HOCKEY | Page 3 Holders Australia hammer 11-0

Saturday, December 8, 2018 Rabia II 1, 1440 AH Cool Head saves GULF TIMES Aussies from collapse in first Test SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL Bounedjah sets new league record in Al Sadd’s big win Algerian becomes the all-time top scorer in a single season in Qatar, beating Brazilian Clemerson’s mark of 27 goals

By Sports Reporter failed attempt at the goal. Doha Al Shahania were in no mood to give up, even though they had to play second fi ddle to their for- aghdad Bounedjah be- midable opponents in the second came the Qatar league’s half, and drew parity as Luciano all-time top scorer in a sent the ball in off a cross from single season after his the left by Kesse in the 42nd braceB helped Al Sadd thrash Al minute. Shahania 4-1 yesterday. Al Sadd fi red in three more The victory also helped the goals after resumption, with Wolves close the gap on Al Duhail Bounedjah being on target twice, to just one point after the leaders to surpass Clemerson. stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Earlier, Duhail recorded their 10th-placed Qatar Sports Club. third draw when they were held Bounedjah, who was the top 1-1 by Qatar Sports Club. scorer in the AFC Champions Osama Omari had put Qatar League, struck in the 50th and SC ahead in the 22nd minute, but 76th minutes, while Hassan al- after a great deal of huffi ng and Haydos also recorded a double as puffi ng Murad Naji saved Du- Al Sadd reached 35 points from hail’s blushes with a 75th minute 14 matches, just one behind Al strike to help his team grab a Duhail. point. Algerian international The return of Cameroonian Bounedjah thus took his personal star Samuel Eto’o strengthened tally to 28, beating the previous Qatar SC’s attack with Osama mark of 27 set by Brazilian Clem- and Hussein Ali contributing to Murad Naji celebrates equalising for Al Duhail against Qatar SC. erson Soares for Al Gharafa dur- the team’s cause. ing the 2007-08 season. Al Duhail continued to miss Al Duhail created more chanc- sion involving him and Qatar SC As expected, Al Sadd dominat- South Korean midfi elder Nam es, but nothing too strong that goalkeeper Jassim al-Hail. ed possession and scripted more Tae-Hee, who was injured while could give them a goal. Paolo Ed- Murad then came up with a opportunities, substantiated by doing national duty for his na- milson tried to split open the Qa- long-ranger that went just wide 63 per cent of ball possession by tive South Korea during the last tar SC defence. So did Yousef El on the hour mark. However, the them at half-time. Interestingly, international break. Arabi and Almoez Ali, all in vain. right-back was not to be denied they maintained the same per- Qatar SC matched Al Duhail The closest Al Duhail came to as he struck the equaliser for Al centage at the end of the game. move by move and even shocked scoring in the fi rst half was when Duhail. After Al Shahania’s Kesse the hosts by taking the lead. Ali Afi f sent a fi rst-time volley Indeed, Murad made amends Amanguoa was thwarted by Al Goalkeeper Khalifa Aboo- over the bar off a cross by Edmil- for the off ence he committed that Sadd goalkeeper Saad al-Dosari, backer completely misjudged the son from the right. led to Qatar SC’s goal in similar Bounedjah missed a sitter, with fl ight of the ball after Osama took Al Duhail started the second fashion as he sent in a free-kick rival goalkeeper Amer al-Amri Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah the free-kick from the left. Nei- half by replacing Luis Martin past the outstretched hands of Al parrying the ball with his leg. exults after scoring against ther did the defenders do any- with Under-23 player Hazem Hail. Al-Haydous opened the scor- Shahania yesterday. thing about it. The free-kick was Ahmed. Hazem immediately Al Duhail intensifi ed their ef- ing in the 23rd minute by slotting awarded when Al Duhail defend- made his mark by moving for- forts as the game wore on, but home a rebound after Akram Afi f er Murad Naji ‘handled’ the ball. ward and that resulted in a colli- could not fi nd the winner.

CRICKET Somerville shines as NZ seal historic victory

AFP from Test cricket, was bowled by fast bowler Tim Southee for eight. SCORECARD Medium pacer Colin de Grand- ebutant Will Somer- homme had fi rst-innings centu- New Zealand 1st innings 274 129-4, Asif 36-6-62-0 (1nb), Azhar ville grabbed three key rion Azhar Ali caught behind for (K. Williamson 89, BJ Watling 77 1-0-2-0, Hafeez 1-0-3-0 wickets to guide New fi ve before Somerville’s double not out; Bilal Asif 5-65, Yasir Shah Pakistan 2nd innings Zealand to their fi rst strike pushed Pakistan to 55-5 at 3-75) Imam-ul-Haq c Nicholls b Patel ..... awayD series win over Pakistan in lunch. Pakistan 1st innings 348 ...... 22 49 years with a crushing 123-run Somerville had Haris Sohail (Azhar Ali 134, Asad Shafiq 104; Mohamed Hafeez b Southee ...... 8 win in the third and fi nal Test caught off a tentative push in W. Somerville 4-75) Azhar Ali c Watling b de Grand- the slip with his third ball of the yesterday. New Zealand 2nd innings homme ...... 5 The off -spinner took 3-52 and fi rst over for nine and next ball (overnight 272-4) Haris Sohail c Taylor b Somer- was aided by fellow spinner Ajaz had fi rst innings centurion Asad Patel’s 3-42 as Pakistan came up Shafi q caught behind off the J. Raval lbw b Shaheen ...... 0 ville ...... 9 well short after being set a daunt- glove. T. Latham c Sohail b Yasir ...... 10 Asad Shafiq c Watling b Somer- ing 280-run target in 79 overs. In the last over before lunch K. Williamson lbw b Hasan ...... 139 ville ...... 0 They crumbled to 156 in 56.1 Imam-ul-Haq, watching four W. Somerville lbw b Yasir ...... 4 Babar Azam c Southee b Patel 51 overs on a weary pitch at Sheikh wickets fell at the other end, gave R. Taylor c Asif b Shaheen ...... 22 Sarfraz Ahmed b Somrville ...... 28 Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. an easy catch to forward short-leg H. Nicholls not out ...... 126 Bilal Asif c Watling b Southee ..12 The victory gave New Zealand a off Patel for 22. C. de Grandhomme c Asif b Yasir Shah c Patel b Southee .....4 2-1 series win after they had taken Earlier, New Zealand declared Yasir ...... 26 Hasan Ali c Williamson b Patel .4 the fi rst Test by a narrow four-run their second innings on 353-7 BJ Watling b Yasir ...... 0 Shaheen Shah Afridi not out ...... 2 margin at the same venue. Pa- Will Somerville, centre, and Tim Southee, left, both took three second innings wickets as New Zealand after some 45 minutes of batting T. Southee not out ...... 15 Extras (b 4, lb 6, nb 1) ...... 11 kistan bounced back with an in- bowled out Pakistan for 156. with Henry Nicholls remaining Extras: (b9, lb 1, nb 1) ...... 11 Total: ( all out; 56.1 overs) ...... 156 unbeaten on 126 and Williamson nings and 16-run win in the sec- Total: (for seven wkts dec; 113 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Hafeez), ond Test in . will be one that the guys remem- Somerville, who took 4-75 in Pakistan were again let down by dismissed at his overnight score overs) ...... 353 2-32 (Azhar), 3-43 (Sohail), 4-43 New Zealand’s last away series ber for a long time. the fi rst innings to fi nish with sloppy batting and Sarfraz rued of 139. win against Pakistan was a 1-0 “We know the game can ebb seven wickets in the match, broke missed opportunities. That 212-run stand between Did not bat: BJ Watling, C. de (Shafiq), 5-55 (Imam), 6-98 (Sar- victory in matches played in Paki- and fl ow very quickly but we came a stubborn 43-run sixth-wicket “We had our chances in all Williamson which brought New Grandhomme, Ajaz Patel, T. fraz), 7-131 (Azam), 8-137 (Yasir), stan in 1969. out and played very well today.” stand between top scorer Babar three Tests but we could not grab Zealand back into the game on Southee, T. Boult 9-150 (Azam) Captain Kane Williamson, It was New Zealand’s fi fth Test Azam (51) and skipper Sarfraz them,” he said. Thursday, was fi nally broken with Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Raval), 2-24 Bowling: Southee 12-3-42-3, whose 139-run innings turned the series win in their last six played Ahmed, who made 28. “It’s very disappointing to lose the very fi rst ball of the day. (Latham), 3-37 (Somerville), 4-60 Boult 6-4-7-0, de Grandhomme match and the series in his side’s since November 2016. They Patel ended Azam’s 114-ball a series in conditions which are Medium pacer Hasan Ali (Taylor), 5-272 (Williamson), 6-334 4-1-3-1, Patel 14.1-4-42-3, Somerville favour, said: “It was fantastic. beat Pakistan, Bangladesh, the resistance before getting the last our own.” trapped Williamson leg before (Grandhomme), 7-334 (Watling) 20-2-52-3 Beating Pakistan in their backyard West Indies and England – all at wicket when he dismissed Hasan Pakistan were off to a disastrous and even a review did not prolong Bowling: Hasan 16-5-62-1, Result: New Zealand won by is very tough. home – with the single loss came Ali for four, sparking celebrations start when Mohamed Hafeez, in the New Zealand skipper’s in- Shaheen 20-5-85-2, Yasir 39-8- 123 runs “It feels pretty special, and this against . among the New Zealand players. his last innings before he retires nings. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, December 8, 2018 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Australia board chief urges India Cool Head keeps to get behind day-night Tests

AFP Adelaide radio. Aussies afl oat in Asked if the poor crowd had convinced him that the Ad- ustralia’s cricket chief elaide Test should be day-night, yesterday urged India Roberts replied: “Absolutely. It to reconsider its op- matters what the fans think and position to day-night they’ve voted with their feet. ATests with crowd numbers hurt Those numbers (in previous by their refusal to play under years) are incredible so we’re re- Adelaide Test lights in Adelaide. ally excited about getting back Cricket Australia had origi- to that in the future.” nally pencilled in the ongoing Roberts said he hoped to All of Australia’s top four were back in the pavilion without passing 30 opening Test of the current se- convince India of the merits of ries as a pink-ball match, but a day-night Adelaide Test on India baulked at the idea. their next tour of Australia in SCORECARD The Indians, who are the 2020/21. world’s top-ranked team, have “Let’s hope so. Part of that yet to play a day-night Test and fabric of cricket both nationally India 1st innings (overnight they did not want to risk their and internationally is so rich so 250-9) fi rst one during such a high- we embrace the fact that they’ve M. Shami c Paine b Hazlewood ....6 profi le series. had a diff erent view about this J. Bumrah not out ...... 0 In day-night Tests over the Test match,” he said. Extras (lb1) ...... 1 past three years, Adelaide’s “We hope that the sentiment Total (10 wickets, 88 overs) .....250 opening-day crowds numbered from fans is something India can Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Rahul), 2-15 around 47,000, 32,000 and see.” According to Roberts, In- (Vijay), 3-19 (Kohli), 4-41 (Rahane), 55,000. dia is the only national team still 5-86 (Sharma), 6-127 (Pant), 7-189 But on Thursday only 24,000 holding out on day-night Tests, (Ashwin), 8-210 (Sharma), 9-250 passed through the turnstiles, which CA believes is one of the (Pujara), 10-250 (Shami) which new CA chief executive key ways to retain interest in the Bowling: Starc 19-4-63-2, Hazle- Kevin Roberts blamed on fewer fi ve-day version of the game fol- wood 20-3-52-3, Cummins 19-3-49- interstate visitors who would lowing the rise of the quickfi re 2, Lyon 28-2-83-2, Head 2-1-2-0 have come for the night-time Twenty20 format. Australia 1st innings spectacle. Australia have played four A. Finch b Sharma ...... 0 “We think we would’ve had day-night Tests since 2015, M. Harris c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 26 15,000 or so interstate visitors three of them in Adelaide, win- U. Khawaja c Pant b Ashwin ...... 28 if it was a day-night Test so ning them all. S. Marsh b Ashwin ...... 2 there’s no doubting we’ve lost They play Sri Lanka under P. Handscomb c Pant b Bumrah .34 that group of fans,” he told SEN lights in Brisbane in January. T. Head not out ...... 61 T. Paine c Pant b Sharma ...... 5 P. Cummins lbw b Bumrah ...... 10 SELECTION M. Starc not out ...... 8 Extras (lb9, b6, nb2) ...... 17 Total: (7 wickets; 88 overs) ...... 191 To bat: Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Pak pacer Amir Lyon Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Finch), 2-45 (Harris), 3-59 (Marsh), 4-87 (Kha- back for SA series waja), 5-120 (Handscomb), 6-127 (Paine), 7-177 (Cummins) AFP Bowling: Sharma 15-6-31-2, Bum- Lahore rah 20-9-34-2, Shami 16-6-51-0, Ashwin 33-9-50-3, Vijay 4-1-10-0 Toss: India akistan selectors yes- terday recalled fast Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin celebrate Marcus Harris’ wicket in Adelaide yesterday. At bottom, Travis Head celebrates reaching his bowler Mohamed Amir half-century. Marsh has now slumped to six Pin the 16-member consecutive single-fi gure scores, squad for the three-match Test AFP remain banned over their part in Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and failing to step up in the absence of tour of South Africa starting Adelaide the South Africa ball-tampering Nathan Lyon all took two wickets Smith and Warner. later this month. Sarfraz Ahmed aff air. each. In reply, Australia got off to Khawaja, whose Test prepa- will lead the side, which opens “It was nice to do a job for the a horror start with Finch’s cre- rations were disrupted after the the tour with the fi rst Test at ravis Head hit a stub- team and it will be an exciting day dentials as an opener again called shock arrest of his brother this Centurion from December 26. born half-century to tomorrow,” said Head. into question after he was spec- week for allegedly framing a love- Pakistan will also play fi ve keep Australia in the “We hung in there. India tacularly bowled without scoring rival with a fake terror plot, was one-day internationals and Thunt yesterday after bowled exceptionally well. It was on only the third ball he faced. Ashwin’s next victim. three Twenty20 internationals their top order slumped under (a) fantastic little fi ghtback in the A lovely delivery from Shar- Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant on the tour, for which squads sustained pressure from India’s end and it will be an important ma took out his middle and off took an excellent catch after a will be announced later. Also staging comebacks are bowlers, leaving the fi rst Test in fi rst hour tomorrow. Every run stumps after getting an inside turning ball fl icked off Khawaja’s The second Test will be leg-spinner Shadab Khan, and Adelaide fi nely poised. will be valuable.” edge as Finch attempted a drive. glove. He was out for 28 on a re- played at from Jan openers Fakhar Zaman and Shan Batting on his home ground, Debutant Marcus Harris, who Harris looked in good nick and view decision. 3 to 7 next year, while the third Masood. Zaman made his Test Head kept his cool in the humid made 26, added: “It was a tough unruffl ed by the occasion, hit- A gritty knock from Peter and fi nal match is in Johannes- debut against Australia before conditions to be 61 not out at day, it wasn’t easy to score. I think ting three fours in his solid 26. But Handscomb, brought into the burg from Jan 11 to 15. Amir was he was ruled out of the New stumps on day two, with Mitchell we’re in a decent position.” he was undone by a drifting ball side for all-rounder Mitch Marsh, dropped from the side after fail- Zealand series with a knee in- Starc unbeaten on eight. Ashwin agreed that the Test from Ashwin, getting an edge to ended on 34 soon after tea with ing to get a single wicket in three jury, while Shadab missed both His eff orts helped steer Aus- match for there for the taking. Murali Vijay at silly mid-off and Bumrah breaking what was shap- Asia Cup matches in United series due to a hamstring prob- tralia to 191-7 in reply to India’s “I see it as neck and neck as far ending a 45-run partnership with ing as a handy partnership with Arab Emirates (UAE) in Septem- lem. Masood, who played the 250. as the game goes right now,” he a slimmed-down Usman Khawaja Head. It brought Paine to the ber this year. most recent of his 12 Tests in Oct Off -spinner Ravichandran experienced teammates couldn’t said. who was back after knee surgery. crease, but he was unable to stop He missed Pakistan’s two- last year, was also brought back Ashwin bowled beautifully to take match. India resumed on 250-9, but Ashwin’s off spin was causing the rot and added only fi ve runs match Test series against Aus- after recent good form, scor- three wickets, while Ishant Shar- All of Australia’s top four were they were unable to add to the problems and Marsh needlessly before becoming Sharma’s sec- tralia and then three Tests ing twin hundreds in a four-day ma and Jasprit Bumrah grabbed back in the pavilion without total with tailender Mohamed slashed at a wide delivery in the ond scalp. Cummins joined Head against New Zealand — both match against New Zealand ‘A’ two each. passing 30, with Aaron Finch (0) Shami out for six on the fi rst ball fi rst over after lunch, dragging it and they began to fi nd gaps in the in UAE — but chief selector two months ago. It was Head’s second 50 in his and Shaun Marsh (2) notable fail- of the day, caught behind by Tim onto his wicket. fi eld as India tired, putting on a Inzamam-ul-Haq believes the third Test, with the Adelaide- ures. It once again reinforced how Paine off Josh Hazlewood, leaving The woeful shot extended 50-run stand before Cummins left-armer has regained his Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (- born 24-year-old playing the sort much Australia are missing Steve Bumrah unbeaten on 0. his dire recent Test form and lbw to Bumrah for 10 late in the form in domestic matches. tain), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar of gutsy innings that his more Smith and David Warner, who Hazlewood fi nished with 3-52. left Australia in trouble at 59-3. day. “Amir makes a comeback Zaman, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, in the team after regaining his Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar form in domestic cricket, giv- Azam, Mohamed Rizwan, Yasir BOTTOMLINE ing strength to a fast bowling Shah, Shadab Khan, Mohamed attack that includes four pace Abbas, Hassan Ali, Mohamed bowlers,” said Inzamam while Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Williamson savours ‘special’ announcing the squad. Shah Afridi. ‘He should play baseball’ — MLB fans rave over Cummins run out

series win against Pakistan Adelaide: Cricket might not run out ever” and his exploits be well understood in the also impressed Major League AFP son, who has now captained New Zealand could not grab them. “If you talk of the fi rst , but baseball fans Baseball watchers. Abu Dhabi to victory in fi ve of their last six series. Test we bowled them out for a low score but were raving about Australian “Check out this insane throw “Certainly from our perspective to have did not take a big lead. Here too we did not Pat Cummins’ spectacular from Australian cricket dude won the series against a side like Pakistan take a big lead and had to pay for that.” run out of Indian centurion and potential future MLB third ane Williamson termed his who are formidable in these conditions is Pressure is sure to increase on Safraz as Cheteshwar Pujara in the first baseman Pat Cummins,” said team’s fi rst away series win over quite special.” New Zealand won a hard- his role as captain comes under closer scru- Test at Adelaide. a story on the off icial MLB Pakistan in 49 years as “special” fought thrilling fi rst Test by a mere four tiny. He has now lost fi ve of his ten Tests as The Aussie fast bowler pro- website. Kafter New Zealand thumped Paki- runs in Abu Dhabi before going down by an skipper, with four wins and a draw, but he duced an amazing piece of skill “Look, I don’t know enough stan by 123 runs in the third and fi nal Test in innings and 16 runs in the second in Dubai. said it is not the right time to leave the post. on Thursday to get to the ball about cricket to tell you what a Abu Dhabi yesterday. Williamson said he was proud of his play- “Look, when it (defeat) happens then one with lightning pace, snatch it ‘rapid over’ is or how impres- Williamson’s sublime 139 in New Zea- ers, most of whom had not played in Asia. thinks on that,” said Sarfraz. “But before up with one hand then throw sive it is to compile 19 of those land’s second innings aided by an unbeaten “Without a doubt I am proud of them. I an important tour of South Africa if you it while in the air diving and bad boys, but I can tell you that 126 by Henry Nicholls helped New Zealand said inexperience in terms of international think like that, then it’s not benefi cial for twisting. this bucket-hatted young Aus- set a daunting 280-run target for Pakistan exposure but they have played domestic the team. It shattered the stumps from sie would slot in phenomenally on the fi fth and fi nal day. cricket and bowled a lot of overs. “If I think that I am making mistakes and side-on, with Pujara well short as a big league infielder.” Spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel, “I don’t think (it was) a perfect game if the Pakistan team is not winning because of the crease after rashly at- The writer added: “Someone and fast bowler Tim Southee took three from either side. I think Pakistan played of me, then I will think about getting away tempting a quick single on the give this cricket boy a Gold wickets apiece as Pakistan folded for 156 close to a perfect game in Dubai but it was from it. And if there is someone else who is second last ball of the day on Glove and a contract.” in 56.1 overs on a sluggish fi fth day pitch at temporary home in United Arab Emirates, a tough fi ght. Each team tried to remain better suited for the captaincy of the Paki- Thursday. Cricket is a niche sport in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. a fact which Williamson felt made the vic- afl oat and in the end we pulled it off .” stan team, then I will do.” Cummins’ eff ort was all the US, but is slowly gaining in New Zealand’s last away series win over tory special. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed admit- New Zealand head home to start a two- more impressive as it came at popularity, mostly among large Pakistan was in 1969 when they won the “It was a fantastic series to be a part of ted his team spurned good chances in both Test series against Sri Lanka next week the end of a long, hot day in expat communities, and is second Test in Karachi and drew the other and obviously to go one-all and then have defeats. “It’s a very disappointing series loss while Pakistan have one one-day warm-up which he had bowled 19 overs. seen as a potentially lucrative two in Lahore and Dacca. a deciding match that goes fi ve days with for us,” said Sarfraz, whose team has now match in South Africa before starting the Former Australian great Adam new market to help grow the New Zealand came this time as under- both teams in with a chance of a result lost three consecutive Tests at Sheikh Za- fi rst of three Tests in Centurion on Decem- Gilchrist called it “the best game. dogs to the tough conditions of Pakistan’s proves it was a special win,” said William- yed Stadium. “We had our chances but we ber 26. Gulf Times Saturday, December 8, 2018 3 SPORT

HOCKEY WORLD CUP TENNIS Mauresmo withdraws as Davis Cup captain Holders Australia to coach Pouille

Reuters proposal for the new captain to the committee.” Mauresmo had expressed disappointment at the Inter- ormer world number national Tennis Federation’s hammer China 11-0 one Amelie Mauresmo (ITF) decision to revamp the has turned her back Davis Cup from next year in Govers scores a hat-trick for the defending champs, England knock out Ireland with 4-2 win on becoming France’s conjunction with Spanish in- newF Davis Cup captain, opting vestment group Kosmos with instead to work with French whom they agreed a 25-year $3 player Lucas Pouille. billion deal. A statement from the French An ITF vote in August gave Tennis Federation on Thurs- the green light to replace the day confi rmed the U-turn by current ‘home and away’ World the 39-year-old who had been Group format with an 18-na- named in June to become the tion fi nals week to be staged in fi rst woman to captain the next November. French team. Mauresmo, who “I tell myself that all these previously captained France’s young people who watched the Fed Cup team, was to due Davis Cup on television, who take over from Yannick Noah, have had incredible moments whose third stint in charge in the stadiums, will never be ended in a disappointing defeat able to live this again,” Maures- by Croatia in last month’s fi nal mo said earlier this year after held in Lille’s soccer stadium. the announcement was made. “(Amelie Mauresmo) has Pouille, ranked 32 in the accepted this challenge and world, had also criticised the renounces the position of cap- competition’s revamp after tain of the Davis Cup France Croatia’s Marin Cilic beat him team to carry out this mission,” in Lille to seal the last Davis the statement said. Cup fi nal in its current guise. “The French Tennis Federa- Pouille said afterwards he tion supports and encourages would not play in the Davis Cup this project which serves the again, while other members interests of French tennis.” of the French team also criti- Pierre Cherret, the FFT’s cised the direction in which the National Technical Director, competition was moving. said he would begin the proc- The 24-year-old said on ess of fi nding a new Davis Cup Thursday that he was excit- captain who would also be re- ed to work with Mauresmo, sponsible for the men’s team who also enjoyed a successful at the 2020 Olympic Games coaching stint with Britain’s in Tokyo. “It was important former world number one and logical for Lucas, after Andy Murray. his fruitful collaboration with “I am very happy to start my Emmanuel Planque, to look for new collaboration with @Am- the person most likely to con- eMauresmo! Her experience as tinue his development,” Cher- a player and coach can help me ret said. “As head of the French achieve my goals,” he wrote on teams, I will soon make my Twitter. Australia’s Blake Govers (left) in action against Du Chen of China during the men’s World Cup match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar yesterday. (EPA)

FIH guide the ball home from close from and Mark will give us confi dence go- the Belgians but we are going to WEIGHTLIFTING Bhubaneswar range. Gleghorne, both off target. ing forward. We’re not going to play with complete belief in our At 6-0, the Australians could At the 25th minute, England worry about anyone else. We’re abilities to make sure we do our have been forgiven for easing off were very close to doubling their going to go out there and play country proud! Overall I feel we ustralia fi nished their in the two remaining quarters, advantage as missed a our game and do the best we can, have played some high quality European youth Pool B campaign with but it not something any Kooka- great opportunity with a hit just really.” hockey in patches but have not a dominating 11-0 win burras side could ever be accused past the post. Today, the fi nal matches in been consistent enough and tak- over a hapless China of. A further fi ve goals fl ew into The start of the second half Pool C will take place, with en our chances. Against Belgium champ banned for life inA the ongoing Men’s Hockey the China net, with player of the was full of excitement. Ireland Belgium facing South Africa at we will be looking to improve World Cup here at Kalinga Sta- match Blake Govers complet- had to put pressure on their op- 1700IST before home favourites in both aspects. I am confi dent Reuters lose weight before the compe- dium yesterday. ing his hat-trick alongside ef- ponents to try and fi nd an equal- India take on Canada at 1900IST. that if we execute our game plan Sofia tition in Poland. However, as England defeated forts from Tim Brand (2), Dylan iser to ensure a place in the next India are currently top of Pool then we will give us every chance Dimitrova, who served a Ireland 4-2, both England and Wotherspoon and Flynn Ogil- round. C thanks to a marginally supe- of achieving our goals for the six-month ban after a posi- China will progress to the cross- vie on target as Australia made it They managed to do so in the rior goal diff erence over second game.” ulgarian weightlifting tive doping test just before the overs. England will play New three wins from three matches. 35th minute through Chris Car- placed Belgium, with Canada Looking ahead to his team’s suff ered another blow youth world championships Zealand, while China will take The boys were having a lot of go. However, two minutes later, holding onto third place ahead match against host nation India, yesterday when Euro- in Thailand in April 2017, had on France on Monday. fun out there, a lot of goals were Liam Ansell gave the lead again of South Africa, again on goal Canada Head Coach Paul Bundy pean youth champion been training separately and Reigning world champions scored so I guess we were in the to England thanks to a fantastic diff erence. The pool winner will said: “We have yet to show our BDayana Dimitrova was banned refused to join national team Australia were already confi rmed groove”, said Australia’s Mat- hit into the roof of the net. earn a direct ticket to the quarter true potential in the fi rst two for life after a second doping training camps. as the winners of Pool B follow- thew Swann after the match. This was not enough to dis- fi nals, while the teams that fi nish pool games. It’s important for off ence since April 2017, the “We will react pointedly to ing their impressive 3-0 victory “There were a lot of selfl ess courage the Green Machine who, second and third will go into the us to remain positive and com- Balkan country’s federation any attempts for amateur ac- over England on Tuesday, but acts out there, when guys could just a few seconds later, equal- cross-over play-off s. The team petitive as we enter our fi nal pool said yesterday. tivity of personal trainers and that did not stop them want- have taken the shot themselves ized again with a beautiful drag- that fi nishes fourth will be elim- match against India. The life ban for the 18-year- therefore we will continue to ing to maintain their winning but laid it off to a guy who was fl ick from Shane O’Donoghue inated from the competition. “Over the last couple years we old, who won the European insist on centralised training streak in today’s meeting against in a better spot, and it is hard from a penalty-corner. But Eng- While South Africa captain have been in a similar crossroads women’s title in the 48-kg in national teams as a way of a China team that were unbeaten [for China] to protect the whole land went immediately on the Tim Drummond expects a strong with India [Rio 2016 Olympic category in Poland last month, strictly controlling the medical coming into the match. goal.” attack again and scored a third challenge from the Belgians, he Games/Hockey World League comes as Bulgaria struggles to rehabilitation of competitors The Kookaburras were at The second game of the day goal only one minute later with feels his team are improving and semi-fi nal] and come away with restore its reputation in a sport and of taking responsibility,” their scintillating best in the saw Ireland play England with a superb defl ection from James will be determined to show their results. We will draw on those already under fi re over wide- the federation said in a state- fi rst quarter to open up a 2-0 both teams having one point Gall. Ireland nearly equalised own qualities. experiences, as we know that all spread doping off ences. ment. lead, with Blake Govers fi nding each at the start of the game. again seconds before the end of “We were disappointed did the pressure is on India as the The International Olympic The International Weight- the roof of the China net from a China’s heavy defeat meant the third quarter but Michael not get the win against Canada host country and team looking Committee (IOC) has threat- lifting Federation has adopted penalty corner before a tap-in that both Ireland and England Darling missed the target. In the after a much-improved overall to top the pool.” ened to remove weightlifting a tougher anti-doping policy from Aran Zelewski doubled the only needed to draw in order to last minute of the game, England team performance”, said Drum- from the Paris 2024 Games if it this year under which repeat- advantage. progress through to the knock- converted a penalty-corner for mond. RESULTS fails to improve its record, and off ender nations can be banned Four Australian goals arrived out stages, as their respective their fourth goal by Mark Gleg- “We created many good scor- Pool B the sport remains on proba- outright from the Olympics. in the fourth quarter, with Tom goal diff erences were now supe- horne. That meant that England ing opportunities but unfortu- Australia ...... 11 China ...... 0 tion. Following repeated bans for Craig, a second for Govers, Jere- rior to the team from Asia. qualifi ed for the cross-overs nately we were not clinical with Player of the Match: Blake The Bulgarian weightlifting doping, Bulgarian weightlift- my Hayward and a fi ne team goal English player David Condon while Ireland were eliminated. our chances. Our game against Govers (AUS) federation said Dimitrova had ers returned to international fi nished off by the exceptional opened the scoring in the last England’s said: Belgium is one which we will Ireland ...... 2 England ...... 4 used a banned diuretic while competition in July after the Jake Whetton, who showed in- minute of the fi rst quarter. This “Today we took our chances. be coming out all guns blaz- Player of the Match: Liam Ansell training privately. Her coach domestic federation paid a credible reactions to dive in and followed two scoring attempts That really helped us and that ing to get a result. We respect (ENG). said she had used the drug to $250,000 IWF fi ne.

GOLF Eagle on 17 propels Schwartzel into 2nd round lead Reuters on 10 under par, tied for third most three years. Championship at Royal Portrush Johannesburg with last weekend’s Mauritius “I feel like I’ve been playing next July, with 2010 Open win- Open winner, American Kurt well, I’ve been hitting very low ner Oosthuizen already on the Kitayama (69), and home player scores in practice and on the entry list. harl Schwartzel sank a Zander Lombard (68). range I’m hitting the ball as good 75 yard eagle on his pe- Schwartzel made a steady as I ever have. It’s just this little LEADING 2ND ROUND SCORES nultimate hole to card start with gains on the fi rst and thing called golf... I’m trying to 130-Charl Schwartzel 67-63 a second round eight fi fth holes, but sprang to life with fi gure it out,” he said. 131-Madalitso Muthiya (ZAM) underC par 63 for the lead at the four birdies and an eagle on his “The golf courses are not 63-68 halfway point of the European back nine. playing very long, so if you are 132-Kurt Kitayama (USA) 63-69, Tour’s South African Open at the The eagle came after a way- hitting it straight you are leav- Zander Lombard 64-68, Louis Randpark Golf Club yesterday. ward drive on the par fi ve 17th as ing yourself with a mid-iron into Oosthuizen 62-70 Schwartzel’s 12 under par he chipped in from 75 yards, and these par fi ves so you should be 133-Jbe Kruger 66-67, Mark Wil- tournament total is one ahead could yet be a pivotal moment as taking advantage. I would love liams (ZIM) 65-68 of Zambian Madalitso Muthiya, he seeks a fi rst win in his home to win this one, I’ve given myself 134-Branden Grace 66-68, Matt who followed up his opening Open championship after twice a good chance and I’m looking Wallace (ENG) 65-69 round 63 with a 68 on the tough- fi nishing runner-up. forward to the weekend.” 135-Thomas Aiken 67-68, Yikeun er Firethorn Course. “It was one of my worst Four-time Major winner Ernie Chang (KOR) 70-65 With a massive 240 player tee shots of the week so far‚“ Else (71) is at fi ve under par for 136-Bernd Ritthammer (GER) 67- fi eld, the fi rst two rounds are Schwartzel admitted. the tournament, level on the lea- 69, Adilson da Silva (BRA) 66-70, split between Firethorn and “I fi gured if I could walk off derboard with his nephew, Jovan Daniel van Tonder 69-67 the shorter Bushwillow course with four or fi ve that would be Rebula (71), who is the leading which Schwartzel tackled in his good. I managed to hit a good lit- amateur in the fi eld. Rebula, 21, SELECTED second round. tle third shot there.” claimed the British Amateur 137-Ernie Els 66-71, Shaun Norris Overnight leader Louis Oost- Former Masters champion Championship at Royal Aber- 70-67 huizen managed nine birdies in Schwartzel, 34, believes he has deen in June. 138-Brandon Stone 71-67 his 62 on Thursday, but found been hitting the ball better than The highest fi nishing three 140-Chris Paisley (ENG) 70-70 the going much tougher on ever in practice, but is still look- non-exempt players this week 141-Justin Harding 69-72 Charl Schwartzel of South Africa lines up a putt during the second round of the South African Open at the Firethorn with a 70 leaving him ing for his fi rst tour title in al- will gain exemption for the Open 145-Dylan Frittelli 73-72. Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg yesterday. (EPA) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, December 8, 2018 NFL

FOCUS Henry’s record night sparks Titans’ rout of Jags

Reuters gave Tennessee a 13-2 lead with New York 7:07 left. Ryan Succop’s 33-yard fi eld goal with 10 seconds left in the errick Henry tied an half made it 16-2 at the break. NFL record with a Henry ended the game’s com- 99-yard touchdown petitive phase in the third quar- run and rushed for a ter with touchdown runs of 16 franchise-recordD 238 yards on and 54 yards less than two min- 17 carries Thursday night as utes apart, upping the margin to the Tennessee Titans kept their 30-2 at the 5:30 mark. playoff hopes alive by pasting Henry had a chance for a fi fth the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-9 in touchdown, but his third-down Nashville, Tennessee. run from the Jaguars 2-yard line Henry also matched a fran- was stopped for a 1-yard loss. chise record with four rushing Multiple Jacksonville defenders touchdowns. Tennessee (7-6) celebrated the play, about the won its second game in a row and only thing they had to enjoy. moved within a half-game of the Jaguars quarterback Cody Baltimore Ravens for the second Kessler completed 25 of 43 pass- AFC wild-card spot. Jacksonville es for 240 yards and a 7-yard (4-9) lost for the eighth time in scoring strike to Dede Westbrook nine games and clinched its sev- with 1:49 left in the third quar- enth losing season in eight years. ter. Titans quarterback Marcus Henry’s 99-yard jaunt, which Mariota hit 18 of 24 attempts for tied the mark set by Dallas’ Tony 162 yards with an interception. Dorsett at Minnesota in January Jacksonville’s other points 1983, came on the fi rst play after came on a safety with 59 seconds Leonard Fournette was stopped left in the fi rst quarter when for no gain by Rashaan Evans punt returner Cameron Batson on fourth-and-goal to deny the muff ed the ball and was tackled Jaguars a second-quarter lead. in the end zone. Henry burst free off left tackle and broke three tackles on his way to the record book, stiff - Tennessee Titans running back arming A.J. Bouye to the ground Derrick Henry (right) runs for a around the Tennessee 25. Myles touchdown during the second Jack tried and failed to bring half against the Jacksonville Henry down at the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. 20 as the crowd roared. The play PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Seahawks, Vikings look to improve Brady, Patriots head playoff chances

Reuters the third-most passing at- Seattle tempts in the league, causing Zimmer to publicly express concern about the play-call- s the NFL season ing. to site of struggles reaches its fi nal quar- Dalvin Cook had a season- ter, the Seattle Sea- high 84 yards rushing against hawks and Minnesota the Patriots on only nine car- VikingsA are in position to earn ries. He added a career-high NFC wild-card playoff berths. eight receptions. ‘They play extremely well at home. That might not be the case “If I get fi ve (touches), I get after Monday night’s meeting 10, two, whatever, I’m just try- We haven’t played well down there’ between the teams in Seattle. ing to make a play to help my at Dolphins The Seahawks (7-5) have team win,” Cook said. “I wasn’t won three straight games to surprised by anything that Reuters move a half-game ahead of the happened in the game.” New York Vikings (6-5-1) for the fi nal The Vikings could fi nd some two playoff spots. But Caro- success through the air, as lina, Philadelphia and Wash- Seattle has been allowing 315 om Brady is 7-9 when ington are all 6-6, making for yards passing over their past playing on the road a tight race the rest of the way. four games. Minnesota’s Kirk against the Miami Dol- “These are must-win games Cousins leads the league with phins. for us. Every week, we ap- 350 completions, with wide TLet that statistic sink in: proach it like that,” Seahawks receiver Adam Thielen tops in Brady, the 13-time Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown said receptions (98) and second in quarterback who has led the after Sunday’s 43-16 victory yards (1,166). New England Patriots to fi ve against San Francisco. “We ap- The Seahawks have found a Super Bowl titles, winning MVP proach every week like a play- better balance on off ence. honours in four of those ultimate off game and that’s the kind of Seattle leads the NFL with games, has lost more than he has intensity guys came out with 148.8 yards rushing per game won at the Dolphins. from kickoff on.” and has grounded out 150-plus The Patriots have no trouble The Vikings are coming off a yards in seven of its past eight winning at home against the 24-10 loss at New England. games. Dolphins, including 38-7 ear- “Right now, we’re kind of Last week, Russell Wilson lier this season. But, whether an up-and-down-team a little attempted just six passes in the it’s the humid weather or the bit,” Vikings coach Mike Zim- fi rst half but threw for three distractions of South Beach, the mer said, “and that’s the thing touchdowns. In the three- Patriots have lost four of their that frustrates me the most. game winning streak, Wilson past fi ve games at Hard Rock We need to develop more con- has eight touchdown passes Stadium. “It’s a big challenge, sistency.” and no interceptions, averag- winning down there,” Patri- The Vikings have been es- ing about 250 yards passing. ots off ensive coordinator Josh pecially inconsistent on of- “I love the way it’s fi tting to- McDaniels told The Her- fence, totalling fewer than 300 gether for us,’’ Seahawks coach ald. “They play extremely well yards in three of their past four Pete Carroll said. at home. We haven’t played well games. Under fi rst-year of- The Seahawks likely will be down there.” fensive coordinator John De- without guard D.J. Fluker, who Miami won 27-20 last year at Filippo, they have the fourth- strained his hamstring last home against the Patriots. Dol- fewest rushing attempts and weekend. phins cornerback Xavien Howard intercepted Brady twice, and the Patriots went 0-for-11 on third down. Tomorrow, the Patri- ots (9-3) can clinch their NFL- record 10th straight division title with a tie or a win. Miami (6-6) is still alive in the battle for a play- off berth, although the Dolphins are a bit of a long shot. New England is a seven-point favourite tomorrow, and Miami’s monumental challenge of trying to knock off the Patriots just got signifi cantly more diffi cult. Howard, a Pro Bowl candidate who leads the NFL with seven interceptions - including four in the past two weeks - is likely to miss the Patriots game due to injury. He hurt his knee during his second interception in last week’s Dolphins win over the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady looks to make a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium Buff alo Bills. But Howard, per- in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on December 2. (EPA) haps due to adrenaline, missed just one play and fi nished the Defensive Player of the Week, is ranks second in the NFL with missed fi ve games due to an in- Amendola, who missed last game. expected to return this season, 19 interceptions. “There’s a lot jured throwing shoulder. week’s game due to a knee in- On Wednesday, he did not Gase said. to deal with,” McDaniels said. The Dolphins, who are 5-1 at jury, is expected to play against practice. “(Howard) is one of our Brady (knee) and tight end Rob “They have an aggressive, pen- home this season, have faced his former team, the Patriots. best players if not our best player Gronkowski (ankle, back) were etrating front, and they mix their numerous injuries, especially at Amendola, who has played 11 on defense,” Dolphins coach limited in practice on Wednes- calls and coverages quite a bit.” wide receiver, where they have games this season, leads the Adam Gase said. “If he can’t go, day, but both Patriots stars are Off ensively, the Dolphins got lost two of their biggest play- Dolphins in catches (48) and we have to make some adjust- expected to play on Sunday. quarterback Ryan Tannehill back makers: Albert Wilson and Ja- yards (469). “I think,” Gase said, ments.” Even so, the Patriots are wary from the injury list in last week’s keem Grant. “he wants to play in this game as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in action against Howard, the reigning AFC of the Dolphins defense, which win over the Buff alo Bills. He had But wide receiver Danny badly as anyone.” Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center, Carson. (EPA) Gulf Times Saturday, December 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Valbuena, Castillo die in car crash Blazers hand Suns prayers are with their loved Reuters New York ones during this time of grief.” Primarily a third baseman who also saw action at the ree agent infi elder Luis other three infi eld positions, Valbuena and former Valbuena hit a career-high 25 major league infi elder homers for the Houston As- Jose Castillo died on tros in 2015. In an 11-year ma- seventh straight loss ThursdayF in a car crash in Ven- jor league career, he batted.226 ezuela, where they were play- with a.310 on-base percentage, Lillard scores 25 points with eight assists and five rebounds for Blazers in their 108-86 victory ing for a winter league team. a.394 slugging percentage, 114 Their club, Cardenales de homers and 367 RBIs in 1,011 Reuters time since November 17. Lara, confi rmed the death of games. Portland Favours fi nished with 24 Valbuena, 33, and Castillo, 37. Valbuena broke into the ma- points and 10 rebounds in just 25 Both played for the team on jor leagues with the Seattle minutes while Ingles totalled 18 Thursday before the accident. Mariners in 2008. He subse- amian Lillard scored 25 points on 6-of-9 shooting. According to media ac- quently played for the Cleve- points and dished out The Jazz lost starting centre counts from Venezuela, the land Indians (2009-11), the eight assists despite Rudy Gobert to an ejection at crash occurred in Yaracuy. Cubs (2012-14), the sitting out the entire the 9:13 mark of the fi rst quarter Confl icting reports indicated Astros (2015-16) and the An- fourthD quarter as the Portland and received only six points from the car they were in either hit a gels (2017-18). Trail Blazers rolled past the vis- Donovan Mitchell yet coasted rock or swerved to avoid a rock Castillo played fi ve years iting Phoenix Suns 108-86 on to victory against the listless before going off the road. The in the majors, for the Pitts- Thursday night. Rockets, leading by as many as chauff eur and infi elder Carlos burgh Pirates (2004-07), the Jake Layman came off the 37 points. Rivero, a teammate of Valbue- San Francisco Giants (2008) bench to score a career-high 24 James Harden paced the na and Castillo who was also in and the Astros (2008). In 592 points on 10-for-13 shooting and Rockets with 15 points but shot 5 the car, survived. career games, he hit.254 with grab seven rebounds for the Trail of 16 from the fl oor and recorded All three players were born a.296 on-base percentage, Blazers, who snapped a three- seven turnovers. in Venezuela. a.379 slugging percentage, 39 game losing streak. Troy Dan- Chris Paul had fi ve turnovers Valbuena was in the major homers and 218 RBIs. iels scored 15 points for Phoenix, and fi ve assists to go along with leagues as recently as August, He played mostly second which has lost seven in a row. his 12 points. Clint Capela added when he was released by the base and third base. Josh Jackson had 14 points, and 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Los Angeles Angels. He hit.199 Rivero, 30, had a brief major Deandre Ayton added 11 points Rockets, who are 1-5 over their with a.253 on-base percent- league stint with the Boston and eight boards for the Suns. past six road games. age, a.335 slugging percent- Red Sox in 2014. He collected The Blazers, who had lost Houston (11-13) has dropped age, nine homers and 33 RBIs in four hits in seven at-bats (.571 eight of their previous 11 games, six of its past eight games over- 96 games for Los Angeles this average) while hitting a home led the entire way after a 2-0 all. Dante Exum (15 points), year. run and driving in three runs. defi cit, forging a 34-9 advantage Ricky Rubio (13) and Jae Crowder The Angels tweeted Thurs- He was in the minor leagues after one quarter. They built a (12) all scored in double fi gures day night, “We are deeply sad- in the United States as recently 31-point lead in the fourth quar- for Utah. dened to hear of the passing of as 2017, playing for the ter and fi nished with a 56-41 ad- The Jazz opened the second former Angel Luis Valbuena Diamondbacks’ Triple-A Reno vantage in the rebound battle. half with 15-2 blitz that extended and former MLB infi elder Jose affi liate. He played this year for Lillard was 8 of 14 from the its eight-point halftime lead to Castillo. Our thoughts and Tijuana in the Mexican League. fi eld. Both he and Layman 68-47 at the 7:20 mark of the knocked down 3 of 5 attempts frame. from beyond the arc. The Suns The Rockets, who totalled shot 38.5 percent from the fi eld nine points in the fourth quar- Murray will fulfi l A’s contract and made only 5 of 27 shots from ter while blowing a double-digit 3-point range. halftime lead at Minnesota on Oklahoma quarterback Kyler at the end of the season and Portland was playing with- Monday, tallied 11 points in the Murray will join the Oakland weigh out the options of what out guard CJ McCollum, who third quarter against the Jazz. Athletics in time for spring the NFL thinks of me,” he said. sat out the game with an ankle Gobert was whistled for a foul on training, despite speculation “Right now, my future’s kinda injury. Phoenix was without its the opening tip and an off ensive he might choose to enter the already planned out, but we’ll top two scorers who are sad- foul moments later. 2019 NFL Draft instead, his see what happens.” Oakland dled with injuries - guard Devin He reacted to the second in- agent, Scott Boras, told the made Murray the No 9 overall Booker (hamstring) and forward fraction with a violent swing at San Francisco Chronicle on pick in the MLB draft in June. T.J. Warren (ankle). The Blazers items stacked on the scorer’s Thursday. “Kyler has every “Kyler said more than a week have won eight games in a row table and was ejected. Utah re- intention of fulfilling his agree- ago that he’s going to spring against the Suns dating to No- sponded by closing the fi rst ment with the A’s and he’s training,” Boras said. “When vember 2016. quarter with an 11-2 run as grateful he has had the chance people come around this kid Lillard scored 21 points and the Rockets recorded as many to pursue his college goals,” and ask him all this stuff about Layman added 17 as Portland turnovers (six) in the period as Boras told the Chronicle. “He his future and he said, ‘We’ll took a 62-41 advantage into in- baskets. The Jazz extended to a will be in spring training with talk about it after the season,’ termission. 47-32 lead in the second before the A’s.” that’s what he’s saying. His at- The Blazers shot 54.5 percent Harden led a comeback, scoring On Thursday, the Associated titude is, ‘The Oakland A’s gave from the fi eld while the Suns eight points during a 13-6 run Press named Murray as its me an opportunity to fulfil a fi red at a 38.1 percent clip, mak- that closed the half. Player of the Year in college personal goal in college foot- ing only 2 of 9 attempts from the However, Ingles and Crowder football. Murray is one of three ball and when it’s complete, 3-point arc. opened the third with 3-point- finalists - all quarterbacks - for I’ll return to my contractual Portland increased its lead to ers sandwiched around Houston the Heisman Trophy, which commitment.” 87-59 after three quarters. The turnovers before Crowder com- will be awarded today night in Meanwhile The Red Sox Blazers pumped the diff erence pleted a three-point play. New York. After replacing 2017 have signed starting pitcher to 99-68 midway through the fi - Paul scored 10 points in the Heisman Trophy-winning QB Nathan Eovaldi to a four-year nal period. Phoenix got no closer fi rst half to reach 17,000 for his Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma contract that brings the free than 22 points the rest of the way. career. this season, Murray completed agent right-hander back to With Lillard scoring 15 points He stands 142 assists shy of 241 passes, 40 of them for Boston, the team announced on 6-for-6 shooting - including joining Jason Kidd, Magic John- touchdowns, for 4,053 yards. Thursday. Terms of the deal three 3-pointers - the Blazers son, Oscar Robertson, and John He also rushed for 892 yards weren’t divulged, but multiple burst to a 31-5 lead as the Suns Stockton as the only players in and 11 touchdowns. The other reports peg it to be worth $68 began the game shooting 2 of 17 league history to produce 17,000 finalists are Alabama’s Tua million. The New York Yankees from the fi eld. points, 9,000 assists, and 4,000 Tagovailoa and Ohio State’s reportedly were interested in Layman contributed 15 points rebounds. Dwayne Haskins. Murray Eovaldi but did not want to go on 6-for-6 shooting - including Phoenix Suns forward Richaun Holmes (left) defends the basket against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian opened some of the specula- past three years on a deal. three 3-pointers - in the quarter. Lillard during the second half at Moda Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports RESULTS tion about his future last week- “We’re very happy to have Portland extended the margin to end when he spoke with Tim Nathan back with us,” Red Sox Boston 128-100 New York 53-27 midway through the sec- JAZZ CRUSH REELING Joe Ingles helped shoulder the Houston Rockets on Thursday in Tebow of ESPN about the NFL. president of baseball opera- ond quarter. ROCKETS early load on off ence as the Utah Salt Lake City. Portlan 108-86 Phoenix “I think that’s something me tions Dave Dombrowski said The Blazers settled for a Derrick Favors recorded a dou- Jazz continued their strong play Utah (13-13) has won 5 of 7 Utah 118-91 Houston and my family will talk about in a news release. 21-point lead at the break. ble-double off the bench, and with a 118-91 demolition of the games to reach .500 for the fi rst

NHL Devils dump Kings, end six-game slide Reuters goalie Keith Kinkaid for his fi fth of the sea- RESULTS Los Angeles son. Hischier sealed the victory with just un- der nine minutes remaining when he scored Detroit 5-4 Toronto his sixth goal of the season. Coleman added yle Palmieri scored two goals, and 5-2 an empty-net goal, his ninth, with eight sec- Taylor Hall contributed three as- Columbus 4-3 Philadelphia onds remaining. Kinkaid made 29 saves as sists on Thursday as the visiting Pittsburgh 6-2 Islanders he improved to 4-0-0 lifetime against the Devils ended a six-game Kings. It was just the third road victory of losingK streak with a 6-3 victory over the Los Montreal 5-2 Ottawa the season for New Jersey, which owns the Angeles Kings. Tampa Bay 3-2 Boston league’s worst road mark. Travis Zajac, Will Butcher, Nico Hischier Calgary 2-0 Minnesota Quick also made 29 saves. and Blake Coleman also collected goals for New Jersey. The Devils scored more than Washington 4-2 Arizona BYRON SCORES TWICE, LEADS three goals for the fi rst time since a 5-2 vic- Vancouver 5-3 Nashville HABS OVER SENS tory over the Montreal Canadiens on Nov 21 Las Vegas 4-3 Chicago Paul Byron scored two goals to lead the vis- that was their last win before Thursday. iting Montreal Canadiens to a 5-2 victory Brendan Leipsic, who was claimed off New Jersey 6-3 Los Angeles over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. By- waivers by the Kings from the Vancouver riod with his 13th tally of the year. Less than ron recorded his second multi-goal game of Canucks on Monday, scored his fi rst goal in two minutes later, Leipsic tied the score 1-1 the season, with the fi rst score coming in the two games with his new team. Adrian Kempe with his third goal of the season. aftermath of an Ottawa turnover 11:03 into and Kyle Cliff ord also scored for Los Angeles, Zajac gave the Devils a 2-1 lead a mere 25 the second period. Byron added an empty- which fell to an NHL-worst 1-16-1 when al- seconds into the second period. He scored net goal to put the game away 17:28 into the lowing the fi rst goal in a game. his ninth goal unassisted when Kings goalie third period. Jeff Petry also had a two-point Palmieri scored two goals for the fi rst time Jonathan Quick failed to clear the puck. night with a goal and an assist for the Cana- since he had two in each of the fi rst three After Kempe scored for the Kings at 6:59 diens, while Andrew Shaw scored the 100th games of the season. Hall now has 11 points of the second period with his fourth, Palm- goal of his NHL career. Brendan Gallagher (three goals, eight assists) over his past seven ieri gave the Devils a 3-2 lead at 10:57 when he also scores for Montreal. Mark Stone and Co- games, but he remains one goal away from scored from the left circle after drifting left lin White each recorded a goal and an assist 200 in his NHL career. and shooting right, catching Quick off bal- for the Senators, who were undermanned for Drew Doughty notched an assist on ance. It was Palmieri’s 14th goal of the sea- much of the game due to a pair of key inju- Kempe’s second-period goal, giving him son. Butcher scored an opportunistic goal at ries. Matt Duchene didn’t return after sus- a Kings-record 334 assists for a defense- 12:28 of the second period, his second, when taining a lower-body injury midway through man, passing Rob Blake on the all-time list. his long-distance shot was redirected into the second period. Duchene appeared to be The honour came in Doughty’s 799th career the goal by Kings defenseman Dion Phaneuf. favouring his right leg on a non-contact rush New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (second left) celebrates with defenseman Will Butcher (left) game. Palmieri gave the Devils a 1-0 lead with Cliff ord cut the Devils’ lead to 4-3 when he down the ice and immediately headed to the centre Travis Zajac (right) and defenseman Ben Lovejoy his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings a power-play goal at 13:49 of the opening pe- pounced on a poor clearance from Devils locker room after the play ended. during the first period at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, December 8, 2018 SPORT

LA LIGA Real face last-place Huesca in battle of large and little Leaders visit their Catalan rivals Espanyol today, while Atletico Madrid host Alaves

AFP Madrid

uka Modric has been voted the best player on the planet and Real Madrid crowned European champions three times in a row Lbut in Huesca today they will meet a team from the opposite end of the lad- der. Madrid’s stars gathered in Paris on Monday, dressed in shiny black suits and bow-ties, to watch their midfi eld magician collect the Ballon d’Or, ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “He is at his peak,” Real coach Santiago Solari said. “That makes it even more beautiful.” From the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysees, they head this week- end to northern and Alcoraz, Huesca’s recently-expanded stadium with a capacity of just over 7,000, in a town of little more than 52,000 people. There, they face ’s bottom club, on seven points from 14 games, but Huesca’s ascent began far lower down than that. The majority of their 58-year history has been spent between the third and fourth tiers. They were languishing in Segunda B as recently as 2015. Promoted to the top fl ight for the fi rst time at the end of last season, Huesca prepared by overhauling their squad, but on a shoe-string budget, with a mix of players from the lower di- visions, promising youngsters and old heads from abroad. They changed coach too, twice, after Rubi was poached by Espanyol, who are now seventh. He was replaced by Leo Franco, who only lasted until October. Then in came Francisco, who is yet to see a victory. Some of the promotion team remained, including top scorer Alex Gallar. He joined in 2017 after spells at Cul- Real Madrid, who beat in the La Liga last weekend, are only five points behind leaders Barcelona. (AFP) tural Leonesa, Hercules, Cornella and Mallorca’s B team, all four sides in the grandees and a chance for the fans to to prove. He came off in the second half Valencia, on the back of beating Roma den title races in recent memory. Last ished fourth but now sit 14th. third tier. “When I came here, it was ponder on how far their team has come. of last weekend’s win over Valencia, in Italy, means the 3-0 defeat to Eibar weekend, Barca, Sevilla, Atletico Ma- not the main objective to go up to the “We have seen people are behind rubbing his thigh, while Santiago Solari following the international break seems drid and Alaves could all have fi nished FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) top fl ight but we did it,” Gallar said.”It us despite the results and pushes us said afterwards he was “exhausted”. more like a blip amid six wins from sev- the round in fi rst but only two of the Today: Atletico Madrid v Alaves (1200), was a very good decision to come here.” to turn it around,” Francisco said last It was Bale’s tenth La Liga game en matches. Despite changing coach top six managed to win. Barcelona were Valencia v Sevilla (1515), Villarreal v Celta One of his three goals this term came week. “Our home has to be a fortress.” without scoring, even if that run masks this season, a scoreless drought that one of them. On Saturday, Ernesto Val- Vigo (1730), Espanyol v Barcelona (1945) against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. In the summer of 2013, Real Madrid some decent performances under So- lasted more than eight hours and being verde’s side visit their Catalan rivals Huesca scored twice there, including bought for a world record lari, including two goals and an as- thrashed by Barcelona, Madrid are only Espanyol. Atletico host Alaves, who Tomorrow: Eibar v Levante (1100), the opener, but Barca fi nished with 100mn euros while Huesca signed sev- sist in the Champions League. “Bale is fi ve points off the top. have fi nished every weekend in the top Huesca v Real Madrid (1515), Real Socie- eight. This, though, will be Huesca´s en players, all for nothing. Madrid are in working well,” Solari said on Wednes- That they remain just about in touch six since round fi ve. Sevilla are away dad v Real Valladolid (1730), Real Betis v fi rst time hosting either of Spain’s two good form and Bale, again, has a point day. “He’s fi ne.” Real’s victory over is down to one of the most error-rid- to Valencia, a side that last season fi n- Rayo Vallecano (2145)

21st Qatar National Arabian Horse Show SPOTLIGHT PSG to snatch Ajax star De Jong from Man City in record 75mn euro deal: Report

AFP stage after De Jong spent several hours talk- Paris ing to City manager . But the English champions “wanted to do business at a later stage and PSG was light- aris Saint-Germain could pip ning-quick to jump on the opportunity,” Manchester City to the signing of claimed the report. “The dark blue jersey of Ajax and Netherlands midfi eld star France’s upcoming champions PSG, not the Frenkie de Jong in a record 75 mil- light blue one of Manchester City, will al- lionP euro deal, a Dutch newspaper report most certainly become De Jong’s next sum- said yesterday. “It is almost certain that De mer,” the paper said. Ajax confi rmed to the Jong, 21, will exchange Ajax for Paris Saint- Dutch daily that talks with PSG have been Germain,” popular tabloid De Telegraaf said. held, although the club added “there was no If the deal goes through, it will be “the most defi nitive agreement... other clubs have also expensive and sensational in the history of shown interest”. the Eredivisie and Ajax in particular,” the The highest outgoing transfer amount Daasah Al Shaqab was adjudged as the best horse in Class 3B category at the 21st Qatar National newspaper added. paid so far in the Dutch top fl ight was last Arabian Horse Show at Al Shaqab’s Indoor arena yesterday. Halima Al Khor finished second and PSG’s move to secure the talented mid- offi cials met De Jong’s agent Ali Dursun on year when Colombian centre-back Davin- Magidaa Al Rayyan third. The show will continue today, with tomorrow being the last day. fi elder, who made his debut for Ajax two Thursday and, later, Ajax management at son Sanchez moved from Ajax to Tottenham years ago, comes after a lightning inter- the Johan Cruijff Arena, De Telegraaf said. Hotspur for 40mn euros ($45.5mn). In 2015 vention from the club’s technical directors Talks between Ajax and Manchester City Memphis Depay moved from PSV to Man- Maxwell and Antero Henrique. Top PSG are believed to have reached an advanced chester United for 34mn euros ($38.6).

FOCUS Coach Kovac halts Bayern rotation in bid

DPA — and the fi rst eleven at the mo- by Bayern from the Vancouver ment as well,” said Kovac. Whitecaps in the North Ameri- That means recently ill de- can MLS and is training with his fender Mats Hummels and the new teammates. He will be eligi- ayern Munich coach injured James Rodriguez and ble to play from January 1, 2019. Niko Kovac will stop Javi Martinez may have to wait Before the second half of the using squad rotation to return to the side. “If a player begins for Bayern, to the end of the year then gets a chance, which he has away to Hoff enheim on January inB a bid to end the Bundesliga to work for in training, he has to 18, Bayern will attend a train- champions’ inconsistent form. use it,” Kovac said. ing camp in Qatar and take part “I have said, okay, rotation will The 47-year-old boss also in the Telekom Cup in Dussel- happen but only if someone is played down the prospect of dorf. Bayern said the men’s team injured or is really on the fl oor,” rebuilding the squad signifi - would go to Doha from January 4 Kovac said yesterday. cantly in the January transfer to 10 before the Dusseldorf tour- “The players not currently in window. “The clubs who have nament on January 13. the team will have to adapt to to do something in winter have The women’s team at the club the new situation. This is cer- a big problem because the mar- will also have a camp in Doha, tainly not pleasant but that’s ket is not so big,” he said. Kovac January 27 to February 3, be- football,” Kovac added. Bayern leaders Borussia . branded prices in the coming fore their season begins against face Nuremberg today having But their last games included a window “astronomical” and champions Wolfsburg on Feb- not won at home in the league 5-1 thrashing of Benfi ca in the that “we will — as of now — do ruary 17. Bayern said the visit since mid-September. Champions League and a 2-1 nothing.” of the women’s team will also They sit fourth in the ta- win away to Werder Bremen do- Canadian teenager Alphonso “support women’s sport in Arab ble, nine points behind league mestically. “The squad is known Davies has already been signed countries.” Gulf Times Saturday, December 8, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal’s Holding out for season aft er injury

Arsenal defender Rob Holding is set to miss the rest of the season after the club announced he had sustained cruciate ligament damage. Gunners fi ring on all The 23-year-old suff ered the knee injury during the first half of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Traff ord, which left Unai Emery’s side fifth in the table. The rehabilitation proc- ess is expected to take between six to nine months, the club said. cylinders pose questions Holding began his career with Bolton be- fore joining Arsenal in 2016. He has been a consistent member of the Gunners’ back four, starting 15 games. He wrote on Twitter: “Just want to say a big thank you to all the fans, players and staff members for the support during the past over Mesut Ozil’s future couple of days. Gutted to get injured during a strong period for the team.”

Even if Ozil is given green light to return there are no guarantees that Emery will pick the German England’s Nobbs to miss Women’s World Cup AFP England and Arsenal Jordan Nobbs will miss next year’s Women’s World Cup in France after rupturing esut Ozil has missed Arse- the anterior cruciate ligament in her nal’s last four matches and left knee. Nobbs was taken off on a may be absent again when stretcher in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over the Gunners host Hud- Everton in the Women’s Super League Mdersfi eld Town today. The 30-year-old last month and had been a crucial part playmaker is being treated for a back of England manager Phil Neville’s plans problem and manager Unai Emery for the 2019 tournament. The 25-year- has hinted that he could be passed fi t old, who has won two league titles with if he comes through yesterday’s ses- the north London club, had surgery on sions with the club’s physiotherapist Monday and was ruled out for the rest unscathed. of the season. Nobbs was part of the Li- The German had been on the train- onesses squad that finished third at the ing ground on Thursday “running and 2015 World Cup in Canada, but missed touching the ball”, Emery told a press most of the tournament because of a conference. But even if Ozil is given hamstring injury. England will learn who the green light to return there are no they will face in the group stage of the guarantees that Emery will pick the June to July tournament today. club’s highest earner, even for the bench. That despite being a World Cup winner in 2014, and a player with South Korea forward Kim skills few others on the planet can re- Seung-dae out of Asian Cup produce, especially when it comes to setting up colleagues to score. Emery, South Korea forward Kim Seung-dae it seems, had already decided he could will miss the Asian Cup in the New Year do without the former inter- because of a toe injury and has been national in his comprehensive over- replaced in the pre-tournament training haul of a squad that had forgotten how camp by uncapped winger Kim In-sung. to win trophies under previous man- Kim Seung-dae has played five times for ager Arsene Wenger. his country scoring one goal and his ab- It was the Frenchman who had sence through injury is somewhat ironic sanctioned a salary-doubling, given he played every minute of every £350,000-a-week, three-year con- game for his club Pohang Steelers in the tract extension for Ozil just three recently-concluded season. months before stepping down as man- Speedster Kim In-sung, who has never ager. Ozil’s omission from the starting represented his country at any level, line-up at Bournemouth on November had a brief spell in the Russian Premier 25 was the big reveal to a world that League with CSKA in 2011. could not fail to notice. South Korea are unbeaten in six games Emery’s explanation could hardly under new coach Paulo Bento. be misinterpreted either: Ozil was named on the bench — and left there for the entire game — at Bournemouth Ex-Italy boss Prandelli because his manager felt he could not Mesut Ozil is being treated for a back problem and manager Unai Emery has hinted that he could be passed fit if he came through yesterday’s sessions unscathed. appointed Genoa coach deal with the “physicality and inten- sity” of the Gunners’ opponents. of France — were internationals of ex- The player felt he was the victim of stars inhaling nitrous oxide. Players players including Henrikh Mkhitaryan Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was Few failed to notice at the time that perience and reputation. both racism and disrespect because of including Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick can be seen rejecting the off er to use appointed coach of Serie A strugglers the reason for his omission carried lit- Ozil is not the only world class play- his Turkish roots, claiming “I am Ger- Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette the gas. Genoa yesterday, a day after Ivan Juric tle weight as Bournemouth are one er to suddenly fi nd themselves unable man when we win, but I am an immi- and Matteo Guendouzi feature in the The footage is the latest to show top was sacked following the club’s Italian of the least aggressive in the Premier to get into the starting elevens, Paul grant when we lose”. Such sentiments footage, which appears to come from players being linked with nitrous ox- Cup exit to a third division side. The League. His absence mattered little Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and ex-Gun- were no doubt genuine and deserving CCTV footage and was published by ide. Raheem Sterling was warned by 61-year-old Prandelli will be off icially as the Gunners’ unbeaten run simply ner Alexis Sanchez falling foul of the of sympathy but Emery appears to care the Sun newspaper. his then club after footage presented by the northwestern port carried on without him. The Gunners volatile Jose Mourinho at Manchester about one issue only: whether a player In a statement Arsenal said: “The emerged of him using the substance side today with his first game in charge can take that to 21 matches against the United. Emery wants his players to can thrive under his system. The an- players will be spoken to about this in 2015. In the same year, Jack Gre- at home against SPAL this weekend. Terriers with Ozil’s return to the side work hard off the ball and attack with swer to that, at the moment at least, and reminded of their responsibilities alish was warned by the then Aston Croat Juric was appointed for a third likely to be delayed till they play Qara- intensity with it and Ozil, for all his at- appears to be no for Mesut Ozil. as representatives of the club.” Villa manager, Tim Sherwood, after time as Genoa coach in place of Davide bag in the Europa League next week. tributes, seems to tick neither of those Nitrous oxide, also known as laugh- pictures emerged of him appearing to Ballardini last October while the club Wenger, in his fi nal season, used the boxes. Ozil’s post-World Cup fall out ARSENAL PLAYERS FILMED ing gas or “hippy crack”, is freely avail- inhale the gas, and Saido Berahino was were 11th in Serie A. Since then they competition to keep fresh fringe men with Germany cannot have helped USING ‘HIPPY CRACK’ able although it is technically illegal to reprimanded by West Brom for a simi- have slumped to 14th and also exited he had decided not to employ in the either, coming at a time when every Meanwhile, Arsenal said yesterday sell it for recreational purposes. In the lar incident in 2014. the Italian Cup on Thursday losing Premier League even though three of Arsenal player knew he had to impress they will “remind players of their re- video, which reportedly comes from a When an image was posted of then 10-9 on penalties to Serie C side Virtus them — England duo Theo Walcott the new man after years of inertia un- sponsibilities” after a video emerged London venue shortly before the start Tottenham player Kyle Walker in 2013, Entella after the match ended 3-3 after and Jack Wilshere plus Olivier Giroud der Wenger. that appears to show a number of of the current season, other Gunners apologised on Twitter. extra time.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Southampton put on alert as Libertadores fan violence has damaged new boss considers clear out Argentina, says Boca coach Reuters Reuters Southampton Madrid

outhampton’s fl ounder- an violence surrounding the Copa ing footballers have been Libertadores fi nal has damaged put on alert by new man- Argentina and and ager Ralph Hasenhuettl, overshadowed the achievements whoS has hinted a number of the ofF Argentine football, Boca Juniors coach squad will likely be shown the Guillermo Barros Schelotto said yesterday. door in January. The former Red Boca and fi erce Argentine rivals River Bull Leipzig coach, appointed this Plate will play each other in Madrid tomor- week to save the Saints from rele- row in the second leg of the fi nal of the Lib- gation, indicated he would use the ertadores, South America’s equivalent of transfer window to offl oad some the Champions League. River drew 2-2 with players who do not suit his high- arch-rivals Boca in the fi rst leg on Nov 11 Boca Juniors coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto speaks at a press conference. (AFP) energy style. academy in this club and it’s a Hotspur on Wednesday night but the return has been moved from Buenos “I think the squad is very big,” goal for us to bring them forward before taking the reins, and his Aires to Spain after Boca players were in- vamos Al Futbol’ (Save Football) says that 2,000 national police will deploy around the the former Austrian internation- again,” the coach said. “In history fi rst match is at Cardiff today. jured when fans attacked their team coach a total of 328 people have died at football Santiago-Bernabeu stadium . That is more al striker told reporters.”So we there were a lot coming... out of “The fi rst target is to get out of shortly before the match at River’s Monu- matches and 92 of those deaths have oc- than for the last Champions League fi nal in have a lot of positions where we the youth academy and that’s the this relegation zone,” he said. “It mental stadium on Nov 24. curred in the last decade. the 81,000-seat stadium in 2010 when na- have too many players and maybe goal for the future. We want these is tough with our schedule over With Madrid police mounting the biggest Schelotto said the fact that the game tional police deployed a 1,400-strong force. one or the other is leaving us and guys to perform, to develop.” Christmas. I am not frightened ever security operation for a football game in had to be moved to Europe should serve as It is also more than the 1,500 police offi c- we bring something new. I have Southampton’s academy has about it, but the problem is we the city, attention has turned to the risk of a turning point in the fi ght to halt football ers deployed for the “clasico” game between spoken with the chairman about for some years been the envy of have a lot of games in the coming violence between the two bitter Argentine violence. “What happened two weeks ago rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona that took that and they do everything to the Premier League, producing days.” rivals, with the match itself taking a back happens a lot in Argentina and South Amer- place under high security fi ve days after the help my wishes.” internationals including Gareth Southampton’s next home seat. “Today we should be talking about how ica but I think it will have to change because 2015 Paris attacks. Apart from national po- Hasenhuettl is already build- Bale, Theo Walcott, Adam Lal- game will be against Arsenal on River and Boca are putting Argentina on the if you cannot play Boca versus River in Ar- lice offi cers, 1,700 private security guards ing up a rapport with club chair- lana and Luke Shaw, though the Dec 16, before scraps with Hud- highest pedestal possible and instead we are gentina it’s very worrying,” said Schelotto, will be used by Real Madrid, which owns the man Ralph Krueger, who not production line has slowed a lit- dersfi eld and West Ham, then talking about violence instead of what the who won four Libertadores titles with Boca stadium. only shares a fi rst name with the tle in the last 18 months. league leaders Manchester City teams have achieved this season,” Schelotto as a player. Rodriguez said some 200 to 300 “partic- coach but also can speak to him Southampton languish in 18th on Dec 30. The club starts the said yesterday. “Unfortunately, we haven’t “It’s the right time to take measures and ularly violent” supporters from each team in his mother tongue German. place in the league, having nar- new year at Chelsea. learned from the same errors we have made start to show an example. We need time, had been identifi ed by Spanish and Argen- Something that will have pleased rowly avoided the drop last sea- With just nine points from before and we have ended up damaging Ar- we need games of this quality to be played tinian authorities, but if was unclear wheth- Krueger in any language is that son thanks to the late-season their opening 15 matches, South- gentina and South America.” in Argentina or South America and to show er they were in Madrid or not. He added that Hasenhuettl will not necessarily eff orts of managerial fi refi ghter ampton are above bottom side The attack on Boca’s bus last month was that we have matured. It’s the time to take supporters found to have a “serious” crimi- insist on plundering the transfer Mark Hughes, released by Saints Fulham and 19th-placed Burnley far from an isolated incident in Argentine measures and start to show an example.” nal record could be sent straight back to market for replacements, but will after the weekend’s 2-2 draw only on goal diff erence. A win football, and recalled events from a 2015 Meanwhile, nearly 4,000 police and pri- Argentina if they came to Madrid. Between be happy to delve into South- with Manchester United. today would see them leapfrog Libertadores game between the two sides vate security guards will be deployed in Ma- 5,500 and 6,000 out of 10,000 tickets for ampton’s academy for talent. Hasenhuettl watched his new Cardiff , two places above them when River players were attacked with pep- drid for the “high-risk” Copa Libertadores supporters living in Argentina have been “We have a very good youth side’s 3-1 defeat by Tottenham with two points more. per spray. Argentine campaign group ‘Sal- fi nal, the government said Friday. More than sold, Rodriguez said.

Saturday, December 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE QNB STARS LEAGUE Umm Salal, Al Arabi Guardiola warns City aim for victory before winter break

By Sports Reporter Salal deserve a better position,” Doha he said. “The three points from the Al Arabi game before the against complacency break will mean a lot to us. It will mm Salal take on Al make the players comfortable Arabi in the QNB Stars and motivate everyone, especial- Guardiola’s unbeaten leaders visit Chelsea today sitting two points clear of Liverpool League today at the Al ly since the winter break is go- Gharafa stadium. Al ing to be long this time around,” UArabi are seventh in the stand- Bouziane added. AFP Manchester, United Kingdom ings with 18 points, while Umm Umm Salal will mainly be Salal are close behind, in eighth served by Yannick Sagbo, Mah- with 17 points. moud a- Mawas and Ismail ep Guardiola has warned his Both teams will be keen to Mahmoud, while they will miss Manchester City players that end their campaign on a win- the services of injured Moroccan complacency is the biggest ning note before the QNB Stars defender Adil Rhaili. threat to their push for domestic League takes a long break with Umm Salal will certainly be Pand European domination. Guardiola’s this match. The tournament will wary of Al Arabi, given that unbeaten Premier League leaders visit resume only after the Asian Cup they suff ered a 1-5 loss when the Chelsea today sitting two points clear of in the UAE in January next year. teams faced off in the first leg. closest challengers Liverpool. Umm Salal played out a goal- In today’s opening match, City are well on course to defend the less draw with Al Ahli, whereas Al Al Khor, who are in dire need of title they won with 100 points in May Arabi defeated Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 points as they face high-fl ying and are also through to the last 16 of the in Week 14. Al Arabi coach Hatem Al Sailiya. Al Khor are 11th in Champions League with a game to spare. al-Moaddeb said that they were the standings with nine points, They have managed all of that largely eager to go into the break with a only behind bottom-placed Al without the services of last season’s club positive result against Umm Salal Kharaitiyat. Al Sailiya are fi fth player of the year Kevin De Bruyne. while admitting the latter are a currently and will go to third if City must also go to London without fi ghting unit. “After our victory they win today. Al Khor drew 1-1 top scorer Sergio Aguero, who has missed over Al Kharaitiyat last week, the with Al Shahania, while Al Saili- the past two matches with an adduc- mood in our team camp is upbeat ya lost to Qatar SC 0-1 in the last tor muscle strain. Guardiola, who says as we head for the Umm Salal round. Al Khor will be aiming for he does not care about the possibility of game before the league takes a full points so that they can take City going through the entire league sea- long break. While underlining the long break after this week’s son unbeaten, has told his players that the fact that our players are stay- action in a good frame of mind as maintaining their standards is the key to ing confi dent, I must admit that they are also in the danger zone. success. Umm Salal are formidable com- Al Khor will have to be at their “The biggest danger to us is basically to petitors who have put up some best if they are to restrict Al think that it’s not necessary to improve,” incredible displays this season. Sailiya from bagging full points he said. “I see my team and many things Their performance against Al as the latter will be strengthened are good but still we can be better. I am Ahli in the last round was an ex- by the return of strikers Rachid proud that we have been consistent for ample,” said al-Moaddeb. Tiberkanine and Abdelkader Il- most of the past 15 or 16 months, play- Manchester City’s Spanish “We have a lot of confi dence yas. On the other hand, Al Sailiya ing every three days. That’s the most dif- manager Pep Guardiola. (AFP) in our players even when we lose. will have to be back on winning fi cult thing to achieve in all sports. It’s a We are looking forward to en- ways if they are to stay in the top big compliment for the players. But I tell tering the break in high spirit. It four. Al Rayyan and Al Ahli are them every game that there are many is possible if we come out with close behind them with one and things we can do better, but we could a positive result against Umm two points less respectively. Al have dropped two points in the fi nal 10 Salal. We need to keep perform- Sailiya had beaten Al Khor 2-1 in minutes at Watford on Tuesday.” celona boss Guardiola. “The job he has Guardiola has played down the likeli- son without defeat. ing well. We are optimistic and the fi rst leg. Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has done so far is excellent,” he said. “People hood of City matching the Arsenal side of confi dent,” he added. Al Arabi Al Khor coach Bernard Casoni suggested that Manchester City are the don’t know how diffi cult it is to play in 2003-04 by going through a whole Pre- FIXTURES (1500 GMT UNLESS STATED) will be without Mailson Farias said: “Al Sailiya are a good team best team in Europe but Guardiola has a special way. He needs time. Their past mier League season unbeaten, arguing due to suspension. that includes players of the high- Today: Bournemouth v Liverpool (1230), dismissed that claim. According to the two away games were so diffi cult and that it is less important to him than the Meanwhile, Umm Salal’s as- est level. They are a well-organ- Arsenal v Huddersfield, Burnley v Bright- City manager, his team need to win the things like this can happen. But during quality of his team’s performances. sistant coach Bouziane Ben Arabi ised side and their third place in on, Cardiff v Southampton, Manchester Champions League before they can be pre-season we played them in the Com- City managed a run of 22 league games said the three points from this the rankings makes it diffi cult classed as the continent’s best. munity Sheld at Wembley and they were unbeaten from the start of last season, United v Fulham, West Ham v Crystal game would make his players for us. Despite the diffi culty of Chelsea have lost their past two away already his team. Maybe they are not winning 20 of them, before falling to a Palace, Chelsea v Manchester City (1730), comfortable and motivated dur- the confrontation, we have the league matches, at Tottenham and playing consistently for 90 minutes but 4-3 defeat at Liverpool in January. Leicester v Tottenham (1945) ing the long winter break. “We desire to win and win the three Wolves, but Sarri is taking them in the when they play well for 50 to 70 minutes, Arsenal are one of only two teams to go Tomorrow: Newcastle v Wolves (1600) played a tactically-strong game points. Our task is not easy. The right direction, according to former Bar- they are excellent.” through an entire English top-fl ight sea- On Monday: Everton v Watford (2000) against Al Ahli in the last round confrontation is arduous. We though it ended in a goalless have to be good in the defence draw. The reality is that Umm and off ence.” SARRI ADMITS HE EXPECTED CHALLENGES AT CHELSEA

London: Maurizio Sarri said he knew their Premier League games and are we were a little bit unlucky. For the he would face challenges at Chelsea unbeaten in the league since April. opponents, five shots, only two on despite a bright start to the season as Sarri, who has experienced defeat to target. We conceded two goals.” he prepares his team to face Premier Guardiola with Napoli and Chelsea Sarri struggled to explain the League leaders Manchester City in August’s Community Shield, was reason for the lapses. “It’s not really today. Chelsea were unbeaten in their asked how his side can beat City. “I very easy to answer,” he said.”We first 12 Premier League games but don’t know,” he said. “Against Guardi- didn’t react as a team, as 11 players. In lost 2-1 at Wolves on Wednesday — ola I lost every match, so I don’t know. 11 diff erent ways. So it’s a big problem. their second defeat in their past three You have to ask somebody else.” We were not able to have the right league games. Sarri accused his Chelsea players of determination to win the match.” Those dropped points have left a collective “blackout” at the first sign City, who finished 30 points better them in fourth place, 10 points adrift of trouble against Fulham, despite off than Chelsea last season, are the of leaders City after 15 games. “I knew a 2-0 win, and against Wolves. The best team in Europe, Sarri said, and very well that sooner or later we have Italian said: “We have a problem to that is his target for the Blues. “At the to face diff iculties,” Sarri said. “When manage the match at the moment. In moment they are stronger than us you change the way of playing, the the last two matches we played well but our final target is to be the best way of football, you need to change for 55, 60 minutes, then (after) the team in Europe,” he said. “We need the mentality. You need to change first diff iculty we suff ered a blackout. to work, we need to improve. In 90 the mentality in 25 minds, so it’s not a “In the first match (against Fulham) minutes anything can happen. We short way. It’s very diff icult.” we were lucky because they didn’t know it’s very diff icult but we have to Pep Guardiola’s City have won 13 of score. In the last match (at Wolves) believe in it.”

Al Arabi players train ahead of the Umm Salal clash yesterday.

FOCUS Defending champ al-Sulaiti and al-Khelaifi start new season in style atar Superstock 600 and Qatar Touring Car Champi- onship kicked off yesterday with the qualifying sessions asQ defending champions Saeed al-Su- laiti and Abdullah al-Khelaifi took pole positions. In Qatar Superstock 600, al- Sulaiti took the fi rst pole of the season at the Losail International Circuit after clocking fastest time of 2:04.438. Al-Sulaiti will start the race in the fi rst row, ahead of compatriot Mashel al-Naimi, who posted the second best time of 2:05.296 and Abdullah al- Qubaisi will start in third position in the grid with a time of 2:05.321. “I am really happy to be in fi rst position in today sessions and get the Superpole. Com- pared to last week in the offi cial test, I feel much better with the injury in my fi nger. I didn’t expect to be in front with this lap time. Of course, the race will be diffi cult tomorrow with 12 laps and Abdullah al-Khelaifi and Saeed al-Sulaiti (right) in action at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. I believe there will be a good fi ght be- tween Abdullah, Mishal and myself so In the QSTK Trophy, the fastest rid- In the Qatar Touring Car Champion- are very strong. They are here to win, let’s see tomorrow,” said al-Sulaiti. er was Jassim al-Thani with a time of ship, the defending champion Abdullah so it will be a really tough race,” said al- drivers were very close so it will be very qualify in third place and for tomorrow, Although al-Naimi couldn’t fi x the 2:09.293 with Kuwaiti rider Moham- al-Khelaifi driving a new car managed Khelaifi . hard tomorrow but fun as well. This is I will work with some set up in my tyres problems with the front tyre from last med al-Zaidan and Hassan al-Mansoori to secure the pole position with a lap A total of 12 cars took part in the fi rst my fi rst time in a championship and and steering and hopefully I can fi ght week, he was satisfi ed with his second in second and third place respectively time of 2:25.368 secs. round and the new drivers proved to fi rst time with this car as I didn’t take for the podium,” said al-Ahbabi. position. “Overall I am happy with this in their category. “For me, the new sea- “I am very happy to be back. I have be very strong. Ahmed Alasiri fi nished part in the offi cial practice last week, so Today, QSTK Race 1 starts at 11:30 result. I managed to fi nd a good set up son is a new beginning. I started with a a new car for this championship and second with a lap time of 2:26.548, I am very happy with today’s result and and Race 2 at 14:30. The QTCC fi rst race in the Superpole with the used tyre but good timing, I trained very well in the after the free practice, I had minor is- while Nasser al-Ahbabi ended in third looking forward for tomorrow’s race,” is scheduled at 13:00 and the second at still have some problem with the front off -season and I am ready to compete sues that were solved luckily and now place with a time of 2:28.066. said Alasiri. 16:00. Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar tyre as it happened last week during the for the win. For tomorrow, I will start I am ready to race. There is still a small For Alasiri, this is his fi rst time in the Another debutant al-Ahbabi was Touring Car Championship are organ- offi cial practice. Tomorrow in the warm in a good position and I will try to keep set up to be done for tomorrow but even championship and was pleased with his also happy with his day’s work. “This ised by Losail Circuit Sports Club and up we will try to do something diff erent this place and hopefully compete with with this, I managed to qualify fi rst. But debut. “The competition is fi erce. Even is my fi rst time in this championship Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation in the front fork,” said al-Naimi. QSTK riders,” al-Thani said. I have to work hard as the newcomers though I qualifi ed second, the other and I am so excited. I am very happy to with Pirelli Qatar as sponsor.