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Monday, December 18, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia I 30, 1439 AH Man United down GULF TIMES Albion, Liverpool rock Bournemouth SPORT Page 4 FOCUS Unifying power of sport now more important than ever

By Sheikh Joaan bin diversity of Qatar carried the fl ag 200km across Hamad al-Thani our country and its most iconic landmarks, President, Qatar transporting it via a wide-variety of sporting Olympic Committee activities including running, cycling, rowing, sailing, wheelchair racing and more, before culminating in a unifying celebration at the ach year, Qa- heart of Qatar’s National Day festivities, Darb tar National Al Saai. The Team Qatar fl ag relay was a won- Day provides derful occasion that showcased the very best of a wonderful our nation and its people, whilst transmitting opportunityE for us all a message of peace, friendship and solidar- to refl ect on our na- ity, spreading the Olympic values and uniting tion’s progress and come together to celebrate everyone through Team Qatar. the achievements and inspirational spirit of our Our National Day celebrations also recog- people and our country. This year, it feels more nised the outstanding achievements of our poignant than ever to take this moment to re- athletes on the world stage throughout the past fl ect and commemorate our journey and how far year, and it is the diversity of these achieve- we have come together. ments that has made me most proud. In May, Over recent months, I have been incred- Al-Dana al-Mubarak became our fi rst female ibly humbled by how our nation has united athlete to win a gold medal at the Islamic through a shared pride and love for Qatar. We Solidarity Games as she claimed the 25m pistol are an ambitious and optimistic nation, driven shooting title, whilst teammate Kholood forward by our solidarity and the strength and al-Khalaf won bronze in the mixed team trap ability of our people to achieve the very best for shooting, refl ecting the strength and exciting our country. His Highness the Emir of Qatar future potential of our young female shooting has outlined that this year’s National Day will team. In June, 19-year-old Fares Ibrahim was represent the ‘Promise of Prosperity and Glory’ crowned World Junior Champion in weightlift- and from what I have witnessed of all residents ing, adding to his 2016 Asian Games title and of Qatar, I am more confi dent than ever that, seventh placing at the Rio 2016 Olympics. together, we will achieve a bright and prosper- Our prodigious talent continued his strong ous future. form by claiming a silver medal in the Clean & For me, sport transcends everything that this Jerk in his fi rst senior World Championships in year’s National Day celebrations epitomise and early December and as the youngest weightlift- it is for this reason that sport is at the heart of er in the competition, proving once again that our nation’s future development plans. Sport he will be one of the key weightlifters to watch showcases the very best of humanity and it in- at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In July, our para- spires humanity to give the very best version of athletes made further history at the London itself. It inspires us all to push our boundaries, 2017 World Championships. breakdown barriers and set our goals higher. It Abdelrahman Abdelqader became Qatar’s brings together diff erent cultures, backgrounds fi rst-ever Para-Athletics World Champion with and beliefs and promotes inclusivity, diversity gold in the T34 shot put, and Sara Masoud, Qatar Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture and Sport HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Sheikh and respect. Sport is an incredibly powerful who last year became Qatar’s fi rst-ever global Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, rallying and shooting star Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah, high jump sensation Mutaz Barshim among others at Al Adaam national tool to guide the aspirations, hopes and dreams female medallist with Paralympic silver at Rio flag raising ceremony at Darb Al Saai, marking the conclusion of the Team Qatar flag relay in celebration of Qatar National Day 2017. of our young people. 2016, added another silver medal to her collec- This is why I love sport so much and this is tion, also in the T34 shot put. Just a few weeks Award for best athlete in Asia in 2017, Mutaz con- hood, encouraging active play and exploration for unique chance to showcase the very best of why we launched our new ‘Team Qatar’ brand later in the same London Stadium, 20-year- cluded the year by winning the prestigious IAAF 0-7 year olds to help them develop motor skills each sport to new audiences, capture the atten- and strategy earlier this year, which embodies old Abdelalah Haroun built on his 2016 World World Athlete of the Year title, taking the crown that will become eff ective later in life. The launch tion of new generations of athletes, and inspire the shared values of our nation and of sport. Youth Championship gold medal to claim a from Usain Bolt. In doing so, Mutaz became the was a huge success and it was a pleasure to simply our young people to participate in sport at any Every day our own athletes are striving to bet- senior World Championship bronze medal in fi rst high-jumper and the fi rst athlete from our see how much fun and enjoyment the children level. We are incredibly honoured and excited ter themselves and to make Qatar proud. They a strong 400m fi nal. In September, our young region to win the award. Mutaz is a truly deserved got from participating in the sporting activities. to host these events and progress is very much show what can be achieved through hard work, equestrian athlete, Hamad al-Attiyah, shone winner and we could not be prouder of him for I’ve no doubt that a future Mutaz Barshim was on track, continuing unaff ected by the current determination, self-belief and fair play. There at the Ashgabat 2017 Asian Martial Arts and demonstrating what can be achieved through amongst them! political situation. are no better role models for our young people Indoor Games as he won Qatar’s fi rst gold in the dedication and determination, and for consist- Another signifi cant opportunity to inspire Most importantly, we are committed to host- and, through our new brand, we are determined individual show jumping, adding another vic- ently fl ying the fl ag high for Qatar. He is humble, future sporting heroes will be through our ing these events to the highest possible level, to place a greater focus on our heroes, sharing tory to our equestrian team’s recent accolades. hardworking and an inspirational role model to upcoming World Championships. This year, continuing to show the world what Qatar is their stories, showcasing their journeys, and However, the highlight of the year for Qatari young people in Qatar and around the world. as part of momentous handover ceremonies, capable of and creating a unique and memora- inspiring our nation through their incredible sport was created once again by our sporting The Qatar Olympic Committee is committed to we had the honour to receive the fl ags for the ble experience for everyone that participates achievements. Our athletes are constantly fl y- legend, Mutaz Barshim. Following another out- building on these achievements and ensuring that FIG Artistic Gymnastics and IAAF Athletics – whether that be spectators, athletes, coaches, ing Qatar’s fl ag high and it is our ambition to standing season where he became world cham- our development systems continue to produce World Championships, which Doha is hosting offi cials, media, volunteers and more. We fi rmly unite our nation in pride through Team Qatar. pion, won the Diamond League Trophy, became more and more Qatari champions. In October this in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Both events will believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire It was with this vision in mind that we organ- the fi rst high-jumper to be undefeated in an entire year, we successfully rolled out the fi rst stage of be staged in the Middle East for the fi rst time in and transform lives in Qatar and around the ised this year’s National Day Team Qatar fl ag season since 2004 and jumped over 2.40m for Kun Riyadi, our Athlete Development Pathway their histories and bringng world. This is exactly what the Olympic spirit relay. Over 400 athletes, schoolchildren, sports the fi fth consecuconsecutive year, and received that has the objectiveective to identify, nurture and with them a is aallll aaboutbout anandd tthishis is tthehe funfundamentaldamental fans and inspirationalinspirational individuindividu-- ANANOCANOC’sOC’s s develop talent aatt every stage of an athlete’s career. ethos of Team QQatar.atar. als representingrepresenting the TThehe fi rst stagestage fofocusesocuses on early cchild-hild- Abdelrahman Abdelqader won gold at Fares Ibrahim won silver at 2017 2017 World ParaAthletics Championships. Al Dana al-Mubarak won gold Weightlifting Worlds. at Islamic Solidarity Games. Mutaz Barshim kissing his London 2017 World Championship gold medal. Gulf Times 2 Monday, December 18, 2017 CRICKET

3RD ASHES TEST Australia poised to secure ‘We’d love to have stayed out there for another today, but we’ll come Ashes despite rain back tomorrow for the other six’

AFP ‘IT’S GOING TO BE TOUGH’ Perth More rain is forecast for today, although it is only predicted to be a problem before Scorecard lunchtime. Vince said the English believed ustralia were confi dent rain would they could save the game regardless of the not deny them the Ashes despite weather. play being abandoned early on the “I think we try and put the rain to the back fourth day of the third Test against of our minds,” he said. “We’ve got to have EnglandA in Perth yesterday. belief that we can save the series and get over The home side lead the fi ve-Test series the line tomorrow. It’s going to be tough and 2-0 and a win in the last-ever Ashes Test to I’m sure there’s going to be some good balls fl y- be played at the WACA Ground would see ing around out there but these two especially them regain the urn, and at stumps on the showed in the fi rst innings that they can occu- fourth day they could smell victory despite py the crease for a long time, so hopefully they the showers sweeping across Perth and get off to a good start in the morning.” predicted to continue into the fi nal day’s The tourists’ second innings got off to a play. dismal start when opener Stoneman was Trailing by 259 runs in the fi rst innings caught behind from the bowling of Hazle- after Australia declared at 662 for nine, wood for just three in the second over. England were 132 for four when stumps In his 150th Test, Cook’s woes then con- was called early after a rain-interrupted tinued when Hazlewood snared a brilliant ENGLAND 1st innings 403 all out fi nal session, with Dawid Malan on 28 and one-handed return catch to remove him AUSTRALIA 1st innings Jonny Bairstow on 14, still behind by 127 for 14, leaving the former skipper with just C. Bancroft lbw b Overton 25 runs. 83 runs at 13.83 for the series. D. Warner c Bairstow b Overton 22 Australian pacemen Josh Hazlewood, Captain Joe Root was the third man out, U. Khawaja lbw b Woakes 50 who claimed the wickets of opener Alastair to spinner Nathan Lyon’s fi rst ball of the in- S. Smith lbw b Anderson 239 Cook and Mark Stoneman said the home side nings, caught at fi rst slip by his Australian S. Marsh c Root b Ali 28 didn’t expect rain to stand in their way. counterpart Steve Smith for 14 off the glove M. Marsh lbw b Anderson 181 “We’ve looked at it (weather forecast) of wicketkeeper Tim Paine. T. Paine not out 49 a little bit,” he said. “I think there is just Earlier Australia scored their high- M. Starc run out 1 some rain tomorrow morning, hopefully est Ashes total at home and fi fth-highest P. Cummins lbw b Anderson 41 that doesn’t hang around too long and we Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (second from right) celebrates after dismissing England’s against England. N. Lyon c Ali b Anderson 4 can get the best part of two sessions in to Alastair Cook (left) on day four of the third Ashes Test in Perth yesterday. (AFP) Although Smith added just 10 to his Extras (b4, lb16, nb1, w1) 22 take these next six wickets. overnight total before being dismissed for Total (for 9 wickets; 179.3 overs) 662 “We’d love to have stayed out there for crashed into his stumps. ple to straighten off it and you are in the 239, his innings was the cornerstone of the Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Warner), 2-55 (Bancroft), 3-179 (Kha- another today and got that fi fth wicket, but Hazlewood said the crack would be part game. It’s a pretty simple method, there massive total. waja), 4-248 (S Marsh), 5-549 (M Marsh), 6-560 (Smith), 7-561 we’ll come back tomorrow for the other six.” of the Australian attack’s game plan on the is not much more out there to aim at than Smith was adjudged leg before wicket on (Starc), 8-654 (Cummins), 9-662 (Lyon) The last man out on the fourth day was last day. that crack.” review after James Anderson’s confi dent Bowling: Anderson 37.3-9-116-4 (1nb), Broad 35-3-142-0, James Vince for a neat 55, bowled when a “I’d like fi ve or six more (to hit the crack) Vince conceded there was nothing he shout was turned down by on-fi eld umpire Woakes 41-8-128-1 (1w), Overton 24-1-110-2, Ali 33-4-120-1, Root Mitchell Starc ball jagged off a crack and tomorrow,” he said. “You only need a cou- could have done against the delivery. Chris Gaff aney. 3-0-13-0, Malan 6-1-13-0

ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook c and b Hazlewood 14 Overton and Broad injury concerns add to England Ashes woe M. Stoneman c Paine b Hazlewood 3 J. Vince b Starc 55 By Ali Martin return to the attack as Australia workloads have not aff ected. order, the guys who are a bit Starc special that, from around J. Root c Smith b Lyon 14 The Guardian posted 662 for nine declared. Beyond fitness concerns, Broad’s more inexperienced. We have the wicket, struck a crack in the D. Malan not out 28 The 23-year-old Somerset wicketless form with the ball in plans for Root and Cook and Waca pitch and jagged across J. Bairstow not out 14 seamer has claimed six wickets Perth represents a headache have done well against them. the right-hander like a leg-break. Extras (lb4) 4 Craig Overton is facing the and impressed with his attitude for Root along with a lack of They are quality players.” Vince said: “It’s still frustrating Total (for 4 wickets; 38.2 overs) 132 prospect of his Ashes series since making his debut in runs from himself and Alastair James Vince, fresh from making to get out, but it’s easier to take Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Stoneman), 2-29 (Cook), 3-60 (Root), ending early, and Stuart Broad is Adelaide, such that England may Cook. England’s record-breaking 55, naturally talked up the pair at than the ones you feel like you’re 4-100 (Vince) struggling with a knee issue that retain him in the squad in the opener has a top score of 37 the close. “Those two guys, if they at fault yourself. If I faced that Bowling: Starc 10-3-32-1, Hazlewood 9-3-23-2, M Marsh 3-1-14- could require surgery at the end hope he is fit in time for the fifth from six innings – a miserable don’t score runs in one innings, another 20 or 30 times I think 0, Cummins 8.2-2-31-0, Lyon 8-3-28-1 of the tour, as the problems con- Test in Sydney. Boxing Day in 150th Test was capped off when you expect them to do it in their it would get me out every time. tinue to mount up for England Melbourne is considered a doubt chipping a catch back to Josh next. They don’t often have long You give him credit there, sweep and Joe Root. at present, however. Hazlewood on 14 – while the periods without scoring runs. It it under the carpet and move on. England’s Overton had been bowling Broad meanwhile has been bat- captain is averaging 29. won’t happen for them all the “I felt in previous innings on tour James Vince through the pain of a cracked rib tling a problem in his left knee Hazlewood, who also re- time, but they are both mentally I was a little bit hesitant. I’ve got scored 55 during the third Test. But on the that required the draining of fluid moved Mark Stoneman early strong and capable,” he said. in a few times and got out. I was yesterday. third day he once again fell on the from it before the third Test and in England’s second innings, The England No3 had batted trying to be more positive in my troublesome area when diving in could require surgery at the end said: “We’re very happy. We put fluently for his second Test mind, to help my decision mak- the field. Having bowled just one of the series. England insist that it importance on those wickets as half-century before his off -stump ing and footwork. For the time I over up to the point, he did not remains a niggle and his bowling it applies pressure to the middle was detonated by a Mitchell was out there I felt pretty good.”

SRI LANKA'S TOUR OF INDIA Dhawan, spinners lead India to series-clinching win

AFP Chahal soon joined in to take the key My twin strike changed match’s Visakhapatnam, India wickets of Angelo Mathews, for 17, and skipper Thisara Perera, for six, as Sri Lan- momentum, says Kuldeep ka slipped to 197-6 and failed to survive pener Shikhar Dhawan’s blaz- their full quota of 50 overs. ing century and a decisive spell “We have to think about the T20s, eve- by their wrist spinners pow- rything is past, we have to think about the ered India to a series-clinching present,” Perera said. eight-wicketO win over Sri Lanka in the Meanwhile veteran fast bowler La- third one-day international yesterday. sith Malinga continued to be kept out Chasing 216 for victory, India rode on of Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 squad that will a 135-run partnership between Dhawan play three matches against India starting (100 not out) and Shreyas Iyer (65) to romp Wednesday in Cuttack. home in 32.1 overs in Visakhapatnam. Dhawan completed his 12th ODI hun- SCORECARD dred in 85 balls, his knock laced with 13 SRI LANKA fours and two sixes, before taking India to D. Gunathilaka c Sharma b Bumrah 13 their eighth consecutive ODI series vic- U. Tharanga st Dhoni b Yadav 95 tory since June 2016. S. Samrawickrama c Dhawan b Chahal 42 But it was Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzven- A. Mathews b Chahal 17 dra Chahal who set up the comprehensive N. Dickwella c Iyer b Yadav 8 victory after taking three wickets each to A. Gunaratne c Dhoni b Kumar 17 Indian bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal (left) and Kuldeep Yadav. help restrict the visitors to 215 all out in T. Perera lbw b Chahal 6 44.5 overs. S. Pathirana c Chahal b Pandya 7 IANS one to Shreyas Iyer at first slip, “They haven’t bowled much together as A. Dananjaya b Yadav 1 Visakhapatnam, India leaving the Islanders at 168/4. bowlers, but whenever they have played, S. Lakmal lbw b Pandya 1 Kuldeep’s spin partner Yuzv- they bowled really well. They put us in the N. Pradeep not out 0 endra Chahal also played a key driver’s seat,” India skipper Rohit Sharma Extras (lb4, w4) 8 eft-arm wrist spinner role, taking 3 for 46. said of his spinners. India’s Shikhar Dhawan (right) plays a shot during the third one-day international against Total (all out, 44.5 overs) 215 Kuldeep Yadav felt that “Obviously their batsmen were “The youngsters bring a lot of energy, Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam, India, yesterday. (AFP) Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Gunathilaka), 2-136 Lhis two wickets in an over set and we knew we needed enthusiasm and talent to the group and (Samarawickrama), 3-160 (Tharanga), changed the complexion of wickets in the middle overs. I it’s a perfect time to try them,” Sharma ‘PLENTY OF CHARACTER’ a commanding 136-1. 4-168 (Dickwella), 5-189 (Mathews), 6-197 the match as India thumped Sri got two wickets in one over and added. The left-handed Dhawan, who was named Leg-spinner Chahal got Samarawickra- (Perera), 7-208 (Pathirana), 8-210 (Danan- Lanka by eight wickets in the that really changed the momen- The hosts lost Sharma early after he was man of the series for his 168 runs in three ma, who was included in the XI in place of jaya), 9-211 (Lakmal), 10-215 (Gunaratne) decisive third and final One-Day tum for us,” Kuldeep said after bowled by off -spinner Akila Dananjaya for matches, stayed fi rm with Dinesh Karthik, Lahiru Thirimanne, caught at deep cover Bowling: Kumar 6.5-0-35-1, Bumrah 8-1-39- International (ODI) to clinch the the match. seven but it was only a minor blemish in an who made 26, for company as India to end the stubborn stand. 1, Pandya 10-1-49-2 (w1), Yadav 10-0-42-3 series 2-1 here yesterday. “The wicket was very good for otherwise comfortable chase. bounced back with two straight wins after The in-form Tharanga, who registered (w2) Chahal 10-3-46-3 (w1) India rode on a strong bowling spinners, we were getting turn Iyer, who registered his second succes- losing the opener in Dharamsala. his 36th ODI fi fty, kept up the pressure performance to restrict Sri Lan- and sharp turn as well and that sive half-century in just his third ODI, “Terrifi c comeback after the fi rst game. with an attacking innings as he passed INDIA (target 216) ka to 215 runs. Sri Lanka were really motivated me to do well.” combined with Dhawan to take the attack We showed plenty of character. Even to- 1,000 runs in 2017. R. Sharma b Dananjaya 7 cruising at 160 for 2 in 27 overs. Kuldeep was selected for the to the opposition bowlers. day at one point they were going at six an But Yadav, who got the man of the S. Dhawan not out 100 But in the very next over, Kul- match ahead of teenage all- Starting with a fast-spin combination over and to pull the game back from there match award for his bowling fi gures of S. Iyer c Lakmal b Perera 65 deep removed Upul Tharanga rounder Washington Sundar, of Suranga Lakmal and Akila Dananjaya is magnifi cent,” Sharma said. 3-42, checked Sri Lanka’s surge in the D. Karthik not out 26 (95) and Niroshan Dickwella (8) who fell sick. from either end, the visitors built up some Earlier Sri Lanka had got off to a strong 28th over after denying Tharanga a hun- Extras (b4, lb2, w15) 21 to damage the visitors. “I worked on my lengths as well. early pressure only to lose steam against start with opener Upul Tharanga making a dred and then sending Niroshan Dickwel- Total (2 wickets, 32.1 overs) 219 Tharanga was dismissed when It’s just preparation that matters. the in-form batsmen. 82-ball 95 after the visitors were invited to la (8) trudging back to the pavilion. Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Sharma), 2-149 (Iyer) Mahendra Singh Dhoni show- Whenever you don’t play you Iyer, who made 88 in the Mohali ODI, bat fi rst. Tharanga, who hit 12 fours and three Bowling: Lakmal 5-2-20-0 (w1), Danan- cased a glimpse of his still light- practice and work hard on your hit eight fours and a six during his 63-ball Tharanga’s 121-ball second-wicket sixes, was beaten by a tossed-up delivery jaya 7.1-0-53-1 (w6), Mathews 3-0-30-0, ning quick reflexes to stump fitness and fielding, when you get knock before falling to skipper Thisara partnership with Sadeera Samarawick- from the left-arm wrist spinner and wick- Pathirana 4-0-33-0, Pradeep 3-0-10-0, the left-hander off Kuldeep’s a chance you try and put up your Perera. The batsman mistimed a pull to be rama, who made 42, was the highlight of etkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni pulled off Perera 5-0-25-1, Gunaratne 4-0-30-0 (w8), bowling. Dickwella then edged best performance,” he said. caught at mid-on. the Sri Lankan innings that fell apart from a sharp stumping. Gunathilaka 1-0-12-0 Gulf Times Monday, December 18, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Milan hit new low as Juventus go second Reuters April, spent over 200 million euros ground, in a decision made with the Milan in the last transfer window in an at- help of the video replay. tempt to re-establish themselves as Miralem Pjanic put Juventus a force in Serie A. ahead against Bologna in the 27th C Milan’s miserable sea- The defeat came two days after minute when he curled a free kick son hit a new low when UEFA had rejected Milan’s request over the wall and into the top cor- they slumped to a 3-0 for a voluntary agreement that ner at the near post. loss at struggling Verona would have temporarily exempted The Bosnian also set up Mario inA Serie A yesterday, two days after the club from European football’s Mandzukic for the second nine UEFA expressed concern over the breakeven rule known as Financial minutes later and Blaise Matuidi club’s fi nancial situation. Fair Play. completed the scoring with a half- Juventus had no such problems UEFA said there were “still un- volley from the edge of the area in as they won 3-0 at Bologna to over- certainties in relation to the fi - the second half, the Frenchman’s haul Inter Milan and go second, one nancing of the loans to be paid back fi rst goal for the club. point behind leaders Napoli who in October 2018 and the fi nancial Juventus have 41 points, one won 3-1 at Torino on Saturday. guarantees provided by the main more than Inter who lost their un- Antonio Caracciolo, Moise Kean shareholder”. beaten record in a 3-1 home defeat and Daniel Bessa scored for Ve- Caracciolo was given far too by Udinese on Saturday. rona who are 17th in the table and much freedom by the Milan de- Fiorentina missed a chance to go had previously won only two league fence as he headed in from Romu- above Milan when they were held games this season. Milan’s bad day lo’s corner in the 24th minute, the 0-0 at home by Genoa. was completed when Suso was sent ball hitting the bar and going in off An early goal by Arlind Ajeti gave off in the last minute. goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarum- Crotone a 1-0 win over Chievo, Milan, who beat Verona by the ma. Kean scored the second after their fi rst under Walter Zenga, to same score in a Coppa Italia match Bessa pulled the ball back 10 min- end a run of four successive league four days ago, have managed one utes after halftime and Bessa added defeats. win, one draw and one defeat in the third in the 77th minute, strok- Sassuolo snatched a last-minute their three league games since ing the ball home from Romulo’s win at Sampdoria through Ales- former midfi elder Gennaro Gattu- pass after the Brazilian burst down sandro Matri, seven minutes after so was appointed as coach. Seven- the right unchallenged. team mate Matteo Politano had a times European champions Milan, Suso was sent off for kicking penalty saved by Samp goalkeeper under Chinese ownership since Daniele Verde, who was on the Emiliano Viviano. Juventus’ Blaise Matuidi celebrates after scoring their third goal during their Serie A match against Bologna yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic’s 69-game unbeaten run ends Ronaldo, a modern in 4-0 rout at Hearts

AFP that put them under pressure Edinburgh from the start. The warning signs were there when Laff erty got behind the Celtic defence eltic’s record-break- early on, only for a contentious day Di Stefano, wants ing 69-game unbeat- off side decision to save the en run in Scottish visitors. Then Ross Callachan domestic football came close with a fi zzing strike Ccame to a stunning end as the from just outside the box. champions were thrashed 4-0 by Hearts yesterday. Celtic despair Brendan Rodgers’ side Christophe Berra then sent lost for the fi rst time since St a header just wide from a Don to retire at Real Johnstone beat the Glasgow Cowie corner before teenager club 2-1 in May 2016. Cochrane got his fi rst goal for ‘I would really like to, but things don’t depend on me. What depends on me is what I Goals from Harry Co- Hearts with a superb strike. chrane and Kyle Laff erty put Cowie pounced on some do on the pitch. I am not the one who runs the club, that is for those in charge’ Hearts two up by half-time at loose play by Dedryck Bo- Tynecastle in Edinburgh be- yata and worked the ball to fore David Milinkovic’s brace Cochrane who took a touch sealed Celtic’s fate in the before smashing a left-foot Scottish Premiership clash. strike low past the despairing Celtic had set a new British Craig Gordon. record unbeaten domestic run Celtic barely had time to when they reached 63 match- reorganise before Laff erty es without defeat last month. added a second. Milinkovic Despite their painful loss, burst into the Celtic half and Celtic remain two points clear picked out Laff erty with a of second placed Aberdeen great cross-fi eld pass. with a game in hand. The Northern Irish striker Hearts, who were forced to took a couple of touches be- make seven changes for the fore fi ring a sensational an- match due to a horrendous in- gled strike in off the far post jury list, took a deserved 26th from 20 yards. minute lead through 16-year- The Hoops made two old Cochrane before former changes at the break with Rangers striker Laff erty dou- Moussa Dembele and Stuart bled their advantage nine Armstrong coming on for Ol- minutes later. ivier Ntcham and Kieran Tier- On-loan winger Milinkovic ney, but they couldn’t stop made it 3-0 two minutes af- Hearts adding a third almost ter the break before he added immediately. a fourth from the penalty spot Celtic defender Simunovic with 15 minutes remaining made a mess of dealing with to seal Hearts biggest victory a hopeful long ball and it fell over the Hoops since 1895. to Milinkovic at the edge of It was the fi rst taste of Scot- the box. He took it round Gor- tish defeat for Rodgers, who don before rolling a shot past has won four successive tro- Mikel Lustig on the line. phies since arriving at Celtic Celtic did rally with Jon Park last year, as his side failed McLaughlin at full-stretch to to score for the fi rst time in 74 push away a fi erce strike from matches. Leigh Griffi ths and Scott Sin- Celtic restored Kieran Tier- clair blazing over. ney, Jozo Simunovic and Mi- But it was Hearts who kael Lustig to their defence added another from the spot after resting them for the through Milinkovic after Gor- midweek win over Hamilton. don needlessly brought down However, they looked Callachan as the Jambos re- shambolic at times when corded their third win in a dealing with a Hearts side row.

Brazilian great Kaka retires from football Brazilian great Kaka an- Thank you! I’m now ready for Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Ronaldo celebrates with the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup silver ball after Real Madrid’s victory in the the FIFA Club World Cup final against Gremio nounced his retirement from the next journey,” he posted FBPA at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Real Madrid defeated Gremio 1-0 to lift the cup for the third time in their history. (AFP) football yesterday at age 35. Sunday on Twitter, alongside Kaka, who played most of his a picture of himself in a t-shirt AFP when asked if he planned to re- “Obviously, but at the right is way out in front as Madrid’s marked an era.” career at AC Milan and Real labelled ‘I belong to Jesus’. Abu Dhabi tire at Madrid. moment,” said Real coach Zin- all-time top scorer with 434 Ronaldo claimed he was the Madrid, revealed his decision “I am not the one who runs the edine Zidane when asked if Ro- goals in 414 appearances. best player in history after pick- in an interview with the Brazil- club, that is for those in charge. naldo should be rewarded with He also picked up his fi fth ing up his latest Ballon d’Or and ian O Globo channel. ristiano Ronaldo insist- “My job is on the pitch and I another new contract. Ballon d’Or to match Barcelona backed up that bold statement The attacking midfielder won ed he wants to fi nish his think I am doing it well, the rest I rival Lionel Messi’s record mark when asked about comparisons the Italian Serie A with Milan playing career at Real can’t control.” Ronaldo scored the only goal earlier this month and Ma- to Di Stefano. and the 2007 Champions Madrid after making Ronaldo, 32, signed a new deal of the Club World Cup fi nal drid president Florentino Perez “I don’t have to keep speaking League and collected league moreC history with the goal that to 2021 with the club just over a hailed Ronaldo as the heir to club constantly about myself, I con- against Gremio to win the and cup titles with Real. He saw the Spanish giants crowned year ago, but sparked specula- tournament for the fourth legend Alfredo di Stefano, who tinue to believe what I said two also won the 2002 World Cup world champions on Saturday. tion over his future after lead- time and become the all-time lead Real to win the fi rst fi ve Eu- weeks ago at the Ballon d’Or,” he with Brazil and the Ballon d’Or Ronaldo scored the only goal ing Madrid to the Champions top scorer in the competition ropean Cups. said. as best player in the world in of the Club World Cup fi nal League in June due to his appar- with seven goals “He is the best without doubt. “I am a very confi dent person 2007. against Gremio to win the tour- ent discontent with the club’s Not just for his talent or his tech- and the numbers don’t lie. The He most recently played for nament for the fourth time and lack of involvement in a tax case “For us it is fundamental Cris- nique but his ambition, his ef- numbers speak for themselves. Orlando City in the American become the all-time top scorer brought against him by Spanish tiano stays. He is at his club, his fort, his leadership, it is diffi cult “I am very happy, I remain MLS and said this campaign in the competition with seven prosecutors. home and no one can do what to fi nd players like Cristiano,” very motivated to keep winning would be the last with the goals. The Portuguese appeared in he keeps doing, so hopefully he Perez told Real Madrid TV. things at a collective and indi- team, though he left his future “I would really like to, but court in July over accusations he stays here until he retires.” “I watched Alfredo di Stefano vidual level. I still feel strong open. things don’t depend on me. evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.3 Ronaldo has smashed Real’s from when I was a kid, he is the enough continue my trajectory “Father, It was much more What depends on me is what I million) worth of tax between club records since joining from successor to him. This is a dif- as a player and to win trophies than I could ever imagined. do on the pitch,” said Ronaldo, 2011 and 2014. Manchester United in 2009 and ferent Madrid, but Cristiano has which is what I like most.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, December 18, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL BUNDESLIGA Leverkusen misses out on 2nd place in Man United down 4-4 draw at Hanover

AFP later after Jonathan Tah’s foul Berlin on Felix Klaus. Leverkusen struck back just minutes later, Admir Mehme- second half brace di’s well-angled shot levelling Albion, Liverpool from substitute the scores again after Hanover Leon Bailey was not had given the ball away in de- enough for Bayer fence. LeverkusenA as they were held The drama continued just in a thrilling 4-4 draw at before half-time, as Hanover Hanover yesterday. struck on the counter attack, Substituted on at half-time Klaus whipping in a fi ne shot with his team trailing 3-2, Bai- to restore the hosts’ lead. rock Bournemouth ley scored twice to put Bayer Leverkusen coach Heiko in the lead, but Julian Korb’s Herrlich brought on Bailey at ‘I think we deserved the win. We were the best team. We controlled the game for a long time’ 83rd-minute equaliser saved a the break, and the move im- point for Hanover. mediately paid off , as the Ja- AFP Bayer moved up to fourth in maican broke down the left London the Bundesliga after the draw, wing and made it 3-3 two min- level on 28 points with fi fth- utes into the second half. placed RB Leipzig, who can Bailey struck again 20 min- anchester United move back above Bayer with a utes later, putting Leverkusen kept their faint Pre- home win over Hertha Berlin. into the lead with another dev- mier League titles Julian Brandt put astating counter-attack on the hopes alive with a Leverkusen ahead with a bril- left fl ank. M2-1 win at West Bromwich Albi- liantly controlled volley on 11 However seven minutes on, while Liverpool moved back minutes, only for Ihlas Bebou from time sloppy Leverkusen into the top four with a 4-0 rout to immediately head Hano- defending allowed Korb to of Bournemouth yesterday. ver level. Niclas Fuellkrug put squeeze in Hanover’s fourth With Manchester City romp- the home side in front from and rescue a well-earned point ing away with the title race, the penalty spot nine minutes for his team. United had to win at the Haw- thorns to have any chance of reeling in their local rivals. LA LIGA Romelu Lukaku put Jose Mourinho’s side in front with a 27th-minute header and Jesse Lingard netted with the aid of a Villarreal, Girona defl ection to double the visitors’ lead in the 35th minute. But what looked destined to pick up wins be a comfortable win became tense when Gareth Barry prod- DPA ing to a second defeat in three ded home for Albion in the 77th Barcelona matches 2-1 at Eibar. minute. United ended the game Atletico remain unbeaten defending for their lives before in La Liga this season, but had claiming the win that left them illarreal stayed in the to wait until 16 minutes from 11 points behind City. Europa League places time to breakdown a dogged “I think we deserved the win. in La Liga yesterday Alaves, who had won their fi rst We were the best team. We con- with a 1-0 win over two matches since Abelardo trolled the game for a long time,” VCelta Vigo at Balaidos. Fernandez was named the Mourinho said. Pablo Fornals scored the club’s third coach of the sea- United spurned opportunities Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (second left) celebrates with teammates Mohamed Salah (left), Philippe Coutinho (second winner with a diving header son earlier this month. to kill the game off when Rash- right) and Dejan Lovren (right)) after scoring their fourth goal during the EPL match against Bournemouth in Bournemouth yesterday. (AFP) from the edge of the six-yard Torres had only been on ford slashed a right-footed shot box, converting a cross from the pitch six minutes when he wide in the 57th minute and Lin- some fresh legs in there, but they goals to put Liverpool in control domination count with a won- Results & standings Carlos Bacca on 34 minutes. stretched to fi re home Sime gard fi red straight at West Brom did so well at Liverpool that, I’m at Dean Court. derful solo goal from the same “This is not an easy place to Vrsaljko’s cross for his fi rst goalkeeper Ben Foster. They a new manager, I wanted to show Dejan Lovren was also on tar- man. Coutinho raced away down Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 4 come as was shown today,” For- league goal of the season. then switched off at a set-piece some faith in those players. “But get as Liverpool swept to a vic- the left, weaving past two play- West Brom 1 Manchester United 2 nals said. “We have got the derby “I’m very happy to get the to allow Barry to score and were I should have maybe made two or tory which was confi rmed by a ers with exquisite balance before against Valencia next and every- goal. When you score you al- lucky not to concede an equal- three changes. We looked leggy.” second-half Roberto Firmino cutting the ball into the net past Standings P W D L F A Pts one knows what the rivalry be- ways have the feeling that you iser when Jay Rodriguez headed At Dean Court, Liverpool header. The result lifted Jur- goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Man City ...... 18 17 1 0 56 12 52 tween the two teams is like.” have done a good job,” Torres wide from point-blank range demonstrated their goal power gen Klopp’s side above Arsenal Firmino almost doubled that Man Utd ...... 18 13 2 3 39 12 41 The win sent Villarreal back told BeIN Sports Spain. with fi ve minutes remaining. with a clinical display that took into fourth place. It also erased lead with an eff ort which de- Chelsea ...... 18 12 2 4 32 14 38 above Girona who had tem- Torres has started just one Liverpool ...... 18 9 7 2 38 20 34 “We had a few chances to kill them above Arsenal and Burnley memories of this fi xture last fl ected wide after excellent work Arsenal...... 18 10 3 5 31 20 33 porarily moved into sixth ear- league game this season and is the game but I knew they would into fourth place. season when Liverpool famous- by the ever-dangerous Salah. Burnley ...... 18 9 5 4 16 12 32 lier Sunday with a victory over hoping his winner might en- react,” Mourinho added. Egyptian winger Salah is the ly surrendered a 3-1 lead with 15 From the resulting corner, Tottenham ...... 18 9 4 5 31 18 31 Getafe. Girona won 1-0 at courage Diego Simeone to give “The intensity in the fi rst half fi rst Liverpool player since Luis minutes to go to lose 4-3. Lovren dived to head home after Leicester ...... 18 7 5 6 27 26 26 home thanks to a goal on fi ve him more opportunities. maybe we didn’t have in the sec- Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in Klopp surprisingly left out Firmino had somehow kept the Watford ...... 18 6 4 8 27 33 22 minutes from Cristhian Stuani. “I just have to keep fi ghting ond half.” 2013-14 to hit the 20-goal mark Sadio Mane as he made four ball in play. Everton ...... 17 6 4 7 21 29 22 They drop back down to sev- for more minutes and score Huddersfield ...... 18 6 3 9 16 30 21 West Brom manager Alan in all competitions, and he has changes to his line-up after Two down with only 26 min- Southampton ...... 18 4 6 8 17 24 18 enth after Villarreal’s victory. decisive goals,” he added. Pardew, who was appointed done it in only 26 matches. drawing 0-0 with West Brom- utes on the clock, Bournemouth Brighton ...... 18 4 6 8 14 23 18 On Saturday, Atletico Ma- Simeone hailed not only the last month after Tony Pulis was Brazil forward Coutinho wich Albion in midweek. were already on the ropes. Junior Crystal Palace...... 18 4 5 9 15 28 17 drid leapfrogged Valencia into impact of Torres, but also An- sacked, made one change to the moved into double fi gures for Despite that, Liverpool made Stanislas set up a good chance West Ham ...... 18 4 5 9 17 32 17 second place thanks to Fern- gel Correa and Yannick Car- side who drew 0-0 against Liv- the campaign despite only play- a bright start and almost took for Jermain Defoe before half- Bournemouth .....18 4 4 10 15 24 16 ando Torres’s fi rst goal at the rasco from the bench as his Stoke ...... 18 4 4 10 19 39 16 erpool on Wednesday. ing his fi rst game of the season the lead after 11 minutes when time, sending the striker clean Newcastle ...... 18 4 3 11 16 27 15 Wanda Metropolitano to edge side moved within three points “The team I picked, in hind- in mid-September because of Coutinho’s curling free-kick through on goal - only to see him West Brom ...... 18 2 8 8 13 24 14 out Alaves 1-0. Valencia re- of Barca and opened up a fi ve- sight, was not the right team,” injury. Both Salah and Coutinho came back off the upright. Nine shoot against the left-hand post Swansea ...... 17 3 3 11 9 22 12 main fi ve points off leaders point lead over city rivals Real Pardew said. “I should have put scored wonderful individual minutes later they made their rather than into the net. Barcelona in third after fall- Madrid in fourth.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Barcelona reach Wenger expects Arsenal revival agreement with Griezmann: reports over Christmas Robert Fernandez, the director AFP AFP ensure that the Germany inter- bile and they look to have a good Madrid of football. London national does not leave the club spirit. “President Josep Maria in January or at the end of the “The job of a manager is to Bartomeu has now entered season when his contract ex- take the best from the potential arcelona president to fi nalise the operation.” the rsene Wenger believes pires. of his team and I believe Benitez Josep Maria Bar- newspaper reported adding Arsenal’s 1-0 victory “It was a superb fi nish. He can does that very well.” tomeu has met with that “Bartomeu met recently over Newcastle will deliver that. It’s important for Because it is unlikely the the family of Atletico with Griezmann’s family to eat breed the confi dence him that he takes the risk to do mooted takeover of Newcastle Madrid’sB star forward Antoine in Barcelona.” Athey need to cope with a hectic what he did,” Wenger said. can be sanctioned and com- Griezmann ahead of a possible Griezmann, 26, agreed Christmas schedule. “Usually he is a guy who, 99 pleted before the transfer win- summer move, sports daily to sign a new contract with After seeing his side end a per cent of the time, in this po- dow closes at the end of January, Mundo Deportivo reported Atletico in June after the club three-match winless run thanks sition, he controls the ball and Benitez is aware he faces a tough yesterday. had an appeal against a trans- to Mesut Ozil’s spectacular fi rst- gives it to somebody else, so I’m task to keep the club from drop- The French international, fer ban rejected. half goal at the Emirates Sta- pleased he took the gamble to ping back into the Champion- who has been Atletico’s top The top scorer at Euro 2016, dium on Saturday, Gunners boss fi nish and I’m happy as well that ship. scorer for the past three sea- Griezmann said it would have Wenger has no worries about a he scored a very important goal. First, he must halt a run of sons, has been heavily linked been “dirty” to walk out on the potential lack of stamina. “I am confi dent that he will results that has reaped just a with a move to Manchester club when they couldn’t re- “You could see that we had stay here, but what does that solitary point from the last nine United in the past. place him until January. played three games in six days mean? I don’t know.” games. However, Barca appear will- However, Atletico coach and the third game is a bit more With Newcastle slipping into “Obviously, the last results ing to meet his 100 million euro Diego Simeone accepted this diffi cult physically. Nobody else the bottom three for the fi rst haven’t given us confi dence but ($118 million) buyout clause as week that Griezmann’s de- had to play Sunday, Wednesday, time this season, manager Rafael I always said that coming back they seek to again unite Lionel parture is inevitable. Many Saturday, but I still think we had Benitez will no doubt be grateful from the Championship, this Messi and Luis Suarez with a of Atletico’s other outstand- plenty of chances to score more for Wenger’s support. team would be in the bottom half prolifi c attacker following the ing players, including strikers goals,” Wenger said. of the table,” Benitez said. departure of Neymar to Paris Fernando Torres, Sergio Ague- “If you look historically, it Mutual respect “We didn’t win games when Saint-Germain in August for a ro, Radamel Falcao and Diego happens every year that fi nish- The Frenchman and Span- we had them against teams world record 222 million euros. Costa, have also left in recent ing is a bit cyclic. Sometimes you iard exchanged a warm greeting around us in the table. Now we “Barca settled on Griez- years for pastures new. will score three or four, convert- pitch-side before kick-off and have to put everything right, mann as an objective for 2018 “Of course Griezmann will ing every chance, and some- that mutual respect was echoed playing better if we can, and and they spoke with his en- be able to leave at some point, times you will have six or seven afterwards. hopefully bring in one or two ad- tourage to see if he was willing as Diego Costa, Diego Ribas and chances and score only one. Wenger said of his Newcastle ditions in January to give a lift to to wear the blue and red shirt,” Arda Turan have gone,” Sime- “I know that people are not counterpart: “I think he is doing everyone. reported Barcelona-based one told French sports daily happy with it, but it’s part of the a good job because Newcastle is “The main thing is to stay Mundo Deportivo. L’Equipe. “If a player comes to game and you need to live with not one of the teams who invest- calm, do our jobs properly and “After receiving a ‘yes’ in me and says, ‘coach, I have a it.” ed hugely to compete at the top give ourselves the chance to response, an agreement was chance of a lifetime and want to Ozil’s current form had when they came up. move up the table if the team reached with the French goal- leave’, and if he’s left everything Wenger purring in admiration “His team overall looks to me continues to work like they did Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gestures on the touchline during scorer involving Pep Segura, on the pitch for me like Griez- and more desperate than ever to to be organised, they look mo- today.” the EPL match against Newcastle United in London. (AFP) Barca’s general manager, and mann, I’ll say, ‘no problem.” Gulf Times Monday, December 18, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Beasley bags 30 Chiefs on a mission, Lions as Knicks spoil keep playoff hopes alive

AFP The Chiefs’ defense then took over. Anthony’s party Cornerback Marcus Peters intercepted Los Angeles Rivers on the next drive. Rivers fi nished 20-of-36 passing for Beasley shot 11-of-18 from the field to tally 30 points for the Knicks he Kansas City Chiefs closed in 227 yards and a touchdown but was in- on the NFL’s AFC West divi- tercepted three times. sional title on Saturday with a The Detroit Lions kept their NFL AFP Results 30-13 victory over the Los An- playoff hopes alive with a 20-10 victory Tgeles Chargers. over the Chicago Bears. New York Memphis 93, Boston 102 The Chiefs and Chargers came into Matthew Staff ord threw two touch- Miami 90, LA Clippers 85 the contest tied atop the division, but down passes and tight end Eric Ebron ichael Beasley had the San Antonio 98, Dallas 96 the win — before a raucous crowd at caught fi ve passes for 33 yards and a hot hand as the New York Cleveland 109, Utah 100 Arrowhead Stadium — left Kansas City score for the Lions, who improved to Knicks defeated the Okla- New York 111, Oklahoma City 96 needing just one win from their last two 8-6. homa City Thunder 111- Houston 115, Milwaukee 111 games to clinch the crown. While Detroit remained in the hunt M96 on Saturday, spoiling the return of Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for an NFC playoff spot, they’ll need Minnesota 106, Phoenix 108 Carmelo Anthony to Madison Square Charlotte 91, Portland 93 rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown on to win their last two games — against Garden. 24 carries. He added seven catches for 51 Cincinnati and Green Bay — and have Beasley shot 11-of-18 from the fi eld yards and a touchdown. some help from other teams in the NFC to tally 30 points as six players scored Paul George added 18 points for Quarterback Alex Smith connected wild card race to get there. in double fi gures for the Knicks, who Oklahoma City, who shot just 42 % on 23 of 30 passing attempts for 231 “That’s not our focus,” coach Jim improved to 16-13 on the season. from the fi eld and 60 % from the free- yards and two touchdowns. Caldwell said. “We don’t talk about “Mike has been fantastic,” Knicks throw line. “Huge, huge ramifi cations in this that stuff . Our focus is on one thing — coach Jeff Hornacek said. “He is en- Elsewhere, Josh Richardson scored game against a team that’s been red- Cincinnati. That’s it.” gaged in practice, he talks with the 28 points and coach Erik Spoelstra hot, and our team stepped up,” Smith Darius Slay highlighted a strong de- guys, he is a smart basketball player.” passed his mentor Pat Riley in fran- said. In addition to their one-game lead fensive performance for the Lions, in- Beasley “really understands the chise wins with his 455th as the Miami over the Chargers, the 8-6 Chiefs own tercepting two passes as Bears rookie game,” Hornacek added. Heat defeated the Los Angeles Clippers the tiebreaker after winning both reg- quarterback Mitchell Trubisky was “Some of that stuff he does is eff ort- 90-85. ular-season games against Los Angeles. picked off three times. less. He had a fantastic game.” Miami fended off a tremendous “Nothing’s fi nal,” Smith cautioned. The Lions held Chicago to 43 rushing Anthony struggled in his return, eff ort from DeAndre Jordan at the “You try to punch your ticket to the yards. making just fi ve fi eld goals and fi nish- AmericanAirlines Arena. The star of a dance and we’ve got two more opportu- “Our defense played incredible to- ing with 12 points including none in watered-down Clippers lineup scored nities to do that.” day,” Staff ord said. “You go out there the second half. 12 points and had 20 rebounds. Quarterback Philip Rivers rallied the and get those turnovers, that’s what we Anthony, who was featured in a Jordan has a season-best four con- Chargers from an early 10-0 defi cit, feed off of on off ense, more chances. highlight video during the introduc- secutive double-doubles and seven putting his team ahead early in the third “They got the turnovers and then just tions, heard cheers from the crowd of double-doubles in his last eight starts. with a 10-yard touchdown pass to An- stopping that run game. That’s as good a 19,800 but also a smattering of boos. Meanwhile, LeBron James posted tonio Gates. run game as we face all year. I know our This was Anthony’s fi rst trip back to his 60th NBA triple-double on Satur- But the Chiefs responded with a 12- guys were looking forward to the chal- the Garden as a member of the Thun- day, passing Larry Bird for sixth on the play, 69-yard drive capped by Hunt’s lenge and they stood up there and shut der since being traded in September all-time list and leading the Cleveland three-yard TD catch. them down.” for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and Cavaliers to a 109-100 victory over the a draft pick. Utah Jazz. Anthony helped lead New York to James scored 29 points, pulled down its fi rst division title in 19 years in the 11 rebounds and handed out 10 as- 2012-2013 season and averaged nearly sists. It was his third triple-double — 25 points per game in his six-plus-year putting up double digits in three sta- stint with the Knicks. tistical categories — in the four-game But Anthony has scored more than homestand that concluded Saturday. 25 points just once in his last 26 games His drive to the basket with one second with the Thunder. left in the third quarter gave Cleveland “The video montage caught me by an 80-73 lead going into the fourth, surprise,” Anthony said. “I wasn’t ex- and he scored 10 points in the fi nal pe- pecting it. I was waiting for my name riod. to be called.” James had scored or assisted on He thanked Knicks’ executives Scott Cleveland’s fi rst 13 points. He con- Perry and Steve Mills “for making the nected on nine of his 15 shots from the gesture. That goes a long way.” fi eld and made all 10 of his free throws. There was plenty of interest in this Kevin Love had 15 points and fi ve re- matchup and not just because of An- bounds, and rookie Cedi Osman scored thony’s involvement. This was a bat- a career-high 10 points for Cleveland, tle between two hot NBA teams as the who are 17-1 since November 11 and Knicks had won four of their last fi ve notched an 11th straight home win. and the Thunder had won six of their Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue earned last eight. his 100th regular-season victory since Courtney Lee had 20 points and Mc- being promoted to the job on January Dermott added 13 off the bench to lead 22, 2016. the Knicks, who were without leading The Jazz were without French center scorer Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined by Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, who left knee soreness. were both hurt in a win over Boston on Russell Westbrook had 25 points to Michael Beasley of the New York Knicks takes a shot against Patrick Friday. Gobert is expected to miss up lead the Thunder, who were outscored Patterson and Josh Huestis of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third to a month with a sprained left knee, 31-23 in the fourth quarter. quarter during their game at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. while Favors suff ered an eye laceration.

BOTTOMLINE Warriors will watch as

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) leaps over Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Lakers retire Bryant’s jerseys PICTURE: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

AFP Center dubbed “Kobeland”. Los Angeles “When it happens, it’ll be a little bit emotional,” Lakers coach Luke Walton Vonn out of super-G with knee pain said of the jersey ceremony. he Los Angeles Lakers will But Walton, who won two titles Val-d’Isère, France: Just weeks retire superstar Kobe Bry- with Bryant as a player, said that as ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics ant’s jerseys today, and it’s the game approached he would be American speed ace Lindsey Vonn Ta farewell even rivals the “thinking 99.5 % about our chances pulled out of the World Cup super-G Golden State Warriors don’t want to of how to beat the Warriors”. event here yesterday. miss. Kerr, too, will no doubt want his “She did the pre-race inspection this Warriors coach Steve Kerr told re- reigning champion Warriors to be fo- morning, but decided against racing,” porters in Oakland on Saturday that cused on the game, but on Saturday a US team spokesperson said. his players would be on the bench, not they were fi elding questions about “She’s packed up and already left Val back in their locker room, for the half- Bryant and his impact on the league. d’Isere. She won’t race in Courchevel.” time festivities at Staples Center. “He was such an all-world compet- “She will now head home to the US to “Just the experience in seeing one itor,” Kevin Durant said. “All-world spend Christmas there.” of the greatest players in the history of just basketball player... I do miss that The 33-year-old star of the circuit who the game getting his jersey retired and intensity that he brought to the court. won Saturday’s super-G said the move we happen to be there,” Kerr said. “I’m He raised everybody’s — opponents, had been one of precaution. not going to keep them in the locker coaching staff — just everybody’s level “Knee is a bit sore from yesterday so room to watch tape of the fi rst half. of play.” to be on the safe side I’m going to “The players would look at me like Durant said his favourite memory give my body some rest. My focus is I was nuts.” stops in honouring one of the club’s The fi ve-time NBA champion will of playing Bryant was when his Okla- on the Olympics so no need to risk Kerr quipped that his plan depend- greats. become 10th Lakers player to have his homa City Thunder eliminated Bryant anything now. Still going home very ed on approval from the Lakers — and They will raise both of the num- number retired, joining Wilt Cham- and the Lakers in the second round of happy after my win yesterday,” Vonn Lakers president Jeanie Buss was bers Bryant wore while with the club berlain, Elgin Baylor, Gail Goodrich, the playoff s in 2012. wrote on Twitter. quick to respond. — eight and 24 — in his two-decade Magic Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar, Shaq- “That was a proud moment, playing Vonn had to withdraw from a super-G “Of course they are invited! We ex- career all spent with the Lakers. uille O’Neal, James Worthy, Jerry so well, and fi nally beating his team in in St Moritz last weekend with a back pected they would want to pay their Bryant, who retired in 2016, scored West and Jamaal Wilkes. the playoff s,” Durant said. “So I can injury, for which she had treatment in respects to one of the greatest to ever 33,643 points,the third-most in NBA In addition to the halftime cer- say that I won in one-on-one against Austria. play in the NBA,” Buss tweeted. history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar emony, the Lakers will host a Bryant- Kobe in the playoff s, not too many The Lakers are pulling out all the and Karl Malone. themed street festival outside Staples people can say that.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, December 18, 2017 SPORT

NHL Ovechkin’s OT goal helps Caps edge Anaheim Ducks Braden Holtby made 28 saves for the Capitals, who won for the 10th time in 12 games. The Ducks have earned at least a point in their past seven games (3-0-4)

The Sports Xchange ended a three-game slide and beat the New York Coyotes for the second time this season. Carter Rowney got the Penguins going with a short-handed goal in the second lex Ovechkin scored 1:58 into period. overtime as the Washington The Coyotes surged back with goals Capitals rallied from a two- by Nick Cousins and Max Domi before goal defi cit to defeat the Ana- dropping their sixth in a row and ninth heimA Ducks 3-2 on Saturday night. in 10 games. Arizona is an NHL-worst Ovechkin entered the Anaheim zone 7-23-5 and 3-10-1 at home. and blasted a shot from the top of the right circle that eluded goalie John Gib- SENATORS 3, CANADIENS 0 son. It was Ovechkin’s 23rd goal of the Craig Anderson stopped 28 shots for season, tied for the NHL lead. Wash- his second shutout of the season as Ot- ington’s Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny tawa defeated Montreal in the NHL100 Kuznetsov scored third-period goals. Classic at TD Place. Derek Grant and Jakob Silfverberg A crowd of 33,959 braved frigid tem- gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead after two pe- peratures for the league’s fi rst outdoor riods. Gibson stopped 24 shots for Ana- game of the season. The win was the heim. Braden Holtby made 28 saves for second in a row for the Senators, who the Capitals, who won for the 10th time are trying to dig out of a hole they made in 12 games. The Ducks have earned at during a 1-5-1 road trip. least a point in their past seven games Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Bobby Ryan (3-0-4). and Nate Thompson scored for Ottawa. Carey Price stopped 35 shots in goal for LIGHTNING 6, AVALANCHE 5 the Canadiens. Anton Stralman scored twice and Yanni Gourde had a goal and two assists Rangers 3, Bruins 2 (OT) as Tampa Bay held on for its seventh Mats Zuccarello scored a power-play straight victory. goal 1:56 into overtime, giving New York The Lightning led 4-0 in the second a victory over Boston. period but had to withstand a late push The Bruins, who had erased a two- from the Avalanche, who got a hat trick goal defi cit to force OT, were called for from captain Gabriel Landeskog and an- their second too-many-men penalty other two goals from Nathan MacKin- of the game to set up the winner. Zuc- non to get within one goal twice in the carello, getting the puck in the right third. After six goals in the third period, faceoff circle, waited, waited and, with Colorado pulled goaltender Jonathan Alex Ovechkin of Washington Capitals. Chris Kreider serving as a screen, fi red a Bernier with a little less than two min- wrist shot over the shoulder of Tuukka utes remaining, but Peter Budaj made Rask for the win, ending Boston’s three- a series of key saves to help Tampa Bay game winning streak. hold on. Nikita Kucherov scored his 23rd Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves in goal — tied for the NHL lead — to make high 48 saves and Vladimir Tarasenko power-play goals, including the winner minutes in which Anders Lee gave New 7:02 left in the second is one more than the Rangers’ goal to raise his career it 1-0. scored one power-play goal and assisted 3:50 into overtime, as Philadelphia de- York the lead with 3:16 remaining in the team’s other six defensemen com- record against the Bruins to 27-12-2. on another in St. Louis’ victory over feated Dallas. regulation before Anze Kopitar forced bined. He scored four goals in each of Rask made 25 saves but saw his personal PREDATORS 2, FLAMES 0 Winnipeg. Jakub Voracek picked up assists on overtime with 13 seconds left. his fi rst two seasons. fi ve-game winning streak snapped as Pekka Rinne stopped 32 shots for his Hutton, who came off injured reserve Gostisbehere’s goals and goaltender Josh Bailey and John Tavares also Alexander Wennberg scored for the Boston fell to 15-10-5. third shutout of the season as Nash- Friday after recovering from a foot in- Brian Elliott stopped 26 shots to give the scored for the Islanders while Greiss Blue Jackets, who failed to score on the ville swept its three-game trip through jury, recorded his fi rst shutout of the Flyers their sixth straight victory after a made 26 saves. Oscar Fantenberg and power play in four attempts and are 3 for Oilers 3, Wild 2 Western Canada. season and ninth of his career in his fi rst 10-game losing streak. Tyler Toff oli scored in the fi rst period, 38 on the road this season with the man Second-period goals by Milan Lucic Ryan Johansen and Kevin Fiala scored start since Dec. 1. Gemel Smith scored for the Stars, and Darcy Kuemper recorded 29 saves advantage — 30th in the NHL. Sergei and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins helped Ed- for the Predators, who have won six of The Jets fi red 15 shots at Hutton in who have lost fi ve of their last seven for Los Angeles. Bobrovsky made 22 saves for Columbus. monton snap Minnesota’s four-game their past seven games (6-0-1). Rinne’s the fi rst period and 21 in the second but games (2-4-1). Ben Bishop stopped 28 win streak. 46 career shutouts are the most by a could not score as they fell to 1-4-1 in shots in his third straight loss. HURRICANES 2, BLUE JACKETS 1 PENGUINS 4, COYOTES 2 Cam Talbot, who had missed the pre- Finnish-born goaltender and three bet- their last six games and 0-4-2 in their Noah Hanifi n scored the go-ahead Olli Maatta’s slap shot goal from the vious seven games with an undisclosed ter than retired Flames great Miikka Ki- last six road games. ISLANDERS 4, KINGS 3 (OT) goal in the second period and Scott left point with 14.5 seconds remaining injury, made 29 saves for the Oilers, who prusoff . The win snapped a six-game losing Jordan Eberle scored 1:54 into over- Darling stopped 35 shots to snap a fi ve- ended Arizona’s comeback and Pitts- got the third-period game-winner from Mike Smith made 26 saves for Cal- streak by the Blues against Winnipeg time as New York overcame a two-goal game winless streak as Carolina de- burgh survived after squandering a Jesse Puljujarvi. gary, which has dropped two straight (0-5-1), which had won all fi ve games in fi rst period defi cit to edge Los Angeles. feated Columbus for its third straight two-goal lead. Defenseman Matt Dumba scored games and six of its last eight (2-4-2) in the last season’s series. Eberle’s score, which came after Is- victory. Evgeni Malkin scored for the Pen- twice for the Wild and Alex Stalock had falling to 8-10-0 at home. landers goaltender Thomas Greiss Darling was 0-3-2 in his last fi ve de- guins and set up Maatta’s goal, and cap- 26 saves, as the Wild lost a regulation BLUES 2, JETS 0 Flyers 2, Stars 1 (OT) turned back two Kings breakaway op- cisions and hadn’t won since Nov. 26. tain Sidney Crosby added an empty-net game at home for the fi rst time since Backup Carter Hutton made a career- Shayne Gostisbehere scored two portunities, capped a wild fi nal few Hanifi n’s sixth goal of the season with goal nine seconds later as Pittsburgh Nov. 4 after going 7-0-1.

SAILING ALPINE SKIING Veith thrilled to be Frenchman pulverises solo back to winning ways

AFP around the world record Val-d’Isère, France ustrian ski star Anna Veith AFP record by just a day and a half (71 days, said she was thrilled to be Brest, France 14 hours). back to winning ways after She remained undefeated until 2016 a long injury lay-off , just in when Coville set a new record of 49 timeA for February’s Winter Olympics rench sailor François Gabart days and three hours which many pre- in Pyeongchang. smashed six days and 10 hours dicted would be diffi cult to topple. Veith, who formerly raced under off sailing’s around the world Gabart, who embarked on November her maiden name of Fenninger, sus- Frecord yesterday producing 4, was on a two-year-old state of the tained a devastating knee injury in what many pundits felt was a previ- art 30 metre (98 foot) long new genera- October 2015 that saw her sit out the ously unthinkable time of 42 days, 16 tion MACIF maxi-trimaran comfort- entire 2015/16 season. hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds. ably carved its way through the waves Two surgeries and a lot of reha- Huge crowds of well-wishers were and into the record books. bilitation later, after a short-lived on hand to welcome the sailor into the Helped by good weather throughout comeback in January 2017 and the port of Brest, accompanied by dozens much of the voyage, particularly during St Mortiz world championships, the because our team is pretty strong,” of small craft as he burned fl ares at the the long and arduous Pacifi c section, it 28-year-old is again back and revel- Veith said of what should be an ex- helm and was carried aloft to shore by clocked up jaw-dropping speeds of up ling in the fact she can still win. tremely tough Austrian quartet of his ground crew where he popped a to 35 knots (65 kilometres an hour). “It has been a real mental chal- racers. “The most important thing is bottle of champagne. He set a number of new solo race lenge,” she said. “Physically I have to get into perfect shape for February “I’m aching all over and it’s been like records along the way, including the worked a lot. and defend my title.” that for weeks, weeks since a proper fastest navigation of the Pacifi c (7 days, “I wasn’t prepared well enough for Veith added: “My dream was to get sleep, I can hardly go on,” an exhausted French skipper Francois Gabart celebrates yesterday during a welcoming 15 hours, 15 minutes) and the longest racing and after surgery I realised the back on to the top (of the podium) Gabart told the press on his ecstatic ar- ceremony upon his arrival at the end of his solo around the world navigation, distance covered in 24 hours (851 miles most important thing was to be in and I achieved that today, so it’s per- rival in port. in Brest, western France. Gabart smashed the world record for the fastest solo or 1,576 kilometres). good shape.” fect. “I’ve been at sea all alone for 40- navigation of the globe, in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds. Gabart fi rst circumnavigated the Veith, who fi nished 15th in Satur- “I showed my best and now I know days and now suddenly I’m surrounded world during the 2013 Vendee Globe day’s super-G won by Lindsey Vonn, that everything’s possible and that’s by everyone here it’s amazing, I really video showing his boat’s progress on a ing boats around me in the dark here race — which he won. He immediately timed 1min 05.77sec down the OK a really good feeling. only thought I had a slender chance of computer monitor. and it all seems strange and extraordi- set his sights on breaking the solo non- course to win on Sunday, her Ameri- “I want to work like that in the fu- breaking the record,” he claimed. “The little blue is us, the red line is nary.” stop record. Coville congratulated his can rival withdrawing with knee ture and in other disciplines.” “It was hard and I was on the very the fi nish. We should cut it soon, the Gabart becomes just the fourth ti- record vanquisher. pain. Veith said the rehabilitation had edge of things the whole time.” computer says 30 seconds,” he said, tle-holder for a world record of sailing “He’s an incredible strategist. He It was the Austrian’s 15th victory made her doubt her ability to return The 34-year-old sailor crossed a vir- wiping his eyes. the globe solo without stopping. already showed that during the Vendee on the World Cup circuit and third in at the highest level. tual fi nish line between the island of The race time was announced by an Huge leaps have been made in that Globe,” he told AFP. super-G. “When I think back to the days Ushant off France’s northwest tip and observer from the World Sailing Speed time — since the record was fi rst set in Of the four solo record holders, The timing of her return to form when I was on the ground... After in- Lizard Point in southwest England at Council but will be subject to checks of 2004, nearly 30 days have been shaved Gabart is the only won to have also won could not be better for Veith who was jury there were so many days I didn’t 0145 GMT, ripping to shreds the previ- the boat’s black box and its GPS data off . a competitive round the world race. overall World Cup champion in 2014 know whether I could get back into ous record set by compatriot Thomas before fi nal confi rmation. The debut record holder was French- Another illustrious sailor Michel and 2015, and is also a three-time race mode. Coville last year by a massive six days “I’m happy and proud to have made man Francis Joyon who completed the Desjoyeaux said there was no surprise world gold medallist. “When you feel your body’s right and 10 hours. this lovely voyage around the world,” he odyssey in 72 days and 22 hours. in the feat. She will also head to South Korea you have to be very mentally strong. Moments before crossing the fi nish said in the video. British female sailor Ellen “The one thing we can be sure of as defending super-G champion, “Now I know I have that race line Gabart, a father of two and engi- “It hasn’t sunk in yet but I know it’s a MacArthur took to the seas a year later, is that Francois has a faster boat than having triumphed in Sochi in 2014. mode. Now I know I can do this, like neer by trade, sent out an emotional great time. I have cargo ships and fi sh- racing against the clock to break that Thomas,” he told AFP by telephone. “That was fi rst step to get there today.” Gulf Times Monday, December 18, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Rose storms home Froome test bad for cycling, says to win Indonesian rival Bardet AFP chunk of next season. Paris MARTIN RETRACTS ‘SPECIAL Englishman finishes 29 under, eight STATUS’ ATTACK ON FROOME shots clear of Thailand’s Khongwatmai rance’s top cyclist Romain Bar- Four-time world time trial champion Masters det said yesterday that Chris Tony Martin on Saturday retracted his Froome’s adverse drugs test at attack on under-fi re star Froome, who AFP the Vuelta a Espana had dam- the German had accused of “special agedF the credibility of the sport. status” over an adverse drugs test. Jakarta Bardet, second to Froome at the Tour On Thursday, the 32-year-old Mar- de France in 2016 and third in 2017, was tin wrote he was “totally angry” on ngland’s Justin Rose fi red a speaking on the fringes of a World Cup Facebook and suggested suspended brilliant round of 10 under biathlon event in his home region. Sky leader Froome and his British team par to cruise to victory at the “This is not good news for cycling,” “enjoy a special status”, which the Ger- $750,000 Indonesian Masters said Bardet, who will again be amongst man has now retracted. yesterday.E the favourites for the 2018 Tour. “I now understand that the UCI is Rose, who is ranked six in the world, “Pretty much everyone gets hit by managing this case in accordance with was the form player at the Asian Tour’s something like this, cycling’s credibil- the rules and that Chris Froome did not season-ending event and fi nished 29 ity fi rst and foremost. get any special treatment,” wrote Mar- under for the tournament, eight shots “We really could have done without tin. clear of Thailand’s Phachara Khong- it. It’s not something anyone can re- “According to the rules, in a case watmai. joice about,” he said. involving a specifi ed substance, every The win caps a stellar end to the “Let’s hope that a swift and objective athlete shall have the chance to explain season for the Englishman in which he probe can clarify the facts and leave no whether the numbers can be due to has won three tournaments in the past doubts about what happened,” said the natural causes.” two months. 27-year-old AG2R team leader. Britain’s Froome has admitted his “That’s my largest ever winning Froome, a four time Tour de France adverse drugs test at the Vuelta a Es- margin at a tournament,” Rose told re- winner had twice the permissible pana in September is “damaging” as porters at a press conference. amount of asthma medication Salb- the four-time Tour de France winner “To really do it at the end of the long utamol in his system on September 7, battles to clear his name. season, to come here with my game in following the 18th stage of the Grand Despite his retraction, Martin says good shape and to deal with the jet- Tour race he won for the fi rst time. he is angered by any doping cases in his lag, deal with the rain delays, to stay Cycling’s governing body UCI has sport. focused all four rounds, is something asked the Team Sky rider to provide “That said, I am always very angry I’m very pleased about.” more information but in line with when another case in relation to anti- Following a curtailed day of play World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines doping happened in our sport,” added Saturday, competitors had to com- has not suspended him. the German. plete their third round early Sunday If Froome fails to provide a satis- “I will, as I always did, continue to before commencing with the fourth at factory answer, the UCI could pro- take a strong position regarding the the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. ceed with an anti-doping rule viola- fi ght against doping. After fi nishing his remaining 10 tion case — he could even be stripped “I will always remain an outspoken holes with seven birdies and one bogey of his Vuelta victory and miss a large advocate for a 100 percent clean sport.” for a third round six-under-par 66, Rose held a three shot lead over Zim- babwe’s Scott Vincent going into the fi nal round. Rose started strongly with four birdies in a row before eagling the ninth to make the turn at seven-un- der-par 29. He kept the momentum up over the back nine, dropping just one shot to bogey the 16th. Poor weather has plagued the event, disrupting play most days, and it was no diff erent on Sunday as lightning storms saw the tournament suspend- ed twice. Justin Rose of England celebrates with the trophy after winning the Indonesian Masters golf tournament in Jakarta, But the foul weather appeared to Indonesia, yesterday. (AFP) have little impact on the 2016 Olym- pic champion, who commanded the Rose admitted it was hard to fi nd shot at a time. nament, ending on 21 under overall. clubhouse lead on day one and never rhythm with the delays but said he was Finishing second was Phachara, who Zimbabwe’s Vincent fi nished third relinquished it. pleased with his ability to play just one was in good form throughout the tour- and Yusaku Miyazato of Japan fourth.

BOXING McGregor says he wants MMA fi ght next Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor, touted as a Saunders dominates Lemieux to keep crown potential opponent for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pac- quiao, has indicated he wants his next bout to be a return AFP ing his fi rst appearance in North America be fi nished,” he said. to the octagon rather than the ring. Caught on video by Montreal on Saturday. Saunders (26-0, 12 knockouts) made the the celebrity news site while out and about in New York, “Now fi ght me. We will see a diff erent third defence of the title he won by out- McGregor was asked about Pacquiao’s announcement story. You be punching fresh air,” Saunders pointing Ireland’s Andy Lee two years ago. last week that he had opened talks to fight McGregor. nbeaten Billy Joe Saunders said of Golovkin. Lemieux’s best round was the third but “I think a true fight is what I want to do next,” McGregor threw down the gauntlet to four- Golovkin is in talks for a rematch with he failed to do any serious damage to Saun- says in the video posted online on Saturday. “MMA next.” belt champion Gennady Golovkin Canelo Alvarez on May 5 and if the pieces ders, landing just 67 overall punches to 165 Ireland’s McGregor hasn’t fought in mixed martial arts with a systematic dismantling of fall together the way Saunders hopes, the for the champion. or boxing since losing a boxing bout to unbeaten Floyd UDavid Lemieux in his North American pro- Brit could challenge Golovkin or Alvarez in Lemieux said his attack was blunted after Mayweather by a 10th-round technical knockout in their fessional boxing debut on Saturday. late 2018 or sooner. opening bell as he peppered the Canadian he hurt his left hand in the second round. much-hyped bout in Las Vegas in August. The 28-year-old Englishman kept his Golovkin holds the WBA, WBC, IBF and with jabs and combinations, winning every He also complained that Saunders did too Showtime sports released final figures on Friday show- World Boxing Organization middleweight IBO middleweight titles. round on one judge’s scorecard. much running away instead of fi ghting in ing the cross-combat superfight drew the second-most title by scoring a lopsided unanimous deci- Saunders relied on his ring savvy and “I knew what he (Lemieux) was coming the centre of the ring. North American pay-per-view buys in history with 4.3mn. sion victory over Canadian crowd favourite hand speed to bloody and disarm the explo- for,” Saunders said. “I look easy to whip. “It wasn’t my best night. He was on the Only one other fight — Mayweather’s 2015 clash with Lemieux. sive punching power of Lemieux, who had I look easy to put down. I look like I could run from the fi rst round to the end. I guess Pacquiao — has ever drawn more, racking up 4.6mn pay- Saunders holds the only world title in 33 knockouts in 38 victories heading into run out of gas. But you can’t hit me. I like that is the strategy he needs to win a fi ght,” per-view buys. his weight class that is not in the hands of Saturday’s contest at the Place Bell arena in to come into someone’s backyard because I Lemieux said. Showtime said in a statement that global revenues, Golovkin. Laval, Quebec. perform better.” Lemieux had his four-fi ght win streak including ticket sales, sponsorship and international The Englishman is now eyeing a unifi ca- He won by scores of 120-108, 117-111 and Saunders said he owes everything to his snapped, losing for the fi rst time since distribution, for Mayweather-McGregor had exceeded tion fi ght with the Kazakhstani fi ghter after 118-110. new coach Dominic Ingle. Golovkin stopped him in the eighth round $600mn. racking up 25 straight victories before mak- Saunders got the upper hand from the Without him, “my boxing career would two years ago.

BADMINTON Sindhu loses to Yamaguchi in Superseries Finals decider IANS ahead to 4-0 but Yamaguchi fought fensive game and looked confi dent. She by Xinhua news agency. Dubai back. Her quick game put pressure on was better in defending away from the Yamaguchi said: “During the entire Sindhu which resulted in the latter body but struggled in facing bodyline match I saw the trophy placed on the committing multiple errors. shuttles. side of the court and I thought ‘I want ndian star shuttler PV Sindhu lost Yamaguchi equalised at the eight- However, she managed to hold a this trophy, I want this’!” to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the point mark and there was no looking slender one-point advantage at the “I changed my tactics and kept the women’s singles fi nal of the sea- back for her. mid-game break. Yamaguchi overcame shuttlecock high in the second game.” son-ending BWF World Superser- Sindhu lacked concentration es- the defi cit in a hurry. Afterwards, both In the men’s singles fi nal, reigning Iies Finals here yesterday. pecially in receiving service from of them were engaged in a see-saw bat- champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark Rio Olympics silver medallist Sindhu Yamaguchi, who didn’t give the lanky tle. overcame Malaysian veteran Lee Chong lost a hard-fought battle 21-15, 12-21, Indian space to go for the winners. Under pressure, Sindhu hit some Wei 19-21, 21-19, 21-15 in an hour and 19-21 in an hour and 34 minutes to Yamaguchi was too strong to be smashes wide of the court to concede 24 minutes. world No.2 Yamaguchi at the Hamdan halted by Sindhu as the former was the advantage to Yamaguchi. At 19-all, The men’s doubles title went to In- Sports Complex. determined to take the match to the Sindhu eff ected a slow service to which donesians Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and With this win, the 20-year-old third game. At 16-10 in favour of the the Japanese responded with a power- Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, who got the Japanese improved her head-to-head Japanese, Sindhu apparently surren- ful bodyline blow, and in the next one, better of China’s Liu Cheng and Zhang record against Sindhu to 3-5. dered the second game, deciding to Sindhu failed to respond to a sharp Nan 21-16, 21-15. Sindhu came into the match on the save her energy for the third and de- service, as Yamaguchi triumphed. Japan’s Shiho Tanaka and Koharu back of four consecutive wins, includ- ciding game. It was India’s third medal in the Yonemoto fought off compatriots Yuki ing a 21-9, 21-13 dominating victory In the decider, Sindhu jumped to season-ending tournament after Saina Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota 21-16, over Yamaguchi. The way Sindhu ran Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi (right) celebrates after winning the final against India’s a 4-0 lead to throw the challenge to Nehwal (2011) and the mixed doubles 21-15 in the women’s doubles fi nal. away with the fi rst game, it looked like PV Sindhu at the BWF World Superseries Finals in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) Yamaguchi – which the Japanese ac- pair of V. Diju and Jwala Gutta (2009). In the mixed doubles fi nal, Chinese it would be easy for the three-time cepted and coolly notched up point “This is really hard as I was so close world No.1 pair of Zheng Siwei and World Championships medallist. situations. Sindhu showed glimpses of strokeplay enabled her to get a spar- after point to equalise at the fi ve-point to getting the title,” Sindhu, who fi n- Chen Qingchen registered a 21-15, 22- Sindhu utilised her wide reach to her mistakes in defensive situations in kling start. mark. ished runner-up in the 2017 World 20 victory against Tang Chun Man/Tse good eff ect, especially in cross-court the fi rst game as well but her persistent In the second game, Sindhu charged However, Sindhu improved her de- Championships, was quoted as saying Ying Suet from Hong Kong.

Monday, December 18, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL/QSL CUP QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Wakrah lift game late to Gharafa aim to make beat Al Gharafa

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Wakrah lifted their game a notch when it history against Rayyan mattered most to put it past Al Gharafa in the Qatar Basketball League yesterday. The match was a closely contested af- With the victory tomorrow, Al Gharafa will become the only team to win the title twice Afair until the third quarter but Al Wakrah produced a brilliant 30-point eff ort in the fi nal 10 minutes to clinch an eventually comfortable 95-86 win. Al Wakrah led 28-26 after the fi rst quarter and maintained their slight advantage when they held a 48-45 lead at the halfway stage. But Al Gharafa scored 23 points in the third quar- ter to edge Wakrah 68-65 heading into the fi nal 10 minutes. However, they could not get their momentum going as Al Wakrah ran rampage, scoring at will. They also excelled in the defence, restricting Al Gharafa to just 18 points. For Al Wakrah, Marcus Johnson shot seven three-pointers to top score with 29 points, while Adamu Saaka had 25. Earnest Lee was the only other player to get into double fi gures with 20. For Al Gharafa, Sammy Monroe scored 29 points, while James Justice had 25. In another match, Rayyan edged Al Shamal 99- 93 with Sherwood Brown scoring 23 while Moham- ed Abdelkawy and Stephen Hurt netted 22 each. Rayyan led for 22 minutes of the match despite being down 52-45 at the end of the second quarter, eventually winning the match with a 29-point ef- fort in the fi nal quarter. Darryl Bryan scored 25 points for Al Shamal, while Moses Ahambi and Alioune Tew had 22 and 20 respectively.

Al Gharafa players celebrate their QSL CUP semi-final win against Umm Salal on Saturday.

By Sports Reporter registered a 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Al Doha Sadd, got the better of Al Markhiya 5-2, beat Umm Salal 1-0 and were held goal- less by Al Arabi in the last round after they he QSL Cup fi nal, to be fought be- sealed their berth in the semifi nals. Action from Al Wakrah-Al Gharafa match. tween Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan On the competition front, Al Rayyan at the Qatar SC Stadium tomor- enjoy a slight edge over their rivals if their row, has a touch of history to it. present form and strength are anything to SPOTLIGHT TAl Gharafa had won the inaugural edi- go by. In the QNB Stars League, which tion by defeating Al Ahli 5-0 in the title has taken a break and will resume in round. The remaining four editions of the early January, Al Rayyan are third with 25 tournament saw diff erent champions, points, whereas Al Gharafa stand seventh Qatar to host so Al Gharafa make history should they on 11 points. Al Rayyan are better off and become the only team to win the event had even occupied the second spot before twice. Al Sadd displaced them in Week 11. next Gulf Cup Al Sadd (2010-11), Al Wakrah (2011- Al Rayyan had struggled in the last two 12), erstwhile El Jaish (2012-13) and Qatar games, being held by Umm Salal and hav- By Sports Reporter SC (2013-14) were the other winners be- ing lost to Al Ahli, but they showed no Doha fore the QSL Cup was revived this season signs of slump while putting it past Al after a gap of three years. Kharaitiyat in the semi-fi nal. Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan had ad- Injured Moroccan striker Abderrazaq atar will host the 24th Gulf Cup football vanced from the group stage as winners Hamdallah played the match, having re- tournament, it emerged yesterday after with 13 points each. In the semi-fi nals, covered from his thigh injury. Rodrigo a meeting of the executive committee of Al Gharafa defeated Umm Salal by an Tabata, Sebastian Soria and Mohsine the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation all-important goal scored by Monqeth Moutaouali add teeth to their attack. Al (AGCFF)Q in Doha. Mohamed late into the game, while Al Gharafa are a good mix of youth and ex- Having transferred the hosting rights of the Rayyan prevailed over Al Kharaitiyat 2-0 perience. They have Luis Jimenez lead- 23rd Gulf Cup to Kuwait after the FIFA ban on that through goals from Sebastian Soria and ing from the front, ably backed by Diogo country was lifted earlier this month, the AGCFF Daniel Goumou. Both teams’ path to the Amado, Othman Al Yahri, Amro Seraj and accepted a request by Qatar to host the next edition semi-fi nals was almost similar. Almahdi Ali. of the regional showpiece. In Group A, Al Gharafa blanked Al It will be a big treat for the fans as Yesterday’s meeting, chaired by AGCFF Presi- Khor 2-0, defeated Al Duhail 1-0, beat well when Jean Fernandez-coached Al dent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Tha- Qatar SC 2-1, drew with Al Kharaitiyat Gharafa challenge the might of Michael ni, also reviewed the preparations for this month’s 1-1 and prevailed over Al Sailiya 4-0. Laudrup’s Al Rayyan. The match will be Gulf Cup in Kuwait. Al Rayyan were in cruise control in decided in tie-breaker if extra time of 15 The AGCFF expressed their satisfaction at the Group B right from the beginning. The minutes each and regulation time end in fact that all arrangements for the 23rd edition in Lions started off by defeating Al Ahli 2-0, stalemate. Al Rayyan’s Tabata (left) vying for the ball with a Kharaitiyat player during their semi-final on Saturday. Kuwait have been completed.

WORLD SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS Qatar go down fighting in Under-23 friendly against Serbia Mohamed, Raneem claim titles

AFP second game. But Welily drew could make her on court speech Manchester level on games and completed because of prolonged tears. the turnaround by winning the Former world champion next two to take the title. Nicol David believes she can gypt’s Mohamed El “After the fi rst game I began still win another major title Shorbagy and Raneem to hit the ball more accurately, despite being well into her 35th El Welily won the men’s not as quick a pace and not as year. David lost a recent World and women’s World strong, but this still made a huge Championship quarter-fi nal to SquashE Championships respec- diff erence,” she said. “I was able the Welily in four games. tively in Manchester yesterday. to get in front of Nour and then But the Malaysian believes World No 3 Mohamed de- move her to the front and back she is still gradually adapting to feated his younger brother and again as often as possible.” the profound changes in tactics World No 6 Marwan El Shor- It was when Welily started and techniques in the women’s bagy 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, to get the feel of the condi- game in the last two years. while Welily defeated her com- tions that she showed just how David’s last big title was the patriot Nour El Sherbini 3-11, talented a shot-maker she Hong Kong Open in December 12-10, 11-7, 11-5. is – deft with the drop shots, 2015, since when her superbly World number two Wel- sharp-eyed with the cut-off athletic and subtlely patterned ily made up for the loss of four volleys, and slick-wristed with game has been rendered less ef- match points against Nicol Dav- the disguised drives. fective by a lowering of the tin id in the 2014 fi nal in front of her She won the two points from by two inches to the 17 inches home crowd in Cairo by beating 10-10 in the second game with used in the men’s game. Sherbini, who had been in fi ne a lovely forehand drive winner David does not believe age is form and was looking to become and a brilliant retrieve which the main factor in a failure to add the fi rst Egyptian to win three lured Sherbini into angling the to her 81 titles, and thinks a world successive world Squash titles. ball down off a side wall. In the ranking at six still provides an Sherbini took the fi rst game third game, Welily soon built a adequate platform from which and looked likely to take a two- 7-3 lead and in the fourth a 6-2 to tackle younger, more naturally game lead when she took fi ve out lead, neither of which Sherbini aggressive players. “It’s just that Action from Under-23 friendly match between Qatar (Maroon) and Serbia yesterday. Serbia won the match 2-1. of six points and saved a game was able to peg back. It was I’ve had to learn so much in the ball to reach parity at 10-10 in the several minutes before Welily last few years,” she said.