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Monday, January 4, 2016 CRICKET Rabia I 24, 1437 AH Stokes blasts brilliant GULF TIMES 258 as England make SA suff er SPORT Page 4

FOCUS Boy, 10, among injured in Dakar crash

AFP Guo’s car veered off the course at ground, as emergency workers carted “It was important to clear the pro- 2008 DKR, having raced almost ex- Buenos Aires the 6.6-kilometre mark of the 11-kilo- the injured off on stretchers. logue and avoid any mistakes on the clusively for another French manu- Opening stage cancelled metre prologue on a stretch of straight An inquiry has been opened by lo- fi rst day,” said Loeb, driving a Peugeot facturer, Citroen. due to weather country road near Arrecifes, a small cal authorities with the Chinese team ten-year-old boy and his town 200 kilometres (120 miles) from to be questioned by police shortly. Poor weather has forced the cancellation father were seriously in- the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. Between 50,000 and 60,000 peo- of yesterday’s Dakar Rally opening stage jured when a speeding car Race chiefs immediately deployed ple were expected along the route of because of safety concerns, race director smashed into spectators four medical helicopters, three medi- the prologue. Etienne Lavigne told AFP. Aduring the prologue of the Dakar Rally cal vehicles belonging to the organis- In 2015, Polish motorbike rider Thunderstorms and heavy rain prompted on Saturday. ers and eight local ambulances to the Michal Hernik died at the end of a organisers to scrap the scheduled 600-kil- In total ten people—all spectators— scene of the accident. stage, but the last accident involving ometre plus route from Rosario to Villa were hurt in the accident on the fi rst A 34-year-old man and his son spectators at the Dakar Rally was in Carlos Paz, with the conditions grounding day of the endurance race, with eight aged 10 were the two most serious 2011, when one person was killed. safety helicopters and leaving parts of the others suff ering less serious injuries. cases and had to be rushed to hospital course flooded. “The joint resources of the organi- with one suff ering head injuries and LOEB FINDS HIS RHYTHM “The Dakar doesn’t stop when it rains but sation and local forces have taken over the other chest trauma, said race di- Nine-time world rally champion Se- when it’s not possible to guarantee the and evacuated four injured, includ- rector Etienne Lavigne. bastien Loeb had safely negotiated normal security presence” for the rally, ing two seriously aff ected,” organisers The injured were brought to hospital the prologue in his debut on the Dakar Lavigne explained. said in a statement early yesterday. at Arrecifes, with the two more serious- Rally. “The weather conditions are very bad. The “Police have indicated that six more ly injured later transferred to a hospital Dutchman Bernhard ten Brinke, relay plane (which helps with radio com- lightly injured have been transferred at Pilar, 50km from Buenos Aires. driving a Toyota, had claimed victory, munications) was unable to fly. Helicopters to hospital.” “In total, we had 10 patients, in- taking 6min 08sec to cover the 11km can’t take off . The situation isn’t going to The incident, which involved the cluding four children and one preg- special, beating Carlos Sainz (Peu- improve in terms of visibility,” he added. Mini of Chinese driver Guo Meiling, nant woman, who is ok,” said Daniel geot) and Xavier Pons (Ford Ranger). The first stage was supposed to include a saw the prologue—which takes place Modesto, head of the local hospital. Frenchman Loeb is seeking to fol- 258km timed special for cars and a 227km before the fi rst stage yesterday— “Medical assessments are ongo- low in the footsteps of Ari Vatanen, section for motorcycles, but the entire “neutralised” and immediately sus- ing,” organisers added. who won the Dakar in his fi rst attempt field will instead travel to Cordoba under pended in horrifi c scenes, race organ- The accident left Guo’s car bat- in 1987, back when it was raced in Af- Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah drives his Mini through the water during the Buenos link section conditions. isers said. tered, its bonnet strewn on the rica. Aires-Rosario prologue stage of Dakar Rally on Saturday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 4, 2016 TENNIS

QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Spotlight on Nole, Rafa as new season begins in Doha ‘I went out in quarter-finals last year. That motivates me to try and go as far as I can and compete for the trophy’

TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court (start 3:30 pm) R Nadal (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) vs T Gabashvili (RUS) / A Ramos- Vinolas (ESP) Not Before 5:30 pm [1] N Djokovic (SRB) vs [Q] D Brown (GER) D Muñoz de la Nava (ESP) vs [5] F Lopez (ESP) [WC] M Ilhan (TUR) vs A Kuznet- sov (RUS)

Court 1 (start 3:30 pm) [7] J Chardy (FRA) vs [WC] M Zayid (QAT) [Q] K Edmund (GBR) vs M Klizan (SVK) J Chardy (FRA) / P Mathieu (FRA) vs [WC] J Ali Mutawa (QAT) / M Jaziri (TUN)

Court 2 (start 3:30 pm) M Cecchinato (ITA) vs D Dzumhur (BIH) D Marrero (ESP) / A Seppi (ITA) vs Holder David Ferrer arrives to defend his title. P Andujar (ESP) / L Mayer (ARG) R Haase (NED) vs [Q] A Karatsev (RUS) the big guns. Nadal will know that bet- I do look forward to competing, be- ter, with the Spaniard at the receiving cause I haven’t done that for a month RESULTS end on two occasions, the last time at and a half. The last match that I played Qualifying Singles (Round II) 2015 Wimbledon when he lost in four was in London, World Tour Finals, and (Seedings in bracket) sets. I haven’t played any lead-up exhibi- [2] B Becker (GER) bt [6] M Berrer Brown, though, is known for his in- tion events to Doha, haven’t played any (GER) 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 consistency as his 82nd ranking sug- IPTL. [3] K Edmund (GBR) bt [8] R gests and will also be fatigued as the “The reason for that is because I felt Albot (MDA) 6-2, 6-4 31-year-old has played two qualifying like it was too many matches already in A Karatsev (RUS) bt [5] L Lacko matches in as many days to make it to the entire season and that I needed some (SVK) 6-4, 6-4 Rafael Nadal of Spain is welcomed on his arrival in Doha for the 2016 Qatar ExxonMobil Open yesterday. the main draw. time to regroup, recuperate, spend time [7] D Brown (GER) bt M Basic Djokovic, who was taken out by the with the family, and do something else, (BIH) 6-4, 7-5 By Sahan Bidappa Nadal, with the Spaniard’s recurring This time though, Djokovic’s sub- big serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic in as well, and just recharge for, you know, Doha injuries a major bane as he has slipped lime form and Nadal’s resurgence in three sets last year, wants to turn it another long season. That, of course, SEEDINGS to No 5. Djokovic, meanwhile, ran amok late 2015, gives rise to a possibility of a around this time in Doha. “Of course includes the Olympic Games that is 1. Novak Djokovic in 2015, coming within a French Open mouth-watering clash between the two I do feel very motivated to do well in going to be very demanding, but I look 2. Rafael Nadal he last time Novak Djokovic title for a calendar-year Grand Slam, in the title clash this Saturday. Doha because it’s a new tournament for forward to that,” the 28-year-old said. 3. Tomas Berdych was coming off a successful and clinching a record six Masters ti- The $1.2 million prize money tour- me. It’s only the second time that I’m Also in action today will be Spain’s 4. David Ferrer season like the one he had in tles, the ATP Word Tour Finals and nament kicks off today with Nadal in playing it in my life, and, I mean I went fi fth seed Feliciano Lopez, who will 5. Feliciano Lopez 2015, it was Rafael Nadal who went 82-6. action only in the doubles along with out early in quarter-fi nals last year to take on countryman Daniel Munoz de 6. Andreas Seppi Tbrought the Serbian down to earth. It’s in these situations that the two compatriot Fernando Verdasco, as they Karlovic. That actually motivates me la Nava. 7. Jeremy Chardy In 2011, Djokovic reeled off victories of the best of the current era, will be take on the pair of Russia’s Teymuraz even more to try and go as far as I can Mubarak Shannan Zayid, the 1761st 8. Leonardo Mayer at will, clinching three Grand Slam ti- in spotlight at the Qatar ExxonMobil Gabashvili and Spain’s Albert Ramos- and compete for the trophy. Of course ranked Qatari has received a wild card tles and leapfrogging Nadal and Roger Open, which begins today at the Kha- Vinolas in the fi rst round. I want to do that,” the World No 1 said and will be playing at the centre court PRIZE MONEY Federer to World No 1 spot. But thereaf- lifa International Tennis and Squash As the chilly weather sets in at the yesterday. tonight. The 20-year-old has a tough Winner - $201,165 ter Djokovic struggled to come through Complex. centre court, Djokovic will square up Djokovic added he was excited to match against seventh seed Jeremy Finalist - $105,940 in the biggest matches —in particular, Last year too, Djokovic and Nadal with qualifi er Dustin Brown of Ger- be playing his warm-up tournament Chardy of France in the opening round. Semi-finalist - $57,380 Slam fi nals—for a couple of years. And were the big draws in the ATP World many. in Doha, as he prepares to defend his Second seed Nadal, Tomas Berdych Quarter-finalist - $32,700 the man, who beat him in a few of those Tour 250 tournament, but they crum- Djokovic has never faced Brown be- Australian Open title in Melbourne and defending champion David Ferrer, Second round - $19,265 big matches was Nadal. bled in the quarter-fi nals and fi rst fore, but will be wary of his opponent. later this month. “The conditions for the third and fourth seeds, are slated to First round - $11,415 However, things have changed for round respectively. For, Brown has the knack of taking out the players here in Doha are terrifi c. open their singles campaign tomorrow.

BOTTOMLINE Slams, Rio on Djoko’s mind as he dives into 2016

By Sahan Bidappa ever since he has joined the team. The Doha results are showing that. There was a lot of scepticism whether or not he can help me or whether or not he’s a good nderneath that fun charisma choice to be part of the team, but we that he carries on and off the have proven that, you know, it was the court, Novak Djokovic has got right choice that we both made. a heart of steel. The Serbian “He had a great relationship and dominatedU 2015 men’s tennis like only communication with Marian (Vajda, few could, but to do it in the same era as Djokovic’s other coach) and the rest Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, takes of the team from day one he joined some courage and determination. the team. He’s a very wise man, Sky seemed to be the limit for he’s very smart. He knows when to Djokovic as he won three major titles, communicate, what to say. He has a a record six Masters 1000 titles for an completely understanding of me and 82–6 record. The World No 1 reached my life, and he’s trying to help me as a the fi nal of every tournament he person and a player as much as he can. entered after January and ended 2015 I’m very grateful to have him on board with his fourth consecutive season- as everybody else on the team, and I ending championship triumph. think this kind of team has helped me to His dream run may have come when actually achieve such success in 2015,” Federer’s mastery is on wane or war- Djokovic said. horse but injury-ridden Nadal has Speaking of coaches, Federer has been on a comeback trail, but there is recently hired Ivan Ljubicic as his no denying the fact that Djokovic has coach, who is also a good friend of stepped on to a diff erent level than his Djokovic. Though he said it would be contemporaries. weird to see Ljubicic in Federer’s player So what does 2016 hold for Djokovic? box, but Djokovic only wished his Will he be looking to become the fi rst friend good luck. player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win “Yes. Honestly, yes (to see Ljubicic all four Grand Slams in a single season? with Federer). But, you know, again, Then there is Rio Olympics too, where it’s normal. We are all professionals he would be gunning for gold, having Novak Djokovic practices on the eve of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma and Ivan was No 3 in the world. He had to settle for bronze at 2008 was a Davis Cup winner and somebody Olympics in Beijing. three Grand Slams. I’m sure Roger and After sweeping through titles last recuperate. But he said the time spent to keep my thoughts off the game. that has played in a few diff erent It could also be that he would slip Rafa have experienced that, as well, year would it be hard to motivate with family has given him fresh energy. Tennis season is the longest we have generations. I played against him a few from these stratospheric heights! Back a few times,” said Djokovic as he sat himself? “It’s not the fi rst time that “Well, for me, recovery is as in sport, so there is not much time in times. He knows my game. He knows in 2011, Djokovic had a wonderful run, down with journalists here in Doha I’m encountering this particular important as the work, as the training those weeks where you can actually the game of all of Roger’s opponents. as he won three Grand Slam titles, like ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, situation where I have to re-motivate that I put in. I think the right balance allow yourself this luxury of thinking I think that’s one of the reasons why in 2015, barring the French Open, which which begins today. myself, start from scratch, start from and understanding to put in the quality something and doing something else,” Roger has hired Ivan to be with him in has eluded him so far. But for the next “You know, it’s Olympic year, as well. beginning. The fact that we all have the and intensity of working rather than Djokovic explained. the team. three years, Djokovic could only claim Of course Grand Slams and Olympic same starting point, I think it does give quantity of hours spent on the court It was two years ago that Djokovic “Whether it’s going to work or not, one Grand Slam a year each. Games are the priority of the season, but me a certain kind of excitement because is something that was always part of approached Boris Becker, the six-time that’s something that is left to see for The Serbian will turn 29 this May, it’s a long season so I can’t really predict it’s a long season ahead. You have to our kind of approach and philosophy Grand Slam champion, to become all of us, but I wish them all the best. the age which is considered the best for what’s going to happen or guarantee if take the best out of the season that I as a team. Also the fact that I have his head coach. Since then, he has I think Ivan is a great guy, very calm, modern day tennis and Djokovic is quite I’m going to win any of the Grand Slams have had in 2015 and try to use that as played so many matches, you know, reclaimed the No 1 ranking and added very composed, and I’m sure Roger aware of the hype and expectations or all four Grand Slams. Of course I’m confi dence or incentive for this one. has obviously got me very tired, you four more Slams to his record, taking knows why he hired him. I still consider surrounding him. going to try to win every tournament You know, that’s the kind of approach,” know, mentally and physically and his tally to 10. Djokovic says his gamble Federer, (Andy) Murray, and Nadal as “I understand that those and every Grand Slam that I play in, Djokovic off ered. emotionally. I needed to recharge on all to hire the former world number one my biggest competitors, but of course speculations are in place because of because that’s the kind of mindset that To keep himself in top shape for a of these aspects. German has earned dividends. they are not the only ones who are going the season I had in 2015. I had a similar I have. I try to be optimistic rather than long, hard haul would be important for “I had a couple of weeks off , time “Boris has obviously contributed a to challenge me and everybody else for experience after 2011. I managed to win pessimistic,” he said. Djokovic, having only had six weeks to to spend with my family and try lot mostly from the mental perspective the major titles,” Djokovic signed off . Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2016 3 CRICKET

REPORT Australia’s spinners peg Windies back in Sydney rain ‘It’s a big challenge for me, it’s spinning pretty big and it’s got decent bounce. I’m enjoying that challenge right now’

Reuters Sydney

ustralia’s spinners Nathan Lyon and Stephen O’Keefe took key wickets between rainA showers to peg West Indies back to 207 for six at the end of a weather-disrupted opening day of the dead rubber third Test yesterday. More than two hours and 45 minutes of play were lost to rain in a stop-start day at the Syd- ney Cricket Ground, where the tourists fell away in the early evening gloom after winning the toss and making a solid start. Denesh Ramdin, unbeaten on 23, and Carlos Brathwaite (35 not out) will resume on day two if the forecast heavy rain stays away. The hosts had rolled the dice on the twin spin attack at the SCG for the fi rst time in a dec- ade and got their reward when Lyon and O’Keefe got plenty of turn off a straw-coloured wick- et. Off -spinner Lyon (2-68) produced a stunning delivery that pitched wide and turned in to take the bail off Jermaine Blackwood’s off stump for 10 and returned after the second rain break to remove dangerman Kraigg Brathwaite for 85. Left-arm orthodox spinner O’Keefe (1-42) then pitched in to have West Indies captain Ja- son Holder caught superbly at short leg by Joe Burns and claim his fi rst test wicket on Austral- ian soil. “It’s good fun to bowl on for spinners,” Lyon, who claimed his 100th test wicket in Aus- tralia, told reporters. “It’s a big challenge for me, it’s spinning pretty big and it’s got decent bounce. So it’s a challenge for me to try and hit the stumps. I’m enjoying that challenge right now.” Trailing 2-0 in the three- West Indies batsman Kraigg Brathwaite ducks under a bouncer from match series after thumping de- Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) feats in Hobart and Melbourne, West Indies had started the day SCOREBOARD by building on their improved batting performance in the sec- WEST INDIES 1st innings ond test. K. Brathwaite c Smith b Lyon ...... 85 After the early loss of open- S. Hope c Nevill b Hazlewood ...... 9 er Shai Hope (nine), Kraigg Australian bowler Nathan Lyon (C) celebrates his 100th Test wicket on Australian soil after captain Steve Smith caught out West Indies batsman D. Bravo c Khawaja b Pattinson ...... 3 Brathwaite and Darren Bravo Kraigg Brathwaite during the third Test at the SCG in Sydney yesterday. (Reuters) M. Samuels run out (Hazlewood) ...... 4 (33) looked in fi ne nick as they J. Blackwood b Lyon ...... 10 ushered the tourists to lunch at ship and brought Marlon Samu- crease as Peter Nevill broke the brought up his eighth test half- Steve Smith at slip. D. Ramdin not out ...... 23 92 for one. els to the crease looking to break stumps. century just before lunch by “I think the spinners bowled J. Holder c Burns n O’Keefe...... 1 Australia’s bowlers emerged his run of eight test innings After a long glare at his part- clipping all-rounder Mitchell well, it is just about trusting C. Brathwaite not out ...... 35 from the break re-energised, without getting to the 20-run ner, Samuels headed back to the Marsh past long leg for two runs your defence and backing your Extras (b5, lb1, nb1) ...... 7 however, and James Pattinson mark. pavilion with four runs to his off the 78th ball he faced. shots and you can score,” said Total (6 wickets; 75 overs) ...... 207 got the breakthrough when Bra- He failed in farcical fash- name and the rest of the play- He fell 15 runs shy off his fi fth the 23-year-old Bajan. Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Hope), 2-104 (Bravo), 3-115 (Samuels), 4-131 vo’s miscued pull sent the ball ion looking for a quick single ers and umpires followed in his test century when Lyon got a “(But) on a fi rst day pitch (Blackwood), 5-159 (K. Brathwaite), 6-159 (Holder) fl ying to Usman Khawaja run- that always looked like a gam- wake as heavy rain came down little bit of extra bounce to a de- that spins like that, once we get Bowling: Hazlewood 12-2-35-1, Pattinson 13-2-41-1 (1nb), Lyon 32- ning in from the deep. ble, left stranded when Kraigg on the ground. livery which caught the open- a score above 300, we put our- 11-68-2, Marsh 4-1-15-0, O’Keefe 14-4-42-1 That broke a 91-run partner- Brathwaite scuttled back to his Kraigg Brathwaite had er’s glove and was snaffl ed up by selves in a good position.”

SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka World Cup skipper loses board vote Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning comment from the Ranatunga Big Bash tie attracts 80,000 to MCG skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and brothers, both of whom had his younger brother Nishantha previously held top positions suff ered humiliating defeats at Sri Lanka Cricket. Reuters yesterday in elections for the Sri Lanka’s then-sports min- Melbourne country’s cricket board. ister Navin Dissanayake had Arjuna, who led Sri Lanka to its sacked the previous board last only World Cup victory in 1996, April amid allegations of ram- he growing appeal of Australia’s domestic Twenty20 sought the position of vice pant corruption and appointed Big Bash League was underlined when more than president but lost by 22 votes an interim committee pending 80,000 fans turned up at the Melbourne Cricket to businessman Jayantha fresh elections. However, his Ground (MCG) for a match on Saturday night. Dharmadasa, according to of- move was criticised by the TThe crowd attracted to Australia’s biggest arena for Mel- ficial results. sport’s world governing body bourne derby between the Renegades and the Stars surpassed His brother Nishantha Rana- the International Cricket Coun- the previous record of 52,637 before a ball was bowled and tunga stood for president cil, which had insisted that Sri 80,883 came through the gates in total. of crisis-ridden Sri Lanka Lanka Cricket hold elections. Stars coach Stephen Fleming, whose team won the match Cricket but lost by 32 votes to Cricket clubs aff iliated to the by seven wickets, thought the attendance would send “shock- businessman and politician island’s governing body were waves” around the cricketing world. Thilanga Sumathipala. eligible to vote Sunday and to “There’s a lot of talk about the diff erent formats of the game There was no immediate elect new off ice-holders. but when you’re getting crowds of 80,000, it’s sending a pretty strong message,” he told reporters. “It’s something I’m sure a lot of people will be taking notice of and looking to plot the future. “It’s just extraordinary where this competition is going. You’ve got quality cricket but the crowd support... it’s astonishing.” The eight-team Big Bash League was started by Cricket Australia in 2011 and has grown steadily in popularity over its fi rst fi ve seasons. Cheap tickets and the New Year’s holiday weekend cer- tainly contributed to Saturday’s bumper crowd but the poor fare available in the more traditional test programme this year would also have helped. Australia hammered West Indies in the fi rst two matches of their ongoing series and Saturday’s crowd easily surpassed New president of Sri Lanka Cricket Thilanga Sumathipala (R) the 53,389 for the fi rst day of the Boxing Day test at the MCG, speaks during a press conference in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) which traditionally attracts the biggest crowd of the year. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 4, 2016 CRICKET

REPORT Stokes blasts brilliant 258 as England make SA suff er Stokes scores fastest 250 in Test history, records 399-run sixth-wicket partnership with Jonny Bairstow

By MIke Selvey The Guardian

ometimes it pays to just fasten the seat belt, sit back and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it has been.S In to bat on a hat-trick, Ben Stokes produced an innings that will for ever sit in the memory of those fortunate enough to have been at Newlands, and many who were not, so that by the time he was run out, in slightly comi- cal fashion, an hour after lunch, after AB de Villiers had dropped a vertical mishit at mid-on, he had made 258, the highest score by an England batsman against South Africa. As if that, in itself, tells a sto- ry of a remarkable innings that went from strength to strength, the stroke play becoming in- creasingly outrageous and care- free until the bowling looked ut- terly bereft under the onslaught. It was quite possibly the most brutally destructive innings that any England batsman has ever played, the records tumbling by the minute, it seemed. For almost fi ve hours of his innings, during which the pair constructed a partnership of 399, the highest for the sixth wicket in Test history, Stokes had a companion even more fl ame- haired than he. On any other day, Jonny Bairstow’s maiden Test century would be the story of the day, a beautiful innings so wrapped in emotion that there were tears of joy and sadness mixed when he lambasted the square cut that took him to three fi gures, and looked to the azure sky above from where his father, David, might have been watch- ing, ruddy-faced, chest-puff ed chuff ed for his lad. Peter Roebuck once said that he felt his role as a Somer- England’s Benjamin Stokes celebrates scoring a double century during the day two of the second Test against between South Africa at England’s Jonny Bairstow celebrates after scoring 150 runs against set batsman was to stay in long Newlands stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday. (AFP) South Africa in Cape Town yesterday. (AFP) enough to prevent Viv Richards and Ian Botham batting together Botham blown away by ‘magnifi cent’ Stokes deliveries Virender Sehwag’s men out was tried and found lest it degenerate into a hitting mark for the second fastest. SCOREBOARD wanting, and the off -spinner contest and it was to Bairstow’s England great Ian Botham hailed a “magnificent” display by Ben By lunch Stokes had reached ENGLAND first innings Dane Piedt must have off ered immense credit now that until Stokes after the Durham all-rounder smashed his record for the fast- 204, which meant 130 runs for (overnight 317-5) up a prayer with every delivery the very end, when a declaration est England double century against South Africa. him in a two-hour session, a rate A. Cook c Morris b Rabada ...... 27 he sent. was imminent and the bowling Stokes, 24, reached the milestone from 163 balls on the second day of scoring in the fi rst session that A. Hales c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 60 All four main bowlers con- was on its knees, he resisted the of the second Test in Cape Town on Sunday, obliterating Botham’s no batsman has ever managed in N. Compton c Bavuma b Rabada ...... 45 ceded in excess of 100 runs, with temptation to try to cling on to mark of 220, set against India in 1982. a Test. Beyond the interval, once J. Root c De Kock b Morris ...... 50 Morris on debut taking one for the coattails of Stokes and match Stokes was eventually run out for 258 — the highest ever Test score Bairstow had reached his own J. Taylor c De Kock b Rabada ...... 0 150 and Rabada three for 175. him, rather allowing himself to by a number six batsman—as England declared on 629-6. hundred, from 161 balls with 12 B. Stokes run out (De Villiers) ...... 258 The declaration allowed be towed along nicely in the slip- Analysing the match for Sky Sports, Botham said: “It was magnifi- fours, the bat was fl ung at every- J. Bairstow not out ...... 150 England 43 overs at South Af- stream, under the radar almost. cent, one of the best examples of Test cricket I’ve seen in a long thing by both batsmen. M. Ali not out ...... 0 rica and, as local knowledge had It was, though, an immense time. When he had 138 Bairstow Extras (b12, lb6, nb8, w13) ...... 39 suggested, there was not the innings from him, the fi rst hun- “Ben Stokes is box off ice. We knew he’d got it, and this is the tip of was dropped at long-off by Total (6 wkts dec, 125.5 overs) ...... 629 same sprightliness in the pitch dred by an England keeper since the iceberg. He’ll get it wrong once in a while, but he is a guy that Morne Morkel, who was cas- Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Cook), 2-129 (Hales), 3-167 (Compton), 4-167 on the second day. Matt Prior’s rearguard at Auck- wins matches, and they don’t come along very often. tigated by the crowd there- (Taylor), 5-223 (Root), 6-622 (Stokes) There was an early success land three years ago, and one “You’re just king of the castle. No boundary’s big enough, no after. Meanwhile Stokes was Bowling: Morkel 29-5-114-1 (1nb, 1w), Morris 28-3-150-1, Rabada 29.5-2- for England when Stiaan van Zyl that will have established his bowler’s quick enough. It really is a moment to enjoy.” adding to his six count, pull- 175-3 (7nb, 4w), Piedt 25-5-112-0, Van Zyl 10-0-43-0, Elgar 4-0-17-0 was run out in a mix-up with right to the No7 in the England Stokes’s innings was also the second-fastest double ton in Test ing a second ball not just over SOUTH AFRICA first innings Dean Elgar but it looked as if it order. With the confi dence of history, surpassed only by Nathan Astle’s record of 153 balls for New the boundary but out of the D. Elgar c Compton b Stokes ...... 44 would be hard work for England knowing that, there will surely Zealand against England in 2002. ground, over the railway and S. van Zyl run out (Compton) ...... 4 to make inroads. come advancement in his keep- Former England opener Geoff rey Boycott said: “All those thousands into the Castle brewery be- H. Amla not out ...... 64 It took Stokes (it had to be) to ing, for this is a considerable of England supporters who’ve come out here for a bit of a holiday, a yond, for the 10th of his in- A. de Villiers not out ...... 25 end a second-wicket stand of cricketer who has worked hard bit of sunshine, see some cricket—you’ve seen something special.” nings, which equalled Walter Extras (lb2, w2) ...... 4 78 between Elgar and Hashim and patiently to earn his stripes. Hammond’s England record Total (2 wkts, 43 overs) ...... 141 Amla, when his ferocity saw With Stokes gone, Alastair Cook for an innings, and then blasted Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Van Zyl), 2-85 (Elgar) Elgar splice a short ball to back- allowed him the luxury of reach- overs of a day that was to produce exhibition of butchery, the ball the next ball, also from the un- Bowling: Anderson 9-2-24-0, Broad 9-2-32-0, Ali 9-1-30-0, Finn 9-1-30- ward point, where Nick Comp- ing 150 before the declaration an additional 312 for England at a carved, cut, thrashed, driven, fortunate Kagiso Rabada, over 0, Root 1-0-3-0, Stokes 6-1-20-1 (2w). ton made good ground to take and a sprint from the fi eld. rate of eight runs per over, a speed and having the daylights belted long-on to claim that record for the catch. Stokes and Bairstow had al- that no side has ever managed in a out of it. It took him 35 balls to his own as well. England should have added ready dug England out of a hole day’s play of more than 200 runs. go from 100 to 150, the fast- It was only attempting a third and hurl down the wicket. balls were pulled mercilessly. the further wicket of De Villiers, on the previous evening, with 150 It took Stokes a dozen deliver- est for England, and a further six for the over that he skied The South Africa bowlers, all The idea of reverting to pow- who when fi ve edged Jimmy An- runs coming in the fi nal session. ies only to go from his overnight 28 to reach 200, 163 balls in all, massively to mid-on, where De of them, had been brutalised, er-play white-ball tactics seems derson waist high to Joe Root at How, then, would they consoli- 74 to his third Test hundred, the which left him shy of Nathan Villiers waited and waited and but how to bowl at or contain compelling, especially as Chris second slip. But the catch burst date this on the second day. Fresh fi rst by an England batsman at Astle’s fastest ever double hun- then fumbled the catch. Stokes, such an onslaught? Try your best Morris is seen as a short-form through to the boundary. South guard, assess the conditions, start Newlands since MJK Smith in dred, from 153 balls, scored though, had been ball-watching ball, or yorker? Do your utmost specialist, but England were Africa closed on 141 for two, over? Stokes answered this by hit- 1965. against England in Christchurch rather than running, and the to get the batsman off strike? scoring at white-ball rate al- with Amla on 64 and de Villiers ting fi ve boundaries in the fi rst two Now his innings became an in 2002, but it bettered by three fi elder was able to gather the ball Length balls disappeared, short ready. A bouncer barrage with 25. Ominous.

Scottish police investigate death of Sussex player Hobden The sudden death of a 22-year-old country cricket star in Kevin Shine, the lead fast-bowling coach of the English several useful innings with the bat, we were perhaps less a small Scottish town hundreds of miles from his Sussex and Wales cricket board, said: “As a player, I remember, surprised than many by his part in the record-breaking home is being investigated by local police. the first time I saw him, just thinking ‘wow’. He was the 10th wicket stand for Sussex in 2015.” Matthew Hobden, a Sussex fast bowler and England strongest, most powerful cricketer I’ve ever seen on that Its statement added: “A big, ever smiling, ever joyful prospect, died in the Forres area on the northern Scottish programme – up there with elite athletes from diff erent young lad, the very definition of popular, he was always coast on Saturday, Police Scotland said. sports. His potential was huge, he was improving rapidly a delight to be around. Even with his career going from “The death of the male, who is believed to be from the and I’m certain that he would have played for England. strength to strength he always had time for us all. Sussex area, is currently being treated as unexplained,” “But for all that, my overriding memory of Matt will be of “That we will not see how far his talent will take him is a statement from the force said. “Enquiries are at a very his character: he was a wonderful lad. It’s devastating for a heartbreaking injustice. That no one will get to spend early stage but there are not thought to be any suspi- all who knew him to have lost him so young.” time with Matt again is too awful for words. We are cious circumstances. A report will be sent to the procura- Preston Nomads cricket club, for whom Hobden had devastated for his parents, brothers, loved ones, friends, tor fiscal as is usual procedure.” played from 2012, even as he made progress with the team-mates.” Sussex mourn death of fast bowler Matthew Hobden Sussex county side, paid their own tribute. In a statement on Saturday, Sussex county cricket club aged 22 England’s Test team, playing South Africa in “The Big Matt Hobden (BMH) arrived with the talents, and had said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear Cape Town, wore black armbands as a mark of respect on a trajectory, that made it clear he was destined for of Hobden’s death. following the death of a player who was regarded as a the upper reaches of the professional arena. So it swiftly “Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future international prospect. proved, playing for Cardiff MCCU from 2013 and signing future ahead of him in the game. He was a fantastic indi- Fellow professionals, including Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, and his first professional contract in 2014, which necessarily vidual who had progressed through Sussex’s youth and Paul Collingwood, were among those who mourned his reduced his availability for our 1st XI to a handful more academy ranks, having been born locally in Eastbourne. loss. He had been named in the fast-bowling group for outings. Though our time with the BMH was brief, it was “He made his first-class debut for Sussex in 2014 and had the Potential England Performance Programme late last brilliant. His performance with the ball was at times hos- represented the county across all three formats over the year. tile to the point of brutal and, having seen him contribute past two seasons. He will be greatly missed.” Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2016 5 SPORT

EQUESTRIAN/AL RAYYAN INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP Saudi’s Khalid triumphs ahead of Qatar’s Bassem Two-time Global Champions Tour winner Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia comes third with Lintea Tequila in 44.99 seconds

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar’s Bassem Hassan Mo- hamed lost out to the experi- ence of Khaled al-Eid, as the Saudi Arabian veteran rider wonQ the marquee and fi nal event at the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation outdoor arena, al-Eid riding 14-year- old Senorita put on a splendid show to win the Two Rounds, Art. 273.3.3.2 + 4.3 - 145 -160 cm, on the fi nal night of the championship. Al-Eid is a bronze medallist in indi- vidual jumping from the 2000 Olym- pics and he used that experience to eke out a comfortable victory in 43.45 sec- onds on a cold evening. The triumph was all the more memorable for him, as it came a day after he turned 47. The Saudi Arabian collected 186,000 Qatari riyals for his eff ort. For Bassem, who stood fi rst at last week’s Qatar International Champi- onship, it was a commendable eff ort to come second as it will keep him in a good stead in the Olympic year. Last night, Bassem was back in his 11-year- old The Toymaker, who had surged to victory in the last event, but the pair were unable to beat al-Eid’s time and fi nished clear in 44.37 seconds. Bassem was richer by 148,000 riyals on the night. Two-time Global Champions Tour winner Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia came third with Lintea Te- quila in 44.99 seconds for a pursue of 111,600 riyals. Qatar had great start to the day, as its riders swept the podium in the One round against the clock , Art. 238.2.1 - 120cm. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi and his able ally Jessico 4 etched another win, while Mohamad al-Ghazali (Caresse M G) and Jaber Rashid al-Amri (What A Lady Van De Smis) came second and third respectively. In the One Round + Winning Round, Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 - 145cm, Jordan’s Ibra- him Hani Bisharat (Brown Sugar) took top spot. Ales Opatrny (VDL Fakir) of Czech Republic was second, while Winner Khaled al-Eid (centre) of Saudi Arabia, runner-up Bassem Hassan Mohamed (left) of Qatar and third-placed Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia pose on the podium after the final event of the Al Rayyan Bassem (Paddys Darco) came third. International Show Jumping Championship at the Qatar Equestrian Federation. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi

Results One round against the clock , Art. 238.2.1 - 120cm 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) Jessico 4. Time: 49.09 secs. Prize money: QAR 2,812 2 Mohamed al-Ghazali (Qatar) Caresse M G. 50.43 secs. QAR 2,250 3. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Qatar) What A Lady Van De Smis. 51.13 secs. QAR 1,687 One round against the clock , Art. 238.2.1 - 130/135 cm 1. Ali al-Khorafi (Kuwait) Cheril. Time: 55.10 secs. Prize money: QAR 5,062 2. Khaled Almobty (Saudi Arabia) Aloha. 56.36 secs. QAR 4,050 3. Naser al-Shawwaf (Saudi Arabia) Fulla. 61.40 secs. QAR 3,037 One Round + Winning Round, Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 - 145cm 1. Ibrahim Hani Bisharat (Jordan) Brown Sugar. Time: 40.09 secs. Prize money: QAR 30,525 2. Ales Opatrny (Czech Republic) VDL Fakir. 42.63 secs. QAR 24,420 3. Bassem Hassan Mohamed (Qatar) Paddys Darco. 42.66 secs. QAR 18,315 Two Rounds, Art. 273.3.3.2 + 4.3 - 145 -160 cm 1. Khaled al-Eid (Saudi Arabia) Senorita. Time: 43.45 secs. Prize money: QAR 186,000 2. Bassem Hassan Mohamed (Qatar) The Toymaker. 44.37 seccs. QAR: 148,800 3. Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) Lintea Tequila. 44.99 secs. QAR 111,600. Qatar riders swept the podium in the one round against the clock , Art. 238.2.1 - 120cm.

Ooredoo sponsors Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016 Es’hailSat announces its sponsorship of

Ooredoo will be one of the sponsors Mobil Open is always an ideal way As well as providing an inspir- Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016 for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016, to showcase the sport in the State ing sporting spectacle, the Qatar Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, is Cup 2014 coverage for prestigious broad- which runs from January 4 to 9. of Qatar. QTF is pleased to continue ExxonMobil Open also has a Public proud to announce its Gold sponsorship caster beIN SPORTS. With one satellite Some of the tennis world’s leading its relationship with Ooredoo and Village, VIP Village, and Kids Zone, to of the prestigious Qatar ExxonMobil Open – Es’hail-1 - in orbit and a second satellite – players will arrive in Qatar in Janu- their support is of great value to the ensure that everyone can enjoy an 2016 hosted by the Qatar Tennis Federation Es’hail-2 - scheduled for launch in Q4 2016, ary – including world No.1 Novak tournament. The tournament gets incredible sporting experience. Visi- (QTF). The tournament is taking place in Es’hailSat continues to build its capabilities Djokovic, world No. 5 Rafael Nadal, stronger every year starting from tors will be able to use a full range of Doha from January 4 to 9. in broadcasting diversified and high quality world No. 6 Tomas Berdych and de- the field of play, to the organising services on the Ooredoo Supernet to Es’hail-1, Qatar’s first satellite which is premium content with anti-jamming capa- fending champion David Ferrer – to of the event, and our association share selfies, moments and photos located at the 25.5/26°E TV hotspot will bilities across the Mena region. take part in the first major tourna- with well established brands such as from the event. broadcast the tournament live and in HD Es’hailSat’s CEO Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari, said: ment of the year. Ooredoo will be Ooredoo who are a gold sponsors.” Tickets are available at www. from Doha throughout the satellite cover- “This is the third year we have sponsored the telecommunications partner for Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, Chief qatartennis.org and at City Center, age spanning the whole Middle East and the prestigious Qatar ExxonMobil Open. the event, providing media areas Operating Off icer of Ooredoo Qatar, Lagoona, Landmark and the Kha- North Africa (Mena) region. The extended viewership of the tourna- and off ices with world-class global said: “Ooredoo supports a full range lifa International Tennis & Squash With more than 300 million viewers in the ment in our core market, the Mena region, connectivity, and supporting visitors of sports, because we know that Complex. Ooredoo sponsors a broad Mena region, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open is a great opportunity to build awareness and fans with incredible 3G, 4G sport inspires people to pursue range of sports and healthy living 2016 is yet another important sporting for Es’hailSat and our broadcasting capabil- and 4G broadband services on the healthy lifestyles. The Qatar Exxon- initiatives throughout the year, and tournament brought to the Mena audi- ities. The tournament itself is also the right Ooredoo Supernet. Mobil Open brings world-class ten- is set to host the fourth Ooredoo ences via Es’hail-1. premium content that we seek to broad- Nasser al-Khelaifi, QTF President and nis to Doha every year, and we are Marathon on 8 January 2016, as Es’hailSat has a history of broadcasting cast through our existing and planned fleet Chairman of the Higher Organising delighted to be working once again the company encourages people to prestigious sporting events, including the of satellites from the 25.5/26°E broadcast Committee said: “The Qatar Exxon- with the Qatar Tennis Federation.” get fit. Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi. English Premier League and the FIFA World hotspot.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 4, 2016 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Duncan held Veteran NBA referee scoreless but Crawford to retire

DPA Spurs still perfect Los Angeles

As Duncan has gotten older, new stars have arrived for the Spurs oey Crawford, who has offi ciated more NBA Fi- nals games than any active referee, will retire at the endJ of this season, according to a published report. “I’m done,” the 64-year-old Crawford told the Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Daily Times. “It just comes to the point where you say, ‘I don’t want to make a fool out of myself.’” In his 39th season as an NBA referee, Crawford has not yet nonsense approach and stubborn worked a game this season as he personality, which has won the recovers from knee surgery. He respect of players and coaches is hoping to return in March and but has occasionally gotten him work through the playoff s. into trouble. Late in the 2006-07 According to the NBA Referees season, he ejected San Antonio Media Guide, Crawford has of- Spurs’ forward Tim Duncan for fi ciated 2,556 regular season laughing while on the bench. games, making him one of just The NBA suspended Crawford six referees to work at least 2,000 for the rest of the regular season games. and the postseason. Commis- Crawford also has offi ciated sioner David Stern said Crawford 344 playoff games, including 50 “failed to meet the standards of fi nals. He was one of 12 referees professionalism and game man- to work last year’s NBA Finals, an agement.” assignment based on merit fol- That was the only year since lowing evaluation by the league. 1985 that Crawford has not Crawford, a Philadelphia na- worked the NBA Finals. tive, said he wanted to end his Crawford’s brother is veteran career on a high note. Major League Baseball umpire “I don’t want to be reffi ng just Jerry Crawford. His father is for the sake of reffi ng.” retired baseball umpire Shag Crawford is known for his no- Crawford.

Eagles interview Staley for coach’s job

The Philadelphia Eagles an- Haslam about the coaching staff nounced Saturday that they and was told that a decision interviewed former running would not be made until after back Duce Staley for their head the game and after a possible coaching job. move in the personnel depart- Staley, who is the team’s running ment on Monday. backs coach, was interviewed General manager Ray Farmer Friday. The job opened up after is also on the hot seat. In their Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives past Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) during the second quarter of their game at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday. the team fired Chip Kelly earlier two years together, Pettine and this week. Farmer have gone 10-21, includ- DPA signed as a free agent in the off -season, row and 11 of 12 overall, with the only loss a Sacramento Kings 142, Phoenix Off ensive coordinator Pat Shur- ing losses in 17 of their last 20 Los Angeles made 10-of-16 shots and added nine re- Christmas setback to the Rockets. Dwight Suns 119: DeMarcus Cousins scored mur is the Eagles’ interim coach games after the Browns started bounds. Leonard, the 2014 NBA Finals Howard had 22 points and 12 rebounds 32 points as the host Kings gave coach for Sunday’s finale against the 7-4 a year ago. Most Valuable Player, was 8-of-12, in- for Houston (16-19), which has lost four George Karl his 1,155th career win, tying New York Giants. Team owner ven when Tim Duncan goes cluding 2-of-2 three-pointers. straight since beating San Antonio. him with Phil Jackson for fi fth on the all- Jeff rey Lurie said after firing Green Bay Packers cornerback scoreless, the San Antonio Spurs “These are new players for (Aldridge), “We’re in a tough position right now,” time list. The reeling Suns have lost eight Kelly that Shurmur is a candidate Sam Shields (concussion) has are unbeatable at home. new off ense, new defense - everything is Harden said. in a row. for the permanent job. been downgraded for Sun- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24 diff erent,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich Golden State Warriors 111, Denver Indiana Pacers 94, Detroit Pistons 82: Staley, 40, is believed to be a day’s clash with the Minnesota Epoints and Kawhi Leonard added 22 on said. “It’s diffi cult to do in your fi rst year. Nuggets 108 (OT): The Warriors wel- Paul George scored 21 of his 32 points favorite to become the head Vikings. Saturday night as the Spurs overcame the A lot of guys take a whole year to get used comed back superstar Stephen Curry, in the fourth quarter and added 14 re- coach. He played seven seasons The change in status leaves fi rst scoreless game of Duncan’s career to that. I think he’s been remarkable in then lost him to a shin injury and barely bounds as the host Pacers stopped a with the Eagles. Shields in danger of missing his and routed the Houston Rockets, 121-103, catching on to this quickly.” held on to improve to 16-0 at home. Dray- two-game skid. The Pistons have lost third consecutive game. to remain perfect at home. San Antonio held a 60-55 halftime lead mond Green had 29 points, 17 rebounds four of fi ve. Cleveland Browns head coach The Packers also upgraded nose France’s Boris Diaw scored 20 points off and broke it open in the third quarter, and 14 assists for Golden State. Italy’s New Orleans Pelicans 105, Dallas Mike Pettine has received no tackle B.J. Raji (concussion) and the bench for the Spurs (29-6), who im- when Aldridge scored 11 points, Ginobili Danilo Gallinari scored 24 points for the Mavericks 98: Anthony Davis collected assurances from owner Jimmy linebacker Mike Neal (hip) to proved to 20-0 at the AT&T Center. San had eight and Leonard and Diaw added six Nuggets, losers of fi ve straight. 31 points and 14 rebounds for the visiting Haslam about his future and probable. Antonio tied the 1985-86 Houston Rock- apiece for a 96-72 advantage entering the Cleveland Cavaliers 104, Orlando Pelicans. German juggernaut Dirk Nowit- could be coaching his final game ets for the second-best home start by a fi nal period. Magic 79: LeBron James scored 29 points zki scored 24 points for the Mavericks. Sunday against the Pittsburgh Seattle Seahawks running back Western Conference team. “(Diaw) makes it look very easy,” Spurs in three quarters for the host Cavaliers, Utah Jazz 92, Memphis Grizzlies 87 Steelers. Marshawn Lynch, who will miss This was the 39-year-old Duncan’s guard Danny Green said. “LaMarcus calls who beat the Magic for the third time this (OT): Rodney Hood scored a career-high NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport report- his seventh straight game follow- 1,360th career game. The future Hall of him Tea Time because he looks like he is season. 32 points for the Jazz, who won for the ed that Pettine asked Haslam ing hernia surgery, is expected Famer had missed the last three contests - out there taking his time drinking tea. He Oklahoma City Thunder 109, Charlotte fi fth time in their last six home games. whether he would be back after to return to practice Monday one for rest and two due to knee soreness. is very eff ective.” Hornets 90: Kevin Durant had 29 points Brooklyn Nets 100, Boston Celtics 97: Sunday and the owner refused as the team prepares for the He started but played just 14 minutes, The Spurs also got a big game from and 13 rebounds for the visiting Thunder, Brook Lopez had 30 points and 13 boards to answer. playoff s. missing all three of his shots. Green, who hadn’t scored more than 11 who have won four straight games. Kemba for the visiting Nets, who beat the Celtics Haslam said in training camp he Head coach Pete Carroll indi- “It’s very unusual, of course,” said Spurs points in a game since Nov. 23. Green Walker scored 32 for the Hornets, losers of for the second time in three meetings this would not “blow it up” after this cated Friday that Lynch should guard Manu Ginobili of Argentina. “But scored 18 points - making six of San Anto- three in a row. season. season, but a 3-12 campaign has be rejoining the Seahawks next he didn’t play much. He hadn’t played in a nio’s season-high 13 three-pointers - and Los Angeles Clippers 130, Philadelphia Milwaukee Bucks 95, Minnesota Tim- led to speculation about Pet- week. Lynch has missed the week. If he’s playing until he’s 48, I guess helped hold James Harden to 17 points, 11 76ers 99: Austin Rivers scored a season-high berwolves 85: Greg Monroe had 19 points tine’s future. past six games after undergoing he’s gonna have that a couple more times.” below his average. 26 points as the Clippers won their sixth in a and 10 boards for the Bucks, who handed According to Cleveland.com surgery to repair an abdomen As Duncan has gotten older, new stars “French Flash” Tony Parker had 10 as- row. The 76ers (3-33) went 2-4 on their road the Timberwolves their sixth setback in sources, Pettine talked to injury on Nov. 25. have arrived for the Spurs. Aldridge, sists for the Spurs, who have won four in a trip, tripling their win total. seven games.

BOTTOMLINE Fans vote Coyotes’ Scott to all-star game

AFP in his career, including twice in a two-month broadcasters. “I know some people are a little Scottsdale, Arizona span last season for attacking Tim Jackman of the nervous about me going, maybe not being able to Anaheim Ducks. handle the three-on-three and this and that, but During December hockey fans were able to cast I’ll be fi ne.” rizona Coyotes enforcer John Scott, their votes through the Internet for one player Kane fi nished fi rst among all players in the who has just one point while playing from each of the league’s four divisions, with the Central Division voting, while Jagr, who will turn part-time in the NHL this season, has top vote-getter for each division earning a spot 44 in February, topped the Atlantic, the league been voted into the all-star game and on the all-star roster as a division captain. As said in a news release on Saturday. Ovechkin led Awill captain the Pacifi c Division team. part of the new format to add excitement to the the Metropolitan. The hulking Scott, known more for using his game, the all-stars will take part in a three-game Kane supports allowing Scott to play. fi sts than scoring goals, benefi tted from a ballot- tournament, played in a three-on-three format. But several players, including Ottawa’s Erik stuffi ng campaign by Coyote fans in what some The push to get the lumbering 118 kilo (260 Karlsson and Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien, have critics say makes a mockery of the NHL’s deci- pounds) Scott into the three-on-three went viral expressed their displeasure with the new three- sion to allow fans to vote for players. and the result is that Scott, who scored just one on-three format. Jagr has said he would prefer Three other team captains were elected by goal in his fi rst fi ve NHL seasons, will line up as not to take part as it appears he was also a target fans—Chicago Blackhawks top scorer Patrick a team captain alongside Kane, who leads the of a Reddit- and Twitter-fueled campaign to dis- Kane, Washington Capitals leading goal scorer league in scoring with 56 points. tort the voting. Alex Ovechkin and 43-year-old Florida Panther “It was one of those things where at fi rst I Jagr joked that Scott’s inclusion makes him forward Jaromir Jagr. thought it was a joke and this and that,” said even more apprehensive. The 2.03 metre (6-foot-8) tough guy Scott has Scott. “Fans- I was afraid, that 3on3 all-Star game 542 penalty minutes and just 11 points in 285 ca- “But now it happened and I kind of have to go may kill me, now, I am more afraid, fi ghting John reer games. with it and have some fun with it and try to do Scott during All-Star, kill me for sure,” Jagr said He has been suspended three times by the NHL my best out there,” Scott told the Coyotes’ radio on Twitter. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2016 7 SPORT

NHL Sharks pay the penalty as Winnipeg Jets win 4-1 The Sharks do not play again until Thursday when they face Detroit, the only five-day break between home games they have

Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets skates away from Melker Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose on Saturday.

Until Thursday, they’ll have a ton to to cut the Jets’ lead to 2-1, and that was fed Drew Staff ord for his 12th goal of the part of the team’s penalty kill unit for the By Curtis Pashelka Results San Jose Mercury News stew on with this one. quickly followed by penalty to Winni- season. time being. The Sharks converted one of fi ve peg’s Toby Enstrom for tripping Tommy Since the start of December, the DeBoer and Jets coach Paul Maurice, Colorado ...... 0 Calgary ...... 4 power-play chances, as their lone goal Wingels. Sharks have given up the fi rst goal in fi ve friends since they started to play jun- San Jose ...... 1 Winnipeg ...... 4 ust because the calendar turned came from Brent Burns with 10:37 left But the Sharks failed to capitalize of six home games. ior hockey together in the mid-1980s, Toronto ...... 4 St. Louis ...... 1 to 2016 doesn’t mean the San Jose in the second period. Otherwise, the on the ensuing power play, then took Logan Couture was playing in second faced each other as coaches in the NHL Tampa Bay ...... 3 Minnesota ...... 2 (SO) Sharks left behind all of the is- Sharks were unable to generate much a needless penalty of their own with straight game after he missed nearly for the 23rd time Saturday. Maurice, Florida ...... 3 NY Rangers ...... 0 sues that plagued them on home sustained pressure at even strength, as 5:31 left in the second when Justin three weeks recovering from surgery to 48, and DeBoer, 47, each have 11 wins New Jersey ...... 3 Dallas ...... 2 (OT) iceJ through the fi rst three months of the the pace of the game seemed to fi t the Braun sent the puck over the glass for stop bleeding in his right thigh. He had in the head-to-head matchups, which Pittsburgh ...... 5 NY Islanders ...... 2 season. Jets’ opportunistic style. a delay of game call. Just 26 seconds 15 minutes and 22 seconds of ice time in began in 2008-09 when DeBoer started Carolina ...... 1 Nashville ...... 2 (OT) Through a host of giveaways and a Martin Jones stopped 17 of 20 shots later, Mathieu Perreault sent a wrist Wednesday’s 4-2 Sharks win over the to coach in Florida and Maurice was al- Columbus ...... 5 Washington ...... 4 (SO) couple of unnecessary momentum-kill- before he was pulled for Alex Stalock to shot past Jones’ blocker for a 3-1 Jets Philadelphia Flyers. Nearly six minutes ready in Carolina. Edmonton ...... 4 Arizona ...... 3 (SO) ing penalties, the Sharks were again un- start the third period. It was the fourth lead. of that came when the Sharks were on “We’ve known each other since we Los Angeles...... 2 Philadelphia ...... 1 able to win a second consecutive game time this season Jones had been pulled The Sharks had to once again play the power play, as they were 3 for 6 with were 16, played junior together, coached Buff alo ...... 3 Detroit ...... 4 at SAP Center this season, giving up two by Sharks coach Pete DeBoer, either for from behind in a home game, as the Jets the man advantage. together,” DeBoer said Saturday morn- fi rst-period goals en route to a 4-1 loss performance or because DeBoer wanted scored a shorthanded goal with 6:46 left “The next day getting out of bed was ing. “It’s always good to catch up, but to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. to create a spark. in the fi rst period. a nice reminder that you’re back playing when the puck drops, there’s no doubt head coach when he was 29, had 538 The Sharks do not play again until It didn’t work Saturday, as the Sharks After taking a pass from Burns in- in the NHL and you’re body’s not going those two points are important to both wins in 17-plus seasons. Thursday when they face Detroit, the only dropped to 0-5 this season when trying side the Sharks’ zone, Joel Ward blindly to feel too good,” Couture said Satur- teams. There are no friends at that Sharks captain Joe Pavelski was fi ve-day break between home games they to win back-to-back games at home. threw a backhand pass toward the mid- day morning. DeBoer said he would still point.” named the team’s player of the month have this season. They then conclude their The Sharks appeared to have the mo- dle of the ice. The pass was tipped for- manage Couture’s minutes Saturday to a DeBoer had 235 career NHL coaching for December, as he led San Jose with fi ve-game homestand next Saturday af- mentum midway through the second ward by Jets center Blake Wheeler, who certain extent. The only limitation Cou- wins in seven-plus seasons before Sat- eight goals and 15 points in 12 games last ternoon against Toronto. period. Burns scored a power-play goal picked it up, eluded a sliding Burns and ture has right now is that he won’t be a urday. Maurice, who began as an NHL month.

BOTTOMLINE Seattle’s defense looking to tackle more records

By Bob Condotta considered among the best in NFL history. tied for 19th. Only New England has a lower ratio missed four overall, and cornerback Byron Max- The Seattle Times The Seahawks, for instance, led the league in of recovering the fumbles it has forced (9 of 22). well departed in free agency, replaced initially by fewest points allowed each of the past three sea- Seattle twice forced fumbles in the fourth Cary Williams. Williams struggled to adapt to sons, becoming just the third team in NFL his- quarter Sunday against the Rams but didn’t re- Seattle’s system, though, and was benched and omewhere along the way, the Seahawks’ tory to pull that off , never allowing more than the cover (even though the offi cials did at one point released. defense reached a point where it essen- 15.9 of 2014. Seattle still could become the fi rst announce that Earl Thomas had recovered one). “I feel like we are going good,” Wagner said. tially faces two opponents each week. team to allow the fewest points four years run- Teams that pressure more sometimes force “For us to be in the same range after losing people There’s the opponent it is trying to stop ning, having allowed eight more points than the more turnovers. The Seahawks, though, have every year I feel like it’s a testament to the type of Son the fi eld, and there’s the previous years’ ac- Bengals and one more than the Chiefs, and fi ve had success in the past getting a lot of turnovers players we have.”Though the Seahawks’ off ensive complishments it is trying to match or top. fewer than Denver and six fewer than Arizona. without blitzing much (just 21.4 percent in 2013). revival helped lead to a fi ve-game winning streak But by just about any measure, the Seahawks’ And each of the previous two years the Sea- Despite some early rumblings that new defensive that got them back in the playoff s, the uncertain defense has been one of the NFL’s best this sea- hawks led in the NFL in fewest yards allowed _ an coordinator Kris Richard might call a more ag- running game raises questions whether the of- son. average of 273.6 in 2013 and 267.1 in 2014. gressive game, Seattle’s blitz numbers are pretty fense can continue that surge in the postseason. With one game left in the regular season (albeit As Carroll also said this week, though, “Our much in line with what they were the previous And that means if the Seahawks are to go far in against Arizona, which has the NFL’s top-ranked expectations have been higher, and we’re going two years under Dan Quinn at 21.8, 26th in the the playoff s, they might again have to be led by off ense) the Seahawks rank among the league to continue to try to push those things back out NFL. their defense. leaders in every signifi cant category. there.” What’s been most noticeably diff erent this Cornerback Richard Sherman said when called Notably, the Seahawks are second in total de- The number that most bothers Carroll is the year has been uncharacteristic breakdowns at upon, the defense will respond as it has in previ- fense at 295.9 yards a game, third in points al- relative lack of turnovers. key times. They allowed 17 points to the Bengals ous seasons. lowed (18.1 per game), third in rushing defense The Seahawks have forced 19 this season, in the fi nal 12:18, and two 80-yard drives in the “It’s always the same,” Sherman said. “We (85.3 yards a game) and second in pass defense which ranks 22nd in the NFL _ 11 interceptions fi nal 8:08 against Carolina. That was the most limit people, we don’t give up a lot of yards. (210.6 yards per game). and eight forced fumbles. The Seahawks forced vexing of fi ve fourth-quarter leads Seattle has Whether the outside world realizes it or not is in- As Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said this week, 24 in 2014, 39 in 2013 and 31 in each of 2011 and blown this season. diff erent to us. Obviously, we’re always going to “There’s a lot of teams that would love to have 2012. They also allowed 480 passing yards to the be in top two, top three, number one most of the those kinds of numbers.” “I think the turnover thing has been really the Steelers, a day the Seahawks were bailed out by time in yards, scoring. I’m sure we’re top three in But each stat, though gaudy when considered big thing that isn’t as good as we’d like,” Carroll their off ense. Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner all of those, passing yards, rushing yards. People individually, is just a little bit off the numbers of said. notes that the Seahawks had to deal with some just lose that sometimes in a season. We just stay the previous two seasons, when the Seahawks Seattle actually has forced 18 fumbles, tied for change in personnel the past two seasons. Kam the course and continue to do what we’ve always reached the Super Bowl featuring a defense many Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. seventh in the NFL, but has recovered just eight, Chancellor held out the fi rst two games and has done.” Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 4, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS / HOPMAN CUP RUGBY Life’s not a beach for Carter as A disappointing Racing triumph

AFP confi dence boost after two con- Paris secutive home losses. Fast-rising fl anker Camille Gerondeau scored a brace of tries start to Hewitt’s an Carter admitted to to go along with a penalty try and shelving thoughts of a 18 points from the boot of France hot New Zealand beach fl y-half Camille Lopez while his as he battled driving South African counterpart with rainD and wind to lead Racing 92 Agen, Burton Francis, scored all of to the top of the Top 14 table in his side’s points. a hard-fought 23-18 victory over “That was very complicated Bordeaux-Begles. for us in the fi rst half playing fi nal season Carter was instrumental in against the wind,” said Clermont the win in his fi rst Top 14 start coach Franck Azema. ‘Hopefully I can come out for the rest of the week now’ at Stade Yves-du-Manoir in the “We knew it was important Parisian suburb of Colombes. to keep hold of the ball, play the AFP While the inclement weather percentages and try to make Perth, Australia might have been more winter in them commit fouls. Dunedin than springtime in Par- “We haven’t done anything is, a smart show and give from exceptional in winning at Agen, eteran Lleyton Hewitt’s farewell the Kiwi playmaker set up the others have done it before us, but Australian summer got off to a decisive try in the 53rd minute of it was important for us to do it to tough start when he was beaten a real slog of a match. stay on course. We would have by the Czech Republic’s Jiri Ves- Carter burst inside Felix Le liked the bonus point but we un- Vely at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Bourhis’ right shoulder, a one- fortunately conceded a try.” Perth yesterday. handed offl oad fi nding Brice Dulin In other games Saturday, The 34-year-old dual Grand Slam to break clear, the international Montpellier, featuring 11 for- winner, now ranked 307th in the world, full-back’s pass to Alexandre Du- eigners in the starting XV and a will retire after the upcoming Australian moulin gifting the centre a clear further fi ve on the eight-strong Open and showed some of his trademark run-in. bench, were edged 19-18 by grit to level his tie with the 41st-ranked A conversion and three quick Brive. Vesely by winning the second set in a lop- penalties from the World Rugby Fijian No 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, a sided tiebreak. Player of the Year sealed the win, veteran of three World Cups and However, the Czech bounced back to hooker Dimitri Szarzewski hav- a veritable journeyman of Euro- grab an early break of serve in the third ing scored Racing’s opening try. pean clubs, was in outstanding set and held that advantage to win, 6-3, Six penalties from Simon Hickey form for Brive, the home side 6-7 (1-7), 6-4. (4) and Lionel Beauxis (2) were all leapfrogging Montpellier into World number 11 Karolina Pliskova a combative Bordeaux side could sixth place in a congested mid- then secured the tie for the Czechs over muster. table. Australia Gold—one of two teams from “I’m not used to playing Grenoble put Oyonnax to the the host nation playing in the event—with through Christmas and New sword, running out bonus-point a comfortable 7-5, 6-3 win over Jarmila Year, I’m usually on the beach 42-17 winners, while La Rochelle Wolfe (nee Gajdosova) in the women’s in New Zealand! Bonne annee!” broke Castres’ four-match win- singles. Carter told Canal Plus. ning streak with a battling 25-21 In the dead mixed doubles rubber, the “Last week against Clermont victory. Czechs made it a clean sweep with a 6-2, was a big game for us (a 26-10 On Sunday, star-studded Tou- 7-5 win. victory), but it meant nothing if lon host Pau keen to bounce back Hewitt dismissed concerns about his we didn’t get the win this week. from a 31-8 thrashing at the hands left knee during the match against Vesely We’re very happy with the win.” of second-placed Toulouse, who and said he was on track for his fi nal Aus- Clermont moved into second take on struggling defending tralian Open appearance later this month. spot after running out 33-16 vic- champions Stade Francais in Paris “Jiri is a quality player and deserved tors over Agen, a much-needed in the day’s late game. to win, but it was just good to come out here for the fi rst game of the year and get Lleyton Hewitt of the Australia Gold team hits a return against Jiri Vesely (below) of the Czech Republic during their second session a tough match,” Hewitt said. men’s singles match on day one of the Hopman Cup in Perth yesterday. (AFP) “Hopefully I can come out for the rest Pavlyuchenkova upsets Swiss of the week now and get better from here game for the next decade. to get ready for the rest of the summer.” He achieved the only break of the fi rst seed in Brisbane Earlier in the day, precocious Austral- set, but the volatile Australian kept a cool ian Nick Kyrgios warmed up for an early head to regain control of the match. Russia’s Anastasia Pavly- The Slovakian was down 4-3 in season test against world number two “I felt as if it was a lucky break in the uchenkova caused the only the third set before storming Andy Murray with an impressive come- fi rst set (for Zverev), I played a couple of upset on the first day of the home to see off Wickmayer in from-behind win for Australia Green in a loose points,” the 30th-ranked Kyrgios season-opening Brisbane two hours and 11 minutes. men’s singles clash which gave a glimpse said. “I knew I just had to stay calm,” he International when she swept “Today I was really, really into the future. added. aside fifth-seeded Swiss Timea strong, especially mentally,” she Kyrgios, 20, who raised eyebrows with Daria Gavrilova beat a rusty Sabine Bacsinszky 6-2, 6-1 yesterday. said. “For the first match it was his on-court behaviour last year, was Lisicki in the women’s singles 6-2, 6-2, The powerful Russian took just tough because [in] these first too good for fellow young gun Alexander and Australia Green went on to achieve a over an hour to defeat Bacsin- tournaments of the season...you Zverev in a match played that played out clean sweep, winning the mixed doubles szky and set up a clash against never know what to expect.” at a frenetic pace. on a match tiebreak, 6-3, 4-6, 10-7. Frenchwoman Alize Cornet. Former Brisbane finalist Andrea Kyrgios dropped the fi rst set but Gavrilova, ranked 36th in the world, Cornet booked her place in the Petkovic of Germany was un- steamed through the second two to beat celebrated her fi rst appearance for Aus- second round when she beat troubled in her 6-1, 6-2 win over the teenage German in just over an hour, tralia with a comfortable win over a clear- fellow countrywoman Kristina Brazilian Teliana Pereira. 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. ly underdone Lisicki. Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4. Petkovic will take on either Kyrgios will face Murray when Austral- The Russian-born Gavrilova only of- Former Australian Open third seed Maria Sharapova ia Green plays Great Britain on Wednes- fi cially switched allegiances to Australia runner-up Dominika Cibulkova or Ekaterina Makarova in the day, at match he said he was keenly an- last month and said she was nervous be- survived a scare from Belgian second round. ticipating. fore the match. Yanina Wickmayer to win 3-6, In the only other main draw “I have been looking forward to that for For Lisicki, it was her fi rst match since 6-4, 6-4 in the tournament’s match Varvara Lepchenko of a long time now so I’m going to go and do the US Open last September. first match at the Pat Rafter the US beat Slovakia’s Anna everything I can to physically prepare for The 2013 Wimbledon fi nalist was beat- Arena. Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-1. that battle,” he said. en in the fourth round by Simona Halep at Murray has won all four of their en- Open, and Kyrgios has taken just one set Zverev, at just 18, is tipped, along with the US Open and was sidelined by a knee counters, most recently at last year’s US off the Scot. Kyrgios, to be one of the stars of the men’s injury for the rest of the year. SKIING / FIS SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP SKIING Prevc wins in Oestberg beats Johaug to lead Tour de Ski Innsbruck to close

DPA in on Four Hills title Lenzerheide, Switzerland

DPA “I’m really happy,” Prevc said orway’s Ingvild Flugstad Oest- Innsbruck, Austria in fi rst television interviews. berg shocked compatriot “Innsbruck was the biggest Therese Johaug in the women’s challenge for me. The tourna- cross country pursuit in Len- lovenia’s Peter Prevc ment is not over, there is always Nzerheide, Switzerland, to take the overall triumphed in the third something that can happen. It lead in the Tour de Ski while men’s two- stage of ski-jumping’s will be hard in Bischofshofen. I time reigning champion Martin Johnsrud Four Hills Tournament in must continue exactly like this.” Sundby enjoyed a comfortable win. InnsbruckS yesterday to close in Austrian jumpers have won Oestberg caught previous standings on the overall title ahead of Ger- the Four Hills for the last seven leader Johaug in the last kilometre to win many’s Severin Freund. years but an eighth consecutive yesterday’s 5-kilometre pursuit in 13 min- Prevc leapt 125 and a day’s best victory looks unlikely as Michael utes 2.3 seconds, 9.3 seconds ahead of her 132 metres for 269.5 points and Hayboeck tops their challenge rival. Another Norwegian, Heidi Wang, his fi fth World Cup win of the fourth overall but more than 40 completed the top three, but was more than season and second in the Four points adrift of Prevc. 2 minutes behind Oestberg. Hills after Garmisch-Parten- Freund is an Olympic and The surprise victory on the third stage kirchen. Freund, who suff ered a world champion in addition to gives Oestberg the overall lead in the Tour, crash-landing in practice, was being the reigning World Cup 14.3 seconds ahead of Johaug who has domi- second on 258.4 and Norway’s overall holder but has never won nated the World Cup season so far. Kenneth Gangnes third on 251.5. the Four Hills crown. “Now I deserve the red bib,” Oestberg Prevc leads the Four Hills His victory in the opening said. “It was really hard today. My legs were rankings into the fi nal event event in Oberstdorf had given really tired at the end. It was my plan to in Austria’s Bischofshofen on Germany hopes of a fi rst winner catch Therese early and do my best.” Wednesday with 842.1 points, a since Sven Hannawald in 2002 Norway also ruled the men’s race as Norway’s Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (left) celebrates her win next to second-placed Therese Johaug at the arrival area of the 19.7-point advantage over Fre- but this dream is now fading. Sundby started fi rst in the 10km pursuit women’s 5 km Free Pursuit race during the Tour de Ski event in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, yesterday. (AFP) und. Gangnes is third on 800.2. “Peter did things extremely and had little diffi culty in maintaining a Should Prevc win the Four Hills, confi dently,” Freund conceded. signifi cant advantage over his country- The win keeps Sundby undefeated in Northug is the only athlete to com- day in Oberstdorf, Germany, on Tues- he will end a recent bad omen as “The overall rankings look rela- man Petter Northug to claim victory in distance races this season and on course pete in every stage of the Tour de Ski in day with sprint races for both men and the World Cup leader at the time tively clear, it would require a 21:44.7 minutes, 1:25.2 ahead. for another overall title as he leads its 10-year-history but has yet to win the women. has only won the title on four oc- miracle or a mishap (for me to Finn Haagan Krogh won a photo-fi nish Northug by just over 90 seconds. overall title and has written off his chanc- The eight-stage Tour ends on January casions in the past 15 years. win in Bischofshofen). I don’t for third to complete a Norwegian po- “It was really hard today,” Sundby said. es of doing so this edition. 10 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. The overall win Prevc currently tops the World want anyone to have a mishap, dium sweep ahead of Russia’s Sergey Us- “I am ready for a rest day. I knew I was “From now I’m only going around as a is worth 400 World Cup points and the top Cup standings on 824 points, therefore I hope for a miracle. tiugov with both being clocked at 1:50.2 being chased. I am happy I could gain tourist,” he said. 15 also get World Cup points at each stage, ahead of Freund on 639 and “But above all I want to show a behind Sundby. some more seconds.” The Tour de Ski continues after a rest provided they complete the Tour. Gangnes on 550. good competition.” Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2016 9 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Ozil has Arsenal daring to dream of Premier League glory The season’s best player is in the form of his life and has teammates, including Walcott, believing a first league title in 12 years could be on the horizon

By David Hytner off during the last international break The Guardian and he said that, of late, Özil “doesn’t practise a lot, we rest him a lot between games.” ye contact. According to Theo Red zones have become the buzz Walcott, it is all that Mesut Özil phrase around Arsenal’s fi nely-tuned needs. Once the Arsenal play- stars and, when available, Wenger al- maker has locked on, the crea- ways plays Özil. He dare not leave him tiveE sparks fl y. It is the speed of Özil’s out, particularly while Santi Cazorla execution that has taken the breath and Jack Wilshere are injured. away. “You think: ‘Give the ball now,’” “You look, as well, at the impact Özil Arsène Wenger has said. “You have not can have on other players,” Wenger fi nished your thinking and the ball has said. “The Premier League is very tight gone already.” and if you go into a decisive game and Arsenal are riding high at the turn of you do that [rest Özil], the other play- the Premier League season and Walcott ers think subconsciously: ‘Why?’ They believes that in his 10 years at the club, don’t tell you but they think: this is the best team he has played for. It ‘Why?’ Even the player himself is Özil who has ignited the possibilities. does.” In April 2014, towards the end of Wenger advanced one of those theo- Özil’s fi rst season at Arsenal - which ries of his that is designed to soothe had been marked by highs and lows - anxiety but does not always bear scru- Wenger predicted the German would tiny. “Özil is a guy who, once the basic be a contender for the player of the year fi tness is there between the games, he awards in 2014/15. It is worth remem- wants to play,” Wenger said. “There bering the line the manager used to are types of players and sometimes the support his argument. “The improve- most technical players … it looks like it ment will be in goals, assists and his demands less energy for them to play. It presence in the game,” he said. It was is just natural for them.” only Wenger’s timing that was out. “Without a doubt, Mesut has been “Without a doubt, Mesut has the player of this season so far,” Walcott been the player of this season said. “The stats show that but it’s more so far. The stats show that but it’s than that. It’s his work rate through the more than that. It’s his work rate games. He is only going to get better through the games. He is only and better. You don’t have many left- going to get better and better... footers and they make that movement You just have to make eye contact from out to in, they make the bend of with Mesut and, once you get that, the ball. You just have to make eye con- he knows where you’re going tact with Mesut and, once you get that, to go,” Arsenal team-mate Theo he knows where you’re going to go.” Walcott said Özil has 16 assists in the Premier League and three goals; he has two Özil made a slow start to last season more goals in the Champions League. after his World Cup triumph with Ger- On Monday, he took Bournemouth many and he was ruled out for three apart in the 2-0 win at the Emirates months from early October with a knee Stadium , setting up the fi rst for Gabriel problem. But when he came back, he and scoring the second himself. Özil eased into fi ne form and Arsenal fi n- laid on a total of nine chances, the ma- ished the season strongly. jority of them for Walcott. Özil has not looked back since. His “Mesut has told me to keep making relationships with team-mates such as runs,” Walcott said. “He just spots it. Walcott are now established and there I need to help him out by putting the is the hope that the club can once again Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday. (Reuters) ball in the net. Mesut is just a special enjoy a powerful second half to the sea- player and he is in the form of his life. son, boosted by the return of injured one fi t. I truly believe that. It’s the best depth we have in this team, and the forgotten when it was the draw,” he “It will be special and when we play Some of the things you see on the pitch players. If they do, a fi rst title in 12 years team I’ve been involved in and when pressure on places. We have the con- said. “We have a group message and the them away [in the second leg], it is my … his goal against Bournemouth alone. could be their reward. you have Mesut and the way he is play- fi dence and it’s just fl owing out there.” guys were saying: ‘You won’t believe birthday so, hopefully, it’ll be a good He didn’t break stride, it was like he “We don’t want to look ahead of our- ing, it gets the best out of everyone. Walcott also talked about Arsenal’s who we’ve got.’ Obviously Barcelona’s moment for me and the team. If you was jogging. He just slows things down selves but we have a history of ending “Players came in against Bourne- last-16 Champions League draw with three up front are their main threat and want to reach the best in the game, when he is playing.” the season well, “ Walcott said. “We are mouth who hadn’t been playing too Barcelona - the team who eliminated it will be a tough draw but we have good you’ve got to play the best.” For Arsenal, the fear is that Özil will getting players back fi t and we have one much and they did fantastically well them in 2010 and 2011, and beat them qualities in this team and we can do Walcott believes that with Özil, he is break down. Wenger gave him a week of the best squads when we have every- and that just shows the strength in in the 2006 fi nal . “I’d actually totally some damage. alongside the best.

BOTTOMLINE Van Gaal: entertaining the media, if not United’s fans

By Barry Glendenning passing on his phone number to another jour- The Guardian nalist without permission. By his own admis- sion, totally obsessed with Van Gaal, Borst wrote an often brutal book that is nothing if not n 1998, Louis van Gaal approached Sir Alex an entertaining read. At times quite disturb- Ferguson with a request for advice on how ing, it contains often harrowing and downright best to deal with the press. Well known cruel assessments of the manager and his rela- for the breezy bonhomie that character- tionship with various players, his wife Truus, Iised his own relations with the media, the then the media and alcohol. Manchester United manager’s curt response of Putting aside the dubious ethics of a wheeze “Don’t read it,” appears to have gone resolutely that involved Borst sitting down with a psychia- ignored in the intervening 17 years. Despite re- trist best known for appearing on a reality TV vealing last summer that British reporters “are show called Holland’s Worst Husband in a bid to nicer than the Dutch, nicer than the Spanish” - analyse Van Gaal’s character, what Bram Bakker but curiously not as nice as the Germans - Van had to say about the United manager’s ongo- Gaal’s relationship with the British press pack ing battles with assorted journalists made for has since deteriorated to an alarming, but often interesting reading. Despite never having met comically entertaining, degree. the subject of his analysis, Bakker had studied Like Ebenezer Scrooge railing against the poor his offi cial biography and arrived at the rather and destitute, the Dutchman spent Christmas damning conclusion that Van Gaal is a deeply griping about the football writers with whom he suspicious man with an inferiority complex who is forced, increasingly under suff erance, to deal tends towards paranoia and needs immediate with on a weekly basis. His grumbles about me- psychiatric help. dia-perpetrated “lies” will have come as little “Try to imagine that people who are aggres- surprise to anyone familiar with a career-long sive are always fearful at heart,” he explained to relationship with the Fourth Estate that has al- Borst. “Because you only need to be aggressive ways been fractious. when you feel threatened. So ultimately all ag- “So much of what’s written about me has gression is triggered by some kind of fear. Look nothing to do with the truth or the facts,” he at Louis van Gaal that way and what you see is once told a group of Dutch hacks during his time a frightened little boy.” Reporters on the Man- as the manager of Ajax. “All I ever read about chester football beat could be forgiven for taking myself is how arrogant I am. I’m self-assured, Bakker’s analysis with a pinch of salt, not least I have an opinion, I walk tall. With my bearing those who have been subjected to Van Gaal’s and my personality, it’s all too easy to be dis- death stare followed by a series of mocking missed as arrogant.” questions about the apparent stupidity of their In a spectacularly furious press conference ti- Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal gestures during the English Premier League match against Swansea City at Old Traff ord on Saturday. (AFP) own particular lines of interrogation. rade following an Ajax match against NAC Breda Van Gaal is by no means the fi rst football in 1996, Van Gaal rounded on Voetbal Interna- United’s defeat at the hands of Stoke City , talk “Will I resign? On the contrary. When the play- a tone that suggested his own festive enjoyment manager to make little secret of his contempt tional journalist Ted van Leeuwen, who had turned to the likelihood of him keeping his job ers can give such a performance with a lot of would be greatly enhanced if they all choked on for those tasked with chronicling the day-to- asked a question about the manager’s relation- at United and Van Gaal suggested that as an al- pressure, there is not any pressure to resign for their wine and mince pies. day activities of his team but few have ever gone ship with his players to which he took excep- ternative to having his P45 forced upon him, he me. Maybe the media wants me to but I shall Part savage hatchet job, part endearing hom- about it in a more consistently entertaining way. tion. “Am I so smart or are you so stupid?!” he could always resign. When reporters quite rea- not resign.” Just before Christmas, Van Gaal had age, O Louis was one of the more entertaining We should be grateful that Manchester United’s roared, his query instantly becoming the stuff of sonably interpreted these comments to mean been in equally spiky form , asking for an apol- football tomes to be published in recent times. weekend victory over Swansea City looks cer- Dutch football legend, while perhaps suggest- that he might seriously be considering his po- ogy from journalists he felt were prematurely It was written by the Dutch football journalist tain to keep him in a job; United’s performances ing it might not be his bearing and personality sition, he responded with the kind of haughty reporting a demise that was anything but immi- and television pundit Hugo Borst, who once on the football fi eld this season may have been alone that prompt some folk to dismiss him as disdain for which his name, fairly or unfairly, nent. “I think I was already sacked, I have read,” knew Van Gaal well enough to take golf tips characterised by a lack of entertainment but arrogant. has long been a byword. he harrumphed at his weekly briefi ng , before from the great man but subsequently fell out their manager’s press briefi ngs remain compul- More recently, under pressure following “They are lies, not based on facts,” he fumed. wishing his interrogators a merry Christmas in with him when the manager accused Borst of sive viewing. Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Simeone demands Atletico edge to improvement AFP Madrid

tletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has de- manded more from his top of La Liga with side in the second half ofA the season despite looking down on Spanish football’s per- ennial powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico coach Diego Simeone. Thomas Partey’s late winner in a 1-0 victory over Levante on Simeone certainly won’t be Saturday moved Los Rojiblan- lacking for options in the com- a late-gasp win cos two points clear of European ing months despite Atletico’s in- champions Barcelona at the top volvement on three fronts as they of the table, albeit having played have also reached the last 16 of ‘We lost because of just one minute of poor concentration... I really thought we a game more. the Copa del Rey and the Cham- Atletico’s success so far this pions League. deserved to get a draw today, with the way we worked and defended’ season has been built on a rock Argentine internationals Au- solid defence that has conceded gusto Fernandez and Matias just eight goals in 18 league games. Kranevitter will be free to feature And Simeone is well aware his for the fi rst time against Rayo side need more fi repower to have Vallecano in the Cup in midweek any chance of repeating their in- after completing moves from credible feat of beating Barca and Celta Vigo and River Plate re- Madrid to the title two years ago. spectively. “We have one game to go until “Once again the changes gave us the end of the fi rst half of the sea- the quality we needed in the game, son, but leading the league will not especially in the movement for the distract us from the improvements goal,” added Simeone. we need,” said Simeone. “It ended up taking the game “I think we can play better, where we wanted it from the have more speed in our game, be start. From Thomas’s introduc- more decisive, consistent, make tion we had more movement, better choices in the fi nal third we could play the ball out from and score more goals. That is the back easier and it ended what concerns me.” with the goal.”

FOCUS Ronaldo wants to ‘live like a king’ in retirement

AFP Madrid

orld Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he will Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Teye Partey (C) scores his first goal during the Spanish Liga BBVA match at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Spain yesterday. W“live like a king” once his play- ing career comes to an end, but against Eibar, for whom Ander Capa, DPA poor start to 2016 as they were held 0-0 Results has ruled out a move into coach- Madrid at Espanyol. Keko, Adrian Gonzalez and Borja Baston ing when he hangs up his boots. “Since I was 27 I have had my It was Barca’s third draw in four league Saturday all scored. However, in a wide-ranging own line of clothes and I want matches, and their dullest display of the Atletico Madrid....1 Levante ...... 0 Their highest ever away win in the top interview with Spanish newspa- my brand to keep growing be- tletico Madrid edged their way season so far. Malaga ...... 2 Celta Vigo ...... 0 fl ight took Eibar up to eighth and left per El Mundo, he admitted foot- cause football will fi nish in fi ve, to the top of the Spanish Liga Espanyol, who are 11th, defended well, Betis 13th. ball doesn’t always captivate his six, seven or 10 years.” with a late 1-0 home defeat of pressured Barca powerfully in midfi eld Yesterday Meanwhile, Sevilla’s poor away form interest. The Portuguese captain’s bottom team Levante Saturday, and broke up their rhythm with count- Rayo Vallecano ...2 Real Sociedad .....2 continued with a 2-1 defeat at struggling “I have a top life, but I think I success has also attracted critics afterA previous leaders Barcelona had been less fouls. Granada, who had goals from Success am going to enjoy it more when of his at times egotistical nature. Real Betis...... 0 Eibar ...... 4 held 0-0 at neighbours Espanyol. “We worked really hard to get this Granada ...... 2 Sevilla ...... 1 Isaac and Adalberto Penaranda. I fi nish my career, when I have His decision to go ahead with Atletico are two points above Barca, point,” Espanyol’s Javi Lopez said. “Our Vitolo pulled a goal back for Sevilla time to do what I like,” he said. a lavish 30th birthday hours who have a game in hand, and fi ve points plan was to make them feel uncomfort- *Results at the time of going to print but Granada managed to hold out, partly “This Saturday there is a box- after Madrid had lost 4-0 to above third-placed Real Madrid, who will able, and I think we managed to do just because of the sending off of Sevilla de- ing bout in Las Vegas and I would Atletico Madrid in the capital visit troubled Valencia Sunday. that.” fender Adil Rami fi ve minutes from time. like to take my friends and fam- derby in February dominated Atletico needed a goal 10 minutes from The hosts came close to taking the lead “Also, the pitch was not in a very good Sevilla are stuck in disappointing ninth ily to see it, and I can’t because I headlines in Spain for weeks af- time from young supersub Thomas to when Barca’s Gerard Pique had to clear a condition ... We gave everything we had place, Granada are fi fth bottom. don’t have time. terwards. break the resistance of defi ant Levante. corner off his goal-line. Then fellow de- today but just couldn’t win. Obviously Betis and Sevilla are to face off in “I am not going to cry about it Yet, despite admitting to It was the least that Atletico deserved fender Javier Mascherano came close to this result worries us.” the last 16 of the Spanish Cup, starting now because I am making a sac- making mistakes, Ronaldo be- after dominating from start to fi nish, hit- being sent off for what looked like a sec- Saturday’s late game saw Malaga beat Wednesday. rifi ce in inverted commas, but lieves it is his confi dence that ting the woodwork twice and having a ond yellow card off ence. fi fth-placed Celta Vigo 2-0, on early Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad man- after I want to live like a king.” has moulded his talents into a clear penalty refused. Barca lacked the spark and invention of goals from Charles and Raul Albentosa. aged to stay just above the danger zone, Ronaldo is the world’s third three-time World Player of the “We are not going to spend all week other occasions and failed to create many Celta had defender Ruben Blanco sent in 14th place, with a late 2-2 draw at trou- highest paid athlete according Year. looking at the league table,” Atletico clear openings. It was the fi rst time in 30 off , but Malaga’s Nordin Amrabat missed bled Rayo Vallecano. to American business magazine “Many people say they don’t coach Diego Simeone said. league matches that they failed to score. the resultant penalty, and the score re- Rayo took the lead twice, through Di- Forbes with an annual income regret anything. That is a lie,” he “What we will be thinking about is Lionel Messi hit the Espanyol crossbar mained 2-0. ego Llorente and Jozabed, only for So- just shy of $80 million dollars. added. how to improve - how to create more just before half-time with an exquisite Malaga made a poor start to the season ciedad to hit back with strikes from Aritz And the 30-year-old believes “I at least regret things a lot, chances, have to fi nish off our moves free-kick, and Luis Suarez hit the post but are now in comfortable 10th place. Elustondo and Bruma. he will continue to work on his but that also explains the kind of more eff ectively.” from a tight angle early in the second Betis and Sevilla make losing start to The draw left Rayo second bottom and brand once he retires from play- person you are. Meanwhile, his Levante counterpart half after rounding Espanyol keeper Pau 2016 coach Paco Jemez fuming: “We are sim- ing rather than a more tradition- “I am like this. If all I have Rubi said: “We lost because of just one Sabata. Seville clubs Real Betis and Sevilla have ply not a fi rst division team,” he ranted. al move into coaching. achieved in football is by being minute of poor concentration ... I really Barca keeper Claudio Bravo com- made a bad start to 2016 with defeats “A fi rst division team would not give “If you ask me now if I want to like this then you can’t ask me to thought we deserved to get a draw today, plained about Espanyol’s negative tac- Sunday against lowly Eibar and Granada. away a lead twice like that, with sloppy be a coach, I would say no. Nor a change. If people ask me to im- with the way we worked and defended.” tics, saying: “They stopped us from play- Betis continued their appalling home goals. That is all I have to say. I am very sporting director or president of prove, I accept it, but to change Earlier on, stuttering Barcelona made a ing with their fouls, and they ran a lot. form of 2015 with a 4-0 meltdown annoyed at this.” a club,” he added. is very diffi cult.”

BOTTOMLINE Bayern begin the home straight with Guardiola

Coach Pep Guardiola will leave 2013 they had just won the Champions to peak so far under Guardiola when suggests the Bundesliga title will be a Bayern Munich in summer but League as part of an unprecedented it mattered most. Their Champi- formality and lower-league Bochum the question of whether he treble under coach Jupp Heynckes. ons League campaigns have ended wait in the German Cup to off er a likely departs a hero or underachiever Guardiola has developed the players in crushing semi-fi nal defeats by the smooth passage to the semi-fi nals. remains and will be settled in further, such as moving Philipp Lahm eventual winners, Real Madrid in 2014 The true test, as it has always been, the Champions League into midfi eld and turning David Alaba and Barca in 2015. will be in the Champions League. And into an elegant central defender. Boosted by reinforcements in the that will begin immediately in the last DPA But the fame and performance of form of Douglas Costa, Arturo Vidal and 16 as Bayern take on Italian champions Munich coaches at Bayern Munich is measured Kingsley Coman last pre-season, Guar- Juventus. in titles. Winning a third consecu- diola seems to have put the fi nishing “We are playing against the fi nalists tive Bundesliga under the Spaniard is touches on his fi nal attempt at glory. And from last season and one of the best he countdown begins. Coach considered an obligation rather than his forthcoming departure should not teams in Europe,” Guardiola warned Pep Guardiola will lead Bay- a genuine accomplishment and even a provide an excuse for failure. when the draw was made. ern Munich in the fi rst train- domestic league and cup double would “We have worked wonderfully togeth- Looking into 2016, Guardiola could ing session of 2016 today and be of limited excitement. er and will continue to do so,” sporting safely wish for his squad to enjoy im- Tstarts the last fi ve months of his time in Nothing less than the Champions director Matthias Sammer said. proved health and fewer injuries. He will charge of the German champions. League is enough, especially given Guardiola is expected to dive into his again lead his players to a winter retreat The goal is quite clear - the overall Guardiola masterminded two titles in work in meticulous detail in the coming in Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, de- outcome of his spell at Bayern will de- that competition for Barcelona in 2009 months but eventually he will also give spite concerns about the country. pend on the outcome of a match in Mi- and 2011. “The basic requirements in reasons for leaving or, perhaps, his next “That’s the best place where you lan on May 28, the Champions League all three competitions are almost iden- destination. England seems the most can have a winter training camp,” club fi nal. Should Bayern be in attendance tical,” the currently injured forward likely option with Manchester City re- chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and win a sixth European crown, Guar- Mario Goetze said. “We must peak in portedly leading the hunt. said of the Aspire Academy which will diola will depart a hero. But if not it will the decisive moments. That is what we A minimum of 20 competitive be the team’s base. be hard to say he has not failed in his have learned in the last few years.” matches and a maximum of 27 remain “And we’re all a little superstitious main task. Bayern, while cruising through the for Guardiola in Munich. An eight- - in the years we were in Qatar, we’ve When Guardiola took over Bayern in File picture of Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola. Bundesliga, have undeniably failed point lead over Borussia Dortmund always won a title or two.” Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2016 11 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT HAPPY Wenger impressed Hiddink off the by resilient Arsenal mark as Chelsea crush Palace Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. AFP made two excellent saves from London Georginio Wijnaldum either side ‘It’s the first win after a worrying period so the team desperately needed the win and of half-time. “He made two big saves, one it was convincing. As long as we play like we did today I will be happy’ rsene Wenger praised in the fi rst half and one at the be- Arsenal’s grit and de- ginning of the second and on top AFP termination as they of that he stays calm, never pan- London moved two points clear ics and today we needed that,” atA the top of the Premier League Wenger said. with a tense 1-0 win over New- uus Hiddink enjoyed his fi rst castle United. SATISFIED victory since taking over as After watching Laurent Ko- As he surveyed a haul of nine Chelsea interim manager as the scielny’s 72nd-minute strike se- points from a Christmas pro- troubled Premier League cham- cure three points at the Emirates gramme of matches against Gpions crushed Crystal Palace 3-0 yester- Stadium on Saturday, Wenger Manchester City, Southampton, day. said winning ugly will help his Bournemouth and now Newcas- After draws against Watford and Man- players believe they can do so tle, Wenger agreed that his team chester United following his arrival as again if they are unable to over- had not been consistent but pro- short-term replacement for the sacked whelm an opponent with their nounced himself satisfi ed. Jose Mourinho, Hiddink was at last able attacking play. “We have given a lot over to celebrate three points at Selhurst Park. “It was a diffi cult game against Christmas and we had games be- Oscar opened the scoring in the fi rst a good Newcastle side,” the Gun- fore like that,” he said. half before Willian’s cracker and a Diego ners boss said. “Our legs were “At the end of the day, four Costa strike extended Chelsea’s unbeaten a bit heavy and we were tested games, how many points have run since Mourinho’s departure to four against a team with a lot of good you made? We knew nine would matches. technical quality. be acceptable or even good, 10 In such turmoil for much of a season “Our fl uency and our move- close to ideal because last year ruined by the breakdown of Mourinho’s ment were not there. From then Man City made 10, the second- relationship with his squad, the Blues are on it was: Let’s stick together and best made seven, we made six.” slowly getting back in the groove under try to win the game however we Newcastle manager Steve Mc- Hiddink and moved six points clear of can. Claren was also pleased with his the relegation zone after their fi rst away “The mental aspect of our team’s display, which was only league success in eight attempts. team was tested and our defen- lacking quality fi nishing. “Everyone knows we have a lot of qual- sive solidity more than our abil- “Goalkeepers win you match- ity in our team, but sometimes champi- ity going forward. es and Cech certainly did that,” ons have a tendency to be complacent “If you’re in Newcastle’s place he said. and it can be diffi cult to get back (to you’re sorry for them because But as well as Cech’s saves, form),” Hiddink said. they played very well. But I’m in there were times when Newcastle “Do not go over the top. It’s the fi rst the game long enough that when players failed to hit the target when win after a worrying period with two you’re capable of winning and well-placed, and the result was a draws so the team desperately needed the you don’t play well, that shows third successive 1-0 defeat for his win and it was convincing. the mental aspect of your team. relegation-threatened club. “As long as we play like we did today I “Not to drop points when you “I’m scratching my head as to will be happy.” play like we did is very impor- how we got nothing from that After climbing into contention for a tant. I think it helps the team as game,” he said. European place, Palace’s fi rst defeat in well because we go through mo- “Not many teams will come seven matches left Alan Pardew’s men ments in the season when we will here and do what we did. But it’s without a win or a goal in their last three not play well and the memory of about putting the ball in the back games. having done that before and still of the net. With torrential rain lashing Selhurst Chelsea midfielder Oscar celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the EPL match against Crystal Palace yesterday. having won the game helps you “I couldn’t fault what we Park, Palace forward Wilfried Zaha went to hang on sometimes.” tried to do. Great spirit, fan- close early on with a low strike that tois as the hosts tried to take advantage of that sent Costa racing away from Delaney Kurt Zouma should have doubled A valuable element of Arse- tastic energy, defended well—a skimmed off the slick pitch. Chelsea’s tepid start. down the right edge of the Palace area. Chelsea’s lead when he rose highest to nal’s resilience was the reliabil- complete performance without Eden Hazard saw a long-range eff ort But crucially Palace striker Fra- Looking up, Costa unselfi shly ignored meet Willian’s free-kick, but the defend- ity of goalkeeper Petr Cech, who getting the result.” defl ected wide at the conclusion of Chel- zier Campbell scuff ed wide from Jason the chance to shoot himself and, with er couldn’t keep his header on target. sea’s fi rst serious attack, but the Belgium Puncheon’s cross midway through the goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey out of po- However, Zaha was unable to summon playmaker began limping immediately half and Hiddink’s team fi nally awoke sition, the Spain striker pulled the ball the power or accuracy to beat Courtois UNHAPPY after the shot. from their slumber to snatch the lead in back to Oscar, who had the simple task of from a promising position and Willian Hazard, lambasted by Mourinho for the 29th minute. slotting home from close-range. made Palace pay in the 60th minute. not trying to play on when injured at Hiddink had called for players other When Scott Dann tried to block Os- Leicester last month, briefl y carried DECISIVE than Costa to take the responsibility of car’s progress the loose ball ran to Willian ‘Angry’ Klopp urges on but in the 15th minute he decided he Hiddink had made two changes from scoring and Oscar’s fi fth goal of the sea- and the Brazil winger smashed a superb needed to come off . Monday’s draw at United as Costa re- son was a well-timed response from the strike high into the roof of the net from While Hazard’s commitment to the turned from suspension and Cesc Fabre- Brazilian. 20 yards. Reds to raise game cause has been questioned in the past, on gas came in for Nemanja Matic. Cesar Azpilicueta almost made it two Costa wrapped up Chelsea’s biggest this occasion the 24-year-old seemed in Both repaid their Dutchman’s faith when he beat the Palace off side trap, league win of the season six minutes later AFP genuine discomfort. with decisive contributions to the open- surging clear to test Hennessey with a when he claimed his seventh goal of the Liverpool Palace defender Damien Delaney had er. powerful strike that drew a fi ne stop from season from close-range after Hennessey a pair of headers saved by Thibaut Cour- Fabregas was the architect with a pass the Palace keeper. pushed Willian’s shot into his path. iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that his side BOTTOMLINE must improve their com- mitment levels if they are Lto make progress this season fol- lowing a 2-0 defeat at West Ham United. Klopp has identifi ed this month’s games as crucial to Van Gaal hopes Rooney sparks Liverpool’s campaign, with a League cup semi-fi nal against Stoke City and an FA Cup trip to Exeter City while there are also Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp. potentially tough league meet- Manchester United upsurge ings with Arsenal and Manches- “If you fi ght in these mo- ter United. ments, but at 100 percent — 95 AFP utes into the second half and “They have showed it this And he has demanded imme- percent is not enough. Who Manchester Ashley Young, who set him up, season many times, but now the diate improvements after seeing wants to see 95 percent? — that’s also stood out. situation is diff erent. Now I have his side undone by headed goals what we have to do. Van Gaal described his start- a good hope this is a starting from Michail Antonio and former “If you know in the other team anchester United ing formation, with a three-man point for more. Liverpool striker Andy Carroll at there’s Andy Carroll, then how manager Louis van defence and Young and Martial “You cannot predict (what ef- Upton Park on Saturday. can you allow crosses? There was Gaal paid tribute to as wing-backs, as “risky”. fect a win will have). Only it shall “It’s no day for being dis- bad defending from my side. It’s Wayne Rooney af- He was in danger of see- raise the confi dence and lower appointed, it’s a day for being about my responsibility. I am re- Mter his winner against Swansea ing more points dropped when the pressure because the players angry,” said the German, who ally angry about myself today. City lifted him to second place Swansea, who had won their had a lot of pressure to do it in has now overseen four Premier “When I talk about defend- in the club’s all-time list of goal- previous three games against 90 minutes against an opponent League defeats in his fl edgling ing I don’t want to use words scorers. United, equalised through a that is not so easy. Liverpool tenure. like nasty and ugly. It’s football, Rooney superbly fl icked in Gylfi Sigurdsson header with 20 “The opponent is also playing “We had the ball and possession defending. I was a defender and Anthony Martial’s cross with minutes to play. in a way that makes it diffi cult and bad luck in a few situations, I enjoyed it. 13 minutes to go at Old Traff ord to score, with 10 players behind but that’s not what I want to see, “Nice part of the game, you on Saturday to give his side a 2-1 ‘LOWER THE PRESSURE’ the middle line. That is why I am to be honest. You have to be there get dirty afterwards, that’s not a victory that ended their nine- But Rooney’s goal was a reward happy we scored the two beauti- in the decisive moments. problem. You don’t have to wash game winless run and left them for a more adventurous ap- ful goals.” “I know about the things in your clothes by yourself.” fi fth in the Premier League. proach by the United manager. Swansea, who remain just football and today (Saturday) West Ham completed a fi rst The United captain’s third “Amazing is that you can per- one place above the relegation it’s our responsibly. My English league double over Liverpool league goal of the season took Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring. form the game plan like we have zone, did not include England is not good enough to process in over 50 years and manager him past Denis Law to 238 done in the fi rst half and the sec- midfi elder Jonjo Shelvey in all the information that’s going Slaven Bilic singled out Carroll goals—behind only Bobby course now we are playing much very important for the manager. ond half in a risky style under their squad, but caretaker man- around me in this moment. for praise afterwards. Charlton’s club record of of 249 more matches, but still it is an I hope it is a fantastic starting this pressure. That is positive, I ager Alan Curtis said that the “It was bad, I told the players The one-time England strik- -- and Van Gaal hopes a fi rst achievement. For me, it is more point for the team and for him.” think,” Van Gaal said. 23-year-old was still part of his after the game. Summary: ‘Not er has scored in successive home victory since 7 November important he scores now and he United, whose 0-0 draw “Also against Chelsea we plans. enough.’” games after returning to full will trigger an improved run for scores today (Saturday). against Chelsea last Monday played very risky because we “We had a good talk about it Klopp was particularly un- fitness and Bilic says that it is both Rooney and his side. “He scores also a fantastic meant that they had failed to want to press. The players want before we came away. He trained happy with his side’s defending up to Carroll himself to main- Van Gaal, who had overseen goal, with his left foot behind his score in fi ve of their previous to press. It is a risk to play that. this morning with a group of after they conceded both goals tain those levels. United’s longest sequences of right foot, and you cannot im- eight home games, produced an “Still we are the dominating players,” Curtis said. to headers and struggled to deal “Andy was brilliant, not just matches without victory since agine what a goal that is. A great improved performance. team, against Chelsea and today “Jonjo has a terrifi c ability. We with the aerial threat of Carroll because of the goal, but for his 1990, said: “It is amazing and goal. As well as creating the win- against Swansea. That is why I all know that. We need him and throughout the afternoon. performance, everything: de- that at the age of 30 years. “All the players have done ning goal, Martial headed in the am proud they can do it under hopefully he will play a part to “We could have done much fending, holding the ball up,” “You have to say that of their utmost best and that is game’s opening goal two min- this pressure. the end of the season for us.” better,” he said. said the Croatian.

Monday, January 4, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Salal take point off Sadd, Jaish snatch win over Sailiya In the other match, Ahli came from a goal down to defeat Wakrah and finally put to an end to their dismal run of losses

By Sports Reporter Their previous seven matches had seen that. First Mojtaba Jabari scored in the Doha them draw three and lose four, three of 80th minute to help his team equalize. which were consecutive defeats. And then just a minute later, Ahli’s main All goals were scored in the second striker Mubele scored the second goal lustery conditions at the Ha- half. It started with Wakrah grabbing the and the winner for this team. mad Bin Khalifa played into lead through Ruben Amorim in the 55th This win will ease the pressure on the the hands of Umm Salal as minute. It looked like another match shoulders of coach Zlatko Kranjcar going they shared the points with Al which Ahli would dominate, create op- into the break. As for Wakrah, this loss SaddB in a bruising 1-1 draw yesterday. portunities but still fail to score goals. means that they are still in 10th place, Al Sadd fl oundered in the early stages That has been their pattern recently. But bunched together with six teams who are of the tie. Former Sadd coach Hussain two goals in two-minutes changed all of all within 2-3 points of each other. Amoutta was in attendance at the match, and the Moroccan tactician would not have been impressed with how his former charges had started the tie. Umm Salal began to mount a sus- tained period of pressure from set pieces, but despite the aerial prowess of Yannick Sagbo and Wellington, the orange fortress where unable to carve out a chance of note. Al Sadd’s fi rst moment of qual- ity delivered the opener of the match, from Qatari international Khalfan Ib- rahim. A quick one-two with compa- triot Hassan al-Haydoos on the 37th minute gave the midfi elder time and space in the box, Khalfan promptly smashed his shot past Baba Malick in the Umm Salal goal. Umm Salal quickly struck back in stoppage time, with the blustery con- ditions having a hand in their equal- izer. A well delivered Rami Fayez free kick looped over the whole Al Sadd defence, Brazilian defender Welling- ton was on hand to scoop in from close range giving Umm Salal a deserved equalizer on the balance of play, the fi rst half ended 1-1. In the second half, the Wolves came out with renewed vigour and it took them nine minutes for them to register their fi rst chance in anger. Unfortunately the Hassan al-Haydoos free kick sailed high and wide of Baba Malick’s goal. El Jaish striker Abderrazzaq Hamedallah (R) scored the opening goal for his team against Al Sailiya in their Qatar Stars Action from the match between Al Sadd and Umm Salal. The Wolves had their rivals on the League clash yesterday. Jaish won the match 2-1. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil & Othman Iraqi back foot for much of the second half, but could not fi nd the killer touch in a 2-1 victory over Al Sailiya on Sun- Results to Romarinho and then continued his the fi nal third. Chances missed from day. This result meant that Jaish have run inside the box. Meanwhile Jaish’s substitutes Meshaal al-Shammari and now registered three consecutive wins Umm Salal ...... 1 Al Sadd ...... 1 twinkle-toed Brazilian weaved his way Saleh Alyazidi summed up a disap- while their opponents Sailiya have now Al Ahli ...... 2 Al Wakrah ...... 1 through the Sailiya defence but just pointing night for Jesualdo Ferreira. suff ered two back to back losses after Al Sailiya ...... 1 El Jaish...... 2 when he was able to pull the trigger Umm Salal held on well throughout going on a four-match winning spree. the ball was defl ected towards Isa who the second half, holding off attacks Jaish got off to a great start to the made no mistake with his fi nish. from both wings from Nadir Belhadj match when their striker Abderraz- Khalifa Ndiaye got a hand to it but it re- This hard-earned win will further and the ever present Haydoos. Brazil- zaq Hamedallah gave them a lead bounded off him into the goal. boost the confi dence of the Jaish team ian defender Wellington exemplifi ed in the 12th minute. The Moroccan The second half saw both teams who are now back in second place. the hard work of the Umm Salal during latched on a long ball from the deep searching for the lead. Despite Jaish Sailiya will feel robbed of a point but this period. and though his first attempt was being the stronger team on paper, they can take heart from the strong Bulent Uygun will be the happier of thwarted by Sailiya keeper Gomis Sailiya have improved a lot as com- performance that they showed here, the two coaches at the end of the tie. Gergory, Hamedallah was able to dis- pared to the first half of the season which will help them go into the break As the Orange Fortress held on to reg- patch the ball into the back of the net and they were taking the battle to with their head held high. ister their eighth draw of the QSL sea- in the second attempt. their opponents. Status quo re- son. For Al Sadd, they will use the three The Soldiers looked like going into mained in the match and that could AHLI FINALLY REGISTER A WIN week break to focus on the second part the break with a one-goal advantage have prompted Jaish coach Sabri In the third match of the day, Al Ahli of the season, and hope that they can but Sailiya were able to fi nd an equal- Lamouchi to bring on Isa in place of fi nally put to an end to their dismal run get back into the QSL title race. izer in the closing minutes of the fi rst Wagner Ribeiro. The replacement of losses when they defeated Al Wakrah half. In the 39th minute, Sayaf Mohsin bore fruit in the 83rd minute, just 2-1 yesterday. Further boosting their JAISH SNATCH LATE VICTORY curled in a shot from a freekick which when it looked like a draw was on the confi dence will be the fact that they An 83rd minute strike from supersub Abdulgadir Ilyas was able to direct into cards. managed to come from a goal down to Yasir Abubakar Isa helped El Jaish grab the goal with a back heel. Jaish keeper Isa started the move when he passed claim their fi rst win in eight matches. Action from the match between Al Ahli and Al Wakrah. Ahli won the match 2-1.

PREMIER LEAGUE IN SUPPORT Messi the best ever and an Lennon helps improved inspiration , says Inter’s Jovetic

By Sports Reporter Everton hold Spurs Doha nter Milan forward Stevan AFP within a whisker of equalis- Jovetic believes there can London ing on the half hour when Ben only be one favourite to win Davies collected a corner from the FIFA Ballon D’Or award Christian Eriksen and drove a Ithis year – describing the player aron Lennon scored shot against the bar from out- in question an inspiration and against his former club side the box. the best who has ever played the as Everton displayed Moments after the fourth of- game. rediscovered resolve in fi cial had indicated that two min- “For me, Lionel Messi is the aA 1-1 draw at home to Champi- utes of stoppage time were to be best,” Jovetic told www.sc.qa in ons League-chasing Tottenham played, Spurs levelled with a goal an interview in Doha. “He is the Hotspur yesterday. every bit as pleasing as Everton’s. best in the history of the game. Everton had lost their two Alderweireld’s raking pass First is Messi and then come all Inter Milan forward Stevan Jovetic during his visit to Doha. previous home games, 3-2 from halfway picked out the run the others. He is an inspiration against Leicester City and 4-3 of Alli, who leapt to control the for me.” and what else we can do.” “The infrastructure of against Stoke City, but they took Aaron Lennon (C) celebrates with Ross Barkley and Tom Cleverley ball on his chest before sliding a The skilful striker from Mon- After two seasons at Man- stadiums and training a 22nd-minute lead when Len- after scoring the first goal for Everton against Tottenham. volley past Tim Howard’s out- tenegro has returned to form chester City where he did not pitches is fantastic, and I non converted Romelu Lukaku’s stretched left hand and into the this season and helped with four manage to break into the fi rst don’t have any doubt that knock-down with a neatly con- leaders—and arch rivals—Arse- by going ahead with a delight- bottom corner. goals and two assists as Roberto team, Jovetic says he is enjoying Qatar 2022 will be a great trolled half-volley. nal by six. fully constructed goal. Alli created a chance for Kane Mancini’s side spent the winter his football in Milan and expects World Cup,” he concluded Dele Alli deftly volleyed home Spurs looked every inch the From Leighton Baines’s back- early in the second half with an break at the top of the Serie A to increase his goal tally even a brilliant equaliser in fi rst-half team chasing a fourth straight heel, Tom Cleverley lofted for- alert chested lay-off , but un- table. He has warned Inter’s ri- further this season. important when you have the stoppage time, but it was Everton win as they established the ward a pass that Lukaku nodded der pressure from his England vals Mancini’s side can still get He added: “During the two support of the manager, and I who fi nished the game nursing tempo on a rain-slicked Goodi- down for Lennon, who chested team-mate John Stones, the better this season, something years at Manchester City I did will try my best on the pitch to the greater regrets, with substi- son Park pitch, monopolising the ball down before steering a Spurs number 10 skewed wide. which would bode well for their not get the chance to play much, say thank you to him.” tute Muhamed Besic going close. possession and forcing Everton diffi cult half-volley inside the Everton manager Roberto dreams of lifting the title this so I had a lot of desire to show With the Milan giants hav- Everton remain 11th, nine deep into their own territory. left-hand post. Martinez added fresh legs for summer. people what I am capable of do- ing concluded their week-long points below Mauricio Pochet- Seamus Coleman did bril- Lennon, who spent 10 years the last half an hour, Gerard “We are doing well and have ing. I am really happy with the winter training camp in Doha, tino’s Tottenham, who squan- liantly to prevent Alli turning at Spurs, did not celebrate, but Deulofeu and Besic replacing good players but we can still im- way I have been playing, scoring Jovetic also praised the sports dered an opportunity to re- in a low cross from Kyle Walker moments later he almost cre- Lennon and Kone. prove more in the next games,” some goals and giving assists. I infrastructure in the Qatari establish a fi ve-point lead over before Harry Kane saw a languid ated a second goal by cutting Besic almost gave Everton Jovetic said. “It is still too early expect to score more goals.” capital. fi fth-place Manchester United. 25-yard shot hit the left-hand the ball back for Arouna Kone, victory with a glorious, dipping to talk about the title, but our Jovetic admitted that one “The infrastructure of sta- Instead their cushion in the post and bounce across goal be- which obliged Toby Alder- volley that Hugo Lloris palmed target is to be in the top three crucial factor in his confi dent diums and training pitches is fi nal Champions League berth fore going out for a goal-kick. weireld to block. over and from Cleverley’s re- and get back into the Cham- start to the season has been the fantastic, and I don’t have any has been trimmed to three But mid-way through the half It took Spurs a few minutes to sulting corner, Ramiro Funes pions League. Then in April or trust placed in him by coach doubt that Qatar 2022 will be a points, while they now trail Everton landed a sucker-punch clear their heads, but they came Mori headed fractionally wide. May we will see where we are Roberto Mancini: “It is always great World Cup,” he concluded.