SPORT Wednesday 10 January 2018

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Coach Sanchez hails team Qatar’s heroics

THE PENINSULA “It was always going to be a difficult Ravshan Khaydarov, the Uzbekistan game against Uzbekistan as we know they head coach, said on Tuesday: “It was a very CHANGZHOU: Coach Felix Sanchez are tough opponents. I think the team did tough game for us today, and I feel that yesterday applauded the performance of a very good job today and that they per- some of my players were not able to per- his players as Qatar edged past Uzbekistan formed well in every department,” Sanchez form to their best ability.” 1-0. said after the match. Khaydarov added: “The result now Tall striker Almoez Ali scored in the “I feel that one of the great strengths leaves us in a rather difficult position in second half as Qatar posted a 1-0 win of this group of players is that they work what is a very difficult group. We made over Uzbekistan at the Changzhou very hard. They have a great spirit,” too many mistakes and we must go away Olympic Sports Center in their Group A Sanchez added at the post-match press and see where and how we made those match. conference. errors.”

Ali on target as Qatar Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates with striker Almoez Ali after the latter scored the winning goal get off to a flying start against Uzbekistan yesterday.

THE PENINSULA

CHANGZHOU: Feared striker Almoez Ali was on target yesterday as Qatar edged past Uzbekistan 1-0 in their opening clash of the It was always going AFC U-23 Asian Cup. to be a difficult game Ali, with assistance from midfielder against Uzbekistan Hashim Ali, flicked a ball from close range to as we know they are score the only goal of the Group A match as tough opponents. Asia’s premier Olympic squad tournament kicked off with much fanfare. I think the team Ali’s timely strike came in the 56th minute did a very good job after both the sides failed to score in the first today and that they half at Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre performed well in where Dong-Jin Kim penalised three Qatari players with yellow cards. every department. I Abdullah Al Ahrak (45), Mohammed Al feel that one of the Bakari (72) and goalkeeper Bassam Al Rawi great strengths of were shown the yellow cards. Al Rawi was this group of players penalised late in the second half on account is that they work of time-wasting. Uzbekistan’s Dostonbek Khamdamov was very hard. They have shown the yellow card in the 29th minute. a great spirit: Qatar Qatar, coached by Felix Sanchez, made coach Felix Sanchez two changes during the game when Abdul- lah Al Ahrak (72) and Ali (85) were benched in the feisty Group A encounter. Earlier in the eighth minute, Uzbekistan’s Zabikhillo Urinboev produced a right-footed Striker Almoez Ali, with AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP shot from long range on the left flank but he assistance from midfielder It was a very tough missed the target following a cross from Hashim Ali, flicked a ball from VENUE: CHANGZHOU OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTRE Khamdamov. REFEREE: DONG-JIN KIM game for us today, close range to score the only Thirteen minutes later, Qatar’s star mid- QATAR U23 1 - 0 UZBEKISTAN U23 and I feel that some fielder Akram Afif fired a shot from outside goal of the Group A match as of my players were the box but missed the top right corner of the Qatar begin their AFC U-23 not able to perform net after a cross by Ahmad Moein. Asian Cup quest with a bang. 45’ Abdullah Al Ahrak Dostonbek Khamdamov 29’ In the 33rd minute, Moein - on the outside to their best ability.  55’ Almoez Ali Akramjon Komilov 53’ of the Uzbek box - missed with his shot after a We made too many neat pass from-team mate Ali. Five minutes 72’ Abdullah Al Ahrak Doniyorjon Narzullaev 53’ mistakes and we from the close of the first half, Qatar’s Salem defence was to be breached twice in quick 72’ Khaled Mohammed Dostonbek Khamdamov 76’ must go away and see Al Hajri produced a right-footed shot into the succession, as first Yang expertly converted 72’ Mohammed Al Bakari Bobir Abdixolikov 76’ Uzbekistan crossbar from outside the box. Li Shuai’s pinpoint on the half hour where and how we Ten minutes into the second half, Qatar mark, and then Li Xiaoming headed home 78’ Bassam Al Rawi Azizjon Ganiev 84’ made those errors: got on the scoreboard with Ali lunging for- Wei’s superb floated cross to double his side’s 85’ Hashim Ali Andrey Sidorov 84’ Uzbekistan coach ward to deflect a cross from Ali inside the advantage just four minutes later. 85’ Meshaal Al Shammeri Ravshan Khaydarov Uzbek box. The ball beat Uzbekistan goal- To their credit, Oman rallied briefly after keeper Dilshod Khamraev and crashed into the break, but the game was effectively ended the left side of the net. as a contest in the 53rd minute when the Qatar, despite a series of attacks from impressive Wei powered home a header after Uzbek forwards, defended stoutly to retain being found by Yao Junsheng. their lead and to eventually pick up the first Omani defender Thani Al Rushaidi saw a ‘Hero’ Ali credits t eam work for win points in the 16-team tournament. close-range effort scrambled off the line by Earlier yesterday, host nation China began Gao Zhunyi shortly after, before Wei was THE PENINSULA through,” Ali, the goal-hero, said “I would say even we had their AFC U23 Championship 2018 campaign stretchered off in the 66th minute following after the match yesterday. opportunity to score more goals. in fine fashion thanks to a comfortable 3-0 a hefty challenge much to the consternation CHANGZHOU: Striker Almoez Ali “Uzbekistan are a good side so We could have got another but win over Oman at the same venue. of China head coach Massimiliano yesterday said team work helped we had a strategy in mind and that they also defended well in the Goals from Yang Liyu, Li Xiaoming and Maddaloni. Qatar edge a powerful Uzbekistan is to reduce their scoring oppor- second half,” the Qatar hero Wei Shihao proved the difference on a bit- In the game’s last meaningful action, sub- side in their opening AFC U-23 tunities. That is why you saw there said. terly cold afternoon, as China laid down an stitute Liu Ruofan was expertly denied by Al Asian Cup match. were no goals in the first half,” the “I think it feels great that we impressive early marker in Group. Mukhaini on a day when China took a signif- Almoez Ali’s second half strike tall striker said. got through 1-0 than settling for In what would prove to be an entertain- icant step towards reaching the knockout proved the difference as Qatar “We planned a lot for this a 1-1 draw. You saw the fights. It ing opening period, it was China who phase of the AFC U23 Championship for the recorded a narrow 1-0 win over game. We scored in the second feels good. They put us under a threatened first, Yang seeing his shot from 12 first time. Uzbekistan at the Changzhou half and then there were more lot of pressure but we faced them yards smothered by the visiting defence, and Qatar next play Oman on January 12 fol- Olympic Sports Centrer. attacks from them,” Ali said. “I bravely,” Ali said. Beijing Guoan forward Wei forcing a smart lowed by a game against hosts China on “It was a tough match in which would say we had our boys “We kept fighting until the save from Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al January 15. The last edition of the same tour- you saw good football. But I would should-to-shoulder in defense. We last minute. That was the best Mukhaini with 18 minutes gone. nament was a huge success when it was staged say our team work saw us didn’t allow any goals. part about our win,” he added. With China in the ascendancy, Oman’s in Qatar. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018

Zidane named Sneijder-powered Al Gharafa French coach of the year look for turnaround in QSL AFP PARIS: Real Madrid may have THE PENINSULA Al Gharafa players celebrate a goal during the QNB Stars League match in this file picture. ended the year badly, but Zinedine Zidane has been DOHA: For sure, no other team named French coach of 2017 will start the QNB Stars League’s for leading the club to a Liga second-phase campaign a trans- and Champions League formed lot than Al Gharafa. double. They can take the field with “I want to show that I can renewed vigour and boosted also be a good coach in tough confidence for many reasons. circumstances,” Zidane said It is against this backdrop in an article published yes- that seventh-placed Al Gharafa terday in France Football (11 points) travel to sixth-placed magazine, which gives the Al Ahli (14 points) for their Week award. 12 game for the 4.20pm kick off Real are going through a on Friday. bad run. They are fourth in La The Cheetahs saw many pos- Liga, 16 points behind lead- itive changes during the QNB ers Barcelona, and they ended Stars League’s month-long 2017 with a crushing 3-0 break, which witnessed the sem- defeat at home in the ifinals and final of QSL Cup being Clasico. played and also the Gulf Cup in On Sunday, they were Kuwait. held to a 2-2 draw at Celta First, Al Gharafa triumphed Vigo. in the sixth edition of QSL Cup, “Today, yes, the danger is defeating Al Rayyan in the final. there, but I’m not going to Thus, they ended their long title change. I am aware that I drought, of five seasons. They have in front of me great had qualified for the semifinals players who listen to me. with an unbeaten record. Playing football, I know how Turk Bulent Uygun then to do that. So things will sort replaced Jean Fernandez as players through their paces over Al Ahli handed the reins to but have a goal difference of -4 that, with a new coach at the themselves out in the end,” coach after the Frenchman two sessions daily. youth team coach George Jorge as against the rivals’ -1. Although helm, the players were more Zidane said. parted ways with the club by The friendly they played immediately after Spaniard they lost to German Bundesliga excited and motivated, and are “Some people may think mutual consent. Uygun had a against Qatar SC gave Bulent Joaquin Caparros quit the job champions Bayern Munich, who ready to play to their full that everything is always easy long stint with Qatar’s Umm an opportunity to try out var- because of personal reasons, were in Doha for their annual potential. for me, that I do everything Salal. ious combinations before dealing a blow to The Brigadiers winter training camp at Aspire, “We truly aim at changing from instinct, but that’s not Al Gharafa defender Almahdi giving a final shape to his at a time when they were on a by a big margin, the friendly the team’s image in the league true! Whether it is as a player Ali admitted that the match strategy. high after doing well towards provided Jorge with a chance to and improving our position in or as a coach, I’ve always against Al Ahli would be diffi- To top it all, Al Gharafa the end of first phase. assess his players in a match sit- the table,” he said. worked,” said Zidane. culty especially since it comes pulled off a coup of sorts by rop- Al Ahli had registered shock uation for the first time at the The player gave his takes on Meanwhile, Zenit Saint- after a long gap and at the start ing in Dutch star Wesley Sneijder wins over strong contenders Al senior level. Al Gharafa’s performance in the Petersburg coach Roberto of second phase of league for one-and-a-half seasons. The Rayyan and Al Sailiya in the last Almahdi said Al Gharafa had first phase and his expectations Mancini said yesterday he competition. 33-year-old attacking midfielder two rounds. They a slight advantage over Al Ahli. from the second. was open to taking over the He said it was a foregone has an impressive CV in his illus- have recorded dou- “Both teams have quality “Definitely, there’s a huge vacant job as Italy national conclusion that both mid-table trious club as well as country ble the number of players. In my opinion, the team difference between the first and football coach. Giampiero sides would go all out for a win career. wins than Al Gharafa, having more ball possession and second phase mainly because of Ventura was fired as coach and bag full points to get them- “It’s very difficult. The points making less mistakes will win the weather factor. We’re very last November days after Ita- selves a strong start to the second we lost during the first phase We hope to be among the game. We’ve many distin- keen to improve our seventh ly’s shock failure to reach the half of the season. made things tough for us. How- guished players in our ranks and, place, which belittles Al Ghara- World Cup final for the first “All these factors make me ever, we still hope to be among the top-four teams. with more harmony and team fa’s reputation and history,” he time in 60 years.Finding Ven- admit how tough the encounter the top-four teams. We also hope to beat spirit, we can achieve a positive said. tura’s successor has been will be and no one can predict Also, we hope to beat Uzbek Uzbek side Pakhtakor result,” he said. “There’s no doubt that he’s complicated because the Ital- the result,” said Almahdi. side Pakhtakor in the AFC in the AFC Champions Both sides go into the game a big star with huge experience ian Football Federation Coach Uygun familiarity with Champions league play-off and under new coaches. Al Gharafa and credentials. I believe Al (FIGC) has to elect a president Qatar’s football scene should qualify for the tournament league play-off replaced Frenchman Jean Fern- Gharafa needed such a big name to replace Carlo Tavecchio help him stand in good stead as proper. The QSL Cup triumph and qualify for the andez with Uygun, who has in the team. It’s also a great who was also forced to resign. Al Gharafa embark on the sec- has further motivated tournament proper. previously coached Umm Salal opportunity for young players to “Before choosing a new ond half of the season with great us,”Almahdi said. The QSL Cup triumph for long, while Al Ahli now rely benefit from his expertise. I’m coach it seems to me that we hopes and high ambitions. In fact, Al Gharafa and Al on their youth team coach Jorge lucky to be playing alongside a have to choose a new FIGC Al Gharafa could register Ahli, both mid-table teams, are has further motivated following the resignation of fel- player of huge repute such as president,” former Manches- only two wins in the first phase the only sides playing their first us: Al Gharafa low-Spaniard Joaquin Caparros Sneijder,” he said about the ter City and Inter Milan boss and Bulent straightaway got match post-break under new defender Almahdi due to personal reasons. Dutchman joining the QNB Stars Mancini told Italian talk show down to business by putting the coaches. Almahdi pointed out the fact League side, “Tiki Taka”. Qatar SC aim to pull a fast one on Al Duhail THE PENINSULA the second phase as well and second-half goal and Al Gharafa look favourites to lift the coveted 1-2. On the other hand, Al Duhail DOHA: The match-up between league shield despite strong chal- played just one friendly and beat Qatar SC and Al Duhail attracts lenge from Al Sadd and Al the Tunisian national team, with attention for more reasons than Rayyan. attacking midfielder Msakni one even though it may be a Al Duhail’s confidence got a scoring the all-important goal. clash between table toppers and boost when their captain Youssef Qatar SC are 11th with only minnows. Msakni and Almoez Ali were eight points, but The Kings have The kick-off is at 6:30pm at adjudged the best players by rat- shown improvement ever since the Qatar SC Stadium on Satur- ings in overall (local and foreign Qatari coach Abdullah Mubarak day, January 13. professionals) and Under-23 cat- replaced Argentinian Gabriel Al Duhail lead the QNB Stars egory respectively after the first Calderon. League standings with 29 points phase of action by the QNB Stars Performance-wise, a thick and an unbeaten record, the only League’s football analysis and line separates the teams. Al team to stay so thus far this sea- statistics provider STATS Duhail have the most goal dif- son. Algerian coach Djamel company. ference (+24) among all 12 teams, Belmadi’s wards showed no let- Al Duhail had enhanced their while Qatar SC have the worst up after every game in the first preparations ahead of the sec- (-12) along with Al Kharaitiyat. phase despite being held twice. ond phase by having two training Both Al Duhail and Qatar SC The Red Knights are sessions since December 30. have not made any changes to expected go full steam ahead in The morning session their squads other than that goal- Al Sadd’s Morteza Mohammad scores their first goal against Qatar SC during their QNB Stars League included gym exercises and keeper Amine Lecomte returned match played at Al Sadd Stadium in this file picture of October 2017. QNB STARS LEAGUE FIXTURES evening regime had outdoor to Al Duhail after completing his Round 13 fixtures: sessions. loan term at Al Khor, where he Tomorrow: A couple of their players who played in the first phase. Al Kharaitiyat VS Umm Salal at represented Qatar at the recent QFA, QSL to hold joint Match Gulf Cup in Kuwait later joined Al Khor Stadium, 6.30pm January 12: the team training, designed in QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS such a way that they maintain Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa at Standings at the end of the first leg of the QSL Analysis Training Course the momentum in the remain- Al Duhail 11 9 0 2 40 16 29 Al Ahli Stadium, 4.20pm ing part of the season. Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi at Qatar SC played four friend- Al Sadd 11 9 2 0 30 15 27 THE PENINSULA the National Team Super Club Panoramic System’, ‘STATS Al Ahli Stadium, 6.30pm lies as part of their preparations Al Rayyan 11 8 2 1 27 17 25 conference room in Aspire Zone Technical and Physical Analy- January 13: for the second phase of QNB Al Sailiya 11 6 4 1 25 17 19 DOHA: The Football Develop- on January 25 to 28 and Febru- sis reports’ and ‘Playing Al Rayyan vs Al Khor at Stars League. Umm Salal 11 4 3 4 17 16 16 ment Departments of the Qatar ary 1. There will be live tagging Methodology from two team Al Sadd Stadium, 4.20pm Perhaps, they are the side to Al Ahli 11 4 5 2 13 17 14 Football Association and Qatar during the semifinals on Janu- coaches from Al Kass Al Sadd vs Al Markhiya at have had the most number of Al Gharafa 11 2 4 5 16 17 11 Stars League (QSL) will jointly ary 29 from 15:00 to 20:00. tournament’. \Al Sadd Stadium, 6.30pm friendly matches scheduled dur- Al Khor 11 3 7 1 12 21 10 organise a Match Analysis Train- The topics covered will be Further details can be had Qatar SC vs Al Duhail at ing the break. Al Arab 11 2 6 3 15 24 9 ing Course during the ‘Methodology of offensive anal- from Mohamed El Imam at meli-

Qatar SC Stadium, 6.30pm They drew Al Khor goalless, Al Kharaitiyat 11 2 6 3 14 26 9 forthcoming annual Al Kass ysis’, ‘Practical usage of Match [email protected], telephone

defeated Umm Salal 3-0, and lost Al Markhiya 11 1 6 4 8 19 7 International Cup. Analysis System — Videobserver 44754067 (office) and 55590252 to the Iraq Olympic team by a The course will be held at software for Live tagging and (mobile). WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Rugby: Qatar beat France Bikes champion Sunderland Youth Team in friendly crashes out of Dakar Rally

QNA Qatar Rugby team in action in this file picture. AFP DOHA: Qatar’s senior rugby team beat France’s youth team SAN Juan de Marcona, Peru: Reign- 21-14 in a friendly on the side- ing Dakar Rally motorcycle lines of the winter camp of the champion Sam Sunderland has French team at Aspire Zone dropped out of this year’s race with Stadium. a back injury, allowing Frenchman The match comes within the Adrien Van Beveren to take the preparation of Qatar Rugby overall lead after winning yester- team (7) for future champion- day’s fourth stage. ships. The French team are also Sunderland, riding for domi- in a closed camp in Doha as they nant team KTM and leading the prepare for the world overall rankings coming into Tues- championships. day’s stage in San Juan de Marcona, The head of Qatar Rugby, withdrew after injuring his back Hockey and Federation, while entering a jump according to Youssef Al Kuwari, expressed his the rally organisers. delight with the performance of Van Beveren finished five min- the Qatari team during the utes ahead of teammate Xavier de friendly match. Qatari team with an eye to par- Al Kuwari stressed that Soultrait and seven minutes in front Speaking after the match, Al ticipate in international the federation hasplans to of the Austrian KTM rider Matthias Kuwari said it was a useful tournaments. Qatar has received participate in the Winter Walkner. Toyota’s Qatari driver Nasser experience for the Qatari team, an invitation to participate in the Olympic Committee camp The Yamaha rider takes the Al Attiyah and French co-driver especially as the French team Asian Rugby Championship (15) through the Rugby Beach lead in t the overall standings, 1 Mathieu Baumel compete are preparing for the world in Lebanon in April, and an invi- Championship, which is minute 55 seconds ahead of Chil- during the 2018 Dakar Rally championships. tation to participate in Malaysia scheduled for January 26 in ean Pablo Quintanilla He added that the federa- Rugby Championship (7) in the Sealine and will help in yesterday. (Husqvarna). tion is working on preparing the same month. spreading the game. Wenger eyes new recruits USA opts for youth with no as Arsenal face Chelsea test FIFA World AFP Cup in sight LONDON: Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal flops that new recruits are on the way as the furious AFP Gunners boss prepares for today’s League Cup semi-final against Chel- Los Angeles: Acting US national team coach Dave sea. Sarachan opted for young prospects in calling Wenger’s side suffered one of the upon 30 players on Monday for the Americans most chastening defeats of his annual January training camp. increasingly tarnished reign on Sun- The session is set to open in Los Angeles with day as second tier Nottingham Forest the culmination of workouts to be a January 28 won 4-2 in the FA Cup third round. friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the It was the first time Wenger had training camp in Carson, home of Major League crashed out at that stage of the com- Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy. petition since arriving at the north “It’s all about the future and opportunity. We London club in 1996. clearly feel that we want to have a look at these Wenger’s decision to make nine players that have the chance to be a part of the changes backfired, with the under- National Team for a number of years to come,” studies delivering a listless display at Sarachan said. the City Ground. The US team failed to qualify for this year’s The Frenchman prioritised the Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger gestures before the English FA Cup third round football match against World Cup in Russia and has eight candidates League Cup showdown with Chelsea Nottingham Forest at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on Saturday. fighting for the presidency of the US Soccer Fed- by keeping his main men fresh for the eration, with Sunil Gulati to be replaced in voting first leg clash at Stamford Bridge next month. means he can ill-afford a damaging “Yes, because we are in the second Premier League encounters with means you are facing every compe- So the Americans have no chance at a World defeat against Antonio Conte’s men. week of January and, after that, it Chelsea this season, haven’t won at tition,” Conte said. Cup until 2022 in Qatar even as they bid with Mex- But regardless of Arsenal’s League passes quickly. their London rivals since 2011. “Now on Wednesday we have to ico and Canada to co-host the 2026 event. Cup fortunes, Wenger has clearly had “We signed a Greek boy (Mav- Fortunately for Wenger, Chelsea play a semi-final against Arsenal. I And the camp comes on the same day that enough of another underachieving ropanos) who looks quite good in are in the midst of a hectic schedule think we deserved to reach this reports emerged that one of their top teen pros- season which sees his team in dan- training but apart from that, we that Conte admits is stretching his target. pects, Monterrey midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez, ger of failing to qualify for the have not done anything. Will we squad to breaking point. “It’s very important in this has opted to play for Mexico rather than the US Champions League for a second suc- be out there to do something? Yes Having complained all season that moment of the season to have all the senior-level squad after years on American jun- cessive year. we will.” Chelsea don’t have enough depth to squad in the best physical form, ior teams. Wenger insists the Gunners, who Arsenal’s last League Cup-win- cope with the demands of competing because you have to play a lot of The most capped player in camp with 37 is last week signed Greek defender Kon- ning campaign came in the in four competition, Conte’s fears are games and everyone must be ready.” Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Gyasi Zardes fol- stantinos Mavropanos, will do further pre-Wenger era in 1993, with the coming true. Chelsea are bidding to reach the lowed by New England forward Juan Agudelo with business during the transfer window Frenchman’s team losing in both his The Italian made a host of changes League Cup final for the first time 27 and seattle forward Jordan Morris with 24. in an effort to turn things around. final appearances in 2007 and 2011. for Saturday’s FA Cup third round since they last won the tournament “It’s a long journey forward, but this is the first Unsettled Chile forward Alexis To return to the final, Wenger draw at second tier Norwich, but in 2015. step starting in 2018 for the program and for these Sanchez could be sold to Manchester knows Arsenal need a positive result Chelsea were well below their best, That would be a huge boost for players to now get experience at this level,” City and Wenger wants several fresh at the Bridge ahead of the second leg prompting Conte to bemoan the Conte, who has found himself Sarachan said. faces to arrival as soon as possible. at the Emirates Stadium on January demands put on his players. embroiled in a bitter feud with Man- US goalkeeper Bill Hamid is the lone Europe- Asked whether there could be 24. “When you play every three days chester United manager Jose based player on the roster. He will join Danish developments this week, Wenger said: But the Gunners, who drew both and you have to play many games, it Mourinho in recent weeks. side Midtjylland following the Bosnia and Herze- govina match. Meanwhile, Jonathan Gonzalez, a teen mid- fielder for Mexican side Monterrey, has opted to play international football for Mexico over the FA Cup: Minnows cheer United glamour tie United States, according to reports on Monday. Univision and ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Gonzalez will represent El Tri after AFP to get Manchester United is a special ton facing Watford at St Mary’s. “We took the necessary time to playing for the United States at youth level. moment for the club.” The 1987 FA Cup winners Coven- find the right alternative for our That decision must receive final approval from LONDON: English minnows Yeovil “I want everyone to enjoy it and try’s reward for ousting Stoke in the team,” president of the Chilean foot- authorities but the 18-year-old, born to Mexican Town have hailed a second FA Cup embrace the fantastic challenge. The third round is a trip to League One ball federation Arturo Salah said in a parents in suburban San Francisco, has made his clash in four seasons against Premier players and supporters deserve it. It’s outfit MK Dons. statement. choice. Gonzalez’s performances for Monterrey League giants Manchester United as going to be a magical day.” Nottingham Forest, who knocked “A coach with experience at inter- led to him being named in the Mexican League’s a “special moment”. Fellow League Two side Newport holders Arsenal out on Sunday and national level, who has qualified for Best 11.FIFA rules allow a player to make a one- The lowest-ranked side left in the will entertain Tottenham and Exiles announced the appointment of Aitor World Cups and who has a trajectory time nationality change if they have not played competition will face Jose Mourin- manager Mike Flynn said the match Karanka as their new manager cheer at the sport’s highest level.” for a senior national team in a competitive match. ho’s side later this month at Huish would be a boost for the club’s on Monday, visit Hull. Rueda, 60, has previous interna- If paperwork is completed in time, Gonzalez Park, where the 12-time winners won finances. Meanwhile, Colombian Reinaldo tional experience as coach of could make his debut for Mexico on January 31 2-0 in 2015 thanks to goals from Mansfield, another club from the Rueda has left Brazilian club Fla- Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador. when they play Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria. fourth tier, have the carrot of wel- mengo to take over as coach of Chile, He joined Flamengo last year Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio spoke to “I don’t think I could pick anyone coming Pep Guardiola’s Manchester the Chilean football federation said after a successful spell with Atletico Gonzalez by telephone and a Mexican official vis- better to go up against in the world City to Field Mill if they can overcome on Monday. Nacional, whom he led to the Copa ited Gonzalez during the off-season while the we live in at the moment,” boss Dar- Cardiff at home in a replay. Rueda will replace Juan Antonio Libertadores in 2016. His contract player was reportedly unhappy at not receiving ren Way told the club’s official There are guaranteed to be at Pizzi, who resigned in October after with Chile will run until the end of an explanation after being left out of the US squad website. least two all-Premier League ties, the 2015 and 2016 Copa America qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in for a November friendly in Portugal. The Mexi- “It was an extraordinary achieve- with Liverpool once more at home champions failed to qualify for the Qatar and will be extended if the cans are preparing for the World Cup in Russia in ment to get to the fourth round and against West Brom and Southamp- World Cup finals in Russia. South American side make the finals. June, while the Americans failed to qualify. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 33 Djokovic desperate to get Aussie event impatient for a home champion

REUTERS back to winning ways DjokovicHis form and is encouragingRafa Nadal. : For a tourna- too, having won the ment branded the “happy title last week to start his year AFP slam” by , the with a bang. INJURY LIST Australian Open has given Yet few players have set MELBOURNE: Twelve-time little cheer to home players. themselves up to fail quite JANUARY 15-28 winner Novak Forty years have passed like the complicated Djokovic headlines a list of since Chris O’Neil held the 22-year-old. Australian Open 2018: walking wounded at the Daphne Akhurst Memorial He has spoken of his Men’s preview Australian Open, with the Six-time Melbourne champion has been sidelined Cup aloft as the last Austral- hatred of the Tour grind, Serb desperate to get back to since Wimbledon in July with a right elbow injury, ian women’s champion in cares little for training and Roger Federer Alexander Zverev winning ways after six although the Serb intends to play exhibitions this 1978. Add another two years would probably dream more months out injured. week and insists he “is ready”. for Mark Edmondson’s 1976 of an NBA championship than The former world title on the men’s side. raising the trophy at number one is making a tilt RAFAEL NADAL The ensuing decades have Wimbledon. at a record seventh Mel- A knee injury forced the Spanish world number one seen Australia’s assembly line Along with his propensity bourne Park crown, but has out of the warm-up Brisbane International, but he of grand slam winners slow to suddenly stop trying in some serious rust to shake has arrived in Melbourne and expected to be a to a crawl but still produce a matches, it is hardly a mind- off if he is to make an leading contender. host of would-be set that screams success. Back at No.1 Begins defence of Ranked career- Huge potential Richard Gasquet of France (left) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal impression. contenders. Kyrgios’s biggest obsta- after superb Australian Open high No.3 after but yet to make of Spain after winning their men’s singles match during the Djokovic has been side- To the consternation of cle may be physical rather 2017, winning title after winning ATP finals major impact in lined since Wimbledon in The 2014 champion is returning after two operations home fans, only a couple have than mental, however, the two more Slams. another stellar – lost epic five-set Grand Slams, tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. 2017 – he also July, with a on a knee cartilage injury. Pulled out of Abu Dhabi shone, with most falling flat right hip that has troubled One Australian battle to Nadal in 4th round his Open title, in 2009 won Wimbledon 2017 semi-final best to date exhibition event today and exhibition appearance late last month. on the national stage. him for much of the past two the Kooyong Classic, where Twice grand slam cham- seasons vulnerable in a two- PLAYER RECORD Nadal Federer Dimitrov Zverev Nadal defeated in he is drawn to play world pion was the week slam. 2017 win-loss 67-11 52-5 49-19 55-22 number five , last to tease, his run to the He cut short his last year’s Calf and wrist problems kept the tall Canadian out of 2017 titles 6 7 4 5 his only chance to test his 2005 final whipping crowds campaign to have time to action since last October. Played the Brisbane Career titles (total) 75 95 8 6 right elbow injury. International, but was bundled out by a wildcard. into a frenzy before they were recuperate, and even said he Kooyong return “Finally back in the land silenced by an inspired Marat would spend less time play- Grand Slams 16 19 0 0 down under. I feel ready. Safin. ing basketball to avoid MASTER CLASS Idemo! (let’s go),” he tweeted Former Wimbledon developing new niggles. Novak Djokovic of Serbia gets medical attention on court during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships in this file photo. Nadal and Federer start new but stays positive on Sunday, posting a video Leg was strapped at the Brisbane event which he champion was also The comments will feed said related to fluid on the back of his left knee. It season holding all four Grand Slam of himself hitting on Rod stopped at the last hurdle in into hopes that Kyrgios is just crowns for first time since 2010 Laver Arena. didn’t seem to trouble Australia’s big hope, who won the 1980s, twice in successive a late developer and will ulti- the tournament. All-time meetings: Down Under But after pulling out of years by Swedes Stefan mately embrace the game 23 Nadal v Federer 15 an Abu Dhabi tournament Edberg and Mats Wilander. with a Federer-like passion, Australian Open meetings: late last month and admit- The past decade has seen rather than end up derided Ageless Federer eyes fresh Federer 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 Final, 2017 AFP KOOYONG CLASSIC RESULTS ting “I still feel the pain”, a I never missed The American retired from a match at the Hopman few Australian flags flapping like his compatriot Bernard big question mark hangs in the second week of the Tomic. Nadal 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 Semi, 2014 M E N Cup with an injured hip, but returned two days later MELBOURNE: World number over how competitive Djok- a Grand Slam in when he lost to Roger Federer. tournament, however. Many local tennis fans Nadal 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 Semi, 2012 one Rafael Nadal lost his first Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Rafael Nadal ovic can be. my career. It was ‘fairytale’ as rivals struggle The country’s last grand will remain sceptical, how- (ESP) 6-4, 7-5 Nadal 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 Final, 2009 match of the year 6-4, 7-5 to Having added mercurial a big decision, a DOMINIC THIEM slam champion Sam Stosur ever, particularly those put Richard Gasquet at the Kooy- Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) bt David Gof- former tour player Radek AFP and seemingly injury-free. opted to join Djokovic at the has been a maddening under- off by Kyrgios’s regular Last meeting: The Austrian world number five pulled out of the ong Classic yesterday, but said fin (BEL) 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 Stepanek to a coaching team big call to make: “I just have to pace myself all Kooyong Classic exhibition event achiever, never passing the controversies. WOMEN warm-up Qatar Open just hours before his semi-final Federer 6-4, 6-3 Shanghai, Oct 2017 he was happy after his trou- spearheaded by Andre MELBOURNE: The prospects of the way up to the tournament in for some match practice in the fourth round in 15 attempts. The goodwill Kyrgios lost Djokovic with flu and a fever. Source: ATP Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS blesome knee held up “fine”. (GER) bt Destanee Aia- Agassi, Djokovic only started an unprecedented 20th Grand Melbourne, and I’ll be ready,” he week before the Open. With Stosur now 33 and now envelops the nation’s top p va (AUS), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 Nadal’s knee injury ham- hitting tennis balls again in Slam victory have strengthened said after his Hopman Cup final Six-time Australian Open long since written off as a title women’s contender Ashleigh Women’s pered the end of his 2017 November. for ageless wonder Roger Federer victory with Switzerland team- champion Djokovic pulled out of JO-WILFRIED TSONGA threat, men’s hope Nick Kyr- Barty. season and forced him to skip He admits being sidelined has not been easy, and that as his main rivals flounder ahead mate . events in Abu Dhabi and Doha The 2008 Australian Open runner-up withdrew from gios now carries the burden A year Kyrgios’s junior, preview the Qatar Open before it started with a wrist injury. last week’s Brisbane Interna- missing the US Open last year, the first Slam he has not of the Australian Open. “I’m just excited going back to with elbow soreness before head- of Australia’s expectations. Barty has dislodged Stosur as Garbine Muguruza tional, but he was able to give “I’m happy with how I’m played since 2005, was particularly hard. The 36-year-old is coming off Melbourne where I had my fair- ing to Melbourne, and hasn’t hit a Boasting a temper the Australia’s number one it a workout at the non-tour playing after a test against “It’s been a real roller-coaster ride for me for a year- an extraordinaryordinary 20172017,, when hehe ytale run last yearyear.. ItIt waswas crazy. crazy. ball in anger since the problem GARBINEGARB MUGURUZA equal of his prodigious talent, woman after a meteoric rise. event in Melbourne. Rafa, who along with Federer and-a-half with this issue. I’ve never had surgery in my won a fifthth Australian OOpenpen titletitle ““It’sIt’s ggreatreat to be the defendindefendingg forced him to qquituit WimbleWimble-- World number three retired from Brisbane after Kyrgios reached the 2015 Since winning her maiden Though he lost in straight is the best in history.” life, I’ve never had any major injuries that kept me away and a recordcord eigeighthhth at WimWimble-ble- champion.champion. I tatakeke it it t thehe rig rightht dond on in ttheh e ccollapsingollaps with severe leg cramps. She is playing the quarter-finals, a break- title in Malaysia in March, the sets, the Spaniard said he Gasquet took the opening from the tour for such a long time,” he told Sport360 in don, and ththereere coucouldld b bee yet yet more more way.way. I wonwon’t’t put extra quarter-quarter-finalsfinals in SSydneyydney International this week. through hailed by some as a former Wimbledon girls would keep working hard until set, relying on a single break Abu Dhabi. glory withh a ddepletedepleted ffieldield ooff top top pressurepressure on mmyself,yself, July.July. milestone on the path to champion has humbled some the start of the Australian for 5-4 before serving it out “I never missed a Grand Slam in my career. It was a contendersrs inin MMelbourne.elbourne. regardlessregardless ooff Big-servingBig-serving greatness. of the tour’s biggest names Open at on against an opponent still try- big decision, a big call to make. I couldn’t play anymore, Andy MurraMurrayy and Japan’s Kei wwho’sho’s ggoingoing to CanadianCanadian MilMilosos SLOANESLOA STEPHENS His tantrum-laden sec- and will be seeded in Monday. ing to shake off the rust of there was no choice. It was like, that’s it, you can’t lift your Nishikorii are aalreadylready out ooff tthehe plplay,ay, or not RaonicRaonic is The UUSS Open champion withdrew from Brisbane to ond-round exit last year was Melbourne. Ranked No.1 Wimbledon Already a winner in Back in top five after consistent champion 2018 in Brisbane, after resurgent “I’m very happy to be back inactivity. arm.” year’s openingening GranGrandd SSlamlam witwithh play.play. anotheranother witwithh rest a troublesomet knee and was knocked out of less well-received, with one The stellar run has SSydneyydney in the first round. Had a remarkable 2017 after but unspectacular aiming to after impressive 2017 – runner-up in Australia,” he said. “I had a The Frenchman found A decade after winning his first Melbourne Park title injuries, wwhilehile 12-time mamajorjor “F“Foror mmee itit’s’s a chequeredchequered Australian tabloid advising stunned Barty herself, given 2017 – yet to consolidate year with Premier in two Grand heavy year in 2017 and I himself in more of a battle in Djokovic has slipped to 14 in the world, his lowest in 10 championn Nova Novakk D Djokovicjokovic is is trou trou-- justjust iimportantmportant preparationpreparation aalmostlmost a year out with a left foot injury. him to “Nick off!” and get a she quit the tour three years win elusive place in titles in Dubai, Slams and at started my preparation later the second set despite going years, giving him extra drive to make inroads at the sea- bled by ann elbow complaint and toto be in a ggoodood afterafter wriwristst coach in its front page ago as a disillusioned first major women’s elite Rome and Toronto WTA finals son-opening major. hasn’t played for six months. JOHANNAJOHA KONTA than usual. up a double break for 3-0. ayed for six months. mindset,mindset, wewellll surgerysurgery llastast headline. teenager. PLAYER RECORD Halep Muguruza Svitolina Williams “But I’ve arrived in plenty The deficit barely bothered Also coming back from injuries are 2014 champion Worldd numnumberber one RaRafaelfael pprepared,repared, anandd year, whilewhile A semi-finalistsemi- in Melbourne two years ago, the All would be forgiven if She spent part of her hia- 2017 win-loss 45-17 47-21 50-13 38-14 of time. It’s great to get the Nadal, who showed some of Stan Wawrinka (knee), big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic Nadal withdrewhdrew f rfromom h hisis f irfirstst tou tourr rreadyeady to ggo.o. AmericanAme rican BBriton’sriton’s Brisbane campaign ended early when she Kyrgios flirts with a place in tus playing elite cricket, feeling once again of playing his classic form in closing the (calf and wrist), and world number one Rafael Nadal (knee). event of 22018,018, in BrisBrisbane,bane, witwithh AndAnd I feel llikeike II worldworld nnumberumber retired with a right hip injury. the second week, in what securing one of only 14 pro- 2017 titles 1 2 5 0 a match. gap to 3-3. At least they remain in contention, unlike Scot Andy continuingng kneeknee problems,problems, andand isis am ready.”ready.” eighteight Jack Sock might seem a formality for a fessional contracts handed to Career titles (total) 15 5 10 49 “This was a good test for Gasquet forced Nadal to Murray (hip) and Japanese star (wrist) who seeking mmatchatch practicepractice inin aa MeMel-l- NNadal,adal, wwhoho hurthurt hhisis hhipip wwhilehile CAROLINECARO GARCIA player who has beaten Fed- women in her home state of Grand Slams 0 2 0 7 me after some good training, save break points throughout both pulled out last week, depriving the tournament of bourne exhibitionxhibition eventevent aaheadhead o off lostlost to FeFedererderer in in playingplaying in tthehe HopHop-- erer, and twice upset Novak Queensland. The risrisingi French star retired in tears from Brisbane MAJOR BATTLE that’s the most important as the pair stayed some serious star power. the Januaryary 1515 startstart.. fivefive sets inin a vin-vin- man Cup. witwithh a back injury in the opening round, saying she Her new-found love for thing.” level-pegging. The mighty , a 23-time Grand Slam The 22014014 winnwinnerer StaStann tagetage AustraAustralianlian tennis put paid to the prom- With Serena Williams delaying her ccouldould barelyb move. the Australian return following childbirth, expectation The 16-time Grand Slam But the Frenchman finally champion, has also decided against rushing into a come- Wawrinka,ka, who hasn’t plaplayedyed ffinalinal llastast ising cricket career but bodes is high for another maiden champion to be winner was far from his best broke for 6-5 and claimed vic- back after giving birth to her first child in September. since last year’s WimWimbledonbledon anandd yyear,ear, Open has given well for her chances of mak- PETRAPETRA KVITOVA crowned in Melbourne. There were seven in the exhibition encounter tory with a smash winner on One of those who is fully fit, at 36, is defending cham- subsequentnt kneeknee susurgery,rgery, has has had had hashas ing an impression at different major finalists in 2017 The twtwo-time Wimbledon champion pulled out of little cheer to home against a player he has beaten his first match point a game pion Roger Federer, who says the injuries and pullouts little warm-uprm-up work and is no Melbourne Park. BBrisbanerisban with a viral illness. She missed last year’s players and 40 Australian Open: Serena Williams USA 15-0 on the ATP Tour in a later. are no surprise. longer withth hishis four-four-yearyear coach coach “I love it. I love our fans. AustraAustralianl Open after being attacked with a knife bt Venus Williams USA 6-4, 6-4 rivalry dating back to junior Separately, Spain’s Pablo “A lot of the guys are just touching 30-plus, you know. Magnus NNorman.orman. years have passed I love their passion. And I love nenearar hhere Czech home. days. Carreno Busta defeated Bel- Back in the day, at 30, a lot of guys were retiring -- Edberg, Yet amidmid iitt allall FFed-ed- since Chris O’Neil playing for Australia,” she told Roland Garros: Jelana Ostapenko LAT Nadal, 31, heads the entry gian world number seven Sampras,” he said at the season-ending World Tour Finals erer keepseps ggoing,oing, held the Daphne local media after winning the bt Simona Halep ROM 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 list for the Australian Open and 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. in London. winningg aallll hhisis JULIAJULIA GOERGES Akhurst Memorial Newcombe Medal in Novem- Wimbledon: Garbine Muguruza ESP said he will be ready to front In the women’s competi- “When somebody is injured at 31, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, matchess at tthehe TheThe GGerman,e ranked 12, withdrew from the Sydney Cup aloft as the last ber, the country’s top tennis bt Venus Williams USA 7-5, 6-0 up for the first round. tion, Germany’s Andrea how is this possible?’ Actually, it’s a normal thing.” mixed-teams- teams InternInternationala just hours after beating Caroline honour. U.S. Open: Sloane Stephens USA “The knee is fine,” he said Petkovic rallied to defeat Aus- “I’ve learned a lesson because I really want to avoid Hopman CCupup in Australian women’s “Of course there’s pres- WoznWozniackiia to win the Auckland Classic on Sunday, bt USA 6-3, 6-0 in answer to the inevitable tralian teenager Destanee getting to that stage of an injury ever in my career after thiss mmonthonth ccitingiting a right knee injury. champion in 1978. sure, but pressure is a question. “I’m here. Aiava 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in windy this,” he said. privilege.” Source: WTA Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS “If I was not feeling good I conditions. would not be here, so that’s good news. “I’ll train hard over the next few days for the Austral- ATP to amend rules as four players pull out in Auckland Shock exit for defending champ Konta ian Open, I will be ready.” Nadal is not playing any I’m very happy REUTERS SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL RESULTS worrying early season performances for more matches at Kooyong, but the 26-year-old world number nine to be back in MEN: 1ST ROUND he is also scheduled to turn out AFP By turning up in Auckland, the “They make the effort to come to the Sunday, said he was too tired to play fatigue and things like this,” Kermode SYDNEY: Defending champion . Australia. I had a Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Mischa Zverev (GER x8) 7-5, 6-3 for a Tie Break Tens tourna- players became eligible for first-round event and that’s demonstrated the desire after arriving in Auckland early said. Konta suffered a reversal of last year’s final She struggled to get going in her first two Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 ment at Melbourne Park today. heavy year in 2017 AUCKLAND: Men’s tennis boss Chris prize money and avoided an ATP fine. to play here. yesterday. “If there is a good, concrete, obvi- when she was bundled out in the first round matches last week in Brisbane before she WOMEN: 1ST ROUND Gasquet, who missed and I started my Kermode yesterday pledged a shake- Kermode, executive chairman of the “Tennis is such a physical sport that Eighth seed Rublev, who lost the ous reason, then I think fans realise that of the Sydney International by Agnieszka withdrew from her quarter-final with a hip (AUS) bt Carina Witthoeft (GER) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 Kooyong last year through ill- up in ATP rules as four players pulled Association of Tennis Professionals these things are going to happen. We are Qatar Open final to Gael Monfils last sport is live, dynamic and there are going Radwanska yesterday. injury. preparation later Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x4) 6-3, 7-5 ness and injury, was happy to than usual. This was out of the Auckland Classic before their (ATP), warned that rules around with- currently doing a whole review process week, cited injury, as did Pella, a semi- to be withdrawals. The Pole had been overpowered in She told Sydney organisers on Monday, get even an informal win over opening matches, citing injury or drawals were under review. But he also of our business and plans for 2019. finalist in Doha, and Edmund, who “When there’s the grey area at the 82-minutes by the Briton in the final last year, however, that she was fit, having withdrawn the Spaniard. a good test for me illness. said he believed the players’ reasons for “Ranking points, player withdraw- played in Brisbane. beginning of the year, fatigue doesn’t but repaid the favour on Ken Rosewall Arena from Brisbane because she could not keep “It’s always a pleasure to after some good Four lucky losers from the quali- pulling out. als and how we deal with that is All four players are on the entry list sound that great. At the end of the year at the Olympic Tennis Centre as she raced to Konta again had trouble holding serve in playing but also had an eye on next week’s play Rafa -- I hope to beat him training, that’s the fying tournament found themselves “The bigger concern would be play- something we’ve got to and are looking for next week’s Australian Open, the first people would say, ‘OK, it’s been a long a 6-3 7-5 victory. Neither player was able to the second set but showed signs of a fight- season-opening grand slam. one day on the ATP before dominate with their service games in the first back when she broke while trailing 4-1 in the Radwanska, who was upset by American on centre court as Ryan Harrison, ers pulling out before they got here, that at.” Grand Slam tournament of the year. season.’ retiring. He’s a friend of mine most important set, with Konta’s second serve barely a fac- second, but then could not push on as Rad- qualifier Sachia Vickery in the Auckland quar- Andrey Rublev, Guido Pella and Kyle would be an issue,” Kermode told Fair- Harrison, who lost the Brisbane “A lot of it is about wording. You can “So we’ve got to clear that up, that’s and it’s great to play him,” he tor as she won just two of her 11 second serve wanska sealed the victory in one hour, 49 ter-finals last week, will now meet another thing: Nadal Edmund all withdrew. said. fax Media in Auckland. International final to Nick Kyrgios on withdraw through personal reasons, part of this whole process we’re doing.” points and Radwanska converted three of minutes. American qualifier Catherine Bellis in the sec- her five break opportunities. The first round loss continues some ond round in Sydney. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 Serbian sport delegation visits Aspire

THE PENINSULA General Ivan Bravo very well from my time in Spain and he is DOHA: After a visit to Aspire a great organizer and educator. Dome, the President of the He is definitely the right man not Olympic Committee of Serbia only to develop and educate (OCS), Božidar Maljkovic, has young athletes, but also set up spoke of his admiration of Aspire the right team and organization Academy’s philosophy and around them.” opportunities it offers to young The training philosophy of athletes. the Academy is tailored to the Aspire Academy’s Director capabilities, talents and goals of General, Ivan Bravo, welcomed Qatar and follows a strategy that President Maljkovic and mem- is geared towards the develop- bers of the OCS delegation ment of the individual athletes. including Vice President Zecevic Aspire Academy’s training Zarko and Merkic Ivan, the programs place each student- Chairman of QCS’ International athlete at the centre of an Relations Committee accompa- ecosystem consisting of world- nied by the Qatar Olympic class coaching and sports science Committee Secretary General, expertise supported by world- Jassim Rashid Al Boenin class facilities. Following the visit, President While at Aspire Academy, Maljkovic, who has successfully student-athletes also have the worked as a professional basket- chance to develop in a compet- ball coach in seven different itive environment by playing countries and spent some time against other youth teams from in Spain coaching clubs like FC leading clubs and academies Barcelona and Real Madrid, said: across the globe. Selected play- “I have worked in sports for ers also have an opportunity to 40 years, but I have never seen train in a professional environ- an academy like Aspire. The ment through short training President of the Olympic Committee of Serbia (OCS), Božidar Maljkovic, is seen with Aspire Academy’s Director facilities here are second to none. placements with clubs in Europe General, Ivan Bravo, during a visit to the Aspire Academy. I know the Academy’s Director organized by the Academy.

Britain sets North Korea says it will send its Pyeongchang target of at least five athletes to 2018 Winter Games medals REUTERS AFP Emery Lehman and Brian Hansen lead a group of skaters in the Men’s Mass Start event during LONDON: Britain has set its SEOUL: North Korea will send the Long Track Speed Skating Olympic Trials at the Pettit National Ice Center in this January 7, winter athletes a “best ever” its athletes to the Winter Olym- 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, file photo. The Winter Games will be held from Feb 9 to 25 in target of at least five medals pics in the South, the rivals said Pyeongchang, South Korea. at the Pyeongchang Olympics yesterday after their first formal after more than doubling talks in more than two years funding since Sochi four years following high tensions over ago. Pyeongchang’s nuclear weap- With a month to go until ons programme. the Games in South Korea, The two sides also decided and several competitors yet to hold military talks and to to be selected, UK Sport is restore a military hotline closed predicting a possible range of since February 2016. between four and 10 medals Seoul and Olympic organis- based on performances. ers have been keen for Britain won four medals Pyongyang - which boycotted in Sochi, the country’s best the 1988 Summer Games in the haul since 1924, and that tally South Korean capital -- to take looks likely to become five part in what they repeatedly pro- after Russia’s subsequent claimed a “peace Olympics” in doping disqualification from Pyeongchang next month. the four-man bobsleigh. But the North had given no UK Sport chair Katherine indication it would do so until Grainger recognised at a leader Kim Jong-Un’s New Year presentation yesterday that address last week, instead pur- Britain, second in the medal suing its banned weapons table at the 2016 Rio de programmes in defiance of Janeiro Summer Olympics United Nations sanctions, with 27 golds, was not known launching missiles capable of as a winter nation. reaching the United States and Attitudes have changed, detonating its sixth and most The North’s delegation country’s founding father Kim different tone from the rhetoric responded to Kim’s New Year however, and the amount of powerful nuclear test. walked over the Military Demar- Il-Sung and his son and succes- of recent months, which have speech with an offer of high- National Lottery and govern- “The North Korean side will cation Line marking the border sor Kim Jong-Il, while Cho seen the North’s leader Kim and level dialogue, and last week a ment funding for the dispatch a National Olympic to the Peace House venue on the sported one depicting the South US President Donald Trump civilian hotline was restored Olympics and Paralympics Committee delegation, athletes, southern side, just yards from Korean flag. trade personal insults and threats after being suspended for almost has risen to more than £32m cheerleaders, art performers’ where a defector ran across in a “Let’s present the people of war. Olympic organisers wel- two years. ($43m) across eight sports. squad, spectators, a taekwondo hail of bullets two months ago. with a precious new year’s gift,” comed the North’s participation But Pyongyang has snubbed That compares to £14m demonstration team and a press Looking businesslike, the said Ri. “There is a saying that a in Pyeongchang, just 80 kilome- previous attempts by Seoul to set for 2014 and £6m for Vancou- corps and the South will provide South’s Unification minister Cho journey taken by two lasts longer tres (50 miles) south of the DMZ, up further family reunions -- one ver before that. necessary amenities and facili- Myoung-Gyon and the North’s than the one travelled alone.” and a Unification ministry offi- of the most emotive legacies of The Paralympic target is ties,” they said in a joint chief delegate Ri Son-Gwon The atmosphere was friend- cial said the Games would be “a the Korean War -- saying it will for at least seven medals, statement. shook hands at the entrance to lier than at past meetings, and Peace Festival for all the people not do so unless several of its cit- compared to six in Sochi. Yesterday’s talks were held the building, and again across the Cho told Ri: “The people have a in the world”. izens are returned by the South. “The target of a best ever in Panmunjom, the truce village negotiating table. strong desire to see the North International Olympic Com- It was unclear when the pro- Olympic Winter Games is in the Demilitarised Zone that Ri wore a badge on his left and South move toward peace mittee president Thomas Bach posed military talks -- which indicative of just how far the splits the peninsula. lapel bearing an image of the and reconciliation.” said Pyongyang’s decision to would be the first of their kind athletes and their national But there was no mention in take part in the Games was a since 2014 -- would be held. governing bodies have pro- the joint statement of a proposal “great step forward in the Olym- “Having the North Korean gressed over the past four IOC welcomes North Korea’s by Seoul to resume reunions of pic spirit”. athletes and delegations at years,” said Team GB Chef de families left divided by the Only two athletes from the Pyeongchang will help turn Mission Mike Hay. decision to be at the Games Korean War, or of an offer by the North have so far qualified for South Korean public sentiment “It is a reflection of the AP North to send a high-level dele- the Olympics, but hundreds of about the North more favoura- growth we have seen across gation to the Games. young female North Korean ble,” said Lim Eul-Chul, a many of our winter sports LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee says it welcomes Ri also told South Korean cheerleaders have created a buzz professor of North Korean stud- that they have medal poten- moves by North Korea to take part in next month’s Winter Olym- journalists that denuclearisation at three previous international ies at Kyungnam University in tial on the world stage and pics in South Korea. was not on the table and not an sporting events in the South. Seoul. Pyongyang would then that Britain is now viewed as IOC president Thomas Bach says in a statement that North issue for the two to discuss. According to South Korean probably seek to resume lucra- a credible winter nation.” Korea’s decision to send a delegation to the games is “a great step “The target of all our nuclear reports any high-level delega- tive joint economic projects, such Short track speed skater forward in the Olympic spirit.” and hydrogen bombs and ICBMs tion accompanying the team as the suspended Kaesong indus- Elise Christie, a triple gold The IOC says it’s now waiting for official details of how North and all other sophisticated could include Kim’s younger sis- trial complex, he added medallist at last year’s world Korean participation could work before it decides which athletes weapons is the US,” he said ter Yo-Jong, who is a senior -- although it is not clear championships, will again be could compete. yesterday. member of the ruling Workers’ whether that would be in com- one of the big hopes after It’s also unclear which flags and anthems would be used, though “These weapons are not Party. pliance with UN sanctions. bouncing back from three South Korea has suggested athletes from the two Koreas could aimed at our brethren.” According to the Unification The North “appears to be try- disqualifications in Sochi. march together during the opening and closing ceremonies at the There were “many prob- ministry official, yesterday’s ing to use the improvement in Curling, which has Pyeongchang Olympics, which run from Feb. 9 through 25. lems” to settle between the two meeting “laid the foundation for ties with the South as a spring- received more than £5m of South Korea’s Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung ear- sides, he added, warning of restoring the severed inter- board to resume talks with the funding, is predicted to pro- lier cited North Korean officials as saying their delegation would “unexpected obstacles” down the Korean ties and normalising US, which holds the key to con- duce at least one medal with include officials, athletes, cheerleaders and journalists. road. them”. trolling or possibly easing Eve Muirhead’s women’s Even so it was a radically It came after Seoul sanctions”, Lim said. team strong candidates. WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 35 Timberwolves trounce Cavs

AFP key role in limiting four-time Thomas was playing his 26.1 seconds remaining in over- NBA RESULTS admirably with the absence of NBA Most Valuable Player third game for the Cavs after a time that put the Raptors up Kevin Durant, who missed his LOS ANGELES: The Minnesota James to 10 points, eight hip injury had sidelined him 114-113. Indiana 109 Milwaukee 96 third straight game with a Timberwolves humbled LeBron rebounds and five assists. since he joined the team in a Spencer Dinwiddie, who led Toronto 114 Brooklyn 113 strained right calf. James and the Cleveland Cava- James and the rest of the pre-season trade. the Nets with a career-high 31 Houston 116 Chicago 107 Denver’s Nikola Jokic liers on Monday, leading by as Cavs starters also sat out the In his first two games back, points, had a last chance for the Minnesota 127 Cleveland 99 notched a triple-double of 22 many as 41 points en route to a fourth quarter -- although for the Cavs averaged 129 points hosts but missed a driving N’ Orleans 112 Detroit 109 points, 12 rebounds and 11 127-99 triumph in Minneapolis. Isaiah Thomas that absence a game, but they never fired on layup in the final second. assists. Andrew Wiggins scored 25 came courtesy of his third- Monday. The Raptors lost Kyle Lowry S’ Antonio 107 Sacramento 100 In Los Angeles, C.J. Williams points to pace a Timberwolves quarter ejection. “As a team, we just had no in over-time as the guard went G’ State 124 Denver 114 drained the game-winning team that led from start to fin- Thomas was tossed when rhythm on both ends,” Thomas down hard on a frightening fall LA Clippers 108 Atlanta 107 three-pointer with 9/1 seconds ish against a Cavs team that he reached out toward a driv- said. in which he was sandwiched left to lift the Clippers to a 108- went to the last three NBA ing Wiggins and caught the “It’s tough when you’re get- between two Nets players and 107 victory over the Atlanta Finals, winning the title two Minnesota forward under the ting the shots that you want landed on a hip. an injury scare for superstar Hawks. seasons ago. chin. and they’re just not falling -- it He got to his feet, but Stephen Curry to beat the Den- In New Orleans, the Peli- Karl-Anthony Towns -- the Assessed a flagrant-2 foul, kind of rubs off on the defen- quickly crumpled to the court ver Nuggets 124-114 in cans held on for a 112-109 only Timberwolves starter to Thomas was immediately sive end.” again clutching his lower back Oakland, California. victory over the Detroit Pistons play in the fourth quarter -- ejected, although he said he The Cavaliers fell to 26-14. and was finally carried off by Curry left the game briefly despite losing star forward added 19 points with 12 was merely reaching in for a They’re third in the Eastern two teammates. He was diag- after a hard fall, but returned Anthony Davis to a sprained rebounds and Wolves forward steal. Conference behind Thomas’s nosed with “an acute back with his left knee taped to score right ankle in the third Taj Gibson added another dou- “I’ve gotten numerous former team, the Boston Celt- spasm” the Raptors said. 32 points. quarter. ble-double of 16 points and 13 steals like that, so it just hap- ics, and the Toronto Raptors Brooklyn saw guard Allen Warriors forward Dray- The Houston Rockets, with- rebounds. pened that I hit him in the -- who edged the Nets 114-113 Crabbe depart with an appar- mond Green scored 23 points out NBA leading scorer James Jimmy Butler flirted with a throat,” Thomas said. in over-time in a bruising ent left ankle injury in the with 10 assists and five Harden for a fourth straight triple-double, amassing 21 “I apologised right away encounter in Brooklyn. fourth quarter. rebounds and guard Klay game, drained 20 three-point- points with nine assists and because I knew I didn’t mean to DeMar DeRozan’s 35 points The reigning champion Thompson chipped in 19 points ers in their 116-107 victory over eight rebounds while playing a do that. I’m just glad he’s all right.” included a three-point play with Golden State Warriors shook off as Golden State again coped the Bulls in Chicago.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns (right) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James on Monday.

Blue Jackets storm back Fritsch banned for three to beat Maple Leafs months for doping

REUTERS Fritsch has won once on AGENCIES the Buy.com Tour. NEW YORK: Canadian golfer DHEA is a hormone pro- NEW YORK: Artemi Panarin Brad Fritsch (pictured) has duced by the adrenal glands capped an improbable comeback been banned for three months and its production peaks with a goal at 3:11 of overtime on after he reported himself to when someone is in their Monday night as the Columbus PGA Tour officials for violat- mid-20s, according to the Blue Jackets swiped a 3-2 win over ing its anti-doping policy, the webmd.com website. In most the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air governing body said on people, production gradually Canada Centre in Toronto. Monday. declines with age. Panarin tipped Zach Weren- The 40-year-old, who Fritsch joins a small list of ski’s shot past Frederik Anderson plays on the secondary Buy. players suspended since the (22-12-2) for his 11th goal of the com Tour and is eligible to PGA Tour began drug testing season as Columbus (25-16-3) return to competition on Feb- in 2008. passed New Jersey for second place ruary 28, said the banned With the exception of in the Metropolitan Division with substance was in a supple- former world number on its second win in just over 24 hours. ment he had been taking to Vijay Singh, most have been With Toronto seemingly in Blue Jackets players celebrate their goal assist weight loss. little-known journeymen. control, Columbus forced overtime against Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. “Mr. Fritsch self-reported Singh was suspended for with two goals in a 1:48 span late this information after discov- 90 days in 2013 after saying in the third period. Jordan ering that an ingredient in a dehydroepiandrosterone in a magazine interview that Schroeder started the comeback After taking the puck away the right circle, Nylander maneu- supplement that he was tak- (DHEA). he was using deer antler at 15:25 with his first goal, collect- behind the net, he skated in front vered to its lower edge and beat ing was on the prohibited “That ... supplement spray. ing his own rebound and beating of Sergei Bobrovsky. Roman Bobrovsky with a perfectly-placed list,” the Tour said in a ended up containing a sub- The tour banned Singh for Andersen with a wrister. Polak’s wrister from the right point shot to the short side, his ninth statement. stance called DHEA,” he using the spray, which con- Pierre-Luc Dubois equalised was headed wide left until van goal. “He has acknowledged wrote. tained an insulin-like growth at 17:13, taking Seth Jones’ pass and Riemsdyk’s tip sent it off the right Toronto (25-16-2) seemed only his inadvertent error and “I’m just so upset with factor on its banned list. pumping a 30-foot wrister by post and in the net for his 18th goal. to get stronger in the first 12 min- accepted his suspension.” myself that I didn’t think to The suspension was lifted Andersen for his 10th marker of William Nylander added cush- utes of the third period. It tried nine Fritsch, in a Facebook question what was in the sup- after the World Anti-Doping the season. ion at 16:02 of the second with the shots on net before Columbus even posting, said his heart had plements. But I never did. And Agency (WADA) concluded The Maple Leafs’ James van Blue Jackets’ Josh Anderson in the got one to Anderson, and had a 12-1 “sank” when he realised that in the program rules, it stip- that the spray should be Riemsdyk initiated scoring at 11:09 penalty box for slashing Auston advantage in shots on goal at one one of the supplements he ulates that a self-report is the removed from its list of of the second. Matthews. Given plenty of room in point. was taking included same as a positive test.” banned substances. WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 36 I told probably 12 months ago that September 2019 is Trevor Bayliss reveals he FOOTBALL RALLYING when I’m contracted to and has no plans to continue as AFC U23 Championship England coach after his Dakar Rally in full swing that would see me out, contract expires. under way in China

Bayliss not SCOREBOARD Pathan to seek Pakistan Bowling: Southee 10-1-57-2 (3w), Boult 10-0-54-1 suspended Azhar Ali lbw Southee ...... 6 (1nb), Santner 10-1-34-1, Ferguson 10-0-39-3 (4w), Astle contract Imam-ul-Haq c Munro b Boult ...... 2 7-0-50-2 (1w), Munro 3-0-11-0 Babar Azam c Taylor b Ferguson ...... 10 New Zealand (revised target 151 in 25 overs) for failed Mohammad Hafeez c Guptill b Santner ...... 60 M Guptill (not out) ...... 86 extension Shoaib Malik c Southee b Astle ...... 27 C Munro c Faheem b Amir ...... 0 Sarfraz Ahmed st Latham b Astle ...... 3 K Williamson c Shadab Khan b Faheem ...... 19 New Zealand’s dope test REUTERS Shadab Khan c Latham b Ferguson ...... 52 R Taylor (not out) ...... 45 Martin Guptill Faheem Ashraf c Southee b Ferguson ...... 7 Extras: (NB 1) ...... 1 plays during AFP LONDON: Trevor Bayliss will Hasan Ali c Astle b Southee ...... 51 Total: (2 wkts; 23.5 overs) ...... 151 the second ODI step down as England coach Mohammad Amir (not out) ...... 8 Fall of : 1-1, 2-47 yesterday. NEW DELHI: India yesterday when his contract expires Rumman Raees (not out) ...... 6 Bowling: Amir 5-1-18-1, Rumman Raees 4.5-0-37-0 suspended former interna- Extras: (B1, W12, NB1) ...... 14 (1nb), Faheem 5-0-30-1, Hasan 5-0-37-0, Shadab 4-0- after the home Ashes series Total: (for 9 wkts) ...... 246 29-0 tional all-rounder Yusuf in 2019, the Australian said Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-14, 3-39, 4-84, 5-108, 6-127, Result: New Zealand won by eight wickets Pathan for a total of five yesterday. 7-141, 8-211, 9-239 Series: New Zealand lead 2-0 months for taking a banned Bayliss took the job in stimulant. 2015, leading England to a The suspension on the home series win over Aus- 35-year-old, who last repre- tralia and to the 2016 World sented India in 2012, was Twenty20 final, but he backdated so that it ends on informed England cricket January 14. director Andrew Strauss a The Board of Control for year ago that he was planning Cricket - the governing body to step down. of the sport in India said the “I told Andrew Strauss explosive batsman was rou- probably 12 months ago that tinely tested during September 2019 is when I’m domestic Twenty20 compe- contracted to and that would tition last year and a sample see me out,” Bayliss said after showed traces of England’s 4-0 Ashes defeat. Terbutaline. “I’ve never been any- But the board said it was where any more than four or satisfied with Pathan’s expla- five years. Whether you’re nation that the substance going well or not I’ve always entered his body through felt that round about that Guptill blasts Kiwis to medication while taking a four-year mark is time to cough syrup and “not as a change. A new voice, a performance-enhancing slightly different approach drug”. slightly reinvigorates things, Pathan, who also bowls so I passed that on to him 12 eight- victory off-spin, played 57 one-day months ago.” internationals and 22 T20 Bayliss, 55, also led Eng- games for India and has been land to a Test series win in AFP nine in their 50 overs and New without scoring and Kane Wil- held the first half of the innings an South Africa and he will leave Zealand were 64 for two after liamson for 19 to have New together while Hasan and regular. In 2014 he hit the the job next year after a home NELSON: Martin Guptill belted 14 overs in reply when the rain Zealand at two for 47 in the Shadab mounted a late rescue IPL’s fastest 50 off just 15 summer that also includes the New Zealand to an eight- set in. 10th over. mission when Pakistan were balls. World Cup in England. wicket win over Pakistan in a Under the Duckworth- But the Pakistan bowlers 141 for seven. He is only the second “I’ve got no problem rain-shortened second Lewis revision, New Zealand were not allowed to settle The pair featured in a Indian cricketer to fail a dope working towards a long-term one-day international in had 11 overs to make a further when the weather cleared as 70-run partnership off 49 test. In 2013 Delhi left-arm goal even if I’m not going to Nelson yesterday. 87 runs when play resumed. Guptill and Taylor pounded the deliveries for the eighth wicket paceman Pradeep Sangwan be there,” said Bayliss, a Guptill blasted 55 off 31 Guptill’s whirlwind knock boundaries. which included 21 off one over was banned for 18 months. former Sri Lanka coach. balls after the rain break to be included five fours and five sixes After Pakistan won the toss by Todd Astle. The BCCI strongly “You leave a coaching unbeaten on 86 as New Zea- while Ross Taylor, keen to yield and elected to bat they recov- Lochie Ferguson was New opposes tests by India’s position hopefully with the land reached their revised the strike in their 104-run stand, ered from an early collapse Zealand’s chief wicket-taker National Anti-Doping team in a better place than target of 151 in 25 overs with had only four boundaries in his they recovered to reach 246 on with three for 39. Agency. when you started. as seven balls to spare. 45 off 43 deliveries. the back of half centuries by New Zealand now lead the It insists that as a member the captain will still be there Pakistan, boosted by a late Pakistan did have early Mohammad Hafeez (60), five-match series 2-0 with of the International Cricket and there’s a base of six or run charge from Hasan Ali and success with the ball, removing Shadab Khan (52) and Hasan game three in Dunedin on Council -- a signatory to the seven players that will still be Shadab Khan, made 246 for Colin Munro in the first over Ali (51). Mohammad Hafeez Saturday. World Anti-Doping Agency -- young and good enough to be it already has strict anti- in the team,” he added. doping rules. SL cricket Ponting named All-rounder has cleared of been appointed Sri Lanka’s limited- Australia assistant corruption, overs skipper. coach for T20s says board AFP AFP COLOMBO: SYDNEY: Ricky Ponting said yesterday the sport’s (pictured) will be an assistant global governing body had coach during Australia’s found no evidence of wrong- Twenty20 international series doing following allegations of against England and New match-fixing and other forms Zealand next month, Cricket of corruption. Australia said yesterday. The board said the Inter- The former Australia cap- national Cricket Council had tain will work under head failed to uncover evidence of coach Darren Lehmann, while graft during an investigation Troy Cooley and Matthew Mott and then leading the side in the into explosive accusations will help out during the series. first two editions of the ICC levelled by former Sri Lankan Mathews back as SL’s They have been brought on World Twenty20 in 2007 and players. board while regular support 2009. SLC chief executive staff Graeme Hick, David Saker “I loved working with the Ashley de Silva said ICC anti- limited-overs captain and Brad Haddin are in South squad last year against Sri corruption investigators vis- Africa to assist in preparations Lanka and I can’t wait to be ited the island in September REUTERS Tharanga was then striped a long term basis” after he for Australia’s four-Test tour working alongside Darren, Troy for a wide-ranging inquiry. of the captaincy after a string agreed to board president Thi- from March. and Matthew this time around,” “They do not put out COLOMBO: All-rounder Angelo of defeats and replaced by langa Sumathipala’s request to Lehmann has previously Ponting said. statements after an inquiry, Mathews has been appointed , who oversaw shoulder the responsibility. said he will not seek to renew “Watching the Big Bash but if there is anything Sri Lanka’s limited-overs the team’s 2-1 loss in India last “We need stability running his contract when his current League in my role as a com- adverse, they would inform skipper six months after relin- month, on a temporary basis. into the World Cup,” said deal expires at the end of 2019, mentator has shown me we us. To date, they have not told quishing the captaincy across “When I stepped down I Mathews, who will begin the with Ponting seen as a poten- have a wealth of talent avail- us of anything,” de Silva told all three formats. never thought of taking over new phase of his captaincy in tial successor. able to us in this format and a reporters. The 30-year-old stepped the captaincy again,” Mathews, a tri-series in Bangladesh that Ponting undertook the T20 tri-series like this will give us a There was no immediate down as captain last year after who is expected to lead the also involves Zimbabwe later role last year when he worked great chance to establish a pat- comment from the ICC. Sri Lanka’s shock home defeat side into the 2019 World Cup this month. with the Australia squad for the tern of play that works best for The council’s announce- to Zimbabwe, which he in England and Wales said. “We’ve had a few captains three-match series against Sri the players.” ment in September that it had described as “one of the lowest “I took a few a few days to over the last few months Lanka. The T20 series will involve began an inquiry followed points” of his career. Dinesh think about it, and because of because of injuries. The other He has extensive experi- matches against New Zealand corruption allegations by Chandimal was named the new a few reasons I decided to captains did a good job, though ence of the shortest form of the in Sydney (February 3) and former skipper Arjuna Rana- test captain, while Upul Tha- accept it.” we didn’t get the results. But game, captaining his country in Auckland (February 16) and tunga and ex-player and ranga was put in charge of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said going into the World Cup we the first ever T20 international England in (February 7) national selector Pramodya limited overs side. Mathews was given the job “on need that stability.” against New Zealand in 2005, and Melbourne (February 10). Wickremasinghe.