SPORT Sunday 10 December 2017

PAGE | 27 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 28-29 McIlroy to undertakeke Conte gives up ShastriShas expects India busy build-up to Chelsea title hopes toto shed their ‘poor 2018 Masters after West Ham defeat travellers’ tag Gulf Cup officials set to meet in Doha

The Peninsula/AFP by hosts Kuwait, Oman and the Al Youseff said the KFA has United Arab Emirates in the other arranged for eighteight FIFA referees ulf Cup organisers will group. to officiate in thehe matches, a reportreport officially announce Kuwait have stepped up prep- on Al Kass sportsorts channel web site tomorrow that the arations to stage the two-week said. tournament will be event by sending out official It was alsoso reported that a played in Kuwait, a invites to regional football high-level ddelegationelegation of the Gsenior official said yesterday. federations. AGCFF was inn Kuwait to oversee “We will officially announce it In a televised statement, the venues to be used during the on Monday (December 11),” said Sheikh Ahmed Al Yousef, Presi- event. Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation dent of the Kuwait Football Two days ago,ago, Qatar Football (AGCFF) General Secretary Jassim Association (KFA), was quoted as Association (QFA)(QFA) President Al Rumaihi. saying that ‘the popular tourna- Sheikh Hamadad bbinin KhKhalifaalifa bbinin The 23rd edition of the hugely ment is certain to see the Ahmed Al Thanini had congratulated popular football tournament will participation of all eight teams’. He the KFA after its suspension was be held between December 22 and added that the opening match will lifted by worldld governinggoverning bodybody January 5. be played between Kuwait and FIFA. “It will take place at exactly the Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al Ahmad After the same dates, the 22nd of Decem- International Stadium. decision was ber to the fifth of January,” Al The 60,000-capacity venue announced byy Rumaihi said, the first confirma- will host one of the two semi-finals FIFA Presidentnt tion from a Gulf Cup official that and the final. Infantino inn the competition would go ahead. FIFA President Gianni Infan- Kuwait City,y, He added that organisers were tino is also set to attend the Qatar offeredd to still waiting for confirmation from opening and closing games of the move the Gulff CupCup which the federations of Saudi Arabia, the tournament, it was reported was to be heldd in Doha initially. United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, yesterday. “We wishh success to allall thethe but it is widely expected teamsms set to participateparticipate they will now take part in QATAR SQUAD FOR FRIENDLY: in thehe upcoming GulfGulf the eight team Cup,”,” the QFA President Ahmed Fateh Ali Moaaz competition. said iinn a TV iinterviewnterview onon At the draw ceremony Abdulkareem Salem Hassan Al Haydos Thursday.ursday. conducted in September, Meanwhile,Meanwhile, QQatar’satar’s Almehdi Ali Akram Afif defending champions interimerim coaccoachh FeFelixlix Qatar were placed in Abdulkareem Hassan Asim Madibo Sancheznchez yesterday Group A of the eight-team Ahmed Moeen Pedro Miguel namedmed a young squad Gulf Cup. set to ffaceace LiLiechtensteinechtenstein Three-time champions Usman Alyahri Bassam Alruwawi in DohaDoha onon DecemberDecember Qatar, who beat Saudi Ara- Karim Boudiaf Saad Al Sheeb 14. bia in the final of the last SanchezSanchez alalsoso event held in November Ismail Mohammed Ahmed Yasser includeduded feared striker 2014, will be joined by Mutab Khizar Mohammed Muntari Hassansan Al HaydosHaydos indi-indi- teams from Iraq, Yemen catingng the team’s intent and Bahrain. Salem Al Hajri Hamad Al Obadily to mmakeake tthehe most ooff tthehe World Cup-bound Coach: Felix Sanchez matchtch practice needed Saudi Arabia will be joined aheadad of the Gulf Cup.Cup. Qatar Football coach Feliz Sanchez : Sang-young, Besbes eye title glory in Qat ar

Fawad Hussain the last-64 stage. A total of four A Qatari fencer (right) in action against her Russian counterpart during the The Peninsula Qatari female fencers also second day of Qatar Fencing Grand Prix at Aspire Dome yesterday. showcased their skills in yester- lympic Park day’s qualifying stage. Sang-young and defend- The quartet includes Fatima Oing champion Sarra Hamad, Thkrayat Al Abdulla, Besbes will be eyeing the men’s Wahda Al Abdulla and Haroun and women’s titles respectively Hassan Ghada. as stage is set for the marathon All the four Qatari fencers finals day of the prestigious displayed a gutsy performance Qatar Fencing Grand Prix in and earned coveted points Doha today. against their higher-ranked The first two days at state- opponents, which will give of-the-art Aspire Dome them confidence as they bid to witnessed qualifying rounds of improve their world men’s and women’s epee events rankings. as a total of 350 fencers from 45 The Qatar GP was started countries including several with preliminary round of men’s world and Olympic champions competition on Friday. A total are taking part in the three-day of eight Qatari fencers also par- event. ticipated in the qualifying stage The action on the final day with Abdullah Sayyari and Ali will begin with the last-64 Al Sulaiti displaying impres- stages in both the men’s and sive performances. women’s categories. The finals Both notched up a win of both the categories will be against top fencers during their played from 5pm to 7pm. qualifying campaign before South Korea’s Sang-young, bowing out in the first stage. who won gold medal in Rio Mohammed Ali Mirzaei, Olympics last year, will be seen Yousef Al Bader, Khalid Al Mulla, in action in the last-64 stage as Abdulrahman Al Sowaidi, Soud he will square off with Belgian Al Malki and Mehdi Feriani were Xavier Ferot Francois in his first the other Qatari fencers who match. resistance in his title-hunt from Besbes, 28, a Tunisian star team world championship gold stage were competed with Ital- gained valuable experience on Sang-young was exempted Italian duo of former world who won the women’s epee title medallist, and ’s Mara Nav- ian, South Korean and Chinese the inaugural day. from qualifying round along champion Paolo Pizzo and last year in Doha, will meet Kris- arria can be a tough nut to crack fencers dominating their The Qatar Fencing Grand with 17 other top ranked Enrico Garozzo, a bronze tina Kussk of in her first for Besbes in her title-defense. opponents. Prix is being held since 2004 fencers. medalist at world champion- clash. Yesterday at the Qatar Fenc- As many as 11 fencers from and is regarded as one of the The South Korean star, how- ships, who will also begin his Estonia’s Julia Beljajeva, a ing Grand Prix, the women’s Italy, eight from South Korea toughest events in International ever, is expected to face tough campaign in last 64-stage. 2013 world champion and 2017 qualifying rounds for last-64 and six from China qualified for Fencing Federation calendar. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017

Vidal fires Bayern eight points clear

Berlin AFP

rturo Vidal’s fourth goal in as many league Agames shot Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win at Ein- tracht Frankfurt and an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga yesterday. Bayern’s win means that they cannot be caught before the winter break, which starts December 17, and makes them ‘Herbstmeister’ (Autumn champions) for the seventh season in a row. Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes rang the changes from Tuesday’s 3-1 win at West Ham United’s Marko Arnautovic scores a goal home to Paris Saint-Germain past Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois during the English 3-1 in the Champions League, Premier League match at London Stadium in Britain starting midweek goalscor- yesterday. ers Robert Lewandowski and Corentin Tolisso on the bench alongside to inter- nationals Sebastian Rudy and Mats Hummels. The biggest shock how- Conte gives up on Chelsea title ever was that third-choice goalkeeper Tom Starke, who had been working in Bayern’s academy after retiring last season, was thrown into the fray after Sven Ulreich, who hopes after West Ham defeat has played in place of Manuel Neuer since the Germany London games, we must have another Stoke, who replied through fractured his foot in AFP target.” Shawcross, have now lost 1,000 September, injured his groin Elsewhere, Tottenham Hot- top-flight games. Spurs moved in the warm-up. helsea manager Anto- spur ended a run of four games above Arsenal into fifth place on The 36-year-old Starke nio Conte declared his without victory with a thumping goal difference ahead of their took the field after coming out side’s Premier League 5-1 home win over Stoke City at local rivals’ trip to Southampton of retirement in and being title defence over Wembley in which Harry Kane on Sunday. named in the club’s Champi- after Marko Arnau- scored twice. Burnley are level on points ons League squad in Ctovic’s goal condemned the Having previously been with the two north London heav- September. Frankfurt made champions to a 1-0 defeat at beaten by Burnley, Manchester yweights after Scott Arfield a bright start, but Bayern West Ham United yesterday. City and Crystal Palace, Chelsea scored in a 1-0 home win over grabbed what proved to be Chelsea’s defeat, their first in have lost just one fewer game Watford, who had Marvin Zeege- the winner on 20 minutes. eight league games, left them 11 than in the entirety of their tri- laar sent off for a studs-up foul Joshua Kimmich swung in a points adrift of leaders Manches- umphant 2016-17 campaign. on Steven Defour. cross which found Vidal ter City, who visit second-placed Austria international Arnau- Crystal Palace fell to the foot unmarked at the back post to Manchester United in Sunday’s tovic struck in the sixth minute, of the table after Belgian striker score in his fourth consecu- Manchester derby. neatly exchanging passes with Christian Benteke squandered a tive league match. “We have to consider that Manuel Lanzini and cutting stoppage-time penalty in a 2-2 Having already picked up this is the fourth game we’ve lost inside Cesar Azpilicueta before draw at home to a first-half yellow card, Vidal in 16 games,” Conte told Sky curling a low shot past Thibaut Bournemouth. narrowly escaped a red card Sports at the London Stadium. Courtois. Chelsea’s Italian head coach Jermain Defoe put Bourne- after fouling Marius Wolf with “In my previous experience, Alvaro Morata squandered Antonio Conte gestures on the mouth in front and then just under 40 minutes left. it won’t be possible to fight for Chelsea’s best chance of an touchline yesterday. equalised with a brilliant dipping Heynckes responded by the title. With four defeats in 16 equaliser when he slashed wide after Luka Milivojevic’s replacing the Chilean with ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE from N’Golo Kante’s through ball penalty and a close-range effort Tolisso, but Frankfurt also with seven minutes remaining. by substitute Scott Dann had put almost finished with ten men. English Premier League Results yesterday: It was West Ham’s first win relegation zone, but they are English top-flight meetings with Palace in charge. Wolf was shown a Burnley 1 (Arfield 45) Watford 0 in nine league games and con- now level on points with fourth- the same opponents. Son Heung- Palace were awarded a last- straight red card on 72 min- Crystal Palace 2 (Milivojevic 41-pen, Dann 44) firmed the progress they have bottom West Bromwich Albion, Min’s cross was deflected in via gasp penalty when Charlie utes for tackling James Bournemouth 2 (Defoe 10, 45+3) made under new manager David who lost 1-0 at Swansea City in Stoke defenders Kurt Zouma and Daniels felled Wilfried Zaha, but Rodriguez from behind. Huddersfield 2 (Mounie 12, 43) Brighton 0 Moyes, who saw his side nar- Alan Pardew’s second game as Ryan Shawcross to put Spurs Benteke’s tame effort was However, after consult- Swansea 1 (Bony 81) West Brom 0 rowly beaten 2-1 at Manchester manager. ahead and Son made it 2-0 by repelled by visiting goalkeeper ing with the video assistant Tottenham 5 (Shawcross 21-og, Son 53, Kane City last weekend. Wilfried Bony scored for the rattling in a pass from Dele Alli Asmir Begovic. referee, the ref reversed the 54, 65, Eriksen 54) Stoke 1 (Shawcross 80) “The win, the spirit of the second game running to lift in the 53rd minute. Steve Mounie’s first goals decision, booking Wolf West Ham 1 (Arnautovic 6) Chelsea 0 team, how they stuck together Swansea off the foot of the table. Kane’s two goals -- a header since the opening day earned instead. Bayern extended Playing Today (kick-offs GMT) and more importantly a lot of the Spurs claimed a fourth suc- from a Ben Davies cross and a Huddersfield Town a 2-0 win their lead at the top of the Liverpool vs Everton (1415), Manchester United vs Manchester City (1630), Southampton vs Ar- basics were done well today,” cessive four-goal win over Stoke, left-foot curler -- took his tally over fellow promoted team Bundesliga after RB Leipzig

senal (1200) said Moyes. “All that really making Mauricio Pochettino’s for the season to 18 in all com- Brighton and Hove Albion as conceded a late equaliser in pleased me.” side the first team to have won petitions and Christian Eriksen David Wagner’s side snapped a their 2-2 draw at home to West Ham remain in the by four goals in four consecutive completed the rout. four-game losing streak. Mainz, Ronaldo brace helps Real Madrid trounce Sevilla

Madrid LA LIGA the opener after just three AFP minutes.A harmless corner to the Spanish La Liga Results yesterday: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo back post saw Sevilla duo Simon poses with his five Ballon d’Or trophies eal Madrid sent a warning Getafe 0 Eibar 0 Kjaer and Luis Muriel get in each ahead of the Spanish League football to Barcelona just two Real Madrid 5 (Nacho 3, Ronaldo 23, 30-pen, other’s way and present Nacho against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu weeks ahead of El Clasico Kroos 38, Hakimi 42) Sevilla 0 with a gift to fire home from R Playing Today Stadium in Madrid yesterday. by storming back into form as point-blank range. Ronaldo has Real Sociedad vs Malaga (1100), Real Betis vs Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice just become the first player to

Atletico Madrid (1515), Levante vs Athletic Bil-

in a 5-0 thrashing of Sevilla score in all six games of a Cham- bao (1730), Villarreal vs Barcelona (1945) yesterday. pions League group, but there Sevilla had started the after- had been a stark contrast noon on the same number of eight-point advantage over Real between his stunning European points as Madrid in joint fourth, when they visit Villarreal today. form and his lack of goals in La but the sides looked worlds apart Real’s spirits were lifted even Liga. as Real scored all five goals before kick-off as Ronaldo Yesterday, Ronaldo struck before half-time to close to showed off his record-equalling twice. The Portuguese swept home within five points of Barca at the fifth Ballon d’Or to an adoring Marco Asensio’s lovely through top of the table. Santiago Bernabeu. ball to double Madrid’s advantage. Nacho got the hosts off to a There had been concern in Ronaldo’s penalty then had just perfect start before Ronaldo dou- Madrid ranks all week at the enough power to beat Sergio Rico bled his La Liga tally for the European champions’ lack of after Jesus Navas handled inside season with a cool finish and a defensive options with Sergio his own area. penalty inside the half mark. Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Only a fine reaction save Toni Kroos and Achraf Hak- Casemiro all suspended and from Rico prevented Ronaldo a lovely one-two on the coun- with his first Madrid goal from a Dhabi to defend the Club World imi rounded off the rout as Real Raphael Varane injured. completing a first-half hat-trick ter-attack between Kroos and narrow angle after being played Cup this week before hosting leapfrogged cross city rivals However, it was Sevilla who moments later. Lucas Vazquez left the German in by Benzema’s inch-perfect Barca, Zinedine Zidane’s men Atletico Madrid into third. looked like the side without a However, the Madrid goals midfielder with a simple finish. pass. With Madrid facing a busy understandably took their foot Barca can regain their defence as they gifted the hosts kept coming before half-time as Hakimi then made it five fortnight as they jet off to Abu off the gas after the break. SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 27 Arch-rivals brace for gripping fight

London 3-1 (against Arsenal) at the Emir- AFP ates, one of the most difficult stadiums. he eyes of the football “They conceded 33 shots and world will turn to a they won 3-1. Few teams in the wintry corner of world are able to do that. That’s northwest England why you have to be careful. You today when Manches- can control, you can do many T ter United tackle Manchester City things good, but then they have in a mid-season Premier League the talent to do that.” title showdown. As sublime as City’s football City, the leaders, are gunning has been since the start of the for a 14th successive league win season, they have had to work -- which would equal the all- much harder for their victories time record in the English top in recent weeks. flight -- and can put a huge 11 In their last three league wins points between themselves and -- 2-1 successes away to Hud- second-place United if they dersfield Town and at home to prevail. Southampton and West Ham But United are seeking to set United -- they had to wait until a record of their own by notch- the 83rd minute or later to score ing up a 41st consecutive home the winning goal. match without defeat and City They then lost at Shakhtar manager Pep Guardiola - a Donetsk in the Champions shrewd tactician - is wary of his League in mid-week and old foe Jose Mourinho’s ability to although it was a nothing game roll with the punches. for them and Guardiola selected A combination of file pictures shows Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep “Until now we cannot com- a weakened team, it brought a Guardiola (left) and Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho. plain in terms of results and record-breaking streak of 20 The teams play against each other at Old Trafford today. especially the way we have straight wins to an end. played,” said Guardiola, who was United appear to be on an the last away manager to win at upward curve, having won their Old Trafford in September last last four games, and followed up can be harried out of their stride 90-plus minutes. We need to be visits to Old Trafford in the Silva has been passed fit after sit- year. last weekend’s clinical 3-1 win just like Arsenal were. on point until that whistle goes, league, including an earth-shat- ting out the trip to Shakhtar with “When you see in every game at Arsenal by beating CSKA Mos- “When (Kevin) De Bruyne’s so everyone needs to stay highly tering 6-1 victory in October a knock, but Vincent Kompany is the statistics -- not just the way cow 2-1 on Tuesday to follow on the ball, he’s always got that concentrated throughout. 2011. a doubt and City are guaranteed we play -- we are better in terms City into the Champions League eye for a killer pass that can put “As long as we start the game United manager Mourinho to be without two first-choice of potential goals, possession and last 16. a player one-on-one with the well, like we did at Arsenal, I has gradually ramped up the defenders in John Stones and chances conceded. Home-grown midfielder keeper and Raheem Sterling’s don’t see any reason why we sniping pre-match, scoffing at Benjamin Mendy. Paul Pogba is “But I think United are fan- Jesse Lingard, a central figure in been popping up with the late can’t win.” Guardiola’s claim that David Silva United’s major absentee through tastic on that. When the statistics United’s recent run, has plenty goals,” Lingard told the United For all Lingard’s bullishness, was an injury doubt and accus- suspension, which is likely to are good they win and when they of respect for the talent in Guar- match programme. recent history favours City, who ing City’s players of diving (“a bring the tigerish Ander Herrera are not good they are able to win diola’s ranks, but believes City “It’s going to be full on for have won on four of their last six little bit of wind and they fall”). into Mourinho’s midfield.

Match preview in a row against Manchester City, Manchester Trafford coming against Manchester City in Sep- Pep Guardiola: “Going to Old Trafford is a United have lost only one of their last five der- tember 2016. pleasure. That’s why we are here. I will enjoy anchester United will be without Michael bies against them. If Pep Guardiola’s side win this match then it, definitely. I am looking forward to arriving Carrick and Eric Bailly. Zlatan Ibrahi- No away side has scored more Premier they will equal the all-time English top-flight and playing. When you see in every game the Mmovic, Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones League goals at Old Trafford than Manchester league record of 14 consecutive victories; set by statistics -- not just the way we play -- we are are all in contention. City (27 - level with Chelsea) while only Chel- Arsenal between February and August 2002. better in terms of potential goals, possession Manchester City midfielder David Silva is fit sea (6) have won more matches there as the What the managers say and chances conceded. to play, but Fabian Delph (illness) is a doubt as visiting side in the competition than City (5). Jose Mourinho: “It’s a big match against one Match officials: is Vincent Kompany. United are on the longest current unbeaten of the best teams in the country. We are a bet- Referee: Michael Oliver Did you know? home run in the Premier League (24 matches - ter team than last year - I think City are also Assistants: Scott Ledger, Simon Bennett After losing four Premier League matches W14 D10 L0), with their last such defeat at Old better than last season. Fourth official: Jonathan Moss Giggs declares interest in Wales job

London love to succeed Coleman. “Of course I’m Hartson and Craig Bellamy have also leaving the club from southern Italy hov- AFP interested,” Giggs told Sky Sports. expressed interest in the post, while Tony ering just above the relegation zone. “I’ve played for Wales and I’ve said Pulis is believed to be another Zenga, who played 58 times for Italy anchester United great Ryan Giggs that I want to go back into coaching. Obvi- contender. and was Inter Milan’s ‘keeper for a dec- (pictured right) has thrown his ously that is one of the top jobs. I played Coleman led Wales to a shock semi- ade, has held a string of coaching jobs Mhat into the ring as a contender for United, I played for Wales. final showing at Euro 2016, but they without ever achieving great success in to become the next Wales manager. “I’ve not spoken to anyone at the missed out on a place at next year’s World post-retirement. Chris Coleman stepped down as Wales moment, but I’d definitely be Cup in Russia. He had managerial stints at Red Star manager last month to take up the reins interested.” Meanwhile, Italy’s former interna- Belgrade, spent just 87 days in charge of at English second-tier club Sunderland Giggs, 44, spent four games as interim tional goalkeeper Walter Zenga has been English side Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Football Association of Wales is United manager in 2014 following David appointed coach of Serie A strugglers Cro- and also managed Gaziantepspor in Tur- looking for a replacement. Moyes’s sacking and then worked as an tone, it was announced in Rome. key and several clubs in Saudi Arabia and Giggs scored 12 goals in 64 appear- assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years The 57-year-old replaces Devide the UAE. ances for Wales spread over 16 years before leaving the club last year. Nicola who resigned on Wednesday after In Italy, he has already tried his hand between 1991 and 2007 and said he would His former Wales team-mates John winning just 12 points from 15 games, at Sampdoria, Catane and Palermo. McIlroy to undertake busy build-up to 2018 Masters

Dublin His schedule, notably, includes according to media reports. Diamond AFP no mention of the World Cham- is McIlroy’s best friend and a deco- pionships-Mexico Championship, rated amateur player in his own ory McIlroy has announced he which falls in the middle of his busy right. will play at least seven events stretch. McIlroy has decided a continued Rin early 2018 in a busy build-up All of the events will be part of and positive connection with Dia- to the US Masters, where he will his preparation for the April 5-8 Mas- mond, who is also close to the former attempt to complete the grand slam ters at Augusta National, an event he world No1’s coach Michael Bannon, of major titles in April. needs to win to complete the mod- is preferable to trying to establish a McIlroy said on his website ern grand slam of all four majors. new relationship with a caddie. (www.rorymcilroy.com) that he Former world number one McIl- McIlroy earlier admitted he had would start his campaign with two roy is currently having an extended been inundated with offers from peo- European Tour events in the Middle break from competition after an ple looking to succeed Fitzgerald, a East in January -- the Abu Dhabi HSBC injury-hampered 2017 during which report in The Guardian said. Championship and Dubai Desert he did not win a tournament any- McIlroy, 28, has slipped to 10th Classic. where in the world for the first time in the world rankings. The Northern Irishman will then since 2008. He faces an important season as switch his focus to the PGA Tour in The four-times major winner he attempts to keep pace with the the United States, where he will con- also sacked long-time caddie J P Fit- wave of young talent such as Jordan test five tournaments in six weeks, zgerald and replaced him with close Spieth, Justin Thomas and Brooks starting at Pebble Beach in friend Harry Diamond, who is Koepka, who all won majors this February. expected to stay on the bag, year. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 29 Shastri expects India to shed Ben Duckett England their ‘poor travellers’ tag Windies strike late in Hamilton struggle Hamilton, New Zealand Jeet Raval of New Zealand hits a shot as the West Indies short leg fielder against CA AFP misses the ball during the first day of the second Test match at New Delhi looking good and they have away’ thing, where a lot of chat- Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. Reuters their priorities in place. They’re ter goes on about conditions ew Zealand drew pos- XI youth hungry to prove themselves that aren’t too familiar,” the itives from their ndia will approach 2018 as home and away,” Shastri told former Test player added. collapse on day one of the year to shed their “poor the Times of India newspaper. “For instance, once you’ve the second Test against Perth Itravellers” tag, head coach “It’s often been argued that played a test match in Kolkata, the West Indies in AP Ravi Shastri said ahead of the India are poor travellers. We how long does it take before you NHamilton yesterday, saying the team’s tour of South Africa. want to be the team that helped play another Test there? Two signs looked good for their oeen Ali and Test hope- India top the Test rankings change this perception and this years? Sometimes three? It’s the bowlers. ful Gary Ballance were having sealed their record- is the year to do it.” same as an overseas tour. The hosts slumped from 154 for Mboth out early in their equalling ninth consecutive “Frankly, we’re not too “So that mindset is quite one to be 286 for seven at stumps, innings yesterday as England series on Wednesday, six of hooked on to this ‘home and passé. In this day and age, wher- at one stage losing four top-middle declared at 314-9 after being which came at home and only ever you gogo,, itit’s s homehome.. You just order batsmen for 35 runs. sent in to bat on the first day of one -- againstagainst West Indies in gotgot to walk in there and But New Zealand opener Jeet a two-day tour match against thethe CaribbeanCaribbean -- outsideoutside perform.”perform.” Raval said the innings gave a Cricket Australia XI. Asia.Asia. Starting on Jan. 5, India play “encouraging signs for our bowl- Showers twice interrupted SternerSterner tests aawaitwait threethree tests in SouthSouth AfricaAfrica -- as ers”, who are bolstered by the play at Richardson Park, and VirViratat KKohli’sohli’s mmenen nnextext wellwell as six one-dayone-day and three return of swing bowler Tim Bayliss fumes as the Cricket Australia side was yearyear when they also travel Twenty20Twenty20 internationals -- and, Southee. 62-1 in response at stumps, toto EnEnglandgland and Australia, for a change,change, theythey will be rely-rely- New Zealand would be - with Tom Curran taking the wherewhere coconditionsnditions will nnotot inging more on pace than spin to ing to add at least another 50 when Duckett suspended only . be as coconducivenducive to thetheirir succeedsucceed against thethe worldworld sec-sec- play resumes on Sunday, said Moeen, who is captaining spinnersspinners as it is at home, oond-rankednd-ranked side.side. Raval. England for the first time, is the and the moving ball will IndiaIndia hahaveve nnamedamed ffiveive Raval, the top scorer with 84, Perth only player from the tourists’ probe their battinbattingg ffrontlinerontline ppacemenacemen in their anchored New Zealand’s strong Reuters current test XI taking part in technique.technique. 117-man7-man squad, handing a start before the West Indies found the practice match. “This“This teateamm iiss maidenmaiden call-upcall-up to Jasprit Bum-Bum- lines that worked and they slumped ngland coach But the 30-year-old rah,rah, whose unorthodox action to 189 for five. Trevor Bayliss Moeen’s hopes of spending andand ability to bowl yorkers have Lusty hitting by first Test cen- E(pictured) has quality time at the crease after made him a limited-overslimited-overs asset.asset. tury-maker Colin de Grandhomme described Ben falling to Nathan Lyon four “...he has just worked his (58 off 63 balls) and Mitchell Sant- Duckett’s behaviour times in the test series ended wwayay to the top so well. He’s ner (24) then revived the innings in as “not acceptable” after just 36 balls. The all- young,young, hard working, and has a a rapid 76-run stand before Shan- after the batsman rounder batted at No. 4 but was uniqueunique action with which he can non Gabriel took the new ball and was stood down caught behind on 24, prodding wwhiphip up quite some pace,” Shas-Shas- bowled them both. from an Ashes tour forward to Tasmania paceman tri said of the 24-year-old.24-year-old. Tom Blundell was 12 at game yesterday and Gabe Bell. “Bumrah adds a lot of value stumps with Neil Wagner on one. suspended by the Moeen is still nursing a cut toto this attack. We have to earn “I think it’s evenly balanced, we England and Wales on his spinning finger and will thosethose 2200 wiwicketsckets if wwee hhaveave had a good start to the day and they Cricket Board (ECB) not bowl in the tour game. toto make any impact in a came back later so it’s even lead- following an inci- Ballance was out for 1 edg- TestTest match and we need ing into tomorrow,” Raval said. dent in a Perth bar. ing to Jackson Koop, a allall the arsenal ppossibleossible The West Indies believe they Bayliss con- 22-year-old paceman from because it’s going to be gifted New Zealand at least 30 runs firmed that the Victoria state who is yet to quitequite a testingtesting tour.” with an ineffectual spell at the start SCOREBOARD 23-year-old Duck- make his first-class debut. of the day after winning the toss New Zealand (I innings): ett, who is part of England trails the five- and in accommodating J Raval c Dowrich b Gabriel ...... 84 the England Lions match Ashes series 2-0 with conditions. T Latham c Dowrich b Cummins ...... 22 training team in the third test scheduled to start “I think we bowled a little too K Williamson c Dowrich b Cummins ...... 43 Australia, had poured a drink on a senior England player -- next Thursday at Perth’s WACA full. Myself I thought I was a little R Taylor c Dowrich b Roach ...... 16 with reports suggesting it was paceman James Anderson ground. too full. I didn’t assess the condi- H Nicholls lbw Reifer ...... 13 -- after a heated argument late on Thursday. Brief Scores: M Santner b Gabriel ...... 24 tions well enough but as the day C de Grandhomme b Gabriel ...... 58 “I’m not sure exactly what more I can say. I’m sure there England: 314-9 declared went along things got better,” said “If we told ourselves this morn- with Kane Williamson (43) for the behind the stumps while Gabriel his debut Test to replace the sus- T Blundell (batting) ...... 12 will be some stern words from above. It’s just not right, it’s (K. Jennings 80, T. Curran chief wicket taker Gabriel, who ing we would have them seven second before he became Gabriel’s ended the day with three for 79 off pended Jason Holder, while New N Wagner (batting) ...... 1 not acceptable,” Bayliss said yesterday. 77 not out; M. Wright 2-19), CA has three scalps so far including down by the end of the day’s play first wicket with an edge down leg- 19 overs, and Miguel Cummins had Zealand also made one change with Extras (WD3, NB10) ...... 13 “I might review who is in the team; can’t keep making XI 62-1 (T. Dean 29 not out; T. Raval. we’d have taken that. I think they’ve side to wicketkeeper Shane two for 37 off 17 overs. Tim Southee returning and Matt Total (for 7 wkts) ...... 286 the same mistakes,” Bayliss added, when asked if he would Curran 1-14) But Gabriel, whose first two scored 30-40 runs too much but I Dowrich. Raymon Reifer, in his Test Henry dropping out. Fall of : 1-65, 2-154, 3-159, 4-186, 5-189, review the team’s curfew which was relaxed on Thursday. overs cost 22 runs as he had trou- think it was a good day of Test The left-hand opener was again debut, also bowled 17 overs and The West Indies need to win the 6-265, 7-275 “Most of the guys are fine... some guys have to pull their head To bat: T Southee, T Boult ble with a damp piece of ground cricket.” denied his maiden century, removed Nicholls for 13 to have one Test to square the two-match series in.” Bowling: Gabriel 19-3-79-3 (1w, 5nb), Roach 19-7- PSL to stage India’s head coach where he planted his foot, said the Raval featured in a 65-run although his average from 14 for 36. after New Zealand won the first 45-1 (1nb), Cummins 17-4-37-2 (2w, 4nb), Chase 12-1- Media reports said there was no police involvement in Ravi Shastri West Indies were satisfied with the stand for the first wicket with Tom innings improved to 47.61. Reifer, the only change to the Test by an innings and 67 runs in 78-0, Reifer 17-8-36-1, Brathwaite 3-0-11-0 the matter and that the ECB’s investigation would be con- position of the game. Latham (22) and then added 89 Dowrich took four catches West Indies side, was called up for Wellington. cluded in the next 24 hours. three matches England are down 2-0 in the Ashes series and the latest bar-room incident has plunged their tour into a fresh crisis in Pakistan as they bid to avoid another humiliating whitewash. The behaviour of players has come under scrutiny after The Peninsula all-rounder Ben Stokes was left out of the tour after he and India look to extend dominance over in ODIs Basics of captaincy remain team mate Alex Hales were arrested following an alterca- arachi will host final of tion outside a Bristol nightclub in September. next year’s Pakistan Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft said England wick- KSuper League (PSL) Dharamsala It will be a sweet headache for etkeeper Jonny Bairstow had headbutted him by way of a while two more matches will IANS same in any team: Sharma the team management to choose FIXTURESFIX friendly greeting in a Perth bar during England’s warm-up take place in Pakistan in March, between Manish Pandey and Shre- Today:Tod for the series but both men played down the incident. details showed yesterday. ndia will aim to extend their dom- yas Iyer, in case Jadhav also misses FirstFirs ODI at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Associationciation StadStadium,ium, DDharamsalaharamsala DharamsalaDhara different. It will be a different ball game all “I’m here to coach the team and I end up spending most The PSL final will be the inance sans regular skipper Virat the opening tie due to a hamstring DecemberDec 13: IIANSANS together. The pressure and mindset before a of my time in front of cameras trying to explain some behav- highest-profile game in the port IKohli when they face Sri Lanka injury. 2nd2nd ODI at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindraindra StadStadium,ium, game is different. But the process and basics of iour that the boys have been warned about,” Bayliss added. city in nine years. in the opener of the three-match All-rounder Hardik Pandya will MohaliMo n the eve of his captaincy debut for India captaincy leading any team will remain the “Everybody has been warned about how even small The expanded 34-game One-day International rubber at the continue to be a vital cog in India’s DecemberDec 17 in the first One-day International (ODI) same,” Sharma said yesterday things can be blown out of all proportion. We’ve got to find schedule for the third season of HPCA Stadium here on Sunday. wheel as he completes what has match against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma “These are different set of players what I out exactly what happened. I’m sure they’ll be able to get on the tournament which was Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA O Kohli had asked for a break been an exceptional year in inter- (pictured)(pictu feels that basics of leading a side had in the IPL team but having played with these with it.” released by the Pakistan Cricket CricketCric Stadium, Visakhapatnam ahead of the challenging tour to national cricket for him. remainremai the same though the difference in cap- guys for some time now, I do understand their The third Ashes test starts on Thursday in Perth. Board (PCB) also sees the entry South Africa later this month and, in The bowling department will be tainingtainin a club and the national team is big. strengths and weaknesses. It will be all about of a sixth franchise, Multan his absence, vice captain Rohit led by the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar SRI LANKA SQUAD INDIAINDIA SQUADSQUAD ShSharma, who has captained Mumbai Indi- going there and executing and making every- Sultans. Sharma will take over the reins of Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah while ansans to three Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, one comfortable. That will be the idea,” he The PSL will last just over a the Men in Blue. Pandya will provide the services of (Captain) RohitRohit SharmaSharma (Captain)(Captain) willwill skippers the Indian team in the ODIs and added. Sharma, however, felt that he will do his month, beginning on February With predictions of widespread the third seamer. Twenty20Twen Internationals (T20Is) against Sri best to ensure to continue the good work the Hafeez to re-work 22 with the defending champi- rain and snow threatening the It will be interesting to see if Upul Tharanga SShikharhikhar DhawaDhawann LankaLanka in place of a rested Virat Kohli. team has been doing. ons Peshawar Zalmi taking on opener, the toss could play a crucial rookie Siddharth Kaul is included “IPL“IPL anandd internationainternationall criccricketket is compcompletelyletely “I“I don’tdon’t needneed to changechange aanything.n I just need Multan. role in the outcome of the tie. in the playing XI at the HPCA Sta- Danushka Gunathilaka AjinkyaAjinkya RahaneRahane toto carrycarry from where we left asa a team. I myself on action in England As before, the bulk of the Having won five straight bilat- dium, which is expected to aid willwill not changechange much.much. I willwi try to be at the games will be played in the eral series apart from reaching swing bowling. SShreyashreyas IIyeryer present and make those changeschan when neces- UAE, between Sharjah and Champions Trophy final, a 3-0 win With the conditions favouring MManishanish PandeyPandey sary,” tthehe MumbaiMumbai right-handerright-han said. Lahore Dubai. There had been talk of will put India atop the ICC ODI rank- the seamers, it looks highly likely EvenEven thoughtho India have IANS using Abu Dhabi as a venue, ings, overtaking South Africa. that India could go in with one spe- Asela Gunaratne KKedaredar JadhaJadhavv dominateddominated SSrir Lanka in the last more so after the Zayed Cricket The last time India faced Sri cialist wrist spinner between fewfew series, 30-year-old30 Sharma akistan all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez will travel to Stadium hosted two T20s and Lanka in one-dayers, it swept aside Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Niroshan Dickwella (WK) DDineshinesh KarthikKarthik feltfelt that everyevery series is different England to re-work on his bowling action which was ODIs against Sri Lanka earlier the island nation 5-0. Yadav despite having an extra fin- fromfrom one other.othe India won 9-0 Pearlier deemed illegal by the International Cricket this season, but the city will Going into the contest, the Sri ger-spin option in Axar Patel. Chaturanga de Silva MMahendraahendra SinghSingh Dhoni (WK)(WK) acrossacross thethe threethre formats in Sri Council (ICC). miss out once again on the PSL. Lankans will need to deal with a for- On the other hand, fresh from Akila Dananjaya HHardikardik PandyaPandya Lanka in earlier iin the year. On this “Mohammad Hafeez is traveling to England in the mid- After the group stage midable batting line-up comprising a great fightback which saw them tour, Sri LanLankaka llostost the Test series 0-1. dle of next week to have his bowling action assessed under matches, the first qualifier is the Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh drawing the third Test in New AxAxarar PPatelatel “Yes“Yes we have putpu them under pres- Dr. Paul Hurrion, Bio mechanist expert and Carl Crowe, only one that will be played in Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Delhi, the Sri Lankans will expect sure whenwhen we playedplayed them in Sri Lanka bowling coach who has worked successfully with Sunil the UAE. The two eliminators Kedar Jadhav. their senior players in Angelo Nuwan Pradeep KKuldeepuldeep YadaYadavv andand won allall fivefive ODIs.ODI I believe every Naraine. Azher Mahmood, our national team’s bowling are set to be played at Gaddafi While the opening slot seems Mathews and Upul Tharanga to new series is different aand it will bring dif- coach, who is already in England, would be present dur- Stadium in Lahore, the venue locked with Rohit and Dhawan at lead the way. Sadeera Samarawickrama Yuzvendra ChahalChahal ferentferent challengeschallenges andand wew got to do what ing the assessment of Hafeez’s bowling action,” the PCB for last season’s final. the top, Rahane is likely to get a For the islanders, the return of JJaspritasprit BumrahBumrah we dodo as a team.team. WeWe needne to concentrate said in a press release on Friday. There has been persistent chance at the number three position and Asela Gunaratne on bbasicasic andand littlelittle thingsthings which eventually “After the assessment both the experts would devise a chatter about the National Sta- with Kohli given a much-needed after recovering from injuries will Dushmantha Chameera BBhuvneshwarhuvneshwar KumarKumar addadd up to bbiggerigger things,”things,” hhe said. remedial work action plan that would be handed over to dium in Karachi not being ready rest. bolster their middle order. “Our“Our iideadea will bebe the ssame. If we can do Azher Mahmood for implementation in Pakistan. Azher Mah- in time to host the game, though However, if Dhawan, who was The tourists will bank on young Sachith Pathirana SSiddarthiddarth KauKaull that,that, we havehave seen thatthat wewe get the result. We mood and IBARC comprising of Ali Zia, Sajjad Akber, Salim last month, the PCB chairman down with viral fever on Friday, batsman Dhananjaya de Silva, who stay in the presentpre so our focus Jaffer and Aleem Dar would then work with Mohammad Najam Sethi said, “We have pulls out then Rahane could be seen scored a fighting century in the third Kusal Perera in on thethe ffirstir ODI,” he added. Hafeez under the guidelines given by the Paul and Carl for made a commitment to try our opening the innings. Test to force a draw in Delhi. correctness of his bowling action. best to have it in Karachi.” 30 SPORT SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 Pacers snap Cavaliers’ winning streak

Los Angeles good news Friday as Draymond AFP Victor Oladipo #4 of Green returned to the lineup and the Indiana Pacers dished out 13 assists. He missed ictor Oladipo tallied 33 shoots the ball the last game with a sore points as the Indiana Pac- against the Cleveland shoulder. Vers snapped the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Avery Bradley’s 25 points led Cavaliers’ NBA-leading 13-game Life Fieldhouse in the Pistons, who have lost five win streak with a 106-102 vic- Indianapolis, Indiana straight. tory on Friday. on Friday. In San Antonio, it was like a The Pacers drained 15 three giant hand reached up and point shots to end the run by the turned back the clock as Cavaliers, who were trying to set 40-year-old veteran Manu Gino- a franchise record with 14 bili nailed a 26-foot straight wins. three-pointer with five seconds “It was a good streak. We to play to lift the San Antonio came in here and got beat, so it’s Spurs to a 105-102 victory over time to start a new one,” said the Boston Celtics. coach Tyronn Lue. The game was tied 102-102 Oladipo made six of 13 from after a basket by the Spurs’ beyond the arc and Myles Turner LaMarcus Aldridge with 92 sec- finished with 15 points for onds to play. Two Kyrie Irving Indiana. misses, an Aldridge turnover and LeBron James paced the Cav- a miss on a three by San Anto- aliers with 29 points on 12-of-22 nio’s Rudy Gay that Ginobili shooting and also had 10 scooped up on the baseline with rebounds and eight assists. 25 seconds to play set the stage Kevin Love added 20 points for his game-winner. and J.R. Smith 15 for the “He’s one of the best players Cavaliers. at the end of quarters I’ve ever “Listen, it was a good streak,” seen,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said James. “We never talked said of ’s Ginobili. about it, we just played each game, executed each game. is most of the time you’ve got Elsewhere, Kevin Durant sixth straight. On Wednesday Golden State was playing its NBA RESULTS Streaks are meant to be broken, another game in less than 24 carried the undermanned War- against Charlotte, he finished second straight game without San Antonio 105 Boston 102 obviously. hours. We definitely have that.” riors on his back for the second with 35 points, 11 rebounds and two-time MVP Stephen Curry, Toronto 116 Memphis 107 “We came in and we knew Cleveland dropped to 18-8 straight game, finishing with 36 10 assists. who will miss at least two weeks Milwaukee 109 Dallas 102 this was going to be a tough game on the season but they will get points as Golden State defeated The Warriors became the with a right ankle sprain. Sacramento 116 New Orleans 109 for us, they’ve been playing an opportunity to regroup Sat- the Detroit Pistons 102-98. 11th team in league history to “We are missing points. We Chicago 119 Charlotte 111 extremely well at home. But we urday at home against Durant also flirted with his sweep a six-game road trip. The can’t wait for him to get back,” Golden State 102 Detroit 98

gave ourselves a chance. That’s Philadelphia, a team they beat second straight triple-double by last team to achieve that feat was said Durant of Curry. Indiana 106 Cleveland 102

Denver 103 Orlando 89 all you can ask for. 113-91 for win number eight of adding 10 rebounds and seven the Los Angeles Lakers during Golden State is dealing with “Best thing about this league the streak. assists as the Warriors won their the 2008-09 season. a number of injuries but got some

Saints coach Payton slams Dumba scores to give Wild win over Ducks officiating in Anaheim California NHL RESULTS goal at 13:35. “I thought the reac- AP San Antonio 105 Boston 102 tion was so much different than Falcons loss Minnesota 3 Anaheim 2 against the Kings,” Boudreau att Dumba is hardly the Chicago 3 Buffalo 2 said. “We went right back out player most likely to Las Vegas 4 Nashville 3 the next shift and had a couple

Los Angeles Mscore in overtime. The Columbus 5 New Jersey 3 of good chances to score. I think AFP defenceman has just three goals we pressured them the rest of Washington 4 NY Rangers 2 this season for Minnesota. the game.” ew Orleans Saints But two of them have been Dubnyk credited the Wild, coach Sean Payton game-winners in OT this week, Roy scored for the Ducks, who who had been struggling to Nwas still steamed on the second coming on Friday are 2-7 in games that have gone score, with confusing Anaheim Friday over “extremely poor” night to give the Wild a 3-2 vic- beyond regulation. Gibson made offensively. officiating in his team’s NFL tory over the Anaheim Ducks. 28 saves. “We’ve got guys driving the loss to the Atlanta Falcons. “I think he likes overtime,” “It’s frustrating,” Anaheim’s net and pulling up, and just While the league Minnesota coach Bruce Cam Fowler said. running different plays rather reviewed Payton’s behavior Boudreau said. “It feels like we’re really ten- than just going down the wall toward the officiating crew “He’s such a good skater and tative (in OT). We can’t seem to and throwing it at the net or -- a standard procedure after he gets to roam a little bit. It create any offensive chances. working around the outside,” he drew an unsportsmanlike works out really well for him.” We’re trying to manage the he said. conduct penalty late in the The Wild dominated the puck, and one breakdown, it “Teams are extremely good fourth quarter -- the coach 3-on-3 overtime period against seems like it’s in the back of the at playing in position defen- spoke further about his Anaheim. Dumba finally net.” sively, so in order to create, you frustrations. charged the net, faked one way This one played out much have to move around and con- “I thought the officiating and then wrapped the winning differently for Minnesota than fuse them a little bit.” was extremely poor,” said goal around John Gibson at 3:43 its previous game, when the In games decided in over- Payton, whose Saints fell of the extra period. Wild led 2-1 going into the third time, the Ducks are 0-3. 20-17 in Atlanta. “Inconsist- “You have to be patient,” period against the Los Angeles “Disappointing,” said Fran- ent would be a great way to Dumba said. Kings on Tuesday, only to lose cois Beauchemin. put it, and I thought that had “Try not to take too many 5-2. “I thought we had a decent a lot to do with the way this risks at the start and wait for The Wild led again 2-1 in the hockey game. We played good game ended. those breakdowns. We stayed third Friday when Anaheim’s at times. But they capitalized on “It’s frustrating when you patient and it worked out.” Corey Perry, flattened on the ice our mistakes. Chicago Blackhawks right wing Tommy Wingels (57) is have a game, instead of it Jason Zucker and Zack behind the Minnesota net, man- “We’re working hard (in congratulated for scoring a goal during the third period being decided on the field like Mitchell also scored for the Wild. aged to punch the puck off the overtime). We just haven’t found against the Buffalo Sabres at the United Center on Friday. it’s supposed to, you have a Devan Dubnyk stopped 26 shots. boards to Henrique, who slipped a way to win, to get one in OT Chicago won 3-2 in overtime. crew make so many mistakes Adam Henrique and Kevin it behind Dubnyk for the tying yet.” in one event.” The Saints were penalized 87 yards on 11 accepted pen- alties. Of Atlanta’s 26 first downs, nine came by penalty. The Falcons had four penal- Former England star Ashton ties for 35 yards. Payton received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for screaming at revelling in French exile an official, which gave the Falcons a first down and essentially ended the London Ashton, whose showboating style “You play in England and there game. AFP of a swan dive when he scored tries is always a group of people who Referee Clete Blakeman’s alienated some English rugby fans, think, ‘He’s not good enough to play crew penalised Payton for ormer England star Chris Ash- failed to regain his place in the Eng- for England.’ Here you don’t have running onto the field toward ton (pictured) says he is land set-up when Eddie Jones that. field judge Joe Larrew with Fdelighted to have quit the Eng- replaced Stuart Lancaster after the “Why be in England and be sur- 1:05 left to play. lish Premiership for French Top 14 2015 World Cup debacle. rounded by it all the time, when I can Payton said he was trying giants Toulon, escaping the negative He told The Times that by being be here and away from it all? It’s what to call a timeout when Lar- remarks that plagued him at home. in France he was happy not to have I wanted. If I do well here at Toulon, rew asked him again. The 30-year-old -- who rounded to contend with the debate over the team and the fans are more than “I said, ‘I’ve already called off his Saracens career with a try whether he should be playing for happy.” the timeout.’ I probably said against French outfit Clermont as they England. Ashton, who switched from rugby it with a little more oomph or secured back-to-back European “Maybe I would have played for league to union first joining North- vigor than I was supposed to, Champions Cup titles last season -- England again, maybe I wouldn’t,” he ampton in 2007 from Wigan, has but I had enough. I’ve got to has made a sparkling start to his stint said. found that quirky Toulon owner be smarter than that,” Payton in Toulon, topping the try-scoring “It doesn’t matter. I’m glad I can Mourad Boudjellal does not take said. chat with 13. forget about it. defeats lightly. 32 SPORT SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 Soto takes over as Qatar coach The Peninsula

amilo Soto, the vastly experienced Argen- tine coach, yesterday took over as coach of the Qatar national Cvolleyball team. The 42-year-old was unveiled as the new national team coach at a press conference attended by Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) officials. A former national player who won the 1995 Pan-American Games gold with Argentina, Soto said: “It’s a good step in my career. I am here to help Qatar national team do well at top international events.” He added: “I have big chal- lenges ahead of me. We have to prepare for the FIVB Challenger next June followed by the Asian Games event in Jakarta, Indone- sia, next August.” Camilo Soto of Argentina, the new Qatar volleyball coach, shakes hands with President of Soto said he had prior inputs Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Ali bin Ghanim Al Kuwari during a press conference in Doha yesterday. QVA Board Member Mubarak Eid Al Abdullah was also present. FACTBOX Factbox on Camilo Soto, the new volley- from fellow Argentine coaches present, said: “We welcome Mr In the 1998-99 season, he ball coach of Qatar team active in Qatar namely Police Camilo Soto. He is a very expe- guided his club Azul Name: Camilo Soto coach Damian Arredondo. rienced coach. We feel.” to gold medal in the Argentina I have big challenges ahead of me. We have Age: 42 “I had a fair idea about the Soto, 42, has appeared for national league. to prepare for the FIVB Challenger next June Place of birth: Picun Leufu, Neuquen, Argen- game’s development in Qatar. I the Argentine national teams Last year, he was the first tina had many interactions before at various levels. He was the assistant to coach Julio Velasco followed by the Asian Games event in Date of birth: January 25, 2017 switching to Qatar. This will be skipper of the national U-18 with the Argentina national team. Jakarta, Indonesia, next August: Soto Nationality: Argentinean. my first time with a senior and U-20 teams and won the Soto has also managed Finish

national team,” Soto said. gold medal with the Argentina side Pateri and Turkish club Fen-

Education: Professor of Physical Education QVA President Ali bin squad at the 1995 Pan-Amer- erbache. He played for Picun Ghanim Al Kuwari, who was also ica Games. Leufu.

Podium winners at Al Ghariya Triathlon Di Maria and Pastore The podium winners at the Al Ghariya Triathlon celebrate on target as PSG win during the victory ceremony held at Paris Al Ghariya Resort been in and out of the side and AP are considered among the lead- yesterday. Over 250 ing candidates to leave. PSG participants including ith their futures turned down Barcelona’s offer 50 Qatari nationals uncertain, winger for Di Maria right at the end of participated in the WAngel Di Maria and the summer transfer window. event organised by midfielder Javier Pastore scored PSG lost its unbeaten record the Qatar Olympic as French leader Paris Saint- last week, losing at Strasbourg Committee in Germain beat Lille 3-1 2-1 and then at Bayern Munich conjunction with Qatar yesterday. 3-1 in the Champions League. Triathlon Federation, Teen star Kylian Mbappe They were PSG’s first consec- Tri Club Doha, and sealed the win in the third utive defeats since December with the participation minute of injury time after Lille 2014 and increased speculation of Qtri, Mad Triathlon striker Anwar El Ghazi pounced that coach Unai Emery could and Fit Q. in the 86th minute to ensure a be replaced. nervous finish. Lille came into the match Di Maria and Pastore have having won its past two games. Aspire Academy’s U-11 football team clinches title

The Peninsula players of the same age groups tournament’s high-level of from the visiting teams. organisation, saying: “we are n a series of hotly contested In the U12 age groups, all grateful to Aspire Academy for matches played on Aspire’s football teams concluded the inviting us to participate in the Igrounds last week, Aspire tournament with three points Tri-Series football tournament Academy’s U11 Feeder football each, but ended with Tunisian in beautiful Qatar, which has team topped the table in the lat- team Etoile du Sahel on top, been a very good experience for est Tri-Series football whilst Aspire Academy’s team us. We were thrilled to play tournament, after securing a 2-1 followed in second place and against Aspire Academy’s youth win against Tunisian team, Etoile Pakistani team Karachi United teams and Etoile du Sahel. This du Sahel, leaving them in second in third place, due to a one goal is the boys’ first international place, and a 2-2 draw against difference which separated each football experience, which has Pakistani side, Karachi United, team from the next. been an important learning leaving them in third place. Commenting on the tourna- experience and an important Organised by Aspire Acad- ment, Director of Karachi United step forward towards their ath- emy, the tournament featured FC praised the world-class facil- letic development. Both the Academy’s U12 and U11 ities at Aspire Academy, the competing teams proved to be Feeder football teams against hospitality of its people and the strong contenders and gave our boys a worthy challenge. We’ll be leaving Qatar with valuable Aspire Academy lessons thanks to this wonderful Aspire Academy players and officials celebrates during the prize distribution ceremony after players tournament.” winning the Tri-Series football tournament in Doha. celebrate after Meanwhile, Etoile du Sahel’s scoring a goal team coordinator, Slim Der- tournament has grown steadily enrolment and is responsible for giving them scope and opportu- during the Tri- ouiche, said: “it has been a since it was launched in 2012. training students below the age nities to compete. Series football different environment and a Last year, more than 32 clubs and of 12 who showcased exceptional The Academy’s training phi- tournament in great football experience to our associations participated in the football skills through the Acad- losophy is tailored to the Doha. youth team. Aspire Academy’s tournament. Participating teams emy’s Talent Identification capabilities, talents and goals of facilities are second to none and have included major football Department’s (TID) scouting Qatar as a footballing nation and we’re pleased with our overall clubs such as such as Liverpool process. Boys who show good it follows a strategy that is geared performance at the tournament, FC (England), Paris St-Germain progress during their years of towards the development of especially for coming in first (France), Ajax Amsterdam (Neth- training at the Feeder Group are individual players. place at the U12 age group. Eve- erlands), Zenit St. Petersburg then offered to join the The selection criteria for ryone from the other teams (Russia), Nagoya Grampus Eight Academy. overseas teams taking part in played really well, and we’ll be (Japan), Esperance de Tunis Aspire Academy’s football Aspire Academy’s Tri-Series taking back great memories of (Tunisia) and Palmeiras () programme is widely recognised football competition includes a Aspire Academy and Qatar.” as well as national youth teams as one of the strongest in the strong emphasis on youth devel- The number of teams that from Canada and . world in terms of identifying, opment programmes, in addition have visited Aspire Academy to Aspire Academy’s Feeder evaluating and nurturing talent, to their standard of football and compete in the Tri-Series Group programme precedes as well as training players and footballing style.