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Monday, January 23, 2017 CRICKET Rabia Il 25, 1438 AH England GULF TIMES win Eden thriller by fi ve runs SPORT Page 4 Qatar stun European champs Germany, enter quarters

Qatar’s Rafael Capote Agencies Qatar’s Bassel al-Rayes shoots a free throw. The Paris (left) and left wing left-back scored nine Hassan Mabrouk goals to be adjudged celebrate the win. (AFP) lympic gold medallists Denmark and MVP of the match. (AFP) European champions Germany crashed out of the World Handball Champion- ships at the last-16 stage yesterday. ODenmark were stunned 25-27 by Hungary while Germany lost 20-22 to Qatar, who were runners- up to France at the last tournament in 2015. It’s the fi rst time since 2005 that Denmark — three-time fi nalists but never world champions — have been dumped out of the competition before the quarter-fi nals. 2015 World Championship silver medallists Qatar defeat the Olympic bronze medallists and EURO champions by one to claim a place in the quarter-fi nals. Qatar opened with a 5-1 defensive system with Rafael Capote pushing high in an attempt to disrupt Germany’s back court, but the ‘Bad German goalkeeper Andreas Wolff 's 19 saves Boys’ still netted the fi rst goal of the match in- werewwere nnotot enoughenouggh to ssaveave hihiss teteamam ffromrom dedefeat.feat. side the opening minute with a rocket from Kai Hafner. At the other end of the court, Andreas openedd ttheh secondd periodi d withith WWolfflff ’ ’s ththirdi d pen- Wolff stopped Qatar’s fi rst attack and went on alty save out of Qatar’s four attempts. The Rio to make three saves at 50% within the fi rst eight Olympic bronze medallists could not shake their minutes, hinting that a diffi cult task lay ahead opponents as the clock ticked on, however, and for Qatar’s shooters. missed some easy chances due to Saric’s saves. When Wolff made his fi fth save just before Wolff also made things diffi cult for Qatar, the 10-minute mark, the European champions maintaining an incredible 60% after 40 min- led 5-2, and the goalkeeper was proving his val- utes when Paul Drux broke through to open a ue with a 71% rate. At that point, Qatar ’keeper two-goal gap at 13-11. Germany pulled ahead Danijel Saric had saved only one. by three thanks to Kai Hafner in the 43rd, but But Germany’s hold on the game began to Qatar slowly reduced the gap. lessen after the fi rst 10 minutes, as Saric’s save Germany reclaimed a two-goal advantage rate picked up. Midway through the half, when with six minutes remaining, but Qatar roared coach Dagur Sigurdsson called his fi rst time- back again — and this time they did not let the out, it was a one-goal lead at 6-5 for Germany, opportunity slip. When the fi nal three minutes and fi ve minutes later Qatar levelled the score at began, the game was level at 20-20, before Ca- 7-7 off a goal from Roine Bertrand. pote took Qatar in front. It stayed a low-scoring match with only one Hungary will face Norway tomorrow for a goal in fi ve minutes, and when Wolff made his place in the semi-fi nals while Qatar will take on second penalty save, his team held only a nar- Slovenia. Qatar’s Cuban winger Capote scored row lead at 8-7. nine goals to be named MVP (Most Valuable Germany just held the edge at half-time, and Player) of the match.

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Reuters for his 18th grand slam title, as will his Melbourne compatriot and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, who is in the same half of the draw and fended off Andreas Seppi he whiff of sporting upset 7-6(2), 7-6(4), 7-6(4). hung around Melbourne Park Wawrinka next faces France’s 2008 yesterday after top seeds Andy fi nalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who ended Murray and Angelique Kerber the fairytale run of Britain’s Dan Evans wereT handed stunning defeats in the by coming from a set down to win Australian Open fourth round. 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Britain’s Murray was bamboozled Murray and Evans had hoped to be- by the serve-volley game of Mischa come the fi rst British pair to reach the Zverev to exit after 3-1/2 hours on men’s quarter-fi nals at Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, while fellow world Park in 40 years and the fi rst at a grand number one Kerber’s title defence was slam since Tim Henman and Greg ended in little more than an hour by Rusedski at Wimbledon in 1997. Coco Vandeweghe. Venus Williams, at 36 the oldest Murray was the fi rst top seed to woman in the singles draw, also pro- depart before the quarter-fi nals gressed to the last eight with a 6-3, since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003, while 7-5 victory over Mona Barthel, moving Germany’s reigning women’s cham- closer to a potential blockbuster fi nal pion was last sent packing before the against sister Serena. second week a decade ago when The younger Williams sister contin- Amelie Mauresmo went out in the ues her quest for a 23rd grand slam title fourth round. against Barbora Strycova today, when Murray and Kerber were playing men’s 2009 champion Rafa Nadal is their fi rst grand slams as top seeds and also in fourth round action. both looked all but powerless to deal with the style of game they were con- fronted with from across the net. Germany’s Mischa Zverev celebrates Results (Round 4) Zverev, the world number 50, rushed his shock upset of Britain’s Andy Men: Mischa Zverev (GER) bt Andy Mur- the net 118 times to keep one of the best Murray (inset) in the 4th round of ray (GBR x1) 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4; Stan Wawrin- defensive players in the game on the Australian Open yesterday. (Reuters) ka (SUI x4) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 7-6 (7/2), backfoot for much of the contest be- 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4); Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) fore holding his nerve to close out the bt Daniel Evans (GBR) 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-4, contest 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. 6-4; Roger Federer (SUI) bt Kei Nishikori “Credit to him,” said Murray. “He (JPN) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 came up with great, great shots and two years ago, will face Roger Federer ing with Spanish seventh seed Garbine “But I was not feeling the ball at all ray’s main rival Novak Djokovic made Women: Venus Williams (USA x13) bt played a really, really good match. You in his maiden grand slam quarter-fi nal Muguruza in her fi rst trip to the last tonight. I was not playing good from an even earlier exit in the second round. Mona Barthel (GER) 6-3, 7-5; Anastasia know, you always fi nish matches you after the Swiss master outlasted Kei eight in Melbourne. the fi rst point. I was trying tonight but, With Murray and the Serbian reigning Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x24) bt Svetlana lose with things you maybe could have Nishikori 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Kerber made 15 unforced errors in a yeah I missed a lot. So this was not my champion having already departed, Mel- Kuznetsova (RUS x8) 6-3, 6-3; Garbine done a bit better, but he played some New Yorker Vandeweghe later ham- contest lasting little more than an hour game like I play normally.” bourne Park will next week witness the Muguruza (ESP x7) bt Sorana Cirstea really good stuff .” mered down 30 winners to Kerber’s and admitted it was simply not her day. While Kerber could yet lose the fi rst grand slam since the 2004 French (ROM) 6-2, 6-3; Coco Vandeweghe (US) The German, ranked outside the top seven, overpowering the US Open “It was a tough match and, of course, number one ranking to Serena Williams Open without its top two men’s seeds. bt Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-2, 6-3 1,000 in the world after wrist surgery champion 6-2, 6-3 to set up a meet- I’m disappointed,” she said. after the year’s fi rst grand slam, Mur- Federer will hope to profi t as he bids (x denotes seeding) Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 23, 2017 TENNIS

FOCUS Kerber’s rocky title defence fi nally collapses Reuters shock defeat to Dominika Cibulkova about everything what’s happened like Melbourne in the WTA Finals decider and a poor the last few weeks, what I can take to preparation at lead-up tournaments in the next tournaments with all the ex- Australia. perience from the tournaments I played fourth-round elimina- Heavy lies the crown, and the world here in Australia,” she said. “I will try tion by an unfancied player number one ranking appeared to weigh my best to, yeah, of course, come back was a disappointing end to on Kerber as she battled nerves and stronger.” Angelique Kerber’s defence meltdowns in her opening matches at Kerber was bidding to be the fi rst ofA her Australian Open title yesterday Melbourne Park. She had an easier time woman to successfully defend an Aus- but the top-seeded German had never of it against third-round opponent tralian title since Victoria Azarenka appeared comfortable in her skin at Kristyna Pliskova but it was to prove a in 2013, but it all went horribly wrong Melbourne Park. false dawn as she was off from the first against a player ranked 35. Kerber left head bowed from Rod point against Vandeweghe. “It’s really special, to play a number Laver Arena after a 6-2, 6-3 de- “It was a tough match, and of course one player in the world on any stage and feat by 35th-ranked American Coco I’m disappointed. But I was not feeling any round. So I think I believe this is Vandeweghe, her fi nal stand ending the ball at all tonight,” said the 29-year- my fi rst number one win. I’ll take that,” meekly in 68 minutes. It was a far cry old Kerber. “My preparation was like I said Vandeweghe. from the magical night 12 months be- wanted and everything was fi ne. I came “Last year I came here and didn’t win fore, when Kerber rose up like a blonde here to play good tennis, playing round a match. Now here I am. It was just an- Valkyrie to fell Serena Williams in a by round, trying to continue my run other opponent in the way of my goals three-set classic, clinching a maiden from last year. But this is tennis, and for this year,” she added. “I set a goal grand slam title that set a platform for you have good days and bad days. For this tournament of making the quarter- the brilliant season to come. sure today was not my best day.” fi nals and the semi-fi nal of a Grand Kerber proved it was no fl uke when Kerber’s elimination adds to a round Slam this year.” she grabbed her second major title of shocks at Melbourne Park so far, with Vandeweghe, who made the Wim- at the US Open, swiping the world the men’s two top seeds, Andy Murray bledon quarter-fi nals in 2015 but had number one ranking from Williams in and Novak Djokovic, also sent packing. never been past the third round in Mel- the process. Williams, the 22-times grand slam bourne, now faces dangerous seventh The German arrived at Melbourne champion, can take the number one seed Garbine Muguruza for a place in Park exalting in the memories, cradling ranking back by the end of the tourna- the last four. Muguruza blasted into her the winner’s trophy like a baby to the ment, leaving Kerber’s hopes of build- fi rst Melbourne quarter-fi nal with a draw ceremony. But behind it all was ing a dynasty in ruins. two-set thumping of Romania’s Sorana a lean run after Flushing Meadows, a “I think I have to a little bit think Cirstea.

OPINION Improving ‘Stanimal’ completes Italian job Shock results good to put rivals on notice for sport, says Federer ‘I never thought that Mischa Zverev and Denis Istomin (who beat Djokovic) would beat those two big guys. I guess it’s good for tennis that a lot of guys believe strong- ly now that the top guys are beatable, are vulnerable, especially on a faster court’

AFP Reuters break points. Melbourne Melbourne The door ajar, Nishikori barged through it with a stinging passing shot as Federer rushed the net with tan Wawrinka warned he was getting oger Federer showed more hope than design. Nishikori stronger as the Australian Open goes his 35-year-old legs may served out to love, the match back Son as he swept past Andreas Seppi to yet still carry him to a to level terms as Federer’s suddenly reach the quarter-finals yesterday. long-awaited 18th grand misbehaving backhand saw him The US Open champion was taken to five slamR title as he overhauled fi fth put a return just wide of the line. sets by Martin Klizan in the first round but he seed Kei Nishikori in a fi ve-set slog Nishikori took a medical time- is warming to the task and beat Italy’s Seppi to reach the Australian Open quar- out between sets, with a trainer 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4). ter-fi nals yesterday. working hard on his legs, but it was “Probably my level, confidence,” Wawrinka Having issued a reminder of his Federer who appeared in greater said, when asked why he was so hard to beat class in the 90-minute rout of To- need of a massage as he was thrown in the latter stages of tournaments. “Mentally mas Berdych, Federer fl aunted his around the court by the Japanese. I know I can beat any player on any day. It’s endurance by prevailing 6-7(4), But the Swiss held on grimly, tough to say. I’m just focused on myself. I 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 after a three- and grabbed his chance in the sec- think in general, my level, when I’m at the top hour and 26-minute battle under ond game when Nishikori netted to of my game, I can beat any player.” the lights at Rod Laver Arena. off er two break points. Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, will next play After six months out of the The Japanese saved the fi rst and French 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat game to recover from a knee in- fi red a huge serve on the next that Britain’s Dan Evans 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. The jury, Federer’s fairytale return will should have settled the argument. Swiss leads Tsonga 4-3 in their head-to head. continue against giant-killing But Federer somehow made the “I think this match was the best match German Mischa Zverev, who sen- return with a desperate backhand of the tournament so far, that’s for sure,” sationally ousted top seed Andy lunge. Nishikori came in for the Wawrinka said of his victory over Seppi. Murray on the same centre court kill with an open court spread be- “I’m not really worrying about trying to only hours before. fore him but dumped the ball into improve every match, trying to play better or Since winning Wimbledon in the net, triggering thunderous not. I know that my level is there, that physi- 2012, Federer has gone close to add- cheers from a crowd heavily fa- cally I’m feeling good.” ing to his major tally, but with each vouring the Swiss. He added that he was surprised by top- passing year, the doubts have only From there, Federer rode the ranked Andy Murray’s upset by Mischa Zverev, piled higher. momentum to the fi nish, serving which along with Novak Djokovic’s exit off ers a Yet, with Murray and six-times out the match strongly and savour- big chance to the remaining players. Australian Open champion No- ing another huge ovation after hav- “It’s big surprise that they are not in the vak Djokovic sent packing from ing defi ed father time once again. draw anymore, but my next match is the Melbourne Park, the Swiss mas- Federer said the new vulner- quarter-final,” he said. “I’m not thinking about ter fi nds himself with his best ability of the game’s “top guys” semi or final, that I will not have to play Andy chance in years and revelled in his was good for the sport. “I felt like if or Novak. That’s the last thing in my head... I physical condition when taken Rafa and myself can be healthy, yes, just think it’s an interesting tournament.” deep by Nishikori. you can expect that (they would be In a tight struggle, Wawrinka only convert- “I felt great in the fi fth (set), I in the quarter-fi nals). That Novak ed two of his nine break point opportunities must say,” the 17th seed told report- and Andy are not, that is a big sur- and dropped his serve twice to Seppi. It was ers. “Great energy. Even deep into prise,” he said. Wawrinka’s ninth win in 12 encounters with the fourth I thought, ‘Yeah, fi fth, “I never thought that Mischa the Italian, who knocked out Australia’s big here we go, no problem for me’. Zverev and Denis Istomin (who beat hope Nick Kyrgios in the second round. “I’m feeling good about my Djokovic) would beat those two big Wawrinka hit 17 aces, 53 winners and made 41 chances. But tonight was spe- guys. I guess it’s good for tennis that unforced errors in overcoming Seppi to move cial, no doubt about it. Going fi ve a lot of guys believe strongly now into the second week of the Grand Slam. against Kei here on Rod Laver that the top guys are beatable, are Among Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles Arena with the comeback, it’s defi - vulnerable, especially on a faster is his win over Rafael Nadal in Melbourne nitely very special.” court,” he added. three years ago, when he became the first The match threatened for a Nishikori, who had lost his last player to defeat the top two seeds en route to time to be anything but special as three matches against Federer, was a major title since Spaniard Sergei Bruguera Asia’s fi rst men’s grand slam fi nal- troubled by a left hip injury and won Roland Garros in 1993. Wawrinka also ist stormed to a 4-0 lead before twice needed courtside treatment won the 2015 French Open and last year’s US weathering a huge Federer recovery from a trainer. Open, both times conquering Djokovic. to take the fi rst set on a tiebreak. Federer holds a 2-0 career Showcasing the composure that has The Swiss hit back quickly, belt- record over Zverev, who is into his helped Wawrinka win all three of his grand ing a huge return to break Nishikori fi rst Grand Slam quarter-fi nal. slam finals, the Swiss lifted a gear in each of in the seventh game of the second. “Obviously he’s on a high right the three tie-breaks and his fearsome back- Federer served out the set to love now. He’s feeling great. Probably hand was on fire as he closed out the match when Nishikori hit a return into the feels the best he’s ever felt on a ten- with a 53rd winner. tramlines and the old master threw nis court,” Federer said of Zverev. A searing backhand return down the line a steely gaze at his player’s box, “I like Mischa a lot and he has a sealed the deal, booking a fourth quarter-final pumping his fi st. nice game coming forward. It will at Melbourne Park for the no-frills 31-year-old. Rattled by the pressure, be diff erent.” Never renowned for lively post-match inter- Nishikori became twitchy, his fi dg- The Swiss legend is looking to views on the court, Wawrinka greeted news eting between points betraying the become the third man to win fi ve of Murray’s elimination as if he had been nerves as Federer roared through Australian Open singles titles after informed that the sky was blue. the third set in 26 minutes. Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, “Nothing,” he said bluntly when asked for The Swiss looked to be coast- who have both won six. a reaction. “It’s a big surprise,” he added later ing to victory but he suff ered a rare It is the 13th time Federer has when pushed. “It shows that it’s not as easy wobble at 2-2 in the fourth, shank- reached the last eight, extend- as we think, or when we see the draw, to just ing a straightforward smash and ing his record for most Australian win, keep winning all the time.” then netting a volley to give up two Open quarter-fi nals. Gulf Times Monday, January 23, 2017 3 SPORT

TENNIS CRICKET Sandakan stars on debut as Sri Lanka Siblings make for level T20 series

Reuters SCOREBOARD Johannesburg South Africa Smuts c Sandakan b Kulasek- era 4 ri Lanka left-arm spinner H. Kuhn st Chandimal b good companions Lakshan Sandakan took Sandakan 29 four wickets on his debut T. de Bruyn c D. de Silva b in a three-wicket victory Udana 7 ‘Just to have your twin brother who is your best friend there, it’s really kept us going for 19 years’ overS new-look South Africa that M. Mosehle c Chandimal b levelled the three-match Twen- Sandakan 11 ty20 series yesterday. D. Miller c Mathews b D. de Reuters Hosts South Africa won the Silva 11 Melbourne toss and elected to bat but were F. Behardien c Chandimal b bowled out for 113 by the tour- Udana 27 ists three balls before the end W. Parnell c Mathews b he life of a professional of their innings at The Wan- Sandakan 3 tennis player can be a derers. Sri Lanka were rocked A. Phehlukwayo c Chandimal b lonely existence so, for by an early burst from exciting Sandakan 0 the likes of the Bryan 20-year-old fast bowler Lung- A. Phangiso c Gunaratne b Tbrothers, having a sibling along isani Ngidi (4-19) but chipped Udana 13 for the ride as you hit a new city away at the target and com- I Tahir b Kulasekera 1 every week can make a huge pleted the win with two balls L. Ngidi not out 2 diff erence. left as captain Angelo Mathews Extras (lb2, w3) 5 Mike Bryan and his twin Bob led the way with an unbeaten Total (19.3 overs) 113 have been on the road for the 54 from 50 balls. Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Smuts), best part of two decades, rack- The deciding match in 2-13 (De Bruyn), 3-41 (Mosehle), ing up 16 grand slam titles as the three-game series will 4-57 (Kuhn), 5-68 (Miller), 6-74 they became the dominant force be played in Cape Town on (Parnell), 7-74 (Phehlukwayo), in men’s doubles tennis. As sib- Wednesday. South Africa’s 8-107 (Behardien), 9-109 (Im- lings, they are not that unu- batsmen struggled from the ran Tahir) sual on the circuit with multiple start with only opener Heino Bowling: Mathews 2-0-11-0, grand slam winners Venus and Kuhn (29) and captain Farhaan Kulasekera 3-0-10-2, Udana Serena Williams among 10 sets Behardien (27) off ering any- 2.3-0-13-3 (1w), Prasanna 3-0- of brothers and sisters in the thing of substance as the home 24-0, Sandakan 4-0-23-4 (2w), main singles draws at this year’s side managed just nine fours Gunaratne 4-0-27-0, D. de Silva Australian Open. and two sixes in their innings. 1-0-3-1 “I think that’s why we’re still Sri Lanka’s bowling attack doing what we’re doing,” Mike produced an excellent line that Sri Lanka Bryan told Reuters. made scoring diffi cult, with N. Dickwella c Mosehle b Ngidi “It’s fun to have a companion Sandakan (4-23) and seamer 22 out on the road, especially when Isuru Udana (3-13) doing most D. de Silva c Miller b Ngidi 2 you’re travelling. There’s a lot of of the damage. K. Mendis b Ngidi 4 time alone in rooms, so a lot of Sandakan became the fi rst D. Chandimal c Mosehle b times we’re there playing games. Sri Lankan to take a wicket Ngidi 22 “Just to have your twin broth- off his fi rst ball in Twenty20 A. Mathews not out 54 er who is your best friend there, internationals when he had A. Gunaratne lbw b Imran it’s really kept us going for 19 Mangaliso Mosehle caught by Tahir 3 years.” wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandi- S. Prasanna c Imran Tahir b The twins sailed into the mal for 11. Fast bowler Ngidi, Smuts 2 fourth round under sunny skies who made his debut in South T. de Silva c Behardien b in a packed Showcourt Three on Africa’s 19-run win in the fi rst Parnell 3 Saturday, having prevailed over match of the series in Pretoria N. Kulasekera not out 0 Germany’s Mischa Zverev and on Friday, was again impressive Extras (b3, lb2, w2) 7 Serbia’s Nenad Zimonjic. as he accounted for the top- Total (7 wkts, 19.4 overs) 119 Zverev and his brother Alex- four batsmen. Fall of wickets: 1-11 (D. de ander are also close, even though But Mathews provided the Silva), 2-15 (Mendis), 3-35 (Dick- separated in age by a decade. Mike Bryan and his twin Bob have been on the road for the best part of two decades, racking up 16 grand slam titles. glue to keep Sri Lanka’s chase wella), 4-86 (Chandimal), 5-93 They became the fi rst brothers together with an excellently (Gunaratne), 6-97 (Prasanna), to reach the third round of the “When your brother is not play- paced innings and delivered 7-105 (T. de Silva) same slam in singles since Byron ing well, you can see him strug- the killer blow. Bowling: Ngidi 4-0-19-4 (1w), and Wayne Black in 1998. gling, you can empathise, it’s like He was hobbling with cramp Parnell 3-0-16-1, Phehlukwayo While Mischa was playing a piece of you is playing bad. I when the tourists needed sev- 2-0-22-0, Imran Tahir 4-0-14-1, doubles having already secured think the lows are a little bit lower en off the last over bowled by Phangiso 4-0-24-0, Smuts 2.4- his place in the fourth round, his just to see your twin so down.” spinner Jon-Jon Smuts and, 0-19-1 (1w) 19-year-old brother was losing The Bryans are not the only after being dropped off the rstfi a titanic fi ve-set struggle with set of twins on the circuit, with ball, launched the second de- Result: Sri Lanka won by ninth seed Rafa Nadal on Rod Czechs Karolina and Kristyna livery into the stands for a six three wickets Laver Arena. Pliskova this week becoming the to level the scores. Series: The three-match Mischa’s fourth-round match fi rst to reach the third round of a Another blow over the series is tied at 1-1 was on yesterday against Brit- singles draw grand slam. boundary rope two balls later Remaining fixture: ish men’s top seed Andy Murray, “For our parents it’s perfect handed Sri Lanka victory. January 25, Cape Town. who was able to hang out with that they have both twins in the his brother Jamie at Melbourne grand slam and now in the third Park until the older sibling went round, which I think is for the out of the men’s doubles with fi rst time so it’s special,” Kristy- partner Bruno Soares. na told Reuters, before she was felled by world number one An- COMPETITIVE NATURE gelique Kerber. Serena Williams (L) and Venus Williams. Unlike the Bryans and the “She’s almost all the time with Williams sisters, the Murrays me so it helps,” she said of world “Maybe it’s just nature?” she tria’s Melzer brothers, called often disappointed. do not have the complication of number fi ve Karolina. “She can said. his straight set win over brother When they combine in wom- playing together, which can cre- give me some advice, we can talk The Pliskovas were fortunate Gerald in Wimbledon qualifying en’s doubles, though, they are ate a few challenges, according about everything.” enough to end up in diff erent two years ago “the worst tennis an intimidating force and Venus to Mike Bryan. The world number 58 was un- halves of the draw at Melbourne day” of his life. was at something of a loss when “When it starts going well, sure whether both being decent Park as, for the siblings, hav- The 27 meetings between Ser- asked whether her experience we’re moving so strong, and mov- players had helped drive the ing to take on a brother or sister ena and Venus Williams, who echoed that of Mike Bryan of the ing like a unit. But when it starts twins to greater heights in the on court at a tournament can be have both been world number “lows being lower”. Sri Lanka bowler Lakshan Sandakan (C) celebrates the dismissal going sour, it can be tough to get game than they might otherwise complicated. one and own 29 grand slam sin- “We don’t really lose that of- of South African batsman Mangaliso Mosehle (not pictured) it back,” the 38-year-old added. have attained. Juergen, the older of Aus- gles titles between them, have ten. There weren’t a lot of lows.” during the second T20 match in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP)

BASKETBALL NZ-Bangladesh Test: Third day’s play washed out

Heavy rain washed out the entire third day’s play of the second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday. Rain had forced the players off early on Saturday and the hosts Monroe excels in Gharafa’s win were to have resumed their first innings on 260 for seven, a def- icit of 29 runs, with Henry Nicholls on 56 while Tim Southee was By Sports Reporter Thomas Blair scored a game- on four. However, downpours overnight ensured there would Doha high 25 for Al Wakrah with three be at least a delay to the start of play, but when the rain did not three-pointers, while Ageni stop umpires Paul Reiff el and Nigel Llong abandoned play with- latokunbo had 22 and Emir Mu- out a ball being bowled at the conclusion of the scheduled tea ammy Monroe scored jkic 20. break at 1600 local (0300 GMT). Bangladesh were dismissed 24 and Hassino Ndoye In the second match of the for 289 with about five minutes remaining on the opening day’s chipped in with 21 as Al day, Al Arabi eased past Qatar play on Friday with Southee taking five wickets. Gharafa edged Al Wakrah Sports Club 89-75 with Adamu 98-91S in the Qatar Men’s League Saaka top-scoring for the win- yesterday. ners with 26 points. Al Gharafa were rarely threat- Al Arabi led throughout, ened and managed to comfort- opening up a 25-12 lead later the ably stay ahead for most part of fi rst quarter and never looked the match despite the narrow back. eight-point margin of their Souleye Ndour chipped in victory. with 15 and Osaro Adako con- Alexander Arnold and Salem tributed 14 for the winners. Abdulla also made decent con- For Qatar Sports Club, Edward tributions for the winners, scor- Justice Jr excelled with a game- ing 18 and 17 respectively, as high 37 points while Quinton Al Wakrah failed to fi nd that Doggett with 14 was the only extra spark in order to cause an other player who could get into upset. double fi gures. The only time Al Wakrah led Tomorrow, Al Sadd play Al in the match was in the opening Khor while Al Ahli meet Al Rayy- two minutes when they took a an. Both matches will be played 3-0 advantage, but after that it at Al Gharafa Sports Club. was Al Gharafa all the way. They edged the fi rst quar- Gharafa’s Sammy Monroe (R) ter 25-24 and held a decisive shoots over Wakrah defenders Grounds staff push water off of the covers as rain falls delaying 13-point advantage at the end of during their Qatar Men’s League the start of play during day three of the second Test between the third (78-65) before eventu- game yesterday. New Zealand and Bangladesh Christchurch yesterday. (AFP) ally closing out the match. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 23, 2017 CRICKET

ODI SERIES SPOTLIGHT Bangladesh’s Sunny arrested over England pulls off photos of girlfriend

AFP matter. We don’t want to Dhaka comment now, however, we are observing (the situation),” Bangladesh Cricket Board angladesh police yes- chief executive Nizamuddin consolation win terday arrested na- Chowdhury told AFP. tional cricketer Arafat The spinner has played 16 Sunny for allegedly one-day internationals, tak- ‘...but it feels nice to close it off . The lads bowled really good overs before I came on’ breachingB strict Internet laws ing 24 wickets, and 10 Twen- after his girlfriend accused ty20 internationals in which him of uploading sensitive he picked up 12 wickets. AFP photos on social media. He was suspended from Kolkata Police raided the home of international matches during the 30-year-old slow left-arm the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 bowler in the Dhaka suburb of for an illegal bowling action. ngland all-rounder Ben Aminbazar after his longtime Since then he has been Stokes put in a domi- girlfriend fi led a complaint playing domestic fi rst-class nant performance with two weeks ago, said local po- cricket for Dhaka Metropolis. the bat and ball to help lice chief Jamaluddin Mir. Sunny is the third national EnglandE pull off a fi ve-run con- “She said Sunny opened up team cricketer to have been solation win against India in the a fake Facebook account of arrested in recent years, after third one-day international in hers and posted their personal pacemen Rubel Hossain and Kolkata yesterday. photos, which she found of- Shahadat Hossain. Seam bowler Stokes claimed fensive and defamatory,” he Rubel was jailed in 2015 af- three wickets to help restrict told AFP. ter he was charged in a rape India, who were chasing 322 for “We have arrested him and case fi led by an actress who victory, to 316-9 as Kedar Jad- sent him to the court, seeking claimed to be his fi ancé. hav’s 90 went in vain. to take him into custody for The fast bowler was how- Chris Woakes, who bowled fi ve days for questioning.” ever granted bail days after his the fi nal over with India needing If found guilty Sunny could arrest to join the squad for the 16 to win, held his nerve to give face up to 14 years in jail or a 2015 World Cup. The actress England their fi rst victory on the fi ne of 10mn taka ($126,340) later withdrew the charges. tour. Woakes said the conditions under the controversial law, Shahadat spent nearly two were tough, which makes the which local right groups say months in custody last year victory special. is being used to crack down on after he and his wife were ar- “Not ideal I suppose going for dissent. rested on charges of torturing a four and a six in the fi rst two There was no immediate an 11-year-old girl whom he balls, but it feels nice to close it comment from the cricketer. employed as a maid. A court off . The lads bowled really good “It seems to be a personal acquitted the couple. overs before I came on. Earlier Stokes hit an unbeaten 39-ball 57 to help England post 321-8 after being put into bat at Boon, Hayden inducted into Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. India lost their openers early Australia Hall of Fame in the chase but Kohli (55) and Test greats David Boon, Matthew Hayden and the late Betty Yuvraj Singh (45) put on 65 runs Wilson will be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for the third wicket to rebuild the India’s players pose with the trophy after winning the ODI series against England. (Reuters) this week, Cricket Australia said yesterday. Top-order batsmen innings. Boon and Hayden were key figures who played more than 100 Kohli, who was dropped on total to well past the 300-run 6-246 (Ali), 7-319 (Woakes), 8-321 Tests for Australia, while all-rounder Wilson was a female crick- 35, failed to capitalise on the re- mark. (Plunkett) eter “ahead of her time”, Hall of Fame chairman Peter King said. prieve after losing his wicket to England rode on a 98-run Bowling: Kumar 8-0-56-0 (2w), “David Boon and Matthew Hayden are among a select group of Stokes. He was caught behind opening stand between Roy (65) Pandya 10-1-49-3 (1w), Bumrah just 12 players to have appeared in 100 Test matches but their chasing a wide delivery outside and Sam Billings (35) before the 10-1-68-1 (1nb, 3w), Yuvraj 3-0-17-0, significance goes way beyond that simple statistic,” he said. the off stump. Indian bowlers came back with Jadeja 10-0-62-2, Ashwin 9-0-60- “(Boon) epitomises the tough-as-teak Australian cricketer With Yuvraj (45), fresh from regular strikes. 0 (1w) and his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame is his match-winning 150 in Cut- Paceman Pandya claimed thoroughly merited.” tack, and former captain Ma- three wickets while left-arm India Boon made 7,422 runs in his 107 Tests in the 1980s and 1990s, hendra Singh Dhoni (25) also spinner Ravindra Jadeja got two. A. Rahane b Willey ...... 1 while Hayden scored 8,625 runs in his 103 Tests from 1994 to back in the pavilion, India Morgan, who struck a valiant L. Rahul c Buttler b Ball ...... 11 2009. slipped to 173-5. 102 in England’s second loss on V. Kohli c Buttler b Stokes ...... 55 Boon described his induction as an “enormous honour”. First match hero Jadhav, who Thursday, once again looked like Y. Singh c Billings b Plunkett ...... 45 “To join some of those great players from past eras, some hit a brilliant 120 in India’s he would pilot the innings with M.S. Dhoni c Buttler b Ball ...... 25 of the guys that I played with as well, it’s a huge honour and opening win in Pune, and Hardik some assured hitting. K. Jadhav c Billings b Woakes 90 something that is going to be very special to my family and I Pandya (56) then put on 104 runs The left-hander shared an H. Pandya b Stokes ...... 56 for a long period of time,” he told reporters. Wilson, who died to revive the chase. 84-run third-wicket partner- Jadeja c Bairstow b Woakes...... 10 in 2010, is the second woman after Belinda Clark to be in both The batting duo took the ship with Bairstow (56), who was R. Ashwin c Woakes b Stokes ...... 1 the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and the ICC Cricket Hall opposition attack by surprise added to the side in place of in- B. Kumar not out ...... 0 of Fame. She played only 11 Tests, partly due to World War II, with their powerful hitting as jured Alex Hales, before falling J. Bumrah not out ...... 0 scoring 862 runs at 57.40, and took 68 wickets at 11.80. The trio they struck 16 fours and three to Pandya. Stokes ensured the Extras: (lb8, w13, nb1) ...... 22 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal sixes between them. Stokes eff orts of the top order were not Total: (9 wickets; 50 overs) ...316. ceremony in Sydney today. got Pandya and Ravichandran in vain as his 73-run seventh- Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Rahane), The first Australia squad to win the World Cup in 1987 were Ashwin in his final two overs to wicket stand with Woakes (34) 2-37 (Rahul), 3-102 (Kohli), 4-133 presented with medals during the innings break at the fourth hurt the Indian chase. Jadhav helped England put on 58 runs (Yuvraj), 5-173 (Dhoni), 6-277 (Pan- one-day international against Pakistan in Sydney yesterday. The though carried on to give the in the fi nal fi ve overs. The two England’s Ben Stokes plays a shot during the third One Day Interna- dya), 7-291 (Jadeja), 8-297 (Ash- side, captained by Allan Border and coached by Bob Simpson, Eoin Morgan-led side a scare teams now head for the three- tional against India in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) win), 9-316 (Jadhav) beat England by seven runs in a tense final in Kolkata. Australia but his departure on the penul- match Twenty20 series starting Bowling: Woakes 10-0-75-2 (1nb), have since won four more World Cups. timate delivery spelled the end January 26 in Kanpur. J. Bairstow c Jadeja b Pandya ...56 L. Plunkett run out ...... 1 Willey 2-0-8-1 (5w), Ball 10-0-56- The International Cricket Council last year decided to award for the hosts. E. Morgan c Bumrah b Pandya ...43 Extras: (b1, lb8, w7, nb1) ...... 17 2 (1w), Plunkett 10-0-65-1 (2w), medals to players and support staff of all World Cup-winning In England’s innings, fifties Scoreboard J. Buttler c Rahul b Pandya ...... 11 Total: (8 wickets; 50 overs) .....321 Stokes 10-0-63-3 (5w), Ali 8-0-41-0. squads who did not receive them at the time of their successes. from Jason Roy (65) and Jonny England B. Stokes not out ...... 57 Fall of wickets: 1-98 (Billings), Result: England won by 5 runs The West Indies team from 1975 and Sri Lanka from 1996 will Bairstow (56) proved crucial J. Roy b Jadeja ...... 65 M. Ali c Jadeja b Bumrah ...... 2 2-110 (Roy), 3-194 (Morgan), Series: India won 3-match also receive medals. before Stokes took the team S. Billings c Bumrah b Jadeja...... 35 C. Woakes run out ...... 34 4-212 (Buttler), 5-237 (Bairstow), series 2-1.

FOCUS Warner helps Australia seal series win over Pak

Reuters DROPPED CATCHES S. Smith lbw Hasan ...... 49 Sydney It was a forgettable day for Pakistan T. Head c Shoaib b Amir ...... 51 in the fi eld as they dropped at least G. Maxwell c Sharjeel b Hasan ...... 78 fi ve catches and gave away extra runs M. Wade c Imad b Hasan ...... 5 avid Warner’s 12th one-day in- through misfi elds and overthrows. M. Starc not out ...... 0 ternational hundred and brisk Warner put together a breezy 92-run Extras: (lb8, w2) ...... 10 fi fties from Glenn Maxwell opening stand with Usman Khawaja, Total (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 353 and Travis Head set up Aus- who was caught behind for 30 and be- Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Khawaja), 2-212 traliaD for an 86-run win over Pakistan in came the fi rst of seamer Hasan Ali’s fi ve (Warner), 3-213 (Smith), 4-313 (Head), the fourth match yesterday as the hosts wickets. Warner, who hit 11 fours and 5-339 (Wade), 6-353 (Maxwell) secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the two sixes in his 119-ball knock, added Bowling: Hafeez 9-0-54-0, Amir, 10- series. 120 for the second wicket with captain 0-75-1 Junaid 10-0-82-0 (1nb), Hasan The diminutive opening batsman Steve Smith which gave Australia an 10-1-52-5 (1nb), Imad 9-0-69-0, Shoaib smashed 130 for his sixth ton in his ideal platform for a huge total. 2-0-13-0 last 11 innings at the Sydney Cricket “It’s the home crowd, absolutely love Ground, including his century before playing here,” Warner said after being Pakistan lunch in the third test against the same presented with the man of the match A Ali c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 7 opponents in January. award. “I was quite slow tonight, but it’s S Khan c Warner b Zampa ...... 74 Maxwell then pulverised the Pakistan always special to put the boys in a great B Azam c Hazlewood b Head ...... 31 attack with his 78 off 44 balls and added position.” M Hafeez c sub b Zampa ...... 40 a quick-fi re 100 for the fourth wicket Hasan dismissed Warner and Smith, S Malik c Warner b Head ...... 47 with Head, who hit 51 off 36 balls, as who made 49 after being dropped on 10, U Akmal c Cummins b Starc ...... 11 the hosts piled up 353-6 in their 50 overs in the space of three deliveries but it did M Rizwan lbw Zampa ...... 10 after winning the toss and opting to not hamper Australia’s quest for quick I Wasim c Wade b Hazlewood ...... 25 bat. runs. M Amir c Wade b Cummins ...... 5 Pakistan needed to pull off the high- Maxwell was dropped on eight and Hasan Ali not out ...... 8 est successful ODI chase on Australian made Pakistan pay for their profl igacy J Khan b Hazlewood ...... 0 soil to keep the series alive but lacked by hitting 10 fours and a six in his in- Extras (lb5, w4) ...... 9 the required fi repower in their batting nings as Australia accumulated 118 runs Total (all out, 43.5 overs) ...... 267 and were bundled out for 267 with six in their last 10 overs. Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Azhar), 2-88 (Ba- overs remaining in their innings. Head smashed four sixes and two bar), 3-119 (Sharjeel), 4-183 (Hafeez), 5-215 Left-handed opener Sharjeel Khan fours in his 36-ball knock. The fi fth and (Shoaib), 6-218 (Umar), 7-245 (Rizwan), top-scored for the touring side with his fi nal match of the series will be played in 8-252 (Amir), 9-267 (Wasim), 10-267 (Jun- 74 off 47 balls keeping Pakistan in the Adelaide on Thursday. aid) hunt for the early part of their chase. Bowling: Starc 7-0-42-1 (3w), Hazlewood Australia’s paceman Josh Hazlewood Scoreboard 8.5-0-54-3, Cummins 8-0-45-1, Head 10-0- and leg-spinner Adam Zampa, playing Australia 66-2, Zampa 10-0-55-3 (1w) in his fi rst match of the series, picked up U. Khawaja c Rizwan b Hasan ...... 30 Australia won by 86 runs Australia’s David Warner (3rd R) celebrates with teammates after Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik was dismissed during the fourth three wickets each. D. Warner c Rizwan b Hasan ...... 130 Australia lead series 3-1 one-day international in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, January 23, 2017 5 GOLF

GOLF/DESERT SWING SPOTLIGHT 20 Reasons to Love Commercial Bank Fleetwood blazes Qatar Masters

o celebrate the 20th edi- dressed to the nines. People will be tion of the Commercial coming out to the 20th edition of Bank Qatar Masters from Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in T26-29 January, we take a carefully chosen outfi ts to be fea- back nine 31 for look at our 20 favourite things about tured in the following week’s society the unmissable annual sporting pages. You better start thinking of an event at the Doha Golf Club… outfi t, we know you want to. 1. Getting outdoors: When 12. Watching the stars you’re chained to a desk sitting at a practice: at the driving range. computer most of the day, getting You may begin to understand how a full weekend out and about under Branden Grace has conquered the the glorious sun and in-between very tricky and windy Doha Golf Abu Dhabi victory nature, breathing in that fresh air Club course to lift the Mother of and freshly cut grass is just thera- Pearl trophy two years in a row. ‘Some good players chasing me, so very, very proud of this. I did really just concentrate peutic, isn’t it? 13. The Village Concert Se- 2. The nerves: This is easily one ries: continues each day following on my own game, kept going. A 31 on the back nine on a Sunday is great’ of the things we love most about close of play, with a diverse range golf in general. It’s an excited an- of regional and international acts ticipation. Watching your favourite packing the venue and making golfers tee off at sunrise in Doha’s for one of the most popular social perfect January weather is incom- events on Doha’s calendar. parable to anything else. 14. Trick Shot Boys: will en- 3. Golfi ng action: Your favour- tertain the masses daily with their ite golfer pulling off a spectacular unique brand of golfi ng comedy. shot. Isn’t it the best when you wit- 15. Hospitality: Guests can ness history made live in action? enjoy a memorable alfresco or re- 4. Photo opportunities galore: treat to climate controlled luxury The chance for the ultimate sport- hospitality to enjoy exquisite fi ve- ing #Selfi e at Qatar’s largest annual star dining and access to an open sporting event. Nothing beats that bar followed by high tea, as well as 5. Entertainment for all the live coverage on multiple television family: Much more than four days monitors. of international golf action, the 16. Live cooking stations: Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Guests, in hospitality, will delight brings a range of family fun to Doha in complimentary dining specially as one of the biggest social events on prepared by IHG Culinary Ambas- Qatar’s calendar sadors, Chef Tobias Gensheimer and 6. You don’t need a babysitter: Chef Hiroaki Nagaishi, for breakfast no matter the age of your kids you and lunch. can come down and enjoy the week- 17. Quiet please: there is some- end with the entire family as your thing almost magical about the kids will be able to try out a range moment right before a tee where of sports including mini & soft golf. you are asked to stand still and be Kids under 14 enter for free. quiet. Followed by the perfect sound 7. The Public Village: The most of driver striking golf ball. There is popular social area of the event, nothing quite like it. located to the 9th Fairway of the 18. Doing something diff er- Academy Course, with a huge range ent: even if you are not a diehard of entertainment from outstanding golf fan. The Commercial Bank food and beverage options. Qatar Masters has something for 8. You won’t go hungry: The everyone, and that is what we love wide array of gourmet food off er- about it. ings that are set to tantalise your 19. Gifts galore: across the taste buds making the tournament weekend spectators will get a just that bit more enjoyable. chance to win lots of prizes. That is 9. Shop till you drop: Exclusive unmissable! shopping boulevard experience for 20. Community atmosphere: visitors, with a wide selection of ac- The fi rst thing you notice at the Tommy Fleetwood of England poses with the cessories and apparel. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is Abu Dhabi Golf Championship trophy yesterday. 10. Unique golf course: The the extra buzz in the air. You marvel Doha Golf Club was one of the fi rst at great plays and players and the grass golf courses to be built in the plain truth that watching a game of AFP Fleetwood was even par with a birdie He hit a wayward tee shot next to the Johnson, who is scheduled to play in Middle East. It enjoys all the merits golf live brings people closer togeth- Abu Dhabi and a bogey on the front nine, but chipped cart path on the left and after a lengthy Torrey Pines next week, said he was happy of golf with excellent fairways, true er, irrespective of victory or defeat. in an eagle from the front edge of the par- discussion with the referee got a drop. with the state of his game. greens and challenging holes You can sense it in the crowds, and fi ve 10th green to kick-start his charge. Then he hit a stunning three-wood “All in all it was a solid day. It was windy 11. Fairway street styles: This you can even feel it when watching ngland’s world number 102 Tom- “The 10th was a big turning point, real- second shot straight to the heart of the out there. It’s playing a little bit tougher is Doha’s biggest social event of the the players warm up. Everywhere my Fleetwood overcame swirling ly. You can quite easily chip that to six foot green and two-putted for birdie. today. I felt like I struck the ball well and year, come down and witness the from the grandstands to the driving winds and fi nal-hole jitters to win and miss and make fi ve. I chipped it in and Three-time champion Martin Kaymer gave myself plenty of opportunities. I just Doha Golf club transform into a range there is a distinct feeling that Ethe Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion- made three and birdied the next. Those of Germany made an eagle at the last hole didn’t roll any putts in,” he said. fashion runway as everyone will be screams “this is something special.” ship by one shot yesterday. two holes were the big diff erence,” he said. to tie Bernd Wiesberger (68) of Austria Larrazabal, who was playing with The 25-year-old carded a fi ve-under- “Some good players chasing me, so and Kiradech (69) in fourth place at 273. Johnson in the leader group, made several par fi nal-round 67 to clinch only the sec- very, very proud of this. I did really just Last year’s winner, Rickie Fowler of the long putts and kept himself in the hunt. SPOTLIGHT ond European Tour title of his career. concentrate on my own game, kept going. US, shot a 72 and fi nished 12 shots behind He needed an eagle on the last to force a He fi nished on 271, one shot ahead of A 31 on the back nine on a Sunday is great, the leader on fi ve-under, while reigning playoff , but could only manage a birdie. world number three Dustin Johnson, the no matter who you are.” British Open champion and European “I gave it my best. I never give up. I US Open champion who made an eagle on The outcome could have been diff erent, number one Henrik Stenson (69) was in a didn’t play my best but I tried my best, Prayad wins in the last hole for a fi nal-round 68. however, after a few nerves on the 18th three-way tie for eighth place at 275. holding some putts, chipping in on the Tied with him on 16 under par was when Fleetwood was just one shot ahead Fleetwood is expected to move close to 14th. Three bogeys on Sunday afternoon Spain’s 2014 champion Pablo Larrazabal, of Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and 50th in the world rankings when they are are too many. But I’m very proud the way Singapore aft er who also shot 68. Larrazabal. released Monday. I played.” Scott’s watery woe BOTTOMLINE AFP Alfardan Automobiles tees up its luxury Singapore eteran Thai golfer Prayad Marksaeng fl eet for 2017 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters won the Singapore Open by a single stroke lfardan Automobiles Vyesterday after the tournament will continue its part- favourite Adam Scott blew his nership with the pres- chances of a fourth title by hit- Atigious Commercial ting two balls into the water. Bank Qatar Masters golf tourna- Prayad shot a fi nal round of ment for the 11th year, provid- four-under-par 67 to fi nish at ing a world-class fl eet of luxury nine-under 275 and capture his vehicles for the world’s top golf- 20th title since turning profes- ninth at six-under. ers congregating in Doha for the sional in 1991, earning himself a The 2013 US Masters champi- 20th edition of the event. place in this year’s British Open. on still had a share of the lead af- Set to be held at Doha Golf “I feel like I have done my ter six holes but saw his chances Club’s unique desert-style country proud,” Prayad said. “I of winning sink when he chipped Championship Course from am thrilled to earn a spot in The into the water on the seventh 26-29 January 2017, the Com- Open too. I hope I can make my hole then hooked his drive into mercial Bank Qatar Masters Golf country proud again by securing the South China Sea on the 15th. Tournament will host a luxury a good result at Royal Birkdale.” fl eet of more than 40 chauff eur- Four players — Phachara Hadwin shoots 59 driven and 20 self-driven ve- Khongwatmai of Thailand, Ju- Los Angeles: Canada’s Adam hicles designated for the use of Commercial Bank of Qatar vic Pagunsan of the Philippines, Hadwin became only the eighth players, offi cials and organisers. CEO Joseph Abraham (top) Jbe Kruger of South Africa and golfer to shoot 59 over 18 holes The luxury line-up is composed and Alfardan Automobiles GM the defending champion, South at a US PGA Tour event, sinking of BMW’s latest models from the Ihab Allam. Korea’s Song Young-Han — fi n- 13 birdies in a bogey-free third BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, ished tied for second after a round Saturday at the Career- BMW X4, BMW X5 and BMW thrilling fi nal day where six play- Builder Challenge. X6. international sporting destina- world. We are grateful for the 4 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 ers had a share of the lead. The 29-year-old from subur- Commenting on the impor- tion, with the infrastructure, continued support of our local Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, Phachara, Kruger and Song ban Vancouver was one stroke off tance of supporting sporting organisation and logistical ca- Qatari partners, who provide BMW X5 and BMW X6 to inspire also secured berths in the British the tour record 58 fi red last year events in the nation, Ihab Allam, pabilities to host a global event. a range of essential services to off -course excitement. Open but Pagunsan missed out by American Jim Furyk at the General Manager of In addition to helping us drive the highest possible standards The prestigious Commercial because only four places in to- Travelers Championship. Alfardan Automobiles said: our national goals, this has also and ensure that the Commer- Bank Qatar Masters golf tour- tal were available and he has the It was the second US PGA “Our longstanding sponsorship allowed us to showcase a stellar cial Bank Qatar Masters is a truly nament has been hosted by the lowest ranking of the runners- Tour 59 in as many weeks, fol- of the Commercial Bank Qatar collection from the BMW sta- premium event.” Doha Golf Club since 1998. The up. Kruger leapfrogged him for lowing American Justin Thomas Masters golf tournament refl ects ble.” With players including Grae- annual tournament is sponsored the last spot when he eagled the fi ring 59 on the way to victory in Alfardan Automobiles’ com- Joseph Abraham, CEO of me McDowell, Chris Wood, by the Commercial Bank of Qa- fi nal hole. the opening round at last week’s mitment to the evolution of the Commercial Bank commented, Andy Sullivan, Martin Kaymer, tar and is held at the beginning Scott, chasing his fourth vic- Sony Open in Hawaii. country as a Middle East sport- “Our continued partnership Ernie Els and 2018 Ryder Cup of each year with a plethora of tory at the Sentosa Golf Club, Asked to describe the round, ing hub. Much like our part- with Alfardan Automobiles al- Team Europe Captain Thomas established champions and up- led by a stroke heading into the Hadwin said, “Perfect, I guess. I nership with the Qatar Tennis lows key tournament stakehold- Bjørn, the on-course action is and-comers competing for a fi nal round but the Australian got away with a few shots on the Federation, this collaboration ers to experience some of the expected to be intense but BMW prize fund of USD 2.5 million as squandered his chances with a back. For whatever reason, I was buoys Qatar’s credentials as an most luxurious vehicles in the has curated a collection of BMW well as valuable ranking points. fi nal round of 74 to fi nish tied for making every putt I had.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 23, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT SO CLOSE Knicks drop another close one, fall to Suns Leonard’s late MCT Tucker’s driving layup with 7:31 New York to go drew the Suns to within 97-96, but Rose’s jumper put the Knicks up by three and Courtney here are the tough Lee’s dunk had them up 101-96. games to lose and The bright side – if there could some you can’t bear to ever be such a thing – was that Tlose. On Thursday, the the Knicks were barely clinging dunk lift s Spurs to Knicks were dealt the former, on on in the second quarter. Saturday night, they experienced The Suns went on a 12-2 sec- the excruciating disappointment ond run to go up 54-42 before of the latter. Anthony and Porzingis went Carmelo Anthony’s poten- back-to-back to cut the defi cit to tial-game winning 3 swirled in- eight with two minutes left. An- side the rim and popped out at thony hit two 3s _ sandwiching time expired as the Knicks fell Devin Booker’s 3 with 15 seconds OT win over Cavs to the Phoenix Suns, 107-105, left, to get the Knicks to within at Madison Square Garden. The 61-55 at halftime. loss – their 13th in last 16 games The Knicks went to the line Kawhi Leonard capped his career-high, 41-point night with a dunk in the final seconds – comes two days after dropping only once in the fi rst half, while a close game to the Wizards, one the Suns went 13-for-15 from the as San Antonio Spurs hold on for a 118-115 overtime win against Cleveland Cavaliers that featured a missed call in the stripe. Phoenix led by as many fi nal seconds of the game. as 12 in the second quarter, and The Knicks erased a 12-point scored 12 points on seven turno- second quarter defi cit and led by vers as the Knicks fl ailed on de- 5 with a little less than three min- fense. utes left in the game, but could They were able to chip away in never get comfortable against the the third, tying it twice before fi - third-worst team in the league, nally creating some space in the and it cost them dearly when it waning seconds, after Hernan- counted the most. Devin Booker gomez hit two free throws to knot scored six points in the fi nal two it at 85. Lee hit a 3 in the next minutes, 19 seconds of the game possession and Anthony’s two – including a 3-pointer with 31 free throws later put the Knicks seconds to go win it. up 90-87 with eight seconds Derrick Rose missed a contested to go. The Suns were resilient, layup with 26 seconds remaining. though, and with time expiring, By the time the Knicks got the ball Marquese hit a straightaway 3 to back, there were 6.3 seconds left tie it at 90 going into the fourth and the ball went to the logical quarter. choice. Anthony got a fairly clean It was the second heartbreaker look, but just missed. He scored in a row for the Knicks, though 31 points, but none in the fourth this might’ve stung even more quarter. Rose fi nished with 26. than the Wizards on Thursday – Booker led the Suns with 26 the one where Lee couldn’t get points while Tyson Chandler had off a potential game-tying shot 16 rebounds and nine points. because he was distracted by a Brandon Jennings hit two free Wizards assistant who had sidled throws early in the fourth quar- up next to him on the court. The ter to break a tie at 90, but the team was not assessed a techni- Knicks could never quite mus- cal foul, though the coach was ter any semblance of control. PJ later fi ned.

BACKBONE Anthony remains the key to Knicks’ playoff hopes Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena.

MCT that would’ve forced double overtime. and Love had 13 points and 11 rebounds quarter as the Spurs scored the fi rst nine Cleveland Love shot just 3-of-11 from the 3-point for the Cavs. Tristan Thompson had 14 points of the fourth and 12 of the fi rst 13. line Saturday. points and 12 rebounds. They held the lead most of the fourth, but The Cavs had plenty of chances late, James’ deep 3-pointer from 30 feet Leonard missed his last fi ve shots of reg- awhi Leonard capped his ca- but went scoreless for about two min- away with 34.8 seconds left in regulation ulation once James started guarding him. reer-high, 41-point night with utes late in overtime. James received an tied the game at 107 after the Cavs missed “He’s kind of the face of their franchise a dunk in the fi nal seconds and inbounds pass with 24 seconds left and a their previous fi ve 3-point attempts. now with Timmy (Duncan) hanging them the San Antonio Spurs held on chance to tie with a 3-pointer. He fi red a up and he’s producing,” James said of Le- Kfor a 118-115 overtime victory Saturday bounce pass to the corner, but no one was SCORELESS STRETCH onard. “And he’s worked on his craft, he’s night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. standing there on the busted play. James The Spurs went scoreless over the fi nal gotten better and better every year and LeBron James tied up Leonard for a jump expected Kyrie Irving to cut to the corner, 2:36 of regulation, missing their last four he’s an All-Star starter for a reason. So, ball with 13 seconds left and the Cavs down but he never did and James was charged shots and committing a turnover while you commend a guy like that who puts 3. James won the tip, but the ball was head- with his seventh turnover of the night. the Cavs erased a fi ve-point defi cit in in the work and goes out and plays that ed out of bounds when Kevin Love saved it Leonard surpassed 30 points for the the fi nal minute. Leonard missed a short way.” and fi red it behind his back inbounds. Le- sixth straight game, while Aldridge fadeaway jumper over James with 13.4 File picture of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (R). onard caught the pass and sprinted to the scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds seconds left and the Cavs grabbed the re- RESULTS other end for the dunk and the clincher for the Spurs. David Lee scored 14 points bound with a chance to win it. Trail Blazers 127 Celtics 123; Wizards 112 MCT said he loves New York, loves with four seconds left. and grabbed 11 rebounds starting in place James and Irving ran pick-and-roll to Pistons 113; 76ers 93 Hawks 110; Nets 105 New York playing in Madison Square Gar- After LaMarcus Aldridge missed a pair of Pau Gasol, who is out with a fractured switch Leonard off James, but he missed a Hornets 112; Bucks 97 Heat 109; Suns 107 den, loves the attention – all of of free throws in the fi nal second of over- bone in his left hand. Tony Parker also 3-pointer in the corner to force overtime. Knicks 105; Rockets 119 Grizzlies 95; Spurs it. He also feels a loyalty to his time and the Cavs called timeout, Love missed the game with an ankle injury. Leonard previously scored 10 points 118 Cavaliers 115; Clippers 98 Nuggets 123; armelo Anthony has teammates and doesn’t want missed a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer James and Irving each scored 29 points in the fi rst three minutes of the fourth Kings 99 Bulls 102; Pacers 100 Jazz 109 been involved in three to be selfi sh and abandon ship played-out Melo-dra- while the team is struggling. Cmas this season and Now, it won’t be easy to move BOTTOMLINE none were directly created by him. Anthony. He has a 15 percent From Phil Jackson saying he trade kicker, worth roughly $9.9 stalls the off ense, to George Karl million, that gets split in half and ripping him in his book and fi - added to his salary for this sea- nally the Charley Rosen article son and next. that led to Anthony announcing But waiving his no-trade might once again he wants to stay with be something he thinks long and Wade inspires Bulls to victory the Knicks, it’s fair to wonder hard about after this season when MCT to one of the more creative que- DeMarcus Cousins, huge why Anthony wants to stay with he’s not dealing with the daily Chicago ries. “I’ve thrown a chair.” with 42 points and 14 rebounds, the Knicks. grind and has more time to talk it Even Hoiberg’s motivational pushed the Kings ahead 99-97 “What makes it easier to get over with his family. tactics were called into question on a diffi cult, driving hoop with through it is because I know all The Knicks, as bad as they obody knows where before Saturday night’s late tipoff 52.4 seconds left. Robin Lopez of it is (expletive),” Anthony told have played lately, are still in the this Bulls season will against the Kings at the Unit- tied it with 36.8 seconds left on Newsday. “That’s why I can come playoff chase, just two games wind up, but it’s pretty ed Center that followed Friday a tip-in of a Butler miss. here and be at peace and still be out going into Saturday’s game clear it will go only as night’s debacle in Atlanta. Such is First, Wade stripped Gar- able to talk to you all about the against the Suns. The goal is still Nfar as Jimmy Butler and Dwyane life in an underwhelming season. rett Temple and sank one of two situation because I know a lot of the playoff s. If they moved An- Wade take it. “Sometimes they do. Some- free throws when offi cials whis- the stuff that’s being said is BS. thony now or before the Feb. 23 Wade scored 13 of his 30 points times they don’t,” Hoiberg said tled Cousins for a questionable And I know if I go back to (man- trade deadline, the Knicks have in the fi nal period, including two on whether angry antics work. touch foul as Wade missed the agement) they’re going to be ‘Oh no shot at the playoff s. steals in the fi nal 20 seconds, as “It’s like the science of a shoot- ensuing break-away dunk. Then we didn’t say that.’ I’ve dealt For all of Anthony’s fl aws, he the Bulls outlasted the Kings, 102- around. Sometimes they have Wade stripped Cousins and fed with that stuff before.” wants to lead the Knicks back 99, in a wild aff air Saturday night great energy in a shootaround, Michael Carter-Williams for a The Knicks are losing, perhaps into the playoff s. He wants to win at the United Center. which we did (Friday) and had break-away dunk with 2.7 sec- heading to their fourth straight in New York. He’s not turning his Wade and Butler, who fi nished two really good practices go- onds left for the fi nal margin. season of missing the playoff s. back on them now, and the front with 23 points, scored 20 of the ing into that game. Obviously, it “I think they made the ab- Anthony often is the scapegoat offi ce shouldn’t turn their backs Bulls’ 27 fourth-quarter points. didn’t carry over.” solute right call,” Cousins said when he doesn’t play hard de- him yet. “We needed it bad,” said What did carry over was sarcastically. “Incredible job by fense or move the ball enough. The Knicks’ focus should be Wade, who made 12 of 15 free Hoiberg’s promised changes, the referee crew tonight. I don’t Yet he gets little credit for what to limit the distractions and play throws and also had four blocks. though they didn’t aff ect the have a complaint in the world.” he does: keeps the Knicks in basketball. If they do move An- “Our performance in Atlanta starting lineup despite Friday’s Said Wade: “The refs saw him many games with his scoring, thony right now it should be to (Friday) was awful. We needed inexcusable opening. Wade, who come close to me and I thought opens up shots for his team- power forward full-time with to play harder.” completed his seventh back- he probably nudged me a little mates because of the attention Kristaps Porzingis starting at Coach Fred Hoiberg appreci- to-back out of 11 possible, even bit. Sometimes you get the call, he receives. center. Anthony’s best position ated the eff ort. “I loved Dwayne’s posted an apology on Twitter. sometimes you don’t.” This won’t change unless the now – and it has been the past mentality,” he said. “I thought he “The fi rst thing Larry Brown After keeping the same start- Knicks start winning. But An- fi ve years – has been at power was aggressive all game long. Our told me when I signed my con- ers, Hoiberg pushed second- thony plans to stick it out. He forward. Bring Joakim Noah off energy (diff erence) was night and tract with the Pacers is he round pick Paul Zipser into a said for the fi rst time in an in- the bench. day from last night.” doesn’t coach eff ort,” Hoiberg sixth-man role and waited un- terview with Newsday that he All that matters, or should Indeed, losses featuring said of his playing days. “It’s til the second quarter to use would “consider” waiving his matter, is doing whatever it takes 34-point defi cits raise plenty about putting a game plan to- Doug McDermott. Zipser fared no-trade clause it if the Knicks to make it to the playoff s. Know of questions. “I don’t know if I gether. Guys have to get them- well with 13 points and three told him “they want to go in a this: the Knicks have a better broke a chair. Chairs are hard to Dwyane Wade (R) of the Chicago Bulls is fouled by Matt Barnes of selves prepared to play together 3-pointers, his second straight diff erent direction.” chance getting there with An- break,” Hoiberg said in response the Sacramento Kings at the United Center. and give an honest eff ort.” game in double fi gures. Anthony isn’t there yet. He thony than without him. Gulf Times Monday, January 23, 2017 7 SPORT

NHL ANALYSIS Locker room social media bad for team, Kings hit road, good for player’s brand

By Barbara Barker, MCT rooms to devolve into a postgame New York reality show. According to a widely reported memo that was distributed to o the coach of the Pitts- teams at the beginning of the year, continue to skid burgh Steelers used a the fi ne for a club’s fi rst social profane word to describe media infraction is $25,000. That ‘The guys did a good job, tied it up. You’ve got to stop the puck and win a battle’ the New England Pa- sum seems laughable if Facebook triots?S This alone isn’t exactly is indeed paying Brown $244,000. groundbreaking news, given And considering how much the that a good portion of the league exposure could help him build his probably feels the same way personal brand, it can be seen as a about the Patriots. fair cost of business. What is groundbreaking is This is something that has to how we learned Steelers coach scare the heck out of media rela- Mike Tomlin’s sentiments con- tions directors in every sport. For cerning the team they are playing athletes, the big appeal of social Sunday in the AFC Champion- media is it lets them have imme- ship Game. Tomlin’s star receiv- diate and direct and unfi ltered er, Antonio Brown, whom The contact with their fans. Yet those Wall Street Journal has reported same attributes also can be a big was getting paid $244,000 by negative, as we seem to see on al- Facebook Live to create video most a weekly basis. content, live-streamed a cel- All four of the major sports ebration that included Tomlin’s leagues require their players to speech from the locker room im- go through some form of social mediately after Pittsburgh’s win media training before the start over the Chiefs in the divisional of the season. The New York round of the playoff s. Giants, for instance, give a dos- The streaming not only vio- and-don’ts list to their rookies. lated the team’s privacy, it vio- Among the pointers: Avoid social lated the NFL’s social media media after a bad loss, keep in- policy, which prohibits players ternal matters private and don’t from using social media from a respond to angry fans. period that begins 90 minutes “My message to anyone on so- before kickoff and ends after tra- cial media is to think twice and ditional media interviews con- hit send once, and I think that’s clude. Brown apologised to his a good place to start,” Ben McA- team, saying he wasn’t aware of doo said shortly after taking over the policy and adding, “I let my as coach. emotions and genuine excite- Of course, there are examples ment get the best of me.” of that not happening on a week- Some social media observers, ly basis. Recently, the Knicks’ however, don’t see his actions as Courtney Lee posted a picture being all that innocent. of the characters from the movie “He wasn’t impulsively doing “Dumb and Dumber’’ on his In- this,” said Robert Thompson, a stagram. Before he took it down, professor of popular culture at it was widely interpreted as Syracuse University’s Newhouse criticism of the Knicks’ coaching School of Public Communica- staff for not starting him. And tions. “Here you have someone who can forget the fl ap over the who has been put on the payroll Miami party boat picture that of Facebook to promote Face- originally was posted to Victor book Live. When someone is Cruz’s Instagram account? paying you that kind of money, A media relations director for you are being hired to produce one New York team said that as content, and if you want to keep part of their media training, they that relationship going, you want show photos and bad tweets and to promote stuff that’s going to talk about the resulting fallout. promote Facebook Live. “Would you want your mom to “In doing that, he let the pri- read this? Would you want your ority of getting a lot of hits over- coach to read this? That’s what come the danger of breaking we tell the players to ask them- New York Islanders defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (L) is checked into the boards by Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Cliff ord during the third period at Barclays Center. team and NFL rules.” selves before pushing the but- During the team’s availabil- ton,” he said. MCT play goal in the fi nal minute. It was the in order to score in this league. It’s good crowd and into the net to knot the score. ity on Wednesday, Brown was While this is sound advice to New York fi fth straight game in which they scored to get shots, I’m not saying don’t get The Kings – after a fast start, a fl uky asked about his deal with Face- anyone, what’s good for a team’s three or more goals. shots. But we’d like to have more quality goal and an anaemic off ensive eff ort de- book. He smiled and respond- image isn’t always the same as “The guys did a good job, tied it up,” shots, defi nitely.” spite a small handful of tangible chanc- ed, “Top secret.” what’s good for a player’s brand. he fi rst power-play goal was an Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said. “It’s sort The Islanders, conversely, capitalized es 0 were awake. They were even, for a Brown also played coy when “If you want to get a million fol- anomaly, and the Los Angeles of the same _ they scored those two pow- on far fewer opportunities. Chimera’s moment or two, in control. Then Derek asked if he will leave his camera lowers, you aren’t going to want to Kings could live with an anomaly. er-plays goals, same things, one either fi rst-period score, which hit Peter Budaj Forbort was called for holding and Lee off the next time the postgame tweet just about mom’s apple pie The second power-play goal a rebound or between the goalie and the in the mask before trickling in, came on tipped a Nick Leddy slap shot by Budaj locker room door is closed. recipes,” Thompson said. Twas a game-winner, which they could defenseman in front. You’ve got to stop their fi rst shot on goal. Lee’s second- 9 minutes and 31 seconds into the third. “I guess you have to wait and Players have to seem edgy not stomach in a 4-2 loss to the New York the puck and win a battle.” period power-play goal was their fi rst in It took just 10 seconds for Forbort to exit see,” Brown said. and unrehearsed and unfi ltered. Islanders at the Barclays Center on Sat- The Kings’ shots piled up, unfl inch- six games – ending an 0-for-21 drought the penalty box, shaking his head as the We also will have to wait and And so we have Antonio Brown urday night. The Kings (22-20-4) faced ingly, as the fi rst 40 minutes ticked by. – and came off a Tavares rebound. Islanders celebrated the decisive goal. see how the NFL reacts to all this, breaking a league rule and the a team that had not scored on the power Fourteen shots on goal in the fi rst period. On the other end of the ice, Jean-Fran- “When you tie it up 2-2 we have all the and my thinking is that they are confi dence of his team to build play in six games, and allowed them to do Fourteen more in the second. But their of- cois Berube extended a more redeeming momentum on our side,” Doughty said. going to have to come down hard his own brand. It will be interest- so three times in fi ve opportunities. Goals fense operated like a metronome: It gener- streak. The Islanders were coming off “It sucks to give up a goal right after that.” if they don’t want their locker ing to see how the NFL reacts. from Jeff Carter and Drew Doughty led a ated shot after shot after shot, but no goals consecutive shutouts by Thomas Greiss late surge, but it was not enough to avoid to cut through a monotonous rhythm. and, when the second ended, had not al- RESULTS a three-game losing streak and a poor “There were 28 shots and I’d say a lowed a goal in eight periods. Hurricanes 2 Blue Jackets 3; Kings 2 REACTION start to a four-game East Coast swing. good 15 of them were just easy saves for But that only lasted for 37 more sec- Islanders 4; Devils 4 Flyers 1; Sabres 3 Anders Lee scored two of the Islanders’ him with guys not in front and guys not onds. Carter gathered a stray puck in Canadiens 2; Senators 3 Maple Leafs 2; power-play goals, Jason Chimera started going into the net,” Doughty said of the front and beat Berube with a backhand- Lightning 3 Coyotes 5; Capitals 4 Stars the scoring in the fi rst and John Tavares fi rst two periods. “We got to look to shoot ed shot. Less than four minutes later, 3; Ducks 3 Wild 5; Oilers 7 Flames 3; Ava- Popovich pops off at scored a hollowed empty-net power- more rebounds and tips and stuff like that Doughty’s slap shot caromed through a lanche 2 Sharks 3 ‘racist’ Trump BOTTOMLINE AFP “That is our president comes Cleveland in with the lowest rating of any- body who ever came into the of- fi ce. an Antonio Spurs head “And there’s a majority of coach Gregg Popo- people out there, since Hillary Furious rally ignites Wild’s win vich took aim at Donald (Clinton) won the popular vote, MCT proved to 19-2-1 since Dec. 4. unit, the No. 2 unit couldn’t re- STrump Saturday, devot- that don’t buy his act.” St. Paul The Wild entered the game gain the momentum. ing nearly half of his pre-game He said Trump should spend 1-5-1 in their previous seven After Jared Spurgeon rimmed news conference to describ- less time attacking his critics home games against the Ducks the puck around the wall, Mi- ing his contempt for the newly and more time trying to bring the ours after Bruce with all six losses by a one-goal kael Granlund gathered the sworn-in American President. country together by ending the Boudreau said half margin. puck along the far boards and Popovich, 67, called Trump a racial and political polarisation kidding he wished the Haula gave the Wild a 1-0 promptly coughed it up to bully, chastised his top advisers in the United States. Wild never had to play lead only 2:35 into the game, but Fowler. The speedy defenseman and praised Saturday’s protests “And I just wish that he was Hthe Anaheim Ducks because he from that point, the Wild were shot out of the zone like a rocket defending the rights of women more mature, enough to do some- doesn’t like playing against guys smothered the rest of the period. and beat Devan Dubnyk on the on Trump’s fi rst day in offi ce. thing that really is inclusive rather he really likes, the Ducks showed The Ducks came to play, came shorthanded breakaway for a 2-1 “It does boggle the mind than just talking and saying, ‘I’m there are no friends on the ice. to hit and came to fi ght. Ducks lead. how somebody can be so thin- going to include everybody.’ The Ducks at Xcel Energy Cent- Kurtis Gabriel, fresh up from Twenty-four seconds later, af- skinned,” Popovich said. “It’s all “He could talk to the groups er ready to battle and ruin Hockey the Iowa farm team as Boudreau ter the Wild drew another power obvious — it’s about him.... It that he disrespected and ma- Day Minnesota’s grand fi nale. sent Tyler Graovac a message play, Ducks goalie John Gibson doesn’t matter what it is, there’s ligned during the primary and Instead, it was the Wild who for his ho-hum play of late, left the game hurt. He actually a pattern there. And that’s dan- really make somebody believe ramped up the intensity in the was lured into a scraps with appeared to be injured seven min- gerous. it. But so far, we’ve got to a point second and third periods to Nick Ritchie right after Gabriel utes earlier when robbing Zach “I’d like to have someone with where you really can’t believe storm back from a two-goal def- turned the puck over in his own Parise’s backhanded chance. gravitas, but he got there through anything that comes out of his icit to beat Boudreau’s old team zone with a 1-0 lead. Less than a minute into the the Electoral College, which is mouth.” for the second time in 13 days, Twelve seconds after the fi ght, second period, defenseman part of our system, and I hope he Popovich said he worries this time 5-3. the score was tied 1-1 when Ste- Marco Scandella took a holding does some good things.” about the eff ect a Trump presi- After Mikael Granlund and fan Noesen buried Cam Fowler’s penalty. On the ensuing penalty, Popovich was speaking on dency will have on young Ameri- Marco Scandella each hit iron for rebound. Ryan Getzlaf circled the back a day that more than one mil- cans. close calls toward an attempted The Ducks were in Minne- of the net, threw a puck in the lion people protested Trump’s “I hope he does a great job, but tying goal, Erik Haula, Ryan Sut- sota’s face the rest of the period, crease and Corey Perry gave the presidency by marching in North there’s a diff erence between re- er and Jason Zucker scored three File picture of Minnesota Wild’s Erik Haula. especially during a ghastly fi rst Ducks a two-goal lead. America and across the world at specting the offi ce of the presi- goals in a span of 1 minute, 59 of two successive power plays. But the Wild responded a series of women’s rallies. dency and who occupies it. seconds late in the third period. to Nino Niederreiter’s defl ected a tough six-game stretch to be- The Wild entered with the through Jason Zucker’s 13th goal “The march today was great,” “And that respect has to be Beginning with 6:21 left, shot in the left trapezoid behind gin January, improved to 2-1 on NHL’s top-ranked home pow- of the season. The Wild buzzed Popovich said. “That message is earned. But it’s hard to be re- Haula, who also scored in the the net and banked it in off goalie a homestand that ends Sunday er play and tied for the fewest after that and started creat- important and it could have been spectful of someone when we fi rst period, redirected Suter’s Jonathan Bernier. Not long after, night against Nashville. short-handed goals allowed in ing chance after chance as they a whole lot of groups march- all have kids and we’re watching slap pass from the high slot. Zucker buried his second of the Its point streak against the the league (one). Maybe the Wild gained momentum from Zuck- ing. And somebody said on TV, him be misogynistic and xeno- Only 36 seconds later, Suter, af- night on a breakaway. Western Conference improved was due for a doozy because af- er’s goal. And they went on to ‘What’s their message?’ Well, phobic and racist and make fun ter an odd-man rush, caught up The Wild, who went 5-0-1 on to 15 games (13-0-2) as it im- ter a terrible shift by the No. 1 win the game. their message is obvious. of handicapped people.” Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 23, 2017 SPORT

QATAR TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP BAD LUCK Engine failure ruins Qatar’s al-Hamad’s Qatar’s al-Khelaifi Prototype 3x3 takes double win Endurance outing in opening round ‘It was a great race as Mansoor is getting very close to my timings. I managed to fix the car and after that I got my timings better so I am able to take the win’ Qatar driver Amro al-Hamad in action during the race.

By Sports Reporter on in the lap he had a spin and the Dubai car and it cut out, he and had to be pulled back to the pits to restart the engine.” his was an exciting op- During the fi rst part of race portunity for Qatar two the car suff ered a split tim- driver Amro al-Ha- ing belt with Belotti at the wheel, Tmad in this new series and the car had to be towed back formed as part of a busy week to the pits where it retired from of racing with a triple-header of the race. three-hour mini endurance races Race three started at 4:00pm at Dubai Autodrome. on Wednesday with Nick Adcock Amro, racing the production taking the fi rst stint and the car, sportscars WolfGB08 for the then Amro took over one hour Italian factory team Avelon For- later where he climbed to fi rst mula Racing, he was joined in the in the CN class and fi fth overall #46 car with British South Afri- when the car suff ered a spectac- ca based driver Nick Adcock and ular engine blow out just before Italian driver Guglielmo Belloti. turn 10, this was unfortunately Free practice on Tuesday a race ending failure resulting morning gave all the the drivers a in another DNF for the Avelon chance to familiarise themselves Team despite their best eff orts. with the new series rules and “It has been a bit of a roller qualifying later in the day saw coaster ride to be honest and the the car placed fourth in the class car didn’t play the game. But I am for race one start. Amro started happy as I took the car from last off the weekend in a confi dent position to 4th overall after an mood having had a lot of experi- hour and half of hard work dur- ence at the circuit and also in the ing race one. I wish to thank all car during previous race events. the team for doing a diffi cult job Race one started on Tuesday trying to fi x the car, as we had a afternoon at 2:00pm and Amro lot of issues, this format of racing had to start from last place in the took its toll on a lot of the cars, so pit lane, due to the lengthy re- hopefully we will have more time pairs to the car after qualifying. to fi x issues in the next rounds, “In the fi rst race, I handed the but this was all rushed into just 2 car over to Nick, but restarting the days which was very hectic.” car after the refuelling had been a “I wish to thank the QMMF for challenge for my team mate Nick the support and to all my friends and we lost a lot of time to restart and family it means a lot to me to the car and lost our position, later represent Qatar at these events.”

Qatar’s Abdullah al-Khelaifi crossing the finish line during the Qatar Touring Car Championship race at the Losail International Circuit. BOXING

By Sports Reporter tion during the entire race. a long fi ght with Mansoor to get the fi rst he had to struggle a lot before managing Doha “The race was great. I had a good start position. The reverse grid also made it third position. from pole position and as I expected, Ab- harder for me to get Mansoor because of “I had a tough race, the reverse grid was Pacquiao willing to dullah fi xed his problem and he is much all the other cars around. great, of course it is hard to catch cup with atari driver Abdullah al- better now. I fi xed an air kit to my car for “But eventually one mistake cost him the fi rst and second. Also, I had overheat- Khelaifi won both races of the the fi rst time it improved the handling a the race, but he is getting faster and ing in my engine and I had to reduce my fi ght McGregor Qatar Touring Car Champion- lot. But I am not used to it and I tried to we have more fun competing with him. speed. I returned back to sixth position Qship yesterday at Losail Inter- stay behind Abdullah as much as possible, Also, Omran had a problem with his car and only manage to get to third position national Circuit. but he is really fast,” al-Hajri said. so I think that if that wasn’t the issue we on the last turn,”Omran said. Al-Khelaifi started from the second row The third place on the podium went to would have had a three-way battle for the The fourth position was for George as he had some electrical problems during Omran Karama who was very happy with fi rst position,” said the double winner. Coleman. the practice session and couldn’t clock a his position taking into account the prob- Mansoor al-Hajri ended again in sec- “It was a very interesting start from the good lap time. But on race day he managed lems he had with his car. ond position. back, the reverse grid is really an interest- to fi x his car and took the lead immediately “It was a good race, even with the prob- “With the reverse grid, the second race ing way of doing it. During a lot of time, after the green light. lems I had, but I cannot complain. was even more fun and also Abdullah and Shady, Omran and myself were fi ghting “It was a great race with tough compe- “The weather is fi ne, a bit dusty but myself were faster. We had fun at the be- and I managed to hold third position for tition as Mansoor was getting very close happy with my third place,” Karama said. ginning of the fi rst laps and after that I a while until Omran passed me just four to my timings. In fact he did the fastest lap The second race added more excite- made a little mistake and Abdullah found corners before the end. Let’s see how it today. We had a lot of fun, he was fastest ment with the reverse starting grid, as the the gap and it was hard for me to catch up goes in the next round,” said Coleman. in one section and I was in another. I man- fastest drivers starting from the back had with him. As the qualifying session is also taken aged to fi x the car and after that I got my to work away their way to the front. Al- “He is really fast but overall I am very into account for the points, al-Khelaifi timings better,” al-Khelaifi said after the Khelaifi started from the third row togeth- happy with the fi rst round results and and al-Hajri are leading with 28 points. race. er with al-Hajri and both of them fought hopefully in the next round I can give more Karama is third with 25 points and Shady This file photo shows Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao during a Mansoor al-Hajri was on pole position hard to reach the fi rst positions before al- challenge,” al-Hajri said. El Mohandes fourth with 19 points. training session at a gym in Manila. but was overtaken by al-Khelaifi just at Khelaifi fi nally again took victory. Karama had a diffi cult second race as The next round of the Qatar Touring the start and maintained the second posi- ‘It was really diff erent this race, I had his problems with his car continued and Car Championship is on February 3 and 4. AFP Mayweather, 39. Manila In late November McGregor was issued a boxing license in the CYCLING state of California in a develop- BO welterweight ment that fuelled speculation world champion about a future showdown with Manny Pacquiao Mayweather. Wis willing to square Mayweather told ESPN’s First up with mixed martial arts star Take programme that a McGre- Conor McGregor if his poten- gor bout was the only thing that Porte wins fi rst Tour Down Under tial superfi ght with Floyd May- could tempt him back into the Reuters Standings “I owe each day of racing suc- weather fails to materialise, a ring. Adelaide cessfully here to my team mates. spokesman said yesterday. UFC boss Dana White also Standings from the WorldTour They took me to the line every But the Filipino boxing hero- added further fuel to the fi re this Ranking (Top 10) day and it’s a massive credit to turned-senator stressed that any month when he off ered to pay ustralia’s Richie Porte 1. Richie Porte (Australia / BMC them. It was a dream for me to fi ght with McGregor would have each $25 million, along with a won his fi rst Tour Racing) 660 win this race.” to be a boxing bout, not an MMA cut of pay-per-view proceeds, to Down Under yester- 2. Esteban Chaves (Colombia / BMC’s Porte had extended his contest. fi ght — an off er that Mayweather day when he fi nished Orica) 420 lead to 48 seconds when he won “If McGregor will fi ght me later batted down. Abehind compatriot Caleb Ewan the 151.5 kilometre fi fth stage in boxing, why not? But not in Pacquiao has previously par- 3. Jay McCarthy (Australia / in a bunch sprint on the fi nal BORA) 325 from McLaren Vale to the sum- MMA. MMA is much diff er- layed his sporting fame into a ca- 90-kilometre sixth stage around 4. Nathan Haas (Australia / mit of Willunga Hill on Saturday. ent than boxing,” a spokesman reer in politics, getting elected to the streets of Adelaide. Dimension Data) 300 While essentially a proces- quoted Pacquiao as saying a few the infl uential Philippine Senate Orica-Scott’s Ewan out- 5. Caleb Ewan (Australia / sion for Porte’s victory, the fi - days ago. last year while still continuing to sprinted world champion Peter Orica) 250 nal stage, which comprised 20 “The fi ght can be at the box professionally. Sagan to clinch his fourth stage 6. Diego Ulissi (Italy / UAE Abu laps on central Adelaide streets, 140-pound weight division. My The Filipino southpaw had on this year’s Tour, joining Ger- Dhabi) 225 featured an early breakaway by normal weight when I’m not on briefl y retired from the ring after many’s Andre Greipel (2028) 7. Rohan Dennis (Australia / Belgium’s Tomas De Gendt and training is just 141or 142 pounds,” beating American Tim Bradley in and Australia’s Robbie McEwen BMC Racing) 175 Italy’s Gianluca Brambilla, who he said. Las Vegas in April but soon made (2002) as the only riders to have 8. Rafael Valls (Spain / Lotto) established a 30-second lead Both Pacquiao, 38, and Mc- a comeback, saying he still felt won four stages in the same race. 150 before they were hauled in. Gregor, 28, have been trying to like a youngster. The 31-year-old Porte, who had 9. Robert Gesink (Netherlands Seven others managed to get lure the retired Mayweather back In his last fi ght in November, fi nished second in the race the last / LottoNL) 125 away from the peloton about into the boxing ring. Pacquiao reclaimed the World two years, was 48 seconds ahead 10. Wilco Kelderman (Nether- halfway through the stage, es- For Pacquiao, it would be a Boxing Organization welter- of Colombian climber Esteban lands / Sunweb) 100 tablishing a 58-second gap and chance to avenge his defeat to weight title for the third time Chavas, with Australia’s Jay Mc- Australian rider and race leader Richie Porte of team BMC Racing held on until the penultimate Mayweather at their long-await- with a unanimous-decision vic- Carthy given third overall, three holds the trophy as he celebrates winning the Tour Down Under. lap when the last of the seven — ed showdown in 2015. tory over former champion Jesse seconds further back. porters. “I had a good break and New Zealand’s Jack Bauer — was Meanwhile Ireland’s McGre- Vargas in Las Vegas. Nathan Haas, who had started Porte, who broke his shoul- Down Under title. I came here fresh, physically and reeled in for a fi nal bunch sprint. gor, the fi rst man to simulta- Pacquiao has been engaged in the fi nal stage in third, was cred- der in a crash during the Rio Ol- “After crashing in Rio and in- mentally. The six-stage race around neously hold Ultimate Fight- ongoing talks with his American ited with the same time as Mc- ympics road race, said having a juring myself in a nasty crash, it “It’s incredible to come back South Australia is the fi rst event ing Championship titles in two promoter about a possible fi ght Carthy, who took the podium on break after the Games had been wasn’t too hard to motivate my- here and win... after being so on the 2017 UCI WorldTour cal- weight divisions, has fl oated the with Australian Jeff Horn later countback. key to him claiming his fi rst Tour self for this race,” Porte told re- close in the last two years. endar. idea of taking on the undefeated this year. Gulf Times Monday, January 23, 2017 9 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Penalty drama sees Arsenal go second, Chelsea extend lead Costa takes his Chelsea tally for the season to 15 goals, as leaders win 2-0 against Hull; Southampton beat Leicester

AFP London

iego Costa marked his return to Chel- sea duty by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Hull yesterday that saw the Premier League leaders go eightD points clear after Arsenal went second by coming through late penalty drama. Brazil-born Spain forward Costa, who yes- terday took his Chelsea tally for the season to 15 goals, missed last weekend’s 3-0 win at Leices- ter City due to a back complaint. But Costa, the Blues’ leading scorer this term, was reported to have had a training-ground row with fi tness coach Julio Tous, amid speculation he had been the subject of a mega-money off er from Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian. Following a sickening clash of heads between Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Hull’s Ryan Mason, Costa struck in the seventh minute of fi rst- half stoppage-time when he turned in Victor Moses’s cross. Hull, belying their position of second-bottom in the table, pushed Chelsea hard and might have had a penalty before Cahill sealed victory for the hosts nine minutes from time at Stamford Bridge when he ran on unchal- lenged to head in Cesc Fabregas’s free-kick. Earlier in London, 10-man Arsenal beat Burnley 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in a match where both sides scored penalties in stoppage- time. Shkodran Mustafi ’s fi rst Arsenal goal put the home side 1-0 up in the 59th minute. That was still the score when, in the third of seven minutes of time added on, Burnley’s Ash- ley Barnes was fouled inside the area by Francis Coquelin and referee Jon Moss awarded a pen- alty. Andre Gray, a childhood Arsenal fan, scored POINTS TABLE

(played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (left) celebrates with against, points): Nacho Monreal after scoring a 98th-minute Chelsea 22 18 1 3 47 15 55 penalty winner against Burnley at the Arsenal 22 14 5 3 50 23 47 Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. (AFP) Tottenham 22 13 7 2 45 16 46 Liverpool 22 13 6 3 51 27 45 Man City 22 13 4 5 43 28 43 from the ensuing spot-kick but there was more “We couldn’t get the second goal, we played league defeats with a 3-0 win at home to strug- RESULTS Man Utd 22 11 8 3 33 21 41 drama to come. with 10 men and they (Burnley) played well as gling champions Leicester. Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 59, Sanchez 90+7-pen) Burnley Everton 22 10 6 6 33 23 36 With virtually the last attack of the game, well. Every week and every game is an unbeliev- Goals from James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rod- 1 (Gray 90+3-pen); Chelsea 2 (Costa 45+7, Cahill 81) West Brom 22 9 5 8 30 28 32 Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny was caught by Ben able fi ght for everybody.” riguez gave the Saints a 2-0 interval lead before Hull 0; Southampton 3 (Ward-Prowse 26, Rodriguez Stoke 22 7 7 8 28 34 28 Mee’s high foot as he attempted to head in and Burnley manager Sean Dyche insisted Arse- Dusan Tadic’s penalty four minutes from time 39, Tadic 86-pen) Leicester 0 West Ham 22 8 4 10 29 36 28 Moss once more pointed to the spot. Alexis nal’s decisive penalty ought not to have been rounded off a comfortable win at St Mary’s. Played Saturday Southampton 22 7 6 9 22 26 27 Sanchez, showing remarkable nerve, chipped awarded because Koscielny was off side. “We Leicester’s 11th defeat of the season left them Bournemouth 2 (King 48, Afobe 82) Watford 2 Bournemouth 22 7 5 10 32 39 26 a penalty down the middle to give the Gunners know how tough this division is but you need just fi ve points above the relegation zone (Kabasele 24, Deeney 64); Crystal Burnley 22 8 2 12 24 33 26 three valuable points. By that stage Arsenal offi cials to make the right decisions and that is Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri blamed him- Palace 0 Everton 1 (Coleman 87); Liverpool 2 Watford 22 6 6 10 25 38 24 manager Arsene Wenger had been sent off after the shame today,” he said. Victory saw Arsenal self for the club’s latest loss and promised to (Firmino 55, 69) Swansea 3 (Llorente 48, 52, Leicester 22 5 6 11 24 37 21 his furious reaction to Burnley’s penalty. leapfrog both Liverpool, beaten 3-2 by Swansea revert to the formation that proved so success- Sigurdsson 74); Manchester City 2 (Sane 49, De Middlesbrough 22 4 8 10 18 25 20 Arsenal had to play the fi nal 25 minutes down on Saturday, and Tottenham Hotspur, held to a ful during their shock title triumph last season. Bruyne 54) Tottenham 2 (Alli 58, Son 77); Swansea 22 5 3 14 26 51 18 to 10 men after midfi elder Granit Xhaka was 2-2 draw by Manchester City, in the table. “The players are used to 4-4-1-1 and know the Middlesbrough 1 (Stuani 27) West Ham 3 (Carroll 9, Crystal Palace 22 4 4 14 30 41 16 shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge Southampton marked their fi rst match since positions but I made a mistake,” he said. “I think 43, Calleri 90+4); Stoke 1 (Mata 19-og) Hull 22 4 4 14 20 47 16 on Steven Defour. “We fi nally got the win but of former captain Jose Fonte’s £8mn move to West it is much better to give them what they know Manchester United 1 (Rooney 90+4); West Brom 2 Sunderland 22 4 3 15 20 42 15 course it was very diffi cult for us,” Wenger said. Ham on Friday by ending a run of four straight well.” (Fletcher 30, Brunt 36) Sunderland 0

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Sevilla maintain pressure on Madrid Calhanoglu breaks

AFP were the hosts that the club released a penalty curse Madrid statement after the match saying they will present a formal complaint to the AFP means “Chicharito” has now Spanish football authorities over referee Berlin gone 1,200 minutes without evilla produced another late Xavier Estrada Fernandez’s display. scoring for Leverkusen. His last fi ghtback to remain just one Sarabia’s fi ne left-footed shot from goal was in a 2-0 win over Dort- point behind La Liga leaders Real outside the area sealed the points, but akan Calhanoglu fi - mund on October 1. Madrid after twice coming from there was still time for Osasuna to pull nally broke Bayer At the other end, only a su- behindS to edge out rock bottom Osasuna another goal back when Kenan Kodro Leverkusen’s penalty perb save from Leverkusen goal- 4-3 yesterday. headed in from close range. Victory curse this season with keeper Bernd Leno denied Her- However, Atletico Madrid lost further takes Sevilla four points clear of Barce- Hthe fi rst of his two goals in yes- tha striker Vedad Ibisevic from ground on the top three as they needed a lona in second, but the champions can terday’s 3-1 Bundesliga win at close range with 25 minutes to go. spectacular Antoine Griezmann equal- cut that gap back to one by winning at home to Hertha Berlin. Leverkusen put the result beyond iser 10 minutes from time to secure a 2-2 Eibar in a late match last night. The Turkish international doubt when Kevin Kampl was al- draw at Athletic Bilbao. Atletico are now seven points back on winger drilled home from the lowed to put in a cross unchal- Sevilla scored twice in the fi nal fi ve Sevilla after sharing the spoils in a pul- spot on 36 minutes to put his side lenged and left winger Calha- minutes to end Real Madrid’s 40-game sating 2-2 draw in Bilbao. The visitors 2-0 up — holding his nerve after noglu crashed his shot home on unbeaten run in all competitions last got off to the perfect start when Koke’s Leverkusen had failed to convert 88 minutes for the three points. weekend and have now won fi ve of the cross towards Griezmann evaded every- all fi ve spot-kicks they had been The result lifts Leverkusen to seven La Liga games when they have one and fl ew into the far corner after just previously awarded this season. eighth while Hertha fi nish the conceded fi rst this season. three minutes. Calhanoglu, who had a penalty weekend dropping from third to “The team did some good things and However, Atletico were punished for saved in November’s 3-2 defeat fi fth. Later, Mainz dropped to made mistakes, but from start to fi n- trying to sit on their lead when Inigo to RB Leipzig, slotted home after 11th after being held to a goalless ish looked to win the game,” said Se- Lekue smashed home an equaliser in off a handball from Berlin defender draw at home to Cologne, who villa boss Jorge Sampaoli. Victory also the underside of the bar three minutes Marvin Plattenhardt on a Julian remain three points outside the ensured Sevilla end the fi rst half of the before half-time. Athletic then went in Brandt cross. “I am very relieved. top six. campaign with a record 42 points. front as former Atletico favourite Raul I could feel a bit of pressure, but Leaders Bayern Munich main- “To fi nish the fi rst half of the season Garcia crossed for Oscar de Marcos to I know I can score penalties,” tained their three-point lead at with a record number of points and be head home. said the 22-year-old Calhanoglu, the top of the table with a 2-1 win second fi lls us with excitement for what Griezmann had already had one spec- who scored his fi rst double in the at Freiburg on Friday thanks to is to come,” added Sampaoli. Sergio tacular fi nish ruled out by the off side Bundesliga. two Robert Lewandowski goals. Leon got across his marker to turn a low fl ag, but the French international con- “We took our chances and cross into the far post after just 15 min- tinued his fi ne form with a rasping low everything fi tted together today.” RESULTS utes to give Osasuna a shock lead. drive from 25 yards to at least salvage a Leverkusen took the lead in Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Toprak 12, Iborra got the fi rst of his unusual hat- point for Diego Simeone’s men. scrappy style at the BayArena Calhanoglu 36, 88) Hertha Berlin 1 trick two minutes before half-time as when Turkey defender Omer To- (Stocker 44); Mainz 0 Cologne 0 he followed up to sweep home Stevan RESULTS prak stabbed home on 12 minutes Played Saturday: Schalke 1 Jovetic’s cross after his initial spectacu- Osasuna 3 (Leon 15, Iborra 63-og, Kodro after Javier Hernandez had failed (Burgstaller 90+2) Ingolstadt 0; lar volley came back off the post. The 90+3) Sevilla 4 (Iborra 43, 65, Vazquez 80, to connect with his shot. Cal- Wolfsburg 1 (Gomez 83) Hamburg Sevilla captain was the centre of atten- Sarabia 90+2); Athletic Bilbao 2 (Lekue 42, hanoglu’s penalty made it 2-0 0; Augsburg 0 Hoff enheim 2 tion early in the second-half as he inad- De Marcos 56) Atletico Madrid 2 (Koke 3, before Berlin’s Swiss midfi elder (Wagner 47, Kramaric 64); Werder vertantly defl ected a cross looping over Griezmann 80) Valentin Stocker pulled a goal Bremen 1 (Bartels 59) Borussia the head of Sergio Rico to briefl y restore Played Saturday: Espanyol 3 (Reyes 10, back just before the break when Dortmund 2 (Schuerrle 5, Piszc- Osasuna’s lead before heading home at Piatti 32, Navarro 48) Granada 1 (Pereira he fi red home at the post from a zek 71); Darmstadt 0 Borussia the other end to make amends two min- 23); Real Madrid 2 (Ramos 35, 43) Malaga 1 corner and it fi nished 2-1 at the Moenchengladbach 0; RB Leipzig 3 utes later. (Juanpi 63); Alaves 2 (Laguardia 11, Edgar break. (Compper 6, Werner 45+4, Vallejo Osasuna were infuriated when 51) Leganes 2 (Guerrero 45, Insua 84); Vil- Berlin’s USA internation- 67-og) Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Vazquez’s goal was allowed to stand larreal 0 Valencia 2 (Soler 35, Mina 42) al John Anthony Brooks then Played Friday: Freiburg 1 (Haberer despite a push on Oriol Riera to fi nally Friday: Las Palmas 1 (García 13) Deportivo Sevilla’s Vicente Iborra (right) and Pablo Sarabia celebrate after their team’s third goal cleared Hernandez’s header off 5) Bayern Munich 2 (Lewandowski give Sevilla the lead. Indeed, so enraged La Coruna 1 (Andone 69) during the Spanish La Liga match against Osasuna in Pamplona, Spain. (AFP) the line on 57 minutes, which 35, 90+1) Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 23, 2017 FOOTBALL

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Balotelli: Juventus humble Lazio, Is racism legal in France? Inter edge Palermo Reuters Paris

Allegri, an often pragmatic coach, fields an ultra-attacking line up and it quickly pays off furious Mario Balo- telli asked fans whether Reuters racism was ‘legal in Turin France’ after the Nice strikerA accused Bastia support- ers of abusing him during his erie A leaders Juventus brushed aside Lazio team’s 1-1 Ligue 1 draw on Fri- 2-0 yesterday after coach Massimiliano Al- day, prompting a French League legri threw caution to the wind in response investigation. The Italian posted to criticism following last weekend’s re- a message on his Instagram page verseS at Fiorentina. on Saturday, saying the incident Allegri, an often pragmatic coach, fi elded an was a “real shame”. ultra-attacking line up and it quickly paid off as “Yesterday the result against his side stunned sleepy Lazio with early goals from Bastia was right... we will work Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain on the way to more and try to get our objec- a 27th straight home league win. “I don’t spend tive... the referee was good, too, much time on theories, I just put my ideas onto the but I have a question for French pitch even if they are weird,” Allegri told reporters. people... Is it normal that Bastia “This is one of the solutions we came up with and supporters make monkey noise the lads have given me a great response.” and ‘uh-uh’ for the whole game Juve have 48 points, four ahead of AS Roma, who and no-one of the “commissions have also played 20 games before hosting Cagliari discipline” say nothing?,” Balo- late last night. Napoli have 44 after a 2-1 win at AC telli, on loan from Liverpool this Milan on Saturday while Lazio are fourth, a fur- season, wrote. ther four points back after 21 matches. Juve started “So is racism LEGAL in with three forwards plus winger Juan Cuadrado France? Or only in Bastia? Foot- and switched to a four-man defence as Allegri re- ball is an amazing sport... those sponded to criticism of a lacklustre display after a people like Bastia supporters 2-1 loss in Florence. make it horrible.” Dybala broke the deadlock fi ve minutes into the In a statement on their web- match when he met Mario Mandzukic’s header site, Nice gave their full support at an awkward height and fi red home a low volley to Balotelli, adding that stones from outside the area. His fellow Argentine Hi- had been thrown at their team guain added the second when he caught two de- bus ahead of the game. “We are fenders napping and got in between them to turn shocked to learn of the behaviour home Juan Cuadrado’s cross for his 14th league towards our players, especially goal this season. Balotelli. The club congratulates Higuain had another eff ort disallowed while de- them for remaining calm and not reacting and give them their full support,” Nice said in a state- POINTS TABLE ment on their website. The French League (LFP) said (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals it would investigate the inci- against, points): dents in its next disciplinary 1. Juventus 20 16 0 4 42 16 48 commission meeting on Thurs- 2. Napoli 21 13 5 3 47 24 44 day. Later on Saturday, it added 3. Roma 20 14 2 4 41 18 44 that it was sending footage from 4. Lazio 21 12 4 5 35 24 40 BeIN Sport TV channel, showing 5. Inter Milan 21 12 3 6 34 23 39 some Bastia fans racially abusing 6. AC Milan 20 11 4 5 31 24 37 Balotelli, to its disciplinary com- 7. Atalanta 20 11 2 7 32 24 35 Juventus’ Paulo Dybala (left) and Lazio’s Marco Parolo vie for the ball during the Italian Serie A match at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy. (Reuters) mission. Bastia were docked two 8. Fiorentina 20 9 6 5 33 25 33 points by the LFP in the 2007-8 9. Torino 21 8 6 7 38 31 30 fender Leonardo Bonucci turned the ball just wide up to fi fth on 39 points. adrift of the safety zone, and Pescara, who are a season after fans racially abused 10. Bologna 20 7 5 8 20 25 26 from a cross by the Argentine after charging for- Bologna’s Blerim Dzemaili scored twice in a further point behind at the bottom. a Libourne St Serin player dur- 11. Cagliari 20 8 2 10 31 44 26 ward before halftime. 2-0 win over fading Torino, who were without ing a Ligue 2 game. “Having not 12. Udinese 21 7 4 10 25 28 25 Inter Milan notched their sixth successive suspended top scorer Andrea Belotti. Alessandro RESULTS been informed last night, by 13. Chievo 21 7 4 10 21 30 25 league win after Joao Mario came off the bench to Matri also scored twice as Sassuolo won 3-1 at Juventus 2 (Dybala 5, Higuain 17) Lazio 0; Empoli 1 the referee, the delegates or any 14. Sassuolo 21 7 3 11 31 35 24 score the only goal of their game at Palermo, played bottom club Pescara, the second a volley from an (Mchedlidze 82) Udinese 0; Bologna 2 (Dzemaili 43, 83) member of OGC Nice, that any 15. Sampdoria 20 6 6 8 22 26 24 in torrential rain. Inter’s Cristian Ansaldi and Pal- impossible angle which appeared to be intended as Torino 0; Palermo 0 Inter Milan 1 (Mario 65); Pescara incident had occurred, it is with 16. Genoa 21 6 6 9 24 29 24 ermo’s Alessandro Gazzi were sent off in the last 10 a cross. 1 (Bahebeck 56) Sassuolo 3 (Matri 1, 73, Pellegrini 65); amazement that we discover al- 17. Empoli 21 5 6 10 12 26 21 minutes as some wild tackles fl ew on a the slippery Genoa’s Giovanni Simeone, son of Atletico Genoa 2 (Simeone 43, Ocampos 66-pen) Crotone 2 legations damaging the image of 18. Crotone 20 2 4 14 16 36 10 surface. Robin Quaison had the ball in the net for Madrid coach Diego, scored but they were twice (Ceccherini 54, Ferrari 74) Sporting (Bastia),” the club said 19. Palermo 21 2 4 15 17 41 10 Palermo late on but his eff ort was disallowed be- pegged back in a 2-2 draw with visiting Crotone. Played Saturday: Chievo 0 Fiorentina 3 (Tello 18, in a statement sent to Reuters. 20. Pescara 20 1 6 13 16 39 9 cause the referee had not authorised Alessandro Relegation already appears a foregone conclusion Babacar 52-pen, Chiesa 90+4); AC Milan 1 (Kucka 37) Bastia said it was for the LFP to Diamanti to take the free kick. The win took Inter for Palermo and Crotone, with both sides 11 points Napoli 2 (Insigne 6, Callejon 9) shed light on the incidents.

Gyan takes Ghana through LIGUE 1 as Uganda dumped out Monaco thrash Lorient to take lead

Port-Gentil, Gabon: Asamoah Gyan headed Ghana AFP into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations Paris on Saturday while Uganda were condemned to an early exit after an agonising defeat to Egypt in Port-Gentil. abriel Boschilia and Valere Ger- Gyan scored the only goal of the first match main both struck twice as a ram- of the day in a Group D double-header in the Ga- pant Monaco routed bottom side bonese port city, securing a 1-0 win for the Black Lorient 4-0 yesterday to climb two Gpoints clear of Nice at the top of Ligue 1. Stars against Mali. On an awful pitch, seven-time African champions Egypt had substitute Abdallah Brazilian striker Boschilia netted a brace El Said to thank for the 89th-minute eff ort that inside the opening half hour as Monaco gave them a 1-0 win over Uganda, who become punished slack Lorient defending in driv- the first team to be eliminated. ing rain at the Stade Louis II before Germain Four-time winners Ghana, the runners-up in curled in a third on 37 minutes. The French- 2015, are one of only two teams to have clinched man then grabbed his second on the hour qualification for the quarter-finals with a match to as Leonardo Jardim’s free-scoring side col- spare, the others being Senegal. “In tournaments lected a fi fth win in six games to claim the you need to be winning games and that is what we outright lead, following Nice’s 1-1 draw at did today,” said Gyan, who has now scored at six Bastia on Friday. consecutive Cup of Nations tournaments. Third are Paris Saint-Germain, three “We are satisfied about our performance. points behind Monaco, and the two go head Whether we play an excellent game or not, at to head in the French capital next weekend the end of the day we just want to win and move in a championship six-pointer. “We had forward.” a very good fi rst half and we managed the After back-to-back 1-0 wins, Avram Grant’s side game well today,” said Jardim, who singled will secure top spot by avoiding defeat when out Boschilia for praise. they play Egypt in their last group match on “I played him today because he is a qual- Wednesday. The teams had been prevented from Ghana’s forward Asamoah Gyan (left) celebrates ity player who works hard,” added Jardim, warming-up on the pitch in order to prevent the with team staff after their win over Mali in the before hitting out a fi xture schedule which damaged surface from further deteriorating, and Africa Cup of Nations match on Saturday. (AFP) sees Monaco in action again on Wednesday when the game began it was Ghana who adapted in a League Cup semi-fi nal at home to Nan- quickest to the conditions. stalemate until Mohamed Salah set up substitute cy. Monaco face a busy run of games over the Andre Ayew should have put the ball in the net El Said to lash home. next month as they compete on four fronts Monaco’s Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (left) and Alhassan Wakaso of Lorient go for rather than poke wide from a Christian Atsu assist, Back at the tournament for the first time since at home and in Europe. a header during the French Ligue 1 match in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) before the goal arrived in the 21st minute. winning a third consecutive trophy in 2010, the Boschilia made the most of a rare start Gyan headed in a Jordan Ayew cross for his Pharaohs have not impressed so far in Gabon but by hooking home in the 24th minute af- the striker in behind the defence with Le- mittee said it will look into the incidents. eighth goal at the Cup of Nations — his first came are now within touching distance of the last eight. ter Lorient goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte comte again beaten between his legs. Lori- Lyon were hosting Marseille in late game last on home soil in 2008 — and Ghana then soaked up “It was diff icult on that pitch and in this climate but failed to adequately deal with Radamel Fal- ent remain two points adrift at the foot of night as both teams look to return to win- Malian pressure after the break. we won and that is the important thing,” admitted cao’s looping header in the box. Lecomte the table. ning ways after their respective four-game Mali, who were eliminated from the group stage Cuper. It was a crushing blow for the Ugandans, was again culpable four minutes later when On Saturday, Edinson Cavani scored winning streaks were brought to a halt last after a drawing of lots in 2015, must now beat who lost 1-0 to Ghana through a penalty in their Boschilia found the net from the edge of the both goals, taking his tally this season to 20, weekend. Uganda in their last match and hope Egypt lose if first match and looked certain to take a point area as the ball rolled through the legs of the as PSG snapped Nantes’ four-game win- they are to stay in the competition. “The players against Egypt before the late goal. Bottom of the visiting goalkeeper. ning run with a 2-0 victory at the Stade de RESULTS are disappointed but not completely knocked group without a point, their first appearance at the Lorient paid the price for more sloppy la Beaujoire. Arnaud Souquet earned Nice Monaco 4 (Boschilia 24, 28, Germain 37, 59) down. They will be ready to lift their heads for the Cup of Nations since 1978 will stop at the group play as Falcao won the ball back deep in the a point against Bastia in Corsica on Friday, Lorient 0; St Etienne 2 (A. Bamba 51 ‘(OG) , L. last match,” said the Mali coach Alain Giresse. stage, regardless of what they do against Mali in visitors’ half before fi ring against the base of equalising with a header after Prince Oni- Perrin 74) Angers 1 (M Pavlović 17 ) Egypt need only a point to be sure of their Oyem on Wednesday. the post. The ball rebounded back to Ger- angue had given the hosts an early lead in Played Saturday: Nantes 0 Paris SG 2 (Cavani progress after taking their chance when it came “We have come after 39 years and paid for the main, who steered neatly into the far corner. a game marred by what Italy striker Mario 21, 65); Metz 2 (Diabate 14, 19) Montpellier 0; with a minute left against the Ugandans. Hector lesson in a hard way. If you lose in a convincing Germain rounded out a thumping win 14 Balotelli said was persistent racial abuse di- Guingamp 1 (Diallo 39) Rennes 1 (Gourcuff 46); Cuper’s side had drawn 0-0 with Mali in their first way you accept it, but in this way it is very hard to minutes into the second half after Lorient rected at him from the home fans. Dijon 0 Lille 0; Bordeaux 1 (Vada 1) Toulouse 0 match and were heading for another goalless accept,” said Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic. skipper Michael Ciani was dispossessed by The Nice bus was also pelted with stones Friday: Bastia 1 (Oniangue 17) Nice 1 (Souquet Djibril Sidibe. The France full-back slipped and the French league’s disciplinary com- 33) Gulf Times Monday, January 23, 2017 11 AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP

THE BIG ONE SPOTLIGHT Salzburg bulldoze Aspire prove Bayern in opening day thriller

By Sports Reporter ic, who coolly stroked the ball into the their worth with Doha bottom corner to make the score 1-1. The second half started slowly, as both teams adopted a more patient ap- ed Bull Salzburg completed an proach, with Salzburg creating fewer impressive comeback against chances as Bayern looked to regain German heavyweights FC their lead. Bayern Munich in the second The match became increasingly gameR of Al Kass 2017. A calm fi nish physical as tiredness crept in and tem- victory over Raja and an impressive set-piece secured pers fl ared, and in the 64th minute Ve- the Austrian side a vital win, with their sel Demaku was fouled on the edge of high intensity, attacking football prov- the Bayern box. A free kick in a danger- Abdulrasheed Ibrahim and Mekki Tombari score in home team’s 2-1 win ing too much for Bayern to withstand. ous area provided the perfect oppor- Both sides started strongly, display- tunity for Salzburg to complete their ing confi dence on the ball and an ability comeback. A training ground set piece to create opportunities. An impressive saw the side assume formation as De- defensive display from Munich saw maku stepped up and fi red the ball low them comfortably soak up Salzburg towards a teammate, only to see him pressure from early on, their deep de- move aside just in time to watch it roll fensive line allowing them to win the into the bottom corner. ball back without too much trouble Having lost their lead, Bayern need- whenever Red Bull threatened. ed fresh legs. Several substitutions and The fi rst clear chance came in the a change in formation saw them shift 13th minute, when Salzburg’s Dario into a high tempo, off ensive set up and, Kolobaric found himself goal side of without warning, the Red Bulls found defender Alexander Lungwitz. Al- themselves on the back foot, swatting though the striker was able to outmus- away wave after wave of German at- cle the full back, he took one too many tacks. touches and the keeper snatched the Oliver Batista Meier and Elias ball from under his feet. Kratzer each saw several eff orts come Red Bull continued to dominate, and close, but none could fi nd the back of the Bayern defence was called into ac- the net and the search for the elusive tion once again when the ball was cut equaliser continued. into the area following some silky foot- It almost arrived in the fi nal minute, work from Dominik Szoboszlai. The when Bayern’s Marin Pudic found him- Germans regained their shape quickly, self one on one with Salzburg stopper and managed to defuse the situation Daniel Antosch. The crowd held their and keep the scores level. breath as the German hammered a left- Red Bull were hungry for an opener, footed shot low to the keeper’s right, and pressed high up the pitch. How- only for Red Bull’s number 1 to produce ever, their plan backfi red when a 24th an incredible acrobatic save and secure minute counterattack saw Franck Evina a close-fought victory. latch on to a searching ball from deep. Eintracht Frankfurt claimed a nar- The keeper came off his line to close the row victory over Esperance De Tu- gap, but it wasn’t enough to deter the nis in Day One’s fi nal match, with the forward, who produced a cheeky chip Germans withstanding late pressure to to give Bayern the lead. prevail by two goals to one. Despite going 1-0 down, Salzburg In the 72nd minute, Cem Barlik continued to dominate possession. scored the fi rst goal of the match for Purposeful passing and sharp move- Frankfurt, heading in a teasing cross by ment saw them break through the mid- midfi elder William Kabuya. fi eld at almost every attempt, only to Mischa Hauser doubled the Ger- Action from the match between Aspire Academy (in white) and Raja Casablanca (in green) in the Al Kass International Cup yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram have the ball stolen by Bayern’s com- mans’ advantage, his long-range eff ort posed centre-back partnership. taking a cruel defl ection to bamboo- By Sports Reporter Undaunted, the home side launched the game settled into a familiar pattern duced a superb eff ort from range that However, the constant pressure saw zle the unfortunate Esperance keeper Doha a series of concerted attacks, testing early in the second period, with clear- cannoned off the post with the keeper the German side begin to crack, and to- Fares Jbali. Casablanca’s resolve and energy levels cut chances at a premium. beaten. wards the end of the fi rst half Red Bull The Tunisians got on the board in the during the opening exchanges. And then, 10 minutes into the sec- It was a rare chance for Casablanca exploited acres of space on the right last minute when Mohamed Ammar spire Academy came through Captain Riad Idbouiguiguine, ond half, the game was turned on as Aspire remained largely in control fl ank. With an initial cross blocked, the fi red home from close range following a their fi rst test of Al Kass 2017 Raja’s most impressive performer its head following a controversial in the game, and they doubled their rebound fell to midfi elder Nikola Stos- goalmouth scramble. with an impressive showing, in their opening game, had retained decision from referee Moatasim al- lead on 78 minutes, following some running out deserved 2-1 his place. Operating ‘in the hole’ be- Mezied. Raja skipper Idbouiguiguine neat interplay. Hashim Ali found Me- winnersA against Raja Casablanca. tween midfield and attack, he fash- advanced into the area down the left kki Tombari with a chipped ball across Barely 24 hours after making their ioned his side’s first chance in the and went crashing to the ground under the area, and the midfi elder made no Al Kass debut – a dramatic 3-2 loss 16th minute, bursting through from pressure. However, rather than award mistake from 12 yards out. to PSV Eindhoven – the Moroccan deep to unleash a fine effort from a penalty, al-Mezied produced a yel- Belatedly, the game exploded in to youngsters were back in action at the distance that flew narrowly wide of low card for simulation – Idbouigu- action as each side traded attacks, and Aspire Zone. Yet despite these exer- the left-hand post. iguine’s second of the game, meaning Raja reduced the defi cit moments later tions, manager Hilal Et-Tair had made Minutes later, the Casa skipper was he was sent off . when Soufi ane Mahrouk broke free just three changes to the starting line- cautioned for a careless lunge on Yu- Deprived of their talisman, Raja fell through the middle and placed a pre- up. suf. It was a challenge that he didn’t behind moments later, when Aspire’s cise shot to the keeper’s right. With 10 And it was Aspire Academy, raring need to make. Hashim Ali battled his way into the minutes remaining, Casablanca had to go on home turf, who started bright- The resulting free kick from 30 area before supplying Abdulrasheed found a new lease of life and began to est. They should have been ahead yards out came to nothing, as Aspire Ibrahim, who made no mistake from press for the equaliser. within three minutes, when Raja’s struggled to convert their dominance three yards out. However, Aspire’s backline held Abdelilah Madkour upended Nasser into a tangible advantage. And, in the And they were almost two up within fi rm, and deep into injury time, with Saleh Alyazidi in the area. Illustrat- 38th minute, they almost paid the a minute when Hashim Ali, unmarked Raja committing players forward, Ib- ing their physical approach, it was the price when Zakaria Saoud broke free in the area, stretched to reach a high rahim almost added a third for the third penalty that the Moroccans had down the left and found Idriss Nazil ball but headed over with only the Academy when he ran from the half- conceded in just over 90 minutes of advancing into the box, but keeper keeper to beat. way line and produced a shot that rat- competitive play. Aspire’s Yusuf Ab- Shehab Ellethy was equal to the strik- Yet despite their numerical disad- tled the woodwork. It mattered little, durisag Yusuf stepped up confi dently er’s placed eff ort. vantage, Raja retained their competi- as the fi nal whistle sounded moments but slammed his eff ort against the bar, There was nothing to separate the tive edge, and nearly equalised on 68 later, confi rming the home side’s de- Action from the Al Kass International Cup match between Red Bull Salzburg (in granting Raja a welcome reprieve. sides as the half time whistle blew, and minutes when Hamza Amama pro- served victory. blue and yellow) and Bayern Munich (in red) on Saturday.

BOTTOMLINE Imperious Real give attacking masterclass

By Sports Reporter Al Ahli’s area. Madrid began to focus for long enough for the Saudi side to Doha their play through the centre, and claw one back. A lofted free kick was before long they broke the deadlock. delivered into the box from range, An amazing solo run saw Miguel and a glancing header from centre- eal Madrid romped to a 6-1 Pérez pick the ball up at the halfway back Abdullah Fadaili denied Ma- victory over Al Ahli in the line, dance past fi ve Ahli players and drid a clean sheet. opening match of Day Two. roll the ball into the bottom corner Several changes proved to be The Spanish giants took to give Los Blancos the lead. the diff erence towards the end of theirR chances, scoring almost at Four minutes later Ahli gave away the game, as Madrid’s fresh legs will against a Saudi side who looked a free kick in a dangerous area. With ran riot down the right-hand side. daunted by the task before them. a goal already to his name, Miguel Substitute Marvin Akinlabi had an Madrid’s intricate passing, quick Perez stood over the ball, eyeing up immediate impact from the bench, feet and set pieces proved too much the far post. His stunning left foot assisting fellow replacement Jose to handle as they dominated play for strike beat both the wall and the Juárez in the 84th minute. The 90 minutes. keeper to give Real a two-goal ad- Mallorca-born youngster weaved Real’s fi rst clear cut chance came vantage before half-time. his way down the line and a simple in the sixth minute, and saw Raul Al Ahli looked rejuvenated after pass across the box provided an easy De Blas fi re a warning shot from just the break, and their snappy passing fi nish. outside Al Ahli’s penalty area. The and newfound poise proved that, Akinlabi earned his second assist crowd held their breath as the ball despite the scoreline, they were far soon after in the 90th minute. One skimmed just wide of the post. from deterred. touch passes opened Al Ahli up, and Los Blancos began to fi nd their However, Madrid’s class soon a simple delivery across the face of rhythm, with Jose Simal and Bilal El told once more. Five minutes into goal saw Antonio Casas Marín slide Khallak the key playmakers in mid- the second half full-back Daniel in to claim Real’s fi fth. fi eld. Their confi dence on the ball Sanchez caught a loose ball 30 yards Al Ahli were on the ropes, with and ability to turn saw them receive out. After skipping past the fi nal each Real attack looking increasing- possession whenever the Spanish defender and into the box he un- ly menacing. The Spanish weren’t side were in trouble, exhibiting that leashed a powerful strike to make fi nished, and in the last few seconds classic fl air that everyone knows the score 3-0. an easy pass through the defl ated and loves. The Al Ahli defence fi nally tight- Ahli defence saw José Juárez clean However, in the early stages Real ened up, and for the fi rst time Real through. One on one, he opened his toiled, with the towering fi gure of struggled to create. An inspiring de- body up and placed the ball low, out Ahmad Albassas comfortably deal- fensive display from captain Yasser of the keeper’s reach to claim his ing with any crosses that came into Ibrahim kept the Spaniards at bay second and Real’s sixth. An Al Ahli player (in blue) vies for the ball with Real Madrid (in white) players during their match yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

Monday, January 23, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Rayyan post Al Sadd cruise past Muaither to impressive 4-1 take three points

By Sports Reporter when Hamza Sanhaji scored a the edge of the box in the 54th Doha dramatic diving header from just minute, ran at two defenders a yard out. Al Sadd all but secured and produced some lovely foot- the three points on the 38th work to generate some space esterday’s fi nal Round minute when they were award- before unleashing a shot that 17 QSL clash saw ed a penalty following a trip in took a defl ection and looped win over Jaish bottom of the table the box. Up stepped Hamroun over the goalkeepers head. Muaither SC lose 6-1 Jugurtha who struck it low and Just minutes later, Hamza got Yto Al Sadd as Jesualdo Ferreira’s hard into the bottom right hand his second of the game to make QSL champions leapfrog Jaish into third place in standings men took all three points with corner to make it 3-0 to Al Sadd. it 5-1 to Al Sadd after he con- a commanding performance at Just before the stroke of half nected with a low cross across Al Gharafa Stadium to keep the time, Muaither got one back to from Hamroun on the 59th pressure on league leaders Le- give them a glimmer of hope minute, tapping it in from just khwiya. going into the second half. two yards out. Al Sadd controlled the game Their new signing Kissito Yes- Muaither continued to look right from the whistle and it soh powered into the 18 yard for goal-scoring opportunities didn’t take long before they box to connect with a perfectly but Al Sadd controlled the re- found themselves 1-0 up thanks squared pass, taking one touch mainder of the game and Mo- to a fi ne goal from their in-form before drilling a low shot into hamed Kasola bagged one more number 8, Ali Assad. After the bottom right hand corner. with the last play of the game to Muaither’s goalkeeper failed Al Sadd started the second make it 6-1 on the night. to deal with a hard long range half much like the fi rst, domi- The three points leaves Al shot, Assad was the fi rst to run nating possession and camp- Sadd just three points behind into the box and follow up par- ing in Muaither’s half. It didn’t league leaders Lekhwiya, who ried shot, taking it on his chest take long for them to all but see managed to grab a point against before poking it home with his off the fi xture when Hamroun Al Wakrah earlier today after right from ten yards out. bagged his second of the game coming back from 3-0 down. Al Sadd continued their abso- and fi fth of the 2016-17 sea- Despite two points from their lute domination of the game and son to make it 4-1 to Al Sadd. last two games, Muaither now in the 25th minute made it 2-0 Hamroun received the ball on look destined for the drop.

Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo Tabata (right) celebrates his goal with teammates Nathan (left), Abdulrahman al-Harazi (second from left) and Sebastian Soria during their Qatar Stars League match against El Jaish yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

By Sports Reporter ened to boil over, as both Soria and Jaish mid- leading 2-1. Doha fi elder Mohamed Mothnani were given a yel- The reigning QSL champions gave signal low card for an off the ball incident. of intent at the start of the second half, with El Jaish pushed hard for an equaliser as the Soria’s shot skidding just wide, seconds after eigning QSL champions Al Rayyan fi rst half progressed, and enjoyed the major- the restart. leapfrogged rivals El Jaish into third ity of the possession. The closest that Sabri The match tightened up in the second place in the QSL standings, thanks to Lamouchi’s side came was in the 25th minute half, but just on the hour mark, El Jaish could an emphatic 4-1 win yesterday. when Uzbek winger Sardor Rashidov saw his have levelled but Abdulgadir Ilyas’s towering RThe fi rst half was a closely-fought af- shot fl y just over Omar Barry’s goal. header was tipped onto the cross bar by Omar fair, with Al Rayyan edging out El Jaish 2-1 Three minutes later, Jaish right back Mu- Barry. thanks to goals from Sebastian Soria and Ser- rad Naji knocked in an inch perfect ball into Al Rayyan put the game beyond doubt gio Garcia in the fi rst half, with Jaish pulled the box. Jaish’s Brazilian defender Mendes thanks to a free-kick of real quality in the a goal back through Lucas Mendes. Michael was the fi rst to react and out-jumped the Al 74th minute. On a foray, Garcia was tackled Laudrup’s men further pulled away courtesy Rayyan defence to nod in his third goal of the just outside the penalty box. Tabata stepped of a free-kick from captain Rodrigo Tabata season. up and whipped in from a tight angle which and a tap in for returning defender Nathan. However, the game opened up and Al Rayy- sailed into the far corner to give Laudrup’s The match sprung into life in the 14th an got back into the lead just four minutes side a 3-1 lead, with his tenth goal of the sea- minute when Soria was bundled down in the later. South Korean midfi elder Koh Myong- son. box and the referee duly pointed to the pen- jin pounced on an errant touch in the box and In the 82nd minute, the QSL champions alty spot. The spot kick was delayed for a slid the ball to Spanish striker Garcia. The rubber stamped their win with Tabata hav- number of minutes, as Jaish argued the de- former Espanyol player produced a perfect ing a helping hand in his side’s fourth of the cision which saw defender Yousef Muftah fi rst time curling shot, which found its way evening. Al Rayyan captain produced a cross shown a yellow for his protests. Soria fi nally into the bottom right hand corner to give the to the far post. Garcia had the peace of mind stepped up and produced a Panenka penalty Lions a 2-1 lead. to keep the ball in play and pass to Rayyan’s to go past Jaish keeper Saoud al-Khater and Both sides exchanged chances to score in returning defender Nathan, who tapped in give Al Rayyan an early lead. a breathless period of play to see out the fi rst from close range as the Lions took a com- Al Sadd’s Hamroun Jugurtha (right) vies for the ball with Muaither’s Shahin Ali during their Qatar Stars Immediately after the goal, the tie threat- half, which eventually ended with Al Rayyan manding 4-1 lead. League match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid

BOTTOMLINE Lekhwiya fi ght back for 3-3 draw against Wakrah

By Sports Reporter alty to Lekhwiya after Al Wakrah’s Sultan Doha al-Breki appeared to control the ball with Results his arm in the box. Despite the referee blowing for a penalty and Lekhwiya cel- Lekhwiya 3 (Ali Hassan Afeef 72, 83, atar Stars League (QSL) leaders ebrating and placing the ball on the spot, Karim Boudiaf 88) Al Wakrah 3 (Prince Lekhwiya bagged a hard fought the call was overturned just seconds later Ibara 4, Mouchine Moutouali 16, Abdul- point against league strugglers after one of the linesmen cast his judge- rahman Mossad 50) Al Wakrah after a stunning ment over the ruling and the referee Muaither 1 (Kissito Yessoh) Al Sadd comebackQ that saw the league leaders changed his mind. Despite protests from 6 (Ali Asadallah Qambar 10, Hamza come from 3-0 down to fi nish the game Lekhwiya’s entire squad, Al Wakrah were Senhaji 26, 58, Hamroun Jugurtha 39, 3-3 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium awarded a goal kick and the play went on. 54, Mohamed Kasola 92) in yesterday’s early Round 17 QSL kick- It didn’t take long for Al Wakrah to El Jaish 1 (Lucas Mendes) Al Rayyan off . make it 3-0 in the second half. In the (Sebastian Soria 13, Sergio Garcia 33, Al Wakrah stunned the league lead- 50th minute, the ball found its way Rodrigo Tabata 75, Nathan 82) ers early on by taking the lead after just to Abdurahman Mesaad, who calmly four minutes of play thanks to a fi ne fi n- turned inside and wrong-footed a de- Standings ish from Prince Ibara. Lekhwiya failed to fender before hitting a fi erce shot with properly clear their lines after the fi rst his right from 20 yards out, to score his Team P W D L GD Pts corner of the game and Wakrah’s Ibara fi rst goal for the club. 1. Lekhwiya 17 13 4 0 32 43 was quick to pounce on a loose ball on the Most would have assumed Al Wak- 2. Al Sadd 17 12 4 1 34 40 edge of the box and smash a volley into rah would be leaving with the full three the back of the net to make it 1-0. points but Lekhwiya had other ideas and 3. Al Rayyan 17 10 4 3 13 34 Things went from bad to worse for stepped it up a gear in the last 30 min- 4. El Jaish 17 10 4 3 8 34 Lekhwiya when Khalid Muftah brought utes. Their comeback started on the 72nd 5. Al Gharafa 17 9 3 5 6 30 down Wakrah’s Mouhcine Moutouali minute when Ali Afi f found the back of 6. Al Ahli 17 5 5 7 0 20 in the 18-yard box with just 16 min- the net from six yards out after some utes on the clock. Muftah was lucky to poor defending from Al Wakrah. Ten 7. Umm Salal 17 5 5 7 -9 20 stay on the fi eld as he was Lekhwiya’s minutes later, Afi f struck again to make it 8. Al Khor 17 5 4 8 0 19 last defender and Moutouali was clearly 3-2, scoring with his head this time after 9. Al Arabi 17 6 1 10 -9 19 through on goal. The referee was quick to being left in acres of space in the box. 10. Al Sailiya 17 5 3 9 -15 18 reach for his yellow and blow for a penal- Karim Boudaif made Lekhwiya’s ty, which Moutouali converted, bagging comeback a reality in the 88th minute 11. Al Kharaitiyat 17 4 3 10 -11 15 his seventh of the season to make it 2-0 when he struck a lightning bolt of a shot 12. Al Shahania 17 2 8 7 -22 14 for Al Wakrah. from 20 yards out to claim a point for the 13. Al Wakrah 17 2 6 9 -7 12 There was mass confusion in the 30th aspiring champions and leave them six 14. Muaither 17 3 2 12 -20 11 minute when the referee awarded a pen- points clear at the top. Lekhwiya’s Karim Boudaif (left) in action against Al Wakrah yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil