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Wednesday, December 5, 2018 CRICKET Rabia I 27, 1440 AH Aussie captain GULF TIMES Paine to focus on India challenge SPORT Page 3 MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Saudi chess Al-Attiyah confi dent event moved as Dakar Rally looms to Russia AFP The 2019 edition of the Dakar Rally is an event where al-Attiyah has an advantage, perhaps Jerusalem off ering him the best chance in four years to win the prestigious title for the third time World Chess Federa- tion tournament has By Anil John, Sports Editor been moved from Saudi Doha Arabia to Russia after concernsA over Israeli players be- ing barred, the federation an- eru is about 15,000 kilometres away from nounced yesterday. Qatar, but for Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah the Israeli players backed by a New South American nation could yet prove a York-based NGO, The Lawfare bridge not too far. Project, were threatening legal PAs a rally driver of immense ability – and we are action over not being allowed to not wasting words here describing his qualities – play in Saudi Arabia, which has al-Attiyah never looks for favours from the terrain. no diplomatic ties with the Jew- You are supposed to adapt to whatever challenge ish state. is thrown at you, but occasionally special circum- The federation, known as stances do put you in a position of relative com- FIDE, said it decided to move its fort, sometimes very minor, that top athletes are World Rapid and Blitz Champi- supposed to exploit. onships scheduled for December The 2019 edition of the Dakar Rally is one such 25-31 to Russia “due to the policy event where al-Attiyah has an advantage, perhaps adopted by Saudi organisers”. off ering him the best chance in four years to win The decision was made “in the prestigious title for the third time. spite of the generous fi nancial The reason for this is simple: the 5,000km off er made by Saudi Arabia”, event will be contained within the borders of only FIDE said in a statement. one country, Peru, and 70% of the route is made “FIDE will no longer stage its of desert with plenty of dunes. offi cial events in the countries It’s the kind of terrain which sons of the desert that deny entry visa and fair revel in, on foot, bike, camel or car. And there’s treatment to all the eligible play- nobody who can possibly boast better creden- ers,” it said. tials in such conditions than al-Attiyah, who It added that “offi cials in Riy- has dominated regional rallies for close to two adh could not guarantee an en- decades and earlier this year won his 14th Mid- try to representatives of all the dle East Rally title, shifting another giant of the national federations who had a dunes, Mohamed bin Sulayem, of the UAE. right to participate in the event”. “Mentally and physically I am in great shape. It is not the fi rst time Israeli I’ve been training in Qatar for the Dakar Rally and players have raised such con- I’ll be heading for Peru on December 28,” al-Atti- cerns. yah told the Gulf Times in an exclusive interview. In December 2017, the Is- The Paris-Dakar Rally, earlier originated from rael Chess Federation said it was the French capital and culminated in Dakar, Sen- seeking compensation from the egal, but was moved to South America in 2009 organisers of last year’s World for security and sponsorship reasons. It was held Rapid and Blitz Championships, across multiple countries since then but Argen- also in Saudi Arabia, after the tina, Chile and Bolivia opted out for reasons of Gulf state refused to issue visas austerity this time, although organisers denied it for its players. was a “cut price” edition. Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (R) along with his Al-Attiyah, for one, is not complaining. French co-driverMatthieu Baumel of Toyota “I like racing across the desert and the dunes. Gazoo Racing team celebrate their second Budapest to host I feel it’s my area. It gives me added confi dence place finish in the Dakar Rally 2018 in Cordoba, 2023 IAAF World that I can go on to win the event again,” said the Argentina. 2011 and 2015 champion who will be driving a Championships Toyota Hilux.” While the Dakar rally route has added to al- Reuters, Monaco Attiyah’s confi dence, it’s not the only factor that puts him in a positive frame of mind. navigating almost 3,000km of intense special Al-Attiyah, however, has a host of illustrious before he switched to cars in 1999. Spaniard Sainz “My form has been excellent. I won the Rally stages. rivals to contend with, especially Stephane Pe- won the 2018 event at the age of 55, with al-Atti- udapest will host the of Morocco recently for the fi fth straight time. “It is a little like as if we were competing in the terhansel and Carlos Sainz. yah a close second. 2023 athletics world Winning adds to your confi dence, naturally.” Vendée Globe only in the roaring 40s”, says race Frenchman Peterhansel is undoubtedly the “No doubt the competition is always very tough championships, the In all, 334 vehicles will line up at the start of director Etienne Lavigne in defi ning the degree of Dakar Rally king with 13 titles under his belt, six but this time I am ready to win,” declared al-At- governing IAAF an- the event on January 7, with drivers tasked with diffi culty of the 2019 edition. times of which was in the motorcycle category tiyah. Bnounced yesterday. The Hungarian capital is the first host city to be named un- FOOTBALL der a new bidding process an- nounced in February last year Kipchoge, Ibarguen win IAAF awards by the International Associa- tion of Athletics Federations (IAAF). IAAF president Sebastian Coe said after a meeting of the 2022 matches IAAF Council in Monaco that Hungary boasted both athletic tradition and experience in or- ganising world-class sports events. could start early “It has been the scene of AFP and temperature will be good, and also all stadiums some of our greatest moments Doha enjoying air conditioning.” as a sport. We are excited about Al-Khater added that building work at four of their plans for a new stadium the proposed eight stadiums would be completed that will become a great legacy orld Cup matches in Qatar could by the end of next year. for athletics,” he said. kick-off as early as 1000 GMT if it In addition to the already refurbished Khalifa The new stadium will be built holds four games a day during the Stadium, Al Wakrah, Al Bayt, and Al Rayyan will all on the eastern bank of the Riv- W2022 tournament group stage, or- be fi nished in 2019, he said. er Danube with a capacity of ganisers confi rmed yesterday. Reporters were allowed to view Al Bayt yester- 40,000 for the championships, The other three games would start at 1300, 1600 day, which is 56 kilometres (35 miles) from the cap- reduced to 15,000 for future and 1900 GMT, Nasser al-Khater, assistant secre- ital Doha and will be the most northerly stadium at events. tary general for the World Cup organising body the Qatar’s tournament. Budapest has twice hosted Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, told lo- The stadium’s design is based on the traditional the IAAF world indoor champi- cal broadcaster, Qatar Television. Bedouin tent in Qatar, Bayt Al Sha’ar. onships and the European ath- “There’s a proposition to hold four matches a “This is a unique design among all the stadiums Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge (L) and Colombia’s Caterine Ibarguen won the IAAF Male and Female letics championships. day, one at 1300, 1600, 1900, and 2200 Doha time. in the world,” Nasser al-Hajeri, the venue’s project Athlete of the Year awards in Monaco yesterday. Kipchoge set a world record at the Berlin The 2019 world champion- This will be fi nalised with FIFA,” he said. director told AFP. Marathon clocking 2 hours 1 minute and 39 seconds, while Ibarguen dominated the long jump ships will be held in Doha, Qa- “We are currently planning for three matches per “It shows people who will attend the World Cup, in the Diamond League series and other competitions. tar, and the 2021 edition in Eu- day, but also considering four a day as the weather the type of tent which people used to live in.” gene, Oregon. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 5, 2018 CRICKET

ABU DHABI TEST SPOTLIGHT Azhar leads Pak King Kohli eyes glory fi ghtback against in Australia New Zealand Pakistan are still 135 runs adrift of New Zealand’s first innings total of 274

India captain Virat Kohli.

AFP tralia without Smith and Warner New Delhi then who you will beat?” Mem- on told AFP. “So this is his opportunity, irat Kohli is at the top because the next cycle of over- of his game but he must seas matches will come after a get his other batters to couple of years and who knows perform if he is to grab what happens in that much theV crowning glory of India’s fi rst time,” he said. Test series victory in Australia. India started the key Aus- Kohli, 30, has led India’s bat- tralia tour with a loss in the fi rst ting charge with admirable con- Twenty20 on November 21 but sistency across all three formats went on to level the three-match as he tops the International series after the second game was Cricket Council (ICC) rankings rained off and they won the nalfi in Test and one-day internation- match. als. But it is the fi ve-day format Dubbed “King Kohli” by the that Kohli and India are look- Indian media, the star bats- ing to conquer, with India never man and India skipper has ac- having won a series in Australia cumulated 1,063 runs in 18 Test in more than 70 years of trying. innings this year, number one India’s dismal record Down ahead of England skipper Joe Under, which started with a Root (948 runs, 24 innings). crushing series loss to Don Brad- But as series defeats in South man’s side in 1948, is just fi ve Africa and England this year wins in 44 Tests. showed, Kohli piling on the runs Kohli is confi dent that now is will be no guarantee of victory the time to buck the that trend. when the four-Test series starts “Looking at how much ex- tomorrow in Adelaide. perience we have gained in the Kohli made 286 in three South four years since we have last Africa Tests but India lost the been here, and how the team has series 2-1 while the world’s top played, we defi nitely feel we have Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali (L) plays a shot as New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling (R) and teammate Ross Taylor look on in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Test side went down to England what it takes to win Test matches 4-1 despite the captain’s 593 away from home,” he said in an AFP ing rate struggled to rise above stumps for 34. runs in fi ve matches. interview with Macquarie Radio. Abu Dhabi SCORECARD two an over. The equally-ex- It was Watling, with an un- “Apart from Kohli himself no “And, hopefully, this time perienced Shafi q hit the same beaten 77, who carried New other batsman is making runs. around, a full series,” said Kohli, NEW ZEALAND 1ST INNINGS PAKISTAN IST INNINGS number of fours in his 26 which Zealand’s overnight total from So one man’s show is not likely who recently became the fast- zhar Ali struck a fi ght- (OVERNIGHT 229-7) Imam-ul-Haq c Southee b Boult 9 has so far occupied 85 balls. The 229-7 and added an invalu- to win you a series overseas,” est to reach 10,000 runs in ing half century to help Pakistan top order was jolted able 45 runs over the last three veteran sports journalist Ayaz ODIs, surpassing India legend B. Watling not out 77 M Hafeez c Southee b Boult 0 Pakistan recover to by Boult’s double strike either wickets to frustrate Pakistan. Memon told AFP. and former captain Sachin Ten- W. Somerville b Asif 12 139-3 at close on the Azhar Ali not out 62 side of lunch. Hafeez has been During his fi ve-and-a-half- “Barring the one at Lord’s dulkar. secondA day of the third and fi nal A. Patel c Shafiq b Asif 6 struggling for form for a while, hour knock in his 56th Test, (where India lost by an in- However Australia batsman H Sohail c Watling b Southee 34 Test against New Zealand in Abu having made just 66 runs in Watling became the 14th New nings and 159 runs) most of the Travis Head is confi dent the T. Boult b Asif 1 Asad Shafiq not out 26 Dhabi yesterday seven innings since scoring a Zealander to pass 3,000 runs. matches that we have lost they pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Extras (b11, lb6) 17 It marked a good recovery Extras: (b 1, lb 6, nb 1) 8 hundred against Australia in Watling, dropped on nine by actually have got themselves in Hazlewood and Pat Cummins from 17-2 after Kiwi pace bowl- Total: (all out, 116.1 overs) 274 Total: (for 3 wkts; 61 overs) 139 Dubai in October, following Imam off Bilal Asif on Monday, a winning position and squan- will keep Kohli in check. er Trent Boult ripped out open- Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Latham), Still to bat: Babar Azam, Sarfraz his recall to the Test side after and debutant Will Somerville dered it. Kohli led his team’s batting ers Imam-ul-Haq and Moham- 2-70 (Raval), 3-70 (Taylor), 4-72 Ahmed, Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah, a two-year absence.It was no extended their eighth wicket “Kohli’s challenge is to get the in the 2014 series in Austral- ed Hafeez, who later announced (Nicholls), 5-176 (Williamson), Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi surprise when Boult had him partnership to 45 before Bilal best out of his batsmen and seize ia, amassing 692 runs in four his retirement from Test crick- 6-203 (de Grandhomme), 7-209 caught low down at second slip Asif took all three fi nal wickets the winning moments which In- matches despite India losing 2-0. et. Azhar was unbeaten on 62 (Southee), 8-254 (Somerville), Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Hafeez), by Tim Southee for a fourth- to fi nish with 5-65, his second dia has failed to latch on to,” he “Hopefully the boys get him at the close having shared a 9-272 (Patel), 10-274 (Boult) 2-17 (Imam), 3-85 (Haris) ball duck in his fi rst over, right fi ve wicket haul in fi ve Tests. added. under control,” said Head. “We dogged, unbroken fourth wick- Bowling: Hasan Ali 20-6-58-1, Bowling: Southee 12-3-27-1, before the lunch interval. The 33-year-old playing his Memon said that Australia know he’s a good player, I’ve seen et partnership of 54 with Asad Shaheen 23-6-52-1, Yasir Shah Boult 14-4-39-2, Grandhomme In the fourth full over after 56th Test, reached his 16th are weakened by the absence of it fi rst-hand at Bengaluru. He’s Shafi q who will resume on 26. 41-11-75-3, Asif 30.1-4-65-5, 9-2-17-0 (1nb), Patel 14-3-33-0, the break, Imam-ul-Haq took Test half-century. His 77 not top stars Steve Smith and David an extremely good player, but I Pakistan are still 135 runs Haris 2-0-7-0 Somerville 12-3-16-0 his eye off a Trent bouncer and out came from 199 balls in fi ve Warner, but that may also make think we’ve got the bowlers to do adrift of New Zealand’s fi rst in- was hit on the back of the hel- hours and 32 minutes, and in- Kohli’s task harder. the job. nings total of 274 in which BJ met. Next ball, he edged to cluded four boundaries. “With Smith and Warner not “They’re one of the best bowl- Watling made a gutsy and vital innings and 16-run win in the chor and found the boundary Southee at third slip and was on Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, in being there the pressure of win- ing units in the world. It’s going 77 not out. The three-match second in Dubai. just four times as he crawled his way for just nine. his 33rd Test, failed to add to his ning will be that much more on to be an exciting battle, hopefully series is tied at 1-1 after New Azhar remains key for Pa- through to his 32nd Test half Azhar then dug in with Haris three wickets on Monday, leav- Kohli. If you can’t beat an Aus- we’ll come out on top,” he added. Zealand won the fi rst Test in kistan if they are to build any century. His 62 not out was Sohail, adding 68 for the third ing him two short of becoming Abu Dhabi by four runs before kind of fi rst innings lead. The carved painstakingly from 169 wicket before Sohail edged the fastest man to reach 200 Pakistan bounced back with an 33-year-old dropped an- deliveries as the Pakistan scor- Southee to Watling behind the Test scalps. SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Australia still favourites: Rahane

Reuters would be ripe for the picking. Hafeez to quit Test cricket “Not really,” the India vice- Sydney captain told reporters at Ad- AFP ing from Tests for the last two year gap in October, notching a elaide Oval. “I feel that any Abu Dhabi weeks and thought that now is brilliant 126 against Australia ustralia are still fa- team that plays at home, they the time to leave the fi ve-day in Dubai but he has struggled vourites to win the feel really good, and I feel that format but I will continue to since. four-Test series Australia are still the favourites truggling Pakistan open- play limited-over matches.” Also an off -break bowler, Ha- against India even to win the series. er Mohamed Hafeez His early career was marked feez took 53 Test wickets but his withoutA Steve Smith and David “We are not going to take said yesterday he will be by off -and-on performances career as bowler was marred by Warner because of the strength them lightly at all. Yes, they retiring from Test cricket before he settled in the team in questions over the legality of his of their bowling attack, Ajinkya (will) miss Steve Smith and afterS the ongoing third and fi nal 2011. bowling action. Rahane said yesterday. David Warner but I don’t think match against New Zealand in His top score of 224 came His action was reported on Many pundits have tipped they are vulnerable. Abu Dhabi. against Bangladesh in Khulna three separate occasions, the India to end their 70-year wait “You see their bowling at- The 38-year-old has managed in 2015 but he struggled in Eng- last in October last year. After for a fi rst test series triumph in tack, they’ve got a really good just 66 runs in seven innings land the following year and was the second report of his action in Australia after their top bats- bowling attack, and I think to since scoring a hundred against dropped. August 2014 Hafeez was banned men Smith and Warner were win Test matches, you need to Australia in Dubai last month Hafeez said he was not forced from bowling at international banned for a year in the after- have a really good bowling at- following his Test recall after into retirement. level for 12 months. math of March’s ball-tampering tack. two years away. “This is my own decision,” Hafeez said he was satisfi ed scandal in South Africa. So I feel that Australia are re- The Abu Dhabi Test is Ha- said Hafeez, after falling for with his Test career. Rahane, however, was keen ally still the favourites.” feez’s 55th since making his de- nought on the second day of “I am satisfi ed with what I to throw the pressure of expec- Although not quite reach- but against Bangladesh in 2003. the third Test. “I had conveyed have achieved,” said Hafeez. “As tation back on the hosts when ing the heights of captain Virat He has so far scored 3,644 runs in this Test. my career,” said Hafeez, who has the decision to Pakistan Cricket an opener I worked hard and the much-anticipated series Kohli’s 692 runs, Rahane had with 10 hundreds and 12 half “I feel time is up. I am an- also played 203 one-day inter- Board and the selection com- maintained a standard, so I am gets underway in Adelaide on a good tour the last time India centuries, with the chance to nouncing my retirement and nationals and 89 Twenty20s. mittee.” proud to have served my coun- Thursday, and scoff ed when he visited Australia in 2014-15 with add to that in his second innings feel happy that I worked hard in “I had been thinking of retir- Hafeez came back after a two- try.” was asked whether Australia 399 runs at an average of 57. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 5, 2018 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Marsh ready to justify Australia Test spot Sydney: Questions over Mitchell Marsh’s place in the ‘Sick of ball tampering Test team are fast becom- ing as traditional a part of the Australian summer as a backyard barbecue and a trip to the beach. The all-rounder has a bat- ting average of 26 and just 35 wickets from 30 Tests but not talk’ — Paine focuses only will he almost certainly play the first Test against India at Adelaide Oval tomor- row, he will take the field as vice-captain of the side. Former Test paceman Geoff Lawson was the first high profile figure to launch on India challenge a broadside at his selection over the weekend but there will be many more if the ebul- lient 27-year-old fails to fire 'There has been so much talk in the last 10 months that everyone is sick of it' against the tourists. Against Pakistan in Octo- AFP ber, Marsh managed 30 runs Adelaide, Australia from four innings with the bat and two wickets at the cost of almost 100 runs with the ustralia skipper Tim Paine ball and he knows he needs says he is sick of all the ball- to produce against India. tampering talk and it is time “I’m just really excited, really to move on and focus on halt- pumped for the test summer ingA powerhouse India from winning to start,” he said. “After the their fi rst Test series Down Under. The UAE, there’s a few question scandal in March has haunted Austral- marks over me (but) I’m just ian cricket, with Steve Smith and David really pumped, if I’m selected, Warner banned and a swathe of execu- to get out there and play in tives from the governing body axed or front of the Australian crowds falling on their swords in the aftermath. again. I’m doing my best to With the world’s number one Test make the number six spot my nation awaiting them in Adelaide in the own, that’s all I can do.” fi rst of four Tests tomorrow, Paine said The number of times Marsh it was time to start looking forward. used the word “pumped” “There has been so much talk in the last in a short news conference 10 months that everyone is sick of it,” he might be an indication of said ahead of Australia’s fi rst home Test why he was given the test since “sandpapergate”, where Smith, vice captaincy despite not Warner and Cameron Bancroft tried to being an automatic selection. alter the ball in South Africa. Marsh is clearly one of life’s “There has been so much talk, it’s enthusiasts, as his summation time for action. There are 11 guys going of Australia’s full-on training out and trying their best who will be so sessions amply illustrated. keen because of what has gone on.” “It’s been unbelievable, The odds are stacked in favour of hasn’t it? I don’t know what it’s the tourists — they top the Test rank- been like to watch but to be ings and boast the world’s best batsman part of it has been unbeliev- in Virat Kohli, plus a high-class pace able,” he gushed. “We’ve got bowling attack. Throw in Australia be- a great feeling in this group... ing without Smith and Warner, and it we’ve all trained exceptionally points to India starting as overwhelm- well. We’ve prepared as best ing favourites. we possibly can.” The last time they met, India won an Marsh’s older brother engrossing series 2-1 on home soil, with Shaun is also an almost Smith hitting three centuries. But the certain starter despite his Indians have never won a Test series in even more paltry return of 14 Australia and if pace bowlers Mitchell runs from four innings against Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cum- Pakistan. The 35-year-old’s mins are fi ring the tourists could be in frequent recalls to the test for another tough time. side have likewise strained In the wake of the tampering scandal, the credulity of cricket fans Australia vowed to overhaul their infa- to the point that some have mous win-at-all-costs attitude, tone joked the Marsh family must down the sledging and be more respect- have some kind of hold over ful. Paine said his message to the team the selectors. Of course, the was to keep their cool but also play to Australian captain Tim Paine says his message to the team was to keep their cool but also play to their strengths. (AFP) brothers can point to the their strengths. And if that meant some wood, Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins, Aaron torrent of runs they produced verbal banter, then so be it. “It’s just Previous series between the two ri- huge blow ahead of the Test with young Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vi- Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, in last year’s Ashes sweep of about picking your time and picking vals have been heated, with the com- opener Prithvi Shaw ruled out after hari all making half-centuries in the CA Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan England, and Mitchell yester- your moment and doing what the team bative Kohli usually front and centre. suff ering ankle ligament damage dur- XI game. And they have an experienced Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell day came out with a defence requires,” he said. But the Indian skipper is insisting he ing their fi nal warm-up game against a set of bowlers in Ishant Sharma, Mo- Starc, Chris Tremain of his brother that might have Australia could give a debut to in- has grown up and will not be looking for Cricket Australia XI. hammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, served for them both. “He’s form opener Marcus Harris, likely to confrontations, although he added that But veteran opener Murali Vijay, who Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. “In India: Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, always got his knockers, but partner Aaron Finch at the top of the “if they want to play a certain way we was dropped following a pair in the sec- terms of skill, in terms of experience, in KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar hopefully people respect order with Usman Khawaja appearing will reciprocate”. ond Test against England this year, rose terms of how we are playing, our mind- Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, him for the fact that he keeps to be suffi ciently recovered from knee “I think from last time round, I’ve to the challenge with a century in the set, we defi nitely feel we have the ability Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv coming back, he keeps work- surgery to come in at number three. A become more assured of myself, I don’t same match and is expected to face the to win a series here,” said Kohli. Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Ravi Jadeja, Kuldeep ing hard and hopefully he’ll question mark remains over whether really fi nd the need to prove anything new ball with KL Rahul. Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant keep proving some people Peter Handscomb or Travis Head will to anyone,” he told Macquarie Sports India’s middle order also looks in SQUADS Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, wrong,” he said. Bhuvneshwar Kumar fi ll the vacant middle-order spot. Radio at the weekend. India suff ered a good form with Cheteshwar Pujara, Australia: Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazle-

FOCUS BOTTOMLINE India’s Gambhir to retire from cricket Stokes and Hales to fi nd out if AFP New Delhi they face further punishment

By Ali Martin whether the pair contravened land left-armer, and Chris Tick- ndian opener and World Cup hero Gau- The Guardian ECB directive 3.3. le, an employment tribunal judge tam Gambhir yesterday announced his It states: “No participant may who has sat on Warwickshire’s retirement from all forms of cricket, conduct themself in a manner committee, undoubtedly faces a fi nally heeding voices that were telling fter 14 months of what or do any act or omission at any complex task in determining the Ihim “it’s over”. Gambhir, who played a key has at times felt like time which may be prejudicial to damage to the sport’s reputation. role in two of India’s World Cup triumphs, glacial progress, Eng- the interests of cricket or which Footage of the pair’s involve- will play his fi nal domestic Ranji Trophy lish cricket is fi nally may bring the ECB, the game of ment in the fi ght – not least that game for his home team Delhi starting to- approachingA closure over Ben cricket or any cricketer or group published by the Sun newspa- morrow. Stokes, Alex Hales and the street of cricketers into disrepute.” per – does not fi t in with English The 37-year-old Gambhir, an attacking fi ght in Bristol that led to the A verdict is expected on Friday cricket’s desire for a clean-cut, yet compact left-handed batsman, accu- former being removed as Test afternoon – the second day of family-orientated image. mulated 4154 runs in 58 Test matches since vice-captain and stood down the hearing – with the CDC able Late-night drinking mid- making his debut in 2004 against Australia. from an Ashes tour. to hand down unlimited fi nes, way through a series, while not He also represented India in 147 one-day in- A two-day hearing by the suspensions or even terminate a breaking any team curfew at the ternationals and 37 Twenty20 matches. cricket discipline commission player’s registration in the most time, is also problematic and has But Gambhir, who formed a successful gets under way behind closed extreme cases. Both the players already led to three other players opening pair with Virender Sehwag untill doors in London today with and the ECB, whose legal team out that evening – Jake Ball, Liam 2012, started to lose favour with the selec- Stokes and Hales having both are the prosecution in this in- Plunkett and Jonny Bairstow – tors and last played a Test against England been charged with two counts of stance, then have 14 days to ap- being fi ned £1,000 each. in 2016. “The thought has been with me day bringing the game into disrepute peal should they wish. But Stokes has long maintained and night...it has accompanied me to prac- by the England and Wales Crick- Were the pair to be found that his fi ght with Ryan Hale and tice sessions, mocking at me like a menacing et Board following the incident guilty and suspensions follow, Ryan Ali – both of whom were bowler,” Gambhir said in a video message on on 25 September 2017. Hales could receive a stronger also acquitted during the trial social media. Gautam Gambhir, who played a key role in two of India’s World Cup triumphs, will play his Though Stokes was found not net punishment than Stokes as – was a case of defending Kai “Each time I got out playing for India, or final domestic Ranji Trophy game for his home team Delhi starting tomorrow. (Reuters) guilty of aff ray by a jury at Bris- the regulations permit time al- Barry and William O’Connell af- KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) or Delhi Dare- tol crown court in August – and ready served to be factored in. ter they were subjected to alleged devils, this thought would turn into a sharp “This may sound a little wishful but I’ve Zealand) and the CB series in Australia will Hales was not charged at all – the The one-day opener missed homophobic abuse. The pair, disturbing noise and walk with me all the seen wishes come true. Two World Cups, be refl ected upon fondly. But I do hope the pair still face possible cricket- two England games at the end of though not called as witnesses way to the dressing room shouting that ‘it is highest run-getter in the fi nal of both of current Indian team Down Under can over- ing sanctions, having become the 2017 season – a costly spell, during the court case, have since over Gauti’,” he added. these games is the stuff dreams are made shadow our feats.” embroiled in the early-hours given Jason Roy took his place in thanked the all-rounder publicly Gambhir was part of India’s 2007 win at of,” Gambhir said. “Somewhere on the top is Gambhir went on to thank his coaches, incident near the Mbargo night- the side and has been a mainstay for stepping in. Hales, mean- the inaugural World T20 and played a piv- being the No. 1 Test team in the world. A tro- teammates and family members for stand- club in Clifton while the England ever since – while Stokes sat out while, faced no criminal charge otal role in the team’s 50-over World Cup phy, I’ll look at very fondly, is the one I got ing by him and said his most meaningful one-day squad was celebrating a fi ve Ashes Tests and 11 white-ball but it was established during the triumph in 2011. The Delhi native, who for being awarded the ICC best Test bats- partnership was with the supporters of In- victory over West Indies. internationals in total. court case that he kicked Ali dur- was part of the Indian team that rose to the man of the year in 2009. dian cricket. He recently turned to com- A three-strong CDC panel, The CDC panel, which is ing the melee and misled a police number one Test spot in 2009, led Indian “For a purist like me, it is a reward for mentary, sharing the mike with legends of which is funded by the ECB but chaired by the former Derbyshire offi cer at the time of Stokes’s Premier League (IPL) side Knight Riders to somewhat knowing where my off stump Indian and Australian cricket during India’s is meant to be independent in its batsman Tim O’Gorman and also 2.35am arrest by claiming to have two titles in 2012 and 2014. was. The historic series win in NZ (New three T20 matches in Australia. deliberations, must now decide includes Mike Smith, an ex-Eng- not been present. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 5, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT HONOUR Capewell takes QREC Arabian award World athletics body ary Capewell has been In addition to his work for presented with the ARO, Gary presents on Wil- much coveted Qatar liam Hill Radio and TV all year Racing and Eques- round. Gtrian (QREC) Award at the 2018 QREC Chief Executive Of- Horserace Writers & Photog- fi cer Nasser bin Sherida al- raphers Derby Awards at Lon- Kaabi said; “Qatar Racing and don’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Equestrian Club is proud to maintains Russia ban December 3. have supported the Horserace Following a unanimous deci- Writers and Photographers ‘I hope they’ll deliver the data by the end of this year. But I cannot go any further than that’ sion, the award has been made Association Award Ceremony in recognition of Capewell’s since 2012. Our congratula- AFP extraordinary contribution tions go to Gary Capewell for Monaco to UK Arabian Racing. Well his commitment and achieve- known for his accurate call- ments commentating for Ara- ing, excellent preparation and bian Racing in the UK, well de- he governing body of world ath- strong voice, Gary has spent served and well done.” letics yesterday maintained Rus- over 10 years as ARO’s com- ARO Chairman Charles sia’s ban from track and fi eld over mentator, hitting a landmark at Gregson commented, “We are mass state-backed doping, citing Wolverhampton Racecourse on delighted to see Gary Capewell Ttwo conditions before the powerhouse June 10 this year when he made honoured in this way. He has can return to international competition. his 1,000 Arabian race call. made a huge contribution to Rune Andersen, head of the IAAF’s His enthusiasm for racing UK Arabian racing over many taskforce on Russia, said Russian authori- started at an early age and he years and we are delighted ties, in the form of the Russian Anti-Dop- was encouraged by his grandfa- to congratulate him on this ing Agency (RUSADA), had to grant access ther. Aged eight, Gary began do- award. to data from testing of samples at a Mos- ing race commentaries from the “We are also extremely cow laboratory from 2011 to 2015. TV, making his fi rst live Arabian grateful to both the Qatar Rac- The second condition is that Russia race call at Uttoxeter in 2004. ing and Equestrian Club and must pay the IAAF’s costs incurred in the Two years later he was cover- the Horserace Writers and work of the taskforce and in bringing or ing half the meetings with exist- Photographers Association for defending Russian cases at the Court of ing ARO commentator Martin their support of UK Arabian Arbitration of Sport (CAS). Access to the Harris and by 2008 it was a full- racing.” samples would hand the Athletics Integrity time occupation. He has only The Qatar Racing and Unit, the independent body that manages missed three races since. Equestrian Club-sponsored all doping and non-doping integrity-re- Commentating with ARO in Horserace Writers & Pho- lated matters in athletics, the opportunity the summer gives him the op- tographers Derby Awards are to determine whether any suspicious fi nd- portunity to work at some of held every year to celebrate ings should be investigated. the most prestigious racetracks work from broadcasters, pho- I hope they’ll deliver the data by the end in the country, which has led to tographers and writers in the of this year,” Andersen said of the samples off ers of more work abroad. So horseracing industry. taken and stored in the Moscow laborato- far, this has included a season Awards include; Horserace ry. “But I cannot go any further than that. in Dubai and he has called Ara- Writer of the Year, Reporter of “We’ve received no assurances it will be bian races in Qatar at the HH the Year, Photographer of the delivered to us directly. The Amir’s Sword Festival. Year and Picture of the Year. “Assurances have been given to WADA IAAF president Sebastian Coe and head of the IAAF taskforce on Russia Rune Andersen during the press conference in Monaco. (Reuters) (World Anti-Doping Agency) and WADA have set a deadline of December 31 to re- Andersen insisted that the task force’s diff erence between that and the McLaren meeting the exceptional eligibility crite- ceive the data. We’ll have to rely on receiv- relationship with the Russians was “busi- report was the absence of a reference to ria, essentially demonstrating that they ing the data from WADA before handing it ness-like” and expressed the view that Russia’s FSB security service. have come through transparent anti- to the AIU to examine the data before we the end was in sight after three years of “There has been an acknowledgement doping testing. are satisfi ed that the data is correct data.” talks, longer than expected. of the involvement of persons in the state, The International Olympic Committee The International Association of Ath- “We see the glimmer of light (at the that is clear. Whether that means that you lifted its ban on Russia at the end of the letics Federation’s decision means Russia end of the tunnel) all the time,” he add- can draw that line to say that it has been Pyeongchang Olympics while WADA in will not, for the moment, be able to com- ed. “There has been progress all the way. an acknowledgement of state-sponsored September lifted its ban on RUSADA for pete under its own fl ag at the European Many of the criteria has been met by Rus- doping, that remains for everyone to de- non-compliance. Indoor Championships in Glasgow in sia, either by USAF or Russian authori- termine on what’s been written, but it’s WADA drew heavy international criti- February 2019, with the IAAF Council not ties,” he said. been fi nely worded by Russia.” cism when it voted to declare RUSADA scheduled to meet again until March. Andersen, however, dodged the po- Russia’s athletics federation was ini- “compliant”, before being granted access Russian athletics federation (RUSAF) litically sensitive question of whether he tially banned by the IAAF in November to Moscow raw data. president Dmitry Shlyaktin said the deci- thought Russia had truly acknowledged 2015 over allegations of widespread gov- It responded by promising it will im- sion was no surprise. the fi ndings of the McLaren and Schmid ernment-backed doping fraud. pose new sanctions if Russia did not co- “It is not a surprise but we did have reports, a major sticking point on the Its athletics team was barred from the operate by December 31 and a team visited hope, because RUSAF has worked very taskforce’s initial criteria. 2016 Rio Olympics and also missed the the Russian capital last week and another hard (to comply with IAAF demands),” he “We consider that the substance of IAAF World Championships in London a is due next week to carry out an audit. told Interfax news agency. He said negoti- what was in the Schmid report has been year later. A number of Russian athletes, The WADA decision led RUSAF to ap- ations were underway on debt repayment met, that has been acknowledged by Rus- however, have been granted permission peal against its IAAF suspension at the and access to doping control data. sia,” Andersen said, adding that the major by the IAAF to compete as neutrals after Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Wesley win Lions Touch 7s title for sixth consecutive time Wesley won the 8th edition of the Winning captain Madawa could not Lions Touch Rugby 7s for the sixth hide his excitement after the final consecutive time by beating Zahira hooter telling media, “I’m really 3-0 last Friday at the Doha Rugby excited, it was a great match I’m so Football Centre. proud of the boys”. The Blues led 3-0 at halftime before a “Zahira pressured us in attack and boisterous 500 crowd. Captain Shiv- held us out in defence in the second an Madawa, opened up the account, half, it was really tough but thank- turning and twisting untouched to fully, we had a game plan and we plant the first crossover. executed it”. The second try was posted by Zahira player maker and former paceman Lahiru Prasad, while the captain Murshid Ahamat was QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (left) presents QREC Award third nail in the coff in for Zahira was disappointed at the loss saying, “It is to Gary Capewell. scored by Sajith Ariyawansha. unfortunate we couldn’t get the win. Trailing 3-0 at the break Zahira was We lost the game in the first half as mentally out of contention, however, we strayed from our strategy”. FOCUS their second-half start and enthu- “Our boys never gave up, they dug siasm told a diff erent story as they in hard in the second half to defend threatened to score and challenged well but we just couldn’t get the tries the champs keeping them scoreless on. Congratulations to Wesley for a Ooredoo announces for the entire second period. fantastic win”. sponsorship of Clement CRICKET Fencing Academy oredoo has an- such as the National Sports nounced it is now Day With Ooredoo, a com- the offi cial sponsor munity sporting event that of the Doha-based attracted some 1,500 par- QS TEC claim Division-II crown ClementO Fencing Academy. ticipants to come together, try By Sports Reporter Affi liated to the Qatar Fenc- fencing and get involved in a Doha ing Federation and the French range of fun activities promot- Fencing Federation, the Clem- ing the importance of health ent Fencing Academy currently and fi tness for all. atar Solar Technolo- has more than 200 members Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, gies (QS TEC) defeated representing 42 nationalities Director Communications and Serandeep-B by 27 participating in fencing at its PR at Ooredoo, said: “Sup- runs to clinch the Di- two locations in Doha. porting the community in Qa- vision-IIQ 1st Zaff ran Café Cricket The Academy hosts cross- tar is of paramount importance Tournament 2018, organised by training programmes inviting to Ooredoo and we are grateful Qatar Veterans Cricket League at national athletes to compete for opportunities such as these the Losail Cricket Complex. and train with members of the to work with local associations After winning the toss and club, as well as running after- that benefi t our community batting fi rst QS TEC batsmen school and physical education and our people. We recognise scored 130 runs in 20 overs. classes for Doha students aged the importance of staying fi t Sameer scored 26 runs in 12 6 to 16 years. and healthy, and we welcome balls with the help of three sixes The Academy also off ers any opportunity to promote and one boundary. Zahir and wheelchair fencing training this within our community. We Haleem contributed 33 and 28 for both wheelchair users and are confi dent our partnership runs respectively. Bandula, Indi- the fully able, in order to pro- with Clement Fencing Acad- ka and Tharanga took two wick- mote opportunity for all and emy will help young people ets each for Serandeep-B. full integration for every sec- get involved in this wonderful In reply, Serandeep-B bats- tor of society. And, as the CFA sport and learn valuable life men were bundled out for 103 teaches fencing in both French lessons.” runs in 17.4 overs. and English, the Academy has Ooredoo is delighted to Chanaka contributor 30 runs developed short fencing edu- have cemented this relation- off 18 deliverie, while Bandulla QS TEC captain Kamran and his teammate Dr Sanjay receive winners trophy. cational programmes to initi- ship with the Clement Fencing and Milan scored 15 each. Kazi ate and encourage the use of Academy and looks forward to took three wickets and Zahir Zahir was adjusted Man-of the- Vimal of Orxy Challengers was received the best-allorunder Business development man- French in Qatari schools. a long and fruitful partnership and Haleem claimed two each. Finals. He was also declared declared best batsman, while and best wicket-keeper awards ager of Zaff ran Cafe Siddiq Fa- As part of the sponsorship, in support of health and fi tness For his all-round performance, best bowler of the tournament. QS TEC’s Fauzan and Sanjay respectively. had gave away the prizes. Ooredoo is supporting events for the community in Qatar. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 5, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Chicago Bulls fi re Curry leads charge head coach Hoiberg as Warriors cruise ‘They’re not going to just sag off and let me have open threes. I’ve got to past Hawks find a way to knock them down. I will’

Fred Hoiberg, who was named Bulls coach in 2015, has been fired.

By K C Johnson Cooper to the staff . “I think Chicago Tribune I’m a more passionate in-game coach than Fred,” Boylen said. Hoiberg’s fi rst season began hree years and six with championship aspirations months after the Bulls but quickly devolved because anointed him as the of a divided locker room and a missing piece to a team on its last legs. This was championship-readyT roster, best exemplifi ed by Jimmy Fred Hoiberg was fi red as coach Butler undermining Hoiberg on Monday morning. following a December 2015 loss The Bulls promoted associ- at the Knicks. ate coach Jim Boylen to head “I believe in the guys in this coach. There’s no interim in locker room but I also believe Boylen’s title because he’s we probably have to be coached well-regarded by manage- a lot harder at times,” Butler ment and ownership and has a said at the time. “I’m sorry, I chance to win the job perma- know Fred is a laid-back guy nently, executive vice presi- and I really respect him for dent of basketball operations that, but when guys aren’t do- John Paxson said at Monday ing what they’re supposed to afternoon’s news conference do, you have to get on guys – at the Advocate Center. “We myself included.” believe Jim will be able to ef- The following season, man- fect change,” Paxson said. “We agement added Rajon Rondo expect him to be our head coach and Dwyane Wade in free moving forward. Jim has paid agency. Neither piece was best his dues in this league. He has a suited for Hoiberg’s preferred passion and energy to him that off ensive philosophy. Never- I think our players will respond theless, Hoiberg guided the to. I think Jim will bring a strong Bulls to a 2-0 lead in a fi rst- voice to our locker room.” round playoff series over the Paxson also put to rest any second-seeded Celtics before questions about general man- Rondo fractured his thumb and ager Gar Forman’s job security, the Celtics won four straight. saying, “Gar is absolutely safe.” Last season, the fi rst of a full Hoiberg, who compiled a rebuild following the trade of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors drives against Kent Bazemore of the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images/AFP) 115-155 record and one playoff Butler to the Timberwolves, the berth in his three-plus seasons, Bulls fi nished 27-55 and drew Curry nailed his fi rst six shots, four of able to come back in tonight,” Nuggets arrived at the team’s practice widespread praise throughout AFP RESULTS Los Angeles them beyond the arc. He fi nished six of 10 coach Michael Malone said postgame, ac- facility Monday morning pre- the league for their competi- from three-point range. Atlanta 111-128 Golden State cording to ESPN. “We’ll see how severe pared to run the 11 a.m. prac- tiveness and player develop- The Warriors led 61-47 at halftime and the injury is, and hopefully we can get him tice. Paxson and Forman were ment. Hoiberg also adroitly Brooklyn 97-99 Cleveland tephen Curry, Kevin Durant and stretched the margin as high as 24 points. back really soon. But Gary’s such a big there to relieve him of his du- managed the preseason alter- Klay Thompson combined for 85 “Our defense set the tone,” Curry said. New York 107-110 Washington part of what we’re trying to do. Big loss.” ties. “(The decision) was made cation when Bobby Portis drew points as the two-time defending “Everybody gets to touch the ball.” Toronto 103-106 Denver It is unclear if Harris will be available most diffi cult because all of us an eight-game suspension for John Collins led Atlanta with 24 points, Wednesday night when the Nuggets op- champion Golden State Warriors Minnesota 103-91 Houston in this organization like Fred punching Nikola Mirotic and usedS a balanced off ence to roll over the and Trae Young added 20 as the Hawks pose the Magic in Orlando. Hoiberg a lot,” Paxson said. “He breaking two bones in Mirotic’s Atlanta Hawks 128-111 on Monday. lost their third consecutive game. New Orleans 126-129 Clippers Harris, 24, scored three points in nine had to deal with a lot of diffi cult face. Mirotic missed 23 games Curry was playing in just his second Hawks fi rst round draft pick Young Detroit 83-110 Oklahoma City minutes Monday as Denver beat the Rap- circumstances. This decision and both players played well game after missing 11 contests with a continued to struggle. The young guard tors 106-103. For the season, he is averag- wasn’t based on our record. until Mirotic’s trade to the Peli- groin injury. That meant that in order to had seven turnovers and missed all fi ve of ing 16.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 as- “We were in a similar situa- cans in January. keep all their big guns happy, the Warriors his three-point attempts. Coming into the NUGGETS’ HARRIS EXITS WITH INJURY sists through 21 games. tion last year at this time. Poor This season, Hoiberg has had needed to spread the off ence around. game, Young was averaging 15.6 points, In just his second game back from an Harris had missed two games with the record. But the entire energy Portis for only four games, Kris Curry fi nished with 30 points, Durant which is good for third place among all ankle injury, Nuggets guard Gary Harris ankle injury before returning to score 27 about this group was diff erent Dunn and Lauri Markkanen for - who carried the club though Curry’s ab- rookies - but he’s been mired in a shoot- left Denver’s road win over the Toronto points Friday in the Nuggets’ 113-112 road then. What we’re lacking is an one each and Denzel Valentine sence - fi nished with 28, and Thompson ing slump of late. Raptors on Monday due to a diff erent in- win over the Portland Trail Blazers. energy and spirit. It’s not as for zero. While Hoiberg knew delivered 27 as Golden State improved to “They’re picking me up full court,” jury. A 2014 fi rst-round draft pick (No. 19 simple as saying we would’ve he was under the microscope, 31-3 when dynamic trio all have 20 points. Young said. “They’re not going to just sag Multiple media outlets reported that overall), Harris is in his fi fth NBA season, got that with healthy players. he fully expected to at least get “I think he’s now back in the groove,” off and let me have open threes. I’ve got to Harris will undergo an MRI exam Tues- all with Denver. He has career averages of You have to be able to get your some time coaching a relatively coach Steve Kerr said of Curry. “He looked fi nd a way to knock them down. I will.” day, but the exact nature of the injury was 12.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in identity across to your team.” healthy roster before manage- great handling the ball.” Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic drained three unclear. 276 games (224 starts). Boylen, who said he talked to ment acted. Hoiberg still wants The Warriors snapped a six-game los- clutch free throws in the fi nal seven sec- The Nuggets initially announced that In the absence of Harris on Monday, Hoiberg on Monday morning, to coach, preferably at the NBA ing streak on the road and won for just the onds and the Denver Nuggets upset the Harris exited the game in the fi rst quar- Malik Beasley came off the bench to con- said he will be “forever grate- level, a source said. His fi ve- fourth time in their last 10. Toronto Raptors 106-103. Jokic had 23 ter due to a right hip ailment, but ESPN tribute 15 points in 26 minutes. Beasley ful to Fred and the opportunity year, $25 million contract that Curry got things rolling with 18 points points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, Jamal later reported that Harris hurt his right had been averaging 7.1 points per game. he gave me.” He said all of the runs through next season is in the fi rst quarter as he single-handedly Murray scored 21 points for the Nuggets groin. Denver has won six consecutive games, assistant coaches will be re- fully guaranteed, sources said, outscored the Hawks, who managed just who won their sixth straight and halted “He’s frustrated, just getting back from the longest active victory streak in the tained and he will add G League which means he’ll be paid fully 17 points in the opening 12 minutes. Toronto’s winning streak at eight. an injury, and to have that (and) not be NBA. Windy City Bulls coach Dean until he lands another job.

NHL Streaking Lightning sweep past faltering Devils Reuters scored goals. Louis Domingue won Kucherov’s third assist, and the New York for the 11th time and started his Lightning kept the Devils scoreless 11th straight contest - the longest down the stretch en route for the goalie-start streak in the NHL this win. ampa Bay’s Nikita Kuch- season -and posted 26 saves. erov and Brayden Point Defenseman Egor Yakovlev RINNE, PREDATORS HOLD continued their sizzling scored his fi rst NHL goal for the OFF SABRES play as the Lightning Devils, who have lost six straight. Pekka Rinne made 21 saves, includ- Tcruised to another lopsided win Keith Kinkaid stopped 16 shots in ing fi ve in the fi nal 90 seconds, to over New Jersey, beating the Devils two periods in goal, and Cory Sch- lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 5-1 in Newark, N.J., on Monday. neider made fi ve saves in relief dur- victory over the visiting Buff alo Sa- Kucherov recorded a goal and ing the third period. bres on Monday night. three assists to extend his point Kucherov zipped in his 12th goal Kevin Fiala and Ryan Ellis scored streak to 10 games, and Point had a at 13:31 of the fi rst period. Using goals for the Predators, who were goal and two assists for the Light- New Jersey defenseman Sami Va- playing their 13th game over a 24- ning, who won their third straight tanen as a screen, the right winger day span and were without the overall and swept the three-game fi red a shot from near the left circle services of Filip Forsberg (broken season series against the Devils. that beat Kinkaid on the glove side hand), P.K. Subban (upper body), In their three wins over New Jer- for a 1-0 lead. Viktor Arvidsson (broken thumb) sey, the Lightning outscored the On the power play as the period and Kyle Turris (undisclosed). last-place Metropolitan Division was winding down, Kucherov fed a Rinne was playing in his 10th team 18-6. pass from the right circle to Point, consecutive game and starting his Kucherov moved out of a third- who lifted a shot from the slot with fi fth straight contest. It is Rinne’s place tie with Toronto’s Mitchell 26 seconds left in the period for his longest streak since playing in 27 Marner in the scoring race. His four 20th goal – nine of them on the man games in a row from Feb. 5 to April points gave him 42, moving him advantage. 9, 2015. closer to Colorado Avalanche team- Johnson defl ected in a long shot Sam Reinhart scored his seventh mates Mikko Rantanen (45) and by McDonagh for his 11th goal at goal of the season for Buff alo, which Nathan MacKinnon (43). 8:20 of the second period for a 3-0 took its third straight loss after The high-scoring Russian has lead. Shortly after Yakovlev’s goal winning 10 games in a row. Carter 24 points in the 10-game streak – at 11:26, Gourde chipped in a clever Hutton had 22 saves for the Sabres. fi ve goals and 19 assists. Point had backhand pass from Stamkos for his a whopping 11 points in the three 10th marker and a 4-1 lead. RESULTS wins over New Jersey. Stamkos scored his ninth goal Tampa Bay ...... 5 New Jersey ...... 1 Tampa Bay’s Tyler Johnson, Yan- of the season on the power play 20 Nashville ...... 2 Buff alo ...... 1 Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov (left) skates in on Damon Severson of the New Jersey Devils during the first period at the Pru- ni Gourde and Steven Stamkos also seconds into the third period on Dallas ...... 4 Edmonton ...... 1 dential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 5, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS HOCKEY Defending champs Australia beat Lions stuck in the England 3-0 in WC

FIH pleted four minutes from full Bhubaneswar time by Corey Weyer, who rattled the backboard with a low backhand eff ort to give eigning world cham- Australia Head Coach Colin past while the Rams pions Australia made Batch his second win from two it two wins from two matches. Pool B matches on the Like the Australia versus seventhR day of action at the Od- England match, the contest isha Hockey Men’s World Cup between Ireland and China Bhubaneswar 2018, fi nishing remained scoreless through- fi rst in the pool and earning the out the fi rst two quarters. The automatic ticket to the quarter- Green Machine had the bet- are future of the NFL fi nals that comes with it. ter of the two periods, show- Australia defeated England ing patience in the build-up Rams playoff spot isn’t a surprise. They’ve been one of the best teams in football all year 3-0 but were not immediately but failing to strike that killer confi rmed as the pool winners, blow in the China circle. Shane By Shawn Windsor something that was settled by O’Donoghue went close on Detroit Free Press the result of the match that im- two occasions, while Matthew mediately followed. Nelson had arguably the best China, the lowest ranked chance of the half when he he Los Angeles Rams team in the pool, claimed their fi red a backhand eff ort into the clinched a playoff spot second successive draw of the side of the China goal after be- on Sunday afternoon at competition against Ireland, a ing forced wide by an opposi- Ford Field. This isn’t a result which meant that Aus- tion defender. Tsurprise. They’ve been one of the tralia stayed four points clear Ireland continued to pressu- best teams in football all year. of all teams in the pool and rise the China goal, with Alan I mention this to remind you therefore uncatchable. Sothern shaving the post before that these same Rams lost 12 England and Australia could a dramatic fi nal three minutes games two years ago. That’s not be separated in the fi rst of the third period. A yellow right: 12. two quarters of their Pool B card fi ve-minute suspension Then fi red their coach. Hired meeting, with both sides hav- to Ireland’s Jonathan Bell was a 30-year-old off ensive wizard. ing good chances to break followed by the opening goal And led the NFL in off ense the the deadlock. The goalkeep- of the match, with China being next season. ers excelled, with England’s the benefi ciaries. Guo Jin fi n- Preposterous, right? George Pinner making two fi ne ished off a beautifully worked Well, that isn’t the half of it. penalty corner blocks to deny penalty corner routine with a That same coach, Sean McVay, the Kookaburras before Tyler glorious high fi nish that went in now 32, is the talk of the league. Lovell pulled off a miraculous off the left post to give China a Or at least his mind is. And that stick save from Mark Gleg- shock 1-0 lead. Incredibly, Ire- mind has turned the Rams into a horne’s penalty corner drag- land – still down to ten players Super Bowl favourite. fl ick to defl ect the ball over his – found the perfect response, In less than two years. own crossbar. with Sothern diving in to touch So ... it can be done. That’s the Australia’s Blake Govers home Michael Robson’s perfect good news. and Phil Roper of England also backhand pass from left fi eld. The bad news? went close; Govers fi ring just Shane O’Donoghue had a The Lions are a long way from wide of the target with a spin- chance to win it with a late pen- the kind of off ensive attack we shot before Roper clipped the alty corner drag-fl ick, but China saw Sunday in the 30-16 loss. outside of the Australia goal goalkeeper WANG Caiyu made And the Rams weren’t at their after some great build-up play a fi ne save to ensure that his best. from Liam Ansell. team remain unbeaten in Bhu- Matt Patricia deserves some Australia were the better baneswar. Even more remark- credit here. He mixed up the team in the third quarter but ably, a win for either England or back end of his defense and con- were thwarted by some solid Ireland in their meeting on 7 De- fused L.A.’s young quarterback, defensive work from England. cember will put China through Jared Goff . Goff also missed Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (left) hurdles Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (No 27) during the second quarter at Ford However, their resistance was to the knock-out stages. some throws he’s been making Field. Play disqualified due to penalty. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ended by two quick Australian The result I am very satisfi ed most of the year. goals in the fourth quarter. Jake with”, said China Head Coach Still, the Lions’ eff ort and gressive and nimble outlook on And while off ensive style and roster of speedy - and healthy the start of the season. Whetton found the bottom left Kim Sang Ryul. “We are still scheme held the Rams almost a defense, unafraid to mix up his approach can be about percent- -receivers and one of the best Meanwhile, McVay report- corner of Pinner’s goal with a unbeaten, but our play is not touchdown under their scoring strategy week to week and to de- ages, it’s about something hard- running backs in football. (Hel- edly reached out to off ensive pinpoint accurate slapshot in good enough so I am still not average and more than 100 yards mand that his players keep up, he er to see as well. lo, Todd Gurley.) It’s also true co-ordinator Kliff Kingsbury the 47thminute before Blake satisfi ed. Our mentality is that under their total yards average. It hides behind an oddly conserva- When the Lions break the McVay took over a four-win team last week. The innovative mind Govers smashed home a sec- we are still trying to win. We was an impressive plan and dis- tive outlook on off ense. huddle with almost no chance of with a second-year quarterback behind the high-scoring teams ond three minutes later. will try to show our abilities play designed by a coach who ar- You can point to off ensive co- picking up a fi rst down because the previous coach didn’t think at Texas Tech. A 3-0 score-line was com- against Australia.” rived in Detroit as something of a ordinator Jim Bob Cooter all you of a play call that the fans - and could play and ... Kingsbury got fi red by the wunderkind himself - Patricia is want. He isn’t building any kind the players - can sniff out, may- ... well, you get the idea. good folks in Lubbock, Texas, just a little older. of game plan without Patricia’s be that particular call is part of Goff didn’t have his most ef- because his teams didn’t win And yet, defense is not the approval. the long view, meant to keep the fi cient passing day in Detroit. enough; at some point you have future of the NFL. Not the im- Too many times Sunday the status quo until the off ense gets Yet this didn’t stop McVay from to play defense. Yet his name has mediate future, anyway. The top Patricia-Cooter tandem dialled the ball back on the next posses- dropping his young quarterback surfaced many times since his teams in the league this year are up feeble-minded plays when sion. several steps behind the line dismissal because of his off en- also the top off enses. This isn’t a the down and distance and, The problem is it’s tough to of scrimmage and letting it fl y sive track record. coincidence. frankly, season, called for some- know if that next possession will down the fi eld. That McVay reached out to Now, maybe league brass will thing bold. come. Or if it does, how the pa- It was, I don’t know, refresh- Kingsbury says plenty about the tweak the rules the next few Run on third-and-long? Toss rameters of the game might have ing, and looked like post-mod- 32-year-old coach. He’s got the years and give defenses the kind a quick out on the same? Hand changed by then. ern football, just as most of the best, most balanced off ense in of physical freedom they once off up the middle inside the red Meaning some times you’ve best teams in the sport do when the game and he’s seeking voices had. But I doubt it. Science and zone when a shot at the end zone just got to throw the damn ball. they play off ense. It’s a relent- that could make it even better. worried families of teenage sons through the air was there to take? Take a chance. less, aerial assault, where the Yet the Lions step to the line should keep that from happen- You can quibble with any call This isn’t to say that the young pass is used to set up the run, not of scrimmage with a plan built ing. when it doesn’t work, and I’m Rams coach favours tossing it the other way around. for another generation, and that Which means the Lions have not here to do that. Partly be- out around 60 times a game. But The Lions, on the other hand, generation has passed. some catching up to do. In per- cause it’s silly to assume a dif- from the start of the game Sun- are stuck in mud, and before you This off season, Patricia has a sonnel, sure. But mostly in ferent call would’ve worked in day, the diff erence in how each blame the injuries and trade of chance to bring his off ense into England’s Ansell Liam (right) fights for the ball with Australia’s structure and philosophy. its place. The math doesn’t work off ense attacked was striking. Golden Tate, remember that this the light. It’s where the game is Jace Harvie (left) during their group match at the 2018 Hockey While Patricia employs an ag- like that. It’s true that McVay enjoys a off ense wasn’t much better at headed. World Cup in Bhubaneswar yesterday. (AFP)

MLB Dodgers manager Roberts signs 4-year extension By Bill Plaschke team, something the Dodgers stead of Baez in a Game 2 loss. Brewers in the NLCS. Los Angeles Times smartly recognised on Monday And he never, ever, should have And, understand, once they in making what could be their pulled Rich Hill while the left- reach the postseason, the front- most important move of the off - hander had a one-hitter in the offi ce involvement can be in- he roster changes dai- season. seventh inning of a Game 4 loss. tense. Although Roberts makes ly. The lineup changes About a month after exercis- Of that Hill decision, I wrote, the fi nal calls on the pitching nightly. The bullpen re- ing a one-year option on a con- “A horrible managerial move,” changes, the front-offi ce direc- organises. The rotation tract that could have cut into his and then I described a postgame tives are even more detailed, and Trotates. clubhouse credibility and made scene featuring cheers and jeers. that can make things tricky. Throughout the last three Los him a lame duck, the Dodgers While Boston fans chanted, The guess here is, over the last Angeles Dodgers seasons, amid announced Roberts had agreed “Let’s go Red Sox,” there were three years, no manager in base- the constant rearranging of a to a four-year deal that gives him Dodgers fans chanting, in the ball has had to deal with more clubhouse that sometimes feels the security his job requires and same rhythmic pattern, “Let go dugout scripts, more clubhouse like a bus station, there has been his accomplishments deserve. of Roberts.” upheaval, more front-offi ce de- one constant presence, one un- “Like I said from the beginning, Actually, some of you folks are cisions that require a strong will wavering voice, one clear care- this is where I want to be, I love still mad at Roberts for pulling to execute them. taker of the culture. this city, I love this fan base, and Yu Darvish too late in Game 7 The obscure personnel moves It has been Dave Roberts. we’ve done some good things to- of the 2017 World Series against and maddening lineup switches He’s the one who has con- gether,” he said on Monday night the Houston Astros, and I get made by the Andrew Friedman vinced even the most hardened in a phone interview. “For me to that, too. Certainly, he has had regime have been successful in veterans to buy into the persistent get that vote of confi dence from some tough moments when the the regular season - he’s four platooning. He’s the one who has the organization is just great.” Dodgers have been on baseball’s for four in division series - but gained the trust of even the most There were indications that if biggest stage, and fans have had the commotion has come with a precocious of pitchers as they ad- the Dodgers had insisted Roberts Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates after a 5-2 win against the Colorado Rockies in a every right to boo. price. It is the price of having to just to playing musical roles. manage this season under that NL West tiebreaker game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on October 1, 2018. (Los Angeles Times/TNS) “That’s what I signed up for,” explain to a guy that is getting Roberts has used old-school one-year deal, they would lose Roberts said. “This passion and benched the night after he hits nurturing to sell a cold analytics him to another team next off sea- every year,” Roberts said. “And ers to consecutive World Series might debate. I know why some care that our fans have for their two home runs. blueprint to a team that has re- son. Now, if he keeps the job for we’re going to do it, we will win appearances after a National of you are still mad at him. Lots team, that’s something I don’t It is the price of asking a start- sponded by following him deep three more years, he will be the a championship here soon, I ex- League Championship Series of people were mad at him. He take lightly.” ing pitcher to come out of the into October, and if you don’t longest-tenured Dodgers man- pect it to be in 2019, and it ain’t berth. Three seasons, three West made some lousy bullpen deci- But it says here, the Dodg- bullpen in a high-leverage situ- think that’s crazy strong, you ager since Tommy Lasorda, and going to be just one champion- Division championships, three sions. He was criticized for them ers would have never reached ation. try telling Clayton Kershaw he’s it only fi gures that Roberts cel- ship.” fi nal fours, what’s there to argue? by this columnist. the World Series without him, It is the price of dealing with not starting the fi rst game of the ebrated it with Lasorda swagger. In ranking fourth among all Well, OK, those Dodgers fans He should never have replaced particularly this season, when the human side of a numbers playoff s. A cornerstone amid the “With the culture we’ve cre- managers for regular-season who chanted for Roberts’ fi ring Pedro Baez with Alex Wood in they were totally outclassed by racket, and Roberts pays that cacophony, Roberts has been ated, this team has a legitimate wins (287) in his fi rst three throughout this year’s World a Game 1 loss. He never should the Red Sox and were fortunate price daily, with a smile and a the unquestioned leader of this chance to win the World Series years, Roberts has led the Dodg- Series loss to the Boston Red Sox have gone to Ryan Madson in- to even slip past the Milwaukee swagger, and does it well. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 5, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Klopp fi ned for running onto pitch in derby

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was fined 8,000 pounds yesterday for run- ning onto the field of play after Divock Origi scored a 96th-minute winner in the weekend’s Merseyside derby Injured Neymar to miss against Everton at Anfield. The German had admitted a charge of improper con- duct and accepted the standard penalty after his wild celebration on Sunday. “I couldn’t avoid it obviously... if there was no rule we as managers would do it every week. That’s what rules are for and if you break rules you have to be PSG’s Strasbourg clash fined for it,” he told reporters. “I don’t think anyone thought it was massively wrong. It happened, a fine, I’ll pay it, no PSG's home game against Montpellier on Saturday postponed after a request from Paris police problem.” Klopp said his forward Sadio Mane faced a late fitness test to be in AFP contention for today’s trip to Burnley Paris after sustaining a foot injury.

aris Saint-Germain will be Suarez close to recovery, without the injured Neymar says Barca boss Valverde as they look to continue their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 Ernesto Valverde is optimistic Luis Pthis season today at Strasbourg. The Suarez will be fit to face Espanyol on world’s most expensive player came Saturday, three days before Barcelona off early in the second half in Sunday’s take on Tottenham in the Champions 2-2 draw at Bordeaux after hurting the League. Suarez has been out with a same groin he injured playing for Bra- knee injury since Barca’s draw with zil against Cameroon last month. Atletico Madrid on November 24, but Neymar had earlier put PSG in front the Uruguayan could be available for but the reigning champions ended up this weekend’s Catalan derby in La Liga. seeing their perfect domestic record Barcelona then host Spurs in their last this season come to an end after 14 Champions League group game but as straight wins. “With ‘Ney’ it is almost Neymar came off early in the Valverde’s team have already qualified the same thing but not too serious,” second half in Sunday’s 2-2 draw top of Group B, meaning Suarez may coach Thomas Tuchel said. “He can’t at Bordeaux after hurting the still be rested. “We are optimistic for play against Strasbourg but after that same groin he injured playing the game against Espanyol,” said Barca it is the same as after the international for Brazil against Cameroon last coach Valverde ahead of match against break — he rested against Toulouse but month. (Reuters) Cultural Leonesa in the second leg of played against Liverpool.” the Copa del Rey´s round of 32. Barca Neymar has scored 15 goals this sea- hold a 1-0 advantage over Leonesa go- son and his performance in last week’s ing into the match at the Camp Nou. Champions League win over Liverpool was one of his best since moving to Paris from Barcelona last year. With- Vichai’s death a sad end to out him Edinson Cavani will hope to Leicester fairytale: Ranieri return to the starting line-up after being left on the bench in Bordeaux, Claudio Ranieri said the Leicester as PSG seek revenge for a 2-1 defeat at fairytale which he played such a pivotal Strasbourg last season. role in came to an end with the death of After tomorrow’s match against a Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Strasbourg side who ended the week- in a helicopter crash in October. Ranieri end in eighth place, PSG will have is preparing to welcome Leicester to a free weekend before their crucial bottom club Fulham today, the first time Champions League trip to Red Star the amiable 67-year-old Italian pits his Belgrade. They had been due to host wits against the club he guided to the Montpellier on Saturday, but that title in 2016 but was sacked from in Feb- game has been postponed following ruary 2017. Vichai died with four other a request from Paris police, prob- people when the helicopter they were ably due to concerns about a repeat of travelling in crashed near the stadium last weekend’s violence in the French shortly after taking off . Ranieri — who capital amid demonstrations against was out of work at the time — travelled planned fuel tax increases. from Italy to pay his respects at a shrine PSG need to win in Belgrade to be set up outside the ground. certain of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League for the seventh “It is a new situation for us but one game unbeaten run in all competitions return, and reserve team coach Julian and it complicates things for us,” said straight season, but Tuchel said he was that we need to deal with. That is our that included a rousing performance Stephan will take interim charge. goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. River Plate confi rm Madrid unsure if the postponement would challenge now, to fi nd a good train- in drawing with Manchester City in With just one win in nine games trip for Libertadores fi nal help his side. “Honestly I don’t know ing plan to get us ready for Belgrade.” the Champions League last midweek. since the appointment of Thierry FIXTURES (KICK-OFFS if it’s good or not. I am not think- PSG’s dominance is such that they are Rennes come into the match in tur- Henry as coach, relegation-threat- 1800GMT UNLESS STATED): The River Plate team will leave for Spain ing too much about it, but for me it is already 14 points clear at the top of moil after suspending coach Sabri ened Monaco are at Amiens. The prin- today to play the second leg of the high- Bordeaux v Saint-Etienne, Caen v absolutely clear, security has to come the table from Montpellier, who host Lamouchi on Monday in the wake of cipality side are without as many as ly controversial Libertadores Cup final, Nimes, Dijon v Guingamp, Lyon v fi rst,” said the German, who will also fourth-placed Lille. a 4-1 home defeat against Strasbourg. 14 players due to injuries and suspen- the club announced. In a statement, the be without Lassana Diarra in Stras- Third-placed Lyon are at home to The move means the former France sions. “I have never in my career seen Rennes, Nantes v Marseille, Reims v Argentinian club said the team would bourg due to a knee problem. Rennes today aiming to extend a nine- midfi elder will almost certainly not half a squad out injured. It is unusual Toulouse, Strasbourg v PSG (2000) leave for Spain in a charter flight from Ezeiza airport. River Plate had earlier said it was opposed to moving Sunday’s PREMIER LEAGUE match against fierce local rivals Boca Juniors from Buenos Aires to the Santia- go Bernabeu in Madrid. Coach Marcelo Gallardo had called it “absurd”, adding Mourinho admits top four by end of year is improbable that his side had lost home advantage. River should have hosted the match AFP used that word, it is not what I feel at all,” said below Everton in the standings. “I can agree, at their own El Monumental stadium Manchester, United Kingdom Mourinho at his press conference on the eve of in spite of the fact that the investment Everton on November 24 but it was postponed their match with in-form Arsenal. made was phenomenal and obviously there was a after River Plate fans attacked the Boca “We are eight or nine points from fourth, great improvement in that team from last season Juniors team bus. ose Mourinho has acknowledged Man- something like that. I don’t think we need a mira- in relation to this,” he said. chester United are unlikely to meet his tar- cle at all. We need a good run of results. We need “But I don’t think Everton will be in front of get of climbing into the Premier League’s to not waste points that we shouldn’t waste.” Manchester United at the end of the season. Man City $5mn winners top four by the end of 2018. However, the Mourinho, who reportedly clashed again with There are six teams that should stay in the fi rst from World Cup hand-out UnitedJ manager has played down comments he French World Cup winning midfi elder Paul Pog- six positions, season after season two of these made to Brazilian television suggesting that it ba after the 2-2 draw with Southampton, said if teams are fi nishing outside the top four. For ex- English champions Manchester City would be a “miracle” if his team fi nished in the some players performed better they could stay ample, last season it was Arsenal and Chelsea. are the biggest beneficiaries from Champions League qualifi cation places at the in touch with the top four and then fi nish in the And this season two of these six are going to stay the $209mn handed out by FIFA to end of the season. Champions League spots at the end of the cam- outside.” clubs who released players for the Mourinho set his players the challenge of paign. Mourinho suggested Arsenal’s good league 2018 World Cup, the global body said. reaching the top four by the end of December “Last week, before the Crystal Palace game, I form may have been aided by manager Unai Em- City will receive $5mn, ahead of Real when they returned from the November interna- said what my hopes and targets were, at the end ery resting a number of his senior players for Madrid ($4.81mn), Tottenham Hotspur tional break to begin a run of eight league fi xtures of December, to be in that position,” he said. “The their Europa League matches. “It will be a very ($4.38mn), Barcelona ($4.14mn) and in the run-up to the New Year. target changed but let’s try to close the distance diffi cult match for us because we are going to play Paris St Germain ($3.89 mn), FIFA said. However, successive draws against Crystal as best as we can and be very close to these po- against a good team in a good moment without They are followed by Chelsea, Manches- Palace and Southampton, in which United pro- sitions. We need some players to perform better having faced a backlog of matches because they ter United, Atletico Madrid, Juventus duced below-par performances, has seen them than they are. We need to perform better as a are playing in the Europa League,” said Mour- and AS Monaco. In all, English clubs slip to seventh and forced the manager to reas- team, but it would be far from a miracle.” inho. “When you play in the Europa League, you — including those from the lower sess that target. Mourinho, though, is adamant United started the week eight points behind normally play with second choices and give good tiers — will receive $37.41mn between he still sees a top-four fi nish in May as realistic, fourth-placed Arsenal, who are unbeaten in 19 rest to the players.” them while Spanish clubs will receive despite not denying the comments he made to a league and cup games as they visit Old Traff ord. Midfi elder Ashley Young is suspended for the $22.56mn, German clubs $18.92mn Brazilian television interviewer after Saturday’s Mourinho agrees that seventh place is not good game while defenders Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly, and Italian clubs $17.45mn. Overall, 416 2-2 draw at Southampton. enough for a club of United’s stature. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are doubtful with clubs from 63 countries will receive “I don’t know if I said it or if I didn’t but if I Mourinho agreed it was unacceptable to be injury problems. payments.

SERIE A BANANA-THROWING SPURS FAN Super sub Milik lift s Napoli with Atalanta victory WILL NOT FACE RACISM CHARGE London: The Tottenham Hot- The Sun. “I phoned Tottenham AFP side came out fi ring on all cylinders after minutes later picked up a Mario Rui cross spur fan who threw a banana to apologise and they said they Milan their title hopes took a serious hit with a to fi re in the winner for his fi fth goal this skin onto the pitch at the Emir- would be getting in touch with goalless draw against bottom club Chievo season. And the Polish striker said the ates Stadium as Arsenal forward me to ban me for life.” last weekend. The coach stuck with the win gave his side confi dence ahead of next Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Panteli, who says his only rkadiusz Milik came off the same starting line-up that beat Red Star week’s decisive Champions League clash celebrated scoring a penalty in previous brush with the authori- bench to snatch a late 2-1 win for Belgrade 3-1 in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfi eld. “Before the front of Tottenham fans will not ties was when he ran onto the Napoli over Atalanta on Monday midweek. Captain Marek Hamsik started Champions League, we have another be charged with a racist off ence. Spurs pitch aged 14 and was night that consolidated second the move that led to the opener with just tough Serie A game against Frosinone. Averof Panteli — a 57-year-old ejected from the stadium, said placeA in Serie A and reduced the gap on a minute on the clock, passing to Lorenzo Of course we want to beat Liverpool, we grandfather — will face a charge he had been irked by Aubam- leaders Juventus to eight points. Insigne who crossed for Spaniard Ruiz to know it won’t be easy, but we believe in of throwing a missile after po- eyang celebrating in front of the Polish forward Milik scored the win- tap in his third goal since joining Napoli ourselves,” said Milik. lice judged it not to be a racially Tottenham fans. The Gabonese ner fi ve minutes from time shortly after from Real Betis. Napoli move three points ahead of In- aggravated off ence. Panteli — star’s spot-kick gave Arsenal coming on after Fabian Ruiz had put the Insigne was ruled off side early as his ter Milan, who played out an entertaining who says he will plead guilty to an early lead and the Gunners visitors ahead just two minutes into the volley rattled the bar with a lob shortly af- Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik celebrates after 2-2 draw against Roma. Atalanta are in the charge when he is in court eventually ran out 4-2 winners. clash in Bergamo and former Napoli man ter the Italian international forward shot scoring against Atalanta. (Reuters) 11th position after their second consecu- on December 18 — has also been “I am not racist whatsoever,” Duvan Zapata had pulled Atalanta level 11 wide as he slipped. Zapata tested Napoli tive defeat. Luciano Spalletti’s Inter trav- informed by Tottenham he will said Panteli. “I am actually a minutes after the break. goalkeeper David Ospina in the fi rst half though on 56 minutes when Hans Hate- el to Turin next Friday to face Juventus in be banned from their games for Greek Cypriot. I am 100% not a Napoli close the gap on Juventus, who with defender Raul Albiol also clearing boer headed the ball down and he blasted the hope of derailing their bitter rivals’ life. “The police were happy to racist. I swear on my kids’ lives pulled 11 points clear with a 3-0 win at off the Colombian after the break. in from close range. Milik came on for title procession, with Napoli hosting sec- say it was not racism,” he told that I am not that kind of guy." Fiorentina on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s But the former Napoli forward broke Dries Mertens after 81 minutes and four ond from bottom Frosinone on Saturday.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

FOCUS AFC Asian Cup trophy tour makes stop in Doha

By Sports Reporter Doha

he AFC Asian Cup trophy tour made a stop in Doha yesterday. The glitter- ing trophy was on public Tdisplay at the Al Bidda Tower, the headquarters of the Qatar Football Association, with fans getting an opportunity to have a closer look at the trophy. The 17th edition of the Asian Cup will be held in the UAE from the January 5 to February 1. Qatar is in Group E along with Leba- non, North Korea and Saudi Ara- bia. The trophy began its tour in Hong Kong, then arrived in Doha, qif, Katara and the Museum of and from here it will fl y to Japan, Islamic Art. Saud al-Mohannadi Australia and several other Asian said the Asian Cup is the most countries. important and most exciting The AFC Asian Cup is the old- championship in the continent. est, largest and most prestigious He believes Qatar have a good football event in Asia, and the chance to lift the trophy but Trophy is one of the most covet- played down the signifi cance of ed trophies in world sport. It has the team’s good run in the recent international stature and signifi - friendly matches. cance. The Trophy is almost 50 “Qatar were at good level in the years in age after Korea Repub- friendly matches and I wish the lic won the inaugural AFC Asian success in the Asian Cup. But we Cup in Hong Kong in 1956. must keep in mind that the re- Vice-president of Qatar and sults in friendly matches are dif- Asian Football Confederation ferent from the offi cial matches. Saud al-Mohannadi, Qatar Stars We are undoubtedly in a diffi cult League CEO Hani Ballan, Secre- group but it won’t be an impos- tary General of the QFA Mansour sible task for Qatar. Our team has Vice-president of Qatar and Asian Football Confederation Saud al-Mohannadi, Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Ballan, Secretary General of QFA Mansour al-Ansari, Marketing al-Ansari, Marketing Manager good qualities and will be able to Manager Khalid al-Kuwari and other off icials pose with the AFC Asian Cup trophy at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. Khalid al-Kuwari and other of- pose a tough challenge,” al-Mo- fi cials received the trophy at Al hannadi said. and al-Mohannadi said the pres- citement. “The increase in teams time giving the opportunity to teams in the continent. The pres- ment, especially if these teams Bidda Tower. Later the trophy The expanded Asian Cup will ence of eight additional teams in refl ects the development of the those teams that have not quali- ence of eight new teams in the succeed in winning against top was also displayed at Souq Wa- see 24 teams vying for honours the tournament will garner ex- tournament, while at the same fi ed to play with the strongest tournament may increase excite- teams,” he added.

WORLD’S BEST FOCUS Modric sees off French stars to Modric, from Croatian war end Messi, Ronaldo reign

AFP Paris child to Ballon d’Or winner uka Modric saw off com- petition from a host of French World Cup stars Modric’s grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family had to flee to Zadar as the Real Madrid and LCroatia midfi elder won the 2018 AFP then coach at the First Division club NK Ballon d’Or on Monday, ending Modrici, Croatia Zadar. As soon as Bajlo saw Modric play the 10-year stranglehold on the he signed him up for the club’s football award by Cristiano Ronaldo and school, where he immediately stood Lionel Messi. Modric, 33, was uka Modric’s journey from out. “He was an idol to his generation, announced as the winner of the Croatian war child to the world’s a leader, a favourite,” Bajlo said earlier prestigious prize in a glitzy cer- best footballer was celebrated on this year. emony held in Paris. Monday night when the Real Ma- The 1991-1995 war with Serb rebels, Ronaldo was second, with Ldrid midfi elder hoisted the Ballon d’Or. during which Zadar and the surround- France and Atletico Madrid A national hero in his home country and ing region were heavily shelled, tough- striker Antoine Griezmann com- crowned the best player on the planet, ened Modric, according to those close to pleting the podium. Paris Saint- Modric was rewarded for his key role in him. “It happened a million times that Germain’s teenage forward Croatia’s historic run to the World Cup we were going to training as the shells Kylian Mbappe came fourth, fi nal and his club Real Madrid’s third were falling, and we were running to leaving Messi to settle for fi fth straight Champions League trophy. shelters,” said childhood friend Mari- position. Another Frenchman, “It’s a unique feeling. I’m happy, jan Buljat, who trained and played with Modric’s Madrid teammate Rap- proud and honoured,” said Modric, who Modric while growing up. hael Varane, was seventh, just also won the FIFA Player of the Year Modric left Zadar, where he remains behind Liverpool’s Egyptian for- award in September. a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 ward Mohamed Salah. “As a kid The star-studded Paris ceremony and then joined English Premier League we all have dreams. My dream could hardly be further removed from club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After was to play for a big club and Modric’s early years as a child refugee, a bidding war he was snapped up by Real win important trophies,” Modric fl eeing the burned-out shell of a remote Madrid in 2012. said. “The Ballon d’Or was more Croatian cottage where he spent part of But his popularity in Croatia and his than just a dream for me and it is his childhood. image as a modest family man was tar- really an honour and a privilege Hidden in the folds of Velebit moun- nished by his testimony last year during to hold this trophy.” tain, with the nearest neighbours sev- the multi-million-euro corruption trial Mbappe, who does not turn 20 eral kilometres away, trees now grow of former Dinamo Zagreb chief Zdravko until later this month, picked up inside the roofl ess ruin and a sign warns Mamic. Modric’s testimony supported the consolation prize of the Kopa of “Mines — Keep out!” The player’s Mamic’s case against allegations of cor- Trophy for the best young play- grandfather, also named Luka, lived in ruption, angering many fans who saw er. The gala ceremony also saw a the house, lying on a mountain road the trial as a chance to clean up the cor- women’s Ballon d’Or named for winding through the Modrici hamlet. ruption-ridden sport. the fi rst time, with Lyon’s pro- His grandfather was killed by Serb Prosecutors eventually charged Mo- lifi c Norwegian striker Ada He- forces, the house was burned and the dric in March for giving false evidence, gerberg taking that award. family fl ed to the coastal town of Zadar, but dropped the case on Monday due Modric — the oldest winner some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away. It to a lack evidence. Any lingering anger since Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, was there that Modric, born in 1985, be- against Modric had evaporated long also 33, in 2006 — was crowned gan his footballing odyssey, drawing at- ago, however, after he brilliantly in- after an outstanding year in tention for the fi rst time to his budding spired Croatia to their fi rst World Cup which he starred in the Real side abilities. fi nal last summer. that retained the Champions “I heard about a little hyperactive boy Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, League before heroically helping constantly playing with a football in the more than 500,000 people gave captain drag his country to the fi nal of corridor of a refugee hotel, even going to Modric and his team a heroic welcome the World Cup for the fi rst time sleep with it,” said Josip Bajlo, who was on their return to Zagreb. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric poses with his wife and kids after winning the Ballon d’Or award in Paris on Monday night. (Reuters) in their history. Croatia lost 4-2 to France in Moscow in the fi nal in July. BOTTOMLINE ‘Twerk’ request doesn’t overshadow historic Ballon d’Or: Hegerberg

AFP Olympique Lyonnais, my teammates, the staff ,” in the Champion’s League — including one in the Paris she beamed after joining men’s winner Luka Mo- fi nal in Kiev in May, as Lyon came from behind to dric and men’s best young player Kylian Mbappe beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-1 after extra time and retain on the stage with her trophy. “It’s historic, it’s in- the trophy. Harder had put the Germans in front in orwegian striker Ada Hegerberg said credible, a great day for women’s football and a big that game. the introduction of a women’s Ballon step forward.” Lyon also won the French title for the 12th season d’Or was a “big step forward” for the Hegerberg, one of seven players from the all- in succession, with Hegerberg top-scoring with 31 game, playing down suggestions her his- conquering Lyon side to feature among the 15 goals, and she continues to bang in the goals for her Ntoric victory was overshadowed after being asked nominees, dismissed suggestions that the night team who are top of the table again this season. to perform a “twerk” live on stage. was marred by the “twerk” request. “I didn’t feel Her goal-scoring exploits have led to compari- The Lyon star — whose prolifi c form in front of it was like that at all to be honest and I am sad if sons with fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winners Lionel goal helped the French club secure a third succes- people thought about the situation like that.” Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and she felt that had sive Champions League victory — edged out Dan- Solveig later tweeted an apology, saying He- made the diff erence for her compared to her Lyon ish forward Pernille Harder to claim the inaugural gerberg “told me she understood it was a joke. colleagues. prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday. Nevertheless my apologies to anyone who may “I think the fact I scored 54 goals last season and But the 23-year-old was asked if she would per- came to see me after and apologised. The Ballon have been off ended. People who have followed me 53 goals this year — it’s a lot of goals in one year,” Kylian Mbappe, who picked up form a sexually provocative dance by French host d’Or is the most important thing.” for 20 years know how respectful I am especially she said. “I know it’s diffi cult to score 50 goals the Kopa Trophy for the best DJ, Martin Solveig, and appeared embarrassed as “I am touched and very proud, for women’s with women.” every season. It is a challenge. That is where I set young player, poses with his she rejected the request. Hegerberg later said: “He football, for myself, for the club. I share this with Hegerberg was Lyon’s top scorer with 15 goals the bar.” brother Ethan. (AFP)