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Home , Ajaz Patel, Chris Gaffaney, Hanuma Vihari, Jaydev Unadkat, Mauricio Pochettino, Peter Handscomb

SPORT Wednesday 19 December 2018 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 ‘Stronger, faster’ Mendis, Mathews Pacquiao turns defy New Zealand 40 with lavish with epic stand birthday bash on day four

Team Qatar gear up for friendlies, Asian Cup

Qatar’s national football team players in action during a preparatory camp at the Al Sadd Sutadium on Monday. Coach Felix Sanchez is finalising the team’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup, which will be held from January 5 to February 1 in the UAE. The Al Annabi will play friendlies against Jordan (December 23), Kyrgyzstan (December 25), Algeria (December 27) and Iran (December 31) in Doha before they leave for UAE for the Continental showpiece. RIGHT: Coach Sanchez gestures during the training session. Man United sack Mourinho A new caretaker AFP JOSE MOURINHO FACTFILE world record fee of £89m in 2016 have MANCHESTER floundered under his authoritarian stew- manager will ardship. Indeed it was his deteriorating be appointed Manchester United sacked manager Jose Birth date: January 26, 1963 relationship with World Cup-winning mid- until the end Mourinho yesterday after the club’s worst Birth place: Setubal, Portugal fielder Pogba -- one of many to feel the of the current start to a season in nearly three decades. Nationality: Portuguese lash of his tongue in public -- that sym- season, while the Mourinho, 55, became increasingly bolised the decline at the club under him. Coaching career club conducts spiky in his last few months at Old Sporting Portugal (POR) 1992-1994*, FC Porto (POR) 1994-1996*, FC (ESP) Mourinho questioned his attitude Trafford, lashing out at the board’s transfer while the player hit back with open crit- a thorough 1996-2000**, Benfica (POR) 2000-2001, Uniao Leiria (POR) 2001-2002, FC Porto policy and turning his fire on his squad, icismc s of o the t e tactics, tact cs, culminating cu at g in him recruitment especially record signing Paul Pogba. (POR) Jan 2002-2004), Chelsea (ENG) 2004-Sept 2007,07, Inter Milan (ITA)(ITA) 2008-2010),2008-2010), kickingkicking hishis heelsheels on thethe benchbench duringduring the processprp ocess fforor a nenew,w, His constant complaints about the Real (ESP) 2010-2013, Chelsea (2013-Dec 2015),5), Manchester United (E(ENG)NG) LiverpoolLiverpool debacledebaacle on Sunday.Sundayy. full-timefulll -ttime manager,manager, players’ lack of desire had an impact on 2016-Dec 2018 TheThe manager’manager’ss ovoverallerall PrPremieremier a clubclc ubu statementstatemem nt the pitch, culminating in the 3-1 defeat by LeagueLeeaggueu ppointsoints hhahaulull ooff 1711766 sissinceinnce * deputy to Bobby Robson said.saaidi . leaders Liverpool on ** deputy to Robson for first season (until 1997) then ddeputyeputy to Louis van GGaalaal (until(until hishis appointmentappointment by UnitedUnited Sunday which left United 19 points behind 2000) laggedllaagggede behindbehind City,City, Liv-Liv- their opponents. erpool,eerpooll, TottenhamToT ttenhaam andand Mourinho’s sacking comes just two- ChelseaChelsea duringdurir ngg thethhe samesame and-a-half years into his tenure and three COACHING HONOURS: period.perir odd. years and a day since Chelsea sacked him With FC Porto: Portuguese champions 2003, 2004; Portuguese CupCup 20032003,, UEFA CCupup just months after he had guided them to (2003), Champions League 2004 the title. With Chelsea (first spell as manager): English championsions 2005,2005, 2006,2006, FA CupCup 2002007,7, The club’s worst start in the league League Cup 2005, 2007 since 1990 means even Mourinho’s ambition of finishing in the top four and With Inter Milan: Italian champions 2009, 2010, Italianian CupCup 202010,10, CChampionshampions a Champions League qualification spot is League 2010 in danger. With Real Madrid: Despite United reaching the Cham- Spanish champions 2012. Copa del Rey Cup 2011 pions League knockout stages, where they With Chelsea (2nd spell): English champions 2015, Leagueeague Cup 20152015 face an intimidating last-16 tie with Paris With Manchester United: Europa League 2017, Leaguegue CupCup 20201717 Saint-Germain, a combination of poor results, dressing-room discord and crit- icism of the board proved potent factors in the decision to dismiss the Portuguese Mourinho’s sacking comes just two-and-a-halfnd-a-hhaalff manager. years into his tenure and three years anandd a ddadayay A United source said that Mourinho since Chelsea sacked him just monthss afterafter hhe ehe had been supported in his efforts to sign had guided them to the title. players and described reports of player power at the club as being key to the His constant complaints about the sacking as wide of the mark. United will reportedly have to pay players’ lack of desire had an impact Mourinho £22.5m ($28.5m) -- as the club on the pitch, culminating in the are still in the Champions League -- to 3-1 defeat by Premier League sever the ties. leaders Liverpool on Sunday which “Manchester United announces that left United 19 points behind their manager Jose Mourinho has left the club opponents. with immediate effect,” a club statement said. “The club would like to thank Jose for Argentinian is also former Manchester has beenen cham-cham- his work during his time at Manchester United midfielder Gary Neville’s favoured pions of EngEnglandland 2200 United and to wish him success in the option. times, neighbourseighbours Man-Man- future. “They need someone who meets the chester City’sCity’s ddominanceoominnaanccee “A new will be three key principles of that football club: over themem iinn thethhe lleagueeaagug e hhahass appointed until the end of the current the promotion of youth, entertaining hurt. season, while the club conducts a thorough football and to win football matches,” The woundwound wentwwent eveneven deeperdeeper forforr recruitment process for a new, full-time Neville told Sky Sports News. Mourinhoho aass CityCityy aareree mmanagedaannagedd bbyy PepPPeep manager.” “People suggest he (Pochettino) hasn’t Guardiola,la, wwhoho ggotoot thethee bbetteretteer of hhimimm wwhenheh n In the longer term former Real Madrid won a trophy yet at Tottenham but with he was in chargecharrgge atat BarcelonaBaBarcelona anaandnd coach Zinedine Zidane has been linked to a net spend of minus £29m or something Mourinhoho waswas atat RReRealal MMadrid.aadrid. the club as has his fellow 1998 World Cup- over the last four years, I’m not sure he Despitepite hishis protestationsprootestaatiiono s to thethehe con-con- winning team-mate , who could have done more. trary, thehe UUnitednited bboboardard gagaveavev MMourinhoourir nho played for United. Tottenham Hotspur “I do think he is the person who is the plenty off momoneyney to ccompete.omo petee. manager Mauricio Pochettino is also outstanding candidate.” Top-quality-quality plplayersayyere s susuchch aass BeBelgianelgian strongly tipped. Mourinho’s reign had started well striker RRomeluomelu LLukakuukakku -- wwhoho hhee peper-r- One bookmaker makes Pochettino the enough with the League Cup and the suaded too snubsnuub ChelseaChelsea andand comcomee too UUnitednited Jose Mourinho early favourite and the 46-year-old Europa League trophies but for a club that for £75mm in 20201717 -- aandnd PPogbaogba fforor a thenthen 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018

SCOREBOARD Australian fast bowler Mitchell AUSTRALIA, 1st innings 326 Starc takes a selfie with fans , 1st innings 283 during day five of the second AUSTRALIA, 2nd innings 243 INDIA, 2nd innings match against India in KL Rahul b Starc ...... 0 Perth yesterday. M. Vijay b Lyon ...... 20 C. Pujara c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 4 V. Kohli c Khawaja b Lyon ...... 17 A. Rahane c Head b Hazlewood ...... 30 H. Vihari c Harris b Starc ...... 28 R. Pant c Handscomb b Lyon ...... 30 U. Yadav c and b Starc ...... 2 I. Sharma c Paine b Cummins ...... 0 M. Shami ...... 0 J. Bumrah c and b Cummins ...... 0 Extras (b6, w3) ...... 9 Total (all out, 56 overs) ...... 140 Fall of : 1-0 (Rahul), 2-13 (Pujara), 3-48 (Kohli), 4-55 (Vijay), 5-98 (Rahane), 6-119 (Vi- hari), 7-137 (Pant), 8-139 (Yadav), 9-140 (Shar- ma), 10-140 (Bumrah) Australia level : Starc 17-3-46-3 (1w), Hazlewood 11-3-24-2, Cummins 9-0-25-2 (2w), Lyon 19-3- 39-3 Australia won by 146 runs Series level 1-1 series against India with

I’m relieved per- sonally. It’s been 146-run victory hard work -- the first two Tests of this series have AP bowlers. It was sweet revenge for wickets for just three runs. the match.The tourists will regret and more helpful.” been really tough. PERTH hosts Australia after a nail-biting It was Australia’s first win their gamble at the selection table, It was a tempestuous contest We’ve got some 31-run defeat in the series-opener since March 5 in Durban - before playing without a specialist at times with both skippers at the inexperienced Australia cleaned up India’s lower played at and the damaging ball-tampering spinner in the absence of the centre of the tension with several order with a barrage of hostile ensured his first scandal in South Africa that rocked injured . heated exchanges conjuring players in terms bowling before lunch on the fifth win in five tests as skipper. the nation. Speedster was images of ill-feeling from previous of Test matches day to secure a series-levelling, “As a group we’re relieved, it’s Without suspended former preferred over spinning all- series between the cricketing played. To get confidence-boosting 146-run been hard work,” Paine told captain and vice-captain, Steve rounder , but superpowers. a win like that victory in the second test reporters. Smith and , Aus- struggled with match figures of “Nothing compared to 2014,” yesterday. “The first two Tests in this tralia’s shallow depth has 2-139. India’s lengthy tail was also said Kohli, who was part of a against the best Having set India a daunting series have been tough. It’s been been laid bare. exposed on the grassy with bitter feud with former quick Test team in the 287 runs to win on a menacing a bruising Test match. This, though, was a much the four tailenders mustering just Mitchell Johnson during the world is going to Perth Stadium pitch, Australia dis- “To get a win like that against improved effort on a troublesome 11 runs between them for the 2014-15 series. missed the tourists for 140 midway the number one test team is going drop-in wicket and the 326 the match. “As long as there is no give them a huge through the first session to win an to give us a huge boost of hosts made in the first innings Kohli defended the selection swearing and personal attacks boost of confi- engrossing, low-scoring contest. confidence.” after Paine had won the toss and of Yadav, who claimed 10 wickets then the line doesn’t get crossed. dence.” Australia’s wickets were India, looking for a first Test decided to bat first was instru- in his last Test against the West Australia played better Test shared around with Man of the series win in Australia, had pinned mental in the victory. Indies in October, even though off- than us and deserved to win.” Match (3-39), who their faint hopes on Hanuma Marcus Harris, spinner Lyon dominated for Aus- The Test was the first at the captain Tim Paine is fast becoming something of a Vihari and when and Travis Head each compiled tralia with 8-106 through his tar- new 60,000-seat stadium located national hero, and quick Mitchell they resumed on 112-5 but they all half-centuries in the first innings geting of the expansive rough in Burswood after a 47-year run Starc (3-46) the pick of the but evaporated when the former and grabbed patches. at the WACA but crowds were dis- fell for 28 in the sixth over of the another as Australia tallied 243 in “If you see the rough, it didn’t appointing especially when fierce morning. the second. have much assistance. Just the heat blighted the early part of the When Pant miscued a slog off India, by contrast, looked pace on the ball that Lyon match. Lyon to be brilliant caught by a reliant on their talismanic captain bowled with... that’s how he got The series shifts to the tradi- diving Peter Handscomb at mid- , who contributed 123 the wickets,” Kohli said. tional Boxing Day Test at the Mel- wicket for 30, India simply of India’s 283 runs in the first “We thought a fast bowler bourne Cricket Ground followed imploded, losing their last four innings with the only of was going to be more productive by the finale in Sydney. Captain Paine is happy with Australia name unchanged Australia’s hard-nosed style squad for last two India Tests REUTERS PERTH REUTERS MELBOURNE Australia captain Tim Paine believes his emerging team Australia have retained the found a hard-nosed identity same 13-man squad for the appropriate for their reformed remaining two matches in Mel- demeanour after a 146-run bourne and Sydney after victory against India in the beating India in the second Test “bruising” second Test in Perth, the country’s cricket yesterday. board said yesterday. Having set the tourists a The hosts beat the world’s daunting 287 runs to win on a top-ranked test side by 146 runs menacing Perth Stadium pitch, at the Perth Stadium to level the Australia dismissed top-ranked series at 1-1 after the opening India for 140 midway through loss in Adelaide. the first session on the final day Uncapped paceman Chris to level the four-match series. Tremain will continue to Australia’s captain After losing the series- remain out of the squad after Tim Paine shakes opener in Adelaide by 31 runs, a being released before the Perth purposeful Australia held the hand with Indian match, Cricket Australia (CA) upper-hand throughout to captain Virat Kohli said in a statement. secure Paine’s first win as after winning the “With , Pat skipper in his fifth match at the second Test in Perth. Cummins, and helm. in the squad we “Really happy with the com- believe we have enough fast petitive, hard style we played. I between the teams. platform for a first innings total bowlers to choose from, so think we’re slowly building into The wicketkeeper-captain of 326 - the highest of a low- we’ve made the decision to our style of cricket,” Paine told said Australia had struck the right scoring match. stick with the 13 person squad reporters. balance with their on-field “I think the way Finchy and for the remaining two Test “We stuck to our guns and behaviour in Perth. Harris started was critical. From matches against India,” Australia’s paceman delivered skill under pressure “We talk about playing on that moment we were always national selector Trevor Hohns Mitchell Starc takes a and managed to keep ahead in skill and not emotion,” he said. just ahead of the game,” said said. the game.” “We know our best cricket is Paine. “We believe it’s important catch to dismiss India’s Australia’s on-field played when we put emotion “As a group we’re relieved, to keep this group together to batsman Umesh Yadav behaviour was under the micro- aside. “(But) at times you’ve got it’s been hard work. It’s been a build on the momentum we off his own bowling scope in the aftermath of the to draw a line and stick up for bruising test match. have established in Perth,” during day five of the damaging Newlands ball-tam- yourself and team mates. We “To get a win like that against Hohns said in the statement second cricket match pering scandal and they have aren’t going to sit back and be the number one test team is released yesterday. against India in Perth opted for a staid approach ever walked all over.” going to give us a huge boost of Squad: yesterday. since. Paine praised Australia’s confidence.” The series shifts to , Aaron Finch, In a tension-filled second well-rounded performance, the traditional Boxing Day Test Peter Handscomb, Marcus test, Paine heatedly clashed with which started with an 112-run at the Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis counterpart Virat Kohli on opening stand between Marcus followed by the final Test match Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan several occasions conjuring Harris and Aaron Finch on the to be played at the Sydney Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun images of previous fiery contests opening morning laying the Cricket Ground. Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

Spinner Patel is optimistic Mystery Indian spinner stuns at IPL auction despite NZ’s AFP rejections in age-group cricket. JAIPUR He later returned to the wicketless game, honing his skills as a Little-known Indian mystery spinner able to bowl both off and toil in field spinner Varun Chakravarthy hit leg breaks, with quite a few tricks the jackpot at the Indian Premier under his hat. League auction yesterday after More than 350 players went REUTERS he was snared for $1.2m by Kings under the hammer yesterday, WELLINGTON XI Punjab. including 120 international The price tag surprised cricketers, in what is the world’s New Zealand’s rare wick- pundits gathered at Jaipur for the wealthiest cricket league. etless day could not rob left- 2019 tournament West Indies players proved arm spinner Ajaz Patel (pic- auction, where the 27-year-old to be the top draw among the tured below) of his optimism only had a base price of Rs2m foreigners, with big-hitter Carlos about a positive result in the ($28,400). Brathwaite going for $707,150 opening test against Sri Lanka After a fierce bidding war, to the Pic: Twitter@IPL yesterday. the bowler emerged as the most franchise owned by Bollywood A view of the IPL auction taking place in Jaipur yesterday. The Sri Lankan duo of expensive player in this year’s superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Angelo Mathews and Kusal sell-off along with Indian left- “What a fantastic buy. We all Karthik, finished third in the IPL making his IPL debut. “Delighted to be joining @ Mendis struck unbeaten cen- arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat, know what Carlos did at Eden 2018. They have won the England’s rising star Sam SunRisers for #IPL2019! Can’t turies in an epic 246-run bagged by for back in 2016! Everyone lucrative championship twice, Curran was sold for one million wait to get started for the stand for the unbroken fourth the same price. remembers the name!” KKR said in 2012 and 2014. dollars to Kings XI Punjab. His #OrangeArmy,” he wrote on wicket to give their side a “What a bid! Varun Chakar- on Twitter. Another West Indies heavy base price was $283,460. Twitter. chance of saving the match avarthy joins us for the new That year, Brathwaite hitter was Fellow Brit Jonny Bairstow There were no takers though on what is likely to be a rain- season of IPL!” the Punjab fran- slammed four consecutive sixes lapped up for $594,195 by Royal won his first IPL contract, picked for New Zealand stars Brendon affected final day. chise tweeted. to help West Indies win the Challengers Bangalore. by for McCullum and Martin Guptill as “Nothing is expected in Chakravarthy began playing World T20 final against England The 21-year-old, who $311,982. The wicketkeeper- well as impact all-rounder Chris cricket,” Patel told reporters cricket when he was 13 but took at the in Kolkata. impressed during the recent batsman had gone unsold in last Woakes of England in the first after enduring a day of toiling up architecture after several KKR, led by India’s Dinesh West Indies tour of India, will be year’s auction. round. without success. We know it’s a funny game. It can bite you in the back if you expect too many things.” Mendis, Mathews defy NZ Before the fourth day started, New Zealand had been expected by many who filed through the Basin with epic stand on day four Reserve gates to have wrapped up the game and AFP SCOREBOARD said. Mathews sent the New Zea- WELLINGTON take a 1-0 lead in the two- SRI LANKA, 1st innings 282 landers a defiant message with match series possibly by tea. NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings 578 his push-up celebration late in Sri Lanka resumed 20 for Angelo Mathews celebrated with SRI LANKA, 2nd innings (overnight 20-3) the final session that he still has three, still 276 runs from push-ups on the pitch after M. Gunathilaka lbw Boult ...... 3 plenty in the tank and is ready forcing New Zealand to bat joining Kusal Mendis in passing F. Karunaratne c Boult b Southee ...... 10 to bat on. again and facing a well-rested 100 yesterday as Sri Lanka D. de Silva b Southee ...... 0 Mendis, who made only two pace bowling duo of Trent batted the whole day without K. Mendis not out ...... 116 in the first innings, was also Boult and Tim Southee with losing a wicket to give them- A. Mathews not out ...... 117 pumped up, saying he would bat Extras (lb2, nb3, w8) ...... 13 a ball just 12 overs old. selves hope of an unlikely first Total (for 3 wkts, 102 overs) ...... 259 for another entire day if his team Instead, the crowd, as Test draw in Wellington. Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gunathilaka), 2-10 (de Sil- required it. The 23-year-old ini- well as the New Zealand Mendis was 116 not out at va), 3-13 (Karunaratne) tially took a positive approach team, was made to wait and stumps on day four and To bat: D. Chandimal, N. Dickwella, D. Perera, S. and went after short-ball spe- eventually left frustrated as Mathews 117, with their record- Lakmal, K. Rajitha, L. Kumara cialist Neil Wagner. Mendis and Mathews ground breaking unbroken 246-run Bowling: Southee 20-6-36-2, Boult 21-3-50-1, He blasted four boundaries out unbeaten centuries to partnership setting a Sri Lankan Wagner 21-2-100-0 (4w, 2nb), de Grandhom- off Wagner in an entertaining guide their side to 259 for record against New Zealand. me 13-4-24-0 (1nb), Patel 26-8-46-0, Raval period that saw the paceman 1-0-1-0 three at stumps. It was also the first time in concede 35 runs in four overs While still 37 runs in New Zealand that a full day’s before captain Kane Williamson deficit, with rain forecast for play has been completed “We couldn’t have asked for ended his spell. today the visitors are well without a Test wicket falling and anything more.” After the brief flourish with placed to survive what had the first time anywhere since New Zealand had hoped to the bat, Mendis was content to looked to be a crushing defeat South Africa achieved the feat wrap up the match early on the put up the shutters and slow the after the hosts dominated the against Bangladesh in Chit- fourth day after posting an scoring to a crawl. first three days. tagong in 2008. imposing 578 in the first innings, “The plan was to bat out a “They batted well,” Patel The pair’s epic vigil meant anchored by Tom Latham’s lot of balls, rather than focus on said. the tourists ended the day at 259 unbeaten 264 -- which eclipsed run-scoring,” he said through an “We really put the ball in for three after starting in a former England captain Alastair interpreter. good areas and tried to come seemingly hopeless position Cook’s 244 as the highest score Mathews, 31, who top- hard at them, but they rode with three wickets down for just by an opener carrying their bat scored for Sri Lanka with 83 in those waves and adapted to 20 in their second innings after in Test history. But the home the first innings, eked out his those conditions quite well conceding a first-innings deficit bowlers grew increasingly frus- ninth Test century off 248 balls, and the way we were bowling of 296 to New Zealand. trated by the stubborn rearguard while Mendis brought up his at them. Sri Lanka still need a further action, resorting to a barrage of sixth Test ton off 215 “They soaked up pressure 37 to avoid an innings defeat but bouncers that failed to rattle the deliveries. when they needed to and with a flat pitch offering nothing batsmen. The partnership will be a then they applied pressure to New Zealand’s seam attack Spinner Ajaz Patel said the huge boost for Sri Lanka, who when they needed to. and rain threatening on the final Black Caps had not played are ranked sixth in the world “So credit goes to them day, a draw is now a real poorly and were still upbeat and have won only one Test in with the way they applied prospect. about claiming victory on the Wellington in five attempts. themselves throughout the “Even tough it’s a belter of a final day. They have also lost their last day.” wicket, the concentration and “The positive thing for us is five Tests against New Zealand Sri Lanka’s batsman Angelo Mathews celebrates reaching his century Patel only made his Test commitment they had was that we are the only team in a and suffered a 3-0 Test series during day four of the first Test match against New Zealand at the debut against Pakistan on the unbelievable,” bowling coach position to win the game. That’s whitewash against England last recent tour in the United Arab Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. Rumesh Ratnayake said. great position for us to be in,” he month. Emirates and said the rarity of a wicketless day was sinking in for the entire team. However, based on his limited experience, nothing We were convinced of all-pace attack: Kohli was expected in the game. “There were long periods AFP series at 1-1 with a 146-run “It’s a very tricky decision to his Test debut, was named as But Kohli, one of the most where nothing happened (in PERTH victory. make what kind of a bowling Shaw’s replacement and could animated players in world the UAE) and then all of a “We didn’t think that we def- option you want to go with or replace either Rahul or Vijay in cricket, said there was nothing sudden it went ‘bang, bang, India captain Virat Kohli effec- initely wanted to consider a you want to think whether that Melbourne. to worry about in what was said bang’,” he said. tively admitted to misreading the spinning option on this pitch, guy can contribute with the bat “You have to keep backing during the match. “I think the boys realise pitch at Perth’s new stadium especially having a look at the as well or not. them and telling them they “As long as there is no there is still a lot of cricket to after not picking a frontline pitch on day one and how we “Eventually you come to one belong and they are good enough swearing the line doesn’t get be played with another day spinner in a Test match in which thought it would play on the first decision and we backed that to perform,” Kohli said. crossed,” he said. “And no per- left. off-spinner Nathan Lyon three days. decision and we went ahead “It’s not even giving someone sonal attacks.” “The positive thing for us emerged as Australia’s trump “We thought a fast bowler is with it. Whether it comes off or individual goals, it’s just telling The Indian captain described is that we are the only team card. going to be more productive and not is a different thing. But we them that this is what we require the exchanges as competitive in a position to win the game. On the green-tinged pitch more helpful for us.” were totally convinced as a team as a team from the openers and “banter”. “That’s a great position the touring side opted for an all- India have left-arm spinner that is our best combination to this is the role that needs to be He added that the remarks for us to be in.” pace attack, drafting in quick Ravindra Jadeja and left-arm go with and the batsmen have to fulfilled. There’s not much to say in Perth were nothing compared Umesh Yadav for injured off- wrist spinner as take responsibility.” to be honest.” to their Australian tour in 2014, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. the other slow bowling options India will have to address Meanwhile rival captains when he claimed to have been All-rounder Hanuma Vihari, who in the squad but preferred their problems at the top of the Tim Paine and Kohli yesterday called a “spoilt brat”. replaced , was speedster Umesh Yadav, who order with the opening partner- played down their heated Paine also said his sparring India’s only slow bowling option. struggled with match figures of ships from Lokesh Rahul and exchanges which prompted with Kohli did not get out of Kohli said India would have 2-139. of three, 63, six and intervention from the hand, adding that he admired his considered playing Ashwin if the Not picking Jadeja, who zero in the first two tests. during the second Test between opposite number’s passion for spin ace had been fit but was averages over 32 with the bat First choice opening batsman Australia and India. . keener to laud Lyon’s brilliance from 39 Tests, also robbed India injured his ankle Much attention centred on “It was a highly competitive for his match-winning figures of of balance and lengthened their while fielding during a tour exchanges between Kohli and Test match from both teams and 8-106 rather than credit the tail with their last four batsmen match against a Cricket Australia Paine on the third and fourth there was a lot on the line, with assistance from the surface. totalling just 11 runs between XI in Sydney last month and has days, which were picked up by both teams desperately wanting “It was the pace on the ball them for the match. been ruled out of the rest of the stump microphones and to win,” Paine said. Lyon bowled with that got him “We all know Ashwin or series. prompted umpire Chris Gaffaney “It (Kohli’s behaviour) was the wickets,” Kohli said after the Jadeja have more ability with the Fellow opener Mayank to warn the pair to “play the not (worrying) to me, I love it and hosts squared the four-Test bat,” Kohli said. Agarwal, who has yet to make game”. I’m sure it was great to watch.” 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018 Quintana to lead Movistar ‘Good step’: WTA increases rankings bid for Tour de France title protection for returning mothers AFP MADRID

Colombian climber Nairo REUTERS A player returning Quintana will lead the Movistar LONDON from pregnancy will team at the 2019 Tour de France, Movistar’s team director Eusebio The Women’s Tennis Association have a three-year Unzue revealed yesterday at a (WTA) will offer greater rankings period to use her team presentation in Madrid. protection to mothers returning Special Ranking, which During the 2018 Tour to the tour after giving birth and Team Movistar’s will now begin at the Quintana, who has won both the introduce a modernised dress birth of the child. Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Colombian cyclist Nairo rule as part of new rules Espana, was co-leader of Mov- Quintana waves during announced on Monday for next istar along with world champion the presentation season. For players who Alejandro Valverde and the of Spain’s Movistar The changes address issues would qualify for a Spanish climber Mikal Landa, Team 2019 in Madrid, that came up in 2018 when seeded position in the but in 2019 will spearhead the yesterday. former world number one draw, the updated team’s tilt at the Tour de France Serena Williams, who returned rule will ensure they to action after giving birth, was title. will not face a seed in Quintana was runner-up to unseeded for some events and Chris Froome in the Tour de caused an uproar with a black, the opening rounds France in 2013 and 2015. skin-tight bodysuit she wore at whether returning from Now at his peak, the the French Open. pregnancy or injury. 28-year-old remains a true con- But after gathering feedback tender for a win in the sport’s from players, the WTA said its greatest Tour. board of directors approved changes that will allow players out “We will continue dreaming thrilling, mountainous world we’d been hoping for,” said the in 2006 and was a regular con- of competition for 52 weeks or longer to use their Special (of the Tour de France win), and championships in Innsbruck in team director. tender in the Spring one-day Ranking in 12 tournaments. we will continue to work for it,” 2018, will race the Giro in May “But that will all change this classics. A player returning from pregnancy will have a three-year said Quintana. and the Vuelta in September, year.” He last won a Grand Tour period to use her Special Ranking, which will now begin at the Unzue admitted last season’s Unzue revealed. Movistar, the second most stage on the Giro in 2010, a year birth of the child. tactics had failed and that Landa, recruited from Team powerful team in professional after winning the Italian national For players who would qualify for a seeded position in the backing the Colombian was the Sky will race the Giro in May and cycling after Team Sky, renewed championships. draw, the updated rule will ensure they will not face a seed in key to 2019. then back up Quintana in the a deal to sponsor the Spanish “I can say today that my the opening rounds whether returning from pregnancy or injury. “We want to concentrate our Tour de France. outfit until 2021 just two days childhood dreams have been Williams’s world ranking had fallen to 451 when she was focus on Nairo on the Tour de “We were always in there ago. achieved,” said Pozzato, who not seeded at the French Open. The American was, however, France and the Vuelta too,” with a chance last season but Meanwhile, Italian road won the Tirreno-Adriatico at just seeded 25th at this year’s Wimbledon despite being ranked Unzue said at a presentation of somehow the strategy (of three racer Filippo Pozzato, who won 21. outside the world’s top 32 players. the 2019 lineup in Madrid. leaders) fell short and we failed stages on the Tour de France, “And without having seen Former world number one Azarenka, who returned “The key objective for the to meet our objectives. Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana, the time fly by, it’s all over now. to tennis in mid-2017 following the birth of her son, welcomed team this year is to win a Grand “We had wonderful announced his retirement I didn’t always achieve what I the rule change. Tour. moments though with 27 wins, yesterday. could have but I made most of “Our players should feel comfortable and confident to take The 38-year-old Valverde, but had bad luck with Quintana The powerfully built Italian my dreams come true,” he wrote time away from the courts to have a family or recover from who won a and Landa not quite as good as won the Milan-San Remo classic on his Facebook page. injury and I think these new rules support that,” Azarenka, who is on the a WTA Players’ Council, said in a statement. “This is a really good first step and we are using it as a base Racing Point are the to continue to look for ways to improve and highlight the impor- Tenshin looks for real fight with second team to set tance of mothers working and being on Tour.” a launch date, with The board of directors also agreed that players at WTA tour- 2018 championship naments would not be prohibited from wearing leggings or runners-up Ferrari compression shorts without a skirt, dress or shorts over them. Mayweather not entertainment The WTA had no rule explicitly banning a player from wearing announcing they would such outfits but adjusted the language of its rule to be more AP apart from both being unbeaten. present their new car clear. MATSUDO, JAPAN Nasukawa is undefeated as a on February 15. The black catsuit worn by Williams at Roland Garros sparked kickboxer at 27-0 and unde- plenty of debate and attracted the ire of the French Tennis Fed- To Floyd Mayweather, his three- feated in mixed martial arts at eration President Bernard Giudicelli. round match on New Year’s Eve He is the best so I 4-0. “While this has not been an issue to date, we wanted to in Japan is for entertainment can’t let my guard He said he never was much F1: Racing make it clear that there is no prohibition on these items,” WTA only. down. I’m sure his of a Mayweather fan, usually chief executive Steve Simon said in a statement. To opponent Tenshin Nas- cheering for his opponents, such Point to hold “We understand the importance of modernising the dress ukawa, the “exhibition” is as punches are fast as Manny Pacquiao. code and ensuring that our players have flexibility in choosing serious as a kick to the head. but I’m sure I can And when he met him in 2019 launch the clothing they wear. Our rules should not prohibit that.” Which is what he wishes he see them: Tenshin person, Nasukawa said he was Among other rule changes is the rollout of a 25-second shot could do to Mayweather. Nasukawa a little disappointed that May- clock between points at premier events in 2019, with a full But the rules of their match weather wasn’t as charismatic in Toronto rollout for all WTA tournaments in 2020, in a bid to speed up prohibit the unheralded kick- as he thought he was. the pace of play. boxer from kicking. So he’s Conor McGregor more than a “I sensed no aura about REUTERS Players will also only be allowed one toilet/change of attire taken a crash course in boxing. year ago for his 50th win from him,” he said. LONDON break per match, down from the previous two. Among his advisers was three- 50 fights. “He says such provocative weight world champion Jorge He returned to this matchup stuff I feel like kicking him.” Racing Point, the Canadian- Linares. only after getting the rules clar- Nasukawa said he can’t owned Formula One team “I can change the world with ified to make his first bout in allow the taller and heavier that emerged from now- my fist,” Nasukawa said in his Japan more about Mayweather to land a single disappeared Force India, will quiet voice yesterday after a “entertainment.” punch in their three rounds. He hold their 2019 pre-season demonstration workout at his The Rizin Fighting Feder- plans to use his kickboxing nous launch in Toronto on Victoria Azarenka family’s Teppen Gym in the ation organizers are even willing to avoid getting hit. February 13, they announced Tokyo suburb of Matsudo. to placate Mayweather by “He is the best so I can’t let on Monday. Except, he really can’t undertaking the weigh-in in his my guard down. I’m sure his The British-based team, change the world. There will hotel room. punches are fast but I’m sure I now owned by a consortium be no judges and no official Despite everything, VIP can see them. of investors led by Canadian result. seats are going for 100,000 yen “I feel excited, although billionaire Lawrence Stroll, When 20-year-old Nasu- ($1,000) each at Saitama Super some days I still feel afraid,” said on Twitter that the pres- kawa’s people were last month Arena, on the northern outskirts Nasukawa added. entation would be at the touting a real bout, the 41-year- of Tokyo. “But when the day comes, I Canadian International old Mayweather walked away. There’s little Nasukawa has want to fight with confidence,” AutoShow. Stroll’s son Lance He hasn’t fought since beating in common with Mayweather, he said. is one of the drivers for next year, along with Mexican Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa (right) works out Sergio Perez. The Mercedes- during a training session, in front of the media, at his boxing powered team finished the gym in Matsuda, Chiba prefecture, yesterday. 2018 season in seventh place. Force India went into administration in July before being rescued by Stroll. The team’s new name and look could also be revealed at the event, with principal Otmar Szafnauer saying this month that Racing Point was “just something we stuck on to the entry until we go for a permanent name change”. Racing Point are the second team to set a launch date, with 2018 championship This is a really good first step and we runners-up Ferrari are using it as a base to continue to look announcing they would present their new car on Feb- for ways to improve and highlight the ruary 15. Pre-season testing importance of mothers working and being starts three days later at Bar- on Tour: Victoria Azarenka celona’s Circuit de Catalunya. WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 11

Low points of Mourinho’s Who says what on sacking of tenure at Man United Mourinho REUTERS LONDON REUTERS Timeline of the significant low points this year which led to Man- chester United dismissing manager Jose Mourinho: Following is reaction to the sacking of Manchester United manager Jose MAY 19: United lose FA Cup final 1-0 to Chelsea, ending the Mourinho, who was dismissed by the season without a trophy for first time in three years. Premier League club yesterday. AUGUST 19: Defeat in second game of new Premier League season 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion. FORMER UNITED CAPTAIN GARY AUGUST 27: Mourinho sees his side lose 3-0 to Tottenham NEVILLE Hotspur at Old Trafford, the biggest home defeat of his career. “I’ve been fortunate to spend time Complains about ‘respect’ to media after the game. at Tottenham’s training ground, and SEPTEMBER 22: Midfielder Paul Pogba says United should for me he (Mauricio Pochettino) feels attack more at home after disappointing 1-1 draw with Wolves. like the ideal candidate. United have Mourinho strips Frenchman of vice-captaincy in growing rift. tried managers who have won SEPTEMBER 25: United dumped out of the League Cup at European cups, they’ve tried managers home by second-tier Derby County on penalties who have won multiple leagues. SEPTEMBER 29: 3-1 defeat in the league by West Ham “My view is they need someone United means United suffer their worst start to a new season in who meets the three key principles of 29 years. the football club, and that is pro- OCTOBER 8: Investigated by FA after allegedly swearing in motion of youth, entertaining football, Portuguese to camera after 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle and to win football matches.” United. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MANAGER NOVEMBER 11: Comprehensively outplayed and beaten 3-1 Jose Mourinho MAURICIO POCHETTINO by champions Manchester City away. celebrates with “I feel so sorry because you know DECEMBER 16: Another 3-1 defeat, this time by fierce rivals the trophy after very well I have a very good rela- Liverpool which leaves United 19 points behind their league winning the tionship with him, so it’s very sad news leading opposition. Europa League in what happened today. It’s not my DECEMBER 18: Mourinho sacked with the club sixth in the this May 24, 2017 business what happened today and Premier League. file photo. only I want to send my best wishes to Jose. “There are a lot of rumours about Mourinho’s my position as manager at Tottenham. I cannot answer this type of question. unhappiness The business you know very well, a Mourinho in danger of lot of rumours happen. I’m so focused at United in trying to deliver my best in this football club.” AFP FORMER ENGLAND INTERNA- LONDON TIONAL GARY LINEKER slipping off elite club “With United 19 points behind Liv- Jose Mourinho’s unhappiness at the club The man who once labelled erpool after 17 games, with the vast manifested itself even before the season REUTERS majority of players playing way below himself the Special One and Mourinho, on the other hand, has started. LONDON burned bridges with his public criticism their best... and dour football to boot. Here is a look at few quotes that livened up news conferences by of United’s younger players and his fallout “Given Mourinho was allowed to chart the decline in relations between For more than a decade, Jose Mourinho accusing his opponents of playing with £90m French midfielder Paul Pogba, spend hundreds of millions on those Mourinho, the club and the players: has been one of the select few coaches 19th century football or of rivals never mind his constant sniping at match players, the split seemed inevitable. whose names invariably crop up when a of being “specialists in losing” officials. “Would imagine one of the main JULY 24 vacancy arises at one of Europe’e elite The first thing Mourinho should reasons for sacking Mourinho now Mourinho’s relationship with record clubs. and similar jibes, now seems probably do is take a break, give himself would be to stop the attempted mass signing Paul Pogba had already become But after his unhappy two years at more like a grumpy old man. a rest from a game he no longer seems to exodus of their best players next fraught in the 2017/18 season -- he Manchester United, the Portuguese may enjoy -- and also give the game a rest from month.” dropped the Frenchman for the Cham- have fallen off that privileged him. FORMER LIVERPOOL BOSS pions League loss to Sevilla -- but the merry-go-round. metal football” that has put Liverpool top After that, he can turn to his agent path to the complete breakdown in rela- Until recently Mourinho was regarded of the Premier League, Sarri’s intricate Jorge Mendes, one of the best-connected “I think he (Mourinho) would have tions took root in the wake of comments as a master tactician and supreme moti- passing patterns at Chelsea or Allegri’s men in football, to find him a new known this was coming. I’m not sur- he made after the 25-year-old’s shining vator and with 20 major trophies as a versatility at Juventus. challenge. prised... with the money he has spent moment in scoring in the World Cup final manager, including two at United, a And if a club wants a win-at-all-costs One option that stands out is Mour- and how the players are playing at win over Croatia. Pogba was said to be reliable provider of silverware. approach, then Atletico Madrid’s Simeone, inho’s former club Inter Milan, who have this present moment in time... I said furious when he read the remarks. But all that is in danger of being tar- rather than Mourinho, is probably the man big ambitions under new Chinese own- on Sunday, I couldn’t see any light at “During a season, you can have a nished by United’s fall from grace and his to turn to. ership to challenge Juventus’ dominance the end of the tunnel for them. big match then a smaller match, then incessant moaning about his own players. So where does Mourinho go next? of Italian football. “I was at Bournemouth two weeks one even smaller, then you can lose your The man who once labelled himself The 55-year-old could conceivably Mourinho won a Champions League, ago. I’m a season ticket holder there. focus, you can lose your concentration, the Special One and livened up news con- follow in the footsteps of Italian Carlo Serie A and Coppa Italia treble in 2010 My season ticket is 10 rows behind then comes a big match again. ferences by accusing his opponents of Ancelotti who has carved a new niche for during his previous stint at the club. the dugout and I saw a man who “In the World Cup, the direction of playing 19th century football or of rivals himself. Eleven coaches have been employed didn’t want to be there.” the emotion, of the responsibility, of the of being “specialists in losing” and similar When Ancelotti was fired by Bayern since he left and Inter have not won a FORMER UNITED FORWARD big decisions is always growing up. jibes, now seems more like a grumpy old Munich early last season, he had, like trophy for seven years. BRIAN MCCLAIR “So I think it was the perfect envi- man. Mourinho, just about done the rounds of Other options open to him would “He is not the only one who ronment for him.” He leaves Old Trafford with United 19 Europe’s top clubs, having coached Paris St include a national team -- although his should depart.” points off the top of the Premier League Germain, Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan. own Portugal are well-served with FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER JULY 29 and playing a brand of football that has Ancelotti has now moved on and rein- Fernando Santos until at least Euro 2020 Mourinho voices his concerns, fol- been left behind by the likes of Manchester vented himself at Napoli, a club with big -- and there is always the temptation of “Inevitable is the word I’d use. lowing a 4-1 pre-season hammering by City and Liverpool. potential and a fanatical following but still a money-making move to China. Mourinho had to go in the end. Simply Liverpool, regarding the transfer policy It is hard to imagine his name being trying to make the step from challenging He is still revered in his homeland not getting anywhere near enough of the club even though early in the close in the mix with the likes of Massimiliano the top sides to actually winning titles. although that is probably too small for out of his players.” season he had been quick off the mark Allegri, , , But even if Mourinho’s pride allowed him. FORMER LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER and secured Brazilian midfielder Fred Juergen Klopp, , Mauricio him to go to a club outside the elite, there “Portuguese football can’t afford the JAMIE REDKNAPP from Shakhtar Donetsk and full-back Pochettino or Maurizio Sarri next time one are still hurdles to overcome. likes of Leonardo Jardim, Paulo Fonseca “If you were looking to go to a club Diogo Dalot from FC Porto. of the top jobs come up. Ancelotti is known as one of the or Mourinho,” Jose Pereira, head of the and do everything wrong and get the “I gave a list to my club of five names Mourinho’s dogmatically defensive game’s gentlemen, an excellent motivator Portuguese coach’s association, told RTP sack, you would do what he’s done. a few months ago and I wait to see if it’s tactics look outdated compared to Pochet- who lives in harmony with his club and television. “He stayed in a hotel... as a possible to have one of these players. If tino’s progressive pressing game at Tot- can rotate his team without anyone “They don’t have the money to pay manager you shouldn’t be going to a it’s possible, it’s possible. If it’s not, it’s tenham Hotspur, Klopp’s so-called “heavy complaining. these coaches” hotel every day because it sends the not. If it’s possible, it’s good. If not then wrong message. we keep fighting and working and “The style of play wasn’t right, believing in the players that we have.” United fans want to see their team play Pochettino perfect fit for the job: Neville with flair. Falling out with the players AUGUST 31 and the board. It’s been inevitable since Just a few weeks into the season AFP Gary Neville Neville added: “Manchester the Brighton game, everything was Mourinho felt obliged to remind the LLONDONONDON United have tried managers that wrong. world of how great a manager he was have won European Cups, they’ve FORMER UNITED DEFENDER in terms of his overall record and GaryGary Neville says MManchester tried managers that have won mul- PATRICE EVRA resorted to citing German philosopher UnitedUnited should tartargetge Mauricio tiple leagues, they’ve tried man- “The thing that is annoying me Georg Hegel to support his argument. PochettinoPochettino as their nenew manager agers that have, to be fair, had that the most right now is why are people “Did you read any philosopher? You afterafter sacking Jose Mourinho, solid grounding in the Premier so focused on Paul Pogba and Jose spent time reading Hegel. Just as an describingdescribing the Spurs boss as the League. Mourinho. Let’s focus on rebuilding example Hegel says: ‘The truth is in the “ideal“ideal candidate”candidate”.. Another name heavily linked something solid instead of being in a whole,’ is always in the whole.” Neville,Neville, who wonwo multiple with United is former Real Madrid playground. Doing this is only disre- Premier LeagueLeague titlestitles during his boss Zinedine Zidane, who left the specting the badge, from now we only NOVEMBER 30 spellspell at Old Trafford under Alex Spanish giants after guiding them need positivity.” By this stage United were 14 points Ferguson,Ferguson, said the ddeparture of to a third successive Champions CHELSEA ASSISTANT COACH off neighbours Manchester City and thethe PortuguesePortuguese boss was a Manchester United should be Mau- League triumph earlier this year. GIANFRANCO ZOLA seven adrift of the Champions League chancechance to hit the “reset” ricio Pochettino,” Neville told Sky Neville said of the Frenchman: “It’s never pleasant to see a coach places but Mourinho returned to his button.button. Sports News. “I don’t think anyone could argue dismissed. It’s not pleasant for favoured defence strategy of how United,United in sixth “When I look at the values of with his pedigree. He’s been world- anybody but especially for someone hard it is now to buy the top players placeplace in the league, Manchester United, you look at class on the pitch and now been like Jose, who has done so much for even though over his tenure he spent areare 19 points Mauricio Pochettino’s belief in world-class in the dugout at Real this game and the club. I’m sure he around £360m. bebehindh leaders young players at (previous club) Madrid. will have another job. “You have no chance in the market LiverpoolLiv after Southampton and with “He wouldn’t be my choice in “Nowadays getting the sack is unless you go to crazy numbers. Instead a miserable Tottenham. the sense I would choose Mauricio part of our job. From the small you go to the second level players season.se “You look at his performance Pochettino, but on the other hand, coaches to the big ones. Knowing the where you still have crazy numbers, and “I said last levels and the style of play, the way you couldn’t argue with the intro- character of Jose, he will bounce back where people say, and I agree, that’s Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio seasonseas that the in which he carries himself at all duction of Zinedine Zidane very quick.” not what Manchester United is.” Pochettino next mmanager of times, publicly and in private.” because of his record.” WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 07

Australia captain FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Really happy with the competitive, Tim Paine hard style we played. I think we’re after victory over EFL Cup last-8: Arsenal vs Bundesliga: Bayern vs RB slowly building into our style of India in the 2nd Tottenham Hotspur; Leipzig; FC Schalke 04 vs

cricket. Test in Perth. ACTION Chelsea vs Bournemouth TODAY’S Bayer 04 Leverkusen NBA: Durant, Curry lead Warriors over Grizzlies

AFP Curry’s points haul at the Toyota Center with a win LOS ANGELES took him past 15,000 that took the Rockets above .500 for his career, making for the season. Kevin Durant scored 23 points him the fifth player in Houston are now 15-14 for as the Golden State Warriors the season while Utah have kept the pressure on the Denver Warriors franchise history slipped to 14-17, one place off Nuggets with a 110-93 defeat of to reach the milestone. the bottom in the Western the Memphis Grizzlies on Conference. Monday. Harden’s virtuoso display Durant was one of five War- Aldridge spearheaded a fine included six rebounds and five riors players to make double all-round offensive display from assists. figures as the depth of the NBA San Antonio as the Spurs Three other Houston players champions proved too much for improved to 16-15 at the ATT made double figures, with PJ Memphis at Oakland’s Oracle Center in Texas. Tucker finishing with 16 points Arena. Rudy Gay had 21 points and Eric Gordon adding 12 Stephen Curry had 20 points while DeMar DeRozan also had points. and Klay Thompson 16 in a win 20 on a night when the Spurs Clint Capela hauled down which left the Warriors with a dominated the Sixers in all 14 rebounds to dominate the record of 21-10, just behind departments. boards. Western Conference leaders The Sixers slipped to 20-12 But it was Harden’s eye- Denver who are 20-9. following the loss. catching display that dominated This photo taken on December 17, 2018 shows Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte (centre) Curry’s points haul took him Ben Simmons and JJ Redick the postgame discussion, with attending the 40th birthday celebration of boxer Manny Pacquiao (third left) in General Santos past 15,000 for his career, had 16 points apiece for the coach Mike D’Antoni leading the City on the southern island of Mindanao. making him the fifth player in Sixers, but Joel Embiid was plaudits. Warriors franchise history to restricted to 13 points while Harden has averaged just reach the milestone. Jimmy Butler suffered an off- over 38 points per game in his “It’s a really cool milestone, target night, making just three last five games. ‘Stronger, faster’ Pacquiao turns an unbelievable journey so far,” of 13 field attempts. “This level, the last three or Curry said. In Houston, James Harden four games are as good as he “But it’s just more moti- exploded for 47 points as the ever played,” D’Antoni said. 40 with lavish birthday bash vation to keep doing what I’m Rockets overpowered the Utah Donovan Mitchell led the doing. I’m blessed to play this Jazz 102-97 to extend their Utah scoring with 23 points game, with great team-mates. winning streak to four games. while Rudy Gobert finished with AFP title by stopping Argentina’s We can all accomplish great Reigning NBA MVP Harden 18 points. GENERAL SANTOS, PHILIPPINES Lucas Matthysse in July in things if we stay in the moment.” produced a dazzling display of Elsewhere on Monday, Kuala Lumpur. Speculation Memphis’s scoring was led scoring to delight the home fans Giannis Antetokounmpo Philippine boxing legend remains high that the Broner from the bench by former delivered a 32-point haul as the Manny Pacquiao said he is I feel stronger and bout could be a warm-up for Warrior Omri Casspi, who fin- NBA RESULTS Milwaukee Bucks maintained “stronger and faster” than ever faster, and by God’s a sequel to 2015’s “Fight of the ished with 20 points and was a their pursuit of Toronto at the ahead of his world title grace I am wiser Century”, that Pacquiao lost to constant threat to his Milwaukee 107 Detroit 104 top of the Eastern Conference defence as he threw a lavish undefeated Floyd Mayweather ex-team-mates. Phoenix 128 New York 110 with a 107-104 victory over the party with thousands of guests at 40, feeling 25. on points. Elsewhere on Monday, Houston 102 Utah 97 Detroit Pistons. and a mass giveaway to mark I believe the best A sedan and two pickup LaMarcus Aldridge bagged a Minnesota 132 Sacramento 105 Antetokounmpo’s points his 40th birthday. is yet to come. You trucks as well as dozens of double-double as the San O’ City 121 Chicago 96 haul included one spectacular A car, pickup trucks and have not yet seen smaller prizes, like refriger-

appliances were raffled off and ators, were raffled off at the

Antonio Spurs handed the Phil- San Antonio 123 Philadelphia 96 driving dunk in the second the best of Manny adelphia 76ers a chastening loss Golden State 110 Memphis 93 quarter that embarrassed the President Rodrigo Duterte and party, which included a section in a 123-96 blowout. Pistons defense. celebrities were among the Pacquiao. that was open to the general well-wishers at the all-night public. event, held at a sprawling against Broner on January 19 Entertainers put on a shopping mall in his home city in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, winner shadow play recounting the of General Santos. of an unprecedented eight rise of the “people’s champ” “I feel stronger and faster, world titles in as many weight from abject poverty to and by God’s grace I am wiser classes, has continued fighting becoming a multi-millionaire at 40, feeling 25,” Pacquiao after reversing a decision to who doled out free housing to said, making clear he’s retire in 2016. the poor and visited sick looking forward to facing The rags-to-riches Pac- people in hospital. American Adrien Broner next quiao, who quit school and Rock bands and gospel month. hawked food in the streets singers provided the music, “I believe the best is yet to and later took up boxing in children danced, and Pac- come. You have not yet seen his teens to support his quiao’s wife, Jinky, serenaded the best of Manny Pacquiao,” mother and his younger sib- him with a ballad. he added. lings, is also an elected Phil- “We are so thankful. He The Filipino southpaw, ippine senator. never forgets to help us, his 60-7 with two draws and 39 “Boxing is my passion and poor constituents,” said Sarah knockouts in a career that public service is my mission,” Bagas, a middle-aged street began in 1995, is to stake his he said, wearing a dark suit sweeper who lined up for her Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant World Boxing Association’s and fedora hat. raffle ticket and food stub in (centre) shoots the basketball against regular welterweight crown The Filipino won his last mid-morning. Memphis Grizzlies during their NBA game in Oakland on Monday. Jackets shut out Knights; Bruins blank Canadiens

REUTERS fell to 0-5-0 this NHL season. period and added two in the Ryan Getzlaf scored an COLUMBUS Bruins 4, Canadiens 0 third to force overtime. empty-net goal with 49 seconds Jaroslav Halak’s 22 saves and Maxime Lajoie, Brady remaining. He and Henrique Sergei Bobrovsky had 28 saves a team-wide defensive effort Tkachuk and Dzingel also also added an assist apiece. to register his first shutout of the gave Boston a dominant win at scored for the Senators. Mark John Gibson, a native of season, and Nick Foligno cele- Montreal. Halak recorded his Stone added two assists. Pittsburgh, made 28 saves for brated his 800th NHL game with third shutout of the season. Roman Josi scored twice Anaheim, which got goals from the only goal of the game to lead Colby Cave recorded the first and had an assist, and Craig Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust. the Columbus Blue Jackets to a multi-point effort of his 16-game Smith scored once for Nash- Islanders 4, Avalanche 1 1-0 victory over the visiting NHL career, an effort that ville. Ryan Johansen was Anders Lee and Jordan Vegas Golden Knights on included his first NHL goal. credited with three assists. Eberle had a goal and an assist Monday night. The Bruins also got goals Ducks 4, Penguins 2 each, and New York beat It was the 25th career from Joakim Nordstrom, David Anaheim erased a two-goal Colorado in Denver. shutout for Bobrovsky as Krejci and Brad Marchand. deficit by scoring three times Thomas Greiss stopped 30 Columbus won for just the third Charlie McAvoy and David Pas- in the second period for a win shots, and Johnny Boychuk and time in eight games. trnak each had two assists. at Pittsburgh. Valtteri Filppula also scored Foligno’s 177th career goal Montreal’s lack of offensive Adam Henrique, Kiefer for New York, which won the was also the 30th game-winner spark included three failed Sherwood and, with a goal that opener of its four-game road of his career. power-play opportunities, stood as the winner, Ondrej trip. The Islanders are 3-1-1 in Malcolm Subban, making his making the team 0-for-25 with Kase scored in the second for their past five games. Columbus Blue Jackets’ players celebrate after defeating the Vegas first start since a 7-2 loss at the extra attacker over its past Anaheim. Gabe Landeskog had Colo- Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday. Calgary on November 19, fin- eight games. The Ducks earned their rado’s lone goal. Mikko Ran- ished with 30 saves. Senators 4, Predators 3 (OT) sixth consecutive road win, tanen, the NHL’s leading scorer It snapped a streak of 13 Thomas Chabot scored 21 puck over at their own blue the top left corner. their ninth victory in 10 games with 56 points, had his consecutive starts by Marc- seconds into overtime, and line, Ryan Dzingel got the puck Ottawa led 3-0 after the overall, and improved to 7-0-1 14-game point streak ended as Andre Fleury, who leads the Ottawa defeated visiting Nash- to Chabot, and the defenseman first period, but Nashville got when leading after two the Avalanche fell to 1-3-1 in NHL in wins with 19. Subban ville. The Predators turned the scored on a hard wrist shot to one goal back in the second periods. their past five games.