FOOTBALL | Page 4 | Page 7 Dominant Abid, Masood City end centuries give Leicester’s Pakistan edge unbeaten run over Sri Lanka

Sunday, December 22, 2019 Rabia II 25, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Infantino reveals aims for new Club World Cup AFP “I want the Club World Cup However, the new Club World Cup Doha to be the best in terms of will only be held every four years and re- quality on the pitch but places the Confederations Cup. also in terms of revenues” The 49-year-old said he accepted ianni Infantino is determined concerns about the amount of football to make his new, expanded now be played at the end of the Euro- being played, but defended FIFA’s need Club World Cup “the best club pean club season, makes it an irresistible to “foster discussions to see how we can competition in the world” as prospect for bidders. make the game better”. Gwell as the most lucrative, as he revealed “It will be in June when traditionally He recently made the same defence that FIFA have had nine off ers to buy the we have World Cups, so the conditions I amid reports he was backing a proposed commercial rights to the tournament. think will be optimal,” he said. breakaway Super League, but on Friday The president of world football’s gov- “We are commercialising the com- Infantino admitted he wanted to expand erning body was in Qatar for the fi nal of petition now and up to yesterday the number of clubs who could become this year’s Club World Cup, in what will (Thursday) we had nine off ers that were major global names. be the penultimate edition of the tour- much more interesting than what I had “Today we have 10 to 12 clubs who nament in its current format. thought, so that shows there is a big are up there, and they are all in four or It will return here next year, before commercial interest.” fi ve countries in Europe,” he said, be- a new, 24-team tournament begins in A larger Club World Cup raises the fore hinting at a possible move towards June and July 2021, with China having prospect of more match-ups like yes- a larger, closed elite. already been awarded hosting rights. terday’s fi nal, for which a huge Brazilian “If you want to develop football in the “I want the Club World Cup to be the contingent was in Qatar. world, then we need to have the ambi- best in terms of quality on the pitch but “When you see 15-18,000 Flamen- tion and the objective to have 50 clubs also in terms of revenues,” Infantino told go fans here, and we will have 30,000 around the world who people can iden- journalists in Doha, adding: “Whatever Egyptians here to see (Mohamed) Salah, tify themselves with, and we have to FIFA is doing has to be the best, that’s that shows the level of interest. think about what kind of platforms and clear.” “It is going to be a beautiful and very competitions we can give them. While the existing Club World Cup successful competition on the sporting “The new Club World Cup is certainly features only the six continental cham- side, and economically.” one that goes in that direction. pions as well as the champions of the There are many issues raised by the “If we can pay and generate more rev- host nation, the new event will see many introduction of such a new tournament, enues for the big clubs — the 10 to 12, or of the biggest sides in the world — in- not least the already bloated match cal- 15 to 20 Europeans, but also 30 around FIFA president Gianni Infantino with Qatar cluding eight from Europe — descend on endar. the world — then you have done some- Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh China for the fi rst edition. The inaugural edition is also set to thing good.” Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani at the Club The FIFA chief previously claimed clash with the next Africa Cup of Na- Infantino also recently proposed the World Cup final between Liverpool and that the expanded competition could tions, a competition that was recently idea of a pan-African league, and on Flamengo yesterday. generate as much as $50bn in revenue. moved from January-February to June Friday he confi rmed plans for a wom- He believes the added depth, com- and July to avoid clashing with the Euro- en’s Club World Cup were “a work in bined with the fact the competition will pean club season. progress”.

FOCUS Goalie Cardenas the star as Monterrey fi nish third Cardenas saves Carlos Eduardo and Mohamed Kanno’s eff orts before scoring the decisive penalty

AFC lal opened the scoring on 35 minutes as Doha Eduardo headed home Yasser Al Shah- rani’s cross past Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas. l Hilal SFC were denied a third Eduardo could have put Al Hilal place fi nish in the FIFA Club further ahead in the 40th minute but World Cup Qatar 2019 by sent his header over the crossbar while AMexico’s Monterrey who tri- Omar Khribin was denied by Cardenas umphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after shortly after. a 2-2 draw at the Khalifa International Monterrey started the second Stadium yesterday. half aggressively and levelled the tie Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas through Arturo Gonzalez’s header in Monterrey coach Antonio was the hero in the shootout as he saved the 55th minute. Mohamed (C) and players greet Carlos Eduardo and Mohamed Kanno’s The Mexicans took the lead fi ve min- fans after the 2019 FIFA Club eff orts before scoring the decisive pen- utes later when Angel Zaldivar sent a World Cup 3rd place playoff alty. low cross to Maximiliano Meza who against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at Al Hilal took the lead in the 35th scored from close range. the Khalifa International Stadi- minute through Eduardo but Monter- Al Hilal, however, drew level in the um yesterday. Picture on right rey scored two quick goals in the second 66th minute as second half substitute shows Monterrey goalkeeper period through Arturo Gonzalez and Gomis headed home Eduardo’s cross. Luis Cardenas celebrating his Maximiliano Meza, only for Bafetimbi The left post denied Gomis, the 2019 goal in the penalty shootout. Gomis to draw the 2019 AFC Champi- AFC Champions League MVP and ons League winners level and force the Top Scorer, a winner late into the tie tie to penalties. as Monterrey prevailed in the penalty After a slow start which saw neither shootout with goalkeeper Cardenas side having clear looks on goal, Al Hi- emerging the hero. Gulf Times Sunday, December 22, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup 2 Qatar 2019

Sights from the FIFA Club World Cup PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Ram Chand and Reuters Gulf Times Sunday, December 22, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Rayyan take on Wakrah as QNB Stars League resumes By Sports Reporter slip-up in their bid to be in strong of victories in the QNB Stars placed at the 11th position with Doha contention for the title. League, The Kings will look to just fi ve points. The Orange For- Al Wakrah are eighth in the begin from where they left off tress need to lift their game by table with 12 points (three victo- under former Qatar international several notches if they are to he QNB Stars League ries, as many draws and four de- midfi elder Wesam Rizik, who is avoid relegation. However, time resumes today after a feats). The Blue Wave have a goal now at their helm. is on their side as the league is long break with title diff erence of -3 (16 goals for and Al Arabi occupy the fi fth po- only reaching the halfway stage. contenders Al Rayyan in 19 against). sition with 14 points. They have Umm Salal have so far recorded Taction against Al Wakrah, Umm Al Rayyan drew 2-2 with Al registered four wins, two draws just one victory. They drew two Salal taking on Al Sailiya and Qa- Shahania, while Al Wakrah beat and three defeats to have a goal matches and lost seven to have a tar SC meeting Al Arabi. Al Ahli 2-1 in Week 10 of the QNB diff erence of +6 (18 goals for and goal diff erence of -14 (seven goals The prestigious domestic Stars League. 12 against). for and 21 against). tournament was suspended for Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre The Dream Team have the ad- Al Sailiya are sixth with 14 several weeks accommodate the said he used the break to good vantage of having played one points (four wins, as many de- Gulf Cup, the FIFA Club World eff ect. “The league stopped for game less as their match against feats and two draws). They have a Cup and several rounds of the a long time. It was the job of the Al Sadd was postponed due to the goal diff erence of -2 (12 goals for Ooredoo Cup. coach to fi nd the appropriate latter’s AFC Champions League and 14 against). Al Rayyan are second in the ways to prepare his team for the Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre speaks to the media ahead of his team’s match against Al Wakrah. commitment. The Peregrines, who fi nished a league standings with 22 points, matches during that time and I Al Arabi include the likes of creditable third last season, will four less than Al Duhail. The Li- did the same. We prepared well eff orts that they are making. We advantage of the Ooredoo Cup Qatar SC are placed ninth with Hamdi Harbaoui, Pierre-Michel once again target a top-four fi n- ons have six wins and four draws for Al Wakrah besides playing in have to be highly focused against matches. I am optimistic that my 12 points. They have recorded Lassoga, Morteza Pouraliganji, ish, while Umm Salal struggle to to their credit to have an unbeat- the Ooredoo Cup,” said Aguirre. them. team will appear well in this match four wins and six defeats with no Mark Martinez, Ahmed Fathi and stay afl oat. That should make the en record along with Al Duhail. “Al Wakrah are a good team “We had special sessions during after good preparations.” draws to their credit, and have a Mohammad Salah El Neel. contest interesting. Al Rayyan have a goal diff er- that plays in a distinct way. They the break and I am happy with the Meanwhile, Qatar SC face Al goal diff erence of -3 (13 goals for Qatar SC too have players of Umm Salal lost 0-2 to Al ence of +14 (23 goals for and nine have achieved some good results. way our players responded to the Arabi at the Qatar SC Stadium and 16 against). calibre in their ranks. Gharafa, whereas Al Sailiya beat against). They will not want a I respect them and also the great training sessions. We tried to take today. Having completed a hat-trick Umm Salal are precariously Al Arabi 2-1 in Week 10.

FOCUS SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic hold off Everton pull off 10-man Aberdeen to restore ambitious chase fi ve-point lead AFP said McInnes. “He wins the ball Glasgow, Scotland cleanly. Hundred percent will be ‘I have seen in the last two appealing against the decision.” Victory keeps Celtic fi ve weeks that the players are eltic restored their fi ve- points clear of Rangers, who have point lead at the top of a game in hand, and were con- capable of so much’ the Scottish Premier- vincing 3-0 winners at Hiber- of Ancelotti ship thanks to a 10th nian on Friday. Cstraight league win by seeing off Hearts slipped to the bottom AFP London, United Kingdom 10-man Aberdeen 2-1. of the table after a 2-1 defeat at Christopher Jullien’s seventh- Hamilton in a clash between the minute opener looked to have bottom two. verton appointed Carlo Neil Lennon’s men on course for Jambos manager Daniel Sten- Ancelotti as the Tof- a comfortable afternoon. How- del has now lost his fi rst three fees’ new manager on ever, Sam Cosgrove’s 20th goal matches in charge as Hamilton a four-and-a-half year of the season brought the Dons won for the fi rst time since Sep- dealE yesterday in a major coup level before half-time with the tember. for a club mired in the bottom visitors’ fi rst clear chance. Mickel Miller and Will Collar half of the Premier League table. Celtic were beginning to grow got the goals for the Accies before Ancelotti, 60, watched yes- frustrated as a host of chances Oliver Bozanic’s header proved terday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal went begging before Odsonne too little, too late for Hearts. from the stands at Goodison Edouard restored the Scot- Motherwell took advantage of Park. He will take charge for the tish champions’ lead midway Aberdeen’s defeat to move into fi rst time on Boxing Day for visit through the second half. third with a 1-0 win at manager- of Burnley. “It could have been a more less Kilmarnock courtesy of Jake The three-time Champi- emphatic win,” said Celtic as- Carroll’s second half free-kick. ons League winning coach was sistant manager John Kennedy. Livingston thrashed Ross sacked by Napoli earlier this “Our last few games have been County 4-0 to move into the month but comes with a trophy- like that — the scoreline hasn’t top half as Lyndon Dykes scored laden CV from spells at a clutch refl ected our chances created a hat-trick. St Johnstone and St of Europe’s top clubs, including and quality of play. In terms of Mirren edged four points above Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, performance, we can’t ask for the bottom of the table after a Paris Saint-Germain, Real Ma- much more.” 0-0 at McDiarmid Park. drid and Bayern Munich. Any hope of a second Ab- Ancelotti has won league ti- erdeen fi ghtback was then ex- RESULTS tles in four diff erent countries. tinguished when Cosgrove was St. Johnstone 0 St. Mirren 0 However, his immediate task shown a straight red card for a Livingston 4 (Lamie 31, Dykes will be just to steer Everton away lunge on Kristoff er Ajer. 41, 50, 73) Ross County 0 from the relegation zone as they However, Aberdeen boss Derek Kilmarnock 0 Motherwell 1 sit just four points above the McInnes was furious at the deci- (Carroll 67) drop zone in 15th and could drop sion and said his side will appeal. Hamilton Academical 2 closer to the foot of the table by “It’s actually a great tackle. (Miller 64, Collar 72) Hearts 1 the end of the weekend. He just goes in with a bit too (Bozanic 82) “This is a great club with a much speed and that gives the Celtic 2 (Jullien 7, Edouard rich history and a very passion- offi cials a decision to make,” 66) Aberdeen 1 (Cosgrove 35) ate fan base,” Ancelotti said in a club statement. in Ancelotti’s backroom team. “I have seen from the per- by a bumper contract to fulfi l the ton. He is one of the fi nest man- “There is a clear vision from “It’s fantastic for the club, a formances in the last two weeks ambitions of Everton’s majority agers in world football and a the owner and the board to de- guy of that pedigree coming here,” that the players are capable of so shareholder Farhad Moshiri. proven winner, having achieved liver success and trophies. Ferguson told BT Sport. “I cannot much,” added Ancelotti. The British-Iranian business- a remarkable level of success in “That is something that ap- wait to start working with him “The work Duncan has done is man has ploughed in hundreds each of Europe’s major leagues,” peals to me as a manager and I and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot.” a great credit to him. Strong or- of millions of pounds over the said Everton director of football am thrilled at the prospect of ganisation, strong discipline and past three years. Marcel Brands. being able to work with every- ‘KEY INGREDIENTS’ the right motivation are some of However, that investment has “He is the perfect appointment body at the club to help make Ancelotti was full of praise for the key ingredients in football not reaped much reward on the for us. He embraces our vision for that vision a reality.” Ferguson’s short time in charge and I’m pleased that he will be pitch as Everton have fi nished the club and we are sure that his Caretaker manager Duncan and believes by taking points part of my backroom team mov- seventh, eighth and eighth in enthusiasm to take the helm at Ferguson was rewarded for tak- from three of the Premier ing forward.” the three full seasons since Mo- Goodison together with his tac- ing fi ve points from three tough League’s traditional top six, Ancelotti is used to dining at shiri’s takeover. tical abilities and well-renowned games against Chelsea, Manches- Everton’s squad has shown what European football’s top table, “It is a pleasure to now wel- man-management will make him ter United and Arsenal with a role it is capable of. but has been lured to Liverpool come Carlo Ancelotti to Ever- successful in this role.” Celtic manager Neil Lennon.

LOSS England World Cup winner Peters passes away aged 76

AFP Ham United, we would like to “It has been tremendously ters, hailing his old team-mate as midfi elder, Peters was good in the are with his family and friends at London, United Kingdom express our deep sadness at the sad to hear of the health bat- one of the England’s fi nest play- air, able to cross with either foot this diffi cult time.” tragic loss of Martin Peters, one tles Martin had faced in recent ers. and possessed great movement. In 2016, it was revealed Peters of the greatest fi gures in the 125- years. But he faced them with the His ability to drift into goal- had been diagnosed with Alzhe- artin Peters, who year history of our club,” a state- same courage and dignity that he ‘ALL-TIME GREAT’ scoring positions unnoticed by imer’s disease. scored England’s ment from the Premier League showed on the pitch throughout “Today is a very sad day for foot- his markers would see him nick- A statement from Peters’ fam- second goal in the club said. his long and illustrious career. ball and for me personally. Mar- named ‘The Ghost’. ily said: “A beloved husband, dad 1966 World Cup fi nal “Martin represented every- “The word ‘legend’ is used all tin Peters was one of the all-time He later joined Tottenham as and grandad, and a kind, gentle Magainst West Germany, has died thing that we hold dear to our too freely nowadays. But Martin greats and a close friend and col- Britain’s fi rst £200,000 mid- and private man, we are devas- aged 76 following a long battle heart at West Ham United — a lo- Peters is a true legend. A legend league of mine for in excess of 50 fi elder in 1970, in a deal which tated by his loss but so very proud against Alzheimer’s disease. cal boy who progressed through of West Ham United. A legend years,” he tweeted. saw Spurs’ all-time record scorer of all that he achieved and com- Peters, whose death was an- the academy ranks, played foot- of World football. And his con- “A fellow World cup fi nal goal- Jimmy Greaves going in the op- forted by the many happy memo- nounced by former club West ball with class, skill and deter- tribution to our club and our scorer and my West Ham part- posite direction to West Ham. ries we shared.” Ham, was part of the Hammers mination, and provided out sup- game will never, ever be forgot- ner for years along with Bobby At Spurs, he won two League A tweet from the offi cial Eng- trio of Bobby Moore and porters with a host of magical ten.” Moore. RIP old friend.” Cups and the fi rst UEFA Cup in land account read: “We’re deeply Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat- memories over the years. Peters, who won 67 England Peters came through the West 1972 before spells at Norwich and saddened to learn of the passing trick in the 4-2 victory at Wem- “The fact that he went on to caps and scored 20 goals, is the Ham academy, having signed as Sheffi eld United were followed by of Martin Peters MBE, scorer of bley, for England’s only World achieve the pinnacle of the beau- fi fth member of England’s World an apprentice in 1959 and went his retirement in 1981. the Three Lions’ second goal in Cup triumph. tiful game by winning the World Cup winning side to pass away on to help the east London club Tottenham said they were the 1966 World Cup fi nal, at the Hurst described Peters as “one Cup, along with his West Ham source of pride for our football after Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Gor- win the European Cup Winners’ “extremely saddened” to hear age of 76. Our thoughts are with of the all-time greats”. teammates Bobby Moore and Ge- club and something that will don Banks and Moore. Cup in 1965. of Peters’ death, tweeting: “The Martin’s family and friends at “On behalf of everyone at West off Hurst, is of course a constant never, ever be forgotten. Hurst mourned the loss of Pe- Renowned as the complete thoughts of everyone at the club this diffi cult time.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 22, 2019 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Barca end 2019 top of La Liga as front three blitz Alaves

Reuters which briefl y caused panic in the They looked intent on doing had pulled them back into con- Barcelona, Spain home side who were fortunate exactly that, as Vidal fi red their tention, Barca looked vulnerable, not to concede an equaliser. fi rst warning shot with a bicycle with keeper Marc-Andre ter Ste- But Messi eased their nerves kick which Fernando Pacheco gen losing the ball outside his box arcelona’s Lionel Messi, with a magnifi cent curling strike had to tip away and Messi put the and scrambling to block a shot Luis Suarez and Antoine from outside the box to restore ball in the net but was narrowly from Aleix Vidal. Griezmann were all on Barca’s two-goal cushion in the ruled off side. Messi soon lifted the Catalans target in a convincing 69th and Suarez fi nally got on the Coach Ernesto Valverde out of trouble, though, with his 4-1B home win over Alaves yes- scoresheet by converting from brought Sergio Busquets back 50th goal of the year for club and terday to reach a combined 30 the penalty spot in the 75th. into the team after he had country, while Suarez’s penalty goals this season and ensure the Barca lead the standings on 39 missed the game with Real due brought up 30 league goals this champions will fi nish 2019 top of points from 18 games, three clear to illness and he also brought in season for Barca’s front three, La Liga. of second-placed Real Madrid academy product Carles Ale- who have now scored more times Griezmann put Barca ahead in who host Athletic Bilbao today. na, benching Ivan Rakitic and between them than 18 La Liga the 14th minute with a wonderful Sevilla are third on 34 after Frenkie de Jong. sides. fi rst-time strike into the bottom winning 2-0 at Real Mallorca. The changes helped Barca corner from a Suarez cut-back and After being unquestionably boss possession as their oppo- RESULTS Arturo Vidal also knocked home a the second best team in Wednes- nents focused on sitting deep Mallorca 0 Sevilla 2 (Silva 20, pass from the Uruguayan to round day’s goalless draw with Real and trying to defend, a plan Banega 63-pen) off a dominant rst-halffi display. Madrid, Barca were under pres- which fell apart once Griez- Barcelona 4 (Griezmann 14, Alaves midfi elder Pere Pons sure to not only beat Alaves but mann scored. Vidal 45, Messi 69, Suarez 75-pen) pulled a goal back in the 56th also to produce an exciting dis- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates his goal with teammates Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann (second Alaves showed more ambition Alaves 1 (Pons 56) minute with a diving header play of attacking football. from right) during the La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) after the interval and after Pons Villarreal 1 (Gomez 52) Getafe 0

EPL Leizpig keep Dominant Man City top spot in Germany aft er end Leicester’s run comeback win Mahrez, Gundogan and Jesus score in 3-1 win after Vardy had put Leicester ahead

AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

anchester City taught Leicester a lesson in challeng- ing for the Premier MLeague title with a dominant 3-1 win at the Etihad to close to within one point of the second- placed Foxes. Brendan Rodgers’s men ar- rived in Manchester on an 11-match unbeaten run, but were outclassed throughout despite taking the lead through Jamie Vardy. Riyad Mahrez quickly brought City level against his former club before Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty and Gabriel Jesus’s tap in helped City cut the gap on league lead- ers Liverpool to 11 points. Liverpool are not in domes- tic action this weekend due to their participation in the Club World Cup in Qatar, but will be Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen (R) celebrates his goal with teammates happy to return home with their during the Bundesliga match against Augsburg in Leipzig, Germany, 10-point lead over Leicester in- yesterday. (AFP) tact ahead of their trip to the King Power on Boxing Day. AFP centre-backs Niklas Suele and On this evidence, City re- Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus (right) scores their third goal during the Premier League match against Leicester City at Etihad Stadium in Munich, Germany Lucas Hernandez sidelined by main Liverpool’s biggest threat Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Below) City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates a goal. (Reuters) long-term injuries. to a fi rst league title in 30 years Schalke are fi fth after their 2-2 despite the indiff erent form of The Danish goalkeeper was at rewarded with the two-goal B Leipzig will go into the draw at home to Freiburg, who Pep Guardiola’s men so far this his best moments later to save cushion they craved 21 minutes Bundesliga winter break converted two second-half pen- season. De Bruyne’s powerful drive. from time when De Bruyne burst in fi rst place after com- alties. The hosts started brightly as But the City pressure paid down the right and his low cross ing from behind to claim The Royal Blues took the lead the outstanding Kevin De Bru- off just before the break when was perfectly measured for Jesus aR 3-1 home win against Augsburg in Gelsenkirchen when Turkey yne struck the post and Kasper Ricardo Pereira was penalised to tap home his fi rst goal at the yesterday. midfi elder Suat Serdar showed Schmeichel made the fi rst of a for tripping Raheem Sterling Etihad since January. The German league starts a great fi nishing. string of fi ne saves to deny Jesus inside the area despite replays four-week winter break on Sunday Freiburg equalised early in after a brilliant jinking run and showing there was minimal RESULTS and Leipzig’s hard-fi ght home win the second half when Germany cut-back from Mahrez. contact between the two. Aston Villa 1 (Grealish 75) left them two points clear. striker converted a City had been carved open Schmeichel’s heroics in a Southampton 3 (Ings 21, 51, Borussia Moenchengladbach penalty. routinely in losing their last penalty shootout against Ever- Stephens 31) played out a goalless draw with Their South Korean midfi elder home game to Manchester Unit- ton helped Leicester book their Bournemouth 0 Burnley 1 Hertha Berlin, and are in second Kwon Chang-Hoon then hit the ed, but did not learn their lesson place in the League Cup semi- (Rodriguez 89) place at 35 points, two points post just before Freiburg winger as Vardy posed a constant threat fi nals in midweek, but Gun- Brighton 0 Sheff ield United 1 ahead of Bayern. Vincenzo Grifo chipped home a to balls over the top. dogan’s spot-kick had too much (McBurnie 23) Leipzig fell behind at home penalty attempt to put them 2-1 The former England interna- lent through ball before dinking they fi nally got their reward on power as the German found the Everton 0 Arsenal 0 after just eight minutes when up with 23 minutes left. tional skipped past Nicolas Ota- over the advancing Ederson for the half hour mark. bottom corner. Manchester City 3 (Mahrez Augsburg’s top-scoring forward However, Schalke claimed a mendi and just failed to pick out his 17th Premier League goal of a Mahrez was a persistent thorn Only more Schmeichel saves 30, Gundogan 43-pen, Jesus 69) Florian Niederlechner stabbed point when substitute forward Harvey Barnes with Leicester’s brilliant season. in the side of his old club, but kept Leicester in the contest Leicester 1 (Vardy 22) home a cross. Ahmed Kutucu hit a brilliant fi rst foray forward. Vardy fi red another eff ort just needed a stroke of luck to get with a strong right hand to beat Newcastle 1 (Almiron 83) However, Leipzig battered the shot from the edge of the area. However, there was no let off over from a narrow angle, but it City level as his shot struck away another Mahrez eff ort the Crystal Palace 0 visitors’ goal and their 16th at- The result leaves Schalke level for City second time round when was still City who were creating Caglar Soyuncu and wrong- pick of the bunch. Norwich 1 (Cantwell 17) tempt fi nally went in when mid- on 30 points with Borussia Dort- Vardy raced onto Barnes’s excel- the majority of the chances and footed Schmeichel. City’s dominance was fi nally Wolves 2 (Saiss 60, Jimenez 81) fi elder Konrad Laimer curled his mund, who crashed 2-1 defeat at shot inside the top corner on 68 Hoff enheim on Friday. minutes. Cologne left the relegation SERIE A The hosts took the lead with places with a 1-0 win at home ten minutes to go when Czech to Werder Bremen, who drop forward Patrik Schick headed into the bottom three, thanks home his third goal in as many to a fi rst-half goal by Colombia games after he was left unmarked striker Jhon Cordoba from close Esposito breaks 60-year record as Inter go top at the far post. range. Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen After three straight defeats, AFP the Italian Super Cup today. 2-1 at Udinese as their Champions grabbed Leipzig’s third goal in 10-man Leverkusen are now Milan, Italy However, Inter are now in pole League hopes suff ered a blow. the 89th minute when he con- sixth after their 1-0 win at Mainz position courtesy of goal diff er- Rolando Maran’s side have verted a pass from Timo Werner. as Argentina striker Lucas Alario ence. now won just once in their last Elsewhere, Dutch teenager scored a 90th-minute winner. ebastiano Esposito be- “I just saw my mum in the fi ve games, claiming only a sin- Joshua Zirkzee continued his Leverkusen played the last 20 came Inter Milan’s stands and the goal is for her,” a gle point in their three most re- dream scoring run for Bayern minutes with ten man after Bra- youngest scorer in more tearful Esposito, who is 17 years cent outings. Munich by giving the defending zilian defender Wendell was sent than 60 years yesterday and 172 days old, told Sky Sport Argentine Rodrigo de Paul champions a late lead in their 2-0 off for a second yellow card. whenS he hit the target in a 4-0 Italia. gave Udinese a fi rst-half lead win at home to Wolfsburg. romp against Genoa, helping his “I didn’t sleep at all last night before Joao Pedro levelled for Having scored on his Bundesli- RESULTS side return to the top of Serie A. (after he was told he would start Cagliari in the 84th minute. ga debut in their 3-1 midweek win Cologne 1 (Cordoba 39) Wer- The 17-year-old put away a the game). I spent the whole However, Ivory Coast inter- at Freiburg, Zirkee, 18, fi red home a der Bremen 0 second-half penalty which made night thinking about what national Seko Fofana restored Thomas Mueller pass with his fi rst Mainz 0 Bayer Leverkusen 1 him the youngest Inter scorer would happen today.” Udinese’s advantage just a touch after coming off the bench (Alario 90+3) since Mario Corso in 1958. The teenager also hailed Lu- minute later to wrap up the three at the Allianz Arena. Schalke 2 (Serdar 27, Kutucu Romelu Lukaku scored twice kaku who gave him the ball to points. Germany winger Serge Gnabry 80) Freiburg 2 (Petersen 54-pen, with Roberto Gagliardini add- take the penalty even though then added a second goal just be- Grifo 67-pen) ing another as Inter moved level he could have fi nished the game RESULTS fore the fi nal whistle to seal the Bayern Munich 2 (Zirkzee 86, with champions Juventus at the with a hat-trick. Inter Milan’s Sebastiano Esposito celebrates his goal during the Serie Udinese 2 (De Paul 39, three points which leaves Bayern Gnabry 89) Wolfsburg 0 top on 42 points. “Romelu is a fantastic person A match against Genoa in Milan, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) Fofana 85) Cagliari 1 (Joao Pedro third. RB Leipzig 3 (Laimer 68, Juve had taken top spot on as well as being an extraordinary 84) The win came at a price, how- Schick 80, Poulsen 89) Augsburg Wednesday with a 2-1 win over player. He told me, just go out The defeat left Genoa second defeat this season. Inter Milan 4 (Lukaku 31, 71, ever, as defender Javi Martinez 1 (Niederlechner 8) Sampdoria before heading to Sau- there, make a decision and hit from bottom in Serie A, four Cagliari suff ered their fi rst Gagliardini 32, Esposito 64-pen) had to be helped off . Hertha Berlin 0 Borussia di Arabia where they face Lazio in the ball.” points from safety after a 10th away defeat of the season, losing Genoa 0 Bayern already have fellow Moenchengladbach 0 Gulf Times Sunday, December 22, 2019 5 SPORT

NHL Penguins extend string of success against Oilers Reuters the current campaign. Signed as a free Edmonton RESULTS agent in July, Acciari - who had never had even a two-goal game until Mon- Panthers 7-4 Stars day night against the Ottawa Senators ive Pittsburgh players scored, Penguins 5-2 Oilers - now has a career-high 11 scores this and goaltender Tristan Jarry Capitals 6-3 Devils season. made 26 saves as the visiting It’s been quite a run for Acciari, a Maple Leafs 6-3 Rangers Penguins continued their mas- 28-year-old undrafted player from teryF of the Edmonton Oilers with a 5-2 Rhode Island who was signed by Flori- victory on Friday night. the ice before scoring on a backhander. da as a fourth-line grinder type. Chad Ruhwedel, Joseph Blandisi, Sheahan scored a short-handed goal His improbable barrage started right Jared McCann, Kris Letang and Bran- at 19:37 of the second. He snapped a after Panthers coach Joel Quenneville don Tanev scored for Pittsburgh, wrist shot past Jarry from the top of adjusted all four of his lines on Mon- which extended its point streak against the slot on an odd-man rush, making it day, and the unit of Acciari, Jonathan the Oilers to 19 games (15-0-4), a fran- a one-goal game heading into the third Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck has chise record and the longest active period. Letang scored a power-play erupted with a combined eight goals stretch in the NHL. goal just 38 seconds into the third on a and 18 points in two games. The Penguins earned their fourth slap shot from the top of the left faceoff Huberdeau, Trocheck, Anton Stral- consecutive victory overall and their circle, and Tanev added an empty-net- man and Colton Sceviour also scored 10th win in 13 games. ter at 17:41. for the Panthers. Huberdeau had three Zack Kassian and Riley Sheahan assists, Trocheck and Aleksander scored for Edmonton, which dropped ACCIARI SCORES SECOND Barkov had two apiece, and Acciari to 1-5-1 in its past seven games. Goalie STRAIGHT HAT-TRICK had one. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky made Mike Smith, making his fi rst start since Noel Acciari scored his second straight 27 saves as Florida ended the longest allowing six goals in a loss to Minne- hat-trick, racking up three consecutive homestand in franchise history with a sota on Dec 12, stopped 21 of 25 shots. goals during Florida’s fi ve-goal sec- 5-4-0 record. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and ond period, as the Panthers defeated Stars goalie Ben Bishop was pulled in Leon Draisaitl, the league’s top two the Dallas Stars 7-4 on Friday night in the second period after stopping just 14 scorers, were held pointless. McDavid Sunrise, Florida. Pavel Bure is the only of 20 shots on goal. Dallas got two goals put the puck in the net with 3:37 re- other Panthers player ever to record from Tyler Seguin and one each from maining, but it was waved off immedi- Pittsburgh Penguins defensemen Kris Letang (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period consecutive hat tricks, accomplish- Jamie Benn and Denis Gurianov. Corey ately by a referee for goaltender inter- against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ing the feat in February 2001. But Bure Perry added two assists. ference. The Penguins took a 2-0 lead scored 437 career goals, including 60 Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle in the fi rst period. Blandisi scored at 12:56 on a breaka- tween Smith’s legs. Kassian pulled the McCann restored the Penguins’ each in back-to-back seasons. played his 831st consecutive game, Ruhwedel opened the scoring at 7:56 way just after exiting the penalty box. Oilers within 2-1 at 6:41 of the second, two-goal advantage at 15:38 of the Acciari, meanwhile, had scored just breaking out of a tie for fourth all-time as his wrist shot from the right point He took a fl ip pass from Zach Aston- tipping Darnell Nurse’s shot from the middle period, stealing the puck at his 18 goals in parts of his fi rst four sea- with Dallas’ Andrew Cogliano on the snuck through traffi c and Smith’s pads. Reese and slipped a backhander be- point past Jarry. own blue line and skating the length of sons with the Boston Bruins entering all-time NHL list.

NBA NFL Saints’ off ence rolling ahead of Hardaway, Mavs visit to Tennessee

Reuters ent personnel groups seem to be New York functioning at a high level.” The New Orleans defence played much better against the he New Orleans Saints Colts than it did against the send Sixers to bounced back after los- 49ers, but the Saints still felt ing control of their play- a need to claim former Giants off seeding. cornerback Janoris Jenkins off TThe Tennessee Titans will try waivers this week to bolster the to bounce back after losing con- pass defence. trol of their playoff prospects. “We value the player, espe- The Titans will host the NFC cially the position,” Saints coach South champion Saints on Sun- Sean Payton said. “It’s always third straight loss day in a game that will have a a diffi cult position to nd. fi He signifi cant eff ect on both teams’ gives us versatility, and I think ‘We do a pretty good job of bouncing back after a loss’ postseason hopes. that’s important here down the New Orleans (11-3) will be ei- stretch.” AFP ther the No 1, No 2 or No 3 seed Tennessee (8-6) is 6-2 since Washington in the NFC playoff s. The Saints Ryan Tannehill replaced Marcus currently are No 3 but can move Mariota as the starting quarter- up if they win and get some help. back. The Titans had won four BA Eastern Conference con- After losing a showdown straight before a 24-21 home tenders Boston, Toronto, Mi- against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday against the Houston ami and Indiana moved closer two weeks ago, the Saints re- Texans, a result that broke a tie to pace-setting Milwaukee bounded to rout the Indianapolis for fi rst place in the AFC South. Nwith triumphs on Friday while injury-hit Colts 34-7 in their home fi nale “When they went on that Dallas, powered by Kristaps Porzingis, on Monday night. four-game winning streak, they routed the Philadelphia 76ers. New Orleans has averaged were playing a complementary Latvian forward Porzingis scored 22 34.8 points in its past fi ve games game off ensively and defensive- points and grabbed a career-high 18 re- after topping 33 points just once ly, in the special teams,” Payton bounds while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 27 in the fi rst nine games. Drew said. “They were doing all the points, 19 in the fi rst quarter, as a Mav- Brees threw four touchdown things necessary to win football ericks squad - lacking injured Slovenian passes against the Colts to give games, and (Tannehill) was part star guard Luka Doncic - ripped host him 541 for his career, break- of that.” Philadelphia 117-98. ing Peyton Manning’s all-time Titans running back Derrick Doncic, sidelined by a sprained ankle, record. Henry was voted to the Pro Bowl was also absent when the Mavs won on Brees also set a league mark on Tuesday despite being slowed Monday at Milwaukee. Dallas, coming for single-game completion by a hamstring injury. He par- off a home loss to Boston on Wednesday, percentage by connecting on 29 ticipated in practice Wednesday improved to 19-9 by delivering the 76ers of 30 passes vs. Indianapolis. and should play Sunday. a third consecutive defeat. He is showing no ill eff ects Tennessee rookie wide receiv- from thumb surgery that forced er A J Brown has four 100-yard him to miss fi ve games ear- receiving games, and he reached RESULTS lier this season, all of which the that mark in each of the past two Cleveland 114-107 Memphis Saints won. contest. “Like most really good football The Titans visit the Texans Indiana 119-105 Sacramento teams, they continue to improve next week, but Houston can Boston 114-93 Detroit and develop,” Titans coach Mike wrap up the AFC South title by Toronto 122-118 Washington Vrabel said of the Saints. “I think winning at Tampa Bay on Satur- that Drew missing a few weeks day. That would leave Tennessee Miami 129-114 New York and then being able to be back in fi ghting for a wild-card spot. Dallas 117-98 Philadelphia there, I think there’s been some “We understand that we’ll City 126-108 Phoenix strong continuity. play them again,” Vrabel said, “(He’s) pretty much healthy “but we have to focus on what Denver 109-100 Minnesota for the most part, and every- (last week’s) game was, the stuff Portland 118-103 Orlando body’s kind of fi nding their bal- that came out of it, and then Golden State 106-102 New Orleans ance and their rhythm to what we have to move forward to the they want to do and the diff er- Saints and put our focus there.” “We do a pretty good job of bouncing back after a loss,” Porzingis said. “Playing well on the road, that’s a very important Twins sign veterans Romo, part of having a great record at the end of the season.” Clippard to bullpen Despite 33 points and 17 rebounds by Cameroonian centre Joel Embiid, the The Minnesota Twins locked up Clippard was 1-0 with a 2.90 76ers slid to 20-10 with a second con- veteran arms for their bullpen ERA in 53 games for the Cleve- secutive home loss after 14 straight wins. on Friday, announcing the land Indians last season. The It was the seventh consecutive road signings of right-handers Sergio two-time All-Star (2011, 2014) victory for the Mavericks, who are 11-2 Romo and Tyler Clippard. with the Washington Nation- overall away from Dallas. “If you’re going Dallas Mavericks’ Kristaps Porzingis dunks against Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid during the first half of their NBA game. (Reuters) Romo’s one-year deal is worth als has appeared in at least 50 to win in this building against this kind of $5 million guaranteed with games in 10 straight seasons. team and these kind of athletes, you got visiting New York 129-114. Bobby Por- over Detroit 114-93. Turkish centre Enes ander scored a career-high 32 points to opportunities for it to reach Overall, the 34-year-old Clippard to come in and fi ght for it, and our guys tis had 30 points off the bench for the Kanter grabbed 18 rebounds for the Celt- lead the host Oklahoma City Thunder $10 million, according to MLB is 53-46 with a 3.14 ERA and did,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. Knicks. Kyle Lowry scored 26 points and ics (19-7). over Phoenix 126-108. Nikola Jokic had a Network. There reportedly is a 68 saves in 13 seasons with The other East teams gained ground on passed out nine assists to lead defending triple double with 22 points, 10 rebounds club option in the deal. the New York Yankees (2007, idle Milwaukee, the Bucks (25-4) coming champion Toronto over visiting Wash- TRAIL BLAZERS ROLL and 10 assists while Jamal Murray had a Clippard’s one-year deal is 2016-17), Nationals (2008-14), off a victory over the Western Confer- ington 122-118. Damian Lillard scored 36 points and C J game-high 28 points to power the Denver worth $2.75 million, according Oakland Athletics (2015), New ence-leading Los Angeles Lakers. Serge Ibaka added 23 points and 10 re- McCollum added 31 to power the Port- Nuggets over visiting Minnesota 109- to ESPN. Romo was 2-1 with a York Mets (2015), Arizona Indiana blasted visiting Sacramento bounds for the Raptors (20-8) while Fred land Trail Blazers over visiting Orlando 100. D’Angelo Russell scored 25 points to 3.43 ERA and 20 saves in 65 Diamondbacks (2016), Chicago 119-105 as T J Warren scored 23 points on VanVleet contributed 18 points and eight 118-103, giving the hosts their season- power the NBA-worst Golden State War- relief appearances for the Miami White Sox (2017), Houston 10-of-16 shooting to lead seven double- assists for a Toronto team that has lost high third win in a row. riors over visiting New Orleans 106-102. Marlins and Twins last season. Astros (2017), Toronto Blue Jays fi gure scorers for the Pacers (20-9), who top scorer and rebounder Pascal Siakam Cleveland reserve Jordan Clarkson Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram each Minnesota acquired Romo at (2018) and Indians. collected their fi fth consecutive victory. and Spanish big man Marc Gasol to in- scored 33 points while Kevin Love added scored 25 points for the Pelicans. the July 31 trading deadline and Romo is 40-32 with a 2.92 ERA Bam Adebayo led seven Miami double- jury. Bradley Beal had 37 points for the 21 points and 13 rebounds as the host Russell, who scored 10 points in the he went 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA and over 12 seasons, including an digit scorers while Duncan Robinson Wizards in a losing cause. Cavaliers beat Memphis 114-107 for their fourth quarter, hit his last basket with 32 three saves in 27 relief outings All-Star appearance for the San and Slovenian reserve Goran Dragic each Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each eighth win in 29 games. seconds remaining to put the Warriors with the Twins. Francisco Giants in 2013. added 18 to power the Heat (21-8) over scored 26 points to spark host Boston Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alex- ahead to stay. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 22, 2019 SPORT

GOLF TOKYO 2020 Bolt takes to track to open Tokyo Scott surges into National Stadium

AFP The stadium, designed by Tokyo renowned architect Kengo Kuma, incorporates tradi- tional Japanese design plus a sain Bolt may not host of features to beat the ex- Australian PGA be competing at the pected sweltering heat during Tokyo 2020 Olym- the Games at the height of the pics but he took a star Tokyo summer. turnU yesterday in the inau- There is greenery to provide guration of the new National shade and the eaves around the Stadium, seven months before outer perimeter are designed the Opening Ceremony. to keep out sunlight and rain The retired Jamaican sprint and help channel breezes into Championship lead superstar jogged 200 me- the stadium. tres around the track in an There are also eight mist Scott birdied the final hole for a three-under-par 69 to lead by a stroke from Ormsby exhibition relay race along- spraying facilities, 185 fans and side paralympic athletes, in 16 air-conditioned lounges. the fi rst public event at the The stadium, built on the 60,000-seater stadium. ground of the 1964 Olympic The show opened with a Stadium, will play host to the File photo of Australia’s Adam Scott. (Reuters) performance of taiko drums opening and closing ceremo- that instantly brought to mind nies, as well as the fl agship the Rugby World Cup, where athletic events. the players were welcomed However, it will not see into the fi eld to the haunting the climax of the marathon, sound of the drums. after the traditional closing But the biggest cheers of the event was moved hundreds night were reserved not for of kilometres north to Sap- Bolt, but J-pop boy band Ar- poro on the northern island ashi and Japanese rugby cap- of Hokkaido, in a bid to beat tain Michael Leitch. the heat. “It was a great experience Total construction costs in- being here running in front of cluding design and supervis- so many people... I was happy ing fees came to 156.9bn yen because I won’t be getting to ($1.45bn), within budget, ac- compete in the Olympics,” Bolt cording to offi cials. told reporters afterwards. However, a previous design He roundly rejected any by late Iraqi-British architect thoughts of a comeback, say- Zaha Hadid was scrapped in ing: “Am I coming back to run- 2016 as the costs had soared ning? No.” beyond $2bn — causing hu- “I’m actually in pain right miliation to the organisers. now from the little run I did,” he The fi rst competitive sports joked, adding that he was look- event at the new stadium will ing forward to attending the be the Emperor’s Cup football Games as a fan for the fi rst time. fi nal on New Year’s Day.

Adam Scott in action during the third day of the Australian PGA Championships yesterday. (Getty Images/European Tour)

AFP Pines Resort on the Gold Coast for a was trying to get to 10 or 11 (under-par) 207 - Wade Ormsby 68-69-70 Gold Coast three-under-par 69 to lead by a stroke coming in so I could really be up there,” 208 - Nick Flanagan 72-73-63, Min Woo from fellow Australian and old friend said expectant father Flanagan. Lee 68-72-68, Michael Hendry (NZL) 70- Wade Ormsby, who fi red a 70. “If things don’t work out, I’ve got a 68-70, Yuan Yechun (CHN) 70-65-73 orld number 18 Adam Scott “It’s incredibly bunched, and if it’s baby due in fi ve weeks and that’s really 209 - Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 73-72-64, surged into one shot lead windy tomorrow, it’s going to be hard what I’ll be thinking about. But obvi- Nick Cullen 68-73-68 at the European Tour co- for anyone to really separate themselves ously I would love to go out there and 210 - Romain Wattel (FRA) 73-70-67, Aaron sanctioned Australian PGA unless they just play an incredible round win.” Cockerill (CAN) 70-71-69, Bryce Easton WChampionships yesterday as the veteran of golf, go out there and roll in a lot of Spain’s Alejandro Canizares was also (RSA) 71-68-71 campaigner looks to end his year on a putts,” said Scott. on fi re, shooting a 64 with bogeys at 14 211 - Greg Chalmers 74-69-68, Cameron high. “For me, my strategy’s going to be the and 15 ruining what could have been an Davis 72-70-69, Brady Watt 72-70-69, The 39-year-old headed into the same.” unbelievable round. He is three off the Andrew Dodt 69-72-70, Cameron Smith tournament on the back of bitter disap- Australian Nick Flanagan had the pace. 74-65-72, Anthony Quayle 70-66-75 pointment at being on the losing side round of the day, draining nine birdies in But Cameron Smith’s chances of win- 212 - Jamie Arnold 73-72-67, Simon during last week’s Presidents Cup to a fl awless nine-under-par 63 to match ning his third Australian PGA title in a Hawkes 72-70-70, Cameron Champ (USA) Tiger Woods’ Americans at Royal Mel- the course record and roar into conten- row faded with the Australian fi ve adrift 71-70-71, Travis Smyth 68-72-72, Brett bourne. tion, two behind Scott in a group of four. of Presidents Cup teammate Scott after Rankin 67-73-72 But he has quickly put it aside in a bid That pack includes overnight leader a 72. He is one clear of American Cam- 213 - Denzel Ieremia (NZL) 77-67-69, to claim a second Australian PGA title Yuan Yechun who failed to build on his eron Champ, who won the Safeway Daniel Gale 72-71-70, Stewart Cink (USA) and his fi rst since 2013 when he romped superb second round 65, with the young Open on the PGA Tour this year. 70-72-71, Kim Min-kyu (KOR) 72-69-72, to a four-stroke win over American Chinese big-hitter struggling to 73. Brett Rumford 72-69-72, Steven Jeff ress Rickie Fowler. “The adrenaline started pumping SCORES: 71-70-72, Ryan Fox (NZL) 69-72-72, Tom Usain Bolt attends a relay competition during the opening event Scott birdied the fi nal hole at Royal there the last three or four holes when I 206 - Adam Scott 70-67-69 Power Horan 72-66-75. for new Tokyo National Stadium in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY/TOP 14 Surfi ng legend Slater not to compete at Tokyo Olympics Misfi ring Pollard costs Montpellier debut Surfing legend Kelly Slater, seen by many as the AFP greatest of all time, won’t Paris be competing at the Tokyo Olympics. The 47-year-old American outh Africa Rugby World was edged for a spot on Cup winner Handre Pol- the US squad for the sport’s lard wasted eight points Olympic debut next July, from the boot on his French with John John Florence TopS 14 debut as Montpellier lost returning from knee surgery 29-25 at Racing 92 yesterday. to edge Slater for the final Fly-half Pollard, who had been spot at an event in Hawaii sidelined with a facial injury since on Thursday. lifting the Webb Ellis trophy on Slater, an 11-time world November 2, missed two penal- champion who became secure the title but lost ties and a conversion which would the youngest and oldest to in the semi-finals, leaving have been enough for his side to win the crown, inspired a him ranked eighth in the secure their fi rst away win of the generation of surfing stars world rankings but one spot season. with videos of his amazing behind 2016 and 2017 world “I’m always disappointed eff orts becoming must-see champion Florence, who whenever I miss a kick, there were viewing for fans and com- took the second US men’s a couple of tough ones in there. I petitors. team spot behind already expect from myself to kick those Competing as an Olympic qualified Kolohe Andino. over,” he said. would have been an epic Florence, an Oahu North Pollard was among 10 changes farewell for a 40-year career Shore native 20 years made by the visitors from the side than began at age eight in a younger than Slater, was a which lost to Toulouse last Satur- youth event but instead he former protege of the surf day in the European Champions will be watching the event. icon. Cup and was at half-back joined by “I’m going to enjoy it as a “He has been my idol since Georgia youngster Gela Aprasidze spectator,” Slater told the I was a child,” Florence said. who started a league game for the New York Times, dismissing “He’s like a member of my fi rst time. Racing coach Laurent Racing 92’s French flanker Jordan Joseph (left) grabs a ball in a line out during the French Top 14 match against Montpellier at the Paris La any notion he would end his family, like an uncle.” Travers brought in four new faces Defense Arena yesterday. (AFP) career early after missing Florence, who missed five of including Tonga prop Ben Tamei- out on the Olympics. 11 tour events this year with funa who had missed eight club catching a clearance kick. his inside. Pollard kicked his fi rst missed touchline conversion and traded a shot each at goal before “Be sure that in 2020, they a knee injury, returned for matches after reportedly returning Machenaud added a second points in French rugby by convert- penalty goal from 40 metres. the former Blue Bulls will continue to see me the season finale but was from the World Cup overweight. penalty before Louis Dupichot’s ing the scrum-half’s eff ort for a Machenaud slotted a third pen- kicked his second to bring the at the top of a wave,” he eliminated in the Pipeline Racing scrum-half Maxime try made it 13-0 to the home side 13-7 score after 16 minutes. alty before France centre Virimi score to 26-18 with 25 minutes to added. quarter-finals. He sealed his Machenaud opened the scoring after less than quarter of an hour. Jan Serfontein closed the gap to Vakatawa crashed over seconds play but wasted a chance to close Slater needed a victory at Olympic spot when Slater with a penalty goal after less than Montpellier’s response came as a point with a try six minutes later before the break for a 23-12 half- the gap to fi ve points failing with the Pipeline Masters on lost to Brazil’s Italo Ferreira two minutes of play before Pollard Pollard fed Anthony Bouthier who before Pollard missed two chanc- time lead. his most diffi cult eff ort of pro- Oahu’s North Shore to in the semis. AFP made his fi rst touch in open play in found 21-year old Aprasidze on es to claim the advantage with a Pollard and Machenaud then ceedings three minutes later. Gulf Times Sunday, December 22, 2019 7 CRICKET

FOCUS BOXING DAY TEST NZ’s Watling sees more “bumpers” Abid, Masood tons in Melbourne

Reuters Melbourne

ew Zealand - give Pakistan edge keeper B J Watling expects his team to continue their Nshort-pitched barrage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia if the wicket proves conducive during the Boxing Day Test. over Sri Lanka New Zealand lost the series- opener in Perth by 296 runs It was a day for the batsmen as Pakistan added 338 runs after resuming at 57-0 but rattled Australia’s batsmen File photo of B J Watling. (Reuters) with short and angled bowl- ing in their second innings, master batsman to 59 runs in prompting the home side’s the pink ball Test in Perth. coach to Watling dismissed the idea query the legality of the tactics. his team had Smith worked Trailing 1-0 in the three- out. match series, the Black Caps “He’s that type of guy that are likely to regain injury-hit really works hard and looks to Trent Boult for the second improve every time. He’ll have Test at the MCG starting Dec. a diff erent game plan, so we’ll 26, adding another weapon to have to fi ght that out on the their pace arsenal. fi eld.” Watling noted seamer Neil Watling also said his team Wagner had proved particu- would face the same chal- larly tricky for the Austral- lenges. ian batsmen, taking fi ve of his “I know fast bowlers like seven with the short bowling bumpers. We’re going ball and softening up Matthew to face it and we’ve got to work Wade with a number of bounc- on it,” he said. New Zealand’s ers that hit the body. main concern is their top order “(Wagner) has done it for a batting, with opener Jeet Raval very long period of time, he’s down on runs and expected to very skilled at it, he’s very ac- be dropped for the MCG Test. curate at it. And he used it well Watling, who started his test in Perth and put them under career as an opener, is seen as some pressure,” he told report- an option to replace Raval. ers yesterday. But the 34-year-old has not “But again, we’re going to batted at the top of the order have see actually what that since 2012. wicket does. It might not “I’ve done it in the past, I be conducive to that type of don’t think it’s a comfortable bowling so we have to be ad- position in general, to be hon- justable.” est,” Watling, who has played Wagner was able to remove 66 tests, said with a wry tone. Steve Smith twice with the “But we’ll discuss things short ball and well-placed over the next few days and see fi elds, limiting Australia’s what eventuates.”

Canberra Big Bash called off due to bushfi re smoke Pakistan’s Shan Masood (left) and Abid Ali run between the wicket during the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. (AFP) Smoke from bushfires raging was no way they could have AFP on 57 — his fi rst fi fty in 14 innings SCORECARD before he trapped Abid with the across eastern Australia gone ahead with the contest. Karachi — and Babar Azam on 22 . second new ball. Abid’s succes- prompted match off icials Close to 100 fires were burning It was a day for the batsmen as PAKISTAN 1st innings 191 B. Azam not out 22 sive hundreds have put him in an to abandon yesterday’s Big across Australia’s eastern state Pakistan added 338 runs after elite company. India’s Mohamed Bash League cricket match in of New South Wales yesterday bid Ali and Shan resuming at 57-0 on a National SRI LANKA 1st innings 271 Extras (lb 5, w2) 7 Azharuddin scored three hun- Canberra over what they called of which six were characterised Masood became only Stadium pitch which dried up to Total (for two wkts, 103 overs) 395 dreds in his fi rst three Test after “dangerous and unreasonable as “emergency level”. Earlier the third opening pair help batting. PAKISTAN 2nd innings Fall of wickets: -278 (Masood), making his debut against England playing conditions”. Chasing this month, players complained for Pakistan to hit cen- Masood blasted 135 for his sec- (overnight 57 for 0) 2-355 (Abid) at home in December 1984. 162 for victory against Adelaide of “toxic” conditions at the Aturies in the same innings as Pa- ond century in his 19th Test as the William Ponsford, Doug Wal- Strikers, Sydney Thunder were Sydney Cricket Ground during kistan turned the tables on Sri duo put on 278 for the opening S. Masood c Oshada b Kumara 135 Bowling: Fernando 21-2-84-0, ters and Greg Blewett of Aus- 40-1 in the fifth over when the a Sheff ield Shield match Lanka in the second and fi nal Test wicket, just 20 short of equalling A. Ali lbw b Kumara 174 Kumara 22-5-88-2, Embuldeniya tralia, Sourav Ganguly and Rohit contest was halted because of between New South Wales in Karachi yesterday. the highest opening stand for Pa- 36-2-136-0 (1w), Perera 17-1-63-0 Sharma of India, Alvin Kallichar- lack of visibility and poor air and Queensland which was A. Ali not out 57 Abid, nicknamed “legend” kistan of 298. (1w), De Silva 7-0-19-0. ran of the West Indies and Jimmy quality caused by smoke. blanketed in a smoky haze. in Pakistan’s dressing room, hit Amir Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed Neesham of New Zealand are the “After a delay, off icials deemed Australia’s sports federations 174 for his second hundred in as had set that record against the follow his 109 in the drawn fi rst calls me legend, thanks to them,” others who hit two consecutive conditions were unsuitable for were forced to postpone a many Tests — becoming the fi rst West Indies at the same venue in Test in Rawalpindi — his debut. said Abid. “But it adds to my re- centuries in their fi rst two Tests. play to resume...” BBL said in a number of youth matches Pakistani and ninth batsmen 1997. Masood batted for nearly The Rawalpindi century made sponsibility to perform well. This Before lunch, Abid survived a statement. across New South Wales two overall to score two centuries in fi ve hours for his 135, which in- Abid the fi rst batsman ever to time we were under pressure be- confi dent leg-before shout off Sydney captain Callum weeks ago. Australia has been his fi rst two Tests. cluded three sixes and seven score hundreds in both Test and cause of the lead we conceded, paceman Kumara on 61 but the Ferguson was upset at being fighting wildfires for weeks, When the third day’s play end- fours. Abid struck 21 boundaries one-day debuts. He had scored but I am happy that we are now in tourists lost the referral with the stranded four balls away from with blazes destroying more ed Pakistan were in a strong posi- and a six in his 398-minute stay 112 in his fi rst ODI, against Aus- a good position.” replays showing the ball would victory with his side already than 700 homes and nearly tion with 395-2, having an over- at the crease. tralia in Dubai earlier this year. It was pacer Lahiru Kumara (2- have missed the stumps. past the five-over target. 3mn acres (1.2mn hectares) of all lead of 315 after conceding an Abid, 32, completed his cen- Abid said team management 88) who broke the opening stand Masood, playing his 19th Test, Umpire Paul Wilson said there bushland.– Reuters 80-run lead in the fi rst innings. tury with a sweep off spinner calling him “legend” adds to his when he had Masood caught completed 1,000 Test runs when Skipper Azhar Ali was unbeaten Lasith Embuldeniya for two to responsibility. “The management hooking just fi ve minutes from tea he reached 46.

THIRD ODI Pope hits ton for England as sick bowlers recover India aim to carry Vizag run into England batsman Ollie Pope of the three would be able to limbered up for next week’s bowl on the third and final first Test with an exciting, day of a match which does attacking century on the not have first-class status and second day of the three-day would thus allow the tourists Cuttack decider match against South Africa to field any 11 players. A at Willowmoore Park After Joe Denly dominated IANS ODI debut at Barabati. Left-arm spinner yesterday. the opening day, it fell to Cuttack Kuldeep Yadav also showed signs of return- Pope, who made 75 in Pope to entertain the crowd ing to his usual best amidst all the run-fest in England’s last Test against with a sprightly innings the second ODI, he became the fi rst Indian New Zealand earlier this which spanned 145 balls fter clinching a series-levelling win bowler to pick two international hat-tricks. month, struck a delightful and included 22 fours and in Visakhapatnam, Team India will However, one area where the hosts need 132, adding 62 off 58 two sixes. The 21-year-old look to end the year on a high when huge improvement is their fi elding, espe- deliveries to his overnight 70 Surrey strokemaker said he they take on the West Indies in the cially their catching. The Indian players not out, as England declared “felt really good” and was decidingA third ODI at the Barabati Stadium have dropped too many catches in the recent on 456 for seven. happy to get a first hundred today. T20Is and ODIs and this could prove costly South Africa A were 154 for in an England shirt, five days India recovered from a crushing eight- if they make similar errors in the deciding two at the close, 302 runs before the start of the first wicket defeat in Chennai and made amends match. In the recent years, India’s fi elding behind. Test against South Africa at in Vizag to clinch a thumping 107-run vic- has improved by leaps and bounds and Kohli While Pope was stroking Centurion on Boxing Day. tory in the second ODI. will expect his troops to make amends on the bowlers around the “It’s more about getting Thus, the hosts would look to carry on that that front going into the decider. ground there was further ready for that first Test,” he form in Cuttack and register what would be For West Indies, it would be about con- encouragement for the said. With Pope, Jos Buttler their 10th consecutive bilateral series win trolling the Indian batters who can shift gears tourists in an apparent (32) and Jonny Bairstow (38 over the Windies. at any moment. The likes of Sheldon Cottrell return to health of three key not out) all scoring freely, Both the opening batsman, Rohit Sharma and Keemo Paul not only need to stop runs, bowlers. England added 116 in 20.3 and K.L. Rahul, are in top form and they but take wickets at the front to put pressure Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer overs yesterday before showed how destructive they can be when on the Indian batters. When it comes to their and Jack Leach, none of declaring. they shared a 227-run partnership for the batting, it will once again revolve around whom has appeared in a James Anderson struck an fi rst wicket and laid a solid platform for the Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope who have match on tour because early blow for the tourists likes of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant to go been in great knick in the ongoing series. of illness, travelled to the when he dismissed Reeza full throttle towards the end. Virat Kohli reg- And like India, the visitors too need to im- ground yesterday and were Hendricks for five and Ben istered a rare fi rst-ball duck in Vizag. Howev- prove their fi elding standards if they want fit enough to bowl in the nets, Stokes bowled South African er, that wouldn’t be worry for the hosts as the to break the series-losing streak against the although they did not go on Test squad member Pieter skipper is more than capable of completely Men in Blue. the field. Malan for 34. whitewashing any opponent. And given his The pitch at the Barabati is expected to “They will continue to Anderson, continuing his rare failure, he would himself be eager to get favour the batsmen and thus a high-scoring recuperate over the next recovery to full match fitness back to his usual best in the decider. game can be expected, thus assuring fans couple of days,” said a team after a lengthy injury lay-off , In the bowling department, fast bowler quite a bit of entertainment who are expect- spokesman. bowled tidily to take 1-20 in Navdeep Saini, who has replaced injured ed to come in large numbers to see fours and India’s Kuldeep Yadav takes part in a training session at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack It was not clear whether any nine overs. – AFP Deepak Chahar, could be in line to make his sixes being hit by the Indian batters. yesterday. (AFP)

Sunday, December 22, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Pedro Cara, Al Shaqab’s Shalaa take Derby wins Pedro Cara beat Bangkok, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa for British handler Andrew Balding, by a length-and-a-quarter

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

rench recruit Pedro Cara made a fantastic impression for his new Fowners as the famous white stars and royal blue silks of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani landed the big one at the Qatar Derby meeting at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday, even as Al Shaqab Racing’s Shalaa won the Purebred Arabian fea- ture in the presence of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. Thomas Fourcy-trained Shalaa had Julien Auge for company and they did well to fi rst stay within striking dis- tance in the 2,000m Qatar Derby for Arabians as Umm Qarn’s Bin General set the pace under Olivier Peslier, and Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali (fifth from left) with the winners of the Qatar Derby for then taking the advantage on the out- three-year-old Local Thoroughbreds after Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi’s Black Pearl won the 1,850m race yesterday. PICTURES: side a furlong out to win by a length- Juhaim and Zuzanna Lupa and-a-half. Alban de Mieulle-trained trio, in- Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali (centre) cluding Bin General, Ronan Thomas- presents the trainer’s trophy to Alban de Mieulle (left) in the presence of QREC ridden Marid and another Al Shaqab chairman Issa al-Mohannadi after Umm Qarn’s Jabalah won the Qatar Derby colt, Meblish, completed the frame. (Group 1 PA) yesterday. De Mieulle had a fantastic winner in Umm Qarn’s Jabalah, who led from pil- lar to post under Soufi ane Saadi in the Qatar Derby for three-year-old Arabi- ans, with Fourcy’s ward, Lady Princess running out of real estate after strug- gling with traffi c on the home straight in the miler under Julien Auge. “He has only raced two times before, but today he proved he has quality. Al Hazm (ridden by Peslier) was sup- posed to go in front, because he is a fast horse but today Jabalah was pulling, and Olivier (Peslier) asked Soufi ane to go ahead and he did a good job. It was a good decision. After the turn, he im- proved straight and it was why he won. If he had waited we would have been second,” De Mieulle told Gulf Times af- ter the win. In the USD500,000 feature for Thoroughbreds, Mauricio Delcher Sanchez-trained gelding showed an amazing turn of foot on the long stretch home to make up a lot of ground on the outside and get home under Tony Piccone for a fine win. It was the shortest run for the three- Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali presents the owner’s trophy to Al Shaqab Racing CEO Tony Piccone celebrates as he guides His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa year-old, who had only run a mile and Khalifa Mohamed al-Attiyah after Shalaa won the Qatar Derby (Group 2 PA) for four-year-olds yesterday. al-Thani’s Pedro Cara to Qatar Derby (Group 2) victory at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. a half winning in Vichy and then a close second in the Belmont Park Der- the fi rst of the Qatar Derby features of the four-year-old has been having a Earlier in the day, Oaks-winning al-Seyabi). Won by: 2 ½, Hd, No. Time: Pedroza), 2. Ifreet (Luca Maniezzi), 3. Al by in September, all under Piccone. the day when the gelding topped the great season, yesterday entering the trainer-jockey duo from Friday, Ahmed 1:54.03. Owner: Mansoor Ebrahim al- Khor Surprise (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Sea Yesterday, Pedro Cara beat Bangkok, USD70,000 feature for three-year-old winner’s circle for the third time this Kobeissi and Ryan Curatolo, opened Mahmoud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed The Light (Anas al-Seyabi). Won by: 1 ridden by Silvestre de Sousa for British Local Thoroughbreds yesterday. season and second time under Tomas the Derby day with a thrilling victory Ghazali. ¼, ¼, 6. Time: 2:01.89. Owner: Abdulatif handler Andrew Balding, by a length- Eduardo Pedroza, riding in the col- Lukasek. as Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Naima Race 3: 1. Sarat Abha (Tomas Lukasek), Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim and-a-quarter, while Anas al-Seyabi ours of Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi, Al-Ramzani saddled a second- won the Local Purebred Arabian Novice 2. Khoud (Pier Convertino), 3. Attaf al-Malki. guided Ibrahim al-Malki-saddled Al had kept his mount right behind early straight winner when Nasser Owaida event by quarter-of-a-length. (Theo Bachelot), 4. Black Fear (Gary Race 7: 1. Jabalah (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Gazi to third. leader and stablemate Sky Blue, helmed Salem al-Hajri’s On The Front Line In the only maiden race of the day, Sanchez). Won by: 5 ½, ¼, 1 ½. Time: Lady Princess (Julien Auge), 3. Battash “This was very exciting. We just by Ryan Curatolo, before making a stayed true to his name to notch the a Thoroughbreds run over 1850m, it 1:36.72. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: De Faust (Adrie de Vries), 4. Methgal secured this horse in October. I actu- rather early bid for the post coming off seven-furlong Thoroughbred Handi- was Mansoor Ebrahim al-Mahmoud’s Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: Shd, 1 ½, ally watched him run in the Belmont the farther bend. cap event for horses rated 75-95. Braemar that registered the fi rst win of Race 4: 1. On The Front Line (Ronan Nk. Time: 1:45.98. Owner: Umm Qarn. Derby and he got beat just a little Stablemate Al Khor Surprise, with The trainer scored a hat-trick when his career on his 17th outing, with Theo Thomas), 2. Felix Leiter (Pier Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. bit. I knew he would like this kind of Tomas Lukasek astride, was in pur- Alexander Reznikov guided AJS Soghan Bachelot riding the four-year-old for Convertino), 3. Pettifogger (Luca Race 8: 1. Shalaa (Julien Auge), 2. Bin ground,” said Al Shahania Stud man- suit behind the leader but was beaten to yet another thrilling victory of the trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Maniezzi), 4. Zyzzyva (Anas al-Seyabi). General (Olivier Peslier), 3. Marid ager Dean Lavy. to second by Stefano Ibido-schooled day. As the fi eld spread wide closer Won by: Shd, 2, Hd. Time: 1:22.00. (Ronan Thomas), 4. Meblish (Faleh “Actually today is a bit short for Ifreet under Luca Maniezzi, while Black home, the Al Jeryan Stud colt managed RESULTS Owner: Nasser Owaida Salem al-Hajri. Bughanaim). Won by: 1 ½, ¼, 1. Time: him, he would prefer a bit longer, and Pearl stayed unbeaten with her third to stay ahead of the fi eld just enough to Race 1: 1. Naima (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. 2:14.48. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. so we are excited to bring him back for straight win. win by a neck, the three-year-old’s fi rst Al Junood (Harry Bentley), 3. Murihk Race 5: 1. AJS Soghan (Alexander Trainer: Thomas Fourcy. the HH The Amir’s Sword weekend, he Al Jeryan Stud’s Sarat Abha may have victory in four outings. (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Rihab (Ronan Reznikov), 2. Dalilak (Marco Race 9: 1. Pedro Cara (Tony Piccone), would relish that. Right now he looks been carrying the maximum weight Under Frenchman Ronan Thomas, Thomas). Won by: ¼, ¾, ½. Time: Casamento), 3. Maladh (Ronan 2. Bangkok (Silvestre de Sousa), 3. Al like a good buy. We are happy. He was in the fi eld at 60kg but there was no the six-year-old mounted a late charge 2:04.30. Owner: Jassim bin Ali al- Thomas), 4. Al Addaaj (Jimmy Quinn). Gazi (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Venedegar wide, and you don’t like to be wide on stopping the Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani- a furlong out from the post, and then Attiyah. Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi. Won by: Nk, ¼, ¼. Time: 1:46.05. Owner: (Alexander Reznikov). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, this track but he got the job done which trained fi lly in the Local Thoroughbred held off a threatening pursuit from Pier Race 2: 1. Braemar (Theo Bachelot), 2. Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser No. Time: 2:04.66. Owner: His Highness shows how good he is.” Handicap event for horses rated 80 and Convertino-ridden Felix Leiter for a Forneus (Pier Convertino), 3. Ghizlan al-Ramzani. Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Al-Malki-trained Black Pearl won below. After a winless previous season, short head win. (Ronan Thomas), 4. Hessdalen (Anas Race 6: 1. Black Pearl (Eduardo Trainer: Mauricio Delcher Sanchez.

WEIGHTLIFTING Qatar ExxonMobil Open declared best tournament of 2019

and welcoming fans. he Qatar ExxonMobil “On behalf of the Qatar Records galore for India’s Jeremy Open has been named Tennis Federation and all Agencies tional records – fi ve youth na- On Thursday, Kazakhstan’s Tthe Tournament of the the team involved in the Doha tional, fi ve junior national and Igor Son won a gold medal with Year in the 250 series catego- organisation of the event, fi ve senior national. a total lift of 278kg (124+154) in ry at the 2019 ATP Awards. I want to express how The Mizoram youngster the 61kg category. This is the third time the delighted we are at being ising Indian teen Jeremy started the year by winning a India’s former world champi- tournament has won the top selected once again as the Lalrinnunga shattered a silver medal in the EGAT Cup, on Mirabai Chanu made a clean award in fi ve years. ATP 250 Tournament of the Rplethora of records while lifting 131kg in snatch and 157kg sweep of the 49kg category, The BNP Paribas Open was Year,” said Alami. winning the silver medal in the in clean and jerk. winning three golds in a total named the Tournament of “Our goal has always been to 67kg category at the Qatar In- At the Asian Championships, lift of 194kg. The 2018 Com- the Year in the ATP Masters deliver an event that meets ternational Cup in Doha. he smashed the Youth World monwealth Games champion 1000 category, while the the highest organisational In a power-packed per- and Asian records with an ef- lifted 83kg in snatch and 111kg Abierto Mexicano Telcel standards, while providing formance, the 17-year-old the fort of 297kg (134kg+163kg). in jerk. presentado por HSBC players and their support Youth Olympic gold medal- At the 2019 World Champion- France’s Nichel Anaiis won won the award in the 500 teams, sponsors, off icials, list smashed his own Youth ship, Jeremy had lifted 296kg the sliver, while Turkmeni- category. The tournament guests and spectators World and Asian record in (136kg+163kg) to fi nish tenth in stan’s Yulduz Jamabayeva took awards, voted annually by with warm conditions and snatch, clean and jerk and to- an easier group B. bronze. The opening ceremony ATP players, recognise the attention to detail that make tal lift with an eff ort of 306kg He also went on to win a was attended by Tamas Ajan, leading standards set across them ‘feel at home’ during (140kg+166kg) to win the silver gold and a silver in Asian Youth the President of the Interna- events on the ATP Tour. their time in Doha. Winning medal. Championship and Asian Junior tional weightlifting Federation, The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, the ATP 250 tournament Italy’s Mirko Zanni took the Championship, respectively. and Mohamed Yousef al-Ma- held in the opening week award for the third time gold. Jeremy has been steadily im- na, the President of the Qatar of the ATP Tour season, has confirms we have been Jeremy broke 27 records in to- proving since switching his weightlifting and Fencing Fed- set high standards since its successful in consistently tal all under his name, combin- weight category from 62kg, eration, President of the Arab inception in 1993 and under meeting those standards. It is ing national and international but the Mizoram lifter still has and Asian weightlifting Federa- the guidance of former player a great honour that the ATP marks. a long way to go as the world tions, and Chairman of the Su- Karim Alami, the tournament and ATP players continue to He smashed 12 international record in the 67kg category preme Organising Committee continues to build its show their recognition and records – three youth world, stands at 155kg in snatch, 185kg of the championship, as well as reputation for its superb appreciation for the eff orts three youth Asian and six Com- in clean and jerk and 339kg for a number of heads of partici- facility, world-class hospitality made by everyone involved. monwealth records – and 15 na- the total lift. pating civil federations.