SPORTMonday 22 January 2018

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Qatar under-23 football players pose for a photograph following a training session in Changzhou, China yesterday. AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP Road to semis

FIRST SEMI-FINAL QATAR VS VIETNAM Venue: Changzhou Olympic Sports Center Date: January 23 Kick-off: 11.00am

SECOND SEMI-FINAL UZBEKISTAN VS SOUTH KOREA Venue: Kunshan Sports Center Date: January 23 Kick-off: 2.30pm

QATAR Qatar and Japan emerge from the group stage with a perfect record. Felix Sanchez’s side started steadily with 1-0 wins over Uzbekistan and Oman, but fol- lowed those successes up with a crucial 2-1 victory over host nation China PR, three points which guaranteed them top spot in Group A. In their quarter-final tussle against Palestine, Almoez Ali gave Al Annabi a healthy 2-0 lead going into the break at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center. Hashim Ali’s second half strike helped Qatar survive a late Palestine revival, as they sealed a 3-2 win to keep alive their title hopes. Goals scored: 7 Goals conceded: 3 Top goalscorer: Almoez Ali (5 goals Qatar get set for a fighting and currently tournament leading scorer) VIETNAM Vietnam’s journey has been a remark- able one. Having qualified for the tournament as one of the best second- show in the AFC semi-final placed teams, they began their Group D campaign, despite taking the lead, with a 2-1 loss to South Korea. However, a nar- row 1-0 win over Australia revived their THE PENINSULA have done so well. I hope we tournament such as Australia,” are to win the title,” he added. quarter-final aspirations, and a draw play with the same team spirit Moein said. The tournament’s leading against Syria, coupled with Australia’s loss CHANGZHOU: Captain against Vietnam also and “We will enter the game goal scorer is understandably to the Koreans, proved to be enough to Ahmed Moein said he will be reach the final,” Moein said. knowing we have remain looking to add to his tally of send them through as group runners-up. relying on the fighting spirit Qatar, coached by Felix The understanding focused and play with concen- five goals. Bashar Resan’s miss from the penalty of his players when Qatar take Sanchez, have beaten tration. We have our “I hope I can continue to spot then earned Vietnam a place in the on Vietnam in the semi-finals Uzbekistan, Oman, China and and harmony among instructions from our coach,” keep scoring and get more semi-finals, as Park Hang-seo’s charges of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Palestine on their way to the the players along he said. goals, and that my team keeps defeated former champions Iraq 5-3 in a tomorrow. semi-finals. It is a kind of deja with the fighting Star striker Almoez Ali, on winning until the end of the penalty shootout after an extraordinary On Friday, Qatar edged vu for Al Anabi who sailed spirit has done us meanwhile, has urged his tournament. I hope we can 3-3 draw following extra-time. Palestine 3-2 to seal their last- through the competition at the huge favours. Qatar side to stay focussed in win the title,” he added. Goals scored: 5 four berth after posting three last edition of the U-23 event the game against Vietnam. Ali Salat, the team’s media Goals conceded: 5 wins in as many matches in before losing to South Korea I hope we play with “It is amazing that I was coordinator, said: “We are Top goalscorer: Nguyen Quang Hai the first stage of the 16-team in the semi-finals in 2016. the same team spirit able to score two (more ready. The Qatar players are (2 goals) tournament. Moein said the lessons against Vietnam also goals), and I want to say con- confident going into the semi- “It’s a new challenge for have been learnt after a feisty and reach the final: gratulations to my team final. The players are quick to UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan had a difficult start to their us,” Moein said yesterday after contest in the quarter-finals. Skipper Moein because we played a very learn and are considered dis- a training session. “There are “We have acknowledged good game,” Ali said follow- tinguished individuals. We can Group A campaign after a 1-0 loss to Qatar many reasons for us to be in and corrected the mistakes we ing the win in which he qualify for the final.” on the tournament’s opening day. They this position and for me the had against the Palestinian “The clash against the scored two goals. Salat added: “The Qatar have subsequently gone from strength to fighting spirit at this champi- side. Those mistakes cost us a Vietnamese team will not be “Qualifying for the semi- squad, led by coach Felix strength, securing successive 1-0 wins over onship has done the job for lot. We have rectified our mis- easy. They played a great finals is very important for us, Sanchez, will put together the China and Oman to guarantee a last eight us,” he added. takes and we will be ready to game against Iraq (in the quar- and we are very happy to plan that will help us achieve appearance. “The understanding and Vietnam in a way that brings ter-finals). They are one of the reach this stage (of the tour- our goal. We all have a great Facing defending champions Japan in harmony among the players us the advantage and win that best organized teams in this nament). However, I will still ambition to reach the final.” the quarter-finals, Uzbekistan showcased along with the fighting spirit we are looking at,” the tournament. They have beaten tell my team that we must The tournament ends on a dominant display of football and raced has done us huge favours. We 21-year-old added. strong teams in the continue working hard if we January 27. to a comfortable three-goal lead within 39 minutes. Jasurbek Yakhshiboev duly sealed a comprehensive 4-0 win with his second goal of the game after the break. Al Duhail maintain winning streak in week 13 Goals scored: 6 Goals conceded: 1 THE PENINSULA their goal difference with third- QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS Top goalscorer: Jasurbek Yakhshi- placed Al Rayyan to six. boev (2 goals) POSISION/CLUB MATCHES WINS LOSSES DRAWS GF GA GD POINTS DOHA: Al Gharafa’s new recruit Algerian midfielder Jugurtha 1: Al Duhail 13 11 0 2 47 16 31 35 Wesley Sneijder opened his goal Hamroun played as striker in the SOUTH KOREA account in Qatar as the action- company of Hassan Al Haydos 2: Al Sadd 13 10 2 1 36 15 21 31 South Korea came from a goal down filled 13th leg of the QNB Stars as The Wolves continued to miss 3: Al Rayyan 13 10 2 1 34 19 15 31 to narrowly beat Vietnam 2-1 in their Group League came to a close on the services of injured Algerian 4: Al Sailiya 13 6 5 2 26 24 2 20 D opener, but a goalless draw with Syria Saturday. ace Baghdad Bounedjah. Ham- 5: Umm Salal 13 5 4 4 22 21 1 19 on Matchday Two put their qualification There were three big-mar- two games. They have 35 points, roun did not fail Portuguese 6: Al Gharafa 13 4 4 5 22 20 2 17 hopes in doubt. However, a rousing 3-2 gin wins, one draw and two four ahead of Al Sadd and Al coach Jesualdo Ferreira and net- 7: Al Ahli 13 4 6 3 16 21 -5 15 win against Australia saw them go through narrow victories as Al Duhail Rayyan who possess 31 points ted two goals to take his tally this 8: Al Khor 13 3 8 2 14 26 -12 11 to the last eight as group winners. maintained their unbeaten each. season to six to be on par with 9: Qatar SC 13 3 8 2 13 30 -17 11 In their quarter-final showdown with streak. Al Duhail’s defensive mid- team-mates Al Haydous and 10: Al Arabi 13 2 7 4 16 26 -10 10 Malaysia, Cho Jae-wan’s wrote himself into Al Sadd smashed six past Al fielder Karim Boudiaf netted Bounedjah in a coincidence. 11: Al Kharaitiyat 13 2 8 3 17 33 -16 9 the history books when he found the back Sailiya without reply, while Al their all-important goal while Al Sailiya, nevertheless, 12: Al Markhiya 13 1 7 5 8 20 -12 8 of the net just 11.35 seconds into the game Rayyan and Al Gharafa both won the league’s top scorer Youssef stayed fourth on 20 points, one - the second fastest goal in any AFC 4-2 against Al Kharaitiyat and El Arabi, who has scored 19 goals ahead of Umm Salal, who could tournament. Umm Salal respectively. so far, failed to make it 20 this not add points to their account back-to-back victory and Qatar SC made a big leap, Cho’s historic effort, followed by Han Al Duhail and Qatar SC week. this week. remained sixth. from the very bottom to ninth in Seung-gyu’s 85th minute winner, helped defeated Al Arabi and Al Al Arabi’s loss saw them slip Al Gharafa’s victory was Al Ahli stayed seventh on 15 the table with 11 points. Brazil- young Red Devils seal a 2-1 win and a third Markhiya respectively by an from eighth to 10th and they noted by Sneijder’s first goal in points after managing to hold Al ian striker Patrick Fabiano’s semi-finals appearance. identical score of 1-0. stood on 10 points. Qatar. Othman Al Yahri was the Khor 2-2 with a last-gasp goal by early goal did much damage to Goals scored: 7 Coach Djamel Belmadi’s side Al Sadd recorded a big win star of their show with one goal Mohsin Al Yezeedi in an entertain- an Al Markhiya side who are Goals conceded: 4 have won 11 out of their 13 on Saturday against fourth- and an assist. The Cheetahs ing game. Al Khor jumped one back to the basement on eight Top goalscorer: Lee Keun-ho (3 matches so far and have drawn placed Al Sailiya to increase moved to 17 points with the place from ninth with 11 points. points. goals) 26 SPORT MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 Germans see conflict if VAR used at World Cup

AFP A final decision is expected to be for the German FA, was “The VAR is like an airbag: Tavecchio, the outgoing presi- takes are still being made.” made by FIFA in March. removed as supervisor. it can help in an emergency, but dent of the Italian FA, proudly. “It’s no longer football... it’s BERLIN: Whether the video The aim of the VAR system His demotion came imme- only in case of a real The feeling in Italy is that the turning into water polo.” assistant referee (VAR) will is to eradicate blatant referee- diately after German daily Bild emergency.” VAR has passed the point of no “It takes too long.” feature at the World Cup finals ing errors -- for example, Diego alleged he had influenced the Mistakes have been made return. FIFA President Gianni is yet to be decided, but there Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of VAR to intervene to the benefit even though referees in Italy “Those who have not yet Infantino has said he wants VAR are fears the system could spell God’ goal at the 1986 World Cup of Schalke, his home town club. and Germany trained with the taken to VAR will do eventually technology at 2018 World Cup trouble for Russia 2018. finals. The system is being tested The technology also regu- system for a year before using - we can not go back,” said Mar- “We can’t imagine a World Former FIFA-listed referee in Germany’s Bundesliga and larly broke down in the opening the VAR during league matches. cello Nicchi, president of Italy’s Cup in 2018 being decided by a Bernd Heynemann feels the VAR Italy’s Serie A this season. weeks, which dented further Just like in Germany, there union of referees. “Out of 900 referee’s error,” Infantino said needs to be fine-tuned and Fans complain about long confidence in the system with have be complaints and contro- incidents (in Serie A), five mis- last October. June’s World Cup is too soon. delays leading to confusing -- one eye on the World Cup. versial scenes in Serie A, but the takes have been made.” Many feel FIFA will not back He told German magazine and in same cases, plain wrong “We are going to send refe- idea of using the VAR at Russia Yet many top players are down. Kicker, it will be “simply impos- -- decisions made by the VAR rees to Russia who have never 2018 has won support in Italy. unimpressed. Germany inter- “I can’t imagine that the sible with only six to eight weeks during league games. worked with the VAR before,” A national training unit is nationals Sami Khedira and people who have implemented of preparation” for refs to use The system has just started former Swiss referee Urs Meier, about to open in Coverciano, Sandro Wagner gave the VAR this project will suddenly say the VAR system successfully being used in some cup games who officiated at the 1998 and Florence, where FIFA will send system a clear ‘thumbs down’ ‘no’,” predicts Germany’s during high-pressure World Cup in England and the Spanish 2002 World Cup finals, told referees will learn how to use last November. Markus Merk, who refereed the matches. league will follow suit for Kicker. the VAR system. “The implementation has finals of the 2003 Champions Whether the VAR should be 2018/19. “It is impossible to prepare “FIFA has selected Cover- been a disaster,” said Bayern League and Euro 2004. used in Russia this June will be The system suffered a pub- with just a few trial exercises, ciano as the pilot centre and Munich striker Wagner. “That’s why I’m convinced debated at a key meeting of the lic relations disaster in Germany because they in no way account World Cup referees will come “We have to wait two min- the VAR will be used at the World International Football Associa- last November when Hellmut for the speed and real-time here to get ready to use this new utes to get a decision and Cup in Russia, but I don’t think it tion Board (IFAB) in Zurich today. Krug, the VAR project manager pressure of a World Cup match. technology,” said Carlo despite the video, too many mis- will give a satisfactory result.”

Atletico’s Bloodied Ronaldo scores Costa out with groin strain twice in big win for Real REUTERS

REUTERS MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s Bayern go Diego Costa has suffered a MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo groin strain, the club said 16 points scored twice but had to leave the yesterday, and is set to miss pitch with his face covered in Wednesday’s crucial King’s clear in blood as Real Madrid eased their Cup quarter-final second leg domestic crisis by hammering at Sevilla and next week’s Liga strugglers Deportivo La Liga game at home to Las Bundesliga Coruna 7-1 at home yesterday Palmas. to reclaim fourth place in the Atletico did not state for AFP standings. how long the Brazilian-born Real had lost two of their Spain striker would be out, BERLIN: Robert Lewand- last three league games and got although a report in Spanish owski and Thomas Mueller off on the wrong foot against newspaper Marca said he both netted twice as Bayern relegation-threatened Depor- would be unavailable for 10 Munich went 16 points clear tivo when former Atletico days. in the Bundesliga yesterday Madrid forward Adrian Lopez Costa was taken off in the with a 4-2 victory over put the visiting side ahead second half of Atletico’s 1-1 Werder Bremen. against the run of play in the draw at home to Girona on Mueller and Lewand- 23rd minute. Saturday, which further owski each claimed The stumbling La Liga cham- dented their slim chances of goal-scoring milestones in a pions responded in emphatic chasing down runaway Liga polished second-half display fashion, however, and went on leaders Barcelona. by Bayern Munich’s forward to record their biggest win of the Coach Diego Simeone pair. season in all competitions with said after the game he had Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo receives treatment after sustaining an injury while scoring their Mueller has now scored two goals apiece from Gareth taken the striker off because sixth goal yesterday. 100 Bundesliga goals in his Bale and Nacho Fernandez as he had been playing with career while Lewandowski well as Ronaldo and a long- discomfort. has hit 94 German top-flight range strike from Luka Modric. runaway Liga leaders Barcelona succession and fellow defender “After being substituted goals, making him the high- LA LIGA RESULTS Ronaldo was unable to con- suffered a fresh blow on Satur- Ruben Vezo was also sent off. in the 61st minute of the est scoring foreigner in the tinue playing after he was left day as they were held to a 1-1 Villarreal provisionally game against Girona due to club’s history. Real Madrid 7 (Nacho 32, 88, Bale 42, 58, with a bloodied face by the boot draw at home to Girona. knocked champions Real Madrid muscle discomfort, Diego “It’s always nice to score, Modric 68, Ronaldo 78, 84) Deportivo 1 (Adri- of Deportivo defender Fabian Sevilla coach Vincenzo out of the top four after beating Costa underwent a scan on I didn’t plan on doing it today, an 23) Schar as he struck his second Montella earned his first win Levante 2-1 to go fourth, Sunday which diagnosed a but I knew I was close,” said Alaves 2 (Munir 46, Pedraza 52) Leganes 2 goal, which took him level with in La Liga at the third attempt although Zinedine Zidane’s side strain in his adductor mus- Mueller, who warned there is (Gabriel 75-pen, Zaldua 90) Bale as Real’s top scorer in the earlier on Saturday as his can climb back above them if cles,” Atletico said in a more to come from Bayern. Played on Saturday league with six strikes. impressive side secured a 3-0 they beat struggling Deportivo statement. “We aren’t yet playing Las Palmas 2 (Viera 20, Calleri 53-pen) Valen- Real climbed back above Vil- win at Espanyol to go fifth in La Coruna on Sunday. “The ... striker’s recovery like we want to,” added the larreal into fourth place on 35 the standings. Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann will depend on how the injury cia 1 (Mina 5) star. points but are still far behind Valencia succumbed to a capitalised on a cushioned Diego develops.” Villarreal 2 (Trigueros 26-pen, Denis Cheryshev The win leaves Bayern runaway leaders Barcelona, who surprise 2-1 defeat at basement Costa header to volley them Costa, 29, rejoined clear of the densely-packed 50) Levante 1 (Roger 90+4-pen) top the standings with 51 points club Las Palmas, who earned a ahead in the 34th minute and Atletico from Chelsea in Sep- pursuers, with only one Atletico Madrid 1 (Griezmann 34) Girona 1 and can move 11 clear of near- first win under coach Paco score for the first time in five tember for 57m pounds point separating second- (Portu 73) est challengers Atletico Madrid Jemez as the visitors finished the league games, but Liga debu- ($79m) but was only able to placed Bayer Leverkusen Espanyol 0 Sevilla 3 (Vazquez 15, Sarabia 34, if they beat Real Betis. game with nine men. tants Girona have caused play from January after the and Eintracht Frankfurt in Muriel 90) Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s Gabriel Paulista was shown problems for the top teams all club’s ban on registering new seventh. faint hopes of chasing down two yellow cards in quick season and hit back.. players expired. Napoli stretch Serie A lead Watford sack manager Silva, AFP blame rival club’s approach MILAN: Dries Mertens ended a long drought as he scored in Bergamo yesterday as Napoli REUTERS significant deterioration in both won 1-0 to stretch their advan- focus and results to the point tage in Serie A to four points. LONDON: Watford sacked where the long-term future of Napoli lost six points to Ata- manager Marco Silva (pictured) Watford FC has been lanta last season and this narrow yesterday after a poor run of jeopardised.” victory represents a complete results and blamed a rival Silva, 40, joined Watford turn-around for Maurizio Sar- Premier League club’s “unwar- from Hull City on a two-year ri’s Napoli, who won 3-1 at ranted approach” to sign the deal in the close season and took home earlier in the season. Portuguese earlier this season them to fourth in the table after The leaders kicked off the as the catalyst for the decision. eight matches. weekend action as the Italian Napoli’s Jorginho and Dries Mertens celebrate after the match British media reported that “The club is convinced the Watford have since strug- league resumed after a two- yesterday. Everton had targeted Silva in appointment of Silva was the gled for consistency, winning week break and grabbed the their quest to replace Dutchman right one and had it not been for just once in the past 11 league opportunity to create some day- without a goal, scored after 65 long-range drive from Bryan Ronald Koeman before they the unwarranted approach by a games. light between themselves and minutes, getting behind the Cristante, but the visitors appointed former England man- Premier League rival for his Watford, who are 10th in the Juventus, who play Genoa. defence and flashing a shot ended the game on top. ager Sam Allardyce in services we would have contin- table after 24 matches, were Napoli lost just once in the past goalie Etrit Berisha. Ata- In added time Jorginho set November. ued to prosper under his beaten 2-0 by Leicester City on first half of the season at home lanta responded with a brief up Marek Hamsik who slid the “This has been a difficult leadership. Saturday, their third league against Juventus, with the sides bout of pressure and created ball inside the far post. Referee decision and one not taken “The catalyst for this deci- defeat in four games. set to clash again on April 22 one dangerous moment. Pepe Daniele Orsato gave a goal but lightly,” Watford said in a state- sion is that unwarranted The club said they would in Turin. Mertens, who had Reina, in the Napoli goal, leapt changed his decision to offside ment on their website (www. approach, something which the appoint Silva’s successor gone 908 minutes in Serie A to palm away a ferocious after a video review. watfordfc.com). board believes has seen a shortly. MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27 Sanchez transfer Impey wins Tour ‘soon or never’, Down Under title says Mourinho AFP groups of riders tried to AFP Chilean an astonishing reported break away and go for indi- weekly salary of £500,000 ($693,000, ADELAIDE: South Africa’s vidual glory. BURNLEY: Jose Mourinho is confi- 567,000 euros) before tax and when Daryl Impey surprised even But every attack was dent his protracted pursuit of Arsenal his signing-on bonus is factored in. himself when he won the UCI reeled in and by lap 19 the forward Alexis Sanchez is nearing a But the move of Mkhitaryan in the season-opening Tour Down race was all together as the conclusion at long last. opposite direction to London has Under on the streets of teams came forward to try to The Manchester United manager, taken longer to agree, although all the Adelaide yesterday. put their sprinters in the best speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory at indications over the weekend were Impey secured the big- position. Burnley in the Premier League on Sat- that the Armenian midfielder had gest win of his career when On the tight circuit the urday, conceded that the negotiations, finally accepted Arsenal’s offer. he finished safely in the pelo- race became disorganised which are expected to end with Hen- After Mourinho saw a goal from ton behind stage winner and many of the sprinters rikh Mkhitaryan moving in the Anthony Martial defeat Burnley at Turf Andre Greipel, who beat were left on their own. opposite direction, were at a delicate Moor, the Portuguese boss admitted Impey’s Mitchelton-Scott Elia Viviani went early stage. that the addition of Sanchez, and the team-mate Caleb Ewan with but he was caught by Ewan But, in common with Arsenal extra competition he will offer in the a lunge to the finish line. and Peter Sagan, with Ewan counterpart Arsene Wenger, Mour- forward positions, will be welcome. Impey went into yester- powering clear only to be inho was optimistic the two-way “In this moment there is no com- day’s final stage on the same caught by a lunging Greipel transfer was either on the verge of petition for places, we have four time as pre-race favourite on the line, the German completion or collapse, with a deci- attacking players for three positions, Richie Porte but ahead of the winning his second stage of sion fast-approaching. three are starting, one is on the bench,” Tasmanian on a count back. the race and his 18th “I expect soon or never,” said said Mourinho. All he needed to do to overall. Mourinho. “Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) for the secure the overall win was to “I think it is so close, so close, so whole season was not available and finish safely, an outcome that TOUR DOWN UNDER close that if it doesn’t happen it’s not we look to the attacking areas and we appeared never to be in going to happen. need that extra competitive internal doubt on the 90-kilometre Stage “So I am positive, I know my peo- competition.” stage on the Adelaide street 1. Andre Greipel (GER/Lotto Soudal) 2hr 1min 19 sec ple are doing everything they can While Mourinho wants more com- circuit. 2. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Mitchelton-SCOTT) same time -- the owners with the green light, Mr petition in attack, his defence Impey came into the race 3. Peter Sagan (SVK/Bora-Hansgrohe) s.t. Woodward working hard with Matt continues to perform well with sec- as the final lead-out rider for 4. Phil Bauhaus (GER/Team Sunweb) s.t. Judge and everybody is giving every- ond-placed United, 12 points adrift of Ewan and was never thing they can and I think they are runaway league leaders Manchester 5. Elia Viviani (ITA/Quick-Step Floors) s.t. expected to challenge for going to be successful.” City, yet to concede a goal in 2018. South African rider and race leader Daryl Impey of team general classification. 6. Steele Von Hoff (AUS/UniSA) s.t. It is believed United’s executive In fact, Mourinho’s side have now Mitchelton-Scott celebrates after winning the Tour Down But his determined ride 7. Simone Consonni (ITA/UAE Team Emirates) s.t. vice-chairman Ed Woodward and played 504 minutes since they last Under in Adelaide, South Australia, yesterday. up Willunga Hill to finish sec- 8. Mads Pedersen (DEN/Trek-Segafredo) s.t. head of corporate finance Judge conceded -- coincidentally in the 2-2 ond to Porte in Saturday’s 9. Carlos Barbero (ESP/Movistar) s.t. agreed terms with Sanchez earlier this draw with Burnley at Old Trafford on penultimate stage was “pretty hectic” as a number Alberta but yesterday’s win 10. Mads Wurtz Schmidt (DEN/Katusha Alpecin) s.t week, a deal that could pay the Boxing Day. enough to place him level on of riders battled to improve was his first on the World General Classification time with Porte and ahead on their overall finishing Tour. a count back because of his positions. He said the win, com- 1. Daryl Impey (RSA/Mitchelton-SCOTT) superior finishing positions “I’ve been in this position bined with Nicholas 20hr 3min 34sec in the earlier stages. before with Simon (Gerrans), Dlamini’s effort in taking the 2. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Racing) “Coming into the race I trying to protect the jersey for King of the Mountain title, same time (Impey wins on count back) didn’t expect to win it but him, but it’s definitely more was a boost for South Afri- 3. Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED/Team Dimension Data) +16 sometimes the stars line up nerve-wracking when you’ve can cycling. 4. Diego Ulissi (ITA/UAE Team Emirates) +20 and everything goes well,” he got the jersey yourself,” he “There’s a lot more to said. said. expect from South Africans,” 5. Dries Devenyns (BEL/Quick-Step Floors) s.t “I worked really hard in The 33-year-old won a he said. “I mean Nick Dlamini 6. Egan Bernal (COL/Team Sky) s.t. the off-season so I’m happy stage of the Tour De France in his first race, the whole of 7. Gorka Izaguirre (ESP/Bahrain-Merida) s.t. to get this win.” and wore the yellow jersey South Africa can be proud of 8. Luis Leon Sanchez (ESP/Astana) +23

Impey said the final for two stages in 2013. him.” 9. Ruben Guerreiro (POR/Trek Segafredo) s.t. stage, 20 laps of a 4.5-kilo- He won the 2009 Tour of Yesterday’s stage took on 10. Robert Gesink (BEL/Lotto NL-Jumbo) +24 metre street circuit, had been Turkey and the 2014 Tour of a familiar feel as small

Alexis Sanchez is expected to join Manchester United soon. Spence beats Peterson to Bekele to race at retain welterweight belt London Klopp wants more AFP pummelling Peterson with the fight and he took it, like Marathon combinations to the head a real warrior. I commend from in-form Reds NEW YORK: Errol Spence and body. him for that.” battered Lamont Peterson He sent former two- While Spence has been REUTERS AFP on the way to an eighth- time world champion tipped as a future pound- round technical knockout Peterson to the canvas in for-pound king, he says he’s LONDON: Ethiopia’s triple LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager on Saturday to retain his the fifth round with a com- got plenty of room for Olympic track champion Jurgen Klopp (pictured) has insisted International Boxing Feder- bination that included a left improvement. Kenenisa Bekele will race the he has not given a second thought to ation welterweight world hook to the head. “I still can improve a lot London Marathon in April and his team’s 18-match unbeaten run title. Both of Peterson’s eyes on my defence,” he said. “I line up alongside Briton Mo ahead of their trip to Swansea City Spence strengthened were swelling shut by the just have to keep perfecting Farah and Kenya’s Eliud today. his reputation as one of the seventh round, and as the my skills and keep pro- Kipchoge for what promises The Reds have been in imperious best of boxing’s rising stars, bell sounded to start the gressing. You’re going to see to be a mouth-watering form recently, and ended Premier scoring his 10th straight win eighth Peterson’s trainer a better Errol Spence next contest. League leaders Manchester City’s inside the distance as he Barry Hunter called for it to time I get in the ring.” Bekele, 35, regarded by hopes of going through the season improved to 23-0 with 20 be stopped by referee Har- Spence is hoping to many as the greatest distance without losing following a thrilling 4-3 knockouts. vey Dock. showcase his improved skills runner of all time and holder win at Anfield last time out. Spence, making his first Dock waved the fight against Keith Thurman, of the 5,000m and 10,000m The Reds also eased to a 5-0 defence of the title he seized off at one second into the holder of two welterweight world records, finished sec- thrashing of Swansea on Boxing Day, from Britain’s Kell Brook in eighth round. belts who has been sidelined ond in London last year and however Klopp has told his players to May, dominated from the “I want to thank Lam- since out-pointing Danny was third in 2016. forget about the statistics and focus opening bell at the Barclays ont Peterson,” Spence said. Garcia last March because of A pre-race favourite last on the task in hand ahead of the league Center in Brooklyn, “A lot of guys did turn down elbow surgery. year, Bekele had hoped to match in south Wales. break Dennis Kimetto’s men’s “If nobody told me how often we in is a big improvement,” he said. world record of 2:02.57 but didn’t lose, I’d have no idea about it,” Klopp revealed that Loris Karius had trouble with blisters on he said. will continue in goal ahead of Simon his feet and crossed the fin- “That’s all the past and I’m not Mignolet and the German will get the ish line behind Kenya’s Daniel really interested. You can look back opportunity to establish himself in the Wanjiru. on a season after the season, not dur- position. “Of course Loris has to “I am thrilled to be ing. It’s not important.” deliver, he knows that, but now he is returning to London for the The German added: “We feel in a the No.1,” Klopp explained. third year in a row and good moment. I see the boys training “We changed a lot of positions would love to go one better every day and it looks good, that’s the through the year and only with the than last year and win the truth, that’s why we can play like we goalkeeper it looks like we have to race,” Bekele said in a played so far. stick to our opinion for 20 years if statement. “But we have to do it again. As a we’ve made a decision one time! So I “Once again London has Liverpool player you cannot perform changed not my opinion, but I changed brought the best distance one week and then two weeks not -- the situation now, that’s all.” runners in the world together we need to deliver consistently, every Liverpool expect to have winger so I know it will not be easy... day and each game. Mohamed Salah and centre-backs I have been training very hard “It’s only the next game and I can’t Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren with the aim of arriving in imagine any easy games in the Pre- available after the trio suffered a bout London in April in the best mier League. And Swansea is for sure of illness. possible condition,” the star not an easy game. Record signing Virgil van Dijk has added. “They are bottom of the table but resumed training having missed the Errol Spence punches Lamont Peterson during their IBF Welterweight title in New The London Marathonwill they are in a good way. What you have win over Manchester City with a ham- York City on Saturday. be held on April 22. seen since the new manager has come string problem. 28 SPORT MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29 Edmund eyes Cilic celebrates 100th Dimitrov in maiden Slam quarter-final Grand Slam victory REUTERS appearances. Carreno Busta forehand winner, bringing raucous AFP showed heart to rally from a break cheers from the large Croatian MELBOURNE: Former US Open down in the fourth set and push contingent in the terraces. MELBOURNE: British hope Kyle Edmund (pictured) champion Marin Cilic became the the match into a third tiebreak but The 2014 US Open champion reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the Austral- first man into the quarter-finals of was quickly overwhelmed by Cil- Cilic will meet either last year’s ian Open yesterday and set his sights on another crack the Australianalian OOpenpen when he ic’s firepowerfirepower as the Croatian finalist Rafa NadaNadal or Argentine at world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov. ground downown Spaniard Pablo broughtbrought up ffourour match points in a DiegoDiego SchwSchwartzmanartzma for a place in The unseeded Edmund, ranked 49, dropped the open- Carreno Bustausta 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(0),7-6(0), hurry.hurry. thethe semi-finals.semi-finals. ing set, but finished strongly to eliminate Italy’s Andreas 7-6(3) yesterday.erday. Cilic blew oonene of them byby “It“It was an unbelievableunbel match, Seppi 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 and has the Bulgarian in the In an entertainingntertaining baseline duelduel sprayingspraying a crosscourtcrosscourt shot wide a lot of upsups and ddowns,”ow Cilic said last eight tomorrow. at the Margaretgaret Court Arena,Arena, sixth but made no mistake on the in his on-courton-court ininterview.te Edmund, 23, is the only British man in this year’s field seed Cilic blewlew awayaway CarrenoCarreno BBustausta second,second, hahammeringmmering a “Pablo“Pablo camec back and Mertens feeling after five-time finalist Andy Murray’s injury withdrawal in the tiebreaksreaks to celebratecelebrate hishis hugehuge firstfirst serveserve reallyreally gavega me a lot of before the tournament. 100th Grandnd SlamSlam win.win. downdown thethe ‘T’‘T’ aandnd troubletroubl ... We had a In winning, he became only the sixth British man to A formerer semi-finalistsemi-finalist at Mel-Mel- pickingpicking off the lotlot oof tough rallies ‘amazing’ reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in the bourne Park,ark, CCilicilic also eequalledqualled returnreturn withwiti h a so I was really glad post-1968 Open Era. Goran Ivanisevic’sisevvic’ss CCroatianroatian rrecordecordd straightfor-strar ightfor- howho I stayed in after reaching Edmund gets another chance at Dimitrov after los- of 11 Grandnd SlamSllam qquarter-finaluartr er-ffinal wardw a rd therethh mentally.” ing to him in three sets in the quarter-finals at this month’s Brisbane International. last-eight Edmund served up 25 aces, won 80 percent of first serve points and broke Seppi’s service five times. Rafael Nadal of He hit a total of 63 winners,winners, 27 off the Spain in action AFP forehand, with 40 unforced errors.errors. against Diego ItIt continues an impressiveimpressive Schwartzman of MELBOURNE: Elise Mertens said it breakoutbreakout tournamenttournament forfor Argentina during was ‘amazing’ yesterday to become the Edmund, who has eliminated their fourth round first Belgian to reach the quarter-finals USUS Open finalist and 11th seed match on day seven of the Australian Open since Kim Kevin Anderson, Denis Istomin andand of the Australian Clijsters in 2012. Nikoloz Basilashvili in the openingopening Open, in Melbourne, The unseeded world number 37 threethree rounds.rounds. Australia yesterday. edged Petra Martic 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 after It was hishis sec- a rollercoaster baseline war on Mar- ond win from as garet Court Arena. mmanyany meetings In-form Mertens is making her with the experi-experi- Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates Australian Open main draw debut and enced Seppi after defeating Pablo Carreno is on a nine-match win streak after after beating Busta of Spain yesterday. making a successful title defence in a him in two Relieved Rafa and ruthless warm-up event in Hobart just over a sets in Ant- week ago. wwerperp in “I’ve had an amazingly good start 2016.2016. to the year,” she said after having to grind out a victory in an hour and 59 Wozniacki storm into quarters Djokovic meditates to minutes. The win over her 81st-ranked AFP up to the hype in the majors, annihi- opponent elevated the 22-year-old to lated 19th-seeded Magdalena a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first Federer hopes his MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal battled Rybarikova 6-3, 6-0 in her most impres- ‘lose fear and stress’ time in her career. through a huge test to make his 10th sive performance to date. “It’s amazing to be here, I have no Australian Open quarter-final yester- “She really mixes up the pace, I just words to describe this feeling,” said kids won’t play day as Grigor Dimitrov ousted Nick tried to calm down, get my returns in AFP preparation in recent years. He has in general there’s always some- Mertens, who began 2017 ranked 120th Kyrgios to join him and Caroline Wozni- and wait for the opportunities to attack,” a strict, gluten-free diet and is an thing that you can improve and get and has been one of the fastest mov- acki kicked into full gear. she said after crushing the Slovak, who MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic advocate for well-being. better at as a person and as a ers in the WTA rankings, ending the professional tennis On an overcast and muggy day at made the semi-finals at Wimbledon last says meditating has helped him The new year hass given him player.player. ThatThat’s s probably the most year 35th. Melbourne Park, the Spanish world year. overcome fear and stress that the opportunity to analyseyse aspects excitingexciting thinthingg about The Belgian was made to work number one was up against his most “I think you can tell my confidence comes with playing elite tennis. of his game and life, is that evereveryy hard for the win by the never-say-die, AFP dangerous opponent yet in pocket- is pretty good at the moment.” The 12-time Grand Slam cham- preparation. dayday is a new big-serving Croat. rocket Diego Schwartzman, one of the Her easy passage sets up a last-eight pion, 30, says he often turned to “When it comes too opportunityopportunity Mertens, who for the past three MELBOURNE: Roger Federer (pictured) says he’s a big smallest men on tour. clash with gritty Spaniard Suarez Nav- the practice during his long spell tennis, I obviously forfor yoyouu to ggetet years has trained at Clijsters’ academy believer in kids playing sport, but he’s not keen on his The Argentine 24th seed endeared arro, who battled back from a set and out of the game last year with was excited to ana- better.” in Belgium with coach Robbe Ceyssens, own children following in his footsteps. with his astonishingly powerful ground- 4-1 down to shatter the hopes of 32nd elbow trouble. lyze my game,” he DjokovicDjokovic led 4-0 in the first set before being The Swiss great and wife Mirka had identical twins strokes before Nadal prevailed 6-3, 6-7 seed Anett Kontaviet. The Serb former world No.1 is said. faces South taken to a tiebreak. Myla Rose and Charlene Riva in 2009 and another set (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in almost four hours on The Estonian had been bubbling playing in his first tournament “First of all, I Korea’s Serving for the match in the sec- came along five years later, Leo and Lenny. Rod Laver Arena. with confidence after despatching since Wimbledon in July and he wanted to get the rightt “NextGen” ond set she was broken again before They are occasionally seen watching their dad ply It kept alive his push for a 17th Grand French Open champion Jelena Ostap- has a brand new support team, team of people aroundd star ChunChungg finally passing the winning post at the his trade, but after years travelling the world on the ten- Slam title and also ensured he will enko in the third round, but nerves got Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in action headed by eight-time Grand Slam me, experts in their field,ld, HHyeony eon in second time of asking. nis tour, the 36-year-old would prefer not to have to do remain number one when the new the better of her. against Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia champion Andre Agassi as coach. so they can contribute to today’stoday’s round ooff Mertens is in uncharted territory it all over again. rankings come out after the The Spaniard, who has made the during round four at the Australian Open in Djokovic said after reaching the process and the jour-ur- 16.16. in her fifth appearance in the main “I mean, I hope they don’t just because we don’t need tournament. quarter-finals in Melbourne twice Melbourne, Australia yesterday. the fourth round of the year’s ney of working on mmyy draw of a Grand Slam. another 25 years on tour,” he said at the Australian Open “It was a great battle,” said Nadal, before, most recently in 2016, credited opening Grand Slam on Saturday body and my game. She has only once before got past when asked if he would encourage them to be profes- who is chasing his second Melbourne her fightback with a conscious decision that he now meditates on a daily “Improving differentrent the opening round in a major, at Roland sional players. title after beating Roger Federer in the to be more aggressive. basis. aspects that are there ttoo be Garros last year when she reached the But he added: “No, I’m just a supportive parent. I 2009 final. “My team all the time they say (to) “Yes, I do. I’ll tell you what. I worked on. Thankfully there third round. can’t tell which direction they’re going to go. “Of course, I feel little bit tired, but me, play aggressive, play aggressive. Henin-inspired Navarro don’t want to tell you what I gain is always something too work She could next face another in- “If there’s going to be anything in sports or some- I was able to keep fighting until the end.” That’s I think what I did,” said Suarez with it, but I’ll tell what I lose with on.” form player, fourth seed Elina Svitolina where in finance or business, I have no idea where He will play sixth seed Marin Cilic Navarro, one of the few who still uses a it,” he said. Djokovic said apartart from who won the Brisbane International they’re going to go. All I know is I’ll be incredibly sup- for a place in the semi-finals after the one-handed backhand. “I lose fear. I lose anxiety. I lose tennis he has always lookedlooked at warm-up. portive of them.” Croat beat Spanish 10th seed Pablo Cor- Looking ahead to Wozniacki, she fights back to advance stress. I guess, in the end of the ways to improve himself,mself, The Ukrainian will first need to get He did reveal they already play tennis, not because rena Busta 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 added: “I know how she plays. I know day, that’s what you’re looking which he terms his “phi-hi- through a late match against qualifier he has been encouraging them, but because their friends (7/3). how tough she is. It will be a really inter- AFP Kontaveit gave no hint of the for.” losophy of life”. Denisa Allertova. all do and he doesn’t want them to feel left out. The win was Cilic’s 100th at a Grand esting match.” meltdown to come, oozing con- Djokovic has become involved “It has always been,n, Novak Djokovic “I wouldn’t want my kids to be the only ones who Slam. The 37th-ranked Elise Mertens also MELBOURNE: Carla Suarez Nav- fidence in the early stages. in meticulous off-the-court not just for tennis, butut don’t play tennis, so with my wife we have sort of a lit- “I have played great tennis from the made the last eight, becoming the first arro used the only one-handed The 22-year-old unleashed tle requirement on things they have to do in their life, first round against tough opponents and Belgian since Kim Clijsters in 2012 to backhand left in the women’s I saw a lot of matches the shot of the match -- a and tennis is unfortunately one of them. now I am really looking to the next get so far in Australia. draw to mighty effect yesterday from her. Yeah, she was scarcely believable running “It’s not because we want them to. It’s because I think match, it will be definitely be a big chal- She posted a straight-sets win over as she reached the quarter-finals one of my favourite forehand pass around the net it would be a pity if they played no tennis at all.” lenge,” he said of the Nadal clash. Croat Petra Martic and will now play of the Australian Open for the post -- on her way to taking the Dimitrov ends Kyrgios’ home run Despite the reluctance for his children to follow in Ordinarily Nadal, as the top seed, either fourth seed Elina Svitolina or third time. players when I grew first set 6-4 in 42 minutes. his footsteps,p, Federer,, who is chasingg a 20th Grand Slam would have top billing on Rod Laver in Czech qualifier Denisa Allertova. The Spanish world number up: Suarez Navarro When a bullet-like backhand REUTERS after three hours and 26 min- fans there to support a player but his growing maturity was The comeback looked on inin MelMelbourne,bouurn is a great the evening, but not with local star Kyr- 39 came from a set and 4-1 down gave her a second break of to go utes with a majestic forehand fast winning over his critics. evident as he re-grouped and as Kyrgios cranked up his serv- believerbelieveer iinn kids playing gios in action. to register a 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 win 4-1 up in the next it seemed she MELBOURNE: Bulgarian pass. Even the seagulls on the seized on a tight service game ing power, belting down four ssportport mmore generally, The maturing Australian 22-year- AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS over Anett Kontaveit with a bit more the court with the had one hand in the Grigor Dimitrov kept cool in As the combatants roof of the arena appeared by Dimitrov at 5-4, saving a set aces to level at 2-2 in the believingbelliev it can teach old pushed world number three delightful display of her old- angle,” said Navarro of being quarter-final. the Rod Laver Arena mael- embraced, Kyrgios told Dim- transfixed on the drama point, before breaking back to fourth. MEN’S SINGLES themthhem a lot. Dimitrov close in a hugely entertaining school tennis she says is inspired one the last of a dying breed of Instead it was the old-style strom to knock home favourite itrov to “believe” before the unfolding below. huge roars from the crowd. Yet the 22-year-old Aus- Fourth Round “I think it’s four setter before succumbing 7-6 (7/3), by Justine Henin. single-handed players. one-handed play of Suarez Nav- Nick Kyrgios out of the Austral- defeated 22-year-old left to a While Kyrgios’s histrionics Dimitrov is made of stern tralian’s hopes looked toast greatgre for them to do 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4). Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Pablo Carreno-Busta The Belgian former number Kontaviet failed to cope with arro that fashioned a famous ian Open in a fourth-round standing ovation. A year ago it are well chronicled, all the talk stuff these days though and when he buried a smash into sportsspo early on in “Playing Nick is always tricky,” said (ESP x10) 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 (7/3) one was renowned for having the unusual problems created comeback to put her into a third thriller yesterday. was jeers after a second-round this past week has been the fact edged another tiebreak. He the net to hand Dimitrov a 5-3 theirthe life. I think it’s the Bulgarian, as he targets bettering Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt Nick Kyrgios (AUS one of the greatest backhands by Suarez Navarro’s clever shot- quarter-final at Melbourne, nine Third seed Dimitrov meltdown. that he appears ready to fulfil constructed a beautiful point, lead. goodggood for them,” he the semi-finals he made last year. x17) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) in the game. making, changes of pace and years after her first. absorbed 76 winners and “Playing against Nick is his vast potential, especially finishing a long rally with a The drama was not over said.ssaid “It was one of those matches you Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Diego Schwartzman Suarez Navarro, who spin. Her reward is a clash with struck 64 of his own to edge a always tricky,” Dimitrov told after a superb victory over his stealthy volley, to move 3-1 though as Dimitrov wobbled “Winning,“ los- had to take any opportunity that you (ARG x24) 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 reached the Australian Open last The Estonian’s power game an old foe -- world number two scintillating duel 7-6(3), 7-6(4), former champion Jim Courier idol Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in ahead. when serving for victory. He ining,gg, thatt comes a got.” Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) eight in 2009 and two years ago, that had brought 22 winners in Caroline Wozniacki. 4-6, 7-6(4). on court. “He was serving round three. Kyrgios belted away a served a double fault at 15-30 littlelittle bbit later, but you His reward is a showdown with 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 was asked how much of an a dominant opening set then The Danish second seed While Australia’s wait for unbelievable. Playing unbe- Dimitrov, who won the backhand and then whipped and then watched a backhand learnlearrn a lot from that. I Briton Kyle Edmund, who reached his influence Henin had been. unravelled in a dramatic second ruthlessly routed Slovakia’s 19th a men’s champion will now lievable. Competing. ATP Finals last year, had to away a forehand to drag it back fly past him as Kyrgios broke diddid aanyway.n I think first Grand Slam quarter-final with a WOMEN’S SINGLES “I think a lot because we set. seed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3, stretch to 43 years, Dimitrov The prime-time clash play high-octane tennis to take to 4-4 but Dimitrov replied back. alsoalso youyou make a lot of 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 win over Italy’s Fourth Round don’t have too many players The 32nd seed had one more 6-0 -- taking 11 of the last 12 will go into a quarter-final with crackled with intensity from a high-quality opener in a with a punishing forehand Dimitrov recovered his friendsfriendds tthroughh sports. Andreas Seppi. Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) bt Anett Kon- with one-handed backhands,” chance to serve for the match at games in handing out a tennis unseeded British player Kyle the get-go with Dimitrov’s ele- tiebreak. down the line to move 5-4 poise with a love hold but Kyr- “You“Yoou get to know World number two Wozniacki taveit (EST x32) 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 she said. 5-4 in the third, but again col- masterclass. Edmund brimming with belief gant style contrasting with the Kyrgios’s only lapse arrived ahead before a couple of Kyr- gios replied in kind with a 36th yourselfyourself a bbit better. It’s turned on the style in her match to take Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Magdalena “I saw a lot of matches from lapsed with the finish line in They have faced each other that a first grand slam title is explosive shot-making of mav- at 3-3 in the second set when he gios errors gave the Bulgarian ace to force another tiebreak. healthy.hhealthy. You mmoveoove around. You go another step towards a maiden Grand Rybarikova (SVK x19) 6-3, 6-0 her. Yeah, she was one of my sight. seven times before with Wozni- within reach. erick 17th seed Kyrgios. bunted a backhand long to hand a two-set lead. Once again it was Dimi- outside.outside. I’m a bigbiig believerb in these Slam title. Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Petra Martic (CRO) 7-6 favourite players when I grew After despatching French acki leading 5-2. Both of Suarez The 26-year-old showed “Oh Nicky you’re so fine, Dimitrov a break point and then Despite the deficit, Kyr- tov’s calm under pressure that things.”tthings.” The assured Wozniacki, a semi- (7/5), 7-5 up.” Open champion Jelena Ostap- Navarro’s wins have come on enormous resilience and nerve you’re so fine you blow my casually messed up a volley. gios’s body language bristled was key as he put together finalist in 2011 who has never quite lived “Maybe we can open a little enko in the third round her favourite clay. to subdue a ferocious Kyrgios mind” was one of the chants For a few minutes it with intent and he took the another clinical tiebreaker to fightback, claiming victory sung by the gold and green clad seemed Kyrgios might unravel third set after breaking at 2-2. take victory. 30 SPORT MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018

HBK to clash Ton-up Buttler serves up with Feroz Youngsters for QCA T20 title series victory for England THE PENINSULA AFP to get to grips with a slightly slow DOHA: A five-wicket haul pitch. His late surge enabled from Sewinda helped HBK SYDNEY: A scintillating century England to reach a total which beat Warriors Club and seal from Jos Buttler brought England had seemed out of their reach a place in the final of the QCA a 16-run win and a one-day until the final few overs. Twenty20 Cricket Tourna- international series victory Several English batsmen ment at the West Bay against Australia in Sydney failed to capitalise on promising Grounds. yesterday. starts, but Buttler notched his HBK’s rivals for the top The hosts, set 303 to win by fifth one-day international cen- honours will be Feroz Young- England after winning the toss tury from the last ball of the sters, who outclassed Galfar and choosing to bowl, were innings as England helped them- Al Misnad by eight wickets always struggling in their chase selves to 38 off the final two with two overs to spare. and eventually managed only overs. Sewinda ripped through 286 for six. Buttler himself took 28 runs the batting of Warriors Club The result gave England an from the last 11 balls he faced. He as he dismissed five players unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five- faced 83 balls, hitting six fours for just 12 runs. He was match ODI series, a remarkable and four sixes, in a dashing backed up well by Gayan, turnaround after Australia had innings that gathered momen- who picked two wickets and trounced them 4-0 in the Ashes tum in the last 10 overs. helped HBK limit the oppo- Tests. England ODI captain Eoin Just as England appeared to nents to 111 all out in 18 overs. Morgan said Buttler had engi- be struggling against a full- Imraz and Assad were the neered of the best wins he’d been strength Australian attack, only players to offer some part of. Buttler found a willing ally in resistance. Imraz made 27 off “Jos was probably the differ- Chris Woakes late in the innings, 28 balls with five boundaries, ence between the sides,” he said. the seamer making 53 from 36 while Assad got 16. “On a two-paced wicket he balls in a match-winning part- HBK had to battle hard paced it to perfection, played the nership of 113 in 11.5 overs. during the chase and got anchor until about five or six Australia recalled pacemen home in the final over. Man- overs out. This is one of the best Pat Cummins and Josh Hazle- soor led the chase as he wins from this group.” wood for the match, the first time scored 33 not out. His knock Australia’s hopes largely in the one-day series that the trio contained two sixes and two rested with Steve Smith (45) and of Cummins, Hazlewood and fours. Dasun hit two fours in Mitchell Marsh (55), but both Mitchell Starc, who spearheaded his 19-ball 21. Inam-Ul-Haq were dismissed at a crucial stage the Ashes win, had been (three for 11 in 3.5 overs) and of the chase, with Smith falling reunited. Tanvir Sr (2 for seven in two to a contentious low-down catch The tactic appeared to be overs) accounted for half the by Buttler off the bowling of working until Buttler and Galfar Al Misnad team. Mark Wood (2-46). Woakes came together and Kamran (19), Asim (18) Marcus Stoinis made a late turned the match on its head. and Rizlan (18 with two fours) attempt to lift Australia with a The English were aided by sloppy tried hard to bring them close punishing 56, but England man- Australian fielding, with four to three figures. Qalandar aged to hold on despite losing missed catches and two botched blasted a 41-ball 43 for Feroz pacemen Liam Plunkett to a leg run-out attempts. Youngsters. Man-of-the- injury early in the Australian The easiest of the catches to Match Inam-Ul-Haq smashed innings. go to grass was a howler by four boundaries to compile Australian captain Smith said Cameron White, who failed to 34 in 48 balls. the game was lost in the last few get a hand to a skied chance Brief scores overs of the England innings. from Moeen Ali when he was on HBK beat Warriors Club “I thought the way we one. by four wickets bowled in the first 45 overs was Marsh was the unlucky Warriors Club: 111 all out Jos Buttler of England good, but Jos played exception- bowler, but had his revenge a in 18 overs (Imraz 27, Assad celebrates after scoring ally well, Woakesy too, but we few minutes later when he 16, Sewinda 5/12, Gayan 2/10, 100 runs during the third bowled poorly at the end, can’t bowled Ali for six, continuing the Udara 1/29) One-Day International (ODI) do that to a guy like Jos,” he said. all-rounder’s wretched tour. HBK: 113 for six in 20th against Australia at the “We were chasing probably Smith dropped Morgan (41) over (Mansoor 33 not out, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) 30 too many... batted well but not on 18 off spinner Adam Zampa, Dasun 21, Imraz 2/14) in Sydney. enough to get over the line.” while Starc got his fingers to a Man of the Match: Buttler, 27, was the only tough caught-and-bowled Sewinda of HBK for five batsman from either team really chance. wickets and 12 runs Feroz Youngsters beat Galfar Al Misnad by eight Leicestershire SCOREBOARD wickets Perera shines as SL beat 98 all England Australia Galfar Al Misnad: sign Abbas, J Roy c Finch b Cummins ...... 19 A Finch lbw Rashid ...... 62 out (Kamran 19, Asim 18, Riz- Zimbabwe by 5 wickets J Bairstow b Zampa ...... 39 D Warner c Hales b Woakes ...... 8 lan 18, Inam-Ul-Haq 3/11, Sohail for A Hales c Zampa b Stoinis ...... 1 C White c Buttler b Wood ...... 17 Tanvir Sr 2/7, Noman 2/20) AFP J Root b Hazlewood ...... 27 S Smith c Buttler b Wood ...... 45 Feroz Youngsters: 99 for 2018 season E Morgan c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 41 M Marsh c Hales b Rashid ...... 55 2 in 18th over (Qalandar 43, AGENCIES DHAKA: Thisara Perera starred with bat and ball as Sri Lanka ended J Buttler (not out) ...... 100 M Stoinis c sub (Billings) b Woakes ...... 56 Inam-Ul-Haq 34, Gayan 1/24) their recent dismal run by beating Zimbabwe by five wickets in the M Ali b Marsh ...... 6 T Paine (not out) ...... 31 Inam- C Woakes (not out) ...... 53 P Cummins (not out) ...... 1 Man of the Match: LONDON: Leicestershire tri-nation one-day international tournament in Dhaka yesterday. Extras (LB2, W13, NB1) ...... 16 Extras (LB5, B4, W2) ...... 11 Ul-Haq of Feroz Youngsters have made a double Pakistan Perera claimed four wickets to lead an inspired Sri Lankan bowl- Total (for six wickets) ...... 302 Total (for six wkts) ...... 286 for 34 runs & 3 wickets pace bowler signing for the ing attack that limited Zimbabwe to 198 all out before his unbeaten Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-45, 3-90, 4-107, 5-172, 6-189 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-44, 3-113, 4-181, 5-210, 6-284 2018 season, with Paul Nixon 39 helped the islanders to chase down their target in 44.5 overs. Bowling: Starc 10-0-63-0 (3w), Hazlewood 10-0-58-2, Bowling: Wood 10-1-46-2 (2w), Woakes 10-0-57-2, beginning his tenure as head Sri Lanka were in trouble at 145-5 before skipper Dinesh Chan- Cummins 10-1-67-1 (6w, 1nb), Stoinis 8-0-43-1 (1w), Plunkett 1.2-0-6-0, Ali 10-0-57-0, Root 8.4-0-60-0, Indian blind coach by bringing in Moham- dimal (38 not out) and Perera put on an unbeaten 57-run stand for Zampa 9-0-55-1, Marsh 3-0-14-1 (2w) Rashid 10-0-51-2 mad Abbas and Sohail Khan the sixth wicket. Perera, who bats left-handed, sealed the win with cricket team to share overseas player a six to keep Sri Lanka’s tournament hopes alive after they lost against duties. Zimbabwe and hosts Bangladesh. praised for Abbas, 27, has made a Zimbabwe paceman Blessing Muzarabani claimed three wick- WC triumph good impression since his ets to rattle the Sri Lankan top-order after opener Kusal Perera’s Test debut last year, taking 23 dominating 49. But the day belonged to Thisara Perera, who soon IANS wickets at 21.34 in five took the attack to the opposition with his 26-ball knock that was matches. laced with a four and 3 sixes. KOLKATA: The Cricket Asso- He will be available for Chandimal, leading the side in place of injured Angelo Mathews, ciation of Bengal (CAB) has Leicestershire’s first Cham- played the sheet anchor’s role to perfection during his 71-ball stay. congratulated the Indian pionship match, starting on Earlier Perera ran through the Zimbabwe top-order, grabbing Blind team for successfully April 20, and then again from the most vital wicket of Brendan Taylor, who top-scored with 58 defending the Cricket World mid-June - given his likely before his side were bowled out in 44 overs. Cup for Blind title beating involvement with Pakistan’s The 28-year old Perera, who bowls medium-pace, was ably sup- Pakistan by two wickets in Sri Lanka’s Kusal tour of England and Ireland ported by fellow paceman Nuwan Pradeep (3-28). Left-arm wrist Sharjah. Perera reacts during the first half of the spinner Lakshan Sandakan took two wickets. “Winning any global season. after being tournament back-to-back is Sohail, an experienced dismissed during never easy. This very fact seamer who has played all SCOREBOARD the fourth One- needs to be looked upon in a three formats for Pakistan Day International very positive mind frame,” Zimbabwe Sandakan 10-0-57-2 (w5), Gunaratne 1-0-4-0 against Zimbabwe and claimed Test five-fors at H Masakadza c Tharanga b T Perera ...... 20 Sri Lanka CAB joint secretary Avishek at the Sher-e-Bangla Edgbaston and The Oval in S Mire c Dickwella b T Perera ...... 21 K Perera c Sub b Muzarabani ...... 49 Dalmiya said in a 2016, will deputise while C Ervine c Tharanga b T Perera ...... 2 U Tharanga b Chatara ...... 17 National Cricket statement. Abbas is away. B Taylor c Tharanga b T Perera ...... 58 K Mendis b Muzarabani ...... 36 Stadium in Dhaka “We hope that the BCCI He could feature in four S Raza c Mendis b Sandakan ...... 9 N Dickwella c Sub b Muzarabani ...... 7 yesterday. Sri Lanka would consider initiating Championship games, as well M Waller c Dickwella b Sandakan ...... 24 D Chandimal (not out) ...... 38 won by 5 wickets. steps to promote or encour- P Moor run out (Mendis/Dickwella) ...... 0 A Gunaratne c sub b Jarvis ...... 9 as Leicestershire’s Royal Lon- G Cremer b Pradeep ...... 34 T Perera (not out) ...... 39 age such talented cricketers don Cup campaign. K Jarvis b Pradeep ...... 5 Extras (LB3, W3, NB1) ...... 7 in whatever way that may be Leicestershire finished T Chatara (not out) ...... 2 Total (5 wkts; 44.5 overs) ...... 202 practically possible for it.” bottom of the Championship B Muzarabani b Pradeep ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-103, 3-110, 4-117, 5-145 India won the toss and in 2017, for the fourth time in Extras (LB8, W15) ...... 23 Did not bat: A Dananjaya, S Lakmal, L Sandakan, N elected to bowl. Batting first five seasons. Clint McKay, Total (all out; 44 overs) ...... 198 Pradeep Pakistan scored 308 for 8 in who had spent three seasons Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-49, 3-56, 4-73, 5-139, 6-140, Bowling: Jarvis 9-0-34-1 (w2), Chatara 9.5-1-40-1 (w1), 40 overs. 7-171, 8-191, 9-198, 10-198 Muzarabani 10-0-52-3 (nb1), Raza 7-0-44-0, Cremer as Leicestershire’s overseas Bowling: Lakmal 7-0-23-0, Pradeep 8-2-28-3 (w6), T 9-0-29-0 India chased down the player, was also not asked to Perera 8-0-33-4 (w2), Dananjaya 10-0-45-0 (w2), Result: Sri Lanka won by five wickets total in 38.2 overs losing an return. equal number of wickets. MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 North Korean delegates arrive in South for pre-Olympics inspection

AFP delegates would attend the South this week to check logis- threatens the South. The deal Games beginning in the South’s tics for North Korean athletes, over the unified women’s ice SEOUL: North Korean delegates ski resort of Pyeongchang on while Seoul will send its own hockey team brought criticism arrived in South Korea yester- February 9. officials to the North’s ski resort that Seoul is depriving some of day to prepare for cultural The International Olympic to inspect the venue. its own players of the chance to performances during next Committee on Saturday Seoul’s government and the compete in the Olympics for the month’s Winter Olympics, in the endorsed the deal, saying the organisers hope that the Games, sake of politics. first visit by Pyongyang officials North would send 22 athletes in which they have promoted as the Tens of thousands have to the South for four years. sports ranging from figure skat- “Peace Olympics”, can ease ten- signed online petitions on the Television footage showed ing to short-track speed sions that soared to new heights presidency’s website urging seven officials led by Hyon Song- skating. in recent months. Moon to scrap the plan. Wol, the leader of the North’s “It marks the opening of the The North last year staged its Moon’s office said yesterday popular Moranbong girl band, door towards peaceful coexist- most powerful nuclear test and it was aware of the criticism but crossing the heavily-fortified ence and peaceful cooperation test-fired long-range missiles defended the moves as aimed at border by bus before arriving at forged through sports,” Seoul’s believed capable of reaching the forging peace and creating a Seoul train station about an hour sports minister Do Jong-Hwan, US mainland. much-needed buzz over an event later. who attended Saturday’s meet- Its ruler Kim Jong-Un also that has so far failed to stir much The stony-faced officials, ing, told reporters on returning traded colourful personal insults excitement. surrounded by hundreds of Seoul to Seoul. FROM LEFT: Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics (POCOG) President Lee and threats of war with US Pres- “Only a month or two ago, police officers, then boarded a The two nations also agreed Hee-beom, North Korea’s Sports Minister and Olympic Committee ident Donald Trump, sparking the Korean peninsula was train to the eastern city of Gang- to march together at the open- President Kim Il Guk, International Olympic Committee (IOC) fears of another conflict on the faced with unprecedented neung, where one of two planned ing ceremony under a unification President Thomas Bach, South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports peninsula once devastated by the fears of war following the concerts is due to be held. flag -- a pale blue silhouette of and Tourism Do Jong-hwan and South Korea’s National Olympic 1950-53 Korean War. North’s missile and nuclear Hyon, a star singer and also the Korean peninsula -- and to Committee President Lee Kee-heung join their hands as they pose The South’s President Moon tests,” his office said, adding the leader of the 140-member form a joint women’s ice hockey during a signing ceremony at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Jae-In has tried to use the Win- many nations had questioned Samjiyon Orchestra chosen to team. on Saturday. ter Games as an opportunity to whether it would be safe to visit the South, left the station in The South’s government, fac- defuse tension, even asking the send athletes. Gangneung without talking to ing mounting public criticism of US to postpone an scheduled “But the North’s participation throngs of journalists. the sporting rapprochement, Olympics. Seoul will also send The delegation led by Hyon joint military exercise during the in the event gave us confidence After months of high tensions defended it yesterday as “an skiers to the North’s Masikryong will inspect venues in Gangne- event -- a request Washington that we could at least hold the over the North’s missile and investment for a peaceful future”. ski resort for joint training with ung on Sunday and those in the accepted. event in peace,” it said in a state- nuclear tests, the neighbours The orchestra led by Hyon North Korean counterparts, and capital Seoul on Monday before But the developments have ment, describing efforts to ensure agreed this month that North will give two concerts -- one in hold a joint cultural event in the returning to the North the same angered many South Koreans, North’s participation as an Korean athletes, cheerleaders, the capital Seoul and another in scenic Mount Kumgang area day. who see excessive concessions “investment for a peaceful artistic troupes and other Gangneung -- during the north of the border. Another team will visit the to a neighbour that regularly future”.

Rockets end Warriors’ Garcia cruises to victory in Singapore REUTERS bogeys,” Garcia said in an inter- winning streak view at the trophy ceremony. ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP SINGAPORE: Sergio Garcia “It was a great week over- Complete final-round scores in the $3m Abu AFP produced a masterful display all. You still need to hit a lot of Dhabi HSBC Championship of bogey-free golf over 27 holes good shots to do well here and 266 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 66-68-67-65 LOS ANGELES: The Houston yesterday to open his season I was able to do that.” 268 - Ross Fisher (ENG) 67-67-65-69 Rockets ended the Golden with a five-shot victory at the Garcia had returned to the 270 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 68-70-63-69, State Warriors’ 14-game weather-disrupted Singapore course at dawn to complete his Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-66-65-70 road winning streak on Open, the Spaniard making his third round after weather 271 - Chris Paisley (ENG) 69-67-66-69, Thomas Saturday, thwarting the NBA move early and dominating delays had forced an early fin- Pieters (BEL) 67-65-67-72 champions’ comeback bid in from the front. ish on Saturday and the 272 - Alexander Levy (FRA) 69-65-70-68 an impressive 116-108 The 38-year-old US Mas- Spaniard hit the ground run- 273 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 70-68-70-65 274 - Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 67-69-68-70, Dustin victory. ters champion signed for a ning, wiping out a two-shot

Johnson (USA) 72-64-68-70, Paul Casey (ENG)

Chris Paul scored 33 final-round three-under 68 in deficit with four birdies in his 70-65-69-70, Andrew Johnston (ENG) 68-68-66- points and James Harden glorious sunshine to finish on last nine holes. 72, Thomas Detry (BEL) 70-68-64-72 cemented his return from 14-under 270, well clear of After reeling in overnight injury with 22 for the Rock- Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira and leaders Chapchai Nirat and ets, who also saw Clint South Africa’s Shaun Norris, Danthai Boonma and starting Capela, Luc Mbah a Moute who tied for second on the last round with a one-shot and PJ Tucker score in dou- nine-under-par. lead, Garcia put on an iron-play ble figures. “I played nicely but it wasn’t masterclass as he surged clear Tommy Fleetwood of England poses with the winner’s trophy while celebrating his victory at the The Rockets out- easy. There were some very of the field on the hazardous Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, yesterday,. rebounded Golden state challenging holes but I played front nine at the par-71 46-33 and led by as many as very well and then was just Serapong Course. 17 points in the second quar- steady on the back-nine to A birdie on the first hole of ter en route to the win in a make sure I wasn’t making any his final round doubled his lead Fleetwood defends title with marquee match up of the two and after a sumptuous approach highest-scoring teams in the SINGAPORE OPEN and monster putt secured back- league. to-back birdies on seven and stunning 65 in final round “We had to get this win,” Leading scores after the final round of the eight, Garcia was five shots clear said Harden, who was sup- SMBC Singapore Golf Open (par 71): as his nearest rivals wilted under posed to be limited to less 270 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-70-66-68 a melting midday sun. AFP The back-nine heroics of on the 10th and a solitary birdie than 30 minutes of action in 275 - Satoshi Kodaira (JPN) 66-72-66-71, The world number 10 then Fleetwood, ranked 18th in the on the 16th hole to finish on Shaun Norris (RSA) 69-67-69-70 his second game back from a settled into safety mode, aiming ABU DHABI: England’s Tommy world and expected to rise to 20-under par. 276 - Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 71-68- hamstring injury but played for the centre of the greens Fleetwood successfully No10 when the new list is Last year, Fleetwood beat 66-71, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 70-68-65- more than 34. rather than attacking the pins, defended his title at the $3m Abu released today, included mak- the reigning world No1 Dustin 73 In Cleveland, LeBron 277 - Sean Crocker (USA) 71-70-67-69, as he parred his last 10 holes on Dhabi Championship yesterday, ing a 25 feet putt for birdie on Johnson by one shot, kick James’s bid to become the Cameron Davis (AUS) 68-70-69-70 the rapidly drying Sentosa Golf shooting a seven-under par 65 the 15th hole to tie for the lead starting a successful season seventh player in NBA history 278 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 71-69-68-70, Club layout to ensure no one round to beat compatriot Ross with Fisher, and then a 50-feet that culminated in him winning to reach 30,000 career points Gavin Green (MAS) 71-67-69-71, Berry Hen- could capitalise on any errors. Fisher by two shots. birdie putt to take outright lead the European Tour’s Race to was thwarted and the Cavs son (USA) 70-72-71-65, Lucas Herbert (AUS) The co-sanctioned Asian The 27-year-old Southport on the 16th hole. Dubai. found themselves looking at 68-70-69-71 and Japan Tour victory is the resident made the turn at one- Fisher (69) started the day Johnson (70) finished on a milestone of a far different 279 - Poom Saksansin (THA) 70-69-69-71, 32nd of Garcia’s professional under par, but was on fire on the in impressive fashion with an 14-under par this year, while kind in a humbling 148-124 Yuki Inamori (JPN) 70-70-67-72, Andy career and sets him up nicely for back nine. eagle on the second hole, cour- former world No.1 Rory McIlroy

loss to the Oklahoma City Zhang (CHN) 72-66-71-70, Danny Masrin the defence of his Dubai Desert He made six birdies, includ- tesy a 45-feet putt, and was shot a 70 to tie for third place at Thunder. (INA) 71-66-67-75 Classic title on the European ing one on the closing 18th hole, four-under at the turn. But on 18-under par alongside Matthew James scored 18 points, Tour next week. to edge Fisher. the back nine, he made a bogey Fitzpatrick (69). falling seven shy of the 30,000 plateau, before departing the game midway through the fourth quarter. He’ll have another chance to become the youngest Cook leads by one stroke in La Quinta player ever to reach 30,000 points when the Cavaliers AFP three courses in use over the first on 10 and after making the turn Stadium Course. Cook acknowl- LA QUINTA face the Spurs in San three rounds of the tournament. two-under picked up three edged that playing three courses Antonio. LOS ANGELES: Austin Cook, He emerged from the third straight birdies at the fifth, sixth in as many days was hard to Leading third-round scores on Saturday (USA chasing a second US PGA Tour round on 19-under par 197, one and seventh holes. prepare for. unless noted, par-72) NBA RESULTS title, fired an eight-under par 64 stroke in front of fellow Ameri- Spain’s Jon Rahm, the high- “But I think I’m doing an all- 197 - Austin Cook 63-70-64; 198 - Andrew on Saturday to seize a one- cans Andrew Landry and Martin est ranked player in the field at right job so far,” he said. Landry 63-65-70, Martin Piller 64-67-67; 199 - : stroke lead through 54 holes of Piller, who are both seeking a number three in the world, held “I’ve been able to go one Scott Piercy 68-65-66, Jon Rahm 62-67-70; Minnesota 115 Toronto 109 the CareerBuilder Challenge in first PGA Tour crown. a share of the lead at 19-under shot at a time, making the birdie 200 - Adam Hadwin (CAN) 66-67-67, Grayson Houston 116, Golden State 108 Murray 65-68-67, Brandon Harkins 64-68-68; California. Overnight leader Landry had after birdies at the 10th and 11th putts whenever they’re there, Philadelphia 116 Milwaukee 94 201 - Jason Kokrak 63-67-71, Seamus Power Portland 117 Dallas 108 Cook, who captured his first two birdies without a bogey in on the Stadium Course. giving myself a lot of opportu- (IRL) 70-66-65; 202 - Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) Utah 125 LA Clippers 113 tour title in November at the his two-under 70 on the Stadium But bogeys at 13, 15 and 17 nities.” The par putt at 18 was a 65-69-68, Bronson Burgoon 68-66-68, John Charlotte 105 Miami 106 RSM Classic at Sea Island, Geor- Course at PGA West, where the were too much to overcome, “huge putt” he said. Huh 68-69-65, Kevin Kisner 67-68-67, Michael

New Orleans 111 Memphis 104 gia, fired seven birdies and an final round will also be played and he signed for a two-under “Put it in the fairway bun- Kim 67-64-71, Kevin Chappell 71-64-67, Stewart

Atlanta 97 Chicago 113 eagle and rolled in a tough par- today. Piller powered up the lea- 70 for 199. He was tied for ker -- we didn’t think we were Cink 68-69-65; 203 - Charles Howell 67-70-66,

Cleveland 124 Oklahoma City 148 saving putt at the 18th at La derboard with a five-under 67 fourth with Scott Piercy, who able to get to it but we did. Had Ryan Palmer 69-67-67, Brian Harman 65-68-70 Quinta Country Club, one of at La Quinta, where he teed off carded a six-under 66 on the a good up and down for par.” MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 32 One of the main objectives of LCSC was to engage more TENNIS CRICKET people to our events and promote motorsport in our Khalid Al Remaihi Australian Open in New Zealand vs LCSC Vice-President and Melbourne Pakistan facility and increase the profits General Manager Pre-quarter-finals 1st Twenty20

Tonga athlete Russia-bound Tunisia benefit qualifies for Winter Games from Aspetar’s experience AFP WELLINGTON: Pita Taufa- THE PENINSULA sense of the word. I am tofua, who captured global impressed by the international attention as the oiled and DOHA: The Tunisian national standards of the facilities and I topless Tongan flagbearer at football team has recently am proud to have such an organ- the Rio Olympics, has gone concluded a series of medical isation in an Arab country. I hope “to the end of the world” to and performance assessments someday to see one similar in my qualify as Tonga’s first Winter at Aspetar, the leading special- home country.” Olympian. ised orthopaedic and sports The Tunisian striker also After a year of training on medicine hospital in Qatar, to praised the hospitality of the roller skis in the heat of his prepare for the 2018 FIFA World people of Qatar and said that this tropical island homeland and Cup Russia. type of support will motivate the at his Australian base in Bris- Over the course of three team to excel in the World Cup bane, Taufatofua sealed his days, the so called “Eagles of and to instill pride amongst the ticket to South Korea as a Carthage” underwent compre- Tunisian people and all Arab cross-country skier after a hensive medical screening tests nations. handful of races on snow in and benefited from Aspetar’s The Tunisian team will now the last possible qualifying extensive experience in injury head to another training camp round in Iceland. prevention and enabling athletes in Switzerland in March, fol- “I have just qualified to fulfil their potential. lowed by one other camp before Tonga for the Winter Olym- Commenting on the team’s the World Cup begins. The team pics, the first time in history,” three-day tests at Aspetar, Tuni- will compete in the group stages a beaming Taufatofua told the sia’s national team physician against Belgium, ranked number Olympic Channel. Souheil Chemli, said: “The sci- five in the world, and England “This was the last day of ence of sports medicine and per- ranked 15th, along with the qualification process. This formance development are two A member of the Tunisian team undergoes a series of medical and performance assessments at Panama.” was the last race possible and sides of the same coin, and we Aspetar, the leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in Qatar, in preparation Khenissi described their we did it.” are well aware of the world-class for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. group as “difficult” and said the The 34-year-old Taufa- facilities and human resources players are “aware of the level tofua, who competed in taek- available at Aspetar. Our players of responsibility they have, but wondo at the 2016 Summer have benefited from Aspetar’s contribution to international particularly during Ramadan, Dr. Meanwhile, Tunisian striker we will aim to get past the group Games, said he had been scientific expertise in injury pre- research into the impact of Chemli said: “Many Muslims find Taha Yassine Khenissi said: “We stages.” During the team’s phys- looking for a new challenge vention and extensive medical fasting on sports performance, it difficult to exercise during cannot leave anything to chance. ical tests at Aspetar, the Tunisian and the Winter Olympics. follow-ups, which is one of the which is particularly relevant for Ramadan, but it’s important to We have to consider all aspects team defender Khalil Chemmam “I’ve probably had maybe main reasons behind our deci- the Tunisian team given the holy note that this is also a month of of our game – both technical and described the team’s training 10 weeks all up on snow sion to choose this hospital as we month of Ramadan begins just patience and sacrifice. Exercising physical – in order to be fully camp as “outstanding” and said: because there is no snow prepare for Russia 2018.” prior to the start of the FIFA during Ramadan is a case of prepared for the big day and to “We benefited a lot from Aspe- where I’m from in Tonga so Chemli also pointed out that World Cup in Russia. ‘mind over matter’ – and our play in the World Cup.” tar’s expertise in helping us to we had to use roller skis and one of Aspetar’s unique selling Commenting on prepara- players are used to training and “This is my first time in Asp- identify our physical they are the worst things ever points is its considerable tions leading up the tournament, playing when they are fasting.” etar, but it is world-class in every readiness.” made,” he said. Losail Circuit Sports Club welcomes record crowds THE PENINSULA have more community engage- all the participants. During 2017, ment and increase the motor- we have already started the DOHA: The Losail Circuit Sports sport involvement in our youth. track works to get a proper Club (LCSC) has witnessed a It is important to highlight, that drainage system on the track in considerable increase of circuit the facility has been open to all order to avoid the problems we activities and attendance in the people at any time and the faced last MotoGP with the 2017 season compared to 2016, important participation of heavy rain’’ added Al Remaihi. Saud Al Attiyah, LCSC President, Qataris in all the activities. In “From the beginning, one of said here yesterday. 2016 a total of 78.958 people the main objectives of LCSC was “The club was established attended our events and in 2017 to engage more people to our two years ago and we have been we had an attendance of 99.036 events and promote motorsport able to use the facility the best people, which means a 25% in our facility being more efficient way possible and the number of attendance increase’’ ended Al and increase the club’s profits. In activities has increased up to Attiyah. 2017, we have increased by 25% reach 301 activities in 212 days Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC our income compared to 2016 of occupancy’’ said Al Attiyah. Vice-President and General and we have reduced our Action from the Al Kass International Cup football match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce at ‘We have to take into con- Manager, stated that one of the expenses an 8% compared to Aspire Academy yesterday. RIGHT: Dutch legend and Al Gharafa player Wesley Sneijder kicking off sideration that the track has LCSC key objectives is to pro- 2016’’ Al Remaihi said. the tournament yesterday. been closed for 126 days, for mote the motorsport in the Juan Baquero, Losail Circuit maintenance works requested region and engage all the local Sports Club CEO is very positive by the FIM, and this means that community to participate about the achievements that the we reached 89% of track occu- actively in all our activities. LCSC reached this year. Al Kass Cup: Real Madrid pancy. If we compared the fig- “A total of 38% of our “We have seen considerably ures from last year, we attendance are Qataris and we more engagement with the increased by 36% the number have increased the attendance people and an increase of the of activities held at Losail and to international events from attendance to our events by 25% colts off to flying start the track occupancy has 56.310 to 69.872 spectators’’ and all of these we did it simul- increased by 19%, from 178 days stated Al Remaihi. taneously increasing our rev- THE PENINSULA shot home. The ecstatic Turks before picking his spot and in 2016 to 212 in 2017” Al Attiyah “We are excited about enue and reducing our expenses, erupted into wild celebrations, expertly curling a low effort into added. making our infrastructure even so the 2017 overall results are DOHA: Real Madrid and Fener- but their joy would be the left corner. ‘One of our main goals is to safer and more comfortable for very positive’’ said Baquero. bahçe got the seventh Al Kass short-lived. Fenerbahçe were still in the International Cup underway in Madrid were level following game, despite being 3-1 down. A section of the crowd during one of the thrilling fashion, with the young a goalmouth scramble that left However, the deficit events at the Losail Circuit Sports Club. Spaniards cruising to a 6-2 keeper Umut Eren Tunc increased soon after the restart. victory over their determined marooned, allowing centre for- Tunc produced a fine save, Turkish counterparts at Aspire ward Juan Latasa to slot into an low to his right of a spot kick, Academy here yesterday. unguarded net. from Carlos Gonzalez’ spot kick, Watched by a capacity Just before the half-hour, but the Real number 8 made no crowd including VIPs, digni- Real were ahead. There seemed mistake from the rebound. taries and hundreds of excited little danger when Julio Escorcia A minute later and it was fans Dutch footballing legend picked up the ball wide on the 5-1 after skipper Marcos Wesley Sneijder – recently right, but he was allowed to drill Blazquez crossed from the signed by Al Gharafa to compete in a low cross unchallenged, and right, and an unmarked de in the QNB Stars League – got Camunas found the net from Frias headed home from close things underway by performing close range with a side-footed range at the near post. David the ceremonial kick-off. volley. Franco made it six around the And, with the game just five Within minutes, Nasuh hour mark. minutes old, Fenerbahçe jolted would have cause to rue his There was still time for a their opponents out of their missed opportunity. Madrid consolation goal, with Turkish rhythm when left back Abdul- number 10 de Frias conjured number 15 Omer Beyaz con- cebrail Akbulut pounced on a some skilful footwork on the verting from the spot in added loose ball to power a hard, low edge of the Fenerbahçe area time to make the final score 6-2.