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Thursday, January 23, 2020 GOLF Jumada I 28, 1441 AH Woods not thinking GULF TIMES about titles record ahead of 2020 bow SPORT Page 6

TENNIS/ AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Virus outbreak Serena, Federer into hits sports events in third round as Osaka Wuhan AFP Tokyo

boxing qualifi er for the Tokyo Ol- ympics scheduled for next month A in China’s Wuhan will be cancelled sets up Coco crunch over the outbreak of a new virus, Japan’s Kyodo news agency said yesterday. Citing organisers, Kyodo said the quali- Serbia’s Djokovic strode into the fi ers would be rescheduled and moved from Wuhan, where the outbreak of the third round with quick win over Ito new strain of coronavirus is believed to have begun. There was no independent confi rmation AFP Slams if she lifts the trophy. from the organisers, and Japan’s boxing Melbourne Earlier, Australia’s world number federation said it was waiting to hear from one Ashleigh Barty raced through the International Olympic Committee on 6-1, 6-4 against Polona Hercog, bu- the reported cancellation. ifteen-year-old prodigy Coco oying hopes of a fi rst home winner Kyodo said the IOC was expected to an- Gauff set up an Australian since 1978. nounce a new host and schedule for the Open blockbuster with de- “It was very diff erent end to end, qualifi ers. fending champion Naomi I think the wind was a massive fac- Boxing has struggled in the run-up to OsakaF yesterday, as a pumped-up tor particularly with the new ball,” the 2020 Games, and was almost excluded Serena Williams took another step she said. from the Olympic programme after a series towards a record-equalling 24th Djokovic also weathered the of scandals. Grand Slam title. breeze — which followed heavy rain The amateur boxing body AIBA was On a day when men’s seeds tum- on Monday, and smog from bush- stripped of the right to organise the Olym- bled, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic strode fi res last week — to beat Japanese pic competition and replaced with a spe- into the third round to be joined by wildcard Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 cial taskforce. Roger Federer, who dismissed Filip in 95 minutes. Other measures have been introduced to Krajinovic 6-1, 6-4, 6-1. “They were tough conditions, rebuild trust in the sport, including a more American teenager Gauff , show- pretty windy and it was hard to know transparent judging system. ing a tenacity which is becoming where the balls were going. My serve Cases have also been reported outside her trademark, clawed her way back helped a lot to get me out of trouble,” China, in countries including the United from a set down to beat the experi- said the Serb. States, South Korea, Japan and Thailand. enced Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Federer was barely detained by Meanwhile, the women’s football quali- Gauff , who screamed and pumped Krajinovic, the world number 41, as fi ers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be her fi sts as she completed her victo- he moved smoothly through in 92 moved from the Chinese city, the Asian ry, said her “will to win” had got her minutes in the night match on Rod Football Confederation said yesterday. through the tough second-round Laver Arena. Wuhan was supposed to host China, match at a windswept Melbourne In other results, Petra Kvitova, last Taiwan, Thailand and Australia for the Park. year’s runner-up, came through 7-5, Group B qualifi ers February 3-9, but they “My parents always told me you 7-5 against Paula Badosa of Spain, will now be held on the same dates in can always come back — no matter and China’s Zhang Shuai ousted the eastern city of Nanjing, AFC said in a what the score is,” said Gauff , who American Caty McNally 6-2, 6-4. statement. beat seven-time Grand Slam cham- Former US Open champion Marin pion Venus Williams in round one. Cilic won a fi ve-setter against Gauff also beat Williams on French seed Benoit Paire, and one- Qatar Total her Grand Slam debut last year at time semi-fi nalist Milos Raonic beat Wimbledon, and in another quirk, Chile’s Christian Garin in straights. Open tickets go she faced Osaka in the US Open Tennys Sandgren, engulfed in third round, going down meekly in controversy over his political views on sale tomorrow straight sets. and right-wing links during his run Japan’s Osaka, 22, beat China’s to the 2018 quarter-fi nals, took the Doha: With less than a month to the Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-4 but briefl y biggest scalp so far when he ousted Qatar Total Open 2020, tennis fans can lost her cool mid-match, hurling eighth seed Matteo Berrettini in fi ve now purchase their tickets at City Center and kicking her racquet when she sets. Sandgren’s fellow American Mall and Doha Festival City Mall on Friday, gave up a break in the second set. Tommy Paul also pulled off a fi ve-set January 24 (tomorrow), and at the Villagio “I was thinking that I really don’t upset when he beat Bulgarian 18th Mall on Sunday, January 26. want to play a third set this time,” seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), Tickets can also be purchased at the explained Osaka, who is defending a 3-6, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (10/3). Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Grand Slam title for the second time. And Australia’s John Millman fur- Complex, the venue of the tournament, as Former world number one Woz- ther trimmed the number of high- well as online by visiting www.qatartennis. niacki, playing her fi nal tournament ranked players when he ended the org. before retiring, came from behind in campaign of Polish 31st seed Hubert The Qatar Total Open 2020, the 18th both sets for a 7-5, 7-5 win over Day- Hurkacz. But Greek sixth seed Ste- edition, which will be held from February ana Yastremska of Ukraine. fanos Tsitsipas was handed a slice of 23-29, is featuring eight of the top-ten Serena Williams shouted at the fortune when Philipp Kohlschreiber players, and four former champions, with top of her voice during a testing sec- withdrew injured. world No1 Ashleigh Barty topping the ond set against 70th-ranked Tamara Among eight fi rst-round matches list. World No 2 Karolina Pliskova, 2014 Zidansek, before seeing off break held over from Tuesday, after rain champion and World No 4 Simona Halep, points to win 6-2, 6-3. wiped out half of Monday’s schedule, 2019 Wimbledon semi-finalist and World “She was a really good fi ghter — Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro, also No 5 Elina Svitolina, World No 6 and 2019 she did not just let me win,” said retiring this year, upset Belarusian US Open champion Bianca Andreescu Williams, who can equal Margaret 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka in straight among others are also featuring in the Court’s all-time mark of 24 Grand sets. tournament. In all, a total of 64 players, including four qualifiers, will feature in the singles event of the WTA Premier 5 tournament while 32 teams will slug it out in the doubles. Tournament Director Saad al-Mohannadi said, “We are delighted to commence the sales of tickets for this year’s edition of Federer signs the Qatar Total Open as early as possible. autographs Considering the calibre of stars on parade after his win. at the tournament, we believe that it is going to be one of the best ever. We’ll like to encourage everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible in order to enjoy the Serena Williams of the US exciting array of activities lined up for reacts during her match against them at the tournament.” Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek in To purchase tickets and find all tourna- the second round of the ment information, fans can visit www. Australian Open yesterday. qatartennis.org Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 23, 2020 TENNIS

TENNIS/AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOCUS Fired-up Federer in ominous touch at Serena says she Australian Open

AFP prefer it this way because you Melbourne have always extra left in the tank if you need it.” He faces a tougher assign- uthless Swiss master ment next against Australian was ‘nowhere near’ Roger Federer yes- John Millman, who beat him terday said he had in four tough sets at the 2018 “plenty left in the US Open. tank”R as he kept intact his 20- “He’s fi t like a fi ddle. I’ve year record of reaching at least lost to him in the past... he’s the third round of the Austral- from this country so naturally ian Open after crushing Serb also it’s going to be diff erent Filip Krajinovic. intensity. I think this is going Coco Gauff ’s level The six-time champion fi rst to be a good test for me.” played at Melbourne Park in Federer raced through ‘She’s just impressive all-round, from her personality to the way she plays’ 2000 and has gone on to make his opening service game the semi-fi nals or better on 14 against Krajinovic then broke occasions, with no exits before straightaway when the Serb round three. fi red a backhand long. The 38-year-old third seed The Swiss was in immacu- dominated the 41st-ranked late touch early and moving Krajinovic 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 on well, exhibiting his full rep- Rod Laver Arena, stretching ertoire with some deft drop his record over him to 4-0. shots and quality ground- Federer, who is bidding for strokes. a seventh title to match No- It was a lightning start and vak Djokovic’s record, and his he broke again then held for fi rst since 2018, came into the 5-0 before the Serb fi nally got tournament without playing a on the scoreboard, only to see warm-up event but has nev- Federer serve out the fi rst set ertheless looked ominous. in just 20 minutes. “Very happy, been a great With a steely look in his start to the season,” he said as eyes, he broke again to take a he moved a step closer to a 21st 1-0 lead in the second set. Grand Slam title. “I feel really But Krajinovic, who made relaxed on court. I’ve trained two fi nals last year, regrouped hard and you always hope it and managed to work a break pays off .” Asked if he felt sorry point at 2-3, but couldn’t for Krajinovic, he replied: “I convert. He got another op- do feel a bit sorry, but you’ve portunity at 3-4 and this time got to take advantage of it.” didn’t waste it. Over his two matches so far Clearly irked, Federer broke Federer has dropped just 13 straight back with the Serb games, and admitted he pre- taking his frustrations out on ferred easy early encounters his racquet, smashing it into rather than tough battles to the ground. preserve energy. A double fault from the de- “I prefer this much more moralised Krajinovic handed Coco Gauff of the US hits a return against than overcooked. As easy as Federer a break to go 1-0 ahead Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on day three of the it looks, there’s always the ef- in the third set and there was Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. fort, trying to extend the lead,” no way back against a man op- he said. erating in a diff erent sphere. “Of course, it’s not quite Despite his age Federer re- the same stress level if you’re mains a competitive force and down a set or a break or two won four singles titles last sets, whatever it may be. I year. AFP — touted as a possible long-term successor Gauff turfed Serena’s older sister Ve- twice failing to break when 40-0 up on her Melbourne to Williams at the top of women’s tennis — nus out in the first round in Melbourne, stubborn opponent’s serve. spent some of the off -season together. having done the same at Wimbledon last Eighth-seeded Williams described her- Williams, sporting a pair of koalas year. self as “frustrated” by her failure to bury erena Williams said that she painted on her nails in light of the devas- Venus turns 40 in June, but Serena said her opponent and she half-heartedly sa- was “nowhere near” as good as tation of Australia’s deadly bushfi res, was she will be the fi rst to retire out of the two luted the crowd at the end. 15-year-old Coco Gauff when she mightily impressed by what she saw in sisters. “I was making a lot of errors. Probably was that age as the American great “fi ghter” Gauff . “Venus will outplay me, for sure, she the most errors I’ve made since the start reachedS the Australian Open third round “She’s just impressive all-round, from loves tennis a lot,” said Serena, who is in of the year,” said Williams, whose last yesterday despite being far from her best. her personality to the way she plays,” said the twilight of her career but has given no Grand Slam triumph arrived at the Aus- The 38-year-old, one short of Austral- Williams, the top-earning female athlete hint that she plans to quit any time soon. tralian Open in 2017. ian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 in the world. “She works hard on it, just gets unlucky Williams, who has won the Australian Grand Slam titles, fought off a stubborn “I think it’s just all super-impressive. I sometimes health-wise obviously.” Open seven times, thrashed third-round Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 6-3. was nowhere near her level at 15 either on Williams was never in serious trouble opponent Wang 6-1, 6-0 when they met Williams faces China’s 27th seed Wang the court or off the court, not even close. against the 70th-ranked Slovenian Zi- in the US Open quarter-fi nals last year. Qiang next and could meet her fellow “I know kids are growing up diff erent dansek in their second round match at Williams dropped just three games in American Gauff in the quarter-fi nals in nowadays, so I’m not sure. But I was no- Rod Laver Arena. her opening win over Russian teenager Melbourne. where near as smart and eloquent as she But the 22-year-old Zidansek put up Anastasia Potapova on Monday in Mel- The former world number one and Gauff is. It’s nice to see.” resistance in the second set with Williams bourne. SIDELIGHTS Racquet-kicking Osaka admits she was ‘a bit childish’ ‘Stalker’ Osaka Melbourne: Naomi Osaka ranked Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-4. champion also tossed away a “It was a bit childish. I just want to “It’s really tough because you conceded she had been “a bit But the 22-year-old Japanese was ball and slammed the racquet play one match without throwing start thinking — she’s not hitting and Netfl ix Novak childish” after her frustrations irritated by Zheng’s defensive down again as she slumped to my racquet or kicking it. That’s winners.” boiled over yesterday in setting play and her emotions got the her chair, covering her head with all I want.” “I definitely got very frustrated in fter beating Zheng Sh- that are eating plant-based and up a third-round showdown better of her when the Chinese her towel. The former world number one, the second set and it’s something uai, reigning champi- being very healthy.” with teenager Coco Gauff at the broke early in the second set. “My racquet just magically flew seeded third for the defence of that I knew would happen,” on Naomi Osaka used Australian Open. Osaka threw her racquet to the out of my hand,” Osaka said her Melbourne title, said that Osaka added. her victory speech to name-checkA one of her 500,000 Serena Williams’s dance The reigning champion handled floor, then gave it a kick for good mischievously, smiling. Zheng’s way of playing — “slicing “But I didn’t know the scale, the blustery Melbourne condi- measure. “I couldn’t control it, I think that’s and dicing and getting every- what she would do to make me followers on Twitter. moves brought the house down tions to defeat China’s 42nd- The two-time Grand Slam how I dealt with my frustration. thing” — had riled her. frustrated.” “I know there’s a person sit- after her win over Tamara Zi- ting in the ninth row named dansek. Footage of Williams, Marcus, who I stalk on Twitter, Coco Gauff and Chris Eubanks, and I see your tweet so shout- another American player, danc- BOTTOMLINE out, thanks for coming, see ing in unison at a training camp you!” The 22-year-old Japa- earned cheers from the Rod Lav- nese later told reporters that “I er Arena crowd. stalk Twitter. I know I probably “Whenever I see Coco, we Emotional Wozniacki stays alive in Open swansong shouldn’t, but I just like click- still do our routine, it’s so fun- ing people’s messages and then ny,” said Williams, who ends AFP Yastremska then required a medical scrolling down and then click- the routine by doing the splits in Melbourne timeout for what appeared to be a left thigh ing another person. I stalk your front of the camera.We had two problem, and returned to court with heavy Twitter too sometimes,” she days to learn it, and then we had strapping. playfully warned one journalist, to perform it... We wanted to aroline Wozniacki had tears She saved fi ve match points, but with the adding: “You do very good, good bring fun to (training) — dance, in her eyes as she kept alive her crowd fi rmly behind her, Wozniacki would tweets.” tennis, boxing, all kinds of stuff dreams of a triumphant farewell not be denied at the sixth attempt, the and it was really a blast.” Cto tennis at the Australian Open young Ukrainian looping a forehand long. yesterday. The Dane, who says that a major reason Novak Djokovic isn’t just one The 29-year-old former world number for retiring was to start a family with her of the all-time tennis greats, but Alexander Zverev prom- one roared back in both sets to defeat 23rd- husband and former NBA star David Lee, also a budding movie-maker. ised to give his prize money of seeded Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine 7-5, admitted that she feared at the beginning The world number two was US$2.83mn to Australia’s bush- 7-5. that Yastremska would blow her away. executive producer of Netf- fi res appeal if he wins the Aus- Neil Diamond’s hit “Sweet Caroline” “She came out swinging... and every- lix documentary The Game tralian Open, but he wasn’t im- rang around a blustery Margaret Court thing was going in, even balls that I don’t Changers about the benefi ts pressed by a cheeky suggestion Arena after the Dane nailed her sixth match think she knew were possible to hit it that of a plant-based diet, working to donate per double fault. point to reach round three. way,” said Wozniacki, who has won 30 WTA alongside Arnold Schwarzeneg- Belinda Bencic raised the idea She plays Ons Jabeur of Tunisia tomor- titles in a professional tennis career going ger and Jackie Chan. with Zverev when he was strug- row. back to 2005. “They reached out to me al- gling with his serve at the ATP “It’s a little bit emotional for me,” said “I was just thinking to myself: it surely most when the movie was done Cup but the German hotshot, Wozniacki, the 2018 Australian Open win- can’t continue. If it’s going to continue, because I wasn’t very vocal who also pledged $10,000 per ner who announced in December that this then there is not much I can do.” about being a plant-based ath- match, said he preferred his way would be her fi nal tournament. Wozniacki, who began playing tennis lete,” the Serb explained. of donating. “The crowd really got behind me so that aged seven, is coached by her father Piotr, a “They heard that during “No,” he said, when asked was so special. Thank you everyone for former professional footballer. Wimbledon last year when about Bencic’s idea. “It was fun coming out today, it really means a lot to Asked what the best decision had been in someone asked me at the press and all that, but I think it should me,” she added, fi ghting back tears. her career, she said: “I think sticking with conference, they wanted me to be a positive thing, not double- The 19-year-old Yastremska, beaten by my dad and that partnership, I think, has be a part of it. faulting and giving money to it. world number one Ashleigh Barty in last arthritis, which causes fatigue and joint was similarly quickly down 3-0 in the sec- made me the player that I am today. “I was very happy to be part “I think $10,000 a match, week’s fi nal in Adelaide, threatened to put a pain — fought back to claim the set in 53 ond set. “I defi nitely wouldn’t have been where of the very impressive group of then if I win the tournament, swift end to Wozniacki’s career. tough minutes. But once again she battled back to make it I am today if it wasn’t for him because the people from sport and the movie giving $4mn Australian to the But having been 5-1 down in the fi rst set, Now ranked 36, having ended 2010 and 4-4, then held her own serve to lead 5-4 and trust that was there between us and just the industry and diff erent fi elds of pledges is pretty generous I Wozniacki — who suff ers with rheumatoid 2011 at number one in the world, Wozniacki within touching distance of round three. journey was amazing.” life and very successful people hope.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 23, 2020 3 CRICKET

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP HARARE TEST Mathews’ maiden double ton puts Ghafari’s fi ve helps Lanka in control

Reuters caught by Masvaure off the Harare bowling of debutant seamer Victor Nyauchi (3-69). Wicketkeeper Niroshan ngelo Mathews Dickwella (63) added 136 for Afghanistan secure scored a maiden Test the sixth wicket with Mathews double-century as before he was trapped leg be- Sri Lanka took con- fore wicket by Pakistan-born trolA of the fi rst Test against spinning all-rounder Sikandar Zimbabwe at the close of day Raza (3-62). four at the Harare Sports Club Sri Lanka tried to up the yesterday. tempo after that in search of Mathews was unbeaten on quick runs and called time on Super League berth 200 from 468 balls after bat- the innings with nine wick- ting for exactly 10 hours to ets down to leave the hosts to Pakistan sealed their passage into the next phase after defeating Zimbabwe by 38 runs lead the tourists to 515 for nine face 17 overs before the close declared and a fi rst innings of play. ICC lead of 157. Mathews’ previous highest Johannesburg Zimbabwe weathered a dif- score was 160 against England fi cult period before the close in 2014 and he now has 10 Test to go to stumps on 30 without centuries. hafi qullah Ghafari spun loss, with openers Prince Mas- Zimbabwe will need to bat Afghanistan to the next vaure (15) and Brian Mudzin- for most of the fi nal day to stages of the ICC U19 ganyama (14) at the crease. earn a draw in their fi rst Test Cricket World Cup af- The uncapped Mudzin- since November 2018. terS their 160-run victory over ganyama is the sixth case of a The two-match tour was the United Arab Emirates at the concussion substitute in Test hastily arranged after Zimba- North West University Oval, cricket since the rule was in- bwe were briefl y suspended Potchefstroom. troduced on August 1 last by the International Cricket The leg-spinner, the tourna- year as he replaced another Council last year because of ment fi nd who has now picked debutant, Kevin Kasuza, who government interference in up 11 wickets from two matches, batted well for 63 in the fi rst the sport, but were reinstated took a fi ve-wicket haul as UAE innings. Kasuza was struck in October. were bowled out for 105 chasing on the helmet while fi elding The second Test will also Afghanistan’s total of 265 for six. at short-leg on Tuesday and be played at the Harare Sports The result means that the woke up on the fourth morn- Club, starting on January 27. winner of South Africa’s match ing feeling dizzy. with UAE – who both sit on Zimbabwe made a like- BRIEF SCORES two points – on Saturday will for-like replacement in bats- Sri Lanka, first innings, 515 for progress through from Group man Mudzinganyama, who 9 dec (Mathews 200*, Mendis D to the Super League stages will feature in the rest of the 80, Raza 3-62, Nyauchi 3-69) alongside Afghanistan. match. lead Zimbabwe 358 (Ervine Batting fi rst, Ibrahim Zadran Sri Lanka resumed the 85, Embuldeniya 5-114) by 157 (87), Rahmanullah (81) and Ishaq fourth morning on 295 for runs. Shirzad (35 not out) anchored the four, but lost Dhananjaya de Zimbabwe, second innings, innings for the Afghans as they Silva (63) early on when he was 30/0 (at stumps). scrapped their way to a competi- tive target. For the UAE, only captain Ar- yan Lakra (28) and fellow opener Vriitya Aravind (19) were able to show any resistance at the top of the innings before the collapse after they were dismissed. “The wicket was good for spin bowling, there was a bit of turn. I just kept at it and eventually, I got the rewards,” said Ghafari. Afghanistan captain Farhan Afghanistan players celebrate the fall of a UAE wicket during their ICC U-19 World Cup match yesterday. (ICC) Zakhil concluded, saying: “I would like to thank all the play- ern Africans. Dylan Grant re- the front as his superb century KIWIS LEAVE IT VERY LATE 81; Karthik Meiyappan 2-49) ers and staff for ensuring that we turned fi gures of three for 46, proved the catalyst for South Af- BUT PREVAIL OVER LANKA UAE 105 all out, 32.4 overs manage to qualify through to the while off -spinner Wesley Mad- rica’s convincing 150-run victory New Zealand’s Kristian Clarke (Aryan Lakra 28; Shafiqullah next round.” hevere held his own against good over Canada in Potchefstroom. struck a six off the penultimate Ghafari 5-23, Noor Ahmad 3-30) Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (centre) celebrates reaching 200 players of slow bowling, with a The talented all-rounder dis- ball of the match to help his South Africa beat Canada by runs during the fourth day of the first Test at the Harare Sports HARIS HEROICS TAKE tidy spell of ten overs for 42 runs. patched 15 fours and three sixes country to a dramatic three- 150 runs Club in Harare yesterday. (AFP) PAKISTAN TO NEXT ROUND Chasing 295 to stay in the on his way to a Youth One-Day wicket win over Sri Lanka in South Africa 349-8, 50 overs Pakistan sealed their passage competition, Zimbabwe cer- International (ODI) career-best Group A. Clarke arrived at the (Bryce Parsons 121, Tyrese into the next phase of the U19 tainly gave it a good go. score of 121 off 91 balls as the Jun- crease with his side seven down, Karelse 60 not out; Akhil Kumar De Kock promises a ‘street-smart’ captaincy World Cup after defeating a Madhevere, a product of St ior Proteas posted 349 for eight. and after Sri Lanka had taken 4-56) plucky Zimbabwe side by 38 runs Charles College in South Af- This was before Merrick Brett two wickets in the 49th over, in- Canada 199 all out, 41.1 overs South African players can Cup winners England, told in Potchefstroom. rica, showed his prowess with (two for 32), Jack Lees (two for cluding that of Beckham Wheel- (Benjamin Calitz 62 not out; look forward to playing reporters yesterday. Man of the Match Moham- the bat, too, starting the innings 39) and Tiaan van Vuuren (two er-Greenall, run out for a crucial Tiaan van Vuuren 2-24, Merrick “street-smart” cricket when “In diff erent situations, you med Haris clattered 81 from just positively, with a 55-ball 53. He for 24) shared the wickets to help 80 off 111 balls. Brett 2-32) Quinton de Kock takes over have to make decisions on 48 balls, featuring four sixes and clubbed one six, and sprayed dismiss the North Americans He was followed a ball later New Zealand beat Sri Lanka as captain next month. the go, especially in the heat six boundaries, to help his side six other boundaries around the for 199 all out with 8.5 overs re- by Quinn Sunde, as New Zea- by three wickets The wicketkeeper-batsman, of everything. “What you see notch 294 for nine. park, to give Zimbabwe hope. maining. land suddenly looked like fall- Sri Lanka 242-9, 50 overs (Ahan who has replaced Faf du out there dictates the way “It was a great game for me. Milton Shumba (58 from 82 In their chase, Canada took ing short of their testing 243- Sanchitha 64; Adithya Ashok Plessis as skipper of the 50- you play the game. I will do a The coach just told me to relax balls) and skipper Dion Myers the expansive approach in their run target with 12 needed from 3-38, Kristian Clarke 2-36) over team, said his style of little bit of homework every and play my natural game, and (39 from 50 balls) kept it going, innings to score at more than the last over, bowled by Dilshan New Zealand 243-7, 49.5 overs leadership will be just like his now and again, but most of that is what I did,” Haris said af- but once they fell, the Zimba- fi ve runs per over as they were Madushanka. (Rhys Mariu 86, Beckham unorthodox performances the time I will keep it pretty ter his swashbuckling knock. bwean spirit started to wilt. aided by loose deliveries from That equation became from Wheeler-Greenall 80; Dilum with the bat — where tends street-smart. “The coach told me that if I Tahir Hussain fi nished the tail the South Africans, before cru- six from two balls when Clarke Sudheera Thilakarathna 2-52) to mix magical creativity South Africa also host can bat to the end (of the overs), off with the ball, with fi gures of cial inroads from Brett and Lees cleared his head and the ropes Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by with an occasional lack of Australia in three ODIs in then we will get big runs. That is three for 42, while Abbas Afridi during the middle period. to spark huge celebrations from 39 runs discipline. “You always have February and March before what I tried to do.” was more expensive (three for Despite losing wickets at the side in black. Pakistan 294-9, 50 overs (Mo- plan A and plan B, and if they travelling to India. De Kock’s Around Haris, there were good 55), but also helped himself to regular intervals, the Canadi- hamed Haris 81, Qasim Akram don’t work, I like to come up progress as ODI captain contributions from Fahad Munir key wickets in the middle overs. ans were anchored by Ben Cal- SCORES IN BRIEF 54; Dylan Grant 3-46) with things on the field,” the will be closely watched as (53) and Qasim Akram (54 from itz, before his undefeated 62 off Afghanistan beat United Arab Zimbabwe 255 all out, 46.3 27-year-old, who will begin it could set him up as Du 50 balls), and that ensured that PARSONS’ SUPERB CENTURY 77 balls (6 fours) ended in vain Emirates by 160 runs overs (Milton Shumba 58, Wes- his captaincy with a three- Plessis’ successor in the test the runs kept fl owing, despite GIVES HOSTS FIRST WIN as his side were eventually dis- Afghanistan 265-6, 50 overs (Ib- ley Madhevere 53; Tahir Hussain match series against World arena too. Reuters regular strikes from the South- Captain Bryce Parsons led from missed just shy of 200. rahim Zadran 87, Rahmanullah 3-42)

QCA TWENTY20 All-rounder Murali steers Kuwait to title victory By Sports Reporter Murali was returned by Sameera pating teams to play hard and Doha Khan. learn through competition. The Murali, who was also declared teams and players must have got the Player of the Final, followed a lot of positives from the trian- ll-rounder Priyada up her one wicket with cracking gular series. Murali turned in a three boundaries in 40-ball 35. “Also we are delighted that stand-out showing Later, Siobhan Lee and Maria another international event and steered Kuwait to Jasvi remained unbeaten and under the QCA banner came to aA surprise seven-wicket triumph completed the formalities in a successful end after the inau- over Oman in the fi nal of the 16.5 overs. gural Qatar T10 League, which QCA Women’s T20I Triangular Batting fi rst, Oman also suf- we hosted last month. We are Tournament at the Asian Town fered an early loss but their real committed to raising the level of Stadium on Tuesday. problems began when they were the Qatar and other teams in the The Qatar Cricket Associa- about to reach the half-century region,” he added. tion, headed by Yousef Jeham mark. Maria Jasvi bowled open- al-Kuwari, hosted the event to er Sakshi Vijaya for 19 to make it RESULT give exposure and experience two for 47. Kuwait beat Oman by seven to the regional teams in a bid to They lost four more players wickets raise their standard. for an addition of 36 runs to be Oman: 93 for six (Sakshi Vijaya Kuwait’s 94-run chase be- restricted at 93 for six. Besides 19 in 32 balls, Vaishali Vijaya gan with a setback as Zeefa Ji- Jasvi, Mariamma Hyder grabbed 14 in 24 balls, Fiza 18 not out lani was dismissed for a duck two wickets, while Murali and in 24 balls, Priyanka Edna 18 by Yashika Verma. But Priyada Siobhan Lee collected one in 15; Maria Jasvi 1/29, Priyada Murali and new player Amna wicket each. Murali 1/11, Mariamma Hyder Shareef dug in and built a solid Fiza made 18 not out with a 2/16, Siobhan Lee 1/14) 79-run stand for the second four in 24 deliveries, Priyanka Kuwait: 94 for three in 16.5 wicket. Edna chipped in with 18 with a overs (Priyada Murali 35 in Just as Kuwait looked like boundary in 15 balls and Vijaya Kuwait team players and QCA off icials after the prize distribution ceremony of the QCA Women’s T20I Cricket Tournament on Tuesday. 40 balls, Amna Shareef 25 in getting a big win, they lost two made 14 in 24 balls. 56 balls; Yashika Verma 1/13, quick wickets. At 80, Shareef QCA President Yousef Jeham prize distribution ceremony. the winners Kuwait for their lations to champions Kuwait for fell a bit short especially in the Sameera Khan 1/16) got run out for 25 in 56 balls al-Kuwari and other QCA of- Al-Kuwari presented the awards outstanding performance. “We superb performance in the fi nal. fi nal. “Our aim was to provide Player of the Final: Priyada with a four and fi ve runs later, fi cials were present during the and trophy. He congratulated extend out heartiest congratu- Oman also played well but they opportunity to all the partici- Murali (Kuwait). Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 23, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Black Caps’ Southee looking forward England confi dent to India series

IANS Auckland

enior New Zealand ahead of 4th Test pacer Tim Southee is keen to move past his axing from the team forS the new year’s Test against Australia and focus on the se- ries against India. New Zealand suff ered a why they’ve played for a long heavy defeat in the Test se- period of time is they’ve been against Proteas ries in Australia, losing it 0-3. able to get through those ups After playing in the fi rst two and downs. ‘We’ve got a group of players who are willing to learn and we’re very clear on how we want to play’ matches, Southee was re- “It’s about making that ad- placed by Matt Henry in the justment. What’s gone is gone playing XI. and it was very disappointing, He admitted he was disap- the guys would have learnt pointed at the time, but aims from it, and now we’ve got to to continue contributing to the look forward to the Indian se- team’s cause even when not a ries.” Southee was one of four part of the XI. players to play in all 12 of the “I don’t think you can take Black Caps’ T20I games last it personally — they make the year and captained the side in decisions based on what they nine of them, with Kane Wil- think is best for the team,” liamson rested for one at the Southee was quoted as saying start of the year, then injured by www.stuff .co.nz. when they visited Sri Lanka “You’re going to agree to and hosted England. disagree and that’s just the na- The regular skipper is set to ture of sport. make his fi rst international ap- “It’s disappointing. You’re pearance in the game’s short- gutted every time you’re left est format since last summer out. It’s an absolute dream tomorrow, and Southee will to play for New Zealand and off er him whatever support he every time you do miss out it needs. hurts, but you’ve got to respect “I enjoy thinking about the the decisions and try to help game and it makes you think out and give back to the team, outside of what you’re doing,” even when you’re not playing.” he said of his experience as Southee’s focus is now on captain. the T20I series against India “I also try to help Kane out that starts tomorrow and he as well — it’s nice to have those said it was nice to be playing a senior guys (helping you) and diff erent format. Ross (Taylor) was good having “We had a big chunk of Test captained the side in the past. cricket and the guys that were “It’s a diff erent chal- in Australia are reasonably ex- lenge when you captain and perienced guys...they’ve had it’s something I enjoyed, but tough tours before and they’ve Kane’s doing a great job, so I’ll bounced back and the reason just try to help him out.”

Bangladesh appoint Gibson as new pace bowling coach England’s Joe Root (centre) celebrates with teammates after winning the Third Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Monday. (Reuters) Bangladesh have appointed Nizamuddin Chowdhury said. AFP Dom Sibley, Ollie Pope and Dom Bess have rounder Andile Phehlukwayo could be a wickets in four subsequent innings. Ottis Gibson as their new “I am sure he will be a very Johannesburg shown their quality for England, while second black African in the line-up. England, by contrast, seem to have the pace bowling coach, valuable addition to the more experienced players, notably world ideal battery for the Wanderers ground. replacing South African Charl Bangladesh team’s coaching cricketer of the year Ben Stokes, have con- RAW PACE Mark Wood bowled at intimidating pace Langeveldt who resigned in group.” ngland, fresh from their crushing tributed to an impressive team eff ort. South African captain Faf du Plessis said in Port Elizabeth and he could be joined by December. Gibson has also worked with defeat of South Africa in the third “We’re heading in the right direction,” after the third Test debacle that he felt the the similarly speedy Jofra Archer if Archer The 50-year old former West Bangladesh Premier League Test, are looking strong favourites a confi dent England captain Joe Root said diff erence between the teams was in the has recovered from an elbow injury. Indies fast bowler signed side Cumilla Warriors. to claim a series-winning victory after the win in Port Elizabeth on Monday. batting. The experienced Stuart Broad has had a a two-year agreement, the Bangladesh were due to inE the fourth and fi nal match starting to- “We’ve got a group of players who are “I think we are doing well as a bowling solid series, while Sam Curran, another of Bangladesh Cricket Board depart yesterday evening morrow. willing to learn and we’re very clear on unit but from a batting point of view Eng- England’s young guns, has picked up im- said in a statement late for a three-match Twenty20 South Africa are still struggling to come how we want to play.” South Africa, by land are showing us how to apply your- portant wickets. Tuesday. series in Lahore from January to terms with the magnitude of the in- contrast, are beset with uncertainty. self,” said Du Plessis. Gibson, who has enjoyed two 24-27. They will return to nings defeat in Port Elizabeth that handed The 11 that played in the fi rst Test That assessment seems generous to- TEAMS successful stints as bowling Pakistan in February for the England an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the se- looked a solid combination but the side’s wards the bowlers, who have been unable South Africa (from): Faf du Plessis (cap- coach with England and has first of two Tests. The second ries. struggles since then mean that all 15 play- to strike early enough to attack the likes of tain), Dean Elgar, Pieter Malan, Zubayr served as head coach of the will be in April, and two days Their bowling attack’s failure to test ers in the squad for the Johannesburg Test Root and Stokes with a relatively new ball. Hamza, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der West Indies and South Africa, before that they will play a England and the fragility of their batting at the Wanderers have at least a theoreti- In the absence of Rabada, Anrich Nortje Dussen, Keegan Petersen, Quinton de will join the squad for the one-day international. line-up were cruelly exposed over fi ve cal chance of making the team. is the only South African bowler with raw Kock, Vernon Philander, Dwaine Preto- Pakistan tour which begins in Several coaching staff , days at St George’s. The loss through suspension of fast pace, although he lacks experience. rius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maha- Lahore tomorrow. including spin bowling Barely three weeks ago it seemed that bowler Kagiso Rabada, the only black Beuran Hendricks, Rabada’s likely re- raj, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Beuran “He brings in tremendous coach Daniel Vettori, batting South African cricket had turned a corner African to play in the fi rst three Tests, placement, off ers variation as a left-arm Hendricks. experience and has coached coach Neil McKenzie and after a largely dismal 2019. has reduced their already limited options bowler but at less than express pace, while or played all over the fielding coach Ryan Cook But the home side’s victory in the fi rst while at the same time complicated the Vernon Philander, who will be playing in England (likely): Joe Root (captain), world. He has also had the have refused to tour Pakistan Test proved illusory and since then con- debate about racial transformation. his last Test, has looked less eff ective as Zak Crawley, Dom Sibley, Joe Denly, Ben opportunity to observe along with senior cricketer vincing wins by England in the second Batsman Temba Bavuma seems cer- the series has gone on. Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), Sam Bangladesh cricket from Mushfiqur Rahim on safety and third Tests have seen the teams go in tain to play, probably at the expense of Philander took four for 16 in the fi rst in- Curran, Dom Bess or Jofra Archer, Stuart close,” BCB chief executive grounds. AFP diff erent directions. Young players like the struggling Zubayr Hamza, while all- nings at Centurion but has taken only two Broad, Mark Wood.

INTERVIEW I see ‘incredible’ Kohli breaking more records: Smith IANS most amazing six-weeks of my cricketing and is health conscious and things like that. New Delhi career and loved every minute of it. So yeah He’s got the Indian side into a really good would love to be involved in another World place and leads them exceptionally well,” Cup at home for sure!” he smiled. the 30-year-old pointed. t’s the year of the World T20 and it isn’t Asked if he was looking at his time with Asked about Kohli’s gesture to ask fans to just Virat Kohli and the Indian boys Rajasthan Royals to try some new stuff as it show him support during the 2019 World who are looking to take every opportu- will be the perfect training ground for the Cup, Smith feels it was really nice of the In- nity to prepare for the showpiece event World T20, Smith doesn’t sound the sort dia skipper. “In the World Cup it was really Islated to be held later in the year. Run-ma- who likes to tinker much with his training nice of Virat to do what he did. He did not chine Steve Smith is already excited at the ritual. But he does have it on his mind to have to do that and yeah it was a lovely ges- prospect of playing another ICC event at give his leg-spin skills a thought. ture and really appreciated that,” he smiled. home after the 2015 World Cup. In fact, he “Ah, don’t want to try too much diff er- Kohli, in fact, won the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ believes that his stint in the IPL with Rajas- ent. I don’t really know, maybe a bit more award for his gesture in England. than Royals will have a major role to play in bowling perhaps, but then that takes time There have been talks that Smith is a nat- the build-up to the mega event Down Un- away from my batting. So yeah, it’s a diffi - ural leader and that the national captaincy der. cult one but we’ll wait and see,” he reveals. could well return to him in the near future. Speaking to IANS, Smith spoke about the A chat with Smith can never move for- But for the batsman, Paine is the captain much-debated proposal to have four-day ward without discussing Kohli. It looks and someone who is doing a good job with Tests, India skipper Kohli’s gesture to ask like these two will go ahead and share all the boys. fans to support him during the 2019 World the records between them when they hang “Yeah, Tim’s done a terrifi c job. He has Cup, the Indian Premier League and how their boots. The greatness of Smith though led the troops really well. Obviously retain- Tim Paine has done a brilliant job leading is in his humility. The moment the talks ing the Ashes in England in twenty-odd Australia in Test cricket. move towards the comparison, he decides years was an exceptional eff ort and yeah For a man who has dominated batting to highlight how brilliant Kohli has been he has led the team exceptionally well,” he charts in the last few years, Smith’s num- both as batsman and leader. said. bers in the shortest format of the game “Yeah, he is terrifi c. His batting numbers From the Ashes to the ICC’s proposal to defi nitely has room for improvement. But just speak for themselves. I think he’s an have four-day Test matches on a regular the former Australia skipper wants to keep incredible player in all three formats and I basis from 2023, Smith is a traditionalist in playing and improving on the go rather than think we will see him break many records. the matter and wants the format to stay as changing his style of training going into the He’s already broken plenty of them and I see it is. World T20. him breaking many more over the years. He “I am comfortable with fi ve days. I like “No real specifi c training, but just play- has got the hunger for runs and doesn’t stop the challenge of a fi ve-day Test match. Ob- ing a lot more T20 cricket and just getting getting them. Hopefully he can stop getting viously, there has been a lot of talk of the the right tempo I guess for the game is the them against Australia, that’ll be nice. four-day Tests, but my personal opinion is most important thing for me. I would love “As a captain he’s already made India the I like fi ve days. I don’t make the decisions to be a part of the World Cup, it’s obviously number one side in the world in Test crick- obviously of how it all works out but my at home in Australia. I was involved in the et. From what I have seen he sets really good opinion is fi ve-days Tests is what it is all ODI World Cup here in 2015 and had the standards for them. He is a lot about fi tness about,” he signed off . File photo of Australia’s Steve Smith during a practice session in Rajkot on January 16, 2020. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, January 23, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Free agent Brown subject of possible Leonard outduels battery charge

Reuters New York

ree-agent wide receiver Doncic as Clippers Antonio Brown, who played in just one game after being cut by two teamsF last season, is the subject of an active police investigation on Tuesday for possible battery outside his Hollywood, Florida, residence. beat Mavericks A police spokesman con- fi rmed to ESPN that the oft- ‘We’re starting to feel good, we’re starting to understand best ways to play with each other’ controversial Brown, 31, is a suspect in an alleged incident related to a moving truck that is parked outside Brown’s home and the moving company’s em- ployees. Wide receiver Antonio Brown. According to ESPN, Brown’s trainer Glen Holt was later ar- training camp after continued rested and charged with one confl ict with the organisation count of burglary with battery. that started when his helmet As of Tuesday night, Brown had was considered to no longer be not been arrested or charged. in compliance with NFL safety TMZ, which fi rst reported the rules. story, has added that a police He was released by the Pa- source says that Brown is be- triots after his one game after ing accused of battery and bur- sexual and personal misconduct glary by the driver of the moving accusations were made against truck. Authorities are said to be him. Brown reportedly was in the active process of produc- brought in for a workout with ing a warrant to arrest Brown, the New Orleans Saints but he whom the source says police are called that opportunity a “pub- attempting to convince to sur- licity stunt.” render peacefully. According to Last week, Brown’s former ESPN, Hollywood police were agent Drew Rosenhaus an- expected to brief local media be- nounced he had “conditionally” fore noon ET Wednesday. terminated his relationship with Brown played just one NFL Brown until the wide receiver game this season, with the New sought professional help. The England Patriots, after nine pro- move came in the wake of Brown ductive seasons with the Pitts- posting a live social-media feed burgh Steelers in which he had of an encounter with Hollywood 837 receptions for 11,207 yards police where he used explicit and 74 touchdowns. language and called offi cers ex- After a trade to the Oak- plicit names as authorities were land Raiders last off season, he responding to a domestic inci- was released toward the end of dent at Brown’s home.

Giants adding Bielema to staff The New York Giants are adding coach Freddie Kitchens would another New England Patriots also be joining the Giants staff assistant to their coaching staff in an unknown role. with Bret Bielema set to join Kitchens went 6-10 as Browns the NFC East team, according coach in 2019, his lone season to multiple media reports on at the helm in Cleveland. Tuesday. Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman also LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots over Dallas Mavericks’ Dorian Finney-Smith during the second quarter at American Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Bielema, who was New Eng- reported that Jody Wright, who land’s defensive line coach in was an off ensive assistant with AFP Luxury giant Louis Vuitton in tie-up with NBA able with what everybody does 2019, will be on the staff run Cleveland last season, is also Los Angeles on the fl oor and what everybody by recently hired head coach set to join Judge’s staff . LVMH’s Louis Vuitton said yesterday it had struck bags and for dressing stars on the red carpet, brings to the table at diff erent Joe Judge, who was formerly Graham, 40, worked with Judge a multi-year partnership with the National Basket- will design a case to house the NBA trophy, as it points in the game. We’re get- the special teams coordinator on the New England Patriots awhi Leonard won his ball Association (NBA), a major men’s professional has done in other sports such as tennis, where it ting there.” of the Patriots. Bielema, 50, a coaching staff from 2012-15 be- duel with Luka Don- league, as the luxury brand amps up its eff orts to made a trunk for the Davis Cup. However, The Atlanta Hawks former head coach at Arkansas fore joining the Giants as their cic as the Los Angeles make a splash in the United States. The label said it would also produce a limited edi- will try to prevent a repeat of and Wisconsin, is expected to defensive line coach in 2016-17. Clippers downed the Vuitton, best known for its pricey leather hand- tion clothing range linked to the NBA partnership. two months ago when the Los work on the defensive side of He then served as Green Bay DallasK Mavericks 110-107 on the Angeles Clippers come to town. the ball with new coordinator Packers linebackers coach/run road in their Western Confer- The Clippers hammered the Patrick Graham, another former game coordinator in 2018. ence clash on Tuesday. with 27 wins and 16 defeats. The stretch to close out the win for deliver a crucial 16 points while Hawks 150-101 on November Patriots assistant. In 2018, Bielema initially was Clippers star Leonard and Clippers appeared to have con- the Clippers. Shamet fi nished with 18 points. 16 in Los Angeles. Atlanta was Also added to the Giants hired by the Patriots as “con- Mavs talisman Doncic each trol of the contest after opening Leonard produced a sublime Montrezl Harrell also added a playing without John Collins, staff Tuesday was Jerome sultant to the head coach,” Bill fi nished with 36 points after a up an 11-point lead at halftime, assist to set up Landry Shamet double-digit contribution with who was in the midst of a sus- Henderson as defensive backs Belichick. see-saw battle at the American 60-49. for a three-pointer to make it 12 points. pension for the violating the coach, according to a source at Bielema was fired after going Airlines Travel Center. Leon- But the Mavericks rallied 105-98 and then added a three- “We’re starting to feel good, league’s drug-abuse policy, but ESPN. Henderson was on Jason 4-8 with the Razorbacks in 2017, ard added 11 rebounds and two strongly in the fourth quarter, pointer of his own shortly after- we’re starting to understand that mattered little. Garrett’s staff with the Dallas bringing his record to 29-34 in assists while Doncic narrowly clawing their way back from wards to help the Clippers into the best ways to play with each The Hawks surrendered a Cowboys before joining the five years at Arkansas, includ- missed a triple-double with 10 90-82 down with nine minutes a 108-100 lead. The only sour other,” said Williams after what season high in points that night Atlanta Falcons as defensive ing 11-29 in the SEC. rebounds and nine assists. remaining to level. note for the Clippers was an ap- was a fourth straight victory for - a mark eclipsed 14 days later passing game coordinator in He spent the previous seven The Clippers improved to A pair of Doncic free throws parent groin injury to Patrick the Clippers. when they gave up 158 to Hou- 2016. years at Wisconsin, going 68-24 31-13 with the win to move into gave the Mavericks their fi rst Beverley which forced him off “We’re happy with the ston - and suff ered their widest A separate report by AL.com and taking the team to three second place behind the Los lead of the second half with the court at half-time. progress we’re making and margin of defeat. It was also the Tuesday stated that recently straight Big Ten titles from Angeles Lakers in the standings. 5min 43sec remaining, but Le- In Beverley’s absence, Lou we’re starting to turn a corner. largest margin of victory by ei- fired Cleveland Browns head 2010-12. The Mavericks remain in fi fth onard took control down the Williams came off the bench to We’re starting to feel comfort- ther team in the all-time series.

NHL Bruins overtake slumping Golden Knights Reuters slap shot from the top of Boston RESULTS the right circle that beat Halak on his glove side. Panthers 4-3 Blackhawks DeBrusk tied it early in avid Krejci scored the Bruins 3-2 Golden Knights the third period when he game-winning goal Hurricanes 4-1 Jets snapped a wrist shot from midway through the the left circle past Fleury’s third period and also Islanders 4-2 Rangers glove, the puck clanging hadD an assist, and Jaroslav Halak Flyers 3-0 Penguins in off the top of the far fi nished with 27 saves as the Bos- post for his 15th goal of the ton Bruins rallied for a 3-2 victo- season. ry over the visiting Vegas Golden third period when he drove in Knights on Tuesday night. a rebound of a Brandon Carlo VATRANO’S HAT-TRICK Jeremy Lauzon, recalled ear- shot from the right doorstep for LIFTS PANTHERS lier Tuesday from Providence of his 12th goal of the season. Ve- Frank Vatrano tallied his second the AHL, and Jake DeBrusk also gas, outscored 13-1 in the open- career hat-trick, and the Florida scored goals for Boston, which ing period in its previous seven Panthers held on for a 4-3 win improved to 17-2-9 at home games, jumped out to a 1-0 lead over the host Chicago Black- and increased its Atlantic Divi- on Stone’s goal at the 1:24 mark hawks on Tuesday night. sion lead to eight points over the of the fi rst period. Stone cut be- Evgenii Dadonov also scored Tampa Bay Lightning heading tween a pair of Bruins defenders for Florida, which won its sixth into the All-Star break. in the slot, then whipped a back- game in a row. The hat trick for Mark Stone and Nicolas hand shot short-side off Halak’s Vatrano was his fi rst since Dec. Hague scored goals for Vegas, stick and inside the left post for 18, 2015, when he was a rookie which lost for the sixth time in his 18th goal of the season. with the Boston Bruins. its last seven games (1-5-1). Nate Boston tied it midway through The victory capped an emo- Schmidt added two assists, and the period when Lauzon blasted tional evening for Panthers head Marc-Andre Fleury fi nished a slap shot from the right point coach Joel Quenneville, who with 34 saves while allowing at through traffi c into the top right won three Stanley Cup cham- least three goals for the seventh corner. It was his fi rst goal of the pionships with the Blackhawks time in his past eight starts. season, in his second game, and before he was fi red early last The Bruins improved to 2-2-1 the second goal of his NHL career. season. Quenneville received a in their past fi ve games. Vegas took a 2-1 lead midway standing ovation and video trib- Krejci gave Boston its fi rst through the second period on ute in his fi rst return to Chicago David Krejci of the Boston Bruins scores a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of their NHL game at TD Garden in lead of the game at 12:18 of the Hague’s fi rst career NHL goal, a as an opposing coach. Boston. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 23, 2020 SPORT

GOLF MOTORSPORT F1 changes planned Miami GP layout Woods not thinking aft er local opposition

Reuters London F1 to hold auction for bushfi re relief ormula One and the Formula One, whose 2020 about titles record organisers of a Miami season starts in Mel- Grand Prix planned bourne on March 15, has for 2021 have changed announced an auction to theF proposed layout and race help areas most aff ected schedule after objections by the Australian bushfires. from local residents worried The sport said in a state- about excessive noise and air ment that drivers, teams, pollution. partners and the governing ahead of 2020 bow The sport said in a state- body were contributing ment on Tuesday that the exclusive items and experi- ‘When I was younger I had more good days than bad, feeling-wise. Now I’m 44 I feel more modifi cations followed ences to be auctioned from months of dialogue with resi- Wednesday and running bad days than good days. I think all of you who are my age or older can relate to that’ dents, elected offi cials, faith through to February 16. leaders, local businesses and Items included racing AFP scientifi c experts. gloves and shoes used by San Diego The revised track still Australian driver Daniel winds around the Miami Dol- Ricciardo last season, his phins NFL team’s Hard Rock first with Renault, as well iger Woods says he is not Stadium but cuts out a street as race suits worn by Red thinking about breaking whose use residents had Bull’s Max Verstappen and the record for PGA Tour feared would cause traffi c dis- Alex Albon in 2019. Teams victories as he prepares ruption. have off ered factory visits Tto tee off his 2020 campaign at Organisers have also prom- and meet-and-greets in the the Farmers Insurance Open at ised to revise the race sched- Melbourne paddock with Torrey Pines today. ule so that there would be no drivers and team principals The 44-year-old former world practice for the race before including six-times world number one drew level with Sam 3pm on the Friday to ensure champion Lewis Hamilton Snead’s long-time mark of 82 schools were not disrupted. and Ferrari boss Mattia wins with victory at the Zozo Miami-Dade commission- Binotto. The FIA will provide Championship in October, and ers are due to meet to vote on a hot lap of the Albert Park could set a new record this week a measure that would revoke circuit in the off icial safety at a course where he was won the stadium’s zoning rights car and a visit to race con- eight times before. and prevent the race tak- trol during the grand prix But a relaxed-looking Woods, ing place. Miami Dolphins while dinner with Formula who fi nished 2019 on a high af- and Hard Rock Stadium vice One’s managing director for ter leading the United States to chairman and chief execu- motorsport Ross Brawn is victory in the Presidents Cup in tive Tom Garfi nkel said in also up for bids. “Australia Melbourne, said Tuesday pulling Tuesday’s statement that the has always been and will clear of Snead is the last thing Formula One race would pro- continue to be a very on his mind at Torrey Pines this vide “a unique opportunity to special place for Formula week. proudly showcase our region One,” Formula One said in “That number, just trying to the world. a statement. Hamilton has to get to 83, I really don’t think “We want these events to already said he is donating about it,” Woods told a press benefi t everyone in the re- US $500,000 towards the conference. gion, including local Miami rescue and care of wildlife “Because I still have to think Gardens residents,” he added. caught in the fires. about all the things I need to Formula One is keen to ex- do to win the golf tournament. pand in the United States, a There’s so many diff erent shots key market which currently plans to hold the race in the I have to play. Strategy, thinking has only one grand prix at a downtown area after busi- my way around the golf course. purpose-built track in Aus- nesses and residents objected. I’m more consumed in that.” tin, Texas. The sport’s own- They announced new plans Woods is similarly unmoved ers, US-based Liberty Media, in October shifting it to the by the possibility of matching or want to bring in more ‘desti- stadium, which belongs to real bettering Jack Nicklaus’s haul of nation cities’ like Miami but estate mogul and Dolphins 18 Majors. have hit repeated obstacles. owner Stephen Ross, who will Woods improved his tally to 15 Formula One and local or- fund construction of the track last year with a sensational vic- ganisers last April abandoned and cover race costs. tory at the Masters in Augusta. “Even to get to the number I’m at right now, 15, is a lot,” Woods FOCUS said. “Not too many guys who are around have seen that kind of number before. It’s just going Tiger Woods of the US celebrates on the 18th hole to win the 2019 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019. (Reuters) to take time. It took Jack about Pivac eyes early 26 years to get to his number, it’s taken me 20-odd years to get to Rose opts for precision over power – just like Federer my mine. return for key backs Justin Rose acknowledges that he cannot Farmers Insurance Open. “He’s at the back defending his Olympic title at the upcoming ‘JUST TAKES TIME’ compete for distance off the tee with the end of his career, so it’s incredibly eff ective,” Tokyo Games. “It’s been a wonderful three Reuters “It just takes time to accumulate power hitters of the PGA Tour but the Briton he said of the Swiss, who is looking for a and a half years to this point,” Rose said. London wins. There were a number of says his precision and game management record-extending 21st Grand Slam title at the “It’s been definitely one of the highlights of years where I didn’t play so there make him a match for anyone – just like ten- Australian Open. my career and something I’m very keen to were some missed opportuni- nis great Roger Federer. “I’m not going to be a 185 ball speed guy and try and defend. ales’s new rugby ties. But I’m playing again now Rose, who won Olympic gold in Rio, said if I chase that it is going to hurt me and it’s “I think Tokyo’s going to be a wonderful coach Wayne Pi- so these are blessed opportuni- trying to match the ball speeds of some of going to hurt my swing and body because host city. Obviously Japan’s a great golfing vac gave a posi- ties and I didn’t think I’d have his rivals would be bad for his health and his you’ve got to reabsorb that force. nation and I’m sure there’s going to be a lot tive update on these.” Wseveral of his injured play- swing, and pointed to Federer as an example “But I can serve it 121 in the corners is kind of of excitement and from what I can tell, I think Woods, who spent nearly two of how success can be achieved without where I’m at. And for me, that’s like 172, 175 it’s going to be well attended and well sup- ers yesterday as the Six Na- years out of the game between overpowering an opponent. ball speed. ported by the players.” tions champions prepare for 2016 and 2017 as he battled a “I look at Roger Federer. There’s guys that “If I can carry the ball 300 (yards) in the air, I Rose will be paired with two other former their opener at home to Italy longstanding back injury, said serve at 135 (miles per hour), but he serves can compete on any golf course against any world number ones – Jason Day and Jordan on February 1. Fullback Liam that his biggest challenge was at 121 in the corners,” Rose told reporters player. So that’s kind of my benchmark.” Spieth – at the Farmers Insurance, which Williams will miss that fi x- maintaining consistency over on Tuesday ahead of his title defence at the Rose, 39, also said he was looking forward to kicks off today. ture but is likely to be ready Wales’s coach Wayne Pivac. four rounds of a tournament. for their second game against “When I was younger I had Ireland, Pivac said. after scorching performanc- more good days than bad, feel- for all four days. every time he picks up a club. lower back that’s not moving. So world, sixth overall, with world Williams, who has not es down the touchlines this ing-wise,” Woods said. “Now “That’s one of the things I’ve I have to loosen everything else number one Brooks Koepka, played since dropping out of season for Gloucester. The I’m 44 I feel more bad days than noticed – it’s harder to do. But OLYMPIC BID around it.” Justin Thomas (4), and Dustin the World Cup squad with 18-year-old winger limped good days. I think all of you who I’ve been able to win a few tour- “If you and I wanted to go and Woods meanwhile said he re- Johnson (5) ahead of him. an ankle injury sustained in off after a knock in Sunday’s are my age or older can relate naments since I made my come- hit balls right now, I couldn’t go mains realistic about his dream “I think the US guys are going training, is almost irreplace- European Champions Cup to that. That’s the hardest part back and hopefully I can win a right to the fi rst tee,” Woods said. of representing the United to have to play well (to qualify),” able for Wales with his aerial defeat at Toulouse, but Pivac about being an older athlete. You few more.” “I couldn’t play a big golf shot, States in the Olympics this year. Woods said. “There’s a lot of us defence and counter-attack- said he should be ready for the see it all the time at the Masters, Woods said the legacy of his I’d have to only chip it 100 yards. To qualify for a place in Tokyo, in the top 15. There’s so much ing runs able to neuter the fi rst Six Nations game. every single year. back problems continued to af- It’s hard. I need to get worked on, Woods must be one of the top golf to be played, a lot of big kicking game of opponents. “Louis picked up a bump “Either Fred (Couples), (Bern- fect his preparations for each I need to stretch, I need to get four ranked American players events, a lot of major champi- There was also an injury up- last week, he’s worked well hard) Langer or someone is up tournament. Spinal fusion sur- loosened up, and then start the inside the world top 15 by June onships. There’ll be some pretty date on Wales’s hot new pros- with the medical team and there for two days and then they gery in 2017 has left him needing process on the range to get mov- 22. He is currently the fourth good fl uctuating over the next pect, Louis Rees-Zammit, he’ll hopefully be training this fade. It’s hard to put it together to undergo lengthy stretching ing. I have a fi xed point in my ranked American player in the six months.” who has burst into the squad morning,” Pivac said.

RUGBY/SIX NATIONS Saracens scandal could ‘galvanise’ England, says Ireland coach AFP rently playing for the London quarter-fi nal thrashing by New “I’ve not got an opinion. You eff ect of joining up with England “Who knows? Sometimes London club. “Obviously I spoke to him, Zealand in Japan in October. understand as a parent it’s sen- would have on the Saracens in things like this bring a group I’ve just had a protein bowl with “You become certainly in na- sitive anyway. There’s a lot of the squad ahead of his side’s Six closer together – as you saw in him,” said Andy Farrell when tional camp in a little bit of a questions still to be asked and Nations opener away to France in the second half at the weekend reland coach Andy Farrell asked by AFP at the Six Nations bubble. I see Eddie using it to answered. I don’t think they’ve Paris on February 2. of the Saracens-Racing game, it said yesterday that he be- launch in London if he had talked galvanise England a little bit as got all the facts together of what “It’s a massive opportunity. brought them closer together,” lieves Eddie Jones will use to Owen since Saracens’ demo- well.” that future looks like. For the Saracens players, coming said Townsend. the Saracens’ salary cap tion was confi rmed. Although World Cup losing “I’m sure that will come out to England is the best thing for “A lot of those players will be Iscandal to “galvanise” England “Honestly, as far as players are fi nalists England have confi rmed in the not too distant future and them,” he said. in the England team and going in the upcoming Six Nations concerned, they have a lot of ups that Championship players will I suppose I’ll have an opinion “They love playing rugby. through adversity, coming up Championship. and downs that they need to deal remain eligible for Test selec- then.” They love playing for their club against certain challenges, it can Farrell has a unique perspec- with every week. This is some- tion, there is speculation the Meanwhile Owen Farrell in- and they love playing for Eng- make you stronger, or it can go tive given he is also the father of thing that players need to deal likes of fl y-half Farrell, fullback sisted: “I don’t think it will be land. For the rest of the squad it’s the other way. We’ll see over the Saracens star and England cap- with. Elliot Daly, lock Maro Itoje and diffi cult for me at all. We’re ex- an opportunity to get tighter,” next few weeks.” tain Owen Farrell. “When you make the change hooker Jamie George may have cited to get into camp and get on the Australian added. Charles Ollivon, the new Premiership champions Sara- into another environment, I to leave Saracens if they are to with the rugby. We’ll be honest Scotland coach Gregor France captain, added: “You cens accepted relegation to the think that’s going to be really remain in contention for next and up-front about it but we’ll Townsend, whose squad in- have to remember that England second-tier Championship last refreshing,” added Farrell, pro- year’s British and Irish Lions come through it.” cludes Saracens wing Sean is the second best team in the week following breaches of sal- moted from within the Ireland tour of South Africa. Maitland, said the fall-out from world, so I’m not sure whether Ireland coach Andy Farrell and ary cap rules, with seven mem- set-up after Joe Schmidt’s ten- Andy Farrell, asked what ad- ‘BEST THING’ the scandal could yet bolster it is the best time to play against Jonathan Sexton pose with the bers of the England squad cur- ure ended with a World Cup vice he would give Owen, said: Jones was in no doubt about the England. them or not.” Six Nations trophy. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, January 23, 2020 7 SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE Ten-man Arsenal hold misfi ring Chelsea in torrent of late goals Despite the 1-0 win over Sheff ield, second-placed City remain 13 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool

AFP London

en-man Arsenal slowed Chel- sea’s charge for a Champions League place on Tuesday night as Manchester City kept up Ttheir distant pursuit of Liverpool with victory at Sheffi eld United on a dramat- ic evening of Premier League football. Newcastle improbably came back from 2-0 down to draw against Ever- ton, with substitute Florian Lejeune netting twice in stoppage time, and Aston Villa found a last-gasp winner against in-form Watford. Elsewhere, Southampton climbed to ninth in the table with victory against Crystal Palace while Bournemouth gave themselves hope with a 3-1 win over fellow-strugglers Brighton. Fourth-placed Chelsea twice took the lead against Arsenal, who were re- duced to 10 men after former Blues defender David Luiz took out Tammy Abraham when he was through on goal. Jorginho put Chelsea 1-0 ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute but Gabriel Martinelli equalised for Arsenal in the second half. Cesar Azpilicueta put Chelsea 2-1 up with just six minutes remaining but Arsenal levelled only three minutes later through Hector Bellerin. The 2-2 draw leaves Chelsea six points ahead of fi fth-placed Manchester United having played a game extra while Arsenal are in 10th spot, seemingly out of the running for a place in the top four. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was frustrated that his team had not been more clinical in front of goal. “We could have had three or four goals today,” he said. “Having shots, crosses and lots of ‘ooh’ moments. We have to be clinical.” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed his Arsenal’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (right) sprints with the ball to go on and score against Chelsea during the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London on Tuesday night. (AFP) side’s reaction. “To do that against this kind of opponent in this stadium, I re- French central defender Laporte has than that. In the fi rst half the ‘keeper manager Ralph Hasenhuettl. “They against Newcastle and Dominic Cal- months with a back injury, last night. ally value,” he said. “The way they have been out of action since suff ering a knee was excellent with the penalty and know what they have to do and the at- vert-Lewin doubled the lead in the sec- done it, with the spirit they have done injury at the end of August and he was a two incredible saves. It was an incred- mosphere is fantastic. Everyone enjoys ond half. Everton were cruising deep PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS it, that’s great.” surprise inclusion at Bramall Lane. ibly good victory for us to take a step to play.” into stoppage time but threw away Pep Guardiola’s City, with defend- Sheffi eld United goalkeeper Dean towards securing Champions League Watford took the lead against Villa the three points, with Lejeune strik- Chelsea 2 (Jorginho 28-pen, er Aymeric Laporte back in the side, Henderson denied Jesus from the pen- football next season.” when Troy Deeney headed in Gerard ing twice. Bournemouth, who had lost Azpilicueta 84) Arsenal 2 (Martinelli looked as though they might rue Gabri- alty spot about 10 minutes from half- Southampton’s 2-0 victory against Deulofeu’s cross but the home side hit their previous four matches, all against 63, Bellerin 87); Aston Villa 2 (Luiz 68, el Jesus’s squandered fi rst-half pen- time after a foul on Riyad Mahrez. But Crystal Palace, thanks to goals from back in the second half through Doug- relegation rivals, beat Brighton 3-1 Ngoyo 90+5) Watford 1 (Deeney 38); alty but their Argentine hitman Sergio City made amends when substitute Nathan Redmond and Stuart Arm- las Luiz. Tyrone Mings scored a dra- thanks to goals from Harry Wilson, an Bournemouth 3 (H. Wilson 36, Gross Aguero came to the rescue. Sergio Aguero, on for Jesus, tapped in strong, continued a remarkable turna- matic late winner for Villa deep into own goal from Pascal Gross and a sec- 41-og, C. Wilson 74) Brighton 1 (Mooy Despite the 1-0 win, second-placed from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross in the round for the club, who hit rock bottom stoppage time to end Watford’s recent ond-half Callum Wilson eff ort. 81); Crystal Palace 0 Southampton 2 City remain 13 points behind runaway 73rd minute. earlier this season in a 9-0 defeat by revival under Nigel Pearson. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are in ac- (Redmond 22, Armstrong 48); Everton leaders Liverpool, having played two “We knew it would be a diffi cult place Leicester. “Throughout the team — the Moise Kean scored his fi rst goal for tion today at Wolves after Manchester 2 (Kean 30, Calvert-Lewin 54) Newcas- games more, and their bid to defend to come,” Guardiola said. “We concede behaviour, belief — everyone is abso- Everton since his arrival from Juven- United take on Burnley without Marcus tle 2 (Lejeune 90+4, 90+5); Sheff ield their title appears hopeless. City’s one or two clear chances, nothing more lutely committed,” said Southampton tus in the 30th minute of their match Rashford, who could be out for three United 0 Manchester City 1 (Aguero 73)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Insigne sends Napoli Lyon down Lille on penalties to reach League Cup fi nal

AFP Dembele, who missed a penalty in the 4-3 into Italian Cup semis Lyon French Cup win at Nantes on Saturday, drilled the spot-kick into the top corner AFP to grab his sixth goal in fi ve games. Milan yon beat Lille on penalties af- Neither side created many chances ter a dramatic 2-2 draw at the either side of half-time, but Houssem Groupama Stadium on Tuesday Aouar appeared to have fi red Lyon into orenzo Insigne shot to reach their sixth French League the fi nal with a fi ne long-range strike with Napoli into the semi- LCup fi nal, setting up a possible clash with fi ve minutes remaining. fi nals of the Italian Cup record eight-time winners Paris Saint- There was another twist in the tale, on Tuesday with the only Germain. though, as despite a lengthy delay for a Lgoal in an eventful 1-0 win over Renato Sanches dragged what proved VAR review, Lille were awarded an inju- in-form Lazio. Italy internation- to be the last penalty of the shootout wide ry-time penalty for what appeared to be al Insigne needed just 99 sec- to send Lyon through. This is the fi nal an excellent tackle by former Manches- onds to score the goal that won a season of the League Cup after the French ter United full-back Rafael on Jonathan match that saw both teams have league voted to suspend the competition Bamba. a player sent off and Ciro Immo- mobile as the striker raced away from next term to ease fi xture congestion. Loic Remy, on as a 78th-minute sub- bile miss a penalty in the fi rst 25 and picked up a deserved sec- Lille have never won the tournament, stitute, stepped up with a cool ‘Panenka’ minutes. ond booking with less than 20 losing once in the fi nal in 2016. Lyon players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout. (Reuters) fi nish down the middle of the goal to force The win for Napoli, which minutes gone. But with Napoli Lyon will bid to lift the trophy for the more spot-kicks. But Ciprian Tatarusanu, comes after three straight de- facing over 70 minutes a man second time when they take on the win- Portugal midfi elder Sanches gave visi- joining from Bayern last August. But the playing in place of usual Lyon goalkeeper feats in Serie A, means they will down, referee Davide Massa soon ner of last night’s second semi-fi nal be- tors Lille a 13th-minute lead with a low hosts were gifted a way back into the game Anthony Lopes, saved Bamba’s open- face either league title-chasers levelled the playing fi eld by inex- tween Reims and PSG on April 4 at the left-footed strike from outside the area four minutes later when centre-back ing penalty before Sanches’ miss sealed Inter Milan or Fiorentina, who plicably booking Lucas Leiva for Stade de France. to score his second goal for the club since Gabriel handled inside the area. Moussa Lille’s fate. face off on January 29 at the a fi ne tackle on Piotr Zielinski, San Siro. Holders Lazio mean- before quickly fl ashing another while did everything but score yellow card at the livid Brazilian on a night when both teams hit for dissent. the woodwork several times, Lazio dominated the early RETURN TO SENDERS WINS MARMI CUP with Immobile having a rare off stages of the second half, with night in a season that has seen Immobile having a goal ruled out him score 26 goals in all com- for off side, but it was Napoli who petitions. Insigne showed some came closest to scoring with 20 of the sparkling form that has minutes left when Arkadiusz Mi- been lacking this season when he lik’s header was tipped onto the opened the scoring, weaving past post by Thomas Strakosha. Luiz Felipe before slotting home Immobile then compounded a neat fi nish. a poor night by smashing a pre- The away side quickly shook sentable opportunity onto the off the cobwebs though and bar with six minutes remain- quickly had a Sergej Milinkovic- ing, before Mario Rui responded Savic shot pushed away before seconds later by curling his own Elseid Hysaj kicked Felipe Cai- shot off the post. cedo in the box as the Ecuadorian Simone Inzaghi was left be- dived for a 10th-minute header. moaning his team’s poor luck However Immobile let Napoli again when Manuel Lazzari’s off the hook by slipping as he was defl ected shot hit the woodwork about to kick the resulting penal- and fell to Francesco Acerbi, who ty, which fi nished in the running was ruled off side after lashing track behind the goal. home on the rebound as the hosts Things looked to be turning held on for a big win. Lazio’s lo- QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and guests pose with the winners of Marmi Cup after Nasser towards Lazio when Hysaj, al- cal rivals Roma were travelling Saeed al-Eida-owned Return to Senders, trained by Jassim Mohamed Ghazali, won the 1200m sprint ready booked for his challenge to Juventus last night, while AC feature on dirt at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Al Moatasem al-Balushi rides Return To Senders to Marmi Cup win. on Caicedo, clattered into Im- Milan host Torino on January 28.

Thursday, January 23, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Faria quits as head Rayyan face Gharafa, coach of Al Duhail By Sports Reporter Doha

NB Stars League lead- ers Al Duhail an- target top spot nounced that their head coach Rui Faria hasQ resigned due to personal reasons. The 44-year-old Por- Rayyan are second in the table, two points behind leaders Duhail tuguese has handed in his res- ignation at a time when the club are unbeaten in the league this team and wished him success in season and leading the table with his next journey.” 30 points from 12 matches — two Faria had failed to help the points above second-placed Al team win the Qatar Cup losing Rayyan and six above defending 4-0 to Al Sadd SC in the fi nal last champions Al Sadd. week. Faria had worked under The club said in a statement: Jose Mourinho for 17 years and “The club administration has ac- had quit as the assistant manager cepted the resignation of coach of Manchester United to take up Rui Faria from his duties as coach the Al Duhail job in January 2019. of the fi rst team for personal He had guided Duhail to a sec- reasons. And the club adminis- ond-placed fi nish in the league tration thanked coach Rui Faria last season behind champions Al for the period he spent with the Sadd.

FOCUS Qatar set to feature at U-20 Arab Cup atar will take part in ship Development Institute, Prof the 16-team U-20 Arab Hashem Daghistani, resulted in Cup, which will be held the following four groups: in Saudi Arabia next Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports month.Q The event, to be organ- City Stadium will host the fi rst ised by Arab Football Federation match of the championship on (AFF) and Leadership Develop- Feb 17. The group stage matches ment Institute, will be played in will end on Feb 24. The quarter- three cities – Riyadh, Dammam fi nals will be played on Feb 27 and and Khobar. 28 while last-four fi xtures will be Hosts Saudi Arabia will be held on Mar 2 and 3. Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre (left) and his Al Gharafa counterpart Slavisa Jokanovic speak to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League match. PICTURES: Anas al-Samaraee joined by Qatar, Morocco, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tunisia, GROUPS By Sports Reporter Rayyan will also look to erase the return of those who represented the Qa- Trabelsi be eager to make up for their 0-2 Sudan, Egypt, Palestine, Alge- Group A: Iraq, Tunisia, Maurita- memories of a 1-4 defeat they suffered tar Olympic team and new professional loss to Al Duhail in the Qatar Cup semi- ria, Mauritania, Libya, Comoros, Doha nia and Kuwait at the hands of Al Sadd in the 2020 Qa- player Jonathan Kodjia from Ivory Coast. fi nal recently. Iraq and Djibouti. The tourna- tar Cup semi-final recently. “I didn’t We must improve our level and results,” The Tunisian’s wards had fi nished a ment will be held from Feb 17 to Group B: Morocco, Bahrain, l Rayyan head into their today’s see that there was any impact on my he said creditable third last season, their best- Mar 5. Qatar and Djibouti blockbuster clash against Al team after the loss against Al Sadd in “In the next stage, we will have a con- ever fi nish in the league. So they will The draw ceremony, which Group C: Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Gharafa with a chance to go top the Qatar Cup semifinal. We have fully tinuation of matches, which is a good keen on storming into the top four. Ahli was held in the presence of the Algeria and Egypt of the QNB Stars League stand- forgotten that game. It is now a thing thing for us and for all teams. We are ex- are ninth in the standings with 13 points, Vice President of AFF, Prof Mo- Group D: Sudan, Libya, UAE and ings.A The kick-off is at 6:40pm at the of the past. Our focus is now on the pecting a lot from our new recruit Kodjia, with the Brigadiers recently replacing hamed Rouraoua and the Deputy Al Gharafa Stadium. Rayyan are second Gharafa match and we have to remain having played with only one striker for Spanish coach Ruben de la Barrera with Director General of the Leader- the Comoros Islands in the table, two points behind leaders like that if we are to get a positive result. six months. He is undoubtedly a good Montenegrin Nebojsa Jovovic as they bid Duhail, who will be in action tomorrow This match has special importance, so addition to the attack, but we must give to fi nish in the top half of the table. Al Ahli against Al Arabi. we must be 100 per cent ready to win him the opportunity also to adapt to the had beaten Al Sailiya 3-0 in the fi rst leg. Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre said his it,” he added. team,” added Jokanovic team was relishing the opportunity to top The contest is a sure shot crowd-pull- “Al Rayyan, considering their position FIXTURES the table. “We go into this match with an er, given the strong fan base of Gharafa in the standings (second), are considered Today: Al Sailiya vs Al Ahli (16:30, Al Ahli opportunity to go top of the standings and Rayyan. Both the teams had had as one of the strongest teams. They are Stadium), Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan (18:40, and thus stay strongly in contention for played out a goalless draw in the fi rst leg. showing better levels than last season and Al Gharafa Stadium) the title,” he said yesterday. Gharafa are placed fourth with 20 points are competing for the title. They have a Aguirre, though, cautioned his players and have been a vastly-improved side group of outstanding players, so the game Tomorrow: Qatar SC vs Al Wakrah (16:30, that Gharafa will pose a tough challenge. from last season. is going to be diffi cult.” Qatar SC Stadium), Al Arabi vs Al Duhail “The match against Al Gharafa is considered Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic said In another match of the day, Al Sailiya (18:40, Al Arabi Stadium) by us as one of the most important games his team must improve their level and take on hosts Al Ahli at 4:30pm. Sailiya, On Saturday: Umm Salal vs Al Khor this season. They are one of the best teams results. “It is a good thing that the team who are sixth in the table with 17 points, (16:30, Al Gharafa Stadium) and Al Sadd and we will bring out our best,” he said. trained last week with full squad after the will under long-standing coach Sami vs Al Shahania (18:40, Al Sadd Stadium)

AFC MOVES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHES OUT OF IRAN ASIAN UNDER-23 CHAMPIONSHIP Tehran: The Asian Football Confederation games in the country. The move comes concerns raised by the Saudis over safety (AFC) has shifted two preliminary matches after Iranian forces shot down a Ukraine issues when travelling to Iran. South Korea, Saudi Arabia seal in its elite club competition from Iran to International Airlines jet in error on Jan. Iranian clubs on that occasion also neutral venues because of security con- 8, killing all 176 on board amid tensions threatened to boycott the competition cerns, Asian football’s governing body said following the assassination by the United before relenting, with matches involving Tokyo Olympics football spots yesterday. Shahr Khodro FC were sched- States of prominent general Qassem teams from the two countries played in uled to host Bahrain’s Riff a and Esteghlal Soleimani. Oman and, until a Saudi-led diplomatic AFP to earn a deserved victory over Australia. South FC were set to play Kuwait SC on Tuesday The AFC’s decision to move matches dispute in June 2017, Qatar. Bangkok Korea’s reward is a spot at their ninth consecutive but both Asian Champions League matches out of Iran is unprofessional and political, While they are among the best-support- Olympics — a run that includes a bronze medal were postponed after several governments Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s chief ed clubs in Asia, no Iranian side has won the at London 2012. Saudi Arabia took until the 87th issued warnings against travelling to Iran. of staff , Mahmoud Vaezi, said yesterday, Asian Champions League since it was cre- outh Korea and Saudi Arabia sealed qualifi - minute to fi nd the goal that saw off the challenge “To help facilitate the switch to neutral according to the off icial IRNA news agency. ated in 2002, with Tehran-based Persepolis cation for the 2020 Olympic men’s football of defending champions Uzbekistan. Substitute venues, which has been approved by the “This is an unsporting and unprofessional going closest in 2018 when they lost in the tournament yesterday when they reached Nasser al-Omran’s shot from the edge of the box relevant AFC committees, the AFC will now move,” Vaezi said. “As we examine it we final to Japan’s Kashima Antlers. the fi nal of the Asian under-23 Champion- was defl ected into the Uzbek goal by Abdullah al- shipS in Thailand. The competition acts as the Asian Hamdan, sparking wild celebrations as the Saudis reschedule the games to January 25, 2020 realize this has become a political issue.” Persepolis have been drawn to meet Al in the United Arab Emirates,” the AFC said Security concerns between Iran and its Duhail from Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawon Football Confederation’s Olympic qualifi ers, with ended a 24-year wait since their last appearance in a statement. neighbours have aff ected the involvement and United Arab Emirates champions places in Japan going to the top three teams. at an Olympic Games. Olympic hosts Japan — who Local media reported that the four of the country’s clubs in the Asian Champi- Sharjah in the group phase of this year’s The top two were confi rmed in yesterday’s semi- were eliminated at the group stage of this compe- Iranian clubs in the competition, includ- ons League in the past. Since 2016, matches competition. Sepahan are slated to meet fi nals as South Korea defeated Australia 2-0, while tition — qualify automatically for the 2020 Games. ing Persepolis and Sepahan, had said they between clubs from Iran and Saudi Arabia Saudi champions Al Nassr, Qatar’s Al Sadd Saudi Arabia beat Uzbekistan 1-0. Kim Dae-won’s The fourth and fi nal Asian team will be the winner would refuse to play if they cannot host have been played in neutral venues due to and a qualifier from the play-off s. 56th-minute strike put the Koreans ahead. Lee of the third place playoff between Australia and Uz- Dong-kyeong added a second 14 minutes from time bekistan on Saturday evening.

PREMIER LEAGUE Manager Klopp rules out Liverpool sales in transfer window AFP anybody? I don’t understand that. It’s not getting,” said the Liverpool boss. “OK, yes London about Shaq, it’s about pretty much every- he has made steps which is normal in his body. We just have to keep them for sort- life and in the training he gets. As a per- ing our situation and not the situation for son he has exceeded expectations. He’s an iverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has diff erent clubs.” outstanding guy. We knew we were getting no intention of allowing any of Klopp said despite his team’s rampant a really good goalkeeper,” Klopp added. his players to leave the club in form, they could still get better, high- “His character is calm and it helps us a the January transfer window as lighting the need for better concentration. lot. His goalkeeping techniques improve, Lhe closes in on the Premier League title. “There’s a lot of space for improvement,” making the diffi cult things look easy but Klopp’s side are 13 points clear of defend- he said. “What can we do in situations you have to stay like this. With goalkeep- ing champions Manchester City with two like that (the 2-0 win against Manchester ers you make one little mistake and the matches in hand and look certain to be United on Sunday)? How can we help our- ball is in the goal. That is the life of goal- crowned English champions for the fi rst selves? How lively can we stay even with- keepers.” time since 1990. out creating constantly? We need to fi nd Defender Dejan Lovren is in conten- Unbeaten Liverpool face Wolves away a common way in these situations to still tion to return to the squad against Wolves, today, seeking their 22nd win out of 23 dominate the game in a slightly diff erent having recovered from a muscle injury Premier League matches this season. Se- manner,” he added. sustained during Liverpool’s win against villa and Roma have made tentative ap- Klopp hailed goalkeeper Alisson Beck- Salzburg in the group stage of the Cham- proaches regarding a loan deal for Xherdan er, who provided an assist for Mohamed pions League last month. “Dejan has Shaqiri, who is currently unfi t, but Klopp Salah in the dying seconds of the match trained now since the start of the week,” said there was no plan for any departures. at Anfi eld. The Brazil international has Klopp said. “So, (these are his) fi rst steps “We had the majority of December not conceded a goal in the Premier League out on the pitch, it’s good.” and January with a bench full of kids,” since late November and Klopp said he James Milner, Naby Keita and Shaqiri Klopp said at his pre-match press confer- had “exceeded expectations” since join- remain on the sidelines with minor knocks ence. “Wonderful kids, but kids, so how ing the club in 2018. but Klopp is confi dent the trio will return could we think about giving a player to “As a goalkeeper we knew what we were to action soon.