Colin Kaepernick pumps his fist as he down the fi eld, connecting with receiver reveal it. this season. in and week out, you would never “I felt real confi dent in where we were,” acknowledges the cheers. Rod Streater for a 10-yard touchdown “Hopefully,” he said, “the last game of “We’re going to be fi ne,” left tell he’s not the starter the way he Goff said. pass with 31 seconds left. Kaepernick the season next week is a good memory.” tackle Donald Penn said. “I be- prepare each and every week.” But Rams fans had to feel uneasy. downs to win. then scrambled to his right and dove into lieve in Matt. That’s why he’s our “He’s a competitor,” Cooper On Nov. 20 against Miami, the Rams After losing to the 49ers, Rams players the end zone for the winning points. RESULTS backup quarterback.” added. “He wants to win. He led by 10 points at the Coliseum with just remembered it well. “It was a designed rollout,” Kelly said. Colts 25 Raiders 33; Buccaneers 24 Saints McGloin completed 2 of his prepares as if he wants to win.” over six minutes left in Goff ’s debut. “It reminded me of the Miami game,” “That’s what we were trying to do with 31; 49ers 22 Rams 21; Cardinals 34 Sea- 3 passes Saturday for 29 yards, That’s what the Raiders will The Dolphins drove for two touch- cornerback Trumaine Johnson said. “We him_try to get him on the edge.” hawks 31; Bengals 10 Texans 12 including a huge 19-yard pass to now be banking on.

BOTTOMLINE Turnovers, defensive woes cost Bears dearly MCT Redskins. A week after allowing 451 to- when you’re blitzing, you have to feel running his route like it says on paper.” Chicago tal yards to the Packers, the Bears were that,” he said. “You have to know what The Bears announced 18,116 unused gashed for 478 more yards Saturday, al- can hurt you and what can be coming.” tickets for Saturday’s game, the latest lowing 7.5 yards per play. The best news for Bears fans is that indication of fan apathy as the team y the end of Saturday’s game, Within that debacle, the Redskins only one line remains on the sched- pushes to the end of another last-place the Soldier Field stands had converted eight of their 13 third-down ule. But in the spirit of the holidays, season. Over the Bears’ fi nal four home emptied signifi cantly. So, too, attempts. it’s important to acknowledge at least games, the team had a used-ticket av- it seemed had the Bears’ ener- Four of those eight conversions came a couple of bright spots from Satur- erage of 44,867. As a reminder, Soldier gyB reserves. In an abysmal performance in situations in which the Redskins day’s game. Field’s capacity is 61,500. befi tting a woeful season, the Bears faced third-and-6 or longer. So here goes. Both Howard, the With fewer than 10,000 fans hanging were outclassed and outperformed by “Third-and-long, we’ve got to be rookie running back, and Meredith, the around late into the fourth quarter Sat- the visiting Redskins. And so the part- way better than that,” inside linebacker second-year receiver, topped 100 yards urday, the sight of a mostly empty sta- ing gift for the home crowd on Christ- Jerrell Freeman said. against the Redskins. dium proved jarring in the home fi nale. mas Eve was a 41-21 loss, the team’s “Come on, man. We’ve got to be. Howard turned his 18 rushes into 119 “The fans expect more,” Meredith 12th this year and the latest reminder When you get them in third-and-long, yards. It was his sixth 100-yard rush- said. “We expect more of ourselves. So of how fl awed this Bears group remains. you have to get the ball back. You have ing game this season and pushed him to we can’t blame them.” Receivers Josh Bellamy, Alshon Jef- to understand situations, know the 1,178 yards for the season, just 60 short The Bears will make their fi rst visit to fery and Cameron Meredith, running route combinations, know what they of Matt Forte’s franchise rookie rushing U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on back Jordan Howard and left tackle can give you and what they can hurt you record. Meredith’s nine catches went for New Year’s Day, facing a Vikings team Charles Leno all made tackles Saturday. with. And then go make a play.” a career-best 135 yards, including a 21- that is sputtering to the fi nish line. Af- That’s never a good sign with the of- The Redskins’ fi rst touchdown came yard touchdown grab late in the fi rst half. ter starting the season 5-0, the Vikings fense losing the ball over and over and on third-and-9, a 17-yard screen pass Barkley has appreciated Meredith’s are 7-8 and were eliminated from play- over again. Quarterback Matt Barkley from Kirk Cousins to Chris Thompson development. off contention with Saturday’s 38-25 threw fi ve interceptions as the Bears to beat a Bears blitz. “The way he always wants to keep loss in Green Bay. lost the turnover battle for the 10th Still, Freeman said, it was more than moving after the catch is impressive,” For whatever it’s worth, the Bears time this season. just a well-timed play call against the Barkley said. “He has grown in a lot of claimed the season’s fi rst meeting But equally disappointing, the de- Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (L) carries the ball to score a extra pressure the Bears brought. ways in regards to fi nding open win- against the Vikings, winning 20-10 on fense had few if any answers to slow the touchdown past Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee. “At the same time, on those screens dows and feeling the defense, not just Halloween night at Soldier Field. Gulf Times 6 Monday, December 26, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Winslow not alone Cavaliers-Warriors in search for niche rivalry, now a lot like Lakers-Celtics ‘It’s a rivalry already. We just have a title each, but it’s definitely a rivalry. Each team when you go out and play, you’re definitely thinking about each other. It’s just how it is’

MCT File picture of Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat. Cleveland MCT ability “to make winning plays.” Miami Heat blow 14-point lead, fall in here is a highlight in the Cava- New Orleans. liers’ pregame introduction vid- The Heat have stood by Win- eo this season that always draws here is tough love and slow, continue to stand by him. Tooohs and cheers from fi rst- there is enduring pa- “He’s got a winning attitude time viewers: LeBron James dribbling tience. There is former and right now, shooting the bas- the ball in one hand with Steph Curry’s a Miami Heat coach in- ketball, he’s going to have to fi nd throat in the other. Tvolved in the dual approaches his game, fi nd his stroke, and he James dribbles with his left hand and and there is the current Heat will,” Heat President Pat Riley throws his right forearm into Curry’s coach. And caught in the middle said. “I don’t think there’s any neck in a scene from last season’s Finals, this season have been a pair of doubt that that will come with the force of which sends the reigning 2015 fi rst-round picks still trying his game. If people are concerned two-time MVP tumbling backward with to fi nd their way in the NBA. about him, they should be con- his eyes closed. Gets the home crowd When Stanley Johnson and cerned in a positive way, because every time. Justise Winslow meet next he’s only 20 years old,” This is where we’re at as the Warriors weekend at AmericanAirlines As is Johnson ... which, to Win- and Cavaliers lace up the gloves again Arena, there will be plenty to slow, makes this all a bit over- on Christmas. Goodwill toward men catch up on since Johnson’s De- blown, the questions of Johnson’s be damned. This is a full-blown, red- troit Pistons defeated Winslow’s perseverance in Detroit, the con- blooded rivalry, the likes of which is rare- Heat on Nov. 30 at the Palace of cerns of Winslow shooting in Mi- ly seen in this NBA era of bro hugs and Auburn Hills, Mich. ami, all against the backdrop of the back slaps for the opponent and hasn’t Since then, Johnson, selected individual success that No. 13 2015 really been witnessed since the bitter Los at No. 8 out of Arizona in 2015 by pick Devin Booker has had with Angeles Lakers-Boston Celtics rivalry of the Pistons, fell out of Stan Van the Phoenix Suns. the 1980s. Gundy’s rotation, was briefl y as- “I don’t read too much into The Celtics and Lakers met in the Fi- signed to the D-League, and only what Stan says, what he’s been nals three times between 1984-87. Much now is getting back into the rota- saying in the media,” Winslow like then, this Cavs-Warriors rivalry fea- tion. In the interim, Winslow, the said of Johnson. “I kind of look at tures the game’s best players – James, No. 10 pick in 2015, was sidelined the box scores or I’ll talk to him Curry and Kevin Durant are widely ac- by a wrist injury but remained and we just text back and forth. I cepted as the three best players in the with a staunch supporter in Erik mean he’s talented. He’s going to league regardless of order. Now that Du- Spoelstra, again back in the Heat be good in this league. He just has rant is on board, this rivalry has them all. starting lineup. to fi nd his right niche. And that’s “It’s a rivalry already,” said Cavs coach For each multidimensional tal- what this league comes down to, Tyronn Lue, who is well-versed in Lak- ent, scoring has been a struggle. is opportunity and playing in the ers and Celtics lore from his playing days It was, in fact, before the right system.” in Los Angeles and time as an assistant Heat’s previous game against the Spoelstra has referred to Win- coach in Boston. “We just have one and Pistons, when Van Gundy, the slow as his “Swiss Army Knife,” one [championship], but it’s defi nitely a former Heat coach and Spoelstra a player capable of excelling in rivalry. Each team when you go out and mentor, said of Johnson, “He’s several roles, at several positions. play, you’re defi nitely thinking about off to a rough start. It’s hard That type of respect has similarly each other. It’s just how it is.” File picture of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacting to a second half play while playing the Detroit Pistons. when perimeter players aren’t been extended by Van Gundy to Should these two teams meet again getting the ball in the basket.” Johnson. in the Finals in six months, Lue said he Golden State, Cleveland, San Antonio. Even as far back as July’s summer Both James and Lue cautioned, howev- After playing 20 minutes that “The way the league is going, would declare this on the level of the And it’s a great place to be in.” league, executives across the league were er, not to be so quick in declaring the Cavs night in a 107-84 blowout victo- with position-less basketball,” Celtics and Lakers. The Cavs and Warri- The Warriors’ addition of Durant adds already anointing the Cavs and Warri- and Warriors the last two teams standing. ry over the Heat, Johnson did not Van Gundy said, “we have a guy ors would also accomplish an impressive another level of intrigue. It also changes ors as Finals opponents for a third con- The Spurs will have a loud voice in these play more than 10 in any of the who can guard three or four posi- piece of history in the process. No two the way the Cavs match up defensive- secutive year. No one in the league offi ce proceedings and there is always the rare next nine games, held completely tions and guard them well. That’s teams have ever met in the Finals in three ly. Lue used James to guard Draymond would complain if it happens. These two chance a team like the Toronto Raptors out of three. Winslow, by con- invaluable.” consecutive seasons. Green throughout the series last season, teams are ratings gold for the league. or Los Angeles Clippers might sneak up trast, has not played fewer than No matter whether it is being That seems hard to believe given the including the critical Game 7. With Du- They’re also meeting for the 18th time in and trip one of the heavyweights. For 20 since returning two weeks ago cultivated with tough love or en- Celtics-Lakers feud of the 1960s, when rant on the fl oor, however, that won’t be the past 24 months, which might explain now, however, Cavs fans will continue from his 16-game absence. during patience. they met six times in eight years, but possible because Lue said it doesn’t make the animosity. to dream about the next time James can “All the tough love he’s given “Some guys want specialists; never did it happen three years in a row. sense to use Tristan Thompson on Du- There is a deep respect for the op- drive his forearm into Curry’s throat me,” Johnson said of Van Gundy’s some guys want versatility,” Win- “It’s a lot of championships won in rant. ponent on both sides, but there is also when it matters most. approach that briefl y had him slow said of he and his long-time that era,” Lue said. “But if both teams The loss of JR Smith for the next three the issue of James stepping over Green, “I think only time will tell as far as a member of the Grand Rapids friend fi nding their NBA niches. stay together and both teams continue to months stings as well. DeAndre Liggins is Curry fl inging his mouthguard into the comparing what history has done,” James Drive, “I kind of take it to heart.” “On diff erent teams, that versa- keep winning, it could be like that. They a big, physical defender on the perimeter, stands, Klay Thompson taunting James said. “Obviously we know the history be- Spoelstra’s approach, by con- tility is more welcomed or that’s have a great team over there on the other but he doesn’t have Smith’s off ensive about how the NBA is “a man’s league” tween the Celtics and Lakers of the ‘80s trast, even as Winslow’s shoot- what they prefer. You’ve just got to side and we have a great team also. When repertoire, and games in this series are and Marreese Speights tweeting out a and how many times they’ve faced one ing percentages have plummet- fi nd the right niche, the right sys- you talk basketball, you’re going to talk predicated on shooting. baby bottle to further incite James. another. Only time will tell with us.” ed, has been to stress Winslow’s tem, the right opportunity.”

NHL Jagr’s numbers may never be topped again MCT of all you have to be very lucky with campaign, has an outside shot, but not put him in the mix? ... Bobby Orr only Florida the injuries. ... It looks like it’s a little a realistic one. played until what 28, so you never know bit tougher to score goals than it was “McDavid may get 100 points this what’s going to happen?” before because the videos, the prepa- year and have a 20-year career?” Potvin Orr, the Boston Bruins’ Hall of Fame he overused sports’ axiom rations of the teams, because of (im- said. “But he won’t catch Gretzky, but defenseman, notched six consecutive that records are made to be proved penalty killing). possibly the others. It will never hap- seasons of 100-plus points, but was broken just may not apply to “There’s not one or two good lines. pen again because nobody plays with never the same after injuring his knee Tprofessional hockey. There are four good lines who can play the same players for 10 years. at age 26. Sure, future generations of athletes against the top, top players. There’s lit- “What’s unbelievable is Jagr has done Jagr, who started slow after dropping are expected to surpass their predeces- tle diff erence on the team between the this playing on eight diff erent teams. The 20 pounds in the off season to keep up sors because of technological advances best players on the team or the worst guys that are ahead of him played on lines with the league’s recent trend toward in equipment as well as being better players on the team, so that way it’s with (nicknames) and with the same guys speed and skill over size and brawn, has educated about nutrition, physiology kind of tough. When you look at stay- for 20 years. ... It’s beyond incredible heated up lately with nine points (19 and exercise. ing healthy for 20 years in this leagues what Jagr’s accomplished.” overall) in his past 10 games. That said, when 44-year-old Jaromir that’s tough to do.” Crosby leads the NHL with 24 goals “The amazing part is we stopped Jagr notched his 1,888th point Thurs- Jagr, a fi tness fanatic who’s fi fth in 29 games, but at 29 with a history of talking about his age,” Buff alo Sabres day to move into second place all-time in games played at 1,664, has never concussions, his 976 career points trail coach Dan Bylsma said earlier this behind Mark Messier (but still far be- sustained a serious injury. Because Jagr by 912 points, which means he would week. “I see the numbers periodically hind Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857) it would of off ensive depth on teams, top-line need to average 92 points over the next 10 of who he’s passing . .. guys I thought be hard to imagine that this Mt. Rush- forwards are only averaging about 19 seasons to catch Jagr for second. were untouchable, like Gordie for sure. more of hockey legends will be threat- minutes a game compared to the 24 Ovechkin, who has won six scoring Who knows how long he’s going to play ened in their lifetimes or perhaps ever. minutes prolifi c goal scorers such as titles and averaged 51 goals over the to get higher?” Unless there are some major rule Pavel Bure averaged in the late ’90s. past three seasons, has 540 goals and Next on Jagr’s milestone list is former changes like shrinking of the goalie’s Jagr’s numbers would be much 940 points. But at 31, the Russian great Penguins teammate Paul Coff ey, who equipment or widening of the net, the higher, but still not Gretzkyesque, if he would have to average 36 goals and 156 he trails by one assist (1,134) to tie for top three all-time goal scorers: Gretzky File picture of Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers. didn’t take three years out of his prime points over the next six seasons to catch fi fth all-time. After that, he’ll set his (894), Gordie Howe (801) and Jagr (755), to play in the KHL in Russia or lose an- Jagr in both categories. The former may sights on Howe’s mark of playing until also seem as reachable as Neptune. 106, with Jamie Benn winning it with with 106. That’s been the norm over the other three seasons worth of games due be doable, but not the latter. he’s 51 or beyond. Can they also shrink the slew of just 87 in 2015. last decade. to NHL work stoppages. Panthers 39-year-old forward Shawn “I thought I’d be standing here at 35,” 6-foot-6 goaltenders? When Gretzky was scoring a career- Even Jagr, who possesses an Ein- “For me, it’s like No. 1,” Jagr told AP. Thornton, who also played with Jagr in Jagr joked of reaching No. 2. “When I was From 1985-86 when Gretzky was high 215 points in 1986 or potting 92 stein-like grasp of hockey, can’t pic- “I don’t really count Wayne Gretzky. He Boston, rivals him in fi tness and Stanley 17 I thought I’d be the best in the world dominating the sport, until 2015-16, goals in 1982, 13 players topped the ture today’s crop of stars such as Kane, was from another planet.” Cups (two each), if not point production. for 20 years. That’s the way I think. goals-per-game has dropped from 3.64 100-point barrier and 22 players scored Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Ed- New York Islanders Hall of Fame de- “There’s a lot more defense nowadays; “I always compare it to regular life. to 2.79 per team, and games now in- 40 or more goals in those respective monton’s teenage phenom Connor fenseman Denis Potvin believes player goalies are a lot better,” he said. “People Some people die at 60, some die at 100. clude shootouts but those don’t count seasons. McDavid being around long enough to movement and lack of long-term line block a lot more shots, so it’ll be tough. That doesn’t mean when you hit 70, in the player’s scoring column. Last season four players topped 40 challenge the all-time greats. chemistry has contributed to decreased There’s some good players coming up, you don’t want to live anymore. It’s the During the same time span, the av- goals, with Washington’s Alexander “It’s a tough question,” Jagr said scoring. He also feels that McDavid, but again, Jags played for 23 years. Even same for a hockey player. If I got the gift erage single-season points leader (Art Ovechkin potting 50, while only Chi- while stroking his gray stubble as he who has 42 points in 36 games this if you fi nd a player who scores 120 points from God and have the ability to do it, Ross Trophy) has dropped from 165 to cago’s Patrick Kane reached 100 points often does when contemplating. “First season after an injury-curtailed rookie a year, can he do it for that many years to I’ll play as long as I can.” Gulf Times Monday, December 26, 2016 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT NZ-BANGLADESH/ 1ST ODI Christmas Day nets for desperate Kiwis

‘I am still the fastest AFP to England two months ago. Christchurch Williamson’s team had journeyed across the Tasman having beaten Pakistan in two ew Zealand set aside Tests and confi dent they could Christmas festivi- beat a shell-shocked Austral- ties to pack in a fi nal ian side who had been humili- woman bowler ever’ training session yes- ated by South Africa and over- Nterday before their Boxing Day hauled by the selectors. series opener against Bangla- Instead, Australia hammered Faith Thomas was the first Aboriginal woman picked for any national sports team when desh in Christchurch. New Zealand 3-0 with an ag- she bowled for Australia in 1958. As she prepares for a trip to the MCG for today’s Boxing After being fl ayed by Aus- gressive style of play with Wil- tralia in a 3-0 series hiding ear- liamson’s team failing to capi- Day Test, she tells how she saw Don Bradman change his mind about the women’s game lier this month, the Kane Wil- talise on the few opportunities liamson-led side are desperate they did have in the series. to get back on the right side of “Hess (coach Mike Hesson) By Russell Jackson the ledger and put the record and I have spoken a bit about theguardian.com straight against Bangladesh. that series,” Williamson added In world rankings, New on the eve of the fi rst game Zealand are number four and against Bangladesh. “I suppose always say that I hold two records,” Bangladesh seven, but on the when you go away on a tour and says Faith Thomas, laughing. “I think fi eld the margin is not so great. get beaten like we did in Aussie I’m still the fastest woman bowler ever. New Zealand won the last there’s a number of things you And I think I also might have been the time they met in the 2015 would have liked to have done Ibiggest fl ash in the pan ever.” World Cup by three wickets a little bit better. It’s important She’s being very modest. Not only was but before that, in Bangladesh, we learn from it and become a Thomas (nee Coulthard), the fi rst Abo- New Zealand lost the 2013 se- better side going forward.” riginal woman to represent Australia on a ries 3-0 and went down 4-0 on Williamson said his side cricket fi eld when she opened the bowling the tour before that in 2010. would be more aggressive than in the Melbourne Test of the 1958 Ashes Williamson sees the advan- they were in Australia, with the series, she was the fi rst Aboriginal woman tage for New Zealand in this team’s pace bowlers to be asked picked in any national sporting team. three-match one-day interna- to put pressure on the Bangla- On Boxing Day this year, the 83-year-old tional series — to be followed desh batsmen. will be at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by three Twenty20s and two The only selection issue at as a guest of Cricket Australia as the game Tests — is that this time they Hagley Oval appeared to be commemorates the 150th anniversary of are at home and playing in fa- over the balance of the quicks, the country’s fi rst Indigenous team, part miliar conditions. with rookie Lochie Ferguson of a concerted eff ort by the organisation “It’s important we look to and Matt Henry likely to be to inspire a new generation of players like exploit those as best we can, the toss-up for the third seam- Faith Thomas. and get back to our plans which er’s role. There was no nonsense in Thomas’s ap- allows us to give ourselves a “With the depth in the pace proach to bowling. “I used to like bowl- chance,” he said as the New department it is something ing yorkers,” she recalls. “The fi rst place I Zealanders trained in the nets we’re looking at,” Williamson played (representative cricket) was at the on Christmas Day. said of the makeup of the side. Gabba and it was the English captain Mary “You’re always looking to “It’s more the balance of the Duggan facing. I put the stump over the improve and when you go away pace bowlers that we’re trying wicket-keeper’s head!” nal nurses in South Australia and Thomas the time years later she couldn’t recall the “Well, old Bradman was that tickled on tour and get beaten, like to get right.” To get to a game like that one in Brisbane, the state’s fi rst Aboriginal public serv- name of “Victor Whatsisface” at an event pink he was clapping. Then when Betty got we were in Aussie, there’s a New Zealand won the last Thomas would travel by train for three ant, the start of a long and varied career in in her home state. “Whatisface? That’s my out he left. Betty showed him that women number of things that you per- match between the two sides, days, arriving with no time for practice health and community services. grandfather you’re talking about,” fi red could do it. He changed his mind.” haps think you’d have liked to at Seddon Park in the pool runs. She attributes the speed and deadly After a year’s training to become a mid- back Ian Chappell. Thomas recalls barely anything about have done a little bit better. phase at last year’s World Cup. accuracy of bowling to her childhood days wife she delivered so many children that She says the male greats of her time her own Test debut. “But when you’re under Prior to that narrow three- at the Colebrook mission in Quorn in South parents took to giving them her name. weren’t always so supportive of the wom- “I just got out there and bowled the ball,” pressure, a lot of the time in wicket victory, however, they Australia’s Flinders Ranges. “There were a lot of Faiths running around en’s game. She can’t remember all that she says, adding that her contemporaries those games it’s a diff erent had lost their previous seven But how, exactly, were those lethal de- the joint,” she says. “I’d feel really good much of her own historic involvement, but played for sheer joy of it, a concept now prospect,” he added. completed fi xtures against liveries honed? “Chuckin’ rocks at galahs!” about them all being named after me.” a mention of the 1958 series against Eng- lost at the top level of the game. “We got Williamson said the white- Mashrafe Mortaza’s side, al- Thomas says, laughing. “Kids these days It was at work that Thomas got the idea land and Australia’s star player Betty Wil- out there and we played for the fun of it. wash in Australia had been beit all of those games were in have got toys, we had nothing. We lived in her head of playing cricket at all, when a son prompts a series of poignant memories. With all the money around now they have thoroughly analysed with Bangladesh. near a creek. There were plenty of rocks nursing colleague griped that she was go- “I’ve never seen anyone bat like Betty to play to win.” coach Mike Hesson and there “At home they’re extremely and plenty of galahs in those trees.” ing to miss training. Wilson,” Thomas says. “I can remember Like all female Test stars of her gen- were obvious lessons to be tough to beat,” said William- To say her rise was meteoric is an un- Thomas was intrigued. “I said, ‘Hey, I was 12th man at Adelaide Oval. All the eration, it wasn’t until years later that she learned. “It’s important that son, who was mindful Bangla- derstatement. Thomas’s six-step run-up women play cricket?’ She told me to come blokes were very much against women was presented her baggy green cap — No. we’re looking to be aggressive desh in October had recorded billed her as a spinner to the uninitiated, out with her the next Saturday.” Three club playing cricket. Don Bradman came out and 48, being as auspicious a number as any in and take wickets,” he said. their fi rst Test victory over a mistake batsmen only made once. “You games later she was playing for South Aus- he sat there and you could tell by his body Australian cricket. For Bangladesh, it is their England. didn’t need to take a run-up to knock a tralia, then soon after for her country. language that he was out to poo-poo wom- Yet her Test cricket career was just one fi rst away series since visiting “They’ve turned over nearly galah out of the sky,” she says. “You just Thomas is a storyteller par excellence. en’s cricket. The body language said it all. week of a long and fascinating life, dedicat- the West Indies in August 2014. everyone in their home condi- picked up a rock and let it fl y.” That her run-up stretched beyond just a “He came out and Betty was batting, ed mostly to helping others in the commu- Since then they have won six of tions and are getting more ex- Her greater achievement in life, she says, few paces was down to the former Austral- and she would bat all day. She was abso- nity, her patients and her mob. Throughout seven home series which in- perienced around the world. was fi nishing her studies in midwifery and ian Test captain Victor Richardson, who lutely fantastic. Everything went for four it all, sport loomed large. “Sport was al- cluded 2-1 wins over India and They have been getting better general practice nursing, when she and fi ve suggested it at a game in Adelaide. and God knows what. She literally danced ways part of the healing process with me,” South Africa and a 3-0 sweep and better every year. We will contemporaries became the fi rst Aborigi- She chuckles joyously remembering around the wicket. she says, “and it worked.” over Pakistan before losing 2-1 need to play our best cricket.” TUSKER RETAIN NATION CUP TITLE Hanan XII emerge Div I champions anan XII beat M Pallonji by 14 runs in the final Hanan XII captain Kadar Hto emerge the Division receives the Division I trophy I champions of the 22nd Gulf from Sajjad Ahmed Khan, Incon-Metabo cricket tourna- Senior Sales and Marketing ment, played at the West Bay Manager of Metabo/Gulf Incon. cricket ground. After being sent in by M Pal- lonji, Hanan XII, after some ear- ly wobble, posted a competitive 192 for 9 off the stipulated 20 overs, then restricted M Pallonji to 178. Hanan XII’s, who struck a quickfire 43, was adjudged Man of the Final. Niyamat of Hanan XII was declared Best Batsman, Ruwan Tusker defeated Hanan in the final to success- spectively. Tusker reached the target in 6.4 overs of Qalco took the Best Bowler fully defend the 3rd Nation Cup cricket title, in riding on a quickfire knock of 41 by Prashant. honours, Imran of Hanan XII the tournament played at the Old Ideal School Man of the Final: ...... Prashant (Tusker) was named Best Allrounder, ground from December 18-22. Batting first, Man of the Series: ...... Aswar (Hanan) and Neeraj of M Pallonji was Hanan posted a modest 68 off the allotted 8 Best Bowler: ...... Rajneesh (Tusker) adjudged Best Wicket-keeper. overs, with Imran top-scoring with 28. For Tusker, Best Batsman: ...... Imran (Hanan) Sajjad Ahmed Khan, Senior Rajneesh and Shaji took 3 and 2 wickets each, re- Best Fielder: ...... Saddam (Hanan) Sales and Marketing Man- ager of Metabo/Gulf Incon, Ravi Chandran (Senior Stores Supervisor), Guest of honour Adil from Houston USA and Qatar Veterans cricket off icials handed over the trophies and prizes. Brief scores Hanan XII: 192 for 9 in 20 overs (Hameed 43, Niyamath 39, Ameen 20) beat M Pallonji: 178 (Aban 38, Rajesh 28, Neeraj 28, Radiq 28; Azan 2 for 8, Parvez 2 for 2, Aswar 2 for 18) by 14 runs. Monday, December 26, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

MELBOURNE TEST SA captain Du Plessis looks to negate Sri Misbah mulls pace Lankan spin AFP

Port Elizabeth

outh African captain Faf du Plessis said he hoped a grassy change as Pakistan SSt George’s Park pitch would negate Sri Lanka’s spin threat in the first Test starting today. “There’s a little more grass on the wicket than might be normal,” Du Plessis said in his pre-match press conference. “That is making sure seek series leveller that we take their most dangerous player out of the game.” Du Plessis was referring to left- ‘The conditions are totally diff erent here, especially for the Asian teams. As a bowler you arm spinner Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s match-winner in their only need to adjust to these conditions, otherwise you are giving away too many runs and victory in 10 previous Tests in South Africa. Herath took nine wickets leaking too many boundaries and not putting any sort of pressure on the opposition’ when Sri Lanka won in Durban in 2011/12. But Du Plessis said it was normal Pakistan captain for the St George’s pitch to help the Misbah-ul-Haq (left) spinners in the latter stages of a with coach Mickey Test match. Arthur during a “The pitch looks very dry and training session in Sri Lanka brings a diff erent style Melbourne yesterday. of play to Australia (where South (AFP) Africa won a series last month). They have really good spinners so our focus has been on making sure we prepare for that.” Du Plessis said he was looking for more consistency from the South African batsmen. “As a collective batting unit, each of our top seven has had good games and got hundreds but what we are looking for is more consist- ency and to push that bar a bit higher,” he said. Du Plessis added that South Africa could not aff ord to under- estimate their opponents, despite their poor record in South Africa and them having a young, largely inexperienced team. “Young guys can pose the same threat as more experienced players, even more so sometimes because they bring something diff erent.” But he said he expected South Africa’s pace bowlers to pose a chal- lenge to the tourists. “There should be enough in the pitch for the seam- ers,” he said. Sri Lankan captain Angelo Math- ews, meanwhile, said his team had prepared well and that the young batsmen in the side had stepped up to fill the gaps left by Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakeratne Dilshan, who have all retired recently.

AFP Year, was giving little away team-wise teams. As a bowler you need to adjust confi dent but at the same time, we’re before the fi rst game. Melbourne but praised Sohail’s work ethic. to these conditions, otherwise you are focused and determined. “The guys are relaxed and confi - “Sohail is working hard and he is giving away too many runs and leaking “I’m comfortable with the position dent that they can perform well here,” the guy who gave us fi ve-fors in the too many boundaries and not putting we’re in at the moment as individuals Misbah said. “You can see that eve- kipper Misbah-ul-Haq hinted previous matches and that’s what we any sort of pressure on the opposition. and as a team.” rybody’s spending a lot of time in the yesterday that Sohail Khan look for when he plays,” the Pakistan “You need to be very precise with Misbah said their strong fourth nets, working on the basics. That’s a may come in to break up Pa- skipper told reporters yesterday. your lines and lengths in Australia innings fi ghtback that had nearly good sign that we are confi dent but kistan’s three-man left-arm “He bowls the new ball very well because of the true bounce and pace. clinched a remarkable record run chase at the same time, we’re focused and paceS attack in the second Boxing Day and if he gets you two or three wickets That’s important for us as a bowl- in the fi rst Test loss to Australia in Bris- determined. I’m comfortable with the Test against Australia in Melbourne. with the new ball it is always helpful ing unit. To get 20 wickets is always a bane had given his side the confi dence position we’re in at the moment as in- The tourists are not expected to for you. He is also good with the re- challenge. But we know and are sure they needed for the rest of the series. dividuals and as a team.” tinker with their batting after a he- verse swing. Obviously he knows that about the bowling combination that The visitors, who were dismissed Misbah said left-arm opening roic eff ort which took them within 40 he needs to be good in the later spells we will have tomorrow. We are clear for 142 in their fi rst innings, had Aus- bowler Mohamed Amir had recov- runs of what would have been a world because you have to bowl at least 20 about our strategy.” tralian cricket fans chewing their fi n- ered well from knee and thigh inju- record win in last week’s Brisbane se- overs a day so he is working hard. We Misbah said spirits were high in gernails to the quick as they counter- ries in Brisbane. He also had words of ries-opener. are hoping that he will be okay.” the Pakistan camp after they almost attacked in chasing 490 for victory. encouragement for under-pressure But there was speculation that Ra- Misbah said Pakistan’s bowling had pulled off an epic come-from-behind Asad Shafi q scored a superb cen- batsman Nic Maddinson, who has hat Ali, who took two wickets in Bris- been as much of a problem as their victory in Brisbane, posting a massive tury and rallied the tail for 230 runs as scored just fi ve runs in his three in- bane, could make way for one of the batting on recent tours of Australia. fourth-innings total of 450. the visitors reached 449 for eight be- nings since debut. right-arm pacemen — either Sohail or But he is hopeful for a big response “The guys are relaxed and confi - fore Mitchell Starc produced a superb “He’s quite young at the interna- Imran Khan. from both his batsmen and bowlers at dent that they can perform well here,” bouncer that ended his 336-minute tional level but they’re believing in Pakistan’s three-man left-arm pace the MCG. he said. “You can see that everybody’s resistance. him,” Misbah said. “You can’t just attack was criticised at the Gabba for “It’s not just a challenge for the spending a lot of time in the nets, Until that point, the Australians write someone off . That person can re- being one-dimensional and lacking batsmen, it’s a challenge for the bowl- working on the basics. had looked nervous in the fi eld and the ally hit you. I think everyone who is in variety. Misbah, whose team must win ers as well,” he said. “They won’t leave anything behind visitors increasingly confi dent of seal- the Australian team is capable enough the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test to “The conditions are totally dif- before we get into the second Test ing victory, something they needed to perform at international level so we set up a decider in Sydney in the New ferent here, especially for the Asian match. That’s a good sign that we are after losing 2-0 to New Zealand just have to give respect to every player.” Maddinson survives as Australia name unchanged side AFP Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pakistan’s spirited fourth-innings for continuity after a period of turmoil by former captains Michael Clarke and Melbourne Jackson Bird. Spinner Nathan Lyon comeback at the day-night first Gabba during Australia’s recent 2-1 home Mark Taylor and slammed as “ridiculous” rounds out the attack. Teat meant that Starc and Hazlewood series loss to South Africa. by ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan. “We brought the all-rounder into each sent down 56 overs for the match, Smith faced criticism for his defen- It was the second successive Test ookie batsman Nic Maddinson the squad because the bowlers had while Bird bowled 45. sive field settings on the final day in victory for the side, which had been will be given another chance a pretty heavy workload, but they’ve With plenty of grass on the MCG Brisbane as Pakistan got within 40 runs overhauled following a humiliating Rto prove himself after Australia pulled up well and they’re confident wicket, Smith indicated he may be of what would have been a famous innings and 80-run loss to South Africa yesterday named an unchanged team they can get through,” skipper Steve tempted to give his bowlers first use victory after being set a world-record in their second Test in Hobart, which for the second Test against Pakistan in Smith told reporters yesterday. of the drop-in pitch should he win the 490 target. Australia went on to win by sealed the series for the Proteas. The Melbourne. “Obviously (Nic) hasn’t started the toss today. 39 runs and take a one-nil lead in the Hobart loss was Australia’s fifth in suc- Maddinson’s place at number six way he would have liked. I was really “It’s a lot greener than I’ve seen it in three-Test series. cession and the selectors swung the for the Boxing Day showpiece was in proud of him in the second innings in the past couple of years,” Smith said. “People are open to criticise me all axe with five changes to the team for doubt after scores of 0, 1 and 4 in his Brisbane to come out and do the thing “The grass dies pretty quickly here and they like but in the end, we won the the third game in Adelaide. first three Test innings, following his for the team and try and score quick the wicket goes white so we’ll sum it up Test match so I’m happy with that,” Smith’s revamped side responded debut against South Africa in Adelaide runs and have a crack. in the morning and see what we want Smith said. “You can always learn from with a seven-wicket victory and con- last month. “That’s what we want from our team, to do from there. diff erent things. I’m really happy we tinued that momentum with victory in It meant that Zimbabwe-born all- to have unselfish players like that, and I “I think the red ball out here is going won the Test match and that’s five wins Brisbane. rounder Hilton Cartwright will not thought he did a good job to come out to be a lot diff erent to the pink ball in a row for Australia (including one- make his first appearance in the sec- and do that.” (used in the Gabba Test). It will prob- day victories over New Zealand), so Australia squad ond Test beginning at the Melbourne The decision to play Maddinson and ably stay harder for a lot longer, so we’re heading in the right direction.” David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Cricket Ground today. not Cartwright means the home side we’ll be able to generate that bounce Smith’s cautious field settings on day Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Paceman Chadd Sayers again also will again field six specialist batsmen and carry that we couldn’t do for long five of the Brisbane Test, with Pakistan Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew misses out on a Test debut, with in what will be heatwave conditions for periods of time (in Brisbane).” still needing 108 runs for victory with Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Australia sticking with the pace trio of much of the second Test. The unchanged team signals a desire only two wickets in hand, were queried Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird