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Monday, January 22, 2018 CRICKET Jumada I 5, 1439 AH Buttler serves GULF TIMES up ODI series success for England SPORT Page 2 TENNIS PODIUM FINISH Nadal survives test as Dimitrov ousts Kyrgios

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his singles fourth round match against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday.

AFP Results Melbourne Men’s singles 4th round: Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Pablo Carreno- afael Nadal battled Busta (ESP x10) 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-6 through a huge test to (7/0), 7-6 (7/3) make his 10th Austral- Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt Nick Rian Open quarter-fi nal Kyrgios (AUS x17) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 yesterday as Grigor Dimitrov (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) ousted Nick Kyrgios to join him Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Diego Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (R) and co-driver Matthieu Baumel celebrate their second place finish in the Dakar Rally on Saturday night in Cordoba, Argentina. Driving a and Caroline Wozniacki kicked Schwartzman (ARG x24) 6-3, 6-7 Toyota Hilux, they stayed in the hunt for the title throughout the gruelling event in South America before finishing second to Spanish great Carlos Sainz of Peugeot. into top gear. (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 On an overcast and muggy day Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Andreas at Melbourne Park, the Span- Seppi (ITA) 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 ish world number one was up Women’s singles 4th round: against his most dangerous op- Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) bt FOOTBALL/ ASIAN U23 CHAMPIONSHIP ponent yet in pocket-rocket Anett Kontaveit (EST x32) 4-6, Diego Schwartzman, one of the 6-4, 8-6 smallest men on tour. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt The Argentine 24th seed en- Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK x19) deared with his astonishingly 6-3, 6-0 powerful groundstrokes before Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Petra Nadal prevailed 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), Martic (CRO) 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 6-3, 6-3 in almost four hours on Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Denisa Rod Laver Arena. Allertova (CZE) 6-3, 6-0 Confi dent Qatar It kept alive his push for a 17th Grand Slam title and also en- sured he will remain number one in the majors, annihilated 19th- when the new rankings come out seeded Magdalena Rybarikova after the tournament. 6-3, 6-0 in her most impressive “It was a great battle,” said performance to date. Nadal, who is chasing his second “She really mixes up the pace, Melbourne title after beating I just tried to calm down, get my ready for Vietnam Roger Federer in the 2009 fi nal. returns in and wait for the op- “Of course, I feel little bit portunities to attack,” she said tired, but I was able to keep after crushing the Slovak, who fi ghting until the end.” made the semi-fi nals at Wim- He will play sixth seed Marin bledon last year. Cilic for a place in the semi-fi - “I think you can tell my confi - nals after the Croat beat Spanish dence is pretty good at the mo- 10th seed Pablo Correna Busta ment.” semi-fi nal clash 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 Her easy passage sets up a (7/3). last-eight clash with gritty Playing fearless football Qatar have won all their four matches in the event so far The win was Cilic’s 100th at a Spaniard Suarez Navarro, who Grand Slam. battled back from a set and 4-1 “I have played great ten- down to shatter the hopes of By Our Correspondent goals against us,” he added. nis from the fi rst round against 32nd seed Anett Kontaviet. Changzhou, China Moein said there was complete har- tough opponents and now I am The Estonian had been bub- mony among the players and this factor really looking to the next match, bling with confi dence after des- would see them through to the fi nal. it will be defi nitely be a big chal- patching French Open champion atari players are upbeat about “God willing, we will play with a high lenge,” he said of the Nadal clash. Jelena Ostapenko in the third their chances of qualifying level of concentration against Viet- Ordinarily Nadal, as the top round, but nerves got the better for the fi nal of the AFC U23 nam and will follow the coach’s (Felix seed, would have top billing on of her. QChampionship ahead of their Sanchez) instructions hundred per- Rod Laver in the evening, but not The Spaniard, who has made semi-fi nal encounter against giant- cent.” with local star Kyrgios in action. the quarter-fi nals in Melbourne killers Vietnam tomorrow. Meanwhile, Vietnam coach Park The maturing Austral- twice before, most recently in All players took part in a training Hang-Seo insists his players have prov- ian 22-year-old pushed world 2016, credited her fi ghtback with session yesterday, many of them with en their ability against Asia’s elite after number three Dimitrov close in a conscious decision to be more their faces covered, in bitterly cold reaching the semi-fi nals. a hugely entertaining four set- aggressive. and windy conditions prevailing in the Vietnam defeated former champions ter before succumbing 7-6 (7/3), “My team all the time they prefecture-level city of Changzhou in Iraq 5-3 on penalties after an extraor- 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4). say (to) me, play aggressive, play China’s southern Jiangsu province. dinary 120 minutes of action ended in a “Playing Nick is always aggressive. That’s I think what Playing fearless football Qatar have 3-3 draw that saw the lead change three tricky,” said the Bulgarian, as he I did,” said Suarez Navarro, one won all their matches in the tournament times before Park’s players advanced targets bettering the semi-fi nals of the few who still uses a one- so far, raising the expectations of fans via the shootout. he made last year. handed backhand. who are hoping for a title, especially af- The win highlighted the progress be- “It was one of those matches Looking ahead to Wozniacki, ter the disappointment of the Gulf Cup Qatari players warm up for Vietnam in cold Changzhou yesterday. ing made by the Vietnamese, who saw you had to take any opportu- she added: “I know how she where the senior team were eliminated off Australia in the group phase before nity that you got.” His reward plays. I know how tough she ahead of the semi-fi nal stage. quarter-fi nals, but the Al Duhail player Ahmed Moein, another rising Qatari, defeating a nation that won the fi rst is a showdown with Briton Kyle is. It will be a really interesting Almoez Ali, who has been the star said nothing less than a title would sat- added that Vietnam showed their class edition of the competition and who Edmund, who reached his fi rst match.” The 37th-ranked Elise performer of the tournament with goals isfy him. by beating Australia and Iraq and there- went on to fi nish third – and qualify for Grand Slam quarter-fi nal with a Mertens also made the last eight, against three of the four teams Qatar “It is amazing that I was able to score fore should not be taking lightly. the Olympic Games – in 2016. 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 win over becoming the fi rst Belgian since have faced so far, has urged his team- two goals (against Palestine) but we “Vietnam played very well against “I have total confi dence in my play- Italy’s Andreas Seppi. Kim Clijsters in 2012 to get so far mates to focus on tomorrow’s match. must continue working hard if we are to teams such as Iraq, Australia and Syria ers, and they proved their capabilities World number two Wozniacki in Australia. “It’s important that we are in the win the title. and they will be a challenge for us, sure- today,” he said. “Even on the physical turned on the style in her match She posted a straight-sets semi-fi nals but all our eff orts will go to “I hope I can continue to keep scoring ly,” said Moein. side they were equal to our opponents to take another step towards a win over Croat Petra Martic and waste if we don’t beat Vietnam in the and get more goals, and that my team “But we should be careful and not (Iraq). maiden Grand Slam title. will now play fourth seed Elina semis,” the striker said. keeps on winning until the end of the make the kind of defensive mistakes “In attack, we played very well with The assured Wozniacki, a Svitolina who swept past Czech Almoez has scored fi ve goals so far, tournament. I hope we can win the ti- we made against Palestine in the semi- two strikers and maybe I will use the semi-fi nalist in 2011 who has qualifi er Denisa Allertova in two including two against Palestine in the tle,” he added. fi nals which allowed them to score two same strategy in the next match.” never quite lived up to the hype easy sets. Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 22, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET TENNIS Andy who? Briton Edmund reaches Buttler serves fi rst Slam quarters

Reuters Melbourne

ritain’s Kyle Edmund up ODI series reached the quarter- fi nals of a grand slam for the fi rst time after Bcoming from a set down to oust Italian Andreas Seppi 6-7(4) 7-5 6-2 6-3 in the fourth round of the Australian Open yesterday The 23-year-old, the only win for England Briton in the men’s draw in the absence of the injured Andy Murray, smashed 63 winners to one and again in brutal heat with The result gave England an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, a progress to a last eight meeting Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili in with Grigor Dimitrov or Nick round three. remarkable turnaround after Australia had trounced them 4-0 in the Ashes Tests Kyrgios when Seppi netted after Edmund duly delivered with just under three hours on court. 23 unforced errors as Seppi, a AFP Edmund also fi red down 25 decade older and a veteran of Sydney aces to tame the neat Italian but three previous trips to the fourth it was the thumping winners, round of the Australian Open, particularly off his forehand, held serve with ease and mus- scintillating century from Jos that proved decisive after he tered up fi ve break points. Buttler brought England a 16- had reduced the error count that A medical timeout and a run win and a one-day inter- marred his display in the fi rst set. shoulder massage from the national series victory against The fi rst Briton other than trainer did not help Edmund AustraliaA in Sydney yesterday Murray to reach the last eight at much initially and Seppi raced The hosts, set 303 to win by England Melbourne Park since John Lloyd away with the tiebreak to clinch after winning the toss and choosing to in 1985, Edmund politely shook the fi rst set in 56 minutes. bowl, were always struggling in their hands with his opponent at the Things did not look much bet- chase and eventually managed only 286 net before leaping off the ground ter at the start of the second with for six. with punch in the air. an early break going the Italian’s The result gave England an unbeatable “He plays very well here, he way but Edmund stormed back 3-0 lead in the fi ve-match ODI series, a has reached the fourth round to put the set back on serve with remarkable turnaround after Australia a few times and is playing very a crunching forehand and lev- had trounced them 4-0 in the Ashes well but so was I,” the unassum- elled up the match on another Tests. ing Yorkshireman said on court. break from a second set point. England ODI captain Eoin Morgan said “Through to my fi rst quarter- A leaping backhand service Buttler had engineered of the best wins fi nal. I am very happy.” return gave Edmund the early he’d been part of. The world number 49 might break in the third set and the “Jos was probably the diff erence be- have been forgiven a slow start Briton never looked back as he tween the sides,” he said. “On a two- after going fi ve sets with 11th raced away to take a 2-1 lead after paced wicket he paced it to perfection, seed Kevin Anderson in round little more than half an hour. played the anchor until about fi ve or six overs out. “This is one of the best wins from this SPOTLIGHT group.” Australia’s hopes largely rested with Steve Smith (45) and Mitchell Marsh (55), but both were dismissed at a crucial stage Federer not keen of the chase, with Smith falling to a con- tentious low-down catch by Buttler off the bowling of Mark Wood (2-46). on his kids following Marcus Stoinis made a late attempt to lift Australia with a punishing 56, but England managed to hold on despite los- in his footsteps ing pacemen Liam Plunkett to a leg injury early in the Australian innings. Australian captain Smith said the game AFP He did reveal they already was lost in the last few overs of the Eng- Melbourne play tennis, not because he has land innings. England’s Jos Buttler celebrates after been encouraging them, but be- “I thought the way we bowled in the reaching his century against Australia at cause their friends all do and he fi rst 45 overs was good, but Jos played the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. oger Federer says he’s doesn’t want them to feel left exceptionally well, Woakesy too, but we a big believer in kids out. bowled poorly at the end, can’t do that to playing sport, but he’s “I’m happy they all do play a guy like Jos,” he said. not keen on his own tennis a little bit because basi- “We were chasing probably 30 too SYDNEY SCORECARD childrenR following in his foot- cally literally all our friends who many... batted well but not enough to get steps. have kids as well, they all play over the line.” England D. Warner c Hales b Woakes ...... 8 The Swiss great and wife Mir- tennis,” he said. Buttler, 27, was the only batsman from J. Roy c Finch b Cummins ...... 19 C. White c Buttler b Wood...... 17 ka had identical twins Myla Rose “I wouldn’t want my kids to either team really to get to grips with a J. Bairstow b Zampa ...... 39 S. Smith c Buttler b Wood ...... 45 and Charlene Riva in 2009 and be the only ones who don’t play slightly slow pitch. His late surge ena- A. Hales c Zampa b Stoinis ...... 1 M. Marsh c Hales b Rashid ...... 55 another set came along fi ve years tennis, so with my wife we have bled England to reach a total which had J. Root b Hazlewood ...... 27 M. Stoinis c sub (Billings) b Woakes ...... 56 later, Leo and Lenny. sort of a little requirement on seemed out of their reach until the fi nal E. Morgan c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 41 T. Paine not out ...... 31 They are occasionally seen things they have to do in their few overs. J. Buttler not out ...... 100 P. Cummins not out ...... 1 watching their dad ply his trade, life, and tennis is unfortunately Several English batsmen failed to capi- M. Ali b Marsh ...... 6 Extras (lb5, b4, w2) ...... 11 but after years travelling the one of them. talise on promising starts, but Buttler C. Woakes not out ...... 53 Total (for six wickets, 50 overs) ...... 286 world on the tennis tour, the “It’s not because we want notched his fi fth one-day international Extras (lb2, w13, nb1) ...... 16 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Warner), 2-44 (White), 3-113 (Finch), 4-181 36-year-old would prefer not to them to. It’s because I think it century from the last ball of the innings Total (for six wickets, 50 overs) ...... 302 (Smith), 5-210 (Marsh), 6-284 (Stoinis) have to do it all over again. would be a pity if they played no as England helped themselves to 38 off Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Roy), 2-45 (Hales), 3-90 (Bairstow), 4-107 Bowling: Wood 10-1-46-2 (2w), Woakes 10-0-57-2, Plunkett 1.2-0- “I mean, I hope they don’t just tennis at all.” the fi nal two overs. (Root), 5-172 (Morgan), 6-189 (Ali) 6-0, Ali 10-0-57-0, Root 8.4-0-60-0, Rashid 10-0-51-2 because we don’t need another Despite the reluctance for his Buttler himself took 28 runs from the Bowling: Starc 10-0-63-0 (3w), Hazlewood 10-0-58-2, Cummins England won by 16 runs, take series 3-0 25 years on tour,” he said at the children to follow in his foot- last 11 balls he faced. He faced 83 balls, 10-1-67-1 (6w, 1nb), Stoinis 8-0-43-1 (1w), Zampa 9-0-55-1, Marsh Toss: Australia Australian Open when asked if steps, Federer, who is chasing a hitting six fours and four sixes, in a dash- 3-0-14-1 (2w) Umpires: Simon Fry (AUS), Chris Gaff aney (NZL) he would encourage them to be 20th Grand Slam in Melbourne, ing innings that gathered momentum in Australia TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SRL) professional players. is a great believer in kids playing the last 10 overs. A. Finch lbw Rashid ...... 62 Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRL) But he added: “No, I’m just sport more generally, believing it Just as England appeared to be strug- a supportive parent. I can’t tell can teach them a lot. gling against a full-strength Austral- which direction they’re going to “I think it’s great for them to ian attack, Buttler found a willing ally ries that the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood ing, with four missed catches and two had his revenge a few minutes later when go. do sports early on in their life. I in Chris Woakes late in the innings, the and Mitchell Starc, who spearheaded the botched run-out attempts. he bowled Ali for six, continuing the all- “If there’s going to be any- think it’s good for them,” he said. seamer making 53 from 36 balls in a Ashes win, had been reunited. The easiest of the catches to go to grass rounder’s wretched tour. thing in sports or somewhere “Winning, losing, that comes match-winning partnership of 113 in 11.5 The tactic appeared to be working un- was a howler by Cameron White, who Smith dropped Morgan (41) on 18 off in fi nance or business, I have no a little bit later, but you learn overs. Australia recalled pacemen Pat til Buttler and Woakes came together and failed to get a hand to a skied chance from spinner Adam Zampa, while Starc got his idea where they’re going to go. a lot from that. I did anyway. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the turned the match on its head. The English Moeen Ali when he was on one. fi ngers to a tough caught-and-bowled All I know is I’ll be incredibly I think also you make a lot of match, the fi rst time in the one-day se- were aided by sloppy Australian fi eld- Marsh was the unlucky bowler, but chance. supportive of them.” friends through sports."

BOTTOMLINE Sri Lanka halt slide with win over Zimbabwe

AFP they lost against Zimbabwe and hosts top-scored with 58 before his side SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka (target 199) Dhaka Bangladesh. were bowled out in 44 overs. Zimbabwe K. Perera c Sub b Muzarabani ...... 49 Zimbabwe paceman Blessing Muz- The 28-year old Perera, who bowls H. Masakadza c Tharanga b T. Perera .20 U. Tharanga b Chatara...... 17 arabani claimed three wickets to rattle medium-pace, was ably supported by S. Mire c Dickwella b T. Perera ...... 21 K. Mendis b Muzarabani ...... 36 hisara Perera starred with bat the Sri Lankan top-order after opener fellow paceman Nuwan Pradeep (3- C. Ervine c Tharanga b T. Perera ...... 2 N. Dickwella c Sub b Muzarabani ...... 7 and ball as Sri Lanka ended Kusal Perera’s dominating 49. 28). B. Taylor c Tharanga b T. Perera ...... 58 D. Chandimal not out ...... 38 their recent dismal run by But the day belonged to Thisara Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan S. Raza c Mendis b Sandakan ...... 9 A. Gunaratne c sub b Jarvis ...... 9 beating Zimbabwe by fi ve Perera, who soon took the attack Sandakan took two wickets before M. Waller c Dickwella b Sandakan ...... 24 T. Perera not out ...... 39 wicketsT in the tri-nation one-day in- to the opposition with his 26-ball Pradeep wiped off the Zimbabwe tail Extras P. Moor run out (Mendis/Dickwella) ..... 0 (lb3, w3, nb1) ...... 7 ternational tournament in Dhaka yes- knock that was laced with a four and including the prized wicket of skipper G. Cremer b Pradeep ...... 34 Total (5 wickets; 44.5 overs) ...... 202 terday. 3 sixes. Graeme Cremer for 34. K. Jarvis b Pradeep ...... 5 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Tharanga), 2-103 (K. Perera claimed four wickets to lead “He is a good experienced player. However Cremer made no excuses T. Chatara not out ...... 2 Perera), 3-110 (Mendis), 4-117 (Dickwella), an inspired Sri Lankan bowling at- He has (been) playing tournaments for the loss. B. Muzarabani b Pradeep ...... 0 5-145 (Gunaratne) tack that limited Zimbabwe to 198 all everywhere. He is performing as a “I thought, obviously we were 30 Extras (lb8, w15) ...... 23 Did not bat: A. Dananjaya, S. Lakmal, L. out before his unbeaten 39 helped the batsman and bowler. It is crucial,” runs short with the bat. The wicket Total (all out; 44 overs) ...... 198 Sandakan, N. Pradeep islanders to chase down their target in Chandimal, who led the side in place played a lot different to the last game,” Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Masakadza), 2-49 Bowling: Jarvis 9-0-34-1 (w2), Chatara 44.5 overs. of injured Angelo Mathews, said of said Cremer. (Ervine), 3-56 (Mire), 4-73(Raza), 5-139 9.5-1-40-1 (w1), Muzarabani 10-0-52-3 Sri Lanka were in trouble at 145- Perera. The win kept Sri Lanka in the hunt (Waller), 6-140 (Moor), 7-171 (Taylor), 8-191 (nb1), Raza 7-0-44-0, Cremer 9-0-29-0 5 before skipper Dinesh Chandimal “We missed the most senior player for a spot in the final as they still have (Jarvis), 9-198 (Cremer), 10-198 (Muzara- Toss: Zimbabwe (38 not out) and Perera put on an (Mathews) after the first game, so a game in hand against Bangladesh. bani) Result: Sri Lanka won by five wickets unbeaten 57-run stand for the sixth Thisara stood as up as a performer. I Zimbabwe, who beat Sri Lanka by 12 Bowling: Lakmal 7-0-23-0, Pradeep 8-2- Man of the match: T. Perera wicket. am really happy for him,” he added. runs in their first match of the tour- 28-3 (w6), T. Perera 8-0-33-4 (w2), Danan- Umpires: Masudur Rahman (BAN), Bruce Perera, who bats left-handed, Earlier Perera ran through the Zim- nament, also can qualify for the final jaya 10-0-45-0 (w2), Sandakan 10-0-57-2 Oxenford (AUS) sealed the win with a six to keep Sri Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera babwe top-order, grabbing the most if they can beat the hosts in their next (w5), Gunaratne 1-0-4-0 TV Umpire: Chettithody Shamsuddin Lanka’s tournament hopes alive after with his man-of-the match trophy. vital wicket of Brendan Taylor, who match on Tuesday. (IND) Gulf Times Monday, January 22, 2018 3 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Garcia stamps class in Singapore to start Hot back nine lands 2018 campaign

AFP It was a tough day and a tough Singapore week, with the stopping and go- ing,” he added. Garcia will de- fend his Omega Dubai Desert asters champion Classic title from Thursday. Ja- Fleetwood title Sergio Garcia sealed pan’s Satoshi Kodaira, the six- an emphatic vic- time Japan Golf Tour winner, ‘I feel a lot more emotional, actually, than last year. I just really wanted to win this one’ tory at the Singapore shared second place with Shaun MOpen yesterday and said he was Norris of South Africa with a to- AFP maybe try and prove as if you “extremely happy” with a rous- tal nine-under-par 275. Abu Dhabi were hurt and you had not had ing start to his 2018 campaign. The Thai duo of Jazz Janewat- that whole euphoria of achiev- The Spaniard carded a three- tananond and Danthai Boonma ing something amazing in your under-par 68 for a command- were tied in fourth spot after ngland’s Tommy Fleet- career. So, all the practise has ing fi ve-shot win as the weather carding eight-under-par 276 wood played fl awless been very good. To sort of vali- cleared after two days of rain- overall. Sean Crocker of the golf in gusting winds to date your position as the Player disrupted play in his fi rst tour- United States and Cameron successfully defended of the Year so early on is really nament of the year. Davis of Australia carded 69 and hisE title at the $3 million Abu satisfying in a way.” Garcia, 38, began the day with 70 respectively for a seven-un- Dhabi Championship yesterday. Fisher, who came close to a birdie on the fi rst hole and add- der-par 277. At the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, winning two big tournaments ed two more in quick succession the 27-year-old Englishman late last year (Alfred Dunhill before the turn on holes seven Leading final round scores shot a seven-under par 65 round Links Championship and Ital- and eight. 270 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-70- – with six of his birdies com- ian Open) before fi nishing sec- It was cruise control for the 66-68 ing on the back nine in diffi cult ond, complimented Fleetwood rest of the round as he carded 275 - Satoshi Kodaira (JPN) conditions – to beat compatriot on his strong fi nish. “Hats off to nine straight pars to seal his win 66-72-66-71, Shaun Norris (RSA) Ross Fisher by two shots. Tommy. I don’t feel like I’ve lost with a total 14-under-par 270 69-67-69-70 The Southport-based world a tournament. He’s gone out at the Singapore Golf Club’s 276 - Jazz Janewattananond No18 made the turn at one- there and shot 65 and he’s won Serapong course. (THA) 71-68-66-71, Danthai under par, and was fi ve shots it, so all credit to him.” The world number 10 and 2017 BOONMA (THA) 70-68-65-73 adrift of Fisher at the stage, but McIlroy said he would have European Golfer of the Year had 277 - Sean Crocker (USA) 71-70- made one stunning birdie after happily taken a tied-third fi n- struggled with his putts on Sat- 67-69, Cameron Davis (AUS) another to edge Fisher. ish if off ered at the start of the urday but was on fi re as soon as 68-70-69-70 Fleetwood, who is the cur- tournament. “Felt like I did play resumed early Sunday un- 278 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) rent Order of Merit champion everything I wanted to do,” der a hot sun and clear blue skies. 71-69-68-70, Gavin Green (MAS) on the European Tour, showed said McIlroy, who recorded his “It’s always great to start with 71-67-69-71, Berry Henson (USA) his class with a superb second eighth top-fi ve fi nish in the a win, to do it here at this golf 70-72-71-65, Lucas Herbert (AUS) shot from the waste area while tournament in last nine starts. course against a good fi eld in 68-70-69-71 stymied behind a tree to six feet “Maybe, I didn’t get the ball Asia on conditions that weren’t 279 - Poom Saksansin (THA) for birdie. He then rolled in a close enough on the back nine easy,” he said. 70-69-69-71, Yuki Inamori (JPN) 25-feet putt for birdie on the today but apart from that it’s “Hopefully I can ride on this 70-70-67-72, Andy Zhang (CHN) 15th hole to tie for the lead, and been really good. I’m really hap- momentum. I’m extremely 72-66-71-70, Danny Masrin (INA) a 50-feet putt to take outright py with how I played this week happy with how the week went. 71-66-67-75. lead on the 16th hole. and it gives me confi dence go- Fisher (69) started the day ing into not only next week but in impressive fashion with an the few months ahead, as well.” eagle on the second hole, cour- tesy a 45-feet putt, and was Leading final-round scores four-under at the turn. But on 266 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) the back nine, he made a bogey 66-68-67-65 on the 10th and a solitary birdie 268 - Ross Fisher (ENG) 67-67- on the 16th hole to fi nish on 65-69 20-under par. 270 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) Rory McIlroy, playing his 68-70-63-69, Rory McIlroy (NIR) fi rst tournament in over three 69-66-65-70 months, shot a 70 to tie for third 271 - Chris Paisley (ENG) 69-67- place at 18-under par alongside 66-69, Thomas Pieters (BEL) Matthew Fitzpatrick (69). World 67-65-67-72 No1 Dustin Johnson (70) fi nished 272 - Alexander Levy (FRA) 69- tied ninth on 14-under par. 65-70-68 Overnight joint leader, Bel- 273 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) gium’s Thomas Pieters (72), and England’s Tommy Fleetwood celebrates with the trophy yesterday. (Reuters) 70-68-70-65 England’s Chris Paisley (69), 274 - Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 67- winner of last week’s South know why. I just really wanted ment and seeing the shots. “If Justin (Rose) had shot level 69-68-70, Dustin Johnson (USA) African Open, were tied fi fth at to win this one,” said Fleetwood. “Last year, I had the year of par on that back nine on Sunday in 72-64-68-70, Paul Casey (ENG) 17-under 271. A delighted Fleet- “I’ll have to think about it if my life by a long, long way on the (2017) DP World Tour Cham- 70-65-69-70, Andrew Johnston wood felt the win validated his I’ve played better, but I played the course. And everything pionship, then I wouldn’t have had (ENG) 68-68-66-72, Thomas position as Europe’s No1 golfer. great. Diff erence is all in the we’ve done since then was to won The Race to Dubai title. Detry (BEL) 70-68-64-72 “I feel a lot more emotional, putts. I holed the putts on the make sure that we kept pro- “So it was sort of impor- 275 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69- actually, than last year. I don’t back nine. I was just in the mo- gressing, kept improving. tant to look at it that way; that 64-72-70.

Cook fires up with 64 for one-stroke lead after three rounds Austin Cook expressed comfort Piller and Andrew Landry, and told Golf Channel. “I’m just excit- was enough to remain within trouble at the water-surround- playing with the lead after surg- two in front of Scott Piercy and ed to be in this situation again. striking distance. “Things have ed par-three 17th when his ball ing to a one-shot advantage in Spaniard Jon Rahm. It was hard to prepare for three been a little worse and worse took one bounce into the haz- the third round at the Career- The 26-year-old Cook broke golf courses in two days but I (each round),” he said. “First ard, where it struck a rock and Builder Challenge in southern through for his maiden victory think I’m doing an alright job day everything was outstand- then ricocheted back towards California on Saturday. at the RSM Classic in Georgia in so far. Good ball striking, good ing. Yesterday my driver was a the green. Though still in the Cook picked up six strokes in a November and said he expect- putting equals low rounds.” little shaky but my iron shots hazard, his ball was playable six-hole stretch from the fourth ed that experience would hold Landry (70) stayed in conten- were perfect. almost up against a rock but af- hole en route to an eight-under- him in good stead on Sunday tion as he remained bogey-free “Today my driver was shaky, fording him a short backswing par 64 at La Quinta, the easiest when everyone will play the through 54 holes. He and Piercy my iron shots were shaky and while the recovery attempt of the three courses used for same course, the Stadium at (67) are both seeking their first and a course like this is really was not without risk - another the pro-am event in the Palm PGA West. tour victory. punishing but luckily the holes player had attempted a similar Springs area. He posted a 19-un- “I’m a lot more comfortable Spanish world number three I found the fairway I was able to shot only to get into further der 197 total, one shot ahead knowing I can have a lead and Rahm struggled with his swing convert and make birdies.” trouble - Rahm chipped his ball Sergio Garcia of Spain posing with the winner’s trophy following his of fellow Americans Martin keep a lead until Sunday,” he but a 70 at the Stadium Course Rahm narrowly avoided major out and two putted for bogey. victory in the Singapore Open at the Serapong golf course in Singapore yesterday. (AFP)

FOOTBALL Tunisia players benefi t from Aspetar’s experience he Tunisian national prepare for Russia 2018.” to the start of the World Cup launching a new clinic dedicated football team has re- Chemli also pointed out that competition, equipping them to this purpose to cope with the cently concluded a series one of Aspetar’s unique selling with a clear roadmap to develop growing number of professional of medical and perform- points is its considerable con- their game and improve their athletes and physically active Tance assessments at Aspetar, the tribution to international re- performance. individuals who can benefi t from leading specialised orthopaedic search into the impact of fasting In addition to the compre- its world-class services. and sports medicine hospital, to on sports performance, which is hensive medical check-ups, a Aspetar’s Athlete Screening and prepare for the 2018 FIFA World particularly relevant for the Tu- number of players underwent Sports Cardiology Department Cup Russia. nisian national team given the a rehabilitation programme at perform medical assessments on Over the course of three holy month of Ramadan begins Aspetar including Amine Ben athletes for a variety of reasons. days, the so called “Eagles of just prior to the start of the FIFA Amor, who sustained an in- These include assessments ahead Carthage” underwent compre- World Cup in Russia. jury prior to joining the training of new contract signings, where hensive medical screening tests Commenting on preparations camp in Doha. an athlete can fi nalize 96% of the and benefi ted from Aspetar’s ex- leading up the tournament, par- Regardless of an athlete’s tests in one visit. tensive experience in injury pre- ticularly during Ramadan, Dr level of experience, medical and Each medical assessment vention and enabling athletes to Chemli said: “Many Muslims physical screening can iden- consists of diff erent components fulfi l their potential. fi nd it diffi cult to exercise dur- as “diffi cult” and said the players tify any predisposition to injury, and is tailored to meet the needs Commenting on the team’s ing Ramadan, but it’s important are “aware of the level of respon- such as those at risk of compli- of each individual athlete. three-day tests at Aspetar, Tu- to note that this is also a month sibility they have, but we will aim cations from exercise. Examples While each test is specifi c nisia’s national team physician of patience and sacrifi ce. Exer- to get past the group stages.” range from a life-threatening to each individual, a number Souheil Chemli, said: “The sci- cising during Ramadan is a case petar, but it is world-class in instill pride amongst the Tunisian During the team’s physical condition such as sudden car- of components are standard ence of sports medicine and per- of ‘mind over matter’ – and our every sense of the word. I am people and all Arab nations. tests at Aspetar, the Tunisian diac arrest, or asthma, diabetes across the board, such as car- formance development are two players are used to training and impressed by the international The Tunisian team will now team defender Khalil Chemmam and high blood pressure. diac screening, the detailed sides of the same coin, and we playing when they are fasting.” standards of the facilities and I head to another training camp in described the team’s training Screening can also involve medical and injury question- are well aware of the world-class Meanwhile, Tunisian striker am proud to have such an organ- Switzerland in March, followed camp as “outstanding” and said: the use of sport-specifi c fi t- naire, laboratory tests, dental facilities and human resources Taha Yassine Khenissi said: “We isation in an Arab country. I hope by one other camp before the “We benefi ted a lot from Asp- ness testing to ascertain ath- assessment, biodex muscle as- available at Aspetar. Our players cannot leave anything to chance. someday to see one similar in my World Cup begins. etar’s expertise in helping us to letes’ preparation for a particu- sessment, physiotherapy func- have benefi ted from Aspetar’s We have to consider all aspects home country.” The team will compete in the identify our physical readiness.” lar sport. Since 2007, Aspetar’s tional assessment, spirometry, scientifi c expertise in injury pre- of our game – both technical and The Tunisian striker also group stages against Belgium, Chemmam pointed out that Athlete Screening and Sports visual acuity assessment as well vention and extensive medical physical – in order to be fully praised the hospitality of the peo- ranked number fi ve in the world, the comprehensive medical Cardiology Department has as general medical and muscu- follow-ups, which is one of the prepared for the big day and to ple of Qatar and said that this type and England ranked 15th, along screening provided to the team been carrying out these com- loskeletal examinations under- main reasons behind our deci- play in the World Cup.” of support will motivate the team with Panama.” gave them a clear idea on their prehensive assessments. In 2015, taken by an experienced sports sion to choose this hospital as we “This is my fi rst time in As- to excel in the World Cup and to Khenissi described their group fi tness levels fi ve months prior Aspetar expanded its services by and exercise medicine physician. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 22, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Al Gharafa hand Arabi embarrassing South Africa’s Impey 96-44 defeat

By Sports Reporter justice and Sammy Monroe Doha – scored 17 points each, while Nedim Muslic chipped in with 14. For Al Arabi, Khalid Abdrab- able-toppers Al Arabi bo had 12 points and William claims TDU title suff ered one of the worst Byrd 11. drubbings ever in the In another match, Qatar ‘I worked really hard in the off -season so I’m happy to get this win’ history of basketball in Sports Club scored a 90-86 theT country when they fell to an overtime win over Al Sadd. AFP embarrassing 96-44 defeat to Al Al Sadd were ahead after the Adelaide Gharafa in the Qatar Basketball fi rst three quarters but Qatar League yesterday. Sports Club put in a gallant ef- In an inexplicable perform- fort in the fi nal 10 minutes of outh Africa’s Daryl Impey sur- ance that was in sharp contrast regulation to tie the scores at prised even himself when he won to their hitherto brilliant run, Al 71-all. the UCI season-opening Tour Arabi could score no more than That extended the match into Down Under (TDU) on the streets 12 points in any of the four quar- overtime where Qatar Sports ofS Adelaide yesterday. ters against a rampant Al Gharafa Club held their nerve to clinch a Impey secured the biggest win of his outfi t who literally sleepwalked thrilling four-point victory. career when he fi nished safely in the to victory. Daishon knight scored 27 peloton behind stage winner Andre Al Gharafa were ahead 25-8 points for the winners, while Greipel, who beat Impey’s Mitchelton- after the fi rst 10 minutes and 51- Brandon Kearney had 19 and SCOTT teammate Caleb Ewan with a 24 ahead at the halfway stage be- Mohamed Yousif 18. Julius Coles lunge to the fi nish line. fore completing the formalities. excelled for Al Sadd with 28 Impey went into yesterday’s fi nal stage Three of Al Gharafa’s play- points, with Michael Moser close on the same time as pre-race favourite ers – Abdulrahman Saad, James behind on 26. Richie Porte but ahead of the Tasmanian on a count back. All he needed to do to secure the over- all win was to fi nish safely, an outcome that appeared never to be in doubt on the 90-kilometre stage on the Adelaide street circuit. Impey came into the race as the fi nal lead-out rider for Ewan and was never expected to challenge for gen- eral classifi cation. But his determined ride up Willunga Hill to fi nish second to Porte in Satur- day’s penultimate stage was enough to place him level on time with Porte and ahead on a count back because of his su- perior fi nishing positions in the earlier stages. “Coming into the race I didn’t expect to win it but sometimes the stars line up and everything goes well,” he said. “I worked really hard in the off -season so I’m happy to get this win.” Impey said the fi nal stage, 20 laps of a 4.5-kilometre street circuit, had been “pretty hectic” as a number of riders battled to improve their overall fi nishing positions. “I’ve been in this position before with Simon (Gerrans), trying to protect the jersey for him, but it’s defi nitely more nerve-wracking when you’ve got the jer- sey yourself,” he said. The 33-year-old won a stage of the Tour De France and wore the yellow jer- Al Gharafa (in yellow and blue) and Al Arabi players in action during sey for two stages in 2013. their Qatar Basketball League match yesterday. He won the 2009 Tour of Turkey and the 2014 Tour of Alberta but yesterday’s Mitchelon-Scott rider Daryl Impey from South Africa holds the trophy after winning the Tour Down Under cycling race in Adelaide win was his fi rst on the World Tour. He yesterday. (AFP) BOXING said the win, combined with Nicholas Dlamini’s eff ort in taking the King of the Ewan powering clear only to be caught by s.t. 8. Luis Leon Sanchez (ESP/Astana) +23 Mountain title, was a boost for South Af- a lunging Greipel on the line, the German 9. Carlos Barbero (ESP/Movistar) s.t. 9. Ruben Guerreiro (POR/Trek Sega- rican cycling. winning his second stage of the race and 10. Mads Wurtz Schmidt (DEN/Katusha fredo) s.t. Spence retains IBF “There’s a lot more to expect from his 18th overall. Alpecin) s.t 10. Robert Gesink (BEL/Lotto NL-Jumbo) South Africans,” he said. “I mean Nick General Classification +24 Dlamini in his fi rst race, the whole of Results from the final stage 1. Daryl Impey (RSA/Mitchelton-SCOTT) Sprint Jersey welterweight title South Africa can be proud of him.” Stage 20hr 3min 34sec 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/BORA-Hansgrohe) Today’s stage took on a familiar feel as 1. Andre Greipel (GER/Lotto Soudal) 2hr 2. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Racing) same 64 pts AFP canvas in the fi fth round with a small groups of riders tried to break away 1min 19 sec time (Impey wins on count back) 2. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton-SCOTT) New York combination that included a left and go for individual glory. But every at- 2. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton-SCOTT) 3. Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED/Team Dimen- 56 pts hook to the head. tack was reeled in and by lap 19 the race same time sion Data) +16 3. Elia Viviani (ITA/Quick-Step Floors) Both of Peterson’s eyes were was all together as the teams came for- 3. Peter Sagan (SVK/Bora-Hansgrohe) s.t. 4. Diego Ulissi (ITA/UAE Team Emirates) 52 pts rrol Spence battered La- swelling shut by the seventh ward to try to put their sprinters in the 4. Phil Bauhaus (GER/Team Sunweb) s.t. +20 King of the Mountain mont Peterson on the round, and as the bell sounded to best position. On the tight circuit the 5. Elia Viviani (ITA/Quick-Step Floors) s.t. 5. Dries Devenyns (BEL/Quick-Step 1. Nicholas Dlamini (RSA/Team Dimen- way to an eighth-round start the eighth Peterson’s train- race became disorganised and many of 6. Steele Von Hoff (AUS/UniSA) s.t. Floors) s.t sion Data) 48 pts technical knockout on er Barry Hunter called for it to be the sprinters were left on their own. SaturdayE to retain his Interna- stopped by referee Harvey Dock. 7. Simone Consonni (ITA/UAE Team 6. Egan Bernal (COL/Team Sky) s.t. 2. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Racing) 36 pts Elia Viviani went early but he was Emirates) s.t. 7. Gorka Izaguirre (ESP/Bahrain-Merida) 3. Scott Bowden (AUS/UniSA) 26 pts tional Boxing Federation welter- Dock waved the fi ght off at one caught by Ewan and Peter Sagan, with 8. Mads Pedersen (DEN/Trek-Segafredo) s.t. weight world title. second into the eighth round. Spence strengthened his “I want to thank Lamont Pe- reputation as one of the best of terson,” Spence said. “A lot of Women to get equal prize money at Tour Down Under boxing’s rising stars, scoring guys did turn down the fi ght and Women will receive the same prize mon- UCI World Tour calendar and is a state Bignell said the prize pool across all clas- Lappartient earlier yesterday, who wel- his 10th straight win inside the he took it, like a real warrior. I ey as men from this year’s Tour Down government-owned event. sifications for the women’s race would comed the move. distance as he improved to 23-0 commend him for that.” Under, the South Australian government “We’re going to be backpaying the... be more than Aus$100,000 (US$79,900), “He’s hopeful that other races around the with 20 knockouts. While Spence has been tipped said yesterday in what it believes is a winners of last week’s Santos Tour Down compared with the initial pool of world will follow suit,” Bignell said. Spence, making his fi rst de- as a future pound-for-pound world first for a stage race. Under so that they receive the same Aus$15,000. Australian Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton- fence of the title he seized from king, he says he’s got plenty of The Women’s Tour Down Under is held paychecks as the men will for the race “The broken bones don’t hurt any less be- SCOTT) was the overall winner of this Britain’s Kell Brook in May, room for improvement. the week before the men’s event and this that concludes today,” South Australia cause you are a woman. You have to do year’s women TDU last week. dominated from the opening bell “I still can improve a lot on my year was elevated to a UCI 2.1 classifica- state’s Tourism Minister Leon Bignell told just as much work as the men to become “Wow, not that I needed any more at the Barclays Center in Brook- defence,” he said. tion, one level below Women’s World reporters. a top rider, so we think it’s high time in reasons to love Tour Down Under. What lyn, pummelling Peterson with “I just have to keep perfecting Tour status. “We’ll be the first stage race in the world 2018 that women get paid the same as a huge step forward for equality,” Spratt combinations to the head and my skills and keep progressing. The men’s TDU, in its final stage yester- to off er parity between men’s races and the men do,” he added. tweeted after hearing the equal pay body. You’re going to see a better Er- day, is the opening race on the men’s women’s races.” Bignell said he spoke to UCI chief David news. He sent former two-time rol Spence next time I get in the world champion Peterson to the ring.”

CRICKET MUZAVAZI EMERGES CHAMPION HBK to meet Feroz Youngsters in fi nal

By Sports Reporter out in 18 overs. compile 34 in 48 balls to complete Doha Imraz and Assad were the only his impressive performance. players to off er some resistance. Imraz made 27 off 28 balls with fi ve Brief scores BK, riding a fi ne fi ve- boundaries, while Assad got 16. HBK beat Warriors Club by four wicket haul from Sewin- HBK had to battle hard during the wickets da, scripted an exciting chase and got home in the fi nal over Warriors Club: 111 all out in 18 overs last-over victory over only. (Imraz 27, Assad 16, Sewinda 5/12, WarriorsH Club to advance to the Mansoor led the pursuit as he Gayan 2/10, Udara 1/29) QCA Twenty20 Cricket Tourna- smashed 33 not out. His knock con- HBK: 113 for six in 20th over (Man- ment fi nal at the West Bay Grounds. tained two sixes and two fours. Dasun soor 33 not out, Dasun 21, Imraz The QCA, under the presiden- hit two fours in his 19-ball 21. Inam- 2/14) cy of Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, is Ul-Haq (three for 11 in 3.5 overs) and Man of the Match: Sewinda of HBK hosting this tournament in a bid to Tanvir Sr (2 for seven in two overs) for five wickets and 12 runs maximise the abilities of the local accounted for half the Galfar Al Mi- Feroz Youngsters beat Galfar Al players. snad team and were instrumental in Misnad by eight wickets HBK’s rivals for the top honours the collapse for 98 all out. Galfar Al Misnad: 98 all out (Kam- will be Feroz Youngsters, who out- Kamran (19), Asim (18) and Riz- ran 19, Asim 18, Rizlan 18, Inam- classed Galfar Al Misnad by eight lan (18 with two fours) tried hard to Ul-Haq 3/11, Tanvir Sr 2/7, Noman wickets with two overs to spare. bring them close to three fi gures. 2/20) Sewinda ripped through the bat- Qalandar batted aggressively and Feroz Youngsters: 99 for 2 in 18th ting of Warriors Club as he dis- blasted a 41-ball 43 with a six and over (Qalandar 43, Inam-Ul-Haq 34, Henry Muzavazi (third from left) and CK Krishnan emerged winner and runner-up respectively in an event organised by the Qatar Golf missed fi ve players for just 12 runs. half a dozen fours for Feroz Young- Gayan 1/24) Lovers at the Doha Golf Club over the weekend. Thirty six players competed in the event which was played on a strokeplay format. He was backed up well by Gayan, sters during the chase. Man of the Match: Inam-Ul-Haq of Naeem Nanji (second from left) won the ‘longest drive’, Arnav Jain (right) won the ‘closest to pin’, Warren Franklin (left) won the ‘clos- who picked two wickets and helped Man-of-the-Match Inam-Ul- Feroz Youngsters for 34 runs and est to rope’ and Luke Jones (second from right) won the ‘longest putt’ awards. HBK limit the opponents to 111 all Haq smashed four boundaries to three wickets. Gulf Times Monday, January 22, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Titans hire Vrabel Rockets topple as head coach Reuters Los Angeles

he Tennessee Titans landed a new coach on Saturday when Mike Vrabel accepted the Warriors, Thunder position.T The 42-year-old Vrabel, who was defensive coordina- tor for the Houston Texans last season, will be a head coach for the fi rst time. Vrabel replaces Mike Mu- larkey, who guided the Titans embarrass Cavs to the playoff s and won a play- off game before getting fired. ‘Shots go in or shots don’t, but you can control turnovers. And out of the 19 turnovers, it didn’t feel Vrabel, a former NFL line- Vrabel spent 14 seasons as backer, also has deep familiar- a player with the Pittsburgh like many of them were forced by the defense. It seemed like we were in a rush and too frantic’ ity with general manager Jon Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs Robinson from their time to- and New England, winning AFP gether with the New England three Super Bowls with the Los Angeles Patriots when Vrabel was a Patriots. He recorded 57 sacks, player and Robinson was a ris- 20 forced fumbles and 11 in- ing executive. terceptions. He also had 10 he Houston Rockets “I have always had a great touchdown receptions on of- ended the Golden State deal of respect for Mike as a fense. Warriors’ 14-game road player and as a coach,” Robin- Vrabel played in 20 posts- winning streak Satur- son said in a statement. eason games, experience the Tday, thwarting the NBA champi- “I saw him up close as a Titans are betting will help as ons’ comeback bid in an impres- player for the Patriots and saw the team builds off this sea- sive 116-108 victory. how he prepared himself to be son’s success. Chris Paul scored 33 points successful on a daily basis. He “I am excited to have Mike and James Harden cemented his was the ultimate team-fi rst Vrabel joining our organisa- return from injury with 22 for player, and he embodies that tion as our new head coach,” the Rockets, who also saw Clint same mindset as a coach. Adams Strunk said in a state- Capela, Luc Mbah a Moute and “He is intelligent, energetic, ment. “In the interaction be- PJ Tucker score in double fi g- detailed and a leader whose tween Mike and Jon during the ures. The Rockets out-rebound- deep passion for this game will interview, you could see their ed Golden state 46-33 and led resonate with our players. As a connection right away from by as many as 17 points in the coach, I have seen him develop the history they have with one second quarter en route to the talent at both the college and another – seeing the game in win in a marquee match up of NFL level, and put players in a similar way and talking the the two highest-scoring teams position for them to be suc- same language. in the league. cessful. I am excited to get him “Mike has a commanding “We had to get this win,” said in front of our team and watch presence and a deep under- Harden, who was supposed to us grow together as a team.” standing for how he will attack be limited to less than 30 min- Vrabel became the front- this head coaching opportu- utes of action in his second game runner for the position after nity. Throughout his football back from a hamstring injury but interviewing on Thursday. career, he has played for, been played more than 34. He impressed both Robinson mentored by and coached His step-back three-pointer and controlling owner Amy with successful teams and or- with 1:10 left to play in the fourth Adams Strunk. “This is an in- ganisations. helped sound the death knell, credible opportunity and one He knows what it takes to stretching the Rockets’ lead back I have been preparing for my reach that level of sustained to six points. entire football life,” Vrabel said success – he has seen it fi rst- The Rockets, second in the in a statement. hand. We have a chance to Western Conference, improved “I want to thank Amy, Jon build on the solid foundation to 17-0 this season when Hard- and the entire Titans organi- that we established over the en, Paul and Capela are all sation for putting their faith in past couple of years and I be- active. me. I am excited to get to work lieve Mike is the right person Although they battled back and that work starts now. We to continue that progress.” to lead by as many as four in a want to build a culture around Vrabel spent three seasons fourth quarter that saw six lead winning, competitiveness and as Texans linebackers coach changes, the Warriors were ulti- toughness. before being promoted to de- mately undone by 19 turnovers. “Everything we do is going fensive coordinator. The Titans Forward Kevin Durant led the to be geared towards winning also interviewed Carolina Pan- Warriors with 26 points and and being physical. We want thers defensive co-ordinator/ Draymond Green added 21 points to prepare our players so they assistant head coach Steve with seven rebounds and six as- know what to do, which will Wilks on Thursday and Los sists. Stephen Curry connected allow them to play fast and Angeles Rams off ensive co-or- on just six of 20 shots from the aggressive.” dinator Matt LaFleur on Friday. fi eld en route to 19 points and Klay Thompson scored just eight Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Nick Young defends during the second quarter points, but Warriors coach Steve of their NBA game at Toyota Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Patriots Brady needed stitches Kerr said it was the turnovers and defensive lapses that cost seven shy of the 30,000 plateau, No one is going to feel sorry for embarrassing.” as Giannis Antetokounmpo sat New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady needed stitches to the game. before departing the game mid- us. We just got to get better.” The Miami Heat pulled within out with a sore right knee. repair a cut on his right hand which he suff ered during Wednes- “Shots go in or shots don’t, way through the fourth quarter. Paul George scored 36 points half a game of Cleveland for third Andrew Wiggins scored 29 day’s practice for the AFC championship game, the US media but you can control turnovers,” He’ll have another chance to for the Thunder. Carmelo An- place in the Eastern Conference, points for the Timberwolves and reported Saturday. Kerr said. become the youngest player ever thony added 20 and Russell erasing a 10-point fourth-quar- Karl-Anthony Towns scored all The NFL Network said Brady suff ered the cut in a minor collision “And out of the 19 turnovers, to reach 30,000 points when the Westbrook produced 23 points, ter defi cit to edge the Charlotte 22 of his points in the second with a running back which led to an initial scare about whether it didn’t feel like many of them Cavaliers face the Spurs in San 20 assists and nine rebounds. Hornets 106-105. half as the hosts rallied from a he would be available to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. were forced by the defense. It Antonio on Tuesday. Kiwi big man Steven Adams The 76ers moved into sixth double-digit fi rst-half defi cit. The Patriots declined to release details about Brady’s hand. seemed like we were in a rush In the meantime, he and the added 25 points on 12-of-13 place in the East with a 116- Brady is listed as questionable for the game but the injury is not and too frantic.” Cavs must try to sort themselves shooting from the fi eld. 94 victory over the Milwaukee RESULTS believed to be serious and he practised with his teammates on In Cleveland, LeBron James’s out after the Thunder’s 148 Bucks in Philadelphia. Minnesota 115 Toronto 109 Friday, wearing a glove on both hands. bid to become the seventh player points tied the club record for ‘That was embarrassing’ Joel Embiid scored 29 points, Houston 116 Golden State 108 There is a chance he could play and wear a glove on his throw- in NBA history to reach 30,000 the most scored against Cleve- The Cavaliers have now lost pulled down nine rebounds, Philadelphia 116 Milwaukee 94 ing hand. He also wore gloves to the team’s new conference on career points was thwarted and land in a non-overtime game. fi ve of their last six games and blocked two shots and came up Portland 117 Dallas 108 Friday. the Cavs found themselves look- “I don’t think I have ever nine of 12. with one steal to lift the Sixers in Utah 125 LA Clippers 113 Asked how his injured right hand was feeling and whether he ing at a milestone of a far diff erent in my basketball life given up “We’ve got to really look in his fi rst home game since being Charlotte 105 Miami 106 threw any footballs Friday, Brady said: “I’m not talking about that.” kind in a humbling 148-124 loss to 148 points. Not even in a video the mirror, look at ourselves and named an All-Star Game starter. New Orleans 111 Memphis 104 Brady’s teammates told reporters his throwing arm looked fine on the Oklahoma City Thunder. game,” James said. get some pride,” said Cavaliers The Bucks had to make do Atlanta 97 Chicago 113 Friday. James scored 18 points, falling “I am not here to look for pity. guard Isaiah Thomas. “That was without an All-Star of their own Cleveland 124 Oklahoma City 148

NHL Short-handed Rangers fall to streaking Avalanche 3-1 By Justin Tasch straight game with a leg contusion and clearly believing they will be better off you have a lot of confi dence and things New York Daily News Marc Staal missed his second with a more often than not when they produce are working for you, it’s a tough team to hip-fl exor injury. the eff ort they did Saturday. beat.” Both players are “at best 50-50” “For the majority of the game we The Rangers now go from the hot his was very much a patched- to play against the Kings, according probably got stuck in our zone a little Avalanche to a Kings team which has up roster the Rangers deployed to Alain Vigneault, who had no idea bit too much,” Ryan McDonagh said. “I lost six in a row. Every team the Blue- here Saturday afternoon, whether he’d have 20-goal-scorer loved our battle and compete here with shirts will face on this trip is in their mounting injuries forcing Grabner back. a lot of relatively new faces. Guys really shoes, all in the middle of the pack Tthem to dig deeper into their AHL tal- And they’ll be soldiering on for battled for one another.” trying to pry away points every single ent pool. quite some time without Kevin Shat- Pavel Buchnevich redirected a Mats game. “They’re gonna be tight games,” They were even more short-handed tenkirk, who as was announced Friday Zuccarello feed in for a power-play McDonagh said. than initially anticipated as leading will be undergoing surgery Monday goal at 6:55 of the second to bring the “You need contributions from your goal-scorer Michael Grabner was ruled to repair the torn meniscus in his left Rangers within one. whole lineup.” out with the fl u. Henrik Lundqvist kept knee which the fi rst-year Ranger had Buchnevich scored for the second A lineup which right now is just try- the Rangers in this one with 34 saves been playing through since preseason, straight game after a 13-game goal- ing to get by. and though they made a push at the and Chris Kreider, recovering from the less drought. Goals by Erik Johnson end, they couldn’t generate enough blood clot which led to a rib resection. and Hart Trophy contender Nathan RESULTS quality scoring chances in a 3-1 loss The Rangers were fortunate their MacKinnon staked the Avalanche (26- Dallas 7 Buff alo 1 to the streaking Avalanche, winners of injury situation didn’t worsen – or be- 16-3) to a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. Philadelphia 3 New Jersey 1 nine straight. come catastrophic, in this case, since it “They’re feeling it right now, there’s Colorado 3 NY Rangers 1 “You can’t fi nd any excuses for not was the indispensable Lundqvist slow no question about that,” Lundqvist Winnipeg 2 Calgary 1 (SO) going after that win,” Lundqvist said. to get up at 12:51 of the fi rst after a col- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (left) celebrates with teammates said of Colorado. “Their top guys are Boston 4 Montreal 1 “It doesn’t matter if you’re missing lision with Brady Skjei led to some calf after his goal in the first period of their NHL game against the New York Rangers playing really well and make the diff er- Toronto 4 Ottawa 3 two guys or 10 guys, the mentality is pain. at the Pepsi Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ence. They’re a quick team. Carolina 3 Detroit 1 you go out and try to get the ‘W.’ “ Lundqvist was able to shake it off . Their transition game is really good, San Jose 2 Pittsburgh 1 It is uncertain whether the Rangers Daniel Catenacci became the latest Peter Holland played in his third So after a game in which they gener- they create a lot off the rush. But I re- Arizona 5 St. Louis 2 (24-18-5) will get any bodies back for player to make his Rangers debut. He game with the club, Vinni Lettieri his ated nothing in the fi rst and spent a large ally like the way we battled. We worked Nashville 4 Florida 3 Sunday’s game in Los Angeles as they was called up Friday as insurance for eighth and Tony DeAngelo his ninth – chunk of the third in their end while really hard against a really good team NY Islanders 7 Chicago 3 continue their four-game road trip. the road trip and dressed in Grabner’s the fi rst since Oct. 23 after he too was down a goal before making that push, that has a ton of confi dence right now. Minnesota 5 Tampa Bay 2 Kevin Hayes missed his fourth stead. recalled from Hartford on Friday. the Blueshirts spoke about competing, In this league when you work hard and Edmonton 5 Vancouver 2 Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 22, 2018 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SERIE A Lewandowski and Napoli edge Atalanta to Mueller help Bayern extend lead

AFP Benevento had won two games Milan in a row going into the winter break but remain on seven points and are now 12 points from safe- go 16 points clear ries Mertens ended a ty after Crotone’s 3-0 win at long goal drought to second-bottom Hellas Verona, give Napoli a 1-0 victo- which lifted them out of the bot- ry at Atalanta yesterday tom three. Mueller has 100 Bundesliga goals, Lewandowski has hit 94 German top-flight goals thatD stretched their advantage in Serie A to four points. SARRI TURNAROUND AFP Napoli’s win in the fi rst league Napoli lost six points to Atalanta Berlin game after the winter break ex- last season and this narrow vic- tended their lead over second- tory represents a complete turn- placed Juventus ahead of the around for Maurizio Sarri’s Napo- obert Lewandowski and Thomas champions’ clash with Genoa li, who also won 3-1 in the reverse Mueller both netted twice as today. fi xture earlier in the season. Bayern Munich went 16 points Belgian international Mertens’ Seventh-placed Atalanta are clear in the Bundesliga yesterday 65th-minute strike ended a one of Italy’s surprise packages withR a 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen. league dry spell that had dated and responded to Merten’s open- Mueller and Lewandowski each back to October 29, getting be- er with a brief bout of pressure claimed goal-scoring milestones in a hind the defence and fl ashing a that created one dangerous mo- polished second-half display by Bayern’s shot past Atalanta goalkeeper ment, with Napoli keeper Pepe forward pair. Etrit Berisha. Reina leaping to palm away a Mueller has now scored 100 Bundesliga Lazio moved third with a ferocious long-range drive from goals in his career while Lewandowski has thumping 5-1 win over Chievo in Bryan Cristante. hit 94 German top-fl ight goals, making Rome that saw rising star Sergej There was controversy in him the highest scoring foreigner in the Milinkovic-Savic bag a fi ne added time when Jorginho set club’s history. brace either side of half-time to up Marek Hamsik who slid the “It’s always nice to score, I didn’t plan put Lazio two up, after Chievo’s ball inside the far post, only for on doing it today, but I knew I was close,” Manuel Pucciarelli had equal- referee Daniele Orsato to change said Mueller, who warned there is more to ised Luis Alberto’s 23rd-minute his decision to give the goal after come from Bayern. long-range opener for the hosts. spotting the tightest of off sides “We aren’t yet playing like we want to.” Milinkovic-Savic’s substitute on video review. Bremen took a shock fi rst-half lead Nani laid on Bastos to fi re home a Elsewhere, Simone Berardi when midfi elder Jerome Gondorf scored defl ected fourth with seven min- saved a point for Sassuolo with his fi rst goal for the club. utes left, before the former Man- a 1-1 draw at home to Torino af- However, Bayern went into the break chester United winger added a ter Obi had given the away side level after Mueller equalised before fi fth three minutes later with fi ne a 26th-minute lead, and Udi- Lewandowski struck with the fi rst of his hit from the edge of the area. nese played out another 1-1 draw two second-half headers. Simone Inzaghi’s exciting side with SPAL, who drop back into Bayern defender Niklas Suele turned are Serie A’s top scorers with 53 the relegation zone despite Ser- the ball into his own net to make it 2-2 goals following the win and are a gio Floccari saving a point after with 15 minutes left, but Lewandowski point ahead of Inter Milan, who Samir’s 11th-minute opener. restored the lead shortly afterwards. were scheduled to host fi fth- He scored with a towering header to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (left) heads the ball to score a goal against Weder Bremen during their Bundesliga match in placed Roma later yesterday. RESULTS claim his 17th league goal in 18 games this Munich, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) Sampdoria are three points Bologna 3 (Destro 35, De season and leave him as the league’s top- ahead of Atalanta in sixth after Maio 75, Dzemaili 88) Benevento scorer, four clear of Borussia Dortmund’s fi elder Gondorf slotted through the legs an hour gone. in 27 games in all competitions this sea- Fabio Quagliarella fi red an excel- 0 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. of Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. Rodriguez, who has recaptured the son. lent hat-trick to down Fiorentina Lazio 5 (Luis Alberto 23, Mueller converted a superb chip over The ball rolled into the net, despite the form which saw him fi nish top-scorer at The win leaves Bayern clear of the 3-1 in Genoa. Milinkovic-Savic 32, 68, Bastos the Bremen defence by James Rodriguez eff orts of Bayern right-back Joshua Kim- the 2014 World Cup, fi red in a cross which densely-packed pursuers, with only one The 34-year-old Italian is 83, Nani 86) Chievo 1 (Pucciarelli to add gloss to the fi nal scoreline. mich to clear off the line. Lewandowski headed home. point separating second-placed Bayer having something of an Indian 25) Bayern have won 17 of 18 games since Bremen grew in confi dence, but the Suele was left red-faced when the ball Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt in summer and scored in the 30th, Sampdoria 3 (Quagliarella 30, head coach Jupp Heynckes returned in hosts drew level with a superb equaliser clipped his shoulder and rolled past Ulre- seventh. 60th and 68th minutes to con- 60, 68) Fiorentina 1 (Sanchez 80) October. by Mueller just before the break. ich on 74 minutes. Schalke 04 missed their chance to take tinue Sampdoria’s fi ne home Sassuolo 1 (Berardi 54) Torino The hosts were troubled when Bremen Jerome Boateng’s pin-point long pass However, Lewandowski put Bayern over second place after Niclas Fuellkrug record that has seen them make 1 (Obi 26) took a deserved lead on 25 minutes to stun found Mueller’s chest and the Germany back ahead by leaping to smash home snatched an 86th minute equaliser for 24 of their 33 points at the Stadio Udinese 1 (Samir 11) SPAL 1 the Munich crowd in freezing tempera- star slammed the ball home to make it 1-1 Mueller’s cross in the 77th minute as Hanover 96 for a 1-1 draw. Luigi Ferraris. (Floccari 49) tures. four minutes before the break. Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka fumbled Schalke are third on 31, level on points Bottom club Benevento’s Hellas Verona 0 Crotone 3 Werder’s Germany striker Max Kruse Bremen’s brave display meant Bayern the header. with Leverkusen as well as RB Leipzig and mini-revival came to a crashing (Barberis 3, Stoian 54, Ricci 67) slid a pass through the defence and mid- only took the lead for the fi rst time with Lewandowski has now scored 23 goals Borussia Moenchengladbach. halt with a 3-0 beating at Bo- Atalanta 0 Napoli 1 (Mertens logna, who won thanks to goals 65) from Mattia Destro, Sebastien Cagliari 1 (Barella 8) AC Milan LIGUE 1 De Maio and Blerim Dzemaili. 2 (Kessie 36-pen, 42) Monaco see off Metz to take third

AFP signing from Lyon last year. Paris Senegalese teenager Niane scored his fi rst Ligue 1 goal for Metz, but Lopes turned in with nine minutes remaining onaco eased to a 3-1 vic- after Fabinho’s trickery opened up space tory over ten-man Metz in in the area. the principality yesterday to Earlier yesterday, Wylan Cyprien scored move into the third and fi nal his fi rst goal of the season to give Nice a 1-0 MChampions League spot in Ligue 1. victory over struggling Saint-Etienne at Brazilian left-back Jorge opened the the Allianz Riviera. The 22-year-old, who scoring on the stroke of half-time and Ra- was instrumental in Nice fi nishing third chid Ghezzal added a second after visiting last season, only made his return from a goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was sent off . serious knee injury earlier this month that Ibrahima Niane pulled one back for Monaco’s Jorge (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Metz had sidelined him since March. bottom club Metz, but Rony Lopes put during their Ligue 1 match in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) The midfi elder’s 23rd-minute goal saw any thoughts of a comeback to bed with Lucien Favre’s side respond to the dis- a late tap-in. Groupama Stadium. Jorge was on hand to score. appointment of conceding a last-gasp Leonardo Jardim’s reigning French The hosts struggled early on but Japanese keeper Kawashima was given equaliser at Monaco in midweek to move champions now sit a point clear of broke the deadlock when Radamel Fal- his marching orders in the 50th minute level on points with fi fth-placed Nantes, fourth-placed Lyon and 10 adrift of run- cao sprung the off side trap to go clean for a reckless foul on Adama Diakhaby, while Saint-Etienne remain in deep trou- Napoli’s Dries Mertens (right) vies for the ball with Atalanta’s Remo away leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who through on goal, and although the Co- before Ghezzal curled into the top corner ble and just a point above the relegation Freuler during the Serie A at the ‘Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium’ in were scheduled to meet later yesterday at lombian’s shot was saved by Kawashima, to score only his second league goal since play-off place. Bergamo, Italy, yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Ex-refs predict trouble if VAR used at World Cup

AFP The system is being tested in Ger- benefi t of Schalke, his home town club. before using the VAR during league VAR will do eventually — we can not checking the replays for a trodden toe Berlin many’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A The technology also regularly broke matches. go back,” said Marcello Nicchi, presi- or a fi nger in an ear,” Buff on told re- this season. down in the opening weeks, which Just like in Germany, there have be dent of Italy’s union of referees. porters. “It’s no longer football... it’s Fans complain about long delays dented further confi dence in the sys- complaints and controversial scenes in “Out of 900 incidents (in Serie A), turning into water polo.” hether the video assistant leading to confusing — and in same tem with one eye on the World Cup. Serie A, but the idea of using the VAR at fi ve mistakes have been made.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino has referee (VAR) will feature cases, plain wrong — decisions made “We are going to send referees to Russia 2018 has won support in Italy. Yet many top players are unim- said he wants VAR technology at 2018 at the World Cup fi nals by the VAR during league games. Russia who have never worked with pressed. Germany international Sami World Cup is yet to be decided, but The system has just started being the VAR before,” former Swiss referee ITALIAN SUPPORT Khedira gave the VAR system a clear “We can’t imagine a World Cup in Wthere are fears the system could spell used in some cup games in England Urs Meier, who offi ciated at the 1998 A national training unit is about to ‘thumbs down’ last November. 2018 being decided by a referee’s er- trouble for Russia 2018. and the Spanish league will follow suit and 2002 World Cup fi nals, told Ger- open in Coverciano, Florence, where “The players do not know anymore ror,” Infantino said last October. The fate of the VAR in Russia this for 2018-19. man magazine Kicker. FIFA will send referees will learn how whether or not to celebrate after a goal,” Many feel FIFA will not back down. June will be debated at a key meeting “It is impossible to prepare with just to use the VAR system. said the Juventus midfi elder. “A lot of “I can’t imagine that the people who of the International Football Associa- PR DISASTER a few trial exercises, because they in “FIFA has selected Coverciano as emotion and passion has been lost.” have implemented this project will tion Board (IFAB) in Zurich today. The system suff ered a public relations no way account for the speed and real- the pilot centre and World Cup ref- suddenly say ‘no’,” predicts Germany’s A fi nal decision is expected to be disaster in Germany last November time pressure of a World Cup match. erees will come here to get ready to ‘TAKES TOO LONG’ Markus Merk, who refereed the fi nals made by FIFA in March. when Hellmut Krug, the VAR project “The VAR is like an airbag: it can use this new technology,” said Carlo Italy’s legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi of the 2003 Champions League and The aim of the VAR system is to manager for the German FA, was re- help in an emergency, but only in case Tavecchio, the outgoing president of Buff on echoed the comments of his Euro 2004. eradicate blatant refereeing errors — moved as supervisor. of a real emergency.” the Italian FA, proudly. Juventus team-mate. “That’s why I’m convinced the VAR for example, Diego Maradona’s infa- His demotion came immediately af- Mistakes have been made even The feeling in Italy is that the VAR “You told us that VAR would be used will be used at the World Cup in Rus- mous ‘Hand of God’ goal at the 1986 ter German daily Bild alleged he had though referees in Italy and Germany has passed the point of no return. in clear-cut incidents where there sia, but I don’t think it will give a sat- World Cup fi nals. infl uenced the VAR to intervene to the trained with the system for a year “Those who have not yet taken to were mistakes, but now you are even isfactory result.” Gulf Times Monday, January 22, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Sanchez ‘arrives at Man Utd training ground’

AFP nalised today. said they expected the two-way deal club but warned his earnings could un- London Sky reported that Mkhitaryan would between the Premier League rivals to go settle other players. have a medical in London yesterday. through. “If he (Sanchez) is on the wages that Chile’s Sanchez, 29, is set to become Wenger said Sanchez was absent is being bandied about then other play- lexis Sanchez arrived at Man- United’s best-paid player, with some from the Arsenal squad on Saturday ers will know that when their contracts chester United’s training reports putting his salary at £400,000 because he was close to completing a come up or they are in demand from ground ahead of his expected ($554,000) per week, prompting a deal that has been in the making since other clubs,” he said. move from Arsenal yesterday, warning from former England boss Ste- United out-bid Manchester City for the But McClaren believes United reportsA said, as his swap deal with Hen- ve McClaren that his high wages could former Barcelona star. have struck a major blow by landing rikh Mkhitaryan edged closer. create dressing-room disharmony. “I expect soon or never,” Mourinho Sanchez, who has scored 80 goals in Earlier, the Chile international post- “Wage parity is very important to said after his side’s 1-0 win against 166 appearances at Arsenal. ed a video on Instagram, apparently players. Yes, they fi nd out — at all lev- Burnley. “I think it is so close, so close, “Any manager worth his salt would showing him walking across an airstrip els — and if someone is paid a lot higher so close that if it doesn’t happen it’s not love to have Sanchez in their team,” towards a private jet following reports than others that can cause a problem,” going to happen.” McClaren told BBC Radio 5 Live. that he was due in northwest England he said. Sky said it understood it could be a “Sanchez coming in for the second for a medical. Sky Sports News showed Armenian straight swap deal but details were yet half of the season at Manchester United Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper international Mkhitaryan, also 29, at to be fi nalised. is a huge boost to them. said Sanchez had been pictured ar- a central London hotel on Saturday McClaren, who was Alex Ferguson’s “He has got that experience and riving at United’s Carrington training evening alongside agent Mino Raiola. assistant when Manchester United won toughness, he wins games and he is a complex to complete his move from the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and the treble in 1999, said the Sanchez leader. It will lift the level of the whole Merchandise of Alexis Sanchez is on sale during the match between Arsenal and London club, widely expected to be fi - United manager Jose Mourinho both signing would be a major coup for the club.” Crystal Palace in London on Saturday. (Reuters)

LA LIGA FOCUS Klopp wants Liverpool to do Madrid defy crisis more than preserve unbeaten run

AFP talk with Deportivo Liverpool

iverpool manager Jur- The win leaves Zinedine gen Klopp has insisted he has not given a sec- Zidane’s men five points ond thought to his team’s L18-match unbeaten run ahead of behind Valencia in third their trip to Swansea City today. hammering Klopp’s side have been in im- perious form recently, and ended AFP Premier League leaders Man- Madrid chester City’s hopes of going through the season without los- ing following a thrilling 4-3 win Liverpool manager Juergen eal Madrid moved back into the at Anfi eld last time out. Klopp (left) with Manchester top four of La Liga by thumping The Reds also eased to a 5-0 City’s Pep Guardiola after the lowly La Coruna 7-1 at the San- thrashing of Swansea on Boxing match last Sunday. (Reuters) tiago Bernabeu yesterday, with Day, however Klopp has told his CristianoR Ronaldo ending a miserable run players to forget about the sta- 20 years if we’ve made a decision of league form with a late double. tistics and focus on the task in one time! So I changed not my Ronaldo had only scored four league hand ahead of the league match opinion, but I changed the situ- goals before yesterday’s clash with third- in south Wales. ation now, that’s all.” from-bottom Deportivo, but the Portu- “If nobody told me how often guese added Real’s fi fth and sixth with a we didn’t lose, I’d have no idea ‘DAVID V GOLIATH’ smart volley and a diving header as they about it,” he said. Liverpool expect to have winger moved back above Villarreal and into the “That’s all the past and I’m not Mohamed Salah and centre- Champions League places. really interested. You can look backs Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Villarreal had temporarily taken fourth back on a season after the season, Lovren available after the trio with a 2-1 win over Levante on Saturday not during. It’s not important.” suff ered a bout of illness. after beating Real at the Bernabeu for the The German added: “We feel Record signing Virgil van Dijk fi rst time ever last week. in a good moment. I see the boys has resumed training having Gareth Bale and Nacho also bagged training every day and it looks missed the win over Manchester braces each side of half-time and Luka good, that’s the truth, that’s why City with a hamstring problem. Modric curled home a 68th-minute we can play like we played so far. Swansea manager Carlos Car- beauty as Real came back from a shock valhal claims the match at the early defi cit, a 23rd-minute tap-in from ‘NO EASY GAMES’ Liberty Stadium will be a meet- Adrian, to romp to an emphatic victory “But we have to do it again. As ing of “David versus Goliath”. and ease the pressure on coach Zinedine a Liverpool player you cannot Carvalhal’s side are bottom of Zidane. perform one week and then two the Premier League but there has The win leaves Real fi ve points behind weeks not — we need to deliver been in a slight upturn in form Valencia in third, after Marcelino Garcia consistently, every day and each with just one defeat in fi ve games Toral’s side had two players sent off in a game. since the Portuguese took charge. shock 2-1 loss at lowly Las Palmas on Sat- “It’s only the next game and I “It’s not just the three attack- urday. can’t imagine any easy games in ers Liverpool have,” Carvalhal Real are 16 points behind league lead- the Premier League. And Swan- said. “They have a good midfi eld, ers and arch-rivals Barcelona, who can go sea is for sure not an easy game. good defence, a good goalkeeper 11 clear with a win at Real Betis later, and “They are bottom of the table and good substitutes. eight away from second-placed Atletico Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (right) shoots at goal during the La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruna at Santiago Bernabeu but they are in a good way. What “If we just care about our op- Madrid, who could only draw 1-1 with Gi- Stadium in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) you have seen since the new ponents we will not play, so we rona on Saturday. manager has come in is a big im- must block them and the main at- Real had come into yesterday’s match half, with Bale adding his second 13 min- As Ronaldo was led off the pitch to have Alaves, who had Rodrigo Ely sent off provement.” tributes that they have and we will in crisis following some dismal perform- utes after the break with a towering head- his bleeding head quickly patched up he three minutes from time after Munir El Klopp revealed that Loris Kar- try to make it diffi cult for them. ances that culminated in last week’s de- er and Luka Modric expertly whipping asked to see the phone of one of Real’s Haddadi and Alfonso Pedraza had put the ius will continue in goal ahead of “But like other big teams they feat to Villarreal, and the mess seemed to home Real’s fourth ten minutes later from medical staff and, pointing the camera hosts 2-0 up. Simon Mignolet and the German also have some weak points, very have grown deeper when Adrian tapped outside the area. at himself, used it to check the damage to will get the opportunity to estab- few, but we must try to fi ght home Lucas Perez’s low cross. It looked like it would be another his face. RESULTS lish himself in the position. against the strong points they However the home side reacted im- tough day for Ronaldo when he shanked Nacho completed the rout in the dying Real Madrid 7 (Nacho 32, 88, Bale 42, “Of course Loris has to deliver, have.” mediately and by half-time were 2-1 up a shot wide in the 72nd minute, but fi ve minutes, meeting Raphael Varane’s mis- 58, Modric 68, Ronaldo 78, 84) Deportivo he knows that, but now he is the Swansea striker Tammy Ab- thanks to Nacho’s neat fi rst-time strike minutes later he met Casemiro’s cross cued header from a corner and turning 1 (Adrian 23) No.1,” Klopp explained. raham remains a doubt with an and a superb curling eff ort from Bale, to make it fi ve and then crashed home smartly before lashing home the seventh. Alaves 2 (Munir 46, Pedraza 52) “We changed a lot of positions abdominal injury but midfi elder both of which came from crosses by Lucas Vazquez’s cross with six minutes Earlier, Joseba Zaldua scored a last- Leganes 2 (Gabriel 75-pen, Zaldua 90) through the year and only with Renato Sanches is set to be in Marcelo. left, taking a boot in the face from Fabian minute equaliser as Leganes came back Real Sociedad 1 (Jose 10) Celta De the goalkeeper it looks like we contention following a ham- The fl oodgates opened in the second Schar. from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Vigo 2 (Aspas 20, Gomez 75) have to stick to our opinion for string problem.

PREMIER LEAGUE Southampton draw with Spurs, stay in bottom three

Reuters There could have been more goals before win at Christmas, shot across goal, leaving London halftime in tricky conditions as both de- him to wait for his 30th of the season in all fences struggled to adapt. competitions. They were both vulnerable to crosses. Eric Obafemi, one of Southampton’s youngest outhampton were left in the Premier Dier hit the post for the visitors after a cor- ever players, missed a glorious opportunity, League’s bottom three after losing ner was not cleared and Moussa Sissoko al- however, when he side-footed wide shortly an early lead to draw 1-1 at home to most defl ected in a low centre from Davies. after coming on. fi fth-placed Tottenham Hotspur At the other end Southampton centre- Tottenham had needed a two-goal win to yesterday.S half Jack Stephens was left unmarked but move into fourth place above Liverpool, who Despite having gone 10 league games headed over the bar from a fi ne cross by visit Swansea City on Monday. without a win and losing 5-2 at Spurs four James Ward-Prowse. It became a frustrating day for them in the weeks ago, Southampton started brightly Two Argentine coaches, Mauricio Pel- end, Pochettino failing to complete a hat- and deservedly went ahead after quarter of legrino and Mauricio Pochettino, turned to trick of wins at the ground where he made an hour. their substitutes’ benches in an attempt to his name in English football as Southamp- Ryan Bertrand overlapped powerfully liven up the later stages. ton manager in the 2013-14 season. down the left and from his low cross Tot- Attacking players Sofi ane Boufal and “We made a lot of mistakes in possession tenham’s Colombian defender Davinson 17 year-old Michael Obafemi, making his and in the end the result was fair,” he said. Sanchez diverted the ball past his goalkeep- league debut, came on for Southampton and Southampton were happy enough with er Michel Vorm, who was deputising for Erik Lamela appeared for Spurs, who made the draw. Hugo Lloris. the better chances overall. “It was an end to end game and we are It took Harry Kane barely three minutes to Lamela was crowded out four metres pleased to come away with a point,” Bertrand equalise, rising to head in a corner by Ben Dav- from goal, Dele Alli went close from 20 me- said. “Looking at our remaining fi xtures, to- Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (second from left) takes a shot at the goal during the English Premier League ies and register his 99th Premier League goal. tres and Kane, who scored a hat-trick in the day was a bonus point on our journey.” match against Southampton in Southampton, England, yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, January 22, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP REAL MADRID, BENFICA REGISTER BIG VICTORIES Spaniards beat Fenerbahce 6-2 while the Portuguese blanked Guangzhou Evergrande 4-0 on opening day

By Sports Reporter Doha

efore a capacity crowd includ- ing ministers, VIPs, dignitaries and hundreds of excited fans, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe gotB the seventh Al Kass International Cup underway in thrilling fashion, with the young Spaniards cruising to a 6-2 victory over their determined Turkish counterparts. In the second game, Benfi ca ran out comfortable 4-0 victors against Guangzhou Evergrande. Earlier, Dutch footballing legend Wesley Sneijder – recently signed by Al Gharafa to compete in the QNB Stars League – got things underway by per- forming the ceremonial kick-off . And, with the game just fi ve minutes old, Fenerbahçe jolted their opponents out of their rhythm when left back Ab- dulcebrail Akbulut pounced on a loose ball to power a hard, low shot home. The ecstatic Turks erupted into wild celebrations, but their joy would be short-lived. Real took some time to recover from this early setback, but gradually began to show their class. Jorge Martin Camunas was starting Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with Khalid Nasser al-Roudan (left), Kuwait’s to look dangerous with some power- Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Aff airs, and Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Al Gharafa’s Dutch star Wesley Sneijder got things underway by performing the ful runs down the inside left channel, Ahmad al-Yousuf al-Sabah (second from left) at the opening of the Al Kass International Cup yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram ceremonial kick-off . and he earned a free kick 15 minutes in. Alvaro de Frias fl oated the ball into keeper had blocked his initial eff ort, to the area but unmarked centre back Ser- put the Portuguese two up. gio Santos, with the goal at his mercy, The second half got underway with could not connect. Guangzhou still exhibiting little at- However, moments later Madrid tacking intent. Benfi ca could aff ord to were level following a goalmouth keep a high defensive line, their back scramble that left keeper Umut Eren four seldom required to retreat far from Tunc marooned, allowing centre for- the halfway line. ward Juan Latasa to slot into an un- Just before the hour mark, with lit- guarded net. tle prospect of Benfi ca squandering Just before the half-hour, Real were their lead, manager Francisco Candeias ahead. There seemed little danger when made a double substitution. His team Julio Escorcia picked up the ball wide continued to play the same patient on the right, but he was allowed to drill passing game while Guangzhou – to in a low cross unchallenged, and Ca- their credit – defended stoutly. munas found the net from close range Jair Tavares’ persistence bore fruit with a side-footed volley. when he embarked on a mazy run down Madrid number 10 de Frias then con- the left before delivering a low cross for jured some skilful footwork on the edge De Oliviera to prod home for his second of the Fenerbahçe area before picking of the game. his spot and expertly curling a low ef- With just a quarter of an hour re- fort into the left corner. maining – Guangzhou fashioned their The defi cit increased soon after the fi rst and only chance of the game, when restart after substitute Jorge Ramirez Yujie Zhang ran on to a through ball and powered forward and fed di Frias, who attempted to lift the ball over retreating was brought down in the area, leaving Benfi ca keeper Samuel Soares, but his referee Moatassim Ahamed little op- Fenerbahce goalkeeper (left) Umut Eren Tunç tries to clear the ball during the Benfica’s Hugo Nunez (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Guangzhou attempt was heroically saved. tion but to point to the spot. Tunc pro- match against Real Madrid (in white) yesterday. Evergrande during their match yesterday. It was little surprise when Benfi ca duced a fi ne save, low to his right, from added a fourth courtesy of the lively Carlos Gonzalez’ spot kick, but the Real was soon replaced by Christian Gar- goal, with Turkish number 15 Omer Benfi ca youngster Sandro De Cruz the Evergrande defence before spinning Nunes, who blasted home from short number 8 made no mistake from the cia, with Real coach Manuel Fernan- Beyaz converting from the spot in add- was an early victim of Guangzhou’s away from two defenders and applying range past the unfortunate Wang – rebound. dez mindful of the need to conserve his ed time to make the fi nal score 6-2. physical approach, hobbling off after an accurate fi nish – an early contender Guangzhou’s standout player. Yet there A minute later and it was 5-1 after young team’s energy. The change did In the second match, the pattern was just fi ve minutes to be replaced by Joao for goal of the tournament. was still time for the Chinese keeper to skipper Marcos Blazquez crossed from nothing to reduce Madrid’s dominance, quickly established, with the Lisbon Ferriera. Minutes later, Goncalo De Oliviera further highlight his ability when, mo- the right, and an unmarked de Frias as David Franco made it six around the youngsters’ quick passing technique It took a moment of magic for Benfi ca received the reward that his fi ne for- ments later, he touched Ronaldo Ca- headed home from close range at the hour mark. countered by feisty defending from the to take the lead, and it arrived courtesy ward play had warranted, beating Xi- mara’s rasping eff ort onto the bar with near post. The midfi eld powerhouse There was still time for a consolation Chinese. of Hugo Nunez, who dribbled through aofeng Wang at close range, after the a superb fl ying save.

SPOTLIGHT WEEK 13 REVIEW QNB STARS LEAGUE Kuwait football QNB Stars League top seven stay put Sneijder inspires

By Sports Reporter chief welcomes Doha Gharafa youngsters

By Sports Reporter din (32nd), Othman al-Yahiri FIFA re-entry he QNB Stars League’s Week Doha (45th) and Amro Seraj (90+4). 13 had it all — three big- It was also Al Gharafa’s margin wins, a draw and two fourth win of the season and process narrow victories. esley Sneijder they stayed sixth with 17 TAl Sadd smashed six past Al Sailiya seems to be living points, just two behind Umm AFP without reply, while Al Rayyan and up to his repu- Salal. Kuwait City Al Gharafa both won 4-2 against Al tation and add- It may be noted that only a Kharaitiyat and Umm Salal respec- Wing strength to the Al Gharafa victory separates Al Gharafa tively. ranks as was evident from from fourth-placed Al Sailiya. he newly-elected head of the Kuwait Football Al Duhail and Qatar SC defeated Al his performance during their More importantly, they have Association has welcomed the appointment Arabi and Al Markhiya respectively 4-2 victory over Umm Salal made a confi dent start to the of a FIFA “normalisation” committee to over- by an identical score of 1-0. in Week 13 of the QNB Stars second half of the season and see the county’s re-entry into the global body The fi rst seven positions remained League on Saturday. can easily aim to fi nish among T— after a 2015 suspension. “Kuwaitis were very happy unchanged and Al Duhail maintained The Dutch star played an in- the top four. when the ban was lifted,” said KFA chief Sheikh Ahmad their unbeaten run with 35 points, with spirational game as The Chee- In the process, they also sent al-Yousuf al-Sabah on Saturday. defensive midfi elder Karim Boudiaf tahs registered a back-to-back a strong message to the rivals “The general assembly (of local clubs) chose us... but netting their all-important goal when Al Sadd (in white) beat Al Sailiya (in black and blue) 6-0. victory, having defeated Al Ahli that they are now a force to be as I’ve previously mentioned, we are willing to sacrifi ce the league’s top scorer Youssef El Arabi 2-1 after coming from behind reckoned with. ourselves for the ban not to be imposed again,” Sabah (19 goals) was slightly off -colour. Cap- par with teammates al-Haydous and Al Gharafa’s victory was noted by in the previous round, their Sneijder is a player with vast said — appearing to raise the possibility of his own res- tain Youssef Msakni and playmaker Bounedjah in a coincidence. Dutch star Wesley Sneijder’s fi rst fi rst in this season’s tourna- experience. ignation if required by the oversight committee. Nam Tae-Hee tried their best, but Al Sailiya, nevertheless, stayed goal in Qatar. Othman al-Yahri was ment. He is a FIFA World Cup run- The appointment of the normalisation committee, an- could not fi nd the mark. fourth on 20 points, one ahead of the star of their show with one goal Sneijder did not have a great ner-up with the Netherlands nounced Friday, follows the lifting of Kuwait’s suspension Al Arabi’s loss saw them slip from Umm Salal, who too lost. The Per- and an assist. The Cheetahs moved start on his debut against Al in 2010 and UEFA Champions for political meddling in the sport on December 5. eighth to 10th with 10 points. egrines now have gone winless for to 17 points with the back-to-back Ahli as he was only settling League winner with Inter Mi- The committee mandate, according to a FIFA state- Al Sadd moved to 31 points, the fi ve matches. victory and remained sixth. into his stride after signing for lan the same year. ment, is “to run the KFA’s daily aff airs; to review the same as Al Rayyan, with a 6-0 win Al Rayyan had mainly attacking Al Ahli stayed seventh on 15 points Al Gharafa in what proved to be He also had meritorious KFA statutes and ensure their compliance... [and] to over fourth-placed Al Sailiya and midfi elder Mohsine Moutaouali to after managing to hold Al Khor the high-profi le recruitment in stints with native side Ajax organise and conduct elections of a new KFA board of increased their goal diff erence with thank for their win despite facing a 2-2 with a last-gasp goal by striker the QNB Stars League 2017-18 Amsterdam, Spanish giants directors on the basis of the new, revised KFA statutes, third-placed Al Rayyan to +6 from strong fi ghtback by Al Kharaitiyat Mohsin al-Yezeedi in an entertain- season’s winter transfer win- Real Madrid and Turkish pow- which should take place no later than 20 May 2018”. the previous week’s +2. towards the end. ing game. Al Khor jumped one place dow. erhouse Galatasaray. World sports bodies led by FIFA and the Interna- Algerian midfi elder Jugurtha The Moroccan had a subdued fi rst from ninth with 11 points. The attacking midfi elder is Al Gharafa have a lot of tal- tional Olympic Committee suspended Kuwait in Oc- Hamroun played as striker in the phase where he was mostly used as a Qatar SC made a big leap, from the wearing the No.10 jersey, once ented young players, such as tober 2015 for the second time since 2010 over alleged company of Hassan al-Haydous substitute as part of coach Michael very bottom to ninth in the table with famously donned by ace Bra- Othman al-Yahri, Monkez government meddling in sport. as The Wolves continued to miss Laudrup’s strategy and it seems he is 11 points. Brazilian striker Patrick Fa- zilian Juninho at Al Gharafa. Mohamed, Ahmed Alaaeldin, The suspensions meant Kuwait missed out on the the services of injured Algerian ace compensating for all that. biano’s early goal did much damage to Sneijder was a strong presence Abdelghani Mounir, Amro Ser- qualifi ers for the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Asian Baghdad Bounedjah. Hamroun did He had scored in their win over Al an Al Markhiya side who are back to in the Al Gharafa midfi eld. aj and Muad Hassan, and they Cup, and before that the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. not fail Portuguese coach Jesualdo Khor as well in the previous week. the basement on eight points. He found their third goal all will stand to benefi t from In early December, the Kuwaiti parliament passed a Ferreira and netted two goals to take Al Kharaitiyat (nine points) moved A total of 24 goals were scored in the 61st minute, the other Sneijder’s experience and ex- new law in line with FIFA’s requirements. his tally this season to six to be on down from 10th to 11th. compared to 18 in the previous week. scorers being Ahmed Alaael- pertise.